//------------------------------//
// Chapter 11 - Legend of Rescues 
// Story: Twilight Daylight: Psera, The Legend of Legends 
// by thedarktome 
//------------------------------//

Rainbow Dash snores, was the thought that crossed Scootaloo's mind from one side of their shared bedroom. Just like their friends, they were bunked together inside the Embassy in Ponyville. Only the Element Bearers and their families were allowed in unfortunately due to rules. Scootaloo was like family. But if an alarm rang, Rainbow had to be up and ready to fight, which might wake her up. Okay, it would definitely wake her up. Sweetie Belle was sleeping with her family and Spike, and Apple Bloom was probably snoring away. Just. Like. Rainbow Dash.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Rainbow's eyes popped open before she, and everyone else were up and out of bed in a frenzy. Like somepony poked a bee hive. Sunset slid into Rainbow's room and stopped at her bed. "I need you to get me to Canterlot!"

Rainbow stared at her for a moment with tired crusty eyes then yelled, "Are you nuts?!"

Sunset slammed the open journal in her face and ordered, "Read!"

Grumbling, Rainbow pried the book off her muzzle and read the entry. "This better be good." She trained her sight on the book, and after awhile her narrowed eyes slowly widened. Then she gasped. "Come on!" She threw the book into Sunset's face. Then grabbed her hoof and zipped out of the room, nearly bumping into Fluttershy. "Sorry, Flutters! Gotta go!"

Soon Rainbow blew out the doors and through the glamour, zipping into the air for Canterlot. She got there in ten seconds. After landing at the gates, Sunset jumped out of her hooves and onto the cobblestone. Then ran over to the Guards at the gates. "I need to see Princess Celestia right now."

The Guards immediately shook their heads. One responded, "Sorry, but no interruptions. Come back in the morning."

Sunset opened the book and presented it in their faces. "I. Need. To see. Celestia."

The guards quickly gasped and opened the gates, granting quick passage. Rainbow grabbed Sunset and zoomed straight up to the doors. Then burst through and into the castle. Next, she zipped onto the hallway for her room. "Celestia! Celestia, wake up!"

One of the doors on the side opened up and Cadance popped out with Shining Armor. "Girls we are all trying to sleep. What is it?"

Sunset ran over and opened the book once more. Cadance and Shining both read it. Then gasped and yelled, "Celestia, wake up!"

Celestia's door opened and a blue hoof waved them in. Sunset, Starlight, Cadance, Shining Armor quickly rushed into her room. Surprised but not so much to see Luna and Celestia already speaking to Twilight. She was sitting in one of the chairs drinking Hot Cocoa with a pleasant smile on her muzzle. She seemed tired yet relieved, her eyes droopy with stress.

Once they were in and Cadance quietly shut the door, Twilight smacked her lips and said, "You girls could've woke the whole castle and broke my cover. Now. As of two hours ago, the Senate agreed to let you seek refuge on Psera under strict limitations which will be clarified later. We are setting up places of residence at this moment but no solid location as of yet. The only problem is food and water. We have way more than enough for utilities, we're just having trouble with that. We'll figure it out. Right now, we are readying a military convoy of twelve combat Aquatas and three Carriers, and all the branches. As well as new weaponry. I myself will be coming in as well to help secure a getaway. Be ready for a lot of running."

"Is there a plan?" Cadance asked. 

Twilight nodded and answered, "Las Pegasus. We know they're there on the coast watching. So we're going where they can't."

"Where's that?"

Twilight lifted a hoof and pointed below. "Underwater. We're very resourceful. Once the beach is secure. We'll take Las Pegasus. None of them are leaving. My big guys are coming in, so just be prepared for a lot of fighting. They're ready for a war. How are things here?"

Luna sighed and answered, "Madam Singe keeps slandering your name."

"Oh I have something in mind for her. Don't worry. She's beginning to irk me and I'm not even here. She's not staying at the castle. You're welcome to though. There are strict rules that I'll explain once you're on the boats. Be ready by nine. Have everyone pack light. My soldiers will arrive early tomorrow morning to escort you out. Because Maheera is big." After a simple wave, Twilight dissipated into air, leaving them alone. She had some major sleeping to do.



The last thing anyone expected the next morning at five were soldiers running across floors, banging on doors and ordering everyone to pack up. Even those inside the castle were confused. They never saw guards like those before. Wearing all black with weird weaponry.

