“Give it your best shot, Hammer.”
A couple days later Arc and his friends sit around the table in the Town Hall. Platinum Valve hurries in.
“Sorry for making everypony wait!”
Arc chuckles. “It’s fine.”
Ember shrugs. “Yeah. When you gotta go, you gotta go.”
Hammer appears confused. “Wait! Who is this?!”
Arc clears his throat. “Just so everyone’s on the same page, this is Platinum Valve. She’s the daughter of Steel Hammer and Silver Hammer as well as an accomplished inventor.”
Sereb raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Rainbow Dash looks at the filly skeptically. “What’s she made?”
Twilight smiles. “The Matter Compacting Spell, for starters.”
Rarity turns to Arc. “Didn’t she do some work on your armor too, Arc?”
Platinum Valve nods. “Yes. I helped my parents augment Eidolon’s Ward back when Mister Arc became the Hero of Light.”
“And you installed my Hand Cannons on it as well.”
Pinkie gasps happily. “Could she do that on your new duds, Arc?!”
“Probably, yes.”
Fluttershy turns to him thoughtfully. “By the way, Arc. What’s your new armor called?”
“I haven’t actually had time to think of something.”
Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Is that bad?”
Arc shrugs. “Not really. I mean… it’s just armor, right?”
Twilight shakes her head. “I have to disagree. Every finely crafted piece of armor I’ve ever heard of has a name. This is partially to associate it with its wearer and their deeds, of course. But also to give due credit to whomever crafted it.”
Rainbow Dash grins. “So let’s come up with something then!”
Pinkie bounces up onto the table. “Let’s see that new armor, Arc! Maybe it’ll give us some ideas!”
“Sure.”
Standing, Arc calls forth his armor. Rainbow Dash grins wickedly.
“Sexy!”
Applejack nods approvingly. “It does look good on you, sugarcube.”
Ember chuckles. “Agreed! But let’s get to brainstorming here.”
Hammer grins hugely. “Uh… yeah!”
Arc turns to her. “Hammer?”
“Huh?”
He points at her before motioning to his eyes with two fingers. Hammer chuckles.
“Sorry.”
Rarity clears her throat. “Yes, well… let’s see about thinking of a name for your armor, Arc.”
Rainbow Dash takes flight. “How about ‘The Legend’?!”
Applejack frowns. “A bit… off. How about ‘Earthen Guardian’?”
Pinkie raises a hoof excitedly. “Oh! I got it! ‘Glorious’… something or other?!”
Fluttershy smiles shyly. “I vote for ‘Freedom’s Avatar’?”
Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “To me it looks more like a ‘Royal Maverick’?”
Sereb sighs. “We could just stick with ‘Eidolon’s Ward’.”
Ember groans. “That could cause confusion. I like ‘Dragonsguard’.”
Hammer grins and clenches a fist. “Well, I was thinking something more like ‘The Punisher’.”
Platinum Valve giggles. “How about ‘Iron Giant’?”
Arc shakes his head. “None of these are really striking me as something I’d want to use long term though.”
Twilight sighs. “Agreed. But then again, I can’t think of a thing.”
Sereb turns to him. “Arc?”
“Yes?”
“That figure from the chest back on Earth was your grandfather, correct?”
“Right.”
“And this was his armor, was it not?”
“What are you getting at?”
“Is it possible that this suit of armor already has a name?
Twilight nods. “It very well may, yes.”
Ember frowns. “But since your grandfather isn’t in any of the known history books it’s not likely his armor is either.”
Arc grins. “True. However there is someone who would know for certain.”
Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Princess Celestia?”
“Her too. But there’s one other.”
Platinum Valve looks to him, confused. “Who?”
“My grandfather.”
Rarity gasps. “Is he still alive?!”
Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. He died when I was a little boy.”
Applejack bows her head. “Then that knowledge died with him.”
“Not exactly.”
Reaching for his ring, Arc pulls out Cherry’s engagement pendant. Pinkie grins.
“Isn’t that Cherry’s?!”
“Yes. But now it’s so much more.”
