The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 9 - Twisted Arms

Sometime later Arc enters the Infirmary. Walking over to Auriel and her father he clears his throat to get their attention.

“I received word that you two needed to speak to me.”

Auriel nods fervently. “That we did!”

King Malevolence sighs. “Indeed. You see…”

Auriel and her father tell Arc of what transpired during their conversation with Maria. Arc appears confused as they finish.

“So let me just see if I’m understanding this correctly, Auriel. You’re saying that your mother, upon hearing my name, nearly had a heart attack?”

“She was extremely agitated, yes.”

Malevolence frowns. “Perhaps not the best word to use. However my queen seemed to be most interested in speaking to you post haste, Arc.”

“What about though?”

Auriel shrugs. “We don’t really know.”

“Yes, she passed out before divulging that information.”

Arc looks toward the bed. “And she hasn’t woken up since?”

Auriel shakes her head. “Not since that episode, no.”

Malevolence points to the IV bottle. “The doctor gave her medicine that would also make her sleep.”

Arc shrugs. “I’m sure Doctor Whooves knows what he’s doing.”

Auriel sighs. “While I do agree, I still wish we could have heard more.”

Arc sits down. “All we can do now is wait then, I suppose.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “But… don’t you have official duties to perform?”

“Duties, yes. Official, no. I actually just came from brunch with Derpy, Dinky, and her little friends.”

Auriel gasps. “Your date!”

Malevolence appears confused. “His what now?”

“Arc was on Earth vacationing with his daughter and another of his future wives!”

Arc nods. “That I was.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Doing as a good friend would… being here for Auriel when she needs me.”

Arc gestures to the bed with a wave of his hand before continuing.

“And I can’t really think of a time when she’s needed me more.”

Auriel giggles. “How about when I passed out from using the Bloodstone back on Earth?”

“Okay, that might be a close second.”

Malevolence chuckles. “That’s my girl.”

A few hours later a groan rings out from the bed. Auriel jumps up and hurries over to the bedside.

“Mother! Can you hear me?!”

Maria nods as she slowly opens her eyes. “Y-yes.”

“Can I get you anything?!”

“Just… lower your voice please. I have a splitting headache.”

Malevolence chuckles. “The girl’s just glad to see you awake, my dear.”

Auriel smiles nervously. “Sorry!”

“We’re you… able to get ahold… of Arc?”

Auriel nods. “Yes, he’s right here.”

“Help me sit up.”

Auriel picks up the bedside remote and presses a button. The bed slowly raises Maria up to an upright position. King Malevolence motions for Arc to step forward. Doing so as the pair step aside Arc turns to the woman as she looks him up and down.

“Arc? Is that really you?”

“Last I checked, yes.”

“You’re a bit older than the last time I saw you, naturally. But the facial features and smile don’t lie.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How exactly do you know me?”

“You don’t recognize me?”

Arc shakes his head. “Should I?”

“I would hope so. But right now I need to know something.”

“Oh?”

“Tell me, how is…?”

Maria takes a deep breath and pauses as if working up the courage to say the word.

“…Shelly doing?”

Arc frowns. “How do you know that name?!”

“I need to know! Please!”

Auriel turns to him. “Arc, please tell her!”

Malevolence folds his arms over his chest. “Agreed. Maria can’t take the stress of an argument right now.”

Arc groans. “Fine. She’s… in the hospital.”

Maria appears hopeful. “So she’s alive then!?”

“Alive, but not doing very well.”

“Good, good! That means that there’s still time!”

“Time for what, mother?”

“To help her!”

Arc sighs. “I’d like that too. But every doctor that’s looked at her case has said the same thing. And that is there’s nothing medical science can do for her.”

“But you don’t believe that, do you?”

“They can’t all be wrong.”

“I mean… you haven’t given up on her yet.”

“Look, Shelly’s case is hopeless. Lily and I have just been trying to make her last bit of time more…”

Maria interrupts him. “What if I told you there could possibly be a way to help her?”

“I’d say that you’re either a miracle worker or crazy.”

Auriel gasps. “Arc!”

Arc shrugs. “She asked the question and I answered it.”

