I can't even come up with a title for this thread [xD]

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The alicorn had decided to take advantage of her current recovering state to get out of Court for today. She probably shouldn't have decided to take the mantle up again so fast but well...

She didn't want to inconvenience Luna more than she did.

Thus the alicorn found herself without anything else to do for the day! Perhaps she could seek out Discord, or.... Go out into the city for a while? That seemed like a lovely idea though. There was this nice little place that one could get pastries. Hehe...

The alicorn stole towards the entrance hall an no sooner ducked into an alcove and re-emerged in her unicorn disguise. Thankfully the alicorn had not had her disguise... completely broken by Mira during that great escape in Ponyville. She stepped past the guards keeping an eye upon the gate and stole out into the city.

What sort of mischief would she be able to get into unwittingly out here?

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The spirit had stopped sleeping for a while. Keeping them dafe, keeping them alive, had become an obsession for the time being. What if there were more assassins in azure's wake that he had been the indirect cause of? If he had but a moment, at any given time, he would leave the princesses to their own devices. He could last some time without sleep, but there was a limit to the exhaustion he could suffer. Sleeplessness did little to nothing to the spirit of chaos, but overextending his powers was likely to push him to a point where the exchange of his powers became imbalanced. Nopony was sure how it worked, nor how such a thing could be balanced. Not even the spirit himself could explain such an immeasurable measurement.

The practice was simple.

He would attend Night Court, or whatever Luna had chosen to do that evening. Sometimes keeping up with her reminded him of his age. He was too old to chase down the very villainous sorts he was not: mobile. He could be seen as lazy, but there were times where he could not exceed himself. Chaos only worked when there was Harmony to be had. There was none with his curious little night flower. He supposed planting adventurous shenanigans into her routine was fault of his. The forest of Everfree was a complicated bead full of terrors and mundane aspects he could not dream of manipulating. He would lay beside Luna once her night was over, just until she feel asleep. He was very gentle with them and did his best to retain the mask of his unicorn form.

The process would begin anew with Celestia. Climbing from Luna's beds he would proceed to leave the chambers to deal with the morning. Since she woke he had been particularly remiss to leave the solar maiden to her devices. Far be it for him to trust she was calmer than her rambunctious sister on account of age. In most cases Celestia was worse. It was a shocking state of progress that Discord did not develop more grey in his mane. Sometimes her tomfoolery tired even him out. He would walk her chambers, to Kibitz's general annoyance, to gently rouse his mate and follow the process.

But Celestial had only just become active again, so this has become his first day passing since. Dramatic as he made it sound, the spirit was intent on upkeeping his acuity. If he could… The sleeping Luna was given a gentle nuzzle and kiss before he departed. Though a bit smaller than an average unicorn pony, the way he moved made his body seem heavier than it was. The fact of the matter was, that, beneath such fluff was a hearty creature patched together with various bits and bobs which made up the fantastical monster. Limping movements carried him out towards the tower's hall.

How he hated summer. He did his best to ignore it, or fight it off. Though, to be fair, he was generally over dramatic when it came to everything. The melodrama kept him young.

He was a bit late, finding it difficult to withdraw from Luna's side. It wasn't easy departing from either of them. His precious partners being separated from the others by mere hours. His adorably nocturnal flower and his previous diurnal cupcake. Hoof by hoof the union's limping figure carried through the halls. Each painting he passed reminded him of a past memory he was not part of. A face he did not recognize, a mortal he has not tormented. These days fewer ponies knew him as the god of chaos, but a simple spirit that embodied the disorder many found inteusive, annoying.

Necessary to relieve bordem.

The thought caused him to chuckle, his body turning turn head down the steps. The walk was long and allowed him time to think. He hated it. He moved quickly through life, because he lived lifetimes over and over. Thinking about these events as memories ill suited his nature. He hastened his hooffalls, but slid to a stop, skidding down in a seated position. His ears perked hearing movement and feeling magic. His horn lit up, the unique white glow of magic quickly enveloped him and wrapped around him before a vase appeared in front of him to hide him.

Celestia, or rather Sunny, trotted by, causing the spirit to raise a brow. Rolling his shoulders he would watch her prance away. He hummed softly before moving to follow after her. Now it was quite curious that his little mare was skipping out on responsibilities. He does hope he was the one to have had encouraged it. Tittering: the plain, old pony stalked after the mare, curiosity getting the better of him. He would be as sneaky as he could be!

