//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - For Your Consideration // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// A few days pass. Sunshine walks around the barn to where Arc and Snowflake are bathing after a hard day of foraging. She holds up her latest completed project. “I finished your snake skin armor, Big Brother.” Snowflake gasps. “Wow! It looks great, mom!” “Agreed.” Sunshine turns around. “I’ll leave it in the barn for you to try on when you get done bathing.” “Thank you.” Snowflake giggles as Arc pours a bucket of water of her cloak. “Looks like my mom put a lot of time into that armor.” “Oh? What makes you say that?” “All the seams were perfectly aligned and triple stitched. She really doesn’t want it going to pieces in the forest!” “That’s good. I’m not too keen on something failing when I need it either.” Arc helps Snowflake out of the tub and over to a warm rock. “I’m going to try my new armor on. You okay out here?” Snowflake nods happily. “Sure. By the time you’re done with that, I should be dry.” Heading to the barn, Arc steps over to the makeshift bed. Spotting the armor neatly laid out, he pulls off his wet clothes and throws them over a nearby sawhorse to dry. Slipping into a new set of clothes, he puts on his new scale armor and looks it over. “Nice fit. Sunshine really did a good job on this.” “Thank you.” Arc whirls around to see Sunshine peeking out from behind a crate. “What are you…?” “I was just curious about what you were hiding under wraps.” “You were watching me… change?!” Sunshine nods. “Oh, yes. I hid so as to see what you would do in a natural setting. Your uncovered body is quite… interesting to behold. Similar to a pony stallion in its general form, I suppose. That is, if stallions walked on their hind legs. That and your stallion parts are very similar to my husband’s in shape and form. Well, other than the lack of a sheath, that is.” Arc frowns. “That’s a little bit… unnerving.” Sunshine appears confused. “I don’t see how. You’ve seen my mare parts.” Arc looks away. “It makes me feel a bit… uneasy being uncovered. More so that someone’s looking at my… stuff.” “There’s no need to be embarrassed about a natural part of your body. After all, you and every stallion have the same genitals. I suppose the only difference would be that yours are a bit bigger. But in any case, how does the armor fit?” “Um… very well, thanks.” “Good. Armor that’s tight without being constricting is best. You don’t want it sloshing around, after all. But too tight and it will hinder movement.” “Well, I think you got it right.” “Wonderful! Truth be told, I was worried it might be too tight in… certain places. But in any case, I’d still be interested in studying your physiology further. After all, you’re significantly stronger than your outer frame would suggest to the naked eye. Arc looks around nervously. “Wouldn’t Shadow be mad about something like that?” “I don’t see why he would be. After all, he knows I can’t resist recording new information on various plants and animals.” “I still think that might not be a good idea. He might get the idea something else was going on.” Sunshine narrows her eyes. “You know, I could just have my husband order you to submit to my exams.” “Are you going to?” Sunshine sighs and shakes her head. “No. You’ve treated me well in the past, so I want to return the favor. But I am hoping you’ll open up to the idea willingly.” Meanwhile, Dinky and her friends sit around the table in Doctor Lighthoof’s quarters eating platefuls of grass and leaves. Sweetie Belle sighs. “I miss Rarity’s cooking.” Apple Bloom hisses. “Shush! These ponies don’t have anything to spare! They’re being really nice sharing with us.” Dinky sighs. “They kinda have to. After all, we gave them every last bit of our food.” Sereb looks toward the door. “Perhaps I can forage for something.” Apple Bloom shakes her head. “You can’t go out there in your condition!” Sweetie Belle gasps. “Right! Who knows what else is out there?!” Dinky frowns as she puts a hoof to her chin. “We should do something to help everypony out though.” Apple Bloom sighs. “Like get them some food?” Sweetie Belle turns to Dinky. “How about we head back to Ponyville for some supplies?” “That’d be a good idea. But we need to be at full strength first.” Sereb grits his teeth. “We may not have time for that. After all, you yourself said that something was… off in this town.” Apple Bloom grimaces. “Maybe we could do something about that. Make it safe to go out at night.” Dinky sighs. “Yeah. I for one wouldn’t want to be a prisoner in my own hometown.” Meanwhile, Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack