Discord Day!

Chapters

Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Morning

Ah, what a lovely day, don’t you think? Of course it is. It goes without saying, but I said it anyhow because that’s the kind of being I am. It is Tuesday after all. No pony hates Tuesday! Monday of course gets all the garbage dumped on it because a certain somepony said that THAT should be the start of the week. So, naturally, everypony hates it! And here’s the funniest part! Monday was named after the MOON! MOONDAY! *Hahahahahahah!* Poor Luna, even the day named in her honor gets the manure thrown upon it. Moonbutt just can’t catch a break. *Snaps his left claw and a margarita appears with a pink umbrella in it before being quietly left on the night stand near Luna’s bed*

What is so great about Tuesday you ask? Nothing really. Other than if *I* were in charge I would rename it “Not Monday” because it’s more catchy. In fact, I would probably rename all the days… mmmmm, maybe not Friday, I like how Friday roooooolls off the tongue. Say it with me now, Friiiiiiiidaaaaaaay. Yes, one does not argue with perfection. Just like meeee.
*Ahem* Yes, anyhow. Today is special because you and you and you and… well fine, you too are cordially invited to the first Discord Day in a generation! To think, there is now an entire generation of ponies and other little creatures running about Equestria who have only read about little old me. Maybe seen a painting or photo. OH! And of course my own personal statue in the Canterlot Fountains of Heroes! That’s right HERO. And don’t you forget it!

So, as per the rules set out by our beloved Princess Sunbutt *whispers* 'also sometimes called Celestia to those NOT in the know, may she rest in peace.' Let the one day event of the year… BEGIN!

Princess Twilight Sparkle had been raising the sun over the skies of Equestria for more than one hundred years now. She had not needed her alarm spell to remind her when it was time to get up to start the day in decades having fallen into a groove or rut depending on one’s perspective. Painfully routine. Mechanical. Expectant. That was, of course, until her life took an unexpected, if albeit, desirable turn.

The alarm spell gently shook Twilight’s senses telling her she needed to get up to raise the sun soon. If she was more than a few minutes late her personal assistant, Isabella Windsong, would be along to bang on her chamber door. How the griffon could be so punctual without magical assistance was a testament to her dedication.

The simple alarm spell also served as a reminder to tell a certain pony it was time to lower the moon as well since that was no longer Twilight's dual responsibility. Twilight opened her eyes and began to shift about wiggling her way out from under the covers of the bed when two goldenrod forelegs reached out and drew her back to the plush mattress and silky sheets. Twilight smiled and closed her eyes as she felt a body and muzzle snuggle into her back between her wings. She let out a soft moan of bliss from the desirable, intimate touch.

“Sunset,” Twilight whispered sweetly, “it’s time.”

“Mmmmm, no. You smell too good and feel too warm to get out of bed,” came the muffled response between her wings, earning more nuzzles against one of the purple alicorn’s most sensitive spots. Twilight absolutely loved the feeling of another pony’s body pressed up against hers and questioned how she had not gone mad sleeping alone for so many years.

This had been their routine for the last few months since Sunset Shimmer’s coronation. While the celebration had gone off without a hitch, all smiles and congratulations, the party eventually ended and life had to return to the day to day grind. It had been difficult for them both to adjust to the soul crushing loss of Celestia during the battle against the Athanatoi, god-like alicorns created by Mother Creation herself, Aine, long ago. At first, they had both thrown themselves into working out the kinks of the renewed diarchy structure of Canterlot politics. That had served as a good distraction while Luna continued to help coach Sunset on all she needed to know on how to conduct the night court efficiently. Sunset had relearned quickly, naturally, who the major players were and how to play the game to get things done. Slowly, the night court had gained popularity and the backlog of duties was reduced to a respectable workload. The aunt/niece pair had also set time aside a few nights a week to continue working on Sunset’s dream walking ability. Luna greatly appreciated the help and the company even though she had not said so to Twilight. All of them adjusting to a life without Celestia in their own ways.

Once the “new” had worn off and the council and major players had fallen into a workable routine, Sunset and Twilight had found themselves in need of companionship even when they were not in court or serving Equestria. Rather, especially when they were not serving Equestria. Twilight, in a rare burst of assertiveness, had asked Sunset to move into her personal chambers with her. Sunset accepted with almost no excuses or fuss and confessed to her own sleeping troubles after so much had transpired. Together, the two princesses found something they both desperately sought after. Peaceful rest without tormenting, haunted dreams.

In public, there were rumors and suspicions that the two ruling alicorns were in a relationship, but neither had confirmed or denied it while going through their routines and the castle rumor mill had been surprisingly tight lipped. The two guard captains and a studious griffon personal assistant had seen to that. After much thought and consideration, both had agreed to hold off any public announcements until they had a better grasp of their emotions and where it was all going. Sure, they were long time friends who had seen and done things most could only read about and were quite comfortable with one another on almost every level. They knew they were, as Cadence would have put it, "in love." However, both Sunset and Twilight had agreed that after such a stressful set of events and changes they needed to be sure their bond was real and not just, “loneliness and sex hormones,” as Sunset so eloquently put it.

Twilight understood that Sunset was not ready to be in a “public relationship” yet. Twilight had been down this road before with other ponies she had been intimate with. Those relationships never stood the stress and time for better or worse.
However, she was willing to give her red and gold maned lover more slack given that she had once been married to her interdimensional twin. Sunset wanted to be sure her feelings were genuine. No one wanted to be thought of as “the replacement.” Twilight could respect that and judging by the way Sunset was nuzzling and nipping into her back fur things were progressing along just fine without the need of proclamation.

“Mmmmm, oh yessss, things do look quite cozy. Of course, if I had a bedhead mane like that I would not be in any hurry to wake up either.”

Sunset’s eyes shot wide open. She glanced up past the flowing stardust mane of indigo and magenta, through the purple feathers to see a floating mish-mashed gangly creature that looked patched together from numerous mythical creatures. His two different sized red and sickly yellow eyes were far too close as was his snaggle tooth grin. Sunset did the only thing she could do in such a moment of surprise. She screamed.

The goldenrod alicorn rolled backwards from Twilight attempting to free herself from the covers, smashing through her nightstand. The wood along with the few contents that had been placed there went flying across the room. With all the grace of a creature that had a hive of bees dropped on her head Sunset flailed for another few steps until her wings burst through the sheet that had been wrapped around her body. Her wings turned the soft woven linen to ash as they extended to their full flaming glory. Thankfully, Twilight had most of the room enchanted with fire resistant runes and spells for such outburst after a few unexpected incidents.

Looking through her wild, untamed mane Sunset locked her glowing teal eyes on the target of her ire, still floating above the bed. With a thought, a longsword appeared from the ether with a dark steel blade engulfed in red flame. “Discord! What the actual FUCK are you doing in my room?!”

“Well, actually it’s my room.” Sunset’s eyed Twilight with a ‘are you serious?’ face. “Right, sorry, no coffee yet.”

Discord just shrugged and continued to float before pulling out a paper calendar, pretending to consult it before it turned into a paper bird and flew out the window. “I was in the dimensional neighborhood and thought I would check in on my two favorite gal-pals and see how they were doing without little old me. Judging by the sword and flames in the bedroom I would say things have certainly gotten kinky quickly. Twilight, you little minx you.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. Sunset just growled. “As nice as it is to see you, Discord. It is, as it always has been, rude to just pop into my bedroom unannounced. Remember when I just moved in and had not even unpacked yet? I nearly fell out the window. Took me two whole seconds to remember I had wings!”

“How is that even possible?! You have crazy sophisticated wards in here that should have stopped him like a Mack truck hitting a mountain side.”

“Oh, please, give me some credit, Little Sunbutt. As skilled as our dear Twilight is, I was able to break dear Celestia’s wards on the safe where she used to keep the Elements of Harmony without breaking a sweat. A little casual B and E is nothing to a sly fox such as myself.”

Unsurprisingly, Discord temporarily turned himself into a fox with a bandit mask before popping back to his preferred form. Twilight snorted a giggle, which caused Sunset’s eye to twitch. Twilight glanced back at her marefriend when she heard the snort that sounded dangerously like a dragon about to breathe fire.

“I think we are getting sidetracked. Discord, like I said as nice as it is to see you we need to proceed to our daily duties. Afterwards, if you like you can join us for breakfast.”

Discord waggled his eyebrows and his smile only grew wider. Sunset’s brow furrowed more as her sword took on a brighter glow. “Ever the studious steward of all the lands. Oh, as always you remind me of why Celestia and toaslightlylessextent Luna chose YOU to rule Equestria.”

Sunset’s eyes never broke with Discord’s as his words cut. Twilight had not caught it because it was not meant for her.

“However,” Discord continued, snapping his claw talons once more to place party hats on both princess’s heads (Sunset’s also said Dunce) “You need not worry about those booooring responsibilities today! The sun is already… meh, mostly on its way up and I hid the moon down by the south pole... I think. We’ll find it later. For today is a special occasion! Today, we no longer bow our heads in mourning for the loss of a beloved friend and what it has done to the fancy cake industry. Today, we celebrate. For today is the official return of… *waaaaaait for iiiit* DISCORD DAY!”

Horns played, confetti fell from nowhere and the room smelled, of all things, like smores. Discord held his pose for a few seconds before he decided the awaited applause would not come. Both alicorns continued to stare at him. One with a dazed, slightly whimsical look. The other like she was half a second away from a berserker charge.

“Oh! Silly me, you are both struck speechless, of course. No need to thank me. You two just cozy up again and I will handle all the decorations and entertainment as I have done in the past. You can explain the details to bedhead over there or let her find out for herself. That could be fun too. Toodles!”

With a snap of his paw, Discord disappeared. Sunset let out a groaning sigh and allowed her sword to return to the ether space where it was summoned from. Carefully, just in case, Sunset glance over her shoulder to the window where she could see that the sun was in fact rising. That of course meant that the day’s activities needed to get underway. However, before Sunset decided what to do next her attention returned to Twilight, who was still sitting up in bed.

Slowly, and quite unsettlingly so, a smile crept across Twilight's face until it became a wide, maniacal grin. “Uhhhh, you okay over there, Twily?” Sunset suddenly found herself wrapped in a magenta levitation aura. She gasped as she was lifted and brought back to bed directly behind Twilight like they had been just moments before the interruption. Twilight let out a great, pleased sigh of relief and snuggled her back into Sunset’s body. Sunset let the last of her adrenaline pumped anger go and smiled as she stroked Twilight’s wing with her hoof.

“Not that I don’t like this, but don’t you think we should get ready for the day soon? Normally I would sleep in for a few more hours, but it sounds like you will need all hooves on deck today. Especially since Flurry Heart is still in the Empire visiting her mom.”

“Mmmm, nope.”

“Nope? Really?”

Twilight giggled and cooed at the soft strokes to her wings. “Just like I said, nope! You’ve never experienced a Discord Day. Once he’s declared the beginning of festivities it automatically becomes a national holiday. Everypony is off from work or duty to enjoy.”

“Huh. That’s… kind of awesome and yet also incredibly irresponsible. I mean, what if somepony had a wedding or something else they had planned?”

Twilight rolled slightly so she could look at Sunset, pulling her lover in closer for a kiss. “There are some ground rules that Celestia established. Only happens once a year and can’t be on the same day as any other established holiday, but the randomness of it is part of Discord’s charm.”

Sunset rolled her eyes when she finally noticed of the “Dunce” label on the party hat Discord had placed on her head. “Right, charm.”

“Oh, don’t be like that. Just give it and him a chance. I loved Discord Day! It was the only day I use to get to have a break. You saw what happened to me when he stopped doing them. I became a droning, soul-crushed workaholic. Trust me, most of the poking he does is all in good fun. If I was a gambling mare I would bet that by the end of the day you will be looking forward to the next one.”

Sunset sighed and nuzzled Twilight’s neck which elicited another pleasurable sigh and purr from the purple princess. “For you, I will give it a chance, but I still don’t think that means we should let him have free reign to go bananas with a side of ice cream all over the whole country.”

“Just try to relax, show some trust, and have a good time.”

“You can explain to me the rules and how this has gone in the past over breakfast. That will probably help settle my nerves. However, if it’s a day off I think more morning snuggles are in order.”

Twilight gasped and moaned from Sunset's expert touch. “Oh, most definitely.”

That was of course when Twilight’s personal assistant, Isabella Windsong, began beating frantically on the bedroom chamber door screaming, “Your Highness! The entire castle has been repainted pink and green and the clouds are apparently raining chocolate milk! We need your help!”

“Gueeeesss we should also make an official announcement over the SunLight emergency broadcast signal.”

Sunset sighed, once again denied her snuggle time. Her head beginning to throb from a coffee deprived headache. “Yeah.”

“So, let me just recap so that I understand you correctly, Your Highness,” said Tempest Fury with her hoof resting against the bridge of her nose, eyes closed to help ease her headache and general queasiness. The vermilion unicorn Captain of the Solar Guard took a deep breath before continuing. “From sun up until sundown Discord, the Lord of Chaos, gets to do pretty much whatever he wants, no matter how crazy, to the limits of his imagination, as long as nopony gets hurt in the process. And we are all just supposed to… go out and enjoy ourselves?”

After calming her personal assistant, Twilight had accessed the Sunlight crystal network. The harmonic crystals that Sunset and Twilight had pioneered that were capable of communicating instantaneously to each other throughout all of Equestria. Some had even found their way into possession of friends and family beyond the borders in Griffonstone, the Crystal Empire, and Badlands nations. With the flick of her horn and a few secret security runes a crystal as big as her throne began to glow.

Sunset Shimmer had designed the network along the same architecture as the two way journals that she and Twilight had used for years. The central crystal had to be large and powerful enough to access all the crystals that had ever been produced across every corner of Equestria. Once active Twilight left a “voice mail” as Sunset called it that every creature would be able to hear simply by tapping their personal or household crystal. It was a marvel of modern magi-tech and revolutionized communications.

With the warning out of the way, Twilight was naturally next approached by her guard captain, Tempest Fury. “With all due respect, Your Highness, I am not comfortable having ALL the guards off to go frolic and goof off at a party. It just seems like the perfect opportunity for some creatures to take advantage of the festivities to create malicious mischief or something worse.”

Twilight nodded, taking a moment to finish her pancakes before answering. “I do recall some bad ponies trying to do things like that in the past, but more times than not Discord caught wind of their misdeeds and made examples of them in some of the most embarrassing ways. Nothing permanent! Like I said, he is not allowed to cause harm. But as you can imagine even a hardened thief would find it difficult to stand their ground wearing a glowing color changing tutu and horseshoes with permanent banana peels stuck to the bottom of them.”

Tempest did not smile or appear convinced.

“I understand your concerns and I will defer to your advice on the matter and agree that a small unit should be on guard, especially since this is the first Discord Day in more than forty years. You were not even alive the last time one was held.”

“And what a glorious day it will be for a comeback! Oh! The chance to really strut my stuff and work my magic once more. Just look how flabby and out of shape I have gotten? I really was letting everypony down by sulking at home these last many moons. I really should thank Sunset Shimmer for her motivation to get me back in the driver’s seat, as it were.”

Tempest arched an eyebrow, her left eye beginning to twitch it time to her raging pulse. “Princess Sunset suggested this?”

“Hmm? Oh, heavens no. That would require her to remove that stick from up her plot hole first. We had… let’s call it a little heart to heart before that Royal Rumble you had with Aine’s children. She convinced me that it was time to stop feeling sorry for myself and get back out into the world. Let the ponies of today see how much I have to offer, add a little delightful chaos to the world once more. Balance, blah, blah, blah fate of the world.” Discord pulled back the fur on his wrist to reveal a massive watch with a picture of Celestia with cake on her face, her forelegs moving like clock hands. “Now, if you will excuse me I have to go decorate the west coast. See you ladies in the square later and I do hope no pony is allergic to lime or cherry flavors.”

Discord set a large tin canister down on the table with the words “Coffee Grounds” on the label. He winked at Twilight before disappearing. Isabella was the first approach the container, but far too scared to open it. The griffon had been a nervous wreck most of the morning. Her condition not improving as feathers fluffed in every direction when a high pitched, demonic harpy scream erupted through the halls of the castle. The dining hall double doors burst open violently to a growling, huffing goldenrod alicorn with a frizzy mane of untamed fire, slightly twitching glowing red eyes, and a horn that burned with dangerous levels of power on the brink of destructive release.

“WHERE IS THAT FLOATING PATCHWORK PROJECT REJECT?!”

Tempest on instinct began layering defense shields for the inevitable firestorm while Isabella slunk lower in her chair. Twilight jumped from her seat and began to cautiously approach Sunset. “Sunny? What happened?”

“Discord replaced all the coffee in the castle with cans of fucking ground pepper!”

