This is quite an interesting take on the whole 'NMM wins!' idea. I wonder if Equestria's better off with Discord though.

Huh.  Novel concept on this one.  Novel to me, anyway.

I really love this idea. Discord being an unintentional savior is such a rare plot, and from what I've seen of your writing so far, you definitely have the skills to pull off something truly impressive. I'll be looking forward to more!

Lol. And you're right! If NMM wins and everywhere is despair and unhappiness, Discord will bring harmony and peace, because NOW it'll be chaotic! He likes to mess with rulers, and Nightmare is ruler now, so... it's not the best time to be Princess of Equestria

Interesting idea Discord as a hero. Will he and Twilight become close?

Love the way the Mane Six have each been making subtle resistances, and Discord's entrance at the end was nicely done.

Loving Discord in this.  Can't wait to see what happens next.

This really should get more attention, I'm loving the story so far. Favorited and liked!

This Fic is exceptional.

You have successfully made Discord into the wonderful trickster, but not neccessarally evil, being that he truly is.

You have also managed one of the hardest things to write, and write very well - the emotional journey. This puts you on the same level as some of the great authors of our time.

TL;DR I love your Fic.

For Great Justice!

>>951582951582

We'll find out, I'm sure!

>>951583951583  >>951664951664 >>952129952129

Thanks!  I'm glad everypony finds it interesting, and hope if anything comes off as boring or trying, they'll call me on it.  

>>958875958875

They will definitely grow to understand each other.  As for their relationship, well... I can't really say.  

>>967579967579 >>968595968595

Loving the feedback, soaking up the attention...   though I'm reluctant to accept any compliments until this fic is stamped complete.  (But by all means, bask me in your glorious praise   Make sure proper props are passed along for the prereaders too, because without them, this fic would be degrees less awesome.   )  Discord's passages are the most challenging and I'm always second-guessing myself... they also see the most revision.  

I read ALL of your comments!  Though I may be slow to respond due to things like my being out of town right now.  I'll take everything into consideration when I'm working my way through... and yeah I still plan on updating MWF, so stick around.

I wonder if Discord just doesn't want to bother with the already chaotic and free forest, or if there's another mystery about... Oh who am I kidding?

"It looks like we got another mystery on our hands, gang!"

Applejack promptly clomped a hand over her mouth and looked up at the moon, full and bright and taking up half the sky.  

Image: http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/80208b3dd4272a21c9cfdda74b0ac5cc/96398%20-%20hand%20heartstrings%20human_behavior%20Incidental_Unicorn_#2%20Lyra%20meme.jpg

>>969433969433

Hands...

>>969648969648

Always with the hands...   Just let me.. uhm...  

Nice to see what Dash and Fluttershy are up to. But has Fluttershy lost her mind? She's going to try to take on Nightmare Moon by herself! I wonder what Rarity, Pinkie, and of course Twilight think of Equestria's current ruler. Will Shining Armor and Cadance be in this story? Same question goes for the Changelings.

>>969679969679 Ha ha ha ha ohhhhhh I'm sorry. obviously we should do a ctrl+f for very quite ❧certain☙ words from now on, as a part of the process. I'm going to go back to the Stomping Ground.

Damn it. I want to see this featured, but what can I do that I'm not already doing?

>>970610970610

We've all seen what Fluttershy can do when she's mad!   And, I can't give away too much, but I think the recent update might at least answer...some possibilities.

>>974462974462

It doesn't help that Lyra is awesome and hands are apparently like catnip to her.   Man do we take our idioms/colloquialisms  for granted sometimes....   Anyway I figure if the feature box happens it happens.   I'm not gonna try to game it.  The story has a solid set of readers as it is and I'm sure it'll pick up more.  Just gonna write as I write.  

A fantastic, original concept, and some good writing. I'm definitely keeping track of this one.

YESSSSSSS, A BETTER DISCORD.... ONE MORE LIKE Q, BUT WITHOUT RULES.

IDo rather like your Discord. The showaccuratest one I've read yet. Yes, that could've been Bett,er gramatically, but Bah,I've not slept properl in weeks. I think I can be forgiiiiven

Sounds interesting, I will have to give this a look at some point.

