//------------------------------// // Surprise! (Bonus chapter) // Story: "Ooopsie" // by Golden Paw //------------------------------// Surprise! "Discord Stop!" Fluttershy squeaked as the now unicorn Discord pulled her along by a trembling hoof. "Not now my dear, busy running for our lives. I will explain every thing once we have some distance from Miss Rarity," As if to reinforce the point there was a distant rumble and a light sprinkling of candyfloss began to drizzle from the sky. "But..." Fluttershy tried once again as she was dragged around another corner. Discord was making steady progress away from Twilight's library and showed no intention of stopping now. Behind them the sounds of a very irate draconequus resounded around Ponyville. Rarity was quickly discovering just how much magical power a creature of chaos could bring to bear and how much said powers were linked to the mood of a draconequus. Rarity's fury at being tricked into swapping species with Discord was evident as the sky filled with swirling clouds of confetti, cheese cake and one very startled flamingo, "It's just high spirits, she will calm down in no time" Discord assured his fellow pony as they once again had to duck a low flying hamster. The general cries of alarm and panic added to the mayhem as ponies galloped about frantically. They fled the epicenter of the chaos storm as it worked it's bizarre effects further and further a field. Discord turned his attention from his mad dash to Fluttershy, "Now my dear I'll explain everything, well almost everything, actually just what you need to know, infact......" Unfortunately with his focus on the yellow pegasus, Discord failed to see the impending obstacle and was cut off mid ramble as he ran head first into a red wall. Discord blinked up as the large form of Bigmac stared down at the small grey unicorn in surprise. Bigmac's green eyes went wide as saucers as he recognised who it was with the distracted unicorn. "Fluttershy?" Was all the stallion was able to ask before Discord cannoned off in another direction, dragging the reluctant filly behind him. Fluttershy was able to give Bigmac a little wave before she and Discord disappeared around the corner. Bigmac's gentle face was full of confusion as he watched the pair flee and the building they had galloped past begin to dribble tomato source from it's windows. The hefty stallion was about to call out when something else careened into his flank with a cry of "Tarn sarnet!" Bigmac easily recognised his younger sister's curse and turned to see Applejack now lying on the floor with a large marshmallow in place of her normal hat. Evedently running into her older brother had forced the confection over her eyes and despite himself Bigmac couldn't help but grin at the sight. He reached forward and began to pull off parts of the sugary 'hat' with his teeth. "Ur A.J what's goin on?" Bigmac asked in a lost voice once he had freed Applejack from her white face mask. As soon as she could see again Applejack glared at the world in general. Her normally neat mane was now thoroughly gummed up with fluffy sweet which to Bigmac surprise didn't catch fire, I had been along time since Bigmac had seen Applejack this furious. "Discord pony-napped Fluttershy n turned Rarity inter a draconcuss thingy!" Applejack yelled before resuming her pursuit of the fleeing pair, "More than that he owes me a new hat!" Applejack called as she too rounded the corner. It took only moments for Bigmac to follow his sister's example and quickly galloped after the others as the rain turned 'chocolate moose' flavoured. Bigmac had to duck and weave as life size replicas of the animal began to shatter all around him. Very soon the ground was ankle deep brown tasty fragments and showed no sign of stopping. About seven minutes and an ecstatic Pinkie later, Discord peeked out from under the awning from sugar cube corner he had 'aquired' during their mad flight. Discord had led Fluttershy on a merry dance through the streets whilst doing his best to avoid the raging Rarity along the growing number of ponies hunting Discord, no doubt to bring him to account for the rampaging white and blue draconequus now terrorising Ponyville.. After hiding from a number of herds, things finally seemed to be quieting down. The 'moose' rain abated and was quickly replaced by the bright sunshine of a normal Ponyville day. Satisfied that they were in no immediate danger of discovery Discord tucked his head back under the awning and grinned at Fluttershy. She just watched the unicorn with a disbelieving look in her gentle eyes. "Now we have a moment my dear I...." Discord trailed off as Fluttershy's face morphed to an angry scowl and the unicorn felt his resolve melting in the face of that stare. "Discord, what have you done now?" Fluttershy asked in a cold voice. "well I er...I" Discord tried to wring his hands in embarrassment only to remember too late that he was hooved once