//------------------------------// // Memories of the past Part 1 // Story: Rise of the Dark Age // by Broadway Sweetie Belle //------------------------------// Chapter 2 Memories of the past Part 1     A Thousand years ago   Canterlot Castle   It was a great day for the ponies of Equestria.  With their former ruler gone and his rivals now in his place, the ponies of Equestria rejoiced. Just moments from now, the coronation of Celestia and Luna would occur.  Everypony, poor and rich, were welcome to attend the crowning of the new princesses of Equestria.  The coronation was taking place in the new castle of Canterlot.  It was still under construction, but luckily the ceremonial hall was completed for this occasion. White drapes were hung from each pillar in the room.  Everypony stood in an orderly fashioned line on either side of a red carpet that began from the front doors, and led up to the dais. Upon the platform, waiting to crown the two sisters was the lime-green alicorn named Gladhoof.  He was a tall thin stallion; gray hair covered what remained of his brown mane, tail and short beard, making him look much older than what he was. An alicorn's age could not be measured by petty years.  Unlike many of the ponies in the hall, Gladhoof wore no clothing; even the commoners and poor wore their best.   To the alicorn’s left was the draconequus, Concord; the spirit of order and balance.  His form represented the snow-white torso of an upright pony, a bear’s right arm, an octopus’s tentacle for his left arm, a hydra’s left leg, and the talon of a hawk for a right leg.  He also had the tail of a manticore, the wings of a monarch butterfly and of a changeling, the head and neck of a white-scaled dragon, with a buffalo’s horn and the antenna of a bee.  His eyes were as bright and precious as sapphires. He stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for the coronation to begin.  Concord scanned the room with watchful eyes.  Unfortunately, not all ponies were so cheerful about the downfall of Discord.  There were some ponies who had worshipped the chaotic spirit as their god.  Though, all of them were half-mad, and it’s because of that that made them more dangerous. Concord knew what they could do, and an assassination attempt at the coronation would cause mass hysteria. It was not something he was keen to see. Once he finished his survey for the sixth or seventh time, he glanced over at the pony to the right of Gladhoof. He was a gray-coated unicorn stallion with a lush black mane and emerald green eyes.  Obviously, he was chosen to stand next to Luna for the crowning just as Celestia chose Concord for the same purpose.  Concord had never met the guy before, but that’s not what really got him so engrossed in the stallion.   By the way he dressed, he certainly wasn’t a noble or from the higher class.  The best he wore was a brown leather uniform, something that many commoners would consider to be fashionable, but the upper class see it as repugnant and dirty looking. His mannerism was carefree. He didn’t try to promote himself by showing any sign of rank or position, as many would do in his place. He simply wasn't aware of how high society was imputed. But he smiled as he waited for the coronation to begin. On the other side of the large doors that led into the ceremonial hall, the two sisters waited for their cue to go in.  They both wore ceremonial dresses that were made by the best designers in the land. Six stunning mares stood behind the alicorns. Three held a flag on their backs with the cutie mark of Celestia, and the other three held flags with the cutie mark of Luna.  Behind the mares were six guards, chins raised high and chests puffed out. Luna chafed within her dress; the fabric didn’t suit her well.  “This is most irritating.  Why make us a dress that is insufficient in comfort?” Her sister giggled in reply, “I advised you to let the maids properly suit you, but you just had to be difficult, didn’t you?” Luna huffed, “We are most capable of fitting ourselves on our own.” “And I can see that that turned out well.” Celestia giggled some more at her sister’s awkward movement. Their little chat ceased once they heard the music play.  For quite some time, they waited while their uncle gave his speech to all the ponies.  They could faintly hear him behind the doors. “Mares.  Gentecolts." Gladhoof spoke with a strong voice.  "I welcome all of you on this special day. In just a few moments, Equestria will be under the new rule of two young, compassionate alicorns...” The sisters were stiff from head to hoof. They kept their breathing at a slow, steady level, while they waited for their cue.  “This is it, Luna,” Celestia said, “After today, the land of Equestria will enter a golden age with us as their leaders.”   Celestia waited for a reply, but only got silence in return.  