“I love it when Princess Celestia comes to Ponyville!” Pinkie Pie squeals as she bounces in place. “I got my hooves shined just like Rarity for the occasion. Ya like?”

She shows off her extravagantly polished hoof for the fashionista to judge, which the latter compliments with awe.

“I'm surprised she's not here yet,” Twilight says. “Normally, transportation from Canterlot to Ponyville is just a few minutes by chariot.”

“A minute and a half by flight,” Lavey adds. “I don’t understand why Celie can’t just fly or teleport over instead of using a chariot."

“Because she’s royalty and decides to make a grand, elegant entrance,” Rarity responds. “Besides, what point is there in being royalty if you don’t use the majority of your services."

Lavey rolls his eyes at the persnickety little pony but keeps his mouth shut so as to not blow her fuse. The last thing he wants is to offend her love for royalty and nobility.

"By the way, where are Applejack and Fluttershy?" Twilight asks as she looks around her circle of friends. "Shouldn't they be here to greet the princess?"

"Fluttershy's detained helping Applejack with a mishap at Sweet Apple Acres," Rarity responds. "They'll be along."

"But, I still don't get why the Princess would be so late," Twilight says, her patient façade crumbling quickly. "I know she said she was bringing an important visitor along but why take forever?"

"I mean, it could be King Lumiere and Queen Aurora," Lavey responds. "They might just need some time to adjust to everything first. Living a thousand years in solitude can have quite the effect on your psyche, believe me."

"Maybe the visitor has a deer antler, a goat leg, a bat wing, and a snake tail!" Spike exclaims in horror.

Lavey raises a brow and looks to where the little drake is gawking. Descending from the clouds is Princess Celestia in all her regal glory, riding upon a pegasus-driven chariot. Lavey beholds a second vehicle following right behind her highness, and in its seat is a stone statue that is very much alive.

Just as Spike had described him, the chimera has the leg of a goat and a dragon. Upon his head are the antler of a deer and a gnarled unicorn horn. His wings are comprised of a bat and bird wing. His upper extremities are the paw of a lion and the talons of an eagle. Extending from its rear is a red, serpentine tail. Its body is similar to that of a giraffe, long and sturdy, but its head is more equine.

All of the ponies turn to face the incoming draconeqqus with shock and horror. As the two visitors finally touch down onto the field, everyone besides Lavey respectfully bow before the regal.

“Good to see you again, Celie,” Lavey greets.

He indifferently extends his hand to shake her hoof, which everyone, besides Twilight, gasps at as if he’s committed some unforgivable sin. Fortunately, Celestia obliges the prince and graciously shakes his clawed hand, completely disregarding his unprofessional demeanor.

“It is good to see you too, Lavey, Twilight, and everyone,” she says with that sweet, calming voice of hers. “Lavey, I’d like you to meet Discord, spirit of chaos and disorder.”

Lavey looks upon the terrified effigy and smiles warmly. “Well, it’s a pleasure to actually meet the chaos spirit of this world.”

“You know he can’t hear you, right?” Rainbow Dash asks. “Besides, how can you call meeting this guy an honor?”

“It’s not every day you get to meet a primordial entity from another world,” Lavey explains. “Most worlds outside of God’s creation were given entities of chaos and order to coexist and bring balance, since the gods are too busy to manage the whole known universe.”

"Yes, well, despite all that, Discord hasn’t been too attentive to his duties as Equus’s Chaos Spirit,” Celestia says with disappointment. “He’s caused serious havoc in the past that I would rather not get into.”

"If by "serious havoc" you mean "turning Ponyville into the chaos capital of the world," Rainbow interjects.

"And tricking us all into being the opposite of our true selves," Rarity adds.

"And making yummy delicious chocolate milk rain all over the place without a single dollop of whipped cream to go with it anywhere in sight! Not a single dollop!" Pinkie Pie's reasoning doesn't seem as severe as as the other two complaints but it does seem rather unnatural for the spirit to do—especially one ruling over chaos.

"Yes, I understand," Celestia replies with a calm attitude. "This is why I've brought Discord here, because I believe that you are the ones who can help him do just that. He must return to his old ways of governing chaos in this world."

"Alright, time to give Discord his own character redemption arc!" Lavey quips as he stretches his arms.

Though, if this were anything like anime, it would need the influence of a really, really positive and optimistic character; a complete antithesis to the villain. Where is Son Goku when you need him?

"Remember, you must reform this awry being and help him understand his responsibilities as a spirit," Celestia explains. "And if you are curious as to how you can reign in this delinquent draconeqqus, may I remind you of the things that helped reign him in last time?"

