Many, many centuries ago a great being was created. She was an alicorn, white with a glimmering pink mane and given power over the sun and the moon. But as the years passed, she grew lonely and weary of raising the sun and the moon all by herself. There weren't even any creatures to enjoy it. So, she summoned all of her magic and created two companions. But something went wrong. One was a mare similar to herself; she was the same color as the night she took over. Together the two sisters created ponykind, forming them in their likenesses and spreading them across the planet they cared for.
The second creature was catapulted into a world of torment, considered a monster by everypony who saw him. He was neither one thing or another, but a patchwork of beasts, thrown together carelessly. Anypony who saw him screamed in fright, towns would drive him out, he could find nowhere to live. Eventually corrupted by the evil he saw all around him he turned into a twisted, hideous being. He wreaked havoc wherever-
Celestia slammed the book shut in disgust, replacing it on the bookshelf with a scornful glare. She walked slowly from the library to her room, locking the door behind her and shutting the window curtains for good measure. Glancing furtively around once more, she fired up her horn, a yellow matrix appearing around it. She tugged a book out from under her bed, placing it on the large four-poster bed.
She glanced a moment at the cover, smiling softly at the photograph of her and Luna when they were younger. Her hoof slowly caressed the third figure in the picture. Discord was heading down the 'mountain' as she stood at the peak and Luna tried desperately to balance. How happy they all looked! Well, except for Luna. Flipping the book open, her eyes scanned all of the pictures she had kept from her childhood.
Her eyes found one that she did not remember. She and Discord looked to be in their teenage years, lying together in a moonlit field. Both were looking into each others eyes with twin smiles and half-lidded eyes. They almost seemed to be surrounded by a soft glow.
A tear dropped onto the page beneath Celestia's hooves and the alicorn princess jerked back in surprise. She brought her hoof up to her cheek and was shocked to find it wet with tears. It had been such a long time since she had cried. The last time was-
She cut off the thought, but not quickly enough. Her eyes ate up the pictures in the book even as she tumbled headlong into memories she had long kept locked away.
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Celestia's eyes blinked open, squinting in the sunlight. She had raised the sun hours ago, and now it was at it's peak. Yawning, she flipped from her back to her belly, spreading her wings out lazily and half-closing her eyes. She buried her muzzle in the dark pink pillow that was nearly as big as she was.
"Tia, Tia, Tia!" Luna raced into the room, eyes wide with fear. She tackled her sister, giggling as feathers from the pillow poofed up around them. "Feathers", she said, blowing one off of her nose and sneezing.
Celestia flipped over, sliding Luna off of her back and smiling at her sister's wide-eyed wonder at the feathers. "Yes, feathers", she agreed, blowing one herself. She knew she was a monarch, a ruler of all ponykind, which she and her sister had created, but she couldn't help the giggle that bubbled out of her. Together, Celestia and Luna rolled around in the white, fluffy feathers, stopping only when they looked like chickens. "Phew. Luna, did you want something?"
The tiny filly paused, putting a hoof on her chin. "Oh yeah!" Suddenly, her mood changed and she was clinging to her sister's leg in fright. "Tia, there's a monster under my bed", she whispered.
Rolling her eyes as her sister spoke, Celestia decided to humor her anyway. "There is? How do you know that?" As she spoke, she stood and began shaking off the feathers, which floated lazily to the ground.
"He grumbled last night. At me", Luna confessed, shivering. "He's scary. Can I sleep with you tonight?"
Celestia winced. Luna was a pro at moving in her sleep and kicking her. Then she had a brilliant idea. "I know! Luna, why don't we trade rooms for tonight? I'll meet the monster and decide if he's a bad monster or not", she suggested, smiling kindly down at her sister. She brushed a couple of the feathers off Luna with one gentle wing.
Luna tilted her head to one side, puzzled. "There are good monsters?" she asked, shaking feathers out of her mane.
"Oh, yes", Celestia assured her. "Some of the nicest things out there are monsters." She held her breath, hoping Luna would agree with her plan. She sighed in relief when her sister nodded happily. Pulling Luna close with her wing, she leaned down and nuzzled her, her pink mane mixing with the light blue of her sister's.
Suddenly, a voice breathed in her ear. "Mmmm, cotton candy colors..."
Celestia jerked her head up, glancing around wildly, but she couldn't see anypony. "Luna, did you say something?" she asked, still looking for any signs of life.
"No..." Luna said, sensing a trick. "What is it, sissy?"