walk through the Foal Forest. Applejack looks at the map. “If we keep going, we’ll reach the edge of the woods by tomorrow afternoon.” Rarity frowns. “And we haven’t seen even a trace of Sweetie Belle or her friends.” Derpy sighs. Maybe they didn’t come this way after all. Applejack groans. “Considering how dangerous the Hayseed Forest is, that really isn’t encouraging.” Rarity grits her teeth. “We can’t give up! If nothing else, we have to reach Baltimare and meet up with the others!” Derpy appears hopeful. “Maybe they’re having better luck on their end.” Applejack sighs. “We can only hope.” They are silent for a time as they look around. Eventually Derpy breaks the silence. “Can I ask you two something?” Rarity appears surprised. “What is it?” “How… are you both coping?” Applejack groans. “With Arc’s death, or the disappearance of the fillies?” “Both, I guess.” Rarity’s ears droop sadly. “Not very well, I’m afraid. It’s so hard to keep moving forward with two of the most important individuals in my life gone.” Applejack glares at her. “Hey now, they’re not gone yet!” “Arc is.” Derpy forces a smile. “He may not be.” Applejack sighs. “Derpy… you need to face facts. Nopony could have survived an attack by Princess Celestia.” “Who’s to say Arc won’t be the first?” Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “It is possible, I suppose. After all, he’s made it through other very dangerous situations and lived to tell the tale.” Applejack frowns. “I hope you’re right. But I just can’t imagine…” Derpy gasps and points a hoof as a strange looking statue some distance ahead of them comes into view. “What’s that?!” Applejack squints. “Some kind of rock?” “It looks more like an old statue to me.” Rarity’s eyes grow wide as she cries out. “It CAN’T be!” Running over to the statue, Rarity looks at something hanging from it. “Sweetie Belle’s saddlebags!” Applejack gasps. “So she and the others DID come this way!” Derpy nods happily. “They must’ve, yes!” Applejack appears hopeful. “Anything inside it, Rarity?!” Rarity opens the clasp and looks inside. “Nothing at all. But… this is only half of it.” Derpy appears confused. “Half?” Rarity nods as she holds up the bag to show the torn strap. “Yes! It seems to be torn where it rested on her back!” Applejack’s eye twitches. “Do you think something was chasing her and the satchel just got caught, or something?!” Rarity shakes her head. “I don’t think so. The saddlebag was tied up there neatly. Had they been running it’d be lying on the ground, or something.” Derpy looks it over. “It’s also pretty clean, so I don’t think it’s been rained on.” Applejack sighs. “Hopefully this is a signal that they’re doing okay. But why would they leave this behind?” Rarity smiles. “Maybe as a sign to others that they’d been here! Sweetie Belle had to know we’d start looking for her and her friends sooner or later!” Derpy looks past the statues. “We should keep going then. After we finish our search, we can head to Baltimare and buy supplies for when the others meet us at the hotel.” Applejack grins as she runs ahead. “Come on, you two! Time’s a wasting!” They hurry on their way. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and the others trudge through the northern Hayseed Forest cautiously. Rose looks around defensively. Her weapons at the ready. Fluttershy shudders nervously. “This forest is creepy!” Rainbow Dash shrugs. “It isn’t so bad.” Pinkie nods as she bounces along. “’Yeah! But I can see why more ponies don’t come out here! It’s really off the beaten path!” Rose sighs. “We’ve only been attacked twice today” Rainbow Dash grins as she shadowboxes. “And we made short work of those pansies!” Fluttershy gasps. “A dozen Timberwolves are pansies?!” Rose nods soberly. “The odds never were in their favor.” Pinkie giggles. “You did take care of them pretty fast! How’d you do that, Rose?” Fluttershy nods. “Yes. It was like you knew where they were going to be ahead of time.” “Probability and learning their brain patterns.” Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?” “Think of it like doing the same thing over and over again. Soon enough you learn how to do it without thinking.” “Like Pinkie Sense!” Fluttershy smiles nervously. “I’m not sure that’s the best way to describe it.” Rainbow Dash grins. “Maybe not. But I’m having a blast out here!” Pinkie shrugs. “It’s not so bad with Rose here to protect us!” “Thank you everyone. But I do hope the others found them already. Heading to the southern Hayseed Forest isn’t exactly what I would call a good time.” Rainbow Dash laughs. “Why not? You’ve been kicking flank and taking names this whole time!” “That forest is less explored than this one. No one knows exactly what’s in there.” Fluttershy shudders. “It’s considered FAR more dangerous than the Everfree Forest too!” Pinkie gasps. “Really?! Then why haven’t we heard of it before?!” Rose purses her lips. “Because anyone who goes in there… is never heard from again.” Fluttershy’s eye twitches. “WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash struts along through the air. “Yeah?! Until now you mean!” Rose sighs. “It’s not so much our safety I’m concerned with. But fillies wouldn’t stand a chance in there.” Meanwhile, Twilight and Luna stand at the balcony door and look out at the setting sun. Luna smiles. “I have to say, Twilight. It’s been nice having company while delving into pony’s dreams.” “It’s absolutely incredible! Until a few days ago, I had no idea such things were even possible!” “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Truth be told, so am I.” “Helping others does give one a good feeling.” “Yes, I had forgotten that.” Twilight turns to her. “Sequestering yourself away for as long as you did… it’s not surprising.” Luna sighs. “Longer than you think.” “Oh?” “I haven’t done this since long before my banishment.” “Why’s that?” “My jealousy was all-consuming. For longer than I care to remember, I could think of nothing else but revenge.” “Even when the spell was broken and you came back?” Luna nods. “Yes. Before you and your friends used the Elements of Harmony on me, I had every intention of carrying out my plan of belated retribution against Celestia. Truthfully, I’m not sure how she was able to take me back as she did.” “Princess Celestia is a very understanding mare. When I’d make a mistake, she was always the one to encourage me to try again.” “Did she now?” Twilight nods. “Yes.” Luna puts a hoof to her chin. “I wonder… what was her reason for not trying again?” “Trying what again?” “To banish me for another thousand years. I know she had to have sensed my dark power growing the last hundred years or so.” “Maybe she was hoping there was still some good in you.” “Or she was too afraid to finish the deed she started.” Twilight frowns. “Princess Celestia isn’t afraid of ANYTHING!” “That’s where you’re wrong. My sister does indeed have many fears.” “Like what?” “Well… her greatest is… failure.” “Failure?” Luna nods. “Yes, indeed. Part of the reason she was so patient with you was the fact that your failure was her failure too.” “That I don’t understand.” “It’s how Celestia’s mind works. Accept it or don’t, because you won’t easily change it.” “Is that…bad?” “Yes and no. Yes, as Celestia in the past has often made up her mind ahead of the facts. No, since a leader needs to show that they’re committed to their beliefs.” Luna turns to Twilight. “Perhaps that’s why she connects so well with you.” “Huh?” “Spending this time with you, I remembered a mare I once knew a long time ago.” “An old friend?” Luna nods. “Yes. We were inseparable back in the old days.” “Tell me about her.” “She was brave, headstrong, reckless at times even. But when she decided she was going to accomplish something, there wasn’t anything that anypony could do or say to dissuade them. Her devotion to others and me was… something I haven’t seen in a long time.” “What was her name?” “Celestia.” “Your sister?” Luna smiles. “She’s not my sister.” Twilight gasps. “WHAT?! B-but all the history books say…!” “…what Celestia and I told them to write.” “Are you saying the two of you intentionally lied about that?!” Luna shakes her head. “No, Twilight. The reason we refer to each other as sisters is because we grew up together in an orphanage with other unicorns prior to the land’s Unification. Back then we were never apart. But when a soldier came to test us, Celestia passed and was to be taken away. I… couldn’t let her go. I wouldn’t! So I too proved myself and was taken to be trained by Star Swirl the Bearded.” Luna sighs and looks out at the setting sun. “I told Arc this some time ago. The true history of Celestia and I. He took it rather well.” “Because he hadn’t been raised to think otherwise would be my guess.” “No, Twilight. Because he too is an orphan. Arc knew what it was like to be abandoned. Left behind when everypony you ever knew either died or moved on. It’s… hard to continue forward after that.” “But you did!” “As did he.” Twilight bows her head. “Yes. He moved forward. Right into an early grave.” “No. Arc followed the path he wanted to. One that allowed him to aid so many. I told him of the dangers that came with becoming the Hero of Light. But it was something he wanted to do. And I’m sure he never regretted