> Twilight Daylight
>  by thedarktome
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - Can I Help
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a world of Equestria, that is run by two sisters who rule over their subjects with glee and proudness, amazed at the advancement that has come from using a basic candlelight to going straight to magic in a tiny gem that could light a whole room as big as their dining hall in their castle, located in Canterlot. They have been gone past the time of villainy, reign of terror. Queen Chrysalis, Nightmare Moon, Tirek, Discord, Starlight Glimmer, even Sunset Shimmer who comes back every now and then to visit the group. She was originally from there after all.

A new princess has risen as well. Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, and one of the Elements of Harmony. Used to defeat Nightmare Moon, Tirek, Discord twice, and Sunset Shimmer. Of course that was all in the past now. Things start a new and new problems occur. Sometimes right where you live.....in your hometown.

"Spike!.......SPIIIIIKKKEEE!"

"Okay, okay," Spike responded, running down the halls with a box of scrolls, panting and heading for the library as fast as his two feet can carry him. Soon, he burst through the doors, eyes on Twilight urgently turning the pages rapidly through a book, definitely researching. Again.

"Twilight, why do you need a whole BOX of scrolls?" Spike asked tiredly, walking towards her and setting the box down next to her with a grunt. "Can't you just use one for.......whatever the heck it is you're doing?" Twilight sighed and looked over at him with a nonchalant expression that quickly turned into a smile.

"Well." She cleared her throat, forcing a groan out of Spike. Here she goes. "One scroll would be for locations of lands, the other for magical properties of said land, another for chemical properties, another for animals, bugs, insects, food, and liquid, another for dangers, another for-"

"I get it, I get it, you don't have to continue!" He spat out, quickly waving his hands towards her.

"Are you sure? Because everypony has to know abut this."

"Twilight I am absolutely sure I don't need to learn about what goes on at a.....different place that is NOT Equestria. Actually, why are you searching for different places?"

"Well........it's more like a pastime. I haven't been doing anything lately." She closed the book and set it aside before turning to face Spike with worry. "The cutie map hasn't called the elements for so long, I thought it was broken. No more evil villains, my Canterlot High friends haven't been having any problems, and even my friends here haven't been needing anything either. I'm starting to feel a little.......useless. So I've been trying to seem useful by doing things that Celestia and Luna probably haven't even thought of."

Spike walked over and looked through her notes. "Like trying to find places.......past Zebrica and the Dragon Lands?! Twilight, with all due respect, I doubt there's land over there. And even if there were, why would ponies want to leave Equestria for it?"

Twilight rolled her eyes and took the scroll back, placing it back down on top of the books where it was before. "Ponies won't be leaving here to go there. If there were more ponies there, we can bring them here. We could bring more jobs, businesses, food, even fun traditions. Not to mention their education. Think about how much we could learn from another civilization."

"Yeah, like learning how NOT to work ALL NIGHT. Twilight, you need to get some sleep, it's obvious you've been doing this all night." Twilight was staring wildly at Spike with a crazy smile on her face until she sighed and relaxed.

"Yeah, you're right, but this project is more like a personal project. Until Equestria needs it, it won't be used. Instead I'll keep it locked up tight where nopony can get to it." She stood up and stretched, getting the stiffness and cracks out of her back before walking towards the door. "I'm going to get some breakfast. Don't touch my stuff."

"But it's my job to touch your.....you know what, yeah I won't touch it." He grabbed a comic book from his stash while Twilight trotted down the long empty halls of her castle, the area itself so serene. And lifeless. Makes her wonder about her position in Equestrian society. Of course the role Princess of Friendship was important enough to turn her into an alicorn. But how important exactly? Making sure everyponyhas a friend won't last forever. Parents will teach their own foals about that, and everyone else would have gotten to that point by the time Spring was over, according to her calculations. Which is approximately a week and a half away.

She sighed in dismay. Oh how the mighty have fallen. She was the princess, the pony anypony turned to if they had a problem in friendship. Any type of problem for that matter. But the keyword here is "was". It hasn't been that way for a while.

She turned and walked into the kitchen to grab some things, unaware of the figure sitting at the table trying her hardest not to laugh at her geeky friend's total oversight. Twilight grabbed some bread and some flowers, along with some sauce to complete the delicacy.

"HEY, TWILIGHT!"

"Gahhh!" She jumped nearly a yard in the air and landed back down on the floor with a splat on her face. She groaned, sat up and peeked over the edge of the table before sitting straight up, confusion written over her face along with a daisy sandwich on her snout. "Sunset Shimmer? Wha—what are you doing here? This would be your second week this month. If you're staying for that long that is."

Sunset Shimmer continued casually drinking her juice before responding. "Well......Spring Break started, and I have nowhere to go. Everyone else has plans for out of town and I'm gonna be all alone. I don't have any parents on Earth. Or brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles. Basically, I don't know anyone but them. So I was like, 'Hey.......Equestria.'"

"Oh. Well, how long are you going to be staying?" Twilight grabbed the sandwich from off her snout and started eating it while she responded.

"For three weeks. I know right, fun with your ol' pal Sunset! Isn't that great? I haven't stayed in Equestria for more than a week, and this time, I'm staying for three!" Sunset snagged up her sandwich from off the plate in front of her and started chowing down, giving Twilight a sincere smile.

"Okay, that's great." Twilight sat down across from her, still chewing her own. "So, ummm....any problems over there they need help with?"

Sunset swallowed her food and responded, "Nope! Everything's been peachy. Rarity got a boyfriend. Wanna guess who?"

"I don't know anypony over there besides you guys," Twilight deadpanned, slowly shaking her head.

"Oh right. Well.....his name is........Spike." Twilight immediately began choking, beating her chest as hard as she can to get that lodged petal out of her windpipe. Eventually it flew out and floated down to the table with Sunset's amused eyes trained directly on it.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight asked, "Wait, wait.....Spike?! As in.......OUR Spike?!"

"What?! No, Twilight, OUR Spike turns into a dog, I don't think that would work out. Like, at all!" Sunset chuckled. "Are you nuts?!"

"I feel that way," she muttered, leaning on the table and burying her face between her hooves. "Phew, I thought everything was over for that dragon once you said 'Spike.'"

"Oh no, don't worry, the dog still goes after her. And sometimes bites the other Spike on the ankle where Twilight has to grab and scold him. I think it's cute. He still has a crush on Rarity. I really don't think that'll really work out though. For one, it'd be really......REALLY weird."

"Yeah, I agree. Well, it's good seeing you again." Twilight finished the rest of her sandwich and walked towards the entrance of the castle.

"Alright! See ya', Twilight!"



"So.......you don't need.....any help?" Twilight asked hopefully. She was currently looking around for ponies around the sunny and beautiful atmosphere of Ponyville who needed help to make herself feel useful. At least a little bit. So she started the search at Rarity's boutique, where she was currently sewing a dress in rapt attention.

"Sorry, darling but I have this all handled," Rarity responded casually, waving her hoof behind her. She had noticed that Twilight's been doing this a lot lately, but decided not to question it since Twilight was always willing to help out another pony, no matter the reason. "Maybe Applejack needs help with her Apple farm. Why not ask her?"

"Yeah, I probably should." Twilight began walking back down the stairs, headed for the entrance of the building. "She might need help getting some trees to grow or something. Bye, Rarity."

"Goodbye, darling!" Once Twilight exited the tent-like building she flapped her wings and soared into the air, heading towards the northern side of Ponyville, where there was certainly an orange pony wearing a stetson who may need help with bucking apples out of her large collection of orchards. There were so many trees, she was certain they weren't bucking the apples yet—wait! Is that Applejack sleeping on the porch?

Confused, Twilight flew down and landed in front of the household, spotting an orange earth pony sitting in a rocking chair with a stetson cascaded over her face, snoring loudly. She cocked her head to the side and looked around. Weren't there more apples that needed bucking? Applejack never sleeps until the job is fully done.

She looked back at AJ for a second before taking off into the air to get an over head look. There was only one reason Applejack would sleep during the daytime. If there was no more bucking to do. And so far it looked like that was what it was.

There were absolutely no red in the trees, but there were plenty of red in crates all over the land. It seems like she wasn't needed here either. She landed and sighed before looking around. Maybe Pinkie had something she could do. She was probably cooking something or planning parties. With a new plan, Twilight smiled and took off back into the air, heading for Sugarcube Corner. If there was boredom, Pinkie was sure to spice it up.

After a few seconds of flight, which is better than seven minutes of walking, she landed in front of the bakery, smelling the delicious tastes of everything that tasted so good in there. Sighing, she walked forward  along the dirt and into the building. Upon entry, her nostrils were assaulted by the smells of dough, chocolate, and other confections. Not to mention sugar. It was great.

"Hey, Twilight!" She looked over behind the counter to see Pinkie taking a tray of muffins out of the oven and placing them on a table setup in the middle of the area.

"Hey, Pinkie Pie! How are you?" Twilight asked happily, walking over and looking at all the treats.

"I'm great-great-great-great-great, thank you very much! Here, try a muffin!" One of the muffins were forcefully jammed into Twilight's mouth, making her cheeks bulge out while she chewed in surprise. "It's good, right?"

Twilight swallowed down the rest of the treat before she nodded happily. "It's great, Pinkie! Ummmmm......Do you need help with anything? Cooking? Baking? How about party planning?"

"Nope, nope, nope, annnnnnnnnnnnd nope! I've already gotten everything done!" She placed the muffins into boxes before she gasped loudly and grabbed Twilight's cheeks, pulling her into her face, a look of shock on it. "Unless you know of a party that's happening! If you do, TELL ME NOW!"

"Uh.....no. There's no party."

"Oh, okay." She let Twilight go and rub her ears while she went back to stuffing boxes. "Well, I don't need anything then."

"Oh.......okay, well......I'll just be on my way then. It was good seeing you pinkie." Twilight turned around and walked out of the store, ignoring Pinkie's waving. The door shut behind her, letting her sigh in peace. Why didn't anyone need help around here? She felt totally useless. It's been that way for years and it's wearing her down, having absolutely nothing to do. Most ponies would say relax and chill, but they didn't understand. She's been relaxing and chilling for awhile. What's the point of being a princess if you couldn't help your ponies? Maybe Fluttershy could use a helping hoof. Rainbow was away on leave as a Wonderbolt, so she wouldn't be around.

Twilight lifted her wings and flew off again, destination for the outside of town towards the lonely cottage that is usually active with animals and critters. But today was silent. She raised an eyebrow at the silence. Shouldn't there be some type of noise, crashes, or something?!

She landed and walked up to Fluttershy's door before knocking lightly, knowing Fluttershy was the type of pony to hide from loud noises. Even knocks was a set off. She waited a few seconds before the door cracked open, revealing a pink mane and a pale yellow coat.

"Oh....hello, Twilight. Is something wrong?" Fluttershy asked shyly.

"No, Fluttershy. I'm just going around and checking if anypony needed any help. Do you need help?" She asked hopefully, a wide smile on her face.

"Uh...no, sorry, Twilight. Everything's been quiet over here. The animals have all gone out for the season to spend time with their families. So....there's nothing to do here."

"Oh." Twilight dropped the smile and replaced it with a sad frown. "Okay. Well, I'm just gonna head home. I'll.....see ya'." She turned around and flapped her wings, heading off towards the purple castle in the distance. Did her friends not need her anymore? Maybe the Crystal Empire needed help.

She smiled, believing she could at least watch over her niece and get some reassurance from that. Maybe that'll help.



"UGGGGHHHHHH!" Twilight groaned. She threw scroll to the side and started pacing around in her room, which was like a little library, definitely made for her by the Tree of Harmony. After sending a letter to Cadance to see if they needed anything, she got the same result just like everything else. 'No, we're fine. Thanks though.'

"Why doesn't anypony need help?!" She yelled to herself. "I'm helpful, I'm a good helper! Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, my brother, and my niece don't even need any help! I'm useful, why can't I be useful?!"

Twilight stopped pacing and took deep breaths, doing what Cadance has always taught her when she gets in a fit. Eventually she calmed down, but still trying to get her mind back on track. "Okay, Twilight. Why don't you just do somebody a favor instead? It's so much easier. But....they have to ask you for a favor, DARN IT!" Twilight fired a bolt of magic and accidentally hit a wall in her room, making a large scorch mark.

"Great......" She sighed and flopped down on her bed. Maybe she should go out to these other lands and see if someone needed help there. She is a Princess of Equestria, she should represent her home. Actually... Is that even allowed for her?

She lifted her hoof and opened a drawer by her bed, pulling out a quill, inkwell, and scroll with her magic to write the letter. Hopefully Spike was still in the library reading. She stuck her tongue out of her mouth while writing, an expression of focus before sh drew it back in and read it over. Smiling and satisfied, she jumped out of the bed and walked downstairs to get her trusty assistant.


***


"SPIKE!.......SPIIIIIIIIIIIKE!!!!" Spike sighed from behind his comic book and grabbed the pineapple filled with juice that was sitting next to him before Twilight ran into the library with the scroll in her magic, floating beside her head. "Spike. I need you to send this to Princess Celestia right now!"

"Twiliiiiiiiiight!" He groaned in frustration, leaning his head back. "We just—"

"No complaints, Spike! As my trusty assistant, I need you to do this for me."

He snarled and snatched the scroll out of her grip and blew flames on it, sending it to Celestia. "I never wanted to be your assistant," he muttered before sitting back down and popping the comic back open in front of him, unaware that Twilight had heard him.

She gasped lightly, before sighing sadly, aware of his true feelings towards her. The alicorn slowly turned around and left the room, her head held low in sadness, thinking about Spike's words that were heavy on her mind. Who would've thought he didn't like being her assistant? Maybe she imagined it. But if so, how would that explain the snatching of her letter? Hmmmm.



In a world far away from Equestria, an orange coated pegasus walked onto the balcony of his humongous castle and looked down, observing the state his ponies were in. Angry, hateful, poor, hurt. Everywhere. Even the foals. It's been like this for years ever since the Ursa Major came in and destroyed everything they had. What for, they had no idea. It came in his kingdom and destroyed everything. Multiple deaths and casualties. It was horrible. And that was over three years ago. His red cape blew with the quiet wind that rushed past him, his red man blowing with it. The warm breeze signalling the start of summer on the island they call home. CALLED home.

"Your highness." He looked solemnly over his shoulder at one of his generals walking towards him, an expression of worry on his face. "We cannot stay here. We don't have anything that can save us."

The King sighed and looked back down onto the ground below. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. "We can fly faster than a hurricane," he said, his voice deepened. "We can build structures that touch the sky. But we could not escape it. How did we not see this?" He slowly shook his head and closed his eyes as a tear slowly trickled down his face, guilt written all over it. "I feel like......I could've done better. I feel like I've let Psera down."

"You didn't let us down, King Madun. You've done the best you could. It was just way too big." The general walked towards him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. "We need to leave and rebuild. This place holds no food, and your Pserateps are becoming frustrated as you can clearly see down below." The king nodded making sure to not show fear. It could ruin his reputation as the one who always holds hope.

"We will hold out a little long, Bold Shoulder. Either way, we will be great again. I assure you." The general nodded before turning around and walking away, leaving the king to stand there by himself, staring down at the ruined city of Cop, the capital of Psera. Hopefully, they'd get some help. And soon.



Twilight laid back on her bed in her room of the crystalized castle, thinking about what Spike said. I never wanted to be your assistant. Those words really hurt her. They were filled with hate. She could tell.

She sighed, sat up, and looked at the mirror on the far side of the room, staring at the reflection of what was a small Alicorn that made history many times in Equestria. Now on the verge of tears. She slowly got out the bed and walked towards it, taking one hoof at a time like she was stalking it. She stopped in front of it and looked at herself, trying to see what made her different than other ponies than the fact that she was an alicorn. But so far......she didn't see anything different. All she saw were wings. That was it. Just wings and a horn. She wasn't even as tall as Cadance, and she was shorter than Luna. It probably just came with age. She was smart in magic. The smartest in Equestria, according to Celestia.

But either way, ponies didn't treat her with as much authority as they did everyone else. Spike was a prime example. She didn't even have guards. Was she even a princess in reality, or was it.........just a title? A label for her wings and horn? What if it was? Would that change everything she thought of herself? Of other ponies? Should it? Maybe, maybe not. Only time would tell.

Something slid through the crack of her door, catching her eyes enough for her to dart her head to the floor and pick it up in her magic. It was already unrolled, so she could plainly see what was on it.

"'Dear Twilight Sparkle. I am sorry to say that only Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, and myself are allowed to establish cross-country relations with other lands per royal law.....'" She couldn't even finish the sentence when her voice began getting wobbly, filled with emotion. She was sad. Sad and upset. Was she even of royal title? Was all of that just a lie? A reward of some sort?!

She wrote down her message and teleported it to Spike, too upset to even speak with anyone right now. She listened to him blow his flames over the letter, shooting it to Celestia before going back to staring at the mirror again. If she was lucky, she could ask Celestia face to face if she bothered about visiting. No one has bothered to visit her for two years except the Elements every now and then. Since the cutie map stopped calling them, they kind of just been doing their own thing. They visit each other, but Twilight? No. You know what, now that she mentioned it, she heard of them hosting a party at Rarity's, which they NEVER hosted a party at. At least not when she herself was around. Raises some more questions.

"Hmmmm....." She hummed, squinting her eyes at the mirror. Something was going on. Apparently she was being excluded out of things. The only one who really visits her now are.........is Sunset Shimmer. Starlight Glimmer has apparently moved on, being in the Crystal Empire while everyone else is doing their own things. But her? She was just sitting around. Like a lump on a log being useless. But how exactly useless was she?

Another letter slipped underneath the door, catching her attention. She grabbed it in her magic without even looking over. She levitated it in front of her face and read it aloud, loud enough to hear herself speak.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle," she read aloud to herself. "The title is formally an advancement in society and is not particularly an advancement.....towards.....royalty. It is merely a sign of respect among the rest of society. Like Prince Blueblood, who in reality is only a prince by name and just happens to be my nephew. He is not actually a Prince. Only a family member. Princess Cadance on the other hoof was the last of the Crystal Empire's royal line, descendant of Princess Amore. Therefore she has rightly inherited the kingdom. Even though you have risen to an Alicorn, you are not formally a Princess.'"

Twilight stared at the letter nonchalantly, trying to understand it. They........lied to her? That was all just for show? THIS was all just for show?! Is the crown even real?! If it was, then that's something, but she really doubted that. Ponies just don't give out gold. Even the bits they used weren't gold, just an alloy of steel.

Still carrying the letter, Twilight turned around and walked over to her dresser where her crown was sitting in a glass case, like it has always been. She didn't have much use for it. And she was just informed why. Twilight used her magic and opened it up before grabbing the crown and looking at her reflection. An upset reflection. It could be real or fake. Only one way to tell.

She cast a spell, checking the chemical makeup of the head wear, the authenticity of the hopefully-authentic head wear. After a few more seconds, tears began to leak from her eyes before casting the spell once again. "It......was a lie," she muttered before flinging the faux crown made of silver and copper alloy across the room with enough force that it shattered against the wall. "It was all.....a lie. Why would they lie to me? Did I not complete Starswirl's spell? Did I not prove myself enough to actually become a princess?! It's like.....it-it's like they....MOCKED me!!" She huffed and sat down, looking at her reflection in the mirror. "And this castle....I get no visitors. No ponies coming in to ask for advice, ask for my opinion. No......authority. I'm...just a fake?" She stood up and opened the bedroom door, walking out and towards the entrance of the castle. She couldn't be in that place right now. Who knew, maybe that was a fake too. She doubted it though. It came from the Tree of Harmony itself...right? Twilight didn't know what to believe anymore.

After opening the door, she walked out a few feet and turned around, looking up at her castle. It was so tall, yet it only contained.....one floor. That should've been a red flag right there! This "Castle" was just a very tall house! That was it! Nothing special about it at all. She didn't even have a throne room! She huffed in anger. Equestria was......just a lie.

"So what do you guys wanna do? Huh? Huh? Tell me! TELL ME NOW!"

"Pinkie...we're trying to not let her know we're out here. That means quiet." Twilight turned around to see her friends walking down the empty streets and towards some other place. Wait...was that Rainbow Dash?! Wasn't she on leave with the Wonderbolts?! Yeah, that is her! Flying right above Rarity! Something fishy's going on here.

She squinted her eyes in suspicion before activating her invisibility spell. Then quickly began making her way towards the group but staying behind a little, listening in. Who exactly were they trying to avoid?

"You told her you were on leave, Rainbow," Applejack stated up to the pegasus as they were walking, unaware of the violet alicorn right behind them. "What happened to that?"

"Sorry, Applejack, but I lied. Had to make sure the egghead didn't bother me. Just like all of you guys here."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Applejack sighed. "I do it because she's......REALLY annoying." Twilight gasped unnoticeably as they continued on their way. "The way she's always around...it's annoying."

"Really," Rarity agreed, nodding her head. "Twilight is great and all, but she's not really......a Princess like she thinks she is. I'm surprised she hasn't figured it out yet."

Twilight stopped walking for a second, a look of disbelief on her face and on the verge of tears. They knew. They knew all this time and didn't tell her. Were they really her friends? Was that a lie too?

"So we just......avoid her until we somehow break the news too her?" Fluttershy whispered. "I really don't want to hurt her feelings."

"Yeah, we've been holding this back for two years, let alone four if you add on how long she's actually been a 'Princess'," Rarity added as they turned onto Sweet Apple Acres. "It's about time she knew."

"Let's wait some more, I don't think she's ready yet," Applejack suggested. Twilight stopped at the gate and watched as they walked towards the barn. Their new hangout spot.....without her in it.

"I was lied to," she muttered as she stopped the spell once they were out of sight. "I was lied to. Deceived. Unwanted. All this time. And they didn't even TELL ME!!!" She fired a bolt of magic at Applejack's fence, shattering it on contact. She stared at the damage in anger before turning around and flying back to the "castle". She had to think about all of this. Everything.
> Chapter 2 - Decisions Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight landed back in front of her castle with tears flowing down her face, her heart broken as she processed what the others said about her. Annoying, not a princess...that was the same as calling her not a good leader. And she led them to victory all the time!

Who helped defeat Discord, and gave up her magic for her friends to defeat Tirek? And who finished Starswirl's spell? Apparently it wasn't her because they mocked her! The saving of Princess Celestia's sister. That wasn't enough either apparently. Upon arrival, she turned around and bucked the entrance of her castle, breaking the doors open and cracking one of them in half, not even caring if somepony heard her. Then walked inside, avoiding the wood on the ground and made her way to her room to make some decisions, and to write a letter. A very important letter.

Twilight walked into her room and slammed the door behind her. They didn't need her. She was just around to tease and make fun of. Not really good enough to have friends.....they weren't her friends. Celestia sent her there years ago to make friends. But....were they really her friends? Or was it something else? And it seemed that Spike felt the same way. Twilight didn't need them. She didn't need any of them. She did great all by herself, and she was going to prove that.

Twilight anxiously looked around her room, searching for a map of Equestria. She needed that for a quick second. Twilight yanked open a drawer to search for it. But ended up just throwing it out of place, doing the same to the others and sending a message to those who would find it.

She did find the map, but set it to the side for a moment while she continued trashing the room in anger, growling in frustration. She grabbed the mirror and pushed it over, stepping on the back of it and smashing the glass on the other side in the process. She broke the windows in her room, the lamps, and eventually the wall. Even if it was made out of crystal, it didn't stand a chance against her magic. After everything was broken, trashed, and/or shattered, she grabbed a scroll and quill, dipping it in some ink that she'll definitely ruin the room with after this letter.

She sat there and wrote for five minutes before rolling it up, putting a ribbon on it, and placing it directly on the floor in the middle of the room. She then threw her bed against the wall, breaking the wood and causing the springs inside the mattress to rip through. After that, she grabbed her inkwells and started tossing them, breaking all twenty against the walls of the room, sending ink everywhere.

Once she was done, she looked around and grabbed her books, saddlebags, cloak and bucked the door to her room open, sending the top half flying off the hinges and into the other side. She walked over it and made her way towards the broken entrance of the castle, determination and anger in her eyes. How could they. How could they!!!!

Once out, she pulled out the map from her bags and looked it over, seeing she had to go left towards the mountain range and Whitetail Woods to continue with her research. Of course it'd take thirty minutes just to FLY through those woods. But it didn't matter anyway. She was going off the radar.

Satisfied Twilight turned and looked at the crystal building one last time, knowing she'll never see it again. Stupid Equestria bucking her over. It tore her nerves. But Twilight had a good mind for payback. Idea in mind, she lit her horn and teleported to her room. Then checked over the destroyed environment, looking for something. Nudging the broken dresser to the side, she spotted what she needed in the glass casing with the other five. Using her magic, Twilight shattered the glass and grabbed it before teleporting back outside again and placing it on her head, looking back up at the castle again.

Then lit her horn, preparing one last spell that Equestria will ever see from her again. They will not be using her magic or anything else she had to succeed anymore. Once the buildup was finished, she let it go, sending the beam sailing straight for it.



"Who's ready for a party?!" Pinkie pulled out a phonograph from her hair along with a vinyl disk.

"Pinkie, we ain't partyin'" Applejack tried to tell her, only to get drowned out by the music blasting from the player. "We gotta—" A loud explosion that rocked the entire town of ponyville caused the five to jump, the vibration from it shaking Applejack's barn.

Once it was over, Rainbow flew out the doors and into the air, trying to find the source, and gasping loudly when she did. There was a big and very noticeable purple mushroom cloud rising from a familiar purple structure in the distance.

"Twilight's castle!!"

The others rushed out of the barn and looked on, gasping in horror before they ran towards the building just like everypony else in Ponyville.

Once she had fired the destructive spell Twilight flapped her wings and flew away, leaving everything she ever knew behind. It wouldn't matter. She flew over the mountain range, going faster than she thought she would and clearing them in three minutes, on her way to a new world where she undoubtedly would be appreciated. If her calculations of the clouds that come to Ponyville were correct, their density would suggest that their is spring water off the Western coast of Equestria.

When she took a sample of it, and analyzed it months back, she discovered that there were particles of dust and dirt in it, as well as C02. There was a fire somewhere, and it was a large one based on the amount of molecules. She took samples of the clouds that were coming there for three days in a row, noting the same thing. And that was from all the clouds that came from the west. They didn't come from Las Pegasus, even though it's in the same direction. The city has clean water, including the rivers there. So it came from somewhere else that didn't have healthy water. Somewhere off the coast of Equestria. And that's where she was headed.

Twilight continued her flight for an hour and flew seventy miles, soon spotting the beginning of Whitetail Woods. And it seems her assumptions were correct.

In the distance, she could see more clouds coming in off the coast of the land straight ahead, while Las Pegasus was to her left. There were ponies out there. Definitely. Since the clouds in Equestria aren't created by the water out in the ocean, but by the water on the land. Must've been its properties. Either way, something didn't sit right with her about these clouds. And she was going to find out why.

After twenty six more minutes, she landed on the beach that led into the western unknown waters, gazing at it with her eyes in determination. There was something out there, and so far......it looked like they needed help. She looked over her shoulder at the land behind her. Full of ponies that lied to her. She would not be regretting this. Twilight shook her head before lifting her wings and going straight up, grabbing one of those clouds and settling down on it, using the Pegasi magic that being an Alicorn came with, and flapped her wings. She casually flew off the coast of Equestria, which eventually faded from sight behind her after thirty minutes. There was no turning back. Maybe one day she would return again. Maybe.


***


Sunset Shimmer ran all the way back to the castle that was up in purple flames, obviously Twilight's magic, to see some more unicorns trying to extinguish them. She stopped at the line of unicorns herself, putting in her own magic to help. After around five more minutes, the fire was gone, leaving only the destroyed outer portion of the building which was beginning to collapse before they stepped in and took out the flames.

"What happened?" She yelled towards the others already there discussing on the side. "Did any of you see what happened?!"

"No, we were at Applejack's farm!" Rarity explained quickly, walking forward. "Where's Twilight?" They all looked at each other in realization before turning around and running to the castle, hoping to find her. They slowed down at the door, spotting the entrance of the building damaged. Figuring it came from the explosion, they rushed inside, ignoring the wooden pieces of the door getting onto their hooves. But that was the least of their problems. Most of the inside had beenhurt by that explosion, some things were burned, multiple doors were off their hinges, and glass items like the plates in the kitchen were shattered. They could fix this, just needed to find Twilight first.

They turned down a hallway and headed for the master bedroom at the end of the hall, slowing down a little after noticing the damage there meters away. Half of the door was obviously bucked off.

"Someone did this," Applejack whispered as they walked closer, looking at the piece in the hallway and the splinters that trailed along it with suspicion. Sunset activated her magic and opened the door, walking into the room, gasping at the mess.

"Oh my Faust," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The others shared the same expression. The room was trashed like someone had a fight in there that turned messy. Everything in there that was wooden was cracked and shattered, glass from the mirror was all over the floor, scrolls were thrown around as well as the quills and inkwells, the ink in them having been tossed all over the walls along with the bed which was thrown against it.

"Who.....would do this?" Rarity whispered as they walked inside, avoiding the glass on the floor.

"I don't know, but they're party poopers," Pinkie answered. They began looking around for a clue. She lifted up loose wood while Sunset grabbed it with her magic, throwing it out into the hall. After awhile of searching, they found one. Underneath some wooden boards there was a scroll that caught Sunset's eye. She directed her full attention at it, taking note of its pristine condition.

"I found something," she said, catching their attention. They all turned around and walked towards her as she picked up the neatly handled scroll and took off the ribbon, unrolling it. "It's...a note. From.......Twilight?"

"Read it," Pinkie said, staring intently at it.

Sunset glanced at her then back at the note, clearing her throat preparing to read the letter. "'My dearest friends....actually, no. You aren't my friends. I don't think being lied to and called annoying makes you my friends. My only real friend was...is Sunset Shimmer. She hasn't patronized me and kept a lie from me for four years. As well as treated me like a tool.

"'Yes. I heard you all. Rainbow Dash lied and said that she was out of town on Wonderbolt leave. I saw you flying over Applejack and I followed you all to Applejack's farm while you were bad mouthing me. Princess Celestia. I was your most faithful student. Only to learn that everything I did for you apparently didn't raise me to a princess. You lied to me just like this group of friends.

'"Apparently, it was all a mockery. A mockery that you apparently had setup from the start. I used my magic to help defeat Discord twice, Tirek, The Sirens, King Sombra, and Nightmare Moon. Not to mention I also helped defeat Chrysalis at my brother and Cadance's wedding. But apparently, you still mocked me. All of you, except Sunset Shimmer, and my Canterlot High friends, have betrayed me. I feel lied to, made fun of, and humiliated. I feel like I've been used and underappreciated. So I'm going where I will be appreciated and my magic can be put to better use than a tool for other ponies that refer to me as annoying. Good luck defending Equestria. Because you're all on your own. Here's a tip, and I bet you didn't know this:

"'Harmony is the balance between good and evil, which means eventually, evil will return to Equestria. Not from me, although I really want to show you how I feel after being made fun of and humiliated for I don't know how long. But it is coming. Good luck on your own. You'll probably never see me again.

"'Twilight Sparkle, formerly known as Princess Twilight sparkle.'"

Sunset slowly put down the letter and turned around to face the others, worry written all over her face. "What exactly is she talking about? How does she feel mocked?"

"Wellllll......." Applejack stammered, rubbing the back of her head with her left hoof. "You see, we were informed of Twilight's status by Celestia a little after the ceremony when she ascended to bein' an alicorn."

"Turns out, that since she isn't part of any Royal line in Equestria, she...isn't exactly a princess," Rarity clarified.

"So Celestia wanted us to tell her that," Rainbow said, floating above the group. "Since we're her friends and all. We've been debating on telling her for years, but never actually gotten around to it."

"Are you telling me that this castle......that....crown?" They looked at where the case where Twilight kept it to see it smashed to pieces like everything else. "Well, that crown that was there before, the ceremony, as well as the finishing of Starswirl's spell, all of that was just a BIG JOKE?!" She slammed her hoof down in anger, punctuating her last word.

They all stared at her wide-eyed before Rarity decided to take the floor. "No, you see......T-Twilight didn't become a Princess, but she did get a level of respect among society."

"You guys don't get it. That's like me saying I've won a billion bits, get the coins, and turns out only five of those bits were real!! No wonder she's not here, she probably hates all of you!!" Sunset tossed the paper over her shoulder and marched out the room, trying to find the baby reptilian that was Twilight's assistant. "Spike!......SPIIIIIIIIIKKKKE!!"

"What is it, Twilight, jeez!" Sunset turned her head towards the left, which was a smaller room. Spike was lying underneath the covers doing something, probably sleeping. "What do you want?"

"It's not Twilight, she's gone! Now GET UP!!!!!"

Spike yelped and jumped out of the bed, falling on his face in front of Sunset. "Ugggghhhh........where's Twilight?" He asked, taking the blanket of his face and rubbing his head.

"We don't know. Were you sleeping? How did you sleep through that explosion?" Spike cocked his head to the side in confusion.

"What explosion?"

"Twilight's room is trashed, her bedroom and front doors are bucked open, most items in the building are destroyed, and everything else of hers is gone. The only thing she didn't take were her books."

"Twilight's gone?!!" Spike darted up and rushed out the room, headed for Twilight's and seeing the damage. "Oh no," he muttered running inside and looking at he damage. "No no no no no, are you sure Discord didn't do this?"

"I really doubt that," Fluttershy muttered.

"She left a note," Sunset said, passing the dragon the scroll. He took it in his claws and read it out loud again, making the five feel more guilty than they already were.

"Do you guys realize......how much Twilight treasures things?" He whispered, slowly raising his head to stare at them in anger. "Being a princess was her pride and joy. Yeah, she loves her books just as much, but being a princess meant she gets to USE those books for something that isn't just for her. She loves helping people! ALWAYS loves helping people. Then everything came crumbling down. First she lost her library to Tirek. You saw how hard she took that. And before that, you all turned on her at Cadance and Shining Armor's wedding. She took that REALLY hard. Yeah, she said she forgave you, but at the end of the day, I had to go in her room and comfort her. Tell her that you all were just blindsided. She treasures trust. A deep connection that only friends could share. But this was different! You guys have lied to her for four years. FOUR YEARS!! THAT is big. Bigger-than-Equestria big! Twilight was the biggest asset we have ever had. When she was just a unicorn, her magic was unrivaled. But turning into an Alicorn? Do you know how powerful that is?! I bet she rivaled the strength of Princess Luna!! Or even Nightmare Moon!! And she used that for good because she loved Equestria. She loved you, you, you, you, you, and you most of all!" He pointed his finger at Sunset who was agreeing with him all the way. Having witnessed Twilight's magic, she could back him up and say that Twilight was indeed very powerful.

"Twilight is pretty important in Equestria," she said to the five. "And now.....she WAS the biggest asset. Just like she said in that letter, harmony is the balance of good and evil. It goes back and forth. Eventually, something will come. And we probably won't have the knowledge or understanding to defeat it. Princess Celestia, Luna, or....Cadance might, but it probably won't be as good as Twilight's understanding. And now.....she's gone. She probably even loathes Equestria now. And there's no telling where she went. I hope you all are happy with what you've done. Because she more than likely won't be coming back."

Sunset walked out of the room with Spike right behind her, leaving the group of five in the room feeling ashamed. They looked around, the silence interrupted by the slight cracking of broken wood strewn all over the place, the damage in here evident of what Twilight was feeling before she left.

Rarity walked forward and sat down in the middle of it, tears trailing down her face.

"So much for Elements of Harmony," she whispered. Looking to her right, she spotted something reflecting light into her eye. She activated her magic and grabbed it, bringing it to her face to see that it was a part of Twilight's crown. Shattered, just like their hearts.



Twilight continued her high speed flight, going for an agonizing three hours, holding onto hope that some ponies out there needed help. Hopefully her theory was correct. It looked like it through her analysis of those clouds. Of course there was a possibility ponies didn't exactly exist where she was headed, but she really doubted that. As long as there was water, ponies were there.

There were still clouds in the sky, originating from an area in front of her, probably hundreds of miles from Equestria's western coastline, when she spotted some birds flying towards that location. Why would there be birds out this far? Unless...

There was land!!

"I'm close," she muttered. "Really close..."

Twilight kept her sights on the blue waves, already tired of looking at the blue ocean area in front of her for almost two hours. It was starting to strain her eyes. Eventually she would have to stop to give her wings a break. Flying that long was tiring. But she pushed on.

Soon, something on the water caught her eye, making her look down. There was some type of boat there, but it was.....advanced. Far more advanced than she's ever seen Equestria have. She stopped pushing forward and lowered her cloud down to hover next to it. Upon closer inspection, the boat was a thin sheet of steel while around it was some type of flotation device. Like a ring of a strong balloon. But it looked damaged. There were claw marks, scratches, and....blood on the side.

Her eyes widened then peeked over the edge, gasping at what was inside. There were three Pegasi, obviously guards of some sort if their aluminum armor and helmets were of any indication.

Twilight floated closer to the ponies, and scanned them with her magic. They were still alive. She sighed in relief. Carefully, she poked one of them in his cheek, trying to get him to wake up. He stirred and thrust out his hooves, nearly hitting her face.

"Excuse me, sir," She whispered. That got his attention.

His eyes and large wings shot open, focusing on her for a second. Then nearly knocked Twilight off of her cloud.

"WHO ARE YOU?!" He yelled getting into a defensive stance and waking up the others. "WHAT IN PSERA IS—"

Twilight zipped his mouth closed with her magic, shocking the other two so much they fell out the boat and into the water. Twilight gasped, getting worried before they got back out and into the boat, shaking themselves.

She breathed in relief before focusing back on the stallion in front of her that was still trying to talk.

"Will you stop yelling and listen first?" She asked catching their attention. The three of them nodded before she lit her horn and took the zipper off his mouth. She put authority into her voice, ready to take on the leadership role once again. Equestria may have said she wasn't really a princess, but she proved otherwise.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle and I come from Equestria, nearly fuve hundred miles east of here." She pointed her hoof towards her recent location. They looked in that direction then focused back on her. "I couldn't help but notice the clouds originating from this direction have sediment, meaning there was land over there."

She pointed her hoof in the direction she was heading. The guards nodded their heads in agreement before she continued. "I also noticed there was a large amount of co² in the samples, which means there was also a large fire of some kind."

"Yes, there was a large fire that took up nearly all the land," the guard in front confirmed before squinting at her horn. "What is that? On your forehead?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow and glanced up. "It's a horn. It focuses my magic so I can use it. I'm an Alicorn."

"A what?"

The guard in front of her was reaching out poking at her horn. Curious ponies they were.

"Stop." He pulled his hoof back. "I'm a mix of a Unicorn, Earth Pony, and Pegasus. I'm all three."

"What in Psera is an Earth Pony, Pegasus, and unicorn?" The one on the right asked. Twilight cocked her head in confusion.

"You're a Pegasus."

"No, I'm a Pseratep. I don't know what a Pegasus is."

Twilight looked at them oddly for a moment before gasping loudly, finally getting the picture. Since they aren't from Equestria, they probably refer to Pegasi differently.

"Okay. What do you call ponies with wings?" She stretched out her wings demonstrating.

"Pserateps."

"Okay, what about with a horn?"

"There are no horns." Twilight nearly fell off her cloud in shock.

"There are no unicorns?!" She yelled, nearly knocking the ponies off the boat.

"No, and probably no earth ponies either, whatever the hay that is," the one in the front muttered. "Everyone in Psera has wings and that's it. And what in Madun's name is magic?"

"So it's just Pegasi? Correction, Pserateps?" She asked in disbelief, watching the three nod. "I have to see this for myself."

"Well, we're in the process of relocating. Our home was destroyed by a giant glowing bear. It took out everything!"

"A glowing bear?" The Alicorn asked in worry before getting focused. "How big?"

"Half a mountain tall," the one on the right said.

"An Ursa Major," she muttered. The guards looked at each other before looking at Twilight in hope.

"You know what it is?"

"Know it? I know how to tame it, control it, and do whatever I want with it," she said, offering the guards a smile. "They're very abundant in Equestria. Can you take me to your land? Since I know magic, I can more than likely help you rebuild, as well as get rid of your problem."

"Yes! Yes, of course! Get in!" The guard in the front stepped to the side letting her on the boat while the one on the left went towards a stand on the back of the boat to take position. Twilight got settled in and took off her saddlebags while the guards held onto the side of the boat. "Hold onto something."

"Why would I need to hold onto—WHHOOOOOAAA!!" The guard in the back lifted his large wings and pushed, sending the boat flying forward, forcing Twilight to grab hold of her bags and the side of the boat at the same time. The boat swiveled, letting it turn around in a large circle before going back the way it came from evidently.

Twilight relaxed and let the ride go smoothly, happy that she found someone and that her theory was correct. There were ponies out there that needed help. And she was going to provide, thus giving her a purpose. Time to start a new beginning. Away from those who dared call themselves her friends.
> Chapter 3 - New Location? Found!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Canterlot, the home of the two Princesses, both of the sun and the moon, realized there was a slight unease in the air. Princess Celestia could feel it. Even as she was listening to the boring noble in front of her offering an idea that she wasn't listening to. Most of the time, whatever they were offering revolved around them making more bits. If it was up to her, she would just kick them out of the castle at the first time they said, "I would like". That was an immediate red flag. I would like more land. I would like more property for my business. I would like a raise in funding.

Suddenly in the middle of...whatever the hay he was talking about, she felt a rush of magic that tingled her fur making her cast her sights to the window on the left, ignoring the pony.

She raised her hoof, silencing him for a moment before listening for anything strange. She hasn't felt magic like that in a while. Curious, Celestia stalked off her throne and walked over to the window, gazing out and looking for something strange.

The flash behind her didn't even break her away from her focus while her sister approached.

"Celestia! Did you feel the-"

"I did," she responded, continuing to pour her sights towards the ground below. "Guard!" One of the guards at the door walked towards the two and saluted. "Prepare my chariot, we're going to Ponyville."

"Yes, your highness." He turned around and scampered off quickly to inform his captain about the order. Luna and her sister shared a glance while looking at the area in the distance that was Ponyville, already beginning to worry.

An hour later they were in the air, soaring towards the area with guards pulling and flying with them, preparing for something that could cause damage to Equestria or anyone else.

"What do you think that was?" Luna asked absentmindedly. "It was a strong flare."

"It was an explosion," Celestia answered back. She faced the area as the small town came into view. "Of a high magnitude. Of what, I'm not—oh my Faust, Twilight!" Luna looked back and faced the area in front of her, gasping at what she saw. The top of the castle had fallen to the ground a little after Sunset and Spike had left the elements to mourn. The spire was damaged greatly. Celestia jumped out of the chariot and flew down towards the area ahead of the guards.

The entire town was there looking at the damage, parting out of the way for the two rulers of the land as they walked closer. "Who did this?" Luna asked, stopping in front of the doors. "Who destroyed—"

"Twilight did." They looked to the side at Spike and Sunset looking over the letter again. Trying to find a clue as to where she could have went. "She trashed her room, bucked the doors down, and blew the top of this 'castle'," Sunset explained. "If you can really call a one floor structure a castle."

"Why would she destroy her home?" Ceelstia asked carefully, walking over to the two while Spike lowered the letter and faced the princesses.

"Why? Because you lied to her! You all lied to her!" He snapped. "I'll tell you just like I told the others. After everything she did for you, to make her 'Princess Twilight Sparkle' and then say that she wasn't really a Princess destroyed her! Do you realize how she felt upon finding out that after four years, she wasn't really a princess?! That it was all just a lie?!! She feels..." He looked at the letter again to make sure he got this right. "'Lied to, made fun of, and humiliated!' All for what? What did she do to feel that way, huh?!"

Celestia grabbed the letter from his grip, reading it over. It apparently must've been from Twilight. The two Princesses looked at it and read it over before Celestia lowered it, her face having shock written all over it. "She's gone?"

"Yeah, after she destroyed the 'castle'," Sunset said, rolling her eyes. "Once again. Not really sure if it's a castle."

"Sister. There's a tiny section here," Luna said, gesturing towards the bottom part of the letter. Princess Celestia looked back down at the letter towards the area where her sister was pointing to see that she was right. There was something else there. It was tiny and they were words.

"It's a Post script," she announced, squinting and reading it out loud slowly. "'By the way....I took something with me. Now it's your turn to feel how I feel.'"

"IT'S GONE!!!!!" They all looked up to see the element bearers hectically running out of the destroyed building and making their way towards the rulers.

"What's gone, what's missing?"

"The Element of Magic! It's not there anymore!"

"WHAT?!!!" The two yelled before running into the castle with the group right behind them along with three guards. Spike and Sunset shared a glance before following along, wanting to see this for themselves. They ran back into Twilight's room and looked around, shocked at the devastation before spotting the shattered glass casing that held the Elements that now only held five of them.

"She took it with her!" Celestia exclaimed. Luna turned around and motioned for a guard.

"Put Equestria on high alert to keep an eye out for a lavender pony with an eight pointed star for a cutie mark. She holds a weapon of destruction and must be contained! Go!"



The crown that Luna spoke of was adjusted on the head of Twilight as the boat continued its journey towards the land known as Psera. Apparently a world where only Pegasi, or Pserateps, roam. If she was going to help these ponies she'd have to know their language and names.

"I never got your names," she said over her shoulder.

"How rude of us," the one directly behind her said. He had a pitch black coat with dark green eyes and a silver mane and tail. "My name is Dark Silver. I'm one of the soldiers of Psera."

"I'm Worn Weather," the one behind him introduce. He had a light brown coat, golden eyes, and golden mane. "I'm with black butt here." He patted Dark Silver on the back, making him groan in annoyance while the last one, who was pushing the boat introduced himself.

"And I'm Shining Sword," He said, flapping his wings still. Those things were longer than the average Pegasus. Way longer. He had a light green coat, light green mane and light green eyes. Apparently, he smiles a lot. "I'm the smart one."

"Not really," Dark corrected playfully. "Don't listen to him, he's just a little tired."

"I don't get tired."

"So what's Psera like?" Twilight asked.

"Hey, you have a crown!" Worn weather announced, pointing at the top of her head. "How did we miss that?"

"How did we? Are you royalty?" Shining sword asked.

Twilight closed her eyes. A sigh of sadness escaped her lips. "So I thought. Apparently, since I don't come from a royal line, I'm not. After all I did for Equestria, they crown me, give me a 'castle', and call me Princess Twilight Sparkle when all along it was just a signing for respect."

"What did you exactly do for this Equestria? We're approaching the coast." Twilight looked forward spotting the coastline after nearly an hour of riding.

"I helped defeat villains, helped save a whole city called the Crystal Empire although my assistant Spike actually saved it by the end, took down the God of Chaos, took down a crazy bug queen, and restored harmony all over. But in the end, I didn't get the respect I deserve. So, I left. This is a crown, but it's also a weapon. It doesn't work without the others and vice versa. Without this, they are stranded. They let that lie run for four years, leaving me thinking I was a princess. Turns out..." She sighed and looked at the bottom of the boat. "I never was."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, what you have told us sounds exactly like what a princess would and should do," Worn Weather said from behind Dark Silver, the others nodding in agreement. "They didn't appreciate you for what you have done. Reminds me a little bit of King Madun. He's done things like you have too."

"I'm guessing he's a Pseratep too, then."

"He's the ruler of the whole land. He wants us to hold out and hope for the best for awhile. Hope for a way to get some help. So far, it's not working. But if you can help us rebuild the land, regrow our crops and get rid of that cloudy layer above it, we'd be entirely in your debt."

The other two voiced their agreements while Twilight smiled. "Well, I promise I'll try my hardest to get your land back together. How bad is it?"

"You're about to find out." Dark silver pointed to the docks that had a line of soldiers protecting it as they slowed down to a stop. Shining Sword turned the boat around while

Dark Silver jumped off and trotted up to one that had a hat on his head of some kind. "Dark Silver reporting sir!"

"At ease," he said, making the pony relax. "And who is this?" He motioned towards the mare who flew out of the boat and stopped next to her. "And what is that on her head?"

"We were headed towards the way you took us when a storm started brewing, keeping us there for awhile where we fell asleep. We woke up with her staring at me and using magic. She says she can help us."

The pony turned to the mare in question, seeing her give him a large smile. "You gave up the search....because a mare said she can help us?!" He scolded to the guard.

"She knows magic, sir."

"What the heck is magic?!"

"Excuse me?" Twilight said, catching their attention. "My name is Twilight Sparkle and I was recently the number one mage in Equestria that knew the most advanced of magic. That was how Equestria was born. By magic. The buildings, castles, funds, everything there is magic. I promise not to give up until your land is able to grow again, I give you my word. Would you like to see an example?"

The general looked at Twilight, who was back to grinning wildly before he sighed. "Well, what've we got to lose?" He raised a hoof to the area behind him, making Twilight look and gasp. Everything was destroyed, dirt everywhere, as well as wounded Pserateps.

"Wow this is bad. Okay, first thing's first. Let's check this dirt." She walked forward, passing the line of soldiers who just noticed the obstruction on her forehead before she stepped into some dirt and pointed her horn down, completing a spell.

Her horn glowed violet before a large area of the ground in front of her did as well, attracting the soldier's attention. They looked on in wonder as grass began growing, giving the dark area a little more light. The alicorn moved forward, dragging the spell along with her and making more grass, all the while keeping her head down and horn to the ground.

The soldiers all looked at each other before abandoning their posts and following her towards her destination, which was unknowingly the first town called Merōl. Her spell was going great. Being experienced in magic made sure that was so. Practice makes perfect after all. She was so focused, she didn't even notice more Pserateps stopping what they were doing and staring at her in shock before slowly following her.

Soon, she walked into a residential part of the town where others looked out their windows and gasped, finally seeing grass for the first time in almost five years. They rushed out their doors and looked towards the front of the street to see a mare with shorter wings walking with her head low, apparently drawing grass.

One of them bent low and sniffed the grass and took a bite out of it. He gasped and stood up straight. "It's....real!"

The ponies started muttering while she continued her trek, focused on the grass that was continuing to grow in front of her and the area around her. It didn't go everywhere, and would take a while to get to that point, but this was a great start. She was showing the general what she could do and how she could help.

Twilight continued trotting, her magic still nowhere to going out as she walked out of the town and stopped at the ledge. Raising her head up, she put a hoof to her chin, deep in thought. "I wonder....."

Shrugging, Twilight decided on a mass growth spell that she hasn't used in a long time. She planted her hooves into the newly formed grass and built up her magic, a light beginning to form at the top of her head that grew brighter and brighter, nearly blinding the ponies behind her who had to cover their eyes with their wings.

"What is she doing?" The general asked Dark Silver, who were both covering their eyes as well.

"I don't know! But it's—" Twilight unleashed the spell. Her magic poured over the entire landscape in front of her except the path that apparently led up to the large building in the distance. The ponies watched in anticipation to see what would happen next when the ground started to turn a light green. Grass grew even bigger. It grew thicker and thicker until it stopped, revealing a whole landscape of grass.

The Pserateps stared with their mouths hanging open before she turned around, still not noticing the following. "Well, your ground is fertile. So you can obviously—WHOA!" She jumped high into the air, realizing the nearly one hundred ponies behind her. She looked around in shock at them while they shared the same expression. Although for an obviously different reason. "Where.......where did they come from?"

"Twilight, you walked right through a long residential road that goes two miles," Worn Weather deadpanned, flying over and landed next to her. "If you're walking around with your face in the dirt, creating grass with your...horn, then that tends to raise some questions. But if you put aside the fact that you were walking around dragging your face, then consider that these Pserateps haven't seen anything that wasn't dark brown in four years. Nearly five actually."

Twilight formed an "Oh" with her mouth before turning to face the ponies. "Hi, everyone! I'm Twilight Sparkle!" She greeted with a wave.

"Hi, Twilight," they responded back with a tone similar to that of a group therapy session.

"I come from Equestria, where magic is abundant. But I left because I was used, as well as finding out that....where am I again?"

"Psera," Dark Silver whispered from beside her, shaking his head.

"Oh yeah! I left because I was used and found out that you guys needed help. So I've come to offer you my skills in magic. I was the top unicorn back in Ponyville, and I am still considered the best in magic all over Equestria."

"Twilight?"

"Yeah?" She responded looking towards her left to see Worn Weather trying not to laugh.

"You've said four words so far that no one here knows. Equestria, Ponyville, Unicorn, and magic." Twilight sighed and put her face in her hoof.

"Can I just speak to your ruler?" She groaned.



King Madun sat in his study, looking over the reports of Cop, the Capital of Psera, down below, a feeling of worry on his mind. Full of numbers, charts, and graphs. The room lit only by a candle whose light bounced of his orange-red coat that seemed to enhance the light since their primary form of energy was out since the attack, plumbing them down into the dark ages.

"That bear thing really messed us up," he muttered, planting his face in between his two hooves, his eyes wide and teeth gritting in frustration. "How are we going to get out of this hole?"

He sighed deeply, closing his eyes and thought. His focus was interrupted when some soldiers began talking outside his door, making him look up.

"She did what?"

"Just get the king, she said she can help!"

A pony knocked on his door drastically. "Come in!" He called. The door burst open, revealing two of his Guards standing at attention, saluting him.

"Sir, we have spectacular news!" One of them said.

"What is it?"

"A pony called....an alicorn has created grass in Merōl!"

"What?" He stood up and walked around the desk, his long wings trailing the floor around him. "A what and grass?" He stopped in front of the three while they reported what they saw.

"Yes. She wants to see you at once!" The king walked back into his room and grabbed his crown that was seated on a stand behind his desk and placed it on his head before walking back out the door.

"Grab my advisors," he ordered, setting one pony off to go get them while the others followed after him. He walked down the flight of steps and into the foyer, where multiple ponies bowed to him. He stopped at the doors and waited for the advisors to come along.

"Are you absolutely sure?" He asked over his shoulder to one of the guards. "I do not want false hope among my people."

"Yes, your highness!" The guard on the right said excitedly. "She showed up on one of our boats and said she left wherever she came from after they hurt her. She saw we needed help. So she came here."

"Your highness." The king turned around and faced his three advisors, all looking towards him expectantly.

"I need you three to follow me," he ordered. "There is apparently a new pony in Psera that can help us. And if she is legit, I would like to arrange agreements."

They nodded and followed him out the insanelu large structure before taking off into the air, following the two guards towards the mountain range that served as protection for the capital from outside forces.


***


"As you can see, when I light my horn I can do many things with it. Like this." Twilight lit her horn before she vanished in a flash of light, making the crowd gasp and mutter, a little scared that she may have disappeared.

"Over here!" They looked towards the right where the lavender alicorn was standing, waving her hoof. The crowd went "aaahhh" before tapping their hooves together. Instead of stomping, they tap their hooves for appraisal. Interesting.  Twilight thought while waving, unaware of the six Pserateps landing behind her.

The crowd gasped before bowing deeply, confusing her. She cocked her head to the side and turned around. An orange Pseratep with very long wings and a golden crown was looking at the ground around him.

"Is...is this.....grass?" He asked himself.

"Yes it is!" He looked up before his eyes slowly widened and his mouth dropped open, seeing the most beautiful mare he's ever seen in his young life. Twilight gave him a beaming smile making his eye twitch.

"Your highness, you're drooling," one of his guards announced. He snapped out of his gaze and wipe the trail of spit coming out of his mouth.

"I am so sorry about that," he said to her and offering a smile. "Let me introduce myself. I am King Shimmering Madun of Psera." He grabbed her hoof and planted a light kiss on it, making Twilight stifle a giggle and blush.

"I am Twilight Sparkle from Equestria," she responded back, fighting down that blush that was threatening to reveal itself. Now is not a good time. "I, umm, oh my Faust I couldn't help but notice that your land is damaged and I would like to offer magic to help."

"What is magic?" He asked. "I've never heard of this."

"It's what I used to create this grass." She moved her hoof through the nature that dwelled underneath her. "And it also let's me do and create all sorts of things. Like this!"

She lit her horn and flashed white for a second before diminishing, revealing four more Twilight's around her, looking around in confusion and making the real Twilight sigh. "They......they aren't as smart. It's a work in progress." She walked over to one eating grass and pushed her over on her side. The copy gasped in delight.

"Wowee zowee, that was a fun ride!!!"

The real Twilight shook her head slowly. "That wasn't a....no, just....no." she lit her horn and got rid of them before focusing back on the king. "Sorry, that wasn't a good example. Let me.....your crown, your highness, it's.....rusting."

King Madun glanced up and took the spiky and extremely rusted crown off his head, sighing. "Yes, the air has been eroding metal and it has affected my regalia greatly."

Twilight lit her horn and made the crown flash for a second. When the light died down, the golden crown was as good as new, making everyone gasp. "There. Now put it back on, I wanna see what you look like WITHOUT a rusted crown."

Madun broke out of his state of disbelief and placed it back on his head. The crowd applauded, seeing him back to his former glory. "You look so much better, your highness," the alicorn commented. "Let's see what it looks like with the sun shining on it, this dirty overcast is blocking the view. I'll be right back." She flapped her wings and flew straight up, towards the brown clouds that were cutting off the city from the light and heat.

The king watched her go before turning to the crowd. "Who has discovered her?" He asked, watching three hooves fly up.

"It is more like she discovered us," Dark Silver answered, approaching him. "We were sleeping and she woke us up." Before the king could respond, sunlight broke through the cloud layer and hit the ground around them. It got brighter and less colder. The crowd settled in and began to enjoy it. Some even laid down and rolled on the ground, soaking up the heat in happiness before Twilight came back down, her hair wet and sticking to her face from the humidity up there.

"See? Your crown shines so much better when the sunlight hits it," she pointed out while he stared at her in admiration.

"What can we do to get you to help us?" He asked, approaching her with hope in his eyes.

"Silly king stallion, I'm already doing it!" She teased, reaching up poking his arm before recoiling at how hard it was. "Wow, you've got some muscles on you."

"So, you'll help us?"

"Yes." The crowd cheered and danced around before Twilight said one last thing. "But!"

"But?" The king said, getting in her face. "What do you need, we'll pay in full!"

"What? No, I just need some place to rest, my wings are tired from that flight as well as my legs from bucking all day."

The king grinned before nodding enthusiastically. "Consider it done, Ms. Sparkle."
> Chapter 4 - The Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Daddy!........DAAAAAADDDYYYYYY!"

Prince Shining Armor with the "crazy foal princess" riding on his back groaned before answering his daughter. "What is it, Flurry?"

"I'm hungry!"

"But you just ate an.....you know, I'm a little hungry too, let's hit the kitchen." The prince turned down an adjacent hall andmade his way quickly around the building, saying hi to every pony he passed as he made his way towards the area with the great food. Shining walked in, missing Princess Cadance already in there working.

"Hey, Sweetheart!" A voice said as he walked in, catching his attention. He looked towards the left to see his wife sitting at the table reading something and eating at the same time.

"Say hi to your mom, Flurry," Shining Armor said. Flurry Heart flew off and dive bombed her mother while he made them some lunch. Cadance yelped on impact when she knocked her down.

"That was a cheap shot, flurry," Cadance groaned from the crystal floor with her daughter laying on her face. She picked her up and looked up at Flurry's face. "You need to stop eating so much, sweetheart. Shining, what are you feeding her?"

Shining froze and turned to his wife before putting the massive bags of carrots back in the pantry. Cadance groaned and shook her head before a slither of magic came into the room, changed into a scroll, and fell on the table. "Shining could you read that aloud, please?"

Shining set down the food on the counter before picking up the scroll in his magic and unrolling it. Once it was opened, he cleared his throat and did as requested.

"'Dear Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor. It is with great regret to inform you that Equestria has been put on a nationwide alert due to a missing Element. The Element of magic.' Isn't that Twilight's element?" Cadance set down Flurry Heart on the table and nodded before he continued. "'It is also with great regret that I inform you that your sister, and sister-in-law has gone rogue and is believed to have taken the Element of magic with her. Please put your royal guard on alert to keep an eye out for her. She has become violent and unstable. We have already informed Night Light and Twilight Velvet of the situation.

"'Yours truly......Princess Celestia.'" Shining slowly lowered the letter before Cadance came over and took it, reading it for herself.

"I don't understand," Cadance said, shaking her head and turning to her husband. "Why would she go rogue and steal one of the elements?"

"I don't know. But whenever she does something drastic like that, there's usually a pretty solid reason behind it. Princess Luna could've been reverting back to Nightmare Moon, Sunset Shimmer could be after it again, a whole bunch of things. We probably just need to wait awhile before she returns. Maybe a week or two. After that, if she doesn't return, then we can start worrying. I'll go put the guard on alert. Could you feed Flurry Heart?"

Cadance looked over to their daughter...who was sleeping on top of the table. Shining sighed and stated, "If she says something like, 'I'm hungry' again, I'll just ask if she's tired instead." Cadance chuckled at her husband before he walked out, going to fulfill the task.



The Pserateps were quickly adapting to the possibility that hope had finally arrived. If this Alicorn could create grass, more versions of herself, as well as, what she calls, teleport, things just might get back on track. Of course it will all have to wait until tomorrow morning.

Just like she said, Twilight was exhausted. The king had offered to let her stay at the castle, which she took up on and didn't have any regrets. The castle was. Big. Large. Bucking humongous. When they landed in the capital, Twilight wasn't even focused on the damage the city had, too focused on the castle that was as big as Canterlot alone in Equestria. It was made out of a weird brick and had a golden accent to the doors, spires, handles, and plenty inside. The foyer of the castle was what Twilight would describe as a grand library without any books. Marble floors with a very fancy crest, tall columns made of artistic steel with—once again—accented points made of gold, and a lot of weird things above the doors of the castle that looked like thin black boxes with a glass front. King Madun said that they were display screens for many things. A bit vague but Twilight didn't pressure it. The castle was as big on the inside as it were on the outside. With long winding hallways with very tall ceilings, crafty design that rivaled Equestria's in many ways, and a lot of guards. What for, Twilight didn't know. But Twilight guessed this country's military power was great.

She had no idea.

After they walked into the large structure, they walked up some stairs and into another area, obviously residential. "This is where we keep guests," King Madun explained with the other advisers behind him. "It's not much but I hope it can satisfy you."

"Any place is fine," Twilight chuckled, grinning happily. "I just need a place to relax my wings. I have never been able to focus when my wings and legs are strained to the limit. I wouldn't be able to read, write, study, clean, or use my magic. So until I can get my strength back, I'll be pretty useless."

"Of course," King Madun agreed before opening a door into one of the rooms. It was spacy. Really spacy. There was a large window on the left side of the bed as well as two dressers on both sides. Both had big candlesticks on them, probably to enhance the flame, Twilight assumed.

"This is the room. I hope it suits your needs."

"It's great!" Twilight walked inside briskly and towards the window on the far side to see what the ground looked like outside. Sadly, she couldn't really see it due to the cloud layer blocking out the moonlight. "What is the name of this city?"

"This is called Cop," Madun answered, walking into the room and standing beside her, looking down with her. "It is surrounded by a mountain range that can delay or keep out invaders should an attack occur. Although it didn't keep out the bear."

"I would like to know more about this mountain range. If I'm going to help you, I need to know as much as permissible about Psera. History, height, places, stations, everything." She turned to face him with determination in her eye. "Psera will prosper again. I promise."

King Madun smiled and nodded. "Thank you. Is there anything else you need?"

"Do you have a map?" He nodded. "Then I'll need that and two guards for a cloud test tomorrow morning."

"Considerate it done, Ms. Sparkle." He stood back up and left for the entrance while Twilight walked towards the bed and unpacked her things. He cast one last glance at her and smiled before walking out, softly shutting the door. Once outside he faced his guards and advisors.

"Are you sure we can trust her?" One of his advisors asked him in the hall. "She literally showed up out of nowhere and wants to help us."

"I know," he agreed. "We'll see what she can do first before we decide that. Until then, have a map of Psera and two guards ready for tomorrow morning. She said she needs to learn first. I must go speak with Her Majesty and the council. Good night, everyone."



After Twilight Sparkle's leave, things in Equestria have been rather tight. The Royal Guard was upgraded and have taken positions all over the cities, keeping their eye out for a lavender coated mare. A powerful mage with a weapon of magic who had an itch to scratch was a  terrible combination. Of course the guard might not be able to catch her because of all the spells she knows, but they have also been ordered to report a sighting at least. So far, no sightings or apprehensions.

Celesta couldn't even feel the element anymore, let alone Twilight. Hopefully she'll show up within a few days.

"Sister." She looked over her shoulder to see the glowing ethereal mane of Luna coming out of the dark of her room before revealing her full body. "You need to rest."

Celestia sighed and turned her sights back down to the city of Canterlot below, worry on her mind.

"I cannot sleep like this," she responded as her sister sat down on the balcony with her. "Twilight is angry with her friends and I, and has in her possession the most powerful weapon Equestria has ever had. Yes, it doesn't work without the others. But Twilight is smart, she could find a way to activate it."

"I'm more worried about her," Luna said, catching Celestia's attention. "Yes, the safety of our subjects is important. That's why I called for the Equestrian lockdown. But the safety of our subjects would not matter if Twilight is calm and relaxed. You know this as well as I do."

Celestia blinked and turned back to the city, sighing. "Let's find her first. Then we'll worry about that." Luna nodded before walking back inside. "Goodnight, Luna."

"Goodnight, Celestia."



The red glow of the sunlight that was filtered in through the cloudy layer above the entire land of Psera reached Twilight's face, making her sigh and open her eyes slowly. Smiling, she sat up and kicked the covers off of her, feeling the cold morning air that bristled her soft coat. She would have to fix that immediately so everyone else could enjoy the warmth of the sun that hit her face.

Jumping out of bed she began stretching. Although it were a foreign bed, she had a really good sleep. An amazing one actually. After that, Twilight walked towards the bathroom and got ready. Can't be smelly while trying to help others. Be a role model, Sparkle!

Thirteen minutes later, she walked out refreshed, a clear goal on her mind for today. Get rid of those clouds. She wouldn't be able to execute the whole plan until she could get rid of them. So they were a must. Twilight walked towards the door and opened it, not entirely surprised at what she saw waiting for her.

Three of the Pserateps from yesterday were discussing something while two guards were on the other side of the hall just watching them.

"I hope I didn't oversleep," she said, catching their attention.

"Not at all, ma'am," one of them said. She was a red coated, pink maned mare with pink eyes. "You woke up right on time. I'm Cherry Blossom, one of King Madun's advisors. This is Blue Comrade, and Sweetie Apple."

"Oh, so....only one stallion? Must be hard for you," Twilight inquired. Blue Comrade groaned and shook his head.

"You have no idea!" He complained. "Get me this, get me that! I'll tell this to the king! You mares." Sweetie Apple bopped him on the muzzle, making Twilight chuckle and get down to business.

"Alright. Well do you have a map?"

Sweetie Apple reached behind her back and pulled out a large scroll and held it out to her. Twilight took it and unrolled it with her magic, once again stunning the Pserateps. "So there are nine cities here. All major. How about that mountain range? What's the height of it? Since I was tired, I didn't actually measure it."

"Over twenty-five thousand feet," Blue Comrade answered. "May I ask what you'll be doing with the mountains?"

"Of course you can." She lowered the map and smiled at him. "Considering the mountain is the tallest thing out there, I figured I could send out my magic from up there and restore the city of choice below. The entire city will be fertile, grass can grow again, and the children can play. All with one shot. My magic is pretty strong and withstanding, so I can do up to five shots every three hours. But first, I need to be able to see the cities. And this dusty atmosphere and cloud layer cut off my vision. So that will have to go first."

She handed the scroll back to Sweet Apple before continuing. "Today, my main priority is getting rid of that cloud layer. My theory is that just like Pegasi, Pserateps can grab the clouds as well."

"Wait you're saying you can move the clouds?" Cherry Blossom asked skeptically.

"That's what I did yesterday when you showed up to......" She looked up to the ceiling, trying to remember the name.

"Merōl," one of the guards whispered.

"Yes, in Merōl. I just simply push them over. In Equestria, there are three types of ponies. Actually four. Unicorns, Pegasi, Earth Ponies, and Alicorns, which is a mix of all three. There were only five Alicorns in Equestria until I left. In truth, Alicorns are supposed to be one of the princesses of Equestria. But apparently, I was not a ruler of Equestria since I didn't come from a royal lineage. 'It's only a title and means of respect,' so I was told. Anyway, my theory is that Pserateps and Pegasi share the exact same traits. You both have wings, although it seems Pseratep wings are far longer, making you faster fliers. So if you can do exactly what Pegasi can do, move the clouds, and do it as fast as you can fly, we can get rid of this cloud layer by day's end and move onto replenishing your land, as well as rebuild."

"So our main priority....." Cherry Blossom said.

"Is the clouds, yes. But first I have to make sure that you can move them. So guards, take me outside please." The armor clad Pserateps on the other side of the hall turned to the left and began walking, leading Twilight and company to follow along behind her. They made their way through another fancy hallway, through a few turns, and into another.

After a few minutes along, now that Twilight noticed it, the castle she was in was really big. Bigger than Princess Celestia's. It had at least ten floors. Well what she could count on the way down. Apparently there were more above her when she looked up.

"This........is a really big castle," she said aloud.

"Yes, it is," Sweetie Apple said, finally speaking as they walked down some more steps. "It takes up two thirds of the city of Cop. It took four years to build."

"Four years? That's longer than the pony sisters' build time!"

"The who?"

"The royal sisters in Equestria," Twilight explained, turning down another hallway. "They raise the sun and the moon and have ruled Equestria for over eight thousand years I believe." They turned to her in shock.

"You can't be serious," Blue Comrade said blandly. "There is no way a pony can live that long."

"Well that's what being an Alicorn does to you. Immortality or extreme longevity, I'm not entirely sure. But there were history books that can back up their story, as well as them raising the sun and the moon. I've actually seen Celestia and Luna do it."

They finally reached the bottom floor and walked down a hallway before entering into a grand hall where King Madun was currently standing, talking with somepony. "King Madun, she has awakened," one of the guards announced.

The king turned around and graced Twilight with a smile. "Good morning, Lady Twilight. Are you hungry? We can get you something to eat before we get started."

"I'd like to get started first," she said, sitting down on the marble floor in front of him. "I've just finished explaining to the others the plan for today. We're going to move this cloud layer that is blocking my sights of the city and creating dirty air. As well as clean up the atmosphere and give it some heat."

"So how do you plan on moving it? The same way you did yesterday?"

"Yes. I am going to do a test run with the two guards behind me to make sure my theory is correct. And if it works, we can get it done by the day's end."

"Excellent. Well let's head out and see if it does." He stood up and turned around, making his way towards the front of the building with the two guards flanking him, where more Pserateps bowed before continuing on with whatever they were doing.

Soon, they exited out the door and stopped on the steps, where King Madun pointed up to the sky. "These clouds are pretty heavy with soot as you can see. Are you absolutely sure you can move them?"

"Positive." She flapped her wings and flew up into the air with the two guards behind her, who had to flap their wings more slowly than her due to their unstable speed and her tiny wings. Soon, they breached the layer where Twilight landed on the top of one, stunning the ponies once more. "Alright, so here's what you do. Just....land on it."

The two guards looked at each other before going to the area in front of her. They positioned themselves over a cloud and slowly lowered. Twilight watched intently, biting her bottom lip in anticipation before they lowered down onto the cloud and..........landed. They made contact.

"Alright!" She cheered, jumping up and down, nearly making rain fall out. "So just press on it and see if you get more resistance." The guard on the left pushed his hoof slowly into it, making it bend and break apart. "That's exactly what we need to happen. Alright, this is what I want you guys to do, grab hold of the side of the cloud and push it out towards the ocean. I'll show you." Twilight flapped off the cloud and hovered behind it before beginning to give it a light push. It moved forward and began to go at the same speed as she was going, demonstrating what they could do. "Now you try."

The guards in front of their own clouds and started pushing them towards the mountain range, smiling at each other before going faster and pushing them towards the city of Merōl, going for the coastline. Nodding, Twilight flew back down to tell the king the progress.

They were all looking up at the sky when she arrived, a gleeful smile on her face. "It works! We can get this done, let's do it!"

The king nodded before gesturing towards the general next to him, making him fly off to get more guards. "We're going to get you two full companies of soldiers for this. That's three hundred. Are you sure this will more than likely get done by the end of the day?"

"With that many soldiers.....it'll be cut in half. Which means that this land will probably be back to order......." She looked up to sky muttering, doing the calculations in her head before smiling back at the king again. "Between one or two and a half days."



Sunset Shimmer grabbed her purse from of the library floor in the remains of Twilight's castle that she had brought with her to Equestria before stepping towards the portal, that was luckily still functioning after the roof of the building had broken off.

"Are you sure about this?" Spike asked her before she stepped inside. He was standing to the side, shooting her a worried gaze. "I'm not too sure about.....TWO Pinkie Pie's."

"Well.....they'll wanna help us find Twilight regardless of what I say," Sunset explained. "I have to ask them if they've noticed something weird and they'll instantly jump in even if I say, 'Don't jump in.'"

Spike sighed and stroked his face before waving his hand, letting Sunset go. She immediately jumped in the portal, sending her careening through the colorful area before flying out the other side, sliding along the concrete....and right into Rainbow Dash. The two rolled a few more feet, stopping in front of Fluttershy's feet.

"Ow! Watch where you're going, Shim-shim!" Rainbow complained, pushing the girl off of her. "You've been hanging around with the egghead so much, you've gotten clumsy too." Sunset sighed sadly.

"Why'd you come back so early?" Twilight asked as the two stood up. "Is everything alright?"

"It's the exact opposite," she said, straightening her shirt and black jacket. "Twilight's missing."

"WHAT?!" They all yelled.

"Yeah, she's upset. VERY Upset. Turns out the Equestrians lied to her about being a princess for four years and called her names. So she took the Element of Magic and left. Have you guys seen—"

"Well, we've gotta find her!" Pinkie Pie went behind everyone and pushed them all into the portal before jumping in herself with a, "WHHEEEeeeee!"

Spike went around the library, picking up the books that had fallen off during the giant explosion that he somehow slept through when a bunch of voices from the portal caught his attention. He looked over and deadpanned, "Oh no."

Seven ponies flew out of the portal and straight into the stack of books he had setup for reordering. He face palmed and groaned. Because now he has to restack the books, and get these girls out. "Sunset! Why are they here, Celestia's going to have an aneurism!"

"I told you," Sunset said, getting back on all four hooves. "I didn't even get to say the word, or phrase, 'Don't come' before Pinkie pushed us all into the portal."

"Great," he groaned before approaching the group. "Hey people, it's great seeing you again, but you gotta get outta here."

Rainbow dash opened her eyes and shook her head lightly to keep it from spinning. Then focused on the green and purple dragon in front of her. "Spike? Dude, you're a dragon?" She got on her hooves and tried to walk, falling flat on her face. "Ouch."

"Yeah it's tricky the first time, you'll get used to it," Sunset responded, going over to help everyone up. "Just take it one hoof at a time and everything will be okay."

"No it won't, TWILIGHT'S MISSING!!" Pinkie yelled, somehow already getting the walking thing down since she was already running around the room. "WE GOTTA FIND HER!! WE GOTTA—Oh, wait. She's right there." She pointed a hoof at the pony stuck under the massive amount of books that had a bun and a pair of glasses on her face.

"No, Pinkie. That's the other Twilight," Rarity explained, flipping her hair around. "Our Twilight. Girls, my hair is gorgeous, don't you agree?"

"Ohhhhhhh I totally forgot to tell you," Sunset said sheepishly. They all looked her way while she explained. "Ummm.......she's also a wanted fugitive for taking the Element of Magic with her and Equestria is on a lockdown. Which means there are guards everywhere, including inside of this building. If they see her....."

"Hey!" They all looked towards the door to see three guards running into the room.

"They'll do that. RUN!!!" Sunset pulled Twilight out of the books right when they jumped in, burying themselves underneath them. Pinkie grabbed everyone, somehow in someway, and led them all out of the room, leaving the guards to get themselves out.

"That wasn't really smart," Spike said as they ran towards the entrance. "Even if this was the real Twilight Sparkle, do you think it would be smart just to jump on her?"

"I'm not Twilight Sparkle!" Twilight said, adjusting her glasses and getting her footing right. "So the Element of Magic is what, a weapon or something?"

"The greatest weapon of Equestria," Spike explained as they exited the castle and turned, heading into the woods. "The Element of Magic helped us get rid of Discord, Sunset Shimmer—"

"Don't remind me," Sunset Shimmer groaned as they slowed down, coming to a stop in a clearing.

"—and more I can't remember," Spike continued, catching his breath. "Either way, the Element of Magic was our best weapon, but it only chose Twilight to wield it. So she took it with her when she left. So now...Equestria is paranoid. Put everyone on lockdown until she's found. Which so happens to be you."

"But you're forgetting something very important."

"Which is?" 

Twilight got into his face, before adjusting her glasses. Then yelled, "I'm not Twilight Sparkle!!...pony Twilight Sparkle.......ORIGINAL Pony Twilight Sparkle, jeez. Look, I'd love to help find her—"

"You," Pinkie corrected. "Find you."

"Find HER, but I don't see how we can be much help here."

"Neither do we." They all turned to the other side of the area to see Princess Luna and Celestia staring at them.

"Ohhh......poop," Sunset muttered.



Twilight watched from beside a group of Twenty Pserateps as they pushed a large thunderhead out from the airspace of the city of Fenix, which was very important. The town there specialized in food, vegetation, and plant life, which were not getting enough sun to grow. Looks like that was changing. Satisfied, she checked off a box on her checklist, smiling at another accomplishment.

"Lady Sparkle!" She looked to her right at one of the soldiers, a mare, coming over with a report on the movement of the clouds. "Everything is going smoothly," she reported, stopping next to her. "We've cleared the skies over the cities of Lavender, Capita, Eventa, and Rayray. The ponies are celebrating all below."

Twilight beamed and looked down to see that she was right. There were multiple Pserateps down below walking around, talking, and pointing to the sky, obviously amazed on the achievement of the strange pony that recently showed up not even twenty four hours ago. "Excellent!" She said. "Report back to me as soon as the sky is clear over the rest of them."

"Yes, ma'am!" The soldier flew back down to the ground and stopped in front of the king to give him the report as well. Satisfied, he sent her back to work and looked around him, seeing his people smiling. After nearly five years of agitation, grief, and suffering, they were finally smiling again. Which in turn made him smile But there was one thing bothering him. What did Twilight want? Ponies here just don't do things for free, that much was true.

"You're thinking about what I want aren't you?"

"Yes," he answered, unaware that Twilight was standing right next to him. "Ponies here don't usually—WAIT, WHAT?!" He turned his head to the right and saw Twilight smiling at him. "Where....where'd you come from?"

"Teleported. I have magic, remember? And to answer your question, I don't expect anything in return."

Madun said in disbelief, "You're kidding." Twilight shook her head. "Twilight, we can't just expect you not to get paid, you just cleaned the whole sky!!" She shrugged.

"It's an everyday thing for me. I come in, help, and then... I don't know, move on I guess."

"You're not going anywhere, Twilight Sparkle." He ordered, making her cock her head to the side. "You said you were able to find us by the clouds. And that was it. If you leave, you'll have to go back to Equestria, which we both know you don't want."

She looked from him back to the sky, sighing. "You're right."

"And if my sources are correct, the only clouds that come here are usually from Equestria. But they're usually small. Ever since we've heard about this land you're come from, we've been rethinking everything we've known so far about events and beings that have randomly shown up here. Such as that big bear that destroyed our land to begin with."

"That more than likely came from Equestria," Twilight admitted. She and Madun watched another group of Pseratep Guards move the last cloud out from over the city of Cop, making all the ponies down the steps to the castle cheer. "I just don't know how though. It could've swam here, but I don't know why. Besides, that is a long swim."

"Either way, we're keeping a close lookout for it. If it returns, do you know how to get rid of it?" Twilight nodded before turning back to him.

"Yes. You would have to send it back to Equestria. But that will only happen if it shows its face again. If we try and track it, it may become more violent than it already is."

"Alright. But like I said, Twilight Sparkle. You are stranded out here. So the least we can do to repay you is by having you stay and live with us." Twilight looked to him in shock.

"Are you sure?!"

"We are absolutely sure." She turned around to see another Pseratep walking towards her, the same one that gestured for her to demonstrate what she could do when she first arrived. "We haven't been formally introduced. I am Bold Shoulder, Defense Secretary of Psera. I manage the arms of the country."

"It's great to meet you, Bold Shoulder," she said, shaking his outstretched hoof.

"So far, it looks like your plan is working. What's the next step?"

Twilight grinned before gesturing to the mountain range. She finally found her purpose. "Each city is cut off from the capital by the mountain range to stop incoming enemies by the air. Which means I now have a clear shot at the area below. The cities. So I will do what I demonstrated yesterday with the grass. Only far far stronger. It will create trees, grass, flowers, and more. I will buildup my magic for three minutes and fire it in a wave onto the land below, restoring it. What do you think, King Madun?"

"Do it," he answered, a vision already in his mind. His people were going to live again.
> Chapter 5 - Phase Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sunset...why are they here?" Luna asked, sitting down with Celestia in front of the group of stowaways. "You know duplicates can upset the portal balance."

"Well......Pinkie showed up, so....." Sunset tried to explain, motioning to the party mare-human behind her, currently blowing up a balloon. "There's that. And I thought they could provide clues as to Twilight's whereabouts."

"Sunset, there's absolutely no way that—"

"And," Sunset interrupted Celestia. "And who better to find Twilight.....than herself?" The Princesses looked at her unamused before they caught onto what she was talking about.

"I'm not Twilight!" Sci-Twi yelled before once again adjusting her glasses. "Just because I'm Twilight Sparkle on Earth, doesn't mean I'm Twilight Sparkle here! I'm just a girl who got pushed in here by the crazy party planner!" She gestured to the pink mare standing next to her bouncing up and down. "Why is she jumping?! I really don't get this! At all!!"

"Darling?" Rarity said calmly, trotting over and placing a hoof on her neck. "It's Pinkie Pie. I thought we established to never question what she does. For instance, right now she is talking to the other Pinkie Pie who is standing behind us."

Everyone turned their attention back to the castle to see the Element bearers staring unbelievably at the two Pinkie Pies hopping around in a circle.

"What in tarnation?!" Applejack yelled. "Why are there two of 'em? Pinkie, have you been swimmin' in that mirror pool again?"

"Uggghhhhh," Celestia groaned before walking past the group and out into the open. "It's okay, it's.....Pinkie Pie from Earth. Sunset thought we could use some help in finding Twilight and....she showed up." She gestured towards the two Pinkie's making faces at each other.

"Ahhhhhh, that makes far more sense than this," Rainbow Dash said before a lavender pony bounded into view.

"YEAH, BUT WHAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE IS WHY! AM! I! HERE?!!! GET ME OUT OF HERE SUNSET, IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO—" Sunset Shimmer quickly thrust a hoof nonchalantly into Twilight's mouth.

"Could ya' shut up for a moment and let me explain first, Twilight?" She said, ignoring the disbelieving faces of the Element bearers. "Jeez, you scream louder than Rarity when she drops her purse on the concrete. Are you going to listen?" Twilight nodded, prompting Sunset to take her hoof out of her mouth. "Now. The reason I came to you guys was because I could use 'Twilight's Insight' to find Twilight. And since you two are the same—"

"We are not—" Sunset put the hoof back into her mouth.

"And since you two are the same," she continued. "I wanted to ask what would you do if your friends lied to you, you stole a weapon of mass destruction, and you ran away."

She pulled the hoof out of Twilight's mouth and wiped it on the ground, ignoring her friend's shocked face. "SHE DID WHAT?! Why would I do that?!"

"Well they lied to her for four years," Sunset answered, pointing towards the Princesses and element bearers who had guilty looks on their faces.

"Oh, don't forget ALL of Equestria too," Spike interjected motioning his arms towards the area behind them. "Everypony EVERYWHERE lied to her. Maybe her parents too. Maybe even Shining Armor and Cadance, I don't know. Did they know?" He looked towards the Princesses who have turned around, acting like they were watching the birds or something. "Well......I'm guessing they did too," he sighed. "Either way, the only way to get Twilight to come back would be if there was a disaster or something, which even then is unlikely considering how much you guys totally played with her mind. So we have to find her quickly. Where would you go if everyone lied to you, and you wanted revenge or not to be found?"

Twilight sighed and put her hoof to her chin, already a little freaked out that she didn't have hands, thinking deeply on that subject. The Princesses took that moment to turn around, proving to Spike that Cadance and Shining Armor did know. He shook his head and sighed, already making plans to definitely not attend their Christmas party this year.

"Well....if I were to steal a weapon," Twilight finally answered. "I'd do it like all villains. Erase myself off the map. Destroy everything that had remembrance of me and leave. I'd take the weapon with me, plot my revenge and strike. Of course, that's just ME! But I'm not Twilight Sparkle!"

"Okay, it seems that Twilight is probably going hectic right now," Sunset said, ignoring Twilight's exclamation. She shook her head and created a face of disbelief.

"You guys don't get it. Yes, me and Twilight are the same......sort of. But we are different because we don't have the same mentality. Look at where we are right now. A world full of magic. Twilight was born here and knows it like the back of her hand. Er...hoof. And look at where I come from where magic barely exists. There is a HUUUGE difference. The decision she makes would be influenced by magic because she's used to magic. She was born around it. Her? 'Oh! Since they lied to me, and I have this weapon of mass destruction, I'll just go underground, create a huge magical bomb, and blow up the whole country.' Me? 'Oh! Since they lied to me, I'll just go chug down a bucket of ice cream, cry myself to sleep, and then wait for them to apologize. And probably, PROBABLY, eat a bag of chocolate chips.' Our decisions are influenced by what we HAVE. And Twilight's amazing at magic, so I'm told. So she has a lot of things at her disposal. Another example. If somebody has an altercation with another large group of people, and they have thirteen crazy friends, they're going to grab them and teach them a lesson. But a person in the same situation who has only themselves is probably going to switch schools or something. Sorry, Sunset. But I don't think your plan is going to work. I can't help you in this."

Everyone was just looking at her wide eyed while Spike was just biting his lip. "She's right," he declared, catching their attention. "Twilight has a lot of things, I doubt she would just be in one of these houses in Equestria. She loathes Equestria right now."

"So she might be outside of Equestria then," Rarity suggested. "Some caves in the Badlands?"

"That's in Equestria," Celestia responded. "How about Zebrica? Or the Dragon Lands? She sent me a letter saying that she wanted to try and establish connections with them."

"Maybe," Sunset answered. "But this is Twilight we're talking about. She just doesn't go places unless she has a full understanding of them, so I really doubt she could've went off the map of Equestria. If she did, then we've probably lost her."

"Not precisely," Luna responded. "Zebrica is only twenty miles off the coast of Equestria. Plus, there are far more places that Equestria has that we haven't assigned guards to search. Like Foal Mountain, the Badlands, no matter how deserted it may be, the old Everfree Castle, Hayseed Swamps, San Palomino Desert, Galloping Gorge, The Frozen North, and The Crystal Mountains. Twilight knows so many spells she could survive all of those. However, it will take some time to search them all thoroughly."

"How long are we talking?" Spike asked slowly, nervously tapping his index fingers together.

"Months," Luna answered. "The Frozen North alone would take two, it's so big. But either way, Twilight's out there somewhere. And she has a weapon that we need back."

The group got quiet until Twilight broke the silence. "Yeah, so umm.....I'm leaving." She turned around and walked back inside the castle ignoring the guards stationed at the doors. Sunset sighed and shook her head.



In Psera, things were looking great. Literally. The sun was shining through once more, hitting the larger-than-Equestria world and bringing the feeling of summer back to the Pserateps. Birds were chirping, animals were coming out, and everyone was celebrating, but the job wasn't complete.

After lunch, which she skipped to make plans and preparations, Twilight was guided towards the top of the mountain range to begin Phase Two which was following Phase One of her plan to rebuild Psera. The plan was clear the clouds, restore the land, repair the buildings and heal the ponies as best as she could, which would take a few weeks. Repairing the buildings and healing would have to be done at the same time to avoid injury to those she healed.

Phase One was the most important. Clearing the skies, which worked wonders. But right now, she needed to focus on phase two. Restoring the land. This part was all her. All magic. Perfect for a mage. The group landed at the top of the mountain and made their way to the other side, focus on their faces. "Have the Pserateps been evacuated?" Twilight asked, as they neared the edge.

"Yes, ma'am," Dark Silver answered from her right. "They have been moved to the edge of the town and are currently waiting for the cue to return, which is a loud horn."

"Alright, good." She stopped at the edge and looked down at the city of Merōl, the emptiness of the city evident of the ponies still leaving towards the east. It was all brown, save for the patch of green she placed earlier on when she arrived. "I'm going to scan it and see how much magic I have to put into it. Give me five minutes."

Twilight focused on her horn, using her magic for this task. It lit before she pointed it upwards, releasing a pulse of the energy through the air around her. "This spell works like a detection and measuring system. On Earth, it'd be called Radar."

"What's a Earth?" Silver Sword whispered to a soldier beside him.

"The waves will bounce back," she continued, ignoring him. "And I'll be able to know the distance, which will let me know how much magic I'll need to use."

"Is this dangerous?" King Madun asked worriedly.

"Not at all, it only affects soil." She sat down on the stony surface, looking at the city below. "You know......this would be a really beautiful sight when this is over." She gestured to the landscape in front of her. "Put a park there, a large lake here, some rainbows and you'll have a pretty good residential city."

Madun chuckled and settled down next to her. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but this is a historic city. It'd be looked down on if you were to change something here."

"How is it historic? If you don't mind me asking that is." The ruler shook his head before gesturing towards the landscape.

"Not at all. And it's historic because this used to be a battlefield. That's a history lesson for another day."

"So, you're not going to tell me now? You're so unfair," Twilight teased.

"What?! No, I'm...I'm-I'm—" The king started hyperventilating. The soldiers and advisers behind him chuckled and shook their heads.

"Calm down, I was only playing," Twilight appeased, chuckling. "Don't worry. From what I've seen, you're an amazing ruler. So don't worry about what I've just said. I have a feeling you're going to be thinking about it all night."

"Nuh uh," he protested, sounding like a filly. "It'll probably just clear out when I see your next trick." Twilight looked at him and smiled before focusing forward again. "Try and impress me."

She scoffed and looked at him, shaking her head and trying to hide that grin off her face. "I'll impress you alright." She stood back up before the wave came back and hit her horn, giving her the information. "Everypony stand back. This is about to be big." The king got up and stepped back with the rest of the Pserateps, getting out of the danger zone and ready to watch the show.

Twilight lit her horn and started generating her magic, ready to unleash it. That went on for about six minutes before she began feeling that tingle of the magic about to blow. "Okay here we go!" Her horn began shining brighter and brighter, until it looked like a star to the Pserateps below. Right when it got to its brightest, Twilight moved her head to the left and swung it to the right, sending out the magical wave at the same time with a very loud sound *SHHHIIIIIMMMMMM*

The pserateps watched it travel down the mountainside and onto the ground below at a very fast speed, creating grass, trees, bushes, flowers, and more as far as the eye could see. Popping up out of the ground. Going all the way to the docks. Once it was finished, everything that was brown and lifeless now had green all over it.

The Pserateps all stared wide eyed and open mouthed at the display in front of them, amazed at the power of the alicorn that had managed to bring an entirely barren landscape back to life before they began clapping. Twilight turned around faced the king with a grin, who had his jaw to the stone of the mountain. "Was that impressive enough for you?"

He slowly lifted his jaw up off the ground and nodded his head rapidly. "YOU....are DEFINITELY not going anywhere. You are staying here, I will make it an executive order."

Twilight giggled before looking back at the map, trying to find the next location. "What ever you say, your majesty. Now.....our next stop is.......Fenix."

"Fenix is very important for this," Blue Comrade explained, stepping closer to her. "Each of the cities specializes in an industry. Merōl specializes in building materials. Trees, rocks, gems, metals, and glass. Fenix specializes in food plants and vegetation. Lavender specializes in military. That's the second biggest area of land we have. Capita specializes in cleaning materials and health. Our main hospital is in that area and is on the farthest side of the land, over two hundred miles away from the capital. That's our MAIN hospital, we have smaller ones in every city."

"How big is this hospital?" Twilight asked.

"REALLY big," King Madun interjected. "Two thirds that of the castle."

Twilight just stared at him open mouthed while Blue Comrade continued. "Then there's Eventa. The biggest, which is our....party world. We have major events there such as celebrations, inaugurations, sporting events, gatherings, receptions, etcetera. Rayray, which is our city for clothing is basically a big ol'shopping area. The rich go and shop there all the time. Very fashionable clothing over there. Snow, which is the city that specializes in corporate. Businesses that run businesses. Of course every large business needs a huge head at the top right? And finally, there's Cop. The Capital of Psera. We specialize in law, law enforcement, and the justice system. Taxes, rules and regulations, not to mention knowledge. We have libraries here as well."

"Okay." Twilight folded up the scroll and put it back with her other things. "So we head on to Fenix. Which is where?"

"That way," King Madun responded pointing towards Southeast. "It's one hundred miles away."

"So it's like going to Equestria. Alright, let's do this." She opened her wings and prepared to fly until the King stopped her.

"Hold on...hold on, you need to eat, you haven't eaten yet," he said sternly, grabbing her shoulder.

"I have no time to eat! Ponies are sad and I need to make them happy again—Oh my Faust, I'm sounding like Pinkie Pie," Twilight responded before shaking her head, getting that out. Cursing those ponies for getting in her head again.

"Twilight, I will not have a lady go out and help others on an empty stomach. You are going to eat lunch and you will enjoy it."

Twilight stared at him non chalantly before pulling in her lips, trying not to blush at his commanding tone. "Yes, your highness."

"Hey, none of that 'your highness' stuff. At least not from you. You've gained a level of respect from me. After seeing what you just gave my people, you can just call me Madun. Guard? Go get Twilight some food, please."

Dark Silver saluted before flying off back towards the castle miles away, but still clearly visible like it was in your face.

"You didn't have to do that," Twilight said, giving him a smile. "I could've easily got some of my own."

Madun smiled and stated, "Twilight, a gentlecolt doesn't let a lady go around making her own food. He makes it for her."

"But you didn't make—"

"Or he has somepony make it for her, hey I'm trying here." Twilight giggled before shaking her head and giving him a kind smile.

"Well I appreciate your kindness, Madun," she said genuinely. "I really do."

"It's the least I could do. You are our guest after all, as well as a mare who respects the wishes of others. So you get a great lunch."

Twilight grinned before turning back to look at the city below, seeing the hundreds of Pserateps flying around, rolling in the grass and cheering in happiness. This place made her feel like she belonged. Unlike Equestria.
> Chapter 6 - Changes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After learning that Twilight could be in either The Badlands, The Everfree, Hayseed Swamps, San Palomino, Galloping Gorge, The Frozen North, or The Crystal Mountains, Celestia decided to launch two full companies of Royal Guards to search the big places while her, Luna, and the other Elements searched the places that they knew of the most. Like the Everfree and the Galloping Gorge. Of course it'd be better if they could search every place on their own, so they could get her to bring back the crown and apologize to her. But time was of the essence and they needed all the help they could get. So the Royal Guard would be sent to the large areas while the group would head to the small areas, like they were doing now.

It was the next day, early in the morning. Evident of the sun having not even breached the horizon in the distance, a peaceful atmosphere that was also mixed with anticipation, fear, and anxiety for the Equestrians as they flew by chariot over the Everfree Forest, making their way quietly towards the Old Castle. No one spoke, afraid that if she was there it would spook Twilight enough to run away. Again. But they would be very disappointed in what they find...or what they didn't since Twilight was over four hundred miles away from that very location.

She was sleeping peacefully in her bed that felt similar to a pillow in the Castle of Psera, which was actually known as the Castle of the Gods. Very fitting because of its size, length, and width. That building was big. After the success of yesterday, and Twilight's lunch, everyone decided to take off for the rest of the day and continue onto the next, which Twilight preferred, seeing as all the ponies were a little tired from pushing the heavy clouds, even though they didn't have to do anything else. Now? It was all on her magic.

They moved everything to the next city, Fenix, very early the next morning so they could reach at least two more. Cop would be last. So it came with no surprise that Twilight rose at three. In the morning.

She flapped her wings, flipping the covers off of her as she climbed out of the soft bed and walked towards the window excitedly. She grinned, spotting the large amount of stars and the large moon in the sky, having all come from Luna. But just thinking about those alicorns, supposed friends, family members, and irrelevant ponies that had lied to her for four years, she became really angry. At all of them. Except two.

Sunset Shimmer and Flurry Heart, her niece. Her wonderful niece that held nothing but innocence. Back in Equestria, whenever she would hold the little alicorn she felt nothing but pride. Of course it wasn't her child, but she treated her like she was. Sometimes Twilight wondered what it would actually be like to have her own foal. Yeah, she raised Spike, but he wasn't...hers. Her own flesh and blood. Maybe sometime in the future it'll happen, but right now she had a job to do.

Tearing her gaze away from the window, she walked towards the bathroom, going inside to clean herself and get ready. After thirteen minutes of learning the controls and bathing, she walked out refreshed and looking better than ever...in her eyes. Nothing actually changed that she could see, totally missing her usually small wings which have gotten a little longer by two inches. Before, they were only at her rib cage. Now they were at her flank. They weren't nearly as long as a Pseratep's which goes way past their flank and tail. But, somehow, it was getting there.

After brushing her mane, she grabbed her saddlebag which contained her map and her crown, and opened her bedroom door to see Dark Silver and Worn Weather stationed outside. "Good morning," she greeted, catching their attention as she walked out in giddy happiness, placing the crown on her head. They were obviously very tired, based off of their slumped positions against the wall by her doorway and droopy eyes.

"More like 'good night'," Worn Weather yawned, rubbing his eyes. "How are you so chippy? It's three in the morning. Are the Equestrians early foals or something?"

"No, I would usually get up at this time to do research." The two soldiers smirked at each other. Then glanced back at Twilight.

Worn Weather whispered, "So you're an egghead?"

"Worn Weather!" Dark Silver scolded, turning to face him. "We do not call Lady Twilight an egghead......we will call her a nimrod like everyone else, am I clear?"

"Yes, sir!" He yelled, standing at attention in front of his superior.

"Now call her a nimrod!"

"You're a nimrod, Lady Twilight!" Silence. Nothing but silence after that bit.

After a few more seconds of crickets chirping through her mind, Twilight slowly shook her head and muttered awkwardly, "Umm......thanks?"

"Good morning, Lady Twilight!" She glanced down the hallway at the king, giddy as ever. He was trotting towards her with a grin on his face, along with two more guards. He stopped in front of her and looked her over." You look nice."

"Good morning, Madun," she replied, bowing to him. "And thank you very much."

Madun raised his hoof and waved it, stopping her. "Don't bow, Lady Twilight. I'm your friend, not your boss."

"Well....alright." She rose back up before smelling the air around her. "Is that.....cologne? Are you wearing cologne?"

"What? That's preposterous!" He denied, looking around and avoiding her questionable gaze.

"Madun, you're clearly—"

"Let's go get some breakfast!" He interrupted turning around and going back the way he came. "Follow me!"

Twilight watched him walk away before following along after him, Dark Silver and Worn Weather doing the same.

"Are there any preferences for your breakfast?" He asked over his shoulder.

"Not really," she replied, catching up to walk beside him. "As long as it's healthy and I can eat it, I'll eat it. Now what's with the cologne?"

"What? I can't smell great?" He said in mock innocence. The group walked towards the railing and jumped over, gliding down and coming to a landing on the first floor below. "You know, you're getting faster."

Twilight flapped her wings and looked at the king confusedly. "I'm sorry?"

He as well as the rest of the team smiled in her direction. "You've gotten noticeably faster. Before when we did that, you were trailing behind by five seconds. This time, you landed five seconds before us."

"Really?" He nodded with the others, agreeing that Twilight did get a little more faster. She grinned wide in glee. "That's good! Then we can reach more cities today and plan more things!"

"Excellent!" Madun led the group down a hallway on the right where there were two golden doors at the end, guarded by two soldiers on either side. Upon reaching them, they parted and opened the entrance, allowing the group inside the....very long and large dining hall.

"This.....is where you eat?" Twilight asked in amazement. She looked up at the giant golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. "It's so....BIG!"

The king laughed while the eight guards took positions at the doors, allowing the two to feast. "Yes, this is where the castle staff eat, but it's main purpose is for the king, queen, and their families. My family comes over every now and then. My EXTENDED family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, sister, you know."

"You have a sister?"

"Yes." He grabbed one of the chairs and held it out for her, allowing her to sit down before he took a seat next to her. "But she is not of full Royalty, but Royalty nonetheless. She chose to do her own thing and leave it. The way a king and queen is chosen here is commonly by the length of their wings and their intelligence. My wings are the longest in Psera. Another way a queen is chosen is by obviously......." He held a hoof out to Twilight. Inviting her to finish the sentence.

She chuckled and asked, "Marriage?"

Madun nodded and repeated, "Marriage. It would not matter the length of her wings or her intelligence, although the Pserateps prefer the latter in big amounts because she will have to rule alongside the king. Make harsh decisions."

"What about your parents?" He looked up in confusion, his mouth full of food.

"What do you mean?" He asked after swallowing.

"Is royalty not passed down from the royal line?"

"Of course it is! But that is for the current king and queen to decide, and it factors in with wings and intelligence sometimes as well. The parents will choose who will become King or Queen from their children. But it has to be one or the other, siblings cannot rule together. It becomes weird. One must be a king or a queen when they are chosen, and they must be smart. If they do not have a good intelligence level that has been set, then the public will choose."

"Ohhhhhhhh," Twilight hummed. Then bit into the food that was laid out in front of her. She gasped and took another bite. "What is this, it's amazing!"

"I'm glad you like it," The king chuckled. "It's called 'Chortle'. It has processed nutrients in it that give it the feel of being chewy, or meaty. It is really healthy. So much so that my people have said it makes you healthy overnight."

"So this is taxed then?"

"Yes. It is very popular." Twilight continued eating the delicious potato-like food in silence for awhile before the king continued.

"You're probably wondering how a Pseratep's wings get long." Twilight stopped eating at that and looked up, nodding. "Well, believe it or not, a Pserateps's wings get to that size by the love of their people. So if you are extremely admired, your wings become as long as mine, touching the floor. If you are not so admired, they stay the same like the size of your wings when you first arrived here. Although, now that I look at it, your wings have gotten larger this whole time we were talking."

Twilight swallowed the last piece of her Chortle and raised an eyebrow before glancing at her sides. Her eyes slowly widened, just now realizing the size of her wings that were currently going past her tail.

"And I bet that's just from Merōl!" Dark Silver yelled from the door. "Keep that up, and you may hit Shining Sword in the face when he decides to show up today!" The others laughed right when the Pseratep in question walked in, staring daggers at the ponies making fun of him. He thrust his light green wing out and caught the laughing Pseratep in the mouth.

"You mean like that?" He asked down to his laughing partner. Twilight wasn't listening, too busy staring at her wing. She slowly lifted it out and stared at it, measuring it with her eyes to be about as big as Celestia's.

"At this rate, I'm positive by the day's end, it will probably be at my length," Madun said, standing up from his seat and wiping his mouth. "But enough chit chat, we have much to do this morning, it's four o'clock!" Twilight gasped and dropped her wing, remembering that she had to go take care of some more cities.

"Oh my Faust, you're right! We gotta go!" She stood up and darted toward the room doors, running right past the guards before sliding to a stop on the marble. She turned around and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Ummmm.....where's the entrance?"



The group walked out of the huge castle and made their way down the steps, avoiding Twilight's newly formed wings that she was clearly freaking out over. At the moment, she was flapping them around, trying to look at the both of them at once. "Where did they even come from?" She asked aloud.

"Your sides," Dark Silver replied stoically, stopping on the steps with everyone else.

"Why are they there?"

"Because we love you. Just like his highness said, a Pseratep's wings come from the admiration given to them from other Pserateps. That and...they came with you."

"But I'm not a Pseratep, I'm an Alicorn. And I thought you guys didn't have any magic. This—" She lifted up her wing, nearly hitting Silver Sword in the face and proving Dark Silver's point. "Is magic. It's when something unnatural happens, but is natural to me."

"Well, either way, you get some brand new wings and the Pserateps love you," King Madun finalized from behind her. "Now, Dark Silver? Where are we headed?"

The black pony pointed towards the city of Merōl. "We're flying over Merōl and tilting, heading towards Fenix which is one hundred miles away from there. We'll be arriving there by four.......twenty seven."

"Then let's go. Twilight, try not to go too fast." Twilight looked from Madun then back up at the moon lit mountain miles away.

"Let me get the hang of this first," she offered. She lifted her wings again and flapped them. Taking off tens of feet into the air. "WHOA! Okay! I was NOT expecting that!" She yelled. She flapped them again by instinct. And ended up going higher than the castle before finally gaining her balance and flying straight up. Then looped and flew back down the castle walls, flapping her wings lightly and coming to a hover in front of the group.

"Well? Let's go!" The soldiers took off, flying towards the mountains with Twilight and Madun right behind them. It didn't take too long to get there like last time when Twilight had her smaller wings and they had to go at a slower speed. This time, they were going at a more appropriate one, clearing the city and mountain range in two minutes.

"You're getting really good at this," Madun said from underneath her. "You managed to get control of your wings within a minute, impressive."

Twilight shrugged and replied like it were no big deal, "It's far easier than when I first got wings. I had a hard time staying in the air and I couldn't exactly....fly straight."

"How many times did you eat dirt?" One of the soldiers asked pulling back above and smiling down at her.

"Seventeen."

"Wow, nimrod, you were that bad?" Dark Silver asked. Everyone chuckled, except Madun who grimaced at her nickname.

"Heh heh....yeah," she laughed along with them. "I've obviously gotten better, but slight changes can become a problem temporarily."

"Well, don't worry about it," Madun appeased as they flew over Merōl. "And as for Pserateps giving you admiration, it only seems like it's THREE or FOUR cities, not only Marōl. Word must've spread really quickly. But since you haven't actually given all the cities nature yet, this is a small amount. So your wings will get longer. And you will be faster. Just like me."

"So what? I'll be the fastest mare here?" Twilight joked. She looked behind her, seeing Merōl disappear among the dark environment.

"Maybe. I'm tossing the coins in that bucket. I'm fast, but I wasn't loved by everyone. So my wings aren't as big as they could be. But you? Everyone is going to love you because you have brought magic and the riches of Psera back. So the results of that will show by your wings at the party."

"Party?"

"Duh!" Dark Silver said from above her. "You are restoring a whole continent, of course we're going to celebrate! King Madun! Permission to strike Nimrod upside the head, sir!"

"Denied, and STOP CALLING HER THAT! I'm sorry, Twilight. But yes, there will be a party. You have created history and the entirety of Psera will want to meet the one who let them see the sun again. Breath fresh air, get back to working, the foals playing and attending school happily, as well as allowing us to understand that magic actually exists, which you've demonstrated time and time again. So there will be a party where you are the guest of honor."

Twilight looked up and blushed. She wasn't exactly expecting to receive that much attention. But now that she thought about it, rebuilding an entire continent is a really big deal. Very big. "Well....alright, I'll attend the party," she relented.

Madun became ecstatic. "Great! Maybe you can tell us more about this 'Equestria' you go on and on about. If you want to that is. I heard from Dark Silver about your unfortunate findings after four years. I am very sorry that they deceived you."

"Yeah, well it's their loss," she replied aggressively. "The only reason I would return for a short amount of time would be for my niece and that's it.....as well as my books which I left. I won't go for those unless it's really necessary. I feel they are looking for me as we speak." She reached up and took the Element of Magic from off her head, holding it in front of her. "I took this crown from them, which in reality isn't just a crown."

"Oh? What is it then?" Madun asked cautiously.

"It's is their most powerful weapon. The Element of Magic." She placed it back on her head before turning to the king smiling. "This combined with five more gems can get rid of a being as evil as everypony in Tartarus combined. And I have taken it. I'm not too sure if they'll be getting it back. I know for a fact Princess Celestia, my teacher, is mad about it. But she, along with everyone else, shouldn't have deceived me. Made me think I was a Princess for four years and used my magic for their own personal gain. That will NOT be happening again unless Equestria is in a complete ruin and only I can help. If there is another pony who can do it, then they'll have to go first before I jump in. My magic is stronger....and is apparently getting stronger if my calculations are correct."

"Well....." The king muttered, trying to get that image out of his head. "We believe you are fit to not only be a Princess...but to be a Queen. You have shown leadership, compassion, integrity, and stamina in a matter of three days. That is very impressive."

"Seriously," Silver sword agreed from the front. "Leaders who lie to their people, let alone their STUDENTS, are not fit to be a leader. You do not keep secrets away from your people, even if it dangerous. Instead you tell them and offer solutions to the problem."

"And you, Twilight, have done just that when you first arrived," King Madun said, lowering down as a few tall structures in the distance revealed themselves. "By walking off a boat and putting grass on a town all by dragging your face in the dirt."

Twilight giggled and lowered her height, preparing to land with the rest of the crew. "It's been a hundred miles already? That was quick!"

"Yep, record time," Dark Silver answered. The city in front of them was.......all land. There were skyscrapers, small buildings, and a lot, A LOT, of farms. "It seems we were going faster than normal. Here's the plan. The soldiers have already evacuated the city since twelve this morning and have put them in another area away from here. There is a really tall skyscraper at the very end of the city, overlooking everything from it. It's actually the office building for every farm here. There's over fifty farms, which means over fifty floors. I know, that's a lot, but we have over three hundred thousand Pserateps living in THIS city alone, so there's a lot of farms. You can see it over there."

He pointed down the street at a building far away, but was still clearly indicated by the light at the very top. It was the tallest building there and stuck out like a sore thumb, giving the impression that it was very important. And according to the ponies there, it was.

"That....is a tall building," Twilight muttered. Even though it was still dark, she could tell the height of it by the lights lining the sides and at the very top, that looked like a star in the night sky. "And you want me to do it from up there?"

"Well you can see all of Fenix up there. I'm sure you can do it from the ground as well, but this is your best bet to get it all in one shot."

"Then let's do it." She flapped her wings and shot off towards the top of it, the group right behind her. Twilight was right, that was a really tall building. And wide too. It was like Princess Cadance's castle, but it had electricity going through it rather than magic and was reserved for business instead of royalty.

She landed on the edge and turned around, gasping at the view. Although it was dark, she could plainly see the lights down below, pointing out of everything and providing insight. There was so much....land and buildings. It went on for miles. But it shouldn't be a problem.

"Can you do it?" King Madun asked. He landed beside her and brushed her face with a feather. Twilight smelled his wing and found the cologne he was wearing relaxing, pasting a dopey smile on her face.

Y-yeah," she stuttered, getting out of her daze. "I can do it. Are you asking me to impress you again?" The king got a smirk on his face before shrugging. "That wasn't a no, so I'll take it as a yes. Let me scan the area first."

Twilight took her stance, and lifted her head to do her radar, sending the pulse as a visible violet wave in the darkness that looked like a bunch of stars in a circle that was getting wider as it went out. They all waited for three minutes before it returned back to her horn, giving her the dimensions of the city. "Alright, that's a really big area. Hold on to something, this may shake the land a little. Just enough to cause a noticeable vibration."

The Pserateps all sat down while she took her stance and closed her eyes, focusing on her magic. If her theory was correct, then she should have far more magic in her than before since the Pserateps were apparently sending her magic that was causing her wings to grow. And that was the case.

It was like she was a source of magic that could never run out, it was so much. In a matter of thirty seconds, she had reached into that ocean trench and scooped out a castle full of magic, ready to release it. She charged her horn, forcing a shine as bright as a fire until she felt that sensation, causing her to look over the edge and swing her horn from left to right.

Twilight was correct when she said that it would cause a slight vibration. The ground had shook at the release, forcing the Pserateps behind her and the rest of the city to put their wings out for balance. Miles and miles away, you could seen the violet wave that swept all over the city, not missing a single spot as it reached the inner city and then the countrysides that held the massive amount of farms.

The Pserateps that accompanied her walked forward and looked at the ground in front of them, smiling at the grass and nature that was popping up faster than before, almost instantly. Then once again applauded. "Twilight......you are amazing," King Madun whispered, facing her with a smile on his face.

Twilight looked at him and blushed, although he couldn't tell that her cheeks were cherry red in the dark. "T-Thanks."

"You're very welcome." They both turned to see the violet had dimmed but was still going across the whole landscape, more than likely stopping miles away from the city. "Shall we move on?" Twilight nodded before pulling out her map that she had in her saddlebag, looking towards the next location.

"Next stop...Lavender, west from our current position." She rolled it back up and stuffed it back in her bags before taking off towards the city, the others right behind her. The Pserateps below all ran back to their homes, cheering, although it was still morning, that they could get their farms back and up to running again. As well as sending Twilight more magic and love.



"She's not here!" Celestia confirmed loudly as they all walked back to the chariot. "I don't think she ever came here." The group was currently searching Ghastly Gorge in the daytime, eleven in the morning. After having absolutely no success from scowering through the caves, Fluttershy asking the animals, Rainbow's fast flying, and Sunset Shimmer's spell to see if there was life taught to her by Celestia, they decided to move on.

"So now we're going to...." Sunset asked, taking a seat next to her former teacher.

"That was it for us," Luna sighed. "So she's either in the Crystal Empire, The Crystal Mountains, or the Frozen North. And we sent our guards to investigate those areas."

"We will send a letter to Zebrica, The Dragon Lands, and the Griffons to keep a lookout for a Lavender Alicorn, as she poses a threat to us all," Celestia said dominantly.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that," the fire maned unicorn pondered before the chariots took off again. "You keep saying Twilight is a threat, but how? I mean I haven't actually seen her going around bucking ponies just to buck them. Or hitting people with her hands whenever she's on earth."

"Right now, she is very upset," Her teacher clarified, turning to her. "And holds a weapon of massive power that could trigger the other elements to activate. That element is a major problem to the Equestrians in the wrong hands, as I'm sure you already know." Sunset made an "oh" with her mouth, remembering how she had turned into a she-demon at Canterlot High years ago.

"Yeah.....yeah, don't remind me."

"It's okay. You're a better pony now. But either way, Twilight has an Equestrian weapon that could be misused for destruction which I'm pretty sure she wants to do."


***


"So that crown on your head is a weapon?" Madun asked in fear.

"Yes," Twilight responded to the king flying over her. She flipped over and faced him, gliding with her wings.

"You're not going to do anything with it are you?"

"Of course not! I'm just keeping it to prove to them that they needed me and that they are now defenseless. This weapon was their go-to if an enemy wanted to strike Equestria."

"So without it..."

"They are done, yes. Eventually I'll return it, but for now, it's mine. I hope you're okay with that."

"I'm fine with it, Lady Twilight. What better way than to discipline a child who lied to their mother than to take away their toys?"

"My thoughts exactly."
> Chapter 7 - End of Phase Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was now three in the afternoon. A beautiful afternoon so far. Twilight, Madun, and the guards have managed to get to Lavendar, Capita, Eventa, and Rayray. All within the span of one day that wasn't even over yet, making the Pserateps cheer and love her even more, thus making her magic far stronger. Twilight could feel it, the energy coursing through her whole body.

Snow, just like Blue Comrade had told her, was a business city. Keyword, "Was". The Ursa Major clearly arrived here first since most of the buildings were still destroyed.

"The giant glowing bear struck here first!" Madun confirmed loudly as they came in for a landing on the top of the mountain that overlooked the entire city. They touched down onto the land at the top, getting situated while he explained the actual situation. "We have been able to repair around half of the buildings since the attack, but those were the mostly damaged ones, two thirds of the homes."

"Where did the bear leave to?" She asked before shaking her head. "Actually, nevermind. That's not important right now." She took her pose, tilted her head up, and lit her horn before sending out the pulse. Then waited a few minutes for it to come back with the information, and began the charge.

After three minutes and the data was received, she sent it out, watching as it hit the soil, making the grass grow immediately instead of a small delay, proof that her magic has gotten stronger than ever before.

Trees, flowers, bushes, ponds, and more abundances of nature were created on the ground down in the large city that held skyscrapers all around. It wasn't Eventa, but it was close. Eventa was bigger than Fenix, with sports domes and large arenas made for partying. Lavender was made for military and their families. Hosting more training grounds and homes.

Once the deed was done, they all turned to head back to Cop, their last stop, before Twilight stopped them.

"Wait!" She called out, making them all stop and look back. "I wanna watch this." Twilight walked towards the edge and settled down. The others looked at each other. Then followed her example. The Pserateps who lived in the city could be seen coming in from the distance, a cloud of smoke behind them as they ran into the city. At first they stopped, looked around and just stared. Before that one Pseratep yelled:

"YEAAAAAHHH!" The others, even the little foals yelled out too, their cheers reaching the Twilight's ears. Her smile transformed into a grin. She closed her eyes, feeling the magic in her grow more. So much so that she felt like she was going to pop. It felt amazing to be appreciated by a mere pony. But an entire country was amazing.

Twilight laughed and flapped her own large wings in happiness. She could feel them growing, emerging. They were going to be huge, she could tell already. After a few more seconds, she stood up and faced the group of Pserateps behind her.

"Let's go. One more place then we can stop for the day," she announced proudly. The guards nodded before taking off ahead of the two, protecting them as they flew over the city of cheering ponies, making their way towards the Capital. And the last stop.


***


"She's....nowhere," Celestia whispered disheartedly. She was walking back into the castle slowly with her head low, accompanied by Luna who was beside her. Their hoofsteps sounding like the loudest thing in the building once they walked through the doors that guards opened. Then shut behind them. The sound resonated around the halls, bouncing off the walls and hitting the ears of the castle's current inhabitants and visitors. The staff stopped and bowed when they walked past, paying their respects and not paying any mind to their conversation. "We've checked everywhere we could reach. Yet, there is not even a sign of her. Or the Element."

"I am worried as well sister," Luna replied, her face in focus. "But a powerful pony in anger is something you approach carefully. I know you are passionate about the elements, I am as well. But if we do find Twilight, you can't rush in and demand that she return it at once. We must learn of the problem and why she took it from Equestria. I have noticed that about you lately. You are in an agitated state."

"Luna, I have seen this before with Sunset," she replied. They stopped at a break off of the halls and faced each other. "I offended her once and she went rogue. Became evil. Yes she became a rightful Equestrian again, but that was because of the elements. That Twilight commanded."

"Yes, I understand she has control over the Element of Magic," Luna replied.

"Which controls all of them."

"But the question is, 'What has she always used it for?' She has always used it for the side of Equestria. Even when Discord came and tried to take over again, she fought for us."

"But now she isn't with Equestria anymore. She loathes us. We have done a deed that has made her loathe us. She destroyed her own castle. What makes you think she won't come and destroy ours?" Luna sighed, realizing her sister was right. Twilight was upset and had every right to be. And she could strike whenever she wanted to. "We must be careful, Lulu. But if it makes you feel better, I promise not to scold and demand when she reveals herself."

"That is all I am asking for," she replied, nodding her head. They continued on their way with rapid and worried thoughts plaguing their minds.


***


In the Crystal Empire, Starlight and Trixie were walking around, enjoying the summer heat after sitting inside of a cold library for days. One of them had done a show that had left the crowd wowed, giving her a sense of pride as they both bowed on stage. The other catching up with a friend. But now, something was a little off. And it was obvious by the high presence of Royal guard lining every street like light poles. The two eyed them curiously, then glanced at each other.

"What do you think is going on?" Starlight asked worriedly, walking by another guard looking around the area nervously. "I've seen them everywhere here. King Sombra?"

"No, he's gone for good," Trixie replied, adjusting her hat. "Why don't we just ask?"

"No wait Trixie, DON'T....mmmmmm." Trixie had already walked over with a gleaming smile to one of the guards, the plan already in action.

"Excuse me," she said, poking his armor and making him turn towards her. "Can you tell us what's going on?"

Starlight watched from a distance as the conversation between the two occured, hoping that it wasn't too big a deal. She was wrong apparently, based on Trixie's reaction.

"WHAT?!!!" She yelled, jumping five feet in the air. She turned and made her way to Starlight, grabbed her hoof, and started dragging her down the street, running at the same time.

"Whoa, whoa, Trixie, where's the fire?" She yelled.

"Your teacher's gone insane! She's gone rogue and stole the element of magic! They put everyone on an Equestrian emergency thing, but they can't find her!"

"Wait, what?! Twilight's gone rogue?!!!"



"Alright, Lady Twilight!" Silver Sword said proudly as the group landed on the top of the mountain on the far side of the castle. "This is your last stop. Got enough in ya'?"

Twilight rolled her eyes playfully and looked behind her at the group. "I was given enough magic to fly faster. I'm pretty sure I have enough."

She faced forward again and did her thing. The Pserateps down below have all been ordered to go inside, a safety precaution, while she scanned the city. They all felt the tickling sensation as the wave rushed past them for three minutes before returning with the exact same.

Once she received the data, she charged her horn and released the spell. But this time, she made it climb down the side of the mountain, sure to reach every inch and centimeter of the ground below. It eventually hit the soil, making its way through all the buildings and planting great nature. Not to mention the side of the mountain ring. The group grinned widely once it reached the castle, planting trees that ringed the outside of the whole building. Soon, it went up the other side of the mountain range, leaving a peaceful land back behind it.

The Pserateps down below cheered once more, rolling around in the grass, flying through the air with all the others.

"It's complete," Twilight announced calmly, flapping her large wings. She was greatly enjoying them, feeling the feathers ruffling as the wind blew."Why not go down and enjoy the festivities?"

"Because you don't know how to use those things," Silver Sword chuckled, walking over and poking them. "Can you fully open 'em?"

Twilight looked forward and closed her eyes, focusing on the wings. When they opened, her right wing caught Silver Sword in the mouth without her even realizing it. He grunted and brushed his face while the others were chuckling at his embarrassment.

"Oh yeah......definitely for speed," he commented, getting up and brushing himself off. "That hit was fast."

"Onto the castle!" The king yelled, cueing everyone to open their wings and take off. Silver Sword was right, those things were for speed. She had passed the group and landed on the castle steps ten seconds before they had and turned around to see the Pserateps celebrating with the rest of the castle staff. They had all come outside to witness the transformation. They were definitely not disappointed if their enthusiasm was a clue. After Twilight had landed, they all cheered louder, applauding, clapping and stomping their hooves for her. She grinned and waved at them from the top, making sure to get every pony out there in her sights.

"It feels good to be appreciated," Twilight muttered, continuing to wave. "Really good."


***


The Friendship Express pulled into the Ponyville station before two ponies teleported out and began running towards the town, more specifically a castle. "Why...are we running......so fast?" Trixie asked breathlessly. "I was the one pulling you earlier!"

"Because this is important, Trixie!" Starlight yelled as they ran past Pinkie Pie. She was standing outside catching some air from all the baking that was going on inside while the two ponies quickly ran past. She watched them leave, creating a dust trail. "We need to know if it's....true..." The two mares slowed to a slow trot, looking in disbelief at the ruined castle of Friendship. "Oh my faust....."

"What.....happened?" Trixie muttered, walking towards the damaged structure slowly. She walked into the building with Starlight right behind her, observing the internal damage. The door was broken and the crystal had been cracked.

"She was lied to." The two turned around quickly. Pinkie was making her walk towards them with a darker coat of pink and a straight mane, a sign that she was NOT happy. "She was never a Princess."

"W-what are you talking about? What do you mean she was never a Princess?" Starlight asked. Pinkie sighed and got comfortable before telling them everything. From the ceremony where she was crowned, to the destruction of the castle.

"And now she's gone," Pinkie finished, wiping a tear from her eye. "Princess Celestia can't even sense or track her. And she took Equestria's first and most promising line of defense with her."

Starlight and Trixie looked at each other before sighing deeply. This had all happened within a span of one day. What's next?


***


Twilight yanked the last feather from her large right wing. She wanted to look presentable for today's festivities. Yesterday was a huge success. All the cities had green back, giving it a lively look. The clouds had been moved, letting in the sun and warming the continent, and ponies were happy. That was what really mattered.

Today was a new day. Literally. It was day and you could tell without having to look at a clock. You could actually see the sun now. The day of the party where she was the guest of honor. It was supposed to begin at nine and it was already seven. And since Twilight was a stickler for keeping things on track, and on time, she was a little on edge.

"Where's my crown?" She muttered, running back and forth in her room, unaware that it was sitting on her dresser. "I need my crown, where is it?!" She lifted the bed sheets before lifting the whole bed with her magic, showing the strength of her newly transformed horn. After she had went to sleep yesterday, her small horn had gotten longer and more sharp, making it far stronger and easier to focus magic. But it wasn't helping her find her crown.

The door opened slightly as the king peeked in, trying to figure out why it was so noisy when he walked up. Cocking his head in confusion, he opened it wider and stepped inside. "You uhhh.....ya' lose somethin'?"

"I CAN'T FIND MY CROWN!" She yelled to him, obviously desperate. She began running again, back and forth, back and forth. It made the king a little dizzy.

Rubbing his eyes, Madun chuckled and walked towards the dresser calmly. "You mean this crown that's been sitting on this dresser for more than likely the whole time?"

Twilight slid to a stop and immediately turned around. The Element of Magic was sitting right where he said it was. She blushed in embarrassment, turning fully around to look. "Oh."

The king chuckled and picked up the crown. Then made his way over to Twilight. She smiled and sat down as he placed it behind her horn, positioning it as straight as possible. "I see you become really anxious, Lady Twilight," he commented, backing away and getting a good look. "You look......beautiful. Stunning."

Twilight grinned and blushed some more before turning her head to face the bed. "Thank you, Madun. You look really handsome yourself. Like a true gentlecolt."

"I should hope so. I am the king, I have to set an example for my people. Now, are you ready?"

"Not quite. There's still one last thing I need," she replied, holding up a hoof with a smile.

"Okay, what is it, I can get it for you!" Madun said worried, getting antsy and making Twilight chuckle.

"Calm down," she said, waving her hoof at him. "This is a party. And I....need....a date."

It's like the king's brain shut off as he stared at her, trying to make sure he wasn't hearing things. After a few more seconds, and Twilight trying her hardest not to laugh, he shook his head, finally coming out of his stupor.

"I'm sorry, I must've misheard you, did you say you need a.....date?" He asked carefully, leaning in to get a good earful this time.

"Yes, I did."

"Okay, umm.....phew, okay. How about Dark?" He suggested, much to the mare's disgust.

"What? No!" Twilight replied in mock horror. "No way, uh uh."

"Okay, how about general—"

"Nope."

"Silver?" She shook her head once more. Maxun sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Well those are the only gentlecolts I know that can treat a lady right."

"Are you sure about that?" Twilight asked smiling. "There's one more. And, by the way, you need more friends."

"And who's that?" Twilight raised a hoof and pointed at him, finally getting him to see the picture. "Ohhhhhhh....."

"Would you like to—"

"Hold on, Lady Twilight," he said, pressing a hoof against her mouth and giving her a smile. "I'm supposed to be asking you." He removed his hoof, letting Twilight get out that laugh.

She playfully rolled her eyes and said, "Alright, fine. Ask me."

King Madun backed up and cleared his throat, preparing to say something that could possibly change his life. "Lady Twilight........would you like to accompany me to the dance today?" He held out his orange hoof with a gorgeous smile. She blushed and took it with her own.

"I'd love to." The king grinned like a child who just got a brand new toy.

"GREAT! I NEED MY COLOGNE!" He turned around and made his way back to the door, opening it and stepping out before turning back around. "Oh, and umm......I'll....pick you up or something from this room." Twilight grinned and nodded before he shut the door, heading to go put on the oil. Along the way he encountered the last mare he'd expect to see roaming the large and grand castle halls, considering that she never likes to come there to that floor. Even if she is family.

"Hey, King Butt." He looked over to his right, seeing his sister walking next to him. She had a green coat, red and orange mane, and orange eyes. She had that sneaky grin on her face, meaning her mind was full of mischief. He grew up around that. "Saw you sneakin' out of Lady Twilight's bedroom. What's going on in there?"

"Hello, Merry," he greeted blandly, turning down another hallway that led to the stairs. "And nothing happened, why do you think something happened?"

"Well besides you yelling, 'GREAT! I NEED MY COLOGNE,' there's also that little bounce in your step. You only get those when you have a really good day planned or something. Sooooo.......what happened in her room?"

"None of your business, jeez. Don't you have your own relationship to tend to?" The two bounded up the stairs that led up to the Royal Suite

"I do and he's getting ready to attend the party. I'm already ready. Now spill, what happened in there?"

Madun sighed before they stopped in front of the doors that led into his home, guarded by two guards. He turned and faced his sister unamused. "Well, if you must know, Twilight needed a date to the party."

"And she picked you, I take it. Good job bro!" She lifted a hoof and hit him hard in his chest, making him grimace. "It's about time you find yourself a lady. But twenty golds say that she'll say no to your advances and go dance with another stallion. And will not go on another date with you."

"Deal." The two shook hooves before she hit him again in the chest. "Stop doing that."

"Go get' em.....her. Go get her." Merry turned around and walked away, leaving the king to shake his head and walk into his Suite to grab the cologne and most fashionable outfit. Ready to impress Twilight.


***


"Okay, what's next? What's...........next?" Twilight muttered to herself. She flipped over the scroll, looking at another step for Psera's return to normal. First there was the cloud removal, then the planting of green. Next up was health and rebuild. The Pserateps were living in a bunch of dust for awhile along with barely any sun, which means less vitamin D. These ponies could've been sick for awhile and they probably didn't know it. The bed she was sitting on shifted a little when she got comfortable, the creak the only noise in the room as Twilight wrote down some notes next to the upcoming task. So when it happens she'll have something to refer to. But that was a little ways away.

Someone knocked on her door, making her turn her head, activate her magic, and open it. She immediately laughed. Madun was trying to strike a pose in a blue and white suit. How he managed to get his wings in it was a mystery. "My my, Madun. You look great. What's the occasion?" She asked. Twilight set down her notes and made her way over to him.

"You already know, Lady Twilight. Are you ready?"

"Ever since you left a few minutes ago." She said before looking at herself in the mirror. Finding herself presentable, she turned towards the door and walked out. Madun closed it behind her, super careful not to close in her large wings. They began walking down the hallway while making idle conversation, trying to make this much easier and comfortable around the guard escorting them.

"So you're trying to impress somepony I see," Twilight thought aloud. She lifted a large wing and stretched it, nearly hitting staff walking by.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," He replied innocently. Twilight laughed and poked his side with a hoof.

"Yes you do. This magnificent button up suit, golden crown, cologne. You are definitely trying to impress a lady. Who is it?" Madun looked at her and gave her a sly smile.

"You know exactly who I'm trying to impress."

Twilight giggled before lightly bumping into him, looking at the ground. "You don't have to do that. I like you just the way you are."

"Well I wanted to make YOU look good, then."

"That's sweet, Madun.....all you need now is some—"

"Better cologne?" Twilight looked at him strangely, before realizing he was joking.

"Oh my faust, I thought you were serious," she said, rubbing her face. The king laughed before bumping her lightly.

"Don't worry, I'll get you some flowers. What are your favorites?"

"I like.....Daffodils," she replied, smiling at him.

"Then I'll get you a whole bouquet of Daffodils. You can count on it." Twilight grinned at him before they walked out the front doors of the Castle, meeting up with the guards and some more Pserateps that Twilight hadn't met yet.

"There he is, Mr. Smooth," Merry said sarcastically, pointing at her brother. "Hello, Lady Twilight."

"Twilight, this is my sister, Merry Fire," Madun clarified when he saw Twilight's confusion. "And this is her husband Blazing Fire. He's a scientist."

"A scientist?!" She asked him excitedly. Then turned to the Pseratep in front of her."Do you know a lot about energy?"

"A lot actually," Blazing answered. The Pseratep had a red coat, a red mane, and yellow eyes. As well as a goatee. He had large wings just like the other Pserateps there, obviously from affection. "I have helped discover different ways to help build the city without using up too much of our current resources. For instance, I helped discover hydroelectricity here, thanks to a plant in Merōl."

"Excellent! I would like to talk more about how you get it after the party."

"Of course, I'd love to tell you." Twilight nodded before King Madun gestured towards the air.

"Well, let's go, everyone, can't leave Psera waiting!" The group took off into the air, Twilight taking the lead thanks to her large wing flaps boosting her speed.

"So......this is your first date?" Merry asked her brother, watching as he smiled.

"Yes. Technically, she asked me but I said I wanted to do it."

"You sound like a child, King Madun," Blazing Fire commented, watching as Twilight flew farther. "She is a new species. What did she call herself again?"

"An Alicorn. A Unicorn, Earth Pony, and Pegasi mix."

"Well.....she is also part Pseratep now. We can't keep calling her an Alicorn."

"Do you think she'll like to be called something else?" Merry asked her brother as they tilted towards Eventa. Twilight wasn't even in sight anymore.

"Maybe, maybe not. It's up to her. She doesn't like whatever this Equestria is, but I think she does have some reservations for the land. I'll ask her later. But for now....we celebrate." They continued their flight in silence, arriving in Eventa thirty six minutes later.

The group looked down at the ground to see Twilight waving at them, her large wings fully outstretched and ready to party it seems. This is going to be a day.
> Chapter 8 - Planning Optimizations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After they had landed, King Madun guided Twilight inside the gigantic building, where millions of Pserateps were currently talking, dancing, eating, drinking, and, for foals, playing. Twilight was feeling uneasy coming around this many ponies, let alone ponies she doesn't actually know. She was in awe of the building and couldn't stop admiring its size. Equestria had maybe eight hundred thousand ponies in their lands, but Psera had over a million! Madun told her the country was actually becoming a little crowded and would have to find another way to house ponies. But Twilight had a great idea on how to fix that. Yes, Psera had a few spots of land that wasn't populated, but it still wouldn't be enough for all the Pserateps that were literally rooming together. The country was getting stuffed.

After a long walk and flight inside, the group were in front of a bunch of doors, side by side that were guarded by a few soldiers, obviously the entrance.

"Here we are," Madun announced on Twilight's right. "Are you ready?"

"No." The king chuckled at Twilight's fear stricken face before he decided to be bold. He inched closer and nuzzled her. She gasped and surprisingly nuzzle back.

Once they pulled away, Madun asked, "Feel better?" She smiled and nodded eagerly. "Then let's go." He walked forward while the guards pushed the doors open, revealing the very very VERY large stadium that comes from underground to a few levels up, and the millions of Pserateps partying. There was some music playing from speakers Twilight couldn't see, nor did she want to at the moment. She was in awe of the place that held so much design and other things.

"Amazing isn't it?" Merry asked, leaning over the railing and looking down.

"How.....how is this not its own city?" Twilight muttered in disbelief.

"Well........because it's a party house. The MAJOR party house. Whenever we hold big events, we come here. Crownings, nationwide funerals, national emergency briefings......royal weddings." Merry glanced at Twilight with a smirk, who was staring at her with a skeptical look.

"Merry?......No."

"You and my brother would make a great old Pseratep couple. The very brainy one and the very dumb one. Perfect match."

"I'm not stupid!" Madun yelled into Merry's ear. She jumped then turned around and hit him in his chest again. "And stop hitting me. Come on, ladies, we have some ponies to wave to. We're setup at the very very end." He pointed a hoof to the far side. Not that they could see it. "There's a stage setup over there, so we're going over there and introducing you. Then my people cheer, the music starts, and we dance, eat, and have fun before we have to get back to work. Sound good?"

Twilight nodded before the king grabbed her hoof and took off with her next to him, flying over the massive amount of Pserateps on the floor and different levels of the building. She still couldn't believe the size of the place. It was larger than a city, as far as she could see anyway.

They must've been spotted, because the ponies began cheering down below, making her ears ring. They were so loud, especially since there were over a million—or three—in an enclosed space. Eventually after three more minutes of flying through the large building, she spotted the stage which was exactly that. A stage that was as long as a street that went from east to west.

There were guards already situated on it, their saluting meant for respect more than anything else. That's another thing about Psera. They had a massive military. Huge. Half of the civilian populace had to be registered with them for something. Lavender, the city south of the capital, specialized in everything military. It was like a big camp site. So everyone who lived there, which were over one million, were signed.

The two of them landed on the platform and got situated, waving proudly and enthusiastically at the ponies cheering down below. After a few more minutes they quieted down. The king walked up to speak into the microphones setup on a podium in front of him. Then cleared his throat.

"For almost five years," he relayed, his voice bouncing through the whole building. His face was displayed on large screens attached to the sides and ceiling. "We have been plagued with irregular weather, dust, cold, death, and despair. All caused by the glowing bear, that we now know of as an Ursa Major. Where it came from, we do not know. Only that it wiped us out. No land would grow again. No flowers, food. Only agony. Then a miracle showed up.

"An Alicorn, from the land of Equestria arrived, promising to fix our land. And she did." The Pserateps began cheering again until Madun held up his hoof again, silencing then. "Lady Twilight not only brought us hope, but the knowledge of magic. We owe you so much, Twilight Sparkle. Thank you."

Twilight grinned and walked over to him, putting a hoof around his neck and giving him a hug.

"You're welcome, Madun." They stayed like that for a few seconds until she let him go, allowing him to continue.

"We have reason to celebrate today! So we will celebrate!" The Pserateps cheered before the music began playing from somewhere and everyone began dancing.

Twilight watched them have a good time before Madun nudged her, making her look into his smiling face. "Would you like to dance?" He asked her carefully.

"I'm......not really good at it," she replied, rubbing her hooves together nervously. "Can we just watch them instead?"

"Sure." He pointed straight up at some type of balcony above them before flying up there with Twilight right behind him.

They landed on the edge and walked in where a table was setup. "This is a booth for one of the restaurants in here," the king explained, taking a seat with Twilight sitting across from him.

"What is this place called?" She asked, looking around in amazement.

"Events in Eventa. It's the oldest building in this city that's still used. It goes through repairs most of the year and is a huge part of Psera's history."

"Wait, history? Tell me now," she demanded. Madun looked to her in confusion.

"You want to hear our history?"

"Yes!" She reached under her wing and pulled out three scrolls. "I want to know everything about the Pserateps!"

"Oh my stars....." He muttered, watching as she made a quill and inkwell with her magic.

"Lay it on me!" She said, grinning gleefully, posed an ready to write. They just stared at each other for a second until the king chuckled and leaned forward.

"Later. We're at a party right now, we need to enjoy ourselves. Besides, you've been writing and planning ever since you got here. Lay down the quill." The mare squinted her eyes at him. "Come on, Twi. Lay it down, come on." She groaned and laid the quill on the table, crossing her hooves and turning her head. "Aw, don't be upset, I just want to spend some time with you, get to learn you more. You obviously like academics and Daffodils. What else should I know?"

Twilight glanced at him still agitated before offering a smile and turning around to face him. "Okay. Well I love Starswirl the Bearded, I love reading, talking, traveling, and I hate playing dress up."

"Dress....up?" Madun asked. He tilted his head in confusion.

"Yeah. Everywhere I go, someone is always attempting to put me in some fashionable clothing. It happened all the time in Ponyville, where I'm from."

"Okay. Was Ponyville interesting?"

"Oh, yes, very," she replied, nodding her head quickly. "No matter what day it is, something always happens. For instance. A couple of years ago, I woke up one morning to discover that everyone's cutie marks were switched. So I had to finish a spell by Starswirl the Bearded to change them all back. That's what got me 'crowned' and mocked."

"Who is Starswirl? If you don't mind me asking. Would you like something to drink?"

Twilight nodded before he gestured to one of the guards at the room entrance, confusing Twilight as to how he even got there. He was definitely not there a few minutes ago. "Where did he come from?"

"He's been there this whole time," he answered, shocking Twilight. "Our Military and Guard are specialized in the art of stealth."

"Interesting. And Starswirl the Bearded is a widely renowned wizard unicorn from Equestria. He has created most of the spells I have used in the past and more that I have not used. He actually helped me when we stopped the Pony of Shadows and was the teacher of Princess Celestia and Luna."

"So he's a great influence, then," the king said slowly. Twilight gasped in mortification.

"Great?! He's amazing!!" A drink was set in front of her making her yelp from the sudden intrusion before glancing up into the guard's eyes. "Thank you." He nodded and left, not even making a sound and stunning Twilight. "There is absolutely no way a pony can walk on stone flooring and not make a single noise like that."

"We're a different kind of pony." The king picked up his own drink and took a sip before they continued talking. They talked about Twilight for awhile before moving onto Madun, learning about him and his interests, personality, and family. Besides his sister, there were a few cousins that also lived in Psera. They have opened up multiple businesses and have become a very successful family, even in the town of Rayray which was for the fashion industry there.

Eventually , after three more hours, the time had to come to a close, and with it a few questions.

"Twilight," he said, grabbing her attention from the ponies leaving down below. "Earlier, when you flew ahead of the group, my sister, Blazing Fire, and I were having a discussion about you. Since you changed into an 'Alicorn-Pseratep hybrid', you've been identified as a new species Psera had never seen before."

"And you're wondering what to call me so I can go in the history and science books here," she finished. He nodded and stood next to her, gazing down at the crowd below. He spotted his sister waving to him, so he waved back. "Well......I guess I'll just be called na Alicorn-Pseratep. Simple and easy to remember. Can you do something for me?"

"Of course, what is it?" He turned to face her, giving Twilight his full attention.

"I want to change my name. At least when I'm here."

King Madun looked to her in worry. "But.....I Iike Twilight. Why do you want to change it?"

"Twilight can be taken in two different ways. A new beginning or an end. And since I left Equestria, who will indubitably be looking for me, I don't want them to know it's me. If they were to find someone who knew me. They would ask that pony and they'd say an alias instead of Twilight." The king sighed and nodded with his eyes closed.

"I understand. What would you like to change it to?"

"Well....Arcadia is pretty amazing to me," she suggested, waving her hoof around. "So can I be called Arcadia?"

"Anything you want. I'll have it spread throughout Psera by tomorrow at lunch. Now can you do something for me?"

"Anything."

"Can you please tell me how I did on this date, seriously?" he asked worriedly. He gave her, in her own opinion, the cutest look he could ever make, thus making her laugh. "I don't want to let you down with this and this was fun, I really enjoyed it. But I want you to enjoy it too. So I gave you attention, patience, and a whole bunch of other stuff that I—" A violet hoof was pressed against his mouth, silencing him when Twilight chuckled.

"Madun?......I absolutely loved it. We are definitely doing this again some time, okay?" She leaned in and pecked his cheek, turning his orange coat into a dark red.

"O-okay....I-I'd love that." Arcadia giggled before they both flew off the balcony and landed with Merry and her husband. The grinning king trotted up to his sister and thrust a hoof into her chest. "YOU....owe me twenty golds."

"What? I lost?" His sister said in disbelief before turning to Twilight. "What happened up there? You managed to draw my brother in AND have him behave?! That has never happened before!"

Twilight giggled before tilting her head. "I have no idea what you're talking about. And you placed a bet on a date?"

"Yeah, I like to see him make a fool out of himself and get paid in the process." She fished out twenty golden coins and placed them in her brother's outstretched hoof, making Twilight shake her head. This mare was something else.


***


After the events of the dance, Twilight Sparkle, now known as Arcadia, and Madun went out on two more dates withing two more months. He was a king, so he had more things to tend to and Twilight had to manage the relief effort of Psera entirely. The Pserateps had bad health it seemed like, since they were breathing in dirt for almost five years. Most had respiratory issues that Twilight needed a spell to fix. Luckily, she had one right on hoof.

She had all the ponies with the respiratory illness meet at the main hospital in every city to get the spell done on them that'll clear their lungs and restore them, giving them a chance to move faster in the face of danger. Of course things like that were a top priority, given that a danger could strike again at any time. A prime example being the Ursa Major that attacked. But Twilight definitely wasn't going to let that happen. So she called in a meeting through the king to talk with geographers and more about an important matter.

Her hoofsteps were loud in the marble halls, the mare they belonged to on a mission. Arcadia had an idea that needed to be put into action immediately. She walked briskly into the meeting room on the third floor of the castle. The requested ponies were already there waiting for her, making small conversation to pass the time.

"Hello, everypony!" Arcadia greeted happily. They responded back before she placed her scrolls on the table.

"Hello, Aracadia," King Madun greeted. "I have gathered all the ponies here for the meeting that you requested. Lawmakers, military generals and Lieutenant's, and geographers."

"Excellent! Let's get started." She grabbed one of her scrolls and unrolled it onto the table, displaying a drawing of some sort that looked like a giant crystal. "I've been thinking about the Ursa Major attack on Psera's soil, and I believe it has come from overseas without a doubt. How it got here, I don't know. But it did. I would like to take precautions in case another attack were to happen. Either by greedy ponies who want to take over the riches of Psera, another Ursa Major, or something worse. So I have devised an early-detection system."

"So....you want to be able to detect if an attack is coming towards the continent?" Bold Shoulder asked her.

"Yes!" A flash appeared before Arcadia placed her pointer stick held in her magic at the simulation above the table. "This is Psera." She motioned at the continent which was surrounded by three hundred other dots. "The dots will be the sensors, which will be placed one hundred miles outside of our borders strategically. The reason there will be three hundred is because some ponies have a tendency to try and fly past or find a loophole somehow. But you can't get past three hundred." She lit her horn and zoomed in on the image, rotating on a very tall violet obelisk in the center of Cop. "This...will be the receiver. It will be connected to a group of Pserateps that will be managing it while on the go. I will give them devices that work as remotes and communication. Which will soon be supplied to our military. Then any other authorized organization"

Another simulation appeared, this time showing a purple block with a few holes in it that were shaped into a circle with a leather band. "This will be used to speak to other soldiers in case an attack is to happen. As well as an alarm on the waist in case something comes to the island. They will know and they will be ready for them."

She changed the image back to the continent, this time displaying red dots on each city. "If there is a large group of something out there, like say a swarm of changelings, then an alarm will sound out in every city, ordering everyone to get inside and stay until the order has been given to return to your normal day. And that is how it would work. This continent is big, so having a lot of detectors will be very useful. That's why I'll be making a bunch of them in the ocean."

The group all looked at each other before asking questions.

"So....how big will the detectors be?" General Bold Shoulder asked.

"They will be as tall as the mountain range," Arcane answered, changing the simulation to a life like image of the spire. It was a very tall purple crystal obelisk, reaching twenty five thousand feet high. "Each one is connected to the receiver in Cop, which will be twenty six thousand feet high while the rest will be twenty five."

"What if somepony were to leave Psera and then come back?" One of the geographers asked. "How will we know they're not a threat?"

"We'll place a special object on them where they can speak into and communicate with the person manning the Crystals. They'll be registered and allowed in peacefully, unlike those who wouldn't. THEY would have to go through a checking were we to allow anypony not from Psera here."

"I like this idea," King Madun said, nodding slowly at the image above the table. "And if the Ursa comes back?"

"We will know because the alarm will sound. That's a special case. I will have the obelisks programmed to sound off when it's detected."

"We will have to run this idea by the cabinet which will probably take a day or two," the general commented. "But it's VERY promising. Thank you for telling us Lady Arcadia."

Arcadia grabbed her stuff and began to walk out with the others before the king stopped her.

"Arcadia?" She looked over her shoulder at Madun who was walking her way. Once he reached her he slid a wing on her back and asked, "Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that you have more to talk about?"

Arcadia grinned before she chuckled and bumped him lightly. "You know me so well. It's about our overpopulation. There is more real estate than you think you have that Pserateps could use."

"Oh? And where is it?"

She pointed a hoof at the ceiling. "In the sky, on the clouds. In Equestria, there is a city called Cloudsdale, mainly used for creating clouds and weather. However, Pegasi also live there, year in and year out."

"We can live on the clouds?" Madun asked skeptically.

"Yes. Pserateps have an evolutionary advantage to Pegasi, but you still have the simple functionality to walk on the clouds. The reason I haven't submitted it yet is because I have to learn how to mold the clouds into buildings....which I don't know how to do yet. The only way to find out is if I find the book in my library in Equestria, which I left because I was in a hurry."

"Let me guess," he sighed. "You want to go back and grab it." Arcadia pulled in her lips and looked in a different direction, giving the king the unspoken answer and making him sigh. "Twilight, that's really dangerous. Those ponies are after you, what do you think will happen if they catch you?"

"I don't know, Firehead," she replied, using his nickname only she was allowed to use. "But I have to do this. Psera needs more space and I need more spells."

"Sweetheart.....you know how I feel about your safety." Arcadia smiled before pulling him in for a kiss, lasting longer than usual before letting him go. He looked at her and sighed. He was definitely not going to win this. "Alright. You can go, but stay incognito."

"I know.........I promise to be careful."

"And you're bringing guards." She groaned, starting to protest. "No buts! Your safety is my top priority. I will assign Dark Silver, Silver Sword, and Worn Weather since they have a connection with you. Not too deep, but still a connection. I would assign more, but that would trigger an alarm if they're found out. When do you want to leave?"

"Tomorrow, I want to get it over with." She slipped out from under his wing and made her way towards the door, talking over her shoulder. "I don't like it there, so I'm going in quickly and going out quickly. I'll also leave my crown with you as a precaution. Like I said, they're not getting their hooves on it."

Madun nodded before she walked out and made her way back to her room to begin the planning. The sneaking in part will be easy. But there is absolutely no doubt that Celestia will detect her. She, Luna, and Cadance, if she's joined in the search. Knowing the Princess of Love, she probably waited awhile before becoming worried. And there were more ponies there that could find her out if she steps foot back in the castle. It's definitely still there. But how to get in?

She sighed and walked into her room, closing the door behind her softly to allow her to think. And plan.
> Chapter 9 - Infiltration
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Equestria, things were....stable. Well, as stable as it could be while the top mage was still missing with a weapon. Shining Armor was literally going out of his mind worrying over his sister, Cadance was hoping for the best, the elements of Harmony were weakened, Sunset Shimmer was worried about her friend just like everyone from earth, who decided to come back that Saturday with her. Even Sci-Twi, who was still freaked out over when she actually met her.

Princesses Celestia and Luna were still on edge, just not as much as before. Royal Guard presence was still abundant in the streets of Equestria, keeping a moving and steady eye out for a Lavender pony that could get rid of Equestria within a few days. And her mom and dad were just out of their minds.

For the last few months, the Royal Guard has been getting up early in the morning to search for her, trying to catch her while she was sleep so it would be less likely for her to run if they did catch her. But so far it hasn't been like that.

It was five in the morning that Saturday in September and they were all situated in the square, discussing finds and leads. So far, nothing was looking good. At all. "No sign, whatsoever," Celestia declared, looking at the map of Equestria situated on the ground in front of all of them. "We've checked everywhere on this map. Every city, every land. And she is nowhere to be found."

"Twilight's really good at Hide and Seek!" EQG Pinkie commented. "When she's found, we're doing this again!"

"No we're not, and might I say Equestria is absolutely beautiful," EQG Rarity commented. "Especially the Crystal Empire." The rest of the Equestria Girls nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, girls," Luna replied. "It has taken thousands of years for it to grow like this and is still growing."

"Of course it can all be undone if we don't find Twilight," Celestia inputted. "Where in Equestria could she be?" The group all looked down in thought, trying to figure out her location, unbeknownst that Twilight was five miles out from Equestria.


***


After waking up at five that morning, Arcadia had grabbed her things needed for this trip, which was only a cloak, grabbed the soldiers and quickly flew east away from Psera. Headed back to Equestria for some much needed items. Soon she spotted the shores of Equestria. "Okay, we're coming in!" She yelled over her shoulder to the three guards behind her. "Based on our speed we'll be flying over Las Pegasus in two minutes, clear the Whitetail Woods in thirty seconds, the mountain range in a second, then we'll land in Ponyville behind my destroyed castle."

"Finally!" Silver Sword yelled, throwing his hooves out. "We flew four hundred miles! That is very far out!"

"Zebrica is only 160 miles out and the griffins are 115. No wonder you guys didn't know each other until now!"

"Yep, the Alicorn-Pseratep brought us closer, we're all friends," Worn Weather stated sarcastically.

"Whatever, Weatherpony. There's the land. Pull up, we can't let them see us." The group tilted up and flapped their wings, going higher and higher that they looked like nothing more than specs as they flew over the beach and into the airspace of the city of Las Pegasus.

"When we're in the castle, find a dark place to hide in the library," she ordered. "And do not say where you come from. Just in case they walk in and see you. Although I don't think that'll be an issue."

"So there ARE skyscrapers here," Dark silver asked, looking down at the city below them.

"Yes, but Las Pegasus is just a regular city. It doesn't actually operate in anything. We're going over Whitetail."

They soared over the fall trees of the Whitetail Woods with the dying leaves and beautiful colors, the mountain range right in view. "Once we cross this mountain range, we have to go on foot," Twilight said. "They already know we're here."

"What? How?" Silver Sword asked as they lowered down, soaring straight over the range. They tilted down and landed on the ground in the forest behind her castle while Twilight explained.

"The Equestrians here can sense other ponies' magic." She threw on her cloak and ran towards Ponyville, the guards right behind her. "And my magic has gotten extremely and noticeably stronger. I'd be surprised if no one here has a headache. Especially the Princesses since they can pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. Here we go, into the open!"

Twilight crashed through the treeline, revealing herself as a cloaked figure and the guards to the eyes of Ponyville and anyone behind her castle. Just looking at the still standing structure made her want to flare her horn. But she needed those books.

"What do we do when we're in, Lady Arcadia?" Silver Sword asked as they stopped behind the castle. Twilight peeked around it and got the surprise of her life. The elements of both worlds were there as well as Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie Lulamoon, and the Princesses. A search party.

She groaned and turned around to face them. "When you're in, find a safe spot to hide. I know you guys are good at stealth, right?"

"The very best," Dark gloated with his head held high. Twilight just looked at him nonchalantly.

"Whatever you say, big guy. YOU definitely won't have any trouble blending into the dark. Just find someplace to hide, and DON'T come out unless I am pinned down and about to be impaled, or put into cuffs. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am!" They saluted. Twilight nodded and looked back around the corner. They were definitely detecting her because they were holding their heads from the massive amount of magic they were receiving.

"We have to go in now! Hold on!" She lit her horn and teleported, sending them into the castle library, the dominant darkness shielding them from view. She looked around for a second, checking that they were alone before flying up and looking through the books."Go hide, we don't have a lot of time! They were sitting there in the square discussing something. Just my inconvenience." The soldiers went into the corners of the room, fading from sight while Twilight started scanning, looking for the book on Cloudsdale and the books she would find the most interesting and useful for the Pserateps. Those not useful she threw over her shoulder onto the floor like she did years ago while living in Canterlot. "Please don't let them find me too quickly." She threw the hood over her head and continued searching.


***


"We can try to search in the Crystal Empire again," Luna suggested, pointing to the area on the map. "If anything, she'll want to be around her niece more."

"Yeah, but Twilight would think about her safety too," Sunset said, pointing to a different area. "If Twilight being a danger  would put Flurry Heart in danger, she would more than likely be—AHHHH!" The group grimaced from the massive sudden headache they were receiving, something none of them have ever felt before. Any other pony around them all cried out as well.

"What is that?!" Both of the Applejacks yelled, holding their heads like everyone else. The ponies in the entire town began moaning and groaning from the magical feedback coming from Twilight.

