//------------------------------// // Part 13 // Story: Discord's Family Reunion // by Mister E //------------------------------// Part 13 Back Again, for the First Time Much like the previous day, the weather was fair, and the mood was light in the Garden of the Palace of Discord and Fluttershy, despite the anticipation of Harmony’s visit just two short days into the future. The couple’s guests had begun to arrive, and pleasantries were exchanged, as they all gradually made their way back into Discord’s sitting room. “Fluttershy darling,” Rarity exclaimed, “You remodeled your living room. Just for the occasion?” She asked. “Not exactly,” Fluttershy responds, “Discord had a bit of difficulty trying to get his viewer to display more of the scenes that we were prevented from seeing yesterday. It never would. He became...um... fixated on the idea and um... things got kind of explody.” She said as the ponies all looked toward Discord. “Yes well, it’s possible that things may have gotten a teensy bit chaotic for a time.” He says sheepishly. “But the place was due for a change anyway. I mean we had it the same for almost a year now. In the old days all the rooms would change on their own... constantly.” Discord says somewhat wistfully. “Dear we’ve discussed this, that always gave me a headache, and used to traumatize the animals.” Fluttershy says in a voice that was sweet, but at the same time brooked no argument. “Yes dear,” Discord says with resignation. The guests resumed their seats from the day before, and Discord and Fluttershy busied themselves passing out drinks and snacks, as they waited for the last of the guests to arrive. “I wonder what’s keeping Twilight?” asked Rainbow Dash. “She’s usually the first to show up for anything.” “And from what your other friends have to say, it’s YOU who usually have delays,” interjects Zecora, causing Rainbow Dash to blush, and the other ponies present to smile. “Yeah well, I notice Applejack and Spike aren’t here yet either.” Rainbow responds. Unnoticed by the others, Luna hides a furious blush of her own behind a magazine she has picked up from the coffee table. Just then, both Spike and Applejack walk in together, both of them looking slightly haggard and bleary eyed. “What’s wrong you two?” Pinky Pie asks. “Get up on the wrong side of the bed? ‘Cause I used to do that, until I slid my bed against the wall, now I get up on the right side EVERY morning. Was that it?” “Nooo,” Spike draws out the answer. “We uh, got up just fine.” He says evasively. “Oh, bad dreams then? Was Luna busy elsewhere last night?” Pinky inquires. “Nooo,” Applejack replies, drawing her response out as well. “No our dreams were... just fine last night.” Luna resolutely holds her magazine in front of her face saying nothing. “Well-” Pinky begins again. “Um lets just drop the subject sugar cube,” Applejack interrupts, “I think I hear someone else arriving.” She says as she and Spike hurry and settle into their seats. They all turn to face the doorway as Twilight Sparkle enters the room her eyes half open and her hair in disarray. “Twilight!” Fluttershy exclaims, “You look terrible!” “Thanks so much for that.” Twilight responds, as she walks with all the grace of a zombie and flops down into her chair. “What happened to you darlin?” Applejack asks, her voice filled with concerned. “Oh the usual.” Twilight responds listlessly. “Chases around the castle, two fires, a vendetta declared against chandeliers, and then later on, oranges, for some reason. Oh, and I might have spent a few hours doing research.” Spike crosses his arms and stares at his mentor. “Honestly Twilight, I can’t leave you for one night without your entire new castle falling apart. How long are you going to let those three stay there?” “It’ll be okay Spike. The new place is much bigger than the library. And they aren’t so bad... well... most of the...some of the time.” Twilight corrects herself, As Discord passes her a steaming cup of dark liquid. “Drink this,” he says, “I’m sure it will help.” Twilight takes a small sip, and then begins to greedily gulp down the rest. The ponies watch as her pupils dilate and even her mane seems to unfrazzle. As she finishes the last drop she speaks. “SweetCelestiathisstuffisgreat! CanIhavesomemore? Pleasepleaseplease!” Twilight says extending her cup back toward Discord. “Of course my dear,” Discord says as he waves his claw over the cup. The cup magically begins to fill itself back up. “There you