Rainbow Dash eyes the pendant. “What are you talking about, Arc? I mean, it’s really cool looking and all, but…”
“Why don’t I just show everyone?”
Taking a deep breath, Arc holds the pendant in his palm before continuing.
“Grandpa, can you hear me?”
The visage appears from the heart. Everyone gasps as it speaks.
“I can, Arc.”
“Everyone, please meet my grandfather.”
Rainbow Dash waves a hoof nervously. “Uh… hi.”
Pinkie bounces up and down happily. “I’ll throw him a ‘Welcome to New Ponyville’ party!”
Daniel chuckles. “That will not be necessary, miss. I’m not really here.”
Hammer shrugs. “He’s a holo-whatsits.”
Sereb clears his throat. “A ‘hologram’ was the term used before.”
Daniel nods. “Correct. Now then, was there something you wanted to know, Arc?”
“Yes. The armor I inherited from you… did it have a name in the past?”
“It did indeed.”
Ember grins. “What was it?”
“Many years ago I was known as the ‘Lion of Equestria’. Hence the shape of the helmet. Therefore my armor was simply referred to as the ‘Lionheart’.”
Twilight muses to herself. “Lionheart…”
Sereb nods approvingly. “A powerful name.”
Hammer gives a thumbs up. “I like it!”
Rainbow Dash grins. “Me too, cupcake!”
Rarity raises an eyebrow. “But aren’t lions dangerous beasts?”
Fluttershy shudders. “Usually, yes.”
Pinkie waves a hoof dismissively. “They’re just big cats!”
Applejack frowns. “That may be. But they still have claws and teeth.”
Twilight puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “They’re usually seen as symbols of bravery and strength. Symbolically, anyways.”
Daniel nods. “Indeed. As I was the bearer of the last remaining suit of anti-magic armor, it fell to me to defend the realm from the darkness.”
Rarity gasps. “Anti-magic?!”
Arc chuckles. “I should probably test that. Someone want to blast me?”
Ember glares at him. “What?!”
Hammer raises a hand enthusiastically. “Me first!”
Sereb shakes his head. “Really?”
“At least I’d hold back.”
Twilight frowns. “That’s not exactly reassuring.”
Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “He does raise a good point. After all, it’d be better to find out if that claim is true now versus on the battlefield.”
Rarity sighs. “I suppose so.”
Fluttershy points a hoof toward the door. “Maybe we should go outside first though.”
Sereb nods. “Good idea.”
Stepping outside in the heat of the day Arc gives the pendant to Twilight before he walks a short distance away. Hammer stands to face him as he turns.
“Give it your best shot, Hammer.”
“Here goes…!”
Charging up, a fireball forms in her palm. Throwing it with all her might, it flies at Arc. Standing resolutely, it diffuses against the cool metal. Twilight nods approvingly.
“Interesting! Arc, you didn’t do a thing to deflect that, did you?”
Arc shakes his head. “Nope. The armor did everything.”
Hammer grins, slightly embarrassed. “Well, that probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve had. Remember, my magic isn’t very powerful.”
Ember steps forward. “Let me give it a go then.”
Arc nods. “Sure. Just do me a favor.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t hold back.”
Channeling, Ember charges up a large fireball in her palm. Throwing it with great velocity, it hits Arc squarely in the chest knocking him back. Rarity cries out.
“ARC!”
“You okay, sugarcube?!”
Arc nods as he gets up. “Fine. It just knocked me back. Do it again, Ember.”
“Uh… did you hit your head or something?”
“I said… again.”
Ember sighs. “Alright. Once again… with feeling.”
Taking a deep breath, Ember channels her magic and lobs a large fireball at Arc. However this time he uppercuts the spell as it approaches smashing it into pieces. It flies up and out of sight as the flames die out. Everyone gasps. Applejack is the first to speak.
“What the…?!”
Rainbow Dash gushes. “That… was… AWESOME!!!”
Pinkie grins. “I know, right!”
Rarity fans herself with a hoof. “Indeed! That made me a bit weak in the knees!”
Fluttershy giggles. “Me too!”
Hammer nods approvingly. “Really impressive!”
Sereb looks to Arc. “Might you tell us how you did that?”