Celestia stuck her head out next and whispered to herself, "The Royal Family must've made an executive order." Using her magic, Celestia grabbed a few pictures, her scrolls, her crown, and a bag. All of her most valuable items. She tossed them all inside then strode out at the same time Luna, Cadance, Flurry Heart and Shining Armor did. They didn't make any good morning greetings. Now was the time to move and get out of here. So with their things, they followed each other after the Guards.

From across, Cadance yawned and whispered, "Quite the wake up call."

Luna nodded and agreed. "Yes, very much so. Colonel?" One of the Elite Guards looked their way. "Where are their positions?"

"Last we heard making way through the Queen's portal."

"Thank you. And the evacuation procedure?"

"We are starting from Manehattan all the way to Las Pegasus. While the incoming are clearing the city, we're moving you in."

Celestia nodded and continued moving. It was really early and the sun wasn't even up yet. Well not entirely. She had yet to raise it.

"Princess Celestia!" She looked down an adjacent hallway where an obviously tired Madam Singe was approaching from, wearing a gown. "What is going on?"

"Nationwide evacuation. Don't start asking questions. Let's go."

"But where—"

"No. Questions. Pack your things and let's move." Celestia didn't wait for a response. They continued moving, leaving Madam Singe to watch with a confused expression. Where the buck were they gonna go?!

In the end after five minutes, she and the others staying in the castle gathered supplies and walked out into the night. All streets in Canterlot were with movement. Ponies were moving from right to left, heading towards the emergency mountainside where the slope was steep enough to trot down. There must've been a checkpoint somewhere down the road.

While they moved with the crowd, Haakim clarified, "So let me get this straight so I'm hearing you correctly. We're evacuating Equestria, the last available place of refuge, and going... Where?"

Luna smirked and answered, "You'll see. Just trust us, I promise you'll be safe." One of the Elite Guards evacuating walked over to Luna's left and whispered in her ear. Then ducked back out when his Comm Block went off, telling all the guards something.

He raised it up to his mouth and replied, "Ten-four. Hold them there. Group yellow, you're on the east, eyes on everything. Even a moving star. Do it. Group Blue, eyes on the North. Let's pick up the speed, ponies!! We have until sunrise, let's move, let's move!!"

After a treacherous two hours of trotting along the ground, down the mountainside, and of Celestia raising the sun, they arrived in Ponyville. The time was almost seven. Not much running yet except from the foals who "wanted to get ahead of everypony else." Good luck with that.

Unlike on Canterlot, Ponyville didn't have many Elite Guard. But did have some Royal Guard. Cadance took note of the time. They had two hours to get to the coast where the Aquatas were waiting for them. Looking around, she noted how many creatures they were really housing. Thousands upon thousands of them. Their numbers had dwindled after a majority attempted to defend their homes. They became victims. Now they were down a conspicuous amount. There were still thousands, but nowhere near the numbers they had before. Thankfully all the rulers got out safely.

Taking a break, Shining took a deep breath and sat down. He was in his Royal Guard outfit and should be watching out for everyone around him eating and drinking. But his wife had a daughter on her back while he carried a majority of supplies. He unbuckled the bag and looked around like everyone else. Looks like they were taking a break.

"WELL WELL WELL!!! The coats of everyone shivered at the voice. It was loud, deep but feminine, rattling the bones of those below it. It made the fur on Celestia's coat rise. And ceased all chatter and noise. And movement. All eyes were on the sky, waiting for something. "Were you really expecting to just leave? I can't let you do that, everything is too close. So very, very close. So close in fact, I can touch it."

Something touched Celestia's rear hoof, making her yell from surprise. It was cold as ice. Literally. She looked behind her into the most evil face she's ever witnessed. A mare, colored black around the size of Luna was grinning at her with sharp teeth and yellow slitted eyes. "Oh, calm yourself, Princess. I didn't eat you. I'll let my ponies do it for me."

At that declaration, a round of howls, screams, and more sounded out. From the hill they were approaching before were an army of those poor ponies, heading right for them. From the ground they dug to the surface. Running down the hill of trees and spreading out towards the sides of the caravan to box them in. Some even took to the air, purging the sky into darkness.

Those underneath it screamed, running around in circles to try and get out. But those ponies, griffs, dragons, and Changelings landed, growled, barked, roared, everything. Just to keep them in. "Stand your ground!!" Celestia yelled, although she wasn't stupid. She too was backing up. They were close. So very close. Where did they even come from?! Soon, very soon, all of those ponies were backed into an extremely tight circle.

