> Discord Between the Worlds
>  by Bronyxy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 An Uninvited Guest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The heat was oppressive as the statuesque woman clutching a clipboard walked with precise measured steps along the empty corridor, the clicking of her heels echoing off the walls being the only sound tentatively attempting to make up for the hubbub of students that the building existed for. As she rounded the end of a corridor, the sun shone into her face revealing a sparkle of mischief in her teal eyes that seemed in marked contrast to the rather formal high necked collar on her blouse.

She stopped by a locker with a dented door that now refused to shut properly and shook her head, tutting gently as she jotted a note on her clipboard. It would be most unlikely that any of the students would own up, so it would have to be put down to collateral damage caused by high spirits on the last day of term.

The merest hint of a cooling summer breeze blew along the corridor to caress her face and in response she stopped and smiled gently, raising her head and closing her eyes to soak in every blissful second of its pleasant relief. A strand of blue hair freed itself momentarily from her immaculate coiffure and tickled her cheek in the dying gasp of breeze. Without opening her eyes, she brushed it back with a finger and shook out her hair in a curiously equine way, knowing by instinct that everything was now in its rightful place.

The lone figure resumed her walk and headed towards a light blue door marked Principal Celestia, where she knocked out of courtesy before entering to see a woman with a yellow jacket look up to her from a pile of paperwork, her lilac eyes sparkling in acknowledgment.
“Oh, one of the few rooms with working ac” gasped the new arrival with evident delight, placing herself delicately onto a comfortable seat that they both knew was hers, “How come mine is not yet working, Tia?”
“Just the luck of the draw I’m afraid Lulu” replied Principal Celestia, wearing a sympathetic smile, “The school has endured more than its fair share of upheaval over the past year.”
“Three sirens, two students turning into demons, and on top of that, all the strange occurrences during the Friendship Games” Vice Principal Luna reeled off, ”It’s a wonder we’re all still sane. Talking of which, whatever happened to Principal Cinch?”
“I have absolutely no idea, but I do believe CPA are looking for a new Principal. Are you interested?”
“I should like Dean Cadance to have first shot at it” replied Luna, “She has earned it.”
“You know I’ll write you a reference that positively glows when you feel you’re ready for such a post” offered Celestia, ”But I must admit I would like to see her get the job too.”
“Because she is your niece?”
“Not just that. I do feel she does have a natural empathy for the role too.”
“An ally rather than a rival?” Luna interjected.
“That certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing” acknowledged Celestia pushing back her chair from the desk and heading towards a highly polished wooden cabinet with an especially obvious brass keyhole, “I trust you will join me in a little indulgence.”
“Oh, yes please Sister” remarked Luna, kicking off her shoes and lounging back in her seat, “I could become used to such decadence.”

Celestia opened the cabinet revealing an array of bottles of different colours, shapes and sizes; the only common denominator being that they were all at least half full.
“Any preference?” she asked, looking back over her shoulder to see her sister already starting to unwind.
“Make mine a double, would you?” she replied, closing her eyes as she wriggled into her comfy position.

Celestia had been looking more for a steer as to which of the bottles to choose from, but couldn’t argue with the sentiment; yes, a double it would be, for each of them.
She poured two very generous measures of golden liquid into a pair of whiskey glasses and crossed the few steps to where her sister reclined, pressing one gently into her hand.
“Thank you, Tia” she acknowledged, with a gentle smile, lifting the glass to her lips and taking a sip, feeling her mouth glow with a comforting warmth, before its gentle caress ran down her throat.

A comfortable silence extended between the two sisters, each of whom reflected inwardly upon recent events in the companionship of another who had gone through the same experiences. Without waiting to be asked, Celestia refilled both of their empty glasses with another generous measure and held hers up to the light, swirling it around slowly, musing abstractedly how it seemed to radiate the colour of sunlight. Somehow she had always had an affinity to the sun, but had no idea how she had inherited it.

Suddenly the ringing of a doorbell snapped them both out from their reverie. They both looked at each other; there wasn’t a doorbell anywhere near the Principal’s office.
It rang again. This time Celestia got up and walked over to the door, exchanging a quizzical look with her sister. She reached out for the doorknob and turned it hesitantly, pulling the door open towards her.
“Well, this is a fine kettle of fish” stated an indignant sounding male voice.

Celestia stood back, startled at the sight before her; a dishevelled looking man with black and white streaked hair, yellow eyes and goatee beard stared back at her. Before she could take in the startling nature of the man’s unconventional appearance, he waved a kettle in front of her gawping face, his demeanour demanding she take it. By reflex, she extended her hand and he slid the handle over her waiting fingers, breezing past her and into her office, claiming her seat and placing his feet up on her desk.

The sisters recovered their wits quickly and both stood to confront the impudent intruder.
“What do you think you’re doing?” barked Celestia with Luna at her side, staring accusingly at their visitor.
“Oh my” he replied sounding mildly rebuked, “Isn’t this the right way to behave here?”
At that, he snapped his fingers and a massive ornate desk, twice the size of Celestia’s, suddenly appeared, dwarfing everything in the room.
“I’ll just sit over here then” he said dismissively as he got up and trudged towards the latest addition.
“How did you … wha …?” gasped Celestia looking shocked.
“I sense trickery” glared Luna focusing on the unkempt form making himself at home.

Celestia, suddenly realising she was still holding a kettle filled with fish, placed the offering down on the floor and punched her hands onto her hips creating an image that all of the students at CHS knew and feared, the stranger continuing to appear completely unperturbed as he settled into his new seat.
“You would be Celestia” he pronounced reproachfully, looking towards the scowling figure in the yellow jacket, “Just as grumpy as your namesake in Equestria, I’m afraid to say.”
“How do you …” she asked.
“It’s on your door” he replied dismissively before turning to the Vice Principal, ”And you must be Luna, the quiet and thoughtful one.”
“But, how do you know …” she began, before she noticed him pointing just behind her. When she turned around, she saw a big neon sign with an arrow pointing towards her bearing the word Princess, that had been crossed out, followed by Luna.

Just then, the fish started singing a chorus of Good Morning to you, and Celestia turned to them in annoyance as her sister fought to conceal the start of a smile.
“What do you think you’re doing here?” demanded Celestia, the anger in her tone snapping her sister back to the seriousness of the situation at hand.
“Well, I’ve come to warn you that there is a leak of Equestrian magic into your world and it’s centred right outside your castle” he explained, “That is what good friends do, right?”
“Would this be the same magic we saw during the Battle of the Bands and the Friendship Games …?” began Celestia.
“And turned two of our students into demons?” added Luna.
“Oh, quite probably” replied the interloper, making no attempt to hide the boredom in his voice, “My name’s Discord, by the way.”
“As in the gaming app?” enquired Luna, drawing blank expressions from the other two, “I just happen to use it occasionally when I have spare time on my hands … occasionally … don’t judge me!”
“Well, that would go some way towards explaining the loud shouts coming from your bedroom at all hours of the night” mused Celestia.
“Sister!” chided Luna.
“I wasn’t going to comment, just in case it was your choice of activity with any house guests you may have neglected to inform me of …”
Luna blushed brightly at the revelation and was about to respond caustically about her sister’s own extra-curricular activities when, fortunately for all present, she was cut off.

