Scheduled for the South
After hours of supervising the recovering kingdom through the night, Luna decided that many had enough. She would have her Night Guard take over, and let her sister's forces rest until the morning. She also instructed that none of the citizens would be disturbed as they were assisted and accommodated according to their necessities.
She walked into Celestia's room and searched for her. "Sister?" She frowned a bit when she saw that Celestia was about to work on some letters. "Oh, no. You let me take care of that."
"But, Luna… It's okay. I can do it. I ought to do something to help-"
"You've done enough. You're still sick, Celestia. You will help us more if you get better soon, okay? Please don't make me bring the doctors into this. They're very busy."
"I understand. But, you also have to see my point, I don't want to lay around uselessly…"
"It's okay. You'll take care of things in the morning, when you've gotten some rest. You'll raise the sun and take care of your duties, like usual. It's night, sister. My turn. I'm just taking care of things like I would do every night. You rest, and let me handle it until the morning. Don't worry, I'll call you if something happens."
She stepped away from Celestia as she walked into her bed. "Okay, I must leave now. Sister, you won't sneak out and overexert yourself, will you?"
Celestia chuckled. "And you tell me not to worry. Please, Luna, I'll be fine. If you say you can handle everything… Then I'll trust you."
Luna nodded. "Very well. I'm sure Discord will be here shortly. Goodnight, Celestia." She smiled at her, then left the room to get back to the throne room and meet the Royal Guard.
She wandered around the palace, exhausted, but determined to wrap things up as well as possible. This is no time to rest… We haven't had it this bad in centuries. I have to make sure everything is okay…
The Mane Six approached her with endless offers to help and volunteer in guard duty.
She waved her hoof at them. "Please, girls, don't get carried away. All of us need to recover our energy. We need to get as much rest as we can. Please get some sleep tonight. I assure you everything will be alright." She led them to the balcony to show them the city. "We're doing well so far. I think I can manage it on my own from here. You girls deserve a break for sure."
Twilight looked at her worriedly. "You do too, Princess. There's still so much out there-"
"I'll take care of it. I have to guard the night, anyways. I'll call you if I need something. For now, everything has been tended for, I believe.
Rainbow Dash nodded. "Everypony's accounted for, and they're all being helped out there! I checked, even the skies are in order! The Weather Patrol is at its best."
Fluttershy looked over her shoulder. "The medical facility is doing fine, too. They're getting all the help they can get, and the sick and injured are doing much better. Oh, I'll help them first thing in the morning…"
Applejack held her shoulder and smiled. "We all will. We ain't over contributin' to this cause yet."
"Oh, thank you girls. You've all been such great help… I hope you have good dreams tonight. You deserve them." Luna bowed her head at them and watched them leave. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
After that, she kept a steady patrol outside of the palace, where ponies seemed to need her the most at the moment. She comforted those she passed and helped the royal guards with repairs and escorts to refuges. She tirelessly reassured all of Canterlot through the night that they would be safe from then on.
It seemed to work, for the more time passed, the easier it was to get around the city. There was less mess and the debates were milder, as ponies grew more secure and comforted with their princess' words.
Soon, almost everypony was resting and taking it a bit easier, for the hardest tasks were over with, at least for then. Luna led the Royal Guard in the final rounds around the city, and sent messengers and forces to check on the other parts of Equestria, even those that had not been reported as gravely damaged.
Meanwhile, Celestia tossed and turned in her bed. She finally laid in her stomach and let out an annoyed sigh. I don't know why Luna wasted our time… I can't get any sleep. It's pointless… She shook her head and groaned, finally deciding to take a look out the window. "...Discord…"
Upon her whisper, Discord's eyes opened and glowed in the shadows, behind Celestia and her bed. He floated over to her and gently whispered back, just as he wrapped his body around her. "I'm here, princess."
Celestia blinked and smiled with relief when she saw him. "Oh, you sure are… I'm glad… I couldn't sleep, Discord. Everything that happened… Well… How did everything turn out with… Um…?"
"Her name is Miseria, Tia. And don't worry. I managed to calm her down and convince her to give this world a chance… the right way. I convinced her to try to be a part of it… I do believe that we should also give her a chance." Discord sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the carpeted floor. He didn't look at Celestia.
