Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Very well, she said to herself. Silently of course. It had, and has been, going very well. Her and her friends' regressed state of being was reversed; the elements of harmony were returned as well. So how could their enemy simply yawn and stretch on his own red and black throne?

Twilight commanded deep from her chest, so as to be heard by any who could hear. Her spell began to boot up, as it shot around their group, illuminating their figure. The light around them seemed to lift her up. It has been done now as it was then with Nightmare Moon. Light beamed from their necklaces, shielding her anxious face from their enemy. Discord, their foe, lifted his eyebrows in wonder, speaking simply "what's this?"

Fluttershy sworn to herself that she'd keep her eyes closed but they couldn't possibly remain that way. The moment she opened them just a peek, the light surrounding her gave way to reveal the draconequus' face, one she recognized as pure fear.

"No…!" Discord uttered

The pegasus couldn't stand it anymore, and squeezed her eyes shut, feeling from twilight as she opened her eyes, pure white. Rainbows beamed from their jewels, as light through a prism. The creatures horrifying screamed rocked through her ears. It was impossible to tune out, and would never leave Fluttershy's mind, instead haunting her for the rest of her moons.

As quickly as it began, it seemed to die down. Their homes in ponyville are back in order, only one thing was wrong. Pinkie pie noticed first, as she was exceptionally observant.

"where's discord?"

"where else? We sent him back to the garden as stone yo! With rainbows and stuff! Boom!" Rainbow Dash belted.

Apple Jack replied, "nah, he's supposed'ta be here! Where'd he go?"

The others swiveled their heads looking around

"Wha- I don't understand!" Twilight lamented, "had the spell worked, which I'm sure it DID, he should've turned into stone!"

Fluttershy furrowed her brows and widened her eyes gasping,, "we didn't… Kill him did we!?"

"no! I do not think so, otherwise He'd still be here!" Rarity spoke

Pinkie ducked to the ground and held her face. "WAIT, WHAT IF WE VAPORIZED HIM???"

She squinted all suspect like, her eyes darted to the ground. "Or turned him into grass…"

Rarity squeaked, "my god, we'd be walking on the remains of his being!" As she leaped to her hind hooves.

Fluttershy and rainbow yelped and squeezed each other, jumping on a yellow cloud.
"What?? No, we didn't kill him!" Applejack assured them. She lifted her single eyebrow and squinted as she turned to twilight. "We didn't do THAT, did we?"

Twilight looked exasperated, and wildly confused, shrugging and lifting her hooves. "No!?? Of course not! The elements of harmony CANNOT destroy! To… Hurt him in such a way wouldn't establish harmony! That's messed up!" The others lowered their bodies.

"in any case, ponyville is normal again."

Fluttershy broke the silence. "Do we tell princess Celestia?" The answer went unspoken, only communicated through nods.

Hours laters Canterlot surrounded them with it's glittering pearls decorating the houses, and ivory columns seemingly holding up the sky. Celestia spoke to twilight in private.
"we didn't… kill him, Of course not. Right?"

Celestia shook her head. Her rainbow mane, glittering with crushed gold, twirled around her shoulders, as if wind constantly swept if from her ethereal face.

"the elements of harmony could never do such a deed."

"Your Highness, what do they do exactly? I mean they banished Nightmare Moon to the moon, but then later brought back Princess Luna! Why did they turn Discord into stone?"

The princess spoke from her chest clearly, her chiseled, yet soft glowing face moved slowly and evenly distributed. She was parallel on each side of her face. Her stature was large, yet the shadow she cast was undercut by her glow.

"The Elements' job is to restore balance in the land. It is complicated, but in simple terms, what they do is turn one's physical form into what is reflected from their souls. The first time they were used on Luna, she had darkness in her heart and that is what banished her to the dark side of the moon. The second time, there was good inside her that wanted to be set free, and that is what returned her to us as my sister. Discord, however…" She trailed off and looked at said creature's picture in the stained glass. Her gradient eyes of royal purple was like glassy pearls. "His heart is as cold as stone."

Twilight continued. "He does have one. Surely."

"so what'd they do?"

The princess' voice was molasses and honey, luxardo cherries and havarti cheese. Sometimes when she spoke with her sister in whispers and giggles it sounded like Vegemite and butter. Besides this, she spoke.

"Nothing. Discord escaped before he was imprisoned."

Twilight felt her face droop and stiffen. She was astonished. "But we fixed ponyville! Everyone's memories were restored!

"That you did, and Discord witnessed that. He saw that he could not break apart your friendship with the others, and so he chose to cower and flee."

Twilight replied "how could you know!"

Celestia spoke "I know the inner working of discord. I know that is what he would do."

"we gotta find him! Equestria isn't safe with him free!"

"No, he knows not to make another attempt to takeover, not without time to contemplate his next move. When he does, that is when we take action."

"But what if…?"

"Twilight Sparkle, we do not know where Discord is. The only thing we can do for certain is to wait for him to come out of hiding. When he does, I want you and your friends to be ready. Do you understand?"

She opened her mouth to protest, but then sighed and nodded.

"Good. Now, I will leave the Elements with you, so you will be ready when the time comes. But first, I will cast a spell protecting them, so Discord cannot take them again."

Twilight nodded again. "I understand, Princess."

So the six ponies went back home and waited for Discord's return. They each wore their Elements at all times for precaution, save for bathing. For weeks, they waited in agitation for their enemy to make his attack. They told no pony else that the Spirit of Chaos had escaped, for Celestia did not want her subjects to panic. It was because of this that the friends went about their daily routines as if there was nothing to worry about, but they each slept with one eye open, all except Fluttershy, who slept with two.

days turned into weeks, then months, until after a year, the ponies assumed Discord had left Equestria for good. They began feeling more at ease, with a few exceptions. Twilight became anxious often and studied divination, in hopes of finding their enemy's location. She worked tirelessly, until her friends reminded her of her own needs.

Fluttershy spent nights waking up with a scream, after experiencing a nightmare where the monster had her in his clutches. Of all the frightening creatures she had encountered in her lifetime, she had never been as afraid as she was of Discord. Even though she had not seen him in a while, he still haunted her. Everywhere she turned his yellow and red eyes were there, staring into her soul. Sometimes he would appear as three butterflies, or as his stained glass image. Whatever form he took, it felt like he was always there, watching her.

Twilight's role was promoted to the duchess of equestria. This stopped nothing of her friends love, and their time spent together. While Twilight was still living in Ponyville, she spent most of her time in Canterlot or elsewhere performing royal duties. As for her other five friends, they had gained notoriety as saviors of equestria. They were celebrities, and Their love for each other and acts of platonic intimacy were envied.

Rarity's designs became more popular than ever. She had so many orders to keep up with, that she had to hire help. Her sister Sweetie Belle had little talent in sewing, but did what she could to organize everything. Her friend Apple Bloom proved to have a greater knowledge of interior design, as well as strong structure. Rarity was incredibly appreciative, hiring her as well. Scootaloo took deliveries and orders, and communicating with costumers as she rode town to town.

Rainbow Dash's talent landed her a job and privilege with the wonderbolts. With them, she traveled all over Equestria, performing her stunts and earning the praise she adored. She still made time for her friends and offered them tickets whenever they were in town. Pinkie Pie attended all the shows and derbies and was Rainbow's biggest fan. Of course, Fluttershy still cheered harder than any other when she could see rainbow, spending time away from her animal sanctuary. Rainbow enjoyed bragging and preaching her feats to others, teaching them what she learned around the world. Her fanclubs spread the word of her miracles.

While keeping her job at Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie kept a party planning service in Canterlot. Whenever there was a special event, the royals called her. Not only did she always throw the best of parties, but she did it free for her friends! Most other had to pay. Her attitude towards new situations, affinity for learning new ways of living, and comfort being around others made her a powerful and kind ambassador, as she traveled with scootaloo across the world for their duties.

When making visits to Twilight in Canterlot, Applejack would take the opportunity to sell her apples. They were much more appreciated once every pony heard they were grown in the princess's hometown. The fact that they were crisp and refreshing didn't hurt either. As a result, Applejack earned a lot of money and not only managed to buy a tractor for Big Macintosh and fix Granny Smith's aging body, but also gave much of what was left to the pies and hospitals. Her athleticism was much admired and cowboy attire was made fashionable, thanks to Rarity.

In their new glamorous and comfortable lifestyles, of good deed and grateful souls, they began to forget about discord. Unfortunately, one could not be entirely satisfied.

Once the six were known to the public, many ponies began taking interest in Fluttershy, who had her gentle features known to the public and endearing and beautiful. All of her suitors had been rejected. Such an intimate love was overwhelming. The consuming devotion was something she was certain no one could feel for her. Despite gaining confidence over the years, she knew it was too much love to depend on someone to have. Besides, the whole aspect of her partner taking care of her was strange to Fluttershy, she was a grown pony!

The nightmares hindered her in loneliness. With others, she could stand for herself. With a little help from her friends, she lifted herself up. The gang learnt from each other as they did their thing.

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle was studying and learning more about magic and being practically a princess each day. She took pleasure in it, but sometimes, she would look out the window and wonder about her enemy in hiding. It had been almost three years since he had vanished without a trace. Where was he? What had he been doing all this time? When was he going to strike?

Nopony knew.

Chapter Text

The Grand Galloping Gala was arriving in seven moons, and Twilight had called all her friends to help with the preparations. It was an event the group of friends looked forward to most, as planning a party had been how they met, and served as an effective reminder how they were practically meant to be.

The four approached the palace gate, pearlescent gold swirled overhead, enveloped by lavender marble slabs. Beyond the gate, the sturdy granite and basalt. Inside surely held strong oak or teak. It looked like a pinnacle of wealth. As the gates was opened, by willing guards, Instead of Twilight they were greeted by her brother.

"ladies," Shining Armor said. "We're so glad you could make it! Twilie and the others are already having dinner. They asked me to escort you."

Applejack sighed in relief. "Thank goodness! I'm starved!"

Pinkie Pie bounced down the hallway. "Dinner with the princesses! That's the type of thing nopony else could possibly dream of!"

"You love having dinner with any pony, darling," Rarity chuckled breathlessly.

"food's a love language!"

The group laughed, Applejack grabbing onto rarity's withers for support, rainbow dash running off as she laughed, Fluttershy coving her face, and letting off silly girlish snorts.

In the dining hall, Celestia sat at the head of the table, Twilight and Spike on her right, Luna and Cadence on her left. When she saw her friends, the purple alicorn forgot her manners for a moment, leaping out of her seat and attacking them with a hug.

"I'm so happy you guys made it!" she exclaimed. "I haven't seen you in so long, I was doodling your cutie marks on my notes!'

"We're more than grateful to be here with y'all!" Applejack declared. "Now hows 'bout we chow down?!"

As they ate like starved timberwolves, the friends caught up with one another. Twilight told them about the new spells she had learned, Rarity talked about the dresses she had in mind for the Gala, Applejack asked if the event could be painted professionally for the hospital patients, and Pinkie ranted lovingly about the other cultures she'd learned from . Fluttershy politely listened to the conversations, a bit nervous about being in the presence of royalty, but happy to infodump when animals were brought up, especially when it was an animal from another era. Then Shining Armor and Cadence tapped on their crystal glass and announced something extraordinary.

"Shall I tell them? I can't keep it in any longer!" the alicorn asked her husband.

"I think you have the right," he replied with a wink.

She smiled at all of them. Her teeth were glassy white, albeit slightly crooked. It was endearing, especially so after cadence announced: "We're having a baby!"

Every pony gasped. Except for Luna, who'd seen cadence's dreams, watching afar as she dreamt of fish, waking the next morning as a mother.

"Wait a second!" Pinkie cried. Then she took a sip of water and spat it out. "You mean to say you're having a bouncing, giggling, grabby, chunky, silly little FOAL???!" she twitched slightly in excitement.

Cadence laughed. "Of course, Pinkie."

Twilight flapped her hooves as her jaw hung open "I'm going to be an auntie! To a BABY!"

"That would explain your glow, why you're positively radiant! When are you due?" Rarity asked, astonished.

"Ten months," answered Shining Armor.

"How wonderful!" Fluttershy complimented. She wondered who the baby would look like more.

"This calls for a toast!" Celestia announced. She lifted her goblet, lined with rubies. "Here goes to the child of princess Cadence and sir Shining Armor, may their legacy live on through their heir, and their deeds to their kingdom!"

The others lifted their goblets and cheered in agreement.

Luna's mane of midnight ink and twinkling stars adorning the smoky Prussian blue gave way to reveal her almond eyes. Framing her soft and enticing face, sharp in it's regality. Her eyelids drooped alluringly. She brought up her hoof and whispered to her sister.

"hehe, their deed brought a new legacy alright-"

"Luna! You MANIAC!" Celestia whispered, her voice cracked. They giggled, and laughed louder each time they looked at each other.

Twilight Piper up through a chorus of giggles and congrats, "I can't wait to babysit!"

"Wait," Spike paused. "I'm not gonna be the one to change its diaper, am I?"

Everypony laughed as spike shrugged. He would not be getting an answer. Fluttershy only smiled softly. She was truly happy for the young couple, but for some reason, that happiness could not be reflected through her face. Applejack noticed Fluttershy's depression and stopped laughing slowly. Her friend had been this way for quite a while now. While she engaged in social activities as much as possible, she never seemed to take pleasure in them, instead seeming rather depressed as she walked out the door. It bothered the cowpoke and she was determined to find out what was going on.

The next day, preparations for the Grand Galloping Gala began. Pinkie Pie brought her party cannon into the ballroom and fired balloons and confetti all over the place. In a comedic manner it all fell perfectly into place.bPrincess Celestia was sure the Gala was going to be less boring this year. Less uptight. Rarity called the girls in one by one to take measurements and ask their opinion on their dresses, though they knew to trust the unicorn's vision and to not make too many suggestions.

After gathering foodstuffs and baking supplies from the market, Applejack decided to take a stroll in the garden. She would not have to make the food until the day before the event, so she had some time to herself. Of course, knowing herself, she'd likely get onto her duties hours before she was supposed to, simply for pure amusement. She followed a melodic sound and encountered Fluttershy conducting her bird chorus. She stopped them in the middle of a song.

"No dearie, it's more like…" she sang a few notes in that sweet voice of hers. "Understand?"

"Howdy, Fluttershy!" Applejack said in a voice loud enough to startle the birds. The pony beamed apologetically. "Oops, sorry Fluttershy, I'll call them back."

The pegasus sighed and gave a small smile. Her features lifted and the smile line on her face became more defined. "It's okay. We were about to take a break anyway."

Applejack studied her face carefully. "Is somethin' wrong, Sugar Cube?"

"What? Oh no, nothing is wrong."

She wasn't convinced by her tone. "Fluttershy, I'm gon' be honest with you. You seem down in the dumps as of late. You know I can't remember the last time I seen you smile? I mean really smile, like you meant it?"

Fluttershy paused and turned away. "It's nothing, really. It's not stopping me from anything."

Applejack took a deep breath. "It's those nightmares, ain't it? You're still havin' them, aren't ya?"

The pegasus floated to the ground and hid her face, unsure. Her friend put an assuring hoof on her back.

"Sugar Cube," she said slowly, "it's been three years. Discord's long gone. You got nothin' to fear anymore. You gotta let it go."

She sniffed. "I know, but the nightmares just won't go away, even when I'm not asleep! It's like everywhere I turn, he's there, watching, waiting to…to…I don't know! Take me away or something! I just…I can't…"

Tears began to prickle her eyelashes. Applejack stroked her mane in comfort. It was soft, excepting the sticks and marigolds peppered inside. Rainbow dash loved braiding flowers into her mane, but taking it out was hard without a stick, which broke In her thick mane.

"Hey, it's okay. Discord's not comin' back and he certainly ain't gonna take us away. If he did, you'd be able to kick his butt! It just ain't gonna happen. Come git some hot cider if you're feelin anxious, okay sugar?"

Beyond the castle gold and the groves of daisies, past the vines of thorn and trees with spikes in place of branches in a cave far away, their old enemy was watching the scene in a mirror. He could not help but laugh in a gravely manner.

"It's just too amusing!" he exclaimed. "Oh, the dramatic irony of it all! Ooh, imagine the looks on their faces when I appear out of the blue after all this time!"

The image in the mirror faded and only his reflection was visible.
"And why have we been hiding all these years?" his image mocked.

"why it's elementary, you silly fool, it's in their face! How they go about their lives, oblivious to my presence! It'll make it all the more easy to get them with their guards gone!

"Except for that wimpy pegasus."

"Oh, nopony will listen to that quivering drip!" He cackled, "Oh, that pony is in for quite a fright!" He bellowed

"Exactly what's the plan this time? Turning them into their opposites again? My my, how WELL that plan turned out!"

"NO, of course NOT! we can't do something that can be undone. We'll have to make a more…permanent change." He tapped his chin with his eagle claw.

"The problem is those Elements of Harmony," his reflection said. "As long as they are willing to use them, we are not safe."

His eyes widened as an idea hit him. "Yes, but what if they weren't willing to use them?"

"I'll tell ya later. Or I wont! You'll find out soon enough, you're me! Those ponies are in for the surprise of their lives!"

He broke into a roar of maniacal laughter, which echoed throughout the cave. He then glanced around at the emptiness of his lair.

The Gala was only a day away when Spike coughed up a message for Princess Celestia. He held his stomach as Celestia read unaware.

"There is a crisis in Saddle Arabia," she announced to the other princesses after reading the parchment.

"What sort of crisis?" Luna asked.

"I am assuming it has to do with Yemane. lacks detail, but it says they need you, Cadence and I to come to their aid."

"should I come with you, princesses?" Twilight questioned.

"That is simply what it says. All of us, excepting you. My apologies twilight, but Even if they requested all of us, one of us will have to stay behind. As my duchess and right hoof pony, I am entrusting you with my kingdom. I have no doubts that you could do this task and prevail."

"What about the Gala? Your presence is expected!"

"We must leave immediately. We have been before, and the ponies are not missing anything by not seeing us for the hundredth time. I know you can take charge."

The young alicorn froze. "me? Rule Equestria? Run the Gala? By myself?"

Celestia nodded. "You will have your friends and brother to help you, of course, but yes. Until we return, all royal duties will be appointed to you."

Her eyes became enlarged and shining. "Do you think I'm ready?" She wondered out loud.

When the others heard about this, they panicked.

"You mean they're not going to attend the Gala?" Rarity exclaimed. "Oh, and I made such beautiful dresses! I got to take their measurements and discuss complimentary gems and for WHAT?!"

"We're doing this all by ourselves?" Fluttershy asked horrified.

"Aw, no sweat! We've handled party ponies before!"

"But something as big as the Grand Galloping Gala? Those ponies are rich! They have expectations! It seems like a performance. Oh, I'm feeling lightheaded..."

Rainbow Dash caught her before she hit the floor.

"I'm nervous too," Twilight declared. "But don't worry, girls. I know we can pull this off if we work together!"

This lifted every pony's spirits and they cheered. Well, every pony but Fluttershy, who uttered a half-hearted, "Yay."

"I'll go get my birds to practice. Oh! And my geckos."

Her five friends watched in confusion as the pegasus trotted sadly off.

"is flutters okay? She doesn't seem as excited about the gala! She's performing! Do you think her stomach hurts or something!?"

"You know how she is with social events," Rarity said.

"But I've never seen her like this before," Twilight noted.

"It's them nightmares again," Applejack explained. "Theys gettin' worse."

The duchess's face filled with concern. "How longs this been going on?"

"A while. I can't remember the last time I saw her really smile."

Pinkie pondered. "You know what? Neither can I! I mean when she does give a smile, it looks forced."

"You know she's been getting invitations from an enormous array of stallions?" Rarity mentioned. "But she rejects all of them! I simply cannot understand it! If I received that much attention, I would bask in it! I hope she's feeling loving about herself..."

"You say she's having nightmares?" Twilight asked. "Do you mean the ones involving…?"

Applejack nodded.

"But he's been gone for three darn years!" Rainbow dash reminded them. "What is she afraid of? If he wanted to attack why not do it when were chilling?"

"We gotta find a way to turn her frown upside-down!" Pinkie declared. "But how?"

They all thought for a moment. Then Rarity's face lit up.

"What she needs is a social boost! She should do more at the Gala tomorrow night than conduct the bird choir! She should sing a song!"

"Doesn't that seem counterintuitive?"

Rainbow dash answered, "she's only nervous until she's actually singing, then she's riding that high for days! It's just the thing she needs to boost her confidence!"

"I suppose she could sing," Twilight said. "We'll have to ask her first."

Fluttershy was reluctant in the beginning, but then decided it would be something to take her mind off of everything and accepted. Besides, with her they could prove they had manners and talents that these rich ponies couldn't dream of!

Days passed before all six gals met each other again, each busying themselves with their duty to the soiree.

The posh ponies were astonished when they entered the castle the next evening. The ballroom was decorated much more colorful than usual, the table was covered in baked goods, rather than small hors d'oeuvres. The orchestra was playing a classical rendition of some popular songs. Princess Twilight was greeting the guests instead of Celestia. She of course only did this for the first few minutes and then left to mingle. The scene was also lively due to the presence of the Canterlot orphans. The Canterlot elite were shocked at first, but soon settled into the rusticity of it all. They had to admit, the Gala was a lot more entertaining this year. Plus, the gems adorning dresses all over the place entrapped their eyes.

The Wonderbolts had just entered the ballroom and Rainbow Dash was tackled by the enthusiastic pink pony.

"I'm so glad you're here! I haven't seen you since we first planned all this!" Pinkie shrieked.

The blue pegasus wrapped an arm around her and laughed. "Good to see you too, Pinkie! Sorry I couldn't visit, my wings were SORE! On the bright side, my legs are super buff!" She flexed, and her stifle tightened, defining her muscular build. She spent a minute admiring her muscles, flexing her forearms. "Oh man, that's beautiful, hehe."

She was then met with Twilight and Applejack, both of which offered her a hug.

"Hey, wheres Rarity and Fluttershy?" she asked, glancing around.

"Fluttershy's practicing her song and Rarity went to pick up the Cutie Mark Crusaders from the train station," Applejack explained with a chuckle. "Though, they're not exactly the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore."

"Whoa, whoa. Back up. They're not friends anymore? I thought our lessons meant somethin'!"

Applejack was about to reply when a young voice cried, "Rainbow Dash!"

It belonged to Scootaloo, who was racing towards her role model. Rainbow greeted her foster sister with a bear hug.

"I missed ya, Scoots! Let's have a look at ya. Wow, you've grown, kid. And…" She paused. OH!! THATS WHAT THEY MEANT!"

Scootaloo lifted her flank to reveal a cutie mark, with a scooter and bolts of electricity flying from the wheels.

"Can you believe it? I finally earned my cutie mark! Sweetie belle and apple bloom have theirs too!"

Rainbow and Twilight gasped. Applejack smirked. "Tried to tell ya."

"Congrats, kiddo!" The older pegasus noogied her purple mane playfully. "I always knew you had slick moves on that scooter!"

Then Rarity approached with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom who, like Scootaloo, were dressed elegantly. Apple Bloom wore a glittering red dress and had switched her pink bow with a sparkling green one. Sweetie Belle wore glass slippers to match her blue dress with translucent trimming. Scootaloo's hair was short and scrappy and her dress had a magnificent blend of orange and purple.

"Wow," Twilight marveled. "You girls look beautiful! Did you make them those dresses, Rarity?"

"Would you believe it?" Rarity replied. "Dear Apple Bloom here came up with the designs!"

"Really?" Applejack said.

"Yeah! Her gift of design is truly a miracle!" her sister exclaimed. "And guess what appeared as scootaloo's did?"

Apple bloom's flank revealed a pink and green protractor.

"I wanted it to be a surprise! At first I was mad cuz I didn't like the protractor, but it grew on me!"

Applejack sniffed and hugged her little sister. "My little Apple Bloom has finally blossomed!"

"But you said Sweetie Belle had her cutie mark too," Twilight said.

"I do!" the little unicorn piped as she revealed her flank.

Sweetie Belle's cutie mark was a treble cleft.

"You three sure have come a long way," Rainbow noted.

"We all have," said Twilight.

Neither of them noticed the gray stallion listening from afar. His deer antler and goat horn were hidden under his top hat, the only things that would not change, along with his yellow and red eyes. He smiled to himself at the alicorn's statement.

"Oh, if only you knew..."

Chapter Text

So far, the Gala was a success. Even the snobbiest of ponies were enjoying themselves. While Pinkie Pie kept the entertainment going, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were hanging with the young creatures of far and wide, who acted as transfer students to the ponyville school districts. They were eager to see them both. applejack slinging her arm around rainbow's withers, pulling her close as rainbow leaned her head onto the other's.

The rather snobbish ponies simple snickered at the children's best outfits from home. "Why, they are just like school on a Sunday! No class."

"I wanna be just like you!" they kept saying to either one or the other, oblivious.

"Aw, shucks," Applejack blushed.

"Think big, kids," Rainbow said. "With a lot of practice and guts, you can go anywhere!" She pulled the children close. "A lotta you will be better than me one day!"

"Girls," Twilight interjected. "Have either of you seen Fluttershy? It's almost time for her performance."

"What, She weren't in her dressin' room?" Applejack asked.

Twilight shook her head.

"She's probably out in the garden. Ya know how she feels more comfortable round' the critters."

"relax guy, I've got this." Rainbow volunteered.

In the garden, rainbow began before she stopped herself. "Wazzahhh-!"

Indeed, Fluttershy was observed in the garden, surrounded by marigolds that made her face glow. warming up her voice, She was so nervous, she felt like it was going to crack. Even in that state, her voice was fine tuned Spanish guitar. EADGBE, her tuning. Her chords rattled and sent vibrations through Rainbow's chest and throat. She felt like she did when she flew, like nothing could ever be wrong again. Am, G, C, G, A. Ripples through clear northern waters. Am, G, Em, C, G, Am.

"Oh, what am I doing?" she muttered to herself. Her enchanting chords broke into radio crackles. "I can't go up in front of every pony and sing."

"Why not? We all know you're great."

She turned to see Rainbow Dash in her Wonderbolts uniform. She embraced her with a smile.

"I'm happy to see you."

"You doing alright?" Rainbow asked. "Cuz' the others told me that you haven't been very happy lately."

Fluttershy glanced down at her hooves. "Well, um…"

"They say it's because you keep having nightmares about Discord?"

She looked up at her with serious eyes. Her gentle baby blue eyes now cerulean in hue as she looked beyond her eyebrows, head lowered. Guilty. She felt guilty, for no real reason, she supposed. But she just couldn't help it...

"It was different. In my dreams, he usually just holds me and laughs. That's what I dreamt he did last night, but this time, he was…" She shivered. "Stroked my mane.. with his talons, and I was powerless... All I worked for was nothing."

Rainbow put her hoof around her. She gave her a comforting squeeze. Her coat was glimmering Prussian blue. Just enough undercoat to have her a fluffy feel. Of course, she'd have it sheared had it not been very cold.

"Hey, it was just a dream. And in dreams, things don't mean diddly squat yo! I had a dream where I was rarity's cat , but I was orange. And I ate a table. WHATEVER! You'd be able to pound him to a pulp if it were real! You've got to hang loose. This is a party!" She pat Fluttershy's back. "Crap, That reminds me. It's time for your song."

"Oh, I don't really feel like singing…"

"Don't tell me you've still got stage fright! Come on, don't you remember how you helped us all with that hurricane?"

"Singing's different from flying."

"look flutters, if you don't think you're strong, let those ponies prove you wrong. They love you! As soon as you open your mouth... You'll see."

Fluttershy was silent, smiling gently, but just not quite enough.

Rainbow dash leaned in and whispered.
"I always get nervous before a performance. I start shaking and getting into my own head too much. But I know when I get out there and do what I love, nothing matters more than how powerful I feel in the moment. And I feel it for days after!"

Fluttershy looked up amazed. Biting her lip, she imagined it.

Fluttershy gulped. "Okay. I'll do it."

"for real though, we need to hit the buffet. I'm so hungry..."

Fluttershy turned to rainbow. Her features more defined under solid jet black air.

"...how hungry?"

Discord was bored with the entire scene, though he had to admit this year's gala was much more interesting than last year's and the year before. Still, there just wasn't enough chaos! So to entertain himself, he pulled a few pranks on the posh ponies, like making a hare appear in the punch bowl, but he could not draw attention to himself until the time was right.

He chuckled as he watched the baby dragon attempt to attract attention from the older mare, rarity for a dance. Applejack did her best as his "wingmare," giving in only because it was adorable to witness his first crush. She remembered the feeling, and hey! What she would give to dance with rarity as well! Unfortunately for spike, only one of them got what they truly wished for.

He looked around the room and noticed that the little dragon Spike was attempting to get a dance with Rarity. He rolled his eyes. Give it up, kid. It's never going to happen. Though he had to admire his persistence. Meanwhile, that party pony Pinkie Pie was, rather consciously, making a show of herself, and as much as the wealthy ponies hated to admit it, they were having fun with the comedy routine.

It was then that Twilight pulled the microphone away. With considerable effort. and Thank you! Discord silently said to himself. You finally do something right!

The princess tapped the mic, getting every pony's attention.

Ladies and gentlecolts, put your hooves together for the Grand Galloping Gala!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd. The children, in their higher pitch grated on the ears. The Lord of Chaos grunted. He didn't mind children, ones who caused annoyance for simple pleasure were especially entertaining. But why couldn't they just be born sounding like Maregan Freeman?! Such shrill voices grated his ears.

"Well, there's more to come," Twilight continued. "We have a wide range of entertainment planned for you tonight, including an air show, full of daring dives and booms from the one and only esteemed Wonderbolts!"

"But first, we're going to hear a song from a very good friend of mine. Mares and gentlecolts, the Element of Kindness herself: the illustrious, Fluttershy!"

Spike, a smaller onlooker, turned his head to see his crush's beautiful smile of perfect whites, only to witness her hooves intertwined with Applejack's, nuzzling her cheek as the workhorse clinked ciders with rainbow dash, and noogied her mane.

At that, at least he could still see her smile.

Oh, goody! The little wimpy pegasus is going to sing! This ought to be hilarious. Then he noticed the awestruck looks on the stallions. What are they staring at? Discord followed their gaze like a Lazer, laying his eyes upon the softest feather of a sight.

The yellow pegasus was walking nervously up to the mic. a flowing, nearly translucent green dress flowers off her figure like a waterfall, gentle as a breeze. It highlighted her round features like a butterfly wing, so delicate and fragile, yet poised and headstrong. with white daisies braided in her smooth baby pastel crimson mane. It was the first time in years that Discord had seen the Element of Kindness. His mirror did not do her justice. And she was…she was…

He shook the thought out of his head. How alluring her features were, so aware of that she'd have to be to captivate the mind in such a manner. She was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Fluttershy looked out towards the audience and felt her hock and fetlocks buckling under the pressure. Then she noticed her five best friends and the Cutie Mark Crusaders in the front row, giving her assuring smiles. She glanced over at the pianist, who nodded and played her starting note. Her voice was weak at first.

"Can…any pony…" she cleared her throat, "find me…some pony to…?"

The music swelled gently, like the unfolding of wings. Her voice echoed through silver halls until it couldn't.

Her wings had to unfurl. She has to hover.

"LOVE."

Her wings sprung out, loose feathers flew as the piano matched their cue. The drums kicked to the lighted as they burst into a purple blaze.

"Each morning I get up I die a little

Can barely stand on my hooves,…"

The backup began,

"Take a look in the mirror and cry

Lord, why do what you do?!

I have spent all my years in believing you

But I just can't get no relief, Lord!

Some pony…"

"Some pony!"

Fluttershy started to smile. "Some pony…"

"Some pony!" sang her friends.

"Can any pony find me…some pony to love?"

The ponies stomped their hooves to the beat as it banged through the auditorium, and cheered. Fluttershy blushed.

From her great chest rose the shaking of the halls, as she belted out her every thought.

A wide grin spread across her face as she continued singing. Soon the audience was nothing but background vocals and loud cheers, just instrumental, as she was lost in a world of her own. In the spur of the moment, she flew high into the air. She soared, she face stretched to fit the sheer emotion she could never express.

Discord watched her performance in astonishment. Was this the same pegasus he had met in the labyrinth? Was this the same pegasus who ran at the sight of butterflies? Who hardly ever uttered an audible word? Was this pony singing in that strong, confident voice, spinning circles in the air, shining in the spotlight, really the 'weak and helpless' Fluttershy? How her wings beat to the rhythm, her thin skin distorted to give way to raw, unadulterated enjoyment, and yearning...

He watched as she danced during the interlude. Every move she made was delicate and graceful, not a single flaw present. She was a ballerina, somehow performing a lone Pas De Deaux, she was Odette, fragile swan, somehow utilizing every muscle and sinew to create a powerful pose every second, balancing everything on her seemingly delicate frame. It made him sick.

