Is it possible that the first two meetings Discord had with the mane six were intended, and per planned by the princesses?
Yin and yang. The balance of the universe itself. Good versus bad. Live versus death. Chaos versus harmony.
What if the princesses planned for Discord to return, and if everything that Discord did with the mane six in the first two meetings he has had with them were to keep the balance between chaos and harmony? What if Discord was in on the act, and each move was to bring harmony between the girls, to make them stronger at keeping peace? What if I am lying to you with this description?
First fiction. If thou likes it, feel free to ( I command that you) rate, comment, and so forth. If you dislike it: go away, don't give a bad review, and forget this story ever existed. If not, there will be bloodshed!
I don't own any of the characters in this story, unless no one has made an OC named ********** ******(spoilers). Copy right Hasbro, Lauren Faust, random twilight joke...
So, you're still reading this... Um... Oogabooga
Yeah, this is getting creepy. Just start reading the story already!
I'm serious. Go read the story already!
Ugh. This is why I dislike people that try to get the story from the description
Did anyone tell you your eyebrows look weird?
I didn't intend for you to answer aloud.
READ THE STORY ALREADY. YOUR EYES ARE FREAKING ME OUT!! Um... If that's... Okay with you...
A knock resonated through the throne room, bringing all conversations to a halt. Celestia and Luna raised their heads in unison as a second knock crashed against the door, louder than the first, shaking both floor and ceiling alike. The diamond-encrusted chandelier had begun to shake at a dangerous tempo, and ponies that were underneath quickly tried to find shelter from the hanging hazard. A sharp snap was heard, and again the door was struck. But it was no longer a door, for in it's place stood a giant tambourine.
Insanity. Chaos. Those were words that Luna would have used to describe how the ponies were acting. Many were simply running in circles, others screamed at the top of their lungs. She considered testing her Canterlot voice against the volume of the Elite of Canterlot.
"Elite at screaming like hungry foals," she muttered under her breath as she rejected the notion that she could possibly out-yell the combined efforts of the upper class. This is what you get when you have the slightest amount of oddity arise in their presence, she thought as she recalled the other times something exciting happened when these ponies we're around.
She did have to admit to herself that this maybe wasn't a slight measurement of chaos. Then again, she reminded herself. They would have acted in the same way if there was a bit of food on their precious coats.
There was only one being that the Luna and Celestia knew of that would be able to pull off such a feat. In fact, there was only one being they could think of that would be willing to create such a disaster within their own throne room.
Luna, ignoring her previous conviction, started inspecting her coat for any culinary leftovers. She found a small number of bread crumbs on her front, and quickly brushed them off with a burst of magic. Suddenly, a shared, chaotic tune ran through all of the ponies heads, excluding Celestia and Luna.
This world is shattering, Someone's torn the strings of reality, I don't know if I should keep on holding on.
The world that I used to have, Is being put on show by this psychopath, There is no safe haven from this demon.
What happened to yesterday? When the grass was green and the skies weren't gray? How could he take the world I know? With a snap he had it for his own.
He broke the ponies in his path, Showed them their worst fears of the aftermath, Now I can't stand against this beast, This land has fractured like it's peace.
Chaos is falling around, Tainting this sacred ground, Making physics unbound, Harmony won't be found,
It's toxic in the air, You can't go anywhere, It's made your life unfair, all you can do is stare,
What's fallen upon us? No it's not chocolate rain, I've seen this darkness before, It's the Discordant Reign!
Luna and Celestia had begun to hear a song, but of a different tone.
There is chaos everywhere, Running stallions, screaming mares, Tables turned and upturned chairs, No such madness can compare.
You'd doubt there was peace before, It was calm before the storm, Hooves are striking tile floor, I shan't take it any more.
What should I do? Try to shout? With all of them running about? Maybe they'd show themselves out, But in that I'm having doubts.
This whole thing is just insane. All the elite have lost their brains. Why must they be in my mane? I hope this madness will soon wain.
The princesses' song had finished, but the other ponies still heard the haunting music in their heads.
Chaos is falling around, Tainting this sacred ground, Making physics unbound, Harmony won't be found.
It's toxic in the air, You can't go anywhere, It's made your life unfair, all you can do is stare.
What's fallen upon us? No it's not chocolate rain, I've seen this darkness before. It's the Discordant Reign!
Celestia quickly glanced at the sundial next to her throne. She sighed with great displeasure. Seven o'clock she thought. Misery coursing through her veins, rippling her snow-colored fur, she shuddered almost imperceptibly. For a creature of disharmony, he sure has impeccable timing.
She reconsidered that idea for a moment. Two things crossed her mind. One, his punctuality had caused a great deal of chaos within the room. Quite a clever tactic she realized. The best chaos came from those who want no part of it, yet manage to cause it by the slightest sight of trouble.
The second notion was that he wasn't the god of chaos. But, then again, who would possibly believe her? She told the story herself, and it has been passed on from generation to generation. Who would imagine it was simply a ploy to keep harmony strong, and after centuries of careful work, the plan occurred in two days? She doubted anyone that didn't know already would believe her, and that only included three bei-
The period of thinking lapsed as an agglomeration of animal ligaments strutted through the ajar musical instrument. As if hearing that notion, the abomination, made a snapping gesture with its eagle claws, and the door morphed into a crystalline vessel.
A tambourine is not a tambourine when it is ajar, the bizarre monstrosity thought to itself. It wished that it didn't have to think that way, but posing as a chaotic creature meant one thing: method acting. I can't say that I would still be sane, nor can I say I am sane right now. Why in Tartarus can't things make more sense when I lie about who I am? It thought to itself, engaging in an all out mental war. Almost instantly, however, a voice spoke that ceased all thoughts.
"Good afternoon," Luna called out. Everyone stopped moving that instant.
If only I didn't have to worry about my own heart not moving whenever she smiles at me, it tried quickly to regain it's composure, but it failed miserably.
"Y-your highness," it stuttered audibly. It could see the slightest smirk rise on her lips, which made it's heart, to it's annoyance, quite literally, stop.
I hate how literal everything is with these stupid powers! It antagonized. Suddenly aware of it's predicament, it rapidly shifted it's gaze to Celestia.
"Discord," Celestia acknowledged calmly. In truth, she was feeling anything but. All eyes rested on either the creature known as Discord, or on the princesses. In Derpy's case, she managed to look at both.
"Celestia," Discord replied. Any remnants of his usual upbeat nature were absent.
This simple exchange brought both fear and confusion to all of the creatures within the room. For all of the ponies, excluding Celestia, Luna, and Discord, the tales of The Discordant Reign surged through their mind. Agitation bubbled inside of the ponies, and the fact that Celestia did not make a move to protect them did not assist.
Of course, they also recalled how Discord had supposedly reformed. But what used to be was foremost in the collective minds. Most of them doubted that he changed at all. In truth, he didn't alter one bit from what he used to be. What he was, though, completely differed from what the equines believed.
That one wisp of knowledge was what streamed through Luna's, Celestia's, and Discord's mind. They knew the one thing that would hurt Equestria more than any magically-produced chaos. It scared all three of them.
"Leave us in peace!" Celestia commanded after a few seconds of silence, her maternal tone reaching all of the creatures in the room.
Her subject's blood froze. What is she thinking, how can she stay alone with that monstrous beast? Slowly though, the ponies trotted awkwardly past the cylindrical glass doorway. All but the four entities remained, the fourth being a royal guard.
Slowly, the guard stepped forward, feeling out of place, but tried to look calm none the less. "Why have you disobeyed my order?" Celestia asked, with a deadly calm in her words.
"Your highnesses, how can you possibly wish to be left alone with that abhorrent-" the stallion began. Luna furiously interrupted him.
"YOU WILL STILL THY TONGUE GUARD!" Luna barked in her well-known royal canterlot voice. Why must our guards hesitate to trust us? she thought angrily. We are far more powerful than them anyway.
