“OOGA-CHAKA, OOGA-CHAKA, OOGA-CHAKA, welcome too OOREV!” The crowd of members flooding Discord’s cottage today cheered as Discord floated before them, Luna at his side.
He held up his hands. “Yes, thank you for joining me! And a special thanks again to all of you for coming to our aid at the grand battle of friendship.” The crowd applauded themselves—everyone was so happy, drinking cider, and being close. He went on. “OOREV has a bright future; new members find us and we find them. But I think, for a very specific case at least, we can be more proactive. And that’s why I’d like to announce a mentorship program for struggling villains—I want us to be a resource for creatures who could do good but just don’t know how. And, if your’e willing, I’d like us to start here.”
He snapped—the statue of Cozy Glow, Tirek, and Chrysalis appeared behind him. Gasps and murmurs came from the crowd.
Discord went on. “I know what they did was terrible. And I know what I did was bad as well.” His ears fell. “For anyone who hasn’t had the whole story confirmed, I…disguised myself as Grogar and got these three free and together to attack Twilight and Fluttershy and their friends. I thought beating them back would help boost the girls morale. I made a mistake working on my own like that, not telling anyone—even all of you.” He paused when he felt Luna’s hoof touch his hand then went on. “But while tricking these three, I saw them come together and actually form a bond. Granted, a dysfunctional bond that often ended in a lot of shouting matches. But still, sometimes they would help each other. They have potential.” He looked at the statue. “Actually the only reason I was so okay with them becoming stone—besides the fact that they almost hurt Fluttershy—is that it gives me the perfect set up for our little program. They’ll stay stone until I snap my fingers—then they’ll be back to normal. And then we can try to find the spark of friendship in them and help it grow. This mentorship program won’t be part of the regular meetings—you can come to help strictly on a voluntary basis.”
Luna stepped forward. “And so every creature knows, both my sister and I as well as Twilight Sparkle have approved this secret program. Though the nature and existence of OOREV were not mentioned to either mare who is outside of this group.”
The crowd was whispering to each other, talking.
Discord took a deep breath. “Anyone who wants to volunteer, raise your hand, claw or hoof…”
The room’s eyes went back to him. Luna already had her hoof raised. Discord raised his hand and smiled at her.
Then the entire room slowly raised their limbs as well.
Starlight stepped forward. “This is a great idea, Discord. Of course we all want to help. Just tell us when and where.”
“And how many snacks you would like the Great and Powerful Trixie to make appear beforehand?” Trixie pulled an apple pie out of her hat.
He glanced around. “Well, pie sounds great for starters…and how about we being the program here and now at the end of our OOREV meeting today?”
He was met with one phrase from the crowd: a resounding, “OOGA CHAKA!”
Discord laughed. Conversation started up again in the room, but he quickly held up his hands. “Wait, everyone, there’s one more announcement!” The crowd quieted. Discord took a deep breath. “I am so sorry for what I put all of you through with what I did. I was not a good leader. And…I’d like to resign as president of OOREV.”
Luna gasped and Discord knew why—she had learned from Celestia his intent to resign as president of OOLLA, but he hadn’t told her about this intention as well. He went on. “It’ll be better for all of you if someone else takes over. I…I really need to think about what I did.” He glanced at the statue, frowning.
“But…we want you to be president, Discord.” Discord blinked at the sound of Twi’s voice which sounded so much like Twilight encouraging him. He turned around. The rest of the crowd was frowning.
Sunset joined her friend. “Discord, you messed up—but that’s what this club is about. Even after getting reformed the rest of us have messed up too!”
Fizzle stepped forward. “You are an excellent leader, Discord. I have served under the worst, so believe me, I know when I’m in the presence of the best.”
Stygian smiled. “You make us happy!”
Smooze gurgled.
Neighsay rubbed the back of his neck. “You brought us all together—a noble feat indeed.”
“Plus you have the best pad for a meeting.” Capper grinned.
“Three cheers for Discord!” Luna cried, which elicited more ‘Ooga Chakas’ from the crowd. Discord looked out at them all with wide eyes then turned to Luna, whispering. “But… Luna, you’d be better in charge, you know you would be. You’re stable—take over for me.”
“Absolutely not.” She shook her head, smiling. “If you want to resign as OOLLA’s president for some time to yourself that’s one thing. But you cannot resign from here just to punish yourself. And especially if we’re going to mentor these three. You’re the one we need, Discord. Our friends love you, and so do I.”
Discord blushed and glanced out at the crowd: smiling, encouraging, looking up to him.
He cracked a smile again and finally held up his hands. “Okay, okay, you all win, yikes—I’ll remain our fearless leader.” Cheers met him. “Thank you…” he added softly as he lowered his arms. Then he cleared his throat and turned to the statue. “In which case I suppose I’ll take lead on this.” He snapped up a scroll, wrote on it, then snapped it away. “Protocol,” he explained to the crowd, “i write to someone to let them know we’re starting today’s session and to check in so they know nothing bad has happened. But with all of you behind me, I don’t see how anything bad could ever happen.” He smiled more, cracked his knuckles, then snapped.
Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis stopped being stone.
Which, considering their position, resulted in Tirek collapsing backward, Cozy Glow dropping hard to the ground, and Chrysalis diving face forward into a bowl of onion dip. The trio righted themselves breathing heavily then looked around at all the faces in their new location.