As they repeated the lines, Fluttershy kept twirling in the air, forgetting all her troubles. Nothing in that moment mattered but the wind in her coat.

Then she felt something grab her hoof and spin her around, but she was so lost she thought nothing of it. She did not even hear the screams from the ponies. It was after her mysterious partner had dipped her that Fluttershy opened her eyes and her smile disappeared, replaced with agony.

Standing over her, holding her in his arms, was the very object of her nightmares.

"My dear Fluttershy, I had no idea you had such a lovely voice!"

She was frozen in place and had lost all knowledge of speech. She could not even scream. A cry from a familiar voice broke her out of her trance.

"Get off of her!"

Rainbow Dash bolted from her personal area betwixt applejack and rarity, cut between them and protectively moved her friend behind her.

"What?" the draconequus shrugged innocently. "We were only dancing."

"Discord," Twilight growled between her teeth.

"Ah, Twilight Sparkle. Or should I say your highness? Surprised to see me? Well, it certainly has been a while since last we met. Sorry I didn't send you a postcard." He glanced down at the fillies onstage. "Well, if it isn't my three little saviors!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hid behind their sisters, while Scootaloo sought protection from the closest adult, Pinkie.

Rainbow interjected, "don't change the subject! It ain't Saturday night, and you sure as hell ain't getting feverish! Now what do ya want?!"

"I thought it was obvious. I've come to take over Equestria!"

The crowd gasped. The children cowered in fear and huddled around Applejack, with rarity in hoof, as they assumed a battle stance.

"Ha!" Twilight smirked. "You should have stayed in hiding, Discord! Now that you've revealed yourself, we can turn you to stone!"

"Oh, really?" Discord said. "As I recall, you need the Elements of Harmony for that."

"Yes! Exact…" She then looked around at her friends and realized that they weren't wearing their necklaces. How foolish they were to ever take them off! That maniac wanted this! He was planning this whole damn charade!

But she stood defiantly. "We don't need the Elements of Harmony to teach you a lesson!"

Light enveloped Twilight's horn as she prepared a spell. Discord raised an eyebrow.

"You're kidding, right?"

She shot a purple beam; He swatted it away as if it were a housefly. It bounced onto a nearby Greek column and burst it into pebbles.

Twilight shot another, missing him completely. He cackled triumphantly, but as he turned, it beaned him in the head.
He only staggered for a moment.

"Really, Twilight Sparkle? Are you as big a stick in the mud as Celestia? Truly, you should know how to party at this point!"

He snapped his fingers again and a puddle of mud appeared beneath the alicorn's hooves. Pinkie Pie snickered.

Twilight groaned and pulled herself out. "Just you wait until Princess Celestia gets back! She'll give you your just desserts! She might even use you as a PARTY PLATTER!"

Discord clutched his stomach as he laughed. "What's the matter, Twilight? Can't run a kingdom by yourself? You need big sissy Celestia to come and make everything all better?"

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash belted. "Lay off it!"

Discord only smirked and squeezed fluttershy in response, earning him a pained yelp.

Rainbow had enough. "THATS IT! say goodbye to ya kneecaps, CHUCKLEHEAD!"

She charged toward him, but he only had to step off to the side to dodge her. Rainbow hit a pillar, almost causing it to fall. She swerved in a roundabout manner, shaking off the dizzy sight and once more flying towards him, contorting her body to kick him. He teleported her with a snap, off to the floor where she simply poofed, and stood there, before grabbing a weapon from the royal guards.

"Have you ponies learnt nothing from our last encounter?" He cackled. "You even thought I was gone for good!" He looked towards Fluttershy. "Except for you, smartypants."

Fluttershy bit him, a loud YEAOWCH! erupted from his throat. He dropped her and she ran.

Rarity's horn glowed red hot and dangerous. Applejack was in a violent stance. Pinkie pie and rainbow dash stood with the royal guard, who were ready for any order twilight gave them.

He held up his hands. "Very well. I have other things to attend to anyway." He turned to Twilight. "I'm afraid Celestia won't be able to help you, given her current predicament in," he used air quotes, "Saddle Arabia."

The duchess tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He chuckled and snapped his fingers, causing an image to materialize. The crowd gasped as they saw Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence sitting in a cage, their horns missing from their heads in what seemed to be real time upon a cloud screen. Shining Armor narrowed his eyes at Discord and hissed.

"What have you done with my wife you MANIAC?!" He belted from his chest, baring his teeth like a wild animal.

"She's perfectly fine, I assure you. So is her foal, by the way, though it would be a shame if something were to happen to her mother before her birth."

The prince's eyes widened. He looked at the floor as he seemed to momentarily forget the threats being made against his wife and unborn filly. "Her? A filly?"

"Yes, you're having a girl! Congratulations and blah, blah, blah!"

"If you lay a... WHATEVER THAT TINY THING IS ON YOUR PAW on MY Cadence…!"

Discord snapped the image away. "Wouldn't dream of it, but if any of you ponies even try to defeat me in any way, your princesses will never see the light of day again!"

In a flash, he was wearing a tie and standing in front of a map of Equestria.

"Now for the weather! Today's forecast is flying sharks with a chance of pineapple rain! Hope every pony gets home safely!"

With a final triumphant laugh, the draconequus disappeared and lightening struck indoors. The crowd glanced outside as it started to rain chocolate cats and dogs. Every pony screamed and ran out of the ballroom in panic.

Pinkie and rarity stuttered, "what, like, he's just gonna leave? Didn't actually hurt anypony??"

Rainbow dash spat venom in his general direction, "yeah, I dare ya, rage quit. C'mon, make us both happy!"

"Every pony!" Twilight commanded. "Calm down! Everything is under control!"

No pony listened to their duchess and they started flocking outside.

"Keep it together! Stay inside until further notice! I…"

But the crowd took their chances and hurried home through the chocolate storm. the exchange students, Shining Armor, the palace guards, wonderbolts, the princess and her friends remained.

"Applejack, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight shouted. "Get the students down to the cellar! They can stay there until the storm blows over. It's not safe for them to return to the flimsy school."

"Copy that," Rainbow saluted as she and Applejack began escorting the frightened fillies and colts out.

"Fluttershy, you keep an eye on Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Don't let them out of your sight."

The pegasus nodded. She was scared out of her wits, but she was willing to protect those three at all costs.

"I'll round up the guards to help all the citizens of Canterlot get inside," Shining Armor volunteered. He looked hollow, yet terrified, like his thoughts raced.

"Good idea, Shining Armor," Twilight said. "We'll rendezvous in the throne room in an hour! The most important thing to do now is to keep calm!"

Pinkie pie looked introspectively out the window, resting her hoof on the foggy glass. The dimmed light shot up as she spoke, and her face bathed in shadow.

"chocolate rain. Some stay dry.... And others feel the pain..."

As every pony set on their tasks, Twilight hung her head. How could she have let this happen? Equestria was in peril because she had not been prepared. Even if she did have the Elements of Harmony, she could not power them without her horn. She let her mind wander into dark corners.

Some princess I've turned out to be.

Chapter Text

The chaos discord spread throughout equestria rampaged on for longer than anypony hoped it would. He turned the railroads into red licorice, the trees into toilet paper rolls and the birds inside out. He then switched from night to day every few minutes so he could see his work. He saved Ponyville for last.

"Hmm, let's see," he murmured to himself as he hovered over the unsuspecting town. His wings seemed so small so hold such a long and imposing figure. "What to do? What to do?" He tapped his silly lopsided smirk.

He paused when he heard laughter. He glanced down and saw two ponies having a gazebo picnic. Discord lay perched on a small puffy grey cloud.

"I gotta say, sure was sweet of you to plan a picnic, Big Mac," said sugar belle.

"Yup," her date nodded.

The draconequus had to duck as she looked up at the sky. "Beautiful night, isn't it? Despite everything, the stars still make an appearance!"

Big Macintosh looked in her direction. "Yup."

Discord rolled his eyes. "Come on, boy! You can say more words than that!"

Suddenly, a smaller version of himself with devil horns and a pitchfork appeared on his shoulder.

"What are you waiting for? They're having a lovely date. Ruin it!"

He tapped his nubby paws on the cloud & nodded. With a simple snap, Big Macintosh let out a loud burp. He blushed in embarrassment as bubbles formed from it.

She's disgusted! How goofy! The draconequus thought, chuckling to himself.

But instead, she giggled. "Someone's had too much wine!" She teased in a sing-song tone. She tapped his back with her hoof.

Discord was confused, but thought of something just as devious. As sugar belle took a sip of her drink, he snapped! She burped louder than he did! He'd be disgusted! Ponies were so silly with their ideas of how to judge others, he'd probably think it was "unladylike." Discord rolled his eyes.

Sugar belle smiled awkwardly. "dearie, Looks like I've had too much as well."

They stared at each other and both laughed. Their teeth practically sprung from their faces Discord was beginning to get annoyed. He brought down a hail of worms upon the couple.

"well I knew it'd be something. Not this, but it's a something. Somewhat." Sugar belle spoke confusedly.

Big Macintosh gave a hearty "yup!" Before laughing as he ripped his jacket off and threw it over her shoulders. The two ran toward the barn and huddled inside with the farm animals.

They laughed and rubbed their muzzles together. Discord slammed his paw on his cloud.

"I don't get it!" he shouted. "I humiliated them, made it rain on their picnic and they're still happy?!"

"Sickening, isn't it?" his shoulder devil gagged.

He stared down at the couple as they settled in an embrace and looked into each other's eyes. He let out a long sigh. "Yeah. Sickening. Utterly."

"Hey, why am I even talking to you when there are ponies to hear me gloat?"

He steered the cloud towards Canterlot.

Twilight paced around the throne room. "How could I have let this happen?"

"You've been asking yourself that for the past hour!" Spike complained. "This isn't your fault, Twilight!"

"Yes, it is! Princess Celestia trusted me with running the kingdom and look at what's happened because of that!"

"It's Discord's fault, darling," Rarity said. "Not yours."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie agreed. "It's his fault there're yummy delicious chocolates raining all over the place without a single dollop of whipped cream to be seen anywhere in sight! Freakin' menace!"

"Pinkie, don't say that. It isn't right. And isn't that chocolate all over your face?"

She used her tongue to lick away the incriminating substance. "Nope."

Rarity rolled her eyes and turned to Fluttershy. "You were right all along, darling. I'm sorry we didn't listen to you."

"It's alright," Fluttershy assured them.

Rainbow and Applejack entered the throne room. The Pegasus carried the sopping wet applejack like a cat as she flew. Applejack seemed thankful and yet like she'd maul her girl at any moment.

"Okay," the latter said. "All the transfer students are safe underground. The palace servants are bringin' cakes to calm 'em down."

Shining Armor appeared behind them. "It's not looking good out there, girls. The streets have been turned to butter, and We already have twelve ponies hospitalized, and that's just from slipping on the street! Don't get me started on how many are getting hit over the head with drum-playing nightcrawlers toting fraudulent medical titles!!"

"he gotta be stopped! That's actual DAMAGE!" Applejack shouted.

"I know," Twilight said, "but we can't use the Elements of Harmony without my magic."

"What if Fluttershy gives Discord that Stare of hers?" It was pinkie.
"I don't know if that'll work on him," Fluttershy said quietly. The shock of the gala experience hung on her face, one of terror.

"worked on that there chicken-snake didn't it?"

"I say we employ physical violence. He already hurt ponies! That's gotta be some sort of war signal!" Rainbow shouted.

"And what good would that do?" Rarity inquired. "Even if you did manage to hurt him, hed just heal himself."

The princess buried her face in her hooves. "I don't know! I just don't know!"

Every pony gasped as a familiar laugh echoed throughout the room. "Giving up so soon, Twilight Sparkle? That's oddly out of character for you."

"Show yourself, coward!" Shining Armor demanded. "If you don't give me back my wife, I'll…!"

"You'll what, Princie? get your darling wife to handle things for you?" He smirked darkly. "I'm afraid you can't, not today."

"Knock it off!" Rainbow bellowed. "Put em up! We'll see if goofs work against a FORCE OF NATURE!"

She tensed as Discord slithered and fell from the ceiling like a limp snake. Suddenly, rainbow had boxing gloves on. Only, these were wrong. They had a much smaller part beside the part to put the hoof in. It wasn't like she had a smaller hoof next to the main one? Why did he make this wrong?

"Dear, dear, Rainbow Dash," Discord said, shaking his head. "Must it always be violence with you?"

Twilight stood defiantly and stomped her hoof. "Enough of your gloating, Discord!"

"Who's gloating? I'm mocking! But if gloating's what you want…" He appeared to them in the form of a devilish bighorn ram. "Get it? Gloating? GOAT-ing?"

"That's not a goat..." Fluttershy whispered to no one in particular.

"What's with you and being a goof? Why not attack us?" Applejack demanded.

Rainbow dash shouted at discord, "I'm not just about attacking! I like nice things, like uhhh... Comic books, scary movies, pogs, milkstea-"

Applejack nuzzled her, "let it go, shug. You attacked him the only four times you've seen him."

"...oh, I did that didn't I? My bad."

"What? No, I'm trying to speak!" Discord bellowed out, just exasperated.

Fluttershy had had enough. She flew up to his face, seemingly without a hint of hesitation as her baby pink hair trailed behind her.

"How dare you?! You think you can try to intimidate my friends and get away with it?! Run up to my friend's brother and THREATEN HIS WIFE AND FOAL?!"

Discord's eyes widened at her sudden boldness. "Excuse me?"

She poked his nose with her hoof. "You best watch your step, buster, or I'll get real rough, do you know what I am saying?!" Enunciated in a weirdly particular manner.

"what?"

"Ooh, I'm so scared," he said sarcastically.

She squeaked as he grabbed her and rubbed her mane playfully. "Oh, you're hilarious, flubberpie! Some pony's certainly gotten braver in the past few years."

"It's flutter. Shy." She gritted out quietly.

He dropped the mare unceremoniously and she landed on a large mushroom the creature conjured up.

"Stop it, Discord!" Twilight commanded. "Why are you here?"

He appeared behind her. "I'm here to negotiate."

"Listen, we all know you want harmony in your kingdom and your princesses safe and yada, yada, yada; and I don't want to be turned back to stone. So…why don't we make a deal?"

"This isn't another one of your games, is it?" Rarity demanded.

"Ooh, I love games! WAIT NO!" Pinkie Pie chimed.

"Gosh, no!" He summoned up a white flag. "I just want to talk!"

"What about?" Twilight asked suspiciously. Slow as her body started forward, crouching as if she was ready to pounce.

"You want me to stop wreaking havoc on Equestria. I simply want something in return."

"How about your life?"

"That was going to be one of the things…"

"You give us back the princesses and turn everything back to normal or we'll…"

"Turn me back to stone?" He pointed to her head. "Can't do that without a horn!" He flicked her forehead as a small rubber banana poofed in it's place.

"eww?? Don't do that." Pinkie said, disgusted.

"You're not wanted here!" Twilight yelled.

Fluttershy had been watching the entire scene with uncertainty. She did not trust Discord, but her friends were not giving him a chance to talk. With this in mind, she made a bold move and flew between Discord and her friends.

"Twilight!" she exclaimed. "I'm surprised at you! You of all ponies!"

"Fluttershy," Twilight said slowly.

"Aren't you the one who says we should put reason before judgment? Discord may be an evil monster who doesn't deserve our trust…"

"wha- i'm right here, you know!" the draconequus waved.

"But we should at least give him a chance to explain himself!"

Everyone was surprised at her action. Discord was the most confused, but the fact that she seemed to be defending him caused him to smile sly.

"Well said!"

"You're right," her friend sighed, before turning to their enemy. "What are your demands, Discord?"

The draconequus grinned and floated leisurely onto his back. "The way I see it, you want three things from me: your horn, order in your land, and your princesses. Actually, that last one counts for three. Anyway, I simply want three things in return."

"My, my, my," said Rarity. "Aren't we needy?"

Twilight sighed. "What is it you want?"

"For your horn, and the elements of harmony," Discord began, "you will have to make a promise never to use your Elements of Harmony against me. Against other sure, but never me."

"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Why would we make a deal like that?"

"You want duchess terabyte sabbath to be able to protect the kingdom with the elements, don't you?"

"It's TWILIGHT SPARKLE."

"Tell you what. If any pony fails to keep their end of the bargain, anything goes. Meaning if I go back on my promise, you HAVE to do with the Elements what you will."

The purple pony scowled, but remained calm. "And the other things?"

"If I were to release Equestria of my chaos, well, I would be quite bored. After all, it is in my nature to create disharmony. All I'm asking is a teensy bit of land where I am free to spread my glorious chaos undisturbed."

Twilight nodded. "That might be possible."

"What about Cadence?" Shining Armor demanded. "What will it take to get her back?"

"Give me a moment!" Discord said, tapping his chin.

"You mean you don't know?" Spike questioned.

"I'm thinking! I KNOW it won't be any... SERIOUS harm...."

And he thought. He had considered the first two requests very carefully, but the third had him stumped. He had to make this last one good. He thought about what he would need in his new life. If he was to abandon his hostile takeover, what would he do then? Return to his empty cave and talk to copies of him? What good was a goof if not to annoy another being with it?

"Well?" Twilight asked impatiently

He grinned mischievously. "Okay, I know what I want now! Trust me. This is the best deal you're going to get! It's a three for one deal."

"Huh?" Pinkie Pie uttered.

"Applejack, you're a sales pony. You understand, don't you?"

"Uh," the southern pony muttered. "Three for one means three for th' price of one, but I don't…"

"Precisely! I will give you three mares for the price of one mare!"

Silence fell on the ponies. Twilight was the first to break it.

"What do you mean by the price of one mare?"

Discord's grin widened. "What I'm asking for is a bride."

"A what?!"

He knocked her on the head. "Hello? Any pony in there? I said I want a bride in exchange for your princesses. Or perhaps a groom. Whatever, I'm in no position to be picky."

"A bride?!" Rarity exclaimed. "What would you do with a bride?"

"I'd marry her of course! Bother her with my tricks, nag her, make her my queen of chaos!" With the last line he flew up and created fireworks behind himself.

"Explain your reasons behind this, Discord," Twilight said calmly, albeit slightly exhausted.

"What?" he shrugged innocently. "Being a creature of chaos tends to be a lonely occupation."

"Whose fault is that?" Rainbow Dash mumbled.

"It's only natural that I would feel the need for companionship. Besides, if I'm going to retire, I might as well settle down and raise a family and blah, blah, blah."

"And," Twilight gulped, "this…bride…has to be a…pony?"

"well I mean, buffalo, yak, griffin, dragon, who cares? Doesn't matter what pony it is. I have no preferences, except one. She has to come willingly. That means no forcing, no bribing, and no swindling! She must come out of her own free will. And if she's sent back for any reason, I will have broken the deal."

Rarity scoffed. "Who would be willing to marry you?!"

"I don't know. Any of you mares interested?"

They all glared at him. Spike reached for rarity. She simply placed him on her back as she embraced applejack and rainbow dash, all huddled together.

"No pony?" He tugged on his newly created shirt collar. "Tough crowd."

"Get out." Twilight ground between her teeth.

Discord shrugged. "I'm a reasonable creature. Perhaps you need some time to think about it. There's a cave up in the mountains. When you want to talk, look for me there. Oh! And I want the WHOLE everfree forest. No ponies allowed. Toodles!"

On that note, he vanished from the room.

Chapter Text

"We're not really going to give into his demands, are we?" Rarity asked.

They had left the throne room to continue their meeting in the map room. A large mahogany slab sat vacant in the middle of the vast room. Upon it were etchings of names, all of which belonged to some territory or another. Certain points of the map, such as rivers or oceans glowed bright reddish-orange like embers. The lands were raised in accordance to the elevation of the real life counterpart.

"We may not have a choice," Twilight said. "Discord thought this out very well. I need my horn to power the Elements, but the only way I can get it back is if we don't use the Elements to stop him. And, the everfree forest houses many creatures, and zecora lives there!

"What about the third deal?" Applejack inquired.

She sighed. "Discord knows how desperate we are to get the princesses back."

"But we can't just hand some pony over to be his wife!" Rarity exclaimed. "We might as well be taking away her rights! Sacrificing her!"

"He said his bride has to go willingly. I think we should announce this to the citizens and see if any pony is willing to make such a sacrifice."

Fluttershy stood practically untethered to the other's words that hung overhead. Discord, the subject of her very torment held her. She didn't feel as if she had been violated, but the very nerve made her want to scream. She told herself she was being paranoid, but if that was the case, why did he seem to single her out?

"We should at least accept the terms of the first two," Twilight decided. "If I had my magic, we could be able to find another solution, and it would be easier to think if there weren't pigs flying outside."

Every pony nodded in agreement.

"What about Cadence?" Shining Armor asked. "And our daughter?"

"I want her back too, shining armor." his sister assured him. He say dejected next to her, lip quivering every time he thought of how scared cadence must be.

"I don't like the idea either, but…Discord has a point. Instead of losing four, we would only lose one. And…I don't know how long Cadence will last."

"She's strong. No matter what her conditions, she's always been able to pull through. Celestia and Luna will be strong too. Wherever they are, I'm sure they are holding out. Anyways, discord would never... Kill them. That's not chaos, thats maniacal!"

They all stood and wondered if any of this was really happening.

"Thou wanteth to receive a bride?!" Luna scoffed after Discord had told them his plan. "Who in the w'rld wouldst wanteth to marry thee?!"

"drop it Luna he doesn't care."

"Who'd marry you, freak?" Luna said simply.

"Go ahead, laugh!" Discord said, rolling his eyes. "Just thought you would want to know what your freedoms going to cost."

"You will never get away with this, Discord!" Celestia bellowed. "Tartarus is non-discriminatory."

"oh, but haven't I already? Anyone up for a game of eternal mahjong? It needs four ponies!"

Cadence growled and lashed her hooves through the bars of the cage. Discord simply laughed.

"Oh, you three are just too amusing! Either of you willing to save the others and accept my proposal? Excluding Cadence, of course. I've never been the type to break up a happy home." Discord said innocently.!"

Luna remarked, "I do not think that the deal counts if it's true you keep a princess."

A voice called from outside the cave. "Discord!"

The draconequus turned. "Oh, would you look at that? Sorry to leave you, ladies, but I have a meeting."

With a wave of his paw, the cage vanished and he went to meet his visitor, leaving only a stack of cards in his wake.

...

"so do you guys know how to play canasta?"

Twilight Sparkle and her five companions were standing at the entrance.

"Ah, my old friends! Have you made your decision already?"

"Yes," Twilight said defiantly.

She turned her head and nodded. Spike emerged from behind her, bearing a jewel encrusted case. He hesitantly stepped forward and placed the box in front of the draconequus.

"We accept your terms and promise never to use our Elements of Harmony against you. And to show you that we are serious about this…"

Spike opened the case to reveal the five necklaces and crown inside. Discord raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Appreciate the gesture, but keep them. I don't want those things anywhere near me."

"We're not giving them to you, you can't have these." Spike held the box close to him.

"What about my piece of land?"

"The castle ruins in the Everfree forest," Twilight stated. "You may do with them what you like. Stay away from zecora's house."

"And no pony will disturb me?"

Discord clapped his hands. "Excellent! But…who's the lucky mare I'm marrying?"

Discord clapped his hands. "Excellent! But…who's the lucky mare I'm marrying?"

Twilight glanced away.

"Well?"

Rarity piped up, "no pony has offered themselves yet."

"the princesses stay here until then." He sighed. "But I am a creature of my word."

He whipped his tail, blinding every pony with a white flash. When the light was gone, Twilight's horn was back on her head and the chaos from outside had ceased.

"I have all the time in the world to wait," Discord said nonchalantly. "especially since the sun and moon will remain still until I get what I want."

"We'll give you anything!" Twilight pleaded. "Just please, don't hurt them!"

"Hurt them? Why, twilight farkle, how little you think of me! I told you. When my demands are met, they go free! Any lucky ladies?"

Spike piped up. "Wait, who're you talking to?"

"Any of you. I don't care which one, but if some pony doesn't come forward soon, I will just have to go back to business as usual. How about I give you…?" He tapped his chin. "Three days?"

"Isn't there anything else you want?" Twilight asked.

"Look, it's a bride or no deal! Got that?"

"But…"

"I think we're done here."

He zapped himself out of the cave, leaving the distressed ponies behind.

"He wouldn't accept anything else?" Shining Armor asked.

"He'll take a bride and nothing but," Twilight replied solemnly.

They had announced Discord's request to Canterlot that morning. So far, no pony was willing to accept such a search fate. It had been 2 moons already.

"soooo, now what?" Applejack wondered.

Twilight sighed. She sat on a large, weighted isopod plush the size of a twin mattress. "No elements, no bargains, no haggling, there's nothing we can do!"

"do you think we should tell some people from other territories? I know there's gotta be some freaks out there!" Rainbow suggested.

"we can't, it'd take too long. Besides, without the princesses, the suna and moon can't rise. That'll seriously mess up the whole equestria! We could be in eternal darkness! Our crops and hay will never grow! Ponies can't handle that much cold!"

"What about you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Aren't you the princess now?"

"I'm a duchess, I can't raise the sun! Do you know how powerful you have to be to accomplish that?! I just…I just…"

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Shining Armor put an assuring hoof on her. The ponies huddled together in a weighted hug. The pressure seemed to calm her down.

"Don't worry. We'll get them back. We'll get them all back. We just have to solve this..." He looked toward the others. "I know no pony wants to spend eternity with that…that monster, but we got to think…"

"I should go."

Every pony stared at Twilight.

"This all happened while Equestria was under my rule. I should put the well-being of my subjects before myself."

"I won't allow it!" her brother insisted.

"But Cadence…"

"Would not stand for it. I want her back as much as you do, but I don't want to lose my little sister in the process."

"For the sake of my friends," Rarity declared, "I believe I should go."

"No!" Sweetie Belle cried, hanging onto her leg. "I need you, big sister! And what'll Mom and Dad say?"

Applejack took off her hat. "I can't even consider going. I got duties on the farm, my family needs me..."

Rainbow Dash thought briefly about going, but her duties with the wonderbolts would never allow it, legally even.

Applejack and rarity looked at rainbow, then each other, as rainbow looked at both. Not one of them would let this happen to the other.

"What about me?" Pinkie asked seriously, which was out of character for her. "I mean I already like his party attitude!"

"anything other than that?... Exactly." Rarity muttered.

As the others argued, Fluttershy dealt with an internal argument of her own. She did not dare say her thoughts aloud, knowing her friends would just dismiss them. They all had reasons for staying behind: responsibilities, family. What did she have? There were her animals and friends, but what happiness would she bring them if they were to live in darkness for the rest of their lives? What happiness would she bring them if she left?

Every pony quieted down as Applejack leapt onto the chart table. "Look, it's been a long night for all of us. I say we get some sleep and see what c'n' be done tomorrow."

They all agreed and retired to their rooms.

The claws of the larger creature ran through her mane again. She felt every single knot pulled on. Every leaf torn in half. She felt the Claw graze her thick scalp ever so slightly, drawing across like a bow on a viola. Every strike playing a haunting chord.

"Why won't you go away?" she squeaked.

Her captor's cackle echoed in the darkness. "My dear, don't you understand? I'm in your mind because you keep me here."

"Well, I don't want you here! Go away!"

He chuckled and soon his face was inches away from hers. "What are you waiting for, my dear? You know what you have to do."

"No!" She tried to struggle out of his grasp. "I don't…I don't…"

He whispered into her ear. "If you don't do it, who will?"

Fluttershy woke with a start. She put her hoof to her head and whimpered. I can't do it, she thought. I just can't! What will the others think? Still, no matter what she did, all she thought about was him.

She could not go back to sleep, so she went down to the kitchen to get a snack. She screamed when she bumped into someone, causing them to fall and drop a tray of food.

"Hwhat n' tarnation? Fluttershy?"

The pegasus squinted at the pony on the floor and gasped. "Oh, Applejack, I'm so sorry! You startled me."

The southern pony rubbed her head as she got up. "It's okay. I'm guessin' you couldn't sleep either, huh?" She shook her head. "Nightmare again?"

She nodded. "It was different this time. He spoke to me. He was…he was…" she trembled, but found herself unable to form anything but tears.

"Calm down. Tell you what. After I clean this up, I'll make us both some apples and peanut butter. Sound good?"

Fluttershy sniffed and nodded with a smile. As they ate, she told Applejack about her dream. Her friend listened intently, while still having trouble cutting things with just a knife and her hooves.

"You're lettin' his threat on the princesses get to you. Don't worry. We'll figure somethin' out."

The pegasus looked down at her hooves. "Applejack, can I tell you a secret?" Her face was vacant and terrified.

The cowgirl sighed. "Fluttershy, you know how bad I am at keepin' secrets. What With me bein' the Element of Honesty and all, I'm a terrible liar."

"You don't have to lie. Just don't mention it to any pony."

"Okay, but…why me?"

"Well, it's a very shocking secret. Twilight would be against it, Rarity would overreact, Rainbow Dash would tell me it's a bad idea and Pinkie Pie would throw a huge bash... Actually that last one doesn't sound too bad."

"Alright, I get it. So what's this secret?"

"First, you've got to promise not to tell any pony, and not to freak out."

"I promise."

"Pinkie Promise?"

She sighed. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Spit it out, shug."

"I'm thinking of going with Discord!" she shouted.

Applejack choked on her apple, trying desperately to have no reaction at all.

"I had no idea you were…!" Then she stopped and took a breath. "Anyhow, I made a promise. I promised I wouldn't. But still! How could you even consider goin' with that monster?!"

"If I don't go, who will?"

"Fluttershy, do you hear yourself?!"

"We need Princesses Celestia and Luna to bring day and night and Cadence is with foal. Discord won't let them go unless some pony takes their place. I think that pony should be me."

"No, you shouldn't! You can't! I'd rather go instead of you!"

"But you have your family to take care of, and the orphans, they look up to you. Twilight has her crown and Shining Armor, Rarity has her shop and Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash is a Wonderbolt, and Pinkie Pie has her job at Sugar Cube Corner and to make every pony smile. I have no pony, no purpose."

"What are you talkin' about? Of course you have a purpose! The animals back in Ponyville depend on you! Your friend need you! Ponyville would be so much more dull without you!"

"Some pony else can take care of them."

"And don't think you ain't got no pony!" She put a hoof around her. "You've got a lot of friends who would be heartbroken if you left!"

Fluttershy's eyebrows furrow with increasing intensity. "suppose no pony agrees to marry Discord? Would all the ponies and animals be better off then?"

Applejack paused. "Well…I…"

"What if my dreams are a sign? What if this is my fate?"

"Fluttershy, your search fate is not to be unhappy for the rest of your life tied to that creature!"

"Why not?!" she snapped. "Can't you see that no matter what I'll choose, I'll always be unhappy?!"

Silence hung over them like thick cobwebs.

...

"But here, with this, I... Can do something. I can help."
Her head laid down on her hooves.

Applejack patted her on the back. "I think we should talk to Twilight."

Her head shot up. "She's stressed enough as is!"

Applejack mumbled something somewhat unintelligible through her thick accent. Fluttershy comforted her.

"fluttershy, I'm gonna try'n stop you. Don't let me. I want you to do what'cha think'll give you purpose.

At this very moment, at the utterance of the last word, another pony miles away received an invitation of visitation from another. Beyond all the chaos, there rose collaboration.

Kimono stepped towards Zecora's hut, eager to discuss the recent events with her long time friend from afar.

Chapter Text

the next day, now the beginning of the next month Kimono knocked quietly at the door of the hut. The gentle roll of her hoof on the oak door gave way to the clinks of hanging metal decorum and the rattles of wood hanging next to the shiny wind chimes. There was the audible announcement of her dear friend. The door opened, notably without creaking.

"Kimono dear, please, come in! Sit down with me and let's begin."

The pony loved her peaceful greetings. "Thank you very much for inviting me here. I'm sure that you can give me all the facts without bias, from outside of ponyville."

"In that case, please be wary, what I will tell you is quite scary! Discord has angered me too, so unbiased fact I cannot give you!"

Kimono snorted. "If I get caught with fake news you're coming down with me!"

"no my friend, you're sorely mistaken! If you are caught I won't be Forsaken!"

"You're complicit! There can be no witnesses!"

They howled in laughter as they pretended to square up, before they stopped only because zecora nearly knocked down a jar of roots.

"I've known the week's chaos as the product of discord's reign throughout equestria from letters. I wrote much down whilst touring ponyville. But I have no idea what happened at the canterlot castle, nor do I know what is happening in this forest."

Zecora spoke slowly, so as to give the pony across from her time to write it all down for the archives. kimono was the keeper of all pony history, and did her best to upkeep her reputation as the mare to go to for knowledge. Zecora looked on as she scrunched her face, stuck her tongue out, and attempted to focus and knew she could be a pony that learns around her. They were mutualists and learned from each other.

