There was great unrest throughout the castle and in Ponyville. Despite all their efforts, Celesita, Luna, Arcanus, Twilight, her friends, and Quentin were not able to stop Chrysalis from getting the Time Gem, and now she had all six of the Cosmic Gems, said to be so powerful that anyone who has them will be given omnipotence...God-like power and they were in the hooves of Chrysalis. It's been hours since the confrontation in the Everfree Forest and the sun was beginning to set in the western sky, the sky now a fiery orange. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Quentin were in the long, spacious corridor with countless, large windows on the sides with a colorful stained glass window alternating between the regular windows.

Celestia's and Luna's horns were glowing a billowing aura, Celestia's a light gold and Luna's a cobalt blue as Celestia was using her powers to lower the sun and Luna using hers to ready and rising the moon. Thought they were moving massive celestial masses, they displayed no fatigue or strain, effortlessly doing their jobs something that surprised Quentin greatly as he was shown a testiment of their power. The group explained to Arcanus what had happened in the forest, ending with the hard decision of giving the Time Gem to Chrysalis, thus completing her mission of collecting the six Cosmic Gems. Though Arcanus understood the reasons of giving up the gem, he was still uneasy about what would now transpire, they all were. Ponyville was shaken up, but the humble town was already in repairs as carpenter ponies started working hard on fixing the damaged buildings.

The Apple Family and Sweet Apple Acres thankfully were unharmed, saved for Big Mac who was one of the many ponies to fight off the Changelings. Though he had a few minor cuts and burns, he would make it another day to Applejack and Quentin's utmost relief. Rarity almost strangled Sweetie Bell to death at hard tightly she hugged her little sister after crying and finding out she was ok, heck, even Rainbow Dash got a little emotional after learning that Scootaloo was fine, thought her ego and tough exterior would never admit it.

In sort, the citizens of Ponyville would live, with no fatal causalities, but that did not mean that there wasn't any fear of a future attack. As a safeguard, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus created a powerful defense around Canterlot and Ponyville should Chrysalis ever attempts to attack again, but that wasn't enough to ease the dismal atmosphere of the hall of windows. Arcanus sat solemnly, stroking his beard as the others were in a circle, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie still wearing the Elements of Harmony. Quentin on the other hand was next to the stained glass depicting Discord overhead, with three puppet marionettes over three ponies, a Pegasus, an earth pony, and a unicorn with pink fire surrounding them.

Apparently this was telling the era where Discard ruled Equestria in unrest, causing unhappiness to the ponies of the time, rather dark for a painting actually and Quentin noticed Discord had a jagged outline as opposed to the smooth and simple design of the ponies. The stallion looked drearily up at the window and his gaze shifted to the suffering ponies. Though Discord wasn't the threat this time, innocent ponies were still in danger. Quentin didn't want to see such kind ponies to be hurt by anyone. He was finally, knocked out of his thought when a hard, cool object rested on his shoulder.

Quentin turned to see Applejack with a very concerned look on her face. "Are you alright sugarcube.''

Quentin shook his head, ''I just can't stop thinking about this whole mess.''

Applejack sighed as she went over and sat beside her friend, ''I know, we all can't Quen, but is that really the only thing bothering ya?''

Quentin looked at her quizzically and asked, ''Yeah, what else could possibly be bothering me right now?''

Applejack surprised him with an embrace. "Um Applejack?'' Quentin asked uncertainly, his face heating up and a blush coming to his cheeks.

"I jus' want ta make sure you will be alright that's all. After what jus' happen...I...I,'' Applejack responded softly, her southern drawled voice trailing off at the end.

Quentin immediately understood her sudden gesture and he sighed, rubbing her back, "Don't worry about me AJ,'' he spoke reassuringly. "I'm alright now.''

Applejack then lifted her head as our eyes met and, ''I know, but what that...bitch did ta ya...seein ya bein' hung all lifeless like that, I don't ever want ta see that again...I don't ever want ta see you in danger like that again.''

Quentin nodded silently and replied softly, "Well were here together with our friends, and to tell you the truth AJ, I'm really happy that I'm here with you all.''

Applejack gave the stallion a faint smile and rested her head on his shoulder, "I'm glad to Quen.''

The two just sat there, Applejack's head on Quentin's shoulder while he had a foreleg around her's, happy that they were able to be in a moment like this. Rainbow Dash looked away from the group and at Quentin and Applejack. Upon seeing them, she frowned deeply and flew over to the two earth ponies.

"Hey guys, ya think you might want to join us? Kinda talking about something important here!'' Rainbow Dash spoke a w sort of a scowl, a deep, agitated glare on her face as she hovered.

Applejack and Quentin broke apart and agreed and followed the rainbow maned Pegasus back over to the group, Applejack on his left side and Rainbow Dash on his right. "This is most troubling,'' Arcanus spoke somberly.

Celestia nodded disheartened and replied, ''Yes, not only does Chrysalis has all six Cosmic Gems, we don't know where she is or when she'll strike.'' Celestia then went over and looked out one of the windows and out into the sunset bathed Canterlot. "We've casted powerful defensive spells, but if what the Book of Omniscience said is true, than even that won't be enough to keep Chrysalis out.''

Luna walked next to her sister and attempted to console her.

"So, any ideas? Because we've got a crazed queen out there with unlimited power promising gems waiting to strike at any moment,'' Quentin spoke up.

"Quentin is right,'' Twilight muttered. "With the Cosmic Gems at her disposal, she could easily invade Canterlot, and take over Equestria...but.''

"But what Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked as they all looked at the purple unicorn.

Twilight spoke after much thought, ''It's just, something felt wrong when we fought Chrysalis the last two times.''

Dash frowned and retorted, ''Well she's a power hungry, manipulative, murdering bitch and NOW you think she's bucked up in the head?!''

Twilight gave Dash an irritated look and said, ''What I meant was that she was evil before, but lately when we met, she seemed even more evil.''