Malevolence chuckles. “Nice.”

Arc turns his attention back to Maria before continuing.

“But if you have some ideas I’d be willing to listen.”

“I do indeed. However I’d need to see her chart for myself.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “That shouldn’t be too hard to do. A simple matter of walking in and…”

Auriel interrupts him. “You shouldn’t take it, Arc. After all, the hospital staff probably needs it to properly treat her.”

“I was going to say taking pictures actually.”

Malevolence raises an eyebrow. “Pictures?”

Arc nods. “With a camera.”

Auriel pats her father’s arm. “I’ll explain it to you later, father.”

Maria sighs. “That would help, yes. But I’m afraid that I need more than just what’s available in her room.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What else could you…?”

Maria interrupts him. “I need everything.”

“Her entire medical history?”

“Think of it as the whole picture.”

“How am I supposed to get that though?!”

Auriel giggles. “A properly made plan would be in order.”

“Well, I guess there isn’t anything a plan can’t make easier. But it’s not like they just leave their computer records available to anyone walking by.”

Maria turns to Auriel. “Do you have experience dealing with computers, my dear?”

Auriel nods. “I do, yes. However I suggest someone a bit more adept with human technology.”

Malevolence frowns. “Who?”

“Rose.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “She is familiar with computer systems, yes. But I’m not actually sure where she is right now.”

Auriel turns to Arc. “The Crystal Empire.”

“Huh?”

“She was helping me research ways to reform the Crystal Heart. I asked her to keep trying when I was injured.”

Maria gasps. “Are you all right, my dear?!”

“I’m okay now, mother. After all, every decent scientist has experienced a few good explosions.”

Maria smiles. “You’ve been reading my books.”

Malevolence nods. “She’s very studious, Maria.”

Arc sighs. “That Auriel is. But I don’t know if Rose would be willing to help me infiltrate a hospital again. Last time things didn’t go so well.”

Auriel appears hopeful. “I’m sure you could convince her, Arc.”

Malevolence shrugs. “At least ask.”

“Very well. Worst case scenario, she says no.”

He turns back to Maria before continuing.

“In any case, I need to talk this over with the powers that be.”

“Very well. But just be aware that time is a factor to me.”

“Why? You have somewhere else to be?”

“Not really. However Shelly’s situation is certainly precarious. Act with all due haste.”

Arc narrows his eyes. “You still haven’t told my how you know about her OR me.”

“All will be revealed in good time, Arc. Trust me.”

Frowning, Arc turns and leaves the room. Auriel looks to her mother.

“Why did you DO that?!”

“Auriel?”

“It sounded almost like you were trying to blackmail him!”

Malevolence grins. “Indeed. And I found it absolutely amazing.”

“Don’t worry, Auriel. I only did so because I need Arc to help me with this. That and I can guarantee that I can make his efforts worthwhile.”

Meanwhile, Arc heads for the Audience Chamber. Arriving he motions to Twilight and Luna from the back of the room with a wave of his hand. Nodding, Twilight looks down at the audience before her.

“We’ll have to return to this matter at a later time.”

“Your highness?”

Luna nods. “It would appear something very important has come up.”

The stallion bows and turns to leave. As he does so Arc approaches the thrones. Waiting for the doors to close behind him, Twilight and Luna step down from their places and walk over to him. Twilight smiles warmly as he kneels down for a hug.

“Thank you for coming, Arc.”

“Oh?”

Luna smiles. “I assume you’re here to check up on how we’re doing.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, no. After all, both of you are fully capable of doing your jobs without me trying to micromanage you.”

Twilight motions with a hoof. “In that case, I want to thank you for suggesting to Luna that she could help with audiences.”

Luna smiles. “Yes, it’s been quite a while since I had such a good time doing this task.”

Arc frowns. “Uh oh. Did you and Cadance not get along or something, Luna?”

“It wasn’t that we didn’t get along so much as the fact that we had little to no contact outside of our official duties.”

Twilight nods soberly. “But that wasn’t the only reason, was it?”

Luna sighs. “No. I also viewed her as a replacement Celestia brought in to fill my role.”

“Makes sense. But you don’t feel that way about Twilight, right?”