Her train of speech of interrupted with Kimono's questions.

"and what of his demands?"

Zecora tensed and scratched her chin. "A bride he demands, as well as land. His next demand is awfully unique. They can't use the elements to defend the meek."

Kimono sipped her Rooibos mango tea.

"and what would he want- in a PLOTTING manner, with a bride?"

"A "plotting manner" is precisely the issue, to hurt his bride I don't think he'd wish to. Perhaps it's love the creature seeks? I don't know, to me he won't speak."

"it has to be somepony... Somepony who can handle prolonged isolation."

"Applejack sent a letter a while back, saying that fluttershy's about to crack. She considers marrying the draconequus. Apple's trying to disparage this wish."

Kimono frowned, her eyebrows screwing up into a sympathetic expression. "Maybe fluttershy thinks it'll bring her purpose. When ponies make big decisions such as this, a sense of inferiority or insignificance is the root cause."

"if that's where the decision resides, she should know she's made great strides."

"Let's send her a letter, I will help you!"

Another 30 minutes passed and betwixt tea, parchment, and ink the ponies sent Fluttershy a letter of comfort and as much advice as they could give. Zecora advised Kimono to sweep the path leading up to where she lived, for fear of evil forces affecting her. Of course, not before sweeping her own porch and blowing on it cinnamon from her hoof.

*****

"Applejack, some pony has to go with him. What choice do I have?"

"There are plenty of ponies in Equestria! It doesn't have to be you!"

"But how many do you think would be willing to go?"

"I…well…"

"This is my choice, Applejack. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can, Sugar Cube. I've seen you face up to a manticore and a full-grown dragon. But Discord…" She sighed. "Look, I just don't want you to get hurt, and I know the others don't wanna lose you to that…"

"If I don't go, no one will. The sun will never be in your pastures again!"

Applejack stared up at her friend with blurry eyes and then hung her head. "I can't stop you shug. I want'cha to be happy with the rest of your life, y'know."

"I can be happy this way applejack." The mare lifted her friend's head with her gentle hoof, caressing her Cheek as gently as she could while a small tear soaked into her coat.

"Just…promise me you'll write. And even if he don't let ya see the letters, just know I'll still be writin' em."

The cold and unyielding castle they housed felt warmer.

Fluttershy embraced her friend. "I knew you'd understand, Applejack." When she pulled away, she smiled smugly. "So what's this with you and rainbow? You've both been going to Rarity's more often!" The farm pony bolted upright

Applejack turned beet, (or rather apple,) red. "It ain't nothin'! Really! It's just an idea!"

"What would THAT be, applejack?"

"Rarity really likes us both real bad, but she dont wanna date just one mare. It's this poly-whatsit thing..." her very ears seemed to flush red. "Me and dash ain't dating, but we're both... goin steady with Rarity. It's kinda embarrassin'. Ya can't tell any pony, ya hear?"

Fluttershy giggled. She squealed in awe "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! You're just like a filly again!"

Applejack nudged her shoulders.

Fluttershy said nothing and headed towards her room. Applejack caught up with her before she could close the door.

"Fluttershy," she called, "whatever you choose, I just want you to know…"

She turned to her. "Yes?"

"You…you just might be the bravest pony I've ever known."

Fluttershy smiled, knowing that it was always the truth with her. "That really means a lot to me, Applejack."

That night, she slept lightly, slumped over a large circular pillow, and a small parchment wrapped in her hooves. of, and the words that her friends had written: "He may not be an angel from above,but perhaps what he needs ais love" The words soothed her. The more she thought about it, the less worried she was. She was scared, but never terrified. She liked to think it was all true. Discord is an animal just like her, so he surely has a heart, doesn't he? And hearts are the symbols of love.

*****

Twilight gazed out her window. The sun hadn't risen in the week leading up to this month. The moon seemed to fly away from the earth. There was nothing left amongst the clouds. There was nothing. This was the before, the dreamscape.

A cry from Rainbow Dash interrupted her thoughts. "YO EVERYONE! Twilight! You'se not gonna believe it!"

"What is it?" the princess demanded.

"It's Fluttershy, she's gone! She freakin' did it!!"

Twilight didn't waste a second and followed the pegasus to Fluttershy's room. Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack and Spike surrounded the empty bed. The dragon held a note in his claws. The unicorn removed it with her magic and read it aloud:

"Dear Fluttershy,

Do not let the needs of the few outweigh the needs of self. In turn, the needs of your mind being filled will save everyone who matters. Go to the draconequus, if it's truly what you wish. He's not be an angel from above, but perhaps what he needs is love."

Every pony turned suspiciously towards Applejack, who bore the expression of a foal who'd eaten a lemon for the first time.

The cowgirl stomped her hoof. "She did it! She gone and did it! I tried to talk her out of it, I really did! She made me Pinkie Promise not to say nothin' before she did it!"

"Calm down, Applejack. What happened?"

She took a deep breath and looked up at them with shame.

What would've been daybreak. The sun should've illuminated the foggy dew kissing the plants that reached towards the great pink-orange heavens. Instead, there was what only looked like night.

Fluttershy stood at the cave entrance. A part of her was telling her to turn back, but another was telling her to go in. She had to do this for her friends, for the princesses, for Equestria. She inhaled deeply and walked in.

It was dark, but that's not what frightened her. She had the feeling that he was going to jump out at any moment. Stop it, Fluttershy, she told herself. You need to be brave.

"Hello?" she called out weakly. "Anyone home?"

"Well, well, well."

She yelped in surprise and spun around to find the draconequus standing over her.

"If it isn't the Element of Kindness herself? How nice of you to drop in!"

Suddenly, the ground beneath her disappeared and Fluttershy screamed as she fell through a hole. She landed with a thump and looked around to find that she had landed in the same spot that she had fallen.

"How did…?" she stammered.

Discord laughed maniacally. "Oh, that was priceless!" He wiped away a tear. "So what brings you here, horsey? Come to negotiate some more?"

Fluttershy struggled to stand, as her knees were shaking. "Well, I have come to negotiate something…" the term "horsey" made her blood boil.

"Strange that Twilight would send you to try to reason with me. Well, you can tell your precious princess that I will only take a bride and that's final!"

"And a bride you will have!"

Discord stared at her, shocked at her sudden outburst. "Is that so? Well, where is the lucky mare?" His outfit appeared as that of a game show host.

Her teeth started chattering. "R-right…h-here."

He blinked. "Say again?"

Fluttershy closed her eyes and straightened up. "I will be your bride."

For a long while, there was silence and she opened her eyes to see his face full of confusion. Then he erupted into a roar of laughter.

"They…don't even know I'm here. Well, they should by now. I left them a note."

"Why would you leave them a…? Nevermind!" Buzzers and Foghorns pelted her ears. Flashing colorful neon lights and confetti brightened up the scenery.

He would have never expected her, the pegasus afraid of her own shadow, to accept his offer. Actually, he was beginning to think no pony would come forth at all.

"And no pony put you up to this?"

She shook her head. "This was my decision. But…" She backed away nervously. "If you'd rather have some pony else…"

"Now hold on!" She jumped as he appeared behind her. "I did say any pony would do. Just a routine inspection."

He circled her, studying her carefully from every angle. Comedically, of course; with an oversized magnifying glass he examined her like a crime scene. He lifted the mare's hoof and studied her well kempt horseshoes. Her hooves, which had been through so much for years, perfect because of this hunk of metal.

"hey now, where'd you get that made? And does it come in more sizes?" He popped off his hoof and showed her the size 13 mens' label.

Discord had to admit, for a pony, she wasn't that bad to look at. Her silky pink mane was well-groomed and smelled of honeysuckle, her big teal eyes, though closed now, were almost adorable, and her voice was sweet as honey. This must have been a trick of some sort. There was no way this pony could have come out of her own free will, but he knew she wasn't a trickster. Besides, when was he going to get another chance to do this!

He poofed a giant boom box now held above his head as he stood there, in a white snapback, open white button up shirt, and baggy white pants. The boom box blasted throughout the air, making the nearby corvids fly away in sheer awe of the smooth R&B caressing their pathetic bird lives.

"You'll do," he said with indifference. "But are you certain this is what you want, my dear?"

The song that played from the boom box was "I vow" by the artist Homemadefoal.

Fluttershy looked up at him boldly. "If I were to go with you, you will keep your promise and let the princesses go?"

"My dear," he said with a bow, "you have my word."

"And…my friends?"

"Will never hear from me again."

She gulped. "or me?"

He stooped down to her, his face just inches from hers. "Of course they can talk to you! It's just that I would have to send you back, and that's against our agreement! So, letters will have to do. Don't you want your every need catered to?"

"Catered to my every need?"

"If we are to be married, what's mine is yours. If it is in my power, I shall give you whatever you desire. Call it a prenup."

She could not tell if he was serious. Being offered whatever she desired did sound tempting, but why would he do that for her? Perhaps Zecora and Kimono were right. Maybe he was desperate for a companion.

Seeing that he was getting to her, he placed his hands on her shoulders. "So what'll it be, my dear?"

It didn't matter. Equestria needed the princesses returned. She breathed in.

"I'll marry you."

"Excellent!" He leapt excitedly into the air.

"Now where are the princesses?"

Instead of answering, he smirked. "Why don't we make it official?"

He snapped his fingers and a box materialized in his paw. He opened it to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. Intricately carved within it was words.

"Oh dear," Fluttershy muttered.

He chuckled. "I'll ask again. Will you marry me, my dear Fluttershy?"

"Fluttershy, don't!"

The music ground to a halt.

"DUDE I THOUGHT YOU WERE JOKING!" Rainbow shook fluttershy. Applejack carried dash to the ground and kept her as close as possible.
"I laughed, for Celestia's sake!"

Discord stopped them all with his magic. "Do you mind? I'm in the middle of a proposal here!"

"Put them down!" Fluttershy begged. "Please, just let me say goodbye to them!"

He rolled his eyes and released them from his spell. Fluttershy rushed to Twilight's side.

"you shouldn't have come after me, I'm grown! I know what I'm doing!"

"We couldn't let you go with him!" the unicorn bellowed. She pointed an accusatory hoof at discord.

"You don't understand. I have to do this."

"No, you don't! There has to be another way!"

"If I don't do this, Equestria's doomed for all eternity. I'll be doomed! This is the safest option."

"But do you have any idea what this monster might do to you?!" Pinkie shouted, "he might just lock you in a tower!

"Now, THATS A harmful stereotype-"

"No pony chooses my fate but me."

"Fluttershy," Rarity pleaded, "you can't possibly marry this…beast!"

Discord dramatically clutched his pearls.

"I'm sorry, but this is my decision."

"But Fluttershy," Pinkie sniffed. "We'll never see you again."

She looked at her friends sadly. "I know."

"We'll find another way to get the princesses back!" Twilight insisted. "I'll even go in your place! We'll…"

"She's right!" Applejack interrupted. They all turned to her in shock. "Fluttershy's the only pony in control of her destiny. If her decision is to save Equestria, we should respect that decision." She walked up to her friend. "You take care of yourself, ya hear?"

Fluttershy nodded and embraced the earth pony. "Make sure my animals get everything they need."

"Of course, Sugar Cube."

"Fluttershy," Rainbow started to say as she flew down to her. "You can't…you won't…"

She hugged her childhood friend. "You stood up for me so many times. Now I can return the favor."

Rainbow dash stood, trying to be stoic but biting back tears. She saluted her old friend. "Every rainboom is dedicated to you from here on out, buddy. I'll make sure you can see em'."

She hovered over to Rarity. "You can keep my clothes, if you like."

The unicorn was astonished. "Darling, you can't expect me to…" She stopped as she too received a hug. "Don't be silly. I'll send them over."

Fluttershy then turned to the pink earth pony. "Pinkie Pie, I…"

Pinkie let out a wail and flung her hooves around her neck. "Don't forget us, okay? I mean even if you'll never see us again, don't forget our names! I mean it's easy to forget a pony's name after not seeing them for a while and…"

"I won't forget you, Pinkie."

She sniffed and hugged tighter. "I know."

Once Pinkie had loosened her grip, Fluttershy turned to Spike. Before she could say anything, he wrapped his arms around her legs with a whine. She then looked up at Twilight, who was on the verge of tears.

"I'll be fine," she assured her. "I promise."

"How can you possibly keep that promise?" the unicorn choked.

Fluttershy pulled the hug in closer. With a register barely even a whisper, she told Twilight "I have a plan."

She nodded and embraced her. Discord was about ready to gag.

"Hello?" he called, waving the ring box. "Waiting for an answer here!"

Fluttershy pulled away from her friends and courageously faced the draconequus. She stuck out her hoof and uttered, "Yes, I'll do it."

Discord smiled in triumph as he zapped the box away. The ring then reappeared on a chain around Fluttershy's neck. The draconequus cackled as he scooped his bride-to-be in his arms. The ponies watched in horror.

"If you hurt a hair on her head…!" Rainbow warned.

"I assure you, she won't be harmed. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a wedding to plan!"

With a final triumphant laugh, Discord vanished with Fluttershy and in their place, the three princesses appeared, their horns restored to their heads.

"What's happened?" Luna demanded. "Where's Discord?"

The ponies burst into tears. Applejack was the only one with the strength to speak.

"He's…taken a bride."

Their eyes widened. "Who?" Celestia asked. In receiving no response, she beseeched her student. "Twilight? Who did he take?"

The purple alicorn buried her face in her hooves, knowing her friend was gone because of her failure as a princess. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy…I'm so, so sorry!"

Chapter Text

Discord was still laughing huskily when they arrived at their destination. On the outside it looked as if it were a quaint little maroon cottage on a floating patch of earth, surrounded by fences and stone paths. Below the floating land was bridges that lead nowhere, other land plots housing trees, which melted as if they were molten. The grass had patterns unnatural and almost sickly. Some were upside-down. Coral floated in places it shouldn't. Surrounding it all, was a view of the Everfree Forest, desaturated and piercing. Jutting out at every angle was rot and mustard yellow.

Fluttershy gazed up at what seemed to be a dark floating castle to her. dark Cotton candy clouds surrounded it, raining chocolate milk.

"Like what I've done with the place?" the draconequus asked her.

"It's…" she stammered, "lovely."

"Wait until you see the inside!"

He carried her to the door and opened it up. Fluttershy's eyes widened at the interior. It was like looking at a drawing by M.C. Escher, with stairs leading to nowhere and doors hanging sideways. It looked like he collaborated with Jackson Pollock, colors haphazardly tossed about.

"Welcome to my humble abode!" Discord said proudly. "Or should I say our humble abode? What do you think?"

Something drained her entire head. Her vision was fuzzy, as if her eyelashes stuck to her eyes. God, her head felt like the inside was expanding, pressuring the skull like a hydraulic press. Her hooves were sore, and unbearably hot. Her balance was gone and she felt her mouth go to mush.

He chuckled. "You'll get used to it, my dear. After all, this is your new home."

"My…my…"

Fluttershy fainted in his arms. He summoned a daybed and set her down gently. He gazed in triumph at his prize. how easy it would be to simply not give her anything? It'd work just as well if he tweaked the plan just a bit. The thought sent a shudder down his back. One that appears when somepony sees something terrifying. How disturbing, though? Is she not a living thing like me?

*****

"She sacrificed herself for us?" Cadence asked in wonder.

"She thought she was the only one who could do it," Applejack explained solemnly.

"He told us what our freedom would have cost, but I never would have thought Fluttershy…" She buried her face in her husband's shoulder

"That creature has gone too far!" Luna bellowed, using her traditional Canterlot voice. "We motion that we go to that castle and demand he return the pegasus at once!"

Celestia put a wing around her. "No, sister. If the agreement made is broken, Discord could have the right and power to unleash his chaos again." Her head hung heavy next to her sister's.

"You cannot expect us to allow such an innocent soul to be tied to that monster! We know not of his intentions!

"This is all my fault," Twilight whimpered. "I'm sorry, Princess Celestia. I've failed you."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "How have you failed me?

"You left me in charge of Equestria, and it was put in danger because I didn't take precaution. And…I let one of my best friends accept a fate worse than death!"

She hid her face in her hooves. "I'm a terrible ruler!" She stopped crying as her mentor lifted her chin.

"To be a ruler means one has to make difficult decisions for the good of her subjects. There was nothing else to be done."

"It should have been me then! I could have handled him, I could have…"

"I am as distressed as you are, but this was her choice. Discord may do terrible things, but believe me when I say he won't bring Fluttershy any physical harm."

"How do you know that?"

"His nature is to corrupt that which is orderly, not to inflict pain. Some creatures…are not as evil as they seem. In the meantime, you made as best of a princess as you could. Now, your duty is to be duchess once more."

"So," Pinkie Pie sniffed, "what do we do now?"

"what we may do now is contact her as much as we can while we live out our days. To keep her as a part of our lives is as important to her as it is to us."

*****

When Fluttershy had gained consciousness, she was lying on a couch. She glanced at her surroundings and the ring around her neck, realizing that the events of the day hadn't been a dream, sighing heavily. I've accepted Discord's proposal, saved the princesses, lost my friends and freedom all in one day. Now I'm engaged to the Lord of Chaos with no escape. Speaking of which, where was Discord?

Her answer came sooner than expected as the creature materialized above her. She squeaked and jumped to the back of the couch in surprise.

"Have a nice rest, my dear?" he asked.

She struggled to get her words out. "H-how long was I out?"

"About an hour or so. I took the time to decorate your room. You like green, right?"

"S-sure?"

"Of course, we could always share the room after the wedding..." He said, before laughing. "Just jokes, just jokes!" He began to walk off.

Fluttershy shivered at the thought. "Hey hey hey, don't go away!"

He turned his head 180 degrees, like an owl. All before turning his body to match.

 "Um, when is this wedding exactly?" Fluttershy stuttered out.

"Oh, it could be next month, next week, or even tomorrow, if you like!"

"T-tomorrow?!"

"That reminds me. We need to pick out your dress! I know it's bad luck for me to see it and all, but given the circumstances…"

"Um, don't you think…?"

She found herself standing on a pedestal facing three mirrors. Discord was dressed as a tailor and taking her measurements.

"Now, let's see. I'd say you're a size four. Am I right?"

She watched in shock as Discord made several wedding gowns appear on her body.

"Too frilly. Too casual. Too flowery. Not flowery enough. Too white. Too blue. Ooh, do you like an alternative wedding? I sure do! How's about a scene dress? Or what if we didn't go for the western wedding at all!"

He stopped at an ivory colored gown with green trimming. A thin veil draped over her head from a crown of blue daisies.

"Why, darling," he purred, gesturing towards her reflection. "You look beautiful. Your fiance's very lucky to have you. Oh wait. That's me!

She couldn't take it anymore and shouted, "DISCORD YOU LISTEN!"

Discord was stunned a bit, but quickly recuperated. "Yes, my dear?"

She turned to face him. "Don't you think tomorrow's a bit…soon?"

He pretended to think about it. "No."

"B-but…I hardly know you as it is…"

"Do I need to remind you of the terms of our agreement?"

"I'll still marry you, just…not yet. You said you needed a willing bride."

"Care to explain your reasons behind this?"

"Well…I…you see…"

"Oh, come now, dear. Let's not be strangers. Tell me."

She fiddled with her mane. "I'd wanna care about the pony I'm gonna marry."

"Oh, there will be plenty of time for that."

"Exactly! We have all the time in the world to get married, why now?"

A faint sense of tension cut through the air briefly. "Alrighty, okay!" He snapped his fingers, making the gown and mirrors disappear. "We'll postpone the wedding for now." 

"Until…when?" she could not help but ask.

An idea struck him. "I'll tell you what." He continued as he circled her. "Every night, I will ask you a teensy question. If you don't give me the answer I want, I will keep asking until you do."

"And…when I do?"

"Well," he smirked, "that'll be our wedding day."

Fluttershy was confused, although less frightened. "What's the question?"

"I'll tell you later. Right now, you look hungry."

As if on cue, her stomach grumbled. "I did skip breakfast…"

"Say no more!"

An oddly shaped table appeared between them and they were seated on either end. Discord summoned a candelabrum as a last minute touch.

"What will it be, my dear? Chicken à la king? Lobster? Does it need to be kosher?"

As he listed each dish, it appeared before her.

"Um," Fluttershy uttered. "I'm a vegetarian."

"Oh, right. My bad. Hay? Oats? Baked Alaska?"

"oh!" She beamed! "May i have cold carrots and oats? It's been a while!"

Sure enough, a bowl of perfectly large oats and cold wet, crisp carrots materialized before her. Discord then summoned a bowl of what appeared to be…

"…is that…paper?"

"Is it?" he said, taking bite of it. "Hmm, crunchy. Want some?" It was vintage pages of an old mystery series, Nancy Croup.

She raised an eyebrow. It was tempting, but it probably wasn't good paper. It had ink on it, and was likely parchment. "I'll…pass."

Well, he is part goat after all. Fluttershy glanced down at the dish in front of her, shaking as she lifted her fork. Discord was confused at her hesitation. 

"It's not poisoned, if that's what you're thinking."

She smiled nervously and took a bite of the oats and carrots. The flavors practically popped on her tongue. It was refreshing! 

"Delicious," she gulped.

"Perhaps you would like some dressing! Thousand-island or ranch?"

"ranch, please? On the side for the carrots."

"Anything for my fiancé!" He stared at her as she shivered in her seat. "You find me terrifying, don't you?"

Fluttershy was confused by his sudden flip in the conversational topic, with very little change in demeanor. 

She looked down at her hooves. "I…well… I'm not quite terrified. You're not as scary as a bear, Or dragon, or manticore. You just look like that, don't think I'm surprised by much anymore..."

She would rather not admit that he was fetching to her, even.

He shrugged. "Perfectly understandable. After all, my appearance is quite…unique." He grinned slyly at her. "Yours, on the other hand… well, its unique in the other direction!" 

He put his paw in the direction of her face, never quite touching it, as if to ask beforehand. She backed away, slowly as possible before her chair fell. Fluttershy forgot she was sitting. He caught her with his tail before she could hit the ground and lifted her to meet his eyes.

"What? Ravishing not a good enough word? How about stunning? Beautiful? Gorgeous?"

"Stop!" she squeaked.

...

Fluttershy wriggled out of his hold. "L-look, I…appreciate the compliment, but…"

"What?" Discord said. "Not used to some pony calling you beautiful?" He chuckled. "Well, you should get used to it, because I'm going to keep calling you that."

She forced a smile as she returned to her seat. She tried to finish her food, but her stomach turned. It was nice to be complimented, but golly, it was uncomfortable. Maybe because it meant nothing after all those stallions said it to her. They didn't know real love, they just wanted her because... She had money? She had looks? Was beauty even real? To her there was no such thing, because nothing in the world is ugly.

He made a gold crown appear on her head. Fluttershy relaxed, but it was rather heavy.

"Imagine! Our own little chaos corner of the world! No pony to tell us what to do! You can have whatever you want, be whatever you want, and do whatever you want! And I'll be by your side, doing all the heavy lifting!"

"You know what?" she said quickly. "I'm really tired!"

Discord scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous! It's hardly even noon yet!"

"Oh, but I didn't get much sleep last night!" She faked a stretch. "Oh yes, I'm very tired! I should really get to bed!" 

"Oh, very well! But first, my question…"

Fluttershy shrunk. "Yes?"

He cupped her chin in his paw. "Do you love me?"

She jerked her head out of his hold, eyes wide ed she yelped out "what?!"

"I asked: do you love me?"

She was silent for a long while, about ready to faint again. Would he get mad if she gave her honest answer? But if she said yes, then they would be married immediately.

"N-no."

Discord shrugged. "Fair enough. Though here's a heads up, flutter. I'm going to keep asking you until you say yes."

She grit her teeth in a decidedly "unladylike" fashion.

He picked her up bridal style and carried her to a door that was thankfully right-side-up. He opened it to reveal a room with wavy green walls. It felt like a perfect cottage with fairy lights and... Nordic weapons. For whatever reason.

"I know how you ponies are about gravity," Discord said, "though it is quite boring." He opened a white oddly shaped wardrobe. "Here are some clothes for you, in case you're in a fancy mood. If you don't like them, I can make a few alterations."

He carefully set her down on a canopy bed and gestured towards the chandelier hanging above. "Watch this."

He clapped his hands and the candles went out. Another clap illuminated them again.

"Neat, huh? Ooh!" He pointed to a record player. "In case it gets too quiet for you…" He moved the rod and the record played popular music Fluttershy did not care for.

"Oh, and if you get hungry in the middle of the night," he showed her a microwave sitting on a counter in the corner, "simply press one of these buttons: hay, oats, honey melon, pineapple, whatever you'd like! Except honeydew. That sucks. Oh!" He flew over to the windows. "And I made sure you got a great view!"

He waited excitedly for her reaction. Fluttershy was struck dumb as she glanced around the room. He had so much fancy, and likely expensive things, but it was all so much to take in. It didn't feel real. Though she could take it into her hooves, it felt empty. Like cork painted gold.

Discord frowned at her silence. "Is it not to your liking?"

"N-no it's…" she stammered, "it's…perfect."

"Was the microwave too much?"

"probably…"

"Would you prefer pink instead of green?"

"Er.."

"The bed not comfy enough?"

"It's fine!" she snapped. "Really, it's fine! Lovely, even! It's…nice. But..."

Discord accepted her answer and drifted to the door. "Now if there's anything else you need, just holler! Sleep tight!"

Once he had closed the door, Fluttershy waited until she was sure he was gone. Then she buried her face in a lace pillow. It felt like a distant and tragic ballroom song echoed in her head. Like it was being slowly forgotten.

*****

"Oh, Discord, you sly devil!" the draconequus mused as he admired himself in the mirror.

"Sly?" his reflection scoffed. "You're acting like a big softy, kissing up to that wimpy pegasus!"

"Don't you understand? This is better than we could have hoped for! Listen, the ponies can't turn us to stone without the Element of Kindness, right?"

"Right. But what does that matter? They already promised not to use the Elements against us."

"Only because they didn't have a choice, but if any of our deals were to be broken, then we could be free to do whatever we want!"

"And where does the pegasus fall into this?"

He cackled. "I'll bet you by the end of the month, that pegasus will be so hopelessly in love with me, she'll do just about anything for me! She won't be able to use her Element against me, which means there will be nothing stopping me from taking over Equestria! And just think! I'll even gain a queen in the process!"

His reflection burst into laughter. "Really?! That's your plan?! Do you honestly think that little pony would fall in love with you?!"

Discord put his hands on his hips. "And why not?"

"Well, have you looked at yourself lately?"

"Don't need to! Ponies have a set of criteria the need, gifts, care, time together, and they fall head over hooves! It's only a matter of time!"

He set the mirror down and stared at his reflection, which had returned to normal. He studied his distorted face and thought of Fluttershy's beauty. How could he win her heart? She had already agreed to marry him, but not because she wanted to. She only wanted to save her friends. Why would she ever want him?

He shook these thoughts out of his head. "Oh, what does it matter? There are other ways to impress a lady." He studied his reflection again. "Though maybe I should trim my beard."

Chapter Text

Fluttershy's usual nightmare was interrupted by a Booming, familiar voice: "STAY AWAY FROM HER OR THOU SHALT KNOW MY WRATH."

The draconequus then vanished and a certain blue alicorn appeared before her in the darkness.

"Princess Luna?" she gasped.

"are you alright, Fluttershy?" the princess inquired.

"Yes. Thank you, but…I heard you could enter dreams, but how come you haven't shown up before?"

"Apologies, for I have many subjects. It was very inconsiderate of me not to have rid your head of that creature before. But Fluttershy, your friends worry about you. Has he been cruel to you in any way?"

"Well, not exactly, but…"

"Yes?"

She gulped. "He…he wants me to love him."

Luna's eyes widened ever so lightly. "Pardon?"

"You see, I…I convinced him to postpone the wedding, but he wants me to love him first."

"You have loved many creatures, but none of our own intelligence. Can you love this creature?"

"I have a plan."

"Fluttershy, he is a deceitful creature!"

"I know but... Maybe, if he can realize how much better he can feel when he lets us be friends...."

Fluttershy looked up at Luna with her big droopy eyes. "Pardon me but... Don't you think he can be good like you became?"

The princess' ear twitched, and she slung a hoof over Fluttershy's withers.

"If anypony can reform him, I trust that it will be you."

Luna's image began to shift. It became blurred. "You're waking! I must go!"

"Tell my friends I'm okay!" Fluttershy shouted. "Tell them…"

She didn't get to finish as the sunlight had awoken her. She checked the squiggly handed clock on the wall. It was seven in the morning. At some point in her weeping yesterday, she had fallen asleep. Had she really been asleep for that long?

Discord burst through her door, an act that she hated.

"Good morning, my beauteous bride!" he chimed. "You certainly were tired to have slept the whole day! Well, now that you're up, how about some breakfast?"

She groaned. "Um, sure?"

Honestly, she really wanted something to eat, but was hesitant to give Discord more opportunities to dote on her. 

With a snap of his fingers, she was seated at the table. Discord materialized behind her.

"What would my lovely fiancé like this morning? Pancakes? Toast? Muffins?"

Fluttershy was quiet for a moment. "I'd like to get around on my own, please."

Discord sat, genuinely confused for just a moment.

"Um, pancakes would be…"

A stack of pancakes appeared in front of her before she could finish her sentence

"I trust you slept well?" he inquired.

"Yes," she fibbed.

"And the bed? Was it comfortable enough?"

Fluttershy was despondent.

He leaned his face toward her. "I have a gift for you."

He opened his paw and summoned a jade bracelet. Fluttershy looked at it unsurely as he slid it on her hoof.

"It's…lovely.

"Well, it's nothing compared to you."

His head rested on top of her's, before she pushed him off rather quaintly.

*****

The next few days blurred into themselves. It was monotonous. Cold. Or warm if she wanted it. Or snowy. Does the queen want flax seed? Does she want music, or gems, or towels or dresses?! Now does she love him? Or now? Or now? Click! It's me! You have to give me what I want and even then you'll never see the others! Click! Creeeaaaak, tromp, poof! 

One day, she absolutely refused to come out of her room. It wasn't until the afternoon that Discord attempted to lure her out.

"Oh, Fluttershy!" he called. "Your knight in shining armor doth hath arrived! Or something."

She opened the door slightly to see the draconequus in a suit of gold armor, holding a bouquet of roses upside down. When he noticed this error, he quickly corrected it. Fluttershy just slammed the door without a second glance. Discord frowned, but kept his cool.

"Come now, my dear. You've been in there all day."

"Go away!" she screamed.

He clenched his teeth as he made the armor and flowers disappear. "I've been patient with you, pony, but you really don't want to make me angry!"

"Go ahead! Get angry! Every night you ask me the same question and I will always give the same answer! It's still no!"

"Come out here, right now!" he bellowed.

There was a pause, and then a soft, but defiant, "No."

"You can't stay in there forever!"

"Oh, yes I can! you gave me everything I need in here! None of it is care!"

He took a deep breath. Play it cool, Discord. He spoke in a softer voice.

"Will you come out?"

"No!"

He grunted, but then tried a different tactic. "Will you come out, please?"

"No, thank you!"

He erupted like a volcano. "You come out here this instant!"

"I won't! And you can't make me! Bleeeegghhhh!" She blew raspberries. He thought he even heard a giggle behind the mahogany.

"Have you forgotten who I am?!"

With a snap of his fingers, she was out in front of the door. He used his index finger to levitate the engagement ring around her neck, lifting her in the process.

"You promised yourself to me," he growled, pointing toward the ring, "and you are going to be my wife, love me or not!

Seeing his dark expression, Fluttershy was truly afraid of him at this moment, but she stayed strong and glared back at him. "Fine! Marry me then! Don't wait for me to love you! Because there is no way in this world I could ever just fall in love with a pony who doesn't really care!"

As he released his magic from her, she crossed her hooves and turned away.

"You're not my mother!"

"well I'm your husband! so get used to my orders!"

Fluttershy turned and shot him a glare so full of contempt that Discord thought for a moment that perhaps she wasn't truly Fluttershy.

But she was.

"I don't know who you think you're talking to mister, because no pony that is genuine treats their bride that way!"

"Whatever! We're still getting married tomorrow, so ha!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

She slammed the door angrily. Then she rushed to her bed. She wanted so desperately to cry, but she felt to powerful to do so. her giggling turned into sobbing. Golly, what am I becoming in here! 

"Oh, that pony!" Discord grunted. 

Then he heard the pony's weeping and his anger faded. He hadn't meant to make her cry, but none of this was working! He covered his ears, trying to block out her whining as he teleported to his bedroom.

His angel and devil appeared, in their ridiculous glory.

"What will it take?!" he cursed.

