The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 4 - Requests

A few hours later Ember awakens still in Arc’s arms. Slowly and carefully, so as not to wake him, she kicks the covers off and squeezes her eyes shut as the sun shines brightly through the windows.

“Kinda warm in here. Guess Sereb was right when he said summer was just around the corner.”

Putting a hand to her forehead she wipes away the sweat before turning her head to look herself over. Sweat glistens on her almost nude body. Shaking her head slightly and sighing Ember muses to herself.

“I guess humans really don’t handle the heat as well as dragons.”

She looks down at Arc who is also sweating. Tracing the beads on his chest with a finger she smiles contentedly.

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

There is a light knock at the door. Ember raises her head only slightly before responding.

“Come in.”

Viktor enters the room and turns toward the bed.

“Sir, we…!”

He stops talking as he spots the provocative position Arc and Ember are in.

“I… uh…”

Ember frowns. “What’s the matter with you?”

Viktor blushes. “Um… it’s just… you lying there with the commander was a… bit of a surprise.”

“I don’t see how. After all, we do this all the time! Now then, what did you need?”

Viktor looks away as Ember adjusts her panties which are sticking to her sweat soaked backside.

“The commander, he… wanted to know when we had something to report. Sunburst just sent over the analysis of that substance.”

“Can’t it wait? I mean, look at him. He’s not waking up even with the two of us talking like this.”

Viktor shakes his head. “I… I’m sorry, but if you recall, he was very insistent that we rouse him for any developments.”

Ember sighs. “Fine. Give me a few minutes to finish up here and we’ll be down.”

Viktor nods as he quickly leaves the room. “Y-yes, alright!”

Closing the door behind him, Viktor sits down on the steps for a few moments to calm himself.

“The commander really was out of it. Ember must be a real beast in the bedroom!”

He chuckles lightly to himself as he again stands.

“Well, the commander certainly deserves such a beautiful outlet for his stress. That and Ember is certainly eager to please him. In any case, we’ll have to give them some time to clean up from their fun.”

Meanwhile, Ember looks to Arc with a smile. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a squeeze as she begins kissing his cheek over and over again.

“Arc? It’s time to wake up.”

She gently shakes him. Arc moans slightly as Ember continues trying to rouse him

“Come on. Open your eyes.”

Arc slowly does so.

“Ember?”

“Good morning sleepyhead.”

Arc puts a hand over his face. “So… bright.”

“It’s mid-morning, silly.”

“Oh… that’s why it’s so hot in here.”

Ember grins. “Well, one of the reasons anyways.”

Arc opens his eyes as Ember continues kissing him.

“Come on, Ember. I know you like me, but…”

He stops talking as he puts his hands on her shoulders.

“Um… where are your clothes, Ember?”

“I’m not wearing any, remember?”

Arc blushes. “What?!”

“We went to sleep like this.”

“We did?!”

Ember nods. “Yes. You seemed okay with it back then. Well… more or less. Then again that might have been you lacking the energy to disagree.”

“Can we get up now please?!”

Ember sighs. “Fine.”

She stands and walks into the closet as Arc looks down at his own attire.

“I’m almost certain I know the answer to this, but where are MY clothes?”

“With my coat across the room.”

Slowly standing, Arc walks across the room and picks up yesterday’s outfit. As he looks up to put on the shirt he spies Ember in the closet looking through outfits. Her panties and bra lie on the floor just inside the doorway.

“Arc, do you think I should wear the…?”

He hurries back to the bedside.

“Ember! You can’t just stand there naked while I’m in the room!”

Ember peeks out of the closet. “Sure I can. Just did.”

“Well… I meant you shouldn’t! Anyone could walk in here and…!”

“Viktor just did.”

“WHAT?!”

Ember shrugs. “I was wearing my bra and panties at the time. Oh, and don’t worry that he might have seen you bare. I made sure I covered you with my body.”

Arc sighs. “Thanks.”

Ember grins as she dresses. “Don’t mention it.”

A few minutes later Arc and Ember head to the basement. The squad is waiting for them. Viktor turns to him.

“Sir, there’s been word from Canterlot.”