his decision.” “Well I do!” “Why’s that?” “Because I…! I…” “You loved him, didn’t you?” Twilight blushes. “…yes.” “Were you ever able to tell him?” “Fortunately, yes. All of my friends did actually.” “Really?” “Really. In fact, we were tentatively planning to… form a herd with him.” Luna raises an eyebrow. “You were?” “Yes.” “But that is no longer legal.” “That’s true. But isn’t the Hero of Light above the law?” “I… suppose so.” “And even if we weren’t, couldn’t an exception have been made via royal decree?” Luna nods. “Yes. However did you really expect Celestia to allow such a thing?!” “I did. After she got to know him, I’m sure even she would have agreed to this plan.” “And if she didn’t?” “Arc could have asked you for such a document.” “And if I refused?” “Our last resort would have been to travel to the Crystal Empire and make our request to Cadance. As the Princess of Love I’m sure she would have agreed and signed the document.” “But Celestia may not have accepted the validity of it outside the borders of the Crystal Empire. What then?” “We were totally willing to relocate to the empire permanently if it meant being with Arc as his wives.” “I see. And if that had failed?” “Cohabitation without a legal marriage, I suppose.” “And if the law had come to your door and ordered you to stop?” Twilight sighs. “Our final recourse would have been to place the Elements of Harmony back into the S.P.E.A.R. and relocate to Earth… permanently.” “They allow such things there?” Twilight shakes her head. “No. But we would have been happy just cohabitating with him there. Nopony could have stopped us then.” “I see that you’ve really thought this matter through. But I am surprised you would so easily leave Equestria unguarded.” “What do you mean?” “You and the others are the Element Bearers. Nopony else can control them.” “Then somepony else would have had to step forward and pick up where we left off.” “I never thought I’d hear you say those things.” Twilight smiles. “When you love someone with all your heart… nothing else matters other than the thought of being with them.” “An interesting concept.” “Haven’t you ever been in love, Luna?” Luna sighs. “No. I was always too busy with my studies and duties to see anypony. Even after Celestia and I took the thrones, we agreed not to do such things.” “Why?” “For the betterment of the country. We didn’t want somepony to attempt to gain power and prestige through a relationship with us. That’s why I was so against your brother and Cadance’s relationship.” “He mentioned that. I kinda thought you were overreacting when he told me.” “And now?” “You… may be right. But Shining Armor would NEVER do that to Cadance! He really cares about her!” “It’s best that Celestia does not know about their relationship yet. She would certainly tell her to break it off.” “Would Cadance do it?” “Probably. After all, she’s always been obedient to my sister. Understanding that she does what is best for the greater good above all.” Twilight sighs. “Sometimes you have to be just a bit selfish. After all, what good is it to make everypony else happy… if you yourself are miserable?” “There is wisdom in your words. Tell me, Twilight… where did you hear that?” Twilight smiles and puts a hoof to her chest. “My heart told me.” “Celestia and I believe the opposite. The needs of the population must come before all else.” “Do you think Arc lived by that as well?” “He seemed to, yes.” Twilight nods. “You’d be right then. When I mentioned the herd idea, he refused to even consider it until Princess Celestia had been rescued.” “What about his fiancée, Miss Cherry?” “The two of them were planning a long engagement. One that would last until he returned with Celestia. Then he was planning to resign and marry her.” Twilight sighs. “As you know… that didn’t work out.” “Seeking one’s own happiness… interesting. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Twilight.” “Arc always did that to me as well.” “Did he?” “Speaking to him, I was constantly being forced to re-evaluate that which I had always thought to be true.” “Such as?” “Humans… life… love… and my place in this world. You see, until I met him, I always assumed I would be by Princess Celestia’s side for the rest of my life. I never considered there to be anything better.” “And you now think a herd is better than a prestigious position in the castle?” Twilight nods with conviction as the sun sinks below the horizon. “With all my heart, yes.” She turns to Luna as the moon rises. It’s glow exposing a smile. “But for now, there are ponies whom need our help to give them pleasant dreams.” Luna grins. “Indeed. We must not let them down.”