//------------------------------// // Confusion // Story: Breaking Free // by Nrdygrl //------------------------------// Chapter Thirteen "Confusion" Tears didn't fall from her eyes at Dream Catcher's funeral. Celestia knew she had shed all of them already. The pain was still tearing her apart inside, but as weeks went by, she managed to cope with life without him. She knew Discord was trying his very best to make sure she was doing all right. However, whenever the questions would arise of what exactly happened at Stargaze Peak, he never wanted to talk about it. Whatever happened was surely something that he wished to forget. She would see terror growing in his eyes whenever she asked about it. As more time passed, Celestia managed to gain bits and pieces of what happened. Dream slipped and fell to his death. She had gathered that much. Discord had regained his memories because a rock hit him in the head. How, he wouldn't tell her. As painful as she knew it would be to hear, Celestia wanted to hear the whole story. She couldn't even imagine why Discord kept most of it from her. The possibilities of what she thought might’ve happened scared her. She could only imagine the worst. To make matters worse, rumors spread throughout Canterlot. It wasn't just the school-fillies whispering this time. It was everypony. And the gossip was all about Discord. As time went by, Celestia knew the other ponies' theory. And it was too dark for her taste. Dream's death was not an accident. To them, it seemed a bit suspicious that Discord and Dream were meeting at the peak. Considering everypony knew of the lovesick draconequus’s feelings toward the princess and his slight rivalry with Dream, the conspiracy theories unfolded in Canterlot. Celestia tried her very best to avoid the gossip and stay focused on her studies, as she felt it would fade away in time. She was mainly interested in magic and what it could do. Sage Clover taught her many more spells and her mother stopped assisting her with the sun duties. Celestia found she was growing much stronger. Raising and lowering the grand morning star was effortless. When summer came again, she spent most of her precious free time with Discord, sometimes with Luna as well. The summer months seemed to fly by once again. However, as the leaves on the trees turned beautiful, warm shades of red, orange, and yellow, the talk amongst the other ponies never seemed to cease. Even though she attempted to keep herself preoccupied with different activities, it wasn’t long before she just couldn’t ignore it any more. There was something else she found she couldn’t ignore either. The incident in the hospital room when Discord almost died never left her mind. She constantly thought of that moment…of what she said. Of what she did. And her heart grew even more conflicted, confused, and troubled. One particular day, Celestia found she couldn’t concentrate on her magic studies. Clover told her she needed to pull herself away from it for the rest of the day and week. She walked down the streets of Canterlot, eyeing the buildings that she passed. There were grand libraries, observatories, schools, and shops. Ponies of all kinds scurried around the town. Some of them paused to bow their heads at her. She would smile and nod sometimes. Other times, she would be too lost in her thoughts to respond. As she walked further toward the castle, a gentle gust of wind blew her hair around behind her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the gray and brown figure of Discord materialize there. He merrily greeted her and sighed. “What?” she said chuckling at him as she fought to keep her curls out of her face. “Oh, nothing!” he said crossing his arms. He turned his head and glanced over at a few other ponies. Their heads were turned toward each other and they were constantly glancing over their shoulder at them as they whispered away. Discord’s eyes narrowed and he sighed wearily. “Umm…do you want to go to the lake?” Celestia asked quietly. Discord shook his head in response and his ears drooped. There was a short silence and the ponies scampered off. “I’ll just…uh…” he said glancing off in a different direction. “I’ll see you later, Celestia.” Celestia nodded and he quickly left her by herself. Then, the realization hit her. This was going too far. The gossip. The talk. The humiliation. It had to end. How, though? She couldn’t single-hoofedly take care of this herself. She had to take this up with her parents. She entered the castle and walked down several corridors one-mindedly. Were her parents still in a political meeting at this hour? She didn’t care. This was important too. Besides, she had always wanted to sit through those important meetings one day. She approached the big doors leading to the private room where important meetings or plans for battle took place. “Hello, Princess,” said