//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - Doing Their Best (Part 5) // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Stepping out of the portal, Ember is surprised to see a lavishly furnished room before her. She turns to Arc as the portal closes behind them. “Um... where are we?” “The Four Seasons Hotel in Canterlot. Where else?” “Straight here?!” Arc nods. “I knew we’d end up here, so I put a sigil in this room earlier today.” “Handy. But why? I mean, I wouldn’t have minded the walk from Canterlot Castle to here.” Arc sighs as he leads her over to a massive window. “Take a look.” Gazing out at the scene before them, Ember looks around. She sees the castle fully illuminated by bright lights as well as the surrounding grounds. The city below is also bustling with activity, as even the lower nobles and their commoner neighbors appear to be celebrating. Ember turns to Arc and sighs. “Sorry.” “For what?” “Being kinda insensitive, I guess.” Arc shakes his head. “Nah, it’s not your fault.” “Twilight’s?” “Come again?” Ember scoffs. “Couldn’t she have just called off this whole thing though?” “Yes, I suppose she could have.” “Then why didn’t she? After what happened to Cherry, it would have been an easy sell to the other princesses I would imagine.” “She did ask me if I wanted this year’s gala cancelled, yes.” “What did you say?” “That I didn’t want that, no.” Ember raises an eyebrow. “Okay. You’re officially not making any sense here, Arc.” Arc gestures with a wave of his hand. “Look at everyone having a nice time, Ember. Could I really demand that such a thing be stopped on my account?” “Yes!” “Well, I didn’t want that. Not without some kind of imminent threat or other important reason.” “All the crap we’ve been through and you still don’t believe you warrant special consideration, Arc?” “Right.” “But are you sure everything’s going all right over there?” “Considering all the extra security which includes Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, and Hammer in addition to innumerable patrols...” Ember interrupts him. “Nothing is ever perfect. Remember how we got into Damocles Base despite it being well guarded?” Arc sighs. “Do you want me to call and ask for a status report?” “Please do.” Shrugging, Arc touches his earring. “Arc to Shining Armor.” “Shining Armor here, sir.” “How are things going over there?” “The gala is currently underway with not so much as a hiccup, sir.” “No trouble whatsoever?” “Nothing more than occasionally spatting nobles, no.” “And the grounds?” “Fully secure as of a report given to me two minutes ago.” “Sounds like you’ve got it under control over there.” “Yes sir. Rest assured that we do.” “Alright. Thanks for the update. Arc out.” He touches his earring, severing the connection. Turning back to Ember, he grins. “See? Nothing to worry about.” “Well, thanks for checking nonetheless.” She looks around and grins before continuing. “But now that we have that out of the way... how about you and I get down to... business?” “Oh?” “I mean that there’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.” “Do tell.” Ember sighs as she rolls her eyes. “Are you really going to make me spell it out for you?!” “Yup.” “Fine. I wanna shower with you.” “Again, you mean.” Ember shrugs. “Never said it would be the first time.” Arc chuckles. “Guess not.” Ember taps her foot expectantly. “So...?” Arc draws the curtains as he smirks. “Sure. That is, if you’re sure you REALLY want to.” “Uh... yeah. So come on!” Grabbing him by the overcoat, Ember drags Arc toward the bathroom. As they approach she stops and turns to him. “Actually, could you do something for me first?” “Oh?” “Build a fire in the fireplace. I want it to be nice and warm when we’re done in there.” Arc chuckles. “Which one?” Ember gasps. “There’s more than one?!” “Six actually. I counted when I checked this place out earlier.” “Then how about the one in the master bedroom?” “That I can do.” Ember grins wickedly as she steps into the bathroom and calls out. “Take your time. I need a few minutes to... properly prepare.” Closing the door behind her, Arc turns and walks over to the predetermined fireplace. Filling it with wood he casts a small Fire Spells to light it. Watching as the flames quickly spread throughout the wood Arc muses to himself in an effort to give Ember more time. Eventually he stands and turns back. “Guess I’d better see what Ember’s up to in there.” Walking over to the door Arc knocks lightly. Hearing nothing he gives the doorknob a turns and opens the door a few