Arron held his eyes closed as to try and prevent the morning sun from stealing him from the night's embrace.
No, no, he thought. I must hold on...
His mind prevailed with the help of the golden rays that poured into the room. He sat up in his bed, eyelids still heavy. Casually his eyes cracked open. What was I dreaming about, he thought with a stretch. I think it was something important... but I can't seem to remember.
Arron rubbed the back of his neck and reached over to the small nightstand where his glasses awaited him. He got to his feet and with a feat of dexterity he used his fingers to flick open the two ear mounts and placed them on his nose. He had to close his eyes when the world turned blurry and out of focus.
That's strange, he thought, removing the glasses off his face. He blinked and though he wasn't wearing them the world was clearer than before the dreadful day he needed them. Did one of the princesses do Lasik surgery on my eyes while I was sleeping?
He inspected his glasses and every time he glanced through the lenses the world on the other side seemed cloudy and distorted. "Oh no!" He cried in both excitement and horror. Arron grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it up, then he ripped off the bandage and just like he'd guessed the hole in his abdomen was gone.
"This can't be real," Arron said, pushing on the spot where his wound should have been. Pulling his shirt back down he took a deep breath. There has to be a logical explanation for this, he thought. At least I hope there is.
After gathering all of his possessions, he placed them back on his person. Then he picked up his glasses back off the stand where he placed them, so he wouldn't forget where he put them. With a sigh, he shoved them into the same pocket where he kept his wallet. No sense scratching them up, especially if this is some kind of fluke or pony magic, he thought. I hope Twilight or somepony knows how, or why this is happening to me.
With that, Arron opened the door and headed downstairs. Not sure whither Twilight was up yet, he decided to head for the library.
Twilight was busy nervously pacing the floor while she listened to Luna's story. When Luna had finished she levitated several cushions over to where she was and plopped herself down. Using one of the smaller pillows she screamed into it.
"So, several of Arron's deities told you that he had something to do here in Equestira and we've been... ordered to, not get involved?" Twilight asked after removing the pillow from her face.
"Isn't that what I just said?" Luna replied rhetorically. "Haven't you been listening?"
Twilight groaned and slapped her face with a hoof. "Of course I've been listening, but what are we going to do?"
"According to Peter," Luna said. "We weren't supposed to do anything."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "I meant about your sister?"
"Oh," Luna said in realization. She closed her eyes to ponder this a moment. "Perhaps it would be best if we didn't..." Luna stopped mid sentence when she saw the look on Twilight's face. Her ears were standing straight up, her eyes were as wide as they could go, and her mouth was about to hit the floor.
Twilight vigorously shook her head. "Are you crazy! We can't lie to Celestia! What if she finds out! What—"
Luna had enough, so she got to her hooves, trotted over to Twilight and clamped her muzzle shut. "We, don't tell her what we know."
Twilight mumbled something in retort but Luna's hoof only made it sound like unintelligible gibberish.
"What?" Luna asked tilting her head.
Twilight slapped Luna's hoof away from her muzzle. "What I said was, a lie of omission is still a lie, and Celestia is bound to find out anyway—"
"What am I going to find out?" Celestial asked, entering the Library.
"Celestia!" Twilight and Luna exclaimed at the same time.
She's the last pony I wanted to see right now, Twilight thought. What are we going to do? She turned to Luna but even she looked petrified and she was sweating even harder than Twilight was.
"What's wrong Twilight?" Celestia asked before casually taking a bite of the bagel she was levitating. "Are you two feeling alright?"
Twilight and Luna both let out nervous chuckles, thought Twilight also gave the Princess a nervous smile. "Celestia, your up early," she said in an attempt to avert Celestia's curiosity.
Celestia raised an eyebrow and took another bite of her bagel. "I always raise the sun at the same time every morning," she stated, before narrowing her eyes at the pair of conspirators. "Now, Twilight, Luna, what's going on? You both look like you've just seen the bowels of Tartarus."
Twilight and Luna exchanged glances. I think we should tell her, Twilight thought.
Luna frowned. I still think that's a bad Idea, she thought back. She took a quick glance at her sister. But, I don't think we have a choice in matter.
They nodded in agreement, then Twilight stepped forward. She stood in front of Celestia, her head and ears were both about touching the floor they were so low.
Something must really be bothering them if they're acting this way, Celestia thought. She used her wing to raise Twilight's head. "Now, Twilight, what's wrong?"
