The Canterlot sun shone through the halls as the chirps of the Green Jays wafted in from the trees outside; their song funneling down the stone corridors and into the chamber of a dark coated mare. She sat at a desk and wrote on a piece of parchment as her sparkling mane flowed in a magical breeze as her dark blue aura wrapped around a feather quill and scribbled down notes on yet another financial report. She didn’t mind paperwork. It kept her mind busy, but she had been at it since breakfast that morning —maybe the morning before— and it was starting to wear on her .
There was a knock at the door that broke Luna’s concentration for a moment. “Who is it?”
“It’s your sister, Celestia.”
“Oh. Please, come in.”
Celestia opened the door and stepped into view. She always had a glow about her, figuratively and literally. A warm, bright smile and a kind of luminescence to her bright white coat. “Afternoon, Luna,” She said and turned so that the majestic, fiery bird which sat on her flanks came into view.
“Is there something you require of me, Tia?”
“No, nothing. I’m just concerned.”
“About?”
“You, silly filly.” Celestia let out a melodious giggle. “I’ve barely seen you since yesterday morning.” She stepped inside her sisters room and walked towards the window, pulling open the curtain with her aura letting in a cascade of sunshine.
“Oh..” Luna stood from her seat and rubbed her eyes with a foreleg. “Sorry. I’ve just been busy.”
“Philomena's been cooped up all day too and I thought we could take a walk through the garden. Would you like to join us? You look like you could use a break.”
Luna looked back to the pile of papers on the desk and sighed softly. “I would love to, but I have a lot of work that requires my attention. I best not keep it waiting longer than necessary. Perhaps another time.” Celestia had never been one to keep records and a thousand years left plenty of time to get centuries behind.
Celestia gave an almost disappointed sigh. Her lips drooped slightly before she nodded and resumed her usual regal smile. “Very well. Feel free to come and join us if you change your mind.” With that she turned and walked back down the hall while Philomena gave her a friendly wave of her wing goodbye.
Luna watched her sister leave and let out a breath before she closed the door behind her. Celestia and Philomena always harmonized well. Since Celestia first met the phoenix they suited each other. Ever after Luna held the tiniest of desires for a bond like theirs, but never thought to act upon it.
Luna looked back to her desk. The pile of parchment radiated a feeling of dread the moment Luna’s eyes met it again. “Perhaps I do need a break,” she muttered to herself. She scanned her room. Desk, bed, dresser; everything was in place and silent as the grave. A feeling of loneliness seeped in through the walls and filled the emptiness of the room, Celestia’s warm cheer gone with her. Her room always seemed more dreary when she was by herself.
Luna shook the thoughts from her head and stretched. First leaned forward on her hooves and then back, unfurled her wings and shook loose the cobwebs from her stiff bones. “I could stand to stretch the royal legs. I wonder if Celestia is still..”
She opened the door again and stepped outside. Celestia was already gone. Her sister had a way of getting around quickly, though Luna hadn’t seen her at more than a slow trot in years. It seemed the moment had passed.
She rubbed her tired eyes and closed the door. She turned her head and her eye caught her reflection in the mirror across the room and drew her attention. She wasn’t entirely sure how long she had been in her room, but she was in sore need of a grooming. Her coat was matted, her mane was becoming oily to the touch. “Perhaps a visit to the spa instead.” With that she left her room and trotted down the polished stone hallways to the spa.
She stepped into the Bathhouse, a bouquet of fragrance fell over her like a soft blanket. A young mare with an emerald green coat and purple mane, Vera, greeted Luna with a pleased smile. The twin spa ponies Vera and Thalia looked strikingly similar to the twins she had seen in her travels to Ponyville. The only noticeable difference was instead of being pink and aqua this pair was dark green and purple. She wondered if they were related.
“Hello, Princess. How can we serve you?” Her exotic accent and soothing voice added to the tranquil atmosphere.
“A bath and brushing will suffice.” Luna answered pointedly
“Are you sure? It wouldn’t be any trouble if you wanted anything extra. We don’t see you in here often.”
“I know, it’s just I’m usually too busy to spend my time lounging in here.”
“Then why not rest while you have a moment?”
Luna didn’t want to spend too much time in the spa, but she wanted to spark confrontation over Thalia’s persistence even less. “Fine.”
Thalia smiled brightly and called back to Vera. “Get the Royal Treatment ready.”
Not a minute later Luna laid back in a warm tub filled with bubbles that smelled of something sweet and floral. There was something she always dreaded when she came to the spa; Vera and Thalia loved to talk. While they bounced her around from one form of pampering to the next, they would always try to strike up a conversation on one topic or another. While Vera massaged her back she’d note how tense Luna was and discern that she must be stressed; Then the questions started. It took a couple of minutes for one of them to figure out that Luna had something on her mind out of her stoic silence.
“You seem quiet, Princess. Well, quieter than usual at least. Something bothering you?”
Luna let out an exasperated sigh and put a hoof to her forehead. She didn’t want to talk, but it looked like she just couldn’t avoid it. “It’s nothing, really.”