"Whatever do you mean darling?'' Rarity asked perplexed.

"Before, she was just about devouring love and controlling Equestria, now she's talking about slaughtering ponies. And when she called us 'mortals'...'' Twilight shuddered. "It...didn't feel right.''

The rest all looked at each other as Celestia and Luna joined them once again upon hearing Twilight's statement. "Now that you think of it, she does seem more mean and ruthless as before,'' Pinkie Pie said, tapping her chin.

Twilight nodded, ''And she seemed to be collecting the Cosmic Gems as if her life depended on it. Do you all think that it's the gems themselves? Do you think the more she collected them, the more corrupt it makes her?''

Luna's face fell darkly, ''Thou makest a point Twilight Sparkle. But whatever it may be I have no sympathy for Chrysalis after all she's done.''

"I'm not trying to sympathize with her,'' Twilight retorted firmly." I just think...I think there's something more going on here.''

Celestia walked forward and put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, ''Twilight, you are my brightest pupil, and we learned in the past how not to misjudge you instincts. What happened at the wedding a few months ago proved that.''

Twilight smiled gratefully at her mentor as she continued with a serious look, ''But corrupted or not, she is the greatest threat to Equestria now.'' Celestia sighed, "We've never faced a threat as great as this since Discord, but thank The Great Stallion he's not here.''

"Au contraire mon Princess, I'm back!'' a familiar voice boomed in the air.

"What?!'' Rainbow Dash spoke loudly as she and the rest all looked around alarmed when suddenly the doors burst open.

Suddenly, three ponies cartwheeled and back flipped into the hall, followed by dozens of other colorful equines. They horde of equines all came in, eyes closed with serene expressions as they did various flips and other acrobatic movements. They all wore glamorous, jeweled outfits of some kind, each with varying colors and their attires seemed to resemble various styles such as Persian, Chinese, and Arabian. Some of the mysterious ponies would play numerous instruments in a bombastic, somewhat triumphant tune. Pegasai would zipped through the air while performing rather impressive aerobics while unicorns would use their magic to create fireworks and make it rain confetti. It was as if the hall was being invaded by a massive parade of some sort.

Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, Quentin, and the others all watched on in shock and bewilderment at what was transpiring in the great hall. Pinkie Pie on the other hand was smiling brightly while bopping her head and rocking her body to the rather catchy tune the ponies on parade were playing.

"What the freak's going on?!'' Quentin called over the loudness of the music.

"I don't know, but those ponies really knows how to JAM!'' Pinkie Pie responded happily, looking tempted to join in on the parade.

Her friends rolled their eyes at the pink pony's merriment, especially during a dire time such as this one. Luna frowned as she spoke out boldly.

"As Princess of the Night, I demand to know who are you ponies and what gives you the nerve to enter this palace like this unannounced!''

The parading ponies said nothing, but still to answer Luna's question, they began to part, making way for about six, burly earth ponies as they pulled in a golden, rather massive throne. Sitting on top of the throne was none other than Discord himself, waving and blowing kisses around as the parade went on. Discord himself wore a glamorous, white outfit decorated with diamonds. He wore matching white boots with a flowing white cape with a purple interior. In all he looked like some sort of prince or a hero.

"Discord?!'' Celestia, Luna, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, and Quentin exclaimed while Arcanus looked on with half opened mouth but clearly surprised as they all stared dumbfounded at the spirit of disharmony and his parade of ponies they began to cheer for the draconequus.

Discord ceased his waving and kiss blowing at the sound the eleven ponies calling his name and he smirked slyly down at them. He then stood up and began make his way down his throne, the ponies bowing down to him as he did so.

"Why thank you. Thank you. You're too kind. Oh I'm so flattered!'' Discord said, blowing one last kiss to his legion of ponies as he stepped off the throne and onto the floor.

Discord flashed the group of eleven ponies a wink, but they were not amused in the slightest, and they all gave the draconequus deep glares. Discord then suddenly danced forward to them to the tune the parade was still playing, stopped, and snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, a cigar appeared in Celestia and Luna's mouths to which they immediately spat them out with deathly glances.

Discord cackled, ''Good news princesses, I've helped avoided a catastrophe in Fillydelphia. Something along the lines of an earthquake and certain destruction, but thanks to yours truly they'll live to see another day!''

They continued to frown at Discord as Luna growled, ''Forgive us if we withhold our enthusiasm.''

Discord just grinned at the princess of the night and spoke, ''Oh lighten up Luna. You're always so serious you need to learn how to have a little fun.''

Discord snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, the entire corridor was transformed into a party parlor. Balloons, streamers decorated the ceiling, tables with mountains of food and desserts upon their surfaces, there was even a Jacuzzi filled with what seemed to be chocolate milk was brought to the already crowed corridor. Quentin and the others looked around in disbelief, but Pinkie Pie's eyes were big as a joyful smile shone brightly on her face. She saw the Jacuzzi of chocolate milk and spoke plainly.

''Excuse me for a moment.''

She then jumped into the air with her tongue hanging out and was about to dash to the Jacuzzi but Twilight held her in place with her magic as her legs spun around rapidly and continuously, a annoyed frown on Twilight's face. Celestia whipped her head to Discord and barked.

''Enough!''

"But I feel like celebrating,'' Discord said with a dishearten look.

"We don't!'' Celestia barked again.

Discord just smirked as a plate with a piece of cake with white frosting and sprinkles suddenly appeared in his lion paw in a flash of light.

"Aw c'mon Celestia. I know how much you love cake...and its vanilla,'' Discord egged, scooping a small portion of icing on his eagle finger and sucking it enjoyably.

"Discord!'' Celestia shouted, losing her patience.

Discord sighed in defeat and said reluctantly, ''Oh very well then.''

He snapped his fingers and the party atmosphere changed back into the normal corridor. "Aw,'' Pinkie Pie said disappointed as she landed back on the floor.