From the same chariot the princess arrived in, she levitates a large chest in a golden field, and places it before everyone. Upon opening it, she reveals five golden necklaces with small gems representing the ponies' Cutie Marks. One of them stands out amongst the others: a golden crown embroidered with small sapphires and an amethyst starburst, similar to Twilight's Cutie Mark.

"So those are the Elements of Harmony I keep hearing about," Lavey says with intrigue. "They're a bit...smaller than I'd imagined."

Twilight looks back at the hybrid with a perplexed look upon her face. "What did you think think they were? Literal weapons we use to purify our enemies?"

"Considering you've never really gave me a good description of them besides calling them 'weapons'."

"Whatever. I suppose we can just use the Elements of Harmony against him again if it gets out of hoof," the little unicorn says, completely brushing off their conversation. "But we need all six of us to use them."

"Indeed,” Celestia agrees. “Bring Applejack and Fluttershy; they will need to hear about the plan as well.”

Eventually, after dragging Fluttershy and Applejack from Sweet Apple Acres, Princess Celestia informs the two ponies about the responsibility placed on their and Lavey’s shoulders. Fluttershy looks far more distressed by this sudden responsibility placed upon her but musters up the courage to accept it.

"Seeing as how Lavey seems to understand how Discord must function, he shall bear the responsibility in reminding him of his duties." The prince bows respectfully to the monarch in gratitude of the task. "Now, I must return to Canterlot at once. You may release Discord when ready."

With that, the princess climbs back into her chariot and disembarks back to Canterlot, leaving everyone to their tasks.

"Okay, ponies, guess it's time to get started," Twilight declares with anxiety. Each of the Elements of Harmony are enveloped in magenta auras of magic and are given unto their respective bearers. "Let's just hope this releasing spell works."

"Or... let's not," Spike says as he hides behind Lavey's legs.

"We'd best keep our elements on at all times 'til further notice," Twilight suggests. "Lavey, you stay on guard in case Discord tries any funny business."

"No problem, Twi," he responds. However, instead of getting into a defensive position, his arms are folded across his chest as he stands nonchalantly off to the side.

Without wasting too much time, Twilight begins to activate the spell. Her horn ignites in a powerful magenta aura that sparks the Element on her head. As if by some mystical connection, each of the other Elements of Harmony begin to glow with an arcane light. A rainbow band emerges from Pinkie Pie's necklace and spreads to the others until finally converging at Twilight's crown. A rainbow beam emits from Twilight's Element, flooding the land in a burst of screaming colors, causing Harmony magic to pierce through the stone statue.

As the light fades and all turns back to normal, Lavey gazes upon the colorful, living creature freed from his stony prison. The Entity of Chaos releases an eldritch howl before mellowing out into a weary yawn. He wriggles and writhes around like jello, working out the kinks in his bones—if he has any that is.

"Well, it's about time somepony got me out of that prison block," Discord says with sarcastic gratitude. "What a relief!"

With his body now free, the draconeqqus is now free to do as he pleases once again. With a snap of his lion paw, an innocent squirrel on a nearby tree transforms into a brutish, violent abomination. Everyone besides Lavey gasps in shock at Discord's actions but Twilight seems to be the most pissed of all.

"What do you think you're doing?!" she demands. She shifts her gaze over to Lavey, expecting him to do something, but he simply stands off to the side, observing.

"I could repair the damage caused by the rampaging spirit," Lavey casually claims, "but I think if Discord were to be reformed, he should fix it himself."

"Oh?" the draconequus says with intrigue. He literally slithers up to the hell-spawn in the form of a treacherous serpent and hovers over his shoulder. "And who, pray tell, may you—" In a split second, the Chaos Spirit's morphs to fear and he jumps back a few feet and plasters himself onto a tree as he reverts back to his normal appearance. His eyes are the size of literal dinner plates and his heart is beating out of his chest. "Wh-what in Equus are you?"

Lavey looks back at the fearful draconequus with a cocked brow. "I wasn't aware chaos and order spirits were able to sense the power of the demonic and divine. Though, I have been told my power feels similar to or even more powerful than the gods."

"The gods?" Rainbow asks with interest. "You're that powerful?"

Lavey looks to the awestruck pegasus and down at his own hand as if he can feel the power coursing through his veins. "I'm not one hundred percent sure what would happen if I were to go all out in a fight, though, I’m sure I can destroy the world. I just hope I never have to go full Super Saiyan on someone." He looks back up at Discord, who still trembles in shock. "But don't worry, I won't use my power to hurt you, I promise."

Feeling somewhat relieved of his fate, Discord snaps his talons and reverts the distorted squirrel back to its cute, fluffy self. He teleports before the hybrid and looks him up and down with anxiety and discontent.