“Not anymore, no.”

Twilight smiles. “We talked through it some time ago.”

Luna puts a hoof around Twilight’s shoulder. “And now we understand each other that much better.”

“Good. I’m glad things are working out so well amongst you two.”

He looks around before continuing.

“Um… might I ask where the others are?”

Twilight gestures toward the large double doors at the end of the room. “They took today’s paperwork to the Conference Room to deal with.”

Luna nods. “More room there for five mares to work, after all. But in any case, what can we do for you today, Arc?”

“Well, you see…”

Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane 6 sit around the conference table working. Rainbow Dash glances around angrily.

“So do none of you want to do ANYTHING about what I said?!”

Rarity continues going over the papers. “That is correct.”

Pinkie groans. “You’re just too focused on Arc’s actions, Dashie!”

Applejack nods. “Right. He’d have told us if there was something going on between him and Princess Luna.”

Fluttershy turns to Rarity. “Not that there is… right?”

“It’s not likely, no.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “And why not?!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “For starters, they don’t have anything in common personality-wise.”

Pinkie points a hoof. “Exactly!”

Fluttershy sighs. “They almost seem to be like polar opposites to me.”

Rarity giggles. “Yes. He’s so open and warm. And Princess Luna is…”

She looks around and lowers her voice before continuing.

“…so closed off and distant from everypony else.”

Rainbow Dash slams her hooves on the table. “That might be why she want’s Arc though!”

Applejack frowns. “What are you getting at, sugarcube?”

“Think about it! Princess Luna’s been alone for a thousand years, right?!”

Fluttershy shrugs. “And?”

“So maybe she wants something to warm up her frozen heart!”

Rarity groans. “We’ve been over this, Rainbow Dash. Princess Luna isn’t interested in Arc for his heart.”

Pinkie grins slyly as she elbows Rarity.” Well, maybe she wants something else warmed up!”

Rarity blushes slightly. “But… but that would be SCANDALOUS!”

Applejack frowns. “And it would trash her reputation!”

Fluttershy looks out the window as she speaks. “True. But she’s already seen as something of an enigma.”

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “So she has nothing to lose!”

Fluttershy gasps. “But Arc does!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “What could Arc lose from such a thing, Fluttershy?”

“His own reputation!”

Applejack puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose it would kinda make him look bad if word got out about him being with Princess Luna.”

Rarity shudders. “True or not, yes.”

“Come on, everypony. You don’t really think Arc’s doing that, do you?”

Pinkie taps the table. “Nah. But…”

Fluttershy interrupts. “…even if they aren’t doing anything, this could still tank Arc’s reputation if it started making the rounds with the staff!”

Rainbow Dash nods matter-of-factly. “Exactly!”

Rarity groans. “But us trying to stop that could do the opposite.”

Fluttershy gasps. “You mean we could make it worse?”

Applejack sighs. “Right. I mean, everypony in the castle knows about US wanting to be with Arc.”

Pinkie nods fervently. “And how we want to form a herd too!”

Rarity leans back in her chair. “I’m still not sure how that happened though.”

Pinkie raises a hoof. “Oh! Oh, I know!”

Fluttershy turns to her. “How then?”

“Because I told two of the Hoof Maidens all about it!”

Applejack frowns. “You did?”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Why would you do that though Pinkie Pie?!”

“Because they seemed really interested in doing so with a few other mares!”

Fluttershy raises an eyebrow. “A stallion and how many mares?”

Pinkie shrugs. “No idea! Heck, it didn’t sound like they were interested in a particular stallion inasmuch as they just wanted to be extra close with each other!”

Rarity facehoofs. “What have we started?!”

Fluttershy sighs. “It’s probably all over the castle now.”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, we can’t do anything about that now.”

Rainbow Dash takes flight angrily. “But we can do our best to safeguard Arc’s reputation!”

Rarity nods. “We have to! He deserves better than having it tarnished by our actions!”

Pinkie jumps on top of the table. “So what are we going to do?!”

Applejack taps her hoof on the table. “Talking to Twilight about this over supper tonight would probably be the best course to take.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Yeah! She’s really smart AND close to Arc too!”

