//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - Theories // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Arc severs the connection to Canterlot and leans back heavily in his chair. In a few moments he sighs and stands up. “Let’s get to the Main Hall, Sereb. “ “I hope you have a plan.” Arc nods as they leave the office together. “I’m still working on one. If I could just get some kind of clue! Anything really!” “Then we will have to find you one!” The pair enter the Main Hall. They find all assembled suited up and ready for battle! The Royal Guards are lined up behind Arc’s squad. Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage stand in front. All snap to attention at Arc’s approach. The lieutenant quickly approaches him and salutes! “All present and awaiting your orders, sir!” “Very good.” He paces in front of his troops. “Everyone. Since this morning Ponyville has been the victim of a strange sickness! Symptoms are of the standard flu-like variety in addition to sudden erratic behavior! Among those afflicted have been Raven, Saffron and even Ember! Right now, our primary objective is containment! I’ve just informed Canterlot that we are instituting a state of emergency and town-wide quarantine! At least until we can figure out what it is we’re dealing with! Everyone, follow me!” Arc mounts Sereb and leads his troops out the front door toward Ponyville. Flash Sentry runs next to him! “Sir?! Are we really going to shut down the entire town?!” “I don’t really see an alternative right now, lieutenant.” Sandstorm Mirage frowns. “The ponies who live there certainly won’t like it!” Arc sighs. “I take no joy in confining them to their homes. But it’s my job to protect them, and right now that’s the best way to do that.” Max runs over to Arc’s other side. “I’m sure they’ll understand!” Hugh nods in agreement. “Yeah! You’ve always looked out for their best interests in the past!” Xenos looks over. “They need to be allowed freedom of movement as soon as possible though!” Viktor shudders. “I’m with Xenos on this one! Ponies don’t do well penned up!” Flash Sentry turns to Arc’s squad. “Alright, enough dissent you four! The Hero of Light’s decision is final!” “I appreciate the vote of confidence Flash Sentry, but would like to hear when my squad disagrees with my actions.” Sandstorm Mirage looks confused. “Sir?” “I’m not perfect, nor is every decision I make firm in my mind! Their points of view are valuable to me. Now more than ever!” In a short time the group arrives at the fountain in front of Town Hall. Flash Sentry enters the building and rings the alarm bell. Every pony on the streets runs into the nearest building as Arc turns to his troops. “All of you split up and go building to building! Close every business and order everyone to go straight home! We’re going to go door to door and check for other cases of this illness! If you find someone who has any sort of sickness, escort them to the hospital for a checkup! And if anyone asks how their foals are, tell them they are fine and will be staying in Canterlot Castle until this is over! Meet back here when finished!” All the troops salute and leave to carry out his orders. Sereb turns his head to looks at Arc. “What shall we do?” “Let’s go to Sweet Apple Acres and make sure they hear about Applejack’s condition and the current state of affairs!” Sereb runs toward the orchard. They approach the farmhouse and see Big Macintosh working on the barn. “Big Macintosh, we need to talk to you and Granny Smith! Is she available?” “Eyup!” They walk to the house and enter together. Big Mac leads them to the living room where Granny Smith is napping in her rocking chair. Big Mac walks over and nudges her gently. She awakens with a start! “Who? What?” “Sorry to bother you Granny Smith, but there’s been in incident.” “Oh? Big Macintosh, would you go fetch Applejack! She should hear this too!” Arc looks pained. “Forgive me, but that’s what I’m here about. You see, there’s some kind of illness going through Ponyville. Applejack seems to have caught it somehow and is currently at the hospital.” Big Macintosh’s eyes grow wide! “What?!” Granny Smith sighs. “Thank you for letting us know, Arc! We have a bit of sickness here too!” Sereb frowns. “Really? You both appear fine to me.” “Oh, we are! Babs Seed seems to have come down with a bit of a cold. She’ll be fine in a day or so.” Arc turns to look at the stairs. “I’d better take a look at her. May I?” “Certainly! Big Mac will show you the way! I’ll wait down here for you yougin’s!” “Thank you, ma’am.” Big Macintosh leads Arc to the room Babs Seed shares with Apple Bloom. They find her resting in bed. She coughs into her hoof as they