In the previous volume, Arc was pulled into Equestria by none other then Twilight Sparkle! She houses and provides for him after an Ursa Minor nearly kills him. After his recovery, he goes to work with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. During a delivery he discovers there are many around town who have asked for aid from the towns Writ Board. When Applejack informs him there is no one to take care of the jobs he volunteers to help as many as he is able to!
Later, Arc moves from the Golden Oaks Library to renting a small room from a strange robed pony. He learns what he can about her, before finally confronting the mare about her deep dark secret! The mare is actually none other than Derpy Hooves! A young mare, thrown out by her abusive father and forced to try and make it on her own!
Arc takes care of her by providing food, warmth, furnishings and the most important aspect of life... friendship. After feeding Derpy, he confronts her about his findings! The robe is torn, and Derpy's body is laid out! Exposing the truth she tried so very hard to hide from everyone! Her belly... a constant reminder of what she believes to be her fault! However, Arc is able to convince her that she is not to blame! Showing Derpy that those who took advantage of her are truly the ones to blame!
They share a dream in which Derpy must nightly face her past and relive the terrible events that led her to this point in her life! Arc, the first one to EVER show Derpy the meaning of friendship, is summarily "killed" in said dream protecting his new friend. A creature of light gives Derpy what it refers to as the Spear of Hope! Derpy uses its power to conquer her fears and put to rest her sordid past!
Later that very day, she goes into labor. Arc, unable to get Derpy to the hospital, delivers her foal as best he knows how! The filly nearly dies in his arms, as Arc tries desperately to save her! He is successful! However, when Twilight enters the home she finds a bloody mare and a bloody human holding a spear! Furious for what she believes was a cold blooded murder, she opens a portal and tosses Arc into it! Turning to the mare she finds Derpy is still alive and sends Spike for help!
Where did Arc end up? You shall see...