Let's start over, shall we?

Discord found himself in a supposedly haunted forest, a place no pony would enter without a significant reason, a place where nature acted on its own, posing the greatest terror to the weather team and the Apple family. This place, called the Everfree Forest, was once what Discord might have called home before a lovely pegasus came into his life.

As he moved through the forest, Discord finally arrived at a quaint cabin on the outskirts. In the yard, a large bear was obediently following the orders of a disgruntled rabbit, who was directing the bear to pull carrots from the ground. Discord watched this scene with a fond smile, remembering how Fluttershy would try, often in vain, to discipline her devilish little rabbit.

With a snap of his fingers, Discord's body became almost translucent and light, his feet passing through the ground. He quickly grabbed his tail and flapped his wings, adjusting his height before entering the cabin.

Inside, Discord saw something that nearly brought him to tears. His heart raced, and his hands trembled. Before him stood Fluttershy, near a window, accompanied by a pair of birds. She seemed to be making a birdhouse for them, laughing gently as the birds chirped happily around her.

Discord demonstrated incredible self-control, as despite his wavering, he never revealed himself to his dear friend. Instead, he noticed his past self sitting on the couch, looking at him seriously. They locked eyes for a moment, and then the past Discord nodded and pointed upstairs.

Ascending to the upper floor, Discord entered Fluttershy’s bedroom, feeling a powerful wave of nostalgia that brought tears to his eyes. He moved slowly across the room to stand in front of Fluttershy’s dresser, where he saw a small birdhouse. It was crudely made, clearly the work of an amateur, the paint having run in places. This birdhouse was the first one Fluttershy ever made, and though it wasn’t very pretty, it was cherished by Fluttershy and thus, by Discord as well. He duplicated it and stored it in his pocket dimension. Then, he duplicated a few strands of Fluttershy’s hair from a brush and, after storing them, snapped his fingers and found himself in the center of Ponyville.

Discord couldn't help but remember the good times and jokes he enjoyed here. He wished he could materialize and live here again, but he knew he couldn't risk his friend Fluttershy's life and future happiness. As he floated, unseen, he was passed through by Bon Bon and Lyra without them noticing him, which made Discord a little uncomfortable. When suddenly he heard a voice that he didn't usually hear much since Fluttershy left.

"Fluttershy would be truly disappointed by what you're planning," said a miniature Discord with alicorn wings and horn, his fur white and his aura reminiscent of Celestia, as he perched on Discord’s right shoulder. "Twilight trusted you. You used Fluttershy’s name to convince her! Are you really going to tarnish the name and the promises you made to Fluttershy?"

Discord felt a moment of doubt. Was he really doing the right thing? For him, it was completely justifiable, this was his chance to have Fluttershy back and to relive the time he so cherished.

"Nonsense! Don’t listen to that bitter party pooper" said another miniature Discord on his left shoulder, resembling Tirek, with dark horns and black and red fur. "You’re Discord, the embodiment of Chaos. And technically, we didn’t lie to Twilight; we just gave her a half-truth, sweetened with what she desired. Isn’t it a friend’s duty to make their friends happy?"

"Party pooper, your mom! Discord, you know our spell isn’t completely safe. We don’t even know if it will work. We could end up destroying this reality and the other. And if the spell does work, who knows how Harmony will react? There’s no guarantee that the Fluttershy you try to recreate will be the same one we love!" The logical side of Discord had a point, making him sweat and hyperventilate.

The chaotic conscience slapped Discord. "Calm down, big guy! We’re the lord of Chaos, remember? What’s wrong with your plan? We’re doing our job, and it’s to make us happy. Remember, you’re Discord, the embodiment of chaos, not harmony, friendship, or order."

"Why do all the ponies get to be happy and have good lives, while you’re chained to the memory of your only true friend, the only one who treated you like just another pony? Do you really think the princesses, Twilight, and her friends saw you as a friend? I don’t." said the chaotic, erratic conscience of Discord, literally kicking the rational conscience, sending it on a paid tour to Cloudsdale.

Those words stung Discord deeply. It was a constant thought he hated to believe might be true. He was about to say something when the chaotic conscience grabbed his beard. "Open your eyes! They didn’t see you as a friend, only Fluttershy did, and maybe Starlight, though I doubt it. Twilight treats you like a pet, using your friendship and affection for Fluttershy as a leash. Ponies have had over a thousand years of peace and harmony, and you’re here, alone and friendless. It’s our turn to finally be happy and be with our friend."

These words rekindled the chaotic flame of determination in Discord. In record time, he would gather an item from each of Fluttershy’s friends to recreate the happiest, most beautiful time of his infinite and eternal life, even if it meant dooming one reality and altering another.

And so, Discord set to work, starting with the rest of Fluttershy’s dear friends.