“Good. What is it?”

Hugh shrugs. “The Lead Sage wanted to tell you personally.”

Max walks over with a strange looking device. “He sent this over a short time ago.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Xenos shrugs. “No clue.”

Sereb sighs. “He only instructed us to set it on the table and activate it.”

“Well then, let’s do as he says.”

Max sets the device on the table. Rose looks it over for a few moments before pressing a button. It begins to hum as she turns to the group.

“It would appear it simply has to warm up before reaching peak operating power.”

A few moments later a green light comes on. Rose presses it and the top of the machine opens as several emitters emerge. They shine together as a static but familiar visage appears.

“Can everypony over there hear me?”

Arc nods. “You’re a little out of focus, Sunburst, but for the most part, yes.”

“Try adjusting it on your end, sir.”

Rose begins fiddling with the dials. With a little effort the picture clears. Frank nods approvingly.

“That’s much better.”

Arc looks at the form before him. “So Equestria has expanded its holographic technology, eh?”

Sunburst nods. “Yes, sir. It’s a smaller version of the one in your base’s War Room. After all, some things in life require face to face conversations.”

Ember drums the tabletop with her fingers. “So you have something for us?”

“Yes. It’s in regards to that liquid you sent me.”

Max grins. “Good. That’s quite the enigma.”

“It appears to be a high potency mineral infusion of some kind.”

Frank raises an eyebrow, skeptically. “Are you saying my boys are floating in… vitamin water?!”

“That seems to be the case, yes. However it’s much more than that.”

Rose clears her throat before speaking. “I detected slight magical emanations coming from it as Sereb took the syringe. Is it perhaps enhanced in that way as well?”

“That it is.”

Frank gasps. “Could that hurt them?!”

Sunburst shakes his head. “I don’t believe so, no. The magical aspect appears to serve a very specific purpose.”

Ember groans. “Which is…?”

“To allow nutrients and oxygen to pass through the skin directly into the bloodstream of the subject.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “That would explain why there wasn’t any breathing tubes anywhere to be seen.”

Hugh nods soberly. “So they’re being force fed nutrients and oxygen?”

Xenos turns to his friend. “Judging by what we saw on the video, that’s the only thing keeping them alive.”

Sunburst frowns. “And unconscious, I might add.”

Max purses his lips. “Some kind of sedative in the fluid as well?”

“Yes. It too appears magical.”

Arc looks to Sunburst. “Would any of that hurt them long term?”

“Quite the opposite, sir. Judging by the preliminary data I’ve collected, a human could be kept alive with this substance theoretically indefinitely.”

Hugh appears squeamish. “What about… um… the other part of digestion?”

Arc frowns. “What are you…?”

Rose puts a hand on Arc’s arm. “I believe Hugh is referring to ‘excretion’.”

Sunburst nods. “In theory, the subject’s digestive tract would be greatly bypassed. However, there’s always a need to remove other kinds of waste from the body. There’s probably a pump that circulates the fluid as it’s excreted, filters and warms the fluid before pumping it back into the tank.”

Sereb frowns. “It sounds very efficient.”

Frank narrows his eyes. “If by ‘efficient’ you mean ‘twisted’ then yes, I agree with you.”

Arc sighs. “Any clue what someone could be doing to them in those tanks, Sunburst?”

“I’ve watched the video feed that was sent to me, and have compared notes with Rose regarding the papers she possessed.”

Rose nods. “They were the room’s inventory. Every chemical that was stored in the room was on there.”

Ember grins. “Now we’re getting somewhere!”

“Sadly, not as far as I would have liked. Most of the substances were fairly generic and could be used in a myriad of different ways.”

Frank appears nervous. “Could… could they be experimenting on my boys?!”

“They may be. We won’t know for sure until a get a sample from one of the tubes to run some tests on. Then I may be able figure out a way to safely remove them from their capsules. Again, in theory.”

Arc sighs. “I’ll have to break back in to get that.”

Frank frowns. “But how would you get a sample, Arc? Capable as you are, electronics isn’t exactly your strong suit.”

Ember grits her teeth. “Nor is stealth.”