She smiled, knowing that he was more nervous than he admitted. "Of course, Discord. That was very kind of you, to help and reassure her like that…" She patted his claw with his hoof, then leaned closer to him when he wrapped his arms around her again. "I am willing to give her a chance and welcome her to our lives… After all, you seem to have taken care of things well. I trust that you will be able to handle her."
Discord smiled and watched her after he let her go. "Well, I'm glad I have your trust. It's been worth it…"
She chuckled and scooted over on the bed. "Come over here… Lay down for a minute. It's late, and you look exhausted." She looked at the bed while she thought for a few seconds. "...We have never been like this before. On a bed, spending time together after a victory. It's been a long time." She smiled and blushed slightly despite her paleness. "And it's never been like this before. Do give it a try."
Discord stared at her after he sat beside her. He looked up as he sorted through his thoughts. "...You know, a thousand years have made me wonder… If I had grown up beside you through that time… If I had been this free in any of those many nights that passed… Would I have had this chance?"
Celestia looked at him after he snuggled with her. She stayed quiet while he kept wondering to himself.
"Would it have happened in any of those nights? Together, like this… Just you and me… Think of the times we would have spent together, if I hadn't…"
Celestia patted his cheek with her hoof when he trailed off. She looked down for a brief second, then gave him a smile and a nuzzle. "Don't worry about that, Discord. You're with me now, that's all that matters. And… Do you know something? I do plan to have many nights like this one… If you will agree, of course." She looked up at him, then kissed him.
Discord held her face before he leaned forward, closer to her, and let his lips meet with her own. He chuckled, but stayed quiet, even after they separated and remained silent for a little bit.
She kissed him a few more times, then nuzzled under his chin. "See? It's not difficult to focus in this moment. We'll have many more like this, to catch up and make up for everything."
"I absolutely agree. I'm glad you have such a good disposition." He wrapped his tail around hers, then laid down while she watched him. "Cooperation makes everything ever so easier…"
She chuckled and patted his head. "I take it you'll spend the night here?"
He looked up in thought as he laid on the bed. "Ohhh… Sounds like a splendid idea. If it's alright with the princess, of course. I wouldn't like to disrespect her honored right…" He then gave her a playful smile.
She couldn't help but chuckle again. "Of course it's alright with me. Why, you're my honored guest. You always have been." She draped one of her wings over his body, then lowered her head on her hooves.
Discord snickered inwardly. It wasn't the case a little while ago… But of course, you were throwing a tantrum back there. A princessy-style little tantrum.
"...I love you, Discord. I do. Oh, I've… I've wanted to say that for the longest time now…"
He stared at the princess, then put his head next to hers, facing her. "I love you too, Celestia. Let's just hope the world doesn't come crashing down because of that most obvious proclamation…" He yawned, then closed his eyes as he nuzzled her.
"Oh, yes… Hopefully nothing will happen… Heh, have you noticed? Everytime we touch upon the subject, some chaos or other seems to arise upon us… I hope it's none of your not-so-funny doing." She glanced at him, then raised the blanket with her magic to cover both of them.
She nudged him slightly when he leaned closer to him, and watched him curl up with her on his side. Then she levitated her calendar and gave it a brief check, to already think of what would need to be done the next day, first thing in the morning.
He chuckled a bit. "Rest assured… It's none of my doing… And, if anything does…" He yawned while she scooted closer to him. "Anything does come up, we'll… we'll just deal with it, right? As you have done on your own for millennia… As I will… with… with you… from now on…"
Celestia nodded and spoke while she sorted through the little pad. "Goodnight, then. I'll see you in a few hours, when I raise the sun. Oh, I'm sure there'll be a lot to do, right? I was forgetting, there will have to be a meeting with the council… Do remind me to send the Royal Guard in a leave, they need their rest. And I'm sure things will have to be done about Miseria tomorrow, right, Discord?"
She blinked when she received no response after a few seconds. "Discord?"
She looked at him after she heard his snores, and saw that he was already fast asleep beside him, his head resting on his lion paw, facing her, as he had been while listening to her until a few seconds ago. She chuckled and sighed, putting the calendar away, then turning the candle off. "Tonight was exhausting…"
Discord muttered in his sleep, then scooted closer to her after she laid down again. "South…. end…" He snored a bit more, his ear twitching. "Unh… A… dragon… dragon pony..."
