The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 3 - Loving Bedmates

The trio sleeps for a few hours undisturbed. Sometime later there is a light knock at the door before Shining Armor and Trixie enter the room. Together they walk over to the bed as Shining Armor clears his throat.

“Sir?”

Arc slowly opens his eyes and sits up.

“Something up, you two?”

“Trixie and Shining Armor are sorry to wake you, but…”

The covers part as Ember sits up and glares at the intruders.

“Can’t we get some quality time together without someone interrupting with whatever?!”

Shining Armor sighs. “I’m sorry, Ember. This is in regards to…”

Auriel pokes her head out from under a pillows and looks around sleepily.

“What’s going on? I was having the nicest dream about…”

The blanket shifts and falls as she sits up, exposing her bare chest. Trixie’s eyes grow wide as she takes a step back..

“C-C-Captain! Trixie thinks we should come back later!”

Shining Armor grimaces. “This is important.”

Trixie uses her magic to cover Auriel with the blanket again. “Let’s hurry then!”

“Very well. Sir, Doctor Whooves wishes to speak with you regarding your friends.”

Arc gasps. “I thought they were alright!”

Trixie nods. “They are, sir. But we’ve received word that they’re asking to see you.”

“Yes. We’re sorry to wake you from your… sleep, sir.”

Arc throws back the covers. “It’s fine you two.”

Trixie blushes and turns as Arc jumps up and quickly begins dressing. Auriel looks around sleepily.

“Has either of you seen my clothes?”

Ember points with a jerk of her thumb. “I think they’re in the bathroom still.”

Arc nods. “Right. You can wear some of mine if you’d like something clean though.”

He points to the dresser. Auriel hurries over to it in the nude and pulls out a tunic and trousers. Quickly putting them on she turns back to Arc.

“I’m ready.”

“Let’s go.”

Shining Armor and Trixie lead them out of the bedroom and down the corridor. Arc turns to the captain.

“So everyone’s alright… right?”

“For the most part, yes.”

Ember frowns. “That’s not reassuring.”

“Trixie thinks you will understand when we get there.”

Arriving at the Infirmary they look around. Every bed is filled with injured soldiers. Spotting them, the doctor walks over..

“Hello, sir Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“No problem. How is my squad doing?”

“Very well. Three of them will be released tomorrow.”

Ember appears suddenly nervous. “What about Hugh?”

“He’ll be here another few days. But will certainly make a full recovery.”

Auriel looks to the doctor, a hopeful look in her eyes. “Can we see them?”

“Certainly. Right this way.”

The doctor leads them over to a separate semi-private room. Pulling aside the curtain he steps aside and allows them to pass. Shining Armor and Trixie wait outside patiently. Arc walks over to see Max, Xenos, Viktor, Hugh, Sereb, and Rose lying in their hospital beds.

“How’s everyone feeling?”

Max puts a hoof to his forehead. “Like we were hit by a truck.”

Xenos groans. “Kinda were.”

Viktor looks to his friend. “Hugh took the worst of it, I think.”

“Y-yeah. I’m still kinda dizzy from that. Can’t even walk to the toilet by myself.”

Viktor nods. “That’s what I mean by worst of it.”

Sereb raises his head slightly. “I too have been better, yes.”

Ember looks to the bed on the end. “How about you, Rose?”

There is no response. Auriel walks over to the android and looks her over.

“She’s turned off.”

Arc grimaces. “Maybe she just finally broke down?”

Ember sighs. “I’m sure Twilight can fix her. Right, Auriel?”

“Of course.”

The doctor walks over to Rose’s bedside. “Sunburst already performed all the repairs to her body.”

Arc appears confused. “Then why is she still off?”

Max shrugs. “He said something about her having to regenerate her magical fluids. Whatever those are.”

Auriel nods. “Think of it kinda like her blood.”

Viktor winces. “She certainly lost a lot of it back then.”

Arc turns to the doctor. “ Did he say when will she be able to turn back on?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

Arc breathes a sigh of relief. “Good.”

He looks to all assembled.

“All of you did a great job back there. I’m very proud of everyone.”

Xenos looks suddenly nervous. “Did… did the princess make it?”

Ember gives him a thumbs up. “Yup. She’s resting in her room as we speak.”

Hugh grins. “Good.”

Viktor forces a smile. “That makes all this pain worthwhile.”