enter. “Hi there Mr. Arc.” “Hi Babs Seed. We heard you weren’t feeling good.” Babs Seed sniffles. “Yeah. It started a couple days ago. I just don’t have any energy! “ Arc nods. “A couple days ago, huh?” “Uh huh. Thanks to this bug, I had to miss our class field trip today! So, what brings you here, sir?” “Ponyville is under quarantine due to a strange sickness going around. I need to take you to the hospital for a checkup.” He turns to Big Macintosh. “Would you tell Granny Smith that I’m taking Babs Seed in for an examination, please? If she tests negative, I’ll see to it she’s brought right home.” “Eyup!” Arc walks forward and picks up the sick filly. He feels her forehead. “You’re a bit warm too. I’ll teleport us to the hospital now. Are you ready?” She nervously nods. Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal to the Ponyville Hospital Waiting Room. The three of them enter together. Arc quickly approaches the front desk. “Nurse, I have another patient here who needs an examination.” “I’ll page the doctor immediately.” She does so. A few minutes later Doctor Horse enters the Waiting Room. “Another case sir?” “Maybe. She’s showing signs of illness. While it may not be connected, I decided to err on the side of caution and bring her over.” Doctor Horse looks at the sick filly in Arc’s arms. “I’ll examine her at once and contact you with my findings. This would be the first case of a foal coming down with this.” Arc sets Babs Seed down. “Better safe than sorry. Any word on the others?” “Not yet. I’m waiting for some more lab reports. They should be in any time now. But for the moment, I’ll take a look at you, little one.” Babs Seed looks up at the doctor nervously. “The examination won’t hurt, will it?!” “No miss. This will merely be a physical examination. Would you please follow me?” He extends a hoof toward her. She looks to Arc who nods. The pair walk slowly hoof in hoof to a nearby examination room. Arc turns to Sereb as he leaves the hospital. “I hope what she has really is just a cold.” “As do I.” Arc jumps on Sereb’s back and the pair head back toward the Town Hall. As they walk the deserted streets of Ponyville the only signs of habitation are the confused and frightened eyes that occasionally peek out the darkened windows. Sereb grunts. “This is… unsettling.” “Yeah. Kinda reminds me of when I first came here.” “Oh?” Arc sighs. “Let’s just say it’s not a feeling I relish.” Sereb nods. “Then we must do our best to return this town to its former state.” “Right!” The pair arrive back at the fountain. Flash Sentry and the other Royal Guards are waiting for him. Arc hops down from Sereb. “Is it done, lieutenant?” “Yes sir. We’ve gone throughout the town as you ordered and spread the word of this to everypony!” “Anyone have any ideas?” Flash Sentry shakes his head. “Sadly, no.” Arc nods. “Any of you see any other cases?” “A couple ponies seemed to be sick. I had them escorted to the hospital as per your orders, sir.” “Good.” Arc looks around. “Where is Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage?” “I’m not sure, sir! He should’ve been back by now. I told him to fly to Sweet Apple Acres and let the outlying farms know about the quarantine. Should we search for him?” Sereb sniffs the air. “He is on his way back.” Flash Sentry looks at Sereb, wide eyed! “How can you possibly know that?! Nopony’s nose is THAT good! “ Arc shrugs. “Well the wind IS blowing from that direction.” Sereb points a paw at the sky. “There he is.” The group looks up to see Sandstorm Mirage flying toward them. He lands near Arc and salutes. “Sorry I’m late sir! I… uh… ran into a bit of trouble.” Flash Sentry chuckles. “Did the farmers chase you or something?” Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “Not particularly. I just… misjudged the distance between the properties. It takes quite some time to fly between houses out there!” Arc nods. “That it would.” He turns to Flash Sentry. “Organize around the clock patrols of the town, lieutenant. Make sure the residents stay inside where it’s safe! If you find any of them outside, escort them home immediately! Anyone gives you trouble, or if you find any visitors to town, suspicious or not, bring them to me.” “Yes sir!” “I’m going back to the hospital and see if Doctor Horse has learned anything new. Coordinate the guard from the Town Hall. It’s more centrally located than Light’s Hope.” Sandstorm Mirage looks to Arc. “Can we do that, sir?!” “Yes. With the mayor out of commission, I’ve had to temporarily take over Ponyville. As soon as this is over however, it will be back to business as usual for the town. Carry on!” Arc and Sereb head off to the hospital yet again leaving Flash Sentry and the others to organize patrols. Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “I still can’t believe the commander took over the town like this!” Flash Sentry sighs. “Well, he kinda had to! The town needs a leader, especially now! When everything is resolved I’m sure he’ll return control to Mayor Mare.” “Agreed! After all, he did return control of Equestria to the princesses when they were ready. Had he wanted to, he could have easily made himself King!” “Yes, he could have. But, as we all know, that’s not how the commander thinks. I’m sure he’s not any happier about the situation than we are! Now let’s do our part to keep things going while he figures this mess out!” Meanwhile… Arc and Sereb return to Ponyville Hospital. Doctor Horse and Babs Seed are just walking into the Waiting Room. She has a blanket wrapped around her. Arc walks over to them. “How is she, doctor?!” “Miss Seed here has a common cold. I’ve prescribed bedrest and told her to drink plenty of fluids. She’s clear to go home anytime.” Babs Seed looks to the doctor. “Can I see Applejack now?” Doctor Horse shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but she’s very ill and cannot have visitors at this time.” “She’s going to be okay though, right?!” Arc picks up Babs Seed and putting her on Sereb’s back. “I’m sure she’ll be fine! We’re working on the problem right now. I’m going to have Sereb take you home now. You tell Granny Smith and Big Macintosh not to worry. I’ll find a way to help Applejack. I promise! Babs Seed coughs and pulls the blanket tighter around herself. “Okay.” Arc nods to Sereb. He leaves the hospital with Babs Seed. Arc and Doctor Horse head for his office. They close the door behind them. “Anything doctor?” Doctor Horse nods as he sits down. “The results from the lab tests came back shortly after you left. Your friend’s body chemistry is very odd right now.” “Define odd.” “Their hormone levels are as far from normal as possible!” Arc rubs his chin. “That explains a few things.” “Sir?” Arc leans across the desk. “This goes no further doctor, but when this all started, they… um… wanted me to do… certain inappropriate things with them.” “Things?” Arc blushes. “Do I have to draw you a picture, doctor?!” Doctor Horse frowns. “That is quite out of character for them!” Arc nods. “Tell me about it! Pinkie Pie was the most forward of the bunch!” “Is that so? I hate to tell you this, but she’s in worse shape right now than the others!” “What happened?!” “After they went berserk, we administered sedatives in an attempt to bring them back to reality. It worked for all of them except Pinkie Pie~ She… she was like a maniac! Our attempts to bring her back to sanity only seemed to make her angry!” Arc looks confused. “I didn’t think she ever got angry!” “Well, this did it!” The doctor opens one of his desk drawers and pulls out some tattered leather straps. “This is what’s left of her restraints! She did this to them before we could sedate her!” Arc picks up one of the straps. “What?! How?!” “It would appear Pinkie Pie is stronger than the average earth pony by far!” “How did you stop her?!” Doctor Horse sighs. “It took almost every orderly in the hospital, but we tackled her so I could give her a shot! Even that took almost a full minute to take effect! Normally it only requires a few seconds! I would have given her a second dose, but it most likely would have killed her!” “Where is she now?!” “We’ve put her in the isolation ward. Mostly for the safety of the staff and other patients. Right now we’re keeping her in a medically induced coma while we try to get her hormones under control.” “How?” Doctor Horse sighs. “We’re trying every medicine we have to level her out! So far nothing’s working! This treatment is very hard on her body so we can only test each medicine one at a time!” Arc nods. “To say nothing for her mind. Pinkie doesn’t like sitting still, you know.” “Right now, we don’t have a choice! If something doesn’t change soon, her life will be in very real danger.” “And the others?” “Responding well to treatment. They should recover in a day or so.” “I’d like to see Pinkie Pie if at all possible.” Doctor Horse sighs. “If it were anypony else I would say no. But I can’t really tell you that. Please follow me.” The doctor leads Arc to another wing of the hospital. They pass by several orderlies who are guarding her door. As they enter the room a terrible sight overtakes Arc! Pinkie lies on her back surrounded by machines and IV bottles! Her skin has taken on a slightly grayish hue and her hair lies uncurled on the pillow. Arc approaches her bedside sadly. “Pinkie…” “We’re doing everything we can for her. But so far it hasn’t