A Day To Discover

Miseria snored just a bit while she slept deep within the Everfree Forest. The thick trees above her shielded her from most of the sun. The animals were still intimidated, so they stayed away from her. She held the ground draped over her as a blanket, holding it with her hooves. She moved just a bit under the ground-blanket, her form that of a filly once again.

Meanwhile, Discord flew over the Everfree Forest, searching for Miseria. He didn't call out to her, but paid attention, particularly around the areas where he suspected that Miseria would be, if she woke up early.

"Now… Where could she be? I wonder where she stayed for the night… Gee, I'd never noticed how big this forest actually was before. It's quite something, almost like a couple of towns."

He lowered down to search a bit closer, floating through the trees. After a few minutes, he stopped when he caught sight of a cream, pearly white pony that slept on the ground below him. At least that's what the creature looked like at first. Upon closer inspection, Discord noticed that the top half was that of a beautiful alicorn filly, while the lower half was a yet-unnamed creature.

He snickered and snapped his fingers to vanish in his usual flash of white light. He appeared right behind her and watched her sleep, curled into a ball. "Now, who could ever miss something as adorable as this?"

She quietly muttered in her sleep, then slightly opened her eyes. "Hm…?"

Discord chuckled and nuzzled her a bit, then gave her a smile. "Hello, dear little sister."

Miseria yawned, then rubbed her eyes. She smiled when Discord nuzzled her. "Mmm… Good morning, big brother…" She stood up and hugged him. "It's so good to see you… Um…"

Discord tilted his head to the side when she stepped back and gave him a sheepish expression.

"How did it go last night? Did they…?"

He patted her head, then picked her up in his arms. "It was alright, you know. It went quite well. Celestia is a very patient, compassionate, and forgiving lady. They will pardon your actions… But, you know, you'll have to do your best, with your greatest effort, in order to gain their trust."

Her ears drooped while she looked down. "I'm sorry, brother… You're going to go through tough times because of me, aren't you? I really didn't… I didn't want to make you, um…"

He sighed, then patted her head and started to walk. "Let's take a walk, shall we? There's a lot of things that we must discuss today. Or… Maybe there's not so many, but they're very important."

"Oh, that sounds interesting! What are we going to do today? You know, besides… talk?"

Discord looked ahead while they walked through the dark forest. He snapped his fingers and levitated some bothersome branches with thorns and buds out of their way. When they hissed, he simply flicked his claw to silence them. When he raised his claw again, a small light floated before them to light their way.

"First I'll teach you how to use your powers without them getting out of control. I'll work with you so that you can use chaotic magic… not destructive magic, without it snapping on you. That takes plenty of control… You'll have to work hard in setting limits to your powers and using them by said limits. You'll give them 'handicaps', as you called it all earlier, but such a thing is necessary for you to coexist with us."

Miseria nodded, but then tilted her head in confusion. "That's what I never understood, though… How on earth can destruction be controlled? I do remember that Twilight said it could be… measured, or something… But I don't see how." She shrugged and gave him an odd look. "How can that happen?"

"Well, it's simple. You just… You have to… Erm…" He groaned and held his claw over his face. "Oh, dear… It's all a matter of simple, but determined dedication, Miseria. You know, Chaos is just as difficult to control as Destruction, yet I manage to do so."Somewhat. Along those lines…

Miseria nodded again, and kept staring at him as she listened attentively.

"We are the embodiments of those unlimited elements… If there is something that we must have in us, it's a way to control them so that we do not go way over our heads, and lose ourselves to our own powers. They're ours, after all. We must control them… They cannot control us. It may be difficult to gain this at first, but we'll keep practicing. Sooner or later, you'll grasp and understand how to limit your abilities. I know you'll be able to do it. You're just that bright and special… I know there's good in you, as there is in me."

Miseria blushed and smiled a bit, then appeared on his back and rested her hooves on his head. "Alright… Fine, you win, brother. I'll give it a try," she mumbled reluctantly, folding her front legs.

"Look at it on the bright side! We'll get to spend that time together. After all… Who would be better to teach you about control over any chaos than-" Discord grunted and trailed off when Miseria nearly choked him by hugging his head and neck. He coughed and tried to pry her off.

"Brother, that's great! It's going to be amazing, I promise!" Miseria giggled, then let Discord go while she leaped in the air. "C'mon! What are we waiting for?! Let's get started with the training already!"

Discord groaned a bit while he rubbed and cracked his neck. Glad to see you're enthusiastic… He sighed and floated after her while she did flips in the air in front of him.

Modest paced around one of the palace gardens. He waited outside, just like Luna had asked him, but seemed quite anxious and tense, even talking to himself every so often.

