//------------------------------// // The Move // Story: Chaotic Odds // by PsychoNerd //------------------------------// Everypony gathered around, witnessing what was happening in front of them. For the first time at the Gala, there was clear silence. They all waited, Luna, the guards, the waiters, their patrons, and guests alike waited for what Discord and Celestia were about to do. Nothing has ever made Celestia more terrified in her life in that exact moment she was dragged to the dance floor by her plus one, well apart from a handful moments which involved her sister turning to Nightmare moon and Discord assuming total control over her kingdom and her subjects under his chaotic reign. How ironic how that same evil overlord is now her plus one tonight and the one dragging her into her worst fears. Her mind raced on which of her options would have been the best given the situation. If she walked away, it might save some of her dignity and save her sister and herself the embarrassment. It came with the cost of disappointing not only the guests present at the Gala but her sister as well. Her other choice would be staying and dancing but coming off as foolish in front of her subjects and most of the upper class of Canterlot given her royal prestigious title would be as bad, if not worse, than walking away. She couldn't bring herself to focus and rationalize as her world begin to crash under the pressure of the eyes of everyone around them. She was ready to cry and wanted nothing more than to disappear when a soft, warm, and gentle paw held her hoof. Celestia just froze and stared at Discord, making a move to hold her side while his paw held her hoof. She could only just follow his movements like a puppet on strings. Discord on the other hoof casually smiled, pretending the dance is nothing out of the ordinary for him. Everypony was staring at them. Neither he nor Celestia were too fond of all the watchful eyes, doing it so there was no turning back. It did help that he remembered what Celestia did for him at the start of the evening. He kept it in his mind against his doubts. With a snap from his tail, the dimming of the lights, and the musicians cued by his chaos magic, Discord moved in for the first step in a slow and romantic waltz. They danced They danced together with everypony watching, despite their initial rough start. Celestia was scared so it was no surprise she didn’t move quite gracefully at first but with Discord’s guidance and care, she slowly began to dance smoothly. Her eyes, which were tightly shut in fear, slowly opened and all her stress and worries fading away. She watched herself dance with the one her heart started to beat for, the one she came to know and love who felt the same way for her. “You’re doing wonderful, my dear.” “Do you really think so, Discord?” “Well, you’re here right now, aren’t you? With me, dancing in front of everypony.” Celestia could only feel… free. She was no longer in a state of fear or stress. There was no responsibility, no worries, no doubts whatsoever. For the first time in all her life, she felt normal for someone of her status. Never had she imagined she could possibly feel this state of tranquility given her crown and life that has not changed for over a thousand years and yet here she was. What was better was the fact she wasn’t alone. She wasn’t alone in this feeling since she was with the one who showed her, the one who opened her eyes, who lit up her way. What probably amazed her the most was the clear fact that she knows, she knows who this draconequus was and what he had done before. And yet, that didn’t bother her in the slightest. With the music playing, they spun around beautifully. The ponies around them, who initially felt disgusted by them at first, slowly saw the love blooming around them and it spread to all the couples of the night to join in and share the dance floor with their significant others. Raven was happy, she hasn’t seen Celestia this happy in all her time as her assistant in the castle. She knew it was what the princess needed, what was best for her. While at the same time seeing how the entire moment was enhanced thanks to them that has made this dance exceed beyond expectations for the Gala. Luna, on the other hoof though, was flabbergasted at the ordeal. Her plan had backfired to the point it further made her night turn to day by her sister. Even worse, she could not do anything about the matter, except clenched her already gritted teeth in anger. Everypony began following the couple’s lead. They circled the princess and her plus one and mimicked their slow waltz, even took every mistake Celestia made as a part of the routine itself that added a bit of spin-off things. Discord was undeniably happy on what was happening that night, he was ecstatic to see the happiness of Celestia bloom all around them. Only her happiness mattered to him that night, he didn't hesitate whatsoever to put his full attention towards her. While the same could be said about Celestia, never has she felt this normal in all her immortal life as a princess. It truly was a remarkable night for both of them. With Celestia and Discord’s night becoming brighter, Luna’s and her plans grew darker. She had lost her regal aura to a now dark, vengeful one. After reminiscing her past however as Nightmare Moon, Luna was consumed by doubt in her mind as it filled her like fog. Such anger of her actions could change the feelings of ponies towards her, reigniting the fear they held for her in the beginning. She merely resorted to sighing, her once volatile anger turning to sadness. She walked away realizing that it would be best for her to do so given how slowly she realized how inappropriate and terrible her actions were, all because her sister had her fun with someone she wasn’t too fond of. In a regal manner, she left so as to let everyone continue and have their fun. On the other end of the spectrum, Discord and Celestia stopped and panted as they finished their dance in happiness and joy. “How was I Discord?” He began thinking like the Thinker as he sat on a rock, holding a pony skull in his claw as he stared at it. “Hmm…” Celestia blushed, Discord still saw her differently in his own way. Celestia growled in annoyance zapping his tail in the process. She has had enough of his antics given the fact it was a wonderful moment for her in her immortal life. “Tell me!” she said smiling all the while since she couldn’t really be that fully mad at him after what he just did. “Ahhhh! Okay okay, jeez!” he rubbed his tail as he was rolling eyes but secretly smiling given that Celestia was having as much fun as he was that night. “You were absolutely fabulous my dear!” he grabbed her by the side and spun her around. “You were amazing beyond anypony else! Why you could say it’s a dance fit for a Princess, given that you are one after all.” “Oh you’re just lying to make me feel better, I know your tricks Discord.” Discord gasped in disbelief. “If that were true then I’d eat ALL of the Entire Kingdom of Canterlot, I don’t mind, that’ll be enough to keep me full for the whole year unless I - …” Celestia slapped his head before he could finish. “DISCORD!” He laughed on the floor till tears fell down. “PRICELESS! HAHAHAHAH” With their laughter spreading the joy within them, they stopped at the sudden clapping of Raven. “You two were absolutely marvelous my princess!” she bowed down as a sign of respect. Celestia coughed as she fixed her composure. “Why of course, thank you Raven. I must say, you and my sister did a wonderful job here tonight.” Discord yawned with a hint of boredom on his face. He never really favored formal talks since it was too normal for somepony of his being and stature. Despite the sheer boredom, however, he still kept an ear active as his mind wondered if to nowhere. He is the Lord of Chaos so he does what he pleases. “How goes my beloved sister Raven?” Raven hesitated. She knew what Princess Luna was going through at that moment and thought about her answer carefully to Celestia. “Uhhh well, your majesty, she… well…” It's everything you do you kill me with the slightest glance and when it's time to go back home I want to stop the clocks Forever