//------------------------------//
// Chapter 11 - Time To Go 
// Story: Twilight Daylight: The Cold War 
// by thedarktome 
//------------------------------//

Night Life has witnessed a lot of things on Founder's Island. He's witnessed two ponies having sex on accident, four ponies having sex, ponies going crazy, hunger, frostbite, fights, a lot. But this takes the cake. Dawn was two ponies. Two in one. Night Life has officially seen it all.

After Heated Wings was knocked out, they took her to Dawn's home and tied her up to a wooden fixture in front of the fireplace. No way was she escaping. She lied there and slept away the pain Dawn gave her, awaiting her sentence.

Then Dawn faced Night Life, Lucky, and a few more to explain what went on. Which didn't take much. She pointed behind her to a snoring Heated Wings, if that was even her real name and summarized, "Narmeelah's Daughter has been keeping us contained here so we don't disrupt Narmeelah's plan in resetting Equus."

Crickets chirped through their minds. Even her pets cocked their heads to the side. Lucky coughed and asked, "What are you talking about?"

Well that didn't go as expected. As a matter of fact, it went the complete opposite. Looks like she had to actually tell a story this time.

Dawn sighed and pointed to her right. "At the top of that mountain there's a cave. Inside of that cave there's a small office space. And in that office space is evidence pointing to the fact that Narmeelah set all of this up. Listen very closely..."

Dawn told them everything. About the Zebras, about Maheera, about the attack, about how Narmeelah left Maheera to her mother so she could perfect her plan, and how Narmeelah feared her mother was too powerful. How the Zebras were tasked to "kill" her to start a war between Psera and IHT. And how Narmeelah was manipulating her mother so that no one could stop her in the end.

Once she was done, one of the mare Pserateps with a dark blue coat asked, "So this is about... your mother?"

Dawn shook her head and answered, "No. It's about power. Something my mother has to stop her. My mother is the key, yes. But the Princesses also hold something important. I just don't know what. Once mom runs out of energy, that's when Narmeelah will strike. I guess she doesn't have the power to just get rid of us without knowing we'll put up a strong resistance. So she's taking out the head players before the fight even begins. Smart. But now that we know, we have to get off this island and warn them."

"Well good luck." Dawn whipped around and faced the glowering eyes of Heated Wings awakened glaring at her. Her glowing eyes pierced into her violets. "You honestly think you can escape time and space? Ha! Foolish filly, you will never escape! You're stuck here!"

"And that's where you're wrong." Dawn slowly trotted up to her and gradually changed back to First Light glaring at her. The darkness of her eyes peered into her soul. Wings could see her own trepidant expression in them. "Time and space can be very much manipulated, or else we wouldn't even be here in the first place. We shall not stand by and watch our world crumble simply because Narmeelah doesn't like the way it turned out."

"Well you're fools!" She spat out. "You are not smarter than your creator! You will never escape!"

"We will." First Light straightened up her stance and glared down to Heated with the eyes of a thousand angry ponies. Her right half of her body changed into that of Dawn, complete with two cutie marks and spoke in two detuned voices. "We are the daughters of King Shimmering Madun and Queen Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, the greatest mage of magic that has ever lived. We have studied every last single form of known magic on this planet and prepared to sit on the throne to rule the greatest country the world has ever seen. The world is our subject, and we are their protectors."

Dawn took over completely and glared back down to Heated Wings' eyes. She growled through her teeth, "And I will not let Narmeelah come in and disrupt peaceful lives and manipulate my parents. We're getting out of here. Even if I have to use your head as a battering ram."



After Flurry Heart grabbed Mimi, they both flew through the winter air to Canterlot to speak with the two ruling Princesses over all of Equestria. It took all of Flurry Heart not to barrage Mimi with questions about what was needed to stop Psera and their weaponry.

It was already clear that stopping Queen Arcadia herself was next to impossible. Even Mimi knew that Psera alone stood next to no chances at defeating her with their military. She was just too powerful.

Flurry couldn't remember the last time she actually landed in Canterlot at the guarded Castle gates. Most of the time she would teleport in. But since she had a guest, Customs took charge. The suited-up soldiers stationed saluted, then unlatched the wrought iron gates and pushed inwards. Flurry wasted no time leading her inside. And only then when they were on private Government property away from public ears did she speak.

