Chapter 2 - A Terrible Sight
Reaching forward, Arc carefully gives the mask a tug. It slowly pulls away with an audible slurp as a pungent aroma assaults their noses. Everyone looks down at Celestia’s face aghast. A literal gray slime coats it. Open sores cover her face as pus oozes from a number of them. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are nowhere to be seen and there is a clear line of missing mane below where the magical nullifier was. Twilight is the first to speak.
“P-Princess…”
Sunburst sighs. “They must not have been removing it to properly clean her.”
Cadance puts a hoof to her stomach. “Doctor, can we please…?”
“I’ll send nurses to the Infirmary for some high-grade medical soaps and sterile towels. She needs to be properly cleaned from top to bottom. One moment.”.
He walks to the door and sticks his head out. After speaking to someone he heads back to the group.
“They’ll be back in about ten minutes.”
Luna appears hopeful. “Might we be allowed to… lend a hoof?”
Auriel tilts her head to one side, confused. “You want to help bathe her?”
Twilight nods. “Yes. My friend here has suffered long enough.”
Cadance turns to the doctor. “How about it?”
“Below her shoulders, yes. However, I need to tend to the face myself.”
Ember frowns. “Doctor?”
“It needs to be meticulously done, and without popping any more lesions.”
Arc looks Celestia over. “What about the ones that are already open?”
“I’ll treat the infections after she’s fully clean. With luck, she’ll respond to some antibiotics.”
Arc puts a hand to his forehead. “I sure… hope… so…”
He falls to one knee as Ariel, Twilight, and Ember rush to his side. Auriel reaches him first.
“Arc?!”
Ember puts an arm around his shoulders in an attempt to steady him. “What happened?!”
“I… don’t really know.”
Twilight appears worried at this turn of events. “Doctor!”
Doctor Whooves walks over and looks Arc over for a few moments.
“You look… tired. Tell me, when was the last time you slept?”
“I… honestly can’t remember.”
Ember frowns. “Yesterday afternoon, doctor.”
Auriel appears confused. “It hasn’t been THAT long since…”
The doctor shakes his head. “That may be. However, he was fighting all night I would imagine. That coupled with the trauma to his body caused him to momentarily lose balance.”
Luna nods soberly. “Get some rest, Arc. You’ve certainly earned it.”
“Yes. We’ll see to it Aunt Celestia is cared for.”
Twilight nods sadly. “Yes. Please go to sleep, Arc.”
“But I…”
Ember helps Arc stand. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Auriel puts Arc’s arm over her shoulders. “I’ll help.”
“Okay. But will someone please check on my guys aboard The Equinox?”
Sunburst turns to him. “They’re all stable and resting comfortably, sir.”
“Thanks.”
Auriel and Ember help him stand up. Calling forth his gauntlet, Arc opens a portal. As the three pass through it closes. Twilight turns back to Celestia.
“She just looks so… thin!”
“Yes, there’s nutrient solutions in several of the IVs, miss. We’ll bring her back to health. This much I promise you.”
Meanwhile, Arc and his friends appear on the sigil in his room in Canterlot Castle. Derpy and Dinky sit up groggily and rub their eyes. Dinky gasps.
“DAD!”
She runs over to him, but Auriel shakes her head.
“Dinky, wait!”
“Dad, are you okay?!”
Arc smiles weakly. “I’m… fine, sweetheart.”
Ember frowns. “No you’re not, Arc!”
Derpy hurries over to them and spots the bandages.
“Oh my! Let’s get him to the bed!”
Together they lead Arc to the large bed. He sit down as Dinky pulls off his boots.
“Thanks everyone.”
Auriel looks him over. “Are you in much pain?”
Arc shakes his head. “Not really. Right now I just feel like I want to sleep for a week.”
Ember sits down next to him heavily. “Me too.”
Auriel puts a hand to her forehead. “I didn’t realize just how tired I was until now.”
Derpy smiles affectionately at all of them. “You three had a rough time of it, I’m sure.”
“Why don’t we give dad and the others some time to sleep, mom?”
Arc nods. “Thanks. There’s probably breakfast in the Dining Room.”
“We’ll head over there. Are you hungry?”
Arc sighs. “I am. But right now I just want to sleep. Give us a few hours, okay?”
“Sure dad.”
Derpy and Dinky leave the room and close the door behind them. Ember and Auriel help Arc lie down before taking their places on either side of him.
“Comfy, Arc?”
Ember looks down to see him already fast asleep. Auriel giggles.
“Looks like he had the right idea.”
“Yeah. Good night, Auriel.”
“Night.”
They sleep soundly until noon. Derpy and Dinky return pushing a dinner cart. They set the food out on a table along with silverware and drinks.
“Should we really wake them up, mom?”
Derpy sighs. “I don’t really want to. But they haven’t eaten in a long time.”