Twilight headed to a distant place, as the nearest town was a 20-minute flight for a pegasus at full speed and about six hours from Canterlot. She finally arrived at her destination, enveloped by the scent of the sea and the beach, along with the relaxing sound of waves crashing against the sand. Twilight walked along a path until she observed a small bay with a modest house, so she proceeded towards the cabin. She was a bit anxious and emotional as she approached the door.

"It can't be, it's Princess Twilight! What could bring the ruler of Equestria here?" Celestia exclaimed, emerging from behind some palm trees. She carried a basket full of shells and a handkerchief slightly dirty with sand. Celestia walked up to Twilight and bowed before her, clearly enjoying her life as a normal pony with little burden on her shoulders.

"Please, Celestia, there's no need to bow. You know it's not necessary. Please, stand up," Twilight said nervously, feeling a bit uncomfortable seeing her former teacher and role model bow before her.

"I see you finally understand how I felt before, don't you? I remember a little Twilight following me everywhere like a cute little flea in my fur. You were so adorable, and then you grew up to be my dear friend and book-obsessed student. You know, when you went to Ponyville, I hoped you'd start seeing me more as a friend, and it took quite a while. I remember all the trouble you went through to achieve excellence for me when all I needed was a cake and a bit of your time," Celestia said, laughing maternally.

"Yes... I finally understand how you felt, being treated like... a superior being, when really, you're just a normal pony. We're immortally long-lived, but we can still... die," Twilight said, sighing.

"Well, you are an alicorn. To most ponies, you're like a deity, a sort of goddess or savior expected to solve all their problems, even if we don't like it. I have to admit, it saddened me that we grew distant a few decades after you started ruling, but I don't blame you. After all, you're the ruler of Equestria now, and I know how exhausting and draining it can be." Celestia sighed softly. It wasn't that she hated ruling, although she did for a time, especially when her sister was absent. Rather, the memory of her long, monotonous life as a regent, which spanned over a millennium, brought a mental fatigue. Celestia would need at least half a millennium of rest before even considering taking her position again.

"Yeah... I should have written to you and Luna, but ruling really consumes so much of my time. I can barely hold a conversation with Spike without being interrupted by some issue or another. I definitely think I should start looking for a new apprentice at the School of Friendship, as it seemed to work well for the previous regent," Twilight said with a light laugh, causing Celestia to blush slightly.

"Well, I think it will be nearly impossible to find as good a student as the one I had. She was truly one in a million". Celestia said as she gave Twilight a little playful nudge.

"But I have to ask, are things going so badly that you're already looking for a new student? I don't think the nobles and high society ponies are driving you crazy, are they?." Celestia placed a hoof to her chin, pondering if she was bothering Twilight, "Though, I suppose what bothers you the most is how some nobles and elite ponies try to kiss your hooves, seeking to curry favor and gain your approval."

"Don't even mention it. Every time I think about it, it makes me feel very uncomfortable," Twilight said, looking at her front hooves. "I remember once a pony tried to kiss my hooves to emphasize how much he praised me and why I should help him with a mining project. He was really desperate, but his plan involved demolishing a small town that was forming near a mountain," Twilight said, a bit annoyed.

"Tell me what's bothering you, Twilight. I don't think it's that absurd request. What could really trouble my best student, the ultimate heroine of Equestria, and the ruler of Equestria with the most peaceful reign so far? What could you need from this retired mare? Or are you looking for Luna?" Celestia asked, a bit confused by Twilight's anguished appearance.

"Well... I came to ask you and Luna for advice. You see... it's about Discord," Twilight said timidly, causing Celestia to sigh and open the door to her house.

"Let's go inside, Twilight. You can sit in the living room if you like. I'll go wake up Luna. There's cake in the fridge if you're a bit hungry, though don't eat it all," Celestia said, entering the house and going upstairs.

Twilight entered the house and saw how cozy it looked. It had a bit of both sisters, images of the sun and the moon, as well as the sisters themselves. Twilight, a bit distracted by observing the cabin, sat on the sofa in the living room while she waited for Celestia and Luna. Twilight thought deeply about Discord's deal.
Twilight.
Is it really possible to bring back all her friends and acquaintances for a day without affecting time and space? If it's possible, from when would her friends come? Knowing Discord, he could bring her friends before they even knew each other, or he could bring them all when they were just little foals. That would be cute, especially Fluttershy, but it's not what Twilight hoped for.
T-Twilight!.
There's also the question of why Discord needed her magic. If Discord is so powerful, why would he need the magic of an alicorn? Something doesn't add up, but this isn't what worries Twilight the most. If Discord is telling the truth, wouldn't seeing her friends again reopen the wound that's barely healing? Twilight truly wishes to see her friends, but she knows that will only happen when it's her turn to rest. Besides, she doesn't really know the consequences this could bring...