She brought her eyes on to her sister.  Luna was breathing heavily.  She looked as if her worst nightmare was awaiting her behind those doors.   “Luna, what’s the matter?”  Celestia asked, a hint of concern in her voice. It took Luna a while to build up the courage to express her thoughts.  “I’m… I’m afraid, sister.  I’m afraid of how ponies will view me.  Will they accept me as their ruler?  Will they love me and treat me with respect?”   She looked up to her older sister with a frightened and worried face.  “I don’t… I don’t think I am ready for this kind of responsibility.  What if I’m not good at it?  What if they think I’m a terrible princess?” Celestia gave Luna a small smile. She gently placed her wing over her sister; Luna allowed herself to be pulled into her sister’s comforting embrace.  “You will be a marvelous princess, I assure you,” Celestia said. “And if I’m not?”  Luna said softly. “Then know that I will always support you, no matter what anypony thinks.”  Luna stared at her sister, tears in her eyes, and a sad smile on her face.   “And now without further ado, I present to you your new rulers of Equestria: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Gladhoof raised a hoof to the doors, where two ponies stood, opening the doors with their magic. Quickly, Luna and Celestia separated from each other, back to their original positions with only a few seconds to spare before the doors fully opened Music started playing as the sisters pressed on into the ceremonial hall. From right to left, ponies stared in amazement at the two dazzling Alicorns. The mares that carried the flags and the soldiers began singing. Thy princesses cometh. Behold, behold. The princesses here before us. Behold, behold, behold…" They continued to sing while the sisters kept their pace steady, postures straightened, and smiles shown. Their hearts beat faster than ever before. The sisters moved their eyes over the crowed; their faces glowed with hope and faith in their new rulers. A small sense of anxiety stirred in Celestia’s stomach, but she smiled, nevertheless. “Thee princesses cometh.” “Behold, behold.” (Behold, behold) “The princesses are here!” Their finale words echoed throughout the hall as the music came to an end. The alicorns’ hoofsteps up to the dais were the only sounds heard in that moment. They were met with their friends and uncle on the platform. Gladhoof smiled at his two nieces. The sisters did the same. Celestia glanced at the draconequus while Luna looked to the unicorn; both returned the smiles with their own pleasant expressions. “My dearest nieces,” Gladhoof said. The sisters return their gaze to their uncle.  "Long have I watched over you two since you were fillies. And now you stand here today, becoming more than what I could have imagined. Truly this is a day to celebrate.”  Gladhoof looked to the draconequus. Concord nodded, and with a wave of his hand, a flush red pillow rested on his palm.  On the pillow were two crowns.  He stepped forward and kneeled down, offering the crowns to the Alicorn. Gladhoof accepted the crowns. He levitated them with his green magic over the sisters’ heads.  “Celestia, do you swear to take up the responsibility of a ruler, to watch over the land and protect its people; to raise and lower the sun each and every day as long as you hold power?” Celestia drew a deep breath before answering, “I do.” Gladhoof nodded, then turned his attention to Luna.  “Luna, do you swear to take up the responsibility of a ruler, to watch over the land and protect its people; to raise and lower the moon each and every night as long as you hold power?” Luna held her breath, and glanced at her sister who was watching her as well.  “I…I do,” Luna breathed out. “Then by the power of the citizens of Equestria I hereby crown you Princesses of Equestria.”  Gladhoof lowered the crowns softly upon their heads.  The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.  Celestia and Luna turned to face the mass of their subjects. Their uncle then led them to the balcony.  Celestia and Luna walked outside and beheld the site of hundreds, maybe even a thousand ponies in the courtyard.  Their shouts of joy to see their new rulers had said to be heard from the base of the mountain. Luna gaped at the subjects that cried for them.   “And you were afraid they wouldn’t love you,” Celestia smirked. Luna was too stunned to reply to her sister. At the entrance to the balcony, Concord and the gray stallion stood, waiting for the alicorns to give their speech. “You know, you don’t seem to give yourself as much credit as you should.” The stallion spoke to Concord for the first time. Concord confronted the pony with a smile. “I didn’t help for glory, it was the right thing to do. Discord was ruining everything good in this land, so I just had to interfere.” “Well, I don’t know much about you draconequi, but from what Luna has told me, her sister thinks you to be… sympathetic.” “Really?” Concord wasn't surprised, considering how Celestia always mentioned it to him.  “Tell me, what’s your significance with Luna?” The stallion stared blankly at Concord. “Well…” “Concord.”  The draconequus turns around to the voice of the old alicorn.  “May I speak with you for a moment?” The tone in his voice sounded fake, as if he was trying to hold back something. Concord was puzzled at Gladhoof’s request. Talk now? While Celestia and Luna gave their speech? If Gladhoof needed to speak with him at this moment, then perhaps it was for good reason. He glanced at Celestia, then to the stallion, and back to Gladhoof. “Uh, certainly.” Concord followed the alicorn to a small corner of the room. It wasn’t the best place for a private conversation, but it would do. “So, what would you like to discuss?” the spirit said with a bright smile. Gladhoof’s once proud and happy face was now replaced with a look of deep disappointment. “This is a very grave act that you did, Concord.” Gladhoof kept his voice firm, but a hint of infuriation could be noted. "You of all draconequi would betray your own code! Furthermore, I'm astounded that you’d go against your new duty and tip the scale of the world.  And for what purpose?” Concord stared at the alicorn, bewilderedly.  “Well, you’re the first to state your foul feeling towards Discord's downfall.”  It amazed him.  It was truly amazing what he just heard.  This wise being who just a moment ago looked so pleased to crown his own nieces, was now stating how this all was never suppose to happen. “I thought you would be more mindful with your new title.  Clearly your arrogance has finally clouded your judgment.” Concord was taken aback.  “What are you implying by arrogance has finally clouded my judgment?” he asked crudely. “You deliberately interfered with Discord, and by doing so, you broke the one law of your kind, which also tilted the world off balance.  Surely you must now feel an uneven sense within you?” “Surely this is some kind of joke! How can you side with Discord?” Concord said, ignoring Gladhoof’s question.  “Did you not see the chaos and destruction that he brought?  How could you support that?” “Because he was doing his duties!” Gladhoof retorted.  “Spreading chaos is his talent, and even if taking over the land was a bit unorthodox, it’s still his job to balance order with chaos.” “Where is your morality at? What sort of sick and twisted mind do you have to think such things like that are actually doing some kind of good in this world?” that was harsh, even for him. But Gladhoof just looked more annoyed than angry. “You think everything you do is righteous and correct. And I know that’s how you work, being the spirit of order and all. But this act is just unheard of. You imprisoned one of your own kind—and don’t make the excuse that it was Celestia and Luna’s doing.” A part of Concord believed that Discord deserved it. It was hard for him to accept, but he truly believed it. “Surely Discord’s imprisonment couldn’t affect the world that badly, could it?” “You think this is all about Discord?  No, that’s just a portion of it.  The true cause for tipping the scale of the world is those elements of harmony.  Because they exist, there’s nothing stopping them from keeping order and peace in Equestria.” “But is that truly so bad?”  Concord asked. “Even good things must come to an end.  The problem with you, Concord, is that you were thinking like the spirit of order and not the spirit of balance.  Now… I don’t want you to think I relish such dark and cruel things, but I’ve learned through time that such events must happen.  As long as there is good in this world, evil won’t be far behind.” Gladhoof’s words had little influence on Concord.  All Concord knew was peace and order.  Whenever and wherever there was evil that had to be put down, he would be the one to clean it up.  After Conjure appointed him the new spirit of balance, everything seemed to go well; more work never hurt him.  When Discord conquered the entire land of Equestria, Concord felt, as the spirit of order and balance, it was his right to interfere. Concord continued, “What do you suppose Conjure will do once he learns what I did?” Gladhoof gave a small irritated sigh.  “Well, if I know Conjure, he’ll undoubtedly go ballistic.  It'll take him time to exhaust his fury.  He wouldn't dare have you stand before him in such a state."   Hearing the extent of Conjure's anger by none other than his very own friend was quite relenting. "The worst you can expect from him is a harsh talk.  You know how Conjure works.  He won't punish you, nor the others because he believes you’ll do your duties and follow the code.  Conjure hasn’t been wrong—until now.  