Dreams of Broken Promise

Several years had past since the changelings attempted their failed plan to seize the throne. Discord had been knighted an honorary guard of the royal family and had served them faithfully through several small uprisings of the hive. Over countless days and nights the now teen changeling had attempted to become creatures of great power. Soon he had learnt to become a low level dragon and many other mythical beasts. Starswirl was more than impressed with how quickly Discord seem to grasp his natural gifts.

Aurora had returned to her studies in advanced spell weaving and finally managed to get a reign on her unseen potential. With each passing year she became more and more powerful, surpassing even her masters skill at the same age.

Ironheart decided to stay in Canterlot and teach young ponies about the golem species, often reciting tales of adventure, tragedy and love. Eventually the king decided to make her the guardian of the crystal empire and their adviser between the two cities. Both empires flourished under the close knit alliance they shared. Trade had once again been reopened between them.

Today was the first of many eventful days for Discord, for a long while he had become tired of the monotony and yearned for something...more.

Bang, bang, bang! "Oi, get up ya lazy mutt! Tonight we begin preparation for Celestia's crowning and we need our soldiers on full alert!"

Discord stared out through a misty haze, a groggy "Yes sir!" tumbled out from his mouth. Briefly he stretched his back and sat straight up. The door swung open revealing the face of his friend within the barracks.

"Yeesh! Thou look like hydra feces this morning!" A husky, wry voice spoke quickly. "You sure thou didn't sneak off with last eves grog?"

"Oh shut it Proudwing! Besides, you look like shite everyday!"

"Who me? I think thee might be thinking of somepony else... Wait, why are thou thinking of the guard captain?"

Discord let out a long drawn-out sigh, irritated with the stallions humor at such an early hour.

"Anyway... I took the liberty of getting thou some coffee from the guard house. Thought thou could use a little oomph!"

"Right... And I'm assuming you are expecting something in return? Last time I checked your not one for favors..."

"Oh yes, only a small price my shape-shifter friend! I simply request that thou hook me up with your sister..."

A loud shout of anger escaped the changeling, his irritable expression now formed into a scowl.

"Why in Starnovas name would I *set you up* with Aurora?"

"Well I just thought... Thou know, shes a young, single unicorn and well I'm a err very eager pegasus?" Proudwing began to stammer ever so slightly, shocked at the sudden outburst from Discord.

"Yes some may call me overprotective but, this is you were talking about... Any other pony except you!"

"Awww what? We've been best friends for five years, why can't I date your sister?"

"Well to be perfectly honest its not me you should be worried about..."

"Oh?"

"Have you ever actually met my sister? She is kind of, shall we say...hot-headed. Though believe me that's putting it mildly!"

"So your saying, no chance?"

"Precisely, now let us return to our duties. I'm still sitting on the commanders wanted list because of your last stunt!" Discord punched his friend lightly, feigning a disdainful expression.

I"t was just a baby hydra, don't know why he got so worked up about it."

"It did attach itself to his daughter and attempt to eat her mane... Oh right and then it tore apart Celestia's prized solar dress but then again it looked very fetching with bite marks and tears..."

"Well when you put it that way, it was still bloody hilarious!" Proudwing let out a loud unattractive snort and left the room in a laughing fit. Discord turned away, shaking his head and wondering once again how they became friends.

Once again he began his morning routine, first he gulped down the coffee and let the caffeine do its thing. Secondly he shape-shifted into his night guard form, so as not to frighten the general populace. It took him several minutes to apply the purple armor. Once he had donned the helm he proudly stared at his reflection in the mirror, he looked quite fitting in both the form and armor. Quietly he shut the door behind him and wandered towards the main hall, spear underwing.

As he reached the stairway he noticed numerous raised voices and the princess of the nights Royal Canterlot voice.

"THOU DARE ADDRESS A PRINCESS AS SUCH?! WE SHOULD WARN THOU PEGASUS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THOU INCUR OUR WRATH!"

The pegasus nation declines a peaceful negotiation with those of unicorn birth, thee dare threaten us with weak-willed magic? We should slay thou where you stand, princess!" A very muscular built pegasus raised his hoof in anger and mimed a sword through her neck.

Within seconds the entire Night Guard came to the princesses side, fifty or so blades were pointed towards the one who had spoken. Discord broke flank and stepped before the lead pegasus, his fury bristling right on the surface.

"Shut thy mouth, Commander Hurricane! How dare you threaten our beloved princess! I should have you hung for such traitorous words! "

"Commander Discord! Restrain your anger!" A single gray unicorn trotted forward and lay a hand on the twitching spear, lowering it ever so slightly.