"It's magic!! VERY POWERFUL magic!" Celestia yelled, looking around trying to find the source.

"It's coming from Twilight's castle," Luna pointed out, standing up with her sister and making her way towards the damaged structure. The group followed them, hoping that it wasn't a threat. The princesses walked in and stopped in the hall, listening for a disturbance while the rest stopped right behind them. They were all quiet, listening for anything that could be—

They all turned their heads towards the hallway on the left where something had fallen before trotting quietly in that direction, following Princess Celestia and Luna. They were getting closer it seemed, with the slamming down of something getting louder and more closer.

Soon, they stopped beside the library, where gusts of air were being felt coming out and along their fur. Somepony was either blowing air around in there or something else, because those were some powerful thrusts. Luna looked at her sister before they both took a deep breath and walked inside, the group right behind them. Three steps in, they stopped and gasped lightly at the cloaked figure above them with the huge wings looking at book covers and throwing them on the ground behind her.

"Come on......come on," Twilight grumbled, taking another book off the shelf and looking at the cover. Gasping excitedly, she threw it to her right into a rotating ring of probably thirty books, her wings flapping harder and making heavier gusts. "That's good, but it's not what I'm looking for."

She teleported to the other side and started searching over there while the group spread out around her, having already planned this months back. If they saw Twilight, they would all jump and hold her down. Too bad she already knew they were there.

"Come on.....come on......aha!" She pulled a completely white book out with an embossed cover that read The Foundations of Cloudsdale. "Just what we need. You can stop circling me now, I know you're there."

They all stopped and froze as she turned around facing the group, looking at them nonchalantly. "Who are you?" Luna asked stepping forward. "No pony is allowed in here!"

"Too bad, I'm digging." The hidden figure turned around and continued looking through the bookshelves while they continued to tell her to stop. "Ugggggghhhh!" She groaned, turning back around and facing them. She tore the cloak off, revealing herself and shocking the group. She looked far different. Based on the very long and sharp horn, and the wings that were definitely going to be dragging the floor again.

"Tw...Twilight?" Rarity asked, trying to walk forward before Twilight turned back around flew up and went back to digging, doing her hardest to ignore the perpetrators.

"Twilight Sparkle, you are to return with us to Canterlot at once! You have stolen an Equestrian weapon and must be put on trial!" Celestia ordered, completely forgetting her promise to her sister. Luna groaned and shook her head in annoyance.

"Yeah, I'm not going anywhere with liars and deceivers," she replied, grabbing another book and looking at the cover. Nodding in approval, she tossed it in the ring of thirty something books to bring back to Psera. "And by the way, the Elements are not Equestria's if my research serves me correctly. They belong to the bearers. I'm still the Element of Magic's bearer, therefore it belongs to me rightfully. It chose me. But you're always welcome to try and force me to cooperate. Although I recommend you don't."

"Alright, egghead!" Rainbow Dash said, getting down and flaring her wings. "You asked for it!" She shot forward aiming for her. Twilight groaned and spun around with her wing outstretched and caught Rainbow right in the muzzle with one of her large hardened wings. Rainbow yelped and flew back at the exact same speed into another bookcase, causing all the books to fall down and pile under her. The group gasped in disbelief and concern before Twilight caught their attention.

"Oh! I almost forgot about those!" Twilight yelled, flapping her large wings and soaring to Rainbow Dash. Landing, she pushed her over to the side on the ground and grabbed some of the books, looking at them. "Thanks, Rainbow! Your reckless behavior reminded me of this bookcase that I barely go to!"

Taking a deep breath, Celesta walked forward calmly and got to Twilight's side. Looks like she was going to do this Luna's way. "Twilight......why did you take the Element of Magic?"

"Is that all you really care about, Celestia?" She replied, tossing that book up to the ring. "Because there are more things to fear than the weapon of utter destruction. Like yourselves. Liars, deceivers, and manipulators. I thought you were all my friends and family, only to discover that I was merely a tool for you to use. Hopefully, if an enemy returns, they'll make you feel what I've felt. Because it's horrible." She threw another book to the side before flapping her wings at Celestia, lightly flicking her nose and sending a seemingly tiny bit of magic into her.

"AHH!" She yelled, backing away from the large amount that was transferred. "Twilight! What have you been doing to get so much magic?! This is dangerous!!"

"How is being appreciated dangerous, Celestia? Is that why you and everyone in Equestria kept me down all this time?" She tossed another book behind her, letting it float up into the ring. "Clarify that, please. As a teacher to a student, you need to make more sense. You know what, it doesn't matter, I'm leaving and you'll never find me." She turned around and walked towards the center of the room, stepping over Rainbow Dash's still groaning form. The books circling above her lowered down and got into a smaller radius, circling around her before she called out.

"Guards! We're leaving!" The group looked at her in confusion before three shadows ran out of the corners and stopped beside her, shocking the group.

"Where did they...." Sunset muttered.

"Don't try looking, you'll never find me," she told the group before turning to the guards. "We're shooting out three hundred. Prepare yourselves." They nodded before flaring their wings and Twilight saluted at the Princesses. "See ya'!"

"No! You are not escaping!" Luna lit her horn, putting a spell over the room that would stop her from teleporting away. A bright flash in the middle of the room blinded them before they reopened their eyes to see Twilight and the strange ponies gone. "What?! She escaped my spell?!!"

"What was that supposed to do?" Spike asked.

"It stops even the most powerful from leaving the area," Celestia clarified, walking towards the center of the room. "We would use it to keep Discord and Tirek from trying to leave in the middle of a battle. But apparently.........Twilight is so strong that even a shield could not keep her still. That is very dangerous." Celestia grabbed a book in her magic and looked at the cover. "She was looking for something here. A book of some kind."

"I saw what she picked up earlier," EQG Rainbow said, helping Rainbow Dash to her feet. "It read The Foundations of Cloudsdale, whatever that is."

"I have a bad feeling about this," Sunset commented, dusting off the dizzy pegasus. "And I've never seen those ponies before."

"Neither have I," Luna commented. "Never in my life have I seen them. And I am nearly a million years old."

"You sound like it too."

"Quiet Rainbow Dash....our Rainbow Dash. We must research them and discover who they are, they could be a vital clue as to Twilight's whereabouts. And where she is keeping the Element of Magic. She did not have it on her at this moment, it seems."

"I'm more worried about Cloudsdale!" Pinkie Pie said, riding on the back of EQG Pinkie. The group was staring at them oddly. A pony riding another pony's back? How did that work? It's Pinkie Pie, nothing makes since. "We have a very powerful Alicorn who is mad and came back here looking for a book on 'The Foundations of Cloudsdale.' Sounds a little fishy."

"I agree, we should tighten up the security around the floating city on the clouds," Celestia suggested. They made their way back out the room and down the halls.

"Yeah, sorry but I don't think something bad's going to happen," Spike said suddenly, making everyone stop and turn to him in disbelief. "No seriously, think about it. This is Twilight. Yeah, she's upset at Equestria. Really upset. But come on, if Twilight wanted revenge she would've done so by now! It's been two freakin' months! And If I know Twilight like I do, then it doesn't even take her a WEEK to get a plan set in motion. And finally, when she does come back, the first thing she does is grab a book on Cloudsdale? Yeah, I don't think she's planning something dangerous."

"You know what?......Spike's right," Starlight said, pointing to the baby dragon. "This is Twilight we're talking about, she could've been attacked us and the first thing she does when she comes back....is research. Personally, I would've made you all writhe in pain." They all stared uncomfortably at her until she realized what she said. "I-if I was still evil, that is."

"And plus, didn't you hear what she said before?" Rainbow added, finally getting out of her dizzy state. "Wow, that mare could hit really hard. She said to Celestia here 'how is being appreciated dangerous?' I don't know about you guys, but I think this is bigger than what we actually see. She's getting more magic from somewhere. And she's gotten a lot faster. WAYYY faster. Before, when I would rush her, she couldn't even see me comin'. Now, she was able to slap me back into a bookcase without even looking! That says a lot for the egghead."

"So....more magic, more speed, and a more obvious transformation," Trixie commented. "Did you see her horn? For a small alicorn, it was pretty long."

"And sharp," both Rarities agreed.

"Her wings got way larger too," Sci-Twi agreed, nodding her head.

"We must keep a close eye out for her," Luna suggested, exiting out the front door. "She could be anywhere in Equestria right now. About to cause trouble."

Three Hundred miles west of Equestria

"This is what we went for?" Dark Silver asked, flipping through the pages of The Foundations of Cloudsdale. They were flying back towards Psera with a long trail of books behind them. Arcadia had teleported the group three hundred miles out of Equestria, leaving the ponies there clueless as to what had happened.

"Yes," she replied, grabbing the book in her magic and flipping through it, finding the page she was looking for. "This book explains how the city of Cloudsdale works. As well as how they create the buildings, provide the warmth, create the weather. Everything Cloudsdale is in this book." She placed the book back in his hooves while the others were speaking.

"So......I'm guessing the white one was Celestia," Silver Sword guessed, watching as the alicorn nodded. "She's the top cop?"

"The very top, yes. The smaller black and blue one is Luna. Her sister. The group of mares with them were more than likely the search party looking for me. They were sitting in the square when we first arrived, so we had to go in quickly. Sorry for the rush."

"It's alright. As long as we find more room for the foals of Psera, then it's just fine." The rest of the soldiers voiced their agreements before continuing the flight in silence, landing back in Cop less than an hour later.

After the soldiers led her into the castle safely, Arcadia walked back up to the throne room where she knew her boyfriend would be waiting for her. Along the way, she passed by multiple Pserateps, the trail of books following after her before she stopped at the doors and knocked.

"Enter!" She pushed the doors open and walked inside. The king was looking at some reports with a few more at his hooves. A lot of guards were stationed in the room beside the walkway.

"Got em'!' She yelled, catching his attention. "Along with some more books that'll help with-MMMM?!" Madun had somehow, within those few seconds had darted off his throne and latched his lips with hers, making her laugh in the kiss and push him away softly. "Someone's been missing me."

"Yes! I have!" He said dramatically. "I'm sure the whole kingdom has! How was it, were you found out, I bet you were, weren't you, that's why I told you not to go! This is what happens when—"

Arcadia put a hoof against his mouth, silencing him for a moment so she could talk. "My turn to speak, Firehead. Now, yes, I was found out, but they didn't do anything to me. Although they did try. Celestia tried to make me go back to Canterlot for 'stealing' the Element of Magic. They were absolutely wrong in that instance since the Element of Magic does not actually belong to Equestria, but its bearer. All the bearers just happen to be in Equestria. Second, the fastest pegasus there tried to attack me, so I threw her back against the wall. By the way, I need a survey from the Pserateps."

"Okay, may I ask why?"

"While in Equestria, I was aware that I was giving the ponies headaches because of my magical feedback. I'm wondering if I was having the same problem here. And if so, I'll need to create something to hold the feedback."

"I'll have one created by my assistant this evening and sent out tomorrow." He placed a wing on her back and nuzzled her. Arcadia returned the gesture lovingly. "If you leave again, you are bringing more guards, not just three. How many ponies were there?"

She looked up at the ceiling as they strode back to the throne. "Well.......a large amount, around twenty ponies."

"Okay, that's a lot. Take a seat." He motioned to the throne making Twilight stare in shock.

"Sweetheart, I'm not taking a seat on your throne, that's offensive to Psera!"

"Awww, fine. Then sit WITH me." He trotted forward and settled onto his velvet seated throne, facing her with a smile. "It gets lonely up here. Keep me company, please?"

Arcadia looked at the throne before walking forward tentatively towards the cushioning. The king lifted one of his wings and covered her in it as she turned around and looked at the large room, meant to serve two hundred Pserateps. Fit right now with only the guards.

"This......is a beautiful view," she commented, laying the books down in a few stacks on the carpet in front of her.

"Yes....it gets lonely when I'm up here by myself. This seat was made for two. A king and a queen." Arcadia blushed before she nuzzled his cheek.

"We're not there yet, lover. Give it a little more time and ask that question again." Madun smiled and turned his head, catching her lips with his. They kissed more passionately until Arcadia broke it, a big question that she needed the answer to on her mind. "I have to know. How has no one discovered the Pserateps yet? Are we hiding?"

"Not at all," he replied, shaking his head. "We just don't have any neighboring lands and we never leave Psera. Actually, we never even heard of Equestria."

"Oh. I'm guessing the only reason a pony would leave is if they had to."

"Correct. You saw an example of that with the three soldiers I sent out to look for help when you found them. Now let's have a look at that book on....the clouds."

Twilight grabbed the Foundations of Cloudsdale and passed it over to Madun, letting him have a look at it. They sat there for a few minutes, reading and learning about how Cloudsdale would work, knowing that soon Psera will have floating cities. There were already enough clouds over the continent, they just need to grab them, mold them, and apply them.


***


The next day, Arcadia's idea of the detection system was approved and quickly put into action. It would take weeks until it was complete, considering that she was using her magic to create functioning obelisks instead of fake ones like they did in Equestria. It would take her a full hour to create only one and there were going to be three hundred. Definitely a week and more. Either way, she got straight to work.

The first thing that needed to be done was the main obelisk, the receiver which she placed directly in the middle of Cop. On the day of the construction, she flew up to the top of the area and fired a beam of magic below, hitting the surface and starting to build up slowly. The crystal structure was looking good so far from the air, with the base having already been built into the ground. The Pserateps down below were watching with unbroken focus as the structure slowly rose to the top, finishing fifty five minutes later. The structure took up a full block. And that was only the beginning.
> Chapter 10 - Three Months Later; Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Out of pure paranoia, the Princesses had stuck to their word and increased the military presence around the city of Cloudsdale, while also making sure the Pegasi were living well without even knowing the possible threat that could be looming over their city. Keyword, could be. Although the princesses didn't want to admit it, Spike and Starlight had a point. Twilight was always one to get something done quickly, not wait around. So waiting for five months for an attack that was more than likely not going to happen were hindering them from doing other things.

It's been five months since Twilight put up her hat on Equestria, ran away with the Element of Magic, and making Equestria useless against the villains such as Discord, Tirek, Chrysalis—even though the Elements were never used on her—and more. Equestria has been silent and calm, peaceful as they could be. Although guilt was still being shared around the table. Such as at the apples where everyone who were friends with the Elements were currently situated. They were spaced out, making idle conversation to avoid the inevitable one.

From atop a bundle of hay with a bored Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy whimpered, "Where do you think she might be? I mean, there's nowhere else to go but Equestria, Zebrica, The Dragon Lands, and the Griffins."

"I don't know, sugarcube," Applejack answered. Her eyes were trained on Starlight tossing around an apple with Trixie. "But it sure isn't looking well right now. Equestria is kept under the radar and Hearth's Warming is coming up. And Twilight ain't gonna be here because... Of us."

"Because of you guys," Starlight clarified. "You guys made her run away. Me and Trixie weren't even around when she was... 'Crowned'."

"So we're not to blame," Trixie added. "And to be honest, I was really REALLY surprised when I came here and heard 'Princess Twilight' over and over again. I was like 'Who's Princess Twilight,' and they were all, 'Princess Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's protege.' I got really confused, but I rolled with it anyway."

Rainbow Dash sighed and asked obviously annoyed, "Why are you two even here?"

"Because Twilight's my mentor."

"And she's Trixie's friend."

"We couldn't push 'em away if we tried Rainbow," Applejack admitted.

Pinkie's head popped out of a bundle of hay and yelled, "Does Twilight not know how much of a rut we are in right now because she simply LEFT?!" She popped a balloon to emphasize her point. "There's uncertainty among the Equestrian royalty! The Elements are out of service! We stopped all trade!!!"

"Pinkie, what in Celestia's name are you goin' on about?" Applejack asked. Pinkie grabbed Applejack's face and pulled it into her own.

"We. Are. All. On. Edge. We. Need. TWILIGHT!!" She let her go and looked at everyone else. "Nopony wants to party! They're all too sad to even leave their homes! We're stuck here on our flanks helpless while a crazy mare stole a weapon and is doing who knows what with it!"

"Pinkie, calm down," Starlight said, taking a bite out of an apple and tossing a few bits to Applejack. "Twilight isn't that irresponsible, I'm sure that she's doing something amazing right now."

"YEAH, THAT COULD KILL US ALL!!"



Twilight was doing the exact opposite. Having completed the Early Detection System for Psera a month in advance, there was another thing on her mind that she thought needed some fair attention. It's something that every place needed that was full of ponies ready to kick back and relax after a long year of work.

"A fair," she muttered in her room. Pacing back and forth helped her come up with ideas. "A fair, a fair, a fair... Or at least a day to relax."

"What you goin' to fix now?"

"I'm trying to figure out what to do during the winter solstice here. I want to do a—wait, who's in here?!" She whipped around and spotted Merry sitting on her bed, staring accusingly at her crown sitting on her bedside dresser not too far away.

"What does this even do?" She asked. Lifting a hoof, she poked it a few times. "My brother said it's a weapon. Just looks like a bunch of fake jewelry."

"What?!" Arcadia trotted over to the crown and picked it up, presenting it to the sky like it was the best plate of food in the world. "This is not fake! This has defeated so many villains that—"

"Yeah yeah yeah, I already heard that from King Butt. It needs more jazz!" Arcadia stared at her blankly, completely not getting it. Merry groaned and rolled her eyes. "It needs to be more fashionable. It doesn't need to be on a crown, it needs to be on a shirt or something! Our riches and gold are embedded in our clothing! If you're gonna be a part of the royal family, you need to look the part!"

"Merry, I appreciate it, but it's... You really want us to get married, don't you?" Arcadia asked, finally catching onto what she said.

Merry flipped her orange mane. Then glanced both ways before nodding. "Yeah! You would be a great addition to our family! And not just because you're smart, brainy, and a nimrod—"

"Why do ponies keep calling me that?"

"—but because you managed to pull in King Butt. THAT alone is a huge accomplishment! Mom would definitely wanna meet you. She's heard about the Alicorn-Pseratep who's been running around restoring Psera, but she doesn't know that they've also made a miracle happen! Drawing in my brother!"

Arcadia sighed and flopped down next to Merry. "So... Does she want to meet me?"

"It's always polite to meet your spouse's parents, nimrod, come on!" Merry knocked Arcadia in the head, making her yelp. "I mean if I were dating you, I'd say, 'take me to your father!'"

"Would you really?" She replied with a smirk.

"Maybe, maybe not, we're not dating so I don't know. Point is you're in a very committed relationship and you gotta look the part. So I'm going to take this crown..." She snatched the crown out of Arcadia's hoof. "And I'm going to make it look so much better. You copy?"

"Merry, No! I don't know what will happen if the Element is separated from the crown!" She snatched the crown back out of her hooves and gave her a glare. "So I will not be taking this out! I don't even think it's possible, considering the gem was made with the crown... I think... I don't know, look! If you want to make me something, then just make a dress."

"A dress huh?" Merry muttered. Her expression held an untrustworthy smirk. Add that to her humming in thought, and we have an issue.  "Would you like a lot of gold on it?"

"Yeah, sure do whatever. Now, I'm thinking of giving the Pserateps a chance to relax and have fun in their restored land. Are there any events here?" 

Merry nodded her head eagerly. "The Solstice Parties. On the day of every solstice, we have a nationwide party where everyone dances, eats, talk, and host the Massive Firework."

"The... Massive Firework?" Arcadia repeated. "What's that?"

"It's exactly what it sounds like. It's a huge firework that can be seen from two hundred miles away! The soldiers fly up and throw it over two hundred thousand feet in the air, before it stops....and blows. Creating the most loudest of bangs you'll ever hear and the most fabulous of light shows!"

Arcadia just stared at her open mouthed. These ponies were becoming more and more unbelievable. They didn't know about Magic, and didn't even know they could walk on clouds, but could create a bomb that could be seen from two hundred miles away?!

"That's... Amazing!" Arcadia exclaimed.

"I know. Now, when are you gonna tie the knot?" Arcadia groaned and facehoofed. "I think my brother deserves a mare just like you to dress him up and make him look good. Mother would say so too."

Arcadia removed her hoof from her face and turned to her in interest. "Who's your mother?"

"Her Majesty Molten Ice. The past ruler of Psera for centuries. She barely comes out 'The Castle in The Castle,' the top floor here, ever since the Ursa Major attacked. I visit every now and then to check on her and make sure she's not dead or anything. If you want to meet her, go up to her floor, knock on the door, and say this." She cleared her throat before Arcadia's voice. "'I'm Arcadia! I'm dating your peanut brain of a son!' She'll open the doors wide open for ya'."

"You're joking."

Merry chuckled and shook her head. "Nope! She loves Madun, but he wasn't always so smart. Just a butt. So she calls him all types of names just to mess with him. But at the end of the day, she goes to his room, gives him a kiss, and says 'good job.'"

"Awww, so sweet—wait......how do you know about that?"

"Because he BRAGS to me about it!" Merry chuckled. "Now, I have more clothes to make." She sat up and hopped off the bed, making her way to the door in earnest.

"I didn't even know you could sew," Arcadia commented. She reached out to her nightstand and placed the crown back on the dresser before Merry peeked back in the room.

"Oh, I can do a lot of things. So can your boyfriend. Ask him about what he can do and you'll be really surprised. REALLY surprised. Now, I came up here for something. My brother wanted me to send you a message, but I can't remember what it was... Hmmmm." She put her hoof to her chin while she thought. "It had something to do with lunch."

Arcadia deadpanned, "Was it possibly a lunch date?"

Merry jabbed a hoof at Arcadia and confirmed loudly, "Yeah! Yeah, that's what it was! He said come down quickly! But we've been talking for like ten minutes now, so... Yeah."

"WHAT?!" Arcadia quickly ran in place before grabbing the crown she just set down and ran out the room.

"I'm gonna have to make you some dresses or something because that crown just ain't gonna work, girlfriend!" Merry yelled after her. 

Arcadia slipped and fell for a moment before jumping back up and yelling, "SURE!" Merry chuckled before closing Arcadia's door and continuing on her way. She had places to be.



King Madun popped another olive up into the air, preparing to catch it in his mouth when the dining hall doors slammed open. He jumped and the olive fell in his eye.

"Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!" Arcadia apologized quickly. She eagerly trotted across the long glossy floors around the table over to him and pecked his cheek. "Merry and I were having a conversation, and then she brought up some things, and we started going on and on and on and on and—"

"Twilight, it's fine," Madun chuckled, holding his eye. "I expected that, actually. Whenever Merry is sent to complete a task, she gets sidetracked in conversation that can take up to an hour of delay. It's perfectly normal... For her."

Arcadia pulled out a chair and sat down next to him, relief on her face. "Phew good. I thought you had left for your duties. This looks good."

"Yeah, just a fruit cocktail." He gestured to the bowl filled with cut fruits sitting in front of his girlfriend. "They smell good, but do they taste good?" He made a motion for her to try one.

Arcadia smirked before picking up her fork in her magic and eating a bit. After chewing, she smiled and nodded in approval. "It's really good! The juice is fantastic! Who made this, I need to thank them."

"He's sitting right here." Twilight stopped chewing and popped her eyes open in surprise. "I grew them, cleaned them, cut them up, and finally put them in a very righteous bowl that was only made for royalty to eat fruits out of."

Twilight chuckled before looking down at the bowl. "It's styrofoam, sweetheart."

"So what'd you and Merry talk about?" 

Arcadia rolled her eyes before answering his question. "Well, she wanted to put the Element of Magic in a shirt instead of my crown. I turned it down but I did say she could make a dress. She also mentioned that YOU have some hidden talents."

"I have a list. I can play the violin, cook, clean, aerobics, dance, and lead."

"IS THAT ALL?!" They both turned towards the door to see Merry walking briskly towards  them.

Madun dropped his head onto the table and pulled a jump out of Twilight. "Oh no," he groaned. Then ordered, "Merry, go somewhere. This is private time."

"There is so much more!... That I can't remember right now." Merry came to a stop beside Arcadia. "But there is one thing he's good at. Turning on the mares." Arcadia's eyes slowly got wider while she unfortunately continued. "He walks by a group of us gals and they all get a little frisky. So much so that they may start to leak and—"

"Merry, if you don't leave right now, so help me I will throw you out," Madun ordered.

"Ohhh, alright fine." Merry turned and made her way towards the door. "But hey! Watch other mares when he walks by, he's gonna make 'em—whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on!"

Arcadia had gotten up and began pushing her out of the room. "You... Are trouble! Out out out!"

"Okay, okay! No need for this, jeez!" Arcadia pushed her past the doors, out into the hall, and closed them, once again leaving her and Madun alone.

"Okay... She's gone. Now we can—why are you making that face?" Madun was walking towards her with a half-lidded look and a small smile on his face. Definitely up to something. "What are you up to?"

"Ohhhhh nothing." He stopped in front of her and looked away while reaching underneath his wing.

"What is that? What are you—EEEP!" Madun had squirted a bunch of sauce on Arcadia's face. It dripped of her chin as she stared at him in disbelief.

He started laughing and pointed a hoof at her before she smirked and grabbed the bottle. "You wanna play like that, huh?" He stopped laughing and stared at his girlfriend's narrow eyed smile. "Well two can play that game."

"Oh no." She squeezed the bottle, spurting out the same sauce and hit his face. He doubled back and tried to run, making Arcadia give chase.

"Get back here Madun!" They chased each other all over the room until they faced off from opposite sides of the table. "Give it up, your majesty," she teased.

"A king never admits defeat!"

"Suit yourself." She teleported next to the king, making him gasp as she tackled him to the ground. "Give it up! I always—whoa!"

He flipped her over and looked down at her chuckling lightly. "Can I just say... You look beautiful with a messy mane."

Arcadia stopped resisting and smiled as he leaned down, catching her lips in his. She moaned into the kiss and wrapped her hooves around his neck, pulling them closer together as they made out for awhile.

Eventually, they broke for air, leaving Arcadia with a dreamy smile on her face. Along with some sauce all iver her body that got matted to their coats. He chuckled and walked over to his seat, grabbed something, and then walked back. "I should've given these to you earlier."

She glanced up and grinned, grabbing the bouquet of daffodils and bringing them to her nose, taking a big whiff. "They're beautiful. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Twi." He settled down next to her and nuzzled her sauce covered face. "Twilight... I... I love you."

She looked over to him and nuzzled his cheek. "And I love you too, Shimmering. I really do."



Later on Arcadia peacefully walked into her bedroom and softly shut the door behind her, completely missing the green mare grinning and watching her on her bed. She walked towards the window and created a vase of water, then placed the flowers inside. Sighing, she looked at them with a pleasant smile on her face, her head leaning on the windowsill in wonder.

"So I guess the lunch date went well... You know besides all the sauce on your face and... The rest of you."

"Yeaaaahhhh," she replied dreamily, still staring at the flowers. "You really need to stop bouncing in here whenever you want."

"Oh please!" Merry jumped off the bed and walked over to Twilight. "I walk into any room I want to around this castle."

"Your brother will definitely be putting you out." Arcadia turned around chuckling at the Merry's face. "You know it's true. Especially if you walk into his girlfriend's bedroom all the time. Now get out of here."

"Ugghhh, fine." She turned around and strode towards the door. "But I want details later on!"

"Yeah, sure. Just go so I can shower." Arcadia got up and headed for the bathroom. Once in the bathroom she took the crown off her head and placed in nearby to keep a close watch on it. She trusted the Pserateps, but Merry had strange motives.
> Chapter 11 - Wait...What?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This... Is actually really good," Arcadia commented. Her eyes were trained on a dress that Merry had created. It was made of silk that touched the floor behind her while in the front bottom corner on the sides were her cutie marks. "You made this?"

"You bet your sweet flank I did," Merry replied proudly. She was sitting behind a large red wooden desk looking at another dress she made. The two of them were in Merry's large luxury apartment in the castle, which had two floors, a kitchen, dining room, and three bedrooms. It was a house in itself. "I have five more styles with your name on it! Although, one of them wasn't really sewn," Merry admitted.

"What do you mean?" Twilight looked from the ponyquin to her with a confused expression.

"It's just flowers that go on your wings and end of your mane. It also comes with a crown and necklace." Merry leaned back in her chair and kicked up her rear hooves onto the desk. "It has the same little gem in it, just without the magic and all. And instead of it being gold with all that other mess, it's just a curved silver. Totally simple and without all that weight. Same with the necklace."

"Well, I can't wait to see it!" Arcadia cheered enthusiastically. She held the dress in her magic then trotted over and sat down in front of her desk.

"Yeah, you're wearing it on your Timool."

"Oh my Faust, not again," Arcadia groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Come on, girlfriend!" Merry scolded, throwing one of her pincushions at her. "You've been dating King Butt for approximately nine months, don't you think it's time to tie the knot?"

"I don't know," she answered nervously, looking away for a moment. "I love Shimmering, I really do, I just..." She sighed, looking at the windows behind Merry. "I just don't want to go down a smooth road, trip over a large boulder, and fall into a bunch of mud that I can't get off, you know?"

"I understand, but now YOU have to understand." She took her hooves off the desk and walked around to Arcadia. Then wrapped a hoof around her neck. "No matter where you are, where you come from, who you are, how SMART you are, etcetera... You will never know what will happen when you get married. It will be a mix of good things and bad things, it's never perfect. In some cases, one will outweigh the other. In MY case however, it was good! Look around, you see all this?"

She gestured to the home around them, shifting Twilight's eyes. "Believe it or not, this was not a perk of being part of the royal family. Before, I just had a room like yours. This is what teamwork does. Me and my husband actually bought part of the upper floor thanks to my connections, along with this one, and changed it all. We worked and we planned. There's a laboratory on one side and a boutique on the other, a kitchen there, and three bedrooms. We even have a small library, which is mostly used by Blazing for his textbooks and such. We actually didn't plan this until AFTER the marriage. Many couples don't plan BEFORE marriage here. I don't know what it was like in Equestria, but here we just wing it because we love each other. We just let whatever happen happen."

"So... I should just relax?" Arcadia asked. She wasn't so sure about that.

"Relax and enjoy Psera. Actually, now that I think about it, the only places, excuse me, buildings you've ever really seen so far are the skyscrapers of Snow, Castle of the Gods, and Events in Eventa. That's it! Time for a tour!"

"But I don't wanna—"

"Shut up, Twilight, you're getting a tour if you're going to rule Psera alongside my brother. Now go get one."

"Wait, I thought you were going to give me one," Arcadia assumed. She pointed at Merry.

"Uhhh... No. Get your boyfriend to do it, more romantic. And, if he doesn't, just say 'I'll tell mom.' Get's 'em everytime."



After grabbing her dresses, floral items, crown, and hoofshoes, Arcadia left her room and headed down the grand beautiful but mostly empty halls back to her own to drop them off. Afterwards she was going to look around Cop, hopefully with Madun if he isn't busy.

He has been a little drowned in work lately, managing Psera Skies, the new cloud cities she created. There were eight of them, one over every city, named after each direction with a prefix of "Psera Skies". So it would be Psera Skies North, Northeast, East, Southeast, and so on. And they were all beautiful. Psera had multiple lakes set between each city, making a lot of clouds. They were much larger than Cloudsdale. Much larger.

It took a week to make each since all it needed was to be molded with a lot of clouds, along with with a large circuit of her magic, allowing everything on the cloud to hold. Really useful for the Pserateps. And her magic hadn't barely even sunk. If anything it was only at ninety-eight percent. But that was also a little concerning. These ponies didn't know a thing about magic, only learning about it through her, when she restored the continent. But she also had a question about her magic. Would it fade away if the ponies of Psera didn't appreciate her?

Shaking those thoughts away, she turned onto her hallway and froze, nearly bursting out in laughter. King Madun was knocking on her door with a load of Daffodils and roses attached to his body. He looked like a giant puff ball. Arcadia put a hoof to her mouth, trying not to guffaw.

"Twilight, it's me! I have a gift...well, gifts." He knocked again and waited patiently, making the mare laugh as she walked towards him unnoticeably. He sighed and knocked again, hoping she was okay. "Twilight, are you okay? Do I need to come in?"

"Have you thought that I'm, you know, maybe NOT in the room?" He looked to his right at his girlfriend smiling and raising an eyebrow at him.

"Umm....uhhh...guh....mmm..." He stammered in embarrassment. Twilight chuckled and opened the door with her magic, walking in with the dresses and accessories behind her.

"You're so cute when you're stumped." He waddled into the room with the huge amount of flowers attached to his body, looking at the dresses.

"Yeah, well... Those dresses would make you look stunning. That's Merry's work, I can tell."

"Yup!" She took the dresses and hung them up inside the closet carefully. She didn't want ruffled clothes. "This is all her. Thanks for the flowers, sweetheart, I can smell them from here."

After they were hung up, she turned around and took the flowers off his body to hang them up around the room with some ribbons she conjured.

"You're welcome. I'm done with work for the day, so I figured I'd spend it with you."  He stretched out his wings, nearly knocking off a lamp while Arcadia grinned and walked over to him, giving him a nuzzle that he kindly returned.

"I'd love that. Merry wanted me to take a tour of the cities, so I'm gonna do that and investigate the Ursa Major's tracks. It had to come from somewhere. Were there any enemies Psera had in the past?"

"No. We have always kept to ourselves."

"Are you sure? Her Majesty Molten Ice didn't have any contacts years prior?"

Madun put his hoof to his chin, thinking. "Maybe. The only records I have of visitors and contacts is when I started in power, age fifteen."

"Okay, I'll ask about those later. Right now, let's go out. YOU owe me a tour."

"Nuh uh, MERRY owes you a tour." Arcadia pouted at him, making him cringe.

"Twilight...." When her bottom lip started quivering, that did it. "Fine I'll give you a personal tour."

She grinned and gave him a kiss before grabbing a rose and sticking it in her mane, along with her crown that was placed on her head.

"Thank you. Now lets go."



After everything that had happened in Ponyville with Twilight being seen rummaging through her library, Cloudsdale was held on a high alert with a noticeable Royal Guard presence. Luna was still skeptical about Twilight not wanting to attack Equestria, thus giving out the order to the guard.

That was all nice and dandy, but there was still the matter revolving around her family.

It was a beautiful calm day in Canterlot. An amazing one to Captain Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, who were standing with Flurry Heart on the steps of Twilight Velvet and Night Light's home. Shining Armor sighed before knocking on his parents' door, which opened almost instantly. Twilight Velvet looked at them with a hopeful smile.

"Any news?" She asked. Shining and Cadance sighed, shaking their heads while Flurry Heart jumped off her father's back and onto Night Light's muzzle with a babyish giggle. He looked at her before plucking her off and tossing her onto his back.

"Nothing," Shining answered. He walked past his parents to the inside. "At all. We started our own private investigation and still nothing. Leave it to Twilight to outsmart Equestria."

Twilight Velvet sighed and coalesced. "I'll say. Nine months and still nothing. Cookies?" She held out a pan that was sitting nearby with chocolate chip cookies while Night Light shut the door. Shining and Cadance took one and Flurry four.

"Thanks mom. We're doing everything we can at this point." They walked inside and took a seat in the living room, sighing.

Cadance took a bite out of her cookie and let the chocolate hit her taste buds. Humming in delight. Then said, "We were informed by Celestia for her reasons."

"What was it?" Night Light asked desperately.

"The respectful crowning. She was never informed that it was out of respect and wasn't ascended to Princess."

Twilight Velvet grunted. "Celestia told me they were going to tell her way, way, wayyy before the crowning. Four years later, she finds out on her own, of course she's upset!"

"She must think she was mocked. Used. Made fun of." Night Light ate a bit of his cookie before continuing. "Most of Equestria knew about her status, yet no one told her. She's upset. Angry."

"Probably hating everything about Equestria," Cadance whispered while Flurry Heart settled between her legs, crumbs on her face. "Flurry, you're four. You have to wipe your face after you eat."

"My face is fine, see?" She looked up and gave her a smile. Cadance sighed and grabbed a napkin. Then began wiping it herself.

"I'll have to get aunt Rarity to teach you how to be a lady," she thought out loud. Flurry tried pushing away her hoof and groaned, making the others chuckle.

"Where's aunty Twilight?" She asked once Cadance finished.

"Aunty Twilight is out of town," Twilight Velvet answered. After finishing off her cookie, she walked over and picked up the little filly. "Somepony's starting school soon."

"I don't wanna go to school!" She cried, crossing her hooves.

"Everyone goes to school, little Princess. You can make some friends and have fun, all learning in the process. You'll like it, I promise." Flurry Heart only gave a grunt in response.


***


Just like he promised, Madun took Arcadia out for a tour of Cop. It was once again a sunny day, heating up the coats of the Pserateps that would bow to King Madun as he walked past and wave to Arcadia, and the armor of the guard that accompanied them. Besides governmental buildings, Cop had a collection of restaurants, skyscrapers, museums, parks, homes and apartments, highways for the quickly flying Pserateps, and so much more. The two were currently walking around a circle in the city, surrounded by tall office buildings that had a lot of glass windows.

"And this is a restaurant, specializing in smoothies," Madun said. He pointed to his right at a small black and white building. It's front had windows, allowing them sights of the inside. It looked like a small casual lounge.

"Ooohhh, why have we never gone there?" Arcadia asked in disbelief. Before they left, she decided to wear one of the designs Merry had made for her. The necklace. It did look really good on her.

"Because we barely leave the castle. We really should get out more. You see anything strange yet?"

Twilight nodded before lifting her wing, and pulling out a plastic bag with something black in it. "Chitin," she announced.

"What?"

She turned his way and repeated, "Chitin. It's a material found on the exoskeletons of arthropods and is the cell walls of fungi. I feel like I've seen this somewhere before, but I can't remember where. I found this caught onto one of the destroyed structures we have yet to move and rebuild." They stared at it for awhile before Twilight sighed and put it back under her wing. "I'll figure it out later. Where did the Ursa Major first attack?"

"Snow."

"Okay, we'll have to go there soon, there could be more clues around destroyed structures. If there's more Chitin, then it's a clue of the Ursa. I can then analyze and find its source, helping me discover the origin. It'll take awhile though."

"How long?" The two waved at a group of Pseratep foals passing by eating ice cream. Three of them.

"Well, probably a month or two, because there could be more leads. So far, the only thing we know of is that the Ursa Major attacked Snow first. What about all the other cities?"

"Oh, we have a list of the attack times and where it struck next. But there was something really strange about it." Arcadia looked at him intrigued. "All eight cities are in a circle, with cop in the center. Strange thing about it is—"

"Wait wait, hold on. I think you're forgetting something. You said Cop is in the center with eight cities, but......I only remember you counting seven. What's the eighth?" Madun made an "oh" with his mouth before clearing his throat. Arcadia was practically family and a registered citizen. She had the right to know this.

"There is a compound northeast of Cop, called Serl. It is more of a compound than a city because it is a large facility. There isn't anything there that you would call fun.....unless you like all that science stuff."

"I do and I'm going there!"

Madun just stopped and stared at her, a smile on her face. "Well, let me tell you this first. It helps us get better and find out what materials to make, build, and to help us grow. The foundation of Psera. Fortunately, it was not attacked by the Ursa Major because it is so far away from the rest of us. Whereas the cities are all eighty by eighty, Serl is a little ways away from here. You take the road northeast through the mountain and travel at a Pseratep speed for a few hours until you see the city. Along the way, you will see nothing at all. Except sand and heat. It is a very stressful journey on hoof, one of the things we believe caused Pserateps to have large wings. We get to places far faster than another pony, I guess. Don't have anything to compare us to, but it's alright.

"The reason we put it so far out there is in case of an attack, like recently. Believe it or not, without Serl, we would have none of this. The food we eat, the air we breath, the massive amount of gold we are walking over right now, was all discovered by the brilliant minds of Serl. Which is why I didn't tell you. Serl is over Top Secret. We cannot tell anypony about it."

"Wait, what about gold?"

"Did you hear anything else I just said?" Madun asked blandly.

"Yes I did, but we're walking on concrete right now, not gold."

"And underneath this concrete is gold. Yes you have your soil, pipes, and power cables. But underneath all of that, three miles down, is a land full of gold. So much so in fact that we are making a new line of armor and weaponry, in case of another attack. We believe... That this dirt, water, and everything else was piling up on top of this land during the years, allowing us to live here."

"Are you telling me......there is a gold mine as big as big as this continent underneath us?" Arcadia asked tentatively.

Madun nodded. "Yep!" 

Arcadia just stopped and stared at him wide-eyed. This place was just unbelievable. "This country is so... Nevermind. What other places are there to look at?"

Madun wrapped a wing over her and walked her around some more, letting her finally get a feel for the place.


***


That afternoon after the tour, Twilight gave her boyfriend a kiss and walked back into her room, placing the evidence bag on the bed, and the crown and necklace on the table beside it. Afterwards she stretched and looked out the window. The Twilight in the distance was making a big impact on the sights of the city below. It looked so peaceful. Very peaceful. Reminded her of her real name. The only one that was really allowed to use it was Madun. And he only uses it if he's trying to woo her, make a point, or something else. Hopefully, she wouldn't forget her name. She really doubted that she would, but... Things happen sometimes. Twilight just hoped this isn't one of those times.
> Chapter 12 - Problem Solved......In This Case
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, after a good night's sleep, Arcadia woke up with a start, realizing something that she didn't realize yesterday. Something very important.

Gold doesn't serve well with armor. It was too soft. She needed to stop these ponies from wasting their time.

"Oh my oh my oh my," she muttered, flying out the bed and grabbing her crown from the bedside table. Hopefully Madun wasn't busy. It would be a lot harder to stop them. Throwing open her bedroom door, Twilight trotted out and made her way to the throne room, her long wings flapping every now and then in anxiety. She was getting to know this place a lot more than when she first arrived. Before, she had to ask somepony for instructions. Now she could navigate without a problem.

After a few more minutes of running, she stopped in front of the guarded throne room doors, the Pserateps there nodding at her out of respect. "Good morning, gentlecolts."

"Good morning, Lady Arcadia," one of them greeted. "Looking for his majesty?"

"Yes, is he busy, it's really important." Luckily these guards had steel armor on. Didn't have to worry about them.

"No, he's actually been expecting you. You can walk right in." Twilight thanked him and pushed in the large and ornate doors. The king was just sitting on his throne, looking over a scroll in a boring positing.

"Good morning, Madun! It's cold in here, you need some heat." The king looked over his scroll and grinned pleasantly.

"Good morning, Arcadia," he greeted, trotting off his throne and up to give his girlfriend a nuzzle. After that, he looked her over. "You have bedhead, what happened?"

She was just staring at him dreamily before she shook her head, getting back on track. "I just realized gold doesn't work as armor! It's way too soft. If someone thrusts a sword, it'll go right through it. I suggest you use the gold as plating to cover steel. Luckily, I know a transformation spell that can change the molecules and chemistry of the rock and turn it into steel!"

Madun was just looking at her for a moment before he looked towards the doors. "Okay, I'll have one of my guards go and fetch a slab to see. GUARD!" The door opened, allowing one of the guards standing by to walk in the room and bow to him.

"Yes, your highness?"

"I need a slab of gold at once. Bring it to the throne room." The guard bowed again then turned around to go fulfill the request. "There. We have a lot of it. We don't usually use armor unless the position calls for it. Active duty guards wear it but those just patrolling the streets usually just wear a helmet and a few more things."

"So I've noticed." Arcadia took a seat next to him, offering him a soft smile. He fawned over at the sight making her giggle. "You are head over hooves for me."

"You know it, baby." She shook her head before he leaned over and nuzzled her. Twilight returned it just as he wanted. "Try not to forget."

"I don't think I could if I tried. Hearth's Warming's coming up in a few weeks. Got a gift in mind?" He chuckled and pulled back, crawling closer and putting a wing over her.

"Yes, I do. I really hope you like and accept it. Our relationship has gone beyond friendship Twilight, and I want to propose a position to you. But you have to wait until Hearth's Warming. Hope you don't get hot hooves and start jumping up and down in anxiety."

"I more than likely will be doing that next week. It will become the most important thing on my mind and I'll barely be able to focus on anything else. Nice going for telling me, now I can't get it out of my head." Madun laughed while she just grinned. She really loved this stallion. And it looks like he loves her just as much.

"Then I won't bring it up until that day to ease your pain."

"You better not." The two shared a kiss before the doors opened again. Three guards walked in carrying in a slab of gold on their backs. It was a large slab, and thick too. Twilight's eyes widened before she got up and walked towards them to help out. Using her magic, she levitated it off their backs, letting them catch a break and moan in relief while she set it on the floor vertically.

"I will now demonstrate how soft gold is compared to steel. Which is as soft as.....chewing gum. Is it illegal if I smash this on your carpet?"

"If you can clean it up, I have no problem with it," Madun answered, waving his hoof at her. She nodded and turned back around before tilting her incredibly sharp horn at the gold and thrusting forward. It went straight through, creating a few cracks around the penetration. The ponies watching stared wide-eyed, the realization that the gold could be destroyed so simply wracking their minds.

Arcadia pulled back and let the gold fall down with a thud, cracking some more before she jumped on it, making it shatter. She continued jumping, turning it into dust before she stepped back and used her magic to gather up the particles, putting it back together into a slab like it was before. Afterwards, she turned around to face King Madun who had a shocked look over his face.

"As you can see, the gold is as weak to me as a bug is to a hoof," she explained. "This is what I will do to turn that around."

She faced the slab again and lit her horn, surrounding the slab in a purple aura. It started changing color from the top left corner, turning into a silver color and working its way down until the whole thing was silver. Steel.

"I will now demonstrate how this thick slab is compared to that of the gold earlier." She let go of the slab, allowing it to tilt and fall forward with a loud clang that reverberated around the room, muffled as much as it could be by the carpeting.

She stepped on top of it before flapping her wings, going as high as she could before applying a weight spell, making her body heavy. The mare stopped flapping and fell, dropping down onto the slab with a clang before stepping off. The slab didn't even have a dent in it. "We can use one third of the gold as plating, but the rest I recommend you let me change to steel for armor and defenses, weapons, and more. It's much more stronger and protective against enemies. I don't know any spells to change it to Chromium but I have worked on that in the past."

"Guard go and fetch me the General please," Madun ordered. The guards walked away before he walked off his throne and over to his girlfriend. "Do you just...do this for a living or something? Solve problems? I don't actually know what you did before in Equestria."

"Well before I became a mockery of a princess," she spat out. "I was a librarian at the Golden Oak Library in Ponyville. Then a villain showed up named Tirek, who destroyed it. He took all the magic out of the ponies and got so powerful that only I was left to fight him."

"I have a librarian for a girlfriend. Ohh my Psera." Twilight rolled her eyes and flicked him with  her wing  You must be really strong."

"Now I am." The two began to make their way out the room and towards the entrance of the castle. Using her magic, Twilight had the steel hovering alonc right behind them. "I was given all the power of the Alicorns as a last stand effort and we fought. Unfortunately, he used my friends against me. He held them hostage and said that he would release them if I gave him the power. At the time, they were still my friends so I went ahead and accepted. We stopped him using the elements of harmony from the tree of harmony. Where these were created." She pointed at the crown on her head making him glance up.

"So....they are really strong huh?"

"Incredibly strong. And only I can activate them now. Even from nearly half a thousand miles away, they are at my beck and call. I didn't want to take the controller, but I had no choice, as you know. If they are to learn their lesson, they have to learn it the hard way."

"I agree. They should have—"

"Your highness!" The two stopped and turned around. A few guards were running towards them. "There is a nationwide emergency! It's back!"



The Pserateps on the ground started to run off towards their homes at the sound of the alarm from the system Lady Arcadia had built ringing out, along with a roar of the giant Ursa Major walking across the plains towards the city of Capita, nearly there before a purple glow enveloped and stopped it, freezing it in its tracks. The glowing bear was in confusion, trying to understand why it couldn't move until, in its mind, a purple bird thing zipped into view, her horn glowing with magical energy that was pouring into the aura surrounding the bear.

"Bold Shoulder! Have your men scout where it came from, follow its footsteps!" Arcadia instructed. The general of the large battalion behind her took half of the group and followed the large footsteps while Arcadia poured in her magic, scanning it for a trace of any magic. She gasped at what she found. It was......love? She knows it when she feels it.

"Love? But only Changelings feed off of......." She gasped, finally realizing what that black piece was from one of the destroyed structures. It was chitin. "You're no Ursa Major......You're a bunch of Changelings!" Using some of her magic, she fired a spell, diminishing the camouflage of the swarm in a purple wave and revealing.....hundreds of the creatures. The guards surrounding them gasped before unsheathing their swords and standing at the ready to face off against the unfamiliars.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Twinkle Flank. And what are you doing here anyway?" Twilight slowly directed her attention at the front of the group, finding the last face she wanted to see.

"Queen Chrysallis!" She snarled. The Queen gave her an evil grin along with a wave. " The real question is what are you doing here, hunting these ponies? Return to Equestria at once!"

"No can do, Twilight. And what the buck are you doing way out here?" She fired a bolt of magic at the shield, not even denting it. Baffled, she fired a far stronger one, having the exact same effect. "What? H-How are you able to withstand my magic?"

"Don't worry about it, just get off the Pseratep land. Why are you even here?"

"Because of the love, dear Twilight," she responded, motioning behind her at her swarm to attack the shield. They began firing their own magic at it, still having no success. "Now let us loose!"

"Oh, I will.....back in Equestria!" Twilight's shield suddenly turned blue when she used another advanced spell that was hypnotizing the swarm and the queen herself. She's never felt power like this. "You will never come back here again. You will forget about this place and you will tell nopony about it! You will find love somewhere else. Do I make myself clear?" Chrysalis absentmindedly nodded her head. Twilight took off that spell and used another, forcing them all to sleep until she dropped them off.

One of the sergeants flew over to her and saluted. "What do we do with them, Lady Arcadia?" He asked. She looked from him then back to the sleeping Changelings and sighed.

"We take them back to Equestria. To their hive. Were any places damaged?"

"Not that we can tell."

She sighed in relief. "Good. Get the general, please. I need two hundred soldiers to accompany me during this trip. I would send them through a portal, But I don't know what is past the Badlands enough to open one. I could leave them straight inside of the castle, and I'd rather not do that. Go." The Pseratep saluted again before he flew towards the location the general had gone to. Apparently Merōl.

Arcadia watched him go before she settled her eyes on the sleeping Changeling queen still held in her magic. "You didn't just come here for love, Chrysalis," she said to herself. "Why are you really here?"

"Who is she?" King Madun asked, flying next to his girlfriend. "And....what are they?"

"Queen Chrysalis, Queen of a Changeling hive. They are able to change their bodies into whatever they want and they feed off of love. However, it looks like they were able to change into one whole thing by joining their bodies together. They must've evolved or something. Either way, it won't matter. She will not bother us again. The Pserateps are safe. We could put them on trial for nearly causing the demolition of this land....but I have a feeling she wasn't here for love."

"What do you mean?" He flew towards the bubble and poked it. It vibrated in response and a small wave formed around his hoof, spreading out across the shield.

"I know how Chrysalis works. If she wanted to get love, she would've just taken it by coming onto the land, grabbing everypony by the hoof, and sucking them dry." Madun slowly turned around, looking at her wide-eyed. "Don't worry, from what I was told, she didn't touch anypony. But instead, she came onto the land and tried to destroy it. Why?"

The king turned around and looked at the bug queen, still in deep sleep. What was with this thing?

"Lady Arcadia!" She turned to her right. The general and what she would call a swarm of Pserateps were behind him, all saluting. Two hundred of them. "I heard you needed some soldiers?"

"Yes. We are taking the Queen and the rest back to Equestria. I would teleport them there, but I don't rightly know how far into the Badlands she lives. So unfortunately.......I have to go back again. This is the second time this year and the second to last this year. The next is on Hearth's Warming. I have to give my niece her gift."

"Consider it done." He turned around and addressed the soldiers behind him. "SOLDIERS! YOU ARE ACCOMPANYING LADY ARCADIA TO EQUESTRIA! THIS IS NOT A SIGHTSEEING MISSION! THIS IS A DELIVERY!" He looked over his shoulder. "What happens if there are hostilities?"

"If there are, it will more than likely be the princesses and I will interfere. I will not let our people be subjected to them."

He turned back around. "IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY A PRINCESS, DO NOT ENGAGE! LET LADY ARCADIA HANDLE IT, AM I CLEAR?!"

"YES, SIR!!!!"

"YOU WILL FORM A LARGE RADIUS AROUND LADY ARCADIA AND THE PACKAGE FOR PROTECTION! IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY A GUARD, IGNORE AND CONTINUE ON! IF YOU ARE HIT BY A GUARD, TAKE THEM DOWN! Is that okay, Lady Arcadia?"

"Yes."

"TAKE THEM DOWN! TAKE POSITIONS!" The soldiers all formed a large sphere around the package while Arcadia turned to her boyfriend.

"Calm the ponies and let them know that Arcadia is delivering the 'bear' back to where it belongs and it shall never come back again. When I return, we will continue the armor project." He nodded before leaning in and planting a kiss on her lips.

"I will send out the message as well as record this moment in the records for future reference in case we encounter a clue for her reasoning. Be careful."

"I will." She turned around and motioned towards the general who sent out the order.

"MOVE OUT!"



"We have to work on the play again?" Rainbow Dash groaned around the remaining elements and the princesses, all three. "Last time was so boring!" They were all situated inside the destroyed Friendship castle, where the Friendship map was currently still intact. Celestia informed them that she wanted the group to do the Hearth's Warming Eve play, along with Sunset Shimmer when she returned to substitute for Twilight.

"Rainbow, the play brings joy to all the ponies who watch it," Cadance reminded her. She threw her hooves to the ceiling and exasperated, "Of course we must do the play, Equestria was built on the story!"

"Well can some other pony do it?" She groaned, much to the annoyance of Spike. "Spike, your writing is great and all, but I just don't like performing."

"You perform all the time," Applejack stated matter-of-factly. "Remember those tricks you were doin' last week? Trying to 'woo the crowd below'?"

"Yeah, but that was for me, not for anypony else. I do that to feel good!" She jumped in the air and started flying in circles before the farmer groaned and grabbed her tail, stopping her in midair.

"Down, pony! We need to talk, not show off." Rainbow groaned and crossed her hooves. The Princesses laughed at her reluctance.

"Rainbow, you need to learn about the foundations of......" Celestia trailed off when she and Luna felt a presence. A strong presence that they haven't felt for so long as well as the familiar headache. "She's back." The elements looked at her oddly before a guard came running down the hall and into the room.

"Princesses!" The three looked at the tired guard, huffing heavily. "You.....you need to see this."


***


The group all ran out of the Crystal building and looked at where the ponies were pointing at. They looked behind the castle, up into the air and gasped, spotting the giant blue bubble in the distance filled with giant black dots. And around that bubble, the sky was filled with tiny dots. But that wasn't what had the princesses attention.

It was the purple pony with the very large wings that Celestia and Luna recognized immediately.

"Twilight!" They yelled, catching Cadance's attention.

"THAT'S Twilight Sparkle?!" She asked. The ground started trembling lightly as the battalion passed over Ponyville, catching eyes as the two hundred and one passed over quickly, going slow but could go faster than Rainbow Dash if they wanted to.

"Yes, and she has the element of Magic on her!" Luna answered, looking at all the Pserateps above before the large blue orb carrying the black creatures crossed over, behind it was Twilight Sparkle with the crown on her head. Cadance looked closely and verified that it was indeed Twilight. That indigo streak in the hair was definitely her signature. But she looked a little different. What was it? Did she get a little bigger?

"We must find out what she is doing, come!" Celestia flapped her wings, going after the group with Cadance and Luna right behind her. This was going to be quick hopefully and not as eventful like a few months ago. If she cooperated.



"Lady Arcadia!" A soldier to her right said, catching her attention. "We have three ponies on our six!" She informed her.

"The princesses," she muttered to herself. "Do not engage, do not respond! Let her come to me. I will try to buy some time and let them know some unfortunate bugs have messed with the ponies. No names will be given. Watch your back."

"Yes, ma'am!" The guard slowed and went back to her position, shouting the order out to the rest of the ponies there with her, ignoring the approaching ponies coming towards them.

"Ponies! You are over restricted airspace!" Luna yelled, circling around the huge group. Celestia took the other side while Cadance took the area above, slowly making their way towards the large bubble. "Turn back now!" The ponies did not respond, only continuing their flapping and proceeding to follow Arcadia.

"AS THE PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA YOU WILL ANSWER IMMEDIATELY!" Celestia yelled, using the Royal Canterlot voice to intimidate. But the Pserateps were strong, keeping their mouths shut and their faces stoic. Celestia looked at the other two who were sharing the same expression before Cadance flew up towards Twilight, who was passing over the Ruins of the Everfree castle, the ball still in her magic.

Arcadia grinned, overjoyed that her magic hadn't even faltered. She was as strong as Celestia, possibly even stronger! And the Pserateps actually recognized her, noticed her. Unlike the ponies of the land she was over right now. They just used her.

"Twilight Sparkle!" But something about that voice irked her. She lost her grin and groaned before activating a shield around herself while also holding the Changelings, double-spelling. Celestia tried to come in and swipe the Element of Magic off her head, only to come in contact with the violet shield. "Stop now!" Twilight huffed and decided to play around with this a little.

She looked over her shoulder at the Pserateps looking at her expectantly. "Hold firm ponies!" She slowed down and came to a hover, the Pserateps following her order. The three Equestrian princesses all hovered in front of her, standing between the bubble and Twilight, staring daggers at her, which made her upset.

"You have no right to be angry!" She yelled, fury over her face.

"Twilight, you have stolen—"

"Shut it, Celestia!" The princesses all stared at her in shock before lighting their horns. "Is that all you really care about? A stupid crown?!"

"Twilight, you holding that 'crown' is the greatest threat to Equestria if it is not returned!" Cadance retorted, catching her attention. "You have to return it!"

"Or?"

"Or we will have to take it by force!" Luna growled. She lit her horn and aimed it at Twilight. "You will return the crown and you will rejoin the Elements of—"

"No, I won't." The princesses all gasped before lighting their horns and firing it at her. "Hold firm, ponies!" The blast hit her shield, sending a shockwave all over Equestria, the power tingling the hairs on the citizens' backs. The three stopped the spell, waiting for the smoke to clear from in front of them. When it did, they gasped. Twilight was tapping her hooves and grinning at them.

"Valiant effort, but sadly...it won't work. So......my turn. I'm very disappointed in you Cadance." She lit her horn and fired a wave of her magic at all three of them, knocking them back insanely hard to the side and towards the ground. The three ponies all crashed below with either a yell or a scream, never feeling this type of power before. Luna had crashed through a bunch of trees in the east, knocking them down and creating a mess while Celestia was sent flying south into the nearby city of Dodge junction with a cry. Cadance had flew all the way back southeast into Hayseed Swamps, going straight into the water itself, pain shot up her back from the impact the water had created on her.

Twilight looked down at the dust that had flown up from Celestia's crash up ahead, shaking her head. "They should really just say the two words that can end this. Equestria as a whole should. CONTINUE!" She started flying forward again with the Pserateps right behind her, eventually coming over the Crash sight that Celestia was flying up towards her from. Arcadia activated her shield again before she could reach her, causing her to bounce off and back down.

"Twilight! You are refusing order by Equestrian law!" She yelled up to her, lighting her horn again. "You will be arrested and put on trial if you do not return the—"

"ENOUGH, CELESTIA!" Arcadia yelled, turning towards the Princess and firing another beam at her. Celestia gasped before she was once again sent flying back. "YOU NO LONGER HAVE THE RIGHT TO ORDER ME AROUND, YOU LIAR!"

Celestia crashed once more into the dirt. The ponies below covered their heads from the reigning debris. Arcadia looked at the scene for a moment before she continued the journey. "I am so sorry you had to see that, everypony," she said over her shoulder at the Pserateps who just witnessed her angry side.

"It's okay, Lady Twilight," Shining Sword said from her left. He was there this whole time? "From what we've seen, the Princesses do not listen to their subjects well."

"No....it's just me they have a problem with," she sighed. "We are entering the Badlands now. The hive down below was her old one which is occupied." The ponies looked down, seeing the gray structure with colorful creatures flying around it who stopped and looked up at them in awe as they passed over, heading towards another area. "Chrysalis does not live there anymore. She lives past it somewhere. So we will have to track it, find it, drop her off, and then cross through the portal back home."

"YES, MA'AM!"


***


After a few more miles, they spotted the structure, looking identical to the one they passed a few miles back. "This is it," Arcadia told the sergeant beside her. "Order them to cover me."

Shining Sword nodded before turning around to face the other Pserateps. "PROTECTION FORMATION!" The Pserateps all got into a form around her, providing a huge radius compiled by rings.

Arcadia lowered the bubble in front of the hive. It touched the dirt ground before she deactivated it. Then the bugs poured out and hit the ground softly. Chrysalis was right in the past about how pathetic Equestria was. The Pserateps had so much while the Equestrians depended solely on magic to help them function. Yes, Twilight used magic to help restore them and create more space for the vast amount of ponies they had, including the creation of Psera Skies. But besides that, Psera was already ahead of them in speed, land, military strength, and buildings. Not to mention transportation. Somehow, these ponies had created vehicles like on Earth, where Sunset Shimmer lived. Mostly used for transporting items to and from companies. Like food, materials, items for sale, mail, etcetera. Equestria really needs to think about innovation rather than power.

Shaking her head from these thoughts and having completed the drop off, she flew back up to the Pseratep soldiers, awaiting her command. "We are leaving now! I will create a portal back home and we will not be seen again unless they come to us."

"YES, MA'AM!" Twilight lifted her horn and fired a single powerful bolt, the same one she fired earlier in Psera before arriving in Equestria. It flew up and expanded, creating a large purple portal, leading into Psera. Once it was finished forming, the soldiers started flying through it quickly, leaving Equestria and those rude Princesses behind. Twilight looked in the distance and groaned. Three dots were getting bigger, coming closer and closer to them.

"YOU WILL NOT BE LEAVING UNTIL YOU RETURN THAT CROWN!" Celestia yelled before Twilight slipped into the portal. It shrunk and disappeared right when they reached it. The Alicorns soared straight through the location it was at a second ago, hitting nothing but air. "NOOOOO!"

They turned and looked around them, hoping to see one of the ponies that were just there to question, only to see dirt and the hive. "Maybe we can question the changelings she dropped off!" Cadance suggested, pointing towards the slightly conscious changelings down below.

"Yes, they would know what happened!" Luna agreed, leading the group down to Chrysalis who was looking around confusedly. "Chrysalis!" The changeling queen looked up and sighed as they landed in front of her. Her swarm immediately hissed at them.

"What do you want?" She asked blandly.

"We want to know what happened," Celestia asked, confusing her. "Twilight brought you here and we want to know where she came from!"

"Wait, what are you talking about? Twilight didn't bring me here, we've been at the hive all day!"

"Chrysalis, this is no joking matter," Cadance said, stepping towards her. "We need to know now."

"I cannot help you ponies, I have no idea what you're talking about." Luna ran forward and touched her horn to hers, making her gasp and freeze up as she scanned her memories. Celestia held the swarm back with a shield so they wouldn't interfere. After a while she stepped back, looking at Chrysalis in disbelief.

"There.....there is no memory of Twilight at all in her mind except during the wedding years ago," Luna informed them, releasing the queen.

"Nothing at all?" Celestia asked in disbelief. "Not even a feather?"

"Not even a feather." The princesses sighed. "Twilight is dangerous. We must take precautions and start another investigation. At once."
> Chapter 13 - Chatter With Royalty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the time Twilight was in Equestria, the Pserateps were addressed in an emergency broadcast by King Madun. Thanks to a spell Twilight had created for the Psera Government in case of an incoming object or objects that the Psera Detection System had installed. The pony in charge would use it and inform the public about the incoming attack, and give orders on what each city should do.

This time Madun used it to address the ponies all over the continent through the ring of stations throughout each city that held a speaker on top of their Crystal Obelisk. He told them that the bear tried to attack again and that Arcadia, along with two hundred soldiers, had taken it back to another land, lead by her. The land was safe thanks to Arcadia and the Military of Psera.

The ponies cheered their voices all over the continent. It was a wonder somepony else out there hadn't discovered them yet by the sheer volume their voices were producing. It was so loud. Madun smiled and decided to listen for a bit before he walked back down the main station, for the ground. The center was actually in the middle of the structure, with windows clearly visible from the outside. Arcadia told him that she got the idea from her living situation back in Ponyville, which was an entirely crystal structure. So she created a version of it that would actually work for a much more important purpose.

His guards led him out of the building and into the clapping and cheering ponies all celebrating. The first test of the Alicorn-Pseratep, and the first test of the PDS, was a success. The only way someone was going to be on their land was if the king allowed them to. Or a possible Queen based on how things were going.

A few hours later, a large purple and indigo portal opened up above Merōl, capturing the attention of the Pserateps down below and the Pserateps living in Psera Skies East. A moment later, the two hundred Pseratep soldiers arrived through the portal with an actual completed mission that they ever had in centuries. The other Pserateps below and above began to cheer, stomp their hooves, and fly around in celebration.

After the last one came through, the large wings of Arcadia flew through next back into the air of Psera. Then snapped the portal shut immediately behind her before the princesses could get through. The only way to open a portal was for her to know where she was going, the same way it works with teleportation. Since she didn't actually know where the swarm of Changelings came from, she had no idea where to go. So she opened a portal over Smoky Mountain in Equestria and flew from there all the way to the Badlands.

She didn't even know where the Princesses came from. But they somehow knew she was there. She had a feeling it was the backlash of her power giving them headaches. Apparently it didn't affect the Pserateps that were around her as much, but it affected the Equestrians. It must be because they weren't that used to that much magic. If she wanted to she could control the sun. But she needed to worry about that backlash for Hearth's Warming coming up.

She sighed and looked behind her towards the Pserateps flying around and her boyfriend, King Madun, flying over to her with pride on their faces. Then turned back to stare over the expanse off the ocean behind her once more. She gently took the crown off her head and looked at it in her hooves. The Element of Magic. The Equestrians were so scared without it. She wanted to punish them, not have them fear her. What type of leader is that?

"Arcadia," King Madun said. He captured her attention with a smile. "The Pserateps are celebrating that your plan worked. The PDS was a success and it seemed that the Changelings were successfully delivered."

Twilight grinned and gave him a kiss on the cheek before the General shook her hoof with other ranking officers that were there to greet her. But after all of that she looked down at the crown in her left hoof. The reason for all their troubles and thinking about the possible outcomes.

Madun could see something was bugging her. Out of the little time he's known Twilight, he's been able to decipher her expressions. Madun hovered closer and asked, "What is it?"

"It's just . . . The Princesses were so desperate that they tried to attack," she answered. Much to his disgust.

"What?! How dare—"

She laughed and soothed him down with a hoof to his chest. "Calm down, your highness. They never laid a hoof on me. But I've been thinking that they are so blind by their defenselessness that they didn't see the real issue. So I've made up my mind." She turned around and let the crown hover in front of her, preparing to speak to it. "I need you to go back to Celestia. You are still under me, but go back to her."

The crown shimmered for a second before the gem twinkled in the light. Twilight smiled before giving it some of her magic for the four hour long trip and gave it a firm nudge towards the ocean. It flew away from her at the speed of a normal Pegasus towards the east with a destination towards the land of Equestria. The Pserateps watched as it flew away from beside Arcadia. Then looked back towards her expectantly once it was out of sight.

"The only thing I have now that is Equestrian is the books in my room," she said before turning to the king with a smile. "Now we relax and celebrate before going back to work." Madun smiled and nuzzled her cheek before the group flew back at a relaxed pace towards Cop to celebrate their first defense success. Thanks to her.



After the drop off of the Changelings and the fight with Twilight, the princesses returned back to the castle in bad shape. Cadance's back was hurting, Luna was limping slightly, and Celestia was just plain dirty, nearly giving Rarity a heart attack.

Luna dropped down to relax her aching hoof and admitted in a huff, "We . . . We could not stop her. She dropped off a whole hive of Changelings. Queen Chrysalis' new hive to be exact."

"And she would not listen to the law of Equestria," Celestia added to the Elements. "And we still do not have the Element of Magic."

"Then we need to go take it!" Rainbow Dash yelled, flying up into view. "The Egghead won't give us the weapon, then we have to go and get it!"

"I agree!" Applejack said before everyone else voiced their opinions.

"I am aware that we must take affirmative action, my little ponies. But....where is she? We cannot do what we did last time and go searching all over Equestria."

"Can't your magic find her, Princess?" Pinkie asked.

"We have tried but she has somehow hidden herself from us," Celestia answered.

"I cannot even find her dreams," Luna continued. "Nor any sign of her magic."

"Her magical footprint is gone," Cadance said finally. "It's like she took everything that had her magic with her. There are no clues to where she could have went. Nor anything else that we can track. We also think she is using the Element of Magic to conceal herself. But even if that is the case, it would not do us any good to track it. Twilight is either blocking the Element of Magic's feedback, the element of Magic is blocking her feedback, or it is both. They are hiding each other."

"So one must be present to find the other," Rarity figured. The Princesses nodded. "So...unless one shows up, we'll never know where she is."

Cadance raised a sudden hoof and reminded them, "That is if our theory is correct. She could just be shielding herself as a backup if that's not the case."

"So if we—" The group all looked around trying to find the source of a loud metallic noise that interrupted Cadance before Celestia gasped behind them.

"The Element!" She pointed towards the broken window behind them where the crown was coming towards them. It came to a hover in front of Celestia who scanned it to make sure it was legit. "It's real. But it also has a bit of Twilight's magic on it as . . . A command spell."

"What does that mean?" Cadance asked. She took it in her hooves and studied it with the others.

"It means she gave it back. But why? And our theory was wrong, I still cannot feel where she is. She is using her own magic to hide herself." They all turned to her before glancing back at the crown.

"Maybe she felt guilty about what she did and decided to return it," Rainbow Dash hoped.

Applejack shook her head in denial and replied, "I don't think it was that, Rainbow. If she wanted to come back, she would've returned with the crown, not just the crown. There's somethin' else goin' on here."

"I agree, but what?" Luna inquired. That question weighed heavily on everyone's minds while they stared at the returned element. What was Twilight planning?


***


Actually, Twilight was planning on living a life where she didn't have to worry about being used by ponies ever again. And serving ponies that appreciated her. Like the Pserateps who were currently cheering for her when she landed on the steps of the insanely large castle, applauding her for a job well done.

She turned around and smiled happily at the Pserateps before they all stopped and bowed quickly, confusing her. She looked over to her boyfriend who was smiling at the area behind her. It must've been behind her. Taking a glance, she gasped and bowed quickly at the sight of what must've been Her Majesty Molten Ice. She definitely lived up to that name.

She was as tall as Princess Celestia and had a coat that was ice blue on her back that gradually changed into a fiery red by the time it reached her hooves. Her mane and tail were red as well. No wonder they called her Molten Ice.

"All rise my subjects of Psera," she said, allowing everyone to get up. "I heard your message my son. I am proud of you....and our permanent resident Lady Twilight 'Arcadia' Sparkle. Great work."

Twilight bowed again and replied, "T-Thank you, your majesty."

"Ah bup bup bup," Molten ordered. "No need for that, Lady Arcadia. From now on, you can treat me like family." Twilight looked up at her in surprise. "From what I have heard, you have not only restored Psera to its former glory.....but have also created more room for the growing population, advised on better armor for our troops, provided an 'Early Detection System', and has won over the heart of my son." She lightly chortled before continuing on with her message. "You have won over the hearts of millions of Pserateps within a few months. I have would like to speak to you in private about something that I have been thinking about deeply."

"Of course."

"Good. The Pserateps will continue celebrating while we are in my chamber. HAVE A FANTASTIC PARTY FOR THE GLORIOUS POWER THAT PSERA HAS GAINED TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT, MY PONIES!" The crowd cheered at the sheer volume of her voice, which could rival the Royal Sister's Canterlot voice, before somehow, somewhere, music began playing, leaving the ponies to dance, chat, and party all over the continent.

"Shall we go, Lady Arcadia?" The Alicorn-Pseratep looked over and nodded before Madun came over and gave her a quick nuzzle. Once that was done, the two walked inside of the castle, the doors shutting behind them. "I am very proud of you. Although I don't know much about you. I heard you come from the land of Equestria. Can you tell me what their niche is?"

"Magic," she responded before they walked into a box on the side. An elevator? She didn't even know they had one. "Everything there is operated on magic. But not magic as strong as my own. The rulers there are Princess Cadance, the Princess of Love and my sister-in-law. She rules over the Crystal Empire. Princess Flurry Heart, her daughter and my niece. But she's only four. Princess Celestia, the Princess of the Sun. And Princess Luna—"

"The Princess of the Night," she interrupted. She knew of the Princesses? "I know of Celestia and Luna. I was in Equestria during the Nightmare Moon altercation."

"What?" The elevator stopped at the top floor of the castle then he two walked out. Twilight observed the grandeur of the hallway. There were a bunch of windows on the left side that she ran over and looked out of. They were on the very top floor of the castle. eaving the nationwide party behind on the ground far below.

Molten walked over and stared down with her. "Excellent view isn't it? You should see the observatory. I'll be turning it into a Greenhouse soon." She continued walking towards the ornate steel doors on the end that had a crystal insignia in the center of each. Pretty expensive since Psera didn't specialize in diamonds, rubies, or any other rare rock. Arcadia followed along before they stopped at the doors and the guards standing beside them pulled it open for the two.

"I was a young traveler," she explained as they walked inside. The area was big. Really big. There was a large library on the right, a bigger kitchen on the left with a refrigerator that looked more like a giant box, and a flight of grand stairs made of glass in front of them that they began walking up. "I first started traveling to the land of Equestria in the exact same way you did, albeit a different reason. Following clouds. In schools here, they teach you about science. About chemistry and the way things were created. So I knew the clouds coming here weren't of Psera origin. Mind you this was when Psera was still small. But Equestria was much, much smaller. The talk of friendship there was still abundant as I think it is now."

"That might change soon," Arcadia commented as they walked up the stairs. "I was the pony others would come to about Friendship, and I spreaded the logic to wherever it was needed. But now, I'm gone. Unless somepony else is given the mocking title, 'Princess of Friendship', they will have a big problem."

"That is why you left? They mocked you?"

"For four years, yes." The two stopped in another room that was really high up. It was mainly a glass area where you could see the sky above you and everything else around you. "They called me a 'Princess of Friendship', had me crowned, and gave me a castle. Which was really just a fancy looking house with a big library. I had absolutely no privileges like a Princess of Equestria. And that was four years ago. Five coming up. I was used and underappreciated for my excellence in magic and academics. So I left."

"I see." The two looked out of one of the windows towards the ground below. Towards the Pserateps have a grand time. Molten stated, "That sounds out of character for Equestria."

"It was all a lie. But here . . . Here I found happiness. Joy . . . Love."

Molten smirked and glanced down to Twilight. She had the look of a pony looking towards a bright future. Her eyes were glazed towards the ground. Madun was killing time down there by speaking with a few more higher officers below. "Yes, I've heard of you courting my son from my daughter. And might I say I have never seen a better suitor for him." Arcadia looked over while Molten took a seat. "Before you arrived, Madun could barely lead. He had absolutely no idea what to do, and had to constantly come back and forth to me for guidance. He lacked confidence and a firm backbone.

"But when you arrived, he hasn't visited me for guidance, but to brag about how much the mare he has been courting has inspired him. How Twilight Sparkle has come and done the impossible, giving him the idea that he could accomplish the impossible too."

Twilight turned her body to face Molten and fawned, "Awww, that's so sweet. I didn't know I had that kind of effect on him."

"You have, in reality, so much over him that I am surprised he has not stepped down and made you queen." Arcadia blushed and glanced away while the royal chuckled. "Don't worry. He will more than likely ask you to rule by his side. Which is what I wanted to speak to you about."

Twilight looked to her once again in surprise. "Your eyes will soon pop out of your skull, Arcadia. But I want to know. And answer honestly. How would you feel if you were Queen? And what would you do if you were?"

Twilight never gave that any real thought. At least in Psera. She rubbed her chest and answered timidly, "Well I guess I'd feel honored. The Pserateps, who have stuck to themselves for hundreds of years, trusting a foreign pony so much that they make her a ruler speaks volumes. It makes me feel amazing. Honored. And if I were the Queen, i would focus on innovation. Psera could reach new heights in speed, defense, technology, and intelligence. Already having a higher leverage above Equestria before I arrived, and without magic nonetheless . . . Can you imagine what we could be if it were all innovated? We would be an unknown superpower! And it would bring more jobs! Pserateps here would be so happy!"

Molten Ice smiled at her before giving her a nod. "I was expecting more along the lines of 'I would feel loved' and transportation. But once again you have exceeded my expectations. You not only want to innovate transportation but everything it would seem."

"That's right."

"You have my blessing to marry my son, Twilight Sparkle." Arcadia gasped and gaped at her again. Forcing Molten to give out the most happiest laugh she's ever heard. "You need to control your facial expressions! But you heard me right. In Psera, it is customary to ask the parents or parent permission and blessing. I give you permission to marry my son should it ever come to that point. The second the ring is placed, you will be titled 'Lady Arcadia.' Short for Lady in Waiting. And after your crowning in the city of Eventa, you will then be titled Queen Arcadia. Can I add something to your name? If it's alright."

"Sure."

"Arcadia Nova. Queen Arcadia Nova of Psera is what you will be called. You would rule beside my son until you move onto the stars, pass down the title to your descendants, the Pserateps vote for your impeachment, or step down. Of course that will all be in place the second you accept, and IF you accept his hoof in marriage."

"I . . . I-I don't know what to say...." Twilight stammered with a flustered expression.

"Twilight, a simple thank you will suffice."

"Thank you, Molten Ice."

"You are welcome, Lady Arcadia. But I really hope on the day he proposes you will accept." She stood back up and motioned for the young pony to follow. Then they both walked back down the stairs. "Although you are classified as an Alicorn-Pseratep, you are actually already a Queen Pseratep, based on your wing length."

Arcadia nodded and stated, "I've heard about that."

"Yes, but did you learn that the love and admiration not only increases your wing length and flight speed...but also increases your longevity?"

Twilight stopped breathing temporarily. "But I'm already an Alicorn, I'll be living for thousands of years already!"

"And you'll be living for thousands more. You are a Queen Class Pseratep legitimately. You just have to accept the position to be an official. There is a whole science behind the ponies who are chosen anonymously by the Pserateps here. The magical boost is only a bonus that I will never understand."

Arcadia laughed before the doors to the quarters were opened and she stepped out. "And Arcadia?" She looked back and gave her full attention. "Please accept the position. And if or when you do, and need advice from the top royal of Psera . . . Do not hesitate to ask. I will always be happy to help."

"Thank you, Molten Ice."

"You are welcome. Now go give my son a dance, I'm pretty sure he's on the sidelines watching." She gave the smaller pony a gentle push far away from the door.

"Heeeyyyy!"

"Guards, help Lady Arcadia back to the party, please. I will see you in the future.....Arcadia Nova."


***


King Madun watched from the stairs of the castle at the ponies dancing in celebration from the music playing in the city, the foals running around chasing each other. All from the success of two ponies. Himself and his girlfriend. But mostly his girlfriend.

Arcadia. She literally flew in and fixed everything within half a year, and provided them with a foresight of hope. All because of her.

"Thinking of me?" He turned to his right and grinned at the sight of the violet goddess that must've teleported next to him or something.

"You read my mind," he responded. The two shared a deep and emotional but slow nuzzle that expressed their love and admiration. He presented his hoof and pulled away. "May I have this dance?"

She grinned and took it in her own. "Of course."
> Chapter 14 - Happy Hearth's Warming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun rose over the horizon of the mountain range overlooking the city of Cop, stirring Arcadia underneath the sheets of the bed she was currently occupying. "Looks like Celestia's up and kicking... Not to mention disturbing my sleep," she muttered, throwing the sheets over her head. She sighed in relief after feeling the coolness of the dark sheets on her fur, which rose on contact. "OOOOHHH this feels so good. But I can't stay underneath this bed, I have to prepare that present. But I don't wanna get up."

"Get up, Arcadia."

"No... Wait, what?!" She threw the covers off her head and sat straight up to see Merry smirking and staring at her by the door. She was holding a few dresses on her wings that she had clear intentions of placing somewhere else. Or on someone else.

Arcadia sighed and threw the covers back over her head. "Why do you keep randomly walking in my room, you're worse than Rainbow crashing through my window!"

"Who's a Rainbow?" She threw the dresses onto the bed softly that made Twilight groan in annoyance. Looks like she wasn't winning this one. So she sighed and slid out of bed to see what Merry had concocted this time. Ever since the talk with Molten Ice three months prior, Merry has been barging in her room at least two times a week to show her the dresses. Even after Twilight asked her to stop coming in there, she retorted with, "I'm royalty so I have the right to go in whatever room I want to go in." After that, Arcadia just shook her head and let her do it.

"What'd you make now, Merry?" She asked tiredly. She raised a hoof and rubbed the crust away from her eyes. "And happy Hearth's Warming."

"Happy Mercheeta, Arcadia. And I've made three dresses for tonight for your date with my brother." She flipped one of them to the side with her wing to spread it out and show what it looked like. Twilight widened her eyes at the design. It was better than what Rarity could create without using any gems! It was a teal dress with flowers on the hem and neckline. It had a bit of a train to it, she could tell already, as well as a red sash in the middle tied like a bow that would be on her back tied around the barrel.

Arcadia's eyes were filled with wonder and awe when she whispered, "This is... This is beautiful! How do you do it?"

Merry shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Meh. It's not my best work. You'll see that when you get married, hint hint."

Arcadia dropped the dress back down and groaned, "Ugh, you're still on that?" She always eggs her about getting married. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that step yet. Her mane falling in front of her face thought so.

"I told you I won't let it go until you do get married. You've made a friend that has so many connections that you should use! She knows how to sew and.... Sew more! She also knows a few ponies who can make the most perfect necklace ring for you when you DO get married."

"I'll make sure to appreciate it when it happens," Arcadia said blandly. "Now what's the hitch for me getting this dress? Spying on our date? Doing my hair?"

"Doing your hair."

"Fine, but after I drop off a package today. I have to go back to Equestria to give my niece her present. I have never missed out on a year and I'm not going to start now." She walked over to her dresser and grabbed the necklace Merry made that had a special gem that she herself spelled. It was supposed to keep down the feedback of her magic that would give away her position while in Equestria. "I planned this two months ago, so I have to do it. I've been watching her with a mirror spell and she's been growing up beautifully."

Merry laughed and commented, "You're Psera's best stalker, Nova."

"Oh hush." Arcadia slipped the necklace on while trying to ignore her guffawing friend. "Do you have the box?"

Merry stifled down her breathing to attempt the little control she had over her laughter. "Yeah... Phew, yeah it's by the door. You're a really funny mare, you know?"

"Whatever you say, Merry." Twilight walked to the closet and grabbed the bright blue and orange silk dress embedded with bright opal gems along the hems. They delivered that regal look she didn't really care for. But she had a feeling they would have see a lot more of her in the future. Next she grabbed her golden hoofshoes with leather padding on the inside for warmth.

"You're planning to make an entrance?" Merry asked. She walked near and looked her over. "Thought you were trying to keep yourself a secret."

"I have always given my niece a present in person," she replied. She threw a scarf around her neck. "I will not be changing."

"What if you see your family?"

"Then it'll be hi and bye to them. The guards will be around as well. Although out from view. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing my niece. No doubt everypony's in Canterlot. I'll place an invisibility spell on the guards and walk right in through the portal."

"Be careful though, okay?" Arcadia looked back before Merry pulled her into a hug. "I don't know what Psera would do without you... Queen Arcadia."

Twilight smiled before returning the gesture with a tight squeeze. "I promise to return." The two let go before Arcadia walked to the dresser and grabbed the gift. A box made of white and purple with a small weight applied. "There will be no socialization with the others. I know it's ridiculous... But I still haven't forgiven them for lying to me and making me become the laughing stock of all of Equestria."

Before Merry could reply she teleported out of the room to the magnificent lobby of the castle, where Bold Shoulder was standing with twenty other guards flanking his sides. He nodded with a smile and greeted, "Lady Arcadia. Happy Mercheeta."

"Happy Mercheeta, gentlecolts!" She responded. Then trotted over and stood in front of them. "You're providing security this morning?"

"Yes, ma'am!" One answered with a salute.

"Good. We're headed right into the lion's den, so stay on your wings, please. I'll be putting you all through an invisibility spell before we cross over so they only think it's me. Take up positions around the walls. The only ones who can see you will be your team."

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Hopefully this'll be quick," she muttered before turning around and looking at the area in front of her. She used her magic to summon a light blue circle with the portal behind it. "Let's go."



"Happy Hearth's Warming, everypony," Celestia greeted as the elements, Princess Cadance with Flurry Heart on her back, Prince Shining Armor, and Night Light with Twilight Velvet all walked into the canterlot castle dining room. They greeted the princesses before putting their presents in a pile to the side, more focused on the food that was present on the wooden, long, and ornate table.

"Thank you so much for inviting us, Princesses," Twilight Velvet greeted, giving them both a bow.

Celestia immediately raised a hoof and ordered, "No bowing, no bowing. We are technically family after all." She climbed out of her seat and made calm strides across tense floors for embrace.

"Thank you, nevertheless," Nightlight said. Then walked over and gave the two a hug. "You gave so much to our daughter. We just don't understand why she went rogue and off the grid. Nor how, for that matter."

Luna left her own throne and made soft strides over to her seat. The Element Bearers were common faces to the castle. So it was a quick hug and they were in their seats.  Luna paid their chatter no mind. "It's a very powerful spell that only a handful of ponies know. Those types of ponies usually use them for evil deeds, shielding themselves off from higher authority."

"Do you think Twilight....."

Spike shook his head directly below them and denied, "I really doubt that." He was crunching on a ruby with a mouth covered in gem dust. "Twilight isn't the type of pony to just go out and turn evil."

"Yeah, she's way too smart for that," Sunset agreed. She sat down next to Rarity and placed a ceramic plate in front of her packed with food. "Me and her have traded what we knew about magic through the journal, no judgement. And she hasn't revealed any type of bad magic."

"I agree," Celestia admitted. She raised a wing and guided the parents to their seats. "We're still looking for her, we haven't given up hope on her return. In the meantime, enjoy the breakfast. We have cheesy eggs."


***


During the breakfast, everyone was talking about their year. Accomplishments, hard times, and in Rainbow Dash's case, how fast she flies now. "Rainbow, seven hundred thirty five miles an hour is great an' all," Applejack assured. She set down her cup she was drinking out of. "But you said those same numbers twenty two times now, give it a rest."

"Not until I beat the best score!" Rainbow said, boasting once more and making the timid pegasus beside her shake her head. "I mean, really! What pony could go as fast as me?"

"Me, but I'm not one to brag. It's not my nature." Everypony froze at the familiar feminine voice and all sounds dropped. Except for the fork Applejack dropped on her plate. Spike froze a ruby a few centimeters from his lips and Rarity held a cup close to her mouth. Slowly, everyone quietly turned towards the area behind Celestia's chair whom of which unfortunately couldn't see who was behind it.

The pony they were all looking for after a few months was right there. Twilight walked into view with a cool smile on her face. Her white dress with red bow and golden necklace contrasted against her fur like green to orange. Her horn protruded sharply from her head and her height was a little taller. Not to mention her wings the longest in the room.

They all stared in silence as she calmly walked towards them. Her golden hoofshoes made a daunting 'clink' sound every time they hit the floor.

"T-Twilight?" Celestia asked as she walked past her chair. "What happened to you?"

"Aunty Twilight!" Flurry Heart jumped out of her seat and ran straight into Twilight's outstretched hooves with a laughing glee.

Twilight held Flurry up and blew a raspberry into her stomach. Then kissed her lightly on her horn. "Oooohhh, Hello, Flurry! You're getting big! Happy Hearth's Warming!"

"Did you get me—"

"Yes, I did, that's the only reason I'm here." She lifted one of her large wings which expanded ten feet, before grabbing  the dark orange box in her magic. She dropped it on the floor gently in front of her way more than excited niece. "Open it."

Well since she was given permission, she laughed and ripped off the bow followed shortly by the lid. Her mouth dropped open before she gasped and squealed. Her magical aura surrounded the gift and pulled out the extremely red, blue, and yellow diamond flooded necklace. It had to be twenty four karats, which made Rarity start hyperventilating and Spike to start drooling.

Rarity pointed a shaking hoof at the necklace and stammered, "H-how much did that cost?!"

Twilight ignored Rarity and addressed her niece. "This was a gift from a talented designer that I know. And it's spelled to you and only you. So if you lose it, it'll return right back automatically. Just walk a yard away from it."

"Thank you, Aunty Twilight!" Flurry said, giving Twilight a giant hug that was surprisingly giving her more magic. Equestria was giving her magic too? Or was it something else?

Shaking her head, she returned the hug, giving her the best one she could manage before pulling back. "I have to go now. A certain pony is expecting me for a little... Alone time."

"Awww, you're leaving already?"

"Sorry, Flurry. But I don't get days off. I have a nation to run after all. I promise to give you a book in the future, okay?"

"Okay! Bye, Aunt Twilight!" Twilight bent down and gave her a small kiss before turning around and walking back.

"We're leaving, gentlecolts!" She said, opening the portal.

Celestia gasped and looked around in confusion as a round of hoofsteps ran past the chairs, heading towards the portal. Once it was silent, Twilight walked forward and stopped right before crossing for the other side. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke.

"I'm still waiting.... Two words," she said coldly before stepping inside. The portal began closing, but one pony wasn't letting this happen.

"Hold on, egghead!" Rainbow shot forward and soared through the portal right before it closed. Everyone gasped, except Flurry, who was too busy putting on her necklace to notice anything.

Twilight stepped out of the other side outside the front of the Castle and let the spell close before a blue streak shot out, surprising her. Rainbow landed and slid across the concrete, stopping directly in front of the obelisk before standing up and turning around instantly.

"Alright, Twilight! You have some... Uhhh...." She gawked at the large expansive building she was in front of, trying to get an understanding of it. It. Was. Huge! "Oh....my....Equestria," she muttered.

Looking around, she saw the mountain range, Psera Skies, and the giant purple obelisk before she was grabbed by a strong force, thrown hard through the portal, back into the Canterlot dining room, and into a wall.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy yelled. She darted out of her chair to check on her friend while the portal closed back.

"Uggghh," Rainbow groaned from the floor. She sat up and rubbed the sore spot on her head. "What hit me? Twilight? MAN, she's gotten WAAAAYYY stronger." Fluttershy helped her up while everyone else gathered around. "Before, Twilight was like a little spark, but now..... she's like the world's biggest inferno!"

"What did you see?" Applejack asked her. Rainbow Dash gasped at the memory.

"Do you have a clue for where she went?" Luna asked in worry. Rainbow looked at all their expectant faces before nodding her head slowly.

"I got....a BIG clue," she whispered while walking towards the doors with all the ponies on her tail. Soon, they walked outside the building and stopped in front of the doors.

"See all of these buildings? These skyscrapers, cloudsdale, all of it?" Celestia nodded. "Well, take all of that and give it the most fantastic boost you've ever seen. I'm talking gigantic buildings all over with glass walls and twenty Cloudsdales! They were very far away, but I could still see them, that's how big they were!"

"Are you telling me....Twilight is in some type of Superworld? A Utopia?" Luna asked. Rainbow nodded quickly.

"And that's not all." She walked out a few feet then turned around to face the castle before looking to Celestia. "I could use your magic for this one, I can't simply explain this!" Celestia walked forward and looked towards the castle. "Put up a square glamour. Just a basic one."

Celestia did as asked before Rainbow gave another order. "Make it longer on both sides. Two hoofball fields on both sides." Celestia raised an eyebrow before doing as asked. A minute later, she gave another command. "Now make the top as high as you can get it. Higher than the top point of this castle!"

Celestia did as asked before Rainbow told her to add brown bricks, glass windows and a large block at the top, as well as spires on the corners. "Okay, now everypony back up." Stepping back a few feet, they looked at the giant building in front of them. "THIS....was right behind me when I flew through that portal."

"That....that's impossible!" Applejack yelled, clearly in denial before turning to Rainbow. "Stop lyin', Rainbow!"

"I kid you not, this was what was right behind me when I turned around. There were a whole bunch of Cloudsdales, tall buildings with this thing, and in front of this was a taller crystal purple obelisk."

"A purple obelisk?" Luna asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, it was taller than this building. I don't know how tall, I was too busy looking at that castle before I was thrown back inside the portal! It was.....it was something nopony has ever seen before." Celestia and Luna exchanged a glance before Rarity said something.

"You know.....Rainbow does sound believable. The way Twilight came in with all of that fashion had to be very expensive. Including Flurry's necklace, which had to cost at least seventy five thousand bits. I believe that if Twilight went somewhere it would be grand."

"Grand enough to have a designer make you a pearl white dress, a golden diamond covered necklace, and a regular golden necklace with your cutie mark as the pendant," Sunset agreed. "I believe that."

"Ok, so Twilight went to a world that has a giant obelisk and a massive castle," Cadance clarified. "If we search any surrounding lands, we'll have our location because you can't just miss a giant castle."

"We'll begin searching after Hearth's Warming," Celestia asked. "Immediately."



"So, how was it?" Merry asked while brushing Twilight's mane on her bed back in her room. "Did she like it?"

"She teared up a little bit," Twilight chuckled. "Thank you for it Merry." She walked over to a mirror and looked herself over.

"No problem, it's always for the little foals. You know....I wanted to have my own, but Blazing I don't think is ready."

"Why do you say that?" Twilight asked, looking her friend in the mirror.

Merry waved her hoof trying to come up with a reasonable explanation. "Well.....he doesn't.....seem to be......father material."

"You'll never know unless you ask. Besides...I've seen the way he looks at your flank." Merry blushed hard before Twilight chuckled. "You haven't noticed? Have you ever made love with him?"

"Well.....umm......"

Arcadia gasped and turned away from the mirror to shoot Merry a teasing look. "Whoa, the bold Merry Fire who walks into my room when I get out the shower is suddenly reduced to feathers when we talk about the stallions? What have you done with my best friend?"

"She's sleeping," she retorted, spraying on a chemical in Arcadia's mane. "What do I do?"

Arcadia turned around and answered, "Follow your heart, Merry. Everything else will follow. If he wants to make love, then allow him to. If you want to make love, go back to being Merry Fire and push him onto the bed. I'm sure he would like that."

"I'll think about it." She looked around, forgetting her task. "What are we preparing for again?"

"My date."

"Oh......OHHHH, right, right! Do you need a dress?! How about a crown?! Necklace?!"

"Merry, MERRY!" Arcadia yelled, pushing a hoof up to her mouth. "I don't need all that fancy jewelry, he'll love me just like this. With what I wore earlier. Besides, he has to give me that 'promotion' I just remembered him talking about a few months ago in advance that I am super excited for! I can't wait to hear what he has planned."

"Then go already! Last I remembered, he's at the northern mountain range looking over Merōl!" Arcadia gave her a quick hug before quickly bouncing out the door.


***


The skies of Psera were clear if you would excuse the inhabited Psera Skies floating around. The air was perfect, the flowers were blooming, and you could even hear the birds chirping as they landed in front of King Madun, who was gazing over the land of Merōl. He remembered when this land was nothing but broken wood, random bricks, and destruction. It was so bad. But when Twilight showed up, he knew his worries were gone. The empire that was built could continue to grow stronger.

A flapping of wings behind him made his ear twitch. He turned his head to see Arcadia landing quickly, then flapped her large wings. "I'm here! I'm here!" She yelled, walking towards him briskly. He grinned and stood up, giving her a nuzzle that she reciprocated. "I'm so sorry I couldn't have gotten here earlier! Merry was talking and doing my hair and Rainbow had gotten through the portal so I had to throw her back out, and-"

"Arcadia.... Twilight," he interrupted calmly, chuckling at her rambling. "It's okay, I don't mind. As long as you're here now." Arcadia smiled at him before giving him a soft kiss on the lips. Then took a seat with him down on the blanket he had setup.

"I see you came prepared with the blanket, jug of tea, and more," Arcadia commented, looking at the super romantic scene.

"Yes I did." He rolled over and opened the basket, pulling out the food and snacks. "I got everything you love. Including me."

"You're so full of cheese," she chuckled. Then lied down next to him. "But it does look delicious."

"Yep! Daisy sandwich, Chortle, Cheesy Pasta, Daisy soup, everything." He set up the scene, offering some food before him and his girlfriend had a conversation. "How was Equestria?"

"Well, it was great! I saw Flurry Heart again and she's growing like a little weed! I gave her a necklace your sister made, and she was so overjoyed, she gave me magic. Which confused me because I thought only Pserateps could give magic. So it must be something else. Either way, I enjoyed seeing her. How about you, sweetheart?"

"It was great, thanks for asking," he responded. He took a peaceful bite out of his sandwich. "Merry and I had a great breakfast with mom. We talked about some things, mostly involving Psera and a little bit of Merry's work. But overall, it was great."

"That's great." They continued eating their food for a few more minutes before Arcadia looked towards Merōl down below. "That is such a beautiful view."

"It's the reason I picked this place," He replied finishing up his food. They looked at the area for a few seconds before Madun lifted his right wing unnoticeably and pulled out his present. "Arcadia, I got you a present." She turned her head after he hid the box behind his back. "Turn back around and close your eyes."

"But—"

"Your king orders you."

"Doh! Fine." She groaned playfully before doing what he asked, keeping her eyes shut tight and listening to him mumble.

"Okay... Is this the right... Almost... Okay." king Madun cleared his throat and took a deep breath before he said, "Okay. Open your eyes."

Arcadia slowly opened them and gasped, putting her hooves to her moth. Madun was perfectly centered underneath the sun, in front of Merōl, and in the beautiful sea of dandelions with a box that was opened, displaying a ring. It had three diamonds on it. A wedding ring.

"Twilight....ever since you captured my eye I knew there was something special about you. You came on this island when all hope was lost and redeemed it. You came into my life and made me a better king. Made Psera a better place. Inspired me to be the king I was meant to be. You reassured me when I was down, advised my committee, and created a whole new world for me to rule over.

"But I can't rule it alone. Especially since my heart was stolen by the mare I first laid eyes on that actually said she loved me. A king needs his Queen. So....Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle....will you marry me?"

The mare in question looked at him with tears coming down her face, hooves still over her mouth. Her wings had flapped open in surprise when he presented the box, revealing her surprised state. A few seconds later, she lowered her hooves and jumped on top of him, sending him onto his back while she captured his lips in her own.

Breaking away, she replied quietly, "Yes," before embracing and burrying her head into his chest. He hugged her tight, with relief all over his orange muzzle. Never wanting to let go.
> Chapter 15 - Reconciliation(Longest Chapter Ever Written)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the butterfly kisses that Madun could barely escape from, he laughed and took out the necklace-ring to put it on his wife to be. Getting back up, he stretched it wider, shocking Arcadia.

Twilight bounced up from the grass and exclaimed, "It has a band in the gold?!"

"Yes it does." He reached up and slipped it over her head before it tightened around her neck comfortably, creating a seventeen inch necklace. She lifted a hoof and felt along the cold and golden design, the diamonds glistening like frost on this cold Hearth's Warming. "And it's very durable. I've never heard of a necklace-ring snapping before."

"It's so beautiful~," she cooed. Her eyes locked back up on her boyfriend's. No... Fiancee. "Thank you, Shimmering, I'm so happy!" She jumped forward into his hooves again, knocking them both down to the ground once more and capturing his lips in another love filled kiss. He chuckled in the middle of it and pulled back, giving her a dopey grin.

"You're very welcome. Ready to head back?"

"Yes!" She jumped off of him, allowing the King to get up while she helped pack everything using her magic. "Merry is going to begin asking questions and—"

"That's what it was!" Madun said suddenly. "Sorry for cutting you off. It's just that I totally forgot about my sister's antics. When she learns we're engaged, Merry is going to spread the news faster than you can fly."

"Really?" Arcadia asked. She used her magic to pick up the basket.

"Yeah, she did it with our cousin's wedding. I'll explain on the way." The two took to the air over Cop, feeling the wind rush past beneath their wings, and shuffling their feathers while Madun told his fiancee about his sister. Apparently, Merry can run. She had their whole family, who was located in Cop, knowing about Lion Heart and Royal Sound's, Madun's favorite cousin, wedding within ten minutes. Pretty fast.

"Now we are going to see how fast she can tell all of Psera," Madun continued before they landed softly in front of the castle's granite steps. "I'm guessing it will be an hour and some."

"Maybe. Let's go find out." The two ponies walked up the steps of the castle, waving to ponies coming out who stopped and stared at Arcadia for a moment. Something was different about her. Arcadia and Madun walked into the large lobby, waving to more ponies before they finally spotted the mare they were looking for talking to...Molten Ice?

"Did you set this up, sweetheart?" Arcadia whispered as they approached.

"No way. I'm not one to ruin a surprise. Hey, put your hoof over your ring. I want to see their reaction." Arcadia giggled and did just that before they stopped beside the two. It took them a few seconds to notice though.

"So I don't know what to do," Merry said to her mother. Now that the Lady in Waiting got a closer look, they looked alike just a different coat. "If I sew one dress for her, my business might go down because of who she is. But—Oh hey, you two. How was your date?" Molten Ice looked over, finally spotting the couple and smiled warmly at them.

"It was amazing," Arcadia answered. "We watched the sun setting over Merōl in a field of Dandelions. Madun spoils me."

"And she likes to be spoiled," the King added. "So that's why I... Bought her a ring."

Arcadia lowered her hoof, shocking the two royals before something started happening to Merry. She started shaking and her face had to have a grin that was much bigger than Pinkie Pie's. "IT HAPPENED! IT FINALLY HAPPENED! EEEEEEEEE!" She yelled, rushing forward and pulling the two into a massive hug. "MADUN FINALLY GOT A WIFE!"

The ponies walking around stopped and looked at her confusedly while the couple was trying to get out of her grip.

"Merry, let the lovebirds go," her mother chuckled. "They need air to get married."

The excitable Pseratep quickly let go and stepped back, letting the two breath. "Ooooo, I'm so happy for you! It's about time you got a wife. And for us to get a queen! Wait wait! I have to tell all of Psera! Then I have to make you a dress! A big one. A big FAT one!"

"A fat dress?" Arcadia asked. "Sorry, Merry. But I'm small."

"I'm talkin' about for your wings!" Merry zipped over quickly and pulled the mare's wings out to full size, which measured to around ten feet. She made a mental note to measure them later. "These babies need room to spread, not to stay trapped! So I am making you a dress. AFTER I tell everypony! Oh, wait wait." She trotted in front of Arcadia and bowed slightly, embarrassing her a little. "May I go spread the news, your highness?"

"Uhhh......" Arcadia looked at her for a moment before she chuckled. "Yes you may, Lady Merry." The ponies around were starting to mutter before Merry rose back up.

"Thank you, Lady Arcadia." She started to walk past them and towards the doors before she zoomed off, blowing the new couple's hair back.

"Congratulations, Shimmering Madun," Molten said, coming over and giving her son a nuzzle. Once that was done, she turned to the new royal and gave her a nuzzle too, making her freeze up. "And congratulations to you too, Arcadia Nova."

"Thanks mom. Now stop, you're embarrassing her." Arcadia's face was as red as a tomato, making the older queen laugh.

"Oh, she's just in shock that she's going to be a wife soon. As a matter of fact, I'm sure all of Psera is going to share that same reaction. See? Look around you, all of our citizens are currently not moving." Arcadia broke out of her frozen state of mind and looked around. Sure enough, all of the Pserateps in the castle looking around were just staring at the two of them in shock. It was only a matter of time before they unfreeze and start bowing or something. Just like how Merry was doing earlier. Arcadia should probably be expecting that now, being royalty and all.

"Yeah, I can see that," she said before turning to Her Majesty. "How long should I be waiting for them to......start?"

"In a few minutes or in a few seconds, you never know. Based on the history of Psera, the Pserateps will indubitably shower you with congratulations and presents of some sort. Try not to yell at them though."

"WE HAVE A NEW QUEEN!" Somepony yelled, finally figuring it out.

"And it begins. Good luck, Lady Arcadia." Molten Ice began walking away, leaving the two to gulp loudly at the barrage of hooves coming their way.

"We walked straight into the Lion's Den...again," Twilight said, glancing at her husband-to-be who was sharing the exact same expression. She gasped, getting an idea and raised up a firm hoof. "STOP!" The ponies all slid to a stop right in front of them, shocking the king and impressing Molten. "Yes. Me and King Madun are engaged. Please calmly ask your questions and try not to bombard us. It is getting late and we would more than likely try to answer more of your questions tomorrow sometime."

The Pserateps began politely raising their hooves and asking questions. Like the most obvious one, "Are you going to be a queen?" Madun would respond with, "After the marriage is when that would be decided by her and her alone. She would have to be married first. Although, the government of Psera is hoping she'd say yes."

After the round of questions, the royals left, leaving them to talk amongst themselves. Along the way, the two received congratulations from ponies who were beginning to retire on that Hearth's Warming night. Making their way to bed.

"I hope this Hearth's Warming was-"

"It was the best, Shimmering," Arcadia interruped, nuzzling up to him. "I love my gift as much as I love you."

"And I love you as much as I love Psera," the King replied, nuzzling her back. He walked her to her room, thinking that she'd prefer to sleep it off before she giggled.

"You propose to me, then drop me off like nothing happened, huh?"

"What? No! No, I m-mean uhh...ummm...stay—" Arcadia pressed a hoof up against his mouth, silencing him.

"Calm down, Madun," she calmed, removing her hoof. "I was only teasing. I'll be fine here."

"No, you're right. My lady deserves something better than a room like this." Madun walked towards the room before turning back. "Where are my manners? Can I go in?"

"Yes, you may." Arcadia walked forward and opened the door, walking inside to let him continue his little speech.

"My lady deserves something better than a room like this. She deserves....the Queen and Princess suite. Or the King and Prince suite. It's actually where I live. Would you like to move in with me since you legally can now?"

"Can I bring my stuff?"

"All of it. We have a lot of room." Arcadia went around her room and packed everything up, placing dresses on Madun's back while she carried her books. After that, Arcadia stuck a note on the door that said "Madun's" for Merry. No doubt she was going to come to her room in a few to talk about how he proposed and probably tease him.

The two walked towards the middle of the Castle, a very large area Arcadia has never been before that had three indoor fountains. They were twenty feet high, sending streams of water dancing through the air before landing in the pool below. High above was a skylight that was shaped like a dome, casting the area in a purple glow from the sun's twilight.

"Whoa," Lady Arcadia muttered before she actually looked around. Behind the fountains were a pair of grand doors, but above was another level with walkways along the walls, as well as rooms. The place was well guarded with Royal Guards on every space that was needed. Doors, rooms, and beside accessible areas. "This is the royal suite, huh?"

"Yes it is," he responded before the guards bowed to the two and opened the doors to the room, which was more like a mansion in a super mansion. "Welcome to my lonely home, which just became a lot less lonely."

Arcadia looked around in wonder at the large area. It had multiple hallways and took up all of the levels of the castle. "This must be the whole castle!"

"This area practically is," Madun replied. "These are actually the governmental offices of Psera. And this way is the living quarters for the royals." He led her down a hallway in the middle that held meeting rooms, offices, war rooms with electronics which had made Arcadia gasp in wonder, closets, giant libraries and more before coming out into a large space that looked like the last one.

But instead of fountains, there was a garden with doors behind it. Obviously leading towards the living areas. The guards in front of it opened them to reveal... A standard home. Not too big, not too small.

"Cozy," Arcadia replied, felling the velvet carpeting with her hoof. "I like it."

"Glad you do," the king said from the closet. He was hanging up his wife-to-be's dresses. "I'm not fond of areas that are too big. It's uncomfortable. The offices I can deal with, but the home? No."

Arcadia chuckled and set her books down on a nearby bookshelf, already arranged to her system before going over to her fiance, nuzzling up to him.

"Thank you, Madun. I love you."

"I love you too, Twilight." The two shared a small peck before Arcadia looked around. In the living room in front of the couches, there was a fireplace with book shelves beside it. There was a kitchen behind the couches, as well as a hallway across from the front doors that led to, what Arcadia counted, seven rooms. The one in the middle being the master bedroom. There were also two bathrooms.

"Are you tired?" Madun asked, walking into the master bedroom. Inside were medals, photographs, bookshelves, scrolls, and a desk.

"Yeah. We have a big day tomorrow. Myself especially."

Madun flipped open the covers, which smelled like roses, and climbed in before asking. "Why?"

"I'm inviting some ponies I know that I can trust to help us with the wedding." The mare climbed in and cuddled up to Madun before the covers were draped over her. "I would contact them but I don't want to risk getting an interference or being tracked. So I'll grab and bring her here tomorrow."

Madun wrapped a wing around her keeping her warmer than she already was and making her hum in comfort. "This time, try not to be seen."

"I promise. Good night."

"Good night." The two quickly clonked out after that from the day's events. So much has happened. With one having a much bigger impact than the other.



The next morning Twilight woke up to the smell of food being cooked. She moaned in her sleep and reach out to the side across from her. But instead of meeting a warm embrace, she met cold sheets. She moaned again in confusion and open her eyes. Seeing no one there, she looked around the room and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Madun? You in here?" She called out tiredly.

"Cooking!" He called out.

"You can...oh yeah, you told me you could." She got out of bed and stretched while he responded.

"You like eggs?"

"Yes, scrambled. Wait, you're cooking eggs?!" She quickly trotted out of the room and towards the kitchen to see the king at work. And he indeed was at work. There was a carton of eggs sitting on the table that had half of them gone, as well as some peppers, onions, cheese... "You're making omelets, I take it."

"Keen eye, Ms. Sparkle," Madun complimented. He leaned over and pecked Twilight's cheek. "Good morning."

"Good morning. I have to get ready to head out and grab them. Try to make my omelet to go, okay?"

"Awww, so I don't get to have the first breakfast with my wife-to-be?" Arcadia stopped and turned around, wide-eyed.

"Uhh....umm...well....." She sighed and gave him a smile. "They can wait. You're right. I want to spend time with my stallion and you want to spend time-"

"With my mare, yes!" He flipped the omelette over, making it sizzle. The Alicorn-Pseratep rolled her eyes and chuckled before going to the bathroom to prep herself. "I hope you like onions!"

"I do! And peppers too!" Arcadia walked into the bathroom and closed the door.

"Me three, try to make me some." Madun gasped and looked behind him at the door and sighed, seeing his sister come in with...oh my Psera, two other mares with measuring tapes, needles, tables, the works. "Good morning, brother!"

"Who let you in?" Madun asked blandly, making her groan. "Arcadia, your friend is here!"

"I'm surprised she didn't show up while we were sleeping!" Arcadia yelled from the shower. "She did that to me one time."

"You were in her room while she was sleeping?" Madun asked, taking the omelet off the skillet and placing it on a plate.

Merry was directing where to place everything while talking to the king. "Uh...yes. Yes I was."

"Good morning your highness," one of the ponies greeted him as they both bowed.

"Good morning, fellow ponies," he replied, preparing another omelet. He turned around and faced them, making them look at him standing at attention. "How much did my sister tell the public?"

"She said that you became engaged with Lady Arcadia last night," one of them answered. "Congratulations."

"Thank you. Lady Arcadia should be coming out to meet you soon. Although you still might have to wait a little while. Merry, you brought them here too early. Arcadia was going to grab some friends from somewhere to help her make fashion choices for her wedding dress and we were going to have our first breakfast together."

"Oh. Do they know fashion?" Merry challenged.

"The best in Canterlot...on Earth that is." Arcadia walked out of the back completely refreshed with a towel wrapped around her barrel to dry her wings. "The large wings are such a burden when I'm in the shower."

"Good morning, Lady Arcadia," one of the ponies greeted as they all bowed down to her.

"Good morning, Pserateps!" She greeted. Then turned to Merry and asked, "How do you dry these things in such a constricted area? Like the bathroom? I've never had this problem before, but now..."

"Oh, that's easy! Let me help you." Merry trotted forward and removed the towel, seeing the wet wings. Correction. Drenched wings. "Let's go out in the hall and fix this."

The four ladies went outside to help her with her wing issues while Madun continued flipping omelets, hoping that they wouldn't get the guards wet. Once out in the hall, Twilight was met with brightness from a spherical skylight that she didn't notice last night. Made sense considering that there was a garden in front of them. Complete with statues, benches, grass....the works.

"Good morning, Lady Arcadia." She turned around, and looked towards the two guards standing by the doors.

"Good morning, Shining Sword and Worn Weather," she greeted to the guards. "I see you two a lot around Psera."

"That's because we're stationed her in Cop, where you stay at," Worn answered. "Congratulations on your engagement. We wish you the best of happiness."

"Thank you very much, Worn. Try not to get wet okay?" She asked, confusing them.

The two guards shared a look then turned back to her. "What?"

"Okay, girl," Merry called, catching her attention while the guards were trying to figure out what she meant. "Lift your wings all the way up..." Arcadia followed her instructions before moving onto the next thing. "And flap them lightly. But don't push them down. You do it fast too. Like a bee." Merry demonstrated by fluttering her wings lightly, as fast as a hummingbird and confusing Arcadia in the process. But she went ahead and did it, finding her wings to be very fast if they were barely moving. And the water was getting everywhere. But mostly on the guards.

"Hey! H-Hey! No! Why?!"

"Oh I'm so sorry!" Arcadia said, once her wings were dry. She walked over quickly, frantically checking them over. "Hold still." The two soaked guards were being laughed at by the other mares while she lit her horn and enveloped them in an aura, drying and letting them go, stifling her own giggles in the process.

"Thank you, your highness," Silver sword sighed, fixing his helmet. "Do you need any assistance this morning?"

"Actually, yes. In a little while, I have to go to a different world and grab some friends who will be helping me with the fashion."

"Are they experienced in fashion?" Merry asked again, walking over to her, soaked as well. "Because if she isn't, I recommend trying out a fashionista here that I know."

"Oh she is." Arcadia enveloped her in an aura, drying her off before doing the same to her assistants. "She's actually a copy of one of my acquaintances in Equestria. Just in another dimension. I'm not giving the real one any chances this way until they apologize."

"I understand. I just want this wedding to be perfect for you and my brother. You two deserve this." Arcadia smiled and pulled her friend into a hug.

"Thanks, Merry. Come inside and have breakfast with us, I'm sure Madun wouldn't mind."

"Oh he would definitely mind. But I'm going to do it just to make you happy. There's a difference." Arcadia chuckled and led them all inside. Ready to begin a breakfast that would have her fiance groaning and pulling his hair in annoyance. Poor king.



During the night in Equestria, Pinkie Pie kept getting some weird Pinkie Sense involving happiness and life changes. Revolving around Twilight. The next morning, she got up and ran to the damaged castle where everyone was situated to talk about how their Hearth's Warming were yesterday.

"Guys! Guys!" Pinkie yelled, bouncing up and down and shaking uncontrollably. The Elements, Spike, Trixie and Starlight, and Sunset all looked to her, trying to figure out what was going. And why in Equestria was she literally bouncing on the walls. "I got a P-P-P-P-Pinkie S-Sense!" She jumped in the air and hit her head on the crystal ceiling before landing on her hooves again. "And it revolves around Twilight!"

"What?! Is it bad?!" Sunset asked in concern, getting up and approaching her. She had heard about Pinkie's Pinkie Sense through Twilight's reports a few years ago. And the Pinkie on Earth had the same thing going on. But she didn't know what it was.

"No! It's good! Life changing good! I don't know what exactly, but it's hu-u-u-u-ge!" She fell over on her side and started vibrating like a phone, freaking out Trixie.

"I don't think I like this," she said. "Can somebody cut her off?"

"Yeah most of the time, we just throw her down in the basement and see if that'll help," Spike said, turning to Sunset. "Can we do that?"


~✶~


After the breakfast, and fixing her fiance's hair after random strands kept popping up and making her laugh, she gathered the two guards and stood outside of the room, looking at the two.

"Okay, here's what's going to happen," she said. "We're going to go through a portal that I learned how to create weeks ago that can send us to a different dimension and retrieve her. You're going to feel different and look different as well. Just try not to freak out. We're going to arrive in front of a building that I have tracked them to. When I was just a basic Alicorn I wouldn't be able to do this because of the magic required for it. However, with the magical reservoir that I now have, it's a piece of cake. Sound good?"

"Yes, your highness!"

"Any questions?"

"Are they ponies?"

"No. They're humans. But they become ponies on this side. Here we go." Twilight turned her back to them and lit her horn creating a portal that she continued pouring magic into. Eventually, after two more minutes, she stopped and backed away. Creating an object that she thought she'd never see again.

A mirror. "This is the portal. Are you ready?"

"Yes, your highness!" Twilight turned around and walked through the glass, and into the vortex with the guards right on her trail, screaming and hugging each other in the vortex. It was a completely new experience for them. After a bright flash, they landed on something hard. By the chin.

"Ow!" Silver Sword yelped, feeling his chin. "What happened?" He stopped feeling his face and gasped as Twilight lifted him onto his feet with her magic. Doing the same with Worn Weather.

"You just arrived on earth and changed into humans," she explained. "You may feel dizzy for a while. Try not freak out...but you don't have hooves anymore. They're called hands and feet."

"What and what?" Worn asked, looking at his body. He gasped a little at the digits on his body, which were in gloves and his feet which were in boots. "Wh-what am I wearing?!"

"Oh you're still in your armor. We've never actually tried to see what would happen if we put guards through the portal." The two guards finally looked up at Lady Arcadia who...looked young.

"You look......weird," Silver commented, smirking. Arcadia slowly shook her head at him.

"Thanks....I think. Now come on. Try to move your feet."

After teaching the guards how to walk and pick up their swords and weapons, the royal led them away from the school statue and towards the fashionista's location, which she was tracking using her magic. Good news? She was headed right for them. Bad news? she had everyone else with her. Looks like they were discussing their Christmas here.

"Okay, guards, they're coming this way," Twilight said, ignoring the honking of cars. "Hold still and try not to intimidate."

"Yes, your highness," they both saluted before taking up their positions on both sides of Twilight, waiting for the voices to come from around the corner.


***


"So we ate sweets, sweets, and more-WHOA~ that's a doozy!" Pinkie Pie began shaking while her friends who were walking down the sidewalk stopped and stared at her.

"What now, Pinkie Pie, a cupcake nearby?" Rainbow joked, patting her pink friend on the back.

"No, it's.......Twilight!"

"I'm right here, Pinkie," Sci-Twi said blandly, waving her hand in front of her face.

"No, the other one!" They looked at her strangely before she explained. "She's here and she's super duper close! Very, very close! Up ahead somewhere!"

"What?! Where?!" Twilight quickly strode forward and looked around, trying to figure out where she was while the others helped out. "I don't see her! Are you sure she—oh."

"Hey, Twilight!" Queen Arcadia greeted waving at her. The girl in front of her pushed up her glasses and waved back shyly, too intimidated by the big guys wearing armor behind her.

"Hey.....Princess. Wh-who are your friends?" The others came around the corner and gaped at the two soldiers standing there.

"This is Worn Weather and Silver Sword. My personal detail. Don't mind them, they're logheads."

"Hey!" Silver sword said, looking down to her. "I am not a....whatever that is."

"It means very smart."

"Oh in that case, I'm a better loghead than Weather here." Twilight snorted before focusing her attention back on her friends.

"Egghead!" Rainbow cheered. She darted forward and pulled her into a strong hug with the others piling behind. "You went missing for almost a year!"

"Were you here this whole time, darling?" Rarity asked, joining in.

"No. I'm still on the other side of the portal. They just can't find me. It's better that way...for them. Anyway....I need your help Rarity. But you have to come back with me. It's about fashion that will become a trend for a certain time."

"Uhh...sure. Can the others come?" Twilight looked back at them to see them all giving her puppy dog eyes, causing her to grimace and sigh.

"I guess. I was actually expecting you to ask. But you have to Pinkie Promise, right now, that whatever you see and hear, you do not, I repeat, do not tell anypony....or anyone. At all. Under any circumstances."

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," they all repeated. Fluttershy gave a tiny "ouch" from poking herself. The guards tilted their heads before waving it off as some type of thing they have here.

"Okay. Follow along." She turned around and began walking away with the guards right behind her. The Equestria Girls looked at each other and shrugged before they followed right after her. She was still their friend. Even if things were a little suspicious. So they were going to help as best as they could. Eventually they came to the portal, which looked a little different than before. Instead of it being the gray stone, there was a violet overlay on top. Twilight raised her hand behind her and ordered, "Guards, you'll be last to make sure we aren't followed!"

They saluted and responded, "Yes, your highness!" Then took up positions beside the portal. Twilight waved before going into the portal, the other girls following after. Once they were through, the guards jumped in after, thankful to get out of that world.


***


Back in Psera, King Madun was busy looking at the designs at the dinner table with Merry, who had created them for the wedding, which in his mind were way too full of flowers.

"Merry, we need some sparkle," Madun said, pulling her away from her drawing. "These designs have way too many flowers in them. We need to leave some space, some real estate on these dresses. I'm sure Arcadia would think so as well."

"I think they look great, what's the big deal?"

"The big deal is that these ponies want to be awed, not flowered. We need some variety. Your designs are great. Really. It's just that...it needs something other than just flowers."

"Like what?"

"Diamonds! Jewels! Gems!" The two looked to the opposite side of Merry to see a white coated, dark purple maned unicorn sorting through the drawings, telling them the problem. "It needs color and contrast to bring it out. Now....why am I here, Twilight darling?"

Madun looked behind him and saw a group of ponies looking around while his fiancee was walking towards him. "Sorry it took so long. Rarity insisted I bring the others."

"It's alright, I guess," he said, nuzzling her. Rainbow and the others stared at her and giggled.

"Hey Twilight......who's your friend?" Rainbow asked. "I never thought I'd say this, since I'm a pony at this moment and it's so not me, but he's a hunk." The Pserateps nearby yelped before diving behind the couch, confusing the pegasus. "Did I....say something?"

"You see girls, this is King Madun of the land we are in right now," Arcadia said. "He's my.....fiance." Their mouths dropped open before Rainbow started stuttering.

"I....I-I'm so sorry, Twilight!" She yelled, coming over and giving her a tight hug. "I didn't mean to hit on your man!"

"Stallion."

"Stallion! And......did you get fatter?"

"This pony is so disrespectful!" One of the long winged ponies yelled pointing a hoof at the cyan Pegasus. "How dare she insult-"

"It's okay, Merry," Arcadia chuckled, waving a hoof at her. "This is just Rainbow Dash. She's just as bad as you. At least you use the door to invade my privacy. Rainbow here, if I remember correctly, breaks through windows."

"She also crashes through my roof," Sci-Twi added, making everyone do a double take. They looked at Arcadia then at Sci-Twi, muttering and scratching their heads in confusion.

"Uhh.......sweetheart, why are there two of you?" Madun asked, rubbing his chin with a hoof. "Is that part of your magic thing again?"

"Well I didn't go to Equestria, I went to a different dimension where there are versions of my acquaintances and I in Equestria, and grabbed these girls. That includes Twilight here. But instead of being a mage in magic, she's ahead in science. Like we have here."

"You have Science here?" Sci-Twi asked, trotting up to the king.

"My husband is a professor here in Psera," Merry said, approaching her. "I am Merry Fire. A widely known fashion designer as well as Psera Royalty here in Psera. These are my assistants and this is my BROTHER!" She punctuated the last bit to Rainbow Dash, who gave an innocent grin and a shrug.

"I didn't know!"

"Merry..." Arcadia said, trotting up to her with an upset look on her face. Merry instantly backed down.

"Lady Arcadia-"

"We are not going to chastise our guests from another world. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, your highness," Merry replied, bowing to her. "I apologize."

"Rise. It's okay, you were defending your brother's honor. If it makes you feel better, you and Rarity can design my dresses and make them a surprise. Then I'll have to choose one."

"It's a deal, best friend!" The two mares hugged before Merry turned to Rarity, smiling. "So you're a fashion designer? What's your niche?"

"Gems," Rarity replied, looking over Twilight's figure. "The Rarity in Equestria was kind enough to give me some gems that I put into my designs on earth. Here, they are low quality. But on earth, they would sell for over one thousand dollars. And I am very interested in these designs you have, but your brother is right. They need some shimmer."

"And Rarity has a talent that we all wish we could have," Fluttershy whispered.

"Yeah, she can find gems," Rainbow finished, trying to get on Merry's good side.

"The gems here are really expensive and we aren't really abundant in them," Madun informed them. "But if you wish to find some, you can go around and check out the rest of the land. I would be happy to show you around."

"Really?" Arcadia asked in surprise, looking up to him.

"Yes. Wouldn't it be polite to get to know my fiancee's friends?" He replied, giving her a smile. Arcadia giggled in response.

"Alright. Girls? Don't flirt with my stallion. I mean it."

"Especially the Cyan one," Merry said, pointing at the pegasus and making her grimace. A new place and already on somepony's bad side. Is this good? Or is it bad?


***


While Twilight was getting measured, the King took the time to take the five friends out to look around. Including Sci-Twi, who he couldn't stop staring at because she looked just like the Twilight he first met when she first arrived. Except without the wings. The guards were walking beside them, four of them were apparently needed for this task. They walked through the doors leading into the Governmental Offices while Rainbow tried to figure out why these ponies looked so different. And why Twilight looked bigger. Eventually she spotted it.

"So......" Rainbow said from Madun's right, trying to create a conversation with the long winged pony. "Your wings are like super large. What's up with that?"

"I've noticed that as well," Twilight said, looking at his wings. "Even Twilight had them and she didn't have wings that long before. They were even longer than yours!"

"Our wings come from the admiration of other ponies," he answered as they walked through the doors leading into the Castle's residence rooms.

"Wait, so like......love?" Applejack asked.

"Yes. And Arcadia's are officially the biggest in Psera. She beats mine by an inch."

"Wow, so everyone loves her," Fluttershy whispered as they walked towards the stairs. "Can I ask why? I mean, if that's okay with you, your highness."

"Of course you can. A year ago, Psera was......destroyed."

"Wait, destroyed?" Sci-Twi asked, stopping for a moment. "What do you mean destroyed?"

"You will see." He turned right and headed down some stairs. A lot of stairs. "We are on the tenth floor. I would take the elevator, but they are used strictly only for royalty." After two minutes of the stairs, they arrived on the floor. And were immediately bombarded by Pserateps.

"Congratulations, you highness!"

"How's the bride?"

"Give Lady Arcadia our thanks for everything she's done for Psera!"

"Lady Arcadia is well, she is currently looking at dresses! And I will let her know!" The king reassured. They began walking through the large lobby to the other side of the building, where there were photos and drawings on display, protected by glass. "This is what Psera was like."

They looked at the photos and gasped lightly. There was an overhead one of the entire continent that displayed the ground...which was brown and dead. You can tell from thousands of feet.

"Wha... What happened?" Fluttershy asked, her mouth agape like the others.

"Nine months before Twilight arrived, there was an attack by what we called 'a giant glowing bear' which was later know as an Ursa Major. Or so we thought. In the time between Twilight's arrival and the attack, there was anger, grief, pain, suffering. Not to mention death. When Twilight arrived, she said she could help, but the Pserateps here were not so easily convinced.......until she made a whole city have grass again. That city was Merōl." He pointed a hoof at the next photograph, which was of Twilight with her head held low walking through Merōl, creating grass.

"We had never heard of Magic before," he continued. "Nopony here had. And she introduced it to us. Once Twilight came and painted the city green again, that was when she got her first dose of admiration. Thus her wings grew. In reality, I never told Twilight this, the ponies who give you admiration are actually giving their love to you in very tiny doses not even a centimeter. Twilight's wings grew a foot after that."

"THAT is a lot of love," Rainbow commented, still gazing at the photos. "So what happened next?"

"I was told there was a pony who was restoring the land by a guard. I quickly grabbed my advisors and met them at Merōl, intent to make a bargain of some sort to at least see my people happy once again. And then....I saw her."

"Instantly fell in love, huh loverboy?" Applejack asked, teasingly.

The king chuckled and nodded. "Yes, I did. She was stunning. Absolutely stunning. The ground here in Psera was extremely dusty with dirt and other chemicals that rusted my crown. And she restored it in a few seconds. As if it were brand new. We asked her if she wanted anything in return for her services."

"And she said no," Sci-Twi guessed, turning around to face him with the others.

"She said, 'not a thing'...or something like that. Either way, she didn't want anything in return. She said she came from Equestria after she was deceived by the entire land. If I ever meet the ruler of that land, I am going to give them the wrath of Psera that nopony has never seen." At that moment Madun's eyes turned dark for a second before taking a deep breath and going back to normal. "Anyway, she said she found us after discovering some clouds that came over the land of Equestria, bearing dirt and Carbon Monoxide. She said there was a massive fire here. And there was, two months before she arrived. That was how she found us. She flew four hundred miles away from Equestria just to help us. And she did. A few months later, Psera went from this-" He pointed to the brown continent. "To this." He walked towards the doors and pushed them open, letting in the light and revealing the outside world, making the visitors gasp.

They looked around at the huge city full of buildings that were houses, stores, companies. But mostly at the guarded giant obelisk that took up most of their vision. There were also a few skyscrapers here and there.

"What.......Twilight did all this?!" Sci-Twi asked in disbelief. "Are those cities in the sky?!"

"Yes, Arcadia created that as well. They're called Psera Skies. We were becoming overpopulated at a time, so Arcadia returned to Equestria to grab some books on a place called Cloudsdale."

"We were there!" Rainbow yelled in realization. "I remember that! We saw her grabbing a whole bunch of books and teleported out of there as fast as she came. And she stopped the Rainbow Dash from Equestria without even trying!"

"Yes, she told me they tried to attack her as soon as she arrived. Follow me and I'll show you around Cop. The casual acronym for Capital of Psera. Which is a continent that is, according to Arcadia, twice as big as Equestria at the same elevation of observation, whatever that means." He trotted down the steps with everyone in tow. Then walked across the street, waving at the Pserateps who greeted and congratulated him on his engagement.

"It means at the fixed height of what you look down from," Sci-Twi said as they walked. "This must be a massive place."

"Yes it is," he responded while waving to another pony. "Psera is really big. The marriage will be held in Events at Eventa, a stadium as big as a city, where very important events are held."

"You have a stadium as big as a city?!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping and hovering in the air. Madun looked at her quizzically before Applejack reassured him.

"Don't even question it," she said. "Pinkie does what Pinkie does." Madun looked from her back up to the Pink earth pony before shaking his head and clearing his throat.

"Well, to answer your question, yes. We have a massive stadium that can house mostly all the Pserateps on this continent. Hopefully we will show you sometime. Let me give you the tour." The ponies finally walked down the stairwell while the Pserateps nearby bowed to the king and congratulated him on the engagement. "The obelisk here was created by Arcadia."

"Who's Arcadia?" Twilight asked, the same question on everyone's minds. "You've said that a lot."

"It's Twilight. Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle. She wanted to change her name to start a new life here in Psera and we supported it."

"She changed her name?!" Rainbow asked, jumping a little. "Well....I guess she really doesn't want anything to do with Equestria, then."

"I'll let her tell you all about that. This Obelisk was created by Arcadia as a security system in case of another attack. And it came in handy. It has become a very important asset. Recently, maybe four months ago, the bear returned. And this let us know it did."

"How?"

"One hundred miles off the coast of Psera are three hundred smaller, but still visible, versions of this that work as detectors, that send a signal back here, letting us know about any incoming objects. It does not matter how high they go, the detection system will spot it."

"An early warning system," Twilight muttered.

"Yes. When the bear returned, me and Arcadia were walking through the halls while she was telling me about our armor being completely gold. So she decided that we should change the gold we get to steel and then use some of the gold as a cover. When it did land on our soil, Arcadia went to face it and try to put it to sleep. But it didn't go to sleep. It was then discovered that it was not an Ursa Major. But an insane swarm of Changelings, that she described as creatures who can change their form to whatever or whoever they wish.

"So she put it in a spell, erased their memories of this place, and sent them back to Equestria, where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and another Princess engaged her in combat over the Element of Magic. She returned it a little while after and is now waiting for something that they are supposed to be giving her."

"Which is?"

"Next up we have the mountain range," Madun continued, ignoring Rainbow's question and pointing towards the area. "It is over twenty five thousand feet and you can see all of the cities from atop them. That is where I proposed to Arcadia yesterday."

"Awww, on Christmas?" Fluttershy asked.

"What's a Christmas?"

"That is so sweet~! Oooh~, we need to help with this wedding! Oh can we can we please?" The others all agreed, voicing their opinions. Madun tried not to show any emotion at their begging but eventually caved.

He sighed and motioned back towards the castle. "You have to ask Arcadia since she's the one who brought you here."

"Yes!" Rainbow zoomed back towards the Castle before stopping and turning around, looking at King Madun sheepishly. "Yeah, I uhh don't know where to go. Could you...."

"Guard, please escort..."

Twilight leaned up to his ear and whispered, "Rainbow Dash."

"Ms. Dash to the room please," he ordered. One of the guards saluted before making his way back up the steps with Rainbow in tow. "While she is asking my fiancee about your help, let me tell you more about Psera."


***


"Arcadia, are you sure those ponies of yours aren't going to give away our location? And our information?" Merry asked, measuring her barrel. "No offense, Ms. Rarity."

"Don't worry darling," Rarity reassured, measuring Twilight's head. "It's completely normal for a person to be cautious of someone else in their place of residence. Although, I am very confused as to why you are being kept secret."

"The continent is very rich in metals," Arcadia explained. "Gold, actually."

"Extremely rich," Merry added, catching Rarity's attention. "The whole continent is made out of it. We just have a thick layer of dirt over it."

"Psera... Is made out of gold?" Rarity asked quietly.

"That is why Psera is kept secret," Lady Arcadia explained. She yelped and flinched from a needle prick. "Be careful back there."

"Sorry, your highness," one of the assistants apologized.

"But yes. That is the reason Psera is kept secret. Equestria is practically scavenging for metals like what we have here. That and I have made some alloys as well that are kept in Serl. A city of science that is two hundred miles away from Cop. Here. And the reservoir is growing everyday. Speaking of which, I have to create some more at twelve today, along with steel for our tools. What time is it, Merry?"

"Eleven thirty-two, Arcadia."

"Okay twenty eight minutes. While I'm gone, try to surprise me with the designs! I can't wait to see them!"

"You bet your right wing that they'll be great!" Merry said before writing down some more measurements. "Ms. Rarity, did you measure her wings?"

"I did, they are eleven feet. Darling, you have very long wings. Why is that?"

"That's a story for another time. Or I'll let somebody else tell it. Right now, I have to get out of here. Thanks, everypony. And Rarity? Do not tell ANYPONY about that. At all. Under any circumstances."

They all bowed, Rarity a little later before the doors opened, revealing Rainbow Dash. "Twilight, can we help with the wedding puh-leaaaase?!" Arcadia yelped at the intrusion, nearly blasting Rainbow back out by instinct before taking some deep breaths.

"Rainbow? You never walk into a house without knocking first. That is really rude," she scolded. "And two? I'm not sure. What can you offer?"

Rainbow took a deep breath and responded really quickly. "Fluttershy can do the music, Pinkie can help with the reception, Applejack can help with the food, the geek can help with the organization, Rarity is obviously doing the clothes and Sunset can help by being your advisor!" Arcadia looked at her in shock, trying to track her voice from the intense speed she just spoke at. "You're inviting Sunset... Right?"

"I really didn't think about her until now." Arcadia put her hoof by her mouth, tapping it and thinking. "Well....I guess it wouldn't hurt to actually have one pony originally from Equestria that hasn't lied to me help out." Finally she sighed and looked back up. "Fine, I'll send Sunset a message and tell her to cross over. And Rainbow?"

"Yeah?"

"It's Arcadia. Arcadia from here on out. My name is Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle. Okay?"

"Sure thing, egghead!" The royal sighed before walking back into the house to grab her book. To call on a friend she hasn't seen in a while. She should still be in Equestria right now for a break or something she does.



"So you used the Element of Magic to enslave humans?" Starlight Glimmer asked as they walked down the dirt road towards Applejack's farm.

"Yep," Sunset sighed. "I heard you had some bad times too. Twilight told me about the Cutie Mark stealing. I don't know how that works, but apparently you do."

"Yeah," she replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck as they turned into the fence, making their way towards the farmhouse. "That wasn't my best moment."

"We all have bad moments. It's what we learn from them that make us who we are today."

"That's true. Why did we come here again?"

Sunset looked up at their location. They were  approaching the barn by now. "The Princesses wanted to start an investigation," she explained. "On possible places Twilight could have gone to around Equestria that have a big building. I don't know what type of building would be that big and be hidden away from the Princesses, but apparently it is. So we're going to try and look for places all around and in Equestria that match the description. Hopefully they'll find something."

The two walked into the barn to see the princesses, Twilight's parents, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, and the Elements all centered around a large map that Celestia had conjured, along with a large stack of books on the side. The histories of certain countries and nations surrounding Equestria. Flurry Heart wasn't really paying attention. Too busy, playing with Rarity's tail.

"Thank you for coming," Celestia greeted as the two sat down. "Let's begin. I know you all are wondering why we would meet here in Ponyville instead of at the castle. Well......I thought it'd be a better base. No other reason. Now. The reason we have all called you here is so we can try and track the building that Rainbow spotted. It should be easy enough to spot. A castle the size of two hoofball fields and taller than the Crystal Empire's should have made a big enough spot in history.

"So we have books—" Luna pointed to the left at the large stack of books. There had to be over twenty of them there! "As well as a map of everything surrounding Equestria. Hopefully we can find something."

After that, everyone immediately went to work. Reading books, looking at the map, checking records of abandoned buildings. This went on for maybe three hours, everyone checking everything but still not finding anything. Until Sunset's book vibrated.

They all looked up at her while she rummaged in her saddlebag and pulled it out, seeing it pulsing a purple glow along with the vibration. "Yep. It's Twilight."

They all dropped, or in Pinkie's case, threw their books to the side and scurried to her as she flipped it open to the message. "'Dear Sunset Shimmer. Due to a request, I have decided to enlist your help in a very important event that is happening. Do not worry, it is a celebration. A very very VERY important celebration. It would mean a lot if you came and became an advisor. Please respond asap.

-A.N. of P.'"

"Huh?" Pinkie said, pointing to the name. "Who's A.N of P?"

"It's an alias, Pinkie," Rarity clarified. "It means a different persona, or name to cover your real one. Are you going to reply back?"

"Of course!" Sunset said, writing in a response. "'Dear Twilight Sparkle. What the hoof is an A. N. Of P? And I would love to help you! How do I get there?'"

She set the book down before Celestia said something. "If there is a portal, we are all going through. I just realized we haven't apologized to Twilight about our mistake."

"Are you NOW just realizing that?" Starlight said blandly. "It's been almost a year."

"We've had bigger things on our plates," Luna argued. "Like the high metal shortage."

"The what?" They all asked.

"What the hay is a metal shortage?" Trixie asked, confused like everyone else.

"It's exactly what it sounds like. Shortage of metals." Celestia pointed up at one of the high beams of the barn. "Metals. Anything between copper and chromium. We only have around seven percent left. Which is an extremely small amount."

"Without metals, we will have to resort to products such as wood and plastic," Luna clarified. "Which means more trees will have to be cut down, leaving animals homeless, ponies shelterless because of rationing, and more issues. Forests that have a history will have to be cut down as well. Such as the white tail woods, and the forests around Ghastly Gorge, Neighagra Falls, Vanhoover, and so on."

"We are asking for help from neighboring countries," Celestia continued. "But so far, we haven't gotten any responses. So unless we find a mine filled with metal...."

"Then those critters won't have any place to sleep," Fluttershy whimpered.

"Right now, we're keeping the shortage quiet. We don't want panic. Although we are trying to look for ways to recycle the metals that doesn't destroy it. We have put steel, iron, copper, and other metals into the flames. But it completely disintegrates it. We aren't sure why."

The book began vibrating again, stopping the explanation and catching everyone's attention. Sunset picked it up and opened it, reading the message. "'Just step through the portal.' What portal?" A sudden flash in front of them forced them to cover their eyes with a hoof. Lowering them, they saw a violet portal spinning slowly in front of them.

"Welp....that answers that question." Sunset stood up and packed her bag before jumping in, leaving the others shocked before following after. This wasn't going to be good.


***


Arcadia opened the portal outside where the Equestria girls and guards could watch it, allowing her to go to the metal factory in Merōl and fulfill her plans. She was already late, something that she had never been before. But Along the way she totally forgot to remind something to Sunset, causing her to gasp and her guards, including Madun who came along, to stop beside her.

"What is it?" He asked her, a little worried.

"I forgot to tell her not to bring the Equestrians!" She cried, turning back around to fly to Cop. "And if that portal closes, I won't be able to open it again for two hours! Which means they'll be here for two hours! Learning!!"

Sunset trotted out first, raising an eyebrow at the grinning faces of her ponified friends. The six waved at her and she waved back awkwardly. "Uhhh....hey. When'd you get here?"

"Three hours ago!" Pinkie cheered, pulling her into a hug.

"We could use your help!" Rainbow said before everyone else came out of the portal, piling on top of them. "Now we could REALLY use your help! Where'd they come from?! Get off of me!!" The Pserateps walking by quickly zipped away and ducked into buildings, leaving the guards to handle the situation.

"Hey!" Celestia jumped off of the top, allowing everyone else movement, while she turned to face Bold Shoulder, who was approaching towards them briskly with four guards. "Who are you?" Bold Shoulder asked.

She cleared her throat and pointed to herself. "I am Princess Celestia of—" The guards gasped and immediately pointed their spears and crossbows at her. Celestia stood back and lit her horn. "What in Equestria?!"

"How dare you point weapons at your rulers!" Luna yelled. She trotted up beside Celestia and lit her own. Before she could fire it, a transparent orb encased her and everyone else from Equestria, save for Sunset.

"What is this?" Trixie asked, trying to fire a spell at it. It hit and caused a ripple. But that was it. "What? It didn't even damage it!"

Celestia gasped and did the same, finding the same response. "This is very strong magic!"

"Release your ruler now, fiends! Or I will—" Luna growled before she was interrupted.

"What exactly will you do, Luna?" A familiar voice said calmly from behind them. They all turned around and gasped, seeing a few guards walking up with Twilight and Madun protectively. And Twilight looked peeved. "Last time I checked, which I have plenty of times, you don't rule here."

"Twilight, sweetheart!" Twilight looked over and gasped lightly. There was a light gray unicorn with purple and white hair, and another deep blue unicorn beside her.

"Mom? Dad? What...." Twilight groaned before turning to her fiance. "I am so sorry about this, love."

"I'm not upset with you," he reassured, giving her a smile before glaring at the three princesses. "I'm upset with them who have responded with violence in our peaceful country! Especially the dark-blue one!"

"I as well," Molten Ice agreed, stopping beside Twilight. "Never thought I'd see Nightmare Moon again. Guards! Please escort... Wait. Why don't you try?" She gestured to Arcadia, catching her attention. "You need to exercise your power, Lady Arcadia."

"Uh...alright. Guards! Please escort me while I take the Equestrians, except......her, her, her, and her, to the Prisons! We will decide what to do with them in a little bit." Arcadia released the ponies she pointed to while everyone else was in shock.

"PRISONS?!" Shining Armor, Cadance, Celestia, Luna, the parents, and the elements all screamed.

"You can't put us in prisons!" Celestia demanded. "You have no right—"

"Actually, she does!" Madun interrupted. "As of yesterday, Twilight had ascended from citizen and advisor to Lady in waiting! She has gained royal rights as a royal of Psera! Take them away!"

"Actually, I have to do that," Twilight told them, catching their attention. "I have them in my spell and there's no telling what they would do if I let them go to place the chains on them. I'll be back." She leaned up and pecked his cheek before walking away and levitating those she didn't let go to the prisons, leaving Flurry Heart, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, and Starlight Glimmer with the others, staring in shock.

"What... What just happened?" Sunset asked, watching as they were carried away with a platoon of guards around them.

"Are you Sunset?" She looked over at the pony with a crown on his head before she yelped and bowed in respect.

"Yes, your highness," she responded, her face in the concrete. "Twilight requested my presence to help her with an important event."

"Yes. Please rise." She stood up and looked at him closely, blushing at his physique. "I am King Madun of Psera. Welcome. And who are these mares with you? I have already met the ponies from another dimension." He gestured to the Equestria Girls conversing to the side. "But I have yet to meet you four."

"Yes, well... I am Sunset Shimmer. I was originally from Equestria, but I moved to Earth due to some troubles."

"I'm Starlight Glimmer, your highness," Starlight introduced, bowing and rising. "I'm from Equestria, and student of Twilight."

"And I am Trixie Lulamoon," the magician said, bowing. "I am a magician in Equestria."

"And I'm Flurry!" The little alicorn said, tapping him on his hoof. Molten Ice chuckled before bending low to her.

"You must be Arcadia's niece," she asked. Flurry nodded before gesturing to her necklace.

"Yeah! She gave me this necklace that I haven't taken off yet! It's really pretty!"

"I see! Madun, you better be a good husband or her niece will come after you."

"Yeah! Wait.... What?" The other three were also looking at the king confusedly before he explained.

"Apparently, Arcadia wanted to tell you in person. Twilight is now a Lady in Waiting. She and I are going to be married in the coming months."


***


"Young lady, what do you think you're doing?!" Night Light scolded from the wide line of bubbles being led towards the guarded facility. "This is no way to treat your parents!"

"And lying for four years is no way to treat your daughter," she retorted calmly.

"Are you still on about that Egghead?!" Rainbow screamed, annoyed. "Do you even realize—"

"SILENCE!!!" Any normal Pserateps around yelped before running away, soaring into buildings and such. The birds quickly took to the air screeching. And the other ponies back at the castle glanced towards the location of the yell in shock. That had to be heard all over Cop. The prisoners instantly shut up before the gate to the facility was opened and she carried them inside. The guards bowed and saluted to her, armed with their weapons before following after her in case she needed assistance. "You have no right to speak to me that way, Rainbow Dash," Arcadia said calmly. "Especially on this domain. None of you do. You are not ruining my special time. All I have to do is erase your memories of this place and send you back in an hour and thirty minutes to Equestria."

"Twilight, think of what you are doing!" Rarity argued, looking at Twilight sadly.

"Yeah, this ain't the Twilight we know!" Applejack agreed, trying to buck her way out of the bubble. "We'll get out of these bubbles and fix ya'! Princess can't you help us?"

"No we cannot," Celestia said, shocking them. "This is not Equestria. I don't know where we are, but it definitely isn't Equestria. Or any kingdom around it. Look." She pointed a hoof at the sky, making them gasp and see the giant obelisk, Psera Skies in all their glory, and the Castle of the Gods. Just like Rainbow described. It. Was. Huge.

"Oh my....." Rarity said, missing Twilight's smirk.

"I see you all have seen what we can do." She said, stepping inside the building. "Thanks to the Pserateps working together, we have rebuilt the continent of Psera back to its original glory. Along with more room for the growing population called Psera Skies. Or, more specifically.... Eight superpowered Cloudsdales. Psera has a total of...." She stopped and counted in her mind, muttering before finally coming up with the numbers. "Seventeen cities. Eight of which I planned myself."

"Once again, thank you Lady Arcadia," one of the guards said before they all bowed to her.

"I would do it again in a heartbeat, my fellow Pserateps," she responded, bowing back.

"Arcadia?" Cadance asked before Arcadia pushed them into a cell before a guard closed the bars back. "That's what you call yourself?"

"Arcadia Nova. The 'Nova' is what her highness Molten Ice added and I love it. That is the name I have chosen and the name that has become a legend here in Psera. The pony that arrived on a desolate world by sea. A world that was completely destroyed. No hope. And has returned hope once more. I cleared the dust, gave the land grass, fixed the military, fixed the armor, provided so much for them. And I am appreciated. That was all I wanted in Equestria. Appreciation. And I barely got that. Instead, I was made out of a fool for four years. I found out after I overheard all of you walking towards Applejack's barn. I then later learned from some snooping that Cadance, my brother, and my parents, my own PARENTS!...Knew I was being lied to and did absolutely nothing to stop it. I am ashamed of you all. Guard Captain?"

A pony wearing gold plated steel armor walked forward and saluted. "Have your men stand guard please until I or any of the other royals return to release them. I have to go and speak with my fiance."

"Yes, your highness!" Arcadia glanced at them one last time before sighing and walking away with her personal guards beside her. The captain ordered his men to line the halls before the doors closed at the end of the, pushing the air into silence and signalling that Arcadia had left.

"I... I can't believe it," Rainbow muttered in disbelief. She walked towards the steel bars and peeked out. There had to be at least thirty guards lining the hall. "I can't believe she locked us up!"

"You know, that would've been a good time to apologize," Shining Armor reminded before laying down with his wife. "No time like the present."

"And 'Arcadia'?" Rarity asked herself. "I guess that's what the alias meant on the message. 'A. N. of P.' I'm guessing the P means something else."

"It's Psera," one of the guards said, catching their attention. It seemed he was the captain. "Arcadia Nova of Psera. The savior of this land. She restored it all on her own after a large swarm of Changelings destroyed it, leaving us to die and rot."

"What?! You were attacked by Changelings?!" Celestia exclaimed, trotting forward towards the bars.

"Yes. They came back, but thanks to the PSD her highness created, Arcadia was able to stop the whole swarm on her own. Without the land being damaged."

"Twilight did all of that?" Cadance asked in disbelief. The captain nodded before walking away, leaving the ponies to look around stunned. How?


***


"YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED?!" Sunset yelled happily before pulling Twilight into a tight loving hug, choking her a little.

"Yes, I am," Arcadia answered before Sunset let go. "And I could use your help."

"Sure, Twilight—er, Arcadia. What do you need?"

"I need an advisor on choices. And last time I checked, you had a keen eye on good choices lately. You and my student, Starlight Glimmer. I may not have been a real Princess of Equestria. But I was still a teacher."

"That's right," Starlight confirmed before taking a look around. Her mouth gaped at the huge castle behind her that she did not see earlier. "Whooooa... Trixie..."

Trixie turned around and followed her sights, eventually sharing her same expression. Then without tearing her gaze away from the wonder she tapped Sunset on the shoulder. She turned around and looked before her mouth gaped open. "What in Equestria?!"

Arcadia looked over from looking over her Fiance's ruffled wings and followed their gaze, smiling at the building. "It's not in Equestria. One of Psera's best works."

"A church?" Sunset gasped.

"Nope. A castle. Our castle," Madun answered. He draped a wing over Arcadia and gazed up at the castle. "It's called the Castle of the Gods."

"I can see why!" Sunset responded. "Why is it so big?!"

"It mostly serves as a place of business," Molten Ice answered. "Along with obviously the throne room, dining room, dining halls, offices, etcetera."

"We're heading inside right now to continue the discussion on the prisoners from Equestria," Arcadia added, piquing the innocent Equestrians' curiosity. "They  have arrived on our land and responded with violence. They will more than likely be banished and memories erased of Psera. And... Oh dear, I need to fix your wings, sweetheart." Madun looked at her quizzically before she lifted her own and his, comparing the two. "Your wings haven't been preened! When was the last time you preened them?"

"Uhh....."

"Last week," Merry answered. She lifted a hoof and patted Madun's back a little hard. He groaned and rolled his eyes. "He drives himself ragged over Psera that he forgets to preen."

Arcadia silently chuckled and responded, "In that case, I'll be fixing your wings once we have alone time. But in the meantime, we shall show our guests around."

"I agree," Molten Ice said. Then began walking towards the castle. "I will be in my quarters while you are doing that." Pserateps walking around quickly bowed at the sight of her while she made her way towards the doors.

"Come on, everypony!" Arcadia picked up Flurry Heart and placed her on her back before they made their way inside.


***


In the prison, two hours later outside the middle of Cop, the Equestrians sat in silence in their cell, listening to the sound of their breathing as well as the casual shuffling. Along with the calls outside for a specific pony to walk through the doors. "Lady Arcadia is asking for the ponies to be delivered to the main throne room," a guard said, catching their attention. They looked up to see a regular steel suited guard saluting. It looked like one of Twilight's personal guards. He was talking to the guard captain. "The royals have made their decision."

"I thought she was going to gather them herself," the Captain responded.

"She and the other royals are planning for the wedding of the century as well as what to do with them, sir."

"That is a good reason. SALUTE!" The guards on the hall quickly got in posture. "We are escorting the offenders to the Castle of the Gods! Do not dawdle! Open the cell doors." The pony on the right took a pair of keys in his mouth from her waist and stuck it in the keyhole, unlocked it, and pulled it open. "Follow Arcadia's personal detail!" The captain instructed, letting the ponies go. "And if you so much as try to take off, you will be subjected to imprisonment here on Psera under Her Majesty Molten Ice's name until a term is met. And trust me. If you try to take flight... We WILL catch you!" They stood up and quickly walked out, following the guard with the silver armor.

Pinkie's mane was deflated, saddened by what's going on while everyone else was trying to keep high hopes. They were escorted out of the building by a platoon of guards before being led through the town. There were Pserateps walking and talking before they looked towards the ponies being escorted. Now that Rainbow had a good look, she realized they were.....

"Pegasi," she said, catching the Princesses attention. "They're Pegasi. All of them. But highly evolved." The princess looked at her confusedly and looked around. Sure enough, all of them had wings. Long wings. Even the foals running around playing, who's had to be five feet alone.

"They are," Celestia gasped. "How did we not notice this?"

"Girls?" Rarity called quietly, obviously a little shaken. "I think we're going into... The building." She pointed to the massive building they were beginning to walk into where a whole bunch of guards were stationed. Once they passed through the doors, they gasped at the size of the lobby. It was beautiful. The floors were marble with an insignia right in the middle. Stone columns held up the very high roof above their heads. And yards away you could see the many levels of the castle, connected by a staircase. There were many hallways on each floor that went deeper inside the castle. At least twenty or thirty on the first floor alone.

"The royals are situated in the royal throne room," a guard up ahead informed Silver Sword, saluting.

"That room hasn't been used in so long," he commented before leading them towards the stairs.

"Are we seriously walking up those?!" Rainbow asked in disbelief, pointing at the tall flight of stairs that had to go up at least forty floors.

"Prisoners keep their hooves on the ground and their mouths shut!" The guard yelled over his shoulder, stopping at the start of the stairs. He lifted a hoof and pointed at them. "Now go!"

After walking up to the tenth floor, they were met with a hallway that held golden alloy statues of past rulers on the side and a tall pair of doors at the very end with the symbol of Psera embossed on it. But it was so far away.

"These are a lot of statues," Applejack commented. "And expensive too. They even have diamonds and gems on them. Look! There's one of Twilight!" She pointed at the very end where there was indeed one of Twilight. But unlike the others that only had a small amount of gems, this one was practically drenched.

The statue had her in a majestic pose with long hair, her eleven foot wings outstretched, head held high, and her horn sharp. Not the mention the gems covering it. The statue was literally glistening.

"'Saviour of Psera. Bestower of Magic,'" Celestia read aloud from the plaque. "Bestower of magic?"

"Is there no magic here?" Cadance asked.

"Silence!" Silver sword as they stopped in front of the doors. "We are about to enter the Royal Throne Room! Show respect!" He knocked and waited for a response.

