The Princess and the Draconequus
The Princess and the Draconequus
Canterlot, 1001 AN, (After Nightmare) 1:13 AM
The crickets were chirping, the cicadas were humming and the moon was high in the night sky as a certain Lunar Princess glided swiftly through the air. With gentle flaps she rose up into the dark sky until only her starry mane was visible, and even it was no more than a small speck of light among thousands. From her vantage point high above the ground below she looked out over the vast expanse of land that made up the Kingdom of Equestria. From the frozen north where the Crystal Empire had once been down to the Macintosh hills far to the south and coast to coast from Manehatten, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia in the east to Vanhoover, Tall Tale, and Las Pegasus in the west. Forsooth the Kingdom has grown greatly these many years. Feeling that she had lingered long enough she tilted her wings ever so slightly spilling only the smallest amount of air from her wings and beginning a slow descent.
Far below in Canterlot castle the glittering lights that lit its grand hallways and majestic chambers had long gone out, all save for one that is. But this light resided in a place the Lunar Princess knew all too well, for they burned in the bedchambers of her sister Princess Celestia. A small frown formed across her lips as she gazed upon the flickering light. Dearest sister, what ails you this night? With a new destination in mind a slight adjustment is all that was needed to send her plummeting down to the balcony below. Mere feet from impact and closer than any elite flier could ever hope to safely get the Alicorn threw open her wings, completely stopping her fall and allowing herself to gracefully step onto the hard marble beneath.
Inside a roaring fire burned brightly, casting out the shadows that sought to claim the room in darkness. The bed, made of finely crafted wood with fine silk sheets lay empty as its owner could be seen worriedly pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. Upon closer inspection a parchment, presumably a letter lay on a bedside table moving slightly in the breeze created each time the Solar Princess spun around to pace back across the room. The Princess of the sun continued to pace even as Luna opened the balcony door and stepped inside. Luna trot over to her sister and opened her mouth ready to make her presence known.
"Lulu, you need to read this." Although slightly annoyed at being interrupted before she even had a chance to speak Luna closed her mouth. The golden aura of Celestia's magic surrounded the parchment lifting it from the table and carrying it over to her. Without pause she took the letter in her own magic and began to read.
Dear Princesses of Equestria
You need not know who I am or how I know this, but I cannot in good conscious allow it to happen without doing something to stop it. The whole world by now has learned of the wedding between your niece Princess Cadence and Captain Shining Armor. Be warned though and take care as there are those who would see Equestria burn on such a joyous occasion. I wish I could tell you more but it is dangerous for me to say even this much. Take care and be warned.
Signed
The Messenger
Luna stood aghast, Equestria had not seen conflict on nigh a thousand years not since her own corruption at the hooves of the dreaded nightmare. "Surely it was sent in jest sister, nopony would dare-"
"Lulu, you've been gone a very long time. Things have changed since the days when we were the only formal government in the land. There are many races out there Griffins, Dragons, Diamond dogs, Minotaurs, We've even received reports of seaponies! And even then that's just what we do know, what we don't know is what else could be out there, lurking on the horizon. Even in these thousand years we have yet to explore all of Equus." Before Celestia could continue to vent a blue wing found itself draped over her back.
"Shh shh, enough with all this worry. We shall see it through as we always have." Celestia sighed relishing in the warmth provided by her siblings comforting embrace.
"I have already notified the guards. They will be on high alert until the wedding is over, but it will be a long two days, for them and for us."
"What can I do to help?"
"Lulu as much as it pains me to ask this of you I need somepony to keep an eye on... him." A shudder ran through Luna's spine at the thought of... him. "I know how you feel about him Lulu but should war come to Equestria I do not want... him, to escape because of the chaos." Luna sighed as she looked her sister in the eyes.
"So be it. I shall attempt to restrain myself from smashing that craven common-kissing varlot into dust." Celestia raised an eyebrow, silently prompting her to go on. "And.. I shall also keep him from escaping." Celestia looked down at her sister small smiles tugging at both of their lips.
"I'm so glad your back Lulu."
"As am I Tia. As am I" The sisters spend the next half hour relaxing in each others presence, staring into the fire from Celestia's bed until the Solar Princess finally fell asleep, snoring softly into her pillows. "Goodnight Tia."
