//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - Helping Hammer // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Early the next morning as the sun peeks over the horizon the doorknob to Derpy’s room jiggles slightly. Finding the door locked they begin knocking. Arc slowly opens his eyes and sits up. Standing, he grabs his clothes and quickly puts them on as he mutters to himself. “I am SO glad we used that lock!” Dressing, Arc hops back into bed and casts a Telekinesis Spell to open the door a few inches before quickly laying down to pretend to be asleep again. It swings opens the rest of the way and four small hooves trot across the floor happily. Hopping up onto the bed, Dinky puts her front hooves on her father’s shoulder. “Wake up, dad!” Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks up at Dinky. “Sweetie?” “It’s morning!” “Are you sure?” Dinky giggles as she jumps up and down on the bed. “Yup!” Derpy smiles as she opens her eyes and sees her two favorite individuals. “This is a nice sight.” “Are you talking about dad?” Derpy shakes her head as she sits up. “Both of you.” “Mom?” Derpy puts her hooves around the pair and sighs happily. “A little family. Just what I always wanted.” Dinky grins as she does her best to hug both parents at the same time. “Me too, mom.” Eventually she breaks the embrace and hops off the bed. “Well, we should get ready to go.” Dinky looks at the floor. “Yeah, I know. But...” Derpy turns around. “Is something wrong?” “I was just wondering something.” “What’s that sweetie?” “How did you sleep last night, mom?” “Just fine actually.” Dinky smiles at her father. “Good job, dad!” Arc chuckles as he stands. “I was happy to be of service.” “Now then, I think your father has somepony to talk to this morning.” Arc nods soberly. “Y-yeah. I’d better get to that.” “Have a nice day, dad!” “I’ll try to, sweetheart.” Calling forth the Rainbow of Light, Arc opens a portal back to Earth. Turning to Derpy he smiles sheepishly. “Same time tonight?” Derpy nods. “I’ll look forward to it.” Offering her a parting smile, he passes through the portal and reappears back in his parent’s room. Looking toward the bed Arc spies Hammer sprawled out across it. Rearranging the sheets he helps her get covered back up before lying next to her. Sleepily she opens her eyes as his body touches hers. “Huh...?” Arc whispers. “It’s me. Go back to sleep, Hammer.” Hammer yawns as she rolls over to press her body against his. “Yes... sir.” Wrapping his arms around her, Arc sighs. “Rest well.” Lying there, he feels her bare back with a hand. Running it down until he feels her bottom, Arc sighs as he spies some night clothes lying on the floor nearby. “Naked. Hammer must’ve been hoping I’d come back last night.” Holding Hammer close, Arc watches as the sun slowly rises behind a plethora of clouds. A cold rain begins to fall as it does so. Sometime later Hammer opens her eyes. Smiling sleepily she giggles. “I though you getting in bed with me again was just a dream.” Arc shakes his head. “Nope. I’m really here.” Hammer grins. “Well I’m glad you are.” “How are you doing?” “Um... fine. Why do you ask?” “Considering what happened yesterday I just thought...” Hammer interrupts him. “Arc, I need to tell you something.” “What is it?” “Um... can we go somewhere a bit more... um... warm?” “Like where?” “How about your bathroom in Canterlot Castle?” Arc frowns. “Considering there’s no fire going in my room I can’t imagine it’d be very...” “Remember, I said the bathroom.” “Oh... um... sure. If you really want to, that is.” Hammer nods. “I do, yes.” Standing, Arc removes the Rainbow of Light from his ring and channels his magic into it. Opening a portal, she takes his hand and hurries through. Stepping out into his cold room Hammer makes a beeline for the bathroom. “Holy crap, it’s cold in here!” Arc groans. “I told you...” “I’ll get the shower going!” “See you in a few minutes.” Slamming the door behind her, Arc hears the water begin running a few moments later. Stacking some wood in the fireplace he casts a spell to get it going. A few moments later a roaring fire begins to warm the room. Turning to the bathroom door Arc walks over to it and takes a deep breath. “I... I have to be there for her.” Opening the door, he is immediately hit by the extreme humidity of the cool air