Fluttershy looks around at the others. “But we’re all in agreement that Arc isn’t cheating on us, right?”

Rarity waves a hoof dismissively. “Oh, heavens yes!”

Applejack nods. “Arc wouldn’t do that to us.”

Pinkie giggles. “Yeah! And even if he did want to add somepony to the herd I’m sure he’d have told us right away!”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Darn right! Arc’s not a cheater! But I still don’t trust Princess Luna any further than I can hoof her!”

Fluttershy groans. “Now, now. There’s no need for violence.”

“If she’s trying to take Arc for herself there will be!”

Applejack sighs as she looks to Rainbow Dash. “But we can’t just…!”

“Twilight can!”

Rarity raises an eyebrow. “She can do… what exactly?”

“Tell off another princess!”

Pinkie nods happily. “If she’s being bad, yes!”

Fluttershy sighs. “However… all of this is just speculation right now.”

Applejack looks to her hovering friend. “Right. We need to keep our accusations private. Unless there were some kind of proof, that is.”

Rainbow Dash grins wickedly. “Proof, huh? Then that’ll be MY job!”

Rarity frowns. “To do what though?”

“Follow Princess Luna around and see what she does!”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “I don’t really think that’s necessary though.”

Rarity nods. “Right. Twilight could just…”

Rainbow Dash interrupts her. “There’s no more time for talking! We have to ACT!”

Flying out the door, Rainbow Dash slams it behind her as the others sigh. Rarity turns to Applejack.

“This will not end well.”

“Agreed.”

Fluttershy looks at the now closed door. “We should probably tell Twilight about it sooner rather than later.”

Pinkie gasps. “But Princess Luna is with her now!”

Rarity sighs. “Then there’s only one thing to do.”

Applejack turns to her. “Wait for her to be alone after supper?”

“That and the paperwork.”

Fluttershy frowns as she pulls down a page and looks it over. “I do wish Rainbow Dash had waited until this was done.”

Pinkie shrugs. “You know how much she hates this part of the job!”

Applejack grits her teeth as she reaches for a quill. “Probably why she ducked out.”

Rarity shrugs. “Partially, yes. However I get the feeling that she honestly believes that Princess Luna is trying to get into the herd.”

Fluttershy sighs. “Well, that’s not really our business.”

Pinkie gasps. “Yes it is!”

Applejack looks to Rarity. “Like Arc said before. Anypony joining the herd would have to be approved by the others beforehoof.”

“I’m not sure we’d be able to have somepony like her around.”

Fluttershy shudders. “At least not as a member of the herd anyways.”

Pinkie grins. “She’s probably just fine when you get to know her!”

Rarity rolls her eyes. “Which no one really does.”

Applejack smirks. “Arc and Twilight do. Well, better than anypony else that is.”

Pinkie giggles. “So let’s go to Twilight’s room after supper and talk to her about it!”

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Agreed. But we can’t just lead with that.”

Rarity nods. “Right. We need to be a bit… coy about it.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Uh… wouldn’t it just be easier to come right out and tell Twilight exactly what’s…?”

Pinkie interrupts her. “Not at ALL! This has to be handled DELICATELY!”

Fluttershy sighs. “I think we should just get her alone and say exactly what’s on our minds. Twilight will understand and know what to do about it.”

Rarity smiles. “While I doubt Rainbow Dash would agree with that, I too agree with Pinkie. We need to word this correctly.”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say, Rarity. I’m fine with whatever as long as we eventually get to that part of the conversation.”

Meanwhile, Arc wraps up his explanation with Twilight and Luna. Twilight is the first to speak.

“That’s quite the story, Arc!”

“Agreed. However we should use this to our advantage.”

Twilight frowns. “Luna! That’s Arc’s friend she’s trying to save!”

Arc sighs. “She’s right though. I do my part to help Shelly and Auriel’s mother might be willing to spill the beans on The Organization.”

“We do need information on them, Twilight.”

“Yes, I know that we can’t just let this opportunity pass us by. But I can’t help but wonder if the doctor’s story isn’t just a little too good to be true.”

Arc sighs. “If she does have some ideas I have to help bring them to fruition, Twilight. I owe Shelly that much.”