"Lots of whining and crying," the devil muttered.

"Precisely!"

"Give her time," the angel advised. "You did take away her friends and freedom after all."

"But she agreed to it!"

"So what's the point in making her fall in love with you?" the reflection inquired. "Why is that the plan? Do you have a plan?"

"Of course I do! Did you not hear me earlier?!"

"I mean I think that pony's turned you soft!"

Discord blinked and then growled. "Soft?! You're calling me, the Master of Chaos, soft?!"

"He's got a point, you been being sappy." the devil agreed.

"You're not supposed to agree with them!" Discord exclaimed.

"Come now, even I know you're not perfect."

The draconequus cried out and stomped his foot, which made the sound of thousands of glasses shattering. Then realization hit him.

"Why am I talking to you?" he asked as he flicked the angel and devil off his shoulders. "You're all me! I can't take advice from myself! I need to ask some pony else."

He tapped his chin until he came up with an idea.

*****

Zecora was shocked to open her door and find the Lord of Chaos standing there. 

"Hello, neighbor!" he waved. His usual wear, (that being nothing,) was now replaced with a nice red knit sweater. Underneath was a fancy button-down, a colorful tie, and navy slacks. A puppet was on his hand.

Her mouth was open, but she could get no words out

"You're not still mad about me turning your hut upside-down, are you?" he asked as he invited himself in. "It was nothing personal, just chaos.

"Um…" Zecora stammered.

He rolled his eyes. "Alright, so here's the deal. I hear you're good at giving advice. Am I right?" The zebra nodded absent mindedly. "Well, I need it! And if you tell any pony about this, I'll turn you into an acorn to feed to the squirrels!"

"Alright!" She cleared her throat. "No frights! come Sit down at peace with me, I will fix us up some tea!

"Not much of a tea drinker. I prefer a bit of eggnog. Maybe with nutmeg!"

But he sat down anyway. Zecora seated herself across from him.

"Now what do you think I can do? Can I fix this thing for you?"

Discord put his head in his hands and sighed. "It's my fiancé, Fluttershy! I'm sure you've heard of our engagement…"

"thought the grapevine, perhaps I've heard... Or maybe it was a little bird." 

"Yes, well…she's not exactly…happy."

"You did take her from her friends, so it was expected her happiness would end-"

"That's what my shoulder angel said!" Zecora blinked at him. "Never mind. But I've swallowed my dignity to please this woman! I've given her all the luxury and comfort a pony could want and she doesn't give so much as a smile! She just sits in her room and cries!" He looked pleadingly at the zebra. "What am I doing wrong?"

"I can help you, keep yourself calm. Reach out and let me hold your palm." He reached out and she held it in her hooves.

"did she tell you anything of sorts, to tell you why she cut you out short?"

"she keeps telling me that everything I give her can't make her love me! Is that gold digging? If you give somepony something, they love you because you gave them something happy!"

"Fluttershy sees past your love-bomb, none of these gifts can solve her qualms."

He tugged his paw away. "Quit talking in riddles! That's my job! How do I make Fluttershy happy?"

"to solve your blindness, you must act with kindness."

He stared at her. "Come again?"

"Fluttershy is not won by wealth and jewels. Kindness and consideration will be your tools. Learn of her interests, her pleasures, her joys, and use them for love instead of your ploys."

"Okay, okay! So how do I do this…kind thing?"

"simple pleasures will not do. It has to come from the heart of you."

"I've given her gifts!"

"Something that compliments her personality. Not just something from brutality."

"Something she vibes with?" He paused to think. His claw tapped his face. "Well, she doesn't really do anything other than play with animals and admire boring plants…" His face lit up. "Wait a minute. That's it!" He turned to the zebra. "You're good! You're welcome at my castle any time!"

After he had vanished, Zecora shook her head with a laugh. "Oh, if only he were to know where this endeavor was going to go." She then went back to her egg cleanse. 

She seriously considered charging these ponies for her time.

*****

Meanwhile, Spike and Applejack were trying to keep Fluttershy's animals under control.

"Y'all come back here, ya varmints!" she shouted at beavers as they hauled away a tree they had recently cut down.

"Angel, I have to finish fluffing your tail!" Spike called as he chased after the white rabbit that had hair curlers in his tail.

"Spike, help me round up these chickens!"

"I'm kind of busy here!"

He grabbed hold of Angel, who gave him a hard kick in the snout. Of course, he was built for hard tasks, and remained resilient. 

"I thought you were supposed to be good with takin' care of critters," Applejack said.

"Yeah," Spike grunted as he lost his grip on the bunny. "Maybe when there are six of them at a time, not six hundred! What about you? Don't you raise animals for a living?

"My animals are trained and stay in their pens. Wynona, get those weasels out of the coop!"

"How does Fluttershy handle these guys?! I wish they would all just disappear!"

As he said that, a white flash caused the animals to vanish from sight. All that was left was Applejack, Spike and Wynona.

"...did I do that?"

"What in tarnation?" the pony gasped. "Where'd they get off to?"

Suddenly, Spike burped up a letter. When he opened it, he raised an eyebrow.

"This isn't from the princess."

"Let me see." As Applejack read the note, her eyes widened. 

"Well, I'll be damned."

*****

The tears would not stop. After hearing that she would be married to that monster tomorrow, the waterworks had broken loose.

She should run away, she had thought, but Fluttershy knew that breaking her promise would give Discord the freedom of taking over Equestria. Besides, he could bring her back with the snap of his fingers.

He didn't mean it. His face softened when you started to cry. But he has no right!... I feel a little sorry too. He's a monster, but-  

A light knock on her door startled her. "Fluttershy?"

She buried her face in her pillow. "Go away!"

Outside, Discord silently cursed, but then took a deep breath. "I just wanted to say I'm…s-s-s…"

"What?" Fluttershy choked, lifting her head.

"I'm s-s-s-sorry!"

This caught her attention. This must have been his first time saying that word.

"I didn't realize how upset this deal would make you…"

"Yes, you did!" she snapped.

"Okay, I did! I just ignored that fact. You see…I don't know how to…act in these kinds of situations. I'm sorry I lost my temper with you earlier, but…can you at least give me a chance to make it up to you?"

She paused. "Well…"

"You don't have to marry me tomorrow."

He waited patiently. After a while, she opened the door and looked up at him.

"What is it?"

He grinned a little. "I have something to show you, but first, close your eyes!"

She raised an eyebrow at him, but complied. He waved a paw in front of her to check that she could not see. Smiling excitedly, he took her front hooves and led her to the door leading outside.

Fluttershy did not know what to expect. She was surprised by how tenderly he was holding her hooves. She had to flap her wings to keep her balance, but his touch assured her that if she fell over, he would catch her. She felt a breeze as they went outside. She took a deep breath, as this was her first amount of fresh air in days.

"Can I open them?" she asked

He led her forward a little more, then gently let go of her hooves and whispered in her ear. "Alright. Now."

She opened her eyes and gasped. Surrounding her were acres of plants and flowers of all species and colors. There was an especially large patch of tulips, her favorite. Running about were hundreds of animals, many she recognized from home, but others from elsewhere. She saw kangaroos, toucans, and many more. Everything was vibrant, colorful, the kind of things you would never expect to see in the Everfree Forest. She also noticed they were still floating on the floating ground, but this garden had been added to the clump of earth.

"I brought all your little friends from home," Discord said. "I also brought a few others I thought you would be interested in. Do you like the tulips? I know they're your favorite. I also made a gazebo." He pointed towards it. "You know, in case you want to sit in the shade. Otherwise, there are big trees." He led her to a glimmering pond. "And look, a home for your ducks and fish, also good for swimming. I even put a bridge!"

Her silence made him frown. Then his ears drooped. She hated it. He knew the food dispenser was too much.

"I…" Fluttershy stammered, still staring at the scene. "I…I don't know what to say."

"A thank you would be nice," Discord muttered. Not angrily, but rather, in a joking manner.

as if to tackle him to the ground, she attacked him around the waist with a hug. The draconequus perked up his ears, tensed his body and widened his eyes at her touch. No pony had ever looked at him as she did. him like this before, let alone hugged him. Such a touch was new and strange…and pleasant.

"This is the most wonderful thing any pony has ever done for me!" she exclaimed. "Thank you! I love it so much!"

He looked down at the pony and saw what he had been hoping to see for the past few days: a smile. A true, happy smile that made her beautiful face even more beautiful. Her crows feet were pronounced, wrapping along her cheeks until two circles of pure enjoyment enraptured her smile.

He felt a tug in his chest, as his heart started beating, perhaps for the first time in millennia. It beat even faster as the pony's face nuzzled into his fur.

Slowly, and hesitantly, he wrapped his arms around her small frame, and muttered, "You're welcome."

Fluttershy pulled away as she heard a squeak and let out another gasp.

"Angel! I thought I'd never see you again!"

Discord watched as she flew to her beloved bunny. Other animals surrounded her, delighted to see her. He could not take his eyes off her. That pony, that kind, gentle, beautiful little pony. Her teal eyes sparkled with joy, her pink mane flowed in the mild breeze and her excited voice was like a tingling bell. His heart pounded faster with every second he watched her, until it was about ready to leap out of his chest.

What was this strange sensation developing inside him? He did not know what it was, but it caused a big smile to spread across his face.

*****

In the Ponyville library, Twilight read the message they had received:

"Dear ponies, do not look for animals. They are at my place, with their owner. Your unfriendly neighborhood Discord."

Rainbow Dash looked at the note. "Why did he use letters from magazines?"

"To hide his identity!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Oh, but he signed his name, and…we know who he is, because he has Fluttershy…"

"Why would Discord take the animals for Fluttershy?" Rarity questioned

Applejack glanced at rarity. "Ponies will do anything to please the ones they love."

"Discord? Love?" Rainbow Dash laughed. "That's a hoot!" But she hovered tightly knit as she felt the mare's gaze turn to her. As she looked towards her, the mare turned her face away, hidden in her hat.

She admired her as the others spoke.

"Doesn't this break the deal?" the dragon inquired. "I mean he can't use his magic outside of the forest, right?"

Twilight exchanged a glance with Applejack before answering, "I think we can make an exception for this one."

Chapter Text

Discord observed distantly at the Pegasus Fluttershy as she fed her animals. The view was only slightly warped in the strange glass, like it had cooled in the middle of the pour, with ripples and silly colors. He had distanced himself, as his presence disturbed the critters. Unsurprisingly. 

Besides this, he He was fascinated by how well she was able to tame every creature, calming them down and nuzzling them. The fur that connected to her feathers housed small lizards and baby birds. Even the large bear posed no threat to her. She even allowed it to lick her. mane.

How did she do it? How could she be so kind that even the fiercest of creatures were enchanted by her? Ironically enough, that was exactly what he thought of her: enchanting. Magical. She treated him the way she did not because she was afraid of him, he knew that for sure.

He shook his head. His lips made flapping noises and his eyes rolled around like marbles. "What's happening to me?

His reflection responded, "You're turning into a sap, and all for that wimpy pegasus!"

"A sap!" Discord exclaimed, glaring at the mirror. "That siren is dangerous"

"how so?"

"She's plotting against me. My throne..."

"so your plan to to get her closer to your throne?"

"I'll figure it out. I just have to get her to like me long enough to break her down." Discord sighed dejected.

"You don't really want to, do you?"

Discord glanced back out the window. "Of course I do! I have to do it!" He was hesitant. 

"getting rid of her afterwards is the scary part. What if when she loves me she flies off the handle when I go to claim my throne?

"You and I both know she isn't nearly powerful enough for that."

The reflection scratched his chin.

"Actually, Y'know who else we thought would never hurt us? Cos-"

He quickly waved his hand and draped a blanket over the mirror then turned his attention back to Fluttershy. He had to get closer, but not close enough that she could turn around and hurt him. So he perched on a tree branch just a few feet away, scaring a few birds in the process. His grin widened. She certainly was more interesting up close. But of course, to sit and watch felt eerie even to himself.

"Hold still, Angel Bunny," she said in her sweet voice as she fluffed the rabbit's tail. "There. All done." She lowered herself onto the plush grass. Zoysia, or Raleigh st. Augustine.

The rabbit leapt into her hooves and cuddled her. Discord's heart fluttered as he heard her giggle for the first time. That's so wacky! Ponies are satisfied so easily.

"Yes, I missed you too. I needed some lighthearted sass."

Angel then pulled away and yapped something that made Fluttershy frown.

Angel then pulled away and yapped something that made Fluttershy frown.

"Oh, you see…I made a deal with him and…we're getting married."

"Yes, yes, I know, he doesn't appear very friendly…"

Discord was starting to regret bringing those animals.

This made his eyes widen. The animals screamed in protest.

"No, really," Fluttershy assured them. "He hasn't really done anything to me yet…though I will admit, he still scares me a little…but he really is starting to get the hang of being genuine."

She then started singing to the birds, who sang in response. Discord closed his eyes as he listened to that sweet, melodic voice of hers. Never had he ever heard a sound so beautiful, so perfect, much like the pony it came from. He would have listened to it all day had the branch not given way beneath him. He let out a cry as he hit the ground, frightening the animals and causing them to scatter. Fluttershy shrieked and spun around. Her terror faded once she saw the draconequus' state.

"Goodness, are you hurt?" she asked, flying over to him.

He flinched as she lightly touched his paw.

Fluttershy glanced up at the broken limb. "Were you spying on me?"

"No! Well, I was in the tree, but I wasn't watching you!" He grinned sheepishly. "You see…I didn't want to disturb you, and…sorry I scared your animals off."

She sighed. "Well, as long as you're here, care to help me feed the animals? There's so many of them you see and it's getting late…"

She pointed at the sky turning orange and pink from the sunset. The clouds looked like fish scales and shimmered their droplets of water like pearls. It had just rained and the rainbows shining off the clouds reminded them of the gems on the castle.

"Sure, I can take care of it!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "Done! Now how about some dinner?"

Fluttershy's stomach growled at the mention of food. "Come to think of it, I haven't eaten much today… I nearly ate some of my bird's seeds earlier on accident."

With another snap of his fingers, a picnic blanket appeared beneath them, along with that came grape juice into two glasses. Discord offered her a glass.

"So I take it you're enjoying the garden?" he inquired.

"Oh, yes," Fluttershy said with a smile. "Thank you again, but…" She looked up. "Some of the birds were flying, but something stopped them when they got too high."

"I didn't want them to leave you, that'd be rude!"

She stared at him with distressed eyes. "So the animals…are trapped here…like me?"

Seeing her smile disappear, Discord realized he had made a mistake and had to correct it. He gently lifted her chin.

"Cheer up, my dear. They're here with you. Isn't that all that matters?"

"I suppose," she replied, still not smiling.

He had to get that smile back, so he snapped his fingers and made a frosted carrot cake appear. Fluttershy's mouth dropped open.

"How did you…?"

"I told you," he stated simply. "I had nothing to do for three years but spy on you ponies. It was only natural that I find out a few things."

He summoned a cake cutter to cut her a slice of the cake and placed it on a smaller plate.

"What about dinner?" she asked.

"I'm sure we can break the rules a teensy bit," he smirked.

As she took the plate, a fork materialized in her hoof, Discord grinned as her smile returned. That is, until he realized she had no possible way of using it. She simply dipped her head and bit out of the slice. 

"This is the best carrot cake I've ever tasted!" she declared.

"Only the best for my bride!" Discord said, taking a slice of cake himself.

Fluttershy huffed but then looked at him seriously. "Why were you spying on me, anyway? Just now, I mean."

"I wasn't spying, I was…observing. After all, you are a…interesting subject to watch."

She said nothing and stared down at her hooves, her face turning red.

"I wasn't lying, you know, when I said you were beautiful."

She looked away. "T-thank you, but…I'm not that... Comfortable with that."

"Oh, don't be so modest, my dear!" He tilted her head toward him. "You are a natural beauty, and that's saying a lot, coming from me. Usually when I see something so perfect I don't like it. But maybe it's because you're different."

Fluttershy moved from his claw and looked at the grass. "No, I know. I mean…I was a model for a while."

His eyes widened. "Really? I mean, sure, you have the look, but…with that posture??"

She clutched her pearls in mock indignation. In reality, maybe she was relieved he was no longer emptily flattering her.

"that's not at all why I quit! I couldn't handle all the attention and I had less time for my friends."

"Oh, I see…"

"And..." She hesitated. "I don't want to just be a pretty mare. When most ponies see a pretty mare they never look past that."

Discord couldn't help his confusion, but shut his mouth and listened.

After they had finished eating, Fluttershy was getting tired. She had been unable to sleep with everything going on, so she decided to retire early. When she entered her room, she looked in the mirror on the vanity, examining her face and hair. No matter how many ponies called her beautiful she felt like an outsider looking in at a conversation. They weren't complimenting her, they liked her face.

*****

"Thanks for walkin' me home, Spike." Applejack said when they reached the edge of the farm. "And thanks again for helpin' me with the critters. Even though it didn't turn out so well, it was still mighty big of ya."

"Anything for you, AJ," the dragon said with a smile.

She lowered her head and tucked her face back behind her hat. He skipped and flounced so lovingly. She wondered how betrayed he'd feel when he realized that two of his first best friends stole away his first love. Not that he could've had a chance to date her, but what an unfortunate way to realize your situation.

The last pony she wanted to see zoomed past her, unwaveringly hovering over her like a wraith in the night. Then, her features peeked through the black lace sheet of night.

Applejack was about to say something when Rainbow Dash smiled and her words caught in her throat.

"I was lookin' for you! Rarity asked me to come over, and I want you to come with!"

"Aw shucks, talk about'a wingpony!"

"You know I gotchu! Besides, you just make sleepovers more... Uhh.."

She noticed the farm mare's tentative gaze. She actually listened to her, and considered it. It didn't help Rainbow's flow of thought that the ponys eyes seemed to glow when she blushes. Illuminating her smile were street lights, showcasing her beautiful smile lines. Her teeth were slightly crooked, but rainbow had supernumerary teeth anyways-

"Dash? Shug? The sleepovers?"

"right! You make em' more fun! Anyways, I gotta hot date, and she's YOUR marefriend!"

Rainbow was chased playfully by the draft pony, after all her head cleared when she flew.

Spike wondered offhandedly who this "mare friend" referred to.

Or what a mare friend was anyways.

*****

Fluttershy woke up with a scream. Discord flew through her thick doors in the moments following.

"What is it?! What's wrong?!"

"Oh." Discord blushed in embarrassment. "My bad, I just thought…

"That I was in danger?" she finished.

She had to admit that was awfully sweet of him. 

"Yes, but you're not, I see. So I'll just be going…"

"Wait! Could you, um…stay for a little bit?"

Discord felt the air in the room shift.

He stared at her, and then clapped his hands, turning the lights on. He sat on the edge of the bed.

"So this nightmare," he said, "what was it about?"

Fluttershy was about to tell him, but then remembered who she was talking to and hid her face under the covers. Discord was confused by this reaction. Then he recalled something and frowned.

"Was it about…me?"

She peered out at him. "How did you…?"

"You mentioned it to your friends."

She hid her face again in shame. "I'm really sorry, I…

"Tell me."

"What? Why?"

She was hesitant at first, but the beans had been spilt. She told him how it was the same every night: he would hold her, chuckle darkly, whisper horrible things in her ear, and sometimes turn her into her discordant self again. It stung him.

"Is that how you see me?" he asked, with hurt behind the mask of his bright eyes.

"Please, I…I don't know why I keep dreaming it. I'm not scared of... You, in front of me."

When he gazed into those pleading eyes, his coldness dissolved. He could not leave her in this state.

"Alright," he said with a sigh. "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.

She smiled in thanks. "I'm not really sure if I can go to sleep now."

"How about I help you?"

"Sure, but what…?"

With a swish of the tail, they found themselves sitting on top of a cloud high above the castle.

"Why'd you do that?" Fluttershy asked.

"It's a clear night," Discord said, lounging onto his back. "I thought we could have a look at the stars."

"no- well not no, but why did you teleport us? We can both fly."

"works up a sweat!" Suddenly as she looked at him he wore an outfit similar to the actress and activist, Mane Fonda. only, in the 80's.

"They're beautiful," she marveled.

"Yeah." Discord muttered. She raised an eyebrow at him. "I can admire pretty lights!" He continued to look at the ones reflecting in the pools of her eyes rather than the ones in space.

"You know Twilight could name all the stars and planets and constellations?" she said. "Every single one of them!"

Her smile wavered at the thought of her friend. Discord saw this and knew he had to distract her.

"The stars are rather boring when they're stuck on the sky like that, aren't they?"

He waved his paw and Fluttershy gasped as the stars moved into the shape of a butterfly.

"Does that count as your confines?"

"if it isn't, I got lots of paperwork to do."

Fluttershy watched as the astral butterfly flapped its wings against the night sky and floated in circles. "Well…it is kind of…neat…"

Discord laughed triumphantly as the smile returned to her face. "See? My chaos can be useful."

"you've done more useful stuff than that. Just, for your reasons."

He grinned and made writing motions with his claw, using the stars to spell out a message. Fluttershy's eyes grew to the size of frying pans as she read it: Do you love me? Check Yes or No. Underneath, he drew two boxes marked 'Yes' and 'No.'

When she turned to him, he had that excited look on his face. He handed her his glowing claw, still pointing towards the sky. She glanced between him and the message, and then finally took the claw and drew a check in the second box.

Discord shrugged, still half smiling. "Creative, eh? I'm getting good at this."

There was a beat of silence between the two.

"I-I'm really sorry, but…I just don't…feel that way about you yet…"

"No, it's okay!" he said quickly.

But it was not okay. She had rejected him before, but for some reason, it hurt this time. 

He stiffened as he felt something nuzzle against him. He glanced down to see the pegasus curling up to him.

"But I'm willing to accept you as a friend," she said softly.

It was as if a string were pulled inside his chest. "Friend?"

"Why, of course. I think it's only fair."

He did not know what to say. "Oh…well, I've…never really had a friend before. i should rework the sign." 

The stars now read: Do you wanna be my friend And if you do, Well then don't be afraid to take me by the hoof If you want to. Check yes or no. 

"Huhuhuh, I stole that."

"Never?"

"What do you think?"

She nuzzled closer to him. "Well, now you do. And I'm sorry."

He blinked. "For what?"

"I was wrong about you. You're not a monster."

She closed her eyes and snuggled into his fur. Discord stared at her in awe, not believing that such a pony could exist. Not only was she beautiful beyond belief, but she was kind enough to even care for him. Even if she had not given him what he had expected, the idea of having a friend made his heart explode. Who knew I even had a heart? 

He stuck out his claw unsurely and began to stroke her mane. Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked up at him. He retracted his claw, not sure why he was suddenly so hesitant.

"Sorry, I…do you mind?"

She stared at him for a moment and then smiled. "No, it's okay." She flipped onto her belly and closed her eyes. "Go ahead, as long as you don't scratch." 

He chuckled as he sat up, leaning on his arm. "Don't worry, no claws.

Not wasting a second of this opportunity, he placed his paw on the top of her head and slowly ran his fingers through her mane. He sighed internally at the softness of her hair and Fluttershy was once again surprised at his tender touch. His raptor talons now used to graze her scalp ever so gently, like a large bumblebee on a small flower.

The sleep she was lulled in was one discord was hesitant to cut short. So of course he didn't. He lie close to her, feeling her heart beating, and wondered if it was him she dreamed of. Thank Celestia they were together, he just wanted to stay in this moment forever.

So he curled his body around her, like a dragon guarding its treasure. He continued to stare at her face, so it would be the last thing he would see before drifting off to sleep himself. He didn't want to sleep though, he could've spent the whole night just hearing her breathing. Watching her smile while she slept. Despite his droopy lids, he didn't wanna miss a thing.

Chapter Text

The cracks of dawn nipped at discord's eyes and shine through his feathers. They illuminated as a translucent tigers eye. Each plume shivered ever so delicately, quivering in waves as the skin underneath rippled. Down his nerves breathed a prickly radiation. Across the badlands of his own floating plumage the ripples bore onto the small yellow Pegasus. Floating like a lotus on water her feathers and coat trembled airy and wisped off the morning dew. 

The expansive inhale she let out was her only signal of incoming consciousness, and discord retracted his paw from around her shoulders.

As she awoke, the creature in front of her clouded her vision like a warm blanket. supposedly asleep. She saw that his body had curled around her. Of course, now she was awake and hungry. Satisfyingly yet, she was not cold.

Of course waking the draconequus would be considered rude. Besides, his body was soft wrapped jaggedly around her own. she had no other choice but to make herself comfortable. Doing this, she heard a low chuckle. She turned to the draconequus, who opened his eyes suddenly.

"Good morning!"

She let out a shriek and jumped out of his hold. He only laughed harder. She chuckled as well!

"Did you sleep well, my friend?"

Fluttershy relaxed and replied, "Yeah! I expected to be cold, but it never came."

"No nightmares?"

"No…actually, I haven't slept that well in a good while. Maybe a year."

"Splendid!"

A plate of muffins appeared before them. As she took one, she thought of her pegasus friend, Derpy.

"I was thinking," Discord said while chewing, "maybe we could do something together, like ice skating."

Fluttershy choked on her muffin. "Ice skating?"

"Sure. It's fun! Or would you prefer something else?"

"N-no…ice skating would be…nice. It's just that I have to feed the animals…"

"All taken care of."

"What's the hurry?"

"I always get bored in the mornings! I don't need to stretch because I move all the time! And I need movement."

He's always so eager to do so much. If he wanted to do it so bad he could do it himself... But it's always nicer with friends! And maybe that was a win.

A while of eating and digestion passed before they decided to walk to their own local pond, courtesy of the Everfree Forest. Only, the dark and harsh landscape seemed so much earthier, no more castle.

She strapped on pastel skates, with the guards still on. They were clay and spring sage, her favorite combination of colors.

"I wanna show you something! Take the guards off! 

As he began twirling on the frozen pond, Fluttershy looked down at it unsurely. She took a step onto the ice and tried to balance herself, but fell over after putting all four hooves down.

"now promise not to hit me, while I promise that what I'm doing is safe." 

"Help?" she squeaked.

Seeing her plight, Discord glided over to her. He gently lifted her back onto her hooves. She hung her head.

"Oh don't worry, you'll have time to get the hang of it!" She seemed lifted as she smiled at him. His chest skittered. Quickly, something!

He chucked the skate in the air, swinging rapidly and standing just for a moment before swish! as the blade plummeted near his head. It cut through the atmosphere before stopping haphazardly just above his head.

Fluttershy stay crouched and stunned. Her jaw hung stiff as her eyes seemed to shrink. She slid frozen across the ice. Stutteringly.

"Magic! Can't hurt us."

"you BIG MEANIE!" 

His ears perked up as she howled in nervous laughter. He hovered in a snake-like position. He cackled! "You scared the bajeebus outta me!"

He held her up as they slid across the ice, every slight imperfection cut clean by the blade, fluid and light. It was like flying; however, more stable here than in flight. "I'll probably have to teach you forever! You're no Tonya Yearling."

Well, you're no Bridle Boitano!"  

He grabbed her by the front hooves as they spun gently, them rapidly as they stared into each other.

Discord tenderly took her front hooves, and then moved behind her.

"Okay, so basically what you're doing is walking on ice. Take a step forward and…"

"Maybe I should show you first." He skated in front of her. "Try it like this." He glided on one foot and said rhythmically, "One, two, three," and then switched to the other foot, "one, two, three… See? Now you try."

Fluttershy tried to step forward again, only to lose her balance again. Discord caught her immediately.

Fluttershy gulped and followed his instructions, counting aloud, "One, two, three…one, two, three…"

"That's it!" Discord exclaimed. "Keep going!"

With every glide, Fluttershy became more confident. Her terror returned, however, as she drew near the edge of the pond.

"Discord!" she cried, returning to all fours. "How do I stop?!"

"Oh dear," Discord muttered. "Point your toes inward!"

"What are toes?!" The edge was fast approaching. "At least tell me how to turn!"

"Simply turn your hooves!"

She tried to do this, but the blades got tangled in her tail. Discord slapped himself in the forehead.

"PIZZA!! PIZZA!!" 

Fluttershy shut her eyes and prepared for impact. Instead, she felt herself being lifted into the air. She opened her eyes to see that Discord was holding her above his head.

"You know what?" he said with a smirk. "I like it better when we do it together."

He set her down again, this time, keeping his hands on her shoulders.

"Now, to speed up, you keep your legs parallel to each other. To slow down, you point your front hooves slightly inward. Think of it like…French fries and pizza! French fries to go faster, pizza to slow down!"

They skated together for a long time. They soon figured out that what discord called "French fries and pizza" was called fishing and playing to ponies, and was a painful gait abnormality.

Discord showed her a few tricks, but she only attempted those she did with him. At one point, she tried to spin, only to fall backward. Discord summoned up a snow bank for her to collapse into. Thanks to this, she landed softly. The draconequus laughed and fell next to her.

Discord began to play... disco music? Fluttershy opened the eyes she never knew closed. They now wore matching earthy green bodysuits, complete with ascots, bell bottoms, chunky jewelry, and mirror tassels. His neckline plunged to the bottom of his sternum, while hers did the same with her halter top. Disco music played from a rather large boom box.

"You're brilliant, buddy!" he exclaimed, ruffling her hair. "A little rough around the edges, but brilliant, nonetheless!"

They danced swinging, tossing her as she seemed to instinctively know the moves. Overhead, toss, swing dancing! Two different musical eras combined seamlessly

He held her above his head as they twirled and spun. He stared at her crooked smile as she squealed and snorted, and he smiled warm. Even blocking the sun, she seemed brighter than it. There was nothing more that they'd like to do than stay on the ice with each other, dancing. Let's keep dancing. 

*****

The next few moons went along smoothly. Now that Fluttershy was no longer afraid of Discord, the two could spend time more easily. He would still give her time alone with her animals, though sometimes he couldn't help but watch how gentle she was with them. He also kept his routine of asking his question each night. Do you love me? He asked. Each night for 6 nights were the same. 

"Do you love me?"

"I'm afraid I don't."

Her mind would also wander to the friends she had left behind. She could barely look in her closet, for the clothes reminded her of Rarity. She could hardly read a book, for it reminded her of Twilight. The sight of an apple or rainbow would bring her to tears, and anything involving parties caused her grief.

Discord took notice of this, as her smile wavered every time she thought of her friends. Any Material gift would not help, and he allowed her space to simply feel her pain. This was something he knew too well. But the sobbing coming from her door was not.

"Fluttershy?"

He peered inside to see Fluttershy on her bed, her back to him. He could hear a few sniffs coming from her.

"Is everything alright, my friend?" he inquired, making a cautious step forward. "You weren't at breakfast."

"I…I'm fine," she choked, rubbing her eyes. "I just…wasn't hungry."

As he came round the bed, Fluttershy tried to hide her tear streaked face, but he had already seen it.

"You've been crying," he stated.

Why was she still crying? He thought things had been going well between them. He had brought her animals, treated her respectfully, and yet she was still unhappy. It was paining him. She could never marry him in this state, it'd take forever for the plan to be set in motion!

That's what he consciously thought, anyways.

"No," Fluttershy denied. "I…I'm fine, really."

He placed his hands on her shoulders and spun her around to face him. "Don't you lie to me! I can always tell! Nobody gonna put one over on ole' discord! "

"Sorry." She turned away from him as he sat beside her. "Come now, buddy. Tell me what's wrong."

Still looking down, she slowly rotated her head in his direction. "You…you won't get mad?"

He tilted her head up with his eagle claw and used his paw to brush her mane out of her face. "I promise. Just tell me what's troubling you so I may know how to make you happy again."

She stared into his eyes, seeing them filled with concern and kindness, a look she would never have expected from the Lord of Chaos. It was as if he truly cared for her and wanted to comfort her. He could not do that without knowing the truth.

"I miss my friends!" she blurted.

Oh dearie.

"Not as is I'm unhappy with you, but..." She looked away, but she had to say it. "You said you would do anything to make me happy."

"I did," Discord muttered guiltily.

She looked up at him with pleading eyes, filling up with another set of tears. He could not bear to see her so miserable, perhaps because the plan was at stake. His mighty miles of chaos could be gone in an instant. Moreover, how could she possibly see her friends? If he were to send her back for any reason even for a moment, the deal was broken, and nothing beyond that could possibly work.

Yet he could not disappoint her either. If only there was a way to grant her wish without the risk of losing her. Then it struck him.

"Very well. With this claw, I shall lift your sorrows."

A glimmer of hope appeared on her face. "You mean you'll let me see my friends?"

He cringed. "Well…sort of."

Discord snapped his fingers and a mirror materialized in his hand. "This is a magic mirror. Tell it what you want to see, and it will show it to you. This way, you can see your friends whenever you like without breaking the deal! Besides, you can't see anything you wouldn't want to."

"Oh, okay. I'd like to see my friends please."

