The Heart of Chaos

by Jaestring

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Discord, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Sad, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 11083

Celestia needs Discord's help, but can she trust him?

Celestia has more than a few skeletons in the closet, but most of them don't sneak up to bite her in the plot. Now she needs somepony who can help her, somepony powerful. Somepony she can trust.

Well, one for two counts for something, right?

Published 2013-02-27 19:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-05 23:14:18 UTC

Prologue

"Oh, Celestia… you absolutely must lighten up! All of this royal duty you insist on participating in has made you so utterly boring."

The white mare snorted, her usual composure slipping as only he could cause. He laughed inwardly, Perfect, I'm starting to get to her.

"This is the third time this week! You can't just go turning the water in the fountains to chocolate milk or the birds in the aviary to flying goldfish..." She sounded stern, but he thought he heard the echo of laughter in her voice. Or perhaps he imagined it. She continued on, lecturing him about respecting the grounds and the grounds keepers.

Blah, blah, blah. Lectures were so… boring, "What happened to you Celestia? You used to be so much fun."

"DISCORD," she practically shouted, stomping her forlegs in frustration. THERE. That was the old Celestia he remembered! He watched as Celestia took a deep breath and let the tension fade from her shoulders. Even if he had glimpsed her for only a moment, the old Celestia was still in there. Maybe all of this nonsense wouldn't be so boring after all.

Two of her guards ran into the otherwise empty throne room, ready to provide assistance to their beloved princess. They instantly turned their eyes on discord, taking on a defensive stance they thrust their spears in his direction. Oh, where was the trust? At least Fluttershy gave him that, even if she was duller than a Canterlot Sunday.

In the calmest, most patient voice she could muster, Celestia said, "There is no need for alarm. Everything is alright."

The guards didn't want to leave, even after the past three uneventful months they didn't like Celestia being alone with him. They watched him from the corners of their eyes whenever he was near, and he had caught them following him more than once. Discord's jaw tightened, they were right to fear him! He was the most powerful, most unpredictable creature in this room. In all of Equestria! Even Celestia couldn't hope to defeat him without the Elements of Harmony, which were all tucked safely away in Ponyville. Harmless, because of the pony that called herself his friend. But, because of this pony, his claw and paw were tied.

He had a game to play, but he had to carry it out carefully. He wouldn't overtly betray his one friend's trust, but she just couldn't understand what he had been through. She couldn't understand why revenge against Celestia would taste so sweet. It was a part of Fluttershy's nature, to be kind and forgiving - he couldn't fault her for that.

Oh, Celestia was speaking to him again... he'd better at least pretend to listen, "I know you've been feeling cooped up, Discord. I can only imagine that after being trapped as a statue you wouldn't want to stay in one place for too long…"

"A condition you and your sister put me in, I might add," he mused, letting none of the malice he felt leak into his voice.

Celestia glared at him, continuing on as if she hadn't been interrupted, "…but I must beseech you to remain patient for just a little longer. I have just a few more preparations to make before we leave to take on the task I require of you. The task for which I had you reformed…"

"Wait, wait, wait… " Discord jumped into the air, floating closer to the princess, "before WE leave?"

"Yes, Discord. We." Celestia looked down, almost as if… she couldn't possibly be ashamed, could she? "There is a situation I must attend to, but I know if things go wrong I couldn't hope to take care of it myself. That's why I need you, Discord. I need your help."

Old feelings returned, unbidden. His heart swelled with pride, he had to fight his old compulsion to run to her side in her time of need. He stepped on his old feelings, squashed them. It had been thousands of years, yet she could still touch those old, musty memories he tried to forget. Her ability to still make him feel this way only made him angrier, but he mustn't let on.

His voice was smooth as silk, "But you have Luna. Together, you are more than capable of taking on almost anything. Then there are the Elements of Harmony, whom are at your beck and call. What about them?"

Celestia sighed and walked towards the window, her horn glowing as she prepared to lower the sun. Discord let her, knowing she was deciding what to say. This was so interesting, what could possibly make Celestia so worried? In his experience, she was never at a loss for words. She never let her composure be ruffled. No, this just wouldn't do. As Celestia prepared to speak, he reached his magic out toward the aviary.

"Luna wants to come. She feels that, in part, this is also her responsibility. However, royal duties will require at least one of us to stay. Even when Twilight becomes comfortable in her role as princess, it will be a long time before she is prepared to rule alone. Longer than we can afford to wait."

The shadows that fell across Celestia's face as her sun sank showed the weight her duty as princes had laid upon her. She looked older, almost as ancient as she really was. No, this just wouldn't do at all. He felt the little creature affected by his magic flying towards the balcony as she continued.

"As for the Elements… We will be travelling far, Discord. Very far. I can't afford to leave Equestria unprotected, so Twilight and her friends must stay."

"Then can you at least tell me what it is we will be dealing with?"

"I… I can't tell you just yet. I need to confirm a few of my suspicions first. Please, just wait a little longer and I'll make everything clear."

Discord knew that tone of voice, he had heard it dozens, no -hundreds, of times before. It meant the conversation was over.

"Very well, Oh Royal One, but I must warn you. Don't wait too long, I have my limits, you know," he looked past her. Ah, there was his creation, hovering just inches from Celestia's face. Perfect.

"Oh my, it seems you missed a little something when you were cleaning up after me earlier."

"Huh?" Celestia turned her face in the direction of the goldfish-bird. As her eyes fell upon it, he sent a little tendril of magic instruction: to spew a stream of water directly into her royal face. When its resource of water ran out, it flew towards the ceiling of the throne room, startled. Discord, couldn't help but laugh incessantly as Celestia's mane fell flat, water dripping from her chin. After a few moments, the shock on her face melted into laughter. No longer looking as old and dreary as it had before.

A tender smile drew itself across Discord's face, uninvited.

Author's Note

I know in my biography I said I primarily do comics and art, and this is well... a story. I initially wanted this to be a comic, but I just don't have enough time to do yet another comic on top of the ones I'm preparing to release soon. But this idea just won't be repressed.

So here it is.

I would like to apologize in advance - I have no one to edit for me. So if you find a mistake, please let me know and I'll edit it. And if something doesn't make sense or comes across awkwardly I'll do my best to fix it as well - sometimes things make sense to me but not to others. Ideas will be taken into consideration, but I make no promises :)

I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2: Cloudsdale

"We are so sorry we don't have anything especially prepared for your arrival, Princess. Perhaps if we had known you were coming..." The Governor of Cloudsdale rambled, frustrated, as she escorted them to Cloudsdale City Hall.