The pegasus commander leapt forward, a single dagger escaping its hilt. He drew the weighted blade and lay it upon the changelings throat.

"Perhaps it would be better if we assassinated a commander of the night, at least we would have the sweet taste of vengeance. We pegasus stand alone, the weak minded unicorns will always be beneath our hoof!"

"ENOUGH! THOU WILL LEAVE THIS SACRED LAND IMMEDIATELY! IF THOU SO MUCH AS PLACE A HOOF UPON EQUESTRIAN SOIL, I WILL NOT HESITATE TO USE FORCE!

"Mark my words, princess! This land belongs to us and if thou cannot accept that, then prepare for war!"

The pegasus army took flight, the hatred thick within the air. A single blade flew through the air, landing several inches from Discords right leg. In a single motion the large door was thrust open, bursting with splinters in several places.

The news quickly spread of the declaration of war from the pegasus empire. Many citizens held protests and blamed the royal family for the broken treaty between them. The king and queen held a council meeting with the city of Canterlot, pleading with the civilians to see the quick tempered Hurricane for what he was, a tyrant.

"He simply demands more power, ever since the tenuous agreement between the three tribes thirty years ago he has grown more and more ego maniacal as the years past. If thou remember his reaction to the changeling invasion, he simply stated that once we were eliminated then he would destroy the hive and claim it for his own!"

"Why should the public listen to a man who recruited a changeling amongst our guard? A very reckless idea if I might be so bold! And whats more, when on duty he takes on the form of another thus thou hide the truth from the public!"

Angry murmurs of agreement spread throughout the hall, many of the ponies began to hurl questions and abuse towards the royal members.

"Order! Order! Thou speak of my recruitment into the guard? I'll have you know that I serve faithfully and with honor! If thou wish for me to reveal my form, so be it!" Discord stood on the center of the podium and erupted in a ball of green fire, revealing his true self.

Shock and outcry filled the very air at the sight. Several civilians cried foul and threw stones towards him.

"Get rid of that thing, it doesn't belong here! Brother and sisters, do thou not see the mad ravings of a lunatic king? A creature capable of being anyone, wandering our streets unchecked? What if the one thou kissed passionately were a fake? What if your children became friends with such a beast? These things feed off emotions! Ponder on that thought, i beg thee!"

The reporter continued his ranting for several minutes, resulting in more and more ponies turning towards this stranger and not the king.

The sky darkened within the hall, quieting everypony down almost immediately. From the upper chambers came Princess Luna, a determined look upon her face.

"Dear citizens of Canterlot, thy Princess of the Night demands the simple gesture of respect for said choices. The changeling whom stands before thee has saved my life more times then we can remember. He is known as Discord and he is the one who helped save thou from his own kind. He deserves respect, not fear and loathing!"

The princess took a breath, letting her words sink in before continuing, }As for the pegasus threat, it was a simple misunderstanding, but the commander threatened us and our kingdom. We do not tolerate such an act!"

"But your majesty, what brought on such unbridled fury?"

"It is simply an egotistical, corrupt leader with rage fueled decisions, personally we suspect that his second in command will deny him an army. "

"That's all the questions I need, thank you!"

"Citizens of Canterlot, return to your daily lives and place your safety in our capable hooves! Council dismissed!"

A few days later a single letter arrived for Princess Luna. Discord stood behind her, face rigid and unmoving. Quickly she began to read the flowing script on the scroll before her.

Dear Princess Of the Night,

We have received orders from Commander Hurricane to send a large battalion of soldiers marching toward your capital. For now his hand is stayed while I deny him an army, perhaps we could meet somewhere to discuss this turn of events? I apologize in advance for my Commanders untethered fury in peaceful discussions, his arrogance almost cost us with the windigoes and we would rather not repeat mistakes.

Your ally and friend,

Private Pansy

"Discord, we request a chariot for this eve. Tonight we must discuss the events that have transpired between the two tribes. We may need to hear thy word from thou, as my witness and protector."

"Yes Luna, umm I mean Your Majesty!"

Within several moments a large chariot emerged from the black clouds, its purple embroidery more than fitting for the Princess. Discord stepped forward and bowed before Luna.

"Milady, thou chariot awaits! I take great pleasure in escorting such a lovely alicorn."

"So chivalrous, it seems knighthood has made thou quite noble! But enough, we must be on our way immediately!"

