"Okay, now don't...move," Merry chided to Arcadia while she adjusted the dress to fit with her wings. "You're representing Psera over there and you must have the best designer to impress them."
"Yeah, rub it in the ponies' faces that we have what they don't," Arcadia replied sarcastically while looking at her golden hoof shoes. "Merry I don't think it'd be wise to wear metal to a land of ponies who will soon be hunting each other for it."
"Oh, pshaw! You need to represent Psera and let Equestria know you are a pony of unimaginable power! In politics and in magic. Now let's make sure you can walk." Merry backed away so Arcadia can take a few steps forward in the outfit around Merry's living room that Merry said she has been hiding in her closet. It was long and had a white version of her cutie mark on the side of the high neckline. The colors were red, purple, gold, and yellow. The trail was long enough for somepony to step on were they directly behind her. But not long enough for Arcadia to trip over.
"It fits fine," Arcadia admitted. "And it's light."
"Yep!" Merry agreed. She trotted over and adjusted her hair and small crown. "I made it with your safety in mind."
"This has been sitting in your closet for two years," Arcadia deadpanned. "I've been around for less than one."
Merry looked around for a second before replying, "I made it with safety in mind."
Arcadia chuckled and gave her a much appreciated nuzzle. "Thank you, Merry. I hope you can get what you want while we're gone."
Merry looked at her in confusion before it clicked. "Oh! I will! I am going to tie him down and make sure he—"
"Okay, I just walked in!" Madun interrupted loudly as he walked through the front door. "The king does not want to know what happens when you're alone! Lalalala!"
"Then get out, your highness!" Merry retorted while he looked over his fiancee. "I don't think there's a bill here that needs signing right now."
"Love you too, Merry," he responded. "But word of advice?... Don't break him. Arcadia you look stunning."
"Thanks, Madun," she responded as they shared a kiss and nuzzle. "Your sister has fantastic hooves."
"I am aware. She showed me some of her best designs. Are you ready? Everypony's waiting in the lobby."
"Yeah. Thanks again, Merry!" They began walking towards the door while she waved.
"Anytime, Arcadia!....Except at night! Don't wake me up at eleven asking for a dress!"
The two walked out the door and into the hallway where four of their guards were waiting for them. Arcadia's personal guards were assigned to guard the castle until they returned. Which would of course take most of the day. They were touring all of Equestria. All of the cities for inspection. As well as a meeting with the Royalty of the land if the desperation meets their terms.
"So," Madun said suddenly. "Should we be expecting anything in Equestria?" Arcadia looked up in deep thought.
"Besides high tensions? Shock and awe. We are an older version of pony that they have never seen before. Evident of the giant wings that the Wonderbolts would fawn over. Not to mention I am the first Alicorn-Pseratep on Equestrian soil, second top mage behind possibly Starswirl the Bearded, and...rising Queen of a Utopian world they never knew about whose origin is Equestria. And...I look great. How about you?"
Madun just stared at her with his mouth open. "I was thinking the same...sort of."
"Mmhmm."
"I was!" He responded quickly. "I was thinking......." He bit his lip in thought.
"Still waiting." Madun grumbled and looked the other way, making her laugh at his face. "Aww, it's okay. You tried to actually outsmart me. It was a wonderful attempt. Just wasn't enough to beat me dear." She leaned over and pecked his cheek, trying to cheer him up. "You can try to prove yourself by protecting me on this visit."
Madiun chuckled and lifted his head, taking on a royal posture. "Thank you, Lady Arcadia Nova. It would be an honor to protect you." Arcadia rolled her eyes and shook her head. After a few more minutes of walking down the hallway, they soon arrived at the bustling lobby where there was a full platoon of soldiers waiting for them, standing at attention.
"Wow!" Arcadia announced in surprise as they stopped in front of the group. "I was expecting more like a squad of eight, but you guys brought in a mighty forty five."
Bold Shoulder strode forward with the senators behind him. As well as Gardeen Daisy, Madun's advisors, and Her Majesty Molten Ice. "Well your highness we believed that since we are bringing the mighty along we might as well have some backup with us."
"Hmmm...hopefully the Equestrians won't think we are planning an invasion. I'll contact Sunset Shimmer and let her know that we are on our way. And that the portal will be setup in the Throne Room." Twilight teleported away for a moment, startling the group with the loud snap and crack. Except Madun, he's been gotten used to it.
"How does she do that?" Gardeen asked in interest.
"Something with magic," Madun responded with a shrug. "She uses that a lot."
Arcadia reappeared once more with a book in her grip, writing a message to Sunset Shimmer. After a few more seconds, she passed it to Madun. "Why don't you say hi?" Madun looked at it like it grew a second head.
"I have no idea how that works," he responded quickly.