I was wondering about this pic when I saw on another site...

Oh - this is a lovely gem of a story.

A Discord that isn't outright evil, characters being themselves, and a plot I honestly hav en't seen before.

Fav'd and thumbed. Keep up the good work!

I love this story for so many reasons... You are seriously showing some depth of character for all involved to a degree that I rarely see.

Your Pinkie is actually a bit scary in how smart and inspiring she is. Not that I doubt her intelligence, I do really think she is a smart mare in canon, just the mad scientist type of genius. Her eidetic memory is quite frankly amazing, but the way you are using it is both humorous and awe-inspiring.

Also, is Flutters going feral on us? That would be adorable! I can see it now, a druid like Fluttershy or a crazy Hermit forest goddess bound by vengance... And THEN she conquers the dragon race as their queen!

This looks spectacular.  Reading now.

Wait.  She broke Harmony?  

Blueblood's arrogance will be his downfall. Let's just hope that no innocent's get caught in the crossfire. Where and what is Shining Armor hiding, and what does he think of the fact that his sister freed Discord?

The night had brought chill and despair to Equestira, but it had also brought silence and shadows.

Typo for ya.  

This fic have been Fantastic so far. I'm going to eagerly follow it! I'm not looking forward to seeing Shining Armor and, undoubtedly, Cadence getting involved, but that's because I hate them xD. Ah well, can't be avoided.

Now, if I do have one complaint, it would be the portrayal of Pinkie Pie. I know, I know. It's not fair to single her out since she's without a doubt the hardest character to portray. Still, out of everyone, this girl needs a lot more work to really feel like Pinkie, she's not quite the random and crazy filly we all love :).

Just finished reading through this and I've got to say, I've loved it!

I'm VERY picky when it comes to Discord, but I think you've got him down pretty well. From what I've seen, he's got a good balance of goofiness and threatening that many others just can't seem to get right. I also like how he's been put into a position of (semi)respect from the ponies but even their gratitude of getting rid of Nightmare Moon is starting to wear off. I'm looking forward to how he handles the growing uprising that's gathering. I have a feeling that he won't find it boring!

Also, I like the way you've highlighted all the different characters and how they've managed to deal with all the stress they've been through. You've got to wonder what they think of having one dictator fall into their lives, only to have another one pop right from under them. Given the choice, which would they prefer?

Also, one commenter stated that Pinkie wasn't being Pinkie enough. I disagree. She's not pulling 4th wall breaking shenanigans (mostly fandom) or pulling random acts, but she's still doing what Pinkie Pie does best: making other ponies happy any way she can. She's not even being overly annoying about it, either!

So, loving the story so far! I look forward to seeing where it leads!

Jurassic Park-esque writing set-up?

SUHWEET.

Nice. A long time back there was someone on Reddit who was planning to run an MLP roleplaying campaign set in an alternate universe where Nightmare Moon had won, Celestia and the Elements of Harmony were dead, and the world was slowly dying in the darkness. He was asking "how do I give the characters something to hope for in such a hopeless world?" And I suggested "have them quest for the means to release Discord."  Nice to see that the idea would have turned out reasonably well after all. :)

and then she would discover what exactly Twilight's brother was hiding. He is hiding Princess Cadence! and probably getting help from the Changelings!

Better late than never, I guess.   Flying back, there was a lot more waiting for me to do than I expected. . .  more regular updates after this week.  

Oooooooo, I like this story. Discord as King. Very enjoyable.

I love this so far!

This looks interesting. I'll be keeping an eye on you.

And my read later list has gotten longer.

Seriously just the description has my ready.

aww, poor misunderstood god of Choas.

Positively delightful! It truly is good to be King...

I will be watching this tale with great anticipation.

Pinkie Pie shuffled after Mrs. and Ms. Cake

I really do like this story. Though there has been a lot of stories about the god level characters fighting over Equestria recently. Still a more unique flavor of Discord. It will be interesting to see how he evolves having to deal with being accepted as ruler versus forcing chaos on the unwilling.

