The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 19 - Infiltrating Canterlot Castle

Arc returns to Light's Hope. Ember, Flash Sentry, Sandstorm Mirage, and Raven are in the Main Hall having some kind of meeting.

“Did I miss something here?”

Ember looks over to Arc, angrily! “I'll say! You remember earlier when you told Flash Sentry to have all the troops report to the Armory for battle armor and weapons?”

“Yes. What about it?”

Flash Sentry steps forward. “Well sir, I understand that you were just trying to make a point, but Sandstorm Mirage suggested that it was a good time to run some drills! So I ordered him to gather some of the troops and assign them combat gear.”

Sandstorm Mirage nods! “When I did so, we discovered a large portion of the weapons and armor are in a complete state of disrepair!”

Ember folds her arms over her chest! “If the troops had gone into battle with that equipment, things would have gone very badly for them!”

Arc sighs. “Let me guess... Captain Decimus was responsible for issuing the base's armor and weapons?”

Rave puts a hoof on a folder lying on her desk. “Yes Commander! I have the original requisition right here. They read that all the armor and weapons are in ‘new’ or ‘like new’ condition.”

Flash Sentry points a hoof. “I have compiled a few examples of the worst on Raven's desk sir. Fancy a look?”

Arc approaches the desk. “Well, let’s see what we have here…”

He picks up a spear and looks it over.

“This certainly isn’t what I would call ‘new’.”

Ember picks up another spear from the desk. “Let me show you. Try blocking my attack with that spear.”

“Uh, okay.”

The two walk to the center of the room. Ember charges at Arc, the spear over her head! Arc raises his own weapon to block her attack! Upon making contact both spears break into several pieces!

“WOAH!”

Sandstorm Mirage walks over and takes a closer look at a piece of one of the spear’s shaft.

“Termite damage clear through, sir. This is terrible! Our forces would have been slaughtered with weapons like these!”

Arc growls angrily! “Great... just perfect!”

Flash Sentry turn to Arc. “What should we do, sir?”

Raven puts a hoof on her phone. “Shall I notify Canterlot and request replacement weapons, commander?”

Arc looks to her. “No. THEY sent us these weapons. Who’s to say they won't send us worse next time?”

Ember looks over, surprised! “But Arc! We can't sit here with weapons that are literally falling apart! What if we should need them?!”

“Take it easy Ember! Steel Hammer is coming by tomorrow morning to do maintenance on our armor and weapons here. I originally did it as a favor to him, as he’s pretty hard up for work right now. But it looks like we legitimately need his services! I'll have him go through our gear and see it any of it can be salvaged. Then we will see what it will cost for him to make us replacement weapons and armor.”

Raven nods. “Commander. Please be aware that to authorize such a large allotment of funds would require Canterlot’s approval!”

“Let's wait for that list before I call Canterlot. Good catch, both of you!”

Flash Sentry and Sandstorm Mirage salute.

“In any case, Sandstorm Mirage, I want the Armory sealed!”

“Yes sir!”

“Raven, get an exterminator over here as fast as you can! I want that room fumigated! There's no point in making new weapons until we’re sure they too won't be eaten by vermin!”

She picks up her phone. “I'll get right on it, commander!”

“Flash Sentry, you and I should have a quick lunch and get some rest. We should be at the top of our game for tonight's mission. Sandstorm Mirage, until further notice you are in command of Light's Hope!”

The pair nod and salute! “Yes sir!”

Arc and company head to the Cafeteria for lunch. Afterwards Arc heads to his quarters for a good ‘night’ sleep before the mission.

Yawning, Arc walks into his room. “What a day…”

He pulls back the covers to find Ember already lying in his bed!

“Mind if I join you for a nap?”

Arc sighs. “Ember, I... you know what, I'm far too tired to argue with you right now.”

He flops down on the bed and rolls over to lay on his side away from Ember. A few moments later he is asleep. Ember looks at him, surprised.

“Wow... sorry Arc. I had no idea you were so beat!”

She snuggles up to Arc’s back and closes her eyes.

“Don't worry Arc. I'll always be here to protect you...”