Tirek raised an eyebrow. “Yikes, how long have we been out? Tartarus has gotten overcrowded.”
“We’re in Discord’s cottage for some stupid meeting about reform, you idiot!” Chrysalis yelled. “Didn’t you hear everything he just said?”
“How could I hear anything as that statue when your wings were blocking my ears!”
“I hate BOTH OF YOU!” Cozy Glow screamed, flying up. “No matter how hard I try all you do is scream and fight, and Tirek doesn’t shut up about power and Chrysalis doesn’t stop hissing at everything! I will fight you two here and now!”
“Bring it on, missy!”
“Face the wrath of the queen, you little whelp!”
“TIME OUT!” Discord snapped, and each villain found themselves seated on a sofa with their arms and wings bound around their sides in licorice ropes. He glared down at them. “Here’s the situation: we won, you lost, and now I’m trying to help you three get paroled for good behavior some time before a thousand years in the future. So sit down and LISTEN UP! Got it?”
The trio glared at him but didn’t voice any other challenges…though Chrysalis used her horn to poke Cozy Glow and Cozy Glow bit Tirek’s hand and Tirek tried to edge both of them onto the floor.
Discord rubbed his temples. “This is going to be such a headache.” Luna put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Why don’t we start, Discord?” Sunset and Twi came forward, Sunset smiling and Twi very hesitant.
“Why is Twilight sparkle disguised so poorly?” Tirek asked.
“Indeed,” Chrysalis added with a dry look. “it’s like watching a changeling do very badly at his job.”
Cozy smirked. “Or like watching Twilight Sparkle being bad at being Twilight Sparkle.” She laughed, and the others joined.
Sunset touched Twi’s shoulder (who was looking down with a blush now) then grinned at the villains. “Hmm, mutual laughter—it’s at another creatures expense but that’s a start. Hi, I’m Sunset Shimmer, and I’m here to help you find some friendship. And this is Twi—Twilight Sparkle from another dimension.” She pulled Twi close. “She has issues using her horn and sometimes makes things close to her explode without warning, Also she’s an amazing person who fought back the power of Twilight’s potential evil and all-powerful alter ego Midnight Sparkle. Try to keep both things in mind when you talk to her.”
Twi smiled and waved—the trio gulped, wide-eyed.
A line started to form for everyone to talk to the villains.
Discord stood off to the side with Luna, smiling. Luna smiled too. “How long for their first session?”
“Oh, today I figure we’ll let everyone introduce themselves, so it might go a little long. After that it’ll be two hours twice a week. If those three hadn’t reformed on their own at the end of my grand plan, I was going to try mentoring them myself but I think this’ll be a lot better for everyone.”
“I agree.”
Thorax and Pharynx got in line.
Discord gave Luna a little nudge. “Looks like an ideal time for you to get in line too, Moonie.”
She blushed a little. “I always do appreciate your encouragement, Discord.” They shared a smile, then Luna went off and Discord watched his club coming together to help three creatures who desperately needed it. OOREV really did have a bright future. He he wiped a tear from his eye at the idea that everyone wanted him to stay president so much and that he would be here leading all of it forward.
Discord got in line at the end. He wrote updates to Celestia periodically before his turn and finally returned the trio back to stone—albeit in a more comfortable position on their sofa. He knew even the littlest kindnesses could result in the greatest progress.
Today, Celestia’s study was hosting a different secret club that was also having a very special celebration.
Discord floated up into the air, chest puffed out. “And…your initiation is complete! Welcome to your first official OOLLA meeting, Starswirl the Bearded!” Discord snapped to make balloons appear which quickly exploded into glitter and confetti, and to create streamers that quickly twisted into butterflies floating through the air. It added a nice chaotic effect to the other, more common decorations they had set up. All the pomp was a departure from their usual OOLLA gatherings, but since this was Starswirl’s first meeting as well as the last meeting they’d have in this study before the pony sisters moved out of the castle, they had decided to meet in style.
Luna and Celestia applauded. Starswirl blew some confetti off of his beard and removed the large yak helmet with horns and the fake moustache and glasses from his face…and the scarf embroidered to say ‘Fluttershy is Best Pony’ from his neck (the initiation had been a rather odd affair, to say the least). He glanced around the room then to Discord. “I appreciate the grand welcome, but I’m still not sure that I qualify for membership in this club or yours. I’m not even entirely quite sure what you three do here.”
Discord snapped up some glasses of cider. “Of course you qualify, Starswirl! I told you, we’re OOLLA—The Organization of Leaders Left Alone. We’re comprised of any creature who’s had to be Equestria’s sole guiding force for any period of time. I figure you fit since you were unofficially in charge of things before our charming sisters here came along. I’ve been eyeing you as a candidate for some time actually, but I wanted to wait because Celestia had hoped to ask Chrysalis to join our group one day. All things considered, though, we might be waiting a while on that one…” He sighed but shrugged, his smile returning. “And as a club we gather to talk and share experiences and feelings—the whole therapeutic nine yards.”
Celestia turned to Starswirl. “This club was Discord’s idea as a way to keep connected—we’re all friends with something similar in our past. We’re here for each other.”