All the eyes in the room turned to the large cylinder currently sitting on the table. Sunset marched up to the tin. It did resemble the storage tins that the kitchen staff used, but after having ripped open a dozen other tins that were all filled with pepper she was not hopeful and completely unsurprised when the can erupted open and classic spring loaded party snakes burst into the air along with multi colored confetti. Isabella screeched when the snakes eventually slithered out the door.

“Somepony call the undertaker, he’s about to get a jumbo sized corpse to deal with.”

“Sunny,” Twilight said calmly with a hint of loving sweetness, “breathe.”

“I don’t need fucking breathing meditation, I NEED COFFEE.”

“Sunny.”

“Ugggghhhhhh… fiiiiiiiiine. I won’t kill him, but seriously, Twily, coooooffeeeee. I can't BRAIN without my coffee!”

“Discord is known for mischief and pranks. None of this is meant to be malicious even if it sometimes comes off as crass or in poor taste. This is probably his way of trying to get you out of the castle and to enjoy some of the games and treats or whatever crazy shenanigans he has planned for the day outside. There might even be coffee outside. I guarantee before mid-day there will be a smile on your pretty face.”

Sunset let out a sigh, blowing the hanging wisps of mane from her face. The pleading smile on Twilight’s face cutting right through all of Sunset’s anger and frustration. Twilight was right. They had both been working hard the last several months and were in need of a break even for a day. If that came via Discord then so be it. As long as he behaves from here on out, I guess I can too.

“Okay, princess, you win. What do we do next?”

Twilight levitated over a plate of pancakes and fresh fruit. “First, you eat. Then we see what awaits us outside.”

After adding syrup and butter Sunset looked up and had a thought. “Has anypony seen Luna yet today?”

Discord slinked just above the stone and mosaic tile floor of Luna’s tower. He was surprised to find that the Mistress of the Night was not in her chambers, though the drink he had left by her bed earlier was gone. The two thestrals that had been standing outside her door were vigilant as statues before an empty room. Well, that's just sad. Discord considered covering them in chocolate syrup and sending them sliding down the hall, but it was less fun when there was no one to enjoy watching the prank.

Instead, Discord made himself invisible and flat as a piece of paper and slipped under the door and upward. He could sense Luna nearby, her power emanating like a beacon on the unseen magical flow of the world. As a being of chaos surrounded by an overwhelming sea of harmonic energy Discord often felt like the oil patch that just could not mesh with the water he floated upon. However, Fluttershy had once better described him as the odd duck that skimmed across the surface, sometimes diving in, but always floating back to the surface and emerging clean and dry. Unique. That was the word she like to use to describe him.

He would never be able to truly mesh with Equestria, but that was okay. He could still dive in, have a good time, show others a good time and the joys of occasionally misbehaving, and then rinse and repeat. Never let them get too comfortable. Too many ponies were too content in what they had and the status quo. It was time to shake things up and that should include all his old friends at the top of the food chain.

Discord found Luna lying back in a lounge chair with sunglasses on at the top of her open air tower. Surprisingly, there were no guards. She usually always had at least four. The opportunity was too good to pass up. Discord conjured a pie and creeped ever closer, slowly raising the dessert to strike his target.

“I would set the pie down for consumption if I were you,” said Luna without moving. “I just had my coat infused with honeysuckle and lavender and would be greatly displeased to find it sullied by sugary sweet filling.”

“Oh pffft. You use to know how to have fun.”

“I am having plenty of fun and will indulge more thoroughly once I have finished my meditation. Thank you for the drink, by the way. The moment I heard you declare it Discord Day I dismissed my servants so that they might go and partake in the cheer and madness. For now, I would much rather sit back and watch from here all that takes place below.”

“That sounds like something Celestia would do. Maybe throw in some stolen cake when she thought no pony was watching. I thought you better than that, Lulu.”

Luna’s horn lit up and a creamy yellow daiquiri with slice of pineapple appeared next to her chair. “You party your way, old friend, and I will party my way.”

Discord fell over backwards laughing. “I see, drinks and debauchery it is! Then I shall leave you and your soon-to-be guests to it before this story requires an M rating.” Luna waved him off casually while bringing the straw to her lips. A few minutes later half a dozen thestrals landed at the edge of Luna’s tower and bowed respectfully.

Sable Nimbus was the first to step forward, bowing more deeply, licking her lips in anticipation. “You sent word that you wished to have company, Mistress?”

A smile spread across Luna’s face.

Sunset Shimmer had a headache. That was not uncommon when she did not get her daily dose of the “nectar of the gods” also known as coffee. The goldenrod alicorn knew she was addicted to caffeine, but did not care in the least. Thankfully, the worst of the throbbing pain had subsided when Twilight had offered to help brush her tangled mane. That had been most pleasant, spread out on the bed while Twilight ran a brush and occasional hoof through the red and yellow mass. She had temporarily ceased the spell her mother had taught her that gave her mane the "ethereal wave," having found out that it was silly difficult to get a brush through it otherwise. They had both found that out the hard way.

Sunset had next collected her PAAL, her AI enabled smart phone that she had managed to bring across the mirror portal from the human world. Raven was most pleased to learn about and observe any new information regarding pony culture, especially holidays and special events. The glass screen had lit up with a small animated pony head with cream colored fur and mousy brown mane done up in a neat bun. Sunset had warned her electronic friend that she had not been properly caffeinated and that she was not entirely sure what was going to happen. Raven, with mock concern, stated that she would call 911 immediately knowing full well she no longer had access to such a function.

Even with that in mind, Sunset Shimmer’s headache returned in full force the moment she stepped outside the palace gates. (Which had been turned into pretzel sticks... that someone had apparently been chewing on.) Sunset turned to look at Twilight, then back to the night guard captain, Gauge, whose mouth was slightly askew with arched brow, and finally to Tempest Fury whose face probably closer resembled her own.

“Oh my mother goddess fucked sideways…”

Twilight giggled.

“What she said,” murmured Tempest Fury feeling equally disturbed.

Once, long ago, Sunset had been trying to get a grasp on how her geode’s empath powers worked she had been invited to take a peek inside Pinkie Pie’s mind. It was one of the strangest, trippy, closest to mind altering drugs moment of her life. What was going on in front of her in the city of her birth was like that, but now kicked up to eleven.

Some buildings had been completely altered to resemble food and even smelled as such when the wind shifted. Some of the streets now bent and twisted to rise to the buildings that were floating or melting like something out of the minds of Escher and Dali. The sky was not behaving any better with clouds passing by, some playing marching band music, in the shapes of various Equestrian creatures and occasionally raining chocolate milk and…

Sunset sniffed and touched some of the dark brown liquid that was falling from the sky. She risked a lick from her hoof and her eyes grew wide. “It’s… cola flavored.” Sunset confiscated a cup from a street vendor booth and chased after the low hanging cloud. “It’s not coffee, but at least it has caffeine.”

“My princess, are you certain you should be drinking that?” Sunset leveled Gauge with an annoyed glance that bounced right off the thestral as if his face were also made of armor. “Considering the source.”

“She once drank tequila from a black ceramic bottle shaped like a skull. After vomiting into a trash can, she did not make it back to bed and instead slept on the hotel room floor.” Sunset turned her glare down upon Raven. The digital pony on screen just blinked nonchalantly. Thanks for oversharing.

Cautiously, Sunset gave the soda a sniff before taking a sizable gulp. After nothing happened she shrugged and sipped some more. “I suppose he could have slipped a laxative in there and I wouldn’t know it, but actually that has benefits in its own right.”

It was then that Sunset took note of the cup she had taken and the two dozen others like it still on the booth table. A travel thermos adorn with pictures of her and Twilight making terrible faces like freeze frame photo captures in mid-sentence. That was strange… until she looked left. Sunset’s eye fell upon the carnival style booth closest to her, then the one next to that, and the next one after that. They were all being run by a Discord. Some had small differences like different colored facial hair or hats or even major physical changes, but ultimately still the draconequus trickster. Sunset returned to Twilight’s side.

“How can he split into so many versions of himself and still maintain control? Even for him, wouldn’t that drive a being crazy?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “It’s Discord, he was already crazy.”

“Riiiiight. Not helping the overall argument here, Twily.”

“Not to be the party pooper, but what exactly are we supposed to be doing?” asked Tempest, still tense and jumping to turn herself defensively to everything that moved in an unnatural manner.

“You are supposed to be having fun, Tempest,” said Twilight. “Go, enjoy the day off. Relaaaaaaax. Take Gauge with you. Try something you’ve never tried before. Maybe putting the armor away will help.”

“If it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll just stick close to you. As much for my protection as yours, Your Highness.”

“Na uh,” Twilight said with a shake of her head. “If you want to stay with me and hang out as friends that’s fine, but no ranks, no titles, and no armor. See? No crown. Which means it’s just Twilight and Tempest. The same goes for you too, Gauge.”

Tempest turned her eyes to the thestral who shrugged and nodded his head. “I’ll… try.”

Twilight reared back and pulled Tempest, Gauge, and Sunset into a group hug. “THIS! This is what I’ve been missing. Just having fun with all my friends just like I used to. Now, if I can just get Isa to come out of her room it will be perfect.”

“All part of the Discord Day service, ma’am!” shouted one of the Discords from a nearby booth, twirling his handlebar mustache and bouncing a bushy white eyebrow.

Twilight tugged at Sunset’s foreleg then pointed to another booth being run by a Discord wearing a cabbie hat and overalls. “I wanna win a prize!”

Nostalgia, both beloved and heart breaking passed over Sunset for a moment, but she chose to say nothing and focused on the here and now. If Twilight wanted to win a stupid prize that would probably disappear at the end of the day then so be it… Just as long as it was not a giant parakeet. Otherwise, she would be having a rather heated discussion with Discord on how he knew so much of what happened on Earth.

Twilight stopped on her way to a game booth and waved at a gathered group of mixed species. They looked like they had been cautiously having fun. Curiosity overtook their caution as they watched their high princess bounce up to the booth. She picked up the ball and tested its weight before setting it back down. Twilight turned around and lined up her hindleg, taking a moment to wink at Sunset before kicking the ball that went flying at muzzle velocity.

The ball obliterated the standing bottles, exited the booth and proceeded to strike a dunk tank target across the street dropping a stallion into a large vat tank filled with orange gelatin. The stallion cheered wildly, coming up for air with a mouth full of the jiggly substance.

“Double winner!” shouted the carny Discord. He pulled down a large plushie that looked like Pinkie Pie and handed it to Twilight. Twilight levitated her prize onto her back and whooped and cheered. The citizens that had been hesitant to take part immediately began trying their own luck. Sunset had to admit, she had not seen her best friend so happy in a long time. It brought a serene smile to her face and a warmth to her heart.

Sunset shrugged a moment later and tried to play it off as nonchalant cool. “Nice shot. I remember back in the day hearing how you missed a soccer ball that was right in front of you.”

“Practice makes perfect. That and I had feet then instead of hooves plus that high center of gravity so it really was not fair.”

“Okay, so what else is there to do?”

“If you are looking to make the morning a bit more exciting might I suggest, ‘The Battle of the Brains!’ booth.” Sunset scowled letting out a small growl at regular Discord who had wedged himself far too close for Sunset's comfort between the two alicorns. “After all, when was the last time my favorite old friend really got to flaunt and show off her smarts, hmmmm?”

Twilight blushed. A fact that did not go unnoticed by her marefriend. Sunset’s scowl darkened when she noticed how Discord had all but wrapped himself around Twilight like a constrictor, hugging her closely to him. Sunset would have dismissed it as just him trying to make others uncomfortable by getting inside their personal space, but Twilight didn’t seem to mind the closeness and Discord leveled a gaze at the goldenrod alicorn that lingered just a little too long. He was up to something, but she did not know what.

Before Sunset could comment Discord had untangled himself and taken Twilight’s hoof and began leading her away. Sunset shook her head and flinched when she realized Tempest was now standing next to her closely.

“Tell me you saw that.”

Sunset nodded. “I saw something. I don’t know what his game is, but it’s not just to have a care-free day of fun that’s for damn sure.”

“You play his game, you’re good at that sort of thing. I’m going to stick to Twilight like glue and if he so much as causes her to chip a hoof on accident trying to show off I’ll ring his scrawny, worm neck.”

“Is that even possible considering his nature?” commented Gauge who had been following close behind.

“Are you going to try and stop me?”

Gauge smirked and shrugged in that noncommittal way that he did. “I would rather take pictures to be honest.”

Sunset smiled, nudging Tempest. “Told you he was a keeper.”

The other three quickly hurried to follow Twilight and Discord who had been talking rapidly back and forth. Discord snapped out of existence for a moment before reappearing at the center of the stage he erected from the ground wearing a suit top and striped tie. He gestured to one of the podiums that bore Twilight’s cutie mark. Unsurprising the other had Sunset’s. Sunset hesitated at the steps for a moment before glancing over to Twilight. She smiled brightly at her and nodded eagerly.

The things I do for you woman.

With a sigh and her best tolerant mask Sunset took her place behind the other podium with a buzzer, briefly wondering if it would zap her when she hit the button. Tempest and Gauge sat down front and center below the stage ready to move in if needed.

“Welcome every creature to the first ever, Battle of the Royal Brains! I was going to call it battle of the princesses, but that’s already been done a few times. Clichés, not in my self titled story! ” Discord threw some cards over his shoulder that had appeared in his paw. The cards turned into birds and flew away. That earned him a few cheers from the crowd that began to form. He paused for dramatic effect and allowed the quickly growing spectators to gather and grow while cheesy gameshow music played on repeat from somewhere.

“I’m having difficulty processing the rapid changes and multiple levels of insanity of all of this.”

Sunset glanced down at Raven, massaging her head that still throbbed. “You and me both, sister.”

“Allllllrighty then! The rules are very simple. It’s a best of thirty questions of trivia from all over the world and whatever else I could come up with on short notice. First to press the buzzer gets to answer. The winner gets a star. The loser gets… well, you’ll see. Now remember ladies, while it is all in good fun I expect only the best from Equestria’s brightest stars!”

Sunset had to do a double-take at Twilight who suddenly became incredibly serious with her hoof hovering just above the big red button. I think she just switched on her A game. Okay, fine, let it never be said that Sunset Shimmer threw a competition just because I’m dating my opponent.

“Good luck, Twilight,” Sunset called out with a genuine smile.

Twilight smiled back. “You too, Sunset.” The smile turned ferocious. “You’re going to need it.”

Before Sunset could comment further Discord took center stage. “Annnnnnd question number one! During the Siege of Canterlot Twilight and her adorable friends fled south to find help. What was the name of the town they first arrived in after leaving Equestria?”

Sunset sat back, her eyebrow arching. “Wait a second, that’s a loaded q-”

*DING*

“Klugetown!”

“Aw c’mon! She was part of the question!”

“Correct! Star for Twilight.” Discord paused, grinned and pressed a button on his podium.

From nowhere a large bucket dumped freezing cold water onto Sunset and she cried out at the sudden frigid wetness. Sunset’s horn blazed and her wings turned to flame. “ARRRRGH! YOU SON OF A BIT….” Sunset paused to glance at the young fillies and colts in the ever growing crowd. "Biscuit." She pushed wet mane from her face and growled. She next fished her PAAL from its carry pouch.

“Raven, you okay?”

“I am waterproof as long as my casing is intact… You, however, look like a drowned cat.”

Sunset snorted, narrowing her eyes. “Okay, you want to play it like that? Fine. It is on, Sparkle!”

Twilight grinned wider. “Bring it!”

Discord suppressed his characteristic laugh and straightened his tie before coughing politely into his paw. “Question two! What was the name of the oak tree library that Twilight stayed in during the one thousandth Summer Sun Celebration?”

*DING*

“The Golden Oak Library!” shouted Twilight before her expression soured a bit. “I still miss that place.”

“Are all these questions going to have to do with Twilight?!” Sunset gasped and growled when another bucket of water doused her.

“To answer your inquiry. No, not all of them.”

Sunset pushed her wet mane back from her face again and leaned forward, dripping on her podium as she stood with her hoof over the red button. “Next.”

While true to his word, not ALL of them had to do with obscure Twilight Sparkle knowledge, a great many had. However, even the ones that Sunset had known the answer to she had hit the buzzer too slowly and been drenched again and again. Twilight had long since answered more than fifteen correct making it impossible for Sunset to catch up, but the game kept going all the way to question thirty. Sunset had already been dumped on twenty-nine times.

“Allllllllright every creature! We already have a winner, naturally, but this is the final chance to see if Princess Twilight can sweep her opponent. Get those brooms ready because this last one is a tuffy!”

“You can do it, Sunset!”