Besides, he knows that your punishment will come; and it’ll be more severe than you can understand.” Punishment?  What punishment?  “How so?” Concord asked inquisitively. Gladhoof paused for a minute.  “I don't know exactly what will happen, but I certainly do know that if the spirit of balance fails to keep the world's scale even, he will feel the force of the unbalanced world." “Look around you!  This is unbalanced?  What does it matter if the world is balanced or not?  If it can survive, then why do we take it upon ourselves to constantly even out the world’s scale?” The alicorn snorted humorously.  “Now I know you’re just making up an excuse to justify your actions.  The world is a living thing.  Everything that touches it is a part of it.  Even the realms that are physically separated from the world are still connected to it by magic.  The world suffers if it is unbalanced.  That is why there is a spirit who controls the balance. The spirit—or you, to be precise—has a correlation with the world.  Do you ever wonder why you know what needs to be balanced, whether it has to do with a small town or an entire nation?” Concord put Gladhoof's words to consideration for a moment. “It’s not you who sees it but the world who shows you through its vision.”   Concord’s mind was a little boggled by the new information.  He just had one last question to ask.  “If what Discord did was pardonable, then why did your nieces try to stop him?  Didn't you try to prohibit them?” “Of course I tried.  But perhaps Celestia's hatred towards draconequi returned after Discord’s takeover.”  "What…?  Celestia... hates us?” Concord strained the words out. It was so sudden. Concord didn't quite know how to react. Gladhoof quickly regretted his statement.  “I-I shouldn't have said that." He sighed.  "But it's true.  She was just a young mare at the time.  It’s because of those arguments between our kinds.  She was influenced by the others to go against your people.  She would always say how your kind are ignorant, prideful, and… monsters.”   “Monsters?” Concord's heart sunk hearing those words.  “Sure I can be a bit fulsome, and Migrate can be a brute, and Passion can be a slut, and that Discord can be… well, Discord, but that’s just instinctive.  It doesn't mean we’re horrible creatures, it just means we're more… mortal.  You know what I mean, right?”  In truth, this shouldn’t have surprised him: every alicorn and draconequus hated each other back in those times.  All except for the younglings, Gladhoof, and Conjure.  But that meant Celestia had hated his kind at a young age.   In fact, now that this was brought to light, it did answer for a few things that he saw in Celestia’s personality that he originally hadn’t been able to figure out. An example would be whenever he talked about one of his fellow draconequi, she would have an abruptly annoyed expression. Concord would always brush it aside because he could associate her vexed feelings toward the others for his own. He saw the others as crude, careless, vile, and repulsive. They all were the same, except for Conjure, but could Celestia really hate Conjure? “You don’t have to defend yourself, nor your kind, Concord.  It was a long time ago; she has changed ever since she met you.” Yet, grief weighed down on Concord’s chest.  The terrible truth that his best friend had hated his race was disconcerting.  How her kind had poisoned her mind into thinking... No, it was not right for him to even think of her kind like that.  He said nothing; he only stared at the floor tiles. Gladhoof’s ears fell, and he had a guilty expression.  “I… hate to say this.  But her parents are the ones to blame for her—”   “No.”  Concord interrupted.  The spirit lazily lifted his head up to meet the alicorn with a serious look on his face.  “Though they didn’t view us too kindly, I can’t help but give them my respect for what they did for Celestia and Luna, even if it cost them their lives.  And not just them, but all those who died; all those who had put their difference aside and came to stand side by side for that one moment.  But no one will ever know of their sacrifice, nor will they know of the greatest deed—no— the miracle that you and Conjure brought upon the world.”  He gave out a long sigh.  “I’ve learned to let go of the past.  I’m sure Celestia has to.  But during that time—those ghastly memories that will forever be embedded in my mind—I knew then what my title was: to stop any destruction at any circumstances; to bring order and understanding to the world.”  Concord’s voice became cold.  “But once Discord got his title, my thoughts for an endless golden age were nothing more than a hopeless dream.”   Gladhoof was speechless for a minute.  “Concord.  You were only a youngling then, and yet to hear you say this...  Well, you've certainly earned my sympathy.  But it doesn't change what you did.”   In Concord’s mind he felt hurt, betrayed, almost.  