-------- Melody’s Tale - Balance and Harmony --------

Twilight!

Lily, what’s wrong?

They’re gone. They just- gone! They’re not here!

Panic. Confusion. Whatever Lily was on about, it was serious. Outside of the white, barren expanse, Twilight furrowed her brow. Inside, she laid a hand on Lily’s shoulder.

Who’s gone?

Melody! Verse! They’re just… GONE! Now Twilight was the panicked one… She felt her heart hammer in her ribcage as Lily continued to fret.

C-calm down, relax… Are you sure they aren’t just… Out for a walk or something?

Nowhere nearby, I already checked… They left their packs, and they haven’t returned in half an hour.

Oh no… Oh no, this is bad…

Hey guys, what’s up?

They’re gone.

Wha? Who’s gone…? Dash had joined in, and now there were three confused and panicked parties.

Melody and Verse. They disappeared this morning. No one knows where they are… This is bad… Twilight rose from her chair in the Royal Canterlot Library and began pacing back and forth, trying to piece together what might have happened.

Twi, I’m freaking out here… I… I need you.

Come back to Canterlot. If Melody and Verse are gone, chances are they won’t be found unless they want to be.

Okay… I’ll be on my way… Twi?

Hmm?

You don’t think they’re like… Bringing a god back or something, do you?

No… No, I don’t think that’s the case. I don’t know why they’re gone. But they are. Hurry back, Lily.

Okay. She went dark, leaving just Twilight and Dash alone in the link. Fluttershy was attending something important, and neither Applejack nor Pinkie Pie had awoken yet… That Dash was up this early was nothing short of amazing. Twilight’s mind raced with the possibilities of what could have happened to cause Verse and Melody to disappear as they had, without so much as a word to Lily… Didn’t they know how important they were? How important their safety was to the future of the world? Twilight knew. She had been studying up on the prophecy in the three weeks she had been in Canterlot. She hadn’t covered much of the material available, but what she had read was both frightening and incredible.

Are they going to be okay?

Of course… Twilight sighed as she padded towards a nearby book case. They’re better trained and more powerful than half the magi in Equestria. Throw their changeling training in on top of that… They can handle themselves.

Alright. Sheesh, it’s moments like this I wish I could help out more… I feel so helpless all the way out here in Eyriewatch…

Trust me… I feel the same way.

-------------

“How is it…” Celestia muttered, her face in her hands. “We cannot find suitable replacements for ALL of the generals that passed?” The aide swallowed hard, shuffling through the folders in his arms.

“Eer… Major Halfhan would present a suitable replacement for General Davington’s open position-“

“If he were five years older with some administrative experience… Major Halfhan is a soldier and a fighter, not a diplomat and pen-pusher…” Celestia sighed and shook her head. “Consider Lieutenant-Colonel Woodsworth instead. He may be able to at least pick up the slack…”

“Yes, Milady. Anything else?”

“Yes… Please prepare an escort. I plan on informing General Davis’ family personally of his passing.”

“I-in Southbay, milady? Is that a wise decision?”

“Luna will handle everything that needs to be handled in my absence. I plan on investigating Baltimare if I can along the way.” She waved a hand, dismissing the poor fellow. The aide bowed and left her office, taking with him relief and leaving instead more stress and frustration. In a single night, five high-ranking generals had passed away. One night. This was a few weeks ago, of course, but trying to find their replacements was proving immensely difficult. It was moments like these that made Celestia realize how much she relied on her officers.

The passing of the generals had been an intriguing mystery… All five had happened in one night, and as far as Celestia could tell, within an hour of one another. The circumstances were strange, and the method even stranger. All but one had happened before a credible witness, and the one that didn’t was thanks to him being in the bathroom inside a very locked and secured barracks. This wasn’t a changeling attack, and the medical corps had reason to believe poisoning was out of the question… It seemed as if these five had just… Died. Out of nowhere. Somehow, Celestia felt as if Chrysalis was still at fault somehow… She didn’t know how, but this had to be the doing of a changeling. It just had to be… There was no way five generals passed simultaneously.

“Sister?” Luna said softly, making Celestia jump. She hadn’t even noticed Luna entering the office. “Are you alright?”