Twilight was about to speak when Arron pushed open the library doors. "Twilight! Luna! I had the strangest dream! But..." Arron paused as he noticed the trio of princess's expressions, Celestia was glaring at him for some reason, Twilight sighed in relief and Luna gave him a grateful nod.
Arron closed his eyes. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Yes" Celestia said at the same time Luna and Twilight shouted "NO!" Making Celestia turn to the other two, but Luna and Twilight both turned their heads to avoid eye contact.
"Ooookkk..." Arron said, taking a step back. "I guess I'll be leaving then."
"Wait," Twilight and Luna cried holding out their hooves, beckoning him not to go.
Arron was unsure what to do. I can't just walk away now, he thought. Can I? Letting out a sigh he stepped into the room that was thick with so much tension he could actually feel it. When the door closed he immediately regretted his decision, while the three princesses stared at him his shoulders slumped, the weight was so great. Arron closed his eyes and walked over to one of the bigger cushions on the other side of the library. The sound of hooves on crystal filled his ears making him feel ever more anxious with every step.
Arron took a deep breath, turned around and plopped himself down on the cushion. "So, what can I help you with?" He asked, reopening his eyes.
The three princesses exchanged glances.
"Arron," Twilight said after a long moment. "You look... different!"
"I do?" He questioned. I don't feel any different than I did yesterday... except that my side doesn't hurt anymore and the hole in my gut has completely healed.
Luna used her magic to levitate cushions for them to sit on. Her sister gave her a smile as she made herself comfortable. Twilight also gave her a grateful nod as she sat on hers.
"I might have an explanation for his appearance," Luna said, gaining their full attention.
"You do?" Celestia, Twilight and Arron all said at the same time.
Luna gave them a half hearted nod. "But I don't know if you'll like what I have to say," she turned to Arron who was looking rather confused. "Especially you Arron."
Arron pointed at himself. "Me?" he said looking around making sure Luna wasn't trying to pull his leg.
"Luna," Celestia said. "What happened last night?"
Luna frowned. I'm really not looking forward to this, she thought. If what Arron said is true, that he forgot what happened in the dreamworld then... She closed her eyes, shaking her head to clear it before she began.
Luna was about to tell them everything that transpired, but the library doors opened again. Dave and Spike walked in, they were amidst a morning conversation when they noticed the not so friendly stares coming from three pony princesses and one human male. Arron folded his arms over his chest and shook his head at his brother and Spike.
Dave and Spike shut their mouths and swallowed. They remained silent, hurrying over, grabbing something to sit on before joining the group. When they were seated, Luna started telling them what she had witnessed while inside Arron's dream.
Arron fastened his seat-belt, mostly out of habit, but it also prevented the annoying dinging. Dave closed his door and waited for his brother to start the car. He had no idea where they were going, though after hearing everything Luna told them he was certain that it was important.
"So," Dave said breaking the silence. "Did you really meet Peter? As in the Peter, like Peter, James and John?"
Arron frowned, turning the key the engine came to life. Twilight, Celestia and Luna were watching them leave. Twilight chuckled when Celestia and Luna jumped from the noise.
Arron turned to his brother. "I have to get you home, before the days end... or else—"
Dave folded his arms and frowned. I don't like the way he said that, he thought. "Or else what?"
"Or else you'll be stuck here with me," Arron finished, throwing the car into gear, hitting the accelerator making the tires spin in place for a moment.
Dave held on for dear life. Isn't that just great news, he thought. There is no way I'd want to stay in a place like this and school's starting up again in another week! "Arron do you have any idea how you're going to get me home?" he asked nervously, though he didn't know if he sounded that way because of what his brother had told him, or if it was because of the way he was driving.
Arron's silence wasn't abating the uneasiness he was feeling. After what felt like an eternity his brother finally answered. "I have a hunch."
Dave frown deepened. Great that makes me feel all kinds of fuzzy, he thought. We're going somewhere to get me back home on a hunch! Dave glanced at his brother and couldn't help but notice the serious expression he had on his face. Then again his hunches usually turn out right. The real problem is what do I tell the rest of the family back home? I seriously doubt they'd believe me if I told them the truth. I can see it now, don't worry mom Arron is off on a mission from God to save a bunch of trapped demons that were his friends in his premortal life... Yep it's even crazier than it sounds. Dave rolled his eyes and pushed the thought aside. "So bro. what's it feel like being Twinkled... or is it poofed... I don't remember which term you'd use in your... situation?"
Arron shrugged. "I have no idea," he replied. "In all Honesty I haven't a clue what Peter did to me. All I know is I'm probably not entirely mortal anymore seeing that I haven't been hungry... like at all, nor do I feel pain... and the wound in my gut is completely healed."
