“Opposition brings concord. Out of discord comes the fairest harmony.”
-Heraclitus
Dearest Equestria,
Do you remember me?
Sometimes I wonder, for I fear you do not know what you are missing. What evil you thought you had been cruelly graced with was somewhat of a…shall we say, misinterpretation.
Do you not understand? I don’t suppose you would. After all, none of your kind have been forced to spend a lifetime in a bizarre, unyielding prison—not one. It seems I am rather unique in that way.
And do you know where that prison rests? Why, Equestria, it is none other than a palace rose garden, a place of supposed serenity and silence. And this, more than anything, is the reason why I am trapped.
I’m still here, you know. You may lock me up in any way you wish; my spirit lives! It dogs your every footstep, your daily endeavors, your hopes and wishes and dreams. In reality, this is less of a form of revenge and more of my attempt to contribute my effort to keeping the scale balanced. More than anyone else will ever do. You should all be thanking me.
For you see, my revenge should be considered more of a gift—one that you admittedly have done nothing to deserve. It brings pleasure to my endless days of stillness, however; and each day, because of this, I am a little freer.
Let me explain. The challenges you face each day—losing a spare quill, spilling a glass of chocolate milk, getting distracted when you can’t afford to lose focus—every accident, failure, injury, are all reminders of me. Every intention that backfires, every huge responsibility, every assignment you waste your energy worrying over is all the work of yours truly. My vengeance. You see, being what I am is probably the best one could ever ask for. Even if I am stopped in my tracks, caged like a bird, locked up like some criminal, my ability to ensure my return comes every day, in so many ways. Every day you see me in others, in your friends, in yourself. You see, I, in a sense, am inescapable.
You forget I am not merely a creature, Equestria, but a being. And that being lives in every one of you, every day, true chaos or none.
Did you know that your petty order and harmony could never exist without me?
Well, it’s true. Anyone will tell you, even your precious rulers, who so calmly and indifferently gaze upon my statue every morning on the way to breakfast. If there is no chaos, what would be the need for harmony? If there is no imbalance, what would be the need for equality? This is what I am referring to when I say I am doing my part of keeping the scale balanced—it’s my small challenges that I inflict upon you citizens that keep the whole of Equestria from spiraling into an apocalypse. It’s a wonder you survive at all. You’re hardly getting by!
In fact, the only thing truly keeping me from crushing my prison under my thumb like a beetle is the harmony itself laced among the rock, providing not only a perfect wall of stone, but an outer protective case as well. Unbreakable, supposedly. I’m still here, aren’t I?
Does it not haunt you, Equestria, that your own princesses would be more than willing to turn one to stone, without even a measly second thought? You know what I mean. I may have caused a bit of trouble, but it’s all in good fun. (Already forgotten my harmony-chaos balance explanation, have we?) At least in a proper prison, one would be able to move about to one’s comfort. I have a bitter crick in my neck and an aching in my left shoulder that I swear will be the end of me if this rose garden isn’t.
So you see, there’s more to the story than you think—details are important, you know. And look at it from my perspective; I have nothing but my thoughts, my unmoving shadow, and my pedestal here for company. It’s one lonely way to fester in punishment.
These days, I don’t feel I have a lot of strength left in me. My energy is draining—slowly, but surely. One of these fate-forsaken days, when it saps entirely—you will have my imprisonment to answer to. I’m just warning you. When my end of the scale finally tips, there will be chaos that will have nothing to do with me. Think about it. I won’t have to drown your world in chocolate rain again—my imprisonment will do it for me. The thought is positively glorious. And you know, Equestria, one does not have much to anticipate when one is turned to weathered cement. But if I must, I will wait patiently for this day—and when it comes, I will rejoice.
Did I ever tell you about that one time, before I was entirely escaped and defeated a second time, when the elements were transferred from the princesses’ powers, and it only took the tiniest argument, the smallest of brawls, to free me? Of course, it would have to take place directly in front of my place of imprisonment, but it was a simple process all the same. That day, somepony had carelessly thrown a bit of waste to the side—even I have more respect for my land—and there was a small gaggle of birds arguing over which would be the one to carry it off. It was the most miniscule of things, something that shouldn’t have mattered at all; but it did. It made all the difference, Equestria. From that day forth I knew the slightest breeze would topple me from my jail—and that it did. I was free within the next couple of days (all thanks to a small trio of fillies who took it upon themselves to cause a disturbance. The effect was most potent).
Mark my words, this will happen again. You may have harmony down, but that is also a weakness in your case—you are the most predictable of creatures I have ever had the misfortune to meet. And it isn’t just you ponies, though they are quite enjoyable beings; it’s all who live here, in this empire that I am so politely addressing. You all know it’s inevitable; whether I try or not, your world will tumble, and mine will reign.
Harmony cannot exist without Discord.
I’ve tried to warn Celestia of this countless times—but she’s as stubborn as I am, which I suppose is somewhat of disadvantage on both of our parts. It’s left me without any sort of choice, and her with a ruling responsibility of an ignorant country. I fear for you. If I can’t prevent it, then certainly no one else can.
I don’t think I should say any more. If you can’t understand my forewarnings, then there isn’t much else anyone can do. I shall continue my daily deeds—to your benefit and mine, remember—breaking my protective shell, leading me to my freedom.
My final words to you are these:
When at last my shell is cracked, Equestria, I will take my responsibility of our little game of balance to the extreme. And then, I will crack yours.
Permanently.
Cordially,
DiScOrD
(Author's Note: This is not the prologue to a story--it's the whole thing. Pathetic, I know. But I had a burst of inspiration combined with a burst of rambling; you add Discord to the mix and it's all over the place. This has been sitting on my server for quite a while, as in I've been debating on whether or not to put it up here. For one thing, it's too short. For another, I've forgotten how to write a fanfiction. O.o
Ah, well.
If you see any lack in accuracy--such as punctuation errors or information--let me know! I don't bite. Much. XD)