“Truth, Luna?” Celestia groaned, laying a hand over her hammering heart. “I’m not… First Baltimare, now this… I swear, the paperwork is piling up on all the offices across town… Apparently this damned army can’t run itself without these five generals. How does that work?” Luna chuckled a little before slipping around the back of the desk. Her hands lay on Celestia’s shoulders, gingerly massaging the princess’ sore muscles. Celestia groaned and let Luna carry on, thankful for the gesture.

“Tragic as it is, I think we’ll get by. It’s just paperwork. You know as well as I do each unit is well-supplied, training is in order, and in the event of an attack we’ll be prepared.”

“I know, I know…” Celestia sighed and let her eyes close. She had just woken up… Why was she tired already? It was steadily growing worse, her fatigue… “It’s just stressful. You forget how much you need someone until they’re gone.”

“Heh. Tell me about it.” Luna said gently, her fingers still working. “Baltimare appears to be stable, at least… Restoration has already begun.”

“Oh, good… I hope you don’t take it personally that I want to stop by and see for myself… See what happened.”

“Not at all. I think it’d be a great boon to the workers if their princess stops by herself.” Luna smiled and kissed the top of Celestia’s head. It was a warm, gentle gesture. One that made Celestia smile. Despite everything, her sister still made her happy.

“CELESTIA!” The door to her office burst open in a flare of magic. Both princesses immediately reacted, shooting twin bolts of golden and ebony magic straight for the newly-created opening. Much to their surprise, then, when their own powerful magic dissipated like a sickly flame. They were able to relax, at least marginally, when Twilight’s own hands lowered, their glowing much more dense and powerful than either of the princess’.

“Twilight! Heaven’s sake, you shouldn’t be-“

“They’re back.”

“Blowing doors op- wait, what?”

“They’re back.” Twilight’s face was split in a wide, silly grin. “Melody and Verse. They’ve returned.” Celestia and Luna both stood dumbfounded, staring with wide, unblinking eyes at Twilight. The silence stretched on for a few moments before Twilight spoke once more. “They’re flying in from the North. Heavens forbid I ever find out what they were doing up there, but that’s where they are.” Just as Celestia was about to speak, her own lips breaking into a wide smile, she was cut off. Luna’s face was twisted into a frown.

“We proceed with caution.” She said softly. “It may not be them.”

“Luna, I think I know my own chil-“

“Husbands and wives who have been in marriages longer than you or Lily’s entire lives have been impersonated by skilled changelings. It may not be them. Don’t make me repeat myself, Twilight. If it is them, they will gladly subject themselves to a test or two, just to make absolutely sure. They are very sensitive to the success of the war. I won’t be fooled just because two teal-headed avian doppelgangers fly in from the north.” Twilight wilted visibly, her excitement curbed.

“Right… I just heard the first report is all. Would you mind if I be the one to test them?” She asked. Luna shook her head slowly.

“That might be preferable.” Luna interjected. “You’re their mother. You likely know more about them than anyone alive. Just be careful. You may be a goddess now, but you can still be incapacitated. I’d rather not watch you have your throat cut before my eyes. Celestia, are you coming?”

“Naturally.” Celestia picked her chair up, which had been pushed over when she blasted the door. Together, the three goddesses exited the small office, Twilight pausing for a second to repair the damage she had done to the door frame in her haste. Celestia beckoned to a passing patrol, the silent unit falling in behind the three without question. When they exited the palace, it was into a fresh, bright new day. The sun shone warm in the sky, and birds chirped in nearby trees. If it weren’t for all the stress of the current situation, Celestia might actually enjoy herself today. Instead, she willed her fatigued muscles to keep up with Twilight’s quick pace, her expression fixed in an almost permanent frown.

“There they are.” Twilight pointed into the sky. Two small figures emerged from behind one of the few clouds in the sky, and shortly after Twilight pointed them out, they dipped into a low dive.

“Guard.” Celestia said firmly, catching the attention of the previously-silent patrol behind them.

“Yes, milady?”

“When those two land, arrest them. They may be changelings impersonating the Children of Love.”

“Yes, milady.” The two figures didn’t slow or stop in their descent, and as they came closer and closer, Celestia could tell they were, indeed, Melody and Verse. She wouldn’t miss their teal-colored hair anywhere. Silently, the patrol moved around Celestia, Luna, and Twilight, their hands already glowing. Celestia nearly breathed a sigh of relief when Melody and Verse finally landed, their hands extended. Willingly, they submitted themselves to the magi patrol, letting the magic firmly clamp down on their wrists. Almost immediately, the magical shackles dissipated the wings they had upon their backs. They didn’t complain or even appear to be offended. Like they were expecting it.

