The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

by Kamahido

Chapter 1 - Surprise Visitor

Author's Note:

Happy New Year everyone! A bit of good news before we resume. I went back and REMASTERED the first two volumes of the story. Some chapters were combined with quite a bit more content added in an attempt to bring them up to a higher standard. Hopefully everyone likes them as much as my wife did. Now without further ado, in the words of Stuffwell... BACK TO ADVENTURE!!!

Arc and Rarity kiss for what feels like forever. Eventually he breaks it off and looks her in the eye. Tracing her face with a finger, Arc begins to speak.

“Rarity…! How…?!”

The young woman smiles as a tear escapes the corner of her eye. “I couldn’t stay away any longer, my love. I just had to see you again.”

Derpy gasps. “So you went to the Crystal Empire to use Sunburst’s device?”

Rarity nods. “That I did.”

Dinky looks past the woman. “Where’s Sweetie Belle?”

“She’s staying at Sweet Apple Acres for the moment. My friends told me to take as much time as I needed.”

Rarity looks up at him, a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Is it… okay for me to stay, Arc?”

“Of course!”

She looks around at the sink full of dishes.

“I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

Arc shakes his head. “Not really. We just finished our Christmas celebration and were about to head for bed.”

Scootaloo nods. “Yes. It’s been a long day for us.”

Derpy looks to the little girl. “Scootaloo, why don’t you and Dinky brush your teeth? I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

Nodding, they do as instructed. Rarity turns to her.

“Derpy, I… um…”

“Yes?”

“Please forgive me for coming without notifying anypony. I… wanted it to be a surprise for him.”

Derpy smiles. “I understand.”

“So you’re not… upset?”

Derpy shakes her head. “Not at all. But I should get upstairs to make sure Scootaloo and Dinky get to bed soon.”

“Yes, well… good night.”

Derpy nods and heads upstairs. Rarity looks back at Arc.

“My apologies for arriving so late. The machine had a bit of a flutter when it was started. Princess Cadance wouldn’t allow me to use it until Sunburst finished checking and rechecking every component.”

“That’s just fine. But I’m glad you came when you did. Any later and we’d have been in bed.”

Rarity shudders as she wraps her arms around herself. “It would’ve been a rather cold night for me then.”

“I’m guessing Sereb would have heard you knocking and said something though. But can I assume you’re tired?”

“That I am. I’ve been waiting all day for the go ahead to come here. The stress nearly had me tearing my mane out!”

Arc takes her hand. “Well then, let’s get to bed.”

Rarity looks up at him expectantly. “Might I sleep with you, Arc?”

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

Leading her upstairs, Arc takes Rarity to his parent’s old room. She sits down on the bed happily as Arc takes her coat and, after laying it on a nearby table, heads for the dresser. Looking confused, she questions him.

“Arc? What are you doing?”

“Getting you something to wear.”

Rarity looks herself over, perplexed. “But I’m already wearing something.”

“Yes, you are. But I think you’ll find that rather uncomfortable to sleep in.”

Rarity smiles as she begins unbuttoning her blouse. “Not to worry. I was just planning to remove them before we got into bed.”

Arc turns and walks over to her with a pair of shorts and a t-shirt as Rarity’s blouse opens completely.

“While that is… extremely tempting, I think you’ll find this outfit acceptable.”

Rarity sighs. “Very well.”

Tossing her blouse onto her coat, Rarity undoes her skirt and sets it aside as she puts on the clothes as Arc does the same. Looking up, he sees her pulling the shirt over her head. Doing a little twirl she smiles warmly at him.

“So, how do I look?”

“Great!”

Rarity giggles. “No, I don’t.”

“You look good in anything, Rarity.”

Rarity gives a playful wave with her hand. “Oh, stop it.”

“In all honesty, you look amazing as a human.”

Blushing, Rarity puts her arms around his neck.

“Then how about I show you the rest?”

Arc shakes his head. “It’s really late. We need some rest.”

Rarity groans. “Fine.”

“Sorry.”

“No, no! I… didn’t mean to sound like that! It’s just been a very long day for me.”

Arc takes her arm and they sit down on the bed together. Smiling, he takes her hands in his.

“So has mine. But this is a wonderful way to end it.”

Leaning forward, Rarity’s lips meet Arc’s. They kiss for quite some time as the pair embrace and lay down together. Eventually they break off and Arc pulls the covers over them.

“Comfy?”