"A dragon invasion. A dragon invasion! Of all things… Oh, this isn't good. It's not good at all… Just when things appear to get together here, another kingdom has to be threatened… And it had to be the Southern Kingdom… No, no, things won't end well…" He sighed and made himself stop, but soon continued the pacing. Princess Luna, where are you? What's the hold-up with the supplies? At this rate…

He shook his head and took a deep breath. "No, calm down. It won't do any good to worry like this. We'll get there and help them, as planned. We'll stick to the plan. I-I think…"

Luna gave final instructions to the captain of the soldiers that would accompany them. "Make sure that the forces are not obviously visible and detected. We are dealing with dragons, but that does not mean we will make careless mistakes. We'll handle them as we would any other enemy; with caution and attention. Also, please make sure that the supplies are not lost under any circumstance. We don't know what conditions we will find them in. It is our concern that they last more for them than they will for us."

She walked over to Modest and gave him an apologetic look. "Please forgive my delay, Prince Modest."

"Oh, it's no problem at all, princess. I-I understand. It's just so much to deal with…"

Luna nodded while she walked beside him. "I'm actually glad you volunteered to come." She glanced down and let out a sigh. "I'll admit… I would not have been able to manage all these soldiers on my own."

Modest smiled at her. "Oh, nonsense. I think you're doing a wonderful job so far, my lady." He blushed when she glanced at him again, then shook his head and cleared his throat. "Erm, anyway… Shall we go now, Princess?" He opened his wings and prepared to take off in the air.

Luna nodded and did the same. "Yes. Let's go." She looked up, then jumped in the air and quickly flapped her wings. She looked down to make sure that the army remained hidden, but following their path.

"Either way, princess, they already have directions. I actually told them where it will be best for them to arrive in the Southern Lands."

Luna looked at Modest again, with a raised eyebrow. "You know that much? But we didn't-"

"As I said, the Southern Kingdom has been our ally for a really long time. I've actually visited it quite often. I know the route that will grant us the best, most unnoticed access."

Luna thought for a bit, but nodded. "Of course. Right, then we'll follow that." How could I forget? Right, he's obviously been there before. So he basically knows everypony, I hope. That will be of great help…

Modest smiled again. "Alright, then. I'll lead the way." He chuckled a bit when he dove aside in the air, and she followed quickly, catching up to him in no time.

After a few hours of very excited chatter and games, Discord finally arrived at a distant part of the forest, where Canterlot was barely visible anymore. There were logs and cut, fallen trees all over, followed by deformed, withering plants, and ground that was broken in some areas. Clearly, that part of the forest was still recovering from the very recent, very intense damage that it received from Miseria's doing.

He grabbed Miseria from his shoulders and sat her in a log. "Okay, let's get some things straight. If you're going to limit your powers… First you have to learn to control the intensity of your spells. This has to do with your will, your thoughts, and what you want. You need to learn to control all of this. It's easier than it sounds, because the three of them are so similar, and so closely connected."

Miseria frowned. "Why do I need to control that?"

"Because our desires and… creative thoughts, if you may, are what power our abilities and strengthen our magic in the first place. It has a lot to do with it all. It's not our mood that influences our powers, or our knowledge in some magical arts. The reason why our magic, chaotic or destructive, doesn't matter… The reason why it's so strong and powerful is because it relies on our creativity and wishes to grow stronger. It literally grants our every thought. Our mind is as infinite as those elements that we control. We're connected like that. Do you understand?"

Miseria nodded with a smile. "Of course I do. I knew I was connected to my destruction. That's why I thought I'd never be able to do anything without it dying off on me."

"Well, you're wrong. Like I told you, you just need to limit yourself. You were doing well, back then, actually. You just have to keep in mind that limits are not necessarily bad, like you thought. You're not doing bad by keeping your power at a certain level. It's much more entertaining to take it easy, one spell at a time. You just concentrate on that next time you think something up."

She watched him while he made a bunch of random objects appear, and float around them, like usual. She laughed and quickly started to play with them. Despite her constant tampering with the objects, they did not disappear or grow out of Discord's control.

Discord turned to look at her expectantly while she spun around on a wheel. "Alright, now it's your turn to try it. You'll see that it's very simple. Just try to pay attention to what you do."

She sat back down on the log after he disappeared his creations a few seconds later, to help her focus. "What…?" She blinked when he even turned some of the objects back to their inanimate forms. "Hmm…"

He raised an eyebrow and leaned closer to her when she shifted in her hooves and sighed. "What is it?"

