Chapter I: The Queen Unkeen
Princess Celestia and Luna currently sat at a banquet table, each flushed red entirely as they looked highly uncomfortable and troubled while tossing awkward glances to one another. Princess Celestia in particular had her forehooves raised to her face as she gave Discord whom was sitting at the far opposite end of the table a steady glare. She finally spoke, "So let me get this straight Discord. You wish for my dear little sister and I, and perhaps a large cluster of my subjects to not only act as your slaves for the time being, but submit ourselves to the orders of some spoiled tyrannical child causing issues for my dear allies Saddle Arabia?" There was a moment of silence before Princess Celestia rose and slammed both her forehooves onto the table in an angered manner. "Have you lost your mind Discord!? This is intolerable!"
Princess Luna added in. "Absolutely! Better yet we must act at once! Now that we know who this child is!"
Discord rose now himself as he shook his paw and claw frantically, desperately, in order to explain. "W-Wait, wait wait wait wait! Pleeeeease Celestia! Let us be reasonable here! D-Don't you two see? Do you truuuuuly believe it'd be wise to pick a fight with one of my kind? She may be a runt mind you but she is no pushover. Let us mention that you know nothing of her powers. It would be quite the risk." Discord snickered beneath his breath nervously as he twiddled his paw and claw, looking at them in an almost pleading manner as he spoke.
Princess Celestia groaned heavily as she continued to glare at him. "What do you mean? She is a draconequus."
Discord rose one sharp claw eagerly. "Ah! But did you truly think that we were that predictable Celestia? Of course not! Each and every one of us draconequus has our own systematic theme towards our magical talents, as does dear Little Ataxia. Should you choose to expose what you've done to me, you risk not only losing but also putting all your subjects in danger. Is that risk truly worth it over some pride?"
Princess Celestia flinched as she glanced to the lower left in question and hesitation. "Ugh!"
Princess Luna glanced over at her sister. "S-Sister, perhaps we should comply just this once. Discord's race is abnormally powerful and we have only just learned there was another one of them to begin with. W-We should not jump so hastily into a conflict with a now ruling body of Saddle Arabia, despite our personal beliefs and concerns. We should take the time to learn from her, muster a strategy. W-With us disguised as Discord's slaves, perhaps it will allow us to learn more valuable information we can use later on to combat her with."
Princess Celestia sighed heavily as she closed her eyes and frowned bitterly. "You,....Y-You are right Luna."
Discord couldn't help but smile eagerly in response to this.
Princess Celestia however made sure to return to giving him that steady glare. "Discord! The moment this visit of hers is through, you are to inform us of all the information you have on her. Should you deceive us, the consequences will not be discussed lightly."
Discord scoffed as he shooed them. "Oh come now! I care little for what you do AFTER she's gone! All I need to happen is for my reputation to remain intact with my own kind! What troubles you seek to cause her are of little concern to me family or not!" Discord couldn't help but smirk at Celestia and Luna in question. "Do this little favor for me Celestia, Luna, and you will have all the information you need on Ataxia. Draconequus were never known for their loyalty to one another. This will go a long way I assure you."
Princess Luna and Celestia looked at one another again before sighing even further.
Princess Celestia gave Discord a tired stare. "So when exactly does she arrive Discord? How long do we have to prepare?"
Discord almost immediately leaped over to them while full of jitters and absolute excitement. "Oh thank you thank you Celestia! Luna! You two are the absolute greatest! I promise I won't forget this! Well, to be frank, uh-" he flushed red with a cheeky grin, "Till tomorrow."
Princess Luna and Celestia rose yet again shouting in unison. "TOMORROW!?"
Discord shrugged absently as he puckered her lower lip. "Well what can I do!? She is eager to see me afterall."
Princess Luna snarled as she covered her face with a hoof. "How're we supposed to prepare this ruse by tomorrow?"
Princess Celestia glanced worriedly over at her sister. "Indeed, and she will inevitably see how Equestria is not what she envisions it to be by then. We cannot possibly inform everypony of this dire information in such a short amount of time. It is impossible."
Discord cut into the conversation absently. "Oh I wouldn't worry too much about that."
Princess Luna and Celestia's eyes widened again momentarily as they glanced on over at Discord.
