In our previous volume, having finished their interviews, Celestia asks a few follow up questions on what she was lied to about. Filling in a few gaps, the conversations turns to the changeling interference. Suggesting that a more direct approach may be needed, Celestia announces her intent to go to war. Arc reminds her that she does not have the authority to do such a thing. She recommends Twilight for the task with her as an advisor. Hearing this, Arc volunteers to come along as Twilight’s bodyguard. Asking when they will attack, he is told that it is dangerous to do so before spring. Hoping to come up with something in the interim, the best they can do is to remain vigilantly defensive in the meantime.
Leaving the room, Arc and Twilight face the others waiting in the corridor. Talking over how things went, Twilight tells them that Celestia desires a chance to speak more on these matters over dinner. Speaking of what to do as they head to the Dining Room, they enter together and figure out the seating arrangements. Celestia enters with Luna and Cadance as Twilight leads her mentor to her seat. A Hoof Maiden is ordered to start the serving process. Looking over the meal, Celestia compliments the food as they eat. As the conversation is turned by her into human’s carnivorous appetites the mares agree that Arc needs such things to stay healthy. Not only that, but several agree that, were they humans, they too would try meat. As the conversation strays from what Arc did at the New Beginning’s Orphanage, Applejack asks Arc to dinner at her place with the family. Her mind working quickly, Celestia questions Arc’s motives and feelings behind his future herd. Challenging him to a science experiment, Celestia tells the pair to go out on a very special date together. Applejack agrees as does Arc.
The next evening Arc stands in his room wearing his finest clothes. Rarity and Twilight enter together and walk over to him. Telling Arc that Applejack will be ready soon Twilight apologizes for Celestia’s behavior. Reminding them that he was going to date them all eventually, Arc convinces them that all is well. A knock at the door reveals Auriel and Scootaloo however. Telling Arc that Celestia wanted them to pass on a message that Applejack would be late, they confess that the alicorn then entered Applejack’s room personally. Half an hour later there is another knock. Assuming it is Applejack for real this time Arc opens a portal for the others to escape through. Answering the knock, he comes face to face with Celestia. Telling him that Applejack will meet him in the Royal Gardens, Celestia informs Arc that she will be escorting him there. As they walk she promises to do whatever it takes to stop him should he ever harm an innocent pony. Entering the gardens, they spot his date. However the sight of her causes Arc to pause.
Walking over to Applejack, Arc sees that she has been turned into a human woman. Celestia lays out the rules of the evening to both parties before telling them to close their eyes. Doing so, the pair find themselves transported to Arc’s house back on Earth. Getting in the Jeep, he drive her out to the country. They see several horses whom race the Jeep. Coming to their destination, Arc shows Applejack an old abandoned orchard. Tasing an apple though she finds them to be very tart. Offering to take her to the store to see other apples, Arc ask if they can make a bit of a stop elsewhere first.
Arriving at Shelly’s Kitchen, they meet with Lily whom leads the pair into the Kitchen. Seeing Frank again they talk for a few moments before Snake, Jackal, and Wolf walk in carrying supplies. Shelly follows using a cane to walk ever so slowly. Overjoyed to see his friend still alive, he embraces her happily before Applejack helps her upstairs. Sitting down in the Kitchen, Shelly takes her medication as she tells Arc that she’s undergoing a new treatment regime. Seeing that it’s working, he is relieved. Telling them all of the trouble in Equestria, the topic moves to talks of lunch. After eating Arc helps Shelly to her room for an after dinner nap.
Leaving the restaurant, Arc and Applejack head for the grocery store. After giving her a crash course into human vernacular they enter the store together. Applejack marvels at the massive diversity of the food before them. Explaining the different apple types Arc picks out a number of different kinds for them to purchase. Walking through the rest of the store Applejack becomes squeamish as they pass the meat counter. Reassuring Arc that she isn’t against him eating such things they move on. After checking out and heading for home the pair try out the numerous apple types together. Asking if she’s ready to go out, the pair change out of their fancy clothes as they decide to go casual.