"Um… I'm… I'm not sure I'll actually be able to handle this… 'control' thing well, Discord… It's… It's just been so fast, you know, everything, and… I know I did wrong, I do, but… Suddenly…" She looked down nervously. "Suddenly, it's all changing. I have to learn to control myself, but… You and I both know that's not me. All that I am, all that I've ever known…"

Upon her magic's command, some of the fallen trees began to twist, coil, and slither around the ground. She blinked when they began to twist too much, though. They wrapped themselves around one another and hissed at each other like angry snakes. They even threw swift bites with their fangs made of leaves.

"It's all this…" Miseria grimaced a bit when she watched the tree-snakes, which were already almost destroying one another while they actually withered and blackened. She looked at Discord with an awkward, sheepish expression, knowing that she had messed up yet again.

"I used to feel the same way… Trust me, I completely understand what it's like, to be in this position. But, believe me when I say that it is not the end. You're far from over. There's more to it all than you think." He put his lion paw on her shoulder, then snapped his claw fingers to return the broken trees to normal. "This is why I'm here; to show you that there's more to you. Aren't we infinitely powerful? Why on earth would this be all there is to us if there is no end to our creativity, to our possibility? A little control does not cut us short. It just helps us think even bigger, far outside the box."

Miseria smiled and stared ahead as she tried to use her magic sparingly again. The plants that she had destroyed the previous night began to rise and come to life. They pranced on the ground around them in a joyful, fast-paced dance, spreading leaves and petals everywhere. She laughed when they slapped their vines against the ground during their turns, adding new beats to their rhythm.

Discord nodded and held her shoulders while encouraging her some more. "Excellent, that's a good start. Keep it up! Just focus, now. Make sure they stay fun." He smiled and watched the plants float in the air, now dancing in duets. "You're doing very good, keep it up."

Miseria groaned a bit while she focused on lowering the plants back on the ground. "Okay… Let's… Let's get them back on the ground… C'mon, back to being just vines and flowers."

The plants dug too deeply in the ground with thick, strong roots. They absorbed too many nutrients, drying the ground up more while they grew taller.

"Ngh... W-wait… Ohh!" She watched as the plants soon got out of control, then groaned in frustration. "I can't do this, brother!" She glared at the plants while they ran around her. "Get back here!"

She prepared to pounce on them, but stopped when they threatened to attack her in return. "Hey!" She growled a bit, then slapped her tail at them to slash them to bits. "That's what you get!"

Discord shook his head. "Now, now… Don't lose your temper, Miseria. It's alright to mess up." He snapped his fingers and returned the plants and the ground to normal. "There. Give it another try. We have plenty of time and material. You just need to be patient, remember?"

"Oh, brother… Do we really have to try so hard? It's so tiring…" She looked down to watch a few of the fallen leaves that twitched around her. "Our powers just won't cut it."

"Nonsense, Miseria. We have to do our best to control ourselves to prove them, and ourselves, that it's worth it… giving us a chance. It does matter, Miseria, even if you don't think so right now. I live among these ponies, and I won't change that. I'll live with them for a while. So will you. You don't want to live alone in the Dark Dimension or the Everfree Forest, do you?"

Miseria gasped and immediately shook her head. "N-no!" She hugged him, nuzzling his paw when he covered her with it. "I don't want that, brother, why would you even think that?! I don't want to be anywhere that you won't!" She held his paw tightly, then looked up at him worriedly.

"Of course you don't. I don't want that, either. So let's give it another try. Heh, heh… Trust me; a bit, or plenty of hard work is always worth it. You'll see for yourself, when we're done with this exercise."

She scratched her head and gave him an odd look. "How do you figure that?"

"Oh, it's… It's something I learned from a recent friend. Well… One of the long-time, best friends of a best friend of a recent best friend of mine. Now, let's stop stalling. Give it another go. I assure you, Miseria, this is actually much, much easier than otherlearning methods I've come across through the years."

Miseria rubbed her eyes when he nudged her, then took a deep breath. "Okay… If you say so…"

"That's right, good. Calm down first. Pace yourself and take your time. I know you can do this."

She closed her eyes and focused her magic aura in her horn while she prepared another spell. Her wings fluttered a bit while she concentrated. C'mon… If he could do it, so can I, right? I can do anything that he can do… I've got to show them. Let's go, Miseria… If I could use all that magic… This should be no problem! This will be the easiest spell ever...

Discord watched anxiously while she kept focusing on her spell. He tried his best to remain calm and patient with every attempt of Miseria's, despite her constant failure. He had never actually trained anyone else before; he had never been much of a teacher simply because he never had anybody to teach. The experience was quite new to him (for a change), and it felt good to have someone to educate. It gave his powers of chaos a whole other meaning and purpose.

However… He also realized quite quickly that it might as well also be the most challenging task that he had ever completed, watching over a pupil while they tried and constantly failed, encouraging them instead of growing frustrated. He knew that frustration from both would get them nowhere. It was difficult to remain patient, but he had to give it a try.