"Buck," Rarity growled. She was tempted to fire a shot from the front lines, but she didn't want to risk being attacked. Her little sister and parents were behind her. She had to protect them.

Luna looked around at all the yipping and snarling like dogs they were doing. "They're not biting," she whispered. Then everything became silent. "They're rounding us up." She looked into the dark eyes of a Hippogriff who became infected. A mare. Possibly had children.

The black pony that was behind Celestia teleported in front of them in a puff of white smoke with a gerbil in her hoof. "Thank you so much for your cooperation!" She boomed. Then put the gerbil up to her mouth and took a bite. But instead of blood and death, the inside just looked like a regular apple. Celestia could see the difference between her and Discord. While Discord was careless and a little predictable, this mare was coming straight out of the box with surprises.

"Now," she wailed with her mouthful. "I'm really sorry to say that you are all just victims from an old foe of mine. All you poor creatures, just ugly and terrible. Disgustingly vile. I mean look at this one!" She pointed at Rarity, who gasped and snarled. "Thankfully, she's not around. I can enjoy myself this time and help you. This is a really good gerbil, seriously. Have any of you ever eaten a pony before?" Celestia could just imagine Fluttershy's face right now.

From her right, Luna could hear the talk of one of the Elite Guards. "Ponyville to Violet Star. We're pinned down. Requesting immediate assistance."

Ceasing her chewing, the pony's eyes dilated and watched for a reaction. "No? Has no one ever eaten meat?" Still nothing. "Oh you have got to be... What did Narmeelah make you for?! You know, what? I'll just knock you out of your misery. Eating meat is fun." The horn on the pony's head lit up white before it spurted out... Lava? The ponies she was standing in front of immediately shouted and backed up while it grew into a very large lake.

"Who the haystacks is this?!" Madam Singe yelled. She was a little fed up with this pony. But what shocked everyone was the fact that once the lava was large enough, she jumped straight into it, melting from view. It was all silent for a second, with the exception of ponies from the middle of the hot circle asking what happened.



The night in Psera was the opposite of usual. While a majority of the Pserateps slept in their beds, cuddling themselves, one tenth of the soldiers in Lavender were barked at with orders. "Get ready for a war!" And, "Let's move! We need those boats with weapons, armor, all of it! Let's go! Put on your armor, son! Let's move it!!" From the forward deck of the ship in purple steel armor, one hoof on the helmet she set underneath her, Arcadia stared at the waters ten miles from off the coast of Equestria. The stopping point.

She looked to the left of her and counted the six massive Aquatas basking in the rays of the sun that Celestia finally rose. After kissing her daughter on her cheek and wishing her a great day at school while she slept, and kissing her husband at the Naval Station at six, she opened a portal for the seas of Equestria, coming out ten miles back. Their current position. Her eyes were focused on the horizon of brown atmosphere. The atmosphere was beginning to grown dark. Something may have happened. Something did.

"Your highness." She looked over her shoulder at Captain Dark. One of her loyal Captains. Stuck by her side since the beginning. Saluting, he stated, "Equestria is under attack."

"What?" Twilight turned around and made her way for the bridge. Already? They were expecting Maheera to attack later on in time! She levitated her helmet onto her head and locked it in place. "How?"

"A possible surprise. The Fourth Battalion said an all black pony with sharp teeth and glowing eyes appeared out of nowhere."

"Maheera. Ready the Aerial Guard and Aqua Guard for deployment, tell them to stand by. They need help now. No time for the Aquatas to arrive first. Arm all cannons and prepare for a fight." The Guards at the rails watching the waters moved to the side to let the Queen pass and run up the stairs for the bridge, leaving Dark Silver to the command.

She walked past a high velocity steel door into the busy and high tech control room busy with Aqua Guard. "Admiral!"

Admiral Shooting Star and his Commanding Officers were busy focusing on the map they had setup at a table behind the command stations, fitted with screens and more for the cannons on board. Behind them were the engine controls for the ship to direct on an elevated floor. The entire room was made out of gray steel with the Crest of Psera painted in the back behind the controls. The Admiral hadn't changed. Besides the medals on his new coat, he was the same pony who directed the transfer of the steel block to Equestria. Entirely blue. Dark blue mane, tail, eyes, wings, coat, all of it blue.