Quite some time later Arc awakens to a knock at his bedroom door. He rises, sleepily.

“Ugh… come in…”

The door opens and Sandstorm Mirage enters. “Sir, Lieutenant Flash Sentry wanted me to…”

Sandstorm Mirage stops as he notices additional movement in Arc's bed. Ember's head emerges from beneath the covers. She looks over to the sergeant, sleepily.

“What's going on? It's not morning yet!”

Sandstorm Mirage's face turns a bright shade of red! He turns away, embarrassed!

“I... I'm sorry sir! I d-didn't mean to... interrupt...”

Arc sighs as he moves to get up. “Thank you for the wakeup call, sergeant. You may go.”

The sergeant leaves the quarters. Arc gets up, takes a quick shower and changes his clothes. Grabbing his magic cloak from near the door and walking down the hallway toward the cafeteria, he muses to himself.

“I guess it’s time for supper... or is it breakfast... oh well.”

Entering the cafeteria, Arc finds his squad eating a light meal and drinking coffee.

“Are you guys ready to do this?”

Everyone looks uneasy. Max turns to Arc.

“To tell you the truth sir, none of us are too sure about this whole plan of yours. I mean... we're supposed to be protecting and serving! Not vandalizing and committing larceny!”

Arc nods. “I'm not too keen on the plan either. But it needs to be this way! If Decimus found out, he could cover his tracks, mislead us, or even disappear altogether! In any case... I'll be right back.”

Arc heads into the Kitchen and emerges shortly with a plate. He sits down with his squad. Hugh looks over at his food.

“Sir? What is that?”

“Leftover pizza. I always eat it when I'm nervous...”

Viktor looks at Arc, surprised! “You get nervous, sir?!”

Xenos mirrors his comrade’s sentiments. “We thought nothing fazed you!”

Max appears skeptical. “Come on! You're the strongest among us! What could you possibly fear, sir?!”

Arc nods as he eats. “I guess most think I’m an unstoppable force. Fearless and courageous! That sort of thing. But the truth is, I'm actually no different from anyone else.”

Hugh looks confused. “What do you mean, sir?”

“Well... do you agree that I have feelings?”

Xenos nods. “Of course, sir!”

“Do I sometimes feel happy?”

Hugh grins! “I would hope so, sir!”

“How about sad?”

Max considers this. “Probably.”

“Angry?”

Xenos chuckles. “Tempest saw that first hoof!”

“…afraid?”

The group sits in silence.

Max slowly nods. “I think I'm beginning to understand what you mean, sir. But... may I ask you a rather personal question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Were you afraid when you saw Tempest become... that monster?”

Arc nods. “I was... but not for the reasons you probably assume.”

“Care to elaborate sir?”

“I was terrified as I learned that I was Equestria's last line of defense against an invincible super pony! Had I failed, nothing could have stopped Tempest from ending countless lives to fuel her own desire for power!”

Hugh look over, soberly. “How did you hold it together, sir?!”

“It wasn't easy, but I was able to use a technique my father taught me to turn fear into strength. It's really quite simple to learn, but difficult to master. The short version is you don't try to REPRESS your fear. Instead, you DIRECT it at its source.”

Max thinks about what Arc has said. “Thank you sir. We’ll try to remember that.”

“See to it that you do. But... I think it is time...”

Arc and his squad stand and slowly walk toward the Main Hall. On the way they spot Coco Pommel slowly walking down the corridor.

“You’re up late.”

Coco Pommel nods at Arc. “I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would take a walk over to Trixie's room and keep her company.”

Xenos shakes his head. “At this hour she would most likely be asleep.”

Max shakes his head. “I doubt that. With her trial tomorrow morning, she's probably pacing the floor!”

Coco Pommel smiles. “That's what I thought.”

“I'm not sure what you could say that could possibly soothe her at this point, Miss Pommel.”

She looks at Hugh and smiles. “At times like this it's not what you say, but the simple act of just being there can make quite a difference.”

Arc nods. “Good luck to you Coco Pommel. We have a mission to complete!”

She waves after them and smiles! “Be careful out there! Have fun storming the castle, boys!”