Discord continued with a smirk. "We draconequus can travel vast distances almost instantaneously. To be quite honest I was relieved to find she wasn't immediately heading over here. Last she'd heard I was the ruling body of Equestria, and Canterlot is the central point of all of the pony nation. She will inevitably be choosing to arrive here through the use of a portal. So all we must do is keep her stuck here for her visit!"
Princess Celestia gave Discord a worried stare with uncertainty. "A-Are you sure Discord? A lot is at risk here."
Princess Luna added on. "Yes, if we are too unprepared I would rather spend time setting up our defenses rather than this ruse."
Discord turned absently in midair as he began exiting the room. "All will go just fine as long as you listen to me I assure you. Now that you two know this, we cannot sit around dilly dallying any longer! We still only have until tomorrow! So come come! We must inform your-"
But Princess Celestia cut him off hastily. "One more thing before we go Discord!"
Discord's eyes widened as he paused abruptly and glanced back at them impatiently. "What what what!?"
Princess Celestia glared at him yet again. "Should things go south with this Ataxia, I need to know that you will stand by us."
Discord flinched as he hesitantly glanced down towards the ground with a troubled expression as if in deep thought.
Princess Celestia persisted with a fastened glare. "Discoooooord...."
Discord turned as he swiped his claw. "O-Of course! I would DARE not betray dear Fluttershy once again! She is my dearest friend!"
Princess Celestia closed her eyes and smiled with relief. "I am glad to hear it."
Discord frowned a bit as he turned back towards the door sluggishly. "N-Now can we go? We have much preparation to do."
Princess Celestia nodded, finally the two of them in agreement. "Most certainly." As she began trotting out.
Princess Luna sat there in some deep thought however with a hoof raised to her muzzle in silence.
Princess Celestia glanced back at her sister in question. "Luna? Is everything alright?"
Luna's eyes widened in surprise before she looked over at Celestia. "Ah yes sister! I am coming!" She then hastily trotted on over beside Princess Celestia as the two now trotted close behind Discord and made their way out of the banquet room. I hope it is at least....
The next morning, Discord, Luna, and Celestia all stood in front of Canterlot Castle.
Princess Celestia and Luna looked extremely embarrassed as they were adorned in some ridiculous servant gowns.
Princess Celestia was red in the face as she growled at Discord. "This better work Discord..."
Princess Luna added on with a grumble of her own. "For your sake mind you."
Discord who was adorned in royal garments had his arms crossed as he glanced down at them. "It will, if you just listen well enough."
Princess Celestia sighed as she trotted forward to address her subjects who were all currently standing in front of the castle. They'd created a center pathway for the arriving draconequus to make her way through as well, as each and every one of them all wore fake collars and chains as if to play along with the role. Some of them even looked fairly excited while others trembled, unsure about this entire thing. Princess Celestia took a moment to glance over the lot of them as a look of affection washed over her. She then put on a serious expression as she began to dress them in her Canterlot voice. "My dear and loving subjects! I thank you all for listening to my plea, and understanding that what we do is for the greater good of all of Equestria! Our guest should be arriving soon! And none of this would have been possible without the compliance of each and every one of you! For that, I am eternally grateful! N-Now, let us put on a show!" She chuckled a bit.
The ponies of the crowed all began stomping wildly in proclamation of what appeared to be excitement and determination.
Princess Celestia took a few trots back as she gulped, glancing worriedly up and over at Discord. "The floor is yours Discord..."
Discord nodded as he smirked, making his way forward as he wore a fancy crown. "Plaaaaces, places everypony!"
Suddenly the ponies began shuffling into positions as they all started to kneel before the path, many of them doing so with hushed chuckles.
And despite the fact that they seemed to be enjoying it, Princess Celestia's expression saddened in worry for them.
Princess Luna suddenly called out to the two of them. "D-Discord! Celestia!"
Princess Celestia snapped out of her train of thought as she hurriedly glanced over at Luna in confusion.
Princess Luna pointed a hoof towards the center of the pathway.
Suddenly the sky grew dark as all seasons of the year began to course by in mere seconds. It snowed, and rained, and the sun beamed all instantaneously at the same time as thunderstorms echoed across the plains of Equestria. In the center of the pathway, reality began to distort and shimmer, crackling with magical power as a portal started to form. Sparks of electricity struck the pavement as pieces of concrete began to rise from the ground and levitate in the air as the very ground began to tremble lightly, amassing a sense of fear.
Princess Celestia looked down upon the path with a grave expression as her mane flowed erratically with the strong winds.
