As the sun sets, the citizens of Ponyville gather in the Town Square for a night of festivities. Derpy looks outside at the crowd making their way down the street to the fun before turning back to Arc as he finishes combing his hair.
“Looks like everypony in town is coming.”
Arc chuckles. “Well, this isn’t something that happens every day.”
“I’m told the train station even had to add another train to keep up with ticket sales to come to this.”
“Really?”
“That’s what Miss Pommel told me.”
“That’s surprising.”
“How so?”
“I figured this would be a local event.”
Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, it might have something to do with both you AND Princess Luna being here to make a speech.”
Arc shrugs. “A short one you mean.”
“You’ll keep yours short. The princess might not.”
“Yes, well… I can’t imagine Luna going on too long. She’s not much for these sort of things.”
“Really?”
“She’s more or less introverted.”
“That makes sense. Well, at least according to what I’ve heard.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “Heard?”
“Before she took over for Princess Celestia, the Princess of the Night wasn’t often seen in public. What she did back then was kind of a mystery.”
“That may be. But I just want her to feel as if she could let loose and have a good time like everyone else.”
Dinky runs out of the bathroom with her mane wrapped in a towel and levitating a brush. She hurries over to her father.
“I’m just about ready, dad!”
Derpy giggles. “Other than having your mane brushed you mean.”
“Yeah! Could you do that for me, dad?!”
Arc nods. “Sure, sweetheart. Let’s sit down in front of the fireplace and I’ll do what I can.”
They walk over and sit down on floor. Derpy joins then and sighs as she pats the new rug under her.
“It’s just not the same.”
Dinky looks over as her father sits down behind her. “We’ll get you something you like, mom.”
Arc nods as he gets to work. “That we will.”
Derpy smiles sadly. “Thank you. But we’ll never find anything like my mother’s rug.”
“All we can do is try to make you more comfortable, Derpy.”
“How about you and I sleep in your new bedroom together from now on, mom?”
Derpy nods. “I think I’d like that, yes.”
“You could also use the two beds in my room if you wanted to. After all, they’re new too.”
Dinky giggles. “And less lumpy too!”
Arc shrugs. “That’s what I get for buying used mattresses.”
Derpy looks down at her hooves. “Everything in here is new now. Including the house. But it just doesn’t feel right somehow.”
“I think you’re just used to the old place, Derpy.”
“Yeah, mom. And the old memories.”
Derpy turns to Arc. “So what do I do now?”
Arc smiles at her. “We make new ones.”
Derpy giggles. “I’d like that.”
“Dad?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“When you get married to mom and the others, where will we all live?”
Derpy looks around the house. “I don’t think we could all fit in my place.”
“I was thinking along the lines of having a house of my own built. Something big enough to allow everyone to have their own personal space as well as accommodate family meals and other time together.”
Dinky grins. “It’d have to be awfully big.”
Derpy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Yes. Something like my father’s house.”
“I’ll have to talk to Hard Hat about design ideas when my retirement and wedding comes a bit closer.”
Dinky clops her hooves together. “Then we could make memories there with everypony!”
Derpy sighs. “That’ll take some getting used to.”
“We could also try some cohabitation prior to the wedding, Derpy. Like what Applejack and I did in the Celestial Realm.”
Dinky appears hopeful. “More one-on-one time, dad?”
"A week did wonders for helping Applejack and I learn about each other. Granted it was all scripted by Celestia. But I was still happy for the experience nonetheless."
“You’re happy she tried to manipulate you, Arc?!”
“Kinda, yes. I’m grateful that she forced Applejack and I into certain situations that allowed us to get closer together.”
“You and mom should try that, dad.”
“But we already did. Well, kinda.”
Arc sighs. “Yeah, it kept getting interrupted though.”
Derpy smiles as she leans against Arc. “And I did learn something back there.”
“What was that, mom?”
“That your father will take very good care of you and I, sweetie. “
She looks to Arc before continuing.
“However I think you should focus your attention on the others now, Arc.”
“Oh?”
“Well, the ones you’re uncertain about, that is.”
“Rainbow Dash did seem very interested in going out. But that might have just been her competitive nature shining through.”
“It’d be a place to start, dad.”