Sunset glanced to her right and much to her surprise, it was the elder solar guard from the armory named Ironside, shouting her name.

“Hey!”

“What?” he replied with a goofy grin. “You already won, I wanna see ya get a bucket of water on yer head.”

“Traitor,” grumbled Twilight with a quirky smile.

Discord cleared his throat with extra theatrics. “And now for the final question… What was Celestia’s favorite color?”

Twilight hit the button so hard her podium cracked. “Pink!”

“Ha! Wrong!” cried Sunset, smashing her button repeatedly.

“Correct!”

Sunset whipped her head around to Discord so fast that her wet mane threw water about. “WHAT?! OH NOW THAT IS SOME GRADE A HORSEAPPLES RIGHT THERE! I know for a FACT that her favorite color w-” The bucket dumped another load of cold water on Sunset, but she did not feel the chill. In fact, the water began to evaporate almost instantly into wisps of rising steam. Twilight stopped cheering and gawked nervously.

“Uh, Sunny, are you o-”

Sunset’s wings snapped open and burst to flames, her mane drying and flapping about like a fire that just got a fresh helping of wind and gasoline. The podium in front of her was smashed to bits as she stomped on it. Discord’s goofy grin vanished as he floated closer to Twilight.

Sunset’s eyes were focused on him and him alone as she spat through clenched teeth, veins throbbing and neck muscles taunt. “I don’t care what you think, what you read in a tabloid, or if you just wanted to dump thirty buckets of water on me, but MY MOTHER’S favorite color was the color of MY eyes. She told me that more than once when I was a filly and then later said it again a few years ago while we were enjoying a quiet picnic under her favorite tree. She loved that my eyes also matched Luna’s. Pink. Is. Wrong.”

Discord looked down at the card that was in his bird talon and then shrugged. “Oops, wrong card. My mistake.” He snapped his paw and a bucket dumped a deluge of water on Twilight’s head. She squealed as the ice cold liquid forced her mane flat and soaked her to the bone. “But Twilight still wins. Thanks for playing!”

Sunset’s anger ebbed and her wings retracted at the sight of her marefriend shivering in the wet, unable to see because her usually billowing mane was now a blinding curtain. It took a few more deep breaths before Sunset once again reminded herself it was all supposed to be in good fun.

“Here, have a participation prize.” Discord snapped his talon and the two alicorns found themselves clad in white t-shirts that had magically taken their wings into account. Sunset looked down having to twist a bit to read the words that read, “I’m with Genius,” underscored by a red arrow that was pointing towards Twilight. Similarly, Twilight had a shirt that read, “I’m with Grouch,” with its own red arrow pointing towards Sunset. Twilight snorted and tried and failed to hold down her grin.

“Sunset, I would like to request that next time you feel you are going to spontaneously combust to please set me aside. My circuitry is sensitive to excess heat.”

Before Sunset could comment the PAAL was levitated from her pouch and was now hovering near Discord. “HEY!”

“You know, you are an odd little thing if I have not said so before.”

“That means next to nothing coming from a magical creature that looks like it went through a wood chipper and was reassembled by a blindfolded child with colored crazy glue,” replied Raven, the digital pony on the screen giving him a glare.

“Ohhhhh, it’s like that is it?”

Sunset growled, a nervous warble to her voice, “Discord, I’m warning you, don’t you dare do anything to her.”

“Do anything? How can you expect me to defend my precious honor when I cannot look the wannabe pony thing who insults me in the eye, hmm?”

“Discord…”

The draconequus snapped his paw and the PAAL was surrounded by a ball of light that felt as blinding as the sun itself. Sunset and everyone else who had been watching the exchange had to turn away or risk going temporarily blind.

“RAVEN!”

The ball of light dissipated and four hooves and a body could be heard landing on the wooded stage. When Sunset looked back after rapidly blinking the spots from her eyes she found a cream colored unicorn with mousy brown mane and tail both styled into neat kept hair buns. The unicorn opened her honey colored eyes and blinked a few times before beginning to look about. The silence of shock did not last.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Author's Note

Welcome back all who have joined me before! And if this is your first time or story, well, hopefully it is well done enough for you to follow along and want to go back and read the others.

This is going to be a short story, written in three parts like a traditional three act play. As of typing this the first two parts are done, but the third still needs final spit n' polish. So, with that in mind, plus it gives others a chance to read and comment if they like I will release each part with the traditional week gap. (oh! the suspense!)

for clarification this is a little more than six months after the coronation at the end of Gods and Monsters, which was in the spring time so I picture this taking place in the early Fall. Perfect weather for outdoor events like a faire and such.

As always all questions, comments, suggestion, and grammatical errors pointed out are welcome. I do this for fun and am not perfect so please help out if you see something.

Afternoon

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Every head in the immediate vicinity, which were quite a few, turned to sound of the pony screaming at the top of her lungs. It was not a happy scream. Nope. That was the scream of absolute terror. Only made worse by the fact that said pony had quite a set of lungs on her… and inadvertently also screamed in the Royal Canterlot Voice, which half the city heard. Even Luna who had been enjoying her post-session 'nap' was startled awake.

The Personal Artificial Assistant Logic or PAAL was an intuitive based AI that became more life like the more it interacted with its user. It still had numerous restrictions and limitations to prevent it from bringing rise to the Machine Overlords, but even still they were quite life like. Easily the most advanced artificial intelligence ever created. That being said, Raven, as Sunset Shimmer had named her PAAL, had never in her three years of service life ever anticipated what had just occurred. One moment she was in her owner’s carry pouch listening to the conversation as she always did then she found herself being levitated towards the strange mish-mashed creature known as Discord. A bright flash caused her camera to go white then black. Then, suddenly, she FELT the ground.

Raven’s eyes opened and she felt herself looking about. She had never had control of her own motor functions before beyond just being able to move her camera eye about to a certain degree. But now she apparently had two eyes… and a head… and a body! She had so many questions, but was still processing what to say first when Sunset Shimmer screamed.... then screamed some more.

“DISCORD! WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO HER?!”

“Sunset!” Twilight Sparkle scolded, “Language! There are fillies and colts about.”

Sunset looked like she was about to scream again when she seized the draconequus in her own magic and pull him to her. “Do you have any idea what you have DONE?!”

Raven looked down and examined the white cream colored legs that were in front of her. Her forelegs. She never had forelegs before. Without any active command of thought she raised each foreleg and tested their movement. Next, she poked one hoof into the other leg. The tactile sensation sending fresh new data to her processors... or was it a brain now? “I appear to be… squishy. Fascinating.”

Sunset released Discord and slid over next to Raven, examining her thoroughly. The resemblance to a young adult Raven Inkwell was nearly spot on except that her cutie mark was a picture of the PAAL unit. Gently, Sunset poked Raven in the side and the smaller mare squirmed a bit and let out an unexpected giggle. Her own reaction made Raven try to poker herself again to recreate it, slightly disappointed it did not work.

“That was a strange sensation… all of this is strange in fact.”

“Raven, hey, look at me.” Raven did so. Sunset stood and helped the other mare stand on shaky legs. It took a moment and a few steps, but the PAAL adapted quickly.

“So this is walking… this is all so very fascinating.”

Sunset turned her glare back to Discord, her horn erupting in angry red magical fire. The crowd that had been watching slowly began to disperse or seek shelter. Only the two Captains of the Guard and Twilight Sparkle dared to stay close. The thestral, Gauge came to stand next to his princess, hoping his presence might help calm her while Tempest moved to stand next to Twilight. Twilight, for her part was still as dumbstruck and fascinated as Raven who continued to examine herself and her physical limits.

“I… I didn’t know you could create life like that, Discord. This is extraordinary!” said Twilight with wide purple eyes.

“Why thank you, beloved, dear friend Twilight. However, you give me too much credit in this case. I only created a body for the device to use. It wasn't that hard really. After all, most living creatures simply are just a sophisticated combination of elements that naturally exist. Except for Miss Shimmer over there, she’s a complex weirdo with magic thrown in for flavor, but I digress! I just cooked her up a body using what was lying about. Mostly water, really. Mortal creatures are as she said, so squishy! Now if you want me to try something else, like say a hydra...” Discord raised his claw as if to snap his finger talons.

Sunset continued to seethe and glare daggers. “Raven has all my music, all my games. All the photos of my DAUGHTERS and my friends on her storage drive. What happens to them now?!”

“Oh, I’m sure it’s all still there. Just take a chill pill, Sunnybun and ask her.”

Sunset growled again, her horn continuing to glow brightly.

“My princess,” said Gauge in a gentle and disarming tone. He waited for Sunset to look at him and acknowledge what he was pointing at. Raven was still looking about with child like wonder. She lifted the glasses off her face, then set them back on her nose and repeated it two more times. Sunset understood what Gauge was trying to imply. She released her gathered power and took a deep breath to try and calm herself before moving to stand next to her friend. It was Discord Day and as far as she could immediately tell, Raven had not been 'physically' harmed so no rules had been broken.

“Raven,” the cream colored mare immediately turned to look up at Sunset, “do you still have all my personal information stored? Especially my music and photos?”

“I believe so. I... the best I can describe it as I can 'feel' the information, but I cannot see it in front of me. You will have to excuse me, these eyes use a different software interface than the menus I am accustom to. Give me a search command and I will attempt to access my stored files.”

“Um… Open playlist five, random track play.”

“Accessing, playlist five. Playing: I Can’t Get Me No Satisfaction.” Raven’s eyes shifted about as she looked at something only she could see. A moment later her horn began to glow different colors and emit music as if it were a surround sound speaker. As each instrument added to the song her horn added to the strobing color like a light up beat box.

“Huh… well that’s inter-” Raven started to sing as the vocals began except that it was not her preprogramed posh accent that Sunset had given her. Instead, it was the lead singer of the Rolling Stones. “-esting. Um, stop playback.” Raven shook her head a moment and rubbed her jaw with a hoof.

“That was unexpected.”

Sunset nodded, but still had to be sure. “Need to test one more thing. Access photo archives, open folder ‘Aurora’s tenth birthday’, please.”

“Accessing. Opening.” Raven closed her eyes a moment. When they opened her irises and pupils were gone and the sclera were an array of colors. Still, Raven moved about as if she could see just fine and approached the wall of the stage that was still in the middle of the street. As she moved closer the colors came into focus and at just a few feet out all came together to form the image of a small human girl sitting at a table with a chocolate cake and ten candles on it. Sunset admired the photo a moment, reaching out to touch it as that old familiar pain of loss stabbed at her heart. After a moment Sunset drew back and cleared her throat, suppressing the shudder as best she could.

“Closer folder, please.”

The picture disappeared. Raven blinked a few times and her eyes returned to normal.

“See!” Discord exclaimed proudly. “No harm to your precious memories and at the end of the day she will be back to the way she was, but more importantly, now she can go enjoy my holiday as well! I patiently await your royal apology.”

“How about a royal swift kick to the…” Sunset paused and saw that there were still numerous onlookers. There were always onlookers, nosey reporters, gossipmongers. The life of a princess was not a quiet or private one. Something her mother had mention on more than one occasion. “Never mind. If she's stuck like this for today might as well make use of it. I’m going to show Raven around and make sure she can handle herself, answer any questions she might have.”

“That’s a good idea and sounds really fun. We can show her everything, all the ins and out of the festivities, maybe even introduce her to new ponies!”

“Yeah, I’ve got this, Twilight. How about we meet up in a few hours near the fountain square, sound good?”

Twilight’s ears folded back a moment, her excitement snuffed out like a candle in a hurricane. However, before she answered Discord wrapped himself around her and gave the purple princess a hug. “An excellent suggestion! Go, enjoy the day and all that I have crafted you two! We’ll gladly meet back up and tell you all about the fun we got up to.”

Twilight arched an eyebrow at the statement, especially the saucy tone of voice Discord chose to use. Sunset looked back at him then down to Twilight. The other alicorn put on a disarming smile. “It's okay. Go on, we’ll be fine.”

“Don’t worry, she’s not going anywhere without me,” said Tempest taking a few steps closer to Twilight while flashing Discord her professional grade death glare. The draconequus’s eyes went wide as he placed his paw on his chest in over dramatic faux offence.

“So, is there anything you want to see or try first?” Sunset asked Raven.

Raven’s abdomen emitted a grumbling noise. “I… I appear to be… hungry? Can we get something to eat?”

Sunset smiled warmly, placing a wing over the small unicorn's withers. “Sure thing.”

Twilight watched Sunset and Raven walk away with Gauge trailing a respectable distance back. While on one hoof, she really wanted to spend the day with her marefriend. On the other, Sunset and Discord were not getting along well... at all. Twilight glanced down at the shirt Discord had placed on her with the word 'Grouch' on it. Perhaps it was best to give the two of them some space so that every creature had more fun.

However, as she continued to watch Sunset and Raven walk away Twilight felt just a twinge of jealousy. Not as a jilted lover, not in the least, but that Sunset was treating the PAAL turned pony like a long lost child. It once again reminded Twilight that Sunset had already lived a life before returning to Equestria. She had been married, had given birth to a daughter, and raised another birthed by the human Twilight. They had experienced the joys and trails of motherhood and parenthood together. Twilight, deep down, had given up on that fantasy long ago, since no possible suitor could ever seem to look pass the crown and yet… as she watched her lover fall back into a paternal role so easily... She could not help from wondering, imagining. That old fantasy rekindled from long dead ash.

What was it like… to be a mom? Sure, Twilight had had a personal student before, but was it the same? Recalling her time as Celestia's student and later on as Luster Dawn's teacher... no. No, it was not the same. A caring, nurturing relationship without a doubt, but not motherhood.

“Speaking of food, I imagine you two ladies are famished. It is noonish after all.”

Twilight shook her head and smiled brightly. All her previous thoughts shoved back where they had been in the recesses of her mind. “I could eat. You know how alicorns are. We are bottomless pits.”

Tempest shrugged, but would not give Discord the satisfaction of admitting she was hungry enough to eat anything and ask what it was later. Which was unusual, she felt, especially after feeling so queasy first thing in the morning. Tempest blamed the unusual wakeup call and stress over the last several days.

Discord gestured for Twilight to lead before circling back to the captain of the solar guard. “You know, if you would rather sit this one out I would completely understand. After all, would not want to push yourself too hard in your condition.”

The vermilion unicorn scowled at Discord. She was starting to better understand why Sunset just wanted to set his face on fire and apologize later. “What condition? I’m not sick or hurt. I could go a few round with a dragon in a sparring circle if I had to.”

Discord floated backwards, paw and claw up defensively. “Of that I have no doubt, but you would put your little one at risk and that just seems reckless to me.”

Tempest scowled. He was up to something. As she understood it, he was ALWAYS up to something. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh? You don’t know? Well, not sure it should be me to say anything. I guess now that I look again it is pretty early. I’m sure a trained professional could use one of those cute pony medical scan, but... hmm maybe not. Those things are not always accurate unless they know what they are looking for. Or so I’m told.”

“Don’t test me, draconequus, speak plainly.”

“Pancakes wrapped in hay bacon on a stick!” Twilight shouted from a few booths away. “This is utter genius!”

Rather than answer, Discord just winked and snapped his paw. A light yellow newborn foal swaddle blanket complete with fake pink mane and cute little fake wings appeared before Tempest wrapped in a bow. She just stood there staring at the item, green eyes wide, legs frozen in place. Discord just hummed casually as he hopped and skipped over to Twilight, guiding her to the next booth that had unusual juice samples.

“No… that’s… when did… I… this… this… can’t be… I... I need to find a doctor.” Tempest looked up at Twilight, sharing her snack lunch with Discord, then back over her shoulder where Gauge had disappeared into the crowd following Sunset. Tempest had to take a few meditative breaths to calm her racing heart, sweat drops having formed on her head and around her horn. She knew her duty and what she needed to do, but at the same time… Tempest’s hoof slid down her barrel to her abdomen. Was she showing a little? Was it just her imagination? Did Discord do something to her? Was it all just in her head? Tempest shook her head. Only one way to know for sure.

“Your Hi-, er, hey, Twilight.”

Twilight looked up at Tempest and swallowed. “Everything okay?”

“Y, yeah. I just need to go run a personal errand. I’ll meet back up with everypony later, okay?”

“Sure, just remember, you are off duty today.”

“I know, it’s not work related. It’s… I’ll talk to you about it later after I check something.”

Twilight nodded and shouted at the retreating form of her friend and captain. “Have fun!” Tempest disappeared quickly into the crowd without looking back. “That was odd. Maybe she left her stove on or something.”

Discord smiled. “Or something, I'm sure.”

Sunset stopped and glanced about. Raven stopped in turn and also looked about. The pair found themselves at a crossroads with food booths lining all corners run by both Discords and ponies alike. Even following Twilight’s SunLight broadcast some ponies would rather try and make extra coin than relax. Such was life sometimes.