“You understand why you’re being restrained?” Twilight asked first, her expression both serious and concerned.

“We do.” Melody said gently. Despite her current situation, she couldn’t seem to stop smiling. She truly looked happy to see Twilight once again.

“Then some questions are in order.”

“I suppose they are. Ask away.” Verse grumbled. He appeared tired, but very relieved. Almost like someone returning home after a long day of work.

“Right. What are your respective instruments? Answer for one another.”

“He plays the guitar.”

“She plays the violin.”

“What are the names of the two most prominent figures aside from Lily and myself in your childhood? One at a time.”

“Jokkan.”

“Miko.”

“Who did you first make love to? Answer for one another.”

“Eer… His was Samuel, but she preferred Sam.”

“Connor Hearthfire.” Twilight nodded at the answers, her own hands glowing for a moment. She waved a quick pattern in the air, painting a spell in a tenth of the time any other magi would have taken. Celestia watched as she materialized a simple violin out of nothingness, plucking the instrument from where it hovered.

“Guard, please release the female. She will have to demonstrate something for us.” The guard obliged, and Melody rubbed her wrists where the spell had been. When Twilight handed the instrument off, it came with a demand. “Play a song only the true Melody would know.”

Without even a moment’s hesitation, Melody’s fingers found their place on the neck, and she pulled the bow across the strings. Within a moment, she had the pitch and time signature down. The first three notes were not in any way, shape, or form pleasant, but that was just because she needed to get a feel… After a short pause, Melody began to play…

The sad, slow song nearly made Celestia cry. Twilight’s glowing hand intervened, releasing Verse from the guard’s grip, and with a motion, Celestia dismissed the guards, who silently slipped away and resumed their patrols. When Twilight threw her arms around both the children, there wasn’t any doubt in Celestia’s mind.

Melody and Verse were back.

----------------

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, mom.” Melody said with a soft smile, hugging Lily for the hundredth time in the past hour. “I’m just really tired… We flew all the way from Stalliongrad in two days.”

“Oh… Heh… Right… One more?” When Lily opened her arms, Melody hugged her, smiling despite the overt display of affection. Lily had been clingy since their return earlier that day. Understandably so… They HAD abandoned her without a word, gone off to betray the nation. She would never know where they truly went… In fact, the entire rest of that day had been spent spinning a very elaborate and grandiose lie she and Verse had cooked up in the few weeks they had been absent… Though not all of it was fiction. They HAD gone to Stalliongrad, and there they had made an important discovery. Granted, it was all on Chrysalis’ orders, but it didn’t mean they couldn’t do what they were supposed to do. Lily gave her a gentle squeeze to end the hug, her hands resting on Melody’s shoulders when they pulled away.

“Get some sleep, kiddo. We’ll talk more tomorrow?”

“Of course. I love you, mom… And again, I’m sorry.”

“For the fifteenth time, Melody,” Lily groaned, rolling her eyes playfully. “I accept your apology. You did what you felt you had to do, with no time to tell me.” She ruffled Melody’s hair with a grin, laughing as Melody batted tiredly at her hands. “I don’t hold it against you. I was just worried was all. We all were. We’re glad to hear everything went so well.”

“Thanks,” Melody grumbled. She felt like she couldn’t possibly apologize enough for her actions. “I’m gonna go to sleep now. Good night, Mom.”

“Night, Melody. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Another hug, and they parted ways. Melody slowly shut the door behind her, immediately retreating to her window. She stared out across the wide city spread below. Unlike Fillydelphia, Canterlot wasn’t covered with smog, nor was it very good to look at either. Evidence of the long war still scarred the streets and buildings below, though there thankfully weren’t any bodies or bits of wreckage laying about. Restoration had begun, but Canterlot still had a long, long ways to go until it was back to its former beauty. She wasn’t looking at the battle-scarred city, though… Her eyes studied the adjoining balconies, looking for her brother…

“Hey.” Verse’s soft whisper snapped her attention upwards. One floor above her, Verse leaned over the edge of his balcony, smiling down at her.

“Hey. Has Lily come to say good night yet?”

“Yeah, you?”

“She just left.”