“Anyway” he interrupted, clearing his throat, “Perhaps we can discuss this over tea?”
He snapped his fingers again and the fish stopped singing their repetitive chorus. Instantly the kettle levitated, and three cups of the finest bone china appeared as he proceeded to pour.
“Oh, do sit down, won’t you?” he chided, “You’re making the place look untidy.”

Faced with few options, the two sisters complied and each was given a full cup within which a silver spoon span around singing an operatic aria.
“There is a volume control on the side if you find it too loud” he instructed, and the sisters both noticed a slider control ranging from loud to quiet on their cups. Both immediately slid their fingers to the quiet position, much to his evident disapproval.
“Oh, they will be so upset” he grumbled.

“So tell us about this magic” demanded Celestia.
“Oh, yes, yes, yes!” he flustered, “Well, you see, back in Equestria, I’m the Spirit of Chaos, surely Princess Twilight has told you about me?”
With no response forthcoming, he gave an embarrassed cough and continued, “How very remiss of her. Anyway, I use my magic in all sorts of random ways, but since I’ve been reformed, it’s now mostly just for fun. But, the point is that I suddenly found myself here, like I was caught in a whirlpool of magic and sucked through into your world. One minute, there I was minding my own business … well, sort of … and next thing, thump, I’m here.”

The sisters looked at each other then back to him.
“Well, you see, the thing is, I still have my magic. And if I still have my magic, then you could end up with somepony else coming through with their magic too, and they might not be quite as reformed as me, if you catch my meaning. Do either of you know any magic?”
“I can do card tricks” Luna volunteered, before glimpsing her sister giving her a pained look out of the corner of her eye.
“Ahem … quite so. Charming though that sounds, I don’t think that would be likely to stop Tirek or Sombra or Chrysalis …” he listed, reeling off names that meant nothing in this world.
“So what do you suggest we do?” asked Celestia.
“Well” he started, taking a sip of his tea, ”I think we need to have a closer look at that plinth; that’s where the power’s coming from.”
> 2 When Worlds Collide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The unlikely looking party of Principal, Vice-Principal and dishevelled harlequin made their way out into the unrelenting heat to the plinth where the statue of a rearing horse had once stood. Everything looked normal until Discord clicked his fingers and a set of airstairs appeared, whereupon he gestured for the sisters to ascend. They climbed the few steps necessary before looking down and seeing rainbow colours of ethereal mist swirling out from a long crack, accompanied by occasional eruptions of sparks.

“Oh my …” gasped Celestia as Luna raised her hand to her mouth, “I had no idea …”
“No, I don’t suppose you did” he commented from below them, “But even if you had, then what could you have done anyway?”
“What does this mean?“ asked Luna.
“It means that Equestrian magic is leaking into your world, and the rate at which it’s doing it is increasing. That means you need to be prepared to expect all manner of magical creatures being drawn through here. Has Princess Twilight ever told you about the strange animals that live in the world she and I come from?”
The sisters shook their heads.
“How careless; well it’s time that somepony told you, but first I will have to cast a spell over that rather nasty little rift” he said as he snapped his fingers again.

“What did you do?” asked Luna.
“Oh, nothing much” he replied nonchalantly, “Just that any living creature that comes through now will be turned into a balloon animal. It won’t last, of course, my magic here is too weak for that, but at least it’s something.”
“How do we know we can trust you?” asked Celestia, daring to voice her suspicions.
“You don’t” he replied, “But given the danger you’re in, who else can you turn to with the magic to help you?”
“Twilight Sparkle” she ventured.
“Of course, but that will mean someone will have to go through the portal to fetch her, presuming that she’s not too busy with her Royal duties. I mean, I can’t possibly go, because who else here can tackle the baddies when they start to come through this rift thingy?”

The sisters stared blankly at each other as Discord looked on.
“Sunset Shimmer?” thought Celestia aloud.
“An excellent idea, Sister. She is well versed in this interdimensional travel and is accepted readily in both worlds.”
“Do you have her cell?”
“I believe it will be available within our school records; I shall go and retrieve it” proposed Luna, turning on her heels to return back inside the school building.

“You know” remarked Discord enigmatically, fluttering his eyelashes at Celestia, ”We’re very close friends in Equestria.”
“I thought you told us she was grumpy” she shot back accusingly.
“Details, details” he dismissed, ”We go back over a thousand years, you know.”
“I feel her pain” she thought, but diplomacy kept her from saying it out loud.
“Yes, even after she turned me into stone, I still held a soft spot for her.
“I bet” she thought.

“But enough about me” he said, producing a bouquet of flowers from behind his back and presenting it to her with a dramatic flourish,” Tell me, why don’t you wear your crown? It always looks so fetching on you.”
Against her better judgement, Celestia found herself beginning to blush and the more she tried to suppress it, the greater the burning grew in her cheeks. Perhaps he did have a certain charm after all …
“I … I don’t have a crown, I’m the Principal of this school.”
“Ah, shaping the next generation of impressionable young minds; what better kingdom to hold sway over? You are even more powerful than Princess Celestia of Equestria and yet you are so modest.”
“You’re flirting with me, Discord” she accused, her tone lifting.
“I had no idea I was so transparent” he responded, briefly popping out of existence only to reappear a fraction later as a crystal ball with yellow eyes blinking at her. As she watched, the bright red pupils in the oversized eyes rotated, one clockwise and the other counterclockwise, until they faced each other, giving the impression of being comically cross-eyed.
Celestia clutched the flowers to her chest and raised her spare hand to cover the smile forming on her face, but the sparkling in her eyes betrayed that he already had her in the palm of his hand.

In another flash, the crystal ball burst like a soap bubble to reveal Discord in its place, his eyes spinning slowly to a stop. The humour was so delightfully random that she was soon giggling despite herself, unable to stay cross for long with this charismatic stranger.
“I take it back” he said by way of revelation, ”You’re much more fun than Princess Celestia, “She never laughs when I roll my eyes at her.”

Just then they caught sight of the purple and lilac dressed Vice Principal strolling towards them with a cellphone to her ear and the mood switched back to being businesslike. She snapped it shut as she approached, and once close enough to be heard said, “She was packing ready for Camp Everfree tomorrow morning, but is getting a lift from Flash Sentry as she lives on the other side of town.”
“Thank you, Luna. I truly believe the school would fall apart without your organisational skills.”