Not wanting to worry her sister Celestia shook her head slowly, trying to clear it. "Nothing, Luna. Go and play, okay?" She watched her sister trot out of the room. "Hello?" she asked, feeling silly for talking to empty air. "Is there anypony there?" Tia waited for a full minute, but received no answer. "Raising the sun is wearing on you, Tia", she muttered to herself, heading for the door. "You've been cooped up in here too long."
She didn't really pay attention to where she was going. When she woke up from her reverie, she found herself in the royal Canterlot gardens, where all the flowers were in bloom. Celestia breathed in the sweet scent of roses and lilacs, her two personal favorites. Roses of every hue inhabited the gardens, blues, greens, and purples providing a kaleidoscope of color. This had always been one of Celestia's favorite places and it relaxed her now. She brought her nose close to one particularly bright blue rose.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, I'd not sniff that one, if I were you..."
It was the voice again! Celestia whipped her head up and around, scanning for the still non-existent source. "Who are you?" she mumbled, glancing back at the flower. "And what's wrong with the flower?" she asked herself, thinking of what the voice had said.
Suddenly a large bee zipped out of the flower, buzzing happily. It looped lazily over Celestia's head before burrowing into another flower.
Celestia could do nothing but blink. Okay, so the voice wasn't in her head. Then where was it? The hedge to her left rustled and she shot after the sound, following whatever was in the bushes until it suddenly disappeared. She skidded to a halt, panting. Disappointed that she had lost the mysterious voice, she turned back, heading through the hedge maze to the castle.
When she got back, she found Luna playing quietly with a gray doll with buttons for eyes, and strings for a mane. She called the thing Smarty-Pants and Celestia grimaced. Her sewing skills had been less than stellar when she made that for her new-made sister, but Luna had refused to let it be replaced. "Luna! It's time for lunch", Celestia told her, pausing in the doorway.
Abandoning her plaything Luna hopped over to her sister. "Okie-dokie-lokie!"
The two sisters ate hayfries and daisy sandwiches until they couldn't possibly eat any more. Celestia leaned back against her chair which was cushioned with many plush pillows. Her eyelids drooped until her eyes were half-closed and a contented sigh escaped her lips. She didn't understand how Luna, who had eaten nearly as much as she had, still had the energy to skip out of the dining room, humming. Listening to the soft hum of her sister, Celestia's eyes closed completely.
Something poked her lightly in the stomach. "You're going to get tubby, if you keep eating like that", the voice chuckled.
Celestia didn't even bother to open her eyes, knowing she wouldn't seen anything anyway. "Who are you? Why do you keep bothering me?" she mumbled.
"Bothering? Was saving you from that vicious bee attack bothering?" The voice sounded like it was in pain.
She snorted. "It was a hardly an attack." As she spoke, she began to inch open one eye, very slowly.
"You know, Celestia, snorting isn't very becoming for a princess", the voice pointed out. It was gradually getting louder.
Fast as thought, Celestia opened her eyes and scanned the room. She caught a glimpse of brown and blue, but it soon vanished.
"Ah, ah, ah", the voice teased.
Celestia stamped her hoof petulantly. "Why can't I see you?"
The voice laughed. "And here I thought we were going to be friends. But now I find out you have all these expectations!" he groaned.
In spite of herself, Celestia was curious. "What expectations?" she asked. The voice sounded echo-y, as if coming out of a hole in the ground.
"Well, actually seeing me for one. I would prefer to remain invisible", the voice laughed.
Celestia rolled her eyes. "You normally see your friends. Anyway, how do you know my name? And why can't I see you?"
The voice snorted. "You're only the ruler of this planet; it's not like everybody knows you, or anything", it said sarcastically, ignoring the second question.
"I suppose..." Celestia said. "What's your name?"
The voice was silent for so long she thought she had scared him away. Then one whispered word came to her ear. "Discord." Then the voice was gone.
Celestia smirked. She hadn't seen the beast, but she knew one thing. Somepony or something was definitely speaking to her; it wasn't all in her head. A thought struck her quite suddenly after this revelation. Was this the monster under Luna's bed? If that was the case, it would mean it probably wasn't a pony at all. She stood, worried about the voice's intentions. Quickly, she trotted through the palace, searching for her beloved sister. "Luna!" she called.
At once a small, dark blue head popped out from a nearby room. "Yes?" she asked brightly.
"That monster you told me about, the one under your bed? Did you see him?" Celestia asked, trying to keep her anxiety out of her voice. After all, she thought, it could have hurt them already if it wanted to.
Luna shook her head. "No. I just heard him. Why, sissy? Is something wrong?"
