Luna rose from her bed and stretched her wings. It was soon time to raise the moon for the night. There was a new moon scheduled for the next few nights, and Luna was preparing for the event by gradually enshrouding the moon in shadow. Luna took pride in her talent to completely darken the night. During Luna's imprisonment, her sister managed day and night, but did not have the power to completely banish her light. While a full moon is a beautiful sight, Luna knew that there were things that only the deepest of nights could reveal.
The night princess prepared herself to leave the palace, straightening her coat and donning her garbs. Ready, she rose the curtains and swung open the doors to her balcony. To Luna's surprise, Gaea stood outside, looking up to the eastern mountains. Gaea turned her head at the sound of Luna's entrance, a coy smile curled on the queen's lips.
“Good evening, Luna,” Discord said coolly.
“Mother!” Luna exclaimed, surprised to see her mother there. “I am glad to see you again. I worried I would not get the chance tonight.”
“Oh,” began Discord. “And why might that be, my child?”
“It will soon be time for the moon to begin a new phase. I have restarted the practice since my return. The subjects seem to have taken to it quite well, as the darkness gives them deeper sight into the night sky!” Luna emphasized her point with a wave of her hoof overhead. Discord's smile twisted even more.
“I thought there was something different about the moon,” Discord said, striding up to Luna. “By the way, have you given any thought about my suggestion?”
Luna went quiet.
“I'm sorry,” Discord said, his voice rich with pity. “Am I being too forceful?”
“No,” Luna began. “It is just-”
Luna stopped as a thought began forming in her head. She gave a gasp and smiled widely, pleased with the plan she had just concocted. Luna spun to face her mother.
“I have an idea!” Luna proclaimed.
“What is it?”
“The new moon will begin on the night of your inauguration with father. I believe that it would not be unsuitable but appropriate for my moon to share the day! What better way to celebrate a new beginning than with a new moon?”
Discord grinned broadly. “Luna! That is brilliant!” Discord cried, embracing Luna.
Luna felt a small pang of guilt at the praise. She knew that she should not be making such plans without her sister, but the love and attention she was receiving pushed the hard feelings deep inside her. Luna did not care what her sister thought. The dark princess had what she wanted, and it was all that mattered to her.
“I must go,” Luna said to her mother.
“Yes,” Discord replied. “Go bring the darkness.”
Luna smiled at the word. “Darkness,” she thought. “Such a beautiful thing.” Stepping to the edge of the balcony, Luna ascended into the sky over the mountains. Discord watched as the moon slowly rose over the range, a shadow covering most of its face, blacker than he ever remembered it. The trickster was pleased that things were playing out so smoothly with his new found toy.
Discord floated gently down to the lower levels of the palace. He felt like warming up for his big day. Spying a lone guard patrolling a bridge, the draconequus set his game in motion.
The guard, a grey unicorn adorned in dark armour, surveyed his surroundings. He had just been transferred to night duty, and felt he was ready for anything. What he was not ready for was when he took a step to move to the other side of the bridge, the structure warped and dipped sharply, stretching so it almost touched the ground. The guard cried out it fear, thinking he had somehow fallen. Then, with a loud spring, the bridged snapped back to the sky, launching the unicorn into the air. He soared up high, momentarily silhouetted against the moon, then rocketed to the earth like a stone. His yells pierced the twilight, climaxing in an audible crash as he landed in the maids' quarters. The guard had managed to save himself with a blast of magic and his armour, but was now splayed on a crushed bed, feathers and stuffing flying about the stunned look on his face.
Discord had a good chuckle at the commotion, and slipped into Canterlot's city. Most ponies were home now, but there was always a way to bring a bit of chaos into somepony's life. Discord made his way down the road, cobblestones floating away and popping like bubbles in his wake. He glanced to and fro until he spotted a young ruffian in an alley. The colt was leaning against a freshly tagged building; a cozy little house. Empty spray cans lay next to his hoofs. The colt shot Discord a snide look. Discord just smiled back as the house suddenly flipped over from the child's weight. Screams came from inside, and the colt had disappeared into the building when it flipped. Discord listened to the panic and anger coming from the residence, and took much pleasure at the sight of the colt finally being kicked through the attic window. The draconequus moved on.
Discord walked by several buildings, one in particular catching his eye. The public library, which Discord suspecting Twilight may even now be in, stood like a silent sentinel over the surrounding buildings. Discord saw this as an excellent opportunity to strike two birds with one stone. He let loose a tiny mote of magic into the air. It gently floated into the library, and eventually vanished in the darkness. Discord made a mental note to stop by in the morning to examine his work.
The night continued like this for some time. Discord was having a ball, but remembered to keep cautious to avoid suspicion. He was nearly in stitches on one of the city's backstreets when he heard a familiar voice nearby.
“Queen Gaea? What are you doing out here?”
Discord's laughter stopped as he spun to face Twilight, the one who had last sealed him away.
“Twilight Sparkle,” Discord said. “What a surprise to see you out here.”
“The same to you. I thought you would be at the palace with your family.”
Discord could not see any hint of suspicion on the unicorn's face. Relaxing, Discord decided to see how he could have some more fun.