However, though the party decorations and food was gone, the parade of ponies were still they, playing and dancing to their heart's content as Discord was still dressed in his white, hero's attire.

"All of it,'' Celestia growled.

Discord clicked his tongue and with a snap of his finger, his parade and outfit were gone in a flash of light. With all now quiet, Celestia composed herself and muttered irritably.

''Now at the risk of being rude, it's nice to hear you are keeping well on your promise and using your magic for good, but now isn't the time Discord.''

Discord rolled his eyes and his gazed fell upon Arcanus and frowned annoyed, ''Arcanus,'' he muttered.

"Discord,'' Arcanus replied unenthusiastically. ''I'm surprised you remember me.''

"Oh I could never forget the unicorn that helped the princesses to discover the Elements of Harmony which led to my defeat...honestly I thought you died ages ago.''

Arcanus' face fell sternly and replied,'' There are plenty things about me that even you don't know Discord. And the Elements are right before your asymmetrical eyes so unless you want to return to your stone prison, I suggest you watch yourself.''

Discord rolled his eyes again and his gaze fell on Quentin and smiled. With a flash of light, he disappeared and reappeared next to the stallion with an arm around his shoulder. "Quentin, it's so very nice to see you again!''

Quentin frowned distrustfully at Discord. ''Uh huh, right,'' he muttered, pushing himself from the spirit.

Discord's face fell from the rather blunt reply and gesture. "Oh come now Quentin you're not still miffed about that harmless prank I pulled on you a while ago?''

Quentin shot Discord a dirty look, "Sending me through a series of hell was anything BUT harmless!''

"An' that reminds me,'' Applejack spoke calmly before rearing and bucking Discord right in between the legs, causing the draconequus to clutch his groin and heaved over and cried out in pain.

The act surprised everyone, even Quentin, while Rainbow Dash smiled darkly and gave an approved nod at Discord's pain. "An' that's fer what ya did ta Quentin!'' Applejack barked.

Though Quentin was shocked at Applejack's action, inside he felt flattered that she would defend his honor like that and the stallion couldn't help but smirk. After a few grunts of pain, Discord lifted his head and peered at Applejack through one, tear filled eye.

''That...ugh...was so uncalled for Applejack!''

"Well almost everything YOU do is uncalled for. Maybe that will teach you a lesson on playing pranks on ponies!'' Twilight scolded.

Discord suddenly got up into Twilight's face and growled darkly, ''Listen, I'd remember who you're talking to if I was you Twilight Sparkle. Remember, I have magic you can only dream of doing!''

He then turned to Applejack and spoke menacingly, ''And you little miss farm girl. You think you can just assault me like that? Well I'll just have to-'' as he was preparing to snap his fingers, Fluttershy quickly got in between the two and said rather sternly.

''Discord...'''

At first Discord was surprised at the sudden interruption and he growled, ''Fluttershy unless you want to get turned into a bug I suggest you get out of the way!''

At this the rest of her friends all glared with gritted teeth ready for a fight. "Just try it Dipcord!'' Rainbow Dash said loudly but Fluttershy raised a hoof to tell them to stay put.

"Discord, you stop this behavior right now. You're upsetting everypony.''

"What?!'' Discord responded, not expecting the answer.

"If you're not going to behave, than I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ask you to leave,'' Fluttershy responded in a stern frown and a tone as if she was a mother talking to a naughty child.

They all looked on in bewilderment at what was happening. It was surprising to Quentin that off all people, Fluttershy was the one standing up to Discord. However, what happened next was unbelievable as Discord suddenly whined, pointing at Applejack.

''But she started it! She had no right to kick me like that...and it hurt!''

Applejack gave a proud smirk and a nod as Fluttershy softened her expression and hovered and put her forelegs around his head, ''From what I heard, you used your powers to torment Quentin, so actually, YOU were the one that started it.''

"Oh yeah...I supposed that's true,'' Discord muttered. "But I apologized to Quentin AND helped him and Rainbow Dash to get out of the Everfree Forest!''

"And that was the right thing to do,'' Fluttershy said with a soft smile. "And Quentin said he forgave you.''

"I said I'd considered it,'' Quentin grumbled irritably to himself as Fluttershy continued.

"Now how about we all forgive and forget?''

Discord thought for a few moments before finally smiling casually and hugging Fluttershy back, ''Aw I guess we can let bygones be bygones.'' He then gave the rest of her friends a cold look and muttered, ''Why can't the rest of you be as nice and understanding as Fluttershy?''

Before anyone could respond, Celestia spoke sternly, ''Discord, we don't have time to deal with you now! We in the middle of something important!''

Discord released Fluttershy and crossed his arms, an annoyed look on his face ''What got your tails in a tangle all of a sudden?''

"If you must know Ponyville has just been attacked by horrible Changelings.'' Rarity answered with a frown.

Discord twirled his goat beard in thought, ''Changelings? Those creatures that feed on love and can take the form of somepony else?''

"Yeah and led by their bitch of a queen Chrysalis, so of course we wouldn't want to deal with your crap right now Discord!'' Rainbow Dash said aggressively.

Discord raised an eyebrow and replied, ''Well that's certainly is a weekend crusher.'' Discord suddenly smirked slyly. "Well if that's the case, this certainly calls for a little sift in the mood in atmosphere.

Discord then reached behind his back and took a microphone seemingly out of nowhere. The microphone had a gold body with a silver speaker. Discord then snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, a small orchestra of eight Discords wearing black tuxedos appeared a distance away from the group. This sudden act surprised the ponies and Applejack spoke in shock.

"What in tarnation?!''

Just then, the lights suddenly darkened as a single spotlight shone down on Discord, leaving Quentin and the rest of the equines looking on in the most upmost of puzzlement. Discord motioned for the Discord conductor to begin playing and sure enough, the conductor began to wave his baton and music began to play.