I don't think I have seen Chaotic Good Discord before.

Great chapter i wonder who the otther ponies are that Rarity wants.

>>981200981200

Congrats on hitting EqD. It just earned you another reader.

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Rainbow_dealwithit.png

Wow... The idea for this story is really interesting. That concept alone seems ingenious.

Shall have it in my "read later" for now while I am busy with schoolwork.

Oh, I really like this so far.

OH SNAP, it's going to be ON!!!

The Rainbow of Light just got pimp slapped. OUCH!

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Spitfire_dayum.png

Nightmare Moon wins and Discord is getting himself discorded, not many fanfic can pull this off as well as yours did.

Looks like Rarity's little trap isn't going to be of much use right now...

...ah, who am I kidding! It's Nightmare Moon Vs. Discord! This is a Monster Mash the likes of which one rarely sees outside of Tokyo!

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Rainbow_dealwithit.png

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Lyra_dealwithit.png

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Cloudchaser_dealwithit.png

Loving this fic, can't wait to read more!

>>985052985052

Never did figure out what this "Reddit" thing was, so I don't know if you CAN find out how the campaign went.

...well, THAT is an idea... I used to play D&D over IRC a few years back. I wonder if anyone out there would be interested in running a MLP game the same way? Off topic, I know, but if anyone has any information on the subject, feel free to PM me.

Back on topic. I'm trying to decide if I SHOULD be shipping DiscoLight right about now... Even if I don't, I'm STILL seeing Discord and Celestia ruling together by the end of this. Chaos and Order, building Harmony between them.

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/discord.png

MUHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!!!

>>970610970610

Flutterrage, with an undercurrent of Assertiveshy, and a light sprinkling of Flutterbitch. When the yellow one goes off the rails, she does it with the force of a freight train, and the speed of the Japanese bullet train. You DO NOT want to be in her way when it happens.

Discord isn't that bad of a ruler! =D I really think that you hit his personality dead-on here, good sir! He's just random and loves attention; he's not maliciously trying to hurt ponies!

Also, Discord beating down Nightmare Moon was badass XD

>>10257611025761 True dat! =P

>>989704989704

...ok, CLEARLY you are right about Shining Armor hiding Cadence... but involving the Changelings? Now THAT is a crack theory if I've ever heard one.

I thoroughly approve.

Me? I'm wondering if this is a "Blueblood is Cadence's brother" setting, and if such, how much of his current tom foolery is actually to distract from Cadence's absence?

Also, anyone ELSE feel that we haven't seen the last of Rarity's booby trapped dress?

Good Lord, why hasn't this been featured? Not to stroke your ego too hard, but this is far better than most of the gunk that gets spotlighted on this site!

This hasn't had a single dislike vote at all, at this time. I'd say that's a sign of doing something right.

Rairity is recreuting the Doctor?......... Oh this will not end well at all for Blueblood!

Very creative and orignile! Sorry I spelled the last part wrong but i failed spelling

Cool! Awsome! Poor Luna! But how did Twilight know her name?

Very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel sorry for Nightmare

>>10363291036329

Twilight still had access to the library.

I hope this published correctly!  I've been having some trouble with the site lately, saving, updating... getting files open for my prereaders.   But a little bit of persistence goes a long way!

  All of you readers new and old.  I've read every single comment but I haven't had as much time to reply to them lately...   rest assured I will get to that soon.  And try not to flood the comment box by doing so...  ahh, conundrums.  

Good chapter as always,

Good Chapter! The CMC are Missing? This Bodes Ill. Pinkie Possibly Pruned from Rarity's Royalty Rebellion through turncoat tactics by bastardly Blueblood? B'gaw!

Hooray! Really love this story, kinda of a blah chapter though but they can't all be exciting.

>>10438341043834

What is this, the Dominic Deegan Forums?

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/lolface_Celestia.png

On the down side of things, you also succinctly summed up everything I was going to write. Maybe next time.

Why does this series have two down votes?

No, seriously, I want to know why.