“Hey! I did okay keeping hidden in there!”

Rose turns to him. “Perhaps I should come along next time, Arc.”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s too dangerous, Rose.”

Sereb sighs. “Someone with the necessary skills will need to take the sample, Arc.”

Rose nods. “Yes. And have your back if things go wrong.”

Ember clenches her fists. “Tell you what, Arc. You can either take her or me. Pick one.”

Arc sighs. “Rose.”

Rose smiles. “I won’t let you down!”

“Thanks. Now all we need is a plan.”

Hugh raises an eyebrow. “Can’t you two just go in the same way you did before, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think so. It took a lot of energy to slow myself down like I did. Doing it while carrying another person would most likely end very badly.”

Max muses to himself. “What if Rose could just walk in the front entrance?”

Sunburst nods. “She does look like a normal human.”

Frank grins. “That she does.”

Arc sighs. “True. But I can’t imagine they’d just let anyone in. She’d need an ID of some kind.”

Rose stands up. “I do believe I can help with that.”

She turns to the computer and sits down. Pressing a few keys she pulls up the footage of Diva passing Arc. He shudders as the video is paused.

“Not my favorite part.”

Sereb frowns. “Is there something we should be looking for here?”

Rose points at the screen. “Look at Diva’s chest.”

Frank looks confused. “Her uniform?”

Arc gasps. “Wait a second! Now I get it!”

Xenos frowns. “Sir?”

Ember points. “That badge! It’s looks like the one Auriel’s mother left behind!”

Hugh shakes his head. “It’s not likely it’d still be active, sir.”

“True. But the picture on it is similar to Rose.”

Sereb nods. “A bit of work on her hair and no one would give her a second glance.”

“Right. She couldn’t open any doors, but it would get her inside the base at least.”

“That and I could follow you if need be by using my thermal scanners.”

Ember grins. “Arc could still get in the same way he did before. Then they could meet up inside that building.”

Arc turns to her. “Are you sure you’re up to this, Rose?”

“You mean after what happened last time?”

“Yes. If they catch either of us down there, we’re not going to be able to make a run for it like we did at the hospital.”

“I understand that. Honestly, I’ve been looking for a way to make up for that.”

Sereb sighs. “But what if you freeze up again?”

Ember shrugs. “Worst case scenario, she could start shooting.”

Frank glares at Ember. “At our country’s soldiers?!”

Arc nods. “Right. They’re flesh and blood, after all. That and I doubt they know what’s really going on in there.”

“I promise not to harm any living beings unless absolutely necessary.”

Arc sighs. “Fine.”

Max turns to his commanding officer. “Will you need any additional backup, sir?”

“I don’t think so, no. Ember will be in the woods already, and Rose will be with me.”

Ember nods. “We got this.”

“I guess the only thing we need before doing this is the ID from Auriel.”

Sereb frowns. “Do you think she’ll give it to you?”

“No idea. I mean, she and I are friends and all, but…”

Ember nods soberly. “But that’s all she has left of her mother.”

“Yeah.”

Frank shrugs. “You would only need to borrow it for a day.”

Sunburst turns and points a hoof. “Shall I head over to the workshop and ask her about it, sir?”

“No. I need to do that myself. When’s the next safe window?”

“I can get you back right now if you’d like, sir.”

“That’ll work. See you in a few, Sunburst.”

“I shall be ready and waiting, sir.”

He nods and vanishes. Arc turns to the shelf with the portable recall unit.

“No time like the present, I suppose.”

Xenos sighs. “Anything you’d like us to do while you’re gone, sir?”

“Yes. I want two of you to head back to that beach with a tent, food, water, and whatever you think you need to last a few days.”

Ember raises an eyebrow. “Um… what?”

Rose turns to him. “I can do that alone, Arc. That and I don’t need to bring any supplies.”

Max nods. “She does bring up a good point, sir.”

“True. But I want at least three of you out there. Your mission will be to keep an eye on the base at all times. We need to know when they get supplies and personnel.”

Frank looks to Rose. “You looking to add a member to their staff?”

“In a matter of speaking. Rose stands the best chance of not raising suspicion if she goes in there with a group of other researchers.”