A resonating voice yelled, "Enter!" He pushed the doors open and led them towards the thrones occupied by only two ponies. Madun was on the left and Arcadia on the right, discussing something that had to do with the King's wings.

"See, isn't that better?" Arcadia asked kindly while rubbing his side. "Your wings look great, you're comfortable, and I'm not bothered that they're out of place."

Madun looked at his neatly groomed wing before turning his head. "Awww don't be like that. It looks really good." Madun didn't move before she tried something else. "You're so adorable when you're upset." The king got a red tint to his cheeks, which became even worse when Twilight nuzzled him. "I fixed your wings because our ponies will be watching us more. And you have to make a good first impression."

Madun smiled and captured Arcadia's lips in his own, making her giggle and flap her own wings in surprise. Rainbow Dash was entranced at their length, which had nearly reached them from twelve feet away.

The king let her go and whispered "I love you" in her ear, her doing the same before facing the audience. "Thank you for bringing the prisoners, Silver Sword," King Madun said. "Why don't you, Worn Weather, and Dark Silver take three days off?"

"Really?" Silver asked in surprise.

"Yes. You have been keeping my fiancee safe ever since she arrived. Go and take a load off. Inform the others and Bold Shoulder." Cadance and everyone else was taken back. Fiancee?!

"Thank you, your highness!" He replied. Then bowed deeply to them. "And the prisoners?"

"Leave us with them," Arcadia ordered him. Her eyes glared into the eyes of the ponies in a line in front of them. She had a plan for them. "We will be fine." He bowed before he and the rest of the guards left the room, and closed the doors, leaving the king and Lady in Waiting alone with the prisoners. It was silent for a few seconds before Arcadia sighed.

"I am going to ask a simple question," she said, glaring down at them. "I only asked for Sunset Shimmer's presence during this time as my advisor. None of your names were on that message. Why did you come?"

"We needed to find you, Twily," Shining Armor answered.

"Arcadia."

"I'm sorry?"

"My name is Arcadia, and you will call me Arcadia."

"Your name is Twilight."

"Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, Lady of Psera, and soon to be Queen of Psera." She walked off her throne and towards her brother. "You will call me Arcadia, or I will make you paddle all the way to Equestria."

"If I may ask," Fluttershy squeaked, attracting Arcadia's attention. "Where exactly are we?"

"Four hundred miles away from you know where." All their jaws dropped before she continued. "On a land that is now stronger, bigger, and is classified as a superpower. It was not like this when I arrived."

"And when she did," Madun said proudly, trotting up beside her. "She made the biggest impact on Psera. And my life."

Arcadia chuckled and gave him a peck. "You're too sweet. And is that all? To find me? What for?"

"To bring you home," Twilight Velvet cried. "I wanted to see and hold my little filly again!"

"I will not be coming to Equestria. My place is here."

"Twilight... Arcadia, your home is Equestria!" Cadance retorted.

"Home is where the heart is and there was no heart for me there!" She yelled back. "If there was, you would not have lied to me for four years!"

"Egghead, it's not that big a deal!" Rainbow said angrily. "You need to grow up!"

"Oh? Not that big a deal?... NOT THAT BIG A DEAL?!!" Arcadia yelled while she stalked towards her, a strange look in her eyes. But Rainbow didn't wither. Nor did anyone else, although there was some flinching from her voice of anger. "Let me ask you Rainbow. How would you feel if somepony told you that you had the highest speed record in all of Equestria? Honestly. How. Would. You. Feel."

"Ummm.....I'd feel pretty good. Insanely happy even. To be honest, I'd fly everywhere."

"Good. Because guess what? That pony just lied to you. Everypony lied to you. Big time. Turns out, you are the fourth fastest, that medal you just received is a fake plastic, all those ponies who cheered you on at your shows and contests weren't cheering for your speed. They were cheering because your color trail was pretty. And your friends, your so-called friends, were insulting what you have done, and what you could do, behind your back. And your parents, even Scootaloo for that matter, were in on the action. For four years, you've been living in a dessert, looking at a mirage. And everypony else was dancing through the Daffodils on the other side having a great time. And when they saw you, they would point you out, saying 'Uh oh! Here comes that wannabe again! Quick! Cheer to make her feel better!'"

All of them, except Madun, were looking at her appalled. "Oh, but grow up Rainbow Dash. It's not that big a deal." Arcadia got out of Rainbow's tear streaked face and stepped back. "Now you know how I feel. Actually... on Psera, you kind of do. Most of the Pserateps here actually do fly faster than you. I alone go......"

"One thousand twenty six, when we checked last week," Madun reminded her.

"Right, right, one thousand twenty six miles per hour. Our guards are over nine hundred, citizens have an average of eight hundred thirty eight, and the foals fly like average Pegasi at around a hundred something. Believe it or not, I am the second fastest. With the fastest being Merry Fire, my future sister-in-law who has been begging for me and Madun to be married for the longest. I brought her up because she's hiding behind my fiance."

"What?" He turned around and jumped nearly a foot in the air at the green coated Pseratep smiling at him. "Merry!!"

"Sorry, bro! Ms. Rarity from the other dimension wanted me to measure Lady Arcadia's neck circumference." She walked briskly over to Arcadia, ignoring her groans of disapproval and wrapped the tape measure around her neck. "Twenty eight centimeters! Alright! Sorry your highness, we're on a schedule."

"There's no date yet, Merry."

"Me and Ms. Rarity's schedule. Fashion doesn't design itself! I'll see ya' later for the concepts!" Merry literally blinked out of existence with a burst of wind, confusing the Equestrians.

"I want you all, especially Ms. Dash, to think on what you have put me through," Arcadia continued, grabbing their attention. "Because apparently it hasn't gotten into those thick skulls of yours. Although, I should thank you. If you would have never ran me away, Psera would be lifeless by now and I would have never met the love of my life. I am sending you all back to Equestria. I have to grab my niece and send her back with you two. She actually enjoys it here. She was dancing about when she saw the different rooms!" She motioned towards her brother and Princess Cadance before lighting her horn.

A purple portal opened up behind her, grabbing their attention before she teleported out to grab Flurry Heart.

Once she was gone, they shifted their sights to the king. "Are you... Are you on board with this?" Luna asked Madun, who had taken a seat back on his throne.

"I'm on the side of what's right," he responded. "And Arcadia has done so much for Psera. She's restored our land, grew our crops, strengthened our military armor and defeated a large swarm of Changelings from invading all on her own. Erased their minds and sent them back to Equestria before we had a big celebration for the first success of the PDS that she herself created. But my Fiancee is really angry at Equestria. You can see it in her eyes if you look close enough. If you do what you have done today again, she will do what she has done to Rainbow Dash at a far worse scale. If I were you, I'd be stuttering out those apologies by now."

The Equestrians looked towards the Cyan pegasus who had her face buried in her hooves, crying silent tears before Arcadia returned with Flurry Heart.

"But I don't wanna go! I wanna see Eventa!" Flurry whined.

"Maybe someday, little Flurry," she cooed, giving her niece a nuzzle. "Now go back to mommy and daddy." The little Alicorn groaned before walking back to the Equestrian Royals.

Arcadia stood beside the Portal with a hoof outstretched. "Unless you have something else to say, your time is up."

"Twilight, we are really sorry, sweetheart!" Twilight Velvet said, trying to approach her daughter. "We didn't realize we were causing you so much pain. Please! What can we do to fix this?"

Arcadia looked from her to everyone else. Thinking.

"I want you all to, at least, at the VERY LEAST....apologize. Starting.....with you. She pointed a hoof at Rainbow Dash and trotted towards her, catching her attention and making her look up with slightly red eyes. "Now that you know what it feels like to have everything that you have worked towards go down the drain, you have yet to apologize for telling me to 'grow up'. And if you don't apologize, I'll throw you all through the portal and you'll never have to worry about seeing me again."

Rainbow steadily got to her hooves. "Twilight, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! None of us did! if I could take it back, I could! I've been a horrible friend and I'll understand if you never want to be my friend again!" Rainbow looked deep into the anger of Twilight's eyes, which didn't waver.

"Okay. Then we have... Fluttershy. You would b the very last pony I'd expect to lie." Arcadia went over to the withering yellow pegasus and stared at her nonchalantly.

"Twilight, I am so sorry," she said, softly. "I wish I could've told you sooner, but you're right. We treated you horribly and we should have never done that. As your friends, we should have told you about what was going on. There was no excuse." Arcadia slowly nodded her head before moving onto....her parents. Well, her father. Her mother had already apologized.

"Twilight, sweetheart. I am very sorry that we offended you......"

King Madun listened to the apologizing from his seat, happy that Arcadia was at least getting some restitution for what these ponies did to her. But he still had a little irking to the one known as Celestia. It seemed she was the ruler of Equestria. But she was something else too. Finally, Arcadia got to the last apparent one. The Princess of the Sun herself.

"Twilight... I am very sorry. I did not intend to cause you grief, pain, and humiliation amongst our subjects. I would gladly take it back and have you be the mage that Equestria needed the most during the trying times, as well as the head of the Public Library Association, since you always love to read. I wanted you to have a level of respect. But I did not see where it would go. And for that, I am very sorry."

Acadia backed up slowly to get a good look at the line of visitors, who accidentally came through a portal and threatened her ponies, and are now begging her for their forgiveness. But before she could... There was one more.

"GUARD!" She called. The doors slammed open before three guards came in and saluted next to her. Not taking her eyes off  the line of ponies, she gave them the command. "I need you to go through that portal behind me....and retrieve the purple baby dragon in the castle, sleeping in the room at the very back. He is in a library with a comic book over his face. Grab him, and bring him here. The portal will stay open."

"Yes, ma'am!" The three soldiers quickly walked through the portal while Arcadia went back up to the throne, settling down next to her fiance.

"Only Spike is left," she said while Madun draped a warm wing over her. "After that, I will make my decision."

"How long do you think it will take?" Madun asked her. "Because I need to make sure Merry isn't destroying everything."

"Are you the oldest?" Arcadia asked, just now realizing that she didn't know who was the oldest.

"Yes. She's the youngest....by three minutes." Arcadia looked at him in shock. "Before you start asking and yelling in my ear, yes. We are twins. I've never told you that?"

"No! No, you haven't! Your twin sister's been coming in my room at night while I'm sleeping and also while I'm in the shower!" Rainbow Dash pulled in her lips to keep in her laughter.

Madun chuckled before leaning over to nuzzle her. "Well, that's not new. She did the same thing to me when we were foals. But she was going through my stuff at the time. She'll stop soon, I promise. Well.....she'll have to, you're living in my room now."

"Yeah, I guess that's true." She looked out the window on the side, checking the time. "It's two twenty-three. We missed lunch and we promised to answer the citizens' questions today regarding the wedding. What would be the best day to have it?"

"February or March, the month you first arrived." Arcadia smiled and shook her head.

"You are absolutely crazy about this, huh?"

Madun shrugged then gave her a wink. "Maybe."

Before Arcadia could reply, a small purple object was thrown through the portal and slid across the floor. "OWWW!" Spike yelled before bouncing back up. He turned and walked back towards the portal threateningly before the guards shot back out and pointed their spears at him. "Those spears aren't going to stop me from throttling you for waking me up!"

"As long as you are here on this domain, you will NOT lay a claw on them," a familiar sounding voice said, making him pause and look around. First he spotted everyone in a line looking a little sad before turning to where they were looking at. He gasped lightly before running towards the area. "HALT!" Arcadia ordered. The guards put their spears out in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.

"TWILIGHT! Where have you been, I've been worried sick!" Spike yelled.

"Those empty tubs of Ice Cream in the library of your residence begs to differ, Spike," she said, approaching him. She was still upset. There was still a noticeable sliver of her anger there in her eyes. "Do you know why you are here?"

"No, I don't. Now, Twilight where have you been?"

"The name is Arcadia," she said, stopping in front of him. The guards removed their spears, but she still put up a shield just in case. "Arcadia Nova. The ponies behind me have done a deed that they have apologized for. But I still am missing one. From. You." She pointed a firm hoof towards Spike, nearly touching him. "After all, I heard some things you were saying too. I was there, but here at the same time."

"Where exactly is 'here'?"

"Don't worry about that. Right now, you need to worry about yourself and whether to, or not to, apologize. What will it be, Spike?"

The dragon looked to her in disbelief before turning to the other Equestrians looking at him in a line. "Did you put everyone in a line and make them apologize?!"

"What will it be Spike? You have been talking a lot about me in my absence. Most of it, not good. Last time I checked, there were a few names that were used to insult me during Hearth's Warming. Such as 'The Bookworm', 'The Egghead', 'Ms. Strictly Organized', and a bunch more that I cannot recall at this time."

Spike looked at her open mouthed before he- "TWILIGHT-"

"Arcadia."

"ARCADIA, I'M SO SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO INSULT YOU LIKE THAT! I MEAN, I DID, BUT I DIDN'T DO IT TO MAKE YOU FEEL BAD, I PROMISE!" Arcadia looked at the dragon kneeling in front of her with her eyes wide. She did not expect any of that! But she could still tell that it wasn't genuine.

"Uhhhh.....okay. Guards, please take the Equestrians to the waiting room! Including the dragon." The guards standing outside the door quickly rushed in and escorted them all out, including Spike, who was confused as to why these ponies were at her beck and call. Once they were all out, the guards closed the door, leaving the Royal couple to discuss what just happened.

"So... What's the verdict, Judge Arcadia?" Arcadia snorted before putting a hoof to her mouth and trotting back up to the throne, bopping her fiance. "Ow."

"Well... I'm not convinced. But I do sympathize. Problem is..." She took a seat and faced the door, her eyes in a suspicious gaze. "What will they do?"

"They'll more than likely pull you into a bone crushing hug, to express how much they missed you. And then they'll ask you to come home."

"Which I'll say no to. Like I said before, home is where the heart is. And my heart is no longer in Equestria. It's now in Psera." Madun leaned over and gave her a kiss, causing her to blush and lose that serious look. "Stop that."

The King chuckled before focusing his attention back on the problem. "So, what exactly are you fearing?"

Arcadia looked at him and told him with a worried face. "Exposure. Pinkie Pie isn't one to keep secrets, and neither is Applejack. Applejack is the Element of Honesty and Pinkie Pie just can't keep a secret. And I don't want to erase their minds of Psera. I'll have to go through everything else inside to get there."

"Apparently, we don't have a lot of options," Madun sighed. "Their arrival has caused a few problems in our secrecy. With peace comes trouble."

"And those come with ponies. You will have to put our military up to par. Yes, we are a mighty bunch, but we need them to move around now instead of staying in one area. From here on out, the security will be upgraded in all cities, including Psera Skies. There is not a lot up there I noticed."

"We will schedule a meeting with Bold Shoulder and the Captains of every city about patrols."

"Good."

"AFTER the wedding and coronation. This is a time of happiness and celebration. Psera is about to have a queen after fifty years. It was mostly ruled by Kings and queens alone. Now we have three things to celebrate. Our marriage, your rule, and the fact that we have a new queen."

"It's a big time for Psera I take it." Arcadia stood up and started to make her way off the throne, destination for the entry.

"An immense time. Should I gather my family?" The king stood up and made his way towards the door behind her.

"More than likely. My parents would like to meet your mother and then my father would try to interrogate you. Even without my approval. Now Madun?"

"Yes?" He looked up as the two walked out the doors, motioning to the guards saluting them.

"Try not to interrogate Celestia. Or anypony else."

"Not even a little bit?"

"Madun...." The king sighed and coalesced with a kiss on the cheek.

"I promise I won't interrogate her. But can I stare her down?"

"No." Madun deflated before Twilight giggled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"It's okay. If it makes you feel better, you can pamper me with a session later." The king grinned making Arcadia chuckle and shake her head.



"So... What just happened?" Spike asked carefully, looking around. They were in exactly what Twilight ordered earlier. A waiting room. It had seats, pictures and symbols on the walls. It was like a doctor's office waiting room.

"Apparently, we are on a different continent that is nowhere near Equestria that Twilight managed to connect a portal to," Celestia explained. She was looking around at the pictures. "That she helped create within a span of nine months. I don't know the exact story, but apparently she has made a big enough impact where the ponies here want her to become Queen."

"So... She's royalty now?"

"Technically, yes. She is officially a Lady in Waiting. She is engaged to the King here." She looked at the photo of the large winged ponies taking up a stance.

"I wonder how advanced they are," Rarity asked herself, looking at the photos as well. "It looks like they are simple minded. But based on the large sized castle and large amount of cloud cities outside, I beg to differ."

"Cloud cities?!" Spike exclaimed. "They have—" The door clicked open, catching their attention as Arcadia and a guard walked inside, looking at all of them unamused. Madun had went to go grab his people while she talked to her family and potential friends.

She shut the door behind her with her magic and walked forward, taking a seat in front of all of them and sighed. "Here's the deal," she said. "I will allow you visitation rights to Psera. I haven't even slightly forgiven you yet, and I don't know if I can even trust you. So I am giving you a chance. But how do I know if you will do what you did to me in Equestria again? I don't. Lucky for you, Madun convinced me to make it work on the way to this hall. So... I will experiment with this. I will not erase your memories. And, as much as it pains me, you are invited to attend my wedding...and coronation."

The Equestrians sighed in relief before Twilight Velvet rushed forward and pulled her long winged daughter into a hug. "Ooo, I'm so proud of you~!"

"Moooom, Let me go!" Twilight cried, blushing a little.

"Now, that is adorable." Arcadia shot her head to the left and gasped. Merry was standing at the back of the room grinning at her. "If only mom could see this."

"No, mom is not seeing this." Arcadia calmly pushed her mother back with her wing and made her way to Merry. "You better not have a camera on you."

"Don't worry your highness, I don't." Merry replied. Then teasingly slinked her way to the door. "I'll leave you to your family and ponies that look like the other ones. Seriously, what is with that?" She opened the door and stepped out, leaving Arcadia to shake her head and follow along after her before stopping short, remembering something.

"One more thing I forgot to mention. This is gravely important so pay attention closely." They all leaned in closely to hear what the Lady in Waiting had to say. "Do not, I repeat, do NOT, tell anypony, any person, any creature, any organism, or anything alive, sleeping peacefully, that includes any inanimate object, about this place. Do not tell anything about what you have seen, felt, heard, learned, or anything else. Do not repeat any references or anything of any kind that is classified as a clue. At all. Do I make myself clear? Psera is a secret and will ALWAYS remain a secret until we are forced to come out publicly to the world about our existence. We will have no other attacks on this beautiful soil that we call home. Understand?"

They all nodded eagerly, obeying the royal's words. "You too, Flurry Heart. Don't even talk to that couch about it." She pointed a hoof at the velvet couch that was seated on the far wall underneath a large photo.

"Ummm....I promise, Aunty Twilight!" The little Alicorn quickly scampered up and situated herself on her aunt's back, making her chuckle.

"Well everypony... Welcome to Psera."



Arcadia led the group down the hall and away from the room to go to her own home in the castle while she explained the continent and all its grandeur. "This castle, as you can already tell, is bigger than Canterlot's and the Crystal Empire's combined," she said, turning and walking down the steps. "It not only serves as a place where the royals and officials of Psera reside at. But also, apparently, as a type of mall that I have yet to see. I also have to... Go do a few very important errands as well before I retire for the day and suffer the wrath of Rarity and Merry tomorrow. They're more than likely going to put me in some type of fancy dress for the wedding."

"Where is this wedding being held, if you don't mind me asking," Cadance requested. They touched down onto the fifth floor where Arcadia walked through the halls, heading for the offices and room.

"Events at Eventa. The stadium that's as big as a city in Eventa."

"Big as a city?" Rainbow asked. Looks like she was out of her earlier depressed state. "You're kidding."

"When I first saw the arena, I was speechless. It's exactly how as I described it. As big as a city. No exaggerations, no playing around. It's as big as a city. Technically, Eventa is the biggest city here." They walked towards the two doors on the end guarded by two guards, who pushed them open upon their arrival, revealing the fountains and rooms up ahead.

They started to walk through before Celestia asked the question. "So what area is this?"

"This is the suite for the officials and royals. Meeting rooms, war rooms, libraries, archives, and more. Which leads up to our home." They looked around in wonder at the two floored room, spotting the guards standing firm at attention and unmoving. Definitely trained.

They walked through the halls, seeing the rooms and facilities used. And especially the war room, which looked super futuristic. There were electronic screens, knobs, and obviously a table.

"What...in the....." Rarity muttered. They continued on before stopping at a pair of golden alloy doors that had to have just been put in. Her curiosity now piqued, Arcadia decided to ask.

"Were these just put in?" she asked to one of the the guards who were saluting to her.

"They were put in after you left this morning, Lady Arcadia," he replied he replied happily. "King Madun himself ordered it."

"Are they... You know?"

"Yes ma'am. Test it." Arcadia stepped back a little before bending low and thrusting her horn towards it, putting up a soft shield just in case. It impacted it with a shrill clang before she stepped back, pleased.

"Good. Just right. Good job, Pserateps." They bowed slightly before she pushed the doors open with her magic. The others were in front of the garden of their suite. er fiancee wasn't nearby, but she had a feeling they were in the suite.

"There's the Queen!" EQG Rainbow shouted she jetted over and Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle into a hug.

"Hey, Rainbow," Arcadia greeted calmly. "Where's Madun?"

"He's talking with Her Majesty Molten Ice about something."

"Did you hit on him again?"

"No, Twilight."

"Good." Sunset snickered and shook her head while Pinkie Pie pulled a cake out of nowhere that had the names Arcadia Nova and Shimmering Madun on it. Arcadia immediately shook her head. "No way, Pinkie."

"Aww, you don't like my cake?" She asked in disappointment. "I pulled it out of my tail just for you." Arcadia let that sink in before responding.

"It's not that I don't like your cake... It's just... This is going to be a big celebration. I'm not talking about your average school party either."

"How big are we talking, Twilight?" Sunset asked. She was a little scared of the answer.

"Two billion hyperactive Pserateps that can fly faster than Rainbow Dash when they are NOT on sugar." All the ponies looked to her insanely before Madun, Merry, Blazing Fire, and Molten Ice walked out of the two doors.

"So.....why are they all frozen?" The king asked, waving a hoof in front of EQG Fluttershy's face.

"I just informed them about the possible attendance of our wedding," Arcadia said. "And apparently...they couldn't handle it."

"WHAT?!" Arcadia looked behind her at EQG Rainbow who had a look of disbelief on her face. "What you talkin' 'bout, egghead?! I can sooo handle it!"

"Oh?"

"Yeah! Since when has Rainbow Dash not been able to handle anything?!" The other one boasted, standing beside her counterpart and taking up the same pose.

"Yeah we all can do somethin'," Applejack proposed, approaching the royal couple. The visitors all approached her, trying to gain a position in Arcadia's wedding, making the two sigh. This was going to be a big event. A big event indeed.
> Chapter 16 - Tense Situations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arcadia looked at the Equestrians nonchalantly. They all wore a smug look on their faces. More than likely trying to make themselves seem desirable. "No."

Wait, what? Applejack looked at her confused. "'No' what?"

"The positions for directors during our wedding have all been filled. I have chosen those from Earth to help me with my wedding." The Equestrians all looked at her in shock. She knew them first but they weren't allowed to help?!

"Arcadia," Madun whispered in her ear. "Maybe it'd be wise to have the Cyan one allowed in. Just her. She could direct the aerial performance during the reception. Give a little show for the Pserateps." Arcadia's ear twitched before she hummed in thought, looking at Rainbow Dash who was looking back at her confused. That did sound like a good idea. But she really didn't want the Equestrians getting in her way. Her parents either. But she should at least her mother in. She at least offered to try and fix things while the others were just watching. Meaning she was really willing to patch things up. The rest weren't going to do anything unless somebody ordered them to. That's another reason why she didn't truly forgive them. It wasn't in their hearts to apologize, so somebody had to remind them. So she barely trusted them. Not even to hold a bouquet of flowers.

But in the end, she sighed. If it would make Madun happy, she would do it. "Okay. I will allow only three ponies-" Pinkie was about to rush forward. "That I have already chosen. Rainbow Dash and my parents. The Rainbow Dash from earth, now that I think about it, probably doesn't want anything to do with the wedding. She just wants to stick around and look at everything. Right, Rainbow?"

"That's right," the pony in question said, trotting forward from behind her. "I'll attend your wedding, but I can't help out. I don't even know how to use these things!" She pointed to her wings and groaned. "So unless you have like a sports thing going down, I doubt I'll be of any use. I'm checkin' out."

"You're leaving already?"

"Well.......maybe? I don't know. I mean it's already past noon here, but I don't know what that means for everywhere else. Time is different here than it is on Equestria I bet." The Equestria girls responded by nodding their heads, agreeing that it was time to go.

"I'm not so sure, I just look at the sun and tell the time that way. But before you all go, I need you to promise—"

"Not to tell anyone, anything, in any type of way," Rarity interrupted. "We understand darling. Trust me. Not a word is coming out of my mouth about Psera, I promise. See ya' later, Sunset dear." The other girls repeated what she said before they walked into the mirror, headed back home.

Once they were all gone, Arcadia turned around to face the others. "Now, me and Madun have to speak to the Pserateps about the wedding. I am sure they are a little impatient by now." The two began to walk back towards the offices, leaving the others. Once they and the guards were out of sight, Celestia had to speak.

"I can't believe my own student doesn't want me to help her with her wedding," she sighed while Luna rubbed her back.

"And I understand why," Merry said, walking towards them. They looked up at her while she explained. "What was Arcadia.....Twilight like before?"

"She was smart," Rarity answered sadly. "Always looking for magical items, properties, and so much more that had to do with magic. Her favorite conjurer was Starswirl the Bearded."

"Oh yeah, I saw some of those books in her room when she was helping Psera and I was........browsing."

"Actually, I have a few questions about Psera," Celestia said, catching Molten Ice's attention. "How is it that you're so advanced and we have not heard of you? That's impossible."

"Not really," Her Majesty said, walking forward. "Psera is a supercontinent that was, from what the scientists from one of our cities have told us, the first location of civilization of organisms of any kind. Later on, which was estimated at around one hundred thousand years, organisms arrived on Equestria. Over there you have your own history, which was estimated to be centuries behind our own. Including your buildings.

"Equestria, by all accounts, is old fashioned. Having multiple princesses to handle different aspects of your lifestyle while Psera only needs one or two co-rulers. In the past we have had instances where there were indeed multiple rulers per city. There was no mayor or governor. Only Royalty. We took that out when we realized that a lot of problems could be in place and lowered their ranks down to advisors to assist the King and Queen in decision making."

"In the past, Psera was not like this," Blazing Fire said. He stepped forward and clarified, "Psera was, according to Her Majesty Molten Ice, EXACTLY like Equestria. This entire continent wasn't populated like it was. It was maybe only one third populated. And we did not run on magic."

"When we first discovered Equestria," Merry added. "You were in the midst of war with a few other certain type of ponies and organisms. The weapons you used were outdated to say the least. You were using gold as weapons, which we copied. We had plenty of it to spare, we realized, after we compared it with our own metals here. It was the exact same. Except.....we had faaaaaarrrr more. So we armed ourselves in case of any attacks. Which came in handy. A group of ponies, who are believed to now be extinct, came to our land and tried to take it over for what we had. We had so many soldiers that we overpowered them at first. And eventually, we pushed them back. During that time, we realized our wings, which at the time were as small as yours, were very strong and a vital tool during the time of war. So we trained ourselves in different tactics on how to use our wings."

"We never heard about magic," Molten took over. "So it came as a big surprise to us when we realized our wings could grow somehow. Eventually, maybe a thousand years later, we realized it came from admiration."

"Love?" Luna asked carefully.

Molten nodded and confirmed, "Yes, love. The pony body can somehow absorb the pheromones that is admiration and apply it to themselves. Which will then change part of their DNA to grow their wings. Making us faster and stronger flyers. We have done so much in the past by using only our wings. Recently, we didn't even know we had magic in us until Lady Arcadia told us we were a different type of Pegasi. A superpowered Pegasi. She even demonstrated by using one of our guards to push a cloud out to the sea. We were truly stunned. That was how we got rid of the dusty cloud layer that appeared after the Changeling attack."

"Psera itself is entirely Pegasi run," Blazing Fire explained. "There are no other ponies here, nor were there any records of ponies that had horns or nothing at all. There was absolutely no record either about magic. So imagine how truly at awe we were when Arcadia came upon our shores and made grass with magic."

"I'm guessing speechless?" Rainbow inquired.

"Very speechless," Merry responded. "But back to the history. Psera had a lot going on when we encountered how to use water with different objects by stripping away it's molecules and applying it to different things."

"Not to mention the mountain range which contains so much building materials," Molten said. "That is where our mines are located. We also have managed to expand and create cities. Thousands of years ago, we only had three. And before Arcadia arrived, we had nine, including Cop which is directly in the center. We were able to stay off the map by having patrols take boats and go to sea, where they would stop and continue the rest of the way by air. They would do patrols, and if anypony was seen, they would spin around over the water in a circle and go up, creating a very large waterspout. Large and strong enough to pick up your ship and throw it out to sea, breaking it upon impact. We were not going to have another war over our land. So we took drastic measures on how to stop visitors from coming by. Over a hundred years later, after nothing else came, we stopped the patrols and drew our soldiers back in."

"Wait.....that sounds familiar," Celestia said, looking at the stallion suspiciously. "You said you created a giant Waterspout?"

"Yes. Massive." Celestia tapped her hoof against her chin before she, Luna, and Cadance gasped loudly.

"The Barrier!" They all yelled at once, pointing a hoof at each other in realization. The Pserateps were looking at them confusedly, giving them the cue to explain.

"Back in the years when Discord was in rule, ponies would try to escape Equestria by boat, going to different lands," Luna explained. "A large group of ponies who had banded together decided to leave Las Pegasus and take to the western sea to search for new land to call home, only to be turned around by what they called a barrier fifty something miles out from Equestria's coast. It was described as a huge wall of water that had multiple waterspouts that stretched for twenty miles left to right. A giant ship had actually tried to go through only to be ripped to shreds. There were only twenty ponies left, out of two hundred, who turned back and told us what happened. Many ponies thought it to be Discord, who blatantly denied it, saying that his power doesn't reach all the way out there."

"During his rule, ponies would call it a living thing," Celestia said. "They said that when a pony would successfully get in, they would be forced away by something that would grab and literally throw them back out at a speed that was deemed unnatural. They called it 'The Barrier'. Was that—"

"That was more than likely the Pseratep soldiers keeping back other ponies who were in route to Psera," Molten Ice confirmed. They all stared at her in shock. "Like I said. Psera is a very strong and very big superpower. We are not one to be toyed with. In the past we have gone to war with other nations out there, where we would win and they would leave empty hoofed. After a discovery, we stopped all trade, and erased ourselves from the history books of those nations by sending in highly trained spies who would go into the place of holding, the archives, take the Pseratonian item, burn it, and throw the ashes to the air, never to be seen again. If Madun wants, he could give the order to have your records of this place completely gone. However, since Arcadia decided to give you a chance, I do not think that would be the case. He loves her way too much. And I have grown to admire her spirit."

"Aren't you the older queen though?" Cadance inquired. "That means you have more power than Arcadia."

"Not anymore. When a pony has been granted the title Lady in Waiting, it practically means you are already Queen. You are only missing some permissions. Those missing would be executive military command, money spending, executive orders, budget cuts, and more. Once Arcadia is Queen though, all the power is in her and my son's hooves. Since I am no longer Queen, I have gained a title of respect and history among my ponies. I am just like a famous retired citizen. Being paid from my former job and still have respect and recognition among everypony. I have come into a position where a pony who has taken my place can come to me for my advice and I will be happy to give it to them. As well as teach them as much as I can. But to take back up the role, no. I will not be coming out of retirement and taking up the throne. I stepped down and allowed my son to take it up instead. Merry didn't want all that responsibility."

"So-"

"But back on topic," Merry interrupted before they could ask anymore questions. Arcadia didn't trust these ponies and neither did she. "We have gotten way off. Arcadia doesn't want you helping....because she doesn't trust you yet. You deceived her for years and then out of the blue you expect her to allow you to help her with the most important thing in her life. To be honest, I don't think anypony would even consider it."

"I agree with Merry," Molten said, gesturing to her daughter. "Arcadia has been hurt by you and you have lost her partnership, let alone friendship. So she does not consider you a friend, let alone an ally. The only reason she allowed the blue one and her parents is because they have value. Her parents hold....parental values and the blue one I don't know. I did not hear what Madun whispered in her ear. If Madun didn't say something, all of you would be back home right now."

"So Madun is the one in charge?" Rarity asked.

"No, they are a joint team. You cannot break them apart. Now, enough questions. I must go and see how everything is going out there." Molten took her leave and started to walk away, leaving only Merry and Blazing Fire to contend to them. Celestia watched her go while she had a thought on her mind. What did she mean when she said, "After a discovery, we stopped all trade?" What exactly were they hiding? And did Twilight have a hoof in it?

"Leave it to mom to make me talk to visitors. Follow us and....we'll do something, I don't know." Merry walked away with Blazing, heading towards their home. "Are you hungry? I'm surprised Arcadia hasn't sent you back yet since it's almost dinner."

"You really want us to go don't ya'?" Applejack joked.

"Actually yes. I want you all to leave." They all dropped their smiles when Merry looked over her shoulder. "You have no place here. None of you. The second you arrived you threatened our guards. Not to mention.....disrespected Lady Arcadia."

"We have some great food here in Psera," Blazing interrupted happily before it could get worse, motioning towards the giant windows on the side. Outside you could see the sun setting......along with the vast amount of Pserateps gathered around a stage where Arcadia and Madun were standing, telling the ponies about what was going to happen. There were probably hundreds of what looked like advanced cameras and some type of other device that was actively placing them on a giant screen on the sides, displaying their faces.

"Is it alright if we listen?" Celestia asked, making them stop.

Merry trotted towards a window, unlatched it by sliding a bar that was on the bottom and pulling it inwards by the mechanism, allowing the large glass window to open up and hear the couple's voices.

"......and I have decided," Arcadia said through some type of device that enhanced her voice. "That I will become your Queen of Psera. I will continue to help the Pserateps during their time of need as well as listen to the voices that cry out for a better world. I am engaged to King Madun and we have decided..." She looked to King Madun and asked a question, making him nod and step forward to the microphone.

"That the wedding will be held at Events at Eventa on February 14th," he said, motioning towards the West. "We are looking for ponies who can help by bringing their expertise in cooking, decoration, music, and dancing! For all of the singers and dancers of Rayray! Please consult with our interviewers tomorrow in front of the castle when they arrive. This will be the biggest event for Psera and will mark another page in our history books. A new Queen after fifty years has arrived, who has helped Psera and strengthened our military from another strike. As well as replenished our building materials for the next evolution of our homes! Cities! Towns! All hail Lady Arcadia!" The ponies down below started cheering her name before Madun leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek, causing her to blush, grin and wave at the crowd.

"Come at around three in the afternoon seven days from today to Events at Eventa!" She told them. "We will be there!" They  continued to wave while they walked off the stage, heading for the side entrance to the castle.

"So they're holding a talent show of some sort it seems," Rarity assumed, turning back to the Pserateps beside them.

"Yes," Merry confirmed. She took the window and pulled it back in. Then closed and locked it back in place while she spoke. "In the history of Psera, there has always been a chosen team to assist in the way a very important event would be handled. Optimized to provide the best experience for those attending. Singers, dancers, cooks, spokesponies, you name it. They are chosen by a team of advisors, which is lead by a Head Advisor, on who to pick. The head advisor is the most trusted individual. It is a very big opportunity because the pony chosen to perform is usually called upon again by big businesses, standard ponies, and celebrities. Even fashion designers get a spot in fame, not to mention a small place in history. So this is a very big opportunity. And a very rare one. It usually happens once or twice every three years. Luckily, there will be two chances this time around for these ponies to show their stuff. The first will be at the wedding, and the second will be at Lady Arcadia's coronation."

"Oh! Oh! I want to be the flower pony! Can I be the flower pony, puh-leeease?" Flurry cried from her mother's head.

"You would have to ask your aunt that," Blazing Fire chuckled. "She is so adorable."

"Yes, she is my little Flurry Heart. Do you have any kids of your own?" Cadance asked them.

"No....but I would really like some," Merry answered, shocking her husband. He quickly turned his head to her, giving her a small smile. They were definitely talking about this later.

"Aunty Twilight, Aunty Twilight!" Flurry yelled. She jumped off her mother's head and landed on the floor, running towards her Alicorn-Pseratep aunt. She just got back up onto their floor and was walking alongside another Pseratep, giving them instructions and more on what to do for the wedding. The filly ran up and jumped on her back, making her jump a little before she realized who it was.

"Oh, hello Flurry," she greeted happily before turning back to the pony in front of her. "Have the guards and team at Eventa by next Sunday morning at nine to set up. Have a stage for singers and dancers, along with a microphone for the PA system. Have a kitchen setup for the cooks and bakers. And have a room setup for the decorators. I will have my fashion designers tell you exactly what will be needed in those rooms. Also, have a ride ready for the advisors. Most of them do not have wings and those who do cannot fly very well."

The mare in front of her wrote down everything she just said at a very fast speed, impressing even Arcadia. Her light green eyes were narrowed and focused entirely on the notepad she was writing on, the pen in her mouth moving faster than twilight could write within her magic. Once she was finished she looked back up to the Lady in Waiting and took the pen out of her mouth, offering her a smile. "Anything else, Lady Arcadia?"

"Yes, what is your name?" She asked, chuckling. "You remind me a lot of myself when I saw how much attention you were pouring into your work. I did a lot of that, even on my spare time."

"Oh, my name is Gardeen Daisy, your highness," the silver coated Pseratep greeted, bowing deeply before getting back up to her hooves. "I'm one of the assistants here in the Castle."

"I admire your style. Greatly."

"Thank you, your highness."

"I hope you are able to fulfill these requests. We'll be expecting them."

"Consider it done." She bowed once more before she shuffled off back down the hall to do her job. Arcadia watched her go with a smile before she looked up to Flurry.

"What do you think, my niece? Should she be my personal assistant?" Spike flinched a little. A new...... assistant?

"Well.......yeah, sure. Now can I be your flower pony? Huh, huh?!" The Lady in Waiting chuckled and levitated the excitable young Alicorn off her back. She had absolutely no idea what she meant.

"Yes, but you'll probably have to work beside a long line of other fillies and colts. There are a lot of Pserateps trying to win those spots. And there will be a very wide aisle. You'll be the most peculiar one though."

"I can do it, I can do it!"

"Okay then." She let the filly go and run back towards her mother before she walked up to Merry, looking at her suspiciously. She leaned in close and squinted her eyes. The fashionista backed up a little at the close proximity. "There's something on your face," Arcadia said.

"Really? Where is it?"

"It's all over," Arcadia responded, making a gesture with her hooves. "And it's not good. You're planning something again." Merry scoffed and pushed the laughing Royal back.

"For your information, I was thinking about something special that I actually need to talk to you about."

"Oh!" Arcadia looked at her in surprise. "Let's head to the suite, get some tea, and talk about it!" The two women started to walk away before the Lady in waiting remembered something. "Wait," she said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. She looked behind her at the Equestrians who were waiting in the hall staring at them before she pulled her to the side to whisper in her ear.

"What do you think about them taking part in a simulated audience?" She whispered. "Madun suggested it earlier, and I was obviously against the idea, but I do believe he has a point about the Pserateps auditioning to have one. What do you think I should do?"

"Well," she whispered back. "How do they normally act around a talented pony?"

"Reserved."

"Okay, well I think that you should at least give them this one time chance. One time chance to at least earn one point out of the one thousand you're giving them." Arcadia sighed and glanced back at the Equestrians who were currently in a conversation at the window. It was becoming dark and Luna was lowering the moon for Equestria. Not to mention for Psera.

"......fine, I'll give them a chance," she sighed. "But I will NOT enjoy it. My niece, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, and Starlight are another matter entirely. I enjoy their company. In fact.....should I give them a personal tour? I actually miss their company."

"Sure. A great attraction to start is what Psera looks like from thousands of feet in the air at night. Have some of the guards fly a chariot up there with you."

"Great idea. When I return, we are having this discussion that's on your mind. Go and annoy your brother, I know you want to. And let him know where I am."  Merry gave her a look that said, "Do you even have to ask?"

"I don't technically annoy him," Merry corrected. "But just make him sigh in annoyance. Where is he?"

"The throne room, talking to his advisors. He should be getting out soon." Merry quickly trotted off while Arcadia turned around and walked back to the group. "Trixie, Sunset Shimmer, and Starlight Glimmer." They all stopped talking before the mares in question.

"Yes, Twilight?" Starlight answered.

"I want to show you something. Care to stay behind a little longer?" The three of them shrugged and nodded to Twilight. "Great! Everypony else you have to leave. I'll open a portal for you." She lit her horn and fired a beam into the hall, creating a purple portal in front of her. "Have a good night."

"Will we see you again? Before February?" Celestia asked her hopefully. Arcadia gave her a nonchalant look, deep in thought before she responded.

"Maybe, maybe not. I may have given you a chance, but it's a small one. So don't expect much, if anything at all. You are not to tell anypony about this. That includes you too, Flurry Heart. Come and give me a hug." The filly trotted up to her aunt and gave her a giant squeeze around her legs, making Twilight chuckle and spread her large wings in glee. Rainbow was a little jealous, evident by her groaning. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Alright!" She backed away and got back on Cadance's back while they all trotted into the portal, leaving the Lady in Waiting with the chosen Equestrians behind. They all tried to give her reassuring gazes, but she didn't return. Definitely still upset. She placed a hoof on the last pony's, Celestia, shoulder, stopping her before she could walk through that doorway.

"One more thing," she said. "Watch your back for the annoying Prince. He's still crazy about me and he may be a big issue in the future."

"Of course. Farewell, Twilight...Arcadia." The mare in question let her walk through the portal before closing it immediately behind her. Leaving her alone with Blazing and the three ponies.

Getting out of her serious mode, she offered them a sincere grin. "I want to show you girls something that I think you'll find beautiful. Guards?" The two guards accompanying her saluted. "Get a chariot ready. We're going for a high velocity flight."
> Chapter 17 - Girl Talk; Tour Of Psera
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A bright flash illuminated the inside of the barn as the group of downtrodden Equestrians walked out. Once Celestia walked out, the portal closed. They all took a seat around in a circle and sighed.

"At least she's okay," Twilight Velvet whispered.

"Yes," Celestia agreed. "And it seems she, along with the rest of Psera, are not fond of us."

"They put us in a prison," Shining said matter-of-factly. "I don't know if we should go back there. It's not even part of our land, or any of our allies."

"They were so far ahead of us in every way," Princess Luna added. "Their buildings make ours look like pine needles."

"They were hidin' somethin'," Applejack said suddenly. They all looked over at her. "I don't know what......but it was somethin' big."

"Yeah, their wings," Rainbow responded. She opened hers and looked at them sadly. "Am I......am I really not the fastest pony in Equestria?"

"Rainbow, you are truly the fastest," Princess Cadance assured her. "Don't let what Twilight said hurt you."

"Yeah, she was trying to get to us," Rarity agreed. "Even if she said it rather harshly."

"That's an understatement," Princess Cadance responded. "Her voice I'm pretty sure rivaled the Canterlot Royal Voice. It had to be heard all over that city."

"Eight.....Cloudsdales," Fluttershy whispered. "That's why she took that book so long ago." She looked up and met their gazes. "She was creating a city.....in her image." Spike sighed from the corner of the barn.

"Apparently she rebuilt a fallen world," Celestia added. "She said she arrived on a beach and rebuilt Psera using magic. And that that world was entirely destroyed. Now back to Applejack." The farmer looked over at her. "I also noticed they were hiding something. I don't know what exactly, but I could feel it too. We'll ask the other girls if they noticed anything when they come back. They might be there for a while."


***


While the guard were preparing the chariot, Arcadia motioned for her friends, her real ones that haven't betrayed her, to follow her towards her home. "Are you hungry? Madun has extra food hidden somewhere," she joked.

"You sure have made yourself to be great here, Arcadia," Sunset told her. The other two girls chuckled.

"Really, Twilight," Trixie agreed. "I haven't seen you this....noticed ever since I last saw you in Equestria."

"That's because I wasn't happy there," she commented. She stopped in front of her room and turned around to face them. "I knew something was wrong when I didn't receive a lot of attention from diplomats. But that's irrelevant now. I'm going to give you guys a taste of Madun's cooking." She opened the door and walked inside with them right behind her. They looked around the cozy home inside a castle while Twilight walked into the kitchen to grab some food.

"No offense, Twilight, but I was expecting more...big," Trixie commented.

"Madun doesn't like the big life. And to be honest, neither do I." Arcadia opened up the fridge with her magic and looked inside.

"Completely understandable," Sunset added while looking around. "And it seems you already set up shop with a library."

"After this, I'm taking you girls on a lite sightsee," Arcadia announced before grabbing some Chortle in her magic. She used a spell to warm it up. "I haven't exactly seen Psera at its best ever since I've been here. Here's some food that you just NEED to try out." She took the food and shot it into their mouths. Their eyes flew open in surprise before they chewed it lightly. Sunset levitated the big bit out of her mouth.

"This is really good!" She said. "What is it?"

"It's Chortle, a food that 'heals a Pseratep overnight'. It's filled with vitamins and has a fleshy like texture that tastes like different types of fruit. I eat it on special occasions. Only anniversaries so far. But besides that, there are more that I have yet to try that have a place in Psera tradition. I need to do research on it later. Are you girls ready?" They finished their food before they followed Twilight back out the door, who nearly bumped into Madun.

"Hello, Arcadia," he greeted, giving her a smile. "Where ya' headed?"

"I'm about to go see what Psera looks like from thousands of feet in the air," she told him. "Is that alright?"

He chuckled and nodded. "It's fine, just don't stay out too long. I wanna spend some time with my fiancee." He leaned in and gave her a nuzzle, causing her to go beet red.

"Madun!" She whined. "N-not in front of my friends!" The other mares were trying their hardest not to laugh before he pulled back.

"Fine....I'll wait until you return then. Have fun, ladies." He made his way into the house, ignoring the stares Sunset, Trixie, and Starlight were giving him before they turned back to Twilight. She must've saw an opportunity to escape because she was already at the hallway that lead into the offices, eventually disappearing from sight.

"Twilight! Hold up!" Starlight giggled before they ran after her. Once they reached her, she put her large wings over her face, looking out through the feathers to hide her completely red face. "That was so adorable~!"

"I'll say," Sunset cooed slyly. "Woooow, Twilight. Wait until the girls here about this."

"Don't you dare, Sunset," Arcadia muttered, peeking her red face through her wings before going back under. "He is so getting it when I get back."

"Yeah, getting a lot of kisses," Trixie muttered, making Arcadia whimper. "Oh I'm just playing with you, Twilight. I think it was really cute. You found yourself a king who loves you very much."

"I agree," Starlight added. "And to be honest? I'm a little jealous." Twilight briskly lowered her wing and looked at Starlight confusedly.

"Huh? Are you prowling for stallions?" She teased, making Starlight blush.

"I'm uhh....I'm actually just window shopping," she answered quietly.

"Mmm hmm. Why don't you just go to Canterlot or Appleloosa to get some...oh my gosh! I just remembered something!" She stopped and turned around to face Starlight, grabbing her by the cheeks and looking her in the eyes. "Where are you staying? I completely destroyed the castle!"

"I'm bunking with Trixie, Twilight, don't worry," she said, appeasing her nerves. Twilight huffed in relief.

"Good. I couldn't bear to see you homeless and whatnot. You're like a child to me Starlight, and I DO NOT feel comfortable with YOU feeling uncomfortable. Same with you, Sunset." She pulled the two into a hug, leaving Trixie looking at her confusedly.

"And what about mua?" She asked, pointing to herself. The three quickly got out of the hug and looked at her.

"You're more like a step-sister," Arcadia joked. Trixie scoffed while the others just laughed and pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry, Trixie. You will always be included in this thrall." She pulled back and continued walking, leading the others towards the front of the castle. "Now who exactly do you have your eye on Starlight?" The light purple unicorn blushed a little bit before she told them.



After that tidbit of shocking information, the group walked outside into the night and quiet atmosphere, where there was a single chariot waiting for them. Made of steel, diamonds, and lights. "Are we prepared, Dark?" Arcadia asked. The Pseratep in Question opened the door wide to let the mares in.

"Yes, your highness," Dark Silver answered as the girls got inside the ride. There were around twenty guards outside with them to make sure they had a great and secure flight. Once they were all ready the guards strapped themselves in and prepared to take off. Those on the side took off before they did. The ponies ran forward and lifted the chariot quickly into the air, allowing the girls to see the sights and the lights.

"Wow," Trixie muttered, breathless at the sights. They were going higher and higher, eventually getting a little cold from the atmosphere thinning out. But eventually they stopped at maybe thirty thousand feet, giving them an excellent view of the continent. "That...is beautiful."

The lights that made up the cities on the continent looked just like a giant snowflake, giving it a wonderous view. The one behind them, Cop, was the one that was blinking in magic, thanks to the PDS in the center of the city that rose up taller than the mountain range. It had a faint glow to it, letting her know that it was up and running.

"So....how does that work again?" Sunset asked, pointing towards the PSD.

"It is connected to three hundred systems that are one hundred miles out from Psera's coast," Arcadia told her, stunning the three. "I created three hundred of them that are connected to the Main PSD inland, located there in Cop, as you can see. I also have smaller ones of these in every city, directly in the center of each that has two functionalities. The first is for communication. It works like a speaker and microphone for when we need to speak with the Pserateps nationwide. The second works as a detector, in case there is an alert. It can track storms, ponies, large invasions, and a lot more that I have to tell Madun. I think I missed some perks. He's probably wondering what all those weird colors are inside the main. Anyway, how is everything in Equestria, girls?" Arcadia spat out the word.

"Well, Equestria is going nuts," Starlight said with a chuckle. "The most smartest pony is gone and is now innovating a new world."

"Not to mention..." Trixie looked around before she leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Blueblood." Arcadia groaned and rolled her eyes.

"What did the pompous Prince do now? And why did you whisper? Nopony else here knows about Blueblood except you three. Actually, let me guess. He's trying to find me, bring me back, and hoping to ask if he can court me?" The guards nearby glanced her way before the girls nodded. "Uggghhhh, he is so annoying! I really really REALLY don't like him. Especially after how he treated Rarity. Not to mention he's hideous! I'm not a fan of the group right now, but he's still a very low zero."

Dark Silver chuckled before he looked her way. "Got a little admirer going on?"

"Try addict!" She corrected. "He's been trying to ask me out and get me on a date with him for the longest! It's so annoying! And he's so stuck up, it's sad." The guards laughed along with the girls.

"I'm guessing Blueblood has been trying for years, huh?" Sunset inquired before looking down at the city they were coming over.

"Every. Time. I Went. To Canterlot. He just wouldn't take no for an answer. Trixie, do you know EXACTLY how he's searching for me?"

"Well," Trixie said before looking around and whispering in her ear. Arcadia rolled her eyes. "I heard he's planning a massive investigation. Going places that Equestria never heard of. That's why I brought it up. I was actually just going to hold onto the information but then I remembered that he was looking for legends and I thought, 'Psera is technically a legend.' So...yeah."

"Well thanks for informing me of that, Trixie."

"So you really don't like the guy?" One of the guards asked.

"Like him? I really DON'T like him!" Arcadia yelled. "I'm not saying I HATE him. But if he was on fire and I had a bottle of water, I would drink the water. In front of him." The chariot slid to halt before they all stared at her in shock. Arcadia merely shrugged before the tour continued.

"Damn, your highness," one of the guards muttered, shaking his head.

"After THAT disturbing bit of information," Starlight said, trying to change the subject. "I want to see what this Events at Eventa looks like. It's as big as a city?"

"Huge," Arcadia responded. "Of course everything about Psera just screams 'Big', including its inhabitants'-"

"Yes, I can see that," Trixie interrupted, lifting up her large wing. "I mean seriously, this thing rivals Celestia's! And hers are big!"

"Mines are the biggest here in Psera," she informed them, taking her wing back. "But yes, Events at Eventa is this biggest building I have ever seen and gone to. I'm pretty sure we're about to go over it soon. But let me tell you how Psera works. Psera is above Equestria on so many levels. Weaponry, speed, technology, logic. Not to mention knowledge."

"Yeah, we got that from the fact that there are moving vehicles on the ground when we arrived," Sunset commented. "Never thought I'd see cars here."

"Yes. I'm not sure what they run on. But we use them for delivery to big cities like Events at Eventa. Oh! If you look below, you'll see what Fenix looks like at night. Guard, take us lower please."

"Down low!" The one in front yelled. The chariot slowed and dropped quickly like an elevator before it leveled out over the city of Fenix.

They could see the giant city with all the farms surrounding it. "Fenix is our vegetation district," Arcadia explained. "All eight ground cities in Psera has a purpose and role. Merōl is a historic town that also has an old shipping dock and is a hub for businesses that work with other building supplies, tools, and things of that nature. It's east of Cop. Then you have Fenix, which is Southeast of Cop. It's right below us. It has......fifty farms, and a fifty story tall office building for each of those farms. It's right in front of us actually." Arcadia pointed in front of them down below at the tall building with blinking lights above it. "And it seems there is also a party going on down there as well. See?"

She pointed to a single building below where a bunch of Pserateps were having a celebration. There were lights, and a lot of music that they could hear. "It looks like the Pserateps know how to party," Trixie commented.

"Wait until you see Events at Eventa. The city itself was practically created for entertainment. The next city, Lavender, is our....military grounds. I've only seen it once while I was rebuilding it. It's a giant military base for our military. But we have military all over the continent. Guard?"

"Let's move!" Dark Silver yelled as the chariot increased its speed.

"WHOA, that is fast!" Sunset yelled through the night air, trying to be louder than the wind blowing past their ears like a jet.

"I, apparently, fly faster than this!!" Arcadia commented. After thirty minutes, they slowed down about two hundred miles away from the last city into a more modernized city that looked like the older brother of Manehattan. "And this is Capita. They specialize in cleaning technology. Water filtration, cleaning supplies, chemicals, disease control, and more that clean. We also have a mile long hospital in case of a disaster right over there." she pointed her hoof at an insanely large eight story building on the right of them that had lights all over, making it a sore spot in the beautiful landscape. It stuck out like a mole on a white muzzle. The visitors gawked at it as they flew by. After a mile, it ended. Proving that Arcadia was telling the truth.

"Next up? We have......Eventa." The guards sped up again, getting the gist of what the Lady in Waiting wanted. After one hundred fifteen miles away from Capita, the party city came into view.

"So....the city of Eventa is just a bunch of land?" Sunset asked. In front of them is what seemed to be a black space that had lights on the top of it. "No offense, 'your majesty'. But I was expecting something more...big."

"Yeah, I was expecting the same thing," Starlight said. Trixie nodded in agreement. The guards and Arcadia chuckled and laughed at them. "What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry girls," Arcadia apologized as they slowed a little bit more. "But....that's not land. That's not even the ground. That's a roof." They looked at her in confusion before the light's below them started blinking in a pattern. More of a wave. "You're looking at the top of Events at Eventa."

Their eyes followed the lights that went farther out than the eye could see, making them gawk. "It looks far better in the dawn," one of the guards commented.

"I've never seen it during that time," Arcadia commented. "How about when it snows?"

"It's gorgeous during that time, your highness."

"I'd have to come see it during that time. What do ya' think girls?" Arcadia turned around to see them staring open mouthed and wide eyed at the area below them. "I take it you're impressed. Let's carry on."



After going to RayRay and Snow, they decided to head back to the Castle of the Gods. Arcadia still had to talk to Merry about something she wanted to speak with her about. But the visitors noticed something strange.

"Uhh....Arcadia?" Starlight said from behind her. The Lady in Waiting's ear flicked, giving her the impression she was listening. "You said there are eight ground cities earlier. We've only seen seven."

"Well I hope you girls enjoyed your visit," Arcadia said happily, completely ignoring Starlight's question. The door for the vehicle was opened, allowing the group out. They walked out and made their way towards the entrance of the castle. The visitors shared a glance. Why did Twilight ignore that question?

They made their way into the building before Arcadia stopped in the giant foyer. Then lit her horn and created a portal back to Equestria. "Remember what I said about this place, Sunset. Trixie. Starlight. Nopony is to know."

"We know, Twilight," Sunset confirmed. "I promise not to say a word. On OUR Pinkie's Pinkie Promise. Not Equestria's, I know you don't like them right now."

"Thanks Sunset. I'll see you all soon." They waved at her before going into the portal and out the otherside in the middle of Ponyville.

"Well....that was....big," Sunset commented as the portal shut behind them. "It makes Equestria look so....old."

"Hear here." They looked behind them at Rarity who was coming up to them. "Sorry, I was just returning from Applejack's farm. We were discussing some things. I was just on my way back. So, what did Twilight, er.....Arcadia show you?"

The three shared a look, but shook their heads. "Sorry, Rares. We can't say a word," Starlight answered.

"So she's still upset," Rarity responded sadly. Sunset nodded.

"Yeah, she does not like any of you. Sorry."

"Well....hopefully we can see her get married. I just hope that will let her know we still love her."

"Maybe.....maybe," Sunset agreed.
> Chapter 18 - Designs
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day was a little bit of a breeze back in Canterlot. Celestia got up and dealt with court, did her paperwork, as well as spoke to Luna about what was going on. But of course, there was always a problem. Celestia sighed and sat back down behind her desk after lunch, prepared to get back to work. She grabbed her pen in her magic and almost touched the paper before somepony knocked on her door. She glanced up and used her magic to open it.

Luna was standing there with a letter in her grip, looking irked and annoyed. "Somepony left your letter in my room...for the fourth time," she grumbled. Celestia chuckled before she retrieved it.

"I am sorry, Luna," she apologized while she read who it came from. "I'll tell them where my room is so they can deliver it here instead of there."

"To be honest, I think you tell the mail mares to leave your mail in my room on purpose." Celestia glanced up at her with a smirk on her face. Luna snarled at her. She knew it.

"It is just a little fun around this serious environment," Celestia responded. "This must be from the Royalty in Saddle Arabia. I asked them if they were willing to send in metals to Equestria to help rid of our shortage."

"What did they say?"

Celestia ripped open the top of the letter and slipped it out. Opening it, she read it to herself before she sighed in defeat. "It seems....we have no sources willing to help us out during this time. We are officially rationing out our materials. I'm going to have to put a halt on all constructions under executive order and let Equestria know we are officially going through a metal shortage soon."

"There is nopony else that can help us?" Luna asked in worry. Celestia sighed and shook her head.

"I have contacted the Dragon Lands, Zebrica, Saddle Arabia, and the Griffins. We have asked all of our allies and accomplices." Luna sighed along with her before she glanced back at her.

"There is still one nation that we have not asked."

Celestia gave her deadpan glare before saying, "We are not asking Chrysalis—"

"No, not her!" Luna interrupted. "A world that rivals our own...that we just—"

"Nope," Celestia shot down. "We are not asking...." She looked around Luna and shut the door, keeping out her voice and whispering. "We are not asking Psera if they are willing to donate metal. Twilight will definitely say no, and the Royal family there will agree. Along with the rest of the populace." She pulled back and spoke in regular volume. "If only we knew spells on how to change gold to something much stronger. Gold is easily breakable. We only use it on our guards because it looks good and we layer it on so it's thick enough to protect them." Luna was just giving her a bland look.

"Seriously? Because 'It looks good'?" Celestia smiled at her sheepishly while Luna shook her head.

"We both know Twilight is in a state of mind," Celestia added. "That she would rather watch the entire continent of Equestria burn for an hour before she decides to actually put it out. And once the fire's out, she'll sit back and watch us rebuild instead of helping. So asking if she could actually offer her services to us is like asking an apple tree if it'll grow faster. We both know that that is a very very....very insanely low chance of that happening."

"Well.....it was worth a shot," Luna sighed. "How are you going to send out the order?"

"Like we have always done." She reached into one of the drawers in her desk and pulled out a scarlet scroll. "We send the scroll."



Arcadia and Madun were currently in the throne room that same day, looking at a pile of work Madun had to do. Arcadia was just there to lend a helping hoof since she wasn't really Queen yet. In the future she will be doing what Madun will be doing. Looking at papers, acknowledging requests, and more that she wasn't even allowed to do in Equestria. Every time she thought about that despicable land.....

"Sweetheart? Stop thinking about that." She looked over at Madun who was patting her hoof. "Don't say you weren't because every time you do you start growling and snarling." Arcadia blushed while he let out a small chuckle and got back to work. "What'd you talk to Merry about last night?"

"Ohhh.....you will not believe it if I told you." He looked over at her grinning face. "Merry was talking about having a child." Madun's eyes widened.

"Are you serious? Merry having a kid?" He asked with a smirk.

Arcadia laughed and nodded. "Yes. This is what happened......"


The Night Before


Arcadia yawned before she walked out of the elevator and down the quiet hall. Most of the castle was asleep by this point after a long day. The King usually doesn't do much during a time of celebration except handle anything that comes into his inbox. Right now though he was more than likely asleep. But when she would get back he would definitely be awake. After she pokes him with her horn for embarrassing her in front of her friends.

Arcadia stopped in front of Merry's room and knocked lightly. "Come in, your highness!" Arcadia chuckled and opened the door into the lavish suite. She spotted Merry drinking a cup of non alcoholic wine at the island in the kitchen. "It's about time you got here, Arcadia. I thought for sure you weren't coming."

"I never back out on my true friends," she responded. She closed the door and walked over to the chair next to her. After taking a seat, she gave Merry an expectant look. "Now. What is it you wanted to talk about?"

Merry took a deep breath before she responded. "Okay....So I've been thinking."

"Uh huh." Arcadia poured a bit of wine for herself.

"I've been thinking a lot about this." Arcadia set the bottle down and took a few sips. "I want to have a child."

Arcadia spit it out all over Merry, shocking the both of them before she lit her horn. The wine evaporated and Merry's coat steamed to get rid of anything left. "I'm sorry about that," Arcadia apologized. "And.....kids? You want to have a foal?" Merry shyly nodded. "Okay. Then go out and have one."

"But I don't know how! I'm...." She leaned over and whispered in Arcadia's ear. "Still a virgin." Arcadia pulled back and looked at her oddly.

"You were saving yourself?" She asked slowly. She kept eye contact with Merry while taking another sip of wine.

"Yeah. After marriage, we then decided that the only time to have sex would be when we have children."

"He likes it fresh then," Arcadia muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing."



Madun looked at Twilight with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

"Can you blame me for saying that?" Arcadia asked. Madun shrugged before he waved for her to continue.



"So you're trying to figure out how to make your first night special," Arcadia assumed before she got a confused look on her face. "Actually.....how old are you two?"

"I'm twenty five and Blazing's twenty eight."

"Wow you start out young, huh?" Arcadia set down the glass and offered Merry a smirk. She only shrugged in return. "Well I suggest you talk to him about it first to make sure he wants children too."

"We did before you got here." She looked down the hallway before she leaned over to Arcadia, making her groan. What was it with ponies whispering in her ear tonight? "He's scared."

"I would be too. As should you." She planted a hoof in her chest. "Raising a foal is no joke. They're a bunch of work. Not to mention carrying them for months. You'll see what I'm talking about in the future if you decide to go this route. Word of advice?"

"That's why I asked for ya'."

"Tell him not to thrust too hard."

"Arcadia!"


Present Time


Madun was just staring at her with his mouth wide open while arcadia was trying to avert his gaze. "What do you know about sex?"

"Well to be honest....I don't know anything. I just hear the horror stories of ponies who were virgins were...hurt a little when the stallion thrust too hard." The guards by the doors grimaced before resuming their stoic positions. "And wipe that frown off your face, I'm also a virgin." Madun looked to her in surprise, making her and the guards laugh from the door. "And don't look so surprised. Back in Equestria, I wasn't all that. Yes, I was a smart pony. And, apparently, too smart to be attractive. But there was one pony who was attracted to me that I did not like. At. All."

"Here we go again," one of the guards said at the door. Madun looked their way to see them shaking their heads at him.

"Prince...Blueblood," Arcadia said. He looked back to her in confusion. "He was a stallion in Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. A very rude prince who thought he was above everypony else. He used his royal status as a way to make him look good and do other things that did not help Equestria. He was a part of the Canterlot nobility that had a reputation to do anything that revolved around them growing their funds. 'We want more land so companies can pay us to build!' We want this, we want that. And Blueblood was one of them. Unfortunately....he is addicted to me. Each time I went to Canterlot, he would ask me to go on a date with him. It got to the point where whenever I would visit the castle I would have to wear something inconspicuous to look like a 'commoner', who he doesn't associate with. Yesterday, Trixie told me that he was actually starting his own search party to look for me through legends and such that Equestria may have reference of in their archives."

"Do you think he'll find us?" Madun asked. Arcadia shook her head.

"Nope. There is absolutely nothing about Psera anywhere in the books of any library in Equestria. Unless there's a pony he knows that has clues, he isn't finding us. Oh! Speaking of library I have to check out the massive one in the castle!" She got up before Madun extended one of his wings in front of her.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on. Before you go and destroy our books, what do you think of the flowers for the wedding? Red roses, blue roses....Daffodils?"

"All three."

"Okay, don't destroy anything." He lifted his wing and pecked her before she scampered off. The guards underneath her throne followed her out into the hall. When the door closed, Madun sighed and looked at the four thrones in the room. The ones in the middle were for him and Twilight while the smaller ones on the outside would be for the children. Who would learn about how their parents rule whenever they needed to learn. It was required unfortunately. He and Merry did it when they were children. Sighing once more he went back to work, not forgetting to write down what Arcadia wanted for the flower scheme of the wedding.



"Twilight, darling!" Arcadia stopped in the hall and turned towards the voice coming from behind.

"Rarity! Why are you here?!" She yelled in anger.

"Calm down, I'm from earth, Arcadia," she said with a laugh. "I'm not the Ponyville Rarity. I came to tell you that your dress designs are ready. But, like you said, they are a surprise."

"Oh...okay." The two changed course and walked back towards the nearest set of stairs, heading to the sixth floor where Merry's room was. "So how is everypony on Earth?"

"Well Christmas is over so we have to get ready for another few months of school in a few days," Rarity responded. "Of course it's nothing compared to how everything is here. You're about to become a Queen, darling. The stress must be killing you."

"Rarity, you of all ponies....and people...should know that I handle stress quite well."

"Having nightmares about the wedding dress eating you alive, huh?"

"It was dark green with black eyes and it had teeth, but back on subject. I handle stress quite well."

"Says the mare who has dreams about a wedding dress eating her," Rarity commented as they approached the room. Arcadia rolled her eyes before she knocked on the door.

"Come in, your majesty!"

"Last night it was 'Your Highness,'" Arcadia commented. She pushed the door open and walked in while the guards took up positions outside. Arcadia always wondered....why were there so many guards if there was nopony willing to actually attack? She would have to ask Madun about that later.

"Hello, Arcadia," Merry greeted. She was behind the island, pouring some juice into a cup. There was a notepad on the top. Must've been the designs.

"Hello, Merry." Arcadia and Rarity walked over briskly and took a seat. Merry poured the two a glass of the juice while maintaining eye contact with the smirking Lady-in-waiting. 

Merry glanced both ways. Then asked, "What?"

She continued staring before asking, "Did you do it?"

"D-Do what?" She stammered. She set down the jug and took a seat across.

"It. Did you do it." Rarity was looking between the two, trying to figure out what 'it' is.

"No, we are planning a nice night before that."

"Make sure he doesn't thrust—"

"I know, I know!" Merry interrupted. "Now can we look at this book now?"

Arcadia grinned. "Hit me with the designs."
> Chapter 19 - Realization Of The Future
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia walked down the empty hall of Canterlot Castle with a downtrodden expression. The halls were clear at the moment besides the guards providing protection. But she paid them no mind as they bowed to her when she walked past. There was more pressing matters at the moment.

Per her executive order, Celesta has ordered all constructing to cease, and citizens to recycle all metals, plastic, paper, and even rubber just in case. Since rubber came from trees it could be a likelihood that they may be cut down in the future and will have to be recycled. Right now? Things were not looking good.

"What to do, what to do," she sighed. Her hoofsteps sounded like thunder to her ears at every step, letting her know that doom was coming. Could they fight it? Not with military strength. She needed knowledge, not swords.

"Aunt Celestia," someone said from behind her. Her ear twitched and she let out a groan before she turned around and faced her stuck up nephew. He was standing there with the look of a high class pony. Muzzle high in the air with slow eyes. "Is there any word on Twilight Sparkle?"

Celestia nearly blanched. Equestria was in the middle of a crisis and he was worried about Twilight? She had to admit though it's sweet that he cares on her whereabouts, but now was not the time for questionsof that sort. "Twilight is not available and you know this Blueblood," she answered quickly.

"So you know where she is then!" He exclaimed in happiness. Princess Celestia looked at him in confusion. "For the last few months whenever I asked, you would answer with, 'There is no sign of her, nephew.' But this time ,you said Twilight is not available, giving the impression that you do in fact know where she is!"

"Blueblood, I do not know where she is."

"Lie all you want Aunt Celestia, but I know you. You cannot lie to me. Now where is Twilight Sparkle? I wish to ask her-"

"Blueblood, can I just say that you will never have Twilight?" She sighed, rubbing her hoof against her head. He looked to her in confusion and interest.

"Why? Are her parents not accepting of me? I will pay them for her hoof in a relationship." Celestia was just burning inside. "It is so simple."

"Well for one? She. Does. Not. Like you. And two, she is not available to you." She poked her hoof into his chest. "It is time to move on Blueblood to another mare that may slightly like you. But Twilight? She is not available to you and does not even slightly like you. Now if you will excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to."

"One last question." Celestia wanted to groan and roll her eyes so baaad. "Where is she?" Celestia sighed and turned around walking away.

"Like I said Blueblood. She is not available to you," she said before muttering, "Or anypony else." Blueblood watched her walk away before he breathed out a torrent of hot air and narrowed his eyes.

He muttered unheard, "She will be mine even if I have to drag her back here." Then turned around and walked towards the entrance of the castle. He had to do some research. A lot of research.



While Blueblood was researching, Sunset was going through the portal for Earth to speak with her friends about something that has been bugging her since last night. Bugging her, Trixie, and Starlight. Twilight had dodged a few questions they had asked her. Not just about the eighth ground city. But another one. What was making them so abundant in such a large continent? They had so much in possession. A large castle, a stadium as big as a city, eight cities in the sky, and technology. Electronics. How did they get all of that? There was no way regular ponies were able to go so far and become so advanced like that. They were on par with the human world while Equestria was begging on its knees just for scraps. As the same with other countries like Zebrica and the Griffin kingdon. Something wasn't adding up.

Soon, the ride ended and she flew out of the portal, sliding along the concrete on her stomach. She yelped at the scraping her knees received from the lack of protection of her cargo shorts. "...ouch," she groaned before standing back up. Brushing herself off, she looked around the front of the school. Her friends were talking on the steps of the school. Apparently about something funny because Rainbow Dash suddenly burst into a fit of giggles.

"Hey, guys!" She greeted while running over. They looked over and waved at her.

"Hey, Sunset!" Rainbow greeted before she smirked. "How was your alone time with Twilight-oh! Excuse me-Arcadia yesterday?"

"It was fine," she responded while setting down her bag she brought from Equestria on the steps. She sighed and sat down next to Fluttershy, who was petting Angel Bunny. "But... Something's been bugging me, Trixie, and Starlight about it."

"Like...what?" Fluttershy asked. She lifted a finger, calling for a Red Robin to land on it, which it did.

"Well..." She looked around her before whispering to them. "Psera is big. Like, REALLY big. She gave us a tour of Psera yesterday and everything was long, tall, and big. They had a hospital that was a mile long, and Events at Eventa was just...oh my gosh I can't even describe it. And the castle you all saw." They voiced their agreements. Rarity herself was painting her nails. "But...during the tour, Trixie, Starlight, and myself would ask a few questions. A more specific one was how did they make all of this. And Twilight would answer with, 'We're just smart.' This was the end of the tour mind you. How did you create cars? We're just smart. How did you make a stadium that large? We're just smart. And then I asked a final question. Yesterday, we only saw seven cities besides Cop. So I reminded her that there were eight besides it. She completely ignored it."

They all looked to Sunset in interest as she continued. "We saw Merōl, Fenix, Lavender, Capita, Eventa, Rayray, Snow, and Cop. But there was supposed to be one more." Rarity bit her bottom lip in realization, knowing exactly what city Sunset was kept out of. Serl. The city of science and work. All of Psera's resources come from Serl. If they had went there it would be a sight to see. And that area of Psera was completely off limits to anypony besides guards, royalty, scientists, technicians, and engineers.

"So Twilight...lied to you?" Sci-Twi asked while stroking Spike's back.

"Well not exactly. But she, and probably the rest of Psera, are hiding something. I just don't know what. I mean in the castle's executive offices there was a war room that had electronics in it." They all looked to her confused.

"But...that world doesn't use electricity," Pinkie confirmed. "Everything they do runs on magic."

"Well not Psera. They have electricity. When we were flying over Eventa, the stadium had a roof with lights on it that were blinking in a pattern. Which means that whatever it was hooked up to...was programmed. Which means..." She waved a hand at the group, trying to get them to finish it.

"They have computers," Rainbow guessed.

"Yes. Also, that afternoon Twilight and Madun were making a speech because they were going to hold a contest, or a tryout of some sort, to see who would be the better pick in cooking, entertainment, decorating, fashion, etcetera for the wedding. Well somehow, I saw all of this, somehow they had cameras. Video cameras, not standard cameras like Equestria has. Large video cameras like someone was shooting a movie. There faces were displayed on what I call jumbotrons. Crystal. Clear. Like past HD. More like 4K."

"They had display screens?" Sci-Twi asked in amazement. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, you guys left early. They also had microphones and speakers. But what has me on edge is where are they getting this stuff from? The only answer I have is Earth. Is Twilight grabbing things from Earth and supplying it to Psera? Or is it something else entirely?" Nope, Rarity thought.

"I think it's the latter," Applejack answered while she chewed down an apple. "If Princess Twilight...Lady Arcadia were to come to Earth, Pinkie's Pinkie sense would've let us know."

"Yeah, that's right," Sunset agreed. Pinkie grinned from the side. "But that still leaves the question unanswered. Based on what Madun told us, Psera was completely destroyed. Which meant buildings, homes, food, and military was all gone. So Arcadia comes in and gives everyone grass and clears the air, giving them sight and helping their health. But they also had to rebuild everything. Which meant every city and town. Where did they get the materials to rebuild a mile long hospital, maybe one third of the castle, and a little of Events at Eventa? Those are some big jobs. Really big jobs. Not to mention rebuild some of the cities entirely."

"I have to admit, it does sound a little fishy," Rainbow agreed. "But what are you going on about? It's Twilight, she's unpredictable."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. One second she's quiet, the next she comes up with the best idea to rebuild the planet. But I'm just curious. And a little hopeful. If they have so much building material, maybe they could help out Equestria. We're in a very bad metal shortage right now and no other countries are willing to help us. We're on our own. And it's so bad in fact that the Princesses are stopping all construction to conserve. We're below four percent of metals right now. Before yesterday it was seven percent, but now it's under four."

"So what are the repercussions of a metal shortage?" Rarity asked while brushing her hair.

"Without metal, Equestria is forced to downgrade. Anything that's metal that we have left is going to be recycled or preserved. So instead of metal, we'll be using plastics, wood, rubber, and more that is not metal and can be recycled. If we ever use metal again, it'll more than likely be for a battle, war, or something else. We're holding our metals for something a lot more important." They were all staring at Sunset in astonishment before they shared nervous glances.

"And no one can help you out?!" Fluttershy asked in worry. Sunset shook her head.

"No. Zebrica, the Griffons,and the Dragon Lands were not willing to help us. That's what Celestia said through her executive order. Our last hope would be Psera if they are willing."

"I highly doubt that," Rainbow responded. "Based on what Equestria did I highly doubt Twilight would want to come back to Equestria at all. They lied and manipulated her. So there is a small chance that Twilight, or Arcadia, would want to help out."

"But there is still a chance."

"Yes, but a very small one, darling," Rarity argued. She put her nail file back in her pocket before she continued. "Arcadia is really upset at Equestria. Yes, you can ask her for help all you want, but I am afraid it will have to come at a cost. Probably a nationwide apology. Or something else demeaning and embarrassing. Twilight is forgiving dear. But she still wants some reassurance that something like this will never happen again."

"So what are we supposed to do? Go through poverty?" Sunset suggested in deep sarcasm. "Most of our buildings in Equestria are dense with metal. If we're desperate enough, the Equestrians will tear them down for 'a better future' and preserve them for an important use. And the most we could get out of it would be maybe twenty or more fifteen by fifteen blocks of metal. That's not NEARLY enough of what we need to survive. Homes? Metals. Heating? Metals. Tools? Metal. Clothing? Made with metal. We're still in winter right now and it's about to get colder. The pegasi will be fine but the terrestrial ponies won't. Pegasi? They can just fly up to the clouds, wrap themselves up in a cloud blanket, go into their cloud homes, and sleep. They have absolutely nothing to worry about. Which can cause jealousy among other ponies. Then........ THAT'S what she meant!" They all glanced at each other when Sunset got off topic.

"Say what now?" Applejack asked in confusion.

Sunset looked at them nervously. "When Twilight left Equestria and blew up the castle, she left a letter. I can't remember what it said exactly, but she said something that was very true. Talking about the Elements of Harmony. She said Harmony is the balance of good and evil, and that even though Equestria has had a peaceful moment, evil will soon return to Equestria. This shortage is a prime example of that. And she said that Equestria is on its own. If we don't find some metals or something soon, Equestria is going to have a civil war."



Arcadia woke up that morning feeling great. Yesterday's dress previews were wondrous. There were a few dresses that she liked, and there were some that she didn't. So she recommended that Merry and Rarity sell them to some celebrities of Psera. But she did pick one that the girls definitely agreed to, and went to work on immediately. Although Merry had to do most of the work. Rarity had to head back to Earth at the end of the day. She would possibly come back today at some unscheduled time to work on it some more.

Arcadia sighed and tried to get up before something pulled her back down from behind, putting her back into the pillow like object behind her. "And where do you think you're going?" Madun mumbled in her ear. Arcadia giggled and rolled her eyes. Crazy stallion talking in his sleep.

"Madun, I have to get up and work," she whispered back. He moaned and nuzzled the back of her head.

"Don't gooo," he responded. Arcadia rolled her eyes and turned over to face him. He cracked his right eye open before he closed it again, making her giggle.

"You aren't slick, sweetheart," she whispered. She leaned in and nuzzled his cheek. "We both have to get up and work today. I have to move some more metal for Serl, and you have some ruling to do. I am sure there must be something that can keep you busy."

"Yes, you can keep me busy all you like." Twilight scoffed and poked him.

"We are not ready to have a child yet, Madun. Keep it in there, cowpony." He groaned and shuffled his wings a little, making her chuckle. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I promise we'll get to that point. Maybe even on our honeymoon. Who knows?" He beamed at her.

"Great! Can't wait!" He responded excitedly, shooting up into a sitting position.

"I bet you can't," she agreed before she slinked out of the bed. "Now get up, I can't always be the first one to move, you know." He groaned and flopped back down unto the covers while she went to go and take a bath.

While she was getting prepared, Arcadia was thinking about how to make a good example today. The Pserateps were indubitable up by now. And Merry probably was as well. More than likely waiting in the living room for her or something. She could wear that outfit she lent her that she had yet to try on. It was really pretty. She's just never worn it before. And it was supposed to be really cold today. She paid careful attention to her wings, making sure they were dry all the way after she stepped out of the shower.

Once she had the dress on, which was just an elegant and transparent light blue with her cutie mark in the bottom front corners , as well as copper hoof shoes and a copper fashionable chest plate with a gem cut into her cutie mark, she walked out of the room to see Madun making breakfast. Once again.

"You know," she said from behind, catching his attention. "You should let me cook sometime." She walked forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek, which he happily reciprocated.

"Can you cook?" He asked in suspicion.

"I've lived with a baby dragon, somepony had to," she responded sarcastically. She walked to the living room and looked over her saddlebags she stuffed last night.

"What did you make?" Madun asked.

"Mostly pancakes and daisy sandwiches." He looked over at her in confusion as he placed her breakfast on a plate. "A daisy sandwich is exactly what it sounds like. A sandwich with a daisy and some dressing. It's pretty good if you have the right dressing for it." She put her bags by the door and walked towards the table to eat with her fiancé.

"Eh, I'll give it a shot," he told her before he dived down into his own breakfast. "So what do you have to do in Serl again?"

"Move more steel and chromium," she answered before diving into her omelet. "The Pserateps want more boats for the beaches in Eventa. Have you been up to Psera Skies yet?"

"Not yet. Why don't we have our honeymoon up there? Psera Skies North? I hear it's the best." Arcadia chuckled and nodded.

"Oh yes, Psera Skies North was my best work. I added mostly houses, but I also put a mall up there that teens very much go to. A lot of Pserateps have stores up there. And there is a large pool too. It was very hard to work on. It took me two weeks while the others were just two days. It is my biggest one yet. I could've went bigger, but I had more things to tend to."

"Ah, right." The two went back to their breakfast before Arcadia giggled, catching his attention. "What's so funny?"

"Merry. My mind is in the gutter right now. Did she seduce Blazing yet?" Madun nearly choked on his food.

"That put a very weird image in my head," he wheezed. "But...I hope not. That stallion would not know what to do. They're both saving themselves. So they have absolutely no experience when it comes to sex."

"But they can at least ask...right?....Oh no, she might ask me for some pointers." Madun cocked his head to the side.

"I really doubt—" The front door of the house opened up and in ran Merry who was looking around in distress.

"Arcadia, girl! I need your help!" She yelled. Arcadia shared a look with Madun before she shot a small bolt at Merry. She yelped and looked her way. "What was that?"

"It was for rushing in here and yelling. Now what do you need help with?" She went back to her food before Merry quickly trotted over and whispered in her ear. Arcadia stopped chewing and her face changed into a darker purple. As well as her eyes, which got as big as a large snowball. Merry pulled back and Arcadia looked towards her in embarrassment.

"So.....you attempted...and he was turned off?"

Madun was just staring with his mouth slightly parted, frozen. "Did she really just come in here and ask about how to seduce her husband?" He groaned. "Merry, if you need help on how to seduce a guy, just ask a guy."

"But it'd be weird, Arcadia what do I do? How do you seduce my brother?"

"That's even weirder than you asking me!" Madun asked. Arcadia chuckled before she cleared her throat.

"Let me show you." She stood up and faced Merry. "First I move my tail side to side, and give my wings a little shuffle." She did the movements and Madun stopped mid bite, looking at her flank. Frozen in interest. "Then I move a little and give him bedroom eyes. Like so. Pay close attention." She turned around and gave him the best seductive eyes she could manage. He groaned and tried to look away. He had to work this morning! Arcadia giggled and then turned back to her sister in law, who was chuckling in amusement at Madun's hopelessness. "And then I brush a wing across his cheek."

"No no no no," Madun muttered before a the tip of a purple feather brushed across his right cheek. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, trying to stifle the sensations running through his body. Arcadia drew her wing back to her side and looked to Merry. And then you say......I'll be in the room."

"Oh my stars, stop it!" Madun exclaimed in frustration. The two mares in the room laughed at his frustration before Arcadia came over and rubbed her side up against him.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I just couldn't resist."

"You owe me a flank," he muttered before going back to his food. Arcadia rolled her eyes and kissed his cheek, then walked back over to her sister-in-law.

"I hope you learned a little something," she said. "Because now Madun won't stop staring at my flank." The two quickly turned towards the king, who quickly darted his attention from Arcadia's rear to his food.

"Yeah, I know what to do," Merry answered. "You ready to go to Serl? Your assistant is waiting for you outside." Arcadia looked past the door to see Gardeen Daisy looking at a clipboard she was holding.

"And she's punctual," Merry added with a nod of her head in approval.

"I am definitely keeping her," Arcadia muttered to herself. She levitated the last bit of the omelet into her mouth before she grabbed her saddlebags and gave the cranky Madun a kiss to the cheek. "I'll be safe sweetheart. And try to get that thing down before you go to the throne room." Madun gave her a nonchalant look before she gave him a kiss to his lips. "I love you, Madun. We'll reach that stage someday, okay?" He sighed and nodded his head.

"Alright. Be safe and fly slow. Serl is a little ways from Cop."

"I will, see ya'." She and Merry walked out of the room and into the garden outside, greeting Gardeen. "Hello, Gardeen. How did you sleep?"

The assistant looked up and gave the princess a grin and a bow. "I slept well, Lady Arcadia. Thank you for asking."

"Great. Let's head on out then." She led the two towards the center of the castle while trying to attempt at conversation. "So what do you do for a living besides tend to Royalty here, Gardeen? I don't really know much about you. Just that Her Majesty assigned you to me."

"W-well I like to go out to parties," she stuttered. "But I mostly like to spend my time with my friends and family. I also write books and read."

"Oh? I guess that's where you get your writing speed from huh? What type of genre and how long have you been writing?" The group walked into the offices where the guards standing in attention bowed to Arcadia.

"Well I've been writing for ten years and I write mostly fantasy, science fiction, and adventure."

"Do you have a target market?" Merry asked.

"Er...I have no idea what that is."

"A target market," Arcadia started to explain as they went through the doors into the faculty residence rooms. The ponies there quickly stopped and bowed to her as they walked past. "Is a group of ponies that fall into the category you want to reach out to with your publication. So for example. If I wrote a children's book that taught foals how to use the bathroom, my target market would be parents of foals under five months that are going through potty training."

"Oh! Okay! So I guess my target market would be ponies that are teenagers that have a thing for violence."

"Yes, that is a good example. If you research more on your target market and apply your findings to your books, you can get some good sales. What else is on my agenda today besides the visit to Serl?" The assistant held up her clipboard to read out what was planned.

"You have to visit Capita to see what we have to deal with for the upcoming flu season. Foals that become sick usually go to a nearby hospital, but they are having an issue in protocol and are asking for your assistance."

"Is that all?"

"That's it for today, your highness. Serl and Capita."

"Good." The three jumped over the railing and made it to the floor where everyone bowed to her. "Good morning, my fellow Pserateps!"

"Good morning, your highness!" They all greeted. A guard at the door opened it for her and the three stepped out into the air of Psera. Arcadia stopped for a moment and breathed in the scent before she motioned to her personal guards at the the bottom waiting for her.

"Good morning, ponies," she greeted. They bowed and replied back with a smile. "Today we're going to Serl. We're flying fast and far. Are there any dangers we need to be wary of?"

"No, your highness," one confirmed. "We're ready when you are." Arcadia nodded before she took to the air and flew over and around the castle with the group behind her. Headed towards Serl. The guards caught up and flew in front of and all around the group. Once again, Arcadia had no reason why she needed security, but she didn't question it yet. Along the way, she felt something. Something that made her stop.

"Hold!" She commanded. The group slowed down to a hover and turned to Arcadia who was looking towards the East. Something was wrong. But not in Psera. She could feel it. Even all the way out here.

"What is it?" Merry asked. Arcadia hummed before she waved her hoof, starting off the flight again.

"I am not sure," Arcadia answered as they flew. "But it was in the East. Which meant Equestria. It was a bad sign. I could feel it. But...it's not my problem. Let's continue."
> Chapter 20 - Just Ask
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Twilight was on a mission in Serl, the Princesses of Equestria, their assistants, law makers, and more were sitting in the war room, thinking of the current shortage situation and attempting at resolutions. So far, everything they came up with held no promise. None.

"We have tried recycling, your majesties," one of the workers from the recycling facility told the three royalty sitting in the room. There was a total of eighteen representatives in the room from the Canterlot Nobility, facilities all over Equestria, and the Princesses advisory committees. "We all know what happens when we send in a slab."

"Yes, it melts," Princess Cadance confirmed with a nod of her head. "Do we not have any other options except break down our buildings, strip away our chariots, and try to replicate the molecules of the metal with science?" They looked around the table, hoping for an answer. Eventually, Celestia sighed and threw her muzzle in her hooves.

"This is not good," she muttered before pulling her face out, looking back at the table. "We have nopony to help us, and we have no other option except to take the metal away  from our subjects, and store them."

"We cannot even recycle bits," Luna continued. "And there are no other metals we can use that is strong enough for Equestria."

"So I am afraid that we have to start the science. Raven, schedule me a time to meet with the Science departments of Equestria." Raven nodded and quickly went to work on the note while Celestia, Luna, and Cadance shared a look. Definitely thinking the same thing. Celestia shook her head in disagreement.

"We are not doing that," she said. "You know the consequences."

"But she—"

"We cannot do that unless she comes to us," Celestia interrupted. "You know this, Luna." She looked back towards the confused faces of the assembly before motioning with her hoof. "Meeting adjourned. Have a pleasant day." The group packed up and went along their way. After Blueblood walked out, Celestia closed the door with her magic and locked it, sighing in disappointment.

"Equestria is falling apart," Celestia said, unaware of Blueblood listening in. He put his ear lightly on the door to get a better hearing. "And we have no leads."

"None?" Luna asked skeptically. "Are you absolutely sure about that?"

"We are not asking Arcadia, Luna!" Celestia scolded. "We cannot betray her trust. She is already upset with us, there is no need to make it worse."

"The need is the happiness of our ponies," Cadance corrected from her left, making Celestia groan. Not her too. "If we do not ask anypony we will be back in the dark ages. The time when you two grew up. There could be more issues as well. But I do not see any at this moment."

"Well there is a problem!" They looked behind them at Sunset Shimmer who walked into the room, worry written all over her face. She stopped beside Luna and took a seat at the table, clearly worried. "Sorry for barging in, Celestia. But I have something important to tell you. Do you remember the goodbye letter Twilight left us before she moved to....you know?"

"Yes, what about the letter?"

Prince Blueblood gasped lightly. So they DID know where Twilight was! He grunted before he listened in some more. "She said and I quote, 'Harmony is the balance between good and evil, which means eventually, evil will return to Equestria.' Well while I was on Earth, a thought occurred to me. Equestria is about to go back into the battle of the tribes. Where Pegasi, unicorns, and Earth Ponies duke it out. My reasoning for this is because Pegasi do not really require metal to survive. Everything they do is practically in the clouds. Moisture. So they will be fine. While everypony else is down on the ground suffering. Do you see where I'm going with this?"

"Jealousy," Celestia whispered. "The pony tribes will become jealous of one another because they have something the other doesn't."

"And if they get desperate enough," Luna muttered behind her.

"Then they will try and take it," Cadance finished before they all looked to Sunset who was nodding her head in agreement. They all looked to Celestia who was biting her bottom lip in aggravation, fearing exactly what the next statement was.

"We. Need. Twilight," they all stuttered. Celestia took in a deep breath before shouting.

"I CANNOT DO IT! I DO NOT WANT TO HURT MY OWN STUDENT MORE THAN HOW I HAVE ALREADY!" She buried her face in her hooves and mumbled, "I... I can't do it."

"Celestia, Equestria is depending on you to help them," Cadance reminded her. She placed a hoof softly on her shoulder, giving her a look of support. "If we do not ask her Equestria will fall. If not from the shortage, than by our enemies. We must do something quickly. Twilight is the only one here that can help us now."

Celestia sighed and buried her head in her hooves. "Somepony else ask her. I just cannot betray her trust. I love her way too much." Sunset sighed and nodded her head.

"I'll ask her. I'll send a message and request an audience with her." She leaned over and gave Celestia a soft nuzzle. "Everything will be fine." While Sunset's hoofsteps faded, Blueblood sighed and left, intent on following her until she led him to Twilight. They knew where she was, and he was going to bring her home. Hoof in hoof.



After Twilight completed her mission in Serl, she, with Gardeen in tow, came back to the castle and made her way down the halls of the offices before stopping as she passed the library. She backed up and turned her head to take a peek inside the large room. Full of books she just has to read.

"Are you wanting to read in the library, your highness?" Gardeen asked. Twilight waved a hoof at her before she walked inside and took a big whiff, smelling the scent.

"Ohhhhh yeahhhhh!" She cheered. "Yes! I am anxious for this! Let's get pumped!" Gardeen snorted while Arcadia made her way around, looking at all the works. "Wow! Does this library hold a copy of all the books in Psera?"

"Yes, your highness." Arcadia nodded and smirked back at her.

"You don't need to say your highness everytime when we're alone, Gardeen. I don't like being labeled all the time. Only when it's required. You know like when I'm I'm public, shaking hooves, dealing with negotiations, you know. The professional work."

"Sure. I'm not a really big fan of words and labels either," Gardeen stated while walking into the room. "And this room is actually the less important archives of Psera. The very important ones are underground. We keep them there under extremely tight security."

"I've been meaning to ask Madun about that," Arcadia commented while looking over a book. "Why does Psera have so much military security?"

Gardeen sighed and flew up to her. "Well years ago, maybe twenty years before I was born, there was an assassination attempt on Her Majesty." Arcadia stopped flipping and looked at her in interest. "The attempted assassin at the time was a member of a clan of Pserateps that didn't want to align with other countries. However Her Majesty always wanted to open our borders for trade, communication, things like that. Things became intense. Protests, rallies, attempted overthrows. And since none of that was working..."

"They decided to literally take her out," Arcadia finished. She glanced at the book in her hooves. Then closed it, setting it back on the shelf before asking, "Is that group still around?"

"Every now and then they like to make appearances with drastic actions."

"Hmm... A domestic terrorist group in Psera. I will speak with Madun on it and see if I can create a program for the military to investigate this group. Are they dangerous?"

Gardeen made a roll with her hooves, humming in thought before responding with, "More like 'homemade domestic terrorism' dangerous. So say if the ponies in Psera Skies were enjoying themselves in the pools. An attack would be somepony runs around and puts a chemical down that burns you in the water."

"Okay. So they attack with whatever they can get their hooves on."

"Correct."

"Hmm. Well let's get back to the room. I owe Madun for teasing him this morning."

"I overheard some of that," Gardeen teased. Arcadia nearly dropped to the ground after freezing her wings in shock. She instead gently lowered to the marble floor and looked at Gardeen surprised in front of her, who landed with a teasing grin.

"You did?" Arcadia whispered.

"There is no one else here, Arcadia. And it's fine to give a wag of the tail to your spouse. Just don't go having foals before you start your rule." The two made their way out the archives while Arcadia asked.

"Why?"

"Well the Pserateps will expect a ruler first before a mother. So try to make a name for yourself first before creating any bundles of joy."

"Yeah, you're right. I don't want to be a mother... Yet."

Gardeen glanced at her with a smirk as they walked into the garden. "Yet?"

"Merry got me thinking," Arcadia began. She stopped their progression through the quiet area maxed with guards and turned to face Gardeen with a smile. "Everytime I see my niece, I feel great. I feel proud. I've always wanted a little filly or colt but... I've never had a stallion to make that happen."

"But now..."

"It's something I'm keeping on my mind. Thank you for your assistance, Gardeen." Arcadia turned around and made her way to the door while Gardeen bowed and left, heading home to write her book. She had another chapter to complete. The guards at the door saluted before Arcadia walked in the home with a smile.

"I'm back, Madun!" She announced. Then closed the door behind her and took off her hoofshoes.

"Hello, sweetheart!" He replied from the office in the back. "Welcome home. How was Serl?"

"It was like everyday. Just filling up the reservoir, and creating the metal. Nothing serious." Madun graced her with a smile after he walked out of the back and gave her a nuzzle.

"I'm just glad you're safe," he whispered while she returned the gesture, as well as a kiss.

"I'm happy you are too. Anything happen while I was gone?"

"Well your book has been driving me nuts. So I put a brick on top of it to keep it from vibrating too much." Arcadia looked over into the living room at the jittering and glowing book that was held down by said brick.

"You know you could've answered it, right?" She joked as she made her way over to the ringing magical book. She settled down on the couch and got comfortable before removing the book.

"Eh. I don't know how it works." Arcadia chuckled and opened the book to Sunset's note.

"It's simple. Just write like you're writing a letter. There are two papers. One on the side of the pony you're messaging, and one on your side. Whatever you write will synchronize on the sheets immediately."

"But what if I have to mark something out that I didn't want them to read?"

"Unfortunately, they've already read it. Now let's see..." Arcadia read the note while Madun fixed her a drink. Her eyes read over the line before she hummed in concern, attracting her fiance's attention.

"What is it?" Madun asked while he settled down beside her with a tray balancing on his hoof. He set it down on the table in front of them then wrapped a wing around her, allowing her to lean into him.

"Sunset Shimmer is requesting an audience with us," Arcadia answered while setting the book down in front of her. "I think it may have something to do with what I was feeling this morning on my way to Serl. On the way there I felt a very strong sense of... Urgency in Equestria. I don't know what it was for, but it wasn't good."

Madun blinked and thought, "Natural disaster?"

"Equestria has never had an Earthquake. There are no fault lines. What do you think? Should we?" Madun looked at the book and read the message.

"'Dear, Arcadia Nova. I need to speak with you urgently revolving Equestrian matters. May I have an audience with you and King Madun please?'" He set the book back down and looked over at Arcadia. "It doesn't say much on what the problem is. Just... Equestrian matters. Are you sure you want to talk about Equestria? Maybe you want to talk about the 'wanting a foal' situation going on in your head."

"I don't know. I mean, it's Sunset Shimmer. The only time we talk is when it's for just learning about what we've done lately and other friendly things. She's never sent me a letter that was about minor things. Like running out of money, needing milk, food—wait, what did you just say about a foal?!"

Madun broke down and laughed at her face of surprise. "It took you so long to realize what I said!!" Arcadia blushed and looked away before Madun's laughter died down. Stifling his giggles he nuzzled the side of her neck. "I'm sorry for laughing. But I overheard your conversation outside with Gardeen from the office. I have really good hearing." Arcadia looked towards him timidly. "How about this. We wait until the time is right and then we can talk about having a foal. Okay? I promise we'll talk about it. Because to be honest... I'm not against the idea." Arcadia looked towards him with a hint of hope in her eyes before nodding her head eagerly.

"Great! Now about Sunset?"

Madun sighed and looked towards the note again before blowing air and nodding. "Yeah, sure. Bring her over. We are literally doing absolutely nothing right now." He drunk a sip of his tea before she responded.

"I still owe you for making you aroused at breakfast." He chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, you owe me a flank." He lifted a wing and stroked her back, making her coo while he whispered in her ear, "And you will deliver."

Arcadia chuckled nervously before stuttering. "S-sure. But let's see what Sunset wants first." She picked up her notepad and wrote for a minute before closing the book and tucking it under her wing. "Hold on." She lit her horn and teleported them into the Royal Throne Room, appearing at the steps to the throne. They trotted up to their seats and settled in before Twilight lit her horn, tracking Sunset's location by her magical signature. Once she had it, she opened the portal.



Sighing, Sunset closed the book and waited inside of Applejack's farmhouse for the portal. That was pretty much the only quick way to get to Psera. Through a portal. The adventure there was much different than the Portal back to the human world. It was less colorful and lively. Less disorienting. She found it quite pleasant to actually go through there.

A purple portal suddenly appeared in front of her, catching her attention and making her smile. Looks like Arcadia was ready for her. She took a deep breath and started to walk through, unaware of a spell hitting her saddlebags from behind. Once the portal closed and all was silent, Prince Blueblood got out of his hiding spot and smirked at his success. He had put a tracking spell on Sunset Shimmer. Now it was time to track it. He closed his eyes and focused, creating a floating and glowing map of Equestria in front of him. But there was no dot indicating Sunset's position. But there was a slight glow on the left, heading towards the west.

"Hmm..." he hummed. "She's out west in the ocean. She's not in Equestria. No wonder they couldn't find her. So...where exactly is she?"



Sunset walked into the Royal Throne room of Psera, looking around at the grandeur environment. There were columns holding up the roof, marble flooring, and the thrones, where Twilight and Madun were currently sitting, were made out of gold and steel. She could see that without even paying close attention.

"Hello, Sunset!" Madun greeted as Sunset sat down in front of the thrones. The two were smiling kindly at her. "How can we help you?"

Sunset bowed deeply before she rose again out of respect. Things here were more serious than in Equestria. "Hello, Lady Arcadia and King Madun. As you both know, I am from Equestria, where there is currently an international crisis." Arcadia lifted an eyebrow before she continued. "On the day we first arrived, we were informed earlier by Celestia and Luna of a current metal shortage. On that day, we had maybe seven percent metal left. A day later, it was four." Arcadia and Madun shared a glance before redirecting it back to Sunset. "We have been attempting to recycle the metals but unfortunately the metal melts before it even reaches two thousand degrees."

"Hmm...and you want my assistance," Arcadia concluded, folding her hooves in front of her face, looking over the top of the tips. Sunset sighed and nodded.

"Equestria needs your assistance. We would greatly appreciate it."

"You of all ponies should know I loathe Equestria, Sunset Shimmer," Arcadia commented with malice. Sunset twitched before she glanced at Madun who was just watching. Sighing, she tried another approached.

"M-May I add that Princess Celestia was very reluctant to ask you....she didn't want to lose the trust she's trying desperately to rebuild with you." Arcadia's attitude lifted noticeably, as her narrowed and stone cold eyes returned back to their kind gaze. "She was willing to risk all of Equestria, and their sanity, just to reestablish a relationship with you again."

Madun and Arcadia shared a surprised look before focusing back on Sunset. "What exactly do you need?" Madun asked.

"Well, since we are running out of metal...we are hoping you have any to spare. And, if you can, tell us why our metal is not molding." Arcadia stared at her for a minute or two before sighing.

"I must speak with the Royalty of Psera. As well as historians, congress, cabinet, and a few more ponies from a location that is disclosed."

"So...is that a yes?" Sunset asked hopefully.

"It is neither a yes or a no," Madun answered, impressed with his fiancee's decision. "Just have some backup plans in place. If Psera is to help, it would break the agreement of over two hundred years of solitude away from pony civilization. Possibly leaving Psera open to threats from other civilizations."

"I can ask if Celestia is willing to have the royalty of Equestria make it a federal law to keep any word of Psera away from other civilizations such as Zebrica, the Griffins, and the Dragonlands." Arcadia slowly nodded before lighting her horn, summoning a portal beside Sunset.

Once it was finished, she said, "This portal takes you directly inside Canterlot Castle. Tell Celestia that it is neither a yes or a no. And to have a backup plan in place just in case."

Sunset bowed once more before trotting towards the portal. "AND!" She stopped and looked back at Arcadia, who was smirking at her. "Buck you for guilt tripping me." Sunset chuckled before she stepped through, landing inside the throne room of the castle, where Celestia was speaking with a few lawmakers. She glanced over at Sunset before the portal closed, raising a hoof to pause the diplomats mid sentence.

"Leave us for a moment, please," Celestia instructed without taking her eyes off of Sunset. They filed out of the room before the guards did the same. Once it was silent, Celestia took a deep breath and motioned for Sunset to begin.

"She says the topic is up for discussion among the royalty and lawmakers of Psera," Sunset reported, sitting down in front of her.

"So it is possible she may help us?!" Celestia asked desperately. Sunset nodded. Celestia sighed in relief and buried her face in her hooves.

"But she also says to have a backup plan in place in case they can't. They'd be breaking two hundred years of solitude if they do."

"Then Twilight will have changed history to help a country that was on the brink of a civil war. And on the brink of poverty." Celestia sighed again and looked at Sunset once more.

"I also put in a good word for you." Celestia looked at her confused. "Twilight was looking at me like someone hurt Flurry Heart when I told her Equestria needed her help. Until I said that you were willing to let Equestria go to war before you betrayed her trust. No matter how selfish it sounded."

"And she..."

"She thought about that and decided to talk about the situation. I'd say give her two to three days to make a decision. Like in the past, she would get plans in motion before the week was out. But she also has to convince Psera's government to help out. Which I am sure will have a bunch of the word 'No' flying through the room."

"I fear that as well, Sunset."
> Chapter 21 - Preparing The Future
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the meeting with Sunset Shimmer, Arcadia closed the portal and sighed into her hooves, already worrying even though it wasn't so obvious like it used to be in the past. Madun gave her a supportive smile and a much appreciated stroke of her wing. "What are you planning?" He whispered.

"Well, obviously this is going to be a nationwide debate," she muttered before lifting her head out of her hooves. Arcadia sighed once more and stood up from her throne. "I must speak with my soon-to-be mother in law. We both know the Pseratep Government is not going to like this." She stalked off the throne and made her way towards the door while Madun smiled.

"I agree. Good luck, sweetheart. Whatever decision you make, as long as it's kind, I will support it."



After Arcadia explained the situation to Her Majesty Molten Ice, she was looking sheepishly to the nonchalant expression of the past Queen. Molten sighed before looking out the windows they were standing in front of for a moment, overlooking Psera. "Even though I am all for socialization among other civilizations, I am not so sure about that one, Lady Arcadia," she finally responded. "From what I have heard, you do not support Equestria anymore, correct?"

"Yes, that is true," she nodded in agreement. "However, I'm not too fond of disharmony amongst other ponies either. Other creatures that may attack ponies there is a big difference. The problem that I am seeing is not that Equestria is running out of stable building, heating, and weapon material. But that Equestria is going to go through the same thing it did in the dark ages. They will fight each other for what they have, and steal what they can get. Everypony is on their own. Blood will be shed, breakouts will happen, as well as killings, which Equestria very, very rarely sees. Once it happens, and it will, it will be so common afterwards that ponies will be desensitized to it. There will be a special unit of Royal Guard sent out, all without metal, to stop attacks all over Equestria. Sadly, I don't think it will work. There will be a civil war, and Equestria will no longer be the land of Harmony that it was raised to be. It will be the Land of Disharmony. All because of the lack of metal."

Molten pulled in her lips and sighed, looking out of her observatory glass. "I am not so sure the Pseratopian Congress will agree with helping out another land, considering it would put another chapter in our history books. When we first helped out another world, it brought problems."

"I am aware. But I am sure that Celestia, even if I am still slightly angry at her, will watch out for any interlopers—"

"I know she will," Molten interrupted. "But the rest of the congress do not know that. So you will have to convince them. Not I. I suggest you call for an assembly with them immediately if you wish to help as fast as we could. We have so much metal here, thanks to you. I do believe it is only fair that you share your creations with your homeland during a time of crisis. However, other ponies will not agree entirely."

"I really hope they do," Arcadia replied softly. "Like I said, I am not fond of Equestria. But I'd rather not hear of them destroying themselves. What has happened here in the past, will certainly happen again in Equestria."



That afternoon, Spike walked with Sunset Shimmer down the empty and silent hallways of the Castle of Friendship, the silence between the two sounding like thunder. It was empty, save for the two. After informing Celestia about Twilight's plan and possible help, she went back to Earth to talk with the others for a while before coming back to Ponyville to receive a status. So far, most of the buildings in Ponyville have been broken down to relieve them of their metals. Which included Sugarcube corner, the Carousel Boutique, Fluttershy's cottage, and Applejack's farm. The only one who was fine was Rainbow Dash. Who lived up in the sky. Rainbow was fearful of the upcoming winter. It was going to be freezing according to the weather report she receives from Cloudsdale everyday in the mail. And there will also be rain. The only thing actually keeping the ponies down on the ground warm was by cuddling and fires made from wood and flint.

Sunset stepped outside of the castle and stopped at the scene in front of her. Every building inside was being slowly broken down to the point where they'd be better off without walls. And there were a lot of miserable ponies walking around with hatred written all over their faces. Some were heard yelling at each other and pointing hooves, as well as snarling like wolves.

"Soon, they'll run out of food," Spike said after a while of watching. "Then things will get very ugly."

Sunset sighed and nodded in agreement. Then added, "We can't just ration out our food either. We have a lot of food that actually doesn't need to be cooked. But we only have a lot because we didn't have to eat it so much. We used other dishes to keep us satisfied. But the Equestrians will now have to go through that reservoir of food like...."

"Like they're digging for gold," Starlight suggested when she trotted up next to Sunset with Trixie right behind her. Both of them had worried looks on their faces, evident of the upward narrowed eyes. "Equestria isn't looking so good. Even Our Town is in shambles. Me and Trixie just came back from there. It's like the ponies are just sleeping in the dirt since most of the homes were metal structures holding up wood and stone."

"Well....I have some good news," Sunset whispered before she looked around. "But you can't tell anypony."

"Not a word," Starlight responded, speaking for all of them. Sunset sighed and leaned in close to them.

"Okay. Well earlier today, Celestia was having a meeting with other ponies about the shortage. Of course, there weren't a lot of options. So she decided to go with science to try and change the molecules of other things to create metal."

"That's a very, very, very long shot," Trixie commented in a whisper.

"I know, I know. Well after they dismissed them, Luna and Cadance suggested...Arcadia." They stopped and looked at her in surprise. "I know right? Celestia was extremely reluctant to even think about asking her. She was more bent on earning her trust back than anything else."

"That is so sweet," Starlight cooed. "And it was going to kill us all too. Kill in the name of love is so overrated."

"Yeah, well I told her about the possibility of Disharmony in Equestria returning among the pony tribes. Notice how all of the Pegasi are well off. Rainbow Dash for instance was walking on the ground the other day eating a stacked Daisy sandwich while the unicorn and Earth ponies were stuck with rationed apples from the Apple family. Eventually, things are going to blow up out of jealousy. So Celestia caved and decided to go ahead and ask her. But she didn't do it herself, so I did for her. I went to..." She looked around for a moment before whispering. "I requested an audience and went to Psera when Arcadia and Madun approved. And spoke with them about what was going on in Equestria. Arcadia was definitely about to scream out a flat and loud 'No', I could feel it coming. Madun I'm not so sure. Whatever goes on in Equestria is Arcadia's domain and I don't think he can say anything in it. But before she could I told her that Celestia was willing to let Equestria got to war with each other than break Arcadia's trust. So, Arcadia decided to see what she could do."

"That's a big job," Trixie commented. "She'll have to defy the law that states that Psera isn't allowed to interact with other ponies outside of its borders."

"I know," Sunset agreed. "It'll change two hundred years of history and make a big statement on Arcadia. Whether she'll be a good leader or a bad one. If they don't like it, something may happen to her."

"I don't want to know what," Starlight agreed. "Celestia is going to be kissing some hooves at the end of all of this, I can feel it."



The next day, Arcadia was scheduled to meet with a few major important congress members, as well as General Bold Shoulder about the possible attempt at assistance to Equestria's metal shortage. She was prepared for some reluctance. As well as some rebuke. She sighed after eating breakfast, thinking about positive outcomes, and the negatives. Madun was currently taking a shower, getting himself ready for the meeting as well. The media of Psera was already informed about everything that was going on and were obviously making a big deal about it. The news had spread over the nation within five minutes. This decision could mean the first attempts at a Pseratopian integration with other Pony worlds once more in Equestria. Of course there would be a 'yes' somewhere, as well as a 'no'. There was no predicting where this moment could lead. Psera works fast on applying laws to its citizens, so she wasn't really worried about the documents and more. And she could carry the giant block of metal to Equestria without breaking much of a sweat. Which in Equestria would be literally impossible. There is nopony able to do that. But she could. And has.

She took a sip of her drink while referring to her notes that were in front of her. She had the problems, solutions, and dangers written down. But now she had to think about the benefits of Equestria working with the Pserateps. Everything that Equestria has is practically old fashioned. Psera had already went through most of the things Equestria currently has. Including food and weapons. There could possibly be something, but she'd have to go and find out herself from the horse's mouth.

"What are you thinking?" She looked up at Madun walking into the kitchen with a light blue bathrobe on to make him some breakfast. Arcadia sighed in response.

"Well I know Psera will want something in return and I know that it will be a very big trade. Metal for something. But I do not know what that something could be."

"Gems." Arcadia looked at him baffled. "Psera needs gems. We use a lot of metal but we do not have much in the way of gemstones. Diamonds, rubies, Red Beryl even if we suggest it. The ponies here love jewels, but we don't have it to please them."

"Red Beryl is really expensive here," Arcadia stated matter of factly before she gave a pleased grin. "And Equestria is overloaded with it. Rarity uses it in her clothes when she can find it. How much do we need?"

"As much as they are willing to trade. Don't tell them that I gave you that idea." He walked over to the table and sat down across from her as she wrote down the recommendation. "They may think you're unoriginal."

"I could throw you down on the carpet right now, stallion," Arcadia teased with a wink of her eye. Madun cleared his throat to try and change the subject while she laughed. "Of course I want to marry you first."

"Speaking of that, the auditions are coming up. You prepared to be the judge and juror?"

Arcadia grinned and gave Madun a peck across the table, looking at him with lidded eyes. "We'll see. Let's get going. I have to bring two lands together."



When the two royals walked out of the offices of the Castle, they were immediately swarmed by the press, all trying to see the two heading to the meeting and ask questions. The Press works fast as well so it seems. The guards surrounding Arcadia and Madun calmly pushed them out of the way and led the royals towards the other side of the building, where there was a large meeting room, filled with the more important members of the Pseratopian Congress. There were a lot. They all stood up and bowed towards them as they sat in their chairs. "Rise, my fellow Pserateps," Madun instructed before they did so and got back in their seats. "Thank you for attending this meeting on such short notice. Arcadia has some very important information that will indeed change the history in Psera...as well as Equestria."

They all turned towards the lavender Alicorn-Pseratep taking a deep breath before going into her speech. "Earlier today we received an audience from an Equestrian, and my only remaining friend over in Equestria. Sunset Shimmer. A Unicorn. She informed me that Equestria is in the midst of a dangerous shortage. A metal shortage."

"Metal?" One of them asked her in confusion. "That's it?"

"Yes. Equestria runs on magic, but their everyday life is used with at least five different types of metal in it. Steel, copper, gold, silver, and metal alloys. Their chariots? Metal. Their homes? Stabilized with metal. Heating and cooking? Made possible by heating up metals. Weapons? Metal. The castle? Metal. All of Equestria has some type of metal in everything. And recently...they had to strip it all. Every home and business has had metal taken out of it, majority of chariots broken down, most tools archived for future use, and you can imagine the rest. I was also informed that when they attempt to reforge the metal it completely melts. They are suffering. But that is not the reason I am concerned.

"Sunset informed me that Celestia was not going to put us on the table because she wanted to keep my trust. And Equestria is about to go through a civil war because of it. Earth Pony versus Pegasi versus Unicorn. The tribal wars once more where ponies lost a lot of lives over who gets what. Except this time it will be even worse. Ponies will fight over food because they have no metal to cook from. No weapons to defend themselves. No warm place to sleep at night because their homes were broken down. There will be no friendship and everypony will be fighting each other. Equestria. Needs. Help. Yes, I am not fond of them. Yes, they have betrayed me in the past. Yes, I loathe Equestria. But I'd rather not see them destroy themselves while we have extremely more than enough to assist them.

"I remember when I first came to Psera. The land was destroyed, your water was dirty. Homes were destroyed the wounded were lying around with their loved ones, protecting them as best as they could. Then I arrived and gave it my all to help you. And you have honoured and allowed me to be in a serious relationship with your King and become Queen in a few months from your approval. Now Equestria is about to go through the same thing. We have the tools to help them. Let us help them."

The table was completely quiet with expressions full of shock and surprise. Even Her Majesty Molten Ice couldn't, and wouldn't do speeches like that. "You do realize," one Senator sighed. "That if we are to help them, we will be comprising and rendering void the International Isolation Stature."

"I am aware, Senator."

"What does Psera get out of this?" Another asked. "We cannot just give them our massive blocks."

"Gems!" Arcadia responded happily. "Like how Psera is extremely rich in gold Equestria is rich in gems. You could be walking down the street and see a rich depository of them randomly on the side of the road. In Equestria, because they are so common, they are not as expensive. But On Psera they hold extreme value."

The Senators all turned to each other and got into a quick discussion while Madun shared a glance with Arcadia. She returned the look quickly, giving him eyes filled with hope and determination. Madun could see that she was really worried about Equestria. He knows she doesn't like Equestria, but she is doing everything in her power to help them. That shows just how much of a good mare Twilight is. He leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, putting a smile on her face. She returned it with a nuzzle. "I'm proud of you, Twilight," he whispered. "Everypony is."

"Thanks, Madun," she whispered back. They turned back to the table before the senators stopped talking and looked towards the royals.

"Before we make a final decision," a mare asked. "We wish to see this Equestria for ourselves and determine how bad it is. Is that at all possible?"

"I would have to get the royals of Equestria to look into security," she responded. "Of course with everything going on there, there could be ponies who are deeply irritated by this future they may have to face. So they are on edge. I will send a letter to Celestia and ask her. It is her land after all. Give me a moment." She lit her horn and teleported out of the room and back to her and Madun's to grab a letter, leaving the King with the senators.

"What do you think about this, your highness?" Bold Shoulder asked him. "Do you think it is wise to help ponies we do not even know?"

Madun sighed and stroked his mane. "To be honest, I am feeling mutual about the whole situation. Yes, I am scared to reveal ourselves to Equestria. Based off of what Arcadia told us, they are extremely irritable. Like how our people were before she arrived. Then she got rid of all the desolation and destruction, and look at us now. Better than ever. On the other hoof, sometimes things could go wrong. And ponies can change their minds. But then again...Arcadia is our most powerful asset here in Psera. If she says we should do it, I think we should. And I'm not saying that because I love her, I am not biased in this situation. But because I do not want to see another land end up like ours and we have the tools to stop it. We have four grand blocks of steel in Serl. All half as long as the Castle of the Gods in case something like what happened to us in the past happens again. That's twenty story blocks. Twenty, by twenty, by twenty. We are only giving them one block. That should sustain them enough to hold themselves together until everything is stabilized. No doubt their economy could use some rebuilding too. I really hope Arcadia is strong enough to actually heft that thing."

The group muttered agreements before a loud crack sounded off beside Madun, frightening them before Arcadia reappeared with a book floating next to her, looking sheepishly towards everyone else. "Heh, sorry. So I have spoken with Sunset Shimmer and she will speak to Celestia immediately on the situation. I am awaiting a response back soon."

"Excellent," a senator on the right responded to the news. "While we are waiting, how are you two? Are you nervous about your wedding?" Arcadia and Madun shared a look of embarrassment before Arcadia chuckled and nuzzled his cheek.

"Madun is a darling," she answered before turning back to them. "Of course I'm nervous. I cannot speak for the tough stallion though."

Madun chuckled and wrapped a wing around Arcadia while she leaned into him. "Well of course I'm nervous! I have to impress you somehow and you can do practically everything!"

"Noooo.....I can do maybe three fourths of everything," Arcadia corrected with a point of her hoof. "I'm mainly just a hard thinker mixed with an insane amount of magic. I'm the giant bag of gold that Equestria lost and wants back."

"Will you be going b—"

"No," Arcadia interrupted him. "No, Equestria lost me and they will not be getting me back. I am just helping them out. But my heart belongs to Psera." Everyone in the room applauded her happily by stomping and tapping their hooves before the book vibrating on the table caught her attention. She picked it up and flipped it open to the page. Then began reading it aloud. "'Dear Lady Arcadia. Princess Celestia has given you the okay. She says she will have a crew of guards waiting for your arrival to inspect the land. She also suspects you will be bringing your own guards. The ponies in equestria have indeed become more irritable like you predicted they would. Considering that the Pegasi are all well off while the ponies stuck on the ground are suffering. Somepony had noticed and spread that information. What day will you be arriving?' Senators? What day?"

"We've agreed as soon as possible," Bold Shoulder told her. Arcadia picked up her quill and quickly responded.


***


Sunset was currently in the Princess' castle and war room where Cadance, Luna, and Celestia were waiting for a response. Sunset was standing in the front of the table, looking at Arcadia respond. "Annnnd....she said as soon as possible!" She informed them. "They will be bringing their own guards as well to add to our own."

"Excellent!" Celestia commented with a clap of her hooves. "All we have to do is take them outside. Cadance grab Shining Armor and let them know of a group of VIPs coming to Equestria. Don't tell him who yet. Luna grab our guards and get some armor for them. Twilight is coming to Equestria for a visit. Sunset? Let Arcadia know that we will be happy to have her group come here tomorrow."
> Chapter 22 - Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"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."
> Chapter 23 - Arrival Pt. 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ponies of Canterlot looked up from their depressed gazes towards the ground when they heard the sound of metal hooves approaching. Gasping at the sight of the Pseratep guards walking through the middle of the main campsite, which used to be the main street in Canterlot, they stood up and backed away a little in surprise. They took major note of the strange ponies' wings, which were much longer and bigger than the average Pegasus. They somehow had their wings fitted with sharp objects.

"As you can see," Celestia said loudly, grabbing their attention. She was walking with another mare that had the same type of wings as the guards, albeit much longer without the metal on them. But she looked really familiar for some reason. "Most of our ponies are living in the streets with no amount of actual withstanding shelter. Instead a large tent is provided, sewn together out of clothes and fabric by our fastest seamstresses."

"So," Arcadia interrupted. "Rarity—"

"She is indeed one of those sewing," Luna confirmed. "All of the ponies able are doing their part to aide those who can't. And to some...who just won't."

Gardeen looked around from behind Arcadia and noticed a few ponies standing up, staring intently at the large group. The Pseratep guards were on two more adjacent streets in squads. Arcadia and King Madun's guards had ten soldiers while the others were in fives. The ponies watching were either taking note of the metal, or the fact that the Pserateps looked a lot different than them.

"We had to tear down mostly every building in Canterlot," Cadance explained. "The only ones we didn't tear down were the castle and a few warehouses. The warehouses are now being used to hold food, create shelter, and for emergency shelter shall a storm ever take place. A hurricane, a wildfire, tornado. Even an attack if it ever happens."

"Basically anything that poses as danger," Madun clarified.

"Yes. If there is any danger, they head to the warehouses."

"But even then," Shining Armor added. "The warehouses are too small to hold a whole city of ponies of different sizes. If you look to your right, you'll see an example." Arcadia stopped with the group and looked towards a small road where a lonely warehouse sat, then gasped at its size.

"That won't even hold a sixth of the ponies here," she muttered before looking towards Celestia. "That's for emergencies?"

"If push comes to shove, yes," she responded. "The warehouse is only eighty yards long and they are in every city. It would work very well in Ponyville, because of its small populace. But in cities like Manehattan, it would be practically useless. Unfortunately we have no other choice but to use them. We can't afford anything else. We can try brick, but that would take much longer to build. Nopony here knows any transformation magic, which would be very useful during a time like this. We would need to invest our time into researching it."

The Pserateps glanced over at Arcadia who shook her head, sending them a hidden message. "What about the other cities?" She asked as they continued along the road. "Ponyville? Dodge Junction? Rainbow Falls?"

"Rainbow Falls is practically just land now," Cadance answered sadly. "The training grounds for the Equestrian Games...has been dismantled."

"A historic landmark was stripped," Arcadia muttered in disbelief. She sighed and motioned for them to continue.

"Fillydelphia has been completely taken down," Luna added. "A modern age city that—no offense—towered over the majority of Cop's buildings, apart from the Obelisk—has been completely deconstructed. Dodge Junction is pretty much in the same boat as Appleloosa. Being practically its sister and all. Winsome Falls is being used as habitable land until all of this is over. Las Pegasus? The same as Fillydelphia. Besides Cloudsdale, all the cities of Equestria have been downgraded to their humble beginnings. Back to when the ponies of Equestria were used to doing things by hoof. Would you and your ponies like to see Ponyville?"

Arcadia opened her mouth to answer but was interrupted by a loud and obnoxious, "TWILIGHT SPARKLE! YOU HAVE RETURNED!" Arcadia's ears immediately drooped and she shivered at the obnoxious white pony who was approaching wearing clothing like he had never done anything today. Or any other day. Let alone been outside.

"Ugh. Hello, Blueblood," she greeted half-heartedly, keeping her eyes off of the haughty prince. He stopped in front of her and lifted her hoof, giving it a kiss, which she immediately took back, wiping it on a nearby guard's uniform, who was just as confused as everyone else. Especially Madun.

"It is great to see you not missing," Blueblood greeted haughty. "I was worried some bear had gotten to you. Would you care to have a drink at my castle?" He motioned to a still standing building on the far left that was shining like it was recently built.

"No," Arcadia responded blandly. "Could you please leave, the leaders of Equestria and my ponies are in the middle of an important discussion."

"Your ponies?" He looked behind her at the large winged Pserateps, more noticeably the large pony with the long wings. But he also took notice of the stallion standing next to her with a crown, glaring at him.

"And just who is this pony kissing your hoof?" Madun asked, narrowing his eyes at the prince who was holding his head up high and smirking.

"Ugh...Blueblood," she groaned. "Blueblood please go about your day and leave us to our review of Equestria. Or I will have you forcefully removed from my presence."

Blueblood chuckled and tutted his tongue. "Oh, Twilight. You should know royalty never—" Four of the Pseratep guards interrupted him when they pointed their weapons at him, sharpened wings outstretched in a threatening manner and hidden crossbows at his body. "Ugh! Lower your weapons, you cannot point arrows at me! I will have you all thrown in a dungeon!"

"Blueblood?"

"Yes, Aunty Luna?"

"Leave. Now."



After that disturbing interruption, the group made their way towards Ponyville, which was pretty much in the same shape as Canterlot. Her destroyed castle was still there, and possibly her books. If they weren't being burned for a fire on cold nights.

The group landed on the ground outside of the town near Sweet Apple Acres and made their way down the lonely dirt road. The Pserateps took notice of a few gems lying around, mostly on the side of the road. "If you look around," Celestia commented. "You will notice that there are absolutely no Pegasi. Except for your Pserateps." The group did once they walked into the tent filled town and noticed that instantly. There were no ponies there with wings like them.

"Why is that?" Arcadia asked, fearing the answer.

"The ponies of Ponyville respond with hostilities," Sunset told her quickly. "The second they see a Pegasus they make them leave." Arcadia and Madun shared a worried glance.

"As long as you don't enter the city, you will be fine," Celestia advised.

"I think it'd be best if we got a closer look," Madun responded. "We'll take twenty of our guards with us."

Celestia sighed and nodded to them, motioning towards the city. Then Bold Shoulder assigned the guards to escort the King and Lady inside, leaving the others behind. A few steps in, they took notice of the anxious Ponies watching them. "So this is where you grew up, huh?" Madun asked her.

Arcadia chuckled and shrugged. "Technically I didn't grow up here. But I grew up in the Ponyville where there were actual buildings, not tents. This is awful."

"I agree," Madun responded, looking around at all the foals running past. "They are in desperate need of assistance."

"Definitely. That was where I lived." She pointed towards the broken down crystal structure that was the Castle of Friendship. "The roof is mostly off, but there could be more ponies living in there, occupying the space."

"Anything for shelter."

"TWILIGHT!" Arcadia stopped and looked to her right through the guards where the group from Equestria was approaching. The guards extended their wings out of reflex, forcing them to slide to a stop.

"Lower your weapons," Madun ordered. "And watch the other ponies please. These are peaceful." The guards did as asked and lowered their spears and wings. But were still on guard, watching them with a steady eye.

Arcadia looked back towards the others and looked them over. Pinkie Pie's hair was back down to it's original straight state. Applejack was more dirtier than usual after working on the Apple Farm, Rarity was practically in shambles. Obviously sweating. But she wasn't going nuts about it. Something was definitely off. And it wasn't because of the fact that Rainbow and Fluttershy were missing. And Trixie and Starlight were nowhere to be seen.

"Uh...hi, girls," she greeted, giving them an uneasy grin. "Wh-where's Rainbow and Fluttershy?"

"That rubbish is in Cloudsdale!" Applejack responded angrily. "Sitting back, drinking fine beverages, and eating food we wish we had! I've had to donate all of my Apples towards the relief fund. And I tell ya'! That was killin' my bits!"

"You kicked them out of town?!" Arcadia asked in surprise. "But you're friends! They didn't do anything to you! And I know for a fact Fluttershy didn't."

"Yeah," Rarity answered quickly. "But they won't assist in the relief! All the ponies are doing what they can to help Ponyville and the Pegasi are just sitting on their flanks doing nothing!"

"Wait what about the foals?!" Madun asked. "I'm sure there are Pegasi foals running around here, right? Please tell me you didn't kick them out too."

"They are all in Cloudsdale," a voice said from behind them. They looked over their shoulder and spotted Trixie and Starlight making their way over, sweating buckets. "Hey, Twilight," Starlight greeted. "I mean Arcadia. This heat is getting to me. All the Pegasi foals are in Cloudsdale. Except one who I'm sure is hiding. You know who I'm talking about."

Arcadia looked her over and took note that they both looked very messy. Sweaty and dirty hooves. "Hey, girls. Tell me everything that's been happening in Ponyville."

"Sure," Trixie wheezed, taking deep breaths. "Just....give me a moment. The great...and powerful...disperser needs her air." Arcadia raised an eyebrow and glanced at Starlight.

"We've been moving around all morning," Starlight clarified. "Dispersing altercations and keeping friendship in check as much as we can."

"Without them," Rarity added from behind. "Ponyville would have a civil war by now that would have definitely spread out all over Equestria by this point." Arcadia hummed in worry and followed Trixie and Starlight to wherever they were taking them, flanked by their guards.

They stepped into what used to be the square of Ponyville. Now refugee central, based on the large amount of tents lining the streets. "We've had to put name tags on the tents," Sunset said, once again coming out of nowhere. Arcadia chuckled in her head, coming to terms that she was going to become as random as Pinkie Pie if she kept that up. "Because sometimes ponies would get confused and accidentally walk into another pony's tent, they'd get upset, sometimes furious, and attack them. Starlight and Trixie were running themselves into the ground trying to disperse those moments."

Arcadia paid extra attention to the tents. They were large, big enough to be the size of a large living room and probably had some things in there that were for ponies who just happened to peek their heads inside. Very dangerous things. Some of the ponies were stepping out and pointing towards them, making Arcadia a little uneasy. Madun took notice of this and tapped the guards captain, getting him to order his men to take up a defensive position around them. The captain raised his hoof and waved it around in the air, sending out a signal, and the guards quickly flared out their wings, showing the attached blades and created a circle around Arcadia and the group.

"Wow, Lady Arcadia," Starlight teased. "Quite the defense you got going on here." She motioned towards the blades attached to their wings, making Madun chuckle.

"I know," he replied. "Bold Shoulder is very defensive when it comes to Royalty and different lands. Any pony that usually tries to attack ends up in a very bad place. The Pserateps are really fast with their wings."

"Yeah, I've noticed. Right here, is where we would serve food. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner." She pointed towards the right at a giant tent setup beside the hospital, which was just another tent with the old symbol of the hospital on the ground leaning against the corner of it. "The nurses and doctors work day and night making sure to keep the town clean. If there is even a small puddle of blood, they quickly come in with gloves, coats, masks, and all that with shovels and sawdust. They dry it up, scoop it, and take it somewhere to get rid of it effectively. I have no idea where, they just do. There is always a team somewhere around....there's one." She motioned with her hoof towards the corner of the street, where there was a group of ponies wearing white coats, masks, and rubber gloves on their hooves talking about something. There was a bag of sawdust along with shovels by their hooves, waiting for the first moment and sign of blood to scoop up.

Arcadia looked over from them to everywhere else. "So far," she commented. "This is not a pretty good place like it used to be. I remember ponies walking around with smiles, not angry faces. If Pinkie Pie's not even smiling, you know there's a problem. Were there any altercations? Major altercations?"

"Before all the Pegasi were ran out of town," Rarity answered. "All the ponies in Ponyville were descending on them like a horde of rats. It gave me shivers." She shivered involuntary just thinking about it. "Eventually they all left. It's only Earth pony and Unicorns now."

Twilight and Madun shared a look while making their way back towards the review group. They may have kicked out the Pegasi, but what if they come back?
> Chapter 24 - Discovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arcadia and Madun, along with Sunset Shimmer walked back over to the group of Royals and Representatives with surprise all over the royals faces. The representatives from both sides were speaking with each other about something that Arcadia couldn't hear before they approached. Cadance spotted her first and offered her a sad smile. "Bad huh?" She asked sadly.

Arcadia sighed loudly and nodded when they stopped in front of them. "It's terrible," she responded. "The ponies of Equestria rarely get in fights. But now it's apparently so common that there are clean up teams on standby at the corner. That shouldn't even be! What else is there that we should know about?"

Celestia tapped a hoof against her chin. "That is pretty much all at the moment. But I must show you what happens to the metal when we try and weld." Celestia began the transportation back to Canterlot, intended to actually go past it and head for Manehattan. Along the way Arcadia was speaking with Madun above her about something important on her mind. He couldn't get beside her, her wings were too big.

"These talks have gotten in the way of the tryouts," she explained. He looked down and hummed in thought while the wind blew his mane back. Arcadia thought he looked pretty handsome like that.

"We can reschedule for a week from now," he advised. "To give the contestants more time to prepare and you time to go all science-y." Arcadia chuckled and looked at the dark and dead ground below them, following Madun's gaze. "When I first heard of Equestria nearly a year ago...I was under the impression of flowers and roses. I was not expecting barren landscapes lined with tents."

"Nopony was," Bold Shoulder stated from underneath Arcadia. She looked around and noticed all her guards had created a protective sphere around her and Madun. "Just precautions. I didn't like that Bluebird guy."

Cadance and Celestia shared a smirk when they heard that. "He has been watching you, Lady Arcadia," Gardeen informed her. Arcadia looked down at her in surprise. "I have seen him...appearing in flashes of light here and there every now and then."

Arcadia groaned and threw out her hooves. "He...is so....ANNOYING!" She yelled. "Sweetheart could you—"

Madun raised a hoof, stopping her mid sentence and said, "If he attempts to woo you again, I am dropping him personally from thirty thousand feet." Everyone sort of shot him a surprised look, especially Molten Ice. Madun looked around and scoffed. "What? No one goes after my fiancee, and think I'm not going to do anything about it."

Shining chuckled and whispered to Cadance who was carrying him in a bubble, "I think my sister's in safe hooves." She smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Thank you Madun," Arcadia responded. The two shared a nuzzle that caught everyone's hearts.

"That is so adorable!" Cadance squealed. "Ooooohhhh....when are you gonna have a foal?"

"WHAT?!" All the Pserateps yelled.

Celestia blanched and yelled, "We're here! We're here!" Trying to disperse that conversation before it even started. She pointed towards a dark gray warehouse down below. "This building is used to create all the materials in Equestria. We have more but they are much smaller than this." They came in for a landing on the only concrete in front of the building, then released the Earth ponies and Unicorns they brought with them from their protective bubbles. "The minerals produced here are usually steel," Celestia added. "Copper, gold, and others are melded here, but in smaller quantities while steel is highly abundant."

The Equestrian guards strode forward and pulled the doors open for the large group with a groan. Next Arcadia and Celestia slowly walked in first, walking down the empty entrance hall, followed by Madun and everyone else. Arcadia looked closely around the area, taking note that it was empty here, but obviously busy farther up, based off the loud clanging. "As you can hear, the workers are currently working hard to take down the materials needed to increase our rations of metal," Luna commented.

"Wait, you're tearing down the welding?" Arcadia asked quickly.

"Er, no. No, we're tearing down some of the less needed materials. Such as rusted out beams, doors that are irrelevant. Things like metal closet doors, controls, and are replacing them with much more simple items that work in the same function. Anything from this building itself." Celestia walked through a doorway and into a large area that has definitely seen better days. It was obvious that's where all the magic happened. Both metaphorically and literally. There were unicorns walking around moving metal and more items to different locations. There was a pony at the door who bowed to them as they stepped inside the large warehouse. He was big, like Big Macintosh. Even looked like him a little bit too. Get rid of the black beard, replace his green coat with red, change his cutie mark, and you have Big Mac. That would be a lot of changes.

"Hello, Princesses," he greeted with his face to the floor.

"Hello, Buff," Princess Luna greeted back while he rose. "We want to show our foreign visitors the welding process of this facility. Along with what happens to the metal."

"Of course. Follow me and I'll get you ready." He walked towards a separate room on the far side of the building with the large group right behind him. Along the way, Arcadia took note of all the metal being moved around and torn apart by unicorns. That was all that was in there. Unicorns. Must've been because they could handle the hot heat without making contact with any of the hot metal. Wise.

"First up, we're going to have you put on some protective material," Buff instructed. He motioned towards the suits hanging on hangers in the corner. "Theses were made for Unicorns. But...I see our guests are....Pegasi I guess?"

Arcadia chuckled and nodded. "Yes. They are a type of Pegasi. I'll protect them from the heat with a spell when it's time. What else is needed?"

While the others were putting on the protection, Buff motioned towards the welding masks. "You need to put these over your faces and horns. It protects your face. And after that you grab these cones." He motioned towards the cones beside it sitting on a table. "And you place them over your horn. You will still be able to use magic at your full capacity, it'll just be protected while doing so."

"We have things like this in Psera," Madun commented. "Just...a lot more shiny." Arcadia flapped her wing over his head to get his attention. Then motioned towards the Equestrians around them. He got the jist and nodded as she put on her helmet. Once again, Cadance and Shining Armor heard the alarm bells. The Pserateps were definitely hiding something. And it was big. They would speak on it later. After Arcadia fitted herself with a cover for her face and cone for the tip of her horn, because her horn was too long, they made their way back out into the facility. Buff led them over to a table that had a large box on the left of it with an open side. It was made out of metal and really thick. He pulled on a lever on the floor and went into another box by their hooves, and pulled out what looked like a small metal sheet.

He presented it and said, "I'm going to demonstrate what happens when we put in a sheet of metal, and then take it back out." He used his magic to grab hold of the sheet and put it into the furnace. "I'll keep it in there for a while and let it heat up to about nine hundred thirty degrees for this example. And then I'll take it out and start the fireworks."

"While we wait," Cadance muttered. She turned to Twilight and Madun with an impatient smile. "How did you two meet?" Celestia sighed and shook her head.

"Well," Arcadia recalled with a smile. She walked over to Madun and pressed up against him, making him smile. "It was when I first arrived on Psera's soil and began to demonstrate my abilities in magic. The Pserateps were intrigued."

"Big time," Bold Shoulder added. His soldiers were around the facility watching everything.

"I guess somepony decided to go to Madun to grab him," Arcadia continued. "I didn't realize he was there until he was right behind me. And he just couldn't stop staring for a few seconds until somepony told him he was drooling." Madun groaned and hid behind his wing. Arcadia chuckled and rubbed her hoof through his mane. "I thought it was cute. Anyway, he introduced himself, I introduced myself, he asked what I was doing, where did I come from, and how did I create grass again. I told him that I was a mage in magic."

"The only pony that knows it is Arcadia," one of the Psera diplomats inputted.

"That is correct. Along with a bunch of other skills. Madun asked if there was anything I could do to help his people. Of course I agreed to help them. Without anything in return. He was reluctant that they weren't paying for my help and wouldn't stop offering to pay me back. So I appeased him and at least asked if I could stay the night. He immediately accepted. The next day, I started the process. Of course with a checklist. I never go anywhere without that. We started small with nature. Grass, trees, lakes, rivers, overall plant life. Then we started on the homes and buildings. During that time, little Madun here—"

"I'm not little," he muttered.

"—started making advances. Then finally, he decided to ask me out on a date. We had it in the Castle's Grand Dining Hall and learned about each other a lot more than before. We went on a few more before I met Her Majesty Molten Ice and learned about her role in Pseratopian Royalty. Madun's mother. I think I met Merry some time before that, and she directed me to her."

"We went on a few more dates," Madun added, taking over. "Then finally, Hearth's Warming. We never actually had a Hearth's Warming thousands of years before all of this. Never even heard about it. But my mother introduced it to everyone after she visited Equestria. So I took us on another date atop of the Mountain Range surrounding Cop later on during Hearth's Warming afternoon and presented her the ring she's wearing." He motioned towards the Diamond flooded ring band that was around Arcadia's neck. "And I proposed to her."

"I yelled out yes then gave him the biggest kiss and hug I could manage. The first one to figure out we were engaged was Merry, who took on the duty without anypony asking to tell everypony in Psera within an hour. Then...all of that mess happened, we tell the Pserateps about the tryouts to showcase their skills and shoot off their business in Psera. Unfortunately it's going to be rescheduled and pushed back for a week until we get Equestria's establishment situation taken care of. After the wedding will be my inauguration as Queen of Psera."

"That...is such...a WONDERFUL STORY!!" Cadance cried. She went over and pulled the both of them into a tight hug, crying all the while. Madun shot Arcadia a questioning look from the other side of her.

"Princess of Love," she announced. "Cadance gets emotional whenever a pony she knows falls in love. Cadance where's Flurry Heart?"

"I-I-In the C-Crystal Empire with y-your parents~!" She replied, still sobbing.

Arcadia grinned and nodded her head in approval. "Ahhh, okay. How is she?"

"S-She misses her a-aunt!"

"Awwww!" Madun and everyone else was confused. Must've been a closeness thing.

"Alright, it's done," Buff announced. The trio let go of each other and made their way towards the welding table. "Make sure your masks are down, this stuff is hot." After they lowered their masks and everyone was prepared, he pulled out a glowing piece of slab metal with his magic, but held it slightly in the furnace. "Alright. Watch this." He pulled it out all the way and held it for a few seconds. Then it suddenly broke down. It just turned into liquid and went straight through the table, creating a molten puddle on the floor.

Celestia motioned towards the puddle and pulled up her helmet with her magic. "As you can see, whenever the metal comes out of the furnace, it instantly breaks down. No warning and no explanation. Our scientists cannot figure it out. We believe the minerals inside the metal has morphed somehow when exposed to extreme temperatures to cause a chemical change. An unstable chemical change."

Arcadia hummed and looked closely at it. Something was extremely off about the way that metal had melted. It just happened so abruptly. "Put in another piece please," she asked. "A small one. I may have an idea about why your metals are changing like this."

Buff reached into the crate underneath the table and pulled out a small steel coin. Then held it inside the furnace for a few more minutes. While they waited, Arcadia lit her horn and fired a small stream of magic into the air like water, changing a certain space above the table into the color purple. "Okay, here you go," the welder announced. Buff pulled back the coin and held it over the table. While they were staring at that, Arcadia was looking at the glowing mass. Which suddenly flew towards the coin and enveloped it. Then the coin melted with the magic.

"Just as I thought," Arcadia muttered. She took off her helmet and face everyone else. "Your scientists were wrong, Princesses." The Equestrians shared a glance while she continued. "It's not the metal. It's what's around it. Do you know how rusting works?"

"When metal begins to oxidize due to moisture that sits on it too long. It takes years," Cadance answered. "I remember you talking about that when you were a filly. She's grown up so fast." Cadance began to tear up again before Celestia wrapped a wing around her shoulders.

"Er...y-yeah," Arcadia confirmed. "Well your metal is going through a similar process. But it's been boosted. Look here." She pointed to the first mass of metal on the ground that they attempted to weld first. The group trotted forward and looked down at it. "This metal was falling apart by pieces. It wasn't melting, it was rusting. I used a spell that I first learned alongside the teleport spell—"

Cadance sniffed and cried, "When you were a filly~!!"

"Yes, Cadance. When you used to foalsit me. I used that spell to highlight the air molecules around us. When that metal came out of the furnace, it zipped right over to the coin and rusted it. Something in your air is activated through heat. Then rushes towards the heated up metals and completely destroys it. No warning."

"So it's the air," Luna asked. They all looked around and sort of wafted their hooves through the atmosphere.

"Yes. Not the metals. The metals are fine, so far as I can tell. It's the air around them. I"m not sure what would happen if a fire started in here." She fired her magic at the currently burning furnace to light it up completely. "See? The furnace is even undergoing a change. However, because it's so thick, it's not doing anything. Not to mention the molecules inside are already burning and it can't escape, because...well, it's a furnace."

"So what can we do?" Sunset asked desperately. "It's the air."

"You might need to recycle and burn it," she recommended. "As well as research to make sure it never happens again. Try to find the cause of this and wipe it out. Of course it will take some time to figure it out, but in the meantime we want to be able to detect the molecules and find out how to spot them in the air. Not to mention get rid of them and bring in some new air. I have a feeling that if we don't it will be worse than right now."

Celestia nodded in agreement. "At least now we have an explanation for this nonsense. Thank you so much Arcadia for figuring it out...in a matter of a few seconds," she added with a smirk.

"You're welcome. Now we have to discuss relations with Equestria. Madun will be taking over."

The Equestrians turned to King Madun, who was making his way to Celestia. "We want to do a trade," he explained. "We have way more than enough metal for your ponies."

"What do you need?" Celestia quickly asked.

"Gems." Celestia stared at him blandly for a few seconds before she snorted and laughed into her hoof, taking the Pserateps by surprise.

"I'm sorry, it's just....I was expecting something a lot more....I don't know, hard to get. Equestria is riddled with gems. We practically walk outside our doorsteps, go to the front yard and can grab at least five gems in the process. But the rare ones are hard to find. What types of gems are you looking for?"

"Any that hold high value," he clarified. "Psera does not have a lot of diamonds, which could be very useful in our industrial industry. Not to mention the fashion industry. Along with Red Beryl."

"The pony you are looking for to find gems like those would be Rarity, whose special talent is locating gems for her fashion design."

"Oh, I met Rarity," he recalled with enthusiasm. "She's nice." Arcadia quickly trotted over and whispered in his ear. He jumped a little but nodded his head upon recognition or his fiancee's words. "Ah...that was the other one I met."

Arcadia nodded and pulled back. "Okay. We'll talk to Rarity and have her search for the gems."

"Excellent. Can I speak to your Fiancee while you are out searching?"

"Only if she agrees." They looked up at Arcadia who was fixing her dress. "Arcadia, would you like to speak to Celestia?"

"Of course," she responded without looking up from her dress. "I'll have Gardeen with me and a few guards. You take the congress ponies, as well as some guards, and gather those gems that Psera's desperate for." Madun nodded and made his way towards the door with most of the guards, the congress, and some Equestrian guards. Leaving Arcadia alone with the princesses, her brother, and a few of their guards. As well as Gardeen and Sunset. They all stared at each other for a moment before The Equestrian Princesses burst out into tears and pulled Arcadia into a bone crushing hug. Arcadia's guards and Gardeen nearly had a conniption.

"You're so grown up!" They all cried, soaking Arcadia in tears. She groaned and just let them have their fun for a moment, trying to ignore her assistant, as well as her guard's laughter behind her. They were squashing her long wings and pinning them to her sides. After a few minutes, Cadance pulled back and wiped away her tears then said proudly, "Next thing you know, you're going to be walking down the aisle."

"Yep," Arcadia replied unamused.

"Living it big in the castle."

"Uh huh."

"Managing Psera."

"That's right—"

"And carrying a foal!" They all cried in unison.

"Yep...wait, what?!" Sunset fell on her back, laughing at Arcadia's declaration. She couldn't wait to tell the girls back on Earth.

Luna walked over and placed a wing over Arcadia's back, trying to calm her down. "Don't worry. I'm sure Madun will be gentle." Gardeen blushed while the guards snickered. "He doesn't have to rut you too hard—"

"And the end of that conversation is now," Arcadia interrupted. "Luna, we're too young to be having a foal. Besides...I'm saving myself for...the honeymoon."

"Awwwww!" Everyone fawned. Arcadia blushed and hid behind her giant wing while Cadance walked over.

"I have to help you with that," she declared quickly. She put down her hoof and smiled determinedly at Arcadia. "And your anger towards me is definitely not going to stop me."

Arcadia gasped and lowered her wing, glaring at Cadance. "Cadance—"

"Shut up, you're taking this one, Twilight. I'm going to teach you how to woo a stallion...the Princess Way." The Pserateps and Alicorn-Pseratep nearly fell off their hooves. "I hope you got a checklist because you are going to be taking so many notes on a Stallion's Physiology, Anatomy, and..." She leaned in and whispered, "Their pleasure points."

"Oh my Faust, Gardeen! Help me!"

Cadance chuckled and nodded towards the assistant. And said, "She's going to have to write this down. Are you ready?" Sunset was biting her lip so hard, trying not to make a sound. Or to bust out laughing again.

"Er...." Gardeen looked towards Arcadia, who was hiding behind her wing. No instructions going on there. She figured she'll just take these just in case. Arcadia was prone to academics and knowledge, so she might want to learn about a stallion's "Pleasure Points". Gardeen pulled out her notepad and prepared to take some notes. Finding her ready, Cadance cleared her throat.

"Number one. Get straight to the business. A stallion loves foreplay, but nothing is better than getting it on. When I did it with your brother, he was gone for days." Arcadia had her mouth wide open in shock. Madun just couldn't grab those gems fast enough.
> Chapter 25 - We Have Reached An Agreement
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While in flight over the plains by Ponyville, Madun groaned and threw up his hooves, catching the attention of the others flying with him. "I forgot to ask where to get Rarity," he groaned, facehoofing at his own forgetfulness. "How am I supposed to find her if I don't know where she is?"

"We can always ask one of the ponies around the camp," one of the congress ponies answered. "And if I heard correctly, she is one of those creating the tents for the citizens."

"Ah, right." After a few more seconds, the group landed once more on the dirt path next to the farm, frightening a little filly with a red bow on her head who happened to be walking out from the farm. Applebloom shrieked and jumped away from them, frightening Madun in the process which made his wings flap in surprise. Realizing it was just a little filly, he took a deep and calming breath. "I am so sorry, little one. I didn't mean to scare you." Applebloom looked him up and down for a second, assessing him. Then gaped a little at his wings.

"Whoa," she muttered before walking up to the pony and circling him. The Pserateps looked at her then up at Madun who was smiling down at her. "You have big wings."

"Thank you," he responded back. "And what is your name?"

"I'm Applebloom! And that's Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo!" She pointed towards the farm at a pair of fillies that they didn't notice before walking up to them with eyebrows raised. Scootaloo gasped and quickly trotted up to the king. Then pointed a hoof at his wings.

"What?! I can't even fly, but he gets like thirty foot wings?!" She exaggerated.

"They're actually nine feet," Madun corrected with a chuckle. The other Pserateps were smiling while the guards were keeping a sharp lookout. "And what is your name, little filly?"

"I'm Scootaloo!"

"And I'm Sweetie Belle!" The white one greeted before she shot him a suspicious look. "Who are you? How come we've never seen you before? I'm pretty sure we wouldn't miss you with those one hundred foot wings."

"Nine feet. And I am King Shimmering Madun. I am here in a conference with Celestia to speak about making deals to help your land."

"Are you a pegasus?"

"Er...yes, but a different and highly evolved kind. My ponies are an experienced race, way ahead of Equestria's."

"Ohhhhh!" They all said before Scootaloo added, "I don't get it."

"You'll understand someday. Can you help me? I am looking for a pony by the name of Rarity. Do you know where she lives?"

"You're looking for my sister?" Sweetie Belle asked, surprising him. "Says 'darling' a lot and is obsessed with fashion?"

"Yes, that's her. And your sister?"

"Yeah! We live together! I'll take you to her!" Sweetie Belle started to walk down the road followed by the other fillies before she stopped and turned around. "Oh! And we are..." The three fillies put their hooves together high in the air and yelled, "THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!" The Pserateps' ears rang for a moment before the fillies continued along the road, followed by the Pserateps rubbing their ears. The guards took the lead beside the fillies, providing protection for his majesty and the other congress ponies. After a minute, Scootaloo just couldn't take it anymore. She lagged behind a little bit and walked beside Madun. Then tapped his hoof, getting his attention

"Mr. Maroon sir," she called, getting his name wrong. "Can I please get on your back? I need to look at your wings. I just have to." Madun chuckled then extended his wing. He scooped her up, sending her into the air and onto his back where she landed. Then continued walking. "Why are they so big?"

"They grow from admiration," he explained. "That is all I can tell you about our wing growth."

"Awwww!" The Pserateps chuckled before they walked into town, making Scootaloo a little uneasy with the attention she was receiving. Some of the ponies were standing up and looking at them, anxious. "Umm, are you sure it's safe for us to be here? They ran me out of town with all the other Pegasi and I was hiding on Sweet Apple Acres."

Madun chuckled and motioned towards the guards. "Our guards are experienced in combat because they exercise their moves everyday. That and our weapons are extremely deadly. If a pony approaches..." One of the Unicorns on the side yelled something before the guards flexed their wings, revealing the attached blades, sharpened and reflecting the sun's rays. The Unicorn who yelled instinctively backed up while they passed, wings still flexed outwards. "Then they get those."

Scootaloo was just staring in surprise before she yelled, "That...is so....awesome! If only Rainbow Dash could see this. She'll say, wow! You're really cool. And I would say, yeah, duh! And then we'd all go out and...." Madun shared a glance with Bold Shoulder while she rambled on, who was smirking at him.

"And you say you're not dad material," he commented. Madun stopped and shook his head at him before they continued on towards a large tent on the right. They spotted Rarity talking with a few other ponies, carrying some of the tents on her back. She spotted them after the conversation ended and then cocked her head in confusion.

"Why hello, Madun. It's good to see you again," she greeted before looking down at her sister and chuckling. "I take it you met the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

The guards lowered their wings and took up defensive positions while he stopped in front of her. He chuckled then turned his body to reveal Scootaloo messing with his wings. "Yep. The are a mess."

Rarity smiled and motioned towards Scootaloo. "I see you've warmed up to having a filly with you. Are you practicing for—"

"Do. Not. Finish. That. Sentence," he interrupted sternly. "I. Am not. Having foals."

"Your mind will change when the time is right, I assure you. Now who do I pay for this visit?"

Madun cleared his throat and stood up regal. "Celestia. We want to make a deal with Equestria. In exchange for metal, the Pserateps want high quality gems, since Equestria seems to be practically drenched in it." Rarity looked down to the ground and casually nudged a bag of rubies and diamonds towards him.

"You are correct," she responded while one of the guards picked it up with their wing and held it out to him. "We literally walk outside and make a hole in the ground where we can find at least two gems. I guess Celestia suggested to find me so I could help you?"

"Yes. If that is alright with you?"

Rarity scoffed and yelled, "Absolutely! Anything for Equestria. Just let me get my assistant and we'll be on our way. SPIIIIKE!!" Madun cringed and covered his ears from her loud yelling, wondering if yelling was a tradition here in this land. A few seconds later a small purple dragon eagerly ran out of the tent with gem dust around his mouth, and saluted to Rarity.

"Hey, Rarity! How can I...uhhh...hey...King...er..."

"Madun," Madun corrected before he leaned down close to him. "Arcadia's assistant?"

"I guess previous now," he sighed before turning to Rarity for an explanation. "When did they get here and why?"

"A few hours ago. They are here to try and help us, Spikey Wikey. Spike is my assistant when looking for gems. I hope it's alright if he comes with."

"No problem," Madun responded enthusiastically. "The more the better....I take that back. This amount of ponies is fine." He gestured towards Scootaloo who was pulling his wing out, trying to get a close look.

"You may want to bring Fluttershy too," Spike recommended. "Where we go for gems there are animals that only she can tame without hurting them. She's over there talking to a few bears." He pointed with his finger towards the right, where the yellow pegasus with a dirty coat was speaking kindly to a few of the large animals, who seemed to be listening. She said something to them and they pulled her into a hug. Then let her go, turned around, and walked away. "Fluttershy!" She turned around and quickly made her way back to the group of ponies and three fillies.

