I Don't Want To Fall Back In Love With You

by Prince Of Nothingness

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Profanity, Discord, Screwball, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Romance, Drama, Princess Cadance, King Sombra, Suicide / Self Harm
Length: 6407

Discord just wants his heart to be at peace. The princesses, fate, and his ex have something else in mind.

Discord’s life was perfect. Celestia had finally retired, Equestria was safe from any and all threats, and most importantly, he’d been reunited with his long lost daughter, Screwball. So, naturally, something absolutely, positively terrible had to happen.

King Sombra, former king of the Crystal Empire, and Discord’s ex-coltfriend, is returned from the dead, and it’s up to Discord to reform him. Found family mishaps, kissing, and unsolicited marriage counseling ensue.
Trigger warnings for: Suicide mentions, mild homophobia, sex mentions, and gay horses in love.

Published 2020-05-20 09:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2020-06-24 09:43:44 UTC

It's Bound To Come True

Author's Note

Me? Writing a new chapter for my oddly specific fic that nobody will read? Perhaps. Also, how many times per chapter can I drop the F-bomb while keeping the rating at T? Guess I’ll find out.

It's Bound To Come True

The last thing Discord had heard before the room around him was consumed by a blindingly bright light was a loud, animalistic scream of pure agony. Slowly, as the flash dimmed, a stallion arose from the center of the room. Stripped of his armor, cape, and crown, King Sombra shakily stood up, and opened his eyes.

“Halt! Who goes there?” A deep, mischievous laugh echoed throughout the crystalline room. Guards stood posted at each and every door, holding spears sharp enough to go straight through a pony. Fortunately for the mysterious intruder that remained unseen, he was no pony. A loud snap was heard, and before any of the guards could understand what was happening, a serpent-like, chimerical creature appeared, sitting atop a doorway. The creature grinned down at the ponies, before teleporting their spears into his claw and paw.

“For such ‘highly trained’ and ‘elite’ guards, you’re all really fucking stupid.” The creature’s voice sounded nothing like his laughter. In fact, he sounded more like a teenager than anything else. Still grinning, he popped the weapons into his mouth, chewing a bit, before swallowing them. “Mm. Crunchy. Has a bit of a... sharp taste. Eh?” The creature rolled his eyes, after a few moments of horrified silence from the guards. “Oh, everyone’s a critic.” With a snap of his talons, the guards were teleported to several locations, before eventually landing in a fountain. The creature’s laughter continued until he heard the creak of a door, and promptly fell onto the ground.

He looked up and smiled sheepishly at the drowsy, irritated, teenaged unicorn standing above him. His deep, ruby-red eyes seemed to pierce the creature’s very soul, standing out against his dark coat. “Hello there... your highness.” The creature managed a slight smirk. The unicorn rolled his eyes.

“Discord, you can’t keep traumatizing the guards like this. Ponies will get suspicious.” Discord pouted.

“Oh, come now, Somby, it’s all in good fun.” The unicorn sighed.

“Your ‘good fun’ is going to get you in serious trouble, one day.”

“Aw, like you’d let that happen to me? I’m hurt.” Discord pouted and put his paw on his chest in mock offense. Sombra groaned quietly and put his hoof to his forehead, closing his eyes.

“Why do I feel as though you’re going to be the death of me?”

“Love you too, Somby.”

How the hell could this have happened? Sombra was dead. Twice over, in fact. And yet, there he stood, completely alive. Granted, his body felt like it had been dragged through Tartarus and back, his magic wasn’t working, and he was unable to see a thing. Slowly, as the former king’s senses began to function, he rose to his full height, and opened his eyes, As his vision adjusted to the brightness of the room, Sombra began to assess the situation. Extravagant rugs and marble floors, likely some kind of palace. He would know, after all. With one glance at the elaborate stained glass window commemorating his second defeat, Sombra knew all too well where he was. Canterlot Castle. Because apparently, he hadn’t suffered enough.

“Did it work...?” A mare spoke. Sombra recognized the voice, but couldn’t quite place it. He could tell he didn’t like her, though.