Xenos frowns. “How do you know they do that? Come and go, I mean, sir.”

“They’ve got to have staff changes at some point. And when they do, we need to go in with them.”

Max grins. “I’ll head out there with Xenos and Rose, sir.”

“Fine. Viktor can keep an eye on things here while we’re all gone.”

Sereb frowns. “All?”

“You, Frank, and Ember can come back to Equestria with me. After all, there won’t really be anything for you to do here.”

Frank sighs. “I don’t really mind coming, but…”

Ember nods soberly. “You feel bad leaving your men behind, right?”

“Yes.”

Sereb nods. “We will find a way to help them.”

Frank looks to Arc, hopeful. “Perhaps something could be done sooner?”

“That we will. But it won’t do any good if we get caught without properly scouting the place out first.”

Frank sighs. “Yes, that’s true. But…”

“Have I ever let you down before, Frank?”

“No.”

“Then trust me on this.”

“Very well.”

Arc sets the portable recall device on the floor and pushes the button. A portal forms and Frank, Ember, and Sereb step through. Arc turns to Max.

“I… I’m counting on you.”

Max nods soberly. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

Arc nods and steps through the portal. Xenos steps forward and shuts it down as Rose heads for the steps.

“We should get moving.”

Hugh sighs. “First we need to find a tent.”

Xenos grins. “No worries there. The mall has a sporting goods store.”

Max nods. “Sounds like a good place to start.”

They follow Rose up the stairs. Meanwhile, Arc and company reappear on the S.P.E.A.R in Princess Celestia’s room. Sunburst walks over to them.

“Right this way, sir.”

Walking past, he leads them out the door and down the corridor. Arc turns to Frank.

“When we finish up here, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“Can’t it wait until after we…?”

“It’s a personal matter.”

“Oh. I see.”

They reach the Workshop. Sunburst motions to the Royal Guards. They turn and look the other way as Arc opens the door. Stepping inside they find Auriel going over a blueprint with Hard Hat. She waves them over before turning back to the stallion.

“That should solve the problem of potential energy feedback.”

Hard Hat nods. “We’ll get to work on it right away.”

Auriel hands him the blueprint before approaching Arc.

“We’re making wonderful progress here.”

Arc looks around “It sure looks like it.”

Ember grins. “Yeah. This place is really jumping.”

Frank chuckles. “Like a well-oiled machine.”

Sereb nods. “Indeed.”

“I made a few suggestions on ways to improve efficiency on several of Sunburst and Stellar Flare’s designs.”

Sunburst grins. “Yes, Auriel’s quite good at what she does.”

“It’s nice to be on a project that will help protect someone rather than building weapons.”

Arc smiles at her. “Thanks for doing this, Auriel. It means a lot to me and the others.”

“All things considered, it’s time I gave something back to the land and inhabitants whom took me in. But in any case, did you come for another inspection tour, Arc?”

“Actually, no. I need to talk to you about a rather… pressing matter.”

“Oh… well, we can talk in the office.”

She gestures to a door nearby.

“I was actually thinking somewhere a bit more private.”

“Um… okay.”

Arc turns to the others.

“I’ll be back in a bit. Why don’t the rest of you look around and familiarize yourselves with some of the gear we’ll be taking on the mission?”

They nod as Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal. He and Auriel step into it and are gone. Sunburst motions for them to follow.

“Let me show you around.”

Ember grins. “Sounds good.”

Sereb grunts. “Lead on.”

Ember turns to Frank.

“You coming?”

Frank shakes his head. “No, thank you. I believe I’ll just wait here. It’ll give me time to rest my leg.”

Sunburst motions with a hoof. “This way, everypony.”

Frank watches them walk away for a time before looking all around at the hustle and bustle. He smiles.

“All this preparation by the worker bees to rescue their missing queen. Very touching. Very touching, indeed.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Auriel step out of the portal. Auriel looks around.

“Your room in the castle, Arc?”

Arc nods. “It’s probably one of the most secure. Not to mention quiet. No one will be able to hear us here.”

Auriel smiles and blushes slightly. “Yes, that’s true.”

