The green flare of dragon fire suddenly appeared before Princess Celestia as she just finished her business with one of her advisors. She smiled as she took firm grasp of the scroll with her magic and unfurled it.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I had a visit from Discord this afternoon and he asked for my help in preparing for a gala you are planning. I know that he said it had to do with a bet with Princess Luna so I hope you don’t mind me requesting to postpone my visit to Canterlot so that I can take the time I need to make sure he doesn’t ruin the event.
I think this could be just what the element bearers need to break the ice with Discord and hopefully he’ll listen to more of us than Fluttershy. As the Princess of Friendship I feel that it’s my duty to teach Discord the true meaning of having friends.
Ever your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle
Celestia smiled. She hadn’t expected Discord to consult Twilight but it couldn’t have been a better opportunity to use the ridiculous situation for the better. She snatched up a quill and blank scroll with her magic and dictated her response to the enchanted writing instrument.
Dear Twilight,
I am thrilled to hear that you will be assisting Discord and happily allow you to postpone your visit here. What you are doing is far more important than learning administrative duties. Ponyville’s future will depend on forming strong alliances with powerful friends like Discord.
I agree that involving the element bearers in an excellent plan. They need to learn to accept Discord just as much as he must learn to accept them. Most importantly Twilight you need to be able to look beyond the past and towards the future and gain Discord’s trust.
I don’t mind saying that this is a bet I wouldn’t mind seeing Luna loose because you and Equestria could gain so much more by truly earning Discord’s friendship.
Your Friend and Mentor,
Princess Celestia
As she concluded her letter and the scroll sealed itself the Sun Princess could see her sister had paused in the doorway.
“So Luna did you hear? Twilight is helping Discord to win the bet.”
“Yes I heard.” Luna walked into the room and paused upon reaching where her older sister was seated. “Did thou mean what thy said about loosing this bet?”
“Yes I did.” The white alicorn answered sending off her letter with a flash. “I know Discord can be annoying but I think dealing with his gloating would be a small price to pay in exchange for the added security all of Equestria will gain by deepening the bonds between he and the Elements of Harmony. Surely you can see that Luna?”
“Will not those bonds grow strong with their assisting him whether the Draconequus wins or looses?” The younger alicorn tossed her head. “He cannot be allowed to treat us with such disregard. I have put up with him because thee hast asked but this bet is something I do not want to loose.”
“Perhaps this is a chance for you to learn to let go of the past once and for all Luna.”
Luna stopped and stared at her sister. “Thee acts as if because of my past I should be more accepting of Discord but I cannot forget the misery Sister. I was but a filly but I remember the wars well. Discord took power when all of Equestria was broken and beaten down from it all. He took delight in grinding it all into the ground further. I do not understand how thou can be so forgetful.”
Celestia stood and approached Luna. “Oh Luna, I never forget but I do forgive. If I hadn’t learned that lesson I would never have gained you back. Please, try. There will come a time when Equestria will need Discord’s power as well as the Elements of Harmony and our magic.”
“Thee say that as if thou are certain a time like that will come. How can thee be so sure Discord is necessary?”
“One day you will understand Luna. Please try.”
Luna looked away from Celestia’s pleading gaze. “I shall try.” Though she agreed she just couldn’t quell the anger she felt just thinking of the Draconequus. She had learned to conquer fear but her anger with him was justified. I still wish to see him humbled though petty it may be.
***
Discord critically eyed the dresses on the mannequins and glanced around Rarity’s boutique. Reluctantly he realized it just smacked of the sort of pomp and circumstance that the hoity-toity of Canterlot seemed to favor so he couldn’t really complain that Twilight Sparkle had insisted this be their first stop.
Twilight took advantage of the Draconequus’ distraction to pull the yellow Pegasus aside for a talk.
“You know Discord a lot better than any of us. How do you think he’s going to react to being fitted for a tuxedo?”
“Well I’m not too sure.”
“Fluttershy I need you to step in if he starts to back out of this. He listens to you and he’s going to need to look as well as act the part.”
“I’ll try Twilight but if he doesn’t want to do something why do we have to force him?”
“This is a case when we can’t accept his judgment. I corresponded with Princess Celestia about this and what she said made it perfectly clear to me that this is about so much more than a bet.”
“It is?”
“Yes. It’s about friendship. If I can’t get Discord to treat me like a true friend then I might as well hang up my crown as Princess of Friendship. I can’t let that happen so I can’t let Discord fail and I need your help to make that happen. Alright?”