Rarity nods happily as she turns toward the light switch.

“Oh, yes. Just let me get that.”

Looking at the switch on the wall she appears to be concentrating. A frowns spreads across her face as she puts a hand to her forehead.

“I… must be more tired than I originally thought.”

“Your magic isn’t working, is it?”

Rarity shakes her head. “Sadly, no.”

“Dinky had the same problem when we arrived. Remember, as a human you don’t have a horn to act as your magical focus.”

Rarity pouts. “So… no magic?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sorry, no.”

She sighs and shrugs.

“Oh well. I’ll just have to get used to it.”

Arc nods and reaches out a hand. Flicking the switch with a Telekinesis spell he lays back onto the pillow as Rarity rolls over to cuddle.

“This feels amazing.”

“Yeah. I never thought you’d be here.”

“Me either. But the heart wants what it wants. Good night, Arc.”

“Night.”

They are silent for a time as the sound of snowflakes pelting the window being the only thing heard. A moment later Arc turns to Rarity soberly.

“Rarity… I need to tell you something.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I… um… sorry.”

“Whatever for?”

“Well… when I was preparing for the mission to rescue Princess Celestia, I… did some really bad things.”

“You did what you had to do, my love. Of that I’m certain.”

“I… no. No I didn’t.”

“How bad could it have been?”

Arc sighs. “At one point I needed information on the base she was being held in. The idea came to me when I took Auriel and Dinky to the clothing store for some summer attire.”

“What’s wrong with clothes shopping?”

“Nothing. But while they were in the changing room, I… saw one of the women that I’ve been fighting as the Hero of Light. Her name’s Hammer.”

Rarity gasps. “You did?! Oh my, are you alright?!”

“Yeah. I didn’t have my armor on, of course. But she only knew the Hero of Light, not Arc.”

“So she didn’t attack you?”

Arc sighs. “Kinda wish she had now.”

“Were you able to get any information out of her then?”

“Not at that point, no. However, I did take her out to dinner to try and learn a few things.”

“On a… date?”

“Yes. I wanted to get close to her so she’d tell me what I needed to know.”

“Did it work?”

“Better than I thought. She gave me a fake badge to get into the base and even let me borrow hers to get through a few doors.”

Rarity smiles. “Sounds like it helped the mission go well for you and the others.”

“It did let me scout out the base and nail down a plan, yes.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“She… asked me to investigate her sisters. They were acting strangely and she thought they were being blackmailed, or something.”

“Were they?”

Arc shakes his head. “No. It was all just a misunderstanding.”

Rarity appears relieved. “I imagine that pleased her.”

“That it did. A bit too much actually.”

“What happened?”

“She… fell in love with me.”

Rarity giggles. “I can understand that.”

“And I… started to feel bad about what I was doing. Manipulating her emotions to get access to the base, and all that.”

Rarity shakes her head. “Arc, you did what you had to in order to save Princess Celestia. One human woman’s hurt feelings isn’t worth more than that. She’ll move on.”

“I tried to fix it when I got here with Derpy and Dinky.”

“Did you now?”

Arc nods. “Yes. I saw her and her sisters at the library. The magic user of the trio ran into me and Blinked us outside. Probably so she could finish me off or take revenge for what I did.”

Rarity grins wickedly. “I’m sure you showed her the error of her ways.”

“Kinda. Truth be told, I… kinda blackmailed her.”

“What? Why?”

“To give me her sister’s e-mail address. I started writing to her as a way to try and wean her off of me. You see, she was really depressed when I told her the truth about who I was and what I was really here to do in a letter I wrote before the last mission.”

Rarity’s eyes grow wide. “So you told her everything?”

“About my identity, yes.”

“How did she take it?”

“Her sister Mio said she improved greatly after reading my first e-mail. But during one of our meetings she and her other sister, Stingray, came after me.”

“To kill you?!”

“To protect her from my interference mostly. Somehow Hammer found out what they were up to and crashed their little ambush by planning one of her own.”

“Against you?!”

Arc shakes his head. “No. Against her two sisters.”

“She choose you over them?!”

“Yes. Hammer was head over heels in love with me. More so than she felt for her sisters it appears.”

“What happened to them?”

“Stingray moved to attack, but Sereb stopped her by biting her arm.”

“Did she survive?”

“It wasn’t life threatening. Mio got her some help, I’m sure.”

“And Hammer?”