He had just expressed some of his deepest thoughts, and all he got was sympathy and a statement of how what he said didn't change what he had done?  To Tartarus with what he had done! Concord's thoughts were interrupted from a finale outburst from the crowd outside, indicating that Celestia and Luna had finished their speech. The spirit turned around to see both sisters leave the balcony back inside, with only minutes of freedom to talk until they had to ride a chariot through the streets of Canterlot. Luna made her way to the one unicorn; they both were incredibly happy and optimistic to see each other.  Celestia waited patiently for Concord, she had a bright smile on her face.  Concord returned the smile, remembering that Celestia was a dear friend and not a racist.  “You should go talk to her now.”  Gladhoof said.  Concord spun around to the alicorn.  “I think we've had our fair share of words.  Now go.”  He waved his hoof as a sign of dismissal. “Yes, I believe we did,” Concord said, unnecessarily crude.  But he did what he was told and approached his friend. Concord’s heart couldn’t help but be lifted, again.  One little dark past secret wasn’t enough for him to rethink on Celestia after all they’ve been through. "What happened, Concord?" Celestia asked, looking concerned. “Oh, nothing important." Concord quickly changed the subject.  "I must confess to you Celestia, that outfit is dreadful looking." He beamed. Celestia snickered at the comment.  “You think this is bad?  Look at Luna.” “My dear, I'd rather not, it stings the eyes; purple is certainly not her color.  And by the way, that crown you're wearing: unfitting.  Let me do you the favor by disposing it for you.” “What?  This?  It was a gift from Princess Platinum.” “Which is why it should be under my care," he said, with a greedy expression in his eyes. “Back off, lizard head.” She playfully warned.  “If you’re so desperate for a crown, go talk to Luna.”   Concord stuck his tongue out in disgust.  “Luna can keep that crescent moon.  I mean, just look how ridiculous it is.”   Luna must have been discussing the same thing with the unicorn, because she started blushing, her eyes moved up to the crown that rested upon her head. “Say Celestia, who’s that unicorn that Luna is with?” Concord pointed towards Luna. Celestia followed his gaze toward the unicorn. “Him? Oh, he’s just a friend of Luna’s. His name is Leather Heart. Luna was visiting a small commoner's town, they met, and they’ve been friends ever since, from what I know.” "So, you know little to nothing about him?"   "I know just as much about him as Luna knows about you. Why’d you ask?" Concord shrugged. “No particular reason. He just seemed like a nice gentlecolt, is all.” A mare with her mane wrapped in a bun approached the alicorn, bowing before saying,  “Your highness, the chariots await the two of you.” Celestia gave the mare a fair nod before turning to her friend.  “So, I guess our time to chat will have to wait until later tonight.” Concord gave her a warm smile. “My dear, I’m not going anywhere.  I shall be watching every second of your little parade.”   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Nighttime rose over the city. A beautiful night created by the new princess of the night: Luna. Many lights shone the land far and wide, making the night as lively as day. However, all of Canterlot glowed like a beacon on top of the mountain. Inside princess Celestia’s quarters, she had her own little party. The only other member was the orderly spirit himself. The room was dim with the only light coming from the fireplace.  The sun goddess rested on her silk cushion near the fireplace, bare, no crown or dress.  Concord laid his slender body on a couch.  His tentacle wrapped around a wine glass filled with the delectable red liquid.   Their conversation lasted longer than their drinks, but its side effects lingered, though Celestia was less able to handle her drinks than Concord was.  “And just when our chariot was filled to the tip with flowers.”  Celestia snickered.  “A bouquet came diving at us, hits Luna in the face; she yelped, and we find out that a bee had stung her on the nose.”  Celestia covered her face, unable to control herself.  “Her nose swelled up by the time we had dinner.  She—she hid her face half the time.”  The Alicorn smothered her face in the cushion, and burst out laughing.   Concord chest heaved in and out, and his eyes teared up from laughing so hard. "Is—is that why she was hiding under her mane the whole time? Oh, that’s brilliant!” Celestia lifted her head back up.  “Just don’t tell her I told you.  She’d never forgive me.”   Concord smirked.  “Your secret is safe with me.”   Celestia cooled herself down, sipping the rest of her drink.  “It’s a shame that my cousin Silverline and her husband couldn’t make it.  