Wish Gone Awry. Enter Equestria! Enter New Life!

"Wake up, wake up, come on, wake up," Discord urged Julius as his spirit floated above him. Slowly stirring, Julius slowly fluttered his eyes open. "Good, you're awake. Don't say anything; the others can't hear me, but you can," he said as Julius rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked oddly at Discord. "Oh, don't give me that. I'm the spirit of chaos; making sense isn't really my thing. Sure, yes, we're all bound by rules, but those are so loose that they're more like suggestions. I mean, there was this one time where Maar and Eyr did the thing, and the whole Eyr Valley, oh, what do you care, we got work to do, follow me," he huffed as he flew over to a box on Celestia's desk. Slowly staggering his way over to the box, Julius stared at it as Discord chuckled. "You know, this box is a prime example of how arrogant Celestia has become. If you ask her, only she is capable of opening it and the doors to the Canterlot Vaults, but that's not entirely true. Any alicorn could open them, as could any of us greater spirits, observe," Discord exaggeratedly exclaimed as he, with a flourish, fazed a claw into the lock and opened the box. "Now, take the elements, and go back to Tranquility's tree. She'll be waiting for you there," he commanded before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Grabbing the elements and hiding them on himself, Julius carefully and quietly made his way out of Celestia's room. Saluting the guards, Julius quietly made his way out of the castle.

"I don't know about this," Julius thought to himself as he snuck out of the castle. "I mean, this feels right. It feels like the elements belong in the tree. If they didn't, why would the tree have those indentations? But still, trusting Discord, the literal spirit of chaos, I don't know. OK, based on what I've seen, Discord can't create life, so Tranquility must be legitimate, but Discord could corrupt. But, Discord hasn't lied to me, and if anything, he's been rather generous. But giving out gifts and being generous are powerful tools for evil to win over others," he mulled over in his head as thought raced through his mind. "Why couldn't this be something easy, like fixing a country?" He mentally moaned as he snuck his way out of Canterlot.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Aloysia asked as she walked up to Julius from behind him.

"To do the right thing foolishly or be stupidly manipulated by evil. Honestly, I'm not sure which. I'm arguing with myself over it, and all it's doing is spinning my head. I mean, the act itself feels right; it feels like it's supposed to happen, but with who's telling me to do it, it muddies the waters," Julius sighed as he turned around to see Aloysia scanning him.

"Hah, looks like I owe Pale Night some bits; the elements problem became real," Aloysia dryly laughed as Julius oddly looked at her. "The elements problem was a thought experiment put forward shortly after the elements were first used. Should the elements be returned to the tree, and explain your answer. After all these years, we still don't have a good answer on both sides there have been good answers, playing both to logic and morality. From what you've said, I'm guessing Discord has been talking to you," she confidently said.

"Yes, he has, and the scary thing is, he's making a lot of sense and is being extremely reasonable. I mean, he's the spirit of chaos; why would he be sensible and reasonable? Doesn't that go against his whole being," Julius asked as he scratched his head.

"For a chaotic being to always be chaotic means that they're not chaotic at all, for you can always count on them being chaotic. Pale Night said that when he gave his answer to the elements problem. He could be entirely on the level, in service to greater chaos, or this could lead to something he wants and is entirely on board. Regardless, I understand how his presence muddies things. Still, I don't think it changes my answer to the question, so come on, let's get going to the tree," Aloysia told Julius.

"Wait, you're OK with this; why?" Julius asked as he followed Aloysia.

"From the first day, no before the elements were even removed, I was against removing them. When they were in the tree, I felt a special kind of magic, a magic I've seldom felt. After the elements were removed, the feeling started to dim. It didn't dim by much, but it got weaker every year. It took longer than I'd like to admit, but eventually, I realized what that magic was; it was the magic of life. When in the tree, the elements were giving magic and life to the very land; without them, the land has been dying a slow death, one that's taken many centuries. Even if it means that Equestria loses a powerful tool, even if we have to face down Discord without them, we have to return the elements. The cost of keeping them separate is far too great," Aloysia told Julius as she led him to the tree of harmony.

"Yeah, good points," Julius said in agreement. "I take it that you have a plan for taking on Discord. You know, in case things really go south," Julius asked as Aloysia rocked her head.

"Kind of, not really," Aloysia sighed. "Greater spirits are a different kind of powerful; they're often worshipped as deities for a reason. Discord's true power is unknown. I've seen the 'fights' between him and the sisters, and, honestly, it didn't seem like he was fighting them, just toying with them. I've also seen what his magic is capable of; I suspect that reality itself is nothing but an annoying suggestion to him. We have a plan, so to speak, but I'd rather not use it, if possible. Magic as powerful as what we'd be using always comes at a cost, at this cost would be extreme," Aloysia told Julius as the two entered the Everfree.