one of the two guards in front of it. “Hello. I’d like to go in, please,” said Celestia anxiously. “Oh. Well…uhh…” said the other guard nervously. He glanced at the other one for help. “Your parents are in a private meeting with the Sages, Princess,” the other replied. “It’s a closed meeting….” “I know, but I’d like to go inside. There’s something important I hope to discuss with them,” Celestia replied impatiently. The guards shifted around nervously. “Am I your princess or aren’t I?” she said sighing, trying to be polite. She almost never exercised her power over the guards, but in a case like this, she felt like it was her duty to Discord to solve this issue. And that meant tackling it right now. Right here. Head on. No matter what she had to do. That statement made the guards instantly nod to her and slide to sides of the doors to let her in. She gently pushed the door open with her hoof and walked inside the room. The creaking of the big doors alerted the ponies in the room. They all glanced up from what they were doing and stared at her as she walked in. A pang of guilt suddenly overcame Celestia as she sheepishly entered the room. She figured they were irritated at her for interrupting them. However, much to her surprise, her father smiled at her welcomingly. “Oh, hello, Tia,” he said gently. “Come to sit in on the meeting?” “I…” Celestia replied nervously. She had never been so nervous speaking to her father. However, when he appeared in such a kingly position as now, it was a bit intimidating. “I wish to talk to you about something.” “Oh, of course, dear…but…” King Orion replied looking around the room. “Can it wait a bit?” Celestia fidgeted and nodded reluctantly. She sighed and turned to leave. “Stay if you want, Tia,” her mother said cheerfully. “I know you always talk about how interested you are in these things.” Celestia smiled a little and walked over to a seat right by her parents. Then, for the next few minutes, she listened to everything her parents and the Sages discussed. The topics seemed to run together, and in the end she wasn’t sure of who said what. However, at the time, it was quite boring…especially when she wasn’t even sure of what they were talking about half the time. "What new information do we have on the zebras?" "It appears they have come in from the southern lands, near the Everfree forest. Little is known about them...mostly stories." "What sort of stories?" "Some say they can perform strange incantations. Voodoo, some say." "Hm...witch doctors? Sorcerers? Too dark for comfort. We should not trust them." "Some have seen them coming and going from the Everfree. There are many dark, mysterious things there...creatures, plants. Perhaps they feel at home there." "Hopefully more so than they do here." "Keep an eye on them. However, we cannot jump to conclusions about anything." "Agreed. What's next?" "Ah...it would seem...after so many years, the water and fire dragons of the northern mountains have finally made peace." (See A/N #1) "Huh! I should think it won't last too long..." "I certainly never thought I'd see the day." "Hard to believe...yes. However, they seem serious about it." "If they are...it will be refreshing to someday see a water and fire dragon working together. Perhaps hatred has died away in them as well." "We can hope!" "Speaking of that...it appears that the gem dragons have become very useful. Star Swirl has taught us a ‘Fireline’ spell. We write a note and it will be sent through the magic fire of a gem dragon. Quite an easy and convenient method, I say!" "Brilliant! That will go a long way!" “A couple more things: the griffon colonies have made great progress in the eastern regions. And the wild buffalo herds are keeping their distance from us in the…western desert. They seem peaceful.” “Good,” King Orion said nodding and smiling. “All seems to be going rather well. The stars have kept great correspondence with me. They are also twinkling brightly with happiness and harmony. There is peace in Equestria. I’d say…this meeting is adjourned.” The Sages nodded to him, got up, and left the room. The king and queen turned to Celestia. “Now, my Tia…this meeting is underway,” said Orion smiling. “What is it you wanted to talk to us about?” “Well…it’s about Discord…” said Celestia , taking a deep breath. If she had been smarter, she would’ve planned what she wanted to say ahead of time while everypony was still talking. She paused a few seconds to think about the proper way to explain it. “After Dream Catcher…” Her voice trailed off and she hung her head a little. Her parents tilted their heads and their eyes grew soft with sympathy at the sudden wave of sadness that came over her due to the mention of his name. “Well…nopony knows what happened at Stargaze Peak except Discord. But…there has been talk in the town. Gossip. Hateful, glaring eyes. They