Post by Mal on Jul 19, 2016 1:07:38 GMT -5
Discord Draconequus hated summer, mostly due to the unnecessary heat provided by the sun during the day. Someone was a little to sun-happy, dragging that damn thing too close. He was liable to create an eclipse or fling it backwards, cause a miniature ice age. That was something he would do in the past... Not so much now. He would quietly suffer, causing hydrants to occasionally erupt or the fridge to freeze the kitchen so he could lay there while eating lunch. At the current time, night court would be in session. There was no telling where Luna was -- perhaps hunting Owlbears, maybe off setting peasants on fire for their drivel, or pony chess. Who knew, he knew, he was there. Lounged on the upper portion of the dais, Discord lounged out like a regal dragon guardian, though he seemed more a lizardy dork as he held a ice creme cone in his claw, using his forked tongue to lap away at it.
Discord Draconequus annoyed the guards with his lapping, just humming an annoying song, but calm tonight, no chaos. Yet. He had been reluctant to harass Luna lately. Was she acting strange or was she really that mad about the clocks? He would find more soothing ways to roll her out of bed. Maybe a bag full of cats, or releasing ducklings in her chambers...hmm where can he get fifty pounds of ducklings this time of year....?
Azure Rain had naturally learned of the draconequus's bond with the sisters by now and the small unicorn had not taken it well at all, she still did her work dilligently but as she had thought her life was taking a turn for the better even her few last grains of sand had washed away and the bitter unicorn practically became a battery of jealous hatred.
Lord Sombra kept his disguise on, and would continue to keep it for however long he'd need it while he remained in the palace; he wouldn't risk removing it, if he might have trouble replacing it. The guest bedroom that Sombra had been granted while he remained here was.. quite comfortable, and it was good to sleep in a proper bed. It was good to have a proper bath, even more so. Ah, the wonders of creature comforts. These distractions aside, he had a feeling he knew why they kept him around, even after the trouble he'd caused them.. even inadvertently. It pleased his dark heart so, to know he had, and some distance from the solar deity allowed him to put his head on straight. Sombra made sure to try exploring the castle, the places he could visibly go, while he thought further on what to do, and trailed by the throne room.
Discord Draconequus felt the gaze of death upon him. His ears folded back as a cold sweat developed on his brow. Act cool, normal -- natural. He would vanish and appear beside Azure, pushing a chocolate chocolate shelled ice creme cone against her cheek. "Lieutenant Az! Lieutenant Az! Do you want some ice creme? Aaaaaz!" He was teasing her, unaware that he walked on eggshells with the mare. He was quite charming, refined, and an absolute mess when it came to reading the emotions of others. The snake had perched himself on the edge of her desk, his ears folded back. "What has you so sour? Certainly you must be overjoyed to be -- working." He spat out his forked tongue, knowing how great a fetish she had for work, though he could hardly allow such ease in one's duties, so he sat himself right atop her desk, cross legged. "It is a rather hot evening. How about a little lick~?" He teased.
Discord Draconequus sometimes did not understand boundaries as he should, but it took a good smack sometimes to kick the spirit into high gear! Since she was right there near and by diddling away on whatever it is scribes did, he felt it golden opportunity to talk. "Oh come now, Lulu is out, we have the throne room all to ourselves~" He waggled his grey brows. "Let's paint the town red. Though I have been thinking a nice purple." He held his paw and claw up towards the boring, white walls...
Azure Rain smiled at the draconequus but didn't even flinch at the icecream being pushed to her powder blue cheek. "Painting the town, say Discord what color blood do draconequuii have?" as she asked this she would stare straight into his eyes, her own golden orbs deep pools of scorn that seemed to hold the abyss in them, ice dripping from her jawbone.
Lord Sombra took note of the differences between the guards of day and night. The night was far different, a type of pony he'd never seen before. Tufted ears, slit pupiled eyes.. bat wings. Fangs, even! It was rather delightful to see something different; were they even ponies, or some other race of pony-like beings? Like the umbrum? It wasn't important at all to his goals, but a curiosity he might ask about at some point. Wandering by the throne room, he thought to peek inside despite the pair that stood guard on either side of the doors. Maybe one of the sisters were in.. but a look told him there wasn't. A pity. There was, however, Discord, and a pony. Well, there wasn't anything else in the castle to do. He slipped in, tall and green-eyed, stepping with a practiced hesitance, to linger by the tall doors.
Discord Draconequus eeped and leaned back only to fall off the desk and lump into a pile of coils. He popped his head out of what seemed an infinite mass, ears pinned back. "That was a little dark, though--" Knowing her. He flashed out, reappearing floating just off the side of her desk. "Is something wrong?" What had her stockings in a twist. "Are you mad I forgot your cake day?" He held out his paw and claw: a gift box appearing. "I didn't!" Did he even know? Probably not, but that gaze gave him the creeps. The ice creme cone flopped onto her desk, since he was no longer holding it. "Come on! You can trust ol' Discord with a secret! ooh tell me it's a secret~!" He dropped the box in front of her and moved to lean up against the desk like a filly waiting up on the gossip! he was oblivious to the other pony stalking up.
Discord Draconequus was giddy with the idea, but he wasn't reading the red flags posted all over Azure's face. The court was always sort of quiet in the evening when Luna wasn't causing a halabaloo trying to fight anything that was a threat to the kingdom. His tail wiggled behind him as his face rest on his paw and claw expectantly.
Azure Rain giggled and teleported towards the center of the throneroom, looking at the draconequus. "Alright I'll let you in on the secret "Dissy" I never stopped loving Luna, I'm mortal I don't live that long compared to you all important all powerful might abusing lowlives, couldn't she wait for a small 80 years at best as not to shatter my heart? no! she just had to choose You! you!... not.. aagh nevermind I can't win against you but I can hurt you!" and with that the unicorn channeled already stored magical power, she was smart she had learned, no baby Ruby to absorb it tonight, she just waited for the ancient spirit to make a move.
Lord Sombra didn't get to hear the beginning of the pair's conversation, but he did get to hear the rest. Neither of them noticed him yet, so as usual he took advantage of it to gather information on what was going on.. Those green eyes shifted towards the unicorn mare at that ripple of magic, the teleportation and the shouting. She was in love with Princess Luna? My.. The king strode up the carpeted path leading to the throne room, that the mare now stood right in the middle of. Such rage.. Would she be of any use? Perhaps. "My apologies, I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I could not help but overhear.. Lashing out isn't quite the way to handle such anger.." Hypocrite.
Discord Draconequus pulled back when the mare gave off a creepy giggle and poofed. He shifted to turn around, looking to the mare. "Uuuh." Oh. Oh.... oh well shit. He moved to lower to all fours, folding his wings neatly, feeling a little anxious. "Azure, darling, babycakes -- you got it all wrooong." Well there was no out of the in box. "Um, I mean..." He moved to walk towards her. "Azure think about what yer saying. You'd be so wrinkled.." Discord NO. "I mean, it is way more complicated than that. You make it sound like I courted her in a weeeek." He couldn't find the right words, could he? His expression fell as he turned his gaze to Sombra. "Listen, Sombrero. Nopony asked you. This is a private conversation if you can see." Said -- all the guards, ever sighing simultaneously. The spirit wasn't really good with pacifying situations, only tossing them up. "Besiiides if you hurt me we can never gossip about Luna as a foal..." Maybe entice her...
Azure Rain flicked her ear and chuckled softly. "Oh look it's our new guest, well now that you are here. Be useful." She then let go of her first spell draining a few of the nearby guard from their innate magic with a mana drain, then a shimmer washed over the mare, taunting the two with a flick of her tail. "Hey Dissy, dodge." then she shot a beam at the draconequus to see how he'd react.