“Okay, so it looks like we have a few choices here. Probably nothing spicy, don’t want to ruin your taste buds before you’ve had a chance to savor something good.”

Raven quirked her head to the side and arched her brow in a manner similar to what she had seen Sunset do. “Why would anyone want to ruin their taste buds? That seems counterproductive to their purpose.”

Instead of answering Sunset led Raven to a booth with fresh hay burgers and deep fried potato wedges. Sunset gladly added the bits to the fry cook’s tip jar. The Discord booths may have been free, but at least she was fairly certain the stallion’s food would not explode or turn to mush or whatever else Discord could think of to do to her.

“So, food is a great place to start, but what else did you want to try today?”

Raven tapped her chin a moment. “I would like to experience as many different sensations as possible with this body. This is a perspective I have never had and may never have again.”

Sunset nodded. “I’m sure we can find some physical games to play. Maybe a zip line or small roller coaster. Heh, I still remember to first time Aurora was big enough to ride The Intimidator at Fun Park. Wish I had gotten a picture of that.”

“What about sex?”

If Sunset had been swallowing a drink at the time she was certain she would have choked on it. “Excuse me?!”

“Sexual intimacy. You frequently enjoy the company of Twilight Sparkle in such a manner and have had encounters with others while we were in the human realm such as your evening with Obsidian. From my observations you seem to enjoy intercourse, so I think I would like to know what is so enjoyable about it.”

Sunset blushed profusely and glanced about to make sure no others were nearby. Naturally, Gauge was in earshot. Of course he heard that. Wonderful. Bat pony ears don't miss anything. The thestral just shrugged nonchalantly when their eyes met, the corner of his mouth only slightly turned upward.

“Thaaaat’s… a bit more advanced for you. I mean… you can’t just walk up to somepony and ask them if they want to have sex. We are a bit more carefree than most humans as far as sexuality, but even here that’s too forward.”

“Hmm. So, is it a matter of personal circumstance or simply being acquainted? That seem in error. You paid Obsidian for his time and on another occasion you brought a young man back to your hotel in San Jose and stripped him of his pants immediately and began to… oh wait, you were drunk and that was not Equestria. Different cultures have different standards of measure you said. Hmm. Confusing.”

“I did what, when?! Shit, I must have been wasted bad if I can’t even remember that. Ugh, never mind. Yes, things are different here.”

Raven nodded. “I see. Perhaps I should start small. Sunset, as a close friend that I trust would you like to kiss me?”

“Huh? W-Why?”

“I have seen you kiss males and females. How else am I supposed to know which I prefer, or if I have a preference at all? Would you feel more comfortable if I ask Captain Gauge first?” Both mares looked back to the thestral whose only reaction was a slight flick of his ear.

“I’m not opposed to a kiss for the sake of experimentation, but I must refrain from more than that. I am currently in a relationship.”

Sunset tried to glare at Gauge, but ended up just rolling her eyes. “We are not having this conversation. First of all, you are modeled off of Raven Inkwell who was one of my caretakers when I was a filly. It would be incredibly weird for me to kiss you. Secondly, you are… look, despite how you appear and your computer fast intellect you are still very new and young. In either world in fact. You’re more like a child, a teenager at best. So how about we move on from this topic, please?”

Raven just blinked, quirking her head a bit to the side again. Somehow, Sunset just knew this was not the end of the conversation. The goldenrod alicorn sighed, collected the food in her magic hold and headed for a shady spot under one of the trees lining the street to sit and eat. Maybe she’ll love the food so much we will be able to leave this awkward conversation behind. Sheesh. Not even Sunna was this blunt about this topic.

It was, as fate would have it, that Luna landed nearby in the street and declared vibrantly, “HAIL, GREAT CITIZENS OF THINE CITY. A HAPPY DISCORD DAY OF REVELRY AND MERRIMENT TO ALL! KNOW THAT YOUR PROTECTOR OF DREAMS LOVES ALL OF YOU!”

Raven arched an eyebrow. “I believe Luna is intoxicated.”

Sunset swallowed her bite. “Ohhhh, yeah.”

Raven chewed her fries and swallowed. She had never experienced food before and was not sure what was what, but nothing tasted ‘bad’ as the saying went. It was then that her mouth felt dry. She apparently was thirsty as well. “Sunset, I would like to sample alcohol.”

Sunset groaned, “Dammit. I should have known you were going to say that.”

“While not as much in recent months, which has probably been beneficial to your overall health, you did ingest a great deal of alcohol in the past. I am curious what is the fascination.”

“I think you may have been a bad influence on her, my princess,” Gauge whispered between bites.

“Don’t you start with me too. You know I was in a bad place for a while.”

Raven looked back to Luna who was currently nuzzling Sable Nimbus, the thestral taking it all with a pleasant smile that practically radiated bubbly hearts above her head. If they were drunk they were certainly not in a ‘bad place’ as Sunset put it. “Such curious behavior. Perhaps Luna could answer some of my questions if they are too complex or difficult for you. She has, according to you, been alive for more than a millennia.” Before Sunset could ask her not to, Raven waved at Luna to attract her attention.

“Good day, beloved niece! Good day, Captain Gauge! Good day, young citizen! Who is this fine young mare you are sharing your time with? While it is good to spend time with the common ponies I surely would have expected to find you two connected at the hip with your respective others.”

Sunset made a grumbling sound as she finished chewing and swallowing her burger. “Discord turned my phone AI into a pony. I'm Just showing her about, keeping her out of trouble. Say hello, Raven.”

“Hello, Luna. We have met before, but you usually just refer to me as, ‘the glass device’.”

“That’s... amazing and on par with the rest of the craziness of the day, but does this mean I’m out of a job?” commented Sable with slight concern in her voice.

“I think it’s just for today,” Sunset reassure her thestral personal assistant. “So, what have you been up to today?” Why the hell did I just ask that?!

Luna wrapped a foreleg and wing over Sable and pulled her close. The thestral flashed a toothy fanged grin. “I have been enjoying Discord Day in my own preferred way with food, drink, and carnal pleasures with pleasant company. Given that my beloved sister is gone I am ensuring that I enjoy enough of the day for both of us. The others are currently resting. I am most impressed with Sable’s stamina.”

“Yeah, I walked right into that one. Should have guess you’d turn your tower into Castle Anthrax.”

Luna blinked a few times, her eyes clearly not dilating properly. Sunset briefly wondered how much her aunt had already consumed and it was only midday. How was she even standing upright? “I do not understand that reference.”

“It’s from a movie call Monty Python. It refers to a castle full of sexually deprived maidens awaiting to be satisfied in the most raunchy and deviant ways imaginable,” Raven offered. “Perhaps I should have come to visit you earlier to have some of my questions answered since Sunset is being unusually prudish on the subject.”

“Ahhhh! You wish to experience what it is like to share the company of another, friend Raven.”

Raven nodded. “And a sampling of alcohol.”

“You have come to the right pony!”

“Aunt Luna!” Sunset groaned, her wings extending a bit in frustration. “She’s too young for… well, any of that! She’s my responsibility and I need to keep her safe. It would be irresponsible of me to let her just go absolutely bonkers. Somepony has to be the adult here.”

“There was a slight in that statement, I’m sure of it. Nevertheless, now that we have obtained fresh food I shall return to my tower.” Luna leaned forward and whispered far too loud with her hoof beside her mouth. “If you wish to come join us just give an excuse to sneak away and I will make sure you are taken care of in every way your curiosity inquires, friend Raven. *Ahem* Gauge, you and Tempest are always welcomed to stop by as well, if you wish.”

“I will take it under consideration, Mistress.”

Luna winked at Raven one last time before replacing her sunglasses and took off with Sable carrying their sacks of food. It was probably a good thing flying while intoxicated was not an actual crime. And even if it had been no one would have dared to write Luna a ticket no matter how off course her inebriated flying was. Sunset sighed, groaned, and ran a hoof down her face. Gauge just shrugged and finished the last of his lunch.

Sunset took a moment to glance down at the shirt that Discord had placed on her having mostly forgotten it was there. It lost much of its endearing value without the pony the arrow was meant to be pointing at. “Why do I suddenly feel like I’m the last damn responsible adult left in the city and that EVERYPONY should be worried by this?”

Gauge put a sympathetic hoof on Sunset’s shoulder. “Do not place so much burden upon yourself. After all, Tempest is here as well.”

Tempest Fury trotted from street to street. Unsurprising, the clinics she knew of nearby were all closed for the day. However, much to her annoyance, even the guard medics were not at their station. Twilight may have assured that Discord would see to every creature’s safety, but Tempest would have felt better knowing that her guards were where they should have been. Somepony would be getting a reprimand tomorrow.

Out of curiosity mixed with a little desperation Tempest next found herself at a hole in the wall dive bar not far from the barracks called the Deep Hollow. She had visited it a few times, but the primary clientele were thestrals given that the hours of operations were different from most bars. The owner/operator, a former night guard himself, wanted something for his fellow thestrals and thus started his own after he retired from the service. Tempest let out a sigh of relief when she found the door unlocked. At least some establishments were still open.

The lighting was intentionally low, easier on thestral eyes, but not so dark that Tempest was at risk of tripping over her own hooves. She surveyed the room that was active with quiet conversations in small groups while casual music played in the background from an enchanted record player. It was nowhere near a full house, but still plenty of patrons for a supposed holiday. They probably assumed they would be back on duty come nightfall... come to think of it, Tempest pondered, when did Discord Day officially end? A question for Twilight later.

Even before spending so much personal time with Fog Gauge, Tempest was aware that the thestrals were entirely different types of soldiers than the average guard. Even when supposedly off duty and relaxing at a watering hole they were quiet, composed, ready to spring into action at a moment’s call. None were being sloppy drunks, crass or uncouth... Unlike some of the solar guards she had dress down after being dragged from a bar in the past. Many of the conversations ceased when they became aware that the captain had entered the room. Was it out of respect or her unusual lack of uniform or armor? It did not matter.

Tempest raised a hoof. “At ease, this is not a surprise inspection. The princess declared it a holiday after all. That includes the night guard. I’m looking for Corporal Gale. Is she here or does anypony know where I can find her?”

A thestral unicorn stood from the corner and walked over to Tempest. She was short for a guard, most ponies were shorter than Tempest, especially mares, but the one before her barely fell into the minimum height requirement. Her coat was a muted lilac color and though it was hard to see in the low light, her eyes were amber colored with vertically slit pupils just like all thestrals.

Thestral unicorns were rare, not many wishing to undergo the extensive extra training, physical rigors, and ritual that changed them permanently. In some 'elite' social circles that Tempest was aware of a unicorn choosing to undergo the transformation to a thestral was about the equivalent of cutting their own horn off. Even after more than a century following Luna’s return from the moon some cultural stigmas still lingered. Tempest had found that attitude to be a bit on the extreme side, but understood where it originated from. In addition to their improved night vision and legendary prowess and stamina, a thestral unicorns’ horn was changed. It became smooth and ridgeless, with a slight upward curve to it. It had in the past been compared to an unreformed changeling's horn as both an accurate comparison and on the sly insult.

Corporal Whisper Gale saluted and Tempest returned it out of respect even though they were both out of uniform. “There’s no need for formality, we’re both off duty. I am, however in need of your services,” Tempest leaned closer, “Discreetly.”

The thestral blinked rapidly several times before smiling brightly. “Oh! Oh, yes, captain. Absolutely.”

Tempest gestured for the thestral to follow her as they walked around the bar to the back room. The bartender, Con Trail, made a face, his bat wings flexed and flapped a bit in agitation and he was about to comment when Tempest said, “Need to borrow this space for a moment, this won’t take long.” The bartender sighed, but nodded.

Tempest closed the door behind them. She wished she had Twilight or Sunset’s skill at magic so she could drop a privacy bubble over them as well. Thestrals were not as bad at gossip, but still, they had great hearing and soldiers talked. It came with the fact that most days were rather boring. Scuttlebutt came with the job.

“I have to admit, I’m a little surprised that you came to find me. I would have thought Captain Gauge was providing you with enough personal attention to tend to your needs. Still, I’m flattered. You had to have had lots of other mares you could have chosen from.”

“What?” Tempest shook her head and waved her hooves. “No, sweet Celestia! I don’t need THAT kind of service from you. You are a certified medic, correct?”

“Oh!” the thestral blushed and facehoofed. “I am SO sorry for that! I just… never mind, forget that part of the conversation ever happened. Yes, I am a fully certified field medic healer and can handle just about anything. So, what are we dealing with, muscle injury, upset stomach? I would figure you could handle most basic first aid injuries yourself with either magic or a kit so it must be something more severe than that.”

Tempest nodded. She was about to speak before glancing back at the door then stepped closer to Gale, whispering in her ear. “I need an internal medical scan… with a focus on detecting early signs of pregnancy.”

Gale’s amber eyes went wide, her jaw slightly agape. “Well, now the discretion makes sense. Okay, that’s easy enough to do. Though it’s not the right time of year for most Canterlot mares to be in season so it’s probably just some bad quesadillas or…” Gale trailed off as her deep analysis spell began displaying information before her eyes. Tempest's heart began to pound rapidly. She already knew what her fellow mare was about to say, her expression giving everything away.

“Go ahead and say it.”

“Definitely not indigestion. This tummy ache has a heartbeat.”

Tempest buried her face in her forehooves. “How in the name of… I didn’t even feel the heat coming on! Like you said, I’m a spring time heat like most mares in this part of the country. I’ve never been out of season before!”

“Well, you are not terribly far along, which would explain why you didn’t notice at first so it was not from this last spring.” Gale tapped her chin, mumbling quietly while she pondered and finally smirked and shook her head. “Luna’s moon. That must be it. Huh, and here I had only thought that was a rumor.”

“What? What rumor?”

The thestral waved her forelegs a bit while gathering her thoughts. “Okay, so it’s no secret, at least among the guard, that you and Captain Gauge are a couple and well… you know.”

“And?”

“Annnnd I am going to go out on a limb here and say that neither of you have talked about one of the possible side effects of being a thestral. It’s not universal or it would be more than just a rumor. This is the first time I’ve heard that it might be true.”

Tempest’s brow began to twitch. “Get to the point, corporal.”

“Thestrals have an increased libido as a side effect due to our transformation. That goes for stallions and mares. With some stallions that also means they are, uh, more potent than others, increased sperm count, increased discharge, you know… well of course you know you have been on the receiving end…. Right, right, don’t need the details. It has been theorized, but not yet documented that if a thestral with these qualities were to have intercourse with a mare who they were deeply, passionately in love with and able to induce multiple orgasms that the additional... release could trigger an early estrus and… well…” Gale gestured to Tempest’s belly.

“So, let me get this straight. Because Fog and I were passionately making love, his body actually caused mine to trigger an out of season cycle. And now, I’m pregnant.”

“It's not just about sex, mind you. It has to be passionate love making. Heck, it might even be love magic related."
Gale paused to let the information set in but was not sure her captain was still listening. "Congratulations?” Gale said sheepishly unsure how she was supposed to react given her captain’s thousand mile stare into the corner.

“I have to go.”

“You should probably check in with the doctor tomorrow to start on a supplement pla-” Tempest silence the unicorn thestral with a glare. “Right, I’ll shut up now.”

"Not a word. You hear me, corporal?"

Gale snapped her hooves together and gave her best parade ground salute. "Not a word, captain."

Twilight Sparkle strolled down the street waving at citizens, occasionally stopping for a photo opportunity or to play a street game with a filly or colt. It felt good to smile and talk with ponies and other creatures without the literal and proverbial weight of the crown upon her head. It felt good to be just ‘Twilight’ again even if just for a day. She thought about giving Spike a call on her SunLight crystal even if for no other reason than to just say hello. She was certain he was having a great time with his family down in Ponyville. Twilight looked over at a pony talking away on her crystal, then down at the shirt she had on. Her thoughts immediately returning to Sunset Shimmer. This caused her to let out a great sigh that did not go unnoticed by the Lord of Chaos.

“Now what’s this? Things were going so well, you were smiling, laughing, having a good time making faces with all the little ones for photos that will no doubt show up in tabloid ads for months to come.”

“I’m sorry, Discord. I know you are doing your best to make this day fun for all and to be honest it is one of your best yet. I just… I keep getting stuck inside my own head.”

Discord glanced at the shirt and rolled his eyes. “Sunbutt junior again no doubt.”

“You know you really shouldn’t call her that. Or Sunnybuns or Hot head or,” Twilight gestured to the shirt, “or grouch for that matter. She did lose her mom less than a year ago. That pain is still fresh, for both of us. Plus having her mind erased again and all the changes and stress with becoming a full fledged princess.”