"You know, if you weren't here, I'd probably still be wreaking havoc wherever and whenever I please."

Lavey chuckles a bit, which seems to irk the Chaos Spirit. "If I weren't here, you'd still be dead if you wreaked havoc. I'm being merciful and trying to help you; the gods won't do the same, I'm afraid."

"What could Discord do that the gods would want a piece of him?" Twilight inquires. "I mean, as much as I'd like to see an actual deity, I wouldn't want to be caught in the middle of its wrath."

“Trust me," Lavey says as he looks back to the intrigued unicorn, "if Spirits of Order and Chaos derail from their duties, the gods will want a word.”

Lavey turns back to Discord, who seems to be waiting patiently for the hybrid’s attention. He sits on a comfy couch, wearing a pair of reading glasses, while reading a newspaper and drinking a cup of tea. He looks up at the hybrid with a lackadaisical expression as if sitting through a parent's lecture.

"Are we done here?" Discord asks. "Because there's some chaos I could be spreading right about now, you know. I don't care about what any gods say or what you have to say. I'm just going to have fun the moment you think I've 'turned a new leaf.' Nopony and no one can order the Lord of Chaos."

Curious, Lavey peers into the spirit's soul and observes the different vices stirring within him. As expected, a green splotch of covetousness runs rampant, with pride and sloth following closely behind in equal volumes. Everything else seems to be of no concern as they are mere specks.

"I'm not here to kill you and I'm not here to order you around," Lavey states. "We just need the old Discord back, not this envious, prideful, lazy Discord."

"Envious? Prideful? LAZY?" the spirit huffs in offense. "I'm not envious of anything! I may be a bit vainglorious, but I have a right to be as a primordial spirit. And I'm not lazy. I'm just trying to have some fun while everyone else enjoys order."

"I'm sure you're envious of someone," Lavey responds. "I mean, chaos is nothing without order, and the two usually bicker all the time. Where is your sibling anyway?"

The draconequus goes rigid at the mention of his primordial sibling. "Sister?" Discord mutters solemnly. He shakes his head, driving out any depressing thoughts and puts on the tough guy attitude again. "I haven't talked to that old stump in ages, especially since I've been sealed in stone for a number of centuries. I myself wonder how that old hag been doing."

"Why don't you ask that 'old hag' yourself, brother?" a serene voice calls out.

All eyes turn to look behind the Spirit of Chaos to see an alicorn that wasn't there before. Her body looks see-through like a spirit; in fact it looks almost like a holographic projection. Her aura is calming, similar to that of Celestia’s. Though Lavey has never seen her before, he's sure he knows her.

"Greetings, everypony," the Spirit of Order chimes with a warm smile. However, her smile fades into a stern face as she looks upon the draconequus, who looks ashamed to stand in front of the beautiful entity. "Brother."

"S-sister," Discord mutters, while refusing to make eye contact. "It's been a while, huh?"

All eyes turn to the Spirit of Chaos as Harmonia approaches him. The two siblings stare at each other—one has eyes filled with remorse and the other with disappointment. The once calming aura enveloping Harmonia is suddenly tainted by something colder.

“You haven’t aged a day, brother,” Harmonia quips, though her attitude doesn’t falter. “What have you been doing with yourself? Spreading chaos as you see fit? Tormenting the lives of the creatures we were meant to protect and govern?”

“I was just having a little fun, Harmonia,” Discord childishly argues. “Some ponies just can’t see the mundane, monotonous world we live in like I do. I’m trying to liven things up a bit!”

“You should probably leave that up to the ones who are more specialized in that area,” the Spirit of Order states. She looks over at the ponies but explicitly sets her sights on Pinkie Pie, who nonchalantly bounces in place. “You can have your fun, Discord. You can set up challenges and boundaries for mortals but nothing that can cause the end of the world.”

“And your order is so much better?” Discord asks. “Getting rid of my ‘obstacles’ so ponies can improve themselves? They always blame me for the things wrong with them while they blame you for the good things that go in in their lives!”

Harmonia remains silent and stone-faced while Discord huffs and puffs in rage. The primordials stare at each other, while the atmosphere of malice begins to thicken. It almost feels as if the world may end if these two don't settle their dispute one way or another.

“Come now, Discord,” Lavey intervenes. “I honestly don’t see why you can’t just go back to instilling orderly chaos. Chaos and Order are needed to instill harmony in a world. Without one, the other can not thrive, just as light and darkness coexist. Shadows can not exist without light to make the shape.”

Discord stutters as he tries to explain himself or for any reason for his actions. He looks around at the creatures surrounding him and bows his head in shame.

