“Wait! You… you were intoxicated, Twilight?”
Arc and Twilight enter the room together. Celestia and Luna are talking at the table as the youngest princess runs over.
“Princess Celestia!”
Celestia smiles warmly. “Twilight! You’re alright!”
The pair embrace warmly as Luna looks to Arc. He silently motions with a finger toward the door as Luna shakes her head. Giving them a few moments to nuzzle, Luna eventually clears her throat to bring the pair back to reality.
“Sister?”
“Yes, Luna?”
“While I know you’re overjoyed to see that Twilight is doing alright, we do have very important matters to discuss.”
Celestia sighs. “I understand. Shall we continue?”
Twilight motions with a hoof to the door. “Yes, please do so. I’ll… just see myself out so you two can eat.”
Celestia appears confused. “But you’re needed here too, Twilight.”
“I am?”
“Of course. You ARE a princess now.”
Luna nods. “Indeed.”
Twilight bows her head. “While I know that’s true, I’m still having some trouble adjusting to it.”
Taking a deep breath, she looks Celestia in the eye before continuing.
“However… there’s something I need to say first.”
“What is it, Twilight?”
“Um… I… just wanted to inform you that… our nation’s Hero of Light is here to see you.”
She turns and motions for Arc to approach. Sighing, he does so. Noticing him for the first time, Celestia bristles and moves to position herself between Twilight and Arc.
“Hello.”
“Uh… good evening, I suppose.”
Twilight smiles nervously. “Remember, he was the one whom brought you back to Equestria.”
“It was a group effort, but yes.”
Luna looks to Twilight. “Indeed. I’ve been doing my best to bring Celestia up to speed on what’s happened this past year or so.”
Celestia sighs as she sits back down. “It’s… been a hard time for all of us.”
Twilight smiles at her friend. “I know, Princess Celestia. But you’re safe now. And I’ve been wanting to… introduce you to my friend here for the longest time.”
She points a hoof at Arc before continuing.
“This is Arc. He’s a human that I accidentally brought to Equestria through the Crystal Mirror.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “You… brought him here?”
“Yes. I was doing some experiments, and I…”
Celestia interrupts. “But how did you come into possession of that particular mirror?”
Luna sighs. “That was my fault, sister.”
“You, Luna?”
“I sent it to Twilight along with a message telling her to use it to research exotic plants from beyond Equestria.”
“But… why?”
“To keep her busy.”
Twilight nods soberly. “At the time Luna was trying to keep me from figuring out that something had happened to you.”
“We didn’t have any idea what had transpired nor where you had gone, sister. I figured it would be a good way to keep her away from the castle for a time.”
Celestia nods. “And you brought through a human… how, exactly?”
“A bit too much apple cider.”
“Wait! You… you were intoxicated, Twilight?”
Twilight nods sadly. “Yes, I was.”
Celestia smiles widely. “That’s a relief!”
Twilight appears confused. “Princess Celestia?”
“Thanks to that fact, you’re not liable for his actions. At least not completely.”
Luna chuckles. “A shame.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Luna?”
“He’s done nothing but be helpful to Equestria since arriving.”
Arc smiles nervously. “I try to be, yes.”
Twilight giggles. “And you do very well at it, Arc.”
Luna looks to Celestia. “Yes, he’s set a fair number of ‘firsts’, dear sister.”
“Has he now? Such as?”
Twilight thinks for a moment. “Well… um… he was the first to come to our aid when Ponyville was attacked by an Ursa Minor the day he arrived.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “An Ursa Minor? In Ponyville?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps he was responsible for its presence.”
“Not possible, as he had only been there for a very short time. Not long enough to do anything really. Well, other than carry Spike and I to bed after we passed out.”
“Carry to bed…?”
Luna frowns. “What was that, sister?”
“Nothing. Go on, Twilight.”
“He was also the first and only one to be injured in the attack.”
Arc puts a hand on his stomach. “Still have a nasty scar there too.”