"Just put the pen in your mouth and write," Arcadia deadpanned. She floated the pen along with the book over to him and poked his lips with it. Figuring he wasn't going to get out of this one, Madun groaned and grabbed it in his teeth, then wrote something. Once he was done, Arcadia took the book back and looked at his message, sighing and chuckling at what he wrote. "'Testing testing?' That's it?"
"I...didn't know what to write. 'Peace from Psera?'" The guards chuckled while Arcadia rolled her eyes once more.
"They said they were coming in through the Throne Room," Sunset informed the group of Equestrian lawmakers in front of her. Celestia, Cadance, Luna, Shining Armor, some nobles, fifteen guards, and a few more congress ponies who were supposed to have talks with the royals of Psera. They were all standing in the large room looking at the throne where Celestia and Luna were sitting, watching everything. The room was still in shape, since it wasn't broken down for parts and rations of metal. The same goes for the rest of the castle. But everything outside of it was... Down. "And...that they were bringing over fifty. There's something else about 'testing testing'. I don't know what that means."
"Wow, is that necessary?" Cadance asked in worry. "I don't even know about forty."
"Let them bring whoever they wish to bring," Celestia inserted. She put her hooves in front of her, anxious to see them. "Give her the go ahead."
Sunset quickly wrote a response, ignoring the "Testing testing" bit, and let Arcadia know it was safe to come through. Then shut the book and stepped back to stand beside Cadance in front of the throne. The guards were positioned in front of the walls, facing the center of the room. The tensions were high amongst the nobles, anxious to get a feel of the ponies who were supposed to help them be released of the Equestrian Metal Shortage. They were told to be in for a big surprise. But they had no idea what. They were about to find out.
A moment later, a large violet portal opened up on the side of the room, facing them and surprising those who weren't ready for it. Then the Pserateps began walking in. Five guards at a time trotted through and positioned themselves in front of the Equestrians. "Keep your eyes and ears open!" Bold Shoulder commanded as he trotted out to face the line of guards wearing gold-plated steel armor, standing at attention in three lines of fifteen. He himself was also armed with some deadly looking weapons that were attached to his long wings, like the rest of the guards. "No dawdling! If I see you dawdling, I personally will make you paddle all the way back to Psera, do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes, Sir!!" They yelled, holding their wings fitted with knives at the ready. The guards of Equestria were standing nearby looking in horror at the Defense Secretary. They were never threatened like that when they were in training. Not at all. They didn't know where Psera was, but they had a feeling it would be a few days before they made it back. Once the guards were in position, Bold Shoulder poked his head back through the portal, said something and then retreated. He turned around, walked back towards the line and bowed towards the portal with the other guards. First the senators came out, looking around at the grand throne room before they were followed closely by Madun's advisors. Then the advisors and Gardeen Daisy. They all immediately walked towards the line of guards and bowed with them. Facing the portal.
"Presenting the Royal Highnesses from the great land of Psera!" Bold Shoulder yelled aloud, startling the Equestrians more than they already were. "Her Majesty Molten Ice!" The tall long winged queen immediately walked out next and turned to face the throne. She shared a bow with everyone in front of it before rising and stepping back. "The honorable King Madun!" The orange coated, light red maned king strode out in a most regal form. Everyone bowed and showed respect as he did the same, then walked over and stood beside his mother. "And finally! The one who has brought peace, prosperity, and greatness once more to Psera! And to be crowned Queen to rule alongside King Madun! I give you...Lady Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle of the Pseratep Ponies!" Everyone in the room immediately bowed as the violet Alicorn-Pseratep walked out in the dress with a small trail that Merry designed for her, as well as a small golden tiara that she had quickly flown down to give to her last minute, as well as golden hoof shoes. Once she was out, she turned to the throne.
"Rise, ponies," she spoke. Everyone stood up, and the nobles—as well as the guards—gasped at who was standing right there. "Hello once again, Celestia. I was hoping that when we met again it would be under better and peaceful circumstances."
"I as well, my faithful student," Celestia responded, giving her a hug and a nuzzle. "I am pleased you have answered our call."
"I understand you were reluctant to ask me." Celestia nodded slowly. "Well I feel like your debt is repaid in that regard, Celestia. I forgive you for what you have done to me. There is nopony else I know that would put their own subjects behind a mere pony they care for, and obviously love." Celestia grinned and pulled her into a much tighter hug, nearly choking her.
"Thank you, Twilight," she whispered into her ear. Twilight pulled her into her own hug, chuckling.
"You're welcome, Celestia." After a moment, Celestia let go and allowed Twilight to step back. "Now. The senators of Psera wish to see the world of Equestria in its current state before any final decisions are met. Not to mention myself. How bad is it?"