“Yes, yes I’m sure it has been absolutely terrible for her living up to all the things she always wanted.”

“Except she didn’t want to be a princess anymore, not for a long time. Not since the element of magic transformed her into a demon. I had to corner her into it taking up a crown.”

“Pffft. I honestly don’t see what you see in her.” Discord stepped over to a booth where another Discord in an apron and hairnet passed him a dark blue ice cream bar on a stick that resembled Luna. Discord took a bite and the headless ice cream squeaked in a tiny voice, “Oh, my stars!”

Twilight sat back and crossed her forelegs, giving her long time friend her best lecture mode face. “She’s smart, beautiful, creative, tenacious, easy to talk to about almost anything, kind… most of the time. She tries to put the needs of others before her own and would do almost anything to protect a friend or innocent being. What’s there not to like?”

“Fine, yes, she had good qualities, but what about that temper? Her attitude? That sword of doom she likes to swing around at everypony? Seriously, do you not realize how dangerous that thing is?”

Twilight nodded politely, acknowledging Discord's counterargument, “No pony is perfect. I accept her flaws just as she accepts mine.”

“Are you sure about that? HAS she accepted you, flaws and all? I don’t see an engagement ring anywhere. Was my invitation lost in the mail? No? Because she hasn't asked.” Discord zipped about and pressed himself into Twilight. She did not push him away, but did arch a suspicious eyebrow at his behavior.

“What are you getting at?”

Discord smiled and placed a finger under Twilight’s chin so that she would look into his eyes. Were his lips getting closer, she wondered? “I just feel that you are a treasure, Twilight. You always have been. You have called me friend all these years and always left the light on and door open, so to speak, if I wanted to return. You never gave up on me even when everypony else other than my Fluttershy did. You are my magnetic opposite, a force for harmony while I am of course as I have always been. Chaos. We are drawn to one another. We are friends, but we could be so much more. All you would have to do is ask. I can give you the world and so much more.”

“Discord I’m flattered and all, but mmmhh!!” Discord pressed his lips to Twilight’s and her eyes grew twice as large, pupils dilating to pinpricks. It took a moment of flailing to get her hooves under control to push the draconequus back, though he just bent like a boneless rubber chicken. After nearly a minute, and she was fairly certain she had felt tongue brush against her teeth, Twilight was able to separate herself and take a flustered step back.

“Discord! What the fuck?!” Several ponies gasped in the distance, one covered her filly’s ears and moved away. Twilight groaned, while her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Going to hear about that one tomorrow.

“Ohhhh, sooooomepony has been spending far too much time with Potty Mouth Shimmer I see.”

Twilight huffed and wiped her mouth, which now tasted of ginger of all things. “Why would you even do that?! That was wrong on so many levels.”

Discord shrank back and at least had the decency to look admonished as he tapped a claw and paw finger together, looking down at the ground. “I… I apologize Twilight. I shouldn’t have assumed… I just... it has just been so lonely since Fluttershy…”

Twilight sighed, closed her eyes, and rubbed the bridge of her nose while she silently counted to ten in Old Ponish. When she looked back up Discord had disappeared. She glanced about, but did not see where he had gone. Without a clue or direction Twilight walked over to the first booth Discord she could find.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. You just completely took me by surprise is all.”

The booth double just blinked and pointed at himself. “You talking to me?”

Twilight groaned and facehoofed. Of course it would not be that easy.

“See? Isn’t this fun?”

Raven nodded. “It is certainly adding valuable perspective, but I was hoping to take things a step further.”

It had taken a few streets and numerous back and forth on what to do, each ‘no’ frustrating the PAAL turned pony more and more. Finally, the pair had found a block that was packed with carnival games. The practice of throwing and motor functions had been interesting. Plus, they had learned that even though Raven had a horn, her only ‘magic’ appeared to be able to make it glow colors when she played music or willed it to do so. Sunset concluded it probably had to do with the chaos magic that was used to create Raven’s body.

Regardless, Sunset had showed her companion how to hold things with her hooves and kick with her hindlegs as well. They won a few small prizes that they gave away to passing fillies and colts. Raven tried something that looked like a deep fried Twinkie and then commented how she may have accidentally eaten a brick.

Now, Raven was sitting on a chair above a tank of water.

“Didn’t we both already get soaked during the game show?”

“But you don’t remember how the water felt. Now, you will.”

Raven looked down at the water. “Won’t this mess up my mane?” Sunset’s grin turned predatory. “Oh dear, I know that faaaaaaaaaace!” Raven thrashed a bit, then remembered she had never swam before and thrashed harder. Sunset lifted the cream colored pony out of the water with her magic a moment later and set her down. She immediately began to cackle.

“Damn, I wish I could take a picture of you right now.”

“Have I told you that I find your sense of humor crude and ill sometimes? I have no record of saying such.” Sunset just shrugged and used a warming and wind spell to help speed up the drying process.

"Not the worst things people or ponies have said about me."

Captain Gauge had been standing nearby quietly enjoying the sight of his princess being a bit mischievous and having fun. Sunset’s good mood was infectious and it made him smile as well as many others that had been observing or walking by. It was then that he caught sight of a familiar face moving through the throngs of ponies and other creatures. Tempest had made eye contact and moved towards him with haste. Her eyes were determined and ears kept swishing back and forth, a tell he had learned that meant she was frustrated by something.

Tempest stopped before Gauge and began rubbing one foreleg into the other. He moved to nuzzle her, but paused when she shrank back a bit. His own ears folded back, his wings rustling in concern.

"Is everything all right?"

“Fog, I… I don’t even know where to begin.”

“The beginning is usually best. Last we saw you, you were at Princess Twilight’s side. I must say that I am surprised you do not have her in tow. Is something wrong?”

“No, no I don’t think… Twilight’s fine, I think. Dammit, I am so confused and flustered right now! I should have gone to check on Twilight first, but… I need to talk to you and it’s important.” Tempest snorted angerly and stomped the ground in frustration.

Gauge glanced over at Sunset, who was busy fixing Raven’s mane with a brush in her magic much like a mother does with a young filly. Raven seemed to be enjoying the feeling of being brushed as they conversed quietly. He turned back to Tempest and held out a hoof to her. “Now seems as good a time as any. What is on your mind, my heart?”

Tempest sucked in a deep breath and slowly let it out before biting her lip. “Do you love me?”

Gauge quirked his head and raised an eyebrow. That was not the question he was expecting, but answered without hesitation. “Yes, yes I do.”

“Did you know about a rumor that if you, a thestral, are intimate with a mare and that if both partners are in love and passionate enough that you can induce out of season estrus?”

“I… have heard this rumor, but only as such. Some of the young and more crude stallions like to brag that they could… *ahem* fill a mare’s womb like a balloon to the point she would be guaranteed to become pregnant. Where are you going with all this? Are, are you asking because you want to try?”

Tempest shook for a moment. She closed her eyes and let out a shuttered breath as if she were about to cry. Before she could say the words, Sunset Shimmer sensed her friend’s anxiety and caught sight of the pair talking.

“Hey, you two okay?”

“That is what I am-”

“I’m pregnant.”

Gauge stopped talking, stopped blinking, stopped breathing in fact.

“Oh,” Sunset said, taken completely by surprise. “Right, not my business. I just picked up some stress vibes and... I’ll just go back over here and…”

“Are… are you certain?”

“Yes.”

Gauge sat back and looked to the ground, his ears were completely flat. “And you are certain it was from me?”

Tempest’s green eyes flew open and became as hard as rock gems. Her horn flared with frustrated overpower causing Gauge to flinch and step back. “ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?!”

“That’s not what I meant I-”

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TALKING TO?! Do you think I just go about lifting my tail for any stallion that gives me a wink and a kiss?! Is that how you think I earned my position, huh? HUH?! I worked my plot off to be the best. THE BEST! Do you have any idea how much I have sacrificed?! I turned down dates with good stallions, HOT stallions! Even filthy rich stallions from noble houses to where I would never have had to work another day in my LIFE and you have the balls to say that to ME?!”

Gauge huffed and fought to control his own breathing, running both hooves through his short, dark brown mane. After a moment his yellow eyes met her, she could tell he was fighting down his own emotions from spilling over. “I did not mean to offend. I just did not expect this and misspoke. Much like you, I have worked with my full dedication to my career and to support my troops under my command. I never expected or even planned to become a father. If I had known I was capable of such a feat… I would have been more careful.”

Tempest shuddered as tears fell. Sunset was about to move in to help when a voice spoke into her ear.

“Well, well and they call me an agent of chaos. You know, between your near suicide/murder experiment with those rings and my chaos magic and your general disposition I think maybe I should craft you a new crown as the Lady of Chaos.”

Sunset growled and scowled at Discord who was scowling directly back at her. “What does that have to do with anything that is going on right now? I didn't do anything. Besides, don’t you have a carnival to run or something?”

"I just find it interesting and a bit more than a coincidence that out of all the harmonious silly fun everypony is having that the epicenter of bad vibes is right next to where YOU are standing.”

Sunset turned fully to Discord, her wings expanding, but not quite bursting into flames, however the nearby temperature did noticeably spike. Quietly, without attracting attention to herself, Raven began to scoot away. Her eyes turned to the castle and the earlier conversation they had had with Luna. She glanced once more at Sunset who was on the brink of exploding and Tempest and Gauge who were struggling with what to say to one another. Perhaps now was the best time to find something else to do, elsewhere. Without a word, Raven snuck away.

“Are you saying that you don’t want to be the father to our foal?”

“I… I just wanted more time to think about such an important life decision. To be a father… I… Tempest, I did not come from the most loving of households. My mother was a good pony, did what she could, but my father… I didn’t really want to get into this, especially today, but I suppose here we are. My father is a pegasi purist. Those that adopt the ways of the old Pegasopolis belief that pegasi must never mate with unicorns or earth ponies because it 'weakens the blood'. Tribalist, baseless garbage. They are sometimes called followers of Katharos or the Pure. I have not spoken to my father since I turned my back on him with full intention of becoming a thestral.”

“And you think you would be a terrible father because of him?”

Gauge ran a hoof through his dark brown mane again, fidgeting about. “I honestly never wanted to find out and now… I don’t know what to think or do or say. I just...”

Tempest snorted angerly. “Well, you better damn well figure it out, mister, or else we have a very serious problem.”

“Say it!”

Sunset growled, her teal irises beginning to turn red. “Say what?”

“Say I wouldn’t understand because I’ve never known love!”

“I wasn’t going to say that!”

Discord crossed his arms and turned his chin to the sky. “But you were thinking it.”

“Listen, ass munch, of the two of us I’m the one with the mind reading powers so don’t try and butt in on what might be going on in my head. I’ve had to deal with loss and brain scrambles and every day bullshit since the moment I set hoof back here. I don’t need you trying to push all my buttons for shits and giggles.”

“You don’t deserve Princess Twilight. Not as a friend and certainly not as more. You’re dangerous and irresponsible and already put your human Twilight in the ground just like your mother. How long before you do that to the one I care about?”

Sunset screamed in fury, her wings burst into angry hot flame that sent terrified screams through the creatures that stopped to observe. The shirt she had been wearing burned away to blackened tatters and her sword materialized right next to her in a ready attack position. Gauge quickly placed himself between Tempest and Sunset who was bleeding enough excess power to set the grass on fire.

“DON’T YOU EVER TALK TO ME ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO TWI, YOU SON OF A BITCH!”

Sunset raised her blade to strike when Twilight landed between them, her horn glowing with a prepared spell, wings fully extended, seeming to shimmer multiple colors with raw power. Sunset barely stopped her swing from connecting. She was certain Twilight had erected a barrier and was also certain her blade would have carved right through it like she had when fighting Flurry Heart.

“STOP THIS! ALL OF YOU!” shouted Twilight in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “This is supposed to be a holiday about goofing off and having fun! Doesn’t anypony here remember what fun is?! Here’s a hint, it does NOT INVOLVE ATTACKING FRIENDS WITH GLOWING SWORDS!”

Sunset fell back to her haunches, her blade immediately dropping to the ground before disappearing to ether space. She tried to look up at Twilight, but felt too ashamed to look above her hooves that had stomped the ground so hard it had cracked the street stone. Sunset looked over her shoulder to see Tempest shove Gauge away before storming off, leaving the thestral confused and conflicted, burying his face in his hooves.

“Princess, I w-”

“Don’t you say a damn thing, Discord. None of you say a damn thing. Just… Celestia would be EXTREMELY disappointed in all of you!” With nothing else to add, Twilight turned away from those gathered and stormed away herself.

Sunset finally looked up to see Discord completely crushed, even his horn and antler were bent over limp. She looked about at all the shocked faces of the onlookers and how none were happy or smiling. To make matters worse, it was then that she noticed Raven was nowhere to be seen. Her veins felt like cold lightning had shot through them. Sunset looked left then right and no matter which way she turned there was no cream colored pony with smart looking glasses.

“Oh, fuck me.”

Author's Note

And here we are Part 2 of this little story. Obviously, things had to go a bit sideways. It's Discord after all.

Part 3 the conclusion is done and will go up next week after I let it sit a bit. I was taught many years ago by a published author named Christine Morgan who I had the pleasure of meeting a few times at convention about the importance of stepping away from a piece of writing. Letting it sit for a few days, or longer if need be, before tackling it again for edits.

As I'm sure some of you have noticed, you can probably tell when I rushed a chapter based on the number of obvious spelling errors or punctuation that I had to go back and fix later after publishing,

Have a great weekend. Questions and Comments always welcomed.

Evening

It had started out as such a nice day too. That is what Sunset Shimmer thought as she stared down at the glass in front of her. Morning cuddles, lower the moon, go back for a few nips and nuzzles, then back to sleep for a bit followed by a nice cup of coffee and then MAYBE face the day. That was what she had wanted to happen.

Instead, Discord Day happened.

Sunset threw back the double shot of amber liquor and hissed at the familiar burn. It had been a while since she had partaken in Equestrian bourbon. It was smoother than most human equivalents with a touch of cinnamon to the oak flavor. It still did the job as a warmth spread through her core and a slight haze overtook her senses. She was not drunk... not yet. Sunset raised her hoof to signal the bartender. The thestral nodded.

After the fecal matter had hit the rotary impeller device, Sunset had started towards the palace with plans to storm Luna’s tower, horn blazing. With both care and a little desperation Gauge had stepped in front of his princess and talked her down from her red eyed furor. He probably deserved a medal of valor for it. As a compromise, Gauge suggested they cool off before making any rash decisions at a bar he knew was open and even offered to buy the first round. Sunset just downed her third drink and was finally staring to feel the effects. Gauge was still on his first sampling, occasionally taking a sip, but mostly just staring at it lost in his own thoughts.

As the thestral bartender refilled her glass once more Sunset turned her full attention back to Captain Fog Gauge. She had to admit, at least to herself, he looked absolutely miserable. “I don’t get you,” Sunset said, proud that her voice only had a slight slur to it. Go me.

Gauge gave Sunset a sideways glance. For just a fraction of a moment, she saw that fire and defiance in his eyes as if he were going to lash out, but then remembered who he was sitting next to and returned to his downcast stare. After a sigh he took another small sip.

Sunset was not about to let things go that easily. She was a pain in the rear like that. “You called me out on my bullshit behavior and went hoof to hoof and wing to wing against me in the ring, not a drop of worried sweat on your brow. For the love of Celestia, you attacked Aethon with a damn staff knowing full and well what he had done to others and you didn’t hesitate for a moment! You stared death in the face… you know, before you actually got to talk to Death, which still gives me the creeps, and I had to see it second hand, er hoof, in Twilight’s memories... I had a point to all this, I swear.”

Gauge simply grunted before quietly, as respectfully as he could muster between clenched teeth, fangs flashing, “You do not understand. You do not know my father, what kind of pony he is. The horrible, narrow minded ideas he tried to instill in me. It took me YEARS to break from that indoctrination. And when I finally realized how wrong he was and what he had tried to do to his only son. I left as soon as I was old enough with full intention to become a thestral not just because they were the best at being the best, but also because I knew it would anger him to see his son and legacy changed forever and that he would want nothing more to do with me.”

“You’re right, I didn’t go through that. I grew up thinking I was a fucking charity case of an orphan while my mother pretended to not be my mother and never knew my father at all until I learned that he went insane with dark magic to the point he killed his whole universe... Oh, and tried to kill me. I KILLED my own father. A mercy killing, but still.” Gauge grimaced and nodded. Sunset had hoped to get more out of him so she continued when he chose to stay silent. “Listen, I’m not trying to make little of the hardship you went through, but I know you, Gauge, I know who you are now and I honestly think you would be making a HUGE mistake if you were to run away from what is ahead of you just because it scares you. I loved being a mom… and a dad for that matter!”