Canterlot, Present Time
Luna shook her head free of the memory, that was a day and a half ago and although it did help pass the time dwelling on the past was not why she was here. She had a job to do, no matter how much as she disliked it. Luna spared another glance through the darkened windows, from her vantage point within the observation tower. She could easily see the purplish pink glow of the city-wide shield provided compliments of the groom and guard captain, Shining Armor. Far below, the normally busy streets were subdued and sparsely populated as most civilians were either attending the wedding or taking the day off to spend at home.
But there was one thing she was worried about, fortunately the thing that was causing her worry was not inside the shield, at least, not yet. And to think the day started out so nicely. High above just outside the shield a massive dark cloud was gathering, a cloud made of creatures never before seen on Equestrian soil. Creatures that as of yet had done little more than block out the sun. Surprisingly, the ponies that were still on the streets rather than attending the wedding or remaining inside their own homes were rather calm and they continued to go about their business as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on.
With a heavy sigh Luna closed the curtain plunging the room back into semi-darkness. She frowned and turned to face the only other thing in the room and the reason for her being stuck in here instead of personally leading a platoon of guards to crush the swarm of invaders beneath her their own four hooves. She glared coldly at the statue hoping that just maybe it would explode before her eyes and she would never again have to see its face, she waited and watched, and waited some more but the statue remained.
"Twas a silly thought anyway." She murmured, chiding herself for such inane thoughts. She continued to watch and wait but as the minutes dragged on her mind began to wander once more, going back, way back to when she was still just a filly. Back to her first meeting with this being, the one who called himself Discord.
Location Unknown, 43 BN, (Before Nightmare) 2:13 PM
The sound of foals laughter filled the air along with the occasional splash or two..or three... or.. oh who am I kidding? It was a full blown water war. The two opposing sides sized each other up as they took a brief respite from the battle. The pint sized dark blue Alicorn with a straight blue mane was breathing heavily from all of the activity as her opponent, a not as pint sized white Alicorn with a curly pink mane was contemplating her next move.
"You aren't going to win Luna! Just give up now!"
"Not this time Tia!" Luna's horn lit up only faltering a little as she powered a spell.
"Now what are you doing? You know you're not as good as me at magic." Celestia folded her forehooves a smug grin on her face as she awaited Luna's next move. Little did she know that had she taken the time to only look up she would have realized that the spell taking shape was a water levitation spell. One that currently held nearly one hundred gallons of water suspended 'almost' spherically a few feet above her head. At least, she didn't realize until with one final grunt of effort Luna released all of that water at once. The blob of water now free from its suspension hesitated for only a moment before crashing down onto the older filly's head and creating a small tidal wave that sent both young Alicorns crashing to shore spluttering and gasping for air.
"I...win." After taking a moment to catch their breaths the elder of the two glared at the younger.
"I! But! That's not fair!"
"You never said no magic." Luna chanted as she trotted past her sister. Celestia's mouth stood agape for a few moments before Luna shaking her head gently shut it for her.
"Oh yeah? Well how about we race home then little miss winner?"
"You're just mad because I actually beat you at something."
"What are you chicken? Come on lets race!"
"Ugh! Fine!" Luna began to stretch in preparation for the race that she knew would be close, she may be smaller but she could run almost as fast as her big sister. She could do this, she could win, she could-
"Okreadysetgo!" -not do this. Celestia took off flapping her wings hard as she took to the air.
"Hey! That's not fair you know I can't fly very well yet!"
"You never said no wiiiings!" Celestia singsonged as she laughed. She soared off into the sky towards their home, leaving Luna to watch her fade into the distance, Luna knew she couldn't win, not in the air. Her wings had yet to fully mature and only allowed for short flights, not nearly enough to make it home. With a heavy sigh she began to walk, it was a long way home, and she got to spend it alone. At least it's not raining.
KRACKABOOOM
So much for that. Thunder roared and lightning trailed across the sky as the rain began, going from a drizzle straight to a heavy downpour. Being the reasonably smart filly she was she did the only sensible thing she could think of, she ran. The rain poured and poured as she ran over hills and around big rocks, she lept over small streams and climbed over fallen branches but eventually she was forced to head for higher ground as the land began to flood. "Tia!" She called out hoping for an answer. She ran up a hill taking shelter underneath a great oak tree.