“Why don’t we sit down?”

He motions toward the couch. Auriel nods.

“Yes, that’s probably for the best.”

They sit down next to each other. Auriel folds her claws neatly in her lap as she waits patiently for Arc to speak.

“So… how are you doing here?”

“Staying very busy, that’s for sure.”

“That much I could see. I mean, how are the staff treating you?”

“Like anyone else, I suppose. But that might have something to do with me coming here with you personally. I’m sure it must be hard for the staff to take orders from a demon.”

“You seemed to be fully in control of the project back there though.”

Auriel shakes her head. “Officially, I’m not. Sunburst always has the final say, of course. But he’s been very open to my opinions and thoughts on a number of changes.”

“Good. Now if anyone gives you trouble don’t hesitate to report it. They can deal with me, or Shining Armor if I’m not around.”

“Thank you, Arc.”

She looks suddenly nervous.

“Um… can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“There’s been something going through my mind for some time now. Do you remember when we first met?”

“When you were powering up the Malice Cannon? What about it?”

“Well… back then we didn’t know each other. I have to admit, your sudden appearance really scared me!”

“Sorry about that.”

“I’m sure you felt about the same regarding me though.”

“Kinda, I suppose. But what’s this about?”

Auriel sighs. “I told you that if you removed the Bloodstone it would cause the Malice Cannon to explode. From a tactical standpoint that was a clear example of killing three birds with one stone. Doing so would destroy the machine easily, take possession of its irreplaceable power source, and its creator would be silenced forever.”

She fidgets with her claws nervously.

“Forgive me if I sound callous, but… I just want to know why.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “To which part?”

“I mean… why did you save me? For all you knew I could have one day been your executioner.”

“Well, back then you didn’t look like an evil mastermind. Instead, you appeared to be more like a scared little girl. Sorry if that sounds really crass, and all. But can I ask you something about that time?”

“Me?”

Arc nods as Auriel fidgets.

“O-okay.”

“Why did you save me after I passed out?”

“Because I owed you that much. You had just spared my life, so I had felt that I had to do the same.”

“Was that the only reason?”

“Not exactly. I really did want to see the outside world. Considering my race and lineage though, I figured I would have been executed soon enough.”

She smiles at him sheepishly.

“Truthfully, I was pleasantly surprised that Equestria was much more lenient than I was led to believe. And thanks to that I was able to build a new life here.”

“So you’re happy?”

Auriel smiles and nods. “Very much so, yes! It’s just…”

Her expression suddenly changes.

“…I still wish my father was here. He and the others have suffered so much in Tartarus.”

Auriel looks up at him with a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Do… do you suppose one day they might be released?”

“As it stands, probably not. However, should they be able to walk out as you did, then they’ll be free, yes.”

Auriel bows her head. “I understand.”

“Let me ask you something, Auriel. Has anyone other than you ever left Tartarus?”

“No.”

“Why is that? And I’m not trying to be snide. Just honestly interested.”

“I believe it’s due to their forced separation from the homeland and nature. Not seeing the sky and sun, yet knowing they exist for the Equestrians to bask in at their leisure led to resentment between our races.”

“And the unending escape attempts.”

Auriel nods.

“My idea for the artificial sun was in an effort to bring plants to Tartarus. That much I already told everyone. However, my plan was much larger than that.”

“I think I see where this is going.”

“If we couldn’t bring everyone out to see nature, I wanted to bring nature to Tartarus. It was in hope of calming everyone’s nerves, dousing their anger, and hopefully beginning them down the road to redemption.”

“And then they could just walk out on their own?”

“Yes. I know it’s a long shot, but nothing thus far has worked.”

“That’s a very noble goal, Auriel.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry for all the trouble it caused. After all, Twilight and I didn’t mean to wake up an ancient plant or create a new lifeform. Again.”

“It’s okay, Auriel. What’s done is done.”

“Can I ask you something else, Arc?”

“What is it?”

“You and my father have had several… altercations in the past. Why are you doing this?”

“You mean why am I trying to help the demons in Tartarus?”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Forgive me, but from the trouble we’ve cause I would have assumed you’d be very interested in keeping them locked away forever.”

