Save Me From the Life I Live (Part Five) · 3:24pm Jul 28th, 2017

And this where the fifth of my six installments will be. I will continue to go through Bride of Discord, and yet again, blog about the three chapters that I stare at, puzzled to what exactly is unfolding on my computer screen.

That means that there's going to be another block of text and me being bitter.

As always, the previous blogs are linked. You can find the first here, the second here, and the third is here. The fourth one is located here.

The story is linked here too, so that you can read it and form your own opinion instead of just accepting everything I saw in this review of mine word for word, you fucking normie.

But mostly, I am bitter.

Very bitter.

EBride of Discord

Discord returns and will only relieve Equestria of his havoc in exchange for a bride.

DisneyFanatic23 · 65k words · 1,957 59 · 30k views

Chapter Thirteen: And the Reviewer Looked Upon the Story and Spoke, "Know That There Shall be Stockholm's Syndrome Within the Tale."

So this chapter is called 'The Date'. It's self explanatory and not about the fruit. I don't mind chapter names that are simple, but drama in chapter titles, purple prose, cool references... something with style always helps.

Let's start and see where this is going.

Starting off, we have Fluttershy sending her animals off like in the last chapter. Angel is rightly suspicious of Discord, and as with everyone else who is suspicious of him, he's easily dismissed. All the characters that are skeptical of him, with the exception of Fluttershy, aren't really treated like they have points of given understandable growth that might cause them to alter their opinions, if it makes sense for them to do so at all.

After weeping and bawling, Fluttershy and Discord agree to go on a date.

Okay then.

Discord watched his mirror as it showed Cheerilee and Big Macintosh on another date.
"How does he do it?" he wondered aloud. "The boy hardly says a word and still manages to win the girl over. Meanwhile, I've been courting this pony for almost a month and we still haven't gotten past the 'friend' level."

Discord still seems largely oblivious to basic emotion... which isn't something that you want a character in a relationship to show, especially in the way Discord's been showing it so far, where Fluttershy is his prize to be won, and not even one he can understand. She doesn't help him make up for this weakness, she still remains a damsel.

Meanwhile, when Fluttershy gets ready:

"The wedding is going to happen, Angel. There's nothing I can do but try to love him. I'm going to be here forever whether I marry him or not."

Fluttershy is also bitter, except the dark implications of her situation are just glossed over. Again.

For. Fucking. Kids.

She did not know where these thoughts were coming from. Since when did she care so much about her appearance? Because he thinks I'm beautiful, she thought, and I have to be beautiful just for him.

...This story is a checklist for unhealthy and abusive relationships at this point, and it even starts with an example of very bad writing, especially with romance writing. These thoughts were always coming from somewhere, and I could write an entire blog about why that single line right there is garbage and a huge red flag.

The one that follows isn't any better either, and certainly not in this context, but what comes after that is the worst of all.

Discord thinks Fluttershy is beautiful. Congrats, Discord can feel physically attracted to someone. Is that a good start for a relationship? No. Not at all, and certainly not where this story is heading.

Fluttershy is a weak, defenseless, simpering little damsel in distress who is incapable of doing almost anything on her own in this story and is now trapped in an abusive relationship. This is treated as a good thing.

She doesn't get to think upon how she's beautiful or get a confidence boost. She doesn't get to feel good about herself or realize she's more than a pretty face because in this story Fluttershy isn't meant to be anything other than pretty. Her personality is zilch.

There are two blogs by a great romancer writer who writes on this site that describe this and more well. Because I'm not going to be writing five essays for every one of these as extra reading material, I will have them linked here and here. Read anything by bookplayer because she is amazing and knows exactly what she's talking about, and has very helpful blogs* and great romance stories. She also writes Applejack, which is the perfect reason to read anything by her.

If you want to write romance of any kind, be sure to give these a read. If you want to know how to spot a good romance or want something neat to read, give them a read.

Just read them. They're good shit.

So yes, Fluttershy is just a pretty face in this story. She isn't a pony, she is not an individual, and she is not a character. She is pretty.
And, of course, she will not be anything else. Her beauty will be repeated over and over.