Celestia nuzzled her sister affectionately. "No, Luna, nothing's wrong. I'm just being overprotective, as usual", she sighed. Then, realizing that the sun was already beginning to come down, she decided to take care of her diplomatic duties for the day.
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"That's always been my land!" an orange earth pony with amber eyes shouted, glaring at the dark yellow pegasus at his side.
The pegasus' green eyes narrowed, his light red mane falling over one eye as he leaned forwards. "Nonsense. It's been in my family for generations", he argued back.
Celestia spread her wings wide, standing up from her throne and clearing her throat, satisfied when the two ponies turned to look at her. "It seems to me that the clearest thing to do here would be to split the land in half and give half to each of you", she suggested.
"B-but my crops are already planted over the whole field!" the earth pony stammered.
Celestia sighed inwardly. Couldn't these ponies be content with simple compromise? "Then finish your harvesting as soon as possible. From then on, only plant on your half of the property and leave Feathershy his half. Is that all settled?" She prayed they would agree; she had to set the sun soon.
To her relief the two reluctantly shook hooves and exited the throne room.
Celestia hopped off the dais and went to find Luna. The filly was huddling in the corner of her room, which was painted a dark blue with pinpricks of white made to resemble stars. "Are you ready to bring the night?" she asked.
Luna hesitantly got to her hooves and followed her sister out to the balcony they always stood on to change the day into night. She watched nervously as Celestia closed her eyes and concentrated. The sun began to dip below the horizon as sweat broke out on her forehead. Luna watched the sun set with an odd mixture of pride and fright. Her sister was so amazing and she...well, she didn't even have her cutie mark yet.
Panting, Celestia finished her task, the world now covered in a sheet of black velvet. She regained her breath and looked down at Luna. "Your turn, sister."
Luna shook her head, tears filling her eyes. "I...I can't", she whispered.
Celestia smiled kindly down on her, pulling her close and kneeling down to look her in the eyes. "You can do it. You were made for this. I believe in you." She kissed her lightly at the base of her horn and turned to look up at the sky.
With those words of comfort ringing in her ears, Luna lit up her horn and closed her eyes. In her mind, she pictured the moon attached to her horn by a string. She coated the string in titanium and pulled. The moon jerked out of the empty space it had been floating in and then stopped as if it had hit a wall. Luna gritted her teeth and planted her hooves, tightening the string. She pulled harder and the moon began to inch over the horizon.
Celestia smiled. Her sister was doing it!
Luna kept tugging, coaxing the moon higher and higher until half of it was over the horizon and half of it was still in empty space. It would move on it's own now. Then she switched her focus to the actual night sky above her, picturing it as a black canvas. She took a bucket of white paint and threw it with all her might into the sky. The drops of paint splattered and began to twinkle. When Luna was finished she opened her eyes and gasped. The paint was still there and so was the moon. She had done it for the first time, all by herself!
Celestia shouted in celebration. "Great job, Luna! And look", she gasped. "Your cutie mark!"
Luna's head whipped back so fast it was almost comical. A patch of black with the moon and a few stars rested on her flank. "Yes!" she began, but she was interrupted by a yawn.
Celestia chuckled warmly. "Come on. It's time for little fillies to go to sleep", she crooned, guiding her sister back inside the castle. Once Luna was settled in Celestia's large bed covered in pink pillows and white sheets, she retreated to Luna's room. She managed to fit herself on Luna's smaller bed with only her back hooves hanging over the edge.
She struggled to get to sleep. She was so used to the bright white and pink walls of her own room that sleeping in the near-darkness of Luna's room was difficult. "How can she sleep in here? It's so dark!" She flopped her head back on the pillow and squeezed her eyes shut. "So...tired..." she yawned.
"Personally, I much prefer your sunlight", the creature pointed out.
Celestia stiffened, lying as still as she could. "Mmm", she mumbled before letting out a huge yawn. She turned over, curling up on herself and letting out a few light snores to make it seem as if she had fallen asleep. The ploy seemed to work. She sensed the creature rising up from underneath the bed, staring down at her. After a few seconds she flipped herself over and tackled the creature. "Gotcha!"
"Waah!" it shouted as they both tumbled to the floor.
Celestia landed on top with a huff. She opened her eyes and stared back into a pair that were so different from her own she squeaked.
The creature closed his eyes and turned his head to the side. He sniffled and a tear leaked out from the corner of his closed eye.