"This is an unofficial visit, Governor. No inspections, no negotiations, no political posturing of any kind is going to be necessary. I am just passing through and need a favor," Celestia said, shining the most inauthentic smiles Discord had ever seen grace her face.

No political posturing my shiny, dragon-tailed rump. Discord thought.

The Governor looked at Celestia, not even bothering to hide her suspicion "what sort of favor?"

"We need you to send one of your fastest fliers to the Griffin Kingdoms in order to warn them of our arrival."

The Governor looked as though she still didn't buy it, "Is that all? Couldn't you send one of your palace couriers?"

"I could have," Celestia said with a nod, "but you know the griffins, they all stand so highly on ceremony and tradition and most of the ponies in my kingdom have become rather modern. Not that I think that any of them would be lax in their duties, mind you, but no place in Equestria stands on tradition more than Cloudsdale."

"Indeed..." The Governor said, still unsure of Celestia's motives. Discord wasn't sure he understood either, but politics put him to sleep. Instead of listening to continuing conversation Discord allowed himself to wander away from the two. Celestia always seemed to know how to find him when she needed him. It was a curse.

***

Discord actually found himself enjoying Cloudsdale, it was so much more exciting than Canterlot. The city defied gravity and was made entirely out of various types of clouds, yet the pegasi were actually able to live there as if they were earth ponies on land. Pegasi could either walk or fly to their destinations, and no two buildings looked alike, yet it all blended together artfully. Even better, underneath the tightly controlled exteriors of the pegasi an undercurrent of chaos hummed through the entire city - even through the clouds themselves.

As he explored the city, no pegasi gave him more than a second glance. They didn't want to show shock or fear on the well-controlled exterior of their faces. It might not be overt respect, but it was more than the ponies in Canterlot afforded him.

Just as he was about to turn back and join up with Celestia he felt something tug at him, a secondary current of chaos. This chaos, however, was different somehow. He followed it, tested it. This current was filled with the zest of fear and desperation... was that a hint of hysteria he tasted? It lead him to the Cloudsdale weather factory, but it didn't permeate the entire plant. Dark, ominous clouds formed an extension of the factory above the rest... that was where the current originated from.

"Oh, you naughty, naughty ponies," Discord chuckled as his magic drank in the chaos. He hadn't felt chaos this strong since he took over Equestria. The city of Cloudsdale was the closest he'd ever seen ponies of any kind come to recreating the sort of chaos he had created during his reign, and he loved it.

He wanted more of it, to relish it. He teleported himself to the roof of the factory and laid atop of it. He instantly heard alarms sounding and the frantic shuffle of hooves and wings. Oh, such nervous little ponies. He formed some sunglasses on his nose and drew a sun tan reflector in front of him. They would get here faster than he wanted, but he would get the most out of it he could. Yet, it still was mere moments before a herd of pegasi had encircled him.

"C'mon guys, you're blocking my rays," Discord whined foalishly. His fun was going to be over too soon. A young, red pegasi with a smartly slicked-back, black mane and bright, white labcoat separated himself from the rest, rage written across his features.

He stuck his face as close to Discord's as he could, "What do you think you are doing here?! These premises are private property, and you are TRESPASSING."

The closeness of the chaos flowing through these ponies was almost too much for Discord, he laughed happily. This was so much fun!

"Why, I'm simply keeping myself entertained! You see, Princess Celestia is..."

"Princess... The Princess is here?" The pony squeaked. Suddenly, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been turned over on each of the ponies.

"Why... yes, and I'm just trying to keep myself out of trouble while I wait for her." Discord grinned impishly at the thought of anyone believing he was trying to stay out of trouble. The ponies all looked at each other nervously.

"Well," the red pony said, much more calm and collected this time, though much more nervous, "Why... why would you come here to stay out of trouble?"

"The air here is just wonderful! It has an atmosphere that is most... invigorating," his lips curled up into a menacing smile. The red pony opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted before he could get a word out of his mouth.

"And what, pray tell, is going on here?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Princess!" Each of the ponies choked out. They practically fell to their bows on the rooftop.

"Don't worry, your majesty," Discord said sarcastically, bowing, "I was just making some new... friends."

As Celestia hovered by the edge of the roof, she looked at each of them suspiciously. The governor hovered behind her, a pained expression drawn plainly on her face. Discord and ponies alike waited for the Princess to say something. As she landed each of the pegasi finally stood, practically vibrating with anxiety.

She looked directly at Discord "And what did you do that caused such panic? We heard the alarms from halfway across Cloudsdale!"

The red pony jumped in before Discord could speak, "Nothing, Princess. He did nothing. We simply have motion sensors around the facility in case someone gets too close. A lot of the work going on inside is very... delicate. We don't want anypony wandering in and causing enough problems to set back production."

"Production of what, I may ask?" She looked at him critically, ears perked at full attention. A dragon could have crash landed inches away and not disrupted that stare.

"Rainbows, majesty."

"I see," she said, "I did not know that rainbows were so delicate to create... I made them for hundreds of years myself, you see. Perhaps I should take a look at your methods and could give you some pointers on how to improve your process... make it less volatile..."

"NO!"

Everyone looked at the red pony, shocked.

"I mean, no, Princess. That won't be necessary. We are currently undergoing maintenance that will take quite some time, and is potentially dangerous. I don't want to risk your getting hurt..."

"Hmph... Very well," The Princess said dismissively, "Maybe upon my return I can stop by. Discord, if you will come with us, the Governor has invited us to watch the rest of the days flight exams."

"Oh, skippy gee," Discord said dryly, "that sounds like so much fun." ...not.

***

As expected, the flight exams were boring. The only thing that caught Discord's interest was a carriage that was flying away from the factory as they approached, and he sensed that it was tainted with the same chaos that emanated from the factory.

Celestia watched a crestfallen student who had received three hooves down walk towards the exit, "What happens to the students that fail?"

"Oh, uh... they're sent to remedial flight school. Normally they are sent to ones outside of Cloudsdale, as Cloudsdale Flight Academy is almost always filled to capacity with new and willing students..."

"I see," Celestia mumbled, watching as a colt took off over the edge of the starting platform, yelling FOR THE FLOCK "And what about..."

Boring. Discord huffed, he hated politics.

That was when a hapless little horse-fly landed in front of him, letting out a little niiiiiiiiii! The tiny, white horse with parasprite wings pranced on the railing in front of him, whipping its little pink tail. In fact, it looked a lot like Celestia before her magic matured so much it flooded her mane and tail.

This might be fun, after all.

