After many weeks of planning, packing and studying, Princess Twilight Sparkle is finally ready to leave for her mission to find Discord, the evil lord of chaos, and bring him to justice. The Pegasus guards were helping her loading her luggage into the carriage while Spike ran back and forth to retrieve the last load.
“There’s the last of them,” Spike grunted, panting heavily as he struggled to carry the remaining bags. Twilight levitated the bags out of Spike’s claws and put them near the carriage where the guards can see them.
“Anything we forget, Spike?” Twilight said to the exhausted Spike who is sitting on a footstep of the carriage.
“Twilight,” he gasped in each breath, “we’ve gone over the luggage…4 times last night… and you’ve checked them again this morning. I doubt we missed anything.”
“I just need to make sure I have everything I need for this task. Anything I leave here could mean any distractions from the mission—possibly leading a complete disaster for the future! Imagine what wrong step I take and—!”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Spike reassured Twilight, interrupting her as she almost started to get into a frantic state. “I know you’re anxious about this, but look on the bright side: this will be like every other mission we ever went through. Except it didn’t include finding an all-powerful mage who could disrupt reality and possibly create unimaginable destruction to life as we know it.”
He stopped as he spotted Twilight stiff still and shaking, “…. Which we certainly hope that doesn’t happen,” Spike send a nervous chuckle.
“I hope you’re right. This is a big deal for Celestia with me taking in her request and all; I’m just afraid I’ll mess it up. I mean, I never handled an immortal criminal before. Even one with an extinct species—and I’ve studied every single notion that Celestia had warned me about!”
“I’m sure Princess Celestia had put you up to the task for the right reason,” Spike offered a smile, in which Twilight returned in gratitude.
She then hear the sound of hoofsteps and turn to see Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna who slightly resembled like Celestia with her dark blue coat and her mane that waves and sparkles like the night sky, walking towards them along with a pony she recognized, “Princess Celestia! And… Applejack?”
“Howdy, Princess!” Applejack greeted, “I’m surprised you even remembered me.”
“I-I’m surprised, too,” Twilight stumbled in surprise, “Celestia said you’ll be my guide in Ponyville, but I didn’t think that you’ll be… here?”
“We requested Applejack over here so that she can escort you to Ponyville,” Princess Celestia stated.
“We thought you two would get yourselves acquainted during your mission,” Princess Luna insisted along with her sister, “After all, a little help from a few friends wouldn’t hurt anyone.”
Twilight grew indifferent. She knew she will be deducting the investigation on her own, but she didn’t think that she would need friends to help her. She has been accustomed with being alone with her work and there were always escorts that would help her around towns or to help make possible amends. But the way Celestia has hinting, she must’ve planned her to be close to her “escort” as a friend. And that puts her in a very uncomfortable position.
“I hope you don’t mind, Twilight?” Celestia interrupted her train of thoughts.
“Oh! No, no, no, no—it’s fine. Just fine. It’s not like I don’t trust her or anything, I actually do. After all, we’re not bearers to the Elements of Harmony for nothing,” Twilight fibbed and sends a small, awkward smile.
“We’re ready to take off, Princess,” one of the Pegasus guards said as they strapped themselves into the reins connecting to the carriage.
“Okay. Well, Spike and Applejack, what would you go inside? I’ll meet you later.”
With a nod of understanding, Spike and Applejack climb inside of the carriage and left the door open for Twilight to come in later. Once they were inside, Twilight looked Celestia and gives her a hug. Celestia returned the hug by wrapping a wing around her.
“I won’t let you down, Princess,” Twilight said.
“I know you won’t,” Celestia replied.
Twilight then gave Princess Luna a hug while Luna whispered in her ear, “And one thing—try to make friends with the rest of the bearers. It’s always best to be close to a friend than a acquaintance--especially since you’re their leader.”
Twilight looked in the princess’s eyes, as if she understands the struggles of being an introvert and the sudden change from friendship. She was then suddenly reminded that Luna did felt that way before.
Back in the past, when the two sisters were still the bearers to the elements, Luna had grown jealous of the attention Everypony had given Celestia. Once she felt that she couldn’t take it anymore, the darkness inside her infested her body and she raised the moon over the sun, so that no pony will ever see the sunrise again. When Celestia saw that she won’t see reason and compromise, she regrettably turned the elements against her and send her to the moon. Not only was that night begun the stories of Nightmare Moon; But it was also the night that meteor shower came again, and the princesses were forever disconnected from the elements.