Coco Pommel reaches Trixie's room and approaches the two Royal Guards on duty. Sandstorm Mirage is personally standing guard as well. He approaches her.

“Miss Pommel! Is everything alright?!”

She nods. “Yes. I just came by to check on Trixie. Is she still awake?”

Sandstorm Mirage looks at the light from under the doorway. “Yes, Miss Pommel. She keeps muttering to herself as well!”

“May I see her please?”

“Oh course! Please, go right in!”

The Royal Guards open the doors and allow Coco Pommel to pass. Trixie is pacing the floor in front of the fireplace muttering under her breath. She looks over at the visitor.

“You?! You're the pony from the other day, right?”

Coco Pommel nods. “Yes. I just came by to see how you were doing.”

Trixie laughs nervously. “Just fine! Nothing to be worried about! A-O-K here!”

She looks at the clock then back at Trixie’s phony smile and replies sarcastically. “Awake at this hour and pacing? Yeah, you’re doing fine.”

Trixie lays down on the floor in front of the fire and sighs.

“Is it that obvious?”

Coco Pommel nods and walks over to the distraught unicorn. Sitting down next to her and looking over with a smile on her face. “Want to talk about it?”

“I’m just… concerned.”

“What about?”

“About Arc! What if he can't find that confession?! Or worse yet! What if he's planning to sell me out to the princesses! Presenting my confession himself would certainly be a feather in his cap! It's... just so hard... knowing who to trust!”

She puts a hoof on Trixie’s fetlock. “Listen Trixie! If Arc says he’s going to get that confession, then that is what he is going to do!”

“But what if…”

Coco Pommel interrupts her. “Shhh… now don't you worry about a thing! If even half of what I've heard from his squad is true, Arc has a knack for making the impossible, possible.”

“I sure hope you’re right!”

Meanwhile, Arc and his squad arrive at the Main Hall. Flash Sentry is waiting for them. Arc turns to Viktor.

“Viktor, do you have what you need to pick a lock?”

He nods. “Yes sir! I’m ready for anything!”

“Good! How about the smoke grenades?”

“Right here in my pack!”

Arc nods. “Good. Give them to Xenos though. He will carry out phase two at the Barracks. You will be with Max and I.”

Viktor gives Xenos the smoke grenades. He puts them in his saddlebags. Arc turns to Flash Sentry.

“You ready?”

Flash Sentry nods stoically. “I was born ready, sir!”

“Good answer!”

The team steps onto the sigil as Arc calls forth Eidolon’s Ward. He turns to them one last time.

“If any of you want out of this, now's the time to say something.”

Max looks over at Arc. “We’ve got your back, sir.”

The rest of the squad nods in agreement.

“Thanks guys.”

Arc activates the sigil and the team is teleported to Arc's quarters in Canterlot Castle, Max turns on his light as Arc returns his armor to the Magic Ring minus his helmet. He puts on the Magic Cloak.

“Derpy was right. This thing really is going to come in handy!”

Max looks over at Arc. “Sir! Isn't it a bit... dangerous for you to go on a mission without your armor?!”

“Normally yes. However, it makes too much noise. Stealth is key! I'll keep my helmet on so I can see in the dark.”

Viktor looks over! “Like we can?”

Arc tilts his head, confused. “You guys can see in the dark?”

Hugh nods. “Yes sir! It's part of what makes us so good at infiltration!”

“Okay, one of these days I need to sit down and learn what other tricks to guys have up your proverbial sleeves!”

Arc activates his cloak and turns to Flash Sentry. “You stay here Flash Sentry. Stay quiet and keep the lights off! We'll be back as soon as we can!”

“Yes sir!”

“Max, you take point! As you guys can't see me, I’ll bring up the rear. Don't worry about hitting me or anything. If you get too close, I’ll move! Remember, full stealth! Now, move out!”

Max quietly opens the door and peeks out. Seeing all is clear he motions for the others to follow him. They quietly do so. Max leads them quickly and quietly to Captain Decimus' office. He motions for the others to hold their positions. He scouts ahead to ensures no one is coming from the other direction before motioning for Viktor to begin work. In about a minute the door is unlocked and the group moves inside. Arc is the last to enter. He closes the door behind him, locks it and decloaks.