The guard fidgeted, feeling uncomfortable by the unmoving air. "I don't trust him," he blurted.
Then why do you choose not to hold your tongue? Celestia had to bite herself to keep these words from spilling out.
"And that is a wise policy," Discord mumbled almost inaudibly at the guard's comment. He marched toward the stallion until he figured to float instead. "Never trust an enemy. That is what I am to you, correct?"
The horse quickly nodded his head. A look of confusion crossed the guards face. The guard considered this for a moment. This the creature of chaos and disharmony. Why does it speak with so much... Reason?
"However, you do trust your comrades, and your superiors even more so," the draconequus continued. He crossed his arms. This wasn't meant as a question. It was a statement. "I am in many ways, your superior, young Glimmering Shield."
The stallion opened his mouth, before a realization hit him. "Wait, how do you know my-" Glimmering Shield began.
"Age, strength, knowledge, and abilities are just a few examples," Discord continued, as if he wasn't interrupted. "Another is rank. I am higher up on the guard then you are."
"WHAT!" The guard screeched at the top of his voice. Shimmering glowered at the being that disgusted him, too shocked to answer.
"Even if I wasn't, your princess had given a direct order," the draconequus said with finality. If anything, that was the token to get him to stop arguing.
He could disrespect me all day, Discord mused. But I doubt it would be in his best interests to insult the princess.
Luna watched the exchange, albeit it was more of a one-way conversation, and decided to speak up.
"Glimmering, I know you are concerned, but please, trust my sister and I. We know what we are doing."
We know the truth about who he is. We know that there is no being closer to his heart than I, and vice versa. We know that he would not hurt a creature without a very good reason. We know that he will sacrifice anything to keep the ponies closest to him safe, was what she wanted to say, but held back, knowing it would do more damage than good.
The guard's expression softened as he heard Luna's plea. "Very well, your majesty. I shall leave you to your own devices," he answered gloomily. He got to the end of the room before he made one last remark.
"Discord, I warn you, if they are not in good health at the end of this, then you will have no safe haven from my own chaos," and with that, he marched out of the room.
A few moments passed before Discord decided to make the first move. A swift motion of his claw brought the door to it's original state.
"Does it hurt?" Luna asked. She was looking directly at the eagle claw. Instantly, he knew what she meant.
"Every time," Discord replied. "Chaos is supposedly a great part of me, yet it burns my heart and insides whenever I use it because it damages the world. I am connected to the world even more so than disharmony. But it's a necessary evil, sorta like me," he gave a toothy grin to the two princesses before returning to a nearly depressed state.
Luna started to walk up to him. She jumped so she stood on her hind legs, put her front hooves on his chest and looked him directly in the eyes.
"We both know that isn't true. You can't honestly believe such horrible things about yourself."
Discord blushed. "Not when you're telling my otherwise."
Luna tried to look away to hide the ruby tints marking her night blue fur. Discord simply snaked his head around and took his time staring into the cerulean-azure eyes which made the world he lived in look far more wonderful in their reflection than any mirror.
Celestia looked at the two and pondered just how those two met. The times they spent together flashed before her eyes. The days she would glance out the window and see the Luna and Discord walking through the maze. The way the creature learned to make both princesses smile like they had not a care in the world. The long hours of work given worth by the mirth their oddly-figured friend brought, using nothing but the castle objects, turning them into gorgeous formations of architecture. The first night Discord and Luna shared a kiss. The day that she had to separate the two of them tore apart the happy mood in her mind.
This is what harmony looks like, in it's purist form. Two beings that get along, even love each other. Was splitting the two up for a time really worth maintaining that harmony?
"I am sorry," Celestia began.
"Don't be," Discord cut her off. "I agreed to do that, I was the only one who could."
"Was it worth it?" Luna asked.
Not losing her gaze for a second, he spoke. "To put it lightly, I disliked being a target of hate, almost as much as I hate these powers, and the agony that comes with them. But I would hate it even more if the world broke because I didn't pull through. I despised every second I spent away from you. But all that time I was not at your side was worth it to make the world last longer. So I can stay in your hooves for an eternity."
There was a long string of emptiness between them.
"Do you hate yourself?" Celestia asked to both her sister, and the closest thing to a brother that she had.
"Yes," Luna and Discord whispered at the same time. They blinked in disbelief as the other has found a way to hate the most wonderful thing in their life. Discord was willing to sacrifice anything to protect the world. Luna was able to move the heavens of the night, as she was just as easily his heart's heaven. Both would be able to make the other happy no matter what. What was it about the other that could possibly give any creature any right to hate them?
"But would you change what we have done?" Luna asked.
"No," Discord mumbled.
"Yes," Celestia whimpered.
"What? Why?" Discord and Luna spoke in such a way that they sounded like one voice.
Tia, is there something you have been too afraid to tell us? Luna wondered. Is there some reason you seem so afraid of us? What do you fear? Do you think we hate you? No, you know that isn't true. So what is plaguing your mind?
"I never should have made you a monster, and I shouldn't have let you become one!" Celestia was nearly crying at this point, her head down in shame. A hoof and a paw wrapped around her.
"I know you don't like that you lied about who I was, or setting me in stone for a while, but come on Tia!" Discord's voice cut through sadness better than any blade.
"B-but, you-ou and Lu-Luna were* sniff*, and th-then I, I," she couldn't speak coherently after that, so she let the tears flow instead.
"And we still are, and you did, but we both knew it had to be done," Luna said calmly. "At this point, no pony will notice the fact that we are. And you know what you had to do, and we were there every step of the way."
"And we still are. No matter how much you thought we would hate you, we never abandoned you," Discord continued. "The fact that you two were the closest thing to being my family was reason enough for me to trust you, to lie to the whole world, if you said there was a reason. We were family, Tia."
"And we still are," the draconequus and alicorn finished together. They acted as one, despite their differences.
They speak with an air of truth. Celestia knew. They are my hope in life, hope to find another, hope to move on. I couldn't ask for anything better. They are nothing less than my family. A family I don't deserve. I am so jealous of Luna, she has the one thing I yearn to have: the heart of another. Is it wrong that I envy her so?
"But what about what I did to Twilight and her friends?" Celestia managed.
"I did it, not you, and what happened with Luna wasn't a choice. The world would break, or she would." Discord argued.
"And it's not like it didn't end well in the end!" Luna finished. "I came out alright. Oh, sure, a different mane style, maybe a little less power then at first, but I came back."
Specifically on the year that your boyfriend would come out of that piece of rock, Celestia thought.
"Yes. Exactly." Luna announced, looking down her nose at her sister.
"What?" Celestia asked, attempting to act oblivious, but all that was displayed was shock.
"Is it really not obvious?" Luna asked, a hint of joking pride in her voice. "You looked at me, then at him, then you smirked. Yes, I came back simply to see him again!"
Celestia's jaw dropped. "You got that, from what I was looking at, and a smile?" She asked incredulously.
"Yes," Luna answered simply.
"And you aren't surprised at all?" Celestia directed the question at Discord.
"Three things, one, acting as the god of chaos, I am used to seeing strange things. Two, it was kind of obvious with your expression. Three, this is Luna were talking about! She's a freaking genius!" Discord nearly yelled the last part out. With that, Luna's hooves wrapped around Discord's body, constricting him in a strong hug.
Celestia just stared in awe at the two lovers.
"He is precious to me, why wouldn't I return for him? The only reason I became Nightmare Moon was because he wasn't with us." Luna continued to look at Discord. "And I am never letting you out of my sight again." She tightened her embrace, praying that she wouldn't have to let go.
"Why in your name am I not kissing you right now?" Discord asked Luna, with genuine puzzlement.
"You'd rather listen to me talk than give me a chance to tear off that silly beard." Luna teased, giving him both a threatening and loving smile at the same time.
"But are we not supposed to be willing to trust each other to the fullest?"
"Rid thyself of that hair ball you disgracefully call facial hair, and we'll talk."
"So we're not talking right now?"