She stopped and said kindly, "Hello, Spike. How can I—oh my gosh! King Madun!" She instantly plugged her face into the dirt when she bowed and said with a muffled voice, "How can I help you?"

"Uhh...Fluttershy?" Spike asked. "You can stand up now."

"Oh. Yeah." She pulled her face out of the dirt and graced him with a dirty smile.

King Madun cleared his throat, thus clearing up the awkwardness before he told her, "Miss Rarity informed me that you can talk to animals to calm them down without hurting them. Is this correct?"

"Oh, yes," she responded. "Well, umm, my special talent is talking to animals."

"Excellent," Bold Shoulder replied enthusiastically. "Because if an animal approaches his or her majesty with ill intentions, my men are trained to attack, not talk. So...we could use your assistance."

"Oh! O-Of course! Now...why?"

Rarity stepped forward and said, "Arcadia and Madun's ponies can apparently help us with the shortage, but are asking for gems as a sort of payment. I am going out to look for them and we could use your assistance just in case."

"Your highness!" Madun turned around towards one of his guards. "Lady Arcadia approaches!" He motioned towards a few dots coming from Canterlot in the sky, slowly growing shape. Madun directed his attention towards the dots, allowing Scootaloo to ramble on about his wings that she just couldn't get enough of. Arcadia lowered her altitude and quickly soared over the tents when she arrived, nearly skimming the apex of them and creating a strong breeze when she flapped them to slow her speed. The ponies at Rarity's tent immediately covered their eyes from the dirt she kicked up, staining their already dirty coats.

"Madun," she gasped before quickly pulling in her wings and rushing forward towards him. "Quick. Let's go look for these gems so we can start these talks. Cadance is going nuts about intercourse." She turned her head and yelled, "Hurry, Gardeen! She's coming!"

Gardeen landed next with the rest of the guards, although with her face in the dirt before she jumped up and flew towards Arcadia. After landing next to her, Arcadia lit her horn and put them all in a giant bubble, including her guards who followed along. Then she ran forward and flapped her large wings, soaring back into the sky with everyone at an intense speed that impressed Scootaloo so much she squealed.

"Twilight!" Cadance yelled when she landed at where she was a second ago. She looked around for a moment but didn't see her. So she shrugged and flew back to Canterlot.

"Tw-Twilight?!" Madun asked loudly as she leveled out. "What's going on?"

"It's Cadance!" Gardeen yelled. She pulled out her notepad and flipped through a few pages. "She's telling us about the 'Princess Way' of having sex!"

"WHAT?!" They all yelled before Arcadia landed in the Whitetail Woods. She popped her bubble to let them all out. Then took a deep breath to relax.

"Nevermind it," Arcadia reassured. "I'm sure she's gone now." She stretched and flapped her wings a little before regaining her composure with a smile trained on Madun. "So...how are things here?"

"Well darling we were just headed over here to the woods," Rarity answered, gesturing towards the woods with her hoof. "To search for gems. Fluttershy is going to accompany us in case of wild animals who are hungry."

"Good idea," Arcadia agreed. "Let's go." Rarity lit her horn and followed her senses towards the gems, followed closely by the Pseratep group and the...Cutie Mark Crusaders relaxing on Madun's back?

Arcadia chuckled and nuzzled him underneath his chin, grabbing his attention. He looked over and gave her a confused look. "What?" Arcadia gestured to his back where the fillies were staring at her. "They uhhh... they're attached to me."

Arcadia giggled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "It's really sweet. You're such a sweetheart."

Madun smiled and gave her a greatly appreciated nuzzle. "I know."

"You know...you'd make a great father." Madun sighed before Arcadia reassured him. "Hear me out. When the time arrives, whether sooner or later, I believe you can, and will, fulfill that role." Rarity stopped and pointed towards a seemingly empty patch of dirt that Spike instantly dug up, revealing a den of five red gems. "Red Beryl, right off the bat! Gardeen, write down Red Beryl please under the list titled 'Gems Needed'." Gardeen quickly did as asked while Arcadia walked forward towards the gems to get a closer look. She grabbed them out of Spike's hands once he held them out towards her and observed them. "Yep! Red Beryl! Highly rare in Equestria!" Arcadia created another bubble and placed the gems inside before they continued on and she continued her conversation with Madun.

"Seriously," she whispered. "You'd make a great father." Madun rolled his eyes and looked away but Arcadia caught that smile on his face before he did. Deciding to leave it alone, the group continued walking along, getting some more of the gems that the Pserateps asked for. Seeing this as a good time as any, Rarity decided to ask a question that has been bugging her mind.

"Twilight?" She asked from the front as Spike dug up another gem and tossed it into the bubble. "How much metal do you actually have in Psera?"

The Pserateps quickly shared a glance before Madun answered, "I'm sorry Miss Rarity, but that information is highly classified among foreign ponies. But I assure you we have enough to give Equestria once our needs are met."

"Oh," she responded before turning back to the ponies of Equestria who decided to travel with her. They all shared the same look of uncertainty. They were obviously hiding something.



Sunset Shimmer stepped out the portal back onto Earth holding her stomach while trying to contain her laughter. After Arcadia, Gardeen, and her guards had jetted, she decided to head back to Earth for a little while to get some good R 'n R from all of the craziness happening in Equestria. Including Twilight, or Arcadia. But she had to admit. Something weird was going on over there, but she just couldn't put her hoof—er...hand on it. Realizing she was back on Earth and holding her stomach like a maniac, she let herself go and walked forward. Straight into Pinkie Pie's grinning face.

"Hiya' Sunny!" She greeted. "How was Equestria? Was it fun, did you like it? Huh, huh, huh?" Sunset Shimmer pushed her face casually back before looking towards the right at her other friends, all expecting answers. Rainbow Dash was currently balancing a ball on the top of her head with her tongue hanging out of her mouth, and Rarity was filing her nails, which wasn't new. But the others were looking at her for answers.

"Well...Twilight decided to show up with King Madun to help us out," she responded casually with a shrug. "They're talking relationships right now as well as a trade for services. Priceless gems for metal. How much, I don't know but I have a feeling it will be a lot." Rarity looked up from her nail file before going back to grooming herself. "You know...I feel like the Pserateps are hiding something. Have I ever told you guys about what happened after you left the visit from Psera? And I stayed behind with Trixie and Starlight?"

Rainbow Dash let the ball drop before she stopped and looked towards her. "Nope. What happened?"

"I think I did but I'll tell you again. Arcadia decided to give us a tour of Psera from overhead. It. Was....indescribable. It looked like a Utopian world, it was amazing. She said there were a total of seventeen cities. Psera Skies, which were eight cities in the sky on clouds. They went by place of direction. So Psera Skies North, Psera Skies Northeast, you know. Then you have the ground cities. Merōl, Fenix, Lavender, Capita, Eventa, Rayray, Snow, and Cop."

"Wait, hold on," Twilight interrupted before counting off her fingers. "I think you're missing one, Sunset. You said there were seventeen cities. I only heard sixteen."

"Exactly." They all gave her a confused look except for Rarity who was checking her phone. "Twilight only showed us those. Me, Starlight, and Trixie were all like, 'Twilight I think you forgot one.' And she was all, 'I hope you enjoyed the tour. Now it's time to head back'. I know she heard us, we were right right behind her. And the air was silent up there. She was hiding something. Before I actually got back here, I spoke with Celestia about it along with Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor. Who all agreed that they were hiding something. They had also noticed the Pserateps acting strange. But we just don't know what. What do you guys think about that?"

"Well," Applejack answered. "I do think it's kind of fishy that Princess Twilight—er...Lady Arcadia is keepin' secrets. And apparently the only ponies who know are the Pserateps. So maybe they are keepin' secrets, or maybe they just don't want to talk about it."

"But don't you think it's important for us to know? What about you Rarity? You've been staring at yourself for too long now. You have a vanity issue." Rarity lowered her mirror and looked at the smirking faces of her friends.

"Well uhh...I mean...I-It's Twilight, darling. What exactly could she be hiding?" Rarity answered matter-of-factly. Besides an entire land literally made out of gold, she thought to herself.

"Okay, this time I can relate to something," Twilight responded, recalling when she first stepped onto Equestria. "I wouldn't keep secrets from my friends unless it was a life and death situation. But it doesn't seem that way to me since she was willingly keeping the secrets. So maybe it's something else entirely. Maybe something that has to do with Science. You know, since they have it over there. Did she figure out what was causing the metal to decompose?"

"Yeah, she said it was the air," Sunset responded. "There's something in the air that's activated by heat that creates a super quick oxidation process, rusting the metal really fast when it gets heated. So now, we have to figure out how to clean that up before we can start supplying metal that Arcadia gives to us. If she has any. Like I said, something fishy is going on."

"Oh, I don't doubt she doesn't have metal," Twilight responded. "Did you see what they have over there? The giant obelisk, the mountain range, the weapons and tools they use. Not to mention the Castle of the Gods that has to have a full skeleton of tons of metal, more than enough to supply Equestria and this city we're in right now. Canterlot City. I have no doubt that she has enough."

"More than you think," Rarity commented under her breath. Applejack looked towards her in surprise.

"What was that Rarity?" She asked.

"Oh, nothing."

"You said somethin'. What was it?"

"It was nothing, Applejack, I assure you. Hey, why don't we go and get some coffee or something? Let's get rid of all of this metal hooey." she turned around and made her way down the sidewalk while the others looked to Applejack for an explanation.

"She said something," she whispered. "After Twilight said 'I have no doubt that she has enough', Rarity was like, 'More than you think.' I think she may know what's going on." Sunset raised an eyebrow while they followed after the fashionista who was looking at her phone once more. She rubbed her chin and squinted at her.

"Maybe," she responded in suspicion. "But we won't find out way back here. Come on." They quickly caught up to her before Sunset placed an arm around Rarity's shoulders. "So, Rarity. What did you do while in Psera? Weren't you busy designing dresses for Twilight's wedding?"

"Oh, yes!" She replied enthusiastically. "Merry and I have a great deal of dresses drawn out and ready to prepare. But Arcadia already picked one and told me not to tell anypony about....anyone about it before her wedding day. It would spoil the surprise."

Sunset nodded and said, "Oh. Well what did you girls talk about? We missed most of it because we were outside touring."

"Well she told me some things about Psera and how much she loved Madun. And...a few other things."

"Oh? Like what?" Applejack asked.

"Don't worry about it, it wasn't really important."

Fluttershy popped her head in from the right and asked timidly, "Umm...then you can tell us right?"

"Er...no, I'd rather not let anyone know about it. It's something that I'd rather not talk about anyway."

"Come on, Rarity, you're not one for keeping secrets," Rainbow argued. "You gossip all the time everywhere you go. Let us in on this one. Even if I don't like it."

Rarity shook her head. "Sorry. No can do. Arcadia entrusted me with this secret."

"Ooohhh, so it is a secret you know," Sunset concluded. Rarity widened her eyes and cursed under her breath. "Come on, Rarity. Spill. What's Arcadia hiding? I know you know, you're not really good at lying."

"Not telling you. I will not ruin my friendship with Arcadia with something this frivolous. Besides, I wasn't supposed to know myself, Merry let it slip."

"So Psera is hiding a secret," Sunset concluded happily. "I knew it! But what is it? Rarity's not telling."

"That's right."

"But it has to do with metal."

"That's right—wait, what?!" Sunset stopped and pointed a finger at her.

"Ah HA! Got you again! It has something to do with metal! Start spilling, Rarity."

Rarity stopped and turned to her with a scowl on her face, clearly agitated. "What did I just say Sunset? I can't tell you about the metal, since Arcadia entrusted it to me. And I Pinkie Promised not to say something. But I assure you it is not dangerous...I hope."

"So you don't really know yourself. But do know that it has something to do with metal." Rarity nodded.

"Yes. That is all I am allowed to say. You will just have to find out on your own from this point on."

Sunset sighed and nodded her head. "Alright. I'm probably going to start bugging Twilight about it the next time I go to Psera."

"I wouldn't do that," Applejack warned. "She's about to become queen and has plenty of power over Equestria by herself alone. That and she pretty much trusts you to be her only friend from Equestria. I myself would be pretty upset if I learned that a person I trusted has been snoopin' around in my business underneath my nose."

"Yeah, you're right," Sunset sighed. "But I just can't help but feel bad news coming from this secret if Arcadia herself won't even let us in on it. We're the good guys and she won't even tell us."

"She has a right to keep a secret," Fluttershy responded.

"But it's obviously the same secret that everypony in Psera is obviously hiding. Which means this secret is big enough that it involves Psera as a whole. Not just the metal, but Psera entirely. It's something big. Really big.



Two hours after Arcadia and Madun had gotten examples of the gems that Psera had needed, she teleported them all back to Canterlot in front of the castle where the royalty were all talking with each other about something intense that Arcadia raised an eyebrow at. "We should just ask her," Luna responded to a past question. "It's so obvious."

Cadance responded with, "Yeah, but how? We can't just ask, 'Arcadia. Are you and the Pserateps hiding something? And if so, can we hear about it?' That is entirely unprofessional."

Arcadia raised a hoof to her muzzle and cleared her throat, taking them out of their conversation. Celestia gasped and said, "Hello, Twilight...Arcadia. Did you find the gems you needed?"

Arcadia stared at them then at Madun who passed the bag over with his wing. "Yes," he responded slowly. "We have a few gems that we request in large quantities in trade for large quantities of Metal." Luna grabbed it in her magic and pulled out three. Red, green, and orange. The Equestrian Princesses observed them briefly then nodded in agreement.

"Very well," Celestia agreed. "Let us head inside and discuss international relations." Arcadia lit her horn and teleported them all into the boardroom in the castle, already in their seats. Arcadia, Madun, the Congress ponies of both sides who stood behind their respected rulers, and surprisingly Molten Ice. She's been absent this whole time. And the one time they find her, she's drinking a smoothie from a cup with a straw.

They all stared before she answered their unasked question. "I had Arcadia open a portal for me back to Psera to grab some drinks for us while we make this deal." She gestured with her hoof to a table where tall wine glasses had been setup with fizzy Pseratopian beverages. "Sorry I wasn't around. We may be here for some time so I thought it best."

"It is quite alright," Princess Celestia grabbed three glasses and passed them out among the group with her magic. "We appreciate the gesture. Thank you, Molten Ice."

"You're welcome."

"Hold on," Cadance announced when she stood up, catching their attention. "This is history about to be written. Literally. We need a historian in here that happens to be in this castle with us in case we come to an agreement. And possibly journalists and a parchment. I will return in a few minutes." She turned and made her way out the room while holding a drink in her magic. After the doors closed, the atmosphere was turned into a calm but hot arena. Although the Pseratep guards were around, that did little to change the high tension in the air.

"So...Twilight," Celestia said, breaking the quiet area and catching her attention. "Did you erase Chrysalis' mind when you dropped her off here a few months ago?"

"Uhh...yes," she admitted. "Yes, I did. She was trying to take over Psera and I was not going to let that happen. So I erased her and her drones' minds of the continent. Thankfully nopony was hurt when she arrived."

Celestia hummed and took another sip before Luna asked a question. "How many Pserateps are there?"

Molten Ice set down her drink and answered, "Based off of last year's census, nearly a strong eight billion."

"That is a lot of ponies," Shining sighed. "And you rule over all of them? How many cities are there again?"

"Seventeen," Molten responded before taking another sip. "City-States. The ground ones took a decades to build, but Psera Skies took only a few months to mold. Right, Arcadia?"

She nodded and added, "I had to apply a lot of magic to the clouds so they could support solid objects weighing more than a house, and could hold a skyscraper instead of just moisture. It took a while, but I managed to get it done while also managing a few more...important projects." She picked up her wine glass and took a sip.

"Ah, what projects have you been researching lately?" Celestia inquired, offering a smile. "More Starswirl the Bearded?"

Arcadia set down her glass and shook her head. "No. I've been working on my own spells at my office in Se....Psera." Molten Ice quickly slid her another drink from the corner of the table with her wing to disguise her slip up before she took over to quickly switch the conversation.

"Her office rivals mine. Although, mine is filled to the brim with old papers and records. Not to mention novelty items I've gained from exploring the world."

"Explored the world?" Celestia asked in interest.

"Yes. Equestria and Psera are not the only continents and lands. There are more, some a lot smaller than others but big enough to deem habitable for reproduction and civilizations."

"Are there any ponies?"

"Ah, yes! By the trillions. Equus is a playground. But out of all of them, Psera is the largest; Directly in the middle. Some of our scientists have informed me that some of the dirt from the bottom of the ocean had actually gathered together to create Psera through hurricanes, watersprouts, and large waves that could go inland for miles. Building up into what Psera is today. Although there are some arguments to that theory since Psera has...unique traits."

"What kind of unique traits?" Shining asked. There was little to any knowledge about Psera here in Equestria. If they could learn more, the possibility of a permanent trade alliance could be in store for them.

"Just traits that has made Psera so desirable that many lives have been lost to obtain and protect it. Wars were started after ponies attempted coups. And like we told you, they always failed. Since Psera is directly in the middle of them, we are really grateful for the PSD that Arcadia designed and implemented that inform us of any incoming. We are hoping for more projects in the future."

"Definitely," Arcadia agreed. "There are a lot more projects currently in the works for Psera to increase our defense. There will never be another attack on Psera's soil again."

Bold Shoulder cleared his throat and added, "You have yet to teach the guard about the extra knobs inside the PDS's main obelisk, Lady Arcadia."

"Ah, right! Those are more classified knobs that I will tell you about later on when we return. Gardeen?" The Pseratep stepped forward with her notepad at the ready. "Make a reminder to let the generals know about the knobs on the console inside the PDS, please." Gardeen did as asked on a separate notepad for Arcadia's reminders, then quickly stepped back when the door opened up, revealing Cadance holding a large scroll with a few more ponies who were holding cameras and such. Along with obvious historians.

"Alright," she responded while she took her seat and unrolled the scroll over the table. The journalists quickly spread out around the room and took some photos before the meeting began. Cadance took a quill and inkwell in her magic and prepared the scroll. "Let's begin."

"Very well," Celestia responded. "A few months ago, Equestria started to experience a dwindle of metals in Equestria after, for some unexplained reason, the metals began to melt and destroy itself once out of the furnace. Forcing it's leaders to start taking small metals to ration out in case of something disastrous. We talked to our scientists about it who came up with ideas as to why the metal was disintegrating as such. None of them were correct. Eventually our recycled metal capacity began to decrease. From a steady sixty percent to fifty the first week, forty the second, ten the third, then two the fourth. At that realization, Equestria got desperate.

"We stripped our properties and lands of everything metal apart from Royal and nobility properties. They are stashed safely in compounds protected by magic against the elements of nature and the capacity has risen once more to eighty percent. However, we tried to weld the metal again only to learn that we were still having the same issue. The metal would melt the second it came out of the furnace. It was later discovered on this very day that it was not the metal itself, but the air around it that would oxidize it within a few singular seconds

"We reached out to neighboring nations for assistance, but have returned with empty hooves. All unwilling to help out Equestria in a desperate time of need because they fear we are unable to pay it back. So we reached out to another source of power that has swept themselves under the carpet who have experienced a similar issue in the past. But thanks to a fellow pony raised in Equestria, their land was revived and once more put back in its high position that is believed to overpower Equestria and its surrounding lands. The rulers of the land of Psera, King Shimmering Madun, Her Majesty Molten Ice, and Lady in Waiting, Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, along with their congress, have agreed to help Equestria in exchange for rare gems to supply their land. Equestria has agreed to....what gems did you need?"

"Oh! Uhhh Red Beryl, Black Opal, and Jadeite," one of the congress ponies informed her.

"Equestria has agreed to supply Red Beryl, Black Opal, and Jadeite to Psera in a supply of two thousand each, in exchange of..."

Arcadia cleared her throat and added, "Eleven thousand metric tons of steel." The camera clicking and note taking stopped and the Equestrians stared at her then the rest of the Pserateps in disbelief. They were all wearing nonchalant looks on their faces as if it were no big deal.

Celestia decided to break the silence and ask slowly, "...d-did you just say...eleven thousand...metric tons of steel?"

"Yes," Arcadia confirmed before turning to Cadance who was writing the note. "Write down eleven thousand metric tons of steel."

"Are you absolutely sure you have enough?" Luna asked in disbelief. The Pserateps supplied indifferent expressions to each other silently. Then Bold Shoulder snorted before the rest were engulfed in laughter and humor.

"Psera has more than that," Molten Ice reassured her. "Please continue."

"Very well." Celestia cleared her throat and continued recalling. "They will also be assisting Equestria concerning Air Quality so that we can successfully weld the metal without it bleeding off and onto the floor. Afterwards, Equestria would like to get to know Psera more as a country and establish international relations with them, which we are hoping to be recognized."

Molten Ice raised her hoof and commented, "That will be in a separate agreement after King Madun and Lady Arcadia's wedding, and Lady Arcadia's inauguration."

"Very well. Please add that, Cadance." She wrote it in quickly, then motioned for Celestia to continue. "Equestria will provide their services to whatever Psera needs in exchange for their services. As long as they deliver and vice versa. We are aware that Equestria has had some trust issues with Lady Arcadia in the past, and we are all very grateful to her for reaching deep into her heart to help. Thank you, Lady Arcadia." The three Princesses and Prince Shining Armor bowed towards her.

"Your welcome, Princess Celestia," Arcadia answered.

The four rose up and Celestia continued. "Before we settle this agreement, we would like verification on the size of the metal." The Psera congress ponies all turned towards Arcadia who hummed in thought.

"Well we can't exactly show you the metal in one area," she explained. "Don't worry, we're not hiding it from you. Actually, we would love to show you, but unfortunately it is in a location that is blocked off to anypony other than Psera Royalty, Guards, Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians. In order for us to show you, we would have to move it over a few cities which is incredibly dangerous."

"So...how is this metal shaped?" Shining asked in trepidation.

"Well...."

King Madun placed a hoof on her shoulder before he took over. "The steel is welded into a block the size of the Castle of the Gods in Psera, which takes up half the city in CoP. We would have to move that block over CoP in order for you to see it."

"Which is a huge risk," Arcadia added. "The most we could do is go around the city, which means I would have to carry it over the water with my magic. I have enough magic to turn Equestria upside down and then some, so moving the steel block is no problem. But there is a risk of me dropping the steel down into the water, creating a tsunami that could damage the cities along that coast in Psera. So the best time to see it would be when everything is fixed and the air has been recycled. Then I can safely bring it here through a portal spell."

Celestia and the Equestrians all gathered around to converse the matter while Arcadia turned to Madun with uncertainty. He offered her a smile and a kiss to her horn to make her feel better, along with a nuzzle which she happily reciprocated. A few seconds later, Equestria disbanded and focused back towards the Pserateps.

"Very well," Celestia agreed. "We do not want to you to hurt your ponies for us. We understand. We, the royalty of Equestria, decree that the trade shall commence after the recycling of the air in Equestria, however long it may take. We will gather the gems requested and let you know through letter when we have reached the amount and if there are, if any, issues."

Arcadia nodded while Madun responded with, "I, King Madun of the Pserateps of Psera, decree that the metal welded will be reserved for Equestria under the supervision of the Psera Royal Guard and Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle's Psera Detection System. As long as Equestria obtains the gems, we will do our part in protecting the steel. Our scientists will grab samples of your air and take it back to Psera for analysis. Unless we were to come here."

They all stood up and bowed towards each other. Then they all shook hooves before Cadance signed the agreement on the new parchment that she wrote out while they were talking. Twilight was impressed by Cadance's calligraphy. Something she may need to practice on in the future. There were seven spaces at the bottom of the scroll that held the names of the royalty of Equestria, and the Royalty of Psera. Cadance signed it first, then passed the quill to Shining Armor, who did the same, followed by Celestia and Luna. Molten Ice strode forward and took the quill in her wing. Then signed the scroll, ignoring the flashes of lights from the ponies taking pictures and the note scribbling of the historians. Next was Madun who signed his name at one of the two spaces at the bottom, whereas Molten Ice's was alone in the middle of Equestria's four spaces. Once he was done, he passed the quill to Arcadia, who took it in her magic.

She walked forward and pressed it lightly against the parchment. Then scribbled her name down on the last and final space. Once finished, she handed the quill back to Cadance. Madun walked around her and made his way over to Celestia who met him halfway. "I hope this becomes a legendary partnership," she commented proudly.

"I as well." The two reached out and grabbed hooves. Then shook them together, sealing the deal.
> Chapter 26 - City of Serl
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Madun and Celestia parted, Celestia turned to speak Arcadia. But she was engrossed in conversation with one of Psera's congress ponies were whispering in her ear. Whatever it was made Twilight gasp.

"When?" She asked sternly.

"At around midnight," she responded. "We managed to contain it, but it's still a mess in the lower levels."

Arcadia huffed but nodded. "Very well. What facility?"

"S3."

"I'll visit S3 when we return to help clean up. Was anything folded beyond repair?"

Another congress pony approached and shook his head. "No ma'am. Everything is just everywhere. It looks like it's alive, based off the photos we saw." Cadance, Celestia, and Luna shared a glance before Madun and Molten Ice trotted over to listen. The royalty got into a sort of huddle while Arcadia whispered the situation. A few minutes later, they broke apart wearing obviously fake smiles.

Arcadia walked over to Celestia. "I'm afraid we have to take our leave a little early. A situation came up in Psera that I have to tend to."

Celestia nodded before she walked over and pulled Arcadia into a hug. "Be safe, Twilight." Arcadia nodded and pulled back before she lit her horn, creating a large portal on another side of the room. The Royalty and lawmakers of Psera began to trot towards the portal followed closely by the guards.

Before she could walk through, Cadance stopped Arcadia by placing a hoof on her chest, catching her attention. With an innocent smile, she said, "Make good use of that information."

Arcadia didn't get it at first, but widened her eyes and blushed a moment later. Scoffing, she walked hastily through the portal followed by Madun and a giggling Gardeen. After that, the others followed along. Then the portal closed. The press began asking questions about the deal, but Celestia was too busy smirking at Cadance with Luna. Shining Armor had his head buried in his hooves, and Cadance shrugged innocently. "I had to tell her! I can't wait to see what they create."


***


A violet portal opened up inside of the lobby of the Castle back in Psera, catching the crowd of Pserateps attention who were signing up for an audition to perform at the wedding by a few castle employees. Two guards trotted out first followed by King Madun and Lady Arcadia. Then everyone else. The ponies around immediately stopped their talking and quickly bowed in respect.

"Rise, fellow Pserateps," Madun said at the same time Arcadia did, both with smiles on their face. They looked at each other in surprise before sharing a nuzzle and a kiss. "Better stop copying me. You might get something you don't want."

"Oh?" Twilight asked in surprise. She gave Madun a half lidded look and asked, "Like what?"

"Like Merry grilling you about it. She's right there." He motioned towards the opposite side of them. Merry was staring—correction—grinning at them from the side with wide orange eyes. It made Arcadia a little uneasy.

"That...was so...ADORABLE!" She squealed. Arcadia squeaked and held her hooves over her face, prepared for a crash when Merry would definitely fly into her, and pull her into a tight hug. But it didn't come. Instead, Merry slowly walked over and pulled her into a gentle hug. Then slowly backed away, still grinning. 

Arcadia lowered her wings and shared a confused glance with Madun then looked back at her. "Uhhh, Merry?" She asked slowly. "Are you okay? You're acting...not yourself."

"Ohhh definitely!" Merry assured. She waved her hoof, literally waving off her worries towards Arcadia and added, "Something happened while you were out."

Arcadia trotted forward and asked worriedly, "Was it bad?!"

"Oh no! No, no, it was great! I'll tell you later, just come to my apartment!"

Twilight sighed in relief. "Okay, I will. But I have to go and see what happened in Serl first, then create some plans second. I'll be around later." She turned around and quickly kissed Madun on the cheek. Then hastily made her way towards the doors of the castle with eight of the guards behind her.

Merry watched her go in confusion for a moment. Then turned to Madun and asked, "What's going on?"

He sighed and walked over while keeping his eyes on his fiancee when the guards opened the doors for her. "Well, there was a chemical explosion when the guys at S3 had put in a chemical compound into a stack of metal. It stopped mid-blast. They got their desired results, but it wasn't supposed to explode. Now there's a giant ball of metal with spikes in the laboratory level, and Arcadia has to go break it down with a spell."

That sounds like her department. Merry nodded then asked, "How was Equestria?"

Molten sighed, then walked over and answered, "Terrible. When Arcadia said things were going to be bad, I was not expecting another devastated Psera. It was close to our situation. Really close. Now how was your day, daughter? Were you busy, and is that why you're walking like someone kicked you in the—"

"Mom?" Merry interrupted. "This morning was amazing. I finally did it."



Arcadia flew quickly through the skies, soon flying away from Cop's view and over the mountain range in the direction of Serl. The land leading towards it was hot to say the least. Like the badlands in Equestria. But much larger. It was a desert. She looked down around the guards flying below her to see one of Psera's vehicles heading towards Serl with her. The road leading up to it was pretty much invisible. You would be guided by large boulders set apart, but there was no concrete or cement. It was a hard system to follow for any potential enemies, but very easy for the Pserateps.

The boulders were on each side of the "street", but were spread apart really far on both sides. On one side you would have one rock and way up the road on the other side, you'd have another. Then you'd have to follow through them to the very secure checkpoint fifty miles away from Cop, and two miles away from Serl. At the checkpoint, you'd have to be verified to get in by "regular" Pserateps asking where you were headed and what you were doing way out there in the desert. In order to get past them, you'd have to use the password, "Narmeelah". Who was the first ruler of Psera. Then they'd let you pass. Along the way, there were hidden guard posts watching and listening to everything going on, as well as an escort group. Then when you arrived, you'd have to get your vehicle or body inspected in case of weaponry. If you had any weapons on you that were not approved of the guard, you would be held behind the containment unit of the city, then taken to her highness Lady Arcadia to have your mind erased. That last part was recently put in when Madun learned of that spell, and recommended it be added to the security protocol. Arcadia agreed entirely.

In mere minutes, the group of nine saw the checkpoint down below, an old warehouse hosting guards. They were in uniform, waiting for an intruder. Of course Queen Arcadia was a common face.

Arcadia motioned down to the ground so she could be checked in. Even the Lady of Psera was not an exception to this highly classified location and facility. Ever since the Pserateps learned of Changelings, everyone had to be checked. Even those in charge of the whole facility. Arcadia and another Pseratep by the name of Bright Gold. Named because of her snow white coat, mane and tail, and her bright yellow eyes. An albino Pseratep. She was a stickler for rules and was mostly serious all the time. Which is what Psera needed at this location. Serl was strict and was always kept under a very close eye. If something happened, the military of Psera would strike hard and fast.

Arcadia landed first, then followed immediately by the guards. Once situated the group made their way towards two Pseratep guards standing to the side. Spotting her, they wore fake smiles and walked towards her. "Hello, Lady Arcadia. What are you doing—"

"—Narmeelah," Arcadia interrupted.

The guards quickly bowed and motioned towards the distance. A few more guards walked out of the warehouse and opened their wings with their weapons extended. Then bowed with them. "Hello, your highness," they all greeted.

"Rise, my fellow Pserateps," she instructed. They did as asked before Arcadia motioned towards the distance. "What happened in Serl?"

"A mishap, ma'am," one answered. "Just a malfunction that could've taken one of the lives. The record has been recorded and documented."

Arcadia nodded then turned back towards the distance. She opened her wings backed up and took to the air, followed by her guards in Cop and five more in the warehouse. Everyone was keeping a close eye on anyone that approached the facility. After minutes of beating wings, Arcadia spotted the giant steel wall that held their city of science from view.so long on both sides it escaped the Queen's sight, even from this height.

Soldiers on the ground in front of the electronic gate that served as the only entrance into the city. It held a plethora of guard towers on top and a few more inside. Nopony was getting inside without a fight.

They all swooped low and landed in front of the gate to be checked. Arcadia lifted her wings so they could ruffle through her feathers. Then did the same to her guards that came with her from Cop. Once they were verified, the large group of guards all bowed.

"Your highness," the front pony greeted.

"Rise, my fellow Pseratep," Arcadia ordered gently. He did as asked while a few of the guards made their way back towards the booth to open the door. "I heard there was a situation."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. The siren at the gate blared as the lock that kept the doors shut lifted, and the doors slowly parted with a loud groan, revealing the concrete road that led into the city. The group stared at it before the doors finally stopped opening, then led Arcadia quickly inside. The city was just that. A city. Just far away from civilization and filled with scientists that held a ton of respect for Arcadia, evident by them bowing once more when they saw her. She quickly trotted past and made her way towards a shuttle on the side that would lead them towards the three tall buildings in the middle of the city. They were all made out of steel and had no windows. Giving them the impression that they were just steel blocks.

She flew in through the open top of the vehicle and got comfortable while the guards got into a few separate vehicles behind and in front of her. Then they were on the move. The lights on all of the pods were flashing as they made their way towards the center of the city, stopping anyone who happened to be walking by, and catching the eye of the guards in the towers surveying over the city. They barked orders into the radio-like devices that Arcadia herself designed and created for the military of Psera, letting them know of her position. After brisk minutes of casual driving, they arrived at one of the large buildings and the vehicles parked in front of four large steel doors.

Arcadia quickly jumped out and made her way towards the extremely guarded building. These labs were just one complex out of the twenty in Serl. Psera was always a highly technological land. The guards stationed outside bowed and opened the door for her as she walked past, letting her right in.

"Lady Arcadia," a feminine voice greeted from the right. She looked over to Bright Gold, white as snow, bowing to her. "Glad you made it."

"Please rise, Bright. Tell me everything." She did as requested, then motioned for the lady to follow. The two walked deeper into the building, walking along the marble floors on the upper level that held the offices. They passed by the front desk watched over by the Royal Elite for two pairs of large doors. One of the guards standing by it pressed a large and round green button on the side.

"At twelve forty three this morning, one of our technicians tested how a chemical compound would fare against steel. Well as you already know, the test was disastrous. It was a small piece of metal that somehow blew up into something far bigger and extremely dangerous." The elevator dinged open, revealing practically a large bathroom space that the group piled into. Arcadia walked in with Bright then the guards. She walked towards the keypad next to the door and entered a code. Then pressed Level 4. The doors closed a moment later, and they felt the elevator begin to move down.

"Was there any damage?" Arcadia asked.

"Yes, three lower levels have been pierced out of the seven. Now we have to repair the floors and the ceiling. Not to mention replace anything else damaged."

"Hopefully I can repair it." The elevator continued down for thirty three more seconds. Then stopped and opened up, revealing another security desk with more Royal Elite Guard behind it. They bowed as the group walked out and turned right, heading towards two large white swinging doors. The guards pushed it open for them as the two made their way into the labs.

The entire area was bright and white. With rooms on the left and right that held instruments, tables and machinery, all visible by the large glass windows. Along with test tubes and chemicals they created. Some of the technicians walking around spotted her and quickly bowed. They were all wearing badges on them and lab coats that held a few government insignias on it. Including a small steel pin that held "S3" on it. "Your highness," they greeted.

"Rise, my fellow Pserateps," she said kindly. "Can you take me to the site?" One of them nodded and made their way to a separate hallway on the side. The group followed along after him, passing more empty laboratories and clopping along the tile floor. They arrived at an area that was roped off with yellow tape. Ducking under it, Arcadia and the others continued on until they arrived at the scene. There was a huge wall of metal in front of them that had very long and very sharp spikes, some sticking into the floor and ceiling near and above them from at least fifteen feet away. Arcadia walked around it and stared at in interest. She calmly lifted a hoof and tapped the ball of metal. Then turned around towards the technicians. "Do you still have the formula for the chemical?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Keep it." They look at her confused. "I want you to archive that chemical and put it through some more tests. However in a more controlled environment." She looked back towards the ball of metal spikes and smiled, adding, "I have a feeling it could brings us more victory in battle if an enemy were to strike Psera. We are a very desired land."

"Ma'am, are you sure?" Bright Gold asked.

Arcadia nodded. "Yes. This piece is still going to be demolished, but that chemical could still be of some use. Every mistake made could always have a use in the future if there is a reason." She lit her horn and began to use a spell to break down the ball of sharp metal. "I need some scientists from S3 to head to Equestria. The deal has been made. I learned that their metal there is being destroyed after welding by the air molecules. I don't know by what, and I'm afraid I don't have the time to find out." The metal in front of Twilight slowly began to break down into rust, revealing some of the damage done. "Yeah, this whole area needs a look over."

"We'll be happy to go your highness," one of the labcoats stated.

Arcadia looked back and smiled happily. "GREAT! But there's a catch. You'll have to be stationed there. Whatever is over there we don't want coming here. As soon as the problem is discovered, come and find me."

"Yes, ma'am. When do we start?" Gold asked. Arcadia levitated out the the rest of the rusted metal ball from the hole in the ground revealing the damage in the ceiling and level underneath them.

"I want you to start tomorrow," she explained. "I'll have Madun and Bold Shoulder give you two platoons of guards and I will create a semi-permanent portal so you can pass through immediately back here. We need to create a laboratory there. I'll let Celestia know." She looked up through the hole in the ceiling and added, "It won't take me too long."



Celestia, Cadance, Sunset, and Luna were meeting with each other in the Crystal Empire the next day after the deal to discuss things. More importantly, the odd things. Sunset was tagging along because she was the only one who had direct contact with Arcadia, or Twilight, and also had some very important information. 

wilight's parents were sitting on one of the couches in the lounge on the side while Cadance and Shining Armor were on another. Flurry Heart was busy messing with Twilight Velvet's tail, attempting to braid it with her magic but kept failing. Sunset was beside Luna and Celestia, who were across from the Crystal Empire rulers drinking tea and discussing once again—

"Twilight," Celestia said. "Has guards, a fiancee, a large Kingdom that rivals our own, and apparently enough metal to build an army."

Luna shook her head and commented, "I really doubt she'd use it on us."

"I agree. Although that does not determine if she would use it on somepony else. Another creature outside Equestria."

Sunset shook her head and clarified, "Twilight isn't the type to do an invasion."

"Nor was she the kind of pony to blatantly destroy castles. Let alone toss us around like rag dolls. She has become very unpredictable."

"Well," Cadance muttered. "She seemed more...calm while we were around. She didn't attack. Although Blueblood is an exception. And it wasn't going to be her that attacked."

The royals chuckled and turned to the parents' confused faces. Luna took a sip of her tea then clarified what they just discussed. "Arcadia's fiance, King Madun, is quite protective and influential over Twilight. Always watching over her, I noticed. And he keeps her calm with just a touch. I feel your daughter is in good hooves."

Shining nodded and agreed with, "I felt that way too."

"Only time will tell," Twilight Velvet guessed. "How was the deal?"

"It went well," Cadance answered. "We agreed to help each other. Eleven thousand metric tons for rare gems. I don't know how they have that much. It's... it's impossible."

"I believe it," Sunset admitted, catching their attention. "On the day of your unexpected visit and lock up—"

"Don't remind me," Luna muttered.

"—Arcadia, or Twilight asked us to stay behind."

"Ahh, yes," Celestia agreed. She poured another cup of tea and passed it to Sunset. "I remember that."

"Yeah, well she took us on a tour of Psera." Sunset picked up the cup and took a calm and relaxed sip.

Oh!" Cadance exclaimed. She grinned at Sunset and asked, "What was it like?"

"It was amazing. Like, Equestria holds greatness and all, but Psera? Legendary. Everything there is just so big. The PDS, the Castle, The National Hospital, and Eventa. Psera has a total of seventeen cities. But something was off. Cop, Merōl, Rayray, Snow, Eventa, Lavender, Fenix, Capita, and the Psera Skies family that Twilight created in the sky. That's eight floating cities."

"Sunset, that's sixteen cities total," Luna corrected.

Sunset nodded and said. "And those are the ones she told me. There's another one, but Twilight didn't talk about it. Nor did anypony else. They were all silent about it. There's another city, but nopony's saying anything. I think it ties in with whatever Psera's hiding about metal."

The princesses glanced at each other for a second, then back to Sunset. Celestia set down her tea and asked in suspicion, "What do you mean?"

"Well, one day I went back home and told my friends some things. Then I brought up the tour and how Arcadia was acting strange. Well the others agreed that something weird was going on. Rarity had said something that Applejack picked up on, but she wasn't telling what it was. Before that, me and the girls weren't so sure about Psera having that much metal. Our Twilight denied that and said that the Castle more than likely held a city of metal in its infrastructure. After that Rarity said something to herself that Applejack picked up on. Rarity said, 'More than you think.'"

"So Rarity knows what Twilight's hiding?" Luna asked urgently.

Sunset shrugged and said, "Not much if any. Rarity admitted that Arcadia did in fact tell her something. But she was really tight-lipped about it. Rarity had stumbled over her words and did say that it was about metal. But other than that she wouldn't tell us anymore but that we would just have to investigate on our own. That got me thinking. This isn't about Twilight, it's about Psera and Twilight is just one out of the Pserateps that know about it. It's Psera as a whole. And it has to do with metal."

"So Psera is hiding something big, it seems," Cadance concluded. "Twilight's just in on the action." Sunset nodded. "Alright, that's one thing we know."

The book in Sunset's bag vibrated by her side, catching their attention. She pulled out the communication journal that was pulsing violet and flipped it open.

Reading it aloud, it read, "'Dear Sunset. Tomorrow morning, I am sending a group of specialists to Equestria to setup a laboratory and assess the air quality. They will have to build a laboratory for their research and are coming with two platoons of Psera Royal Guard. I am coming as well to setup the portal connected to Psera before I have to head back. For more information, please respond back with your query. We have pushed back the date for the auditions to next friday. You are all welcome to come and be one of those in the simulated audience. At Events at Eventa?!' She wants us to go inside that thing?!"

"What's Events at Eventa?" Celestia quickly asked.

Sunset shut the book and said with wide eyes, "It's a stadium..."

"Oh," Twilight Velvet shrugged off. "I thought it—"

"—that's as big as a city." Luna spat out her drink.
> Chapter 27 - Serl In Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Somepony knocked loudly on Merry's door later that evening, ripping her attention away from her meal. Arcadia sat down and waited patiently on the more than quiet other side, trying to figure out what was making Merry so...un-Merry. It wasn't like her to be so strange, or even walk funny. The door opened a second later, ripping her from her thoughts. Merry poked her head through and grinned at who was standing on the other side.

"Lady Arcadia!" She greeted. Merry pulled the door open wider and gestured for her to enter. "Come in, come in! How was Serl?"

Arcadia trotted inside before Merry closed the door. "Eh, it was okay," she responded. Merry shut the door and slowly followed her towards the bar in the kitchen. "The technicians created a formula by accident that I decided should be archived in case of an attack on Psera's soil." Arcadia took a seat across from Merry at the island. "I hope we won't have to use it, but things do happen. Now, why are you walking funny?"

Merry squealed excitedly and then leaned in to tell her tale. "Okay. So after you left this morning, I decided to head back home. When I walked through the door, I saw rose petals on the floor. So I followed them back to my bedroom, and saw Blazing on the bed. He was lying on his side with the most hungriest look I've ever seen him have."

Oh no, Twilight thought in her head.

"So I asked him what he was up to. He was always really secretive about romantic things. Well he didn't say anything. Instead, he lifted the covers that were over his lower half, and I saw his—"

"So you had sex!" Arcadia interrupted enthusiastically. "That's great! Are you aiming?"

"He was aiming." Arcadia's eye twitched. "He put it in, and started killin' it, girl! I mean, whoo!"

"Annnd, Merry's back," Arcadia muttered. "So were you shooting for a foal?"

"He was shooting for a foal."

"Stop it."

Merry rolled her eyes and smirked. She pointed a hoof at Arcadia and suggested, "You should go ahead and bang my brother! Tell him, 'The queen likes it rough.'"

"Yeah, I'm not saying that."

"Mmmhmm." Arcadia rolled her eyes. "Hey...I just realized you need more friends." Arcadia shot her a confused look. "The only close friends you have in Psera are Madun, my mother, your fiance, Gardeen, three of the guards, and myself."

"Is that not enough?"

"No, every last one of us is government!" Merry exclaimed. "Myself included. I deal with a few major laws here and there from time to time. You need friends that go out, shop, eat at restaurants, laugh, play, listen to music! Interesting ponies! Not all business! Heck, you're about to get married! Live in Psera! You know what? Ever since you've been here you've just been helping Psera! Not living Psera!"

"Well..." Arcadia hummed. "Now that you mention it, I have been too busy to go out and experience things. I've just been managing and watching from the sidelines."

Merry reached underneath the island and retrieved two glasses of premade Apple Juice. Then happily slid one in front of her friend. "Then that settles it! You, I, and my girlfriends, we're going out and relaxing for two days! Because you're a busy mare with national issues and I am most certain that you're stressin'! Your hair even agrees." Merry once again reached underneath her island and whipped out a mirror.

Arcadia gasped at her reflection and desperately tried to smoothen her mane. "Oh my Psera, it's everywhere! Help me, Merry! Oohh, I really hope Madun didn't see me like this!"

"If you talked to him after you got back from Serl, and before you came here, he did." Merry took a sip of her juice and sighed in relief. "But it's okay! My girlfriends and I are gonna fix it!" Arcadia stopped her fussing and stared at Merry in uncertainty. "Don't worry, we won't dye your mane or whatever. Just going out to relax and talk. Have Madun pay for a massage. I'm positive he won't mind."


***


Madun stared at Arcadia from across the glossy kitchen table the next morning in surprise. She had told him her plans for tomorrow after getting S3 setup in Equestria to do the research.

He grinned and joked, "Since when do you relax?"

Arcadia blushed and stammered, "I relax every now and then! I've just been too busy."

Madun chuckled and took a sip of water. After sighing and wiping his mouth with a napkin, he said, "Well now's a good time as any. With the wedding coming up and the coronations, not to mention it would take a few days for S3 to finalize their results, there's a lot of time. I'm sure all of Psera would recommend you take a load off. You deserve it. Just try not to go overboard. Okay?"

Arcadia grinned and got out her seat. Then trotted over and gave Madun a long kiss on the lips. He smiled into it and pulled her in close, deepening the liplock. She broke away a few seconds later and gave him bedroom eyes and a seductive smile. "You're such a smooth kisser," she whispered.

He chuckled and stroked her mane. "I learn from the mare of my life. Now you might want to get going before I sweep this table of all these dishes and put you on top of it instead."

Twilight blushed madly and giggled. Then gave Madun another kiss. "On our wedding night," she whispered. "I promise. I think we actually can now. Unless something comes up, which I highly doubt."

"I would greatly enjoy that." He leaned in and nipped her ear, making her gasp in pleasure. She's never felt this way before. Never. It was something incredibly new for her. And she wanted more.

"Maduuuun," she whined playfully. She shifted her wing then pulled away with a big blush on her cheeks and a grin on her face. "Not now, I'm about to go. When I get back, we can have a session, okay?"

"I'm holding you to that. Be safe, love. And listen to your guards if something happens, okay?"

"I will." She turned around and grabbed her things. Then headed for the door. But not without flicking her tail across Madun's nose. "Try not to drool on yourself."

"You're such a tease," he muttered before she laughed and shut the door behind her.



The mood in Equestria was lifted slightly after they learned that Equestria had acquired a new partner to help assist them with the Equestrian Metal Shortage. Some ponies called Pserateps. The news had spread quickly throughout Equestria after the newsponies and historians wrote down everything. Then relayed the news by voice via Pegasi. The printer wasn't available at this time.

The three Princesses of Equestria, Sunset Shimmer, who Celestia decided should be an unofficial Psera representative, and a few nobles were waiting outside of the castle for Arcadia and a few more ponies. Who Arcadia said were specialized in this type of thing.

"I have no idea what a Pseratep is, Princess," one of the nobles commented. Celestia rolled her eyes and put on a fake smile.

"You will see them very soon. Sunset Shimmer?"

Sunset flipped open the notebook and turned to the last entry. "She should be here in a few seconds." A violet portal loudly opened up in front of the large group of Equestrians before a large amount of the Pseratep guards quickly trotted out and took up their positions. Then Arcadia walked out with Gardeen and a snow white Pseratep, all wearing smiles. Celestia could tell the snow white one's was forced though.

Arcadia trotted right up to Celestia and gave her a hug. "Hello, Celestia," she greeted.

"Hello, Arcadia," she greeted. Then stepped back and looked her up and down. Then giggled. "No dress this time?"

Arcadia shrugged and said, "They're all in the cleaners. Hello, Luna, Cadance. Sunset." The other three trotted over and delivered their own hugs and greetings before stepping back. "I'd like you to meet the one in charge of the investigation here in Equestria involving the air." The super white Pseratep strode forward while more Pserateps walked out of the portal Twilight left open. All four of them were wearing white lab coats, mane covers, hoof covers, and masks.

"This is Bright Gold," Arcadia introduced, gesturing towards the smiling mare beside her. "She is my Second in Command of S3."

Princess Celestia greeted her and shook her hoof before Bright turned to the rest of the Princesses. Celestia then asked Arcadia, "S3?"

"Research facility in Psera. My guards are helping bring in building materials, among other things, but we still need a secure location for the lab."

Luna trotted forward and suggested, "Even though tensions are high there, Ponyville is still our most guarded town."

Arcadia squinted her eyes, thinking hard about that. Luna was right, however Ponyville is often very curious and usually lets it get the best of them. But her guards were well trained.

She blinked and nodded her head. "Very well. I'll have S3 setup shop by the old crystal building, or what you all called my castle so they can have access to my books."

Arcadia turned around and watched the guards pull a few steel carts out of the portal, filled with building materials. A lot of plastic, sealed crates, tents, food, and some weird glass slabs. All of it white. Celestia gazed at it in wonder with everyone else, all trying to figure out what it does.

One of the masked Pserateps walked up to Bright and handed her a golden jacket. She took it and put it on, then turned around to help with the materials. On the back of their coats in giant font were the words, "S3". Celestia and Luna raised an eyebrow then turned back to Twilight.

"So what are these materials?" Cadance asked. Arcadia waved for them to follow them to some of the carts. With haste they complied. Arcadia stopped at the thin glass slabs they brought through earlier that caught the Royalty's eye. It was white but had a strange sparkling blue layer underneath the glass with gridlines. There were maybe ten or twenty slabs.

"These will help power a majority of our machinery," Arcadia explained. "They convert something into energy."

"Oh? What?" Luna inquired. Arcadia raised a hoof towards—

"The sunlight. It gathers here..." She tapped the glass panels. "And goes in here." She motioned towards one of the larger machines before one of her guards trotted up and bowed to her.

"Your highness, we're having a little trouble getting two-five-eight through." Arcadia turned around towards her portal, then lit her horn to make it a little bigger.

"There you go. Be careful with that one," Arcadia instructed. The soldier saluted then walked back over, wings ringing from the blades hitting each other. Arcadia turned around and looked down at one of the nobles. Then cast a confused glance at Celestia.

"They wanted to see who you were and who we partnered with," Cadance explained.

"Oh! Alright." She turned to one of them and instantly regretted it. Blueblood stared back with a smile on his face, making Arcadia a little uneasy. What was he up to?

"Hello, Twilight," he greeted casually.

"Uhh...no. I-It's Arcadia Nova," she corrected nervously with a faux smile. "Hello again, Blueblood. How are you?"

"I'm peachy." He looked around for a moment then turned back to Arcadia. "I see your suitor is not around."

"My fiance has already done his part in establishing the connection between Psera and Equestria," she explained.

"So when will we get to see this... Psera?" One of the other nobles asked.

Twilight smiled and answered, "That would be up for the Congress to decide. As well as a few more organizations. Obviously military and Royalty, as well as a few Law Enforcement. It would be a large National Debate, far bigger than this one that even I honestly cannot guarantee will work out. Trade? Maybe. Visitation? Eh." 

"We're ready your highness," Bright Gold said from beside her. Twilight turned around to see the large amount of small time building materials settled inside of wagons, carts, and boxes.

"Great!" Arcadia responded enthusiastically. After closing the portal, she lit her horn and enveloped every last item in her magic, including the big machine that had to weight a ton, and lifted them into the air effortlessly. She turned back to Celestia, smiling. "Let's go."


***


Applejack quickly set down another cart of rationed apples and other apple products in the middle of the square, leaving four in the middle of the camp. She unlatched herself and trotted to the back of it to let down the back. Then reached up to wiggle a bell. It rang throughout the town. "Breakfast! Foals first! Breakfast!" She announced loudly.

The ponies poked their heads out of the tents towards the bell before the foals trotted out, heading towards the cart. Upon arrival they organized into a single file line like usual. Applejack and the other element bearers started passing out the food. Fluttershy hoofed over an apple, orange, and a carrot to Button Mash, who made his way back to his tent. Then moved on to another foal.

Rainbow Dash was even helping out, even after facing backlash of being a Pegasus, who was "Living it good in the clouds". The day started off quickly with doctors coming in and out of tents to check on and make sure the ponies had pushed through the chilly night. Rarity took note that they would need more blankets for the upcoming winter.

A lot of movement on the far side of the town caught her attention, mainly because of the dust cloud rising in the air and heading towards them. Rarity tapped Rainbow Dash's shoulder, then gestured towards it. "What is that?"

Rainbow followed her gaze and shrugged. "I don't know. I wasn't notified of any high winds today."

"Hopefully it won't get in the way," Applejack commented before hoofing over another apple and more. She paused when she saw a line of ponies heading up the street. Something metallic was ringing through the air, catching everypony's attention. The Pseratep guards trotted around the makeshift food bank with steel faces, making their way down the street. The citizens watched the one hundred something Pserateps walk past before focusing on the deep flapping from above. Arcadia, the Princesses, and her personal guards flew low over Ponyville, creating a breeze. The guards who had marched through the town created a runway of some sort in front of the violet crystal building so Arcadia and everyone else could land. The large boxes and far more materials floated over and settled themselves down around Twilight's old castle in stacks.

Once the chariot rolled to a stop, the Pserateps dressed in lab coats jumped out. Twilight placed one of the larger machines down by the castle walls before placing some of the building materials—including some steel beams—to the left side. Stacking them on top of each other.

Bright Gold trotted over holding a violet lab coat on her back. "Lady Arcadia."

She turned and smiled. "Thank you very much, Bright." She took the coat in another magical hold before she slipped her hooves into it. Then buttoned it up. It had reflective material on the hems and had a large label on the back, reading "S3", just like the others. Except it was formatted in a reflective gold. She also had her name on the left chest. "Captain, Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle."

While they were getting prepared, Celestia and the others stood to the side, looking at one of the large crates, bigger than they were. Celestia and Luna shared a confused glance before focusing back on Arcadia, who was speaking with her crew, including the large amount of guards that Cadance thought was unnecessary.

"We need to setup shop," she announced loudly, her voice bouncing off the buildings in the town below. "First, setup the equipment and tools in their designated areas. Just like in S3. Then assemble the external protective structure around it. Lights, detectors, all of it. Snap it in, apply and adjust the panels, wait for the energy to build, then come and get me so I can apply the final adjustments. Foreman? I want a security line setup in front of the walkway that leads here and a secure radius on this property. Right in between here and the town. Understood?"

"Yes, Lady Arcadia!" They responded. Arcadia nodded then looked towards Sunset while the guards and technicians went to work.

"How are things here?" She asked her. "I saw them delivering food in the square when I flew over."

Sunset shrugged and sat down with her, facing the town. "Well, as good as they can get really. There's not much to do here anymore since... Well, everything's been torn down."

Arcadia blinked and looked out towards the town. It was so... Eerie now. Everything was quiet. "I need to get you a badge," she said suddenly. Sunset looked over to her. "I just realized you have to get to the castle to get back to Canterlot High and I just...blocked it off. "

Sunset nodded and asked, "So how are you setting up the lab?"

Arcadia turned around and pointed towards a space a little ways in front of the castle. "We're going to set it up here. Two stories tall and big enough for us to do the required testing. There's going to be two entry points. One is for security, the second for cleaning. Then we're inside. Most of the big parts here are the tools we'll be using to analyze the air. Our goal is to have the study done in a month. Before Winter begins. Equestria needs to send us the gems first before we present our findings and come up with a solution to recycle or cleanse the air."

"Okay," Sunset said tiredly. "So... what's S3? Everyone here is wearing a label with S3 on it. Even the guards." Arcadia didn't answer for six whole seconds, making Sunset suspicious.

"S3 is research," she said finally. "That's all I'm saying about it."

"Oh... Okay."

"Twilight!" Arcadia turned around and saw  Applejack in front of the line of guards waving, holding her and the rest of the girls back.

Arcadia looked towards the side and motioned towards Gardeen. She eeped and quickly zipped over, notepad ready. "Let Bright know I'm going to asses the environment," Arcadia replied. "And speak with the other Princesses."

"Yes, ma'am!" Before she could shuffle off, Arcadia placed a hoof on her.

"By the way, you're coming with Merry and I tomorrow," she informed happily. "You've been working just as hard keeping up with me as I have for Psera."

"Oh!" Gardeen blushed and stuttered, "I-I don't th-think I've been working th-that hard, your highness."

"Nevertheless, you deserve a break. So we're all going out for two days. I haven't gone to any of the Psera Skies except to build and for the opening ceremony. I'm sure the mall up there is amazing now."

"Yes, your highness." Arcadia nodded, then proceeded to walk towards the girls in the distance. Her personal detail and Sunset Shimmer followed along, trying to keep up with her pace. The guards holding the Elements back stepped to the side so she could greet them.

"Hello, girls," she greeted before the Princesses teleported behind her.

"Hello, dear," Rarity greeted kindly. "Why are you in Equestria? I thought you were getting ready for your wedding."

"Oh she is," Cadance answered. Twilight turned around and stared at Cadance's knowing smirk. "From what I smell anyway."

Twilight blushed and extended a wing in front of Cadance's face, blocking her from view. Then coughed into her hoof, trying to turn down down the awkward atmosphere then said, "Er, this is a research facility for your air. No more questions revolving around the facility please. For my Pserateps' safety. How are things here?"

"Uhhh...." Pinkie turned around to look at the town then back to Arcadia with a smile. "Just waitin' for the grass to grow back."

Any one of the Pserateps who heard her turned to Arcadia, including Bright Gold and the other technicians. The Princesses also turned to her, remembering the story Psera's Royalty told them. Arcadia squinted her eyes accusingly at Pinkie, who was looking just as confused as her friends.

Arcadia squinted her eyes and said slowly, "I hope it works out. The dust layer over the clouds of Equestria are from the constant breakdown of buildings has left the ground soft enough to lift the dirt from even the slightest change of air. Example?"

Arcadia expanded one of her large wings and buzzed it. The dirt underneath it lifted straight up and into her wing, turning it from it's well known violet to a light brown. She put it in front of one of her guards' face, who quickly cleaned it by blowing air through it. Arcadia took her wing back and gestured to Equestria. "All of the land here is really dry. You'd have to moisten it first so it can grow. Then you can grow your grass." Gardeen shared a look with one of the lab technicians. She was the very nervous fidgety one, who squeaked and went to another area the second they made eye contact.

"So you—"

"Your highness!" Bright Gold interrupted from the machine. Twilight quickly turned around and trotted towards the technicians, nearly bumping past one of the nobles. They watched her and her guards walk away towards the group of technicians before turning to each other.

Arcadia stopped beside her and asked, "Yes, Bright Gold?"

Bright chuckled and glanced towards the Equestrians. "Thought you could use an escape route." Bright plugged a control panel into one of the machines and attached it to a frame. "I could see you were... Becoming agitated."

Twilight sighed and nodded. "Thank you so much for that bail out. How are we doing?"

"Just need to complete the circuit for all the machines to send and receive information. Then we'll move on to the inner layout of the building." Bright pointed towards the stacks of large boxes on the left. "Those hold the cables."

Arcadia lit her horn and hefted them over. Then tore off the wooden lid. She took out the wires then inserted them into the outlets. Afterwards she called for her guards. The ones not holding the radius trotted over and saluted. Arcadia motioned towards one of the blue prints sitting on a nearby box and requested they construct the inner layer of the building. They quickly obliged.



By two, everything was complete. The building was very similar to Serl's S3 facility. Just a much smaller version. Arcadia stood in front of it with the Princesses, scanning it with her eyes for any missing parts. The building was made mostly out of metal and had two entry points connected to each other. One for security, and the other for cleansing. The only ones authorized in were her guards, the technicians, herself... Technically the Pserateps. No one else.

Celestia blinked and turned to Arcadia's determined face. She adjusted her coat, getting the S3 logo to shimmer, and something else to flash in Celestia's eye. "What else...what else..." Arcadia muttered. "Ah! Right! I need you to meet S3! Bright! Come and bring the others please!"

The technicians quickly ran over and  stood in front of her. One of them was a stallion with a gold coat and light green mane and tail. He pulled down his mask and smiled to the Princesses. "My name is Bright Light. A pleasure." He bowed slightly before the next technician spoke.

This one's appearance took the Princesses off guard because she looked exactly like Fluttershy, save for the long wings. She had a pale yellow coat with a light pink mane and tail. She squeaked and pulled down her mask. "Hello. I'm, umm...Rising Flutter. Nice to meet you." The Elements and the Princesses looked from her then to Fluttershy. Then back to her. Then to Fluttershy again.

Rainbow Dash shook her head, and muttered, "This is going to irk me."

A completely dark blue Pseratep mare strode forward and greeted, "My name is Blue Ivy."

Another mare stepped forward and bowed. She was completely green. Green coat, green mane and tail, and green eyes. "And I am Green Lush. And we are S3."
> Chapter 28 - Fiery Outburst
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the introductions and the Semi-friendly interaction, Lady Arcadia did a thorough check inside the laboratory with the other ponies. Running a few machine tests, engine runs, and more before she put in some commands for the solar panels on the roof from inside. They clanged and began to rotate towards the sun behind the building.

The Equestrians watched it move before Twilight, some guards, and the rest of S3 came back outside, trotting towards them. "Okay, here's the deal," she said before stopping in front of them. "The S3 Mobile Laboratory will be busy absorbing energy for a full twenty-four hours before everything boots up. In the meantime, my technicians will be collecting samples, forming theories, and running small tests before it finishes. And then they can move on to the big tests. If they find something, they will talk to Sunset Shimmer about it. Who I understand is the Equestrian-Psera Liaison, correct?"

Cadance nodded and answered, "Yes. Unofficially, but still."

"Good. Now. Please refrain from asking questions about S3. It's okay to ask about their research on Equestria's air. But other than that, please respect S3's privacy. Also, no one is allowed inside but those who are authorized by Bright Gold or myself."

"Alright," Princess Celestia agreed. "We'll leave uhhh.... S3 to their research. We will also continue our digging for the gems you require at the same time. You're welcome to come back to the castle if you have the time, Lady Arcadia."

"Great!" Twilight turned to Bright Gold and instructed, "Make sure security is up to code and that research is the second biggest priority behind security. Ponyville has always been a little nosey."

"Yes, ma'am," Bright Gold responded sternly.

"Good." Twilight turned back around and waved for Gardeen Daisy to follow her. She walked towards Ponyville with the Princesses , Gardeen, and her guards, who created a tight perimeter around the group. The Elements watched them walk away before turning back to S3, who were heading back to the lab with the Pseratep guards.

After the door to the area inside was closed, they all relaxed. "Well," Applejack spoke up. "That was... Somethin'."

Fluttershy nodded and said, "Twilight wasn't really fond of replenishing Equestria's grass. Which makes it harder for the animals here to repopulate."

Pinkie sighed and turned around, heading back to the town on a different route off of Twilight's. The others shared a worried look before they followed after her, hoping to find out what was going on.

"Grass gives ponies hope here," Pinkie explained when they caught up with her. "A symbol of change. Without it, they will think that nothing is going to change. All they'll see is... That." She waved her hoof towards the lab setup behind them.

"I wonder where Twilight got all those tools from," a new voice spoke. The group stopped and looked towards Starlight and Trixie coming from a side road. "They're really fancy."

"Definitely expensive," Trixie added.

Sunset shrugged and said, "Yeah. I wonder what's inside besides all of that machinery."

"Notes, notes, and more notes?" Rainbow suggested blandly from above.

"And 'S3'?" Rarity pondered aloud. "What does that stand for exactly?"

"All Twilight said was 'S3 is research," Sunset answered.

"Vague much?" Trixie responded before glancing back at the building. Two of the technicians were outside again, pulling a cart towards the town on a different road that had small boxes on it, some machinery, and more. They were both wearing hoof covers and had a mask hanging down from their mouths. One of them bore a strong resemblance to Fluttershy, making her do a double take. "And why are there two Fluttershys?"

"They act alike too," Rarity added. They turned to the technicians to watch what they were doing.



Rising Flutter and Blue Ivy kept a close eye out for some greatly needed samples of metal here in Equestria while they pulled the cart along the dirty and rough ground, shifting the sample boxes around a little. They would have asked Lady Arcadia for some but assumed that she had enough problems dealing with the Equestrian Princesses.

"See any yet?" Blue Ivy asked. She stopped and scruffed the ground, hoping to find something.

Rising Flutter stopped too and shook her head. "No. Maybe we should, um, ask those ponies. If that's okay with you." She pointed a hoof at the Mane Six—or Mane Five—watching from a safe distance.

Blue Ivy looked over and rubbed her chin. It wouldn't hurt to ask right? "Eh. Why the buck not?"

Rising Flutter squeaked and whispered, "Oh! Language, Blue. We're on somepony else's land." Blue Ivy rolled her eyes before they redirected their cart towards them.



"Uh oh, they're coming over here," Starlight whispered.

"Play it cool," Rainbow responded before they got a few feet away.

"Hello, ponies," Blue Ivy greeted. She and Rising Flutter stopped in front of them with the guards. "We could use some of your assistance. Since we've never been here, we have no idea where to find useless remnants of metal to place under study."

Rising Flutter raised a hoof at them and asked, "You wouldn't, um, happen to know of a trash bin, or recycling kiosk here in Ponyville, would you?"

The group shared a look before they nodded. "Yeah," Sunset answered. "We have a small stockpile of utensils in the square. But I'd be careful. Since you're new and nopony's seen you before, that and you're touching highly valued Equestrian property, some ponies may become defensive."

Rising Flutter nodded eagerly and said, "We anticipated this."

Blue Ivy reached into a pocket on the outside of her lab coat and pulled out a violet crystal block that she held up to her mouth. "Blue to base, we need more security for town entry from possible hostilities. We're at the Town-Base corridor." She held it back from her mouth and smiled at the Equestrians confused expressions.

"Uhhh..." Starlight motioned towards the block and chuckled nervously. "Th-that's a crystal block. You realize that, right?"

Rising Flutter chuckled and nudged Blue Ivy who shook her head in amusement. The Elements and friends cast confused looks again before the crystal block suddenly turned blue and Bright Gold's voice came through it. "Ten-four, Blue. Five more guards are preparing. Do you need that shovel?"

The crystal changed back to violet before blue raised it back to her mouth, keeping her eyes on the town. "Yes, please."

"Okay, I'll send it with one of the guards. Stand by." She put the block back inside her coat while the group across stared at it in wonder.

Sunset blinked multiple times, then pointed at her coat and asked, "You have radios?!"

"What's a radio?"



While S3 were obtaining samples for tomorrow's test and project, Twilight and Gardeen were speaking with the Princesses about the wedding happening in Psera. They walked through Ponyville, looking at the foals who decided to play in the dirt and trees near the outside of town.

"How are the preparations coming along?" Luna asked while dodging a ball kicked under her hoofs. Two little fillies ran by to chase it.

Arcadia shrugged and said, "We're waiting for next week before we do anything. S3 will stay here and do what they can while we prepare. The Pserateps will be waiting for the chance to act and show their stuff back in Events at Eventa for a week. That Merry convinced me to let you and the others judge on. Speaking of which, she's taking me on a day out tomorrow and I'm bringing Gardeen because she's been such an excellent assistant." She pushed a hoof up to Gardeen's mouth before she could protest. Then smiled to her. "Don't be so humble. You're good and you know it."

She pulled back her hoof and let Gardeen smile again. "Yes, Lady Arcadia."

"And while we're not among other ponies, you can just call me Arcadia. Or Nova. Arcadia Nova got stuck on me." Arcadia leaned over and whispered, "Don't tell Her Majesty."

"Your secret's safe with me," Gardeen whispered back, chuckling at the Royal's playful attitude. She rarely got to see it. Anypony rarely got to see it.

"What about Spike?" Cadance asked. The Princesses and assistant stopped and watched a group of foals run up to them with flowers they found. Three of them, that Arcadia recognized almost immediately.

"Here's some flowers, Princesses!" Scootaloo announced with a mouthful of them. "We got them from the Whitetail Woods!" She pulled them out her mouth and held them up to Celestia.

She smiled and took them in her magic. Then scruffed Scootaloo's mane. "Thank you, kind pony." The others did the same before Sweetie Belle hoofed one to Gardeen. Gardeen chuckled nervously before she grabbed it and hoofed it over to Arcadia. Sweetie Belle looked at her confused before she recognized the mare smelling the flowers.

She gasped loudly and yelled, "Twilight?!!"

Arcadia jumped and looked down at Sweetie Belle, smiling. "Hello, Sweetie Belle."

"Where have you been?!" She asked. Scootaloo and Applebloom came over and had the exact same reaction.

Arcadia chuckled and walked around them with the princesses, walking once more towards an empty field. "I was here a few days ago. You three were on my fiance's back, remember?"

"THAT was you?!" Scootaloo responded. "I thought that was somepony else!"

"Nope, that was me."

"You look different now. More big."

Arcadia froze in mid step with a scrunched up aghast facial expression. The others gasped and turned to the confused Cutie Mark Crusaders. Especially Scootaloo. "Uhhh... was it something I said?"

"I think you girls have made quite the impression on Lady Arcadia," Gardeen told them. "You can run along now and continue playing."

"Er, okay?" Sweetie Belle responded awkwardly before she turned around and walked back to Ponyville with the other two. Once they were a good distance away, she turned back to Arcadia.

"Are you okay, Lady Arcadia?" She asked timidly. The other princesses were looking at her frozen facial expression. That comment had taken a huge blow to her self-esteem.

She sniffed and turned to Gardeen with tears. "I'm not big, am I?!" She cried.

"No, your highness. Those fillies just didn't know what they were talking about. Or watching what they were saying. Foals will be foals."

Cadance draped a wing over her back and cooed, "It's okay. You're not fat. I think she was referring to your wings."

"You are definitely not fat, Twilight!" A familiar haughty voice said from behind them.

Arcadia croaked and quickly turned around. Blueblood walked up casually towards the group with his signature smirk and eyes closed. His clothes much cleaner than anypony else in Ponyville. And possibly Equestria. He grabbed Arcadia's hoof about to give it a kiss before Gardeen hit it away with her wing, protecting her. "Ow!" He yelped and pulled back. He glared at Gardeen and said, "You lousy peasant! I'll have you locked away in chains in the dirtiest cell I can find!"

Luna gasped before the Pseratep guards stepped forward to apprhend him. "Wait!" They froze and stepped to the side at Arcadia's command. She was mad. No, angry. No, furious that he'd disrespect her friend like that. That was the last straw. She has had it. She strode forward with wide and narrowed eyes. Then stopped directly in front of Blueblood's snide face.

"I only have three words for you," she whispered loudly. "I have never said them to anypony in my life, never even crossed my mind until this very moment when you said what you just said to my hard-working and amazing assistant. I. Hate. You." The group accompanying Arcadia gasped lightly. "I want you gone. I don't want to see you anymore. I don't know why you continue following me, I don't like you. I have never liked you. I don't know where you even got the idea that I would actually consider ever going on a date with you after how you act! All high and mighty! You don't even act like royalty! All you do is go around and act like you own everything! I've told you hundreds of times, 'No!' Yet you still continue to harrass me about going on a date with you! The answer is no!" Arcadia stomped her hoof with each, "No, no, no! I don't like you! And frankly, I don't know if any mare in their right mind would even consider dating you! I'd rather date anypony else here than you because they actually did something during the shortage while you're still literally gleaming and shining! Even the Princesses themselves more than likely hoofed over some of their own belongings! My heart belongs to Shimmering Madun! And only him! Because he treats the Pserateps right, he listens to others, he's kind, gentle, understanding, genuinely smiles, protective, humble, and loyal. He acts like a King! And even if he weren't, I'd still marry him because he's everything you're not! I love him!! And I hate you!! Now leave my sight!"

He gawked at her, just like everyone else around her. The air around them was silent, giving Gardeen a cold chill. She had never seen Lady Arcadia act like that. Never even heard her yell. Twilight had her wings flared out in anger, breathing hot air through her nose. Realizing what she said, she quickly backpedaled. "Look, Blueblood. I'm—"

He raised a hoof, silencing her and said sadly, "Don't bother." Then teleported away, leaving Arcadia with drooped ears. After a few quiet seconds, she sniffed and closed her eyes. Ready to full out cry before Cadance softly pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry you all had to see that," she explained. "It was completely unprofessional and—"

"Twilight," Celestia interrupted. She walked over and lifted her chin so she could look into her kind eyes. Celestia smiled and whispered, "It's okay. We're sorry that we were never able to take affirmative action so Blueblood could actually leave you alone for once whenever he saw you. It would've prevented your sudden outburst."

Twilight pulled back and wiped her eyes. "It was still highly unprofessional of me. I'm sorry everypony that you had to see that. I think I need to go home and speak with Madun about this. And take some time to myself." She turned to the side and began opening a portal. Then looked back at the Equestrian princesses. "I'm sorry we had to cut this meeting a little short, Celestia."

"It's alright, Twilight," she appeased. "I understand. Go and have some time. We'll be in touch." Arcadia nodded before the portal finished and she walked through, followed by Gardeen and her guards. Once on the other side, the portal closed, leaving the Princesses alone with each other. The only sound was the wind and the nearby sounds of ponies talking and conversing at the camp.

"That was surprising," Cadance finally said, breaking the deafening silence that was eating away at Luna. Then turned worriedly to Celestia and asked, "Do you know—"

"I don't know where Blueblood went," Celestia interrupted sternly. "Nor do I care at this moment. He had pushed Twilight to the point where she lashed out. To be honest, I'm more worried about her than Blueblood. Hopefully Madun can help her. He's been a very good influence on Arcadia Nova. So much so that I believe she could build her own kingdom from scratch and without a template like with Psera."

Luna sighed and began walking back to Ponyville. "I just hope Twilight's okay," she whispered before the other Princesses followed along. Hoping for the best.



Once the last guard stepped out in the middle of the Castle lobby, Arcadia quickly closed the portal to Equestria. Then sighed with her head down. "You're all dismissed," she instructed. They saluted and left to head back to their quarters, leaving her with Gardeen and a few of the waving and greeting Pserateps. But Arcadia didn't respond. Barely acknowledged.

Gardeen walked over and gently placed her wing on Arcadia's back. Then led her towards the elevator. Since she was Royalty's assistant, she was allowed in there with her. "I can't believe," Arcadia whispered. "That I said that."

"Don't beat yourself up too much, Arcadia," Gardeen replied as he elevator moved up. "I'm sure it was just a fit of frustration."

"I know, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings," Arcadia responded quietly. "I only wanted him to stop pestering me about dating him. And all of that frustration blew up in both of our faces. I wasn't supposed to—"

"Arcadia," Gardeen interrupted. Arcadia looked over at her fiery eyes, filled with determination before they stepped out of the elevator. "Don't worry about him. You were just defending my honor. Why?"

"Because you're my friend. But—"

"But nothing, Lady Arcadia." Gardeen held a hoof out in front of her chest to stop her. Then walked out and stood to face her with eyes full of determination. "I might get fired for this. But I love you like a sister. So here it is. Buck up." Twilight raised an eyebrow at her language. "Yes, you hurt somepony's feelings. But things like that happen. Yes, you're a diplomat. But you're also a pony. With feelings, emotions. And you are a mare who needs love and care just like any mare in the world. But above all of that. You. Are still. A pony. You get angry, you get sad, you get happy, you get mad. You cry, you smile. It's the way of life. Yes, you have magic, and yes you are a foreigner that has helped Psera and has been rebuilding it to its high glory. You have so much credit here. And nopony here doubts that you will have the same amount in Equestria in the future. But out of all of it, out of everything that you have done and are still doing. Again. You. Are still. A pony.  Hey, I get mad and I blow up too! I am not going to deny it. That doesn't make me a bad pony. Somepony that should be fired from her job." Gardeen leaned in and quickly whispered, "Please don't fire me" for a moment before regaining her composure. Arcadia giggled and smiled while she continued. "You are not a bad pony, Arcadia. Bluebird is the bad pony."

Arcadia smiled and rolled her eyes at the misuse of his name once more before she walked over and pulled Gardeen into a hug. "Thank you, Gardeen," she whispered.

Gardeen lovingly hugged her back and whispered, "My pleasure, Lady Arcadia." After a few more seconds, they pulled back and smiled at each other. "Now let's go and get you ready for tomorrow. I know you can't wait to get this vacation started, no matter how short it is."

Arcadia scoffed and said, "Forty-eight hours is a long time."

"Well you're going to be sleeping between fifteen and twenty of those hours away. So that makes it..." She started mumbling numbers before they walked into the quiet area for the Royal suite. Passing by the garden that Twilight made a mental note to tend to in the future. She rarely visits it. "Twenty three hours at least for you to enjoy Psera. Less than a day."

"Then we have to get ready to have a blast," Arcadia responded before she pushed the door open. The two mares walked inside before Gardeen "eeped" and backed out. Arcadia paused and turned around to face her confused. Then chuckled and asked, "What are you doing?"

She pointed at the house and said, "This is the King and Queen's quarters. I can't just let myself inside."

Arcadia smiled sweetly and ushered her in. "Gardeen? You're my friend. If Rarity can walk inside and Madun wouldn't say anything, then I'm beyond positive he won't say anything to you." Arcadia walked in and looked around, trying to find Madun. She saw the fireplace was lit and had some pictures of him and Arcadia on the top of it, the building lit only by that at the moment.

"Arcadia!" She turned around and looked back by the bedroom. Madun was walking out of their shared room and towards the two. "You'll never guess who happened to stop by today. Come on in, Gardeen, I see you cowering back there." Gardeen slowly inched her way inside before Arcadia used her magic to shut the door, giving her assistant an "I told you so" look. Then stood beside the Lady in Waiting.

"Who?" Arcadia asked before she said, "Also, I uh...have to tell you something that I thought you may want to hear."

"Oh. Okay. Well my cousin came over and wanted to meet you. But you were out and about. So she went to Merry's for a moment. Come to the couch, love. And let's talk about what had you upset earlier."

Arcadia gawked and pointed a hoof, then asked, "How did you know I..."

Madun chuckled and placed a wing over her back. Then led her towards the couch, leaving Gardeen to follow along. He sighed and said, "You make the cutest little faces whenever you make a mistake and try to explain it, or worry about it. Now." he set her down on one side of the couch while he sat on the other. Then gave her his full attention. "What's bugging you, baby?"

Arcadia blushed and rolled her eyes while Gardeen was trying her hardest not to giggle from a couch on the side. Then she told him what happened in Equestria. The introduction of S3, the Cutie Mark Crusaders' comment, Blueblood's mysterious disappearance, and her outburst that had left her partly depressed for a second and ashamed at herself before Gardeen told her the truth.

"I always had an itch for that Bluebird stallion," Madun grunted.

"Why do all of you—nevermind," Arcadia interrupted herself.

"He was trying to hit on my fiancee," he stated matter-of-factly. He was obviously irked. Before he took a deep breath and calmed down. "Although I am a little surprised you'd say those things, Gardeen was right. Out of everything you've done in the past, and the things you are doing now, you are still a pony. And the worst you could do is try to take over the world. Which I highly doubt. You have emotions that were building up and blew up in front of everypony. And that is why you are going out with Merry tomorrow. To relax. Try to be up early. Merry is an early bird herself."

Arcadia giggled and got up to go do something. "Okay. I'll make sure that I am." She began to make her way to the kitchen before Madun grabbed her hoof, getting her to turn around.

He was smirking and asked, "And where do you think you're going?"

She glanced at Gardeen who shrugged. Then looked back to Madun. "I was going to make a sandwich."

"Not without having this moment, you're not. Sit down."

"But—"

"The sandwich can wait, come on." Arcadia sighed and rolled her eyes. But did as requested and sat back down. He wrapped a wing and hoof around her and pulled her close so she could lean on his chest. They turned and faced the fireplace, snuggling up against each other. "See? Isn't this nice."

"Mmmm... Yeah," she hummed.

"That is so beautiful." They turned to face Gardeen who was wiping her eyes and smiling at the two of them. "You two make the best couple. I need a picture. Can I take a picture? Please?" Madun and Twilight looked at each other. Then shrugged and turned back to Gardeen.

"Sure you can," the two said. Madun pointed to a dresser next to her and said, "The camera's in there." Gardeen squealed and immediately went fishing. Then pulled it out and positioned it towards the couple on the couch. She snapped the shutter, sealing the view in memory. And in history.
> Chapter 29 - Pre-fun!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A warm fireplace was the best place to think. It was warm, peaceful, mildly quiet, and easy on the eyes, the dancing fire seeming to appease Blueblood's wildly racing throughts. Filled with questions, statements, and Twilight's admittance.

I hate you.

He sighed and picked up his last bottle of wine, preparing to down, drown, and add it to the three empty ones by his hooves. He had taken off his coat and set it to the side with all of his medals.

I want you gone. I don't want to see you anymore. He drunk one half of the bottle then lowered it for a moment, eyes still trained on the dancing flames. And frankly, I don't know if any mare in their right mind would even consider dating you! He picked the bottle up one more time then down the rest of it. He pulled back with a tired sigh, then threw the bottle into the flames, the alcohol adding to them.

Who the hay was this King Madun anyway? Apparently it was Twilight's fiance. And she really likes this guy. Correction. Loves him, based off of what she yelled in his face a few hours ago. Pseratep ponies. That's what they're called. An evolved version of Pegasi. Can fly faster than the Element of Loyalty on a terrible day, and on her good day. Having never been in their land, he didn't know how advanced they were. But according to Celestia, they were beating Equestria by miles.

But Twilight wasn't a Pseratep. She was an Equestrian. She wasn't needed in Psera. She was needed here. In Equestria. Psera. The root to all of this drama in his eyes. It needs to be taken away from Twilight's hooves so she can see the more important things in life. Like him. He was important. Right? He actually meant something to Equestria... Right?

"Stupid bucking long winged ponies," he slurred. "Thinkin' they can take my girl. I'll show 'em. I'll show all of 'em I'm better than 'em."



The covers on the couch shifted when Twilight adjusted her position on the bed, lying on top of Madun, the most comfortable position in her mind. After dinner, she and Madun went back on the couch and slept together in silence, the only noise being the crackling of flames in the fireplace that by this point have cooled down into embers. The wood was black with glowing orange lights, its insides still in slight flames. Arcadia cracked open her eyes and stared at it. Her right ear pressed against Madun's chest, listening to his calm heartbeat, her favorite song.

She hummed and smiled, dragging her hooves up his chest to wrap around his neck before settling down again. He murmured something in his sleep before his own hooves drifted over her, running over her fur. She sighed and held onto him tighter while one hoof wrapped around her, holding her close while the other drifted much lower. Arcadia gasped in pleasure at his unconscious ministrations before the hoof glided over that one spot and rubbed it, which made her squeal in delight.

She buried her red face in his chest while he continued, trying to decide if she should stop him or just let him continue. In the end she settled for just moaning, "Madun~."

He leaned down and nuzzled the top of her head. Whispering, "I love you more than I'm loving this." Still asleep. Arcadia could tell by his calm heartbeat. How is this possible? This defies everything she knew! Arcadia shivered under his touch, his hoof alone causing a reaction that she didn't even know she had. Her pants consisted of moans and light quivering, her wings buzzing in excitement before she became tense and bucked lightly against his leg. And felt a small amount of liquid pour out from between her legs and Madun's hoof. While she quivered, she also felt a large mass trapped between her and him that was definitely not there a few minutes ago. She rolled over and looked between him and her, blushing deeply at her discovering. Her fiance was definitely having a very good dream. And she was the star of the show.

Madun hummed and his eyes fluttered open. The first thing he noticed was Arcadia's sweaty and red face. And the fact that she was looking down below at his... Crotch?! He followed her gaze and bore the same expression as Twilight. His hoof was deep between her thighs and he could feel slight moisture. And Madun Junior was out on full display. That was what his fiancee was looking at, frozen in a state of... What was that look in her eye?

Arcadia blinked, breaking out of her trance then quickly laid back down on top of him and his friend. Not even realizing Madun was awake. He glanced to his right at the fireplace, then his left towards the back of the couch. "...Twilight?" She quickly jumped up and looked him in the eyes, hers shifting nervously with excitement. "Uhh...I'm—"

Twilight placed a hoof on his lips and giggled, calming down his, and her own blushing. "It's okay," she whispered. Then leaned in and pecked his lips. Then pulled back with lidded eyes. "I...enjoyed it. Even if it was really sudden and I had absolutely no idea what was happening. And in your sleep nonetheless. I don't know how that happened but... I enjoyed it. A lot."

She lied back down and wrapped her hooves around his neck. Madun sighed in relief, then kissed her forehead. "You know," she whispered. "Any day now...we can...you know..."

Madun widened his eyes and looked down into her hopeful ones, complete with a smile. "Are you sure?" He asked. "Are you still..."

"Yeah," she replied. She grabbed his hoof and pulled it back down between her legs while maintaining eye contact. "I am. You... Would be my first. And I would love for it to be you, Shimmering."

"I've been waiting for your permission."

"Well now you have it. I actually wanted to save it for the honeymoon to be honest. But after what you just did... I don't think I can wait." She leaned up and nuzzled his muzzle. "Make it special for me. Okay?"

"You don't even have to ask," he replied, nuzzling her back. They kissed each other, which grew more intense when Twilight added her tongue into the mix. Soon they parted. So Twilight sat up to get off the couch and removed the blanket so she could climb off.

"I have to get ready to go out," she announced before glancing at the clock over the fireplace. Six thirty-eight. "Merry will more than likely be here soon. So I need to prepare. Could you—"

"Make your favorite Daffodil sandwich, have your guards prepared, and money by the door?" He finished. He hopped out the bed and stretched. "Sure."

Twilight darted forward and pressed her lips to his. "Thanks, sweetie," she whispered before going around him and making her way to their room. Madun watched her leave, which was teasingly slow. Her tail had an extra swish to it, revealing everything she was offering. Then looked over her shoulder and smirked before closing the door to the bathroom.

"You knew exactly what you were doing to me!" He called out in playful agony.

"When don't I?" She responded.


***


After Arcadia took her relaxing shower, she exited the bathroom and came muzzle to muzzle with Merry, who was grinning ear to ear with wide excited eyes. "Hurry up, already!" Merry cheered. She grabbed Arcadia's hoof and pulled her into the bedroom before she could even wrap a towel around her mane. She let Arcadia go while Merry ransacked the closet. "You need clothes, you need massages, you need relaxation~!" Merry sung loudly. Then grabbed a nice getup for Arcadia and threw it on the bed where she was sitting, trying to come out of her shock after being pulled through her mind. Shaking the cobwebs away, she turned back to Merry with intrigue.

"Why are you here so early?" Arcadia asked before standing up to look at the outfit on the bed. Well outfit was a large term. It was actually just a bunch of flowers sewn together that would be thrown across Arcadia's back and cascade behind her wings. Then another set that would attach to her wings. Then there was the piece that would let everypony in Psera know who it was walking down the street. The crown.

It was obviously for design and not meant for her status among the Pserateps. It was a silver piece with curved ends so it would curve around her ears like a pair of glasses. In the center of the crown was her cutie mark shaped out from a gem of some sort. She didn't really bother trying to figure it out. There was also a necklace of some sort that would go great with her promise necklace ring, telling anypony who saw it that she was happily engaged.

"Merry, this is beautiful," Arcadia whispered as she levitated the design onto her body. Once everything was set, she turned and walked closer to the mirror in the bedroom to gaze at herself. She gasped and brushed a hoof through her messy mane. Then doing it more feverently. "Oh no, my mane!"

"Don't worry, I gotcha'! Sit down, come on your majesty!" Arcadia rolled her eyes at her title, already sensing Merry using it for most of the day before she turned and made her way over to Merry. She sat down on the bed while Merry crawled on behind her with a comb in her mouth. "Now, my friends are waiting outside with Gardeen, your assistant. Is she helping—"

"No, she's going to relax too," Arcadia corrected quickly. "She's been working just as hard as I, she deserves this as well." Merry combed through her hair gently, untangling the curls and forming it into something much better. "What's the plan today?"

"We're spending the day at Northern Heights," Merry answered. She reached into Arcadia's mane and pulled her hoof through to make it smoother. "The mall on Psera Skies North that I know you haven't seen yet. There's a spa up there that the six of us are going to enjoy, shop through, then it's out for lunch and park."

Arcadia shot her a humorous look in the mirror. "Lunch and park?

Merry set down the comb and got off the bed. "Lunch at the park. It's much more calmer than you might expect during lunch. Which is why my friends and I usually go there. It's peaceful."

Arcadia shrugged before she stood up and looked back in the mirror at her hair, satisfied by how it worked out. She swung her head a few times then smiled. "That's so much better." She turned back to her friend. "Thanks, Merry."

"You're welcome. Now with all due respect your majesty, can we leave now?" Arcadia chuckled and nodded, walking towards the door. She opened it then quickly trotted out. Hearing the noise, Madun stepped out the kitchen and met her in the hallway, smiling at her ensemble with something on an outstretched wing.

"You look beautiful as always, love," he complimented. She giggled and leaned in to peck him on his lips. After they pulled away, he moved his wing into view and gave her a small container, along with a bag of bits that she grabbed in her magic. Then pulled back and gave him a half-lidded look. He leaned into her ear and whispered, "I'll keep the bed warm for you."

Arcadia blushed and quickly pressed her lips to his again. Merry was standing to the side trying to avoid the sounds and noises being made. So much smacking, she thought. After a few seconds, Arcadia pulled back. Then whispered, "Wait until I return... So we can burn it up."

Madun nodded before Arcadia walked past and towards the door, flicking her tail to his muzzle. She looked over her shoulder and winked while Merry rolled her eyes and opened the door. Ready to take on the day. The second Arcadia stepped outside, she saw four mares, one of them being her obviously tired assistant. They bowed when she smiled at them.

"Lady Arcadia, these are my friends," Merry introduced. "Meet Fast Right, Dark Shadow, and Light Pink. Girls, meet Lady in Waiting, Lady Arcadia." Light Pink was pink. That's all Arcadia could think of. She had a light pink coat, a straight dark pink mane, and dark blue eyes. She seemed quiet. Dark Shadow seemed to be the more calm one. Based off that simple smile on her face. She had a dark green coat with a black and white mane and dark brown eyes. Fast Right had a dark blue coat with a white mane and tail and dark brown eyes. She seemed to be the more lively one. Since she ran straight up to Arcadia, grabbed her hoof and started shaking it.

"Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh~!" She exhaled before taking a deep breath. "Oh my gosh! It's an honor to meet you! I have seen, and heard all the great things you've done for Psera! Thank you so much!" She reached behind her and wrapped her hoof around Dark Shadow's neck. Then pulled her over, successfully earning her ire. "This is my sister. She's really chill. But we don't need chill! We need crazy! And wild! And—"

"Whoa, slow down!" Merry interrupted. She plugged a hoof into Fast's mouth. "Arcadia isn't a 'crazy' mare like us. She's peaceful and calm. Don't worry about her your highness, she's just crazy. Now let's go! Wake up, Gardeen!"

The assistant jolted into a sitting position beside Light Pink. "I'm awake, your majesty!" Worn Weather smirked by the door. Then waved to the group of departing mares.

"Have fun, Arcadia!" He called to her. "Try not to read!"

Arcadia blushed and waved back to him with a large wing. "Thanks, Worn! No promises!" Merry glanced to her with a knowing look. Arcadia scoffed and rolled her eyes. "It's not like I read all the time. He just sees me when I do."

"Uh huh."

Gardeen chuckled then let out a yawn. "Whew, excuse me. Is there any coffee where we're going?" Merry nodded.

They walked through the offices of the castle, buzzing with activity from different diplomats, executives, directors, law makers and Representatives. Guards were also standing by, placed there by the pony in charge who was informed of Arcadia's vacation. Those in the hall stopped and bowed as she and the group walked past. "Have a wonderful day your highness," one of the representatives at the entrance to the residential area greeted.

"Thank you, my fellow Pseratep," she greeted back. The guards opened the doors for the group, letting in the sounds. Or serenity. The first thing Arcadia noticed was the quiet atmosphere. The lights were dimmed too.

Noticing her confusion, Merry leaned in and whispered, "Pserateps like to sleep in here. So the lights are mostly turned off in the less-active halls in the castle to conserve energy."

Arcadia nodded in understanding. Their hooves were nearly silent as they strode along, trying not to disturb the residence. Arcadia even spotted her own previous residence, which had a bronze plaque by the door. Arcadia stopped and read it for a moment. "'The Legendary Lady Arcadia's place of residence. Pre-marriage.'" She looked at Gardeen.

The assistant pointed at her and whispered, "You've made history in Psera. It'd make sense for your name to be spread and locations of interests to be noticed." Twilight nodded before they continued walking. After three minutes of silent pressing, the guards on the far end finally opened the doors, letting them out into the corridor. This area was more lively. She could tell just by listening to the loud sounds of the Pserateps talking and lounging about down below. Even at seven in the morning. She walked slowly towards the railing of the ledge while the others stood behind her, watching. There was a line of guards down there waiting for her and her "tour group", as she called them. Fit with armor, and blades for protection. Around them but not paying any attention were the mass of ponies talking and walking about, handling business and possibly visiting the stores in the first level that she had yet to visit. She smiled. It felt good to actually watch over a pony and do something good that serves a far bigger purpose than guarding and watching over magical items, and assisting other ponies with her knowledge.

Hey," she said without taking her eyes off of the level. "Will the ponies in the residency hear me if I yelled?"

Merry tapped her chin. Then turned to the guards by the door for an answer. One of them shook their head. "No, your highness," they, a mare, replied. "The doors are sealed for protection against fires, floods, and anything else that may happen in the castle. Even sound can't get through."

Arcadia nodded then reared up on her hind legs to place her front hooves on the bar. She extended her wings to their full length and shouted, "GOOD MORNING, FELLOW PSERATEPS!"

Everyone down below stopped and looked up to the upper level. "GOOD MORNING, LADY ARCADIA!" They replied before they bowed. Arcadia chuckled then began to make her way down by the steps. Like a proper pony. Once reaching the bottom, she smiled. "Rise, please." The ponies rose to their hooves while she and her friends walked through towards the line of guards. Bold Shoulder was standing with the line of what seemed to be fifty guards, who all saluted to the Lady in Waiting when she approached.

Arcadia chuckled nervously, motioned towards the Guards and asked, "Is this really necessary? Not too much?"

Bold Shoulder shook his head and commented, "Most of these guards will be stationed around the mall while maybe ten or fifteen are with you and your group, ma'am. Psera is an overall safe place, but I'm not taking any chances. Especially considering what happened with Her Majesty many years ago."

Arcadia shrugged and said, "Okay. As long as you're sure of this."

"I'll leave you with the lieutenant of this unit, then." He pointed to a female Pseratep on his right that had a gray coat, light blue eyes, and light blue mane. She was the same size as Arcadia, but with obviously shorter wings. "This is Lieutenant Gliding Sword. She's assigned to be the head of your security from here on out."

Arcadia looked to him in confusion. "What happened to Dark Silver? I thought he was in charge."

"Oh no, Dark Silver is actually just the head of the guard here in the castle. He's the one that sets up all the Guard stations and positions here. Lieutenant Gliding Sword is the head of your security outside and inside the castle. There is another guard assigned to your fiance as well."

"Oh, okay," Arcadia agreed. "Very well. It's nice to meet you, Lieutenant."

Gliding Sword bowed and said, "Likewise, your majesty. I hope I can fulfill my duty in keeping you safe."

"You'll be fine. Please rise. We're going to Northern Heights, since I've never been there. Merry and her friends are trying to teach me how to 'have fun.' Isn't that ridiculous?"

Bold Shoulder leaned over Lady Arcadia's shoulder and made eye contact with Merry. "Great idea!" Arcadia scoffed and flapped her wing, hitting his shoulder playfully.

"I do know how to have fun. Safe fun." Bold Shoulder smirked and raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Let's just go," she groaned before making her way towards the door. The guards quickly stepped ahead and pushed them open for her, letting in the cool breeze of winter that ruffled her fur.

"Have a great day, your highness!" Bold Shoulder called after her as she and the others made their way outside down the stairs.

Lieutenant Sword trotted up to walk down beside her. "A few questions, your highness. Just for security purposes." Arcadia looked over and happily nodded. "Where are you headed first?"

Arcadia stopped on the steps and turned to her. She motioned to Merry with a hoof and said, "Merry said we're pretty much staying at the mall the whole day. So the food court, a massage parlor—"

"The park," Merry added.

"Yes, the park. And, since I'm with her, a few clothing stores."

Fast Right chuckled and said, "A few? Try every last one. That's more Merry's style. Gardeen, sweetie? You have got to wake up." They turned to Gardeen, who was standing with her head tilted to the right and eyes closed, slight drool dripping from her mouth.

Arcadia grinned and said, "But first? We need breakfast. I brought my own, but Gardeen needs her coffee."

The lieutenant nodded and lifted her front hoof. Arcadia's innovation communication block was strapped to it with a band. She held it up to her mouth and ordered, "Team Steel? Take positions in between stores. Team Gold? Take positions around the food court. Team Silver? You're with me to escort Her Highness up to Northern Heights." She turned and looked behind her at Arcadia. "Are you taking Chariot?"

"No, we're flying on our own."

The lieutenant nodded and lifted her wrist up to her mouth again. "Form a three hundred sixty degree radius around Group Arcadia until we arrive. We're on our way." she lowered her hoof then turned back to the Lady in Waiting. "Whenever you're ready." Arcadia nodded then opened her wings, looking determinedly towards the sky. The sun was rising in the distance, giving the sky an orange glow that bounced off her fur. Flapping them a few times, she lifted into the air, followed immediately by her entourage and then the guards who did as instructed, creating a defensive bubble around them with the Lieutenant taking up the rear.

"So," Gardeen yawned. "Merry, what places do you have an eye on for her Highness?"

"Well," Merry teased. Arcadia shook her head, already knowing where this was going. "First we're going shopping."

"Called it!" Fast Right called. "I called it earlier! Pay up, Light!" The shy Pseratep reached into her bag and pulled out three coins. Then placed them into the bag Fast was holding down in front of her face. "Oh, yeah! I wonder how much more money I'm going to get today." Twilight only rolled her eyes. These were some crazy mares. Merry's crowd.



When the sun rose back in Equestria, its citizens stayed in. Too afraid to face the cold day that was destined with dirt, pain, and rationed food. The discolored tents brightened as Celestia rose the sun from the castle, as well as the S3 mobile remote facility, alive with action. The building's machines and tools had yet to see any use due to the energy build up for back up and night time energy. But the team was still on the move, evident by a single S3 technician walking out the building with a clipboard in hoof, observing the area.

Bright Gold arched her eyebrows at the deathly quiet atmosphere. Even the birds weren't chirping. Strange. No creature seemed to want to move, even at seven in the morning. She sighed and focused her attention back on the clipboard. They needed samples from Canterlot and the Crystal Empire today. Those two places were farther apart and could possibly let them know the oddity of the situation.

Bright grabbed a pen with her mouth from her lab coat and wrote a few things down. They needed a safe travel to the empire. Based off the information they received, the Crystal Empire is practically an oasis in the middle of a snow storm.

"Interesting," she mumbled. She placed the pen back in her coat then turned back to the lab. "Bright Light, Rising Flutter, and Green Rush!" She called, then looked back towards the slowly waking town. The one known as Applejack was pulling a cart into the middle of the square, filled with apples and fruits. S3 had their own food.

The three forementioned Pserateps walked out of the building, packed and ready to go. Once again pulling a cart filled with tools and containers. Bright Gold turned and informed them, "Our next step is to get samples of a healthy environment. So go to Canterlot, and find out how to get to the Crystal Empire. Then get to the Crystal Empire, collect samples, then get back here. The power for the facility should come on by this evening. The Castle in the city known as Canterlot should have a landing lane for us specifically in front of the castle to help you when you land with the cart."

"Yes, ma'am," Bright Light responded. Bright Gold nodded and then waved over a few guards. She told them the deal and their mission before the group hooked themselves up then took to the air, headed towards the castle of Canterlot in the distance. They would be back by later on this afternoon. Hopefully, the generator would be finished by that time.


***


After Rarity had arrived with a cart full of blankets, Applejack rang the bell so everyone could get their breakfast. "Breakfast!" She called. "Foals first, adults second! Breakfast!" The foals and other children stalked out of their tents to make their way quickly towards the carts. Nurse Redheart was beside Rarity doing a checkup on the foals first. Then afterwards, they were allowed to get their breakfast.

While passing out new blankets, and watching out for old ones, Rarity turned to Applejack and asked, "Have you seen Pinkie Pie?"

"She's with Starlight Glimmer doing something," she responded, digging through the cart for another orange. "Some plan of some sort. It looks like S3's up." She motioned with her hoof towards the large facility in front of the abandoned Castle of Friendship. "Do they use that library in there?"

Rarity turned back and took an old blanket from one of the foals, trading it for a new one. "Not sure. But they seem ready to work today."

"Yep." A loud roar overhead forced everyone to look up. Five Pserateps quickly zoomed past overhead, heading for Canterlot. Somehow, their wings had created a small trail when they flew past. Applejack whistled and went back to passing out apples. "Yeah, they're about to get busy."


***


Celestia looked down at the city of Canterlot... The Camp of Canterlot as the ponies began to make their way towards the food depot. Hopefully, they had enough. Food would be hard to grow with cold soil. It seems the bad times were coming. But worse than they expected yesterday, thanks to the cold air that was breezing along their coats today. Celestia glanced over at Luna and Cadance who decided to stay and help in the center of things. "It's cold," Cadance whispered, stating the obvious.

"It is," Luna responded. "Winter is upon us. And she is not caring at all for the ponies out in the open."

"No," Celestia agreed. "We need thicker blankets. But we are already using most of our surplus."

"We need assistance for the cold," Cadance suggested. "Because it is certainly coming. Especially in the Crystal Empire. The Heart may be able to stop most of the air from coming in, but it still comes in." Celestia sighed and looked at the trail of clouds headed their way.

She flapped her wing to nudge Luna. Then motioned towards it. "S3 maybe?"

"Possibly," Luna responded. "Whatever it stands for. It is certainly not 'Psera'. Maybe they are aligned with another nation."

"No, Psera is too inclined to keep to themselves. For safety. The only country they've spoken to in hundreds of years was Equestria. And according to Arcadia, they were reluctant. Highly reluctant. So I doubt that."

"So they are with Psera then—Goodness they fly fast!" Cadance exclaimed as they watched them land. The leading guards zoomed low first and glided over the land. Then sort of ran to a stop, followed by S3 and the Guards taking up the rear. Their wings created a dust cloud behind them. Not too big, but can still be noticed from yards away.

"Let's meet them," Celestia ordered. She teleported down to the runway with the other two Princesses and smiled at the group walking up to them. "Good morning."

"Good morning, your Majesty," Bright Light greeted. He and the other Pserateps bowed before rising again. "How are you?"

Luna sighed and said, "Not the greatest, nor the best, but are still pushing to get there. And you?"

"Busy," he replied. "We need to get to the Crystal Empire. That is the only place that is not affected by this... Plague, correct?"

"Yes," Cadance told him. "We are doing what we can on our end. Of course there is only so much since The Crystal Empire is set apart lightly from the rest of Equestria. And travel is tough without the right equipment. The most we really do in the Crystal Empire is business and politics. You need to get there? What for?"

"Yes. We need samples of the air and other metals to see the difference between it and the rusted metals. Then we can sort out any molecules that may all of a sudden pop up during the increased oxidation process, and use those molecules to research. Because they would be the key to getting back your metals."

"Of course," Cadance responded. "I would be happy to escort you there. However, since the train is down, we will have to use chariot and fly there. The path there is extremely cold due to a curse put on the empire many years ago. We would have to be in one group."

"Great," he responded. "Our guards will be accompanying us."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. Follow me and we'll get you setup."



The surprise of the day for Arcadia would be the large amount of Pserateps already at Northern Heights. Merry did tell her it was really popular. Especially among teenagers and millenials. Northern Heights was a really large mall that she did not intend to be created here on the largest cloud here in Psera, Psera Skies North, complete with neighborhoods and other outside things besides the mall in the distance.

"We're here!" Merry yelled in Arcadia's ear. "Why haven't you been up here again?"

Arcadia rolled her eyes and playfully answered, "Because I've been too busy working for Psera and their defense? You know, for nearly a year? I didn't have any time for relaxation."

"Well now you're about to relax!" The group flew slowly over the neighborhoods down below. The Pserateps down there waved at them then continued along their day. There were office buildings, schools, and more before they actually reached the crowded mall. The twenty guards ahead of Arcadia zoomed further while the guards behind her stayed with. "So, I order you to relax."

"Merry, I—"

"Madun orders you to relax too!" She quickly added. "Let's not forget him! Or the rest of Psera! Relax, your majesty. And take a load off for at least two days. With me, your best friend in all of Psera. The most attractive mare here in this group with her less than attractive friends."

"Gee, thanks," Dark Shadow commented sarcastically.

Arcadia chuckled and said, "I'll try to. Does that satisfy you at least?"

"Eh, I can deal with that." The group rolled their eyes.

They soon lowered to land by the front doors of the building, already busy with swinging doors and walking ponies in packs. There even happened to be a field trip coming around the corner from a chariot that was about to land with them. According to her studies, the school was from Merōl based off the construction of the chariot, which was made mostly out of metal. It was being pulled by two more Pserateps who were coming in for a fast landing before one of her guards swooped over and spoke to—who Arcadia guessed—the teacher in charge who quickly looked over and gasped loudly. Then ordered the ponies pulling the chariot to quickly slow down.

Lieutenant Gliding Sword lifted her Communication Block and spoke into it. "Team Arcadia's coming in for a landing at the Eastern Entrance. Teams sound off." Arcadia heard them sound off before Sword responded. "All groups keep an eye out." She lowered her hoof and turned to Lady Arcadia. "All clear. Land when you're ready."

"Great." Arcadia flapped her wings and slowed her descent with the rest of her crew. Then pulled up slightly, beating her wings as she landed on the soft cloud that supported practically anything. Except that steel block in Serl. That would crush this. Once she landed, the guards immediately spread out and gazed out at the rest of the ponies watching and pointing. Merry landed next to Arcadia and wrapped a wing around her back, pulling her in.

"We're here!" She yelled. Arcadia jumped slightly from that outburst. "Now it's time we wake up Gardeen. Gardeen, come on!"

"Huh, what?" She mumbled, drawing herself from the brink of sleep once more. She looked around and asked, "What happened?"

Arcadia giggled and said, "Well we've landed at Northern Heights and are about to go and get some breakfast for you and everypony else." She turned to Merry and asked, "Where is the food court?"

"Follow me," she answered before walking towards the mall's entrance. Along the way, Arcadia spotted the school group standing to the side and the teacher pointing and teaching them a few things.

Gardeen brushed up next to her and joked, "Thinking about being a school teacher now, are we?"

Arcadia blushed and said, "No, I just... I just adore children. That's all. Besides, I teach Psera a lot of things already. Although..." She looked back at the foals on the side watching with their teacher and the other Pserateps. Then turned back to Gardeen. "It wouldn't hurt to say hi right? I love children!"

"You're about to become the queen of Psera. I'm super positive saying hello to little foals is not a big issue. Besides, this is your day. You get to do what you want without Psera going crazy over it."

"Oh, okay."

"Just don't start reading about biotechnology. That is working. Well, for you." Arcadia sighed and rolled her eyes.

"I won't read a book about Biotechnology. Just going to say hi." Arcadia turned and made her way over to the school kids, catching the Lieutenant's attention. She lifted her wrist and spoke in some new orders while following after her. The guards created a new formation around Arcadia's radius as she made her way over to the field trip group. The teacher quickly became ecstatic.

"Oh, your highness!" She greeted before bowing with the rest of the chaperones and staff. "It's an honor to meet you!"

"Hello," Arcadia greeted before turning to the foals. "Is this your class?"

"Yes, your majesty. We're with a school in Merōl. We saved up money for a day out with the class and decided to visit Psera Skies' famous Northern Skies Mall just for fun because these kids have been so hard at work there."

"That's great!" Arcadia replied enthusiastically. "Hard work gives you great things. So keep at it, okay?" She told the class of foals.

"Yes, ma'am!" They responded.

"Good. I better get back to my own group before Gardeen falls asleep again. She needs her coffee. Have a great day." Arcadia turned around and made her way back to the nodding off assistant and nudged her with her hoof. "Gardeen, wake up. We're going to go and get your coffee."

"Oh... yaaayy," she responded tiredly before Arcadia and the group finally walked into the large mall. They first walked into a department store that Merry wanted to start rummaging through. But managed down her seamstress urges for Gardeen's sake. After that, they walked out and into the large atrium of the three story mall, filled with many Pserateps that were either shopping, working, flying, or just casually talking about. There was always the average Pseratep couple walking around with family, a spouse, or some other pony. The floors were marble and everything was colorful. There were staircases and elevators that led up to the different floors.

"Alright, Arcadia," Merry said from her left. "The food court is right over there on the first floor. Right now, we're on the second floor. So we need to get down those stairs."

Lieutenant Sword sent down her orders to her guards. Five of the guards situated in between stores already down there positioned themselves at the foot of the staircase as Arcadia made her way down, keeping an eye for any ponies with ill will. It was highly rare, but it still happened. And the guards weren't taking chances. After Arcadia and everyone else walked down the stairs, Light Pink trotted over and asked, "So... How's everything with Madun?"

"It's great," Arcadia replied, waving to a few ponies as she walked past. "We had a little embarrassing moment that happened when we woke up, but besides that everything's fine. We're planning one more date before the wedding. This time I'm going to do something he'll like. He's been doing all the planning and I've just been enjoying it. I think it's my turn now, don't you think?"

"Oh of course," she responded. "Madun I'm sure likes to be pampered by his fiancee. How's the wedding planning going?"

"We'll we're holding the competition in a few days at Events at Eventa. So everypony is kind of tense. That and S3 is in Equestria working on solving their air issue. This is the worst timing for them to have a plague."

"I'll say. Things were much simpler when we had nopony to worry about."

"Yeah. How Equestria managed to lure me back in is a mystery. No wait... It was Sunset. She guilt tripped me."

"How appropriate. Well I hope you can get some relaxation before your wedding. And then some intimate relaxation afterwards, if you catch my drift."

Arcadia blushed and looked around in embarrassment. "I'm not thinking about that right now," she whispered.

Merry poked her head in and whispered, "What are we whispering about?" Arcadia pushed her head back out.

"Nothing that concerns you," she teased. "Are we there yet?"

"Oh yeah, we're in here already."

"What?" Arcadia looked around and sure enough they were in a crowded food court. Complete with the onlookers of ponies at the restaurants set up and around them. They were all staring and pointing. Her guards had already spread out and taken position at different areas, keeping a close eye per their mission.

Merry trotted over and stood beside her with a grin plastered on her face. She leaned over and whispered, "And the fun begins.... Ugh, after Gardeen wakes. Gardeen, wake up already!"

"Huh, wha?!"
> Chapter 30 - Gardeened Relations; Twilight's Tale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arcadia took a deep breath and then put on her signature smile before walking forward into the food court with Merry, looking at all the sights. Merry pointed up and said, "There are chandeliers in here." Arcadia looked up and gasped at the beautiful giant chandeliers in the court. They twinkled like diamonds but were obviously made out of glass with lights inside of them.

"They're so beautiful," Arcadia whispered before directing her attention down at the restaurants. Gardeen stopped beside her and then yawned once more, reminding her of something important. Arcadia turned to her group and asked, "So... Which one serves coffee?"

"Well they all do at this time of morning," Dark Shadow responded. She motioned towards one restaurant that had the workers grinning from ear to ear right in the front. "This one would serve primarily decaf because they want their customers to eat their food too, which provides most of the nutritional value needed to wake them up." She pointed her hoof again at a neighboring restaurant. There were over fifteen in here. "This one serves them all with a possible bagel and such."

Merry grabbed Gardeen's hoof and pulled her towards one while they explained things to Arcadia. Light Pink motioned towards a menu above one of the restaurants. "The items you choose would be here," she explained timidly.

"So that's the menu," Arcadia asked. She began walking over to get a closer look.

"Yep," Fast Right responded. "I take it Equestria doesn't have this."

"Equestria has menus but not a mall," Arcadia commented as they stopped in front of a restaurant. The employees and staff immediately bowed. "Rise, please. What am I supposed to choose?" She turned to Merry who was making her way back over with a satisfied Gardeen, holding a cup tray on a wing. "I've never tasted any of these things."

"I'll order for you." Merry let Gardeen go and walked around. Then stopped at one and motioned towards Arcadia, speaking to the employees.

"While she's doing that," Gardeen said, having woken up a little. She leaned over and whispered, "...thinkin' about a foal?" Arcadia didn't understand what she was talking about. "I'm not gonna say any names, but a little birdie told me—"

"It was Merry," Arcadia deadpanned.

"Yes it was. She told me that his majesty and you were talking about 'burning up the sheets' this morning?" Arcadia blushed and looked around. Taking a mental note to watch what she and Madun says around the gossiping seamstress. "Don't worry, I won't tell anypony. I'm just hoping you're not a screamer. Because you got yourself a big, sexy stallion." Arcadia plugged her mouth with a hoof.

"And this conversation is over," she groaned. Then pulled back her hoof and said, "I don't like Madun just because he's hot."

"Oh we know. Everypony in Psera knows. That's why you're getting married. But any mare would make use of that packa—" Arcadia plugged her mouth again when Merry walked over with a cup on her left wing.

"I know you brought your own breakfast," she said. "So I just got you a small soup cup. Where we sittin'?"

Lieutenant Sword walked over and saluted. "We have secured a large table, your majesty." She pointed towards a table on the far side of the room that had a noticeable amount of length to it. It wasn't in the middle of the room, but not on the wall either. Just in between those two points. Twilight smiled and proceeded to walk over with her guards taking charge. There was a chair at the end that would supply enough freedom for her large wings. A guard positioned there pulled it out so she could hop on and take a seat. Then softly pushed it back up to the table.

Merry sat in a chair next to her and slid off the cup in front of Arcadia. The royal stared at the top, lifted it in her magic and then sniffed inside. She turned to Merry and asked, "What is this?"

Dark Shadow looked inside and assumed, "It's vegetable. I see asparagus, tomato, carrot, lettuce, and more in this strange world that is this soup."

Gardeen shrugged and picked up her coffee, taking a sip. Or more like gulps. Everyone turned and watched as her head tilted back farther, and farther, and farther. Until she slammed the empty cup back down on the table. Everyone looked down at the cup. Then slowly directed their surprised attention towards Gardeen's satisfied face. She wiped her mouth before Arcadia chuckled and asked, "You really enjoy your coffee, huh?"

Gardeen nodded and said in a smooth tone, "Coffee is life."

Arcadia shrugged and then grabbed a spoon in her magic. Her breakfast was beside the cup that she put the spoon into. She would eat that later. Arcadia was anxious to see what the fast food was like in Psera. She pulled the spoon out and opened her mouth to take a sip. Then noticed the room got real quiet. She froze and glanced around. Every single pony was staring at her save for the guards. Merry silently motioned for her to take a sip already. Arcadia bounced her eyebrows then lifted the spoon to her lips, taking a sip. Spicy. It was spicy, the first thought that came into her mind. Not too spicy where she would choke, but spicy enough that it was noticeable and the flavor would bounce around on her tongue.

She took another sip. Then another before smiling and nodding at Merry, who stood up and yelled, "Lady Arcadia likes the Tangy Vegetable Soup!"

The employees at one of the restaurants, whom had all gathered outside to see Arcadia's reaction, all sighed in relief. She enjoyed their soup.



After breakfast, which lasted a good two hours of talking and eating, Lieutenant Sword relayed to everyone on her channel that the group was heading to a clothing store on the third level, and that they were taking the stairs. While they climbed, Arcadia asked a question. "Merry... What is it with you and clothes?"

Merry gasped in surprise. "Clothes say everything about a pony, Lady Arcadia!" She answered loudly, not believing her ears. "Their past, their future, their views, their beliefs! I can spot a wannabe mare from a mile away if I assess their style!"

Gardeen shook her head and commented, "I thought it was the attitude that defines a pony."

"Which the attitude can then be defined by their dress."

Arcadia chuckled and walked along the second floor, behind her guards. "Your sense of fashion is impeccable, Merry. Don't change."

"Couldn't even if I wanted to!" While they walked many ponies waved, bowed, and smiled at Arcadia, who merely waved in response. Arcadia was actually becoming a little annoyed with the royal treatment. Yes, she was about to become a royal of Psera officially. Then would be granted title Queen Arcadia Nova of Psera. But besides that, she was just a regular pony... that had magic and large wings that made her look fat to a foal.

"Still thinking about what that filly said in Equestria, huh?" She looked over at Gardeen who was giving her a sad smile.

Arcadia sighed and faced forward again, waving to three more ponies who bowed out of respect once more. "How'd you guess?"

"You were growling." Arcadia stopped and turned to her in surprise. "Oh, and your face took on that upset expression that you made when she first said it."

"...yeah, I guess. It wasn't so much me thinking about what happened in Equestria..." She sighed again and looked around.

"Arcadia, how many times do I have to say it? Or Madun has to say it? It wasn't your fault."

Merry walked up in concern. "What's going on?"

"Nothing really," Arcadia quickly replied.

Gardeen sighed and answered, "When we went to Equestria, we had an unexpected visitor who apparently had a massive crush on Arcadia. And had tried to make his move. Well she got annoyed and lashed out at him. Like, buried him in the ground lashed out. He teleported away with his tail between his legs and ears drooped. And Arcadia feels bad about it. Madun and I assured her that it wasn't  her fault, but she still feels guilty about it."

"Oh..." Merry looked over at Arcadia, who was trying to block her gaze with a wing. She lifted a hoof to her chin and hummed. Then came up with a brilliant idea. "Change of plans! We're going to the massage parlor! Right now!"


***


Arcadia yelped when one of the masseuses pressed on a tense area behind her wings. She, along with the other girls were all lying on large tables next to each other with a few inches to spare. Arcadia's was specially made so she could get her wings "stretched and pressed". Which meant apparently to crack and break her wings. "Easy back there, please," she moaned.

"Sorry, your highness," her masseuse responded. She grabbed the wing and rubbed along the many joints. "Your wings are just very tense and may be painful to loosen. You should relax more often."

Arcadia chuckled and said, "Apparently I work too much. And Merry decided to treat me."

Merry sighed in relief from the very end when her masseuse cracked a joint, providing relief. "Ohhh, yeah. That feels great. keep doing that. Hey, Gardeen. You doin' alright down there? I know my girls are doing great because Pink is sleep, Shadow's zoned, and her sister's somehow not talking for once."

"Hey," Fast Right moaned while her back was chopped. "I don't talk that much."

Gardeen giggled at the same time her back was pressed. "I'm okay," she answered. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah. But let's start a conversation. Dark? You see any cute stallions?" All the mares fawned over and focused on her blushing face.

"Uhhh....Th-That's none of your concern—mmm that feels great," she stammered, moaning in relief. "Yeah, I mean... I saw some of the stallions here at the mall. Okay, fine I'll tell! Remember the Happy Heights restaurant?" The girls nodded. "It was the dark green stallion with the goatee. Oh my Psera...." She started fanning herself while the other girls giggled. "I already know Pink saw somepony." They all looked towards the snoring Pseratep, oblivious to their words.

"I thought she liked mares," Fast commented, taking both Arcadia and Gardeen in surprise. They glanced at each other, then grinned at Pink.

"I know," Merry responded. "Hey, Pink! Wake up!" The Light Pink Pseratep groaned and cracked open her eyes. Then directed her attention to Merry.

"What is it, Merry?" She asked tiredly.

"Who were you talking about at the court that held food again?"

"Oh—wait!" She nearly sat up before remembering that she was getting a massage. Her pink cheeks suddenly turned red. She leaned over and whispered in alarm, "You told them?"

Dark Shadow scoffed and waved a hoof. "Pink, we all know you're a lesbian. Except her majesty." Everyone turned to Arcadia, Pink literally shivering in fear.

Arcadia lifted a hoof and giggled. "I don't mind if a friend likes mares," she appeased happily. "As long as you're happy. So... Who's this pony?"

Pink started rubbing her hooves together and looked away, taking on a Fluttershy state of shyness. Arcadia kept her grin on with everyone else, waiting for Pink's reaction. She instead stayed silent. "Okay, you don't have to tell us. It's your business."

Dark motioned towards Gardeen and said, "What about you? Any stallions that—"

"I'm not into dating," Gardeen interrupted, matter-of-factly. "Sorry." Arcadia glanced over at her in worry. She quickly shut down Merry's question. What happened? Gardeen laid down once again, avoiding Merry's questionable gaze.

"Oh," Merry said after a moment of silence. "Well, er.... I can't really ask Arcadia about—Okay, I'm sorry, but I have to know. Why aren't you into dating?" She asked desperately. "I thought you of all ponies would like a young stallion. Or mare."

Gardeen sighed and sat up once again. "Well, I'm not into mares," she added. "But.... I just don't date anymore. Maybe someday when I can trust stallions again."

Arcadia felt a story coming on. She settled down and raised a hoof to the masseuse behind her, stopping her movements. Then directed her attention to Gardeen. "Did something happen in a past relationship?"

"Yeah. Past relationships. Plural. Four guys, same thing. My first relationship was with a stallion who had a great job, a wonderful personality. When I first met him. Eleven months in, I find him with another mare who had her disgusting flank up in the air and him behind it. I grabbed my things and left." Pink gasped and reached over to grab her hoof, rubbing it sadly. Arcadia huffed and growled. Gardeen did not deserve to be treated that way. "Next I met a stallion who I knew from high school. Turns out he had a crush on me, and I kind of had a little thing for him. So we went for a moment. Well after maybe six months, I caught him talking to another mare who I later found out he was dating with on the side. Ended it. My next one... I don't even want to talk about it really."

"You don't have to," Arcadia suggested.

"Well anyway, two more instances happened. All four of those guys were jerks and I promised myself I'd never date again." Gardeen sighed and relaxed into her pity-filled massage. "It's like there's a club that has a motto, 'Cheat on Gardeen with a much better mare. She looks good and her flank's great. But this one's better.'"

"Long motto," Dark muttered.

"So I just shut myself off from dating." She looked around at the other girls in sadness. "Is.... Is there something wrong with me? Like, I try. I tried so hard to make those relationships work, but..." She sniffled when a tear rolled down her face.

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with you," Arcadia immediately appeased her. She lifted a wing and wiped the tear off of her face. "A lot of ponies don't see the greatness in many things unless it's right in their faces. Let me tell you a story." Arcadia sat up and straightened herself, looking at Gardeen with a smile. Everyone else in the room listened in, including the masseuses who were multitasking. "In a land far away from this border. There was a mare seeking a life. A place to call her own away from the struggles of her current life, and the pain that came with it. She's been hurt and pushed down so much, that she  decided to just stay indoors and cut herself off from everypony. She decided to never have a relationship of any kind with anypony. Well one night, a knock on her door woke her up from the realms of sleep. She opened the door and there was a stallion standing there.

"He said, 'Ma'am, I couldn't help but notice you were crying.' She replied with, 'I wasn't crying, I was sleeping.' He said that she was crying in her sleep and that if she had any issues that she could talk to him. Then he left. Ten days later, the mare woke up and decided to take him up on his offer. However, she didn't know his name. She searched the city and asked ponies where he was. Using his description. But apparently, there was nopony there that recognized him. But she continued searching, eventually taking her to the outside of town where a little cottage sat, right in front of the sunset. When she knocked on the front door it immediately opened. Finding it as an invitation, she walked inside and looked around." The masseuses had stopped their ministrations and were now listening intently.

"What happened next?" Gardeen asked.

Arcadia chuckled and answered, "When she walked in, she found flowers upon flowers upon flowers inside. There was also a large banner in the room that had her name attached with flowers. And the pony that she met on her front porch was sitting underneath it, gesturing to a window that displayed the setting sun. He said, 'As you can see, I've been waiting for you.' She asked, 'What is all this?' Completely on the verge of tears, for this stranger had taken the time out of his day to make sure a few hours were special for her. He said, 'I know you've been having a hard time. So I wanted to help you make up your mind in what you want. What you're looking for could be out there with the sunset, or here with the flowers. Which one do you think is better?' She answered that the decision was hard to make because she knew that the land she lived on was much more familiar than the land beyond the border. He replied that whatever decision she chose, that there would always be beauty amidst the ugly. All she had to do was wait. And it'd come to her. A few months later after plenty of dates and emotions, they got married and had two foals, both girls. Named Celestia and Luna. The two primary Princess of Equestria. So you see Gardeen." She reached out and grabbed Gardeen's hoof. "Even though somepony had broken your heart, someponies—excuse me—all you have to do is wait. Eventually, you will find the pony for you. Whether it be a mare, or a stallion. If you like mares, that's okay. There is nothing wrong with you."

Gardeen blanched and looked over at Pink who had her head turned, then focused back on Arcadia. "But what if I don't like the stallion? Or...mare?"

Arcadia smiled lovingly and answered, "Then we could always ask Merry to set you up. I know she'd be happy to."

"Ah, yeah!" Merry cheered. She pointed at Pink and said, "She's open for business. Go shopping with her. I'm sure Pink would love to hear more about your book that you're writing."

Pink gasped and blushed. But asked, "You're writing a book? Oh, what kind?"

Arcadia giggled while one of her guards walked over and whispered in her ear. After he pulled back, Arcadia craned her neck and looked out the door of the shop, spotting a few ponies at the door. Sighing, she slinked out of the bed and stretched her wings, catching her friends' attention. Merry asked in horror, "Are we leaving already?!"

"No," Arcadia appeased as she made her way to the door. "Just a small group waiting for me outside. I'll be right back." Arcadia and four guards walked out of the room and into the lobby of the parlor. The doors for the entrance were watched by four more guards, keeping a close eye on their environment around Arcadia as she walked out, and the class of foals Arcadia met with earlier. she gasped in surprise and grinned at the banner they were holding. It was large, white, and long. They had her name up there that read "Arcadia Nova Is...." with a few more words and drawing all over it. There were also names on it as well. along with a child like scribble of her and the class.

"Oh my goodness!" She exclaimed. Then walked over and got a closer look. "Is this for me?"

All the foals cheered out either yes, uh huh, yep, or something else that basically meant yes. The tour guide stepped forward and said, "While were on our way to the park for lunch, one of them started talking about how 'Lady Arcadia was so nice that she deserved a present'. So they all put their minds together and decided to make you a banner of some sort that displayed your interaction with them."

"Aww that is so sweet!" Arcadia grasped the banner in her magic and looked it over, grinning. Then looked down at the foals. "Thank you so much! I love it! I'm going to hang this up in my office when I get back to the castle this evening so I can see it everyday when I walk in."

"You're welcome, Lady Arcadia!" They responded. Then waved their hooves and wings, saying bye so they could go to lunch.

Arcadia turned around and called for Lieutenant Sword. She stepped forward and saluted. "I need this taken back to the castle immediately. Carry with special care."

"Yes, ma'am. Would you like it in a glass box and placed..."

"In my office, yes. Take it with special care, please. These foals worked really hard on this."

"You can count on us, ma'am."
> Chapter 31 First Signs Of....Oh My Faust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Twilight and the girls had their massages, they thanked the masseuses then stepped out into the busy mall in the sky once more, secured by Lieutenant Sword who was keeping an eye out on the floor with the rest of the guards. Twilight buzzed her wings a little, getting out the major aches and pains that she didn't tell Merry about. The mare of which was currently behind her egging Gardeen on what she would do to a stallion if he was submissive. Arcadia blushed when she heard something very derogatory and turned around to scold her. "Merry!" Merry stopped "suggesting" and glanced over at Arcadia. "Stop that. We are in public and we do not talk about things like that in public."

"Alright, alright." She turned her head and raised her hoof at Twilight, smirking. "But we both know that her highness has some plans for this evening."

Everyone turned to Arcadia with slight grins. She herself blushed and eagerly glanced around for a way out. Where was a good distraction when you needed one the most. Unfortunately just stores and Pserateps carrying bags. Not to mention if someone else needed a distraction, she would be it. Her mind grabbed onto the one thing she needed. Something Merry mention earlier at the Castle.

She eagerly queried, "Uhhh how about we go to the park? Yeah? Yeah, that sounds like a good idea!! Lead the way!!" Merry rolled her eyes and gestured for Arcadia and team to follow her. Leading the way to the park nearby. They'd get back to the juicy bits later.


~✶~


Madun had taken a few days off. Apparently to spend some time with Twilight. Of course he was going to spend time with her! But not at the mall. More like at home where things were more peaceful. Relaxed. Quiet. Calm. Perfect to make some noise.

The lights in the living room were dimmed and the flame in the fireplace was ablaze. In front of the door he looked around his home and assessed his environment. Was everything right? Was the floor clean, was the air nice? The roses on the floor were perfect, the candles around the whole house were lit, and the smell of blueberries were in the air. Twilight's favorite fruit. He made sure that was the first thing he had prepped to eat after setting up the environment. In an hour, Twilight would be back home. And she would definitely be hungry. Him and her promised to spend some time together around the home. A more romantic setting. They were definitely going to spend it together. Just them. No Merry. No Mom. No—

"Wow, this is quite the impressive display." Madun gasped and whipped back towards the door. Her Majesty Molten Ice was standing in the open entrance. She had a knowing grin on her face.Her eyes were scanning around while using her wing to softly shut the door behind her.

"Mom~!" Madun groaned. Molten Ice nudged a candle and watched the flame dance with the other thirty or forty in the room.

Giggling, she asked, "Planning to seduce my future step daughter, son?" She glanced down to him while he walked into the kitchen.

"Err....uhhh...." He stammered as he raided the fridge. "Not.....ummm...."

Molten Ice chuckled silently and calmly followed after him. "You do not need to answer. I know your intentions. Your father and I were the same. Already wanting foals. How cute."

"...to be honest, that part is actually true." Molten Ice stopped and raised an eyebrow in surprise. Which part? Madun stepped away from the pantry with a bottle of non-alcoholic wine and made his way past his mother towards the table. "Me and Twilight have actually talked about it months ago. Maybe in November. She was talking about taking the next step in our relationship and how she always envied her step-sister Cadance when she saw Flurry Heart. I told her that I was interested in that too and that we should save that option for another time. She got really excited about it and we went on a date that day. Tonight, I'm going to see what she thinks about making it a reality."

Molten rolled her eyes and commented, "You kids sure do move fast. Don't you think you should get married first before you start thinking about foals? That Arcadia should do her royal duties first as Queen of Psera than Queen of the Diaper Bin?" Madun deadpanned a glare her way while Molten pretended to gaze at a photo of Twilight and her son, posing for a picture. Including the one with her and Madun relaxing on the couch. "Not many photographs I see."

"Twilight isn't too fond of photographs. Not exactly sure why." After pouring the wine, he trotted back towards the kitchen. "She'll take them, but you can tell she is very hesitant. Something about pranks and pain."

"Ah... Equestria."

"Maybe. I don't force her to take any. Her fears may change after we get married."

"Yes, I would like to take a photo with my successor and step-daughter. Not to mention my possible grandfoal." Madun sighed and poured his mother a cup. The red liquid gathered at the bottom of this pristine glass wine glass before he lifted the bottle back up. Then back into the pantry.

He froze and sighed for a moment. Then turned to his mother. "Mom?" She nodded in his direction. "Do you ever feel like... Like something bad is going to happen? Not to you but... To someone you love?"

"Each time your sister opens her mouth." Madun silently chuckled then sighed. Then let out another sigh parsed a feeling of concern to wash over Molten. "Why? Are you getting that feeling?"

Madun nodded and said, "Yes... But it's only to Twilight. Not to anypony else in Psera. I may order more guards around her. Just for safety. It may be health issues, it may be something else, I don't know. All I know is that something may happen. The wedding is too close for it to come to an abrupt halt because Twilight may be hurt."

"I understand, Madun." Molten walked forward and pulled him into a hug. Then nuzzled and kissed his head. "Everything will work out. I know I don't have much of a say so in your life because you are no longer my little foal. But a grown stallion." Madun scoffed and rolled his eyes. His mother was so... "So of course I'll look out for your fiancee. You don't even have to ask. She is family now. And might I say I'm happy it was nopony else."

"Mom..."

"Hey, you did used to make bad decisions," Molten pointed out as she made her way to the door. "But lately, you've been making a round of better ones. Many more than in the past might I add. I'll assign more guards for Arcadia. And you can get ready for your 'date'." Before Madun could groan, Molten breezed her way out the door and softly shut it back.

Madun shook his head and thought aloud, "Sometimes key."



Equestria. Dirty and unsafe conditions. The streets of the Canterlot Camp were noisy as Celestia made her way down it towards a mansion. A big mansion colored blue and modern. The only building visible in the distance. After Twilight yelled at Blueblood, nopony has seen him ever since. It was as if he vanished from the face of Equestria. He would usually come outside to do... Whatever there was to do in a desolate land. S3 just couldn't get done fast enough.

Earlier that day, the Princesses stopped by the noisy laboratory that was finally up and running with full results. Within a week, they had managed to discover that it was indeed the air in Equestria that was causing the metal to deteriorate at a faster pace upon exit from heat. They had ran a few tests at different locations all over Equestria and any surrounding places. Whatever was in the air wasn't really effective in below twenty degree weather. So there was that. Also there was a chance that it was being projected by a source and not the wind like Twilight thought. It was possible somepony had done something and released a chemical in the air. Question is... Where and what was it? Unfortunately, they had a deadline before it all came to an end.

S3 predicted that the chemical starts to deteriorate metal once it hits one hundred two degrees. It's slow but it still does and will be completely deteriorated within three hours. The summers in Equestria were hot. And the metal was sitting in a bunch of warehouses all over Equestria. Even in a warehouse left alone, the metal is still not safe. The only thing actually keeping the valuable items alive is the cold. Winter had barely begun. Thank Faust. But summer was still coming.

Celestia sighed and strode past the gate protecting Blueblood's mansion. Somehow, his lawn was kept clean and did not contain a speck of dirt. How, Celestia didn't even bother trying to figure it out. She instead continued walking down the walkway towards the entrance. Then stopped there, lifted a hoof and knocked on his wooden door loudly.

She called, "Nephew, it is Aunt Celestia. Are you alright?" She waited a moment, listening to the silence. "Blueblood?" Still silent. This made Celestia worry a bit. He would at least tell somepony to "Get their filthy hooves off my property." But Celestia didn't even get that. Now fully worried, Celestia teleported behind the door and into the dark marble hallway, looking at all the statues, pictures, and grand staircase. Celestia sometimes thought that Blueblood may be lonely inside this huge mansion with nopony to share it with. It would explain the crush on Twilight. A lot actually.

Celestia walked through the mansion and followed the bottles of wine that started in the foyer, leading her towards the dark living room. Ah, there he was. Sitting in the middle of the floor, still watching the flames that were his heart in the fireplace. Blueblood slugged down the drink and sighed, "Do you know what it feels like to be rejected Aunt Celestia?"

Oh, here he goes, Celestia thought. She walked up to his left side and sat down to drape a wing over his back. "Can't say that I do anymore," she responded. "My dating days are over... Unless I happen to find the right pony to date a two thousand year old alicorn," she muttered. She wasn't exactly two thousand, but was going to reach that age in a few more hundred years.

"How about when a pony breaks your heart multiple times after you pour your heart out to them?"

"I'm pretty sure I just said no, nephew."

Blueblood slammed the empty bottle of glass on the ground by his hooves, shattering it. Then turned to Celestia with tears in his eyes, seething in anger. "Twilight has broken my heart for that... That... Big winged pony!!" He yelled. Then growled, "Madun."

"Blueblood I know you're upset," Celestia cooed. She placed a wing on his back and clarified, "Twilight has rejected your advances on multiple occasions. Yes, you have done many different things that I am surprised to say are really interesting. However, Twilight's heart doesn't sing with yours. It sings with Madun's. You have to learn to live with that. I know it's hard. It's hard for anypony when they've had their heart broken more than once. I'm really sorry that Twilight does not return your feelings. There are multiple spouses for you when you want to... Settle down and have a family of your own. But...Twilight just isn't one of those spouses."

Blueblood huffed and nodded. "....alright. But I am going to talk to her one more time. Not to ask her about the dating scene. But...why she said she hates me."

Celestia waved her hoof at him. "I'm absolutely positive Twilight regrets saying that. She looked absolutely devastated after you left and immediately went back to Psera right after. We didn't even have tea like we planned. She was truly heartbroken. Not to mention, one of the foals had called her 'big' a few seconds before you showed up and it had hurt her feelings a little. So you showing up sort of... Added flames to the fire and you caught her ire."

"Well I still want an explanation. I want an audience with Twilight."

Celestia pulled in her lips and hummed in thought. In truth it was okay for Blueblood to make that request. He had direct ties with the Equestrian government. Including those who had met with Lady Arcadia and helped organize her party when they visited Equestria to assess the damage. However, he had already messed up. For one, You don't ask for an audience with Twilight Sparkle. That sends a bad scratch down the backs of Celestia and more than likely everypony in Psera. You ask for an audience with Lady Arcadia of Psera. It's a respect thing and can cause Equestria a lot of damage in morals and word of mouth. Equestria's kind nature had already been dampened after Arcadia told them about why she traveled to Psera in the first place.

"Well you can speak to Arcadia Nova of Psera," Celestia corrected. "First off, if you are going to speak with the Royalty of Psera, you have to address them according to title. And name. Twilight is named Arcadia Nova. and since she is Lady in Waiting, you will announce her as Lady Arcadia Nova of Psera. Now about you actually having a word with her. All of that goes through Twilight directly until she becomes Queen. In which somepony else will handle all of the contact information with foreign lands. Right now, I know she will definitely ask Madun and possibly more royalty for their opinion. She will not have a good word for you. But if I know my student, she will still want to apologize for the way she talked to you and will listen to what you have to say. So you can ask Sunset Shimmer to send the message. Just don't expect too much of a good answer. Madun is probably holding a grudge against you."

Blueblood grimaced but nodded. "That's fine. I'm not there for him, I'm there to see Twilight."

Celestia sighed and rubbed his back with her wing. "And that's another thing. In order to get to the Queen, you have to get through the King. Who has the final say so in the matter. He has the Pseratopian Royal Guard at his command and they will more than likely be around. So if you are going to meet with the Royalty of Psera, you have to be prepared. And smart. And definitely kind. And whatever you do, don't kiss Twilight's hoof unless she asks. Or you feel like it's a respect thing."

"Anything else?"

"And definitely have some manners. You embarrassed Equestria when you first encountered Twilight when she and her group were observing Canterlot. It was rude of you and you should apologize to Twilight for invading her personal space."

"I'll... Think about it."

Celestia rolled her eyes and muttered, "I recommend that you actually do it, but I have a feeling that's all I'm going to get out of you right now."



The birds over Psera tweeted as the sun began to set down behind the horizon, casting the land, her buildings, and the inhabitants in a beautiful orange afternoon glow. The sun's rays pierced the blue sky and hit the large Royal Chariot of Lady Arcadia as her party flew towards the Castle of the Gods. One of the chariots behind her with Merry was filled with shopping bags that the group had picked up for Arcadia. Along with a few things she herself bought.

The caravan touched down in front of the castle, and the Guards pulling unlatched themselves and immediately trotted towards her chariot. Some stayed with the other mares, but most of them went to Twilight's. They opened the door and helped her step out, much to her embarrassment. "I-I can get out on my own," she stammered as they held her hoof and helped her out of the chariot. Even dusted her wings a little. After she touched the ground and her wings had dragged out the chariot, the door was closed and they led her up towards the guarded doors of the castle. Everyone else followed along, including those who were carrying the bags.

Gardeen caught up to her right before they stepped in and asked, "You really think Madun's going to like that suit? It was a bright Vermillion. A little too much of a red in that orange."

Arcadia chuckled when they stepped inside onto the cool orange floor. "Trust me. Madun is going to love it." As they strode along the halls, Arcadia noticed they held more guards then usual. She held up a hoof and stopped the procession. Then turned to one of them stationed nearby, who saluted. "Umm... Why are the halls so guarded?" She asked.

"The order has been made by Her Majesty Molten Ice as a means of keeping you safe, Your Highness. Security has been upgraded."

"Upgraded?!" Everyone in the group shouted.

"Yes. All halls have been packed tight with guards. I only know it's a precaution. Her Majesty has the rest of the details."

"Okay... Thank you." Arcadia continued along the way with a look of worry on her face. "Why would there need to be more security?"

Merry trotted up next to her and hummed. Ready to take this issue off her mind. "Hmmm... It's probably because you will be making so much noise tonight that there will be a riot demanding that Lady Arcadia and King Madun stop all their passionate love-making and go to bed without moving it." She looked to Arcadia for a reaction. But it still held that serious expression. Well it made Merry laugh inside a little.

"I don't know Merry," she responded. "Sex may have to be put on hold until I figure this out."

Gardeen bit her lip and sighed, catching Pink's attention. She looked over at Gardeen and draped a wing lovingly over her back, offering a small smile. "Don't worry. Lady Arcadia will be just fine."

Gardeen took a deep breath and nodded. "Thanks, Light Pink."

"Oh, uh... Y-you're welcome," she replied nervously. "I umm... I heard you write."

Gardeen smiled and nodded to her eagerly. "Oh yes! I love writing novels with adventure!"

"Oh okay. Well I... I like writing too. But mostly poems."

Gardeen gasped and popped into her face with a grin. "Oh! Is it okay if I read some?"

"Absolutely. Ummm... When though?"

"Whenever you're available and I'm available. From the way things are looking, Her highness may be cooped up inside with Madun tomorrow. So... Tomorrow?"

"Sure! We'll meet here at eleven."

After the quick walk through the halls, Arcadia finally arrived at the door to her home with Madun. She gestured to a space beside the door and told her guards, "You may leave the bags right here, gentlecolts. Thank you very much for your assistance, it was greatly appreciated. Tell Lieutenant Sword she did an amazing job."

The guards all bowed then made their exit, leaving her with her friends. She turned around and pushed the door open, revealing a truly beautiful sight that made Arcadia gasp and drop all the bags in her magical grasp. Everyone stared at her as she slowly walked into the blueberry scented room, lit with so many candles that made her wonder how did it not catch on fire. The other girls looked around before Merry shuffled them out. Then looked over her shoulder and whispered, "Have fun tonight."

Arcadia blushed and used her magic to shut the door. Then turned around and looked towards the display of love. There was a fray of red roses that littered the floor creating a path. She lightly stepped along and followed them down the hall that led to the bedroom door. Taking a deep breath she covered her eyes and pushed the door open. "Madun?"

"Twilight? Show me your eyes sweetheart." Twilight did as requested and nearly burst into tears. She instead settled for covering her mouth. There was a land of roses all over the floor, two cups of wine on the nightstand, and madun sitting on the bed. Wearing a red robe with a rose in between his teeth. "I've been waiting for you."

The door slowly and silently closed behind her as she made her way to the bed, eyes locked with Madun's. She climbed up on the mattress and locked eyes with him. Then leaned in and plucked the rose from his mouth with her own. When her lips brushed his, she whimpered. Madun wrapped his hooves around her waist and kissed her forehead.

"First question. Did you enjoy your day?"

Twilight nodded and nuzzled his chest. "I did. I left everything in the garden outside."

"I'm glad you enjoyed your day. So I've been thinking. Remember that conversation we had months ago? Involving your room, Flurry Heart, and... foals?"

Twilight slowly backed up and looked into his hopeful gaze with her own. "...do....do you want to?" She whispered. "Do you really want to?"

Madun took a deep breath. Then announced his final decision. "Yes. I want to know what it's like to start a family with the mare I love. If she'll let me."

Twilight's hooves moved up and wrapped around her fiance's neck as his moved lower to grip her flank. "I want to, too," she whispered.

Madun laid back on the covers and pulled Twilight down with him. On contact, Twilight felt Little Madun begin to grow up between their bodies. She giggled and asked, "Ready already?"

Madun nodded and moved his hoof between her legs, making her gasp and shiver. "I can see you are too. If I hurt you and you want me to stop, let me know, okay?"

Twilight nodded and kissed him deeply. Starting off their special moment to begin a new life.
> Chapter 32 - Arcadian Explanations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight snores after sex, Madun thought when he woke up the next morning. His eyes cracked open to stare up at the Sun's rays coming in through the reflective skylight built into their room. Last night had been wonderful. The two had managed to advance their relationship. They both wanted to start a family. And he was definitely shooting for one. Even right now, he could still feel himself inside. Even if he wasn't.

Twilight was still snoring logs. Last night had worn them both out. And since it was Twilight's first time, she had bled a little. These sheets would need to be changed. Even if there wasn't any blood on it.

Twilight's snoring stopped, directing Madun's eyes from the skylight that shone on the top of their bed to on top of him where Twilight was sleeping, head on his chest. She hummed and slid her hooves around his neck, nuzzling his chest. "Mmm, good morning Firehead," she whispered.

Madun chuckled and nuzzled her mane. "Good morning," he replied. She yawned and sat up, kissing his muzzle. "Was I good?"

"You are amazing," she corrected. Then nuzzled him. "Nopony could do... Hmmm?"

Madun cracked his eyes open and looked at her confused face, staring at the wall behind their bed. "What? What is it?"

"Ugghh...I feel—" Twilight's cheeks bulged out and her hoof flew up to her mouth to cover it.

"Whoa! Okay!" Madun shouted. If she didn't cover her mouth, whatever came up would have just flew out all over him. He had to a take a deep breath. Ignoring him, Twilight jumped off the bed and briskly moved to the open door. Then straight into the bathroom to expel her guts. "Twilight!" Extremely worried, Madun moved to follow her.

He saw Twilight bent over the toilet, puking. He didn't really know what to do, so he instead rubbed her back lovingly as it happened. After a few more minutes, Twilight stopped and took a few deep breaths. "That... Was sudden," she whispered. "I need some water." She felt Madun's hoof leave her back for a few seconds. Then a bottle appeared in front of her. Grasping it in her magic, she ripped off the top and washed out her mouth.

"We're going to the doctor," Madun ordered. "Right now."



A sink was in the corner, the room was white, the bed was cushioned and rail-less. Madun sat beside it with one wing on Twilight's back, and his eyes on the mare doing her thing. Twilight watched the light blue Pseratep mare in front of her wearing a lab coat move a stethoscope on and around her chest, listening to her heartbeat. She hummed and took off the earpieces to write down the results. With a pen in her mouth, she assessed, "Well besides an increased heart rate, not much has changed. Can I get a history of what may have happened during the night?"

Twilight looked to Madun from the examination table, who was beside her holding her hoof. "Well, she came home and I had the home ready for her. Then we went into the bedroom, had sex, and—" Realization dawned on the three ponies in the room, leaving Twilight and Madun frozen.

The doctor cleared her throat and quickly stated, "I know what you're both thinking. And I am actually hoping for it. However, you should wait at least a week before we do any tests. If you'd like, I'd be honored to do a home visit. Not to mention keep this secret." She added the last bit with a smile and wink.

Arcadia eagerly nodded. "Yes! Yes, please!" A few minutes later, she and Madun walked out of the medical wing of the castle, an appointment scheduled for next week. Arcadia literally burst out the doors and grabbed Madun's cheeks, spooking the guards a little. "Oh my faust, oh my gosh, oh my STARS! Madun, what if it's positive? I've never raised a foal before, I don't know what to do! I'm about to become a Wife, a Queen, now a—"

Madun pressed his lips against his fiancee's for a moment, silencing her. Then pulled back and said lovingly, "We don't know if it's positive yet. And we still have plenty of time until we do find out. S3 is still in Equestria getting test results that we have yet to hear about. And Merry may, or may not be pregnant too. Until we get test results back, you are still on vacation and the tryouts for the wedding are still on for tomorrow. This is just a you and me thing. Nopony else will know about this."

Twilight smirked and asked, "Not even your twin?"

"Especially her." Twilight rolled her eyes and giggled. Then they calmly made their way back to the main housing unit in the castle with their guards. "She talks too loud and can be heard around the whole castle."

"King Butt!! Arcadia!!" Merry's voice resounded around the castle. Madun turned to his fiancee with a look that read, "See?" The two witnessed Merry slide to a stop at the entrance of their hall. Then turn and run over to them anxiously. "There you are!!" She pulled Arcadia into a tight hug. Nearly choking her. "I have great news!!"

Once she let Arcadia go, Merry opened her wing, revealing a Pregnancy test. Arcadia glanced at it and gasped in surprise. "Oh my gosh, you're pregnant!!" She squealed. Then pulled Merry into a tight hug. Madun meanwhile was just smiling pleasantly at his sister.

"I know!!" Merry responded into her mane. They pulled back as she continued happily. "Blazing's in shock, I'm pregnant, mom doesn't know yet, and I broke your fiance!" Arcadia looked over at Madun who had a strange unreadable expression on his face. It was like he was forcing a smile.

Arcadia rolled her eyes and nudged him, shocking him out of his surprised state of mind. He jumped up and yelled, "HUH?! WHAT?!"

"Hey, why are you guys at the doctor?" Merry inquired, noticing the familiar wooden door behind the two. Not letting them answer, Merry leaned in and whispered to Arcadia, "He didn't hurt you too bad, did he your highness?"

Arcadia blushed and pushed Merry away. "No, we were just...doing something."

"Uh huh."

Arcadia rolled her eyes and lit her horn, teleporting the three of them back inside of the Royal Suite on the far side of the castle. Madun looked around to familiarize himself for a moment then walked back to the bedroom, leaving Arcadia with her friend, slash twin-stepsister. "So... How was it?" Merry asked teasingly.

Arcadia blushed and muttered, "It was my first time."

"With Madun?"

"With anypony."

"Ahhhh, so you have a Pink thing going on." Based off of Arcadia's expression, she didn't understand. Merry waved to the air and whispered, "Light Pink is saving herself for the right mare. She's only dated once... Nearly a decade ago in high school. Hasn't even kissed anypony since."

"Oh, wow. Maybe you can help her out of her shell. Want juice?" Arcadia turned around and headed into the kitchen with Merry, who sat on the far end of the glass table and watched patiently as Twilight used her magic to float things around, fixing the drinks.

"Nah, not to Pink," Merry responded. She leaned her head on a hoof and added with a sigh, "She's too fragile. Might freak out if I even directed her attention to a mare and run away." Arcadia slid her a cup across the table and into Merry's hooves. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. She seems comfortable around Gardeen." Arcadia turned around as Madun walked towards the washroom with the bed sheets on his back. "I could have taken the sheets off."

Madun chuckled and continued walking. "Let me be me, Twilight," he replied playfully.

Arcadia turned back to Merry and took a sip of her drink. Merry motioned towards the living room and informed, "Your book is ringing." Arcadia instantly grabbed the book in her magic from the living room and brought it to the kitchen, balancing both the cup and the journal without even looking. Merry sighed and stated, "Buck, I wish I could do that."

Arcadia set the book down in front of her and chuckled. "Not many ponies are on my skill level," she replied. "It took me awhile to get where I am now."

"I know. But I still want magic."

"Grow a horn and we'll talk." Merry scoffed and looked away, amusing Arcadia before she opened the book. Her eyes scanned the words before she suddenly spat out her drink all on the table, looking at the words aghast.

Madun poked his head into the room and asked loudly, "What? What happened?"

Merry sighed and muttered, "I hope you don't do spit takes on diplomats."

"I have a good reason!" Arcadia replied in worry. She scanned the text again. Then once more.

"What is it?" Madun inquired. He walked over and read over Twilight's shoulder. "Okay, Equestria is requesting an audience."

"Yeah! With Prince Blueblood, the pony I yelled at!" Arcadia loudly clarified. "He's the pony that has an over-massive crush on me!"

"Oh! Bluebird," Madun groaned. Then rolled his eyes and added, "I didn't like him touching you. Let alone kissing your hoof. I was tempted to push the guards aside and bash him into the dirt."

Arcadia chuckled and kissed his cheek. "You don't have to do that, I protect myself quite fine," she responded.

"You're right. But I want to." He leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips. After he pulled back, he motioned at the book and asked, "Now what do we do about him?"

"Well..." Arcadia tapped a hoof against her chin. "I would very much like to apologize for how I yelled at him. I could have said it in another way and not have lashed out. That was unlike me, and I wish to apologize."

Madun sighed and said, "Well ask what's the nature of his visit." Arcadia picked up her pen and wrote down the request. Then shut the book and slid it a few inches forward away from her to stare at it menacingly.

After a few moments of tense silence, Merry whispered, "What do you think is his reason?"

Madun groaned and muttered, "To kiss my fiancee's hoof again."

She chuckled and said, "Don't buck him into a wall if you see him, King Butt."

"No promises." The book vibrated again, getting their attention. They watched it shake and vibrate, skidding across the table with every movement for five full seconds until Arcadia grabbed it in her magic and slowly pulled it towards her. Once it was within hoof's reach, she begrudgingly opened it and read the answer.

Madun leaned in and read aloud, "'Prince Blueblood would like an explanation as to why you said you hate him.' Oh jeez. Sounds tense. I'm going to be right beside you, sweetheart." He leaned in and nuzzled Arcadia's cheek, cooing a giggle out of her as she returned the gesture.

"I wouldn't expect anything less," she whispered. She heard Merry whisper, "Way too much sugary sweetness going on here."

Ignoring her, Madun pulled away and added, "I'm also going to have a large squad of Guards in the room as well. We'll have him meet with us in the throne room."

Arcadia sighed and nodded. Then wrote down the message, relaying it to Sunset, who will then relay it to Celestia or Blueblood directly.



At the same time, Blueblood was standing beside Celestia, Luna, and Cadance back in the Canterlot Castle throne room, watching Sunset Shimmer standing in front of the thrones send messages back and forth to Arcadia in wherever she is. Sunset sighed and shut the book. Then looked up at Celestia and Blueblood. "She said she'd meet with you in the Castle's throne room. Give her a few minutes to get settled in." Celestia nodded in approval. "She's also bringing Madun and a squad of Guards too."

Blueblood grunted, catching Celestia's ear. It was obvious he didn't like the King of an advanced race of ponies that were far better than Equestria. Apparently, he didn't like him even more now that he was courting his extreme crush that he's been trying to ask for her hoof in courtship for years now. Madun barely knew Twilight for a year and they were already about to get married while Blueblood knew of Twilight for years and couldn't even get her on a date. It was worrying Celestia that Blueblood didn't seem to see the fault in his personality. In a way, Celestia was grateful that Twilight's outburst seemed to have opened his eyes up. Even just a little bit.