“Good work! Hugh, watch the door and listen for hoofsteps. Everyone else, start searching! And keep an eye out for that confession!”

The squad begins looking through the filing cabinets while Arc looks through the Captain's desk.

Max looks over to Arc. “There are a lot of files here on the princesses’ support staff.

“Anything really stand out?”

Max shakes his head. “Not really. Just more information than one would think the Captain of the Guard would care about! These reports are very detailed! He's even keeping tabs on the princesses' day to day activities and whereabouts!”

Arc shakes his head. “Well, I suppose it is his job to protect the princesses. I'm sure he looks bad enough after letting one princess go missing.”

Hugh nods from the door. “You're probably right sir.”

Viktor calls over from the bookshelves. “There sure are a lot of books about botany here.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe it’s his hobby?”

“There are enough books here to make anypony an expert! I'd say this goes well beyond hobby level.”

Xenos walks over and opens a book from the shelf. As he does so a few notes fall from the pages. He examines them.

“Captain Decimus sure knows his plants! He's even taken notes on what I guess must be his favorites!”

Arc looks up! “It may be risky, but take those notes! They may be a clue of some kind.”

“No need for that, sir!”

Max pulls out a small camera from his saddlebag and holds it up to Arc.

“Good thinking, Max!”

Max starts snapping pictures of the notes. When his is finished Xenos puts them back in the book and returns it to its original place on the shelf.

Arc looks around and spots a satchel on the floor by the office door. “What have we here?”

He carefully rummages through the satchel which contains quite a few papers pertaining to Trixie's trial in the morning.

“Come on! Where is it…?”

After several minutes of searching Arc locates a scroll and opens it.

“Bingo!”

He turns to the others as he puts the scroll safely in his pocket.

“I found the confession! Anything else of noteworthy importance?”

Max shakes his head. “Not really sir! I think this pond is all fished out.”

Arc nods. “Alright. Make sure everything is back where you left it! Leave no trace of our presence!”

The squad nods and gets to work. A short time later Max looks over!

“Done sir!”

“Alright. Max you’re on point again for the trek back to my quarters. I’ll verify that the area around the door is secure so the rest of you can move out. When it's safe to do so, I will open the door a few inches. Give me a few seconds to move away before you leave. Viktor, make sure the door is locked again before we move out.”

“Yes sir!”

Arc activates his Magic Cloak and sneaks into the hallway. He walks to the end of the corridor and almost bumps right into a Royal Guard patrol! Stealthily, he quickly moves to the wall and waits as the patrol passes him without incident. Arc waits for them to be out of sight before returning to the office and opening the door a crack. He then moves to the far wall. A few moments later his squad leaves the office. Viktor has the door locked again in seconds and they stealthily return to Arc's quarters. As they enter, Arc is the last one in.

Arc decloaks as he closes the door. “Whew! That was a close one! I almost had a close encounter with a patrol!”

Max grins! “Well, we did it sir! Admittedly we didn't learn anything of great importance, but no one saw us and we got Trixie's confession as well!”

Arc nods and walks over to Flash Sentry. He gives him the confession. “Hold onto this for me, lieutenant. If we get caught, I don't want this on me! Max, give him your film as well.”

Flash Sentry puts the confession in his saddle bag and accepts the film from Max.

“Good work back there boys! Now it's time for phase two. Max, Viktor and I will proceed to Captain Decimus' personal quarters and wait. Xenos, you head over to the Barracks. When you get there, wait ten minutes before you lob in those smoke grenades. Don't hang around to admire your handiwork though! Get back to my quarters and wait with Flash Sentry.”

Xenos nods. “Yes sir!”

“Hugh, you will head over to the Royal Armory and proceed to do your best to make it appear that a break in was attempted. The methods I will leave up to you, but mess that door up something fierce! When you hear the commotion from the Barracks and hear hoofsteps approaching the Royal Armory, smash the widow closest to the Royal Vault door and stealthily return to my quarters.”