I got a real Fallout Equestria feel from the Pegasi in this chapter.

Element of Loyalty > awesome blue suit XD  

Fluttershy, beast master of the Everfree. Now that's awesome.

>>10166171016617 Your avatar just made that comment 20% cooler.

Ahh Lyra, you never cease to be best background pony.

Lyre playing and singing and dancing, nice interpretation of her character, not sure I've seen her do much more than play in other stories.

>>10444061044406 Heh. I wasn't intending to alliterise, but I realised I used "This bodes ill" Twice, so I scrapped  the second one onwards and Rolled with it

I am really curious to see what happens from here. Where the heck could those fillies possibly be? What happened to Pinkie? Find out in the next chapter of Dragon Bal- er, A Dream of Dawn!

Okay, this is not funny.

I've read over 30 fanfictions and had almost no problem to understand any of them. And in this one I sometimes must translate whole sentences

I sometimes regret that english is not my native language.

On the other hoof, story is really addictive

Hmm I get a feeling the CMC might be hiding out with Fluttershy who has gone all Warmare with her army of animals...CHARGE

"Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty!"

I like where this is going!

And the CMC are all right, Zecora is taking care of them.

>>10438341043834

Image: http://calitreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/citizen-kane-clapping-gif.gif

All of the crusaders are missing. what is going on?

Now this is some chapter, especially if it focuses on the CMC of this world.

Makes me wonder what your plans are for the CMC in this storyline of yours ?

Or if they were to meet at all in this tale of yours. Still, this was some update and I wish to encourage you to keep up the good work upon such a great tale.

New chapter!!!!

Image: http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/307ed7552e99c250955f4c24a3bfbc13/32701%20-%20artist%3Aphysicallypossible%20caption%20fluttershy%20happy%20yesh_this_pleases_meh%20you_shall_be_spared%20%5E%5E_%5E%5E.jpg

Luna is stealing children for her garden of shadows?

Can't wait for the next chapter, this has been excellent so far.

>>10381971038197 Well, that would explain it!

Forest plus = totally awesome!

>>981868981868

Which leaves the fate of Equestria to the only other force in nature capable of challenging her. The force of Chaos and Disharmony that has been forgotten by all but Celestia (and possibly NMM). Of whom do I speak? Why, none other than Discord himself!!!

I am looking forward to reading this.

The morning sun coaxed warmed her she savored it

You may wish to fix this line. and this one

supposed to protect your fillies and colts.

>>951582951582

Well, considering he isn't currently tearing the world apart,...any improvements an improvement. Besides, he's getting something he never thought he'd ever receive: Love and Adoration. And hey, he's still getting to cause Chaos. its just a nicer, lighter version of Chaos. The Equestrians just better hope he doesn't decide to start causing bad chaos.

A most gripping alternate history. I'm definitely looking forward to more.

>>10363291036329 Weeeell, I'm gonna go ahead and say Discord.

I think that Shining is somehow involved in Celestia's absence. Though the Cadance theorie also has its merits...

Moar, I demand MOAR!!

Ok, I've got to be honest, this opening does not inspire confidence.  The rationale behind the Elements failing is terribly weak and completely at odds with how they've worked before.  It's stated that the one fired upon is given a choice, which makes no sense.  For instance, I hardly think Discord gladly let himself become stone.

I will read on for now, and hope that something sensible is made of this.

Okay.  Sorry for the massive delay there.    Forgive me.  

I have read EVERY comment diligently!  And I'll put in an effort to respond now, even if it's just a lot of 'thank you's for compliments for most of them. . .  

The suspence! The anticipation! The drama!

... I wonder if Birch is okay :c

>>967579967579  Thank you!

>>10361151036115  And you!  It's 'original', and you're okay.

>>981868981868   Hehe, yes.  You could look at it like that.

>>10253231025323  I DO like the interpretation that it's calling on the Rainbow of Light entity. . . though people only familiar with G4 might not be as familiar with it.  

>>10251861025186  It only gets messier from here.  And everywhere.