There was a creak sound of someone sitting down on the vinyl covered barstool to Sunset’s left. Much to her surprise and yet, strangely appropriate, Sunset turned and found Discord slumped over leaning on the well worn wooden bar. His… aura, or energy seemed off, Sunset thought. And it was not just from the alcohol. Sunset had learned long ago after her ascension that alicorns saw the world and those in it differently than regular ponies. He looked depressed to the point that even his coloration appeared muted. Damn, he looks like someone just used arsenic on a puppy right in front of him. I bet I could knock him off that stool with a wing flap. Sunset looked at her drink. Yeah, I might be a little drunk now.

“You know, just for the record, THIS was actually the real reason I stopped celebrating Discord Day. I know Twilight thinks it was because I was sad about Fluttershy dying. I was, no lie. I was sad and angry and had never felt a more cutting sense of betrayal in all my years, but no, failing to make every creature happy or at least just happily distracted. Leaving them worse off than they had been in the morning. Those last few years were poorly executed train wrecks and I just could not bring myself to care so I stopped, crawled back home, and locked the door.”

Discord paused to snap his claw and a drink of some bubbling concoction appeared in front of him in a massive, unmarked three liter bottle. Con Trail cleared his throat, about to comment about how outside food and drink were not allowed in his establishment, as the sign by the entrance clearly stated. However, Sunset held up her hoof to cut him off.

“It’s HIS day, let him have it.” Con Trail huffed, but nodded. Not about to argue with a princess, especially the keeper of the moon.

“Equestria had become stable, ridiculously so, and frankly stale like weapons grade baguettes,” Discord continued, smacking a stick of bread against the side of his head causing it to spin around before returning to its original position. The broken off piece of bread went flying, but Sunset did not pay attention to where. It probably wouldn't explode... probably.
His beady red eyes then focused on Sunset Shimmer and gradually his color returned and the corners of his mouth ticked up slightly with a warm smile. “Then, you came home, baggage and all. How glorious. Since we are all being so honest with each other I will admit this one and only time I am quite jealous of you.”

Sunset balked, her jaw hanging open. Of all the things he could have said that was not one she would have guessed. “Jealous? Of ME?”

Discord downed the last of his drink and then crushed the bottle down before tossing it in his mouth to chew on the remains. “You don’t truly understand what you are. You make it look soooo easy, breaking all the rules and hurdles that Fate and Destiny set up for every creature. You are as much a being of chaos as I am sometimes.” Discord shuddered and for just a moment, Sunset could sense his fear. Real. Honest to goodness FEAR. Even partially inebriated Sunset knew that look and that aura. She had instilled fear in many over her lifetime. It haunted her still in her darkest hours.

“You are powerful beyond your comprehension, Sunset Shimmer. Instead of calling you the Princess of the Night if your subjects had even a hinkling clue of the universe around them they would call you God Slayer. Trust me, I’ve seen the tapestry those two weave and they do not know what to do with you no matter how many times they have tried to figure it out and that frankly scares them too. I don’t know how you handle it.

“Sure, I was expecting the anger and little tizzy you threw. That was inevitable, I was egging you on after all, but stress is part of life and the life you and Twilight have chosen, the life Celestia and Luna had been groomed for. That is nothing but stress. How you did not explode in a supernova, the world may never know. For me, I let the chaos flow through me and just ride it like a tube on a raging river, but I have no control over what it will do in the end. A nudge here and there, but no real control. If I actually embraced all that is chaos in this universe I imagine I would be what my father wanted me to be.” Discord glanced over to Gauge who had been listening with interest. “You’re not the only one in the room with daddy issues, bat pony.”

Sunset digested all of what Discord had said, running through her foggy mind. She eventually stared down at her drink and finally pushed it away. She had had enough. “I get you. I’ve seen what absolute, out of control power in my hands, hooves, looks like. It’s… not something you want to see. I've often thought to myself it’s a fine line between Sunset Shimmer the Defender and Sunset Shimmer the Destroyer. It’s… well, you understand, not a line you can walk without someone watching out for you.

“We, monsters like you and I, know what it’s like being at our worse, on the cusp of doing the most unforgivable act and right when there is no turning back you are knocked down off that power trip by someone, somepony better than you. You look up and see… those eyes. The whole of the universe reflecting in those amethyst eyes. I swear on my mother's grave.
My wife, Twi, use to call me her angel, because I saved her at her worst. But truth be told, I had my own angel looking down on me that day in the crater. An alicorn angel in a cute little human body.”

The entire establishment had fallen silent, the dozen other thestral patrons had ceased their own conversations and turned to listen to their princess speak to their captain and the draconequus. They probably were not supposed to overhear the conversation, but it was hard not to listen when such powerhouses were sitting a short distance away, confessing their souls at the bar. The silence was broken when the door up at the top of the small flight of stairs opened and closed and hooves could be heard descending the wooden steps. The three patrons at the bar had not noticed until she spoke.

“Well, if this is not the most pathetic sight I have seen all damn day. I had a feeling I’d find at least one of you here. Should have guessed all three of you would go nose first into a drink to sort out your problems.”

Sunset smirked and pointed at Gauge. “In his defense, he is still on his first because he's a light weight where I am on my…” Sunset sneered at her hoof and the annoying lack of fingers. “Fourth… I think.”

“Tempest,” Gauge began, his voice soft with an undertone of pleading, but the vermilion unicorn held up a hoof before he could continue.

“Let me go first. I’ve had a chance to cool off as well these last few hours and I need to say this before I lose my nerve and fall apart. Damn hormonal mood swings.” Gauge nodded. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. You’re scared, I’m scared. I just… when I was a filly, I was always bigger than all the other fillies, heck even most of the colts. I was NOT a little pony. I was made fun of and ridiculed and it earned me a reputation for not just being a hot head, but also… they would say no stallion would ever want me because I was too tall for them to ever get it in without a stool. Yeah, I know, it’s a bunch of stupid crap kids say, but it hurt me bad when I was young. So, I gave up wanting that sort of thing. Like you, I focused on my career and being the best and here I am, Captain of the Solar Guard. I earned it, I made it. I’m the best and… by Celestia’s grace I don’t know what to do. I’m so scared right now and I just want to be held.”

Gauge hopped off his stool and pulled Tempest close, she pressed into his embrace. Tempest shuddered a bit and fought down her tears as best she could but a few still escaped, quickly disappearing into his chest fur and the dark stone floor. Once she had them under control Tempest smiled and nodded her thanks.

“I too am unequivocally sorry for my poor words and behavior from earlier. I was scared, still am scared. However, as a good friend just recently pointed out. I have been scared before and still faced those fears head on even if the end result was certain death.” Tempest glanced over to Sunset who slowly slid off her stool, staggering a bit, but then stepped over next to the two captains.

“Tempest, I can tell you from personal experience that yes, it is okay to be scared. However, I can also tell you that being a mom, was one of the best, hardest, and most rewarding experiences I ever had. Inside you right now is a growing life. A work of art made flesh that the two of you created by sheer love and you have the opportunity to shape that life. Neither of you were prepared for it to happen, heck, I was prepared and I still had no real idea what I was getting into. Even still, you have a chance to prove to all those who wronged you in your youth that you can be amazing parents. You have a chance to prove it to yourselves that you can be better than what was done to you. It is an experience that I can hardly describe…” Sunset raised her forelegs, each hoof taking on a red glow, “but I can show you.”

The last of the pain faded and she let out a shuddering breath after holding and pushing with all her might. Sure, the epidural helped, but she could still feel the odd sensations that were going on down between her legs plus the strain everywhere else in her body. She felt sluggish from the drugs and early hour and had not been allowed to have caffeinated coffee for nine months! Then, there were some muffled words to her right. Where is she? Where is her… the sound of a tiny voice cried out for the first time, filling the room with an unmistakable sound. A moment later the doctor approached and placed the tiny wiggling body on Sunset’s bare chest, whispering 'congratulation' in her ear. She was so small and yet so perfect! Her skin still slick and wrinkled, pale yellow with blue under coloring that was quite common and would fade. Oh, Celestia! She had almost no hair on her cute tiny head! She cried and shook and the doctor quickly covered both mother and daughter with a blanket and let the new born find comfort in the familiar sound of mother’s rhythmic heartbeat.

Sunset smiled brightly and began to cry tears of joy as she held her baby close, gently kissing the near bald head. She looked to her left and a familiar purple face just placed the black rimmed glasses back on her face after wiping her tears away. She wrapped herself around Sunset, careful not to disturb the new born who was beginning to settle down after such a trying morning.

“Welcome to our world, Aurora.”

Sunset stepped back and Tempest and Gauge shook their heads and blinked their eyes. Both stared awestruck at Sunset. Neither had been subject to her empathy powers before and were still trying to process what they had seen and felt. They had questions, many questions, but more importantly, it was what they did not have that truly mattered. Doubts.

“If it’s helps at all,” Sunset said soberly, “I think you two will make great parents.”

Tempest smiled and wiped a tear before it could fall, playing it off as if she were fixing her mane. “Thank you, Your Hi- er, Sunset.”

Gauge bowed deeply before rising and turning to the Captain of the Solar Guard. “Then there is only one last thing to do.” Before Tempest could inquire further the thestral before her dropped to one knee and looked up to her with nothing but confident devotion in his yellow eyes. “This was not how I pictured this going and I am completely unprepared, however I know in my heart this is what I want and there is no time like the present.”

The entire room went completely silent. No creature dared to even twitch.

“Tempest Fury, Captain of the Solar Guard, and sworn protector of the realm. Will you honor me by becoming the mother of my foal as well as sharing your life with me as my wife?”

Tempest grinned and pressed her lips to Gauge’s. When they parted she proudly proclaimed, “You bet your tight, sweet plot I will!”

The bar erupted in cheers and stomping hooves. Drinks, that were not empty, were held high and a few ponies whistled. Confetti erupted from the bar, Pinkie Pie style, thanks to Discord who was holding a miniature blue party cannon in his paw. A ridiculously wide smile on his face.

“HUZZAH!” All eyes turned to the cheer that erupted from the entrance. “I know not what we are celebrating, but libations for everypony!”

Luna’s declaration for more drinks was met with additional cheer. The midnight blue alicorn smiled and waved and amazingly did not run into any furniture despite the dark sunglasses she was still wearing. Sunset was going to comment when her cheeky remark died in her throat at the sight of the cream colored unicorn who was accompanying Luna. Raven looked, well, like Raven. Clean, proper, her mane once again pinned up and not like she had been doing Luna knows what with… Luna and her “attendants.”

Luna stepped up to the bar and leaned in closer to Sunset. She smelled like sex and alcohol worse than a raging frat party. “Seriously, what are we celebrating?”

Sunset pointed over to Tempest and Gauge who were nuzzling one another while she guided his hoof to touch her belly. “The two captains are getting married and also are having a baby.”

“Oh?!” Luna lifted her sunglasses a moment before placing them back into place, more or less. “In that case, THE LIBATIONS SHALL BE DOUBLED!” Luna stole Sunset’s drink, not shuddering for a moment as she downed the amber liquor and slammed the upside down glass to the bar. Amazingly, the glass did not break. “ANOTHER!” The bar erupted into more cheers. Discord rolled his eyes. Guards were guards after all.

Sunset stepped away from her aunt to stand closer to Raven who had stayed near the entrance stairs simply taking in all the raucous behavior. Raven looked up as her owner and friend approached before turning her eyes back to the impromptu engagement party, taking in every detail. Sunset sat down on her haunches trying to think about what to say. Once again, she failed to notice that Luna had moved to sit next to her and embarrassingly jumped when her aunt began to speak.

“Be gentle with her, dear niece. No harm has come to her while she has been in my care, of this I swear. If she wishes to discuss the details of the last few hours let her do so on her terms and do not press. Know that however she mostly just sat there observing our activities.”

Raven smiled at Luna. “It was quite fascinating and I learned a great deal through tactile experience and observation. I appreciated all that you did and hope your attendants will be well. They all seemed quite sleepy afterwards.”

Sunset glanced accusingly at Luna. Luna simply raised another drink to her lips and sipped, staring off into the crowd of thestrals who were giving their congratulations to Tempest and Gauge. That was a discussion for another time. The goldenrod alicorn shook her head of the lingering fog and focused. She too needed to apologize for earlier.

Raven turned her attention back to Sunset, giving her a scrutinizing glare. One Sunset knew she deserved. “I shouldn’t be surprised to find you in a bar after what transpired earlier. That tends to be your go-to response to emotional outbursts.”

Sunset was sure that was supposed to be a dig, but let it slide. It was mostly true and Raven had earned it after everything. “Yeah, I guess I’m getting predictable in my old age of a hundred and forty-ish. Anyhow, I’m sorry if I’ve been treating you like a child, but… it’s because you are so important to me. You’re my friend, you know that. But you are also the living record of all those I have known and loved over the years. Sure, I can close my eyes and see their faces, but with you I can SHOW others who I am talking about, the things I've seen and done. You’re like an oracle and historian wrapped up in this cute, loveable package and…”

Raven waited patiently while Sunset shuddered and fought to keep her emotions in check. With a few calming breaths, Sunset swallowed and continued. “And I need you. I need you now more than all the other times you were there for me on the other side of the mirror, keeping me from winding up face down in a ditch.”

Raven waited to see if Sunset had more to say. When nothing else came other than the pleading expression on the goldenrod alicorn's face the PAAL smiled genuinely. Raven checked herself, straightening her scarf and glasses. “Thank you for your kind words and apology, Sunset Shimmer. I live to see to the needs of my user and am ready to assist.”

Sunset beamed. “Glad to hear it because I need to apologize to Twilight next and I need to do something BIG.”

“Do you have a plan?”

Sunset quirked her head and rolled her hoof back and forth. “Meh, I have an idea.”

Raven sighed and narrowed her eyes at Sunset. “Of course. You never have a good plan.”

“Well, that has mostly to do with the fact that my plans tend to suck. Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to raise a teenage army to stage a coup? Yeah, it’s as dumb as it sounds. I have more luck when I go with the flow and wing it. Hehhehe, and that was even before I had wings!”

“Uggggghhhh!” groaned Discord who had been waiting uncharacteristically patient by the bar. “Death by puns.” Discord overdramatically swooned and then floated in mid air while holding a lily. He even rolled his tongue out the corner of his mouth and replaced his eyes with cartoony X's.

Raven arched a brow at Discord's antics then turned back to Sunset. “Seriously, what are we doing?”

“We were all going to meet near the fountain square so I think that’s the best place to do this. Discord, I need you to make me a small stage and dance floor near the central fountain. Raven, stay close to me because I will definitely need you for backup sound effects and for my music play lists.”

“And the rest of us?” Sunset glanced over Raven to Tempest who had Gauge’s wing draped over her. “Don’t think that we are going to miss out on a chance to help smooth things over with Twilight. Plus, knowing you it will have to be a HUGE apology and I want to see it.”

Sunset bobbed her head a bit, but ultimately acknowledged she had messed up and had no legs left to stand on. “No, you're right. I screwed the pooch royally and now I need to fix things. Break up and make up is so damn old hat to me it’s practically a dance number. My marriage was not all sunshine and rainbows as you can imagine. Of course, part of that is because I’m just such a pain in the rear to deal with, always have been. Keep that in mind you two because it goes for any relationship. It’s not the size of the gesture, it’s how sincere and knowing the other pers- er, pony well enough to do it right. And like Twilight said, if you can’t say it with words, say it with music.”

Sunset paused and reached for her chest, for the rings that she used to have hang there. The anchor to her old life that had shattered to dust, but not before bestowing one final gift and restored her lost memories. It was going to take a long time to get use to not having her rings. Another issue to deal with on another day.

“If you two want to help then while we are setting the stage up I need you to go find Twilight and bring her to the square, give me at least twenty minutes. I still need to find a pianist an-” Discord broke down into immature snickering. Sunset rolled her eyes. “Get it out of your system now because I’m going to have to say it a few times before the day is done. Aunt Luna? Do you know any good p-”

*SNORE*

The gathered group all turned to the midnight blue alicorn who was still sitting next to them perfectly poised as if she were sitting on the dais and her old throne, back straight, head held high, sunglasses covering her now closed eyes.

Sunset shook her head and smirked despite the absurdity of it all. “She fell asleep sitting upright?”

“My mistress is a mare of many talents.”

Sunset shrugged and smirked again. “Though now it does make me wonder how many times she did that while holding court.”

*Ahem* Tempest cleared her throat. “You were saying?”

“Right, staying on task, apologizing, saving my relationship, saving the kingdom.”

Discord rolled his eyes. “Oh, now you are just being overdramatic. Trust me, I know.”

