Chapter 20

It’s Time For Chaos

In the far distant dry lands of the Netherlands, Tirek had succeeded in calling the Elders of his kingdom for a meeting. In the castle he now ruled, monsters of all sizes and forms took their place to hear what had to be said. For they too have heard news from the lands outside of the Nether. Rumors of a possible deal in the making. Tirek’s board of Elders rose upon his arrival.

“Welcome back Tirek,” said one of the Elders in a dry croaky voice. “What news have you brought us from your travels?”

“I have brought you not only the answers we seek, but a way to insure that our lands remain ours!” Proclaimed Tirek.

Shrieks and snarls of delight met his ears. He waited for the cheering to stop before continuing.

“My brothers!” he began, looking up to where the rest of his fellow monsters were. “We have sent out several of our own to find and inhabit lands outside of our own that have yet to be claimed. I am pleased to inform you that we have succeeded!”

More roars of delight echoed through the halls.

“I have also come to tell you that we may have the chance we’ve all been waiting for! The fall of the pony kingdom itself! Canterlot!”

This time no one stomped their feet. No one made a sound of pleasure at hearing these words. Tirek had not expected this. He turned to the Elders.

“Well?” he demanded. “Aren’t you satisfied?”

“Satisfied?” repeated one of the Elders. “No, I would not say we are satisfied! You and your brother volunteered to go there so you could speak with her Majesty and the King! What is happening Tirek? Where is Scorpan?”

“It doesn’t matter where Scorpan is!” Tirek snarled impatiently. “The point is we have been given an opportunity to take down Canterlot! Discord is giving us…”

“Discord?!” roared another Elder in cold laughter. “Discord is a loose cannon my boy! A disaster waiting to happen! Why do you think we got rid of him in the first place?”

The rest of the Elders nodded in silent approval. Tirek wasn’t amused in the slightest. Gripping his hand into a fist, he slammed it down on the table.

“I am not a boy!” He barked. “We have been given an opportunity, don’t you see that?! We want our lands back don’t we? So why not attack the problem at the source? We can overthrow the King and Queen and make Canterlot our new kingdom! We can…”

“Go to war with those who wish to remain in good terms with us!” interjected an Elder sharply. “No Tirek, if war is on your mind, then I’m afraid we cannot allow it!”

“There doesn’t have to be a war if we act here and now!” spat Tirek. “Hit them while they’re weak, send them packing!”

“Your lust for power can never be truly satisfied can it?” asked one of the Elders darkly. “Your father saw it, we see it and now, here is final proof!”

“My father was a weak, simple minded fool!” Tirek roared. “He never could do what I have done! Tell me, if he were still king, would we have prevented invaders from taking over our land?”

“We could have found a solution to do so with out mindless violence,” replied an Elder. “We could have managed to save our land and prevent going to war! Tell me Tirek, if we decide to invade Canterlot will it end there? Will you leave the other lands surrounding it alone? Or will you seek them out next?”

“How dare you talk to me like that!” Tirek spat a vain popping in his temple. “I am your King you worthless weak old worm!”

“You are a spoiled boy who never learned that power does not make a King! A true King must put his subjects first! And in doing so, must approach every obstacle with an open caring mind. Your Father knew that! And so does your brother!”

“My brother,” started Tirek, his voice growing dangerously cold. “Is a weak, single minded fool too! He thinks that befriending the ponies will make up for what they have done!”

“Perhaps,” said one of the Elders wisely. “And perhaps not. What can be said about Scorpan is that he is doing what he thinks is right! We need to maintain piece with the ponies Tirek! So I’m sorry, but our answer is no.”

Tirek dug his clawed fingers into the table making deep scratch markings.

“So, that is your final answer then?” he said coldy.

“Yes, it is.” said the Elder to his right. “We have been offered a deal by the King and Queen of Canterlot and by the King of the Gryffins. The old bargain is open again. And this time, we plan to accept it.”