Doctor Whooves turns to Arc. “Sir, I hate to impose on you further, but might I make a request?”

“Uh… sure. What is it?”

“Would you please go the Princess Celestia’s room and have a word with them?”

Ember frowns. “Uh oh. They not getting along over there?”

Auriel looks suddenly nervous. “That sounds kinda dangerous.”

“Not exactly. But the kitchen staff reports that they sent away their breakfast and lunch today untouched.”

Arc groans. “Not good.”

“I inquired further, and was told they also didn’t eat supper the previous day.”

Ember sighs. “So they’re going on twenty-four hours without eating?!”

The doctor nods. “It would seem so, yes.”

“I’ll talk to them about it.”

Arc turns back to his squad.

“Get some rest, all of you.”

Sereb moves to shakily stand. “I would like to rejoin you, Arc.”

Arc turns to the physician. “Doctor?”

Doctor Whooves shakes his head. “He, like the others, need to rest.”

“That answers that question.”

Max raises his head. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“What about… your plans?”

Arc shakes his head. “Princess Celestia isn’t back on the throne yet. I’ll stick around until she can do so.”

Auriel gasps. “What about Derpy and Dinky?”

“They’ll… understand.”

He leaves the room. Shrugging, Auriel and Ember follow, as do Shining Armor and Trixie. Returning to the corridor, Arc heads for a window across the way. He looks out it silently for a time as the others wait.

“I… I can’t leave them like this.”

Shining Armor appears confused. “Arc?”

“The princesses still need my help, it seems.”

Ember sighs. “I know it isn’t easy being the one everyone turns to for help, Arc.”

Auriel nods. “Yes. Having to do something no one else can will wear on you after a time.”

“Trixie believes you do a wonderful job though, sir.”

Arc groans and nods as he turns to Shining Armor.

“How much longer until supper is served?”

“It should be ready, sir. I’ve ordered the kitchen staff to cook you and Ember something special to help you recover.”

“And the princesses?”

“Trixie has given orders that they should have their meals sent directly to Princess Celestia’s room until further notice.”

She sniffs the air.

“It should be on its way now.”

Arc turns. “Let’s head back there then.”

Leading the way, Shining Armor escorts Arc and company back to the princess’ room. As before the guards line the hallway on both sides. A single Hoof Maiden leaves the room pushing a fully laden dinner cart. Arc blocks her advance as he holds up a hand.

“Where are you going, miss?”

“I’m returning the princess’ supper too the kitchen, sir. They claim to not be hungry.”

“That may be. But all of them need to keep their strength up.”

“I agree, sir. But I was ordered to leave the room and to take the food with me.”

“I’ll take your cart back to them and try to get them to eat something.”

The Hoof Maiden appears suddenly nervous.

“S-sir, please!”

Shining Armor frowns. “You heard the Hero of Light! Are you defying his orders?!”

“No sir! It’s just… Princess Luna wanted me to inform you and the guards that she does not want anypony other than authorized medical staff and those she summons to enter the room until further notice.”

Trixie gasps. “What?! Why?!”

“She… did not say.”

Arc nods. “I’ll still be taking your cart. Return to your duties.”

“Yes sir. Please be careful. She seemed very… upset just a few moments ago.”

“Thanks. I’ll be careful.”

The Hoof Maiden bows respectfully before turning and walking away. Shining Armor sighs and turns to Arc.

“You might want to stay out of there then.”

“Oh?”

“Trixie has heard that Princess Luna’s temper is legendary. You’d be wise to follow her orders and stay out here where it’s safe.”

Auriel frowns. “But she can’t give him orders!”

Shining Armor nods. “But she CAN still physically… remove him from her presence.”

Arc turns to Trixie. “Is Twilight still in there?”

“Trixie saw her last time she entered, yes. However, she’s staying within the protective range of Princess Cadance.”

Shining Armor rolls his eyes. “Princess Luna wouldn’t harm her. Worst case scenario, she would order her out of the room.”

Arc nods and puts a hand on the handle of the cart.

“I’d better get in there then.”

Ember looks suddenly worried. “Maybe I should come with you for backup.”

Auriel steps forward. “Me too.”

Arc shakes his head. “Thanks. But I think I should just do this one myself. That and Luna made it clear she doesn’t want anyone else in there.”