“Okay. Should be safe.” Verse vaulted over the edge of his balcony, using his momentum to swing down onto her own. He landed deftly, his expression now grim. They spoke in very quiet, hushed tones… “What are we doing here, Melody? This is madness…”

“I know…” She groaned, leaning against the railing. “We’re insane for ever thinking this could be done…”

“We have to, though… How long do we have left?”

“Nine days…” Melody replied, ticking off the days they had spent ‘preparing’ versus the time constraint Chrysalis had given them. “I spoke with Lily. She says she’ll get in touch with Applejack and Pinkie Pie, try and get them to come to Canterlot. This is so strange, playing both sides against the middle… Do you think Chrysalis has a contingency plan?” Verse was completely silent for a few moments, his stare fixed on some point off in space Melody couldn’t see.

“I think…” He said after a short while. “She very well might… But if this plan goes over the way we expect it to, it should be fine… We’re taking a huge risk here, Melody… Five generals isn’t enough to hold Chrysalis’ faith in us.”

“Don’t… Please, Verse, don’t say that…” Melody shuddered. She felt so horrible for doing what she did… To hear Verse look at it like they were pawns in an elaborate game was almost sickening.

“Right. Sorry… You shouldn’t blame yourself, though. It was either them or Lily… She’s the goddess of Generosity right now. Or at least, she will be. We couldn’t afford to let her die…”

“I know, but… I just can’t bring myself to forgive her for making me do that…”

“She’s a bitch. No doubt about it… I hope this works, because I’d hate to see her on the throne for however long she’ll be there…”

“Right… Well…” Melody sighed and rubbed her eyes, feeling very tired.

“Bedtime?”

“If I can sleep at all…”

“Tell me about it… Talk more tomorrow?”

“If we can.” Melody shrugged. “Right now, we’re walking a thin line… We tip too far one way, and Chrysalis repeats Baltimare or worse. Too far the other, and-“

“Let’s… Let’s not go there, alright?” Verse said gently, cutting her off. “I’d rather Chrysalis do another Baltimare than… Than let that happen.”

Melody could hardly believe it when she agreed with him. Anything was better than allowing Chrysalis to unleash the primes.

Anything.

--------------

Melody awoke in a bed softer than sin. Her head felt fuzzy and she took a long while to collect her thoughts, but when she finally did, she could actually enjoy the warm feeling of soft sheets and a fluffy pillow under her head. Birds chirped outside her balcony, and the sun was already shining bright in the sky. Still, as she rolled out of bed, dark thoughts weighed heavily on her mind. She took time to enjoy the bathing facilities. This much, at least, helped shake her out of her funk. She hastily dressed and left the chambers she had been escorted to yesterday. Apparently, Celestia didn’t quite trust her yet. Not that she could blame her. Melody DID just disappear for several weeks without any word. Now that she was back, Celestia had reason to be suspicious. So, rather than fight her fate, Melody went to accept it.

There were guards at either end of the hallway. As Melody approached, they stiffened and crossed their spears. “We’re sorry, Melody. We’re instructed not to let you leave.”

“I want to speak with Celestia.” Melody said meekly, opening her hands. “I was hoping we might clear some things up…” The guards shared a quick look before nodding to one another.

“Come with us.” They uncrossed their spears and let her fall into step between them. Melody followed the guard in front of her quietly, but her eyes were everywhere. Canterlot’s palace was immaculate to say the least, bearing almost no sign of the war that had ravaged most of the rest of Equestria. Outside, though, the palace grounds and the surrounding city were still being restored. She watched through one wide bank of windows as grounds crews worked hard at mending long, black scorch marks in the earth. Melody could have guessed at who had created those…

Still, as the guards led her out of what she guessed were the guest quarters, Melody could see the ghost of beauty Canterlot once possessed. Twilight had been assisting with the restoration as much as she could from the castle over the weeks she had been gone, and many of the monuments around the city were humming with magic. Melody could feel it the moment they had seen Canterlot emerging from the plains. This city was teeming with magical energy, unlike their home far in the south, or other cities they had been. She knew that much like Eyriewatch, Canterlot had a dominant population. There were more magi here than anywhere else in Equestria.

Shortly after they had left the guest wing, another pair of guards fell in around them, and with the two new guards came Verse. He smiled faintly at Melody. Despite the early-morning tension, Melody found herself smiling back at him. Together with Verse, she could do this. They wordlessly followed their entourage deeper into the castle.