During the trek along a dirt path Flurry faced Mimi with worry. "I'm not sure going into Tartarus would be such a good idea," she admitted. "I'm sure the Princesses would think that too."

Oh ye of little faith. Mimi smirked when the double doors leading into the castle were pushed in and they stepped their hooves onto smooth marble. The sound of ponies moving back and forth as government executives, assistants, and others alike worked through the halls. It was a busy day in the Canterlot Castle.

Without taking her eyes away from the path ahead, Mimi countered, "You are too young to see, child. But the stories you here about Tartarus are just that: Stories. And just like every story ever told, there are exaggerations. Even your Princesses know this. And I will show you."

Flurry said no more, despite the words burning on the tip of her tongue. Whatever Mimi had for a proposal, it was on her shoulders.

Instead of heading upstairs to the Throne Room and going straight for the more obvious meeting place, Flurry took another passage. Princess Celestia was certainly busy. Luna on the other hoof was in her office handling paperwork.

As obsolete as she seemed to be, Luna was as much a ruler of Equestria as Celestia. They were both crowned at the same time and held the same amount of power. Luna just wasn't seen that often. And due to her absence of time, she was in the back of anyone's mind. As a matter of fact, Flurry would forget where her office even was if it wasn't directly next to Celestia's further down.

This area of the floor was cut from public eyes and allowed passage by only rulers, assistants, secretaries, and immediate family. And Flurry was immediate family.

They walked past the brass doors of Celestia's office in favor of another pair further down. A pair of doors painted blue with many embossed marks on the surface of stars, the moon, even glowing rocks that shimmered like diamonds. Flurry rarely comes to Luna's office. Out of her entire life, she's only been here a few times that fell less than five. Including now. But at least she knew where it was. Then again, it wasn't actually hard to miss. There were the only pair of blue doors in Canterlot.

Upon arrival, she held up a hoof to hold back Mimi. Then knocked on that door with the same hoof three times. The reverberation on the other side painted a picture in her mind before Luna shouted, "Enter!"

Flurry took a deep breath and closed her eyes to gather her nerves. Luna was always a wild card. Instead of having the patience and care to listen, Luna was always fairly in a rush of life. Her face during dream-walking on the other hoof was much different.

With a careful hoof, Flurry pushed the doors open and stepped into a semi-darkened room. It had the same grace and care as Celestia's with its heightened bookshelves on the walls and wine bar, albeit a lot more cool, in a sense. First off, the atmosphere was dark and cold. Silent and still. The floor had a custom made black carpet with an image of her and the moon getting personal, a small fountain on the right growing from the floor made of stone, and a table in the middle of the room before her desk.

It was a dark brown wood stacked with decorations. Pictures of her and Celestia, Cadance and Shining Armor, even Twilight when she was a princess and smiling all the time. So clogged with memorabilia that it would've been nearly impossible to see her if it weren't for her sparkling mane and those fierce eyes.

Flurry cleared her throat and crept through the darkness to stop in front of Aunt Luna's desk. She didn't even pay her any mind, but she was sure she knew she was there.

"Flurry," Luna deeply greeted. "And to whom do I owe this pleasure? I rarely see you outside of the Crystal Empire, let alone in this castle. For you to visit me seems... Desperate."

Well she wasn't too far off the marker. Flurry answered, "Well I located Mimi and learned a few more rather unsettling things concerning the actual lengths Psera may go to fight us. I would've brought this up with Aunt Celestia but I think she's busy today."

Luna silently chortled behind her desk and set down that pen she was writing with. She smiled at Flurry with kind yet mysterious eyes that seemed to chill Flurry's soul to a cube. "Celestia busy?" She repeated. Then let out an exaggerated snort. "Ha! She is good at multitasking. But nonetheless, what concerns you?"

"Aunt Twilight's power," Flurry admitted. "Mimi has said that Queen Arcadia's power goes beyond that of understanding. Which means us fighting against her... We would be fighting blind. We need stronger help."