think Dream’s death wasn’t an accident…and that Discord was responsible…and that I was cheating…and…and…” Celestia huffed in frustration and shook her head. “It isn’t fair!” She felt a bit like a little filly for saying that, but it was true. It wasn’t fair. The king and queen didn’t say anything but just nodded in understanding. “Have…have you heard the talk?” Celestia asked calmly. “We’ve heard some things, yes…” Solina replied quietly. “And we are not happy about what we are hearing,” said Orion. “This is not only concerning Discord but you as well.” Celestia nodded slowly. It was true, though she felt her friend was more important than she was at the moment. She was being made out as unfaithful to Dream before he died. What did the subjects see her as now? It painted a totally different picture of her. “It’s gone too far now,” said Solina narrowing her eyes. “It has to stop.” “That’s why I’m here…” Celestia replied quietly. “This is the issue, Tia…” Orion said slowly. “Please don’t take this the wrong way. But…referring to what happened at the peak…we really don’t know what to believe at this point.” Celestia’s eyes grew wide. “What are you saying?!” she said in surprise. “That you…you…believe the theories?!” “Celestia, please…” said Orion patiently. “Just hear me out. We all love Discord. I think it highly unlikely he’d ever do anything intentionally to hurt Dream. But…just suppose for a moment…he snapped again. He had contained his power much more than before. Just think about it. Until he tells us what truly happened…we really can’t be sure of anything at this point.” “But…” said Celestia standing up. “He wouldn’t! How could you say that? And how could you even consider the theories of a bunch of ignorant fools who don’t know him like we do?!” Orion sighed and looked down. “Tia…we really just need Discord to tell us the whole story from beginning to end. It would bring a lot of closure. We could find a way to solve this problem and make things right again,” her mother said gently. “It’s so painful for him to talk about…” said Celestia sighing. “Why make him do that? That would not be fair of you! You…you don’t even give him the benefit of a doubt.” Strange feelings of doubt and fear entered Celestia as she spoke. What if. What if it were true? What if something did happen at the peak that Discord would never tell her because it was he who caused it? Was that why there were no answers? Were hunches correct? Could the other ponies be smarter than they appeared? No. It couldn’t be. How could she think this way?! Was this how her parents were thinking at this point? It was probably unavoidable, but all the same, she wanted to beat herself up for thinking such things in this moment. He was her friend. He was also kin of Chaos. She very well knew there was a definite darkness inside him, but there was good too. And all she had always known was his good heart. She shook her head and looked at her parents in a look of disgust and anger. “Shame on you…” she said gruffly before she left the room. She scurried down the hall as fast as she could. She knew she shouldn’t have said that and would most likely be punished for it, but it was almost necessary. She was saying it not only to her parents, but to herself. Friendship wasn’t easy, but it had to be fought for. She couldn’t doubt her friend. No matter what he was capable of. She knew him. She did. As she trotted down the corridors, not going in any particular direction, she almost ran into a certain purple alicorn who was prancing spiritedly along, not bothering to look where she was going, as her eyes were fixated on Discord who was walking beside her. “Ooof! Oh…hehe…sorry, Tia,” Luna exclaimed sheepishly. “What are you doing up, Luna?” Celestia asked seriously. “It’s late afternoon.” “I couldn’t sleep,” said Luna annoyed. “So…I got up and found Discord because you had disappeared somewhere.” “I was in an important meeting with mother and father, thank you,” said Celestia huffily. She was still on-edge. “You all right?” Discord asked cocking his head. “Yes…I’m just…uh….” Celestia replied sighing. Then, she told him and Luna what was happening and what the king and queen wanted of him. “This talk needs to end now, Dis,” she said calmly. “Everywhere we go…whenever we’re together…there’s always ponies talking. I wish it could go away…” “So do I,” he replied sighing. His ears drooped again and he looked down sadly. “I’ll talk to your parents. I’ll tell them everything.” “You don’t have to!” said Celestia surprised. “I know you don’t want to. I told them that they shouldn’t ask something like that of you.” “No, I want to,” he said quickly leaving the room in a one-minded state. There was nothing she could say against this. She sighed and glanced at Luna. “He’s very brave isn’t he?” said Luna smiling. “I can’t believe he’s really going to talk to them,” said