“Now, where were we?” asked Discord rhetorically, ”Oh yes, I remember; I was going to tell you about who and what lives in Equestria, wasn’t I?”
“I believe it is probably better to know what chicanery we can expect” concurred Luna.
“Well, other than the ponies, who are on the whole charming and generally pretty passive, there are the constellation beasts such as the Ursa Minors, the Scorpios, Ursa Majors and the like that live in the Everfree Forest …”
“What … Everfree Forest, like Camp Everfree?” interrupted Celestia, suddenly growing concerned about the summer camp starting the next day.
“Oh, I shouldn’t be at all surprised. Forested wilderness. Home to mythical beasts. Probably the same” he reeled off dismissively, “Anyway, then you’ve got the timberwolves, bugbears, dragons…”
“Sorry, Discord” interrupted Celestia again, “You mean these creatures are in Equestria at Camp Everfree where we’re taking the children, tomorrow?”
“Well, from what I’ve seen of this world already, I believe they’ll be there but in a different form; you know, a bit less deadly. Probably just butterflies or centipedes with a bad attitude.”

“We have been there before, Sister” Luna reminded her, “And we did not encounter such deadly creatures then.”
“Quite right Princess” he concurred, “But, let’s face it, everywhere you go there is always the chance of running into magic of some kind.”
”Like at the Friendship Games” sighed Celestia despairingly.
“You’re being very negative. Don’t forget you have Twilight Sparkle and her friends; they always seem to turn up at the right time to save the day” he said, turning to face Luna and suddenly correcting himself by adding “… Or night, too.”
“But we can’t put ourselves in a position where we have to rely on our students …” protested Celestia, before she noticed two pairs of eyes staring back at her, Luna with one eyebrow raised, waving her cellphone gently beside her head, her sister’s argument demolished without saying a word.

The sisters spent the next half hour telling Discord about their world, while he in turn regaled them with anecdotes about Equestria, some of which may have even been true, sacrificing anypony and everypony mercilessly to get a laugh. The only part he did not embellish in any way was to explain the risks posed by the rift in the portal and the creatures they could get to encounter.

As the stickiness of the day’s heat gave way to the subtle summer evening scents of jasmine and honeysuckle, a black sports car with distinctive customised yellow lightning flashes purred to a halt in the parking lot and two occupants sprang out to run towards the small group that had formed by the portal.
“Principal Celestia, Vice-Principal Luna!” called out the girl with flame red and yellow hair, then a second or two after staring at the garishly attired character standing with them she stopped in her tracks, “Discord, is that you? What are you doing here?”
“You know him?” asked Celestia, surprised. 
“Yeah, of course. He’s like a legend in Equestria” she replied, then turned to him and asked ”Hey Discord, what mischief are you making here today?”
“Oh, honestly” he said in his hurt voice, “I’m here to help out. Why does nobody ever believe me?”
“Experience” Sunset smiled back at him before giving him a hug.

When she pulled back, she stood next to Flash who was still trying to make head or tail of this stranger.
“What a simply adorable pair the two of you make” Discord declared, snapping his fingers whereupon Sunset was instantly transformed into wearing a top hat and tails while Flash found himself in a bridal gown.
“Discord!” warned Celestia.
“Oh, alright then” he grumbled and snapped his fingers again, returning the two teenagers to normality, “But they did make such a charming couple.”
“Whoa …!” exclaimed Flash, staggering back and checking his T-shirt and jeans were looking just as cool as they needed to be.

“Discord, this is serious” chided Celestia.
“You know, I seriously doubt whether you would be able to survive in Equestria” he remarked, turning to face his accuser.
“It’s OK” reassured Sunset, calming the situation, “This is just Discord being Discord; don’t worry, his heart’s in the right place.”

“Sunset Shimmer, we are all so pleased you were able to come at such short notice, and thank you too Flash for driving her over” said Luna, taking over as her sister and Discord exchanged a few words of their own, ”Discord advises us that a magical rift has developed in the portal and there is a risk that magical Equestrian creatures may be drawn through into our world. As you are familiar with the operation of the portal and are accepted within Equestrian society, you will be able to find Twilight Sparkle far more efficiently than us."
"I could write her" Sunset volunteered.
"I'm afraid there is no time. Discord has kindly agreed to stay here and stand vigil over the portal to intercept any malevolent entity that may come through before a more permanent repair can be undertaken. Now go!”

Sunset gave Flash brief hug and a peck on the cheek before stepping into the portal and disappearing from the early evening of the human world to enter into the spinning multicoloured vortex that transported her along the interdimensional wormhole which had no right to exist.
> 3 Twilight Gets on the Case
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset staggered away from the Crystal Mirror on her hindlegs, wobbling uncertainly as she became accustomed to her equine form once more. The room was deserted, but at least she knew where she was – the Castle of Friendship. She remembered when it had been in Canterlot and then moved to the Crystal Empire, but its most recent residence suited her best, especially as it was Twilight she needed to see.

Making for the door, she became more confident on four legs with each step until by the time she had reached out with her magic to the door handle she was comfortable in the body she had been born into. She knew this castle like a second home, and although its labyrinth of passages and corridors were a maze to all those who ventured into it for the first time, she found her way effortlessly to the Throne Room.

The doors were open, so there was no need for the formality of knocking, but she still did out of courtesy, whereupon four faces turned to see the new arrival. As soon as they saw who it was, they all rushed over to give big hugs to a friend they didn’t see often enough. It was a joyous moment, one for which she closed her eyes just to soak in the love she felt. Everypony was talking at once, and it was impossible to determine who was saying what, but it didn’t matter at all; she was just happy to bask in their friendship.

Twilight moved into a position in front of her where she could be seen clearly, wearing a slightly more serious expression.
“Great to see you again Sunset, but is there some problem? I mean, not that it’s not nice to see you, which it is, of course, but …”
Sunset smiled at the way Twilight had managed to tie herself up in knots in less than a minute of her arrival, but the smile quickly died on her muzzle. Just as quickly as the good mood had arrived, it tailed off as all around quietened down to await an answer that didn’t come, pointing to a darker purpose behind their friend’s unexpected visit.

“Want to tell us, Sugarcube?” she heard a familiar voice drawl by her side.
“When did you last see Discord?” asked Sunset.
There was a general head scratching, nopony being able to put a hoof on exactly when it might have been.
“A week ago, perhaps?” answered Twilight uncertainly.
“Well, he’s in the human world now.”