inches before calling out. “Ember?” The sound of the running water from the shower is the only sound to reach Arc’s ears. Frowning, he pushes the door open. A wave of steam hits him as he enters. Closing the door, he sees a truly massive room stretch out before him. Lavish doesn’t even begin to describe the surroundings. However, Arc has very little time to admire the furnishings as he spies a certain young woman lying on a waterproof couch at the other end of the room wrapped in a towel that covers the essentials but little more. She smiles wordlessly at him as he approaches but does not move. “Welcome back, my dear.” Arc chuckles. “So that’s what you meant when you wanted me to take my time out there.” Ember grins as she rests a hand on her exposed leg. “First impressions are everything.” “How is this...?” Ember interrupts him. “It’s the first time I’ve presented myself to you like this. And in such a nice place too.” “I suppose so.” Ember bats her eyelashes as she extends a hand. “Care to help a lady up?” Arc bows stuffily as he chuckles. “Yes, miss. I would be honored.” Taking her hand, Arc assists Ember in standing up. She smiles at him as he does so. “What a strong, handsome, sexy man you are!” “Thank you, ma’am.” Ember grins slyly as she lowers the tower around her chest a few centimeters. “Brave to come in here too.” Arc smiles sheepishly. “For a glimpse of you, I would do anything, my dear.” The pair stare at each other for a few moments silently before laughing heartily. After composing themselves Arc speaks. “How’d I do?!” Ember nods approvingly. “Very well!” “I was just kinda going along with what you were saying.” “And it was fun, yes.” “Just being Honest. But why were you so intent on us showering together?” “To indulge in two fantasies of mine.” “Oh?” Ember grins as she traces his chest with a finger. “First... I wanna strip you.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?” “Yup.” Arc rolls his eyes. “Fine. Go ahead.” A wild looks comes over Ember’s face as she begins unbuttoning Arc’s suitcoat. Letting it fall to the floor she moves on to the dress shirt. Tossing it aside, Ember puts her hands on Arc’s belt but stops. Looking up at him she appears suddenly nervous. “Um... you’re okay with this, right?” “I am, yes.” “You sure?” “Positive.” “I mean... I’m being kinda pushy about...” She is cut off as Arc grabs her shoulders and pulls her in for a kiss. Pushing her against the wall, Arc continues making out with Ember as she puts her arms around his neck. Moaning contentedly, she then pulls herself up and wraps her legs around him. A short time later Arc breaks off the kiss and looks Ember in the eye. “How was that for sincerity?” Ember smiles as she attempts to catch her breath. “That... was by far... the SEXIEST thing you’ve EVER done!” “Want me to take off my pants now?” “Oh, hell no! “ “What?” “”I got it!” Ember drops down to do the deed herself. A few moments later Arc stands before his date in the nude. She nods approvingly. “Much better.” “Happy now?” “Very!” “Great. Um... what was the second fantasy?” Ember licks her lips. “You just fulfilled it.” “Uh...” “Being rough with me is SO hot!” “Yeah... happy to be of service, Ember. So you good now?” “Just one more thing.” Arc frowns. “I thought you said just two...!” Ember interrupts him. “Well, I just thought of this one.” “Fine. What is it?” Ember steps back and strikes a sexy pose. “Strip me.” “But you’re already naked.” “No, I’m not.” “You got something on under that towel?” “Nope.” “Then how...?” “Rip it off of my body.” “You mean pull, right?” Ember shakes her head as she clutches the towel to herself tightly. “No... rip. With force.” “Are you serious?!” “As a heart attack.” “Nice analogy.” “Thanks. Now get to it.” “Do you have any idea how much that towel probably costs?!” “I don’t. But you can just take it out of my pay.” “You get paid?” Ember licks her lips. “Nope. Which means I’m owed some... compensation.” “Well... okay.” Stepping forward, Arc grabs the towel. Pulling hard, the sound of tearing cloth rings out over the sound of the shower. It falls to the floor as Ember’s nude body comes into view. Her eyes grow wide as she looks down at the remains of the towel. How did you...?!” “What?” “Why’d you do that?!” “You specifically told me to!” Ember groans. “Well, you weren’t supposed to be able to actually DO it!” “I’m confused.” “Those towels are expensive for a very good reason!” “Which is...?” Ember facepalms. “Because they’re supposed to be practically indestructible!” “Then why did