Luna nodded. “And we get to reminisce and tell jokes. And sometimes Discord sends his invitations for club meetings in the middle of the night via pranks, and then you get to decide how to prank him back before the next meeting. It’s quite enjoyable.”
“Plus,” Discord added, “I really think we need a new member. Obviously I require at least three sane beings to be monitoring my severe lack of impulse control lest I nearly accidentally destroy Equestria again with a plan that, I can’t stress enough, really made a lot of sense in my head at the time.” He snapped to separate his head from his body, rolled it along is shoulders, then snapped it back on.
Starswirls’ smile had grown. “Very well, I understand why this might be a good group for me. But…why in Equestria would you also ask me to be president, Discord? You’re the founder, after all.”
Discord kept up his smile but sighed. “I just…need a break from being the center of attention in every situation—however hard to believe that is.” He glanced at Celestia and Luna. “This isn’t me punishing myself for anything. It’s just me realizing in this case that it might be nice to step back. And you'd be a good fit to step forward, Starswirl.” He turned back to the wizard. “You know how to keep the sisters entertained, and I respect you enough to actually listen to your advice. You’re the wise mentor every creature wishes they had. Please teach us because I can only handle so much responsibility in my life.”
Luna leaned over to Starswirl, her look dry. “Savor this humble moment, Starswirl—Discord grants us so few.” She smiled a little again. “And for what it’s worth, I think he does make a good point. Just like Celestia and I, Discord is ready to move on to a new role.”
“And if you need time before you’re ready, I can fill in for now, Starswirl” Celestia offered with a humble shrug. “I’m the Vice President actually.”
Discord grinned. “Would have made her the president, but if the pony sisters are going to retire I say let them go all the way with it. No rules or responsibilities—just staying up til all hours, junk food for every meal, sending prank scrolls in the mail.”
The sisters rolled their eyes.
Starswirl had to chuckle. “Very well, I shall become President. Celestia, I would be happy to have you remain my Vice President. And Discord, I would like to retain you as an Advisor.”
“Always.” Discord winked.
“And Luna,” Starswirl considered, “hmm, perhaps you would like to be in charge of scouting new recruits? After all, just because Chrysalis has not worked out doesn’t mean there might not be other independent leaders to consider. And you spend time outside of Equestria visiting friends, especially the changelings—you’re the most likely of all of us to find someone”
Luna cleared her throat as Celestia’s eyes brightened and Discord’s smile grew, their gazes on her. “I would be honored to take on the task,” Luna replied. “And, erm…speaking of the changelings, I’m afraid I actually can’t stay much longer at this meeting.” She played with her hooves on the table. “I have to greet Commander Pharynx—he visits today to talk about becoming primary liaison for any future joint military defensive measures with Equestria.”
“Perhaps I should join you—I haven’t been formally acquainted with the new changeling leaders,” Starswirl suggested.
“Starswirl,” Discord snapped himself right alongside the wizard with an easy grin, “come now, all work and no play is never fun for anyone. You don’t need to put yourself through a diplomacy meeting right now. One day we’ll all go over to the hive and have a big ‘getting to know you’ party. But for now, let’s let Luna work. These are her final days as princess, after all.”
Starswirl considered then shrugged. “Maybe you’re right.” He looked at Luna. “At least send greetings from me.”
“Of course.” She waved then gave Discord a grateful glance. “Farewell, fellow club members!” She stepped out of the door and let it close behind her.
Starswirl turned back to the remaining members. “Well, it doesn’t seem quite right to keep going without Luna—why don’t we schedule another meeting soon, a more official one? Oh, Discord, we could rent out that back room at our favorite cider mill for it.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “How often do you two go out for nightcaps, exactly?”
“Ugh, not often enough.” Discord chuckled. “And sure, Starswirl, sounds like a good plan.”
“Excellent!” Starswirl powered his horn. “I’ll check in with the establishment now. Goodbye Celestia, Discord.” He waved.
They waved back as he disappeared.
Then Discord and Celestia let out deep sighs of relief. Celestia smiled at Discord. “Excellent job of distracting Starswirl from following Luna, Discord—even her and I at our youngest and most clever could not have done better.”
He brushed his chest with his knuckles in a proud gesture. “I just figured the last thing any mare wants is her old mentor popping up to ask her date about diplomacy.”
“It’s not officially a date yet.” Celestia sighed. “She still hasn’t asked him on one.”
“I know! And how many moons has it been already?” Discord dramatically flung himself onto the table and looked at Celestia upside down. “She’s so close but she gets nervous. I think she hopes he’ll figure out her ever-expanding crush by himself. But I’ve spoken with him and he’s utterly clueless; views their relationship entirely professionally. Though he smiles when he talks about her—which is saying something for super serious Pharynx—so I suppose that’s something.”
Celestia’s smile warmed. “At least she promised to ask him to stay for dinner tonight.”
“Excellent.” Discord chuckled as he righted himself then snapped away their OOLLA table to teleport himself onto the sofa alongside Celestia. “So, I think you and I should stay during the meal to be polite, but when dessert comes we can find perfectly reasonable excuses to leave them alone.”
“Naturally.” Celestia nodded, a gleam in her eye. “And if dessert also happens to be chocolate cupcakes shaped like hearts with dark blue and dark green icing, I’m sure it’ll help.”
Discord raised an eyebrow. “You already gave the bakers a heads up, haven’t you? Clever princess.”