Lord Sombra raised an eyebrow at the spirit of chaos. Courting? Did these ponies not realize what they gave away every time they opened their mouths? No, of course not; but it wasn't entirely useful to him. His goal wasn't dealing with the sisters... yet. They were the ones who banished him. "Be useful?" Sombra repeated, head cocking to the side as he fixed an eye on the scribe. He.. didn't even have to do anything to push anypony to the brink. The mare was already there, all by herself. "I'm not sure what you expect me to do. I just wish to express that your efforts, and strength, is poorly wasted on Discord." He wanted to be careful with how he phrased things, just so it didn't seem like he was trying to push her aim elsewhere.
Discord Draconequus's eyes widened as Azure seemed to be unwilling to listen to reason. Not that he has been reasonable himself. He let out a shrill, very filly-like, squeal as he curved himself out of the way of the beam, just barely dodging it. He floated up, turning his side on display to make sure he was still in one piece. His feathers were singed, but he dodged it. "You know how much dry cleaning is for burn marks?!" He folded his ears back as he ruffled at Sombra's words. "Sombrero is right! You're wasting your energy Az! Come oooon. We're pals right?" He floated up, clutching his paw and claw together, grinning. "It's not like we can't talk like rational adults. I mean if you think about this carefully..." He paused as he sorted through his brain for excuses. On the one had he was foalhood friends with Luna. It wasn't unusual that he would have had prior knowledge to her kinks. His brows furrowed. Where was his brain going?
Discord Draconequus had no idea but it was only getting worse. "I mean you look equally smashing in stockings." He snapped his claws, causing the gift box to open and motioned his paw to raise the mare up off the ground. A pare of stockings slid onto her hind hooves, perfectly matching the pair he had gotten her before. "I mean I finished the set for you, you two can match now, like sisters...?" Seeing as Az couldn't really chase that booty anymore. He scratched his claw through his beard. "I mean you can stand to grew a few inches, but I mean Azure, you gotta understand it was, literally, out of my control." He was starting to realize his choice of words had -- oh... dear.
Azure Rain started drawing Discord's very own energy into herself the moment that the draconequus used it on her, it had actually worked, now for phase two seeing as her "pal' was so willing to cooperate with her schemes, though truth be told she did like stockings, but as she was close to him she just grinned at him icily looking at him without a single blink. "Thank you Dissy." then reversed the magic flow literally letting it explode away from her body.
Lord Sombra didn't have to do a thing, but neither did he have damage to do; still, it tickled his dark heart to witness this. The mare was so filled with rage; a kindred spirit.. in a sense. He hadn't been denied what this 'Azure' had been, though he'd been denied many things, most of all his empire. Nopony could say he'd done a single thing, but.. Sombra took a step back at the power displayed by this little unicorn, how she'd turned the spirit of chaos's magic against him. Very clever. Metal-shod hooves shifted to bring him closer to Azure's side and he dipped his head to whisper in her ear. "You waste your time," Sombra rumbled again, "there is much more you can do with such talent, such power, than this tantrum. A mere unicorn against three immortals.. will not win. Mayhaps there may be a way I can help you get what you want, if you can help me, too. You've a sharp mind, if only you knew how to use it better."
Azure Rain smiled as the dark unicorn came close and listened to him, then kissed his red horn. "Pretty horn you have there, big too, want to see a trick Lord Sombra? observe." then grabbed his head with all four of her hooves and fully impaled herself onto the dark unicorn's horn, but instead of her bleeding a black sheen washed over her and all intended damage was mirrored to the target in her mind, to spite Luna, Celestia would feel this one!
Discord Draconequus flailed when his magic erupted. His ears pricked up as he turned his noodle body to face it. "How rude." He huffed, paw and claw tucked at his feathered chest. He moved to lower to all fours. "You need to settle down Azure." Celestia and Luna would be rather vexed if he melted the throne room again... His ears folded back as he turned his gaze towards Sombra. He stood on all fours, head lowered as he glared at Sombra, before cocking his skull. "I do not appreciate you trying to change my friend... I rather enjoy her frequent tantrums." He pressed a paw to his chest, smug little bastard bout to get himself ganked. Moving to float off the ground he crossed his forearms over his chest. "You know here I am trying to make amends Az and give you a nice cake day gift! Throwing magic all over the place!!" He pouted before his ears folded back a bit. He actually had no idea how to solve this problem.
Discord Draconequus considered something, scratching at his chin. He could -- get that scruffy goat -- hmm. "...I don't think it's safe Azure. If you keep letting yourself get sidelined by the few failures you receive in life... I mean taking potshots at me is one thing, but you know this isn't respecting Luna's decisions either." But before his speech was able really to anything but blow hot air. "Azure!" A terrible thought crossed Discord's mind, a foul, denying thought: he could blame Sombra for this. It was a scathing thought, because his first intentions so care for Azure's well being, but -- she potshotted him! He was a little miffed. Just a tad. He moved back and looked to Sombra. If Sombra was so inclined to look upon Discord's troubled expression a slinking, dark grin drew itself over the snake. "What have you done?" Who was he blaming though? Azure or Sombra?
Discord Draconequus felt shiver crawled through his spine at the magic. His ears would prick when the pangs it it cut across the castle, allowing him to pinpoint it. The spirit looked up, shooting a shocked look at Azure. "You..." He pressed his tail to the ground, from his feathers Plunder seeds spilling and suddenly taking root. The magical plants would sprout in attempt to bind Azure in place until the guard could deal with her. "Sorry my dear... this time..." He snapped his claws to attempt to bind Azure's magic. "You... may one day become a wonderful villain, but --" The snake vanished, only to appear in front of Sombra, hissing. He smiled suddenly. "Watch out...." He motioned his paw's claws. "I will be right back precious." He would attempt to pinch Sombra's cheeks before vanishing. "Find Luna!" Though he was no princess, but would they listen to a prince?
Discord Draconequus would leave the guard to handle it. It was not his job to fend off criminals, villains... but who told her? What mouthy, shitfaced guard told Azure!? He blinked between realms to be where he was not meant to be, much sooner than expected, meaning he sought to arrive before time turned against him to where Celestia had been...
Lord Sombra would've been ready to tempt the unicorn mare with power, his power, if she'd simply listen and agreed to back down.. Unfortunately, she was too smart for her own good! Sombra had arrived in the midst of a plan this Azure was enacting, and he didn't seem to have any sway... yet. Sombra blinked up at the mare when she spoke to him, and wasn't expecting her to kiss his horn, nor drag it in to impale her own chest! So caught off guard was he, that there was no resistance. Shit. He was impressed. There was some magic afoot, but he had no idea of the spell.. Were he able to, Sombra pulled back. He could hear Discord babbling somewhere in the background, before the god of chaos was right in front of him. He backed away. "What? I didn't.. !" His protest fell on nothing but the vines in the room; but really, he didn't do anything this time other than trying to stop her! For his own reasons of course.. Sombra snorted. "You've made quite a mess. Care to listen yet?"
Azure Rain hung trapped in the plundervines and sighed. "Luna do you see what you forced me to do? you must have known what this knowledge would do to me, and now I actually went through with it." then she looked at Sombra. "I think my soul is tainted enough as it is, besides I might not survive after Luna finds out what I did, better stage your coup elsewhere Lord Sombra." then she closed her eyes in defeat and just hung there in the vines ready for whatever may follow.
Princeshë Celestia never even saw it coming. The solar alicorn had long settled down to rest with regalia deftly set next to her chamber door. The peaceful bedchamber was.... still peaceful. The alicorn never stirred from her sleep as the cursed magic took hold and inflicted the wound upon her person. A clean puncture wound; if angular and curved due to the nature of the horn that had been used. Her sheets were an almost pinkish violet and had been pulled up to rest over her. By all means it might appear that nothing had happened if it weren't for the distinct 'drip' those with sharp hearing would hear as well as the sight of blood leaking from her muzzle thanks to the ruptured lung. Her mane had fallen out of powered form since her natural magic was expending what she had to keep alive.