Luna chimes in. “All certainly true, dear Twilight. But I was referring to a few different… impressive firsts.”
Celestia turns to Luna. “Do tell.”
“For starters, he’s the first individual to be able to pass through the Gates of Tartarus.”
“WHAT?!”
Arc nods. “It’s true.”
Twilight smiles nervously. “Yes, he dove right through.”
Celestia narrows her eyes. “And his crime?!”
Twilight bows her head. “Not being given a chance to explain himself.”
Celestia frowns as she turns to Luna. “Was he not given a trial?”
Luna sighs. “No, sister. But Twilight will tell you why.”
“I… went to visit him at his new home after Spike told me he needed my help. We found a bloody mare on the kitchen table and him standing next to her, also covered in blood, while holding a spear.”
“The how did he leave Tartarus?!”
Arc chuckles. “Simple. I wasn’t guilty of anything.”
Celestia groans. “This isn’t making any sense!”
Twilight looks away, clearly embarrassed. “Yes, well… I jumped to conclusions back then and assumed he’d murdered the mare. So I opened a portal to Tartarus and sent him through.”
Celestia frowns. “But how could there be a bloody mare, a bloody human, and nopony was at fault?!”
“I had just delivered her foal.”
Celestia scoffs. “Ponyville has an excellent hospital though!”
“The weather made it impossible to get there.”
Twilight nods. “Right. Thanks to his quick thinking that foal made it into the world safely.”
Celestia looks to Arc. “How long were you in Tartarus, human?”
“Around six months if I recall correctly.”
“And you just… walked out?”
“With Twilight’s help, yes.”
Twilight sighs. “I didn’t tell him how to escape before banishing him. So I had to break into Tartarus and tell him the truth.”
Arc nods. “We also freed a bunch of innocent ponies trapped there.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “Innocents? In Tartarus?”
“They were the descendants of those banished there years ago.”
“And where are these ponies now?”
Twilight motions toward a window with a wave of her hoof. “Resettled here in Equestria.”
Luna nods. “Cadance gave them permission to build their own village.”
“She did? But would it not have been better for them to have been relocated to…”
Arc interrupts. “They were rather… skittish after the battle.”
Celestia gasps. “Battle?!”
Twilight groans. “That was my fault as well. My friends and I were able to lower the barrier to allow me into Tartarus. But that meant we had to keep the demons from getting out.”
Luna smiles. “Cadance sent forces to help with that.”
“And you, sister?”
“I was unaware such a thing was occurring.”
Twilight looks away. “Right. The only one whom knew was Cadance. And that letter was only sent after it was too late for her to stop me.”
Celestia facehoofs. “Twilight… how many demons escaped?”
“None fortunately.”
Arc nods. “Right.”
Celestia appears skeptical. “Are you certain? After all, if the barrier was lowered once before it may be weakened. Somepony should go and…”
Luna interrupts. “That will not be necessary, sister.”
“Why not?!”
“Because the ponies whom were freed now guard the Gates of Tartarus.”
Twilight nods. “They built their village just outside the cave entrance to safeguard Equestria.”
“I would like to see this village for myself along with its citizens.”
Luna frowns. “Another day, sister.”
“That I shall remember. But how did he go from an escapee to the Hero of Light?”
“The previous Heroes of Light vouched for me.”
Celestia gasps. “But they’ve been missing for years.”
Twilight smiles. “Yes, Princess Celestia. But they came back to help us free him and announced they were stepping down before all of Ponyville.”
Luna sighs. “Arc took their insignias and presented them to me. Together we lay them to rest in the Mausoleum.”
Celestia gasps. “And that was enough for you?!”
Luna nods. “Yes. Remember, they and I were close friends for many years before their disappearance. Their word was more than satisfactory for Cadance and I to offer Arc the position as Equestria’s first non-pony Hero of Light.”
Arc looks away nervously. “Something like that.”
Twilight nods soberly. “And he’s done an amazing job of keeping Equestria safe since then too.”