“I brought her back here.”

“Why?!”

“Because she came to my aide. In doing so, she threw away her career and relationship with her sisters.”

“Couldn’t it have been a trap?”

Arc shakes his head. “If it was, we’d have been taken down by Hammer and her tank. The last one I only stopped by throwing an aircraft at it.”

Rarity sighs. “You did what you had to, I suppose. So… how much does she know?”

“Everything.”

“Do you… care for her?”

“Kinda, yeah.”

Rarity props herself up and her elbow. “I don’t understand. Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you deserve to know the truth, Rarity.”

“Is she still here?”

Arc shakes his head. “Left right before you got here to see her sisters.”

“Do you still want me here? I mean, if you care for her… I’d just be in the way.”

“Of course I still want you here! I love you, Rarity!”

“Have you told her?”

“About you?”

“Yes.”

Arc nods. “She knows the whole story. How we met, that we went on a dinner date at your shop, and what happened… afterwards.”

“And how did she take that?”

“Well, she wasn’t happy about it. But at the same time she admitted that I was the only one who was being honest with her. Kinda ironic after what I did, but those were her words.”

“So… where do we go from here?”

“I’m guessing she’ll be back tomorrow at some time. It would probably be for the best if I introduced you two.”

“What’s she like?”

“Very positive… and very strong.”

Rarity giggles. “Kinda like you, Arc?”

“You’ll have to make that choice yourself when you meet tomorrow. She’s also very mechanically minded as well. That’s something I don’t really have going for me.”

Rarity appears hopeful. “Do you think she’ll… like me?”

Arc yawns hugely. “Oh yes. She gets along very well with Derpy and Dinky. They both really seem to like her.”

“That’s encouraging. Tell me, do you think she’ll be okay with…?”

Rarity looks over to see that Arc has fallen asleep. Sighing, she lays her head on his chest and closes her eyes.

“I guess I’ll find out in the morning.”

As the sun rises and shines weakly through the clouds Arc slowly opens his eyes and stares up at the ceiling. Smiling, he turns his head to look at the woman sleeping peacefully next to him. Sitting up, he puts a hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her.

“Rarity?”

Slowly opening her eyes, Rarity looks up at him.

“What… is it?”

“Morning’s here.”

She giggles and presses her face against Arc’s chest.

“We don’t need to get up this early though, do we?”

Arc chuckles. “I suppose not. But we typically do.”

Rarity sighs. “Well, I suppose I could use a shower.”

“You do that and I’ll get some breakfast going.”

“Very well. I’ll try to be quick.”

Getting up they go their separate ways. Arc descends the stairs to the main level to the sounds of clanging pans and dishes. Entering the kitchen he spots Derpy, Dinky, and Scootaloo pulling pots and pans out of the cupboards.

“Morning dad!”

“Good morning, Arc.”

Scootaloo looks over to him. “Sleep well?”

“Very. But I think we’re all still a bit jet lagged from yesterday.”

Derpy appears confused. “What’s that?”

“It means we’re going to need another day to recover from the festivities.”

Dinky gasps. “Is that bad?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah. This happens every year. So why don’t we head over to Shelly’s Kitchen for breakfast?”

Dinky grins excitedly. “That sounds awesome, dad!”

Derpy raises an eyebrow, confused. “But won’t they be… jet lagged as well?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably. It’s another Christmas tradition of ours. Going there for breakfast the next morning to help out. But I don’t think that last part will be necessary now that they’ve hired help.”

Scootaloo giggles. “Either way, I want another one of those Shelly Burgers.”

They all laugh happily before Arc continues.

“Everyone get cleaned up and we’ll leave as soon as Rarity’s out of the shower.”

Heading upstairs, Arc puts on fresh clothes along with the others. His eyes wander over to Rarity’s clothes nearby.

“Uh oh. I don’t think she remembered to bring something clean to wear into the bathroom.”

Picking up the clothes from yesterday he sniffs them.

“She probably didn’t wear these for very long. Still good for today.”

Walking to the bathroom door, Arc knocks lightly before opening it and calling out.

“Rarity?”

“Yes?”

“I brought you the clothes you had on when you arrived. Is that okay, or would you like me to get something from Derpy’s closet?”

“Those are fine. I only wore them for an hour at most yesterday. Um… might I trouble you for some fresh undergarments though? I feel a bit strange about wearing them again.”

“No problem. Be right back.”