Princess Luna's eyes were wide with awe as she watched the portal form.
Discord however wore a look of boredom as if he'd seen this type of thing a million times.
And soon, all the strange weather ceased entirely as a portal immediately formed in the center of the pathway. It remained elevated there in a tranquil form, showing only shimmering blue waves from within. It let off an awry echo, like winds gliding across distant plains.
The canterlot ponies kept their heads lowered as many of them trembled while some were now covered their heads with their hooves.
The guards all remained steadfast and stood at attention, however many of them also wore somewhat worried expressions.
Soon two figures began to emerge from the portal, trotting down what looked like wooden steps.
All eyes widened with interest as they continued to watch the portal.
The two figures exited the portal completely, revealing they were two muzzled ponies adorned in royal garments as they each also held a polearm in one hoof. They suddenly laid out a long elegant red carpet as they now each stood on one side of the carpet and knelt down.
And finally emerging from the portal was an almost pony-like figure, with two feline paws, two hooves and a slithery living tail. She crackled with yellow magical aura while adorned in a beautiful golden dress as she'd stepped out the portal on all fours with a warm smile.
Princess Celestia watched her much like Luna, both stunned and mesmerized with awe. So, this was the draconequus.
Chapter II: The Royal Perspective
Discord spread his arms gleefully and full of supposed delight. "My deeeeear Ataxia! Welcome weeeelcome!" He stood at the top of the steps leading into Canterlot Castle at the moment, with both Luna and Celestia standing patiently at his sides with disgruntled looks.
The fellow draconequus's eyes widened as she'd exited from the portal, now standing upon the red carpet leading up to the Canterlot steps. She was immediately overcome with excitement upon seeing Discord. "Mister Discord! It's so good to see you!" She momentarily glanced to her left and right at her accompanying slaves. "Slave 1, Slave 2, you can rise now." She wore a cheery smile while addressing them.
Both her accompanying guards rose as they nodded to her, then standing firmly at her sides much like Celestia and Luna.
Ataxia's look of glee never left her as she glanced around again with interest, looking at the various unicorns who were knelt down in the crowd. "What wonderful pony slaves! They all look so obedient!" And she gasped looking towards the top of the steps as she raised both her hoof and paw to her cheeks with ecstatic glee. "A-AND PONY PRINCESSES!? THEY'RE SO AMAZING MISTER DISCORD! A-And, and-" but the draconequus raised a brow as she tilted her head to the right in confusion. "Why aren't they kneeling? Are they sick?"
Discord's eyes widened suddenly himself as he snickered a bit nervously. "O-Oh yes! Uh no but-" He glanced to his right first at Princess Celestia before manifesting a copper rod and smacking her in the flank with it. "Kneel you Princess! Have you forgotten your manners!?"
Princess Celestia immediately flinched before snarling fiercely at Discord with a brow twitch of unbridled fury.
Discord flinched as he gave her a pleading look as he pointed a discrete thumb at Ataxia nervously.
Ataxia remained wearing a confused expression as her head was still tilted to the right.
Princess Celestia blinked a bit in realization before nodding grumpily and speaking. "O-Of course, Loooord Discord."
Discord smiled earnestly as he then glanced on over at Luna. "You as well Princess of the Night."
Princess Luna groaned as she was red in the face before kneeling her head down. "Ugh, this is utterly ridiculous."
Both Luna and Celestia were now laying firmly upon the pavement as they remained knelt down beside Discord.
Discord swiped his copper cane. "NOW RISE!"
Celestia grumbled beneath her breath as she was still knelt and spoke in a sinister tone. "You just said to kneel...."
Discord repeated himself with a tap of his copper cane. "RISE PONY PRINCESSES!"
Celestia and Luna groaned with irritation as they both rose, now standing beside the draconequus yet again.
Ataxia was clapping her paws together with a joyful expression as she giggled. "Wow, so amazing Mister Discord!"
Discord suddenly poofed the three of them down to the pathway, now standing before the fellow draconequus.
Ataxia couldn't help but regard Discord with a look of absolute adoration while her snake tail slithered and glanced around with suspicion at the background. Ataxia spoke then as she glanced around at the ponies again. "Such great ponies here! They all listen so well!"
The canterlot ponies remained knelt down on each side of the path with their heads lowered and eyes closed.