“Indeed sister. Sometime after he was appointed, Cadance and I were stricken with illness and unable to awaken.”
Celestia’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But… but how?!”
“We were trapped in the Lunar Realm together.”
“And Captain Decimus took over as temporary ruler?”
Twilight shakes her head. “No. Arc did.”
“That isn’t possible, Twilight. Captain Decimus would have quickly pointed out that he’s not an Equestrian and taken the position himself.”
Luna clears her throat loudly. “Begging your pardon, sister, but he is.”
“Is what?”
Arc steps forward. “I’m an Equestrian.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “That did nothing to clear it up.”
Twilight grins. “After he saved my life… again, Cadance told Arc she would grant him a royal decree as a reward. He used it to ask for citizenship.”
“That I did. As such, according to the decree she signed, I now have all the rights and privileges any mare or stallion of this land does.”
Luna chuckles. “Another first.”
Twilight nods. “And with that status he became Equestria’s first Lord Regent.”
Arc shrugs. “It was the title I chose to use as ruler.”
“Arc also saw to it Cadance and I were cared for in addition to doing our jobs full time.”
Twilight smiles. “That and he made sure a cure was found for you two.”
Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “It did take quite some time, of course. Longer still after they awakened.”
Luna appears slightly embarrassed. “We had to relearn how to walk and fly due to the atrophy.”
Twilight beams with pride. “And when they were ready Arc publicly stepped down and reappointed them as princesses.”
Celestia makes a circular motion with her hoof. “And…?”
“Then I went camping with my family.”
Celestia frowns. “Family? There are other humans in Equestria?!”
Twilight shakes her head. “He means the mare and the foal he delivered. They’re really happy together.”
“So he was also the first human to wed a mare?”
“No. While I do care about her and my daughter deeply, her mother and I aren’t actually married.”
Celestia narrows her eyes. “Afraid of commitment, are we?”
Arc sighs. “Afraid of not having time for them.”
Luna nods. “Arc’s a very busy individual.”
Twilight quickly chimes in. “But he’s always done his best to be there as a father for the filly.”
Celestia nods soberly as she turns to Arc. “What is her name?”
“Dinky.”
Twilight nods. “Her mother picked it.”
“And are you planning to marry her mother?”
“I’d like to get to know her better first. But I think we’d be very happy together.”
Luna sighs. “Indeed. But we are straying from the conversation at hoof.”
Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. “Yes, well… other firsts…”
Luna grins. "He was the first human to have complete command over an Equestrian airship."
Celestia gasps. "Your ship, Luna?!"
"Yes, it's been named the 'Lunar Destiny', sister."
Twilight giggles. "He was also the first human to command a squad of Lunar Defenders."
Arc grins. “I was also the first human to gain the Blessing of the Dragon Lord.”
Celestia appears skeptical. “Did you now?”
“Yes. I proved myself to Torch numerous times and was granted his favor.”
“And what did that entail?”
Arc casts a Telekinesis Spell on a nearby vase as he turns to Celestia.
“Dragon Magic.”
Celestia gasps. “WHAT?! HOW?!”
Twilight shrugs. “Dragon Lord Torch picked him up and breathed some kind of strange magical smoke onto him.”
“After that I could use magic.”
Luna smiles. “He’s gotten pretty good with it too.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow. “How… skilled exactly?”
Twilight grins. “Some time ago Arc was able to make his own pocket dimension with Realm Magic.”
“Yes, I call it my Sanctuary.”
Luna shrugs. “While not truly verifiable, it is likely he was the first human to be able to do so.”
Twilight turns to Celestia and grins. “Then there was the treaty that he formed with the Griffon Kingdom.”
“I can’t actually take credit for that one. After all, Luna and Cadance were the ones whom actually wrote it.”
“That is true, Arc. However you were the one to finally crack their social shell.”
Celestia frowns. “You were accepted by them?!”
“Yes, I was. And thanks to that document quite a few orphaned griffon younglings now call Equestria home.”