He had long been imagining how he would take his revenge on Celestia, but hadn't had any chance to practice. What could he do? There were so many possibilities. On the real princes, he would have to be subtle, oh so subtle, to keep from alerting the ponies to his betrayal. With the horse-fly he could be a little more creative.

Discord snapped his fingers with sudden zest, that was it! He began to mold and improve the little creature. A second head grew from the little creatures rump and the hind legs reversed themselves. In fact, he allowed a second set of legs to grow, maybe a second set of wings...

He had gotten so involved in his work, or perhaps it was his musings of revenge, that he had forgotten to be gentle. The little creature cried out in obvious pain as horns burst out of the forehead violently, NIIIIIIIIIIIIII! blood spilled from the two foreheads and onto the railing.

"DISCORD!"

Discord looked to his right. Celestia was livid. The Governor was watching in obvious shock and disgust. He quickly, but gently, reverted the horsefly back to it's normal state. He closed the wound smoothly. It wobbled a little, then shook itself as it got its bearings. He grinned worriedly and gestured towards it, fixed and whole again. It flew away quickly, terrified. But Celestia just glared. The glare was full of... disappointment.

He was suddenly half his size, looking up at a much younger Celestia, her pink mane awry and partially burnt. The smashed figurine lay between them, escaped lightening still crackling across the floor.

He hadn't meant to drop it. It had just slipped from his claw. He still had trouble caring very small and delicate objects with his awkwardly formed claw and paw. He had even tried to catch it, to no avail. He quickly dropped to his knees, and quickly tried to re-form the little statuette with what little bit of magic he was beginning to learn.

"Don't bother!" She yelled, stamping a hoof as tears beginning to fill her eyes, "That was my grandmare's! AND NOW IT'S GONE!" With that she turned and bolted. He looked down and began to gather the pieces of the broken, glass alicorn.

***

The rest of the day was tense. Celestia wouldn't speak to him, or even look at him. Even as they left Cloudsdale and began to head for the border she remained quiet.

He followed, watching her. Anger and shame battling against each other. It was as if two pieces of himself were fighting each other.

What does she expect? I am Discord! That is what I DO.

She expects me to be reformed, to help her. She must obviously worry that I'll betray her and Fluttershy.

Well, she's RIGHT to expect that, I'm planning vengeance! She deserves my loathing, she deserves my scorn!

Maybe if I did something funny to cheer her up she'd stop being mad and at least talk to me... I'm starting to get bored again...

If I try to do something funny she'll hate me even more.

Discord formed the little glass statuette in his hands. It had been put back together roughly, with magic that looked a lot like glue. The lightening inside barely glimmered, let alone flash and sparkle as it once had. He had tried to fix it, once. Before he left Canterlot. Before he took over Equestria.

He looked at it now and thought Maybe if I do something that isn't destructive she'll start to trust me again.

Yes, make her trust her so you can take your revenge, a voice at the back of his mind whispered.

He stopped for a moment, and Celestia hadn't seemed to notice and kept walking. He quietly started to channel magic into the glass, molding and shaping it. He only pulled magic from the air directly around him, he didn't want to alert Celestia when she was already being so wary.

He only had the vaguest recollection of what it looked like, but he tried his best. He hoped that her memory of it wasn't so perfect, either.

It was finished, "Celestia?"

Celestia stopped, and waited, but she didn't turn to face him.

"I have something for you, its, uh... you see I... oh shoot, I'm no good at apologies. I just hope this shows you what I mean."

He held out the little glass statuette of the alicorn mare flying in the clouds, miniature thunderbolts dancing through the blackness inside. As Celestia levitated it from his grasp roughly without looking and drew it into the air in front of her. When she saw it she nearly dropped it, then stared at it for a long while, unmoving.

Finally, she whispered, "Thank you, Discord."

***

By the time they stopped to camp for the night, Celestia's attitude towards him had thawed. She had teleported the little statuette to her room in Canterlot.

A thought occurred to Discord, "Why can't we just teleport to where we're going? Why walk and fly?"

Celestia sighed, "You should know this Discord. For one, We don't know exactly where we are going, we just have to follow Galaxis' presence. We don't know the land, or the indigenous, it could be dangerous. Secondly, my magic isn't going to be as reliable outside of Equestria, since most of my power comes from the Equestria itself. For all I know, we could re-form inside of a mountain."

"Oh all right," Discord sighed. He poked the fire he had started with a stick. It jiggled like gelatin, and turned different colors every time he poked it, which made Celestia laugh. So she does still appreciate my creations he thought maybe she hasn't gotten as boring as I thought.

He knew he wouldn't get much conversation out of her until after the moon came out. Watching the moon rise made her feel closer to her sister, and she had watched it in silence every night since they had left. So they watched it together, and commented on the constellations Luna had created that night. Eventually, their conversation moved on to other things, things such as the events of this afternoon.

"It was so perfect! I couldn't tell you right then, but you causing such a stir at the weather factory was just what I needed to shake them up. Get them worried," Celestia was laughing at the memory of the looks on the ponies faces.

"But why go to Cloudsdale? You didn't really need them to send a courier to the Griffins, did you?"

"Not at all," Celestia chuckled, "Cloudsdale would eventually find out I was gone and needed to be reminded that they cannot misbehave in my absence."

"Why would the Pegasi misbehave?"

"Because they don't consider themselves as a part of Equestria, though they surrendered to us before I had to send Luna to the moon. They follow my rule because they know what will happen if they don't. I gave them the responsibility of the weather as a distraction, and I let them keep that distraction even after Luna returned even though I no longer needed the help. The less time they have to plot a revolt again, the better. Let them tend to their... flock," Celestia wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Discord scoffed, "Is that what you're doing with me? Distracting me? Keeping me from trying to cause chaos across Equestria again?"

Celestia chuckled a little, "Maybe a little, but I really do need you for this Discord. I couldn't hope to do this alone. Besides, if you got to become too much of a handful, I could just have Twilight and the others turn you to stone again."

She ignored his glare and continued, "The kingdom has enough to worry about without our internal squabbles. The creatures of Everfree, diplomatic tightrope walking with the Griffins, rogue dragons, changelings..."

Discord's interest piqued, "Changelings are still a problem? I thought you scared them all off after Twilight's brother's wedding."

"Yes, we chased most of them off after Shining Armor and Princess Cadence's wedding, but some managed to hide out in Canterlot and Ponyville, and they are always trying to sneak back in. They're becoming bolder. We've had to more than double our security, and conduct regular sweeps," she sighed, "I almost didn't want to leave because they have become so bold. In fact, they started stepping up their efforts not long after I felt Galaxis' presence and had you reformed."