"...Wasn't it? You and your endless, good nonsense…" She patted his head and watched him relax into deeper sleep after he was done mumbling. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Rest well, my dear…"
Some of the royal guards carried an unconscious Modest out of the plaza, towards the palace. His helmet had fallen off, but he still wore his armor, though the magic shield had also disappeared.
Luna watched the guards place Modest down near the doctor ponies. She smiled a little and walked towards him. Prince Modest, thank you so much. You fought so bravely for our kingdom's sake… She nodded at the ponies and watched them as they left to give her space. Then she turned to Modest again and nuzzled him gently to revive him. "Can you hear me, Prince? Prince Modest?"
The prince opened his eyes and tried to stood up, but stumbled and nearly fell from exhaustion. "Huh? Prin-Princess… Princess Luna, you're free… But… How…?" He winced, then almost collapsed on the ground again, nearly losing consciousness.
Luna supported him. Her horn glowed as she cast a spell to give him some energy. "It was all thanks to the Elements of Harmony, and their combined effort with Discord to stop all of the destruction." She started to walk with him, while she told him some of what had happened in the enchanted Everfree Forest.
She looked down, suddenly feeling nervous again. "Um… I also want to thank you, Prince Modest. Thank you so much for helping us… For keeping the city safe. It would have been destroyed immediately if you had not interfered with the others."
Modest smiled while she kept her gaze on the ground. He closed his eyes, then looked away. "Don't worry, princess. It was all for your sake. I only did my duty as prince, to help protect you. Yet…" His smile faded into a heavy face of disappointment. "You were imprisoned… I feel I didn't do enough. You were attacked and turned to stone, right before me. I couldn't do anything, even to keep you away from her…"
She shook her head and then gave him a reassuring smile. "At the contrary. You did as much as everypony. You saved lives, for you kept the citizens away from danger and harm. I will be forever grateful to you for that gesture. I'm sure everypony will, too."
"Oh, don't mention it…"
They stared at each other for a few seconds, until Luna grew even more nervous and flustered. She remembered the kiss that she had given him to help Celestia break the spell on him.
Oh, no… Th-there's that, too… Oh, goodness, I hope… In Master Starswirl's name, I hope he wasn't conscious to notice what happened… Her ears flattened against her head while she blushed, but she gave him a nervous smile nonetheless, while he also stared at her nervously. "N-now, then… Um, how about we go into the palace, to get some rest? It's… It's been a long night, even… Even for me. Oh, dear, a most crazy night, wouldn't you agree?"
"Um, y-yes, of course. Quite crazy, definitely. I-I couldn't agree more. Goodness, I can't believe it all whirled by so quickly… Um…" He bit his lip, then looked aside, chuckling weakly. "But, yes. The palace. That would definitely be most appropriate."
"O-of course, for the time…"
"Being, yeah…" Modest glanced at her quietly while they walked in silence the rest of the way. He hesitated with the idea of talking to her about the kiss that he had definitely received from her much earlier… But, decided not to, in the end. It wasn't a dream, though. There's no way it was. Was it? No...
She glanced at him while he debated in his thoughts, then let out a sigh. She tried to make some more conversation during their last minutes together, but could not find anything for the life of her.
In the end, she settled with making sure that he was not seriously wounded after they walked into his room, much to his embarrassment. "I-it's alright, prince. I just, um… I want to make sure that…"
"Yes, I understand."
"Are you sure you don't need to go to the infirmary?"
Modest stopped in the middle of his room. Despite his condition, it actually didn't look like he was going to bed any time soon, much to her dismay.
He actually headed to some books to consult something. He shook his head and gave her a gentle smile.
"I'll be alright, Your Grace. I would not wish to trouble your doctors and nurses. I'm sure they have plenty to do." He walked beside his bed and put some books on his desk to look at later.
She walked closer to him. "But, Prince…"
He looked at her gently. "Thanks for your attention, I really do appreciate it. I'll be alright for the night, so you may go on now. I'm sure you must be tired as well. I don't want to keep you."
"Don't be silly. I'm the Princess of the Night, after all. I'll be just fine. Don't worry about anything else. It's you I'm concerned about." She moved the books, then set him on the bed, smiling when he tried to protest. "You've already done more than enough for us. Please, do get some rest. I don't want you to get worse."