It would’ve been nice to have the whole family over for this event.”   Concord took a sip of wind. “Well, you know how it is.  Ruling the entire Crystal Empire has its cons.  You’ll soon understand how they feel."   Celestia sighed, her mood suddenly bleak.  “Indeed...  This is all going to be extremely stressful, Concord.”   Concord sipped some more wine before replying.  “Oh please, if there’s any mare who can deal with this kind of authority, it’s certainly you, and your sister.  Not to mention, your new roles controlling the sun and moon.  I’d say it’s about time you got your titles.”   Celestia returned the compliment with a small smile.  “You always know what to say, Concord.”  She said soothingly, “I’m really grateful for your help, too.  You went beyond your principles to help me, and you also created artifacts to protect this world.  I have to say, you’ve outdone yourself.”   Concord waved her a hand.  “Did you have any doubt in my abilities?  I mean I am the spirit of order.”   Celestia giggled.  “Yes you are.  If only the others were more mature and kind like you.”   “Trust me, Celestia.  Discord will always be a screw-loose, no matter how much you try to tighten him.”   “No. Well, yes, but I was referring to the others.” Concord stared at his friend in silence.  “Celestia.  Tell me that doesn’t include a certain kirin.” his words were dark, to a minimal.   “Of course not, Concord.  You know I hold respect towards Conjure.  He and my uncle are good friends.  You know that.”  Celestia replied as a rebuttal.   “Yes, well, that doesn’t speak much for you, though,” Concord’s words turned sour.   Celestia was taken aback by Concord's irrational behavior.  “What’s the matter with you?  You’re so sensitive all of a sudden.”   Concord could not lie to himself that his little conversation with Gladhoof crept in the back of his mind.  “I’m sorry.  It’s just that... while you were giving your speech, Gladhoof told me a few things.  One thing he mentioned was a little hard for me to swallow.”  He had to force the next words out. “He told me about your... racist history.   Celestia’s face turned distressed by her past coming back to her.  “Oh... he told you about that,” her voice was low and filled with worry. “Is that what was troubling you?”  The draconequus nodded, keeping his eyes on the floor.  There was a long pause between the two, making the awkwardness more intense.   Celestia hated seeing her friend so dejected. To see him depressed over how she had acted towards his race in the past made her feel guilty. She picked herself up and brought herself right over to Concord, who refused to look at her.  She kneeled down to meet his face that he tried so poorly to hide.   “Concord.  My beloved friend.  The mare you speak of is nothing more than a stranger to you.” She spoke to him softly, like a mother would to her child.  “My uncle spoke of an alicorn that’s been dead a long time ago.”  The draconequus lifted his sapphire eyes to her.  Celestia revealed a comforting smile.  “After everything we’ve been through, every precious moment we shared.  Are you really going to let somepony you never knew stand in between our friendship?”   Without a word, Concord raised his head to meet Celestia.  Their faces almost touched each other.  Celestia could hear her heart beating in her ears. His lips curled into a smile. “You too, know just what to say,” he said in a quiet voice. Celestia hesitantly rested her forehead against Concord’s. He smiled, not at all uncomfortable by her affection. It made him forget Celestia ever hating his people. He couldn’t see this sweet, kind, and caring alicorn be anything that Gladhoof spoke of. Celestia told the truth: the mare Gladhoof spoke of was dead. “Thank you, Celestia, for everything.” For Celestia, this was the closest she could ever be near him without it being awkward, and only on certain occasions like this.  “Isn’t that what friends are for?”  She smiled, and closed her eyes, letting this moment last as long as it could; it would certainly last forever in her mind.   A screeching boom broke their little moment.  Their heads snapped back from sheer shock.  They looked in every direction; the thunder-like boom rolled and shook the very air itself.  Then a voice, intertwined with the thunder, erupted: loud, fearsome, and irate.  It spoke one single name.  "CONCORD!"  Another horrendous boom followed before all went quiet, again.   The two of them were silent for a moment, catching their breath after almost having a heart attack.  Celestia turned her attention towards the creature the voice had called.  “Was... was that...” For some reason she just couldn't finish her sentence. The spirit stared off to the decadence with wide eyes in a semiconscious state.  He blinked and shook his head, lowering his gaze to Celestia, still stunned.  “Conjure?  