are, a ‘cup unending’, drink as much as you like, it will always refill and stay at just the right temperature.” “A remarkable potion, I must admit, would you be willing to share the recipe for it?” Zecora asks eagerly. “Oh its no magic potion Zecora, only the magic of Blue Mountain coffee from Jamareca.” Discord says as he notices that Twilight has already finished a second cup and has started on her third. “Ah, perhaps you may want to ease back on that a bit Twilight, just until you become more used to it.” he says as he notices her eyes begin to twitch. “Wellifyoureallythinkso, buthonestlyIfeelfine, betterthanfine, heyRainbowyouwannaraceafewlapsaroundPonyvillebeforeweresumethestory?” Twilight fires off at lightning speed. Fluttershy gently takes the cup of Uber coffee from Twilight’s shaky hooves, shooting her husband a diluted version of her STARE. “Um Twilight dear, perhaps you should just relax a bit and have some snacks, maybe a cider. You know, until you level off?” She says offering a tray of sandwiches. “SureokaythatsoundsgoodIamalittlehungrybutwhyiseveronemovingsoslowly?” Twilight says speaking even faster as her head turns quickly from one pony to the other. “It’s nothing to worry about dear, just relax.” Fluttershy says soothingly, cutting Discord a full on STARE glare. “What?” Discord replies. “I was HELPING.” He says defensively. “I didn’t expect her to gulp down three cups in three minutes. Don’t worry, it’ll wear off soon. It’s a good thing I didn’t give her the espresso version...” he says trailing off, as he notices expectant looks from several others in the room. “Really?” he asks no one in particular, as he snaps his claws causing small cups of coffee to appear before the others. “Honestly, how was it that you all kept managing to defeat me all those times? And when did I become the voice of reason? This all seems so very wrong...” “It’s simple,” Celestia replies. “Before, we had to keep our guard up around you all of the time. It’s nice to finally relax and let someone else be the adult. After all, you are the oldest person in the room.” She says with a grin. “Oh just you wait until your mo-” Discord begins, and then stops himself. “Well, at any rate,” he says, beginning again, “are we ready to resume the story?” Nods from the other ponies present indicate they are ready, including Twilight who seems to be unable to stop until Fluttershy gently grabs her head. “Very well then,” Discord says as he conjures a new viewer and remote, and hits the play button. The ponies in Discord’s sitting room look into the viewer to see a vast swirling maelstrom in the middle of the sea. The roar of the ocean is the only sound to be heard as it circles endlessly into a vast chasm. Suddenly, something begins to take shape before them, partially obscuring the view of the swirling ocean. Energy begins to appear and coalesce into solid form before their very eyes. And the now familiar shape of Discord appears above the torrid sea. “What...what happened?” A confused Discord asks himself. “This isn’t Equinity. Where...where am I?” he says looking all around. It was then as he was turning himself about that he notices his tail for the first time. “What?!?!” He says, grabbing it with his paw and talon. He then looks at what used to be his hooves in horror. “What’s going on?!? What happened to me?!?” He frantically begins to touch his face and head. “Antlers, and... horns? And what’s wrong with my face?” He twists about looking himself over as best he can, tears beginning to fall from his eyes. “This can’t be happening,” He says to himself as he hovers in the air. “This must be a dream... a nightmare. The last thing I remember was Mom, and I was going back to-” He stops as he looks down at the swirling sea. Flashes of memory begin to return. Him saying goodbye, trying to teleport home, a tremendous pressure, and a blinding light... “No,” he whispers aloud, looking down at the swirling sea. “It can’t be. I must be mistaken. I-I need to get home.” He focuses his will to teleport back to Equinity, but nothing happens. He tries again and again, but only the barest wisp of thought passes through his mind, hinting a direction. He clings to that barest fragment, orienting himself toward it and without another word begins to slowly fly in that direction. Fluttershy pauses the remote. “And that’s when you started to look... like that?” she asks. “Yes my dear,” Discord replies. “My body was reduced to atoms by the explosion, but