"Of course not. With that tuff of fuzz still resting under your lip, I feel like I'm communicating more to it than you."
"So, if I did something like this," Discord removed his entire beard, and threw it against a portrait of himself, adhering on top of the portrait's beard.
Luna looked at him in apprehensive bewilderment. "You said it hurt to do such things," she began to tear up at the thought of him in agony.
Discord looked toward the floor with a sad smile. "It hurts even more to see you unhappy."
With a hoof, Luna lifted Discord's face to hers so she could rest her eyes upon him once more. "How can I be happy if the one I love injures himself over me?" She inquired.
"But the beard-"
"Forget the beard. I love you, chin fur and all." And with that she leaned toward him, letting her muzzle press lightly against his upturned lips.
Discord was too shocked too move as the Mare of the Night ruefully moved her head backwards, stepping off of his chest. But she never let her eyes leave his.
After the initial astonishment passed, Discord sprang into action. He ran over to his discarded beard in the blink of an eye. He picked it up, and began to reapply the goatee-
"Don't even think about it," Luna commanded harshly. "If you ever want to be kissed again, you will put that infernal peice of hair down."
"I thought you said-"
Luna loped to his side with a speed that would rival Rainbow Dash. She swiped the beard and applied it to her own chin.
"You have no idea how long I have waited to try this thing on," she declared, smirking at her success.
"With how fast you moved, I've got a very good assumption."
"I like it, it feels ticklish."
"Try getting kissed with it on."
A devilish glint flashed in her eye. "If you insist!" She said passively. She pounced on Discord and full-heartedly kissed him, pinning him to the floor.
After a moment, Luna came up for air, and giggled. "You're right, this is heavenly," she admitted, almost groaning with pleasure. "Never in my life have I felt such wonder, more than words would possibly bring justice to. The beard doesn't feel that bad either!"
Discord pondered this odd precession of words. "Wait, if you weren't talking about the beard-"
"Then I must have meant kissing you." Luna finished.
"But you have already kissed me before,"
"And each time it gets more and more enjoyable."
Celestia watched the two banter from the throne. I can only worry how odd my love life will end up being, she thought, mentally noting that it was liable to oddities, just because she was princess.
She ran out of tears to spill at this point, and took a deep breath. Scanning the windows, she saw what she had forced upon Discord. She saw the terror of ponies that never existed, chaos that never came, cruelty that never plagued anypony. Each of the stained glass window with Discord had been a lie, and she knew it. None the less, the draconequus had agreed to do this. Would she have?
This had to happen, and he ended up fine, and the harmony of balance was still strong. So why do I feel so guilty? she thought to herself. All of these painful years of regret, just for two days to keep a balance? Is that a fair price?
"Hey, remember, I allowed you to do those things to me, and I stand by my choice," Discord seemed to read her thoughts. "It was a price I was willing to pay if the people I love were safe." He somehow managed to get out of Luna's grip, instead holding her off of the ground in his own tight embrace. Luna was still wearing the goatee, enjoying her predicament to the fullest.
Discord suddenly noticed his current stature, and slowly lowered Luna to the ground, much to her disapproval. He then stood before her, with the goatee noticeably absent from his face, yet maintaining a sense of wisdom and age.
"How can you stand by the decision you made so long ago?" Celestia asked, almost too tired to care.
"I look at my side, see the ones I love so deeply in my arms," he answered instantly. A melody rang through the air, and he began to sing.
It's not easy, the life of a monster, To be feared, by all who see me, But I close my eyes, and think of you two, What more of a family would I need?
You preach out loyalty and kindness, Praised the generous and those of honesty, You brought out their laughter, and their magic, In this world, you've made peace and harmony.
Now the lies, I don't resent. Playing up the sick tyrant, Has given chance for chaos to be prolonged.
It all depends, in the end, How tough are the elements? I hope my act will make their bond grow strong.
But now, there is one thing that concerns me, It entices whether you two truly know, That you make the most of my heart, And I beg to life I'll never let you go.
You preach out loyalty and kindness, Praised the generous and those of honesty, You brought out their laughter, and their magic, In this world, you've made peace and harmony.
Discord was the first to speak after the song finished. "Luna, can you join me in the maze, like we used to?" He asked. In truth, he wanted to beg, but he knew she wouldn't like that, especially in front of her sister.
"As if I could say no," she answered, blushing slightly.
The two began walking out the door, Celestia feeling slightly put out.
They need their alone time she argued with herself. Still, it does beg the question. What shall I do in my free time?
She sighed and looked around the room, surprised that they left so quickly. She turned her head toward the door and say a hoof in the doorway.
"Your majesty, may I come in?" Glimmering Shield asked.
"Yes, of course," Celestia answered. "What do you wish to talk about?"
"Actually, ma'am, I've considered my previous action today, and I wish to apologize."
"You are forgiven."
"No, you misunderstand," he said, but quickly realized what he did say. "I mean, I wish to let you talk to me. I see that you have to give advice to people everyday, and it must stress you out. I am willing to hear what you have to say."
She thought over this for a moment. "Very well. Despite your, earlier outburst, I recall reading your file; I know you are able to hold your tongue. First things first, however, I will not be able to calm down if I see you tensed up. Also, refrain from using those your majesty, or princess, or other royal titles. For right now, I am Celestia to you. Understood?"
"Of course, Celestia."
"However, if you try to refer to me as Tia, it will not end pleasantly," she warned with a tone that Shimmering couldn't tell if it was a joke or a true threat.
"Shall I call you Celly, then?" He asked with all of the dignity he could muster.
"You dare try humor with the Princess?" She yelled with what Shimmering was almost certain was fake animosity.
"What princess? I only see you, Celly," he put as much emphasis as he could on the nickname.
"So you were paying attention. How convenient."
"What was that?"
"Cute."
"I know you are but what am I?"
"You are such a child."
"I shall refrain from making a comeback."
"Watch it!"
"Joking aside, what's got you down Celly?"
"Aw, but it was just getting interesting!" Celestia jokingly complained before returning to her normal composure. "To begin, my first problem deals with your actions today, and before you interrupt, it wasn't just you I'm concerned with."
"I, I don't follow."
"Your actions toward Discord, were both right and wrong. You see, Discord was never intending to hurt me, nor any pony else, but he had to pretend he would."
"You have managed to shatter my childhood fears, and my current ones, force upon me an entirely new history, and still lose me in the chaos."
"Then allow me to start from the beginning. You see, Discord was never a bad person, and he still isn't. He was acting on orders, it was all around three thousand centuries ago."
The sun was about to set upon the horizon, creating a picture perfect scene in the gardens.
Luna and Discord had traveled to the beginning of the maze in silence. The two did not enter, however, but instead stood without a word between them. Luna found herself trying to catch the eyes of her heart several times, but all she managed were expressions of deep thought, sometimes peering at her, but back to the floor before she could be certain. She wondered what he was so concerned about.
It would be best to wait for him to bring it up, she told herself. When he feels ready, he will tell. Rushing it will only make matters worse. Besides, it should be interesting to see how close you can get to the right answer. You might even come up with a solution to the problem before he asks about it.
Before she could start the process, however, Discord spoke up.
"What do you believe I'm worried about?" He whispered. The question caught her by surprise, and annoyed her a bit, as she didn't have time to figure it out.
"You keep looking at me with a sideways glance," she began aloud, so he could hear her thought process. "You walked here instead of floating, you haven't said a word, and somehow attached your beard again without me noticing until just now."
That last one surprised her, as she didn't even consciously realizing that she did notice. She then felt her anger rise.
"Stop doing that to yourself! I don't want you to be hurt!" She yelled.
"I actually just grabbed it when you weren't looking," he explained.
"Oh," she felt horrible. "I'm-"
"We all make mistakes, you don't have to ask for my forgiveness."
A hushed air quivered between the two, before Discord spoke up a second time.
"Is that all that you've spotted?" Discord probed carefully.
"For now," she answered quietly.
"What do you make of it?"
