He was old.
Older than the dragons, who live lives longer than tens of thousands of years, older than most Alicorns, who rarely reach that ten thousand year mark, even older than the phoenixes, who live nearly endless circles of rebirth.
Truly, he was powerful.
Stronger than all the Alicorns, dragons, centaurs, griffins, and cyclops combined, he had defeated so many foes, caused so much strife and grief, and even fought against the Windigos, a battle that nearly killed him...only proving that even he had his limits.
Still, he had many tities.
Spirit, Master of chaos and Disharmony, Lord Discord...God of Chaos.
He was also called many other things: monster, false king, tyrant, abomination, ugly, and, on very rare days, he was called his preferred titles, worshiped, revered as a god, praised, offered sacrifices, and even prayed to, though it never lasted long, and ended so many millennia ago.
He met so many nearly as old as him, though, in time, they had either perished, or out right despised him, with those that still lived hating him with a burning passion, wanting to take his life in their own limbs. But he was much harder to kill then many expected, and those that could remember, saw him fighting the Windigos alongside them...they had lost, but it was the thought that counted, and knew one thing for sure about him.
He wore his heart on his sleeve.
Or, rather, some version of such, seeing as he didn’t actually wear clothes unless the occasion called for it, so many called him insane, sporadic, delusional, heartless, cruel, a manipulator, a fiend, a deviant, and so many, many other very harsh names, all of which slid off his back like water in time.
He had fallen in love with so many different creatures in his very, very long lifespan, some females, a male once in awhile, and a few other things, all of whom caught his eyes; he wasn’t picky.
He had even, at one point, been attracted to Celestia and Luna, and watched as they fought over him for centuries before he took over their kingdom and betrayed them, a shame, though just as well...he really did have strong feelings for Celestia at one point, while using Luna for a roll in the sheets every once in awhile, not that he had anything against her.
But that time had passed after they imprisoned him in stone, he supposed it was only fair after he broke their hearts and ruined the lives of so many of their subjects.
He had joined forces with both good and evil, never truly being on either side, since it all ended in bloodshed at the end of the day, at least it had in the time before he was imprisoned.
Speaking of before, he also had some of his claws and paws, respectfully, in politics, or at least the conquering of nations, one of which being Sombra, or, as the royal brat preferred, King Sombra. He looked so innocent when he was young, being raised by his adopted mother, Queen Chrysalis, but once the pupil emerged from his pod, he took charge and waged war on his mother's target, capturing the capital of love and securing it for himself, away from his mother's grasp...which ironically reminds him of a more recent situation, where the reigning monarch, Celestia, has raised a young dragon, who might or might not follow in Sombra's footsteps.
To that, he made a mental note to mess with the future king, during the next few centuries, before he rolled his eyes with a smirk and thought deeply to recall the others he had affected over time.
He had nearly forgotten that Queen Chrysalis’s throne was an extremely old magical stone, almost as old as he was, and was embarrassed that he had forgotten about it, and how humiliated he was when it stripped him of his magic.
The only other time he looks back and curses himself at, was how he trusted Lord Tirek, the magical centaur who betrayed him due to his boredom with the mortals around him, and had forgotten how he once aided him in the past, only allowing himself to be caught off guard and even giving him the illusion of his magic being stipped when he betrayed Fluttershy, seeing as his true magic would most likely kill the centaur.
Snorting to himself, he thought of Luna, or, rather, Nightmare Moon, remembering just how easily it was to manipulate the younger sister with jealousy, and even fanned the flames enough to help her form the Tantabus after she was redeemed, somehow finding himself responsible for her turning into the monster she once was, even if she never blamed him outright.
He’d always had a soft spot for Luna, though, and questioned to himself just what he felt for her, even now, before he was reminded rather harshly of the things he had done in the past, and knew that no amount of apologies could truly change the past...ironically he could do just that, but knew from experience that it just wasn’t worth it.
There were so many other enemies that he knew of that the pony race didn’t, Celestia and Luna had their enemies, sure, but he was a god...he knew truer power than the ones they had fought in their lifetime.