After what felt like a mile-long hike, they finally arrived at an office. Melody had given up trying to keep track of the long hallways, twisting stairwells, and confusing layout of the castle. The guards pulled up short and opened the double doors to the office, beckoning them inside. Melody and Verse shared one last look before steeling their expressions. Inside, Celestia sat behind a wide desk cluttered with papers, folders, and various other trappings of office. Melody took a moment to look around. There were several articles resting on raised pedestals, covered with clear glass cases. They ranged everywhere from a glimmering orb of obsidian to a broken sword hilt. Melody knew these were important magical artifacts, or they had been at one point. She had something to accomplish, though. She turned her attention back to the goddess sitting on the opposite side of the desk from them, her gaze busy with one document or another in front of her.

“Have a seat.” Celestia said quietly, gesturing towards them with an off-handed motion. From seemingly nowhere, two chairs flickered into existence, pressing into the backs of their knees. Very unceremoniously, Melody and Verse sat in their chairs. Celestia looked up at them then, setting her pen aside. “Have you come to tell me why you left Lily alone and abandoned hardly a day’s flight from the edge of the Everfree Forest?”

Melody could hear it in Celestia’s voice. She was distrustful of the two of them. With good reason, of course, but it still didn’t help their plight. Both of them shifted uneasily before Melody spoke next. “We have. If you’ll hear it.”

“Go on.” Celestia waved a hand at her. Melody swallowed hard before setting in on her story.

“Our sleep since Baltimare had been fitful, to say the least. Both Verse and I had been visited by a phantasm… A visage of sorts. We had to answer the call, Celestia. We were driven. We left our mother behind and entered the forest.” This was where the lie began. “We passed the forest. Into the Shadowlands.”

“No one goes to the Shadowlands.” Celestia said with a frown. “Or more accurately, no one returns from the Shadowlands.”

“We did.” Melody lifted her chin. “The creatures there let us pass. We went unharmed to the heart of the Shadowlands. There, we woke the god of shadows. He has granted us safe passage to and from the Shadowlands. It’s true, Celestia. Your brother walks Equestria once more. You felt it, didn’t you?” Melody could see it in Celestia’s eyes. She didn’t. But that didn’t mean it didn’t happen. With the God of Shadows, no one could tell anything for certain. If anything, the lack of any new power was evidence in and of itself that Melody and Verse actually had done what they said they had. Melody continued her story.

“He told us of many other gods, and more specifically, their locations. So we chose the one closest to us. We flew to Stalliongrad from the Shadowlands. There, we awoke the Goddess of Order. She called herself Judicia. But she was hurt, in pain, even. That’s why we returned, Celestia. If not for Judicia’s pain, we wouldn’t even be here. We would have continued to Trottingham, then back up into Hearth, and into Featherhome after that. Judicia tasked us with a great burden.” Melody reached out to take Verse’s hand in hers.

“What task is this?” Celestia asked. By her softened expression, Melody could tell. She had bought it. Maybe because not all of it had been a lie. Melody and Verse had indeed discovered Judicia in the vaults beneath the Stalliongrad library. And they had indeed been tasked by that same goddess to return to Canterlot. Melody saw fit to leave out the part that they were impersonating a married couple the entire time they had been in Stalliongrad, and had been making surreptitious reports to a disguised changeling there. Making plans for the next step in Chrysalis’ plan.

“Judicia is the Goddess of Order. Order means balance. And without Order’s counterpart, Judicia cannot last long.” Melody stood from her chair, advancing to lay both her hands on Celestia’s desk. Verse stood beside her, both of them staring intently at Celestia.

“We need to revive Discord.”

------------

“This is madness.” Luna groaned, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know why we’re doing this. Next you’re going to tell us to release our other brother.”

“He’s alive and awake,” Melody waved the notion off. “We wouldn’t ask you to release Dark Conquest when we had no need of him. However,” She lifted a finger. “We need Pinkie Pie and Applejack to arrive as soon as possible.”

“Do you mean to revive the Elements of Harmony?” Celestia asked skeptically.

“We do.” Melody answered with a disarming smile. “Judicia and Discord will come together to return Balance to the world. With Balance comes Harmony. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight are already awoken. We need Lily, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie to join them if we want the forces of Harmony and Balance to coincide. After that, the God of Shadow told us it will be much easier to awaken the others.” Melody opened her arms to the small group gathered in the Canterlot gardens. “Just how long do you think it would have taken Verse and I to accomplish our task? Twenty years? Forty? A hundred?” She dropped her arms, but lifted one finger to emphasize her point. “With the forces of Balance and Harmony restored to the world, we can finish in five. And then we can put this business behind us.” She dropped her hand, tears glistening in her eyes. “Verse and I can go home.”