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The ali-er-unicorn slipped from the castle wholly unaware (thanks to a rolled 2) and stole out into the busy Canterlot street. Sunny was more than happy to greet several other ponies who called out to her. Sunny was somewhat of a regular to several of the shops here. But nevertheless she strode on until she found herself leaving the richer part of the city and heading into streets that looked a mite bit more run own than usual.

It was obvious that the mare was straining just a bit to walk so far! Alas it was for a good reason at the very least!

She slipped into a rather cozy looking establishment with a small wooden sign with a script naming the place. 'Loafin Joe's' ~ Was it run by a relative of Donut Joe? Who really knows. It was a rather delightful sandwich shop that doubled as a bakery.

The mare cheerfully replied to the greeting from the elderly pony that ran the establishment and took a table that was off next to one of the frosted windows. A menu was summarily delivered. What did the mare feel like having today? An actual sandwich or perhaps just some cake? She'd shared a few cake recipes with the shop owner a few decades ago.... There was really only one bakery that could make sweets just as good as the old pony; though he didn't make too many cakes anymore. Most ponies assumed he just bought them from elsewhere.

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The world was a different place outside the castle. Inside the creature comforts kept one pleasantly unaware of the labors one struggled with when they hadn't a seat of power. Where a diarch had the influence to deny those beneath them: those without authority were forced to conform to a regulated standard based on caste. Nobles, whom sat on the top, dictated the flow of bits. Fashion, food, and fun were populated by their hedonistic pleasures. A restaurant may collapse, oft times, under the illusion that their food did not meet the requirements of the nobles' delicate palate. Clothing labeled unfashionable, out of season was condemned to life in the back storeroom. Much of this also dictated a worker's skill set. A pony who could not satisfy the needs of the many, their talents were wasted in a dead end job, just to make ends meet. It was a struggle being a pony who could not live up to the standards placed on them by the ones who make them.

Demand and need.

There were no exceptions to the vice of demand and need. Though, from the outside, one cold portray a rather idyllic lifestyle filled with happiness and joy: one's special talent was not always used to its fullest potential or noticed. The were many ponies in the world. Unless you stood out as exceptional, you were common rabble. Tossed aside to be forgotten like the warning tales of an elder, what was meant to be a useful and prosperous gift was turned into a decaying art. Such a pony was not worth a bit to overextend. It was an unfair system, but it also ensured there doctors who could heal. It gave bakers the ability to use the food the farmers grew. Working ponies were as important as the magical ones. The weather ponies, could do just as well with assistance from those below their clouds, and those beneath their clouds are guarded by the harsh rays of the sun. A twisted system, but it worked to make sure everything was in order.

He hated order.

In what the spirit felt was a deliberate scheme: the cutie marks of ponies seemed to create a hierarchy. Discord had oft been contempt of these sorts of institutionalized ideas of order and regard for the decree of power of a single authority over others. It went against nature. This hierarchy of power had taken form him his closest friends. The ponies looked for a leader, leaders, who could instill a regulatory government over their in-fighting tribes. Such echelons of power did well to create a discipline that not even the most rebellious criminal could not avoid. To use one's talents to uphold one's position in a foolishly created bureaucracy was a foul scorn upon the idea of freedom of choice. At least, this is what Discord had felt, this is what he believed. For a long time he had no competition towards Chaos. When the sisters came into his life and than tried to leave... he became contentious.

He watched as his precious partner moved from stall to stall, shop to shop. Everything seemed a show. The way she moved and spoke had a natural grace the seemed to glamour them as if she was a vampony. It would be a most amusing twist, but Celestia -- Sunny, had always had a way about her that drew others to her. She had an authority that ponies respected, she had a wisdom that Discord disrespected. It was his way, his personal honesty. He would not regard her as anything above, nor below him. She was an equal, but she was his friend. She had about as much ascendence on his antics, as he on hers. They butted heads often. Order or Disorder? Fun or Responsibility? She knew how to have fun once upon a time, but as she aged -- he feels that she perhaps had forgotten.

Luna? Well -- she was unique too -- he had much to say about her, but currently stalking his formerly bed-ridden mate kept his focus as straight as it could be.