Arc shrugs. “I suppose. But I’ll have to see what the future holds.”
Derpy looks toward the door. “I’m sure she’ll like that. But we should probably get moving now.”
Dinky puts a hoof to her head. “Yeah. That’s probably the best my mane’s going to get.”
Arc stands. “Alright. Let’s get moving.”
Leaving the house together they head to the Town Square. Looking around Arc and his family see what appears to be something akin to a carnival complete with clowns, face painting, refreshments, and even a band playing classical music. Arc smiles approvingly.
“Looks like Twilight went all out.”
Derpy appears confused. “Twilight?”
Arc nods. “She’s the one who planned this, after all.”
“You think she wanted to give everypony a good time to welcome them home, dad?”
“Probably. And it does look like they are.”
Derpy points a hoof. “There’s Miss Pommel with the orphans.”
They walk over to the mare as she and Miss Peachbottom stand outside a bouncy house watching the little ones play. Coco Pommel smiles at them.
“Hello you three.”
Peachbottom giggles. “Having a good time, Dinky?”
“We just got here. But it does look like fun.”
She turns to her mother before continuing.
“Can I go play with my friends?”
“Of course, dear. Have fun.”
Dinky grins and jumps inside the play place to bounce around. Arc chuckles as she does so.
“So much energy.”
Peachbottom nods. “Yes, it’s good to see them all having a good time in there.”
Coco Pommel smiles. “Some of them didn’t want to leave Abyssinia.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“They really liked that swimming pool.”
Suddenly a voice rings out behind them.
“Well, well, well…”
Arc groans as he turns around to see Filthy Rich walking toward them with his two daughters.
“I see you now realize the merits of having a pool, Miss Pommel.”
Diamond Tiara nods as she points a hoof angrily. “Right! So I’m sure you’ll be able to find space in the budget to have one built at the school!”
Silver Spoon groans. “This again?”
Filthy Rich looks down his nose at Peachbottom. “That and I would assume it would open up new educational avenues to your class.”
Coco Pommel steps forward. “But Mister Rich, we have higher priorities as it is.”
Diamond Tiara rolls her eyes. “What? Like padding your purse with bonuses, or something?”
Arc frowns at this. “Alright, that’s enough!”
Rich snorts haughtily. “Ah, Hero of Light Arc. Didn’t see you there.”
Derpy frowns. “But how could you not…?”
Diamond Tiara grits her teeth. “He was being sarcastic, milk maid!”
Arc holds up a hand. “Be quiet!”
Diamond opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Smirking, Arc looks down at her.
“What’s the matter, miss. Cat got your tongue.”
Filthy Rich glares at him. “How did you…?!”
“The same thing I did the last time your daughter talked back. Just a bit of a Mute Spell. Nothing terribly hard to cast. Just enough to give the rest of us a break from her.”
“You undo that spell right now!”
Arc clenches a fist as he angrily steps forward. “You presume to give ME orders?!”
The stallion steps back nervously. “N-no, of course not! I was just… coming here to make a complaint!”
Derpy appears confused. “Complaint?”
“Yes, our home was not put back exactly the way it was.”
Arc frowns. “What was wrong with it?”
Silver Spoon groans. “It was fine, dad.”
“The building, yes. However the furnishings weren’t up to our standards.”
Arc sighs. “I looked over the claim that was submitted and you signed that everything delivered was to your liking.”
“Very true. However I had to hire professional movers to put everything in place.”
“And?”
“And Canterlot should pay for that!”
Diamond Tiara nods indignantly as Silver Spoon sighs.
“We can afford it, dad.”
“Everypony else received moving assistance though!”
“But everypony else has a much smaller house than we do. That and they were relocating from overseas.”
Filthy Rich stomps a hoof angrily. “It doesn’t matter! I demand satisfaction!”
Arc raises an eyebrow and smirks. “Demand?”
“Um… request?”
“Such a thing would be a matter for an audience before a princess.”
“Very well. I’ll petition Princess Luna when she arrives.”
Arc clenches a fist. “You want to talk about this tonight?!”
“Well, I have a right to bring my case before a princess, don’t I?”
“During normal audience hours, yes.”
“I’m sure she can take five minutes to…”
Arc interrupts him. “She’s busy. Take it up with Twilight.”