Hugh nods. “You can count on me, sir!”

“With any luck, some rather frightened guards will wake up Captain Decimus and inform him there is trouble afoot! He will leave his room to investigate, leaving Max, Viktor and I to search his quarters at our leisure! When Decimus leaves, Viktor will open the door for Max and I. The only problem with this plan is as we make our way back to my quarters the whole castle will most likely be on high alert. It will take more time, but we really can't afford to be seen at that point! Stealth over speed!”

Max looks over. “Sir? What about opening a portal to take us straight back to your quarters?”

“Great idea Max! We'll bypass the guards completely! Good thinking!”

“Thank you, sir!”

Arc turns back to Flash Sentry. “How about you head back to Light's Hope and get to work developing those photos?”

“I can do that, sir!”

Arc opens a portal back to Light's Hope's Main Hall. Flash Sentry steps through. With a wave of his gauntlet Arc closes the portal and turns back to his squad.

“Alright. Here we go again! Move out!”

Meanwhile, back at Light's Hope... Flash Sentry steps out of the portal. It closes behinds him. He takes a few steps before stopping dead in his tracks! In front of him are two unconscious Royal Guards sprawled out on the floor!

“What in Celestia’s name…?!”

Flash Sentry runs forward to check on the Royal Guards! He quickly finds a pulse!

“Good! Just out cold! I have to find Sandstorm Mirage!”

Sprinting down the corridor he spots several more unconscious guards!

“Who... or what could have done this? And why?! I wish the Commander were here!”

Suddenly, Flash Sentry’s helmet is knocked off! He screeches to a stop and looks all around. But sees nothing and no one around!

“…what the…”

Something hits Flash Sentry in the back of the head and he collapses to the floor unconscious. His mysterious assailant cautiously advances toward the Guest Wing and spots Sandstorm Mirage and the two Royal Guards keeping watch over Trixie's door.

“So I said to Flash Sentry, ‘Yeah it's dangerous, but if we can pull it off, Miss Pommel will have enough food for a week!’”

Both guards smile at the memories.

“You and Flash Sentry sure pulled off some crazy heists back in the day, huh?”

“I remember it like it was yesterday! The two of you were inseparable back at the Orphanage!”

Sandstorm Mirage turns around and walks to the other side of the corridor laughing!

“Yeah! We had quite the run together!”

Turning back toward the guards slowly. “Did I ever tell you about the time...”

His eyes grow wide as he sees the pair, whom he was just talking to, lying on the floor unconscious! He looks around frantically until he spots their invisible assailant!

“Oh dear! What ARE you?! H-hold it right...”

The intruder, surprised to be spotted, lunges forward with near supernatural speed! The mysterious assailant bucks Sandstorm Mirage into the opposite wall! As the Sergeant staggers to regain his footing a hoof catches him squarely on the jaw! He goes down as the assailant calmly walks over to Trixie's door, slowly opens it… and walks in.

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle, the troops and Arc move to take their positions and carry out his plan. Arc's team waits across from Captain Decimus' quarters. A short time later the sounds of panicked cries can be heard echoing through the halls! A few minutes pass before one of Captain Decimus' sergeants rushes toward the door and knocks loudly! The captain answers the door momentarily.

“Do you know what time it is, Sergeant?! This had better be important!”

The sergeant salutes nervously! “Sir! There’s been some kind of attack on the Barracks! Smoke is everywhere! It's chaos!”

Captain Decimus shakes his head. “Grrr! Probably just a prank that got out of hand! Handle it yourself, sergeant!”

The sound of breaking glass can be heard echoing down the hall. Looking all around, the sergeant turns back to his commanding officer.

“What was that?!”

Captain Decimus walks quickly out of his room! “I don't know, but when I get my hooves on the ones responsible for it, they’ll be on garbage detail for a year!”

The pair rush down the hall toward the trouble. A moment later Viktor opens the door and proceeds inside. Arc and Max follow closely behind. As they enter Arc closes the door behind them.

“It sure was nice of the Captain to leave the lights on for us. You two, start searching!”

They start looking around the room. It is quite spartan. Arc walks over to some strange plants in a flower pot over by the window.