"Does that mean you're more than a man, but less than an angel?" Dave guessed. "And how did you become friends with demons anyway?"
Arron sighed in frustration. "First... maybe, second... I would like to know that myself," he shook his head. "I wish Peter would have given me the ability to remember my old friends from before I was born! Would that have been too much to ask!"
Dave smirked at this. "At least we know the vale still effects you."
"Though I wish it was lifted!" Arron cried in frustration. "I mean it took Luna to tell me what happened! Seriously why does everything have to revolve around faith! Some directions, or instructions, or something would have been nice... Richard! Joan! Peter!"
The brothers enjoyed their discussion, though most of it was merely guesses and conjecture. Neither of them had any real proof to back up their theories, so they decided that everything that had transpired was solely based on faith. Nothing else they came up with could explain it.
The Nissan came to rest, Arron put the car into park and shut off the engine. "Here's where you get off," he said to Dave as he unfastened his seat belt, got out, went around to the passenger side and opened the door allowing his brother to exit.
Dave scratched his head. "Are you sure this is where... ah... never mind," he said, noticing his surroundings.
The tire marks were all but faded from the last time they were there, but the shell casings were a sure indication that where they were was indeed the same spot where they had arrived. Dave rolled a few of the brass cases with his foot, while his brother popped open the trunk to retrieve Dave's rifle case.
"Here," Arron said handing the case to Dave. "This is yours... and you never know, you might need it."
Dave took the case and shook his head. "Hardy, har, har," he mocked before letting out a sigh. He looked around for a bit before asking the obvious question. "What now?"
Arron took off his cap and rubbed the top of his head. "I have no idea," He said looking up the trail where the timberwolves had come out of hiding to ambush them. He replaced his cap. "Dave..." no answer. "Dave," Arron said louder looking around, but his brother was no where to be seen. Arron used his hands like a make shift megaphone. "DAVE!" But his yell was only replied by the sound of rustling trees.
Arron sighed. "So it is true, my brother was BATMAN!" he couldn't help but laugh at his own joke. Arron walked back to his car, closing the trunk, on his way to the drivers side, he opened the door. "I guess this is good bye," Arron looked to where his brother was just standing. "I would say good luck to you, but I don't think you'll need it. You were on the President's list though your entire Bachelors degree program, so I'm sure you'll do just as well with your Masters." Arron opened the door and sat down, but quickly got back out again. "Oh, and tell mom and dad that I'll be fine... at least I hope so..." he frowned. "Just don't tell them where I am, OK... OK" He replied for his brother. Satisfied that everything was as it should be, Arron made the lonely trip back to Ponyville hoping the book would hold some of the answers to his many question and he was sure Twilight and the others would help out where they could.
The sun was just starting to set behind the mountains when Dave emerged from the woods. Seeing Leon's farmhouse was a definite relief. Smoke lazily drifted up into the darkening sky. At least I know he's home, Dave thought, walking down the hill. He got about half way when the the door to the back porch opened and an elderly gentleman came out, zipping up the front of his coat before looking up. Leon noticed Dave who was waving at him.
Leon started laughing. "Here I was about to head out searching for you," he said when the two met. "Did you kids get lost? I didn't think my back yard was that big." He paused and frowned as he looked around. "Where's your brother and the car? Did it die? I can go and get my tractor if he needs a tow?"
Dave shook his head, placing his rifle case down next to him. "Leon, Arron's not coming back," Dave's words made Leon frown and raise an eyebrow. Dave picked up his case and urged Leon to go inside where it was warm. Leon let out a long sigh. Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like what he has to say, he thought as he lead Dave inside.
They sat down at Leon's kitchen table, his dalmatian Rascal, was happily barking and wagging his tail as he begged them both for attention. Leon got up to take the teapot off the stove and poured them both a cup of hot cider. Dave thanked him while he blew on the steaming liquid a few times before taking a tentative sip, slightly burning his tongue when he did so.
"Now," Leon sternly said. "What happened to you? You've been gone all day and I was starting to worry," —he leaned over placing his mug down on the table.— "and where's your brother?"
Dave stared into his cup for a few minutes in order to sort out his thoughts. He's probably not going to believe me if I told him the truth, he thought. Maybe it would be best if I just asked him for a ride home and leave it at that.
Leon leaned back in his chair, scratching Rascal so he'd leave Dave alone. "You're not going to tell me are you," he finally said in defeat.
Dave looked up from his cup. "It's not that I can't tell you it's just... I doubt you'd believe me if I did."