“I think so.” The grey stallion snarled quietly at that. Now that was somepony he recognized. Twilight Sparkle, the mare who had cheated him out of everything he once had. Unfortunately, his magic still failed him, hence why he was unable to blast the purple deathtrap into oblivion. Sure enough, as he slowly and painfully turned his head, there she stood. Oh, there were so many things he wanted to say to her, if only he wasn’t in so much pain. But those... choice words could wait. Sombra knew better than to waste what little energy he had on the insignificant, sorry excuse for a princess.

He turned his head a bit more to the right, seeing nothing of interest. Until his eyes reached the corner of the room. And there stood none other than Discord himself. Naturally, a blast of magic shot forth from Sombra’s curved horn, straight towards the draconequus’ chest. He took two steps forward, and then the world went black.

That would mark the third time Sombra had been cheated out of the sweet release of death. Groaning quietly, he studied his surroundings. His vision came to him quicker, this time, and he immediately noticed that he was lying upon a rather comfortable bed. Judging by the decor, he was still very much in Canterlot Castle and seeing as he wasn’t in a prison cell, Discord remained alive. “That lying son of a-”

“You mean me?”

Lo and behold, none other than the devious draconequus himself stood in the doorway.

“You.” Discord rolled his eyes.

“Yes, we’ve established that it’s me. I figured you knew, seeing as you shot me.” He glared at Sombra, before continuing on his tirade. “And here I was, beginning to think you had a brain. I suppose it was a bit much, expecting you to have some self-control. Not to mention, the absolute fool you made of yourself.” A wicked grin appeared on his face. “Though, you didn’t have much self-respect in the bedroom either...” Sombra chucked a pillow at him.

“The moment my power returns, I am going to throw you off of a very high cliff.” Discord chuckled. His long torso partially encircled the stallion in midair.

“Oh, Sombra, Sombra, Sombra... after all these years, you still don’t get it. You’ll never be rid of me.” The chaotic being glanced away briefly. “No matter how much we both want it...” he muttered.

“I know, but I can certainly try.” Sombra pulled another pillow over his head. “Could you at least explain to me why you and those pathetic excuses for royalty won’t let a stallion rest in his unmarked grave?” Discord rolled his eyes.

“Well you see, your highness, Princess Sparklebutt and her sister-in-law have by some miracle, decided to pardon you for your crimes against Equestria.” The stallion looked up, surprised.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You don’t have to. You’ve already been pardoned, that’s what I just said. Yeesh, Sombra, I know you’re old, but really, keep up. Anywho, you’re not spending a lifetime rotting in the Canterlot dungeons.” Sombra was almost relieved until he realized something.

“That doesn’t explain why they brought me back to life. Surely, they aren’t so foolish as to let somepony such as myself wander around Equestria unattended.”

“Ah, there’s the catch. You’ve been pardoned, but...” Discord grimaced. “Only on the condition you agree to be reformed.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Exasperated, Discord spoke. “Sombra, how many times do I have to say, you’ve alrea-” The sharp glare the stallion shot him was enough for Discord to cease his taunts. “I mean, the Perfect and Illustrious Princess Almighty of Friendship has decided to give you another chance to reintegrate into society. I personally think it’s a waste of time.”

“I agree.”

“But, since the Princess ordered- Wait, what?”

“I said I agree. I’m a lost cause. I enslaved and killed ponies in cold blood. I was a dictator and tried to take over Equestria several times. You should just let me die and finally be at peace.” Sombra glared.

“Fine then,” Discord huffed. “Tell Twilight you want to be dead again, see if I care.”

“Fine.”

“Fine!” Both turned away from one another, grumbling to themselves. An awkward silence filled the room, and Discord felt like if the door hadn’t been opened, they would’ve suffocated. Fortunately, Twilight opened the door (Without knocking, Discord might add), and looked at the two of them.

“Am I... interrupting anything.”

“NO!” they both shouted at once.

“Oh, shut up, would you?” Sombra said, the disdain for Discord apparent in his voice.

“Why don’t you shut up, your majesty?”

“Quit mocking me, you two-bit, birdbrained, fuckface.” Discord stuck his tongue out. Twilight cleared her throat and lightly stomped her hoof on the ground to remind the pair that she was still in fact in the room.

“Discord, have you told him about, well, you know.” Before the draconequus could answer, the former king began to speak.

“He has, and full offense, Princess, but I’d far rather remain dead than become you or your friends’ little pet project.” Slightly taken aback, Twilight looked at Sombra. She had to give him credit, she couldn’t tell what he was thinking from his face alone.