the chaos I absorbed from all those other creatures had saturated it. When it finally reformed I retained aspects of each of the creatures that had become a part of me. Needless to say, I was unprepared, lost, and disoriented, and all I wanted to do was to teleport home. Sadly, that was also the last trace of my alicorn powers. And at that time I had no idea how to use chaos. That came much, much later. So what followed was a long slow flight. I found out however, that I never really seemed to tire, or become hungry. And I had plenty of time on the way back to the mainland to consider my new body. It was an... unpleasant series of discoveries.” Discord said, as he shifted the scene on the viewer. The ponies now saw a view of the royal throne room in Equinity, as a messenger approached the throne. Upon it sat Harmony, and by her side sat a somewhat older looking Keil. “Your majesties,” the messenger began. “I bring news from the home of Zacherle. The great doors have opened. And Stonewall sends word, you and your husband have been asked to come as quickly as possible.” He turns toward Keil. “Your father and his wife have been summoned as well.” Harmony looks to her husband. “After all these years. It’s finally time. I don’t know what to feel anymore. Hope or sorrow.” “Hope my dear,” Keil replies. “Sorrow will gain us nothing. I’ll see that the twins are looked after, while you arrange a coach.” “No Keil, we’ll fly there, It will give me a few minutes to collect my thoughts.” Harmony replies as she rises from the throne. Discord begins to change scenes on the viewer once more as Celestia and Luna share a knowing look. The scene shifts to the home of Zacherle as Keil and Harmony descend from the sky to join Icarus and Boots who were waiting outside with their daughter Daisy. “Big Brother!” Daisy says, as she watches them land before her. “Hi Sis. Have you been a good little pony?” Keil says. “Um, hum,” Daisy replies. Mommy and Daddy have been teaching my to fly!” she says excitedly. Keil cocks his head to one side and shoots an inquiring glance at toward his father. “That’s right son. Your sister can already lift off the ground all on her own, not like SOME ponies I know of at her age.” He says with a smirk. “Show him Daisy.” Daisy begins to flap her young wings as hard as she can, strain evident on her face, and slowly begins to rise from the ground. After a moment she settles back onto her hooves. “Wow,” Keil exclaims, “my little sister is a progeny. Wait until grandpa finds out.” “What’s a pro-” Daisy begins, but stops as the great doors behind them swing open, and Stonewall, Muenchinger, and Zacherle step forward. Keil and Icarus run forward to catch Stonewall in a crushing series of hugs as Boots, Muenchinger, and Zacherle look on with faint smiles. “My son...” Stonewalls exclaims, “and my grandson. I’ve missed you both so much. You as well Boots, I must say you are looking noticeably smaller than the last time I saw you.” “Well, there’s a reason for that,” Boots says as she steps to the side to reveal her daughter, who had hid behind her mother as the three strange ponies emerged. “I’d like you to meet your granddaughter, this is Daisy. Daisy, this is your grandfather Stonewall. He is your daddy’s, daddy’s, daddy. Say hello please.” “H-hello sir,” Daisy says, slowly walking forward. Stonewall steps forward, a stern look upon his face. “Granddaughter eh?” he says, making a show of looking her over, holding out her wings, looking at the mark on her flanks, so similar to that of Icarus’s. “Hmm,” he says, and then quick as a flash he scoops her up and tosses her lightly in the air, then as he catches her he starts to tickle her hooves causing Daisy to squeal with laughter. “Oh this one’s a giggle box eh?” He says tickling her again. “And it’s not ‘sir’ young lady. It’s ‘grandpa’ to you. Got it?” he says. “O-okay grandpa,” she manages to say between fits of laughter. “Stonewall, I’ll leave you to get reacquainted with your family, Harmony if you’ll come with me there are things we need to discuss.” Zacherle says as she and Muenchinger turn and head back inside. Harmony begins to follow, turning toward her family. “Stonewall, it is so good to see you again, I’d like to catch up with you as soon as this is over.” Stonewall’s looks stricken, but only for a moment. “I’m afraid my dear, that things are just beginning,” he says cryptically as he turns his attention back to his granddaughter. Harmony pauses for a