Making the drive to Roberto’s Pizza, they sit down in the private dining room together and eat. Arc explains his reasoning for the long engagements as well as how relationships work. Applejack tells of her own bad habits working too hard as well as bowing to her friend’s wants and desires over her own. At the end of the evening they return to Arc’s house just as the streetlights come on. Entering the house they head to the bedrooms to change back into their formalwear. Arc pulls out the Rainbow of Light and attempts to open a portal. However nothing happens. Unable to ask his grandfather for advice or raise anyone in Equestria over the airwaves he recommends that they wait for Twilight to come for them. Escorting Applejack upstairs, Arc gives her some night clothes from the dresser before heading back to his parent’s room.
Waking up the next morning to the smell of eggs and hash browns Arc heads downstairs to find Applejack cooking breakfast. Deciding to try and perfect a recipe with their spare time, they head to the store. Picking up a cookbook, Applejack choses to make Tomato Soup. Gathering all the ingredients they pay and head for home. As she slices the tomatoes Applejack confesses to Arc how her mother died giving birth to Apple Bloom. Admitting that she treated her baby sister badly until being told that it was her mother’s will that Apple Bloom live. Promising to be a better big sister, Applejack tells him of her desire to make up for those times by being a bit overprotective. He promises to be there with her when she tells Apple Bloom the truth about what happened.
As they eat, Applejack tells Arc of Granny Smith’s condition. Confiding in him that she is going downhill, Arc asks what could be done for her future needs. Telling him that she may soon need more care than the family can give, Applejack informs Arc that the closest public nursing home is on Manehattan. Not wanting her to be so far from the mare whom raised her, Arc asks if there is something in Ponyville. Admitting that the hospital has such facilities she then begrudgingly tells Arc that they are unable to afford payments for such care. Volunteering to pay for a room at the hospital should Granny Smith need it, Applejack jumps into his arms happily.
Pulling away nervously, they head to the kitchen to do the dishes. Arc washes while Applejack rinses and dries. Wishing she could be an Unicorn, Applejack voices her idea of being turned into on by the spell used to turn her into a human. Arc asks why she wants such a thing, naturally. Applejack tells him how she wants it to make everything easier for herself as well as her loved ones. Pointing out the pros and cons, Arc agrees to talk to Twilight about it if she’s serious. Turning down the offer, Applejack admits that it was just a bit of a pipe dream she kept in the back of her head. Asking Arc which he would chose if he had to, Arc said he’d stay in Equestria over Earth. Asking what she wants to do that afternoon Applejack comes up with nothing. Offering a bit of an idea involving the great outdoors Arc takes Applejack to the mall to buy her a swimsuit. As she tries it on he sits on a bench. Musing to himself he remembers meeting Hammer on the same one some time ago. Finding the suit to be a perfect fit they leave and head for home.
After eating a quick and simple breakfast the pair head to the garage together. Shrinking down the Jeep, Arc puts it in his ring and makes a sigil on the garage floor. Powering it up, he teleports both of them to the middle of the woods. Resizing the Jeep, they pull out two tents and set them up. Changing into their swimming gear they head for the beach. Applejack becomes apprehensive approaching the water in her human form so Arc goes in with her. Walking her in up to her belly, she announces her willingness to go on alone. Lunging forward she starts doggie paddling as Arc watches her for safety. After joining in the fun with her for some time Arc askes Applejack if she wants to go on a hike. Returning to the tents they get changes and put on their boots. Walking for a time, he explains the events of the last camping trip they had their with the squad and his little family. Telling her about bocce ball and volleyball, Arc explains the rules of both as they head back to camp. Wanting to sit down, Arc pulls the cloth chairs from the back of the Jeep. Spotting a box inside he opens it up to expose his bocce ball set and volleyball gear.