“But that would involve a trip back to Canterlot!”
“So what?”
Filthy Rich frowns. “You don’t understand! I have a business to run! There isn’t time for me to be traipsing all over Equestria to handle every little matter that comes up!”
“Then I suggest you come up with something yourself. I’ve already told you your options.”
“But…!”
Arc frowns and raises his voice. “Good day, Mister Rich!”
Silver Spoon tugs on her father’s hoof. “Come on, dad. Let’s see if we can find somepony over at the hospital to help Diamond Tiara.”
“Very well, dear.”
The trio walks quickly away as Coco Pommel sighs.
“Thank you, Arc.”
“No problem. But what was all that about over a pool?”
Derpy grimaces. “Diamond Tiara has been petitioning Miss Pommel to have one built at the orphanage.”
Peachbottom groans. “Yes. Even though her family already has one.”
Coco Pommel nods. “She must’ve told her father because he’s been calling about it ever since we got back.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “But it’s only been a day or so.”
“Well, he might be trying to make up for lost time.”
Peachbottom looks after the retreated Richs. “A swimming pool isn’t necessarily a bad idea on paper. It’d be nice for the foals and younglings to have a place to relax in the summer months other than the Game Room and Playground.”
Derpy raises a hoof. “I remember Silver Spoon suggesting a fundraiser to try and raise bits for it earlier today at the school.”
Cheerilee walks over and joins them.
“Hello everypony. Did I hear you all talking about the pool problem?”
Arc nods. “Yes indeed, ma’am.”
“Silver Spoon did have some good ideas on how to raise money for one. She is a rather smart little filly.”
Coco Pommel sighs. “Yes, that’s true. However it’s more than just the initial cost of construction that’s the issue at hoof. It’s the ongoing maintenance that comes with such a project along with the cost of the chemicals to keep it free of algae and microorganisms.”
Peachbottom shrugs. “While I too would love to see us build one, I do understand that the school just doesn’t have somepony on staff who is trained to do such a thing or has the time.”
Derpy looks down at her hooves. “Then I suppose it can’t really be helped.”
Arc frowns. “Wait just a moment. Miss Peachbottom, you said earlier that Filthy Rich has a pool, correct?”
“Yes indeed.”
Coco Pommel grimaces. “A fact his daughter loves to lord over the rest of the students I might add.”
“Then why is she asking the school to build one?”
Peachbottom puts a hoof to her chin. “Yes, I wondered that myself.”
Cheerilee looks to Peachbottom. “I think I can answer that one. Today in class we were talking about our time abroad. Filthy Rich and his daughters had been on vacation when the attack happened, so they weren’t evacuated with us. They temporarily attended a private school in Manehattan.”
“It’s one of the most exclusive schools in the country from what I’ve heard. Luxury all around.”
Coco Pommel sighs. “And they had a pool?”
Cheerilee nods. “Diamond Tiara couldn’t help talking about it at great length. She also suggested better quality food in the Cafeteria and a private library in the school.”
Peachbottom facehoofs. Amongst other things, yes.
Coco Pommel turns to Arc. “We just don’t have that level of funding, to which she just turned up her nose and told me I should get it from Canterlot.”
Arc frowns. “Does she think money grows on trees?”
Derpy shrugs. “It kinda does for their family. After all her parents can afford to buy anything they want.”
Cheerilee groans. “And nopony can really tell her ‘no’ either.”
Peachbottom grins at Arc. “Well, other than you, sir.”
Coco Pommel smiles. “Yes, you’re the only one whom isn’t afraid to tell her what she needs to hear, Arc.”
“You could always threaten to call me if she gets out of line, Coco Pommel.”
“I didn’t want to involve you in this though, Arc. After all, I should be able to keep order in my facility without calling in outside help.”
“It wouldn’t actually be a threat, mind you. I’d actually show up and read her the Riot Act, or something.”
Derpy giggles. “Or at the very least silence her.”
“Or that.”
“While I do appreciate you stepping in please let us handle this. It’s our job, after all.”
Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Well, maybe I could help another way.”
Cheerilee appears confused. “Sir?”
“Diamond Tiara acts the way she does because she’s a spoiled brat. Where did she learn that from?”