"Yeah, I really don't like the sound of that; I'm guessing it's some kind of ritual or something," Julius asked as he ducked under a low branch.

"Yes, it is. I'd rather not go into details; suffice to say it was made based on a spell 'liberated' from Magehold," Aloysia said.

"Well, that doesn't sound too bad. I mean, with a name like Magehold, it must house some powerful mages," Julius responded.

"Magehold is the defacto capital of the Dread League. It's full of necromancers, liches, fallen vampires, zombies, skeletons, ghosts, ghouls, wraiths, and other such foul magic users and undead. It isn't a place you want to go, nor is it a place you want to learn magic from. Sure, they have some of the most powerful artifacts and spells, but they all carry a steep cost, usually live sacrifice like the perverted chalice of life. We've no idea where it came from; originally, the chalice was full of a winelike blood, if you drank from it, then all your injuries would be healed, and all your ailments would be cured. It emanated an extremely potent magic, unlike anything I've ever felt. The Dread League somehow stole the chalice and somehow corrupted it. Now, the chalice is empty, but if a vampire pours all their blood into it and some creature drinks it, they'll become a vampire with powers many times greater than the original vampire. Truly a perversion of the chalice and a perversion of us," Aloysia angrily huffed.

"Wait, I thought that Luna originally made you?" Julius said as he looked at Aloysia.

"Yes, she did, but she did so via spell. Anyone can cast the spell; all they need is enough power and enough master over dark magic. Only an extremely rare few meet those requirements," Aloysia cleared up. "You know, it's funny, we're often seen as weak to sunlight, that it'll burn us to a crisp if it touches our fur. Yet, Celestia is fully capable of casting the spell. Ironic, isn't it, that a creature perceived to be weak to sunlight could be made by the very being that controls the sun," she mirthfully laughed.

"Yeah, it's about as ironic as the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise," Julius calmly said as he nodded.

"I'm not familiar with that one. A story from your world?" Aloysia asked.

"Oh yes. He was a dark lord of the sith who was so powerful and wise that he could prevent those he cared for from dying. So naturally, his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Ironic, isn't it? He could save others from death but not himself," Julius said with a wry smile.

"Oh, you mean Morgath the Darklight. Yeah, I've heard of that before," Aloysia calmly said. "Well, I was there for it; I was the one who killed her. But how have you heard about it from your world?"

"Wait, what?" Julius nearly spat as he almost tripped over himself.

"Yeah, Morgath the Darklight was a fallen vampire. She thought she could use corrupted magic to serve the greater good. It's a story told many times; a well-meaning creature sees the power of corrupted magic, they think they can use it to help others while not becoming corrupted themselves, and then they always become corrupted. The good ones realize their mistake, and their former selves breakthrough long enough for the unfortunate deed to be done, making a final repentance before allowing themselves to be taken out. That's what happened to Morgath, she meant well, but the road she took led only to pain and suffering. At least, in her final moments, she found peace. I allowed her to be interred in the catacombs. Usually, the fallen are instead cremated, but those that repent will be allowed to be interred. Shame what happened to her; she was a good friend," Aloysia sighed before swiftly picking a random fruit.

"Sorry for bringing that up; it must be painful," Julius apologized as he grabbed a similar fruit.

"Don't be; it's not your fault, and you didn't know. Besides, with having biological immortality, you get to learn to cope with it. We've all seen plenty of close friends and family pass. Honestly, it's the biggest reason we keep such a strong wall between us and others. Though she's never said it, Celestia is the same way. Even after thousands of years, pain is still pain. Eventually, you get tired of the hurt, so you build a wall, not between you and others, but between you and the pain; it just so happens that others get caught in between. At least for us, we have a small community of fellows that can support us. But Celestia, she's been alone for a long time; sometimes I wonder how much damage that's caused her. Sure, she wears a strong mask, but what's underneath it? Honestly, I'm not sure I want to see beneath that mask," Aloysia absentmindedly said as she led Julius through the Everfree.

"I imagine she's in far more pain than even she knows. When she has to confront that pain, well, hopefully, she'll have a strong support group. If not, many could suffer for it. Pain can make creatures lash out in unpredictable ways," Julius sighed as the ruined castle came into view.

"Isn't that the truth," Aloysia sighed. "Look, if you're thinking of preempting it, be careful. Celestia is one of the most powerful mortal creatures you'll ever meet. Taking off her mask, even if it's to heal her, could cause her so much pain that she could lash out at you. So if you try it, make sure Luna, myself, and several other vampires are with you," she warned.