"I just want to bring the house down a little bit,'' Discord spoke in a slightly deeper tone. "Just want to sing a few old classics. A couple of favorites of mine…for my new friends who are having such a dreadful day.'' Discord glanced at the eleven ponies and winked, but they returned the glance with irritated, impatient frowns.

As the music played, Quentin noticed the tune was familiar to him as it sounded like a contemporary ballad of some kind. Then Quentin's eyes widened slightly as a revelation came to him as he remembered what the tune of the song was.

"Oh I just know this fool ain't about to sing-hmph?!'' Before Quentin could finished, Discord suddenly appeared next to him, pinching his mouth shut.

"Now, now Quentin. Let's not spoil anything shall we,'' Discord spoke wiggling his bushy eyebrows with a sly grin.

Quentin frowned darkly at Discord's gesture as he released his lips. Discord jumped a few feet away from them, the spotlight following him and he opened his mouth and began to sing.

Tale as old as time...

True as it can be. Barely even friends, beauty and the...

[The tune of the music suddenly changes as the spotlight turned into a pinkish purple color and Discord began to dance rather humorously]

Look at this stuff! Isn't it neat?!

Wouldn't you think my collections complete?!

Wouldn't you think I'm the spirit who has everything?!

[Again the tune of the music changed as the spotlight changed to yellowish orange color as Discord continued.]

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance.

I will face the world, face it proud and strong!

[Again the music changed and Discord began to scat in the tune of Under the Sea, dancing and snapping his fingers as he did so with the spotlight turning into a light greenish color. While Discord sang, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, Twilight, Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike were giving Discord unamused glares. Pinkie Pie however was smiling and rocking to the songs Discord was singing. Yet again, the music changed as did the spotlight that so ever followed Discord, now a golden orange.]

And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue cold moon,

so whether we are white or copper skin...

[The music changed again, the spotlight changing into brilliant violet color.]

I want adventure, in the great wide…

Ever just the same…

[Discord spun around as sparkling blue ripple flowed down his body and Discord was suddenly clad in a blue sequined tuxedo jacket with a black sequined under shirt, the spotlight turning into a sapphire blue. Suddenly out of nowhere, a crowd of applause rang out as Discord snapped his fingers and a rose appeared in Celestia's ear, causing the princess to roll her eyes in annoyance, her patience at her breaking point. Discord then looked upward and spoke with a grin.]

"Oh don't you readers just LOVE Disney? And this one's for you Robin.''

[Discord winked and threw an arm around Celestia, causing her and the others to shift irritably, save for Pinkie who was still enjoying the performing as Discord continued passionately.]

Ever a surprise!

While we're standing here, watch Tia's tail disappear

Right before your eyes!

Discord then reached behind him and when he presented his lion's paw, they saw a familiar, multicolored, sparking object. Celestia's eyes widened as she looked behind her and gasped for sure enough, Discord had taken Celestia's tail. The others just looked on blankly and shocked at what just happened but Celestia spoke out angrily, finally fed up with Discord's antics.

"Discord!''

Discord looked on innocently as suddenly in a flash of light, his tuxedo, the orchestra, and his microphone disappeared. The light having returned to its usual brightness as Celestia's tail was reattached to her behind. They all shot Discord disapproving, irritated frowns.

"What's the matter, didn't you like my song?'' Discord asked.

"No we didn't. We told you we aren't in the mood for your cud Discord!'' Rainbow Dash responded aggressively.

Discord's ear's lowered in sadness, but he quickly smirked and in a flash of light, he was standing with one leg on a unicycle, balancing himself all while juggling what seems to be five bowling pins made out of glass or crystal.

"Not ones for serenading are we? Luckily I'm here with other talents. Perhaps I can put some smiles on Ponyville's faces after such a terrifying experience, if they're not still afraid of me of course.''

The others all frowned deeper, quickly getting annoyed by his antics when Pinkie Pie suddenly ran up and retorted, ''Listen bub, if anypony's gonna spread some smiles, it's going to be me! Ponyville doesn't need your kind of fun!''

Discord rolled his eyes but suddenly grinned mischievously. "Oh come on Pinkie Pie, surely I can help the Element of Laughter bring about a few cheers. Hey, maybe we can even do an act together.''

Before Pinkie could reply, she disappeared in a flash of light and later reappeared being balanced on Discord's muzzle with her own while plates were spinning atop sticks on all four of her legs all while in a goofy position.

"Hey what the-'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed, still balancing on Discord's muzzle.

It was true, the sudden demonstration was surprising as the rest all stared in disbelief, but it wasn't time for games and Luna stomped her hoof in anger, ''Draconequus! We told thee we aren't' in the mood for thy games!''

Discord said nothing and brushed her off as he continued having his little fun, Pinkie Pie still trying to make sense of her current situation. "Physics defying, cartoonish, mind boggling, random antics...so that's what it feels like?'' Pinkie Pie spoke to herself.

She then looked upward, still balancing the spinning plates with a pleading gaze. "Um excuse me Mr. Author, but can you be so kind and I don't know...GET ME OUT OF THIS MESS?!''

Twilight stepped forward and said angrily, ''Discord! We don't have time for this. Don't you understand? Chrysalis just attacked Ponyville and what's worse is that she now has all six of the Cosmic Gems, which will give her enough power to take over Equestria or worst!''

However, immediately after Twilight's statement, Discord suddenly froze and dropped all the pins and Pinkie Pie onto the floor, the pins and plates smashing into pieces.

"Hey, I meant gently,'' Pinkie Pie muttered as she glared upward, rubbing her head, but the others all looked in confusion at the draconequus' sudden change of behavior.

What was once a gleeful, playful expression was now replaced of a look of pure...terror. As he slowly walked towards Twilight and bent down to the point where they were almost touching muzzles, an act that made Twilight extremely uncomfortable.

"Did you just say...the Cosmic Gems?'' Discord whispered in sheer horror.