Celestia froze. She hated to see anything cry, even though she didn't know what this was. Quickly, she stepped away from him, sitting down a few feet away. "What's wrong?" she asked, staring at him. He was odd, that was sure. His eyes had been large and yellow with red pupils. White, bushy eyebrows hovered over them and one fang poked out from his mouth. His head seemed to be that of a goat's with an antler and a horn on top, but his body was long and thin. Two wings, one a blue, feathery one, and the other a black bat's wing, protruded from his back and his tail was that of a lizard. He had two forepaws, one like an eagle's and the other like a lion's, while his feet were also mismatched. "What are you?" she whispered.
"A monster", he replied, curling into a ball and wrapping his arms around himself. "A being that should never have been created. One who brings anger upon himself. A mistake."
Celestia gasped. "You-you're Discord aren't you? The one who's been talking to me!" She felt relieved to finally know the source of that mysterious voice.
Discord nodded, still refusing to look at her. "Now you know", he whispered, "why I didn't want you to see me."
Confused, Celestia leaned forwards. "No, I don't." She looked at him expectantly.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Discord finally opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her. "I'm a hideous beast. You shouldn't be able to stand the sight of me. No one else can", he muttered, hanging his head.
Celestia stared at him, trying to see a monster, but she just saw a scared boy who reminded her so much of Luna. "Hey", she said quietly, trotting over to sit by him. "I don't think you're a monster." She draped one white wing over him comfortingly.
Discord's eyes snapped open in surprise. "You don't?" His heart melted as she shook her head and smiled down at him. "No", she said. "I just see you. Discord." This was a first for the patchwork creature. He was used to being rejected and hated, but here was this perfect little alicorn, snuggling up next to him and yawning. She tucked her wings up and closed her eyes. Discord spread his blue wing over her, amazed that she could stand to be touched by him at all. He curled his tail around her and fell asleep with a smile on his face.
The next morning Luna crept through the hallways, heading towards the closed doors of her room. The sun would have to be raised soon and she wanted to see if Tia had survived the monster. Cautiously, she opened the door. Then she screamed. The monster was right there on her floor!
Celestia woke up as soon as she heard Luna screaming. She looked around, wild-eyed. "What? What is it?"
Both the movement and the noise woke Discord, who leaped to his feet instantly, ready to flee. He was used to being awoken by terrified screams and was usually beaten afterwards by some burly stallion. He was quite surprised to find a young filly instead. "Wha-?"
"Monsteeeeeerrr!" Luna squealed, tripping over her own hooves as she tried to scramble backwards.
Celestia caught on to what was happening after that. "No, no, Luna." She stood, placing a calming wing on Discord before catching her sister in a giant hug. "Shhh. Shhh. It's okay, there's no monster." She waited till Luna had calmed down enough to be reasoned with. "Luna, there's someone I'd like you to meet", she said, beckoning Discord forwards with her wing.
Reluctantly, Discord approached, staring apprehensively at the still-shivering filly wrapped in Celestia's forelegs.
"Luna, this is Discord. Discord, Luna." Luna peeked up at Discord. Discord smiled and waved with his lion's paw. Then he made a silly face, making Luna giggle.
Satisfied that all would be well, Celestia let her sister go and stood, exiting the room. She raced to her position on the balcony; she would have to raise the sun faster than usual. She fired up her horn, aware as she did so that Discord had come to watch her. This thought gave her the strength to prove herself and the sun appeared almost instantly on the horizon just as the moon disappeared. "Phew." She grinned widely at the sun and then turned the same grin on Discord. "Would you like to stay for breakfast?"
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It was a few months later and the Summer Sun Celebration was approaching. In honor of the event, Celestia had decided to hold a royal ball at the palace and preparations were in full swing.
Luna's tiny wings buzzed as she flitted around with a basketful of ribbons, tying them around every pillar she could find. Servants prepared food, set tables, blew up balloons, and generally readied the palace for the guests. Meanwhile, Celestia was dressing up in her gown. It was a dark cream with golden accents. A swooping golden crest encircled her throat before leading back to the saddle. The saddle itself was pure white with cream and gold hearts embroidered on the edges. That led to three layers of white silk and satin, inlaid with pearl. She teased her pink mane up into a bun on top of her head, letting two curly strands frame either side of her face. She was stunning.
The ball was a success. Nearly every pony in Ponyville showed up and Celestia played a gracious hostess, making sure everything was perfect. There was laughter, dancing, and music until Luna had to be excused to raise the moon and paint the stars. Still, the party continued late into the evening. Celestia danced with all the stallions and half of the mares, cracking jokes with the best of them, and even singing a few songs, much to her audience's enjoyment.