Peachbottom lowers her voice. “Her mother most likely.”
Coco Pommel nods soberly. “Yes, Spoiled Rich is seemingly an older version of her daughter.”
Derpy grimaces. “What are you thinking, Arc?”
Arc cracks his knuckles. “You’ll see. That is, if Filthy Rich has the guts to come back tonight.”
A voice rings out from across the square.
“Hey Arc!”
Arc turns to see Rainbow Dash leading her friends toward them. He smiles and looks to the orphanage staff.
“Please excuse me.”
The mares hurry toward him. Pinkie somehow reaches him first though.
“Hey Arc! Liking the party!”
Rarity grins. “Yes, it’s quite the draw.”
Fluttershy looks around. “I thought it was just supposed to be the townsponies though.”
Rainbow Dash laughs. “Twilight made it a whole event though! Anypony from the neighboring towns would be fools not to show up to this!”
Applejack nods approvingly at the festivities. “Well I think it’s a nice thing to do in order to break the new Town Square in.”
Arc chuckles. “As long as everyone has a good time I’m all for it. But they might also be here to see Princess Luna.”
Rarity appears hopeful. “Where is she anyways?”
“I’m told she’s planning to show up later for the dedication. However…”
Gasps ring out as dark clouds burst forth and the sounds of flapping wings rings out along with lightning and thunder. Looking up, they see a dark chariot being pulled by half a dozen Lunar Defenders. It lands on the stage next to Mayor Mare whom quickly bows. The rest of those assembled follow suit, save for Arc. Coco Pommel motions for the foals and younglings to stop playing and join her as Arc makes his way up to the stage. Walking up the stairs he offers his hand to Luna to escort her down from the chariot. Rainbow Dash frowns as she places her hoof his hand and steps over to the podium. Luna takes a deep breath and begins to speak.
“CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! I HAVE GRACED YOUR TINY VILLAGE WITH MY…!”
She stops as Arc quickly steps forward and puts a hand on the microphone before her.
“Luna, what are you doing?!”
“Using the traditional royal voice, of course.”
“Well, that coupled with the speakers is going to blow everyone’s eardrums.”
“But it is tradition to…!”
Arc cuts her off. “Just… try speaking in a normal tone voice please.”
Luna sighs. “Very well.”
Stepping back, Arc allows her to continue as he motions for everyone to stand up.
“Citizens of Ponyville! I’ve come here tonight on behalf of Princess Twilight Sparkle! She wishes you well and hopes that you will be comfortable in your new homes and businesses!”
Those assembled nervously clap as she continues.
“Now then… as I… look around this sea of… happy faces... I can’t help but… but remember when this town was burned to the ground! The smoke... was visible all the way from Canterlot!
Nervous murmurs ring out among the ponies as Arc again puts a hand over the microphone.
“Luna, what are you DOING?!”
Luna grimaces. “I forgot my speech back in Canterlot!”
“Can’t you just summarize it then?!”
“I hadn’t even had time to read it!”
“What?!”
“You should talk! They know and respect you! That and you’re better at this sort of thing than I am!”
“But they’re all waiting for a speech from YOU!”
“A speech I don’t have!”
“Then make something up!”
“Like what?!”
“Start with your feelings about the fire and go from there! I’ll chime in to help keep the ball rolling!”
Luna groans. “Very well.”
Letting go of the microphone Arc again steps back and allows Luna to speak.
“I, uh… I’m very sorry, everypony. It’s... been a very busy day for me in Canterlot.”
“Just like it was busy for all of you trying to readjust to your new surroundings.”
Luna nods. “Yes indeed. Moving is never easy. I learned that myself when I took over for my sister some time ago. Things that I thought would be simple were not. It took some time to settle into my role as ruler. And it will take some time for you to become accustomed to your newly built town. However I’m certain you can do it.”
“We’re all going to have to support one another in this transitionary time. Be there for your neighbors when they need it.”
“As Arc was for us in Canterlot, yes. Without his aid we would not have been able to continue on. Just as he led you to safety across the sea, so now did he bring you home to Equestria. The road ahead will be long and twisted. However, I believe in the strength and tenacity of each and every one of you. Ponyville will once again be the quiet little town at the center of the land. A place of peace, prosperity, and hope for all.”