There was a loud gasp from everypony present.
“But …” stammered Twilight, “He doesn’t go into that world …”
“Didn’t Celestia tell you he wasn’t allowed” chimed in Rarity with her distinctive cultured voice.
“Yes, yes, you’re right” said Twilight looking down at the floor, vexed, then adding slowly, “It was in case he caused too much of a magical disturbance in a world that doesn’t have Equestrian magic.”
“Didn’t used to“ corrected Applejack.
“He says he got sucked through by the pull of a magical vortex caused by a rift in the portal …”

Further gasps all round.
“Oh my” whimpered Fluttershy, “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know” replied Sunset, “That’s why I’ve come to see you.”
“This is bad, this is very bad” chanted Twilight, as she began walking in circles, “This is very, very bad …. ”
“Uh, Twilight …” prompted Applejack gently, ”The mirror …?”
“Yes, yes, of course” agreed Twilight in a flash of revelation, “The Crystal Mirror; that’s where we’ll start! Follow me girls!”
The friends all exchanged knowing glances and trotted out happily behind the lilac Princess whom none would dare to call disorganised, but all would agree was sometimes a little prone to missing the obvious.

Twilight waited impatiently in the room where the Crystal Mirror was stored and stared disapprovingly at the door as it opened almost a full ten seconds after she herself had come in, the tardiness of her friends being something she clearly found inexcusable, but wisely decided not to express to them. She turned quickly and lit her horn, following through all the pipework and wiring, hoping to find something out of place.

Rarity wore a puzzled look on her face and tilted her head sideways as if hoping that something in her head would reconnect and the mystery before her would suddenly reveal itself, but it didn’t. In truth no pony other than Twilight really had any chance in understanding the complexity of the magical device before them.
“I don’t understand it!” she exclaimed, “There’s nothing wrong; it should all be working perfectly!”
“Ah know ah don’t understand how this thingummy works, but down on the farm we say that something is only as strong as its weakest link” stated Applejack, “So what’s the weakest part of this doohicky thing?”

Twilight stopped in her tracks and turned slowly towards the farm pony, her eyes transfixed in a faraway stare, “Yes, yes, what you say could well be right, Applejack. It could work alright on its own, in vacuo, so to speak, but what if …?”
Applejack’s ears pricked up, waiting to give more helpful advice, but the next question was directed instead to the perfectly groomed white unicorn next to her.

“Rarity, has there been any unexplained magical activity recently that I could have missed?”
“I don’t think so, darling” she replied, and then raised her forehoof to her chin to think for a moment, ”Nothing since the last Grand Galloping Gala? Don’t you recall when Discord invited that awful Smooze character? Your magic couldn’t stop it, and neither, if I remember, could Princess Celestia. Maybe there’s a connection between your Princess level magic not working and Discord …?”
“Yes, but wasn’t that up at Canterlot?” interrupted Applejack, ”The Crystal Mirror was here the whole time; now how in the hay would that work?”
“Simple!” declared Twilight, “The Crystal Mirror was originally kept in the Throne Room of Canterlot Castle and the portal is at Canterlot High School on the other side, right? So I think that the portal remains in the Throne Room, but the Crystal Mirror is just the door which is magically connected to it and will work wherever it’s moved to.”
“Like when I came through it into the Crystal Castle to steal your crown?” asked Sunset.
“Exactly” agreed Twilight, ”So when the Grand Galloping Gala was held at Canterlot Castle, it would have been magically right on top of the portal.”
“Right, so when you and Princess Celestia charged up the ooze with, what was it, three spells?” Rarity pieced together, ”The Smooze absorbed it and when he returned to normal he left the highly charged magic behind, but by now it had been converted into Smooze magic.”
“But Discord told me that he and the Smooze have been good friends for years” Fluttershy chipped in, “So maybe their magic is in some way linked?”
“Yes, and I’m guessing that now it’s reaching out to reconnect with other sources of Smooze magic, but because it’s on top of the portal, it’s somehow sending it through to the human world …” Twilight concluded.
“So if Discord or the Smooze is near the Throne Room in Canterlot Castle, the magical residue would draw them in, and the portal would suck them through?” reasoned Applejack.
“That’s what I’m thinking; and I’m willing to bet that Discord was up to something magical near the Throne Room when he was drawn through” grimaced Twilight, ”I think we’re on to something, but I’ll need to talk to him to get the final pieces to fit.”

Twilight turned to Sunset. “You and me?” she asked with a warm smile.
“Like old times” Sunset agreed, giving her friend a hug before stepping into the Crystal Mirror to a chorus of goodbyes and good luck from the friends they were leaving behind.
> 4 Discord Signs Up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“… So I thought to myself; if it’s a catwalk, then surely that discriminates against fashion conscious dogs, so I snapped my fingers like this and … oh!”
Discord stopped in the middle of yet another anecdote, turning his head and lifting his 3D glasses up onto his forehead to see what had come through the portal.

The party of three was settled comfortably in plastic garden furniture seats around a circular plastic table with an umbrella extended above them. The day had given way to a sultry evening and a troupe of performing fireflies was recreating the greatest moments from early Busby Berkeley musicals, but had frozen in mid display when the plinth crackled, heralding some strange magical event. The Principal and Vice-Principal sat open-mouthed as two balloon animals floated out, one lilac and the other orange.
“Discord!” commanded Celestia.
“I know, I know …” he grumbled as he snapped his fingers and their two visitors materialised in the air before a giant bowl of marshmallows broke their fall with a soggy splat.
“Discord!” shouted Twilight, “We’re all covered in something sticky …”
“A thank you would have done perfectly well” he said huffily, snapping his fingers once more, “It was either that or a tank of performing otters.”
“Oh, how sweet!” cooed Luna, ”I would have liked to see that.”
“Maybe next time” he retorted, still miffed at not receiving the thanks he felt he was due.

“Welcome back Sunset Shimmer, and thank you for coming, Princess Twilight” greeted Celestia, ”I’m sorry for your reception, but we didn’t want to take any chances and unfortunately you tripped our defences.”
“They’re pretty good too” agreed Twilight, and Discord allowed himself a little smirk in recognition of her praise. In response he conjured up a throne for her and a car seat for Sunset, while he chose a chaise longue for himself.
“Oh, thanks Discord, but there’s really no need …” Twilight protested.
“Au contraire, ma Princesse” he flattered, levitating her onto its elevated seat.
“Uh … what’s this Discord?” asked Sunset, making herself surprisingly comfortable.
“You mean you don’t recognise it?” he sounded affronted, “Why it’s the passenger seat from your young admirer’s car. From what it’s told me, I believe you have become most familiar with it. Trust me, it’s got a few stories to tell …”
Sunset squirmed uncomfortably, blushing brightly at the reference and Twilight quickly jumped in to take the heat off her.
“So … magical problems … portal leaking magic” she started awkwardly.
“Do go on; I’m all ears” said Discord, suddenly sprouting ears all over his face and hands.
“Ewww! Gross …” cringed Sunset, pulling back in revulsion.