Tirek stood frozen to the spot. This was not at all what he had pictured on his way over. He was supposed to be leading a swarm of monsters into battle. Make the ponies pay for their trespassing and once vengeance on them was over, he would go after the Griffins next. The monsters in the room with them waited in silence waiting for their King to lose his temper again.

“Let me ask you this, my King,” said the Elder to his left. “You said Discord is there too yes? How do you know he isn’t playing you as well?”

This was the final straw, Tirek’s rage got the best of him as he pointed a long finger at the Elders.

“Your fools! All of you! You’ll see, I’ll take down Canterlot! Even if I have to do it by myself!”

“And that,” said the Elder in the center of the Table. “Is where you will fail.”

Tirek stormed out of the Castle in a fury of anger he hadn’t felt in a long time. He was convinced that his plan with Discord was the only way for them to have power again. Yes, power is the only thing that matters and anything else is just an illusion.

Outside of the cave Discord started to way his options. He can wait until Tirek returned so they could take over Canterlot together with his army, but why should he wait? He got this far on his own didn’t he? He had remained in control last time right? Yes, he would go in alone again and this time, he would let his puppets deal with the Three Princesses. The Tree of Harmony was another problem he had to find a solution for and he had an idea that might do the trick. With everything set, it was time for him to leave and give the kingdom of Canterlot a chaotic awakening. With a final loud crack! Discord had vanished, his sights set on the very place he was banished from.

“Celestia may I come in?” asked Aurora patting the closed door with her hoof.

“Yes,” replied Celestia sounding as if she had come down with a head cold.

Aurora opened her sister’s bedroom door to find her looking outside the window. The Phoenix watched her caretaker from her perch. Aurora walked over to her sister and placed a wing on her shoulder.

“You too huh?” she asked with a weak smile.

“What do you mean?” asked Celestia.

“Celei,” said Aurora knowingly. “I can tell just by looking at you. Father had an… interesting conversation with you last night didn’t he?”

“How did you…” started Celestia but Aurora cut her off.

“The King lost his patients with me as well.” She said still smiling. “And all because I suggested that he and the Queen should consider other options.”

“Like what?” Celestia asked.

“Well…” began Aurora. “It’s come to my attention lately that they haven’t been themselves and perhaps they should take some time off to prepare for the future.”

“And he got mad at you just for that?” Celestia said in shock.

“Well, that and I might have said a couple things about the Griffins,” said Aurora sheepishly.

Celestia stared at her older sister. She was so calm and collected about her whole dramatic scene last night. Even when talking to her about it, she managed to keep a strong face. She could see more than ever why Aurora was to become a future Queen of an Empire. She tried to smile back, but all that happened was the feeling of breaking down again. Then Aurora did something she hadn’t expected. She wrapped her wing around her and held tight for comfort.

“Oh, parents. They can be so strange sometimes. These past months have been something haven’t they? First, the Three Pony Tribes, then the peace treaty and making of Ponyville and Cloudsdale. and now Discord of all things. We had our work cut out for us. But in the end we prevailed.”

Celestia knew what Aurora was trying to do and she appreciated it. She allowed her older sister to give her one last squeeze before she gave her a true smile.

“Thank you Aurora,” she said “You’re right it has been a lot to deal with. But it’s our duty to see that Canterlot and Equestria are safe and at peace.”

“That’s the spirit!” Aurora said grinning back. “I know that it hasn’t been easy on you and Luna, but I want you to know that…” but Aurora stopped and her gaze fell to what was outside Celestia’s window.

“Aurora?” Celestia said but she too had sensed a strong wave of magic drawing near.

She turned to look out the window and she too saw it. In the distance, making its way toward the kingdom was a pink overcast. Celestia and Aurora exchanged frightened looks. The door to Celestia’s room flew open as Luna appeared outside it with the same worried look.

“Celestia, Aurora, are you seeing what I see?”

“We know,” said Aurora taking charge. “Celestia, you and Luna get to Ponyville and Cloudsdal to alert the others that he is coming!”

“And you?” asked Luna as Aurora darted towards the open door.

“I will alert the King and Queen! We will have to stop him at Ponyville before he gets any further! Go, now!”