I was in this position, after all… Hmm, it would have been so much easier if I had had someone to train me like this. I had to learn the hard way… At least the Spirit of Madness and Destruction is fortunate enough to have me… Eh, and I was quite lucky to have Fluttershy understand me… He smiled sympathetically while he continued to watch Miseria go through the repetitive magic attempts. Every time she felt like giving up, he would remind her it was for her own good, and urge her to try again.

He actually barely noticed the hours that passed while he continued to coach her, and witness every failed attempt from hers. He held her steady once he noticed that she began to get tired.

Geez… Having a little sister is really something, Celestia. It's good, bad, tiresome, delightful… It's all kinds of things at the same time. I never knew you had to put up with this chaos long before knowing me…

"Try again, Miseria, just one more time. You've got one more go in you, right? This is nothing! It's hardly been a few hours, dear. Go on, we have a whole day ahead of us. It's fun, isn't it? I think you're making much progress already. You just have to focus a bit more."

Miseria nodded and grunted a bit while she pushed herself up. "Yeah… Hang on, I'm going to try again!" She frowned and stood on her hind legs, concentrating as hard as she could. Her horn glowed with her tangelo magic while she tried a different approach with her magic. She remained determined despite so many mistakes and failed tries, and was happy that Discord was as determined as she was.

Luna, Modest, and the Royal Guard soldiers had already left much of the Equestria lands, approaching the Southern Kingdom by flight, while the Guard still followed by hoof.

The Princess of the Night looked at Modest again after a moment of silence. "Have you come up with any plans yet? I'm still thinking of them myself. I should be more prepared…"

Modest smiled at her. "We're getting there, don't worry. We've still got a good way to go, so we have time. I think that perhaps the dragons were driven off in the wrong course. Perhaps there's something or somepony in the capital city of the Southern Lands that attracts them to alter their course. It would be… If that was true, some leader or something…" He sighed and shook his head, looking back at Luna. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but it could be a good theory. Dragons don't just verge off the course that they have followed along with their ancestors for generations. We have to find this unusual change, whatever it is, and make it right as soon as possible. Ponies, no matter how many, couldn't be a match against dragons for long."

"I know… Especially as many as those that fly around in the migration every year… We will need to be organized if we are to infiltrate ourselves within the city." She smiled at him and chuckled. "It's a good thing I brought some diagrams along with the guard, and flight patterns, too. They might help us figure out what's wrong by studying the normal behavior. Your theory might not be so far off."

Just then, dozens of dragons flew over the clouds, way above Luna and Modest, and too quickly to notice the ponies while they rushed to hide. They roared at each other and swerved in different directions to avoid the other massive beasts around them.

Luna looked at Modest, then watched him nod and take off almost immediately. She looked down at the Guard. "Get ready! We will follow them. Do not lose sight of the dragon trail!" She commanded, then flew after Modest to back him up quickly.

They flew ahead of the Royal Guard together, while they prepared themselves for combat if necessary. She studied the dragons that they managed to see, trying to figure out if there was something wrong with them. They don't seem to be under a spell… So that might be off… Then Modest might be right. It's got to be a leader. They wouldn't take unnecessary detours. Why now? Why here? They have all of Dragon's Land to themselves… We actually haven't had problems with dragons in a couple years now.

"I just hope that everything turns out alright, princess. We're getting even closer." Modest looked up at the dragon group a bit worriedly. "I wouldn't want to say this, but… I know we are both thinking it. I'm afraid our numbers might be nowhere near enough to combat them properly."

Twilight made her way to the Royal Council room immediately after she was summoned by the wise, elder ponies. She was rather nervous, as Spike had pointed out earlier. She had dismissed it, but began to admit it to herself-she was nervous and was beginning to have no idea what she would tell the council ponies.

I wonder what the meeting will be about… I've never met with the council before… I hope I don't make a fool of myself. What will I say to them? Am I professional enough? Should I have dressed? I don't want to seem silly in front of them, though. Oh, gosh, I can't believe this is happening-calm down!

She shook her head, then held it when she came to a stop in the middle of the hall. She glanced around to make sure that nopony was watching her. ...Whoa, whoa. Calm down, Twilight. We all know what happens when you get nervous. It keeps going, and then you freak out. And… then, you get paranoid. And, ohh… We really don't want that. Not… Not after last time. Twilight rolled her eyes, then took a deep breath to compose herself and calm down.

Once she gathered her thoughts and composure, she turned a corner and stopped at the council room, going over her ideas and proper manners for the meeting. She gave herself a few reminders before finally knocking on the door a few times.

The royal guards that stood behind the door opened it for her and led her in, stepping back to give the council and Twilight some space.