Completely ignoring her friend’s distracting stunts, Twilight briefed them all on what she had pieced together; “Well, it seems it may have something to do with the Grand Galloping Gala, you know the last one where you invited the Smooze? Right, I know this may sound a little crazy, but when Princess Celestia and I tried to stop him with our magic, it had no effect. Now, as magic is neither created nor destroyed but drawn in from around us, that means there was a lot of Princess level magic absorbed by your friend. Now, when he returned to normal there was no trace of it, so I’m guessing that it somehow got absorbed by the castle, right around the place where the Crystal Mirror used to be, and is now interfering with the portal’s operation.”
“So you’re saying that the Smoozinator somehow absorbed your magic and released it as something different?” mused Discord, “How very clever of him.”
“Clever or not, I can’t help thinking that he’s in some way at the root of the problem. Just tell me one thing Discord – were you in Canterlot Castle when you were brought here, and did you just happen to be casting a spell at the time?”
“If I was, which I am not admitting to, you understand, but if I was, then that doesn’t mean you can judge me, alright?”
“Whatever mischief you were up to can wait for later, but at least you have got us one step closer to confirming my hypothesis; thank you. Now what do you know about the Smooze?”

“Oh, he’s a truly wonderful character; tells great knock knock jokes. He’s especially fond of going fishing, but would melt if he got anywhere near the water, so I have to wear him in a little glass jar around my neck. We’ve never caught anything yet; I shouldn’t have the first clue what to do if we did …”
“So, he’s scared of water; a little obvious, but I missed it. Oh, silly me, it’s all coming together…”
“It is?” queried Discord.

“Why was the castle built where it was? Sunset? Discord?”
Blank looks were her sharp response.
“OK, let’s look at it another way then - what’s the most obvious feature?”
“The views?” ventured Sunset.
“The waterfall?” suggested Discord.
“Getting warmer …”
“The lake?” said Sunset, growing more confident under Twilight’s encouragement.
“Yes; it was built there so it not only had good views and was a naturally fortified position, but it has a ready fresh water supply, and a branch that runs right under the castle, you know, so if you’re being besieged, you’ve still got a limitless supply of fresh water. So when the Smooze grew into a mini flood of his own, he ran the risk of bits of him spilling into the water …”
“And being dissolved?” observed Discord.
“Right. So when Celestia and I blasted him, his own natural defence mechanisms would have kicked in and drawn in the magic to protect him from the water that he could sense was close by. Then, when he returned to normal, the magic was left behind, but still trying to draw in more to protect itself, and somehow it must have got mixed up with the portal’s magic, because that’s pretty powerful too and it’s all in the same place.”
“So, once it’s drawn in as much as it can handle, it spills out through the portal …?” mused Discord.
“Bingo!” exclaimed Twilight triumphantly.

“I don’t know about you Luna” admitted Celestia, “But I got lost part way through that.”
“Agreed Sister, but she does tell it with such conviction. I should like to visit Equestria and see this wonderous land for myself someday.”

“So Discord, d’you feel up to going back to Equestria and to help sort this out?” asked Twilight.
“Well, I could, but who would protect this world from nasty things coming through the portal while I’m away?”
“I’ll stay” replied Twilight, “You and Sunset go back together and tell Princess Celestia and Princess Luna what’s happened. They’ll need you if they’re going to find the Smooze and talk with him.”

“The two reformed villains travelling together” observed Sunset with a wry smile, “You sure ‘bout this?”
“I trust you two with my life. Now if you’re quick you’ll be able to catch both the Royal Sisters before Princess Celestia retires for the night.”

“Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow” he soliloquised, blowing kisses towards the Principal and Vice-Principal, “Don’t forget to write …”
The three of them stood up to wave off their friends and the instant Discord had entered the portal, the plastic garden furniture along with the eclectic mix of chairs all vanished as his magic disappeared with him.

“Oh, I rather liked that seat” lamented Luna.
“Princess Twilight” asked Celestia, “I don’t suppose you could just magic up some more seats would you?”
“No. It’s not what my magic’s for, but I will help carry some out from the school if you want.”
> 5 A Transport of Delight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A slight ripple spread across the surface of the Crystal Mirror heralding the arrival of two travellers stepping out together to set hoof back in Equestria.
“Oh Discord!” chirped Fluttershy happily upon unexpectedly seeing her friend. That was not the reaction of either of the other two ponies present, both of whom had been expecting Twilight as Sunset’s plus one and were somewhat more subdued at his arrival.

“My, that was fun!” he enthused, “Reminds me of the time when I accidentally got stuck in a kaleidoscope.”
“You never told me about that” remarked Fluttershy.
“It was far more shocking for the young colt who was looking into it and saw me waving back at him …”
“Oh my” gasped Fluttershy, her tender blue eyes growing wide with empathy, “Was he traumatised?”
“Not until I squeezed myself out of the eyepiece.”
“How gross!” chastised Rarity primly making a sour face, while Applejack shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“Hey, guys” Sunset broke in, “Twilight thinks there’s some magic loose in Canterlot Castle and Discord’s going to help us.”
“Shall we go?” he asked, “Sooner we start, the better, wouldn’t you say? I can take us there if you wish.
“Thank you Discord, that would be nice” agreed Fluttershy, expecting him to teleport them there, but when he snapped his fingers, she was a little disappointed to find that they hadn’t moved.
“Our transport awaits” he announced proudly, “Follow me.”
The friends did as they were bidden and found themselves led out onto Twilight’s balcony where five giant koi carp hovered expectantly, all tacked up with reins, saddle and stirrups and ready to go.

“You don’t seriously expect me to ride on one of those, do you?” Rarity complained petulantly.
“Oh, very well” he sighed and snapped his fingers as a four posted howdah complete with sun canopy popped into existence on the back of one of them, “Now …?”
“If I must” pouted Rarity, raising her nose high in the air and climbing aboard.
“Well I think you’re very nice” said Fluttershy patting her fish appreciatively.
“Allons y!” cried Discord from the front, wearing a cavalry hat and brandishing a sword theatrically in his raised paw, which he then lowered to point assertively towards Canterlot like a brave general leading a heroic charge.

The friends all took firm hold of their reins, except for Rarity who reclined luxuriantly on the plush seating atop her mount and watched as what was surely the oddest convoy ever seen in Equestrian skies set off. The fish made gentle swishing movements and in a few moments had accelerated from a fairly uneventful and languid pace to one so fast that it seemed to make the very clouds part for fear of being hit. Applejack whooped her excitement while Fluttershy closed her eyes and whimpered, but the fish all flew with an uncanny certainty of their every movement that would have given even the Wonderbolts a run for their money.