"Do you think they are connected?"

She looked down, "I sure hope not..."

She pawed at the ground in front of where she lay with a hoof, lost in thought. Discord knew she was worrying herself in circles again over things she couldn't know or control. He decided to break the silence.

"So, Princess, where do changelings come from?"

"Nopony really knows. We all have our suspicions. The prevailing theory at the moment is that a pony becomes so unhappy and is so unloved that they undertake a physical transformation to become changelings. They say that is why they feed on love and emotion."

"Well, that seems like a very dull way to become such a fascinating creature," Discord mused.

"I said it was only a theory."

***

Discord looked at the field. He just didn't get it. He looked at it from the left, then the right. He stood on his head. He took his head off and threw it to the sky for a bird's eye view. No matter what angle he took, he just didn't get it.

"Are you sure princess? This is the border?"

"Yes, what are you looking for?" Celestia said with a nervous smile.

"There isn't a line? A line that show's where the border is? You would think the border would be more adequately marked."

She laughed and walked over to the edge of the field, "You see this stream here, Discord? While it's not exact, this more or less marks the border to Griffin lands."

"So now I'm in Equestria," He jumped the stream, "And now I'm in the Griffin territory. Just like that?"

"Just like that," She said as she followed him across the stream.

That was when the spear flew from above, so fast that Discord couldn't stop it. She crumpled to the ground as it struck home in her back, blood turning the little stream red.

Author's Note

Little more than a Cameo this time.

The concept of the Rainbow Factory in this chapter was by AuroraDawn.

Chapter 3: Infiltration

Meanwhile in Canterlot...

Luna looked out over Canterlot and the distant Ponyville and sighed. How could she be surrounded by so many ponies but feel so alone? It was almost as bad as being back on the moon, without her anger and jealousy to distract her. She had Twilight, but the purple pony spent all her time in the library studying history of the royal princesses. Luna rolled her eyes at the thought, Princesses didn't learn how to rule from a book, but Twilight wasn't going to be breaking that habit anytime soon.

She remembered feeling her sister cross the border of Equestria two days before, and out of her range of detection. It had happened before, when Celestia had gone to Saddle Arabia or the Griffin Kingdoms for diplomatic duties. Yet, it had never seemed so... final.

Luna turned back to Celestia's room, so full of color and cheery sun-symbols. It wasn't to her taste, but it was the only place she felt as though it still held a piece of her sister. The sheets still smelled like sweet frosting and warmth, and the family photographs that hung about brought wonderful memories of her sister to mind.

That was when she noticed that something was different. Something about the room had changed in the two days since she had last been in here. What...?

A statue sat on the desk by Celestia's bed. Made of dark glass, hollow, and filled with dancing lightening. She would recognize that statue anywhere, it was the statue of that had once belonged to their Grandmare. It had been broken once, Celestia must have figured out a way to fix it then teleport it back here.

Luna wondered if Celestia new the significance of that statue.

"Princess Luna!"

Luna turned to see Twilight running into the room, followed by a winded Spike.

"Luna, you have to see this!" Twilight levitated a parchment so close to Luna's face she had to push it back in order to read. The message was short, with no name signed, but the magical signature was clear: Discord.

"What do you think it means?" Twilight asked.

Luna,
It is of the utmost importance that you do not raise the moon nor the stars tonight.

***

Discord watched the city below from the cliff face. Magic-cancelling devices spun at regular intervals throughout the Griffin's capitol. His lip raised into a growl as he watched. Griffins... so afraid of magic. They couldn't use it themselves so they feared it. They were so scared they couldn't stand it existing and tried to stomp it out wherever they spread.

He felt a seething hatred for the griffins. He hated their fear and their magic-cancelling devices. He wished he could bring chaos down on the head of every griffin in the place. He would show them the kind of chaos he relished in: Absolute Chaos.

He also felt hatred at himself, for being so weak. The scene of Celestia falling as the spear pierced her back replayed itself over and over in his head. Useless... so useless...

As soon as Celestia fell they had descended, each with a miniature magic-canceller around their neck. He had tried to fend them off, but without his magic he was just another creature, no match for the unit of highly trained Griffin commandos. He was fast, but they were faster. He was strong, but they were stronger. Worse, they had the advantage of numbers. When a second unit arrived he knew he stood no chance. He had to flee as four of them flew away, carrying Celestia. He wasn't exactly sure how he did it, but he managed to get out of range of the cancellers and teleport away.

He had transformed himself into a bird and followed the griffins back to their camp, hoping for a chance to rescue the Princess. He watched helplessly from a distance as they clamped a canceller around Celestia's neck and iron chains around her hooves. As if she could run in the condition she was in. Thankfully they had removed the spear and treated her wounds, but she was still unconsious.

Discord worried about the amount of blood she had lost.

The next day he followed them to the outskirts of the city. He couldn't follow them in, with their cancellers so strategically placed. He would be forced back to his own form and reduced to fighting with no advantage in a city full of paranoid, fearful griffins. Each and every one militarily trained from a young age.

He spent the night and the rest of the morning casing the city. It was miles wide and miles across, suspended in the middle of a large canyon. There was seemingly no bottom to the canyon, and the city was instead built in from the sides. Bridges and arches supported the main platforms and structures, giving the illusion that the city was floating. The palace sat in the heart of the city, domes pointed skyward.

Discord had flown around the entire city, testing for weaknesses, looking for holes in the defenses. But it was futile, it was as if the city was surrounded by a bubble that negated magic. From the palace at the center there were periodically placed magic-cancelling devices. Guard posts (which more aptly could be described as 'nests') hung from the bottoms of the platforms and were perched at different spots of the canyon walls. The only way in or out was to fly. Getting to Celestia was not going to be easy.

If he was to have any hopes of saving the Princess, it was going to have to be with his wits, not magic.

He knew it was useless, but he yet again stretched out his magic in an effort to sense her. His magic crashed against the barrier created by the cancelers.

Discord shook his head in disgust. Normally paranoia and fear made him giddy, egged him on; but he couldn't work with... with this.

He turned away from the city and back to the small cave he had carved out of the canyon wall with his magic. As he crossed the threshold he wondered again why he was bothering to save her. Had he not wanted revenge? This would not only save him time and energy, but keep him from suspicion. He could push the ponies into a war with the griffins who had angered him so.

But if Celestia is right, and Galaxis is back, I'll need her help to either recover him... or destroy him. Revenge will have to wait.