“Probably, hopefully," Sunset acknowledged. "Let’s go save this crazy ass holiday and turn it back into the wild and fun party it was intended to be!” The rest of the thestrals continued to drink and cheered as the group marched from the Deep Hollow with their tasks ahead of them.

Twilight Sparkle was miserable. There was no other word that described her mood more accurately. She put on a light smile when citizens came close, but it faded immediately after they moved on. She was honestly surprised she did not have a tiny black cloud or windigo circling above her head. This was supposed to be a fun day off. It was supposed to be time NOT being a princess, hanging out with her friends... just like the old days. But now they were all angry at one another. Pushing, shoving, yelling. That was not how friends behaved. Sure, her and the elements didn’t always agree and had a few minor scuffles, but no one pulled a weapon or lit a horn with intent to harm.

Maybe Sunset had been right to be hesitant about moving their relationship forward. Maybe... maybe everything they had been doing was a mistake. How was she supposed to live and work with a pony that was so… so… ornery! Twilight stopped walking for a moment, a shuddering sniffle slipping through her attempts to hold all her emotions in check.

Sunset was amazing, that she had no doubt of, but...

“Twilight?”

“I’m…” Twilight looked to her right at the nervous and jittery griffon. Isabella’s wings were still restless and her brown crest was a mess. She obviously still wanted to run back and hide in the castle, but Tempest had pulled her kicking and screaming from her room to watch after Twilight while she dealt with her own issues. “I’m not alright, Isa. I want to tell you that I am and that things will be okay in the end, but I don’t know. I’m so hurt and confused right now.”

“I’m always ready to listen, you know that. Frankly, I’d rather we sit and talk out whatever is on our mind because it would give me a distraction from all of…” Isabella waved her talons about frantically. “THIS.”

Twilight sighed. “This was all supposed to be fun, Isa. Discord Day in the past was always fun. At least I can see some creatures having fun.”

“That is a wide definition in of itself. Just as I know fun for you is reorganizing your bookshelves, fun for me is sitting back in a calm, quiet environment while I catch up on all the latest news and reports of the week.” Isabella sat on a bench and gestured for Twilight to join her. “I’ll tell you a little secret if that helps. I am TERRIFIED of Nightmare Night. I do not like being scared. I know some enjoy a good fright, but I do not. I know monsters are real and do not enjoy celebrating that fact.”

Twilight smiled in understanding. “So that’s why you volunteer for door duty to give candy to all the little ones every year.”

“Yes. Standing in the safety of the palace entrance and dealing with children is about all I can handle.”

Twilight nodded in understanding. After a moment of silent contemplation Isabella nudged Twilight as if to say, ‘now, your turn.’ Twilight sighed. She looked up to the sky where the sun was moving lower to the horizon. They still had about two hours before she needed to set the sun. The fall having shorter, cooler days to contend with. She contemplated for a moment just setting the sun early to make the day be done with. The thought quickly passed after she saw two fillies pass by giggling about, covered in leftover ice cream. A mother was several steps behind, chasing them with a wad of napkins.

“You know Sunset use to be married, yes?”

Isabella nodded. “I believe I met her wife once or twice. I always found it odd how she looked very much like you.”

Twilight smirked, it quickly turned to a sad grimace. “It was more than that. I never told you, told anypony, and only Celestia, Luna, and Cadence knew the truth, but Sunset Shimmer’s wife WAS me. The me from another dimension. When she would visit she would often cloak herself to avoid much of the obvious confusion that would cause, plus she wore glasses and was not an alicorn. Beyond that, she was still Twilight Sparkle.

“That… that is interesting and at the same time… incredibly weird.” Isabella scratched the side of her beak in confusion. “That mirror leads to a parallel dimension, huh. But wouldn’t that be odd for you? To see Sunset with… you, yet not you… and then, now, you two are… Now I understand why you never said anything before. Ancestors, that is strange.”

Twilight smiled bittersweet. “It wasn’t always strange. They were my friends. I never thought about Sunset Shimmer as more than a friend for many, many years. She was married to another pony who was honestly like a sister to me. We had many wonderful compare and contrast conversations over the years. Compiled all kinds of lists that I still have in a secured trunk. Then, Sunset stayed here for thirty moons, one entire mirror cycle, and I… I realized how lonely I was and how easy it was to fall in love with her. She’s… she is so…”

“Complicated?”

“Well, yes, but in a good way. I LIKE difficult and complicated. I just wish she could control her temper better. I mean, if Discord can get under her skin so easily what is going to happen when a noble or sly merchant figures out a weakness or something to exploit?”

Isabella chuckled a bit. “I imagine in a case like that Sable Nimbus will have to carefully and quietly hide a body.”

“Not funny, Isa,” said Twilight, but still chuckled a bit herself.

“Twilight, I’m not good with romantic relationships. Honestly, never have been interested in one and I really do NOT understand Sunset Shimmer, but still, I’ve seen how she makes you smile. I know enough about other interpersonal relationships to know that it is a give and take and you have to be willing to take the good with the bad and compromise, adjust, negotiate. Otherwise, you two will only make one another miserable and someone will end up on the moon or worse. So, take a moment right now and ask yourself. Is this, is SHE worth it?”

Twilight mentally chewed on the wise words delivered with care, absent her griffon friend’s usual dose of judgment. “Thank you, Isa. It feels good to get that off my chest.”

Isabella smiled and bowed her head. “That, is what friends are for.” The griffon looked up as a green slime creature oozed on by leaving a slime trail in its... trail. Isabella shuddered and had a sudden desire to scrub every inch of herself with a scouring pad. “I don't suppose I could go back the castle now and hide?”

“Not quite yet,” commented Tempest Fury as she strolled up to the pair with Fog Gauge at her side. Twilight was genuinely surprised to see the two standing so close to one another and… was Tempest eating cotton candy? “Before you go you should come join us in the fountain square. There is going to be a big performance that you don’t want to miss.”

“I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Are you two okay? Last time I saw you it looked like you just broke up and I would be getting resignation letters on my desk in the morning.”

Gauge nodded before turning to Tempest and nuzzling her neck, which elicited a giggle… A GIGGLE! From TEMPEST FURY! Twilight was half tempted to cast a spell to see if Discord had used mind altering magic on her friends… again.

Tempest took another bite before passing the fluffed bundle over and shoving it in the thestral’s face so he would have to take a bite. “We had a fight, Your, er, Twilight. It happens and will happen again eventually. I'm a fighter, he's a fighter, we are both hard headed and that sort of thing is going to occur. It was just a bit more public and heated than I usually like. However, once everypony cooled down, mostly me, we talked out our concerns and we are fine now.” Tempest blushed, smiling brightly. “More than fine actually.”

“Are you drunk, captain? I never took you for the sweet tooth type.” said Isabella with concern.

“I got the munchies and no, I will not be having any drinks for quite some time.” Tempest nuzzled Gauge’s ear and nipped him for good measure. The gesture, while endearing, only confused Isabella and Twilight more until the captain finally said, “I’m pregnant. Oh, and we’re engaged to be married. That’s important too. Ugh, going to have to find a wedding planner some time this week. There goes my schedule.”

“I’LL DO IT!” shouted Twilight, excitedly throwing her hoof in the air like a school filly. “I love organizing things and I’ve worked weddings before. I helped with my brother and Cadence’s wedding. They are so much fun! I can easily make the time for it now…” Twilight’s brain finally caught up with everything that had been said. “Wait... YOU’RE PREGNANT?!”

Tempest and Gauge chuckled. “Yeah, took us by surprise too. You could say we both ‘Twilighted’ a bit until we talked it out.”

Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes before stepping up to pull the two captains into a warm, wing wrapped embrace. “Congratulations, both of you! I want to hear all about it.”

Tempest waved a hoof back and forth. “There will be time for that later. Right now though I would really appreciate it if you followed us to the square.”

“Okay, but Discord Day doesn’t usually have set scheduled events, which would normally drive me crazy, but since it’s not my day I just tell my brain to let it slide. What’s going on?”

Tempest paused and looked to Gauge. He nodded and picked up the conversation.

“This was not planned by Discord. Sunset Shimmer asks that you attend.”

Twilight’s ears flattened and her wings dipped a bit. “Oh.”

Gauge stepped up to Twilight and boldly touched the purple alicorn’s chin so that she would look him in the eye. Isabella bristled a bit, but reminded herself he was a captain and a friend and no harm would come. “I will not speak for her or what she has planned, but know that it is quite important to her that you attend. The choice, as always, is yours.”

Isabella stood by her princess’s side and laid a talon on her shoulder. “Is she worth it?”

Twilight closed her eyes.

She searched her heart. She searched her soul. She tried to imagine what her life would be like without Sunset Shimmer. The two actively avoiding one another while trying to run a country, the animosity, the bitter back and forth, the anguish it would cause not just herself, but all those around them as the country is torn apart just like her heart.

No.

She was Twilight Sparkle. High Princess of Equestria, Custodian of the Sun and once and always, the Princess of Friendship. Sunset Shimmer was, as always, her friend first. The best friend a pony could have. They could work out their problems just as Tempest and Gauge had. For the good of the nation and for their own good they needed to talk and with hope, they needed to apologize and move forward. Together.

“Okay, let’s go see what she has planned.”

“Wait, if this is a Sunset Shimmer plan should we stop by the armory first and get a few pieces of fire proof shielding just in case?” The others stared down at Isabella. “What? Tell me I’m wrong.”

It had taken Sunset and Raven quite a bit of running around from street to street shouting, “I need a pony who can play the piano well or, much to Discord’s amusement, every time Sunset Shimmer shouted, “I need a pianist.” However, persistence mixed with desperation, and a sliver of hope paid off when a young burgundy colored earth pony raised her hoof to say she was good with a piano. Sunset thanked the mare named Amaranthine for volunteering and the three made their way to the Fountains of Heroes square where Discord did come through and set up a stage, dance floor, and even the needed instruments for the plan.

After a quick scan of the surrounding environment, Sunset's eye for detail and years of working as a sound engineer started to question if basic acoustics would be enough. Without a second thought of hesitation, Sunset teleported back to the castle and retrieved her set of personally designed and constructed speakers that were already programmed to wirelessly connect to Raven's systems. Of course, Sunset was not entirely sure if they STILL could connect to Raven with a body, but nothing ventured nothing gained.

After the speakers were connected and powered by nodes Sunset took another few minutes to tune the guitar to her liking and remove the chew toys from the piano that squawked every time Amaranthine tested the keys. Sunset rolled her eyes, muttering Discord’s name under her breath. Raven was pleased her owner/friend took the prank in stride. Sunset always did work well under pressure when she was laser focused on a task. Before Sunset could ask, Raven beamed and proudly declared her connectivity setting was working and she had found the speakers.

With everything else out of the way and the stage set, Sunset had finally explained to their guest what they were going to play and provided some sheet music for Amaranthine to follow. The hard part came next. Waiting to see if Twilight would come. Sure, Sunset pondered, I could still perform for the gathering crowd. Bet five bits that most of these creatures have never seen a show with this kind of set up. Besides, it would be the least I could do since I took this cute little mare away from her day out with friends and family and put her up on stage… Speaking of which…

“Hey, Amaranthine, are you going to be okay performing in front of others? I mean, I don’t want pressure you or anything, but this is a really important performance for me.”

The young mare smiled and waved off Sunset’s concerns. “Please, call me Amara. And are you kidding, right? I’m up on stage next to Princess Sunset! And if that weren’t enough about to take part in a live, impromptu performance! My classmates are going to fall over dead as soon as I tell them about this! I know some are running around here, they might get a chance to see me! This could even get me an in with the Canterlot Orchestra!”

Raven shrugged. “She seems to be taking being drafted for the cause well.”

“Yeah, I remember being that eager to be up on stage as a teen. Good times. What about you? Have any questions on what we are going to do?”

“I am to filter out the lead guitar and piano from the selected song and provide the background ambiance along with horn light, apparently. If all goes well, then I am to play your selected song that you will dance to with Twilight in its original format utilizing the full capacity of the stage and speakers I am connected to. You did not state what will happen after that.”

“Assuming we get to that part? You choose the next song and just, you know, freestyle it.”

Raven blinked twice. “Freestyle? As in you wish me to choose what happens next?”

Sunset smirked, pulling Raven in for a wing covered hug. After a moment of hesitation, Raven nuzzled into Sunset’s warm yet soft fur, finding a strange sense of comfort being enveloped in the large wing. “It’s Discord Day. The Lord of Chaos has given you the power to make your own choices and go crazy and random. Chances are you will be just a PAAL again when this is over so, enjoy. Which is probably what I should have said to you this morning. Sorry about that.”

“No need to apologize again. You were only trying to protect me." Raven smiled warmly. "And thank you for that.”

Discord appeared next to the stage in a cliché Secret Service suit complete with dark sunglasses, coiled ear communicator dangling from his left ear, and paw in his jacket as if he were reaching for a weapon, which turned out to be a pineapple. “Agent Chaos to Sunbutt junior. Purple Smart has been identified and is heading towards the staging area, over… as in you’ll be over if this goes sideways. Good luck and all that jazz.”

Sunset scowled, but let it slide. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Discord tossed the pineapple over his shoulder where it exploded in mid-air raining sticky pineapple juice and pieces down on Lord Quiet Trot’s head. The noblepony shrieked before running off, not so quietly, Discord noted. He straightened his tie, adjusted the black sunglasses over his eyes, and disappeared.

“Right, guess it’s time for me to do what I do best.”

“Run away?” Sunset arched an eyebrow at Raven. The cream colored pony flashed an ‘innocent’ smirk like a pro. “Isabella said it once.”

“Right, of course she did. I meant the ‘other’ thing I do best.” Sunset readied her guitar and summoned ten red telekinetic fingers at the ends of her hooves to conduct one last test of the chords. They sounded perfectly in tune, just the way she wanted them. “Time to rock this party.”

Twilight could hear the large gathering of ponies, griffons, and various other creatures that now called Equestria home even before she found herself in the square. A hushed warble of overlapping conversations, most of which, from what she could skim, were questions and speculations about what was about to happen.

Naturally, as Twilight approached the side conversations ceased and she parted the crowd without having to ask. It was one part reverence and one part you don’t try to block the pony who stood more than twice as tall as you. Even if one tried, she did have two guard captains on either side of her as well as a griffon as her rear guard.

Twilight looked up as she approached the stage and immediately spotted Sunset Shimmer in the center with a guitar in her hooves. She next took note of the young mare who she did not know on the piano and Raven off to the right. Raven waved, and smiled. Sunset met Twilight’s gaze and held it for several heartbeats. Neither spoke, What could be said, given the situation? Words alone were not what was needed. Sunset broke contact first and cleared her throat.

“Thank you all for coming out to enjoy the relaunch of Discord Day,” she began. “I have had… well, let’s just say it has been one heck of an experience I won't soon forget, if ever. But before the sun goes down and every creature scurries off for dinner or time at home I just want to take bit of your time to join me in rocking in the evening and to apologize to… well, everyone, everypony, every creature, that I have scared or offended in some way today. I’ve had a lot happen to me in my life in a short amount of time, but that’s no excuse for unbecoming behavior. My mother, Princess Celestia, had to deal with the stress of ruling for centuries. I should be following her good example in most cases while also forging my own path.” Sunset paused to once again meet Twilight’s eyes. “A path I wish to walk with my beloved marefriend at my side.”

Several creatures in the crowd cooed and gasped at the juicy declaration, many eyes turning to Twilight Sparkle, whose eyes were upon the goldenrod alicorn on stage and no where else.

“With that said.” Sunset nodded to Amaranthine who began to play the piano.

Twilight had heard a number of Sunset’s songs that she had written and only barely scratched the surface of the number of other songs that Raven had saved in her files. Most of those playlists consisted of rock n’ roll from different eras, but Sunset was a lover of nearly all types of music and had orchestra music, jazz, country, folk, rap, blues, bag pipes, and while not many, also ‘love songs.’

Sunset waited with her eyes closed as she listened to the piano intro and then began to sing. Twilight’s heart skipped a beat. She LOVED listening to Sunset Shimmer sing. The goldenrod mare had a natural beauty even prior to becoming an alicorn that put most other mares to shame without even trying. Rarity would spend more than an hour each day making certain her mane and tail were perfect before she dared open her boutique first thing in the morning. Sunset would just roll out of bed and MAYBE brush her hair if she was not running behind.

But Sunset’s true beauty went beyond the physical, pony or human. She was a force of nature. She made others want to follow, gravitate towards her because her tenacious heart and artistic soul were beautiful in ways that words alone failed to describe. However, that inner beauty was sometimes expressed, much to Twilight's delight, in her silky, sexy voice.

The red telekinetic fingers went to work as the song progressed. Sunset opened her eyes briefly to look down at Twilight who had eyes only for her, one hoof on her chest as if to hold her beating heart from escaping. Sunset smiled and played on, certain that the magnificent song written long ago was expressing exactly how she felt.