"Equestria calling TWILIGHT!" Luna said beside her. "Is this normal for her? Did she break or something?" she asked, waving a hoof in front of Twilight's lost gaze.

"No idea, sister. She probably lost her list or forgot a book," Celestia said, cutting a slice of cake and putting it on a plate, then taking the rest and bringing it to the living room where Luna and Twilight were.

"I have an idea..." Celestia placed her cake on a shelf and rummaged in a drawer until she pulled out a newspaper and started reading it aloud.

"The head of the School of Friendship has just proclaimed that homework will no longer be necessary, and subjects requiring books will be optional. The library will be replaced with an area specialized in quesadillas..."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY!? THAT WON'T BE POSSIBLE, NOT UNDER MY REIGN!" Twilight said, jumping up from the sofa. Her fur was bristled, and her eyes showed worry and nervousness. She quickly extended her wings and began concentrating magic in her horn, preparing a teleportation spell.

"Whoa, whoa, calm down, Twilight. I made it all up. There's no quesadilla in sight, alright? We finally have your attention," Celestia said, tossing the newspaper to Twilight, which only talked about a play being held in the town 20 minutes from where they were. Celestia then took her cake and sat on the couch next to Twilight.

"My sister tells me you wanted to see us, Twilight, something caused by Discord from what she mentioned. What did he do now?" Luna asked, worried. "Did he harm your guards or... turn evil again?" Luna asked, her eyes filled with tenacity, fearing the worst.

"NO, he... well, he... hasn't done anything bad, for now. He's planning something, something I agreed to help him with. But I'm not sure if it's the right thing to do. I have too many questions and few answers," Twilight responded, a bit overwhelmed.

"Could you share that information with us, Twilight? I know you're now the ruler of Equestria and have your own matters, after all, I did the same. But the more Luna and I know about what's troubling you and what Discord is planning, the more we can help you," Celestia said, slowly taking Twilight's crown and placing it on the shelf next to the sofa. "Because you're among friends, and remember you can be honest with us, Twilight."

"We'll support you as much as we can, Twilight. That's what friends are for, right?" Luna said, sitting next to Twilight and wrapping her with one of her wings.

Twilight timidly shrank. "That's actually the problem... Discord found a way to bring... to bring our friends back for a day, supposedly without altering our timeline, without any consequences..."

"THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE," Celestia said, alarmed. She quickly got up from the sofa and started trotting in circles, upset.

"Discord doesn't have that kind of power. Sure, he's the manifestation of chaos, but neither chaos nor harmony can interfere with life or death. Neither Discord nor we can alter that unalterable cycle. You've seen that power yourself, Twilight. Even harmony, the most powerful force in our world, doesn't annihilate or kill those who threaten it. It merely imprisons them in stone or purifies them of their evils, like Luna with Nightmare Moon." When Celestia mentioned Nightmare Moon, Luna lowered her head, a bit sad. Though she had dealt with that delicate issue, being used as an example wasn't very pleasant.

"If there's one thing we're sure of, Twilight, it's that Discord is planning something else. You must be careful and not let your guard down. Discord is a very unpredictable being, the best actor and liar that has ever existed. He may have been reformed, but Fluttershy is no longer with us, and there's no one to keep him in check. I know it sounds tempting to see your friends again, believe me, Celestia and I know perfectly well that it's not possible," Luna said, looking downcast while Celestia gazed at both with sadness.

"Letting go of others and accepting that they're no longer with us is difficult. You might feel like the world is ending and there's no reason to go on," Celestia said, lifting Twilight's chin with her wing to look her in the eyes. "But life moves on, and time never stops or forgives. I know you see your immortally long life as a curse, but it doesn't have to be. Think of how many amazing ponies you'll get to know. Like you, if I weren't immortal, I wouldn't have met you, or Cadance, or your lovely niece."

Twilight stood up from the sofa and took her crown as she headed to the door, trying to hide her tears. But knowing Celestia, she was deeply sad and overwhelmed. "I would have liked to chat under different circumstances. It was really nice to see you both again. Thank you for letting me into your beautiful home, Luna, Celestia. You've given me a lot to think about. I hope to come back another day for tea if you'll allow it," Twilight said before taking flight and teleporting back to her palace.

"Should we follow her? She didn't take it very well, to be honest," Luna said, a bit worried, starting to spread her wings, though Celestia stopped her by placing a hoof in her way.

"I know Twilight very well. After all, I was her teacher for many years. Sometimes I don't like to think of it, but she's like a daughter to me. Though I want her to see me more as a friend than her former teacher and mentor, but I agree with you, sister. We should follow her but not interfere unless necessary. Let's avoid being discovered. I don't want to cause any negative feelings or remorse in Twilight..."