Shining Armor looks to him. “That’s probably for the best, sir.”

All assembled guards salute dutifully as Arc looks around.

“Uh… what are they doing?”

“Trixie believes they are showing respect right now for your extreme bravery.”

Shining Armor nods soberly. “Nopony present would EVER dare to approach Princess Luna when she’s in such a mood.”

Arc groans. “Thanks.”

He steps forward as Trixie opens the door and salutes along with Shining Armor. Ember and Auriel do the same as he passes. Rolling his eyes, Arc enters the room alone as Trixie closes the door behind him. Walking over to the table with the cart Arc sets out two plates. Luna sniffs the air and turns around angrily.

“I believe I made it quite clear that we…!”

She stops as Arc turns around to face her. Finishing his task he walks over and stands next to her.

“How is she?”

“I… ah…”

Cadance sighs. “Unchanged since you were last here.”

Twilight nods sadly. “We cleaned her up after you left. But that’s all we can do at the moment.”

Luna looks to the table. “Yes. But I assume you came here with more in mind than feeding us, Arc.”

“Actually no, Luna. I was informed that none of you had eaten since yesterday.”

Cadance does not take her eyes off Celestia. “We don’t seem to feel like it, no.”

Twilight’s ears droop. “Me either.”

Arc thinks for a moment before continuing. “Has she spoken yet?”

Luna shakes her head. “No.”

“What do you suppose she would say if she could?”

Cadance shrugs. “I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because I believe if any of what I’ve heard about her is true, she’d insist that all of you eat something.”

Luna frowns. “We can’t leave her side, Arc. Not for a moment.”

“Oh?”

Cadance nods sadly. “What if she were to wake up while we were eating?”

“Then you’d get up and walk over here. Now please… come to the table.”

He extends a hand to Luna. Sighing, she slowly raises a hoof and puts it in his palm. Leading her over to the table, Cadance motions for Twilight to follow. They sit down as Arc begins to serve the food. Luna appears suddenly confused.

“Oh, you don’t need to do that, Arc.”

Cadance nods. “Yes. Just call a Hoof Maiden.”

“It’s fine. I think I understand why you’ve ordered everyone out of here, Luna.”

“Oh?”

Arc glances toward the bed. “You don’t want anyone to see your sister like this, do you?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. She… deserves better than that.”

Cadance smiles warmly. “But we welcome your company, Arc.”

“Thank you.”

They eat hungrily as the food is set before them. Arc picks up a pitcher of water and fills their glasses.

“Slow down there. I don’t want anyone here choking.”

Twilight smiles. “But it’s just so tasty!”

Cadance nods. “And we’re so hungry.”

Luna moans happily. “Indeed. Something that we didn’t notice until you forced us to face it.”

Twilight looks to him. “Right. But how are YOU, Arc?!”

“Um… fine, I guess.”

Cadance gasps. “But you collapsed not so long ago!”

“That was more or less from exhaustion. And that was this morning.”

Twilight looks out the window, confused. “But it still is.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, it’s sunset.”

Cadance looks around. “It is?”

“Yes.”

Luna sighs. “It would appear time is getting away from us. I too thought the time to be just shy of us needing to leave for audiences.”

Cadance’s eyes grow wide as she drops her fork.

“LUNA! We missed audiences!”

Luna shrugs as she continues eating. “I do not care.”

Twilight turns to her friend. “There’s always tomorrow, Cadance.”

“You don’t understand, Twilight! Ponies come from all over the land to plead their cases before us!”

Arc nods in agreement. “That they do. But there’s no use worrying about it now. Nothing they bring before you is so important it can’t wait a day.”

Cadance sighs. “I suppose you’re right, Arc.”

They finish eating their meal as the sun slips to its lowest point. Luna stands and walks over to the balcony door.

“Excuse me, everypony.”

Stepping through the door she walks to the guardrail. Putting her hooves on it, her horn begins to glow. The sun slips beneath the horizon and the moon peeks out. Sighing, she turns back to the door and re-enters. Cadance and Twilight stand by Celestia’s side dutifully.

“Did I miss anything?”

Cadance shakes her head. “Not a thing, Luna.”

Twilight turns to Cadance. “Do you suppose she can hear us?”

“Doctor Whooves said anything is possible at this point. Perhaps we should try talking to her.”