She laughed. “I think Luna likes the little nudges.”
“Yeah, me too.” He laughed as well.
There was some quiet for a moment. Then Celestia spoke up again, more softly this time. “So, how is the reform project going?”
“Slowly.” Discord sighed and rubbed his temple. “Right now my first goal is just to get the three of them to be in the same room for five minutes without insulting each other—and to end with a sincere compliment to each other. Foal steps. I think it’ll do some good though, truly.” He took a deep breath, head tilted up to the ceiling. “I’m just glad to be trying—everyone deserves a second chance…and maybe a third or fourth for good measure.”
“As someone who knows she would have regretted not giving you every chance you needed to be the person you are now, I agree, Discord.”
Discord’s smile grew a little and he glanced at her. She was smiling warmly back at him. He tilted his head as a peaceful thought came to him. “Everything worked out. It’s going to be okay, all of it…”
“It’s going to be a good future, Discord.” Celestia nodded.
And then it was like the reality of their victory hit them for the first time. Discord’s eyes brightened. “Celestia, we beat them back—all of us together. Those three had all the upper hooves but we…we did it! We’re okay!”
“And everyone’s safe and together and here. We won!” Celestia laughed and so did he. “And now everything is ahead of us!”
They smiled at each other, sitting close.
And then they were closer…and then they were sharing a gentle kiss, eyes closed. It lasted only for a breath; their lips separated but stayed brushing. They looked at each other, eyes wide.
Starswirl appeared back in the room in a burst of magic. “Discord, quick reservation question—would we be looking for a dinner meeting or a late night—?“ He paused, jaw open in mid-sentence. Discord and Celestia turned away from each other. Discord opened his mouth but couldn’t find words. Celestia didn’t even try.
Finally Starswirl sighed, blushing slightly. “I…believe I’ll ask Luna instead.” He almost smiled as he walked out of the door. “Rebellious creature…” he mumbled.
Discord pouted a little and managed to speak. “Well, of course I am. I’m the master of chaos, after all.”
“I was talking about Celestia!” Starswirl merely called back from the hallway before the door closed behind him.
Celestia’s face exploded into cherry blushing and she sighed deeply and lowered her head. Discord snorted. She pouted up at him. “Sorry,” he quickly replied.
There was silence.
Then Celestia spoke. “Discord…would you like to…I mean…I, er…” She took a deep breath then almost laughed, “This is ridiculous: I’m an adult, I’m retiring, I’ve thought about this for a while, and we’ve been through so much.” She looked at him. “Would you like to go out some time? Alone but different from when we’re usually alone…” She stumbled over the last few words but stayed strong.
Discord blinked and swallowed. “I…” the shock of the moment was wearing off, and he became aware of how quickly his heart was beating—how quickly it must have been beating ever since they had just… “Yes, please.”
“Wonderful. Where would you like to—“
“Let’s—let’s go to my house. More privacy. But it’ll be different there for this—special. I promise.”
She nodded and so did he. She swallowed. “I…Oh, I’ll check on dinner for tonight. I’ll see you later, Discord.” And then she teleported away.
Discord collapsed back on the sofa and touched his lips in a moment of awe. Then he took a deep breath. “Wow…she really did forgive me…” He slowly smiled to himself and sighed happily.
Luna knew which hallways of the castle were quiet at this hour of the day. She made sure to lead herself and Pharynx down one of those quiet hallways as they chatted. She wanted privacy. Everyone had been through so much during the final battle against Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis, everything had almost been lost. But Equestria had another chance. And Luna wanted to take a chance about something—no more waiting and wondering, no more doubt.
“…I think it would be helpful for the hive to coordinate with the Crystal Empire as well, especially since Equestria already does,” Pharynx finished.
“Of course.” Luna nodded, bringing her full attention back to the current topic. “I’ll send a scroll to Shining Armor and to Fizzle—then we’ll have a full perimeter in place if any other major attacks occur in the future in any of our lands.”
“Excellent.” Pharynx nodded. “And we can set up collaborative training exercises to help our forces work together effectively. But the schedule can be worked out after the coronation—I know you and your sister must need some time to settle into your new roles.”
“Thank you.” Luna smiled. “And I know Twilight—or probably Spike—would be your main point of contact for this project afterwards, but please feel free to reach out to me as well. I would still like to help.”
“A very commendable response from a soldier who is about to be so honorably discharged.” Pharynx smiled slightly.
Luna almost giggled. When he talked in his military way it made her think about how she used to talk so frequently in her archaic Equestrian way, and something about the irony was delightful. But she couldn’t indulge, she needed to stay serious; she had to tell him. “Commander Pharynx—Pharynx, sit with me for a moment please.” She sat on the carpet beneath a curtained window.
Pharynx sat in front of her. “Of course. Do you need any assistance?” His smile became just a little more noticeable, “or were you just hoping for a transfiguration contest now that your power is fully recharged?”
Luna managed to sneak in such contests privately at the hive once a month with him. And they was fun—Pharynx was so fast and powerful that she could barely keep up, and the thrill of the challenge made her happy. She was also happy when he would ruffle Thorax’s horns playfully, or wrangle stray wild creatures near the hive and return them to their homes, or take a moment to visit the changeling grubs and act very serious but let them climb onto his back for rides if they wanted. Luna had gotten to know Pharynx very well as a friend…and her small spark of feeling for him had grown like her moon becoming full. Now she wanted to know him as something else, to see if they could be anything more together.