"Tia! Help! Please." During her sprint the cold rain had soaked her down to the bone creating a cold chill that would not go away. She shivered profusely as she sat clinging the side of the tree. "Please somepony help me." She snuggled up as close to the tree trunk as she could and lay there watching the storm rage continuing to shiver away. Time passed, maybe seconds, maybe minutes, or maybe even hours she couldn't tell the difference anymore. All she could tell was that she was cold, she was tired, and with the rain finally stopping *GRRROOOOOoooooohhhh* that she was very very hungry.
Her stomach growled and she shivered some more from the cold that permeated through her dark coat, she slowly rose from the ground and shakily stood. "Somepony! Anypony! Help!" Silence, not even an echo bouncing back in response to her voice. Wearily she started to walk. Food and warmth were a long way away and they were not going to just come to her, she had to go to them. Just put one hoof, in front of the other. Oh, if only I knew how to make a fire with my magic! Then I could at least dry out my coat.
Placing one careful hoof in front of the other Luna managed to make it to the bottom of the hill. But a careless misstep caused the poor filly to trip over her own hooves and get a mouthful of fresh mud. Ow. Maybe I'll just, lay here and rest for a bit. Luna closes her eyes for just a moment as she felt the events of the day fully take their toll, in the distance the occasional crash of thunder from the receding thunderstorm echoed out across the landscape. Then slowly at first, birds began to chirp, normally she would take a moment to sit and listen to the sounds of nature but today this was of no interest to the small Alicorn filly who lay in a puddle of mud at the bottom of a hill. No, what interested this filly was another sound entirely for it was a sound that one would not normally hear in nature, the sound of music. It came from behind her rolling over the hill and silencing all the woodland critters. (You can stop it after 30 seconds, or not it's up to you.)
The music comes closer and closer until it sounds as if it is coming from just a few feet away and then, it abruptly stops. A voice speaks, it cracks a little as he, for it obviously was a he, spoke. "Well what have we here? Little pony, are you okay?" A bout of shivering is her only reply. "Oh dear-" Something warm and furry presses against her forehead just below the base of her horn. "-you're absolutely freezing!" The warmth quickly recedes as he pulls away and a loud snap comes from right next to her just before she is lifted into the air and moved over to a drier patch of grass. Something soft and fuzzy falls onto her back blanketing her entire body in fluffy warmth. The filly lifts up her head, turning to face the mysterious pony. "Just stay right there while I go get somepony!" With her blurry vision she can make out a strange bipedal creature. Another snap and a pink flash of light blind her for a moment, when her eyes clear the strange being is gone. Who was that? What was that? Wait! If he can teleport why didn't he take me with him!?
Canterlot, Present Time
If only I had known the monster he would become. Maybe I could have changed things, possibly prevented his downfall. Luna looks longfully into the statue's eyes. But hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it? With a frown Princess Luna turns away from the statue, returning to the window to check on the shield. Six ponies burst through the castle's main entrance just as the creatures slam into the shield and shatter it completely. By the sun and moon! Chaos... she could feel it, building in the surrounding area and coalescing into the city streets below. It's wasn't long before the chaotic energy began to swell up to the tower seeking its master. With all the speed she could muster Luna conjured a spell to her horn, focusing with all her might she began forming a barrier around the statue, one that could block the chaotic energy. Starting at his feet a shimmering blue aura formed and began working its way up his legs. Come on come on! The swelling chaotic energy raced up the tower, moving fast, too fast as the barrier wasn't going to be completed in time. Hurry up hurry up! Waist. Chest. Shoulders. Almost! At that exact moment the chaotic energy crashed down onto the incomplete barrier causing a bright flash of multicolored light.
Silence, just complete and total silence. Luna slowly opens her eyes blinking away the receding spots before taking a look at the statue before her. From his toes to his neck he was encased in the blue aura of her magical barrier but above that where his head attached to his shoulders was another aura this one swirled and twirled glowing several colors all at once as it completely halted any attempts to complete the barrier she tried to make. And so, she waited, knowing full well that something was about to happen. And then, all at once it did. The stone around Discord's head cracked and exploded outwards creating a cloud of dust that quickly filled the room. *cough cough*
"Honestly would it kill somepony to spring for a cleaning service? This place is just an absolute mess." Luna waves a hoof in front of her face in an attempt to clear some of the floating dust away, when she can finally see again she looks upon a face she has not seen in over ten centuries. Yellow eyes with red pupils move about wildly as he looks around the room his goatee jostling about as he twisted his head this way and that while his smug grin never left his face for a second. Finally his eyes widen with surprise before shrinking down to pinpricks as he spots the only other living thing in the room. "Oh Loony how nice of you to visit, but this is just so unlike you. Are you actually letting me out to play?"