Modest frowned a bit. "But, princess, I don't think I could just leave you all-"
"Allow me to help, then. That's what I'm here for." She closed her eyes and tapped his head with the tip of her glowing horn before he could say anything else. She cast a spell and let it flow into him gently.
Modest groaned and yawned. His eyes were barely open as he smiled a little and swayed drowsily, fully under the influence of her soothing spell. "I'm… I'm so… Oh, my back is killing me…"
Luna put his hooves in the bed and walked closer to him, massaging the back of his neck and his shoulders gently. "See? Prince, you deserve some rest now. You'll feel much better."
"Oh, that… That feels good… Thank you. You're just… wonderful, Princess Luna…" Modest yawned again, then rested his head on his hooves, oblivious to the bright blush that had crept on her face. He drifted off to sleep seconds later, breathing evenly, his body completely relaxed.
Luna stared at him while he slept, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "You'll be alright." She covered him with a blanket and smiled when he groaned slightly and nuzzled under it, completely comfortable, out like a light. She was still blushing lightly. "I will watch over your dreams now, my…"
She closed her eyes, then took a deep breath before she looked at him again and spoke softly. "My prince." With that, she turned around, then walked out of his bedroom after turning the light off and closing the door.
Celestia woke up some hours later. She already felt much better despite the few hours of sleep that she got, and the illness that still ailed her. She stretched her wings, then looked at the rising dawn.
After watching that for a few minutes, she turned back to look at Discord and watch him while she slept. She leaned closer to him and kissed him gently. "Thank you for everything," she whispered in his twitching ear, before she headed out to the balcony to help the sun raise.
She closed her eyes, opened her wings, stood tall, and took a deep breath while her body glowed. The welcoming light and warmth of the sun seemed to emanate from her first, before it showered all of Equestria to awake and lead it to a new day and start.
Many ponies around the city were already up or getting up, in their routine of yawns and stretches to get the sleepiness out of them while they prepared for their early morning duties.
Celestia smiled while she watched them all. Luna did a wonderful job with the overnight repairs…
The citizens seemed more calmed, coping better after receiving the reassurance and protection of the Princess of the Night. They worked their way around what still needed to be repaired, and did the best with what they already had, trying to move on as well as possible.
That's my Equestria… She groaned and swayed a bit. "Whoa… Ngh, easy… Now, take it easy…"
Discord opened his eyes and watched Celestia just as the morning glow faded from her body, the sun almost completely raised. He frowned just a bit when she staggered, but relaxed when she recovered.
She sighed and looked out of the balcony one last time before she wearily stepped back into the room. A smile played at her lips when she saw him awake. She couldn't help but chuckle when she remembered one memorable morning, more than a thousand years ago. It still felt good to remember it, though, and speak to him how she did back then. "...Discord, good morning. I see you're an early riser."
He gave her a knowing smile before he answered the same way as back then. "Well, sometimes, yeah." He stood up from the bed, then caressed her face with his eagle claw. "Heh, heh… We're not going to roll down a hill to end up in an embarrassing situation, are we?"
Celestia laughed a bit and shook her head. "Oh, Discord." She nuzzled into his claw, then turned around. "How do you feel about breakfast? After we eat, we have to get to business, pretty soon…"
He floated over to her side and nuzzled her neck. "Oh, why not let Twilight Sparkle take over for today? She can manage… Let's have the day to ourselves, Tia. We deserve that much." He smirked and bit her ear just slightly to play a bit. He chuckled when she blushed and giggled.
"Discord!"
"Oh, I'm sure it won't kill anypony. Your council will know how to behave on their own."
"V-very well, if you insist. B-but, Discord-Discord. We still have to… Have to deal with the issue of your… little sister." He watched her float around her, then laughed again when he held her. "Oh, stop!"
"Why? This isn't so bad…"
"My counselors are already discussing the subject as we speak…"
"Are they?"
"Yes, but… I assure you…" She looked up when he held her face, and smiled. "No harm will come to her."
"I'll visit her today. Fine, you win, you win…" He smiled and floated away from her while she chuckled and turned away. "I'll visit her pretty soon. But then… I'll come back to play with you." He appeared in front of her and brushed her cheek with his eagle claw. "What do you say?"