Eventually guests began drifting away and the ball wound down. Luna had gone to bed hours ago, but Celestia began to clean up, nearly asleep on her hooves. She had just deflated the last balloon when she heard steps behind her. Turning, she saw Discord in a tux, smiling sheepishly at her.
Celestia giggled. "Don't you look charming", she said.
Discord responded with a swooping bow, lion's paw extended. "May I have the pleasure of this dance, milady?"
Celestia blushed as she placed her hoof in his paw. "But of course." She curtsied and used her magic to create phantom players. A beautiful melody flowed out of the violins, harps, and piano. She gasped as Discord pulled her closer and then leaned her head on his chest as he spun them in circles around the room.
"Thank you, Celestia", Discord murmured as he twirled her.
Celestia looked up at him. "For what?"
"Dancing with me", Discord said.
It was at that moment that Celestia realized she was in love with this thing, this being that was looked at with only scorn by others. Her heart filled as the violins swelled and she knew that Discord loved her too. "I love you, Discord", she whispered.
Discord froze briefly, then a huge grin split his face and he dipped Celestia. "I love you too, Celestia." Still holding her in a dip, he leaned down and kissed her. He pulled away soon after and twirled her twice more in rapid succession, both laughing as he did so. "My dear Celestia, will I have the pleasure of your company in the gardens at 8:00 tomorrow morning?"
This gave the monarch pause. What could possibly be going on then? Nevertheless, she shrugged and agreed. Discord popped away and Celestia jumped, still unused to that. She laughed at herself as she headed to her bedroom. 8:00 was only a few hours away and she wanted to get some sleep tonight. Settling herself in her bed, she let thoughts of Discord lull her into dreams.
When she awoke the next morning at dawn, she raised the sun as quickly as she possibly could. When that chore was done, she woke Luna with a tickle fight and enjoyed breakfast with her.
"Sissy?" Luna asked as she was finishing up her wheatcakes.
Celestia looked up from her own plate. "What is it, Luna?"
Her sister ducked her head shyly, rubbing one foreleg over the other. "Whatever happened to, er, the monster? Discord?"
Anger flashed through Celestia, but she reigned it in, nodding coldly at her sister. "He's been here the whole time, Luna. And he's not a monster", she snapped.
"But...he is", Luna pouted, surprised at her sister's outburst. "He's not one specific creature, he's a mixture. Wouldn't that make him a monster?"
Celestia stood quickly, before her temper could get the better of her. "That's enough! This discussion is over", she commanded, spinning and stalking out of the room.
Luna slumped down in her chair and crossed her forelegs over each other. "You were a lot more fun before you met Discord", she muttered, too low for anypony but herself to hear. "He's a monster for taking you away from me."
Celestia strode to the gardens without really thinking about it. She was too angry to concentrate on where she was going until she smacked into something solid. "Oof!" she huffed, stumbling backwards. "Oh, I'm sorry", she apologized as she picked herself up. Then she saw it was Discord and smiled in spite of herself.
"Well, somepony's a little clumsy this morning", Discord chuckled, waving. "Anyway, Lestie, I have a surprise for you."
Celestia raised an eyebrow at the nickname as she leaned over to sniff one of her beloved roses. "Lestie, huh? That's a new one", she commented.
Discord rolled his eyes. "I wanted something more original than Tia. It's so boring!" he exclaimed. "Now, stand right over there, in the middle of that circle", he instructed her, pointing out a clearing in the hedge maze that was surrounded by roses.
Obediently, she went and tried to center herself. When she met with Discord's approval she stopped and waited. "What now, Dissy?"
Discord flinched. "Oh, no, you'll have to do better than that, Lestie. Now, close your eyes." He waited until her eyes were closed and then summoned up his magic. "Think of your favorite color roses."
"What?" Celestia asked skeptically, but she obeyed, picturing green, blue, purple, and pink roses in her mind. She felt herself being surrounded by a whirlwind that lifted her mane and tail up and whipped them around her. "Discord, what's going on?"
Discord grunted with effort. "Almost there..." He stopped the whirlwind and wiped sweat off his brow. "Wh-what do you think?" he asked, conjuring up a mirror and flopping down on the ground.
Celestia gaped at herself in the mirror, unsure of what she was seeing. "How did you do that?" she asked, incredulous.
"Magic", Discord mumbled, staring at the new Celestia he had created.