He lays the clothes on the sink before hurrying to Derpy’s dresser for a pair of panties and a bra. Returning to the bathroom he opens the door just in time to see Rarity step out of the tub. Respectfully, he turns away as Rarity’s gaze meets his.

“Is something wrong?”

“Sorry. Just bringing the undergarments.”

Rarity giggles. “I don’t mind you seeing me bare, Arc. After all, I’ve seen all of your parts now.”

Arc chuckles. “That’s true. But I’ll wait downstairs for you to get changed.”

Closing the bathroom door, Arc heads for the stairs. Entering the living room he sits down on the couch next to Sereb. The wolf turns to him.

“Are you alright, my friend?”

“Fine. Why?”

“Your heart rate is quite high.”

“Oh… I… saw Rarity as she got out of the shower.”

Sereb smiles toothily. “From the scent coming from you, I imagine you liked what you saw.”

Arc sighs. “Your super nose strikes again.”

“It is perfectly normal for two whom love each other to want to engage in sexual intercourse.”

“Somehow it sounds worse when you say it.”

“But I am correct, am I not?”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, you are. But I can’t be doing that with her now.”

“Why not?”

“We haven’t even officially started dating yet.”

Sereb sighs. “Do whatever you wish, Arc. But be wary not to allow your quarry to wander too far.”

“Hunting analogy?”

Sereb shrugs. “I am what I am.”

A short time later Rarity and the others descend the stairs dressed and hair brushed. Arc stands up and grabs his coat.

“I hope you all don’t mind a little early morning walk. Remember, Hammer has my Jeep.”

Rarity takes his arm happily. “We can manage.”

Derpy nods. “Yes, Arc. It’s not far.”

Dinky frowns. “I just hope my boots are dry after yesterday.”

Scootaloo turns to the little girl. “Your mom put them in front of the heating vent last night before we went to bed.”

“Good idea.”

Making the short walk, they find the restaurant open but with no customers. Derpy appears confused.

“No one here?”

Arc shrugs. “This is actually pretty normal. The day after Christmas is always a slow one for them.”

Entering, they spot Lily coming out of the kitchen. She smiles and hurries over to Arc to give him a hug.

“Good morning!”

“Hey there, Lily. Sorry for keeping you and Shelly out so late last night.”

Lily giggles. “You say that every year.”

“And every year I mean it.”

He turns and motions for Rarity to step forward. Lily smiles at her.

“Another friend of yours, Arc?”

Arc nods. “Yes. Lily, this is Rarity from Ponyville.”

Rarity extends a hand. “How do you do?”

Lily takes her hand and gives it a gentle shake. “Very well, thank you.”

She turns to the others.

“Why don’t we get everyone to the booth and get some food in your bellies?”

Dinky nods. “That sounds great!”

Walking over to their normal spot, they sit down with Rarity sliding in first with Arc next to her and Derpy bringing up the rear. The children slide in across from them as Lily pulls out her order pad.

“Can I start you off with some drinks?”

Scootaloo turns to Lily. “Can I have a…?”

Arc interrupts her. “I think we’ll all have pancakes and milk this morning, Lily.”

“Sure. Everyone in agreement?”

Scootaloo raises a hand. “I’d like…

Arc kicks her lightly under the table.

“…extra blueberries in mine, please.”

“Sure. I’ll get that right in for you.”

She heads to the kitchen as Scootaloo turns to Arc.

“Big Brother?”

“We’re going vegetarian today.”

“Dad?”

Derpy puts a hand on Dinky’s head. “Arc doesn’t want to make Rarity feel uncomfortable.”

“Right.”

Rarity appears confused. “Oh?”

“Normally when I come here I order a cheeseburger and fries.”

“What’s a cheeseburger?”

“A ground beef patty between a bun.”

“Beef?”

“Cow meat.”

Rarity looks suddenly ghastly.

“I… don’t think I’m quite ready to see that, Arc. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. That and I think you’ll like the pancakes here.”

Sereb looks up. “The bacon and sausages are quite…”

“Sereb.”

“Yes?”

He looks at the dog for a few moments silently. Eventually Sereb turns to Rarity.

“My apologies.”

Lily emerges a few moments later with tall glasses of milk for everyone. Setting them down, she looks to them apologetically.

“Here you are. I’ll start cooking the pancakes in just a few minutes.”

Derpy looks toward the kitchen. “Is Shelly not back there?”

