//------------------------------// // I`ll protect you // Story: Distorted Departure // by fluttercord45 //------------------------------// “Wow…” Fluttershy lay atop Discord as she stared off into the sky. Though that night it was a bit cold, the small fire her husband had made was more than enough to counteract it. “See? Didn’t I say it would be a good idea to stay outside?” Discord gently squeezed the pegasus. A warm smile spread across her muzzle. “And you were right. The stars… they’re so beautiful!” “Not as beautiful as you,” he commented as he ran his paw through her soft pink mane. Time was of no importance as they relaxed below Luna’s night, lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, a cold breeze washed over the mare, rippling through her fur as she shivered ever so slightly. In response, the draconequus gently wrapped his own body around hers. “Thank you, sweetie, ” she replied contently as she snuggled closer. “Anything for you, my dear.” Discord chuckled a little to himself as he slowly nuzzled her mane. Suddenly, a small flickering light flashed by in Luna’s sky. “Oh, a shooting star! Make a wish, Discord.” Fluttershy closed her eyes and began to think hard… at least, until she heard a familiar chuckling. The mare stared at him quizzically, to which Discord responded calmly: “Oh my dear, why would I make a wish now? I already have everything I could wish for… right here.” The draconequus smiled at his wife, who smiled back and gave him a quick kiss on the check. “I love you so much, Discord.” "I love you too, Fluttershy.” They both continued to gaze up at the starry sky, until suddenly Discord had an idea. “One second, Fluttershy. I’ll be right back.” “Where are you going?” “Oh, now, don’t you worry. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” With a small kiss, the draconequus took to the skies and flashed away, leaving Fluttershy a bit befuddled. Oh, what could he be up to? A tiny smile crept up her lips, but before she could think any further, a small trembling arose in the ground below her. “Eeep!” Before she had a chance to take off, an outstretched hand caught her in a firm grip. Out from where she had stood rose three creatures, three that Fluttershy recognized instantly: “D-D-Diamond d—” Quickly, one of the dogs placed a paw on her muzzle. “Be quiet, pony! We got you now!” With as much strength as she could muster, she began to squirm in his grasp, contorting her body this way and that, hoping for that one opportunity… “Ah, I can’t hold her! What are you buffoons doing? Help m—” At that instant, the grip on her mouth lessened just a bit, but for all intents and purposes it was enough. “DISCO—!” And that was all she could say before the second dog slammed her muzzle shut. “Come on, quickly! Put her in the bag!” “But if I move I can’t keep her quiet!” “You idiot! Why don’t you use that powder the boss gave us?” Fluttershy simply watched in horror as her captors finished arguing. The largest dog reached inside his vest and pulled out a small black pouch. Squirm after squirm proved fruitless as the dog slowly poured some sparkling blue powder in his paw and blew it on her face. “Mmmf! Mmf! Mm…” Fluttershy could feel her eyelids closing against her will as her body slowly grew limp… And then there was only darkness. “Wh-Where…” Fluttershy blinked her eyes in succession in an attempt to make out the blurry outlines before her. After a couple of seconds, the images began to sharpen, and she started to make out other features: the slouch in three distinct figures, the small holes riddling the other…Holes? Fear slowly worked its way through the pony’s body, almost ridding her of her strength as she recognized that tall, holed figure… But it wasn’t fear that held her. No, from what Fluttershy could discern, she was being trapped in some sort of… receptacle? A cocoon? I… I can’t… move my legs… She would have kept trying for many more seconds, had not a familiar voice spoken at that instant. “Seems like somepony finally decided to wake up.” The black figure’s malicious tone made Fluttershy cringe just a bit. “Nice work, dogs. You can leave now.” “B-but what about our reward? You promised us gems, Queen Chrysalis.” “They will be sent to your caves. Now leave before I change my mind!” The dogs quickly scampered away as she returned her gaze to the pony imprisoned before her. “Oh, if it isn’t the Element of Kindness, Miss Fluttershy herself.” “W-w-what are you going to do with me?” Fluttershy tried her best to hide her fear, but she knew she would not last long as she stared deep into Chrysalis’s dark, cold eyes. “Why, I’m just going to let you wait here for a little while, until Discord comes to rescue you, of course. Then we’ll be able to negotiate.” “N-negotiate?" “Oh, yes. I’ll make him a simple deal… a deal he can’t refuse.” Right before Fluttershy’s eyes, the changeling’s body began to morph, the black changing to pale yellow, all the features becoming a mirror image… down to the glittering turquoise in her eyes and the three butterflies on her flank. “Soon, I shall finally rule all of Equestria. To