“Perhaps another time for the transfiguration contest,”Luna replied with a special smile. “No, I… Pharynx, after everything that happened at the final battle, I am reminded that a creature should pursue all opportunities for happiness because obstacles can come along to change circumstances at any time.”
He nodded. “Understood. Delay without good reason helps no one.”
“Indeed. Pharynx…” she shifted a little closer, “we are good friends, right?”
“Yeah.” He smiled again. “Actually, except for my brother, you’re kind of my best friend.” He cleared his throat, “if I may be so bold, of course.”
“You may.” Luna held back a giggle again. “And you are very dear to me as well but…” she took a breath, “Pharynx, now I would like to spend time with you to get to know you as…erm…as a gentle-ling.” She blushed. “Is that the word? What I mean is, I appreciate your commanding tone and dusky coat and strong discipline. Not that I haven’t done so as your friend but…” She took a deep breath and finally just said it as best she could, “I want you to like me, Pharynx…as a mare.”
He went absolutely wide-eyed for a moment—then in a flash of magic he became a butterfly. Luna raised an eyebrow at the little creature until it quickly resumed being Pharynx again. He was flushed. “My apologies! Sometimes when changelings are emotionally overloaded we spontaneously—“ He cleared his throat, looking down. “Never mind; I did not mean to do that just now, and I’m sorry. What did I turn into exactly?”
“Er…a butterfly.”
He sighed deeply with a pout. “Really? A butterfly of all things…” He tried to lift his head again, regain his poise. “I mean, thank you for letting me know, Luna.” His wide eyes met hers once more, and he took a breath before adding, “And, apologies again, I’m…not quite sure if I heard you correctly. Can you repeat exactly what you…”
Luna moved very close to him, and Pharynx stopped talking. She had a small, subtle smile of her own now. “You heard me very correctly, Pharynx. If you do not feel the same way, tis okay, and I would like to remain friends just like you and Fizzle. But…if perhaps you could feel more than friendship for me, I have indeed grown quite fond of you too. And I need you to know. I’m not entirely sure what changelings do to express such fondness, but I am willing to learn. And I am willing to show you what ponies usually do.” With a breath she came forward and set her lips to his.
The kiss lasted only a moment because with another flash of magic Pharynx transformed—this time into a baby chick—before returning to normal…his lips still brushing Luna’s, her open eyes meeting his.
Starswirl appeared in their hallway just then in a burst of magic. “Luna ,there you are! I just had the most awkward encounter. Did you know your sister and Discord—“ he paused and his jaw fell again at the sight of another pony sister in an intimate moment with a suitor. Starswirl took a step back. “Okay, for all of our sakes, I’m just going to start knocking on doors before entering rooms with either you or Celestia. Also I booked us all for Friday night so don’t make any plans. Goodbye!” And with that Starswirl disappeared.
Luan and Pharynx’s attention went back to each other.
Luna swallowed. “Pharynx…perhaps I…”
Pharynx held up a hoof—his eyes still meeting hers. “I…wasn’t sure if you ever thought about me like…that. You were so willing to help me with Fizzle, after all. Also Thorax mentioned his highly-misguided attempt to court you, so I didn’t want to make anything uncomfortable between us by ever even suggesting… But…” his blushing grew, almost glowing in his dark features, “But you visit the hive and spend time with me a lot, Luna—and Thorax has had a big grin on his face about it from the start. And eventually I felt like smiling too whenever you came; we talk and we share activities and you understand me, and I like it. I have…fun with you. You’re my friend. And I do like you as a mare too, Luna.” He glanced away awkwardly. “Apparently more than I realized—what did I turn into this time?”
“Er…” Luna’s jaw was open, her own features quite warm, “a baby chick…”
Pharynx rubbed his temple with his hoof. “I am a soldier, I have never in my life had a reason to turn into anything like—“
Luna moved closer, locking their eyes again. “Twas cute.”
Pharynx burst into magic once more this time he was a chipmunk. He quickly changed back. “Okay, I need to get myself under control!”
“How—“ Luna was cut off when Pharynx came forward with his hoof on her shoulder and his mouth against hers. Luna’s eyes drifted closed, heart racing, and then she felt warm—his horns were glowing and so was hers, and some nice magic was cycling through the two of them. When he finally released her, the magic faded into the air but the glittering warm feeling inside her remained. Eyes hazed, Luna watched Pharynx catch his breath.
“That’s better—that’s so much better. I…” he began. Then his eyes widened. “Wait—I’m sorry! I should have told you I was going to do that before I engaged! Why am I being impulsive? A good soldier is never impulsive! And you’ve never done that with a changeling before! I should have—“
She put a hoof over his mouth. “Whatever it was, I liked it very much. Do not apologize—please.” She released her hoof.
He blinked a few times then nodded. “Changelings kiss too, but we…sort of share and take love during the process. It’s new…and complicated.” He blushed and cringed a little. “Not that I’m claiming to feel—in love—with you, but I just…you and I…and it has been a long day and, you just told me that you…you…”
“Shh,” She touched his shoulder, “you’ll get yourself all worked up again. Tis okay.” She gave him a simple hug. “I was going to ask if you’d like to stay for dinner tonight with Celestia and Discord and I, but perhaps you need some time to yourself…”
“Could we…have dinner but not tell them about what happened here just yet? And never about me randomly turning into cute little animals?”