Discord Draconequus appeared right over the sleeping mare. In a thousand years he could never consider them so vulnerable, so easily set to the fury of a young mare. He should have stopped her long ago. He should have take n her horn and ... No. He couldn't do that. He understand the pain Azure suffered, the loneliness, but it was no excuse, no reason to --. A million thoughts no raced through his mind, but the most important thought of all was to make sure Celestia was alright. If anything had happened to her he was sure the kingdom would not, could not survive the fury. Would he blink it out of existence, or himself? Could he do harm to that which Tia held dear? Would that be what he left her? What of Luna? His heart skipped a beat. He was hovering over the mare's bed before lowering himself down to settle beside her. Limbs clambered against the soft bedding. His ears had pinned back, worry over his face.
Discord Draconequus could smell it -- "Tia..." The male reached out his soft paw, not a claw in sight. He moved to carefully pull the sheets form her body. He lowered his head to nuzzle her. "Tia." His ability to use healing magic was -- stunted at best. Abysmal at its worse. "Tia." He continued to call her, not sure if she could even hear. He was desperate to reach out for her, to hold her, but if she was truly injured his moving could -- "Luna where are you?" He didn't know how to deal with this. He could blame Sombra -- but it was fault of his own. Because he was a reckless, immature brat that goaded Azure rather than just... he fueled her bad habits... The spirit crumbled beside the mare, tucking his head against her own. He would listen to her heart. If something gave -- he didn't need his lifeforce. He reached his claw against his chest, a warp of energy twisting momentarily. He would wait. Just a moment longer. "Tia, open your eyes."
Princeshë Celestia made no response to any of the sounds save for perhaps the briefest and easiest to miss twitch of an ear. The mare's heartbeat had actually accelerated as her magic forced her body to produce blood to renew that which was lost. Thus... mess of sheets, bed, feathers, and fur... With the sheet removed one could now see the almost innocent wound. Spells such as the one Azure had used were considered 'dark magic' for a reason!
Princess Luna took to dealing with the one thing she'd been sorely neglecting as of late: dreamwalking. It was fortunate that it didn't require her physical body to traverse the realm of dreams, or else she would've never known something was wrong. She didn't have Tia's foresight, or any such sense, but King Sombra now being within the castle was still cause for wariness. Luna dealt with what nightmares there were, solving problems as she did while an entirely different scene played out in the throne room.. She was out in the garden by the time guards came to her, pulling her back to her own mind, to hear something or other about trouble. Discord sent them. But they did not seem to know what trouble, other than it involved Azure. Luna was on her hooves at once, horn alight, to try to figure out where Discord was.. if he was using his magic. He was. Up in Celestia's.. chambers? Luna wasted no time launching skyward and flying up to her dear sister's tower; if Sombra was behind this...
Princess Luna had no idea what happened, not knowing that Azure would ever do such a thing, so her thoughts naturally picked the worst pony. She didn't trust-.. Luna came up upon the balcony and made sure to come barging in, whether or not anything actually was going on. If she ended up just waking Celestia up for a prank on Discord's part.. well, it didn't matter. "What is happening?!"
Discord Draconequus was not moving. The male was distraught as he laid bundled against the injured, bleeding mare. He flinched when the doors of the balcony kicked in. HIs webbed wing had raised itself and draped over the injured mare. Ruby eyes peeked out from beneath rainbow tresses and grey brows. He had practically buried himself against the hurt alicorn. Tears were in his eyes and blood against his muzzle. If it were any other they could have assumed the draconequus had turned predatory. His claws were digging against his chest, but upon seeing Luna there he would lower it, pressing paw and claw to the bedding, sitting up slightly. "She isn't moving." When he sat up some it could easily be seen his coat of feathers was covered in the blood drenching the bed and his coils rest over Celestia to let her know somepony was there. "I...tried..." He hadn't decent healing magic, she he could not -- "I couldn't kiss it better." The hurt that sounded from him.
Princess Luna gathered her wits about her to take stock of the interior of Celestia's chambers. Other than the balcony doors, which were bent inward and some of the glass panes broken from her entry.. the room was spotless. Save for the bed, Discord, and Celestia. Tia. The sight of the blood that had spread across the sheets made hers run cold in shock. A breath drew in in a hiss and Luna rushed over, her wings still flared out in that intimidating pose; but not towards Discord. "My sister! Prithee tell us what has occured!" Luna commanded as she pulled herself onto the bed; she wasn't being hard on Discord, nor blaming him, she just wanted to know. It'd be too long to fetch for a healer from the temple, so Luna set in, her horn alight with moonlight, to try to look over and fix the damage.
Discord Draconequus flinched back when the mare shot forward in such a state. It was not his intention to ever see them like this. Anger he could deal with, fury, disdain... but this was different emotion. He had been irresponsible and did not stop something he could have possibly stopped. Like a dog who knows they have done wrong Discord would look down and turn his head away, trying to curl into himself as much as he could. The smaller he looked, the less threatening he would seem. It was a natural response to Luna's intimidating movements. He would try to give Luna room as she climbed up. He would attempt to tuck his head beneath her chin, begging for forgiveness. He was in the way, certainly, but he was also not prepared to move whilst one of his mates was so severely injured. His tongue was as heavy as lead, ready to fire blame upon the silver-tongued devil below...
Discord Draconequus had every right in turning in the scruffy turd muffing, but -- tasting the blood on his lips and seeing the stain on his paw... His eyes squeezed closed as he sunk to the bedding, however sopped with her blood it was. "...it was my fault... I didn't stop Azure." He could neither blame Azure... He would tease her, scare her, taunt her, and perhaps he did steal the pony she loved. Looking to Luna who could not be captivated -- by either of them? Generous ponies who had naught but good intentions. He was a vile, despicable fiend who was better left stoned, suffering to watch the world pass him by. He could not stop the tears from flowing, face moving to bury against Luna, wing still pulled over Celestia protectively. "I am sorry." Twas a clear and focused apology. He knew if he lost them he would have no reason left to exist in this world.
Princess Luna didn't like seeing the spreading pool of blood, and she liked it even less up close. That was her sister's blood, and for all the times she was ever angry at her.. she wished she could take that anger back. Her sister, for all her faults, did not deserve this. Luna had also seen how Discord shrank back from her, but she'd have to apologize to him later. Celestia's life was on the line! One wing folded back as the other curled around the draconequus, briefly acknowledging his head under her chin with a brush. "I will need time." Luna stated. Time and all her celestial magic, if need be, to keep Tia from death. Her magic glowed bright, soothing, as she explored the wound with it. Whatever weapon caused it, stank of dark magic, and had passed dangerously close to her dear sister's heart. Luna got to work on fixing the damage, starting with it before she could moving on to the lung. Dark magic's taint made it difficult. And who else used dark magic? Somb- wait. "Azure did this?"
Princess Luna couldn't be sure if she could blame Discord at all, but even inaction caused damage. If Azure willingly did this.. and Luna thought she was getting better, she'd have much to answer for! She suppressed her rage for the time being, and focused on Tia's wounds.
Discord Draconequus hung his head, pressing his skull against Celestia's body. Wound or not he did not want to leave her and make her feel as if nopony wanted her... His words and actions were hardly the stationary effects of a bystander. What was worse is he teased her. He pushed her, but -- who really had the last shove in the scope of it all? How was he to know, had he attacked her -- he would have possibly been the one to do this. Dark Magic was not his forte, but it seemed it would have to be if this was going to be its result. He never wanted to take to such a skill set. It never beckoned him. It was too intentional and felt dirty. He had seen what it was capable of and certainly wanted no part of it. It destroyed and deteriorated life, creation. He was the god of chaos. No matter how retched his personality, or vile his intentions -- he never acted with the intention to destroy life, extinguish it, even if it was the occasional result.