Discord shrugged absently while leaning on his copper cane before adjusting his crown. "Oh weeeeeell, you know, all in a days work I suppose. The ponies of Equestria were no pushovers mind you. But of course, they stood no chance against a true draconequus."
Ataxia wore a sheepish smile as she chuckled softly. "I see I see! But Mister Discord, I have a question!" She glanced up at the sky then as she looked around with a slightly skeptical expression while filled with playful curiosity. "What's with the setup? It's very clean here."
Discord flinched as he placed a claw on his lower lip in shock. "C-Clean!? W-Whatever do you mean!?"
Ataxia continued with a raised brow. "I mean it's veeeery organized! Do you not like the state of chaos anymore?"
Discord's eyes shifted from left to right nervously as he noticed they did totally forget about adding that chaotic touch to the scenery. He rubbed the scruff of his chin before swiftly raising a sharp finger up into the air with enthusiasm. "W-Weeeeell that's because! That's because the ponies of Equestria are SUCH efficient servants that they are able to clean up even MY chaotic touch! Amazing isn't it!?"
Ataxia began clapping her paws together again in excitement. "Oh yes oh yes! I see I see! That is very amazing!"
Discord closed his eyes as he placed a paw on his chest before exhaling with deep relief.
"I'd very much like ta see that myself!" Ataxia suddenly exclaimed.
Discord's eyes snapped wide as he immediately looked to his fellow draconequus who was raising her paw. "W-Wait! Wait wait wait!" He then leaned forward as he immediately snatched Ataxia's paw to prevent her from doing anything drastic. "P-Perhaps later on hm?"
Ataxia looked troubled as she glanced up at him as he held her paw firmly. "How come Mister Discord?"
Discord raised his claw again. "They are faaaaar too tired after cleaning up to prepare for your arrival."
Ataxia appeared enlightened by his words. "Oh I see! Yes, that makes sense hmhm." She chuckled closing her eyes as she took a moment to glance at Luna and Celestia, particularly striding on over to Luna first. "You are such a pretty slave princess. Can I pet her Mister Discord?"
Princess Luna's brow twitched as she glared down at this child.
Discord flinched yet again as he muttered nervously while twiddling his claw and paw. "But of course, she is...uh, quite feisty however."
Ataxia began absently stroking Luna's coat with one of her paws in delight, chuckling softly while doing so.
Princess Luna did all that she could to hold herself back from saying anything, and refused to make eye contact with the child.
Ataxia soon made her way on over to Princess Celestia as she raised her paw up to her muzzle. "I know you are being attentive slave princess, but I will allow you the honor of kissing my paw! I'm sure the gesture itself will make your day! I really like you so I thought this would be a nice gift." She tilted her head to the left and closed her eyes, chuckling softly as she kept her paw raised for Princess Celestia.
Princess Celestia muttered with an avoiding glance. "Thank you child but I shall pass."
Discord cringed heavily with a shocked expression as he stood a few feet behind his fellow draconequus.
Ataxia's eyes widened significantly as she looked fairly confused while still wearing that kind smile. Her brow twitched momentarily as she seemed to be worried for Celestia's health. "O-Oh? Are you sick? Do kiss my paw, I'm sure it would make you feel better."
Princess Celestia's gaze drifted down to the little draconequus. "I very much doubt it."
Ataxia just stared plainly back up at Celestia in absolute confusion, not used to these forms of responses.
Discord got between both Celestia and Ataxia then as he laughed nervously. "Ohohoho! She is quite the comedian as well!"
Ataxia looked over at Discord with a raised brow. "O-Oh? This is a form of humor in these lands? Now it makes sense!" She leaned to her side to get a good look at Celestia again before stating. "Your slave muzzle would not be suited for such a task anyhow yes?"
Princess Celestia turned red as she began to steam absently.
Ataxia looked back up at Discord happily. "Like that Mister Discord!?"
Discord nodded. "Why yes, exactly like that!"
Ataxia began clapping her paw and hoof together happily.
Discord eventually spun his copper cane then pointing it towards the castle. "Shall we go explore the castle a bit hm?"
Ataxia stood beside Discord, peering up at him anxiously. "Why yes Mister Discord! That would be wonderful!"
While currently in the background, Princess Luna was holding back Princess Celestia from charging the child draconequus.