“What...?”

“Well, it’s quite obvious you’ve beaten me, seeing as I should be dead. If I were to continue my attempts at conquering Equestria, it would only end in my humiliating defeat.” Twilight smiled. They were getting somewhere. “There’s nothing left for me in life, so it seems only natural that I go back to being dead.” Her smile fell. Nevermind.

“Sombra, just hold on a moment.” Discord sighed, despite the grin on his face.

“Well, we tried. Oh well! Now, who gets to kill him?”

“Nopony is killing Sombra.”

“Aw, why?” Discord pouted.

“Because I said so.” Twilight put her hoof to her forehead in annoyance. “Sombra, I don’t think you’re really understanding this. It’s either reformation or a lifetime in the dungeon.”

“I don’t care.” The apathy in Sombra’s voice made the princess want to cringe. How could anypony care so little for their own life?

“How?”, she asked, voicing her concerns.

“Simple. It is as I said. There is nothing left for me in Equestria.”

“Unless... there was.” Now, both Discord and Sombra were surprised. Looking towards the purple mare in confusion, the pair awaited an explanation. “Discord, could you confirm the nature of your relationship with Sombra?” Neither of them liked the small but growing smile on the mare’s face one bit.

“Er, well... You see, it’s a bit complicated, and really, it’s-”

“We were ex-fiancees and adopted a child together,” Sombra interrupted. “But I haven’t seen her since my imprisonment in the ice.” Discord froze up.

“Sombra... your daughter’s alive.” His eyes widened.

“Screwball... she’s... she’s really alive?” Twilight nodded. Sombra turned to Discord.

“Is this true?” Discord mumbled a confirmation.

“Sombra, accept our offer, and you’ll be able to see her again.” Twilight smiled. “You have my word.” A long silence later, and Sombra spoke.

“I have one more condition.”

“Hm?” Twilight braced herself for what would come.

“I want to throw him off a very tall cliff.” Sombra pointed a hoof at Discord. Twilight suppressed her laughter.

“That can be arranged.”

“I object!” Discord said. The princess rolled her eyes.

“Overruled.”

“Then I accept.”

If You Dream A Thing More Than Once

"And once I find you again, you’ll love me once more..."

The music box played its gentle melody, with the added addition of Fluttershy's singing. She'd been so kind as to lend her voice to a special gift for Discord's daughter, Screwball. Discord never cared for the song, it was from some lovey-dovey musical or the other that he hadn't bothered listening to, but it made his daughter happy. Seeing a smile on his little Screwball's face was all the draconequs could've hoped for, really. He had gone so long without her, spending nearly every second of the day wondering if she was alright. His little girl, all alone, the mere thought of it upset him. Discord sighed and gently shut the music box. No point in worrying now. She was safe, sitting on her side of the living room, one of the only places in the house with gravity. Probably a preference she'd inherited from her... other father. After all, it was both of their magical power combined that gave life to Screwball. It made sense that she'd share some of the stallion's behaviors. Though, that didn't mean Discord had to like it.

Discord snapped into the living room, split unevenly down the middle. One side covered in chaotic, floating decor with colors bright and clashing enough to give any normal pony a migraine. Discord absolutely adored it. The other half was more subdued. There were still floating objects, of course, this was the home of the lord of chaos after all. But the majority of the furniture remained firmly on the ground. The walls were painted over with a light green Fluttershy had helped select. The only real irregularities were the few small trinkets and flower vases made of dark crystal, which Discord willingly ignored. In the midst of it all, sitting on a magenta loveseat, was his daughter, Screwball, a pink earth pony with swirly, two-toned hair, and lollipop eyes. "Hey dad," the filly spoke, looking up from the book she was reading. The draconequus teleported once again, and was now lounging on the lone floating table. Smiling, Screwball pushed the book away.

“Whatcha’ reading, sport?” Discord glanced at the book, which the filly quickly shut.

“Nothing!” She pulled the book close to her chest, her eyes widening. Discord darted over to her and tried to grab the book.

“Come on, lemme see!” Discord laughed as the filly used her magic to pull the book away.

“It’s just some mushy love story that Aunt Fluttershy let me borrow.” Screwball smiled, albeit nervously. “Nothing you’d wanna see, dad. Honest.”