Celestia and Luna made to leave as well. The Phoenix had started to spread her wings when Celestia turned to her. “Not this time! You stay here where it’s safe!”

She left leaving the firebird to begrudgingly stay behind. The two sisters galloped downstairs where members of the staff and guards were staring out the windows at the approaching blanket of clouds. In Ponyville, the inhabitants were stepping outside to watch the overcast draw closer. Celestia and Luna flew overhead splitting up so one could help evacuate Cloudsdale while the other helped Ponyville.

“Citizens of Ponyville!” Luna commanded loudly. “Please evacuate the town! Head up to Canterlot where the royal guard can protect you!”

Instantly the town’s ponies did as they were told. Some were scared of leaving their homes yet again while others rounded up their children and left without a second glance back. Up in Cloudsdale, Celestia met Commander Hurricane who was ordering his troops to help evacuate the ponies of Ponyville. Other Pegasi that inhabited the floating city were seen flying to Canterlot castle.

“Celestia!” Commander Hurricane said hovering in front of her. “We will help you in any way you need!”

“Thank you Commander!” said Celestia. “We need to get everypony to safety before Discord arrives!”

“Already on it!” Commander Hurricane said followed by a loud whistle.

A flock of armored Pegasi flew passed them and headed towards the small town below. They watched as small dots began to dart across the ground being guided by the Commanders fleet. A few separated from the flock and headed strait for the pink blanket that was closing in. Just when they were flying above the pink mass, it morphed into many long hands that shot out and began swatting them away. Celestia saw Luna pointing the last remaining ponies in the right direction and landed next to her.

“Is that everypony?” Commander Hurricane asked.

“I think so,” said Luna.

“Did you see any of our friends Luna?” asked Celestia.

“No, but I’m sure they made it out as well sister!” said Luna confidently.

“They must have,” added Commander Hurricane looking up at the pink overcast that had just finished covering the Forest. “No one would be foolish enough to remain out in the open!”

“I hope your right,” said Celestia as she too looked up at the now pink sky.

“Commander, leave Discord to us!” said Luna. “Return to your fleet! They will need you if Discord doesn’t retreat!”

“As you wish Princess!” Commander Hurricane said saluting her. “If that monster gets near the castle we shall meet him with the full might of Cloudsdale!”

“There won’t be any need for that if he does give up!” said Celestia wishing rather than hoping it was true.

“I think he will,” said Luna. “Look! Mom and dad are on their way now!”

So they were. In the distance, King Night Shade and Queen Star Bright were headed right for them at top speed. Commander Hurricane gave the two sisters one last salute before he kicked off the ground and soared off to the castle. Celestia and Luna looked up to where their parents were as they drew closer. The kingdom was now in a pink blanket that stretched all the way to the castle. The King and Queen landed a little bit away from their daughters. Their eyes fixed on the overcast as from a break in the clouds, a wisp of pink smoke swooped down and touched the ground. As the smoke faded away, they saw Discord immerge. He stayed completely still and stared at the four Alicorns. The King and Queen appeared from behind Luna and Celestia. Their gaze focused only on the Master of Chaos.

“I don’t like the way he’s just standing there,” said Luna seriously. “Mom, dad, we should wait for Aurora to get here too! It will take all of us to defeat him if things get out of hoof.”

But The King and Queen did not answer. They continued to stare down the Shapeshifter. Before Luna or Celestia could say anything else, Discord started forward, his expression calm and focused.

“That’s far enough Discord!” said Celesita loudly. “This is your only chance to leave now or we will order the guards to arrest you!”

“Now is that any way to treat the savior of the Everfree Forset?” asked Discord in a hurt voice. “After all I did for you, are you really going to arrest me?”

“We can and we will!” said Luna firmly. “This is your last chance! Leave now or there will be consequences!”

“I’m afraid I cannot do that Princess,” said Discord a wide grin forming on his face. “I have come too far to give up now. Besides, this time I’m not alone.”

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked.

“I have two new allies on my side! But don’t take my word for it! Why don’t you ask them yourselves?”