Inside he lit a lantern hanging from the ceiling, illuminating the contents of the makeshift hideaway. It revealed a griffin, tied up in the corner, squirming and letting out muffled sobs. Not far from him was a magic cancelling device, torn open to show its contents. It was filled with wires, magnents, and one blue crystal Discord assumed powered the device. He had been proven right when the device died once the crystal was removed.

"Ahhhh, I see you're awake," Discord purred as he walked towards the creature, which began shaking uncontrollably.

Discord laughed, "Oh, you're afraid? Gooooood, but not exactly uncommon for your kind."

He reached out towards the Griffin, who flinched. His claw gathered the rope around it's beak and pulled harshly. Doing so hadn't been the smartest of Discord's decisions, as soon as the griffin's beak was free it turned and bit him sharply.

In his anger, Discord turned the griffin into a squid. Apparently, squid also have beaks, and this one was determinedly latched to his arm.

"Oh, horsefeathers!" Discord said through gritted teeth.

He reached out with his paw and grabbed the squid so hard it puffed up like a balloon, eyes bulging. It squeaked, releasing his arm.

"Now you listen," Discord whispered, venom dripping off each word, "you are going to cooperate. If you cooperate willingly, you might just survive, and get to leave in one piece, and in a form somewhat resembling yourself. Do you understand me?"

Discord never would have thought a squid's beady little eyes could convey so much. Hatred, fear, and most of all, a deeply seated need for self preservation. The squid gave what Discord was certain was a nod, or at least as close to a nod as a squid could give.

"We have an accord then," he loosened his grip on the squid a little and held out his claw. The squid taised its bound tentacles and shook.

Discord dropped the squid, who fell to the floor with a loud Splat!, then reverted to its griffin form.

"No good, son of a changling!" The griffin growled, however, he had the sense to keep his voice down.

"Is that supposed to be an insult?" Discord asked, but the griffin had the sense to keep his mouth shut, "Now, if you're quite done with all this retaliation nonsense, I have some questions for you..."

***

Discord watched anxiously as the sun sank further and further behind the mountains. Did Luna get his message? Would she heed it?

Night spread, leaving the land in complete darkness. Discord and his griffin captive waited a few minutes longer, but the moon did not rise, nor did a star appear in the sky. He let out a small sigh, now came the hard part.

Discord held out the rope muzzle he had created for the griffin, who pulled back, "You know thats just going to disappear as soon as we reach the boundary..."

Discord rolled his eyes, "No it won't, this is real rope. Now, I can't have you shouting your feathered head off, so take the muzzle, or I take your beak."

The griffin glared and did not budge.

"Very well then," Discord chuckled, "have it your way." He reached out and grabbed the beak from the griffins face.

The beakless face stared for a moment, eyes widening with shock. It raised its bound claws, looking for the beak. After a few moments of disbelieving groping, he glared at Discord.

"Now this, unfortunately, would be reverted to normal once we pass through the boundary," Discord said with a sigh, "too bad, you look so much better this way..."

Discord wrapped the muzzled around the beak, and placed the beak back on the griffin's face, "you remember what I told you?" The griffin nodded. Discord reached out with his magic but sensed no deceit from him. Pity, He would have liked to have acted upon the threats he had made.

Discord pulled his magic from inside of himself, transforming himself. Outside of Equestria, using magic was much more difficult, but not impossible. Not for him, at least.

His bones cracked, his skin shifted, and his muscles quivered. It wasn't as fast or as efficient when using Equestrian magic, but it would have to work. After a matter of moments, two griffins stood side by side, rather than one. Where the true griffin was broad and musclar, Discord was slim and sleek. The yellow eyes with red irises looked intimidating out of the lighter, tan-coated griffin.

They dove off the edge of the cliff, and Discord was amazed at the speed and grace the griffin form actually allowed.

They descended cliff until Discord felt a change in the air currents. The instant his wings pushed out, he turned his head. There it was, a dark hole in the cliff wall. Out of the hole spilled thick sewage, making sticky slurps as it fell down the walls of the canyon. Discord looked at his companion, who nodded. They flared their wings to stop the descent, and made their way into the dark passage.

The tunnel was humid and claustrophobic, and that smell... Thank Celestia they were still outside of the boundary, Discord had to create a bubble of clean air around his beak just to press onward. Movement was slow as they had to move single, file on the tiny pathways that ran along the sewage. It was made worse by the steep incline. It wasn't ten minutes in before Discord heard a quiet gagging sound behind him, and the rope pulled taught. As much as Discord delighted in the griffin's discomfort, they needed to move quickly. He gave it a pocket of fresh air of its own.

The tunnel had several, much smaller tunnels in rows of three periodically throughout the tunnel, about as big around as his shoulders. As they continued up the sewage line, the tunnels became more and more frequent.

"What are these for... is it to keep the pressure from releasing?"

"Mrrppph!"

"Oh... right."

Discord decided he didn't need to know. As they moved farther in Discord was certain they were far enough from the entrance he could risk a small, magical light. Besides, he was tired of accidentally stepping into the gunk whenever the tunnel took an unexpected turn. The light floated just behind his head, giving a soft, white light a few feet in front of them.

Discord didn't spook easily, but even he would have grudgingly admit that the tunnel was creepy. Moisture gathered at the top of the cave and dripped from the stalactites hanging raggedly from the ceiling. Insects and small animals hid from the light in small burrows where the path met the floor, but never in the small tunnels.

They pathway suddenly leveled out into a wide open cavern, and there were three new pathways. Discord turned and looked at the griffin, "Which way?"

"Mrph!"

"Just point, you imbecile!"

The griffin narrowed its eyes, and pointed straight ahead. Thankfully there was a little wooden bridge that crossed the slime so they wouldn't have to wade their way through. The bridge creaked loudly as they crossed it. Discord worried for a moment about its ability to hold their weight. When they reached the other side they let out a collective sigh of relief.

Click... click... click...

The jumped and turned, looking for the source of the sound. The sound stopped. Discord turned the light in all directions, but saw nothing. The pair made eye contact breifly, and laughed nervously as they began to walk.

Click... Click... Click...

Louder this time... closer. They jumped, again, looking around. The sound stopped again.

"Lets move a little faster," Discord whispered, his companion nodded.

As they made their way down the tunnel, the clicking noise would come and go. But every time they turned around the sound would stop.

Then something small hit Discord on the wing then bounce off into the goop. He turned and saw the griffin glaring holes into the back of Discord's head. Discord turned back around and shook his head, wondering at how childish the griffin could be.