“Of course.”
He smiled a little. “In that case, I’d like to stay very much.” He blinked. “Wait, what did Starswirl say about Celestia and Discord just now?”
She smiled more to herself. “I don’t know for certain but I do believe the two of them may have found enjoyment in each other’s company this evening just as you and I have.”
He smiled a little more. “Luna, would you like to come to the hive some time to have dinner with Thorax and I? And maybe we could tell him about us. But, again, leaving out the part about me turning into cute animals? I want to deal with his inevitable giddy satisfaction early.”
“I’d like that very much.” She held out her hoof and he took it in his. They stood and resumed walking down the hall. “And perhaps before then we could have an outing together, just you and I? Of a courtship nature…”
“Yes, Luna. That sounds very acceptable.” He swallowed. “I’ve always been very reserved—you’re the first female creature I ever tried to be friends with, let alone…” He blushed but held his head high with a pout as he finished, “I might need some of your guidance going forward.”
“Guidance I will be very happy to provide, Pharynx.” She leaned her head against his, and he smiled a little.
They walked down the hall, close together, almost resting against each other.
Discord and Celestia reclined on the roof of Discord’s cottage, gazing up at the chaos overhead. Some nights it was almost like watching a meteor shower of randomness. Discord had never shown this feature of his world to Celestia yet, but tonight felt like a good time to start.
They were lying close together but not touching. The ‘outing’ had started with their normal greetings and an attempt at their usual banter but it had eventually faded to silence. And now they were just absorbed in the chaos…except Discord was absorbed in Celestia too and what everything right now could mean and become. He took a breath.
“Discord,” he heard her say softly; she turned to look at him, “is something on your mind?”
He turned to her and nodded. “Why did you ask me out?”
She blushed. “Do you remember our conversation in your garden when I admitted I found you cute and you said the same about me, but we both agreed just feeling that way about another creature didn’t mean you should date them?” Discord nodded—she went on. “Well, I…failed to take into account the fact that two friends both feeling that same way about each other might mean they should…examine the dating option a little more closely.”
He considered. “But…that conversation was months ago. Why now, specifically?”
She bit her lip. “Because I’ve had some time to think and because you make me feel a lot of things all at once, and sometimes they’re hard to pull apart but at the bottom of them is something…special. Even when I was mad at you for setting the villains loose, I came back to that feeling inside. And when I’m close to you, that feeling grows and I like it.” She swallowed. “Why did you say yes to going out with me?”
He looked into her eyes. “Because when we kissed, for just a moment, all the chaos inside of me felt right in the most perfect and imperfect ways possible. And because you’re amazing. And because I never minded the idea that you thought I was cute—in a shocking turn of events, I liked the notion from the start.”
She blushed very much as she smiled. He smiled too.
Celestia laughed. “Starswirl still hasn’t brought up walking in on us, but he knocks on the door of any room I’m in now, asks loudly for permission to enter, then announces that he’s coming in. And he’s doing the same for Luna…”
Discord snorted. “Yeah, our cider mill outings have involved him on multiple occasions opening his mouth like he’s about to say something serious, hesitating, then shaking his head with grin and finishing off another pint. It’s more hilarious than awkward.”
She laughed more. Then her voice softened as she moved a little closer. “We get along in an interesting way, Discord. I’d like to see where we go.”
“Me too…” He reached up and brushed some strands of her flowing hair from her face, “I’d like to go many places with you. I’d like…” her eyes were hazed and Discord cupped her cheek came forward and kissed her, and she returned the gesture.
They pulled back after a moment, breaths shallow.
“We can still just get together and have talks in my kitchen over snacks though, right? Those are so much fun.”
“Of course,” she giggled, “but for now would you like to continue getting used to the other things we’ll do too?” She snuggled up alongside him, a hoof resting on his chest.
Discord beamed. “I should have reformed ages ago.” And then he returned to kissing her beneath the chaos.
Luna and Pharynx rested on a blanket on the sand overlooking the moonlit sea. Occasional glows came across the surface from luminescent creatures beneath. “That one is Medusa Lumenara,“ remarked Luna, “it’s glow is exactly the color of moonlight on a winter night.”
“Hmm…let me see…” A burst of magic surrounded Pharynx and suddenly he plopped into the surf as the glowing jellyfish Luna had just pointed out.
She clapped her hooves as he changed back. “Superb, Pharynx!”
He grinned, head high. “Changelings don’t often have a reason to shift into sea creatures. This is excellent practice for me. Plus I get to become some of your favorites.”
“Indeed. I am just sorry you end up wet from the water though.”
“Not an issue. Changeling wings and bodies dry off easily, and it helps that you’re here.” He swallowed. “I always feel warm around you. Thorax says it’s normal. I’m not sure though…”
“I feel warm around you too, so I hope it is.” She moved closer alongside him.
His wings fluttered, eyes wide, and then Pharynx spontaneously changed into a tiny bat. He quickly turned back to normal, and Luna giggled.
He pouted “What was it this time?”
“A little bat?”
“Well…at least that’s arguably intimidating.”