"This has been bothering you for quite some time now, and you're afraid of the outcome. In fact, you've been putting it off because you don't know how I will react. This isn't something light in any sense, and will change our relationship forever."
"So what did the beard tell you?"
"That you aren't about to propose," she felt tears sting her eyes.
"So what choices are left?"
"Why are you asking me?" She interrogated defensively.
"I want to know if what I am about to do is the right thing."
"You are either going to ask us to slow down, or you want to break-"
She stopped speaking entirely. Her voice constricted as she discovered what he was going to do.
"Luna," Discord tried to calm her down, reaching his hand to pet her mane, but she charged into the maze, tears streaming behind her, like free falling stars.
Luna kept running from the draconequus. She didn't care what he had to say. She didn't care that he was using his chaos to put traps in her path. She couldn't even remember that she could fly. She just had to run.
She felt her body give out under her. The ground rushed up to her like a trap. In her mind, she was hoping it would knock her out, even kill her.
I can't live without him, she knew. It's not a life worth living if he's not there.
Before she landed, a lion paw caught her lightly. It's grip held steady as she writhed against it.
"If you have ever loved me, stop struggling, trust me and listen," Discord commanded. Ignoring her mind's will, she stopped moving. He began to float again, rising over the tall trees, still holding Luna. He started scanning the foliage, until he found a clearing with a tree in the center. He descended quickly within the clearing, and put Luna down, but snapped his fingers, blocking off the escape with more trees, and put a band around Luna's body, constricting her wings.
"Now then," he announced. "First off, I never intended to break up with you, nor will I today, or tomorrow, or any other day in the continuing continuum. I love you with all of my heart, and I won't be able to have the will to live if you aren't here with me."
Luna stopped sobbing as he stated it. She felt her heart stop entirely. She raised her eyes to his anxious gaze. "W-what?" She could barely trust the hope in her heart.
"You were wrong Luna, on every account. I don't want to slow down, I certainly don't want to break up, I'd rather go to Tartarus than do that, and while I'm not proposing, necessarily, I have a request for you. But first, tell me where we are."
She hated to, but she forced her eyes away from his, feeling what she thought was a blown candle light up brighter than before. The clearing was simple, but she would recognize it anywhere.
Of all the places, she mulled. After so long ago.
Three thousand years in the past
"Thank you for walking me home," Luna said appreciatively.
"Or at least trying to," Discord grumbled.
The two were lost in the maze. They had been aquatinted for a few months, nothing more than friends, against what Luna's heart was telling her.
"Just take the compliment," she demanded playfully.
"I can't."
"Why not."
"I haven't been walking."
"Is that your only excuse?"
"Do you need more than one?"
"Naturally."
These sort of witty conversations had been shared between them since the day they met. However, Discord didn't answer immediately, and Luna began to fret.
Oh no, she thought. He's the once person that accepts my crazy antics, and I just pushed him away. What am I going to do? He's my one true friend, and potentially something more. If I lose him, I- I don't- I can't- I-
"I guess I can just say that since you are walking, you are the one who walked the other home," Discord broke her emotional train of thought.
"But isn't it the male's job to walk the mare home?" She returned as she felt the sense of pointless worry leave her.
"Fine," Discord huffed, defeated. "But isn't our home in the same place?"
"Call it a bonus to not having to walk far."
"If we get out of here. We've been stuck in this clearing for half an hour!"
"Wait, can't we just go out the way we came?"
"No, the gardener didn't see us, and put a bush there."
Luna considered his statement. She actually asked the gardener to put the plant there once they got inside. She just wanted to know how Discord would react. She also knew the easy solution, flying, but didn't say anything.
Discord sighed again. "Maybe a good rest will give us an idea," he mumbled as he spotted a tree. He started to head for the shade, but remembered Luna. "Go ahead, my lady," he offered awkwardly.
"No, I'll be fine, and it's Luna, to you. I thought I got that through your head a few weeks ago."
"I insist, and when is it wrong to give a mare a compliment?"
"You're more tired than me, and it makes me sound old."
"I'll be fine, and you-"
"You were the one who suggested we rest, and don't you dare finish that sentence."
"I was going to say that you are far from any point to be called old, your highness."
"Lie yourself down over there and address me as Luna!"
"Your needs before mine. And you're still the princess!"
"Let's compromise. We both sleep under the tree, and you continue to call me Luna."
"Seems like you have the better end of the deal."
"Take or leave."
"Consider it theft," he caved. They moved over to the tree, and laid down in the shade, Discord facing away from Luna.
"Rest well," he murmured.
"See you in your dreams," she answered. Discord and Luna closed their eyes. Luna, however, chose to stay awake.
An hour later, Luna made her move. She got up and relocated to where she was looking at Discord's face. She lied back down, and studied her friend's face. His bushy eyebrows, thick beard, and several other things seemed to readjust to make his appearance somewhat more attractive.
"Is it wrong that I find you handsome?" She whispered to the unconscious Discord. "That I would be willing to be yours if you asked me, that the thought of seeing you at all would bring a smile to my heart?"
She leaned in, letting her lips touch his own. She fell in love with the sensation, making a mental note to kiss Discord as much as possible. Closing her eyes, she deepened the kiss even further. In the back of her mind, something seemed to change, but she didn't care. All that mattered was Discord. This was the one thing that-
"How long?" Her lips moved without her muscles. Realizing that it was Discord's voice, she kicked herself, remembering the click was a warning of when someone was awake. She jerked her head back in shock. She just kissed Discord. For the first time. In his sleep. And he was awake for it.
"Wha- what do you mean?" She whimpered, trying to hide the blush coloring her fur.
"Luna, I can still feel the pressure of your lips, and I know you were awake, because you didn't enter my dreams. How long have you had a crush on me?"
Usually, Luna was able to think her way out of any situation, but being around Discord made her lose a certain level of intelligence. She could only silently gawk as Discord sat upright.
"I will wait until you can answer," he promised.
His words rang true, for Luna was still in shock by the time night had fallen. Instinctively, she rose the moon, still entranced by the fact that she had been caught.
I've lost him for good, she panicked. He might have been able to handle the other things I've done, but now I have gone too far. Please don't hate me. Unbeknownst to her, she had mumbled the last part aloud.
"I don't hate you, Luna," Discord whispered. "And I can't think of a reason to ever hate you."
Luna's trance broke as she heard this. "Y-y-ou d-don't hat-te me?" she hadn't noticed, but she had been crying the entire time.
"Luna, you are the closest of my, albeit very small number, of friends," Discord said, using a relaxing, calming tone. He reached over and started brushing Luna's mane with his claw. She loved it. "I can't willingly hate you. Judging by how you acted, I am guessing that this is the first time that you have ever kissed me."
her face held a wry smile. " I thought I was the clever one," she argued.
"Not since you smooched me in my sleep," Discord retorted dryly, still using his placating intonation. Luna froze, remembering again what she had done.
"But seriously, how long have you had a liking to me?" Discord inquired. "And while we're at it, why?"
"I've liked you for a while now," Luna admitted, regaining some of her composure, although continued to look at the ground. "At some point, I realized that you didn't seem to care how insane I am, and that you were willing to spend time with me, whereas I would have to beg Tia to go on so much as a walk with me. I liked you because you liked me for who I was, all wild and quirky."
"Luna," Discord began, but Luna wasn't finished yet.
"You were always there for me when I was feeling alone, you always put a smile on my face when I was hurt-" she stopped, and chose to use a different idea. a melody was rising in the air, and she sang.