Something hit him again, squarely inbetween his shoulders, and Discord was sure that it was a rock this time, "Stop that!" he whispered loudly.

"Mrph."

They turned a corner when yet again a small stone hit him squarely in the back of the head. He spun around, enraged, "STOP!"

"MRPH!"

Discord reached out and yanked the rope off his mouth violently, "what?!"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!"

At that moment a stone fell from the ceiling between them. Their expressions began to synchronize perfectly. They stared at the stone for a moment. Their eyes widened in realization that neither of them had been the source. They both, slowly, nervously, looked up, Discord raising the light as he did so.

On the ceiling was a griffin, if it could be called that. It was emaciated, with only patches of a musty coat. Its skin was so light it almost looked a sickly shade of gray, and instead of wings and legs so thin and long. It watched them with three pairs of green, glowing eyes. It opened its serrated beak and hissed, drool dripping. It then began to click its beak, mandibles working.

CLICK... CLICK... CLICK...

Discords companion screamed, sounding very much like a little girl. The thing jumped at them, missing both by just inches as they ran at full speed down the cooridor.

CLICK CLICK CLICK

Every time they came to a crossroad the griffin would shout, "LEFT!" or "RIGHT!" Discord had a thought, and turned out the light. He grabbed his companion and jumped into one of the holes. It was a snug fit.

Discord motioned for him to be quiet, and he complied, though he shook so violently Discord wondered if it was audible.

CLICK CLICK CLICK... CLICK... Click... click...

The thing had passed the tunnel without noticing them. They both sighed a sigh of relief. They would have to move quietly, but if they were careful they just might make it.

Click Click Click

Their eyes widened again. This time the sound was coming from... behind them.

They turned and looked, another of the creatures was crouched behind them in the tunnel.

The griffin inhaled as if to scream again, but Discord pushed him out into the tunnel, jumping out after him. The creature followed, clicking the whole way. As they ran, more and more of the creatures began crawling out of the walls. They jumped agiliy from one side to the other. Some ran on the ceiling, on the walls. The faster ones would climb over the slower ones in hopes of catching their prey.

One jumped at Discord, and he clawed at the things eyes. It shrieked, little claws pawing at where a white liquid was pouring from its face. Three of its fellow creatures fell upon it. They didn't have time to think, they just ran.

The fallen one had provided enough distraction for them to get ahead of the creatures. The shrieking grew louder.

"There!" the griffin yelled. Ahead was a door, they slammed against it and pulled. It was locked.

"Watch my back!" Discord yelled, and began throwing every unlocking spell he knew at the door. None of them were taking.

boom!

The sound echoed down the cavern, drowning out the clicks and shrieks.

boom!... boom!... Boom!

Shadows of the small creatures were becoming visible, they were catching up!

"Faster!"

BOOM!

Discord turned, and just beyond his vision he saw the shadow of something very big making its way jerkily down the cavern. They heard squishing noises as whatever it was stepped on the spider-griffins. Closer now, Discord could see that it was big enough that it took up the entire tunnel.

Discord had exhausted his knowledge of opening doors, so he did the last thing he could think of. He grabbed the griffin, and pulled him through the wall.

Author's Note

Sorry this one took so long guys. School is really handing me my flank this semester!

Again, if you see any errors, please feel free to let me know!

Click.. click... click...

Chapter 1: Preparations

The summer sun celebration, It could use more sun. No, it could use more suns! Discord raised an arm to send out his magic, but a warning look from Celestia stopped him. He made a face, then turned away. Spoil sport.

Canterlot was obnoxiously decorated, the ponies had overdone themselves. Streamers and banners were hung between buildings and over windows, pictures of Celestia's cutie mark adorning them. Crystals from the crystal empire were placed at the highest points, ready to reflect dawns first rays. Luna had even decorated the skies above Canterlot with constellations meaningful to the impending sunrise. Even in the dark, it was quite a sight to behold.

Ponies were everywhere, celebrating and laughing, dancing and playing. Many had suns or replicas of the cutie mark painted on their coats. Craft and food stands sold their wares. And they were all avoiding him, of course.

Too bad Celestia wouldn't let him help. He thought that having miniature suns acting as waiters would add a little something, but noooo. Celestia didn't like that they would burn the ponies that touched them. She could be so picky.

As he walked through the crowd a blue-and-yellow pony caught sight of him a moment too late and practically flew out of his way, rather than the subtle side-step he had become most accustomed to. Then the pony added insult to injury by trying to hide behind one of the stalls, still staring at him from behind it to see when he would move. This cut at his patience, they all knew he was supposedly 'reformed.' Could they not at least pretend to be indifferent or even… friendly? Fine then, no more Mr. nice chaos…

As he walked past he sent a tendril of magic behind him towards the pony. A few seconds later he heard a high-pitched scream of shock ring out behind him. He looked back to see the blue-and-yellow pony stare at his new female body. He laughed maniacally as he walked up beside the bearers of the elements of harmony, sans Twilight, who were all glaring at him. Rainbow Dash especially so.

"What? It will wear off in a few hours…" their glares didn't let up, "I promise! Nothing like a gender bender to allow for some personal reflection. Besides... he'll probably enjoy it once he's over the shock!"

"Citizens of Equestria!" Celestia's voice rang out, "It is just about time for the raising of the sun!" Everypony's attention brought back to the stage, discretions forgotten. Cheers echoed, hooves stomped. Sheesh, these ponies were so excited for something that happened every day.

"This year, however, is going to be different. This year, I am not going to raise the sun."

Confused muttering. Ponies looked at each other in shock.

"This year, my most faithful student, and your newest princess, Twilight Sparkle, will be raising the sun! From today forth, she will be responsible for your light!"

Twilight stepped forward to address the crowd, new wings spread ceremoniously, "I am honored to bring the light and warmth of the sun's rays. Thank you Celestia!" It was so short and scripted, Discord wanted to puke. Leave it to Twilight to make the festivities as dull and efficient as possible.

The masses were content anyway, stamping and cheering. She smiled a moment, then her horn began to glow. With what looked like an effort, she began to raise the sun. She grit her teeth and leaned forward with extra effort, Discord wondered if she could even do it. Everypony else stared at her expectantly. Slowly and jaggedly, the sun began to peak over the horizon.

It was mere moments before the sun started to fall again, and a look of panic crossed her face.The glowing around her horn grew brighter, and small sparks flew across the stage and over the crowd. The sun stopped falling, but didin't really raise any more either. Twilight was still unused to her alicorn powers, and anypony could see her struggling. She needed more practice - what was Celestia thinking, having her raise the sun by herself so soon? And for the Summer Sun Celebration no less!