Stronger. A word that meant more than it's original definition in this conversation. Ever since Queen Arcadia came to power. Flurry wanted something restricted.

Luna smoldered and replied, "We have enough military help, Princess Flurry. I'm afraid we do not understand what you're getting at."

"Mimi suggested... We go into our past and drag out the ponies of ancient power to help combat Queen Arcadia herself. It's our best bet."

"Are you suggesting we summon creatures of... Dark power?" Luna quickly assumed. After she rose from her desk did she finally spot Mimi standing near the doors watching patiently. Her expression was a touch more emotionless than usual. There was just something about this Pseratep Luna didn't trust. A bad vibe she was giving off.

"What do you think would help us, Mimi?"

Well since she was so politely called upon, Mimi rose from her seat and treaded forward. "Before you immediately answer Princess Luna, please remember the power, ferocity, and strength Psera nurtures into their inhabitants. And the power their Queen holds." Luna firmly nodded before she stopped in front of her desk next to Flurry. "I am requesting that we call upon the inhabitants and relics... Of Tartarus."

"You want special soldiers from Tartarus?" Luna summarized. "That would be a huge risk to not only us, but the rest of the nations. Let alone our citizens."

"But remember Luna," Mimi reminded her. "Queen Arcadia is strong enough to lift without a sweat a thousand-ton block of steel, a fish out of the ocean bigger than the Front Lawn, and admittedly defeat the strongest known creatures in existence. She is not one to come to with little to no arsenal. It's important that we face the fact, Princess: Queen Arcadia herself will be coming to Equestria for the Zebras if we put up a strong fight. And we must be ready. For anything."

Luna and Celestia were having a conversation last night about that with glasses of wine and eyes on the moon. Arcadia would eventually become desperate enough to actually fight in the war herself at some point. She will be coming back to Equestria. But would they be ready for her arrival?

Luna hummed and answered, "I will bring this up with Celestia when she is free. Until then, keep this quiet. As much as we need help in this war, we do not need the entire country knowing how desperate we are to get it. It is not a good image." She turned her mind on Mimi. It was clear in her eyes that she didn't trust her as much as Flurry. "What can you tell us about Psera's battle formations?"

"That they always change each century," Mimi answered. "Psera's military is elite and refined. And since the ruling of Queen Arcadia, she probably had them rotated again. There is usually a pattern, but that was during Her Majesty Molten Ice's ruling. Queen Arcadia is more thorough."

"So there's no telling," Luna assumed. A nod confirmed it. "Well that makes things a little difficult. Either way, we must be ready for Psera's arrival. As of this time, we have twelve days before the war officially begins. Let's make sure our defenses are up to par. Flurry, would you be so kind as to tell your father to prepare the Fourth Pegasi Air Team?"

Flurry nodded and replied, "Absolutely." Then turned to leave.

"And Flurry?" Luna smiled when they once more met gazes. "I'm proud of you. I know this must be hard to see all of this. I just wish it didn't have to be."

Flurry wished the same thing. There were clearly some things off. Like the Zebra's motivation for attacking Psera in the first place. But she had a feeling they wouldn't be learning anything soon.



As Queen, sleep was a given and a requirement at the same time. There was no telling when Psera would be going through something new. When a sudden emergency would pop up. Therefore it was imperative that Queen Arcadia get as much sleep as possible. And with that sleep came the dreams. Or rather, the memories.

The castle wasn't attacked, no blood lined the halls, and a three year old Dawn and her father were in the Garden peacefully tending to the flowers. Their backs were turned to her and their eyes were focused on Madun's hooves clearing out dead weeds in the Primrose Garden. They had their crowns, their dress, and their smiles. Something that crawled onto Twilight's face when she approached.

Dawn turned around to her first and grinned brightly. In a burst of black, she was in front of her mother jumping up and down. "I planted Petunias!" She cheered.

"That's great, sweetheart!" Twilight praised. She leaned down and nuzzled behind Dawn's ears with a kiss here and there. Then watched her scamper off to run through the garden.

When Madun appeared by her side, he placed a loving soft wing on her back, and brushed his muzzle next to hers.

"She's going to be strong and smart," he predicted. "Just like her mother."