“Oh, fine.” Discord teleported himself back onto the table. “How boring,” he yawned. Screwball hopped off the couch and began walking towards her room, the book held in her magic. Being so focused on watching her father for any of his tricks, she failed to notice the floating ottoman and crashed into it, the book falling out of her magical grasp and opening up to a random page on the floor. Screwball got up easily and remained unharmed, though not before Discord got a chance to see the contents of the book. Detailed illustrations of crystal ponies, dressed as princes and princesses, complete with dragons and knights. For a moment, he didn’t realize why his daughter seemed tartarus-bent on hiding a book of fairy tales from him. Upon closer inspection, however, the story was instantly recognizable. A picture of a sleeping mare and a princely stallion complete with a “dragon” covered the page. Sleeping Beauty. The story he used to tell Screwball every night. Sure enough, the dragon in the picture was none other than Discord himself.

“Dad, I can expla-” Discord shut the book and held it up.

“Where did you get this?” The filly looked down at her hooves.

“I, um...” Screwball’s voice quieted to little above a whisper. “Father gave it to me, before...” She glanced away. Sighing, Discord set the black, leather-bound tome down on an armchair that was passing by.

“He’s... gone, you know. Good riddance.” The bitterness in his voice made Screwball flinch a bit.

“I-I know he was bad, but... doesn’t everypony deserve a second chance?”

“Not him.” Screwball stomped her hoof on the ground.

“Well, you hurt ponies too! And Aunt Fluttershy gave you, like, six chances!” The draconequus gasped quietly and cleared his throat.

“He was different. Nothing good ever came from that monster.” Discord glared at an obsidian flower vase that sat upon a bright yellow platform.

“What about me?”

“Screwy, come on, you know that’s not what I meant.” Screwball glared up at him.

“Whatever, dad.” The filly teleported into her bedroom, and Discord heard the loud slam of the door.

“Wait, Screwball-” He groaned softly and turned around to put the book away. But suddenly, a scroll popped out of nowhere and hit him on the nose. He unfurled it and a pair of reading glasses appeared on his face. Barely skimming the letter, he more or less read it aloud. “You are hereby requested by... something, something, Princess Lovebutt... Royal Summons... Wha-” In a bright flash of light, Discord was no longer in his living room. All that remained of him there was a collection of sorrows and unspoken words in the shape of a leather-bound storybook, resting upon an armchair.

“Discord, we need your help to reform Sombra.”

Discord froze. Slowly, he turned his head to face Twilight and Cadence. "You want me to what?"

"Reform Sombra," Twilight repeated, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "It's part of my new reformation initiative. You and Starlight go second chances, why shouldn’t everyone else?"

"I had my doubts at first too, but if anyone can make Sombra a good pony, it's Twilight." Cadence looked up at Discord. "Provided she has the assistance required." Discord stood in silence, before exhaling and closing his eyes.

"Sombra is nothing more than a monster," he said with an icy tone, a far cry from his usually casual demeanor. "There is nothing but pure evil and malice in that stallion, and I'll be in the cold hard ground before I ever think of wasting so much of a second on trying to fix him." The princesses' eyes widened. They'd never seen Discord like this before.

"Discord, we know it's a big risk, but we took it with you. And it's not like you didn't have your own hiccups." Twilight paused and deadpanned him. "Multiple times, actually. Everypony deserves a chance."

"Not Sombra."

"Discord!"

Discord scoffed. "What, are you telling me I'm wrong? I caused a little bit of chaos, Sombra's a demented, sadistic, heartbreaking slave-driver, for Celestia's sake!"

"Not anymore, and- wait, heartbreaking?" Twilight tilted her head. "What do you mean heartbreaki-"

“That’s none of your business,” Discord said, pouting.

"He's the father," Cadence interrupted, her eyes widening in a moment of realization. "Isn't he?"

"Pfft, whose father? As if anyone would want to have the child of that no-good, hyena faced monster in the shape of a stallion." Cadence resisted the urge to roll her eyes and stepped towards Discord.

"Screwball's."

"You did mention that Screwball was made up of the magic of two ponies." Discord groaned.

"This is ridiculous. I don't know what you're talking about." Cadence raised a brow.

"Fine, then who's your best friend?" she asked.

"My best friend? Why, Fluttershy, of course."

"Ex best friend?"

"Dear ol' CayCay, not that it matters."

