The King of Chaos leaned back lazily in his throne, admiring his throne room's décor.  The throne room was split, one half decorated with banners and stained glass representing Discord's Chaos, the banners with purple flames, the stained glass representing different aspects of the Elements of Chaos.  On the half of the room where Celestia sat, banners with the sun hung from the pillars, and stained glass windows represented the Elements of Harmony.  He shifted his gaze over to his Queen, a beautiful alicorn with a pure white pelt and multicolored mane that waved lazily in a nonexistent breeze.  The most striking part about her, however, was her eyes.  As she turned her head toward him, they both locked eyes, and Discord seemed to get lost in them.  As he stared into his Queen's eyes, a wave of perfect calm seemed to envelope him.  Her eyes seemed to be portals into her very soul, the kindness she expressed outwardly was there, Discord could see it in them.  Although he knew he wasn't exactly being subtle, he could not bring himself to look away, he had been doing this for a long time now, catching himself staring a little too often, watching her graceful demeanor, her lithe curves, and soaking in every word she said to him.  Not only was she beautiful, but she was the kindest soul he knew.  She would personally listen to anyone's concerns about the kingdom, be it an alicorn noble or a humble earth pony farmer.  She treated no one unfairly, and Discord envied her patience and grace.  She was an alicorn, the embodiment of grace and perfection, and he was a draconequus, a being simply of chaos, thrown hastily together by whatever god or higher power made the original design of the two races.  He was a monster compared to her, and he knew it.  He looked away from Celestia after what felt like an eternity lost in her eyes, he finally pulled himself away, a doubtful expression on his face.  

"Is something bothering you, Discord?"

He looked back towards her, this time avoiding eye contact.

"No, 'Tia, I was simply trying to remember whether we had any more business to attend to today."  He inwardly grimaced at his statement, it sounded like a bad homework excuse a small foal would come up with.  

The corners of Celestia's mouth moved upwards into a knowing smile.  "I don't believe we do, Discord, it is late, after all."  

Discord's eyebrows shot up in surprise.  Had that much time really passed?  He glanced toward the stained-glass windows, noticing there was no light filtering through them.  He turned his head back toward Celestia, meeting her eyes this time.  "Well, in that case I think I'm going to call it a night, my butt's falling asleep."  

As he began to get up from his sitting position, Celestia chuckled next to him, causing him to pause.  

"It's only six o'clock, Discord.  Just because royal business is concluded doesn't mean the day is over.  Walk with me."  She got up from her throne, and once on her feet, locked eyes with the draconequus king to her left.  "I must discuss something with you."  

Discord nodded in understanding, and followed her down the steps from their thrones.  The two walked through the castle in silence, heading towards the castle gardens.  Once outside, Discord paused, looking out upon the land surrounding the castle, where the city of Equilibrium lay.  He remembered a time when the very same land was barren, a wasteland inhospitable to any life, made that way through centuries of warfare.  The Great War had ravaged Equestria to within inches of total destruction, the very fabric of reality threatened.  The only thing that had prevented the total annihilation of Equestria was the same alicorn that walked in front of him.  Ponykind and the world was saved by Celestia, through the power of forgiveness.  If only the same could be said about my race.  Discord thought to himself with a pang of guilt.  

"Discord, what are you thinking?"

The draconequus jumped in surprise, and looked towards Celestia sheepishly.  He chastised himself for getting lost in his thoughts again.  

"Talk to me, Discord.  You've been unusually serious lately, and with you that usually means something's on your mind.  I am your friend now, and have been for the last century.  You can confide in me."  

Discord sighed, defeated.  "I miss my mate, Celestia.  I miss being accepted.  The ponies are afraid of me, after what my kind did.  They don't see me as a ruler, they see me as a monster."  He looked at the ground, ashamed.  "It's hard being the last of your kind, Tia.  Especially when you have to live with the demons of the past."  A feeling of absolute loneliness washed over him, and tears began to form in his eyes.  "I'm a monster, Celestia, I'm the personification of Chaos, and as essential as it is, all it brings is death and destruction.  I remember looking at where Equilibrium is now and seeing a wasteland."  He looked up at Celestia, now a white blur from the tears in his eyes.  He wiped away the tears with his lion's paw and saw her beautiful face looking at him with concern.

"Discord, You're not a monster.  You're a draconequus.  Draconequus's are supposed to be chaotic, and alicorns are supposed to be harmonized.  Chaos may have negative effects, but it can bring so many good things.  Love is a result of Chaos, there is nothing harmonious about love, it's seemingly random, and drives those who feel it to do things they would normally never do to achieve it."  Celestia reached out her hoof, and patted Discord comfortingly.

"Celestia, think about the negative effects of love.  A love triangle always leaves somepony left out, feeling unwanted and alone.  Love can be unrequited, which I wouldn't wish on anypony."  He sat down in the grass, looking out over Equilibrium.  Celestia lay down next to him, also surveying the city laid out in front of the pair.  

"Discord, do you remember how the War ended?"  

The draconquus sighed.  "Celestia, I-"

"Answer the question, Discord."  

"Yes, I remember."  

"Then you remember what I said?"  

"You told me that there was no point in fighting anymore.  You realized that without Chaos the very fabric of reality would be torn apart."  

"Yes, but I also forgave you for what you did.  And you forgave me.  A monster does not forgive, Discord.  And you forgave me.  You are good at heart, but in your own way."  She looked at him straight in the eyes, a serious expression on her face.  "You just have to believe that for yourself."  

"I don't know if I can."  

Celestia smiled at him with her beautiful, comforting smile.  "Time heals all wounds, Discord.  And we have a shortage of neither pain nor time.  This too, shall pass."

The beginnings of a smile showed on the King of Chaos's face as he turned to face his Queen.  "Thank you, Celestia, at least I have one friend."  And with that, he stood up and walked back inside the castle, though he still felt the same inside.   Next Chapter: Chapter 3 Estimated time remaining: 11 Minutes