Even while they have their date, Fluttershy constantly is pointing out how meek she is and that she isn't brave.

The date is a very fancy fairy tale dinner date that felt a little off for more than just plot reasons.

Luna spies on them from the night sky and catches them together, and again, rightly doubts the sight of Discord waltzing with Fluttershy.

A chill ran down her spine as he reached out and brushed his claw against her cheek.
"So beautiful," he whispered.
Fluttershy kindly pushed his claw away. "Is that all you can say?"
He blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Don't get me wrong. I'm flattered, but..." She looked away. "Is that the only reason you like me? That you think I'm a pretty face?"
"Oh, Fluttershy, no! How can you say that?" He took her hooves. "First of all, your face is not pretty, it's beautiful and second, I don't think you're beautiful, you are beautiful! Of course I admire you for it, but that's not the only reason. You're gentle, kind, brave, you have a lovely voice, your Stare practically turns me on..." Discord winced. "Forget that last part. The point is that I find everything about you fascinating."

The dialogue in here is in dire need of everything. The few good bits are clumped in wit everything else and-

Ugh.

What.

They also kiss, but it really isn't that important. Discord admits he loves Fluttershy.

...And there's no impact to it at all.

Chapter Fourteen: The Inevitable (What, it goes with the chapter naming trend of the author? So what?

In the next chapter, Discord wakes Fluttershy up to wish her a happy birthday. It starts off alright, but as the scene progresses, it sinks into the same feeling of everything being off that the rest of this story has.

Discord is the one who offers Fluttershy everything. He controls what she's able to access and presents it to her. The spa treatment for her birthday? It feels more like a way that he controls her.

Their dialogue isn't improving either. Banter between them is non-existent. No habits have rubbed off on one another. They don't share a sense of humor. None of them are any good at reading the reactions of the other or understanding any behavioral cues from one another.

Fluttershy has now been given her true birthday present: a wedding ring.

"Well, I just want you to know that...I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into this, and...for what it's worth...I...I can't imagine being with any other pony, so..."
He curled around her and pointed a gleaming finger to the ring, engraving words into it. Once the writing had stopped glowing, Fluttershy squinted to read it.
"To my one and only Fluttershy." She blinked. "I...I don't know what to say."
"Say you love me," Discord muttered.

They barely even make good friends in this story.

Discord tells her to blow out her candles, and that he'll grant her any wish.

Fluttershy wants to see her friends.

As she had predicted, Discord's face fell. "Sweetheart, I thought we talked about this..."
She crossed her hooves. "No, we haven't. And I think it's time we did."
He laughed nervously. "Isn't there something else you'd like? How about a necklace? That ring doesn't quite match your eyes."
Fluttershy shook her head. "I want to visit my friends, nothing more, nothing less."
He set the cake down and laid his hands on her shoulders. "Darling..." She turned her head from him. "It's been a month now! They've probably forgotten all about you!"
She gasped. "How can you say such a thing?"

Hello, abusive relationship signs. You've only been around the entire story.**

It isn't exactly nice to see you.

Fluttershy's small moments of assertiveness are smacked down and brushed off. Any discontent or anger she has are not handled well.

"Oh, it's not that you're easy to forget, sweetie! It's just that ponies have terrible memories...oh, not you!"
She hovered over him. "You promised you would grant whatever wish I made!"
"You didn't get it in writing!"
"It shouldn't matter! Friends honor promises! If you can't honor yours, then you're no friend of mine!"
"I am your friend, Fluttershy!"
"Then why?!" She spun around, revealing her water filled eyes. "Why won't you let me see my friends?"
"Oh, please don't cry! You know I don't like it when you cry!"
"You want me to stop crying? Let me see my friends!" Her commanding then turned into begging. "Please? Just for the day? I promise I'll come right back, and if I don't, you can bring me back with your magic. In fact, you wouldn't have to. You can trust me."

She is reduced to begging and weeping to get what she wants.

She took a deep breath. "If you will allow my friends to visit me whenever I request, I will...I will let you decide the wedding date." She looked up at him boldly. "And I won't argue."

This chapter is oozing abusive relationship so much to the point where I'm not even sure I find it funny any more.