He snapped his talons and instantly the King and Queen obeyed. The two looked at their daughters.

“Mom, what does he mean?” asked Luna to Star Bright.

“Discord told us about his plans honey,” said Star Bright in a voice that didn’t match her own. “We listened and came to the conclusion that he is in perfect liberty to take the Everfree Forest and Canterlot from us.”

“This is a joke right?” said Celestia to her father. “You two aren’t serious! If Discord is allowed to rule over the kingdom, who knows what he’ll do to everyone!”

“King Discord,” began Night Shade. “Will make a perfect leader for the new Canterlot! We will gladly step aside if that is what he wishes!”

“What in the world has gotten into you two?” asked Luna in disbelief. “You haven’t been yourselves ever since the Celebration of Unity! Sure, you might have been a little short tempered lately but this… This…”

Then the realization hit her as her mother looked down at her. Her eyes were full of the same dazed look Black Wood had when he was under Discord’s control. Quickly she tried to make her mother snap out of it.

“Mom, you got to listen to me! You and dad are under Discord’s spell! You have to fight it! Aurora will help us when she gets here! And then we can defeat him together!”

“Princess Aurora,” Night Shade began in a matter-of-fact tone. “Won’t be joining us for some time.”

“What do you mean by that?” said Celestia as she and Luna began to back away from their parents.

Discord looked on in pure amusement as the King and Queen started toward their daughters, making their horns glow bright red.

“What I mean is Princess Aurora is taking a nap,” said Night Shade wickedly. “Now why don’t you two do as you are told and stand aside?”

Behind them, Discord raised his clawed hand and the King and Queen stopped in their tracks. Celestia and Luna could sense the magic building up inside of him as he pointed at the two rulers and then at the two sisters. The King and Queens eyes flashed grey as they started toward their daughters again.

“Hey, come on guys, this isn’t funny anymore!” said Celestia backing away slowly with Luna. “What did he just tell you two?”

Nigh Shade and Star Bright’s horns glowed brighter than ever as they prepared to cast their spells.

“Mom, dad, you have to fight it!” pleaded Luna “Snap out of it! Don’t you recognize us?!”

Just then, the King and Queen lowered their heads and took aim. Celestia and Luna were frozen to the spot with fear. They couldn’t make their wings open! Right when the two were about to cast their spells, a flash of blue light hit the King launching him to the side as his spell missed Celestia by inches. The Queen turned around just as a second flash of blue light was cast. Her spell collided with the challengers and the two were locked in a stream of red and blue sparks. Discord looked for the source of the apposing spell and saw a Unicorn and a quick glimpse of gold and purple armor through the shower of sparks. It was Noble Heart and Snap Shot!

“Celestia, Luna, go now!” ordered Noble Heart as he sent his blue beam close to the Queens horn. We’ll hold them off!”

“But what about Aurora?” asked Luna. “She can help us get mom and dad back to normal and then we can…”

A flash of red light just hit the ground at her hooves. Snap Shot darted forward and tackled the King to the ground.

“No time!” he shouted as he and the King were locked in a wrestling match. “What are you two waiting for?! Just go already!”

“He’s right Luna,” said Celestia. “We have to go!”

“But…” Luna started but a cry of pain made them turn.

The Queen had won the magical chain connection and sent Noble Heard flying in the opposite direction. Snap Shot wasn’t fairing any better. The King had just slammed him to the ground and pinned him there with his hoof. Discord was shouting instructions at the fighting pair. All the while the magic in his hungry eyes was growing at an alarming rate.

“No, no! Leave the spares! The Princesses are over there! Get them! Show them no mercy!”

The King and Queen shot their daughters another threatening look before their attention was brought back to their current distractions. Celestia and Luna had no choice. Reluctantly they spread their wings took to the sky where Discord’s screams of fury and the raging battles behind him grew faint.

Author's Notes:

And thus begins parents vs. daughters. There are only six chapters remaining. All of which lead to probably the most challenging choices I had to make for the trilogy so far.