The pair walk over to the bed as Derpy calls out.
“Auriel… Ember…? It’s time to wake up.”
Dinky hops up onto the pillows and carefully walks toward her father.
“Dad?”
Arc slowly opens his eyes and looks around.
“Huh? Dinky? Is something wrong?”
“No, dad.”
“We just brought you three some breakfast. Do you want us to bring it to you?”
Arc shakes his head. “No, no. Just… give me a moment.”
He gently nudges Auriel and Ember.
“Huh?”
“What’s going on?”
“Lunch time you two.”
Ember covers her face with a pillow. “Do I have to?”
Arc shakes his head. “No. But aren’t you hungry?”
“Hungry, tired, thirsty, and dirty.”
Auriel sniffs herself. “Same here.”
Arc Blinks out of bed. “Let’s eat and get cleaned up.”
Ember appears hopeful. “Can we go back to bed after that?”
“I guess.”
“…fine.”
They head over to the table together. Dinky sits next to her father as he eats.
“So… did it go okay last night, dad?”
Arc nods. “Yup. Princess Celestia is back in her room, resting.”
Derpy sighs, clearly relieved. “Was she okay?”
Auriel shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”
Ember looks to Arc. “She was pretty beat up.”
“I’m sure the doctor will be able to fix her up good as new.”
“Yeah.”
Ember sniffs the air.
What IS that SMELL?!
Arc chuckles. “Us.”
Auriel makes a face. “Fighting is apparently a dirty business.”
Derpy points a hoof to the bathroom. “There’s a very large bathtub in there that might help.”
Arc nods. “That there is. I’ve just never used it.”
“Why not, dad?”
“Baths take a lot of time. You have to fill up the tub, soak for a while, rinse off, and drain it. I just use the shower as it’s so much faster.”
Derpy waves a hoof as she turns away. “I think you three need a deep cleaning after that last mission.”
Auriel looks his chest. “What about Arc’s wounds?”
Dinky gasps. “You’re hurt dad?!”
“Kinda. Doctor Horse in Ponyville already pulled out the shrapnel.”
Derpy looks him over. “What happened?!”
“A few pieces of my armor were lodged in me when things started blowing up.”
Cherry calls out. “Yes. But Arc was still able to get the job done.”
Dinky appears relieved. “That’s good. Dad, why don’t I fill up the tub for you?”
Derpy nods. “I think you really need it, Arc. And I’ll head over to the Infirmary to see if they have anything for your wounds.”
“Um… okay. Thanks.”
Dinky heads to the bathroom and turns on the water as Derpy leaves the room and muses to herself.
“I’m glad you’re safe, Arc. Dinky would have been heartbroken if something had happened to you.”
She blushes as she walks.
“And so would I.”
A short time later Arc and his friends finish their meal. Derpy returns with a small box.
“A nurse there said to put this in the bath water.”
“What is it, mom?”
“Some kind of medicated bath additive. They told me it’s used to disinfect the coat of somepony who’s been badly injured to help prevent further infection.”
Ember nods approvingly. “Sounds like it’ll help you, Arc.”
“I’m fine.”
Auriel pokes his side. “Are you now?”
Arc winces as Derpy gives the package to Dinky.
“I’ll mix it in right away, dad!”
“Okay, sweetheart.”
Dinky disappears into the bathroom. She rips open the box and pours the contents into the tub. The water turns a murky gray and gives off a medicinal odor. Reaching out a hoof, she dips it into the water and gives it a stir.
“This should help dad feel better. I’ll just make sure it’s properly…”
The filly is cut off as her hoof slips. Dinky falls head first into the tub. Her horn aglow she Blinks out of it and stands there dripping on the floor for a few moments coughing. Grabbing a towel with her magic she dries herself before leaving the room. Derpy looks to her daughter as she approaches.
“Dinky! What happened?!”
“I fell in while I was trying to stir up the water.”
Arc chuckles. “Are you okay, sweetheart?!”
“Fine. Better than that, actually.”
Ember raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Dinky giggles. “Yeah! I’m clean now!”
Auriel smiles. “Yes, I suppose you are.”
Arc sighs happily at the sight of Dinky’s wet mane. “You should probably let your mother give you a good brushing.”
“Should I take Dinky home, Arc?”
“Back to Ponyville, mom?”
Ember shrugs. “Probably. We’re going back to sleep after getting cleaned up anyways, right?”
Arc nods. “If you want to, sure.”
“But…!”
“Now Dinky, your father and his friends need more rest. That and there really isn’t anything for us to do here in the meantime.”
Auriel smiles at the filly. “We’ll take good care of your father for you.”
Ember grins. “Right.”
“Well… I do kinda want to see my friends back at the orphanage again.”
Arc gives her a thumbs up. “I’ll be home in a few days, sweetheart.”