moment, considering saying something more, but then turns and quickly catches up with the retreating forms of her Gods. As Harmony joins the two in Zacherle’s study, the goddess forms a viewing globe, and focuses on an undulating figure flying over a vast sea. Harmony is the first to speak. “What in the name of Equestria is that thing?” She says, a look of revulsion crossing her face. Some horror set free from the world quake years ago?” “That,” Muenchinger responds, “is all that’s left of your brother.” He states flatly. “That?” Harmony says incredulously, “That THING is Cordial?!?” “It is, and it isn’t.” Zacherle replies. “Before your brother’s body exploded, it had absorbed all the chaos of the elementals that had tried to possess it. When the chaos reformed his body, it tried to take the form of what it remembered. Each part of him represents one of the beings that were once a part of him.” “In one sense it’s fitting,” Muenchinger declaims, “His from is truly chaotic, as is the substance of his very being. He is now one of the most powerful beings in all of Equestria. A Lord, of Chaos.” “Fitting?!?” Harmony asks enraged. “How can you say such a thing! That THING is hideous! Change him back. Teleport him home, and change him back!” Harmony demands. Zacherle and Muenchinger both look at her sadly. Muenchinger begins to speak, but Zacherle waves him to silence. Zacherle turns to Harmony, her face becoming stern. “We cannot restore your brother to his former body.” She intones. She holds up a hoof before Harmony can interrupt. You will listen to what we have to say, is that clear?” Zacherle says in a tone that brooks no argument. Harmony hesitates for a moment before replying, “yes, my Goddess.” Zacherle’s stern expression melts into compassion. “Oh my child. Would that these events never had to occur. If there had been, would be, any other way, I would choose never to burden you, and he, with such a weight. But these events are fixed in time, I am told, and they must occur, if ever this world is to be set right again.” Harmony moves as if to speak, “Hush my child, I know this makes no sense to you, I can only ask that you trust us in this. In the fact that all these things ARE for a reason. Even if they don’t seem to be at this time.” “As you wish, my Goddess,” Harmony finally replies. “Thank you.” Zacherle reply’s, a trace of warmth in her voice. “Now listen well my child, you’re brother is returning home. Bereft of his alicorn magics, he is flying here, and although it will take him some time, it would be wise to prepare for his return.” “What must I do?” Harmony asks. Muenchinger and Zacherle exchange a look. “She has asked of her own free will.” Muenchinger says aloud.”HE knew she would...” Zacherle sighs, and a weight seems to descend upon her shoulders. “Very well my child, you have asked my advice of your own free will, and you shall have it.” She waves a hoof at the viewing globe, and it shows a wild wood far to the south. “This is what has come to be called, the ‘Everfree Forest’. It is a wild and untamed land, where much of the dust from the exploded island of chaos has settled. You need to send Icarus and Boots and the rest of your family south to this forest. The ambient chaos in the area will mask their presence, not forever, but for long enough.” “You want me to send my family away? But why?” Harmony asks. “To protect them,” Zacherle says, as she shifts the viewer back to her brother. She zooms in to a close up of Discord’s face. “Look well my child. This is your brother, but at the same time, it isn’t.” Harmony spends several minutes looking at the face on the viewer. Finally she says, “But Goddess, even if he looks different, he’s still Cordial.” Zacherle looks disappointingly at Harmony for a moment. Another sigh escapes her mouth. “So be it,” she says softly to herself. “Harmony,” she begins again, “your brother has absorbed an incredible amount of chaotic energy. In his way, he is nearly as powerful as Muenchinger or myself. And he has no training in how to deal with such power. Also, you can’t be sure how much his... experience... may have changed him inside.” Zacherle says carefully.” “So you want me to send my family away to protect them until you and Muenchinger can help Cordial learn to control himself?” “NO!” Zacherle nearly shouts. “Neither Muenchinger or myself will be here when he returns. We CANNOT be here when he returns. After we conclude our conversation, both of us must leave. We