within. Stepping inside Arc looks to a bench at the end of the room. A towel is laid across it with Hammer sprawled seductively out on it. She grins as her teeth chatter. “Took you long enough!” “Aren’t you cold?” “Freezing, actually.” “Then why aren’t you in the shower?!” “Because I wanted to get in with you. Together.” Arc groans. “Fine. Let’s go.” “You need to take your clothes off first.” Hurriedly undressing, Arc walks quickly over to Hammer and scoops her up in his arms. She squeals happily as he walks her over to the shower. “Wait a second!” “Let me guess. Now you want to take a bath together?” Hammer grins. “Not a bad idea. Mind if I save it for later?” Arc rolls his eyes. “Go right ahead.” “Thanks. But I was going to say that we need to lower the temperature of the water first. I had it up at maximum to try and heat this room up a bit.” “Yeah, I can feel it from here.” Reaching out with a Telekinesis Spell, Arc turns the knob slowly. Soon the water reaches a much more manageable temperature. Stepping into the shower with Hammer, he sets her down carefully. “How’s this?” Hammer giggles. “The water or us naked?” “Water.” “Great! Perfect actually! But why don’t you sit down with me? There’s... something I wanted to talk to you about.” Nodding soberly Arc does as Hammer suggests. Turning to her he speaks. “I wanted to say something too.” “Wanna go first?” “Sure.” Taking a deep breath, Arc takes her hand in his and looks Hammer in the eye. “Hammer, I... I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for what happened to you.” “Oh?” “What Rieper did to you was completely...” Hammer interrupts him. “Hold on a minute, Arc! Are you still moping around about THAT?!” Arc frowns. “Yes, I am!” “I’m over it.” “Wait, what?!” “It’s in the past.” “B-but you were really upset about it last night!” Hammer blushes as she speaks. “I wasn’t ‘upset’ about what happened. Just... I felt bad about getting turned on fantasizing about you.” “So... you’re not emotionally... uh... distressed?” Hammer scoffs. “Heck no! Rieper, while a scumbag, is just the one whom does physicals on all base personnel once a year.” “Um...” “It’s not the first time he’s checked under my hood, Arc.” “Was that always you reaction to... those examinations?” “Well... no. But this was the first time I was tied down when getting a physical. That and... um...” “And what?” Hammer smiles sheepishly. “And it’s the first physical since meeting you, Arc.” “I don’t understand how that...” “All the talk of herds, marriage, and potentially group sex has got me thinking about things this gal hasn’t before. So yes, when he started messing around with my... girl parts I got turned on but GOOD!” Arc facepalms. “Wow.” “Sorry if I kinda made it look like I was upset from what happened. Truth is, I was more embarrassed by almost orgasming thinking about you.” “Well, I’m glad you’re okay.” “Thanks.” “Thanks?” “For thinking of me enough to make sure I was cared for emotionally after a perceived... incident. It means a lot to me, Arc.” “That’s part of being a couple, I suppose.” “Yeah. I’m starting to figure all this stuff out.” “You still want to be a part of this?” Hammer grins. “Are you kidding?! Of course I do!” “Really?” “All the being there for each other and talking stuff out is really growing on me. I mean, the old Hammer would have just laughed at something like that as being for sissies.” She takes his hand before continuing. “But this new and improved gal thinks talking about her feelings with those she cares about is really hot!” Arc raises an eyebrow. “You get turned on by that?” “Somehow, yes. Then again, it could also be all the dirty talk flying around the fringes of the conversations.” “I think we all need to get together at some point and talk about a few things.” “It wouldn’t hurt. After all, the others get together at least once a week to talk about you and the status of the herd.” “They do?” “Yeah. Don’t get the wrong idea though. It’s not like they’re conspiring against you, or something. It’s just an informal gathering to talk about what’s going on in their lives as well as to run ideas regarding the herd by the others.” “Ah! That I know, yes.” “Sorry if I made it sound like something more sinister.” “You did have me a bit worried for a moment there. But I am glad that communication is happening.” “Come join