"The idea is lovely. Don't worry, I'll be waiting for you." She sat near her desk, looking up at him. "But come back soon… I really will be waiting."
"Of course you will!" He grinned and sat in the air. "Soon won't be fast enough, princess." he leaned closer to her and held her. However, he snickered and vanished just before they kissed.
Celestia blinked with surprise, then raised an eyebrow. "Discord…" She shook her head and let out a small laugh. "That's Discord, alright. Thank goodness..."
As soon as she was put in charge of some of the Princess' duties, Twilight made sure to do her best to get the job done. She found that it was not as difficult as she had initially thought, just as Spike had assured her it wouldn't be.
After tending to some of the appointed citizen's needs and advising them as best as she could, she diligently checked the palace mail for important notices.
"So you really are going to be in charge of all of it?" Spike sat on her back while she sorted through the mail bag with her magic. "It's a lot…"
"I don't mind being this busy in the morning. I'm free, after all, and the princesses need me." She put some envelopes in their respective boxes. "It's fair that I help them, they're exhausted. The Royal Council needs help, too. I've already gotten a few things done… Sorting the mail is the easiest task there is."
Spike looked up in thought. "Yeah, I guess, but that's what mail ponies are for, isn't it?"
"I don't mind, Spike. Now, let's see… What did the royals get…? Invitations, notices, letters, okay, they go here…" She blinked when she noticed a serious-looking envelope. "Hm? What's this?"
Spike looked at the envelope when Twilight levitated it. "Looks serious, doesn't it? And…" He sniffed, then looked at Twilight. "It smells a bit singed."
"Singed?"
Spike shrugged. "I know that smell, you know."
Twilight sniffed the envelope, then raised an eyebrow. She opened it carefully and started to read while she walked down the hall. She glanced at Spike every so often as he peeked from over her shoulder. "Spike…"
"Sorry."
Modest stretched, then walked out of his room, downstairs. He seemed to be doing much better after the good rest that he got, though he didn't even remember falling asleep. He greeted some of the service and helped others, then stopped when he spotted Twilight in the distance. "Ah…"
Spike looked over his shoulder then smiled, tapping Twilight's head to get her attention. "Twilight!"
"Spike, please, I'm-" Twilight blinked, then bowed her head when Modest stopped before her. "Oh, good morning, Prince Modest! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you. I was just…"
"It's no problem, Miss Sparkle. Good morning." He smiled and looked around before turning his attention back to her. "I suppose you'll be in charge of some things today? Heard you're running some errands here."
"Oh, yes, just taking care of a few things…" Twilight smiled and chuckled a bit. "I don't plan to take any liberties, though! Um… Anyway… How are you feeling, Prince Modest?" She gave him an admiring smile. "I heard it was you that kept Canterlot from falling completely. You were of great help to our royal guard."
She tidied a messy pile of scrolls and envelopes into a neat, organized set while she spoke, and did not mind Modest's slightly embarrassed smile.
"Um, to be honest… I don't really recall much of last night's events. Things were so very… confusing." He rubbed the back of his head while he thought.
Twilight blinked while she stared at him. "You don't?" She tilted her head to the side a bit.
Modest sighed and shook his head. "I barely remember anything that happened earlier… Um, yesterday, to be exact…" He shrugged and looked at her with a confused expression. "Next thing I knew, the princesses stood over me, and… and Princess Luna…"
Twilight smiled a little when he blushed and opened his eyes a bit wider. "Um, are you okay?"
"O-of course! It's just… Um…" He glanced aside, fidgeting with his hooves. He had no idea why it had happened; it felt like he had woken up from a dream… and then the Night Princess was there, kissing him. He was now certain that her kiss was not part of the dream. He had been awake when that happened.
He cleared his throat and started to walk alongside Twilight. "Er, anyway… I remember Princess Luna being turned to stone. I remember that quite well. I… I guess I got carried away in the moment and stress of the situation after she disappeared… I didn't think too clearly. I was just focused in helping everypony. I decided to stay and protect the princesses' kingdom no matter what, since I was unable to protect Princess Luna. Miseria had left a mess big enough as it was, they needed all the help that they could get."