The changeling helped her into the chariot and called over two very bored looking guards to take position behind it. Discord trotted towards the front and set the reins around his mouth. Another gray unicorn came forward and took up position beside him, his magical wings stretching in readiness. They began to gallop across the flat ground, flapping their wings to gain momentum. Once they reached max speed the ground started to fall away, the powerful magic contained with their armor granting flight. The silent city shone in the darkness, a single jewel in a sea of inky blackness. Before long a single tower of clouds stood tall in the distance, silhouetted against the moon. Discord called across the rushing wind,

"Prepare for landing Duskhoof! Take it in nice and gentle, closer, closer... Alright stop! "

Slowly they descended, landing with a slight thud on the cloud itself. A bright flash of magic enveloped them all, granting them the ability to walk among the pegasi. Fifty or more soldiers stood in and around the tower. Above them squadrons of pegasi flew in a circular formation, their eyes fixed on the ebony sky. The portcullis began to rise slowly, a loud creaking groan breaking the still silence. A tall, silver-haired pegasus stood at the entrance, her wrought iron helm obscuring her features.

"Princess Luna! We thank thou for coming out here on such short notice, this unfortunate situation with our commander was unavoidable. We apologize for any threats he made against thou. "

"It is perfectly fine Private. Hurricane has always been rather arrogant and disrespectful, he was never one to accept our govern. But let us not spend our time talking in such chill air."

"Of course, though I must ask that your guards remain outside. You know how my fellow pegasus are with magic users..."

"It shall be done Private, but we must insist that the knight-commander remain at our side. He is my confidant and witness to the actions of your superior."

"Alright, he may be called forth to testify, if that is alright?"

Discord stepped forward and saluted the private, "Yes sir!"

The gate slammed shut behind them, shutting out the cold air almost immediately. Within the center chamber was a large hall filled to the brim with hundreds of pegasi and unicorns alike. Private Pansy took place behind a large table and prompted the princess to do the same. Once the royal council had become seated the private placed her helmet underhoof and begun to speak. Discord noticed that the pegasus was quite beautiful under all her armor, a long blonde mane spread across her shoulders.

"Tonight we have called an emergency meeting to discuss one Commander Hurricane's threat of war. Going against the treaty, he has shattered both our trust and support! My fellow Equestrians, what I propose is simple. We either relieve the commander of his power or fall into civil war. Tell me, which would be more desirable?"

"Commander Hurricane is right! The unicorns deserve to be conquered!"

"We unicorns are more powerful then your arrogant war torn society! Just try and take us down!"

"Order! Order! Let us not dally on old hatreds and cast out the tyrant king! Hurricane will be our fall if he remains at the seat of government! Let us hear from the princess and her knight-captain on what transpired a week ago..."

Luna stood up and surveyed every last pony in the room, hoping to stamp out those who had spoken out.

"Citizens of Canterlot and Pegasopolis hear my words! On the eve of last Tuesday we tried to rekindle the truce between the three kingdoms, wherein Commander Hurricane declined peace and threatened to slay me where we stood! "

Several ponies gasped in shock and outrage, even the pegasus stood agape over such a dishonorable act.

"Lies! Our commander would never do such a thing, the princess turns us against him! We should send her to the dungeon!"

The one who had spoken was grabbed by two clearly agitated guards, who then threw the pegasus out the open window.

"As my princess was saying, he tried to threaten her and I responded in kind. Whereupon he jumped me and lay a blade across my throat. For he believes the kingdom of Equestria should be his and his alone." Discord sat back down unwilling to become involved in politics. He surveyed the room and noticed several unusual unicorns with the crowd.

He turned towards Luna and spoke hastily in hushed voice, "Princess Luna something is not right, I spy several very on edge unicorns who seem.... Different."

"Changelings?"

"No something unique, unseen. Perhaps some form of dark magic?"

"Impossible, dark magic was banished from the library years ago!"

"With your leave I would like to question them, at least outside they will have less possible targets."

"Be swift, this meeting is very important, and many pegasi dislike our race."

"At once milady!"

Luna continued to discuss negotiations, peace offerings and potential war scenarios. Her eyes remained fixated on the crowd as Discord made his way to the suspicious group sitting among the back row. The changeling pushed through the crowd, desperate to reach the strange group before anything could be instigated. Suddenly the large black unicorn uttered a unique set of words, a single beam of entropic energy flew across the air. Discord leapt forward and tackled the unicorn to the ground. The unicorn struggled for several seconds before becoming cold and still. His lifeless form becoming a small cloud of black vapor.

The spell flew towards the leaders seated within the center of the room, hitting Private Pansy full in the chest. She was launched several meters into the stone wall, causing her to cough blood. Everypony in the room fell silent, watching the nearby medic rush to his superiors side. He placed a hoof upon her breast and felt for any broken ribs, his face slowly becoming pale as he felt the internal hemorrhaging within her broken form.