Turning her head from one side to the either, she smiled appreciatively. "I look...incredible. Thank you, Discord." Her mane and tail now rippled in a non-existent wind and sparkled like the sun. Four colors made up her mane and tail, all blending together perfectly. She tackled Discord, giving him a gigantic hug.
Discord grunted. "Glad you like it. That really took it out of me." He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He smiled to himself as she curled herself into him. He lost track of time as they just enjoyed the silence together, holding each other. "Celestia..."
She raised her head to look into his eyes. "Yes, Discord?"
The fingers on his eagle's hand ran through her new mane. "I-"
"Tia!" Luna called, racing through the garden, her shout interrupting Discord. "Where are you?" She rounded the corner to find her sister standing alone with a bemused look on her face. She seemed to be looking for someone, but Luna's eyes instantly fixed on the multicolored mane rippling even without a breeze.
Celestia glanced at her sister, irritated. "What is it, Luna?" She scanned the surrounding area, but Discord had vanished.
Luna, who had seemed to forget why she was there, shook her head. "Oh, wait, I 'member! Some ponies are arguing in your throne room, Tia. They want something", she told the white alicorn.
"Oh, great sun! I forgot!" Without explanation, she spread her wings, soaring into the sky and heading for the palace. She had forgotten the arguments that would need settling, and the sun would need setting in just a few hours.
Rejected, Luna spread her own wings. She couldn't fly as well as her sister yet, but she could at least make it out of the maze easier than she had made it in. Struggling, she rose into the air, drifting forwards with her rapidly buzzing wings. The moment she passed the hedge she landed, sweating slightly. "Phew", she panted as she walked towards the castle. Remembering the cold attitude Celestia had offered her the past few months, she made for her own room.
Celestia rested her chin on one of her forehooves, thoroughly bored with everything. "Next", she called after she passed judgement on her latest case.
Two ponies entered, both unicorns. One was a dark cream mare with golden eyes and the sun peeking out over the horizon as her cutie mark. Her mane was ice blue as was her tail and she was glaring at the pony next to her. The other mare was a very pale blue and had the same color eyes as her companion. She had sparkling stars as her cutie mark and a silver mane and tail and was refusing to look at the other unicorn.
"What seems to be the problem?" Celestia asked.
The cream unicorn spoke first, cutting off the other. "My sister, Silver Starshine, has stolen from me!" she accused boldly.
"No, Princess Celestia, I swear I didn't", Silver Starshine protested, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Dawn's Rose-"
Celestia held out a hoof, stopping the argument before it began. "Hold on. I need both sides of the story before there are any more accusations", she ordered.
Dawn's Rose stepped forwards. "You see, princess, I had a lover. He and I were going to get married, but Silver Starshine stole him away from me! She's a thief."
Sobbing, Silver Starshine shook her head. "I'm sorry! I only did it because you'd stopped caring about me. Besides, it wasn't all my fault", she protested.
As the two unicorns stood there waiting for her verdict Celestia saw herself and Luna. She had been neglecting her sister lately and guilt crept into her heart. "I...I don't see a problem here", she mumbled, standing to show that the discussion was over. "This is a personal matter that you two will have to figure out for yourselves." Without any more dismissal, the monarch leaped off the dais and cantered out of the throne room.
Luna sadly played with her hoof-made doll. She looked up in surprise as her doors flew open and Celestia stood there smiling gently at her.
"Hey", she said. "Do you mind if I play too?"
The two sisters played together until Celestia had to set the sun and Luna raise the moon. They sat by each other as they performed their duties and then Celestia led Luna back to the tiny filly's room.
"Goodnight", Celestia whispered as she tucked her sister into bed, kissing her forehead. She smiled as Luna's fore-hooves encircled her neck, pulling her in for a hug.
"I love you, big sister", Luna said before releasing her and letting her head fall back onto the pillow.
Celestia headed back to her own room, satisfied with herself. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed playing with her little sister. When she stepped into her chambers she found Discord waiting for her, stretched across her bed. His eyes bulged and he twitched slightly. "What's wrong?" she cried, leaping up beside him.
He shook a little more before slumping back onto the sheets, eyes glassy and unfocused, body still.
"D-discord?" Celestia whispered, leaning forwards, trying to hear him breathing.
The creation suddenly came back to life as if a switch had been flipped, his forearms zipping upwards and clasping around Celestia's neck. "Ambush!" he shouted, pulling her closer to him and laughing maniacally.
"Waugh!" A tangle of bodies, the two fell to the floor, Discord cushioning Celestia's fall slightly. When she had caught her breath, the alicorn lifted her head and glared at him, mane tousled, eyes blazing. "Don't you dare ever do that again!" she scolded, hitting him lightly in the chest with each word.