again. "Well?" Fluttershy repeated in a far more forceful tone and Discord felt his ears press down against his head. "I may have accidentally used the potions in Twilight's laboratory to swap places with Rarity," Discord tried to make the 'inverted-comma' signal with his fingers but just ended up waving his hooves up and down in a silly way. The power of the stare increased and Discord shrunk back from Fluttershy, "But it's only for one day I assure you!" Discord cried out all the while shielding his face from those 'disapproving eyeballs'. Weather Fluttershy had improved her art, or because he was now a pony the effect was the same and Discord found he couldn't meet the angered glare of the timid pegasus. "Turn-her-back-now" Fluttershy spoke in a definite tone, her eyes never leaving Discord. "Well I, as much as I would like too...." Discord mumbled in response. "Now Discord!" Fluttershy's eyes had grown to fill Discord's whole world and he practically cowered in the corner of their small hiding place. "I can't!" The unicorn pleaded, "As I told you it's only for one afternoon, Rarity wasn't an alicorn so there wasn't enough magic to make it permanent! We'll revert back at sundown, honest!" Fluttershy lent back and closed her eyes much to Discord's relief, "So you did know what you were doing with this whole mess then? You were just pulling our legs?" As she opened her eyes once more Fluttershy saw the look of injured pride on Discord's pony face. "Why of course not! That really was an accident, but it seemed such a shame to let such knowledge go to waste and so I took the chance for a little 'holiday'" Discord continued to fiddle with his hooves in an anxious way, his eyes never leaving the floor. Fluttershy wasn't sure if she believed him or not. Discord was practically a compulsive liar, but she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, again. "Okay, but did you think what Rarity would think of your 'little holiday'?" Fluttershy didn't use the 'stare' this time, but the note of disapproval was clear. "Well I did actually," Discord retorted in a defensive tone as he sat up to be eye level with Fluttershy, "She was so highly strung and obsessed with every thing being 'so-so'. I thought it best to give her a break from that and now she can let her mane down for the rest of the day." Discord looked up to the sky noting the return of normality. "See all better" He smiled his mischievous smile once more and Fluttershy raised an eyebrow again. Discord coughed, "Alright fine I didn't think that far ahead, but I still think it turned out pretty well nevertheless. She really is quite inventive as a draconequus. I Believe I could learn a thing or two from her," Fluttershy gave Discord another 'look' and the pony bowed his head in submission. "Well then, now you need to promise not to do anything like this again before I take you up on your offer of a fun afternoon," Fluttershy had taken on a reprimanding voice that Discord was growing to fear, but then his head registered what she had said and his ears pricked up in excitement. "Really? You would have a fun afternoon with me?" The unicorn's voice full of hope. Fluttershy nodded but held up a hoof, "Yes, but first the promise." Discord knew what was expected of him, "Cross my heart and hop....." Discord began before suddenly the awing was torn off their hiding place to reveal a triumphant Applejack backed up by Bigmac who loomed over the pair. "I'll save you Miss Fluttershy!" Bigmac roared as he brought the flat of a garden spade clanging down on Discord's head. The unicorn went corss-eyed as little apples circled about his head. The unconscious pony toppled sideways, leaving a shocked Fluttershy who stared up at a beaming Bigmac taking pride at a job well done. "Yer didn't have to hit him that hard, he aint a dracona thingy no more," Applejack scolded her big brother as the sheepish stallion helped Discord out of the door of Ponyville Hospital. "Sorry A.J, but yer did say he had pony-napped Miss Fluttershy," Bigmac apologised for the third time. "Your concern for me is very touching Applejack, thank you," Discord nursed his bandaged head as he weaved his unsteady way along the path leading back to town. "Think nothin of it yer varmint, if Bigmac goes and finishes yer off before I get a whack at yer I would never fergive him," Discord glanced in fear at Applejack, the grin on her face didn't bode well for him. "Ladies first Applejack, my revenge takes precedence," Discord's eyes went wide with fear as he turned to look at the coiled form of Rarity who was watching the four ponies from a nearby tree. "Ah Miss Rarity, I er...I" Discord stammered before the white beast vanished and reappeared floating in the air before him, her blue eyes full of mischief. Discord trembled as he did his best to produce another of his winning smiles, "I see you have gotten the hang of chaos magic then, good for you." Rarity casually studied her eagle's claw (which Discord noted was immaculate and had 'talon polish' on it) while keeping literally one eye focused on the unicorn. Rarity's grin only widened as she pretended to buff her lion's claw against her chest before turning her full and imposing attention on Discord. "Well it was a shock I must say, but after the initial upset 'chaos' and I have come to an understanding, I can be very persuasive when I choose to be," If Discord's ears weren't already covered in bandages they would have pressed tightly against his aching skull. Rarity gave a little sigh before continuing on, "And while I would have loved to try out some of my fabulous ideas on you dear Discord, Fluttershy informs me that she has an agreement with you for a fun day out?" Discord grasped this life line whole hardheartedly and nodded his head vigorously, remembering too late his current injuries. He swayed and clutched his sore head as as Rarity continued, "Very well then, I shall have to find other ways to entertain myself," with that Rarity snapped her lion's paw and vanished with a distant echo of disturbing laughter. "Oh what have I unleashed upon the world?" Discord moaned while holding his head in his hooves. "With Rarity it'll be summit fabulously 'Froo-Froo' yer can count on that," Applejack said with a slight shudder, "But at least it'll only be fer one afternoon, I doubt even she can cause that much trouble in such a short time. "Don't count on it," Discord warned as Fluttershy looked expectantly at him. "So?" Fluttershy asked as Discord stared incomprehensibly at her, his head still spinning. "So what?" The dazed stallion asked back. Fluttershy continued to stare at Discord, "So what's the plan for the next few hours? You promised me a fun day and so far all you've done is taken me to Ponyville hospital," Discord blinked a few times as he tried to recall the fuzzy events leading up to his encounter with a spade. Fortunately Applejack came to the rescue, "All sorted Fluttershy, were gonna have yer both over ter Sweet Apples fer a dinner date. Bigmac want's ter make up fer conckin 'D' on the noggin." Applejack lowered her voice, "Even if I reckon he deserved it." Discord failing to notice beamed happily at this idea, while secretly noting to take more care before enacting a plan in the future. Being a unicorn for just one afternoon was proving far from the relaxing experience he had hoped for. The sun was well past it's zenith before Discord and Fluttershy found themselves seated at a wooden table just off the edge of the main apple orchard at Sweet Apple Acres. After the hectic events of the morning Discord was looking forward to some peace and alone time with his pegasus friend. He stared with a slightly glazed expression as the pony sat across the red and white checked table cloth and smiled contentedly. This wasn't to last, as Discord soon discovered his dear friend looked everywhere but directly at him and didn't utter one word. "So um how's Angel doing? I haven't seen him since yesterday," Discord spoke, desperately attempting to break the awkward silence that had settled on the pair. He didn't want it this peaceful. "He's fine," Fluttershy responded with a small voice as she looked off towards the house. "That's um good?" Discord had not pictured this meeting going like this. How did one talk to a pony mare during dinner? A draconequus just threw the most interesting thing they could create at the other sex and if the girl didn't throw it back right away you were off to a good start, but here with Fluttershy it meant talking to her. "Your mane is very pretty this evening," Discord tried again, Compliment's normally work alright he told himself. "Thank you," Fluttershy stated while looking to Bigmac who shifted uncomfortably. Once again it seemed she wouldn't be drawn into a conversation and Discord sank a little lower in his seat. When he was his usual self there was always something to talk about, true it was normally ponies yelling at him to stop whatever mischief he was about that time, but it was something, but as a pony he didn't have much of a skill set to draw on. Mercifully Applejack and Applebloom arrived with the first course, which was unsurprisingly apples. Discord lunged at the chance for a topic, "So what do you think of apples my dear?" For a moment Discord hoped he had finally found a topic which would coax Fluttershy into saying more than two words in reply. Discord's heart sank again as Fluttershy gave another noncommittal answer "Their okay I guess," Well four is an improvment I guess. Applejack gave a snort which caused Fluttershy to hurriedly press on, "But the ones from Sweet Apple acres are some of the best I have every tasted." The reassured A.J smiled at this praise before totting back off to the kitchen once more. Bigmac came forward and placed two mugs of cider on the table and Discord once again attempted to find something to talk about, "Ah this must be the famous Apple Cider I