you...?” “It was just supposed to be a gag!” They look down at the tatters on the floor together. Eventually Arc chuckles. “Well... I laughed.” “I’m glad you’re happy, Arc.” “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the bill for that.” “Thanks. And... sorry.” Arc puts his hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine.” Ember grins sheepishly as she looks down at her body. “But in any case... do you like what you see?” “Yes, Ember. You’re beautiful. But why don’t we get cleaned up now? That is, unless you have some other fantasies you’d like to live out.” “I think I’d better quit while I’m still ahead.” Arc leads Ember over to the shower. She holds out a hand as he does so. “One second.” “You going to turn down the water temperature now?” Ember nods. “Yeah. Was just trying to warm it up in here.” Arc waving a hand to move the clouds of steam around his head. “Mission accomplished there.” Making the water a bit more bearable, Ember leads Arc into the shower. Sitting down on the tile floor she pulls him down to join her. Arc’s face lands on her chest. She gasps and smiles innocently. “My, my! You’re certainly forward tonight, Arc!” “You did that on purpose.” “I cannot tell a lie. I did.” Rolling off of her, Arc takes his place next to her. Grabbing a couple washcloths the pair clean one another before leaning against the wall to enjoy the warmth and humidity of the shower. Ember turns to Arc nervously. “Um...” “Something wrong, Ember?” “Kinda. I... wanted to ask you something.” “Sure. What’s on your mind?” “Back on Earth, I... did a bit of research on how human women appealed to men.” “Did you now?” Ember nods. “Yeah, and... I just wanted to know how I... stacked up.” “Regarding...?” “My looks versus the others.” “As a human or a dragon?” “For now, as a human.” “But I’ve only seen Auriel, Derpy, Rarity, Applejack, and Hammer, naturally, in human form. That’s only half the herd.” “Okay. So how about I alter the question a bit. How do I compare in terms of beauty to other women?” “I think you’re pretty, Ember.” “How pretty?” “Very.” Ember groans. “This isn’t helping.” “If you want me to say something you’re going to have to be a bit more...” Lunging forward, Ember does a one-eighty and turns to face Arc. Putting her hands under her breasts she interrupts him. “It’s about THESE?!” “Your chest?” “Yes!” “What about it?” “Do you think I’m less pretty because I have small boobs?!” “I don’t... NO!” Ember frowns. “I think you’re just being Kind.” “Well, I see it as Honesty.” “What about Derpy?! Her chest is huge compared to mine!” “I think she’s very pretty too.” “Because of her large...!” Arc interrupts. “Due to her personality.” “Come on, Arc! I’m flat as a board! You CAN’T think I’m as good naked as Derpy is!” Arc shakes his head. “It’s not about how pretty you are without clothes, Ember.” “Then what...?!” “You’re beautiful just the way you are.” “How?!” “I love your straightforward personality. And how dedicated you are to me and whatever cause we’re fighting for at the time.” “Would you love me more if I had bigger breasts though?” “No, Ember.” “So you like them small?” Arc groans. “I like you being YOU, Ember.” “Then tell me what you think of my...!” Leaning forward, Arc wraps his arms around Ember and presses his lips to her. Her eyes wide, she sits there unable to do anything for a moment. A few seconds later her eyes close as she pulls him back to lie on top of her on the tile floor. Breaking off the kiss, Arc puts a hand to her cheek and looks her in the eye before speaking. “You’re beautiful just the way you are, Ember.” He runs a finger down her neck and taps her sternum as he continues. “And so are your breasts.” “Even if they’re small?” “They’re not small, Ember.” “Yes, they are, Arc.” “No, Ember. You’re breasts are the perfect size.” “And Derpy?” “Also perfect.” “How is that possible?!” “Because I’m not interested in you, her, or anyone else for their cup sizes. All of you are beautiful inside and out thanks to your diverse personalities.” “What if I woke up tomorrow with big jugs then?” “Then I’d love you the same as I do now.” “Answer me this, Arc. What could I do to make myself more appealing to you?” Arc shakes his head. “Nothing, Ember. Just be yourself and I’ll be myself.” Looking up at him happily, Ember wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him into a tight hug. “I... I just want to make you happy, Arc!” “You already have, Ember. You already have.” Ember appears hopeful. “Can... can we continue this conversation in bed, Arc?” “Sure.”