“I've been having a wonderful time at home. We've been keeping very busy. So busy, in fact, that Celestia wanted me to deliver a message to you.”
“Really!?” Twilight squealed, always eager to help her teacher. “What does she need me to do?”
“Well, have you heard that she's inaugurating Poseidon and I back into the royal family?”
“Really?” Twilight said excitedly.
“Oh, yes. It's in three days. They'll probably announce it publicly tomorrow, but Celestia wanted you to have an advanced notice. That way you can head back to Ponyville and tell your friends about it. I'm sure they would love to come.”
“They would like that. Rarity could show off her latest fashions, and Pinkie Pie would never miss an excuse for a party...”
“Yes, it certainly sounds like a good time. You'll have to catch an early train back if you want everypony to have enough time to get ready.”
Twilight gasped. “You're right! I have to get ready! I need to make a checklist. Spike!” Twilight called out. “Oh, right...” the pony giggled. “Thank you, Gaea. I'll see you in three days, then.”
“Good night, my little pony.”
“Good night, your highness.” With that, Twilight took off down the street.
Discord enjoyed being addressed as 'your highness.' Coming so lovingly from his enemy made it sound even sweeter.
Feeling that he had had enough fun about the town, Discord flew off back towards the palace. He looked down at the havoc he had caused that evening. Though the signs were not always apparent, every place he struck would soon set off a reaction, an infection of fear throughout the city.
“Celestia may even try to bury the truth even deeper,” Discord laughed. He was looking forward to the ceremony in a couple of days even more now.
Discord descended upon the balcony of one of the palace towers and slipped in through the doors. It was dark, but Gaea's eyes pierced through the dark with the faint starlight. Discord saw the he was in a large bedroom. He could see no sign of who it belonged to, and decided to go explore the rest of the castle. He headed towards the doors leading out of the room when he heard someone approaching from the other side. Discord hid by the door, ready to make an escape.
The doors opened, and Poseidon entered the room. He was focusing on a scroll floating in front of him, and did not notice Gaea. Discord, not wanting a chance to further disrupt his enemies slip by, decided to come out of hiding.
“Hello, Poseidon,” Discord said as he stepped from behind the door.
Poseidon gave a start, not expecting anyone to be behind him. “Gaea! There you are,” the stallion said as he rolled up the scroll. “Where have you been all day?”
“I've been out sightseeing in the mountains,” Discord answered. “I also met Celestia doing some renovations in the gardens.”
“Ah, yes. She was having Discord moved. She told me about that just now. You and Twilight are going to work together to make sure the seal is as strong as it can be?”
“Yes, it will be quite nice to spend some more time with her. By the way. I didn't see you at supper today.”
“Yes, well, there was an accident at the weather factory today, and I was busy scrubbing ink out of my feathers for most of the evening.”
Discord tried his hardest to not laugh.
“Luna stopped by for a bit though,” Poseidon continued. “She was having some trouble sleeping; bad dreams, but I talked to her for a bit. It seemed to lift her spirits.”
“I was talking to Luna just before she headed out actually.”
“And how was she?”
“She seemed quite excited about something. She's been planning a special show for us during the inauguration.”
“Really?” Poseidon said, sounding quite excited himself. “She's always had a flair for theatrics. Any idea what it is?”
“Not a clue.”
“Oh, well,” Poseidon laughed. “I wouldn't want to ruin a surprise anyway.”
Poseidon climbed into the bed and unrolled the scroll he had brought in. Discord climbed in next to him and peeked at what Poseidon was reading. It looked like a complex spell for weather control. Discord smirked at the futility of Poseidon's devotion to helping others. He knew no alicorn, let alone a mere unicorn spell, would undo his power.
With a sigh, Poseidon placed the scroll on a table beside the bed. He snuffed out the lights, and curled up under the sheets. Discord did the same. He did not need to sleep, but .
“Good night, Love,” He said.
“Good night,” replied Discord.
Discord listened to Poseidon's breathing. When he was sure the stallion was asleep, Discord touched the back of his head. Slowly, dark thoughts began to creep into the mind of the king. They flow easily into the whimsical mind of Poseidon, moving deeper and deeper with each moment. Then, like a trap had been set off, the evil recoiled back to the draconequus. Discord was knocked from the bed at the force of the repulsion, and Poseidon shot straight up, gasping for air. He looked around, but could not see in the darkness.
“Gaea?” Poseidon whispered.
A groan came from the floor nearby.
“Gaea! Are you alright?”
“Fine,” Discord groaned. He had landed on Gaea's injured side, and got a good idea of what shape the stolen body was in.
“Sorry about that,” Poseidon said. “Our Lulu must have given me her bad dreams.”
“Lulu?” Discord ask, crawling back into the bed.
“Luna's nickname?” Poseidon said, a bit confused. “You gave it to her... Are you sure you're alright?”
“I'm fine,” Discord grumbled, and pulled the sheets over himself.
Poseidon knew something was upsetting his 'mate', but did not want to press on it further. He figure they would talk about it if it came up again. For now, Poseidon was tired, and tried to return to his slumber.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Soft rays of light crept into to room where Poseidon slept. The warmth of the sun stirred the stallion from his dreams, but he did not mind. He pushed himself up from the bed and stretch out his wings.