She smiled at the guards before bowing her head to the elder ponies that sat before them. She cleared her throat softly and managed a proper greeting. "Good evening, Your Graces. It's an honor to meet you."Wiser nodded, then glanced at the other members of the council. "Miss Sparkle has arrived, ladies and gentlecolts. Our meeting has officially begun." He gestured to the guards, then watched them leave and close the doors behind them. "Please, take a seat, Miss Sparkle."

There were a total of ten ponies in the room, including Wiser. Twilight glanced at them all before she took her seat, and noticed two in particular, because one of them was familiar, and the other pony just never ceased to surprise her by being there in the first place.

The pony that was familiar to her had a light cobalt blue coat and gray mane, despite the fact that he actually did not seem much older than a middle-age stallion. He wore black-rimmed glasses and a very serious expression on his face. She recognized the stallion as Sharp Tongue, a stern counselor that often insisted to personally deliver his strict rules upon Equestria, despite the princesses' insistence otherwise.

The other pony was crystal pegasus with a brilliant red coat and slightly-reddish, longer mane, and dark gray eyes. All of his body was sparkling and shiny, just like his fellow crystal ponies in the Crystal Empire. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties and seemed quite handsome, wise, and smart, despite his quiet and seemingly timid nature and appearance.

"As I said, it is an honor to be among you today, Your Excellencies. I hope I will be able to help you. I-"

Sharp Tongue waved his hoof to cut her off. "Let's save the flatteries and get to the matter at hoof, shall we? It is of most impending ratification; the subject of the two non-pony creatures that stay here in the kingdom. We all know who we are talking about-Discord and Miseria."

Twilight blinked and nodded. "Um… Of course. Yes. I understand that we need to discuss their-"

"It is our understanding that they were responsible for now two incidents that have put our kingdom in great risk and danger. So apprehension, and severe, definite measures to control those individuals are in order. Equestria has had enough of their chaotic danger and disregard of the ponyfolk, and shall not be tolerated." Sharp Tongue nodded his head sharp and coldly, then glanced at the members of the council that agreed with him, and those that seemed rather hesitant about such harsh decisions.

Twilight frowned just a bit. "I-if I may, Your Excellence… Do forgive me, but… I must say this." She cleared her throat, then put on a serious expression to proceed with her explanation. She also spoke clearly and confidently, because she was completely certain of what she was about to say. "Discor was one of the elements that helped save Equestria. That's right, it wasn't just the Elements of Harmony. We must give him some credit and gratitude for what he did… If he had not helped us, we would all be doomed. The princesses also support this. I don't think it would be grateful of us to punish him for earlier deeds…"

A gray earth pony mare smiled at Twilight and nodded. "I agree with Miss Sparkle's reasoning. We can't punish him for what he already did, even if it was very severe. He already had punishment that the princesses considered fair, and apart from that, he helped save Equestria when he had absolutely no obligation to help us in such a close, powerful manner."

A dark violet unicorn frowned. "Of course he had an obligation! He lives in Equestria, he is under direct order and debt to the princesses!"

"Oh, Star Magic, you know that is definitely not true. Discord is not at anypony's mercy; not even the princesses. He is also under nopony's obligation to do anything, much less help us at a dire situation when he could easily be making his escape. Don't you all agree?"

Twilight smiled a little and nodded at the mare. Of course, Council Ore Locket."

Sharp Tongue replied to their statements immediately, seeming quite impatient. "Well, don't get me wrong… But I understand from the information that we have gathered that Discord himself caused the arrival of that other creature. Don't tell me you're willing to ignore that."

Wiser glanced at Sharp Tongue, then looked at Twilight again. "I suppose Mr. Sharp Tongue does have a point, Miss Sparkle. It was because of him that the new creature appeared. To defeat him, right?"

Like Discord has any control over that… Twilight looked down, then took a breath to speak. "According to Miseria's own explanation, she was created to succeed Discord; to beat and best him. So he gained Discord's trust and tried to be close to him. That was the initial plan, but she changed her mind. Turns out she always did look up to Discord, and thought that what she was doing was right. We can't judge them, they thought they were right. Discord himself had no idea about what she was really up to."

The council members looked at one another, talking amongst themselves before they gave Twilight a chance to continue with her explanation.

"In any case… We must have in mind that Princess Celestia does not wish for severe punishment and measures to be taken upon either of them. Princess Luna is ready to second her sister's motions."

Red Feather looked down in thought while she listened to Twilight attentively.

Sharp Tongue sighed and rolled his eyes. "I will remind you, Miss Sparkle, that one of the princesses' duties is to perform any action that they take only once the council is finished with its decision over the matter of discussion. Only then are they free to act upon what we have all decided, but not before. I would have thought that being Celestia's star pupil would familiarize you to the typical procedures."