Now having entered the castle, it was only Discord, Ataxia, Luna, Celestia and the child's two muzzled pony escorts. Ataxia couldn't help but take admiration in the castle as they were currently strolling through it. "T-This is such a nice big castle Mister Discord! Mine is pretty big to but it is still being worked on. I can very much tell that you allow the slaves to do the interior decorating! It is very pony-like!"
Discord shrugged with a light smirk while his eyes were closed. "As said, all in a days work. But if I may ask my dear-" he suddenly ported on over to her opposite side before poking her with his copper rod. "How did one such as yourself manage to subdue Saddle Arabia?"
Ataxia glanced on over at him. "W-Well um, it's a very long story. But there's still lots of ponies who don't listen for some reason. T-They're not very strong and they are easily scared so I think they will become great slaves in the future soon." She closed her eyes and smiled with determination before doing a hoof pump. "All I must do is be more cruel and mean to them and they will come around eventually yes!"
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna couldn't help but listen absently in the background with troubled expressions.
Discord nodded as he raised his head with a smirk. "Why yes, you are doing as a draconequus should perfectly." He raised a brow at her again however skeptically. "But that still didn't answer my question. How did you manage to take over some of the region?"
Ataxia raised a brow at Discord before her tail started to hiss in response. Ataxia glanced back at the snake as if listening to it.
This caused Discord to flinch as his eyes fastened onto the snake then to.
Ataxia nodded to the snake a few times as she chuckled. She returned her attention to Discord. "Maybe later Mister Discord!" She continued making her way down the hall eagerly as she glanced around a bit before becoming a bit jumpy. "Can we go to the throne room!?"
Discord span his copper rod yet again before closing his eyes. "Why of course we c-"
But almost immediately Ataxia pointed a hoof at Princess Celestia. "Not you Mister Discord! That one!"
Discord, and even Princess Celestia and Luna all flinched in response as they spoke in unison. "W-What!?"
Ataxia began to nod hurriedly. "Mhm mhm! That one! Can the princess slave and I go to the throne room please?"
Discord grew increasingly nervous as he placed a sharp claw on his lower lip. "W-Well uh I, um, I suppose? I mean, I don't really see any trouble with it. S-Surely you have your reasons hmhmhm." He rubbed at the back of his elongated neck in uncertainty.
Ataxia jumped as she chuckled merrily yet again. "Yes yes! Thank you Mister Discord!" With that the little draconequus strode on over to Princess Celestia's side eagerly, before nodding up to her. "Lead the way princess slave! I shall follow your every trot!"
Princess Celestia glanced down hesitantly at the child before looking discretely over at Luna and Discord worriedly.
Discord and Luna stood off to the side now, shrugging absently at Princess Celestia.
Princess Celestia gulped as she nodded with a slight smile. "W-Why of course, uh....L-Lady Ataxia." Princess Celestia then began leading the way as she began trotting off towards the throne room with Ataxia remaining glued to her side the entire time.
However the little draconequus glanced back at her guards who also followed with a firm squint.
The guards immediately halted, remaining beside Princess Luna and Discord as they all waited in place patiently.
Ataxia returned to smiling up at Princess Celestia eagerly as the two departed to the throne room.
While in the throne room Ataxia took a moment to glance around as she spoke absently. "It is just as pretty in here."
Princess Celestia remained stationed near the door as she looked highly uncomfortable with the current situation.
Ataxia stopped suddenly before glancing back at Celestia. "But, let's get down to business slave princess."
Princess Celestia's eyes widened momentarily at the draconequus.
Ataxia frowned a bit at her in pity. "I know what's going on here. With you and Mister Discord."
Princess Celestia flinched as she gritted her teeth a bit. W-What!? She knows!? How!? Princess Celestia's expression sunk as she peered nervously at the draconequus, uncertain of how to react now. S-Should I attempt to warn the others? Perhaps attack!?
The child's face darkened a bit as she gave Princess Celestia a tired stare. "I've known since before we entered the castle..."
Princess Celestia's horn started to glow as her expression sunk further. B-Blast! She is leaving me little choice! I need to attack!
Ataxia raised her head, looking towards the ceiling now. "I know,........That you have a undying love for Mister Discord."
Princess Celestia suddenly stood straight as her nose wrinkled and her brow twitched. W-What.... What did she just say?
Ataxia clutched her chest with her paw as she frowned guiltily. "And you're jealous that you think I'm going to take him away!"
Princess Celestia just kept her head lowered as she said nothing and remained in a sudden sulking state. I really detest this child...