You've made my world into a heaven The stars, they sparkle just like you Of all the hopes I've had before, I need this one to come true If I spent the rest of my life, loving with you
You made our nights Something I do not mind living by It's true that when you stole my heart I didn't think that what I felt was right Cause who could make me love again? When I felt my life had fallen apart Well you, have made my days A place where I won't find a broken heart
If I ever loved something before It was never to this extreme degree Can you see how much I need to live as you and me I just hope that maybe I could
Be some pony that maybe you love Loving, the way your eyes gleams When I'm unsure Of anything and everything I do
I'd do anything for you You make, my fears just fade away with every song you make I can hear angels when you say
Saving, my heart and keep the peace Piecing, they things you've ever Said to me To see that if you like me too
Today, you've left me without words Words used, to express my hearts desire Forever praying That you kinda sorta secretly Blushing when you say to me That the biggest thing I've hoped and dreamed Is true
You've taken from me lonely days And put the times we've spent in place I cant deny I'm in love tonight but before I couldn't reveal, How much towards you I really
Feeling your eyes glance upon my face Can't run my feet are stuck in place my heart is beginning to run a race Feeling all the power of your grace
I can tell my time is falling fast has the right day finally come to pass I don't want let my chance surpass But I still hesitate to ask
Oh oh, oh
You've made my world into a heaven The stars, they sparkle just like you Of all the hopes I've had before, I need this one to come true If I spent the rest of my life, loving you If I spent the rest of my life, loving you If I spent the rest of my life, I love you
She finished the song, and promptly fell asleep with her head falling into Discord's paw. The buildup of stress was too much for poor Luna, and since it was close to her own personal curfew, she became unconscious.
Discord laid her head softly upon the grass, and draped his wing over her.
"Goodnight, Luna," Discord whispered in her ear as he lied down next to her.
The Next Morning
Luna's eyes fluttered open, surprised by the strength of light in her room. Did I leave my windows open? She thought to herself. What did do to my bed? Did I roll off onto the floor? And why is my blanket so leathery. As far as I recall, we don't have leather anything. And what a weird dream last n-
Just like a character from one of her sisters romance novels, she realized it wasn't a dream. Oh no, she felt her heart race. No no no no no... Oh by Celestia's beard I did. This is bad, this is bad, this is bad. By my own mane! I told him, I told him I like him. Why did this have to happen? Now he will say he just wants to be friends, and it will be over and- and- the world will explode!!
She was freaking out, big time. Her entire body was freezing, despite the warmth emanating from the draconequus beside her. For the first time in her entire life, she knew what it felt like to have her mind go entirely blank. All she could do was feel fear flowing throughout her body, the ice cold worry would have given her frost bite if it could.
Suddenly, she felt a shift at her side, as Discord began to pull her closer to his form. Still in shock, she had no capacity to ponder why he would do this. She could only register it in the back of her mind. Her eyes wide open, she saw the blurry figure of a reindeer head. When her eyes finally adjusted to the light, she saw it was Discord's head leaning in close to hers.
"How are you feeling, Luna?" Discord inquired. Luna fell back into full mental consciousness.
Horrible, afraid, hurt, she wanted to say. Safe, comfortable, loved. Uncertain, weak, vulnerable. Protected, hopeful, peaceful.
Instead, she mumbled "good," as if trying to escape the inevitable.
"Luna, we have to talk about this," Discord said defensively.
The princess was in no position to argue. She just prepared herself to mourn the best friendship she ever had. Discord saw this as an opportunity to continue.
"I never expected you to like me. Oh sure, we were friends, but most ponies see me as, well, this," he gestured to his body. "And run. I also never expected you to try and kiss me, mostly for the first reason, but also because you didn't seem like that kind of mare."
Luna directed her eyes towards the ground. "So what happens now?" She feared for the worst.
"To be honest, I have two requests for you. The first is that you don't kiss me again," he said. Luna gasped, and felt tears once again sting her eyes, but Discord continued.
"Without giving me the chance to kiss back."
Luna's head snapped up, and she gasped a second time, clogging the rush of liquid depression. What did he just say? she wondered, fearfully.
"And my second request," he paused for dramatic effect. "Is will you be my mare friend?"
Her body was once again frozen in time. Everything stopped before her eyes. A few seconds later, she charged back into reality, giving Discord the strongest hug she ever gave anyone, and kissed him with vigor. Discord kissed her back, allowing her to remain true to his request.
"So, is that a yes?" Discord asked, giggling.
"I don't know yet, I need some time to think about it," she could barely keep a straight face, gazing at him winsomely. "What do you think?"
"I can't, some pony kissed me so hard that I can't think straight."
"I'm jealous of her."
"If it's that important, I'm sure I can let you kiss me."
"Won't she get angry if you cheat on her?"
"I'm asking you, not her, to be my mare friend."
"Still..."
"Tell you what, you kiss me, and I won't tell her about it."
"Fair enough," she snickered, and she leaned in again, letting the kiss last for what felt like hours. Discord had to break the kiss, much to both of their displeasure.
"Do you think anyone will notice we're missing?" He asked.
"Celestia might realize I'm not down for breakfast."
"Or lunch, or that meeting with the sea serpents, dragons, and gryphons, the weekly checkup with our healer, or the walk that I agreed to go on with you," a motherly voice called from the top of the brush.
"We are so in trouble," Luna and Discord winced in unison as Celestia flew over the bushes and landed in front of them.
"Also, half of Canterlot probably thinks something happened to you when they heard you scream," Celestia continued. "Nice catch by the way, I didn't think you had it in you to go for it."
"Did your sister just compare me to a fish?"
"I'm afraid so, and we both know that her fish idioms mean trouble." Luna joked.
"As if I would have a problem with you two dating," Celestia brushed off the implied insult. "I was just going to ask if you still wanted to go on that walk."
Luna looked at Discord and smiled. "You know, for once, I don't mind sitting one out."
"No doubt. However, may I have a word with you?" She directed this at Discord.
"I'm worried of what you're planning to do to me, but if you insist," Discord mumbled. He pulled Luna aside,and kissed her. "if I don't make it out alive, send my best regards to my mare friend," he whispered.
"I shall tell her personally."
"If you two are done," Celestia interrupted.
"Of course, your majesty," Discord stepped forward. Celestia leaned in to whisper in his ear, and he quickly agreed to something. Luna did not know what, as her sister spoke too softly for her to hear. After the short exchange, Discord moved back to Luna's side.
"Do I want to know?" Luna asked.
"She just wanted to clear something up."
"Have fun you two," she called as she began to fly off. "Not too much though." She quipped as she disappeared into the heavens. This caused the two lovers great distress.
"Celestia, the least you could do is be original about such matters!" Luna yelled, knowing fully well that she could be heard.
The two continued blushed at Celestia's comment, and began to kiss again.
In the Present
"Do you want to know what we talked about?" Discord asked. "You know, when Celestia pulled me aside?"
"Does it matter?" Luna questioned tentatively.
"It might. She told me to never let you go. I admit that I failed to follow through when I was put in stone, but aside from the one thousand years, I didn't do so poorly."
"Why would you tell me now?"
"Because I'm going to ask you if you want other people to know about us."
"I, I honestly don't know."
"I'm just as uncertain as you are."
"I mean, I doubt some ponies would care, but how would we explain it? And then there are the zealots that would take strong action against us. And I want to be able to kiss you in public, believe me, it's just, it would be very dangerous."
"I honestly hate how difficult of a question this is for you. I hate how much pressure there is. I don't even know my own answer, and here I am asking you the very question causing me discomfort."
"Nonetheless we have to confront this. We can't stay hidden forever."
"But would what we share be able to continue without interference?"
"At some point, there will be ponies that want to interfere."
"What would we do to even start? You can't just go out and say 'hey, look I'm dating an ex-psychopathic tyrant who wanted to rule the world with chaos and chocolate rain!'"
"Yes, that does complicate things."
"I should think so."
"Thus most of the, what is it? 'Hating', shall be directed at you. I can't say I will enjoy letting you be targeted like that."
"But I'm willing to do it if you are."
"Again, where would we start?"
"How about the Elements of Harmony?"
"Even taking your being Fluttershy's 'friend' into account, do you think they will trust you?"
"With your help."
"And how, pray tell, will Nightmare Moon help in that endeavor?"
"How about Celestia?"
"That could actually be the answer."
"You're not the only smart creature here!"