Indeed, it was.” His voice was surprisingly calm. “By the sound of his mighty hail.  I’m afraid that I have been summoned by Conjure’s demand.”   Celestia hung her head and sighed.  Her one moment with Concord had come and gone. “I was afraid so.”  It was far too soon to say farewell to her best friend.  A sense of fear crept in her mind reflecting on the wrathful voice of the kirin.  She brought her eyes back up to his.  “What could he need you for to sound so furious?”  Then a thought crossed her mind.  “This is about Discord, isn’t it?”  She said with alarm.   Concord shrugged.  "Who knows?  It could be many things, my dear, but Discord is not one of them.  He knew his place and yet he chose to stray from his path.  Besides, I did nothing to interfere with him."  He finished the rest of the wine.  The glass in his tentacle melted into sand, every grain vanished before hitting the floor.  “But nevertheless, I answer a summoning when I’ve been called.”  He gave Celestia a look of sympathy.  “Our time together has been great.  But now it’s time for us to part ways; we have our own duties to fulfill.”   Concord waited for Celestia to respond.  But Celestia remained silent.  Her face tightened, as if from holding back tears. Concord was surprised by her sudden mournful manner.  He got up from the couch. “Celestia.  Are you really this afflicted to see me leave?” he asked disquietingly. Celestia snapped back to conscious with an abrupt expression.  “O-Oh, no, I just had... a sneeze that wouldn’t come out.  You know that feeling you get, right?” she said hesitantly, forcing a smile out.   Concord’s tensions relaxed, and found himself laughing at the statement.  “Oh, true, true,” he sighed.   “Well, you should probably get going.  You don’t want to keep Conjure waiting.”  Celestia said, standing up as well. “Oh, please, Celestia.  You’re acting like you’ve never known me at all.  It’s my quality to be prompt and organized,” he said pridefully.   Concord walked past Celestia and to the balcony, arms behind his back.  “It’s been so long since I last entered my own realm,” his voice became cool,  “But I don’t think I could've had it any other way.  However, you have your own realm to rule now.  Perhaps it’s the appropriate time we part ways.”   Celestia’s eyes had been glued to the Draconequus the whole time he spoke.  She took in his words, though she didn’t enjoy the subject.  But he had a way to make anything he said sound righteous and pure.   Concord spun his head back, and Celestia froze on the spot.  Any comment she was going to make was eliminated from her mind.  Concord’s face was hard to read.  Did he expect her to answer or agree with him?  Then he smiled: a sweet, kind, and celestial smile.  His eyes were gentle on her.  Celestia's emotions took control of her face and brought an awkward looking smirk to greet his.    “I wish I didn’t have to go.  Truly, I do.  And it pains me to leave in such a rush without a proper farewell.”  He raised his paw.  “But please accept this gift as a symbol of our friendship.”  Light shone out of the palm of his hand.  It lit the room for only a moment before it deceased.  What remained in his palm was a violet.   Celestia thought the gift was decent and sweet.  She stepped forward, but as she did, Celestia noticed something strange about the flower.  It wasn’t a flower at all.  It was a blue gem, crafted in the form of a violet.  Up close the petals were smooth; not a single chisel mark or scratch was visible.  The tendril pistils were made of pure gold, and the sepal and stem were made of emerald minerals.  It was amazing.  A craftsmanship—in Celestia’s eyes—that was exceedingly more divine than the elements of harmony.  “It’s... beautiful,” Celestia said breathlessly.   Concord pulled out a self-succeeding smile.  “Magnificent, isn’t it?  I’m not very good at making real flowers; nature is more of Migrate’s thing.  But gems are more of my style.”   Celestia brought her eyes to the Draconequus’s.  “Concord, I-I don’t know what to say—” Concord gentility placed his tentacle to her lips. “You don’t need to say anything.  Your face shows enough gratitude for me.”   Celestia prayed that the blood that warmed her face wouldn’t show.  Concord leaned in to gently place the gem-flower in her mane.  The feel of his hand brushing against her head sent shivers down her spine.   Concord stepped back to check her.  He pulled out a satisfied grin.  "Mmmm, yes.  Much more appealing than a common rose, would you not agree?"  With a snap of his tentacle, a mirror appeared in front of Celestia.   She tilted her head to get a better view of the flower.  As always, Concord's sense of fashion prevailed in impressing her.  "It never fails.  You could make garbage look good." Concord chuckled.  "Is that a challenge I hear?  That's going on my to-do list for when I come back," he said, dismissing the mirror.  "...So, anything else you wish to say before I depart?"   Celestia had many things she wanted to say.  Most, she couldn't tell him out of fear of rejection.  But one question that was eating her mind ever since this whole predicament came to light.  "Will I... ever see you again?"  It was a simple question, but one she had to ask.   Concord put on that sweet smile again. He kneeled down; taking her hoof in his hands and kissed it before saying, "That, my dear, is sealed in stone."  Concord's body glowed brightly; his entire form was a blinding white light.  Celestia had no choice but to look away.   When she turned back, she saw nothing.  No draconequus, no spirit of order, no friend.  Celestia waited, expecting him to come back; hoping it was a cruel joke.  But she knew he wasn't coming back.  Her heart ached more and more with every passing second.  The realization hit her harder than any blow she had suffered from Discord.  Every precious memory she held dear to Concord flashed before her eyes; so many to count, yet too much for her emotions to handle.  The tears became too big for her eyes to hold, and they fell down her face.   Then she heard the doors to her room creak open.  Celestia lashed her head back, and took a weary breath of disappointment when her uncle entered the room.  "Uncle—" she wiped her tears away.  "—I wasn't expecting you.  Is everything ok?"   The old alicorn looked down at his niece who laid on the floor, with concern.  "I was about to ask the same."   “I’m fine, really... I am.”  She didn't sound fine at all.   Gladhoof scanned the room.  "I seem to be too late to see Concord depart."  He said, a little disappointed.   "You just missed him." Celestia sniffed.  "I don't suppose you heard Conjure's summoning?"   "Celestia, the whole kingdom could've heard it."  Gladhoof looked more closely at his niece and smiled.  "My, that is a beautifully crafted gem you got there.  I suspect Concord is behind that?"  "He was." Celestia lowered her gaze to the floor.  She heard her uncle's hoof steps closing in on her.  She didn't want his company; she wanted to be alone.   "Celestia," Gladhoof said, sympathy in his voice.   Celestia raised her red and puffy eyes to him.  "Forgive me, uncle, for my childish behavior.  It's just... I..." She stopped when Gladhoof wrapped his wing around her.   He lowered himself to her eye level, a small smile upon his face.  "An alicorn’s love is not a fickle thing, Celestia.”   Celestia’s watery eye grew wide. She had to find her voice aging. "How long have you known?"   "It wasn't that hard for me to figure out." Celestia blushed.  "Was...  was it that obvious?”   Gladhoof chuckled, “Well, you fooled Luna.  So that’s worth something.”   Celestia huffed humorously.  “I’m a fool to think he’d see my affection for what it truly is."  She rubbed the tears away from her eyes.  “What’s worse is if he found out, I could've scared him away, and ruin our friendship.  Or if Concord did share the same feelings for me, he could grow bored of me and move to another mate, then I’d be left with a broken heart,” her voice cracked. "But do you see Concord being a mate who would leave such a creature as yourself?  If you want my opinion, I believe there’s a part of Concord that’s not developed yet.  In time he will see what you truly mean to him.  You just need to be patient to find out.”   Celestia stared at her uncle one last time before resting her head against his chest.  “I love you, uncle.”   Gladhoof pulled his niece in tighter.  “I love you, too, Celestia.”  He lifted his wing away from her.  “Now, why don’t we enjoy the night that your sister has made for us all, shall we?”  Celestia sniffed once more and nodded.  They went out onto the balcony, where they were met with a radiant night sky.  The full moon projected above them, consuming the land in its cool light.   Luna impressed Celestia.  But when the night turns old, then it would be her turn to show off her talent.   Mother and father would be so proud.  She thought.  Two ponies that she wished were still with her.  Her mother would've helped with their dresses and manes, fussing and bragging about how beautiful they looked.  And her father would have had something special planned for them; he always loved to surprise her and Luna.  But she still had Concord, who organized the whole coronation, and who made everything just perfect.  Now he was gone, too.  But she knew deep in her heart that they would meet again.  And while he watched her from his realm, she would impress him.  She would rule the land that he gave to her and bring forth a golden age in his name.  And when they are reunited, again, she will finally tell her soul mate how she truly feels for him.   Celestia took in the fresh night air and blew out a calming sigh; her tears had dried out.  Everything is going to be just fine.