“Don’t be afraid to talk. It’s what we’re here for, da? To help you relax.”
Luna gave up the fight to end the conversation. “I’ve just been thinking.. Do you have a pet of some sort?”
“Of course!” Vera replied with a smile. “I have a wonderful cat named Bubbles and Thalia has one named Buttercup.”
“That sounds lovely. What are they like?”
“Well, Bubbles likes to rub up against my leg when I get home in the evening. Very friendly. She even lets me give her baths which is unusual for cats. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve been thinking. Celestia has her pet phoenix, Philomena. From what I’ve seen Twilight and her friends have pets, even you have one. It must be nice to have a someone to keep you company when no one else is around.” She mused.
“ Are you thinking of getting a pet, Princess?”
"Mmm.. Perhaps.”
“What kind of pet do you think would suit you?”
“I’ve never really thought about it.” She pondered some of the possibilities for a moment.
“Well, whatever you decide feel free to bring them here anytime you like. We have a lovely pet spa in addition to this one and would be happy to take care of them.”
Luna thanked her and there was a momentary pause until Thalia spoke up again.
“Hmmm.” Luna tapped her chin in thought. “Probably something fairly self sufficient and clean. Something that doesn’t require much time to care for, but is there when I would like some company.”
“Then perhaps a cat like my Bubbles would suit you?”
Luna thought back to cats she’d met in the past, though granted most weren’t house cats —mostly manticores—, but all of them were unpleasant. “Perhaps not...”
The rest of the conversation revolved around Vera and Thalia offering her more ideas while Luna shot them all down, especially the bat idea which made Luna cringe slightly.
She felt a little raw as she walked back to her bedroom, but her coat and mane sparkled beautifully. She always thought it was odd how some ponies found the rough massage relaxing, but her body felt more at ease even if her mind didn’t.
She returned to her room looking over the empty space; silent and unmoving just as she had left it. She back down at her desk, picked up the quill with her magic, and started again with the papers in front of her. She stared at the pened words, and tried to remember where she had left off. Though she read over the parchment twice the words didn’t sink in and after she stared at it with a confused expression for a few moments she gave up.
She stood and walked towards the window. Outside were the Royal Canterlot Gardens with their sprawling manicured fields and flowering plants by the hundreds. Celestia played amongst the rose hedges and fountains with Philomena. They looked so happy together. First Celestia would turn her back and the phoenix would fly off and she’d turn back to chase after Philomena and gently brush against her wings and then start again only on different sides. Philomena flew off and returned with a bright pink rose for her master who took it gratefully. It was a lovely relationship they shared; simple, yet satisfying. The phoenix was by her side on most occasions when nopony else was around. Philomena kept her company when she worked in her study and went with her on walks or on visits to the other cities. She’d even hear the two talk through the door on some nights as she passed by Tia’s room. Silky smooth tones accompanied by a squawk. Luna had no such fortune.
“I should get a pet of my own when I’m done,” Luna muttered to herself.
A second voice echoed above lunas. “Why wait?”
Luna paused a moment while the words processed. They weren't her words at all. She jumped back and turned to the mystery intruder beside her. Her horn and eyes were glowing with magic ready for action.
Next to her was someone she had grown to detest over her lifetime. A smug draconequus leaned against the wall with an obnoxious grin on his lips.
“Discord!” She said bitterly. “What are you doing here?”
Discord put up his paw and claws up defensively. “Easy, Princess. Reformed, remember?” A halo formed over his head and he gave her a feigned innocent look. “ And my my, aren’t we looking radiant this evening.”
Luna uneasily powered down her magic and returned to normal. “What do you want?” She turned and walked across the room to her desk suddenly interested in her paperwork.
“Believe it or not I’m not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to help, but if you’re not interested I could always go find someplace else to turn upside down.” He folded his arms and sat down on a cotton candy cloud that had suddenly appeared behind him and floated towards the door in a huff.
Luna sighed, rolled her eyes and held up a hoof to stop him. “What is it you wish to help me with? I have nothing which requires your help. I’m fine.”
“You didn’t seem fine just a minute ago when you were making eyes at Philomena over there.” He motioned to the window and raised an eyebrow.
Luna turned her head away not wanting to meet his gaze.
“You wanted a pet right? Something to keep you company so you don’t feel so looonely?” Discord theatrically clasped his claws together and looked upwards.
Luna huffed and creased her brow, annoyed but unable to deny his words. “Just say what you came to say, Discord.”
Discord walked over to the bed and sat down while he spoke and kept himself busy as he molded a small litter of draconequus themed puppies and kittens on the bed while he spoke. “Well, I think I know where you could get a cute little critter of your own!” Discord held up a puppy which might have been cute if it didn’t have the same mismatched parts and Discord’s face.
She paused and eyed the freakish beast. “I think I’ll pass.”
The draconequus-puppy-thing disappeared. “Oh, seriously now. I know just where you could find a pet. Have you heard of a pony from Ponyville named Fluttershy?”
“I’ve been to Ponyville before. I know of her. Why do you ask?”