"And your ex-coltfriend?"

"Sombra," he responded with confidence. He paused before stomping his cloven hoof on the ground. "Not fair! You tricked me!" Discord crossed his arms. "Fine. We had... relations. And a daughter. Big deal." He glanced at the mares. "I don't want anything to do with him. And I bet Screwball doesn't either. Really, it's irresponsible of you to ask such a thing of me and my daughter, maybe even a little selfish. Anywho, I must be going, though really, this has been fun. Not!" With a fedora on his head and several bursting suitcases in his claw and paw, Discord began to step through a glowing portal he had summoned, only to be stopped by a pull on his tail. He turned around to see Twilight's magic enveloping it's white, fluffy end. "What is it now?"

"Discord, as a parent-" the pink alicorn began.

"Cadence, no offense, really, but my dear little Screwy is far more... shall we say, superior to your snot-nosed alicorn offspring. But uh, continue, I suppose." He waved his claw.

"As I was saying, as a parent, you have the responsibility to be a good example for Screwball. And that means... being a good friend."

"I am a good friend! She knows it, you guys know it. Twilight, I'm a good friend, right? Tell her I'm a good friend!" Twilight nodded hesitantly, receiving a glare from her sister in law. She cleared her throat.

"And good friends help each other out, even when they don't want to, because...?" Twilight trailed off and held out he hoof, motioning for the draconequus to answer. He sighed.

"Because it's the right thing to do, and friendship is magic, and rainbow beams of death are only okay for sending beings of destruction to the fiery pits of timeout," he answered begrudgingly. "But why must it be me?" Discord bemoaned. "Why not Starlight, or that Stygian fellow? They certainly have a lot in common. Certainly, more than he EVER had with me. You know, our relationship truly was a dumpster fire of pain and mise-" After remembering there were two ponies in the room with him, one of whom was an unlicensed marriage counselor with a crown, he paused and cleared his throat. "Whatever. Answer my question." Discord snapped, and a detective outfit complete with a bubble pipe appeared on his body. He held up a comically large magnifying glass to Twilight. "Why, oh why is it that you want my help in reforming my foul beast of a former beloved?" Twilight stared at him.

"With all the damage you've caused recently, I'd say you've got something to prove to us." Discord's eyes widened.

"That's preposterous! Why, I've been as good as ever!" Angel wings and a golden halo appeared on the draconequus. Twilight and Cadence deadpanned him. "Okay, not saying much, but I made up for it in the end, didn't I?"

"Discord, true as that may be, you've got to do more than just make it up to us." Cadence lightly tapped him on the chest with her hoof. “You’ve got something to prove, not just to Equestria, but to yourself.

"What, it's not like I OWE you anything!"

"Yes you do!" the alicorns shouted in unison. "Look, Discord, let me make this simpler for you. Cadence, a moment?" The pink mare nodded and exited the room. Discord looked at Twilight in mock worry.

"Oh dear, a private meeting? Whatever could you be threatening me with?" He batted his eyelashes. The princess, though, was dead serious.

"Discord, you're not a bad creature. I know that, but... if you can't put your own personal grudge aside for something as important as this, I don't know if you can be trusted to take care of Screwball." Discord's gasped quietly.

"Are you threatening to take my daughter away from me?" He growled and turned to face Twilight. "I won't let you. I don't care about your title, or your wings, or that single bit-store crown up on top of your head, mark my words, Twilight Sparkle, you will NEVER separate my little girl from me, ever." Twilight flinched at his outburst, though she wasn’t stunned for long.

“Then help us, Discord. Please.”

“I don’t want to,” he huffed, not unlike a stubborn child.

“At least consider it.” Twilight looked him dead in the eye. “For Screwball. And I promise, if things don’t work out, we’ll encase him in stone forever, and you’ll never have to see him again.” The alicorn sighed. “And... I’ll tell you that you were right, and that I was wrong, and that you are the superior immortal.” After a long pause, Discord spoke.

“I’ll think about it.”

Fluttershy looked at the wall clock, then to the kitchen, then to the draconequus laying on her couch, then back to the clock. She gently nudged Discord, who was in the middle of a very heated and profane staring contest with a knot in the floorboards. "Discord?" The creature in question jumped slightly. "Discord, you seemed pretty upset when you came in. Is there... something you need to talk about?"