us for the next meeting then. I’m sure you’d contribute a lot to the conversation at hoof.” Arc grins as he raises an eyebrow. “Conversation at what now?” Hammer groans as she facepalms. “I meant conversations at HAND!” “Been hanging around ponies too long?” “Guess so.” “Maybe you should head back to Earth for a bit of a vacation. Away from Angel Grove, that is.” Hammer shakes her head. “Nah. I have too much work to do here in the castle. Besides, I’m supposed to take over caring for Mio this morning.” “How’s she doing?” “Great. The doctor said that, with you permission, she could be released from the Infirmary and finish resting in my quarters. While they’re not anywhere near as extravagant as yours are, the sheets are clean and it’s quiet. Two things Mio likes in any place she’s staying.” “So she is staying here?” “If you’ll allow it, yes.” “It’s fine by me, considering the circumstances.” “Are you really okay with this though?” Arc shrugs. “It’s not like we have any other choice, right? I mean, if she goes back to Earth I’m guessing The Organization will just...” Hammer interrupts him. “That’s not what I meant.” “You mean the other problem, huh?” “Yeah. She needs to find out who the Hero really is, Arc. And she needs to find out from you rather than overhearing it from someone else.” Arc sighs. “Yeah. Up until now I’ve been able to push it down the road because she’s been sick. But now there really isn’t any reason to keep it from her.” “Exactly. If you’d like, I could be there with you.” “That would probably be for the best. If she doesn’t believe it she’ll want to hear from you.” “Uh... I was thinking more along the lines of me holding her back while you make a run for it.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Why would I...?” “Mio’s... kinda scary when she’s angry.” “I’ll keep that in mind and try to break it to her gently then.” “It’d probably be best if we did something that kinda led up to it, or something.” “You have a plan?” “I got some ideas, yes. But they’re a far cry from anything I’d call a plan.” “We’ll have to put our heads together then.” “Yeah. But not right this second. I’ll get Mio settled into my quarters with some books and food. Then you and I can talk to the others about this. Maybe all of us working together can figure it out over breakfast.” “Agreed. When we get out of here we can head over to the Dining Room and talk to the others.” Hammer grins slyly at him. “You’re not ready to get out just yet though, are you?” “Kinda am. We’ve been in here long enough to...” “I... actually still have something to talk to you about.” “Oh?” “Remember, I did tell you to go first.” “Sorry. Didn’t mean to monopolize the conversation.” Hammer smirks. “It’s cool.” “Now then, what was it you wanted to talk about?” “The others mostly.” “Oh?” “You’ve gone out with some of them, yes?” “That’s right. Something wrong with that?” “They’re all being very patient in waiting their turn, of course. But how long do you expect them to sit there and not say anything?” “We’ve all been really busy though.” “I know. But I was told it was your idea for numerous dates as well as a long engagement. Well... engagements, I guess.” “That’s true, yes. It’s so that no one gets too far in this idea if it’s not something they completely want.” Hammer grins. “Myself included though, right?” Arc nods. “Of course.” “From what I’ve been told, as of now you’ve yet to date Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rose, or Ember.” “Guilty on all counts. Except Rose.” “Huh?” “She hasn’t made any mention of wanting to join the herd.” “Oh. Um... I just kinda assumed she was in. What with being created to be your personal...” Arc shakes his head as he interrupts. “She’s free to ask, yes. But Rose does have her own free will to say ‘no’.” Hammer frowns. “Still don’t like a robot without limits.” “I told Twilight long ago that if Rose were to go rogue that I’d be the one to take her down. And as of now she’s done nothing but be helpful and friendly to everyone.” “Fine. I suppose you know best. But that still leaves the others.” “Might I point out that you left one out?” “What?! Who?!” “You.” “Me?!” “Yes, you.” “But we’ve gone out a few times!” “I know. However that was when I was just leading you on to get information.” Hammer groans. “It sounds bad when you say it like