Twilight blushed a bit and cleared her throat. "O-of course I know the procedures, sir. I'm familiar with them. But… I-I just don't think that drastic measures will be good in this case…"

Red Feather looked up at the council members once he got an idea. "Well… I have thought of something now. Something that might help us all, including the two creatures. We must acknowledge, my fellow members, that Discord is no longer a problem. Please keep in mind that Fluttershy has reformed him with her friendship. We can't ignore it. What if we tried to control Miseria's powers? No, more specifically and better said… What if we help her gain proper control, and not impose our will upon her? I mean, she can't control them on her own, that's certain, but… But if we help her…"

Another pony nodded and continued Red Feather's explanation. "He's right, my friends. Let's think about this. I mean, it's not like she will leave any time soon, right?"

Ore Locket looked up, then shook her head. "No, it sure doesn't look like it." She looked at Sharp Tongue, who folded his front legs and looked away.

Wiser nodded towards Red Feather. "I agree with your idea… But her training should be on safer grounds, for the sake of the citizens. We should not fully trust her until we are certain that she can control herself."

A light green unicorn mare shook her head and rolled her eyes. She pushed her glasses up, then levitated the scrolls and letters, among them the urgent letter that Twilight had read, from the Southern Kingdom. "Regardless of those decisions, this other report came in along with other important notices. Look at it." She placed it in the middle of the table.

The council members spoke among themselves once again, each taking a look at the letter.

The unicorn mare cleared her throat. "The Southern princess herself has written to the princesses, requesting for their help to stop a major problem that has emerged. They have reported a massive roundup of dragons." She looked at Twilight. "They're attacking the Southern Lands after they detoured from the dragon migration. Isn't that right, Miss Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight nodded. "It all appears to be that way. Prince Modest and Princess Luna already left to investigate. They took part of the Royal Guard with them. However, we still don't know how they're doing with that."

"We were informed that around the land they are becoming prepared for perhaps an assault of large scale, against other lands, like they did with the Southern Lands. They may be led by others that are experienced in the warring environment, seeking to conquer more and more of this kingdom through creatures as powerful as the dragons, since they are mostly immune to unicorn magic. Because of these motives and statements, we have enough reason to suspect that Discord and Miseria are involved in this."

Oh, for the love of… Twilight held a hoof over her face when the council began to argue about that report. She shook her face and tried to speak her opinion about the matter, which clearly went against what some of the council believed. However, she had to make it clear, at least. "B-but, Your Graces, please. There's no way either Miseria or Discord could be involved in the southern attack. Just-just think about it!"

She couldn't continue, because all of the council ignored her, even those that supported her. They could not let the other members go against Discord and Miseria without getting a piece of their mind and their motions. Before long, the debate was heated and full on again, because they were fully serious about the discussion, just like with any other subject. They were even writing things down for further reference.

Twilight just sighed and stayed quiet until there was a chance to speak and move on with the meeting.

Red Feather cleared his throat and looked at other ponies for support. "Please, let's just… Let's keep things in order. We need to cover a lot of things, so… focusing on just speculations won't-"

"With all due respect, Red Feather, you were the one who brought up such an absurd idea." Sharp Tongue raised an eyebrow at the crystal pegasus, who simply stayed quiet and calm. "Helping Miseria control her powers! Please, that would be helping in the destruction of our own kingdom!"

Red Feather shook his head. "It doesn't have to be. Let's think about it in a more positive perspective, please. We don't have to immediately assume that any measures that we take about them will fail and require drastic decisions. No. They're living creatures, like us. They require assistance in some way, like any of us. So let's be willing to help them." He took a deep breath and thought about his next proposition, while the rest of the council calmed down and seemed willing to listen, without breaking into argument.

"Very well, Red Feather. Do tell us what you have in mind." Wiser nodded at him and motioned him to continue, after he glanced at his fellow council members to listen as well.

"I believe we can keep both of them here, in Canterlot, for safe, preventive measures. I don't believe they would argue much about that idea. I should also mention that… Well… There is a special magic artifact in the Crystal Empire that could really help us with this."

The violet unicorn scoffed a bit. "Is that so? And how would that happen? We've never heard of such a thing in the first place. All of a sudden there's a little object that will solve our problems?"

"Yes, it will help, trust me. The reason why it has remained unmentioned until now is because it would be dangerous to use on any magical creature, including someone like Discord. The Crystal Empire thought it best to keep such a thing a secret… Unless it was absolutely required, like now. It is able to considerably weigh down and limit magical power on whoever it is used. You could say it sort of 'drains' the user of magical power so that they can be restrained and contained, but its abilities are very strong. Anyone with magic powers lower than those of Discord's would be completely overwhelmed and drained of their magic… and their life energy, in the long run. Yes, it's that powerful."