"Yeah..." Twilight muttered and looked aside. For some reason, she felt like it wouldn't be the last that they would see of Miseria… Though she sure hoped that it would be the last time they would have to confront her like they did last night. It sure was terrifying… It still makes me shiver, to think of all that… It's unbelievable, that we all made it through it in one piece...
She looked down at the letter that she had read. "...But, Prince Modest… It looks like Canterlot was not the only troubled place. Look… The Southern Lands seem to be having issues as well. They have for a while, from what it says here…"
She frowned a little while she skimmed through the letter. "Dragon migration seems to have gone awry over there… They got in trouble and are under attack…"
Modest gave Twilight a concerned look. "Is that so?" He stopped and turned around, looking down at the letter. "That's definitely not good… Dragons always have been a problem. What else does it say?"
"Let's see... 'Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Canterlot. I hope that this letter finds both of you in good circumstances, and in good health. I am afraid to inform you that we are under the attack of raging dragons that constantly arrive into our lands via the dragon migration. We have tried our best to hold them back, but a single princess' magic is not enough. They have already caused more damage than we can handle. Our people needs your help. I implore you to come or send somepony to help us all. The Southern Kingdom is in great danger of becoming a dragon land and den. Please help us, before anypony else is lost. I shall await your response and assistance, and will be forever grateful regardless. Your fellow comrade, Princess Talia.' Oh, goodness… It does sound really bad. I can't believe they're having it so bad over there… It seems like misfortune just moved over to another kingdom…"
Modest looked at the letter. "They were under attack at almost the same time as we were. I'm afraid that there was nothing we could do to help them earlier."
Luna walked up to them with a determined expression on her face. Stubborn as she was, she had refused to lay down for long, and had wandered around the palace to see about her duties. She managed to overhear the letter, and decided that she had heard enough. "But we can help them now. I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but I couldn't help myself. They're in danger and they need us. We cannot ignore their call. We must send someone to assist them immediately."
Twilight looked at her, then nodded. "You're right, Princess. I'll call my friends and tell them to be ready right away. We'll head out and towards the-"
"No, Twilight Sparkle. You and your friends will be needed here in Canterlot. I heard that Discord managed to tame the Spirit of Madness and Destruction, but I wouldn't want to take any chances. It was both the Elements of Harmony and his magic that defeated her. Were she to rise again, the Elements need to stay together, in here, to ensure that no further damage is done."
"We can manage this, princess. After all, it's not the first time we've saved the day, right? I think it would be best if you stayed, with all due respect. Equestria needs you. We'll assist them… Besides, what if something happens, and… And you're affected? Equestria would be devastated. We can definitely handle ourselves, and we won't waste any time. They need somepony immediately-"
"Precisely. I know they do, which is why I don't want to waste any more time with this." Luna sighed and smiled a little. "It will be alright… Because I will go and assist them."
"But Princess Luna… Are you sure you can handle it on your own?" Twilight looked at her worriedly.
Luna nodded and gave her a determined smile. "But of course I can. I am prepared to do anything but fail. I won't rest until I help the Southern Kingdom. I have the power of the night with me." She started to walk while she spoke. "I will show those dragons what I am capable of. They will regret tormenting the kingdom."
Modest smiled and walked beside her. "You will not be alone on this quest, Princess." He nodded, then looked ahead with a determined gaze. "The Southern Kingdom has been an ally of the West for generations, for many centuries. They deserve my help as much as yours, to honor the treaty and alliance that our kingdoms signed from nearly the beginning time of both."
Luna stared at him while he explained himself. She thought for a few seconds, then nodded. She had to admit that his determination was admirable… Not to mention the resolve to help the kingdom in need, regardless of them being allies. I should have known he would insist, of course…
She gave him a small smile as he kept walking. "Very well, Prince Modest. We will go… We will go together." She blushed slightly, but then shook her head to compose herself. "But… We must leave as soon as possible. It's urgent, as you know."
"Of course." Modest nodded and turned around to keep going, but stopped when Twilight walked in front of them. Goodness, I'd forgotten about her… I wonder how they'll do in here, on their own. "Um…"
Twilight looked at her worriedly. She knew that she would not convince Luna to stay behind, but that did not dispel her concerns nonetheless. "But, Princess Luna… Aren't you going to get some more rest, first?"
