"Why have you woken me now? I just wanted to have a little fun and you sent you little pony rangers after me. Suffice it to say, there were quite a lot of bitter feelings."

"Listen to me baby brother. I did not wake you. One of the Elements is dead. That is what woke you."

".....I see. Despite our disputes, I did quite like that group.....wait, it wasn't-"

"No. Not her. It was Rainbow Dash."

"That is quite unfortunate. She had quite a bright future ahead of her."

"She still does. She passed in foalbirth but the baby is fine."

"Every cloud has a silver lining it would seem."

"Discord.....it was our Father."

Discord felt the rage and pain well up inside of him, stronger even than the day centuries ago when he was abandoned.

"Where is he.....where is that bastard?!"

"Luna watches over him.....his mind is gone brother. The only thing he exists for now is to save his children. You remember how he does that.....that is why Rainbow Dash is dead. He gave us a new baby sister."

"Why haven't you killed him yet Celestia?!"

"I'm not strong enough. I need your help."
______________________________________________________

"Bring me your mother Luna!" the bound alicorn screamed with all his might. The chains that held him, made from brimstone from the depths of Tartarus, groaned against his strength, "I want to see her right now!"

"Father.....it's as I have told you time and time again. She is dead."

"Why do you lie to me Luna!?"

"I do not lie Father. My mother, Celestia's mother, Discord's mother.....even Rainbow Dash.....all dead. Was it worth it Father? Were all the lives you took and the countless others you ruined really worth this outcome?"

The sliding bolt of the cell door was magically displaced and a group of ponies entered the cell.

"What has he said to you Luna?"

"Nothing coherent sister. Ramblings about days long past. It seems he is trapped there. Stuck in a place where time does not exist, yet every day that passes is an eternity unto itself."

"You've seen this before dearest Luna?" Discord asked, doing his best to restrain his seething anger.

"Yes," she shot a weary glance to her elder sister, "when I was in the moon."

"Enough," Celestia said, fighting back her own emotions. "Discord, end this. Let us all move on."
__________________________________________

"Hello Father. It's been a hot millenium since we last parted ways."

The two bloodshot eyes drifted a bit before focusing on what was in front of him.

"Abomination. Filth. You are a mistake."

"Mistake? No. More like victim. Just another of your victims. Not like the multitude of mares you've brutalized over the years. Not even like my sisters. I'm my own kind of abomination. One you created, but couldn't even stand the sight of. You abandoned them the day you abandoned me."

"Come at me! Seek your vengeance!"

"No.....this isn't vengeance," Discord said, a single tear falling, "this is mercy."

Discord's magic ignited flowing forth and enveloping the bound stallion.

Luna turned her head away and was about to shut her eyes when she heard a familiar voice at her side.

"No little sister. You must watch it. He deserves at least that much."

"Yes Celestia."
_______________________________________________

Shining Armor stood watching his little colt running and playing with all the others. He kept his smile most of the time for his son's sake, but in quiet moments he always thought of her.

"I hope I don't bother your son, and mistakenly rob him of his fun."

He looked up to see a beautiful black and white mare in front of him.

"You know you don't have to rhyme for me."

"Oh come now. I was just having a spot of fun."

"How have you been Zecora?"

"Well. But to be honest, I've been worried since your visit.....and of course I heard what happened. I can't tell you how so-"

"Please don't say it. It's done. I have my son to think about now."

"You're right. And the other thing?"

"The princesses should be dealing with it as we speak."

"So that's the magic I've been feeling in the air. You decided not to be there?"

"Its not my place. Besides, I had better things to do," he said shooting a glance at his son.

"Yes I can see that.....listen. I know I'm not her, but I am here for you."

"I know that Zecora.....thank you."

They both sat there, listening to the joy-filled voices of the children.

Author's Note

I have finally gotten around to concluding this side of the story. There will be a prequel at some point detailing how Shining Armor and Zecora met if you guys are interested. Thanks for waiting.