tell you the truth, I never expected you to get married with the God of Chaos.” The changeling leaned closer to the cocoon, close enough to see the small droplets trailing down the captive’s muzzle. “But thanks to you, I will control the most chaotic force of all.” “N-no… No! Y-you can’t do this!” “And you’re going to stop me? I’d love to see you try.” With that, Chrysalis headed out of the chamber, a small smirk on her muzzle. “Let’s see how much love I can feed off of him.” “Wow, look at all those gems!” A small mountain of brilliant, sparkling rocks lay in the center of the chamber, leaving all the dogs around it in awe. “Quick! Store it in th… th… th—” A small rumble at the center of the pile began to grow with unprecedented speed as the dogs simply stood there, completely stupefied. It didn’t take long for them to recognize the figure that know stood atop the glittering stones. “You’re D-D-Dis—” “Now, I do believe something of great value was taken from me just a moment ago.” The entire chamber suddenly glowed red as every dog’s fur began to stand on end. Small sparks of electricity crackled from the gems to the walls of the cavern as the enraged draconequus made his way towards the largest of the pack. “And if you know what’s good for you, you will show me the way.” The search was on as Discord arrived at a black castle, its texture easily giving away the nature of its ruler. So it was Chrysalis, then. In the form of a snake, he slithered around from corridor to corridor, searching in every nook and cranny… until he at last came to a large black door, slightly ajar, just enough space for him to poke his head in. That was when he saw it: Fluttershy was lying down, peppered with small cuts and bruises. In an instant, he appeared at her side and gently lifted her up. “Fluttershy, are you okay?” “Discord… you came for me?” The king of chaos smiled warmly. “You know I’d always come for you, my love.” A short, heartfelt hug drew the two of them together before he spoke again. “Where’s Chrysalis? I have to get you out before she returns.” “I… I don’t know… she said she wanted you, or something like that…” “Okay, I’ll deal with her later. I’ll send you b—” But something caught his attention: those eyes. “Fluttershy… do you love me?” “Of course I do, honey. Why do you ask?” “Just a thought.” He reached out to Fluttershy and kissed her once, only once…Before he constricted his body around her. “You’re not Fluttershy. Show your true form.” “Ow, Discord, stop that! You’re hurting me!” Her eyes grew watery as she tried her best to act afraid. “Cut the act. When I look into Fluttershy’s eyes, I see happiness, kindness, love— that same emotion that makes me feel weird inside. Do you know what I see when I look into your eyes? I see anger, revenge, all those chaotic emotions I used to toy with. Did you think I wouldn’t notice how you’re feeding off my love just now?” The impostor quickly teleported herself out of the choke hold and reappeared a couple feet in front of Discord. “But you know what your biggest mistake was?” Discord continued. “You’re not wearing her wedding ring.” “Hmm… you’re very clever. I guess I should have learned a little more about that wimpy pegasus.” The transformation was already in process as green flames erupted from the impostor’s yellow mane, leaving behind that familiar chitinous shell. “Behold, Discord, my true form!” Queen Chrysalis charged a large amount of energy on her horn and shot it at Discord, propelling him backwards into the wall and leaving a large crater in its wake. “Thought you got me, now didn’t you?” Discord appeared right in front of Chrysalis and stared angrily into her eyes. “Now, where is my dear Fluttershy? Answer me!” “Oh, I’ll give her back… if you do what I say.” “My patience is wearing thin! Give her back to me or I’ll d —” “Remember now, her life is in my hooves. So, do you want your loving wife back or not?” The changeling walked smugly around Discord as she predicted his response. “I’m listening. What do you want?” “I’ll let your dear Fluttershy go, don’t worry about that… IF you help me take over all of Equestria. With my army of changelings and your chaotic powers, not even the princesses could stop us! I’ll even let you rule alongside me, and you can live for all eternity with your dear wife as a queen.” “And if I refuse this deal?” “Then your wife will become a large source of food for us… down to the very last drop. So, what will it be?” Silence as he pondered. “Hmm…Hu… hu…Hahahahaha!” “What are you laughing at, Discord?” “Did you really think I would join you? Have you forgotten who I am? I’m Discord, the master of chaos!” One snap and thunderclaps rang ominously throughout the room. “I highly suggest you let my wife go.” “Too bad for you. She’ll make a great meal f—” Discord reached out with one paw and grabbed the changeling by her neck, squeezing tighter and tighter with each passing second. Chrysalis watched as his eyes burned brightly… literally. “Nobody, and I mean nobody touches Fluttershy and her love other than me!” In one quick gesture, Discord rammed the changeling