"Be quiet so I can concentrate." Luna's horn glows bright once more as she attempts to complete the barrier once again and reseal Discord's head, Discord's jovial grin fades.
"On what exactly if I may ask?" Luna looks up at Discord who is looking genuinely curious. Why must his voice be so grating? Luna growls a little attempting to bite back the words most unbecoming of a Princess managing to be partially successful.
"On putting your mouth back in with the rest of you! Now be quiet!" The chaotic energy in the air is disrupting the barrier, maybe I can balance it out with a harmonic field- Discord tilts his head slightly a small frown beginning to form.
"Sooo.. you're not here to free me?"
"No, now-" Luna says stomping her hoof angrily only to be interrupted.
"Curious. Then why.. Ah! I can feel it now! All that glorious chaos! But who are these that torture the ponies so? Hmm.. Ah yes I remember these creatures, Changelings if I recall correctly. Did you know they will kidnap a pony and take its place using their transformative magic so they can take the love of that ponies loved ones. Tell me Loony do you know what happens when they suck a pony dry?"
"Something dreadfully unfortunate I'm sure." Luna grumbles still trying to focus on her magic.
"Unfortunate she says... Hah! I believe the best way to describe it would be a... what is it called nowadays? A zombie? Anyway they become completely emotionless husks, they're practically dead inside."
"..." Ignore him, just ignore him and finish the spell.
"Nothing to say about it? I didn't really expect you too-" Discord's sudden silence startles Luna and she looks up to see his shocked expression.
Luna raises an eyebrow at his display. "Discord what are you-"
"She's gone. I didn't think it possible but.. she's just... gone."
"Who is gone Discord? You're not making any sense."
"Can't you feel it? I would think you of all ponies would have been the first to notice." He gazes at Luna expectantly.
"Notice what!?" I swear if this is a ploy of some kind I will personally dig up a muzzle for him. His face became more serious than she had ever seen it before as he stared into her eyes.
"Your sister."
"Bah! She is in the ceremonial chamber for the wed...ding.... she..she's gone." Luna's expression blanked and her grip on the barrier nearly slipped from the shock. Celestia's aura was fading away dipping far below even sleeping levels and it was not because of a teleportation. Luna's mind raced, the implications of Celestia's untimely end were, astronomical. The ramifications unfathomable. It would be the end of Equestria as we knew it. Tia is... gone. Wha- what am I to do now? I have to.. I have to...wait. "I feel something, something else... something strong.. something.. foreign. THAT BEAST HARMED MY SISTER!" Luna grit her teeth, dark thoughts raging across her mind like it was a battlefield.
Although many thoughts sprang to mind only one was more prominent than the others, revenge. Luna glared at Discord the fire in her eyes like staring into the sun itself.
"Loony, you need to calm down-"
"I shall DESTROY THAT CREATURE!" Her use of the royal Canterlot voice shook the room and with her wings flared Luna stomped towards the door making a mental list of things to do to torment the being that dared to harm her elder sibling. In her haste to cause untold suffering she completely forgot the spirit of chaos still only mostly trapped in stone. A spirit of chaos who was rather displeased with this turn of events.
"LUNA STOP!" Luna froze with her hoof halfway to the door handle. Faster than Discord could blink Luna spun around to face him the fire in her eyes seeming to grow with each passing second.
"WHAT!?" She seethed while breathing heavily.
"Luna, Celly's gone. And she's not coming back."
"I know that! That's why I was going to.. going to..." She trailed off as she slumped to the ground. "Oh who am I kidding? If that beast defeated Tia I would stand no chance. Tia always was more gifted at magic."
"The 'beast' that took down your sister must have been a Changeling queen. With the amount of love she undoubtedly would have collected you would be little more than child's play to her. And with Celly out of the way there's nothing to stop her from bringing all of Equestria under her rule."
"Then what would you have me do Discord? I cannot just sit here and await my Kingdom's ruin, I cannot abandon my subjects to these monsters." Discord grins mischievously.
"Well, you could let the rest of me go."
"Out of the question! I cannot trust you any more than a pony can breathe water!"