“Max, photograph these plants!”

He silently obeys. As he does so, Arc spots a footlocker in the corner of the room and walks over to it.

“Locked! Viktor, can you get this thing open?”

“Sure thing sir! Just give me a second!”

After a few minutes he looks up at Arc.

“Sorry sir. This lock is the most complex thing I’ve ever seen! It may very well be pick-proof! Whatever is inside has got to be good!”

Arc thinks for a moment. “I wonder…”

He pulls the key he received from King Megut out of his pocket and tries the lock, it readily opens!

“Max, get over here and photograph all of these papers! Hurry!”

As Max does so, Viktor looks around the room.

“Somehow I thought the Captain of the Royal Guard would have more posh accommodations!”

Arc walks over to the nightstand and rummages through it. Finding nothing out of the ordinary he closes the drawer. As he does so, he spots something interesting next to the lamp.

“What’s this?”

He picks up a small framed picture of Captain Decimus and Tempest wearing military dress uniforms. Arc stares at it for a long time.

“They look so… happy.”

Viktor looks over. “Find something sir?”

Arc sets down the picture. “Nothing really.”

Max continues with his work. “Almost finished over here sir!”

Arc peeks through the curtains. From what he can see, it appears all hell has broken loose!

“I guess the others made quite an impression! Even I'm starting to believe the castle is under siege! Hopefully Xenos and Hugh are safely back at my quarters awaiting our arrival.”

Viktor nods. “I’m sure they’re fine, sir!”

Max puts the camera back in his saddlebag. “I’m done!”

Viktor picks up the papers and puts them back in the chest. Locking it, he tosses the key back to Arc!

“Sir, catch!”

Arc catches the key in one hand and opens a portal back to his room with the other. “Let’s get out of here!”

Max and Viktor run though the portal with Arc bringing up the rear! They appear back in Arc's room! Xenos and Hugh are waiting for them!

“How did it go, boys?”

Hugh chuckles. “Like clockwork, sir! Although I think I may have actually damaged the locking mechanism!”

Arc nods happily! “Perfect! One bona fide failed heist completed!”

Xenos laughs! “Nopony saw me either! Well, not that they could have anyways with all that smoke!”

“Good work, all of you! Let's go home proud!”

The squad steps onto the sigil along with Arc. A moment later they arrive back in the Main Hall.

“I think I need a celebratory cup...”

Arc and company freeze as they see the downed guards before them!

“Check them!”

Max and Viktor quickly do so.

“They’re alive, sir. Just out cold!”

Arc quickly throws off his Magic Cloak and calls forth the rest of his armor and the Spear of Righteousness from his ring!

“On me! Let’s move!”

Arc takes point. He and his squad move down the hallway quickly but quietly. Soon they spot Flash Sentry lying on the corridor floor, face down! Arc holds up a hand to stop his squad! He motions for Viktor and Xenos to take defensive positions in front of Flash Sentry. As they do so Arc motions for Max to check the fallen lieutenant.

“Out cold.”

Arc nods. “On me!”

Arc himself advances, spear at the ready! He motions to his troops to follow him! They quickly move to the Guest Room! Spotting the two Royal Guards on the floor along with Sandstorm Mirage, Arc signals Xenos and Max to take up defensive positions at the door. Arc positions himself in front and motions for them to bash it in! Max and Xenos simultaneously buck the door as Arc rushes into the room flanked by Hugh and Viktor!

Max sees nothing but a terrified Trixie and Coco Pommel standing guard in front of her! “Miss Pommel! What’s happening…”

Arc reaches out a hand! “I SEE YOU THERE!!!”

He uses his magic to hold something in place. The others can see nothing, but hear labored gasps! Arc walks forward quickly, keeping his hand up! With a quick flick of his spear, he throws back a hood to reveal the cloaked assailant!

“Get that cloak off of him! No more surprises!”

Coco Pommel walks quickly to Arc’s side! “Please! Don’t hurt him!”

Arc's squad roughly removes the trespasser's cloak and Arc releases his magical grip on him! The stallion falls to the floor gasping for air!