Discord chuckled. "It was just a little joke", he protested when she continued to glare at him. After a couple seconds of stony silence he sighed. "Oh, all right, I promise not to pretend I'm dead again." He waited for a bit before remarking, "But don't you think you should get off me now?"
Celestia suddenly became aware of their awkward position. She was sprawled on top of Discord, his forearms still wrapped around her neck.
"Unless of course", Discord continued, "you want to stay here." His arms tightened around her slightly and Celestia's white coat was instantly flooded with pink.
Before she knew it, Discord's lips were on hers and he was holding her even closer to his rapidly beating heart. She knew she could have pulled away at anytime and he would stop, but she realized that she didn't want to. Relaxing into the kiss she opened her wings and spread them over her and her lover. She opened her mouth slightly, inviting Discord in.
Obligingly, Discord began to deepen the kiss. Celestia tasted of fiery sunshine. 'If light had a taste', Discord thought, 'it would be this'.
The moon rose over the couple as they explored the inner facets of love until they found the perfection they had been longing for all their lives.
"I guess I should raise the sun soon, shouldn't I?" Celestia murmured, burying her head into Discord's chest. She didn't want to move, to break the stillness of such a perfect moment. Still, if she didn't, a lot of ponies would be angry. And rightly so. Reluctantly she heaved herself to her hooves and summoned the sun out on her customary balcony. Hurriedly, she sneaked back to her room before Luna awoke.
Discord was waiting for her with a kiss. Or two, or three. Eventually, Celestia pulled away. "I need to see Luna", she explained, backing out of the door.
Discord's eyebrows drew together. "Awww, do you have to?" He held her tighter, kissing her neck.
Celestia pushed away reluctantly, smiling wryly down at him. "Yes. You can't have me all to yourself, you know", she giggled, standing. She shrieked as Discord tackle-hugged her from behind him, his paws curling in her mane.
"But I want you all to myself", he growled softly into her ear. He slid off of her, beginning to walk out of the door. Celestia didn't follow him and he looked back, confused. "Aren't you coming?"
Embarrassed, Celestia shifted on her hooves. "Well...I thought it might be best if you stayed here", she confessed, staring at the ground.
That stopped Discord cold. "Celestia...why?"
"Because...because Luna is afraid of you!" Celestia said, finally meeting his eyes. "And, well, I can't risk others seeing you of course", she explained tritely.
Discord drew back as if she had physically struck him. "Wh-what? Are you ashamed of me?"
Realizing her mistake, Celestia backpedaled quickly. "No! No, of course not. It's just...I'm a princess. I can't love whoever I want to. There are matters of state to consider and if I get an offer for marriage-"
"Then I'm just supposed to pretend as if you and I never happened?" interjected Discord bitterly, the beginnings of a snarl creeping onto his face.
Celestia blinked, taken aback by the truth of his statement. "I...yes, I guess so. Oh, Discord, this was such a mistake", she groaned, sinking to the ground and putting her head in her hooves.
Angry, Discord stomped over to her, yellow eyes blazing. "I'm a mistake?!" he whispered harshly.
Celestia slowly shook her head. "No, you and I were a mistake. I should have stopped it before it started", she mumbled into her hooves. "There's no possible way we could ever last. I'm a princess and you're a mon-" she cut herself off abruptly, yanking her head up and staring at Discord in horror. He shrank back, tears springing to his eyes. "No, Discord, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!" she shrieked, reaching for him.
He leaped away as if her hooves were acid, hatred filling his gaze. "Yes you did", he spat, "or else you wouldn't have said it. Very well, Celestia. You want me to be a monster? I'll be a monster." He began to dissolve as he made his dark promise until he was gone.
Horrified and furious with herself, Celestia collapsed, tears spilling out of her eyes and pooling around her on the ground.
She stayed holed up in her room for weeks afterwards, coming out only to raise and set the sun. She ignored Luna, barely ate, and barely slept. The fourth week of her self-exile something happened.
Celestia woke one morning when an explosion rocked the castle. She scrambled to her hooves and flung herself out of her window, snapping her wings open and swooping upwards, out of range of the next blazing fireball that slammed into the stones. "LUNA!" she shrieked, soaring over to her sister's window. The younger alicorn was just stumbling out of bed and as her sister flung open the window, she tumbled out, righting herself with her wings.
"What's happening?" Luna sobbed, struggling to keep up with her older sister as they made their way to the tallest turret.