She waited, but there was nothing in the mirror but her own reflection.

"You'll have to be more specific," Discord explained.

"Oh, um…show me Applejack?

The image blurred and soon her cowgirl friend was before her, preparing a pie in her kitchen. It lifted her spirits to see her.

"Thank you," she said softly.

He watched her face expectantly. The one he got was hesitant and unsure, but it was a smile nonetheless. At least she had stopped crying.

"You're very welcome," he chimed. "Now, you up for breakfast?"

"I'm fine, thank you. I had lots of fruit pies."

"Then I'll leave you to your business then. Will you come to lunch later?"

"Yes, thank you."

He grinned, taking one last look at her before shutting the door. Fluttershy repositioned herself on the bed and leaned back against her pillow as she watched the scene in the mirror. Applejack was slicing apples for her pie. Spike was standing there beside her.

"You sure you don't want me to help?" he asked.

Applejack cringed. "That's mighty nice of ya, Spike, but last time you helped me bake a pie…"

"Come on, it wasn't that bad! Rarity liked it…"

Her heart fluttered at the mention of the mare.

"Yeah… Speakin' of which, shouldn't ya be helpin' her with somethin'? Not that I don't appreciate ya bein' here, but…ya know, since you and Rarity…"

Her face was becoming all pinched at the mention of Spike's crush on Rarity.

"Oh, right," the dragon mumbled, crossing his arms as he slumped to the floor. "About that…rainbow dash..."

She paused her slicing and looked up, straight ahead instead of at spike. Her face flushed. Did she not like the thought of her being with rarity?

"what about her?"

"Well, she's been being really lovey-dovey with rarity." Spike said with disappointment.

"Yeah, I do say we all some is some rarity time!" If she didn't want rainbow with Rarity she'd have to discuss it with them and she hates sit-down convos. But she felt it was something more.

"I think she's dating Rarity."

...

Nothing. She thought of rainbow nuzzling rarity and her stomach flip flopped, she wanted to cuddle them too. She wasn't jealous, that was for sure, but when she thought of rainbow dash why did she get this feeling?

"Really? Whaddya know about datin'?" She looked down at the dragon. "Does her being there bother you, Spike?" She asked soft as cotton.

"Rarity's been spending a lot more time with her, They had three dances at the Gala! And Rarity…talks about her a lot…but she talks about you too!"

"Ya think they might be courtin'?"

"No, I think they might be dating."

"Gee, I'm sorry to hear that, Spike."

Dashie being so sweet, only to her and Rarity, being similarly competitive and rambunctious, complex and racing about whatever she's interested in that month... Applejack's heart was racing. Man, she needed to spend more time with her friend huh? She hoped she wasn't mad at rainbow for whatever reason.

"Some things just ain't meant to be. I'm sorry you had to learn that way son, but you're too young for her."

"Easy for you to say," the dragon murmured. "You don't know what it's like to care for someone who doesn't return your feelings!"

"You'd be surprised," Applejack mumbled.

"I asked around and somepony said something about 'leading me on.' Is that what she did? I don't think I know what it means..."

"goodness no spike! She loves you as a friend, or baby-figure! she didn't lead you on because she wouldn't do that! She was nice to you because she loves you as a friend!" 

"You think so?"

"I know Rarity. She may not show it sometimes, but she is sensitive on how others feel. She didn't wanna reject you because she knew it'd make you sad. She thought you'd get over her."

When she was done preparing the pie, she put it in the oven. "Hey, if ya wanna get your mind off Rarity, how 'bout ya come with me to Canterlot tomorrow when I take these pies to the orphans?"

Spike perked up. "Really?"

"There are gonna be a lot of pies. I'll need a few extra hooves, err, claws."

"I think it's great that you're always helping those orphans."

Applejack blushed. "Well, since I'm an orphan myself, I feel it's my duty. Those colts and fillies don't have ponies like Granny Smith to take care of 'em. Until they do, we gotta make 'em happy."

"like how Twilight is for me!" His face is deeper purple. Applejack was satisfied with her help.

Fluttershy now understood what Applejack was going through and was happy for her, yet a little sad for Spike.

"Hey Applejack, do you think…Fluttershy's okay?"

The pegasus' smile vanished.

"I…I think so," Applejack said weakly. "Zecora said she'll be okay, and…she can take care of herself…"

"You think he's married her by now?"

"What's with all the marriage questions spike? Ain't you a little young? Come on now, I need some pony to taste test some things..."

Fluttershy figured she should see what was going on between Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

"Show me Rarity, please," she said to the mirror.

The scene shifted to the café in Ponyville. The couple she had requested for was sitting at a table, looking at the menus.

"What do you think darling? Seafood or lamb?" 

The blue mare glanced around. "Cafes here are so much cozier than on cloudsdale! You can have stuff that doesn't fall through clouds built here!"

The mare breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad you think so."

The waiter approached the table. "Have you made your selection?" Rainbow faltered

"I'd like to try the shrimp et- uh... Etow-"

"Étouffée, love?"

"Yeah! I've never really had seafood before." 

"Oh, excellent choice! Our shipment is fresh as daisies!"

"In that case, two orders!"

Fluttershy could tell they were deep in love, and they both seemed to be enjoying themselves. Rarity looked on in abject love as rainbow tore up some free bread sticks.

"I'm gonna pack some up and send it to flutters."

Rarity's and Fluttershy's faces carried equal expressions at that moment.

"How very brave of her. I miss her every day."

"Ditto... Hey, I sent her some glitter ink so if she messages we'll know it's her." 

They kissed just a peck. Rarity held the other's face in her hoof.

Fluttershy decided to check on twilight, but not before listening to one last thing.

"I think I wanna kiss Applejack Too."

"me too! We have so much in common!"

The mirror shifted to the library, where twilight sat outside coddled in large coats. Right, it was wintertime!

Twilight Sparkle created matching bookmarks for all her friends. Her Yakistani teapot nestled in the snow near her cup, filled to the brim with chai. Fluttershy could practically smell the spices through the mirror. She watched twilight play in the snow and roll around in it. Her eyes caught the bookmark with her name on it, decorated with pictures of marigolds, forget-me-nots, bleeding hearts, and lily of the valleys.

Fluttershy was about to tear up again and asked to see Pinkie Pie. She was at Sugar Cube Corner, throwing a party. Apparently, it was Derpy's birthday. Fluttershy smiled to know that Pinkie was in her usual spirits. But as the energetic pony served the cake, tears suddenly filled her eyes.

"What's the matter?" Derpy asked.

Pinkie stared at the butter cream frosting. It took a second for Fluttershy to realize that it was the same color as her coat.

"I…I miss Fluttershy!" she wailed before the waterfall erupted.

"Oh, Fluttershy," she said, sighing heavily. "Things haven't been the same without you. I can't help but blame myself. I hope…I hope that…whatever you're going through…you're okay. I miss you."

I miss you too... 

*****

Discord lay alone in his castle as he did for thousands of years before. Only now he was alone with some pony else.

His ears rang as the world around him muffled. He then saw his reflection, distorted from the cracked glass. He was the Lord of Chaos. How could he think he could make some pony happy, when it was in his nature to cause suffering?

He shielded his eyes from the horrifying image and sank to the floor. His chest pounded and his vision remained spotty. He did not hear the door open, or the dainty clomping of hooves. It was the light touch on his head that broke him out of his trance.

"Discord?"

He looked up suddenly and saw the lovely pegasus standing before him. He quickly faked a smile.

"Oh, hello there, Fluttershy! What can I do for you, my friend?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I think the question is what can I do for you?"

She walked up to him and put a hoof to his paw. He glanced down at it, as a knot formed in his stomach. She knew something was wrong, but did not question it, for she had already guessed.

"I know why you wanted a bride," she stated.

He bit his lip. "Um…I was bored?"

"You're lonely."

Discord scoffed. "What?! Don't be ridiculous! I'm the Master of Chaos!" He glanced at her nervously. "Why would I be lonely?"

"A thousand years, and you've never had one friend. Any pony would be lonely under those circumstances."

He looked away sadly. "I'm not a pony."

"That shouldn't matter. All creatures have feelings."

"Don't waste your pity on me. I'm not one of your fuzzy critters."

He met her eyes, and his heart tumbled inside his chest. He wondered if it was that Stare of hers, but no, this was something more powerful and probably unintentional. It was a look no one had given him before: a look of sympathy

He sighed. He could not lie anymore.

"I will admit it is nice to have some pony to talk to. And…" He cupped her face in his claw. "I'm glad it was you who came."

She gave him a warm smile. "I'm kind of glad too."

"Although," he turned away, stroking his beard, "I think I would have preferred Pinkie Pie."

Fluttershy was shocked. "W-what?"

"Well, she does like my chocolate rain."

"YOU'RE JOKING!"

"Got ya, didn't I?" he laughed, ruffling her hair. "I'm kidding! You should have seen the look on your face! You were so jealous!"

"I…I was not jealous," she stammered.

"Oh really? What if I told you I was exchanging you for another mare?"

"Well, don't you ever for a second get to thinking you're irreplaceable!"

He feigned indignation.

"That was ruder than I expected. I was joking."

He picked her up like a cat. "Don't worry, my dear. You're the only friend for me."

Fluttershy was struck dumb as he suddenly pulled her into a hug. She did not mind the gesture, though it surprised her. It was that last sentence that had caused her speechlessness. He had said it so cheerfully, yet not in a joking manner. And the way he was holding her now, so tight and yet so gentle, as if he neither wanted to crush her nor let her go, as if she were something precious. As he did this, she could not help but feel…safe, as if he would not let anything bad happen to her.

Discord seemed to think nothing odd of the action, though he was hesitant in pulling away. Fluttershy could have sworn he had a dreamy look in his eyes as he stared at her.

"Well, I'm hungry!" he said suddenly. "Why don't we have lunch outsiiiide!" He sung. "Ooh, did you hear me hit that high note?" 

"sounded like it hit you right back!"

His eyes glinted with excitement as he set her down. "Wonderful! I'll be waiting outside! Don't be too long, my dear!"

As he teleported out of the room, Fluttershy stood there, trying to process what had just happened. Her heart was racing at a speed that would challenge Rainbow Dash, something she did not think possible. Her face was so hot, she was sure it had turned red. And it was all because Discord had held her.

"Oh dearie."

Chapter Text

Another moon passed. Once again the sun rose. More twinkling stars. More shifting clouds. Another arrival of Orange-pink breaths reminding fluttershy of her triumph with her Choice. Another gale of wind she would never get to feel.

The sun was shining on the forest with every inch of grateful warmth, in The midst of an incoming winter. Of course, her kindness would never go unnoticed, as Kimono made her way to the force field Discord put up and around. She gave way to raps on the material. 

Discord zoomed over in an instant, startling Kimono away from her spot. 

"I knew you were gonna do that, and yet I flinched."

Kimono shouted something from beyond the field. Discord cupped his ear.

"What?"

She pounded agitated on the wall. The draconequus chuckled.

"Oh, right."

He snapped his fingers and a hole appeared in the wall, allowing Kimono to slip through.

"Thank you," she muttered.

"So what brings you here, neighbor?" Discord asked cheerfully. "Come to borrow a cup of sugar?"

A cup of sugar materialized in his paw.

"Thank you, but the reason I came by was for Fluttershy."

He twiddled his fingers. "Oh. You're terribly lucky your territory isn't part of the deal! I'd've had to wage war or something if you came in unannounced from Ponyville!"

"I made sure to check with the Duchess Twilight Sparkle that I could visit. By the by, The forest has seemed more lively as of late. Pray tell, where is Fluttershy?"

"Oh, yeah! She's in the garden. I've been following your friend's advice, you see? I made her a garden, brought all her animal friends, and she hugged me afterwards!" He sighed. "You wouldn't believe how great things have been going! We're even friends! She said so herself! It's not quite what I had expected, but it means I'm one step closer to marrying her! And it's all because I gave her something that wasn't material!"

A laugh from the pony reminded him of her presence. He blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck. His eyes twinkled.

"Um, I mean… man, is it hot in here or what?"

Thinking quickly, he snapped his fingers and teleported them to the garden. The pegasus was feeding the ducks. Some even had turtle shells, courtesy of Discord.

"Fluttershy!" Discord called.

She turned her head. Her hair was filled with burrs and sticks, feathers that weren't her own adorned her mane.

"You have a visitor."

She blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

Discord stepped aside to reveal the pony. Even though she and Kimono were not that close, Fluttershy was thrilled to see a familiar face and rushed to embrace her.

"But I don't understand," she said as she pulled away. "I thought I wasn't allowed any visitors."

"Well," Discord said slowly as he tried to come up with an excuse. "Well, Kimono's living area is classified as it's own nation, and the princesses left her land out of the 'stay outta here' agreement because they didn't govern it!"

Kimono nodded and smirked. "It's true! The princesses and duchess can't decide what to do with my land for me. Besides, I have to be let in since I am the keeper of pony history."

"haha! Good stuff. Toodle-oo!"

After he had vanished, Kimono smiled at Fluttershy softly.

"I've never been more excited to be able to witness a firsthand account of such a powerful event! But of course, I'm mainly here to ask about your personal status. Our friends are very curious."

The pegasus gasped. "Are they alright?"

"They worry for you, and I will admit I did too. And this is why I need to know. Does Discord treat you well? I need details."

He sat like a cat and wrote with her fountain pen in her mouth.

"You'd be surprised at how kind he's been!" She gestured to their surroundings. "Look at what he's done!"

"Hmm," Kimono mused. "Does he make you happy?

The skritching and scrawling stopped suddenly as she waited for her answer.

"Oh, yes! You were right. So far I've been happy, except…"

She looked down, her hair falling over her eye. Kimono lifted her chin up.

"Do you feel lonely,?"

"Well," she stammered. "I miss my friends. He won't let me visit them." She sighed. "Because of the deal. I appreciate everything he's done to make me comfortable, but…" She gazed up at the sky. "Sometimes I feel like I'm still his prisoner. There's also the fact that he…"

She trailed off. Kimono raised an eyebrow.

Fluttershy glanced up at her. "You won't tell any pony?"

"I'll have to write it down eventually. My reviewers will know, but never tell."

She breathed. "I'm trying to reform him, and I think it's working."

She waited for Kimono's reaction, but she did not look the least surprised. This confused her, but Fluttershy had to get all of this off her chest and she hoped Discord was not listening.

"Every night, he asks me if I love him."

"Do you?"

She hesitated. "I always say no. We made a deal. I will not marry him until I say yes. I thought it was just a game at first, but…he's been so gentle, and every time I say no, he looks hurt. And…the way he's so kind me me even when I say no…it doesn't upset me, but…I just…I…"

As she trailed off, Kimono grinned. "It is as we said. A yearn for love is what has led Discord to taking a bride."

She gulped. "I…I suppose I could love him, if he wasn't so…possessive of me." She looked at the zebra in desperation. "You understand, my friends can't know about this! They have enough to worry about! Just tell them I'm alright and that I'm not married yet."

"will do, dear Fluttershy. Tell me everything I'd need to know. Every detail." 

An hour went by of just sitting and talking and stretching. Petting fur, roaring water. Little drips and clicks of animals doing nothing in particular. Kimono left and nearly fell off of a cliff.

Ripping wind rushed by her ears and she screamed!

"NOOOO! I'll LOSE MY JOB!"

she was caught by Discord.

"Whoops," he said. "Forgot to tell you about that."

He snapped his fingers and teleported them to the ground. He knelt down and whispered to her.

"Did she say anything about me?"

She smirked. "Can't say. Legally." 

"Come on! Can't you at least tell me if she likes me? At least…do you think she does?"

She sighed. "These things take time, dear draconequus. My advice? Love is to watch things love. to observe without capturing the beauty of the world inside a cage."

"What."

"The true lovers unfold each other's wings and fly in opposite directions. An old passage from our history books."

Now he knew how he had made the ponies feel in the labyrinth as she walked off.

*****

Discord lay sleeping on a branch offwhere, listening to his bride-to-be. How tantalizingly his plan danced like candle smoke. He inhaled the char, and felt it coat his sinuses. Had it not been so easy to spew every hymn of his genius scheme, he was sure he'd've never talked to that pony.

Fluttershy tried to convince Angel to eat cilantro.

"Come on, Angel," she begged softly. "Just one little bite?"

The rabbit shook his head violently.

"How about a teeny nibble?"

He shook his head again and kicked the carrot away. Fluttershy glared at him and then opened her eyes as wide as she could, giving him that Stare of hers. Angel was intimidated by it and chewed desperately on the cilantro. He loved it, of course. 

"Amazing," Discord murmured.

To think that such a pony with no magic at her disposal could possess such a power, especially one so seemingly innocent! While the Stare scared most creatures, it attracted this one. This small chaotic quality of hers fascinated him, as did everything else about her. He was so close to winning his queen. He just had to step up his game.

"Come on, what can I do for her? Music? Games?"

"How about you stop spying on me?" 

Discord shrieked in surprise, causing him to fall out of the tree. He looked up to see a cross Fluttershy. She looked at him mischievously. In every way, she also wanted to help him up, wrap him in a blanket and carry him off.

"Exactly how much privacy do I actually get?" She asked as her down turned eyes squinted whilst she smiled. The bags under her eyes softened as of late.

The draconequus laughed nervously. "Well, um…"

"I mean, I don't Wanna be rude... But do you have any hobbies?"

He paused and lifted a brow.

"I dear, I'm really sorry-"

"Friends want to spend time together right?"

"Then why didn't you say so?

"I…you see…um…" He groaned. "I got nothing."

He waited for her scolding, or whining, or even that Stare, but she laughed instead. He looked up at her in confusion.

"You're not mad about me invading your privacy?"

"Mad?" she said. "Discord, this isn't the first time I've caught you. It's a little disconcerting, but I'm not mad. It's your first time spending any real moments with a pony for so long! Besides, now that you're in the clear, you can help me feed the animals."

"No problem!"

He stood up and readied his fingers, but Fluttershy flew up and pressed her hooves against his paw, shaking her head.

"I want you to feed them from your paw."

He blinked. "You mean…walk right up to them and…expect them not to run away? To accept food from me?" He threw up his hands. "No offense, but count me out!

"Won't you at least give it a try?"

"I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not 'one with nature' like you. Those things will run away at the sight of me. They're smart enough to do so."

He looked at a corvid near him, staring brainless with it's dumb yapping vacant bird eyes. He summoned a giant green mask with a ghoulish face and scared it off, with a loud "OOGA BOOGA BOOGA." It flew away haphazardly with it's stupid idiot bird body with little dumb hollow bones, but not before pecking his head.

He glanced at her as she placed some acorns in his paw. "Well, I think it's time we changed that, don't you, junkman?"

"junkman?" 

"cuz you're always picking scraps!" She laughed, and held her hoof above her muzzle.

She pointed towards a group of squirrels. Discord stared at her, then at the acorns, then at the squirrels, and then at her again. She gestured toward the animals again, sternly narrowing her eyes. He sighed. 

"Oh, alright!

The things he did for this pony.

Sighing again, he advanced towards the squirrels. "Alright, you little rascals! Lunchtime!"

The critters squeaked as he knelt down to them and they raced into a hole in a tree. Discord glanced back at Fluttershy.

"What did I tell you?"

She giggled as she glided to his side. "You need to be gentler." She took some of the acorns from his paw. "Here, watch me."

Okay! I'll do it, he thought as she floated to the tree. But I won't like it.  

"Shhh," she whispered. "It's okay."

At the sound of her voice, the squirrels poked their heads out.

"There's nothing to be scared of. Discord's not going to hurt you." If course, how did she know that for sure?

She then set the acorns down at the tree's base and stepped back. In a few seconds, the squirrels climbed down and stuffed the acorns into their mouths. Some smaller squirrels then appeared and tried to get acorns themselves, but could not get to the pile.

 Fluttershy nodded towards Discord and gestured. His head bobbled every which way, so as to say no. She narrowed her eyes and pointed her hoof commandingly at the squirrels. He shook his head again insistently. Fluttershy put her hooves together gently, and pleadingly pouted her soft powder blue puppy dog eyes. 

The squirrels stiffened at the sight of him, but did not run away immediately. He stuck out his paw, showing them the acorns inside. They stared at the treats and then at him. Discord furrowed his brows, not if aggravation, no. Moreso, he wanted desperately not to be reject by nature, by a part of him.

Fluttershy put her hoof on his paw and gently pushed downward, signaling for him to set the acorns on the ground. He did so and the squirrels took them and fled.

"There," Discord stated bluntly. "I fed them. May I go now?"

"Oh no you don't, mister," Fluttershy insisted. "There are plenty more animals that need feeding. Please?"

"why? They're not like us, they can't even feel grateful! It's a good feeling!"

"Please, Discord? There's more to them..."

"They only know to be afraid and to be fed! They don't get to feel the beautiful and horrible things we do... why do I want the approval of something so simple?"

"because that's what we are! We're silly little ponies and draconequi, and we make up nature. This isn't what we come from, they are us, and they feel just as much as we do." 

...

"I'm not a doctor, goodness no... but I think you just wanna know that it's not in something's nature to hate you."

She lay a hoof on his forearm. 

"they feel like us. You feel like we do. I promise." 

His bottom lip remained bruised and red as discord fought the growing sting in his throat. His claw outstretched.

She grinned and gave him a handful of birdseed and pointed towards a flock of birds pecking at the ground. Discord gulped and made his attempt. They flew further away with every step he took toward them.

He was about to give up when Fluttershy flew down to him and took a small amount of the seed out of this paw and onto the ground in front of him. One bird pecked at the seed curiously and then flew into Discord's hands to get the rest. The draconequus lightened with every breath, like he dropped a heavy bag.

"See?" she said. "All you have to do is show them they can trust you."

"wack! Totally bogus."

One of the feathery freaks flew off.

"huh. Was it something I said?"

Fluttershy laughed, which made Discord soften a bit. He then reflected on what had just happened and started laughing himself.

"no no, I don't think so, bird just spook easily!"

"I looked ridiculous, didn't I?"

She shook her head. "No. It was cute."

He blinked at her. "Cute?"

"You don't like that?"

"No! It's just that…" He glanced down at his feet. "No pony's called me 'cute' before."

He would never admit this aloud, but he kind of liked it. That'd be the death of him.

As she forced him to feed the rest of the animals, Discord was beginning to question his pride. Here he was, offering food to fluffy creatures all to please one measly pony? Had he really gone from being the Lord of Chaos to a sappy pushover? These thoughts running through his head and the fluffy critters pawing at him made him want to explode, but one glance at the pegasus' sweet, beautiful face calmed him down every time. The worst part was pushing away this primal need to squish and squeeze and bite these cute little things, not out of malice but something perhaps stupider.

When they were finished, Fluttershy gave Discord a hug, which literally tied his stomach into knots. He had to subtly snap his tail feathers to untie them.

"Thank you, Discord," she said. "You were a big help."

She started to pull away, but he wrapped his arms around her and held her a while longer. Fluttershy blinked up at him.

"Um…you can let go of me now, Discord. Discord?"

"Hmm? Oh, right!" He reluctantly released her. "But first, my friend, you have to pay up."

"yeah! I think we should have silly favors! So no one has a one-up on each other!"

She stared at him and then shrugged. "I suppose that's fair. What do you want me to do?"

Discord thought for a moment and then smiled smugly at her. "How's about a tune?"

Fluttershy stiffened, her wings folding up. "S-Sing?!"

He coiled himself around her. "I simply love the sound of your voice! Music is my favorite language!... besides Yiddish."

"But…not while you're…watching… It feels scarier than an audience."

"Come now, my friend, It's only me." He tilted her head towards him. "Just this once. I'll never ask you again."

She looked away, her hair falling over her eye. "I…I'm not prepared…"

"Take all the time you need, there's no rush!"

"But what song should I…?"

Fluttershy gulped as he leaned toward her.

"There's no need for you to be nervous, Fluttershy. I won't laugh at you."

She inhaled deeply and began to sing, before chuckling anxiously and stopping, nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

"would It help if you had a request? I don't care if you make up words, I just like your voice. And how you get into it."

..."like what?"

"Candlelight orchestra?"

Gulping once more, she sang again. She was startled when backup vocals came from nowhere. She turned to see the birds singing gently, finding where they began on the solfège, the key signature, the cadence.

Her wings unfurled once more, her vibrato shook his core like a radiator. She visibly struggled not smiling. Discord watched in awe, his ears taking in that melodious voice of hers, smooth like flan. It overtook his muscles and lulled them to rest. God, why a sound like that could be so alluring to him. In fact, he could not understand why everything about this pony allured him. She was unfamiliar, uncharted territory. 

A bold move made by discord, he takes her shoulder. The other arm is slung between them, hung out as an invitation. This invitation would not go untaken. He lifted her hoof over her head and twirled her around, and the rushing air intertwined her eyelashes and skittered them. Her hair flounced around her, it was silken lace around her form like a shawl. He wrapped around her. 

Fluttershy thought back to when he had done this at the Grand Galloping Gala. That dance had been unwarranted; this was a gentle embrace, a celebration of their own lives. This was the all encompassing and horrible consuming of partiality, inclination. Of intimacy and feverish amity.

As the birds sang the bridge, Discord twirled her, so gentle as to not lose her from his grip, ever again. Fluttershy was getting so dizzy, a fuzzy static dulled her stumble as she floated above everything, atop the clouds amd stars. Surely they were actually floating. Discord caught her in a dip, and just as she feathered above the thick air they let out with every breath, she inhaled water, soaking into every feather. 

She was ensnared in silk, barely dipping her hoof in the clearest liquid crystal below her.

She opened her eyes, meeting his, absentmindedly 

The two were locked in each other's gaze for a long while, until Discord slowly brought her up to his eye level. He gently brushed her mane back, so he could get a better look at her face. Before either of them knew it, the distance between them was decreasing as he pulled her nearer to him and they closed their eyes.

Their lips were only inches away when Fluttershy opened her eyes again and realized what was happening. She gently pushed his face away and laughed awkwardly.

"Uh…"

Discord opened his eyes and gave an equally embarrassed laugh.

"Well, um…"

Fluttershy removed his hands from her body and held them out in front of her. "Are we, um…even?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah! That was…" He met her eyes again. "Lovely. Music, girl! That's the power of music theory! Amirite?"

They stared at each other awkwardly for a while, until Fluttershy looked down and rubbed her arm.

"I should get to bed... princess Luna has a job for a reason ahah!"

Discord watched her fly away and sighed sadly. That night, the question dare not be uttered by one breath.

He never noticed her gentle smile the whole time.

Chapter Text

"Discord, may I ask you something?"

The draconequus had just finished showing Fluttershy his water skiing tricks and was drying off. His feathers clumped up and he looked as if he were one of those dogs, the ones that leave a film on the hoof when pet. Fluttershy loved how happy and prideful he looked when he wanted to show her a trick, like the previously mentioned playful puppy.

"Anything, of course!" he said over his shoulder.

She looked down at the blanket she was sitting on. "Well…I've been here since late summer, and now it's winter, so... and…"

He made his towel disappear and teleported to her side. "Yes? It's been a pretty confusing series of time. I had no idea how much time had passed since you got here!"

"Well…there's something that's been on my mind and…"

She felt him scoot closer. "Go on?"

"I…I just want to know…"

A ray of hope appeared on Discord's face. Was she finally going to say it? But she said it was a question. Still, was this it?!

She looked up at him. "Where did you come from?"

His expression fell. "Oh…see here, when two ponies are in love- you ever heard of spores? Well-"

"Dear no, That's not what I meant! I meant what was your life like before... uhm, y'know, turning into stone." She quivered. She didn't want to think about how that felt.

He sighed. A great weight rested on his every fur, every fibre. " I'll tell you now, it's not very cheery, but if you look at it like a book or painting, then it's kinda beautiful."

Fluttershy lay on her belly. "I'm curious, about what art is to you."

Discord smiled and took a breath. "I like to think that art is seeing the beauty in the ugly and the ridiculous in the aesthetic. Like looking out the window at an ugly forest. If it was a painting, the elements would make it meaningful."

She shifted her weight. She was getting him comfy, and that's what mattered.

"if my life was a biography,I'm sure the paintings and music it would inspire would be beautiful. Perhaps even architecture. Im particularly fond of maximalism, ecobrutalism, cubist works... you get the point. I like to romanticize things. Back to the story!"

She smiled warmly at him, brushing the weight from his follicles with a gentle hoof. He still needed to know where she gets her iron shoes fitted

"well, I'm rather famously one of a kind. I like to think of it as a blessing, no younger brothers or culture to feel like I'm disappointing! I think I just appeared one day, in a big star, surrounded by bigger stars. I remember a quaint little Stone house I'd take apart and put together again. That was how I honed my craft, magic! Chaos! In the middle of space!"

He scratched his paw.

"it does get rather lonely. I have no idea what the concept of age is, or how old I was. I didn't know there were others until I met an owl. It's first reaction was to screech and fly off. So I had no idea what interactions were. The only thing I knew was remodeling a single building, with no idea what it was or why it existed. I found out by wandering around that I was in a dimension between dimensions. I was intertwined between the multiverse."

Fluttershy looked at him like he was... well somehow less normal than he is. He looked down at her and giggled. "See? Weird painting."

He made another pause before continuing. "I'll spare you the details. Let's just say that it didn't take long for me to realize that I was different from most creatures. I came to equestria by complete accident, by my magic bursting while I was practicing. in the middle of the forest, where I met the aforementioned owl. The forest turned black and spikey, and I heard before that it was regular. I corrupted it. I knew then that I wasn't meant to be interacted with. I was a complete anomaly, and should never have existed. Yet, I yearned every day for something to accept me."

He felt corny. Fluttershy snuggled close to him. Gosh, that must have been jarring. No concept of anything and then constant yearning. It made her want to cry.

"Then I found Equestria and you ponies, and…well, let's just say they didn't take kindly to my appearance either. I eventually gave up trying to fit in and focused on my magic, making myself at home in a cave in the mountains, where I would practice my magic outside of my home dimension."

"Was it that cave you took me from?" Fluttershy interjected.

"Yes, indeed. Well, by that time I'd met another creature like me. She was the only thing that hadn't turned away in disgust at me..."

Fluttershy Stared intensely at his manners, the newfound shyness of it all. He even seemed to shake and tremble.

"This other creature and I began a relationship based purely on power, her above me. And I let her, simply because I didn't scare her. And she let me know every single day and every single night that I was beneath her."

Discord now seemed to seethe with rage.

"She used her magic for malice, and who was I to stop her? The pillaging, the screaming... It wasn't fun anymore. But when I wanted to leave she-"

Discord choked and Fluttershy ran a hoof on his shoulders.

"I thought she loved me. She and I were monsters, however, and monsters have no manner of love. She used me, and we conquered equestria together. I got arrested, and pleaded with the princesses to take cosmos away."

Cosmos. The name burning cold on his tongue like frostbite. It made his heart leapt from his chest.

"They banished her to the stars, and I to the stone."

Fluttershy put her hooves to her mouth, astonished. The poor thing, beaten, bruised, left alone to atone for their crimes.

Fluttershy spoke up. She puffed up her chest, tried not to cry, and pummeled the draconequus with a bear hug. "Oh dearie, that's horrible!" She looked almost pleadingly at him with big sad eyes.

He used his tail to bring her closer, making Fluttershy blush. She put a hoof over her muzzle. 

"Nothing's gonna hurt you like that anymore. And you don't have to do those things you don't want to, like hurting ponies."

Discord cringed. He did like creating chaos, just a bit during that time. 

That's what hurt the most, that he enjoyed some of their times together, just him and Cosmos against the world.

He felt like he was going to heave. He did. One hundred percent. He Never made an attempt to this point to even think about it, but he knew it. 

"I've been trying so hard not to think about it, and when I see you, my best-first friend, I can't help but cringe when I remember it. I Can't imagine being in that deep of whatever that was!"

He trailed off and stared into space.

Fluttershy laid with him until he was ready to speak again.

"I suppose I should tell you about me?"

Silent for a moment, Discord answered, "wouldn't object to it, if you really want to tell me."

"You see…" She glanced down at her hooves. "I was very shy as a filly and could barely fly. All the other ponies laughed at me. They said I was useless as a pegasus. It didn't help that I believed them."

He choked. "They laughed at you?! You didn't do anything wrong!"

She giggled. "Don't do that. It was a long time ago. Anyway, I know what it's like to be…different. Alone. They treated me like I was too much when I was happy, like I was a disease." She whimpered, and shook it away.

Fluttershy squeaked as he threw his arms around her. "We can't make each other sick, can we? Sickness buddies!!"

And for once it didn't feel gross to be held by him, she noticed.

He almost hesitantly asked her if she loved him.

And when she said no, he floundered into a deflated dunce.