Within a few minutes they had covered the distance that would have taken hours by train and slowed down as Canterlot Castle came into view.
“Hey, Discord!” called Sunset, “Neat way to travel!”
“Oh, it’s nothing really” he replied nonchalantly, “ A friend at JPL owed me a favour.”
“What’s JPL?” she asked quizzically.
“The Jellyfish Propulsion Laboratory at Bass Adena; they’re really awfully clever. For ponies, that is.”

The fish all came to a halt by the Royal Balcony, although it looked for all the world as they were docking nose in like boats, all except for Rarity’s which was guided alongside with flawless precision. One by one, the friends dismounted, Fluttershy taking time to pet hers and say a nice thank you.

Princess Celestia, alerted by the guards, strutted out assertively onto the balcony, which everypony knew was a part of the castle reserved exclusively for the Princesses and their specially invited guests, ready to deal personally with such a breach of protocol. As soon as she saw Sunset and some of her closest friends, her pace relaxed and the confrontational glare she had worn instantly melted into a warm smile of welcome.

“Sunset, Rarity” she greeted, “Welcome; you too Applejack and Fluttershy; oh, and Discord too, I see. I might have guessed you would be behind such unusual transport.”
“Princess Celestia” he replied warmly, producing a bouquet of flowers from behind him, “Always a delight to see you. Even if you weren’t the Sun Princess, you would still brighten up my day …”
“OK Discord, enough” she said, trying unsuccessfully to withhold a smile, “What do you want?”
“Honestly, if I wasn’t so evolved, I would feel insulted that you should think me that shallow.”
“But we both know you are, so what can I do for you?”

As Discord and Sunset proceeded to outline Twilight’s theory about the leak of magic from Equestria going into the human world, Princess Luna came to join the party, greeting the friends and then listening intently.
“That is a cleverly thought out hypothesis indeed” she concurred, “Shall we adjourn to the Throne Room and see if such a magic residue still resides there?”

The pure white mare led the friends towards the door leading off the balcony, engrossed in catching up with Sunset, while Luna hung behind to learn more from Discord about this other world which she yearned to see for herself. As he approached her, he turned to look back and snapped his fingers, whereupon the fish disappeared, returned to wherever he had borrowed them from in the first place.

“I must say what a pleasure it is that you should choose to wait for me“ he commended, ramping up the charm, “Why, I was looking for an opportunity to complement you on that wonderful new display in the east of the night sky that you only just completed.”
She blushed deeply, her embarrassment showing clearly even through her midnight blue fur.
“I … I am touched that you noticed” she stammered.
“Why, I stay up every night just for the exquisite joy of watching the majesty of the night sky unfold” he said, leaning his head against hers and curling his tail around her.
“Discord” called Celestia from the doorway, tapping a forehoof gently on the doorframe and wearing an admonishing look in her eyes, “Put my sister down, please.”
“But we were getting on so well …” he protested, feigning emotional hurt.
“She doesn’t know you like I know you, you old rogue” she added.
“I do so despise bossy mares” he grumbled under his breath, but caught a sly wink from Luna who had remained beside him.
“Older sister issues” she whispered back pleasantly, and they both shared a secret smile before catching up to the rest of the party.
> 6 No Stone Unturned
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Well Discord” said Celestia once they had arrived at the site of the Grand Galloping Gala, “Care to give it a try?”
He rubbed his chin and focused hard on the floor, clearly thinking about something.
“May I?” he enquired absent-mindedly, deeply locked into his train of thought.
“What …?” had barely left her lips, sensing his question to be complete although he had given no hint what it was he actually wanted.
“Thank you” he acknowledged and suddenly a row of flagstones levitated themselves nine feet in the air.
“Ah ha!” he cried triumphantly as the displaced flagstones suddenly rearranged themselves into a passable replica of Stonehenge, revealing a gully under the floor.

“What have you found?” asked  Celestia, overlooking the neat artistry of the pile of flagstones.
“Well, it struck me that there were no traces of Smooze magic on the floor, which isn’t altogether surprising seeing as how the room had to be scrubbed clean afterwards, and then I reasoned that his liquid form would have flowed down to the lowest level, so I lifted the floor to see what was below. Here, let me show you.”

Celestia watched fascinated as Discord materialised a flashlight and passed it to her.
“This shines light that only reacts to Smooze magic. Point it at something and see for yourself.”
Firstly she aimed it at the floor of the Throne Room and saw nothing, then she directed it into the gully that ran under the floor and it shone bright green. Next she pointed it at Discord and noticed he was green too.
“Surprised?” he asked by way of addressing her stunned expression.
“No, not now I come to think about it” she replied, “You were at college together weren’t you? I shouldn’t be surprised if your magic comes from the same roots if you go back far enough.”

As if in answer to a question that hadn’t been asked out loud, she shone the light at herself and noticed no reaction.
“Different magic” he said, knowingly, “I think you’d better let me handle the cleaning up.”
Celestia did not object, but gave him room as he summoned a squad of enchanted brooms that all started scrubbing down the gully with an iridescent liquid vaguely reminiscent of zap apples. The pails that contained this magically charged liquid waltzed merrily along to where they were needed, partnering up with other pails for occasional displays of spin turns whenever their paths crossed each other as they went happily about their work.

He shot a contemplative glance at the Stonehenge replica and snapped his fingers, the flagstones all turning upside down and arranging themselves into a chess board pattern across the floor as more brooms came along to clean them down too. As the magic was leached away from its surroundings, it was collected in other pails ready for disposal, Celestia looked on impressed.
“How long do you think it will take?” she asked.
“About an hour or two” he ventured, “Maybe three. Shall we have tea while we wait?”
Celestia nodded and summoned a couple of unicorn guards to keep an eye on the magical cleaning process and notify them once it was finished, while despatching a serving pony to order tea and cake from the kitchen.

They all followed their hostess into a tastefully decorated reception room, of which the castle had many, but this one was filled with the most exquisite artwork, most of it painted by Luna. Consequently, this was a special place, one into which she chose only to bring those whom she trusted most and therefore it was not by accident that they all joined her there to be served with the finest delicacies from the kitchen.

“Ah, such subtle use of colour, such powerful expression” waxed Discord, glancing occasionally at Luna from the corner of his eye and watching her blush violently once more, “What tender hoof could have ever captured such beauty, other than one so beautiful herself …?”
“Discord!” rebuked Celestia, “I told you before, my sister is not ready for your heavy duty philandering.”
Applejack made a gesture like she was wanting to force her forehoof into her mouth, while Fluttershy covered her eyes. Conversely, Rarity, ever the romantic, was taking it all in, her eyes sparkling as every flirtatious word kissed her ears.
“Oh, very well” he groaned, raising his forehooves in mock despondency, but sending a subtle wink back to Luna and whispering, “Definitely the older sister.”