Arc looks at him, surprised! “Hey! I know you! You're Captain Decimus' lieutenant!”

The stallion bows his head in shame. “I… yes.”

Arc turns to Hugh and Viktor. “Go the Barracks and make sure the orphans are all right! Search for anyone who might have been injured tonight! Max, go wake up Ember. I need her help! After that, join in the search.”

The lieutenant sighs. “I came alone…”

“You have your orders, go!”

They salute and move to carry out Arc’s instructions.

“Xenos, go stand over by Coco Pommel and Trixie. Make sure no harm comes to either of them!”

“Yes sir!”

Arc turns back to the lieutenant and points his spear at him. “Now then... don't make any sudden movements. I would hate to have to do something that YOU will regret!”

“Please forgive me, sir! I was just following orders!”

“Orders, huh? Who’s orders?!”

C-Captain Decimus’ sir!”

Arc sighs. “...why am I not surprised? Okay, what did he tell you to do?”

“Please sir! I can’t say!”

Arc looks at his prisoner angrily! “You break into my base, attack my troops and worst of all, assault Coco Pommel and you CAN'T SAY WHY?!”

Trixie looks over indignantly! “Hey! What about me?!”

“Not now, Trixie!”

Arc tightens his magical grip on the lieutenant’s throat again. Coco Pommel rushes over! “Arc please! He never laid a hoof on me! Please don't hurt him... for my sake…?”

He releases the lieutenant. He coughs a few times as Coco Pommel walks over to him. Xenos looks anxious!

“Miss Pommel, please stay back! He might hurt you!”

Coco Pommel smiles at the intruder. “It's okay, Xenos. I know he won't. Lieutenant, please tell us... why did you come here tonight?”

The lieutenant sighs. “Captain Decimus ordered me to break in to Light's Hope and... kidnap Trixie as quietly as possible.”

Xenos appears livid! “What?! Why?!”

“He didn't say. And I'm not in the habit of questioning my superiors. Especially when they’re as respected as Captain Decimus!”

Ember runs into the room fully armed and armored!

“Arc! Is everything all right in… YOU?!”

Arc quickly looks to Ember. “I have everything under control here, Ember! Right now, I need you to see to the injured guards.”

Ember nods before looking to the lieutenant, anger in her eyes.

“You get a pass… for now!”

She storms out of the room as Arc turns back to the stallion before them.

“Now… where were we?”

Trixie looks down at the intruder haughtily! “I think this is the part where you beat him into submission and force him to talk!”

“Not helping, Trixie! How about you let me handle this.”

Coco Pommel looks the lieutenant in the eye. “Lieutenant, why do you think the Captain sent you on this mission?”

“Well, he certainly hates the Hero of Light, that's for sure! Ever since that day on the drawbridge, he's been looking for ways to get even!”

“That makes sense! If Trixie were to ‘escape’ from Light's Hope and Captain Decimus were to ‘bring her in’ that would make me look bad while at the same time make him look like a hero! Clever! For someone who is supposed to be as highly respected as he is, the Captain sure is being childish about this!”

“Please forgive him sir! He wasn't always like this!”

Arc nods. “So what changed?”

“I don't know sir. Maybe the pressure of him failing to...”

The lieutenant suddenly clams up!

Arc narrows his eyes. “Is this about Princess Celestia?”

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even brought it up!”

“I already know about the princess’ ‘disappearance’, lieutenant.”

The intruder sighs. “I suppose you would. Captain Decimus hasn't been the same since then. He used to be quite personable and jovial! I miss those days...”

He hangs his head and sighs. “Hero of Light... if you could just arrest me, or kill me, or do... whatever it is you plan on doing, I would appreciate it.”

Arc turns to Trixie. “Did he hurt you?”

Trixie shakes her head. “No. Coco Pommel stood in front of me the whole time. For some reason, this oaf was too scared to raise a hoof against her!”

“Every soldier knows about Coco Pommel! I could never hurt her!”

The lieutenant turns to Coco Pommel and bows. “Miss Pommel. No matter what happens here, I just wanted to say it was an honor to be able to meet you! Thank you for everything you have done for my brothers and sisters in arms!”