Even in this form she was -- well loved. It was not to say that Luna was unloved, but her presence during the day was non-existent. The night worshipped her, nurtured her. His cute, little alicorn were just too good for these ponies. They were trapped by the mortal coil and the sisters sympathized. He followed her, not suspicious of her actions like some -- heh, jealous husband, but instead he was worried that a formerly infirmed mare was walking about as if nothing had been so! Immortal may have been a title they carried, but it was not the truth of their nature... His ears perked as he moved around the corner, ruby eyes scanning the surrounding environ. Ponies on street corners dressed in rags that were bought by riches, acting as if their existence made any difference to the universe. Ah -- perhaps it did, but not to Discord. The unicorn lowered his head, horn giving off a soft glow. As Sunny vanished into one of the shops the old 'officer of the law' caused one of the coffees being carried by the high-brows to erupt like a volcano, spraying them in the staining liquid. They went into a panic. Though lukewarm, the coffee still did well to stain... hue hue hue.

Raising his head, the creature's darkened expression depicted a most frightening on a pony, a night creature trapped in the position of one given to the night. But in regard to his true form the spirit of chaos had no concept of time, beyond before and after. His arbitrary measures of the pace of life left him with a clear divide between the mortal ponies the sisters cared for and the ageless realms he tended. The dark markings that were painted under his eyes by sleeplessness composed the idea of a pony who worked tirelessly, endlessly. It was no different from vision of his true nature, sleep was an abomination, a regulating factor that controlled life and its advances. This was a belief he had gained over his experience with the mares. How he wanted to play with them until the morning returned, yet -- they slept. Hours upon hours did they sleep and part from him. It was a time of silence, of madness. A beast who had naught to do in a world that had no order to destroy.

Perhaps their very placement in Equestria gave him a purpose again.

But these are things he would never admit to.

Stepping into the shop his horn would light up with the unique, white glow, pushing the door open. Straight away the scent of sweets and food stuff assaulted his nose. Blinking his eyes the disguised spirit looked around. He did not yet approach the mare, instead choosing to find a booth to settle away and wait for service. His order? Black coffee.

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Apparently today Celestia was entirely oblivious (to the 3 in perception) and totally missed the form of Strifecord entering the establishment. The alicorn waited for the old pony that ran the establishment to make his way to her table and then she gave him a smile.

"Good morning." she greeted and glanced down towards the menu once again. "I think I feel like getting a sandwich today~ Give me the special with chamomile tea and, um.. a piece of chocolate widows cake." she'd say only for the pony to nod and turn to head back into the back. The cake wasn't called that, perhaps it was just what she called it? The menu just called it chocolate.

Or perhaps it was Code?

At this point in time Sombra was still at the castle and there was another trouble-making pony at large. She needed to have all of her bases covered.

The old pony returned with her tea as well as something that was shimmering subtly. Even Discord would have a rather brief difficulty focusing upon it. But he was strong enough to break through the illusion himself. A folder of parchment was resting upon the table, and the mare began to look through it as her muzzle curled in a frown. She might have initially decided upon simple pleasure over work, but she figured she should probably check up on a few 'other' things.

Namely if Equestria's spy networks had come across anything unusual. There was nothing.

The mare let out a frustrated sigh and closed the folder. She could probably send out information to all of her contacts... Have them keep an eye out for anything unusual. The contacts she had in the Crystal Empire would be delegated to report to Cadance. And from there they would hopefully be able to keep an eye out for trouble.

Perhaps she could use her contacts to make an anonymous bounty should the need arise. She'd keep her options open.

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The officer settled himself in the booth. His rump touched to the soft cushions as his hooves came to rest on the table's top. His grey hooves contrasted against the brown surface, the wood unexpectedly smooth to the touch as well. He requested a black coffee before the waitress could even offer him a menu. He would still accept the folded paper, though, his horns magic wrapping around the object in question. The grey unicorn would casually lift the menu to his face and go over the day's specials. He would listen to Sunny. Her attempt to sneak out did bring him a little pride, but it tore at his curiosity. What did naughty princesses do when they crept off from work? Well -- aside play around with their secret lovers. The thought made him frown a bit … secret?

Secret it was not.. just a precaution, he reminded himself.


He looked up to see that spmething peculiar was passed to her. It looked like cake. From this distance he couls not be sure what it was. She was quite the Bond, he mused. He could not help but smirk at the thoughts of her being devious and sneaky. Hoo, has he been a bad influence? He hoped so. He loved them, but their being mud covered sticks, stuck in old ways, was no good. What sort of partner would he be if he let them muddle about in such exhausted ways? He was there to disrupt harmony and show them better ways.