been enough.” Arc doesn’t take his eyes off of her. “Is everyone else doing alright?” “Yes. Even the mayor is coming around with treatment.” “Can I see them later?” Doctor Horse sighs. “I can’t really stop you from doing that, but I advise against it. Their treatments have left them very weak. They need to rest now. If you’ll excuse me, I need to look in on them. Please don’t stay too long.” Arc nods as the doctor quietly leaves the room. He takes Pinkie’s hoof in his hand and quietly speaks to her. “Pinkie. I’m here. “ The pink mare does not stir or give any indication she has heard him. “Listen Pinkie. I… I’m going to find a way to bring you back to the way you were! The town needs your happy spirit and… and I need my friend back. You just rest now and get better.” He squeezes her hoof and leans forward to give her a quick peck on the forehead. As he straightens up to leave, Arc notices a single tear running down her pink cheek. He carefully wipes away the tear with a finger. “I have to figure out what’s causing this now. You just rest, Pinkie.” He turns and leaves the room. Returning to the Waiting Room he sees Sereb enter from Sweet Apple Acres. “The little filly is safely tucked into bed and resting.” “Good. Let’s get going!” As the pair turns to leave, they hear a large number of hoofsteps running down the hallway! Orderlies and nurses rush toward Arc’s friend’s rooms! He hurries to the front desk! “Nurse! What’s going on?!” “The alarms are going off in those rooms. It means medical intervention is needed.” He turns to follow them down the hallway. “Please sir! Let the staff do their jobs!” Sereb nods. “You would only be in the way, Arc.” Arc stops and looks down at the floor before turning to storm out of the hospital! “Nurse, have Doctor Horse call me as soon as possible! I’ll be at Light’s Hope.” “Yes sir!” Arc and Sereb leave. He climbs into the saddle as the sun begins to set. “Back to base, Sereb.” A short time later they arrive back at Light’s Hope. The pair enters the empty base together as Arc walks over to Raven’s desk. He sits down in her small chair. “Arc?” “There’s no one here to answer the phone.” Sereb sits down on the floor in front of the desk. “I see. The sun has nearly set as the phone rings sometime later. Arc quickly answers it. “Light’s Hope.” Doctor Horse responds in a weary voice. “You wanted to speak to me, Arc?” “Yeah. As I left, I heard a commotion. What happened?!” “They… had another episode. Their readouts showed another surge in hormone levels.” “All of them?!” “All but Mayor Mare, yes.” “At the same time?!” The doctor sighs. “Yes. They had to be sedated again, but are now resting peacefully.” “And Pinkie Pie?” “She… regained consciousness long enough to injure half a dozen orderlies before we could sedate her as well! I hate to tell you this, but I called the town blacksmith and had him bring over some of his strongest restraints! I’m sorry, but we had to chain her up!” Arc sighs. “I understand. If she wakes up again… she may wind up killing someone!” The pair are silent for a time. “Doctor. I need answers! This can’t go on!” “I don’t know any more now than I did then I’m afraid.” “Then give me some theories! I need SOMETHING to go on. Anything!!!” “I hate to even suggest it, but… I think this illness has its roots in magic.” Arc frowns. “Are you saying someone might have done this to them on purpose?!” Doctor Horse nods. “I cannot explain the cause of their condition medically. This theoretically shouldn’t have been able to happen! The only thing that even remotely makes sense would be a magical origin to this! However, such magic would have to be ancient and forbidden! Frankly, I don’t know who would even know how to cast such a spell! Other than the princesses themselves, that is!” “Thank you doctor! This gives me a few ideas on where to go from here. Take care of my friends, okay?” “I will!” Arc hangs up the phone and rubs his eyes. “Ideas?” “Just one. Doctor Horse believes my friends may be the victims of a magical based illness!” Sereb frowns. “That seems a bit… out there.” Arc paces the floor. “I know, but it’s the only lead we have! The only problem is who could have that kind of power?!” “What about The Dark One?” “It’s certainly his style. Bringing suffering to others, that is.” Suddenly a familiar voice rings out from down the corridor. “You narrow-minded fool…” Sereb growls as a black-cowled creature walks toward them. “What are YOU doing here?!” The cowl is lowered and Tempest’s face comes into view. She sneers at Arc. “Call off your mongrel, Arc! I didn’t come here to fight!” “Easy Sereb. I’d like to talk to her.” Sereb stands his ground in front of Arc. “As you wish.” Arc looks