The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 7 - Whispers in the Dark

Arc and company sit in the Observation Deck. Frank turns to Arc.

“That was quite the meal, my friend.”

Ember burps. “Yeah. Who knew noodles, tomato sauce, and vegetables could be so tasty?”

Dinky giggles. “My dad can make anything taste good!”

Derpy smiles. “That he can.”

“Thanks everyone. I’m glad you liked it.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “The crew wanted me to pass on their thanks as well.”

Auriel nods. “Yes, they seemed most grateful for the meal.”

Arc looks outside at the sunset. “It’s nice to cook for friends.”

Ember grins. “You’ve always liked helping others, Arc.”

Frank turns to his friend. “That is true. But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah.”

“Dad?”

“I just… like to make others smile, that’s all.”

Frank nods soberly as Arc turns to Twilight.

“What’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“Well, we need to wait until the sun’s up, of course. But that’s just so everyone can get a good night’s sleep.”

Auriel looks away sheepishly. “Us included.”

Twilight nods. “That and it wouldn’t do to have us setting up in the dark.”

“Right. Twilight and I will take care of everything on that end. After all, every detail has to be checked and rechecked if we’re going to get proper data from this test.”

Twilight giggles. “I estimate we’ll have everything set up in time for lunch.”

Ember grins. “So we can be out of here before evening?”

Twilight shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “The device will take several hours to charge up the essence to its final state.”

Arc nods. “Will it resemble Rose’s heart?”

“No. It’ll be MUCH more intense!”

Frank appears confused. “Rose? That young woman back at your house, Arc?”

“Yes. Like I said before, she isn’t what she appears.

Twilight nods. “That’s right. Truth be told, she’s not even human.”

Auriel sighs. “Twilight built her for Arc. She’s actually an android.”

Frank sighs. “Yes, Arc did mention that.”

Arc clears his throat loudly as he turns to Twilight. “Getting back on topic, what should we do while the essence goes through its… uh… process?”

“Auriel and I will watch the gauges constantly. While the computer will automatically record the data, we’ll still need to make minor adjustments during that phase.”

Ember frowns. “But after it forms into an artificial sun, then what?”

Auriel grins. “Then it will be stable.”

Twilight nods. “Right. As stable as Rose’s own heart.”

Arc thinks for a moment. “Will it be safe for us to watch from the Observation Deck, Twilight?”

“Yes. Unlike the real sun, ours won’t cause damage to your eyes by looking at it. That is, as long as we keep the power levels low.”

Frank turns to Auriel. “It sounds like you two have thought this matter through.”

“We’ve done our best.”

Arc nods as he stands. “I’m sure you have. Now then, we should all get some rest soon. Big day tomorrow.”

The group heads back to their quarters and part ways. Arc turns to Derpy and Dinky.

“You two can sleep in my bed.”

Derpy looks to him, confused. “But what about you?”

“I… think I’ll head to the Mid Deck and just rest on a bunk there.”

He nods to the cask on his shoulder.

“After all, I don’t really want anyone nearby in case something happens to this thing.”

“But dad…!”

“Don’t argue with me, Dinky.”

Dinky looks sadly down at the floor. “…okay.”

Arc kneels down and puts a hand under her small chin.

“Sorry, sweetheart. I just don’t want you or your mother getting hurt.”

The pair nod silently as Arc stands up.

“I’ll see you two in the morning.”

“Good night, Arc.”

“Night dad.”

Arc turns and walks down the corridor with the essence. Derpy and Dinky enter his room and head for the bed. Climbing into it they lie down. Derpy shuts off the light and sighs as Dinky looks over to her.

“Mom?”

“Yes, Dinky?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“This… just doesn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?”

Dinky sighs. “Lying here without dad. This room just feels so empty when he’s not with us.”

Derpy pats Dinky’s head. “I know, sweetie. But your father has his reasons for wanting to be alone right now.”

Dinky nods sadly as she turns away. “Yeah. But that doesn’t make this any easier.

Derpy smiles and puts a hoof on Dinky’s back.

“Think about it this way, sweetie. I sure this isn’t any easier for your father.”

“Huh?”

“After all, he was hoping to spend time with us on this trip. But now he’s too busy taking care of supplies.”

“I… hadn’t thought of it that way before.”

“Your father and I love you very much. We both want to be with you whenever possible.”

Dinky rolls back over. “And I want the same, mom!”

“I know. But as I’m sure you know that isn’t always possible.”

“We should do something special for dad. After all, he’s always giving it his best.”

“What did you have in mind, sweetie?”

Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Mid Deck. Walking into one of the large rooms filled with bunk beds he sits down on one and sets the cask down on the floor. Sighing, he stares at it for a time.

“I don’t like this.”

Cherry calls out to him. “Arc?”

“Being alone.”

“You’ve become a much more sociable human.”