He turned towards Twilight at the mention of his name and saluted. "Yes, ma'am?"

She walked over and put a hoof on his chest with eyes bright with determination. "We have to move in now, Maheera made an early appearance. Have the Aqua Pods dropped in the water to move forward to the beach, and have the Aerial Guard move in now to bring purple rain down on Las Pegasus, then have the Arcadian Elite Guard positioned to provide escort into White Tail." Arcadia turned around and walked back out with her sword hitting the steel on her ribs before he responded.

"Yes, ma'am." He reached down and pressed a switch, turning on the intercom.

Captain Gliding Sword was ready with the rest of the guards in their insanely large hoofball stadium-like hangars in the Royal Aquata—Aquata Zero. Waiting for the command with the rest of the platoon, ready to move out with a mouth trigger hanging around her neck for the cannons on the side. Weapons ready and Comm Blocks on, their eyes were trained on the open air outside. It was beginning to get a little dirty, why was that?

"Platoon One! Proceed!" Admiral Star blared over the intercom.

Party time. Captain Sword grinned and yelled, "Alright let's move, ladies!" Then placed the trigger bite in her mouth and ran forward with the first row. Once they were out in the air, they opened their wings and rotated their bodies, flying straight and roaring with the wind into the sky.

Arcadia ran up to her spot on the ship and took a deep breath, eyes on the thousands of guards flying towards the horizon. Then unsheathed her sword and took off right after the mass of grey on the sea and in the air, racing against time.



It confused Celestia greatly as to why this pony just jumped happily into a boiling pit of lava. That was a Pinkie Pie move. Then a huge massive scaled claw shot out and slammed on the soil in front of them.

"Holy—!" Rainbow Dash grabbed Scootaloo and tried to run back like everyone else before another as equally large shot out slamming next to that one. A single talon was as big as twelve ponies. The Infected didn't even move. The muscles clenched and shifted before a dragon, an insanely massive dragon bigger than Ember's father rose up out of the lava, starting with the head.

Black and with older feminine features. But upon further inspection had multicolored scales that changed with the light, starting with dark blue. Maheera climbed out and pulled her body to the side, slithering across the grass, with a circumference that blocked out the sun from Celestia's height

She was one fourths as big as the mountain of Canterlot, long enough to curl around the entirety of Ponyville. Body spanning the entire radius of the Caravan, keeping a wall around the captured. Celestia watched with utter horror as she circled them entirely before her rear hooves even stepped out. One of the Elite Guards swallowed and immediately relayed into his Comm Block.

The Guard coming in from the sea could see the faint outline of Equestria. The lights for the trade ships were off, making landing a little difficult. But they knew that the second they were over it, they had to storm it. Those creatures had probably taken Las Pegasus now. "Equestria to Psera... Maheera... Is big. Oh my Stars," a guard relayed.

Captain Sword lifted her hoof with her eyes on the horizon and responded, "Hold your ground, help is on the way. ETA two minutes."

Arcadia sighed and readied her sword. Then ordered, "All Elite to the air! I want two hundred taking the mountain ring and everyone else in that warzone securing an escape! Aqua Guard, take the beach and swarm Las Pegasus. Captains, move 'em!"

"Yes, ma'am," Gliding assured. "Let's go, Psera!!!" And with a flap of their wings were roaring for the coast. Arcadia grinned, flipped her sword and flew after them, cheering with everyone else.

Maheera circled around the group of shivering fearful captives. It was a Draconequus. Like Discord. But way more scary and big. Applejack gulped and took off her hat. "Oh... My... Faust," she whispered.

"You're probably wondering why I haven't taken you over yet," Maheera boomed. Her voice was like the wind. Shifting their coats and vibrating the fur. She opened her mouth wide and reached in, pulling out a shining orange orb. "I need your magic. So that means I have to squeeze it out of you. You see, I feed off of fear. And that fear runs through your magic. The more I scare you, the more fear in your magic, and the more plentiful the meal. This alone will last me a billion years." She held up the orb and twirled it around. Then tapped the orb and hummed. "So... Who's first?" Maheera's eyes scanned the crowd before her claw reached down and randomly grabbed Cadance.

"CADANCE!!" Celestia and everyone else went haywire, protesting, firing magic like Shining Armor. But it simply hit her scales. Celestia took a deep breath and fired the strongest bolt she had. But it just caused a ripple. "It... It's no use. She's... She's just too big. Cadance..."