A monstrous figure came into view just then, flames burning over his paws, evil glint in his eyes. "Celestia!" he shouted. "Are you ready to face what you have created?"
Celestia whipped around, fixing her sister with her eyes. "Luna", she said urgently, "get away from here. Fly as far away as you can, and don't come back no matter what, do you understand?"
"But-"
"No arguing! Go!" Celestia shouted, speeding off without another word.
Luna hovered in the air, fear and confusion fighting within herself. Eventually, she wheeled in midair and sped away from the explosions, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Discord!" Celestia shouted, squinting her eyes against the sudden wind that sprang up at his command. Her wings struggled to move her forward, but she summoned her strength and pushed onwards. "Discord, you must stop this! My subjects have done nothing to you", she pleaded.
Red eyes focused on the small form caught in the maelstrom. "Oh, my dear Celestia", he chuckled darkly, conjuring two blades into his hand. "Your greatest punishment would be the death of those you care for." So saying, he swept down with his swords, aiming straight for a large village filled with screaming ponies.
Celestia pulled into a tight dive, placing herself into the path of the sword. Her horn sprang to life, a golden arc bursting out of it and clashing into the sword. It cut through both like butter and Discord dropped the white-hot handles.
He didn't miss a beat, though, calling up an array of fireballs. He launched them at the houses, cackling madly.
The white alicorn scrambled to stop the fireballs, placing glowing yellow domes over the targeted houses. The missiles exploded on impact with her magic, throwing her backwards and dissolving the golden domes. She shrieked as she felt one of her wings wrenched out of place when she was thrown back. Getting painfully to her hooves, she narrowed her eyes. Celestia let out a muffled scream of pain, pulling her wing back into its socket with her teeth. She jerked her head up, flexing her sore wing. Without even trying, magic exploded out of her, a golden arc screaming through the air.
Discord howled in pain and anger as it sliced into his skin, leaving a gaping wound near the base of his neck. He pressed his paw to the gash, gritting his teeth.
The two magical beings fought until the half the houses had been razed to the ground and each were nearly dead with exhaustion. "Face it, Celestia", Discord panted, snapping his fingers and turning the ground to ice. "You can't beat me."
Celestia focused her magic, letting out a searing burst of heat and melting the ice. "No", she rasped, standing tall. "You will never beat me." But even as she made the claim, she felt her strength leaving her. As she collapsed she whispered, "I am sorry that I have let you all down." Her eyes were just about to close when she heard a faint scream.
"Sister!" Luna shouted, flying high above the battle ground. "The elements!" She swooped down, nimbly avoiding Discord's tired paws. In her hooves she held an artfully crafted box which contained one crown and one necklace.
Anger fought with relief as Celestia struggled to stand. "Why did you come back?" she shouted as her sister landed. "Wait, never mind, that's not important right now", she told herself. Quickly, she sprang over to her sister picking up the crown in her magic. There was a pink jewel in a star that topped the crown and it flared brightly as it landed on Celestia's head.
Luna donned the necklace which was a simple circle, like her moon and was a myriad of colors. "What now, sister?" she asked, dodging a blast of magic from Discord.
"Circle around! On my signal, fire the elements!" Celestia said lowly, sidling up close to her sister.
With a nod, Luna leaped away, disappearing into the fog that she called up to mask her.
Celestia, impressed with her sister's magic, had to distract Discord. She fired a bolt of golden magic at him, the elements amplifying it and making Discord shriek with pain.
He took two lumbering steps towards her. "Celestia! CELESTIAAAA!"
Even as he was roaring her name, Celestia flew forwards shouting, "NOW!" The crown fired a beam of magic, hitting Discord squarely in the chest.
Luna responded in kind, her own necklace spurting a stream of dark blue magic right into the monster's back.
The stone began at his hooves, eating up Discord's body rapidly, until he froze, mouth still open as he shouted his love's name.
Celestia and Luna landed, tears springing to the white alicorn's eyes. She slowly walked up to the statue, kissing his stone cheek one last time before turning to her sister. "Come, Luna. We have much to do to repair our broken kingdom."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Celestia gently closed the album, sliding it back underneath her bed. She stood, strolling out to the gardens where Discord was placed, face frozen in a look of horror. She studied him for a long time before calling out, "Guards!" There were always a few royal guards around, and, sure enough, a few surrounded her seconds later. "Ready a carriage. One of the larger ones. We're going to Ponyville." Celestia fell silent, smiling slightly at the statue before her. "I have a proposition for Fluttershy."