The tea and cake arrived, and they all helped themselves before settling down to tell stories and anecdotes from their different walks of life. Time flew by and it seemed like they had barely started recounting their stories when a polite knock at the door interrupted one of Rarity’s anecdotes about a truly disastrous fashion show, and a guard entered to say that all the brooms were now stood still in two rows, the ones at the back carrying pails.

Rarity finished her tale a little more quickly than she had intended, and they all filtered out, Celestia last, helping herself to any cake that looked as if it may be wasted when the room was tidied up. When she arrived, Discord was waiting for her with the magical flashlight.
“If you were to check, I think you’ll find everything in order.”
“Thank you Discord” she said approvingly, casting the light around to satiate her curiosity, “But the test for me will be whether we are still spilling Equestrian magic into this other world.”
“Wise words, of course” he concurred, “But trust me, I have no desire to be pulled through into different worlds when I’m minding my own business in this one, if you see what I mean. To be frank with you, I think it was probably only ever Smooze Face and me that were at risk, and we’ll both be able to sleep sounder now, knowing it’s been fixed.”
“I’m not sure in my own mind whether we can say for certain that is the case” pondered Celestia.
”We must remain on our guard” agreed Luna, “We do not know whether others such as Chrysalis or Sombra may be attuned to this magic also.”

“Well we’ve definitely made a start; now the next step is for me to go back and check the portal at the other end. If you forgive me, I have transport to arrange or my favourite mares won’t be getting home until late, and I simply mustn’t be held accountable for them missing their beauty sleep” said Discord, who then turned his attention to Celestia and stared deeply into her eyes, ”To say goodbye is to die a little …”
“You old fraud, Discord” she retorted with a smile, “You’re immortal.”
“Oh, so I am” he replied, turning his attention to address the other ponies within earshot, “Right who wants to come with me?”

The friends all lined up to say their goodbyes to the Royal Sisters and then trotted off after Discord, but as the last one left, Celestia became aware of Luna looking imploringly at her.
“Tia …?” she asked looking up into her lilac eyes, “I know it is my watch, but …”
Celestia could see the expectation etched across her sister’s face, imploring her to give a favourable response before the party left for Ponyville, and knew she wouldn’t be able to refuse.

“Go on then, but watch out for Discord. He can be devilishly charming when he puts his mind to it” she warned, then added under her breath, ”As I found out to my cost.”
“Thank you Sister, I shall return as soon as I am able” replied Luna extending her neck to give her a gentle kiss. When she turned to follow the others, Celestia could almost see the skip in her every step.
She took a few steps to look out of the nearest window to see the ponies all meet up on the Royal Balcony and saw their happiness as Luna came out to join them.
“So much for protocol” she sighed with a smile and a gentle shake of her head, and turned to face the workload of the Night Court.

Once they were all out on the balcony, Sunset turned to the draconequus and asked, “What are we going to ride back on? I mean, those fish were pretty cool, but I don’t see our rides waiting.”
“I was thinking of something a little different this time” he said with a grin, “Now, are we all ready?”
Having received happy nods from all present, he stood at the edge of the balcony and reached out to the horizon, grabbed a hold and pulled it towards him hoof over hoof, or claw over paw in his case. 

Each tug brought the scenery of near distance closer and crumpled it in an untidy heap as a further horizon came into view until they all gasped as they saw the Castle of Friendship pulled into sight. He kept pulling until the two balconies were almost touching and then instructed, “Well, hop over then”.
Once the ponies had all crossed safely, he vaulted over the balustrades and let go of the scenery, leaving it to unwind like a large sheet of elastic with a loud twoing sound as it sprung tight.

“Discord” gasped Luna, “That was impossible!”
“No my dear, just highly improbable” he replied with a mischievous grin, “So therefore it is a finite possibility, and all you needed was to add a little chaos to make it happen. You know, it suddenly strikes me that I have spent way too much time fighting off your sister’s advances when it is really you I should have been directing my attentions towards all the time, how can you forgive me …?”
“Firstly” said Luna as they walked along the corridor side by side, “I cannot believe it would have been my sister who made advances to you, and secondly, she warned me about you; I am impervious to your charms and you will not get around me so easily.”
“Ah yes, I recall her saying something very similar too, before she succumbed to my desires” he revealed, watching for her shocked response before snapping his fingers and winding back the last few seconds of time so that she was unaware that the conversation had ever taken place, their light hearted banter continuing along a completely different avenue.

They arrived into the room where the Crystal Mirror was stored and stood before it once more, Discord the Master of Ceremonies, bowing off to one side with a top hat outstretched like a ringmaster ready to introduce his next star act. Sunset was making final farewells to her friends and once ready, led the way. As soon as she had disappeared into the vortex, Luna looked questioningly to the draconequus for reassurance and received a friendly smile in return, then tiptoed timidly in, followed by Discord who put on his top hat and jumped in boldly behind her.
> 7 Discord the Hero?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I love this time of day” mused Twilight, ”OK, I’m named after it, but I also like to see the night sky emerge, star at a time to show the constellations. You know, back in Equestria, Princess Luna paints the night sky herself?”
“The nearest I get to that is turning the lights on in the corridors” quipped Vice-Principal Luna, chilling with a drink in her hand. Celestia reclined, looking up at the stars and tried to picture how anyone or anypony could have that amount of artistry or indeed power.

Just then, the portal on the plinth glowed white and Sunset sprang through, greeted by three happy faces. After a few seconds, it glowed again and a duplicate of Vice-Principal Luna emerged, kneeling on the ground for safety, followed by Discord who tripped over her and performed an admirable somersault before springing to his feet and standing upright with his arms outstretched, like a gymnast awaiting applause. When the group of students and teachers rushed to the aid of the unknown arrival in preference to acknowledging his theatrics, he grumped, ”Very well, suit yourselves then; that was vintage slapstick you just totally failed to appreciate.”

“Princess Luna!” gasped Twilight, ”What are you doing here?”
“I desired to see for myself this land of which I have heard such wondrous reports” she replied, “But pray tell, how does one balance upon one's hind legs as you all appear to do so effortlessly?”
Twilight and Sunset supported her on either side, helping her as she gingerly elevated herself up, her eyes wide with apprehension.

Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna stared open mouthed at the apparition standing before them; if Luna had been carrying a clipboard, as was part of her customary uniform, she would have dropped it. Looking back at them was an exact double of the Vice-Principal herself.
Princess Luna could see their surprise, but was equally too shocked trying to take in her surroundings and new physiology to render any further comment immediately.