Cadance looked into the red slitted eyes of Maheera, quivering in fear. "No, please. Please... I have—"

"Maheera Dark!!!" Maheera stopped pulling Cadance towards her mouth and looked towards the hills. Everyone else followed her gaze before a massive purple blast knocked Maheera's face to the side, sizzling the air and blowing static across the field, as well as a shockwave.

Maheera nearly lost her balance from the sheer magnitude. She roared and lost grip of Cadance, who zipped back to Shining Armor. They checked on her for a moment before focusing on Maheera.

That blast hurt. A lot. Maheera turned back with her large fangs and roared, shivering everyone's coats. 

"Foolish pony!!" She yelled. Then slithered her body surprisingly fast towards the Purple speck in the distance, standing on the hill. Narrowed eyes on Maheera, Twilight raised her large wings, silhouetted by the sun behind her. Gasping, Maheera stopped and growled. "A Pseratep!!!" She roared. Then pointed a claw and yelled, "TAKE!! HER!! DOWN!!"

The Infected ponies on the ground riddling the country followed her order and immediately abandoned their posts to run for Twilight, unaware of the storm waiting behind her.

She watched the hundreds run towards her. The green grass vibrated on their approach, rattling her armor. It was time. Twilight took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. "Let's get these ponies out," she whispered. Then raised her sword and cheered, "For the Honor of Narmeelahhhhh!!!!"

After a loud thunderous cheer, the refugees witnessed nothing but black, blue, purple, and brown pour down those hills behind and around the Embassy. Cheers from the ground, roars of the many aerial guards above. Then the first shot was fired.

From the air, Gliding Sword bit down on the bite in her mouth. The cannons underneath her wings rotated before firing, sending ultra-fast purple streaks into the incoming horde. Twilight's magic. Then the rest of them began firing. It was loud. The Aerial guard zoomed low and forward, sending magic into the incoming Infected, kicking up dirt and more, knocking the ponies to the ground and causing slight collateral damage. Their speed rang through ears.

Celestia took this as a good distraction and yelled, "To the hills!! Run!!" She grabbed her things and took off first before the thousands more yelled and followed behind her, kicking up a cloud of dust as they did. Rarity grabbed Spike and tossed him on her back then pushed her sister after everyone else.

"I knew she'd come through!!" Sunset cheered. A few Aerial zoomed their way overhead and fired dangerous shots towards the horde following, ringing their ears and stunning their targets.

Novo ran up to run with Celestia and yelled, "What just happened?! Who are they?!"

Celestia shook her head and answered, "Do not waist you breath, keep running!!"

"Whooo!!!" Captain Dark Silver landed in front of them, running and yelled, "We're crossing the hill!! Keep going towards the Aquatas!! Don't stop!! Captain Dark to Aquata Zero!! We're coming in, ready the engines and prepare to engage!!"

While they were running away, Arcadia was running straight for Maheera. A few ponies got in her way, but with a shot from her horn and a swing from her sword, stunned them to the ground. Maheera roared and crawled forward towards the fighting. "PSERATEPS!!! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN HER CREATIONS WOULD TRY SOMETHING!!"

Arcadia opened her wings and flew into the air. Then fired shot after shot of magic into Maheera's face. It was like she was getting punched over and over again. Having enough, Maheera swiped a claw for Twilight. But she twirled around it and flew past her neck. Throwing a nasty swing from her sword at the same time and successfully slicing off a scale. Then flipped upside down and zoomed up.

Maheera threw her arm around and roared before a blast hit the top of her scalp. Taking the initiative, she reached up to grab Twilight successfully and brought her down to her face. She yelped in surprise, cursing herself for falling for that one.

Maheera brought her into view and opened her mouth. But Twilight's teleportation rendered that void. She appeared once more by her teeth and pulled back a glowing hoof. Then sent it sailing into Maheera's mouth.

Her head twisted to the side and she fell on the ground, vibrating the land, and shattering still standing homes in Ponyville. Those running up the hill nearly lost their footing but didn't stop running. But what surprised them all were the line of around thirty Purple Guards waiting when they arrived. Arcadian Elite Royal Guard. The big guys. 