"But Loony, you've precious few options up here in your little tower. You cannot wait, you cannot go, so why not release me? While you may not have the power necessary to banish the Changelings and their Queen I on the other claw can handle it no problem."
Everfree Village, 40 BN, 3:23 PM
"What do you mean can I do it? Of course I can! No problem!" The young chimera salutes and flies up into the sky hiding atop a carefully prepared cloud just out of sight of anypony happening to pass by from below. Meanwhile A young Luna smiles up at him ready to put her part of the plan into motion. We're going to get Tia so good this time! She won't know what hit her!
"Tia! Tia come out and look at this!" From inside the small wooden cabin located just at the edge of the village a muffled shuffling was heard followed by a white face peering out from the window. Still acting the part Luna smiles and waves to her. The pony inside shakes her head and holds up a book pointing to it and shaking it with an exasperated frown. "Oh come on Tia can't you study later? I really need you to come and see this!" The white Alicorn sighs and disappears from the window, a few moments later the door to their little home opens and Celestia steps out into the sunlight.
"What is it Luna, did you find a strange animal in the forest again?"
"No this is much better! Come over here and see!" Celestia shakes her head and reluctantly trots over stopping just a few feet from Luna, directly under Discord's cloud.
"Well where is it Luna?" Celestia looked at Luna as the young mare started to giggle. "Why are you laughing? What's so fun-" A single snowflake flutters down landing daintily atop Celestia's nose. "Is that a snowflake? It's the middle of summer how can their be a snow-" Celestia is interrupted as a massive pile of snow plummets from Discord's cloud completely covering her in a cold blanket.
"Hahahaha! Hey Celly! You looked a little sunny down there so I thought I'd help you chill out!" The pile of snow begins to glow a golden yellow before exploding upwards back into Discord's cloud. With a yelp the draconequus plummets to the ground covered from head to toe in snow and looking much like a snowequus. This turn of events left Luna in hysterics giggling madly as her hooves flailed wildly in the air. While Celestia looks over their newest lawn ornament a smirk upon her face.
"Why yes Lulu this is much better." Celestia's smirk turns into laughter as Discord shakes the snow off, hitting Luna with a glob of snow. The filly stops rolling on the ground and rubs at the spot for a moment eyeing the snow, then with a mischievous smile she grabs it with her magic.
"Snowball fight!"
Canterlot, Present Time
"Loony? Loooony? Are you still in there? Hellooo?" How Discord had managed to get right in front of her she may never know but the shock of Discords sudden appearance causes Luna to jump.
"I'm, yes, just remembering better days."
"Well I'm glad you have the time to waste daydreaming while your subjects are suffering, they could have already been saved by yours truly you know."
"I never did understand Discord, why you did it Discord . Why did those ponies have to die?"
"Whoa whoa whoa, where did this come from? I thought we were talking about the Changelings, you know, the ones still rampaging across Canterlot?"
"Discord you know well why I cannot release you, the threat you pose not only to Equestria but to the world is far too great."
"Luna, the world needs chaos! The sun and moon don't need you and your sister to raise them. The weather doesn't always need to be created by pegasi, and animals can take care of themselves!"
"I remember a long time ago when Equestria was in chaos it was a dangerous place for ponies, the erratic motions of the celestial bodies would turn thriving communities into frozen wastes or boiling deserts, unpredictable weather would destroy farms and lives while monsters and beasts roamed the lands creating terror in their wake."
"I see you still can't see the good of that."
"How can I see death as good? Tell me this Discord!" Discord stared at Luna as she glared at him a frown on her face. Discord's face softened as he sighed somehow letting out a blast of air from his petrified lungs.
"Death is a natural part of life Lulu, even you should know that." Luna's eyes widen as she struggles to maintain a level voice.
"You use forbidden magics on helpless ponies and forest creatures and say the deaths caused were a natural part of life!?"
"Their-"
"What about the other ponies that were harmed!? The ones that came looking for their loved ones? Were their deaths natural!?"
"Nopony was supposed to-"
"THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO WHAT DISCORD!?"
"To be there! I was testing myself! Pushing my powers as far as they could go! I was going to put everything back to the way it was when it was all over but I hadn't finished! And then those ponies arrived, they were frightened by the creatures I had created and out of fear they lashed out, I lost control after that. And, well... you saw for yourself what happened next."