"Portal!" A violet glow shimmered in front of them before it burst, creating a large violet portal in front of the throne. Sunset motioned towards the portal and warned, "I'd be careful if I were you, Blueblood. Arcadia may seem nice, but during her duties, she's about as serious as Celestia when somepony takes her cake." Celestia blushed and looked away in surprise. How did she know about her cake addiction?!

Blueblood took a deep breath and bravely walked forward, stepping through the portal. Cadance, Luna, and Celestia followed along, just to see how this would go. Luna glanced at Celestia beside her with an obvious question on their minds. Who's going to upset who first?



Arcadia took a deep breath and sat down on the single large throne in the castle Royal Throne Room, next to Madun, who of which was staring at the blank space in front of them that was outlined with twenty Pseratopian Royal Guard standing at attention, facing each other. Gardeen was sitting at the foot of Arcadia's side, watching the space expectantly while Merry was at the foot of her brother's. "Okay," Arcadia whispered. "Here we go." She lit her horn and started building the portal for the castle in Equestria, once again in the throne room. It used to be really strenuous to be able to build these portals. But now it was like she was drinking water. Simple.

Once it was built, she extinguished her horn and sat high and proud on her throne, eyeing the portal and waiting for movement. "I'll be right here," Madun stated from her left. Arcadia shot him a smile before the portal shimmered. Then out walked the pompous prince of the hour. Prince Blueblood looked around the large golden throne room first, then dropped his mouth open in awe and envy. He slowly walked forward, staring at all the shiny and ornate objects that were enhanced by the sunlight raining into the room from the giant stained glass windows, hitting and bouncing off the gold. The Princesses and Sunset Shimmer walked out behind him, slowly making their way towards the two on the thrones, staring at them expectantly. The Pseratep Guards, Gardeen, and Merry watched them walk forward, then stop and bow at the foot of Madun's throne

"Lady Arcadia and King Madun," Princess Celestia greeted. "Thank you for seeing us last minute."

"Hello, Princess Celestia," King Madun replied. "We are both still on vacation and it is still morning. So we have yet to go out and do anything. Even though this morning's wake-up call was... Surprising to say the least—" Twilight blushed and glanced at the sky, grabbing Cadance's eye. What was that about? "—we still managed to make time for you. I understand there was a bit of an altercation that happened in Equestria in the past few days regarding my fiancee, Lady Arcadia, and your nephew, Prince Blueblood." The Equestrians rose up on their hooves and faced the royals.

"You would be correct," Luna responded. "Prince Blueblood has been trying to court Lady Arcadia for a very long time when she was back in Equestria, only to be turned down every single time. We believe Lady Arcadia had enough when he tried another attempt a few days ago, and was yelled at by Lady Arcadia herself, obviously out of frustration. Let alone annoyance. Any mare would have done the same thing were they in her position."

"Completely understandable. However, I would like to know why the Prince would want to court the love of my life knowing full well that she is engaged." Every eye turned to Prince Blueblood who shied away and looked at the marble flooring when that question arose. He really didn't have a good explanation prepared for that. "But that is besides the point. I know that this summons is not about that. I believe they would like to have a word with each other. No matter how much of that question I want answered."

Somepony's weird chuckling bounced around the room. Probably Merry, Arcadia thought to herself. She ignore it, cleared her throat and said, "Prince Blueblood. While I do apologize greatly for my outburst back in Equestria, I hope you have learned your lesson about learning what the word 'no' means." Merry had to bite her lip to contain her laughter. Gardeen was no better. Repeating in their minds to 'Stay professional' over and over. "I don't hate you. But I also don't like you. You're merely a pony that I glance at back in Equestria. Just like when I walk around in Psera, and walked around in Equestria. You were just another pony."

Blueblood raised his hoof and inquired, "So... You do not like me." Celestia facehoofed. Arcadia and Madun held the most deadpan expressions. Merry and Gardeen had to bite their tongues to keep from groaning. Merry more so to keep from guffawing and falling on her back.

"...no," Arcadia deadpanned. "I do not like you. Nor do I hate you. I... Tolerate you. That's a very good word to describe it."

"Can I ask why?"

Arcadia sighed and stroked her face. "Can I be honest with you?" Blueblood slowly nodded. "You're very stuck up your own flank." Merry lowered her head and bit into her hoof, trying her hardest. It was extremely difficult to hold it in. Cadance was no better. "Blueblood, when we arrived to assess Equestria, your... Mansion was the only building standing—save for the castles—on the ground. We know that Cloudsdale would be fine and any other airborne city. You claim to be a Prince of Equestria, yet have not done a noble thing for Equestria to even be called a noble, which is a turn-off for anypony that has ever lived there. You believe you deserve the best of everything that Equestria has to offer because of your lineage and your House of Nobility. Hay, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are better. Even though they made trouble, they at least try most of the time and succeed at others. I was also a noble in Equestria, believe it or not. The second I became Princess Celestia's personal student, and personal Protege, I was claimed as a noble of Equestria under the House of Canterlot. Is that correct Celestia?"

Celestia nodded and answered, "Yes, it is." Your family became sort of 'sealed in' after your brother married my niece, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."

"Right. Now, I am not of any Royal descent. At all. I have no royal family background. Believe me, one day on my free time, I researched my family roots, my known family roots." Merry muttered something that sounded like, 'I believe that'. "There is absolutely no royalty in there," Twilight continued. "But I have done many duties that have saved Equestria more than once. Yet, you can't even break down your mansion to help archive Equestria's steel for a reservoir. And you are a descendant of Royalty, claim to be Royalty, act as if you are Royalty, but can't exactly play the role of Royalty."

Prince Blueblood bit his lip as some of the guards stared at him in interest. "I know I was not a Princess in Equestria. And I am glad we moved on from that altercation and onto much greater things, where I, along with the great minds of the Pseratep race are helping save your country from going back into the dark ages where metal never existed, let alone knew they existed. I really am. However, it is because of ponies like you that make me shout and yell in frustration. Because even though I am not Equestrian Royalty, I have done far more Royal things than you have ever done in your entire life.

"I stayed humble, kind, fair, smart, intelligent, brave, and was willing to give up my life for the benefit of others. Yet, a descendant of a real Princess, a real royal of Equestria before Celestia and Luna's time cannot even greet a regular pony in a kind and equal way. Treat them as an equal. We are all ponies right? Common class, nobility, or Royalty, we are all ponies. We live, we get sick, we have foals, we have a life, we are all ponies. Yet, you don't even treat them that way! You treat them as if they are beneath you and hold no value! Now WHY in Psera would I want to date a pony like THAT?!"

The room got eerily quiet at her little outburst and explanation. She didn't even realize she had stood up. Arcadia cleared her throat and sat back down to mutter, "I apologize for my outburst. Gardeen, could you please—"

"Be back in a few seconds, your highness!" Merry yelled. Then turned and quickly ran away behind the thrones, heading to Arcadia's office in the back to grab her a glass of water. As well as to let loose the laughter she's trying her hardest to hold back. There were literally tears falling from her eyes.

After sharing a look with Gardeen, Arcadia took a deep breath and added, "Now I guess you are wondering why I chose Madun to be my special somepony. Let alone my fiance. I'll be happy to tell you. Even when his people were down, this King practically begged for me to help his people. Threw all of those royal morals to the wind and asked me what did they have to do to get me to help them? Of course I answered nothing, I would help them regardless of whether or not I got anything in return. It's not in me to allow innocent ponies to suffer and not do anything about it. But if I didn't, I had a feeling Madun would bow in front of me and the hundred of Pserateps behind me on that fateful day we met in Merōl, and ask desperately for me to help them. And would still hold no shame. Why? Because that is what a King would do. Even a Queen. He is kind, faithful, loving, and a family pony who I would, and will never trade the world for. I love him, and he loves me. I'm sorry, Blueblood. But my heart is with Shimmering Madun. Not yours."
> Chapter 33 - Events at Eventa Pt. 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone in the Royal Throne Room stayed silent as Prince Blueblood processed everything Twilight said—and yelled—to him. Madun draped a wing over Arcadia's back and moved it up and down lovingly, sending her a calming sensation. Blueblood's awkward shuffling once again caught their attention. "I... I understand," he whispered.

Arcadia nodded and asked, "Is there anything else you wanted to know?" He shook his head. "Very well. You are dismissed." She lit her horn and began to conjure another portal back to Equestria while standing up and making her way down to the Equestrians. "How are the tests with S3, Sunset?"

"Well," she responded once Twilight stopped and delivered a hug. "Your head of operations, Bright Gold, said they may have figured something out to get rid of it. Extremely cold temperatures. They slid finding the source over to the side for now because... Well, heavy winter is still on its way." Arcadia nodded in understanding and finished the portal. "They said the molecules are vulnerable to cold temperatures and break down in extremely cold temperatures. They just need to find a way to move the molecules to The Frozen North."

"Excellent!" Twilight cheered. "Remember. If they need anything let me know immediately. Also... Tryouts are tomorrow."

The Equestrians, save for Blueblood who had went back to Equestria, gasped. "Oh!" Celestia cheered. "Are you excited?"

"Well not at this very moment. But overall, yes."

Madun trotted up and placed a wing over his fiancee's back grinning proudly and added, "We're both looking forward to it. Arcadia has not exactly seen the domestic skills the Pserateps possess. I cannot wait to see this competition up close."

"I can't imagine how much this wedding is going to stress you two out," Cadance commented. "The colors, venue, theme, bridesmaids, security..."

Twilight chuckled and asked, "Stress? What's that? We're so used to it by now, that we don't even recognize it. As for the Venue? Obviously Events by Eventa. It's the only Venue in all of Psera that's big enough to hold all of our ponies. That I know of anyway." She looked to Madun for confirmation.

He answered her unspoken question with, "It is."

"Great." She looked back to the Princesses and stated, "You know... You are invited to attend the tryouts as a mock audience with a few more Pserateps. They already know you were invited, so it really should not be an issue if you show up."

"We'd be delighted," Luna cooed. "Since nothing is happening in Equestria at this moment, save for S3 doing research, we have time."

Celestia suggested, "We can assign diplomats to stick around in case S3 does need help or information on Equestria. "What time do we need to be here?"

"Well everypony needs to be at the S3 Mobile Laboratory grounds by eight. The event starts at eleven thirty. Eventa takes us maybe thirty minutes to get to at a Pseratep's speed. That, and I have to show you around. Everypony is eating breakfast there so have an empty stomach. Until then, have a great day."

"Thank you, Lady Arcadia and King Madun." The four ponies bowed and then turned around. Walking back through the portal and into the Canterlot Castle's throne room. It was silent when they walked in, save for the waterfalls by Celestia's throne.

"Hopefully, our nephew did not take Twilight's words too hard," Luna thought out loud. She and Celestia walked towards the thrones, leaving Cadance and Sunset Shimmer standing back. "He did seem silent after the meeting."

Sunset looked around and replied, "That's because he left and came back here. I have to go back to Canterlot City and tell the girls."

"And Flurry and her parents would want to see Twilight as well," Cadance added. "It would only be fair. We will see each other tomorrow morning." She and Sunset turned around and made their way out while Celestia and Luna waved kindly.

"Have a good day," Celestia called. The guards pushed the doors open to let them through, then closed them back once they did. Once out of earshot, Celestia turned to Luna and said, "We should probably check on Blueblood later."

Luna hummed and commented, "I am sure he would appreciate some company." Unbeknownst to the both of them, Blueblood would not be found in his mansion. Or in Canterlot. Or even Equestria. After hearing what Arcadia said to him, his world shattered. He felt alone, tired, frustration... Anger. Anger that Twilight did not see what he was offering her. Love, fortune. Riches, a status in Equestria's society. Madun wasn't the issue. It was Twilight. He knew what she wanted. Twilight didn't. And he knew what he had to do. Twilight belonged to nopony. She was nopony. He would make sure that she saw the good in him and how it would make her become somepony. Even if he caused the issue that he would fix.

Almost immediately after Blueblood bounded through the portal, he used an invisibility spell. Rendering himself unseen by the time he stepped into the Canterlot Castle throne room. Once he was sure he was in the clear, he turned around and jumped back through, landing amongst his relatives, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight, and Madun. Without even being noticed. They were talking about the wedding and plans, so he decided to listen in. Something about the event being held at an "Events at Eventa." Whatever the hay that is. At the moment, he realized his plan of action. He knew exactly what had to be done.

Blueblood turned and silently walked towards the doors of the Throne Room. Ready to put his plan into play. He had a lot to learn about Psera. And he had until the wedding to do it.



The next morning in both Psera and Equestria for both parties were anxious. The friends and family in Equestria were both awake at five in the Crystal Empire. And at four in Ponyville. Annoying Flurry Heart a little and messing up the mane and tail of Rarity.

Everyone that was going were sitting in the lights in front of S3's Mobile Lab, eating what appeared to be apples and oranges. Waiting for the Ponyville natives to arrive. Once Celestia spotted the group, she smiled and waved. "Good morning, everypony. I hope you slept well." The Elements of Harmony stopped and took a seat in front of them.

Rarity shivered and said, "Opalescence tends to become a little rowdy at this hour. She wouldn't stop scratching me."

Spike walked over and settled down in front of Rarity's hooves while Cadance began to explain the situation. "I am glad everypony could make it. As you all know, Twilight is getting married in a few months, and is taking up the throne as Psera's queen shortly after that. Today, and possibly this entire week, she and her Fiance, King Shimmering Madun, are holding a tryout to see who will get to perform at either of these events. She has asked for us to be a mock audience among a larger group of Pserateps to see how the performers, chefs, and designers react to an audience."

Pinkie bounced into her line of sight front and center with a huge grin to ask, "Oohhh, will there be cake?!"

Cadance wasn't too turned off. She was way used to Pinkie Pie's antics at this point. She shrugged and answered, "It is a wedding after all. I would be surprised and confused if there weren't."

"We just need to be ready," Luna added. "We are going to a land that is bigger than ours in a different city that holds, apparently, a historical landmark that is humongous." A purple flash behind the Princesses was the signal. They stood up, whipped around and observed a violet portal grow into focus, inviting them through with a steady rotation. Luna muttered, "Wow, she's early. It's only seven. Let's go everypony. We already have everything here setup for our absence. No time to waste."

Everyone took in a deep  brave breath and walked forward, stepping through the portal and into what looked like the foyer of the castle. Well, a connected hallway that led into the foyer. Right? High ceiling, wide hallway, golden statues, marble floors? Seemed right.  Right? The princesses looked around and then to each other. Besides them there was no one else around. "Equestria?"

They all turned to the female voice behind them that sounded a little familiar. Gardeen was walking towards them with a smile and a white pair of saddlebags on her back, matching her coat that held the crest of Psera and one of those crystal radios strapped to her hoof. Celestia cleared her throat and nodded. "Yes, we are here as a mock audience?"

"Yes. Her Highness informed me of a mock audience from Equestria. I'm Gardeen, Lady Arcadia's personal assistant. We met before in Equestria."

Shining pointed a hoof at her in recognition. "Oh yeah! You're the pony that writes really fast!"

Gardeen chuckled and said, "Yes, I am she. You're lucky I caught you over here. Lady Arcadia must've lost focus again, accidentally dropping you off in the back of the castle instead of in the front."

"Wait, in the back?" Rainbow asked. She and the others looked around. It looked just like the rest of the hallways in the castle. High ceilings, marble floors, and more.

"Yes," Gardeen confirmed. "There was an emergency last night that required Arcadia's presence in one of our cities and she didn't get back in until two this morning."

Twilight Velvet gasped in surprise and asked worriedly, "Oh no! Is anypony hurt?"

"No, everyone is fine," Gardeen replied. "Just a chemical thing. Once again, you're lucky I caught you. If the guard had seen you, you would be down on the ground within five seconds and possibly hauled off. I just happened to gather some documents from the medical office here and your group jumps out of a portal right in front of me." Gardeen raised her hoof that held the Communication Block to her mouth and said, "APA to Lieutenant Sword. Come in." She lowered her hoof and waved for the Equestrians to follow her as she turned around and headed down the hall. The group looked at each other but did as told.

"Go ahead, APA," the crystal block on her hoof replied. Everyone, save for the Element Bearers, immediately looked towards her hoof as she raised it to her mouth once more.

"The Equestrians have arrived, I'm escorting them now to the foyer. Her highness dropped them off in the medical unit."

"Understood." Another voice tuned into the conversation. "King Madun and Lady Arcadia now departing Safe Haven. All units, prepare and secure chariots. King Madun has said her highness may wish to fly herself this morning to 'wake up.'"

"Understood," Gardeen replied. Then turned back to the Equestrians. "Eventa is a few hundred miles away. So we'll be flying fast. Today is going to be a busy day. Be ready."



The second the group walked into the Castle of the Gods' foyer was the same second they realized how over their heads they were. It was pure chaos. Pserateps were flying around, talking, yelling, eating, and shuffling through papers that they were stuffing into boxes and taking out the door in what seemed to be an assembly line of Pserateps.

Spike, who was situated on Starlight's back, gulped and commented, "That is a lot of ponies."

"Yes it is," Cadance agreed. Gardeen waved her hoof forward and walked out into the storm.

"Don't worry," Gardeen called over her shoulder. "They won't run into you." Then continued moving. Taking a deep breath, Rainbow raised her head and pranced out, grinning in satisfaction as Pserateps that were flying right for her skidded to a stop to let her past before continuing on. The others followed her example and calmly filed out. Albeit more humble with actual greetings.

Once they made it to the doors on the other side, they were met by a new face in the Guard with about ten more, armed and ready with blades in their wings. Lieutenant Sword bowed slightly at the Princesses once she spotted the crowns on Celestia's, Luna's, and Cadance's head. "Greetings, your majesties," she acknowledged. Then rose back up and introduced herself. "I'm Lieutenant Sword. Lady Arcadia's head of security outside of the Castle. Her highness should be here in a few minutes. Or seconds."

"Thank you," Celestia responded. While they waited, she turned around and watched the Pserateps' process with everyone else. Then looked back and asked, "Is it always busy like this?"

"No." The lieutenant walked forward and watched with everyone else. "Only during special historical or political events. It'll continue like this until a final decision is made on who will 'show off'. Then will be even worse on King Madun and Lady Arcadia's wedding day. Then it will loop one more time for Lady Arcadia's inauguration."

"Ah, I understand." Celestia continued watching for a few more minutes before everyone froze and got silent. Then bowed towards the area they were facing. It was so silent, they could hear the clinking and ringing of the guard's blades behind them. The Equestrians decided to follow along and bow. Including Spike who jumped off Starlight and bent low.

"Rise, fellow Pserateps," a male and female said from above. A strong breeze ruffled the coats of the Guard and the visitors. They all stood up and smiled at Arcadia and Madun, both of which wearing obviously royal attire. Madun was wearing an orange suit that had a sewn on symbol of the Crest of Psera. And Arcadia was wearing what looked to be Saddle Arabian attire. There were three orange rings on her horn that had a long chain attached to each. The one on the base looked like a sun fixed with crushed diamonds that sparkled when the light hit it. Overall, she wore what would be described as Saddle Arabian wear and the two were matching colors.

"Merry really out did herself this time," Arcadia chuckled.

"Yeah, my sister tends to do that," Madun responded. Then bowed at the Royalty, who in turn bowed back. "Hello, Princesses."

"Greetings, King Madun," Cadance responded. They rose back and smiled at each other. "We heard a little accident occurred last night that involved Twilight dropping us off in the back of the castle this morning."

"Yeah," Arcadia responded. She yawned and added, "Sorry. A little chemical accident that involved the evacuation of the city so it could be cleaned up. I was called in to keep it in the city and not leak out so the crew could rush in. S2 needs to be more careful. But enough about our land. Thanks so much for coming. All of you. Including Spike, who I have a gift for~"

That got Spike's attention. He stopped stretching from atop Starlight's back and looked at Arcadia questioningly. She looked to Madun who reached into his suit and pulled out a large black leather pouch. Then presented it to Spike who shyly reached out to take it. He widened the top and peeked inside, gasping at what he found. Quickly reaching in and slowly pulling out a ruby that had a gradient of red and orange, he blinked at it then gazed back up to Arcadia. The color was similar to King Madun's coat color. She pointed at it and said, "Take a bite."

He did as asked and chewed slowly. "Chocolate... Strawberry... Vanilla.... Blueberry, its taste keeps changing! Wh-What is this?"

Madun chuckled at his awe filled expression while he took another bite and casually answered, "Texture Gems. Gems that grow deep underneath Psera whose molecules continue to change and move. Like a living gem with no life."

"These things are awesome! Thanks, Twilight!" Spike yelled in appreciation. Then enthusiastically took another bite.

Arcadia giggled and replied, "You're welcome. Lieutenant?"

Lieutenant Sword walked forward and saluted with an answer to her unasked question. "The chariots are prepped and ready, ma'am. You'll be accompanied by a platoon of fifty and I'll be taking the place of his majesty's usual escort today. We're ready when you are."

"Well let's not waste anymore time," Madun responded. "Let's move!" He walked around the group and towards the door with Arcadia, who was just as enthusiastic. The security team and Equestrians quickly caught up to them when the guards opened the door, revealing Psera in all its glory to Spike who has never seen it before. His jaw went slack like it did when he saw the foyer, now staring up at the mighty Central PDS and the giant Cloudsdale above them.

There were five Chariots set in a row in front of them, the gold shining from the sun all lined up on the concrete street surrounded by a platoon of guards like the Lieutenant said, as well as what seemed to be a whole lot of press taking pictures and using those very large cameras. Possibly recording video. How they watched it were a mystery. Some Guards were hooked up to the chariots while the rest were keeping a close eye on every single movement. What they were looking for had yet to be known. At the moment, they were all bowing.

Arcadia and Madun walked down the stairs and towards the largest chariot. "At ease!" Madun yelled. Then turned to Arcadia and asked smoothly as they waved to the press, "Are you sure you want to fly to Eventa on your own?"

The Equestrians were guided towards their own fancy chariots while they listened to them talk. Arcadia nodded and added with a chuckle, "I need to fly again instead of taking chariot everywhere. Lest I forget how to use my wings. Besides, it'll wake me up."

Madun looked around then leaned in to whisper, "But what about your... Condition?"

Twilight looked back at the Equestrians. Then back to Madun and whispered, "It shouldn't hurt her if I fly, sweetie. Don't worry, we'll be fine."

"You're really hoping for a filly, huh?"

"Yes. Now stop worrying, we'll be okay." She leaned in and pecked his cheek for reassurance.

Sighing, Madun gave in and motioned to the Lieutenant in a "come hither" motion. Once she was at his side, Madun said, "My fiancee wishes to fly on her own this morning. I'll be in the chariot with the others, getting to know them."

"Yes, sir. Please take safety measures with them when we increase our speed." Madun was escorted towards the Chariot holding Twilight's parents, brother, Cadance, and her niece while the Lieutenant stood at the front. "All hooves, listen up! All soldiers be advised Lady Arcadia will be flying without chariot this morning. Form a three-sixty degree radius. Visitors from Equestria? When the Guard tells you to hold on, hold on. No questions. Whenever you're ready, your majesty."

Rainbow Dash was really interested in this, evident by her and Applejack's staring. Arcadia nodded and then raised her large wings, flapping them once and zipping directly up, followed by what seemed to be ten or fifteen guards. Immediately, the chariots holding the visitors and Madun began rolling across the ground, taking off into the air seconds later after Arcadia.

Celestia and Luna immediately held onto the sides of their own chariots when they tilted up even higher, soaring over the clouds. Rainbow Dash raised her hooves and cheered from beside Applejack while everyone else were holding on for dear life. The wind ruffling through her mane gave her a thrill she's used to when flying in Equestria. This was somewhere else. Even Flurry was holding onto Cadance's hoof screaming.

After a few more seconds, they leveled out. Allowing everyone to relax. Twilight Velvet and Night Light took a deep breath in relief and looked at the relaxed king trying to stifle his laughter in front of his future in-laws. Celestia and Luna looked over the sides of their chariot at the ground below, in total awe at the sight of the snowflake outline of Cop.

"Is it always so... Sudden?" Velvet asked. Madun chuckled and nodded his head.

"Yes it is," he responded vocally. "And it's not over yet. Remember when your daughter said Pserateps are insanely fast fliers? She wasn't joking. We have to be there in maybe ten minutes and Eventa is one hundred fifteen miles away."

"Aw yeah!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "Show us what you got!" She looked up and saw what seemed to be Twilight in a large guard bubble deposited a little over their chariot. The chariots that were in front of them shifted around until they were all in a long single row, separated by a yard or two. With the Royal chariot set in the middle, containing Gardeen who quickly put away her notepad.

A guard that was beside each chariot leaned in and told them instructions. The one for the Element Bearers leaned in and yelled, "Grab hold of the bars when they pop out of the wall or seat in front of you! We're going really fast so be ready for the booms!"

"Booms?! What booms?!" Rarity yelled. The Guard nodded and flew back into place. Then lifted his Communication Block and said something. The bearers looked up at Arcadia when she called them.

She was staring with a smirk on her face and yelled, "Just listen to the Guard, they know what they're doing! Your call, Lieutenant!"

"Three! Two!" Lieutenant Sword counted down from the front. "One!" The seats had bars that popped out in each chariot before Arcadia started to speed ahead, creating a loud roar with her guards. Rainbow grabbed hold of their bars when the chariot lurched forward and picked up speed.

"Whoa....whoa whoa whoa WHOOOA!" Luna yelled when she was forced back into her seat with Celestia. The wind around them sounded louder than a tornado, drowning out any other noise save for the high pitched whistle that was getting louder and louder. After around two minutes, a loud crack sounded from their right, but they didn't get to see what it was.

"They just did a boom!!" Rainbow yelled. They heard more whistles and cracks around them as they soared over a grassy plain and a huge lake in under two seconds. They continued flying like this for even more minutes, around maybe ten.

"Twilight's boom is just magical!!!" Madun yelled over the wind. Everyone who heard him looked up at Twilight when the final whistle began. Since her body held more mass, it took longer to build up. Even if she was going at nine hundred sixty-two. A small blurry cloud formed on her muzzle that grew into what made her look like a sharp bolt, soon glowing a neon violet. Rainbow grinned, prepared beyond her imaginations before they began to slow down and lower. Diminishing her hopes and dreams.

"Eventa in sight!" The Lieutenant announced from the front. "Along with high traffic!! Be ready for landing on the runway mechanics!!" Once they could move, everyone looked down at the multiple roads and buildings they were beginning to pass over. They looked strange. With multiple bright colors, balloons, neon signs. Pretty much Pinkie Pie's heaven. The mare herself was grinning madly.

"Events at Eventa in sight!!" The lieutenant announced. Everyone immediately looked forward, trying to see the rumored large building. It blew their minds away. Eventa may be the name of the city, but Events at Eventa was the city. The second everypony saw the "wall" that was taller than the whole city, they knew they had arrived. "Oh...my...faust," Luna muttered in awe. The building spanned past both sides of the city, practically creating the city itself.

"That is amazin'," EQG Applejack responded quietly. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy just couldn't speak while Starlight and Sunset were entranced. They saw it from above at night, but never in the day. Arcadia hovered overhead the Royal Chariot then dropped down into the seat next to Gardeen as they neared the humongous building. The section of the wall they were coming up on had two thin LED lights in the form of a vertical line that flashed red and blared like an alarm.

A bunch of cheering down below forced those who could to look over the sides of their chariots at the large group of Pserateps down below. Their words were loud and clear, high and proud. "All hail, King Madun! Long Live Lady Arcadia! All Hail King Madun! Long Live Lady Arcadia!" Over and over. Arcadia leaned over and grinned down at them, waving a hoof to show her appreciation as they neared the parting walls of the stadium.

"Hang on, a slight bumpy landing," one of the Guard announced from the Royal Chariot. Soon they flew rapidly into the wide space, soaring deeper into the tinted blue quiet building. The runway had what seemed to be twenty tracks on the ground, parallel to each other. What for, the Princesses, Sunset Shimmer, or anyone else from Equestria couldn't figure out. They were about to find out.

"Latching on!" A guard announced before the front two guards stopped flapping their wings and started gliding. Everyone spotted a strange metal device fast approaching that were connected to the tracks. The guards up front slammed their hooves straight into them and pushed whatever they were deeper in with them. Something latched on underneath everyone's chariot, creating a loud mechanical sound similar to a roller coaster that began to lose tempo as they progressed.

Celestia realized a little later that the guards had stopped flapping and were now just relaxing on what seemed to be a platform at the front. But they continued to move. She turned around and also noticed what looked like a very long metal tail connected somehow to their chariot that was becoming slower and slower. She also wondered why they just didn't land on concrete.

Their journey eventually came to a stop at a single click in front of a higher concrete platform outlined by red lights. A stone wall now stood in front of them with the term "Code Black Hangar" painted on that a mess of Guard were waiting in front of. Like most of the large buildings, a crest of Psera was displayed underneath the term. Once all the chariots were locked in place, the Guard moved in and helped everyone off. Arcadia was helped off by a guard who offered his hoof while everyone else were able to get off on their own. Once on the concrete ground, she made her way over to Madun and shared a nuzzle and did a few jumps, along with wing flaps, stretching.

"I take it someone is awake," Madun commented knowingly.

Arcadia giggled and nodded. Then shared a small kiss with Madun. "Yes, I am. Enjoy the flight?"

"Always do." He and Arcadia parted to look around at their surroundings. It seems the Equestrians were trying to get their hooves steady. Especially Rarity who was combing her mane like a mad mare. It was windswept from the ride, an utter disaster in her book.

"That. Was. Awesome!!" Everyone who knew that statement turned to Rainbow Dash, who instead pointed to Flurry Heart that was fast approaching Arcadia with a giant grin on her face. "Can we do that again sometime? Pleeease?"

Arcadia giggled nervously and answered, "I'm... Not... Er.... Are you hungry? We're serving breakfast and Lunch for everypony helping and participating since we'll be here for most of the day."

"Uh huh, uh huh!!" Flurry flapped her wings a few times and landed gently on her back as the guard began to lead the way out, followed closely by the Royals of Psera and Equestrians. Before they walked out a wide pair of steel double doors, Celestia looked over her shoulder at the chariots that were being worked on. One of the guards was pressing down on some type of lever over and over, thus raising the chariot. Then two more walked over and rotated it so the chariot was facing the way they came. She wondered why it was in a deep cavern-like area instead of outside where she could meet everyone. Even if it was definitely futuristic and more suitable.

Ignoring her own curiosity, Celestia turned around and walked through the doors with everyone else. The hall they were on now was pristine, white, and very cold. It had cool and spotless marble floors and stone walls. Not to mention they could hear the air conditioner running. "Sorry for the cold," Madun apologized over his shoulder. "We're coming in through a Code Black hallway. It's mandatory and a health regulation that it stays cold twenty-four seven. Hopefully we'll never have to use this hall."

"Oh," Sunset Shimmer muttered. She and Starlight shared a look before she asked, "What exactly was that runway?"

"That's a Code Black Runway," Arcadia explained. "Extremely guarded in the event of a Code Black Emergency. If somepony is in the building that poses a major threat with an automatic crossbow, a bomb, an Ursa, or if a Royal is gravely injured, they are taken down this hallway and towards the Code Black Runway for evacuation. It works as a slingshot. Instead of the Pseratopian Guard having to build up to their speed, the chariot and guard are shot out faster than Merry to fly to the main hospital in Capita, which has the same thing except for intake. As well as a procedure if such an event were to occur."

"Has it ever occured?" Applejack asked. The guards at the end of the hall unsealed and opened the door, revealing what looked like a much warmer hallway back at the castle. There were display screens hanging from the roof, facing the opposite sides of the building and displaying what looked like announcements. There was even one that read the Wedding of the Century. With a picture of King Madun and Lady Arcadia waving to possibly the media of Psera.

Arcadia turned to Madun at the question Applejack asked. It was his mother after all. Madun chuckled and answered, "That's a story for another day."

Cadance and Celestia shared a knowing glance. That even though Psera was beautiful and amazing, it still had hidden horrors that were fatally dangerous.
> Chapter 34 - Events at Eventa Pt. 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only sound that proved to anypony that there were in fact more ponies inside the incredibly massive stadium were the sounds of hooves stomping along marble and chatter amongst Equestria's Royalty and Psera's Royalty.

The group trotted slowly along the marble flooring, gazing at all the gold, pictures, and screens that lined the hallways. Sunset was wondering how in Equestria, er... Psera they had this. She was going to ask Twilight about it but she had a feeling that even she didn't know. So she just rolled with it. But there was a lot of gold in here.

Along the way, Arcadia, King Madun, and the Princesses were making deep conversation about politics, economics, and what else besides the wedding. Arcadia said that she's been helping Madun with Psera's budget by paying more attention to trends and graphs. "We focus more," Arcadia explained. "Well I focus more on education and the sciences. Madun focuses more on the military with our Secretary of Defense, which is very important. And of course we both focus on laws and important situations, investigations and more. Primarily regulations and adjustments for fairness."

"Sounds great," Cadance praised. "What type of sciences do you look into?"

Arcadia laughed and responded honestly, "All of them. Any one you can think of I'm sure I've been into it. Are we almost there, Lieutenant?"

"Right around the corner, ma'am," Lieutenant Sword responded.

"KING BU—oh wait..." Arcadia looked up like everyone else at the exclamation and spotted Merry soaring overhead. Much slower because she was inside a historical landmark. Or a city with important items.

She flapped her wings and slowed to a stop. Then dropped onto the glossy walkway below. She turned back and trotted eagerly to the group. She bowed in front of Arcadia and greeted, "Your highness." Then did the same to Madun. "King Butt—I mean...King Madun."

Arcadia giggled and nudged Madun's shoulder. He instead rolled his eyes and sighed, "Hello, Merry. When'd you get here?"

Merry rose back up and walked with the group as they continued. Ignoring the odd glances from the Equestrians. "Maybe three minutes before your Escort. I saw you going over nine-hundred seventy. And in a formidable defense. Great job, Lieutenant Sword."

"Thank you, ma'am," Lieutenant Sword responded.

Arcadia turned around towards the crowd and decided to introduce her. "Everypony, this is Merry Fire. My future sister-in-law, and Princess of Psera."

"Yes, I believe we met during Hearth's Warming," Cadance responded. "Although under more tense situations."

"Yep! Arcadia was ma-ha-had," Merry agreed. "It's great to see her as her usual perky, upbeat self and not yelling at someone. Because yesterday? Made me shiver a little... And honestly laugh."

"Merry, you're here for something," Madun reminded her. They stopped in front of a pair of very wide doors protected by a bunch of guards working to open them.

"Ah, right! I just came to tell Arcadia something." Merry leaned in to Arcadia's ear and whispered that specfic something that had her flying overhead. Arcadia nodded and said "uh huh" a few times as they spoke. When Merry pulled away the two mares stared at each other like they were frozen in time. Everypony was silent, including the guards who were waiting for the cue to open the doors. Rainbow Dash hovered above, waiting for—

Arcadia suddenly snorted and then burst into a fit of giggles while Merry laughed. Calming down a bit, Arcadia took a breather and asked in delight, "Is that all you came to tell me?"

"Well that, and that the contestants are waiting for everypony's presence in the cafeteria hall. Which was a great idea by the way. You should've seen the tension everyone was in outside! Imagine them actually in the works in the same room competing. So eating together surprisingly calmed everything down."

"Great!" Arcadia cheered. While they chatted, Madun looked towards the door and nodded. The guards there briefly saluted then began to push them open. They groaned in weight as they moved, splitting in the middle and letting in even more light. As Arcadia and Merry had their conversation, The Equestrians were anxiously watching the doors open. Letting in the noise and a lot of conversation.

Lieutenant Sword raised her Communication Block to her mouth and spoke some commands. "All Guards in Events at Eventa, please be advised. We are now entering the Public Sections. Stay sharp and tense." She lowered her hoof once the doors were opened entirely, displaying a very spacious hall that was much wider than the one they were on. Actually, hallway was a very, very, VERY extreme understatement. It was a world.

They were on a street. As in "concrete with sidewalks and street lights" street that were connected to even more. There were what seemed to be buildings with stories as well, and the ceiling was really, really, REALLY high up. Anything underneath was bathed in light by what seemed to be a giant artificial gem, hanging only by large chains connected to a large steel ring. Somehow, it was supplying enough light for the whole area. But they couldn't see where it ended.

"Welcome to Eventa's Section One!" Merry cheered. Then turned back to the Equestrians' awe filled face. The Princesses were trying to take in all the sights at once while Rainbow Dash flew up and observed their location. All she could see were buildings, the "sky", and a lot of Pserateps. Flying around, running, walking, dancing at what seemed to be a party, and navigating in those strange vehicles that didn't require another pony pulling it.

"Dash!" She looked down at Fluttershy who was waving for her to get down. Rainbow pulled in her wings and zipped back down in front of Celestia, who was speaking to a guard.

Lieutenant Sword approached Rainbow Dash and requested in a stern voice, "Please refrain from taking to the air without notifying the Guard, ma'am. You are risking the safety of Psera's peaceful atmosphere, King Madun, Lady Arcadia, and Princess Merry."

"Oh, sorry," Rainbow replied meekly. Slightly satisfied, Lieutenant Sword stepped back and motioned to her guards to form a defensive position around the group once someone had spotted them. A large gathering had since stopped what they were doing earlier and were now creating a crowd around the three pony royals. Actually six if counting the Equestrians. Arcadia, Madun, and Merry waved to the crowd. Although Merry wasn't grinning like they were. More like a casual smile.

Lieutenant Sword lifted her Communication Block to her mouth while keeping a firm eye out. "Escort to Transportation, where are you?"

"Transportation currently in route," someone replied. "We have eight secure pods."

"Understood. Let me know when you're coming through." She lowered her hoof and turned back to the ponies. "Transportation is on its way, everyone. Just relax for now."

Arcadia nodded and then walked towards the mass of ponies with Madun to greet them. While they smiled, shook hooves and took a few pictures, Celestia tapped Merry's shoulder in curiosity, getting her attention. "Yes?" Merry asked.

"So...I've noticed the security presence of Psera is quite extensive," she stated. "Why is that?"

"Ah, the Guard," Merry assumed. Then sighed and said, "Let me give you a little history lesson while we wait." She sat down and cleared her throat. "Even though Psera is really beautiful, advanced, and amazing, there is still ugliness and greed. A long time ago, our mother was in charge of Psera. The role now passed on to my brother. Mother was like Arcadia. She wanted our borders open to visits, exchanges, trade... Basically, be social with other nations years after we stopped the patrolling of our oceans. Well some ponies didn't agree to it. That also occured with some laws that didn't satisfy their needs. Well eventually, enough was enough and a petition was started to take her out. Impeachment. Well that didn't succeed since no illegal law was broken. So they decided that since the government wasn't going to do anything, they would.

"A secret society was started to take down my mother. Then an attempted assassination."

"Really?!" Cadance asked in disbelief.

Merry nodded. "Yep. My brother and I weren't born yet, but she showed us newspaper clippings. Somepony had thrown gas onto the stage of a crowd she was speaking at and tried to take her out that way. And since Pserateps are really fast, you can imagine what it's like when it's close combat, which has happened... Sorry, that's classified information. Well either way, in the end, a group of ponies created a terrorist organization that prides in making their own way in Psera. And target royalty exclusively. Why? I think it's because they want Psera to be perfect. Completely perfect. And kept for themselves."

Rarity looked out amongst the crowd and stammered, "So..."

"So the reason mom became a target is because she tried to open Psera's borders, taxes, and... Something else that's Top-Secret. Now Arcadia, or Twilight has done so much for Psera that it's unbelievable it hasn't been a year yet. And she's gained Royal status before even dating King Madun. A Secretary of Royalty. She does what is asked of Royalty, even volunteering. She's perfect, she's exactly what this group wants in Psera. Perfection. But sadly, she's already gained a frowny-face in their eyes. And may have become a target."

That raised a lot of alarm bells in the visitors minds. The Princesses leaned in and Luna asked the main question. "Why?"

Merry lifted her hoof and placed it softly on Luna's head, right between her eyes. "Because. Of. You. Even though my mother stopped her attempts at opening our borders, Arcadia did and actually made contact. Successfully. Even by just mere contact with you. She and the rest of Psera Royalty and Government have actually went to your land, made a deal, and agreed to help you through a trade. Which in this organization's eyes means even more trades. Forming a permanent relationship. Which is a big no-no. A huge no-go. So even though Arcadia has done so much for Psera, and ninety-eight percent actually support her, there is still the two percent who are prepared to kick her out in the same way they tried to do to my mother."

They stopped their conversation and looked up at the sound of a strange siren. There was a motorcade of eight vehicles working through the crowd, escorting a much longer one in the middle that stopped in front of King Madun and Lady Arcadia. There were also what had to be twenty more guards walking around and slowly flying over the crowd, looking down on them as they all began walking through a path towards the vehicle.

While they moved, Merry continued. "These ponies are invisible to Psera. Even though Arcadia is powerful, she can't see what isn't there. Until it happens. So, many years ago, the Guard went under intense protection training and has created intense rules and laws whenever a Royal decides to move around. Even in the castle, our home. Which means the second Arcadia steps outside into the garden, right in front of the door of the suite, she has guards right there beside her."

The vehicle that would hold Madun and Arcadia was—in Sunset's eyes—like  a long jeep limo. It was colored matte gray and had the crest of Psera on the sides. The door for the vehicle was opened sideways in the back, allowing Arcadia to walk in and drag in her wings, followed by Madun and Gardeen. The others were taken to other vehicles. Merry had to wrap this up.

"The ponies in the organization could be anyone. Your brother, sister, best friends. They will look just like me, act like me, you can't even tell. Until they rush out of a crowd and tackle a pony to the ground, plunging a knife into their target's chest. Screaming a chant. There are no signs. At all. The reason your friend was nearly yelled at is because somepony in that group has indubitably heard of Arcadia bringing foreigners here to help judge. All of Psera has, it's been broadcasted through the news by King Madun and Lady Arcadia herself. They just couldn't see Arcadia in here. Until you flew up. They could have spotted you, or the colorful tattoo on your butt, pinpointed our location, and be right in this crowd. Cheering her name." Merry got into the back of a vehicle with the Princesses and Shining, who were still listening. "So now, security has been slightly stepped up."

"What if it's a Guard?" Cadance whispered.

"We kill them," Merry responded. That was so shocking Shining stopped breathing. "No words, no conversation. If a guard even attempts, their life is gone. Arcadia already knows about these guys. She practically knows every single thing about Psera by this point. Except for the fact that she may have become a target. A primary target. But it'd be really REALLY stupid to try it. This pony knows magic and can stop stuff from hitting her in mid air. Creating shields, transfiguring things to other things, creating water, grass, even...." Merry cleared her throat before she could slip up. "Anyway, Arcadia could stop an entire army if she wanted to at the wave of her horn. She's insanely powerful. The only weakness that the Guard, Police, and military know about is when she's really happy. Hanging with friends, dinner, family. Dating. Which is why the security presence has been bumped up on a day that is fast approaching when she is at her most vulnerable point ever in her whole life."

"Her wedding," Shining guessed. He jolted a little when the vehicle began to move along. He, Merry, and the other Princesses looked towards the Royal Vehicle that Arcadia and Madun were currently sharing. They were nuzzling, laughing, and sharing tiny pecks that Cadance was fawning over.

Merry nodded and added, "Yep. The happiest day of her life. The day she lowers her guard entirely and lets the Guard handle it. On that day, the military, the Elite, and all of the Guard will be inside this entire compound, keeping a hard and firm eye on every single pony that enters. The security will be at its maximum, drills will be played out before hoof, and exercises will take place. So what happened earlier is absolutely necessary. If she were to do that on Arcadia's wedding day without a Guard, that pony would've been cut to pieces. The Pseratep security takes it all seriously. Very. Seriously. Now you know."
> Chapter 35 - Events at Eventa Pt. 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the secure motorcade moved along, so did the conversation about a certain threat that may have Twilight in their eyes. Or so Merry thought as she laid back and sighed in relief, enjoying the ride with the other Princesses. The vehicles, or Pods as they were called in Psera, were moving quickly through Section One's buildings of Events at Eventa. Lady Arcadia Nova and King Shimmering Madun continued to wave as they rode the half mile to a single street, then turned left onto another, going more at a speed that Sunset Shimmer was used to back at Canterlot High.

"Oooh," Rainbow moaned as the wind blew through her mane. "This is nice, I could get used to this." She tilted her head back, folded her hooves on the cushion behind her head and closed her eyes. She held a content smile on her face, loving the feeling of the wind blowing past her face and tickling her fur.

Applejack, Rarity, Starlight, Spike, and Pinkie had to admit too. This was good livin.' Royal livin.' It felt good to be treated with the most utmost of care and respect. Very good. "I think it's safe to say," Starlight moaned as she copied Rainbow Dash's position. "Psera is nice."

"Very nice," Applejack agreed. "If only they had some farms amongst this flair. Some good 'ol country."

"They do," Sunset admitted. Applejack turned her head to her for an explanation. "On Hearth's Warming, after you guys left, Lady Arcadia took Starlight, Trixie and I on an overhead night tour of Psera. She showed us all the cities, except for one apparently. There are nine cities in total. One of them is named.... Hmmmm...."

Starlight pointed a hoof and said, "Fenix. It was called Fenix."

"Yes, Fenix. Thanks, Starlight. It's a city, but the city part is very small and centralized in only one area. There's a tall skyscraper, fifty floors that serves as the offices for fifty massive farms making it up. You just have to see it for yourself, you'd like it. We didn't actually land there, but we saw it from overhead."

"Oh, I want to see it now!" Applejack responded enthusiastically. The Pod they were in began to slow, pulling their eyes away from each other and towards the front. They were at the end of the section, in front of a bunch of glass doors that held two guards per pair. Those were a lot of doors. It was at the bottom of a very tall gray steel wall.

Once the guards had setup a protective shield around the motorcade, the back door of the limo was opened, letting out the King of Psera. Then Lady Arcadia Nova. Once she was on the ground and the Equestrians regrouped with them, Arcadia motioned towards the doors and told them, "We're near the entrance of the stadium. Then you can see what we're working with."

Madun nodded and added, "You'll love it. But first? Breakfast."

The security walked towards the doors that the guard stationed there opened up earlier for them, letting all the ponies pile into a large and wide lobby holding staircases that went up and down. Along with empty information desks that had a sign on the tabletop that read "Closed". But all on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, and on more areas, were large display screens with the crest of Psera on it. It was as if they were in a very large surveillance room. Or a TV store back on Earth. "Oh...my...faust," Sunset whispered.

The Guard moved them along, heading towards a door on the right. "We're taking a large elevator to the area below," Lieutenant Sword instructed them. A button on the side was pressed then the waiting began.

Curious, Arcadia asked, "Have the technicians tested the LiVAMs weekly for the events?"

"Yes, ma'am," Lieutenant Sword responded. "Once a week. "

"Great." The elevator door dinged and the door slid over to the left, a large spacious bland area behind it. The King and future Queen of Psera walked in first, then the Lieutenant, then the Equestrians. But the guards turned around and stayed outside. The door softly closed shut behind them, rendering those inside in a moist silence that covered everything, save for the elevator itself that held a low hum as it quickly lowered.

"We're heading to the first floor of the facility," Lieutenant Sword educated them.

"Wait a minute!" She turned to Flurry Heart who was looking up at her in awe. "That was only a floor?" She asked in a cute filly voice.

The guard smiled and answered, "Yes it was."

Arcadia looked over her shoulder at Flurry and said, "Events at Eventa is huge. Guard, I want to see the machinery for the procedure during a Code Black when we're at the stage. I've never reviewed it."

"Yes, ma'am." The elevator dinged then slid open once more. Twenty guards waited for the group to exit among a more lively lobby like the one above. Not only were there guards, but there were also standard Pserateps. Talking and conversing with each other. Including staff. The Equestrians walked out first and looked around. Then the Pserateps and Alicorn-Pseratep.

"Presenting King Shimmering Madun and Lady Arcadia Nova!" A guard announced. The Pserateps stopped what they were doing, set down their things, and bowed deeply. And this was just outside of what looked like a cafeteria. There were so many more Pserateps inside. Including press, journalists, and—oh my fausts news anchors?! Sunset just couldn't believe it. They were just like Earth in so many ways. Equestria didn't even have news anchors.

"Rise, my ponies," King Madun ordered kindly. All the Pserateps rose to their hooves and stood at attention. Cameras pointed right at the Royal's faces. "Today is the first day that you all get to show your skills."

"You are all very talented ponies," Arcadia added. "And you know you are. That is why you are here to tryout for our wedding and grow to stardom."

"But until then, we all need our energy," Madun stated. "Everypony, eat up! We begin in the Grand Stadium Ballroom for room designs!" The Pserateps cheered before the group was led through the crowd towards the door of the cafeteria. The Equestrians followed along. But they felt like total outcasts. Here they were with small wings, but the only one who held even a near semblance of a regular adult Pseratep was Princess Celestia. But her lack of Psera's magic told anyone that she was Equestrian. But none of that really mattered when the Pserateps walked right up to them in interest.

"Oh wow!"

"What are they called again?"

"What are their names?"

"They have horns too?!"

Cadance and the others were so caught off-guard by the questions that Arcadia came to their rescue. She whispered something to Madun then doubled back with her guards. "Everypony?" The pserateps shooting around questions turned to Arcadia with smiles. She pointed at the group and said, "These are ponies from Equestria."

They gasped and looked back at them with expressions of uncertainty. "I'm sure you know of my history with Equestria, my homeland," she continued. "And I have forgiven them for their transgressions against me. Although to a certain extent. I will never take up citizenship back with Equestria, but I am willing to give friendship and alliance with them another try. I am forever an Alicorn-Pseratep and my heart is forever with Psera's."

The Pserateps stomped their hooves and cheered, rearing up and flapping their wings. Satisfied, Arcadia turned around and made her way back to the cafeteria. Leaving the Equestrians to talk with the Pserateps.

"As you all know, I'm sure," Celestia started. "I'm Princess Celestia of Equestria."

"I'm Princess Luna."

"I'm Princess Cadance."

"And I'm Flurry!" They looked between the legs of Cadance at the small foal waving enthusiastically at them. They immediately began fawning over.

"Aww, she's so adorable!!"

"So cute."

"Super cute!!"

"Her wings are so small!!"

"Who's foal is this?" Flurry crawled out from underneath her mother and flew back on her head. Enjoying the attention.

While they were conversing outside, Madun and Arcadia were conversing inside with a few other Pserateps. They sat at a long table, Royalty at the end and flanked by the Guard of course. They were alone right now to enjoy their meals. But many chose to stick with themselves and eat amongst each other equally.

In the middle of her meal, Arcadia spotted the last Pseratep she expected to see at a contest grabbing some food. "Yellow Sage?!"

A bright yellow Pseratep with a pale yellow mane and tail wearing a lab coat looked over from the buffet line at the mention of her name and eagerly waved to Arcadia. She abandoned the line and immediately walked over with a plate of food balanced on her hoof. Mainly chortle and fruit. She set it down and bowed. "Your majesties! I thought you'd never arrive! And when you finally do, I didn't even see you! Congrats on your engagement!"

"Thank you. Madun, you know Yellow Sage."

The King nodded and said, "Our director of all mining operations in Psera in S2. Yes, I remember. How are you and the foals?"

"We're fantabulous, thank you!" Yellow replied.

"So what are you doing here?" Arcadia asked.

Yellow Sage sat down and reached into her lab coat, pulling out a large rolled up map. "Well I'm actually here helping the technicians. As you know, I'm retired from Eventa but still like to volunteer my time. And since you were coming here today, I figured I'd run this by you when I saw you. I know it's very important, today is. And—"

"Go ahead," Arcadia interrupted. "Show us." They failed to notice Cadance coming to them from the left side of the table with Flurry Heart on her back, Shining Armor, and her parents. Cadance's strong hearing picked up the conversation unexpectedly. Even with all the noise and Yellow Sage's whispering.

"As you know, Psera is made entirely of metal," she stated quietly. Cadance's eyes quickly glanced to them and shifted back to placing Flurry in a high chair. Ear twitching slightly. Shining had moved away to get some of the food, leaving her with the parents. Some information on Psera's secret. Finally. "Yes, we have soil, grass, clay. And all of that. But directly underneath it, gold. Nothing but gold."

"I am entirely aware, yes. I was recently informed by letter from S2 that it... regenerates?" Arcadia asked just as quietly.

"Yes, ma'am. One day one of our teams outside of Fenix mined out a field. A week and a half later, we had the opportunity to grab more in the exact same location and spot. Thanks to you, our steel is nearly on par in amount with the gold held in Serl."

"Great, is that all?"

"Not yet. We never understood how it works, the regeneration. But recently, we found something. This." Cadance heard paper shuffling while she "looked around" the hall, eyes focusing on Arcadia for just a moment. She noticed that any other Pseratep that was there earlier had now vacated, abandoning their presence.

"Wha... What is this?" Arcadia whispered. "Madun. Look at this."

A brief silence then a shuffle. "What is that?" Madun inquired in awe.

"It's gold," Yellow Sage responded.

"But it's blue," Arcadia responded. She looked at the image again before Madun took hold of it.

"We took a sample back to S2 to have them look at it. It still has the chemical and molecular makeup of gold, it's just... Blue. This was found a few miles deep inside. But we worked our way back out and found more. But this looked just like our standard gold with the exception of a few blue spots. We stopped in between the points and found gold that had an equal amount of both blue and gold. The guys at Serl theorized that—"

"This stuff isn't regenerating," Arcadia interrupted. "It's...growing. Like bread when you put it in an oven."

"Yes, or a compressed and dried out sponge when you place it in water," Yellow Sage added. "Do you realize what this implies?"

"I see bad things and good things. If we use all of this gold that is constantly growing from... From somewhere, it could hurt our economy. But I also see a chance for expansion of Psera. Keep a large sample of Blue Gold in S2 and tell the team there to have a morning meeting scheduled surrounding it next... Tuesday. I have something scheduled Sunday and Monday may be... Taxing. tell them to keep this information top secret, stash their finds in 'the room,' and study that Blue Gold. Brush everything else to the side and study it. "

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thanks for bringing this to my attention." Cadance was in shock, although her face didn't show it. Psera...was made out of metal? That was growing? On its own?! No wonder they could create a building this huge and still make others like it! It explains the "discovery" she remembered Merry talking about that caused a war between Psera and another kind! The wall of water outside of Equestria's borders that kept anypony else from coming! The huge castle! The block of steel Arcadia promised to trade for gems!! The terrorist organization that possibly wants Twilight dead because the Equestrians were on their land!!  On their gold!! It all made sense! Except for one thing... What was Serl?

"Cadance, you have to try this!" She looked up behind her at Celestia holding a coffee saucer with a slice of cake. She laughed happily and stated, "It's like Lemon and Strawberry put together! Delicious!" She placed it in front of Cadance and shot a piece into her mouth. "Great, isn't it?"

A little caught off guard, Cadance chewed and swallowed. "Yes, it's fine Celestia," she responded, then glanced at Twilight and Madun, both having a conversation and nuzzle as if nothing were going on. She would talk to Celestia about her find later. Right now, they were enjoying Psera while they could.


***


Code Black. Code Black. That term rang in Rarity's head like a white noise. The last time it was used was on Her Majesty Molten Ice. There was no telling when it would be used again. And Rarity was positive she didn't want it to. Whoever these Pserateps were, they had to be caught. There must be some way to catch even the invisible. Nothing can exactly be invisible when you throw white powder on them.

"Is Twilight alright?" Rarity looked up from her meal of Chortle—which was absolutely delicious—and followed Fluttershy's worried gaze down the table towards Arcadia and Madun. The former was looking rather squeamish.

She saw Gardeen lean over and whisper something to her. Arcadia blinked rapidly and widened her eyes for maybe half a second. Then shook her head. This was not a good time for morning sickness. Madun looked behind him and ushered Lieutenant Sword over. Nodding, she raised her hoof and said something to the Comm Block. King Madun stood up with Arcadia and quickly walked with her towards the exit of the room, escorted by the guard and Gardeen. Eyes and murmurs followed along as they watched them quickly walk out, nearly running to the point that Pserateps had to zip out of the way.

"What's going on?" Rainbow asked mainly to herself. Once the final guard vacated the room, Celestia and the others walked towards the other Element Bearers.

"So what happened?" Starlight asked.

"Lady Arcadia had become queasy," Cadance explained. She had her eyes on the double doors just like everyone else. "I'm not sure how, but... Celestia, I have to tell you something." She leaned up to Celestia's ear and whispered, "I think I figured out Psera's secret. You'll never believe it. I'll tell you once we are back in Equestria."

While they spoke, Arcadia's assistant rushed back into the room, grabbed a bottle of water, then rushed back out. "Something definitely happened," Applejack whispered. Then watched Merry calmly walk out behind them. The Guard blocking the doors parted to let her through then joined once she was out. "I just noticed that Merry doesn't have any type of Guard with her," Applejack stated. "Why is that?"

"So you're the ponies from Equestria," a voice said from behind Celestia. They turned around and saw the mare Arcadia was speaking to earlier. The yellow one wearing a lab coat. She was eating something that looked like an orange with spikes, wearing a strange smirk on her face. Alarm bells rang through Luna's mind. "Hi, Yellow Sage. One of the technicians here in Events at Eventa."

Celestia smiled and introduced herself. "Hello. I'm Princess Celestia."

"I know. I know all of you ponies. When Lady Arcadia first mentioned you, she used... Magic to recreate images of you."

"...oh." Celestia looked at the others who were also sporting confused looks. Starlight even shrugged. Eager to change this conversation, Celestia turned back and asked, "So do you work with S3? I thought they were all in Equestria."

Yellow Sage was about to say something about them knowing about S3 as highly illegal until she remembered them being assigned to help out in Equestria. Common news at Serl. So instead, she shook her head and answered, "Nope. Although I am also a technician in a similar department at the same location. I can't tell you the location, don't ask please."

"Oh okay," Twilight Velvet relented. "So what do you do?"

"I manage different operations in all of Psera, scientific technician, and director of technology here in Events at Eventa. Volunteer. The lights, display screens, the Code Black tracks that are underneath your hooves as we speak? All of that is me. I manage and direct all of that with a very good team of actual paid technicians. We're doing a drill later on today that I must tell their majesties about. Are you excited for the wedding?"

Twilight Velvet gasped as if she were hurt. "Of course! My little filly is getting married! Both of my foals have amazing spouses."

Shining rolled his eyes and moaned, "Mom, I'm not a foal anymore."

"Oh I know dear. You're a big strong stallion! Now make mommy proud and eat your... What is this anyway?" She pointed to the round shaped food on Shining's plate. "It's really good." The other Equestrians agreed with nods and murmurs just as the Guards walked back in with the King and Lady in Waiting. Looking much better.

Yellow Sage smiled and answered, "It is called Chortle. Food that heals a Pseratep overnight. Full of nutrients that you find in both fruits and vegetables while keeping a meaty texture."

"Yes, the meat texture is... Interesting," Luna admitted. She was really interested in why it had to feel like meat in the first place. Hopefully they don't eat meat. It'd be a disaster.

"It's just for softness against the teeth," Yellow Sage replied. "Pserateps do not eat meat. I assure you. Ah, your highness! How are you feeling?" She abandoned their conversation and made her way down the long table towards Arcadia eating alone at the moment. Madun had stepped back out. Her worried friends and family quickly followed along.

Looking up from her meal, Arcadia smiled at the group. "Hello, Yellow. I'm fine, thank you."

"Are you sure, dear?" Her mother asked. "You left out of here as if there was an emergency."

Sort of was, Twilight thought to herself. Nodding, she replied, "Positive. Now I think it's time we all got started with the event. Guard?"

A guard behind her cleared his throat and yelled, "All ears and eyes trained on her highness!"

The Pserateps instantly stopped talking and walked towards the table, ears and eyes trained on Arcadia. Those in the hall also came back in. Followed by Madun and Merry. As well as her Majesty Molten Ice who possibly just arrived. Once all were in, eyes and cameras trained, Arcadia cleared her throat and said, "Once again, thank you all for participating in this event today, which will continue for four more this week. This is a very happy time for Madun and I and we appreciate your willingness." The  Pserateps sat down and tapped their hooves together in applaud.

"Today, as you all know, we are doing the room design portion. Each pony will have a shot to wow us. So give it your all. Now if you all will make your way towards the East Ballroom in the Grand Stadium, we will begin by giving you an hour and a half to setup without our presence. We begin at eleven." Yellow Sage raised a hoof then leaned into her ear to whisper something. Nodding, Arcadia added, "And please remember that a Code Black drill is being commenced at twelve. So please have all tools and items away from the tracks at a minimum of five feet please. For those that don't know, just look on the ground and locate the split. Now let the event begin!"



After the mass of participants had eagerly left the room to prepare, leaving the Equestrians with Yellow Sage, Merry, Twilight and Madun, Molten Ice and twenty guards around them alone, Yellow Sage decided to lay down how the drill would play out. "Alright, your majesties." She flopped down into one of the seats next to Arcadia with a bag she retrieved from her previous chair. "If you'll allow me, I'd like to go through the drills today with you."

Arcadia and Madun shared a look then focused back on Yellow Sage. "As long as it isn't too long," Madun stated.

"It should only take a few minutes." She opened her bag and pulled out a notebook, wowing the Equestrians that they even had that. Sunset just decided that somepony had somehow gotten on Earth and innovated a few things. Flipping open the notebook, Yellow showed what looked like a bunch of lines in different colors running their way through, apparently, the "Grand Stadium", as it were titled on the top.

"In the midst of an attack," Yellow Sage began. "The facility will be shut down into a Code Red. The automatic doors you supplied will be activated and locked in every single entrance. Even the restrooms. The Security Director with his team here will check all cameras and be in direct contact with the Pseratopian Guard, while the teams outside will keep anypony wishing to come out inside, and those wishing to come in outside.

"Once all areas are cleared, which will take an hour or two, the Code Red will be lifted and we will proceed with normal scheduling. Now, in the case of a Code Black, everything will be entirely different. If it is a minor scratch, and the Security, Guard, or Military manage to catch the pony, then everyone in the room will be checked. If it is in the Grand Stadium, we will be watching the cameras closely if there are many Pserateps, checking bodies and belongings if there are only a few.

"Now in the case of a major wound, such as an impale, large cut, or anything that bleeds and can become life threatening, every single pony that is not a Guard, Elite Guard or Military is to get down on their hooves, wings outstretched, and muzzles to the ground. That includes Security, Administrators, directors, no exceptions. They just can't lay on the tracks. If you look behind your seats, you will see this room's hidden tracks."

Everyone in the room that were sitting in chairs turned around and looked towards the ground. There were long slabs of metal that had a split in the middle that seemed to circle the table that obviously lifted up when activated, revealing something underneath it. "The tracks will be activated as such." Yellow Sage reached into the bag and pulled out a long controller, similar to a master mixer with a lot of knobs and sliders for channels and placed it on the table. "This is the controller the operator will use inside the security room. For today, I only assigned this room. There are twenty modular versions of these that can be assigned to different things, such as the doors, lights, anything we want. But during these events, they're assigned exclusively to the tracks.

"Only a trained professional can operate these, such as myself. This is what will happen. After all the ponies are on the ground and unmoving in the building, and the medics are supplying first response procedures to the victim, we flip two switches synchronously. One is to widen the doorways—" She flipped a yellow switch on top of one of the channels that lit up green. The loud whirring noise at the front caught everypony's ear when the wall at the entrance of the room that held the doors separated, creating a much larger path in a quick manner. Once it was fully parted, the entrance was maybe thirty feet wide. Celestia was beyond impressed. "And another for the tracks. Now the tracks in the facility were recently supplied by our Professionals in Magnetic Conductivity in Psera at you-know-where. It works like a regular chain in the Code Black Hangar. However, they do not need chains. See this strange hole in the ceiling?"

Everyone looked up at the ceiling. There was a small but still noticeable gap in the center of the room that Yellow Sage was pointing at. Arcadia nodded and answered, "Yes, what is it?"

"It's more like a projector that activates the tracks using...a small dose of microwaves. Microwaves work by causing the molecules to shift and rub against each other, creating heat. However, we're going to use them to activate these electro magnets wirelessly. Everypony, you may feel a tiny bristle in your coat and a small rise in body temperature for less than a second—"

"Wait!" Arcadia and Madun yelled at the same time. Arcadia motioned for her to come closer then whispered something in her ear that made her eyes bug out. She pulled back and smiled at her, eyeing Arcadia up and down while she blushed.

"No, ma'am! Are you serious about..." She motioned with her eyes at Madun.

Arcadia nodded and said, "Nopony knows yet. Neither do we, but we're not taking any chances with microwaves."

"Well you have nothing to worry about, your highness." She looked her up and down, adding, "Look at you go. It'll be our little secret. Now everyone, you may feel a rise in body temperature for a quick second and a bristle along your coat in three, two..." Yellow Sage used her hoof to twist a knob. Everyone felt their coats vibrate at the same time the metal covers on the floor shot open. Single metal lines with strange spikes popped out and began speeding forward along long steel bars, disappearing underground at the end. But what had the Equestrians in awe and surprise was that the spikes were running along the metals at an angle that should be completely impossible. They moved around a curb. The Princesses noticed that the Pserateps were entirely nonchalant about it while they were completely confused.

"All of the tracks in the building run along their own channel classified by level, section, and room number, which can be found here on the wall." She pointed a hoof at the wall behind the Equestrians' heads. There was a panel behind them that held a strange code, reading SEC0101124. "We find that code amongst the many many channels in the security room on the modular controllers we assign them to, and create an active path towards that location starting with the Code Black Hangar using the many tracks in this facility."

"Excellent. But how does the injured victim board it?" Madun inquired.

"Excellent question. The transport is a tall and long table that is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, then kept in a clean room every day. It's ten feet wide and has been tested to support all shapes and sizes of Pserateps. Including wing length. You having the largest wing size on the whole continent Lady Arcadia proved as a challenge, but my crew succeeded in modifications. It moves fast, going at a staggering seventy mph, or miles per hour for transport in the building. Like the pods here for Pseratep Royalty. These sliders—" She pointed to the black sliders on the board and began to slowly pull it down. The noisy tracks on the ground slowly stopped then rotated in the opposite direction they were going previously. "—control the speed and direction. The medics will help you board by stretcher which is an attachment to the table. Once you are prepared and the medics are on board, the technicians put it in reverse and you're on your way back to Code Black Hangar, where you'll be flown quickly to the Main Hospital in Capita and given thorough procedure. You'll see a live demonstration today."

"Sounds good," Arcadia responded. She looked to Madun who suddenly stood up and stretched. "I think it's time we looked at the Grand Stadium."

"I as well," he responded. He turned to Lieutenant Sword and stated, "We're moving out."



After Yellow Sage disengaged the Code Black partition, everyone filed out and walked straight into the lobby, led by the Guard who were as stoic as Maud Pie. "So this Stadium," Celestia inquired beside Madun. He glanced her way as they moved along the quiet halls. "What is its sole purpose?"

"Parties," Madun answered. "Celebrations. National Announcements. All in one area. Last time it was used was when my fiancee restored all the cities in Psera, and removed the Changelings. We had our very first date here in a restaurant directly above the stage."

"Where he beat Merry at a date saying I wouldn't enjoy it," Twilight inserted. She leaned in and nuzzled his cheek, which he happily returned. "I absolutely treasure it to this day."

"I can't believe you actually got this far," Merry commented in surprise. "It's totally rare."

"So is my fiancee," Madun replied before draping a protective wing on her back. "No other mare like her."

"You two are just adorable!" Rarity cried from behind. "It's not everyday you get to court a king. Let alone talk to a King. The nearest King in Equestria is Thorax."

"Poor guy would have all his hooves in the air lying on his back trying to manage a country like this," Rainbow Dash sighed.

Molten Ice silently chuckled and stated, "Not everyone is built to handle Psera, and could not if they didn't have the right tools. Lady Arcadia is practically popping with the knowledge that will help stabilize Psera and has helped to do so the second she landed on our shores. The inhabitants of Merōl were following her while she did the deed, sending her love that had made her much stronger. Lady Arcadia has become a legend of Psera. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Molten," Arcadia responded. The group walked out of the hallway into what resembled the lobby when they first entered the section. But much bigger, wider, had a lot of decoration, and the stairs... There were so many. The area was definitely the entrance to the Grand Stadium. The stairs were glass and there were multiple levels inside, as well as a few guards walking by who would bow for a moment. Then continue on their way. Other than that, it was completely silent. There were doors that lined the far area in front of them made out of glass. But the area behind them was dark. And that was for all the levels. All five that Rainbow Dash could see.

The group walked up to one of them that were flanked by two guards. Who bowed as the Royals of Psera approached. Arcadia looked over her shoulder and smirked. "Everyone? Welcome to the Grand Stadium. Events at Eventa." The guards walked forward and unlocked the doors. Then pulled them open, allowing them into the dark area.

Lieutenant Sword motioned to Yellow Sage. Who lifted her own hoof and spoke in some commands. "Chief to team, we need lights on in the Stadium."

"Understood." She lowered her hoof and looked around with the rest of the group. Waiting. They were in a very large space, that much was obvious since there was a small echo. Barely noticeable. A very bright light appeared above right behind them, making them all jump.

A Pseratep wearing a reflective suit was on what appeared to be another level directly above them, wearing a hardhat with a flashlight. The Pseratep looked down over the balcony at the strange white color of Celestia's wing. Then finally noticed the others. Jumping in surprise, she yelled, "Oh jeez! I'm sorry everyone. We were doing final power checks and weren't informed of your sudden arrival until later! Let me get these lights on right now!" She turned around and faced a large wall that had a key lock to it. Lifting a key with her mouth, she pushed it in and unlocked it. Then pushed the wall to the side, revealing a hidden wall of metal boxes with levers on the side. She went to the first one and pulled down a lever loudly. Then continued down the line.

Immediately a giant flash exploded over their heads that disappeared as fast as it came. Then gradually began to get brighter when another happened. The Element Bearers, Sunset Shimmer, and Starlight all strode forward and looked over the protective glass barrier towards the dimly lit ground that was becoming easier to see. Even though it was very, very far down. Soon the lights where they were located at were on at full brightness, lightning up a pretty bland black floor. But above was entirely different.

Giant screens. Large enough that anypony could see them from yards away. They were black, had to be two hundred feet across and one hundred vertically, and were off at the moment. The mare operating the power supply overhead peeked down and yelled, "Would you like the screens on?!"

Madun looked up and motioned yes. The mare lifted her wrist and barked some orders. "A01 to Master. We need A02, A03, A04, and A05 to turn on their power supplies please. King Madun, Lady Arcadia, Princess Merry, and Her Majesty Molten Ice are here waiting."

[ir]"I haven't seen Master at all today!" Someone yelled back. 
"Anyone else?"


A chorus of "no" blared from her hoof. The mare ahead groaned in annoyance then peered down at the visitors, mouthing "sorry" quickly over and over. Then lifted her hoof back up and yelled, "Will someone PLEASE turn on the lights and screens?! Do I have to do everything?!!"

Everyone saw the lights in the far distance start flashing from the far right, farther than they could really see all the way down. Then the glass panels lit up with possible blue LED lights in a constant straight line, never ending. It was a dark blue. Then the screens finally turned on. None of them except the Pserateps and Arcadia noticed they were actually around the balconies. Right behind them over the doors, on the walls. And on the ceiling hanging over the massive floor beneath them that could definitely hold thousands upon thousands of Pserateps.
> Chapter 36 - Events At Eventa Pt. 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frozen were the faces of Celestia, Cadance, Luna, Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet, Night Light, the Element Bearers, and Flurry Heart, laying over her mother's head. Lady Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle and her fiance King Shimmering Madun were just smiling like Her Majesty Molten Ice and Princess Merry Fire, Madun's mother and sister.

They were all witnessing the come to life moments of Events at Eventa. When the lights come on and everything is up at full power. A few seconds ago, the hundreds of large overhead lights were turned on with huge two hundred foot display screens hanging from the ceiling, LED blue lights that lined the glass barriers they were behind, and the floor that was as black as Luna's night. They could all tell there was so much more beyond what their sights could see. The screens in front of them displayed a prompt, flashing "TESTING" in bold white letters. Same for the ones that lined the walls behind them and around the entire stadium. Sunset could see the flashes of light as far as she could see and farther still.

"The stadium does automatic tests on its own!" They looked up at the mare who was directing things inside. She had gotten her hooves on a clipboard and pen from somewhere and were watching the screens as they changed colors. "Don't be alarmed if you get the unexpected."

Merry poked Arcadia, grabbing her eyes and swiveling ears. Merry was holding a smirk on her face. "You know?... That explains a lot." Arcadia felt more coming. "Yesterday, you and Madun were at the doctor. Before that, coitus. Then your sudden departure for the bathroom..." Merry gasped. "YOU'RE—" Her mouth suddenly turned into a zipper.

With a glowing horn, Arcadia stated sternly, "No I'm not. At least not yet." Merry made a noise that sounded like a question. "Next week." She removed the spell to allow Merry to speak.

"So you might..." She made a circular motion with her hoof.

"Maybe. But we won't know until next week. Don't tell anyone. You weren't even supposed to know." Merry smirked and glanced at Molten Ice, who was staring at Arcadia and Madun. "I'll tell her later. Is everything up and running?" Arcadia walked forward and looked over the barrier down at the ground. There were more Pserateps slowly flying around wearing hardhats and reflective jackets holding clipboards. The stadium was filled with lights, movement, and voices through the blocks.

"Yes, your highness," Yellow Sage reported.

Madun nodded and turned to the group of Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies. "Now we may have a little problem. Events at Eventa was built for—obviously—Pserateps only in mind. Pserateps that can easily travel. So getting to the stage which is eight miles in with you would be an issue."

Celestia was going to respond before she and the others were encased in a violet aura then lifted off their hooves. Everyone looked to Arcadia who was smirking to Madun. She raised a hoof and pointed at her horn while maintaining a steady eye contact with her fiance. "Ah, right, you have... That," he muttered. He glanced to the side and walked away to hide his embarrassment. He was used to ponies flying around to their destinations rather than not.

Arcadia chuckled before their guards took to the air. Followed by the other Pserateps and Arcadia who pulled the others along like a rope. They dived low and flew underneath the screens. Then tilted and soared towards the other side of the building. Along the way, the group watched the lights around them that seemed to start dancing in a pattern. The neon lines on the side started flashing and changing to different colors, moving towards the location they were headed. They flew along for around two minutes, hinting to the visitors Eventa's true size.

"We're coming up on the stage," Molten Ice announced.

"Is there going to be an aisle?" Twilight Velvet asked, swooning. "That your father can walk you down?"

Arcadia shrugged as they flew lower, nearly touching the empty floor. "I'm not entirely sure we'd have an aisle really. I'm not even sure how that even works here either. Merry?" Merry flipped over in flight and soared on her back beneath Arcadia, exposing her Green stomach and legs.

"Yes, your highness?" She responded teasingly. Applejack took note that she was a bit of a show-off. Could give Rainbow Dash a run for her bits.

Arcadia chuckled at her future sister-in-law's attitude and asked, "How do marriages work here? I couldn't find a book on the subject in the library."

"That's because they're not in that one. That information you can find in the more important sections, if you catch my drift. You know the reason. But in all of Psera's history, this marriage would be the first Royal Marriage. Before in the past, a Pseratep would already be engaged and do it in a much smaller setting. A park, a hall, a gallery. You two are the first Pserateps to ever, and I mean EVER, have a marriage this big and be Royalty. Let alone, before an inauguration."

Everyone turned to Arcadia and Madun. To be the first Royal Couple to ever marry while on the throne, the bride a legend among the Pserateps, as well as the first pony on the land to have magic must've been... Wow.

Molten sighed and said, "You're practically drawing history, Arcadia Nova."

Twilight sighed and said, "I just have that thing about me." The guards around them directed the group to the center of the large marble platform, fit with a large panel and podium bearing a microphone in front of it. "The Grand Ballroom is directly behind it. There are a lot of entrances to the Grand Stadium, but the Grand Ballroom's is in the Grand Stadium and Section Seven."

They dropped down onto the stage and settled on their hooves. Arcadia let the visitors go once they were safely over the stage, including Rainbow Dash who was really itching to just fly. But remembered that Pserateps could be watching. The knowledge that somepony could possibly be plotting to murder Twilight was unsettling to everypony. Thus raising another question about something Merry said earlier.

As they walked along the highly decorated stage, Luna cleared her throat and asked, "You said something about 'The Elite Guard' earlier?"

Molten giggled and teased, "You want to know all about Psera, huh? The Elite Guard is a mix of the Military and the Guard. The much rougher side of things. During the wedding, the Elite will be placed in here inside the stadium. I should tell you right now. If you are attending the wedding, you will be placed at the front alongside a few 'guests of honor'. Mainly to be kept an eye on. If there is in fact an attack, we'll be able to verify if it was, or was not you. Psera isn't really fond of foreigners, as I'm sure you already know. So having you here is a major flag. Above all, the safety of even the most minor Pseratep is our top priority. Lady Arcadia is no greater than our Pserateps during this time, although she is to be treated with the most respect. I am sure she realizes this."

Arcadia nodded when they stopped at a pair of large doors at the back of the large stage. They were steel and had Golden Ornate handles. Above them in golden letters was the title "Grand Ballroom." "To be honest, I don't even like being bowed to," Arcadia added. "In the future, I know I'll be called Queen Arcadia with that included. But I just prefer to be called Arcadia behind closed doors. What time is it?"

A guard looked at his hoof that didn't have a communication block and answered, "Eleven."

Arcadia and Madun shared a proud look, then motioned towards the double doors, giving the cue. The Guard there pushed the door open, letting in more light. The Grand Ballroom was—just like everything else in Psera—big. There were gold and steel columns cut out into a design. The room itself was big enough to hold over seven hundred Pserateps. But nopony in there were dancing.

While the visitors were gazing around the room and commenting about how fast you'll get lost in Eventa, the Royalty of Psera were directing their sights towards the Pserateps behind the tables, displaying their designs. There were around maybe fifty designers on the sides behind cloth covered tables. Along with nametags and apparently their drawn designs. A guard by the door cleared his throat and announced their arrival. "All eyes and ears on their majesties!!"

All the Pserateps stopped talking and shifted their sights towards the doors that they were standing in front of. Madun cleared his throat and said, "I am glad to see all my ponies working so hard to ensure Arcadia and my happiness. Thank you so much."

Arcadia nodded and informed, "My assistant will be going around and taking a few photos of your work for review, as well as you for recognition. You were not picked for this opportunity by accident, after all. You were picked because you have talent. So even if you are not chosen to help design our wedding hall for the wedding, you still hold credibility because you were actually chosen to present your designs for—what I hear—Psera's first entirely Royal Wedding. So everyone in here will be getting something out of this."

The contestants smiled and nodded approvingly while Gardeen reached into one of her bags and pulled out a large camera. Then trotted casually towards the first table with Arcadia, Madun, and a few Pserateps from the press, starting off the event. While they moved, the visitors just stood by and looked around the dancehall more closely.

Besides its size, there was a lot of design. There were large golden slabs on the walls that were cut into shapes of Pserateps in the past. There were a lot. But the largest slab was right above the Grand Stadium entrance. Celestia turned her whole body towards it, staring in awe. Then tapped Luna and Cadance's shoulder, getting them to swivel and gawk as well.

There was a large golden slab on the wall embossed with a female Pseratep somehow painted a light green coat with very long outstretched wings. Her mane was an orange-red like Madun's coat. And around her were perfect versions of The Castle of the Gods, Cop, the sky with the sun centered right above the mare's head. Beneath the subject of the creation was a name. A single name.

"Narmeelah," Luna whispered. The other visitors gathered around and looked it over. "I guess she is a very important Pseratep figure."

"She is the founder," Yellow Sage explained. Luna and the others watched her approach with a smile on her face. "The Founder and first Queen of Psera. She lived for millions of years in Psera. Helped found its cities, personally helped in defense, built the first castle before it was destroyed by years of war, then... Vanished."

Celestia and the others turned back to Yellow Sage's face adorned with an admiring gaze, still trained on the embossed plaque. Luna looked back at it and repeated, "Vanished?"

Yellow nodded. "Yep."

"As in disappeared?"

"Yes."

"So..."

"The Legend describes her heading back to her room after a long and tiring day," Yellow recalled. "She was the queen for over four hundred thousand years but could still move like a foal. She went into her room and fell asleep. But did not return the next morning. The Princess, her daughter Saemool, went into the room to wake her. But she was not there. Her bed was perfectly made and everything were in place. But... She was not. After not finding her in the castle, Saemool dispatched all the guards to search the entire continent. We never found her. Saemool cried for days, but did take over the throne in her mother's name. She had a family and continued the line which had split off into different branches of a large family tree. A family of five girls and three boys."

"So... She just... That is quite the legend," Rarity stammered.

Yellow nodded and agreed. "Yes. We believe Narmeelah is still alive out there, smiling proudly on Psera. And if not... Then it's okay."

"Mrs. Sage," A baritone voice said from behind her. Everyone turned around and nearly gawked. There were a group of big and strong Pseratep guards standing behind them. But they were much different. Instead of metal wear, they wore dense black suits with thick fabric straps, hard metal helmets, and a bunch more that were black. The suit held a lot of pockets that held knives, weird darts of some sort, and some type of machine that held rotary cannons on their sides with a pump on it. Along with long shackles for detainment. Not to mention the blades in their wings.

"Oh, hello, Captain Metalhoof," Yellow Sage greeted. "I see you've brought your team."

Captain Metalhoof nodded his head and said, "We are here for the drill." He focused his deep blue and cold eyes on Celestia for a moment then back on Sage. "And..."

Yellow Sage gestured to the visitors with a wing and introduced them. "These are Lady Arcadia's group from Equestria." She pointed to Sunset Shimmer and added, "And she is their Liaison for S3's Mobile Unit and Lady Arcadia personally. Everyone, this is Captain Metalhoof of the Elite Guard. He is joining us today for an early lowdown of the wedding as well as the drill that will be taking place. It is taken very seriously."

Celestia coughed for a moment, then greeted, "Hello, good sir. I am Princess Celestia. This is my Sister, Princess Luna, and Niece, Princess Cadance. As well as her daughter Princess Flurry Heart and her Husband Prince Consort Captain Shining Armor of The Royal Guard back in Equestria. Also Lady Arcadia's brother. This is her family, Twilight Velvet and Night Light."

Captain Metalhoof simply nodded to each of them, then said, "I have not even met Lady Arcadia. But I hear many great things. Hopefully allowing you on our land was a good decision."

Yellow sage pointed behind them with a wing. "Well today's your lucky day. She's right there with his highness."

Metalhoof and his squad turned around towards her target. Lady Arcadia had Madun's wing draped over her back, grinning and conversing around probably the tenth table at a design while Gardeen and the others took photos and labels. Captain Metalhoof turned back with that same steel expression and said, "Good. I cannot wait to meet her."

"Captain Metalhoof, how are you?" Captain Metalhoof turned towards the approaching voice of Lieutenant Sword, smiling once he spotted her.

"Gliding, a pleasure," he greeted. "You are escorting their majesties?"

"Yessir," she responded. "I'm looking out for Lady Arcadia during her outings around Psera. It is a great honor here. I see you've met our visitors."

Metalhoof glanced back towards the large group of Equestrians. "Yes, I have. I was told that Lady Arcadia had a little run-in with a... Harassing pony who tried to flirt with her in front of his highness. Is this correct?"

Gliding nodded. "Yes. A few bitter words were said."

"The next time Lady Arcadia does any foreign affairs I highly suggest she is escorted by the Elite. Royal Guard are for more domestic issues. The Elite are for more important tasks and are specifically trained for problems of that nature."

"I will let the Advisory Committee know ASAP."

"Good." Metalhoof turned back to Yellow Sage and stated, "Let us know by the Blocks when it is time to begin the drill. My teams are ready. I am going to speak with the King and Lady in Waiting." Before Yellow Sage could respond, Metalhoof turned around and lead his squad towards the Royals.

Luna leaned down to Yellow Sage and whispered, "The Elite, I take it?"

Yellow Sage nodded and answered, "The Elite are the Guard and Military, specializing in very important events. Meetings with foreign nations is very important to Metalhoof let alone the Elite Guard, so him not informed of this caused a slight security risk. Although I am sure Lady Arcadia did not inform them for a reason. From what I hear, Equestria is currently open to invasion, correct?"

"Er... In a way," Cadance carefully responded.

"I am positive then that Arcadia didn't want to frighten her disabled homeland with forty of these guys strutting around. It would cause quite the issue. Right now, these Pserateps are traveling light. Their weapons here are used for apprehension. But they have many more deadly weapons that would be used."

"Oh... Good choice then," Celestia agreed.


***


Arcadia fawned at the eleventh design while Madun merely smiled. The Grand Stadium had different flat geometrical shapes hanging from the ceiling bearing Psera's crest. The stage also had them. Madun pointed and stated, "I'm drawn in by the colors and shapes."

"And I by the shapes," Arcadia added. "We already have the colors. Right?"

Madun smirked and answered, "We have the flowers. I don't know about the colors."

"We need to decide on the colors." Arcadia smiled as she watched Gardeen take the photos while the other assistants wrote down some things.

"Lady Arcadia." Arcadia buzzed her wings a little in surprise at the deepness of that voice—nearly hitting Gardeen—and turned around. The Elite. Definitely. Captain Metalhoof and his team bowed while Arcadia tapped Madun's side, getting his attention. He turned and stood beside her.

"Captain Metalhoof," he greeted. "It's wonderful to see you."

"My king," Metalhoof responded. He rose up and nodded to his spouse. "It is an honor to meet you in the flesh, Lady Arcadia. I am Captain Metalhoof of the Elite Guard of Psera. We are here to participate in the Eventa-wide drill, as well as to survey Events at Eventa's Grand Stadium and Hall."

"Nice to meet you, Captain," she greeted back. "I hope your men can secure the Stadium and the Grand Hall for the dance and reception."

"Of course, your highness. We'll do everything by the book to ensure your happiness. I came to let you know that the drill may be intense, so to speak. Hooves-on contact may be required."

Arcadia nodded and answered, "Very well, but not too rough. We have a very important reason."

"Yes, your highness."
> Chapter 35 - Code Black Drill; Lady Arcadia's What?!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After meeting Captain Metalhoof, Lady Arcadia and King Madun continued on with their reviews for awhile. Walking around gazing at designs and taking record. Every now and then, a random Pseratep not part of the program would stroll by, bow, then continue on their way. One of them, a light blue and pink mare walked by wearing a suit with a lot of symbols and medals on it over to Captain Metalhoof. Lieutenant Sword and the other guards immediately saluted when she walked past, not even acknowledging them. Sunset guessed she held power.

"Metalhoof!" The Captain turned her way and immediately saluted, along with the rest of the squad. She stopped in front of him and ordered, "At ease. I need an overview of the Elite stationed at Eventa as soon as possible when you get back to Lavender this evening for the wedding! I already have positions ready, I just. Need. Names. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," he answered on tense hooves. "I'll see that it's done."

"Good. Tell their majesties we'll be speaking about defensive measures for the wedding when they return this evening. As you were." The pony began to make her way back out of the room before she stopped in front of the Equestrians, staring with angry eyes. "And who the buck are you?!"

Celestia smiled and answered, "We are Twil—Lady Arcadia's mock audience from Equestria." Celestia moved her hoof around and introduced everyone else. "...and Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Guard in Equestria. Our military."

Arcadia teleported into view beside the pony with a smile before she responded. "Okay! We're—oh! Hello, Secretary."

The pony immediately bowed to Arcadia. "Greetings, your highness." Then stood back up. "I was speaking to the visitors."

Arcadia nodded and then looked back to her friends and family. "Everyone? This is Secretary Manny, our Secretary of Defense. The head of every military branch in Psera, and Colonel of The Elite Guard."

Before they could respond, Secretary Manny raised a hoof and said sternly, "Before you start saluting and talking funny, let me make this clear. Lady Arcadia Nova is our top asset in Psera. Her safety at her inauguration and wedding is our top priority. All of my one thousand soldiers and three generals attending are tense. We're heated. We're ready. And we're pumped. If anypony attempts to sabotage these wonderful events, or even plans, they're going to have a big problem that involves a lot hooves on muzzles. But if I hear that Equestria has even a hoof involved, you're gonna have a Pseratep military problem. Complete with our Elite grabbing you from underneath your hooves, and pulling you into a grave. A full out war. Am I clear?"

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance shared a look before Manny mashed her muzzle with Celestia's, glaring into her eyes. "Am! I! CLEAR?!!"

"Yes! Yes, crystal!" She responded.

Secretary Manny peeled off then nodded. "Good." She turned to Lady Arcadia and bowed. "I will see you and King Madun this evening." Then stood up and walked away. The guards by the door immediately pushed the doors open for the stage and saluted until she walked out.

Cadance waited until the door closed. Then looked to Arcadia and commented awkwardly, "She seems... Nice."

Arcadia giggled and then said, "Yes. She's very assertive. Actually assertive... Isn't the....." Twilight's eyes suddenly rolled into the back of her head before she dropped to the ground. Shocking everyone.

Before they could even gasp, someone yelled, "CODE BLACK!! EVERYONE ON THE GROUND!! MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!!" A bunch more of Elite Guards burst through the entrance doors and pushed the Equestrians down to the ground while everyone else just did it. Leaving a majority of the guards to stand in position around Lady Arcadia, King Madun, Her Majesty, and Princess Merry. "Hooves and wings spread where I can see them!!"

Twilight Velvet yelled out, "WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY BABY?!" The lights in the entire facility suddenly shut down along with a ringing high-pitched siren before they all felt their coats bristle. The tracks suddenly popped up from the floor, steel teeth speeding across it, way faster than the demonstration a little over an hour ago. From what Rainbow Dash could see from her position on the floor, pulsing yellow lights were outlining them. Everyone in the room, including the Royalty were down and taking up positions. But the Elite Guard had formed a barrier in front of Twilight's body a few feet away after moving her. They were wearing some type of goggles or something that had flashing lights. And those barrel things on their sides were rotating, creating a sound similar to a small engine.

"Oh no, oh no," Rarity whispered, nearly on the verge of tears. "What's happening?"

Captain Metalhoof raised his Communication Block to his mouth and yelled, "Second Floor, sound off!!"

"Currently in evacuation!" Someone responded back. "Everyone is cooperating wonderfully."

"Third floor task team complete," another responded. "Just spotted the table, sir. Should be arriving soon!"

"Good, we're losing her!" Before Twilight Velvet could even yell, the wall on the far side of the building creaked. Then quickly parted, letting in the steel table that looked more like a giant gurney on Earth, just with no wheels. It was pulled into the room before it slowed down to a stop next to the group. "Alright! Everyone else keep your muzzles to the bucking ground!! Don't move!! And...she's on, move her out!!" The table once again moved out slow before quickly accelerating back out the door. Celestia cast a careful glance. Nopony was moving and Twilight's body was gone. Five of the Elite Guard were as well.

"Hangar doors opened!" Another guard reported. "Moving up to the second floor now!" Another few seconds before they returned. "We're on the second floor, now entering the Code Black Hallway. Speeding really fast..." Rainbow Dash heard Fluttershy whimper next to her. These things were moving really fast. "Alright, we're attached to the escort craft, already prepared. Firing out in three, two..." A low rumble sound happened first before the ground around them shook with a resonating boom. The reporter's voice turned to static for a quick moment before they returned back. "We're in the air, we're in the air! Passageway cleared with more Elite on standby! Main Hospital in sight, landing in a few seconds.... Annnnd....we're in, chain's attached.... We're slowing down..... Mission complete, we're connected to the end hall, nurses are waiting. Total of five minutes and eighteen seconds!"

The lights turned back on and the chains stopped rolling back inside the facility, along with the wall shutting back. The Elite that were on top of the Equestrians stepped off their backs to help them up. "Good job, everyone!!" Her Majesty Molten Ice yelled. "Excellent work! I have a feeling that Lady Arca... Where is she?" Everyone looked around before somepony tapped her shoulder. Her Majesty focused on Merry who was holding that mischievous look. She giggled and held her hoof up to her mouth, telling her to be quiet. Then pointed rapidly to the Violet male Elite Guard approaching Madun.

He tapped the King's confused shoulder, getting his attention. "Yes, what is it? Have you found Twilight?" He asked quickly. "Do I have to scramble the guard? Are there any clues? Is there—" The guard pressed a hoof to his mouth, smiling.

"You know it's really hard to play a joke on you like this," he stated in a deep voice before the room flashed bright. Once it dimmed, Lady Arcadia was in his place, wearing that same look. 

Madun instead held a bland one. Then asked, "Seriously?" Arcadia giggled then leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I feel like a dude just kissed me."

"Oh stop, you always know when I'm around and you definitely know what my kisses feel like." Arcadia teleported over to the Equestrians grinning. "You guys did great during the drill."

"That was the drill?!!" Sunset yelled. Then added, "I thought something happened to you, Twilight!!"

Arcadia shook her head and replied, "Nope! All drill-work." She turned around and faced Captain Metalhoof. "Great job, Captain! I'm expecting great things during the wedding and coronation."

Captain Metalhoof and his guards saluted. "Thank you, your highness."

The Equestrians were staring in horror while Merry, Madun, and Yellow Sage walked over. Merry leaned in and asked, "How are you feeling? Any stomach changes?"

Arcadia shook her head and answered, "No, I'm alright. Nice work. We're done with the reviews and photos for the design portion. Now we're going to go and discuss how we're going to setup the venue outside. As I'm sure, everypony in here has seen how grand the Grand stadium is. Now all we need is to see where we're going to decorate it. Then I'll leave the details to the captain organizing it."

Sunset groaned inwardly. This was definitely going to be a long day.




Six Days Later


The Royal Suite for the King and Lady in Waiting was silent. Save for the tip-tapping of Twilight pacing anxiously in front of the living room couch, and Madun's slurping of his coffee, eyeing her every move. She's been at this for awhile now. Nearly fifteen minutes. She was beginning to make him nervous.

Sighing, he deadpanned, "Twilight, take it easy. It's a pregnancy test. We can start pacing when there's an issue when you are pregnant, or when we're two months to the due date. What are you so stressed about? We both know you could in fact be positive."

Twilight zipped over and put him muzzle to muzzle, staring into his calm eyes with wild ones. "I know that!!" She practically screamed. "I'm worried about what the Pserateps will think when they find out!! I'm about to be married, a queen, and a mother all at the same time!!"

Madun rolled his eyes and smiled at her. Since they started dating, he's realized that Twilight seemed to worry over small things. "They'll accept you, Twilight," he appeased calmly. He scooted over and raised a wing, gesturing for her to sit down while he himself set down his coffee mug on the glass dining table in front of him. Twilight sighed but did as expected. She shuffled around and got comfortable before Madun draped his wing around her. "Everything'll be okay because you're not alone in this. Let me tell you a secret."

Twilight smirked while he moved in a little closer. Then whispered, "I'm nervous about being a father. Seriously. I never knew mine and my mother said that he had passed away before we were born due to some health issue. So it was just Merry, mom, and myself."

"The 'Three Ms'," Twilight teased. "Merry, Molten, and Madun."

Madun shrugged but nodded. "Yeah, I guess you could call it that. I've never had a father figure in my life, so I have no idea on what to do."

Twilight gasped and got an excellent idea. It was perfect! Completely out of the box!! She turned to Madun and gripped his cheeks, squishing his calm expression. "You know what we should do?" She whispered on the verge of excitement.

Madun slowly shook his head and answered, "No. So tell me."

"My parents! My sister-in-law on my side of the family was my foalsitter when I was a filly! She knows everything about taking care of a foal! And my mother raised me very well so there's another choice."

"Well what about here?" Madun inquired. He lightly pushed Twilight's hooves off and added, "What about in Psera?"

"You ask your parents, and I'll ask mine. But we have to wait for the news first." A knocking on the door tore apart the conversation. And replaced the calm atmosphere with a tense one. Once again, Twilight jumped up and started pacing. Of course.

Madun rolled his eyes and got up on his own to open the door. Twilight was apparently very busy at the moment putting a groove in the floor. When he did, he was greeted with the smiling face of Doctor Triage. She had on a pair of saddlebags stuffed with medical supplies that matched her violet coat and tail.

Triage bowed when he opened the door. "Hello, King Madun," she greeted. Then rose once more. "I'm here to do the procedure for Lady Arcadia?"

Madun nodded and stepped to the side, inviting her in. She trotted past and locked her sights on the long winged queen, nervously trotting around. Triage sighed and rolled her eyes. It was completely normal for this stuff to happen. In Psera anyway. Equestria may be entirely different. "Okay, your highness? You have to calm down," she cooed while making her way around the. "Which means deep breaths. In... Out." She slid her bags off her back and observed Arcadia take deep breaths. Doing as instructed.

"Okay.... Okay, I'm ready," Arcadia sighed. Taking another one, she spread her wings and sat down on the floor, waiting for Triage.

Madun walked over and sat next to her while Triage poked around inside her bag. Finding what she was looking for, she poked her head in and pulled out a small needle with her teeth and set it on the dining table. It had a large ring on the end of it that Arcadia guessed was the tool used to pull and push. Triage then pulled out a small device shaped like a cube with a glass block inside and placed it beside it. She turned to the Royals and smiled. "Okay. Since you're a foreigner to Psera, this is how the pregnancy tests work here. We take a small amount of blood from one of your hooves and put it in the container. All of my needles are thoroughly cleaned immediately after use so they're safe. The device is actually holding a syrup that we drop into the blood. If the blood turns blue under three minutes, it's positive. If not, negative."

Triage reached in her bag and pulled on some hoof covers. Then grabbed a small bottle of alcohol and a small cloth. After taking off the cap, she pressed the cloth on top of the bottle and shook it once.  "Just to wet the cloth a little," she explained while placing the cap back on. Then turned to Arcadia and asked, "Left or right?"

Twilight shrugged and responded, "Left."

Triage nodded. Then rubbed the alcohol on her fur, wetting it a little. After a few more seconds of intense rubbing, she stepped back and placed the cloth on the floor. Grabbing the needle with her hooves, she slipped her right hoof inside of the ring and pressed her left one on Twilight's hoof. "Okay, your highness, on the count of five we're going to push it in okay." Triage got dangerously close to Twilight's hoof and placed the tip on hers. "One." Triage stuck the needle in and calmly pulled out the blood sample.

Arcadia blinked and raised an eye at her. "Wait, you said five," she reminded her.

Triage giggled and replied, "Well most of my patients that take this test usually tense up their muscles at two. So I said give to get you to calm down."

Triage turned around and made her way over to the machine. There was a black cap on the corner of it that she flipped off. Exposing a small hole. Sticking the needle in, she pushed, thus pushing out the blood.

Arcadia and Madun witnessed the small glass box inside of it fill up with red. Afterwards, Triage removed the needle and flipped the cap back. Then toggled a small button on the side. A small brown ball dropped into the blood from the side like oil to water, sticking out among all the red before she flipped it back. Smiling, Triage announced, "Alright! Now all we have to do is wait! Let me clean the needle while you two watch the process."

While Triage dug around in her bag, she cast casual glances at the two. Twilight was not letting that box out of her narrow-eyed sight, and neither was Madun. The two were leaning forward, nearly touching the box with their muzzles. After cleaning the needle, Triage placed it back in her bag and watched with them. The tension was eating away at them. So much was the heat in the air bristling Arcadia's coat that was making her magic spark every few seconds.

The blood began to change. Twilight and Madun gasped when the blood slowly but suddenly turned to blue. Nopony moved. Nopony said a word. Until Triage leaned in and whispered, "Congratulations, your highness. It's positive."


***


The doors to the Royal Suite were forced open when Arcadia pranced out with the most biggest grin on her face, heading for the doors. The Royal Guard beside her quickly followed along. "I need my assistant!" She yelled. "Get me Gardeen!"

A blur of white immediately shot into Twilight's view. Saluting, Gardeen asked, "Yes, your highness?"

"Get me a reporter in the garden!" She ordered. "Tell them we have exciting news! Not just about the wedding! And somepony get me twenty Elite Guard, I'm going to Equestria to check on the status of S3!"

"Right away!" Gardeen dashed off while Arcadia turned around, facing Madun who was wearing a Merry-like smirk.

"Jeez, you're like Merry," he teased. "Get some good news and you're ready to spread it."

Arcadia rolled her eyes and asked, "Well wouldn't you?"

Madun shrugged and answered, "I was actually just going to let them ask and then answer yes. I'm not going to keep it a secret, just nonchalant about it."

Eh, that could have worked. Arcadia shrugged and then turned back around. Captain Metalhoof strode in and saluted up to her. "I was told you needed an escort team ma'am?"

Arcadia nodded and answered, "Yes. I need forty of your men ready. We're going to Equestria. I have to check on the status of S3 as well as speak to my sister in law in the Crystal Empire. It's a surprise! EEE!" She squealed. Then pulled the captain into a hug, shocking him. Backing up, she cleared her throat and added, "Grab them, and bring them here as fast as you can."

He saluted again before lifting his Communication Block to his mouth and turning around, barking commands. Meanwhile, Madun pecked Arcadia on the cheek and made his leave. "It's still morning sweetheart, we both have things to do!" He called over his shoulder.

"And I'm doing them!" Arcadia called back before rushing back into her suite. She had a message to send.



While Arcadia was preparing to hold a conversation with Cadance, everyone was actually located in The Crystal Empire's castle, discussing the shortage of metals and their progress in getting it back. So far, it was hectic. Cadance and Shining Armor were tasked with getting the gems requested for Psera, Celestia and Luna were overseeing S3's progress which has progressed greatly, and the Element Bearers and a few more ponies were walking around ceasing tensions between pony tribes. Everything was looking great. So a simple breakfast meeting was scheduled there that day.

While they ate breakfast, Celestia commented, "I had no idea The Crystal Empire had so many gems."

Cadance shrugged from the front of the table beside Shining and Rainbow Dash and replied, "Well considering that the crystal Empire is surrounded by rock and water, I'd expect as much."

Sunset chuckled before a guard walked into the room. He saluted and called, "Princess Cadance. Er... Psera is requesting an immediate audience with you."

Those at the table glanced at each other before Cadance asked, "Psera is requesting an audience?"

"I... Guess," he responded. "And 'Lady Arcadia' is already here. Whoever that is."

Everyone at the table cleaned up themselves before Cadance nodded. "Bring them in."

The guard nodded and walked back down the crystal hallway. Everyone in the room were thinking the same thing. What was Twilight doing with an unexpected visit? The doors to the room burst open when the Elite Guard strolled in with Lady Arcadia in the middle of twenty of them on both sides. They took up positions while she quickly trotted around. "Cadance, Cadance, Cadance, I need your help!!" She yelled.

Everyone went wide-eyed when Twilight nearly barraged into Cadance's chair. She instead slid to a stop right beside her, wearing a huge grin. Celestia leaned in and stated, "You do not look like you need help."

"Well... R-right now I don't but I have great, amazing, fantastic, bigger than Psera news that beats Pinkie's!!"

Everyone in the room took a deep breath. She was fine. Just really excited. Why, though? Twilight Velvet motioned with her hoof and said, "Well tell us! What is it?"

Twilight bit her bottom lip and began. "Mom? Dad? You... Are going to be... Grandparents... Again. I'm pregnant." No one even breathed. Even the Elite Royal Guard were speechless.

Cadance was the first to wake up. She grabbed Twilight's cheeks and stared at her in the eyes. "You're pregnant," she repeated. Twilight quickly nodded. "Are you sure?" She nodded again. "This isn't a joke." Twilight shook her head. Cadance calmly pulled her into a hug. Then yelled, "You're growing up too fast for me, Twilight! Stop growing! You're about to become a wife, a queen, and now a mom!! Oh no, stop growing!!" She cried.

Twilight Velvet cheered and teleported over. Then hugged Twilight from behind. "Ahhh, my baby's pregnant!! Oh my gosh, when did you find out?"

"Eee, this morning!!" Twilight responded just as enthusiastic. They let go and looked at her. "We scheduled for an at-home check-up last week and had a test done! It's positive! That's why I came here. Cadance? I need to know..." She grabbed Cadance's head and peered into her eyes. "What. Do. I. Do?!!"
> Chapter 36 - Congratulations!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Her Majesty Molten Ice was in the same position as Princess Cadance and Twilight Velvet. Sipping tea in the kitchen with their children giving them as much advice as they could. But Cadance had a question. She set down her cup on the glass table and asked, "So... Did you take my advice?"

Twilight nearly spat out her water, but chose to cough it up instead, shocking Twilight Velvet. Turning to Cadance in surprise, Velvet asked, "What are you talking about?"

With a smile, Cadance shrugged and answered, "I gave her advice on how to please a stallion in bed. I wonder if she had to use it."

Arcadia quickly shook her head and answered, "No, and please don't ask that question in front of mom of all ponies!"

"Ohhh, dear," Twilight Velvet cooed. "I did the same thing to your brother for Cady. There's nothing wrong—"

"Anyway," Arcadia interrupted. "I asked for parenting advice, not sexual advice. Help me out!"

Cadance and Twilight Velvet shared a look. Then turned to Twilight and answered at the same time, "Patience."

Cadance added, matter-of-factly, "A foal requires plenty of patience. To learn about them, you must have patience."

"To get them to go to sleep, you must have patience," Velvet suggested. "And to raise them at all, you must have patience. Look at your brother. He's the symbol of patience. And your niece, Flurry Heart. But you don't have to worry about parenting advice until you're about to go into labor."

Cadance set down her cup when she remembered something important. "Speaking of Flurry, there's something about her that's concerning both me and her father. Since you're the mage in magic, maybe you can shed a little light on this. Flurry!! Come here please!! You'll never believe what happened after we came back home on the final day of your contests. Have you made a choice yet on the designers?"

Arcadia nodded and answered, "Madun and I agreed on Pestel. Her shapes are what we need in the Grand Stadium. Her colors will also be included to mix with our own." Before anyone could respond, a tiny rapping of hoofsteps tip-tapped into the room.

"Yes, mom? Hey, Aunt Twilight! Look at my new wings!" Arcadia turned to the doorway and slowly gawked. Flurry looked like Flurry, but... Her wings had grown. Long. Not as long as her own, but larger than an average Pegasi foal's. They were going past her tail and looked similar to a small foal's in Psera.

Cadance turned to Twilight who was still gawking and asked, "Perhaps you can explain?"

Twilight slowly shook her head, "I... I have no idea. Flurry isn't a Pseratep, she shouldn't be able to get magic like that! Not to mention, neither should I. This opens up a whole new investigation. But it'll have to wait until after the wedding and maybe after everything else. Me looking into it will take up a lot of time and study. And I don't want to stress out over it because... Oh, Flurry! Guess what?"

Flurry jumped up and quickly made her way over. "What, what, tell me! Oh!" She jumped up onto the seat next to her aunt and asked excitedly, "Is Dad gonna be a real king? Finally!"

"Er..... Y-You're going to have a cousin! A little baby cousin!" Arcadia responded, trying to divert that conversation somewhere else.

Flurry gasped as if she was in fear for a long moment, then leaned in and asked, "How?"



After getting the press like Arcadia requested on their hooves, Gardeen gathered her own belongings and returned back to her own office in the Royal Suite. Once she became Lady Arcadia's Personal Assistant, she was given her own personal office space. Being an assistant was actually harder than it looked.

Lady Arcadia had papers to sign which she herself had to organize, read to gather an understanding in case Lady Arcadia herself needed any help, which was really rare. She practically knew all the words in their language. But Gardeen never wanted to half-flank something. So she had to do things of that nature. As well as run all around Psera as official Secretary to Royalty, underneath Lady Arcadia when she was given the title. She was given respect on the same line of anyone else in the Executive Offices.

When she turned the corner onto the offices hall, she saw the last pony she expected to see in the Royal Suite in front of her double office doors. "Light Pink?" She called.

Light Pink was looking at something on her hooves when Gardeen made herself known. She nearly jumped out of her light pink coat when Gardeen spoke and reverted back to her shy personality. "Oh, hey," she greeted quietly.

"Hey." Gardeen stopped in front of her office door and pulled out her key. But kept her eyes on this sudden visitor. While unlocking them, she asked through the gold in her mouth, "Can I help you with something?"

"Uh... W-well I see you're busy now so it really doesn't matter anymore."

Finally getting the door opened, Gardeen responded, "Nonsense, I was actually just gathering my office supplies and dropping them off. Not much is planned for today except that Arcadia suddenly asked me to get the press for some exciting news. But it wasn't about the wedding. I wonder what for, she's been acting strange all week during the contests. The most she's really needed me for is to gather wedding details and pass them out. The ruling of Psera is in King Madun's hooves. She's just handling the wedding."

"Oh! Well... Th-that's something," Pink responded.

Gardeen walked in and slid her saddlebags off her back onto the dark brown carpeted floor. Then reached in to begin unpacking. "Yep! I think she's in Equestria right now though handling some business or something, I don't know. I'll know when she returns. I'm just dropping this stuff off, and I'm heading back home. If you want, you can tell me what it is you needed."

Gardeen knew Light Pink was really quiet about voicing things on her mind. She usually had to be coerced. Light Pink hummed and answered, "I was wondering if you'd.... I-If you'd like to go for lunch or something today... Or tomorrow... Or any other day... If you want to."

Did Light Pink just ask me out on a date? Gardeen spun around and asked, "Are you sure? You seem really nervous about it."

Light Pink hummed again for a moment. Definitely asking me out, Gardeen thought. Coming to a decision, Light Pink finally nodded. "Yes, I am sure!" She said a little too assertive. Gardeen jumped a little, forcing Light to backpedal. "Oh... Sorry," she apologized almost silently. Jeez, it sounded almost like it was in a routine. "But... Th-There's a nice lunch place by the PDS."

"Yeah, the burger and Ice Cream shop, I know it," Gardeen added. "Pretty suave place. I usually go there because it's right across the street from the library. But hey! Yeah sure, we can have lunch. What day?"

"A-Anytime you're available, if that's okay."

Gardeen grabbed her empty saddlebags and placed them on a rack on the side. For easy grabs. "How about Brunch today, eleven? But be warned. If Arcadia returns and requests my presence, I have to leave immediately. So I'm bringing my comm and badge." Gardeen walked behind her desk and rummaged around.

Taking this time as the right moment, Light Pink took it to look around. The office had a large wooden desk on the left side of the room and a glass dining table on the right. There were photos on her desk of who she guessed were family. But they didn't look like her at all. She wasn't going to ask her about it, although very curious. Gardeen popped back up with a string around her neck that held a badge on the end bearing the symbol of Psera on the top, and Arcadia's cutie mark on the bottom.

While she made her way over, Light Pink asked, "What is that anyway? The star?" She nudged the bottom of Gardeen's badge with her hoof when she reached her.

Gardeen lifted her badge and stared at it. An eight pointed star with a few more around it. She answered, "Lady Arcadia called it a Cutie Mark. Apparently, everyone born a pony in the land of Equestria automatically gets them when they're foals. She said it happens after you discover your special talent. Hers was technically a sudden physical burst in magical output that turned her parents into plants. Her words exactly. You ready?"

Light Pink nodded. Then the two walked out the door through the other secretaries and executives. Making casual conversation as they moved.



The Elite Guard stationed themselves around certain parts of the castle in the Crystal Empire, leaving four of them with Lady Arcadia herself. She had Spike on her back just for old times sake as the Princesses and friends led her to an underground room. Where they were supposedly holding the surplus of gems that Psera called for. While they moved, Rarity was completely entranced—no, bewildered by the fact that Twilight, the pony who loved books over everything... Was pregnant. It was surreal... Unnatural.

"Excuse me, Twilight," she called from behind her. "But I have to say I cannot even imagine you being... Pregnant. Let alone going through... Coitus."

Rainbow nodded from above and muttered, "Seriously."

"But I'm a mare," Twilight responded. "It's natural that I have urges. And Madun's a stallion. A big... Strong... Stallion. So he has big urges too." Cadance snickered with the other mares while Shining and the Elite Guard were groaning.

Shining poked into the Elite Guard's space and whispered, "I hope my sister's in safe hooves?"

One Guard nodded and answered, "If the Pseratopian Guard doesn't get an offender, and the Elite can't get them... Princess Merry Fire definitely will. Better hope to Narmeelah that she doesn't. Is this the location?" He pointed towards the double steel doors a little ways in front of them guarded by twelve of the Crystal Empire's guards.

Shining nodded and answered, "Yes it is. Open the doors!"

Two guards saluted and proceeded to unlock and pull them open. Groaning from the weight. Before they parted all the way, one Elite Guard raised his comm unit to his mouth and pinged, "Shimmering Star to Castle. We're entering the diamond cave." He lowered his Comm and asked, "Is it dark inside?"

Cadance shrugged and answered, "A little."

The four reached up and flipped down a pair of goggles. Then pressed a button on the sides that caused small green lights to outline the lenses. Nearly unnoticeable. Afterwards, they darted past the doors and inside first. Deciding to take this one, Arcadia explained, "Night vision. To help see in the dark." Then walked in behind them.

It was indeed a little dark. And chilly. But that didn't deter Lady Arcadia as she walked in behind her security detail that set themselves in a three sixty radius around her. They were on a long steel overhead walkway, way above a mountain of gems. But that was only one. There were so many more, highlighted by small lights above. The underground cavern was made entirely out of underground stone.

Arcadia gasped slightly at the haul of sparkling colors. Celestia poked in and stated, "Over ten million gems at your request, Lady Arcadia."

"Amazing," she fawned in awe. Without taking her eyes off the multiple colors down below, she stated, "I must speak with my ponies to find a way to get it over to Psera. With me being pregnant, I do not want to go through any stress, and neither would Madun want me to, or his family. Or even my own family."

"That's right," Twilight Velvet and Night Light stated together in stern voices.

"So we must find another way to get that huge block here. Hopefully S3 has recommendations. Speaking of..." She turned around and asked, "What's the news?"

Sunset cleared her throat and began to give her report. "S3 has come up with a plan to move the winds and agent out from Equestria's air. Pegasi. All they need to do is fly quickly towards the north for a few hours to push it outwards. Bright Gold has more details on it." While they were speaking, the rest of Lady Arcadia's Elite guard walked into the area, stationing themselves on the sides.

While they saluted, Arcadia nodded and replied, "Then I'll have to visit S3 to get a better understanding. We'll go right after this."

Luna leaned in and answered, "Do you still have the steel?"

Arcadia turned to her guards, who in turn looked back. Then they all began laughing once again. The last time they asked that, the Royalty began laughing. This time it was making Equestria feel a little bit more awkward. Arcadia took a few deep breaths to calm her breathing than answered, "I'm sorry for laughing. But it's such a ridiculous question in Psera. To answer it, yes. We have more than enough for Equestria. Like how you have more than enough gems for Psera." Arcadia turned around and walked towards the door, followed briefly by her guards. "Now let's get to Ponyville. I have a feeling I'm in for a surprise." Arcadia lit her horn and conjured a violet portal that the Elite Guard walked through first, followed by Lady Arcadia then everyone else, setting hoof into Ponyville once again.

Just like last time, it was full of tents, nurses on the sides, and angry scowls from the ponies nearby watching them. Apparently, Pserateps weren't welcome in Equestria. Sending a bad feeling down the Elite Guard's back. They kept a firm perimeter around Arcadia while they prepared themselves. Taking everyone except Lady Arcadia off guard, they pressed another button on their suits that activated the barrels on their sides. They rolled and had light green lasers pointing out, piercing through the dirty haze and onto a few of the seemingly angry ponies' foreheads.

Celestia and everyone else froze before they even moved. The Sergeant waved his hoof forward and quickly escorted the group through the tense faces of Equestrians. While the ones up front had their blades up, those in the rear had their blades up and cannons ready. Keeping a watchful eye on the Equestrians.

While they moved, Celestia asked Arcadia, "Is that really necessary?"

Arcadia shrugged and answered, "I just let them do how they were trained. If it assures me and my baby's safety then I have no problem with it. That and I literally can't do anything about it."

Sunset pointed and retorted loudly, "There is a laser on Ms. Cheerilee's forehead." Arcadia followed Sunset's hoof, eyeing Ms. Cheerilee shivering in a frozen state with a green dot on her face while they moved past.

"If she doesn't approach with aggression, she's fine," Arcadia responded. "The Elite Guard take everything incredibly serious and are trained to intimidate first. So what they are doing right now is a warning. Not the real deal. When they show aggressive behavior then that's when everything else kicks in... And the Elite actually begin to kick."

After a few more moments, the group was safely in front of the S3 mobile facility. Steeled up and blank of activity. It seemed empty right now, but there was definitely another pony in there. All guards were to be stationed at the front. And four of them were.

One Pseratep saluted and announced, "Lady Arcadia approaches! Hello, your highness." He and the other three bowed deeply in front of her when they stopped.

"Hello, Pserateps," she greeted. "Is Bright Gold around?" Gold. That's what Cadance forgot to mention to Celestia! She has to tell them about what she learned in Psera during the contests.

The door to the facility opened up, cutting off the rest of Cadance's thoughts. Bright Gold walked out wearing a white coat with the label S3 on the right side, holding a clipboard. She bowed in front of Arcadia and greeted, "Good morning, your highness. How were the contests?"

Arcadia smiled and responded, "Wonderful. But now we have even better news. Are you ready for it, you would actually be the first Pseratep I told this to." Bright Gold smiled and waved her on. "I'm... Pregnant."

Gold didn't move with unreadable eyes on Arcadia. "...you're joking," she whispered after a few tense seconds.

"Nope."

"You're pregnant?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"Madun and I had a test done this morning."

"Using the Cube?"

"Yes, the cube. They take your blood and put it in a glass box, correct?"

"Yes."

"It turned blue, I'm pregnant."

Bright Gold didn't even breath. "...oh my Narmeelah," she whispered. Then dropped the clipboard and gave Arcadia the biggest hug she could manage. "Oooo, you're going to be a mommy!!" She cheered. "And a wife, and a queen!"

Arcadia laughed nervously and responded, "Yeah, I'm trying not to stress out about it."

Bright Gold laughed and pulled back. Then waved a hoof in her direction and replied, "Oh, you'll be fine. Let me tell you a secret. Everyone in the royal Family has had a hoof in raising children. Even your fiance, believe it or not. Now you didn't hear this from me, but Merry used to be a foalsitter."

Now that was news to Arcadia's ears. Raising a hoof off the ground, she leaned in and asked, "Wait, seriously?"

Bright eagerly nodded. "Yes. If there's anypony that has to worry about raising a foal at all in the Royal family by this point it's his highness Madun. But I have a feeling you'll help out. Now I take it you're here to get an update?" Arcadia nodded while Bright Gold picked up her clipboard and flipped to a certain page. "As you know, the chemical in the air corrodes metal at an enhanced rate after being activated by extreme temperatures. However, the process freezes after it is placed in temperatures below twenty degrees Fahrenheit. So with that in mind, we decided we don't need to create an antibody to take it out. We just need to push it into the cold region.

"As you can tell, it's winter in Equestria right now, as well as in Psera. New year's coming up, so we all want to get out of here and back to Psera for the Skybomb, the Massive firework. The first one you'll ever get to see. So we asked Princess Celestia if we can borrow a handful of Pegasi here in Equestria to have them fly towards the north." Bright Gold pointed towards the direction of the Crystal Empire. "The process will work like our cannon at Eventa's Code Black hallway. It will work like a Vacuum and push all the air out. It will take a day out at least. We were thinking a hurricane, but there's too much dirt, debris, and exposed ponies for that. So we'll just have to do it the hard way. And not the harder way, which is to create the antibody."

Sunset stepped in and asked, "How exactly would the Antibody work in the air?"

"We make rain," she responded. "We put the antibody in the water, mix it in, evaporate it to create the clouds, then make it rain. Boom. But that would take two to three weeks. We don't have two to three weeks, nor do we want two to three weeks. We want now. So tomorrow, we're pushing the Pegasi to fly all day. Princess Celestia? If you could prepare for a very windy day tomorrow and let all the Pegasi here know, it would be very much appreciated."

Celestia smiled and eagerly nodded. "Consider it done."

Bright Gold nodded and responded, "Great. Now I take it Lady Arcadia's going to break the news to the rest of Psera? It's pretty grand to me."

Arcadia grinned and replied, "Yes I am. Are you coming back to Psera today?"

"Well since we've already isolated the issue as well as a solution, we have nothing to really do until tomorrow. But if I am correct, and since you are really smart, you don't wish to put any stress on your body until the baby's born. Which means we'll have trouble getting that block of steel over here."

"And that is why you're my second in command," Arcadia pointed out. "Something's telling me you have a solution?"

"The entire Facility has a big solution. The details are in Psera. I'll gather the others and we'll talk once we return."



Quiet piano music was pretty much the only sound that stuck out among the cafe filled with laughing and surprised Pserateps. The floor had a checkerboard pattern and the tables were all by open windows. Just like Gardeen stated, there was a grand library across the street that she was motioning to sipping on her own Sundae, deep in a conversation with Light Pink, the latter listening intently to her every word.

"...so I flew all the way from Cop to Fenix to deliver the message," Gardeen recalled from across. "It was a windy day so I had to be careful. Flying fast in high winds can cause a wipe out."

Light Pink let the straw slip from her mouth and graced Gardeen with a smile. "At least you're safe. You seem to take your job very seriously."

Gardeen sat back and sighed. Then replied, "When Arcadia sends a message then it's very important. Most of the time a secretary in that department would send it. If that doesn't work, then it gets bumped up to an administration level. Then if that doesn't work, then Royalty takes over."

"Ohhh," Light Pink fawned. "Okay. I was never behind on taxes, so I never knew that."

"Yeah, it gets pretty intense."

Before the conversation could continue, the display screen above the counter changed from a sitcom of some sort that no one was watching to the Royal Crest blaring a high pitched whine. Everyone in Cop and across the country stopped what they were doing and trotted to a nearby television as the signal blared across every city-state through the PDS. After ten seconds the Crest of Psera slid to the side, revealing King Madun, Her Majesty Molten Ice, Merry Fire and Blazing Fire, and Lady Arcadia in the middle.

"Hello, everypony," Arcadia greeted, reverting to her Equestrian tongue. "Firstly, we want to thank everypony for helping us complete the contests in Eventa this week. Madun and I still have yet to come to a decision regarding the art and baking positions, but have come to a decision for the Grand Stadium's Designer." All the Pserateps began muttering on this bit of news. "All of that information will be revealed later on this week after New Year's. As you all know, Psera has been in contact with Equestria, who have been suffering through a metal shortage that is incredibly similar to what has occurred here in Psera before I arrived. Just without a giant bear. I am proud to say that our agreement will soon come to fruition. Eleven thousand metric tons of steel in exchange for gems. This morning, I visited Equestria and am happy to say there are more than two boatloads of gems ready for transport back to Psera."

Many Pserateps clapped and stomped their hooves all over the country, including in the ice cream shop. Gardeen and Light Pink calmed themselves with everyone else before she continued. The Royals usually stop speaking for four seconds. King Madun smiled and took over. "Now this upcoming year, Psera has a new reason to celebrate besides the marriage between Lady Arcadia and myself, and her coronation as Queen. Two new ponies will be introduced in the future into... The Royal Family." Pserateps all over the country began muttering at once, trying to understand.

Gardeen turned to Pink with a questioning look, who only shrugged in response. Her Majesty Molten Ice cleared her throat and stated, "As of last week and this very morning, it was decreed that my daughter Princess Merry Fire, and my future Daughter-in-law Lady in Waiting Arcadia Nova... Are in the midst of carrying a foal." The technicians behind the camera's and microphones slowly glanced up at them.

Gardeen's mind was broken while everypony began speaking at once inside the shoppe. Whether upset or happy, it was unreadable. Arcadia raised a hoof quickly to silence them. "Before anyone jumps to conclusions, I will still be able to perform my duties firstly as is expected of me as Royalty of Psera, and as future Queen and previous Secretary. I'll just be pregnant while doing them. I hope all of you understand. I left Equestria to begin a new life and help the ponies' land whose toxin-filled clouds were breaching the air of Equestria. I successfully completed one of those goals. Now I'm ready for the second. To begin a new life with the pony I love the most... In the land I love most of all."
> Chapter 37 - Plan In Place
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The gold mines underneath the mountain range surrounding Cop had been entirely vacated when the Royals arrived on the scene and the screens, leaving their tools on the ground. The lights above reflected off the walls of gold among all the gray, the vehicles, hats, and the medals on the suit of a certain pony as he growled and barged his way angrily through the tunnels. His hooves trotted dirt and dust.  Blueblood harrumphed and growled, "You've got to be bucking kidding me." A foal. A bucking foal! That long-winged freak got his Twilight pregnant! About to be married!! This isn't natural.

Blueblood stopped in front of a seemingly wall of Gold then looked around. No Pserateps in sight. Feeling he was in the clear, Blueblood lit his horn and walked through the wall, coming out into a pocket lit up by a single overhead light that had a large map on the wall of Psera he had grabbed from a magazine. There was a crossbow in the corner and three arrows on the right. Created out of wood and the tips of those incredibly sharp steep pickets. Blueblood had to admit, he wasn't expecting the land underneath Cop, underneath Psera to be entirely gold. Right now he was barely skimming the true value of Psera. That explained Psera's extreme wealth.

He glared up at a picture of Twilight he cut out of a newspaper a few days ago. She was smiling. Innocent... Equestrian. He reached up with a hoof and whispered with narrowed eyes, "I'll free you from this, my love. You'll soon be mine. And I will be yours."

"Salquas tonight boys!" Somepony yelled behind the wall he walked. Blueblood quickly gathered the map, photo, and weapons before teleporting away in a light blue flash and crack. "Long Live Madun, Long Live Arcadia!"

"Long Live Madun, Long Live Arcadia!!!" More miners yelled before picking up their tools and going back to work.



After Twilight left to head back to Psera, Cadance took the Princesses back to the castle in Canterlot. So far everything is going well. Very promising. The Strong and Legendary Nation of Psera were successfully helping rebuild their country, and Equestria had the gems ready for transport. Ready for the trade. How Psera were going to grab them were obvious. They had ships, possibly like Equestria's that went by air since they had managed to stop Equestrians from entering their borders. There was absolutely no other way they could travel... Right? Celestia brushed those thoughts to the side and took a seat across from Cadance with Luna on their thrones. Apparently she had news. "Now what is it Cadance?" Luna asked. "It must be really big."

"It's huge," Cadance replied. "When they were serving breakfast on the first day of the trials, Twilight was approached by that yellow Pseratep in a lab coat. Remember her?"

Celestia nodded in familiarity. "Yes, Yellow Sage."

"She, Twilight, and Madun had a conversation revolving around... Gold."

"Gold," Luna repeated. "As in the metal?"

"Yes. The first thing she told Twilight was... Let me think... 'As you know, Psera is made entirely out of Gold. Yes we have grass, dirt, clay. But directly underneath is nothing but gold.'"

"What?!" Celestia blurted. "Wh... Wait... Huh?"

"I was confused at first too, but it makes a lot of sense. Everywhere you turn in Psera, somepony is wearing something that has gold. Even the foals. The three held a discussion there that centered around Blue Gold. Gold that grows on its own. I heard it. It all makes sense. The secrecy, the strict law that kept them from mingling with other nations—"

"The PDS, the high amount of Guards, strict guarding," Luna whispered. She turned to Celestia and said, "It does makes sense."

"It does," Celestia responded. "So other ponies stayed away from their gold. It is best we keep this a secret from the rest of Equestrian society and other societies. It could cause trouble for Psera. And definitely Equestria."



Security was stepped up, I can tell, Arcadia thought as she and Madun made their way back through the marble halls to the middle of the castle where the Royal Suite was located. She never had a chance to see Madun's garden. But according to Merry, it was really nice.

Arcadia turned to Madun as they moved in between thirty guards and asked, "So your garden?"

Madun smiled and sighed in nostalgia. "My gardens, plural, are filled with flowers, vegetables, a small stream of water, a few benches, decorations, walkways. It's a peaceful spot in the castle. The one in front of the suite is actually for foals. Didn't know that huh?"

Arcadia giggled and shook her head. "How come I've never seen this garden?"

He shrugged and nuzzled her cheek with an answer. "You're always working."

"I don't work that often. I just watch over Serl. Speaking of which, I need to speak with Bright Gold about getting the block of steel over to Equestria. She told me she has a few ideas that are apparently stress free."

Madun sighed and deadpanned, "Serl always has great ideas. A legendary one would be a basic stroller."

Twilight bumped him with her wing. "Oh stop. We can easily grab a stroller from a store. But I want our little filly to have somewhere nice to play."

Madun and Arcadia turned a right with the Elite Guard onto another guarded hall, making way for two double doors on the end. "It's going to be a colt," Madun corrected. "I can tell."

Arcadia shot him a look of amusement and asked, "How exactly can you tell? I'm nowhere near showing yet and the only sign I'm pregnant is morning sickness. I don't even have mood swings yet." Two Elite Guards strode forward from the lines and pushed the doors open while the others led them out into the very impressive garden. It was located in a small circle that was centered in the middle of busy glass walkways that the sunlight blared through, hitting the life within.

The garden consisted of two parts, divided by a stream of water that flowed underneath a stone arch bridge connected to each side. The side they were on mainly held flowers. Roses, daisies, petunias, lavenders, daffodils. The other held vegetables and other foods. Madun obviously enjoyed living simple while Lady Arcadia enjoyed both ways.

Lady Arcadia strode out first into the colorful field of flowers that her coat matched perfectly while the Guard stepped to the side. She gazed around in awe while Madun approached from behind, smiling with her. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"It's amazing," Arcadia replied. "Can I stride through the flowers?" After Madun nodded, Arcadia walked through the field of flowers, sniffing and admiring the many colors. The petals tickling her coat gave her a calm sensation as she looked at her reflection in the water. Madun stopped beside her and peeked in.

"This water actually flows from the water system in Cop," he explained. "It's filtered in here too. It flows underneath the castle and goes right back out into the city. Not even one percent of water in the castle comes through this one. It's entirely separated."

"It's beautiful, Madun," she whispered. Then turned to him and kissed his cheek before they shared a nuzzle.


***


After finally observing Madun's gardens after nine months, Arcadia and Madun made their way back into the Castle to see the ponies at Serl in the defense room. Along the way, they bumped into many other Pserateps who bowed and happily wished their congratulations. It looked like her message reached Psera's ears. And Madun just wouldn't let her forget.

They stopped in front of the entry for the defense room, seated with a few captains, Bright Gold, and a few more from Serl. Smirking, Madun turned to Arcadia and stated, "Told you there was nothing to worry about."

Arcadia rolled her eyes then shared a brief nuzzle with him before walking in with Madun, all business. "Good day, Pserateps," she greeted with a smile.

"Good day, your highness," Bold Shoulder, a few from the Congress, of course those from Serl, and Blazing Fire greeted. The two calmly walked around for the chairs at the end of table. Followed by the Elite that Guard walked in behind and took positions on the wall after they shut the door. They were in the room that held many display screens in front of every seat, lights built into the ceiling, and other things. This is the second time Arcadia's been in here. The first being after she made it known to everyone in Psera government she would take up their requested role as Queen.

Once they were seated, Bright Gold asked, "How are you feeling, your highness?"

"Absolutely nervous," Madun answered.

Arcadia giggled and reached out to stroke one of Madun's wings. Answering, "Even though it's barely been day one, Madun and I are both equally nervous for the events that are coming up. First the wedding, then the coronation, then labor. It's going to be a lot to do and take in at the same time. And we're a little stressed out about it all already. But enough about that, let's talk about your plan. What is it?"

Bright Gold nodded then tapped a few buttons on the screen in front of her. "If everypony will direct their attention towards the displays in front of you, you will see the vehicle we will use to transport the steel to the land of Equestria six hundred eighty-five kilometers away off the East coast of Psera, directly across from the ports of Merōl. S4 calls it... Carrier with the code named 'Front Lawn'. Because well... It can hold anything like a front lawn. Including the steel block we are saving for Equestria."

Twilight looked down from Bright Gold to the image of a strange vehicle in front of her on the screen. It appeared to be an extremely larger flotation device that had a large hull slanting forward, sitting on water. But the back was flat. A large block was at the area at the end on top of the deck. The deck held apparently four steel beams that progress upwards, then outwards to drop the steel block onto a different area outside of the Carrier. Like the outline of a cube that was attached to the top of the vehicle. It looked impressive, yet everything about Psera was, this wasn't really surprising. Serl always held the greatest ideas.

Looking up, Twilight asked, "So what is this called?"

Bold Shoulder responded, "It's called an Aquata, your highness. We used them in the past when our armies and military had to go to sea to prevent others from finding Psera, and had used them for trading with distant lands way before the treaty and law took place. After they did take place, they were retired and archived, and we used defensive ones more often."

"But this is a newer model," Bright Gold added. She did something with the controls that showed a live feed of it inside of a hangar of some sort at Serl. It was big, shiny, and... Still going through construction? Madun and Arcadia looked at each other then referred to Bright Gold. "The way the Carrier works is that we use an outside source to place the block of steel onto the top of the ship. Then transport the steel to the shores of Equestria and make the drop off. As I'm sure you know, your steel block is rather heavy."

"Understatement," King Madun stated.

Bright Gold nodded and added, "The steel weighs thousands of tons because it's a dense block of metal. So the way to move the steel inside of the ship is we're not going to lift it. We're going to push it. Serl uses a device that's similar to an assembly line. But instead of a small, narrow, and single rubber lap, we're using a large, very thick line of rubber that is traced onto the area underneath the steel, and directed towards the Carrier's side. Which has been fitted with the ability to push out, split, and slide to the side to allow it in. It also has a rubber track inside of it that will assist in pulling.

"The bottom of the Carrier actually holds an experimental metal we've been working on that works as artificial Hydrogen to keep it from sinking no matter how much weight is placed upon it. The Carrier is actually bigger than your steel block, believe it or not."

Arcadia hummed and responded, "Yes, I can see that." Her eyes were trained on the tiny Pserateps flying back and forth across the hull of the ship, visible only by the yellow safety jackets and helmets they were wearing. Sparks and a few things were flying out from different parts of it, raising up another question she and Madun both had. "Is the Carrier finished?"

Bright Gold nodded and answered, "Yes, ma'am. We're just adding a few extras. Since this trade is obviously a military issue, the carrier will be supplied with weaponry, barracks, posts, of course the main deck which is the high back, and if it is a Royal opportunity, a royal suite in a safe area of the ship. Big enough for all of you. Safety of course was the first thing put in mind so some of the other executives at Serl are putting procedures in place as well as precautions, emergency shut-off switches, and other things.

"Okay, just one more question," Madun said with a big one on his mind. "How... Is it powered?"

"Excellent question," Blazing Fire answered. "Water. The water it sits on powers the ship. Inside of the ship is a hydraulic chamber that works very similar to our own Hydroelectric Plants here in Psera. On the hull of the ship, you will see three large gaps on each side that dip into the water. That is the intake. The water flows to the back of the ship where it undergoes the process turning the turbines that move the generator inside the ship. There are a total of ten generators, giving it enough power to move on its own after a few tugs and pulls. There are also power cells that are being charged on the side so startup is not an issue.

"For first time usage, it has to be pulled out into water until the engines are up and running. After that, no worries. It has already been tested for usage and so far no problems. As you know your highness, Serl only offers the best."

Arcadia smiled and turned to Madun. "What do you think?"

He sighed and turned to Arcadia answering, "It may need to go through inspection first before we decide anything. Then have an immediate meeting with the Military of Psera, mainly the Elite Guard since they're trained for oversea activity. Then the Congress to get it up and going. Afterwards, we should contact Equestria and let them know we are ready to transport the steel. All we are waiting for is the go ahead. So first thing's first? Fix Equestria's air and finally close the agreement. Then we worry about how they're going to get the minerals over here. I have a feeling you have an idea?"

"We use the Carrier if it works," Arcadia answered. "And yes I have an idea to pull the minerals back to Psera. Problem is where are we going to setup shop in Equestria to drop the steel off. When we leave here, the ship will arrive on the shores of Las Pegasus if we continue straight to the east. Thing is, we have to have a site setup to push and pull the steel off of the ship. Possibly another system like we have at Serl, except in Equestria. And then once we are done with that, we clean up and then leave with the minerals back to Psera. It seems like eating a piece of cake. But there's a whole process we have to go through to get it done. I motion that our best course of action is to get the Front Lawn to hold the steel and Minerals."

"I second Lady Arcadia's motion," Madun conceded. "All in favor, say aye."

"Aye!"



Princess Celestia stood in front of the many Equestrians from the foot of the Canterlot Castle, reading off a pre-written page about the Pserateps' plan to push the winds away to the north. She looked up from her notes and boomed, "Equestria calls upon every Pegasi over the age of sixteen from Los Pegasus to Dodge City, all the way to Starlight's Village to fly high to the north, then return low to the south at a much slower speed so we can remove the agent in the air that is unknowingly destroying Equestria. We have partnered with a race of pony who have happily lent a hoof to restore it. All they require is participation."

"And a whole lot of Minerals," Cadance muttered from behind before someone tapped her shoulder. She looked over into Bright Gold's eyes, bearing a strange glint. It wasn't strange to see one of the Pserateps from S3 show up randomly. "Hello, Ms. Gold."

"Greetings, Princess Cadance," she responded. "I am proud to say that Psera has a plan in place for transportation that must be approved by Psera's Government before we ready it. It will more than likely be approved next week, so when it is a few things will happen that we will discuss."

"I will let Celestia know once we are done here," Cadance responded. "We believe a good place to observe would be the city of Los Pegasus when the Pegasi are flying for tomorrow. Do you know how long it would take for a complete recycle?"

Bright Gold looked out at the Canterlot Camp and hummed in thought. "Well this area alone, it would take two hours. But combining all the cities in front of the frozen north it would take ten at least. Extend it to twelve for assurance."

Cadance nodded happily. "Great. Now..." Cadance leaned in and whispered, "I need to tell you something that's important to Psera and these events upcoming. Do you remember Blueblood?"

Bright Gold snorted through her nose and replied, "The pompous prince who had the nerve to kiss Lady Arcadia's hoof in front of the king. He rings a disturbing bell in my head, yes."

"He is missing."

Bright Gold sighed and responded, "And why are you telling me this?"

"Because he has not been spotted at all in Equestria. And if you look around, there's not many places to hide. Everything is flat and torn down. Small. It's important to us that he is found. The reason why is because Blueblood disappeared after Lady Arcadia pretty much destroyed his chances of holding a girlfriend. Luna, Celestia, and myself all know that he is prone to excessive actions, and we could tell that Lady Arcadia possibly broke his heart. It is common knowledge that Arcadia was his number one crush ever since he met her. He is possibly sad, upset, or angry. Celestia and Luna believe he is embarrassed. But I think differently. Blueblood believes he is strong. Powerful. Forceful."

"Technically a crazy stallion," Bright Gold assumed.

Cadance thought about that. He fit the profile. "Yeah, pretty much. Either way, even though Arcadia is about to become Queen and holds respect here in Equestria and Psera, Blueblood unfortunately is mind-riddled with the mentality that the world is his playground and that he rules it all. He believes everything should be hoofed over to him when he demands it. And if not... He'll take it."

"What are you saying, Princess?" Bright Gold asked as Celestia began wrapping up.

"I believe Prince Blueblood is hiding and planning on Psera. He is angry that Arcadia refused his advancements for so long and is about to marry a king in a land better than Equestria. He is jealous. He is fed up. And he is angry. He may be planning to try and take Arcadia by force, no matter how dangerous and extremely stupid it would be to do so. Especially now that she is pregnant. Celestia and Luna do not believe he'd be that foolish. But I know my cousin. He will do anything. He is mad and insane. Just in case, let your guard and military know that Lady Arcadia or even King Madun may be in extreme danger."

Bright Gold responded quickly, "So Psera possibly has a major security breach. But how could he have gotten over there, he can't fly."

Cadance sighed and responded, "I'm not sure. Blueblood isn't too smart, but he's not stupid either, even if he makes stupid decisions. I am telling you now so Equestria can avoid a future conflict with your land. We have been searching for Blueblood but he has gone missing. Everything that he may do is his decision if he is in fact in Psera and Equestria has no part in it."

"Buck," Bright Gold responded. She turned around and quickly made her way towards Ponyville. "I must let Captain Metalhoof know immediately. Thank you for telling me Cadance." Bright Gold opened her long wings and took off towards Ponyville at the same time Celestia returned. She had to get back to Psera as soon as possible.



"YOU'RE PREGNANT?!!" Was the first thing Rarity yelled when Twilight and the other girls from Canterlot High bounded through the portal that Lady Arcadia made for them, standing in front of her suite with Madun. Rarity's head didn't even make it out fully yet when she asked. Everyone else had expressions of shock after they followed along. When Sunset told them the news, it warped their minds. How even old was Twilight?! And after bowing respectfully, motioned rapidly to Twilight for information.

Madun was apparently busy searching for something in the small garden outside of their suite behind her. Sniffing and shuffling through flowers, leaves, and dirt with a focused expression while the guard were poised nearby watching.

Lady Arcadia giggled and answered, "We found out this morning. All of Psera is aware as well as my family and friends back in Equestria, and they are all wishing the best. Madun and I were really ecstatic after finding out, right sweetheart?" She asked. Then turned her head around.

"Ridiculously so," he responded without taking his face out of the dirt. "You said you like Zinnias, right?"

Arcadia shrugged and answered, "I like to eat them and put them in my mane."

"Alright." He continued sniffing around searching for some, making Arcadia smile. Apparently he'd dig through dirt for her.

Turning back to her friends, she stated proudly, "So we've made a decision for the ponies that are adding their designs to your own. Everypony knows that you are supervising because I would like a small Equestrian touch to the wedding. That is where you come in. I will have somepony take you there as soon as they begin so you can add your touch. Just a small touch since this is an overall Psera wedding. I don't want too much Equestria here in Psera."

Fluttershy nodded and responded, "Great, Twilight. Now... What gender are you hoping for?"

"A filly," she responded.

Madun looked up with three flowers in his mouth and delivered his own answer. "A colt."

Arcadia turned back to her friends and shook her head. "It's going to be a filly. The first born Alicorn-Pseratep filly on Psera's soil."

"Colt," Madun playfully corrected. "With the tenacity of his mother and wisdom of his father." Madun stood up and made his way over to Arcadia presenting a bunch of Zinnias. "Found 'em."

Arcadia giggled. Then leaned in and plucked them from his mouth into hers. "Thank you, Firehead."

"You're welcome, Love." Madun leaned up and nuzzled the area behind Arcadia's ear while she placed the Zinnias in her mane. "Now all we need is a little colt running around."

"Filly."

The doors leading into the Royal Suite suddenly burst open when Sergeant Sword ran in with a bunch of Elite Guards, pulling a jump out of Arcadia. "Your majesties, we have a Nationwide Code Yellow! The Castle's been put on lockdown and all cities, facilities, and buildings are going through a sweep. We need to escort you safely to fallback." The Elite Guard and the Royal Guard all readied their weapons and surrounded the King and Lady In Waiting.

Arcadia gasped and asked, "What?! Wh-Why is there a Code Yellow? Girls you have to go!" Arcadia quickly conjured a large portal behind her friends. Then pushed them through. "I'll be in contact, Sunset!" Before she could respond, the portal closed and the Guard began to move towards the doorway with Madun and Arcadia in the middle. "What is going on?" Arcadia asked.

The Guards quickly led them through the doors into the office hall, packed with Elite Guards that were either patrolling or peeking into rooms. Sergeant Sword answered, "Princess Cadance of Equestria has informed Psera that the Prince who holds an extreme crush on you has not been spotted in Equestria, and is believed to be planning a major disruption in these wonderful events and posing a serious threat to you, your fiance, and your unborn child's safety. We believe he is hiding on Psera."
> Chapter 38 - Code Yellow Pocedure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

All the ponies in Psera were ordered to stay inside their homes after the alert of a Code Yellow. Hiding behind closed and locked doors while the Elite Guard did a sweep of each and every city, building and facility except homes. Those walls were thick. But all Pserateps could practically feel Lady Arcadia when she screamed in fury.

"That! Is! IT!! IF HE HURTS ME, OR ANYPONY IN MY FAMILY, I WILL RIP HIS HEAD OFF HIS SHOULDERS AND FEED HIS BODY TO THE SHARKS!!" Madun and everyone else in the escort stared at Arcadia in shock. She was practically blowing fire through her nose before she continued walking. "Somepony better keep him away from my family!!"

"Alright sweetheart, you made your point," Madun cooed. He placed a wing over her back and led his furious wife-to-be with the rest of the Guards towards the secure base inside the castle. They turned a right in the offices towards a pair of steel doors that the Guard there swiftly opened, letting in the large group before shutting and locking them back.

"My point will be made after I buck him into a wall," Arcadia snarled. Then carefully walked with the guard down the steel staircases.

Madun shook his head and replied, "Not in your condition. If anyone's doing any bucking, it's me. I'm the one protecting my family."

"And I'm protecting my daughter," Arcadia responded.

"Son," Madun corrected.

"Daughter."

"Son. Stop worrying, everything will be okay." Madun leaned up and nuzzled that spot again, pulling a hum out of Arcadia. "I'll watch out for our family. No one is touching you with any ill intentions. I'll assure it."

The Elite Guard led them down past the ground floor of the Castle and deeper still before arriving at the very bottom, made of concrete lit up by lights on the hallway walls. There was a pair of open steel doors at the end that Arcadia could see. Revealing a large two floor room similar to Her Majesty's.

It was fitted with a wall of books, steel walkways above, the crest of Psera hanging down from the ceiling, bright lights on the wall, a few more rooms, display screens, and a bunch of Elite Guards. The escort led them inside before they grabbed and pulled on the heavy thick doors, closing and locking it behind them while they headed back.

A green head poked out of one the rooms and focused on Arcadia and Madun. Merry gasped and jetted out, wrapping Arcadia in a hug. "Hey, girl!" She greeted. Then stepped back and asked, "Now what the buck is happening up there?"

Arcadia started to respond but Madun beat her to it. Poking his head in, he answered, "That Blueballs pony is believed to somehow be in Psera and wants to either cause harm to my fiancee, me, or our baby! If I see that pony, I am laying it on him!"

Merry groaned and replied, "He's really jealous of you two's relationship. I really want to knock his teeth in! I bet he just wants to rut Arcadia because she has a nice flank!!—I'm sorry, your highness. That just came out," Merry quickly backpedaled. "Please forgive me."

Arcadia's eyes were wide with bright rose colored cheeks, blushing in embarrassment. She shifted her wings to cover her rear, thankful they were big enough, and used her tail to cover everything else. "A-Are there clothes or something in here? I feel a little uncomfortable and exposed now."

Madun grunted at Merry who was smiling apologetically at Arcadia, and motioned to a guard who quickly brought over a golden colored dress. Arcadia lit her horn and teleported it onto herself immediately. Then turned to Merry and stated, "Watch what and where you say it Merry. You can say that between us girls but... Not around my fiance or the Guard. Please don't let it happen again. Now as for Blueballs—I mean Blueblood, he has always been a crazy stallion. If he is in fact on Psera and Law Enforcement manages to catch him, I will purposely alter his memories of this time, let alone me and Psera. He has crossed a huge line just by illegally crossing Psera's border and will be penalized for it under Psera's name, not Equestria's."

"I agree." They all looked up towards the overhead walkway at Her Majesty Molten Ice. "But if he does manage to hurt any of you, and we catch him, he will be taken to Chamber Nine in Lavender."

Arcadia gasped and asked, "Is that really necessary, your Majesty?"

Molten Ice sighed, then jumped off the walkway and glided down to them. After touching the concrete ground, she walked over to Arcadia and answered, "A basic prison cell will not do for a lone pony who wishes to assassinate a Royal of Psera. Let alone their Legend and Saviour. Psera would not be what it is today were it not for you, Arcadia. You saved Psera. You did. And this Blueblood pony needs to learn that this is not his world. It is yours. It is your life, not his. So we will remind him in the worst cell and in the worst prison Psera has. The same goes for any pony that wishes to do you harm, or my son. Now as for altering his memories, it will do. But while we are down here, I wish to speak about the Front Lawn taking a possible route to Equestria. Why is that?"

Clearing her throat, Arcadia answered, "We need to have the steel delivered there."

"But why do the—oh!" Molten facehoofed and laughed at her own mistake. "Stress, of course! You do not want to cause yourself any stress. And that is a rather large piece of metal. It must take a lot out of you if you were to fly it over there with your magic. It's been so long since I've been pregnant that I've forgotten how much a single thing can impact the foal."

Arcadia chuckled and shrugged. "It happens to the best of us. But Madun and I have decided that the Front Lawn needs to be inspected by the safety personnel first, then put through congress and The Branch of Defense before it is enrolled in the system. Then goes on its first assignment overseas. And since this is an international trade agreement, The Elite and Aqua Guard will be deployed to accompany it on its journey. Whether or not I go—"

"You're not going anywhere," Madun interrupted. He bounded forward and stated sternly. "Our daughter's not going over there, too dangerous. And I don't want you getting hurt. We'll send the Colonel and Bright Gold some instructions on how to handle the trade, but we're not going. We still have a wedding to plan and Psera still needs their ruler."

Arcadia sighed, but nodded. He was right, Equestria would be fine without her presence. She was needed here. Arcadia turned back to Molten Ice and stated, "We'll be saying here and overseeing things. The trade would do fine. I have to get the wedding up and running on its own—not to mention trying on a dress—and Madun has to oversee all of Psera until I am Queen. Then we can do it together. I also have to go and check on the Blue Gold. The Gold that apparently has the ability to build itself, thus restoring any lost gold we have on Psera. So we'll leave the trade to the military. And Madun? Thanks for agreeing with the baby being a girl. Finally."

"....what?" Arcadia giggled at his face. Didn't even realize he said "Our daughter's" earlier.

Molten Ice hummed and nodded. "Excellent choice."



After the girls were pushed through the rapidly built portal, landing them back in the castle in Canterlot in Equestria, Sunset jumped up and screamed, "CODE YELLOW!!!" Celestia and Luna both looked up from their meeting with S3 towards her. Not to mention the Pserateps, who gasped.

Celestia asked, "Er... Code Yellow?"

Sunset pointed out the window and answered, "Psera's been put on a Code Yellow! I have no idea what that means, but they took Lady Arcadia and King Madun someplace."

The Gold coated stallion Pseratep that Sunset remembered was named Bright Light said, "The Psera Detection System Security Code are three codes that Arcadia put in place when she was the Royal Secretary. Active only when the PDS cannot help. Yellow, Red, and—you all I believe know this one—Black. The lowest priority code is Yellow, when a dangerous threat is believed to already be on Psera and the military is placed to start searching. Red is when a threat has actively been spotted but has yet to be apprehended or extinguished. So the threat is actively on Psera and running amok. And Black is when the threat has caused harm to an inhabitant, a large group of Pserateps, or terrorism. So a terror attack by a Pseratep would cause a code black. Someone just hurt another pony and is now on the loose would be red, and a pony actively planning something would be yellow. Are you certain there is a Code Yellow in Psera?"

The group of girls all nodded when Rarity explained. "That lady burst through the doors and yelled they had a Code Yellow, and that they had to move King Madun and Lady Arcadia. Then Lady Arcadia threw us back in here."

Bright Gold hummed and concluded, "Then that would make it the first high priority military deployment in nearly five years. The last one was when the bear touched our soil, which would be classified as a Code Black now. Back then it was just a military deployment. An alarm sounded, all hooves on deck, then pushed out. We never managed to take it down. Hopefully this threat will be extinguished soon. Now Princess Celestia? We have a plan in place in Psera. Tomorrow will be the day we finally recycle the air in Equestria. You don't have to worry about pushing air back in. It will come on its own. Afterwards, we will move onto the trade. We both have our packages ready for transportation. But we need a place large enough to setup. Do you have a way of breaking down a large block of steel?"

Celestia and Luna nodded. Luna answered, "We have plenty of ways."

"Good, because we're only dropping it off. Now this steel block we're bringing over here is humongous. It's actually extremely more than enough for your citizens. As for the damage to the land... I don't know what to do about that except let it grow on its own."

"But didn't—"

"Yes," Bright Gold answered. "Yes, Lady Arcadia did in fact restore all the grass with a wave of her horn in every single city on Psera. However, she is pregnant at the moment, not to mention Psera is actively under a Code Yellow, and will possibly remain under a Code Yellow until tomorrow. And Arcadia can only do one city every four hours, if my memory serves me correctly. I doubt Lady Arcadia will return to Equestria after the realization of pregnancy really sets in. She will be slow, more cautious, and extremely careful. So she'll probably just be giving orders more often from this point on. So unless she does show up unexpectedly, you will have to do the regrowth on your own.

"About the trade. We can get the steel here, but we will have to get it out using our own tools. So we spoke with another department and have come up with a strategy to get it on the land. Where is your biggest city off the West Coast?"

Celestia lit her horn and conjured a large map of Equestria in between herself and S3. She raised a hoof to her chin, thinking about the biggest area. "Well the biggest city in all of Equestria is Manehattan. But since that's on the East, we'll have to go with its cousin, Las Pegasus. Here." She pointed to the large span of land that held a large amount of skyscrapers, the sign that read Applewood, and some mountains. "That is the biggest patch of land Equestria can offer on the West. It has a beach, a lot of dirt there, and more."

"Alright. Write that down, Green. Psera will more than likely take that patch. The reason I'm asking is because this steel block is—once again—huge. And it is heavy. Extremely heavy. The only pony who can lift it is Lady Arcadia, who we've all seen do. Our original plan was for her to move it onto the land and drop it off. But since she's out of commission until an estimated September of two thousand nineteen, we had to come up with another way. The other way is ship it over and drop it. But we can't bring the vehicle it's coming on over the land. So we'll have to push it off and pull it on. Once the craft is ready and given the green light, we'll bring it right over. Of course with a full army since we're bringing something extremely valuable to Equestria, and don't like surprises. But while we wait, our partners back in Psera will be building equipment here on Equestria. So we needed someplace large and big to do that."

"Then Las Pegasus will do," Luna responded. "It's our largest camp in the West. We can show you the grounds if you'd like."



The streets in all of Psera were silent, save for the Comm Blocks on the Hooves of the Elite Guard that were swarming every last one of them. They peeked underneath items, doors, on top of roofs in groups. Unaware that the pony they were searching for was literally walking right past them. When they heard the metal clinking, the Elite Guards' heads shot up and looked around. Nothing out of the ordinary, they went right back to searching. But he was there.

Blueblood carefully moved along the city of Cop, staring up at the insanely large castle in front of him, guarded by a full on Army with Pserateps flying through the air over the entire city. Weapons up and ready for action. These ponies are wayyy too guarded, Blueblood thought before stopping in the middle of the road. I'm just one pony. Who knows, somepony may have captured Twilight and taken her against her will. He shook his head and continued moving along. He needed to find another place to hide. Maybe that strange access gate... Access gate?

Blueblood stopped and stared. On the right side of the castle, there was a large shiny steel gate cutting off one whole street that apparently led out of Cop. It wasn't too out of the ordinary, except for the fact that this gate led into the mountain. It was definitely not a mine shaft either. He's been all over Cop by this point, and there was no other road here that led into a mountain that required that much security and soldiers from their military.