Leon smiled, "Try me!"
OK, you asked for it, Dave thought. "First I need to know, how long have we been gone, exactly?"
That's a strange question, Leon thought. "You arrived at around ten and it's almost five, so about seven hours."
Dave nearly dropped his cup he was so shocked. That's not possible, we've been in... what's that place called again... Qestra, for weeks!
Leon's curiosity finally got the better of him. "Dave," he demanded. "What on earth is going on?"
Dave placed his cup down on the table and took a deep breath before telling his older friend what happened to them. Leon remained silent as he tentatively listened to Dave's tale.
Leon laughed when Dave finished an hour later. "Richard, Joan of Arch, and one of the original apostles! That's one hell of a family legacy you kid'sve got there!" Slapping his knee, before laughing even harder. "And your brother hates responsibility, now he's got more than plenty of that!"
Wow, Dave thought. I don't believe how well he took this! And he even believed what I just said! he shook his head and chuckled. Even though I'm still not even sure I believe it myself!
Leon got up from his chair, Rascal raised his head at his master's sudden movement, but he laid back down and yawned. "We'd best be off," Leon said. "With Arron gone, I'll need to take you home."
Dave got up and stretched, before pushing his chair back under the table and placing his cup in the sink. Dave walked over to where he'd left his rifle case and picked it up before joining Leon, who was already outside warming up his car.
Celestia, Luna and Twilight were sitting around the dining table discussing what they should do about Arron who seemed to be staying. Celestia thought it would be best if he came to live in Canterlot so that she and her sister could keep an eye on him. Twilight argued that because he arrived in Ponyville he should be allowed to stay in Ponyville and with all of the empty rooms in her castle he'd be a welcomed guest. Luna agreed more with Twilight than her sister as she reiterated that according to Peter they shouldn't get involved with his mission.
Celestia sighed. "I suppose we'll have to leave it up to Arron as to where he wants to stay."
Twilight's ears twitched. I hope he'll agree that staying here would be his best option, she thought. And I don't care what that Peter person said, I really want to know more about Arron and his demon friends. Oh, I get excited just by thinking about it! She coughed into her hoof to gain the others attention. "I don't think we should pressure him into doing anything he doesn't want to," she said. "And I'm not just saying that because I'm the Princess of Friendship."
"Yes, I'm sure," Luna retorted rolling her eyes. "Having an opportunity to learn about humans from another world has absolutely nothing to do with it."
Twilight averted her gaze and blushed. "I wouldn't say that, Luna. I know I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't excited to be able to have Arron around to pick his brain."
"Uh-huh," Luna sarcastically remarked. "Perhaps it's not just his brain you were hoping to pick?"
"Luna!" Celestia cried, standing up with a flushed face.
"What?" Luna innocently replied. "I was talking about that information thing he keeps in the trunk of that car of his."
Celestia calmly sat back down, though she was blushing even harder than she was when she had made her outburst. This only made her sister and Twilight giggle.
"Are you talking about his Computer?" Twilight asked, after a few moments.
Luna seemed puzzled. "Is that what that thing is called?"
Twilight replied with a nod. "I wouldn't mind if Arron let me poke around inside of his machine, from my past experience on the other side of the mirror, I've heard that computers hold a treasure trove of knowledge." Her ears drooped and she started to frown. "I just wish somepony would have shown me the proper way to use one."
"Twilight," Celestia said gaining her former student's attention. "If Arron does show you... would you mind informing me? I would also like to see how that PC of his works."
Twilight gaped at Celestia. "Really," she cried in glee. "Would you like me to send you a message if he does decide to teach me?"
"Eh-hem," Luna coughed interrupting their conversation. "I think you're both putting the cart before the pony."
Twilight and Celestia looked confused. Luna answered before they got the chance to ask. "Arron might decide to come to Canterlot, if he does then you'll have to come to our castle to see how his machine works."
Luna's words caused Celestia to smile and Twilight to frown.
"You're right," Twilight said with a sigh. "We still don't know what Arron will decide to do yet..." Though I hope he does decide to stay here, she thought.
"We'll just have to wait here for his return," Celestia said after a lengthy pause.
After she had said that, all three princesses turned to the door, awaiting their human guest's arrival. I hope he gets back here soon, they all thought.
Spike casually walked in and noticed the princesses where staring at the door for some strange reason. "Am I missing something," he said, scratching his head, bewildered. When none of the princesses answered he gave up and left. They're so strange sometimes, he thought, heading back to the library where his comics awaited him.