Fluttershy stared at the lavender alicorn. The intensity in Twilight’s expression was almost intimidating. I am happy she said she wants to become better friends with Discord though. Once she had finished her silent contemplation Fluttershy nodded reluctantly.
“Alright Darlings!” Rarity exclaimed trotting into the room. “I’m so excited to take up this challenge.” Spike trailed behind her carefully balancing a stack of fabric bolts in his arms.
“So are you here to critique me in ensemble choice for the evening Clothes Horse?” Discord asked the unicorn.
Rarity chuckled uncomfortably. “Oh no Discord. Didn’t Twilight tell you? I’m going to design a tuxedo for you. It will be free of charge, of course, but I wouldn’t mind if you mentioned the brilliant designer capable of fitting such a unique body shape.”
“You want Moi to let you stick me all over with pins while I stand here like a dummy. No thanks. I am perfectly capable of snapping up something for myself.”
Spike, finally having set the bolts on a nearby table, turned to face him. “You should listen to Rarity and Twilight.”
Twilight smiled trying to tame the knot in her stomach. Celestia, why does he have to start resisting already? I have to prove myself to the Princess and everyone but how can I do that if he’s already driving me crazy? If only I hadn’t been up half the night worrying about this then I could deal with this so much better. “Spike is right Discord. You wanted my help and this is part of it.”
“I asked for training in pony manners not fashion Twilight Sparkle. In case you haven’t noticed I am not a pony therefore pony fashion isn’t an option for me.”
Rarity tittered like filly, not necessarily because she thought Discord was the sort to be swayed by feminine wiles, but more out of habit. “Oh Discord, you just must let me. You see, I’ll be designing a frock for all of us and you must match.”
Discord stared blankly at her. The alabaster mare looked to Twilight for help. Twilight glanced at Fluttershy and nodded encouraging her to speak.
“Oh yes. It would be fun if you and I matched. If you don’t mind I would like that very much.” Fluttershy smiled nervously.
“Why didn’t you say so Dear,” replied Discord as he snapped his talons together and appeared next to Fluttershy with a T-Shirt that stated ‘I’m with’ and a picture of Fluttershy’s face on it and a baseball cap that said ‘Discord & Fluttershy BFFs” on it. “I can take care of that myself.” After another snap Fluttershy found herself in the same outfit as Discord except her shirt read, “I’m with” with a picture of Discord on it.
Twilight face-hoofed. “Discord this is a royal ball you can’t go looking like that.”
“While that attire would be perfectly fine for a hoof ball event I’m afraid Twilight is correct Discord.” Rarity said levitating her spectacles onto her face.
Discord glared at the alicorn and unicorn in a way that made Fluttershy nervous.
“Please Discord.” Fluttershy said flying up and lightly tapping his shoulder. “Twilight and Rarity are only trying to be good friends. They want you to succeed.”
The Draconequus eyed the Pegasus that was smiling at him with deceptive naiveté. “Turning this whole friend thing back at me are you my Dear? True I’ve called them my friends but this whole gang up on Discord thing isn’t very friendly.”
“If I might say something?” Spike interjected. “I know this means a lot to Twilight. She was up almost all night worrying about this. Rarity is trying really hard too. You should see the mess in back from her rifling through all her best fabrics. They’re trying really hard because they really do want to be friends. So if you really want to be their friends too maybe you could try just a little bit harder also.”
“Oh Spikey-Wikey! That was beautiful! You’re such an eloquent little dragon.” Rarity gushed proudly.
“Yes Spike. Thank you.” Twilight agreed. She looked up at the draconequus and cleared her throat. “I know I don’t always act like it but I do value everything you did to help us unlock the chest and defeat Tirek. Even if the way you went about it was frustrating at times, and you did shift loyalties for a bit, you came through when it counted most. You’ve earned my trust so can’t you just try to trust me a little?”
Discord glanced around at the three ponies and the dragon breathlessly waiting for his reply. His gaze last fell on Twilight. So she claims to trust me? Can she truly mean that?
Fluttershy nudged Discord with her hoof. “Just do this for me. It would make me so happy to see all my best friends getting along.”
Fluttershy’s pleading teal eyes bored through his last bit of resistance. That look is even more powerful than the stare she’s so famous for if you ask me. Discord you’re getting soft letting these ponies play dress-up with you. “Fine. Just this once.”
Fluttershy hugged him joyfully and he hugged her back dematerializing their buddy outfits.