have been told about, I hear it's known to slide down your throat like silk and very is good," Discord eagerly lifted his mug with a flash of magic, but before he could take a sip the unicorn thought he heard a distant 'snap', followed by an quiet echoing chuckle. "Did you hear that?" Discord looked around fearing Rarity had returned, but he could see no sign of her. Fluttershy just shook her head and Discord looked to Bigmac who wore a similar bemused expression on his red face. He shrugged and once again lifted his mug, watching as Fluttershy did the same. As the pegasus drank it became clear that she enjoyed the sweet and slightly fizzy drink as it drained down her throat and Discord raised his mug. Fluttershy's face turned to one of worry as Discord began to cough and frantically thumped his chest with a hoof. As his eyes went wide, Discord's pained voice wheeze out, "Woha that's got a kick to it, I didn't know the apples made it so strong." "Are you sure? It tastes quite mild to me," Fluttershy announced as she took another long draft and showed no ill effects. Discord eyed his mug carefully, true he had never tasted Sweet Apple cider before, maybe he just wasn't used to it? Not to be outdone by Fluttershy, especially with the Bigmac watching Discord winced as he poured the burning fire down his throat. The poor pony's eyes were streaming but finally he set down his mug in triumph. His challenge completed, Discord hungrily turned his attention to the pair of rosy red apples. They certainly looked good and after that drink he felt that some cool juicy fruit would be just the ticket for his ravaged throat. He picked up the first apple in anticipation, but paused as once again he heard the distant sound of a 'click'. He was sure this time. Instantly Discord's eyes narrowed and he searched about once more for the source of the noise. Fluttershy was busy finishing her first apple and about to start the second with no troubles at all. Discord, with a bit more caution this time Discord raised the apple slowly to his mouth and suspiciously took a tiny bite of it. The fruit was so sour that Discord felt his lips suck in on themselves and despite his best effort he couldn't spit out the offending chunk of poison. He looked at Fluttershy through running eyes to see the pegasus devouring her fruit with every sign of enjoyment. Left with little choice Discord was forced to swallow once again and the lump of 'hellfire' stung his throat all the way down. Placing the offending apple down with care Discord took a moment to catch his breath (along with double double checking his tongue was still there) before slowly raising the second morsel to his muzzle and sniffed. This one smelled fine also and no matter how hard he listened there was not sounds of distant laughter or snapping fingers. Cautiously Discord opened his jaw but before he bit into the suspect fruit his nerve failed him, "You know I think I'll save some room for the main course." Aha on to you Rarity, your not going to catch me out this time. I have been at the 'pranking' game far longer than you my dear. Fluttershy stared at Discord in disbelief, "Are you alright Discord, these apples are the best I have ever had. Well if you're not going to," To Discord's amazement the normally timid Fluttershy leant over and grabbed the apple before Discord could stop her. Discord screwed his eyes shut expecting to hear sound of pain and disgust as Fluttershy bit off half the apple in one go and chewed with enthusiasm. Discord winced as the filly made a strange noise and feared the worst, Fluttershy didn't deserve whatever Rarity had aimed at him, but to his dismay the filly gave out a contented sigh, "Oh my this is the best one yet! Oh Discord I can't believe you wouldn't try it!" Without pausing to offer some to Discord, Fluttershy consumed the rest of the apple with almost unseemly haste and making contented sighs every time she paused for breath. "Well it's grand ter see somepony like's our wares." Discord whipped around to see Applejack glaring at him and the stallion was certain he caught the distant sound of cackling on the breeze. "Two/love my dear, oh you really should have chosen some other pony to exchange with. My this is spectacular fun and I could honestly see myself getting used to this," Rarity's voice echoed in Discords head. "Don't count on it, sundown isn't that far away," Discord grumbled under his breath. "Pardon I didn't catch that?" Applejack asked in a suspicious voice. "I said: I wanted dear Fluttershy to enjoy your treats, only the best for her today," Discord responded in a much louder tone. "Awww that's mighty sweet of you Discord, I guess yer aint that bad after all," Applejack winked to Fluttershy who smiled timidly. "Bigmac grab the main course, I recon these two'll be ready fer some real Apple Family cookin!" The red stallion nodded and A.J went towards the house, leaving Discord glancing around with a hunted