Discord Draconequus sighed. "I...did not stop her. I aided her fury." It was indeed the case. His cold words, his foolish temptations... If her rage were turned on him t'would be what he deserved. His face was hidden, his body shivering. What if Luna was unable to tend to her wounds? What if -- Had he not taunted Azure that time, had he simply walked away. Perhaps he would do well to betray his own heart and turn away from the sisters if they would be safe. Rivals at a distance once more. Harmony and Chaos never together, always apart. He was distraught, his thoughts that of a lover in pain. He -- would be to blame for taking Luna's family away.
Princess Luna dealt with the passing damage to her sister's heart, and the dark magic that lingered there. It'd been easy, and it heartened the moonbringer that she'd managed to save that much, but when she turned her magic's focus to her lung.. It was much worse, pierced by something with a sharp point, but no sharp edges like a blade. Why and how did Azure do this, her scribe? Perhaps Luna had been too neglectful of her, as she had been of Mirage. If she had anypony else to blame for this, it was herself. Alone she was not a good teacher without her big sister there to guide her and others. Her attempt to heal her punctured lung was difficult, as was dealing with the dark magic. "You could not have known Azure would have fallen back on her darker desires. 'Tis my fault, too, to have not done a better job in guiding her back to the right path. And my sister had to suffer for my mistakes again." Luna's tone was one of heavy remorse. "After this, I will deal with her myself.."
Discord Draconequus pricked his ears. She -- was not aware? As Luna expressed her distinct sense of guilt upon the situation Discord could understand that -- she was naive of the actuality of the present situation. Somepony told Azure... Azure was beyond saving. Discord could allow herself to wallow. Had he still been that sort of pony he would have let her suffer to learn the value in her neglect in her duties as a princess. But he roused her from sleep, he kept her at bay with his intrusive games and incessant desire to solve the riddle set forth by Esquire and his dark fetishes. He wanted to hold her, tell her it was -- but she was aiding Celestia. He understood how important they were towards one another. Seeing how they had fought, knowing how it had destroyed Celestia -- he had not been far. He heard the cries. Celestia's tears were strong when they needed to be.
Discord Draconequus reached out his paw to press it against Luna's thigh. "No... she is lost. Her heart turned that which she loved into an obsession." How well he knew of obsessions. How he obsessed getting his revenge on the sisters. It quickly turned into evil. "....she is like me in a sense." He lamented teasing her. "...she is lonely and violently clings to anything that would satisfy her selfish endeavors." He was a terrible role model really. "If anything, I suppose, I should be the one to blame and deal with her thereafter." Responsible of him, but he was never the sort to disregard his own faults. He hated how open they were, now that he could see ponies for what they were. He wasn't perfect, and though powerful, he was still with his weaknesses. "...is she --?" Would Celestia make it?
Princess Luna closed those teal eyes, cutting of her view of the bloody wound in Tia's breast while she worked. The dark magic's taint was making it difficult to heal that punctured lung, made it difficult to heal regardless. Light magic was its exact opposite, after all. She felt something soft on her thigh, but she did not look up nor turn from her task. Luna would be sure to set upon the taint to remove it from Tia's body, as it would make her ability to heal that much easier. Luna drew it out. Her lips parted to say something of that obsession, and stopped, when Discord spoke of his similarities with the scribe. "No. She is my scribe, and though I may be her obsession," it felt.. gross to be the object of it, "I must be the one to break it." Luna was firm; it wasn't that she didn't trust Discord to help Azure.. It was personal. Azure tried to strike down her sister. If Tia was lost to her, what then? A reappearance of Nightmare Moon? Luna didn't want to fathom it, despite the six still having the Elements to use against her a second time; not counting her self-inflicted nightmares. Her way of self harm, punishment. "She will be fine, once I have healed her."
Discord Draconequus did not trust Luna, in the same respect, truthfully. When she claimed to be the one who had to deal with Azure, Discord felt conflicted on the idea. She was stern, obstinate. While he found such qualities endearing, and the unshakable loyalty she had for Celestia: what if Luna did something she would regret? He relaxed somewhat when Luna stated that the solar maiden would be well when healed. He did not wish to pester the lunar mare as she worked, but -- he could not allow her to be the one to control the matter. He would be stern on it. "My love for you both, is an infinite one. And as much as it pains me to say it: you may be unable to see clearly because you are close to both parties. The very fact you are her obsession should make it clear. But I will submit that my working with her alone would not help either, for I am the target of her anger." He was remiss to admit such. He was not a fighter, a lover really.
Discord Draconequus looked over to Celestia as he kept his wing locked over her. "I will help you." He spoke. "I cannot let you stand alone. You seek to stand and face it head on, and I also wish to handle the defunct matters that put Celestia at risk." His ears folded back. "Could this be something we handle side by side? I do not want to be a prince who cannot support his princess." Though slick and endearing his words, they were naught but truth. He did not want her to face this alone, he could not face it with the harm he has done, but he did stand willing to aide her, and a charming speaker was he when he needed to be. At least when his loved ones were in danger... He looked to Tia and sighed. "Hindsight is a terrible curse."
Princess Luna worked on doing what she could for her sister, to ensure that she wouldn't die right in front of her. If Celestia died while she was away, at least she'd have some time to deal with the shock and disbelief, right? No. It was just foolish hope. Better her big sister lived.. Most of her magic had gone towards cleaning the wound of the dark magic, and her lung. The most Luna knew how to do at this point was stabilize it, before she was drained and unable to finish the job properly. Healers might be called in now, with no risk to Celestia's health.. or life. Some tears finally slipped from the moonbringer's eyes, the result of her relief, and anger at Azure. "You may be right. Were it my choice I would cast her out of his castle once she has learned her lesson.. but I know it to be harsh. I will need one such as you to temper my rage and deal with Azure appropriately. Please." Luna sat up, but her head remained bowed. "I believe.. she may be fine, but we will need to call in a proper healer to ensure this is finished properly."
Discord Draconequus lamented for his mate, both of them. There was that feeling in his chest again, clawing at his thoughts and screaming to get out. The sisters struggled of their own devices and his own. While they dealt with being alicorn they too had to deal with him being -- a draconequus: Discord. Nopony deserved this, especially not Celestia. She was always calm, patient -- loving. Had he not been so selfish or desired them both, maybe -- No, no it was just hurt talking, pushing him do doubt. "It was never my intention..." He would swear before moving his paw to brush at her thigh. He did not wish for her to think ill of him. He had not known. The only reason he realized it was Azure was because he felt the spell erupt. He would have never connected the two otherwise. Tia could have... "She somehow learned of... my courting you and -- I soured her with jokes. I pushed her to a point..." His head sunk. He was to blame. "Please Luna, I ...was a fool." He reached out to grab her hoof.
Discord Draconequus shook his head. "Don't... don't lower your head." He did not deserve it. He had to fix what he broke. "I shall go retrieve a healer... please stay with Tia." He was useless anyway. If she moved and opened a wound again -- there was naught he could do to aide her. He depended on Luna as much as the reverse. He moved to sit up and if she had not shunned him the draconequus would nuzzle her face, planting a kiss her cheek. Almost as if it were his last. He would climb off the bed, shapeshifting into his pony form. He paused to look to her, looking to Tia as well. "Tis the least I can do." He hated having these feelings of guilt and would need to tend to them soon... If not stopped he would turn to leave to find a healer, as promised.
Princess Luna felt drained when it came to her magic, but her emotions were in turmoil. Rage against Azure, hurt, and worry.. betrayal. Her scribe. Even her student never tried to hurt anypony! Nor Night Prophet... physically. "I know. Such things have a way of turning on us." Luna said in answer, frowning down at the bedsheets stained by her elder sister's blood. How could she? How could Azure do this? Luna knew, personally, what obsession caused, but this.. Why not hurt her instead of Tia? It wasn't her fault. Luna made an effort to lift her head, and took Discord's paw with her hoof. "Nopony could have predicted her actions." She replied, soothingly. "I forgive you." Luna just couldn't forgive herself, and might not ever forgive herself if anything happened to Tia. "I shall watch her, do not fear. Please, be quick." Luna bid, returning the nuzzle and with a kiss of her own. She let Discord go, looking after him while she guarded Celestia's body.