“Princess Luna” Principal Celestia addressed her, curtseying as befitted an introduction to royalty, “We are honoured to welcome you to our world. We have heard such great things about you, but never thought we would be fortunate enough to meet.”
Around the other side of the plinth, unseen by the others, Discord made a gesture of sticking a finger down his throat and then snapped his fingers with the intention of corralling the fireflies dancing lazily around into a gyrating arrow shape just above Luna, all synchronising their flashes to resemble a neon sign, but nothing happened. Instead, everything behaved as it should and ignored him completely.

Next he snapped his fingers to bring back the airstairs so they could all look for signs of the magic spilling out of the rift, but again nothing happened.
“Oh, poo” he muttered in disgust, realising that even his magic no longer extended into the human world.
He trudged around to rejoin the party, where both Lunas were centre of attention, enjoying a meeting of the closest friends who had never met before.
“Ahem!” he barked loudly, “I don’t suppose there is a ladder we could use to look at the top of this plinth? It appears my magic is no longer available in this world.”
“I know where the janitor keeps his stuff” said Sunset with a wry smile, “Come with me and we’ll see what we can find.”
“Oh, I suppose so” he grumbled, “But you can take the heavy end.”
Sunset gave him a playful punch on his upper arm and then took hold of it gently as she leaned into him fondly and they set off for the school together.

The conversation was buzzing excitedly when Discord returned some time later carrying a step ladder, having clearly relented about making Sunset carry it. He strolled unnoticed up to the plinth and set it up, then climbed up to inspect the site of the rift.
“Well?” asked Sunset from below, “How’s it looking?”
“It could do with a good wash and a scrub down. You have no idea how messy birds can be sometimes. Why, if I had my magic …”
“No, the rift” she asked, rolling her eyes, ”Do stay on track.”
“Oh, yes, yes, yes” he replied with mild indignation, “Gone. I’m afraid to say it’s going to be a lot more boring around here now.”
“Well done!” she cried, stretching up and embracing his legs as the only bit of him she could reach.
“Oh, I say” he giggled, ”Is this some new form of greeting?”
“It will have to do until you come down” replied Sunset happily, ”Thank you Discord, you’ve saved the day!”
“Well finally I’m appreciated” he announced, stepping down and putting his arms gently around the flame haired girl who was hugging him enthusiastically.

Twilight had seen what was going on and led the others over to find out first hand what had happened, but Sunset’s broad smile said it all.
“Has it worked?” she asked, more out of formality.
“Yes, Princess Twilight, your theory was quite right” he concurred, “All I did was make it happen.”
“All you did?” she said, “That’s a pretty big job you tackled there Discord, thank you so much!”
“That’s what friends do, right? Maybe I’m starting to get this whole friendship thing after all.”
“Thank you” said Twilight again, happily embracing both him and Sunset in a big hug.

The party went on in a truly buoyant and happy mood and although Princess Luna was the one who probably wanted to leave the least, it was she who finally brought things to a close, mindful of her duties in Equestria. They walked slowly over towards the plinth, Twilight with Sunset, Celestia with Discord and the two Lunas together, stopping just by the portal to exchange last minute hugs, kisses and promises to meet up again. Then, as the moon looked down on them, they parted ways and three travellers once again faced the spinning vortex that was the wormhole across time, space and dimension.

They all spilled out of the Crystal Mirror into the familiar surroundings of Twilight’s Castle, returned once more to their natural forms, to find a group of colourful mares and a baby dragon waiting expectantly for them, all eager to hear about their latest adventure in the human world. Discord snapped his fingers and a cup of tea appeared resting on a matching gilt-edged saucer. He didn’t actually want the tea, but was just eager to test that his magic was still working. Happy that it was, he opened the nearest window with his magic and propelled the saucer out into the night as he supped from the teacup.
“What was that? Asked Twilight, perplexed.
“Flying saucer” he retorted nonchalantly. 

Luna stared out wistfully into the night sky as if looking lovingly into the face of a dear friend she hadn't seen for a long time.
“What’s up Luna?” asked Twilight, tearing herself away from another conversation.
“It is the same, yet different” she whispered with an undercurrent of melancholy in her voice.
“Come on, it’s time we got you home” comforted Twilight, “Princess Celestia’s going to be worried.”

With a flash of magic, the party suddenly appeared in the warm night air on the Royal Balcony of Canterlot Castle, Discord smiling at the success of his teleportation spell. Their laughing and chattering shattered the lonely stillness that had pervaded just a fraction of a second earlier, alerting the guards, and in less than a minute Princess Celestia had come out to greet her sister, Discord and the friends from Ponyville. She gave orders to the night kitchen staff and shortly a feast had been prepared in the dining room for everypony to tuck into as they recounted their experiences; all except for Luna, who remained outside on the balcony, staring up at the stars, alone with her thoughts, a silvery trickle caught by the moonlight running down from her eyes.

Slowly she became aware of somepony else close beside her and quickly raised a forehoof to wipe away her tears.
“There’s no need for that, Lulu” came a soft and familiar voice.
“You are right, Tia” she replied, feeling a comforting wing stretched over her, “I … I saw another sky tonight and I wish to reacquaint myself with this one, to remind it, and myself how much I love it.”
“Were you wrong to go through to this other world?”
“The ponies, sorry, people, who live there are very nice and I long to meet them again, but I now know I belong here. I am tied to this world and this night sky, and forever will be, Sister.”
“It is the role we were born into” confirmed Celestia softly, giving her sister a tender kiss, “We can never truly leave.”

Just then Discord came out onto the balcony, howling with laughter, sharing a joke with Rainbow Dash. Their moment of shared quiet reflection passed, the Royal Sisters headed back into the dining room to make way for the new arrivals.
“I loved those pranks, Discord” hooted Rainbow, “Especially that one where you turned Sunset and Twi into balloon animals!”
“Well technically that wasn’t a prank, that was more of a defence mechanism” he corrected, “But I can tell you about a prank I’ve played that nopony else knows about, if you want.”
“Cool” she replied, “Like, just you and me, huh?”
“Absolutely. But you mustn’t tell a soul.”
“Hey, you know me.”
“Precisely. Well, while I was saving two worlds, I may have accidently planted a little something here in the castle, under the floor of the Throne Room to be exact.”
“What did you do?”
“You know Princess Celestia has a bit of a thing for cake? “
“Who doesn’t?” agreed Rainbow, trying to keep a straight face.
“Well, I’ve cast a spell down in the gully under the floor that will start to sing every time cake gets brought into the Throne Room. There are ten different songs, so she won’t get bored; If I knew you were comin’ I’d’ve baked a cake, I’m gonna have my cake and eat it too, Birthday cake …”
Rainbow rolled over holding her sides in laughter.
“And because the gully runs underneath the floor, that means the songs will be heard all over the castle.”
“Best prank ever!”
“I’d like to think it’s a small price for all of my selfless work” he smirked.