cannot remain in Equestria any longer. And we cannot return until the situation with your brother is resolved.” “What?” Harmony replies in a shocked voice. But who will the ponies of the world turn to for guidance, who will-” Harmony breaks off in mid sentence, as the meaning of their words sink in. “No...no... I can’t” “You must my child, there IS no one else.” Muenchinger says, ignoring her protests. “You have been queen of Equestria these last ten years since the cataclysm. The ponies of Equestria already look to you for guidance. Our absence from their lives these last ten years has accustomed them to it.” “But... but I am not a God. I cannot replace the two of you.” Harmony protests. “No my child, nor do you have to, you need only be the leader you already are,” says Zacherle. “But what about Cordial? What about all the powers he now possesses? What shall I do if something were to happen?” Harmony inquires. “Fear not child, we have prepared for that contingency as well.” Zacherle says, as Muenchinger levitates a pedestal from out of the shadows and has it settle in before them. Upon the pedestal is an object covered with a pure white cloth. Muenchinger removes the cloth and Harmony gazes upon a heart of pure crystal. A dazzling rainbow radiance emits from it. “W-What is it?” Harmony asks in awe. “Behold the crystal heart.” Zacherle responds. “Our final gift to you, Harmony. If, in times to come, you feel that your brother has become a danger to himself, or others, come to my home, the doors will open to you, and you alone. Clasp this heart to your chest, and the powers that are inside of it shall become yours.” “Powers?” Harmony asks. “Yes my child. Both Muenchinger and myself have filled this vessel with much of our order based magics. With this heart, you will be nearly as powerful as a God yourself. But I implore you, only make use of this heart in the direst of need. The changes such power may have on a mortal pony could be considerable. And even the most noble of hearts can stray from the path of goodness when blinded by power. I say again, DO NOT make use of this gift lightly. Nor use it in haste or anger. The power of the gods is a two edged sword. It is just as important to know when NOT to use it.” “I-I understand, my Goddess.” Harmony says, as Muenchinger covers the heart once again. The three of them make their way to the front doors which silently open at their approach. Stonewall steps forward and embraces Harmony without saying a word. A tear slides silently down his cheek. Harmony gazes into his eyes for a long moment, and understanding passes between them. “I’ll miss you father-in-law” she says, embracing him again. “And I, you” Stonewall says, hugging her tight. “I’ll never see you again, will I?” she whispers in his ear. “Heh,” he says in a hushed reply, “you might be surprised at what the future holds.” He catches a glare from Muenchinger, and responds by sticking his tongue out at the God. All of which goes unnoticed by Harmony. Harmony looks to all of her family assembled before her. “It’s time we were all going. There is much that I have to discuss. I’m sure you will all have questions, many of which I may not be able to answer, to those I can only say this,” she says looking over her shoulder, “It is the will of the Gods.” She begins walking toward Keil and her family, Daisy calls past her. “Grandpa, grandpa, are you coming too?” she asks. Stonewall looks down at her with a sad smile. “No giggle box, I can’t come with you. I have to go with those other ponies,” he says pointing at the retreating forms of Zacherle and Muenchinger. “But why grandpa?” Daisy asks wide eyed. Stonewall smiles deeply, his eyes misting up. “Because giggle box, that pretty lady pony? She’s my special somepony. And she’s going on a long trip. And you can’t just let your special somepony go on a trip without you, can you?” Both Icarus and Keil’s mouths drop open in shock, Boots and Daisy begin to giggle, and even Harmony has to smile. “Pop... you... her... what?” Icarus stammers. “Why are you looking so surprised son?” Stonewall replies deadpan, “think I can’t take a hint?” “Oh... my... Goddess!” Icarus exclaims, as Keil and Stonewall begin to laugh, “Oh Pop, only you, only you, would have the nerve to woo a Goddess...” he says, beginning to laugh as well. “Never settle, that’s what I always say sonny.” Stonewall replies, as he turns to catch up to his sweetheart, who favors him with an over the shoulder