Discord Draconequus annoyed the guards with his lapping, just humming an annoying song, but calm tonight, no chaos. Yet. He had been reluctant to harass Luna lately. Was she acting strange or was she really that mad about the clocks? He would find more soothing ways to roll her out of bed. Maybe a bag full of cats, or releasing ducklings in her chambers...hmm where can he get fifty pounds of ducklings this time of year....?
Azure Rain had naturally learned of the draconequus's bond with the sisters by now and the small unicorn had not taken it well at all, she still did her work dilligently but as she had thought her life was taking a turn for the better even her few last grains of sand had washed away and the bitter unicorn practically became a battery of jealous hatred.
Lord Sombra kept his disguise on, and would continue to keep it for however long he'd need it while he remained in the palace; he wouldn't risk removing it, if he might have trouble replacing it. The guest bedroom that Sombra had been granted while he remained here was.. quite comfortable, and it was good to sleep in a proper bed. It was good to have a proper bath, even more so. Ah, the wonders of creature comforts. These distractions aside, he had a feeling he knew why they kept him around, even after the trouble he'd caused them.. even inadvertently. It pleased his dark heart so, to know he had, and some distance from the solar deity allowed him to put his head on straight. Sombra made sure to try exploring the castle, the places he could visibly go, while he thought further on what to do, and trailed by the throne room.
Discord Draconequus felt the gaze of death upon him. His ears folded back as a cold sweat developed on his brow. Act cool, normal -- natural. He would vanish and appear beside Azure, pushing a chocolate chocolate shelled ice creme cone against her cheek. "Lieutenant Az! Lieutenant Az! Do you want some ice creme? Aaaaaz!" He was teasing her, unaware that he walked on eggshells with the mare. He was quite charming, refined, and an absolute mess when it came to reading the emotions of others. The snake had perched himself on the edge of her desk, his ears folded back. "What has you so sour? Certainly you must be overjoyed to be -- working." He spat out his forked tongue, knowing how great a fetish she had for work, though he could hardly allow such ease in one's duties, so he sat himself right atop her desk, cross legged. "It is a rather hot evening. How about a little lick~?" He teased.
Discord Draconequus sometimes did not understand boundaries as he should, but it took a good smack sometimes to kick the spirit into high gear! Since she was right there near and by diddling away on whatever it is scribes did, he felt it golden opportunity to talk. "Oh come now, Lulu is out, we have the throne room all to ourselves~" He waggled his grey brows. "Let's paint the town red. Though I have been thinking a nice purple." He held his paw and claw up towards the boring, white walls...
Azure Rain smiled at the draconequus but didn't even flinch at the icecream being pushed to her powder blue cheek. "Painting the town, say Discord what color blood do draconequuii have?" as she asked this she would stare straight into his eyes, her own golden orbs deep pools of scorn that seemed to hold the abyss in them, ice dripping from her jawbone.
Lord Sombra took note of the differences between the guards of day and night. The night was far different, a type of pony he'd never seen before. Tufted ears, slit pupiled eyes.. bat wings. Fangs, even! It was rather delightful to see something different; were they even ponies, or some other race of pony-like beings? Like the umbrum? It wasn't important at all to his goals, but a curiosity he might ask about at some point. Wandering by the throne room, he thought to peek inside despite the pair that stood guard on either side of the doors. Maybe one of the sisters were in.. but a look told him there wasn't. A pity. There was, however, Discord, and a pony. Well, there wasn't anything else in the castle to do. He slipped in, tall and green-eyed, stepping with a practiced hesitance, to linger by the tall doors.
Discord Draconequus eeped and leaned back only to fall off the desk and lump into a pile of coils. He popped his head out of what seemed an infinite mass, ears pinned back. "That was a little dark, though--" Knowing her. He flashed out, reappearing floating just off the side of her desk. "Is something wrong?" What had her stockings in a twist. "Are you mad I forgot your cake day?" He held out his paw and claw: a gift box appearing. "I didn't!" Did he even know? Probably not, but that gaze gave him the creeps. The ice creme cone flopped onto her desk, since he was no longer holding it. "Come on! You can trust ol' Discord with a secret! ooh tell me it's a secret~!" He dropped the box in front of her and moved to lean up against the desk like a filly waiting up on the gossip! he was oblivious to the other pony stalking up.
Discord Draconequus was giddy with the idea, but he wasn't reading the red flags posted all over Azure's face. The court was always sort of quiet in the evening when Luna wasn't causing a halabaloo trying to fight anything that was a threat to the kingdom. His tail wiggled behind him as his face rest on his paw and claw expectantly.
Azure Rain giggled and teleported towards the center of the throneroom, looking at the draconequus. "Alright I'll let you in on the secret "Dissy" I never stopped loving Luna, I'm mortal I don't live that long compared to you all important all powerful might abusing lowlives, couldn't she wait for a small 80 years at best as not to shatter my heart? no! she just had to choose You! you!... not.. aagh nevermind I can't win against you but I can hurt you!" and with that the unicorn channeled already stored magical power, she was smart she had learned, no baby Ruby to absorb it tonight, she just waited for the ancient spirit to make a move.
Lord Sombra didn't get to hear the beginning of the pair's conversation, but he did get to hear the rest. Neither of them noticed him yet, so as usual he took advantage of it to gather information on what was going on.. Those green eyes shifted towards the unicorn mare at that ripple of magic, the teleportation and the shouting. She was in love with Princess Luna? My.. The king strode up the carpeted path leading to the throne room, that the mare now stood right in the middle of. Such rage.. Would she be of any use? Perhaps. "My apologies, I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I could not help but overhear.. Lashing out isn't quite the way to handle such anger.." Hypocrite.
Discord Draconequus pulled back when the mare gave off a creepy giggle and poofed. He shifted to turn around, looking to the mare. "Uuuh." Oh. Oh.... oh well shit. He moved to lower to all fours, folding his wings neatly, feeling a little anxious. "Azure, darling, babycakes -- you got it all wrooong." Well there was no out of the in box. "Um, I mean..." He moved to walk towards her. "Azure think about what yer saying. You'd be so wrinkled.." Discord NO. "I mean, it is way more complicated than that. You make it sound like I courted her in a weeeek." He couldn't find the right words, could he? His expression fell as he turned his gaze to Sombra. "Listen, Sombrero. Nopony asked you. This is a private conversation if you can see." Said -- all the guards, ever sighing simultaneously. The spirit wasn't really good with pacifying situations, only tossing them up. "Besiiides if you hurt me we can never gossip about Luna as a foal..." Maybe entice her...
Azure Rain flicked her ear and chuckled softly. "Oh look it's our new guest, well now that you are here. Be useful." She then let go of her first spell draining a few of the nearby guard from their innate magic with a mana drain, then a shimmer washed over the mare, taunting the two with a flick of her tail. "Hey Dissy, dodge." then she shot a beam at the draconequus to see how he'd react.
Lord Sombra raised an eyebrow at the spirit of chaos. Courting? Did these ponies not realize what they gave away every time they opened their mouths? No, of course not; but it wasn't entirely useful to him. His goal wasn't dealing with the sisters... yet. They were the ones who banished him. "Be useful?" Sombra repeated, head cocking to the side as he fixed an eye on the scribe. He.. didn't even have to do anything to push anypony to the brink. The mare was already there, all by herself. "I'm not sure what you expect me to do. I just wish to express that your efforts, and strength, is poorly wasted on Discord." He wanted to be careful with how he phrased things, just so it didn't seem like he was trying to push her aim elsewhere.