>>10560211056021  I hope this lives up to your expectations.  The conflict between Discord and NMM is far from over... as well as the giant mess they leave in their wake.

>>10807861080786  I appreciate the criticism, as I'm curious as to what people DISLIKE about this story as well.  I can tell from reading your stuff, though, that you have a different take on Discord than I do.  And that might impact your enjoyment of this story.

Now, this might seem rambly, and I apologize, but I would like a moment to defend my decisions.  

1) The success of the Elements of Harmony depend on their bearers as much as their own nature.  Because the relationships between the Mane 6 were new, fragile, the EoH aren't as fully fledged and powerful as they would be under Celestia and Luna.

2) The  EoH work differently each time we've seen them.  The first time they were used on Luna, she was banished.  The second time, she was reformed.  The process is probably different each time, depending on who is using them, when, and who they're being used on.  

3) Furthermore, Discord is the spirit of disharmony.  The EoH are his antithesis, and so how they work on him is going to be VASTLY different.

Discord is tricky to handle.  I've taken some liberties on his motivation, which is one of the reasons I decided to label this AU.  Still, he has a wont for maximum disharmony.  

I guess it's not entirely clear but I'm writing this having faith in my readership that they're smart enough to figure it out on their own.  Plus, I don't want to strip away all the mystery.

>>961520961520  Thanks.    I really wanted to capture what they would do in a darker scenario.  I also REALLY want to keep to the spirit of the show, even if things are completely off the rails.

>>969648969648 We now have a system in check looking for errant hands ._.

>>981967981967  >>10169941016994  Thanks for catching this.  Should be fixed, nao.  

>>984992984992  I'm not quite sure I get the parallels to Jurassic Park, but if it's working, I'm happy, haha.  

>>10246221024622 Thank yooooou!  

>>10258951025895  There's kind of a slow burn on this destruction. . . and this will come back, I swear.

>>10268121026812  AhahahahahahaAAAA

>>10363291036329  It was totally in the books.  She pieced it together.  

>>10381971038197  As such.

>>10752611075261 This could be it, too.  With her alive and around there's a looot of opportunities for her to find out, but maybe I took it for granted. . . ahh well.  

>>951582951582  Time will tell!  To me, a lot of the initial ideas seemed to be just 'what comes naturally' but the further I get from the origin, the more liberties I need to take . . .  I want it to stay true to the ley lines of the show even if I scoot off the map.

>>951583951583 Thanks. o/' It's certainly turning out novel-sized...

>>951664951664 And thanks.  I know as I advance I'm taking a lot of risks, and hope they pay off this kind of expectation.

>>952129952129 It's something to think about.  Chaos isn't necessarily bad or evil.  But most ponies don't have a taste for it.  Ever been to a CRAZY party?     Order and Chaos aren't so simple as good and evil, though, and I think the same is said of Discord.   Disharmony vs. Chaos, but I digress.  

>>968595968595  Thanks.  I hope the journey will be fulfilling and worthwhile!

>>985052985052 That sounds like an awesome concept!  You kind of have to start doing a lot of improv on this idea, but it does make a great launching point.

>>10265991026599 I love this pairing.  It's totally crack, and it would never last.  But so many good things are ephemeral. . . will it come up in the plot?  I dunno.  I want to shy away from shipping for shipping's sake.  

>>958875958875  If Discord and Twilight become close, it'll take a lot to get them there.  Then again, they ARE going to go through a lot. . .

>>10365221036522  Thaaaanks.  

>>10452511045251  I'm glad you like it, and I'm sorry if my weird way of speaking/writing gives you too much trouble!  There's a good chance I'm just using improper syntax a lot of the time...  if anything is especially daunting I wouldn't mind talking it out, hehe.

>>10561791056179  Ahh, thank you.  I'll fix these right now.  I wish I could do it more quickly, but I think saving an edit sends people an update notification. . . and I hate the thought of getting that just to see that I was hastily erasing Twilight's handhooves or something.

Another awesome chapter. though, I did notice a mistake in RD's last dialogue "You like like you've done..." I think you meant "You look like you've done..."  

Other than that excellent.