expression. "Are you sure you're okay Discord? You look distracted," Fluttershy asked with genuine worry in her voice. "Oh I'm fine, just enjoying the feel of the cooler air, this place is wonderful when the is settling no?" Discord quickly peered under the table before looking back up to Fluttershy who smiled sweetly. "You know Discord this is actually kind of nice, thank you for suggesting it. It seems you're just a lively and unpredictable as a pony. It's been sometime since I was taken out for dinner," Fluttershy informed Discord as she stared at the departing Apple family members. When she looked back Discord was smiling sheepishly. "Your most welcome my dear, after all you've done for me it's the least I could do," Despite Rarity's interruptions Discord found he really did enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time with his first true friend. He heard the echoing yawn of the draconequus in his head once more, but found he didn't mind all that much. Very soon A.J and Bigmac returned with two plates covered by cloths. Discord's unease rushed back with them, it was a good guess that Rarity was out to make this little get together the worst night of Discord's pony life and he braced himself for the onslaught of trickery. All things considered the evening went fairly well in Discord's opinion. Sure there was the moment when his bread had attempted to strangle him, or when his pudding turned into coal in his mouth, but overall Discord actually found himself enjoying the evening immensely. As the day began drawing properly to a close Discord even got a chance to dance with Fluttershy in the fading light. Granny Smith had gotten out her old banjo and played a country tune where all the family joined in. As the sky began to darken further hundreds of candle bugs began to buzz about, filling the glades with early stars. After thanking their hosts for the wonderful evening Discord walked Fluttershy home and with the sun just peeking over the horizon Discord bid Fluttershy a fond goodnight as she entered her cottage. The lucky pony even earned a small parting peck on the cheek for his efforts and Discord trotted back down the path with a little bounce in his step. With out anywhere in particular to go Discord settled down quietly at the end of Fluttershy's pathway and watched the sun's last golden rays glimmer as if in welcome to the moon. Luna's orb was just starting to make it's steady way skywards as a bright flash behind Discord announced the arrival of Rarity. Once the meal had concluded the she had been silent and Discord assumed Rarity must have wandered off to find something else to do. She gave a gentle sigh as Rarity shared the magical sight of the sun going to it's rest, "So how did you like being a unicorn, was it every thing you hoped for?" Rarity asked with a slight grin, her blue eyes sparkling in the failing light. "Well it's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there," Discord chuckled in reply. "Thanks for keeping the chaos mulling over while I had a break, I would have blown it tonight without you constant interruptions keeping me on my hooves," Discord winked at Rarity who suddenly found her claws far more interesting than the unicorn next to her. "Why I don't know what you mean, I was simply getting you back for the last dinner you spoiled for me. You know that soup never did wash out of my dress," Rarity found she couldn't meet Discord's knowing eyes, "That and turning me into this walking jumble of oddities." Discord laughed out loud this time, "Ah Rarity, you're not a very good liar, I saw some of the things you dreamed up while chasing Fluttershy and I down the streets of Ponyville. If you wanted you could have done far worse to me during this evening. As you said before, you're very creative." Discord watched as Rarity flicked her expertly managed hair, It seemed even as a creature of chaos she took great cares to maintain her dazzling looks, "Okay, okay, so I did just enough to keep it interesting. That silence was deafening and I had to give you two something to talk about." "You would make a very 'noble' draconequus Miss Rarity, I don't think the world could cope with that," Discord chuckled once again as the sun sunk even deeper behind the curve of the world. It was Rarity's turn to laugh out loud this time, "Oh that's nice of you Discord. True, I do believe I could make it work but it's just not for me," She grinned a miss matched set of fangs that still somehow managed to look right, "Plus you make a terrible pony and I know for a fact you have no chance with Fluttershy," Rarity revealed as the failing light seeped out of the world and the twinkling stars began to shine. "And what prey tell does that mean?" Discord asked in an indignant tone. Rarity's eyes sparkled with amusement, "Why she has her heart set on Bigmac, surely you knew?" "What!" Discord cried as a familiar tingling began to spread up his hooves, the sun's rim was almost