Sharp Tongue cleared his throat. "And how did such an object come to exist, pray-tell?"

Red Feather sighed and scratched his head with his hoof. "It was one last effort of the ancient ruler of the Crystal Empire. Queen Dream Song tried everything to drive Sombra away. The last thing she did before Sombra defeated her for good was create something to at least try to hold his powers down. She hoped that perhaps it would be enough or buy time to defeat him later. It failed… Unfortunately, the artifact was not complete before Queen Dream Song passed, and Sombra took over… When it was finished, it was sealed and locked away, out of just anypony's reach, until now, I hope…"

"You hope?"

"Yes. Now we have finally gained access to it, and just in time, too. I know it could be dangerous, but, considering the situation, it would be excellent to keep the being known as…"

"Miseria. Her name is Miseria, and she is not just 'a being'. She is Discord's sister, and as such, she will be treated with respect, even when discussing any possible sentence." Celestia walked into the room, much to everypony's surprise, and stood beside Twilight's seat.

She allowed everypony to get up and return to their seats after they bowed to her, then looked at them expectantly to hear their ideas and further discussions. "Please, do go on."

Red Feather nodded and smiled just a bit at Celestia. "Miseria, yes. It would keep… Miss, Miseria, within check, so that she could perhaps join our civilization without any harm to her or any of us."

Celestia smiled brightly, ignoring the protesting glares of some other ponies. "Oh, that would be an excellent idea, Red Feather." She glanced up at the council. "I'm sure we would all be willing to give that a try."

After the council decided to agree with Red Feather's and Celestia's idea, Wiser spoke up, back to the important subject of the dragons. He looked at Celestia. "Pardon me, Your Highness, but this is another subject that we were discussing, prior to Discord and Miseria."

"Of course, go on."

"From what we have discussed, we believe that the dragon force that has attacked the Southern Kingdom might expand, and try their luck and force against other kingdoms… We believe this because… Well, there might be a leader that commands them. We all know that any ambitious leader, such as the one that surely directs them, would seek to expand their territory of rule. If that is the case, sooner or later they will decide to take arms against Equestria. Do you believe that we will be prepared for their attack?"

Celestia nodded. "Why do you fear that we would not, Wiser? I believe that we have won a lot of assets and allies for the kingdom in these few years. I think we'll fare well if they decided to attack."

"But, it's all an odd turn of events, considering all the events that have unfolded within the unfortunate kingdom… Dragons are selfish and independent creatures. They are ambitious, yes, but they drive themselves, and they achieve their greedy intentions on their own. Never has any pony or even another creature found the strength and power to unite them within an army and organized group. I'll be honest, I used to think it was impossible. Not only do we have to prepare for an attack… I believe that we must study this radical change… We must try to figure out why it happened, why now, and… how?"

"I agree with your concerns. They're the same questions that we are wondering at the moment. We just can't seem to find answers to that yet… It's too soon. After all, my sister, Prince Modest, and the Royal Guard just left recently. We haven't receive any messages from them yet… But here's what I believe."

Ore Locket nodded and smiled at the princess. "Go ahead, then, Princess Celestia. You know we're always willing to listen to you and your sister before we make a decision." She glanced at Sharp Tongue and chuckled when he glared down at his desk without saying anything.

"Well, I do believe that the commander is obviously a creature with particular power, intelligent enough to know his way around the handling of dragons, particularly the handling of a large group, no less."

Star Magic nodded. "Yes, we all agree with that, Your Highness. What next?"

Celestia paced around the room while she thought. "An important fact that we need to consider is that it is now of all times that we need the greater advantage and assistance that both Discord and Miseria would grant in our favor. I know that her powers cannot exactly be controlled, but I absolutely agree with Red Feather. If they were to be… held back, with the object that Red Feather has proposed to us… Not to mention correctly coaxed and trained by Discord in addition… I believe that we would successfully keep Equestria safe, and we would help Prince Modest and my sister with their mission, from here."

She smiled when she saw that most of the council nodded in agreement. "Luna and Modest will find out all that they can about this new threat to our world. In the meantime, my fellow comrades, I must ask that Miseria's presence is not rejected, but welcomed and supervised to the best of our ability and disposition. Keep in mind that we are the Kingdom of Unity and Harmony. It is what we are most prized for. We cannot behave any different to any creature that befalls in our land, even if they were once hostile towards us. Our hospitality and ability to accept those who need us-and she certainly does so-makes us different to those that assault us. I hope that as council members of Equestria you can understand this."

Twilight sighed and stared at Celestia while she spoke. She felt encouraged by the princess' speech, but still could not help be worried by what was to happen. I do hope that Princess Luna and Prince Modest can help… And that they'll be alright. If something happens to them, then...