He remembered watching as the ponies were first created, so weak, frail, and unless, it was a miracle he didn’t just make them combust to spare them from their fate. He remembered the first Alicorn, and how she was nervous around him, worried that he might do something to harm her, by instinct, sure, but Discord made no move towards her, wanting to see how this race fared among so many others.
In time as their species grew he told them of many, many adventures, and showed his magic to all, chained by none, and was given statues and temples, so many including the first Alicorn bowing before him, knowing that compared to him, he held true magic, wild and untamed, but it was one they had come to respect...and eventually fear.
When the wars started, he watched in amusement, with popcorn and soda in appendage, which had not even been invented yet, watching as so many of his servants killed in his name, it was nothing new, and over time, the first Alicorn regarded him with both disgust and hatred.
So he vanished, for thousands of years to different parts of the world before he was given a request by the Alicorn who wanted to see him before she died, he was shocked to say the least, but did as requested.
She told him that even though he had done so many terrible things in his time with them, that she forgave him and asked him if he would grant a wish only a god could. Embarrassed, and with hesistion, he agreed, allowing her to take a deep breath and sigh before speaking.
“Forgive my little ponies, please?” She asked as he pondered the thought for a second, before looking at her, his eyes harden and cruel as he replied with a simple word.
“No.” Her eyes widen in terror as she breathed her last, silently praying to any god but Discord for her ponies to be spared...but the gods ignored her.
As more time went on, Discord watched Alicorn after Alicorn reign the nation they now called Equestria, each ruler hating him more than the last, before he finally met a couple that remembered all he had done and given him a chance to join forces with him as he thought back to the words the first Alicorn had spoken and refused.
It had caused a massive war between those that followed the king and queen, and those that worshipped Discord, himself, millions had died and, in the end, Discord held both the king and queen’s neck in his paw and claw, looking the two very small Alicorn children that coward deep in the throne room corner of the castle in the eyes with a terrifying grin...before snapping their necks as the country around them was engulfed in flames.
He ruled Equestria for a thousand years, treating his subjects like nothing more than worthless toys. Those who once worshiped him, or killed in his name, diminished over time, his statues torn from the ground, his temples destroyed, and those remaining who followed him were brutally killed, or hung from the towns, itself. They naturally couldn’t do anything to Discord, himself, but that didn’t mean they couldn't make his servants suffer for his crimes, as others had done over time.
Luckily for the draconequus, Celestia and Luna were far too young to understand what had transpired before their very eyes.
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Spike paused for a moment, sipping his lemon tea as there were words on the tip of his tongue, but he didn’t know if he had the courage to say them, the sixteen year old dragon was conflicted and confused at what the spirit was telling him as they say alone in Fluttershy’s cottage.
The pegasus, herself, having had to leave to run errands as the drake came over to help the mare, seeing that she was becoming more and more busy, the immortal before him showing up to be among his friend and chose to talk to the king to be as he worked, both of them still disliking Angel Bunny, but it was an improvement from their past relationship.
That was four hours ago, and if they had to guess, Fluttershy must have simply lost track of time.
“So...what happened next?” Spike questioned slowly, nervous of upsetting the very spirit of chaos who could have easily overthrown his own adopted mother and aunt if he wanted to, but according to Discord he chose to wait, for what Spike didn’t know and it angered as well as scared him.
“Oh, the usual; got trapped in stone, tried to corrupt the Elements, which could have happened if this world wasn’t set in a kids show for little girls!” He shouted angrily as Spike stared at him as though he was insane, which was true, but he rolled his eyes which popped out of their sockets, bouncing then jumping out an open window with screams of joy before appearing in his head again with a groan.
With another loud sigh, he continued with a snap of his lion claw and transformed Fluttershy’s couch into a large water bed, moaning in relief at the wave and swaying of the bed. Not even looking at Spike.
“Lost, only because the Elements of Harmony are as old as I am, mind you. Then got turned back into stone again, and you know the rest of the story...fell in love with a free spirited and energetic earth pony, which I’m still very much upset about, since I also very deeply care about Fluttershy. The battle against Chrysalis should have told you that much.” He sighed again, this time creating a mist that formed a laughing Pinkie Pie before he gently waved it away with an eagle talon.