Discord Draconequus's eyes widened as Azure seemed to be unwilling to listen to reason. Not that he has been reasonable himself. He let out a shrill, very filly-like, squeal as he curved himself out of the way of the beam, just barely dodging it. He floated up, turning his side on display to make sure he was still in one piece. His feathers were singed, but he dodged it. "You know how much dry cleaning is for burn marks?!" He folded his ears back as he ruffled at Sombra's words. "Sombrero is right! You're wasting your energy Az! Come oooon. We're pals right?" He floated up, clutching his paw and claw together, grinning. "It's not like we can't talk like rational adults. I mean if you think about this carefully..." He paused as he sorted through his brain for excuses. On the one had he was foalhood friends with Luna. It wasn't unusual that he would have had prior knowledge to her kinks. His brows furrowed. Where was his brain going?
Discord Draconequus had no idea but it was only getting worse. "I mean you look equally smashing in stockings." He snapped his claws, causing the gift box to open and motioned his paw to raise the mare up off the ground. A pare of stockings slid onto her hind hooves, perfectly matching the pair he had gotten her before. "I mean I finished the set for you, you two can match now, like sisters...?" Seeing as Az couldn't really chase that booty anymore. He scratched his claw through his beard. "I mean you can stand to grew a few inches, but I mean Azure, you gotta understand it was, literally, out of my control." He was starting to realize his choice of words had -- oh... dear.
Azure Rain started drawing Discord's very own energy into herself the moment that the draconequus used it on her, it had actually worked, now for phase two seeing as her "pal' was so willing to cooperate with her schemes, though truth be told she did like stockings, but as she was close to him she just grinned at him icily looking at him without a single blink. "Thank you Dissy." then reversed the magic flow literally letting it explode away from her body.
Lord Sombra didn't have to do a thing, but neither did he have damage to do; still, it tickled his dark heart to witness this. The mare was so filled with rage; a kindred spirit.. in a sense. He hadn't been denied what this 'Azure' had been, though he'd been denied many things, most of all his empire. Nopony could say he'd done a single thing, but.. Sombra took a step back at the power displayed by this little unicorn, how she'd turned the spirit of chaos's magic against him. Very clever. Metal-shod hooves shifted to bring him closer to Azure's side and he dipped his head to whisper in her ear. "You waste your time," Sombra rumbled again, "there is much more you can do with such talent, such power, than this tantrum. A mere unicorn against three immortals.. will not win. Mayhaps there may be a way I can help you get what you want, if you can help me, too. You've a sharp mind, if only you knew how to use it better."
Azure Rain smiled as the dark unicorn came close and listened to him, then kissed his red horn. "Pretty horn you have there, big too, want to see a trick Lord Sombra? observe." then grabbed his head with all four of her hooves and fully impaled herself onto the dark unicorn's horn, but instead of her bleeding a black sheen washed over her and all intended damage was mirrored to the target in her mind, to spite Luna, Celestia would feel this one!
Discord Draconequus flailed when his magic erupted. His ears pricked up as he turned his noodle body to face it. "How rude." He huffed, paw and claw tucked at his feathered chest. He moved to lower to all fours. "You need to settle down Azure." Celestia and Luna would be rather vexed if he melted the throne room again... His ears folded back as he turned his gaze towards Sombra. He stood on all fours, head lowered as he glared at Sombra, before cocking his skull. "I do not appreciate you trying to change my friend... I rather enjoy her frequent tantrums." He pressed a paw to his chest, smug little bastard bout to get himself ganked. Moving to float off the ground he crossed his forearms over his chest. "You know here I am trying to make amends Az and give you a nice cake day gift! Throwing magic all over the place!!" He pouted before his ears folded back a bit. He actually had no idea how to solve this problem.
Discord Draconequus considered something, scratching at his chin. He could -- get that scruffy goat -- hmm. "...I don't think it's safe Azure. If you keep letting yourself get sidelined by the few failures you receive in life... I mean taking potshots at me is one thing, but you know this isn't respecting Luna's decisions either." But before his speech was able really to anything but blow hot air. "Azure!" A terrible thought crossed Discord's mind, a foul, denying thought: he could blame Sombra for this. It was a scathing thought, because his first intentions so care for Azure's well being, but -- she potshotted him! He was a little miffed. Just a tad. He moved back and looked to Sombra. If Sombra was so inclined to look upon Discord's troubled expression a slinking, dark grin drew itself over the snake. "What have you done?" Who was he blaming though? Azure or Sombra?
Discord Draconequus felt shiver crawled through his spine at the magic. His ears would prick when the pangs it it cut across the castle, allowing him to pinpoint it. The spirit looked up, shooting a shocked look at Azure. "You..." He pressed his tail to the ground, from his feathers Plunder seeds spilling and suddenly taking root. The magical plants would sprout in attempt to bind Azure in place until the guard could deal with her. "Sorry my dear... this time..." He snapped his claws to attempt to bind Azure's magic. "You... may one day become a wonderful villain, but --" The snake vanished, only to appear in front of Sombra, hissing. He smiled suddenly. "Watch out...." He motioned his paw's claws. "I will be right back precious." He would attempt to pinch Sombra's cheeks before vanishing. "Find Luna!" Though he was no princess, but would they listen to a prince?
Discord Draconequus would leave the guard to handle it. It was not his job to fend off criminals, villains... but who told her? What mouthy, shitfaced guard told Azure!? He blinked between realms to be where he was not meant to be, much sooner than expected, meaning he sought to arrive before time turned against him to where Celestia had been...
Lord Sombra would've been ready to tempt the unicorn mare with power, his power, if she'd simply listen and agreed to back down.. Unfortunately, she was too smart for her own good! Sombra had arrived in the midst of a plan this Azure was enacting, and he didn't seem to have any sway... yet. Sombra blinked up at the mare when she spoke to him, and wasn't expecting her to kiss his horn, nor drag it in to impale her own chest! So caught off guard was he, that there was no resistance. Shit. He was impressed. There was some magic afoot, but he had no idea of the spell.. Were he able to, Sombra pulled back. He could hear Discord babbling somewhere in the background, before the god of chaos was right in front of him. He backed away. "What? I didn't.. !" His protest fell on nothing but the vines in the room; but really, he didn't do anything this time other than trying to stop her! For his own reasons of course.. Sombra snorted. "You've made quite a mess. Care to listen yet?"
Azure Rain hung trapped in the plundervines and sighed. "Luna do you see what you forced me to do? you must have known what this knowledge would do to me, and now I actually went through with it." then she looked at Sombra. "I think my soul is tainted enough as it is, besides I might not survive after Luna finds out what I did, better stage your coup elsewhere Lord Sombra." then she closed her eyes in defeat and just hung there in the vines ready for whatever may follow.
Princeshë Celestia never even saw it coming. The solar alicorn had long settled down to rest with regalia deftly set next to her chamber door. The peaceful bedchamber was.... still peaceful. The alicorn never stirred from her sleep as the cursed magic took hold and inflicted the wound upon her person. A clean puncture wound; if angular and curved due to the nature of the horn that had been used. Her sheets were an almost pinkish violet and had been pulled up to rest over her. By all means it might appear that nothing had happened if it weren't for the distinct 'drip' those with sharp hearing would hear as well as the sight of blood leaking from her muzzle thanks to the ruptured lung. Her mane had fallen out of powered form since her natural magic was expending what she had to keep alive.