There was a moment of silence. Lily and Twilight slowly inched closer, their fingers closing around one another’s. Even Celestia and Luna shared a meaningful look. Luna spoke next. “Very well, Melody. If it means ending this war and returning peace to the world, then do it.” She gestured to the statue before all of them. “Awaken Discord.”

Melody and Verse nodded at one another before joining hands. They took two steps towards the statue, their magic already taking hold. “Woah!” Melody stumbled, but didn’t fall. She caught herself, a grin on her face. “Hey, I didn’t fall this time.”

“Speak for yourself.” Verse grumbled. Behind her, her brother sat on the blank white ground, looking wounded. With a light-hearted laugh, Melody offered him a hand to lift himself up. The white place was beginning to become familiar to the two of them. Not only that, but somewhat welcoming. Despite their dark intentions and the darker lies they had just told, Melody found herself smiling as she stood nude on the white surface. She and Verse surveyed the blank horizon, waiting for their next target to show himself. They had some time. Melody and Verse were alone again.

“Remind me why we’re doing this.” Verse said quietly, his back pressing against Melody’s. They found if they stood that way, things wouldn’t appear behind them, startling them. That, and they didn’t have to look at one another’s nude bodies.

“Because,” Melody sighed. “If we don’t let Chrysalis take Canterlot, she’s going to unleash her horde against any city that can’t defend itself properly. Millions would die. It’d be Baltimare all over again, just worse.”

“Right, I get that, but why revive Discord?”

”Because, it’s in your nature.” The voice above them caused both Melody and Verse to start. Whirling around and lifting their heads, they both saw him. Discord, god of Chaos, and Judicia’s brother, writhed in the air above them. Melody couldn’t quite comprehend his form. To her, the myriad of color and confusing body parts made her head hurt and her stomach churn. In the middle of it all was a pair of glowing red eyes, wreathed in red flames that flickered menacingly. Those eyes seemed to pierce through her, straight to her core. She wanted to collapse with the weight of the god above her. In the end, she did. Falling roughly onto her rear, Melody’s mouth hung open in shock. She couldn’t even speak.

”Oh dear, I’m terribly sorry…” Discord’s voice was as silky-smooth and sweet as any heartbreaker’s, and twice as sultry. Would that she could comprehend him, Melody might just swoon over such a voice. ”I didn’t mean to confuse you. Here, will this help?”

“HUUHH!” Melody gasped as the oppressive feeling was suddenly lifted from her. Panting, lathered in a flop sweat, Melody could finally make sense of him. Discord stood before the two of them, wearing a simple white suit and shiny black shoes. Much like his voice, the man standing before them was deviously handsome, if not for his menacing eyes. Those red, flaming eyes were still intimidating. Enough for Melody to tear her eyes off of his alluring form to focus on their objective.

”Hello Verse, Melody. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the children of my vanquisher.”

“That’s right,” Verse grunted as he slowly got to his feet. “Twilight and her friends defeated you long ago…”

”Not so long ago… Were it not for them, I might be the one sitting on Canterlot’s throne. Ah well. The best-laid plans of mice and men, no?” Discord shrugged nonchalantly at them, grinning at Melody with a set of wickedly-pointed teeth. ”And now you want to bring me back into the world, not to wreak havoc like I did before, but instead to strike a balance with my dear, sweet sister. How touching.”

“We have our reasons.” Melody frowned at Discord, slowly stepping forward. “And we think you’re going to like what we have planned. Will you listen to us?” Discord looked her up and down before glancing at Verse. Slowly, his lips curled into another wicked smile.

”A plan? Oh, do tell…”

------------

“They’re back.” Celestia observed. Melody and Verse shivered slightly, but both of them slowly came awake. “Were you successful?”

“Y-yeah,” Melody moaned, clutching her pounding head as she sat up. “Look.” She raised one hand towards the statue. Discord’s likeness had sat on Canterlot’s lawns ever since Twilight had imprisoned him there long ago. Before Chrysalis’ first attempt at invading Canterlot. Since before the war. That entire time, the statue had a glimmering, white sheen to it, almost as if it were carved from pure marble. But now, the statue was dull and grey, cracked and faded.