Celestia sighed like the others behind her. "It's horrible," she whispered. "Follow me." Celestia trotted towards the door will the group right behind her. The guards opened them up to allow the others through and into the hallway. Psera's guards immediately went through first before anyone else could. Keeping the King and Queen safe from anyone else out there that could pose a possible threat to Arcadia or Madun. Not to mention they also didn't want to paddle four hundred miles back to Psera.
"Your guards?" Sunset asked King Madun as they walked through. The King glanced over and nodded.
"Yes. Bold Shoulder, our Defense Secretary, likes to keep everyone safe. Including those from our own land."
"Interesting," Sunset muttered. "Why so many?"
"The ponies of Psera practically adore Arcadia. They themselves wanted to make sure she was safe. Not to mention my mother is proud of me for having 'snagged up a mare that actually liked me.' So she wants to keep her around for my sake."
"That's so sweet!" Cadance said from his left. "I'd do the same for Flurry!"
"No," Shining denied. "No, no, we are not doing that. I am not snagging up a stallion, or a mare if she prefers it, to have her—""
"Aww, don't be a spoilsport," Cadance groaned. "We are already in a terrible situation. Have a little fun while your sister's in town. We can't keep her here forever. So bond with her fiance."
"We know each other's names," Madun responded with a shrug. Shining chuckled and shrugged. That was true after all. "Arcadia was the one who was mad at you the most. I was as well, but not as much as her. I was upset that your Princess came into our land, starting off with hostilities."
"In all fairness, Aunt Luna has always been defensive when it came to safety," Cadance defended. Madun raised an eyebrow at her.
"Aunt? The Princess is your aunt?"
"Well my adopted Aunt. My family were the original rulers of the Crystal Empire before it was taken over by King Sombra and disappeared for a thousand years. Then it returned and was rescued by Spike. Twilight's assistant."
"She had another assistant?"
Cadance nodded slowly and looked at him in suspicion. "Yes. Did you say 'another'?"
"Yes. Arcadia has an assistant in Psera that Molten Ice assigned."
"What?" Shining asked in disbelief. He looked up at his sister who was making conversation with Celestia on the side. There was another pony there with a white coat, and a white-silver mane striding beside her with a notepad tucked underneath her large wing. "When? Who?"
"You are looking at her at this moment. Gardeen Daisy. She writes and takes notes almost as fast as Arcadia when she's studying, and can dart back and forth like her tail is on fire. Which makes me dizzy just by watching might I add."
"Same to me," Cadance chuckled.
"So...Arcadia replaced Spike?" Shining whispered in disbelief.
Madun shrugged a little. "I don't know who Spike is."
"He was the baby dragon."
"AH! So the baby dragon was the assistant. Makes sense. To answer your question...I believe so. I don't think she wanted anything to do with the ponies of Equestria, or any of its inhabitants. That is why Arcadia erased the memory of the Changeling Queen when she tried to take over Psera. I don't know why that giant bug was trying to take over our land. It might've been for our—" Madun caught himself before he could say anymore by coughing into his hoof. But Cadance caught onto it. She shared a glance with Shining who shared it back, thinking the exact same thing. He was hiding something. "Anyway it seems we have arrived at our destination."
"Yes we have," Luna agreed. She took her place beside Celestia on the side of the door. The Equestrian guards quickly strode forward and pushed them open, revealing the world beyond them. What was on the other side made Arcadia gasp, along with Madun and everyone from Psera.
The sky was dark with smoke and the buildings nearby were stripped clean. So much so that they weren't technically buildings. Just a bunch of wood on the dirt ground. The smell of smoke hung heavily in the air and the grass around them were drying out. The trees were dying and the ponies around were obviously in the worst shape. They were practically living in the ghettos. The source of the smoke were from fires that were set up in front of makeshift homes, which were made out of clothes that were sewn together, and sticks that served as the support that Arcadia could tell. There were families around arguing that Arcadia could hear. Basically, it was Psera when she first arrived all over again.
"Thankfully Princess Cadance and Shining Armor have enlisted the Crystal Empire's support," Luna explained. "Since the city is mostly made out of crystal, it hasn't been stripped down like every other city in Equestria. The worst is Appleloosa."
"Why?" Arcadia whispered. She didn't take her eyes off of the scene, too afraid a fight may break out.
"Because Appleloosa is mostly plains, land, and sand. Not many places for a shadow to even be seen. It is hot there. And even worse now. And it will continue to get worse until it rains. We have evacuated the city of Appleloosa and brought them out here. Applejack's cousin is staying with her on her farm."
The royalty of Psera looked around at the city in shock. Their faces were frozen. Especially Arcadia and Molten Ice. They've both been to and lived in Equestria. But it had never suffered this badly. Arcadia nodded and looked towards Celestia.
"Show us everything."