"I never thought I was."
The two leaned into each other and melted into a kiss. This meeting of the lips was a promise to always be there for the other. This was a promise they intended to keep.
You're the mare of my dreams. Well you've never stopped believing in mine. You've enchanted the times we've spent together Since the day fate made our paths collide
For you I'd change the universe. But you know I'd never ask you to. If only angels would hear our only need, To leave our hearts in each others hooves.
This marks a brand new day Where what we hid away Will be shown so every pony can see
They all soon will know That you've come to grow On me more than any other could be
I won't feel petrifiied If you are at my side Every night You are my Angel of starry skies
I'm not the type of mare Afraid if ponies cares Love is blind You are my Perfection of every kind
We own each others hearts They can't force us apart From my core You underscore The best in me
You know that till the end I won't let go again Cause you are I know you are My destiny
You brought harmony to me When I thought chaos was all that i made But I vow to my heart and my mind That my love for you will never fade
your magic is in my heart But I see yours when the night begins to rise If only they could see that you and me Is nothing less than soul bound lives
There is a world out there Filled up with other mares But I'd choose you every day and night
The time we'll share will be Open and ever free No more secrets from other ponies sight
I won't feel petrifiied If you are at my side Every night You are my Angel of starry skies
I'm not the type of mare Afraid if ponies cares Love is blind You are my Perfection of every kind
We own each others hearts They can't force us apart From my core You underscore The best in me
You know that till the end I won't let go again Cause you are I know you are My destiny
"So," Discord started awkwardly. "How are we going to explain this to The Elements? We can't say that we've been dating for three thousand years."
"That their trouble was all because of their very existence."
"That everything that I did to them was pre-planned by me and Celestia."
"Yeah, that's going to be difficult."
"I'm thinking we need to talk to Celestia about this."
"Agreed. I wonder how she's been doing since we've left."
"I actually made a pact with Glimmering Shield that if he goes and listens to her, he can do whatever he wants to me."
"You did WHAT?"
"Relax, if I know Celestia, she's going to tell him about me."
"And how certain enough are you?"
"That I risked my own safety to do this."
"Why? Why would you allow the one I love dearly to be put in any sort of danger?"
"Because she needs this Luna, more than you and I are willing to imagine. The stress is getting to her."
"And are you certain she will trust him?"
"I saw his record. He was chosen specifically because he can keep secrets."
"Why do I get the feeling you've planned this?" She felt a glare reach her eyes as she said this.
"I didn't plan for him to go off on me today, but it helps the situation."
"And what if he doesn't believe Celestia?"
"Then I'm screwed." Discord huffed. The onslaught of questions had finally ended, for now. "Besides, how often do my plans go wrong?"
Luna became nervous at that. "Maybe I should make sure it's safe to go back, then."
" Hey, that was uncalled for. Either way, we need to start heading back to the castle."
Discord opened his eagle claw and cut the band holding Luna's wings together. She stretched her flight appendages before springing off into the air, Discord close behind.
Shimmering was sitting patiently as Celestia finished casting her spell. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but he knew it was best to be patient and not interrupt her. Better safe than in pain regretting whatever you've done while slowly decaying in a dungeon, he chanted in his head. He severely doubted Celestia would do any such thing, but he wasn't one to tempt his own fate when it was only him in danger.
But what about when you threatened Discord? he argued with himself.
My life was not the only one in danger, he countered. He found fighting with himself was often weird, but it was necessary and, at times, useful. The princesses wanted to be left alone with him, and I am still against it, despite it already happening.
Why do you hold such animosity towards him?
He is a monster.
Of what sort?
The one of the heart and mind.
And physically, of course.
Right.
WRONG!! his anti-self was practically yelling at this point. How dare you, of all ponies, think that a creature is a monster because of appearance?
But you said-
Forget what I said, I was trying to make a point!
And what would that be?
We both know the answer, The persona he was thinking to used what seemed to be an icy tone, sending shivers down his spine.
I, see, he tried to surrender, but his counterpart wouldn't have it.
No, I really don't think you do. You just admitted to breaking one of our most important rules. You just said that he was a monster BASED ON WHAT HE IS! We swore never to think like that! How could you even imagine that he was a monster, just by how he looked? What keeps you from being a sick, demented being by doing what you have done?
But what about the other reasons?
If you are blinded by the image of him being a monster, can you truly see what he is? the voice spoke more calmly. What if ponies just saw him as a monster, and started attacking? What if he had to pretend he was crazy to get ponies like you to leave him alone? What if the only way he saw to survive was to be tyrannical? What if when he came back, he thought that it was the same as before? He said it himself, he never had a friend before. Can you honestly believe that you would be the same pony you are if you didn't have friends?
No.
Then maybe you should stop walking so blindly and look for the right path.
What are you suggesting?
This is your life, so I can't tell you what to do, necessarily, but if I were you, when you're done talking to Celestia, don't be attacking towards Discord, try to understand him. Be his friend.
But might being his friend cloud my judgement?
Wouldn't being his enemy? Try to do what could actually help everyone. Who knows? Maybe a friend is something that will keep him from doing the worst things.
Have you ever asked yourself this, If you are a monster inside? It doesn't matter what your coat is, If your heart has shriveled and died.
But have you looked into their eyes, And see the soul that lies within? I've seen the chaos he creates, All he is is a creature of sin.
What!?
Is that what you truly believe? Or are you afraid you may have been deceived? There is nothing that clouds my mind to see, With how he has made hell, that heartless beast.
Who are you to say such thoughts so crass, If all you have is your own past? Isn't reality being harassed, Something to think en masse?
Wow.
Close your eyes, From what you think you see. Open your mind, To possibilities.
You have a world out here, Don't blind and bind to things you fear. If you hold life so dear, Then show me your path is clear.
Find the truth, In shadows of my soul, Try to soothe, The fears it always holds.
I have a place to be, I have to make sure I believe, That everything is just perceived, Just as we want it to be.
Finishing the conversation, he reopened his mind to the physical plane. When he opened his eyes, he saw Celestia's magenta eyes staring powerfully into his own.
"Did you, uh, hear what I was thinking, um, in my mind?" He asked uncomfortably.
"That would not be my way to rule a kingdom," she stated nonchalantly. "Besides, I wouldn't have had to read your mind. your magic has been spitting the words out spatially like heated corn kernels."
"Ouch... So do you think I should, you know, talk with Discord?" He inquired.
"Hmm," she hummed aloud, with a soft smile touching her face. "Let me tell you about who he really is, and you can decide for yourself."
"Yeah, that might help, you said something about his chaotic nature being a lie, and something about three thousand years ago. Then you said you needed to focus on a spell."
"I did, and it's currently a finished spell, so now you can see my memories as if looking through a window with sound."
"Odd way to put it, but I'll dig."
"Okay, all you have to do is walk through the enchanted sheet."
"You mean the magicked carpet, right?"
"A whole new world!" Pinkie Pie sang as she appeared from the base of the chandelier.
"Um, as I was saying, yes, if you really want to put it that way. Just walk through there, and you'll feel like Al- fire is-"
"Like fire?"
"Al- fire," Celestia corrected. "This-"
"Burning in my skin!" Pinkie continued.
"Miss pie, please," Celestia begged. "Anyway, Al- fire is short for aluminum di-flourine tetra-iodine tri-rhenium. It's a silky, albeit very itchy, powder. Anyway, it feels as if it is covering your body, which is quite relaxing once you're used to it, minus the itchiness."
"Anything else?"
"If there is, I don't remember it?"
"This will so hurt."
"Why? You don't trust me?" Her voice began to falter.
"If that happens, I'll take full responsibility," Celestia countered.
"Well, before I hear another song, lets get-"
"Together, yeah yeah yeah!"
"Too late," Celestia said dryly.