straight through the wall in front of him. Large jagged slabs of black stone crashed onto the floor, producing a powerful burst of sound. “Now tell me, where is she? Tell me or I’ll d—” “D-Discord?” That was the voice he yearned to hear. That was truly her voice. “Fluttershy?” He turned and there she was, imprisoned in a green cocoon. It was her, it was really her… or was it? “Fluttershy, do you trust me?” “O-of course, Discord.” “Then don’t move a muscle.” An immense heat began to rise from within Discord’s body, and out of his mouth flames protruded and covered the cocoon. Slowly it started to melt, and Fluttershy closed her eyes but stayed motionless. The flames continued to propagate, forward and forward, inching ever closer to the mare…She opened her eyes at that instant and almost fainted. She wanted to flee, to move the slightest bit away from the flames…But she saw Discord’s face through the fire.And she stayed still. And when she opened her eyes, he was still there.That was when he knew…When he looked into her eyes. “Oh, Fluttershy.” “Discord!” Tears flew across her face as she galloped with all her might to her savior, to her husband, into Discord’s arms. “I knew you would come back to save m—” BAM Discord careened backwards as the green blast made impact. “Now, now, did you forget about me?” Chrysalis’s horn glowed once again, and this time a small cloud of magic began to appear around Fluttershy. “Oh no you don’t!” Discord instantly pinned the changeling down, but in response she sent another magical beam at her assailant, propelling him upwards. Unfurling her wings, Chrysalis flew towards Fluttershy, who was still too petrified about the fight occurring before her. “I’ve got you n—” Chrysalis was only barely able to stop as a ball of cotton candy zoomed by her head. There stood Discord, a cannon in front of him…And he was mad. “You won’t survive this, Chrysalis!” Volley after volley of cotton candy charged directly at the villain as she dodged them left and right… Until one of them struck her wings. Flight no longer possible, Chrysalis fell to the ground but quickly stood back up. “Well played, Discord…But let’s see if you can handle what’s next.” One small whistle later and tens of changelings suddenly appeared in front of her, all of them copying Fluttershy’s form. “Discord, come on, let’s go!” “Don’t listen to her. I’m Fluttershy!” “No, I am!” “No, I am!” Slowly, step by step, they encircled Discord and inched forward. The draconequus carefully inspected each one, but he didn’t have much time to lose. Some changeling drones had already finished removing the cotton candy from their queen’s wings, and she was getting poised for the final attack… When he felt it. The love…It was slowly being taken from him…And a brilliant idea struck him.The changelings wanted his love for Fluttershy? Then let them have it. The entire room lit up in a grand display of color…The explosion could be heard all the way to Canterlot. “But… but how…” Chrysalis was on the floor, as were the rest of the changelings, all reverted back to their black, chitinous forms. The only one left standing was Fluttershy, who was awestruck only for a second. Then, she spotted Discord’s smile, and she ran right over to him. Oh, how time can speed up and slow down to suit the moment, how even one second can seem too long, or an eternity too short…. “If I can’t win… then at least I can take her from you.” With one small movement, Chrysalis gathered up the remains of the love she had absorbed, and she shot that final blast. And he was just a second too late. The magic struck Fluttershy directly on her back and sent her careening into Discord, who expertly caught her and fell on his back to protect her. “Fluttershy… Fluttershy, are you alright?” No response. “Come on Flutters, speak to me!” Absolutely no sound. “You’ve l-lost, Discord.” A threatening darkness surrounded the king of chaos, and a familiar evil began to rise up from the depths of his heart. “You see, D-Discord, this wouldn’t have happened if you joined me… She would still be alive n—” “You.” He gently placed the mare behind him on the floor, and those malevolent eyes fixed themselves on the changeling queen. “You killed her.” A dense ball of magic began to form in one of his paws. “Chrysalis, when I’m done with you, not even your ashes will be left over.” Discord threw the fireball directly at the changeling. Chrysalis put up a shield just in time, but she was growing too weak to stop its full effect. The impact sent her flying back into the wall, and Discord was already right in front of her, a foreleg’s distance away. “Y-You know, it doesn’t have to be this way.” She called upon the last reserves of her magic and began to use the sorrow, the hatred, the love, the joy she had accumulated years ago… And she transformed right in front of his very eyes. The yellow fur and pink mane so familiar. “Discord, we can live like this… forever. For all eternity. I can be the dear Fluttershy you so care ab—” “No. You will never be my Fluttershy.” Out of nowhere, Discord summoned a huge hammer and slammed it down