The pair spend the day playing bocce ball, swimming, and hiking. As the sun sets Arc builds a fire and suggests they roast some vegetables over an open flame. Doing so they begin talking about the herd. Applejack confesses that the idea has come between her and Big Macintosh whom believes she should be in a traditional marriage. Asking his advice, Arc tells her to just show her brother just how happy she is with the idea. Turning the question around he makes her feel what her brother is before asking a questions of his own. Pointing out that he could only be with each of them once every ten days or so to make things fair, Arc voices his thoughts considering Rainbow Dash’s offhand comment regarding sharing. Applejack tells him not to do things that would make him uncomfortable, as he deserves better than just to be used. Suddenly a drop of water lands on Arc’s head. Running back to the campsite they find their tents soaking wet. Jumping into the Jeep they lay down in the front seat together. Arc covers them with an old blanket to keep warm as a storm rolls in. Applejack hides under the cover as Arc takes her hand in an effort to comfort her before falling asleep.
Waking up the next morning Arc finds Applejack very ill. Helping her out of the Jeep she immediately falls down and vomits. Picking her up, Arc carries her through a portal to his basement. Suddenly begging for the bathroom he carries her there where she promptly blows up the toilet. Taking her upstairs Arc gets the water going in the shower. Leaving so she can undress properly, Arc heads downstairs to get Applejack some cough syrup and orange juice. Returning to the bathroom he finds her in the shower. Carefully handing her the medicine, she chases it with the orange juice. Confessing that she puked in the shower, Applejack comes clean about not making it to the toilet in time earlier. Arc takes her soiled clothes to the washing machine to take care of the smell before heading back upstairs. Finding his friend out and dressed he carries her downstairs to lie on the couch in front of the television with a pillow and blanket. Complaining she is too hot Arc recommends that she stick her feet out to stay cool. Doing so Applejack tells him she feels achy. Offering to rub her feet, Applejack agrees. However as he does so she becomes somewhat... aroused. Yes, Applejack has a foot fetish.
As noon rolls around Arc suggests that Applejack eat something if possible. Admitting that she is feeling better, he heads to the kitchen to make her something. Coming back sometime later with a bowl of soup, Arc tells Applejack that it’s called Chicken Noodle Soup. Seeing her unwariness he informs her that he carefully removed every bit of chicken prior to serving it to her. As she eats Applejack tells of a strange taste. Admitting that it’s probably from the meat he removed Applejack still eats the food as provided. Continuing to watch television together, Applejack becomes agitated as a storm rolls in. Clearly frightened, Arc suggests sitting next to her with the blanket covering both of them for a time. As Applejack becomes more and more tired Arc allows her to lay her head in his lap before she falls asleep entirely.
Waking up the next morning, Applejack accidently grabs Arc’s... stallionhood. After apologizing profusely she and Arc make eggs and pancakes. Discussing what to do with their day, Arc confesses that he had planned to take her out to the countryside to see a farm. Suggesting that they clean the house due to the bad weather, they eventually head up to the attic together. Showing Applejack some of the items he had as a child they move on to pictures of his grandfather, Daniel... the original Hero of Light. Expressing her worry that they may indeed be stuck on Earth forever, Arc consoles Applejack by promising to marry and support her should that happen. Agreeing to continue their engagement, she makes an unknown request as the chapter ends.
Getting dressed up, the pair head out for a second date. As they drive, Arc does his best to try and persuade Applejack that she doesn’t need to do this. Agreeing, she still continues on with their plans. Arriving at a restaurant they enter and are approaches by a waitress named ‘Tia’. As she goes to get their drinks Arc and Applejack pick out appetizers. Putting in the order Arc helps Applejack choose what entree to get. Settling one Ribeye Steaks, Arc asks for his medium and Applejack’s medium rare as it has less red. As they are brought out he explains how best to eat the meat. Demonstrating, he chews and swallows. Applejack asks him to put the meat in her mouth. Doing so, she squeezes her eyes shut nervously. Tasting the food for the first time she notes the unique flavor and texture. Swallowing, Applejack admits that she like the steak as she and Arc continue with their meal.