"Stay behind us," one ordered. Then flipped down his helmet and ran down the hill into the Whistling Woods, currently being ripped apart from very intense fighting. Celestia saw one Elite Guard take out three. Then a few of infected Hippogriffs jumped out to try and grab a bite of the Caravan but were pretty much knocked out and to the side by the huge stallions.

Princess Skystar yelled, "Where are we going?!"

Cadance answered, "No time to explain, just keep going!!"

Back in Ponyville Twilight dodged another hit and fired her own, hitting part of Maheera's Abdomen. This pony was like that annoying bee she ate earlier! Having enough, Maheera growled and yelled, "UGGGH, ENOUGH!!! FORGET THE SOLDIERS, TAKE THIS ANNOYING BRAT!!" Maheera turned around and slithered away towards Canterlot. Why would she leave her goal like that?

Twilight turned her head and saw all the creatures lock in on her. Then aim their horns and fire, or fly up to her screeching and yelling. There was a cloud just flying alone. The Elite Guards saw and immediately took chase, barking orders. All Twilight did was gulp. She needed backup.

Raising her hoof, she relayed, "Ponies at sea, I NEED A SKYBOMB!" Then turned and flew back, followed close by the infected and everyone else.

"Ten-four, your highness."

Back to the Whistling Woods, Shining Armor ducked out of instinct from the rain of purple magic in front aiming straight for the creatures on the side. Whistling past his ear loud and proud from a guard up ahead. A Pseratep on the left dodged a swipe and lifted their wing, slicing it through the Equestrian Royal Guard Armor. Then bucked it away.

Queen Novo looked around at all the damage. Everything was either falling, on fire, or in action. Even the trees simply exploded. Celestia didn't even know there were this many Infected here! A sudden wave of purple magic from above shocked everyone by turning the trees to ashes on the left, revealing the Infected for the Guard to attack.

"Approaching the warzone!" One Guard up front announced.

Ignoring Spike's clutching of her sides, Rarity looked down at her sister, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They were growing tired, Scootaloo was buzzing her little wings desperately.

"Almost there, girls!" She yelled. "Almost there!"

A dark shadow passed overheard, spurring interest. Queen Arcadia's large wings flew over, followed after by hundreds of those creatures and the Aerial Guard, turning their vision dark.

”Take the shot, take the shot!!" She ordered, heard loudly over the radios at the same time they breached into Las Pegasus. Revealing a breathtaking sight. A huge Fleet of Aquatas were on the coast, firing nothing but purple towards Equestria, specifically Las Pegasus. There were thousands of Infected running right for them. But someone on that ship had a large weapon.

Flipping a switch, Worn Weather sat down in a padded seat connected to a large rotating cannon on Aquata Zero's forward deck and pulled the trigger. It started spinning first, firing second. Letting off large torrents of Twilight's magic, connected by a gem container filled with it in the ship.

"WHOOO YEAHH!!" He cheered. Then swiveled his chair and aimed at more.

The shots hit the ground and kicked up dirt, sending those creatures back with others while more cannons fired into the air, knocking those flying down. A much bigger one glowed like a star from way in the back. An Aquata armed with nothing but weapons. Ready for war. Then fired a single shot straight into the mix. It left a smoke trail the closer it came to Equestria's airspace. It ascended in pitch, whistling like everything else then blew into a sphere over Las Pegasus, blowing back manes and every last single Infected following Twilight. Celestia was so happy they didn't go to war against these behemoths.

The Guards lead the giant Caravan down into the city, raining with fire, destruction and a few ponies falling to the ground from the skyscrapers. Luna witnessed a Pseratep crash out of a window up ahead and towards the cement below before another swooped in from up ahead and caught him just in time. They flapped their wings and pulled back to a stop directly in front of her face. Then turned and flew back into the air while magic from the Aquata took care of that building.

Debris and more fell down, ripping apart that floor. Angel Bunny was holding on for dear life by Fluttershy's left ear, flailing in the wind they were running in, who was hoping that he was okay. Up ahead, Rarity saw a line of Elite forming a barrier and firing bolts straight into an incoming horde, taking them all down with stuns. Maheera's roar once again ruffled the coats of the the ponies before the ground lurched. Everyone screamed once more and fell on the ground before it stopped shifting.

After hitting her head, Starlight heard nothing but ringing in her ears while she looked around. White noise, dust and muffled voices. Sunset's blurry face popped into view yelling something to her, but she couldn't make it out.