Luna nods. “There’s certainly no harm in it.”

She looks down at Celestia.

“Sister? It’s me, Luna. I’m here with Cadance and Twilight. We want you to know that you’re safe and sound back in Canterlot.”

“Yes, Aunt Celestia. There’s an army of guards outside you door right now keeping watch.”

“Right. We’ve all missed you so much, my friend! Please… please come back to us.”

Celestia does not stir as Twilight continues.

“A lot has happened since you disappeared over a year ago.”

Luna looks away for a moment. “Yes. I’ve done my best to keep the peace here in Equestria with Cadance.”

Cadance sighs. “Things have been… a bit hectic at times. But we’ve been able to make it through.”

Luna returns her gaze to Celestia. “That we have. However, we wouldn’t have made it this far without our country’s new Hero of Light.”

Twilight smiles. “Right. He’s… very dependable. Strong too.”

Cadance puts a hoof on the bed. “In fact, he’s the one whom traveled to Earth to rescue you. He’s here now too, watching over you.”

She looks to Arc as he clears his throat.

“Y-yes, Princess Celestia. It’s been a pretty busy year, and a lot has happened. Some good, some bad. But I think I’ll let your sister explain the details to you.”

He reaches forward slowly and gently pats her fetlock.

“For now though, we’re all just glad you’re…”

Suddenly, Celestia’s eyes fly open. She looks into Arc’s face for a brief moment before screaming.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Arc is violently shoved to the floor by the frantic mare on the bed as Twilight and the princesses push past him. Twilight hops onto the bed happily.

“Princess Celestia!”

“Sister!”

“Aunt Celestia! You’re alright!”

Celestia looks to Cadance, confused. “Twilight?”

She turns her gaze to Luna.

“Twilight?!”

Looking up, her eyes meet her most faithful student’s. They look at each other for a long time before Celestia calls out.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

The young unicorn throws her hooves around Celestia’s neck, clearly ecstatic. Meanwhile, Cadance helps Arc up.

“I apologize for Twilight’s behavior. She’s usually more reserved.”

“Oh, Princess Celestia! I’ve missed you so much!”

Celestia smiles as they nuzzle each other. “Twilight…”

“There’s… just so many things I have to tell you! It’s really hard to know where to begin!”

“Twilight?”

Twilight looks at her , confused. “Yes, Princess Celestia. I’m right here.”

“Are you in much pain, sister?”

“Twilight?”

Cadance returns to the bedside. “Aunt Celestia? Can you tell us what happened? How were you taken?”

“Twilight?!”

Twilight steps back nervously. “Princess?”

Celestia holds out a hoof to her student. A look of fear spreads across her face.

“TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!”

Shakily, Twilight steps forward and brushes her old friend’s face with her hoof.

“What… did they do to you?!”

Tears begin flowing from Celestia’s eyes as she calls out.

“Twilight…! Twilight, Twilight. Twilight? TWILIGHT!!!”

Celestia holds out a hoof as she begins shaking. Twilight steps forward and lays down next to the alicorn.

“I’m here. Princess Celestia. I’m right here.”

The pair nuzzle again as Cadance looks to Luna.

“What’s going on? It’s like she can’t even see us!”

Luna sighs. “I have no idea. But she seemed to come around when Arc touched her.”

“But how?”

“It’s impossible to say. But for now we need to have Doctor Whooves look her over. With any luck this breakthrough may be just what we need to figure out what happened.”

Arc leans forward.

“You okay, Twilight?”

As he enters Celestia’s range of sight, her pupils shrink and she wraps her fetlocks around her pupil before rolling over to pull Twilight away, gritting her teeth and glaring up at him.

“TWILIGHT!!!”

Celestia’s horn glows as she channels a powerful spell. Arc Blinks over to Cadance, wraps his arms around her neck, Blinks them both over to Luna, and channels a shield in front of all three of them. He and Celestia stand off for what feels like hours, but is in fact only a handful of seconds. Eventually her horn dims and she puts a hoof to her head as if fatigued. Twilight gasps.>

“Princess Celestia?! What’s wrong?!”

She helps the alicorn lay her head back down on the pillows as Celestia whispers.

“…Twilight.”

“Shh… just rest now.”

Arc stops channeling as Twilight continues to distract her friend. He motions for Luna and Cadance to follow him to the farthest corner of the room. Luna is the first to speak.