Not hurt them.

The caging words would occasionally crop up in the back of his head. A hoof came up to his temple as he tried to soothe the venomous insults away. They were harsh, self-contained aspersions that had arisen from the shame of having been unable to protect her, from himself. Chaos at its finest, he griped.

When his coffee arrived he ordered a simple omelette withvegfies. Pushing to stand his cup would levitate along with him. He gently sipped at the hot, refined drink as he appraised the counter where Sunny sat. He pushed up to his hinds legs and leaned against the top, the empty mug being set down. He eyed Sunny and her… cake.

"I'll have an orange juice. Shaken, not stirred." He requested of the owner, staring right at the mare.

Were the owner to turn away and Sunny to look at him, the unicorn would lean his head forward to give her a strong kiss. "Sneaky little sunshine." He whispered to her.

The male would push into a stool and press his hooves on the counter. He said nothing else. His ears folded back as a smirk pulled over his muzzle. He was impressed. Worried, but impressed. Glancing towards the mare from the corner of his eye he chuckled.

"A sandwich this early? I should recommend something more fitting." One knew what he was thinking… cake.

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Celestia'd had to learn to be devious and sneaky over the years. She was by no means omnipotent, but a good spy network was invaluable; even if she did much prefer not to know the specifics behind it. The network of spiders was by no means affiliated with the Equestrian crown, but it kept her informed of the going-ons of other nations. That way she could be ready for anything they might try on her.

Unfortunately there were limits though...

The disguised alicorn flipped through several pages and began to read over the information the spiders had come up with on the 'Saddle Arabian Incident'... Which was more than she'd found out from more official sources. And she didn't like what she saw...No, it was best not to worry about that, right? Right?! A pony matching the description of a 'corrupt' using a mass amount of magic to wipe out part of the city? No reason... to... fret.. ~ That's not even counting the name! Nope ~ it has to be a coincidence. Bah ~ Who was she kidding: she didn't really believe in those...

She had to take a moment to calm her worry so as not to be fully evident. She'd initially come out here to try to peacefully pass the time but checking this had just made her get all....

The mare was startled from her thoughts at the familiar voice ringing up behind her. The elderly pony took the order and scuffled off to make the orange juice for the new customer while Celestia turned to look and was met with a strong kiss via the familiar form of Strifecord.

Compared to what she'd learned ~ A quite welcome distraction.

Sunny took advantage of the establishment owner's distraction and leaned far enough to give Strifecord a quick kiss to the cheek in return. "I rather have to be." she whispered in return.

Alas she pulled back and the old pony turned to likely present Discord with a bond-quality drink.

Celestia's muzzle remained curled in a small smile even as Strifecord recommended something more fitting. "That comes after the sandwich." That cheerful tone of hers was part of the 'Sunny' persona, but it fit her non-the-less.

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Dark Strife was a well deserving of the title of nuisance, but he also was known to be dutiful, by those who knew him by that name. His role in the police department was a sudden one, short, but it was not difficult for the spirit to flirt his way to the top with his charm and almost divine excellency in disrupting the organized figures of crime that sometimes plagued the peaceful denizens of Canteelot. He did not give up as easily as most and was obstinate in his role of tracking the villainous figures that made his job lean more towards an authority of good.

He hummed, unsatisfied by the kiss to the cheek. He would have preferred a full muzzle kiss. "Do you now? A mare as lovely as you only needs to toss back her mane and glamour those around you." He offered.

He swiveled his ears back before turning to face the counter. The white aura of his magic wrapped around the glass of juice, levitating it off the surface. His forelimbs crossed on the counter as he leaned forward. The male's cropped, black tail perked up as his legs dangled off the stool's edge. He parted his jaws, only for a crazy straw to manifest in the cup. Slipping his lips over it he would sip at his drink leisurely. Crimson colored pupils turned toward Sunny, the little, scarred unicorn. He was clearly flirting with her with the way he teased and looked at her. His omelette would arrive, reminding him of that faint suggestion of eating in his tired belly. With for and knife now gripped in magic he would dig in.

"A lovely thing like you wandering around alone seems a dangerous prospect. Perhaps you would like police protection?" Though he made available such an option, twas no simple recommendation.