"And father," Twilight added. She leaned up and nuzzled under his chin. "You're as strong as I am."

"Oh please, sweetheart, I'm nothing compared to you." He kissed her forehead and pierced his violet gaze into hers. "You are what Psera needs most right now. They don't need a king."

Twilight placed a hoof over his lips before he could continue. "They need you as much as they need me."

"... But I'm not there anymore. They need you. Psera needs you, Twilight. Wake up."

The visage of sleep slipped away from a knock on her bedroom's door, forcing Twilight away from her family. Her eyes snapped open to face reality. The knocking, the deaths, the loss of her world. Her place in power.

Queen Arcadia yawned and effortlessly teleported into a standing position at her bedroom door with a stern gaze and high head. Years of quick risers allowed her to awaken at the stomp of a hoof. As a mother it was important.

She slipped her crown on her head and opened the door herself to see...

"Merry?" Arcadia asked. As much a surprise as it was to see her at nine in the morning, she was more surprised at what she was wearing. Her eyes glanced up and squinted. "Is that... A tiara?"

Merry was wearing a small yet still noticeable Princess Tiara littered in red Rubies, alongside red and orange diamonds. It looked off on her. But that might be because she never had it on. It was more suited for Daisy and Lightning Fire than for her.

Merry glanced up as if she didn't know it was there then trained her eyes back on Twilight with a sarcastic reply. "Well I am a Princess. I need an adornment."

"Yeah, I know, but..." Twilight awkwardly shook her head. "It just looks... Odd on you. I've never seen you wear one before so it's strange. But I doubt you're here to show off your crown. Come in." She turned around and walked deeper into her room first before Merry followed. Then softly closed the doors back. She wasn't due for anything until ten. And even then that time was filled with paperwork. A little company would do her some good.

She brought Merry into the office towards the couches and took a seat. Once Merry was on the opposite end and comfortable, Twilight queried, "Alright. What's up?"

Merry sighed and calmly spoke her mind. "First, I noticed you stopped releasing your magic. In favor of more power. And there's only one plausible reason for that in this time. Are you planning to go to Equestria and fighting them?"

Them. The Princesses. Her family. Twilight sighed her way into a brief silence. Then after a moment strongly admitted, "If push comes to shove, I will go over there and fight them. We got a feed recently of the Eastern Borders barricading their seas and creating aerial defenses. I admire their persistence and strength, but I also realize they'll go to extreme lengths to protect these Zebras. The same ponies who attacked my country and slaughtered innocent Pserateps, including my husband and Daughter. If they don't hand over the Zebras, and the Guard just happens to fail then I will go over and take them out myself."

Merry placed a hoof on Arcadia's shoulder and quickly pleaded, "Psera needs you here, Queen Arcadia. They don't need you chasing revenge. I understand how you feel. Madun was my brother and I watched Dawn grow up myself. I love her as if she were my own daughter and I kick myself every time I see her torches. I know it hurts. But Psera needs their Queen. Please consider Psera first."

As angry as Twilight was at the Eastern Borders, her citizens always came first. She took an oath upon the Tome. But that didn't mean she had to like it. So Queen Arcadia promised, "Psera will always come first forevermore. But those Zebras will perish one way or another. Is there anything else you wanted, Merry?"

Now that they got the first order of business out the way, Merry nodded her head and answered, "Yes. I want to go to Equestria to get IHT's answer."

Twilight almost blared a big fat "No." She already lost her husband and daughter, there was no way she was going to lose her beloved sister-in-law. But then she smoldered at Merry to think. The sister of Psera's late king would hopefully make them understand the seriousness of the situation and turn in the Zebras.

Twilight smoldered and suggested in order, "I'll have to let The Guard know, a form has to be signed, and it's a long trip over. I won't be using my magic because they'll know I'm watching. Things could get out of hand, so you would have to take Aquata Zero. A lot of hidden dangers on Equestria, Merry. Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I'm hoping they'll surrender when they hear what I have to say," Merry factually answered. "And I'll have security."

