Four young mares, a short dragon and an elder alicorn walked slowly through the coloured corridors. Noticing the empty silence, and lack of guards around the castle. The mares and dragon also noticed the numb quietness of the usually bustling city. They trotted down the corridor with their heads down, unable to spark up conversation.

"Erm....Princess Luna?" A white unicorn asked.

"Yes, Rarity. What is it?" The grand alicorn replied tiredly. Even though she still contained her magic, her duties extended. Attempting to aid Discord by supporting the Harmonic Magical Barrier was no easy job. Neither was the constant mob of paparazzi and nosy nobles.

"Oh, well, why have you called us here? Applejack and I could be defending the front lines, while Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie helped with supplies and medical businesses." She asked.

"Excellent question, Rarity. I have not told you, the reason for your arrival, have I? Well, Commander Feathertail is coming to Canterlot tonight." She stated bluntly, a growl rising to her throat as she mentioned his name.

"Tha damn varmin!! Ah need ta knock some sense inta him!!" The amber mare growled, stamping her hooves.

"Oh, don't we all? Anyway, he's coming here to 'discuss peace terms'. Or in his words, bargain with Sister." She rolled her eyes and shook her head. That griffin was low. So very low.
Luna began to notice the attachment her sister had grown towards Discord, and it worried her. Her sister was at a difficult point. Balancing at the tip. One wrong move and she could fall, dragging Equestria and everyone close with her.
The night princess sighed to herself. Celestia would soon have to make the choice. The land she cared to create, and so dearly loves, or save the creature who has supported her and loves.

She quickly shook her head, standing up straight. Her sister was strong. She still had hope in her.
Luna turned back to the ponies with a sheepish smile. They knew something was wrong with princess, but decided not to ask her. In fear that they might upset her.
Everypony has been delicate for the past few weeks.

"So, why bring us?" Pinkie questioned.

"He's bringing Twilight with him. He's using her against us. And now we want her back. I will attempt to perform a spell to get around the Griffin's hypnosis. If you are there, she'll recognise you and come to her senses. As soon as Twilight regains her own mind, we can both try to support the sun and the barrier, releasing Discord of his current torment and duties. Then Equestria will regain control, fighting back with victory as the Griffins cower away like the scum." She explained with great confidence in her words. Leaving the walking mares in long pause.

"How is he?" Fluttershy asked quietly, breaking the long silence.

"...not good." Luna eventually said. "He's getting worse. Every moment he's in pain. He wasn't meant to support both sides of the barrier."

"Huh? Barrier?" Rarity muttered, confused.

"Equestria's magic is supported by a harmonic barrier. It levels out and steadies magic. Both Celestia and I support the order side of the barrier, whereas Discord supports the chaos side. Basically, it's like a set of scales. However, more fatal. Just a tiny dip into either order or chaos can cause the most destructive effects. Both order and chaos create perfect harmony. True, pure harmony." Luna clarified. Noticing the younger ponies looking baffled.

"What about when he was in stone?" The unicorn inquired further. Wondering why she had never heard of this 'barrier'. Or why she never heard it from Twilight either.

"When Discord was in stone, his magic still continued to level the barrier. Sending out ripples of magic from both himself and the Everfree Forest."

"Oh.......that's interestin'....but...is he gonna ta...ya know...........die...?" Applejack finally asked. Watching as Fluttershy and Pinkie shuddered. Out of their friends, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Twilight were the main ones who grew closer to Discord than the others. Throwing pranks and baking with Pinkie Pie. Helping Fluttershy and having their tea parties, and he helped Twilight with many spells. Also, to learn more about Equestrian history.

"I hope not. But....I do believe so. It's only a matter of time. I'm surprised he's held out this long." Luna sighed. Discord was her oldest friend. When he turned, she had lost all hope. And when he returned to terrorise Equestria once more, she felt her heart crack. When she was young, and when Discord....was not the Discord they know now, she also fell for him. However, knowing that he actually loved somepony else, broke her down.
However, ignoring her heart, she continued to be his friend. And she preferred it that way.

"What's wrong with him?" Rarity inquired.

"The constant imbalance of magic inside him tearing him apart. As I said, he's not supposed to support both sides of the barrier.
...the other day....he took a turn for the worse."

"What happened?"

"His heart seized up. A heart attack. And a serious one. Causing a main artery leading to his heart to tear." She croaked.

The four mares and dragon gasped in shock. Unable to say a word. They just continued to walk in silence.

"He suffered internal bleeding and shock. The doctors came in time to stop the bleeding for the time being. A second later and he would have been no more." She sighed.

"Oh dear."

"He's okay now....for now. He's barely conscious though. And he can't leave the Throne Room. There's a magical charm in the room to help support magic. If he leaves, he would lose control of his magic. The charm is stuck to him like glue." Luna reassured as they walked up to the large brown and gold doors. She sighed silently before opening the doors, and allowing the mares in.
"We're running out of time." She muttered.

~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

Early chapter, and another filler.

Next chapter, Twilight's POV and her journey to Canterlot with Feathertail.
After that, the girls talk with Celestia, Cadence and Discord before a certain someone arrives.

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