Twilight looked around and finally winced, "Yeah...''

Discord stared at the unicorn, petrified and e slowly turned away and walked over to the stained glass depicting Quentin's six friends using the Elements of Harmony to defeat him, clutching his head and shaking it in disbelief. "No...no...this can't be possible...'' Discord muttered, trying to tell himself otherwise.

Quentin and the others all looked at each other in confusion at what the hell was going on. "Discord, do you know about the Cosmic Gems?'' Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Discord ignored her, still muttering frighteningly to himself. "No...no...how could anypony possibly-''

"Discord!'' Celestia spoke loudly and this time he jumped from the outburst.

. He slowly peered over his shoulder at the princess of the sun and she repeated herself sternly. "Discord, do you know about the Cosmic Gems?''

There was a brief silence as Discord just stared at Celestia with a distraught, fearful gaze until finally, he nodded silently. Luna stepped forward with a frown and spoke, ''Then you know the severity of situation that is at hoof.''

"We learned from the Book of Omniscience that anypony that has the six Cosmic Gems could potentially be granted God-like power. Chrysalis could easily bring terror upon Equestria. I don't think it could possibly get any worst,'' Twilight added with a sad frown.

Discord turned and looked drearily up at the stained glass window and gazed at the image of him being turned to stone. "You're wrong,'' he muttered.

The equines all widened their eyes at this and Rarity asked, ''What are you talking about?''

"It's going to become much worst...worse than any of you can possible imagine,'' Discord responded, still looking away from them.

The others all stared at Discord with confused looks. "W-what do you mean?'' Fluttershy asked meekly, but with a slightly frightened tone.

Discord turned to the group and bore a fierce, outraged expression, ''Chrysalis, or anypony for that matter that finds the Cosmic Gems is absolutely the worst thing that could possibly happen. And you let her collect all six are you stupid?!''

The others all frowned and Quentin spoke up, ''Hey we did our best to try to stop her, but each of those gems proved to be as powerful as we read they were!''

Applejack added aggressively, ''An' we had no choice but ta give up the last gem!'' She then added sadly looking at Quentin from the corner of her eye, ''We had to, or else we woulda lost something important ta us.''

Quentin looked at Applejack sadly at her remark. He still couldn't believe after such a short time he would mean so much to his friends. This however did nothing to calm Discord down and flew in the air in an outrage.

"No...no...NO! How can you ponies allow this to happen?! The Cosmic Gems should never be brought together!''

"The Cosmic Gems should never be brought together?'' Twilight repeated confused.

"Discord, do you know something we don't? Is there something else going on here?'' Celestia ask sternly with an angry frown.

Discord sharply turned his gaze to Celestia before his face fell with a look that we all could tell that he was hiding something. Rainbow Dash leered at Discord, ''You sound like you know something. So spill it!''

Discord gazed fearfully around the group and finally closed his eyes, letting out a reluctant sigh. "As you've may have learn, the six Cosmic Gems are a set of stones with enormous power with in each of them.''

His listeners nodded and Rainbow Dash retorted, ''Yeah we know. Chrysalis went around killing everypony that stood in her way to get them.''

Discord continued,'' But what you don't know is that those gems were never to see the light of day...in fact they were never meant to exist at all.''

The rest were all perplexed by what Discord said and Pinkie Pie asked, "Why?''

"Discord, tell us what you know,'' Celestia ordered.

Discord did sort of a mid-bow and replied, ''Yes, princess as you wish.'' He stood straight up and let out a deep sigh, as if what he was about to say need all the courage he could muster.

"The Cosmic Gems are connected to a primordial, all powerful entity that existed long before Equestria, this entire world even.''

"What?! There can't be somepony THAT old!'' Rainbow Dash retorted in her usual loud tone.

Her friends all gave Discord weird looks as she continued. ''It's true Rainbow Dash and that entity is far more than a mere 'somepony'.''

"Well do not keep us in suspense Discord, Just who exactly is this entity you speak of,'' Arcanus spoke up.

Discord turned away, pinched his eyes shut and gritted his teeth, clearly not wanting to say more, but he indeed turned back to them and answered, ''Is he a being of divinity, or a demon of abomination, one would ask...maybe both. One could say he is evil incarnate but in truth, evil is far too small a word. He is known by many names Chaos, The Demon, The Dark One, but I know him as...Chthon.''

Quentin and the others just stared at Discord, most of them truly lost. Fluttershy and Pinkie looked at one another quizzically while Rarity scrunched up her face in confusion. Applejack and Quentin glanced at each other, clearly never even heard of the name before as Rainbow Dash looked at Discord with a raised eyebrow and looked at him like he was crazy. Twilight was trying to make sense of such a name with her face slightly scrunched in puzzlement.

"The Dark One? Why does that sound so familiar?''

"Chthon?'' Celestia repeated uncertainly.

It was clear that even the wise raiser of the sun haven't even heard of the name. Discord just nodded silently, somberly and Luna added.

''My sister and I hath lived for a thousand years and we have never heard of such a name!''

Arcanus nodded, ''And I admit that I too have never known a being with that name before.''

Discord sighed, ''I wouldn't expect you to. I doubt that any living pony today hasn't even heard or remember who he is. I'm willing to bet my right reptilian leg that there is little to no written record of him at all.''

"But, who is this...Chthon?'' Quentin finally asked, still confused yet intrigued by the name.

Discord closed his eyes, looked away and muttered, "I...I really don't think you want to hear.''

The eleven ponies and baby dragon all glanced at each other in bewilderment but Celestia spoke up sternly, ''Discord, Equestria is in danger. If you know anything that is even remotely connected with Chrysalis, tell us now!''

After a brief silence, Discord let out another sigh before facing the group again. "Very well Celestia, but I warn you, what I am about to tell will disturb you. Even I don't want to recall this.''