Discord Draconequus appeared right over the sleeping mare. In a thousand years he could never consider them so vulnerable, so easily set to the fury of a young mare. He should have stopped her long ago. He should have take n her horn and ... No. He couldn't do that. He understand the pain Azure suffered, the loneliness, but it was no excuse, no reason to --. A million thoughts no raced through his mind, but the most important thought of all was to make sure Celestia was alright. If anything had happened to her he was sure the kingdom would not, could not survive the fury. Would he blink it out of existence, or himself? Could he do harm to that which Tia held dear? Would that be what he left her? What of Luna? His heart skipped a beat. He was hovering over the mare's bed before lowering himself down to settle beside her. Limbs clambered against the soft bedding. His ears had pinned back, worry over his face.
Discord Draconequus could smell it -- "Tia..." The male reached out his soft paw, not a claw in sight. He moved to carefully pull the sheets form her body. He lowered his head to nuzzle her. "Tia." His ability to use healing magic was -- stunted at best. Abysmal at its worse. "Tia." He continued to call her, not sure if she could even hear. He was desperate to reach out for her, to hold her, but if she was truly injured his moving could -- "Luna where are you?" He didn't know how to deal with this. He could blame Sombra -- but it was fault of his own. Because he was a reckless, immature brat that goaded Azure rather than just... he fueled her bad habits... The spirit crumbled beside the mare, tucking his head against her own. He would listen to her heart. If something gave -- he didn't need his lifeforce. He reached his claw against his chest, a warp of energy twisting momentarily. He would wait. Just a moment longer. "Tia, open your eyes."
Princeshë Celestia made no response to any of the sounds save for perhaps the briefest and easiest to miss twitch of an ear. The mare's heartbeat had actually accelerated as her magic forced her body to produce blood to renew that which was lost. Thus... mess of sheets, bed, feathers, and fur... With the sheet removed one could now see the almost innocent wound. Spells such as the one Azure had used were considered 'dark magic' for a reason!
Princess Luna took to dealing with the one thing she'd been sorely neglecting as of late: dreamwalking. It was fortunate that it didn't require her physical body to traverse the realm of dreams, or else she would've never known something was wrong. She didn't have Tia's foresight, or any such sense, but King Sombra now being within the castle was still cause for wariness. Luna dealt with what nightmares there were, solving problems as she did while an entirely different scene played out in the throne room.. She was out in the garden by the time guards came to her, pulling her back to her own mind, to hear something or other about trouble. Discord sent them. But they did not seem to know what trouble, other than it involved Azure. Luna was on her hooves at once, horn alight, to try to figure out where Discord was.. if he was using his magic. He was. Up in Celestia's.. chambers? Luna wasted no time launching skyward and flying up to her dear sister's tower; if Sombra was behind this...
Princess Luna had no idea what happened, not knowing that Azure would ever do such a thing, so her thoughts naturally picked the worst pony. She didn't trust-.. Luna came up upon the balcony and made sure to come barging in, whether or not anything actually was going on. If she ended up just waking Celestia up for a prank on Discord's part.. well, it didn't matter. "What is happening?!"
Discord Draconequus was not moving. The male was distraught as he laid bundled against the injured, bleeding mare. He flinched when the doors of the balcony kicked in. HIs webbed wing had raised itself and draped over the injured mare. Ruby eyes peeked out from beneath rainbow tresses and grey brows. He had practically buried himself against the hurt alicorn. Tears were in his eyes and blood against his muzzle. If it were any other they could have assumed the draconequus had turned predatory. His claws were digging against his chest, but upon seeing Luna there he would lower it, pressing paw and claw to the bedding, sitting up slightly. "She isn't moving." When he sat up some it could easily be seen his coat of feathers was covered in the blood drenching the bed and his coils rest over Celestia to let her know somepony was there. "I...tried..." He hadn't decent healing magic, she he could not -- "I couldn't kiss it better." The hurt that sounded from him.
Princess Luna gathered her wits about her to take stock of the interior of Celestia's chambers. Other than the balcony doors, which were bent inward and some of the glass panes broken from her entry.. the room was spotless. Save for the bed, Discord, and Celestia. Tia. The sight of the blood that had spread across the sheets made hers run cold in shock. A breath drew in in a hiss and Luna rushed over, her wings still flared out in that intimidating pose; but not towards Discord. "My sister! Prithee tell us what has occured!" Luna commanded as she pulled herself onto the bed; she wasn't being hard on Discord, nor blaming him, she just wanted to know. It'd be too long to fetch for a healer from the temple, so Luna set in, her horn alight with moonlight, to try to look over and fix the damage.
Discord Draconequus flinched back when the mare shot forward in such a state. It was not his intention to ever see them like this. Anger he could deal with, fury, disdain... but this was different emotion. He had been irresponsible and did not stop something he could have possibly stopped. Like a dog who knows they have done wrong Discord would look down and turn his head away, trying to curl into himself as much as he could. The smaller he looked, the less threatening he would seem. It was a natural response to Luna's intimidating movements. He would try to give Luna room as she climbed up. He would attempt to tuck his head beneath her chin, begging for forgiveness. He was in the way, certainly, but he was also not prepared to move whilst one of his mates was so severely injured. His tongue was as heavy as lead, ready to fire blame upon the silver-tongued devil below...
Discord Draconequus had every right in turning in the scruffy turd muffing, but -- tasting the blood on his lips and seeing the stain on his paw... His eyes squeezed closed as he sunk to the bedding, however sopped with her blood it was. "...it was my fault... I didn't stop Azure." He could neither blame Azure... He would tease her, scare her, taunt her, and perhaps he did steal the pony she loved. Looking to Luna who could not be captivated -- by either of them? Generous ponies who had naught but good intentions. He was a vile, despicable fiend who was better left stoned, suffering to watch the world pass him by. He could not stop the tears from flowing, face moving to bury against Luna, wing still pulled over Celestia protectively. "I am sorry." Twas a clear and focused apology. He knew if he lost them he would have no reason left to exist in this world.
Princess Luna didn't like seeing the spreading pool of blood, and she liked it even less up close. That was her sister's blood, and for all the times she was ever angry at her.. she wished she could take that anger back. Her sister, for all her faults, did not deserve this. Luna had also seen how Discord shrank back from her, but she'd have to apologize to him later. Celestia's life was on the line! One wing folded back as the other curled around the draconequus, briefly acknowledging his head under her chin with a brush. "I will need time." Luna stated. Time and all her celestial magic, if need be, to keep Tia from death. Her magic glowed bright, soothing, as she explored the wound with it. Whatever weapon caused it, stank of dark magic, and had passed dangerously close to her dear sister's heart. Luna got to work on fixing the damage, starting with it before she could moving on to the lung. Dark magic's taint made it difficult. And who else used dark magic? Somb- wait. "Azure did this?"
Princess Luna couldn't be sure if she could blame Discord at all, but even inaction caused damage. If Azure willingly did this.. and Luna thought she was getting better, she'd have much to answer for! She suppressed her rage for the time being, and focused on Tia's wounds.
Discord Draconequus hung his head, pressing his skull against Celestia's body. Wound or not he did not want to leave her and make her feel as if nopony wanted her... His words and actions were hardly the stationary effects of a bystander. What was worse is he teased her. He pushed her, but -- who really had the last shove in the scope of it all? How was he to know, had he attacked her -- he would have possibly been the one to do this. Dark Magic was not his forte, but it seemed it would have to be if this was going to be its result. He never wanted to take to such a skill set. It never beckoned him. It was too intentional and felt dirty. He had seen what it was capable of and certainly wanted no part of it. It destroyed and deteriorated life, creation. He was the god of chaos. No matter how retched his personality, or vile his intentions -- he never acted with the intention to destroy life, extinguish it, even if it was the occasional result.
Discord Draconequus sighed. "I...did not stop her. I aided her fury." It was indeed the case. His cold words, his foolish temptations... If her rage were turned on him t'would be what he deserved. His face was hidden, his body shivering. What if Luna was unable to tend to her wounds? What if -- Had he not taunted Azure that time, had he simply walked away. Perhaps he would do well to betray his own heart and turn away from the sisters if they would be safe. Rivals at a distance once more. Harmony and Chaos never together, always apart. He was distraught, his thoughts that of a lover in pain. He -- would be to blame for taking Luna's family away.