 "That's really flattering and all, but…those suitors at home didn't like me. They liked my looks. They never hung out with me because they didn't want to have to hear me. They didn't want to listen. Everybody in the world could love you... but nobody really likes you. And I feel like that every time you compliment me, I can't help it. They beat me down just like anyone else, and were embarrassed to be around anyone else when they said they liked me."

He felt like a sludge of trash for what he thought. For trying to convince her with a stupid little sob story and a dumb little question.

"I just know it in you you aren't like that anymore, but I just wish you'd let yourself fully heal before you try to marry me. Even if we're just married friends. I wish I could heal first."

True or not, Fluttershy knew he was lonely and that he seemed to care for her, but she could not do it. She might as well be saying 'I do' at the altar. She was not ready.

"Are you alright?"

....

She was so honest with what she wanted. She was so shy and retracted, so outspoken through years of tears....

"Maybe one day we'll get married. one day. but right now, I want to stay as your friend more than anything."

She looked at him like he was a roaring river, like he was a gentle spider web. It fascinated her. After everything, he was there. 

*****

"Be patient, Discord. You've at least gotten somewhere with that pony. She'll say yes eventually. You just need to up your approach. She admitted it herself!" 

Discord put a large crack in the glass mirror. It made him sick. How callously it ignored every word she ever said. At least pretend like you were trying! At least pretend like you're not thinking like that, like you detest it! I'm sure I don't actually hate it, I was right back then... I know it. I think. 

He hates that he was unsure. He hates that he knows it was horrible, how he treated ponies with distrust and malice, and how he still thinks that way. He hates that Fluttershy tore his plan apart with pony morals.

*****

Across the dinner table, now less quiet, to simple pain. 

"why are you making me better?"

She shrunk under his gaze. 

"I think you'll be happier when you know you love yourself. And you'll find its easier to make friends that way."

He hoped he didn't come off as how he used to act.

"Well, glad to have you then! I don't want you to feel like you're forced to lo-"

"YOU DONT HAVE ME!"

His face fell as she snapped at him. Fluttershy then took a breath and moved towards the window.

"I understand you don't want me to leave and that we had a deal, but... You've tried so hard to make me happy, but you still deny me the one thing I want." She glanced out as some of her birds tried to fly into the forest but were stopped by the force field.

His frustration melted away when he saw the tears streaming down her cheeks. He cautiously stepped toward her.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't mean to…"

He lightly hovered his claw over her, almost asking, only to have her pull away.

She faced him. "I want to let them go."

He blinked. "What?"

Fluttershy glanced back at the animals outside. "It would be selfish of me to keep them here. They're not here because they need me. I thought they did, but…I just wanted them here for myself."

Discord put his claw on her shoulder. "That's why I brought them here. For you."

"And now I want you to send them back."

"But…don't they make you happy?"

"Look at them." She pointed at the birds pecking at the invisible wall. "They don't want to stay here. That's why you have to send them back. And besides this... in sorry, but I want you to help yourself too. I can't always help you, because we're too similar."

He stared at her for a while, wiping away her tears. "I understand. I know you can't always help me, but I'm glad you're real with me. I guess I'd like to have more friends, not just you. But... you sure this is what you want?"

She looked up at him and nodded.

She knew he knew she never owed him a thing, and smiled as he let them go. He simply hugged her hard and sat and talked throughout the meal. They talked and laughed and he never asked for a thing. The birds sang louder than they did when they were trapped. He probably didn't even know it, but he climbed the stairs once more and they felt one step lower.  

Chapter Text

"The portal's ready," Discord said after conjuring a swirling red void. Beyond everything there would be freedom. Amongst the populous, hearing manes swiftly flutter, and ponies laughing. Everything was different and uncanny. Behind the weaved web of space in front of her the grass was still growing, the workweek still happening. It was tender and consistent.

December 4th. 3 months. 9 moons. Fluttershy arrived on August 25th. 3 months with no friends, not a single day of work, no routine. And Fluttershy couldn't bring herself to say any of this was damaging her. It would be a lie on her part, at least on surface level. No matter how much she tried to explore it, she never felt alone, truly and without discernable reason. 

All the animals were gathered in front of the portal, staring at it questioningly. The draconequus looked to Fluttershy.

"Are you ready?"

She inhaled deeply. "Yes." She turned to the crowd of creatures. "My friends, I know some of you are unhappy here and wish to go, so…I'm giving you a chance. This portal here will take you anywhere you want. No boundaries. Whoever you want to see."

It stung like nettles.

"Don't worry about me. I love every one of you, but…you can't stay here for my sake, not forever. I…I'll be fine."

After hearing some more chirping, Fluttershy hung her head.

"I'm not going. I can't."

Angel stepped forth and pointed towards Discord

"Yeah, I'll be with him. It shouldn't concern you, mon petít ange. I'll be safe with him."

For a while, the animals stood there, wondering what to do. Then a few headed towards the portal. Fluttershy turned away, unable to watch. She could hear the electric noise as the animals stepped through the void. She tried to hold back the tears, but it was no use. She ran to the nearest tree and buried her face in her hooves and began weeping.

After a while, she could no longer hear any chirps, squeaks or grunts. She did not need to turn around to know that they were all gone now. Then she felt something soft patting her head. She looked up and saw Angel smiling at her. Other animals surrounded her, some badgers, squirrels birds, ducks and mice who had stayed behind.

She sniffed. "Thank you, friends. If you wanna be here I promise you can come back whenever you want."

But she could not help but weep for the animals that had left. After closing the portal, Discord cautiously approached his fiancé. He got a few angry glares from the animals, but Fluttershy raised her hoof, assuring that it was alright. Still glaring at the draconequus, they slowly broke apart. Discord knelt down to her.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she choked.

"That was…very brave of you."

"I know. I just…can't help…"

She buried her face in his fur and cried. Discord slowly wrapped his arms around her and stroked her mane.

"Shhh," he whispered. "There, there. They're free."

He took her face in his hands and wiped away her tears. He had to think of a way to cheer her up. Then it hit him.

"How about I take you out to dinner tonight?"

Fluttershy blinked in confusion. "Out?"

He nodded with a grin. "I get it! Feeling cooped up isn't that nice, and since you can't... leave without legal ramifications- heck, I think we should do it!"

"You mean…outside the castle?"

"Well, if you need a m- castle? I don't have one! We live in a cottage!"

"No! That would be wonderful."

"I'll see you at seven, then?" She nodded as he pulled away. "Oh and why don't we make this a formal occasion? So, wanna wear something nice? Might wanna wear practical shoes-"

He looked down at her iron lined hooves.

"Alright. Tonight then."

*****

Discord watched his mirror as it showed and Big Macintosh on another date with his dame, sugar belle. Jeez, you'd think he'd have a ring on it by now...

He hoped he hadn't shouted that out loud.

He probably yelled that out loud.

"How does he do it?" he wondered. He doesn't truly expect marriage after this, perhaps the strongest friendship ever maybe. But he, Macintosh, seems so charming he makes her swoon.

They gave him nothing. They were already in love. They were having lunch at a café, sharing a milkshake with two straws. It was a strange flavor, something like root beer and latin strawberries. 

"You think maybe we could prance in the snow sometime?." She glanced her hooves. "Ooh, and I'll bring some cider! It'll be cold!"

Before standing up, sugar belle leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips. Discord's eyes widened at this action. Of course! Why didn't he think of it before? They're already in love! And he needs a crush-duo!

Now he knew he had to make this night perfect. Something he couldn't remember at the moment was at stake!

*****

Fluttershy was pacing around her room, Angel standing impatiently on her bed.

"Ooh, what should I wear?" She held up a green dress in front of the mirror. "This one? No." She picked up a blue dress. "This one? No." The next was red. "Maybe? Oh, where's Rarity when you need her?!"

Angel thumped his foot on the bed to get her attention. She turned to him as he squealed.

"Why am I so nervous? Oh, I don't know! I just…want to look nice…"

The rabbit glared at her, his head tilted and his nose scrunchied.

"Oh, Angel, if I didn't wanna go I wouldn't! And I want to go, so I want to look nice. I want to look pretty."

Angel snorted. He leaned back and quirked his eyebrow, little paws resting folded on his crossed legs. 

"I don't know... for a first friend I seem kinda lousy... I wanna feel cute. I want my new friend to feel handsome."

The bunny turned away in a huff. Fluttershy sighed and flew over to the vanity. As she gazed in the mirror, she thought of all the times Discord had called her beautiful. Although she would never admit it, just being with him made her feel beautiful. That's why she had to look her best tonight.

She did not know where these thoughts were coming from. Since when did she care so much about her appearance? He likes how she looks! Friends don't care anyways! 

Fluttershy spun around to face Angel. "Can you help me pick out a dress?"

The rabbit stared at her for a moment, then hopped down and began rummaging through the closet.

*****

Discord spent the rest of the day searching for other couples in Equestria to learn from. None of them were like the two of them.

It was now five minutes to seven and Discord was making last minute adjustments to his appearance. The tuxedo he had summoned made him feel ridiculous, but he had a girl to impress, so he was willing to suffer whatever pain to do so. He could do nothing to improve his physical appearance, however. He was able to change form, but he had figured out long ago that no matter what he turned into, part of his deformed figure would remain. But if there were any more of hims he would be proud of his nation! One that can be loved!

"Okay, Discord," he said to his reflection. "You can do this. You can do this!"

He licked his paw and slicked his mane back, only to have it pop back up. He sighed in defeat.

"Oh, who am I kidding? I can't do this! Discord, wake up and smell the hummus! She's the most beautiful creature in the world and I'm…" he looked at himself in the mirror. The reflection was so unfamiliar. So silly and loving. It made him warm.

He teleported outside of Fluttershy's bedroom and was about to knock when a thought occurred to him.

"Hold on. If you're going to do this, do it right!"

He summoned a bouquet of roses and straightened his tux. He then knocked on the door and heard the angelic voice from inside: "One minute!"

As he waited, Discord started sweating.

"Alright, no need to be nervous," he muttered to himself. "Just one girl. Just one amazing, BEST FRIEND. my, it's hot in here." He tugged at his collar. "You can do this. Whatever you do, don't look like a…"

"Discord?"

He was so distracted he had not heard the door open. He quickly straightened himself up and felt himself lighten.

"Fluttershy! You ready to…?"

He stopped at the extraordinary sight before him and nearly dropped the bouquet. She wore a marigold dress, voluminous ebbing only slightly before bounding back into another tier. roses and vines embroidered in and out along the hem dancing along the silhouette. Her hair was tied into a long ponytail flouncing dainty over her shoulders like a calm stream. Her ballroom gloves seemed redundant, but framed her soft nature and gentle touch. Her sleeves fell off the shoulder.

"Is everything alright?"

Discord opened his mouth, but no words came.

"Is it too much? I can change, if you'd like."

"No!" he blurted. Then he pulled himself together and cleared his throat. "You look…amazing."

She turned away with a blush. Discord then remembered the bouquet and handed it to her.

"Oh yeah, yeah!! Here!"

Fluttershy took the flowers with a smile. "Thank you, I haven't seen these around the cottage!" 

"It suits you."

Fluttershy blushed again. "You're too sweet. So where are we going?"

Discord turned his back to her and crouched down. "Hop on and I'll show you!"

Her eyes widened. "You mean…climb on your back?"

"Yes, we're flying there!"

"Oh but…I can fly by myself…"

"oh yea.." 

She hesitantly crawled onto Discord's back and locked her hooves around his neck. The draconequus turned around and opened one of the windows.

"Hold on tight," He unfurled his wings and raced towards the window. Fluttershy shut her eyes and let out a squeak as he launched into the air.

"Woo hoo!" Discord cried. "Fluttershy, you've got to look at this view!"

His only response was a whimper. He turned his head to see the pegasus burying her face into his neck. He raised an eyebrow.

"You can look, you know?"

"But it's so…" Fluttershy stammered, "…high."

"Oh come on! Don't tell me you're afraid of heights! You're a pegasus for crying out loud!"

"It's um…not of heights, it's of…falling."

"Are we going to land soon?" she pleaded.

"Yeah, hold on..."

He blinked hard. Trees and grass turned into ash instantly. Everything that was there before pony kind would never outlast them. It was all toppled by the ancient apex predator of flame. Acres of carnage raged across the small clearing, leaving little in its wake. 

His descent landed 200 yards away from the area he just burned down for landing.

He slowly descended into a large clearing in the wood. He snapped his fingers and turned to the shivering pony on his back.

"It's okay. You can let go now."

Fluttershy opened her eyes and floated to the ground. She glanced at their surroundings and gasped at the sight of a table draped in a white cloth, centered with a lamp, one with oil hugging the flame tight. Two covered dishes were set in front of two cushioned dining chairs. As a last minute touch, Discord summoned a violin, then an invisible orchestra of jazzy tunes playing softly by itself in midair. He bowed to his date, gently taking her hoof.

"Shall we, my dear?"

She giggled as he lightly kissed her hoof. He then ushered her to one of the chairs, holding it out for her as she sat down and pushed it back in. Fluttershy was impressed at what a gentleman he was being.

"And what would my dear, sweet Fluttershy like to eat?" Discord inquired as he seated himself.

"Gosh uh... I don't know. This is all so wonderful... I've never seen anything like it!"

"I know just the thing!"

He snapped his fingers and when Fluttershy lifted the cover of her dish, she saw a bowl of bright green leaves with no stems, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, feta cheese and ranch dressing. It mouthwatering. it was swiftly devoured.

Discord had a chocolate milkshake, though as he sipped through the straw, the glass disappeared rather than the liquid. 

"This was really nice of you," she said with a smile

"Well," he chuckled, "I think we've both been cooped up in that castle for too long. Besides, it is lovely out here!"

His laughed was bouncy, and his speech was lined with a smile and snaggletooth. He was adorable. 

Fluttershy gave him a small smile and clinked her glass with his. It was only now that she started growing suspicious. They had had a candlelit dinner before, but dressing up, playing romantic music and talking about the future? Not only that, but they were out in the open where someone might assume they weren't friends. Heck, it was questionable since they were technically fiance's.

"is this a date?" She asked slyly and cautious.

"Between friends, perhaps. You hear that, dear?" Discord said. "They're playing that song from like, a million moons ago!"

"Unforgettable," a low, soft and jazzy voice crooned out.

He teleported beside her and bowed. "Enchanté, mademoiselle. May I have this dance?"

She stared at his open paw for a while and then slowly took it, giggling at his pronunciation. In a flash, the clearing had turned into a marble pavilion, the columns decorated in flowered vines. Cloaked around the pillars hung damask chenille fabrics. candles illuminating the tiled floor. Made it seem like the stars had landed here just for them. He led her to the middle and pulled her close.

He twirled her around as he had done the first time they danced, swinging like they flew. Maybe they were, flying in a sense of being lifted. 

Certainly all pressure released from their every joint, as if they were held. A whirl, a twist, and once more they embraced, simple stepping in a preconceived and unplanned pattern. Shuffling almost. They remained enclosed and circling until the next song.

"You're my world, you are my night and day..."

A full-throated, robust baritone voice soulfully rasped out a tune. 

Fluttershy leaned her head on his shoulder as he snaked his paw around her waist and gently took her hoof in his paw.

Suspicious or not, she couldn't deny how a tender waltz would have made her downright uncomfortable with anypony else.

Luna watched on from her perch. Their appearance should make ponies tremble for how drastically different it seemed beyond word of mouth. Rather than a prisoner, she looked as if she were worshipped.

How mundane the things said in public felt now. How inferior they should feel under the weight of love, of any kind. This embrace broke laws and treaties, at any moment fluttershy could fly away of her own accord, and how unwilling discord would be to force her back. 

The waltz was difficult for Discord, because Fluttershy was so much smaller than him. He could not hold his arm outward without straining her forelimb, as she was quadrupedal. he turned and dipped her as much as he could. Eventually, he found a solution and placed his claw on her waist along with his paw, bringing them closer together.

"Where did you learn to dance like this?" Fluttershy inquired as he dipped her again.

He smirked as he slowly brought her back up. "You'd be surprised how much you can learn with the aid of magic. Let's just enjoy this beautiful night."

Luna puffed her chest in pride at her beautiful night.

The pegasus was not the only one who seemed different. Discord's eyes never left Fluttershy and he was gentle with every movement he made with her. what he had created out here was not his usual wacky construction. Everything was orderly, even the tuxedo he was wearing. A tuxedo! His voice was different as well, softer and kinder. This was not the draconequus Luna had helped turn to stone.

Luna bit her lip and quirked her brow in astonishing awe as fluttershy lay her head on his chest. He looked at her in a manner none could replicate.Luna's jaw dropped. She knew that look. Could it be that the Lord of Chaos was in…? How could a creature of his nature feel this way?...

Then again, who was she to judge someone in such a manner? She of all ponies should know better than to label somepony as completely evil. 

A thousand years, he had suffered alone, as did she. The difference between them was that Luna had her sister. Discord had no one to let him in, until now, it seemed. So was this genuine?

Her thoughts seemed to move godspeed as only a verse had passed. With that, she left through means of teleportation.

The two sat there awkwardly for a while, waiting for the other to break the ice. They stole glances at each other, but looked away before the other could notice. Fluttershy smoothed out her dress while Discord rubbed the back of his neck before looking at her again. After a few minutes, she finally caught him.

"What are you staring at?" she asked playfully.

Discord smirked as if the answer was obvious. "Why you, of course. You fascinate me. I've never met anything or anypony more accepting, so autonomous and timid at once!"

Fluttershy blushed slightly. "That's very sweet."

He curved his body around her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I speak the truth, my dear. You are everything I could ever ask for."

She closed her eyes as he leisurely ran his fingers through her hair. His face was so close that she could feel his pastry breath. A month ago, this would have frightened her, but now, she just wanted him to keep stroking her mane, soothing her, whispering these things in her ear. Whenever he was around, she felt safe and secure, beautiful and important, cared for and adored. 

"Fluttershy," Discord whispered.

"Mmm-hmm?" she uttered absent-mindedly.

"Might I ask you a teensy question? It's not the usual one!"

"Mmm-hmm."

He turned her head towards him. "May I... kiss you?"

She froze. even her shoulders flushed red.

The orchestra seemingly added a longer instrumental.

He quickly moved away from her. "Sorry, I…I've just never kissed anypony before and…since we're friends, you wouldn't mind…"

"Okay," she replied weakly.

"Are you sure?"

She inhaled confidently. 

"Yes!"

Her permission felt like a firework in his chest.

He gently took her face in his hands and leaned forward. What if she doesn't enjoy it? What if she hates me for the rest of my life? What are you waiting for? Do it now!

He panicked and kissed her on the forehead before quickly pulling away. Fluttershy opened her eyes in confusion. She shivered.

"Discord," she said slowly, "are you…nervous?"

He scoffed. "Nervous? W-why should I be nervous?"

"It's okay. I'm nervous too."

The draconequus blinked. "You are?"

She hung her head. "Well…I've never been kissed either and…if I'm going to kiss anypony for the first time..." She trailed off and looked back up at him. "I won't mind. Go ahead."

Discord gulped. "Um…alright. Here it goes."

She closed her eyes as he leaned toward her again. He was only an inch away from her lips when his panic returned. Her lips pouted, anticipated. He couldn't be enough. She was a oil lamp. She was warm and covered. On every surface of his being there was dense sheen. She was everything he could possibly foresee.

 Nothing. Buzzing, fluttering. Pounding. Silent under the guise of tension. Fluttershy closed the gap between them, as momentarily Discord's widened eyes softened. His eyelids slid closed.

Nothing could end. Combustion. Sparks. A burn at first, them gripping yearning. This Was unlike anything, imperceivable. 

And the song finally ended.

"That was…" he stammered.

"…nice," she finished.

"How about another dance?" he asked suddenly.

And as they danced the night away another song passed.

"Are you alright, my dear?"

"I don't think any other kiss will feel like that again..."

She looked at him with nothing close to what she looked at her most favored things with. It was otherworldly, ethereal endearment.

The climax. The shattering. The orchestra clashed and the warm tones slowly faded into the dark.

*****

"Do you want me to tuck you in?"

"No, thank you," the pegasus said, flying out of his arms. "Thank you for tonight. It was lovely," She yawned.

She surprised him with a peck on the cheek. "Good night."

"Sleep well, my friend," Discord said, putting a hand where she had kissed him.

She did not take his eyes off him until the door was shut. Discord couldn't handle the walk back, opting to teleport to his room and rejoice like a teenage filly. His hooves flew in circular motions, and he shouted nearly squealing.

He brought the bed down so it could catch him as he collapsed. He had just kissed the most amazing pony in the world and she was the one who initiated it!!

After replaying the events of the evening in his head, his grin slowly disappeared as realization hit him.

There was no use denying it.

It wasn't about the plan anymore.

Chapter Text

Broken beams of marmalade skies swayed through the windows of fluttershy's room, cropped gently by the tangerine trees outside the cottage flailing their leaves as if to tenderly rouse her awake.

When Fluttershy did awake, she could not help but think she had forgotten something. She could not put her hoof on it, but something about today felt different, like an anti-deja vu.

At that moment, Discord appeared at her bedside with a tray of food.

"Happy Birthday, dear Fluttershy!"

She slapped herself in the forehead. "Of course."

He set the tray onto her lap. "Breakfast in bed! Hope you're in the mood for pancakes."

"Oh, you didn't have to do anything for me, Discord," she said with a smile. "You've been so sweet to me, I'd like to treat you sometime!"

"Come now, your birth was a great enough treat! Now eat up! I have lots more planned for your special day!"

He vanished and returned once she had finished eating, which of course she had quickly enough that she had gotten the hiccups. The next thing she knew she was dressed in a robe and sitting in a sauna. Discord, wearing a pink fluffy robe, stretched out beside her.

"Ah, nothing like a good steam bath to help you forget your troubles."

"When did we get a sauna?" Fluttershy chuckled.

He raised his paw. "Relax, my friend! Unwind yourself!"

Now that she thought about it, she had not been in a sauna since her last get-together with Rarity. Her chance to relax was long overdue. So Fluttershy closed her eyes and leaned her back against the wall, letting the steam sink into her skin. How lovely it graced her once it got past her coat... In a quarter of an hour, she opened her eyes to see Discord staring down at her with a wide grin on his face.

"What?" she said.

Discord straightened up. "Nothing! I just… Maybe we've been in here for too long. You're sweating."

"You're supposed to-"

"Yes! On to the next part of the treatment!"

A snap of his fingers transformed the sauna into a bath of a gooey green substance. Fluttershy recognized it as the crystal mud from the Crystal Empire. She had not had the chance to try it while she was there, and sitting in it now confirmed that it was as refreshing as Cadence had said. She laughed as she remembered that day when they were welcoming the inspector for the Equestria Games, only to find out that they had gotten the wrong pony. She and her friends had always wound up in the craziest of situations.

Discord was confused as her sudden laughter turned into a frown.

"What's wrong, my dear? Is the mud too warm?"

"No," Fluttershy sighed. It's nothing, really."

He snapped his fingers. "I know what you need! A massage!"

The mud bath disappeared, and Fluttershy found herself lying on a massage table.

"Really Discord, none of this is necessary, I just want…"

She trailed off as she felt the draconequus' hands gently rub her shoulders. In a second, her eyelids slid shut as she relaxed on the table.

"If it troubles you then you should spit it out! I'd say it's something rather than nothing when it's your birthday."

He teleported in front of her with a birthday cake in his hands. It was a proper red velvet, sweet and buttery like a southern treat, chocolate enhancing every note, without overpowering them. A hint of Hazelnut coffee lined every bite. Paired with a tangy cream cheese it felt like heaven.

"Make a wish!" he exclaimed, holding it out to Fluttershy. "And as it is your birthday, it will be my duty to make it come true!"

That caught her attention. "You promise?"

"Cross my heart," he said, making the gesture.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and blew out the candles.

"So what will it be, buddy?"

She puffed her chest.

"I wish to visit my friends."

As she had predicted, his face fell. He laughed nervously. "Isn't there something else you'd like?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "I want to visit my friends, nothing more, nothing less."

He set the cake down and laid his hands on her shoulders. "Fluttershy…" She turned her head from him. "I can't overturn the law-"

She hovered over him. "You promised you would grant whatever wish I made!"

"and I will! But-"

"Then why?!" She spun around, revealing her water filled eyes. "Why won't you let me see my friends?"

He furrowed his brows. Discord felt a pang throughout his thought to his chest.

Her commanding then turned into begging. "Please? Just for the day? I promise I'll come right back, and if I don't, you can bring me back with your magic. In fact, you wouldn't have to. You can trust me."

"I do trust you, Fluttershy! More than anypony, but I have to guarantee that your visit stays within the confines of the contract!"

"please, can't we rewrite it?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "That, and…"

"How about this? Instead of letting me go to them, you'll bring here!"

"I don't know if that counts as foalnapping! Besides, they're not allowed within our territory-"

"Not even for one day? It is my birthday, after all."

"I want to let you see them! I want to give you this one thing! But it's not that simple... "

She lay her hoof on his shoulder.

"or maybe it is. All I know is that I'm not the draconequus I was when I made that deal. And I know that I don't want..."

Fluttershy tilted her head to an angle. "You can tell me."

"some part of me doesn't want them to take you away. Because I know if they convince you to go back and you did it, it wouldn't be because they brainwashed you or whatever. It'd be because you had a reason, and you wanted to. I'm not scared that you'll go back to your life and be happy...I'm terrified of losing my first friend."

His voice cracked gently before he turned his head off the the side and cleared his throat.

"I'm terribly sorry fluttershy, I didn't want to spin your feelings back on ole' me!"

"I promise, we can rework the treaty, and you can come visit me, but we have to have them here. Besides, you never allow my friends to visit, who are my bridesmaids going to be?"

Discord's ears perked up. "Brides…?"

"And I promised Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo they would be my flower girls, and Spike, the ring bearer, and…well, you need some pony to perform the service and Twilight IS the duchess of celestia now…" 

"Wait, back up!" he interrupted, facing her. "Are you saying…?"

She inhaled, only allowing a short breath in, and a longer one out. It was circle breathing, it was muay Thai technique. Negotiation was a martial arts!

"I'd like to marry you, when and only when we rework the deal. I feel like... like we are close enough that we can marry."

Discord was speechless, not believing what he was hearing. This had to be a dream, or at least a trick, but he was awake and Fluttershy was not one to kid. Gosh deal or no deal he'd have to be a complete starchy spud not take up her offer. Marrying his... best friend, never being alone again, giving her anything she could ever want....

She squeaked as he suddenly took her in his arms. "Oh, thank you! You've made me the happiest creature in the world, my dear! Now, do you think I should wear a tux or what? I'm partial to a off the shoulder ball gown, something with lots of ruffles and peacock feathers-"

Fluttershy tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. "Discord! Youre-"

"of course if you do like traditional I can wear a tux, but not any boring- oh! What about a non-west equestria wedding!" 

She squealed as he spun her, around like a fancy carousel with strobe lights. He apologized before putting her down, as she giggled and twirled her mane in dizzy. He danced gently.

*****

Pinkie lay dormant on a large circle bed in the boutique. Surrounded by the colors not unlike that of a mallard, mottled with mustard yellows. All the ceiling drapes now caught on the columns, surrounding her like Spanish moss, however below such a flourishing plant still was an extinction, One of joy.

"Come on, Pinkie, this is getting ridiculous!" Rainbow exclaimed. "You've been crying for hours! You're gonna flood the place!"

"It's Fluttershy's birthday!" Pinkie cried. "I had a big party planned for her! It was going to be out in her garden! I was going to surprise her!" She pulled out a wrapped gift from under her bed. "I was going to give this to her! Now I'll never know if she'll like it!"

Applejack laid a hoof on her shoulder. "We miss her too, Pinkie, but we just have to accept-"

"How can we accept that our best friend is gone for good? We're never gonna see her again! Worst of all, she's never gonna see her birthday present!"

Suddenly, Spike burped up a letter. When he opened it, he gasped.

"It's Discord again!"

"What?!" every pony shrieked, huddling around him.

"seriously dude, get a fax machine..."

"What does it say, Spike?" Twilight inquired.

The dragon cleared his throat. "You are cordially invited to Fluttershy's birthday party at Discord's castle. Starting now."

The next thing they knew, all nine of them were standing in front of a dark castle.

"What in tarnation!?" Applejack proclaimed.

"Where are we?" Twilight wondered.

Rarity cringed as she looked up at the cottage. "Clearly an area in need of some designers."

"This has gotta be Discord's place!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Oh, well that makes sense."

"It wasn't supposed to!"

Everyone turned around in shock to see the draconequus standing over them. Rainbow Dash looked up in abject horror and slowly fluttered down to the cobblestone path, bolting to rarity's side.

Discord rolled his eyes. "Well, I was going to let you see her, but if that's the way you're going to behave…"

"Slow yer roll there hoss, what's goin on?"

"Didn't you get the invitation?"

He tugged the parchment out of Spike's claw using his magic. Pinkie leaned forward to read it again.

"You mean…?" Her eyes slid down the wall of her skull dropping like a sack of loose muscle. They dilated with anticipation. "BIRTHDAY PARTY!"

As she screamed, she launched into the air and fireworks exploded behind her, creating a visceral display of every possible twitching emotion contained in the word "excitement." Discord scratched his head. How does she do that? Pinkie then rushed to the front door, bursting it open.

"Wha- my door! That's teakwood!"

"Discord?" Fluttershy called as she entered the main hall. "Are they…?"

"FLUTTERSHY!"

Pinkie tackled her into a hug, giving Fluttershy no chance to escape. The others galloped to her every angle and squeezed her like they would never feel again.

"Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed. "You're alright!"

"Girls! Spike!" Fluttershy said, tears coming into her eyes. "I missed you so much! I…" She choked as Pinkie squeezed tighter. "Can't…breathe…"

"Oops!" the pink pony blushed, not very noticeably, backing away with the others. "Sorry, I just can't believe it's you! I thought I'd never see you again and that you'd never get to see what I got you for your birthday…" She gasped dramatically. "Your birthday! Quick, close your eyes!"

"Why do I have to…?"

She was cut off as Pinkie tied a blindfold around her head. "One second!"

Fluttershy heard a few familiar blasts before the cloth was removed. The room was now walled with balloons, streamers and other party decorations.

"How did you…?" she started to ask, but she already knew the answer.

"I never go anywhere without my party cannon!" Pinkie chimed, bringing the object into view.

"oh hey, I love that band!" Discord panted out as he caught up to the six of them and spike.

She strapped a birthday hat onto Fluttershy's head, laughing as the strap poofed her expanse of hair every which way. Pinkie started up the gramophone.

"Let's party! This is my mixtape, I made it when I had that big hide-and-seek birthday bash a few years back!"

The music rang throughout the rooms, funky 8-bit tunes filling the ears with wonder and joy.

But instead of dancing, the ponies fed Fluttershy a million questions.

"Have you been kept safe?" Rarity asked.

"How are the animals?" inquired Applejack.

"How do you not get dizzy in here?" Rainbow questioned, glancing around the distorted room.

"Are you married yet?" Spike asked, looking at the engagement ring. "He seems so different!"

"Does he know pi?!" Pinkie inquired eagerly.

"Whoa, girls!" Twilight exclaimed, silencing them. "Give her some space!"

Fluttershy summed it up. "Yes, he's kept me safe in the forest, and we're not married yet. Actually, Discord's treated me quite well. He's really…sweet."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding me."

"We brought you here, didn't we?"

Twilight giggled, trying to lighten the mood. "What does it matter? It's Fluttershy's birthday. We should be celebrating!"

The Duchess began her awkward dancing, which everyone stared at for a while. She was so careless and free, she almost resembled that mare from Seingeld. Then they shrugged and danced themselves. In between songs, Fluttershy received updates on every pony's lives.

Rainbow Dash couldn't see her feelings for applejack being requited, so she didn't want to infringe on their friendship and dating status with rarity. Fluttershy snickered as she explained this. How aloof this filly could be! She'll be over the moon if applejack says something!

"sometimes I just see her, and we're cuddling with rarity, and I see the way she looks at her and-GOSH! She makes my heart race like when I'm flying! She's so headstrong and caring, and I just wanna take her out to treat her, y'know? Real classy just for her! wanna surprise her with something hoity toity. Like, hey! I got us a bucket of chicken! Wanna date?"

Fluttershy nearly cackled, "That's not fancy at all!

The blue pegasus rubbed the back of her neck. "It's a self proof thing. I wanna prove I'm the type mare she'd like! Like rarity!"

"I'm sure she likes how different you three are, and you don't have to get fancy for her!" Fluttershy giggled!

"Well," Rarity interjected, "I think this relationship is much sweeter and more genuine than that with blueblood! I just anticipate seeing my mares every day!"

"have you been taking those vitamins rarity?"

"Oh yes! They've worked wonders for my mane! And don't worry, applejack and rainbow dash already know. They were elated! I think I'm really gonna spend my life with them!"