Blueblood looked back at the castle nearly a hundred kilometers away from in front of him. Then back towards the gate. Curious, he walked towards it. He wasn't worried about the Elite Guard detecting him. The Pserateps may be an advanced race of Pegasi. But even they can't catch what they can't see.

While Blueblood was unknowingly scouting out Psera, the Code Base, as it were called underneath the Castle of the Gods, were still under lock down. It's been around five hours now, and Merry was bored out of her mind. Based off the groaning coming from the room across from Arcadia's and Madun's. Arcadia was lying down underneath the covers inside silently sleeping while Madun was reviewing a few things with Blazing in the library nearby.

"Ugggghhh!" Merry groaned. Madun and Blazing turned towards the room while Molten Ice acted like she didn't hear it. Still eating and reading in the large kitchen on the side. Merry stomped out and demanded, "Somepony please tell me they caught that Equestrian Miscreant!"

Madun sighed and replied blandly, "Merry, we will be informed when Bluebird is caught." Molten chuckled from the kitchen. She was honestly wondering if Madun was getting his name wrong on purpose. It sure sounded like it. "Until then, the answer is no. What is so important that you need to start yelling?"

With a stomp of her hoof, Merry angrily answered, "Because! I need to prepare that dress, gown, shirt, jeans, necklace—"

Arcadia's door swung open, interrupting her. Without moving from her bed, she yelled, "For Psera's sake, Merry! I need my sleep! You should do the same!!" Lighting her horn, Arcadia slammed the door back, resonating across the entire underground base.

Everyone looked in the direction of Merry's wide eyes and frozen state. Before she turned to Madun and whispered, "Hey bro? When Arcadia hits her mood swings, you better run."

Madun just blinked at her a few times with a blank mind. Then turned to blazing and commented, "When Merry hits her mood swings, you wanna trade for the period? Call me in and switch places? I'll take Merry on any day rather than deal with the angry wife that knows magic, can travel over four hundred miles away with only a few calm steps forward, can move things without lifting a hoof, and fly as fast as Merry."

Blazing snickered and slowly shook his head. "No thanks, I'm good. Hey, ask your mom."

Molten Ice slowly lowered her book when everyone turned to her. Slowly shaking her head with wide eyes, she silently mouthed the word "No." The door to Arcadia's bedroom opened, letting out the Lady in Waiting herself who yawned timidly. Then look around at everyone else whose eyes were trained on her.

Feeling like she was missing something, she asked, "What is it? Is there something in my hair? I just ate those flowers, did I miss one?"

Merry, stifling her laughter, answered, "No, Lady Arcadia, just.... Nothing."
> Chapter 39 - Blueblood On Psera
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning at Eight, the Code was dropped, meaning everypony could back out, work, and some could go home instead of spending anymore time at work. Most businesses would be closed for awhile today. When the doors for the Code Base were opened, the first one out was Merry, who flew straight out and up the staircase. The others calmly stepped out next, led by King Madun and Arcadia. Gliding Sword and a few captains from the Elite Guard bowed when they stepped out. "Your Majesties," they greeted.

"Rise," Madun ordered. "What is the report?"

Gliding Sword answered, "There was no sign of a Unicorn on Psera. But just in case, Law Enforcement and the Branch of Defense have mobilized military police across the nation to investigate all areas at a much slower pace. More careful. Equestria has denied any liability for Blueblood's presence or any motives he has on Psera, as well as any ill will, and will provide as much information as they can about tracing a unicorn."

Arcadia nodded. "Good. Just please find him. I'd rather he not hurt anypony, let alone my child." After they saluted, the Guard led them all up to the castle. So far so good. But because of Blueblood... Things may get nasty.

As they ascended the dark steel stairs surrounded by a stone hallway, Madun nuzzled Arcadia and said, "Our ponies call upon us to reassure their safety at this time."

Arcadia nodded and nuzzled him back. "We'll make a statement. But I also need a report on any major setbacks the Code Yellow may have caused on Psera. I need to gather my Personal Assistant and her assistants. As well as talk to Congress about getting the Front Lawn enlisted into Active Duty, and checking into Equestria and S3's status. They are recycling the land of its air as of this hour."

"So this trade is almost complete," Madun concluded. "Then we can focus only on Psera afterwards."

"Of course. But I'm worried. If Blueblood is in fact on Psera, and he does manage to hurt you or myself because he's just that stupid and jealous, International Affairs with Equestria will possibly be ceased and a war may happen, regardless whether or not Equestria is liable or not. And I do not want any blood to shed. Equestria is peaceful and is requesting our assistance with kind hooves. It is just this one pony who has an issue. And the entire Nation of Equestria should not have to pay for his decisions all because he cannot accept the word 'no.' That is why I want him found as fast as possible. Because he will not only be hurting me or you... But everypony."

Arcadia lit her horn and conjured a mock up of what she pictured in her mind. There was the land of Equestria on the right, filled with a bunch of Royal Guard holding only spears and crossbows inland. Some with horns aglow with magic, others with physical weaponry.

Then there was the West Coast of Los Pegasus. It was darkened by a cloud of incoming Pserateps flying over the water that overshadowed Equestria wearing Arcadia's military armor. Around seven Aquatas were off the coast firing cannons of the spiked steel balls created from a chemical formula that Arcadia herself ordered to be archived a while back in Serl. And they were all coming in fast of course. Shaking her head, Arcadia sighed, "Equestria will never stand a chance. They can and will fight to their last breath. But we all know that unless they have a secret weapon of mass destruction, that Equestria will be lost. All of those lives will vanish. And it all starts with Blueblood."

Arcadia took down the display when they walked back into the castle's offices, making their way towards the suite to get ready for the day. Madun asked, "So what do you think we should do if he is in fact on Psera?"

"Apprehend him of course, then erase his mind of Psera and send him back to Equestria." Arcadia sighed and added, "But we have to catch him first. He is smart and sneaky. I want Psera to find friendship with Equestria. At least Equestria alone. All the other countries do not matter. But Equestria is a wonderful country to befriend. Not to mention they have a growing surplus of gems that are bigger than even I thought. So to have them with us would help us a little in that industry."

Molten Ice stepped in and asked, "And if he does manage to hurt you or my son?"

Arcadia blinked and answered, "Then we will hold him in Chamber Nine, just like you suggested while one of us calms the nation. Our ponies will definitely be upset if during a time of celebration, there is chaos and tragedy. Blueblood will try to do something at the worst time possible. So... I'm guessing the wedding or maybe a few days before if he is in fact on this land. Let's just hope he isn't and we're just taking precautions."



The air in Equestria was brown with dust. The movement of ponies had made it dirty that way. Equestria was falling. And falling fast. No other nation lent a hoof to help. Why? Celestia had no idea, even as she thought about it from underneath  large tent setup in the Las Pegasus campsite. The only ones who decided to help them were the ponies Twilight Sparkle met when Equestria ran her away. The Great Nation of Psera. An advanced race of Pegasi who are bigger, stronger, and greater than any nation Equestria or their allies had ever had the chance to meet or see. Including the Crystal Empire. Unknowingly, they gain magic from love. Similar to a Changeling that feeds off of it. Twilight helped them rebuild their lives after a large swarm of Changelings had taken on the form of an Ursa Major and toppled their land, giving her an insane amount of magic after they sent their love to her. She was stronger than Celestia, Luna, and Cadance combined. The reason why the Changelings attacked was uncertain.

Until now. If what Cadance said was true, they were after their land of gold. Psera was a land built on top of gold. Underneath everything else... Was metal. Straight luxurious metal that had managed to somehow grow by itself. Giving them more and more gold. It all made sense. Bur right now Celestia wasn't focused on that. Nor on the testing module S3 brought with them that they were setting up on the side underneath the tent with a handful of other scientists in Equestria.

Her eyes were trained on the sea of thousands of Pegasi who volunteered to move the chemical agent by flying constantly all day towards the Frozen North. They expanded all the way from Las Pegasus to Manehattan. Tens of miles. How they were going to stay in contact was apparently through magic. Celestia would send out ten scrolls at the same time to ten groups. There were a total of ten thousand pegasi here, ready to fly.

Two thousand would go first, led by a team member from S3, and Rainbow Dash in place of Bright Gold, who was staying behind to administer the activity. The Pegasi would fly at a regular speed, and the Pserateps would do the same. They would fly north all the way up to Canterlot, then the team leader would give the command for who should go next so the next team could follow along while they continued north.

Once they did, the team would break up from left to right and fly all the way back to the "Starting Line" and get behind the others while the group that followed behind them called up the next group who were behind them. So basically, when the first team reached the border for the Frozen North, the second team would then reach Canterlot at the exact same moment. And when they did, they'd call up the third team from the Starting Line to start flying.

Right now, they were doing last estimations. Weather, temperature in flight, clothing. It was cold out there, and the Pegasi were doing a two thousand count pony ride straight to the Frozen North per group. It was already really cold. But they were willing to go out and do their part. As if they weren't already doing it. Hopefully, this would ease up the tension between pony tribes. Bright Gold was speaking with her group of Technicians while the Psera Force Guard were standing by at the front of the thousands of Pegasi. They were called in last night, wearing dark green clothing that was apparently worn over a bunch of armor that Celestia could hear. They brought over a bunch of very tall black sticks with them too, measuring seventy feet high that pulsed a bright neon purple when activated. Magic. Twilight supplied those, no doubt about it. Apparently, they were for the construction that was going to be supplied here in the future for an apparent "dock". The dock would be for when they drop the steel off that Equestria had yet to see, but Psera had guaranteed them over and over that they had. Bright Gold explained that they were just parts for a beacon when the craft arrived. If Arcadia stuck to her plan, they could have the inspection and requirements for the craft completed in three days. Then the craft would take a day and a half to get to Equestria once it left the docks in Psera.

Each pair of "Beacon Beams", as they were called, were setup two miles away from each other, glowing a very bright violet that Celestia and the Princesses could see from underneath the tent. Cadance walked out and looked down the line. She could clearly spot the next one around two miles away through the haze. They were really bright. This was the starting and finish line. There were another group of them setup by the Frozen North that would be the "Finish Line". Pserateps used a lot of code names. Sunset Shimmer was standing beside Starlight Glimmer, watching with the rest of this world's Element Bearers and Spike beside the Princesses as they setup. Those radios on the Pserateps wrists were going off every few seconds with another report while Bright Gold was going through plans with the Royal Guard from Equestria. They were going to be supplying rest areas to anypony who would be tired and needed a place to stop all over Equestria. Commanded by Shining Armor and his men.

They were all gathered around a table that was presenting a map of Equestria. Bright Gold pointed to where they were, Las Pegasus, and said, "Our beacons here are up and running, all the way across to the far East in Baltimare. We're waiting for the report that the beams in uhhh.... Starlight's Village?" She turned around to face Starlight, who was whistling innocently, stroking the top of Spike's head. Ignoring her own curiosity, Bright Gold turned around back to the map and continued. "We're waiting for the go ahead from Starlight's Village. After that, we'll begin the countdown. All the Pegasi are aware of what is needed of them once they cross through these beams."

Luna stepped up and asked, "How high are the winds expected to be, and how exactly is all of the air going to be circulated?"

"Easy. The agent in the air is all connected. like a thick gel. Wherever the air goes, it goes too. But for some odd reason it's just sticking to Equestria. Strange. The Pegasi's wind will create a funnel straight into the Frozen North. Have you ever just randomly moved your hoof through water, Princess Luna?"

Luna shrugged and responded, "Each time I bathe."

"What happens to the water after your hoof slides to a different area? The water behind it follows, correct?"

"Yes, it does."

Bright Gold motioned to the air and stated, "The same works with the air. The air will follow right behind each other. The air that we don't get will follow the air that we did get. So all we really need is one path. One tunnel. The ones outside of the tunnel will just fall into place. We continue flying straight through the path and by nightfall, it should all be in the frozen north. The winds will be really fast since thee are a bunch of ponies with wings flying all day. So an estimated seventy miles per hour. Until then we—"

"North to South, we're ready for you. Standing by," Bright Gold's Comm Block screeched.

Bright looked down to it, hen lifted it up to her mouth while keeping a steady eye contact with the Princesses. "Ten-four. Ready to move 'em out. Starting line, sound off if you're ready for the flashing." She lowered her hoof and listened closely.

"...Las Pegasus, ready."

"Appleloosa ready."

"Dodge Junction ready."

"Baltimare ready."

Bright Gold turned around and made her way outside of the tent for the line of chatting and eating Pegasi. Rainbow Dash was doing some wing-ups front and center. Bright Gold lifted her hoof and replied, "Alright. All hooves on the buttons, press at my mark. Team Leaders, begin the explanations. Alright, everyone!!!" All the pegasi at the front stopped talking and paid attention to the long winged pony in front of them. Bright Gold stopped directly in the middle and yelled, "We're about to begin Equestria's restoration!! All starting from this very time!! In a few seconds after my speech, the Violet beacons will begin flashing!! As they begin to speed up, wings up and ready!! And when the lights toggle up, then it's flight time for the first group!! Team Leader, you're in charge in the sky!! For anypony that needs a break while in flight, there are rest areas lit up by light green beacons, you can't miss them!! On your way back, fly carefully and low!! The winds are heading right for your faces and we don't need you colliding with anyone!! Team Leader, it is your duty to watch out for your group!! You have a Comm Block, use it if you have to!! Guards are ready to assist!! Do not be scared of that crystal on your wrist!! Equestria is counting on you ponies!! Don't let them down!! First group I want to hear you cheer!!!"

Rainbow Dash flew up in the air and yelled, "YOU WITH ME EQUESTRIA?!!!! WE'RE GONNA GET OUR LAND BACK!! LET ME HEAR YOU SCREAM!!!" The Pegasi at the front line cheered loud and proud, spreading the love and atmosphere to those in the back on their side before it eventually flowed all the way to all of them. Bright Gold was wondering if any one in Psera could hear them they were so loud. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!" Rainbow yelled before they screamed even louder.

Finding that a great time, Bright Gold flapped her wings, zipping for the tent and sliding inside to drown out the noise a little. She lifted the Comm Block to her mouth and yelled, "LIGHT 'EM UP!" Asynchronously, all the beacons started flashing purple in a slow manner. The Pegasi, still cheering, got into a position with their wings up and ready to go. Rainbow Dash joined them on the ground and followed their technique. "EQUESTRIA!! EQUESTRIA!! EQUESTRIA!!" Everyone else started cheering with her as the flashing continued, growing in speed every few seconds until they were just a bunch of violet blinding lights, similar to a superstar's fashion show.

Bright Gold lifted her hoof and relayed, "And..... Now!" The beams changed from random flashes to a pattern of on and off, moving the lights up. Violet up, then black followed along. Rainbow cheered and took off into the air like a regular pegasi, soon joined by the other pegasi that flew through the dirt, and through the beacons, starting off the restoration. The group left on the ground cheered as they took off, picking up dust and lifting that into the air, adding to the mix that they were flying into. The Guards on the ground waved them on, yelling things.

After they took off, Bright Gold looked at the spot where they were previously. The Second Team had already taken their places, doing exercises in the spots where they were before. Bright Gold's Comm Block buzzed in with Shining Armor's voice. "What's going on, we hear a lot of yelling miles out there."

Bright Gold picked up her wrist and responded, "Team One is now on the move. Bright Light, Rising Flutter, status."

Rising Flutter buzzed in and said, "Appleloosa is doing great. A little cough here and there though due to the dust already. We're being careful."

"Three minutes to Canterlot," Rainbow Dash announced through her Comm Block. "Team One's doing great. Everyone's holding up awesome. No change in the air yet."

"The change will come when you turn around and return," Bright Gold responded. "We're creating a very light Hurricane on both side, that air's going to move out I assure you."

Sunset Shimmer peeked out with Starlight at the Pegasi strapping up their coats and taking deep breaths. Pumped and ready. Actually more than ready, to be honest. Some already had their wings flapping. Sunset took out her Communication journal to look over while they waited. Starlight looked her way when she sighed, asking, "No response yet?"

Sunset shook her head. "Nope, nothing. I'm wondering why would Blueblood wanted to go over there so much though."

"Blueblood's jealous," Starlight replied. "From what I hear, he's been poking at Twilight for the longest time. So much so that when she went up to Canterlot she sometimes had to wear a disguise in case he was up there, taking alternate routes and stuff just to get away from him."

"So harassment."

"Yeah, technically. But since he's a noble, nopony really cares about him. And Twilight would just always say no, then he'd leave."

Sunset tucked her journal back and assumed, "Then he'd come back. Creep."

"The noblest creep there is. How are things back at Canterlot City?"

Sunset shrugged and answered, "Relaxed. We're waiting for the go ahead so Twilight can send us to Events at Eventa to get ready. I already know I'm one of the Bridesmaids." Sunset reached behind her head and flipped her mane around. Starlight scoffed and bumped her hip.

"I may be one too, if I'm not helping her pick out things," she stated.

Sunset chuckled and slung a hoof around her shoulders. "I know," she whispered. "But you're not me. So..." Starlight flipped her mane into Sunset's face, taking her by surprise. "Hey!"

Starlight chuckled and turned towards the  suddenly blinking beams. She pointed a hoof and announced, "Hey, they're going again." Sunset followed her hoof, then to the Pegasi at the starting line cheering and buzzing their wings, ready for take off.

Bright Gold's Comm Block buzzed with Rainbow Dash's voice. "Canterlot check point in sight! We're passing over in ten seconds!"

Bright Gold lifted her wrist and replied, "Ten-four! Second Team Leaders, stand by!" The beams began flashing brighter and faster, glowing a bright violet among the dirty brown atmosphere. Those on the side could tell the fliers were getting anxious to go. Some were scuffing their hooves against the dirt huffing air. Hopefully, this plan will work. These ponies were giving it all they had.



Life was busy as it usually was in Psera. Pserateps moving around with large wings by vehicle on the sunny but cold concrete streets, making casual conversation on the sidewalks in Cop and other cities. Foals going to school, more pulling around carts of items. Many of them decorate their wings with golden items. Some with bells, circles, hoops, ribbons, all kinds of things. The only difference this time in the streets than on a regular day is that Pseratep Royal Guards and Military Police were among them. Parading around with a close eye on every busy street, alley, and corner. Thanks to all these tall buildings in Cop, it was making things a little more difficult to search.

But one Guard didn't let that bother him. It's been an honor serving in the Elite Guard for ten years. Let alone to be serving as Lady Arcadia Nova's escort in the morning when she leaves the suite inside the castle. She was a really nice and understanding mare. King Madun has him a good one. She fell in love with him. And after dating for nine months, they were about to get married. Pretty amazing really. Arcadia must've been great.

The Guard shook his head and focused back on the task at hoof, listening to the repetitive relays coming in from the base here in Cop, based inside the Castle. He had to keep an eye out for clues for a Unicorn that poses an extreme threat to Arcadia Nova's safety. The report said he came from Equestria and that he had been infatuated with her for quite some time. Jealousy makes ponies do stupid things. If he does in fact hurt the king or Lady in Waiting, he was going to die.

The Guard stopped and looked around. The area around them was just like the last few miles that they had traveled. Filled only with Pserateps talking and laughing with one another, flying or walking to work with a stuffed saddle bag, wearing a suit and tie, or a dress if they were a mare.  Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. But there was another alley he had to check right there. With trained eyes on the area, the guard lifted his hoof and relayed, "Private Stars to base, I'm entering an alley beside  the diner on Fifth-Nine." He lowered his hoof and proceeded to walk forward, ignoring the replies. They were usually things like ten-four, which meant someone received the message and understood perfectly.

It smells like trash, was the first thought that crossed his mind when he stepped in. It was dark, cold, made of stone and lonely. He was accompanied only by a trash dumpster, reeking of the smell of pancakes, eggs, and more from earlier that morning. This place must be a popular hangout spot at six or something because that thing was packed. Not to mention reeking. Burning his nostrils a little.

He bent low to peek under and around other things, and failing to discover anything unusual. Just more trash. Private Colored Stars stood back up and made his way out. There was nothing hereHis wings brushed up against the wall next to the building on the right and the dumpster on the left, knocking something down from the steel surface that hit the ground, sounding like a coin on impact.

Private Colored Stars stopped and looked over his shoulder at the source. Something round and gold lay on the ground, bearing a piece of cloth that was attached to one end while colors were displayed on the side that was face up. At first he thought it was a coin. All currency on Psera were gold, this was no different. But something was telling him to check it out.

He hummed and turned back around to move. He had a strange feeling in his gut about that object. He slowed his approach and stopped in front of it, then sat down and lifted it with a single hoof. It was a medal, like the ones they have on Psera. But this was no medal he's ever seen before. In any of the branches of Defense they held here. In the Aqua Guard, The Force Guard, The Aerial Guard, The Border Guard, or The Elite Guard. None of them were in this. And he remembered all of them. Not to mention... The icons on the front were definitely not of Psera.

Private Colored Stars immediately lifted his hoof to his mouth and relayed urgently, "Private Colored Stars to Captain Dark Silver! I found something!" He lowered his hoof and waited for a response.

"Copy, where are you?" Dark asked just as quickly.

"An alley beside the diner on Fifth-Nine," he answered. Then looked the item over a bit more while he heard one of the Guards' pods make their way over down the street. Gold that is not of Psera on Psera's soil? Bad vibe. And definitely bad news.

The pod containing Captain Dark Silver and a few more ponies in high command screeched to a stop in front of the alley. The Captain jumped out first and quickly made his way inside, eyes narrowed in on the coin in Private Colored Stars' hooves.

"What is that?" He asked. Then softly took the item out of his hooves to observe for himself.

"It's a medal," he answered. "But in all my years, I've ever seen that one before in any of the branches of Psera."

Captain Silver shook his head and answered, "Neither have I. Great job, Private. This is definitely not from Psera. Because there is not a single alicorn on any of our crests or icons. Let alone two that are white and blue. This is from Equestria." Dark Silver lifted his hoof and relayed, "Captain Dark Silver to Base, it's been confirmed. Prince Blueblood is on Psera. Get me a meeting with the King and Lady in Waiting."



The wind was in a full flare this time back in Equestria. Actually more than Bright Gold predicted actually, going at a full ninety miles per hour. The Guards outside had to flip down their goggles while they watched everything out in the field. By this point, a few Pegasi were taking a break, including Rainbow Dash. Even the fast get tired after flying four hours in. But after they ate their food and had their drink, they were back in the air.

It was dusty, and the Pegasi that returned had wings completely brown from flying into the dirt all day. Those that couldn't fly anymore due to health issues were taken to one of the many health tents set up beside the "Runway," currently being ran across with more Pegasi ready to go again. Bright Gold had to say. These ponies would not give up. After the flight, they would wait for exactly sixty minutes, twelve hundred seconds before checking the metal by using the nearby welder in Canterlot. If it melts, it didn't work. If it doesn't for a full minute, then it did. And they could move on to payment.

Bright Gold turned around and took a seat, glancing towards the clock on the table. They've been at this for nearly five hours. Seven more to go. Probably sooner because there was so much dust,  the sky was darkening. Night would come early today. One of the guards outside turned around and pointed towards the sky. Then lifted his hoof and relayed, "Las Pegasus to Bright Gold."

Bright Gold lifted her hoof and answered, "Yes, what is it?"

"An escort from Psera approaches. Incoming from Ponyville."

"What? Why??" Bright Gold lowered her hoof and walked out with another guard from Psera. The Princesses and the others shared a few looks before the Escort team landed in front of the tent. Bright Gold quickly gestured for them to go into the tent. After they all rapidly stepped in. They took off their masks and things that the Guards at the Mobile Unit supplied them. Secretary Manny stood their with her angry face. Bright Gold jumped and greeted loudly over the hurricane-grade winds, "Oh, Secretary Manny! How are you and what are you doing here?"

"Official Defensive business!" Secretary Manny replied. "Quite the storm going on out there! What's happening?"

"We're recycling the air in Equestria! All the Pegasi are doing a ten hour flight!! This wind is blowing like this all over the nation, a full on Hurricane that are pushing the chemical agent towards the cold region!"

"Okay, now where are the Princesses?!" Bright Gold turned around and pointed to he area behind her. The escort team turned around towards the table at the large group of other ponies doing things and discussing in the back. Celestia, Luna, and Cadance were all under the tent looking at them converse while the Element Bearers sat by to watch. Manny strode forward and called, "Celestia! I have a very important question we have to ask you concerning the safety of King Madun and Lady Arcadia Nova!"

Celestia walked forward and yelled over the sudden roar, "Yes, how can I help you?!"

Manny motioned towards one of her guards. They reached into one of the many pockets on their military wear and pulled out a small steel case that they placed on the table. Manny pressed a button on the top of the box, popping it open. "Does THIS belong to your country?!" Manny pulled the lid open and stepped to the side. The inside of the steel box was padded down on all sides. And sitting on top of the cushioning was the medal discovered in Psera.

Celestia walked over and picked it up, gasping. Then groaned, "....yes! It is the Medal of Sacrifice! But this is an older version that's archived! We do not use these anymore! Where did you find this?"

"In Cop, one-fourth of a mile away from the castle! That pony of yours is on my land running amok! And if he hurts the King or future Queen whom is with child, and we catch him, he's going to a very dark and lonely place that on Psera is considered the worst cell in the world! Thought I'd let you know! Unless you can somehow track his magic, we're making him Second Priority!"

Cadance strode up and yelled, "Wait, Second?!"

"Our first priority is securing their majesties! That pony was within mere walking distance away from the Castle doors, and we didn't even see him! Probably invisible or something else I wouldn't be surprised to see! Searching won't even matter right now if we can't see the pony! All we can really do is secure their majesties and let him come to us! That won't stop us from looking for him, but we'll definitely be waiting and ready for him! Just hope he doesn't do anything! Because even if you are not liable, Psera would want punishment for this pony! And possibly for Equestria!"
> Chapter 40 - Trade Arc
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This place is like a military compound now, Arcadia thought. The large golden, bright and grandeur halls in the Castle of the Gods that led up to the Senate Hall were guarded by Royal Guards on the side entirely while the Elite Guard had formed a defensive perimeter around Lady in Waiting Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle. She wasn't the only pony on this hall, but she definitely took up space. Any Pseratep walking through on the bottom first floor stepped to the side as her escort team moved past. Their hooves sounded like a light army when they did.

After a few minutes, they approached the guarded gold plated doors that led into the Senate Hall's side entrance, bearing an insignia of Psera on them at the high point that bore the image of Narmeelah. Stopping at the doors, Arcadia took a deep breath, then lightly pulled the doors open, revealing the brightly lit room filled with one hundred seven senators. Each table were elevated behind the one in front of them for each city's Representatives while the giant podium up front stayed at it's same size. Same for the two assistant seats in front of them. All made of wood.

The Congress of Psera were already in there waiting. Not even a minute late had Arcadia arrived, so they all stood and bowed in her direction. "Rise," she instructed while casually making her way inside, destination towards the table and seat in the middle of the Hall, facing the podium. All eyes on her. After setting down her saddlebags, she wiggled around and became quite comfortable in her seat. The center of attention.

"Lady Arcadia," Secretary General Hard Rock greeted. His voice seemed to be much harder than usual. It reverberated around the room, sending shivers down her back. Arcadia could tell he was speaking kindly today. "We were told of a summoning for enlisting one of Psera's new Carriers? The Front Lawn, or Aquata Eighty-Seven?"

Arcadia smiled and for the next few minutes explained the plan to have it enlisted starting with their approval, a safety inspection, and an inspection with her and Madun. And that they were planning on using it for the trade with Equestria, and of course with any other military action. They would be carrying two large buckets with them alongside the steel block, as well as a defensive Aquata escort of two, with a bunch of Elite Guard, Aerial Guard, and Aqua Guard on board who would scout out any disturbances on Equestria's coast before the craft would dock. As well as at sea. Psera was always strict with defense, so it was expected that it was added.

After her explanation which took a good ten minutes, the Senate decided to vote on these terms immediately since it didn't really require much thinking about, and approved it. Their generals, commanders, and more could lead those moments. After the Front Lawn was enlisted, Lady Arcadia gathered her things and made her way back out with the Guard, who held the door open for her and waited for her wings to file out before closing them back with a loud bang like usual. Arcadia wondered how the recycling in Equestria was going this evening. They were soon scheduled to wrap it up.


~✶~


Six o' four was the time in Equestria. They started at six o' six this morning. And tired was the description used to describe the Pegasi now resting on the dirty ground in front of the ponies who were exhausting through their reserves to provide water and whatever else they could. Everyone under the tent before were now in Canterlot underneath the roof of the welding facility that Arcadia and Madun visited weeks ago.

Just like every other remaining building, their doors and windows were open so the Hurricane could wash inside and grab the agent. Celestia and anyone else could tell that it reached in when they stepped inside. Items recently standing were toppled and strewn about, as if someone came in and trashed the place. The stallion in charge named Buff was poking at one of the knocked over bookshelves. "Well... You ponies sure made a mess out there," he stated. "Hard to breath a little."

Celestia walked forward and asked, "Is it ready?" Buff waved his hoof in a gesture then turned towards the hallway leading into the forge. Still in the same condition as it were a few weeks ago. Except this time it were empty, save for the furnaces, steel tables and slabs. Green Lush took a look around the dark warehouse at all the stuff on the floor. The air definitely came in here. The furnace they stopped in front of was already in the process of heating up while they grabbed some masks from the closet. "So the furnace already has a piece of metal in it," Buff explained. He slapped on a steel mask and clicked it into place. "A small steel cube just for this occasion. Will that work out?" He turned to one of the long-winged ponies that seem to have become a necessity around Equestria's reformation.

Bright Gold nodded and answered, "Perfect." She reached up to flip down her mask and turned to Secretary Manny who decided to stick around. Wearing that same angry expression. "This is about to get really hot."

"Let's just see if it worked or not," Manny growled. She flipped her own and added, "I want to get back to Psera." Then turned and filed out of the room with the others, destination for the daunting steel table that seemed to have sunlight highlighting it among the darkness. This was the most important moment in Equestrian history, save for the Pegasi who had flown themselves to sleep in floating dirt for twelve hours. They had all worked and researched up to this point. The Princesses, S3, Secretary Manny, some Elite Guards, and some Royal Guards from Equestria who were standing on tense hooves next to the Elite all gathered around the steel slab. Buff put on some thick hoof covers that may as well have been boxing gloves and opened the furnace, letting out the extreme heat and releasing some flames out that nearly licked their masks. Providing relief to those chilled from the cold atmosphere that winter brought forth.

Manny asked loudly behind her mask, "So what are we hoping for?"

Without ripping her eyes away, Blue Ivy leaned over and answered, "If the steel holds up once it's outside of the furnace, it worked. If it corrodes, it didn't."

"So you're hoping that it does hold up, okay. Let's do it." Celestia nodded in agreement then motioned towards Buff to bring it out. He reached under the slab and grabbed a large pair of pliers. Then stood back up and reached in to grab it. Everyone else watching leaned in with burning anticipation. Caused by the heat? No. But by the silence in the warehouse after the winds had died down, leaving only the crackling of the fire coming from the furnace in front of them that Buff was slowly retreating from, along with the pliers that were holding the block of steel, a bright orange that Bright Gold could see, with a heat nowhere near as hot at the sun that Celestia could feel, but still too hot to even be near with a naked face.

Finally, the moment of truth. Buff fully retreated with the steel, out into the open air, and.....

It held. He rotated over to set it down on the steel slab in front of them and released it from the pliers. The others gathered around it closely, staring intensely for nearly a full minute. It held up. The method S3 suggested worked. Bright Light straightened up and lifted his mask, completely regretting that decision because of the heat that immediately wafted into his face. He raised his hoof and stated, "After it is cooled, I suggest we take the steel back to the Mobile Unit and begin to look it over for any traces of the agent before we declare the air clear of any."

Rising Flutter lifted her own mask, but immediately flipped it back down. "Oh my, it's really hot in here. But I umm... Second that motion. Based off the currents produced in the air from the Pegasi and their velocity, it should all be gone by this point in time. But that has yet to be seen. So the best way to do it would be to check the steel. But the results are extremely promising."

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all grinned from behind their masks. So the plan had worked. Cadance lifted her mask and said, "We'll let the populace of Equestria know that the results of the hurricane test that has yet to be named will be declared later on tonight and that our visitors are doing last second conclusions. Is tonight too early?"

Bright Gold lifted her mask and with a shake of her head answered, "Not at all. It should actually take us a few minutes, to be honest. We're just taking a sample of the cube's surface, then doing a depth test by reaching into the cube and grabbing a core so we can see the levels inside. After studying that, we'll have our answer. Now I should be expecting a letter later from Lady Arcadia specifying the trade and what's happening in Psera. Or we can talk to the liaison about contacting her. Is the Code Yellow lifted?"

Secretary Manny nodded. "Yes, it lifted at six o' three this morning. Lady Arcadia and Madun sent an OTA Message out all over Psera about there being a high security presence unless something changes. Which it has, ever since we found that medal one-fourth away from the Castle. All Guards are on High Alert and the Security at Events at Eventa is upgrading to a stage three presence during the wedding. Not to mention, Lady Arcadia herself said that if he is caught with any ill will towards her or her family... He is going to Chamber Nine."

All the Pserateps gasped in horror, sending a bad vibe down the Equestrians' backs. Celestia and Luna looked at each other, same question on their minds as were on everyone else's that Luna took the initiative to ask. "What is... Chamber Nine?"

Bright Gold cleared her throat and answered, "Let's just say that if he is caught with with a crossbow, a map, and a picture of either King Madun or Lady Arcadia, or any of the other royals, he will never return to your hooves as he was before after being restrained inside of Chamber Nine."

"So—"

"Let's just get the steel cooled down and then we can talk about the trade," Manny interrupted. The specifics of Chamber Nine were on a need-to-know basis. Only for them to know when it were being used.

Looks like they weren't going to get any answers about Chamber Nine today. So Celestia huffed and turned to Buff. "Could you cool down the steel, please?"



After the Front Lawn was given the go ahead by the Congress of Psera, Arcadia was led outside into the afternoon air, meeting up with Gardeen along the way who she requested for. She was packed up and ready to go. Once Arcadia walked out into the beautiful and shiny foyer of the Castle, Gardeen and any other Pserateps bowed, gracing her presence with respect.

"Rise," Arcadia commanded. Once they did, Arcadia and Gardeen were led out the door, Arcadia letting Gardeen into the know the entire while as they moved. "Congress has given us the green light to allow the Front Lawn to be used during the trade. We're heading out there right now, but I need to send word to S3 in Equestria and let them know that we will soon be ready to go in, drop off the steel, grab the gems, then head back here to Psera with the gems and have them deposited among the businesses who need them. Not to mention Serl, so they can find different uses for them. While we're up here at Serl, I have a meeting with a few ponies about the blue gold."

"Of course, your highness," Gardeen replied.

Arcadia stopped and lifted a wing to stop Gardeen, thus stopping their movement and the guards escorting them. "Buh buh buh," she stammered playfully. "Just Arcadia. I'm not higher than anypony else here on Psera. To me anyway. Besides, we're friends. Even though I wasn't a real princess back in Equestria, my friends also did the same thing you're doing. I'm not a real fan of formalities unless it is truly needed. Like in front of another King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Executive. But when it's just us, Madun, Merry, or our friends, call me Arcadia."

Gardeen smiled and nodded her head before they walked towards the Royal Chariot. Ever since it was discovered that Blueblood was on Psera somewhere, the Guard weren't letting the King and definitely not Arcadia out of their sights. Once Arcadia had her wings in, Gardeen followed in and helped her get comfortable while the Guard shut the door. Then proceeded to take to the air when the Guard already attached to the chariot took off. Running across the smooth road in front before they lifted quickly, taking to the sky in the blink of an eye and followed closely by the guard who followed along.

After a few minutes that were converted into twelve miles, their chariot flew over the high mountain range northeast of Cop, making their way across the barren environment to Serl. Along the way, Gardeen pondered about something that happened recently. Her definite date with Light Pink, who was definitely crushing on her. Question is, she wasn't refusing Pink's advances. So she was confused.

"You're thinking of something." Gardeen turned to Arcadia who was working on some paperwork, apparently reading. Arcadia, smiling, glanced at her from the corner of her eye and stated, "Most of the time when we travel you're playful and talk a lot. So something important must be at the font of your mind if you're this quiet."

Gardeen sighed and turned to Arcadia. "Leave it to you to know exactly what's going on in your friends' minds. Well the day you told Psera you were pregnant, Light Pink was standing at my office door that morning when I returned to drop off some things. Well she decided to ask me to lunch or something sometime. But she was very skittish and unsure about it. Insecure. So I immediately guessed she was asking me on a date.  You know, since she's into mares. So we went to the diner, got to talking. I learned a lot about her. And I enjoyed it, but..."

"You have no romantic feel to it," Arcadia assumed. She lifted a sheet up to her face with her magic, tapping a pen against her mouth while she stared at it accusingly.

"Not really," Gardeen answered. "It's... Hard to explain."

"A friend wishes to pursue a romantic relationship with you, but you don't know if you're sure you even want a relationship, let alone with another mare. So you're confused on what to do. You want to possibly pursue a relationship, but you're afraid of getting your heart broken again, by a mare this time. Let alone, again, actually date a mare. That and you're afraid of possibly hurting Pink, who's so innocent it's adorable. Am I close?" Gardeen didn't even respond. So Arcadia giggled and answered, "I guess I am. Gardeen, what does your mind tell you?"

Gardeen huffed and answered, "Well... To keep pondering about it."

"And what does your heart tell you?"

"Nothing right now."

"Then continue to think on it until your heart speaks. I suggest you stay at a friendship level first and slowly work your way up. Let her make the first move just to be sure. In the meantime, think about how you feel around Light Pink. Focus on that feeling. And love, whether platonic or romantic, will follow. And if you want some background on Pink, ask Merry."

"Learn that when you were Celestia's student?" Gardeen teased.

Arcadia shrugged and answered, "My father actually taught me that. He's deceased." Gardeen slowly lost her smile. Before Arcadia laughed and nudged her. "Sorry, I couldn't help it! You've seen my father at Eventa, the dark blue unicorn with a moon on his flank."

"Oh, Night Light. Don't do that!" Gardeen playfully scolded. "I really thought I had crossed a line."

Arcadia clicked her tongue and shook her head. Then stated, "Gardeen, you will know if you cross a line." The two continued speaking with each other before a mare Elite Guard lowered into their vicinity.

"Your highness," she called. Arcadia stopped talking and turned around to face them. "We're approaching the checkpoint."

Arcadia nodded and responded, "Good. Now let's get ready to see this craft that even I haven't seen yet." The guard lifted at the same time they approached the checkpoint into the city made of labs, warehouses, and huge walls. Serl.  Solid Energy Reproduction Labs. The chariot began to lower at the same time Arcadia and Gardeen spotted the familiar steel walls with posts, lights piercing through the sunset trained on the ground in front of them that the chariot landed and rolled into. The Elite Guards landed next to them and opened the doors so Arcadia could get out with Gardeen's help for her wings. She picked them up and walked off after Arcadia. Noting how longer they've become.

"Have these things gotten longer, Lady Arcadia?" Gardeen asked.

Arcadia laughed and nodded. "Yes," she responded. "Apparently, thirteen feet is the new norm. Still trying to figure out how I'm receiving love from everypony even though I was an Alicorn. I'm looking into it after all of this." Arcadia trotted towards the guards and spread her wings with Gardeen. The guards patted down and looked them both over before giving them the green light. They bowed to Arcadia when she walked past. Anypony coming to Serl had to be checked. Including the new Queen of Psera.

After Gardeen was checked and validated, the gates for the city began to buzz open, letting the two in. Everyone on Psera knew about Serl, but rarely see it. So when Gardeen walked in, she was a little in awe. Nothing but big wig ponies wearing lab coats, glasses... Egghead stuff, she thought in her mind. While they moved, Gardeen reached in her saddlebags and pulled out her badge and threw it around her neck. Just in case.

They approached the vehicle Arcadia was supposed to ride in, escorted by two more. Serl was the second most highly secured location on Psera, the first being a Prison in Lavender that held Chamber Nine. The historical cell that was used back in the ancient times way before Serl was created and during the Wars of Gold. A punishment room that ponies who didn't talk would be subjected in to get them to talk.

Arcadia walked into the pod, wings carried in by Gardeen who followed along. It was the same size as the chariot, just with lights and an engine. Once they were situated, the Elite Guard that were with them took to the air and watched from above as the escort moved forward, heading down the street. Ponies walking on the sidewalk stopped and bowed as they passed, driving ten miles, then passed S4's larger than life facility, heading towards the steel gates at the end that led out into the back of Serl, once more into the desert side of things. But Serl was still out there.

Gardeen turned to Arcadia as the steel gates parted and asked, "So where we headed again?"

Arcadia answered, "We are heading to the production labs. When new items are planned and approved, they are taken here to be developed and produced. The area we just rode out of is the study side of things. Where experiments of small things are. The big stuff is out there. We have to drive another twenty miles to reach the area where my steel blocks are, and where the Front Lawn and its friends reside."

"...oh," Gardeen responded meekly. Still new to Serl here. "Long ways out."

"For security reasons." The vehicle sped forward, flanked by their escort speeding towards the distance and leaving the steel gates behind. Soon, Serl was once more out of sight as they drove along the hidden road. Thirty guards were in the air while a few more were on the side. To be honest, Gardeen thought it was a little ridiculous to have this many guards.

She motioned to them and asked, "Isn't this overkill?"

Arcadia shook her head and answered, "There is a rogue unicorn out here in Psera that nearly reached the castle, sneaking right underneath the noses of the Elite Guard, the Royal Guard, and my PDS. Blueblood is not on my level of magic, but he knows how to use it. He may have a really foolish mind, but he's not dumb. He plans what he wants completed, and plans them well. He could do anything to us at anytime. Psera may be an extremely powerful nation, but even we can't see what's not there. So having this many guards is absolutely necessary. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, Gardeen. Let alone me, Madun, or my child. I doubt he's all the way out here in Serl though. I need to create a device that can detect magical usage here on Psera. And I need to do it soon."

Gardeen reached into her bag and wrote that down on a checklist. That was very important. So she added a "VIP" as in Very Important Project. After a few more seconds, the guard driving yelled, "Serl Production Labs in sight!" The guards above Arcadia sped up and flew towards the much bigger steel walls up the road while the vehicle slowed a little. Gardeen looked around their environment. Instead of the sand surrounding the concrete they were driving on, they were beginning to turn to rock. They must've been near the shore of Psera. Confirmed by Water Birds overhead, flying towards the facility. After a few seconds, the pod stopped in front of the gates to the facility, guarded by members of the Aqua Guard, ponies ready to fight in the water, wearing outfits similar to the Elite except colored blue.

Two of them abandoned their posts and approached the pod, all business before jumping in realization at who was riding. They both saluted while one of them stammered, "Y-Your highness! We weren't expecting you this evening!"

Arcadia nodded and responded, "I'm here to review the process for the Front Lawn to transport Equestria's Reserved Steel."

"Yes, ma'am! We'll let them know you're here! Open the gates!" The two headed back to the gates while they informed those inside that Lady Arcadia Nova has arrived. She could already hear scurrying hooves as the gates blared an alarm and slid to the side, letting them in. Once they were fully parted, the first escort vehicle drove first, followed by Arcadia and Gardeen, then the second escort vehicle. Just as expected, there were very large, long, and tall warehouses all around sitting by the water. They had reached the edge of Psera. The shipyard. With four added warehouses.

The Guard turned the vehicle onto a side road, heading towards the front of one of the large warehouses. Ponies all around were wearing hardhats, reflective jackets, and Comm Blocks. Pulling large carts that held parts and things. Arcadia turned to Gardeen when the pod stopped and said, "And this is where things get professional." Arcadia stood up and walked towards the door after the guard opened it. Walking out onto the concrete. Gardeen followed after, then walked with her towards the steel doors leading into the warehouse. The concrete beneath them cooled as the sun set in the distance, added to by the cold floors that they walked on once they entered into the building. Right now they were in the front, in front of an office desk, bare of any pony.

But that was quickly changed when a pony wearing a reflective jacket and hardhat ran in. She stopped in front of Arcadia and pushed her face to the ground. "Your highness!" She yelled. "We weren't expecting you!"

Arcadia cleared her throat and calmly replied, "Please rise. I just need to make sure the steel is ready to go and set up for transfer onto the Front Lawn, which I will review next. I have a feeling that Equestria's air is cleared out. So we need to be prepared once the forms are signed here in Psera."

After the mare bounced up, she eagerly nodded and replied enthusiastically, "Yes, ma'am! Follow me!" She turned around and led them all down the wide hall fit with rooms, bathrooms, some other things, and finally a door that led out into the facility. The mare pushed it open and stepped to the side so Lady Arcadia could walk out the door with Gardeen into the hangar-like area. A huge open space that had a bunch of walkways along the walls, lights underneath them that were trained on the seventy story tall and wide block of shining silver steel. Towering very high over Arcadia Nova and Gardeen, who had her mouth open in shock. Eyes wide in disbelief. Lady Arcadia made that?!! There was security lining the walkways around and above it as the ponies managing it moved around with clipboards as if it were an experiment, which had Gardeen confused.

She turned to Arcadia and asked, "This is just a block of steel, right Lady Arcadia?"

Arcadia nodded and answered, "Yes. But it still has to be maintained. So the ponies walking around aren't looking at the steel, but at what's around it. The clipboards are to take notes on atmospheric conditions. This is technically artificial steel. Still steel, mind you. But not naturally made. It has the same chemical compound, base, all of it. Just made with magic. So the ponies here are trying to see if it compares greatly to the real steel found within the dirt and reacts the same like that would to different conditions. So far, it has. And does."

The mare that led them in presented Arcadia a clipboard from the side that she took in her magic and gazed at. Reading off the reports and more. Without taking her eyes off of it, she sighed, "Any day now I can get married, have my baby, and put a majority of Equestria behind me."

Gardeen poked in and asked, "Any specific date yet?"

Arcadia shook her head and answered, "Not yet. But it's more than likely going to be in February or March. When I first arrived and met Madun." The technician they walked in with presented a pen that Arcadia grabbed with her magic, then signed the form with. She passed the clipboard and pen back, then said to her, "I'm expecting a very important message tonight before I go to bed. If the air is clear in Equestria, there will be a final signing here in Psera between both parties—Psera and Equestria—declaring that the air is cleared and we can move onto the trade, which will be broken down into specifics on the agreement that we will read. Secretary Manny, King Shimmering Madun, Her Majesty Molten Ice, Princess Merry Fire, General Shooting Star of the Aqua Guard, and myself will all be there. Once the agreement is signed, a message will immediately be sent here as well as to Lavender so everyone can mobilize and begin. So just be ready."

The technician nodded and cheered, "Yes, ma'am! I'll have the team notified as soon as possible!"

"Good. Now. I wish to see the Front Lawn."


~✶~


The Princesses were anxious. Evident by their constant pacing back and forth across the dirt in front of the S3 Mobile Unit's defensive line. The Psera Royal Guard stationed there cast curious glances to each other, then looked back towards the three princesses walking behind each other in a circle. Celestia lowered the sun a little earlier, leaving them with an orange glow that cascaded onto the cold and hard dirt, caused by the dusty winter air. The Comm Block on the Psera Royal Guards' wrists blared, "Let them pass." Finally freezing the Princesses' constant pacing. The guard stepped to the side to let them through, which they eagerly did. Nearly creating a dut trail as they made their way right up to the door at the same time Bright Gold and the rest of S3 walked out with smiles.

Cadance, Celestia, and Luna walked right up to them and asked at the same time hopefully, "So did it work?"

Bright Gold grinned and answered, "No traces of the agent were found in any depth of the steel. It worked." The Princesses cheered, stomping their hooves in excitement. Then focused back on Bright Gold, who added, "I need to send a letter to Lady Arcadia. Then we can go to Psera and get the final signing done to transport the material, finalizing the trade. The moment it's signed, everything will begin."

Celestia nodded and sighed in relief. She was starting to have doubts about all of this. But Twilight has never let her down before. If anything... She let her down. "Thank you all so much. You have no idea how appreciative we are. Now you have to build the port, correct?"

Bright Gold nodded and answered, "It shouldn't take too long. It's all modular. We just need a big portal and Arcadia's the only one who can make a big portal that can help us get the pieces through. She should be waiting right now for the update."

"Alright, I'll have Sunset Shimmer send her a message immediately. She should be waiting with Starlight."

"Good."



Celebration. Equestria cheered when Celestia sent the news out about the plan's success, how the Pegasi in Equestria proudly and bravely flew through the cold, dirty air dubbed The Great Pegasi Cycle, ridding of the chemical agent that had destroyed everything Equestria worked hard for. And how Equestria had taken it back. Pegasi all over the nation were given hugs, pats on the backs, a chorus on thank you. Some had gotten sick from the air, but still managed to say anything for Equestria. The Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, and Starlight were beyond proud of them for doing what they did. Especially of Fluttershy. Afterwards, Sunset immediately sent the message to Twilight about the results, who immediately replied back, "Tomorrow, 10AM, Canterlot Castle. We are meeting in Psera. Be ready for a trip. As well as a pat down."

And that day was today. The Princesses and a few executives were situated in the throne room back in Canterlot at around nine, waiting for the portal to build in front of them. Sunset Shimmer was with them too. As the Liaison, she was pretty much required so she herself knew the plan and what to do. It was going to be awhile before she returned to Earth. Maybe she'll decide to stay in Equus permanently. At least here she had a registration of existence. She was killing time beside Princess Luna, making conversation with her. Luna was particularly interested in what a parking lot was apparently. Why, Sunset had no clue. Maybe it was because of that thing she said to her when she needed help resolving a case of forgotten friendship.

"So this... Parking lot," she spat out. "It is an area... Of holding?"

Sunset suppressed a snort and nodded. "Yes, it holds vehicles."

"Like chariots."

"Exactly. At Canterlot High my friends and I used to hang out there until Vice Principal tells us not to."

Princess Luna slowly nodded her head and hummed, "Hmmm, this Vice Principal Luna sounds like a being of great power. She must rule over the Parking Lot."

Sunset huffed then glanced away and muttered, "You have no idea." Their conversation abruptly ended when the space in front of them flashed and blew their manes back, grabbing their attention. A violet portal had been setup at approximately nine-thirty. Right on time. Sunset smile and said, "Still the same Twilight."

Celestia nodded in agreement before she took a deep breath. "Let's go discuss then sign this agreement, and let Psera handle Blueblood." She was the first one to step forward, followed by the other Princesses, some more executives, S3, and Sunset Shimmer. Once they were all through, the portal closed.

The first thing noticed was the military presence. They were in another area of the Castle of The Gods, completely different from the other areas they were in since there was not a speck of gold in sight, nor anything else that were decorative. Instead they were inside of a bland brick area with three black lights hanging above them surrounded by Elite Guard. Armed with weapons, trained right at them. One of them strode forward and stated, "Wings and hooves apart! Let's go, let's go!"

They all—including S3—quickly did as ordered before the Guard strode in and patted them down, checking their wings, feathers, horns, and more. Luna had the urge to buck one after they checked her tail. Once the pat down was completed, the Guard stepped back and lowered their weapons. One took off their helmet, revealing themself to be a mare with a scowl on her face. "Word of warning. Follow the rules, follow the orders, follow command, and this will be a successful day for you. Lady Arcadia was very kind to give you this chance. Don't buck it up." She put her helmet back on and motioned towards one Guard in the corner who stepped aside to open a door.

There's the castle, Celestia thought. They were led outside of the bland room and into what looked like a base for the military. Many more Pserateps wearing armor that ranged from Golden Metal to thick blue cloth, with way too many compartments, attached saddlebags and helmets from different rooms walked past, putting on gear. Then headed out the door. All business.

Celestia assumed they were getting ready for the day. Same with Cadance. They were escorted towards a pair of doors that an Elite Guard pushed open, letting them out of the base. The castle halls were extremely guarded. The Elite Guard were standing by, waiting for the action with weapons sheathed at the moment. But the visitors all saw what those could do.

The guard who took off her helmet earlier turned around to face them and informed from behind it, "We will be watching your every movement when you are with the rulers of Psera. One pony got really close to the castle and we can't find him. Arcadia has permitted you to be in the castle. But we are definitely going to be ready for you if you try anything."



After a few minutes of walking, they were all led up to another pair of doors that had the emblazoned symbol of Psera on both, flanked by four guards that were added to the hallway mass of them. The Guard walked forward and pushed them open, showing a large meeting room that were filled with Psera's press, a general wearing blue camouflage, Secretary Manny, and another pony wearing a lab coat with a badge attached. They all stood up when they entered, taking pictures and showing respect. Celestia and the other princesses walked towards the Pserateps and shook hooves with Secretary Manny and the General.

"Thank you for coming," Secretary Manny greeted.

Celestia nodded and responded, "Thank you for having us." She gestured to Sunset Shimmer and introduced her. "This is Sunset Shimmer, the Liaison between Psera and Equestria."

Secretary Manny nodded and responded, "I remember you all from Eventa. The others are discussing nearby and will join us shortly. Have a seat and we can tell you a few things, starting with General Shooting Star. The General for the Aqua Guard." Sunset Shimmer walked with Celestia, Luna, and Cadance towards the three seats by the front doors that the Guard were standing in front of, and stood beside Celestia's seat while she, Cadance, and Luna took theirs. S3 stood on Psera's side while everyone else stood on Equestria's.

"As you know," General Shooting Star started off. "Psera has been assisting your country with restoration by supplying our specialists to discover the reason why your steel has been corroding. From what we hear, it has been eliminated, correct?" He turned around to face Bright Gold.

Bright Gold nodded and answered, "The air is clean of the agent."

"Good." He turned back to Equestria and continued, "Now Psera is helping you with yet another issue that was included in the agreement. Steel."

Celestia nodded and said, "A majority of our metal was going through the furnaces at the time when the shortage began to occur. We are at two percent of reserves right now."

Manny grimaced and commented, "That's not livable at all. We already have a plan in place, but we'll leave it to Lady Arcadia to explain it." The door to the back room opened, signalling everyone to stand up as King Madun with his own assistant, Lady Arcadia with Gardeen, Merry Fire, and Her Majesty Molten Ice to walk out.

King Madun raised his hoof and ordered, "Have a seat." Once they all did and the Royals were in their own, Madun began the day. "Today we are here to speak with Equestria about the trade that will be approaching their borders. Lady Arcadia has told me that Equestria has way more than enough gems for Psera ready?"

Cadance answered, "They are being held in the Crystal Empire."

Arcadia spoke up and clarified, "Yes. Unfortunately, they will need to be moved from there to Las Pegasus. We can't get the steel over to Equestria by dropping it off in The Crystal Empire. It would take one day longer. There is a stretch of land on Equestria that I have seen off it's west coast, like an arm. We would have to go around it. And those are untraveled areas, we have no idea what's over there, let alone myself."

"So we have to move all those gems?" Luna asked in surprise. The princesses exchanged a worried glance. Those were a lot of gems!

Arcadia nodded, confirming their worst fears. "We just need them to be on the West Coast, as far in as you can get it. If you need help, I'm sure the Elite Guard will have no issue in assisting. But right now, since it's not on the West Coast, the exchange may be delayed. So that gives us enough time to have the transfer vehicle inspected."

Madun huffed and placed his hooves on the table, focused eyes on the Equestrians. "That is our next order of business. The vehicle we are using, dubbed 'The Front Lawn', will be going on its first voyage across seas. In the past, many of our trading craft had been retired out of service, leaving them as scraps and more in the yard as of this moment. We recycled those parts and created something new, bigger, and better. This is a prototype and has been tested in its Alpha stage. Now it's going through its Beta stage by actually going to another land, retrieving something, and returning. We are expecting hiccups, but it is less than likely to happen. So on Equestria, a modular facility will be assembled to move the steel, the gems, and to dock the craft. From what we understand from our technicians, the dock won't take up most space on land, but the block of steel certainly will. So most of the area will be constructed for the steel."

"How much land will be needed?" Cadance inquired.

Everyone turned to Arcadia, who answered, "One-fourth a mile from the waterline to the inland and a little more. This is a big trade and equipment is going back and forth. Equestria's and Psera's. The ocean water will be used by the Beacon Poles that were used in the final stage for Equestria's restoration to highlight the direction and guide the craft through. We'll let the Aqua Guard handle that the same moment The Psera-Equestria Trade Agreement is signed. Should barely take two hours because the beams are very light. The campus for the trade will be very big because this is a military deal. And a huge steel block. Everyone on that land will be tense."

Shining Armor asked, "Do you know when it will arrive?"

Arcadia turned to Bright Gold who answered, "Since Equestria has to move all the gems and items towards the coast, and Psera has to build the modular base on the shore, I'd say a week from the date of signing the agreement. While they are building, the craft will be in motion, commandeered by Captain Blinding Silver and escorted by a fleet of Aqua Guard who will be in contact with Psera during the voyage. Just be ready for the craft after the signing is completed and help each other so we can get it done, then move onto greater things. If the other requests help, please assist. Everything will move much faster. I am hoping this agreement can cool down sour tensions between our nations while trouble is on our hooves."

"Which brings us to our last discussion," Manny groaned. "A pony from your land is more than likely threatening the leaders of ours because he's jealous. Question is... Why?"

Cadance decided to take this one, even though she already explained it. To the exact same mare who asked it. "Prince Blueblood does not accept no for an answer, unfortunately. Which is something we have yet to bang into his skull."

Merry turned to Arcadia and asked, "I'll be more than delighted to bang it into his skull. So can I?"

Arcadia opened her mouth to answer no, but paused and glanced up at the ceiling in thought. After a few seconds she shrugged and responded, "If you catch him before the Guard do, then you can do what you want. If he's hostile and shows ill intention. If, Merry. Blueblood has been way too infatuated with me. I wouldn't be surprised if his mansion had a room filled with nothing but pictures of me somewhere in there. He's crazy like that. And thinks just because his name has 'Prince' makes him Royalty. I tried to tell him before, but apparently he didn't understand even when I broke it down to him in simple terms. Let's just hope he's here for an unauthorized tour and nothing else. Because if he's here for an attack..."

Luna cleared her throat and inquired, "What happens if he is here for an attack?"

"Then he is arrested and roughly tossed into Chamber Nine until Madun or myself personally decide to let him out."

Celestia had a bad feeling about this Chamber Nine. Because all the Pserateps in the room became a little uncomfortable. She raised a hoof invitingly and asked, "What is Chamber Nine?"

"That is on a need to know basis," Arcadia responded.

"With all due respect Arcadia, I would very much like to know what would happen to my nephew if he is in fact dangerous," Celestia pressed.

Arcadia nodded and replied, "I understand that. However it would not matter even if you did know. Since he is on Psera's soil, he will be prosecuted under Psera's federal government automatically for International Trespassing, and—if he is found violent with ill intentions towards my fiance or myself—for Attempted Assault Of The Crown, which can be upgraded to Attempted Assassination Of The Crown . Which both have a huge punishment that he will not like. So the details to Chamber Nine will be kept on a need-to-know basis. If he does attack, we will tell you. If he doesn't, you have nothing to worry about except for the fact that when we do catch him, he will be doing prison time for a long time here in Psera."

Madun inputted, "The best you can do is hope he doesn't try anything. Because if he does, the results will not be pretty."

"Now time to wrap this up," Molten Ice stated. She wasn't liking this conversation. "The plan is this. Once the agreement is signed, Equestria will begin moving the gems towards the beach on Las Pegasus while Psera begins to move the modular building materials to Equestria's soil through the portal that Lady Arcadia will conjure here in Psera. While they are building and moving, we will prep the steel onto the Front Lawn, ready the escort made up with two more crafts filled with members of the Aerial Guard, Elite Guard, and Aqua Guard, then wait until we have the go ahead for the ship to pull out, which will happen after the facility is complete.

"The craft will take an estimated thirty nine hours to reach Equestria's soil by the predetermined route, which Arcadia guessed will be between the hours of Three AM and One PM Monday. They will be in contact with Psera the entire time with the military in Lavender, thanks to the PDS. The reason why security is high is because this has always been Psera's prized tools, the Aquatas. Now after hundreds of years, they're going back into service to serve a country that we've never heard of before until Arcadia showed up. So Psera is taking precautions. Madun and Arcadia will not be going, instead choosing to stay here and govern Psera in this time of anxiety. A few laws are needed to be in place and court will begin soon for national issues. Some things are still out of place in Psera after the attack that ruined our soil, and Arcadia has an agenda planned to address them."

Arcadia shook her head and commented, "Next week is going to be really busy. So I have to prepare."

"And Psera needs a king," Madun added.

Molten Ice nodded and took back over. "So the only pony in charge of completing this trade successfully would be Equestria. When our Guards arrive on your soil, they'll need a place to rest. And the steel needs to be looked over. The resting bit will be supplied by Psera, we just need a location to set up, which will fall on your wings."

Celestia, Cadance, and Luna all looked at each other, nodding in an unspoken agreement only they knew. Then Celestia turned back and responded, "Alright."

"Anymore questions?" Arcadia asked.

"Uhh... No. No, that is it."

"Alright. Then we'll begin the signing." Gardeen reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a folder that was slid in front of Arcadia. Using her magic, she flipped it open to a single decorative sheet of paper, complete with the symbol of both Psera and Equestria at the top, fine font, and borders of golden shimmering shapes. Arcadia looked up to the Princesses and stated, "Signings are done differently here in Psera. So I'll start it off."



After Arcadia read the treaty, she was the first to sign it. Then Madun, Secretary Manny, and General Shooting Star before it was passed to Cadance, Luna, and finally Celestia. Who stood up to meet Twilight halfway and shake her hoof before the cameras started flashing. With a smile, Celestia asked, "Any genders yet?"

Arcadia grinned and answered, "It's going to be a filly."

Madun peeked in and shook his head. "It's definitely a colt."

Arcadia looked to him and stated, "You said filly before."

"I meant colt."

Arcadia rolled her eyes and turned back to her family. "I'll love them either way. Sunset? If you could inform your friends that Psera is ready for them in Eventa, I'd appreciate it. Madun and I have also decided on a date."

Madun draped a wing over her back and nodded to confirm it. "Yep! March ninth is the day we're getting married at Events at Eventa's Grand Stadium. We're all very excited."

Cadance nodded and began to sniffle. "My little filly's growing up," she whispered.

"Cadance I'm twenty-two," Arcadia deadpanned.

"Stop growing, ladybug," Cadance cried.

Arcadia sighed while Madun smiled innocently at her. He was planning something, she could feel it. "Arcadia~." She turned her attention to Merry who shimmied up to her unseen. Her eyes held innocence, something rarely seen. "I've got something for you. I was going to tell you earlier but Equestria arrived and made things serious. But now it's not serious and I can now soooo... It's ready."

Arcadia gasped and asked excitedly, "It is?!"

"Hanging up high inside my living room. Ready to be tried on before the wedding anytime. My brother's suit is also ready. It has a long train to it though because of your wings. The rest is a surprise."

"Great!" She turned back to the Princesses, brother, and Sunset to share a quick group hug before stepping back. "I'll be in contact with you, Sunset. Until then be prepared. The Guard will escort you back to the portal." The Royalty in the room all shared a bow with each other before leaving.

While the Equestrians were heading down the hall back to "The Hive", as the guards here so-called the base inside the castle, Madun ordered, "Let the ponies at Serl know the green light's been given. Prepare the cube, not ship it on the Front Lawn yet. Arcadia and myself are both heading up there tomorrow morning to watch the action, since we both haven't seen it yet."

While his assistant wrote that down, Arcadia turned to Gardeen and asked, "What's on my agenda today?"

Gardeen cleared her throat and answered, "You have a lunch meeting at Psera Skies East with a pony who wishes to lease land in that city. But the problem is the land has already been bought out by another pony who he declares stole his rights to that land after it states that he has reserved rights to the land when you signed the deed."

Arcadia groaned and muttered, "Oh my Psera. That case has already been shut because I never sign deeds. That's for the mayor's office in Psera Skies East, they complete those tasks. Not I. What's next?"

"Light Pink wishes to speak with you about a garden she wants to build on the edge of Psera Skies North mainly for birds and children."

"That... Doesn't sound too bad actually. But, once again, she would have to consult with the Mayor's Office. They handle the cities, I handle the nationwide issues. Things like possible pandemics, Earthquakes, food shortages, voting, schools, head over heads, things of that nature."

"Then you'll like this next one. A meeting at two with the Pseratopian League of Hospitals to speak with you about different innovations to make certain medical examinations easier and more comfortable for patients. They wish to get them approved by the city, but the city said the Crown has to approve them. And Madun pointed them to you."

Arcadia turned to Madun who responded back by shooting her a smile. "You're welcome."

She smiled, then turned to Gardeen and asked, "Where is the meeting?"

"First floor lunch hall."

"Great. Anything else?"

Gardeen shook her head when they turned a corner, heading towards the Royal Suite. "No, ma'am. That's it for today."

"Add an	entry for me to meet with Merry so I can gaze at the dress this evening at... Seven. Then you can relax and go home for the day. Or... Go to Pink's house. Ah buck, I forgot Merry was here," Arcadia muttered.

Merry gasped and zipped over to grin into Gardeen's blushing face. "Oh girl, some gossip. Gimme deets!"

"There are no 'deets'," Gardeen promised. "We're just friends."

"Merry, I have a question," Arcadia asked once they entered into the elevator. As the doors shut, she asked, "Why don't you have any guards? Everypony—everyone else in the family has them except you."

Madun laughed and answered, "She doesn't need any. The guards are the ones who need her. She's scary when she's mad, which is why Blazing doesn't want to be around when she goes through her mood swings."

Merry giggled and stated, "Let's skip over me, and move on to Lady Arcadia's mood swings. We've all seen her when she's mad when Bluebutt came here, and didn't listen. I can't wait to see her mood swings in action on King Butt. Remember..." Merry leaned over and whispered in Madun's ear, "You signed up for this the second the bedroom door shut."

Madun pushed her away once the elevator doors parted open. "I know that, and I am prepared for them."

Arcadia became amused, evident by the smirk on her face that was looking up into his. "How exactly are you prepared for mood swings?"

"I made a huge defensive outfit," he answered as they strode out. "You know magic and can levitate so many things at once. I've seen you clean the suite while doing it. Everything was moving around on their own and I'm over here in the room trying to duck the feather duster chasing me. When you get mad, I'm expecting a lot of projectiles. So those pillows will come in handy."



Celestia, Cadance, Luna, Shining Armor, Sunset, and the rest of the Executives were aghast when they stepped back into the Canterlot Castle throne room. Cadance decided to be the one to ask, "She wants us to move over a billion gems from underneath The Crystal Empire all the way to Las Pegasus?!! We have no trains to move them!!"

Celestia stepped out of the line and appeased, "We'll figure something out. We don't need ponies braving through the cold weather up there, it's too cold. Frigid. Freezing."

Luna added, "And it's not helping that it's already Winter."

"Then what do we do?" Cadance asked.

Celestia raised a hoof to her chin to think. And think hard. If Twilight could do it, they could too. But Twilight couldn't do that before, and neither could they. But when she got her magical boost... Magical boost...

Celestia turned around and said, "Magical boost. The only way Twilight could do that was because she had an extremely large reservoir of magic. We all have a lot of magic, just not as much as her. But if we were to combine our magic..."

Luna stomped her hoof and responded excitedly, "We must join horns, and use Twilight's spell! Genius, Tia!"

Cadance looked between the both of them and asked, "But how much magic?"

Celestia proudly answered, "As much as we can to create this portal. Sunset Shimmer?" Sunset stood up and saluted. "I want you to go back to Las Pegasus and let us know if something happens with Psera or if our portal works."

"Yes, Princess." Sunset turned around and bolted out of the room, leaving the Princesses with the executives.

Cadance sighed and started it off. "So step one?" She asked, then groaned, "Getting to the empire."


~✶~


The trade was all that was on Sunset Shimmer's mind as she moved across the barren landscape of Equestria. Although the agent was cleared, everything was still dirt. Somepony would have to supply wood and more. Unfortunately, Twilight wouldn't in the past, and can't for awhile. That made Sunset wonder once she entered into Ponyville after running for awhile. "How stressful is it to configure land?" She thought aloud.

"Very." Sunset jumped and looked into Starlight's face. And pretty much the entire town once she looked around. "Tell us what happened."

"There's good news, and slight bad news that's slightly separate from the bad news. The Psera-Equestria Trade Agreement has been signed. Psera is loading up the steel while Equestria is loading up the gems. But there's an issue. Psera can't get to the North end of Equestria. So Equestria has to move all those gems closer to the beach in Las Pegasus so they can get to them."

Rarity gasped, then exclaimed, "WHAT?! There are over a billion gems! We have to move all of them?!!"

Sunset sadly nodded. "Yeah. In the meantime, Psera is building a facility of some sort to dock a trading craft that will carry the steel over here so they can place it on the land."

Rainbow hovered in and pointed behind Twilight's castle. "You mean something like that?" Sunset followed her hoof towards the ten to twenty beams of violet lights seen all the way from Las Pegasus. Rainbow sat down and stated, "They're all three hundred feet high. The Elite Guard were setting them up earlier after a portal opened up over there. A huge violet one, wayyy bigger than Twilight's average one."

Rarity shivered just thinking about Psera. "Do you think Psera is a threat to Equestria?" She asked with worried eyes trained on Sunset.

Sunset sighed with her own eyes trained on the constant glow of the twenty neon violet beams of really bright lights. "They will if Blueblood doesn't surrender himself. These ponies are strict, smart, big and strong. Blueblood doesn't stand a chance." Sunset shook her head and moved on to more important things. "Celestia wants me to get over there to check on a portal that will be created to move the gems. Their means of transportation for the steel block will be arriving here between Ten AM and One AM Monday morning on the beaches of Las Pegasus. While that's happening, they're building a campus on the site to maintain it."

Rainbow zipped in and asked, "Do you need help?"

"When I get back. I have to get back home to tell the girls Arcadia's ready for them."

"Oh... Right." Sunset noticed they all became a little sad. Possibly because they weren't allowed to help.

"Don't worry, girls," she tried to appease. "I'm sure she has something planned for you. I mean... It's Twilight Sparkle. She has a plan somewhere."

"Sunset, darling!!" Sunset looked towards her right at... Rarity? Definitely from Canterlot High. She was smiling and making her way towards her. "It's good that I found you. There's a tad bit of bad news, dear. CHS is having another dance. And since our last dance was legendary, they have all asked our friends, yourself, and I if we'd be willing to assist. Thing is, the dance is in March and we all want to go."

"So you can't help Arcadia with her wedding," Sunset assumed.

Rarity, riddled with guilt stuttered, "W-We want to, but the school is counting on us to make this dance legendary and we can't let them down."

Sunset sighed and turned to Ponyville's greatest, who were offering giant grins. "I'll let her know and recommend your assistance. But there's no guarantee, she'll say yes. Or no. Can somepony please help me get to Las—" Rainbow zipped over and grabbed Sunset Shimmer. Then flew all the way to Las Pegasus, dropping her off on its beach. "—Pegasus? I really need to.... Huh?" Sunset looked around the environment at all the busy Pserateps. Then back... To her friends. Applejack smiled and pointed to Rainbow Dash who had her smoking wings in the dirt. "Uhhh... Thanks. Now..."

Sunset turned around and looked in front of her at all the Pserateps building. And they got really far. Just like it was stated, a huge portal was setup by the ocean side. Giant and purple with Psera guards constantly pulling and flying things out. The first thing noticed so far were very large and thick mechanics that looked like an assembly line. Just with insanely thick rubber that required fifteen Elite Guards to fly out of the portal and drop on the ground. Along with steel blocks, slabs, and technology. Sunset sat down and watched for awhile. Especially when they pulled out yellow reinforced steel beams that looked like they belonged to a crane, steel stairs, lights, and a vehicle that looked like a truck.

The steel crane beams were the first to go up. The Pserateps flew up high, tilting the beam they were holding in a vertical position. Then placed it on something that locked it in place. For the next ten minutes, the beams were set up really far apart in the shape of a square before the stairs and steel walkways were added in, creating floors with a strange control panel or station directly in the middle facing the ocean and portal.

"Sunset." Sunset turned around and faced Princess Celestia's curious face. "What's... Going on?"

Sunset pointed to the facility in construction and answered, "Twilight wasn't kidding when she said it wouldn't take long to build the facility. These grounds were nearly bare not even an hour ago, now it's almost completed... I think." A few Pserateps carried a few more things out of the portal before it slowly shrank and flashed, disappearing. A bunch of Pserateps wearing lab coats, reflective coats, and helmets were walking around, barking orders. A few guards were on the ground preparing the steel slabs in the middle of the high yellow beams, creating an entirely steel floor while the rubber tracks were placed in the two empty spaces in between them. Those slabs must've been really heavy. Because when they dropped them, the ground shook slightly. Same for the rubber tracks.

Bright Gold flew into view among the other Pserateps wearing the same safety wear the other lab coats were wearing and gestured to the rubber in between the steel. "Are they connected?" She asked. Some of the Pserateps muttered before one flew up to the console on the walkway and made a few movements. While they were doing that, Bright Gold announced, "We're going to do a test! Flash the beacons!" The Pseratep by the console made a few movements before directing her attention towards the beacons in the distance, flashing on and off at the same time she did. On and off for a few seconds before they changed to a pattern like a wave. The farthest one would quickly flash followed by the one before it, then the one before that until it reached where they were. Over and over. They were really bright and were making Celestia's eyes hurt after a while. There was a lot of magic running in them.

Bright Gold nodded and ordered, "Pull the tracks in!" The beacons stopped flashing for a moment before an alarm blared loudly, sounding like something from a high tech facility before the rubber tracks began moving into the beach, pulling nothing but air at the time. "Alright! We're ready! Good job, everyone! The Royal Family's going to be very happy! And we'll all more than likely be receiving a raise. This was a new level Psera had reached. Great job, everyone!" The Pserateps sat down and tapped their hooves together, creating an applause that bounced around the camp of Las Pegasus. Celestia, Cadance, Luna, and the others weren't the only ones watching. Pretty much all the ponies of the camp were too. Creeping out their tents and watching the show. So far, it looked like this was going to be a big block of steel.

Celestia sighed and stated, "Now. Time to move those gems."


~✶~


While Serl and Pseratopian Guards were building the trading facility in Equestria, Arcadia was being led blindfolded towards Merry's home, who wanted to surprise her with the dress. Eager was the description for the Princess of Psera. But also classy. One cannot go showing the bride as if the dress were an old piece of garment. So Merry grabbed a cloth and tied it around Arcadia's head. Then led her towards her room, where the surprise waited on the other side of the double doors. Merry had one wing draped over her back, calmly directing her. The Elite Guard of course followed along. Giggling, Arcadia sighed, "Merry is it really this big a deal?"

Scoffing, Merry stopped her at the door and retrieved her wing. Then answered, "Lady Arcadia, this is Princess Merry Fire's work. I can't just go around and say..." Merry's voice changed into a deep monotone. Complete with bored eyes. "'Here's your wedding dress Lady Arcadia. I hope you like it. It took me a whole month to make and had to pause all of my other clients' orders until after I finished.' Come on, this is Merry Fire! you should know by now that that's not my forte."

"True." Gardeen laughed from behind while Merry opened the door. Revealing the dress to everyone but Arcadia. Gardeen and the Elite guards fawned while Arcadia's ears just twitched. She could smell the scent of Merry's home. Apple Juice, Orange Juice, a little wine. A lot of linen, fibers, old books. "Can I see the dress now?" She exhausted.

"Hold on, a few more feet." Merry carefully pulled Arcadia through the door and into the living room, leaving the guards outside in the hall but followed in by Gardeen who shut the door behind her. Once Arcadia was in place, Merry removed her wing and strode towards the garment. "Alright... Open your eyes."

"Take off the blindfold first." Gardeen laughed at Merry's embarrassed face. Then reached behind Arcadia with her teeth to rip off the cloth. Twilight blinked her eyes to get adjusted back to the light. Then glanced around Merry's luxury before focusing on and widening at the long dress in front of her. It was white, gold, violet, and had a long train to it. There were tight legs to them with tiny symbols of her cutie mark on the sides while there sat a tiara on a stand nearby, protected by a glass box connected with a veil. The shoulders had gold pads on them while the train gradually turned into a violet once it reached the end. The headwear had a slight silky pattern while the rest of the dress had a mostly silk design. Patterned with white flowers all over it. It was indescribable.

Arcadia squeaked in surprise and whispered, "Merry, it's beautiful."

Merry rubbed her hoof against her chest and responded, "Yeah, I'm great. Had to get my girl ready for her wedding day. Which is on..." Merry motioned with her hoof, ready for the details.

Arcadia walked closer to the dress to admire and answer her unasked question, "March Ninth. I can't wait!"

"You're going to be showing by then, Arcadia," Gardeen informed her. She walked into the home behind her, making for the dress Arcadia was astounded by. "At least slightly," she added.

Arcadia nodded. "I know. To be honest, I'm a little nervous about becoming a mother."

Merry scoffed and appeased, "Lady, you will be fine. Madun is the one who should be worrying. He's gonna be the only one without magic around the house, I suspect. Things flying all over the place while you try to calm down your foal's magical... Pulses, I guess."

"Not to mention what her special talent is," Arcadia muttered. "If anything it'll revolve around Psera. But enough about the baby. How are weddings done in Psera?"

Gardeen decided to take this one. She strode towards Arcadia and answered, "Well since this isn't a standard wedding but a Royal wedding, Events at Eventa will be packed. The largest packing in one area. There will be a pulled chariot that will ride towards the stage in between all of the Pserateps. Madun will go first, then you will be second. The mare always gets the eyes. But you will have captured all of the ponies out there. This is a long and white dress, it's going to need to be carried a little bit. Not to mention that baby bump. I'm getting off topic, anyway. Madun is carried up front and takes his side. Then you're next. You come together, say you're vows, kiss. Then everypony cheers, applauds, then transition to celebration, gift giving, and more. Afterwards, you go on a timool."

Arcadia was obvious clueless. Merry explained, "A timool is when you and Madun go somewhere and relax with just each other. Romantically."

"Ohhh," Arcadia fawned. "You mean a honeymoon. Back in Equestria, after a wedding, the bride and the groom would go on a vacation to a nice resort with just the both of them. It's mostly so they can have sex though. Private time."

"Ah, yes. The morning scuffle," Merry sighed. Then pretended to swoon and fell on her side. Playing dead. "When that stallion gets busy when you're alone with him, things get so much more busy in the future. We're both about to experience it."

Gardeen shuffled up to Arcadia and batted her eyes. Then whispered, "I hear it's better when you're pregnant."

Arcadia chuckled. Then turned around to walk back to the door, followed by Gardeen and Merry. "Yeah, well... We'll find out if Madun is actually up for it."

Merry walked forward and pulled the door open, smirking. "Oh he'll definitely be up for it alright. He's going to have trouble staying down actually during the whole wedding. Poor guy."



The rest of the week went by as normal as it could for both sides. Although busy. Just like Arcadia stated, she was busy in Cop, Serl, Merōl, and Rayray. Eventa was left out of the picture. At least for now. While Madun sat on the throne in Cop, Twilight moved throughout the nation. Handling business and hooves on activities on the busy roads of Psera. And with a child, Gardeen and those with her made sure she didn't stress herself out too much in the king's absence. He would certainly have a fit if not a heart attack. While Psera went about their daily events, their military and police were on the lookout for a white unicorn "Prince". Walking the streets, the alleys, rooftops, undergrounds, everywhere. He was actually in Merōl, sitting by the historical docks, reading one of the plaques while Twilight was all the way in Lavender. One of the historical plaques were about how the Aqua Guards held a base here during the Gold Wars, and had sent "Aquatas" out into the ocean to battle them at sea. Battle at Sea? Aquatas? What the buck?

Blueblood had no idea what that was. So he grunted, then turned around to gaze at the modern industrialized city. There were a lot of these long winged ponies walking around carrying items of steel, wood, and more among the land of nature filled with trees, flowers, parks, homes, and more. Primarily construction buildings but there were a lot neighborhoods. There were even strange things that moved around on their own with only one pony inside, using levers to turn and navigate it, carrying building materials through the streets made of concrete in those neighborhoods, making its way towards another home in-progress. They were really advanced. Made Blueblood a little jealous that these ponies had it all. But he wasn't worried about that. Because Twilight was coming home. He was going to make sure of that. And he would make it plain and clear to everyone here on this land to never touch his property again. He had a plan. After Twilight spoke over the air with that King about her wedding on March Ninth a few days ago, Blueblood's been planning his steps carefully. These ponies weren't going to stand a chance. Not at all.

The sea was calming to stare at. It calmed Blueblood's nerves. He had to keep undercover, even though no one knew he was even there, a cloaking spell currently activated to cloak his body. He was surprised Twilight hadn't detected him by now. Maybe it had something to do with all the gold underground. Maybe. Blueblood blinked and watched an Elite Guard walk towards the ocean, look out at it for a moment, then turn back and walk away. "Dumb idiots," he whispered. "That's why Twilight doesn't deserve you." Getting tired of sitting on old wood, Blueblood stood up and made his way back into Merōl. He had to practice on that spell some more. They wouldn't even see him coming.


***


The fireplace blazing in the Royal Suite confused Arcadia greatly as she stared at it. Squinting her eyes, shaking her head, and muttering things that made her fiance's ears twitch each time he picked up on a word. The two were snuggled up on the couch, relaxing from yet another tiring day. Making slight conversation about them with a few romantic moves every now and then. Arcadia seemed to talk about work a lot, but Madun could tell something was itching her. And not the fact that she kept growling at the fire. Sighing, Madun leaned down and nuzzled her, stopping her obvious anger. "Stop thinking about it," he whispered.

Arcadia stopped growling and lovingly nuzzled him back. "Stop thinking about what?"

"Whatever it is you're thinking about that's making you growl at the innocent fire." Madun pulled away and grabbed Arcadia's wing, looking at the feathers. "Maybe it's the fact that your feathers have yet to be preened?"

Blushing, Arcadia looked away and muttered, "I've been too busy."

Madun chuckled and shook his head. Then leaned down and started picking her feathers out with his teeth. Just like usual, she squealed and laughed. After around twenty feathers, Madun pulled back and looked down at her adorable face after she had laid on her back, red from laughing so much. "Jeez, was it really that good?"

Smiling, Arcadia lifted a hoof and booped his orange muzzle. "Yes, it was," she whispered. "Now continue." Madun rolled his eyes, but did lean back in and pluck another feather out. For the next few minutes, the Guards stationed outside the door witnessed Lady Arcadia's laughs, guffaws, and giggles. Sometimes there was even a strange whimper that made them share a glance. They really needed to place a privacy seal on that door to keep the sound from seeping out. Once finished, Lady Arcadia's wings were so thin, she couldn't even tell they were there until she looked.

Then scoffed and playfully pushed Madun back. "You plucked too many, sweetheart," she stated. When Madun shrugged, Arcadia scoffed and threw a pillow at his face with her magic. Their play time was disturbed by a buzzing bass tone in the master bedroom. Arcadia peeked over the couch and towards the room while Madun stood up with the pillow on his face. Lighting her horn, Arcadia teleported it from the dresser onto the table in between them and the fire. Then flipped it open to the page. "Sunset sent a message... And another one I didn't get earlier," she announced.

Madun jumped back on the couch and settled down next to his fiancee to read with her. After awhile he said, "Good news? Equestria's ready for the steel. Bad news? The ponies chosen from Equestria to help out at the wedding have a sudden... School party?"

Arcadia immediately nodded and explained, "Oh yeah, Canterlot High's parties are sad if they don't help out. I've been to a few good and sad ones." Madun looked to her in surprise. Twilight threw out her hooves and asked innocently, "What? A mare can't party? I don't dance. But Sunset asked if it were okay if those from Equestria can help in their places. I guess it'd be okay for them to help, right?"

Madun huffed and answered, "As long as they don't bring trouble, get patted down every time they come, and are escorted to their areas and teams then it shouldn't be an issue.  You said you wanted a little bit of Equestrian tradition, right? We can start there. But they need to follow the rules. Especially the blue one."

"Rainbow Dash. I'll have them meet with me tomorrow morning in front of 'The Hive'. At the same time, we send out the ship. Guard!" The door opened immediately, followed by an Elite Guard who walked in and saluted.

"Yes, ma'am?" He asked sternly.

"I need you to send a message to Captain Shooting Star and Secretary Manny that Equestria is ready for the steel. And to ready the Front Lawn for departure early tomorrow morning."

"Yes, ma'am." The guard turned around and walked out the door, closing it behind him so they could once again have their privacy.

Once he left, Arcadia turned back to Madun's grinning face, right before he reached down and yanked out another feather, resuming Twilight's giggle-fest.


~✶~


Sunset's eyes were trained on the book for Twilight, watching her friend's writing appear on the page. Then looked up and smiled at Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. "Alright," she began to announce. "Twilight said they'll be pushing the Front Lawn out early tomorrow morning. And that right now she and Madun are having 'giggle time.' And that her friends and family are welcome to help out in the wedding as long as they follow the rules. She'll be giving out more details in that regard later." Even though the Princesses looked really exhausted from helping move all those gems through the large portal they struggled to create, the fruits of their labor manifested. Behind them, were mountains of gems that The Royal Guard, any others that wanted to help, and the Princesses themselves moved in parts in the empty land that was left of Las Pegasus beach, bathed in the setting sun's orange glow that Celestia had yet to lower. The Pserateps that were there were ogling them like they were the most precious things on the planet. Sunset could tell that this was going to be a good trade. Hopefully.

Celestia reached up with a hoof to cover her mouth when she yawned. Then smacked her lips and smiled. "Excellent, Sunset. Thank you so much for your kind service."

Sunset nodded and responded, "Thank you. I need to head back home to get info about this party happening back at Canterlot High."

"I would be happy to give you a ride," Cadance suggested. Then yawned into her hoof before adding, "Then I'm going to sleep."

"As well as I," Luna admitted. "I cannot wait to see the steel arrive. So I need my rest. Were there no arrival estimate?"

Sunset slid the book back into her saddlebags and answered, "We'll more than likely know tomorrow morning. I'll let you know."



It's been a while since Lady in Waiting Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle felt rain hit her fur. But as she, her fiance, Merry, and Her Majesty Molten Ice were escorted through the desert between Serl and Serl Production Labs, she did. It just had to rain this morning, something Arcadia always happened to be inside for. It was odd. She only saw it rain once and she was above it, not under it. It felt good to get her feathers wet at this time of morning, five. Way before daybreak. Unlike Equestria, Psera let rain run its course. It wasn't raining too hard, but still hard enough to have her wings wet, even while wearing a poncho-like cover over her body. The pods escorting them were all moving through the muddy terrain, following the symbols towards the Serl Production Labs, currently under massive activity. Even from where they sat, all the Pserateps could see the lights flashing and more coming from the facility's lime lights, trained outside and inside as if it were a prison.

Arcadia turned to Madun, who in turn looked back. Today was the day. The day Solid Energy Revolution Labs were sending out their Beta Testing craft code named Front Lawn to trade with Equestria. The steel had to be loaded onto the Front Lawn, then sent out early this morning at seven. Madun leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips. Then turned back and watched the large steel gates come closer and closer before they froze directly in front of them. The Guards with them opened the doors for the royals, holding umbrellas over them as they did. Then made their way towards the doors o get checked. Once they all did and were verified, the doors blared open, revealing a bunch of Elite Guard and executives standing at attention. Saluting and bowing to their superiors.

"At ease and rise," Madun ordered. Then strode into the facility and towards the pony wearing a white dress suit, complete with a hat and black tie. "Captain?"

"We're ready to go, sir," Captain Blinding Silver answered. "We were ready to go yesterday."

Smiling, Madun and Arcadia nodded. "Great," Lady Arcadia responded proudly. "We are here to see the takeoff." The guards led the large group towards one of the larger buildings in the back by the shore. After a eight minute walk and a bit of discussion, the door for the very tall warehouse was opened. Two Elite Guards walked across the marble flooring first before King Madun with Lady Arcadia, Princess Merry, Her Majesty, then the captain and the rest of the guards. The Aqua Guards inside stationed by a nearby brightly lit hallway entrance saluted as they walked past. The hallway was void of anything else save for all of their breathing, eyes trained on the double doors ahead that read Hangar Entrance in reflective yellow writing. The guards stationed there saluted, then pushed the doors open, letting them all walk out into a dark area littered with small lights, a lot of steel beams, and five lower areas, leading down towards the sea below. They made it to the trade point.

The Pserateps all filed out of the hallway and stood on the steel walkway, eyes on the humongous block of steel sitting in the middle of the hangar. Arcadia's creation. The biggest steel block in the world. Known world. It's reflective surface reflected off the Lime Lights trained on its body. But not enough to reach them. Multiple technicians, operatives, and soldiers were walking around on the walkways around it, standing by and ready to launch. Arcadia walked towards the rail and looked down. That was a long ways. Thankfully, all the ponies here could fly. It's be terrible if they couldn't.

"Alright," Arcadia muttered. Then backed away and turned towards the party. "I was told the steel would be lowered down towards the platform by the sea. Then pushed and pulled into the ship when it arrives. Where is it now?"

Captain Blinding Silver answered, "It's currently preparing to leave. My team is already there boarding and getting situated. I'll be told when they're ready, then I'll go and get settled. I'm just here to let you know, ma'am."

"Alright, well you may want to leave now so we can begin." The Captain saluted, then turned around and made haste towards the doorway. Once out of sight, Arcadia turned around towards the steel and asked anyone listening, "How do we watch?"

Madun walked forward and pointed towards the staircases that rose towards a platform that ringed the space above the steel block. "This is connected to the Observation Ring. We go up and lower down with it, then witness the steel, ship, and everything else from above."

Arcadia nodded then led the team up the stairs, headed for the steel ring. They didn't need to worry about falling or anything, everyone could fly. As they ascended the stairs, Arcadia peered down at the giant block of steel, glistening from the humidity originating from the rain. Then up at the huge mechanics on the side that would lower the steel to the side. Like an elevator, just a few hundred times larger. After a minute long climb, Arcadia's hoof touched the level of the observation ring. The technicians and observers up there saluted and bowed as she walked past, going around the cube towards the front where the ocean side would be. Then sat down and waited, flanked by Madun and everyone else.

Merry sighed then whispered, "They better bring those gems back."

Arcadia nodded in agreement and suggested, "I'll engrave it in their minds so they do. Status on the ship?" A mare wearing a reflective suit with a clipboard zipped over, all business. And nervous.

"I-It should have hit the waters by now ma'am," she quickly responded. "It should be here in a few minutes from the port. And the steel should be lowering in a few seconds."

"Excellent. Thank you." The Mare bowed slightly then shuffled off back to her station. Arcadia's eyes stayed on the waters below, thinking about the results of this. She wanted to be updated on every single thing that happens during the trip. Every  time the ship hit a rock or something, she wanted to know. Before they knew it, the time had arrived.

"Lower the steel!" Somepony yelled. An alarm blared throughout the facility for a few seconds before the loud sound of deep mechanics turning reached their ears. The platform they were on, jolted for a second before it started to descend. Slow, but still lowering. The platform the steel was sitting on wasn't only a platform. It was the tool they were going to use once they landed on the ground below. Directly underneath the steel were the exact same pads they had set up in Equestria. Just on a giant vehicle that will carry it to the ship using large metal tracks directly underneath. Technically, this vehicle had a bunch of engines inside of it. Blazing Fire told Arcadia at the castle one day that it was used in the past when they had to trade large loads, and was hundreds of years old. It looked fine to her.

Soon, they descended into the dark crevices of the cliff this facility was situated on. There were still a bunch of rooms and others inside of it though. Filled with Pserateps operating controls, barking commands, and from a few feet away, bowing when they moved past. Then rose back up and looked at the feeds from the cameras inside the transportation vehicle. Monitoring cords, oil, power supply, and definitely pressure which was off the map. The alarm still blared, sort of annoying Molten Ice a little before the rain returned to their vision. "Will the platform vehicle survive in this weather?" Arcadia asked.

A technician on the side answered, "Yes, ma'am."

"Good." Arcadia spotted a team of military down below, monitoring the steel's progress when the observation ring showed next. The rain was pouring down by this time, but the waves underneath the massive ship that towered over them and the cliff they just lowered down into were calm. Just like in the past week, the ship hadn't changed. Long, big, shiny and slanted steel with a bridge on the very back. As big as two hoofball fields and as tall as the Canterlot Castle. There were more things on the top that made it look fantastic. Well according to the only stallion ruler there. After a few more seconds the machine landed on the ground below, facing the ship's steel side. Someone at the top toggled the controls to unlock the device used to lower it. Then slowly lifted those back up, leaving the machine on the ground.

Arcadia looked up and watched the long and strong steel arms ascend back up into the facility above. Then trained her eyes back on the ship in front of her. The ship blared a strange siren similar to a constantly screaming foal while yellow lights flashed on the top, creating a tense moment. There were two block cutouts on the side facing them that pushed out at the same time slowly. This was definitely a billion shim project. Psera was all about the big stuff anyway. Once it was out, they began to slowly split to the side, forced by cranks and more on the inside so the path wouldn't show on the outside. The inside was big, large enough to fit over three hundred Pserateps. The ponies inside were moving about. Flying left and right as they prepared while the siren blared, the lights danced, and the doors parted. After three minutes, the door was finally done pushing and pulling. Nodding, Arcadia whispered, "So far, so good. Let's move it in."

A guard on the right nodded then lifted up her Comm Block. "Observation to Front Lawn, push it in."

The thick rubber tracks inside the Front Lawn began pulling in slightly with a low sounding rumble while the beams on the top of the ship slowly but quicker than the steel's progress leaned outwards, hanging over the side and onto the land, pushing down hard to balance the craft so the steel could board without hassle. Next, the machine the steel was on roared to life, its engines drowning out any other noise. After a few seconds of observation, it began to creep forward, operated by a group of ponies back inside the hangar above them. Their tense and careful eyes trained on the controls and camera feed of the Front Lawn's dark and metal entrance, filled with steel beams, walkways, lights that brightened it up like a bedroom. They could even see a bathroom that a Pseratep walked out of, sighing in relief. Then glanced their way, gasped, and quickly sped off towards an observation deck.

Ignoring that, the pony behind the controls checked the pressure gauge next to the feed, watching the Pseratopian numbers dance and move drastically while also concentrating on the block's approaching progress. The steel in front of them was over fourteen thousand tons. The machine they were using to move it could only hold sixteen thousand. This was a very important part. Too fast could force the weight inside the metal to shift to one side all of a sudden, adding more weight to the transport vehicle and cause it to collapse. Failing the mission before it even began. Once it was inside the ship, which would be supported by the arms that just went down, it would be safe. As well as in Equestria. This was just the most trickiest part because the machine they were using was very old, and they would have to wait for a while before they could get a new one built. Those blueprints were around there somewhere.

Finally, after a few seconds they reached the point when the machine gradually began to slow. Arcadia and everyone else above bit their lips and watched the bottom of the ship slowly leave their sights, now approaching the... "Moment of truth," Madun whispered. He draped a wing over Arcadia's back, who moved closer, eyes on the approaching ship. The ponies on the ground watching had their wings buzzing lightly in anticipation. The moving platform neared less than a millimeter from the tracks inside the ship. Then everything stopped. Nothing moved, no noise save for the engine inside the Front Lawn and the multiple ones inside the Platform, and the rain hitting the coats of everyone outside.

The mare operating the controls inside gulped loudly. Then timidly let go of the levers and flipped a red switch on the right. The platform let out a bunch of air brakes, blowing wind and air out of its engines and away the fears of the ponies watching. Twilight flopped down and took a big relieving breath. Closed eyes and face to the steel floor. She whispered, "Somepony give that pony a raise. Let's push it in, then I can send the message that it's on its way."



Celestia nearly overslept. So much so that the sun was a little late to peek over the horizon. Only by thirty minutes, no big deal. Right? When Celestia walked into the throne room, she saw Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, and a few military already waiting for her. Walking urgently to her throne, she greeted tiredly, "Morning everypony. I am very sorry for the late rise. It was a tiring week." Celestia sat down on her throne and graced them with her leader-like expression. "Now..."

One of the generals raised his hoof and asked, "Is there an update on the Psera-Equestria Trade Agreement?"

Celestia shook her head and answered, "Not yet. But we are very anxious. I just want our tools ready for cutting. And the Guard on standby. Hopefully we'll get something started this morning."

"Correct, Celestia." They turned to the far side of the throne room where Twilight was standing. Thirteen foot wings trailing the floor behind her decorated with small ornaments. A lot of them that were similar to snowflakes and bells while there were a few Pseratopian objects in there they've never seen before.

Celestia looked around then back to Twilight and asked, "No guard?" Cadance took the initiative to trot over and pull her into a hug. Well, attempt was more like it. Her hooves swept straight through Twilight's body, creating mist and confusing the spell before Arcadia appeared as a whole once again.

Shining stepped over and assumed amusedly, "New spell?"

Arcadia nodded and answered, "I've been working on it for a while. I can go anywhere from the comfort of the castle in Psera. Either at home or in my offices. My office in Cop is much better. Anyway, your package is on the way. The Front Lawn departed the station at seven fourteen this morning. A wet day in Psera, it was cold and raining."

"Another victory?" Luna asked from her throne.

"Another success," Twilight corrected. "A victory implies we are competing, there is no competition. A group from our innovations department is aboard and will help move the steel. It was a very tense and careful moment. It will arrive on Monday. After the trade is closed I can finally focus on tasks here in Psera and raising my family. Because Firehead needs help and I love family."

Cadance smiled and stated, "Nopony knows their child like their mother."

"Exactly. Now on a more serious note..." Arcadia's tone took on a more hard state. Her narrowed eyes trained on Luna and Celestia. "Your nephew on Psera is causing disruption among my ponies. From what I detect, he is using large amounts of magic in Merōl. But every time our soldiers get close he disappears. I would do it myself, but Madun isn't letting me out of his sight anytime soon if he can help it. Psera is really strict on my safety since we announced my pregnancy. If you have any insight on his plans at all, along with a possible destination..."

Celestia shook her head and peeled off her throne, making her way towards Twilight. "We only know he is jealous and wants somepony out of the picture. How and who, we are not sure. I am very sorry that Blueblood is being a pain in your side."

"He has been a pain in my side for the longest, Celestia," Arcadia corrected sternly. "I want him and whatever he plans out of it."

Celestia sighed and shook her head. "Unfortunately, we haven't spoke to him ever since we came to Psera to hear what you had to say to him. Directly after that, he was the first to leave. He hasn't been seen since."

The room bathed in silence while Arcadia stared at Celestia with narrowed eyes for a moment. Then gasped and stomped her hoof, closing her eyes. "My portal," she growled. "That's how he got through. The only way he could have managed to get on Psera that quickly is by magic. It would have taken him a while to get on Psera without it. After I yelled and dismissed him, he turned around and jumped through the portal I had setup for all your leave back inside the Canterlot Throne Room. But I left the portal open for maybe a minute or two while we spoke. He could have slipped through back on Psera without being seen, which is quite easy for a unicorn. He arrived inside my throne room. And I didn't even see him." Arcadia shook her head. She was tired of thinking about that stallion. "No matter. He'll be caught and apprehended under Psera law eventually. Now a little bit of bad news. Sunset Shimmer informed me that the girls from Canterlot High were unfortunately called upon by their own to help with a party and will not be able to help me with mine. So now, I am requesting the assistance of my friends here. And..."

Shining smirked at his sister's nervous face. "Mom and dad?" He asked.

Arcadia blushed and answered, "I-If they want to."

Cadance rolled her eyes. Let it be Twilight to get all nervous. She smiled and stated, "Your mother and father would be delighted to help you out with the festivities. Especially mom."

"I know," Twilight whispered. Then cleared her throat and decided to wrap this meeting up. "Overall, the steel will be here on January 14th, next Monday estimated to be early in the morning. Very early. You will know when it arrives. The unloading process will take a while and the loading process of the gems will also take a while. I wish I could assist with your grass issue, but it will be a long time before I can. I am rooted in Psera at the moment until... You know."

"Until your pregnancy ends?" Cadance guessed.

Arcadia nodded and answered, "Until I give birth. And even then I'll be a mother, Lady in Waiting and Madun is the king of Psera. I cannot just up and go to Equestria when I have a foal to take care of. After the gems are dropped here in Psera at our testing facility, then the case is closed and I can focus on the wedding. Be ready for the craft. The Pserateps here have already been informed. I will be in touch." Arcadia's form literally broke apart into air, dissipating into the form of smoke. Back in Psera, Arcadia's eyes opened and her horn ceased glowing from behind her large glossy wooden desk littered with papers and documents. As well as a photo of her and Madun, situated on the far right corner. The high ceiling held a large chandelier, casting light onto the high walls entirely littered with shelves holding books. The entire wall had nothing but books, both sides with multicolored texts of highly valued information. Some on the laws of Psera, History of Psera, and lineage of Psera. All starting with Narmeelah. Narmeelah.

Arcadia turned around and looked at the giant symbol of Psera behind her on the wall. The middle graced by a perfect mock copy of Narmeelah, large wings spread with her mane splayed out behind her, feathers larger and larger. According to many Pserateps, Arcadia was viewed among them as Narmeelah's descendant. Directly in her main family line. Apparently she is just as strong. It raised a few thoughts in Arcadia's head as she stared. Thoughts better left alone. Thoughts interrupted by two knocks on the door that echoed around the fancy, large, and tall office.

Deciding there were more important tasks, Arcadia sighed and turned back around. Then cleared her throat and sounded off, "Enter!" The door opened and Merry strode in, wearing an elegant golden dress with her eyes closed and muzzle turned up. Apparently the theme for today were big shims, the currency in Psera. Arcadia smirked and leaned on one hoof, eyeing Merry as the door closed behind her, her steps echoing around the room. "Hello, Merry," Arcadia calmly greeted.

"Mmmm, Merry is not present at this time," Merry greeted. She stopped in front of the wooden steps and turned her head. Then ran her hoof through her mane multiple times. "I am... Magnificent Merry, her replacement."

Arcadia had to bite her tongue. "'Magnificent Merry?'" She repeated.

"Yes, that is my name. Be a dear and refrain from wearing it out, yes?"

Rolling her eyes, Arcadia lit her horn and plucked a feather out of her wing. Then placed it in "Magnificent Merry's" Mane. She chuckled and asked, "Why are you here, Merry? I have a lot of work to do."

Merry dropped the act and turned to Arcadia. "Come on, Twilight, you were supposed to run with it! Jeez, you ruin my fun."

Smiling, Arcadia responded, "Sorry, Merry. But I am a little too busy to be having fun." She gestured with a hoof towards the stack of papers on the corner of the desk. Arcadia levitated one over in front of her face and read it aloud. "'Department of Medicine Tax Compromise.' The Department of Health wants to lower taxes. I'm not sure why, it makes no sense. I'll have to get back to it." She grabbed another and read, "'Eventa Events Amendment To Stature Four-Nine-One-Nine .' They want more laws in Eventa regarding certain celebrations. To keep Pserateps from becoming too wild."

Merry immediately nodded and suggested, "Yeah, that'd be a great bill. You know how crazy it becomes in the whole city when a holiday or celebration hits? Let me tell you. Utter. Destruction. I guess this pony—"

"City Hall," Arcadia corrected.

"City Hall? Eventa's City Hall sent that?" Merry asked in astonishment. No way the brains of the party city wanted their inhabitants to turn down their partying. Smiling, Arcadia nodded slowly and hovered the bill closer to Merry to take a look. Sure enough, after only a few seconds of reading, the mayor indeed asked for a bill to tone down the intensity of the parties, with the exceptions of national celebrations.

Arcadia stood up and stated, "At least the ponies of Eventa can get some good night's sleep. There are still foals that have to go to school the next morning and the city's partying can get a little intense. I've seen it happen before and I'm expecting it to happen again on our wedding day." Arcadia turned and walked out from behind her desk to take flight towards one of the bookcases, rummaging around the older texts to look for a certain article. Finding it, she grabbed a slip of paper, a bookmark that was lying on top of the book, then the book itself. Then slid the bookmark into the space where the book was at before. She didn't want it to mess up her organized system.

Landing softly on the floor facing Merry, she theorized, "Since their partying is a little intense, I'm pretty sure there is a law in here about it not being legal to party that hard after a certain time."

Merry shrugged then placed the bill proposal back down on her desk. She turned to Arcadia and responded quietly, "Well I've never heard of it."

Ignoring that, Arcadia rapidly muttered something to herself while the pages turned. Then suddenly lowered the book down and jabbed at a certain line. "Ah ha! It reads, 'For Pserateps who inhabit Eventa, all celebrations, included but not limited to birthday gatherings, civil gatherings,' or what is called a block party back in Equestria, 'organizational gatherings, monumental gatherings, national celebrations must conclude at eleven o'clock in the evening.' That is law A1 dash one nine one one dash twenty-six dash zero six. This law was created in seventeen eleven, a very long time ago. Somepony's been letting this slide. I'll schedule the mayor to meet with me in the throne room soon. It is nice to celebrate, but it's still not good to stay up that late, others have to go to work and school the next morning and need their rest. Consideration is important."

Merry smiled as Arcadia made her way back to her seat to send orders to Gardeen. She was somewhere walking the halls in the castle handling business.



Calm blue seas were the life and blood of the Front Lawn as it moved effortlessly through the waters. The Sun's rays shone directly on the steel surfaces of not only the massive carrier, emblazoned with the Crest of Psera on the sides of the hull.  Packed tight with Aqua Guard, Elite, Elite Guard, and a few from Serl. At this moment, the craft pushed through wave after wave of water. Watched over by the security above. The Aerial Guard were above, accompanied by one another flying at the same speed as the Aquatas. So far, they had gone two hundred miles off the coast of Psera. Non-stop. Captain Silver stared at the blue seas on the other side of the glass beyond the ship's hull. Shining with the sun while others behind him worked controls and communication.

Every now and then, a transmission would come in from Psera. Requesting an update on their position and status. Two hundred miles off the coast of Psera. Three. Four. Equestria in sight as a dim blip on the night's horizon, visible to the Captain's eyes as he peered through a powerful Serl-issued telescope. The Guard around him stood to attention when he turned around. Then ordered, "I want a transmission sent to the Psera-Equestria Trade Facility and her highness now. Let them know... The package has arrived."



Sunset managed to convince her friends from school to come back to Equestria when the due date for the steel closed in. The Princesses, Guards, and pretty much all of Equestria were on dancing hooves as the day neared. So much so they could barely sleep. Like Rarity when a huge deal closes in at the mall in Canterlot City. Sunset barely could, tossing and turning in the tent she shared with her six friends while the Princesses slept in a large one on the left of them. Then Twilight's friends on the far side of them. All sleeping peacefully with the thousands of other ponies in the dark camp. Twitching wings, snores, mumbles.

Until an extremely loud alarm blared throughout the entirety of Las Pegasus all the way to Cloudsdale. Sunset screamed and woke up immediately just like everyone else. Rainbow Dash with Sunset flapped her wings and yelled, "What's going on?! What's happening?!"

The rest of the camp were peeking out their tents, looking around and yelling at the same time the beacon beams began flashing violet. On. Off. On. Off. Then the Elite Guard and a few Aqua Guard ran out of their tents towards the facility. Bright Gold and the rest of the team walked up the stations' stairs towards the observation ring, destination for the box serving as the control station. Bright Gold stepped over the box and looked at the screens when a loud roar sounded overhead, accompanied by flashes of the Aerial Guard.

Celestia asked from in front of the shared tent, "What is happening?" The others sadly couldn't tell her.

Bright Gold grabbed a comm block and hoisted it up to her mouth when another Pseratep cut the alarm, leaving the lights. "Equestria to Front Lawn, what's your status?" She asked.

"Captain Silver of the Front Lawn to Equestria. We're three miles out and coming in fast. Requesting skybeams."

Bright Gold nodded and responded, "Ten-four. Someone turn on the skybeams! Can you brighten your sky, Front Lawn?"

"We're waiting for the Aerial Guard to give us the clear."

"Understood." Bright Gold turned to a random Pseratep and told them to take over. Then soared off the floor for the curious ponies below. She landed a few feet away from Princess Celestia with a smile.

Celestia asked tiredly, "What is going on?"

"...it's here."

The Princesses gasped before Cadance repeated, "It's here?!"

"Yes, the Front Lawn has arrived." The Aerial Guard flew right back over, brightened by the sky beam before flying back into the darkness. Bright Gold lifted her wrist and ordered, "Flash the Beacon Beams!"

The beams on Equestria's land that were turning on and off glowed in a far left-to-right pattern. Directing where the Carrier should pull in from while the dock glowed violet, highlighting the tracks. Captain Silver's voice poked through the block once more. "Ten-four, our eyes on the prize. Lighting the sky." After a few seconds, the sky over Las Pegasus turned white, turning night to day. In the distance at sea, Celestia could make out something huge. Something big sitting on the water with a lot of dots over it heading for Equestria. As well as two slightly smaller ones on its left and right before the light dimmed. Then flashed again and dimmed once more. After a few seconds something soared overhead, creating another roar.

Bright Gold turned back to the Princesses and stated, "It will take them a few minutes to get here. They have to get in the path for the intake. Then we'll go through the process at ten so we can see better. Sorry for disturbing your sleep."

After a quick yawn, Celestia smacked her lips and responded, "It's alright. This is a good reason."

Bright Gold nodded and lifted her wrist. "Bright Gold To Observation Ring. Do we have a shared feed of the steel?"

A mare on the floor looked at the feed above the controls on the dashboard setup in front of her. Then shook her head and responded, "Not yet, too far out. I'll give it two more minutes before we get a good one."

"Alright. Celestia, we'll be able to get the steel down at around nine, it depends on when the sun rises. We want to be able to get a good clear eye today."

Celestia hummed and stated, "Well the sun is scheduled to peak out from the horizon at six o' seven."

"Then we'll begin at that time. Hopefully the cold won't mess with anything. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."

Cadance stepped forward and asked, "Is there anyway for the noise to... Quiet a little?"

"Well there's a huge chunk of metal coming onto the land, a bunch of lights for the docking, and a bunch of heavy powered engines ready to take on a fourteen thousand ton of metal, and an Aquata that has loud engines and a blow-back system for braking. I'm afraid not, Princess."

Bright Gold's Comm Block buzzed before a mare reported, "We have our eyes on the steel. The feed just came in. She's a beaut."

"Would you like to see the steel?" Bright Gold offered to the Princesses.

Celestia nodded and answered, "Yes, please!" Bright Gold turned around and led them through the line of security, making way across the cold hard dirt for the steel facility. There were a few boxes on the ground that they walked around while making their way for the yellow steel stairs, brightly lit by the bright lights casting down, lighting up the property. They walked up one flight, then another, and finally the last before Bright Gold led them towards the observation booth that had two technicians standing in front of it. They stepped away so they could get a good view from the monitors setup in front of them. There were three angles of the inside of the craft's hangar. Lights were casting down onto a large block of steel, the entire area filled with activity of walking and flying Pserateps wearing yellow hard hats, helmets, and full on military gear. But those ponies were like newborn puppies are to Celestia as they were to that huge shining steel mass.

Celestia gasped silently with her niece and sister. Then gestured to it and asked, "Is that the steel?"

Bright Gold nodded and answered, "Yes, it is. It was a hassle getting it on board, but we did."

"Front Lawn to Facility, we're pulling in now," Captain Silver reported before a loud and deep horn resonated across the land, originating from the ocean.

Bright Gold lifted her hoof to her mouth and responded, "Ten-four." Then reached towards one of the controls and twisted a knob. A pair of bright dots on the ground that formed two vertical lines leading into the water glowed bright yellow, adding even more lights before the horn sounded off from their left. Changing their gazes, anyone on the land's mouth slowly parted when the light's hit the craft. It. Was. Huge. Towering high over the facility and everything else out there as it moved slowly towards the line of lights, revealing more and more of its body. Sunset's disbelieving eyes were trained on the Crest of Psera as it slowed into view.

"Toggling Blow-Back." The Aquata honked again before the water in front of it literally exploded in front of them, flying out towards the right in humongous amounts while the Aquata slowed noticeably, eventually coming to a stop with its gates directly in front of the line of lights, and the horizontal pulley that will drag the steel in. "Sending the message to Secretary Manny, King Shimmering Madun, Lady Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, and Her Majesty Molten Ice that the Front Lawn has docked in Equestria. And that we are unloading at Sunrise."

"I'm already here," a tired voice said from the right. Everyone on the Observation Ring turned their heads to that area. Twilight was sitting down with a tired smile, eyes on the ship. "Well, I'm still in Psera. But I'm here too. I'm too tired to explain it. Sunset sent a message and told me it had arrived. Great work, everyone. Once the steel is on the land and the gems on the Aquata, the mission is complete. Equestria can begin to rebuild, which will indubitably take months. But I have faith that Equestria will manage. Her message gave me an excellent opportunity to leave the bed and go to the kitchen for some peaches with cottage cheese. Have you ever tasted them?"

Celestia and Luna calmly shook their heads while Cadance nodded eagerly and answered, "I had that when I was pregnant with Flurry Heart. It comforted me during late night activities."

Twilight nodded and stated, "Merry's having some too. The Wedding dress is amazing, I love it. I can't wait to show you in March. Anyway, Bright Gold?" Bright Gold immediately zipped over and saluted. "When is the steel due to drop?"

"Six o' seven, your highness," she answered. "We're going to need some light." Arcadia nodded then yawned once more. "If I may your highness, it's best if you get some rest. It's not good for the foal if you stay up too late."

Arcadia nodded and answered, "Yes, I can hear Madun tossing and turning in there. He worries. Update me when the Aquata has finally dropped off the steel, then again when the Aquata is leaving port. Record the time it departs and let me know that as well."

"Yes, ma'am." Bright Gold and the other Pserateps bowed to her before Arcadia turned to Celestia and Luna.

"Try to get some rest," she instructed. "Because those gems aren't going to move themselves. Once it's aboard that ship, the difficult part is over. Afterwards, you let nature run its course. Goodnight, everypony."

Twilight's form once again dissipated from view. Back in Psera, in the Royal Suite's kitchen, Arcadia slipped back into her conscious mind state, her eyes locking in on the bowl of strange peaches. She could still hear Madun in there mumbling and groaning. Saying things that she couldn't decipher in his sleep. He'll be fine. Using her magic, she picked up her spoon and went back to eating her late night snack. The Trade was almost complete. Then they can move on. Move on with new beginnings. Starting with the wedding.
> Chapter 41 - Wedding Arc Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the gems arrived three days later at the base in Lavender, Arcadia knew it was finally over. The Royalty of Psera were at the Aquata Station in Lavender this morning with the cool wind. Right there by the ocean with their eyes on the ship pulling back into the locks with the others. A platoon of military were around, watching it in a calm fashion as it slowed to a stop next to them. Once it did, the pod that had a mobile walkway moved forward and pressed it to a large steel door near the side. After a few seconds, the door pushed open and a bunch of soldiers filed out, obviously tired from the week at sea. According to an executive at Serl, they had already deposited the gems at Serl two days before it got to this point. Thus closing the trade agreement, and starting a new task.

Preparing for the Psera Royal Wedding. It was still January, plenty of time since the wedding was in March. Back in Equestria, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were relaying Twilight's news to Night Light and Velvet. The both of them were very excited to help, and Flurry "couldn't wait to put a sunflower in Aunt Twilight's hair". Of course there were rules, but all of that could be addressed later. Arcadia had to say something proud to the Soldiers getting off the ship. The waves crashing against the shore of the automatic ports reached her ears. The smell of the salt water wafted up to her muzzle. Her eyes eyeing the soldiers with an intense gaze of deep violet. They were beginning to gather in front of the busy base behind the station in a large group, eyes and attention on her and ignoring the pods and more behind them moving past.

After a few more minutes, she stepped forward with a proud grin. "Thank you everyone for risking your lives to ensure we obtained these gems and Equestria their steel! The agreement has been closed and Psera can now move on to better things!"

"Like the wedding, WHOO!!" The rest of them cheered with that one pony in the back, striking into an applause and whistling.

Arcadia and Madun blushed and waved kindly at the crowd before they became quiet one more. "Yes, like the wedding," Arcadia agreed. "We get married on March Ninth and are preparing for our first child afterwards. I can't wait to begin a new family. But for now, I just wanted to recognize all our brave mares and stallions who risked their lives at sea. Thank you very much, I am very grateful. That is all I have to say. Enjoy your week off."

The soldiers all bowed before shuffling away to do whatever while Arcadia turned and headed back to the Royals. They looked pleased with her statement. Molten Ice sighed and whispered, "You will make a great queen, Lady Arcadia, I can see that now."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Twilight responded. She walked with the rest of them towards the Royal Chariots on the side, ready to go and head back to Cop. Twilight had scheduled for one day off each week to get ready for her wedding coming up. Today she was going to try on her dress with Merry, Gardeen, her mother, and Cadance. Flurry Heart will come along too. Oh, and Molten Ice. Can't forget the Great Queen of Psera attending a Royal Wedding.

Twilight was beyond excited she and Equestria had gotten over their conflict. As well as the fact that Psera was willing to possibly continue trading with them in the future. It was a possibility that was open for discussion with the Congress. Not the senate, but the Congress. It was going to be an intense debate.

But while Twilight got comfortable next to her fiance, her thoughts changed from excitement to worry. Her signature smile dropped into her standard thoughtful one. Blueblood still has not been found on Psera. But Twilight knew he was there somewhere. She could feel him using large quantities of magic and it worried her greatly. What he was doing with large sums of magic on a land without that type of magic was troubling enough as it is. But a crazy stallion using it? He obviously didn't like Madun. But was he a target? Blueblood was crazy enough to go after anyone.

"Stop thinking about it," Twilight whispered to herself. "You'll be fine, he won't ruin your special time."

She took a deep breath and put her mind on other things. Like the fact that her friend and assistant Gardeen was taking Light Pink to the wedding with her as a date! That was something she wasn't expecting. Arcadia still remembered that conversation.


Yesterday, Noon-ish


Arcadia sighed and placed another document to the side of her wooden desk back inside her large office in the COTG. The floors were carpeted dark brown with a small bookcase on the right, and a refreshment area on the left. A single wooden desk with a few pictures on the left edge, a stack of three books on the right edge, and a stack of papers in front of Twilight. All in all, the room was pretty plain with only a few adornments. But she had to start small with a single couch, a dining table, and another table where she can hold her meetings and calls. Gardeen seemed to be the only friendly visitor.

Twilight lifted another document from her daily deposit of work and sighed at the type of form. 19-A. Another pony asking for land. Why doesn't anyone go to the Mayor's office anymore? That doesn't make a lot of sense to ask a Queen for land in a different city. It's not like they were building a military base or a new Serl location... Right?

She couldn't ponder it further when someone knocked on her door. She glanced up past her sheet and ordered, "Come in!"

Gardeen opened the door and accepted the invitation with her saddlebags. She must have completed the trip to Rayray, Arcadia thought. Smiling, she greeted, "Hello, Gardeen. How was it?"

"He was ignorant," Gardeen responded in the most blandest voice she could. Once the door was closed, she took a seat in front of Arcadia's desk and huffed. "He kept asking about the update on the status of land. Why do ponies want land so badly all of a sudden? It wasn't like that before."

Arcadia chortled and explained, "Well since we just brought a bunch of gems over from Equestria, everyone here is going to want to buy some, modify them somehow once Serl figures it out, then sell them. The Elite Class is going to anyway. They want to create businesses with stores. And they need property."

"Ah, okay," Gardeen whispered. "Seems a little too early though, right?"

Arcadia shrugged and responded, "They don't care. That's why they keep asking me about buying the land. Once again?" Arcadia used her magic to grab one, two... Thirty sheets from the pile, shaving off one third of the stacks and dropping them into a stack on the floor. "Go see the Mayor's Office. But enough about my struggles. How are you... And Pink?" Arcadia added that last bit with a wink.

Gardeen flushed and answered, "W-Well... We went out to eat again, but she keeps dodging the question everytime I ask if this is a date."

Arcadia gasped and fawned, "Awww, that's so shy of her. She acts like one of my friends in Equestria. Fluttershy. Except Light Pink actually talks at full volume."

"Yeah. Well since she wasn't going to ask, I decided to do it for her. I asked her on a date."

Arcadia was taken back. And a little confused. "But... I thought you said you didn't like mares."

Gardeen shook her head and clarified, "I don't like romantic relationships."

"So you made up your mind then," Arcadia assumed. Then leaned back in her chair, kicked her hooves up on her desk and sighed. Gardeen looked her up and down before she explained. "I won't be able to do this in the future, Gardeen. Let me have this one."

"Yeah, that round belly's going to stick out like a rubber ball and look weird in that chair." A pencil hit her forehead while they laughed.

"Oh stop, I won't be that noticeable... I think. Anyway, what did Pink say?"

Gardeen rubbed the spot where the pencil hit and answered, "She squealed really loud first, tackled me in a hug second, then quietly answered 'yes' directly afterwards. Our date's next week. I'm planning on taking her to your wedding as a date too."

Arcadia glanced to the side awkwardly. Then locked onto Gardeen and asked, "To my wedding as a... Date?"

Ah, right! Sometimes she forgets Arcadia isn't from Psera. It's just been so long. Gardeen quickly backpedaled and explained, "Well let me explain. Weddings on Psera are a little different, as I'm sure you already know. A wedding here is viewed as a symbol of love, comfort, and loyalty. So even if this weren't a Royal Wedding, it would still be viewed as a wedding with a bunch couples and more. So don't be alarmed, I'm not going to be the only pony there bringing a date, I promise you. I know it may seem strange and a little offensive, but that's just the way things work here on Psera."

Arcadia pursed her lips and blinked the strangeness away. "Well... Alright. I just don't want my wedding being viewed as just some sort of event."

Gardeen shook her head and answered, "It's not. Just symbolism. As a matter of fact, when you two kiss, many other couples will at the same time. I promise."


Present Day and Time


Although Arcadia was still a little skeptical, she trusted in Madun to make sure that wasn't the issue. He backed Gardeen up with the fact that that was the reason so much news were covering the event in Psera. Because it was like an "out of the blue love-thing," as Merry put it when she asked her next. Arcadia wasn't sure she liked the thought of it being a publicized event, but ran with it anyway.

After a few more minutes, the chariot Arcadia and Madun were soaring over Pser in landed back down in front of the Castle in Cop, ready to relax and take it easy. Well Arcadia was. Madun had something else going on she believed.

Thanks to a week of rain, the concrete underneath their hooves were wet and cool when they stepped out of the chariot and into the fullness of the hot sun, smiling at the landscape. Because the rain backed them up, many Pserateps were out and about getting things done that they couldn't while trapped underneath roofs and falling water. A regular day as usual. Long-winged Pegasi soaring over and through the tall skyscrapers that made up Cop. Pods passing by that beeped to the King and his beloved Queen.

While they were led up to the door, Merry shimmied up Arcadia's side and sang, "Almost here~!"

Arcadia awkwardly glanced to her and asked, "Er... What is?"

"Your wedding! Oh, and the moment when you try on the dress so I can make modifications!" She turned to Madun and scolded, "No peeking! Sorry, I'm stealing your wife for the day!" He couldn't respond since she turned back to Arcadia and whispered, "Mommy and daddy?" The guard ahead opened the door and saluted when they walked in, heading towards the Elevator.

Arcadia shook her head and answered, "Just mom, Cadance, possibly Flurry, Molten, and you. Nopony else is looking at me in my dress. Firehead will have to wait until the wedding." She heard Madun grumble something beside her that was quickly rectified when Arcadia leaned up and nuzzled him under his chin when they entered the Elevator.

"Oh please!" Merry cried. "King Butt will be just fine, he can relax for a bit. Drink some orange juice."

Madun rolled his eyes and stated, "Merry, Orange Juice is your thing."

"Fine. Prune Juice."

"Juice in general is your thing. I think I'll take this day off to work. Probably check on Serl for Twilight." The doors for the elevator parted, letting them off onto the Royal Floor where the Throne Rooms, Bedrooms, and Offices were located. They were nearly empty right now because everyone were in their offices or had left to go to work. Arcadia could already hear the scribbling of pens on paper as they moved down the hall. They were nowhere near the offices yet. And Merry wasn't letting her go that way either. Or Molten Ice.

The Great Queen laid a wing over her son's back and said, "We're taking your fiancee to Merry's to get some adjustments and such. If the Equestrians show up, have the Guard direct them to Merry's suite."

Arcadia leaned up and pecked his lips then allowed Merry to guide her to the left, leaving Madun standing there alone with the guard. He barely got a say in. So he settled with a sigh and continued walking with the guard towards the Suite. This gave him ample time to get an update. Without taking his eyes off the hall in front of him, he requested, "I want an update on the Rogue Unicorn."

A female guard on the right answered to his request. "Arcadia reports sensing large amounts of magic being used in Merōl. But each time one of our guards get close, the pony is gone. But we know for a fact sir that he is plotting something dangerous because there are large burn marks in the area where he was presumed to be. He knows we know."

Madun hummed silently with straight eyebrows. "I want this pony found. If you spot him, dhoot him. A large scorch mark means intended violence if present at every single location he is detected. I know for a fact teleportation doesn't leave those. Let Secretary Manny know I want him shot and apprehended if you spot him."

"Yes, sir."



Blueblood had to admit, this was a really nice place to hide in. Merōl. A town full of big warehouses and facilities that made Equestria look bad. Apparently, there was talk about gems somewhere on this land. He really wanted to go check that out. But had a little issue on his hooves. Getting back to Equestria. He got here by a portal from Twilight. So the only way to get back was through Twilight. And those Guards securing that castle she resides at weren't letting anyone past. He was also very aware that Twilight could sense his magic, which was why he kept leaving each time he practiced on this spell that involved a Crossbow and arrows. These ponies had a weakness to magic. He would use that weakness well.

But for right now, Blueblood had to think about how to get to a city called Eventa as he walked invisible through Merōl's quiet residential area, full of green grass and "modern homes". No trees in sight or tall grass. Everything was spread out, and the sun was hitting him directly on the back of his white coat while he walked up this large hill looking over Merōl below. According to words that reached his ears, the wedding was being held in a building called Events at Eventa. A historical landmark. Some pony said it was a city inside a city.

"Yeah, right," he muttered. Canterlot is a city inside a city. Not this Events at Eventa. Not in his mind. He needed to get there as soon as possible. But where was it?

A little walk towards a store and a teleport inside was his next stop. It was busy with Pserateps grabbing supplies and whatnot for activities he didn't care about. He was more focused on the display screen hanging above him he spotted outside through the fruit he was ducking behind when a "Pod", as they called them moved past, packed with four of those guards that had on way too much black gear bearing the term ELITE on the front in basic white font. Same on the sides.

Above his position, a newscaster was on the screen doing a report on the "Wedding of the Century between Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle and King Madun." They were reporting on where to go and the best times to leave the cities based on distance away from Psera and weather forecasts. From Cop it was... One hundred miles?!!

Blueblood nearly lost focus on his invisibility spell but managed to bring it in. The reporter stated, "If you are in Merōl, you are three hundred sixteen miles away from Eventa. So your best bet would be to leave one week before the wedding on March Ninth! Be ready for some traffic though! Citizens from all over the country will gather under one roof, one stadium, to witness the happiness of our saviour, Arcadia! The rise of a new Queen!"

Blueblood had heard enough. He needed to get to Eventa. But how? Humming, Blueblood turned and anxiously walked back out the door into the patched sunlight, nearly bumping into a Pseratep foal playing with some type of toy with his mother. Blueblood needed a plan. A good one.



The sunlight shone bright onto the garden in front of the Royal Suite through a high window in the roof of the Castle of the Gods, accelerated by mirrors on the tunnel it blares through. It highlighted the gold plating of the Royal Guard standing at post and watching Madun as he watered the flowers, tending to the miniature park there. Everyone all over Psera knew Madun had a soft side for nature. It was no surprise to see him planting seeds, creating a bench or some other hardware in the engineering room. He had a team of ponies that could do it for him, but he insisted on doing it himself to "gain strength and character." These flowers needed watering. He had a filly—COLT! He had a colt on the way. It was definitely a colt. No filly, a colt.

Madun stopped raking and closed his eyes, sighing in an emotion he hasn't felt for awhile. Nervousness. He's always been calm and collected. Anticipating the next step and anything else. But recent events were telling him anticipation was not in the cards. He pushed the rake to the side and looked up at the sunroof, instantly regretting that decision. He quickly rubbed his eyes when the Comm Blocks in the facility blared off, reporting of an arrival in the Hive's Independant Portal Room, the location for Arcadia's Independent Portal for Equestria. Madun groaned and waved towards them. "Direct them to Merry's," he ordered.

One of the Guards nodded and did as asked while another left their post to approach him. She was concerned for his state of mind. Especially after watching him tend to his beloved garden. "My King," she whispered. "Are you alright?"

Madun sighed and answered, "Just... Just nervous to be honest."

"Marriage jitters?"

"Marriage jitters, coronation jitters, and.... Father jitters."

She nodded and made a motion, requesting to take a seat. He shrugged and continued to plant a few more seeds while she took a seat on the marble floor. "I know how you are feeling. Not the coronation, but the marriage and foal bit. Having a child can be a very... Trying moment. The time leading up to it is like waiting for a hurricane to approach. You know it's coming, but you don't know what's going to happen when it does. I've been there. I have a husband and a son and daughter. The day I got married was very nervous. But then I learned my husband... He was nervous too. But he told me something that made me feel secure and safe."

Madun set down the bag of seeds and asked, "What was it?"

"He said that devotion is always a scary thing. Having a family on your own is a scary thing. But the truth is... You are never truly alone. All around, you have others who have been through the same thing you're feeling so I asked them for help. Most of the time, my friends would take me out, get me to have some fun. Things of that nature. Have some time off. I know Arcadia is if she's around Princess Merry." Madun couldn't argue with that.



Arcadia stood in the middle of Merry's way too extravagant suite, wearing the golden diamond studded tiara in front of Molten Ice, Merry, and Gardeen. They were sitting on the couch, she as standing up in front of them as "eye candy," as Mery called it. Molten Ice was calmly sipping a cup of tea, eyeing Arcadia as she turned. She raised her head out of the cup and stated, "I believe it is time we moved on to the main event, don't you think Arcadia?"

Arcadia dropped the pose and nodded. But Merry was resilient. She shook her head and answered, "Nope, uh uh! Not until momma comes out and—" Someone interrupted Merry on the outside of the door by knocking on it. Everyone turned towards it when they did and Merry yelled, "Who is it?"

"Elite, ma'am," a guard on the other side answered. "Visitors from Equestria have arrived." Twilight Velvet was carrying Flurry on her back while Cadance was waiting for it to open.

Merry squeaked and quickly bolted towards the box holding the dress and opened it up. "Quick, grab it," she ordered to Arcadia. Using her magic, she did before Merry unceremoniously pushed her towards the library, out of sight and out of mind. "Mom, open the door."

Seriously? Molten rolled her eyes and yelled, "Enter!" The Guard outside pushed it open, revealing Merry's lavish suite and the light coming through the ceiling to the female family of Twilight. Molten smiled and waved. "Welcome! Come in, please. Merry has been waiting for you to arrive so she can whisk her to the back and finally apply final adjustments."

Arcadia's voice poked in when she stated, "It's been driving me crazy. Ow! Merry!"

"Hold still, Lady in Waiting, I have to apply this final stitching," Merry retorted.

Cadance chuckled while Flurry jumped off her grandmother's back and up to Molten Ice. With a cute grin, she waved and greeted, "Hi! I'm Flurry!"

Molten chuckled and greeted, "I know, we've met before. I'm Queen Molten Ice, former Queen of Psera for over two thousand years." Cadance and Twilight Velvet were speechless while Flurry tried to wrap her tiny little head around it.

She settled with, "Nuh uh, that's not a number! Let me guess, you ruled this planet for two years!" Merry spat out in laughter in the library, guffawing in tears while Arcadia tried her hardest not to.

Cadance came to Molten's rescue and stated sweetly, "No, sweetheart, do you know how old Aunt Celestia is?"

Flurry shook her head and answered, "No."

"Celestia is older than her."

"Since we're comparing ages..." Twilight poked her head out from behind the wall separating the library from the living room. "Dad has a birthday coming up. What are you going to do for Grandpa's birthday, Flurry?"

"Oh! Oh! Hi, Aunt Twilight!" Flurry quickly scampered over to the wall and ducked behind it. "Oh, what is this?! You look so pretty!"

Merry chuckled and made it known, "Looks like you got the approval of cute and tiny niece!"

"Ack! Flurry!" Flurry was wrapped up in a violet glow and teleported back to the couch, blinking away tiny spots. "You weren't supposed to see yet!"

"Actually, we're done, you can walk out now."

"Really?"

"Yeah, girl. Go for it." Merry walked out from behind the wall and faced the others. She stopped in front of the wall and cleared her throat before yelling, "Presenting before all of Psera, the bride! Bring her forth!" While Merry pretended to play some fanfare, Twilight slowly stalked out from behind the wall mildly lushing and making her way into the living room with long wings trailing the floor behind her underneath the long silky trail of the dress. Her face was lightly hidden behind a recently added white veil, topped off with a silver diamond riddled tiara.

Twilight Velvet, Cadance, Molten Ice, and Flurry gasped before Velvet squealed and looked around for a camera. "Oh my goodness! My little filly is so beautiful, oh look at the colors! Gold, white and purple! Ah, I wish I had a camera!"

Cadance strode forward and circled twilight with a proud grin when she stopped in the middle of the room. "You are truly magnificent, Twilight. Oh, I can't wait to see you... Walk the... aisle?" Twilight Velvet and Cadance shared a look and a shrug. They had no idea how it was supposed to work.

Merry walked towards the couch to get a better look and corrected, "Royal Weddings require Chariots. Madun rides in first when the host yells, 'Bring forth the Groom.' The ponies cheer, the deep music plays, the chariot rides all the way to the stage for five miles while the Bride is prepared on her own. When he reaches it, the king jumps off and takes his space in front of his Ushers and Stallion of Honor.

"Once a few words are said by the host about the Groom, he calls, 'Bring forth the Bride. That's an important one. While Arcadia rides in on a much longer chariot, pages are in the rear of it, holding the train of this dress, because Arcadia's wings are really long. Once she reaches the stage, the steps are lowered at the front, then she is led up to take her place in front of her Bridesmaids and Best Mare. After a few more words are said about her, the host asks for the vows. The groom goes first, then the bride second. That's the second most important part. Then the host asks for the ring. Somepony that you decide on—"

"Me, me!" Flurry interrupted. She jumped up and down in place with a waving hoof. "Oh! Pick me, aunt Twilight! Me!"

Arcadia silently laughed and replied, "We'll see Flurry."

Merry continued, "The pony chosen walks out with the ring necklaces. The exact same one she has on. Sorry, Lady, you have to take it off on your wedding day so it can go in the box and we can put it back on again. The stallion puts it around the Groom's neck then around the bride's. Then the host says you kiss the Bride, boom. You're married!"

Merry pulled a bouquet of roses from somewhere and tossed them to Arcadia, which she caught with her magic. That immediately reminded her. "Oh, and please, I beg you, PLEASE!! Don't throw the bouquet. It'll be pure chaos."

"Oh yeah, no, don't," Molten backed up. "There will be thousands of couples underneath that one roof, you've seen how many when you first came here. All those fillies going straight for that itty, bitty, tiny bouquet of flowers. Utter. Chaos. Like a wild party. Try to refrain from throwing it."

Arcadia grinned sweetly and walked around in her dress. "I wasn't planning on it. How do I look? Do you think Madun will like it?"

Cadance fawned and answered, "His eyes are going to bug out. He'll never want the moment to stop." Arcadia blushed while Merry poked back in.

"Wait until you see Madun's suit! Arcadia's going to guu—uuh, I almost forgot there was a little filly in here, how are you sweetheart?"

Flurry pointed up at her and asked, "You talk funny."

"Oh, girl you don't have to tell me twice, I know I do. Blazing loves it."

Merry flipped her hair around while Arcadia laughed and stated, "Blazing's never around when I visit. Why is that?"

Merry stood back up and walked over to look at the dress. "Well Blazing is at you-know-where, gazing at the stars or something. All you eggheads are so... Nerdy. Lady Arcadia is an exception." Twilight rolled her eyes at the same time Merry winked. "I'm just waiting for Madun to become a little obsessed with science next because his wife is into it. Then his foal gets into it. And can I just be honest and say I'm a little nervous about becoming a mother." Merry straightened out the trail and stepped back to look it over. "Should the dress have more lace?"

Cadance shook her head and answered, "It looks beautiful. And don't worry about becoming a mother yet, you two. Wait until the final month. In the meantime, worry about taking it easy."

Molten added from the couch, "And about how hard you're hitting your spouses." The three by the couch snickered at fond memories.

"When I was pregnant with little Flurry Heart," Cadance recalled. "Your brother was doing everything to be near when he was needed and away when he wasn't. The Guards would always say that he was out handling something at the office, but I knew for a fact he was hiding. Because in my final two months he stuck around."

Twilight Velvet said, "Now when I was pregnant with you dear, I was... I don't know how to put it." She looked up to the ceiling to think deeply. "I was... extra, I guess. Doing things that didn't really need to be done. I was constantly active. So the best thing to tell your spouses would be to... Hide."

The adult mares all laughed while Flurry between her mother's hooves tried to figure out what pregnancy was. In the end she just decided to stay quiet and admire the really pretty dress in front of her.



"Two floors... Another two floors..." Blueblood sighed and groaned tiredly as me moved unseen throughout the town of Merōl by creeping through the residential district. Many of the homes had two floors, something rarely seen in Equestria if at all. The lawns were clean and had a few relaxation items. Lawn Chairs, grills, all kinds of nice things. Equestria didn't have most of this. Another reason why Twilight had to help them instead of these ponies.

"Hello, neighbor!" Blueblood froze and turned to the left side of the street at a Pseratep male wearing a business suit and holding a suitcase, waving to a home across the street.

Another male with a bunch of construction wear was stepping out of his house with his wings raised, possibly about to take to the air. Taken back a little bit, the Pseratep stopped and waved back. "Good morning! How are you?"

"Uggh!" He groaned. Then pretended to wipe sweat off his face. "Tired already. Heading to the factory?"

"Yep, more material needed for the spring comin' up after the snow falls. Heading to Skies North?"

"Yep." He patted the side of his suitcase and decreed, "Managing the mall isn't going to do much this time of year, but it still needs to be done. You goin' to the wedding?"

"Yessir. I'm taking an early Radwood out of here tomorrow." Wait, Early Radwood? Blueblood trained his ear harder on their conversation. "The moment Lady Arcadia and King Madun released the wedding date, the Bureau of Transportation setup Radwoods all over the nation to travel straight to Eventa. I'm taking the first one out of here tomorrow and using my vacation time to bring my wife and son. Just to show how much I love them."

"Really?" The other asked. "Where can I get tickets?"

The construction worker shook his head and answered, "No tickets right now, which is why I'm taking the early Radwood tomorrow. The first ones out are free, then after that there are tickets. The one I'm taking is at the Radwood station by the mine." Blueblood hummed. That could be his transportation straight to Eventa. Those were a lot of miles and he had to get there. Whatever these Radwoods were they could possibly get him to the area faster.

He knew where the mines for the city of Merōl were, he's passed the entrance multiple times. Now he just had to locate a Radwood. Turning around, Blueblood shuffled off with all his things. Crossbow and arrows. He just needed to get into Eventa.



"Pancakes!!!"

Rarity jumped out of her throne inside Twilight's old Equestrian castle from Pinkie's sudden yell in her ear. Pinkie tossed a platter of pancakes onto the middle of the Cutie Map back in Twilight's old castle. The rest of the Element Bearers watched it drop down into the middle before reaching out to grab a few. Satisfied, Pinkie hopped onto her own thrown and dug into the plate already setup. While they ate, Applejack glanced to the only chair unoccupied. Twilight's. There even seemed to be a little dust on it.

Concerned, she swallowed her food and asked, "Is anypony else worried about the fact that if trouble does stir up that Twilight won't be around to help?"

Everyone stopped eating and turned to the throne. The chair looked extremely daunting without someone in it. Something Spike made known.

"It looks weird like that," he whispered sadly. "The leader of pretty much everything is leading somewhere else."

Rarity sighed and suggested, "Well the least we can do is make sure her wedding is top notch. Right girls?"

The table erupted into cheers before ideas were passed around. By Pinkie. "I think we should hang up a whole lot of banners! Oh! Or how about so many balloons you can't see where you're going?"

Rainbow Dash raised a hoof out in an attempt to calm her down. "Uhh... Pinkie—"

"Or how about presents, Equestria style! So many presents, you have to open them all to get to the good one."

"Pinkie—"

"Or maybe—"

"Pinkie!" Applejack yelled. Pinkie ceased her rambling. "Maybe we should wait until we're actually back in Events at Eventa to meet up with the ponies chosen before we start making plans, okay? We're headin' up there this mornin' anyway. Hurry up an' eat so we can go."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie pulled her head back then sailed it straight into her pancakes, literally diving in.

Fluttershy commented from the side, "Now everypony? Remember this: Even though Twilight said she forgave us, nothing really locks it in like designing her beautiful wedding and ceremony."

Rainbow proudly added, "The Egghead finally found her stallion. Now let's make it a Happily Ever After!" The rest of the table cheered with her, then quickly engulfed their pancakes so they could start moving.

Swallowing her mouthful, Applejack cleared her throat. "Now from what Sunset told me we'll be meetin' up with a pony named... Gardeen after we're checked in. Never heard of her."

Spike swallowed his own food and clarified, "Gardeen is Twilight's assistant. She came here one time, remember?"

"No, I don't."

"Oh. Well yeah, that's Twilight's assistant over there." Spike stuffed his face once more, forcing a grimace out of Rarity. Then popped out of his chair. "Is everypony ready?"

"Wait!" Pinkie grabbed around ten more pancakes and practically threw them all into her mouth. "Ready!"


~✶~


Besides the regular stop at the Hive in the Castle of the Gods by a Guardspony, the only noise that reached Gardeen's ears were the talk from other ponies down the large and grand hallways. Their voices reflected off the walls fitted with photographs, art, and some statues. The Castle was in fact a very old building, holding years worth of historical artifacts. Including the three pages found in the Legendary Narmeelah's Diary, something everyone on Psera knew existed, but never found. Maybe one day they'd find it. Maybe.

The door to the Hive opened up so Rarity could walk out first and look around with eyes full of curiosity. She raised a hoof to her mouth and whispered, "Oh my, I just realized... How exactly do you navigate this building?" The rest of the mares walked out, flanked by two Elite Guards.

Applejack hummed and answered, "Not... Sure." All the signs were in Old Pseratopian. Navigating this place was next to impossible on their own. No wonder they needed a guide.

Unseen, Gardeen adjusted her badge and calmly trotted her way over from the side with a smile. White coat brushed, mane smooth and bouncy, long wings preened, clipboard in hoof.

"Hi!" She greeted. They all immediately turned their sights to her. "You must be Lady Arcadia's friends. I'm Gardeen, her Official Personal Assistant. I'll be escorting and guiding you to Eventa so you can meet with the King and Lady in Waiting's chosen designers."

"Designers?" Rarity asked. She was confused. And a little surprised. "Wait, I thought she said we were going to be her designers."

"No, no. Lady Arcadia meant that you can put in your own things alongside them. A mix of Equestria and Psera. His highness also agreed to the idea. Now if you'll all follow me, I'll get you on your way."
> Chapter 42 - Wedding Arc Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After that bit of news, Gardeen led them away from the Hive and into the castle halls flanked by two Elite Guards. Gardeen, ahead of them all looked over her shoulder with news on her tongue.

"Her highness is on the throne for most of the day today," she informed them. "Then in her office later. So I'm in charge of the Eventa trip. Just so you know, you're being intensely watched by any guard out here. Nothing personal, you're just foreigners. No flying without authorization, no fanfare..." She looked directly to Pinkie, who smiled sheepishly. "And if you need to go somewhere, let me or the guard know. Lady Arcadia may have authorized your participation but everypony knows that all of you are on tense hooves. Still. So to not cause Arcadia any stress during her pregnancy, we're taking over visitation rights, procedures, and more."

Rarity decided this conversation was meant to be pushed along. "So, darling. Where were you born?"

Gardeen sighed and answered sadly, "I'm from Snow. Lived there most of my life until the Ursa landed and destroyed everything I ever knew. Including where I lived, my treasured items, and... My parents."

Rarity grimaced with the idea she crossed another line. "...oh, I'm very sorry."

"Yeah, it... Killed me that day," Gardeen admitted. "That's why I look up to and look out for Lady Arcadia. Because if she never showed up, we would all be dead. A week after she arrived would be the week Psera was vacated because it was uninhabitable. We were all saved the second she did. And the love we give to her is what keeps her going. Those standard five foot wings grew to eleven—"

"Eleven feet?!" Rainbow interrupted.

"Which just grew to thirteen a few days ago. She's working on a solution. After Snow was taken over I moved here to the camp in Cop. Bad thing about all of this... I grew up an orphan. An accident claimed the lives of my birth parents so I lost my adopted family to those monsters called Changelings. So Arcadia, when we first met... She treated me like family. So everyone else did too."

Gardeen stopped and turned to face them, pausing their movements. "I know I may be out of line to say this, but lying to Lady Arcadia about her being a princess and leading her on for four years was the worst thing anyone could ever do, apart from murder."

Pinkie raised a hoof and asked, "Uhh... What's murder?" The rest of them clearly didn't know what that was either.

Gardeen was a little taken back that they didn't know what that was but didn't lose track. "That's beside the point. Arcadia was really generous in organizing everything to help your land, please don't make her regret it."

Applejack stepped forward and stated, "We're doing everything we can to do just that. Startin' with her weddin'."

"Well let's get started." Gardeen turned around and continued forward. Under her breath she added, "She deserves this."



The cool wind brushed quickly along Blueblood's coat. The ride to Eventa via the top of this big block of steel relaxed his muscles. A massage under his body. Yesterday evening, he had finally located the Radwood Station. Apparently, a Radwood was a pretty big hunk of metal that carried a bunch of Pserateps inside at once on six wheels. They were really long and big. And there were twenty on this so called "highway", all moving for Eventa. It's already ten o'clock, they left at around seven. And apparently, they were nearing the city. Blueblood glanced over to his left at a sign reading, "Welcome to Eventa, Home To Events at Eventa, the City in a City."

"That's a mouthful," he muttered. Then trained his sights on the black bar coming over the horizon upon entering the city. Besides the color, which was gray, the wall of steel that kept getting bigger and taller stuck out because of the obvious. All the other buildings around them were big and colorful while this wall was just gray, really tall and big, and made out of steel.

All were preparing for the wedding. The mass of balloons, party fare, and what might be the Crest of Psera, or what it's so commonly called hung on lamp posts. It seemed they already had a theme set up. Red and blue roses with daffodils. There were scores of them all over the city. It sickened Blueblood since he knew what they were for. Twilight's favorite snack and flower.

Before they proceeded further, the Radwood Pod slowed and made a left turn, directing his attention to the side on a different street overshadowed by colorful skyscrapers. They were approaching a station secured by Eventa's police, speaking and gesturing in different directions. Now would be a great time to jump off, Blueblood thought. He grabbed his Crossbow, quiver of arrows, and pictures.

Once the Radwood stopped, Blueblood quickly stood up, wiggled his flank and jumped off the top of the vehicle for the concrete sidewalk below. Invisible, he landed and quickly ran away from the station. His hooves passed the hooves of other Pserateps who were relaxing, heading to work, school, and other places. 

Not that they mattered. He soon reached the street they took to enter the city. After glancing up and down Eventa's lively streets, he locked his sights on the wall of steel in the distance. He had no idea what it was, but it was really long. And high. He had to check it out.

With a goal in mind, Blueblood eagerly trotted down the street for the wall of steel, constantly weaving his way in and out of sidewalk traffic. Finally after ten minutes, he reached an overhead arc with the term Events at Eventa made out of Gold and steel. Behind it were two roads divided by a median that had tall palm trees, leading up to another road that ran horizontally in front of large guarded steps. Just like everywhere else, there were roses. On the ground and on flags that led up to a bunch of glass doors, leading into Events at Eventa.

Blueblood hummed and anxiously made his way down, thinking about how much longer his magic would allow him to stay invisible. His limit was six hours. It's been three. Is this Eventa? It sure seems like it based off the Security presence. He walked underneath the arch and made his way up the road, heading for the guarded steps. Whether someone saw him would be recognized later. It didn't seem like they did though. Especially when he jumped right over them and landed on the other side of their line, brooding on their stupidity.

He cautiously tipped over towards the door as quietly as possible. Even though the city was noisy, this Eventa was silent. He had to admit, even though these Elite Guards were stupid, they really took this job seriously. He would have laughed at how ridiculous they looked if he wasn't trying to sneak past those dangerous wings.

Quietly, he grabbed the handle and pulled the door open, striding inside while it slowly shut back. Satisfied, Blueblood walked across the marble floors and stared in awe at his surroundings. Yeah, this was Eventa. The area ahead of him looked about as big as a farm. Marble desks in front of him were lined with flowers and the Crest of Psera. More than plenty. A long ways up, Blueblood spotted glass stairs that apparently went high and low. This place had a lower floor? Seriously?! This is too much.

Before he could complain further, the door behind him opened. He gasped and ran to the side as fast as possible. He reminded himself to be a lot more careful. He wasn't the only one here. Gardeen and the Elements of Harmony moved past with two more Elite Guards, rendering Blueblood undetected.

Rainbow looked around and commented, "Psera enjoys a lot of big stuff."

With a chuckle, Gardeen led them across the atrium-like lobby towards the glass stairs Blueblood was ogling a moment ago. "Yes, we have a lot of ponies here on this continent. Big is required. Now, you know the wedding is being held in the Grand Stadium on the Grand Main Stage. We're taking the stairs and moving through Section One. Section One is the Housing side for ponies that can afford it."

Pinkie fawned and bounced along, unknowingly followed by Blueblood who overheard their conversation. Whatever this Grand Stadium was, that's where the wedding is being held. So lead the way. From the front Rarity asked, "Section One is for the rich and famous I take it."

Gardeen stopped on the stairs and nodded before walking down them. Blueblood grinned and followed right behind them. On quiet and timid hooves. "Unfortunately, all the pods are being inspected by security and engineering at this hour. They'll be back up at the next hour. Until then, we have to walk. The only ones who can fly in here are Royalty, their assistants, and the Guard. So Her Majesty, Princess Merry, Lady Arcadia, and King Madun all are qualified to fly through here. Other than that, no. The ceiling may be high, but our kind likes to go higher than the ceiling. It would be chaos if something were to happen."

Fluttershy gulped and whispered, "I hope nothing does happen."

"As long as the Guard are ready, we're ready." Gardeen led them into a much higher point in a lower level of the building, Applejack gulped when she took a chance and looked over the glass staircase. Heights were more Rainbow Dash's thing. Earth Ponies would rather stay on the ground.

She was the first one on the the underground floor after a few more minutes of walking down stairs. Taking deep breaths after jumping over everyone else that actually made Rainbow laugh from behind.

She trotted up to her and poked Applejack's side, clearly amused with that domineering smile. "Hey, you okay, Applejack?"

Taking a final deep breath, Applejack responded, "I'm... I-I'm alright, just... I just can't do heights." She shook her head to backup her point. "Not if I can see the ground wayyy underneath my hooves."

Gardeen seethed through her teeth and whispered in an upper tone, "Well... This building was made for Pserateps in mind. All of the stairs in here are primarily for ascension but also for enjoyment. If you can't do glass, you're going to have a hard time."

Rainbow shimmied up to Applejack's side with a teasing grin and whispered, "Sorry, Applejack. You're flying today."

Applejack shivered and nudged off Rainbow's hoof. "I-It's for Twilight, so... Let's continue."


Forty-Six Minutes Later


How deep does this place go?! Blueblood screamed in his mind. They've been walking for forty-six minutes and were still on the same hallway. High ceilings with flowers, the Crest of Psera on the walls, the same marble floors, and signs that were directing them where to go. It was never-ending. The guards and the pony known as Gardeen seemed to know their way around this place while Twilight's friends were completely lost. Just like him. How much land does this place cover?!! He thought.

Apparently Rainbow was getting that vibe too because she walked up beside Gardeen and asked annoyed, "Are we there yet?"

"We just arrived," she answered. Then lifted her hoof and pointed ahead towards a busy lobby packed with loud ponies, boxes, and security. From what Rarity could tell, the boxes held even more flowers. An apparent assembly line that had the ponies with the boxes lift them up, set them on the back of the Pseratep in front of them who then made their way inside of the Grand Stadium up ahead. "They're setting everything up inside. It's a five mile long trip for the stage and I think there may be a pod inside somewhere. Not sure."

Rainbow waved it off and shook her head. "Don't worry, Applejack," she teased. "You'll be fine."

Everyone turned to Applejack who had possibly fell over from walking so much because she was on her side. Rarity felt a little bad for her. Unlike Pinkie who was practically bouncing in enthusiasm, Applejack was over here cradling her hooves.

Her current physical state provided Blueblood the perfect time to walk past and towards the open glass doors, propped by more boxes of flowers and a few other design items. Glancing over his invisible shoulder, he walked through the threshold and onto the negative fifth floor of the insanely large Events at Eventa Grand Stadium. His heart stopped pumping when he eyed the giant display screens lit up with the Crest of Psera, the giant lights above shining on the glossy and shimmering black empty floor below.

"This... Is Five miles long?!" He whispered in awe. There was so much space here. So much in fact he wondered where the actually stage was. Because that's where he needed to be. The areas on the left and right seemed to have no end.

According to all the Pserateps he's heard so far, the Grand Stage was where the wedding was going to take place. He needed to be by it. But looking over the railing to the ground below currently being set up with chairs reminded him of two or possibly three other dilemmas: How the buck was he going to get down, how was he going to get to the stage that was five miles away, and how was he going to get a clear sight to the stage on the wedding day?!! Blueblood took a deep breath to rid his mind of the future issues and focusing on the current:

Getting down. He looked around and rolled his eyes at what he found after a second behind him. An elevator, of course. There was one a little ways down from these doors. He remembered seeing one in the Castle that the tall dark blue older Pseratep was using to get to the ground. What was her name? Molten-something. He actually hopped in with her since she was alone before the doors could shut and watched how it worked. It made him realize how easy it was to get along with life without magic. Apparently science and more were involved in it. But magic of any kind wasn't. Strange.

Blueblood made his way to the door and pressed the down key. He was really hoping that no more ponies were walking in right now while he waited for it. When the door opened, Blueblood darted in, pressed the last floor, then the button to close the doors at the exact moment Twilight's friends walked in, fawning at the sight like he was a little over a minute ago. It was incredible, he couldn't deny it.

While the elevator descended, Blueblood checked the walls, ceilings, even the lights for any of those black balls. Somepony upstairs were talking about cameras recording everything everyone did, making this place even more unbelievable. He wasn't taking any chances.

The elevator stopped and slowly opened for the Grand stadium's black glossy floor. He poked his invisible head out first, checking for anyone. The only ones visible were a few ponies on the right taking care of a large platform by the glass doors. Decorated with flowers and gems, and a rising platform with a railing.