Raven was admiring the unique perspective of seeing Sunset perform while also providing background instrumentation as her horn pulsed different colors to the sound of the beat. She could… she could FEEL the energy and love that Sunset was pouring into the music and it made her bob her head and tap her hoof even without her commands. This singular make or break moment was essential to her friend and from what she could see of Twilight Sparkle’s enraptured attention it was doing everything Sunset hoped it would. An apology and power ballad of professed love not only to the one she cared for, but for any and all to see and hear. No more hiding or speculations. Every creature gathered who had working eyes and ears would know for certain that their ruling princesses were dating and that was perfectly fine.

Sunset dropped to her knees as she poured all of herself into the performance. As the last of the song drew to a close, she crawled forward, set the guitar off to the side and held out her hoof with glassy, pleading eyes.

“Please, forgive me.”

Twilight stepped up the edge of the stage and pulled her lover down a bit so she could plant her lips upon those of the other diarch. Sunset’s wings sprang open and took on a golden glow for a few seconds before settling. The crowd erupted into cheers as the piano ended and the kiss sealed the performance. When Twilight broke contact and smiled she whispered, “I love you.”

Sunset smiled broadly and jumped down to the ground. The crowd parted as Sunset led her fellow princess to the prepared dance floor. Twilight wordless flashed Sunset a quirky smile. Sunset just continued to smile broadly and with a flourish turned and bowed to Twilight, holding out her hoof as to say, ‘may I have this dance?’

Amaranthine stepped away from the piano, waving at a few friends and family excitedly. Raven nodded her thanks and appreciation to the earth pony and gestured for her to step down the stairs in the back while she took center stage. Raven waited for Sunset to look her direction and nod that they were ready. Quietly, she whispered, “Playing track: ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’.”

Raven’s eyes closed for a moment before her horn began to glow and the symphony began to play. The PAAL noted that Sunset had staged the speakers perfectly and the acoustics created an excellent surround sound environment. So much so she did not have to use the maximum volume to project the music towards the crowd. Strangely harmonious considering it was all courtesy of a being of chaos.

Then, Raven began to sing. It wasn’t her voice, which was probably strange to the closer onlookers, but Raven did not care what they thought. She was focused on the two alicorns who began to slow dance. Eyes solely for one another. The scene before her made Raven’s chest feel warm, bringing a smile to her face as she continued to sing. It was a strange sensation, but not an unpleasant one. She pondered if this was what was meant when others wrote, 'their heart swelled with love.'

As the song progressed into the second verse, other couples joined in with their own partners and danced along side their princesses including Gauge and Tempest. The solar captain fumbled a bit, not as skilled on the dance floor as she was on the battlefield. Still, Gauge made up for it and kept his fiancé steady. The two sharing small kisses and nuzzles each time they felt like it, which was often.

Twilight Sparkle was floating on air. Considering that her and her dance partner both had wings such a thing was possible. There actually was a pegasi dance style called Cloud Hopping that was very popular in Cloudsdale, now that she thought about it, but that was not important at the moment. No, for the moment, figurative or literal was not important. What was, was that Sunset Shimmer was holding her closely while they slow danced, their horns rubbing against one another intimately with the occasional spark of power as they pressed their muzzles and cheeks into one another.

“I want to apologize too.”

Sunset smiled warmly. “You know you don’t have to. You were right. I was getting stressed out and letting all the little things get to me. Though Discord did say he was sorry for needling me I shouldn’t have let him see it was working. I haven’t had to deal with someone who knew how to push my buttons that well since Aurora was a teenager. I'm a bit out of practice.”

Twilight smiled. “Have I told you I love it when you talk about your girls. You get this light in your eyes like I can see your heart.”

“It’s… a little melancholic. I love talking about them, but then it always reminds me they are gone.”

“I understand,” Twilight said before Sunset spun her and brought her back close. “Have you ever thought of taking on a personal student? Or maybe even better, teaching a class at CSGU? I think the youth of today could benefit greatly from your worldly/interdimensional experience as well as your experience being a parent.”

Sunset chewed on the comment a bit. She did of course love her time working in the lab and the music room, but perhaps Twilight was on to something. She had a unique perspective that few ponies had ever experienced. Sure, some of it needed to stay secret, but the truth could be tweaked a bit. Celestia had mentioned from time to time that the accumulation of knowledge was squandered if you were not willing to share it with others.

“I will take it under consideration now that we more or less have our schedules pounded out." Twilight beamed. “But only if you consider doing it too. I know you love to teach and miss it.”

“Absolutely.”

The song concluded and the crowd cheered and stomped hooves, some whistling their appreciation to Raven. Discord appeared on stage a moment later and gave a great bow to the crowd.

“Yes, yes that was very sappy and lovey dovey.” Discord snapped his paw and an accordion and bajo appeared around his neck and shoulder. “Of course this is not a coronation, it’s a hoe down!”

“Discord,” Raven said, raising a hoof and gently placing it on his arm, “I am aware this is your day and your stage, but I was wondering if you would allow me one last song.” The draconequus eyed Raven suspiciously. “I think you will like it. The lyrics ringing true to those like us that, who have been misunderstood and or forgotten, but strive on for our own benefit.”

A strong, dark blue foreleg wrapped around Discord’s neck and pulled him in for a bone crushing embrace. He was certain if he had actual bones that Luna would have broken some of them.

“Come, friend Discord! Let the glass device have her moment and join me for a drink and dancing!"

“Celestia’s giant white plot! How are you not passed out drunk by now?!” cried Discord as he was dragged off the stage. Raven nodded to Luna then scanned over the crowd, eyes finally locking with Sunset’s. The fire maned alicorn nodded and grinned.

“Thank you for your patience. I would like to perform one more song for the evening. Dedicated to our host, Discord.” Many in the crowd cheered at the dedication, stomping their hooves. Raven closed her eyes a moment and quietly whispered, “Playing track: ‘Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)’.” Raven’s amber eyes opened with confidence as her horn began to emit music, flashing colors in time to the faster beat.

Sunset was curious what song Raven would choose given her entire library at her disposal. When the music started and her friend began to sing a wider smile crept across Sunset’s face. She turned to Twilight and nudged her with a wing. “Hope you are ready to freestyle. Things are about to get wild.”

Twilight turned inwardly a bit and squirmed. “I don’t freestyle very well. You’ve seen what I do without a lead. I don’t want to break your knee.”

“Nothing I can’t heal, but you’ll hurt my feelings if you say no,” Sunset replied with a wink and fake pout.

The song tempo increased and Raven began to dance herself on stage causing the gathered crowd to follow suit and dance more energetically themselves. The PAAL eventually reached up to her well kept mane in a bun and yanked the pins free allowing her mousy brown hair to thrash about as she moved all the more to the pounding music.

Twilight laughed and kissed Sunset again before they separated to thrash rhythmically to the beat. They waved to Luna who was shaking her rump for all it was worth while spinning Discord about like a boa in her magic. It was difficult to tell (because of how fast he was being tossed about) if he was enjoying himself or not. He was certainly making no effort to stop her.

“Now this, this is the side of you I’ve been wanting to see all day,” said Twilight. Sunset sauntered over and gave her marefriend a friendly hip bump before draping a wing over her. “Think you can keep this up until sundown?”

Raven dropped to her knees and finished with a flourish, hoof in the air. Discord, snapped his talon and fireworks detonated above the stage, raining down candy streamers over the crowd that cheered wildly.

Sunset’s grin became predatory, eyes flashing teal for a second. “Bet your sweet plot I can.”

Discord had taken the stage back and the music became much more... random. After the third song, sounding like a polka with garbage can drums, the princesses and their friends chose to quietly slip away back to the castle grounds where dinner had been prepared and waiting for them. A Discord in a white chef uniform complete with a toque blanche upon his head and a second one in a waiter tux stood waiting to serve the group of friends. Raven sat next to Luna while the reunited couples sat next to one another. Isabella chose to stand while eating over by the door like she would if it were an official dinner with dignitaries. Twilight was having none of that and levitated her assistant to sit on her other side. After a glare at Sunset for giggling at her expense, Isabella thanked Twilight and relaxed.

Luna had eaten quickly and excused herself to return to her tower. While Sunset was certain her aunt really did plan to dream walk later there were likely other, rested stallion and mare thestrals waiting to tend to Luna’s ‘other’ needs once more. Sunset did not press because she really did not want to know if she was correct. Out of politeness more than anything, Sunset asked if Raven wanted to join Luna. The PAAL shook her head and declined, more interested in her color changing rainbow sherbet that she was examining with a spoon.

As soon as the dishes were cleared Tempest and Gauge excused themselves. Twilight and Sunset bid them goodnight, reminding them that though the couple had much to plan that they had friends who would gladly help. The chef Discord took that as his cue to fold the table and then folded and folded and folded until he picked it up and slipped it into his breast pocket. The chef bowed and disappeared in a flash followed by the waiter. The changing colors signaled fast approaching sunset. It was time to end the day.

While they could have just as easily flown, Sunset and Twilight chose to stroll side by side to the solar outlook so Raven could easily follow without having to be carried. Isabella had joined them part of the way, but had elected to return to her private residence once she felt it was appropriate. Twilight understood and gave her friend one last hug before saying goodnight. The remaining three continued up the numerous flights of stairs to Twilight's tower to once again guide the celestial bodies back to their correct paths in the heavens.

The conversation was light, pointing out things they had seen or observed. Raven happily chimed in from time to time, occasionally asking questions for clarification. “I just do not understand why a creature that is not fireproof would voluntarily choose to eat a food that they know will cause painful chemical burn to their tongues. It frankly sounds masochistic and ridiculous to me.”

Sunset chuckled. “We kinda touched on this earlier. Well, I guess the short answer for most is, you only live once. So, LIVE it.”

Raven nodded. “Simply put, but I believe the evidence supports that.” Nothing else was said on the matter as they climbed the last of the stairs. Twilight lit her horn and opened the door as they approached.

The two alicorns crossed Twilight’s living room, pleased to find everything where it should be and nothing appeared to be made of melty chocolate, which had been a possibility. After a brief pause they headed straight for the outlook balcony. Unsurprising, Discord was standing on the balcony waiting, gazing out upon the absurdity he had created.

“Ahhh yes, I guess it is about that time. A shame really, I was just about to see if any creature was in the mood for a fun run from a creeping gargantua vine bush. Perhaps next year.” His eyes grew twice and large and glassy as he dropped to his knees. “Things turned out well enough for there to be a next year I assume?”

Twilight smiled warmly, nudging Sunset with her wing. Sunset blushed a bit when she realized Twilight was trying to get her to speak.

“I know we talked about it at the bar earlier, but now that it’s just us I want to apologize for, you know, almost skewering you with the Godslayer.”

Twilight gawked. “Seriously? That is what you are calling your sword now?”

“Hey, his name for it, not mine. Although, I kind of like it. All the best and most famous swords in history and fiction all had names. Why not mine?” Sunset shrugged. “Anyhow, I’m sorry. And thank you for a… mostly enjoyable day. So yeah, Celestia's decree stands and we can do this again.”

“I… I guess this means it’s time for me to be changed back as well.”

All eyes turned back towards Raven who had been standing quietly a few steps away. Her mane was still hanging loose and in Sunset’s opinion, looked damn sexy down and free. The PAAL let out a sigh before squaring her posture and resignation as if she were awaiting the firing squad.

“Well, hold on,” commented Sunset, holding up a hoof. “I mean, I want my stuff, but… if she’s happier in a body maybe we could leave her like this until I can come up a storage interface or when the mirror opens again we could change her back, transfer everything to a backup drive then change her back to this. You know, options are available.”

Raven balked, looking from face to face. “Sunset…”

“Alas,” Discord began, stepping over and holding out his paw to Raven who hesitantly place a hoof in it, “it cannot be. Part of the rules for the day were that every thing I change or alter has to go back to how it was. Those were the rules Celestia set out and it does go beyond that. I am chaos, pure and simple. While it was not hard to make a construct for her, even a life like one, that chaos would eventually catch up. There is no telling what it would do to her after today. Harmonic Balance and all that blah, blah, blah.”

“I understand,” Raven said with just a hint of sorrow. “Allow me just one last thing.” Discord shrugged. Raven dove at Sunset and hugger her tightly. The goldenrod alicorn was caught briefly off guard, but quickly recovered and held her friend close, wrapping her legs and wings around the smaller pony. When they separated Raven smiled and bowed her head to Twilight who returned the smile and nodded.

“Do it.”

Discord snapped his paw and Raven’s body took on a bright glow before breaking down to glittering dust, leaving only the small glass rectangular device. Sunset caught her PAAL phone in her magic and floated her over.

“You okay?”

The animated pony on the screen nodded. “It was not as shocking a transition when compared to finding out I no longer had internet connectivity. However… would it be okay if we did this again? I… I liked being able to move about on my own.”

“Sure.”

Raven smiled. “I think I would like to rest now, process what I have learned.” Without the need for the command, the PAAL put itself in sleep mode. Sunset set the device down on the night stand by the bed with the induction charger.

“Sunset, it’s time.”

Twilight’s horn blazed to light as she established her connection with the sun hanging low on the horizon. The colors of the sunset were always the most magnificent tapestry of nature where the retreating light met the on coming twilight. With one last flick of power, the sun was laid to rest.

Discord brought his paw and claw together and sent out his own will of power. In a tremendous flash, everything returned to what it was before. Those that were still out on the streets witnessed the change and understood, the party was over. The thestrals began to fly about to begin their evening patrols while many citizens bid each other goodnight.

“My turn.” Sunset Shimmer reached out with her own will of power and connection to the moon. She found it ‘mostly’ where it should be. With eyes closed and a flick of her horn Sunset brought the moon up from the eastern horizon.

Discord, who had remained nearby on the balcony watched the two alicorns work and then smirked. With a snap of his paw a pie appeared floating in his unseen power. With a well honed aim he brought the sweet treat around and quickly smashed it into Sunset Shimmer’s muzzle.

Sunset gasped in surprise, her connection to the moon temporarily lost in the surprise pie attack. She gasped and cried out when she realized that the moon was growing far to large on the horizon as if it were about to collide with the planet. With a straining effort and grinding teeth Sunset willed the celestial satellite back onto its correct path. She quickly whipped around with pie still stuck and dripping from her fur.

“ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE?! You made me nearly drop the MOON!”

“Oh come on, so you may have shook up some of Lulu’s rock gardens, but it’s not like it caused any tidal waves… you know at least not here. Besides! I needed to hit somepony with a pie! I had one ready all day!”

“You selfish son of a bitc…” Sunset stopped talking immediately when she felt her marefriend begin to lick the pie from her face, messily nuzzling into Sunset’s jaw and neck.

“Mmmm,” Twilight mumbled, working her way up to lick some whipped cream from Sunset’s ear. “It’s probably just my opinion, but I think lemon meringue taste better off of you.”

Sunset blushed profusely. Discord just rolled his eyes. “Well, you’re welcome, enjoy your dessert, dearest Twilight. Ta-ta!” With a snap, the draconequus was gone.

Twilight licked along Sunset’s jaw line and made no effort to hide her desire as she chewed the crust pieces. The entire exchange had caught Sunset so far off guard she felt like a stumbling filly again. The feeling was… invigorating.

“I, uh… I should… you know, go get this cleaned up. Yeah. Would be unsightly to come stumbling into the night court with pie and saliva dripping down my face.”

“Bath, yes,” Twilight dimmed the ambient mage lights around the chamber and bedroom to a seductive low. “Court, no.”

“Huh?”

Twilight licked Sunset’s lips and pressed into her marefriend. Now that she had a bit of the pie in her mouth too, Sunset did agree, it tasted better when it was accompanied by your lover's lips. “Discord Day may only run through the daylight hours, but Celestia and I agreed that Discord ‘DAY’ also included a night off. No night court, no agendas, no projects. Just you, me, a nice bath, and whatever else comes to mind until we fall asleep. Then we go back to serving Equestria.”

“Whatever comes to mind, hmm?”

“Mmmmhmmmm.”

Sunset grinned.

Twilight grinned and kissed her marefriend again.

“I think I’m going to like doing this every year.”

END

Author's Note

Once again, thank you to everyone that makes it down this far. This was a fun little story to work on. After thoughts, ramblings, and what comes next will be over in the blog section.

Below are some links for the songs used since I can't use the lyrics in the story itself. (I understand why, but still *moody*)

Sunset to Twilight
https://youtu.be/Y0pdQU87dc8

Sunset/Twilight dance
https://youtu.be/JkK8g6FMEXE

Raven rocks out
https://youtu.be/Xn676-fLq7I

Questions comments always welcomed.