Discord has heard Celestia sigh (which is funny). He's heard her growl (which is funnier). On a good day, he can even make her shout (which is hilarious).

But he's never heard her laugh. Until now.

Set during/directly after the events of "Make New Friends but Keep Discord", Discord sees a side of Celestia he never thought existed -- and has no idea what to make of it. The resulting discussion with Twilight and Fluttershy only annoys him further, as his frustrations with Pony society come to the fore.

Ever wonder who taught Sunset Shimmer to play the guitar? A simple awkward after-school encounter between her and Flash becomes a look back on their previous relationship, along with a revelation or two.

Sometimes we desperately want something to be true, so we refuse to believe it's a lie. Sometimes we tell ourselves everything is alright, even when it isn't. Sometimes a lot of people get very badly hurt because we aren't willing to face painful possibilities. Sometimes things really are that bad.

Sometimes.

Luna regresses, and Celestia must confront her worst fear. But something seems...off.

A short story originally conceived as the prologue to a series. The series has been put on hold, but I believe the story stands on its own fairly well.