Her thoughts were interrupted when the council spoke again. Red Feather decided to address Celestia next. "In that case, princess… I propose that we request back-up from the royal forces that we have sent over to the Crystal Empire. We need to prepare for what could be an imminent assault on the capital of Equestria, where the Royal Sisters reside. I'm sure the Crystal Empire won't object to help us like this."

Celestia gave another smile to her long-time friend. "Very well. The council agrees with these measures, so do I. Then I trust that you will take care of that, Red Feather?"

Red Feather returned the smile and bowed his head a bit. "Of course, Princess Celestia. I will ask Princess Cadance to send the troops and the artifact as soon as possible. We should have them tomorrow at latest."

Celestia looked at the council, which seemed pleased and satisfied with the measures that they were taking. "I'm sorry I interrupted and interfered. I just couldn't help it, I needed to help you all come to a decision…" She glanced at Sharp Tongue and Star Magic. "I am still in the liberty of doing that, am I not?"

Star Magic nodded. "Yes, of course you are, Princess."

Sharp Tongue sighed and nodded as well. "Hmph… Of course, Princess… You must understand that you have to consult us whenever you make a decision… We were just talking about that."

"I do understand that. I keep that in mind. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a council anymore. Thank you for your help and comprehension. I'm sure that if we keep this good work, we'll end up being alright, despite anything." Celestia smiled at Twilight. "Isn't that right?"

"Oh, it always is, Princess Celestia." Twilight smiled back and bowed her head at the council. "Ladies and gentlecolts, no matter what happens. Equestria will stand together with all of its citizens. That is the only way that we will win if those dragons come to attack us. Be staying together."

Red Feather smiled and clapped his hooves, as did others that also congratulated Twilight.

Celestia nodded and looked at her student. "Who else to motivate the Royal Council and lead them in the path of harmony with others than Twilight Sparkle, the leader of the Elements of Harmony herself? Thank you so much, Twilight. I'm glad you've been taking such good care of the royal duties for us."

Twilight blushed a little. "Please, princess, I'm just doing my best. More importantly, we have to focus on anything we can do to help Princess Luna. I'm sure she'll be having the toughest time of all of us."

"Yes, you're right." Celestia started to walk down the hall, towards the throne room, with Twilight following beside her. "They've got a lot to do… But I sure hope they get there safely in the first place. We haven't heard word from them yet, but… But that doesn't mean something bad has happened. I just hope they're able to help the Southern Kingdom and solve the problem before it goes too far…"

Twilight sighed and nodded in agreement. "It's a pretty tall order, though… Um, no offense. Just-"

"I know what you mean. But I'm sure that they will at least get some of it done. Luna knows that the priority is to ensure the Southern Kingdom's safety. I don't want any other of its citizens to get hurt in all of this, and neither does Luna. That's why she left in such a hurry. Oh, she won't let them get hurt…"

I just hope she doesn't get hurt herself. But… Of course she wouldn't. That's why Prince Modest is there. To help her and watch her back. They do make an excellent team…

Celestia smiled at her, and continued her walk. "But the council is right. Regardless of my trust in Luna, it won't hurt to be prepared, in case the problem reaches a higher scale. After all… We wouldn't want Equestria to be attacked by dragons again. We've only just reached an era of relative peace with them."

"Of course, it would ruin everything. Dragons are a force to be reckoned with. I do hope that this problem doesn't make them even more resentful towards us ponies…"

"I'm sure that if we handle things well, we'll be alright." Celestia sighed and led Twilight forward, her mind racing with all the problems that currently crashed on them. Oh, dear… May we have the strength for this.

...What the heck? Somehow the description that I'd written got deleted... o.o And my parents have been a pain, so I barely have time to edit this anymore... Well, I'm going to give it a try, nonetheless.

Um... I liked this chapter overall. Discord and Miseria's sibling moment was so cute! And, the council meeting... I liked it, too. I think I'll make visuals of the council members that I featured here. Politics... They can be boring, but it's necessary, isn't it? I mean, we've got to see how the characters make their plans.

Red Feather is back! Of course he was gonna be back. I'm sure some of you saw him coming back. I had to have him make another appearance, he's a cute guy! I hope he can have significant appearances further in the story. I also had him mention Queen Dream Song, the ruler of the Crystal Empire prior to King Sombra. I have an interesting story about Queen Dream Song, that involves Sombra, how he drove her out of the throne, and Princess Cadance, somewhat.

Wow, eleven pages! Now, this is what I'm talking about! Sorry about the long read, hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did. It was nice... And I will get to work on the other chapter as much as I can, during this break! I'm so glad I was able to post at least one chapter during this wretched break...