"Oh, Fluttershy, it's absolutely horrible!"

"Well, whatever it is, I'm here to listen." The pink pegasus smiled warmly at her friend.

"Perfect, because I've got hours worth of comments, concerns, questions, and complaints." Fluttershy glanced at the clock once more.

"I have, uhm, thirty minutes?"

"That'll do."

Fluttershy ended up sitting by her friend for two hours, listening to his thoughts- mainly complaints, on the matter of Sombra's reformation. Just as Discord was about to begin another tirade, Fluttershy hastily stood up.

“Um, Discord, I hate to cut this short, really, but I have some things I really need to get done.” Fluttershy looked towards her back door. Discord mock-fainted.

“Oh, farewell, my fair maiden!” Flower petals fell from nowhere. “Parting is such swe-” Fluttershy cleared her throat. Discord sighed and teleported himself away. “Boring.” He ended up back in his living room, fortunately. Judging by the numerous candy wrappers strewn about, Screwball had been out of her room a few times during the hours he’d spent. Against his better judgment, the draconequus levitated the much-antagonized book over to himself and brushed a claw across the cover. Discord couldn’t bear to open it, nor to destroy it. So instead, it rested in his palms for hours upon hours. As day turned to night, he thought, and thought, before making the thoroughly planned decision to shout an expletive and throw the book onto a couch on Screwball’s half of the living room. Breathing heavily, Discord snapped his talons and appeared in the Canterlot throne room.

“I’ll do it.”

Author's Note

So, Sombracord. Yeah. I'm a bit rusty at fic writing, so here's to hoping I'll get back into the swing of things soon. Constructive criticism is appreciated!

Also, couple things:
1. This fic takes place shortly after the Ending of the End, not after The Last Problem. I figured this wasn’t enough to warrant an AU tag, seeing as we don’t know what happened during the gap between episodes.
2. I am aware Screwball's age and backstory regarding her dads is not explained in this chapter. That's for a bit later down the line. All you need to know is that she’s about 11 in human years.
3. I will not be following the comics canon. Sorry guys.
4. The song that I wanted at the beginning was Once Upon A Dream, but alas, copyright strikes down my cliche cop-out first line.

On The Subject of Being Alive

Quite frankly, Sombra detested being alive. Not that he was suicidal, no. He simply wished to end the everlasting agony and humiliation of having everything he once had stripped away from him and wanted a release from his purposeless existence.

Okay, maybe he was a tad suicidal.

But that was of little consequence. Sombra wasn’t allowed to die, thanks to the so-called “mercy” of the princess. He didn’t understand how it was merciful to taunt him like this, force him to face the cold, unforgiving reality. Like it or not, the former king had been defeated for good. Still, that didn’t mean he had to lose his dignity. And it certainly didn’t mean he was just going to give in to that pathetic princess without a fight. It would be nice, to get one final battle in. Defeat the mare who had ruined everything, take back his empire. Oh, he could practically hear the screams and cries of ponies as he took back what was rightfully his.

“Sombra...”

“Sombra...”

“Sombra!” A loud voice snapped the stallion out of his daydream. He looked beside him, making eye contact with none other than Twilight Sparkle herself. She smiled at him, making him want to punch her square in the face thrice as much. He let out a quiet sigh, pushing aside his violent fantasy.

“Yes?”

“Nothing, I just needed to make sure you weren’t, you know, dying. Again.”

That brought the chances of Sombra losing his damn mind up, about 28%, to be exact. He said nothing, instead choosing to focus on the intricate patterns of the runner in the hallway. As the awkward silence filled the air and Sombra showed no signs of interrupting it, Twilight began to speak.

“So, are you... excited to see Screwball? I understand you haven’t met her since, well...”

Sombra nearly froze in his tracks. Of course. Somehow, in between his reunion with Discord and the walk to who-knows-where (he’d imagine Twilight told him, but of course, he paid little attention), he’d forgotten why he’d chosen to let himself suffer “reformation” in the first place. Screwball was alive. And after hundreds of years, he’d get to see her again.

“Where exactly was she? While Discord and I were imprisoned?”

“A year or so before Discord’s first defeat, her magic started to weaken. Discord put her in a sort of magical stasis, so she wouldn’t...” Twilight trailed off, not wanting to say it.

“And then?”