“Brother, all you’ve done is allow others to antagonize you,” Harmonia factually states. “You’re just an old fart who can’t see past himself. You try to earn favor and respect from others but all you’ve done is cause others to fear you. And what happens when people fear a tyrant or dictator?”

“VIVA LA RESISTANCE!” Pinkie shouts with a salute.

Harmonia blinks at the hyperactive mare few times and clears her throat before continuing. “Uh, yes. Exactly what happened to you a thousand years ago and not too long ago, correct?”

“I wasn’t trying to be a tyrant! That’s crazy!” Discord argues. Lavey simply chuckles at the irony of the situation—a Spirit of Chaos of all beings claiming something else to be crazy. “I was just trying to have some fun! Liven up the world!”

“You didn’t realize you were harming ponies in the process, did you?” Twilight asks. She seems to have calmed down a bit and no longer projects an antagonizing attitude towards Discord. “So when you split me and my friends up—“

“It was just so I could have a little more fun,” Discord shamefully finishes. “I knew you would try to lock me away again and keep me from having a grand old time. But I swear, I didn’t want to hurt or scare anypony. I just—“

“You were just throwing a house party while your folks were away and kinda got a little out of hand,” Lavey finishes. “At least, that would be the best analogy for your situation, I suppose. But fun means nothing when you have no one to enjoy it with.”

Lavey looks back to Twilight who simply rolls her eyes at the nudge. She steps forward and stands two feet away from the draconequus, clears her throat, and gives him her proposal in the most diplomatic way she can.

“Discord, I’m sure Princess Celestia wanted me to do this and...although it’ll take some time to get us to trust you and forgive you for what you’ve done, I think you need a friend to help guide you and to keep you from being lonely.”

“A friend?” the spirit questions. “Is this what Sunbutt’s been doing now? Sending ponies in to share friendship instead of—“

“Do you wanna take the offer or not, Ditz-cord?” Rainbow interrupts.

Discord shoots the pegasus a cold glare but proceeds to extend his paw for Twilight to shake. “I guess I’ve got nothing to lose, huh?”

With their task complete, Celestia had been called back to take in Discord and to double-check his promise to use his powers for good. For some odd reason, not disclosed to anyone, Harmonia refused to be present around the sun princess.

“I’m glad to know that Discord has finally returned to his old self,” the princess says with gratefulness. “Thank you, Lavey and everypony, for your assistance.”

Everyone, including the Chaos Spirit, bow before the princess, which the ponies find rather shocking.

"Well, I suppose chaos doesn't necessarily need to be all fun and games, especially when ponies don't really appreciate uncontrolled chaos," Discord somberly states. "I just wanted somepony to appreciate me instead of my sister for once. I thought I could get that by livening things up a bit and just letting loose. But I see I was being a fool. I deeply apologize for everything I have done to everyone."

Celestia smiles warmly and nods in acceptance of Discord's apology. "Well, that is very sincere of you, Discord. Perhaps you can be a good friend to the ponies of Equus as well as it's protector."

"Speaking of 'good friend'," Twilight interjects, "I think it's best if you spend some more time with somepony who is willing to accommodate you into their home. Not me, of course. I don't really have enough room for another guest."

Lavey glances over to the unicorn and can't tell if what she's saying is true or a lie. Sure, Discord could manifest a bed for himself, but knowing Twi, she'd probably just enjoy having chaos not being in her home.

"Who do you suggest?" Discord asks. "The wild pegasus? Perhaps the obnoxiously ecstatic party mare?"

"Fluttershy," Lavey says.

All eyes turn to the aforementioned pegasus, who has a betrayed look on her face. "M-me?" she stutters. "I-I don't think I can—"

"Come on, Fluttershy," Applejack interjects, "Ah'm sure you can take in another critter. He shouldn't be no different from a rabbit or a bear or whatnot."

Fluttershy looks up to the Spirit of Chaos, who puts on an adorable, cat-face. Knowing the timid mare, she can't possibly say no and disappoint everyone.

"Okay," she finally relents. "B-but I'm going to have to lay some ground rules. I mean, if you're okay with it."

"Whatever it takes for me not to get destroyed. You seem rather tolerant of other ponies and their antics, so I'll have plenty of fun with you around."

Fluttershy swallows a lodged lump, knowing she's going to regret accepting this responsibility.

Author's Note

Trickery and uncontrolled chaos are not favored upon by the gods. After the whole thing with Loki tricking the gods of the pantheons to declare war on each other, any rogue spirits or deities who stray from their responsibilities will be punished severely. You can read more about the War of the Gods on the Demonic Paradise Wiki, HERE!