The ponies cheer happily as Arc puts his hand over the microphone and looks to Luna.
“Nice. You’ve got them right where you want them.”
Luna raises an eyebrow. “Um… where is that?”
“In position for a few closing remarks.”
“But I thought those were my closing remarks!”
“Just say a few more things. They’ll love it.”
Luna nods as Arc again steps back.
“Princess Twilight and I will continue to lead this land from Canterlot. We shall do so… diligently as my sister rests and recuperates. Be aware that she is doing well in her own healing journey and will one day sit on the throne alongside us once again. However, when that day comes... the two sisters… shall become... THREE!”
The crowd busts into cheers, hoots, and hollers as Luna smiles nervously and waves. Arc motions for her to step aside as he takes her place in front of the podium. The cheers eventually die down and he is able to speak.
“Thank you, Princess Luna. Now then, please give her another round of applause before we resume the festivities everyone.”
Clapping their hooves together, Arc motions for the band to begin playing again. A few moments later everyone assembled heads back to their fun. Luna breathes a sigh of relief and smiles at Arc nervously.
“Thank you for helping me with that.”
“No problem.”
“Might I speak with you privately though?”
Arc nods. “Sure. Shall we step into the Town Hall?”
“Yes, that would be prudent.”
The pair walk to the large double doors and enter. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash watches and frowns. Excusing herself from the others she slowly pushes past those around her and carefully makes her way over to the Town Hall. Taking several minutes get to the building, she casually walks around it away from the festivities. She spies an open window and peeks inside through a crack in the closed curtains as she hears Arc’s voice.
“And you think that this could become a problem?”
Luna groans. “Very much so, Arc. If word of this got out it would be detrimental to my reputation. As well as yours.”
Arc shrugs. “I don’t really care what others think of me. After all, what I choose to do is my own business.”
“Well, us princesses don’t exactly have that luxury.”
“Does Twilight know?”
Luna bows her head. “She does not.”
“Oh?”
“Ruling is a full-time job, you know. I don’t want to burden her with... personal matters of the heart such as this. That and considering our past...”
Arc interrupts her. “Why me then?”
“Because you have proven yourself to be a very trustworthy individual, Arc. I know that you won’t tell a soul about this matter if I ask you not to.”
“I suppose that’s true. After all, we’ve shared secrets in the past.”
“And nopony found out about them.”
“We should talk more about this later, Luna.”
“Agreed. Might you come to my room later tonight?”
“What time?”
“Midnight.”
“Why so late?”
“Because I don’t want anypony to even know you left. There can be no suspicion of your involvement in this matter. Especially to your fiancés.”
“Understandable. This will just be our little secret.”
Luna appears relieved. “I appreciate your discretion. You make me feel as though I could entrust you with my very life, Arc.”
Arc puts a hand on her shoulder. “You already have, Luna.”
“Yes, I suppose so. But…”
“Is something else wrong?”
“No, no. It’s just… it’s a nice feeling. Having somepony I can go to with things like this.”
“I’m here if you need me.”
“While I know that you’re planning on retiring in the near future, I do hope that you’ll stay in the loop regarding Equestrian affairs.”
And nods soberly. “If something happens and Equestria needs me I’ll be there. But I won’t be on-call like I am now, no.”
“Your family needs you, I understand. However please remember that I need you as well, Arc.”
“And if you need me, I’ll come.”
Luna puts a hoof on Arc’s cheek. “Thank you. I may just need somepony to take care of my... needs at some point.”
Arc smiles at her. “That’s what friends are for, Luna.”
Luna and Arc embrace. Leaning into him, Arc strokes Luna’s mane and kisses her forehead next to her horn. Rainbow Dash gasps and kneels down as she muses to herself.
“Arc and Luna hooking up?! How could they keep something this big from us?! Twilight included!”
Tapping her chin, Rainbow Dash continues.
“No... no, Arc wouldn’t do that to us! Princess Luna must be manipulation him somehow!”
Rainbow Dash frowns and flaps her wings to get some air. Looking over her shoulder she looks back at the window.
“You’re up to something, princess. And I owe it to my friends to find out what.”