Arc nods. “Yeah. Admittedly I’ve come a long way since that day Derpy and I napped on her couch.”

“Oh?”

“She was the first mare I slept with.”

He blushes slightly.

“That… came out wrong.”

Cherry giggles. “Don’t worry. I know what you meant. But now you’ve gotten used to sleeping with others.”

“Yeah. It’s… nice to hold someone as I fall asleep. Not to mention waking up next to someone I care about.”

“Are you sure that’s it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Rarity.”

“Oh.”

They are silent for a time.

“You’ve started making plans.”

“Kinda.”

“Kinda?! Arc, I’m literally in your head!”

Arc smiles. “Okay. Yes, I’d… be very happy with her. At least I think I would be.”

“But…?”

“I need to get to know her better. And Sweetie Belle too. That is, I want her to get to know me.”

“That’s only logical.”

“After all, if I’m going to become her father she’ll need to approve of me.”

“What do you mean?”

Arc sighs. “Rarity told me that Sweetie Belle wants her to find someone special. While I’d like to be that someone, I’m not so sure she’s thought this matter through entirely.”

“And you want to make sure this is really what she wants before you pursue this course?”

“Right. If it isn’t what’s best, all of us will be miserable.”

Cherry giggles. “You’re a really special human, Arc.”

“Thanks, Cherry.”

“No, I mean it. You’re more concerned with Sweetie Belle’s feelings than your own in this matter. Not a lot of stallions would go that far to protect the feelings of a foal that isn’t theirs.”

Arc smiles. “She’s a really nice filly. That and she reminds me of Rarity so much. Just a smaller version.”

“I can see that.”

“It would be nice for Dinky to have a sister too.”

“They certainly do get along well.”

“But I’m still not sure what to do about all of this.”

“You mean Derpy?”

“I… yeah.”

“You should probably talk to her before making any long-term plans with Rarity, Arc. She deserves that much.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, you’re right. I need to do that. And soon.”

“Agreed. But for now you need to rest. See you soon?”

Arc smiles as he lays back on the pillow. “Yeah. Be right there.”

Closing his eyes Arc drifts off to sleep. A few moments later he arrives in his Sanctuary.

“Uh… this is new.”

Looking around Arc sees the house and the orchard. However the land itself is dim.

“Gotta find Cherry!”

Running toward the house he sees a single light coming from the doorway.

“Please be okay!”

Bursting through the door Arc hurries inside. He spots several logs burning in the fireplace.

“CHERRY!”

There is no response to his calls. Arc searches the house but finds no sign of her.

“ARGH! Where could she be?!”

The sound of strong gusts of wind outside brings Arc back to his senses.

“What the…?”

A low rumble in the distance and several flashes of lightning cut through the air. Arc hurries to the large Living Room window and looks out as he muses to himself.

“Who is DOING this?!”

The wind blows again stronger than before. However this time there are strange voices on it. Arc calls out again.

“Cherry?! Is that you?!”

As he says this the floorboards beneath him start to shake violently.

“Now an earthquake?! Have I completely lost control here?!”

The quake intensifies, throwing Arc to the floor. However as quickly the abnormalities started, they cease. Standing up, Arc looks all around.

“Cherry? Did… did you do that?”

The air is silent, save for a small squeaking sound on the front of the house. Walking cautiously toward the front door Arc puts his hand on the knob and slowly turns it. Stepping out onto the porch he sees the cherry trees bending under a relentlessly strong wind. Limbs break off and are carried away into the distance. Rain pours and lightning flashes all around the house. However the air surrounding Arc and the porch is calm with not a drop of rain to be seen on any of the floorboards. Suddenly a familiar voice rings out next to him.

“Quite the display, wouldn’t you agree?”

Turning to the porch swing Arc spots Wiseman swinging ever so slightly as he watches the storm’s relentless assault on the land surrounding the house. Arc clenches a fist angrily as he speaks.

“What are you DOING?!”

Wiseman shrugs. “Just sitting here, observing.”

“Yeah, I can see that! Observing the destruction of my Sanctuary, you mean!”

“This is not my doing.”

“Really?! You expect me to believe that?!”

“Think what you will, Arc. However, there is something you need to hear.”

Arc frowns. “What is it this time?”

“A bit of helpful advice from the old to the young.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Great.”

Wiseman clears his throat. “The blind cannot see that which is right in front of them. The deaf cannot hear even though others speak. However, the wise will find a way to see and hear that which they must comprehend.”

“Um… what?”

“That is my message.”

“You must really be getting on in years. You’re ‘advice’ has gone from cryptic to just plain bizarre.”

“Or one might say your perception of my words is lacking.”

“Oh, I heard you just fine. Now where’s Cherry?!”

“Still in your head.”

“Cherry! Can you hear me?”

Wiseman shakes his head. “She cannot.”

“But you JUST said…!”