wink. “I’ll miss you all so much,” he whispers to himself, as he trots resolutely forward. “This family,” Icarus says, “is so very crazy.” Harmony replies, “Icarus, you have no idea. Now let’s go home. I have many things to tell you all...” Discord presses the forward button on the viewer as Cadence speaks from over his shoulder. “You realize we know what that heart was?” she says, matter-of-factually. “Of course.” Discord replies. Well?” Cadence asks. “Well what?” Discord responds again. “Well, are you going to explain, why and how, it got from there to the Crystal Empire?” she asks impatiently. “Not at all,” Discord replies once more, “if you’ll be patient you’ll see for yourself before long.” And without another word, Discord resumes play. Cadence is about to speak again, but the images on the viewer capture not only her full attention, but that of everyone else in the room. The view is of the palace courtyard, and the scene is of Harmony helping her husband with the last few items they are adding to an already overburdened page. “And these are their favorite binkys, don’t lose them and try to replace them, they KNOW their binkys, and here’s Lulu’s Mister Frog, and Sunny’s Hopsy, I think that’s everything. And we have that spell working to send and receive scrolls by fire, the chamberlain assures me that we will be able to send images soon, and he’s also working on a viewer like Zacherle uses, hopefully we can get that working soon as well.” Harmony says fussing with everything. Keil looks at her sadly. “Sweetheart, just stop. I know what you are feeling. I feel the same. But we don’t KNOW how long this is for. We WILL see each other soon. I’m sure of it. Just take some time, and work out whatever you need to with Cordial. After we get our homes set up, I’ll come back and visit, this isn’t the end of the world. That was like, ten years ago...” he quips. Harmony forces a smile. “Yes, I know. It really did seem like the end of the world. I didn’t think I could go on. Losing mom, and Cordial, and Father leaving without a word. And then you came back, my best friend. You held me up until I could walk on my own again. You made me smile, when I never thought I could again. You made me love, when I thought my heart would always be empty.” Tears begin to flow tracks down Harmony’s cheeks. “I love you so much Keil! I don’t want you to leave! To lose you and my daughters... why? Why does she ask so much of us?” Keil crushes her to him in a tight embrace. “I can’t answer that. I wish I could. All we can do is have faith that it will all work itself out. We WILL be together again. Of that much I am certain. This is only for a time sweetheart. And even if we are miles apart,” he says putting a hoof on her chest, “here we will always be together.” Harmony reaches up and pulls his lips to hers, oblivious of the various guards and pages scurrying about, their gazes averted from the couple. Finally they separate and Keil enters the couch, moving various packages around as the nursemaid approaches the door of the carriage pushing a stroller. Harmony bends down and lifts out the two bundles from inside, cradling one in each of her hooves. She smiles down at two little upturned faces who giggle at her in return. The viewer in Discords sitting room pans over Harmony’s shoulder as she prepares to pass her daughters to her husband in the waiting coach. The ponies in Discord’s sitting room can all clearly see the two adorable faces of the baby fillies as their mother says goodbye. She kisses each one in turn, as she passes them inside the carriage. “Bye-bye little Luna, be a good girl. Bye-bye Celestia, take care of your little sister. The baby princess of the sun waves her little hoof and says “mama...” as her mother bends down and kisses it. “Bye-bye my little angels,” she says as the door closes and she stares into Keil’s retreating face. “Momma loves you.” She says waving one hoof at the retreating carriage. Inside Discord’s sitting room Celestia sits silently, as tears roll down her cheeks. She cradles Luna’s head to her chest, and sobs can be heard from the Princess of the Night. The somber moment is broken as a violet hoof comes down on the pause button of Discord’s remote, causing the two princess’s to look up in surprise, into the angry visage of the youngest alicorn present. “I think the two of you have some explaining to do!” Twilight Sparkle says in tones the other ponies have never heard from her before... tones of rage.