Xenos steps forward and gently nudges Coco Pommel away from the stallion before turning to Arc. “Sir, what should we do with him?”

Coco Pommel looks to Arc, a pleading look in her eyes! “Please Arc! Be lenient!”

Arc closes his eyes and sighs. “Report to Captain Decimus about your failure and accept the punishment he gives you. Tell him the Hero of Light was with Trixie all night, and there was no possible way you could have defeated him. Now... get out of my base.”

He steps aside and allow the lieutenant to pass. The stallion turns around with a genuinely remorseful look on his face. “Sir... I'm... sorry about all this.”

Arc nods. “Lieutenant, there are times when you just have to do the right thing and accept the consequences.”

“With all due respect sir, that's an easy thing for you to say. You're the Hero of Light! You can pretty much do anything you want! A soldier like me only does what we’re told.”

“Before I was the Hero of Light, I was just a normal human trying to make a home for himself in a land not meant to house me! In everything, I always did my best to do the right thing! Sometime later, I saved the lives of a new mother and her foal. A certain purple unicorn friend of mine, who shall remain anonymous, saw my deed and rewarded my actions with a one-way trip to Hell! I spent months in Tartarus... for the crime of doing the right thing. If you remember nothing else I say, know this... while I was there, I never once regretted the choices I made. Now go!”

The lieutenant nods and leaves. Arc turns to Xenos.

“Follow him and make sure he leaves.”

“Yes sir.”

Xenos leaves to follow the lieutenant as Coco Pommel walks toward Arc.

“Arc. That story. Was it... true?”

Arc nods. “Yes it was. However, I don't really have time to go into it right now. If you two will excuse me, I have to see to my troops now.”

He moves to leave the room but turns back to Coco Pommel from the doorway.

“If you want to hear that story, ask Derpy to tell it to you.”

Arc leaves the room. Coco Pommel just stands there, frozen in place! Trixie slowly walks up to her.

“Coco Pommel? Are you okay?”

Coco Pommel slowly nods, her eyes wide! “It… it was HER!”

“What are you saying?”

She appears to be in shock. “Derpy... and her daughter Dinky! Arc went to TARTARUS over them?! I wondered why she was so dedicated to him, but now it all makes sense!”

Meanwhile… Arc and Ember help the now coming around Royal Guards regain their senses. Arc stands over Sandstorm Mirage as he sits up groggily.

“Sandstorm Mirage! Can you hear me?!”

“Ugh… what? Where is he?!”

“What did you see, sergeant?”

Sandstorm Mirage shakes his head. “A stallion in a black robe! He- he overpowered me and my guards!”

“Don't worry. I already took care of the matter.”

The sergeant removes his insignia. “I'm sorry for letting you down, Commander. Please take this! I... don't deserve it!”

“This wasn't your fault. Your assailant was a professional with magical gear! To tell you the truth, you saw more than anyone else did! Now, if you’re all right, I must see to the others. There is still much work to be done. Hop to it... sergeant.”

He salutes! “Th-thank you sir! I'll do better! I promise!”

Arc stands and quickly makes his way to the Main Hall. The other guards are on their feet, albeit shakily.

“Anyone hurt, Ember?”

She stands and walks over to him. “It doesn't look like it Arc! Nothing a little rest won't cure anyways.”

Arc turns to the guards. “All of you head to the Barracks and rest. And take tomorrow off if you need to as well! Report to Sergeant Sandstorm Mirage if you need medical attention. Dismissed!”

The guards salute and walk away.

“Ember, can you escort the injured guards to the barracks?”

Ember nods. “Sure. I’ll see to it!”

As she leaves Arc’s squad enters the Main Hall and walks up to him.

Max salutes along with the others. “The base is secure sir! It looks like our ‘friend’ was acting alone.”

Arc nods. “Good!”

Xenos looks toward the door. “He left, just like you told him to. No trouble.”

Hugh appears nervous! “Sir, Captain Decimus will stop at nothing to ruin you! We need to do something!”

Arc nods as a wicked smile crosses his face. “Yes we do. And I think I have just the idea!”