"Let's just get this over with," Shimmering muttered. He stepped through the sheet, and found himself in the air. He had prepared himself for anything odd, so he didn't even react as he looked down to see the ground a few feet away. "So, I'm looking into Celestia's past, not entirely sure why, and I might try to be Discord's friend after this. I thought this was going to be a normal day," he complained aloud, thinking no pony heard him.
"That's the short gist of it," Celestia breathed as she materialized beside him.
"Wait, how are you here?" He asked flatly.
"I walked through the magic field."
"But this is your own memory."
"And?"
"Won't that cause some problems?"
"We can't interact with the things that go on."
"And why am I getting to see this in third person? Because I'm pretty sure that's you right over- OH MY SWEET CELESTIA YOU HAD A PERM??" He was screaming the last part out in sheer surprise.
"You should have seen what the other upperclass were doing."
"Am I about to?"
"Yes."
"I'm worried."
"You should be."
"That's comforting," Glimmering complained sarcastically. "Anyway, how are we seeing this in third person?"
"Magic."
"... Is that honestly the only excuse you have?"
"It is the only one I need."
"Fair enough."
The two continued to look at the landscape in silence. It was a simple green field, no trees or bushes to obscure their view. There was a long dirt path that stretched across the grass. The Celestia and Luna from the past were walking along said path.
"So, you and your sister haven't seemed to age a bit," Shimmering stated. "That's pretty cool."
"Looks aren't anything." She replied tiredly.
"Never thought they were."
"Luna certainly has changed over the years," Celestia reminisced. "She was so lonely, and she would beg to spend as much time with me as possible."
In the distance, they got a view of the Princess of the Moon prancing happily around her sister, like a puppy on a walk. "I can see that," the stallion said flatly.
"Good thing that's about to change."
"I'm going to take a guess and say it's-" Glimmering tried to finish, but by the time he would have, the creature he recognized as something he had to worry about.
"Get ready to meet the real 'Discord'," Celestia whispered ominously, putting an emphasis on the name.
The form of the draconequus was walking calmly on the sidewalk before he saw the two ponies. As he noticed them, he flew up into the sky, hoping to use the clouds as cover, Shimmering guessed. The princesses noticed there was a slight disturbance, and flew up in the air to take a look.
"Hi there!" Luna gave Discord a start as she let her extroversive persona take over her. "What's your name? Why are you hiding up in the clouds? Are you afraid we'll hurt you? Can you speak? Oh wait, you're a draconequus, of course you can talk. Why are you here? Oh, do you have family or friends in Canterlot? Maybe we can tell you where they are! Ooh, I'd love to show you around - mff mff mff." Unfortunately for Luna, Celestia used her foreleg to keep her from continuing her Pinkie-Pie like rant.
Discord seemed to look thoughtful for a minute before he answered. "In order, hi, I don't know, I thought I stepped into a patch of poison joke, no, yes, obviously, because I want to be, I don't really have friends anywhere, I'd love to be shown around here! What's your name?" He spoke in a manner similar to Luna's.
The princesses' eyes widened, and their jaws dropped, leaving them stunned in shock for a few seconds. Luna's face suddenly twisted into a huge, almost impish grin, before she suddenly processed what he told her.
"You, don't know your own name?" She whimpered tearfully.
"If I ever even had one," Discord answered.
"Then what do I call you?"
"I asked you."
"I asked you first."
"You already have an answer."
"And I won't give you it until you give me something to call you!"
The two appeared to be enjoy their repartee immensely, going off on each others words in an instant. Celestia was still flying silently out of the way of the hyperactive entities, quite clearly dumbfounded.
"I was thinking that my sister had finally found someone to bother other than me," the Celestia of the future admitted. "It was such a cruel and wrong thing to think, but I thought it anyway. I thought there would finally be a way to escape her constant need of attention. You see, every pony that she talked to seemed to eventually get sick of hearing her constantly prattle. I hate myself for thinking in such a way, but here I was, hoping relief from her desire of company would finally be upon me."
"I don't disbelieve you," Shimmering replied. "Her bouncy attitude could get very tiring."
"Still, I was her sister. And it wasn't just that which bothered me."
"What do you mean?"
"She is incredibly brilliant, and her quips were, and are, annoying to say the least. Discord was able to match her at that, partially because he was just as smart, but he had, an effect, on her as well."
"Did she have a crush on him?"
"It started out that way."
"Was that all that bothered you? Her constant need for attention, and her seemingly boundless supply of energy?"
"Mostly."
"Then why didn't you ask for some personal space?"
"She was such a lonely pony, so I knew I couldn't just leave her alone. She felt that no pony cared for her, or her nights. Why are you asking anyway? You know I can't change the past."
"I'm trying to be a friend and understand what it is you had to go through," his eyes darted away from the princess to realize the memory was frozen in place. "You stopped it for us to talk, didn't you?"
"As if you had to ask," she replied in a manner similar to an upperclass pony.
"Just wanted to make sure there wasn't a glitch in the spell. I don't want be stuck in some sort of mental time loop because I didn't see a problem in the spell, or that I held back because of it."
"Your worries are for naught. Anyways, let's get back to it," she said as a small spark emanated from her horn.
"Well," Discord was appearing to be in deep thought. "If you must call me something, how about, hm, Myriado?"
"Myriad in Greek?" Luna questioned hotly. "I don't think so."
"Hospes?"
"Friend in Latin? No."
"Hirvio?"
"How dare you think I will call you that!?" Luna shrieked. She was very agitated, and looked as if she was ready to tear though a horde of timber wolves if put up to the challenge . "I will never call my friends something so horrible. Very well, I must think of a name myself. How about Suda Valvur?"
"Heart Guard in Estallionan? I like the name, but why would that fit my-"
"That is your name, and mine is Luna," Luna said with a tone that would deny all arguments. She stared him down, as if begging for some sort of retort against it.
"Fine, my name will now be, by popular demand, meaning yours, Suda Valvur. Your name is Luna? Interesting. The Moon? I should have guessed by your cutie mark. And in Latin too? Vos facite vestra regnum de nocte in Caelum."
"Ooh, what other languages can you praise the time of night?"
"Call it."
"Swedish."
"Havet av en mork timme floden som liv brand."
"Chinese."
"Canternese or mandarwhinnie?"
"Either one."
Xingxing shanyao xihuan long de linpian. Ni de yueliang shi zui hao de guang zoulu he fangshai."
"Seahorse."
"Shoo be doo."
"You missed a conjugation there."
"Correction then. Shoo be doo."
"Thank you."
"Anytime, princess."
"Wait, how did you know that?"
"Crown, alicorn, vest, hoof shoes, hair, height, knowledge, where do you want me to start?"
"You know," the Celestia in the future began. "If there was any creature able to take my sister's heart, Suda Valvur was it."
"You mean Discord?"
"From this point on, in private, refer to him as Suda. It will help you accept things."
"Did he, you know, get Luna?"
"Wait and see."
Suddenly, the world started to spin as flashes of what later happened flew past.
"Oh Tartarus, I can't watch!" Shimmering cried out as he shielded his eyes from the sight of the upperclass hairstyles. Unfortunately, the images he did see scarred his mind, permanently.
"I tried to warn you," Celestia scoffed.
"Is it over?"
"Yes."
"Alright. So what happened after that?"
"We let him stay at the castle. Luna wanted to spend every second she could with him, being reigned back only by royal duties. The second she was done, she would rush over to see him."
"And he was okay with this?"
"He told me in private that he loved it. No pony has really liked him in the past, not many would even consider him something other than target practice. He loved how some pony actually cared for him, although he didn't know how much Luna liked him."
"What was he like?"
"He didn't change at all from the centuries, although my tale completely lied about who he was. He was as smart as Luna, one of the most caring creatures of the world, very dramatic, and, most importantly, our friend. He didn't care that we were princesses. He did what he could to make us happy if we were sad. He found out that the stuff around the palace could be used as architecture. He could fold the curtains to make lifelike creatures, or tables into patterns of art when viewed from the air."
"Do you like him?"
"Not to Luna's extent, but he was like a brother to me. One that could be my sisters equal, although it was horrible when the two would team up to prank me."