“Okay.”
She walks over to him and carefully gives her father a hug as he returns it. Stepping back, Dinky smiles.
“Take it easy, dad.”
“I’ll try.”
Calling forth his gauntlet Arc opens a portal for them. Dinky trots into it as Derpy looks back.
“Please get some rest, Arc. Dinky and I will be waiting for you.”
Arc nods as Derpy steps through. Closing the portal he recalls his gauntlet and sighs as Ember walks over to him.
“You wanted to go with them, didn’t you?”
“Yeah.”
Auriel frowns. “Then why…?”
“I’m needed here for the moment.”
There is a long silence as Arc looks over at the bathroom.
“But right now, I REALLY want to get cleaned up.”
Ember nods soberly. “Why don’t you go first, Arc?”
Auriel looks to a nearby linen closet. “Yes. We’ll change the bedsheets while you shower.”
“Thanks you two. I think I’ll do that.”
Heading for the bathroom, Arc steps into the warm shower. Sitting down on the cool tile floor he lets the warm water wash over him as he carefully removes his bandages, wincing in pain as he does so. Cherry calls out to him as he works.
“How do they feel, Arc?”
“Like someone’s stabbing me.”
“I’m just glad it wasn’t anything serious.”
“Me too.”
Grabbing the soap and shampoo with his magic, Arc gets cleaned up. He sighs contentedly as he does so.
“That feels much better.”
Cherry giggles. “You like being clean, don’t you?”
“Yup. But it’s just really satisfying to watch the soap run down the drain.”
“Oh?”
“It’s like all the baggage of the mission is being washed away.”
Sometime later there is a knock at the door.
“Yes?”
It opens a few inches as Ember’s voice wafts in.
“You okay in here?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Something wrong?”
“Auriel and I were wondering if we could use the shower soon.”
“Oh! Uh…”
Auriel calls in. “We could shower off while you soak in the tub, Arc.”
“I… suppose so. One sec…”
Standing up stiffly, Arc walks across the room to the truly massive bathtub and sits down in it with his back to the shower.
“Okay. Come on in.”
Ember and Auriel do so. They glance over at Arc in the tub and smile as Auriel speaks.
“How is it, Arc?”
“Pretty good actually. I thought it would hurt my wounds, but it’s actually numbing them.”
Ember grins. “Well, you just take it easy. We won’t be long.”
The pair step into the still running shower and get cleaned up. Arc closes his eyes and sinks down to his neck is the hot water.
“Paradise…”
About twenty minutes later he hears the shower turn off and the sound of feet walking toward the tub. Ember clears her throat loudly.
“You okay over here?”
Arc wordlessly nods. Auriel looks to him.
“How are your wounds doing now?”
“If I didn’t know they were there, I’d think I was fine.”
Ember and Auriel turn to each other. They grin and step over the edge of the tub on either side of Arc. Feeling the water move, he opens his eyes. Looking side to side he spots two sets of legs.
“What are you two…?”
They sit down next to him and sigh contentedly.
“We’re sore too, you know.”
Auriel groans. “Yes. But this is heavenly.”
Smiling, they press their bodies against Arc. He turns to Ember.
“You planned this, didn’t you?”
“Not exactly, no. But it is a nice feeling, isn’t it Auriel?”
“Yes, it is. You, Arc?”
“I do have to admit, it is.”
Ember grins. “See? I knew we could turn you on.”
“Don’t push it, Ember.”
“Can’t blame a dragon for trying!”
Auriel looks to him. “Arc, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Do you think I look better in my human or demon form?”
Ember nods approvingly. “I’ve been wondering that myself.”
“Honestly?”
“Of course.”
“Either form is equally cute to me. Both you and Ember are very nice.”
Auriel blushes. “You… you’re just saying that.”
“No, I mean it.”
Ember appears sober. “But we’re a lot… different looking in our true forms.”
“That’s right. But I like you both for what’s on the inside.”
Auriel looks down at her naked belly. “Inside? You mean our… reproductive organs?”
Ember shrugs. “He means our personalities, I think.”
“Right.”
Auriel appears wary. “Are you sure that’s all there is to it?”
“Well… I do think both of you are really pretty.”
Ember grins and points at Arc. “I knew it!”
“But all the beauty in the world doesn’t mean anything if it’s only skin deep. Now then, why don’t we just sit here and relax?”
Auriel sighs contentedly. “It is really nice here. I feel all tingly!”
Ember nods. “Me too. It must be Arc making us feel this way.”
Arc rolls his eyes. “I’m assuming that’s the medicine in the water.”
Auriel giggles. “Think what you will.”
“Fine. Let’s rest though.”
Laying his neck back against one of the headrests, Ember and Auriel turn and rest their heads on his shoulders happily. In short order the pair fall asleep. Arc puts his arms around them as he looks out a window at the clouds. Cherry calls out to him telepathically.