Suddenly, Discord felt a second magical presence join Twilight, and the sun began to raise effortlessly. It wasn't Celestia… he could recognize her magic without even trying. He turned his head and noticed Luna's horn glowing softly. So softly he bet no one but him noticed it.

Twilight smiled, triumphant. He wondered if she recognized Luna's help. Regardless, she jumped into the air to rise with the sun. Albeit, not so gracefully as Celestia, again due to a lack of practice with her new wings. Yet he couldn't deny the talent was there. It wouldn't be long before Twilight could raise the sun and the moon as well as the sisters themselves.

The ponies were ecstatic.

Discord shook his head. They had been fooled. They would chalk up the initial struggle to nerves or performance anxiety or something just as wrong.

He decided that since the main ceremony was over, he could afford to get away. He didn't like being in the middle of the crowd, especially a crowd that didn't want him or appreciate a little chaos. The ponies parted like water as he walked away from the stage and the appeased mass of ponies. Typical, closed minded sheep. They thought raising the sun was so amazing? Wait until they could see what he could do. If Celestia had let him help with the preparations, then they would have some real cause to be impressed… and perhaps he wouldn't be so bored.

Away from the city square it was deserted, though he could still hear the dull roar of the crowd. He walked aimlessly, bored. He hoped Celestia would be ready for him, now that the Summer Sun Celebration she had been fretting over was finished.

Then we can leave, and I will be able to find my chance... With a rebellious thought he gave life to one of the statues, which let out a loud bray and ran down the street. Before it turned a corner it reared and breathed forth a stream of fire. He watched take off with a devious smile. That will keep the unicorns busy for a while!

His musing was interrupted as four fillies wearing capes ran in front of him.

"EXCUSE US!" They shouted.

A little black filly with bright blue eyes ran past next, yelling, "Guys, wait up!"

As the five rounded the corner they called out in unison, "Cutie Mark Crusaders statue hunters!"

Discord stared after them, bemused. Maybe the statue didn't need to breath fire, after all. He sent a tendril of magic after them, conveying that message to the living stone.

"Couple of bits for your thoughts?" Came a soothing voice from behind him. Discord turned to see Celestia walking up beside him.

"Just looking for a distraction," he said, looking back to where the fillies had disappeared.

"Oh, those five are a distraction all right, " Celestia said with a little laugh, "They get into trouble of all sorts. I think you would probably get along with them wonderfully… but they aren't why you're here."

Discord's ears perked in response, was she finally ready to tell him why he was here?

"Walk with me," she said, and turned towards the gardens. He pulled his eyes away from the corner, falling in step with her.

"So, are you going to tell me what all this is about?" Discord asked.

She looked up at him, voice even and unemotional, "Family."

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?" He asked, unimpressed.

"It used to, once."

The shell of the egg surrounding him finally cracked into pieces, one falling directly upon his head so all he could see was blackness. The pain had mostly faded, but his muscles still ached. What was that? He heard shocked gasps and hurried whispers all around him as he broken pieces of egg shell began to fall away.

All of it stopped mattering when the shell was lifted away from his eyes by the first pony he had ever seen - and she was beautiful. The filly's coat was bright white, almost glowing, with a technicolor mane that flowed around her head like a halo.

"Shhhh, it'll be okay little one," she whispered gently as she picked him up, tears welling in her eyes, "you're mine now, and I'll take care of you."

Take care of him? But she was the one who was sad. A creature so beautiful shouldn't be so sad. He reached out a tiny, yellow claw out to touch her cheek where a tear had begun to fall. The colors of the mane began to fade, and it settled into a pink bundle around her neck.

"Don't be silly little one, I'll be okay. You're the one I'm worried about… you’re the one who just went through an incredibly traumatic experience." After a warm hug, she placed him on her back between her soft wings. He curled up there, feeling as warm and safe as he ever had in his shell.

Discord coughed, and pushed back the onslaught of unwelcome memories, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Do you remember my brother?"

Discord's eyes widened, how could he forget? But what could he possibly have to do with anything? He was dead!

"I can see that you do," Celestia observed, "and I know what you are thinking. I thought so too. We all saw him die. We were all powerless to save him. Yet somehow, some way, he is still alive."

"And still crazier than I ever was, I take it?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean, you 'don't know?'"

"I felt him, his presence, his magic. It felt as though it came from somewhere North East of here. It was difficult to determine his exact whereabouts, I couldn't tell exactly. What I do know is that he is somewhere past Equestria's borders."

"Outside of Equestria?!"

"Yes. Now do you see why I had to prepare so thoroughly? Galaxis is back. And the question is, is he the kind and gentle brother I remember…"

"…or is he the crazy psycho-pony that tried to rip Equestria apart piece by piece?" Discord finished.

Celestia nodded, and watched as the sun rose higher in the sky. She was quiet for some time, lost in thought. Discord tried to be patient, but that could only last so long. He was on the verge of trying to alleviate boredom by making the petunias dance when she flashed him a mischievous smirk "Not that present company hasn't attempted to pull Equestria apart."

Discord crossed his arms and raised his head haughtily, "I never tried to rip Equestria apart. I simply attempted to improve it."

Celestia chuckled again, "Come on, Discord. Let's go prepare for our journey. We leave today... Oh, and be sure to put that statue back where you found it."

***

'Preparations' consisted primarily of Celestia fretting over every little thing she couldn't directly supervise when she was gone... which was pretty much everything. Aside from Luna, Twilight, and each of the bearers of the elements, she had to speak with almost every pony employed by the palace. With her being so distracted, he felt no guilt in leaving presents behind for those to have some fun with when he was gone. Nothing Luna or Twilight couldn't handle, and nothing dangerous. Well, nothing extremely dangerous. There might be a few singed tails and some spontaneous hoof-dancing, but nothing that would hurt anyone to the point they couldn't recover.

All purely innocent and funny, honestly. If you really thought about it, that is. Granted, Celestia wouldn't see it that way, but she didn't think the way he did. Such a shame, really. Equestria would be so much more exciting if she did.

At this rate, Discord wondered if they would be leaving before nightfall, and he really didn't want to wait until the next day. For one, he had been waiting for some degree of freedom since he had returned to Canterlot Castle with the princess. Secondly, Discord had the feeling Celestia would have to check with everypony again.

In an attempt to hurry her, he lit a fire under her plot. Not a real fire, mind you. Just a harmless one that caused a lot of smoke and heat and... okay, so maybe it was a real fire. But it wasn't close enough to hurt her - it just singed a few hairs.