“I like bats…” Her eyes hazed, and she moved closer.
A red flush entered Pharynx’s features: Luna could tell he was about to transform spontaneously again any second. She kept a giggle at bay and whispered, “ Do you need to help yourself get under control again?”
He nodded, big eyes on hers. Then he moved his mouth to Luna’s for a kiss and his horns were glowing as was her own—a beautiful ring of blue magic swirled between them then eventually dissipated.
When Pharynx pulled back he was smiling, his eyes hazed. Luna was blushing and felt wonderful. He swallowed. “I’m really glad Thorax convinced me to reform all the way. With how it used to be, I could never have shared love with you like that.”
“I shall really have to thank him when I see him next for his endeavors.” She nuzzled her head alongside his and kissed his cheek.
Pharynx chuckled then glanced down. “Luna—if you would like our relationship to be more publicly acknowledged, I think I can accept the situation now, just so you know. Or maybe we could start by telling OOREV about us and go from there? But…still keeping the ‘cute animals’ thing between us.”
She nodded. “I’d like to let OOREV know. And I think it would be helpful to Thorax if we did. He looks fit to burst about us every time we have a meeting now.”
“Yeah, he’s kind of a mushy dork. But he’s a good guy… and maybe you and I could go on a double date with him sometime? He’s still trying really hard with the nymphs and other girls. He’s even been seeing this Kirin named Autumn Blaze—he says she bursts into song a lot and always smiles, and somehow he likes that. I think he could use some support though.”
“Indeed.” Luna’s eyes brightened. “And we shall give him such encouragement, Pharynx—I would be happy to accompany you.”
Pharynx nuzzled against her and they settled in together, looking at the moon over the water. “Nighttime was always my favorite time, you know,” he said in a gentle voice. “Stealth and camouflage are easier.”
Luna glanced down with a demure smile. “Nighttime is a very private time when the world slows down and the mind wanders to its happiest places.”
“You’re like a warrior and a poet all in one, Luna.”
“More so when I’m around you, Pharynx.”
They settled in cozily to watch the waves lap on the shore and the glowing creatures drift by.
Late that night, in front of the castle of the two sisters (a temporary residence Celestia and Luna had taken up now that Twilight was fully moved in at the Canterlot Castle but her coronation still hadn’t occurred yet), Celestia appeared with Discord just as Luna appeared with Pharynx. Each couple was holding hooves and smiling.
When they realized they had company all four of them cleared their throats and smiled sheepishly.
Celestia rubbed the back of her neck. “I suppose we should coordinate places to appear when we return if we’ll be going out on some of the same nights.”
“Indeed.” Luna smiled bashfully. “How about our separate balconies instead?”
They nodded and shook hooves.
Blushing, Celestia turned back to Discord (who had been watching them in amusement). “I suppose we can say goodnight here then. Thank you for the memorable evening, Discord.”
Discord took her hoof and bowed dramatically. “Always, my lady.” He rose up, and they separated with hazed looks.
Pharynx glanced forward with a stern look though he blushed. Luna smiled softly. “Thank you for a pleasant evening as well, Pharynx. I look forward to our next outing.”
“Of course. Thank you for the honor of your presence, Luna.” He saluted, and when she giggled he smiled a little.
The two sisters stepped back then turned and headed into their old castle side by side.
Discord and Pharynx watched them go. Discord grinned. “How was your date with Luna?”
Pharynx cleared his throat. “Private. But…good. She is an admirable lady.” He raised an eyebrow. “How was your date?”
“Oh, exquisite.” Discord did a little loop in the air. “We should double sometime. I think we’re on the verge of an absolutely fun new era.”
Pharynx shifted back and forth on his hooves but then his stern look softened and he nodded. “As long as it’s somewhere private, I’d like that.”
“Great, I’ll run it by Sunny soon.” He held up his fingers. “Shall I teleport you home?”
“Well, I was going to fly, live off of the land overnight, practice some maneuvers…” Pharynx started, “but…maybe it would be nice to go home and reflect instead.” His eyes were almost hazed.
Discord chuckled. “You got it, lover boy.” Just as Pharynx blushed and pouted, Discord snapped him away then snapped himself away, chuckling.
Soon the area was quiet except for the sounds of sisters giggling and murmuring as they talked coming from one of the castle windows.
Time passed so quickly in retirement. Already a new week was here and it was time for a new OOLLA meeting at their fresh location in Discord and Starswirl’s favorite cider mill.
“Ah, well, I think this has been a rather successful OOLLA meeting, don’t you?” Starswirl asked, finishing off a nacho. “This is quite the fun establishment for one.”
Luna and Celestia nodded, and Discord smiled. “It’s a good place to kick back and relax, which is what we need with this club. Though Sunny and Moonie clearly need lessons on how to eat nachos.” He chuckled at the sisters who both blinked and realized there were cheese and chips that had gotten caught in their manes.
“We’ll be right back,” Luna stood. “Come sister—you wash this snack out of my mane and I’ll take care of yours.” Celestia smiled and stood as well. They turned and passed through the doors of the private room out into the main establishment.
Discord and Starswirl were alone, which wasn’t necessarily an awkward arrangement since the two had still gone on some of their usual private outings ever since the ‘walking in on the sisters’ incidents with Starswirl. It did get a little more awkward than usual though as, for the first time, Starswirl opened his mouth and actually addressed the hippogriff in the room. “So…how long exactly have you been courting one of my girls?”