She would have no choice. He had been markedly more clingy since Sombra's arrival to the kingdom and a might more protective. After all waking with a full grown draconequus curled over one's body, glaring at the entryway of the chamber could be a bit concerning. For now his illusion was calm. His lip pulled back in a smirk revealing his snaggletooth. He blew a little kiss with his lips and ate as if nothing was a miss. He did find it amusing she had snuck off so, but he was not confident in her current health. Or perhaps it was her safety he did not trust? Those tin cans of service guards she had hardly seemed trained for forced of scornful lovers like Azure.

"So what brings you to a diner, this early?" The question… was a little leading.

She had her duties, but having just healed being in bed seemed more a priority. Even if Luna did do a good job, he could understand allowing her to step down from double duty. He was curious if Celestia simply did not hold a night court during Luna's imprisonment. There were many wonders how Celestia held court on her own, for ad long as she did. Had she made more enemies? Was she constantly exhausted? It would not do. If ever he needed to be a disruptive spirit of chaos, it was now.

"Tell me," he sipped from his juice before looking at her. "You're willing to hold off for dessert, but what else are you putting off? A young thing like you should have a bit more fun in life." He teased, only partially.

His question was clear enough.

What sort of trouble were you planning to get into today, my love?

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'Sunny' wasn't rather obvious about it but the presence of Strifecord was greatly appreciated. Perhaps it was the slightly more natural look of her smile or perhaps the energy that seemed to fill her still somewhat injured frame that spoke of it so.

"I am sure that is the case, officer Strife." she'd start only to make a bit of a face. "I am sure that would get me attention that neither of us would prefer." she'd continue only to lean in with a somewhat impish grin. "After all you do seem to be rather possessive, my dear 'prince of chaos'..." the last was whispered at a level it was probably hard for even him to hear it. There was no way that the old pony could hear her.

The alicorn 'did' like to give a little teasing in return at times; And Discord had been quite entertaining when he spoke with Sombra. Perhaps she could instigate another meeting between the three of them. Then again she might break a stitch!

The notion of 'police protection' made her inwarly frown but.. then again he probably just meant himself. "If said protection would be such an upstanding officer of the law such as yourself I must admit I would feel infinitely more safe."

Shameless....

Even Celestia had to admit that the way that he was seeming to cling to her was a mite overprotective. But then again... she didn't really know how to deal with such an abundance of affection. It was... flattering to the highest degree. She had spent so long looking after herself and her ponies that the notion of being looked after was... nice. The first to offer such a thing was.... The alicorn's head drooped and she felt guilty. Had she grown attached to Discord so because buried under the madness was a creature with similar traits to the mirror Sombra? Perhaps she was... imposing similarities?

She often questioned herself of those things since... why did she deserve such a thing...

Her thoughts got stuck in that loop until she managed to snap herself out of it and look back at Strifecord with a hastily erected smile. "I wanted to get something to eat... and check up on some 'friends' of mine. I'll tell you later." Friends being her spy network, and later being whenever they were somewhere private that she could lock down magically.

The last question caught her just a little by surprise. "I... don't know. I was hoping an opportunity would present itself. There isn't much that I can do in my... weary state." The wound wasn't visible on her illusionary spell... Only Discord would know that she was yet recovering. No bandages were visible. 

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The 'unicorn' casually ate his breakfast. The corner of his lip was quirked up in amusement as his words ruffled the mare. He felt it was the whole point of the matter. What fun was it running about in disguises if one wasn't going to make use of the skin they were in? It hardly seemed fair to not misuse the minor expenditure of energy. The more Discord acclimated himself to the form, the less energy it took him. He did not simply use illusion magic, but wholly alter the reality around his body. It was what allowed him to seem ordinary among so many brightly colored ponies. He became an ordinary citizen, not a hint of chaos magic on him. It was what easily lured Tirek, after all.

His muzzle flushed when he heard the mare's whispered words (20). "Madam…" ah, he had no comeback for that.

It was exceptionally charming on her part, but the spirit disliked being outdone. Before he could ponder an embarrassing remark, the mare did it! He would manage to resist turning any more red (17), but land's sake she was really pushing it. It put him in a troubling position, which may end with the mare in a perplexing fix of her own. The short fur around his neck did bristle slightly, but the stallion was able to brush it down and calm himself in the same motion. He let his magic set down the fork and knife on the table as his hooves rest upon the counter, eyes peered at the mare from a side glance. He cleared his throat.