“There are griffons living at the New Beginnings Orphanage?”
Luna shakes her head. “No, sister. That facility was abandoned some time ago.”
“Why?”
Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It wasn’t in the best shape. Especially after Tempest and I fought there.”
“You survived HER?!”
“While it wasn’t an easy fight, I was able to take her down.”
Luna grits her teeth angrily. “Arc presented Cadance and I with damning evidence showing gross negligence and abuse on the matron’s part. Had she not gotten away that day we would have eagerly imprisoned her.”
Arc nods. “With your sister’s approval a new orphanage was built outside Ponyville. It’s just down the path from my base.”
Celestia puts a hoof to her chin, thoughtfully. “I thought I saw another building through the trees. That was the orphanage?”
Twilight nods. “Yes, it was.”
“Was anypony there hurt during the recent battle?!”
Arc shakes his head. “No, the building was empty at the time.”
Twilight appears relieved. “Arc relocated them to Abyssinia along with the rest of Ponyville.”
“I’m sure they’re eager to come home as well.”
Luna sighs. “But without homes that would be impossible.”
Celestia taps the table with a hoof. “Ponyville must be rebuilt then post-haste!”
Arc nods. “Agreed. But rebuilding a town isn’t something that’s done overnight.”
Luna stands. “Then we had best get started. Twilight, call for Hard Hat at once. He’ll know where to begin.”
“That might be a problem.”
Celestia appears confused. “How so?”
Arc frowns. “He’s in Abyssinia with the refugees. They needed lodgings built, and I needed to get him out of Canterlot.”
Celestia glares at him. “So you DID kidnap him!”
“Kinda, yes.”
Luna puts a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “I’m sure Arc had a good reason.”
“Right. I was worried he would help Decimus repair the airship I sabotaged.”
Celestia seethes. “That was YOU?!”
Arc nods. “Everything that happened that night was indeed part of my plan.”
Twilight frowns. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t take me with you back then.”
“At the time you were needed here to watch over your friend and be here for the country.”
Luna nods. “A princess can’t just up and leave whenever she wants, after all.”
Twilight raises an eyebrow. “But didn’t you…?”
“Extenuating circumstances, Twilight.”
Arc sighs. “I think all of us did certain things back then that we’re not proud of.”
There is a long silence as Twilight looks to her mentor. Eventually she breaks it.
“Princess Celestia, is there something you’d like to say?”
Celestia nods. “Yes. Luna?”
“Sister?”
“Would you please see to it that a ship is sent to Abyssinia to retrieve Hard Hat? I need his expertise to begin the rebuilding process.”
“I will, yes.”
Twilight appears confused. “Princess Celestia…?”
Celestia stands slowly and looks to her bed. “At the moment I think I need to rest.”
Arc looks to Twilight. “As do you.”
“But I’d like to help Luna…”
“Remember what we both promised Shining Armor.”
Twilight sighs and nods before continuing.
“I… I know. And I’d like to apologize for the state of your room, Princess Celestia.”
Celestia looks around at the stacks of books lying around. “You were staying here I assume.”
Luna nods. “Yes, sister. Your room was the logical choice for security reasons.”
Twilight quickly chimes in. “I’ll make sure it’s cleaned bright and early tomorrow.”
“That’s alright, Twilight. It’s really not too bad. A few books out of order aren’t cause for concern.”
“While I appreciate your understanding, I’d still like to return this room to you in better condition than I found it.”
“Very well. But for now we should rest.”
Luna steps forward. “Agreed.”
Twilight appears hopeful. “Might I stay with you tonight though?”
Celestia smiles and nods. “I’d like that.”
Arc looks to the door. “Well… I suppose we’ll see you two in the morning then.”
Celestia ignores Arc. “We need to get a good night’s rest, Twilight. After all, morning audiences come early.”
Luna frowns. “Audiences?”
“Yes. The public needs to know that their voices are heard.”