"Speaking of Luna, did she and Suda-"
"Here we go!" Celestia interrupted.
They were at the top of the maze, with Luna crying, and Suda sitting in front of her. The past Celestia was listening from behind a bush. The onlookers were too far away to hear what was going on.
"I guess not." Shimmering said sadly.
Suddenly, Luna's head snapped up, and Suda said a few, incomprehensible words. Luna screamed with so much happiness that it nearly broke Shimmering's ears, jumped on top of Suda, and kissing him deeply.
"You guessed wrong." Celestia replied.
"Are they still together?"
"Yes."
"So then why did Discord, I mean Suda, go nuts and Luna went all Nightmare Moon?"
The spell had ended, and the two were sitting in the throne room once more.
"The Elements."
"What about them?"
"We needed to ensure that their bond would remain strong, as well as their belief in each other and in themselves. So Suda would first have to act crazy and split them apart just enough to bring them even closer together in the end. The second time, Fluttershy, who many, including herself, thought to be the weakest of the ponies, needed confidence. We had to show to herself that she has the ability to show kindness to all."
"What?"
"Well, I imagine you would feel quite confident in your abilities of making friends if you made one of an enemy."
"I got that, but why Suda?"
"Suda, you see, was the only creature that I knew that could, one, be trusted, two, survive time in stone, three, look the part, and four, use his kind of magic. I hated that he had to go through the things he did, his mind still constantly working while he was locked inside the stone. It should have forced him to go mad."
"How did he avoid it?"
"He never said, but I can take a guess. I think he thought of Luna the entire time he was trapped in stone."
"She was that special to him?"
"They were together for two thousand years. They were willing to spend every free second of the day with each other, and even when they fought, it wasn't even so much of a fight as a conversation between two sides of the same mind. They would talk it out and both sides would avoid insulting the other as much as possible, because it would hurt them to see the other in any pain what so ever, agreeing to change if it would make the other happy. Their arguments, if you can call them that, didn't even happen more often than four or five times per century, and they stuck to their promises to one another. It was likely among the best relationships that any being could have."
"Sorry to change the emotion of this conversation, but how did the tale of The Discordant Reign come about?"
"We had to give off the idea that he was insane. It was actually Suda's plan."
"And Nightmare Moon?"
"Luna was devastated without Suda. she wouldn't want to eat or drink because she missed him so much. And we couldn't really let him out of the stone or else the other ponies would notice and panic. It was the worst depression I had seen in any pony, and Suda hated that he had to be in stone for such a long time, not for his sake, but because he knew how much it would hurt the mare he would give every waking second of his time to. Luna couldn't take being without the one she so deeply loved for a thousand years. She became Nightmare Moon within the week that Suda got locked up."
"And she came back to this realm-"
"Nightmare Moon instinctively came here on that day. She didn't know that Luna and I chose to rewrite her Nightmare self to only come on the day when the elements would be found. I saw how much pain it was causing her, so we agreed to add another myth into the tale. We knew that the elements would come out on a specific date, so we made Nightmare believe that the stars would aid her in her travels. She could actually have left if she tried, but we made sure she wouldn't until the summer sun celebration that Twilight and the other Elements had met."
"How did you know this would turn out well in the end?"
"I had to take the risks. If I didn't, the chance of surviving threats even worse than Sombra and Chrysalis combined wold be slim to none. I knew how strong Twilight and the others were. I had my eyes on them all of the time."
"You have to make hard decisions as a leader. I'm just glad you made the right one."
"Speaking of decisions, what will you be doing about Suda?"
"The correct choice, I'm pretty sure." He opened his mouth, and let a light harmony fill the room.
I've seen shadows walking on their own I felt fire burn with only cold But with all the things I have seen I don't know if I can believe The thing that my eyes are shown
I've known nightmares that no pony fears There are eyes that never form a tear But despite every time I look in impossibles eye I doubt this one thing that I hear
If this could be Reality Others trust could fully heal
I can't foresee If anything Is beyond what I feel
I want to plea I'm imagining But I know this is real
So within me I have to see It not concealed
There's no limit if there is too much Empty air at times is all you clutch But these impossible acts That leave our physics intact Your proposal lost its touch
There are problems that we haven't faced Even atoms that have gone to waste With these designs of our lives And holes filled over the sides Why must your query lose its taste?
If this could be Reality Others trust could fully heal
I can't foresee If anything Is beyond what I feel
I want to plea I'm imagining But I know this is real
So within me I have to see It not concealed
With that, Luna and who Shimmering now knew as Suda Valvur walked through the doors. Luna looked worriedly at Celestia, who gave a slight nod in their direction. Suda looked expectingly and Shimmering, who had started to trot in their direction.
"Suda," Shimmering began, but was cut off by a wave of a paw.
"Don't bother," Suda said calmly. "You didn't know, I don't hold grudges, and it seems that I guessed right when I asked you to talk with Tia. Speaking of which," he turned his attention to Celestia. "Luna and I want to see if we can get our relationship out in the open. We want to start by telling the Elements, but we think it would be best if you assisted in the matter."
"This is sudden, we know," Luna continued. "But we are getting tired of hiding this hiding. We also think you should put in your opinion for this, since we will need help proving that what we have is real, and not some chaos made by him."
"Um, before you continue, may I interject?" Shimmering asked.
"Of course," Celestia replied as if letting a student speak in front of the class.
"This relationship will not be taken well." Shimmering stated. "Not immediately, anyway. You saw how I treated you when I didn't know what you were actually like, Suda, and even though I do know now it is still shocking to me. And the relationship will make matters that much worse. How will ponies react if the 'god of chaos' is dating a princess? And they will later think that this specific princess was also Nightmare Moon. Hold on a second."
He went through the motions for a Pinkie Promise. A pink head hopped up from behind the chandelier. "Forerver!" She moaned hauntingly.
"Pinkie, can I ask you something?" Shimmering asked calmly while the other three beings were in shock at Pinkie's intrusion.
"Okie-dokie-Loki!" She replied happily.
"Pop quiz on how ponies would react. How would they react if Spike confessed to Rarity, and she chose to date him?"
"Not very surprised at all. She knows he likes her, and everyone knows, even if she doesn't, that she likes him back."
"What if Fluttershy became a tree?"
"They would try to turn her back, as the DNA strands would not be able to hold their integrity for very long before she became unstable. Unless she used her RNA strands as the genetic code, in which case she would be fine," she replied just as quickly.
"And if Discord and Luna started dating?"
"Several would be okay with it, some wouldn't even care, but it all depends on how they would break out the truth."
"What if the Elements helped explain it."
"It would go over pretty well. I know every pony in Ponyville, and I am certain none would mind if we explained it."
"Thank you for your cooperation. For that, you get a cupcake," his horn sparked, and in front of him stood, as promised, a sugary, home-made frosting-covered treat.
"Ooh, thank you," she suddenly switched to her creepy voice. "Forever!" And disappeared behind the throne.
"How- how did you know that would work?" Celestia stuttered.
"I Pinkie Promised myself that I would get Pinkie Pie here. It was her logic, so I figured it would work. Who else would be willing to guarantee all promises were kept and were able to break laws of time and space? Aside from you Suda, no offense."
"None taken. And what about the cupcake?"
"From my fridge."
"Remind me never to underestimate your abilities," Suda said worriedly.
"Wow," was all Luna could say.
"In any case, we should wait about an hour before talking to the Elements, lest Pinkie believes the rest of the things I said were true."
"Dude, have you been planning this?" Suda asked incredulously.
"Dude?" Shimmering was confused by the word, but let it slide. "No, but it was the first reasonable idea I could think of when you guys said you wanted to be public."
"Wow," Luna repeated.
"So, what do we do in the mean time?" Shimmering inquired.
"Race you to the pool?" Suda spoke nervously.
The other three creatures shrugged and ran out of the room.
"Hey!" Suda yelled as he charged after the ponies.