It was surprising. Discord, the spirit of chaos was actually freaked out about this. Though arrogant and overconfident, he showed little to no fear except to the Elements of Harmony, but they needed to hear this and they took a few steps closer as Discord turned around and stared up at the stained glass window wearily, the sun half way set.

''Long ago in ages most distant before Ponyville, before Equestria, before the Ancient Era, before this very world the planet was in a state of constant unrest and chaos. Beautiful, beautiful, delicious chaos.''

As Discord said those last words, a look of euphoria came across his face. His listeners all frowned disapprovingly as Celestia barked, "Discord!' snapping him out of his blissful state.

"Oh right,'' Discord stammered and he continued with his story. "Until The Stallion-Above-the-Stars: Chiron, seeing the 'unnecessary' calamity, gathered all the chaos and with that very essence of destruction, he created everything. The sky, the earth, the oceans, the mountains, the trees...the very world itself.''

After this statement, Celestia and Luna both glanced at each other with surprised gazes. "Chiron? So the Great Stallion is connected with this sister?'' Luna asked Celestia telepathically to which Celestia nodded.

''It... would seem so Luna.''

Twilight seemed genuinely surprised and asked out loud, "So wait, Chiron: The-Stallion-Above-the-Stars, he's real he? He actually exists?!''

Quentin understood Twilight's reaction for they had a talk about this a day or two before hand, so news about an omnipotent, unseen force to a logical mind such as hers would be a great surprise to her. Discord nodded.

"Yes, and for eons after the Great Creation Chiron saw to it that everything was in peace and order however, evil doesn't die so easily. For you see, when Chiron was gathering the chaos to create all, the chaos for one moment was one with Chiron and so, was filled with Chiron's power...and thus becoming a sentient being. Now sentient, a fragment of the chaos was able to separate itself and drifted into the void for an unspecified amount of time, before falling onto the new world which is this one, plunging itself in the earth like a seed of evil. Like a seed, the chaos grew and grew over the centuries, bathed by the darkness of equines' hearts and nurtured by the hatred and spilled blood of the ponies of the time until finally, the chaos took the form of a massive, splintered tree...the Tree of Chaos.''

There was a soft gasp as the others heard these words. Celestia and Luna looked at one another astonished glances. "The Tree of Chaos?! Sister...'' Luna telepatically in alarm to her older sister.

Celestia only returned her sister's alarmed gaze as she answered, knowing what she was impying. "Yes I know Luna, it's seems that even that sacred tree has an echo...a darkness to it's light.''

Discord continued, " And over the centuries, the Tree of Chaos spread throughout the land, its roots threatening to snare and devour anything and everypony in it's path until finally the ponies that once waged war with one another decided to band together to stop a greater threat and attempted to destroy the tree at its heart. Poor, unfortunate fools what they attempts to destroy a host of darkness instead galvanized it and along with its sentience it transfigured to the being what would become known as Chthon, the Dark One. Because Tree of Chaos was flowing with the power of Chiron, Chthon was an all-powerful god...the God of Chaos.''

Quentin and the others all widened their eyes on that part and Fluttershy spoke fearfully, ''T-The God of...Chaos?''

Discord nodded drearily, "Yes, and he ruled the Ancient World in an era of never ending darkness, chaos, and death from which it was born from. But Chiron heard the cries and prayers of the ponies of the time and with his almighty power, was able to strip Chthon of his powers and imprisoned him into stone so that Chthon would never return. It took some time, but the ponies were able to rebuild the world into what it is today. Chthon's near dominance were eventually casted aside and were eventually completely forgotten. His rule forgotten into myths and legends...mere ponytales about an overlord with unbelievable power that almost destroyed everything. The power that was taken from Chthon, instead of being destroyed, separated and manifested itself into six singularities...six gems, each holding a power that Chthon possessed; Power, Time, Space, Mind, Soul, and Reality. These gems became known as the Cosmic Gems, and were scattered into the winds in hopes of never seeing the light of day…to be lost and forgotten forever.''

As Discord paused, the Quentin, his friends, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all had a look of utter disbelief. Even the calm collected Arcanus had his mouth slightly ajar at the story Discord was telling them.

"Discord, surly you just made that story up?'' Rarity asked in shock.

Discord shook his head, "I'm dead serious, I would never joke about this, not this, not...him.''

"That, sounds like something out of an old pony's tale,'' Twilight spoke, troubled by the story, but then suddenly had a realization. Ponytale? Wait I remember now!''

They all were surprised by Twilight's outburst and Quentin asked, ''Remember what Twilight?''

Twilight whipped around and spoke firmly, ''Everypony follow me, quickly!''

Before they could replied, Twilight ran down the hall and towards the door. "Twilight!'' Celestia called and they all ran after her, while Discord disappeared in a flash of light.

Twilight had led her friends to the castle library, large, massive wing that was round in shape. In the center of the library, was a large, round pedestal with an even larger golden hourglass perched on top, while around eight or nine paths that led down different aisles of high shelves, each filled with books, tomes, and old looking scrolls. There was a round skylight on the ceiling protected by a dome glass window that gave them the perfect view of the sky, which was almost completely set and now a mostly, dark bluish violet color. Twilight led them to the center of the library and rand down an aisle of shelves.

"Twilight Sparkle, why hast thou led us to the library?'' Luna asked as Discord appeared in a flash of light.

"Yeah Twi, what's the big idea?'' Spike asked.

"There something about Discord's story that kinda reminds of something that I've read once.'' Twilight answered, skimming through the title of the books on their spines. "Oh where could it...here I've found it!''

Twilight's horn was engulfed in a billowing, magenta aura as she levitated a really old looking book from the shelf. "Twilight, what the hay is that?'' Applejack asked as the rest all gathered close enough to see the front of the book.

"Myths and Legends of Lost Ages?'' Pinkie Pie read out the title with a confused look.

Twilight nodded and the book opened and the pages quickly started to flip through it. "Come on where is...here!'' Twilight muttered as the pages stopped flipping and landed on a page.