Using her magic, Sunset tossed Starlight's heavy form on her back. Then took off behind those on their hooves already. "Starlight's out of it!!" She reported. Celestia looked over to the two of them, then back towards the giant Aquata they just arrived at. Not as big as the Front Lawn, but big enough. Towering over their caravan and busy with soldiers wearing different colors, bearing weapons towards the door.

King Chancellor and Shining Pearl were tempted to just fly, but something's telling them nope. "PICK YOUR SHIP!" The Guards in front yelled. "LEFT, RIGHT, OR AHEAD!! GO, GO, GO!!!"

Celestia and a majority chose to stay and run across the steel bridge in the middle, but some did flank left and right. While they were running inside, Admiral Silver watched them through feeds setup on the bridge, ignoring the booms, roars, and yelling through the comm blocks. As well as the ponies at their stations. Once the last pony was on the ship, which took an impressive five minutes, he gave the order.

Raising his Comm Block, he relayed, "All units, fall back! Package retrieved! Cannons, fire on anyone following the Queen that are not from the Guard! All Aquatas, let's move!"

Once they were inside, Celestia slowed and fell on her side to the steel floor, gasping for air like everyone else. She's never ran like that in her entire life. Twilight's warning from last night rang true in her mind. 

"Oh... Oh my faust," she huffed. Then focused on Luna right beside her taking up the same position. Alarms throughout the Aquata blared before the steel doors began to slide shut, slowly groaning from the sides, like a bass that rattled the metal at the same time the boat lurched. Then quickly began moving with the doors still closing. It advanced forward and to the left at the same time at a fast pace, leaning to the right side while gunfire still sounded from above. The Aerial Guard zoomed overhead and fired down to the ground, knocking back any followers while another squad made moves for those in the air.

A pony from above inside the hangar was controlling the door while more kept their eyes on the ponies inside. Those able to see saw the other ships move just like theirs, still firing while much smaller ones zipped past.

Queen Novo whispered with her eyes on the fleet, "Who are these ponies? I-I've never seen anything like this before!" King Chancellor and everyone else just shook their heads before another Aquapod zipped past with shouting Pserateps. One was on the back with a crossbow, pointing behind him. He looked over his shoulder and cocked it, firing some type of dart that blew high in the sky, taking down more of the Changelings that were Infected.

"All hooves on deck, and eyes in the sky!" Arcadia's voice boomed through all of them. "Keep an eye on the Draconequus!"

Arcadia was the last pony off Equestria. Admiral Silver could see her through his binoculars on the rear helm running through Las Pegasus with her sword out. She took to the air and zipped at a much faster speed towards them. Then raised her hoof and relayed, "All units and teams, ready for a surge."

One of the Lieutenants inside Aquata Zero's hangar watching everyone activated the intercom system and ordered, "Everyone on your stomachs, we're speeding away!! Get down, get down!!"

While Novo followed instructions from these ponies, she covered her head and said to Celestia beside her, "You're hiding something."

"What? Now that is ridiculous—whoa, whoa, whoa, WHOA!!" The ship underneath them began to tilt forward, as if it were going to flip, pushed from behind by the large massive waves Arcadia was creating from high above, controlling the water.

The Queen's hooves were raised with her horn lit, raising a wall from behind that cast shadows on the sea. Then pushed it into the ships' back, sending them speeding into the ocean. Once they were off and joined the security fleet, Arcadia turned and faced Maheera pushing through the ground, creating an explosion of dirt and fire. Face angry and furious from the mountain. This was one big Draconequus. Did she crawl into the ground? Twilight thought. Then took off for the Aquatas. She didn't have time to think on it.

"NO!!" Maheera screamed. She quickly slithered through Las Pegasus for the beach. Abandoned buildings and carts were either pushed to the side or decimated when she did, kicking up dust and flames. "I WAS SO CLOSE!" She was about to jump into the water before Twilight lit her horn and fired a large beam at Maheera, knocking her to the side and into a building. Then focused once more on the Aquatas she was following.

After getting back up Maheera watched in utter horror and fierce anger as the Aquatas sped out of sight, leaving Equestria with her and the Infected. Roaring, she slammed her fist down with a dusty boom and screamed in pure raw anger. She had them. She had them!! They were rounded up and ripe for the taking!! That pony! They were like a second Narmeelah. She had to go. And soon.