"No, Twilight, I can't afford to rest. The Southern Kingdom needs our help immediately. The sooner we arrive there, the better. We'll solve their problems soon. We would want their help as soon as possible, if it could help us against our misfortunes. We can't waste any more time, I'm sorry."
She and Modest continued their walk down the hall, with Twilight and Spike following after them.
Celestia turned around the corner and quietly walked past Luna, much to her little sister's surprise. She remained silent, her expression serene; her eyes were closed, and she remained calm, despite having heard what Luna was up to.
Luna looked back at Celestia, seeming surprised. "Sister…" She's not going to protest?
Celestia smiled at her and gave her an approving nod. "Good luck, my little sister. I do hope that the best of luck will be with you." She walked closer to Luna and nuzzled her, then bowed her head to Modest.
Luna returned the gesture, then turned around towards some servants that had approached her. "Please prepare some supplies for us. Only what we will need the most during the travel. I appreciate it…"
She watched the servants leave, then ran out of the palace after everything had been instructed to the others. I have to be able to do this… I can't fail them. After what happened here… I can't fail again.
Modest watched Luna leave. He looked at Celestia and bowed his head respectfully, then gave Twilight a nod. "Your Graces, you will have to excuse me." He smiled at them, then quickly followed Luna.
Twilight sighed worriedly. "I sure hope everything will end alright…"
Celestia turned around and walked to the throne room. "We have to trust them. Even if things get complicated, we'll be there to help. We got out of our tough problems, but that doesn't mean we can't lend anypony else a hoof to save them."
Spike nodded. "Of course! We'll get them out of trouble in no time! Those dragons really need to learn to live peacefully among other creatures… Honestly! It's not the first time they cause problems! I'm a dragon, but I can definitely get along with ponies and others. You know, I still see Peewee and his parents often…"
Twilight smiled and nuzzled him. "You're an exemplary dragon, Spike. We definitely agree with you. I'm sure Princess Luna and Prince Modest will teach those rude bullies and thugs some manners."
She and Celestia laughed a bit, then headed down to the throne room together.
Miseria: Oh, dear. This year's dragon migration went awfully wrong, didn't it? In scarier ways than anypony could have every imagined... In light of the events, it looks like I'll be switching a few rules after all!
Discord: Miseria...
Miseria: Hm. Did I say 'rules'? Dear me, roles, I meant to say! Look out, Equestria! You've got another ally on the loose!
Discord: You're not making that very comforting.
Miseria: Boy, they sure are cryfoals, aren't they? Anyway... That's right! I'll be helping Discord and the others set things right. Looks like the villain for once had another kingdom in his sight, other than Equestria... New royalty will also be joining our cause, to claim what was taken from them, and keep the world from falling into more destruction that for once, I am not responsible for! Old friends make their appearance again, and though all seems lost, there will be unexpected turns and events waiting just around the corner to renew our spirits! It's a fiery challenge that soon threatens to take over the world!
Discord: You do realize you're supposed to shed light on how everything is falling apart as we speak, right?
Miseria: Join our adventure in this new part of the series, and follow-my attempts not to sound like a cheesy narrator!
Discord: Look out with that burning, falling tower! As I said... Ahem-kingdom falling in flames? Portray it? Insight of it, much?
Miseria: This is gonna be very, very exciting, isn't it, brother? I never imagined being 'good' would be so much fun! Just you wait, ugly dragon... thing! I'll love and tolerate you so like nopony ever did before; I'll make good look bad!
Discord: As another fellow with common sense said... This might be a wicked bad idea-
Miseria: For the greater good of bad!
Megamind: ...She sure knows what's good for bad.
Okay! Yay! First chapter of Fire of Chaos! I hope it was good… Um… I like it. I feel I could've done better, though. But… I like it, nonetheless. There was… pretty much just about everything. Discord, Celestia, Luna, Modest, romance, whatnot…
And there was Spike! Poor Spike, he hadn't appeared since those scenes from 'The Return of Harmony'! I'm glad I put the little guy here, at least for a bit…
Luna and Modest are off to their own adventure, hurray! Good for them. The beginning of the third part of the series, everyone! Problems with dragons in the Southern Kingdom… Which, sadly, I had not mentioned before.
I hope this part of the series is as good and interesting as the others have been so far. I look forward to it… Thank you for reading! Do tell me what you think, as always. :3