"Arggghh! What hit me? My body feels broken, perhaps I should st- ARRRRGGGHHH! NO! LAY ME DOWN, LAY ME DOWN!"

She fell back against the wall and stared at the changeling in front of her

"Private, it seems someone was trying to assassinate the leaders! I managed to stop them but the first bolt was faster than i thought possible. You, medic! How long does she have?"

"Judging by the rate of internal bleeding and shattered bones, less then ten minutes, the wounds are fatal!"

Discord stared in shock at the dying pegasus, for several seconds he pondered on the idea of releasing his rapid healing spell.

"Stand back, I am going to attempt a healing spell!"

"No, the magic will kill you!"

"Only if I was a unicorn, Luna I need to drain your emotion to keep a continuous stream of magic. It will leave you hollow, but it will pass within hours."

"Are thou sure it will work?"

Discord looked deeply into Luna's eyes and responded in kind,

"She was struck under my guard, i will not let another die from my recklessness!"

She merely watched as the changeling slammed his hoof on the hard floor and began the healing process. A cold feeling washed over her as the emotions were drained from her body. Within moments the dying pegasus was shrouded in a light golden bubble, the sounds of shifting bones and repairing tissue the only sound emanating from the hall. Discord focused his power to the singular point that had been struck directly, her loud shouts of pain making him wince in fear.

"Are you alright milady?"

"I' m a Private, trust me I know pain! Just don't stop or I'll probably blackout."

"Of course!"

Luna lay down upon the floor, the loss of feeling making her weary. But she ignored it and continued to allow him to use her energy. A long fifteen minutes passed before Discord finally fell forward, the task exacting its toll. Before him lay a perfectly healthy Private, her feverish, pale face now luminescent in the early morning sun. The princess stood unfeeling, her emotions stripped clean."

"Luna? How are you feeling?" Discords voice bled with concern.

"Emotionless, but perfectly fine nonetheless."

"I am truly sorry, I needed to drain your powerful lunar energy.

Private Pansy helped the changeling to his feet and curtsied before him.

"Thank thee Discord, on behalf of the Band of Wings we grant thou our unbroken trust! If it wasn't for thou I would be dead and this meeting would be in vain." The private kissed his cheek and continued to thank her savior.

"Enough praise! I would have done the same for anypony!"

"I'm sure thou would, this meeting shall now be called to end. Let us be reminded that Commander Hurricane enlists the aid of dark magic!"

"I highly doubt such a devout warrior would enlist aid from an outsider, perhaps there is someone willing to ignite a civil war between us. That spell was beyond that of a simple mage!"

"A distressing thought, but alas we must be prepared for Hurricane's fury! Goodnight princess, may your rule be long and prosperous!"

Discord turned towards the door, the princess held up beneath his shoulder. The chariot stood upturned, a single spear embedded within it. The two guards that had been behind them lay on the ground, still and unmoving. Discord scanned the clouds for his second in command, but saw only blank clouds and uneasy pegasi. From behind him came a light cough, the bulky unicorn stood on an angle his leg broken beneath him.

"Duskhoof? What happened?"

"Those strange unicorns teleported out of nowhere, launching their foul spells against us. The other two guards were unprepared for such a violent assault and were struck down where they stood. I managed to fend them off, this spear saved my life!" He pulled on the spears hilt and yanked it free of the metal armoring.

Both of them hoisted the princess into the chariot and flew in silence on the journey back. They touched down an hour later just as dawn appeared in the distance. Discord tried to awaken Luna, but she was now dead to the world.

"I'll take her to her private chambers Duskhoof, you are free from duty tonight my dear friend!"

"Oh, thank thou kindly Commander!"

The two of them exchanged salutes and left in opposite directions. The unicorn retreated to the barracks, he then slept for more then thirteen hours straight. Discord escorted the princess through the castle, avoiding the questioning stares of his battalion. He opened the mahogany door and trotted towards the large bed. Gently he set the princess down on the satin sheets. Luna's eyes snapped open suddenly, causing the changeling to cry out in shock.

"What happened? We cannot remember..."

"I used my draining ability on you to heal Private Pansy, after she was struck by an assassins death spell."

"Ah yes, my emotions have returned we believe."

"Alright perfect, well good day milady!"

"Discord?"

"Hmm?"

"I-" Before she could begin however the door was flung open, revealing the scowling face of Celestia.

"What the hell did thou do?! You drained her didn't you!" Celestia galloped forward her golden magic shining from her horn.

"Yes, but it was for a good cause!"