“Good morning,” he sighed to Gaea as he finished stretching.
“Finally...” thought Discord, glad that he no longer needed to remain still.
The two alicorns made their way downstairs to have some breakfast. When they entered the dining hall, Celestia was just returning from her morning duties. Luna was already seated, awaiting the rest of her family.
“Good morning,” Celestia said, greeted everyone.
“Good morning,” Poseidon and Discord replied.
Luna remained silent.
Food was brought in to the awaiting family, and everyone began their meals in silence. There was a strange coldness coming from Luna, and it was putting everyone off. Poseidon decided to do something about the awkward situation.
“Did you have any adventures last night, Luna?” Poseidon asked.
“It was a quiet night. I spent it planning what I would do for the celebrations tomorrow.”
Celestia's ears twitched. “I wouldn't say it was 'quiet'.”
“What do you mean, sister?”
“As I returned from raising the the sun, I was greeting by the captain of the guard. Apparently, all manner of strange things went on last night. Streets are missing, homes are flipped, and there was even a guard who was launched into the sky.”
Luna bit her apple.
“It must have all been happening when I was away.”
“Is something the matter?” Celestia asked, her frustration dissolving into concern.
“I just have not been feeling well lately.”
“How did you sleep yesterday?” Poseidon asked.
“Much better after we talked, father,” Luna replied.
There was another moment of silence as the meal continued.
“Mother,” Celestia began. “What do you have planned for your task with Twilight Sparkle?”
“We'll have to get a good look at things before we can really do anything,” Discord aswered. “But I'm sure we can manage something.”
“I see. Well, if you'll excuse me, I have much to see to.” Celstia rose from her place at the table as servants cleared her plates. “I'll see you later.”
As Celestia left the dining hall, Discord rose up as well. “I should be going as well,” he said, glad for an excuse to get away. “You two have a good day now.”
Poseidon and Luna now sat alone at the table across from one another. Poseidon looked at his daughter, wondering how to approach the tender situation before him. He did not want to push to hard, but between Luna's behaviour this morning and Gaea's last night, the stallion was beginning to suspect that something was going on behind the scenes.
“So, Luna,” Poseidon began, getting his daughter's attention. “I was going to head into Cloudsdale today... Try to help them with the weather problems they're having and whatnot, and I was wondering if you would like to join me?”
Poseidon looked at Luna, sitting silently across from him. 'Are you kidding me?' her face seemed to say.
“Thank you for the offer, but I have plans for the morning. I am going to be quite busy tomorrow, and I am going to be needing my rest.” With that, Luna got up and began to walk from the table. “I will see you this evening.”
Poseidon sat at the table, stunned by the rudeness he had just suffered. He reached for a newspaper, and opened to a crossword puzzle. He did not pay it any attention, though; his mind focused on another task. The king just sat there, staring at a paper as his food grew cold.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Discord strode through the city towards the train station. The train would be leaving shortly, and he wanted to make sure Twilight was on it. The last this he wanted now was to overestimate that pony again and have his plans come undone. Discord doubted that he would get a chance at ruling like this again.
There was quite a crowd at the station this morning. Many were organizers here to help with the inauguration, but there were several ponies and their families who seemed to be leaving. Discord ate up the misery gleefully as he recognized some of the ponies as those whose homes he ruined. Then, a purple unicorn caught his eye. Twilight was on the train, her head in a book.
Satisfied, Discord turned away, but was stopped when he heard a familiar voice call out “Gaea!” Discord turned, and say Twilight peeking from her window and waving at him. Discord sighed, exasperated that he still had to play nicely for a moment longer, and approached Twilight.
“Hello, Twilight Sparkle,” Discord said through his teeth.
“Hi!” Twilight responded. “I was worried you wouldn't hear me. What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to see you off and wish you a good trip, and now I can! Have a good trip!”
“Oh, well, thanks! I'll be back in two days with all of my friends to help you and Poseidon celebrate your return.”
“I'm very glad to hear that,” said Discord while he wondered why the train had not left yet. “If you'll excuse me, I have to go somewhere.”
“Alright, I'll see you later.”
Discord walked to the front of the train. The engineer was busy stoking the boiler for the trip ahead, but Discord's patience had worn out. Making sure no one was watching, he gave the engine a kick. The whistles screeched and the train tore down the tracks like lightning, throwing several ponies back from the force.
On the train, Twilight was doing everything she could to sit upright. She could not believe how fast the train was moving, but soon things slowed to a more reasonable speed. Twilight reached for her bag for something to calm her. She had been flipping through a history book she had brought with her before, but figure a lighter read would be more suitable. She pulled out a book on advanced arcane theorem she had grabbed from the library on her way to the train station. As the unicorn opened the book and began to read, she gave a yelp of surprise as something cascaded onto the bench.
“What the...?” Twilight began as she peered closely at the black pile in front of her, pawing curiously at it. When she pulled her hoof away, she found it to be covered in letters, numbers and an occasional diagram. “What is going on here?”