Surprisingly, she didn't get mad. She even laughed nervously and promised they would leave after lunch. That satisfied Discord just fine. Perhaps he'd even get to make the cutlery dance like at Fluttershy's dinner party. Just no offended fishbowls... he would have to make sure the ones this time didn't have feelings.

But there were no dancing candles or offended food bowls of any kind, as it turned out lunch was to be a feast with what seemed to be hundreds of ponies. The princesses and Twilight's friends sat at the main table, as well as a few of the bluebloods that roamed the castle. Celestia sat next to him, with Luna on the far side of her, also showing the anxiety at the separation from Celestia. It was probably the result of hardly leaving Celestia's side since her return from the moon.

Luna pointed her hoof at him, "Make sure thou sends letters to us daily, my sister! We know he knows how... and if that ruffian harms a hair in your mane we will be sure to show him what a thousand years on the moon is like..." She still hadn't broken herself of those volume issues, he could hear.

Fluttershy sat on his other side. After much prodding, he had convinced her to quietly describe her exploits since the last time they had seen each other, "...then we had all our cutie marks switched. I was given Pinkie Pie's! I'm sure you can imagine, I wasn't very good at making people laugh. I don't even like being in front of crowds."

Discord was intrigued "Well… if I had been there, you would have been sure to make all the ponies laugh." He chuckled, thinking of how he could have helped Fluttershy with her temporary destiny. He could have made her dance or speak with funny voices. She smiled up at him shyly, probably thinking she was glad he hadn't there to 'help.'

"But really… each other's cutie marks? That sounds exciting! You get to try something new, expand your horizons. Come on, was it really so bad?" It sounded fascinating. He wondered what it would be like to switch lives with somepony for a few days. That could be so much fun! He found himself slightly jealous of Fluttershy, if he had been there he could have made the experience so much better. Well, his version of better, they probably would say he would have had... what is the expression? Oh yes, 'added fuel to the fire.'

"Well," She began looking down at her food, "I suppose it was okay, you know... at first, as a learning experience. And I suppose it did help me come out of my comfort zone a little. But I wasn't very good at it, and I didn't make people laugh. Oh! I was so bad at it and the town was so angry!" Her voice was squeaking with anxiety by the end. He placed a claw on her shoulder to comfort her. She smiled up at him appreciatively.

"It's okay, sugarcube," Apple Jack interjected, "We were all pretty terrible at each others' jobs."

Rainbow Dash, forgetting to glare at Discord for a few seconds, said, "Yeah! Even me, the most awesome pony here! I couldn't get those animals of yours under any sort of control!"

"Oh, that's right!" Fluttershy said, "The animals were so hungry, they tied up Rainbow Dash and threw her in a pot. If Twilight had gotten me there any later, she would have been soup! Those poor things..."

"Those poor things? I was nearly soup! Uhhh... not that I couldn't handle it, but still!"

Rarity theatrically threw her foreleg over her forehead, "Oh, you think you had it bad? You didn't have to try to control the weather without wings! From the ground I could only make this horribly repetitive checker pattern with the clouds! And I got so incredibly wet, my mane wouldn't style right for a week!"

"You think that's bad?" Pinkie burst out, barely able to contain herself in her seat, "I still have a bump on my head from that stupid water shoot! Aaaaaaaaaand NO PARTIES! I've never gone so long without a party! No wonder everyone was so angry, I don't know how you all do it..."

Which lead to them all squabbling about who did the worst job and who had the roughest time, pushing him out of the conversation entirely. Not that he minded, the chaos flowing between them boosted his magic and left him feeling giddy.

This also left him feeling rather cooped up... he wanted to get out and move. He just didn't do sitting still.

He leaned over to Celestia and whispered, "I thought you said we were leaving today? At this rate we will be lucky to even make Ponyville before nightfall."

Celestia sighed, "Yes, you're right of course." She stood and coughed gently. Even such a small, delicate cough demanded the attention of everypony in the dining hall.

"Thank you, my little ponies. I am afraid that this very amazing lunch must come to an end. But first, I would like to compliment our cooks, all of you really outdid yourselves today."

There was general mutters of agreement and a few hoof stomps. Somepony in the crowd even cheered.

"Now, while some of you already know, I must inform the rest that I must be taking my leave of you. Discord and I will be leaving Canterlot tonight. We quite possibly will have to leave Equestria, and for some time. I cannot honestly give you an idea of when we will be back."

Gasps and exclamations erupted from the crowd. It was to be expected, she was their princess, their protector, and they hated having her away from Canterlot for any length of time. They would all miss her... supposedly. Discord wondered how much of it actually had to do with missing her and the peace she brought, or if it was the prosperity. There was an economic boost that inevitably occurred when she resided at Canterlot palace. Diplomatic visits, vacations, and emergencies nearly always spelled an economic slowdown for the region.

Not to mention that Celestia was the more lenient of the princesses. Luna had always been a more strict and demanding monarch. Not that she was feared or hated, but Luna always made sure the taxes were collected on time... no leniency. Then there was the fact that no one had any idea what kind of princess Twilight Sparkle was going to turn out to be yet.

Discord had a feeling with all the uncertainty in the region, Canterlot would almost certainly experience an economic slowdown over the next few months. Possibly even a recession. The ponies wouldn't be very happy... Pinkie Pie would have her work cut out for her. Maybe he could help...

As Celestia continued to address her subjects, Discord plotted the time-bomb surprises he could leave behind as they left Canterlot.

***

"Celestia, you look silly walking around with that pack on your back. Please, allow me to take it for you," Discord said for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Oh, very well Discord, if you insist. You really don't have to…"

By then Discord had levitated the pack off of her back. A zipper magically appeared in front of him, which he opened wide enough to shove the pack in. He zipped it back up and sent the zipper away again. He chuckled at Celestia's shocked stare.

"Oh don't you fret. Your pack, and all the precious cake you packed inside, is perfectly safe. It's an inter-dimensional pocket. I can access it, and anything I put inside, from anywhere," He said.

Celestia frowned at him, "My pack is not filled with cake."

"Liar, liar, hooves on fire," hooves on fire - that might be a good idea for later, if she took to fibbing too much.

"Okay, okay… only a little cake."

"So, Princess, how long until we reach the border? I've been encased in stone for a long while, but I'm pretty sure that it is in that direction," he said pointing.

"We're not headed to the border yet. We have one stop we need to make first."

Author's Note

Can you spot the Cameo?

Nyx is copyright Pen Stroke