Discord jumped in his chair and dropped nachos everywhere. Then he almost laughed. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to bring up that topic? You’d truly lulled me into a false sense of security.” He raised an eyebrow. “Wait, have Luna and Celestia not officially told you about…?”
Starswirl cleared his throat. “I don’t know how to approach them about it, and they seem a little unsure with me as well. You see, before I disappeared with the Pillars, those two girls were…not at the age yet when I would have had to worry about knocking on doors before I entered them.” He cleared his throat. “The only ‘boy’ Luna was close with was her stuffed opossum Tiberius!” He shook his head. “I’m just curious about how long I’ve been out of the loop about you and my dear rebellious Celestia.”
Discord smiled a little. “Uh…what you walked in on was the start of it. Though there were quite a few months of friendly groundwork laid beforehand—a lot of late night chats at my place over cake.” He blushed but added more seriously, “I care about her a lot.”
Starswirl nodded. “Believe me, if I didn’t think you did, I’d be giving you a stern warning to start right now. He played with his pint. “And Luna and Pharynx?”
“About the same time frame.” Discord sipped his drink. “You know, you don’t have to ‘ask them about it’ necessarily. Maybe just congratulate both of them—just to confirm that you definitely are aware—and then let any conversation develop from there.”
Starswirl nodded. “Agreed. I’ll try.” He glanced at Discord. “And Pharynx is a…quality creature, yes?”
“Possibly the most highly respected changeling in the hive.”
Starswirl sighed in relief. “Good, very good.”
Discord smiled a little more. “And do I make the cut as pony sister suitor material?”
Starswirl looked him over and his smile picked up on one side. “You have proven yourself a true creature of respect and honor, Chaos Lord Discord. I’m proud to see Celestia not settling for anything less than all you have to offer.”
Normally Discord’s ego loved to be fed, but something about the compliment made him smile too much and blush too much and eventually he just slouched his his seat, holding his glass. “You’re, uh…you’re okay too, Starswirl.”
Starswirl chuckled.
The pony sisters returned now with clean manes and rushed their seats. Luna smiled. “We request to alternate meetings between here and Pony Joe’s. Donuts are easier to eat than nachos with ethereal hair.”
“And donuts are delicious,” Celestia added.
“Sounds good to me.” Discord replied, sitting up again.
“Of course,” Starswirl nodded, “But first a toast,” he raised his glass, smiling, “to my girls—the pony sisters, Celeste and Luna—and their new suitors!”
More than amused, Discord clinked his glass with Starswirls’. “I’ll second that!” They both drank.
Celestia and Luna just sat there with wide eyes and blushing at first. But then they glanced at each other and smiled a little then turned back to Discord and Starswirl. Celestia spoke. “Well, I suppose seconding that would be natural for you, Discord, but to have a proper toast I think we should have Pharynx with us. Perhaps…the five of us could have a nice dinner at the castle one night and get to know each other.”
“But no embarrassing stories about when we were fillies,” Luna quickly piped up.
“Aw but I love those!” Discord protested.
Celestia blinked. “Starswirl! You tell him stories about us when we were—“
Starswirl smirked. “Oh come now, they’re not ‘embarrassing’ stories—back then you two were simply adorable…and also relentlessly stubborn. It soothes me to relate all I was put through.” Discord snorted with laughter as Luna and Celestia just rolled their eyes.
“And perhaps one night, Discord, you and I shall take Pharynx out on the town,” Starswirl suggested. “I know you very well, but I would like to know him well too!”
Luna sunk in her seat, blushing a little, as Celestia smiled and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“And perhaps, I could introduce you girls to someone as well at some point.” Starswirl blushed just slightly beneath his beard. “She’s someone you know, but it would be in a different context.”
The sisters shared a wide-eyed look then turned back to Starswirl. Discord blinked then grinned. “Starswirl, have you been holding out on me?”
Starswirl tried not to smile as I took a breath and explained. “I have been a little partial to Mistmane for some time. So I suppose the grand attack against friendship might have had at least one good result—it reminded us all of how short life is and how right we are to pursue our dreams while we still can.” He smiled at Discord.
Discord smiled but then put on a grin. “You’re introducing me to Mistmane under these circumstances. No negotiation.”
“We’d love to have her at our dinner together,” Celestia replied.
“And we are happy to see you happy, Starswirl,” Luna added softly.
“Thank you, girls.” Starswirl gave each of them a warm gaze. Then he cleared his throat and resumed his usual confident smile. “But in the meantime, how about one more round of drinks?”
“I’ve got this—consider it dessert!” Discord snapped his fingers to make four glasses of chocolate milk appear on the table with crazy straws.
Starswirl chuckled. “Very appreciated. After all the four of us have done for this nation, I think we’ve earned it.”
The club members raised their glasses and toasted. Discord and Luna grinned at each other.
“OOGA CHAKA?” Luna asked.
“OOGA CHAKA!” Discord replied.
“What is…ooga chaka?” Starswirl raised an eyebrow.
Celestia sighed. “I still don’t know, but I have a feeling it’s a long story.”
Luna and Discord laughed, and Celestia and Starswirl did too. And the night went on.