over at Tempest and slowly walks toward her. “Please come with me.” Tempest nods. “Very well.” The pair walk down the corridor in silence side by side. Sereb follows Tempest, watching her every move. They come to the cafeteria. Tempest looks around. “What’s the matter? Did your troops abandon you?!” Arc shakes his head as he makes his way to the kitchen. “No. They’re in town protecting the citizens or in bed.” Tempest scoffs! “No guards?!” The pair enter the kitchen. Arc gestures for her to sit down at the table. She does so as Arc rummages around in the refrigerator. “Normally yes. However right now I can’t spare anyone! Ponyville’s citizens come first.” Tempest nods. “Yes, I heard about the quarantine.” Arc pulls out a plate of sandwiches and sets them on the table. “If you came here to finish our duel, now is not the best time for me.” Arc holds out a sandwich toward Sereb. He shakes his head. Tempest frowns. “Truth be told, I came to see what was up. In all my years I’ve never heard of an entire town being cut off from the rest of Equestria!” Arc sits down across from Tempest and picks up a sandwich. “So, if you didn’t come here to fight, why are you here?!” Tempest grabs the sandwich out of his hand in one swift movement and takes a bite. “To observe. I wanted to see for myself what exactly is going on here!” Arc picks up another sandwich. “Worried about poison?” “When you’ve been a Special Agent as long as I have, you learn not to trust anypony.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Yes, I always keep poisoned food in my fridge.” The pair sit in silence for a time eating. “This morning I went into town to take care of business. When I stopped for a snack at our local bakery, I was attacked by my friends!” Tempest shakes her head. “Fool! This is why I don’t have any!” “They weren’t themselves! The doctor says they’re sick!” “Some kind of infection made them attack you?!” Arc nods. “Something in their body chemistry is messing with their minds. He’s treating them, but having a hard time making it permanent.” Tempest takes another sandwich. “Any idea what caused it?” Arc looks at Tempest angrily. “I can think of only one.” She looks up and meets his gaze>. “Me?” Sereb growls. “Well you ARE a fugitive.” “So, is it you or the Dark One who’s behind this?” Tempest shakes her head. “Neither. What makes you think it’s us?” “Let’s see here. A magical based illness strikes the town and then YOU turn up in my base. A mare who revels in suffering! What am I supposed to think?!” Tempest puts her sandwich down and looks at Arc, narrowing her eyes. “Let’s get one thing straight! I don’t LIKE bringing pain and suffering! That’s the Dark One’s schtick! I only do what needs to be done!” “Well he is YOUR friend!” “We don’t always see eye to eye. Tell me, do YOU agree with every opinion your ‘friends’ have?!” “No.” “You may see him as a monster. But I see him as the one who can give me the power to save this world! But we’re getting off topic. Tell me about this sickness.” “It seems to indirectly affect the mind. You start talking funny, and have trouble organizing your thoughts. The other symptoms seem to vary, but are similar to that of a cold or flu. And so far, it’s only affected mares.” Tempest nods. “Treatment?” “Doctor Horse has tried to balance them out with sedatives and hormone therapy. However, the treatments are temporary at best!” “I have the solution. It’s so obvious I’m surprised you didn’t see it yourself!” “What is it?” Tempest picks up her sandwich. “Just end their suffering. It will be over in no time, and you can focus on more important matters.” “WHAT?!” “If you’re not stallion enough to do it, I’d be willing to help. Don’t worry. I’ll make it quick on them.” Arc grimaces! “Don’t even joke about that Tempest!” “Who’s joking?! They would want you to do what’s best for everypony, right?” “Yes. But I won’t do that to them! There has to be another way!” Tempest sighs. “You may not have a choice.” “There’s always a choice, Tempest! I’ve had to make it before, just like you!” She narrows her eyes. “Wind Rider and Decimus?” “Yeah.” “Regrets?” Arc nods. “I did what I had to do in order to prevent them from hurting others in the future. Is there doubt in my mind on whether or not I made the right call? Yes, there is! It’s called being human! Being… flawed.” Tempest sighs. “Look Arc! I’m sure my love had a good reason for doing what he did.” Sereb growls. “Tried to do, anyways.” “What was it?” Tempest taps her hooves nervously on the table. “I… I don’t know. Like I said back in the castle… he… he’s changed.” “So, why stay with him?” Tempest leans against the table and sighs. “I… because I… I love him!” “Does he love