Celestia nervously. “Maybe everything will get better now,” said Luna hopefully. She paused and looked intently at her sister. “Tia…” She gazed harder into her eyes. Celestia stared back quizzically. Just then, Luna’s face brightened and she grinned. “Aw…! You really, really LOVE-love him! You do, don’t you?! Just like at the hospital…when you admitted it.” She squealed and jumped up and down. Celestia looked at the ground and shifted around nervously. She had never really come to terms with her feelings. They were too confusing. In this moment, she felt the sharp prickle of a blush turn her cheeks a shade of pink. “Luna…I…I don’t know…” she replied swallowing hard. “Why not?” said Luna confused. “You said you did!” “I…I was desperate. Delusional. I…I didn’t know what I was saying. It was all in the heat of the moment. I can’t expect you to understand, Luna,” she said quietly. “I understand more than you think!” said Luna stamping her hoof. “Stop treating me like I’m a foal! Tia…you’re in denial! I can see it in your eyes how much you care for him. Stop trying to act like you don’t.” Celestia sighed and turned. “I wonder what they will say…” she said in a desperate attempt to change the subject. After a split second of thought, she immediately started for the door. Luna galloped up behind her. “Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?!” she said in shock. “I need to hear it, Luna…” Celestia replied in determination. “I need to hear what happened.” “Well! I never thought I’d ever see YOU do anything remotely wrong…” said Luna chuckling a little and rolling her eyes around. “But you still LOVE him…” “Stop saying that…” said Celestia annoyed, feeling her face turning a deeper shade of pink and her heart beat faster. “Nope!” Luna said defiantly strutting ahead of her, her head held high. “I’ll let the whole castle know! I’ll use the Royal Canterlot Voice! The whole kingdom will know!” “DON’T YOU DARE!” growled Celestia. “LET IT BE KNOWN…” Luna yelled in the booming, echoing voice that was used to address subjects. “LET EVERYPONY KNOW THE TURTH! TTTTIIIIIIIIAAAAAA LOVVEESSS DISCCOORRDDD…TTTIIIIIAAA…!” Celestia tackled Luna to the ground and placed her hooves firmly on her mouth to keep her from speaking anymore. “Luna! I’m serious! Knock it off!” she said angrily. She felt her face turn redder when her eye caught some guards that were in the hallway let out a small chuckle. She figured a lot more heard it, though. Great. “Must you torment me like this?!” Luna rolled her eyes and squirmed around until she managed to flap her wings and break free from her sister’s hold. “Come on, sister!” she said sighing. “It’s the truth. It is. And what’s stupid is that you’re the only one who can’t see it.” “Think what you will,” said Celestia pushing the doors open with her hoof. “Just keep it to yourself.” Luna huffed and her lips flapped around like she was a deflating balloon. “Fine…” she muttered as the two walked in the direction of the meeting room. The two alicorns paused outside the room and eagerly, (maybe a little too eagerly) put their ears up to the door to eavesdrop. The guards on either side of the door waited patiently without a word. They really couldn't reprimand them for it. "Can you hear anything?" Celestia whispered. "No," Luna answered smirking a little. "This is so wrong, you know." She glanced with sudden realization at the two guards. "You better not rat us out." She said making her horn and eyes glow. The guards nodded their heads vigorously and looked around the room nervously whistling and pretending they weren't there. Celestia pushed the doors open a tiny bit. Now she could hear voices. "We know how hard this is, Discord..." That was Orion. "But...if you could just tell us from beginning to end exactly what happened with Dream Catcher, perhaps everything can get straightened out." There was a pause. Then, Discord spoke. "I remember everything after that incident. I gained it all back. And now I remember who Dream always really was. He...he was never who anypony...not even Celestia thought he was." Then, the whole story poured out bit by bit. Celestia heard every word of it and it was not a happy tale. The picture Discord painted of Dream was NOT the Dream she knew. It was not the unicorn she'd known since foal-hood. It was not her boyfriend that she imagined marrying someday. It was a totally different person. A different soul. Who this pony was...was somepony...evil. There was no other word. Evil right down to the pit of his soul. Rotten to the core. And...HOW could that be Dream Catcher?! It wasn't possible. It couldn't be. The whole time, Celestia struggled to hold back tears of confusion, shock, disbelief, and anger. Discord bravely described in great detail what he endured at the peak and what happened to Dream. At one point, Celestia told Luna to leave because it was