She buried her head in fluttershy's embrace, squealing and tapping her hooves, blushing madly.

Seeing rarity pratter on about her love made spike's heart crumble, and slowly wash together again seeing her smile so hard and celebrate so sporadically that her mane frizzed.

The earth pony glanced at the dragon on the other side of the room, freaking it sensitive style as he watched in bitter-sweet pining. She lay a hoof on his little head, so tender and mild was the baby boy. Her eyes never exceeded the far off gaze.

"it wasn't meant to be spike. But something is. And I can't wait until you find it, Angel boy."

He smiled up at her so burning and gratifyingly, earnest as if to say "her love is my love. Thank you for showing me this."

"Who wants to play Pin the Tail on the Pony?" Pinkie called, throwing a blindfold around Fluttershy's eyes again. "Birthday girl goes first!"

As the afternoon went on, Fluttershy enjoyed her friends' company as they played more games and caught up with one another. One after the other, operation, clue, monopoly, Texas hold'em! It was after the third round of candyland that fluttershy's attention averted to the draconequus cutting it up in the corner.

She excused herself from her friends and flew up to him.

"Thank you, Discord," she said with a smile, "for bringing my friends here."

His expression changed at the sight of her. "You're welcome."

"You don't have to sit here all day. Why don't you join us?"

"I think your friends," he pointed at the ponies, baring his teeth in a way that wasn't anger, but unsureness. "would not appreciate that."

She was about to say something when he slid his arm around her. "Have you told them yet?"

Fluttershy blinked. "Told them what?"

He chuckled, playfully twirling the ring on her neck. "Have you really forgotten already?"

She looked down at the ring and blushed. "Oh."

She had been so excited about seeing her friends, she had forgotten the reason they were here in the first place.

"N-no, I…

"We should do it together! We wanted them here?"

"I…it's just…"

They were interrupted by Pinkie, who had bravely approached the draconequus. "Hey, Discord! You wanna play Twister with us?"

He stared at the pink pony, shocked at the invitation and then stood up. "Alright, but I warn you, I'm the world champ!"

Pinkie snorted. "As if!"

"Is that a challenge?"

"Only if you're up for it!"

"Oh, it's on!"

Before following the pony, he turned back to his fiancé. "We have to, to rewrite the deal!"

The ponies erupted in jeers and competitive whoops! Overlapping voices gave way to reveal rainbow's epic shouting.

"IM TAKING ALL BETS, 9-2 ON PINKIE, THE MARE WITH THE FLAIR, THE GREAT PINK HOPE!!"

Only Pinkie, Dash, and twilight were bold enough to go against Discord in Twister. Thanks to his long snake-like body he was able to defeat them with ease. While Pinkie called for best two out of three, Fluttershy pulled Applejack aside. Since she was the one she had confided in before, she felt more confident telling her first.

"I'm glad to see you're gettin' along fine, Shug," the southern pony sighed. "I don't know what you've been doin' the past month, but Discord seems a might different. I'm surprised he let us come here."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Applejack," Fluttershy whispered. "You see, the reason we brought you here is…um…"

"Because it's your birthday?"

"No…well, sort of, really wanted to see you and this was a really special occasion.."

Applejack laid a hoof on her shoulder. "Take it easy, lovebug, Whatever you have to say, say it."

She took a deep breath. "I…I want to rewrite the treaty."

"Oh, um…great?"

"I need you girls at the wedding in the next 12 moons!"

Silence fell over the room and Fluttershy realized that she had shouted that last part. Pinkie fell from her position and Discord pumped his fist.

"Yes! Victory!" He then noticed the glares he was receiving. "Oh, come on, don't be sore losers!"

"You're marrying him in 12 moons?!" Rarity uttered.

"Oh, so you've told them!" He teleported to his fiancé's side and threw his arm around her. "Yes, our big day is in almost two weeks and you're all invited! The four of you can be bridesmaids, the foals can be the flower girls, the dragon can be the ring bear or whatever it is and Princess cranium can perform the service!"

Twilight's jaw dropped in horror. "You want me to…to…marry you two?!"

"You can't do that, I'm marrying her!" He cackled!

"Um, Discord?" Fluttershy said softly. "Could you let me talk to them?

"Oh, sure, go ahead! Who's stopping you?"

"Alone?"

"ooh, gotcha!"

Once he had vanished, Fluttershy floated down to her friends.

"That was awfully rude of you."

"Rude?!" every pony exclaimed.

"You're marrying that monster so soon!!" Rarity cried. "How do you expect us to react?"

"But you know I'm engaged to him," Fluttershy pointed out.

"We didn't…" Rainbow stammered. "We didn't expect it to happen now! And…now you want us to be a part of it?!"

"I thought you'd want to come to my wedding."

"Not when it means watching you get married to a monster!"

Fluttershy stomped her hoof defensively, "monster us subjective! And from what I've been shown I know that if he's a monster, than so are we!" 

"He took you away from us!"

"It was my decision to come and stay, and I had my bargains respected!"

"how can you be so accepting of this?!"

"Because he's my friend! And he's a good pony! And if I had the choice to spend the rest of my life with anyone else I wouldn't take it, not for a million billion bits!!!"

She trailed off and realized that she had already said too much. Applejack raised an eyebrow at her flushed cheeks, more flushed than usual. She knew that look.

"Are you…in love with him?"

Rarity huffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Applejack, she just said they were best friends!"

"Yeah," Rainbow laughed. "But I call you my best friend by habit sometimes!"

Rarity gasped infiginified

"He's fun and all," Pinkie chimed, "but you can't really-

"Fluttershy, you can't be serious! He tried to take over Equestria! Three times!"

"He practically keeps you prisoner!"

"He threatened the princesses!"

"He beat me at Twister!" Pinkie shouted.

"GET OFF HER FLANK!!!"

Silence permeated throughout the walls. A hollow and yet shallow steady beat of breath rattled through the baby dragon standing defiantly above the ponies. His chest rose and his head pelted back, as arms rested at his sides, hoisting himself up upon a bench. Fluttershy stuttered,

"So you don't…?"

"I know that in a lotta places, dragons like me would be irredeemable monsters. Heck, some places don't allow us in! And while yeah uh.. few of us are, the one big thing we can use to turn back their path or like, prevent it maybe, is FRIENDSHIP."

Twilight felt the corners of her mouth perk up like they were tied with string, tears pricking her eyes. Her baby boy, her little man...

He was gonna tell her teachings better than she could one day, and she couldn't be prouder.

"I believe her. Princess Luna can be changed, and love beats up evil. If we don't practice what we preach, then what's the point of being at our friend's birthday?!"

...

As his valiant words echoed throughout the room, Fluttershy's heart sank. Her friends lost their anger as tears streamed down her face. Twilight held out her hoof.

"Fluttershy, we… I wanna hear what you have to say. I want to hear you out."

Rarity sat back and listened,giving her warmest smile, squeezing spike in adoration. Rainbow flew to her side and quirked her head smirking warmly,and inquisitivly. Applejack rested her head in their laps. Pinkie leapt from her previous position and hugged fluttershy.

"For the record, I think it's a pretty metal story tell your kids. Stretch out that ten minute story for eight years and you can get a sitcom out it." Rainbow commented. 

Fluttershy buried her head in her hooves. Betwixt her grasp was a smile that flexed no muscles. Her hair was frizzy and unkempt, her limbs shook like a elm in a drought. Her nerves shot as if through a rivet gun. The queasiness never subsided, her bones were glass and her skin was paper.

She couldn't feel any of it as she embraced her friends.

"you never opened your present..."

As she bore into the delicately wrapped gift, revealing to herself a jade and rose quartz comb, etched with love it read, "born to love, live to create." Fluttershy was downright crying at this point, no conclusion she could come up with was coherent enough to exact her spirit.

Fluttershy heard a grunt and looked up to see the draconequus standing over her. Despite the circumstances, she was happy to see him, for now he was here to comfort her. Her joy turned into suspense as she noted the nervous smile cracking across his face. His hands were clenched to the sides, and his eyes were glaring into the scene with remorse.

Chapter Text

Limp.

 The body of discord hung from a slab of wood, A hybrid piano chair; Unsupported- hanging high above the consciousness. Awake in the dream relm. Of course he has wandered in his brain, into the holes amongst the walls, scurrying and nibbling on the fleshy wrinkles incessantly, not bothered to even wipe his sniveling maw.

Discord thought about his place in all this. The party really just represented to him his whole life: watching as ponies that hated him talk about how untrustworthy and insane he is. All the while he stands just outside, barely even alive to them.

Morally upstanding ponies dare not question their own ineptitude. How good would their malformed jaws feel when they spit out the bridle, tore the blinders away? those ponies would never know. They envied his innate freedom in his insanity and they were none the wiser. 

Discord was a relatively young being. He always assumed he was created. There were being just like him, more malevolent. He spawned around nothing, and was cast to nothing.

He thought about Luna. She felt the same way, at some point or another. That was why she was sent off to another plane. For feeling scornful! And now she was stuck in the ways of a millennia ago.

All that reputation-building from Celestia as Luna was caught in the midst of her adolescence chained to the moon. When old Celestia, pedestal Celestia, oh, pristine pure celestial, Celestia the CLEAN SCUM FILTH! when she revised the world to her whim where was Luna but surrounded by her beautiful night she couldn't even touch!

It didn't seem that simple anymore for Discord. Ponies, the horrible hypercritical things, weren't so simple anymore. 

Fluttershy, for one.

Where other ponies couldn't see how, for lack of a better word, beautiful and horrible his chaos was, fluttershy could breathe it.

Celestia and Luna were even different. 

Celestia loved Luna more than she loved her sun. Luna appreciates the reclaimed love from her subjects, her colleagues, her equals. She loved Her sister, her return to being a good pony.

So things were no longer black and white. And maybe color could be... Satisfying.

Discord slumped down chair, cascading into a cheese wheel, before eating his way out, still scratching his beard. He fell downward towards the floor, his body smooth slithering down the air.

He lay on the floor as everything around him spun. Backwards, slow motion, becoming 2D, 4D, fractals and organic shapes. It always came back to two shapes. One being a cane, the other... a silly shape. Like a spade.

No, he was mistaken! It was a heart...

"you shouldn't have her out like that. She'll run off!" 

The reflection in the mirror got no response.

"hey moron? You hear me? I know you do, I'm you! Haven't spoke to me in a bit!"

"Didn't need to."

The mirror hovered above him, lined in lead. It didn't used to be, it used to have leaf detailings, with figs and grapes of gold and gems playing in the vine carvings. It clinked and tinked and sparkled like an icy windchime.

Now it was just a block.

"newsflash: YOU DO!" The reflection maimed his ears. "I mean, who do you think you are, shutting out me? I'm yourself, I always will be!"

"no you won't."

Defiance. Dissent. How infuriating to have something flipped on you!

"I think you need to-"

"YOU DON'T THINK ANYTHING!" Discord boomed from the floor. Everything fell, clattering to the wood.

"YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT MY THOUGHTS AND I DONT THINK OF YOU ANYMORE!"

The reflection grew big and tore through the walls. Stones crushed the atmosphere. 

"NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU WANDER YOUR MIND AND TRY TO ORGANISE THE SCAPES... DONT YOU KNOW WHY THEY DONT STAY THAT WAY?! DO YOU POSSIBLY THINK SOME IMBECILIC STINT IN YOUR LIFE WILL POSSIBLY CHANGE YOUR NATURE??!!"

nature. What a joke. He is nature. Nature was to love. And he loved this life. This mind. This unorganized mish-mash of her. 

The antler fell off of the reflection. that was what he was, nothing more. It didn't even have all of its features anymore, just misshapen and unfamiliar orifices. 

"You're not high and mighty because that one horse out of billions wants to, perhaps, NOT kill you!" 

"because I deserve it! She deserves it! You're nothing more to me but a shard of glass! Barely even reflecting who I am anymore!" 

The nose Sloughed off of the reflection. As did the teeth and the fur.

"and that's just it! I had no reason to listen to that! How easy to make you- no, IT break with just thinking different! You hold nothing over me! DO YOU HEAR ME? YOU'RE NOTHING!! THIS REFLECTION IS NOTHING!"

The reflection shouted as the feathers slid off like melting wax, screeching as its very covering slithered form the body in a green glinting madness, leaving just bone that turned to dust. 

Discord watched in horror, chucking the mirror furiously into the wall, watching a single shard embed itself into the stone. He covered his face as the icy shards ricochets towards him at mach speeds. A hail of glass that used to mean something. The shatter resounded throughout the empty room, a great clattering, a metal bar slamming against the tile and then twinkling gently as the clear dust settled.

He didn't need this. 

All of it. The kidnapping, the contract- it was worthless to him. She shouldn't even want to look at him again, after all of this. He couldn't just use her to become better and leave her with nothing? He had to make it right. Nothing he could give her could match the profound gift he received, ever.

The shattered glass that flew around the room stood in air.

Discord swirled in on himself, wrapped into a protective shell. Glass snow hovered above him idly. His eyes set on the ponies as they jabbered on beyond the door he peeped through.

"Don't be ridiculous, Applejack, she just said they were best friends!" 

Ouch. Why did he feel so hurt?

"He's fun and all, "but you can't really-" ouch!

He was just fun. I couldn't possibly be loved. He shook the thought from his head. How ridiculous! He was fun! She just couldn't see past that because she doesn't know him... 

"Fluttershy, you can't be serious! He tried to take over Equestria! Three times!"

It didn't feel like him. 

"He practically keeps you prisoner!" 

But he cannot deny the accusations. 

"He threatened the princesses!" 

Every word made him Sick to his stomach. 

"GET OFF HER FLANK!"

...

The baby. He stood up, short and twittering above the young mares, defending him. Sharing with him what he knew since he was born, what growing up with ponies taught him despite it being so uncomfortable to be told. 

Discord knew he had a heart, because now it was aching. It wasn't jealousy, it wasn't spite at the young thing that pulled at his tear ducts uselessly. It was the relief that the baby dragon grew up with something he couldn't possibly imagine having all his life.

A commandment of love.

And he knew the ponies were right. And he knew the dragon was wise beyond his years. And he knew that fluttershy deserves to be around the love she grew up with.

Kimono told to him of the most powerful gift to grant on another.

"The lovers unfold each other's wings and fly in opposite directions."

Chapter Text

The air held still as if it were threatened. Thick and calloused with every breath, if one were to fan smoke into the room, it would simply sit. It was the aftermath of russian roulette, silent and unstirring, capped with light breaths and crouching figures.

Fluttershy spoke first, standing tall and comfortable.

"Oh dear, did you hear the whole thing?"

"it's not like he couldn't've, we was practically yellin'..."

Twilight gave Applejack a gentle whap to the back while looking forward with her goofy nervous smile.

"oh no! she's right in every way! I heard it all!...well the parts loud enough to hear anyways."

Fluttershy cringed as her friends spread out over the expanse of the dance floor, now playing nothing to the tune of their anxious murmuring. How could she have let this happen?! Discord could've heard every word her friends said about him, the ones that stung like wasps! He would say that he was right and that she was with them, or maybe he'll break the contract! or start a war! or- 

Fluttershy near hyperventilated as her thoughts raced for their positions in the front of her mind. Discord simply raised a claw and smirked. she hated it. The sly grin that said he was planning something so heinous and with little thought behind it.

"oh dear fluttershy, I thought nothing of it! however, your friends and I have something to discuss! does the contract ring a bell? it should! after all, we insisted we bring them here to rework it!"

The other mares dropped their shoulders and withers towards the earth. Geez, when he said it like that it seemed even more cruel to say what they did. Rarity spoke first, followed by Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.

"Oh dear me, I should apologize to you directly for saying such things. Even if your decorum is dreadfully gauche, and you spied on us for years and you tried to take over Equestria-"

"Rarity, I think you forgot your point. That's okay though! I can finish! We should know you before we say anything mean, cuz, uhh-"

"get to the point Pinkie!"

"no no, I've got it: Discord... you don't need our approval to marry her, but you should know that you have it. and I... we want to know you like Fluttershy does. Ponyville is all about equality, and we should practice what we preach." rarity spoke with grace and dignity, despite being scared out of her gourd. 

Discord spoke nothing, but yawned and floated on a small yellow cloud. like a flying cumulous of sorts. He pulled up a written copy of the contract, Tapping it gently, and tearing a hole through the parchment as it burst into pink flames! The ponies gasped as the smoke consumed the words and the history of their agreement was scorched.

"You understand the implications of what you just did?" Twilight seethed.

"Implications shrimplications! I no longer want any part in this deal! nada! Nikto! None! nix! It simply no longer suits my interest."

Spike raised a brow. "what would that mean?"

Discord flopped onto his side and shrugged. 

"I suppose it means bring an army, do your worst!"

The six ponies sat stunned in silence. Discord elaborated.

"what good is a deal like this to a being like me? putting limits on chaos? gag me with a spoon! If you ponies think you have the authority to tame eldritch being then perhaps your hubris has gone unchecked for far too long!"

Fluttershy felt her throat get tight and sting. 

"that.. that's- you can't possibly mean that, there's got to be more to it! that's it!? you're leaving everything here because you think it's boring??" she spluttered rapidly. Fluttershy would not take this explanation!

"oh of course you want something more from me! but I am bare! I am unapologetically something more than comprehension!"

Discord swished his tail away to and fro, sending the ponies back and away from him with a great gust of wind! Pinkie packed everything from her cannon tight into a box, as Rainbow guided spike and her mare away from it all.

"you're lying to me! there's something more at play, I know it! you can talk to me I promise, Discord!"

Discord snarled and whipped his tail to the ground, in an instant the cobblestone tiles crackled and swiped the ponies outside the house from below their feet. fluttershy hovered above the moving rocks.

"As a matter of fact there might be... suppose chaos is contained, then it ceases to be. Id rather live for eternity to take my throne than cease to be because of one, MEASLY friend. You and your Infernal Lown Posse are temporary obstacles for which I couldn't be bothered with."

Fluttershy grasps his paw with both hooves and stutters out the only thing she can possibly say without her heart collapsing.

"you're throwing it all away for this?" 

Fluttershy was pushed away by a force from his wings out into the forest.

*****

Fluttershy was evacuated from the premises, and the roaring wind hailed her away from the murky trees, where her friends waited for her return in a manner reminiscent of foals that knew they were in trouble.

Applejack rested her hoof on Fluttershy's crest and back, as the rest followed. Twilight stroked her mane and whispered gentle, so as to not rouse her aching heart.

Fluttershy sat silent and abased, clutching her face in her hooves. freedom, at the end of her heel, back in Ponyville in an instant. dissociated, stuck in the cavernous flesh of her mind. There should have been more, she deserved more, he deserved more. The voices around her became muffled, silenced by a ringing tone.

What was going to happen to ponyville? Would he attack? Was he bluffing? Did any of it mean anything to him?

As Fluttershy's empty stare was uncovered, (gosh, when was I blindfolded?) a flash of candy, lights, confetti, and party decorations assaulted her senses. A large banner blanketed the town hall building, and her eyes followed every letter, every curve and dot until she was met with the message: 

"Welcome Home Fluttershy!"

Chapter Text

Fluttershy seemed Still as a marble statue, never once even allowing herself a wisp of hair out of place in the wind she could have only dreamed of carrying her again just a day prior. her eyelids felt a constant weight on their thin flesh as if fatigue had finally caught her in its snare, chasing her since the moment she first arrived at... their cottage. The first morning she woke up alone in months she began to talk to herself almost immediately, free, and lonesome. She'd made coffee for just herself, too much of it, and drinking it all. He hated seeing such a thing go to waste.

A cold front struck Ponyville and neighboring towns as snow cascaded from the heavens, quick and slicing, a swift reminder of approaching new year. Hearth's Warming Eve was just ended and Fluttershy hadn't even left her land. She instead wandered through her house, lost like a filly in a mall. An astronaut could have seen the hunger in her eyes from space. The dates in her head had been jumbled and shook like a snow globe.

december 6th, her birthday party at Discord's. The date was all wrong, her birthday was May 1st, but once, for whatever reason, she celebrated it on the same day as her brother's, so perhaps while he was spying he made a mistake? It did not matter to her anymore. The same day she left him- nay, she was cast out. Now it was December 29th, and The new year would bring about change, like waves on the sand.

"Fluttershy!"

The Duchess approached her pegasus friend, carrying a bag of books. Twilight had begun wearing glasses with a little chain Fluttershy made her on a regular basis, and it made her smile each time she took it out on the town.

"Nice to see that you're out and about," she said with a smile. "I brought some books that might cheer you up." A hoof reached out towards the pegasus, beckoning her closer to look at the book. It was a hardback cover of The Diaries of Amble and Eve.

"Thanks," Fluttershy muttered. "Are you sure it's the type of funny that ponies who aren't bookish will understand?"

Twilight smirked gently before raising a hoof to her face, and controlling her impish ego. "well, if it's not there's still the movie. anyways I'm going over to Canterlot for the new year's celebrations, wanna come with?"

Fluttershy barely thought about it for a milisecond before nodding and taking the mare by the hoof.

In hours Twilight, Fluttershy and their four friends were on a train to Canterlot, though it took a while for Rainbow Dash to convince Spitfire into letting her have a vacation. Applejack was bunked next to her, internally screeching every time Dash would brag about how much of a "chick magnet" she was. How could that mare be so aware and yet so, so irredeemably oblivious? 

"And then he said: I'm just a little horse!" Rainbow burst out laughing.

"I don't get it," Pinkie said.

"Well, if you heard Soarin tell it, you'd think it was funny."

Rarity rolled eyes. "I've heard of love being blind, but deaf?" Spike spit out his gallium soda and cackled.

"heyyy, I'm not in love with Soarin! He's way older than me! Besides, if anybody liked me i'd be the first to know!"

Fluttershy smiled for the first time on the trip as Applejack seethed visibly. Applejack looked down at the pegasus and let her face squish into a chuckle.

the palace doors were unfamiliar to Fluttershy, imposing and feindish, gold no longer comforting and regal, But unnaturally untarnished and grandiose. And much too tall, like a dusty gray-black pillar rearing into the horizon.

Celestia greeted the group at the castle and surprised Fluttershy with an arm clasped along her back in a hug.

"I never had a chance to thank you," the princess explained, and she did not need to ask what she was referring to.

Fluttershy remained in her room until dinner, though she could barely eat. As she fiddled with her fork, she thought of her many mealtimes with Discord. He would always give her what she asked, or surprise her with her favorites. She remembered one time when he made the candles dance and the gravy boat come to life. Those little harmless magic tricks would make her giggle. Somehow, he always managed to put a smile on her face. It seemed like the memories of another now. 

"Are you alright, my dear?" Cadence inquired.

Fluttershy winced, as she was used to hearing that question from someone else. "I'm just not hungry, that's all."

"you should get some sleep then," Pinkie Pie suggested, noting the dark circles under her eyes. "You can eat more breakfast in the morning and get your energy up for the meeting tomorrow!"

Fluttershy looked up, confused as if she was finally attached to the current moment.

"Meeting?"

The heads at the table eerily turned towards her, unsure of their next words. Twilight spoke first.

"Fluttershy, discord declared a fight when he brought you back..." 

"But we'll finish him once and for all, and we can forget about all that." Rainbow dash firmly asserted.

All Fluttershy could muster up was a nod before excusing herself from the table.

"She's been like this ever since she came back," Twilight explained to the princesses.

"I do not believe you have fully explained how she managed to return," Luna said.

"Well...he let her go."

"why exactly, pray tell, would he do this?"

Twilight shrugged. "She won't talk about what happened and we're afraid to ask."

Rainbow Dash interjected: "I think he was trying to use her to get to us and got mad when it didn't work. why else would-"

Applejack sighed harshly. "Y'all all still don't get it?" 

The Southerner them excused herself from the presence of the princesses, and tromped away to her room.

Two hours in and Fluttershy lay wide awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Although she was tired to the bone, she could not sleep. She had gotten used to Discord coming in to say goodnight and then asking the darn question. The question he'd stopped getting angry at the answer for. The question she had begun getting comfortable with answering.

Her mind then wandered to their last night together, when he had kissed her for real. His lips had felt so cool and gentle against hers. A kiss that felt, for the most part, innocent and chaste, yet igniting clashes of explosions, feelings. This idea, this concept of a kiss, of love, of marriage all those suitors brought forth to her was so surface level now and disgusting. This was curiosity for the real, tangible, and the exploration of her own ideas of love. The intimacy of romantic intent was at the forefront of her mind. 

She took out her book and began to read.

Discord was In the similar throes of restlessness. He would die, he knew it. He would cease to be if he did not allow himself free reign of the laws of physics. Maybe that was the apprehension with keeping the pony. Discord could not even kid himself about it anymore, It hurt to use his life to push the one friend he'd ever had away.

flying out into her old room, now collecting dust bunnies untouched, he remembered the look on her face as she was cast out.

He approached the bed where she had once slept. He could see her lying there on her side, her chest rising up and down ever so slightly. He reached out to touch her, to feel anything there he so desperately wished. 

The next thing Fluttershy knew, she was standing in the garden Discord had given her... or rather, that was how she perceived it. It was the Canterlot gardens, but she recognized it as something more. 

"Discord!" she called. "Discord, are you here?"

Silence. 

In the center of the garden an aged and cracked marble slab lay wistfully among the overgrown vines and unkempt roses. Fluttershy slowly trudged towards the marble and sat in her swallowing loneliness. Her eyes fluttered shut and The lashes veiled her vision with grace. a single tear fell from her cheeks, when suddenly a stallion sits next her her, poised and masculine, toned and attempting to comfort her. He meant nothing to her.

Flick- another stallion, alike in dignity, but equally distant to her.

Flick- Another pony appeared next to her, one hoof on her shoulder, but still lacking in emotion.

Flick- something was missing from them that she needed.

Flick- something she could only choose for herself.

Flick-

Luna, Princess of the constellations and dreams, was sitting next to Fluttershy now.

"I don't know why... I can't let it go. If it was all a lie, then how does it ache this much?"

"What are you doing here, child?"

Fluttershy blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Let me rephrase that. Why are you here and not with Discord?"

"Beg pardon, your highness, but didn't hear? He let me go."

"But why did you go?"

"Because...well, he didn't want me and..."

Luna scoffed. "Didn't want you? I beg to differ. I saw you two in the forest."

Fluttershy froze. "You...you saw me kiss him?!"

The pegasus shrunk in embarrassment. "I...just once..."

"My point is that in all the years that I have known Discord, I have never seen him look at any pony the way he looked at you. It is clear that he cares for you and that you were happy. So what happened?"

"Um...we invited my friends over to rework the treaty, but he decided that I was holding him back..." She could not go on.

"Hmm," Luna pondered. "If he truly thought you were detrimental to him he wouldn't have let you so close to him. was there anything before that?"

Silence.

"Why else would he let you go?"

"... he saw me and spike defending him. I don't know how he could've possibly interpreted that as wrong."

Fluttershy was about to answer when the image rippled, indicating that she was waking up.

"I cannot help you any longer, it is up to your interpretation and what you know is true!" Luna called as she flew out of the dream.

She sat up in bed and sighed. "Oh, what am I going to do?"

Discord was in the garden, sitting by the pond, staring at his reflection. It was indubitably him, through and through.

things mattered now, and it only made sense to get away from it all, out of the rain. but he was still wet? how could it still rain on him throughout lands, across the forests, follow him to where he stood when he pushed everypony away that caused this?!

It never felt like it was raining when she was with him. It was so real and palpable and crazy that maybe if he'd just stayed with her he wouldn't have to face his mortality-

and the skies cleared.

CRASH!

a dish fell from its place, wherever that was, behind Applejack, startling her until she turned around.

there Fluttershy hovered 5 feet from the ground, probably more startled, having a mackerel wrapped in newspaper pointed threateningly at her by the farm mare.

"Well, ain't this déjà vu?" the cowgirl said once she noticed her friend. "I'm guessin' you're down here for the same reason."

"Huh?" Fluttershy questioned, tilting her head.

"Last time we were down here, ya had a dream about Discord."

"Well, uh...yeah. more or less. But why are you here?"

"Couldn't sleep," Applejack said, handing her a sandwich. "I've been worryin' about ya, Sugar Cube. Ya don't eat, ya don't sleep, ya hardly speak..."

"I'm just recovering from it all. it all feels like somepony else's memories."

"aw heck darlin', tell me about your dream."

She told Applejack every last detail, including the part where Luna had appeared. Applejack nodded as she listened.

"So this garden...I saw it while we were at the cottage. Ya sayin' Discord made that for you?"

"Yes," Fluttershy muttered, fiddling with her still uneaten sandwich.

"Huh. That would explain where yer critters went off to. And you told the princess that you and Discord…kissed?" She hung her head. "I'm not tryin' to pressure ya, Sugar. You were with him for a whole month. I just wanna know what happened. I promise I won't bring up any of it with the others."

She sighed. "I was terrified at first. I explained to him I wanted to fall in love before I got married, just to stall for time. Then, Well, then we sort of…got to know one another and…he became so kind and gentle and respected my space. Whenever I saw him, I could not help but smile. I...I miss him. I know I really shouldn't, after the party...oh, he was so upset..."

"I think that was mostly our fault, hon. I'm the one who put you on the spot and asked you if you loved him. I'm real sorry for that. It's just…you know you have all the symptoms? Even now? Blushin', lack of appetite and sleep…"

"Maybe it's not what you think! what if I was just stockholm syndrome?!" Fluttershy snapped.

"Maybe it's exactly what I think! quit actin like you think somethings wrong with you, you're the one who refused to love him until he changed, you know you're stronger than you seem, so what's your excuse for lovin!?"

"how do you KNOW I'm in love?!"

"'CUZ THAT'S EXACTLY HOW I FEEL ABOUT RAINBOW DASH!"

They both grew silent. Then Fluttershy dropped her sandwich and looked away.

"I know I don't have some disorder. I know I have my own strength. I just... I don't want it to hurt me anymore-leaving, that is. "

Applejack laid a hoof on her shoulder. "Hey, I was in denial too. It hurts loving and not being loved. but it's up to you to interpret his ways of romancin'."

"What do you expect me to do? Go back to him?"

"I expect you to follow Princess Luna's advice and do what your heart tells ya."

Fluttershy rubbed her other arm. "what if loving him hurts him, like being without chaos?"

" You can always come back. Ya know what they say, Sugar Cube. If you love somethin', set 'em free."

Fluttershy lifted her head, like every light in the kingdom swirled around her, lifting her into the heavens. 

He set her free because she freed him!

"Look, I said listen to yer heart, but if you do decide to go back, don't just do it for Discord. Do it for yourself. Love is just as selfish as it is selfless. Are you going back because he wants you or you want him?"

Fluttershy rose above their heads, twirling and laughing and gleaming with the warmth of the new year, of butterflies and candles and lanterns, of foal's laughing and roses, of a shared home and gentle kisses 

"I'm taking him here, with me! I love him- I Love Discord the way I've never loved anypony else! I love him like an old legend, like love itself!"

She heard a gasp below her and Fluttershy turned to see Pinkie, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Rarity standing in the doorway, their mouths dropped open.

"H-how long have you been standing there?" Fluttershy stammered.

Neither of them said anything for a while, until Pinkie suddenly burst into excitement.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! Fluttershy's in love! And he loves you too! That is so romantic! You know what this calls for?"

"NO!" every pony cried in unison.

"Shut up!" 

Twilight clonked Spike' head gentle as she could and gave him a gem to gnaw on.

"he's cranky, he just woke up. sorry about him. babies, y'know?"

"You mean you're not mad?" Fluttershy asked in wonder.

"Sweetie, we don't know what to think," Rarity explained. "We saw you've been miserable for the past few days. Now we know why. What we don't understand is how? How could you have fallen in love with that draconequus?"

She faced her friends defiantly. "I know it's hard for you to understand, I find it hard to understand as well, but it's love and I know what I feel! and it feels amazing to express it..."

"Even if you're right," Rainbow said slowly, "how do you plan to go about all this?"

"oh."

Fluttershy hadn't exactly planned that out. it feels so infuriating to understand everything but with no idea how to go about change!

"what if-"

"it's my decision, and I choose to take him here with me! whether you like it or not!"

"We don't like it," Twilight confirmed. "We cannot stand to see you in the clutches of the creature that stole you away from us, but..."

"He doesn't have me in his clutches. it's a mutual thing."

"but you know yourself more than anypony knows you. I personally want you to follow him." the Duchess Twilight declared.

"ditto!"

"I agree!"

"yeah!"

"I done worse!"

Fluttershy's eyes watered as she smiled brighter than Celestia's sun. racing out the door, panting, galloping through the halls, Fluttershy burst from the castle out into the entrance of the forest. 

"waitwaitWAIT!" The others cried. 

they stood gallant in front of the trees, Fluttershy's noble conquest having gone interrupted for longer than she would've liked. 

