5.
Few Months later
Paradox stayed in bed again and Lilly told her friends that she wouldn’t be going out with them for a long while. She sat in the room with her brother she felt ill when she sat with him, each of his heart beats matched hers and she felt like she was in a tunnel flooded with darkness. Even when the outside was clear with birds singing; she felt despair and loneliness.
“Paradox… I want you to know that I will find you a cure. You’re not alone… You’re my brother.” Lilly muttered to him. “I don’t know why I have been feeling sick. Ever since you got ill, I have been sick.”
Paradox looked at her, his eyes were dark rimmed and unemotional. “Just let me get rid of the monster.”
“No. You promised Dad you wouldn’t.” Lilly whispered, “That is why we sit in the room with you. So you don’t hurt yourself.”
“I hurt myself by living another day.” He muttered as he rolled over to look at the wall.
Lilly got up and left the room. “Augh! You make me so frustrated.” She stopped suddenly in the hallway by Scarlet Grace.
Scarlet looked tired as she looked at Lilly; she blinked and her eyes turned blind. “You can’t leave yet Lilly. You are needed in Canterlot.” Grace then shook her head, her eyes turned normal and she frowned at her sister. “Lilly! Where are you going? Dad said not to leave Doxy by himself.”
“I’m not leaving him for long.” She walked behind Grace and pushed her into Paradox’s room. “See you are here. Watch him for your big sister.”
“But… It’s not my turn!” She looked at Paradox lying on his side facing the wall. “Not that I don’t mind sitting and watching my sweet kind older brother.” She muttered as she sat down.
Lilly went down the stairs quickly as she felt a chill down her back. What did Scarlet mean by saying she was needed in Canterlot. Maybe her father would know, she stumbled off the last step of the stairs and fell on her face. “Ouch.”
Discord looked up from the book he was reading to see Lilly on the floor getting up slowly. “It’s easier to walk when you look at where you are going.” He said as he put the book up to read some more.
“Dad…” Lilly said as she jumped up and ran at him in a full gallop only to plow into him making him drop the book and fall backwards out of the chair he was sitting in. “Dad, Scarlet spoke to me.” Lilly panted after she got up.
Discord frowned as he got up too. “No, Scarlet never talks unless it is something very important.” He picked up the book. “Are you sure it wasn’t her faraway voice?”
“I am sure. She told me that I shouldn’t leave and I am needed in Canterlot.” She shook her head as she put her hoof on her muzzle. “I hurt my muzzle.”
“Who’s watching Paradox?” Discord asked.
“Grace.” Lilly said quietly.
“Lilly, you need to take responsibility. Come on.” He went upstairs with Lilly when they got up to Paradox’s room Grace was staring at her brother but he had fallen asleep. “Hey little Grace, what is new?” Discord ruffled Scarlet Grace’s yellow mane.
“Hi Dad. I was just watching Dox for Lilly…” She stood up then stretched her back legs wiggling her dragon toes.
“Thank you for watching him for a few moments.” Lilly said as she sighed and walked past Grace.
Scarlet grabbed Lilly with her claw and then grabbed Discord with her paw, her eyes turned blind again. “You’re needed in Canterlot. The Princess of the Moon needs you, it’s important.” She then shook her head again as she let go of her father and sister. “Dad, I have a headache, can I go to bed?”
Discord stared at Grace and then looked at Lilly. “That was Scarlet.”
“I told you Dad.” Lilly said.
“What are you talking about?” Grace asked as she looked at them. “Oh my head is really hurting.”
“Go lie down Grace.” Discord smiled at his daughter. “I’ll get you something for your headache.”
Grace walked to her bedroom slowly and closed the door behind her.
“Dad, what does it mean?” Lilly asked. “You said that Scarlet only talks when it’s important she talked to both of us.”
Discord still looked shocked. “I… think we need to go to Canterlot.”
Lilly was suddenly flustered, “B… but Dad… I don’t know why me, why do I need to go? I’m scared… Why me?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know Lilly. We have to tell your mother. Stay here with your brother.”
Lilly sat down as she looked at Paradox sleeping. “What is going on?” She asked as she looked at her brother.
Discord reappeared next to Lilly and she jumped slightly. “Alright Lilly, your mom will be up here in a moment. Then we leave immediately.”
“We’re leaving? But… I never been to Canterlot. I… What about?” Lilly started to stutter as tears started to form in her eyes.
Discord smiled down at Lilly, “You’re just like your mom.”
Fluttershy trotted into the room. “Sorry it took me so long… Are you sure you have to go? Grace and I will have to keep an eye on Dox alone.”
“I’m sure Fluttershy my love. Scarlet only talks when it’s important.” Discord kissed her. “Lilly and I will be back as soon as we could.”
“Mom. I love you.” Lilly said nervously as Discord placed his claw on her shoulder and they disappeared.