"As you should. " he proclaimed. "My word is my bond." He pressed his grey hoof against his equally grey coat. "If I say I am going to do something, there is little else but me, that can stop it." An honest portrayal of the unstoppable force of Chaos.

Little could bend the natural forcr, but there were exceptions to what could retard the advance of such bedlam. He stared at the mare. Her body expressed lament, that much was clear. He reached over a hoof and would try to rest it on her knee. Were she to look up, the spirit's eyes would still be poised down, brows furrowed. His gaze slowly returned to hers. She carried a rushed sniled, but his face twisted into a conniving grin. He was up to something. His hoof remained against her leg before brushing at it gently.

"I see.. friends, hmm. Well you can consider me… a friend with benefits." Double entendre hoooo! "If you simply ask, I could left you a hoof in the matter." He patted her knee and sat back to return to his juice. "Opportunity only knocks if you close the door." His tail flicked, sipping his juice, which was magically suspended in its glass so he could keep his forelimbs crossed on the counter's surface.

He was quite an opportunity, one Sunny had creates. What netter, or worse, than a chaotic spirit to turn to? He was hardly helpful, but with the right incentive he could be willing to give hints, even clues. While he personally disliked Sombra, he also did not care about the Crystal Empire. It was a county that ran on Harmony and Love. Love, was unpredictable, but Harmony was something he openly disrupted. He had his own plans for Sombra, but he would have to convince Celestia to not worrt… not ponder the matter. He already had a game in motion. He flexed his right hoof, likely due to a tick.

Flexing one's paw threateningly could become a habit, easily.

"So, shall we go walking subshine? Can't say I wish to sit here after a hearty breakfast." He winked he her, obviously waiting for her to finish her meal.

He would listen to her and grant her attention. After all he was her little prince, chaotic or no…

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At times the mare greatly envied Discord's ability to completely shapeshift into a new form. Whether pony, animal, inanimate, or something truly bizarre. All she had was a hybrid spell that manipulated her size, the space around her, an applied visual illusions. A far lesser version of Discord's abilities but it was something she'd crafted.

She mentally hoof-pumped when she got the 'old pony' to flush and become all but rendered speechless! Amusingly enough the mare too great joy in causing the chaos spirit to become speechless in such a way. Probably about as much as he liked to get her flustered. Probably because both of them liked to be so unflappable that it was golden for one to get the other flustered.

Was her smile at that point gaining a bit of an impish look? Probably.. she was enjoying herself a bit.

Celestia let him go about getting his wits back and set down the utensils. "Indeed, you are your own worst enemy." A bit of a playful barb... His own ego was after all his worst enemy ~ something that had been played on several times.

When Strifecord claimed to be a 'friend with benefits' she had to bite her lower lip although a bit of a laugh escaped. "What great benefits they are indeed." she returned and found herself pausing. "I think... perhaps you could be of help." she hummed and looked across at Strifecord. "You are the one between the two of us who knows how to have fun best... But please nothing dangerous, I'm not entirely sure I'd be up for that challenge."

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He gave a bit of a snort at her remark. His own worst ebent? He would hardly allow such a thought to exisot. He was powerful, and difficult to reign in, but he was certainly not capable of dismembering his own plots and schemes. Little would he admit to the vexing possibility that he had been his own obstacle over the course of a few encounters. Even simple games like traveling between time has well to become unsettled due to his own, naturally problematic, aspects. Whether he was aware of them, or chose to completely disregard this critical weakness, it was sure that he would not easily outgrow is ego. A being his age was quite proud of his power.

He was aware of his questionable insinuation. He was hoping to bite her back after that strike she had made. He was keeping tally today, but he was also aware of her more distressing condition. He allowed his horn's magic to dim. The glass wad set down before a few bits were placed as payment for the services. Sliding from the stool his hind hooves would touch ground first. The spirit had a skillfully, twisted way of being able to stand on his hind legs, even as a pony. Most could without trouble, but it was amusing as he had an awkward stance due to his use of oddly lengthened limbs. His left forelimb rest on the counter while the right crept towards her to caress the injured spot on her chest.

"I am well aware of your limitations today." He sounded almost offended, but his lips curled up. "If you'd let an old pony," he spoke up for show. "You could entertain him with a game of chess in the park." He gave a wink before lowering himself to all fours and limping his way towards the door.