To say Spike was shocked to hear that Discord loved both Pinkie and Fluttershy was a big understatement. Though, if he was being honest with himself, he couldn’t blame the god, the two of them would eventually outlive their friends and perhaps even Celestia and Luna themselves, at least then Spike would still have his home, being their ruler for who knows how long, memories and even Peewee, his loyal pet phoenix, and, of course, his mother’s phoenix, Philomena.
But all Discord, himself, would have is memories, and, if he had to guess, unless he chose to remember such, he doubt they would be worthwhile, and even fade over time with how old he says he is, even though he never told the dragon an actual number.
“Can’t you just...I don’t know, make them immortal or go back in time if that’s the case?” Spike questioned as the draconequus glared at him, his eyes literally disintegrating into ashes before a large pail of water appeared with a snap of his lion claw and filled them back up to perfection like one pouring a glass of juice.
For a second Discord thought of setting the drake on fire before he forgot with a shake of his head just what species Spike was.
“Well of course I could do that, but Pinkie Pie wants to wait until she lives a full life and is on her deathbed before telling me her answer and Fluttershy…” He sighed audibly once more, this time having a smiling mist form of the mare in question assembling from his oxygen as he waved that away as well with his tail.
“W...we haven’t talked about it, to tell the truth. I’m nervous of what she’ll say or think. I know she loves me in her own way, just like Pinkie, but they forget that I literally have all the time in the world...while they don’t. With Shy, it’s such an effort to get her to have fun and enjoy herself, with Pinkie, it’s natural. I wasn’t joking when I said laugher was my favorite element, I just never intended to fall for the mare that came with it. I think...I think even if I asked her, Shy wouldn't want that burden and guilt and hardship, to outlive her friends, family and love ones just to be with me for eternity, at least Pinkie considered it when we talked, heh. Never seen her so serious in all the time I’ve known her.” He paused to open up his chest and saw his lungs stopped before he punched them with an eagle talon, causing them to wheeze and telling him to buck off before resuming as normal as Discord could be, before he closed his chest back up with a smirk.
Spike laughed out loud at the display, silently finishing what remained of his tea before reaching over and grabbing the kettle with a talon, breathing his fire on it to warm it again as Discord snapped his fingers and allowed a nonflammable oven mitt to appear underneath, to which Spike set it down upon, after refilling his cup, of course.
“Are you sure I can’t interest you in something...stronger? To maybe relax the mood? It is getting awfully depressing in here,” Discord asked as Spike only laughed with a shake of his head.
“I’m only sixteen, I won’t be able to legally drink for another two years, buddy. Besides my mom aunt, and Twilight would kill you if they knew I got drunk...and then Cadence and Blueblood would probably finish off what’s left.” Spike replied with a good natured smirk making the spirit huff with a mutter that they could very well try as boxing gloves appeared on his eagle talon and lion paw as he swung a few times in the air this time making Spike laugh harder and making Discord chuckle with a sincere smile before they suddenly vanished off of him and scowled, the air in the room filling with tension once more as Spike sighed.
“So why tell me all this? Why now?” Spike had to ask as the draconequus smacked his face with his lion paw and slid it down his face with a groan.
“Honestly...I don’t know. Celestia and Lulu are still angry with me, even if they never say it outright, and everyone else is...well...I guess mortal.” He answered, looking to the dragon, who raised an eyebrow with a frown, confusion etched on his face.
“You have to understand, I don’t mean you aren’t, Spike. But you might be the only one I can actually vent to about a past the ponies know absolutely nothing about. All of what I’m telling you aren’t in Equestria’s history books, trust me, I’ve looked with Twilight’s books, though naturally I might have been a bit less than truthful about what I was actually searching for, with her. Even Canterlot and the Crystal Empire’s libraries only have so much information. They go back quite a few centuries from before Celestia was given the crown but...not back to her.” He paused, a long, uncomfortable moment settled between them before he continued.