Rainbow Dash leaned in and winced as she read, ''The Rise and Fall of the Dark One?''

Twilight said nothing only took a deep breath and began to read.

''Long ago in times most ancient, an evil overlord known and whispered fearfully only as The Dark One, suddenly rose up one day from the deepest parts of Hell under a blackened sun and unleased an unspeakable evil; ravishing the land with his wrath. The warring races at the time decided to stand together to the Dark One, but again and again many failed and fell by his overwhelming power. Across the land, the Dark One destroyed anything and anypony in his path, until the entire would was almost shrouded in darkness. Losing all hope and falling into despair, the ponies of the time, cried out for a savior to deliver them from this great evil. The Dark One almost eclipsed the world, but the ponies' prayers were finally answered and The Dark One was smitten by a Great Power from the heavens, causing the Dark One to vanish as quickly as he came. Joyous of the Dark One's defeat, the ponies were able to cast aside their differences and rebuilt the world to the way it was before the Dark One appeared. However before the Dark One was defeated, he vowed that he would one day return and cast his wrath upon the world again as said in this cryptic prophecy:

Twilight finished reading the story, a disturbed look on her face. The others all stared in shock and disbelief while Discord had an incredibly forlorn expression.

"T-That prophecy, it's just-'' Rarity began before being finished by Celestia gravely.

''Like the one from the Book of Omniscience.''

Discord nodded, ''Now you understand. The great danger that is to come now that Chrysalis has all six Cosmic Gems.''

"But...but that story is jus' a ponytale right? Nothin' but a lot o' hooie!'' Applejack tried to deny.

Rainbow Dash muttered, ''We thought the Mare in the Moon was a myth and look what happened.''

At this, Luna looked away shamefully, clearly still ashamed what she did in the past. Quentin couldn't blame her, an act like that could forever haunt her the rest of her life and he put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. He gave her a kind, reassuring smile and she returned a grateful one. Arcanus finally spoke, after a few moments of deep thinking.

"So if what Discord says is true, than the king the prophecy speak of is this Chthon?''

Discord nodded, ''Yes, Chthon is the undisputed embodiment of chaos and destruction...the one, true God of Chaos.''

Quentin looked at the draconequus with a stern frown, ''Being the spirit of disharmony, one would think you were the God of Chaos.''

Discord scratched the back of his head as he reluctantly admitted, ''About that, I guess you can say that I over exaggerated my status for all these eons.''

The twelve were all a bit confused by that statement as Celestia spoke up,'' So the Dark One said in the myth has been Chthon all this time. And by the sound of it, the Great Power mentioned was The-Stallion-Above-the-Stars... Discord, if Chthon really did exist, how is it that only you seem to know who he is while the rest of us have never even heard of his name as well as known it was Chiron who vanquished him?''

All eyes were on Discord as we waited for the question. Discord gritted his teeth as a very nervous look came across his face, but he quickly gave up on hiding his secret and sighed somberly. Discord muttered.

''I know these things because...Chthon is my father.''

"YOUR FATHER?!'' Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus exclaimed to which Discord just covered his face in what appeared to be embarrassment and quite possibly shame.

"You must be pullin' our hind legs? Yer tellin' us that this Chthon guy is yer father?!'' Applejack asked again in utter shock.

"Yes, kind of, augh...it's complicated!'' Discord admitted loudly, before burying his face n his claws.

Thy all just stared disbelievingly at Discord as they learned the revelation. Discord was actually the spawn a once thought mythological entity that almost destroyed this world?

"Hold on a second!'' Pinkie Pie called before pulling a glass of water from behind her, drinking it, and then spitting it out in shock.

"Discord, how in Chiron's name you could be the son of a once thought mythological being?!'' Luna asked in shock herself as Celestia stared on in surprise.

Discord uncovered his face and looked drearily at the group as he explained. "It was eons ago, when Chiron defeated Chthon. Before his was sealed away and his powers stripped, Chthon managed to salvage a small amount of his power and he was able to spit out an egg while he himself was sealed away. After a millennia or two, that some disharmony that was still present among the ponies of the time was absorbed into the egg, giving it the strength for the little draconequus to grow into the handsome devil that is yours truly.''

The others all sort of winced at Discord's last comment with disgust. With his bizarre look of mismatched animals, one could say Discord was far from handsome.

"Though his powers were being taken away, Chthon was still able to pass on a little bit of one power onto me…the power over reality along with his memories.'' Discord continued.

"So let me get this straight, so you were born from an egg somepony spat out?'' Rainbow Dash asked, looking a bit freaked out from the thought.

Discard nodded with a sigh as his tail came in front of him and started stroking it. "Yes, it's true. That egg of Chthon produced the spawn of chaos and disharmony.''

Celestia had her mouth hung opened, but then closed it with a nodded, ''That would explain why you have the power to warp reality.''

"But, why exactly did Chthon created you?'' Twilight asked.

Discord answered, ''I was created as sort of a second chance for Chthon after being sealed away.''

"A second chance?'' Fluttershy asked puzzled.

Discord sighed, ''Originally, I was tasked to find the Cosmic Gems so I may revive my father so he can cast his destructive wrath upon the world again however, I guess you can say I procrastinated on that mission, especially finding and ruling Equestria in a constant state of chaos. And being turned to stone myself for a thousand years didn't help matters either.''

His listeners all looked at each other after Discord's explanation. "So what a minute, if what Discord say is true, and this Chthon really did exist and is the very same being as in the legend, does that mean...that terrible prophecy will come true?!'' Rarity asked alarmed.

With that the other bearers of the Elements erupted into a panicked chatter. "Wait! The prophecy said something about a day of extended long and a black sun, just wait the heck does THAT mean?!'' Pinkie Pie asked, confused by the cryptic wording.

Twilight bowed her head in thought at the strange telling. "Yeah, I mean how can the sun be black?'' Spike asked, clearly bewildered.