“What happened?” Luna was suddenly on the defensive. She stomped forward, hauling both Verse and Melody to their feet. Melody wobbled unsteadily, her headache not having subsided at all. “What did you do to him?”

“We revived him,” Verse grunted, clutching his own head with both hands. “But he liked the statue. He wanted to leave it behind. We had to give him a different form.”

“Is he already gone, then?” Celestia asked, still frowning. “Did he slink off while we weren’t watching? You’ve been unconscious for almost an entire day…”

“Probably.” Melody whimpered. Her head seriously hurt. Much to her thanks, though, Twilight was there. She took Luna’s place, her hands already glowing with dense energy. The headache all but vanished, leaving Melody feeling exhausted in its wake. She offered a thankful smile to her mother. “He said, as much as he hated to, he had to meet with Judicia. He’s likely on his way to Stalliongrad right now. But we need to act quickly. Where are Applejack and Pinkie Pie?”

“They only just reached Fillydelphia this morning,” Twilight answered for them. “They’ll be here in three day’s time.”

“Three days?” Melody wilted a little. “What about the railways?”

“They’ve been shut down for the time-being.” Luna answered. “With Chrysalis’ horde so widespread, we don’t know what changelings are what. We’ve opted for a more secure transportation option. Avian flights escort busloads of supplies between destinations now. Applejack and Pinkie Pie will be on the first transport out of Fillydelphia tomorrow morning. Fluttershy will be coming with them. Noth and Rainbow Dash are coming from Eyriewatch as well. Soon enough, all of the Elements of Harmony will be here. Three days’ time, Melody. Three days’ time before Judicia’s plan is in place.” She smiled warmly, clapping both Melody and Verse on the back. “Congratulations.”

“Rainbow Dash is coming?” Verse asked quietly. “Why? We didn’t really need her to be here…”

“She insisted. Said it’d been a while since she’s been with all of us. We figured since you plan on bringing Lily, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie into the fold, we couldn’t really stop her. Fluttershy came of her own accord just as soon as she heard Rainbow Dash was coming.” Twilight smiled at them. Inside her head, Melody heard herself say ’all according to plan.’

“But… What about Eyriewatch? Who’s the commander?” At Melody’s question, everyone gathered smiled at her.

“Someone you know very well, Melody.” Even Celestia was blushing as she said it. “Faith Reigard, Captain of the Courier force.”

--------------

“I got the message out.” Verse whispered softly. Melody hadn’t heard him enter her room. In the deep shadows, she pulled her robe up her arms hastily. “None the wiser.”

“Right.” Melody flushed as she covered herself. “Let’s hope she holds up her end of the deal.”

“She said she would. We just have to take her at her word.” Verse respectfully averted his gaze, but didn’t leave. “She’ll come. Just as soon as Twilight, Lily, and the others leave.”

“Still… Verse, I don’t know how I feel about this.” Melody felt the tears begin to well in her eyes. They had executed their lie almost perfectly. Granted, it was peppered with the truth, but at least Celestia didn’t suspect the real reason they had gone into the Everfree Forest, or to Stalliongrad for that matter.

“Hey.” Verse laid a hand on her shoulder. “We’ve got three days before then. We need to at least try to stay positive. Look at the bright side. Faith got a promotion.”

“That’s right… Faith…” Melody smiled despite her dark thoughts. Memories of her time with Faith came back readily, and she smiled at Verse.

“And we’re in Canterlot. We can probably help out with the restoration while we’re here.” Verse gave her another reason to smile, this time he drew her into a gentle hug.

“That’s a good idea. We’ll get to see more of the city.” ’And keep ourselves distracted from the real job at-hand.’ Melody added as an afterthought, wrapping her arms around her brother. She could certainly use a distraction. Verse patted her on the back before pulling away and walking back towards her balcony.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, and we can ask about volunteering for the restoration effort.”

“See you tomorrow. And Verse?”

“Hmm?” he paused with a foot on her balcony railing.

“Thank you. You always know how to make me smile, even when I don’t want to.”

“What else is a brother for?” Verse smiled and spread newly-shifted wings before flapping off into the night. Melody watched the empty balcony for a while before slowly slipping out of her robe. She looked down at her arm.

And the hole that was in it.

Was she becoming more like a changeling? Or was Chrysalis losing her power?

Either way, Melody didn’t like the implications. She curled up on her bed and tried to sleep.