that, Arc.” “Still feels bad too.” “Look, I already told you that I don’t hold that against you. So please stop bringing it up.” “This will be the last time then.” “Good.” “But I Honestly don’t feel like we went out properly because of it.” “Fine, Arc. We should go out again, of course. But I feel as though the others should go first.” “Alright. Any suggestions on whom should be next?” “Blue would be the logical choice as far as schedules go.” Arc chuckles. “Right.” “No, I mean it. Pinkie says she’s still pretty busy getting Sugar Cube Corner caught up on party planning.” “I hear everyone wants to celebrate their return lately.” “Princess Twilight is still handling the day to day affairs in Canterlot. And that’s in addition to her looking in on her mentor constantly.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “How often?” “Whenever business even remotely puts her in the same wing.” “That’s understandable.” “You said Rose wasn’t interested.” “She’s never brought it up, no.” “And Ember got all fidgety when the idea of a date came up.” Arc smirks. “Looks like you were right then about Rainbow Dash.” Hammer shrugs. “That and she’s been hot to trot even since you and her visited that bar in Abyssinia.” “You mean ‘The Rat in the Pot’?” “Is that was it was called?!” “Yeah. Why?” “Kinda on the nose there. Well, considering it’s a nation of cats, I mean.” “You didn’t miss much. That place was a total dive bar.” “Well, she really liked spending that time with you back there.” Arc shrugs. “I just viewed it as me doing my duty to follow up on something.” “What was just another day at the office for you was a real treat for her though.” “Don’t see how.” “Think about it, Arc. How often are you alone with one of us?” “Not too often admittedly.” “Right. Blue said it meant a lot to her. Like when you and her talked on the balcony one night at her parent’s house.” “She mentioned that?” Hammer laughs heartily. “Of course! You know how Blue is! Once she starts talking about something she’s passionate about there’s no shutting her up!” “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Hammer.” “I have?” “Yeah. And thanks to you I know what I have to do.” “Um... lather up?” “Well, that too. But I was thinking more along the lines of whom to go out with next.” “Good! Who?!” Arc narrows his eyes. “You can’t be serious?” Hammer laughs. “I’m not! But you should’ve seen the look on your face!” “Glad I’m entertaining you.” “So what are you two gonna do?” “I don’t really know, as admittedly I don’t really know Rainbow Dash very well.” Hammer frowns. “Hold on a minute! You were planning to get married to her, but you don’t even know what she LIKES?!” “I’m not engaged to Rainbow Dash, no. All of us just agreed to go out dates to see what was in the cards.” “Then you’ll need a hand figuring out an evening plan.” “I suppose I will. Got any suggestions?” Hammer grins. “Are you kidding?! Blue and I hang out all the time!” “Great! That’ll make this easy!” Hammer looks away innocently. “I suppose it would. If I was going to help you with that.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “You mean you’re not?” “Nope.” “Are you serious?” “Yup.” “Then why bother telling me...?” Hammer interrupts. “At least not without you doing something for me in return.” Arc sighs. “What did you have in mind?” “Be honest with Mio.” “Your sister?” Hammer nods. “Right. You do that for me and I’ll help you figure out a nice date with Blue.” “I was planning to do that anyways.” “Then that’ll make this easy for you.” “Guess we have a deal then.” “Good! Shake on it?!” Shrugging, Arc extends a hand. Taking it, Hammer pulls him forward roughly. The pair fall over together with Arc’s face landing between Hammer’s... uh... he lands on her chest. You get the idea. Grinning seductively, Hammer bats her eyelashes. “Why, Arc! How forward of you!” “You did this though.” Hammer speaks with an air of mock confusion. “Did I?” “Yes, you did.” “Well, I noticed that you aren’t trying very hard to get up.” “I... um...” Hammer laughs happily. “Knew you’d like it.” “Being set up?” “Yeah!” Arc chuckles. “Okay, I admit.” “You admit what?!” “That I did enjoy it.” Hammer wraps her arms around his neck. “Nice to see you admitting to this.” “Just being Honest.” Arc leans forward and plants a kiss on Hammer’s lips which she readily reciprocates.