Luna

The conference room at Canterlot High was softly lit, with a long central table around which the student representatives and a few teachers were seated. Celestia sat in her seat, her posture perfect and a pen in her hand. Beside her, Discord leaned casually against the table, playing with a paperclip as if nothing could truly hold his attention.

“Let’s move on to the next agenda item,” the principal announced. “Initiatives to improve the school environment.”

Celestia raised her hand slightly. “I believe it’s important to continue working against bullying. While we’ve made progress, there are still students who feel marginalized. We could organize workshops to promote inclusion.”

Discord nodded, though with a slightly ironic smile. “Sure, workshops. Or maybe we could just put up giant signs in the hallways saying Don’t Be a Bully. That would work just as well.”

Celestia gave him a sharp look. “We need to do something meaningful, Discord.”

“And I’m offering meaningful ideas,” he replied, raising his hands in mock surrender.

The principal stepped in, trying to refocus the conversation. “Both are valid points. Perhaps we can combine practical approaches with impactful visual messaging.”

Another representative suggested creating a school app where students could anonymously report bullying incidents, and Celestia eagerly jotted down notes.

The conversation then turned to the idea of introducing a school counselor.

“I think having a counselor available could help many students,” Celestia said. “Especially those who find it hard to talk to parents or teachers.”

Discord seemed less invested but eventually gave a nod of approval. “If it helps, why not.”

The final topic was the upcoming school trip. The representatives debated potential locations, suggesting destinations such as a historic city, an adventure park, and an interactive science museum. Celestia emphasized the importance of balancing education with fun, and Discord, surprisingly, agreed.

“A little history and a little adrenaline,” he said with a grin. “That way, no one gets bored.”

By the end of the meeting, Celestia walked out with a stack of notes in hand and a satisfied smile.

As she walked down the hallway, Celestia heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Discord catching up, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket.

“You know,” he began in his usual relaxed tone, “you’re always so serious in these meetings. Sometimes I wonder if you ever relax.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at him. “Being a representative means taking things seriously. We’re not there to fool around.”

Discord shrugged. “But a little lightness never hurt anyone.”

Celestia stared at him for a moment, then shook her head with a faint smile. “I suppose you’re the lightness that balances my seriousness.”

“Exactly,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “We’re a perfect team.”

For a brief moment, as they walked side by side, Discord gave her a look that was different from usual—not ironic or playful, but deeper, almost curious.

Celestia, however, didn’t notice, her focus on the notes she held tightly to her chest.

“Anyway,” Discord continued, his tone shifting back to normal, “don’t overdo it trying to make this trip perfect. After all, it’s just a trip.”

“It’s more than just a trip,” Celestia countered. “It’s an opportunity for students to bond and have a unique experience. We should make it perfect.”

Discord chuckled softly. “Perfect like you, I guess.”

Celestia stopped and looked at him with a mix of exasperation and amusement. “I can’t tell if you’re mocking me or giving me a compliment.”

“Both,” he replied with a grin.

Celestia shook her head and resumed walking. “Good day, Discord.”

“Good day, Queen of Perfection,” he called after her, watching her walk away with a softer expression than usual.

That evening at home, Luna watched the snow melt on the windowpane, lost in thought. The word trip echoed in her mind.

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to go. The idea of spending days surrounded by noisy students and feeling left out filled her with anxiety. She could already imagine herself alone, on the sidelines, while everyone else laughed and had fun.

She sighed and sat on her bed. A part of her wanted to experience it, but the fear of being out of place held her back.

As Luna reflected, there was a knock on her door, and Celestia peeked in. “Can I come in?”

Luna nodded. Celestia entered with a smile and sat beside her on the bed.

“I was thinking about the trip,” Celestia said, watching her. “I bet you’re not sure if you want to go.”

Luna looked up, surprised. “How did you know?”

Celestia laughed softly. “I know you better than you think. You don’t like crowds, and you’re probably worried about feeling left out.”

Luna lowered her gaze, biting her lip. “That’s true.”

Celestia placed a hand on Luna’s shoulder. “You know, I was nervous when I went on my first trip in freshman year too. But let me tell you something—it turned out to be some of the best days of my life.”

“Really?” Luna asked, skeptical.

“Yes. I wasn’t always this confident, you know? But those trips helped me meet new people and step out of my comfort zone. Even if it seems scary at first, I promise it’ll be worth it.”

Luna wasn’t entirely convinced, but Celestia’s words gave her a small glimmer of hope.

That night, as Luna lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, she kept thinking about her sister’s words. She couldn’t decide.

On one hand, part of her wanted to try, to believe that the trip could be a positive experience. But on the other hand, there was her usual fear: the fear of being judged and feeling out of place.

Clutching the note with the crescent moon she had found in her bag a few days earlier, Luna closed her eyes.

Maybe, she thought, if she went, she might discover something new about herself.