Finishing, Tia asks the pair if they would like dessert. Stating they are both full she leaves the check and thanks them for coming in. Heading back to the Jeep, Arc suggests they visit a new business in town. Heading there, they arrive at a specialized cinema. Renting a very posh room, the pair head down the corridor toward it. However they are accosted by bullies looking to take Applejack away. Arc tries to reason with them but is violently shoved away as they grab Applejack. Pushing them away, she moves to rejoin Arc as he gets to his feet. Offering the group one last chance to walk away with simply cleaning up the mess, they attack. Arc takes them on and knocks out three of them. The remaining thugs give up and give in to Arc’s demand that they pick up the spilled popcorn. Applejack adds that they must do so with their mouths. After refilling their buckets they head to the room. Sitting down on a posh love seat, Arc orders them soft drinks as well as innumerable snacks. Picking out the movie ‘Babe’, the pair watch together as Arc does his best to explain the movie’s idiosyncrasies to Applejack.
Finishing their movie Applejack asks what came next. Admitting that he doesn’t know, as he never saw the sequel, Arc promises to watch it with her next time. Heading for home they are caught in a downpour between the garage and the house. Hurrying inside happily the pair say goodnight at the top of the stairs and go their separate ways. Arc changes into a t-shirt and shorts before heading to bed. Falling asleep, a storm rumbles in. As it heightens Applejack runs inside wearing nothing but a towel. Frightened, she dives under the covers. Confessing that her mother died in the hospital during a storm, Applejack tells Arc that she has been afraid of them ever since. Comforting her as best he can, Applejack asks to see his scars for herself. Taking off his shirt he exposes the numerous scars received in the line of duty as Hero of Light. Wanting to help, she drops her towel and presses her body against his. Holding her, Arc askes Applejack to marry him. Agreeing fervently she and him share a passionate kiss as the storm continues. However Applejack focuses on Arc and Arc alone.
Waking up the next morning, Arc looks down at Applejack’s naked body lying on him. As she awakens he confesses to thinking just how beautiful she looks without clothes. Regretful of his own thoughts, Applejack sits up to fully expose herself. Going over her body one piece at a time she points out how she wants him to use each part as he sees fit in order to pleasure himself AND her. As they embrace and prepare to make out (again) the bedroom door opens and Celestia herself walks in. Furious, Arc throws a blanket over Applejack and glares at the alicorn before them. Her horn aglow, Celestia returns them to their place under the apple tree in the Royal Gardens. Admitting that they were never on Earth, Arc reveals that he knew the entire time. Going over her machinations one at a time, Celestia confesses that she did everything in her power to split them up. Failing that, she even entered the experiment herself disguised as a waitress. Suggesting that they head to bed for a few hours sleep, Applejack turns to Celestia to thank her for giving them such an opportunity. However for the deed of trying to come between the pair Applejack slaps Celestia across the face before leaving the garden with Arc. As they depart Celestia talks to herself about something from the past before leaving as well.
However many questions remain unanswered. Will Twilight really be able to lead Equestria’s forces into battle? Is Celestia naturally a douche or does she have to work at it? Is Shelly actually okay? How would Arc’s fiancés deal with long term exposure to Earth and its cultures? Can Applejack actually take time off? How will Apple Bloom take the news of the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death? Will Big Macintosh be able to come to terms with his sister joining a herd? How will the others handle eating meat themselves in the future? Who is this mysterious ‘Tia’ whom served Arc and Applejack at the restaurant? It really is quite the mystery. Will Arc and Applejack ever be able to be together? Who was Celestia referring to along under the apple tree?
Time will tell. Sooner or later... time will tell.