Maheera roared and swiped her claw through a standing building, sending it crashing to the ground and whoever was in it. She needed a new plan. She had a feeling that pony would be back. And she'll be waiting for them.



Arcadia looked over her shoulder as Equestria's destroyed coast soon faded from sight. Time for one more simple phase. She turned around while more Aerial Guard joined her in formation.

"Arcadia to the fleet," she relayed. She took a deep breath and said, "...mission complete. Send the order to the Embassy to shut down the portal and prepare the bay doors. Provide water and rations to our guests."

On Aquata Zero Sunset Shimmer gazed around the massive lit interior of the hangar they were in. A bunch of confused ponies looking around just like her. Full of steel, weapons, and technology.

She turned to the ponies and witnessed their own expressions of awe. Except Madam Singe who just looked like she lost everything. She couldn't believe where she was. This room was so big. It couldn't even be described as a room!!

Rubbing her face she asked, "Wha... Wh-what just happened? Seriously? And who are they?" She pointed at a group of Force Guards cheering and hitting each other on the back by the steps leading up to the station. Even bashing their helmets into each other in a friendly aggressive way.

Celestia took a deep calming breath and answered, "These type of ponies are Legends. The real warriors of the world." The alarm blared, ceasing all conversation before the bay doors slowly opened up.

"All ponies are free to relax about the Aquata," Admiral Star acknowledged.

Queen Novo and everyone else with wings took advantage of this and flew through the parting doors and out into the air. Novo looked around her at the massive vehicles on the water. Then the ponies above, noticing one thing. Their wings. They were large and thick.

She, Skystar, and King Chancellor landed on the deck and observed all the weapons on this one. They had nothing like this. No creature did! The Aerial Guard from above cheered and shouted. Doing tricks in the air while more joined them on the deck.

Captain Gliding landed hard directly in front of the Princesses and wiped some sweat off her dirty face. Then unsnapped her black helmet and took it off, letting her green mane and eyes sparkle and wave. Smile radiating. She thrust a crossbow of some sort into the air and fired a single bolt of purple off, ringing their ears. Then two more. "WHOOO!!! All hail the Queen!!" She walked over to a nearby Pseratep and ruffled his mane. "Good job, lady!"

"You know I'm a stallion."

King Chancellor and anyone else who took this chance to listen did. "All hail King Madun, all hail Queen Arcadia!!!" The rest of their military did the same, voices soaring over the waters.

"All be advised, her highness approaches." After hearing the update from Admiral Star, Celestia grabbed Twilight's friends and teleported them all onto the deck that weren't up there already while other Pegasi flew around.

Novo turned to the Princesses and asked loudly once again, "What just happened?!"

Luna smirked and answered, "We were rescued."

"By who?!" King Chancellor asked. Then laughed and asked, "Who could have pulled this off? Who's Queen Arcadia?"

Cadance sighed and nodded towards the distance at the approaching Pserateps. Their attention were directed towards the massive one in the middle silhouetted by the morning sun. The smaller ones broke off while the purple dipped low, nearly skimming the waters. Her large wings sent a breeze over the coats of any nearby while a majestic sparkle trailed behind her.

Celestia and everyone else watched her zip past out of view and rise once more in front of the fleet. She circled around and righted herself, aiming for her ship. Aquata Zero, her own personal one. Flapping her wings, Twilight slowed her speed and landed on the deck's front side by the bridge. Then used her magic to create a portal that she walked through. It replaced her armor with her rich wear of Royalty. From golden crown and chained horn rings to the diamond covered hoof shoes and chest plate. She kept the glowing sword though.

The Pserateps all grew silent and bowed. Even those who couldn't see her. "All rise," her voice echoed. It covered very space on every single ship. Her voice touched everything. The Arcadian Royal Guard landed next to her and flanked her path, saluting as she moved towards the walkway. The Guard behind the deck saluted as well and poured silence on the Aquata. Only the metallic tapping of Queen Arcadia's hoof shoes and the waves crashing below were the noise.

Madam Singe gulped in slight fear, intimidated by the big purple Guards and the respect they showed for one single pony was enough to even put her on the tips of her hooves. As far as she knew, even Celestia didn't have this. "At ease." They relaxed before Arcadia stepped out, shocking everyone.

Twilight smiled at all the national leaders, who just gasped in surprise. "Hello, every creature. You're now aboard an Aquata. My Aquata. I'm Queen Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle. Queen of the legendary nation of Psera."