Fluttershy has finally gotten to see her friends after being held against her will. Of course, she does not seek help in any way. She tells her extremely concerned friends that he's sweet and minimizes all their concerns.

Twilight giggled, trying to lighten the mood. "What does it matter? It's Fluttershy's birthday. We should be celebrating!"

Friend is coerced and barely not kidnapped, held against their will, and returns? Seek help?

Nah, they have a birthday party.

Discord shows up and is a butt. He urges Fluttershy to tell her friends about the wedding (tomorrow) instead of letting her have fun with her friends free from his control.

So she does. She obeys him, of course.

Fluttershy asks to speak to her friends in private, and Discord agrees. Fluttershy's friends, of course, point out that this shouldn't be happening. They're very well-meaning but not very effective with their assertive, but still concerned pleas.

"Well, Fluttershy? Do you love him?"
"What does it matter?!" she snapped. "You're right! He does keep me prisoner, he did all those things you said! I don't want to marry him tomorrow, but do you think I have a choice?! It was the only way I could convince him to bring you here! And you know what? Who cares?! Who cares if the wedding is tomorrow or next year? I made a deal with him, and it's going to happen whether I like it or not!"
"So you don't...?"
"No! I don't love him!"

Poor Fluttershy breaks down and runs away, but her friends follow, still fretting about their friend.

Her friends aren't able to take any action.

Why? Because Applejack.

Applejack has an unrequited love on Spike, and is suddenly calling out the mane si- four now, on their behavior... when she souldn't be. The Idiot Ball is basically thrown in her poor, freckled face.

"Of course ya don't understand!" Applejack snapped. "You of all ponies wouldn't understand! You talk about romance all the time, but you wouldn't know love if it was starin' you right in the face!" She turned to the others. "That goes for all of ya!"

She calls it love. It is not.

Fluttershy sobbed into her pillow, angry at herself for all of the horrible things she had just said. She had not meant any of it, not even the last part. She did love Discord, in a way, but even she was not sure of her exact feelings. Still, how could she say that after he had tried so hard to be her friend when he clearly wanted more? She just could not stand to admit it to the others that there was a slight possibility that she could return his feelings. Maybe not now, but in the future, she would be ready to say that she loved him, even if their wedding was tomorrow.
But part of what she had said was true, and this upset her more. She had no choice in the matter. She was bound to him, and there was nothing she could do about it. There was no use stalling anymore. Discord wanted her, and that's what he was going to get.
She heard a grunt and looked up to see the draconequus standing over her. Despite the circumstances, she was happy to see him, for now he was here to comfort her. Her joy died, however, once she saw his face overwhelmed with hurt and anger. His hands were clenched into fists, and his eyes were glaring at her with disgust.
"You know? You really had me fooled for a moment."

And that is how we end the chapter. Fluttershy is taken captive once again and Discord was watching all along.

Chapter Fifteen: Shit Happens

This chapter picks up seconds after where the last one left off.

Oh. Boy

Discord is angsty and domineering towards Fluttershy, who is small and cowering. Things feel like they're going to get ugly fast. This is an abusive relationship that Fluttershy shouldn't be in. Her friends really should've tried to rescue her, and the Princesses too.
Of course none of this is taken seriously and the unhealthy and seriously warped undertones to this aren't realized. Instead, the true issue according to this story is this:

"So you didn't just agree so you could see your friends?"
"I...I..."
"So you do love me?"
She hung her head in shame. "I...I do care for you, but...but..."
"You don't love me."
A tear fell down her cheek. "No."

I'm sorry, what?

He stepped toward the bed, his arms crossed. "No, how could you? I'm just the big bad draconequus who forced you into marriage."

This is actually exactly what he is.

"You have no say in the matter. Love me or not, you will be mine."

So what does Fluttershy do?

For the first time in weeks, she was truly afraid of him, but she tried to be brave. "And I have no argument over that, but Discord, you have to understand that I only said those things because I panicked. I...I was afraid of what my friends would think and...I didn't know you were listening...you shouldn't have been listening! Still, it was no excuse for my insensitivity."