so graphic. Luna stood her ground, however. She was completely lost in the story as much as Celestia was. Very soon, the whole story had been told and it was over. There was a long, dead silence. The only sound Celestia heard for quite a while was muffled sobs she knew were her mother's. She was crying herself but tried not to make sound. Then, Orion cleared his throat. "I knew that....Dream was never really kind to you, Discord. But...why do suppose he hated you that much?" There was another pause. Then, the last words Celestia ever expected to hear. "Because I love your daughter, Sir." Celestia swallowed hard as she felt a warmth grow inside her and stomach start to fill with butterflies. She inhaled suddenly, almost a gasp and held her breath as she listened intently and worriedly to what her father would say to that. "I see..." was the response. "Thank you, Discord. You may go now." Luna held her mouth open as she gazed with soft eyes at her sister. "He admitted it...to father! He said it...so bravely!" she squealed. "You need to talk to him, Tia!" "Shhh! He's coming...." Celestia spoke too late. The doors opened and Discord came into the hallway, looking sad. Celestia and Luna bowed their heads sheepishly. "You heard?" he asked crossing his arms. They both nodded. He didn't look surprised or mad. Celestia shifted her eyes the floor, feeling sudden shame. Her face felt hot and she fidgeted around uneasily. She couldn't look him in the eye. Those bizarre eyes of his. Or...rather unique. After all, nopony else had a yellow tint to the whites of their eyes. Was this the first time she noticed them? That seemed unlikely. However, she felt as if she couldn't bear to look at them. She was certainly enthralled in them in this moment. Why? Were they that fascinating? This moment was just bizarre. No matter what she was feeling...she was sure of one thing: he was feeling the same thing because of how awkward this was. What to say? There was dead silence for a little bit. "I'm sorry..." Celestia finally said quietly. "I had to know..." She swallowed hard. "Now you know why I didn't want to tell you," Discord replied sighing. "And...I'm sorry too. I broke my promise. I used my powers at the peak...." "Oh, Discord. Did I fail to mention that life or death situations that force you to use your powers really don't count as breaking your promise?" she replied chuckling a little to make the moment a little light-hearted. He smiled a little but still looked depressed about something. "I'll...uh...see you later..." he said flapping wing wings. He flew low to the ground down the hallway. "Farwell!" he said, then left the room. "Go after him!" Luna commanded sternly. "No, Luna," Celestia replied sighing. She still felt so confused. She was feeling so many things in this moment. "Why not?!" Luna demanded, stamping her hoof. "You love him. He loves you. Why can't you except it?!" "I'm....confused," Celestia replied. "You're stupid. As usual," said Luna gruffly. "You just don't get it, do you? You keep breaking his heart over and over again. All he's ever wanted is for you to take notice. To see past everything he is on the outside. To fall for him based upon his heart and everything he's done for us...for you! To love every part of him unconditionally in a way nopony else has ever been able to. And now...when you know all too well you're finally waking up out of your stupid, shallow trance...you don't even act upon it and go to him. Tia...it's meant to be. Don't you understand?! And I have to sit by and feel bad for Discord because he has to wait for you. A wait that will last forever...because of you!" Celestia stood still and stunned as Luna started crying and magic swirled around her. "The worst part is...he would never even consider somepony else. Not me. Never me. He's already given his heart and soul to you. Gift wrapped it and everything! I know...I know...that I'm too young and too...whatever. But it's still not fair. Because you don't even deserve him! If you're going to sit by like this blinded to the wonderful, amazing, special person I've always seen clearly behind all the chaos...then you really have a mental problem. Open your eyes, Tia! It truly isn't fair. Because it's YOU. It's always been YOU! It'll always be YOU!" Luna's eyes glowed a bright white and her appearance changed slightly. Her coat darkened into a deep midnight black. Her mane swirled around like smoke. She floated into the air as magic enveloped her. "LUNA!" Celestia shouted in terror. "CALM DOWN! STOP IT! Please..." Luna let out a small whimper and all the darkness and power completely disappeared. Her eyes stopped glowing and she turned back to normal. She collapsed on the floor and sobbed quietly into her hooves. Celestia immediately rushed over to her sister and nuzzled her head. "Oh, little sister..." she whispered. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you felt this way." "I want to be like you so much because I look up to you," said Luna quietly. "I mean...you're the most beautiful filly in the world. And...you have the opportunity to have somepony special with you always. I wish you'd just go and make him happy. It would make me happy." Celestia smiled, kissed Luna's nose, and wiped away all the little alicorn's tears with her hoof. "We'll see, okay?" she said softly. Luna sighed and nodded. "Luna...you mean a lot to me and mother and father and Discord. Don't forget that. You are very beautiful and special too. You'll have your time too. A nice, handsome colt will sweep you off your hooves. You are loved, Luna." Luna smiled brightly and hugged her sister. "Thank you, Tia," she whispered. "But I'm still going to use the Royal Canterlot Voice and tell the whole kingdom about your undying love for Discord." "All right, Luna. You may do that if you wish to experience instant death soon after," Celestia replied chuckling. Luna laughed. "Come on! Promise me you'll talk to him about stuff and quit being confused soon. Promise," said Luna looking serious. Celestia sighed. She couldn't say no to those big eyes. "All right. I promise." Luna smiled contently. __________________________ "To all our loyal subjects. We are sending this decree to make this kingdom a better one. This decree states that ponies must not speak of what they do not know. We know that there is much hatred and distrust in this kingdom. But, this ends now. Starting tomorrow, anypony who is caught gossiping about somepony else by our guards will pay a fine of 5 bits! So, we suggest to only say what edifies others, not what brings them down...only so you can feel better about yourselves. We know you are better than this. And until we feel that this kingdom is kind and harmonious again, this decree is set in motion." ~King Orion and Queen Solina of Equestria __________________________ Celestia galloped down the hall of stained glass windows with joy in her heart. A new law! She was so happy with the brilliant idea her parents had to solve their problem. It had only been put in place for a couple weeks now, but it had worked so well. Ponies held their tongues…as they wished to keep bits secured in their purses. Some were now calling this law The Talk Tax. Most complained about it, but Celestia thought it was a very good thing. She thought that ponies should not gossip to begin with. It only hurt others. Now, she had special plans for today. Plans to meet Discord by the lake. She had a promise to keep to Luna. She had to sort out her feelings at last. She had to stop feeling confused. What to say, though? Her mind was drawing a blank. She galloped through the courtyard. The joy was still alive in her, even if she couldn’t decide what she should and should not say to him. In no time at all, she saw him sitting by the lake. It was nearing the time that the sun would set and her mother had given her the day off that day. She was glad for a break. Besides, she couldn’t truly appreciate the beauty of the sunset when she was in the process of causing it. Celestia trotted across the smooth green grass and approached the big weeping willow that arched over the lake. The green branches billowed slightly in a calm breeze. She inhaled the aromas of grass and clover and other sweet smells…the last smells of the dying summer. “Hi,” she said gently as she paused right behind Discord. “Hi,” he said turning his head. Celestia sat on the grass next to him and listened to the calming sounds of the water as it lapped at the edge of the bank. “What did you wish to talk to me about?” Celestia smiled and took a deep breath. She tried to appear cool and collected even though her heart was beating very rapidly. “Things…are getting better, I think. Wouldn’t you say?” she said. Discord nodded slightly but his gaze was fixed on the water before them. He still had that sad look in his eyes. What was going through his mind these past few weeks? “There isn’t any more talk in town.” “There are still glares,” he replied softly. She had to admit she never really noticed that as much as he probably did. “Don’t let it get you down,” Celestia replied cheerfully. “Ponies can be mean.” “Ponies are ignorant,” he said a little firmly. “No offense…” he then said smiling a tad. Celestia chuckled slightly and nodded her head. There was a short silence. Then Discord spoke some more. “Why do you still stick with me all the time, Celestia?” “What do you mean?” Celestia asked raising an eyebrow and smiling. “I’m your best friend.” “But…after everything…you don’t even mind….being seen with me?” he asked in disbelief. “Of course not,” she replied laughingly. “Discord…no matter what happens I’ll always be true to you.” Discord smiled a little in response. There was another short silence. Celestia