“Oh, well, after Discord was turned to stone, she was still in stasis, in his pocket dimension. Then when he came back and took over Equestria again, she woke up.”

“Didn’t you defeat him that time as well?” Sombra did his best to mask the mild concern in his voice. Twilight smiled warmly at him, though that did little to calm the stallion’s nerves.

“It was some sort of miracle, really. The timing of Discord’s imprisonment and your return were just close enough for Screwball to live off of both of your magic. A couple of years later, when things had settled, we’d managed to help track her down. Turns out, she’d put herself into stasis again.”

Sombra let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. She really was okay. “Was she... conscious? During those stasis periods.” Twilight shook her head.

“Nope. She’s technically centuries old, but she has the mind and body of a filly.” Twilight put her hoof on Sombra’s shoulder, earning a slight flinch from him. “Your daughter’s okay. I promise.” Sombra said nothing, and the pair continued to walk, reaching the end of the hallway.

“I’d assume he’s taking care of her, then?” Twilight was caught off guard by the icy tone of his voice. Her hoof remained on the door, ready to push it open.

“You mean Discord?” Sombra nodded his head. “Well, yes. We all help out, though, my friends and I.” The mare pushed open the door, allowing the sunlight to stream in. She failed to notice Sombra’s slight hiss, and continued to walk outside, into the back gardens. It was a little amusing to Sombra. How the princesses thought him worthy of redemption, but too dangerous to be walked amongst the citizens of Canterlot. “She’s quite powerful, you know. I understand she was created by a combination of Discord’s and your magic.”

Finally. The one thing Sombra could actually stand to speak about. “Not quite, actually.”

“Then... what? If you don’t mind me asking.” The excitement in her voice was noticeable. Screwball was a mystery, and a miracle of magic. If Twilight could just figure out how she’d happened...

“I do mind, as a matter of fact,your highness.” In truth, Sombra could speak for hours upon hours about the intricacies and techniques of his magic, sharing his various studies and findings. But, like many things in his recent life, Sombra would have to put that on hold. After all, he didn’t know how many opportunities he’d get to taunt the Princess of Friendship. There was also the issue that he still didn’t fully understand what divine power had caused such a merge of his and Discord’s very souls. No, in order to know that, he’d have to ask the draconequus, and Celestia knows Sombra would much rather avoid him at all costs.

Discord used the tip of his talon to scrawl out a few heated thoughts. Literally. His pure anger caused the appendage to glow a faint red, burning his words into the parchment. Fluttershy had told him journaling was a great way to process one’s emotions.

Sombra told him that as well, once.

The charred page fell from Discord’s grasp and fluttered onto the multicolored floor. Scowling at the sheet that was now tainted by memories of his former love, he shot a blast of magic forth from his paw, setting the paper aflame. As he watched his words of anger be reduced to ash, he couldn’t help but wonder what Sombra’s journal was about. Perhaps there was something hidden under the various half-written to-do lists and scribbled out spells.

“What’s that?”

Discord hovered above the deep red cushion, encircling the stallion sitting on it. “Nothing of importance to you, Discord.” The draconequus pouted and moved, so as to take up Sombra’s field of vision.

“Tell me!” Sombra’s mildly annoyed glare and dead silence only increased Discord’s resolve tenfold. He wrapped himself around the grey unicorn and shoved his own face into the pony’s cheek. “Pleeeeeease?” Cartoonishly long eyelashes appeared on Discord as his eyes grew wide. He blinked a few times, hoping to sell the illusion of sadness, to no avail.

“Discord, it’s just a journal. Happy now?”

“Aw, the prince of the Crystal Empire keeps a diary!” He smirked. “How cute.”

“It’s not a diary, it’s a journal,” Sombra stressed. Discord waved his paw.

“Sure, sure. Journal, right. What do you even write about?” He poked the stallion. “About your undying love for me, perhaps?”

“Afraid not. I only write about things that are worthwhile.” Sombra grinned as Discord pretended to faint.

“You wound me.”

“Good!” Sombra laughed. Using his magic, the draconequus threw a pillow at him, which promptly impaled itself on his horn. The prince rolled his eyes.

While he was distracted, Discord grabbed the leather-bound book and began to flip through the pages. Much to his disappointment, its contents were mainly magic studies and complicated prose describing Sombra’s day to day emotional state. Lots of pent up rage and feelings of yearning, from what Discord gathered. The stallion in question hastily stole back the book and held it to his chest.