“Not back to the one I could have...maybe been nicer to. You mentioned traveling back in time...I can do it...but, the consequences are never worth the price, trust me. I know that more than anyone. I’ve only done it once though...and I regret it every second to this day. No...if both Shy or Pinkie don’t want to be immortal then I’ll simply...move on with pain in my heart. Just like I’ve always done with those I’ve learn to love. It seems to be all I know, after all.” He whispered the last words to himself quietly but Spike’s ear fins were able to catch them, his claw gripping his tea cup with a bit more force than he meant to as it shattered to the ground.
Discord didn’t hesitate to snap his fingers and reform the glass and make the liquid disappear, for once no odd form or crazy contraption came from such, making the young reptile realize very slowly that the god before him was serious as he shifted in his large plush chair, both embarrassed and nervous before he finally put the cup down on the table on front of them.
For a full minute, which felt like hours, the two sat in silence, both very deep in their thoughts, before Spike spoke.
“I know that eventually you’ll want my crown and your kingdom back.” He spoke, only making Discord grunt, not even bothering to look him in the eyes before he went on.
“But...before it comes to us no doubt trying to kill each other, which I’m guessing is millennia away from now, I just want to say...you’ll always have a friend with me, Discord, and Equestria will always be your home, even when we will be at each other’s throats for, no doubt, the final showdown.” Spike spoke in a matter Discord wouldn't have believed if he didn’t hear it with his own two ears as he looked at the dragon, seeing Spike’s serious expression.
A lone tear slowly ran down his left eye which he wiped away quickly with his tail before clearing his throat, hints of a smile on his face that only Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy could have noticed.
“You’re as sappy as your mother.” He responded, making Spike give a full bellied laugh at his words as he shook his head, still with a large grin on his face.
“Runs in the family.” Spike answered, making it Discord’s turn to laugh once more, as the silence that followed became much more comfortable and relaxed, Discord closing his eyes as his limbs rested over his stomach peacefully before Spike spoke again.
“So...why haven’t you ask either mare out yet? It's obvious you’re attracted to them.” He wondered as Discord didn’t even bother opening his eyes as he retorted.
“I could say the very same about you and Dinky Doo or Sweetie Belle.” He chuckled, making the drake nearly both spit out his drink, which he had grabbed and refilled once more, and drop his glass in shock.
“T-they’re my friends...I just...I’m taking my time to really get to know them before gathering up the guts to go through with it...I just really don’t want to hurt either of them is all.” He answered slowly, loving Derpy Hooves's younger sister because of how much they had in common and got along with each other, as he respected how smart she was and having no fear to have fun among the males and really liked nearly the same kinds of music and art he enjoyed, and loving his former crush's younger sister for how she made him laugh, how much she trusted him to even be made an honorary crusader when they were younger, how knowledgeable she was becoming with her sister’s business, along with her singing career, and even how her cooking was improving, it was nowhere near as it was in the past, or even close to his own, but it was something, and, of course, her beauty.
Knowing both young mares were training under his older sister to get into his mother’s school for gifted unicorns certainly didn't hurt, either.
Granted, both of them had a natural beauty to them, and it didn’t defy who they were as ponies, but even still, Spike was very conflicted on who he wanted to give his heart to, especially after his crush on Rarity faded, since both mares stood by his side, along so many other friends, and he couldn't deny that he was...wary.
He didn’t want to be rejected again, and for a brief moment, he questioned himself if maybe he should just stick to his own kind and be with Ember, like Rarity often thought would be the case. Sure he found the Dragon Lady attractive, but the Dragonlands were so very far away, and he just didn’t do long distance relationships. Plus...Ember and him have centuries upon centuries to be together, so there was no rush, if they would even like each other in the future.
“I’m just biding my time, is all.” Spike answered, quickly making the the one older than the pony race, himself, give a bark of laughter in response, calming down after a few solid seconds.
“So am I, King Spike...so am I.” Discord replied as Spike could only smile.
Perhaps it wasn't as easy as books, movies, and the radio soap operas made it seem, but for once...the future king of Equestria and the god of chaos felt as though they really understood each other and their long, long journey to win one of the mares who would hopefully steal their heart.
After all...they had plenty of time to spare.