“They’re a threat to Equestria, yes. However I’d like to see that change.”

“You do?”

“Yes. If this will help rehabilitate them, all the better for both Equestria and demon kind. They’ll get to return to their homeland and this land will have one less enemy to worry about.”

“Thank you for taking such a stance on this, Arc. I know the princesses aren’t too keen on the idea.”

“They trust my judgement.”

“You’re really putting your reputation on the line here though.”

“So are you.”

Auriel appears surprised. “I am?”

Arc nods. “Yes. You’ve been allowed to stay thus far due to your banishment from Tartarus. However, if this goes badly it might make the princesses think twice about allowing you free roam of the land.”

Auriel appears suddenly worried as Arc continues.

“I’m not trying to scare you. But you should know the potential risks to your future. Now then, do you still want to proceed with your plan?”

“Yes, I do. Everyone is suffering so much. If I can make their lives better it’s worth the risk to me.”

Arc smiles at her. “Somehow I thought you’d say that. As soon as Twilight and you are ready with the equipment and the essence I’ll help you get this project off the ground.”

“Thank you.”

They are silent for a time as Auriel wipes a tear of joy from her eye.

“Really, thank you so much for all you’ve done for me, Arc.”

“It’s no problem. Um… but…”

“Is something wrong?”

Arc sighs. “Well, I actually came here to ask you for a favor.”

“Anything!”

“Tell me, do you still have that ID card your father gave you?”

Auriel nods and reaches into her lab coat pocket. Pulling out the card she looks at it lovingly.

“I’m never without it. But why do you ask?”

“Uh… truth be told… I was going to ask if I could… borrow it.”

Auriel looks confused. “Whatever for?”

“It’s a military ID. The same as the ones worn by the staff of a facility back on Earth.”

Auriel’s eyes grow wide. “Wait! You saw others with the same card?!”

Arc nods. “Yes. We want to use it to get Rose inside the facility. You see…”

Auriel interrupts him. “I want to come with you!”

“Auriel?”

“That facility might have some information on where my mother went!”

“You think she might have gone back to Earth after leaving Tartarus?”

“Maybe! She’s not there or in Equestria as far as anyone knows!”

She takes Arc’s hands in her claws and looks up to him with a pleading look in her eyes.

“I know this is dangerous. But if there’s ANY chance I might be able to learn her fate… I need to know the truth.”

“Auriel, I know how you feel, but… I don’t believe you know the extreme nature of the situation.”

“I’ll take any risk! Just please don’t leave me out of this!”

Arc sighs and nods.

“Alright, Auriel. You can come on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You obey all my instructions when we’re on Earth without question. Can you do that?”

She smiles and nods fervently.

“Y-yes! Of course! When do we leave?!”

Arc chuckles. “Whenever the next portal allows. Probably in a day or two.”

“I’ll be ready! Promise!”

Comments

[Munro]

ark really has a problem saying no -.-

auriel is suposed to be the helping scientist in the castle...

[Booster Spice]

Franks looking more like Emperor Jar Jar?

Going to be intresting seeing how Auriel reacts to Earths magical fields and tech, and Diva?

[Kamahido]

10816571
Fortunately for her, Auriel's already a bipedal. She knows the mannerisms too. But that certainly doesn't mean this is going to be a walk in the park for them.

[Kamahido]

10816372
I suppose he could have refused Auriel's request and still gotten her to lend him the ID badge. Not too worry though, as she's going to finish redrawing the blueprints prior to leaving the castle so the items can be built while she's gone.

[Ghost Alvasa]

Hmmm...

[Malory]

10816619
And in turn it's getting to me. Like, a lot.
They CAN'T keep relying on Arc to be their common sense. This is from both a in-story standpoint and a writing standpoint. Arc's got enough problems to deal with without dealing with a word full of easily misled ponies who are incapable of learning from their mistakes. It becomes nothing more than a distraction for the writing at some point.

[Raziel80]

10816607
It’s great isn’t

[Raziel80]

10816623
Oh, okay I thought Cadence had started or took up Celestia’s portion.