“…that she’s still in your head. However that refers to your physical head in the real world.”

“Um… okay. That almost makes sense. But why isn’t she here?”

“Because she’s being blocked.”

“What?! By who?!”

Wiseman gestures to the violent storm.

“Someone whom is trying to send you a message, I would assume.”

Arc clenches a fist as he holds it up. “I got a message of my own!”

Wiseman shakes his head. “Oh? And how were you planning on sending said message?”

“Fists or magic! Both are pretty effective!”

“Do what you will. However, know that Cherry is still safe and sound back in the real world.”

Arc turns away angrily. “That’s the only thing holding me back right now.”

“Not the fact you don’t have a target to aim your aggression toward?”

“I suppose that too.”

“Now then, if you want this to end well, you must remember my words of wisdom. Ignore them at your own peril.”

He looks out at the wind and rain as both intensify.

“You should head back now. There’s nothing more you can do from here.”

“Head back and do WHAT?!”

“Accomplish your goal. Help Auriel make her dream a reality. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “I really hate you.”

Wiseman shrugs. “Think what you will of me. But know that I will continue down my path as you walk your own.”

“Any chance that path will lead you away from me?”

“Unlikely.”

Arc frowns as he turns to look out at the scene before him. “Great.”

“We all have our roles to play in this life. Everyone… and every…. thing.”

Arc turns back to Wiseman, but finds he has vanished.

“And again he’s gone. Great. Although admittedly I’m glad to be rid of him.”

He looks back toward the house as unintelligible whispers fill his ears.

“What the…?! Who’s there?!”

Straining to hear, Arc is unable to make out any discernable message.

“I know I’m hearing something. But what?”

He stops and thinks for a moment.

“The deaf cannot hear even though others speak, huh? Well, I’m certainly not deaf. But I also can’t make out what the heck those voices are saying. What am I supposed to do about this?!”

Sighing, Arc opens a portal.

“In any case… nothing more to be done here.”

Stepping through, Arc opens his eyes and finds himself back on the bunk. He sits up quickly and summarily bangs his head on the bunk above him. Cherry calls out to him.

“Arc?! Are you alright?! What happened?!”

Arc grimaces as he rubs his forehead. “Our Sanctuary is… a bit different right now.”

“It must be fairly extreme. I couldn’t piggyback like I normally do.”

“Yeah. Can you describe what happened from your point of view?”

“Well, normally I ride your consciousness to the Sanctuary. However this time something pushed us apart. Luckily not between here and there though. So what’s going on?”

“I wish I knew. There was a terrible storm raging over there.”

“Oh? How bad of one?”

Arc grimaces. “The kind that would normally make you head to the basement.”

“Are you alright?!”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Sorry, Arc. You must’ve been rather lonely there.”

“Not… exactly. Wiseman showed up.”

Cherry gasps. “Wait! IN the Sanctuary?!”

Arc nods. “Yeah.”

“How did he get there?!”

“No clue. I’m the only one whom should be able to freely travel there. And I certainly didn’t let HIM in.”

“What did he want?”

“More cryptic messages.”

“Oh?”

Arc nods. “He said, ‘The blind cannot see that which is right in front of them. The deaf cannot hear even though others speak. However, the wise will find a way to see and hear that which they must comprehend.’ As usual I have no idea what he’s talking about.”

“Me either. It just sounds like gibberish.”

“Well, part of what he said did come true… sort of.”

“Which part?”

“The part about ‘The deaf cannot hear even though others speak.’ Before coming back I thought I heard voices.”

“Anypony in particular?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Just voices in general. It kinda reminded me of assemblies back in grade school.”

“Assemblies?”

“Where all the kids would be in the auditorium talking at once. You couldn’t make out what anyone in particular was saying.”

“You need to tell somepony about this, Arc.”

Arc sighs. “I suppose. But who?”

“Um… Sunburst?”

“Not really sure how I’d word that. But he did tell me once that Realm Magic is rather under studied, as only magic users of great power can actually use it. And I guess they’re a bit too busy to write any books on it, or let others study them.”

“Well, maybe you could be the first.”

“Huh?”

“To write about Realm Magic. Like you said, nopony’s written a book about it yet.”

“Well… I suppose I could add that to the list of things I’m going to do when I retire. But right now I really want to figure this out.”

“Could the problems in the Sanctuary be caused by somepony nearby?”

“Like outside interference?”

“Exactly.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. From what Luna told me, part of it is the magical aptitude of the user. The other, their mental state.”

“Are you okay? I mean, is something bothering you, Arc?”

“Nah. Which doesn’t help us get any closer to figuring this out, I know. But let’s check into that outside interference idea though.”

He touches his earring.

“Arc to Bridge.”

“Commander Soarin here, sir.”

“Tell me, have there been any strange readings since we last spoke?”