“That was a surprise.”

“I’ve never seen her like that before! It was like Aunt Celestia was a wild mare!”

Arc frowns. “Yes. I honestly believe she wanted to take a shot at me.”

Luna looks over her shoulder. “The question now is why didn’t she?”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “It looked to me like she was having a hard time focusing her mana. Maybe due to prolonged exposure to that magic inhibitor.”

Cadance nods. “Perhaps. Or maybe she’s just out of practice for the same reason.”

Luna groans. “Equally likely, yes. But we need to do something.”

Arc snaps his fingers. “I have an idea.”

Luna appears hopeful. “What is it?”

“Ever since we found her, she’s said nothing but the word ‘Twilight’. It may be that she was driven insane by the months of imprisonment and torture. Perhaps her memories of Twilight were the only thing keeping her going.”

Cadance gasps. “Oh no! Arc, are you suggesting that Aunt Celestia is crazy?!”

“She very well may be.”

Luna narrows her eyes, angrily. “My sister has ruled this land for well over a thousand years, Arc! She is the epitome of level-headedness, poise, and grace!”

Arc turns and looks to the bed. Celestia is snuggled up to Twilight and speaking her name ceaselessly.

“That very well may be. However, as things stand, she’s a danger both to herself and others.”

Cadance looks to Arc, nervously. “You don’t really think she’d hurt anypony, do you?”

“I hope not. But you two saw her turn on me. Now please understand that I’m not actually upset about that. Considering what she probably went through on Earth I’m surprised she’s this coherent. But we need to reel her mind in, and soon.”

“And how to you suggest we do that?”

“There’s a therapist in Ponyville named Emerald Dream. She used to have an office here in Canterlot.”

Cadance raises an eyebrow. “A… psychologist?”

Arc nods. “The princess needs to get ahold of her mental faculties. For her safety as well as ours.”

Luna grimaces. “And if she can’t?”

“I… don’t know what we’d do then.”

Cadance turns to Luna. “What if… she went crazy?”

“CADANCE!”

Arc sighs. “Then I guess I’d make her end as quick and painless as possible.”

Luna frowns. “It won’t come to that. It… it can’t!”

“Luna?”

“My sister is the rightful ruler of Equestria! We need her back on the throne to maintain the peace!”

Arc sighs. “Agreed. Then maybe I can finally get some rest.”

Cadance smiles at him. “Yes, you do need a vacation, Arc.”

Arc looks to her soberly. “A permanent one.”

Luna frowns. “What are you saying?”

“I made a promise to Dinky. When all three princesses were safely back on their thrones I would retire to Ponyville and be her full time father.”

Cadance gasps. “But… but what about Equestria?!”

“With all three princesses ruling I figured there wouldn’t be a need for a full time Hero of Light.”

Luna nods sadly. “You’re probably right. So you’re quitting?”

“Not quite yet. Your sister needs to be fully recovered before that can happen. Even after my retirement I’ll still be around if you need something taken care of. I mean, it’s not like I’m leaving Equestria, or anything.”

Cadance looks to him. “If it’s too much work, you could just take on the normal roles of the Hero of Light.”

“You mean, be less involved?”

Luna nods. “Yes. I can only assume it’s nearly as stressful as our own jobs.”

“I’d like that. But I did make a promise to Dinky already.”

Cadance smiles. “No rush, Arc. After all, I don’t think Aunt Celestia is going to be recovering anytime soon.”

“That much is certain, yes. But I think I’m going to head back to bed now. The stress of the past few days is still wearing on me. I’ll come see how she is first thing tomorrow morning.”

Luna looks to him approvingly. “Rest well, Arc.”

Turning around, he heads out the door. Cadance turns to Luna.

“You don’t really think Arc would… do away with Aunt Celestia… do you?”

“If the need arose… yes. Yes he would.”

“We need to get her out of here then!”

Luna shakes her head. “You need to have more faith in Arc, Cadance. After all, he’s always done what was best for the greatest number of ponies.”

“I will try, Luna. But this is far more serious than I originally thought.”

Luna looks at her sister now asleep on the bed next to Twilight. “Agreed.”

Comments

[Booster Spice]

Celestia is a Mewtwo class Rapidash currently?

[Kamahido]

10969972
She's... not well. No matter how you look at it.