touching the horizon now. "Did you ever wonder why such a gentle stallion would be so crass as to bash you with a spade?" Rairty asked as both creatures were surrounded in a multi-coloured glow, "He clearly has feelings for her also." Discord blinked and gaped in astonishment just before his entire world went white. After an uncertain moment Discord stretched as he looked around the world from his once again impressive height and stared down at the small white pony sitting next to him. In a voice back to his own natural octave Discord stared at Rarity in disbelief, "She never told me that!" Rarity smiled up at the restored draconequus and gave him a little wink, "Well she didn't tell me either but a lady is sensitive to these things." Discord had a sudden suspicion and narrowed his miss matched eyes, "You looked in her diary didn't you!" Rarity blushed at this accusation, "Why of course I didn't, what kind of pony do you take me for?" Discord smiled, "Well for most of the day you haven't been a pony at all and just happened to have tremendous magical powers at your disposal." Rarity gave an embarrassed cough, "Well I may have taken a peek, along with the sneeking a glance at the next up and coming fashion magazines. It pays to know the competition you know and I simply couldn't have wasted such a golden opportunity." Her voice changed to sound much more understanding of the monster next to her, "Also I did get terribly bored," Rarity cocked her head as a thought occurred to her. "How did you know what was in Fluttershy's diary?" It was Discord's turn to blush, "Oh I just found it lying locked and hidden away where any self respecting creature of chaos would need to test the security." Rarity shook her head, having been a draconequus for the best part of the day she knew how hard it would have been to resist poking around. She certainly hadn't been able to, "Well I won't tell if you don't," She held out a hoof to shake Discord's claw, but remembering what happened last time quickly pulled it away again. Discord's face became one of intense curiosity, "But Bigmac? How did you know his feeling for her? Rarity laughed softly, "Oh that didn't take any great skill or magic, stallion's are dreadful at hiding their intentions from one such as I. You just have to see the way he looks at Fluttershy to know, it's a mare thing you would never understand Discord." The unicorn cocked an eyebrow, "One thing does bother me though, if you've seen her diary then why make all this effort Discord?" The draconequus, grinned again knowing he had been rumbled a second time, "Well I'm not as unobservant as you take me for Miss Rarity. I felt they needed a nudge in the right direction too, worth a spade to the head to let Bigmac play the hero for her don't you think?" Discord was impressed, Rarity was turning out to be a very savvy mare. Rarity nodded in agreement, "Nevertheless, no more pony swapping okay? Or next time I'll insist that who ever you swap with will make your life a living Tartarous you got that," Rarity instructed the beast before her. Discord paused for a moment before replying, "If you insist, but admit it you had fun too?" Rarity dipped her head and peered in a disapproving way at Discord who shrugged in defeat, "Oh fine, have it your way." Rarity continued to stare, "Say it, Fluttershy kept her side of the deal and you never finished the promise." Discord knew when he was beaten and he certainly wouldn't let Fluttershy down. He'd had his fun and had no immediate plans to become a pony again, "Cross my heart and hope to fly" Discord did a little spin in the air while painting a red cross on his chest, "Stick a cup cake in my eye...gah." He shouted out in pain as the icing dribbled down his face, he had gotten too used to pony magic. Rarity, now satisfied, gave Discord a little wave goodbye which he happily returned. As she began to trot home for some much needed rest Discord rubbed his chin in a thoughtful way. The creature floated in the air for a moment before he snapped his fingers and produced all the required elements for the transformation. "Maybe just once more? Maybe a pegasus this time?" Discord looked up to Cloudsdale and wondered what Rainbow would do with all the powers of chaos at her command. Before his plans could progress any further however, a Pink blur zoomed out of a nearby bush and clambered up his back. Discord suddenly found himself confronted by a pair of large, angry blue eyes held in an upside down face. "Don't even think about it Mr, no draconequus breaks a pinkie promise on my watch," Pinkie Pie said with a serious tone that caused even a monster of immortal chaos to pause. With this done she vanished and Discord snapped his fingers once again, causing the chemicals to vanish in a puff of smoke. "Then again maybe not." He said to the world in general before vanishing himself. Besides there was always buffalo and griffons or even dragons to consider....... The End.