"Yes, but it's a matter of getting in." Twilight teleported a document into Merry's hooves. The same image her General gave to her of Equestria's sea hosting IHT's defenses on water. "They're waiting for us, and there's no telling how they'll respond when they see Aquatas moving towards their shores."

"I have a plan for that," Merry assured. "I spoke with one of the executive technicians at Serl who engineer your Comm Blocks. They said that every last one of them sold throughout the years were given an emergency protocol that allow an override breach into their frequencies."

Arcadia glanced away and mumbled, "That explains how they were able to find out something happened here in Psera. An emergency broadcast must've been sent out for all Guards stationed everywhere."

"Either way, we tell them we're here to speak. Not fight. And that I want to speak with IHT."

Twilight glanced back up and repeated, "IHT? You want to speak to all their members?"

"All of the East is working together to protect the Zebras. They all have the say so, I'm sure you know this. You created IHT after all."

"And I'm ironically proud to say that my image of a unified future has come to life. Yet it's working against me." She narrowed her violet eye and growled under her breath, "Along with my kingdom, and my family."

Arcadia couldn't sit on tense hooves. She rose and started pacing in the space between her technologically inclined desk and Merry watching from her seat. "Apparently, I am the one who is evil now," she brooded. "The death of my family and my citizens caused me to turn evil. They could never see the pain we have seen. The blood on the castle walls. The bodies we've had to bury. The coffins lining my streets, the destruction of my cities. Yet, they defend the ponies responsible for this senseless brutality. And I created the organization they are in."

Merry didn't care if anyone called her crazy, but she was positive she witnessed Arcadia's eyes be surrounded by purple rings before taking a deep breath. They were gone as quick as they came.

Her pacing over, she faced Merry and ordered, "Fetch Gardeen for me and tell her to bring form Z-Nine. I'll permit you to travel after I give it a go myself." Arcadia swiftly raised her hoof before Merry could respond. "Have you asked Her Majesty? You have my permission to go, but you are her daughter. I'm not too eager sending you there to the same ponies who defend our country's pain in the first place."

Merry smirked and proudly answered, "She picked out my attire herself for the meeting. She's hoping it'll go well and they deliver the Zebras in favor of bloodshed. Princess Celestia is a wise mare. She—"

"Don't speak her name around me," Arcadia sternly ordered. Merry immediately stopped talking once more. "Each time I hear it I'm reminded that she does not approve of my actions of a retaliatory attack on Zebrica. Even after attacking my country. It's ridiculous and frustrating and it makes me angry."

Merry didn't speak a word while Twilight paced behind her desk and took a seat in her chair. Her eyes burned a metaphorical hole into the screen inside of it. "Celestia and I have a familial relationship with each other. Fighting her is the equivalent of fighting my mother. And I never fight my mother." Arcadia glanced back up into Merry's unreadable eyes and smoldered. "But she is standing in between my country's justice. She, the rest of Equestria, and beyond. I don't want to hear of her name. Am I clear?"

Merry swallowed and stammered, "Y-Yes, Queen Arcadia."

"Get the form, apply, and send it to me. Dismissed."

Arcadia was stirring in anger and frustration clearly. But all Merry could do was bow and see her way out the office quietly. One thing living with a Queen was never get in her way when she was upset. Leave it to someone else.

Once the doors were closed, Arcadia closed her eyes and breathed out a sigh of relief to slow her racing heart. That feeling of darkness had only briefly risen to the surface. But it was enough to cause anger. Hopefully Merry didn't see anything.

A burst of flames signalled the arrival of another pony. One she's been waiting on for a few days to report. Arcadia glanced up to Odega bowing her head with a hoof to her chest.

"They are assembled, your highness," she relayed. "All except Maheera. As for their terms, well..." She glanced up obliviously to meet Arcadia's gaze. "You already know them."

Reinforcements have finally arrived. Now it was time to break them in the ol' Psera way. Queen Arcadia once again rose from her seat and made her way through a portal she conjured behind Odega. On the other side she was wearing her tight fitting suit showing a violet gem in the middle. Complete with her crown, sword, and a long lace cape to top it all off strapped together at her neckline.

"Good," she replied to the doors ahead. "Tell them I'm on my way. If they want a fight, they'll get one."