[Aberrant Harmony Short]: Stargazing · 7:04pm Aug 22nd, 2015
Discord stretched as far as the slick roof tiles would allow, soaking in the magnificent view before him. Hundreds of thousands of stars, dancing and twinkling in the light of the moon. That coupled with the brisk night air made for a perfect evening of self-reflection. After last month's events, Discord had done precious little but reflect.
Perhaps his old age had finally caught up with him, but Discord could not help but hold onto what happened . . . what could have happened. His failure lay ever before him, as blinding as the stars above. He gave a low, soft chuckle as he remembered finding his father in a similar state of contemplation so many centuries ago . . .
Father? What are you doing on the roof?
'Reflecting and . . . lamenting.'
Over what?
'What do you think?'
The-the war?
'Aye, though there is more that troubles my mind than that, Discord.'
Do you want to talk to me? I can listen really well, Father!
'Not until you are older, Discord. My demons are . . . too troubling for a child. '
Discord felt his stomach sink as his father's words echoed in his mind. Too troubling for a child, eh? The very thought made his blood run cold. What he would not have given to hear what his father's words now. But, he would never hear his or any of his kind's words again. Discord glanced down at the sprawling city below, wondering how long the guards would take to find him. Just as he contemplated leaving, a soft, questioning voice behind him caused him to jump.
"Discord? I didn't know you were going to the Crystal Conference. "
Discord turned to stare into Spike's eyes. The kid had leaned halfway out the window, regarding him as if he were an apparition.
"I am not." Then, upon seeing Spike's frustration, he snapped his fingers, summing the dragon to his side. The kid nearly lost his balance, gripping his eagle claw to stay upright. Discord could not help but chuckle. "Do not be troubled, Spike. I have no desire to cause 'havoc' in the courts. I came here because the view of the stars is better from the Empire."
"Really?" Spike settled down beside him, looking up at the stars. "Wow. Guess I never really realized it."
"Mmhmm."
"So you just came here to look at the stars?"
"In part. I came to reflect . . . that is all." Discord sighed, letting loose a long stream of golden flame. Spike's eyes grew wide as they tended to whenever he watched his fire. "There is much to learn from the stars, Spike."
"Oh, you mean the constellations? Yeah, can't tell you how many times Twilight's made me stay up and chart them with her."
"No. You are thinking of them as a pony, Spike."
Spike raised an eyebrow. "As a . . . pony?"
"Aye. Though, tis not surprising considering your upbringing. You see, Spike, ponies are very worldly creatures, as are dragons." Discord lifted his head, inhaling the cool, crisp air. "We draconequus are spiritual creatures."
"Spiri-what now?"
Rather than explaining, Discord began to sing, low and soft,
"Can you count the stars, oh King?
Can you call them by name?
Is it by your words they spring to life?
They are ours to paint on our canvas.
And what are you, oh King?
Who are you, oh King?
To claim them as your own?
Naught but dust and chaff
To be blown by summer winds.
This world is ours, oh King
and all life a gift."
Spike stared blankly at him. "A draconequus song?"
"Indeed."
"What did it mean? Who do the stars belong to? Luna and Tia?"
"No, certainly not them." Discord chuckled weakly, getting to his feet. "If you watch the stars closely, you may begin to understand for yourself . . ."
So, I was drawing this picture and thought, "Meh, might as well write a short while I'm at it." And then I wrote this.
The words ...they moved me.
Don't know why but that scene reminds me of the Lion King whenever Mufasa talked about the Kings form the Past.
Calm, introspective Discord is the best kind of Discord, I feel. Taking a break from the chaos and looking behind the curtains once in a while makes for good reading.
This is awesome
What is this? Spike and Discord getting along.
This isn't my headcanon. Get out of here.
Just kidding. I liked this.