“Excellent! Trust me Discord you will look so debonair!” Rarity snapped up her measuring tape and approached him. “Now lift up your arm and hold still.”
“Yeah, yeah… just do this quick.” He released his best friend and unenthusiastically did as he was told.
Twilight sighed satisfied for the moment while watching the scene unfold. If things continued to go this smoothly there would be absolutely no trouble in winning Discord’s bet and cementing her reputation as the bastion of friendship in Equestria.
***
Later that afternoon Discord listlessly flew behind Twilight Sparkle as she brightly trotted along the road in front yakking away with Spike who was on her back perusing a long scroll. I am so bored. I feel like a pincushion. If she tries to quiz me on one more thing I’m going to explode.
“Alright Discord. We have a little bit longer before we reach Sweet Apple Acres where we’ll work on your table manners.” Twilight informed him.
“Table manners?” Discord snapped to attention. “I thought the point of the gala was to chit chat and kiss up to the Princesses. Since when are table manners involved?”
“They have hoof bites and appetizers so you need to know how chat and eat with elegance.” Rarity added.
“Well I could…”
“Before you say anything Discord it wouldn’t be polite to materialize your own food when food that the castle staff has worked so hard on is right there.”
“So let me get this straight. I can’t use my magic for any reason if I’m understanding you correctly?”
“Well not for anything that might upset or scare anypony or make light of all the hard work that’s been put into the gala.” Twilight stated.
“I just might die of boredom before I can collect on this bet.” Discord complained really beginning to feel restless.
“Oh but there are so many interesting ponies to talk to,” Rarity encouraged.
“They may be interesting to you Rarity but I find most of those Canterlot snobs irritating.” Discord shot back.
“That’s very rude. Make sure you don’t say something like that one of them.” Rarity snapped.
“Discord…” Fluttershy prodded softly.
“Fine but I won’t be going out of my way to make nice with any of them.”
“There is always dancing. You don’t need to talk while doing that to make much of an impression.” Rarity mused. “Oh that’s it! You just need to be seen whirling gracefully, like a true gentlepony, around the floor with one of the Princesses. That will make you the talk of the evening without so much as lifting a little claw. Its positively the best idea!”
“Dancing?” Fluttershy gulped.
“You know that’s not a bad idea Rarity,” Twilight concurred. “If Discord enters through the line properly, hangs back a little by the appetizer tables exchanging pleasantries, waltzes with somepony and one of the Princesses he could probably bow out for the rest of the evening having made enough of an impression. Then he just has to pop back in at the end and presto he’s done it!”
“So let me get this straight Twilight Sparkle.” Discord began. “You want me to dance with one of the princesses.”
“Well sure, we know you can dance. We’ve all seen you and well you did sort of dance me around when you did that whole song about wanting a glass of water.”
“Fine if I have to dance with a princess then it will be you.”
“I thought Princess Celestia would be a better choice to make an impression.”
“I’m too annoyed at both she and Princess Luna at the moment. No if I have to dance it will be with you.”
Twilight’s mind raced as all sorts of bizarre scenarios unfolded in her mind’s eye where in the Draconequus embarrassed her in front of the whole kingdom.
“What’s the matter Twilight Sparkle? Having second thoughts about having a turn around the floor with your old pal? Hmm?” Discord asked.
“DISCORD!” a trio of childish voices shouted. The next moment three small fillies launched themselves knocking Discord to the ground.
“Apple Bloom!” Apple Jack chided racing up with a fearful look on her face.
“Ya just got to see the plans we’re workin' on in the tree house!”
“Oh and I had this really great idea for a mountain climbing except there aren’t any mountains close by.”
“Oh and spelunking!”
“Sweetie Belle you are not going exploring some disgusting caves! Besides Discord isn’t here to play with you girls.” Rarity admonished her sister.
Discord grinned as a barrage of questions by the Cutie Mark Crusaders assaulted him. They are so energetic, unpredictable and reckless it warms the cockles of my chaotic heart. Maybe today won’t be so boring after all.
“Well I don’t see why I can’t indulge the fillies just a little bit,” he stopped short seeing all of the mares frowning at him. “I mean after you ladies are done with teaching me all about hors doeuvres and what-not.”
“Ah don’t know Discord,” Apple Jack stated. “Last time the girls were covered in scrapes and bruises plus the ideas they get into their heads aren’t all that safe. Ya can make those things happen so its not really the best combination.”