Twilight steps forward. “I think I can explain it.”
Platinum Valve smiles. “Please do!”
Ember grins. “It’s because he’s super strong, right?”
“Partially, yes. The anti-magic properties of the armor coupled with Arc’s own magical manipulating abilities were enough to force the spell away. His physical power merely redirected the magical energy upward to seal the deal.”
Sereb raises an eyebrow. “And if he hadn’t deflected it upwards?”
“Then the spell would have broken apart and ricocheted across his armor to the side of him.”
Hammer raises an eyebrow. “So what you’re saying is that either way he would have been fine?”
Platinum Valve giggles. “I get it now! It’s all about dispersion!”
“Exactly. The spell as a whole was quite powerful. However when broken apart the force of each component was greatly diminished.”
Arc looks down at his gauntlets. “Well, I guess this proves the armor is indeed magic-proof.”
Daniel shakes his head. “Nothing is ever one-hundred percent effective, Arc. Remember, the armor can only lessen the force of spells. Inertia is still a factor though.”
“That I did feel, yes.”
He removes his helmet and looks at it for a moment.
“This will allow us to face Celestia on somewhat even ground.”
Twilight appears suddenly nervous. “Just to talk, right?”
Applejack bows her head. “Twilight, I think that boat has sailed.”
Pinkie frowns. “Right! She’s a meanie!”
Twilight gasps. “But this all just might be a big misunderstanding!”
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Look around you, Twilight! We’re hiding out in another COUNTRY because she had our entire town DESTROYED!”
Fluttershy nods sadly. “We didn’t have a chance to defend ourselves.”
Rarity sighs. “Everypony lost everything that day.”
Ember brandishes her claws. “Yeah. This can’t be allowed to happen to anyone else.”
Hammer clenches a fist. “And we’ll see to that.”
Arc turns to look east. “That we will. But for now we need to head back to Equestria.”
Sereb grins. “What is our plan?”
Arc points a finger toward the horizon. “To take it back.”
Hammer steps forward. “I’m in!”
Ember cracks her knuckles. “Me too!”
Sereb growls. “I shall accompany you as well.”
Platinum Valve looks to Arc. “We should get started then. After all, it’s a long flight.”
Arc nods. “Right.”
He turns to the others.
“Everyone going to be okay staying here?”
Fluttershy smiles. “Oh, yes.”
Applejack chuckles. “After all, I think we’re pretty safe in Abyssinia.”
“I mean staying as opposed to coming with me.”
He looks at Rarity as she shrinks back and giggles nervously.
“Well, I… um…”
“You still want to come, don’t you?”
“Yes!”
Pinkie bounces around happily. “We all do!”
Twilight sighs. “That’s right. But I do understand why you don’t want us to.”
Arc nods. “Right. This isn’t going to be safe, after all.”
Rarity raises a hoof sheepishly. “I’d… still like to come.”
Arc groans. “Rarity…”
Hammer nods soberly. “She should come, Arc.”
“Huh?”
“ I mean, just looks at her! She’s TOTALLY devoted to you!”
Ember nods approvingly. “Gotta say, Rarity’s really into this relationship.”
Sereb chuckles. “Indeed.”
“Yes, well… Twilight help me out here.”
“I think you should take Rarity.”
“Wait, what?!”
Applejack nods. “Honestly, I agree.”
Pinkie grins. “Yeah! You two shouldn’t be apart!”
Rainbow Dash hovers. “That’s right! But do you think you could do something for me, Rarity?”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“Let us all know when you and Arc have sex!”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “Uh… why?”
Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Because once you do, I’m coming for my turn!”
Applejack looks to her friend, mouth agape. “Wow…”
“I’ll do things to you that you’ve never even thought about, Arc!”
Fluttershy blushes heavily. “That’s a bit…”
“It’ll blow your mind!”
Sereb puts a paw over his face and turns away. “Not sure this is the best time to be…”
“I won’t be able to walk straight for a…!”
Twilight interrupts her. “That’s enough, Rainbow Dash!”
Hammer laughs heartily. “Yeah! Save some action for the rest of us!”