Lily shakes her head. “No, she’s still resting upstairs. After all yesterday was quite a day for her.”

Dinky’s eyes grow wide. “Is she okay?”

“Yes, dear. She’s just a bit tired.”

Arc frowns. “No help in the kitchen today from Frank’s men?”

Lily sighs. “No. I gave them the day off. After all, we’re always slow today. Mostly just small orders to go and coffee.”

Scootaloo grins. “Well, how about we help out in the kitchen then?”

Derpy nods. “Yes, we’d love to.”

Dinky raises a small hand. “Count me in!”

“Thank you, everyone. It’d be quite a help.”

She turns to Arc.

“You could go upstairs and introduce Rarity to Shelly. I’m sure she’d like that.”

“I’d like that. Arc?”

“Sure. That is, if you don’t think she’d mind.”

“She’d love to see you two together. Now scoot.”

Lily leads the others toward the kitchen as Arc heads for the stairs with Rarity. He lowers his voice as they walk.

“Just remember that Shelly and Lily don’t know I’m the Hero of Light or that I’ve been to another world. They think Ponyville is just across the sea.”

“Alright. Anything else?”

“She knows about your shop and work already. But I told her your daughter’s name is ‘Belle’. It’s a bit more human sounding.”

“I’ll do my best to keep your secrets.”

“Thanks. If they knew the truth it would kill them inside.”

Knocking lightly, Arc opens the apartment door and calls out.

“Shelly? It’s Arc.”

“I’m on the couch.”

Walking in, they find the young woman lying there covered with a blanket. She smiles at them happily as Arc kneels down to give her a hug.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

“It’s good to see you, Arc. Thank you for yesterday.”

“It was my pleasure. But right now there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Shelly looks at the newcomer with a smile.

“Is this Rarity?”

“Why, yes I am. How did you know?”

“Arc told us about you.”

Sitting up with great difficulty, Arc helps her stand. She shuffles over to Rarity and shakes her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Thank you. I love the look of your restaurant downstairs.”

“Is Belle down there too?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, she’s still back in Ponyville.”

“How are things going over there?”

Rarity frowns. “It’s a bit… tense there now. They’ve declared martial law.”

Shelly gasps. “Oh my! Is there a war?!”

Arc clenches a fist. “No. There’s a big internal struggle going on right now. Some big shot in the military is trying to flex his muscle.”

“No one’s been hurt as of yet. But Arc had to leave, as the powers that be aren’t looking too kindly on outsiders right now.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. So the country’s on lockdown?”

Arc sighs as he turns to Rarity. “Just Ponyville, I think.”

“Yes. They say a very dangerous criminal is hiding out nearby and that they’re trying to catch him.”

“Oh my! Do you think he’s there?!”

Arc shakes his head. “I’m sure he’s long gone by now.”

Shelly appears relieved. “Good. Belle shouldn’t be in any danger then, right?”

“She’s staying with a friend of mine at their orchard.”

Arc nods. “They’re the owners of Sweet Apple Acres.”

Rarity smiles. “Yes. The Apple family has run it for three generations.”

Shelly winces. “That’s… good.”

Arc looks concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Sorry, but I need to sit down. My legs can’t take any more.”

Arc lowers her back down onto the couch before sitting down next to her and looking to Rarity.

“Shelly’s very weak these days.”

“Sorry I’m not a better host.”

“Oh, no. Your health comes first. Should I pop downstairs and fetch you something to eat?”

Shelly shakes her head. “I have a special nutrient diet these days. But thank you nonetheless.”

She looks back to Arc.

“Who else is with you today?”

“Daisy, Dawn, Scarlet, and Sereb are downstairs.”

“Would they like to come up and sit at the kitchen table while they eat?”

Arc nods. “I think they would.”

“Good. I’d love the company.”

Rarity turns to the stairs. “I’ll run down and tell them if you’d like to stay with Shelly, Arc.”

“Thanks, Rarity.”

The young woman heads downstairs as Arc helps Shelly lie back down.

Comments

[Theresa]

Maybe he should tell rarity about his grandfather message and how he was the first hero of light cause that might help his case with Celestia who doesn't realize how much danger she in. Rarity could tell the others and using that info they could probably get Celestia to at least listen to him if nothing else.

[Booster Spice]

First Christmas, then New Year, a huge week of change.

Meanwhile Decimus is going ever more psychopathic and any move against him just prooves his point ever further?