//------------------------------//
// Chapter Two - Discord 
// Story: The Light of the four 
// by hoodedfigurine 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 2 – Discord

Leaving the protective bubble surrounding Canterlot Spike dropped many feet, the air was thin, with the planet spinning no longer no force was left that could keep the air and the sea from falling to the poles, only the highest mountains and plateaus remained above the waves in the south and the north. Surrounding the equator, a complete ring of airless, desolate land encompassed the world, only the very edges of this new continent could support complex life outside of Canterlot.

With little to fly on Spike had to beat his wings fiercely to gain the altitude he needed till he could glide all the way to Ponyville, only by air could you now visit the seat of Princess Twilight, the Everfree forest blocked access by land bar for the most hardiest of explorers, and the few who returned never set out again. Teleportation was out of the question; hard for even the most experienced Unicorns, with only patches of magic here and there it was no longer safe if even possible anymore. Even by air the Pegasus had stopped coming, the little magic and oxygen meant maintaining flight was next to impossible, at Spikes request the Wonderbolts had been sent out to collect a very special diary, even they struggled and that was so long ago when the air was not so thin. But Spike wasn’t a pony he was a dragon, proving time and time again although difficult the passage to Ponyville was possible. 

An hour into his flight, Spike approached the now dead cursed forest. Old charred branches weaved a random twisting pattern marking the boundary between the Desolate and the ruins of Ponyville, flying low he caught glimpses of old ruined buildings where nature had taken over, few even poked out the top of the canopy; Sugarcube corner, the town hall, even Rainbowdash’ s cloud house breached the canopy at a jagged angle after falling from the sky. Seeing these empty husks Spike couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret in his heart that he wasn’t there to help on that fateful day. 

Flapping his wings a few more times the Hall of Friendship came into view, every time he saw it he admired its lost beauty, the gardens lush with rare species it was like an oasis of calm in the chaos of the surrounding forest, the last bastion of hope south of Canterlot. With a swoop Spike delicately landed, the green soft grass was always welcoming under his feet. Reaching out Spike's claw gently touched the huge double doors, reacting to his touch they softly glowed a warm white, after a few moments groaning smoothly they parted recognizing a throne keeper. 

Moving forward Spikes footfalls echoed as he entered the circular throne room, the room was adorned with wondrous artifacts and lavish decorations depicting scenes of great heroism and friendship. Spike personally maintained the beauty of the inner sanctum whenever he could, the palace had become a shrine to his six dearest friends. 

“The light in here always seemed brighter,” Spike thought as he made his way towards the thrones, they were in stark contrast to the extravagance of the room, six cold marble thrones in a perfect circle rose from the ground, no imperfections in any of them, just a simple engraving of the owners respective cutie mark. Spike could no longer fit in his own throne so took a seat upon his sister’s and waited and waited, nothing, the presence he felt before, the one that chilled the air no longer lingered.

“Show yourself Discord!” Spike's voice boomed round the hall, “You have come to seek me out, not the other way around,” Still no answer, “Maybe this was a mistake,” Spike got up to leave.

“You can’t afford to Doubt yourself,” A ominous voice danced around the room, “There is no one else who can take up this cup, tell me if you did not believe anything would have come of your visit, why are you still here?”

“I, I have no time for your games Discord! Reveal yourself and tell me what this means or be forever alone till the end of time,” Spike brandished the medallion bearing the scratches.     

“Temper, temper Spike, this is no way to great and old friend, whatever would Twilight think?” The voice spoke with a mocking tone.

“YOU! Dare, to mock the rulers of Equestria! You dare to name yourself as their friend! You are not worthy of speaking their names! Where were you when the sun scorched the land or the night froze the gates of Canterlot shut! You abandoned everypony and everything they ever held dear! We needed you and you ran away like a coward, choose your next words wisely draconequss! They may be you last!” It had been a while since Spike had lost his temper, a rampaging dragon was not to be easily dismissed.

“Former rulers of Equestria” Discord corrected, slowly stepping from behind the throne with the carvings of butterflies, parchment in his paw. 
Spike was going to berate him but held his tongue when he saw the shadow of what was once Discord. His coat was all twisted and knotted with solid clumps missing, it was clear he hadn't washed in years and his horns were bent in unnatural directions. Spike could only shudder at the creature before him. 

“If I’m not mistaken all the princesses are effectively dead and you abdicated, that leaves no one as ruler, unless you count that pompous oaf Blueblood or that fool brother of yours,” The snide comments from discord struck a chord within Spike.

Noticing the distaste on Spikes face Discord broke the silence before the retorts started, “You told me to choose my words wisely and I have, now what say you?” 

Spike was puzzled by Discords last comment and had to reevaluate what had been spoken, the simple truth of it hit him like a train. 

“What do you mean effectively dead?” Spike exclaimed with shock woven into his face and words.

“Ah, he sees harmony in the madness!” Discord had summoned a bright neon “HE GETS IT!” sign that flashed brightly above Twilight's throne.

“Discord I’m not in the mood for your theatrics, just tell me what happened,” Spike sighed.

“Very well,” Discord said solemnly making the neon lights disappear, Discords face dropped, he had become all serious, “But you may not like it, it will be easier to just show you,” with a pop a screen appeared ready to replay the events of that tragic, world-shattering day.