“You want in on this too, cupcake?”
“Well duh!”
“Wanna tag team him?”
“That does sound hot!”
Ember frowns. “Hey! What about me?!”
Platinum Valve looks to Arc. “I’m not sure I understand what this all means. Can you explain it to me?”
Arc facepalms. “Oh boy. Look, we all need to go. The rest of you can continue fantasizing about… this.”
Rarity runs over to Arc and extends a hoof to him.
“Shall we be off?”
“Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.”
Arc accepts Rarity’s hoof and motions for the others to follow him. Twilight turns to Rainbow Dash as they return to the Town Hall.
“What’s the matter with you?!”
“Huh?”
Applejack frowns. “Couldn’t you see that made Arc feel uncomfortable?!”
Pinkie nods. “Yeah! He practically ran out of here!”
Rainbow Dash sighs. “I did come on a bit strong, didn’t I?”
Fluttershy rolls her eyes. “A little?”
“Okay, a lot!”
Twilight groans. “Look, we all want to feel Arc on and… inside of us, Rainbow Dash. But you need to control yourself.”
Pinkie giggles. “Pushing him to do it won’t make it any easier!”
Applejack sighs. “For either of you I would imagine.”
“Sorry everypony. He’s just so… HOT!”
Fluttershy looks to the pegasus. “That’s not the issue here though.”
Applejack nods. “Right. Remember, if you really care for Arc you won’t put him in positions like that in the future.”
Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “I’ll show him positions…”
Twilight groans. “Do you need to get this out of your system?”
“Yeah!”
“Fine. Start talking.”
“So first I was thinking I would go down on him before…!”
Everyone listens to the extreme details of Rainbow Dash’s sexual fantasies. Meanwhile, Arc and company board The Equinox. Arc touches his earring.
“Arc to Bridge.”
Lemon Hearts’ voice rings out. “Bridge here.”
“Is the ship ready to go?”
Soarin nods. “Yes sir.”
“Good. Tell me, is Auriel still working down in Engineering?”
Wrangler chuckles. “Yup. She and Stellar Flare are trying to come up with new ways to modify the engines along with the O.R.B. system.”
“That might come in handy later if things don’t work out as planned.”
Ember raises an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t they…?”
“I’d rather fly away than stay and fight.”
Hammer grins as she pulls out her gun. “Why?”
“Because they’re Equestrians.”
Sereb growls. “And traitors.”
Rarity gasps. “But they’re just following orders!”
Platinum Valve scowls. “Just because a superior tells them to do something doesn’t make it right though!”
Thunderlane nods approvingly. “Agreed. We’re sworn to protect Equestria and its citizens. Not be used as cannon fodder by the monarchs.”
Arc sighs. “That and I’d rather be able to go around a fight than into one. I’ll need Auriel to help with this whole statue thing when the time comes.”
Platinum Valve looks to him. “What about me?”
“The two of you will be working together on it. Hopefully that’ll lead to an increase in productivity.”
Hammer chuckles. “It ain't a race, Arc.”
Moon Dancer nods soberly. “To a degree, it is.”
Ember raises an eyebrow. “How do you figure?”
Sereb growls. “If we don’t do this in time, innumerable ponies may pay the price of our failure. Correct?”
Wrangler grits her teeth. “Right. But that doesn’t mean we have to be passive about it.”
Lemon Heart sighs. “Stealth will most likely serve us well in the coming days.”
Arc nods. “Agreed. Let’s not let them down.”
Thunderlane nods. “What course do you want set, sir?”
“Head for Horseshoe Bay. I want to fly northwest, but south of the bay.”
Soarin raises an eyebrow. “Sir? Won’t that put us in visual range of Baltimare?”
“Yes. But Twilight’s agreed to send a very special letter that I’ve written to Celestia once we give her the go-ahead.”
Ember chuckles. “All part of the master plan, Arc?”
Hammer grins menacingly. “You’re trying to freak out that royal pain in Canterlot?”
“Not exactly. Ultimately I need Decimus to act, as he’s the one pulling the strings at the moment. But getting to Celestia is the secondary objective, yes.”