"Oh, come on; do you really think that I'd do that?" Julius asked as Aloysia raised an eyebrow at him. "OK, fair point, but it has to be done. If not me, then someone else, so why not me? Besides, have you seen how others act around her? It's like they treat her like a goddess; some literally do that! I doubt any of them would dare suggest that she's anything less than perfect," he flatly told Aloysia as the two walked up to the castle and started to walk down the stone stairway.

"Sadly, that's all too true. Few thestrals want anything to do with her, we vampires have our own problems to deal with, and the few of us that were alive for the bright age, well, yeah," Aloysia nervously said as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Look, I'm not opposed to it; I'm just warning you. In confronting Celestia about it, she might not be the only one hurting."

"Yes, kinda like getting a needle. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. Still, I won't be doing anything like that anytime soon. After all, I got time, and who knows, maybe I can ease her into it, so she heals without knowing anything," Julius sheepishly said as he started to walk towards a cave.

"Hah, yeah, good luck with that. Maybe you can pray to your god for help. Celestia might act a bit dense at times, but she's extremely aware of things happening around her, and she's a workaholic. She'll know if you try something, and she'll likely bury herself in her work. It wouldn't be the first time she's done it," Aloysia sighed as she stopped outside the cave.

"I see; wait aren't you coming in?" Julius asked as he looked back at Aloysia.

"Nah, I'll wait outside. I spend enough time underground and in caves," Aloysia told Julius.

"Alright, see you soon then," Julius said with a shrug as he walked into the cave. "Wait, if Celestia is so aware, then wouldn't she know that I'm here? Maybe I caught her sleeping or something. Well, she is sleeping, but still," Julius mentally sighed as he walked up to Tranquility's tree. "Well, it might be time to right a wrong, ummm, maybe."

"Hesitating now?" Tranquility asked as she walked out from the tree.

"Yes. I know I said I would at the time, but now, in the moment," Julius sighed as he slightly hung his head.

"I get it; you're worried that Discord created me to use you. The fact that both of us agree on something seems odd, and it's setting off warning bells. That's good, be critical, but know this, simple truths are easily agreed upon by all those of sound mind. While it might loath him to admit it, Discord's actions have some level of clear thought. He's not entirely random. The return of the elements is something that we both agree on for similar and different reasons," Tranquility told Julius as she took a few steps to him.

"Yeah, but if Discord can make plans, then couldn't he just make you say those things?" Julius asked as an air of annoyance filled the cave.

"Oh, for Scorpan's sake!" Discord angrily exclaimed as his spirit poofed into the cave. "Here, Tranquility, take this book, put a hoof on it, and swear on it that you're not lying. It means something to him," he angrily huffed as he poofed in a bible on the ground. "Arrivederci!" He angrily exclaimed as he poofed away.

"To be fair to him, Discord did give you things ahead of time," Tranquility said as she looked at the book. "I'm not familiar with this book. I'm guessing it's a religious book of yours?"

"Yes, it is, one moment," Julius said as he picked up the bible and flipped through a few pages. "A nice one at that; it has a few illustrations. A bit graphic, but very well made," he complimented as he placed it down in front of Tranquility.

"If you don't mind," Tranquility said as she opened the bible, only to stop and look at Julius. "Why is this man nailed to a cross?"

"Oh, that's my God, the Son of God. That's a picture of the crucifixion," Julius flatly explained.

"Why?" Tranquility asked as she tilted her head at him.

"Oh, the Son had to die so we could be saved. He was the last living sacrifice. It's OK, though; he was only dead for three days, then he came back to life. Besides, in some beliefs, when He was dead, Jesus went to hell to fight demons and fallen angels to save the souls there," Julius told Tranquility.

"That sounds like something the griffons would say," Tranquility said as she turned a page. "Well, this isn't so bad; it's just a meal," she said with a smile.

"Oh, the last supper, where the twelve apostles ate the flesh and drank the blood of Jesus. We still do that today," Julius responded as Tranquility immediately looked at him.

"I, I don't even," Tranquility sighed. "It's not worth the headache; it reminds me far too much of an ancient cult. No matter, just hoof on the book and swear that I'm telling the truth?" She asked as she closed the book.

"Yup, swear to God that you're telling the truth. Also, what cult?" Julius said as he watched.

"I swear to your god that I'm telling the truth," Tranquility said as she placed a hoof on the bible. "I'm not a part of Discord, nor am I made by him. For the sake of clarity, we're counterparts and spiritually connected. Happy?" She asked as she took her hoof off.