"go back girls! i'm going to discord alone."

"of course you are. and I'm coming with you!" Rainbow Dash Exclaimed.

"You bet your fern we are!" the cowgirl exclaimed.

"Ooh, this is gonna get so real!" Pinkie said, jumping for joy. 

"we're not gonna interrupt buuuut... youneedawitness,right?" Twilight said as she smiled unashamed of her blatant excitement. 

Fluttershy smiled at her friends. "Thanks, girls."

"Hold on!" Rarity commanded. "don't run! You're about to make a declaration of true love! You can't get all sweaty!"

Chapter Text

The Everfree Forest, eerie in its demeanor as always, was still so hard to get used to. It'd always be there, but it was forbidden, as if it were an unspoken rule to leave that area alone. Despite this, 6 mares would decide to tough it out with one objective: love. And brother? they were in hot pursuit.

"No offense, Rarity," Fluttershy whispered. "This is a nice get-up and all, but is it appropriate for a hike?"

Rarity had dressed her in a gentle viridian dress, light and flowy, and made of a silky-almost sheer-fabric. despite the... inhibited protection-Fluttershy loved how it looked, like a fairy gown something a lost princess would wear.

"So have you thought about what you are going to say?" Rarity asked Fluttershy, ignoring her comment.

"What do you mean?"

"Um, hello? You're about to confess to the one you love that...well, that you love him! You have to do this by the book!"

"I was just gonna find him first and then tell him."

"You sure it was wise not to wait till' morning?" Applejack inquired. "Th' forest is even more dangerous after dark."

"The longer we wait, the lonelier he gets! I have to tell him now before I never will!"

Pinkie Pie bounded up and about. "so you're winging it? okay! I like it! real spur-of-the-moment romance!" every word was jumbled and squiggled until Rainbow Dash picked her up from under her arms, allowing Pinkie to rest for the moment while Rainbow flew on by.

"I don't need to think, I need to act."

"Wow," Twilight marveled. "You're so assertive Fluttershy, you've gotta admit, it's really endearing."

"How so?"

"For one thing, you're much braver. You haven't shuddered or squealed once since we entered the forest."

The pegasus pondered on this and realized that her friend was right. She had not even thought of the dangers in the woods until Applejack had brought them up. Now, without that lens of determination, it did seem to get under her skin a bit.

from behind Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack walked on close together, Applejack's arm slung over her lover's shoulder.

"By the way, Applejack," said Rarity, "at dinner, you said we 'didn't get it.' Did you know Fluttershy was in love?" The cowgirl nodded. "How?"

"It was pretty obvious. She showed all the signs."

"Maybe, but I guess I can be a little oblivious to other ponies' love lives..." Rarity smiled awkwardly. "That must've been why you were a little peeved at dinner."

"Sorry, I just got upset, is all."

Rarity laid her head into Applejack's hair, smooching her temple quietly. "You must know something of love then, don't you?" she teased.

Applejack blushed and struggled to keep her face straight as she flustered. "I, uh..." She halted suddenly, voice dropping low. "Y'all hear that?"

"Really, Applejack, you're so stoic, it's ador-"

"Shhh-Listen..."

Every pony stopped in their tracks and silenced. They heard a low growl behind them and then the snap of a twig. They spun around and saw a pair of yellow eyes glowing in the darkness of the trees. Applejack took a sniff of the air and scowled.

"Run," she muttered.

Not a second thought, As soon as they took off, a pack of Timberwolves leapt out of the trees and pursued the group. loud barking and panting swelled in the midnight silence, the forest making way for the fear of being captured.

"Why is it always Timberwolves?!" Twilight shouted.

Applejack abruptly stopped. "Y'all go on ahead. I'll lead 'em off."

"You mean we'll lead 'em off!"

Rainbow exclaimed, flying down to her side. "I ain't quittin' on you!" she declared, staring daggers at the threat, looking as if she'd been waiting for a chance at a fight like this. 

The cowgirl grinned. "On my signal, you go right and I go left." She waved her hooves at the approaching pack. "Hey, ya big morons! Over here!"

"Yeah, you ain't so tough!" Rainbow taunted, blowing a raspberry at them.

The wooden beasts roared in anger and sped up.

"Now," Applejack muttered.

The two darted in opposite directions. A few followed after each of them, but three did not abandon their pursuit of the others. Rarity was the first to notice.

"How many of those things are there?!"

"I mean why couldn't it have been a manticore or an Ursa Minor?" Twilight raved. "At least those don't come in numbers!"

"Not to mention Fluttershy knows how to defeat a manticore," Pinkie pointed out. "Plus a dragon, a bear, Cerberus, a cockatrice..."

"That's it! Fluttershy, you ever tamed a Timberwolf?"

"You're kidding, right?!" the pegasus squeaked, the fear returning to her. "I doubt they're angry because they have thorns in their paws! Their paws are thorns!"

"Twilight, can't you teleport us out of here?" Rarity demanded.

The unicorn stopped for a moment and gulped. "I'll try, but I'm not sure where we'll end up! plus AJ and Rainbow..."

"We'll come back for them, but we need to save ourselves first!"

Twilight closed her eyes and concentrated. Her horn illuminated with light, but it dimmed when she saw that the Timberwolves were only a few feet away.

"No time! Run for it!"

Meanwhile, Applejack was attempting to shake off her third of the pack. She snapped a branch, shattering one of them and then got rid of another by ducking as it pounced. It fell apart as it hit the ground. The last wolf was still after her. Then she saw a pond of quicksand ahead. Thinking fast, she grabbed a vine in her mouth and swung to the other side. The Timberwolf noticed the sand too late and sank like a rock.

"HAH! You cross the boss, you take the loss, hoss!!"

It did not take long for Rainbow to outrun, in her case out-fly, two wolves. She raced over towards a hill, as the remaining wolf jumped up to claw at her. Rainbow flew straight up from the top of the hill as she wolf lunged at her again, only she looped backwards and the timberwolf fell backwards from the sky. It crashed into the other two, shattering them all at once.

"Watch a winner in action pal! BOOM-too fast, just a blur-maybe next time!!"

The last three Timberwolves were gaining on the other four ponies.

Twilight attempted a quick teleportation spell, snapping them out of sight for just a moment. They were teleported away from the danger, but not for nearly long enough, as when they fell out of the tree they were transported to, one of the wolves jumped up and snapped at Twilight's forearm. Twilight cried out as she plummeted to the ground. Pinkie broke her fall, but it made them both sitting ducks. Rarity and Fluttershy bolted in opposite directions.

The latter reached a dead end. She turned around to face the beast closing in on her. She was so terrified she could not open her wings, or use her Stare. She was frozen in place.

Discord was in the garden, plucking petals off a daisy. His ears perked up as he heard a familiar high-pitched scream. "Fluttershy?"

He thought he was imagining things when he heard it again: "Help!"

Fluttershy closed her eyes, waiting for the animal's jaws to sink into her skin. Suddenly, she heard a second growl and opened her eyes to see Discord down on all fours in front of her. his tail whipped about in anger, and his fur was puffed up.

"Don't you dare touch her!"

The Timberwolf was surprised, but did not let his guard down and roared at the draconequus. He hissed in return.

"Hey, ugly! Why don't you pick on someone your own size!?"

In an instant, the Timberwolf was reduced the size of a puppy. The same happened to the other two as they were about to pounce on the ponies. They ran into the forest, yipping in panic. Fluttershy looked up at the draconequus in awe as he turned to her, his face dropping any hint of anger and protectiveness. replacing it was worry and concern.

"What are you doing out here in the middle of the night? do you have any idea what would have happened if I hadn't come here?"

"You...saved me," she uttered.

"Well, of course I did! You think I would be able to live with myself if anything happened to-"

He was cut off as the pegasus flung her forelegs around his neck and burst into tears. He stared down at her in confusion.

"Fluttershy!" cried Applejack's voice. "Are you all...?"

She paused when she saw the draconequus. Rarity appeared behind her and gawked. Discord rolled his eyes.

"I know, I know. I shouldn't be here and blah, blah, blah, and..."

"You just saved our lives," Rarity marveled.

"Pardon?" Applejack uttered.

Rainbow Dash came panting out of the bushes. Her face had a gentle stream of blood running from a wound just below her hairline, and her puffy coat gave way to scuffed limbs.

"I ran as fast as I could. they made one big wolf and-" She stopped at the sight of Fluttershy embracing Discord. "What are you doing out here?"

"He saved our lives!" Rarity declared.

"whuzzat?"

"It's true! He shrank the Timberwolves to the size of Chihuahuas!"

"Well, I'll be darned," Applejack muttered in wonder.

"Hey, where are Twilight and Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking frantically in all directions.

"oh! They're hurt!" exclaimed Rarity. "One of the Timberwolves snapped at Twilight's leg and she fell on top of Pinkie! They can't get up!"

Fluttershy pulled away from Discord as she heard this. "oh gosh! we have to make sure they're alright! discord, please-"

"Already on it," the draconequus said, snapping his fingers.

She was surprised that he did not roll his eyes or complain or anything.

Next thing they knew, they were in Fluttershy's old room at the castle. Twilight, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash found themselves sprawled on the bed, which had been made wider for their convenience.

"What the...?" Twilight muttered in confusion. "Discord?"

"No time to explain," Fluttershy said before turning to the draconequus. "Can you fix them?"

"One second," Discord said, and in an instant he changed his outfit. He now appeared with a stubble, a cane, a dark grey blazer, and jeans. "Now, let's see what the damage is, shall we?"

He summoned an x-ray machine and examined the bones of the three ponies.

"no no no, I'm not with this, I don't like this doctor schpiel-" Rainbow Dash attempted to run off from the bed before Applejack picked her up and tossed her back onto it.

Discord pulled an X-ray chart from the ceiling, examining it closely.

"Uh huh, uh huh... hmmm. yes! uh huh." he exclaimed. "I can't read."

Pinkie laughed and giggled until a sharp pain ran through her ribs.

"Don't laugh. It will only increase the pain." He pushed the x-rays away. "Now hold still. This won't hurt a bit. maybe."

He snapped his fingers and the three sat up. Rainbow lightly nudged her wing.

"Hey, you fixed it!"

"Amazing," Twilight marveled. "it usually takes so long to do healing spells!"

"Can I laugh now?" Pinkie asked. She did not wait for an answer and chortled. "Yeah, I think I'm good."

Rainbow Dash could not believe it. "What can I say! that was awesome!"

"what can I say except you're... well uh, no problem." Discord said with a grin. "Now that that's all settled," he turned to Fluttershy, "explain to me what you were doing out there! You could have been killed!"

Fluttershy quickly replied. "I came to see you."

He blinked. "W-what?"

She looked at her friends as she took Discord by the paw. "There's, um...something I need to tell you."

As soon as they were out of the room, the five rushed to the door. Pinkie won in the battle for the keyhole.

"You came back?" Discord uttered in disbelief. "To see...me?" Fluttershy nodded. "Why?"

"I...I wanted to apologize."

"Apologize? You? My dear, if anyone should be apologizing, it's me! I nearly forced you into doing something you didn't want to do and...and I hurt you! Not to mention I've treated you like...how did you put it? Right, a 'caged bird!' There's nothing you need to apologize for."

"Oh, but there is. I left when you needed me most. you're clearly going through something and if I can help-"

He huffed. "Yeah, right. Fluttershy, I pushed you away."

"ponies do that when they need help the most in their lives."

Discord ran a claw over his face. "I guess..."

"It doesn't matter anymore, I'm here. You see...I miss you."

He stared at her for a long time, still not believing this. "You miss being my prisoner?"

"I miss being your friend. Although...I take it you want it to be more than that..." She suddenly grew very nervous. "B-but...before I go on...I must, um, ask you something."

"Yes?"

She looked him directly in the eye. "Do you love me?"

He choked up. "I...I..."

"You kept asking me if I loved you. I want to know whether it was because you wanted me to love you back, or was it all a game. Was I just some trophy to you?"

"No, Fluttershy! You're more than that!"

"Well, did you?"

He turned his back to her, his brow sweating and his teeth grinding together. He pulled at his mane, trying to find the words.

"I...I...yes." He sighed. "I will admit. In the beginning, it was a game. I didn't expect you to come, but when you did...I came up with a scheme. I was going to make you fall in love with me so you would not use your Element against me. I only thought of you as an incentive. Although...you were right. I was lonely. That's the reason I asked for a bride. I can deny it as much as I want but it was the truth."

Fluttershy sat and listened intently.

"I cooked up some stupid scheme to keep you with me. I kept telling myself that it was just a slight attraction, but...the more time I spent with you, the better I felt. Sounds cheesy, I know."

He summoned a cheese plate for emphasis. "Want some?"

Fluttershy took a slice of smoked gouda as he continued.

"Whenever I was with you, I felt...well, wonderful. It wasn't like the other time, it was real. I was alive again. And I was so scared to be alive."

He chuckled. "you make me feel like I'm not so... Wrong."

"But did you...?" Fluttershy started to ask again.

He hung his head. "or rather, do." He looked up at her again. "I still do." He wrapped himself around her like a long pillow.

"You've come to know that I have a rather one-track mind. It's not like me to care about so many things at once. To have to think about consequences!"

Fluttershy was on the verge of tears. "Discord..."

She approached him and laid a sympathetic hoof on his shoulder. "Discord, don't you see? I'm miserable without you."

He turned to her skeptically. "You are?"

She nodded. "Why do you think I came back?"

"Out of pity?" he guessed.

She shook her head. "Now it's my turn. I thought you were a monster. I was more terrified of you than anything else, but that was before I got to know you. You may have done some horrible things, but something about you changed. Sure, sometimes I felt like a possession, but you were also kind and giving, in a way you weren't when I first came here. I will admit...it became harder for me to answer your question each night. I thought I might have feelings for you, but I was scared. See, I wasn't ready for marriage. I'm still not. But it hurt me to say I didn't because I wasn't even sure if it was true."

"Like I said before, I miss you. I miss seeing you every morning, I miss hearing your voice and embrace, and you've proved to me that you're not all bad, especially after saving me and my friends. Now that I've met you, I...I can't imagine a life without you. What I'm trying to say is..."

She glanced away, her cheeks turning red. Discord's eyes widened in astonishment. Could this be it? Could this be the moment he had been waiting for? Then she looked into his eyes and gave a shy smile.

"I love you."

He said nothing for a while. Fluttershy rubbed her arm awkwardly. underneath the tension was the most love-drunk shoutings of joy they could ever scream in their heads.

"It's true. It's taken me a long time to realize it, but I love you."

Discord did not waste a moment. He cupped her hooves in his hands immediately, but tenderly, and pressed his lips against hers. Fluttershy was shocked for a second, but then closed her eyes and returned the kiss as they both released all the delight they had been holding back for so long.

On the other side of the bedroom door, Pinkie gasped dramatically.

"holy crap! They're kissing, they're kissing!"

"no freakin' way," Rainbow muttered.

"Pinkie I wanna see!" Rarity said under her breath.

Fluttershy had never felt so happy. As Discord ran his fingers through her hair, she could have sworn she heard fireworks. She then broke the kiss and looked up to see stars exploding above them.

"What...?" she started to say.

"Magical reaction," Discord explained quickly. "Don't ruin the moment."

"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked, moving a strand of hair away from her eye. "I'm not exactly Prince Charming, you know?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I'm sure. I like that about you."

"Would you marry me? I promise you can visit your friends whenever you like."

She smiled warmly and gently kissed his snout. "I appreciate it, but I told you. I'm not ready for marriage now."

Discord smiled warmly and wrapped around her again, laying his head under hers.

"I want you to make up with the ponies, all of them. That includes the princesses. it'll really build your reputation and I'm sure you'll be happier."

"I thought you didn't care what they thought."

"I don't, but if they learn to appreciate you, then we can all be happy. I want things to be settled between you and Equestria before we take any big steps."

Discord sighed. "I'm still scared."

"You can be yourself, and if anypony has a problem with it they can take it up with us."

"What's happening?" Rainbow Dash asked, trying to get a view through the keyhole. she was squished by Twilight.

Pinkie gasped. "He's kneeling down!"

"What?" Applejack uttered. "Already?"

"Hushushushh" Twilight whispered, opening the door a crack so they could listen.

"Fluttershy," Discord said admiringly. "Will you...?"

"Oh my stars," Rarity muttered. "He's actually doing it! I'm gonna go insane!!"

"Shhh!" Twilight said again.

"...be my special some pony?"

"Oh, come on!" Pinkie Pie swung open the door, startling the couple. "You meanie! We thought you were proposing! I'm gonna go crazy and stupid if I can't plan that wedding!"

"Ahem," Discord cleared his throat. "Do you mind?"

Pinkie giggled awkwardly. "nope!."

The draconequus turned back to his beloved. "Well?"

Fluttershy grinned. "What do you think?"

He cried out for joy as he took her into his arms.

"alrighty then, we've snooped enough," Applejack said, heading for the exit.

"Yeah," Rainbow cringed. "We'll just...wait, I wanna see what happens next! do they live together? are they getting married-"

She yelped as the cowgirl grabbed her by the tail. "Come on, Rainbow."

The pegasus rolled her eyes. "Oh, fine! You better take care of her, cuz I know where you live!" She waved her fist at the draconequus playfully, smiling and chuckling before following Applejack.

"fluttershy what does she mean by that? she doesn't know where my house is."

"you're staying at my cottage."

"aw man"

"You do realize I'll have to inform Celestia and Luna about this?" Twilight said as she passed the couple.

Discord waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. Just make sure they know that I didn't put her under a spell. Hold on. You're really okay with this?"

"Well... yeah sure, whatevs. you seem a good enough pony. You don't need our approval, but we're cool with it."

"Yeah, whatever."

Once the ponies were gone, the couple sighed.

"Now, where were we?" Discord held up a finger. "Oh, I remember."

Fluttershy laughed as he dipped her to his side and welcomed him into another passionate kiss.

Chapter Text

When the princesses heard of Discord's sudden reformation, it was no surprise that they were skeptical about the situation. It was Luna who eased their worries when she told her sister of her observations. The snowstorm had passed, leaving everything glimmering in a sheen of ice. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia sat under a great willow tree, drops of frozen water overhead beaming every blazing shine of light from the sunset onto the iridescent snow.

"You had given me a second chance, sister. Should we not give him the same treatment, what would that say of our moral judgement?"

Celestia looked upward toward the heavens, seemingly drawing her answer from above.

"I do not believe it is in Discord's nature to go to these lengths for such a goal in the manner he has. In any case, I trust your judgement on the manner better than my own. We will allow him in our kingdom."

Luna smiled up at her sister, who kept a regal face for the next few seconds, until she looked back at Luna and snickered.

"yeah, alright, whatever, tell him to come over Tuesday, but I'm raising the guards' pay."

Luna put her hooves to her sides and guffawed triumphantly.

Of course, it was difficult for Discord to go from plotting against Equestria to doing good deeds, but for the sake of pleasing his beloved, he performed with utmost kindness. Most of the time. He still played a few pranks on ponies every now and then, but hey, in his nature and whatnot.

Life in Equestria could not have been better, especially for Fluttershy and Discord, who seemed to fall in love all over again at the beginning of each day. When he was not spending his time with her, the draconequus was helping ponies with their problems. For instance, he settled a disagreement between Spitfire and Soarin. He also used his magic to protect Equestria from disasters, Fluttershy looking at him after every prevented tragedy like the proudest pony in the world.

"To my one and only Fluttershy," she read, "the love of my life, the apple of my eye, my other half. Without you, my life is empty. I still think that one day I'm going to wake up and meeting you was all a dream, but if it is, I'll take it. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and I hope you can say the same about me."

She then realized she had been turning the ring - or rather bracelet - over and over, the message continuing. She looked up at Pinkie Pie.

"I'm not going to ask how he managed to fit all that in."

"trust me, that's the short version!" chuckled pinkie pie. She helped him design it, after all.

Discord gave her the ring right after she had proposed, and as soon as she'd wrapped it around her hoof it conformed to her size perfectly. Of course, she had no way of wearing a ring of any sort, and so a beautiful bangle would adorn her hoof to show her love for everypony.

"Oh, you look absolutely gorgeous, darling!" Rarity exclaimed once she had made the final adjustments to Fluttershy's gown, lining the hem with a leaf-like trim.

She directed Fluttershy towards the mirror. In it, Fluttershy was sure she had seen the Queen Mab Fairy before her. The dress was simple, but elegant, with a vine design wrapping around her whole body. It was nearly identical to the one she had worn in the forest, only more suited to a wedding. Her veil hung from a wreath of pink roses, which sat perfectly atop her curled hair.

"Rarity," she marveled. "It's beautiful!"

"You're beautiful, Fluttershy!" Rarity hailed! "I only highlighted what is most beautiful about you!"

Rainbow Dash laughed. "I never thought you'd be the first of us to get married, Fluttershy."

The unicorn sighed. "Yes. I thought it would be me, as I did catch Cadence's bouquet, but…oh, you really do look the part, sweetie!"

"Maybe you will be, Rarity, right fartknocker'?" Nudged Applejack teasingly into Rainbow Dash, winking and chuckling as Rainbow rubbed her hooves together, plotting.

Scootaloo shifted in her dress. "Aren't we a little old to be flower girls? After all, we have our cutie marks."

"Maybe," Fluttershy replied, "but I couldn't think of three fillies better suited for the job."

Applejack laid a hoof on her shoulder. "We're really happy for ya, Sugar Cube."

"Even if it is Discord?"

"Well…" Rarity stammered. "We might not have used to agree..."

"But ever since we started hanging out with him, I think we can get used to it." Twilight finished.

There was a frantic knock on the door. "Hey, guys?! You in there? Emergency!"

Applejack approached the door. "One second, Spike."

"Are you mad?!" Rarity yelled. "We're getting dressed!"

The cowgirl rolled her eyes. "Do I have to go over this with you again? We. Don't. Wear. Clothes!" Spike only had a vague understanding of what clothes were anyways.

"Is everything alright, Spike?"

"Oh, right! It's Discord. He's getting…" He peered over at Fluttershy and said the rest in a whisper. "Cold hooves."

The cowgirl gasped and called to her friends. "I gotta go check on the groom. I'll meet y'all at the altar!"

Discord needed a best stallion or mare, but unfortunately, he was still a rookie when it came to making friends, so Applejack had volunteered for the role. After all, she had been the first to support the match.

When she and Spike entered the groom's dressing room, it was empty. They searched in all directions for the draconequus.

She then had a thought and looked up. Sure enough, Discord was hanging by his claws from the ceiling. The cowgirl stomped her hoof.

"Discord, get your rump on outta here!" Applejack commanded. "You're gettin' married in thirty minutes!"

"Make me!" Discord taunted. "I can stay up here all day!"

He summoned a pillow and stretched out against the ceiling.

"Ya can't get cold hooves! You're the one who cried when she asked!"

"I'm not the one with cold hooves..."

He snapped his fingers and Applejack yelped as she felt a sudden chill in her hooves. She glanced down to see that they had been encased in ice.

"Quit foolin' and get down! Fluttershy's gonna be heartbroken!"

She spun around as the draconequus teleported beside her. She tried to tackle him, but her hooves were stiff in the ice. Discord sighed and went over to stare at his reflection in the mirror.

"What makes you think she'll care if I leave her? She'll probably be relieved!"

"How can you say that?" Spike inquired.

Applejack attempted to walk over to him, but she could not shake off the blocks of ice. Spike used his dragon breath to melt them and free her.

"Thanks," she beamed, before approaching Discord. "Now listen here, partner. You may be different, but I've never seen Fluttershy so happy in my life. You may not be the same species, but love comes in all forms."

"Yeah," Spike nodded. "Like with me and-"

"Like with you and Rarity?" Discord huffed. "Please, like that's ever going to…yow!"

Applejack had stepped on his tail.

"no, like me and Twilight! She's like my mom, but we're different species!"

"My point is that I know what love looks like, and I've never seen two ponies, or any other creatures, more in love than you and Fluttershy. Unless I was mistaken and you don't love her…"

"What are you talking about?" Discord snapped. "Of course, I love her! You think I would say yes if I didn't love her? You think I would have given up my plans for hostile takeover if I didn't love her? Well, let me tell you something, AJ! I love that pony more than anything! You hear? More than anything!"

Applejack smirked. "Whaddaya waiting for then?"

The draconequus blinked and then glanced in the mirror. He then snapped his fingers, making a tuxedo appear on his body.

"GODSPEED YOU HANDSOME DEVIL, YOU!" discord shouted at the top of his lungs, before leaping out of the room in a heroic fashion.

*****

"this is insane, I can't do it dude."

He winced as Applejack nudged him in the side. "You better not bail!"

Every pony was in their positions at the altar. Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were lined up beside the bride's vacant space, Applejack stood alongside Discord, Twilight beside Spike ready with the rings. Cadance stood in the middle, beneath the arch of roses.

The guests had all arrived and the room was packed. Since Discord had no relations, the closest ponyville citizens sat on the groom's side while the ponies from fluttershy's family on the bride's, along with many of Fluttershy's animal friends. Discord could recognize a few faces from his side out of dozens, like Zecora, Minty, Kimono, ect. many from Fluttershy family, of whom he met at a humble family get-together.

Discord choked. "In fact, it's quite hot in here, don't you think?" He tugged on the collar of his suit and wiped the sweat from his brow. "You don't suppose she's changed her mind, do you?"

"She's not late," Rainbow Dash whispered. "The ceremony's not even starting until three."

"But every pony's here! Shouldn't we start now? Ouch!"

"Pull yourself together!" Applejack hissed.

"Quit doing that!" He pulled his tail away and turned the end into a fan.

"Relax. We haven't been standing here that long."

"how long is 'that long' exactly-"

"Put that fan away! It's startin'!"

Sure enough, the bird choir began singing the bridal march, with Angel directing them. the flower girls hopped down the aisle, scattering their petals, discord started panicking.

God, what am I doing here? I shouldn't be here with her, all those suitors and she chose me of all ponies, god I don't deserve her what are you doing here-

Then he looked up and remembered why.

She entered the room with grace and elegance, causing every pony to gawk in awe. She walked down the aisle with her head held high, meeting the groom's gaze through her veil. Her long train was carried by more birds.

A smile spread across Discord's face. "She's beautiful."

Applejack gave him a sly grin. "Easy, Sugar. Save it for the honeymoon."

Meanwhile, the others were tearing up, including the flower girls.

"It's so romantic," Sweetie Belle .

"like a dang ol' fairytale" apple bloom cooed.

"all this mush is starting to get to me." Scootaloo moped through tears.

Fluttershy giggled at them as she passed by. Then she turned her attention back to Discord as she walked up the steps. He gently lifted her veil to reveal her beautiful face. After exchanging a loving look, they faced Princess Cadence. They both kneel upon an embroidered ivory pillow, plush and warm with invitation, and pray to the princesses, the beings of higher magic, and unbeknownst to each other, they both pray to one another.

"Mares and gentle colts," the alicorn announced. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Fluttershy and Discord. Never in the history of Equestria has there ever been a love so mythical, yet it started from the most unusual of circumstances. These two standing before you have proved that love surpasses all differences, all flaws, all faults."

She turned to the bride. "Do you, Fluttershy, take this draconequus to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, until death, do you part?"

Fluttershy looked up into Discord's adoring eyes. "I do."

"And do you, Discord, take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, until death, do you part?

He was so lost in his bride's eyes that he did not hear her at first. "Huh? Oh, I do! Yes, I most definitely do!"

Cadence chuckled. "In that case, may I have the rings?"

Spike presented the silk pillow and Cadence used her magic to levitate the rings. One was attached to a gold chain, which she placed around Fluttershy's neck. The other slid onto the middle finger of Discord's lion paw.

A word from the Equestrian mythology was read, and Cadence spoke once more.

"By the power vested in me, by the crowning of my role, as princess of love," the alicorn continued, "I now pronounce you, spouse and wife. You may kiss-"

The draconequus did not wait for her to finish and pulled his bride in for a dip before pressing his lips against hers as the world seemed to explode into applause around them.

Rarity nudged Rainbow Dash and tilted her head outside.

"Oh, right!"

The pegasus zoomed out of her gown and out into the skies. The couple pulled away just in time to see her sonic rainboom through the windows, one of which shattered on impact. It shone through the sun, bathing the castle in every color visible to the naked eye.

"seven years of bad luck, darling!"

"you'll give me just enough of that," Fluttershy chuckled.

"BEST WEDDING EVER!" Pinkie cried.

The reception was held in the garden. Vinyl Scratch, under her stage name DJ Pon3 played the song for the bride and groom's first dance: "you're my world." Discord had selected it, the song playing when they first kissed. A dance was shared until a slow song played. The first song discord had played for her.

"Shall we?" Applejack bowed to Rainbow Dash.

"Um, it's kinda slow, isn't it?"

"Well, I get if you're not up to the challenge…"

"Hey, wait a minute! Are you saying I can't handle a slow dance?"

"Can you?"

She grabbed her hoof. "Come on, you rascal."

A few songs later, and Rarity was met with an all too familiar unicorn stallion.

"Miss Rarity," Prince Blueblood greeted. "Would you care for a dance?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You're kidding me, right?"

Fortunately, she was saved by the previously intertwined. "Yo Rarity, we're gonna do the sea snake dance, come on!"

Rarity's eyes lit up at the sight of Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "Certainly!"

Discord gazed down at his new wife as she buried her face in his fur. Then he noticed a familiar figure standing off to the side.

"Yo, Zecora!" he called.

Fluttershy looked up as he led her over to the zebra.

"Greetings, you lovebirds, and salutations," she said. "I just wanted to offer my congratulations."

"We have you to thank for this," the bride insisted.

Discord raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? I never told you.

"See, before I accepted your deal, I went to Zecora for advice and she told me to give you a chance- Wait. Never told me what?"

"That I asked Zecora for advice and she helped me make your garden! Hey, hold on!" He pointed accusingly at the zebra. "You knew this was going to happen all along, didn't you?"

Zecora laughed as she walked away. "Prophetic magic? Not a chance. I took a gamble, now go and dance!"

"wuh-"

Fluttershy silenced him with her hoof. "Does it really matter, dear?"

He sighed and took her in his arms. "No, I guess not."

The party lasted throughout the whole night, through to dawn, and just into the morning until 10am. Foals fell asleep on lawn chairs, the cooler ice melted, candy and chili powder littered the ground. It was nonstop dance after dance, the sea snake, the money dance, at one point the men at the reception threw discord into the air! The festivities only stopped when the DJ themself fell asleep. Then, after 1 day of relaxation, the parade went on.

Hours of laughter, music and beads later, and a carriage was ready with 3 ponies to take the couple home, but Discord waved them off.

"No need to exert yourselves, boys. We can drive ourselves."

He released the stallions, paid them their due, and opened the door for his bride with a bow.

"Shall we be off, my dear?"

Once the newlyweds were in the carriage, every pony waved to them and they waved back, until they were a spot in the distance.

Discord sighed and glanced slyly at Fluttershy. "Alone at last."

He was about to put an arm around her when an acorn hit him. He turned to see Angel and the other animals sitting across from them.

"What the…what are they doing here?"

"Well, I said they could move in with us," Fluttershy explained.

"You what?!"

"They're just going to live in the garden. They won't get in the way."

"But do they have to ride with us? I can just zap them to the garden and…"

She stopped his paw before he could cast a spell. "Please? They want to ride so badly, and they've got very polite bathroom habits, so the rental stays clean-"

Discord shrugged. "Happy wife, Happy life I guess."

They arrived at Fluttershy's little cottage, now covered in newly grown springtime flowers.

"Okay, we're here! Now scram!"

The animals seemed to giggle and scatter into the gardens. Fluttershy smiled shook her head.

He teleported himself outside and opened the door of the carriage. He then lifted her into his arms bridal style and carried her towards the castle.

"Home sweet home," he mused. "Never really had one until you lived with me."

"It's much more colorful."

"Oh yes, very."

She giggled as he poked her in the belly. "I think I can live with that."

The front door opened automatically and Fluttershy could feel the weight of the week lifting off of her back.

"What do you think of the interior?" Discord inquired.

"Less dizzy."

He chuckled. "I thought you'd like it. Wait until you see the honeymoon suite."

At his command, a door hanging high on the wall with no stairs leading to it opened. He flew her up to it and Fluttershy gawked at the décor of the room. Everything was in the shape of a heart: the bed, the pillows, the windows, the chandelier, the candles in the chandelier, etc. She did not know what to say about it.

"It's, um…very…"

"a lot, I know. Makes me want to gag too, but isn't this how most honeymoon suites look? I don't think we can afford a honeymoon."

"I wouldn't know."

"Oh well, I'm too tired to change anything now. What even is a honeymoon?"

"don't know, don't care, we have our whole marriage to figure it out."

They plopped onto the plush mattress, kissing gentle and sweet, and drifted off into perfect dreams.