on Chrysalis. Her shield and disguise buckled under the tremendous force. Barely able to move, Chrysalis looked at Discord in the eye once more. “Please, Discord… R-Rethink my offer…” Another fireball arose from his talons. “This is for my Fluttershy.” The attack was ready. Only a second was needed for the act to be complete… When a sweet voice called out to him from behind. “D-Discord…” The pink-maned figure had begun to move weakly, and it was slowly starting to stand up. “F-Fluttershy?” Her legs quickly gave out, but by then she was already in her lover’s arms. “I’ve got you, Fluttershy… I’ve got you.” He could feel it. Her heart. It was still pounding away, and so he tried to heal her…Unfortunately, his chaos magic was not adept at healing another creature, not as much as was necessary to keep her alive…In fact, as much as he tried to deny it, he could not avoid the reality.She had at most a minute. Not even the finest hospital, not even the princesses could heal her.Nothing else mattered. Everything else faded into nothingness as he stared into her eyes for the last time. All his life, he had spread chaos, made other ponies feel pain and suffering… and now it was happening to him. He had finally found love… and it was being stolen from him second by second. “I’m so sorry… I wasn’t able to protect you…” “Y-You don’t have to be sorry f-for anything, Discord. I l-love the time we spent together… I know I’m n-not going to make it…” Tears accumulated in both their eyes as sadness washed over them. Discord’s chest began to hurt, a pain he was unfamiliar with, one he could not fix. Memories flashed by Discord’s mind, memories that made him leap with joy, that made him want to put his chaos-inducing ways behind him… And there it was. There was the way to save her. Something so risky, so powerful it could save the one he loved. “Fluttershy, y-you know I would do anything to save you…” “D-Discord…” “Please, forgive me for this, Fluttershy.” Black spirals of magic began to form around the two of them, and soon they were encased in darkness. Fluttershy was being held up by some mysterious force, her four limbs outstretched. “D-Discord, what are y—” “Do you trust me, Fluttershy?” “O-Of course.” “Then close your eyes. This will hurt a bit, but whatever you do, don’t open your eyes.” It’s the only way to save you. She slowly nodded her head, and they shared one more kiss before she closed her eyes tightly. A dark conglomeration of magic began to form on Discord’s chest, and it grew ever larger with each passing second. I hope… I hope you can forgive me, Fluttershy. He took his paw and claw and pushed the magic onto her chest. “AAAAHHHH‼‼” The darkness continued to seep in, and Discord’s heart wrenched as he watched Fluttershy’s face writhe in agony. Just… Just a little more… The last wisps of magic flowed into her, and the darkness around them shattered into mist… And on the floor lay both Discord and Fluttershy. It was Fluttershy who opened her eyes first. All of a sudden, she felt full of energy, full of life… until she saw her husband. “Discord! Are you okay?” Slowly, the draconequus began to stand up. “F-Fluttersh—” He fell over, so limp, so devoid of energy, but Fluttershy helped him up. “D-Discord! W-What did you do?” “I… I had to give it all up… All of it.” “All of w-what?” “My chaotic magic. It’s inside you now. You’re now immortal. Nothing will ever hurt you again.” “B-But what about you?” “Don’t worry about m—” “Who you should worry about is me!” Chrysalis threw her remaining power at Fluttershy, but Discord stopped her with the only thing he had left… His body. Discord roared in pain as the attack hit him, as the energy pounded away at his body, ate away at his soul. “Discord!” Fluttershy watched in horror, and then something else arose: something unknown, yet so familiar. It was rage. Rage forced itself through Fluttershy’s mind and heart, and she stuck out a hoof at the changeling. What she least expected was for a ball of pure chaos magic to charge into Chrysalis, leaving her unconscious on the floor. As quickly as rage had overcome her, so did it dissipate once she looked over to her husband. “Discord! Discord, please say something!” “F-Fluttershy…” With all her might, she began to pull him out of the castle. “C-Come on, w-we have t-to get you to a h-hospital…” “F-Fluttershy… It w-won’t…It won’t work. I-It’s t-t-too late f-for m—” “No, don’t say that! If we have to, we’ll get the princess or the Elements or T—” “Th-There’s no time, Fluttershy.” “No, that can’t be true!” The rivers of tears began to flow down her muzzle, but she tried to carry him forward. Oh, how she tried, until finally exhaustion caught up with her. “D-Discord, we’re almost there…Discord?Discord, w-wake up! P-P-Please w-wake up!” It was no use. He would not answer, and Fluttershy could not feel a heartbeat. There was no longer a sign of life, no longer a mismatched being who befriended ponies, who fell in love, who did all he could to protect that one pony. “Discord.” And she wept silently for the one she loved, for the one who gave up his life to save her.