ＳＴＯＰ　ＢＥＩＮＧ　ＳＵＣＨ　Ａ　ＳＵＢＭＩＳＳＩＶＥ　ＰＩＥＣＥ　ＯＦ　ＳＨＩＴ　ＩＴ　ＩＳＮ＇Ｔ　ＤＯＩＮＧ　ＹＯＵ　ＡＮＹ　ＦＡＶＯＲＳ　ＡＴ　ＡＬＬ　ＡＮＤ　ＹＯＵ＇ＶＥ　ＢＥＥＮ　ＤＯＩＮＧ　ＴＨＩＳ　ＴＨＥ　ＷＨＯＬＥ　ＧＯＳＨ－ＤＡＮＧ　ＳＴＯＲＹ　ＡＮＤ　ＡＳ　Ａ　ＲＥＳＵＬＴ　ＨＡＶＥ　ＵＮＤＥＲＧＯＮＥ　ＮＯ　ＣＨＡＲＡＣＴＥＲ　ＤＥＶＥＬＯＰＭＥＮＴ　ＡＮＤ　ＪＵＳＴ　ＡＣＣＥＰＴＥＤ　ＥＶＥＲＹＴＨＩＮＧ　ＡＳ　ＩＴ　ＣＡＭＥ　ＡＮＤ　ＳＨＯＷＮ　ＴＨＡＴ　ＹＯＵ　ＡＲＥ　ＣＡＰＡＢＬＥ　ＯＦ　ＬＩＴＥＲＡＬＬＹ　ＮＯＴＨＩＮＧ　ＢＵＴ　ＢＲＥＡＴＨＩＮＧ　ＡＮＤ　ＬＯＯＫＩＮＧ　ＰＲＥＴＴＹ　ＡＮＤ　ＦＵＣＫ　ＴＨＩＳ

So what happens next?

Discord tries to brainwash Fluttershy, of course! And without a second thought.

"Picture it, my dear. You, sitting on a glorious throne, a majestic crown on your radiant head, overlooking a world of chaos..."

And of course, he planned this all along, didn't he?

Now, Twilight and Co. are worried about Fluttershy and wonder what's been happening. They find out that Discord has brainwashed her and try to fight her.

I want so badly for them to defeat Discord and save Fluttershy from all this. Poor girl could use some therapy too.
Fluttershy ends up being freed from the spell.

...And she's rightly shocked... but more concerned that he was a friend who betrayed her than anything else. She doesn't grasp how bad her situation really was.

Discord tries to fight the CMC and the remaining main 6 after he attempts to abduct Fluttershy. He attempts to turn them into various things and restrict the assertive ponies and makes it clear he wants to take over Equestria again.

"It's the only way, Twilight!" She turned back to the draconequus. "I'll marry you. I'll be your wife, your queen, and I will never resist you again. I will do whatever you want, and I won't fight against it. Everything will be exactly the way you want, if you would just spare them, please! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Ｉ　ＡＭ　ＮＯＴ　ＰＬＥＡＳＥＤ　ＢＹ　ＴＨＩＳ　ＬＡＴＥＳＴ　ＤＥＶＥＬＯＰＭＥＮＴ　ＩＮ　ＴＨＥ　ＳＬＩＧＨＴＥＳＴ

What the fuck is this story at this point?

Rainbow tries to dive into the fray to save Fluttershy, and Discord moves to strike her.

Fluttershy dives between them and ends up being struck instead.

HE LITERALLY HITS HER.

...And then he lets her go and retreats into the Everfree.

The chapter ends, and just a reminder, but this all happens of the course of roughly a month.

Chapter Sixteen: I Need an Edgy Song Reference Here

In the aftermath of the last chapter, Fluttershy is bordering on catatonic. She sits around, crying, depressed, and paranoid and it's done in a very empty and melodramatic way.

Discord, it turns out, is doing the exact same thing: just sulking. There's no real introspection or much struggle here, mind you, just them wallowing in their respective homes.

Fluttershy does little more than shop for food in what appears to be binges and then retreats into her home.

He could not stay away from her.

Eww.

He wished he could do more than just worship her from afar. He wanted to take her in his arms and apologize for everything and tell her how much he loved her. Then he would hold her close to his heart with no intention of ever letting go.