“Oh please! I promise to do all mah chores Apple Jack.” Apple Bloom pleaded.
“We’ll help!” Sweetie Belle declared.
“Well actually I asked Rainbow Dash to stop by and take you girls somewhere.” Twilight told the trio.
“Really?” Scootaloo cheered.
“Yes Scootaloo. I think Rainbow said something about a hoof ball game.” Twilight added.
“Ya mean she’s takin’ us to see the Filldelphia Fillies verses the Cloudsdale Comets? Yes!” Apple Bloom squealed excitedly.
“I guess that will be fun.” Sweetie Belle said a little less enthusiastically than the other two fillies. “Sorry Mr. Discord.”
“That’s alright girls. Some other time I’ll have to pop over for a visit.” Yes I have to remember these three. They are the perfect cure for boredom.
“Bet you can’t catch us!” Scootaloo called sticking her tongue out at the draconequus.
“Oh really,” Discord appeared in her path and lifted her off the ground with his tail. “Gotcha.”
Scootaloo laughed and Apple Jack, Rarity and Fluttershy couldn’t help but laugh too marveling at his interaction with the girls as they raced around his legs.
“This isn’t the time for games.” Twilight sighed. “There is so much we need to go over before it gets too late.”
Before anything more could be said they heard a voice calling in the distance.
“Hello! Anypony here?” To Twilight’s horror the pony approaching was none other than Filthy Rich and his daughter Diamond Tiara with a large cart being pulled by a pair of laboring stallions.
“Ah told him to come by tomorrow to pick up his order. Ah guess he just thought he was too important to wait. Might ask yall to help me load up his cart?”
“Sure AJ. We all would be happy to help,” Twilight said as the entire group of ponies nodded.
“I will just hang back here and keep an eye of these three little angels” saying this Discord conjured the three fillies halos as they gave the others their best smiles. “Don’t you trust me ladies or is your friendship just in words only?”
“Well Rainbow should be getting here pretty quickly so it might not be so bad.” Twilight found herself relenting.
“Alright Discord I’m trusting you with my sister just make sure I don’t regret it.” Rarity agreed.
“Ah guess if they can trust ya then ah I will too.” Apple Jack conceded.
The mares left the draconequus with the trio of fillies glancing behind while they did so.
“How about experiencing a little zero gravity girls?” Discord asked them transporting them instantly further into the orchard. He snapped carefully keeping the circle of the affect just within the clearing in which he stood. The girls giggled doing somersaults as they rose into the air. Discord linked his digits behind his head letting the lack of gravity levitate him up into the sky. A few over turned apple barrels and farm tools took to the air but other than that he didn’t think the mares would have anything to complain about. Discord carefully looked off into the distance where the ponies were meeting Apple Jack’s customer none the wiser. This was just what I needed to release a little pent-up energy.
“Hey how are you doing that?” He looked over to see a pint sized pink and lavender filly scream as she floated into the air. “My tiara!” She cried swimming toward the ornament.
The Draconequus caught said object in his paw glancing it over.
“Oh no! Not her!” Apple Bloom declared stopping her midair backstroke.
“You give that back!” Diamond Tiara yelled at Discord. This was followed by a squeak when she found herself surrounded by an aura and pulled straight over to the Lord of Chaos.
“I don’t remember inviting you to play,” he said dryly eying the filly critically.
“Let go of me you monster!” She shouted.
“Hey Discord isn’t a monster!” Scootaloo said glaring.
“Yeah he’s our friend!” Sweetie Belle added.
“Why don’t you go back to yer Daddy and leave us be?” Apple Bloom added.
“Seriously? You blank flanks are so desperate for friends you hang out with the monster that betrayed all of Equestria?”
Discord wasn’t sure what infuriated him worse. The insult to the girls and bringing up the tired ‘you betrayed us’ card were both equally vexing but either way Discord was angry and one look into his eyes made Diamond Tiara gulp.
Meanwhile, Twilight and the other mares had gathered up Filthy Rich’s purchases and were loading them into the wagon he had waiting.
“Princess I really wish you would let the others do the work for you. It’s a crime for you to do manual labor.”
Twilight laughed uncomfortably shifting the sack on her back. “Nonsense, I may be a Princess now but I still enjoy helping everypony out.”
Spike reached down and grabbed the sack from the lavender pony’s back.
“Well that should be it,” Apple Jack stated.