“Twilight is correct though, Arc. Tread carefully, as there is no guarantee that she is not leading you into a trap.”

Twilight frowns. “First she asks you to infiltrate the hospital. Next she might have you gathering supplies. After that… who knows?”

Arc shrugs. “It stands to reason that she’ll need things to make her plan work though.”

“I believe Twilight simply meant that her tasks will most likely become more and more difficult or time consuming.”

“Yes. That and we have a potential war on the horizon.”

“We’re still trying to go the diplomatic route though. While we’re not likely to be successful it’s still better than dragging the country into a long, drawn out conflict.”

Arc sighs. “Good. While I’m not against a war at this point, it should still be our last resort.”

Twilight smiles. “We’ll keep on trying to make this work here. You go and do what you must to help your friend.”

“So does that mean I have your blessing, Twilight?”

“My… what?

“Arc is hoping you’ll agree with his actions before setting out.”

“But you don’t need my permission, Arc.”

“True. However as a potential future herdmate I still value your opinion. That and I might need Equestria’s help on this one.”

Luna nods. “We will do what we can. Within reason, of course.”

“Yes, the country’s security must come first though.”

“Understood. I’ll take a sigil over to the Crystal Empire at once and see about talking Rose into helping me with this.”

Twilight giggles. “Tell her you have my approval and she probably will.”

“From what I’ve seen of the young lady that will not be necessary, Twilight.”

Arc chuckles. “Well, it’s up to her. Wish me luck.”

Holding up a gauntlet, Arc opens a portal and steps though. Luna turns to Twilight as it closes.

“Arc must’ve really been in a hurry.”

“How so?”

“He didn’t even thank us.”

“I know he appreciates the aid we’ve pledged though.”

“To me I read his actions differently.”

Twilight appears genuinely interested. “Oh?”

“Arc was just anxious to get the ball rolling on this matter. He wasn’t trying to slight us.”

Twilight turns to Luna as they head back to their thrones. “Do you think his friend might yet be saved?”

Luna smiles. “While I don’t know for certain what the future holds, I am sure that if such a possibility exists Arc is sure to find it.”

Comments

[Theresa]

I'm not sure why the idea of Luna joining the herd is such a horrible thing. I'll admit they don't know her well but not many people have tried to know her. Twilight is the only person who understands her besides maybe arc. Right now they are friends if the girls keep acting jealous when Luna hasn't done anything beyond be nice they might lose him. The fact is he is going to wait until marriage to do anything. If he has a friend that female well if they can't trust him to do right by them then how can he trust them.

[Booster Spice]

Well, that explains why Mustang was having Dr Rieper work on Shelly. Kings Prawn to BBQ.

“I’m okay now, mother. After all, every decent scientist has experienced a few good explosions.”

The value of results discovered is in direct proportion to the cost of equpment destroyed?

[Theresa]

11421557
So why is the idea of Luna joining the herd so awful.

[Kamahido]

11424488
Everyone on 'the herd list' thus far has been kind(ish), personable, relatable, etcetera. The others didn't even bat an eye when Hammer came around, even though she's a human, since she quickly showed that she was of the same mindset. That and she was willing to be accepting of the others, and overall a good person. However, Luna is none of the above things. That and the fact that she's perceived as being a higher level of royalty, what with being a princess longer. Ultimately, the Mane 6 (mostly Rainbow Dash) is just scared of someone new that they don't actually understand. If Luna was going to be part of the herd she would be at an extreme disadvantage due to her lack of experience dealing with 'commoners'. While I'm sure Twilight would do her best to tutor Luna, it would be an uphill challenge for everyone involved. That and it would just be an absolute nightmare to write.

Just for the record though, Arc and Luna's relationship is purely platonic as neither of them are attracted to the other romantically.

[Theresa]

11424869
Luna is nice she just shy and socially awkward. Being 1000 years out of date and nobody ever bother to appreciate before causes her to hide from others. Plus twilight is a princess and nobody is hating on her being part of the herd. Luna just appears cold to those who don't know her. Twilight before the nightmare moon thing might have appear the same way from someone else's point of view.