“You know, you’d think the diary of a prince-”

“Journal,” he corrected.

“Fine. You’d think the journal of a prince would be a lot less boring.” Sombra scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“I told you it wasn’t interesting. I don’t understand why you’d read it anyway. And besides, the point is to get one’s emotions down on paper. It’s a good way to deal with and process one’s inner turmoil.”

“Speak Equestrian, smartass.”

“Writing down your feelings makes you less angry and impulsive.” The prince smirked. “I certainly think you could benefit from it.”

“Wha- ME?! I’m never angry!” he huffed, very clearly angry.

“Whatever.” Sombra pulled a piece of parchment out of his journal and plucked a feather from Discord’s wing, choosing to ignore his various expletives and protests. “Try it.” He lightly tapped the creature on the snout with the feather.

“Make me,” he snarled, albeit playfully.

“Alright.” Sombra pushed his lips against those of the draconequus, wrapping his hooves around him. Both shut their eyes, knowing the motions by rote, like practiced dancers swaying to a familiar song. After three eternities compressed into the space of a few seconds, the pair pulled away from each other. A light smirk played upon the stallion’s face.

“...Fine.”

Discord’s memories were clear as the sparkling gems that built the Crystal Empire from the ground up. How fitting. Unfortunately, he couldn’t say the same for his attempts at expressing his emotions. He was still very much in emotional turmoil, only now the living room reeked of burnt parchment. A growing speck of pink filled the corner of Discord’s vision as his daughter walked towards him. That would mark the first time they’d spoken since he’d found the book.

“Dad, I smelled smoke, is everything oka-” As Screwball emerged from the twisted, seemingly infinite corridor that led to her bedroom, her bubbly voice trailed off, her eyes widening. The filly stopped dead in her tracks. Discord stared in confusion as Screwball struggled to form words. The draconequus turned his head to look at what had put his daughter in such a shock. There in the doorway stood Princess Twilight Sparkle, accompanied by the former king himself, Sombra. Screwball’s no-good, devilishly handsome, murderous, lying, pathetic excuse for a father. Discord scowled at the two of them, holding back several less-than-kind remarks. For Screwball’s sake, of course.

Oh, the pure, raw, unfiltered emotions going through Sombra’s head were enough to make him feel as though he was going to die once more. Screwball was here. Not in a vision, not in a dream, right in front of him, before his very eyes. Centuries of unspoken words filled the air like smoke as the filly practically ran into her father’s hooves, sobbing. A few tears made their way down Sombra’s face as his hold on her tightened. He was never letting go of his little girl, not again.

Discord watched the exchange, distaste apparent in his expression. A pang of sadness shot through his chest. Did Screwball not need him anymore? After all, what need was there for the spirit of chaos, when her other father was once a king? A pony one too. He opened his mouth to say something, only to receive a harsh glare from Twilight. The mare cleared her throat and lightly tapped her hoof against the checkered floor of the living room. The various eternal beings surrounding her turned their attention onto Twilight, Sombra giving her a sharp glare for interrupting his heartfelt reunion with his child.

“I’m sure you all have some... complicated emotions, to work out. But there’s still some practical things we need to figure out. Namely, Sombra’s living arrangement.”

“I’m sure there’s some room for him six feet-” Another chilling glance from the princess made Discord’s mouth close as quickly as it had opened.

“What I was going to say was that ideally, rather than having him stay in Canterlot Castle, Sombra would be staying, well... with you.” Twilight smiled, though it didn’t take a genius to understand that she was perfectly aware of what she was asking. No matter. Discord was well versed in the art of denying the princess anything that would make her life easier. Alas, before he could respond with a scorching, well-thought-out comeback, Screwball turned to him with pleading eyes. He’d already lost. How could he possibly take this from her? She’d been clinging onto any semblance, any trace of her father, and here he was.

Discord wanted Sombra gone. Out of his life.

And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to voice the countless reasons why the stallion shouldn’t have dared to so much as breathe in Discord’s direction ever again.

Twilight smiled.

“No objections? Wonderful.”

Author's Note

I swear, there’s gonna be some light, sitcom-y fluff in the coming chapters. For now, more drama. Expect more anthology-style chapters from here on out.