He meant something much different... but knowing him, did one care to ask prematurely? He waited for the mare at the exit so they could walk side by side. He was being strangely gentle, but aside such he was his usual flirty and troublemaking self.

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Celestia smirked some as the draconequus snorted. “Do I need to remind you of the times that your lovely ego got you into trouble?” she’d sweetly as k as she leaned in to give him a nudge. Alas the alicorn pulls back with that smile still on her face and she looked to the older pony running the shop. “Thank you joe.. Tell your friends to keep up the good work.” With that she turned her gaze to Strifecord as he stood on his hind legs with one hoof on the counter and the other brushing over the fur on her chest where in her normal form the bandages lie.

“Thank you, D-Strife.” she nearly slipped but she had that small smile of hers on her face even now. “I think a pair of old ponies playing chess in the park sounds fun… Perhaps I can beat you.” Would he actually intend to play chess? Probably not, but….Well, that was an interesting thought. She wondered how good Discord of all creatures would be at chess.

The ‘unicorn’ slipped from her own seat and made to exit the establishment with the darker pony following alongside. Should they need to go too far she might have started to lean a little on him as her breath grew a little short. Stars damn these types of cursed wounds! Even with the dark magic pursed (at least mostly) the things took longer to truly heal.

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Discord chuckled, well Strife. The old pony flicked his tail as the mare moved up to walk with him. He looked back towards Joe, ears ears twitching. It was curious how the mare had so many friends in odd places. His ruby eyes stared at the old pony for a bit before shaking out his head and looking away. He turned his body and followed Sunny out. He snorted a bit at the idea that Celestia was some super, secret agent mare and moved along. The idea itself was rather humorous. He wouldn't mind seeing her in such a costume running around with grappling hooks and the like. Buwahaha. It was a delicious idea! He was actually rather tempted to play the role of the evil super villain who had a strange fetish for fluffy, white cats. Hmm yes. Tia was quite fluffy. She was white. And, most important of all... she was quite spoiled and hot tempered~ Yes, yes. This was something he would consider doing.

He pulled his lips back to suggest the idea. A little kitty Tia, but the the weight of her body against his turned his attention. His tail flicked a bit as he lowered his skull to nose her. "If you are tired Tia, perhaps we should go back to the castle?" It was half in tease and half in seriousness. He would have liked to play a game with her, but with her so tired... "I mean you're acting like you're the older one. Buck up! We have a lovely game to play and in the park! You can sunbathe and we'll have a little picnic." He didn't want to push her but having her lay about just generally worried him.

He would slow his pace, even if he was goading her to 'move faster'. He led her to the park where, in one of the clearings, a huge chalk-on-ground drawing of a chessboard was drawn out and life-sized pony chesspices dotted the battlefield. A bunch of foals were curiously sitting at the edges of the barricade separating the platform and the pieces seemed to be -- breathing? The sp-- ah, officer chuckled, cocking his head. Wizard chess, quite well known.

"I was thinking of practicing on you before having a game with Lulu. I think it would be a fun game for the three of us to play, but I am still working out the kinks of the pieces. They tend to have am ind of their own when it comes to strategies so its usually a battle to get them to obey commands." He snorted.

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Celestia was wholly unaware of the rather amusing chain of thoughts going through the draconequus’s head. Would she protest about being used as a the ‘stereotypical fluffy white cat’ of a spy villain? Probably, at least at first…. But then she’d be able to be lazy, maybe? Probably.

The ali-unicorn looked back towards Strifecord and shook her head. “If I go back to the castle I’ll probably talk myself into doing paperwork. Or Kibitz will talk me into it for me…. If I can’t be found for a while I can plead ignorance to the pile of work that is probably starting to stack up.” The mare rolled her eyes as she was told to buck up. Well; she’ try to at least, if only to make the draconequus happy.

Saldy that meant no more leaning~ so she’d have to deal with it.

Once at the park she turned her gaze to the chalk-on-the-ground chessboard and the pieces upon it. Were they… breathing? Ah, that thy were. The unicorn studied the pieces and glanced to Strifecord.

“I’m only practice?” The alicorn turned her wholly amused gaze to Strifecord and raised an eyebrow. “I should probably be affronted by being mere practice, but then again the thought amuses me.” She turned her gaze back to the pieces. “It will be interesting playing with them.”