Assuming he was in the clear, Blueblood stalked out the elevator and flopped down on his flank just to rest his legs. Over forty minutes of straight walking. It nearly killed him. This place just looked like a wall from outside. A giant steel wall! But it didn't matter now. He was in.

After a few minutes of ignoring those thoughts, Blueblood stretched his hooves and stood back up, eyes trained on the distance that went on for five miles. He knew that the same second he started walking, he risked the chance of being spotted because his invisibility may fail.

"Then let's get started," he snarled. Weapons on his back, he reared up and ran ahead, heading for the distance across the marble floors. One thing was for certain. This was going to be a wedding no creature would ever forget.


~✶~



Wedding Morning


A hint of blue shone off the horizon in Equestria, not even ridding the sky of its stars that shone down on Canterlot, reflecting off the many buildings under construction and those already finished. Not many were awake at this hour except the police walking through the mildly warm camps, the Guards outside, and the night shift guards inside the castle watching four Princesses including Flurry Heart, two stallions, and a single mare walk past in dresses and suits.

Today was the day. The time was now.

Twilight Velvet was absolutely giddy that her daughter was getting married today. Buzzing around Canterlot Castle's like a little bee before shimmying up to her husband.

"Remember our wedding, Nighty?" She asked. "You were wearing such a handsome blue suit."

Night Light snorted and nodded. "Yes, I do. Remember Cadance and Shining Armor's?"

Cadance groaned from afar, "How could anypony possibly forget that?"

Confused, Luna stated, "I have never witnessed your wedding."

Celestia guided them around a corner and towards the doors for the throne room. "Where exactly were you that day?" She asked.

"I cannot recall. But I was not there." Luna turned to Cadance and told her sadly, "I am very sorry I did not make it—"

"Don't be, it was awful," Cadance interrupted.

Before Luna could question it, Celestia pushed the doors open. Twilight's friends were already there in front of the throne, dressed up and looking grand. Rarity had gone all out with makeup and her own theme with Spike. White and purple. The rest had concocted a similar makeup, matching their dresses with their coat colors and manes. Pinkie's was a little too colorful, but she stayed excited. It was no surprise. Starlight, Trixie, and Twilight's friends from Canterlot High were there too. It started to make Twilight Velvet a little confused just looking at them.

The Princesses and Twilight's family walked in on the excited party at five in the morning. "Good morning, everypony," Celestia greeted.

"Good morning," Sunset greeted. She picked up the journal in her hoof and held it out towards Celestia at a certain page to read. "The wedding is supposed to start at eleven. Lady Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle just let me know that she was at Merry's getting ready."

Night Light laughed and asked, "Her fiance probably didn't even know she left. Poor stallion."

Sunset shrugged and added, "Probably left him a gift or something. She said we're going straight to Eventa, but that her parents can stay and wait with her at the castle."

Celestia read over the message for a few seconds then magically hoofed it back to Sunset's hoof. "Very well. So when do we—" A violet portal exploded in front of the doors of the throne room, blowing back a few of their manes, terrifying the Rarity from both worlds.

Without turning around, Celestia sighed and blandly stated, "It is like she reads my mind."



The morning in Psera was different. As if there was a clock in her head, Twilight's eyes opened at the first crack of dawn, focusing on Madun's peaceful face as he slept. Today was the day. The day they were going to be married. Not to mention witness her pregnant stomach in a wedding dress.

She looked down at the foal hidden in her body underneath the sheets. There was definitely a bump going on there. Her belly was beginning to grow outwards, something her staff had been taking very seriously. No gender yet, but she had a feeling it was going to be a filly. A filly. Her very own filly.

Twilight recalled thinking about having her own foal when she first arrived here on Psera in her old room, staring outside at the stars and moon thinking of the future. Spike was her child too, but not hers. This foal was. Either way, she loves them both. Even before they were both born.

Twilight focused on the task at hoof. Getting out of bed without waking her fiance. Lighting her horn, she slowly lifted the darkened sheets. So slow she didn't even feel them. Then sat up at the same speed. The bed creaked for a second, freezing her movements. She quickly swiveled her head to Madun. Madun didn't even stir. He's always been a heavy sleeper. Continuing, Acadia shimmied out of the comforter and quietly walked out of the room. Her long wings dragged the floor behind her. Just like they planned, Merry, Gardeen, her parents, and her friends here in Psera were supposed to meet her outside the suite.

The Royal Suite was dark, lit only by a subtle ball of light in the kitchen that brightened the carpeted floor a little. Arcadia made a mental note of having a much larger light installed in here. They were about to have a foal, they needed to be able to watch them. Finally making it to the front door, Arcadia gripped the handle and pulled it open. She had already created a note last night on the fridge before she went to sleep. Madun would find it there when he woke up and goes haywire when he finally realizes she wasn't in bed with him.

Just as expected Gardeen and Merry were already there, between the door and the garden. Gardeen probably needed her coffee. Something Light Pink was more than likely out and about for. When she stepped out and approached with a grin, the guards were by her side in a second. "Good morning your highness," one whispered.

"Good morning, gentlecolt," she happily whispered back. Then focused on Merry and the others. "Where's Light Pink?"

Biting her bottom lip with a knowing grin, Fast Right gestured with her head to Gardeen who looked as if she were going to pass out in a few seconds. "To grab her girlfriend's coffee. It's too cute. She said she'd meet us at Merry's apartment."

"Okay. I'm so excited for today, you have no idea." Arcadia began the movement for the connected hallway, rapidly walking across the garden for it. Her friends and Guards were struggling to catch up to that pep in her step. "I need to create a portal for the others once we get to the home."

Merry, a little concerned asked, "Have you heard from the Guard about—"

"I don't even want to think about him," Arcadia interrupted. She was a little irked that he was the only issue having a wedding could pose. "As long as my babies are safe, he's safe."

"And as long as you're safe, he's safe," Merry added. "Because if I see him, everyone is going to know why I do not need guards."

Arcadia shot her head towards her and whispered, "I've been meaning to ask you. Everypony in the family has guards except you. Why is that?"

Merry grinned proudly and turned her muzzle up to the sky. "I'm just too strong."

Fast Right rolled her eyes and inputted, "Yeah right, she attacked three of her own guards." Merry's eyes popped open, then glared at Fast Right. "She was nineteen. Something about her not leaving the castle—" Merry's hoof suddenly found it's way into Fast Right's mouth, stuffing it full of feathers while Merry herself held an innocent look with Arcadia.

"Eh, heh heh," she chuckled nervously. "Enough about me, let's talk about the wedding. Let's get you all goosed up and looking absolutely gorgeous for my twin brother, yay! Who's with me, you're with me right? Great, let's go." She reared up and began to push Arcadia quickly down the hall.

Gasping, Arcadia chided, "Merry, I'm pregnant!"

"Yeah, me too! Glad you noticed, Queeny. Remember, I'm carrying twins." Arcadia rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be pushed past an entry to another hallway, bearing a nonchalant expression. After her wings finally left the sight of some of the guards as well as her friends, Merry stopped her in front of her suite at the same time Light Pink opened it from the other side holding a cup of coffee.

Out of surprise, she jumped and squeaked. Thankfully, the cup had a lid on it. Fast Right was sure it would pour out onto the floor if it didn't. "Oh jeez," she whispered timidly. "You scared me."

"Sorry, Pink, on a mission!" Merry continued pushing the Lady in Waiting inside with her friends. Gardeen stopped for a moment though to deliver Light Pink a peck on the cheek and take her coffee before following after.

Finally, Merry stopped pushing Twilight once they were in the middle of the home facing what seemed to be ten more mares in front of a large makeup desk she's never seen. Merry decided to come to her rescue by introducing them. "Lady Arcadia? The ponies who will make you pretty." The mares all bowed briefly, then rose with comforting smiles. "They're going to help me get you in your dress. And get you ready for eleven."

Arcadia greeted, "Nice to meet you all. I still need to take a shower, Merry."



Right when Equestria was through the portal—like usual—they were checked. Patted down, brushed through, and more before they were allowed to progress out The Hive and into the halls. It may be six o'clock, but Royal Weddings seemed to be a kick in the flank because Pserateps that weren't guards were hectically putting on dress clothes and hightailing it for the doors. Even a few Aqua Guard. It was only six, the wedding didn't start until eleven.

Rainbow observed, then turned to Fluttershy with a confused shrug. She quickly returned it, along with the rest of the group who knew the procedure. Most of the time, someone would escort them. "Here! Over here!"

Gardeen's huffing and puffing down the hall ceased their confusion and brought slight joy when she stopped in front of them with two Royal Guards, taking deep breaths to stop her racing heart. "I ran here all the way from the fifth floor. Good morning everyone. Lady Arcadia Nova is already awake. She would like for you—" She pointed to her friends and their counterparts. "To oversee any final adjustments in Eventa while the rest come with me to Merry's suite to help her. Those going to Eventa will be escorted securely. Any questions?"

Celestia smirked and asked, "Does King Madun know?"

"Her Majesty Molten Ice and Prince Consort Blazing Fire should actually be helping him out by now."

Shining took a step forward and requested, "Is it possible if I could help as well?"

Gardeen hummed to herself for a moment. Then reached behind her to grab a clipboard. That wasn't on the plan or agenda, but it shouldn't impact it in any way either. It was just the Lady in Waiting's brother meeting with her fiance. Coming to a conclusion, Gardeen answered, "As long as it's okay with the King." She nudged one of the Guards who shuffled back for a second to talk on his Comm Block while she let Shining Armor know. "If he says no, then you are free to help your sister out. If he says yes, then... Yes."

The guard stayed back for a few seconds, talking to the crystal on his wrist. Then trotted forward again o relay in a deep baritone voice, "The king said it was okay to escort you to the Royal Quarters. He also wants to let Lady Arcadia know that she could have at least 'left him a kiss on the cheek or something.'"

The mares around giggled before they began the trip to their required locations. The older adults with Gardeen, Twilight's brother to King Madun, and her friends outside. After a little while of walking through grand hallways, everyone noticed one very important thing about their surroundings. Silence. A few seconds ago The Hive was noisy. Pserateps rushing left and right.

But the rest of the castle was completely silent, save for their calm trots echoing around the castle's huge foyer. The display screens by the door were displaying some form of instruction with the Crest of Psera as a background. There were no Windows here, but It was going to be dawn in a few minutes.

The guards escorting them pushed the doors open to let them all out. The girls who have never seen it were in awe of the tall glowing violet obelisk. Its glow reflected off the glass skyscrapers and the clouds above. The stage setup beside the castle was bright with the Crest of Psera and a text underneath it reading, "Saviour of Psera, Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle and Selfless King Shimmering Madun First Royal Wedding. We Love You, Your Majesties!" The streets of Cop were completely silent. Lit only by the street lights on the side and a few much larger display screens. Guards and police were walking around keeping an eye on things while—of course—a mass of Press stood at the foot of the stairs setting up equipment trained at the front of the castle. Trixie didn't notice until just now, but there were a lot of Guards right by the doors they just walked out of.

After staring in surprise, the Guard escorted them down to one of the many chariots at the foot of the stairs in front of the mass of inactive cameras. There was a very big one decorated with stars, the color violet, and shapes. That must've been Twilight's chariot. Along the way, Rainbow Dash from Equestria turned to her counterpart and said, "Eventa is big. Really big."

"That's an understatement," Sunset Shimmer corrected. "It's huge."

The guards opened the doors for them and gestured them in while keeping an eye out on the dark but still festive castle. Once they were inside, Trixie turned to one of the guards and asked, "Are we going really fast again?"

The Guard shook his head and answered, "That is only when Royalty is around to assure safety. We'll be going at a standard Pseratep speed today. Still fast, but not too fast that you can't handle it."

Concerned, EQG Applejack asked, "So how fast is too fast?"

The Guard walked away and quickly made his way towards an Elite Guard, saluted, then moved for the straps connected to the chariot to hook up and take off. EQG Applejack gulped and directed her attention to the sky. The orange clouds thanks to the rising sun were much more interesting and appreciated than Rainbow Dash laughing on the side.

On the more happier side of things, Twilight's mother was absolutely more giddy than she was back in Cop just walking to Merry's apartment. Only she and Cadance had ever seen Twilight in her dress. So Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, Spike, and Night Light were completely oblivious. The anticipation just to witness the little filly Cadance used to babysit in a wedding dress were going to bring them all to tears.

Light hooves clopping against marble floor bounced off the walls, the pictures, the statues, and the suits of the guard standing at attention beside the double-doored entrance to Princess Merry's suite. Still stoic as always with weapons primed and ready.

While they approached, one of the guards banged lightly on the door. "The family of Lady Arcadia has arrived," he bellowed.

They heard movement on the other side before the door was swiftly pulled open by a dark blue Pseratep. Fast Right grinned wide and stepped to the side. "Come in, come in!" She cheered. "We have so much to do and so little time to do it!"

Gardeen rushed in first before everyone else followed along. Once they were mixed in with the chaos, Fast Right shut the door back and walked towards the Pserateps going through the large mobile makeup kit.

Twilight was sitting in front of it, more specifically a mirror with her back to the door, staring into it with lights flanked on the left and right and mares around her applying makeup. Merry Fire was doing something to her wings spread out on each side while Light Pink was doing her mane, combing through it with a brush she was holding in her mouth.

When the door was opened, Twilight's eyes moved from her own reflection to the door's and smiled on recognition. "Hey, everypony," she greeted.

Grinning, Twilight Velvet trotted right over and nuzzled her cheek. "Ooohhh, it's my filly's wedding day~! How are you coming along dear? Any trouble moving yet?"

Arcadia blushed and looked down at her stomach that Flurry was poking. Confused, she looked up and asked, "Is she in here?" Now Twilight couldn't let that cuteness go. Flurry was enveloped in Twilight's magical aura and lifted up into her hooves.

"Good morning, Flurry," she whispered. Then lovingly nuzzled her cheek. "How's my niece? You look tired."

Flurry's mouth opened in a slow yawn. Then she smacked her lips and nodded while her mother came to her rescue. Cadance walked over and rubbed Twilight's back. "She doesn't typically wake up this early. How are you feeling? Nervous?"

Twilight gulped and quickly nodded. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't a least a little jumpy this morning. Giggling, Cadance appeased her with, "It happens to the best of us. I promise you'll get through it."

Twilight sighed and nodded but was nearly spooked out of her coat when Celestia and Luna flanked her on both sides wearing grins identical to a filly's. Celestia asked excitedly, "So where's this dress I keep hearing about? Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

Luna popped in before she could answer and stated in the exact same form, "Madun said that you could have at least pecked him this morning before you left." Twilight's blush made the mares in the room laugh. Flurry Heart was too tired to do that.

Nervously, Arcadia stammered, "I-I was in a hurry. Where's Spike?" She looked around the room and hoofed Flurry over to Cadance.

Spike walked into view and looked Twilight over. "This is a major difference than when we last saw you, Twilight," he stated. She rolled her eyes and pulled Spike into a loving hug. One that he gladly reciprocated.

Before she let him go, Merry let go of Arcadia's right wing and stepped back. "Alright, Queen Butt. Lift them up." Arcadia shot Merry a scowl that she playfully stuck her tongue out at. "Don't give me that, you know I love you. Let's see how these designs look on your wings."

Arcadia lifted her right wing over the heads of her family. They were designed with small adornments of gems, gold, and other shapes. There even seemed to be a shimmer of light to them.

Merry pointed to what everyone believed was glitter and clarified, "That's Diamond dust. We just crushed a hoof full of diamonds and sprinkled them on her wings after applying a gel."

Night Light walked over with a proud smile and nuzzled his daughter's cheek. "You look so beautiful, sweetheart. I'm so happy you're getting married today, although the reasons you even met King Madun were... Dramatic to say the least. I am sorry that we had hurt you in the past, but I'm happy you're happy now."

Twilight's smile graduated into a loving grin. Then leaned over to nuzzle her father's cheek. "Thanks daddy," she whispered.

"You're welcome, Twilight."

Twilight pulled back and looked around. Somepony was missing. She could feel it. Mom, dad, Cadance...  That's who. "So... Where's Shining?" She asked.

Gardeen stepped in and answered, "Helping your fiance."

Twilight rolled her eyes and turned back to the mirror. "Madun's harmless, he would never hurt me."

"Speaking of hurting..." Celestia stared Twilight in the eyes, implanting a question she really didn't want to answer. But Twilight knew what she was asking.

The mares that were applying Twilight's makeup stepped back and let her look herself in the mirror when she answered, "No. He has not been found. He knows he is being searched for, that much is obvious because he keeps teleporting away after each time he uses a mass amount of magic. He knows I can sense him. He knows he is being searched. I fear for my family's safety because of him. The guard presence has been booted up to a level four. That means all the military deploys four squads in one area. He poses a great threat and Secretary Manny is not taking any chances. All eyes are peeled inside Eventa."

Luna could tell that Blueblood was getting Twilight worked up. So she quickly asked, "What's going to happen after the wedding?"

Twilight instantly blushed and moved her mane around. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Merry brushed up to her with a knowing grin and asked, "Are you sure? We were just talking about it. You said that you and him were going to Psera Skies North at the luxurious Hotel Defellon and were going to test out how it feels to have sex while—mmm!"

After successfully turning Merry's mouth into a zipper, Twilight cleared her throat awkwardly and asked, "Where's my dress? We need to get ready to go in a few minutes!"


~✶~


After Shining was given the green light, he was escorted by two Elite Guards through the quiet halls. They didn't actually speak to each other, thus making Shining feel a little out of place. After a while, he got a little tired of the silence. "So... Where is everypony?" He asked.

The guard on the right answered, "They left early. All parties were up at two and out by three. The traffic to Eventa is going to be really intense."

"Immensely," the one on the left added. "This is the first Royal Wedding Psera has ever had. History in the making once more." After a few more minutes of trekking fancy but silent halls and stairs, they arrived at the Royal Suite where four guards were waiting outside the door.

It was opened, letting Shining's eyes witness Shimmering Madun adjusting a tie in front of a mirror that Blazing was holding for him in the living room. Her Majesty was doing something with his suit. The presentation looked really good. It had a deep black buttoned up suit with golden stars on the black shoulder pads, along with medals and more on the right chest. There was a white shirt underneath topped off with a black tie and his mane was groomed smoothly.

The king turned his head left and right with his eyes on the mirror. "Am I okay? Does this look good? Is Twilight going to fawn over this? I want her to fawn over this."

"My sister is going to absolutely love it." The three inside turned towards the doorway Shining was smiling from. He bowed and greeted, "Your majesties."

Madun smiled and replied, "Prince Consort Shining Armor. There's no need for such formalities, we're pretty much family at this point. Come in." Shining stood back up and calmly walked into the cozy home. This entire house seemed like Twilight would love it. There was even a large library set up around a fireplace where the King was standing. But it was still small enough that Twilight could easily find anything. "Pretty snug place."

Molten giggled and said, "Madun and Twilight are both comfortable with simple lives while my daughter is more on the elegance, drama, and parties."

"Yeah, I got that vibe when I first met her," Shining joked. Then turned to Madun who was smoothening out his suit. "Nervous?"

"I went through ten water bottles of water, that is an understatement." He turned to Shining while Blazing pulled the mirror aside. "What made it even worse was when I woke up and Twilight wasn't around. I'm a worrier, believe it or not. So when Twilight, who is pregnant with our child isn't around, sort of makes me concerned."

Shining laughed and walked closer to pluck an orange feather off Madun's suit with his magic. "Oh I know that feeling all too well. But trust me, Twilight is way more than responsible. She would let you know first before anypony else if something happened."

Madun sighed and nodded his head. "Yes, you may be correct. Pre-marriage jitters going on here."

"Definitely," Blazing agreed. Then asked Shining, "You're married, right? How was your wedding day?"

Shining laughed and answered, "Honestly? The worst day of my life." The Pserateps all tilted their heads in confusion.

Molten Ice raised a hoof and asked, "But according to Lady Twilight you married you foalhood sweetheart. Was that not great?"

"Oh, absolutely. But let me tell you why." Shining took a seat while a guard closed their door since this sounded like a private conversation. "According to my sister, Chrysalis made an appearance here, correct?"

Molten Ice nodded and answered, "From what we were told, yes. The Queen of the Changelings."

"Yes, Chrysalis is the Queen of the Unreformed Changelings. There's another kind—wayyy nicer by the way—but before them they were all the same. Sucking the love out of ponies and storing it for food. Technically they're like parasites, it's really complicated. The first time Psera met them were years ago. But the first time Equestria met them was on my wedding day."

"No," Blazing Fire gasped. The other two were just as surprised.

Shining nodded and added, "The Changelings have the power of hypnosis. And I was unfortunately the target of Chrysalis. She kidnapped my fiancee and stuffed her underground, then hypnotized me when I found out. So I was forced against my will to act like nothing was going on while Chrysalis took on the form of Cadance. Long story short, our wedding was botched. But, once again, Equestria prevailed by love. We had our wedding, and had a filly a few months later. Let's just make sure this wedding is perfect."

Madun sighed and suggested, "It would be if you-know-who had been caught. Twilight is able to feel his magical pulses. I alert the Guard in that area, but he's gone when they arrive. Are you sure there is nothing you can do to help?"

Shining closed his eyes and sadly shook his head. "If this were happening in Equestria, we would be able to find him in a day. We would know where to look and have magic on our side. But he is hiding on a continent ten times the size of our own, that doesn't have magic and no known obvious fallback points. A place he would go to just to plan out something. An obvious location would be Ghastly Gorge in Equestria, which is the only uninhabited area at this moment. But Equestria knows absolutely nothing about Psera. It would be like searching for a small feather in a mile long pool of soapy water."

"You don't know where to look, I see. I just don't want Twilight in danger because of Blueballs."

Shining had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. "W-Well, I can be certain of this. Blueblood is desperate for my sister. Not to mention jealous. He's an absolutely crazy pony and sadly, my family member. He's my wife's cousin."

"Eesh," Blazing mumbled. He stood up and made his way to the kitchen. "Must be some awkward family reunions."

Shining shrugged and clarified, "Twilight would actually back out if Blueblood was around. So she was safe. I'm happy to say that she finally found somepony that isn't a pompous prince but a selfless king."

"Yes, love on first sight. How do I look? Be honest." Madun faced shining and offered a dopey smile.

"Twilight may find it cute. So do it at the altar."
> Chapter 43 - Final Wedding Arc; Code Black
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The flight to Eventa was slow compared to last time for those who have been. The Equestria girls were completely taken back by the speed they were going. Poor Fluttershy was holding onto Rarity for dear life while she herself was trying her hardest to keep her mane in check. When they finally slowed, they gazed to the ground and fawned in fascination at all the lights outlining the city of Capita on the right The sun was coming up now, thanks to Celestia back in Cop. Giving the passengers of the chariots light to witness the true magnitude of how important today was in not only Twilight's eyes. But in the entire country. The moment Ponyville Applejack peeked over the edge of the chariot, her mouth slowly widened. "Oh... My... Faust."

Sunset Shimmer also looked down and gasped loudly. Then everyone else followed along. Rarity whispered, "Oh my..."

Pserateps. Millions upon millions of Pserateps flooded the streets and land down below leading to the giant wall of steel that EQG Rainbow Dash was looking at. Pointing ahead, she asked, "What's that?"

Turning forward, Sunset followed her hoof and answered, "Events at Eventa. The city within a city."

Ponyville Pinkie Pie bounced over and wrapped a hoof around Rainbow Dash's neck with a huge grin directed towards the wall of steel. "It's a stadium that can hold all the itty bitty Pegasi-Pserateps in a five mile long stadium that I know is five miles wide too! And Twilight is having her wedding inside of it! Whee~!"

"What?!" The Equestria girls all yelled.

The chariot they were riding in slowed to be accompanied by a guard wearing brown military wear and a helmet, body fitted with so many weapons Applejack wondered how he was still in the air. "State your business!" He bellowed.

The guard beside him saluted and yelled back, "Escorting the friends of Lady in Waiting Arcadia Nova to the Grand Stadium, per procedure!"

The Soldier nodded and ordered some commands into his Comm Block. Then turned back to the Elite Guard and ordered, "Take them to Entrance E-Fourteen, the Force Guard will take it from there!"

"Ten-four! Pivot right!" The soldier who must've been part of the "Guard" tilted his body like a plane in Sunset's eyes and left their sights to the left at the synchronized time their own chariot tilted and pivoted to the right, aiming down towards the ground.

Both of the Pinkie's shot their hooves into the air as if it were a roller coaster while the rest hung on to the bars setup in front of them. They lowered down into what looked like a large gathering of ponies taking one side of the street below wearing dress suits, ties, bowties, all types of nice things. Some pulling wagons like Trixie's while others just chose to go with nothing else except a camera around their neck. All waiting in line to be checked inside of the massive building-city. The chariot carrying the foreigners touched down on the street parallel to the Pserateps' and rolled to a stop in front of a line of guards. "Everyone out, let's go, let's go!"

The guards beside their doors pulled on the steel handles to open it. The mares filed out and stood in a wide line before they were patted down and chariot searched. EQG and Ponyville Rarity weren't too fond of them looking in their hair as if they were eyeing the newest valuable item. No matter how good it sounded. After a few seconds and a brief chariot check, the Force Guard stepped back and gave them clearance.

The girls piled back in their chariot and got settled in while the Guards calmly pulled them inside. They past the giant steel doors and through what looked like a steel tunnel with bright neon lights above. The entrance was really wide and they weren't the only ponies going in. They were behind a line of around sixty more Pserateps heading for the steel doors ahead that led into what was apparently "Section Three." According to the sign above.

Trixie and the other girls were never inside Eventa. So they were completely blown away when they finally strode through the doorway into skyscrapers, apartment buildings, stores, streets, houses, and so much more, customized with festivities. Balloons, signs, and "Viewing Areas" that were being held inside of party stores. Mouths were left open with disbelieving eyes trying to spectate everything at once. The large light fixture above wasn't only blinding, but also provided a noticeable heat on their coats. As well as their chariot that moved with the mass through the city. At a certain point, they turned onto a larger main street and moved towards the glass.

"We're approaching the Grand Stadium," Sunset Shimmer stated. "I hope Twilight's ready. Because these are a lot of couples."



Back in Merry's apartment, Twilight dropped in front of everyone, took in a deep breath and yelled, "I'm not ready!!"

Startled, Cadance asked, "Wh-What do you mean?"

Twilight began pacing, worry evident as an expression. "What if something goes wrong? Or... O-Or a Changeling comes and does something? The ground breaks apart and I fall or—"

"A majority are reformed, Twilight," Luna reminded her. "Stop worrying, everything will go smoothly. Imagine riding up to the stage in that beautiful dress holding a bouquet of roses. Eyes on the face of your fiance waiting for you. You say your vows, then you kiss and spend as much time together as possible. You will be a happy wife, Queen, and mother."

"Speaking of~!!" Twilight Velvet sang. She slid up to Twilight and poked her pregnant stomach."Somepony's a grower."

"Uh, Merry has twins!" Twilight stated. Obviously anxious to move on away from her pregnancy. Merry could take this one. "Let's get the dress. Where's the dress? What time is it?"

"Right here, and nine-twelve!" Gardeen answered from the library. She walked out with three more mares pushing the ponyquin towards them, fitted with the dress Twilight was going to wear.

Celestia, Luna, and Night Light all gasped in surprise. The mares' eyes were sparkling, just like the glitter and sequins on the garment, creating shapes and different colors apart from the violent already on it. After they parked it in front of them, Celestia whispered, "It's so beautiful. Merry made this?"

Merry sort of wobbled over to her and answered, "I had to put two more projects on hold for it, but yes I did. Our little filly's going to be precious today. Now let's get her in this thing."



After they walked onto the marble floor of the Grand Stadium lobby, Twilight's friends looked around at all the staff and guests checking in by the desks that were unoccupied weeks ago. Not to mention less festive. After the ponies checked in, they made their way for one of the many glass doors up ahead that were blaring with chatter. Sunset Shimmer gulped down her fear with everyone else before they were escorted to a nearby Service Elevator through the faces of smiling and happy Pserateps. So far, nothing was amiss. But the Guard and military presence definitely stuck out. They were walking around in groups of five, watching everything. There were even some behind the check in desk, watching a camera feed. Once the party were inside, the elevator doors closed and they began to descend.

"We're taking you to the mare in charge," one Elite Guard explained. "Lieutenant Gliding Sword. She's overseeing Lady Arcadia's safety here outside of the Castle." They coalesced without a verbal response. Not even when the door opened up in an underground area of the stadium. Unlike upstairs, this area looked pretty much like a secret military base with extremely wide halls, bland with color save for the gray steel everywhere. There were even a few jail cells here and there. Pserateps ranging from basic security with yellow and black outfits to military guards wearing armor and weaponry were walking back and forth in the halls, testing Comm Blocks and weapons. As well as looking over documents and forms. The group calmly walked out of the room and made their way into the fray. A lot of walking happened after that before they reached a large room on the right, riddled with camera feeds on display screens on every single wall, taking up the whole room.

Around twenty Pserateps wearing black and had on earpieces were sitting in front of control panels watching them closely, keeping a close eye out on everything happening. So far, just ponies moving around with smiles and such. Those from Canterlot City were blown away by their technological advances. Equestria had nothing like this. Not even close. The room was dark, lit only by the screens. There was a steel table directly in the middle, littered with notes and "Security Protocols." As well as a dart of something on the side.

The guard escorting them saluted and announced, "Lieutenant Sword." A mare with a light gray coat wearing dark armor watching the feeds on the right side turned her head their way. The moment she locked eyes with them, Trixie and Fluttershy—from both worlds squeaked. It was so intense.

Lieutenant Gliding Sword walked closer and asked, "Yes?"

The guard motioned to them and answered, "These are Lady Arcadia's friends who helped design and setup the wedding. Is there any specific place to set them?"

"Right in the front row so we can keep an eye on them. Nothing personal, we just have a high security presence since that pony hasn't been spotted. And can I just say..." She leaned in close to Rarity's face, the one that she recognized as the one from Equestria. "...the designs are amazing. Great work."

Rarity widened her eyes in surprise and glanced at the others. "Er... Thank you."

Gliding nodded and waved her hoof, urging them to get a move on. Before they left, the Comm Block on her wrist blared, "King Madun is now exiting the Castle and boarding the chariot for Eventa. Her Majesty and Prince Consort Blazing are with him."



Celestia fanning her face scrunched up with tears, eyes trained on Twilight's beautiful body hidden underneath the wedding dress she was wearing from a few feet away. Luna, Cadance, and Twilight Velvet were no better. Spike wasn't all that about it.

There were more than enough napkins on the floor along with tissues wet with tears. Finally, the last two pieces were applied. The Veil, and the small shining tiara.

Merry flipped it over Twilight's face and adjusted the headpiece. Then stepped back to get a good look. After a second, she darted forward and adjusted the Tiara a little to the side. Then stepped back once more. "And... Done. You're all set for the wedding, your highness."

Twilight looked at herself in the mirror and blushed. Then looked back at her family and friends. Even Flurry was awake by this point. She twirled around and decreed, "You look really pretty, Aunt Twilight!"

Twilight giggled and responded, "Thank you, Flurry."

Gardeen tapped her hooves together excitedly and looked at herself. Gasping, she turned to Light Pink and grabbed her shoulders. "We don't have our outfits!" She screeched.

Merry went, "Pffft, girls, I got you handled. Your outfits are in the library too in the closets. Your names are on the sticky notes, which are applied. So go and get dressed already!" Merry yelled.

Their friends yelped and immediately ran that way while Arcadia laughed and asked, "Mood swings?"

Merry shrugged and answered, "Not sure. See if you can move, Queen Butt." Ignoring that, Arcadia lifted a hoof and stepped off the platform she was standing on. The train that was attached to the dress followed along while she made her way to her parents. Merry nodded and stated, "We're in business. We can leave whenever we're given the green light." Merry eagerly walked past the embracing family and towards the door that she swiftly pulled open. Then tapped a guard on the shoulder and stated, "We're ready whenever you are."

"Hey, let me see my sister first!" Merry directed her gaze down the hall hat Shining was trotting down to them from. Merry stepped to the side while the Guard relayed the news to everyone on the channel. Once he entered Shining gasped and walked right up to his sister, who smiled with tears in her eyes. She was truly happy at this point. He laughed and stated, "You look stunning, LSBFF!"

Twilight shared a nuzzle with him and responded, "Thank you, BBBFF. How did Madun look?"

Shining pulled back and shook his head. "Sorry, Twily, no spoilers of your fiance. You'll just have to see him on the stage."

"Aww, Shining—"

"Nope. Sorry, no spoilers."

"Okay, we're ready!" Gardeen and Merry yelled at the same time. Merry waved a hoof her way and clarified, "We're ready to move you out, Queeny. Let's go."

Twilight took a deep breath before her eyes locked on the hoof that was being held out her way, belonging to her father. He was offering her a smile that progressed into a grin when she took it. Then walked out the door with him first. As expected, the hallway had around twenty guards watching them as they moved. Once they were in the middle and the rest of the ponies were out of the apartment, the guards moved with them towards the front, relaying their position to those outside. The Pserateps who made her pretty were behind her carrying the train as they moved through the halls, eventually reaching the foyer.

The guards in there bowed as they moved past, heading for the front doors of the castle that held a light on the other side. The guards rose and pulled them open to allow them out into the brisk morning air and for the eyes of everyone else out there to witness. The press fawned and immediately began taking their photos. They've been out there for a while, Celestia realized. Had to have been. Twilight's grin was like the sun for anyone who could see it underneath the veil: Bright and radiant. Her eyes full of wonder and joy as they descended down for the chariot. Happiness. She was getting married today.

Her father led her to the chariot set up directly at the foot of the stairs to the castle. Much longer than the others and required ten guards to pull. Very fancy since the way inside were a pair of let-down steps. Her father let her hoof go so Gardeen could help her on. Then the rest of the party, including those from Equestria.

Once they were on and Twilight was comfortable, the Guard let the steps back up and stepped behind the chariot. Twilight took a deep breath and whispered, "I'm so nervous right now."

The chariot began to slightly progress before moving briskly along the road in front of them. Unlike the first few times, instead of a sudden ascent, the chariot gradually lifted off the ground, soon soaring directly over the tip of the mountain range and flanked by a seeming two dozen Royal Elite Guards in a formation.

Celestia was positive they practiced this. But shrugged those thoughts off so she could reassure her student.

She placed a hoof on one of hers and whispered, "Everything's going to be okay. Do like Luna said and imagine yourself with a bouquet of flowers riding up to the stage where your more than handsome fiance is waiting for you."

Luna poked in and asked, "I believe Celestia still has a drive." Celestia blushed while the Equestrians chuckled.

"A-Anyway, everything's going to be just fine."



When they were finally escorted into the Grand Stadium, Twilight's friends once again realized how important today was. The crowd outside the Stadium didn't even compare to what was inside. The lights were dimmed, creating a dark atmosphere, but shined off the coats off the massive amount of Pserateps making conversation. Thousands upon thousands of couples were sitting on pillows and such with enough room to leave them with hoof space on the ground while many more were on the sidings above, inside the stores and more, watching the stage through the glass windows of restaurants.

The lights on the side provided a minor glow while the thinner ones on the levels animated different colors throughout the facility of the crest of Psera and balloons. The giant display screens were already up and running, feeding an agenda for the day to the crowd below them. Including the ones at the very front who had their eyes trained on the screens that weren't near the center of the stage.

The friends of Twilight were directed out of an emergency exit inside of a pod and driven all the way to the front of the center of the stage. There was what seemed to be a large golden arch there decorated with red and blue gems. Along with a chorus of young fillies and colts on the stage currently getting their pictures taken on top of a stack of rising benches. So who was going to bring the ring forth?

It didn't matter right now. The pod stopped in front of a sectioned off area already prepared with eight guards sitting around it. Right there on the right side of the wide aisle that Pinkie guessed were for the bride and groom. But how were they going to get down here? This place was huge! She took her seat with everyone else and looked around.

Starlight decided to finally find her voice after all this time by turning to Sunset and asking, "This is going to be nice, right?"

Sunset rolled her eyes and clarified, "It's a wedding, I should hope so."

"You know what I mean," Starlight added.

Ponyville Pinkie nudged Starlight's left shoulder and yelled, "Relax! Everything's going to work out!"

EQG Pinkie nudged her right one from around Sunset and added, "You'll see. It's as simple as baking cupcakes!" She dug into her mane and pulled out a cupcake that was swiftly thrust into her mouth.

Starlight rolled her eyes then turned back to the stage. One of the doors behind it was opened and an older Pseratep Stallion wearing black and white walked out, heading for the black podium setup directly in the middle of the stage, right in front of the rising benches. He rose up on his rear hooves and looked at a few sheets. Then cleared his throat and spoke into a small stick, more than likely a microphone.

"Good morning, everyone!" His voice boomed through the entire building. Like a switch, the volume in the entire building zipped down to zero, leaving only the fading voices. The display screens changed to display his face in a pleasant animation.

Back in the security room, Gliding Sword reached up and said to her Comm Block, "All units, be alert. We're starting. Close off all entrances."

"My name is Administer Golen Wing," he greeted. There were ponies in front of the stage holding a bunch of camera equipment getting his face and the faces of every single foal on that stage, as well as Guards watching close. "And today we are all gathered here to celebrate love. The Great and Legendary land of Psera is more than happy to host the wedding of two souls. The Selfless King Madun, and the Kind Hearted Legendary Saviour of Psera, Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle.

"They found each other upon the docks of Merōl, sensing a need all the way from the land of Equestria, nearly five hundred miles away from our borders. She flew here to find pain, frustration, struggles. But beneath all the dirt and pain, she grew the restoration and began Psera's resurrection into the great nation we have ever witnessed. She found hope, she found a home... And she found love.

"King Shimmering Madun of Her Majesty Molten Ice, the selfless king who has done nothing less than please and assure his ponies during their time of need. The disaster that occured being a plain example. Instead of staying and rusting away with the great land created by Narmeelah, he risked it all by making sure his ponies were safe and healthy by preparing a nationwide evacuation. Thankfully, his one true love landed on the shores and assured she could help. And she did. It is an honor being here today under Narmeelah's sky to witness two kind souls bond together in matrimony. I have no other words except bring forth the groom, King Shimmering Madun of Psera."

At that, all the ponies in the building stood up and either turned to the screens or the doors at the very front of the Stadium.

Beyond them among Eventa's brightened halls, Twilight and Madun were held in separate rooms directly across from each other outside of those doors. The screens inside of them and waiting for the moment when they were allowed to leave. Once Madun's name was called out, he was ushered out and directed towards the single chariot similar to the long and flowery one next to it, facing the same direction. There were commanders and friends already on it as the grooms ponies, including Blazing Fire who had dressed up later on after they left the castle.

Once he was comfortable, Madun took a deep breath and nodded, ready. The guards in front of the doors saluted then grabbed the handles and tugged them to the side. They folded and pushed out, letting light into the dark Grand Stadium. The ponies at the very end bowed before everyone else followed along.

The Guards pulling the chariot immediately took off, heading right into the darkness with Madun grinning at the space ahead of him. Once he was out, the guards in the lobby closed the doors back and walked over to Twilight's room. She didn't even notice her door had opened up, too busy wiping away the tears in her eyes that came from witnessing Madun's smile and suit.

"My baby looks so handsome!" She cried.

Gardeen fawned and grabbed Lady Arcadia's hoof, calmly leading her away from the display screen in front of her and back to the door behind them. Celestia and everyone else had left already and were now sitting with the rest of the Equestrians.

Intrigued, Rarity turned to Flurry and asked, "How did she look?"

"She looked beautiful," Flurry whispered.

After a few more minutes, Madun's chariot finally arrived in their sights before it began to slow down. They, along with everyone else bowed while the chariot turned to the left at the front and parked beside one of the stairs leading up to the stage. The side of it was lowered before the Groom Ponies filed off first and onto the stage. Then Madun himself. He was more elegant with it. Rainbow admitted to herself that if Twilight wasn't talking to him and about to marry him, she definitely would be. Madun strode onto the stage with slightly low wings and took his position in front of the groom and podium. Smiling and pulling at his collar.

The Administer smirked and asked, "Nervous?"

Madun's voice boomed through the stadium and feeds, "You have no idea. I'm ruining this suit right now, I think."

The ponies in the stadium laughed for a quick second before focusing once more. "Well you don't have to be nervous too much, your highness. Because now... It's time to bring out the bride. Bring forth the bride, Lady Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle of Psera."

While the children began to sing in a synchronized Harmony on the stage, the bridesmaids were helping Arcadia get comfortable in her dress and on the platform. Including Merry who had dressed down in the last second. It was a struggle getting into this white. Once she was and they had gotten the train of her dress down, Arcadia took a calming deep breath and nodded towards the guards. They saluted, then once again opened the doors for the chariot.

Unlike for Madun, the trek for Lady Arcadia was sort of elegant and slow. Instead of flower fillies, Rarity had somehow made the chariot spurt out flowers in front of the chariot as it moved down the aisle, creating a wonderful sight for all to see as she moved. She looked like a snow white ghost, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hooves while her train flowed out the back of the chariot, dancing in the breeze as they moved.

"She is so beautiful," Sunset muttered in awe. Her friends couldn't paint words to describe how amazing she looked. Twilight Velvet wiped a stray tear from her eye and buried her muzzle into Night Light's coat while Shining was trying to suppress tears. Cadance remembered he gets emotional at weddings. This one was with his sister. She admitted to herself she was too.



What nopony down below couldn't see above was perfect for Blueblood. After a long excruciating climb and teleportation, he finally managed to hide himself on top of the third to last display screen. A few feet away from the stage. Thanks to the brightness of it, it'd be impossible to spot him unless you were at his exact level. At least from down below.

Over the past few months he had been perfecting a spell to supercharge an arrow. Creating a faster-than-Rainbow-Dash speed for it once he pulled the trigger on the crossbow, which was lying right beside him, ready to be used. He had a total of three arrows. Three shots. All for one pony. Madun.

Blueblood's rear hooves were dangling from the edge of the display screen, sitting on the frame with angry eyes trained down on Madun, then on Twilight who soon rode directly underneath him. More stunning than anypony he has ever met in his life. Dressed so beautiful in all the white.

He was smiling then. Imagining himself in Madun's place, watching Twilight, his fiancee walk up the stairs behind the bridesmaids who took places right behind her. Then he remembered that he wasn't in his place. He was supposed to be.

"Finally," he muttered. They were in position. Twilight and Madun, facing each other. Without taking his eyes off, Blueblood grabbed his Crossbow and prepared to fire. He withdrew an arrow and softly set it inside. Then pulled back the string and locked it in place. Now he was ready.

Blueblood held up the weapon, aimed and observed through the crosshairs. He was going to save her, and marry her for himself.



Madun was transfixed on Twilight's body as she walked over and stopped in front of him. Even with a nearly transparent veil over her face, she was still beautiful as always. That grin with tears of joy in her eyes could melt a million souls.

"You look stunning, my love," he whispered.

Twilight smiled and whispered back, "And you look amazing and handsome yourself. Keep that suit okay?"

"I don't want to take it off."

The administer cleared his throat and looked between the two of them, ready to begin. "We are gathered here today under the eye of Narmeelah, may she forever watch down upon us as we bond these two, forged together by love for love of one another. King Shimmering Madun and Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle in Psera's name. They have prepared their vows that they are both ready to relay to each other."

With his eyes still trained on the ceremony, Blueblood lit his horn, readying the spell. The arrow inside of the crossbow illuminated a bright blue, creating a neon that could have been seen from the ground were anyone looking that high.

His narrowed right eye trained on Madun who cleared his throat and said, "Ever since that day we first met, on the sands of Merōl, I vowed to ensure you knew happiness here in Psera. That even though Equestria made you sad and upset, that I would take on the responsibility to make it right again by giving you happiness for restoring our land and our nation as a whole. I am so happy that I am completing phase one now." Arcadia blushed and rolled her eyes. Madun got that from her phase organization she created when they were actually rebuilding Psera. Phase One was Land Restoration. "I vow to make sure we make many phases together, Twilight. From becoming husband and wife, to becoming co-rulers, and becoming a family with a filly. I love you."

Twilight winked, he saw it. Then took the silence as her turn now. Blueblood was beyond ready to let loose from above, but was interested in what Twilight had to say about this. So he lowered his crossbow and listened closely. As well as ponies all over Psera, eyes on the display screens or TVs in their homes.

With a loving smile, Twilight said, "Madun... I remember the day we first met very well. You were really nervous but showed strength beneath it. Fragile, but strong. Fearful, but brave. Firm, but kind. You showed me a life I wish I knew sooner on this land I now call home. With friends that are now added to the ones I call family across seas. I vow to spend the rest of my life by your side, giving you the love Psera gives me, ready to begin a new life here with my growing family. And to begin anew here, forever with the wonderful nation of Psera, and the loving Fire Family. No one else has my love like you do and our unborn child. I love you forever, 'til death do us part."

Blueblood was beyond stunned. She loved him? She said that before, but he took it as a joke! Yet, here she was proclaiming her love for this long-winged stallion. She loved him and only him, huh? 'Til death do you part, yeah? Blueblood had enough of this.

He raised his crossbow and squinted his eyes through the crosshairs, trained on Madun. "Slight change of plans," he whispered to himself. Then slowly shifted the crossbow so it was trained on Twilight. 'Til death do you part. Since I can't have you... Nopony will.

The administer looked between the two and asked, "Do you, Shimmering Madun, take Twilight Sparkle to be your lawfully wedded wife forever? And vow to make her happy?"

He nodded eagerly and answered, "Yes, I do."

"And do you, Twilight Sparkle, take Shimmering Madun to be your lawfully wedded husband? And vow to make him happy?"

Twilight eagerly nodded and laughed a little in excitement. "Yes, I do!"

Gardeen strode forward with a pillow of some sort, holding both of their ring necklaces. Twilight couldn't play favorites, so she decided to let an adult Pseratep do the honors of giving her the ring, something Flurry was surprisingly calm about. "Don the rings around each other."

Madun reached out and flipped back Twilight's veil, revealing her face plastered with makeup. Then grabbed Twilight's original necklace ring, stretched it out, and placed it over and around her neck before it relaxed comfortably on her chest.

Twilight decided to go by regular Pseratep tradition and use her hooves for this one. Sitting down, she grabbed the thicker necklace and did what Madun did, stretching it out. Then reached out and slipped it over his head, allowing it to relax around his neck.



Nopony saw what happened next. Not even her friends who were right up there by the stage, literally watching everything with a tear in their eyes. Celestia was the most clueless. One second Twilight was standing. The guard were in front of the stage, watching everyone who were watching them. The Guard in the lower control room were smiling too. Even though they were watching security cameras at the same time. This was the moment. The one they were all waiting for.

Satisfied, Administer Golen Wing nodded and said, "Under the eye of Narmeelah and within the law of Psera, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

They recalled King Madun and Twilight leaning in, just like everyone else who were about to do the same with their spouses before Twilight stopped. Then her smile dropped before she looked towards the crowd, confusing her friends and family. Except, she wasn't looking towards the crowd exactly. She was looking above it. Right after that, everything went from happy, celebratory, and festive to tragic.

All anyone saw was Twilight's mouth open slightly before she screamed. And was flown back farther onto the stage by an unknown force, rolling to a stop by the choir. Madun and everyone on the stage gasped and quickly ran over. Then Merry screamed, "Oh my.... TWILIGHT!!"

The ponies in the crowd started muttering and talking with the same question in mind. Sunset asked, "What happened? What just happened?"

"I don't know!" Ponyville Rainbow answered. "I can't see her, they're crowding around her!"

The rest of the Equestrians also stood up, eager to find out before two words were announced from the stage that made the blood of Twilight's family run cold. "CODE BLACK!!" A guard yelled. "CODE BLACK, SHUT IT DOWN!!"

"EVERYONE ON THE GROUND, SPREAD YOUR HOOVES!! SPREAD YOUR WINGS, LET'S GO, LET'S GO!!"

All screamed before doing as instructed, dropping down onto their fronts and spreading their hooves and wings. Then all the lights shut off and feeds of the wedding were cut.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," Ponyville Fluttershy whispered, then covered her eyes in fear. The administer quickly got down too while the Guard bolted onto the stage to check on Twilight.

"Buck, we need the platform here now!!"

"It's an arrow, we can't take it out, we'll cause internal damage!"



"Are you bucking me?!!" Lieutenant Sword yelled in the control room. The Guards inside quickly ran out while those manning the cameras played everything back. Sword raised her comm block and asked, "What just happened?! Someone talk to me!!" She reached out and flipped a bright red button, triggering the Code Black routine. The lights in the facility shut down, shrouding the building in darkness.

One of the guards out there on the stage lit up a flashlight and pushed the bridesmaids to the side so he and the rest of the Guards could get to her. It was truly a heartbreaking scene when they got there. The Bridesmaids were holding onto Twilight's hoof while she screamed in pain from an arrow, impaled in her stomach. Blood was seeping out quickly and creating a rapidly growing puddle on the stage. Just like everyone else, Equestria were down on their stomachs, hooves and wings spread out while they listened to an alarm blare from above. The tracks underneath sprouted up and began moving at a fast pace.

Gardeen grabbed Twilight's hoof and held onto it tight while a guard relayed what happened, "Twilight, look at me okay? Focus on my voice, we're gonna get you out of here, alright?"

Twilight's pain filled eyes focused on Gardeen while the other Bridesmaids were forced to the ground. Madun was on the other side screaming obscenities and demanding to know where the Platform was.

"What happened, what's wrong with my baby?!" Her mother yelled from below.

"It's an arrow, we have to get her out of here!" A guard responded through the Comm Block. "Someone shot her, I need eyes on everything!! Lay the King down on the ground! Now!!"

Twilight didn't say anything, too busy crying out. Before she could even scream earlier, Blueblood's magic hit her with enough force to send her flying back. And from the looks of it, based off the tiny blue light in the distance, he was hoping for a second shot. Still in major pain, Twilight made it worse by shifting her wing, dripping blood out to nudge Gardeen to the side a little, just so she could aim. Twilight bet her bits that Blueblood was going for Madun next. She couldn't, and wouldn't let it happen. Weakly, Twilight lit her horn and fired a bright light right above, highlighting Blueblood and blinding him.

Merry yelled, "Twilight, what are you—"

"There!" She interrupted, still crying. Gardeen followed the light and made out a moving shape on top of the viewing screen.

"There, up there!!" She yelled. The Guards followed her hoof with Twilight's light. Then zipped straight up before Blueblood could recuperate. One second he was there running for the edge of the display screen, the next he wasn't and an arrow was twirling in the spot he was at a second ago, falling to the ground below on top of a Pseratep.

Twilight dropped the light while the Guard handled him. Then cried out louder. She had to get this arrow out. It was killing her.

Gardeen grabbed her hoof before she could touch it. "No, your highness! You'll hurt the baby!"

Her baby. That arrow had went into her stomach. Into her filly. "MY FILLY!! HE HURT MY FILLY!" She cried.

After three more seconds, the emergency platform arrived and stopped a little ways away from the scene. Twilight heard Madun yell, "They're going to get you to the hospital, okay?! Stay calm, Twilight!!"

"What happened to my baby?!"

"Twilight!"

"Hold on, Twilight! Stay calm, okay?!"

"Relax your body, okay?" A guard instructed. Gardeen let go of her hoof and stepped back before a medic took her place. "On two! One... Two!" They lifted her up and pretty much exposed her for all to see. Most of her beautiful wedding dress changed from white to red along with her wings. They had brown halves on them. They carried her to the platform, ready and waiting for them to set her down. Once she was securely strapped in, the Guard hopped on and zipped off. Making for the hospital.

The Equestrians didn't see much, but Sunset pretty much yelled out that she did. Celestia asked, "What happened?! What did you see?!"

Sunset covered her face, crying before Starlight hit her shoulder. "What did you see?!" She repeated.

Sunset shook her head and answered, "Blood. There was so much blood."

"Grab your partner's hoof!" The guard yelled out from above. "Let's go, let's go! Emergency evacuation!"

Sunset grabbed Starlight and Celestia's hoof before she stood up and turned her body to the left, placing them on Celestia's flanks. Then walked with the crowd towards the exit. The boom from the Code Black Hangar resonated around the building, causing a few more screams to ring out. The Bridesmaids had joined the fray too, dancing towards the doors.

Once they were outside, they let each other go and looked around. They were in Section Two, in front of the emergency exit. This region had emergency lights lit up, providing them with enough to see. Still a little clueless before the Bridesmaids and Groom walked out. The groom walked out fine, but the bridesmaids were pretty much in blood. Gardeen had gotten blood on her side from Twilight's wing. And Merry had some on the front when she was pushed down into it. She was irked from that.

Gardeen was holding Light Pink close once they were out so she could cry in her shoulder. She knew this had traumatized her. Shining Armor hectically ran over and asked among the chaos, "What happened to my sister?!"

Still holding her girlfriend, Gardeen looked at her dress with blood on it. Then at those waiting for an answer. With a shaky breath she answered, "Lady Twilight was shot by an arrow. Right before they could kiss. They flew her to the hospital in Capita. It was so sudden..."



A white noise rang in Twilight's ears. Her sight grew blurry by the time they shot her out of the Code Black Hangar, soaring for the Main Hospital in Capita. Her wedding. It was ruined. They were wrong, it wasn't going to be okay. It was terrifying. Is this how Cadance felt on her wedding day? More than likely not, she didn't get shot with an arrow.

The platform jostled when they landed in the Main Hospital's hangar. Already prepped with nurses and doctors. It latched onto the hook and slowed before locking in place in front of the platform where the ponies were standing. Twilight felt her body shift from the platform then onto what must've been a gurney. Her dress was ripped open so they could get a closer look.

Their voices seemed distant. Far away from where they really were. "It's in her stomach! We need an ultrasound to get a good visual and blood now! Your highness, we need to put you under for a little while okay?" Twilight didn't even move. "Buck, let's go!!" The last thing Twilight remembered was her sight going entirely white. Then flashing into darkness. Silence.


~✶~


King Madun wanted answers. Just like Merry, Molten, Blazing, Celestia... Everyone wanted answers. They couldn't stand being kept in the dark like this. Celestia was pacing with the rulers and Twilights parents back in Eventa inside a security room, watching the news on the display screens. There was a name for them but Madun couldn't remember it right now, or anyone else. Just Display Screens. There was a reporter in front of the Main Hospital in Capita on one screen, and one of the Grand Stadium in Eventa. There were a bunch of ponies relaying what they saw as witnesses.

"One second she was about to kiss the king," one Pseratep, a teenage mare recalled desperately. "The next she was flying back onto the stage screaming!"

That was all you see on every channel. Lady in Waiting Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle Attempted Assassination on Wedding Day. Madun was clearly a wreck. Crying into his sister's coat. None of them could go anywhere. At least not yet before the security was lifted. Gardeen walked out of the bathroom with Pink after they took off their dresses and yelled in anger, "It was that pony! That stupid stallion that was going after Arcadia for who knows how long! He tried to kill her!"

Merry nodded and rubbed King Madun's back. "Yeah, Arcadia shone a light on him! He somehow got on top of one of the displays above and was shooting down at Arcadia!"

Molten turned and jabbed a hoof into Celestia's chest, taking her and the others by surprise. "This pony of yours is causing a major disruption in our way of life!!"

Celestia gulped with a terrible thought. This country was powerful. And an assault on Arcadia by a foreigner that put her in the hospital is enough to cause a war, just like Secretary Manny said. 

"L-Look, we know nothing of Blueblood's plans. We can only do so much around him in a land we don't know about."

Shining added, "Like I said this morning, we can't find anything in a place ten times the size of Equestria. If he were in Equestria, we could. The only ones who know this land are the Pserateps. We can tell you that Blueblood is here and his motives, but we can't find him here nor his operations. Only you can. You know the ins and outs of this place better than we do."

Merry zipped over and yelled, "Are you blaming us for Twilight's near assassination?!!"

"No, no!" Cadance quickly answered. "We're just saying that Blueblood is a tricky character and this is a big land for him to hide in, making him even more difficult to track. The only one who could truly find him was Twilight, who said herself that she detected Blueblood's spell casting."

Ponyville Rarity gasped and pointed at them. "That would explain why she looked up and gasped! Blueblood was casting a spell and she detected it!"

"But that's beside the point!" Gardeen yelled. She wrapped a wing around Pink and stated, "We came here to support and have Arcadia get married like she wanted! Like the King wanted! This was setup months ago! All ruined because a pony from your nation still won't accept the word no!"

"We are extremely sorry," Celestia responded. "We'll do what we can to make it right, but right now Twilight is in the hospital because of him! Let's worry about her first before we worry about Blueblood."

The Display Screen blared before they could argue further, "This just in, Lady Arcadia Nova is undergoing surgery after being attacked. No word yet on if the unborn child is affected or not. But sources in the hospital are saying they are exhausting every effort to save them both. For those of you just tuning in, Lady Arcadia Nova was shot on stage this morning at the Wedding of the Century by what is believed to be a lone assailant. Military and Police have locked down the city of Eventa until further notice while an investigation is taking place."


~✶~


When Doctor Violet Triage first received the notice that Lady Arcadia was shot, she immediately ran back to the office to grab records and everything on Lady Arcadia, then hightailed it straight to Capita. The military presence there was exhausted, that much was clear. They even stopped her before she even reached the hospital, asking who she was. After verifying that she was in fact Lady Arcadia's official doctor, they let her pass.

The second she stepped into the hospital, she requested to speak with the doctor tending to Arcadia Nova. Once he showed up, she was briefed.

"We're doing everything we can," he told her. They were walking the marble and glossy halls, heading for the Guarded hall entrance on the end. "But she's lost a lot of blood, and there's a chance she'll have a miscarriage."

"She needs blood," Triage ordered. They walked past the entrance in the Royal Wing into what was described as chaos. Nurses and doctors were grabbing tools flying back and forth. Many wearing plastic were walking into a large room while others were looking at readings, barking orders. "Is there any of her type in here?"

"She has Type-C, we barely have any of that."

"Then we need some. We need a run to Eventa. Most of her family is there, hopefully they match."



Twilight Velvet was pacing by this point. The tension in the room was molten hot. Equestria was scared that Molten was going to slap somepony with Merry as her backup, and Madun had moved on from devastated to worried and furious. He just witnessed his fiancee, literally about to become his wife in a few seconds get shot by that pony. And his baby was in the crossfire. Nobody was speaking at all right now. Just watching the news. Last they heard from an hour ago was that Arcadia was in an unstable position and they were struggling to keep her stable.

The only door that led out of the room clicked, attracting their ears before it was opened. Lieutenant Sword walked in with around ten more guards. "We need Type-C blood for Twilight!" She announced. "Does anyone—"

"We all have Type-C," Twilight Velvet interrupted. She strode forward and asked, "What's going on?"

"The pony who shot at Arcadia is being held in the lower areas, but the damage has been done. She lost a lot of blood and the doctors are doing everything they can to keep her alive at the hospital, but Type-C blood here in Psera is extremely rare. One out of every thousand Pserateps have it, but we don't have enough for her. She's hanging on, but barely. We need some blood now. Let's go!"

The guards directed everyone out of the room and into Section Two. All the citizens were still in there talking about what happened. The poor choir that was on the stage who were going to witness the kiss were traumatized, they could see that now.

Once they were out, they were quickly led towards the chariots on the right and threw themselves inside. Then they were off. Madun was in the one with the Princesses, zooming through the streets and soon into the emergency exit of the building. The lights in there that were neon blue were now flashing a red, signalling that the facility was still locked down. Twilight Velvet was holding onto Night Light who had his own tears on his face. After they breached out into the sunny day and into the chaos outside, the chariots lifted and zoomed straight into the air.

Rainbow watched the ground leave their sights before they tilted left, zooming at an increased speed that forced them all back into the seats of their chariots. They didn't mind. They needed to be there. They arrived at the hospital in two minutes. It looked like a long white bar, big as Events at Eventa. The military presence there looked like somepony was ready to go to war, sending a bad feeling down Celestia's spine.

The hospital was settled in front of the entire city pretty much from the South end and the rest of the city was behind it. Which meant the second Twilight entered Capita was the same second she entered the hospital.

The chariot lowered down and landed on a street. Then continued on by hoof for an entrance on the right. There was a group of around six Pserateps already waiting for them when the chariot turned and stopped. Violet Triage ran forward and yelled, "She's stabilizing herself!"

Confused, Madun asked,"Huh? What are you talking about Triage? Merry take it easy, you're pregnant remember?" Merry was dancing on hot hooves, ready to rumble. Her husband had a wing on her back, trying to calm her down.

"Lady Arcadia knows her magic. She's somehow supplying a flow through her body to cut down the stress she may be under. She's using the magic she has as blood to flow through her and the baby's body, but it can only last but so long. It's enough to keep her above Critical, but not enough for a permanent resolution. We're supplying oxygen and nutrients. But she needs Type-C blood."
> Chapter 44 - Tensions Rising
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone thought Twilight was gone by now. The mask over her muzzle was providing oxygen, but if that were taken away the only thing keeping her steady was whatever she was doing with her magic to keep her blood flowing through her and the foal. Her horn was alight but she herself unconscious. Anything could happen. Violet Triage could tell that from behind the Nurse's Station, eyes trained on the monitors displaying Arcadia's heart rate and blood pressure.

She wasn't Critical. But she also wasn't stable. If her heart rate dropped, she could go into Sudden Cardiac Arrest. There was just too much blood loss. That pony's arrow just happened to hit a major artery, carrying a lot of blood. And all of it was on that stage, enjoying the camera flashes from detectives, Military Police, and some press. Images were already surfacing all over Psera. Including the video when Twilight was suddenly hit by a seemingly blue beam if it were slowed down. A beam. Magic.

Equestria.

Psera was furious. Violet Triage admitted to herself she was too. Thanks to Arcadia they were able to rebuild again and this was how they repay her? But right now they were trying to make it right by supplying as much blood as they could. So much that the fire maned one was walking around all dizzy. What was her name? Summer?

Violet blinked those thoughts away and watched them try to avoid eye contact from across the desk with everyone after they distributed. The little foal the pink one was holding was crying into her chest while the nurses prepared a blood transfusion. If Arcadia didn't make it, Equestria could possibly experience a war in the future. Because Arcadia, a mare voted to be in office as Queen of Psera was assassinated on her wedding day.

Just thinking about this made Triage blow hot air through her nose. Then focus back on her task. The foal was affected too. Blood stopped flowing through. A fifty percent chance of a miscarriage. The arrow cut an artery and pierced through a forming ear, causing internal bleeding. If the foal made it and was born, there will be a permanent hole inside of their right ear. A permanent reminder.

Triage needed a cold drink to cool her rising nerves.


~✶~


Voices were muffled inside of Twilight's mind. All she could see was darkness. Her heart sounded like a drum in her ears while something wet rubbed against her hoof. Then something sharp edged into it. She couldn't tell what it was, but it was filling her up. Twilight couldn't move. Barely breath. She knew what was happening though. It was scary. Scary enough to make her heart rate spike.

After a few seconds, she heard more coherent voices. "Your highness? We need you to calm down," someone said. "We need to put more blood in your body."

After a few more minutes, Arcadia's heart slowed back to a normal pace, letting the excited doctors and nurses relax. When it spiked, everyone authorized pretty much rushed to her room and did what they could to calm her down. The only thing really possible was talk to her. But that worked. So the final conclusion as to why she wouldn't wake up was—

"Comatose." The friends and family looked up from their seats towards one of the doctors walking over to them from her room.

Shining repeated, "Comatose? Twilight's Comatose?"

The doctor nodded and answered, "Twilight's comatose. But she's also not stable, not until her blood pressure rises. The anesthesia we applied wore off two hours ago, yet she's still out of it. We're doing everything we can to insure she stays alive. As of this moment, it's a twenty-five percent chance. But we're doing everything to ensure that Twenty-Five at least bumps to fifty."

Madun strode forward with tears in his eyes and stated, "Make sure you can."

The doctor nodded. Then bowed before shuffling back off to do whatever it was he was doing before. Madun sighed then thought about what to do. He needed an update on that pony. As a matter of fact, he needed to make sure he was locked away. For good.

"Guard!" He called. An Elite Guard on the side trotted over and saluted. "Have Lavender send me the papers to sign. They'll know what I'm talking about."

"Yes, sir." He turned around and made his way for the entrance to the unit, soon disappearing from sight of the confused ponies.

Concerned, Molten walked over and asked, "Madun, are you—"

"I'm ordering him to be placed in Chamber Nine," he interrupted. "But I'm doing everything from here, I'm not leaving Twilight's side. Not until she wakes up. That pony ruined our day. I'm going to ruin his week. He's going straight to Chamber Nine."

Celestia didn't know if this was a good time, but she had to ask. After she opened her mouth, Luna bumped her aside and asked, "What's Chamber Nine?" Celestia slowly shook her head. Insensitivity is strong in her.

Merry answered, "Chamber Nine is literally... A hole. Since he's going there I guess it's alright to tell you now. Back in the Wars, when ponies wouldn't talk, we'd throw them into Chamber Nine. Nothing but silence and darkness. You are left in there, in silence and darkness until we see fit to let you out."

"Technically, Chamber Nine is a bare stone room deep underground without any lights," Madun clarified. "We toss you in there, lock the door, and leave. Then let the room do the rest."

The Equestrians were shocked. Sunset Shimmer came to the conclusion that the room was Mental Torture while Celestia asked the questions just to get everything in place. "No bathroom?"

"No."

"No air conditioning?"

"No."

"No lights?"

"No! It's a completely bare room! Like a really large closet with no clothes!!" Gardeen yelled. Light Pink shushed her and slowly rubbed a wing up and down her back. Gardeen stood up and took a deep breath. "I'm going for some food." Then turned and left with Light Pink right behind her. She obviously needed some time to herself.

Madun watched her walk away then faced the Equestrians and family. "You'll have to excuse her, she looks up to Arcadia like a daughter to a mother." Celestia and everyone else turned to Spike who had cried himself to sleep in Rarity's hooves. According to Arcadia she had raised him by herself after he hatched from an egg. An impressive feat on her part. And she said she wasn't ready to be a mother. If she could handle a dragon, she could handle a filly.

The events of the day played a major role for the events of the future. Twilight's possible assassination was the main topic. All over Psera, news spread like wildfire. Twilight was currently in a coma. And there was a chance she'd never wake up. Since Twilight's out of action, and Madun was going to watch over her, Molten was taking over the Equestria-Psera Relations apparently. The day of celebration was quickly turned into a day of deep tense emotions. Especially when they were allowed to walk into Twilight's room.

Madun was the first to gulp down his fear and make his way inside, followed by the rest of her family. Twilight's bed was on the left when they stepped in. Her wings going through a washing at this hour. They were spread out on two different platforms for support while her body stayed in the middle between them, lying face up on a hospital bed. Just like the doctor said, she had an oxygen mask over her mouth with closed eyes, facing the ceiling. The only thing active was her horn. Whatever it was doing they couldn't see it.

There was a thick white blanket to keep her warm in the cold atmosphere of her room. Unlike most of the patients there, Twilight was settled on a large bed with a bunch of technology around. A heart monitor connected to a display screen, a cuff around her right hoof, and two needles—one going through the blood transfusion, and the other full of nutrients connected to an IV bag above. And a few more under the sheets.

Madun sighed and walked over to her right with everyone from Psera while her Equestrian family took her left. Unlike most of the time when she looked strong and independent, she looked completely vulnerable. Sunset looked up at the Heart Monitor. There was a horizontal red line an inch beneath the pulses of her heart. She had a feeling if it reached that line, it would be code blue.

Pinkie sniffed and placed a hoof on the bed, tearful eyes on Twilight. "You got this, Twilight," she whispered. "You're a strong mare, you got this."



Secretary Manny was angry. Beyond it really. She watched a playback of the recording the moment Twilight was hit with an arrow multiple times. Saw the evidence of another arrow and the large pool of blood on the stage they had to clean up. Saw the disappointed and scared faces of the attendees. The newspapers that spread through all the cities. But now she was headed to the Castle to speak with Her Majesty Molten Ice. Just like Madun said, he wasn't leaving that hospital until Twilight's current state changed. Dead or alive. The nation hoped the latter.

According to Captain Dark Silver, Her Majesty was located in the Royal Dining Hall, thinking to herself. Even as she walked, Manny sensed anger coming from the two large doors at the end, guarded by two Royal Guard. It made her fearful as she passed and knocked.

No sound was heard on the other side for a moment. "WHO IS IT?!!"

Secretary Manny jumped a little and answered, "Secretary Manny, ma'am."

"Just the pony I need to see. Enter." Secretary Manny didn't know if that was a good thing. Or a bad thing. Either way, she followed command and pushed the door open meekly. The Queen was sitting at the end of the glossy long table, eyeing the door with narrowed eyes while her hooves were pressed together, sitting straight up in the chair. Manny gulped down her fear and walked in, heading for the left side of the table for the chair closer to the Queen. The door's closing boomed behind her, resonating around the room before it died out, shrouding everything in silence. The Queen watched Manny take a seat in the chair on the right. After she was comfortable, she said behind her hooves, "I am very disappointed."

Manny nodded and replied, "I understand, your majesty. We could have done better."

"I am not disappointed in the Guard," she clarified. "I am disappointed in Equestria. From what I was told on multiple occasions, Blueblood was a lone assailant who is beyond spoiled. Equestria could have done more to prevent this from ever happening. Trained him that the word 'No' means no, and not shower him with medals because of lineage. If that were the case, this could have been prevented years ago. Now a pony I greatly care for lies in the hospital from an arrow that cut an artery, pregnant with a foal. Both of which may or may not survive all because of bad parenting. Which will affect my son so much he may even step down from the throne. This has become personal."

Manny nodded and replied, "I understand your majesty."

Her Majesty turned fully to Manny. Angry eyes bore into hers, sending a chill down her spine. "I want Equestria away from Psera. Twilight is out of office right now and Madun is by her side. What is the status on the assailant?"

"He is being held inside Chamber Nine back in Lavender."

"Horn inhibitor?"

"Applied."

"Good. Now focus on Equestria. If Arcadia dies... I want all of the military ready to invade their borders. I'm having a meeting tomorrow morning with the Princesses of Equestria in the Senate Hall, with the rest of the nation. I want all relations with them to cease. No communication, nothing. Break the portal once they are back through once the meeting is over tomorrow. Narmeelah forbid should this ever happen. But if Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle dies, we are going to war."



Celestia couldn't stop pacing. As the primary ruler of Equestria, this land millions live in, it was up to her to assure that her ponies were safe from threats. She called a last minute mandatory Press conference a few minutes ago in the Castle's Throne room and was now awaiting for them to arrive. What she was going to tell them was going to shake them all. Especially her old Canterlot friends from so long ago. Minuette and the others. Turns out she got a job with the Canterlot News Network and was covering everything politics. She's a very close friend of Twilight and was scared out of her fur when she disappeared nearly a year ago.

After everyone left Psera with well wishes and sadness, she, Luna, and Cadance bolted right back to the castle in Canterlot. Luna and Cadance were somewhere else at the moment, leaving Celestia to face her anxiety alone. The Guards at the foot of the throne were watching her pace back and forth, tears leaking from her eyes. Something definitely happened. Whatever it was, it was bad enough to make Celestia cry. Something nopony has ever seen before.

The doors to the throne room opened, letting in the Press of Equestria to set up. Ironically, they all arrived at the same time. Something she wasn't really prepared for. Minuette was there, ready with a camera and notepad floating in front of her. Aw, jeez. This was going to hurt her.

Once they were all setup, Celestia took a deep calming breath then sat down. "Good evening everypony," she started off. "Today, the wedding of Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle was set to commence at eleven o'clock. As expected, it was a rather large turnout, the entire nation of Psera chose to attend at a very large building that was able to house every last one of them."

"Must've been an extremely large building," one of the representatives stated.

"You have no idea. The wedding hall was beautiful. There was a choir. But everything... turned chaotic that could cause a possible war between Equestria and Psera." Minuette glanced up from her notes. "The wedding was tragically interrupted when... An Equestrian Noble, Prince Blueblood, who was believed to be jealous, shot an arrow and... Hit Twilight."

The news had the expected reaction. The Press gasped and dropped their notes, immediately asking questions all at once. The Guards in the room were also interested. But Celestia pushed on, silencing them. "As of this moment, Twilight is believed to be in a coma with her fiance by her side. They never made it to the kiss. We are hoping to have good news soon on the status of her condition. But since the shot was fired, tensions between our two nations are thick. From what we fear, if Twilight..." Celestia covered her mouth for a moment and blinked away her tears. "If Twilight loses her life in that hospital bed... Equestria could possibly be going to war with a nation twenty times as strong as ours. Her survival determines our survival."



Gardeen couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned in her comfortable bed, a mile away from the castle. The two floored home seemed even more lonely than usual. On nights like this, they weren't nearly this quiet. In fact it was noisy. But when she and everyone except Madun were forced to leave the hospital, she felt herself rip apart. Arcadia could die.

Gardeen used her hoof to throw the covers off of her, then sat up on the side of the bed to growl and stare at the carpeted floor. No doubt Eventa was still on lockdown. So Pink was still there. But three timid knocks on the door downstairs told her otherwise.

Gardeen jumped off the bed and zipped down the stairs, nearly bumping into a bookcase in the process littered with pictures. She didn't even need to peek through the peephole. Instead swung the door wide open. Sure enough, Light Pink was on the other side of the door.

Before she could even squeak, Gardeen grabbed and pulled her inside. Then shut the door behind her. Light Pink's ears folded down when Gardeen turned back to her. "I-I'm sorry if you were asleep," she whispered. Her timid attitude was one of the very things about her that made Gardeen smile. "I just couldn't."

A hoof raised Light Pink's head up so she could meet her girlfriend's warm gaze. "I couldn't either. Keep me company?"

She immediately nodded while Gardeen led her towards the kitchen. Speaking all the while. "...she didn't deserve that," Gardeen whispered. A switch was flipped, illuminating the kitchen. There was a small round glass table in the center with a low hanging lamp above it, a refrigerator on the wall directly across, a sink on the right, and a window on the left. It was small and cozy.

Light Pink sat beside Gardeen, who laid her head on the table between her hooves. "She was supposed to get married, happy, and be spending the time of her life with her husband in RayRay. Now, because of that pony, she's fighting for her life and another in that hospital bed. In a coma. There's no telling when she'll wake up."

Light Pink pulled Gardeen into a hug before she started crying again. At least this time it was in her coat.

"I know, sweetie," Pink whispered.

"Wh-When she looked in my eyes on that stage," Gardeen added. "I saw... Pain. The first time I ever witnessed her in pain. Hurting. Tears, crying. I witnessed all of it. But for what, jealousy? What was wrong with that pony? Because he couldn't have her, and Madun rightfully swooned her in like a stallion should, with respect, dignity, honor and loyalty he had to kill her?? It makes no sense! He's a crazy stallion and I'm glad he's locked up in that Cell."

"Shhh," Pink cooed. Then bent and nuzzled the top of her mane. "We have to believe she'll wake up. Arcadia has never let us down before, let alone yet. She'll pull through."

Gardeen sat up and asked, "And if she doesn't?"

"Then we'll face it head on. Together." Pink pecked Gardeen on the cheek, then nuzzled where the kiss took place. "Believe in her."



Just like the rest of the nation, Madun couldn't sleep. The night shift had moved in and were doing routine check ups on Twilight every thirty minutes. Madun sat aside and watched them work from her bedside. She hadn't even moved, let alone twitched. There was just no telling what was going on in there. He sighed and looked out the window of the hospital, eyeing the brightly lit streets below of Capita. Even at this hour, Radwoods were moving up and down the streets. But they had to stay two hundred hoofs away from the hospital. As a matter of fact, the road leading up to the hospital was guarded by more of Psera's military, watching chariots and more come in. Providing as much protection as they could for Her Highness while she slumbers.

Madun was furious, but he was keeping it in check while in the hospital. It would hurt his reputation if he were to show out. Merry stopped by earlier to check on them and informed him that their mother was taking over everything for now. Merry had guards with her for once. Something she wasn't really fond about but relished in nonetheless.

A meeting with the royalty, defense, and justice system of Equestria was in place for tomorrow morning at nine. Madun, and the rest of Psera were furious with those ponies. They may have been Twilight's family. But they've seen them possibly assassinate one of their own. If Arcadia, Madun's one true love dies... He may never love again. Let alone smile. Madun sighed and closed his eyes, letting sleep overtake him. He needed this. He and Twilight were supposed to be cuddling in RayRay. But here they were in the hospital, one watching over the other while she was in a coma.



At first sunrise, all of Equestria knew. Twilight was nearly killed yesterday. By one of their own. Prince Blueblood. The entire nation knew what was at stake by this point. All the buildings currently being built in Canterlot and other major cities like Manehattan could, and would possibly be taken apart if Psera chose to invade. And it were their fault to blame. No hooves moved across dirt that morning. Barely anypony stepped outside their tents. Even Applejack was less than enthusiastic about calling for breakfast. The pony that helped them get back to normal could die.

After raising the sun, from the balcony in her room, Celestia sighed and blinked back tears. A meeting was set up this morning at the last minute in the Castle of the Gods to discuss what happened yesterday, and the repercussions of it. All because of Blueblood, Equestria could be turned to ashes. And they were just coming out of a landscape of one.

Once the sun was set in the sky, Celestia turned around and made her way back through the room, shuffling through all the tissues on the floor and towards the double door. Her naturally flowing mane was down and less than elegant today. But she attempted to keep a stern face by the time she reached the doors to the throne room she had managed a straight face to present to Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor, all waiting for her. No words were spoken. None needed to be said. They made their way through the castle and to the front doors of the castle. The air outside was improving somewhat, but the silence in it was what caused unease to the ponies about to walk into it. I was as if everyone knew what could happen today. Pushing those thoughts to the side, they made their way to Ponyville, where Twilight's old castle stood. And where her friends were waiting. As well as a bunch of flowers, note cards, and more.

When they reached them, Celestia turned to Rarity who explained. "All of the ponies here wanted to have these delivered to her in Psera."

Cadance shook her head and answered, "I'm not too sure if they'll allow that. But I'll see if I can bring some." Using her magic, Cadance grabbed a random bunch and walked through the broken doors inside, still shattered from the bucking Twilight did to them nearly a year ago in anger. They stopped in front of the mirror and took deep breaths. Then walked through. Just like usual, they walked into a white room with a bunch of Elite Guards, who seemed a little more aggressive today.

"Open your wings, drop the bucking paper!!" Cadance dropped the paper before she was forcefully pushed to the ground and wings spread, body pressed upon by one guard while another checked them. A Horn inhibitor was placed on her head, as well as the head of Shining Armor, Celestia, and Luna. After being pat down and checked, the guard on their backs removed themselves and stood to the side.

"Now get up, let's go!" The four were immediately on their hooves while one guard opened the door. They were quickly escorted out and into The Hive, buzzing with activity before all eyes froze and locked in on them.

It was so silent as they proceeded the trek, tension thick in the air. "I got this new crossbow I can't wait to test out on ya'!!" One Guard yelled. Shining looked their way. He was a big stallion with a tattoo on his face. And sure enough, he had a black steel crossbow with a red light of some sort hitting his chest. Aiming right for him. "It's shiny for ya, Shining!!"

"Stand down, Lieutenant!" Captain Dark ordered. The Lieutenant made an I'm watching you motion and lowered back down on four hooves. Looks like these guys were ready for a war. And weren't afraid to start one right now.
> Chapter 45 - Fortune Teller
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The hallway holding Twilight was littered with notecards, flowers, and gifts when Gardeen showed up the next morning. She herself had brought a teddy bear with Light Pink and the rest of their friends. Fast Right and Dark Shadow were upset, but didn't let it show. Unfortunately, the only ponies who were allowed to see her in that group was Gardeen herself. The others had to wait out in the lobby. Gardeen's hooves felt like lead when she moved them, stepping to the room with so many flowers it looked like a garden. But it definitely wasn't on the other side.

Gardeen verified this when she finally stepped inside. It was the same as yesterday. In the center of the entirely white room, Arcadia was face up with a mask over her face, covered with a blanket fighting for her life. Madun was there by her side. On the right of her bed holding her hoof. And sleeping. When Gardeen walked in his eyes fluttered open and focused on her. "...hey," he greeted. He was clearly tired. His eyes were droopy and he looked a little bit exhausted.

"Hi," she responded. Then walked over to her left and sat down.

Madun looked at Arcadia and answered her unasked question, "Nothing's really changed. Her blood pressure went up to keep blood flowing. But other than that she's still comatose."

"I really want that pony dead," Gardeen deadpanned.

Madun sighed and slowly nodded his head. "...me too."



After they left the hive and entered the silent tall and grand halls of the Castle of the Gods, Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor were escorted towards the Senate Hall. Celestia was so sure that the Pserateps synchronized with the mood by the King. If he was sad, everypony was sad. Or it could have just been Twilight. Either way, she didn't speak about it when they walked down the stairs towards the empty lobby floors and down another hallway. Eventually arriving at a guarded quadrupled set of doors. The captain of this unit gave Celestia the stink eye and motioned for the door to be opened. The guards quickly did, exposing the inside of the Senate Hall. It had four rows of ascending seats setup with microphones, a gallery on the far side, and the panel at the front in front of the Crest of Psera. All occupied.

All conversations the Pseratep leaders were having ceased and all eyes were directed towards them. Luna gulped and followed her family with the Guards towards the seats in the front. And center. They were going to be facing the angry faces of the Pserateps. Actually practically their parents. Her Majesty Molten Ice was watching them directly above the five Senators with really strange eyes. One of them, a stallion with a gray coat had narrowed eyes aimed at Shining Armor. Why him? No idea. They sat down in their seats and got comfortable. Then they began.

Her Majesty greeted sourly, "Hello, Princesses and Prince Consort Shining Armor. Thank you for coming. Yesterday, a pony of extreme importance was shot yesterday at her wedding. Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, Saviour of Psera. We have the culprit, who is actively losing his mind in Chamber Nine, and there is nothing you can do about it. Now... Secretary Manny informed me that she did in fact tell you about the consequences of any actions against Lady Arcadia on her wedding day. Correct?"

Gulping, Celestia nodded and answered, "Yes, she made it very clear to us that if something were to happen to Lady Arcadia we would in fact be on tense hooves with Psera."

One of the Judges at the top, a mare with a light orange coat responded, "At the time of this we were positive that since Equestria had apologized for their actions and were actively working things out that we had nothing to worry about. Until it was reported that a Unicorn who had a thing for Arcadia in the past was actively running amok through our land. Our Guards were having trouble catching him and were doing everything they could to keep their weapons and wings ready to fly at the first sign of an issue. However, he was using magic.

"Psera is currently taking steps to apply detectors across the nation in case an event such as this were to ever happen again. Or even a threat. Unfortunately, it took this one to make it happen. Queen Arcadia now lies on an unstable line that could shift from Awake to Cardiac Arrest in a hospital bed. Pregnant. Thanks to a pony from your nation."

Another older Stallion on the far left with a forest green coat added, "Even though you may not be in connection with this attack, you forget. The pony who did it has direct ties to Equestria royalty. As well as Equestria itself. So we're blaming Equestria, who has a record of lying to Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle."

Cadance raised a hoof to place her input. "With all due respect we were unaware that Twilight didn't know her role in Equestrian Society."

"But did you let her know? As a ruler and pony of higher authority in your nation it is your duty to tell your subjects, friends or not, what they need to know. And from what I understand you are all four years overdue. Not four days, four weeks, four months, but four years." Cadance sighed and looked away. They had a point.

Molten stayed undeterred. "The attacker Blueblood is indubitably going to be staying in a Maximum Security Prison for the rest of his life. Now if Lady Arcadia dies, after all she has done for you and your nation, Psera will be forced to take action. As of this moment, we are boarding our Aquatas and retrieving the Anchors. There will be no warning. No white flags. We are swarming Equestria and taking everything down with a swift iron hoof!" She banged her golden-covered hoof on the table. "And there will be nothing you can do about it."

Celestia gulped and asked, "Are you sure there's nothing we can do?"

"Can you bring back the dead?"

"Er... Well—"

"Then no. My son was possibly traumatized on that stage! Along with those foals! About to kiss his one true love that I myself have seen blossom from mere flirting to a permanent bond of love about to be forged together yesterday! Only to come to an abrupt halt when a pony from your nation shot an arrow into the abdomen of his fiancee! A pony whom I myself have come to adore, as well as the rest of this nation! She has done so much for Psera! And asked for nothing in return! She found love here, as well as respect! Something she didn't receive in Equestria! Yet she still can't escape your clutches, and is now fighting for her life in that hospital bed! Well if she goes, you're going with her, I assure you."



The sound of heartbeats were the only sound reaching Twilight's ears. Not the Heart monitor, Gardeen's writing, or her fiance's snoring on the side. Her worrying wasn't much right now on the outside for her foal. What happened to her baby? Was she as the mother okay? She needed answers. Hopefully soon.

Twilight felt something. A movement. Feeling. Her right wing fluttered. Or buzzed. She couldn't tell. Her horn was burning alive! Her eyes registered light coming past her lids. She felt the rest of her body. Her hooves. Her wings, horn, muzzle. Everything. As if she was just born. After a few more seconds. A dull ache in her abdomen. She slowly fluttered her eyes open. The light above her was bright. A little blinding. She was tempted to find the switch and cut it off. She was too tired. She needed food.

The sound of wrapping in her right ear made it twitch. Wrapping paper. Food. She slowly turned her head to the right at Gardeen, eating a Maphito out of the wrapping with a large notebook in her lap. Was it early morning? Or was she doing like some breakfast for dinner type thing? Either way, she herself wanted one.

Gardeen's eyes were scanning the words she put down. Reading. They sounded right. Of course they sound right. In her mind. "'Love is the one thing that conquers all,'" she whispered. "'Without it nothing would exist. Through the pain and fire lies a light of happiness. From love and admiration comes a new life.' No that doesn't sound right."

"I thought it sounded beautiful." Gardeen looked up and gasped. Arcadia's purple eyes were trained on her, smiling. "Keep it in there."

"Arcadia!!" Gardeen hopped up and immediately walked over. "Doctor!! Ponies, get in here!! How are you feeling, your highness?" Arcadia raised a hoof her way, inviting her in for a hug. Gardeen carefully moved in and wrapped her hooves around her. Arcadia did the same and nuzzled her cheek.

"I thought we lost you," Gardeen whispered.

"I'm always around, Gardeen," she whispered. Then placed a tiny kiss on her cheek. "I'm okay."

Arcadia pulled back when a few doctors rushed in from the door on the right up ahead. Triage being the first gasped and announced, "She's awake!! Your highness how are you feeling?"

While the doctors started poking and looking her over, Arcadia sighed and whispered, "Hungry. I want some Maphitos. How is my baby?"

Violet Triage set up her stethoscope while other doctors checked over the rest of her body. With a smile, she answered, "She is fine. There are more specifics but we need you relaxed and calm before we tell you.

So everything is okay. Except for one thing. "Where is he?"

Violet Triage stepped to the side, letting her sight train on King Madun sleeping in the chair beside her with his head face down. He had his crown off and everything else. Leaving him in his orange coat and messy orange-red mane. How was he not hearing all of this? Maybe it was his snoring. Each time he inhaled, it was like a small engine blaring loud, echoing around the room. That happens when he's stressed. Twilight had a remedy for it.

Arcadia shared a look with Gardeen, then shifted her body so her wing was free. Slowly she pushed it out from underneath the blanket and over to him. Then shook it by his nose. 

"This wakes him up from anything," she whispered.

She pulled her wing back and observed Madun. First he stopped snoring then reached out with his right hoof before cracking his eyes open. Smacking his lips he glanced around and finally noticed the large amount of doctors and nurses inside. Immediately, he got worried. "What happened? Give me some information, now!"

Arcadia cleared her throat, finally getting his attention. With a smile, she whispered, "Hey, love."

Madun instantly walked over while the doctors sort of just jumped out of the way and embraced Twilight underneath her hooves, giving her the most loving hug he could manage. "You're awake," he whispered. Then pulled back and kissed her on the lips. Twilight could relish in that forever. But she was still worried about their child.

After a few moving seconds, Twilight pulled back and nodded, giving him those lively eyes he fell in love with so long ago. Smiling, she asked, "How long was I out?"

"Uhhh..." He turned back to the doctors who also shared a worrying look. Then turned back to his fiancee. "Don't freak out... But two months. You were in a coma sweetheart."

Twilight's eyes grew even wider. Then slowly shifted her sights to her stomach. It definitely got bigger. Bulging with the blanket. Which meant her foal was still alive. She still had more questions, but she also had a feeling she wasn't going to get any answers right now. So she instead nodded and motioned for the doctors to continue prodding.

Violet Triage walked forward first and started everything off with the blood pressure. Thankfully it was stabilized, but they still needed a lot more readings.

While looking in her eyes, one of the doctors said, "So about your foal. We have great news. Thanks to whatever you were doing with your magic, it kept her alive."

Madun quickly asked, "It's a filly?!"

"Yes, it is. It's a filly. But there was slight damage. The arrow pierced a growing ear, her right one. So unfortunately, there will be a hole in her right ear. It's not going to be an issue in her life. More like a permanent piercing and that's it. Other than that, she's just fine."

Twilight took a deep breath in relief. So that spell worked. She didn't know what she would do to Blueblood if he had killed her foal. Probably put Tartarus in his mind for the rest of his life. Or how about dropping him all the way to the ground from twenty thousand feet? Maybe shoot him with an arrow. Or how about put him to sleep and make him imagine what it felt like being pierced with an arrow? While pregnant?! In Taratarus?! Twilight blinked those thoughts away, but did keep the last one in the darkest corner of her mind, in case she had to use it.

She raised a hoof to her head and rubbed it, then asked, "What happened while I was out?"

"Before we start on that..." Madun reached behind him and grabbed a Maphito from the tray a nurse just rolled in. Then presented it in front of her face. "Eat first. You need as much energy as possible for what we're about to tell you."



Twilight Velvet was worrying herself ragged. Night Light was no better, but he wasn't making it known by running back and forth around the Crystal Empire Castle holding pictures of Twilight. It's been two months since she was attacked on her wedding day. And they were forbidden from getting even an update. They protested and said that it wasn't fair. Well Psera said that they were on the precipice of War right now. So nothing is fair. If Twilight dies, they do too. If she doesn't they will be notified and the Cold War as of right now will cease.

The halls inside of the Castle were silent and tense. The Guards in the castle could feel. The Princesses could feel it. And Night Light himself could feel it. Even while walking around with his granddaughter on his back. She wasn't sleep, but she definitely wasn't talkative. Shining Armor and Cadance were worried about her. She wasn't as active as usual ever since the attack. She, just like everyone else, was in that Grand Stadium. And was one of the firsts to witness Twilight go flying back onto that stage. So Night Light volunteered to take her for a walk. She usually enjoyed hanging around "pop pop." But right now, it definitely didn't seem like it.

Night Light lifted his head to look into her eyes and asked, "Wanna go to Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna?"

Flurry shook her head and answered, "No."

Night LIght sighed and continued walking. He knew what she wanted. She wanted to see Aunt Twilight. Just like everyone else here. Besides her mother, her friends were the most distraught. They were somewhere around here. He didn't know where exactly, but they were.

Night Light turned a corner and nearly bumped into another pony. A mare with a a white coat, silver mane and tail. And had five... Pserateps. The Elite Guard. Gardeen. He instinctively backed up and stared at her, who in turn stared back. Gardeen didn't have an angry look on her face like he expected. More like a strange... Stare. Night Light shared a look with Flurry, then back to Gardeen. "...Hey."

Without changing her look, she replied, "Hello, Night Light. Where can I find the Princesses?"

"Uhh... In the Throne Room. Down there." He pointed towards the hall he and Flurry just walked from.

Gardeen poked her head around and eyed the golden double doors. Then turned back to Night Light and nodded. "Thank you. Oh, you may want to come with us too. And bring Twilight Velvet."

"She's already in there... I think."

Gardeen nodded again and made her way around them for the throne room. The Elite Guards made their way around them too and followed along. Without a word, Night Light turned and quickly brought up the rear. He had a suddenly bad feeling. "Wait, wait, hold on!" He caught up to Gardeen's right and asked, "What happened? Something happened didn't it? You're not telling me!"

"Chill, Night Light. You'll learn once we're in the throne room." Night Light didn't have anymore questions. Instead, treaded the halls with Gardeen and the Elite Guards.



Celestia hasn't been having a good time lately. First Blueblood goes nuts, then Twilight gets shot by Blueblood, who is possibly still being held in Chamber Nine, and now Psera is going to demolish Equestria if Twilight dies. As if Twilight dying isn't enough. They were all grieving in their own way, even though they all did it together. Celestia was just staring out the stained glass windows reminiscing, Cadance was trying to calm her nerves on her throne, Shining Armor was somewhere, Twilight Velvet was with Cadance sobbing and showing her photos from a photo album. And the girls.... Were everywhere.

Applejack was huffing and puffing, furious at "that stupid bucking prince," Rarity was sobbing on her fainting couch. Pinkie Pie's mane was down, Fluttershy was crying underneath Rainbow Dash's wing, and Rainbow Dash herself was lying down with her chin to the floor. She wasn't crying or anything, but she was definitely upset.

Luna was somewhere else at the moment. The only one not in the castle. Twilight Velvet flipped a page to another photo of Filly Twilight playing with little Shining Armor. She pointed at it and stuttered, "T-T-Twilight was just learning a new game Sh-Shining taught her! Sh-She never l-learned by herself, so Shining was helping!"

Celestia sighed and lowered her head. All of this crying was making her upset. Twilight wasn't gone yet. There was still hope that she could make it out alive. And live her life like she planned. Someone knocking on the door was what ceased all the tears and emotions.

Cadance straightened herself and responded loud and clear, "Enter!"

The door nudged open with a groan and Night Light poked in with Flurry. "So uh... We may have an issue," he said.

Celestia turned around and asked, "Wh-What do you mean?"

Night Light responded by pushing the door the rest of the way open. The ones standing there made their blood turn cold. Gardeen had the most straightest look on her face. Even Rainbow Dash who's been mostly quiet during the entire time she was in here stood up and faced her. Gardeen walked inside with her five guards and up to the throne. Rarity and everyone else moved out of the way, letting her stop at the foot and bow.

"Your majesty," she greeted.

Cadance gulped and responded, "Secretary Gardeen. How can we help you?" She and everyone else knew that Gardeen had no business being in Equestria unless she was delivering news. That was her job in Psera. Whether it was good or bad was the question. And it definitely didn't look good.

Gardeen straightened up and answered, "I've come to deliver news from Psera. Revolving around... Lady Arcadia." Celestia and everyone else calmly walked forward and stopped in front of her. Those eyes were telling them something not good. Not good at all. And that smile upside down wasn't helping matters either. It had them all on edge.

Night Light walked up to his wife and wrapped a hoof around her shoulders, worried eyes on Gardeen. "What. Happened."

Gardeen took a deep breath. Then smiled and answered, "She's in shock and... Destroying every Maphito she can get her hooves on. Lady Arcadia woke up at eight-sixteen this morning."

Twilight Velvet took the most biggest breath she could take to slow her racing heart while everyone else did something similar. Celestia held a hoof over her heart and asked, "How is she? Any medical issues?"

Gardeen glanced up to the ceiling and hummed. That was a hard question. "Well... If anger was a medical issue, then yeah. She is pissed at this pony of yours. A few hours ago, she was asking about Maphitos and now she's really upset that Blueballs ruined her wedding, her dress, and her Timool. Honeymoon. Boy, was she mad. I'm kind of glad she sent me here to 'appease' you just to get out of there. Between you and me, I honestly think her mood swings took over."

"GARDEEN!!!" Everyone jumped and turned to the side. Twilight was probably using a spell or something, but there she was. And boy was she showing. Rainbow's concern was immediately pushed to the side when she saw that stomach. Like a watermelon. Except entirely round and not an oval like most pregnant mares. With red cheeks, Twilight walked over and asked, "What did I say about telling ponies about my mood swings?"

"TWILIGHT!!" Rainbow Dash zoomed forward and straight through Twilight instead of into her, and slammed straight into the wall behind her.

Twilight seethed through her teeth and slowly turned around to look at Rainbow. "I don't think that was a smart move even if I was here considering I'm pregnant, Rainbow Dash." She turned back to the others while Rainbow peeled off the wall. "Hey, everypony."

Celestia teleported in front of her and asked, "How are you feeling, Twilight? I am so, so sorry about what happened! If there was something we could've done, we—"

"Celestia, the past is in the past," Twilight interrupted. Then smiled and added, "We'll just have to do the wedding all over. Merry's beautiful dress was ruined and those poor foals on the stage..." Twilight sighed again and added, "Everything has been pushed back two months. Now, possibly, all three events will happen in the same month. The wedding, the coronation, and labor."

Twilight Velvet darted forward and asked worriedly, "How's the little foal?! Are they okay?!"

Twilight nodded and answered, "She is fine, for the most part."

Cadance gasped and squealed excitedly. Then asked, "It's a filly?! And what happened?"

Twilight reached up and flicked her ear. "The arrow got her ear and the doctor says that when she's born there's going to be a permanent hole there. They're not sure if she's going to be in pain for now, but either way..." Twilight's smile greatly contrasted against her next words. "When I see Blueblood, no one is going to stop me from putting his greatest nightmares on loop inside of his mind, and plunging him into a realm of darkness that even Discord himself wouldn't want to be in. Because he hurt my filly and I am definitely going to have some very choice words and actions for him."

Gardeen glanced awkwardly between the two parties who basked in the subtle silence. Then whispered, "Your highness, you're getting angry again."

"I AM NOT!!"

Rainbow leaned over in Applejack's peripheral and whispered, "Madun better run."

Twilight took a deep breath and counted down from five. That pony has really irked her. She huffed out and said, "They're not letting me leave the hospital just yet, so everything is sort of... On hold right now. Including the wedding. Everything was ruined..." Twilight took a deep breath but her voice got wobbly, triggering her tears. "My dress got a lot of blood on it and was ripped open, everyone was traumatized and I was in a coma for two months! I'm SO FRUSTRATED! I need a Maphito! I'll talk to you later!" Twilight turned around and started to leave.

"Wait, wait!" Luna called. Then asked, "How are the talks about the Psera-Equestria Cold War going?"

Twilight sniffed and cried, "I don't know, but you'll know more than likely in a few days... Or weeks. Maybe during the trial, when I see Blueblood and stomp his face into the ground in front of everyone just so they know how angry I can get! I have to go!!" Twilight dissipated out of view, leaving Gardeen behind. The area was silent once more, with Twilight's sad voice ringing through the halls. Gardeen calmly scuffed her hoof against the ground, avoiding the awkward eye contact with the others. After a few seconds, a portal opened behind them. She waved at the ponies in front of her, then darted through with the eager guards, anxious to get out of there themselves.
> Chapter 46 - New Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Merry got the news, she quickly donned on a dress to hide her own pregnancy, zipped out the castle doors and nearly into a group of Pserateps, and bolted to the Main Hospital before the doctors could prepare a statement for the press outside. The royal suite where Arcadia was resting was filled with flowers of all colors, contrasting greatly against the pristine cold white floors that Merry's hooves anxiously jogged across. The nurses and doctors moved out of the way and allowed her to pass for the area. The Elite Guard posted there stepped to the side and allowed her to pass, with the expected results.

The First pony she met up with was Gardeen, who seemed to be waiting behind a cart with her two front hooves propped on it for some reason. The door to Arcadia's room beside her was closed, so they were probably doing some intimate stuff.

"Gardeen!" Merry called. Gardeen stopped what she was doing with the cart and happily waved to Merry. She slowed to a walk and stopped on the other side of the cart. "I just got the news. How is she?"

With a smile, Gardeen shrugged and answered, "Well there are multiple answers to that question. Hungry, angry, a little worried, and... Strangely aroused?" Merry smirked and waved her hoof clockwise for more details. "Yeaaaah, that's all I'm telling you about that bit. The doctors said it's normal for her to be..."

"Dripping from the honeypot?"

"No—well..." Gardeen glanced to the ceiling. "Yeah, you know what? Yeah, that during pregnancy. What made it awkward was the fact that it's kicking in while she's in the hospital. Poor King Madun barely stood a chance, and the male doctors were reigning themselves in. Anyway, she's more worried about her baby than ashamed about that. The foal is fine overall, but had her ear pierced from the arrow."

Merry growled and made known, "I'm going to strangle Blueballs later."

"Wait in line behind the rest of Psera. Last I heard he's being held in Lavender Hall Maximum Security. Nearly crazy by now, no doubt. I want to know what's going on in there just for fun. He was held in the hole for five days before they moved him. Now we're just awaiting trial. But that will happen once Lady Arcadia is up and running. And the doctors aren't letting her leave until they're absolutely sure she's not hurting anywhere. Then I think she's not going to be doing anything until the baby is born. And if she is, then... We'll figure something out.

"So summary? After she's released, the trial will more than likely be put on hold until after she's gone through labor. Just to rid of any risks of stress. Between now and then, wedding and coronation. That's what she wants. So for right now, we're focusing on her in the hospital."

Merry sighed and took a seat. Then gestured over Gardeen's shoulder for the door. "What's happening right now?"

Gardeen shrugged and answered, "I think an ultrasound."

"Ohhh, look at my little filly! Firehead look at her!"

Gardeen smirked over her shoulder then turned back to Merry. "Yeah... Ultrasound. How're your kids?"

Merry sighed and answered, "Being pregnant makes me look fat. I have twins going on here."

"Awww, you'll be fine. And you're not fat, just... Plump."

Plump? Merry glanced around awkwardly. She didn't think she was actually able to be described, but there Gardeen goes once again. "Gee... Thanks."

"You're so welcome."



Arcadia's eyes were filled with so much life when she saw the sonogram of her daughter. They printed off images of the baby inside her body and allowed her and King Madun to look at them. He said something about his little girl already growing up too fast. Arcadia pretty much took a bite out of his neck when she said she missed two months of her baby's growth and is very proud of her. Madun didn't get it, at all, so he just responded, "Of course sweetheart." Those mood swings were monsters.

Violet Triage, her official doctor was the one performing it. Eyeing the display screen, she nodded and stated, "She's growing perfectly. No problems that I can see so far besides... You know. But other than that no issues. Of course we'll have to wait until she's actually born to assess any issues or problems."

From the bed, Arcadia asked worriedly, "Are you expecting any? Is my baby going to be hurt?"

Violet Triage shook her head and answered, "At the moment, no. But things may happen along the line that we'll be prepared for."

Arcadia nodded and continued staring at the images. From her above left was Madun, coming up with a thought. He nudged Twilight with his muzzle and whispered, "We almost forgot something."

They did? Twilight looked his way with a confused expression and repeated her thoughts aloud. "We did?"

He nodded and answered, "Names."

"Names!" She squealed. Then gasped and repeated, "Names! We need names!! How could we forget that?!!" Twilight whimpered and looked at the photo. Then lifted a hoof and scuffed her chin, thinking up a few. Not much could be said at the moment. She wanted the filly to have a name that combined Psera and Equestrian, her and her father's descent. "I think..." She whispered. "I think that we should wait until she's born to name her."

Madun lightly grabbed the photo from her hooves to take a closer look and asked, "Why?"

"Well I want our little filly to know she's part Equestrian and part Pseratopian. I want a hybrid of names and I can't really think of any right now. Not until I look at her in my hooves."

Madun shrugged and gave her back the photo. "Okay," he whispered. "Yeah, we can do that. I too don't want to come up with anything silly."

Arcadia smiled and shared a nuzzle with him "Thank you, Madun," she whispered.

"You're welcome, Twilight." He pulled back and sighed. "Now we have a problem on our hands. Our wedding. I wanted you to have a fantastic one, but that pony went ahead and made it tragic."

Arcadia sighed too and lowered back onto the bed by her wing. Then looked up at Violet Triage and nodded. She bowed and grabbed the machine. Then opened the door and backed it up out of the doorway into the hall. She reached in and softly shut the door back so they could have their conversation. Then turned around and locked eyes with Gardeen. She tilted her head to the side and asked, "Well?"

Despite what she was feeling, Violet Triage smiled and answered softly, "They were excited. But now they're bummed their wedding was interrupted. I don't hear any tears, but they were definitely upset. I shuffled out so they could have their time alone. The baby is doing fine and should be scheduled for her birth next month."

Gardeen nodded in understanding. She had a feeling Arcadia may have an early pregnancy. They were nearing her mark of birth a little bit after next month, but now it had been reduced to early because of the blood transfusion. A premature birth. There were going to be problems in the future. Arcadia probably knew that by now. The foal should come out alright. One of their happy endings were ruined by a pony.

Merry hummed from beside Gardeen with a thought. Apparently, she had a grand idea because she smirked to Gardeen and said, "Hey... I have an idea." Gardeen shrugged and motioned for Merry to continue. "What about..." She leaned in and whispered, "A surprise wedding?"

"A surprise wedding?"

Merry nodded and clarified, "Yeah. When Arcadia is allowed to leave, we can have it setup at the castle in the throne room. Or wherever we can get them to get it setup. But we have to be secretive. We want to surprise them with it."

Gardeen and Violet Triage shared a glance. Then back to Merry. After a few seconds, Gardeen smiled and whispered, "That... Could work. And I know just who can and will definitely want to help. But I need to get some permission first. Do you have another wedding dress?" Merry deadpanned her next expression. "I'll take that as a yes. You just get the garments prepared, I'll get some help."

With narrowed eyes, Merry leaned in and whispered, "I hope you're not getting you-know-who."

It was clear a boiling point was reaching it's zenith between the Equestrians and Pserateps. Gardeen whispered, "It'll be a great way to make things right. You didn't see what I saw when I went there earlier. These guys were just sad. Crying all over the place and making the floor wet. They feel really guilty and they didn't even do anything. So I was thinking they can make up for it by just helping set up a new wedding."

Merry hummed. She didn't like the idea of these ponies, the same ones who were with Bluebutt two months ago returning. Gardeen was right, they didn't do anything. But the rest of Psera may not think that.

Merry motioned towards the door and suggested, "Just talk to mom about it first. She's the one taking over everything right now. She gives the final verdict and if she says it'll work out, it'll work out. Don't expect me to be on board with them though."



Gardeen was absolutely positive the castle's foyer floor turned into lava from her Majesty's bearing eyes. After flying back to the castle Gardeen met up with Molten in the foyer before she could walk out the door and told her the plan. Now she was shooting her a gaze that was melting her soul. Gardeen couldn't tell if she was thinking or waiting for something. Probably the former because she hummed and straightened back up. Then motioned towards the door.

Taking the hint, Gardeen turned around and proceeded towards the door with Her Majesty, blue and red with white on the side. After they stepped out into the morning air, Molten asked, "If I say yes... Will you keep them in line? I want you and solely you to be in charge of the activity and providing discipline. Merry will be too mad to focus."

Gardeen nodded eagerly and answered, "Yes I will."

Molten slowly nodded her head and thought a little bit more. "Here's the deal, Gardeen. I will provide the secrecy and distractions while you and whoever else set up the events. Right now, I'll have a private chariot delivered to the hospital bay doors from the Capita Base. You get those from Equestria back here to the Castle's rear entrance, and we'll go on from there to plan and inform them of rules and all that."

Gardeen bowed and acquiesced, "Yes, ma'am." Then turned around to fly back to the city. Molten watched her leave for a moment. Then turned to one of the Elite Guards and nodded her head, sending out the command she knew they heard.


~✶~


Twilight and Madun were confused when Gardeen rushed into her hospital room and asked if Arcadia could open a portal for Equestria in the Hospital Bay doors. It wasn't like her to make a request like that, let alone a request. It was odd. And a little suspicious. Arcadia and Madun shared a look. Then looked back to Gardeen.

Arcadia stammered, "Er.... I-I guess. But why?"

"I just need to grab a few things." That was partially true. Ponies weren't "things", but she still needed to grab them. 

Arcadia hummed for a moment. Then shrugged and answered, "Well ... Alright. I'll keep it open for ten minutes. Take a few guards with you, I don't want anything happening to you." Gardeen smiled and walked close to the bed to share a nuzzle with her. Arcadia had always been a second mother to her. Well... Third.

"I'll be safe."

"You better." Arcadia pulled back and shooed her away with a wave of her hooves. "Now go, I have to spend time with Madun. Let a Guard know so they don't freak out " The two shared a wink before Gardeen stepped out and shut the door back. Leaving Madun and Arcadia to whatever they were doing before.

Once the door was shut, Twilight lit her horn and conjured a portal near the bays underneath her level, flashing into sight at the same time two black private pods backed in, bearing the colorful Crest of Psera and flashing Gold and White lights.

Once they were in place, the drivers jumped out and looked over their assignment with a few more guards in there. Apparently, they were collecting the last ponies they really wanted to see. That all Pserateps really wanted to see. And driving them to Cop. That was going to be a long drive. The door to the bay opened and Gardeen trotted out with a distress beacon on her hoof, just in case something happened. Along with two guards. The portal was set up on the side across from the Pods. She had ten minutes to go in and grab them.

"Secretary Gardeen!" She stopped and turned to the left at the vehicles towards an Elite Guard who was making her way over. "Just for security measures we'll be supplying the Pods with escorts out of the city. They're outside of the Hospital's property."

Gardeen nodded then turned back around and jumped straight through the portal, followed by her own escort. Twilight opened it directly in front of Cadance and Shining Armor, once more in the Crystal Empire's throne room with little Flurry Heart on her father's back. They must've been making way for the door. When they walked out, Cadance gasped and asked, "Has something happened? What's wrong, you have that look on your face."

Gardeen didn't know what she meant by "look," but she shook her head and answered, "Nothing's wrong. I just thought you and the others may want to help us get everything back where it was before. Her Majesty wants to meet with everyone."

Cadance reared up and yelled, "EVERYPONY, WAIT!!!" Then sat back down and held up her hoof. "Sorry, they were just beginning to leave and head back to their own places. They've been staying here for the last few days, so things were rather tense and they were depending on each other for comfort."

Gardeen understood that. She and Pink had been doing the same.

The doors behind the portal burst open and Celestia lead everyone back inside. Already asking questions. "What has happened, is everything al—Gardeen! Oh it's wonderful to see you again." She walked around into Gardeen's view with everyone else and sat down. "Do you have news?"

Gardeen cleared her throat and explained, "I have submitted an idea to Her Majesty Molten Ice in an attempt to help Lady Arcadia and King Madun. As well as clear your name and this guilt I can feel in the room right now. You're coming to Psera and will be staying for a few days if Her Majesty approves. You must see her first. So we're taking you to her. But the downside is Lady Arcadia doesn't know about this. It's a surprise. So no talking about it."

After they agreed to not speak a word and Celestia and Luna made know to their guards they were going to be out of office for a few days for political reasons, Gardeen turned around and led them out of the Throne Room into the Bay of the Main Hospital. Just as expected, there were a contingent of Royal Guard there waiting beside the steel bodies of the Royal Pods.

Celestia walked over to Gardeen and asked, "So what is this plan?"

"I'll tell you in the Pod. We're riding to Cop. No flying for respect." Gardeen walked towards one of the luxurious pods when a guard opened the door and got in first. The rulers and older adults took the one with Gardeen while the Element Bearers took the other. Gardeen got comfortable at the very front, facing the back while the Princesses and Prince Consort sat on the side and back, eyeing each other in a square box. But it was definitely a fancy box.

There were large couches along the side sitting on top of what looked like a bunch of drawers and things. There was a small bookcase on the far side where Gardeen was sitting and a wine bar beside the door they just walked through. The ceiling above was made out of reflective glass with tiny lights, currently dimmed creating a romantic atmosphere. This was pretty much a love pod.

Once the doors were shut, Gardeen lifted her Comm Block and relayed, "This is Secretary Gardeen, I have the package. Let Lady Arcadia know that I'm taking the things to Cop."

"Seriously, Gardeen?" Arcadia deadpanned on the channel. Gardeen eeped and made a shush to the ponies inside with her. Celestia smiled and directed her eyes to the Comm Block on her wrist. "I thought you were just going to grab something from Equestria. Now you're moving them?"

"Yes, ma'am. The package is going to Cop."

"That's going to take a while considering all air traffic is halted. You're podding there?"

"Yes, ma'am. We're taking the dark route to keep out of traffic." The Pod they were in revved to life before it began to move forward out of the bays. Startling Celestia and anyone else not used to it. They only rode in this three times, but the Royal one was much faster. Cadance directed her attention to the windows when the sun's rays breached through after they left the hospital bays. Even though they could see out, no one could see in. The glass was really thick too. Rainbow Dash could slam into it and would probably only scratch it.

"Alright. I'll let you know if I need anything. Tell Pink that I said hi and that I'm alright. I know she's going nuts up there."

"Ten-four." Gardeen flipped the band holding it to her hoof and set it on the seat next to her. Then sat back and faced the ponies in front of her. "So here's the deal. Her Majesty is still pretty upset with Equestria. And nopony likes an upset Queen, let alone a former upset Queen. Earlier when I was stationed outside of Arcadia's room her doctor Violet Triage let me know of her status. She's fine and well, but she and Madun are pretty bummed about their wedding being ruined. So much so that I thought I heard her highness crying. So Merry decided to come up with the idea of a surprise wedding. She deserves a wedding. Seriously."

"Oh yes, most certainly," Luna agreed.

"I decided that we enlist your help, just to clear your name. So with that in mind, I told Merry and she wasn't on board. She decided that if she was going to help, she was going to stay away from you, and you from her. Trust me, if Merry is mad, the whole nation will know. She becomes extremely aggressive. So please, if you see her—I think she's with her husband right now in Cop, please refrain from making eye contact, discussion, and even greetings. She. Will. Bite, I'm telling you."

Cadance whispered, "How bad could she be?"

"Let's just say the Elite Guard are scared of Merry, more than Secretary Manny. And there's a reason she doesn't have guards anymore. Now we're taking you to Molten to settle some ground rules. And since we can't go by air, the streets will be congested, so we're taking the Underpass to speed up time, which is a system of highways that the Royal Caravan uses to get around during the midst of an emergency evacuation and we can't use the air. It'll take us straight to Cop and we're going really fast."

"We are?" Shining looked out the window at all of the passing buildings and life. They were being escorted by four more pods, flashing golden lights on the side. All moving in the same direction. "Hmm."

Gardeen shrugged and answered, "We will be in the future. Just wait until we're on the Underpass. It hasn't been used in years though, so it may be out of shape."

Celestia commented, "You Pserateps have a lot of security measures."

Gardeen shook her head and deadpanned, "You have no idea. We have so many, I think... I think we have a book in here somewhere, I remember Arcadia reading it, hold on." Gardeen reached down and grabbed the handle of a mahogany drawer below her and pulled it out. A book was inside with a label on it written in what seemed to be shapes to the visitors. But looked like words to Gardeen. "Yep! A book on Security Measures and Procedures. She's read through the whole thing."

Shining chuckled and commented, "That's Twilight for you. She's a bookworm."

Gardeen smiled and asked, "Think her foal's going to be a bookworm?"

"Definitely. Speaking of which..."

Gardeen sighed and answered their unspoken question, "Don't let Arcadia know I told you, but the filly had her right ear pierced by the arrow. She'll be born with a hole in her ear and possibly premature. Other than that, she's fine. Technically, Arcadia should have actually had a miscarriage because of it. The arrow was just that close. It's a miracle.

"The pony who did it is being roughed up right now in Lavender Hall, a Maximum Security Prison in Lavender. They moved him there a week after he was in the hole. But one thing is for certain. He has made a terrible, terrible, mistake. When Lady Arcadia gets her hooves on him, things are going to get messy. She was a little upset earlier just thinking about it. The power in the entire building fluctuated and all systems had to be restarted because of what she called a 'Magic Surge.' Her emotions took control of her magic. So let's just hope she doesn't see him."
> Chapter 47 - Planning In Session
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Gardeen said it was going to be a ride, she failed to mention it meant, at most, four hours. Rainbow could barely take one. Sunset decided to knock her out of her misery by putting her to sleep without her noticing. Something Rarity scolded her on, but appreciated her for. She herself was getting tired of Rainbow's desperate wing flutters.

The rest watched the land pass by in peace, speeding along desolate roads with a destination for the mountain range up ahead. Cadance had Flurry sitting beside her snoring softly. Hopefully dreaming pleasant dreams in this oh-so boring atmosphere. Celestia was watching the landscape past by and the nearing mountain range while Gardeen was doing some paperwork of some sort. She was digging through different drawers and a few more things written in what Celestia believed to be Old Pseratopian. They just looked like a bunch of shapes with dots, lines, and even a curve.

She was reading a book of some sort when a shrill ringing startled all of them. Flurry jumped up and yelled, "I'm awake and want some cake! Want some... Want some..."

Gardeen smirked at her tired face before she picked up the arm rest beside her and held it to her ear. It had a cord attached to it of some sort that led into the vehicle. Shining was wondering what the buck it does. "Gardeen in RP One, go ahead." She made eye contact with Celestia and held it while she listened to the report. After a few seconds, she nodded her head and responded, "So thursday... Alright, hopefully we'll have everything set up by then. I'll also have an escort Chariot coming their way. When'd you learn about this?" She looked out the window when the sun was blocked out. "Okay. Does her majesty know?" After a bit of yelling, she rolled her eyes and corrected, "Does your mother know?... Okay, I'll tell them. Ten-four." She hung the crazy phone arm rest thing up and faced the visitors. "Word just came in, Arcadia is being let out in four days. Then everyone can fly again once she takes off."

Cadance inquired, "So it's a rule?"

Gardeen made a high pitched whining sound while she thought of an answer. Then replied, "It's more like traditional respect. If one of the higher ups is hurt and in a life threatening situation, then no one flies because they can't. And may never be able to. You stay on the ground to share even a little of their pain. It's customary."

Cadance asked, "When was this rule created?"

"After Narmeelah's disappearance." Gardeen shut the book she was looking into and set it to the side.

Shining shook his head and asked, "I'm sorry, I'm just really curious. But how old do Pserateps average out in age?"

Gardeen grinned with the knowledge that they were going to enjoy this and asked, "Are you ready for it?"

"Hit me."

"There is no estimated exact age, but we know over an average of five hundred thousand years. Why do you think there are so many Pserateps walking around? The oldest known record of a normal Pseratep was over a million."

He wasn't ready for it. Shining threw up his hooves and went right back to looking out the window. These ponies were unbelievable. Flurry pointed a hoof at Shining and cooed, "Ooooh, daddy's jealous!"

Gardeen giggled and stated, "Your daughter's cute."

Shining Armor ran a hoof through Flurry's mane and replied, "Yep, she's our little filly. There's going to be another one coming soon for her to play with I suspect." Flurry used her own hooves to push aside her father's annoying hoof. Messing up her mane. Then reached up to fix it how she likes it.

Gardeen sighed and nodded. "Yep. This is going to be a fast two months. Before anything else that has happened recently is brought back to light, we're going to get the wedding, labor, and crowning out of the way. Then we can deal with the trial. I can only imagine what is going to happen when Lady Arcadia sees him."

"Is there no law to protect the accused?" Luna asked.

Gardeen immediately nodded, "Oh yes, there is. But that won't stop a mother's scorn. King Madun was really upset when he heard first-hoof what happened to the foal. I can only imagine what he's going to do. Let alone the mother."



From her bed, Twilight followed her fiance's pacing with her ears while she worked on some paperwork from the castle. Madun urged her to take it easy and to not stress herself earlier. She assured the most she was going to do was read and sign some updates for SERL.

While she was trying to focus on that, Madun was pacing the room, thinking of what, Twilight suspected, to do to Blueblood when he sees him.

He was muttering, thinking she couldn't hear him. "First I'm going to wring his neck. Second, I'm ordering him in chains. Then flying high above and dropping him down below in said chains."

Twilight rolled her eyes and scolded, "Madun, don't abuse your power."

Madun sighed and made his way back to her side to calm his nerves. "I just don't want you hurt again," he whispered. Then kissed her cheek and added, "I made a promise to protect you and he got you on the day we let our guard down. I almost lost you, Twilight. Well I'm going to get him when he can't do anything."

Twilight shook her head and replied, "No, sweetheart. Just because he hurt me doesn't mean we have to stoop to his level. We need to set an example. Don't think with your heart right now." Madun sighed and rolled his eyes. He really wanted to knock that guy around while in chains and a muzzle on. But his wife was right. They were the King and Lady in Waiting, future Queen of Psera. They needed to act like it.

"Now..." He looked back up to Twilight and startled. Taken back by what he saw. Twilight was smiling, but had that gleam in her eyes that spelled trouble. "That may change when I see him."

Madun sighed and scolded, "What just happened to setting an example?"

"He may have hurt me and I would happily see justice. But he hurt my foal. There's a difference. So if I do see him, he's going to finally know what the term 'No' means." The power in the facility blanked out for a second with a descending hum, ripping Twilight out of her state of anger. Oh jeez, she was doing it again. She eeped and focused again. This is the second time. The power in the building came back on, giving it life with a hum. She made a mental note to herself to keep her anger in check at the hospital. It could hurt somepony who's already hurt.

Madun shook his head before a pillow collided with it. "Ack! Twilight, sweetheart!"

Twilight hummed and relaxed. Rubbing her stomach underneath the covers with a hint of longing and worry. She admitted to herself, she was really worried when she was hit with Blueblood's arrow. The foal she always wanted was on the way soon. A bunch of jittery nerves crept into her mind when she thought about this. What would happen next? She had no idea how to raise a foal. Mom and Cadance did offer to help her when labor was around the corner. She had so many questions she could make a list.

She needed to make a list. "I need to make a list of questions for Cadance and mom. And you need to start asking about parental advice too."

Madun's face made Twilight giggle. It was like a deadpan expression mixed with disbelief. She didn't think he'd like that idea. Even if they did come up with it a few months in advance. He asked, "Parenting advice? Pfffttt, I'm great at parenting."

Twilight shook her head and responded, "From what I hear, you need to read a book a little."

"I read everyday."

"That aren't about laws, reports, taxes, bills, decisions, or anything else in politics. It's time you read about family. You're already good with adult ponies. But how about children? Foals?"

Madun sighed and rolled his eyes. She had a point. She always had a point. "Fine, I'll... Read a book on it."

Twilight waved a hoof at him and suggested, "Or, if it makes you feel better, you can ask my brother for advice. He's been a great father to Flurry Heart and would definitely know what to do. He could give you some advice. I'm sure he'd be happy to help. And your mother, of course."



Bumpy roads, trees, dense rocks? They were nearing the mountain range. Sunset Shimmer wasn't sure if she could take anymore. Tree after tree after tree. Then rocks. Another back of a large town. Then finally darkness that shrouded the vehicle's interior in a shadow. It must've caught Rarity's attention. She cracked her eyes open and yawned as elegantly as possible while leaning on Fluttershy's shoulder. Then glanced around the dimly lit pod. After a few seconds, her facial expression turned to that of calm to intrigue. She placed her hooves on the window and peeked out to the darkness.

"Uhh... What happened?" She asked.

Starlight opened her own eyes from her spot and looked around. Carefully, Sunset answered, "I think we finally made it to Cop. We're in the mountains right now. Their mountain ring."

Starlight sighed and stretched. "Finally! I can only stay cramped in a tiny box for so long with more ponies. Twilight rides in these things? Although, I have to admit these cushions are really soft."

Pinkie poked in with a cup of cherries and nodded, "Yeah! And look what I found!" She grabbed one and tossed it in her mouth. "Mmm, tasty!"

Cherries?! Starlight gasped and ripped it out of her hooves. Then silently scolded, "Pinkie!! Where did you get these?!" Pinkie pointed a hoof towards the corner at a golden bowl filled with fruit, and a wine bottle next to it. "Pinkie, these aren't for us, they're for the Royal Family of Psera!!"

"...oh." Pinkie took the cup and poured the cherries back in. Something that should never be done.

Starlight facehoofed and groaned, "If they ask, we literally had no idea."

The others except Rainbow Dash nodded before the lights came back on, blinding them and flooding their sights. Rarity lowered her hoof from her eyes and gazed out the window, gasping at her find. They must've been in a nicer area of Cop. Of course she's never been anywhere else here on her own before and probably never will, but THIS area was nice. A lot of mansions, glass, palm trees, and the giant castle in the distance, highlighting it all.

"We're here," she sang in a whisper.

The Royals of Equestria shared the same views. Looking out the windows at the lifestyle. Celestia's seen many capitals in her life. But this one rules them all out. Everything was beautiful, organized, less chaotic...

She asked, "Twilight helped rebuild this, didn't she?"

Gardeen shrugged and answered, "Not sure. I started working for her after everything was already built and ready. But I do know she had her own tastes added to the library here downtown. She had to have some control just to get that." She picked up the armrest thing that had Celestia confused and pressed on a few buttons on the inside. Then put it up to her ear.

She watched a few palm trees go by before speaking. "Hi, it's Secretary Gardeen. We're nearing the Castle now, I suspect. We're requesting access to the back entrance. I have Her Majesty's package with me." She listened for a few moments and nodded. "Let me ask." She lowered the phone and asked, "You guys didn't bring any sharp and pointy objects, did you?"

They exchanged looks before shaking their heads. Gardeen raised the phone and replied, "They said no. The guards at the Main Hospital didn't find any either."

While Gardeen held her conversation, Flurry walked across her mother's lap and over to the window. This place was so cool! And the castle bigger than their own back home!

"Wow! Aunt Twilight has a big castle!" She stated excitedly.

Cadance was happy Flurry was back to her usual self. It truly devastated her when Twilight was hurt. She probably forgot about the ordeal. That would explain why she wasn't talking about it. The huge castle cast a shadow over their pod when they arrived on the campus. Shining was wondering how could they navigate through those halls. This place was ginormous!

Their vehicle turned right when Gardeen hung up the communication device. Moving at a faster speed towards some other location across concrete and through more big trees that were as big as a few in the Everfree. Then turned left. Celestia had a feeling they were going into another entrance. Everything was supposed to be kept secret anyway so it wouldn't make any type of sense if they took the front doors.

They were once again thrust into darkness when they rode into a tunnel of some sort that led into the back of the building which was later verified as a "Garage." Or so Gardeen translated from their language from the window. On the brick walls before they moved inside of it, there was gray writing on the bricks in weird shapes. When they moved past that, they were greeted with the luxury of the Fire Family. There were many Pods, some big, some small. There was even what looked to be a military-grade one too. It had a matte steel design and an off white color. No to mention very thick and long. Luna presumed it must've been for protection. Of course.

But the real bit-winner was the one underneath a shed currently being cleaned. An all gold pod with a lot of flash and color. The crest of Psera was on the top of the hood and the sides of the doors. There was no ceiling and it looked very sleek and long.

When they jumped out of their pods and stretched, Sunset gaped and asked, "Is that a limousine?!" This place was too unbelievable.

Gardeen followed her hoof and then back to Sunset with a confused expression. "Er, I have no idea what you mean by 'limousine,' it's just a really fancy pod. Royalty uses it for parades, meeting with other nations, basically for public appearances. It's going to be used in the parade when Arcadia is crowned, then again on her wedding. It was supposed to be used at Eventa, but they never got the chance. Now if you'll follow me I'll take you to her Majesty." Sunset continued gaping at the Limousine for a few more seconds before Starlight grabbed her in her magic and pulled her along. She didn't need to make a show.


~✶~


The halls inside of the castle were quiet and extensive. Even the ponies walking around with their faces buried in documents not paying attention weren't making noise. That was one thing they noticed. Everyone was walking without smiles. It made Pinkie's mane go all droopy. Celestia silently hummed to herself. They may have been in the back of the castle but things definitely weren't looking better. There had to be a single source. Lady Arcadia.

They peeked into a few offices they passed by. Some had those display screens they had yet to learn about and of course the Guard standing around certainly had their hooves full with those eyes trained on them.

Cadance wanted to ask about it, but she also didn't want to disturb whatever it is the heck they had going on. Their hoofsteps soon after five minutes brought them straight to a pair of red stairs. Rarity hummed and nodded in appreciation. A red carpet. Basic, yet fitting for a castle of this size. Now if only they weren't so high...

Their ascent dropped them off in front of another long hallway. But unlike the ones down below, this one brought them straight up to another hall that was... Weird.

Gardeen dismissed the guards accompanying them with a wave of her hoof. They quickly saluted them and walked away, trotting right down the stairs. "Sorry about the silence," she apologized. "Ever since Arcadia was hurt, the castle's been far less lively than it was centuries ago. We're on Her Majesty's floor."

"Floor?" Luna repeated. She lifted her head from Gardeen and looked around. They were on the Royal Queen's ancient hallway. There was a wall of glass on one side that showed they were way above Cop right now; the second to last floor.

Rainbow Dash trotted over and peered out of it, smiling in glee at the clouds above and the city below it. Those were a lot of buildings. She was having a hard time believing Twilight, the egghead did all of this. There was absolutely no way. There was just too much.

Without taking her eyes off, she whispered, "This is really cool."

Gardeen nodded and responded, "Glad you like it. Follow me. She's been awaiting your arrival and her patience can only last but so long." Gardeen quickly moved towards the golden doors at the end with them, destination in sight. Rarity's eyes were sparkling in envy. Yes, Equestria has gold. But they're mainly used in currency and a few other things. Cop alone was swimming in it.

Even now from a large distance away, she could see one of the skyscrapers nearby with a golden logo. As well as a golden design of a large vine crawling up the edges and reaching the top. It was truly a sight to behold. And that skyscraper wasn't the only one. There were a lot more buildings down there with gold. Equestria didn't use Gold like this.

Rarity shifted her sights away from the building towards the Golden doors they stopped in front of. They were daunting, shining from the sunlight breaking through the windows behind them as if they were a consequential barrier. The magnitude of the situation dawned heavily on their shoulders. They needed to relieve themselves of this debt they found themselves in. But whether they are allowed to in this way depends heavily on the mare behind these doors.

Gardeen approached them and took a breath. Then lifted her hoof and banged loudly on the metal. It resonated down the hall and bounced off everything in them. Celestia gulped but kept that face of fearlessness. She was doing this for her nation. Just talking. Yep. Just talking. Gardeen was about to knock again before Her Majesty replied. "ENTER!"

The Guards standing there on the side grabbed hold of the bars in the middle and pulled them out. The doors weren't tall, but they were thick. They creaked with motion until they were parallel to each other. Then Gardeen led them in. Celestia immediately followed and crossed the threshold of no return.

The lights were off and barely any light passed through save for the glass staircase up ahead allowing light from some unknown area to flow down the stairs, bathing the marble floor in white. The dust flying around was highlighted when they crossed paths.

The Queen herself was lying in a cushioned couch, swirling around something in a goblet. There were four more couches around in what appeared to be a library, complete with a display screen in the corner, hanging by something. Rainbow squinted her eyes and slowly shook her head, trying to wrap her head around all the gold.

Molten sighed and boomed, "Thank you for the drop off, Gardeen. I will call you if I need you."

Gardeen bowed deeply. Then turned and walked around the others and out the doors. Once she was out the Guard immediately shut them back, leaving them in silence inside with the Queen. Cadance couldn't tell if she was angry, or if she was thinking deeply. The swirling of her golden goblet was nerve wrecking and her expression was unreadable. Molten gestured towards the two couches across and ordered, "Have a seat, make yourselves comfortable in my presence. I can see the pink one is about to pop."

Pinkie was indeed cowering down shivering in fear, and Fluttershy's wing wasn't really helping. Celestia took the lead once more and led them towards the couches.

"Thank you, your majesty," she greeted. She took a seat first beside across from her and was flanked on the left by Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Twilight's friends and family on the other couches. Night Light was interested in what she had to say. Really interested. Twilight Velvet no better.

Her Majesty nodded once and took a sip of whatever the heck she was drinking from her cup, building the tension. Then smacked her lips and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief from one arm of the chair. "You know... When I first heard of Twilight Sparkle, 'the pony from the sea,' I thought... Something is going on in Equestria. Unlike my subjects I have heard of Equestria. I have also told you I traveled it once under the radar. Quite a very far place. A very far... Country."

Molten softly set the Goblet down on a glass lamp table beside her chair and focused entirely on them. "The pony who told me was Merry Fire, I'm sure you've heard of my daughter. Before Twilight arrived, the Fire Family were in meetings with any Pseratep we knew who had skills in science to come up with ways to restore our land after the Glowing Bear attacked our soil. That was the entire family. Not just the immediate, but those not of Royalty too. Our extended family. You'd be surprised at the many interesting ideas the normal can give to the complex. Some worked, some didn't. But at the end of the day, our goal was never reached. We had pain, disease, discomfort, and death. Not to mention exposure to the elements. We did what we could for years to come. But thankfully, because of a large fire, hope flew straight to us.

"When Twilight landed on our shores and I was informed of where she came from, I thought, 'Something must've happened in Equestria. I've heard of Alicorns and there is absolutely no way a small Alicorn like her could fly nearly five hundred miles from the shores, overseas, towards a destination she had no idea even truly existed in a day without good reason.' Her reason... Was sound. From what I studied in the lands there... Friendship is a very key component to even the very life of Equestria."

Molten reached over to her bookshelf and slipped out a white one. Then set it down directly on the coffee table in between them. She flipped it open to the first page and looked at the writing that none of them could figure out. She started, "This book is incredibly old. Over a thousand years, such as myself. I visited Equestria when I was five hundred. I am now fifteen hundred years old." She shut the book and looked at the cover. "Yet Twilight restored it like it were brand new. I have fifteen volumes, because I visited Equestria every hundred years. And will continue to do so until the day I die. It was truly a magnificent land."

She glanced up at them with cold eyes and added, "Was. I paid little mind to Twilight when she landed, I let my son handle it. But I was truly at awe and intrigued when she started rebuilding the country. Her first true stroke of power was when she drew her face through the dirt and created grass. I know I do not have magic, but I was truly... Obsessed with the spells you ponies have over there. I read books and studied tablets. And I have never, ever heard of a transfiguration spell with life in it. You can create clothes, rocks, anything that didn't have energy flowing through it from other forms of matter. And I just visited Equestria maybe a year before Twilight landed in Merōl. Yet here she was making trees, bushes, grass, nature. Living nature. I would pass out if I saw a tree moving. Thankfully, one didn't, although I wouldn't be surprised if one had. Merry was all over this room when she told me about what she saw. Next thing you know, I witnessed Merōl replenish and the sun once again shine on that town, now a bustling industrial city that supply us with building materials.

"When she created living nature, I knew for a fact that this mare was special. That this was a treasure Psera better hold on to and never let go, although it were her decision. We would never force her to stay, but thankfully she said she would after my son offered her residence."

Celestia hummed and nodded before she continued. "I had yet to leave my suite and see all of this for myself. While I dawdled, Twilight I later learned had begun the patching of buildings. Those buildings out there in Cop you have seen were not like that before. This whole city wasn't. It was just dirt, dust, and a lot of misery. We even had a wild animal issue where ponies were subjected to and suffered grave injuries and infection." Luna's left eye twitched. She had never heard about that. Let alone seen any animals ever since they've been here. "We were all going to die soon if we didn't leave. We didn't have to in the end. One day the land was brown, hot and dusty. and within two months, they were all back to what they were before. Pserateps are really fast. It doesn't take much to get us working again, but my ponies seemed to have lost all hope and motivation during that time. We didn't have the power. The strength, the... The motivation.

"The day I met Arcadia was the day the bear returned. Turns out little Twilight had been investigating the event ever since it happened, and informed us it were made up of some type of creature called Changelings. They feed off of affection or love energy. This land is full of it. Pserateps in a way are very similar to changelings. We live off of love. But also off of food, water, things of that nature. Not just love. And when that bear arrived, she took it back to your land where I learned later that night that she was attacked." Her Majesty smoldered at Celestia who sighed and nodded her head. "We learned of the Changelings approach through what Twilight called the Psera Detection System. A series of three hundred Crystal obelisks she herself created out of nothing one hundred miles off our coastlines. They're somehow able to detect anything that come within one hundred miles of our coastline from any height and let us know from the Central Obelisk located here in Cop. Then if they are declared dangerous, a signal is broadcasted to the other Obelisks on the Ground cities which then blare an alarm. That day was of its first use. And first success."

Luna smiled and nodded her head. Sounded like something Twilight would do. Her Majesty sighed and continued. "I finally left my suite to congratulate her. Way before then I learned she grabbed my son's heart. And he hers. They were dating for I believe a few months and started maybe one month after she arrived when Psera was finally restored. There were some blindspots, and possibly still are.

"When I finally met her, I asked myself, 'This pretty little pony did all of this? Never would have imagined it.' I could tell that she was stricken by my son. I guess all mares have a thing for stallions who have strong muscles but a soft spot for flowers.

"Madun has a hard shell and muscle to prove it, but is too kind for his own good. Twilight was the opposite on both spectrums. She's really soft and giggles like a little filly on the outside, but is as hard and dangerous as a loose boulder on the inside. I hate to say it this way. But Bluebird will be very lucky if he even makes it to the courtroom. My son and Twilight are very attracted to one another and depend on the other in ways you wouldn't expect.

"Arcadia is smart, but has a way of overthinking things. Madun is more simple. So they somehow combine those qualities together and come up with great ideas. Arcadia loves the simple life, but Madun makes sure to remind her that she has a very important place here by teaching her ways to enact her power and to show it off. Not too much, but just enough. Even a simple flag will do.

"Psera has different customs. When I brought her up here, I took her to my observatory." Molten gestured to the staircase on the right with a sunbeam shooting out. "It is the best place to get a great view of Cop. The custom in Psera is that parents decide whether or not their foal can marry this pony based off of productive achievements. Madun is my gold, my only son. I of course gave them my blessing.

"But the day you ponies arrived... Ruined everything." Cadance bit her lip and glanced to Shining Armor, who in turn glanced back. Molten shifted her gaze to Twilight Velvet and Night Light, sitting with Twilight's friends in the couch facing the fire. "I know this is your daughter and would do whatever you can to make her happy. But as I'm sure you all have noticed ever since you walked in, whatever happens to Arcadia happens to all of us. Our Spirit nearly died with her and her unborn child. It will be a very grand day all over the country when she finally gives birth and is unharmed.

"Now. I'm willing to make sure to do what I can to give my son and Twilight their wedding. But I also do not want to risk another rut that ruins it. Merry right now is furious at Equestria for the first one, but has agreed to make the dress. Merry has an attitude where she won't be happy with you until you prove yourself. So until Madun and Twilight kiss, she will stay angry. She gets it from her mother."

So she is angry, Cadance assumed.

"Here are the terms. You have three days to setup a ceremony here in the castle. If you cause any kind of trouble—any kind, then it is off. The plan is to have Twilight and Madun at the Ceremony the day they leave the hospital. So get started tomorrow. It is going to be quite the challenge. The one in Charge of this whole thing is Gardeen. The entire nation will know about the plan by tomorrow morning. Are there any questions?"

Pinkie raised her hoof and asked, "Are there any themes you recommend?" That question caught everyone except Molten off-guard. They swiveled their sights to Pinkie with expressions of surprise and intrigue.

Molten hummed and answered, "Well... Red and blue roses with daffodils. That was their theme."

Pinkie smirked and crossed her hooves, slowly nodding with intent. Maolten glanced to Celestia for an explanation. She explained, "Pinkie Pie is widely known across Equestria as the best party planner."

Molten nodded and responded, "Make sure there's nothing wild. This is a wedding, not just any party. Now, your stay may be a little tricky."

Twilight Velvet, as much as she didn't want to went ahead and asked, "Are we not allowed?"

"You are. But the floor reserved for others is currently full, which means your stay will be on the office floor where Twilight herself used to stay. Further down that floor is the Royal Suite where Madun and Twilight currently stay."

"...oh."

"It should be no issue though as long as they are not released early. Summary? Have the event ready by three to four days and Psera doesn't come after you and your country."

Celestia smirked and glanced to Pinkie Pie insanely rubbing her hooves together with a wild grin on her face. "I have a feeling it will be done in two."
> Chapter 48 - Premarriage(Interlude)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Less Than Two Days Later


When Molten walked into the Royal Throne Room the morning after she was entirely surprised at the amount of decor that greeted her. Celestia truly stuck to her word. The golden columns had been wrapped in red and blue roses and the area in front of the thrones were set up with a decorated stage. On the side of the thrones, a little obscured from sight from the columns were two more elevated and turned to the right.

Pinkie zipped up to the side of Molten and said, "Those are for the foal choir who were at the first one! They're going to sing when Twilight walks in!"

Molten trained her eyes on Gardeen who was looking at a clipboard on the side away from the red Carpet in front of them that led up to the stage. Multiple bouquets of flowers, a white stage with two vases on the corners. And a podium with a microphone. Simple, but very beautiful. The rest of the ponies were finishing up by cleaning up anything they may have missed.

Molten looked down to Pinkie and asked, "Have you done the banquet hall?"

"Yes, indeed-ly!!"

Molten nodded and replied awkwardly, "Well... Then... I guess you're... Done?"

"Not yet! Now we have to get Twilight in here!" Applejack responded. She was straightening up the red carpet by smoothening the edges outside the walkway. "And King Madun, of course."

Gardeen nodded in agreement and responded, "The entire nation is anxious to see her fly again." She placed her clipboard underneath her right wing and walked over. "Lady Arcadia's status is well. There have been no problems with the baby, and she's free to leave tomorrow morning. Early."

Celestia walked over from the thrones and assumed, "So all tasks must be completed today then. Who is attending the ceremony in here?"

Her Majesty sat down and answered, "Royalty, a few ponies from the past, LiVAM crews, Princess Merry, Prince Consort Blazing Fire, the Merōl Choir, and the host for the last attempt. He's already here in the castle."

"Okay. Is there anything else you need, Pinkie?"

Everyone shifted their sights to Pinkie Pie, who somehow between the time she first spoke to Molten and now had donned a black outfit for spying. "Yes, there is." She donned a pair of shades and asked, "How are we getting them in here?"

Molten chuckled and answered, "We'll do the best approach. By being direct. Gardeen and Merry are handling Lady Arcadia, and Blazing is handling Madun." Gardeen raised her hoof, getting Molten's attention. "Yes, Gardeen?"

She lowered her hoof and suggested, "Actually Your Majesty, Shining Armor could help with that."

From across, Shining Armor pointed at himself and repeated, "Shining?"

Gardeen chuckled and nodded. "Yes, you. I spoke to Lady Arcadia this morning and she said she told Madun to ask you about parenting advice. This would be a great opportunity for you to actually keep him distracted in honesty."

"Oh!" Shining shrugged and nodded. "Yeah, sure. I'm fine with that. When can I meet up with him?"

"Since they're being released tomorrow... Tomorrow. You'll know when they're released."

Molten stood back up and said, "As I'm sure you can tell the citizens of Psera truly look up to their leaders."

Celestia nodded and said, "Yes, I've noticed that the second we walked in earlier this week."

"It is imperative their happiness equals to those of their citizens. So apart from having them married, let's make sure Lady Arcadia and King Madun's wedding is filled with smiles."

Rainbow saluted and said, "You got it, Your Majesty!"



Today was the day. The day Twilight was being released. The plan was this: Gardeen and Merry would meet with the King and Lady in Waiting this morning to inform Lady Arcadia that Shining Armor was at the castle waiting to give parenting advice while at the same time Merry was giving her brother a chance to try on a new outfit. Something he agreed to way beforehoof.

While they were doing that, Arcadia would be going through hugs and such with her own family and friends back at the castle while a few of the castle staff would escort everyone attending and listen in on their position and timing. Turns out, Psera knows how to keep secrets. Surprise, surprise. Celestia and the Princesses knew for a fact the Pserateps weren't telling them everything about Psera. But it didn't matter at the moment.

The kitchen staff were already set this morning at two to start their cooking in the kitchen and to make final adjustments to the celebratory hall somewhere on the first floor of the castle. The Royal Throne Room was currently in the midst of grandeur set up and Celestia had yet to raise the sun.

But LIeutenant Gliding Sword was already on the way to the debriefing room inside of the hospital, made specially only for Law Enforcement and National Defense as a backup. The night nurses and doctors were moving around with clipboards and such tending to other patients while she moved with an urgency. There was no time like the present to get this task running. Back at the castle Gardeen was watching the Throne Room setup to stay on her own end. Or ends. She was in charge of the whole operation. So everything ended up on her shoulders. And if she was to take any lessons to mind from her employer and friend, lists greatly helped.

She had some things to check up on this morning: Security checkup with Dark Silver for the protection around the castle, a check in with Gliding to learn the current steps in motion at the Hospital, and... That was it for now. Everything else would fall into place on its own as long as the Equestrians stay far and away. Oh! And to get the foal choir into position, and be fed if necessary. They should be here by nine just to get it all into place. The wedding ceremony begins at eleven and Lady Arcadia leaves at ten. Plenty of time.

Gardeen watched the final piece for the stage be applied. A podium for the Administer. He was going to be the one presiding over the service today. Again. Hopefully no one would bring up what happened last time. It's supposed to be treated like the original wedding. Full of happiness.
> Chapter 49 - Just Married; Gardeen's Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madun was beginning to irk Twilight. She barely woke up, let alone shifted from underneath the covers at the first sign of daylight and he was already swarming over her. She hummed, cracked her eyes open and immediately stared into the Magenta eyes of her fiance.

She blinked and glanced left towards the ceiling. Then back on him and whispered, "...what?"

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"...You're creeping me out, sweetheart."

Madun shimmied out of the bed and got back onto his hooves while his fiancee sat up and looked around. The morning sickness stage of the pregnancy had long past. So now all Twilight had to deal with was the struggle of getting out of bed and actually going to the bathroom. Thankfully she managed to. This baby was a grower. While she was getting ready in there, Madun decided to step outside the room and into the hallway. And nearly into the grinning face of his sister.

"Gah!" He yelped and jumped back in surprise, copying his literal twin. "Merry, stars above, don't creep on people!"

A roll of the eyes was the response. "So what's the schedule?"

Madun rubbed his forehead and answered after a sigh, "A final checkup, breakfast, then release. That's it."

"Great. So Twilight told Gardeen you needed parenting advice." Merry's wink didn't settle Madun's jittery nerves about being a father. If anything it made it worse.

He leaned back and drawled, "Uhh... Yeeeaaah?"

"Okay, just... Wanted to make sure I wasn't hearing things." Madun rolled his eyes. Typical Merry. "How's she doing?"

Madun glanced over his shoulder into the room. "I think she's taking a shower."

"Cool. So Lady Arcadia's family is at the castle right now to check up on her. They couldn't get into the hospital so they're waiting at the castle. And Shining Armor's ready to give you some advice."

Madun raised his eyebrow and asked, "Already?"

You should know Gardeen works fast to make things happen. I'll be nearby. Don't wait up!" Merry turned around and quickly pranced away before Madun could stop her. There she goes acting strange again. Deciding he wasn't going to get an answer as to why, Madun turned around and quickly strode into the room at the same time Twilight walked out the bathroom.

She looked even more beautiful with wet hair. So gorgeous. He trotted over to deliver a surprise nuzzle and asked, "Do you want to get back into bed?"

Arcadia chuckled and answered, "That's sweet. But no thank you, sweetheart. I'm just going to wait until the doctors walk in to do their final check up so we can leave. Bet you didn't know this, but I'm not a huge fan of hospitals."

She carefully sat down on her flanks as to not hurt the baby just like Madun. He motioned towards her stomach and asked, "Anymore kicks?"

Twilight laughed and answered, "Yeah, in the shower! I don't think she likes baths."

"Aw. She's already rebellious."

"I know." Twilight leaned into Madun, who swiftly wrapped her in his wing and placed his head on top of hers. They basked in each other's presence, stewing in peace. Arcadia hummed and whispered, "I can't wait."

"Me neither. After this, one more trip to a medical unit. Then our lives can begin."

"Right... Until... You know..."

Madun sighed and whispered, "Yeah. Try not to throttle him in court."

"I'll make a great attempt. But still no promises."

Madun chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "That's all I'm asking for."

A swift knock on the door grabbed their attention away from plotting revenge. Violet Triage walked in with two more doctors and two nurses pushing in some equipment. Making her way over with a portable heart monitor under her wing, she clicked her tongue and asked, "Already plotting revenge your highness? Let the nation do it for you first, then you can get your hits in."

Arcadia smirked and replied, "But doesn't the nation stand behind their leaders?"

"Mmm, touche. Let's get your blood pressure, heart rate, and some breakfast in you first before we can finally put some hooves on him." Violet Triage stood on Twilight's right side while Madun stepped away to let the other nurses and doctors do their thing.

After a thorough check and verification, Violet Triage removed the thermometer away from Twilight's mouth and stated proudly, "Alright! And we're done here! I'll keep your hospital stay on record back at the castle archives, and have the pony in charge here take over! I'll see you at the castle later on this evening, your highness."

Arcadia nodded and replied, "Thank you, Violet."



While the unit back at the hospital were preparing for Twilight's departure, the Castle was preparing for Twilight's arrival. Hooves scrambled back and forth while other staff moved papers, artifacts, and such. In the foyer, and lost no less, Twilight Velvet and Night Light stepped to the side to allow some type of steel vehicle moved past, spraying something onto the floor. Twilight Velvet did have a few questions about how they cleaned this place. It was so big and very immaculate.

Blinking that out of her sight, Twilight Velvet moved with the flow and decided to just walk out the front door of the castle. They could meet with their daughter, just as long as they didn't reveal the surprise. Hasty hooves moved across marble floors for the doors. Then they stepped out into the warm spring air. What month was it anyway? Velvet didn't really care. Nor about the ponies already outside waiting with them. Like some of the interns, military generals, city workers, all of them were waiting on the side, creating a path that led up to the central doors into the castle.

Twilight Velvet and Night Light moved over to the left side of the path and settled in with Celestia and the others. Everything was pretty talkative right now, creating noise and more. Once they were by Cadance Velvet asked, "Anything?"

Cadance shook her head and answered, "Not yet. I have a feeling we'll know when she takes flight."

Velvet sighed and finally took this moment to actually look around Cop without being told what to do. Apart from the giant purple Obelisk in the middle of the city-state, it was a range of tall golden buildings, streets, nature, and colors. Pretty much your standard Oasis. At night it was really beautiful. In the daytime it was calm and collected, albeit fast with quickly advanced pegasi.

Twilight Velvet grinned in pride with the thought that her daughter was the one who rebuilt this city. The little filly she used to hold helped rebuild a land eighty times bigger than Equestria from the dirt. She deserved to be married with prosperity and kindness.



The hall for the Royalty Unit was silent. All eyes were either on the Guard standing by Lady Arcadia's room, or on the closed door itself. Her highness and the king were getting ready to depart. But Lady Arcadia didn't want to go out until she had something to cover her pregnancy. Luckily, Merry just happened to be nearby and prepared with hoofshoes, Tiara, and a violet and white dress.

Lieutenant Sword was listening to everything going on through the earpiece in her ear connected to the Comm Blocks. While they waited, she took a moment to inspect it. It was literally just a slab of violet crystal with a cord connected into the side and a dial for the ten channels strapped on the inside of her hoof. Not much in looks. But it did work wonders for her team. A new method of communication.

Gliding dropped her hoof back to the floor when the door opened and Merry stepped out. Followed by Madun, Arcadia wearing her clothes, and a nurse. The Guard saluted while the others bowed. Madun ordered, "Please rise. We're ready, Lieutenant."

Lieutenant Sword nodded and ordered, "Assume defensive positions. Lieutenant Sword to security, we're on the move. Whenever you're ready, your majesties."

Arcadia nodded and faced the doctors and nurses of the Unit. "Before we go, I want to recognize the staff of the hospital. Your jobs aren't easy but you do an amazing job. Thank you for saving me and my foal's life."

The nurses and doctors bowed her way and responded in their way of saying "You're welcome." Once they did, Arcadia nodded to the Guard and walked with Madun in between them.

While they moved through the halls Gliding reported their actions and positions. Even though Twilight was definitely out of danger by this point, it never hurt to be sure of it.


~✶~


While a most silent environment reigned over the luxurious city of Cop and all attention were on the Display Screen by the far side of the Castle—or what was called a LiVAM—of the front of the hospital, Applejack interrupted it with a nudge to Rainbow. Once she had her attention she gestured to a particular street on the right over Rainbow's back. "I think that's where Twilight's goin' to be crowned," she whispered.

Rainbow assumed that must be the square or large center. There was construction going on with a platform that held a lot of stairs and levels. Marble blocks were being placed on top of each other by a nearby crane. Rainbow and Applejack could see them pushing and using hammers on certain areas.

Rainbow Dash nodded and asked, "When is her coronation?"

Applejack shrugged before the crowd suddenly cheered. Jumping in surprise, they moved their eyes back to the screen. Twilight and Madun had just walked back out of the hospital. The former was looking much better, a great contrast to how they saw her before. She was no longer on her deathbed with a mask on her face. Now there was a proud grin with a waving hoof, rubbing up against her fiance, pretty much her husband but have yet to officiate the marriage.

This must've been news coverage. There was Pseratopian text at the bottom of the screen. Madun and Twilight shared a look then a nuzzle before everything quickly simmered down. Celestia was about to ask what happened before Gardeen leaned in and clarified, "Her flight test."

The Pserateps at the hospital parted to the side to create a wide runway to the street and other areas on the hospital property. Twilight took a deep breath and focused on the path. All eyes were on her. All of them. With no more thoughts, and a supportive nudge from Madun, Twilight took a few steps into the aisle then broke into a quick run.  She jumped into the sunny warm air and flared her large wings out. Then delivered a strong flap, soaring into the sky.

The Pserateps on the ground all over the country cheered once more and took to the air themselves, similar to a colony of bats and blackening out the sky in Cop. And possibly other city-states. Those were a lot of Pegasi. Now Shining understood what Gardeen meant when she said you'll know. The sky was just filled with dancing and soaring Pserateps.

In the air, Twilight was overshadowed by Madun and protected by a defensive bubble of Elite Guard. The air blew Twilight's mane free, creating a trail of violet on her back. She took in a breath of air and breathed it out with a sigh. She looked down past the radius of Guards at the many Pserateps soaring around below her. They weren't enjoying the flightless state of Psera. Makes sense, Psera was made of more than enough Rainbow Dashes for that.

A tap to the top of her head pulled her out of those thoughts and into the reality of fast flying over the city of Capita. They were beginning to thin out by this point and approaching the green grass in between Capita and the mountain range. Cop. Home. It didn't sound so strange anymore. Living in another country that wasn't Equestria. She looked up into the eyes of her fiance. Or husband. She may as well just start calling him that. Her husband, King Shimmering Madun.

Without lowering, Twilight lifted her head back and shared a kiss with him. After they parted she whispered, "Now... About landing softly..."


~✶~


Celestia was trying to get the zips and whooshes of the Pserateps out of her head from the ponies soaring overhead. Rainbow Dash's whimpering of envy wasn't helping either. She could tell just by looking at her barely noticeable wing flutters she was becoming a little desperate. Not one to let her citizens down, Celestia really hoped Twilight arrived soon. Based off of everything happening right now, she would be the only one to allow her to actually get back in the air. Rainbow she bet had never been on the ground for two days straight without a broken wing before. After today, it would be three. She was going to explode soon.

Twilight Velvet's hoof in front of her face pointing towards the sky pushed her thoughts back to the present. "There she is! There's my baby!"