Quentin thought briefly, bringing a hoof to his chin before having a thought, ''Well the sun appears to turn black during an eclipse, in other words a solar eclipse.''

His friends showed slight surprised by his theory but Twilight's face showed agreement. "Yes, that's it. The result of the moon passing in front of the sun...the prophecy must be talking about a solar eclipse!''

!''"So what are yall sayin? That a solar eclipse is suppose ta signal the end o' the world or somethin'?'' Applejack asked, flummoxed.

With this Celestia suddenly had a realization, a dreadful one as she looked at Luna with a forlorn, alarmed gazed. It only took a moment for Luna to figure out what was troubling her sister and she too showed a look of distress.

"That's...that's what I believe what the prophecy meant,'' Twilight answered somberly, re reading the prophecy to herself. "But solar eclipses don't happen everyday. We don't even know when the next one is!''

"Tomorrow in fact,'' Arcanus answered, troubled, his head bowed and stroking his beard.

The others all turned their eyes at the aged unicorn. "T-tomorrow?'' Twilight asked in disbelief.

Arcanus only nodded, ''Yes, tomorrow there will be an eclipse of the sun, however, it won't be a normal eclipse.''

They all gazed at Arcanus quizzically. "What do you mean not a normal eclipse?'' Fluttershy asked meekly.

"Wait a minute!'' Quentin suddenly spoke up with all eyes on him. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the raisers of the sun and moon right? So couldn't they just prevent the sun and moon coming together to create the eclipse?''

Everyone's faces glowed with hope except for Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Discord who had sorrowful expressions. "Hey Quentin's right! The princesses could just use their power to stop the solar eclipse and that nasty old prophecy won't be able to come true!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, bouncing.

"No we cannot,'' Luna muttered grimly.

Quentin and his friends all whipped their heads towards the princess of the night with shocked expressions as Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing in midair. "Wh-what?!'' Rarity asked flabbergasted.

"Luna, what do you mean?'' Quentin asked. "If you have the power than you should be able to-''

"That's the problem Quentin,'' Luna cut in, giving him a very dismal look.

"I don't get it, what problem?'' Rainbow Dash asked, an eyebrow raised.

Celestia sighed and spoke with a serious yet sad tone, ''Like Arcanus said, tomorrows eclipse won't be a normal solar eclipse. Every one hundred years, a rare phenomenon occurs that is known as the Harmonic Conjunction.''

Quentin and her subjects looked at Celestia with confused glances as Twilight asked quizzically, ''Harmonic Conjunction?''

Luna nodded as she continued where Celestia left off. ''Yes Twilight Sparkle. Like my sister said, the Harmonic Conjunction is a phenomenon that happens once every century. During this time, all the celestial bodies will align on their own free will including the sun and moon...without the aid of Celestia and myself.''

''For during the Conjunction, Equestria will undergo a great magical shift in the planet's energy. Because of this, we will have absolutely no control over the sun and moon, no matter how hard we may try,'' Celestia finished sadly.

This answer shocked Twilight and her friends as the studious unicorn stuttered, ''I-If that's true, than that means...''

"The solar eclipse will happen, and we cannot do anything about it,'' Celestia answered somberly.

Luna added drearily, ''And not just that, the Harmonic Conjunction also marks the start of the Summer Solstice, thus lengthening the day as it normally is.''

"The day of extended long,'' Quentin muttered as he recited a part from the legend, doing a frustrated gesture as he turned away."Damn it!''

Arcanus began pacing with his head down as he thought long and deep. "What's worse is that it sounds like this dark premonition is coming true.''

There was a painful silence as they all looked at one another, not sure on what to do now. "What do we do?'' Quentin finally asked looking around. "We need to stop this.''

"But how Quentin?'' Twilight asked, looking at the stallion in grief.

"Chrysalis has all the Cosmic Gems, and she's planning on using them together.''

"Does the queen even knows about the prophecy and Chthon? Does she even know what the gems really are?'' Rarity asked.

"I truly doubt it,'' Celestia muttered, bowing her head. "Her mind is too clouded by greed and power to think about anything else.''

Discord shook his head as he frowned grimly, ''Chrysalis thinks that she will gain absolute and godlike power if she collects them, but she's a fool. If the gems were to ever unite, it will unleash the greatest evil the universe has ever known. If Chthon was ever to be revived, it will be the end of harmony. If Chthon was ever to be revived…'' Discord looked upward with eyes filled with hopelessness as he finished gravely.

"It will be the end of this world as you know it.''

Quentin, Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all just stared at Discord with shock, uncertainty, and with a twinge of fear as the last bit of the sun vanished, replaced by Luna's moon. Far away in Castle Changeling, the sky flashed with lightning and cracked with thunder as winds battered ruthlessly on the kingdom's dark, rocky landscape. In the throne room, the Changelings cowered greatly at the bottom of the throne as Chrysalis chuckled wickedly, darkly as it became an evil laugh, her six Cosmic Gems floating around her and glowing their respective colors.

"At last, the six Cosmic Gems...the six powers of the universe are mine!''

Chrysalis then flew into the air, the gems never leaving her side as she grinned malevolently. "The time is almost here,'' Chrysalis began, but as she finished, her eyes became and glowed an unholy red as her sclera became black and her voice became dark and demonic as she spoke.

"Tomorrow when the sun is high and eclipsed by the moon, I shall unite the Cosmic Gems allowing them to free me from my accursed stone prison. And when I arise, I shall reign eternal chaos unto this world...and the world of mortals shall be over!''

And Chrysalis gave off the most chilling, demonic laugh one could hear, her minion cowering even more as they moved away from the throne. What in God's name were they to do to prepare for this relenting storm?

Author's Notes:

The songs that I used for Discord was from the Broadway version of Aladdin's Friend Like Me. It's really great and I recommend everyone take a listen to it. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter and I look forward to your feedback.