thought about if she should discuss…well…feelings with him at this point. What to say, though? It turned out, though she didn’t have to start the awkward conversation. “Tia…” Discord said suddenly. “I know…that you heard what I said to your father. About…how I feel. And…well…I…” “It’s okay,” Celestia replied quickly. “No, it’s not,” Discord said. “Because I know you don’t feel the same way about me. I don’t want things to be awkward. I don’t want to ruin everything.” “Don’t say that,” said Celestia putting her hoof on his paw. “It’s okay…” “No,” Discord replied jerking away. “It wouldn’t even be right for you to love me. A creature of Order loving a creature of Chaos? That’s….well…ironically, the most discordant idea ever.” “Well, maybe it is…” said Celestia shrugging. “But…it doesn’t matter. What if I told you…that…I think I feel the same way about you?” “You’d be lying,” Discord replied. “You’d only be saying that to spare the inevitable: my heart being severely broken. It would be impossible for you to…” “That’s not true,” Celestia replied. “Don’t say that…” “Look…” said Discord pointing at the water. Celestia stared down at their reflections in the clear water. “Tia, if you had one wish…and you could have anything…what would you wish for?” Celestia paused a moment and then spoke. “I don’t know, really. Maybe…I’d wish that…I could one day rule this land well and be loved by my subjects. What about you?” “I’d wish that when I looked at my reflection…I’d see…” He paused. “Well…I wouldn’t see this.” Celestia was silent for a moment. She wanted to say something in response, but he started talking some more. “I don’t blame you, you know. No one can love this face. No one can love a monster…” At hearing those words, Celestia felt her heart completely melt. She felt her chest tighten in ache for him. Her eyes grew soft and filled with tears of sympathy and, yes, guilt. Luna was right. She was stupid. She was shallow. How could she have never even attempted to see passed his chaotic exterior? How could she have been so blind as to how incredible, amazing, and beautiful he was on the inside? Perhaps that one moment in the hospital when she told him he was beautiful was the only time in the whole three years she knew him that she truly was thinking straight. Now in this moment, she felt as if her eyes were more opened than ever before. She made her horn glow bright and shot a spark of magic into the water, disturbing it and distorting the reflection. “Don’t talk like that,” she said emotionally in almost a whisper. “That is a lie. Don’t say such things about yourself. You’re not a monster. When you were dying in the hospital, you woke for a moment and I kissed you, remember? Afterward, I told those in the room that I loved you. I wasn’t even sure if I did at the time, but I didn’t want to lose you. No matter what kind of love I feel for you, it is love all the same. So, what you said is not true.” “That doesn’t count,” Discord replied quietly. “You know what kind of love I mean. It’s not the same. Besides, you just didn’t want me to die. You’d never kiss me for real. Not because of love.” Celestia moved closer to him. “You don’t think so?” she whispered. “Well…you’re wrong…” She gazed into his dewy eyes. The golden-orange glow of the sunset warmed their fur and shimmered off their faces. The light brightened their eyes and created such a warm, peaceful, alluring atmosphere. It made Celestia’s heart feel light. Her cheeks prickled with a blush as she leaned a bit closer to Discord. “Don’t…” he whispered. “Not unless you truly mean it…” Celestia swallowed hard and her eyelids slowly started to flutter shut. She turned her head slightly and leaned forward some more. She could feel the breaths from his nostrils on her face. Her heart raced even faster and she could feel herself trembling slightly at the intensity of this moment. She was now excepting what she had always ignored…inching closer to what was perhaps…truly meant to be… “Heeellloooo!” a voice called, making Celestia’s right ear twitch and her heart drop into her stomach. Her eyes shot open wide and she and Discord quickly turned their heads. “What are you guys up to?...” said an oblivious Luna, her eyes not exactly fixed on them until this very moment. Celestia felt her face turn a shade of red. She could see Discord turn red too out of the corner of her eye. Luna’s eyes grew a little wide in realization that she had unintentionally interrupted them. She blushed a little and chuckled a little sheepishly. “Beautiful sunset…isn’t it?” Celestia glared fiercely at Luna, shooting a killing look through her. Luna’s eyes grew big in an apologetic look that said “oops…” TO BE CONTINUED… (See A/N #1: That thing about fire and water dragons….yes…was a plug for my other story, “A Dragon’s Detour.” I couldn’t help myself but put a reference in there. ^_^ heheheh!)