Celestia followed her hoof towards the rapidly clearing blue of the sky to a well-formed sphere of Pserateps surrounding an orange and purple pony, quickly flying in. Yeah, that was Twilight. The Guard on the ground ran towards the street and formed into what looked like a runway that ran parallel with the castle.

The Pserateps cheered louder, waving their hooves and flapping their wings. The guard surrounding the incoming pair parted, leaving Madun with Twilight. She stopped flapping her wings and glided to a lower altitude, lightly skimming the ground. It was a little fast and concerning to Velvet. What if she crashed?!

Next, she broke into a gallop and flapped her wings forward. Landing while pregnant was tricky. But her hooves touched the ground and her flapping wings slowed her to a stop a little ways past the landing point. Once she had a good footing, Twilight smiled and waved at the cheering Pserateps all around. Those were a lot of Pegasi.

Madun joined her side as they walked up the stairs towards the castle to meet with the other executives of Psera. Arcadia shook hooves with others as they moved past, heading for her family that she had yet to recognize. They were placed a on the side at the top of the stairs, avoiding all the cameras and such focused on the pair down below. Twilight Velvet jumped up and yelled, "Twilight! Sweetie, over here! Tw-Twilight!"

Night Light chuckled and said, "Too busy being a Queen to recognize us ol' pony folk."

Madun and Twilight shared a hug with Secretary Manny then exchanged a few words about something before moving once again for the top of the stairs. Rarity raised her hoof out past the line and sang, "Twilight~!"

Twilight's ears flickered before she looked around, eventually focusing on that familiar mane of purple. Blinking, she responded, "Rarity?"

"Yes, darling! We're stuck in the crowd!"

Twilight laughed and moved her way up the stairs. Soon, she finally spotted her jumping mother and the rest of them. "Oh my gosh!" She yelled over the voices of the other Pserateps. She wrapped her mother and father in a tight hug then asked, "What... How... What?!" She pulled away and delivered a look of bewilderment.

Celestia chuckled and pulled Twilight into a hug with Luna and Cadance. "Let's just say we were in some dues to Psera and leave it at that... For now, anyway, I know you're going to ask questions later. How are you feeling?"

"A little sore. The doctor told me to take it easy on transportation for a while for the sake of the baby."

"Be sure to follow her instructions.

Twilight nodded before she was wrapped in a hug by all of her Ponyville friends. Her Psera friends were standing on the side speaking to Her Majesty about the plan and what to do.

While they were embracing, Twilight called, "Madun!"

He poked his head in from in between two guards and asked, "Yes, what is it?"

Twilight pulled away and gestured with her head to Shining Armor. Then turned his way and asked, "Shining? Since we're going to be parents, I was hoping you could talk to Madun about a few things to watch out for."

Before Shining could reply, Night Light bumped in and answered, "Of course we will! Nothing would make me more happier than talking children with my daughter's fiance." Madun blushed and looked to Twilight for help. He really didn't want to be stuck with Twilight's father talking about children of all things. Unfortunately, she only nodded and gestured to her father. No help today, mister.

Madun feigned a smile and replied, "Er... Th-Thank you."

"You're welcome, son!"

Celestia leaned in and stammered, "Uhh... Arcadia? If it isn't an issue... Before Rainbow Dash explodes..."

Twilight and Madun followed her pointing hoof towards Rainbow Dash. She had a fake grin plastered on her face, clearly vibrating with need. Twilight seethed and asked, "How long?"

"Tomorrow makes day three."

"Oh no. Okay, well the best place for her to let off a bunch of steam and be kept an eye on would be in the Training Grounds at the very back of the Castle. You'd be surprised at how many ponies actually have this issue here. Guard?" An Elite Guard was saluting at her side in a second. "Let Captain Dark know that Rainbow Dash is in need of high air before she explodes."

"Yes, ma'am."

Twilight turned back to smiling with her family while the Guard shuffled off. "I have to go and meet with a few more of the Executives. I'll see you later, okay?" While they nodded, Twilight turned to her father and Shining Armor. "Please don't be too forward, okay?"

At that Twilight left Madun with Twilight's family. And a shivering and shaking Rainbow Dash. Oh boy.



No one except Molten had noticed Gardeen shuffle off from Arcadia's side and back through the castle doors. After all, she was the one who gave her the signal to do so. The inside of the castle was empty. Everyone had evacuated the building to meet up with the Lady in Waiting and King out front. Giving her ample time to go and set everything up.

She eagerly made her way across for the large amount of level stairs with a hoof raised up to her mouth, barking into the Comm Block. "Gardeen to Merry, where are you?"

"Girl, I told you. My name is Silent Fire."

Gardeen rolled her eyes but went ahead and responded, "Silent Fire, are you in position?"

"Yeah, I'm in the room, hiding in the corner. Where's she headed again?"

"Your mother's." Gardeen flapped her wings and soared straight up to the very top level. Then anxiously made her way across quiet halls for the steps leading up to Her Majesty's Floor. "Gardeen to Administer Golen Wing?"

"Yes, ma'am, I'm in position in the Throne Room. Everyone is ready and in position."

"Good. Merry—"

"Silent. Fire."

Gardeen took a deep breath and stopped in front of Her Majesty's door. Then sighed and ordered through barely contained strained teeth, "Silent. Fire. Open. The door." She's so immature.

The door handle jiggled before it was cracked open and Merry stuck her head out to shoot Gardeen an innocent grin.

Mocking innocence, she teased, "Pretty please?" Gardeen just blinked at her as a response.

Rolling her eyes, Merry pulled the door the rest of the way open, allowing Gardeen access. "You're no fun," she muttered.

Gardeen strode past with a destination for Light Pink who was busy hovering over and admiring the dress in the middle of the floor in front of the steps for the observatory. "In moments like this, I'm not. Twilight's happiness means the world to me. How's it lookin', Pink?"

Pink jumped and dropped back down on her hooves. She didn't expect Gardeen to show up just yet. She hunkered down and answered, "Oh uh... It looks fine."

Merry gasped in horror from afar. Then shut the door and zipped as fast as she could while pregnant straight up to Pink, muzzle to muzzle. "FINE?!" She repeated. Then jabbed her hoof at the dress. "THIS is the definition of beauty!"

Gardeen calmly pushed Merry out from in front of Pink's face. "Merry, it's the exact same as the Original Wedding's."

"Yeah, right!" Gardeen rolled her eyes. Merry was sooo dramatic. Add mood swings, and there you go. You get a full blown unlimited Merry Fire, complete with a high ear ringing volume.

Gardeen huffed and admired the dress herself. She practically yelled, "Well no matter how it looks, we can all agree it's perfect. Twilight's going to love it! This wedding must go without any flaws. The lunch directly after the wedding, then a shooing to their original Timool spot."

Pink blinked at Gardeen then looked towards Merry for an explanation. She was just as clueless, evident by the oh so innocent shrug. Taking a moment, Pink cleared her throat and stated, "Uhh... Gardeen? Um... I hope you're not taking any of this personal."

Gardeen whipped her head around and stammered, "N-No, I'm... I'm... Uhh..." She sighed and lowered her head. There was no use in hiding it. Gardeen glanced up and whispered, "Is it really that obvious?"

Merry waddled forward and answered, "Gardeen, sweetie. You practically ripped my head off less than two minutes ago, so... Maybe? What's eatin' at ya', I know the signs."

Gardeen sighed and turned back to gaze at the dress. "Please don't say anything, but... I really look up to Lady Arcadia. Like... Like a mother really. I never told anyone this in person before, but... I don't have any parents. Well living ones anyway."

Pink gasped and immediately wrapped her girlfriend in her hooves. "Oh, Gardeen! I never knew, I'm so sorry!"

Gardeen sighed and replied, "Yeah, well... It's been a long time. Let me tell you my story." Gardeen politely nudged Pink's hooves off and faced the dress in nostalgia. "I never really had a good foalhood with my parents. Mainly because I went through... Two sets of them and they're both gone. When I was just a filly at five years old, my mother and father were working at the same job. They were in Capita as chemical technicians. Their jobs were to mix chemicals and see to it that they were in the correct bottles, and everything was clean. Just like the city. Well... All I remember during that time was me staying with a sitter when someone knocked on the door. Two government ponies were waiting and my sitter was crying. Then they all turned to me. I later learned that the factory had a chemical accident that triggered a chain reaction. Fourteen Pserateps never made it out. My parents were two of them.

"I was placed in a foster home for three years. No one came to get me. I didn't have a family line, so it was just me. Then a single mare did." Gardeen reached out and stroked the fabric of the dress. It was really soft and thin in a weird kind of way. "She was kind and really nice. She was the gold to my skills, the seed to this tree that is me. She took me to her home in Merōl and I lived there for three years. Then... The Glowing Bear showed up. By that time I was eleven years old. When it attacked, it was utter chaos. The entire Neighborhood was running and flying back onto the land since Merōl was one of the first to go under. The bear was about to step on us. Well my adoptive mother threw me into some underground area before it could. Then everything went dark. After an hour or so, I crawled back out and looked around. Nothing but utter destruction. Fire, collapsing buildings, dust, crying ponies.

"I... Spotted my adoptive mother's body lying a few feet away, along with around twenty more. I..." Gardeen reached up and wiped a few escaping tears away. Her voice turned into a whisper. "After that, I was all on my own. Just like everyone. But I didn't have anyone to go to for five years for comfort. To this day, I never... I have never gotten that image out of my head. I lost two families in a lifetime. Lady Arcadia is pretty much my third. After she arrived, I thought everything was going to be okay. That all I knew just... Just brought me to this point. But when I saw her on that stage, in her wedding dress drenched in her blood with an arrow in her stomach where her foal was, I... It was as if everything was just playing over again for a third showing. I vowed to myself during that time that I would keep her peace and happiness a reality..." Gardeen turned around and smiled at Pink and Merry. "Because she brought me peace and happiness when she arrived. As long as she's around, it'll continue that way. And I aim to keep it that way. That's why I'm taking this personal. I just want to see the pony who made me happy happy too."

From afar, Merry sighed and shook her head. "I'm... So, so sorry, Gardeen. I never knew your life was that tragic." Merry wrapped Gardeen in a wing and pulled her into a hug.

Blinking away the surprise that Merry was hugging her out of pity, Gardeen closed her eyes and wrapped a wing to hug her back. "It's... It's okay. Let's just make sure Arcadia gets her wedding and I'll be happy." Gardeen pulled back and lifted her hoof to ask, "Gardeen to Captain Silver? Location?"



After Dark ordered Rainbow Dash to be taken to the back airfield for a relaxing flight, he tagged along with Lady Arcadia with three more guards for the top floor with Her Majesty Molten Ice and the other mares that were with her such as Twilight Velvet and Bright Gold.

He lifted his hoof to his ear and whispered, "We're lifting to the floor right now. All Units are on standby and ready for action."

While they ascended, Twilight asked Molten Ice, "So what all happened here while I was gone?"

Molten chuckled from Twilight's left and responded, "Merry has been stomping around muttering the most pleasant of things she's going to do to that pony in court, and Gardeen has been keeping herself busy." The elevator slowed to a stop and the door parted, letting them off onto Her Majesty's floor.

As they walked forward, Twilight smiled and sighed. "To be honest, I feel like I'm already taking care of a little filly. Gardeen is really young and taking care of a grown mare's job. At the age of seventeen she's already graduated school and helping out here. Her parents must be proud."

"Oh, uhh... Gardeen... Doesn't have a family."

Twilight slowed to a stop with her Majesty with a look of surprise. Then sadness. She repeated, "Doesn't have a family? What do you mean?"

Molten turned her way and answered, "Don't quote me on this. But Gardeen's parents passed away in a tragic chemical accident in Capita when she was five."

Twilight gasped and whispered, "Oh no."

"We lost fourteen Pserateps in that accident and Gardeen's parents were in the mix."

Twilight Velvet sighed and responded, "Oh the poor dear."

"She was placed in a foster home and adopted. Then the glowing bear arrived and... Took her caretaker too."

Twilight squeezed her eyes shut and sighed. How did she not know this? "Oh no... What happened after that?"

Molten shook her head and answered, "I don't know. She never talks about it. But she looks up to you. I can see it in her eyes whenever you two are around each other. She really treasures you."

"I never knew any of this. Oh poor Gardeen. I'll speak with her later. I noticed she disappeared."

Molten stood up and led them towards her home. "Yes, she had a few important tasks she wanted to get out of the way." She nodded to the Guards who saluted and pulled the doors open. Then she gestured for Arcadia to enter first.

Walking past she said, "Thank you." Then looked around the environment. Gardeen, Pink, and Merry had disappeared. Along with the dress, leaving the area untouched.

After the others walked in Bright Gold stated, "I feel like you've never changed the flavor of your home for centuries, Your Majesty."

Molten giggled and repeated, "Flavor, that's a new one. But yes, my home has been the same for hundreds of years. I wish to keep it this way. Would you all like some tea? It's healthy for the foal~" Molten made her way towards the lavish kitchen, leaving the others behind. Gardeen and the others were hiding in different areas of the suite. Merry was having the most trouble hiding behind the couch.

Arcadia followed after Molten and responded, "Sure." She sat down at the table and waited for the ceramic cup to be slid across to a stop in front of her. After Molten made the other mares some of the same tea, Molten made herself some and sat herself down in front of Twilight. Raising her cup, she stated with a smile, "I wish you and my son the best of happiness. And a great life with your foal. To Twilight and Madun."

The others raised their cups and lightly clinked it with Molten's. Then pulled it to their lips and took a relieving sip. The tea was really good. If Twilight had a vote between Fluttershy's and Molten's, Molten would unfortunately win. She more than likely had way more experience. After a sip, Molten lowered her cup and patted her mouth with a napkin. "Now before we do anything else, Gardeen and I have a surprise for you."

That was a surprise. Smirking, Twilight lowered her cup back to the table and asked, "A surprise? Of what kind?"

"The kind we don't tell you about until after it's been done."

Oh boy. Twilight's been through this before. "Let me guess. It involves a blindfold and leading around?"

Molten chuckled and answered, "Close. It involves a blindfold, moving around possibly in discomfort, then leading around. You'll be blindfolded for maybe an hour. But don't worry, your mother and myself will be around."

Twilight chuckled and flicked her ear for a second when she heard a shuffle somewhere behind her. "Well... Alright. But please don't leave me standing there looking foalish."

Molten drank the rest of her tea and sighed in contentment. Smirking she responded, "Don't worry, we won't have you in that position. Now, let's get started."


~✶~


While his fiancee was being setup for the sudden wedding, Madun was leading Shining and Night Light to the Royal Suite of the castle. Along the way the Pserateps waved and bowed to him, even while in the midst of conversation about being a father that Madun was eager to learn about. But with Shining, not his Fiancee's father.

He was going on about something with the correct pacifiers and that Twilight, when she was a foal was very picky about which one she liked. Night Light added, "For Twilight, the pacifier had to be purple, thin, and round on the end. I have a feeling your foal is going to be the same way."

Before Madun could sigh, Shining leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, Twilight wasn't that serious. I had to babysit her before she could walk, she depended mostly on herself."

Before Night Light could say something, Madun pointed ahead and announced, "And we're here!"

Shining followed his hoof towards the home that's been vacant for two months. The flower bed in front of it still looked lively and untouched, highlighted by the sunroof and other things. There were no guards around at the moment, but they would definitely be stationed there later when Twilight gets back tonight to pack for the sudden honeymoon, or what they called a Timool here. Madun walked towards the door and unlocked it with his hoof somehow. Then pushed the door open. The inside of the home was dark, but it still looked the same when Shining Armor was there last time. Small, cozy, comfortable.

Night Light queried, "Are you two going to upgrade for the foal?"

Madun flipped a switch and brightened the home, bringing light to the kitchen, the living room, and the hallway with a few lights in the lower area of the wall, highlighting the wood that made up the walkway. In the living room was Twilight's book stash. Making way for the living room, Madun answered, "No. The home's bigger than it looks. There's four rooms and an extra one that's connected to ours that the baby will be staying in for quick access. Twilight's going to enjoy that. As well as dusting these books, and her... 'Resortcation.'"

Madun gestured towards the couches and asked, "Would you gentlemen like anything?"

Night Light dropped down beside him and asked, "No thank you, mister. Now about taking care of a foal..." Straight into it, huh? Madun thought. "All that's really required is attention and care."

Shining poked in behind his father and added, "And being able to read the signs of distress."

"Yes, that too. When a foal—filly or colt—is disappointed you will know. Sometimes they don't even cry, which makes it very tricky. When shining was a foal, he was the strong type. Liked to keep his emotions to himself. So he refused to cry, which made it difficult to us as parents to figure out what was wrong with him. Twilight on the other hand cried too much and let us know if something wasn't how she liked it. When she started learning magic, that kept her busy and those tears away. So if you two ever experience a problem with a crying foal, give them something to do. As the king and queen, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard."

Shining rolled his eyes and shook his head while Madun chuckled and responded, "Yes, well I'm sure we'll have enough time to put into our foal for that."

While Madun and Night Light were speaking, Shining Armor was fiddling with the earpiece he had in his ear hidden from view. These things were a nuisance. Then again, this is the first time he ever wore one so he wasn't used to it like everyone else here on Psera. He was waiting for the go ahead to get Madun ready for a very quick visit by a very eager Merry Fire. Until then, they had to distract him with humor and amusement. Hopefully, Twilight was doing better.



Twilight was unsure what all was going on. But after they sipped the rest of their tea, Molten and Twilight Velvet led her into the middle of the floor and told her to face the door. Once she was, Twilight Velvet placed a blindfold over her eyes and said, "Okay, now stay still dear. We're just going to do a few things to you for a few minutes."

Twilight had her eyes closed when it was placed on, but it wouldn't matter if she didn't. The blindfold was completely dark. She wouldn't be able to see a thing if her eyes were open. Once the knot for the blindfold was tied, Molten asked, "Alright, can you see?"

Twilight chuckled and answered, "No, I have my eyes closed."

"Okay, now hold still for..." Molten looked towards Merry's head peeking over the couch for an answer. She made a silent word that Molten relayed, "Thirty minutes."

Twilight smirked and asked, "Alright, what's going on here?"

Twilight Velvet answered, "Sorry, dear. No spoilers." She stepped away while Gardeen, Light Pink, and Merry stepped out and quietly made their way to Twilight. Merry had the dress over her back and reluctantly laid it on the floor in front of her. Then stood up made a sign to Gardeen, gesturing to her hooves. The dress was made differently than usual. Instead of it being slipped on, it had to be buttoned on and put together. Starting with the hooves.

While Gardeen was doing that, Merry made her way back to the kitchen and reached up to her earpiece. "Silent Fire to Shining Armor, you're a go."



Shining and Madun both were becoming a little anxious thanks to Night Light's talking. What he was talking about it didn't really matter, but it was about diapers and Twilight. Oh Narmeelah, no, Madun thought before Shining cut in and said, "Hey, guess what Madun?"

Eager to get out of this conversation, Madun's ears instantly rose back up when he asked, "Yes, yes, what is it?"

Shining cleared his throat and said, "Everyone at the castle here was thinking of doing something for you and Twilight just to make up for the marriage you guys missed. It's just a little gift."

"Oh! Why, thank you. So... Where is it?" Madun looked around for a moment then looked to Night Light's grinning face for an explanation.

He answered, "Oh it's in the throne room. But before we go, we have to get you setup, alright?"

"Uhh... Set up?" Madun raised an eyebrow and glanced to Shining.

He waved it off and stated, "It requires a blindfold and ruffling. But don't worry, we already talked to your security about it and they're on board, as long as they're around of course."

"Uh... Alright. Is Twilight going through something similar right now?"

He's sharp. Shining nodded and explained, "In a way. So let's get started!"



Her Majesty kept to her promise and stuck nearby while Twilight was dressed. It's been nearly thirty minutes now and the dress was nearly complete. Merry had actually became a little frustrated earlier because she had to get down low and manually sew a seam at the breast. Twilight turned out was ticklish. Madun was going to have a field day with that.

Then Gardeen kneeled on something a little sharp that while buttoning up the dress in the back. She had to bite her lip to keep from swearing. During the time, Twilight kept asking questions like, "So who exactly is ruffling my coat?" Or, "I smell Merry's perfume." And the closest one, "I bet this is Merry digging under the hood, isn't it?" Twilight Velvet unfortunately had to lie and say it wasn't.

But after a few minutes of tedious preparation, it was finished. Twilight was once again in a modified version of the dress that was wore when she was hit on stage. Gardeen, Merry, and Bright Gold stepped back to observe with Molten and her mother. After a few seconds of hearing or feeling anything, Twilight asked, "So are you all done with whatever you were doing?"

Molten nodded until she remembered that Twilight couldn't see her and answered, "Er, yes we are." She turned to Merry real quick and motioned for her to scamper off to Madun. "Now, we have to modify you with some final adjustments."


Thirty More Minutes


After a tedious hour of shoe applying, the doors to Molten's room finally opened nad out walked the party. In order to stabilize herself and be guided properly, Twilight unknowingly laid her wing across Gardeen's back, filling her with a sense of pride and allowed herself to be guided along towards the elevator at the end of the hall. While they moved Twilight expressed how giddy she was with the ever so subtly vibrations her wing put off, barely containing her excitement along with the little squeals. "Ohhhh, are you giving me something that requires me to be dressed up?"

Molten chuckled and answered, "Close." Once they arrived at the elevator, Molten pressed the down key and waited. "We're taking you someplace special that you will definitely enjoy. It's in the castle, so you don't have to walk outside like this in that heat."

Twilight flicked her ear and asked, "Where in the castle? I'm pretty sure I've been all over by this point."

"Oh this area was recently added on." The elevator dinged open and the others parted to allow Gardeen access with Arcadia still latched on. Once they were inside and situated, the others filed in and the doors closed.

On the floor directly underneath, Merry and the guys had just finished with Madun, and were now leading him towards the throne room where the others were headed. Similar to his fiancee, he had his wing on his sister's back allowing whoever this pony was to take the lead. "So... Where are we headed?" He asked.

From his right Night Light silently chuckled and answered, "Oh you'll see. But I promise, you'll enjoy it. A lot. Try not to cry, okay?"

Madun clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Oh, this stallion hasn't cried in years. It takes a tough stallion like me not to cry." Merry silently sighed and rolled her eyes at her brother's boasting.

Shining wrapped a hoof over his shoulder and said, "Well you might this time. So be ready."

The halls were quiet, confusing Twilight by the time they reached the throne room. Shouldn't it be noisy and celebratory? Before they walked inside, Twilight Velvet ran in first to make sure everything was setup and correct. The throne itself was decorated beautifully in a vine of flowers, definitely by Fluttershy. The foal choir was all in place. They were really anxious by this point. Especially when everyone witnessed Twilight Velvet walk in. The ponies with the cameras on the side instantly sat up and trained them on her when she stopped and whispered, "She's right outside. Once she's up her everyone wait for King Madun and then we can get started, okay?"

She turned around and pulled open the doors all the way, revealing Lady Arcadia in her dress with a blindfold over her face. "Okay, are you ready dear?"

Twilight laughed and asked, "Yeah, can I please take this off now?"

"Nuh uh uh, wait just a little longer. Keep following us." Gardeen led Arcadia Nova up through the aisle with her wing on her back, blushing at the thought that she got to lead her idol up to the place where she would finally get married safely. It was such an honor to be in this position right now. So much so.

Twilight Velvet turned around once at the stairs that led up to the stage and said, "Okay, now give me your hoof so you don't trip on these stairs." Twilight removed her wing from Gardeen's back and randomly poked out at stuff before finally touching Velvet's hoof. Then slowly walked up the stairs, eventually reaching the top. Once they were on the stage in front of the administer—who was biting his lip to keep from laughing, Twilight Velvet gave one last command. "Now try not to say much, we're going to grab one more pony then everything's going to be set, alright?"

Twilight groaned and answered, "Uhhh... I guess? What exactly are we doing again and why was I dressed up?"

"Be patient, dear." Twilight Velvet turned around to Molten Ice and whispered, "Where is King Madun?"

"He should be on the way here by now," she replied. They both turned towards the door at the same time Madun trotted in with Shining Armor and Night Light, looking handsome as ever.

He asked, "So... Why am I here?"

Twilight looked towards his location and asked, "Madun?"

Madun stopped for a moment and sped up blindly. "Twilight? Wh-What's going on?"

"I-I don't know." Madun followed the same instructions Velvet gave to Twilight and stopped a few feet from in front of her.

He looked around and asked, "So... Can I take this off now?"

"You both can now!" Rainbow Dash yelled. Wait, Rainbow Dash?

Twilight used her magic to teleport the blindfold off to a random space beside her, opening here eyes to look down at Madun. And what a looker he was. He had his red mane brushed and groomed, he smelled nice, his orange coat was brushed, and he was wearing a black and red suit. Merry. Merry made that. Twilight knew Merry's signature style choice. The chest of his suit had a white rose in it, sparkling like snow.

Madun reached up and took the blindfold off and locked his eyes on Twilight. Then they both turned to look out at the large crowd of Ponies. A throat was cleared from behind, urging them to look back to the stage into the eyes of Administer Golen Wing. He was glancing between the two with a warm smile. "So... Let's try this again. And this time, no one is coming in without us knowing."

Twilight looked up to Madun with watery and beautiful eyes of wander. He directed his own gaze down into Twilight's. They were going to get married again. On the same day she was released. This was the surprise. Administer Golen Wing stated, "I'm sure everyone has already heard your vows. As well as the rest of what has brought you together. They all know the story of Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, and the rise of King Shimmering Madun. But they don't know the story of what they will do together. I believe this moment will be the start of the next journey in your lives. So without further adieu, under the eye of Narmeelah and within the law of Psera, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the—"

Arcadia darted forward and latched her lips unto Madun's, and his onto hers. They held one another close. The gallery cheered and stomped their hooves. Celestia even stood up and cheered. That was a surprise. Administer Golen Wing shrugged and clapped his hooves together before the pair finally separated and pulled each other into a hug. Twilight whispered into his ear and whispered, "I love you, Madun."

He nuzzled her neck and whispered, "I love you too, Twilight. More than ever."
> Chapter 50 - Oh It Hurts; (Labor Day)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the wedding, Madun and Twilight celebrated it by booking a stay at a hotel up in Psera Skies North. A lavish room on the very top floor with a tinted glass wall so that Twilight and Madun could reflect and look back at everything that had happened in the past they had shared together. Starting from the beginning when they first met in Merōl. In less than a year, they had forged a bond of friendship, love, now marriage. And a baby on the way.

Which brings us to now. After a glorious two weeks of honeymooning, Madun had to go back to ruling the kingdom, and Twilight had to get back to managing Serl, organizing of Organizations, enforcing the law of Psera, her book sortcation just like Madun guaranteed she would do, following up on the status of her baby, and then... That was it. Turns out Serl had just about gone through all of their own things now and were spending their time on the Blue Gold, something Bright Gold guaranteed Twilight wasn't really needed for. And that she should just relax until the baby was born.

So as of this moment, Gardeen decided to keep Twilight company back at her own home way on the west end of Cop. Twilight had actually never visited before. But knowing Gardeen, she was more than likely living a simple lifestyle. So it came as no surprise that when Lady Arcadia walked through the door of the home it was in a simple state of style. Complete with a photo of her and Light Pink sitting over a fireplace.

Leaving the Guards standing outside with the door unlocked, Twilight hummed and acknowledged, "I love your home Gardeen."

Making her way across the carpeted and older living room, Gardeen responded, "Thank you, I love it too. Go ahead and take a look. Make yourself at home while I prepare some sandwiches."

Twilight took her up on her offer and decided to investigate everything. The carpet was a dark brown, matching the rest of the theme. The chairs and couches were an old brown, made out of strange shapes and outlined with a gold trim. At least the cushions were soft.

Next Twilight looked at the photos sitting around on the dining table in front of her. A few photos of her in school, diploma, a few more ponies. Then herself and the others. Including the entire Royal Family. Including Twilight, whom she was directly beside. There were other photos of the two of them. But out of all of these...

None of them held a resemblance to Gardeen. At all. Looks like Molten's story checks out. Twilight sighed sadly and looked towards the kitchen where Gardeen was fixing some type of sandwich. Huffing, Twilight carefully walked over and stated, "I'm... Very proud of you, Gardeen."

Gardeen checked over her shoulder and smirked. "Uh oh, strange mood swings again, huh?"

Twilight rolled her eyes playfully and walked into the kitchen up to Gardeen's side. "I know I go through those a lot, but this time... I really am proud of you. Molten told me it was you and Merry's idea for the sudden wedding. Thank you."

Gardeen grinned and responded, "You're welcome. You mean a lot to me Twilight and... I wanted to show you."

"Oh Silly Gardeen. You do that everyday." Twilight placed a wing on her back to pull her close and whispered, "I couldn't ask for a better friend, assistant, or... Godmother. One of them anyway."

Gardeen gasped and repeated, "Godmother?"

"If you'll accept. I'm pretty sure our little filly would love Aunt Gardeen. Or even a big sister."

"Of course I will!" Gardeen wrapped her hooves around Arcadia's neck and hugged her close, basking in her glow. "Thank you!"

Arcadia hugged her back as close as she could and whispered in her ear, "You're welcome."


~✶~


After having their heart to heart moment, Gardeen insisted they indulge in conversation and food. Twilight could hardly say no to that. Once they were settled into their seats across from each other at the kitchen table, they started talking about what Gardeen thought would keep Arcadia entertained. She leaned in and whispered, "So, Queen..." Twilight blushed and rolled her eyes. "How are you feeling about the upcoming coronation?"

Twilight swallowed the bite from the sandwich she bit and answered, "Well a little nervous. I read up on all the things the Queen and King are supposed to say and do during a coronation, and Molten's helping me. I'm honestly just worried if I can live up to the expectations everyone is expecting from me."

Gardeen scoffed and waved a hoof her way. "Arcadia, the last thing you have to be worried about is that. Being Queen requires focus and knowledge of the law, but you pretty much mastered focus years ago from what I can tell. And are well on your way to knowing all about the laws in Psera if any of that studying has kicked in, am I right?"

Twilight blushed and shrugged before taking a sip of her tea. Then froze. What was that she just felt?

Gardeen laughed and stated, "When you first arrived here I was all, 'Who is Twilight?' Then everyone was like, 'A pony with a triangle on her head!' I was really confused so..."

A triangle on my head? Twilight set her cup down on the table then shifted around to look down between her legs. Oh no. There was a puddle of stuff. Discharge. "Uhhh... G-Gardeen?"

"A little filly actually ran past me one day with a smile. A smile. During the dark times, no one was smiling."

"Gardeen..."

"I mean really, why else would you smile in a barren wasteland? You'd be a really crazy pony—"

"Gardeen!" Gardeen stopped talking and raised an eyebrow at Arcadia's face. It was in a weird contortion of confusion and slight pain. "So don't freak out—well... Maybe a little but uhh.... I... I think I'm going into labor."

Gardeen blinked. Then ducked under the table to look at the puddle on the floor. Thankfully it wasn't carpet, but still. She bolted up and whispered in realization, "You're about to be a mom. Oh my Narmeelah, you're about to be a mom!! Guards!! Guard!! Buck the door is—" A guard suddenly kicked the door in and walked in with three more.

"What is it, what's wrong?!" One barked.

"Lady Arcadia is about to go through—" Arcadia grunted and howled when the contractions started. "Labor! Lady Arcadia is going through Labor!"


~✶~


The last thing Madun really wanted to go through was listening to another Deputy of a city complain about his district's crime rate and the request to formulate a bill to have a minimum of two officers roam a street every five minutes. That would seriously run up the budget for their Quarter.

Once the deputy standing in front of the throne finished, Madun compromised, "I'm not certain of having our budget going up in that county because it would definitely be pricey. We have a lot more goals going on in the Senate this year that are going to require some over the top spending. I suggest you make use of a volunteer squad to keep an eye out on the criminals. More like the public domain? It's much easier to have ponies that aren't police locate these criminals since they're everywhere already."

A guard saluted from the bottom of his throne, catching his attention. "Yes?" Madun asked. "This better be good."

"Lady Arcadia has gone into labor, she's in route to downtown Cop's Main Hospital as we speak."

Crickets were chirping in Madun's head while he just stared at the Guard, who was sweating a little bit. She really didn't feel like losing her job. "Uhh... Sir?"

Madun snapped out of it and whispered, "I'm about to be a father. Holy buck!" Madun hopped off the throne and over to the Deputy. "Have the law enforcement there at least make a good attempt for a Community Watch program and inform the Secretary of Public Safety about the results! I'm about to be a dad!"

The Deputy watched him run past and towards the doors, immediately pushed open by the Guards there. He raised a hoof and yelled, "Yes, your highness!"



Gardeen was with Twilight all the way up to the hospital, soothing sweet things while the contractions forced her hoof to hurt from Arcadia's squeezing. The medical staff was pushing her through the halls and ignoring her bouts of where Madun was. "Somepony get her out!!" Twilight yelled.

Gardeen grimaced from that squeeze on her hoof. If someone had a bag of oranges, she'd crush them all in one squeeze. Unfortunately her hoof wasn't a bag of oranges, so she felt everything. Where the buck was the king?

They rolled Lady Arcadia into the delivery room in the Labor Unit and set her up by pushing the bed into the wall and locking her in. Then the door shut, sealing in Arcadia's screams.

The obstetrician handling the birth was slipping on some hoof covers while a nurse was preparing water. A bucket of warm water for the incoming foal about to push through, and a bottle with a straw for Twilight. The obstetrician, a mare colored entirely red kneeled down and grabbed her hooves to part to the side. "Alright, Arcadia. When I tell you to push, I want you to—"

Madun suddenly burst through the door with a bang and into the room, shocking Twilight to push. "I'm here, I'm here, Daddy's here! How we doin'?"

Arcadia yelled, "IN PAIN, WHAT DO YOU THINK?!" She used her magic to pull the doctor up to her face and demand, "Get! Her! Out!"

Gardeen was gesturing towards Madun, eyes begging for him to take her hoof. "Grab her hoof!"

Madun zipped over and took Gardeen's place. Then immediately regretted that decision when he felt the might of a thousand-pound muscle squeeze his bone to mush.

The doctor got back into position and ordered, "Okay, push! We'll be finished soon, Arcadia Nova!"


Five Hours Later


Arcadia yelled out again and gave one final push. And squeeze to Madun's poor hoof. The obstetrician reached in and called, "And... She's out."

Finally! It's about bucking time! The pain of labor was one she did not expect. The rush, the pushing of a bundle of love from the world below.

Arcadia flopped down on the bed and took a deep breath. She slowly unhooked her hoof from her husband's and let it drop lifelessly over the side of the bed. Madun groaned and looked it over. It was throbbing! Pulsing redder than his orange-red coat. He needed an ice pack. He needed it now.

Pushing that aside, Arcadia registered the crying of a little foal. The crying of her baby. Eyes to the ceiling and with each breath she took, she whispered, "My... Where's my baby? Where's my little filly?"

Madun moved towards the end of the bed where all the crying was coming from. Then stopped and smiled lovingly down at the little filly currently being wiped down with warm water. An Alicorn-Pseratep. The first Alicorn-Pseratep. She had Twilight's violet coat and a mop of invisible red hair from her father. Her eyes were closed and her little hooves were moving about with her crying, already full of energy. Her wings were long but very fragile right now. Madun would be very careful with those. His eyes focused on the one problem. Her right ear. There was a large hole in the middle of it, taking up half of its mass. But it could be easily looked over.

Once she was dry and wrapped in a nice soft warm blanket, Madun reached out and carefully took her in his hooves. As if his fatherly instincts kicked. He leaned in and carefully nuzzled the top of her head, ceasing her crying.

Once she was gripping his cheeks with soft mews, Madun turned and walked back to Twilight. "She's beautiful, Twily," he whispered. Twilight's tired eyes trained on the pink blanket wrapped around her little filly. Her little baby. Despite how tired she was, Twilight reached out and carefully took hold of the bundle to bring around in front of her. Then gasped in pure joy at her little foal. Her foal. The foal she gave birth to.

"Oh, Madun she has your mane!" She whimpered. Twilight leaned down and lightly touched the filly with the tip of her muzzle. "Hey, there. I'm your mommy. Yes I am, I'm your mother."

The filly reached out with her little hooves and lightly gripped Twilight's muzzle. She tapped it against the side and cracked her eyes open, staring into Twilight's with purple ones. Madun gasped and said, "She has your eyes."

"She has our eyes," Twilight corrected. Arcadia leaned down to the foal and stated in a silly voice, "Isn't daddy silly? Oh yes he is, yes he is! Ooh, she needs a name."

Madun waved to the doctor and nurses, and thanked them quietly for a safe delivery. Then started urging them out  with hoof waves for family privacy time. Once they were out, he sat down beside the bed to look the filly over. A purple coat and red mane. He stroked his chin and hummed. What do you name a filly after the second greatest pony in Psera history, next to himself of course? "How about... Bright Day?"

"Bright Day" made a face of discomfort and whined loud. Twilight chuckled and held her up in front of her face. Her eyes trained on her long wings that came down from underneath the blanket. "I don't think she likes that one," she whispered. "Uhhh... Dusk Twinkle?" Another whine. "Hmmm, no. Okay, how about... Dawn? Fresh Veola Dawn? The symbol of a new beginning."

"Fresh Dawn" made a noise similar to thinking. Twilight and Madun leaned in for her next reaction which was a pop on Madun's muzzle from her tiny hoof. He darted back and flexed his face while Fresh Dawn laughed with Twilight. He smiled and stated, "I think Fresh Dawn loves her new name. And is hungry."

Fresh Dawn's face scrunched up before she started crying again. Twilight agreed, "Aww, yep. She's hungry. Okay, so how do I do this?" Twilight shifted around and used her magic to lift up the covers, exposing herself. It wasn't like Madun hadn't seen anything. She placed Fresh Dawn right next to herself and waited. "So uhh... Is this right—oh, never mind, there she goes. That feels so strange."

"Looks strange too." Madun sighed and motioned towards her ear. "There's that knick."

Twilight bit her lip when she spotted it. There was that mark the doctors pointed out from the arrow. Twilight snarled, "I'm going to strangle Blueblood when I see him in court. A lot—oh, careful, sweetie." Twilight pulled Dawn back when she started drinking too much and ended up coughing a little milk out. Twilight grabbed a nearby towel and wiped her face gently. "She's a hungry one."

Madun chuckled and reached out to grab her out of her mother's hooves. "She takes after her mother."

"No, that's you."

Madun winked then smiled at Fresh Dawn whom he hoisted up into the air. She whined at him in a single tone and shifted her eyes around her surroundings before Madun lowered her back down. "Your mother was hurting my hoof because of you. You're grounded."

"No she's not." Twilight used her magic to pull the covers back up before Dawn started her little whimpers. She was about to cry again. "Uh oh. Some little filly misses her mommy." Madun carried Fresh Dawn back over to Twilight who cradled her in her hooves and wings. Fresh Dawn immediately stopped crying and shifted around until she was comfortable hidden underneath the blanket of feathers.

This was the moment they fought so hard for. So they could both hold their filly. But ... Something was different about her, and it wasn't the hole in her ear. Twilight could feel it in the air. Something changed about her but she couldn't place it. Like a cold draft with no origin in sight. Regardless, she would be there for her baby whenever she needed her.

Arcadia relaxed with a sigh and leaned back into the bed. She giggled and nuzzled the top of her little head. "Well... We made it to this point," she whispered. Then looked up to her husband and said, "Two more events to go."

Madun sat next to Twilight and draped a wing over her back while they stared down at their foal. "Yep. The coronation and the trial. But first..." Twilight leaned down and placed a soft dry kiss on Fresh Dawn's head curious head, staring into her wandering eyes. "Family time."
> Chapter 51 - Coronation(Extended)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equestria was bright and shining. Her sky was packed with birds returning after the three month disaster, then another three month resurrection. Technically, a half year of the strange unnatural occurrence that turned Equestria gray. Then green once more thanks to Lady Arcadia. Celestia couldn't call her that anymore. She was going to be crowned today.

Just like Luna and Cadance, Celestia was being groomed and pomped up in her room in front of a mirror. Secretary of Royalty Gardeen Daisy had contacted them through Twilight's journal to Sunset a few weeks ago relaying the event details. Apparently Twilight "was extremely busy" and she was taking over for now. But she did say a reserved meetup was scheduled for breakfast this morning at eight. In which case that means Rainbow Dash may be a little grumpy.

Celestia held up her hoof to freeze the ministrations and makeover. At least makeup wasn't involved. She stood up and stepped around to get a good picture of her bright white and orange dress, complete with sequins. How it felt, how much it weighed.

"It's great," she decided. "Thank you."

They bowed quickly then made their way across the carpet towards the open door, leaving Celestia to herself. Just to think back on things the way they used to be. Twilight was literally moving up to their position. Should Celestia and the others be worried? Possibly. Happy? Of course. This is Twilight. Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle of Psera, her student. Protege. Friend. Why shouldn't she be happy for her? Just a little worried about her well being. She's going to be a mother really soon as well as a wife and Queen. But Twilight is known for pressure. It's no sweat to her.

Celestia smirked at herself in the mirror then moved for the door after the mares. It was time to go and meet up with Gardeen.

The halls of the Canterlot Castle were once again full of life. Everything were beginning to grow back to normal, save for the spots in different cities here and there. Ponies were walking around with smiles and clean coats, foals were running around outside from what Celestia could tell from a passing window. The sun was shining upon the ground of green grass littered with buildings and concrete.

Celestia shook her head and moved on. Appreciation could be expressed in Psera. As soon as she met up with Luna, Cadance, and her friends. Along with a few VIPs here from Equestria.

When she had that thought, Celestia bumped past the throne doors and into the room itself where Luna and Cadance with Flurry Heart were waiting. Along with everypony else. Was she really so late that even the ponies who lived miles from Canterlot got here before she did? Even those from Sunset's world, as well as Sunset herself were ready, standing with Starlight and talking about something. Including Twilight. It was going to take some used to seeing Twilight. But not this world's Twilight.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack were wearing their dresses already and passing the time by playing an apparently competitive game of cards. Rarity was brushing her hair, Fluttershy was speaking with Twilight's parents and Shining Armor, Twilights old friends were making a lot of noise, apparently talking too, leaving Celestia alone.

She smiled and walked forward. "Good morning, everypony."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and focused on Celestia. Luna smirked and asked, "Did the cake hold you, sister?"

Celestia nudged her playfully with her wing when she reached her. "Oh stop, I didn't realize it was going to be so long. What time is it?"

Rainbow Dash zoomed over and answered, "She should be here soon."

Moon Dancer—wearing the most colorful garment with an appropriate amount of purple—walked over and asked, "So... Twilight's okay now?"

Celestia honestly answered, "She seemed alright when we last saw her. She should be fine now. She's supposed to have gone into labor by this point, so there may be a little filly running around."

Minuette zipped over, hyper as ever and asked, "Is the stallion cute?" Celestia was the most surprised that she would ask her out of all the ponies in here that question. Wouldn't Rarity be more suitable for that? Either one?

Speaking of which, Ponyville Rarity decided to take that one. Chuckling, she answered, "Darling, he is handsome. I mean really, Twilight snagged a real looker."

"Yeah, I'll be the judge of that."

"Just be prepared for a pat-down when we walk through first, okay?"

"...what?" The area in front of the throne burst into a glowing purple bubble, blowing back their manes a little before it focused and created Twilight's signature portal. The best of the best.

Next up, Gardeen. She stepped out of the portal and looked around first. Guard-less. That's a first. But she did have a Comm Block on. Smirking she stated, "Wow, this place looks great. Hello, Princess Celestia."

Celestia smiled and delivered a hug to Gardeen. "Hello, Secretary. How are you?"

Gardeen pulled back and answered, "Honestly? A little tired. These last few weeks have been... A little taxing on everyone back in the castle. Security measures were being put in place, VIPs were going through background checks, the stage was being built, the family pod was being prepped, the castle was being decorated—which you all should know is a feat in itself."

Luna nodded and stated, "Yes, it must be."

"Yes, it took a few weeks. Then after today it has to go down, ugh. I'm tired. Anyway, let's see uhhh..." Gardeen flipped the document she brought with her on a clipboard and stated, "I'm sure you have all signed the confidentiality form Her Highness had made in advance? Save for these four new attendees Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, and Moon Dancer?"

Minuette walked forward from the back of the line and answered, "Yes, that's us."

"Okay, so since you're new and Her Highness approves you, I'm going to have to tell you the rules straight. What you see in our country you are not allowed to tell anyone else outside of this circle and castle under imprisonment in our land for a decade, as well as payment. We are really strict when it comes to our nation and don't like word of it leaving the places mentioned."

Minuette nodded with the other girls and answered, "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Gardeen stared at her for a moment with a blank mind then glanced at Cadance, who responded with a motion saying it was okay. "...alright. I'll take that as a yes. Sign where the X is."

She held the clipboard out to them and pointed a firm hoof at where they should sign. After a minute of signing, Gardeen took the clipboard back and shook their hooves. "Thank you. Now that you've signed it I'll introduce myself. Hello, I'm Secretary of Royalty Gardeen Daisy. I do what they ask me to do and sometimes more. If there is an issue, I handle it. As well as a personal friend of Lady Arcadia Nova.

"Now when we step through the portal follow all instructions that are instantly barked at you and remain calm. The Guard are going to do a much more thorough body check today. Security is of the utmost importance. Now if you'll all follow me we can get some more important stuff out of the way." Gardeen turned around and made her way back through the portal.

Celestia turned to the new visitors and repeated, "Just follow what the guards tell you to do to the letter and it will be easy." And with that, Celestia led them through to the other side. To Psera. The second they stepped through they were inside of what looked to be a large room made out of mirrors or something else shiny. There were Royal Guards stationed around taking up positions at maybe fifteen different spots, eyeing everyone as they filed out. Once Starlight, Trixie, and the others were out, Gardeen said something into the Comm Block while the Guards had their own ideas.

"Spread your hooves, spread your wings, chins up, don't move!" Minuette eeped and did as asked before a mare started feeling through her body. "Don't move, open your mouths, open 'em!"

Mouths? Celestia did as asked and watched the mare in front of her shine a flashlight inside. Is this really necessary? Once the light cut off, the soldier stepped back and motioned for Celestia to relax with everyone else. "CLEAR!"

The door for the room was swiftly pushed open, letting out the visitors into the very decorative area of the castle halls. Yeah, Psera had been busy. All along the walls were vines of flowers and signs pointing towards where everything was going to be held. A Dance Hall, Picture Taking, Press Room, Security Office, a few more things.

Once Gardeen led them into the clear, EQG Twilight asked, "Is it just me, or did they up their game on Security?"

Gardeen chuckled and answered, "It's not just you. Everything is going into super mode. All Security was upgraded just for today. It's a really important event. A new Queen is taking the throne, which hasn't happened in centuries. The pony in charge of the security is Captain Dark Silver, the head of security here inside of the castle, and actually the first Pseratep Lady Arcadia met when she came here. So he's taking this a little more personal than anyone."

Minuette nervously asked from the side, "So... A-Are you guys uhh... Always so investigative?"

Gardeen answered, "You have no idea." She lifted her Comm Block and relayed, "Secretary Gardeen to Hive, the visitors have arrived. We're taking the blue path to the Royal Dining Hall."

"Ten-Four, Secretary," a very familiar voice responded.

Gardeen lowered her hoof and turned the large group of over twenty towards the left into a hall outlined with deep blue roses. All on the walls and floor creating a walkway. When they walked in Twilight Velvet gasped and stated in envy, "Ohh these are so pretty!"

Gardeen smiled and replied, "Yes, they're fresh and new. Too bad they're only in here for a day unless the King and Queen decide to do something with them. Gardeen to Hive, now ascending the Blue stairwell."

"Ten-four." Gardeen turned right and led them up a flight of high stairs, nearly wearing out poor Moon Dancer. Thankfully, they reached what had to be the most active level in the entire castle. LiVAM crews, moving ponies, and a lot of service ponies wearing dark violet badges to state their positions. A few of the cameras positioned on them for a few seconds before moving on. Yeah, this was the most busiest floor.

"Gardeen~!" Gardeen stopped and turned her attention to the right into the grinning muzzle of Merry Fire. She was wearing a fire red dress with golden ear clamps that encircled her entire ear, held a small golden tiara on her head, and gorgeous Hoofshoes that too were gold and held a lot of gems. She asked, "Where. Have. you. Been?"

Gardeen blinked then motioned to Celestia and the others waiting. "Grabbing the visitors. What's going on?"

"My brother wanted to speak with you for a moment whenever you had the time. It's figured out now, but they needed you. They don't have Comm Blocks, so... Hey! Who are you?" Merry zipped over into Minuette's face and looked her over. "Who is this, Gardeen?"

Gardeen rolled her eyes and answered, "The new visitors Lady Arcadia asked for. They've already signed the contracts, I have to file them. Ladies, this is Princess Merry Fire of Psera. Please don't—" Minuette eeped and dropped her face to the ground with Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, and Twinkleshine. "Bow. Please don't bow."

Merry agreed, "Yeah, please don't. I may be the daughter of Great Queen Molten Ice, but I'm not all about that bowing royal stuff. Except when needed. Do that to the others, but not me. And don't call me your highness, Princess, all that drama."

Moon Dancer straightened up first before the others while Celestia asked, "So... Where are the foals?"

Grinning, Merry answered, "Ooh, you're a sneaky one, Celestia. The twins are with their father. And because I know you're going to ask, you'll meet the first Natural Alicorn-Pseratep in a few minutes. I'll let Gardeen take care of that. Hey, Rarity! And... Rarity."

The two waved at her from the back before Merry moved on, heading towards another location that only she knew with a pep in her step. She was really happy that she could actually move again, let alone briskly.

Gardeen shook her head and chuckled. "You'll have to excuse Merry. She's been exuberant ever since she had the twins."

Twilight Velvet added, "And Twilight?"

"Equally so. Now follow me." Gardeen turned back around and led them down the hall through the madness, passing the Royal Throne Room currently in the midst of last minute touches. The doors were closed, but the others who have never seen the room could feel the warmth of power in there. Anyone who was anybody knew who dwelled and ruled in there.

Eventually, they arrived at the dining hall still being setup. But it was mostly complete by this point. There were guards standing on the side watching everything. But these guys were much bigger and wore violet armor. Gardeen ignored them and motioned towards the long table decorated with untouched hot and cold food already seated with a few more ponies wearing dress attire. Both of the Rarities had to approve with a nod of their heads.

Of those seated were the military Generals in the middle of the table on both sides, including Secretary Manny, Generals Bold Shoulder, Shooting Star, and a few more. Then Bright Gold later down the line with a few more VIPs from that S3 facility. Whatever it was.

And at the end of the very long table were two thrones. Both made of Gold and obviously very expensive in Equestria. They didn't get to gander long at the thrones though because Gardeen pointed them to their own places before she trotted off. The table was really long and already had way more than enough chairs. Nearly fully occupied. But by the throne were a few more higher chairs, as well as an out of place but definitely appropriate high chair to the right of the future Queen's, and two next to the throne on the left side of the table.

Celestia sat down in her seat and waved to Secretary Manny who decided to salute in return. The others followed suit with greeting and engaged in conversations with each other while the Equestrians got into conversations of their own. This went on for a little while before the doors at the very end opened up, urging silence. Those sitting at the table stood up in respect, including the new visitors and eyed the open doors. Eyes still trained, Sunset leaned over and whispered to Starlight, "So... You excited?"

Starlight smiled and leaned back over to whisper, "Let's ask Twilight that question when she comes in."

A fancy looking Pseratep Stallion at the door cleared his throat and announced, "Presenting Her Majesty Molten Ice! Previous Queen of Psera for nine hundred years!"

Nine hundred?! Her Majesty Molten Ice, wearing something definitely from the past walked in while the Equestrians tried to wrap their heads around that news. It was a fire red dress in sequins and other elements that was tight fitting and moved up to her neck, stopping right underneath her head. The table bowed while she moved for the chair next to the Senate Board on the left. She didn't sit in it yet, instead focused back where she came from.

"Presenting Princess Merry Fire of Psera, and Prince Consort Blazing Fire with their newborns! Princesses Lightning Fire and Daisy Fire!" Next in walked Merry Fire and Blazing Fire carrying two little foals on her back. They would be exactly identical if it weren't for the variation of coats. One had a blue coat while the other had a yellow one. But both were so adorable in their little dresses and tiny tiaras!

Starlight found herself silently fawning with the rest of the table. Still moving Merry chuckled and stated loudly, "If you think they're cute, you should look at the first princess."

Once Merry had the foals in their high chairs and ready, the pony at the door cleared his throat and yelled, "And presenting the current rulers of Psera, the Selfless King Shimmering Madun, King of Psera, the exceedingly honorable Lady in Waiting Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, Saviour of Psera, and their firstborn daughter, the first ever naturally born Alicorn-Pseratep, Princess Fresh Veola Dawn of Psera!"

Madun and Twilight both walked in at the same time, side by side smiling. Madun was wearing a red and orange suit with a gem-drenched crown on his head. The suit had been designed with all types of curving vines similar to an out of control rose bush. On his right chest were multiple medals and symbols, symbolizing his status. His hooves had been decorated with steel hoof shoes molded into a riding flame that traveled upwards. And whoo was he handsome. Rarity wasn't joking when she said the king was a looker. Muscular with a cute face. Moon Dancer heard Minuette mutter something naughty under her breath, earning a light jab.

Twilight was the most beautiful in the room though if those flashing cameras had a say so. Her sharp horn had been fitted with Golden rings, connected by glistening chains dangling below that split off at the base towards the light purple dress' neckline she was wearing. A hood or something with a violet glistening lace veil had been placed on her head, concealing her eyes from view just barely.

The dress was purple but had a similar look to Madun's, save for the near transparency. Flowing with shimmering glowing vines. Medals of honor flowed on her right chest and orange red hoof shoes tapped along her dragging wings.

Gardeen had walked out with another mare behind them bearing saddlebags holding foal supplies, including a little stuffed bird poking out.

Then draped across Twilight's right chest was a purple bundle, technically a stylish blanket that went from the right side of her neck to underneath her left hoof. At the top was a tiny head of red hair poking out with wide violet eyes looking up at the ceiling, little hooves playfully poking at the air. Or to the mare carrying them. Along with an itty-bitty tiara behind a tiny horn.

The room bowed while they moved to their seats. Twilight levitated Fresh Dawn into her hooves and looked into her curious eyes for a moment before placing a kiss on her horn, earning a grip on her cheeks and a mew. Then calmly set her down in her seat facing the table.

Madun said, "Please rise." Everyone pulled their heads back up and focused on them, but didn't take a seat yet. The family and friends were squealing inside at Fresh Dawn's cuteness. She had on a purple dress with socks and a large bow behind her messy red mane. Eyeing everything with a curious nature.

Madun smiled and said, "Today, we welcome to the Crown of Psera her saviour, the Great and Kind Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle, my loving wife, and mother of our daughter. We celebrate the morning with an early feast. Then move on the day with casual interaction before twelve's coronation, and the parade. Until then, please enjoy the breakfast."

Madun and the others took a seat before food was placed on plates and passed around along with casual conversation. While Madun engaged in conversation on one side, his wife was on the other. Twilight Velvet raised her hoof and waved to her daughter with the rest of the company. She returned it and waved especially to her old friends before lifting her veil. Turning to a bubbly Fresh Dawn she said, "Say hi to Grandma. See?"

Fresh Dawn followed her mother's hoof to the grinning, proudly waving older version of her mother. Dawn leaned in for a few long seconds, possibly assessing the situation then jumped back and made a noise of shock. She looked up to Twilight for an explanation as to who this pony was. "It's your Grandma, sweetie! Your Grandma! Marshoola Gerheema, Sigh?"

Fresh Dawn looked back to Twilight Velvet with wide violet eyes and an open mouth for another few seconds that gradually grew into a toothless smile.

Twilight Velvet swallowed her breakfast before gasping and pointing out, "Oooh, she's smiling at me!" Fresh Dawn giggled and blew a raspberries her way. Then started jumping in her seat and banging her hooves on the table in her high chair.

Madun Swallowed his food and stated, "She gets really excited when she sees new faces. How is everyone? I see new faces."

Princess Cadance answered kindly, "We are well, thank you King. How was your uhhh... Timool, I believe it was?"

Twilight answered happily, "We loved it. Madun, this is Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, and Twinkleshine. Girls, this is my husband, King Shimmering Madun. Thank you so much for coming."

The girls waved while his handsome self nodded in a discreet bow and greeted, "A pleasure to meet you all. I see a bit of you in Moondancer, sweetie."

Moondancer nervously laughed and stated, "Yeah we get that a lot." Then decided to indulge in the food.

Fresh Dawn sang out before a small bottle of milk was put into her mouth. Looking to Twilight, Celestia asked, "So when was she born?"

Twilight answered with a nostalgic look, "Two months ago. That day was really exciting."

Madun smirked and playfully added, "My hoof still hurts." That earned a playful jab from his wife. "It was worth it. We named her Fresh Veola Dawn—" Fresh Dawn dropped the bottle of milk and called out to her cousins. But they were too busy eating to notice before she did it again. "Because she's literally and figuratively the symbol of a new start." Fresh Dawn and the twins made noises at each other before Lightning Fire jumped in her seat and giggled.

Secretary Manny asked, "So what is on her highness' agenda?"

Twilight grinned and responded, "In which department? I have six agendas, sharing Madun's load. Not much as this hour considering the Company's Success. The economy is flourishing above schedule. The only thing I am concerned about is environmental impact and inland security. Finding a pony shouldn't have been too difficult. I'll first be meeting with the Secretary of Public Safety to ensure we have a way to discover inland threats. No matter how many bills we need passed."

"We'll assist where we can."

"I hold no doubts. Hey, Flurry!"

Flurry waved from afar beside Shining and responded, "Hi, Aunt Twilight! Is that my cousin?"

"Yes it is. Say hi, she'll like it. Say 'Meecha Kee.'"

Flurry waved her small hoof towards Fresh Dawn, stealing her attention from her other cousins. "Meecha Kee! I'm Flurry!"

Fresh Dawn's ears perked up when she heard the magic words. She stared at her for a few seconds before she laughed and banged her hooves, squealing in joy. Rarity fawned and decreed, "She's adorable."

Madun added, "She really enjoys interaction. But not too much. She gets nervous when ponies crowd her, just like any foal."

Twilight took a bite out of her food and motioned towards Madun. Then the doll poking out of the bag Gardeen had set down beside his chair. Madun nodded and answered her unheard question, "She hasn't asked... Nevermind." Fresh Dawn was reaching out of her chair towards her father, making whining noises. That must've meant something important, Cadance figured. Madun reached down into the bag and pulled out the bird that Twilight grasped in her magic. Then animated it with flapping wings in front of Dawn. Fresh Dawn laughed with outstretched hooves before she grabbed and pulled it into her chest lovingly. Then stuck the beak in her mouth. How nice.

Molten from the other side set down her cup and said, "Let's talk about today's festivities. Like my son said, after breakfast Lady Arcadia will be taken to the back to have final adjustments taken care of with her friends and families. Then they will split to be escorted towards the main stage in the center of the city."

Ponyville Rainbow Dash commented, "I hear you guys have a large stage?"

While their daughter "Played with the toy," Twilight answered, "It's located in the center of Cop. We're not doing Eventa because... You know. That and it's too much of a hassle. The castle and Cop is already big enough for this, we don't need any bigger."

Secretary Manny added, "Security is ready for anything this time. And has made sure to check every single Pseratep in sight. The Elite occupy every building, peeking through windows and checking in every few minutes. The Secretary of Royalty has been on top of it."

Twilight nodded and nudged Gardeen playfully. "Yes she has. I couldn't ask for a more loyal pony. Spike, you're a Dragon." From beside EQG Rarity Spike dropped his frown and replaced it with an obviously faux smile. "And actually, I have something for you."

Twilight lit her horn and teleported in a small gray drawstring bag that hovered a few inches away from in front of her face. Then calmly pushed it his way. Once it passed Rarity, he plucked it out of the air and tugged it open. Then released a gasp at the find. "You got more of those gems?!" He exclaimed.

Twilight smiled and nodded. "We're really abundant in only those. They're not hard to find at all and don't take long to dig up."

"Wow, thanks Twilight! I mean Queen Arcadia."

He playfully bowed before Twilight playfully responded, "Thank you, Spike the Brave and Glorious."

Fresh Dawn burped. Time to be mommy. Twilight pulled her out of her chair and up to her right side so she could start patting her back. "You're almost there, sweetie. Almost, annnnddd...." Dawn burped exceptionally long behind Twilight's back. "That's my filly." Twilight pulled her back so she could wipe her face with a towel Gardeen presented.

Dawn mewed then used her tiny hooves to push it away, already trying to push her mother out. Madun poked in and stared at Dawn to say, "I guess it's mother daughter day entirely, huh sweetheart?"

Dawn squealed and reached out to him with a smile. "Nope, looks like Super Dad's saving the Princess again from way too obsessed mom. Up we go!" Madun scooped Fresh Dawn out of her mother's grip and into the air. "Fwoosh! Whoa, sweetheart! Slow down, you're already flying faster than your daddy!"

Dawn squealed and flapped her large wings before Madun brought her back down. "Now you're flying too fast, just like your mother." 

Arcadia shook her head and swiped her neck at her friends. "I don't fly too fast."

He looked Fresh Dawn in her eyes and added, "You're mother is a widely known fast flier. I think you're following along."

Arcadia shook her head at the rest of the table, obviously denying that claim. "She's as fast as her father." Or not. After that Arcadia wiped her mouth and finished off her breakfast. Then stood up out of her chair.

Gardeen and the other mare grabbed the bags while she moved around towards the other side of Madun's seat for her filly. Madun asked, "Are you ready to go?"

Twilight nuzzled Fresh Dawn's cheek lovingly responding, "Yes, I am. I need to change again before Merry makes me. We must stay on schedule."

"I know, right?" They both turned to Merry. Or rather her tongue after she stuck it out at them. Madun winked and got out of his own seat with Fresh Dawn in one hoof. "But enough playing with Merry. It's time to get mommy dressed up for her coronation. Let's make mommy even more pretty, my little filly!"

Twilight Velvet raised her hoof and asked, "I-Is it alright if we tag along, your highness?"

Madun chuckled and answered, "Of course it is, we're family."



After Madun and Arcadia approved, pretty much everyone decided to follow except the ponies helping out with the event. Along the way, all eyes were—of course—on the foal wrapped up in Twilight's blanket thing, busy scratching or moving her face up against Twilight's chest. Twilight Velvet moved in and locked eyes with her for a second. "Ooohhh, my second grandfoal! What's she like, dear?"

The Guard accompanying them turned a left, directing their movement while Twilight answered. "Very active. She's rarely tired except after breakfast ironically, and has a tendency to get angry if she can't find her dolls and stuffed toys. Her favorite is the Morion, a water bird."

Madun laughed and added, "She gets incredibly excited over it. We have a much bigger one in her playroom that she literally sleeps in. It's her favorite one."

Twilight looked down at her filly and said excitedly in Old Pseratopian, "Mall Meecha kee, Dawn!"

Fresh Dawn stopped rubbing her head against Twilight's chest to look up for a second. Then went right back to it.

A little concerned, Cadance asked, "Is she okay? Why is she doing that?"

The Guard led them right into the Offices before they reached their location. The entrance to the home of the two rulers. Without moving his eyes Madun answered, "Oh she's fine."

Twilight clarified, "Apparently, I groom my coat too much and it becomes too smooth for Dawn's liking. She likes it soft, warm, and cozy. So she rubs her head against my chest to 'puffen it up' and relax. You'll see what I mean in a few seconds." The Guard led them towards the golden doors of the suites and pushed them open to drop them off in a totally decorated area of their home.

The ringing second floors above were decorated with violet and red flowers of some sort with possible gem dust, based off of the shining sunroof ahead that must be opened. There were a few butterflies and more in the decorated garden. Along with the chirping of birds coming from somewhere. This one was a lot more permanent based off of the sign in it that read "Dawn's Garden" in playful calligraphy. It was filled with flowers, grass, and even had a little pond.

Rarity sang, "Somepony is already spoiling her little filly~!"

Twilight shrugged unashamed before the family turned an unexpected left, leading them towards a... Wall? Rarity and Applejack shared a look before Madun stopped beside a guard and did something to it. Then unexpectedly pushed it open for a stairwell on the other side. Twilight stated, "Our home is a lot bigger than you think. Today, Madun and I decided to use my study space. The place where I research and relax away from the family but close to home."

She and Madun led them inside a narrow staircase and began to climb up with them hot on their trail. At the very top were a pair of violet double doors with Twilight's cutie mark, emblazoned with crushed gems. Once they were at the top, Twilight walked forward and placed her hoof in the middle of the right door. After a second, it clicked and pushed in on its own, allowing Twilight to push it in further and reveal the land inside.

Books, desks, work areas and a large chalkboard taking up three-fourths of the entire right wall, littered with notes and formulas. A laboratory. Larger compared to what Twilight was used to. All along the walls were bookcases of colorful books, reaching high up towards the ceiling. Above were really neat lamps that looked like flowers spinning slowly like fans, keeping it cool and natural.

Rainbow stopped and glanced around while the rest walked around, whistling. "Wow, Twilight. Full on egghead, huh? I thought this was for relaxing."

Twilight stopped and sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. "Well uhhh... Unwind?"

Madun walked past and stated, "She's my little nerd." Earning a tail whip to the flank. "That was a compliment!"

Ignoring him, Twilight gestured to her personal space around them and said, "I do my fast sciences here. And since our home isn't big enough for all of you, we'll be doing my changing and conversing in here. There are books, a few LiVAMs, tables, and areas for Dawn—oh, there she goes Cadance."

Twilight turned around to show Dawn to the others. Just like she said, Dawn purposely messed up her coat to create a large puffball that she settled down into. So much fur that Dawn would be invisible if her mane didn't contrast against Twilight's color.

Applejack fawned and stated, "The poor darlin' looks so comfortable."

Twilight stated, "Yeah, she's probably about to go to sleep. She just had breakfast too, so she's ready for a nappy. Just make yourselves at home. Speaking of which, how is Equestria coming along?"

Twilight took a seat next to Madun at the nearest table with the others nearby. While they got comfortable, Celestia approached and answered, "Well our economy is back up to speed, metal is appearing back in stores and industrial warehouses, but we are dealing with some slight issues with reimbursement. A lot of ponies lost a score of treasured property because of it."

Twilight hummed and glanced to the side, revealing a secret: She knew something about the metal shortage. Something they didn't. Luna's glancing let Celestia know she picked up on it too. Twilight may hold a lot of secrets, but some things she probably let slip on purpose. Had to.

Madun sighed and released the air with, "Well I'm sure your personnel has it handled."

EQG Rainbow Dash floated over with a smirk and asked, "So what's the mighty Queen Twilight going to do after this? Going to visit sometime or is she too busy?"

Twilight cleared her throat and with a smile answered, "Well after this I'm going to pulverize Blueblood then organize my agenda while also taking care of my foal."

"Oh!" Cadance gasped. "Well, uhh..."

"I mean really, he says one wrong thing in that courtroom I'm going to get up, walk straight over there, pull him out of his seat and teach him a thing or two about messing with my daughter and my family—"

"Annnd some Queen needs a time out," Madun joked. He placed his eyes on Twilight and said, "Sweetheart, we need to set an example. As much as I feel like wringing him out like a wet towel we are not allowed to have any physical interaction."

Twilight sighed and begrudgingly coalesced, "Ooooh, I know. But look at our baby!" Twilight and Madun looked down into the blanket that Fresh Dawn was sleeping in peacefully. She wasn't even moving, barely even snoring. That must be one comfortable place to sleep. "Look at her ear, Blueblood is going to get it." At that Dawn's pierced right ear twitched and buzzed before her eyes cracked open and immediately trained on Flurry Heart.

Twilight smiled and greeted silently, "Hey, Dawn. How was your nappy?"

Dawn wasn't even listening to her mother. Her eyes were locked directly on Flurry. Just to test it, Flurry shifted to the right by EQG Rarity. Yeah she was staring at her. Because those eyes immediately followed after. Madun chuckled and whispered, "She's eyeing you. Come closer, she won't bite. She loves meeting new ponies."

Flurry Heart inched past the others a little closer into Dawn's relaxing area of her aunt's chest. Dawn made a noise somewhat like she said, "Huh." Making Flurry back up a bit out of instinct. Right before Fresh Dawn held her hooves out to her in an inviting gesture. Tentatively, Flurry reached out and allowed her tiny hooves to grab it. It was strange to see another foal holding her hoof. They were so tiny.

Fresh Dawn smiled again and literally moved Flurry's hoof up and down. "Buh buh buh buh BUH buh buh!"

Sunset's head poked up from the back into sight wearing a surprised expression just like everyone else's and asked, "Did she just say hello? She is soooo smart!"

Twilight looked up to Flurry and whispered, "Introduce yourself."

Flurry looked back down to the filly staring at her and greeted proudly, "Hi! I'm your cousin Flurry!"

Dawn squealed happily at her response. Then pushed her hooves out her way in another inviting gesture. Madun cocked his head to the side and stated, "Apparently, she wants to hug you."

Twilight chuckled and calmly picked Fresh Dawn out of her blanket. "Hold your hooves out, Flurry," she ordered.

Flurry held her hooves out while Fresh Dawn's hooves were waving her way. Twilight calmly slid Fresh Dawn between her hooves and then said, "Okay now wrap your left hoof around her legs so you're holding her rear and your right hoof around her back." Flurry slowly did as told. Once Twilight thought she was okay, allowed her to only hold her. But stayed close just in case.

Dawn flung her hooves out to her side and cheered before wrapping them around Flurry's head. Twilight could already tell they were going to be the best of friends in the future.



Before anyone knew it, an hour had passed. Twilight immediately knew it when someone knocked on her doors, interrupting their conversations. "Your highness~!" Merry sang. "We have to get you ready, it's eleven!"

"That's our cue," Madun said. He stood up and walked over to Flurry who quickly hoofed Fresh Dawn back over. She was doing something to her mane that she couldn't see and had a bad feeling about. Reinforced by Rainbow Dash's laughing in the back. Both of them. That was too weird.

Madun reached down and picked her up, then held her over his shoulder so she could crawl onto his back. "We all have to go because none of us are allowed to see Twilight in her coronation outfit before we see her at the stage."

The group stood up and immediately showered Twilight with hugs. Ponyville Fluttershy whispered, "Good luck, Twilight."

"Yeah, be awesome on that stage!"

"Stay humble, ya' hear?"

"We'll see you soon, darling."

After the others had their say, they stepped back and made for the door. It was such a large crowd. But Twilight didn't let Madun leave without letting her plant a kiss on her baby's horn. "I'll see you soon, sweetie!"

Fresh Dawn cooed and laughed at her as Madun filed out the door with the others, allowing Merry and the other mares to move in. Oh no, she had that grin on her face that spelled trouble. Once the door shut Arcadia immediately asked, "What happened? What did you do?"

Merry shook her head at her as she progressed closer. "Nothing, I'm just smiling," she answered. Then walked past Arcadia for the one single door that nobody noticed. It was pretty much a standard closet next to her blackboard. "I'm surprised nobody noticed this room."

Arcadia stood up and allowed the mares in Merry's crew to move her over to one of the tables with a full makeup kit. Smirking, Arcadia answered, "They were distracted by all the books."

"I am too, to be honest. How much reading do you need, Queen?" Merry pulled open the door and leaned in to pull out a rack holding the dress of the hour towards the rest of the crew setting up. It looked similar to the outfit she was wearing now just more colorful. Instead of purple and orange, it was white, red, and gold. And had a minimum amount of design to it. It would be too distracting if there was a lot, so Merry decided to go minimal.

She parked it by Arcadia's right and stepped over to the other side of the table facing her with a focused look. "Okay, so we're going to leave the rings over your face and take off the dress you're wearing now."

The mares standing by walked around the dress and unhooked everything so Arcadia could simply step out. While they were doing that Merry stared upon Arcadia's face, picturing what kind of makeup should be applied. "Okay some slight blush, a dash of eyeshadow and a darker purple for mascara. Alright now we're going to transform you, Lady Arcadia! Say nothing while we work our magic!"


~✶~


It took around thirty minutes for Merry to "work her magic." Which meant Arcadia had to sit still for thirty minutes until it was completed in silence. While that was going on, her friends and family were being escorted through the thoroughly protected Castle, decorated with amazing art. While they moved, Celestia noticed that a majority of the guards had switched their standard outfits for purple armor bearing Twilight's cutie mark. Something Luna voiced.

"It seems there's a new tradition," she said.  she looked to the ceiling, delving into her memories. "Do you remember our coronation, sister?"

The coronation of the Two Pony Sisters. A moment in Equestrian history that revolutionized their country. Celestia sighed and answered, "It was so long ago. I can barely remember who was there, let alone how it went. How far is the stage?"

One of the four Guards escorting answered, "In the middle of the city. We'll be taking a much faster route to get you there without hassle. A lot of ponies will be in the way."

It didn't take long to reach the Castle's empty foyer, surprising Twilight's Canterlot friends at its size. Moondancer looked around and stated, "This. Is. Big."

From behind, Sunset Shimmer stated, "You haven't even seen half the castle yet."

EQG Rainbow Dash added, "Or Psera yet."

The Guards at the doors grabbed the handles and pushed the doors open, revealing the crowds, chatter, and activity a little ways from the Castle's entrance behind a gate protected by even more security. Just like Her Majesty said, there was a lot of security. The stone front yard of the castle was protected by a full line of Elite Guard, keeping the citizens back from the castle and in the city. It made sense. Another successful day in the name of Psera.

Turns out the best way in was around the festivities, which meant ten more minutes of walking fresh streets and observing. They were decorated with all sorts of flags, banners, and ground items. Ponies not observing from the ground lied atop buildings and peeking through windows with the guards. Some were even sitting and relaxing on clouds!

The stage was big, tall, and wide, kept away from the crowd by a wide empty gray space and Guards of course. The gray space was definitely a road of some sort. There were steps in the corners leading up to the real deal bearing seats, a podium, and a single violet throne. More than likely painted over.

Their positions in the front center of the crowd was the best to watch King Madun be escorted up the stage with everyone else aligned in Government. Secretary Gardeen, Manny, definitely some judges and a big black box beside Twilight's throne. The Officials were sitting in their own areas on the corners of the large stage on high rising seats, similar to bleachers in Equestria. The king had his own seat next to the violet colored one where the new Queen would sit. Front and center with all of those cameras in the front row trained on her. And all eyes would see it here thanks to the two large LiVAMs setup on the side, flanking the stage.

Sunset and Starlight sat with the Equestria girls looking around this environment. Starlight said, "It's been months since I've been here."

Minuette leaned over and whispered, "There is so much gold here."

Sunset replied, "You have no idea." She wasn't entirely sure, but she knew for a fact that the Rarity from her world knew where all this Gold came from. She had to know. She didn't talk about it, but she knew something.

A few minutes later, sirens from the distance made Sunset's ear twitch. As well as the others. Starlight eagerly moved her head around then motioned back towards the looming castle. "Here she comes," she announced. A parade of matte gray pods with flashing yellow lights were casually moving down the street, escorting the shiny sleek and long golden pod with the Crest of Psera on the doors.

An eruption of cheering soared through the air while the ponies on the stage stood up out of respect. Moondancer had an open mouth expression of awe at the attention Twilight was getting. As well as what the buck she was sitting in. It was so shiny and beautiful! Even the wheels were glistening. And the treasure inside was magnificent.

Twilight and Merry Fire were the only ponies occupying it with the former waving her hoof with a proud grin. She had on lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner based off of what Ponyville Rarity's trained eye could make out. The space in between the stage and the crowd was for the pods as predicted. They could see that now. The escort pulled into the space slowly with Twilight still waving to the Pserateps. That was a really nice pod.

Once the pods parked, a few Guards walked over and opened the doors for both Merry and Twilight. Merry jumped out and waved eagerly, but Twilight was a lot more gracious in stepping out, waving and saying hi. Her dress was a mix of violet, red and white. A beautiful mixture of darkness and light.

Pinkie Pie waved her hooves yelling, "Twilight! Twilight, over here!!" Twilight looked over at the loud voice. The single high pitched one that pierced her ear drums and waved back with a wide smile towards her friends and family. Then turned and allowed herself to be escorted up the stairs for the stage.

Cadance turned to Celestia and stated, "She looks beautiful!" Then focused back on Twilight's interactions with everyone else on stage. The ponies handling the coronation were the Supreme Court Judges. Five of them anyway. After bowing and speaking they walked up to the podium while she took her place with her husband and foal, who immediately crawled over to her. After a few more seconds of cheering, the Pserateps all over the country calmed down and listened to what they had to say. There were three mares and two stallions. Looked like mares ruled the country here.

The Judge who took the stand was a stallion with a deep blue coat, light blue mane, and navy blue eyes. His face appeared on the LiVAMs before he spoke his first words. "Good day, ponies of Psera!" His voice resonated around the city, bouncing off the mountains ringing it. "I am Judge Berry of the Senate of Psera. Today we crown a pony of great judgement. A pony of great skill. A pony of great honor, and a pony of great will, and power. Today we are crowning Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle as Queen of Psera."

The Pserateps cheered again to the sky, and stomped or clapped their hooves. Twilight merely waved to them before they quieted down and allowed the judge to finish. "When she first arrived here, she astounded us by first dragging her face through dirt." A few bits of laughter came from the crowd and the stage. Even from the Lady herself. "But it was a good thing she did, for this land, this great country would be no more if she didn't. She has proved herself to hold leadership, loyalty, honesty, generosity, kindness, and magic."

Applejack and the others slowly turned to each other then directed their sights to Arcadia, who also held that same bewildered expression. It was more than likely a coincidence, but a good one nonetheless. Laughter wasn't included.

"When it was first announced that Lady Arcadia was going to be married to our selfless King Madun, a pool circulated around the country under even our noses. But when we did find out, we were astounded by what it was about. To have Lady Arcadia Nova become Queen. The first one in years. It has shown us that Psera has their mind made up on where to place her in our society. As ruler of Psera alongside the King. We know great things will come our way from such a great pony. And will expect nothing less from the pony who brought us life once again. Not to mention laughter."

Again? Sunset hummed and whispered, "Has to be a coincidence."

"Now without further adieu, we will now crown our next ruler of Psera. Lady Arcadia, please step forward." Lady Arcadia stood up from her smaller throne next to Madun and nudged her daughter over to him. Thankfully, Fresh Dawn was quiet. Even when her mother walked away and stopped in front of the Judges who followed along immediately after. Two ponies wearing white gowns with golden designs and scarves over their faces also followed along from the corners of the stage and moved towards the black box while the judges did their thing. Judge Berry was hoofed over a large book with something on the cover that nopony else could see. But it had to weigh a little something because he could barely hold it.

Facing each other, Judge Berry motioned towards the book and ordered, "Place your right hoof onto the cover of Narmeelah's Law." Twilight lifted her right hoof and placed it on the cover. "Now pledge your left hoof." Twilight raised her left hoof towards the sky and smiled to the judges. "As Queen of Psera, do you pledge to put the safety of your citizens first?"

Arcadia's voice resonated somehow through the city. "I do."

"Do you pledge to keep Psera's best interests at heart?"

"I do."

"Do you pledge to treat every citizen with respect?"

"I do."

"Do you pledge to acknowledge all laws, amendments, and articles?"

"I do."

"Do you pledge to tell the truth to your citizens, your lawmakers, your assistants, and to set an example among ponies?"

"I do."

"And do you pledge to keep peace in Psera, defend Psera through any means necessary, and to love Psera?"

"I do."

Judge Berry nodded and pulled back the book, allowing Arcadia relax. "Let it be known that Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle has agreed to Narmeelah's Law. Bring forth the Untouched Crown!"

The ponies wearing all white by the black box leaned down and unlocked the lid. It was pushed over to the side, revealing the crown. With rubber hoof covers, they reached in and picked it up with one hoof each. Not necessarily making hoof contact, but did pick it up and walked towards Arcadia. It was the most prettiest thing Arcadia and anyone else had ever seen. It looked just like a regular crown. Complete with spikes and glistening with gem dust. It was golden and silver, patterned with bright red rubies, and practically soaking in diamonds. When the sun hit it, all you would see were the colors of the rainbow.

The two ponies stepped in front of Arcadia and froze for a moment. Then nodded at her and lifted the crown onto her head behind her horn. She closed her eyes and tilted her head forward to allow them to place it behind her head. Then rose back up to look up to the judges. Judge Berry passed the book back to the others while the ponies sitting in the background all rose to their hooves and approached to flank the throne. Her husband was directly on the right side with Fresh Dawn in his hooves.

Judge Berry motioned to the podium and asked, "Would you like to say a few words?"

Twilight nodded and approached the podium with striding slow steps. All eyes all over the nation were on her and the large LiVAMs.

She cleared her throat into the microphone and said, "I want to thank all of my supporters, family, and friends. Both Equestrian, and Pseratopian. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Without you, I would not have met King Madun and helped you all persevere through the storm of darkness into the light of restoration. Without you, Psera would not be where it is today. Strong, powerful, and full of love. Without you, well... There would be no you. A King or Queen, Prince or Princess is not just placed into power, it is earned.

"Being a leader is not easy, and will not ever be easy. But all of the worry and stress is worth it when you see your subjects happy. I want to thank you all for entrusting me with your country, but remember: Without you, I would not be here. And I will never take Psera for granted. You are safe with me."

The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves again while Twilight waved once more. Then stepped back and faced the judges once again. Judge Berry nodded and decreed, "Under the eye of Narmeelah, the eye of Psera and her citizens, we now pronounce you Queen Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle of Psera. Please. Take your rightful place upon your throne." He raised an inviting hoof towards the purple throne in the middle of the stage that the other ponies were gathered around while the ponies in white gowns grabbed the podium and moved it away.

Arcadia took a deep breath and made moves for the purple cushion. This was it. The place Psera put her for a better future. The place Equestria unknowingly put her. The beginning of a new chapter of her life and the start of a journey she was born ready for. Once she reached it, Twilight turned around and calmly slid onto the seat. Then placed her hooves on the arm rests. Psera bowed, and Equestria bowed. The King bowed as well as the judges. Everyone bowed towards their new Queen, both close and far.

After rising up, Judge Berry faced the crowd and decreed, "All eyes in Psera and of Psera! Make it be known your new Queen! All hail Queen Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle! All hail the Queen! All hail the Queen!!"

The cheering of the Pserateps and her family couldn't be any louder while the Queen waved proudly with a grin. Those on the stage clapped their hooves and made moves. Meanwhile, Madun made his own. He gestured towards on of the Guards while he himself stood up and approached, leaving Fresh Dawn with her grandmother. "Queen Arcadia Nova," he said. Twilight stopped waving and stood up to face him with a look of amusement. Here he goes acting mysterious again. "I have a gift for you on this day that I have successfully hid from you."

The crowd calmed down and watched as two guards walked on stage with another black box, but longer in width and bolted with must be a lock on the front. While the guards set it down in front of her, Madun added, "I had this personally crafted when I learned that you were going to take up the throne and be by my side in ruling Psera. This is symbolic, but can be used for other reasons as you see fit." While the guards went to work unlocking it, Madun described, "It has reinforced steel, long, and decorative only for you."

The Guards finally unlocked it and pulled it open, revealing what was inside. Arcadia gasped and had to stand back up in surprise. This was a true gift. One that she would treasure forever.

A sword. A longsword to be precise. Similar to what the guards back in Equestria used back in the day when Celestia and Luna were fillies. But it was much more decorative. The pommel was decorated to look like a starburst with a glowing center. Possibly because they borrowed magic from one of the military reserves Arcadia donates every month to Lavender to increase their military power. It was made out of a large crystal and somehow attached. The crossguard was gold and looked pretty standard among Psera tradition. But the blade was the real shim-winner.

It was golden, but Arcadia could make out signs of steel underneath it. Double edged, and really thin for cutting. Hopefully she would never have to use that on anyone. And on the blade itself was a text written in Old-Pseratopian leading up to the double edge. Arcadia read aloud, "To Strike Swift and Fast With The Honor of Psera." Then used her magic to levitate it out and reveal the gift to the eyes of everyone watching.

Madun nodded and named it, "The Sword of Arcadia is yours. I hope you like it."

Celestia hummed and leaned back a little with Luna when they saw it, the latter whispering, "Very pretty... And a little dangerous."

Next, she levitated out a violet steel scabbard with a golden tip that she carefully sheathed the sword in. Smiling, she looked up to Madun and wrapped him in a hug. "Thank you, my king," she whispered. On the verge of tears, she added, "I love it."

"You're welcome, my Queen."
> Chapter 52 - Trial of The Decade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sleep is one of the most treasured things that many take advantage of. But being a mother, sleep was vital to Queen Arcadia's motion. Back and forth for the foal sleeping in her crib next to their bed. Across from her and away from the father spooning her from behind. Madun was a heavy sleeper. At least he didn't snore. He was so peaceful when he wasn't moving.

But Arcadia wasn't thinking about that. It's been a few weeks since her crowning. It sat nearby in a locked glass case that had a special lock on it that only the immediate family could open. She needed that everyday.

Today was a very important day for that. On the same week of her coronation, Queen Arcadia was informed of the trial date for the attempted assassination on her and her husband's wedding date. Today.

Arcadia's eyes trained on Fresh Dawn sleeping motionless in her crib. She had a hard time going to sleep last night. Turns out she wasn't as active as she usually is so her sleep schedule was a little off. She didn't stop moving until seven-thirty. And she would probably sleep in until eight since she usually sleeps at seven and wakes up at seven. That gives Arcadia time to get ready.

Arcadia's ear flickered repeatedly against Madun's hoof, literally tickling him awake. He hummed for a moment then sighed. Whispering, "Good morning" in her ear.

"Good morning," she replied. Arcadia leaned back to kiss that special spot on his muzzle he liked. "Remember, no hopping out of your seat."

After receiving an obviously begrudged nod, Arcadia used her wing to push aside the covers and crawl out of bed onto the cool wooden carpeted floors. Then stood in between the bed and the crib to stretch her wings to the high ceiling. Not to mention her hooves. "I have to get ready. It's almost..." She looked to the clock near the dresser for reference. "Nine? She's still sleeping?"

Madun raised a worried eye and quickly shuffled out of the bed to quietly approach the crib with his wife. Then looked over the wooden bars inside. Their worries were dashed to make way for relief. She was fine. Sleeping with near quiet mews and little tiny hooves moving about. Arcadia wondered what she was dreaming about that had her in such a state of bliss. Narmeelah knows she needed that.

Madun nodded reassuringly and stated, "She's just dreaming."

Arcadia nodded then leaned down to nuzzle Dawn in her stomach. So lightly she wouldn't notice it.

Then stood back up and whispered, "I have to get ready." Madun nodded and watched her go, leaving him with their filly for a little while.

Sighing, he reached in and picked her up to cradle her by his chest. Such a small child shouldn't be left alone in a room by themselves. She needed to be fed and—from the smell—changed. Dawn cooed and snuggled up to her father's fur. He chuckled and whispered, "Looks like some filly needs a diaper change. C'mon, let's get you ready for your grandparents."

They weren't going to bring Dawn to the trial. She'd become fearful from all the attention. So Twilight called in four of the best ponies needed to make Dawn comfortable. Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Cadance, and surprisingly Flurry Heart. They knew their daughter. Around Flurry, Dawn was excitable. Around her cousins in Psera she was excitable. They would keep her entertained during the hearing. As a matter of fact, they should be here soon.

Placing Dawn down at the changing station, Madun looked up at the clock nearby. Nearing nine. They'll be here around that time. Let's get back to the task at—

Madun's thoughts were interrupted by a firm slap on the left side of the face by a wing. Followed by another then another! Along with filly laughter. Looks like someone's awake. Fresh Dawn fawned up at her father and flapped her wings in surprise, shooting him with adorableness. Madun grinned and leaned down to blow raspberries in her tummy, pulling more laughter out of her.

"Good morning, Sugar Plum!" He greeted. "Did you dream great dreams?" Dawn only stared with a confused face. "I'll take that as a yes. Well let's get you changed alright? No shooting magic at me." It never took long to change Dawn. Most of the time it involved staring up at the pony doing it. A stare so intense that it would make her mother proud.

Speaking of, Arcadia teleported into view and looked down into Dawn's lively eyes. She immediately followed up to look at her in return. Grinning, Twilight leaned in and kissed Dawn on the top of her forehead.

"Good morning, my little Veola," she whispered. Dawn cheered and reached up to cup Arcadia's face, bringing a sense of pride to her. She still couldn't believe this filly, this beautiful wonderful filly was her and Madun's child. She was their pride and joy. Along with Psera. But Fresh Dawn was the filly that sealed the deal.

The symbol of a new life. A new beginning. Fresh Dawn. Only one thing left to do to bury the hatchet. Get that rich stuck-up-his-own-flank pony Blueballs—Blueblood. Madun was starting to rub off on her.

Once Madun had her wiped and changed, He reached in and hefted her into the air. "Well you hit me in the face with your wing this morning. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Dawn raised her hooves and cheered, "Buh buh buh ooo wub wah wah!"

Madun sighed and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you bet you're sorry."

Arcadia rolled her eyes and softly levitated Fresh Dawn out of his hooves into her own. "Madun, she doesn't know any better."

"Oh I know, but she has her mother's mind. So... She knows something." Arcadia whipped his flank with her tail. "Ow. Gonna feed her?"

Arcadia made moves for the bed and nodded. "Mmm hmm. She needs her breakfast before the others get here. Along with the lawyers. We may be the king and Queen, but we still need court representation. They say it's already an open and shut case, but the judge still needs to hear it." Arcadia crawled over to the bed and got comfortable while Madun made strides out the door.

"Well I'm going to get ready now while you feed her, and greet the ponies when they get here."

"Okay. Breakfast, sweetie!" Twilight set Dawn down and moved her body around while Madun softly closed the door. Breastfeeding was a special time between mother and daughter. He would check on them afterwards.



Twilight's old rebuilt home, before Celestia's school was excited. But only by one character. Pictures of Filly Twilight and Shining Armor with Flurry Heart and Cadance riddled the walls. The floor was clean and everything was tidy. Night Light, Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry were all waiting by the open door, ready to depart for the castle in Canterlot to get to Psera. The only ponies dressed up were Night Light and Shining Armor. They were going to the trial with the King and Queen while the mares stayed with Fresh Dawn. But one mother wasn't ready to go yet. That left them waiting at the front door.

Groaning from Cadance's back, Flurry cried, "Grandma, come on already!"

Twilight Velvet's voice up the stairs replied, "One moment, dearie! I have to find Twilight's old toys!"

"You said that ten minutes ago!"

"Alright, I'm coming, I'm coming!" Relieved smiles graced their faces at the news. Then slowly returned back to frowns with each thump of the treasure chest she was lugging down the staircase. Once it hit the floor, they stared in silence. There was some plastic train thing poking out one of the sides, threatening to burst through.

Cadance and Shining Armor bit their lips and glanced at each other. Then back at Twilight Velvet and her treasure chest of toys.

From the side, Night Light cleared his throat and deadpanned, "Honey, they will not let you bring that through the portal."

Velvet held her head up high with a look of defiance and announced, "I'm bringing it anyway! It's for my little filly!"

"Twilight is also not going to let you bring that. Well not all of it anyway. Why not break it down into tiny bits for Dawn's birthdays, holidays, whenever we visit? It's much better than bringing a treasure chest full of toys nearly five hundred miles across the ocean."

The rest of his side nodded their heads in approval. Shining ordered, "Mom, leave the toys behind. We have to get to Psera on time. And that would definitely slow us down anyway."


~✶~


Twilight wasn't really concerned about her family being a little late. As a matter of fact, it gave her and Madun a little more time to play with their little princess in the living room. She was really into hide and seek. So much so she played it when they weren't supposed to. Madun may be doing something in his office and Dawn would poke his hoof and hide in a random spot, letting them know she was ready to play. Then would do it while Twilight was at work and she was with her. Sometimes jump off randomly and hide underneath a table, laughing and giggling. Thankfully she didn't do that during important times. As if she knew there was a place and time for everything. Madun would tease the story and say that even meetings bored Dawn. Even though she had no idea what was going on.

Arcadia grinned with that thought in mind while she and Madun counted down from ten loud and proud from the kitchen. Arcadia could hear Dawn moving around and making smallish giggles in the living room. She usually would hide her entire body out of sight but leave the trail of her wings out. It was easy to find her. And she would get so happy she was found.

"Three... Two... One! Meecha, Or lah! Hay la kue!" Twilight called in Old Pseratopian. Then she and Madun turned around and looked around. Twilight already spotted her but decided to heighten the fun by playing that she hadn't. Scanning the area, she gasped and slowly asked, "Oh no! Where's my little filly!"

Madun smirked, clearly catching on and responding, "I'm going to look for her! You check that side, I'll check this side!" She and Madun split off and walked around the couch into the living room. She was hiding under the glass table. Not a good place to hide away from ponies taller than you. She was like a bright big purple bubble in a brown and red room. And a little bit of purple. Twilight gasped and slowly stated, "I don't see her! Do you?"

Madun shook his head and playfully answered, "No, I do not! Maybe she's—"

Two knocks on the door interrupted him and Twilight's "Quest." Madun brushed off his red dress coat and walked over to the door while Twilight continued looking. Unlocking and opening it, he quickly raised his left hoof to his mouth and quietly shushed the family waiting. Then waved them in.

Twilight Velvet noticed Twilight standing in the living room in her dress looking around with a confused expression. What was she doing? And where was the foal? Tapping her chin, Arcadia hummed and said, "I could have sworn I saw her."

Twilight Velvet acted on instinct, unfortunately for Twilight and Madun's playtime. Gasping, she asked, "Is Dawn missing?! Oh no! Don't worry baby, I'll find you!" Then slipped right past Madun and started sniffing the floor. She moved right past Twilight's embarrassed face and towards the table, following the scent of brand new filly. Her muzzle bumped into Dawn's purple wing. She was curled up into a little ball, smiling at Twilight Velvet's face. Reaching in, she grabbed Fresh Dawn and pulled her out and into the air. Grinning, she cheered, "Found you!"

Dawn squealed loud and flapped her wings against air, sending feathers all over the place. She was small but those were some big wings. Cadance and the rest walked over to greet Madun and Twilight. Shining even wrapped Madun in a hug and asked, "Good morning, how are you?"

Madun pulled away and answered, "Tense. We're going to court with the same pony who tried to murder my wife and unborn child. And Twilight wants me not to hurt him."

Shining turned to Twilight, busy digging through a toy bin with a question on the tip of his tongue before she said, "That applies to you too, Armor! And Dad!"

Night Light huffed and muttered, "I wasn't even going to ask, I was just gonna do it. But I understand as the King and Queen you have a duty to set an example."

Twilight lifted her head out of the toy bin with Dawn's favorite toy in her magic, and turned around for her mother, obsessed with her granddaughter and Flurry Heart. "That's right. Now here's what you do." Twilight levitated the toy in front of Dawn and made a honking noise. Dawn squealed and reached out towards it in utter glee. Then grabbed and pulled it into her own chest while Twilight Velvet held her in her hooves.

Twilight pointed towards the kitchen and instructed, "Make sure Dawn gets fed at eleven and gets her nap at twelve. There's formula in the fridge and the microwave is right beside it. She loves to sleep on the bigger version of her favorite toy so keep it nearby." Said toy was then teleported into view. Well in front of the small-ish library in the corner. It was a much bigger version of a bird. Same color and shape, just far bigger. It took up one fourth of the living room.

Fresh Dawn screeched and reached out towards the doll, dropping the one she already had. Night Light grinned and nodded his head. "Yep, she takes after Twilight alright. When her mother shook the Smarty Pants doll her way, she would go crazy."

Madun looked towards his wife and smirked at her blush. Arcadia immediately moved on. She didn't need him teasing her later. "Uhhh, D-Dawn likes to play. A lot. So try to keep her entertained before lunch. There are books in her playroom, the room connected to ours. She really enjoys Hide 'n Seek. But she only understands a little ponish right now. She mostly knows Old Pseratopian. There's a book next to her crib with the phrases that she understands so you may have to learn a little bit of it. What else... What else..."

Madun sighed and reminded her, "Sweetheart, we have to get to—"

"Oh, her favorite food!" Madun sighed while Twilight trotted into the kitchen. "Dawn's favorite food is a mish-mash of potatoes with olive juice."

Twilight Velvet looked down to Fresh Dawn and asked, "You like Olive juice?" Dawn's ear flickered but her eyes didn't leave off her mother. "She can't understand us, can she?"

Madun shook his head and answered, "Not entirely. You need the book. Now come on sweetheart, leave Dawn with the Guards and your family."

Twilight looked around in case she forgot something. Pretty much everything Was in place. It was all okay. Twilight nodded then adjusted her gem-drenched crown and purple dress before she was pushed by Madun from behind, destination for the door. "Come on," he grunted. "We have to get to the courthouse."

"Wait, wait! My baby needs her kisses!"

Madun grunted and let Arcadia skip back for the living room. This was grabbing their time, but anything for the foal. Twilight reached into her mother's arms and pulled Fresh Dawn out with a coo to face her. "Moosa maloo, Dawn. Carlo mee hala, kee?"

Dawn blinked at her first before her face scrunched up. Then came the whimpering before the storm of tears. Twilight instinctively pulled her softly into her chest. "Awww, maree, Dawn. Mommy will return." Dawn wrapped a hoof tightly around her mother's and refused to let go, still crying up to Twilight's face, adorned with despair and desperation. Twilight's face started to scrunch up too before she buried her muzzle into Dawn's mane, crying with her.

Sighing, Madun decided to enlist his services. Taking a seat next to Twilight's he wrapped his hooves and wings around them both. Whispering, "It's okay. We'll come back." Dawn stopped crying and looked up to her father. He reached out and wiped her tears away from her purple cheeks. It broke his heart to see his little girl cry. Smiling he leaned down and nuzzled the cheek, eliciting a giggle from her small form. "Meesa meecho mahala, kee? We would never leave you behind."

Either out of frustration, or because she got it from her mother, Dawn reached out and bopped her father on the cheek. Then laughed about it. Madun sighed and muttered, "I'll take that as a yes. She's back to normal."

Twilight fawned then leaned in with Madun and kissed her cheek. "We'll be back soon, sweetie. Let's go." After leaving Dawn in her grandmother's hooves, Twilight stood up and turned for the open door where Celestia and Luna were waiting for her. Then made for it with Madun, Shining, and Night Light. "Remember the rules!"

Twilight Velvet waved before the door shut, leaving them in their home. Certainly they could find anything in here, right? Cadance and Twilight Velvet shared a look before Dawn wiggled out of Velvet's hooves and onto the floor in front of Flurry. They stared at each other for a moment. Flurry with the thought of if she looked like this before growing a little, to Fresh Dawn who wondered why she looked like her. Crawling, Dawn jabbed a hoof towards her horn and dubbed, "Huh!"

Dawn glanced up at her horn then back to Fresh Dawn. "Yeah, this is my horn." Dawn just stared blandly at her with an open-mouthed expression, forcing Flurry to sigh. "Yeah, you can't understand me."

Cadance huffed and suggested, "Well let's look for the book. We'll have a much better time getting her to understand that way."




~✶~


Just as predicted, Celestia, and Luna were waiting for them outside with a mix of both Arcadia's guards and Madun's. Wearing the purple and black armor. They saluted when they stepped out and approached the Princesses. Madun ordered, "At ease. Good morning, princesses."

Celestia greeted, "Good Morning, King Madun." Then embraced him before doing the same to Twilight. "And good morning to you, Queen Arcadia."

"Good morning, Princess," Twilight greeted into her coat. She was still much taller than her. A little height difference would change none.

After pulling away, Celestia motioned towards the door to their home and queried, "Filly issues?"

Arcadia sighed and drawled, "She didn't want us to go. And I didn't want to either. But the court needs to hear my say so, and Dawn doesn't do so well in crowds. Or with too many eyes on her." Twilight looked back to the door and muttered, "I just hope she can do well in there without her parents."

Luna came to her rescue and said, "Well if I know her mother as well as I do, Dawn will be just fine. Maybe a little off, but she can definitely do fine."

Twilight took a deep breath and nodded her head. "Yeah, you're right. Well let's go get this over with so I can finally start anew."

Twilight and Madun turned and walked with the Guards towards the entrance with Celestia and Luna. Ready to face their fears. The fear of Madun unable to keep himself back in the stands, the fear of Twilight unable to keep her magic from blowing up the table Blueblood would be sitting in, and the fear of Celestia and Luna never being able to see Blueblood again. That would more than likely be the case, but Psera has a history of sentencing ponies to death. Or behind bars for life. And based off of the severity of the crime, Blueblood could get either one. Celestia feared for the well being of Blueblood's safety. Either way, they wouldn't find out in the halls.

So without further adieu, Celestia let her mind focus on the present. Getting to the courtroom, wherever it was.


~✶~


Blueblood was scared. He admitted it. He really should've just left Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle alone. He realized that after being literally thrown into a dark and dank cell for seven days with no contact with anyone. No matter how loud he screamed. He realized that after the door opened and he was pulled out, slapped on with chains, and roughly pulled towards the worst prison he has ever been in less than a mile away. He realized that after he was put in a thick, cold metal cell with a single toilet, and a roommate that had told him he takes what he wants with a tap to his chest. He realized that after he was pulled into a fight with three of the biggest stallions he had ever seen. And then "nudged" by his cellmate once again when he could barely move to defend himself.

He realized that after he gave up all hope of ever getting out. He realized that today. His sentencing day. The day he was loaded onto a thick steel pod, chained up, and shipped all the way to the Castle. Where he would see Twilight face to face after shooting her with an arrow nearly four months ago. Along with the rest of the angry citizens of Psera. He. Was going. To die. If not by Twilight, then by her husband, from what he hears. And if not by him, by his aunts. And if not by them, then the definite thousands upon thousands upon thousands of Pserateps watching. He. Was going. To die.

In a few hours, his pod was pulled into the back service entrance of the castle and backed into place. Inside of the big steel block of which sat Blueblood. Facing the two pairs of steel barriers to keep him in. Along with a horn inhibitor to keep his magic restricted. There was no way he was escaping. Chains lined his hooves from the doors. Keeping him in place. There would be no chances of escape.

After the pod cut off, the back doors went through a lot of clanking and banging. Then were thrown open, letting light and a slight cool breeze. Not that Blueblood could tell, there was a coat that only allowed his hooves to go out so far. At least it was thick and warm.

Two Elite Guards were standing on their hind legs pointing dangerously sharp weapons at him. Crossbows with something. Those guys were wearing purple armor while the other six were wearing gold plated. Either way, they disconnected the chains from the doors and pulled him out onto the concrete of the Security Bay. Just a concrete walkway leading up to two more thick steel doors, flanked by two police officers.

They led him up to it while they unlocked it. Then led him through into the castle, chains rattling. The halls were as dead as everything else in Blueblood. Completely white brick with bright lights along the ceiling. A long silent walk apart from the clopping of hooves with no doors until the end. A pair of much more kind doors was on the right leading somewhere else unseen while a single steel one was on the left.

They stopped him while one guard abandoned the group to open the single one with a pair of keys. Then they led him inside. It was a waiting room of some sort obviously. Everything was as white as Blueblood's coat. The walls, the floor, the ceiling. The room was a single large  with white glistening walls. The floors were squeaky plastic that applied traction to his hooves. A single tube of light was pinned above a steel table in the center, adorned with two chairs facing each other on opposite sides. Other than those nothing else.

The Guards led him over to the furthest one from the door and ordered, "Sit down." One thing Blueblood knew about these guys? There was no please.

Doing as told by sliding into the chair, the Guards kept him in place by clipping the chains in different loops bolted to the ground. Then backed away and made way for the door, leaving him in there with only four guards wearing violet armor in the corner behind him. Why did they leave him in here alone like this? Based off of the chair across from him, he had a feeling he was going to get a sudden visit from somepony. Question is... Who? The answer to that was going to make his blood freeze.

After a few minutes of waiting, Blueblood's ears recognized a female voice outside the door, speaking with a deeper one. Then the door opened and the guards near it saluted. The last pony he ever expected to walk in—alone, nonetheless—did. Twilight. Wearing a long violet dress that covered her long wings with a gaze on Blueblood that made his blood run faster through his veins.

Twilight raised a hoof in a silent order for the guards to relax. Her eyes were the deepest purple Blueblood had ever seen, accentuated with slight makeup, but not too much. Pretty much spelled Twilight all over. But that face of cold wasn't. Using her magic, Queen Arcadia pulled the chair back across from Blueblood and sat down on the floor. She didn't really need one anyway. Blueblood needed one because he wasn't going anywhere.

She sighed and stared right at Blueblood before the door was closed. Leaving him and her with the Guards.

The room was really tense right now. So tense that Blueblood was afraid to move, in fear Twilight might lunge across this steel table and impale him with that horn. Her expression gave him that feeling that was what she was going to do.

Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. Then started off the conversation with, "By Narmeelah's law, I am allowed to speak with you before the trial, since this is primarily about me. The victim of the cold, heartless,clearly  jealous crime you have committed. And to be honest, if I was born on Psera, I would kill you right now. You shot me with an arrow and hurt my baby. Thankfully, she turned out beautiful for the most part, and everything I've ever wanted. But the damage has been done. Fresh Dawn has a knick in her ear now because of you among. . . Other things. It's a small damage, but she shouldn't even have that. So I guess the question I want to ask, and the reason I walked in here is... Why? Why did you hurt me? And hurt my baby?"

Blueblood was officially sure he was going to have a heart attack any second now. That was a really big question, with a really small, simple, and completely unacceptable answer. But Twilight wanted an answer. Gulping down his fear, he whispered, "Twilight—"

"Queen... Arcadia," she corrected. "I am the Queen of Psera now."

Now Blueblood knew he was in some deep manure now. How much credit did she have to become Queen?! He thought she was just getting married!! Gulping again, Blueblood started over. "Queen Arcadia, I... Guess I have no real excuse."

"Then what excuse did you have? The court is going to ask you the same question, and the whole country is going to want to know."

"I guess ... I was jealous," he whispered. "I know that is not an excuse, but... I thought you would be the mare for me. After all the letdowns, the failures, the lonely nights I thought that I would finally be able to put you under my wing—figuratively—and I could finally have what I wanted. I know it's not an excuse, but it answers your question."

Twilight slowly nodded and sighed again with, "A lot of your reasons as to why you did what you did came to mind. Most of them had the root of jealousy. In the midst of jealousy, we don't tend to make the right decisions as ponies. We act irrational just to get our point across; to be seen, regardless of the judgement, or the results. And just like usual, after it is all done, we are yelled at because of the following results. For instance, because of what you did, I was put into a coma for two months. My baby was still growing, thank Narmeelah. But during that time was a tense cold war between Equestria and Psera. Psera was about to go to war against Equestria. My worst dream was about to come true. Everything that you know of would be gone. And it all depended on whether or not I lived. Thankfully, I did. So there is no war.

"I got married, had the baby, and was sworn into office for the years to come until my husband or I pass the throne down. You're lucky. Because if I died, they would have killed you in the same second. Slowly." Blueblood flinched and glanced towards the guard in the corner eyeing him with distaste. "But ... There is literally nothing stopping me from hurting you."

Blueblood shifted his eyes back to Arcadia, bearing that murderous look. She was ready to hurt someone. Eyes narrowed, teeth bared. "I could literally toss this table to the side, and beat you senseless. Lawfully, I could. I could grab this table..." Arcadia used her magic to slowly lift the table. "...push it to the side..." The table levitated and moved from the path, revealing Blueblood in his shivering-in-fear state with an empty space between him and her. Arcadia got up and tauntingly moved across the shining floor right up to Blueblood's face, glaring hard in a really close proximity. He could smell the mint on her breath, the anger of a thousand mothers. "And could mop the floor with your face. Beat it, mold it, break a leg or two, and—if I feel like it—snap your horn off and stuff it right up your flank. There is literally nothing stopping me. There is no law saying I can't do that. There is protection for you until the court date. The reason why is because there are already guards in the room standing by in the corners. Waiting for something to happen. But here? In this room? There are no laws abiding for you. This is, what is called, a Code-Free zone. There are no rules in here. The Guards could have done it themselves if they wanted to."

Blueblood gulped before Arcadia pulled back and slid the table back into place. Then sighed to calm herself. "But as a Queen and a representative of responsibility, it's my job to show maturity and a firm example for my citizens. So I won't, even behind closed doors. But heed my words, Blueblood. If you say one wrong thing in that courtroom, nothing will stop me from showing you my dark side. This is your only warning. So you better watch what you say, because you would not like what you see."



The courtroom was packed. The Senate apparently did a lot of things besides passing bills and govern the nation. They also apparently judged the criminals of the decade. And allowed everyone else in. Including first-seaters nearby. All eyes were watching it on the LIVAMs at their homes, but some also wanted to see and hear it in person. The Princesses definitely.

They were seated in a respected area directly behind where the victims would sit. Where the King and Queen were with Gardeen a little on the right. Well Twilight was currently speaking to Blueblood herself, leaving Madun alone for the time being. He was doing something with a notebook, drawing out what appeared to be a diagram with Fresh Dawn's name at the top.

Luna peeked over the barrier and whispered teasingly, "Already planning out your filly's life, I see?"

Without looking up, Madun smirked and answered around the pen in his mouth, "Is that so bad? I feel like our little girl should have options for her life. Of course I am aware some of these may not even apply to her in the future. But it's always good to be prepared."

Celestia hummed and nodded. She could tell Twilight rubbed off on him. There was always that preparation-thing she had. Speaking of which, the door to the right opened up and in she walked. Well stomped was more like it. Those that spotted her stood up and quieted out of respect before she ordered, "Please! Have a seat!" Luna couldn't help but smirk. Being assertive was so unlike Twilight. But then again, as a full fledged Queen she had to have a strong backbone.

Queen Arcadia walked over to the table Madun was smirking at her from with a deadly glare. Then plopped down and just stared at the front of the room, ignoring the eyes on her. Madun was about to ask before Twilight turned to him and jabbed a hoof in his chest. "I gave him warnings, very convincing warnings. If he says one thing out of line you are all going to witness my dark and ugly side, and I am not responsible for what happens after."

They all nodded slowly. Gardeen was trying her hardest not to laugh at her friend—practically her mother's face. She has never seen Arcadia this mad before. Hopefully she won't blow up before the trial starts. Because she clearly has a short fuse.

Deciding to push it to the side, Night Light came up with a conversation. "So when is the first day you take a seat in the office? Your mother is going to want to take pictures."

That brightened Twilight's mood. She smiled and answered, "Well it's next week on monday. At the moment, I'm decorating my own personal space for both Madun and Fresh Dawn. Speaking of which—" Before Arcadia could stand up, Madun leaned over into her wing and plucked a feather. "Ow! Madun!"

Shaking his head, he assured, "The baby is fine. Come on, calm down. She has your clearly overprotective mother—no offense, Night Light..."

He sighed and shrugged. Unfortunately, it was true. Ever since Twilight Velvet got to hold her, she's been coming up with crazy ideas for gifts and such.

Madun added, "She's got your old foalsitter, and her cousin. She's fine."


~✶~


Turns out, the book on Old Pseratopian was actually a bunch of notes Twilight herself took. Twilight Velvet knew exactly how to decode all of these words. She would sometimes read those notes out loud when she was around back home to her.

Little Fresh Dawn was sitting in Flurry's lap in the living room eyeing the book cover with a doll in her hooves. Cadance was browsing Twilight's library nearby, trying to figure out her system. It was... Complex, to say the least. Other than that, it was quiet. Dawn was a quiet filly.

Finding what she was looking for, Twilight Velvet lowered the book and asked, "Er... Morkor torseah malshoopa cartoo?"

Dawn's ears perked up with wide eyes on Twilight Velvet and she just froze. Cadance walked over and looked at her from the side to see what she was doing. Her ear flickered for a second before she threw her hooves into the air and squealed happily. Twilight Velvet sighed in relief and stated, "I asked if she wanted to play."

Cadance giggled and said, "I'll take it she does."

Dawn put the doll into her mouth and jumped out of Flurry's lap onto the floor, nearly giving them a heart attack. What type of filly jumps onto the floor?! But she was fine. Assessed because she grabbed Flurry's hoof and pulled it. Then made her way around the couch. Twilight Velvet gasped then used her magic to grab Fresh Dawn and pull her back over. "Oh no you don't. I have to keep an eye on you, you're a sneaky one."

Dawn squealed and grabbed Flurry's cheeks for leverage. Then squealed, "Ma! Ma! Mama!" She looked around before she teleported away, snapping out of sight to somewhere in the back.

Cadance eeped and followed the source of the sound. Hopefully she was okay! A filly teleporting was one of the most dangerous things a foal could ever do! They needed to keep an eye on her, much closer than usual. So far she's managed to disappear twice within twenty minutes. The first time Cadance almost screamed. Flurry shut her up before she could by placing both hooves over her mouth. If anyone heard a scream around here it would certainly become a big thing.

They rushed into Madun and Twilight's room, the most organized bedroom in existence, then turned right into "Dawn's Playroom," a very colorful and foal-friendly spot in the suite. There was a light pink mat in the center decorated with clouds, and a large bed beside it. As well as a changing station. Prepped with diapers and a few more things.

And of course, toys. Toys were everywhere. Dolls, dollhouses, little tiny pods, animals with smiley faces, blankets, and a bin with a lot more toys. The Citizens probably gifted her with them. There were so many!

Dawn was going through one of the bins in the corner for a toy, soothing their fears. Obviously wanting to play, she pulled out a bird with two heads. Then presented it to Flurry. "Ga ga?" She asked.

Flurry blinked then grabbed it with her magic. What even was this? It looked like a chicken mixed with a dragon with two heads. Next, Dawn pulled out a pod that had a... Cannon? Probably a small military thing. This was a military country after all. She set it on the mat then blew a raspberry at Flurry and started moving the Pod around. Looks like they were going to play.


~✶~


Queen Arcadia nodded to Madun's assurance and said, "Yes. Yeah, you're right. She's fine, nothing's wrong, nothing could go wrong—what if she's out of milk?!"

Madun used his hoof to stroke through her mane. "Sweetheart, she's fine. If something is wrong, then we'll be contacted."

A gavel banged down from the front, grabbing their attention. Sometime earlier, the judges had walked in and took their seats. The same ponies they saw at the Coronation. Everyone stood up, including the King and Queen, cutting off the conversation of their foal and bringing them to the manner at hoof. The blue one, Judge Berry was the one holding the gavel while the others were starting at the gallery. The LiVAM crews on the side swiveled to focus on their faces.

He cleared his throat and greeted, "Good morning, Psera and visitors. Today we are finally putting the illegal interloper, a uhh... Prince Blueblood to trial after the attempted assassination of Queen Twilight 'Arcadia Nova' Sparkle. You may be seated." The gallery sat down and got comfortable. "I am Judge Berry, I will be leading the trial with Judges Sunlight, Light, Crew, and Mahtoo. Must I say this isn't the worst crime I've seen, but it is the coldest. Personally, I do not pity him. Good morning, your majesties."

Madun and Twilight both nodded and greeted, "Good morning, Judge."

Judge Sunlight, a yellow coated mare with long flowing yellow hair that sparkled, and dark yellow eyes asked, "I understand this will be a rather sensitive trial, but I ask that you please hold in your anger until you are allowed one last message after the sentencing. It will move this along much quicker. Bring forth the accused!"

The door on the right side of the room was thrown open, and in walked Blueblood, held together by multiple chains and pulled along by police. All eyes were trained on him as he was taken to the table on the far left past Twilight and Madun, and ordered to sit down again. Then was chained to the floor. Judge Light, a light orange coated mare with orange eyes sighed and asked, "Prince Blueblood of Equestria? Do you even realize the magnitude of what you did? And how worse it could have been?"

Blueblood gulped and nodded to the floor. "Look up here, please." Blueblood lifted his head and looked into their angry eyes. "Not only did you try and commit murder, but you nearly did it to an unborn foal. That alone is very unacceptable. Add that you tried to kill the Saviour of Psera, a highly respected mare in our history on her wedding day, with obvious intentions to do the same to her fiance, and you nearly caused a war. From what we hear and read, all rooted from jealousy. Tell me why we shouldn't have you sentenced to death."

Blueblood slowly shook his head and whispered, "I cannot."

"Speak up, pony."

"I cannot," he answered much louder.

Judge Berry nodded his head and said, "Well either way, there is no bright future ahead for you."



For the next two hours, evidence and theories were brought forth by the ponies who actually witnessed the attack, as well as the weapons used. Turns out—surprise, surprise—all weapons on Psera were registered. So when Blueblood actually took the weapon, there was already a code in place to find it. They knew he was on Psera the second it disappeared. But just like Twilight stated, they were going to have a hard time finding a pony who teleported everywhere. A few Guard captains testified as well, about how strange fluctuations in Eventa's energy field was messing with the cameras a few days before the wedding actually took place. Twilight theorized that it was Blueblood teleporting around and setting up somewhere. Which meant they couldn't find him in Psera because he was already there at the wedding before it even started. So all of the patrols and such outside of the stadium were pretty much pointless when he was already inside.

So Summary? Blueblood used a lot of magic to get past Arcadia's portal and onto Psera, stole a few weapons, hid in Eventa, then when the time was right, fired the bolt with intention to kill. Rounding up the charges of International Trespassing, Threatening the Crown, Attempted Assassination of the Crown, Larceny of Military Weaponry, and three more. The first charge was automatically twenty years behind bars, but threatening the crown was fifty, attempted assassination was seventy, stealing military weapons was ten, and resisting arrest was a year. The others were all twenties. Making the total estimated count for prison time to be two hundred eleven years behind bars. He was never going to see Psera again. Or Equestria for that matter.

After it was all done which took an estimated two hours, Judge Berry took off his reading glasses and focused on the table where the Royalty were sitting. "Your majesties, would any of you, including our visitors like to say a word?"

Celestia and Luna glanced at each other then shook their heads. Shining Armor and Night Light answered, "No sir."

Madun was less than restricted. He stood up and said to Blueblood, "If I had caught you, you would not be sitting in that chair right now. I would gladly and proudly buck you until you could no longer move for hurting my wife and my daughter."

Blueblood harrumphed. He already had his fate judged. Life in a cell with a creepy stallion who "takes what he wants," and pretty much getting beat up. So without remorse he said, "Well not that I'm glad, but—" Arcadia cleared her throat for a moment, shushing him before he even started. Her message was clear: Don't get cocky.

Judge Berry looked between the two of them for a few seconds. There was clearly an air of hostility. He asked, "Your highness, would you like to say a few words?"

Twilight cleared her throat and stood up out of her seat. "Yes, I would." Then slowly moved for Blueblood's side of the room. Unfortunately he couldn't move right now, so he had to endure that gaze once again. By law, she was allowed to make these motions. She stopped directly in front of his table and glared down at him. Even though they were keeping Blueblood in his seat, the Guards escorting him were really tempted to just leave by the intensity she was giving off.

By chance, Gardeen glanced down at the pen on the table when it moved catching her eye. It vibrated and bounced a little as if there were a very large pod passing nearby. Along with the agenda she had and Madun's notebook. The gavel on the stand was also moving, catching the eyes of the judges before the lights in the building started flickering. "Uhh... A-Arcadia?" She whispered.

Suddenly, the room went dark and Arcadia burst into purple flames. Sharp teeth bared and angry eyes. Blueblood yelped and nearly flew out of his seat. And based on the rattling chains, would have if it weren't for them. Twilight leaned down into Blueblood's face and snarled, "Say. It."

With his chained hooves in front of his hooves, Blueblood asked, "Say what?!"

"Apologize!!"

"I'm sorry!!"

"For?!! Look me in my eyes!" Blueblood suddenly felt his hooves thrown onto the table at Arcadia's command and body pulled up to her level, gazing into face. Into her black pooled eyes, flaming with anger. Body burning with fire. She was angry.

"I'm sorry for nearly killing you and your filly!!" Blueblood screamed.

"And?!!"

"And threatening your husband!!" Queen Arcadia dropped Blueblood back down into his seat and slowly backed away. The lights slowly flickered back on showing the shocked faces of Psera. Gardeen might've been a little terrified.

Once Twilight's coat sizzled down she leaned in and said through gritted teeth, "If I wasn't in a coma, I would have gladly killed you. Shall you live through your sentencing, never test me, my family, or my country ever again. Am I CLEAR?!"

"Yes! Yes! Crystal!"

Queen Arcadia nodded and trotted back to her table, followed closely by the eyes of everyone. When she sat down in her seat, Madun slowly leaned in and whispered, "So uhhh ... Setting an example, are we?"

"This is different."

"Uh huh."

Getting the shock out of his mind, Judge Sunlight cleared her throat and continued forward. "Now that the victims have had their say, it is time to sign judgement." She picked up a sheet the jury had hoofed over earlier and read, "We, the Judging Body of Psera hereby sentence Blueblood of Equestria to two hundred one years in Lavender Hall Maximum Security Prison without parole. This trial is over." And without delay, the gavel was banged and Blueblood's sentence was applied. Ending the drama.
> Chapter 53 - To The Throne
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the trial ended and everyone was back to normal, the defensive party all turned to Queen Arcadia. But she was already packing up and bouncing out of her seat. Madun grinned and teased, "Wait, wait, sweetheart, where are you going?"

"To my filly, thank you." Once she had everything she needed, Twilight anxiously walked towards the door and out into the hall without him. "Something happened, I can feel it!" She stated. 

Madun sighed but nodded his head. "Yeah, I should get back too. Fresh Dawn will be looking for her mommy and daddy soon and if she doesn't find them her magic sort of... Goes nuts. We'd better get out of here."

Celestia nodded and rose up with the others who came to support them. Then followed the king out the door. They didn't even bother watching Blueblood be escorted out of the room and back towards the back hallway. They knew for a fact they would see him again. Not anytime soon they acknowledged, but still soon. Luna could definitely feel it.

When they stepped out, Twilight was already gone. Leave it to a mother to clear a room for her baby. While they traversed the halls that only the king and queen could travel, Celestia sighed and stated, "I'm having such a hard time coming to the terms that my precious student has fully grown up and had a filly of her own."

Night Light leaned over and commented, "You and me both."

Madun shrugged from the front and replied, "Twilight and I have been discussing having a foal for quite some time, maybe five months after we started dating." They turned to him in surprise and confusion before he clarified. "Okay well she was actually talking with Gardeen in the hall about... Intimate situations before her rule as Queen. And since my entire family line has great hearing, I accidentally picked up on the words 'I want a foal.' She tried to scoot past it once she walked in, but I decided we should talk about it while the subject was up."



Twilight was anxious. Way more than anxious. So much in fact she quickly trotted the glossy castle floors past anyone in the way for her home where her baby rests. But it was all she could do to not teleport there. Actually, why hadn't she done that?

Lighting her horn, Queen Arcadia teleported into the doorway of the home's garden and trotted past all the saluting guards. Then twisted the handle and pushed the door open.

"Meesa your mee, Fresh Dawn!!" She called. Then closed the door and listened in. She heard some filly laughter in the back, urging her to stomp her way through and nearly run her mother over in their bedroom door making her way to the front. "Sorry, mom!"

She slowed into Dawn's playroom with anxious eyes scanning everything colorful. Dawn was watching Cadance and Flurry play a game while chewing on one of her toys on her mat. Then she looked up and spotted her mother.

Dawn gasped and spread her hooves out, cheering loud and proud. This pony had her mother's coat and hair! This was her!!

"Ooooh, I missed you the entire time during the trial, my little foal!!" Twilight shouted. Then used her magic to pick up Fresh Dawn and pull her into her tight and loving embrace. Humming in satisfaction and love. Dawn made cooing baby noises and tapped her hoof against Twilight's face. "Oooh and I see you missed me too."

Dawn responded with another confused coo while Twilight turned to her family. "Thanks so much for watching her for me. Madun and I really appreciate it. Isn't that right, Dawn? Meesa Dawn mokoy malarno?" Dawn squealed and tapped her hooves together, giving Twilight the answer to her question. "I asked her if she had fun."

Cadance walked over before Twilight Velvet rushed back in with a bottle. Looking to Twilight, she blushed and asked, "Oh! Well I guess bottles are no longer needed when she can get milk from the source, huh?"

Twilight playfully glanced to the ceiling and answered, "Oh I don't know~. Dawn can do either. But it's alright. Are you hungry?" Dawn buzzed her ears with a cute face aimed at her mother. Then giggled and wiggled her hooves. "I'll take that as a no. She more than likely already ate. How about all of you? You've been here for quite a while, we can offer you something or have the chefs prepare something special."

Cadance smiled and shook her head. "No thank you, Queen Arcadia. We had whatever that chocolatey brown loaf was in your fridge."

Brown loaf? What Brown Loaf did they... Oh no. Twilight widened her eyes and asked, "Wait... Chocolate loaf?" Twilight teleported out to the kitchen for a moment. Then teleported back in with what looked like a small loaf of hard chocolate that had a few parts obviously shaved off in her magic. She positioned it in front of them and tentatively asked, "Is this what you ate?"

Twilight Velvet slowly nodded and answered, "Yes, dear. It was really good. Was that an issue?"

Twilight immediately shook her head when the front door opened. Looks like they finally caught up to her. "Well no, but uhh . . . You see, this is for Dawn."

Cadance immediately apologized. "Oh we are so sorry! We didn't realize it was baby food."

Twilight shook her head and doubled back. "No no, that's not what I meant. Oh how do I put this . . . "

While Queen Arcadia tried to figure it out, Madun walked in ahead of the rest of the family and looked around. "Well at least this room is still standing," he stated proudly. Then proceeded to nuzzle their filly reaching out to him in Arcadia's hoof. "Hey there, Sugar Plum! Uh oh, mommy's holding the loaf again~! You know what that means... Tummy trouble!!" When Madun threw his hooves into the air Fresh Dawn did too and cheered. Shining Armor chuckled and shook his head. He remembered doing something like that with Flurry Heart.

Twilight turned to him and said, "No, sweetheart, umm... She didn't eat the chocolate."

Madun took hold of Fresh Dawn then looked at the loaf. Then up to Twilight's face with a confused expression. She gestured with her eyes towards the mares. After a few seconds, Madun looked down at the loaf then to them. Back and forth, back and forth. Then he seethed through his teeth with Arcadia. "They didn't know, did they?"

"No, I forgot to tell them."

Sensing something wrong, Twilight Velvet asked worriedly, "What is it?"

Night Light and the Princesses walked in while Twilight began to explain. "Well after Dawn gets enough baby food, she starts to cry for awhile. When this first happened we took her to the pediatrician and they said that if she eats more than four times a day of semi-solid matter, she'll get... Backed up, because she's so young."

Madun stroked Fresh Dawn's smooth red mane and said, "All Psera foals go through it. So in order to get past it they give out medicine in the form of sugarless desserts. Ow!" Fresh Dawn pulled back her hoof and giggled at her father's face after poking him in the eye. "Well at least she's not disappointed."

Twilight Velvet backpedaled and said, "Wait, wait, hold on... When you say backed up do you mean..." She rubbed her stomach.

Twilight curled her lips in and slowly nodded her head. "Yes, this chocolate is made to help foals move. It's a laxative."

Twilight wasn't sure if it was fate or what, but Cadance's stomach gurgled loudly at the right time, backing up her point. All eyes shot down to it before Celestia asked, "How much did you have, Caddy?"

Cadance gulped. Then raised her hooves like she didn't know and answered nervously, "A small cake slice?"

Arcadia seethed and whispered, "Oh yeah, you guys have to go. You're supposed to eat a tiny bit. You ate enough for a whole week." Dawn tapped her hooves and cheered at something only she knew. Amusing her mother. "And just what are you cheering for, little missy?"

Dawn made a bunch of bubbling sounds and blew a Raspberry at Twilight while she anxiously started working on the portal. It was going to be a long trip to Equestria.



The night was calm and peaceful back in Psera, in Equestria, and for anyone else who needs to sleep. Unfortunately, according to the discrete sounds forcing Madun's eyes open, that didn't apply to everyone. Madun blinked and focused his eyes on the empty space previously holding Arcadia. Then glanced to the small light breaching their room from the hall.

Madun sighed and closed his eyes. He could only guess what was happening. But it was more than likely right. Only one way to find out. So he flipped the covers and silently shuffled out of bed. Then took silent steps towards the crib on Arcadia's side. Fresh Dawn was sound asleep. Barely moving really.

But her mother in the living room was up in the middle of the night studying. Again. Ever since she was given the title as Queen, Twilight's been studying hard in preparation for her first day on the throne tomorrow. Correction. Today, according to the clock above the door. It was two in the morning.

"Jeez, Twilight," he sighed. Then proceeded out the empty door into the living room.

Just like he guessed, there she was in the middle of the room on the carpet with books all over the place. What she was doing was easy to figure. Going over everything. For the fifth time. She could recite the oldest law in Old Pseratopian, yet here she was doing it again.

Madun rolled his eyes and proceeded to put his plans into action. It was quite simple to get her attention. So simple. Just reach out and swipe one of her books while she was studying. So enraptured that she'd barely hear you move.

Next she'd flick her ear, glance up, then finally realize her book was missing. Twilight lightly squealed then whipped her head around. She set the one she was currently looking at down then stood and moved around. Madun stifled a snicker when she even lifted the bookshelf with her magic. Why would it be under there?

After Twilight softly placed it back on the floor, she moved around the couch to follow her muzzle and eventually came face to hoof with Madun. Thus freezing her motions. He sighed and whispered, "Dear, it's two in the morning. Come back to bed."

Stifling a grunt of annoyance, Twilight stood back up straight. There's her book. Being held prisoner in Madun's hoof while he himself was staring at her unamused. Using her magic, she teleported the book out of his hold and back to the pile on the floor. Then whispered, "I can't, I have to—"

"Study, I know. Look, you have this in the bag. You surprisingly know the laws of Psera more than Old Judge Crew, let alone need to worry about an old law no one breaks anymore. You got this, Twilight."

Twilight took a deep breath and looked back to the floor full of books. It was just a big mess to others but it was her way of saying, "I'm studying." But Madun had a point. She knew the laws of Psera way more than expected of her. Yet here she was digging through a whole bunch of more laws. Including ones that had already been applied to with an amendment that he could make out with a small glance.

Coming to a conclusion, Twilight replied sadly, "Yeah, you're probably right. I should get some rest."

Madun smiled but knew something was up. Twilight wasn't really good at keeping secrets away from him. "Hey, what's wrong? Come on, have a seat." He used his head to nudge Twilight back towards and onto the couch. Then took a seat next to her after fighting his way through all the books on the floor. "I can tell you're worried, but there's obviously more to it than that."

Twilight nodded and trained her eyes on the photos lining the fireplace across. Sometime between the trial and now, Twilight had placed spells on the walls that enabled the outside world to be seen from inside. Like a window made of magic. They could see outside at all of Psera from their current floor, but no one could see in. Live. "I'm just ... Worried about my first day. I'm a Queen, sweetheart. Do you know what that implies?" Madun was about to deadpan his answer when she added, "A foreign Queen. This is huge."

Madun sighed and said, "I understand dear. But you're more than ready."

"I know, but if I make a single mistake I may face bad backlash. Because I wasn't born in Psera. I was born in Equestria. I can already see the headlines."

"Well don't think about the headlines. You're thinking about all the bad things, sweetheart. Don't think about those. Think about how successful you'll be on that throne and managing the greatest country in the world. And because of you, Psera will continue to prosper. You managed to organize and rebuild this country from the literal dirt, what are you afraid of? Even if someone out there doesn't like you, that's just a few ponies compared to how many that do. So just have confidence, sit on the throne, and be yourself. Okay? You got this."

Twilight sighed and nodded. Madun was right. The might of Psera was behind her. Even if she messed up Madun would more than likely help her. There was nothing to be afraid of. Taking a deep breath, Twilight sighed and nodded. "You're right. I got this. This is my big day and I'm more than prepared, I got this."

"There's my wife." He leaned in and nuzzled Twilight's neck at that place she liked. Then pulled back and motioned to the room. "Make sure you get some sleep though, okay? Psera doesn't want their Queen tired before they even take the throne on their first day."

Twilight nodded and said, "I'll be there soon. How's Dawn?"

"Sleeping like a filly. I'll meet you there." Madun stood up and made his way back to the room, leaving Twilight to her books. Looking at them now, she realized that she may have overdid it a bit. There were stacks of texts on the floor alongside notebooks, pens, the works.

Twilight sighed and got to work cleaning up. She shaved off two hours of sleep already and had to make them up. Like Madun said, Psera didn't need a quiet queen.


~✶~


When the sun rose and basked its morning glow on the countries and such around the world, so did Arcadia and Madun. And surprisingly Fresh Dawn. They never would have woke up at six if it weren't for her whines hitting their ears. Like a flash, Twilight was up.

She snapped her eyes open and teleported with a snap to Dawn's crib, shocking her husband awake. The crack that comes from her spell was much louder up close. While Madun tried to get his bearings, Twilight was peering down with tired eyes on Fresh Dawn's contorting face. "Uh oh, I smell a dirty diaper! Time for a change, Veola!" While Fresh Dawn's whines calmed down, Twilight went to work removing the diaper and cleaning her up.

Madun meanwhile groaned dejected and slid out from underneath the covers onto the bedroom floor to stretch. Sleep was no longer available. Time for the next best thing. "Whooo, how do you do that? Good morning, baby."

"Good morning, and do what?" Twilight used her magic to grab a new diaper and slipped it on Dawn's bottom.

Madun yawned and dodged something floating past his head. "Well get up at the stomp of a hoof like that and still be excitable for one." He looked down into the crib and nuzzled Fresh Dawn while she was getting changed. "And two still look good even with a bedhead." Twilight playfully whipped him with her tail while he nuzzled her. Then focused once more on Fresh Dawn. "Have you ever thought about... How Fresh Dawn is an Alicorn? I mean according to Celestia being born an Alicorn is really rare in Equestria. The only instance it has ever happened was for your niece."

Once Fresh Dawn was in her diaper, Twilight picked her up with her hooves and held her to her chest. Then turned to Madun and answered, "Oh yes, plenty of times. But since there was nothing I could really do about it, I just let it be. But it was a struggle. I mean Fresh Dawn is the first Alicorn-Pseratep according to record. I have so many questions and I can't answer them all without resorting to the Canterlot Archives for past information and comparing them for current knowledge about Alicorn physiology. As much as I would like to get more research in, I just want my daughter to be happy."

The door to the room squeaked open before an obnoxious voice decreed, "Uh oh, someone's going all egghead again."

That voice. That itchy rough and annoying voice this early! Madun whirled around and asked, "Merry, how did you get in here? And why?"

Merry stopped strolling into the room and pointed behind her with a look. "Uhhh... The door? I'm here to dress the Queen up in her new garb!"

Arcadia sighed and turned around to face Merry. She was already tugging in a bunch of clothes with a tongue hanging out her mouth. Desperately trying to squeeze it all through the tight doorway. Arcadia shared an unsure look with Madun and said, "Uhhh, M-Merry? I was thinking that I'd just wear something from the closet today."

Merry had the unfortunate opportunity of slipping and falling backwards at that bit of news. Arcadia and Madun flinched, but Fresh Dawn laughed. On the floor, she desperately yelled, "Wait, what?! Come on, Queen—"

Arcadia held up her hoof, silencing her. Then added, "It's not that I don't appreciate your designs and help, but I already have a full closet with just your clothes. I think I have way more than more enough. As well as my own from my Equestria friends. So I'll have to decline this one, Merry."

Merry jumped up and coalesced, "Okay, I understand. Oh by the way, I'm not alone."

"What?"

Merry was about to answer the question, but somepony just had to walk right into the room and look around. Twilight Velvet locked eyes with Twilight and asked, "Am I too early?"

Fresh Dawn cooed at her voice, but Twilight was a bit more forward. "Mom, you have to stay out unless I say it's okay for you to come in. Are the Guards not doing their jobs?"

"Oh dear, Merry let me in." All eyes trained on Merry for a moment. Her frown immediately shot up into a smile, convincing them of innocence. Well except Madun.

Madun pointed to Merry and ordered, "You? Out. Now. Guards, escort Merry and her clothes out, please!" Less than three seconds later, two Elite Guards rushed in and pulled her out before she could even say anything. Instead her voice was heard outside the door before Twilight used her magic to shut it.

Then they trained their eyes on Twilight Velvet. Twilight glanced up at Madun. Then looked back into her mother's lively innocent eyes. Genuinely curious, she asked, "Uhhh... Why are you here early, mom?"

Twilight Velvet smiled and said, "I wanted to spend time with my little filly before she took her first day on the throne. Officially taking her place as Queen."

Twilight nervously chuckled and adjusted Dawn in her hold. "Well, I was officially sworn in a few weeks ago, making me Queen then, but I guess everypony has their own definition. Umm, I actually haven't fed Dawn first, so..."

Twilight Velvet brushed that off with a wave of her hoof and said, "Oh don't worry sweetheart, we're both mares. Besides, I've seen what you looked like when you were a filly."

Twilight sighed inside her head and bargained, "Mom, at least wait in the living room with Madun. This is very personal to me and Dawn."

Twilight Velvet smiled and relented with a literal turn around of her body. "Oh alright. I'll leave you and Fresh Dawn to your alone time together." Then pranced out, leaving Madun with his family for a moment. All he had to do was look at Twilight and she knew what he was thinking.

Walking towards the bed, she smiled and said, "Be nice, she's just really excited."

Madun grumbled and moved for the door while she hopped onto the comforter and adjusted herself for Dawn's feeding. "You know I'm not a fan of in-laws, sweetheart."

Twilight giggled and lifted a wing. Then calmly pushed Fresh Dawn to her exposed undercarriage. Once she was, she lowered her wing and shielded her from view. "I know, but just make sure you get to understand mom first. You'll—oohh, there she goes. You'll see. Now go. Get out. Shoo." Using her magic, Twilight playfully opened the door and pushed Madun out. Then closed it back. Breastfeeding was a sacred bond between mother and foal after all. No one else but them.

After Dawn had her breakfast, Twilight walked into the living room and was quite surprised to see Madun and her mother having an important conversation of some sort around some Equestrian legacy involving herself. Twilight wasn't entirely listening, but she did hear something about King Sombra in it. She definitely got it from Princess Cadance.

The conversation shifted over from "King Sombra" to "Little Dawn" when Twilight set her in her grandmother's hooves so she and Madun could get ready. It didn't take them long. Of course a thorough wash was needed for them. Then Fresh Dawn shortly after, leaving Twilight Velvet to her devices in the cozy home of the King and Queen. The others decided not to come to allow Twilight her space.

But Velvet knew her daughter. If somepony wasn't around her that she was entirely comfortable around, she would freak out, fret, and do a no-show because she was too busy hiding under her bed. So she volunteered herself, and was not stoic in Twilight's look. When she walked out with little Dawn in her hold, Twilight Velvet squealed and skipped over to the hallway. Up to her daughter wearing a piece-by-piece purple dress with golden edges, golden hoofshoes, and the crown that let others know of her status. As Queen Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle of Psera wearing lip gloss.

"Oohh, look at you~!" She fawned.

She calmly wrapped her hooves around Twilight's neck and pulled her into a hug while Twilight giggled in glee. Genuinely excited, she pulled away and did a tiny dance. "I know! Oh, do you think the gloss is too much?"

Twilight Velvet shook her head and answered, "No eyeshadow, no eyeliner, and you're okay. When do you take the throne?"

Twilight walked over to her library with Dawn and answered, "Fifteen minutes. I need my notes, I need my journal, I need my—"

"You need to calm down, is what you need." Madun walked up to Twilight and used his large body to keep her away from the library, and used his wing to direct her back to the couch. "What did I tell you this morning, you got this. This is your land and your ponies. If they didn't believe in you, they wouldn't have made you Queen. Trust me, I've lived with them for years."

"Okay, okay!" Arcadia shuffled away from Madun before Dawn cried out in her hooves. She looked down and asked, "Moro, Dawn? Kala chee tara toy?"

Dawn made an "uh" sound at the clock ticking away on the wall. Then pointed at it and cheered, directing Twilight's attention to it. And Madun's. They gasped once they realized the time. They had seven minutes!! Did time seriously past that fast? "Oh no!" Twilight yelled. "I'm going to be late—We're going to be late! Mom, since you're here—"

Twilight Velvet didn't even let her finish. Right when she said "Mom," Twilight Velvet was already prepared. She walked towards the kitchen and said, "Of course I'll watch her for you! When will you be back?"

Madun and Twilight walked towards the door while Madun answered, "Twilight will be back by six this afternoon, I'll be back by seven. Thank you so much. Meesa me, Dawn!" Dawn cheered and blew a raspberry while clapping her hooves together. Then everything turned into business.

Arcadia used her magic to pull the door open, revealing their entourage. A line of guards were waiting patiently on the other side wearing different variations of their signature armor. Arcadia's purple, and Madun's orange-red. Stoic as always. Secretary Gardeen was standing in the far back checking the watch she had on her right hoof. They were nearing that time. The special moment Twilight had been waiting for. Once they stepped out of the threshold of their home, the Guards and Gardeen bowed their way.

Madun greeted, "Good morning, everyone."

Arcadia smiled and ordered, "Please rise. How much time do we have?"

Gardeen checked her watch and answered, "Six minutes, your highness."

"Then let's get a move on."


~✶~


All was quiet as the Castle of the Gods was traversed by the King and Queen. Arcadia's violet veil shrouded her face. The rings attached to her horn shimmered with gold, born from the great land underneath their hooves.

Arcadia was Queen, Madun was King, Fresh Veola Dawn was the Princess. The first hybrid family on Psera. Queen Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle, the first foreign Queen on Psera, as well as the bringer of magic. The Saviour of Psera... There were so many titles Arcadia couldn't keep up with them all. So many experiences that would be treasured in her lifetime. Of course being shot with an arrow wasn't on the list. This upcoming memory was going to be added.

Gardeen leaned over to her from Arcadia's right and asked, "Nervous jitters?"

Arcadia smiled and answered, "Trying not to think about it. I'm nervous but... Psera made me Queen for a reason. To lead and protect them. And that is what I am going to do."

"Psera will be glad to hear that." Their hoofsteps led them to the elevators that opened when they arrived. Bright lights on the inside with a reflective roof and marble floors. Wooden walls. Four of their Guards stayed outside leaving two to go up one floor with them.

While the doors shut, Arcadia adjusted her dress using her magic and whispered, "How does the third floor look?"

A Guard answered from the front, "Pretty busy, your highness. The third floor is from the first floor."

While the elevator slowed Madun added, "Everypony's going to want a request from Queen Arcadia Nova. So I'm probably going to just watch and point out things."

When the elevator stopped Arcadia turned to Madun and inquired, "You're not doing anything?"

"They're more than likely going to see you before they see me. Everyone has already spoken to me. I'll probably be needed in meeting today than anything else."

No matter how true that was, Arcadia nuzzled Madun when the door opened and said, "Well I may need your help sometime. So keep your eye on me."

"Definitely." Madun and Twilight walked out the elevator and made their way across the hall towards the Throne Room's secure rear entrance. And stopped.

This was it. The beginning of her new life as Queen of Psera. Co-ruler of the greatest nation in the known world. The nation that saved another. Celestia vowed herself their kindness will be met with their own. Arcadia wouldn't doubt it.

A wing of warmth draped over her back. Moving her thoughts from the future to the Present once more. Madun smiled and whispered, "Are you ready... Queen Arcadia?"

"...I am. Let's move forward. Together."
> A New Start... A New Ending(Epilogue)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been five months since Twilight "Arcadia Nova" Sparkle took the throne nearly five hundred miles away west in Psera, the land of Pegasi. Three months since the green of Equestria started to shine again. Three weeks without a word from Celestia's favorite pony. The same one sitting in a picture frame on the edge of her sunlit desk.

Court hadn't begun yet, allowing Princess Celestia the ample time to prepare and go over what she didn't last night. Today was Thursday, the second busiest court date of the week. Ponies tended to put off important things until the last minute, leaving her with lines in the halls. But the castle doors were shut. And so was her office.

A timid hoof knocked politely on her door's opposite side, ripping her thoughts away from today's future and back to the present. "Enter!" She bellowed.

The door was pushed open by a Guard who bowed her way. "You have a request your highness," he said.

"A request?" Celestia rarely receives requests. Most of the time they're just demands. And if not that then comments. She stood up from behind her desk and made her way to the door with a steeled face. "From whom?"

"The nation of Psera. Queen Arcadia Nova wishes to speak with you at your earliest convenience, today if possible. A representative stopped by and delivered this message." The guard reached underneath his wing and held out an envelope with his teeth.

Celestia grabbed it with her magic and pulled it up to her face. It was just a standard envelope like they have here. Just with a golden outline. She ripped open the side of the envelope and slipped out the letter quizzically. Then unfolded and read it to herself. "Alright... Okay... I'm available right now. Is the portal still open?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Lead the way, please."


~✶~


The Castle of the Gods was mum. Her large halls deserted save for the Elite Guards doing patrols on all floors and standing stoically. No business was happening today. Not much anyway. Today was a much calmer day. Madun had a meeting with an organization in Lavender, and Arcadia had some work she needed to catch up on in her new office.

The COTG held so many rooms that a small percentage of them were abandoned. So many to choose from but only one held what Queen Arcadia needed. There was an older room behind the throne room she decided to put to good use. Big enough to hold all of her books and a garden in the front. The entrance to the room was sealed by two tall violet-painted wooden doors embossed with her cutie mark. Beyond that was her office. A room practically filled with pure magic.

The hard floors were replaced with the greenest grass. The chairs in front of her desk were huge mushrooms with small stems. Vines crawled up from the grass and onto the many bookcases making up the room. And an artificial sun rotated in the middle of it all. The sunlight basked the form of Twilight into a much brighter color of violet.

Her eyes were trained on the document in front of her, reading one out of the stack of reports on the left side of her desk. It was the same size as the stack of finished documents on the right. Three inches high. She had to focus. She had to concentrate. She had to... See what the tiny hoof poking at the back of her right rear hoof wanted.

Arcadia smiled and used her magic to pick Fresh Dawn up and bring her into sight. She wasn't really used to magic yet. So she started wiggling her hooves around in her little diaper and calling out, "Wah!! Waah, waah!"

Arcadia giggled and levitated her into her hooves while her magic grabbed the pen she was holding previously. She signed her name along the bottom of the bar and printed it. Then shot the document over to the right and sat Fresh Dawn on her desk to stare into her violet eyes. Fresh Dawn delivered a toothless smile and tried to stand. But her hooves weren't exactly ready for standing yet. So she could only crawl forward and place her hooves on her mother's face.

Arcadia smiled and nuzzled her belly to light push her on her back. Then blew a raspberry into it, making her squeal in laughter. "Who's my filly? Huh? Is it you?"

Fresh Dawn squealed through another raspberry. Then used her rear hooves to push her mother's muzzle away. Twilight still could hardly believe she got her most wanted wish. A filly with the pony she loved the most. Fresh Dawn was her pride and joy. Already trying to stand on her own. Yeah not going to happen just yet. Continue to crawl, my filly. You're not ready to step into life on your own yet.

Arcadia used her magic to pull her close to her chest and hold her when the door was knocked upon. Clearing her throat she ordered, "Enter! Who could that be, huh?" She nuzzled Dawn's mane while the filly poked at her chin.

It was pushed open by a single mare secretary who bowed her way. "Princess Celestia is here to see you, Queen Arcadia."

"Send her in." Twilight made a mental note to get the secretaries communication devices at their assigned spots to save them time. Walking up here from the first floor must have been taxing.

The Secretary bowed and moved to the side, allowing Princess Celestia in. Then closed the doors back when she was. The moment she spotted her, Fresh Dawn pointed and cheered loud and proud. Celestia approached one of the mushrooms with a genuine smile. "She's excited to see me," she assumed.

Arcadia stood up and walked around the desk with Dawn in a hoof. Smiling, she replied, "She hasn't seen you in a while. It's been a bit of time since we've seen each other. Let alone Dawn. How are you, Celestia?"

They shared a hug and kisses on the cheeks before she replied. "Oh, same ol', same ol', Queen Arcadia. I trust your first day as Queen was pleasant?"

Pleasant? Puh. Arcadia raised Dawn up so Celestia could grab her like Dawn desperately wanted. Then walked back behind her desk answering, "I was nervous. So much that I was studying like a mad mare the night before. Madun reassured me and I did fairly well. I kept my smile up, despite sitting on the throne for many hours. Tomorrow I have to head to the lab for some diagnostic work. Then back to the throne room. Now..."

Arcadia sat down in her seat and cast the room in a one-way spell. No noise would escape it. All of it would be contained. She crossed her hooves on top of the desk and got serious. "About why I called you here. Primarily speaking about your recent shortage."

Celestia nodded gracefully while Fresh Dawn played with her flowing mane. She stated, "I figured that's what you wanted to talk about. Otherwise you would have sent for me in the afternoon."

"Correct. So my labs have their theories about how it happened. A chemical was released into the air and caused the eradication of metals not safely stored away. Well I have my own. Magic."

Celestia was clearly confused. She smoothed Fresh Dawn's mane and repeated, "Magic? As in somepony... Cursed our metals?"

Twilight's nod confirmed it. "Yes. As in somepony made your metals... Rust to pieces. S3 was right about one thing. Something was released into the air. But it wasn't a chemical. It was magic. In the past few months, I went over the recorded history of Equestria's chemical compounds. There's not a chemical in Equestria that can eat through metal like that alone. They would have to be boosted through magic. Which means..."

"It was deliberate," Celestia muttered. Her eyes were wide with realization. "So... The entirety of Equestria was targeted."

"Yes. But whatever spell they used was a big one that covered the land for miles around. The spell is certainly draining, it would take a while for them to strike again. I'm not sure how long since I have no idea what spell was used, but just to be safe, keep an eye out on everything that you believe may be suspicious. Whoever they were was strong enough to use a single spell to rust your metals at a quick pace. Let alone without revealing themselves. They're powerful and intelligent."

Celestia hummed and looked down into Fresh Dawn's wondrous eyes. "What do you think I should do?"

Fresh Dawn stared at her for a moment with no idea what she was saying. Therefore her innocence took over. She called out, "Muuuuhhhh!" Then stuck her hoof in her mouth.

Celestia smiled with Twilight and reduced her decision, "She said, 'relax and watch.' Great decision!"

Twilight giggled and stated, "Madun and I are waiting for the day when she lets out her first word. And... We made a bet on what she'd say."

Celestia smirked and reluctantly asked, "What exactly was this bet's outcome?"

Arcadia waved her over and leaned in to whisper something in her ear. As time progressed, Celestia's eyes widened and she grew a blush. Then darted back and teased, "O-Oh! How unladylike of you, Queen Arcadia. What would Rarity say?" At her shrug the two of them laughed. Fresh Dawn didn't get it, so she just started crying. "Uh oh! Here you go, Twilight."

Arcadia used her magic to pull Fresh Dawn out of Celestia's hooves into her own. Then pulled her up against her chest so she could start making her bed. She immediately quieted down and began the process of brushing her face up against Arcadia's fur to puff it up. But that didn't deter the seriousness of the conversation

"Is there any notable things happening overseas?" Arcadia inquired. Being in the know about issues other than Psera's was Twilight's niche.

Celestia hummed and answered, "Well... We're expecting an inquiry from the other nations. During the shortage we sent out letters to others asking for assistance and received nothing."

"Yes, Mount Aris is not abundant in metal that actually supports the lifestyle of Equestria. And Saddle Arabia is mostly stone. They use more conservative materials. Wood and rock." Arcadia stood up with a sleeping Fresh Dawn. Celestia mirrored her stance and proceeded for the door with her. "The day they use steel is the day the world goes boom."

Using her magic, Arcadia pushed the doors open for them and proceeded out into the halls. The Guards closed their doors behind them and watched them depart, but did not follow. A rather significant change among Psera's security force.

Celestia sighed and observed the humongous halls of her castle. Fresh Dawn was oblivious to the life she had inherited when she was born. Sleeping innocently in Arcadia's hoof.

She was led upstairs when Arcadia said, "Apart from Molten's view, this Castle has amazing sweet spots. Great views of Psera. I'll show you." At the top of the stairs were a pair of doors bearing Queen Arcadia's cutie mark. Using her magic, she pushed them open and let in the light of the sun and Psera's majesty.

Arcadia walked out onto the castle's roof and let the sun bathe her and her party's body in light and heat. It stirred Dawn lightly but she didn't wake. As a matter of fact, she still snored. Celestia and Twilight approached the stone ledge and took a seat. They stared upon the grand and futuristic land around them swimming in gold and technology. One of the skyscrapers had one whole side of the building running with an animated advertisement. Something about the sky or whatever.

Celestia used her wing and pulled Arcadia into a light hug. Then nuzzled her cheek, expressing much love and gratitude. "I am very proud of you, my student," she whispered.

Twilight glanced at her in the left corner of her eye and smiled in pride. This wasn't the first time Celestia said she was proud of her in a lifetime. As a matter of fact, she was sure this was around the twentieth time.

But those words held a new meaning this moment. Unlike the other times when Twilight unlocked a spell, figured out an extremely challenging issue or saved Equestria, this was by far the biggest. Not only did she save Equestria this time around. But she restored a continent many times larger than their own, became the go-to pony in a land without magic, defended its shores, found her first true love, and had a filly. All in a year and a half.

The pride here was momentous.

Arcadia leaned over and nuzzled Princess Celestia's chest in return. "Thank you," she whispered. Then the two shared a hug with Fresh Dawn in between them. Being hugged by the Legendary Queen Arcadia Nova was the equivalent of being hugged by—in the eyes of a Pseratep—a god. Like you were being hugged by Narmeelah.

"Mama!" Arcadia and Celestia's eyes flew open at the voice. Did she... Arcadia pulled back and hefted Dawn up to face her. She was sucking on her hoof and kicking her rears but her eyes were on her mother's.

Arcadia whispered, "Mala Markeeno, Dawn?"

Dawn pulled her hoof out of her mouth and repeated, "Mama! Mama!"

Her first word. Fresh Veola Dawn just spoke her first words! Arcadia squealed in glee and planted kisses all over her daughter's face. "Ohhh, my baby's first word was mama!! Ohhh, I'm so proud of you sweetheart!"

"Mamamamamamama!" Twilight pulled her in and nuzzled Dawn's head of red hair.

"Oh wait until your father hears of this! You just spoke your first word! Did you hear her, Celestia? My baby's first word, my baby's first word was momma!"

Celestia was grinning too. She's seen a lot in her lifetime. But the pride of a mother after her daughter's first words was a beautiful sight. Celestia nodded greatly and answered, "Yes, I did! Oh, great job, Dawn! What are you going to say next?"

"Bubba, momma, bubba!"

Twilight was literally skipping in place at the moment. "Ohhh, wait until you start walking on your own! Grandma is going to shower you with presents, both of them."

"Bubba bubba bah!"

After a moment of glee, Arcadia calmed down and lightly pulled Dawn back in. By instinct, she wrapped her tiny innocent hooves around Arcadia's neck and held on tight. "I'm proud of you, baby. What are you going to do next? Save the world?"