A strange group of six moved through the streets of Canterlot, colors of so much variety it almost hurt to look for too long; some flying or hovering gracefully in the air, some firmly placed on the ground.
A cyan pegasus huffed in an annoyed fashion, blowing a bang of her rainbow mane out of her vision. “I hate Canterlot.” she said blatantly.
A white unicorn gasped dramatically. “Why, however could you say that Rainbow Dash?” she asked. “It has got to be the most gorgeous city this side of Equestria!”
“I just don’t like being around all these snobby nobles.” Rainbow responded, glaring at a passing duo of finely-dressed stallions, both of who had their muzzles held high. “Always treating everypony else like dirt and always keeping their snouts up their-”
“Now, Dash.” interrupted a southern-accented, orange earth pony; who placed a reassuring hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “We’re only goin’ t’ be here for today. You know how excited Twi is for this.”
“Well, it’s not every day that you get the chance to learn knowledge that only two ponies in Equestria know.” said Twilight, her eyes dilated due to her enthusiasm.
“Two ponies and one draconequus.” said one of the two non-ponies in the group, holding an eagles’ talon up in a ‘matter of fact’ way. “Princess Celestia did recommend that I come as well, did she not?”
“And I’m sure you’ll have some excellent stories to tell, Discord.” said a butter-yellow pegasus.
Discord sighed and wiped his bushy, grey brow. “Is that what we’re doing? Story telling?” the chimera asked. “Thank Faust; I thought it was going to be another lecture.” He shivered visibly, hugging his
arms with his mismatched hands. “I've already had five this week.”
“Uh, it’s only Monday.” said a bubbly, pink earth pony.
Discord face-palmed. “I know.”
Twilight seized up, turning to the draconequus. “Wait, what did you say?” she asked.
“I know?” Discord tried.
“No, before that.”
“I’ve already had five this week?” he tried again.
“Earlier.”
“One draconequus?” he tried once more, raising his shoulders in defeat.
“No, after Fluttershy!” Twilight said, annoyed.
“Thank Faust, I thought-”
“Right there!” the princess practically shouted, cutting Discord off. “’Thank Faust’. The proper term is ‘Thank Celestia’.”
Discord laughed heartily. “Trust me, Princess,” he said. “When you have lived for as long as Celestia, Luna and I have, you know that Celestia isn’t the one to thank.”
“And what on earth is that supposed to mean?” asked the white unicorn.
Discord chuckled again. “Spoilers, Rarity.” He said. “Spoilers…”
After their conversation, the trip to Canterlot Castle was generally uneventful; other than Discord having to summon a coil of rope to stop Rainbow Dash from attacking Prince Blueblood in the courtyard. Eventually, the group arrived at the throne room; the excessively large doors branded with both Princess Celestia’s and Princess Luna’s cutie mark.
The guards standing at the door bowed as Twilight approached. “The Princesses are waiting for you, Princess Twilight.” one guard said.
“Thank you.” Twilight said politely. Her horn glowed magenta and the doors creaked open, revealing the regal sisters sitting on their throne. Everypony bowed down to the Princesses.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.” Twilight said, bowing.
Princess Luna giggled. “You need not address us in such a formal matter, Princess Twilight.” She said, emphasizing the word ‘princess’. “You are of equal rank as my sister and I, there is no need.”
Twilight laughed sheepishly. “Sorry.” she said. “It’s a force of habit.”
Celestia smiled warmly. “It’s alright.” she said. “Now, I understand you wish to know more about Equestria; correct?”
“That’s right.” Twilight said. “That’s also why I brought my friends; I think they could benefit from this just as much as I will.”
Rainbow huffed. “Speak for yourself” she said. “I just want to get this over with.”
Celestia’s smile faulted a little, but she held herself. “In any case, I suppose if this is what you truly wish, then you should have the right to chose what you want to know first.”
Twilight tapped her chin. “How about Discord?” she asked.
“What about me?” Discord asked back.
“I know how you got turned to stone, thanks to Zecora’s potion; but my friends don’t.” Twilight explained. “But even I don’t know how you came into power. That is what I want to know first.”
“Well then,” Luna said. “I don’t think my sister and I are qualified to start this story. Discord, would you be so kind?”
Discord crossed his arms. “Well, I suppose so.” He said. “But I still don’t like thinking back to that old me. Dwelling on the past will drive you insane, you know.”
“I think it’s a little late for that.” Rainbow whispered to Applejack, who laughed quietly with her. They silenced themselves when Discord gave them a dirty look. “Uh… sorry.”
“Now then…” Discord said, stroking his beard. “Where to start, where to start… OH! I know!”
“A long, long time ago; in the magical land of Equestria..."