Arc folds his arms over his chest. “It’s a bit soon for that though.”
Twilight nods. “I agree, Princess Celestia. You need your rest.”
“Believe me when I say that I’m quite alright, Twilight.”
Luna raises an eyebrow. “But you have yet to be examined by Doctor Whooves, sister.”
Arc narrows his eyes. “Or Emerald Dream.”
Celestia appears confused. “Who?”
Twilight chimes in. “She’s a very skill psychiatrist.”
Celestia frowns. “A… psychiatrist?”
“Yes, sister. At the very least you should be cleared by both of them before returning to your normal duties.”
“I will see Doctor Whooves later this week when time permits.”
Twilight gasps. “But, Princess Celestia…!”
Celestia interrupts her. “Twilight, please believe me when I say that I’m fine.”
“Well… I suppose you know what’s best.”
Arc narrows his eyes. “I disagree.”
Celestia turns to Arc and frowns. “Oh really?”
“Yes, princess. You should listen to your student and see to your own health first.”
“Please do, sister.”
Celestia groans. “As I said, I will submit to an examination…”
Arc interrupts her. “…at the earliest possible convenience.”
Celestia narrows her eyes as she looks at Arc. “Need I remind you, human, that a princess does not take orders from the Hero of Light?"
“That may be. However I was told that the Hero of Light position was created to be a last defense against an out of control monarch.”
Luna nods. “You are correct, Arc.”
“And that it was my duty to take whatever steps necessary to bring a situation involving such a thing under control.”
Celestia frowns. “What are you getting at?”
“At present, I don’t believe the situation has been rectified.”
Twilight appears confused. “But what more could be done?”
“Princess Celestia MUST submit to a physical and mental examination prior to returning to her duties.”
Celestia glares at him. “You have NO RIGHT to tell me what to…!”
Luna clears her throat loudly. “According to the law, sister, he does.”
Celestia scoffs. “And if I refuse?”
Arc frowns. “Are you planning to?”
Celestia nods defiantly. “I am.”
“Very well.”
Arc takes a deep breath and meets Celestia’s stone-cold gaze evenly as he begins to speak.
“Princess Celestia… as the nation’s Hero of Light, I hereby relieve you of your royal duties.”
Celestia grits her teeth. “WHAT?!”
Twilight gasps as she hurries over to him. ”Arc! Are you… are you FIRING HER?!”
Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. But in the best interest of the nation I’m requiring her to be cleared for duty mentally and physically before retaking the throne.”
Celestia seethes with barely controlled rage. “Why you… you little…!”
“Sister, please!”
“Yes, Princess Celestia! Arc’s only concerned for your health!”
Arc nods soberly. “Right. And after all that’s happened to you, both on Earth and here in Equestria, I don’t believe my decision is illogical or unwarranted.”
He holds out a hand before continuing.
“Now then, please relinquish your badges of rank.”
“No! You cannot…!”
Luna interrupts her. “Celestia. Stop.”
“But he…!”
“…is being very reasonable right now.”
Celestia gasps. “Reasonable?!”
Luna nods. “Yes. After all, I think we both remember the punishment meted out to the last individual who’s actions imperiled the nation.”
There is a tense silence for a time. Eventually Celestia nods and reaches up with a hoof to her crown. Pulling it off her head she looks at it for a long moment before holding it out to Arc along with her choker. Casting a Telekinesis Spell, he pulls them to himself as Luna turns to her.
“Thank you, sister.”
Celestia sighs. “What choice did I have?”
Arc nods. “I appreciate your cooperation.”
He turns to Luna.
“Might you hold on to these for the time being?”
Luna nods. “Very well. I will keep them on my nightstand.”
Twilight turns to him. “Will you be taking over as Lord Regent again, Arc?”
Arc shakes his head. “No, Twilight. As per the law, that is only an option when there is no princess willing or able to take the throne. Princess Luna and Princess Cadance are fully capable of ruling the nation in the meantime.”
“And… me?”