“She’s a caretaker for all kinds of animals at her cottage. She knows all about them and finding pets for ponies.”
“So, I go to her and ask her to find a pet for me? Surprisingly straight forward, for you. I assume there’s some sort of catch? Something you want?”
“No catch, just a bit of advice from your friendly neighbourhood draconequus. If you really want a pet I could just bring her here for you.”
She squinted skeptically. “And that’s the end of it?”
Discord shook his head. “You get everything you want.”
“What reason do I have to trust you, Discord?”
“I’m not asking you to trust me. I’m just offering some friendly advice. Honest.” He crossed his chest with a claw and held up his paw.
She furrowed her brow as she mulled the thought over. “Very well then...”
“So you want Fluttershy? I can bring her here for you right now..”
“I suppose that would be acceptable.” She nodded.
“So, you want Fluttershy so you can have a pet?”
“Yes..”
“Are you suuuuuure?” He spoke in a playfully silky voice.
“Yes, I’m sure. Enough of your games, I want Fluttershy!” She said in a stern commanding voice punctuated with a stomp of her hoof.
Discord gave a devilish grin and a deep chuckle. “You asked for it.” With a snap of his paw he disappeared and a small yellow figure stood in his place.
Fluttershy’s eyes shot wide as she gave a little cry and looked around the room panicked. “Aah!” She shrieked and dove under the bed and shook from the sudden shock.
Luna gave a lighthearted giggle. It was so silly how easily frightened Fluttershy was. She walked over to the bed and lifted the covers hung over the edge of the bed and peeked underneath. A small yellow and pink lump quivered in the darkness. “Fluttershy, you’re safe. It’s Princess Luna.”
A big pair of frightened turquoise eyes turned towards her. “P-princess Luna? I was just having tea at home. How did I get here?”
“I’ve summoned you to my chambers in Canterlot.I was hoping you could help me find a pet of my own. I would be ever so grateful if you would assist me.”
“A.. pet?” Fluttershy stopped quivering and her quiet voice evened out, the panic giving way to curious confusion.
“Yes, I would like to find a companion of my own. Now, could you please remove yourself from underneath my bed?”
The pair of eyes nodded slightly and Fluttershy slowly cautiously crawled out from under the bed. When she stood on her hooves she heard a tiny jingling sound. She looked down to find something around her neck. A leather band with a clasp and a tag in the shape of a butterfly. “What’s this?”
There was a hearty laugh that came from seemingly nowhere. The disembodied voice was enough to make Fluttershy cower on the floor beside Luna and even Luna felt uneasy. “What do you think, Princess? Do you like her?”
“Like what?” She answered confused, her eyes shifted.
“Why, your new pet of course!”
“Where? I see no pet here.”
“Right here..” Suddenly the butterfly tag jingled at her hooves.
“Wait..”
Discord’s voice tried to stifle another laugh but failed miserably. “That’s right, Princess. Say hello to your new pet Fluttershy!” Fluttershy’s eyes went wide in a whole new wave of panic.
Luna’s eyes turned red as she searched the room. “You tricked me, you snake! Show yourself!”
“I believe your exact words were ‘I want Fluttershy now you handsome devil’. You said you wanted Fluttershy. You said you wanted a pet. And here she is. Two birds. One stone. If you wanted something different you should been more specific when you speak, then these misunderstandings wouldn’t happen.”
“This is not what I meant and you know it!” Luna growled.
“Luna, pay attention. This is important. With your new pet comes a strict set of rules to follow.”
“You treacherous, lying, rat of a charlatan!
Fluttershy crawled back under the bed and began to shiver again. Her whimpers drown out by Luna’s furious roars.
“The first rule is Fluttershy can’t be more than fifty steps away from you at any time while she wears the collar.”
“I should have destroyed you myself!”
“Nopony can remove the collar and it will stay around Fluttershy’s neck until you say a phrase of my choosing which you, my dear, have to figure out on your own. However I’ll give you a hint, because I’m turning a new leaf and all. Fluttershy’s been giving me some of her niceness lessons you know.” By now Luna had run out of air and panted for breath. “Three little words when spoken from the heart will bring you together and break you apart.”
“Undo this spell, NOW!” Luna commanded, struck the floor with her hoof for emphasis, the stone floor cracking under the stress.
“Just remember, Luna. This is all to help you. I’ll be back when you figure everything out. Ta ta for now!” He gave another maniacal chuckle and the voice faded into silence.
“COME BACK SO I CAN REND YOUR HEAD FROM YOUR SHOULDERS MYSELF YOU MISMATCHED SON OF A CHIMERA!” Luna shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice. All of her composure had melted into rage, but the voice didn’t answer. Luna growled in frustration and waited a few more moments before she concluded he was gone. After she had worn herself out she regained her composure with a few deep breaths. Luna snorted and looked around the room for her new “pet”.
“Fluttershy?”
She heard a squeak under the bed, looked beneath to once again find Fluttershy quivering in the dark. Luna put a hoof to her forehead. “This is going to be a long night.”