you?” Tempest puts a hoof to her forehead. “Y-yes! I… he… what…” She puts both hooves on her head. Arc looks to her. “Tempest? Are you okay?!” “What? My… my body… everything… hurts! Need to… get out of… here…” Tempest moves to hop off the chair but falls to the floor, unable to stand. She rolls onto her back and stares up at the ceiling. “Room… spinning. So… weak.” Sereb walks toward her cautiously, grinning. “Just say the word Arc, and I’ll end this criminal’s life!” Tempest glares at him! Breathing heavily, barely able to move. “Do it… mongrel. See what… happens!” Arc shakes his head. “No Sereb. She’s defenseless as is.” “But she wants to kill you!” “I know. But I don’t want her harmed.” Sereb steps back. “Very well.” Arc sighs as he stoops down to pick her up. “You couldn’t kill her anyways.” Sereb bares his teeth. “I’ll take that bet.” Arc carries Tempest to his quarters and lies her down on the couch. She looks up at him, weakly. “So… what happens now? You planning… on… torturing me?” Arc turns to her as he gets a fire going. “What?! NO!” Tempest uses all her strength to sit up. “You… you won’t take me down… without a… fight, Arc!” She calls forth Light’s Bane. It falls to the floor along with her as she is unable to muster the strength to hold it or herself up! Tempest lies on the floor next to her weapon, unable to stand. “I’m… at your mercy… Arc. Do… what you… will.” Arc uses his magic to pick up Light’s Bane and move it to the other side of the room. “Sereb. Go to my room and bring me a pillow.” “Very well.” Tempest chuckles. “Going to try… smothering me… huh?” Arc picks Tempest up and lies her on the couch again. “Just lie still, okay?” Tempest looks over as Sereb returns. “Good. Maybe… when I… revive… my body will… hurt… less.” “Sore muscles?” She nods, clearly suffering. “Like… basic training… all over… again.” Arc takes the pillow from Sereb before turning to Tempest. “Do… do it!” “Sheesh! Just lie still!” Arc carefully lifts Tempest’s head and puts the pillow under it. “What… are you… doing?!” “Trying to make you comfortable. Are you cold?” She shakes her head. “N-no. Just… sore.” Arc removes her leather armor, sets it on the other end of the couch and begins to rub her shoulders and back. “Does that help?” “Yes… a bit…” Arc sighs as he continues to massage her. “Okay Tempest, it looks like you’re coming down with whatever my friends have! Now, you’re going to start having some rather… odd thoughts soon. Just please don’t attack me.” Tempest smirks. “I… I don’t think I could. So… tired… so… sore.” She moves to sit up> “You shouldn’t be moving around needlessly.” “I… I need to… get out… of here.” Arc rolls his eyes. “This town is quarantined. You can’t leave!” Tempest looks at him with a weak and wicked smile. “Just… you… try and… stop me!” She hops off the couch. Well… it’s more of a tumble head over fetlocks really. Arc sighs and reaches down to pick her up yet again. “Looks like I stopped you.” Tempest glares at him but says nothing. Arc frowns as he picks her up. “Tempest, you’re burning up! We should get you to the hospital!” “N-No! Like your… mongrel said… earlier. I’m a… criminal.” He walks toward the door with Tempest in his arms. She rolls out of his grasp and falls to the floor awkwardly, unable to rise. “Not going… hospital!” Arc leans down to pick her up again. “Fine! Have it your way!” He carries her to the bathroom and lies her down in the shower. “Going to… drown me… huh?” Arc sighs. “Just… lie there quietly, okay?” Tempest closes her eyes and smirks. “I’ll… get you… back for this… someday… Arc!” He takes down the shower nozzle from its holder above their heads. “Sure Tempest. Good luck with that.” Arc holds up the nozzle with his magic and sprays Tempest’s body down with the warm water as he gently massages her back. She opens her eyes. “Trying to… lure me into… a false sense of… security?” Arc shakes his head. “No, I’m trying to make you feel better. The warm water will help lower your fever and help with the aches.” “…why?” “You took my family and I in before the storm hit back then. I owe you this much.” “Fool! You’re… helping your… future… executioner!” “Yeah, I know. I’m dumb!” Several minutes go by as Arc continues his work. “Um, Tempest? There’s something you need to know about the later stages of this illness. Many of those afflicted have… um… become aggressive and… ah… done and said things they’ll probably want to forget.” “I… know.” “Wait, what?!” Tempest squeezes her eyes shut. “My mind… in chaos. So many… strange thoughts… telling me to… do…………. things… with you!” Arc grimaces. “Please don’t.” “I can… resist. My… special agent… training… mind… strong.” “Let’s just hope it’s strong enough!”