"Yes, quite, I guess, and that cult?" Julius asked as he cautiously walked up to the tree.

"A long lost race worshipped something they called The God of Life. But we've never seen any proof of the spirit, and that race disappeared long before Discord, and I existed. Still, others have theorized that such a spirit could exist. I've never gotten into it, and Discord just rolls his eyes at it. Though the eye-rolling is pretty recent," Tranquility said as Julius started to put the elements of harmony back in their tree slots.

"Huh, shy spirit and lost continent, maybe?" Julius asked as he awkwardly put the elements back. "This would be so much easier if I had telekinesis," he grunted as he got ready to climb the tree.

"And just what do you think you're doing?" Celestia knowingly asked as Julius felt someone staring at him.

"Oh, you know. Things and stuff," Julius flatly said as he avoided looking behind him.

"Oh really, things and stuff. Things and stuff like what?" Celestia asked as she took a few hoofsteps towards him.

"Like climbing a tree, it's good exercise," Julius said as his eyes darted around.

"Right, and doing anything else?" Celestia asked as she eyed Julius.

"Well, considering how I want to do this," Julius hummed before sighing. "Fuck it; I'll die on this hill. Celestia, returning the elements of harmony to the tree is the right thing to do. I'm returning them, and you can't stop me," he huffed as he jumped down from the tree and stood between it and Celestia.

"Is this really happening? Are you really doing this?" Celestia nearly spat as she locked eyes with Julius. "The elements do need to be returned, and it was on my list somewhere. But for somecreature to go behind my back. I don't think that's happened since before Luna's banishment. Well, there are those nobles who think they're being sneaky, but do they really count?" She thought as she watched Julius.

"Oh, it's happening. And you can't stop me," Julius confidently stated as Celestia slightly smiled. "Woah, woah, let me down, let me down!" Julius yelped as he was levitated into the air.

"I thought that I couldn't stop you? I mean, that's what you said. Would you prefer that I not use telekinesis?" Celestia asked as she placed Julius down. "Oh, I can have fun with this. Please, do stay difficult, at least for a while. I got an annoying day tomorrow, and I don't want to miss too much sleep," she thought as she blasted Julius with a spell, who quickly fell to the ground.

"I'm less mad that you paralyzed me and more mad that I can't feel my tongue," Julius grunted as he lightly bit his tongue.

"Stunning spell, very useful for law enforcement. I can refrain from using it and use other spells if you want," Celestia playfully taunted.

"Yes, please. Also, if you could restore feeling in my tongue, that'd be great, thanks," Julius requested as feeling slowly returned to his body. Carefully standing back up, Julius brushed himself off. "OK, well, if you want to stop me, you'll have to get past me, and I won't let you," he huffed as Celestia poofed away.

"Teleportation. Somehow, I doubt you can block it," Celestia breathed into Julius's ear from behind him.

"OK, look, listen, this whole thing isn't going to work like this," Julius sighed as he turned around.

"Ummm, what do you mean?" Celestia asked as she looked Julius in his eyes.

"Look, I had this whole thing planned out, where you'd face off with me from a distance. I'd tell you that you'd have to stop me over my dead body, you'd stop and think that I was crazy, and I'd respond, 'Maybe, but I'm taking a stand for what I believe is right,' and you, stunned at that, would just let me put the elements back after thinking about it," Julius explained with a huff.

"Oh, that, well, that would be new. I can't say that any creature has tried that with me," Celestia hummed. "Look, returning the elements was always on my list; it's just low on it. It's not like many beings know of this old castle, let alone this cave. They should be safe enough here. I can't say that this is how I'd thought they'd be returned, but, well, I guess it's fine. Just hurry up and put them back," she sighed as she took a few steps to the side.

"Oh, well, this is a bit anti-climatic," Julius lightly stammered as he looked at the tree. "I'm having trouble with the higher slots; think you could," he trailed off as he looked at Celestia.

"Oh, very well," Celestia sighed as she let Julius get on her back.

"Thank you," Julius said as Celestia flew him to the slots. "So, how did you find me, Aloysia?"

"Aloysia? That's a name I haven't heard in a long time, a long time," Celestia solemnly said as Julius returned the elements. "No, I felt the magical ripples as the first element was placed in the tree. You can't do anything with magic this powerful without some powerful ripples being released. Fortunately, unless you know what to feel, you wouldn't notice, so very few beings would know about this," she explained as Julius placed the last element back.

"Ah, makes sense, I think," Julius said with a shrug. "Well, it's been a long night; back to your room to go to bed?"

"Yes, I'd love to get back to bed," Celestia responded as she teleported the both of them back to her room.