No. Stop it.

None of them are even doing anything. Twilight and Co. just seem to fizzle out of Fluttershy's life, and now the entire lives of Discord and Fluttershy just fall apart, nothing to it.

He doesn't really let her go, and as Twilight approaches the house of Fluttershy one day, Discord decides to hide.

Twilight acts like a good friend, and tries to propose various offers to cheer up Fluttershy, who accepts a trip to Canterlot with her friends.

Fluttershy remained in her room until dinner, though she could barely eat. As she fiddled with her fork, she thought of her many mealtimes with Discord. He would always give her what she asked, or surprise her with her favorites. She remembered one time when he made the candles dance and the gravy boat come to life. Those little harmless magic tricks would make her giggle. Somehow, he always managed to put a smile on her face.

Sympathizing irrationally with a kidnapper or person who has done something like holding you in a place against your will, etc. is something called Stockholm's Syndrome.

While having dinner at the castle, Twilight talks with Luna about exactly how Fluttershy was able to escape: he let her go.

The Princess of the Night widened her eyes. "Pardon?"
"That's what happened. He just let her go."
"But...why?"
Twilight shrugged. "She won't talk about what happened and we're afraid to ask."
Applejack slammed down her fork. "Y'all still don't get it, do ya?"
The southern pony then stomped out of the room.

This is not a love story.

Two hours later, Fluttershy lay wide awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Although she was tired to the bone, she could not sleep. She had gotten used to Discord coming in to say goodnight and then playing her lullaby for her. About a week ago, he had surprised her with a kiss on the forehead.
Her mind then wandered to their last night together, when he had kissed her for real. His lips had felt so cool and gentle against hers. She would never admit this aloud, but that had been the best moment of her life.
Despite what he had tried to do to her, she wanted him here. She wanted to feel his arms around her, to be secure in his embrace. She wanted to hear his voice whispering in her ear, comforting her.
She missed him.

Creepy.

H E L L O S T O C K H O L M ' S S Y N D R O M-

Okay, I'll stop it.

Maybe.

Discord was not getting any sleep either. He tossed and turned on the ceiling all night, but he could not rest. He was thinking of Fluttershy, betting that she was sleeping much more peacefully now that she no longer had him to fear. It took all his cognitive power not to check in on her. He had been trying to distance himself for the past few days, but the longing to see her, to hold her in his arms, still lingered.
He jumped out of bed and flew slowly to Fluttershy's room. He had not touched it since she had left. He considered turning it into a bowling alley, or a swimming pool, anything to erase any trace of her ever being there. But how could he?
He approached the bed where she had once slept. He could see her lying there on her side, her chest rising up and down ever so slightly. He reached out to touch her, only to realize it was a mirage.
He took the sheets in his hands and pressed them to his face, inhaling her sweet flowery scent. At that moment, he broke into tears.
"I'm so sorry, Fluttershy. I'm so sorry."

Hmm. I wonder if I buy thi-

Nope. Not one bit.

Fluttershy has a dream about Discord dying melodramatically, and Luna shows up to clarify that it is indeed a dream and that in all the time she's known Discord (how long and under what circumstances aren't given too much depth) he's never shown affection and shit like that.

Then she literally tells Fluttershy to follow her heart.

I wish I was making this stuff up at this point.

Discord has a parallel talk with his reflection.

Fluttershy and Applejack have a chat in Canterlot too.

...and then Flutters talks to her friends.

...and then her friends have change of heart and agree with her choice to go back to Discord.

They even agree to go with her.

Can I just...?

What...?

What?!

Don't go back to the abusive relationship, Fluttershy, be free! Get fucking therapy!

"Hold on!" Rarity commanded. "You're about to make a declaration of true love! You need to look stunning!"

THIS IS NOT TRUE LOVE! IT'S THIS!

Gah!

Conclusion Thus Far: I am bitter.

*I read them when and before working on FA, and you should too!
**Speaking of stories, here is a very good take on Fluttercord that I enjoy and you might too! Read it here! Or, of course, find it below:

EThe Corpse Bride