“You are free to rule alongside them, of course.”
Luna puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Might I suggest an alternative, Arc?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“As you know, my sister has been through quite a bit. It might be beneficial for her to have Twilight by her side regularly.”
Twilight nods. “I’d like that. Would that be acceptable, Arc?”
“It’s totally up to you, Twilight.”
“Then I’ll do it! With Princess Celestia’s permission, of course.”
Celestia nods. “Yes, I believe we have much time to make up.”
Arc turns back to the door. “Then we should let you get to it.”
Luna nods. “I hope you two sleep well.”
She motions for Arc to follow her as pupil and student head for the rug in front of the fireplace. Leaving the room, the guards outside close the door behind them as Arc and Luna proceed down the corridor together.
“I don’t like this.”
Luna sighs. “Which part?”
“Pretty much the whole thing.”
“That doesn’t really clear it up.”
“Sorry. I mean Celestia’s attitude toward everything she was told.”
“My sister did believe it though.”
“Really?”
Luna nods. “Yes. Had she not she would have said so.”
Arc chuckles nervously. “I was half expecting her to blast me a couple times back there.”
“Not in front of Twilight she wouldn’t.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. If I know my sister, she would never intentionally do anything to make Twilight sad or angry.”
“And you?”
Luna turns to him. “What about me?”
“How do you feel with Celestia back?”
“I’m happy, of course.”
“You didn’t appear so though.”
“Yes, well… I am a bit… miffed at her attitude toward both you and I.”
“Jealous?”
Luna sighs. “Slightly, yes. And you?”
“A bit.”
“Celestia and Twilight have always been close. I am not trying to come between them. Especially right now.”
“I know how you feel.”
“Your feelings for Twilight?”
Arc nods. “Yeah. I’d rather her be with me than Celestia.”
“Then why didn’t you do or say anything back there?”
“For the same reason you didn’t. Because Twilight genuinely cares for Celestia and she for her.”
Luna smirks. “Is that the only reason?”
Arc frowns as they continue on. “That and I wouldn’t be a very good friend to her if I tried to break them apart.”
He looks down at the crown and choker in his hands.
“It was hard enough for me to insist that she temporarily step down.”
“But it was necessary nonetheless.”
“Yes, well… it does make it look like I’m trying to usurp her.”
“A bit, yes. However you were quick to dismiss the notion of you again sitting on the throne.”
Arc shrugs. “Just following the law on that one. After all, you and Cadance are capable of leading the nation right now.”
“We would still welcome your help though.”
Arc shakes his head. “I need to start stepping back.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“Partially so that I can retire and have a life of my own.”
“And the other part?”
Arc stops and looks out the window at the setting sun. Glancing down at the items in his hands he sighs.
“I’ve gone too far in the past with some of the things I’ve done.”
“Have you now?”
“The peace treaty… my dealings with Prince Rutherford… the fiasco with the Ogre Nation…”
“I think you handled them well.”
“Things went alright. But they could have gone sideways fast.”
Luna sighs and puts a fetlock on his shoulder as she speaks. “In my time as a princess I’ve learned two things. First, to expect the unexpected. Second, to not expect more of somepony than they are capable of accomplishing.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You are capable of much, Arc. Therefore we have entrusted you with great responsibilities.”
“But you couldn’t really have stopped me.”
“We could have, yes. Had Cadance and I agreed that you were out of line, the two of us could have voted to strip you of your power and position.”
“Not sure why you didn’t a time or two.”
“Because we have faith in you, Arc. And we believe that you, and those with you, act in the best interest of the nation as a whole. Remember… nopony can ask any more of you than that.”
Arc nods as they turns to look out the window again. For a time neither of them speaks. Eventually Arc chuckles.
"I just realized something."
Luna raises an eyebrow. "Have you now?"
"We all forgot something very important back there."
"Did we now?"
"Yes!"
"And what was that?"
Arc grins and puts a hand on his stomach. "The dinner cart."