Princess Luna dealt with the passing damage to her sister's heart, and the dark magic that lingered there. It'd been easy, and it heartened the moonbringer that she'd managed to save that much, but when she turned her magic's focus to her lung.. It was much worse, pierced by something with a sharp point, but no sharp edges like a blade. Why and how did Azure do this, her scribe? Perhaps Luna had been too neglectful of her, as she had been of Mirage. If she had anypony else to blame for this, it was herself. Alone she was not a good teacher without her big sister there to guide her and others. Her attempt to heal her punctured lung was difficult, as was dealing with the dark magic. "You could not have known Azure would have fallen back on her darker desires. 'Tis my fault, too, to have not done a better job in guiding her back to the right path. And my sister had to suffer for my mistakes again." Luna's tone was one of heavy remorse. "After this, I will deal with her myself.."
Discord Draconequus pricked his ears. She -- was not aware? As Luna expressed her distinct sense of guilt upon the situation Discord could understand that -- she was naive of the actuality of the present situation. Somepony told Azure... Azure was beyond saving. Discord could allow herself to wallow. Had he still been that sort of pony he would have let her suffer to learn the value in her neglect in her duties as a princess. But he roused her from sleep, he kept her at bay with his intrusive games and incessant desire to solve the riddle set forth by Esquire and his dark fetishes. He wanted to hold her, tell her it was -- but she was aiding Celestia. He understood how important they were towards one another. Seeing how they had fought, knowing how it had destroyed Celestia -- he had not been far. He heard the cries. Celestia's tears were strong when they needed to be.
Discord Draconequus reached out his paw to press it against Luna's thigh. "No... she is lost. Her heart turned that which she loved into an obsession." How well he knew of obsessions. How he obsessed getting his revenge on the sisters. It quickly turned into evil. "....she is like me in a sense." He lamented teasing her. "...she is lonely and violently clings to anything that would satisfy her selfish endeavors." He was a terrible role model really. "If anything, I suppose, I should be the one to blame and deal with her thereafter." Responsible of him, but he was never the sort to disregard his own faults. He hated how open they were, now that he could see ponies for what they were. He wasn't perfect, and though powerful, he was still with his weaknesses. "...is she --?" Would Celestia make it?
Princess Luna closed those teal eyes, cutting of her view of the bloody wound in Tia's breast while she worked. The dark magic's taint was making it difficult to heal that punctured lung, made it difficult to heal regardless. Light magic was its exact opposite, after all. She felt something soft on her thigh, but she did not look up nor turn from her task. Luna would be sure to set upon the taint to remove it from Tia's body, as it would make her ability to heal that much easier. Luna drew it out. Her lips parted to say something of that obsession, and stopped, when Discord spoke of his similarities with the scribe. "No. She is my scribe, and though I may be her obsession," it felt.. gross to be the object of it, "I must be the one to break it." Luna was firm; it wasn't that she didn't trust Discord to help Azure.. It was personal. Azure tried to strike down her sister. If Tia was lost to her, what then? A reappearance of Nightmare Moon? Luna didn't want to fathom it, despite the six still having the Elements to use against her a second time; not counting her self-inflicted nightmares. Her way of self harm, punishment. "She will be fine, once I have healed her."
Discord Draconequus did not trust Luna, in the same respect, truthfully. When she claimed to be the one who had to deal with Azure, Discord felt conflicted on the idea. She was stern, obstinate. While he found such qualities endearing, and the unshakable loyalty she had for Celestia: what if Luna did something she would regret? He relaxed somewhat when Luna stated that the solar maiden would be well when healed. He did not wish to pester the lunar mare as she worked, but -- he could not allow her to be the one to control the matter. He would be stern on it. "My love for you both, is an infinite one. And as much as it pains me to say it: you may be unable to see clearly because you are close to both parties. The very fact you are her obsession should make it clear. But I will submit that my working with her alone would not help either, for I am the target of her anger." He was remiss to admit such. He was not a fighter, a lover really.
Discord Draconequus looked over to Celestia as he kept his wing locked over her. "I will help you." He spoke. "I cannot let you stand alone. You seek to stand and face it head on, and I also wish to handle the defunct matters that put Celestia at risk." His ears folded back. "Could this be something we handle side by side? I do not want to be a prince who cannot support his princess." Though slick and endearing his words, they were naught but truth. He did not want her to face this alone, he could not face it with the harm he has done, but he did stand willing to aide her, and a charming speaker was he when he needed to be. At least when his loved ones were in danger... He looked to Tia and sighed. "Hindsight is a terrible curse."
Princess Luna worked on doing what she could for her sister, to ensure that she wouldn't die right in front of her. If Celestia died while she was away, at least she'd have some time to deal with the shock and disbelief, right? No. It was just foolish hope. Better her big sister lived.. Most of her magic had gone towards cleaning the wound of the dark magic, and her lung. The most Luna knew how to do at this point was stabilize it, before she was drained and unable to finish the job properly. Healers might be called in now, with no risk to Celestia's health.. or life. Some tears finally slipped from the moonbringer's eyes, the result of her relief, and anger at Azure. "You may be right. Were it my choice I would cast her out of his castle once she has learned her lesson.. but I know it to be harsh. I will need one such as you to temper my rage and deal with Azure appropriately. Please." Luna sat up, but her head remained bowed. "I believe.. she may be fine, but we will need to call in a proper healer to ensure this is finished properly."
Discord Draconequus lamented for his mate, both of them. There was that feeling in his chest again, clawing at his thoughts and screaming to get out. The sisters struggled of their own devices and his own. While they dealt with being alicorn they too had to deal with him being -- a draconequus: Discord. Nopony deserved this, especially not Celestia. She was always calm, patient -- loving. Had he not been so selfish or desired them both, maybe -- No, no it was just hurt talking, pushing him do doubt. "It was never my intention..." He would swear before moving his paw to brush at her thigh. He did not wish for her to think ill of him. He had not known. The only reason he realized it was Azure was because he felt the spell erupt. He would have never connected the two otherwise. Tia could have... "She somehow learned of... my courting you and -- I soured her with jokes. I pushed her to a point..." His head sunk. He was to blame. "Please Luna, I ...was a fool." He reached out to grab her hoof.
Discord Draconequus shook his head. "Don't... don't lower your head." He did not deserve it. He had to fix what he broke. "I shall go retrieve a healer... please stay with Tia." He was useless anyway. If she moved and opened a wound again -- there was naught he could do to aide her. He depended on Luna as much as the reverse. He moved to sit up and if she had not shunned him the draconequus would nuzzle her face, planting a kiss her cheek. Almost as if it were his last. He would climb off the bed, shapeshifting into his pony form. He paused to look to her, looking to Tia as well. "Tis the least I can do." He hated having these feelings of guilt and would need to tend to them soon... If not stopped he would turn to leave to find a healer, as promised.
Princess Luna felt drained when it came to her magic, but her emotions were in turmoil. Rage against Azure, hurt, and worry.. betrayal. Her scribe. Even her student never tried to hurt anypony! Nor Night Prophet... physically. "I know. Such things have a way of turning on us." Luna said in answer, frowning down at the bedsheets stained by her elder sister's blood. How could she? How could Azure do this? Luna knew, personally, what obsession caused, but this.. Why not hurt her instead of Tia? It wasn't her fault. Luna made an effort to lift her head, and took Discord's paw with her hoof. "Nopony could have predicted her actions." She replied, soothingly. "I forgive you." Luna just couldn't forgive herself, and might not ever forgive herself if anything happened to Tia. "I shall watch her, do not fear. Please, be quick." Luna bid, returning the nuzzle and with a kiss of her own. She let Discord go, looking after him while she guarded Celestia's body.
To be continued.