"Hah! What could warrant such foul magic?"

"Sister, stop this at once! Discord was using my energy to revive Private Pansy after she was struck by assassins."

"If thou ever lay a hoof on my sister again, changeling... You will regret it utterly!"

"Celestia, enough!" Luna glared at her sister, her anger at the elder sisters behavior very strong

Celestia simply snarled and left the room, her magic slamming the door behind her.

"We apologize for her behavior... Once again thou have proven thyself as a knight-commander. Perhaps we should meet together when thou art off duty one night?"

"I would love to, Luna! But for now you should get some rest..."

The princess smiled faintly before she slipped into the dreamworld, her faint snores filling the room. Discord stared at the sleeping form of Luna and not for the first time wondered upon the idea of dating a princess. He shut the door softly and returned to his quarters, his thoughts now on the gorgeous pegasus he had saved, Hell, I'd probably have more of a chance with a fellow soldier.

The next night started off quite dull, Discord was stuck with guarding the royal gardens and was none to happy with this punishment. Even the king was upset about what had transpired, blaming the distraught changeling for the attack.

"Stupid bloody changeling haters, I was just doing my duty!" Discord grumbled to himself, unaware of the sleep-walking filly behind him.

"Excuse me mister?"

The changeling whirled around to face the intruder and noticed a rather small filly with her eyes close. "What the? Are you still asleep little one?"

"I'm not sure, this nice princess is here with me and she says hi!"

"Wait, I'm confused..."

"Hehe, your funny mister! Luna says she will be there shortly, I need to walk back to my house now. Bye bye!"

Discord sat down on a large bench, his eyebrows raised in confusion, Alright, think i need to stop drinking so much coffee...

A few minutes passed with the changeling still trying to figure out what had just happened. A loud voice pierced the air, causing him to jump up with fright.

"Oh wow Discord, for a Night guard thou art awfully jumpy!"

"Jeez Luna, I really don't want a heart attack tonight thanks... Also what in the hay was that little girl on about?"

{Oh that...that is one of my abilities, we call it dream-walking."

"Wait you enter peoples dreams?! Err you haven't been in mine have you?"

"No, why?"

"No reason!"

Haha! We can only enter nightmares and create dreams from them, normal ones however... Strictly off limits!"

"Oh thank the sun..."

"Hmm?"

"Umm nothing..."

Luna stepped forward slightly and grabbed Discords hoof, within it she placed a small round gem and closed his hoof over it.

"That is part of a shooting star, we discovered it as a filly and thought thou should take it. Promise me this, When the time comes thou will wish upon the fragment of star and together our wishes can become one."

"Luna, I don't know what to say... Our friendship is the closest I've ever been to loving another who didn't raise me. A single best friend."

Discord raised a hoof in salute and said these words, "I hereby acknowledge the loyal friend pact and promise Princess Luna to wish upon a star, in doing so many attractive mares may or may not hunt after me!"

Luna playfully hit him in the arm, "Oh thou! Can't even go a night with out mentioning some pony slu- we mean nice, pleasant mare!"

"Haha don't be so jealous Princess, I'm sure some dashing mare has her eye on you!" Said Discord, winking slyly.

"We do not swing that way thank thou very much!"

"Pity... Many stallions find that quite hot!"

Luna sighed heavily, though she was used to his bad jokes sometimes it drove her just a little mental.

"Have thou ever looked up and seen the stars? Every night when my mother raises the moon, they are there watching and twinkling from vast distances. Beyond Equestria, beyond the planet we stand upon, a vast galaxy spreads out around us. Right now as we stare up at the night, some strange creature could be staring at us. Thou never now what lies beyond!"

"I admit it has an ethereal beauty to it, but to be perfectly honest we don't need to travel the stars to see it. Right here on this small sphere floating in space is true beauty. Unseen anywhere else in the world."

They sat there together for hours, the moon crawling across the sky as the two slowly began to sit closer and closer. To Discord this night was infinite, he could reach out and feel her flowing, silky mane. Luna sighed in contentment, happy to be with somepony so special.

Once the moon set and the sun began to rise, the two sleeping forms lay together beneath the gardens magnificent tree. Their worries forgotten within the realm of dreams.

Far above in the observatory tower, a single blue unicorn stared at the young changeling hopelessly falling for the princess. Starswirl wondered if he should just let them be, he knew Discord could love and care but he worried what others might think of this connection. He turned away and decided to let it play out, shattered love can cause anger. True love was untouchable. Before the unicorn shut the door, he remembered how his first apprentice was always reminding him that love was the one magic that could linger forever... The good... And the bad.