//------------------------------//
// Prologue 
// Story: Expiration Date 
// by FireFly2100 
//------------------------------//

“But Celestia, why not?”

“Because I said no, and that is the final answer. I know you long to see the world again after your – time away, but I cannot allow you to go on this diplomatic mission to the Gryphon Kingdoms. Relations are tense enough as it is, and they still don't entirely trust that Nightmare Moon is gone. If you were to go now, then they would see that as an act of war by Equestria and kill the entire envoy, and probably try to kill you as well. And I am not willing to risk the lives of my citizens for one of your whimsical desires.” Celestia gave her sister a cold stare that she only used when dealing in matters of utmost importance. On the inside, she wanted nothing more than to let Luna go see the world. She knew it was partially her fault that her sister hadn't been able to see it change like she had. In fact, she was normally trying to get her sister to go somewhere, as the only places she has been since her return are Canterlot and Ponyville. But, by the stars, she just had to choose this one! The only place on this planet that she is vehemently unwanted. Some of the ponies might fear her, but the gryphons take it to a new level.

“UUUGH! You are so difficult sister! Why can't you just let us have this one thing? You have gotten everything so far. Fame, glory, victory against all of your enemies – the love of everypony...” The last part of this was said so quietly, Celestia almost didn’t catch it, or the sudden, subtle shift in Luna's posture that followed. She felt a twinge of sadness, only worsened when a tear rolled down her sister's cheek. She couldn't bear to see her sister like this, but the safety of her little ponies were also at stake here. So she did the only thing she could; she stood her ground. When Luna could no longer take the silence, or the look that Celestia was giving her, she gave in. “Fine! If you wish us to be miserable for the rest of our life, then so be it. But I am never going to talk to you again!” With that she stormed back into the castle, leaving Celestia outside in the statue garden.

“Well, there goes my peaceful evening of relaxation. The first chance I had at it in seven years, gone. Just like that!” The white alicorn let out a long sigh and began to get up. It was then that an low, evil laugh was heard, but not really heard. It was everywhere and nowhere all at once. And it was Him. Celestia's pupils became the size of pinpricks, and her eyes narrowed like a hawk narrowing in on its prey as she turned to face the statue. “Discord.”

“Why hello to you too Celestia.” The voice was the most sarcastic, yet most sincere tone she had ever heard. It was as if he was put off by the way she said his name, yet happy to talk to her all the same, as it was a chance to wreak havoc on her mind. “Did you and Luna have a little argument? Before you answer that, yes, it was rhetorical. I was listening in on the whole thing. Quite entertaining, I might add.” As he spoke,  his statue started to glow right around where she assumed his heart was, that is, if he has a heart.

“Discord, you had no right to listen to that, and you know it.” Celestia did her best to give the statue her coldest glare, in some small hope that it went through to him.

A few minutes went by in silence as she stared at the statue until it started to feel awkward. She was starting to wonder whether or not the stress had finally gotten to her and she was just imagining things. Finally she looked away. “HA! You never did have the patience to win a staring contest with a statue, did you?”

“Buck me...” She sighed and looked back at Discord. She really was hoping it was just stress.

“My, my. Such foul language for the Princess of Equestria, don't you think?”

“Discord, shut up before I send you to the moon for a thousand years.” She thought she heard him muttering something about a pleasant change of scenery. She dismissed it, a small nagging thought in the back of her mind wondering how he could even see if he was stone. “So, did you come here just for small talk, or do you have some greater scheme involving your escape and reconquering of Equestria?” Her voice was so thick with sarcasm as she said this, she worried that Discord might be rubbing off on her.

“Sadly, no.” Lamented the spirit of chaos, sounding truly saddened that he wasn't making his great escape just yet. “But that doesn't mean I'm not going to spread a little chaos while I can.” Celestia almost interrupted him, but he interrupted her interrupting of him, very interruptedly he might add. “Listen, and listen well. What I am about to do is both a gift and a curse. But remember that it can only get worse. Do with this what you will, Celestia. Just remember, not even you can change the future.” 

With those final words spoken, the statue of the draconequus started to glow a violently bright white. Celestia, eyes widened in shock and, although she would never admit it, fear, as she took a step back. When she regained her composure, she attempted to counter whatever foul magic Discord was using. But something felt... off. She couldn't quite put her hoof on it, and just when she thought she figured it out, she felt a light breeze flowing through her mane and tail. She became distracted by the breeze as it had a euphoric feel to it. She almost forgot what was going on right in front of her, overwhelmed by a giddy feeling, but the breeze started to pick up. As it intensified, so did the feeling it gave off, until it reached a point that she had only felt a few times before, all of these times thousands of years ago. All back when she was a young filly, first learning magic. And she realized something. This is a magic high! But why... no. 

But with one more piece of evidence, she knew it was true. ALL of the wind from ALL of the directions was going to the same place. That one central point of disturbance. That one glowing statue in front of her, that she could have sworn got at least ten times brighter. Discord. With that conclusion, she could only sit back in fear and realize what felt off earlier. The wind was magic. It was THE magic. As in, the magic of all of Equestria. The reason she couldn't use her magic. It was flowing out of her as the wind passed around her. No. As the wind passed through her. That's why she felt the magic high. But it was passing through her too fast for her to grab a hold of any bit of it long enough to manipulate it into a counterspell. 

The wind was now howling all around at speeds that would put the fiercest of hurricanes and tornadoes to shame. There was grass and dirt and all sorts of debris flying past at incredible speeds. She could feel the sting as several sticks and branches whipped against her, all while she stared at Discord in complete fear. Just as she could feel the power within the evil spirit reaching its highest potential, she was struck in the back of the head by what she could only assume was a rock. And a large one at that. She collapsed on the ground, fading in and out in a struggle against consciousness, watching as the scene in front of her reached its final moments. With a strain of effort, and a struggled breath, she managed to wheeze out one word. “no...”

“Oh yes my dear.” She felt the voice inside her head as Discord spoke directly into it, most likely because anything he actually says would be inaudible through the wind. 

The last thing Celestia saw before she lost consciousness was a shock wave of pure magic burst from the statue in much the same way a sonic rainboom would from a pegasus. Only this was pure black, and pure chaos. And she saw as it expanded out across the land, visibly distorting the very fabric of reality. Then everything went dark.

Then she passed out.