Everfree Forest, 22 BN, 11:32 PM
Luna stumbled in the darkness once again tripping over yet another root and tumbling to the ground. Yelling and screaming filled the air as a monstrous roar from a beast unknown echoed across the forest. "Hurry up Luna! I think it's coming from over here!" Celestia helps her sister back to her hooves and together they rush off towards the source of the disturbance.
A short time later the two sisters find themselves in a clearing, contained within it was a sight that made Celesta turn green and Luna lose a hay bacon and daisy sandwich to a bush nearby. All across the field was blood, ponies of every race were torn limb from limb and strewn haphazardly around the once green field as monsters of all shapes and sizes chased around the remaining ponies. They were beasts seemingly straight out of a horror story, from massive Hydra's, Manticore's and Timberwolves, to ponylike creatures such as wereponies, and vampires and countless more all unidentifiable to either Alicorn.
More screams for help called out from across the field while atop a stone pyramid at the very center was a draconequus, his expression was indiscernible at this distance as he floated from one side of the pyramid to the other watching the carnage. Celestia lowered her head and growled. "These monsters are covered in Discord's magic. I knew he would have something to do with this." Luna looked on in shock, here was this being she thought she knew. One she had called friend, one who had rescued her as a small filly, one who would play funny pranks on ponies to brighten their day, one who was now watching as beasts of his own creation tore apart the helpless denizens of Everfree village. Only one thought crossed her mind as it escaped her lips.
"Why?"
"Help!" A frantic shout from nearby drew their attention to the beasts that were still causing rampant carnage. With a large tooth filled maw gaping and eyes red with fire a part lion part scorpion like creature lunged at a red earth pony mare as she closed her eyes to await the end.
"Sister! The Manticore!" The mare waited but when nothing happened she opened her eyes to see the monster trapped in a golden glow still gnashing its maw at her. Celestia and Luna strode forward into the clearing easily capturing all of the beasts in their magic and bringing them together where they were placed inside a dome shield. The few remaining ponies gave shouts of praise at their salvation but were quickly overpowered by the groans and wails of the injured and dying.
Still staring in wonder at the Alicorns the mare was approached by Celestia. "Are you okay?"
"I'm f-fine, but I'm going to be having nightmares about this for as long as I live."
"You are safe now fear not the dark little one." Luna said as she stepped forward and smiled at the mare.
"T..thank you." From all around ponies could be heard moaning in untold pain while still others stumbled about aimlessly from injuries or shock. With a frown Celestia turned to look over the field.
"Please tend to your friends and neighbors, we have an important matter to attend to."
"O..of course." Taking a long look around the mare heads off into the mess of blood and ponies. The Alicorns turn their attention to the pyramid quickly going airborne and flying up the steep steps. Upon arrival at the top they find the draconequus in question looking over the opposite side of the pyramid. They could hear him muttering to himself in hushed almost frantic tones but were unable to make out his words.
"Discord! What is the meaning of this madness!?" The draconequus spins around to face the two, his normally coy smile and shining eyes were long gone, replaced by a frown and eyes that darted nervously back and forth between the two.
"I-"
"Many of these ponies had families! They were simple farmers and traders! How could you do this?" He stood stock still staring into the eyes of both Alicorns. Luna tried to meet his gaze but found she could not while a heavy heart filled with betrayal kept her from speaking.
"You leave us no choice Discord! Such vile acts must be punished!" His eyes went wide as Celestia's horn began to glow. With a small grunt a large ball of golden energy was heaved at Discord, but this was all lost on Luna as she took solitude within her own mind.
"No!" With a simple click of his claw he conjured a shield around himself. As the ball came into contact with Discord's pink shield it exploded knocking back both Alicorns in the process. Surprised by the sudden blow Luna fell and landed heavily to the grassy ground far below knocking the air out of her lungs and causing the world to spin into darkness.
Canterlot, Present Time
"I seem to be reliving the past as of late."
"Must be a side effect of hanging around an old friend."
"You are not my friend Discord. You were once long long ago but-" At that moment a massive buildup of energy exploded out of the ceremonies room expanding quickly as a pink bubble expanded out of the castle and across the entire city.
"What was that? I've never felt anything like it before." Princess Luna took but a moment to savor the fact that she knew something the draconequus did not for she did know what it was and didn't mind sharing.
"That, Discord, is the power of love conquering even the might of the Changelings."