“Comfy?”
“Very.”
Cherry giggles. “It’s not every stallion whom can sleep with as many females as you do, Arc.”
“But I’m not…!”
“Figure of speech. But I do believe you should rest as well.”
“Not just yet. I kinda want to savor this moment.”
They sit in the tub for over an hour. Eventually Arc gives each of them a nudge.
“Hey.”
Auriel and Ember slowly open their eyes.
“We… dozed off?”
“It would seem so, yes.”
Arc nods. “Right. But why don’t we head back to bed? I for one am still pretty tired.”
Auriel turns to him. “Arc? Might you do something for us first though?”
“What is it?”
Auriel stands up. She spreads her leathery wings and turns to Arc as he looks away.
“Auriel?! What are you…?!”
“Look at me, Arc.”
Arc slowly turns his head to stare at Auriel’s bright red skin, wings, and dark eyes.
“Do you still think I look okay?”
“Yes, Auriel. You’re really pretty. But do you think you could do something for me?”
Auriel smiles happily. Anything.
“Put your clothes back on.”
Ember grins wickedly. “Why, Arc? I know you like what you see.”
“I… just don’t want her to catch a cold, or something.”
Ember stands up and stretches her own wings before posing for him seductively.
“What about me?”
“You’re very pretty too, Ember. But I want to get dressed and back to bed too, okay?”
Ember frowns. “Fine.”
Arc steps out of the tub. Auriel and Ember stare wordlessly at his lower half as he towels off. Turning back to them he snaps his fingers a few times.”
“Hey. Eyes up here please.”
Arc tosses them each a towel. He quickly pulls out a pair of boxers and heads for the door.
“I’ll let you two finish drying off.”
Leaving the bathroom, Arc walks over to the bed. He spots the old sheets, which are completely soiled, lying in a corner and picks them up.
“I didn’t realize just how filthy we were!”
Cherry giggles. “Fighting is a dirty business. Especially if you’re wounded, Arc.”
“I guess so. Speaking of which…”
He removes a med kit from his ring and sits down on the bed with it.
“Gotta keep these things covered.”
Arc is able to rebandage most of his wounds alone. However the one on his arm proves difficult. Cherry sighs.
“You should wait for Ember and Auriel to help you with that.”
“I think I’ll have to. After all…”
The bathroom door opens and the pair walk out. Arc continues trying to reapply the bandages.
“Can I get some help?”
Ember nods. “Sure.”
She walks over to Arc’s side and sits down as Auriel fluffs the pillows and readies the covers. Fastening the last clip on the bandage, Ember helps him lie down.
“There you go. Now let’s get some more sleep.”
Arc nods. “A few more hours at least. Then we can…”
He stops talking as he feels Auriel slide over next to him. Her leathery skin rubs against his.>
“Auriel? Are you…?”
“Like I said before… I always sleep naked.”
Ember crawls into bed on the other side of him.
“Me too.”
“But dragons don’t wear clothes!”
“So? I’m still right.”
Arc rolls his eyes and groans. “Right now, I’m too tired to argue.”
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Theres a line from a more obscure Clint Eastwood movie that at this moment is looking to be applied to the General. Trouble is, it will likely have a similar effect.
Obliterate Him.
*vigorously waves the Arc/Ember flag*
I'm so glad you've got a steady update schedule!
10965591
Think the helmet Booster is referring to the helmet Celestia was wearing is the mind control helmets being worn by King Sombra's forces in the alternate timeline where Sombra wins on the episode where Starlight attempts to prevent the Sonic Rainboom... those helmets likely had magic dampening enchantments in place where it would have been unlikely to be able to remove said helmet to escape
10967323
I figured those in the Arc/Ember camp would like that chapter.
Right now I'm on a schedule. Releases of chapters need to lead us up to the Christmas Eve and Christmas Days specials I've written.
10967339
I've been in their camp since the first Tartarus arc... I think she should be his first imo.
I wonder how you're gonna address the abuse Celestia got while in the human captivity...
10967338
Interesting theory they have there.
Ah, I think you're right!
10967345
It's going to be a while before that comes back into the spotlight. I know it might sound strange, but Arc's about to have MUCH bigger problems.
10967260
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zrMykBnidM
10967354
Oh god... I can only imagine... I suppose hie "retirement" will be null and void... that dude can't catch a break...
10967359
Yeah... eventually he's going to get to the point where he just says... well... I'll let Rainbow Dash tell you...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqwghMy9E2g
mark the kalender ark was put to bed with minimal prodding xD
sweet mother faust they fucked up celestia good
, how long will it take for ember to assemble a dragon army
and burn the base down with mustang in it
10967764
He really had nothing left to do at that point anyways. So I had him take a nice bath with two cute gals. Considering what he just went through I believe he deserved it.