“Hey everypony!” Rainbow Dash said setting down nearby. “I’m here to pick up the fillies. I thought you said it was because you were bringing Discord here not helping AJ with her work.”
“Well Ah wasn’t expectin’ Mr. Rich to show up today or Ah wouldn’t of told Granny Smith and Big Mac to clear out so early. The girls are over yonder in the orchard. Discord’s watchin’ them and hopefully keepin’ them out of trouble.”
“Seriously?” Rainbow Dash scratched her head.
“Diamond!” Filthy called. “I told her to stay with the wagon. Where is she?”
Just then an ear splitting scream was heard.
The five mares and dragon looked at each other in surprise when a chorus of laughter met their ears. “Discord!” They all exclaimed and raced off with a worried Filthy trailing behind.
Rainbow Dash was the first to reach the spot and the sight that met her eyes caused her to join in with the three hysterically laughing fillies and draconequus that were floating to the ground.
“Oh dear…” Fluttershy cried seeing the gummy ooze covered filly sobbing as she stumbled when another splat glued her mane to the ground.
“How dare you!” Filthy demanded stabbing his hoof toward Discord. “I demand you cease this…”
“Put a sock in it Richie Rich!” Discord chuckled causing an enormous dirty sock to manifest in the pony’s mouth along with dressing him in a red bowtie, black jacket and blue britches.
“Discord stop this at once!” Twilight ordered.
“Relax Princess.”
“Just look at ya four! I’m so disappointed ya fillies are enjoyin’ this.” AJ chided
“She started it.” Apple Bloom defended.
“Yeah she called us blank flanks and Discord a monster.” Sweetie Belle said angrily.
“Yeah he just was teaching a bully a lesson.” Scootaloo added.
The mares looked over at Discord as he composed himself with thoughtful expressions. Snapping his talons he undid his handy work. “There is no permanent harm done ladies except maybe to the little filly’s ego.”
“So this girl is the one you’ve told me about Scoots?” Rainbow asked. “The one that’s always teasing you three?”
“Yeah.”
“Is this true Sweetie Belle? Does this filly pick on you?” Rarity inquired.
“Yes.”
“Yeah AJ. Discord was just stickin’ up for us is all.” Apple Bloom said.
“Are you condoning this thing’s deplorable behavior?” Filthy said stroking the back of his daughter’s mane.
“He could have killed me!” Diamond Tiara moaned dramatically.
“If I had wanted to kill you I wouldn’t of only dropped taffy on you,” Discord stated prompting a look of horror from the two Riches.
“Discord,” Fluttershy admonished. “You’re scaring them. I understand you were sticking up for the girls but you’ve taken things a little too far.”
“Look Mr. Rich. Ah don’t appreciate that ya ain’t tellin’ yer daughter here to apologize for callin’ my sister and her friends names but I also think yer owed an apology so ya don’t have to pay for anythin’ today.” Apple Jack stated.
“I suppose that’s enough for now. I just hope to never see that monstrosity in Ponyville again.”
“He has just as much right to be here in Ponyville as anypony else. I promise to make sure he doesn’t hurt anypony. I give my word as a Princess.” Twilight said trying to save the situation.
The father and daughter quickly trotted off leaving the mares, dragon, fillies and draconequus staring at each other uncomfortably.
“Look I think it was awesome that you stood up to that bully,” Rainbow Dash ventured.
“Ah should say the same,” Apple Jack began “even though it cost me a sale I guess it was for the best.”
“Yes Discord. It was very gallant of you to defend my Sweetie Belle’s honor. Thank you.”
The filly’s excitedly hugged Discord’s legs. “Thank you Mr. Discord!”
“I’m so proud you were defending your friends,” Fluttershy said exchanging a smile with Discord.
"Way to go!" Cheered Spike.
Twilight sighed. She was at a loss for words. Discord has just upset one of the ponies that could do a lot to improve his reputation in Equestria but he’s improved his standing with all of my friends.
“Well Princess Twilight Sparkle I can’t help but notice you are the only one here that hasn’t complimented me.” Discord stated turning everyone’s attention to the alicorn.
“Well I don’t think this incident will help you to win your bet, it may have harmed it actually, but I guess your intentions were in the right place. I don’t think you should make a habit of using your magic for things like this though.”
“Don’t be such a wet blanket dear Twilight. I used my magic for something good and that should count for something.”
“You really make this difficult you know.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Why me?” Twilight face-hoofed. I have a sneaking suspicion I may die of a heart attack before this whole thing is over.