"Oh, how droll. I guess that means you won't need me to save the day after all."
"I still don't believe you would."
"As much as I hate to admit it Loony I do need ponies to appreciate all of the chaos I create. After all, what's the point in putting on a show if you don't have an audience?"
*sigh* "The Changelings are gone and peace is restored, that means no more chaos to fuel your magic."
"So back into stone I go then? Could you at least-"
"No."
"But I just wanted-"
"No Discord.
"Fine, goodbye then, toodles and all that, see you in what? Another thousand years maybe?" Luna rolled her eyes as her horn took on a brighter hue.
"Goodbye Discord." Luna's horn began to glow even brighter as she prepared the final push to reseal Discord completely into stone.
"Wait!" The abruptness of the shout causes Luna to lose her concentration and nearly drop the barrier completely, but she manages to hold it together.
"What!" Discord frowns and scrunches up his face as if he was smelling something rotten.
"Oh poo seems old Celly is still alive after all."
"Tia?" Luna could barely hold her excitement as a massive grin found its way onto her face.
"Yes yes save your emotions for a being that still cares. Now, I want to tell you something before I go."
"What could you possibly need to tell me right now?"
"Oh just that chaos is always unpredictable and can be very, resourceful given the right circumstances."
"What are you talking about Discord?" Luna glared at him his jovial smile returning as he shook his head.
"That would be telling wouldn't it? No, I won't tell you but I can give you a hint." Discord closes his eyes and a few moments later his horns begin to glow after a few seconds they flash pink and standing on his now hornless head are two mini Discords.
"What the Tartarus!?" Too shocked to act Luna only lets her jaw drop at the sight. The mini Discord's snap their claws and disappear in a pink flash leaving the real Discord's head with two barren patches of skin. Discord opens his eyes and stares down at the shocked Princess a jovial grin on his face.
"I don't know what they're going to do either."
A few hours later Luna takes one last look at the statue of Discord, his face is contorted into one of intense pain, he also may or maynot be missing several teeth but she was sure nopony would notice the difference. Making a beeline for the window she nudged it open and stepped out onto the balcony.
The afternoon sun was setting as she gazed over Canterlot, any fires had long ago been put out and had since stopped smouldering, from the sound of the crowd down below the wedding had turned out okay in spite of the invasion. Though she questioned him thoroughly she gleamed no further information from Discord. It was almost as if he really didn't know what they were planning. With a sigh she spread her wings and took flight. She quickly spotted Celestia and started her descent, only for a streak of rainbow to zoom past and explode in a sonic rainboom mere moments later, the resulting shockwave buffeted the Princess causing a severe rocking as the air currents reverberated. Great moon! Luna steadied herself and as she neared the ground the culprit slowed to a stop nearby.
"Best... wedding... ever!" Ah yes Rainbow Dash if I recall correctly.
With the grace one would expect of a Princess, Luna landed next to her sister. "Hello, everypony. Did I miss anything?"
Pinkie Pie smiled broadly as she pulled another pony out from under a table. "Let's get this party started!" A microphone was thrown towards Twilight who caught it easily in her magic as she began to sing.
Lunar Bedchambers, 1001 AN, 2:25 AM
Finally, this day is over. Princess Luna thought as she tossed her regalia off to the side. She would deal with it later right now she needed some rest. After sending the happy couple off on their honeymoon some rather pointed questions were directed her way by some of the nobility as to her whereabouts during the invasion. Celestia, fortunately overheard and directed them away for the time being. After that Luna's time was spent in Celestia's chambers detailing her time spent with Discord. To which Celestia responded with 'That is troubling.' Luna climbed into her bed snuggling up under the covers as she felt the stress of the day melting away into peaceful slumber.
From atop her dresser a lone pair of glowing yellow eyes stared out at the scene. As the moon shone in from the window revealed by a drifting cloud the mini draconequus frowned a twinge of sadness barely visible in its gaze that quickly passed. A flash of light and it was gone allowing the dust to settle back once more.
Author's Note
Image by KP-ShadowSquirrel.
Song by Sim Gretina.
And a thank you to mlprandom for putting together the video clip.
Thank you for reading! I've gone over this several times but I know I probably missed something please let me know if you find it. Thanks! And before anyone asks no I will not continue this, it's a side story. This is the way it is supposed to end. If you want more from this universe go read the main story. WHY DO I HAVE HOOVES!?