“No sir. In fact, the readings have gone down to almost nothing these past few hours.”

“I see. Keep a sharp eye on those instruments and report any changes to me immediately.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

He touches his earring and severs the connection as he sighs

“Great. We got nothing.”

“Well… could it have just been a fluke?”

“You mean an accident?”

“Yes.”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. After all, I’m always in control of my realm. But admittedly it was rather disconcerting to see Cherry Hill Ranch in that state, and not be able to do anything about it.”

“Do you suppose that’s how Princess Luna felt when she and Princess Cadance were trapped in the Lunar Realm?”

“Probably a bit scarier for them, as they couldn’t leave. But I had no trouble opening an exit portal.”

“Well, I don’t suppose there’s anything that can be done about it tonight. Why don’t you try to get some more sleep, Arc?”

Arc sighs as he stands. “I don’t think that’s an option right now, Cherry. Everything’s so… jumbled in my mind right now.”

He reaches down and picks up the keg.

“I think I’ll take a walk. Check in on Derpy and Dinky.”

Cherry calls out to him as he heads for the door.

“Worried about them?”

“I know they’re fine, but… I just want to see that with my own eyes.”

Leaving the room, Arc walks past the Teleporter Pad and heads for the stairs. Taking them to the Upper Deck he walks down the corridor to his quarters. Quietly opening the door he peeks inside. Derpy and Dinky lie on the bed fast asleep. Smiling, Arc closes the door and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Looks like they’re sleeping peacefully.”

“That’s good.”

Arc turns to walk down the corridor. As he does so he sees someone looking out a window at the moon. Approaching them he spots Frank’s familiar staff.

“You’re up late.”

Frank nods. “I… couldn’t sleep.”

“Nightmares?”

“Kinda. Just… anxious about my boys. And you?”

“It’s… complicated.”

They look out the window together silently for a time. Eventually Arc speaks.

“So what else is bothering you?”

“Eh?”

“Frank, we’ve known each other for quite some time. It’s obvious when you’re hiding something.”

Frank sighs. “I just feel like I’m wasting time here.”

Arc nods. “You mean just sitting around when you could be organizing, plotting, or scheming?”

“To put it negatively, yes.”

“I know how you feel.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I’ve been going pretty much non-stop since I arrived in this land. While I’ve tried to take a break a few times, work always seems to find me.”

Frank sighs. “I used to have that problem.”

“What was the solution?”

“Little things, actually. As you know, I can’t really go on vacation. So instead I make it a point to have some wind-down time every evening. Reading a book, watching an episode of a favorite television show, stretching exercises… anything to put my mind at ease. If only just for a half hour or so.”

Arc sighs. “I don’t even have that. Although I’d love to.”

“What’s so important? You’re obviously driving yourself toward some goal.”

“I… I’m looking for someone.”

“Like you said on the news?”

“You saw that, huh?”

Frank nods. “Yes. I happened to be watching that night. Tell me, who exactly are you looking for?”

“Frank, I… I can’t really talk about it.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“It’s a matter of national security. Top secret stuff.”

Frank chuckles. “Come now. Who would I tell?”

Arc looks back out the window. “Maybe another time.”

“When you’re ready I’d like to hear what you’ve been up to this past year or so.”

“I thought Ember brought you up to speed on that.”

“She did. But I’d like to hear it from your point of view. I’m sure she left out a few things, after all.”

“Y-yeah.”

Frank chuckles. “From what she described, it sounds like much of what you’ve accomplished has been rather dangerous.”

“That it has. But fortunately most of my exploits have ended in a positive light.”

“But not always.”

“No.”

Frank chuckles. “Remember this, my friend. No one is perfect. You, like everyone else, are allowed to make mistakes.”

Arc sighs. “Well, the stakes are a bit higher than you know.”

“I’m sure they are. But if what Ember told me was true, you’ve handled everything like a true hero.”

“Not… everything.”

“Oh? Something she left out?”

Arc nods. “Kinda, yeah. Frank… I think you and I need to have a long talk when there’s more time.”

“I’m not doing anything right now.”

“Well… now’s not a good time for me. I need to think over a few things.”

Frank nods. “I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.”

“Thanks. But I think both of us should get back to bed.”

“Agreed. I’ll head back to my room in a few minutes.”

Arc nods, picks up the keg, and heads down the corridor. Frank sighs and looks out the window at the full moon before him.

“We’ve always been honest with one another, Arc. I know you’re hiding something from me. Something… very serious.”

Comments

[Booster Spice]

Arc could tell you Frank, but then Diva would take even more pleasure ripping it from the dissipating remnants of your mind?

[VeryDeadlyBee]

Ember burps. “Yeah. Who knew noodles, tomato sauce, and vegetables could be so tasty?”

"Super Mario in real life, SPAGHETTI."
( https://youtu.be/8EQ17_B7kug )