As unfortunately that experience was for both the sisters, Luna was able to find forgiveness when she escaped from the moon and Nightmare Moon was defeated by the bearers before Twilight and the others. If there was any proof that she knew only a slice of her troubles, this would be it.
Twilight sighed in defeat, “Fine, but I don’t see why it would work.”
“Oh, trust me; it gets better.”
With that, Celestia gives Twilight one last hug before letting her go. As soon as Twilight closed the door behind her, the pegasus guards spreaded their wings and ran further into the runway before taking off to the skies.
“...The Sea Star Turtle, resident of the cheloniidae family, are best known for their large star-like design that had been engraved on their shells since birth. The star comes in a variety of colors depending on the temperatures of the water. It is also used to protect themselves from predator, like the tiger sharks, by hiding themselves in ocean sand and only revealing their ido--- idisyc--“
Fluttershy puts the book down from her face and sighed, “I can’t read that word.”
“Really? Let me see.” Discord motioned Fluttershy to hand over the book to him. “Oh, that’s a hard one. I thought these are supposed to be written by zoologists, not some stubby Harvey-class college snob. Okay, now repeat after me. I-- ”
“I…” Fluttershy repeated.
“Di..”
“Di…”
“O…”
“O…”
“Syn…”
“Syn…”
“Cra-tic…”
“Cra-tic.” Both Discord and Fluttershy finished.
“Good. Now put those words together slowly. I…di…o..syn…cratic.”
Fluttershy frowned as she concentrated on the word, “I…di…o…syn…cratic.”
“Now say it fast.”
“I…di…o…syn…cratic. I-di-o-syn-cratic. Idiosyncratic!” Fluttershy said as she says the word faster. “Hiding themselves in the ocean sand and only revealing their idiosyncratic shells!”
“YES! Nicely done, Fluttershy!” Discord exclaimed in triumph, “Gold star for you.”
He snapped his fingers to poof out a small gold star sticker which floated by itself and landed right on Fluttershy’s cheek, making her giggle in response.
Ever since her first visit to his bubble, Discord has been expecting Fluttershy to come over with a book, as he did promise her a reading teacher. Sometimes he would pick her up from the treehouse and they would walk together to the opening, but that usually happens for a special occasion.
The two of them would sit on his favorite spot on his thinking tree or at different area around the area, either be the ocean shore or a small island that was covered with green, soft grass that was surprisingly edible. They would read section of her books for a while until they emerge themselves into a conversation. Then Discord would bring forth refreshments like his favorite chocolate, some herbal tea for her and a few more food she never tried before like cucumber sandwiches and cotton candy.
Fluttershy was glad to not only the opportunity to learn more about animals and about her cutie mark, but with her time with Discord. The more time she spends with him each day, the less menacing and villainous he seems to be. She became so comfortable around him and enjoys his effortlessly talent of making her laugh on every little thing he does. There were a few time where he would annoy her, like pranking her into a chocolate rain, but it didn’t seem to bother her since he used his magic more tamely compared to the ones he used to pull before. If she didn’t believe in Zecora’s words in the first place, she wouldn’t think she would have a chance to see him as he is—a lonely creature lost in his insecurities that only needed some company.
Discord was happy with each visit with Fluttershy, but his instincts alone kept him confused. His head wanted him to do what he originally wanted to do—not to be involved with her, pretend she doesn’t exist and go back to his chaotic state of mind just like it’s always been. But somewhere warm inside of his chest keeps urging him towards her. Now he sees everything about her irresistible, from her sweet, tingling laughter to her to the dimple on each corner of her smile. He knew from the start that he is completely out of his mind for even befriending one who would tolerate his presence; even one from a species that despise him! But at the end of the day, he pushes these thoughts aside so that he could let in the only pony who really seems to care for him inside.
“You’re being too much,” Fluttershy peels off the sticker from her cheek.
Discord scoffed, “Well, you’re selling yourself short, missy. You’ve been improving so quickly. I’m even more surprise you’ve been able to counter a few hard words with ease.”
“Maybe that’s because I have a wonderful teacher.”
This made Discord beamed and he responded by puffing his chest out with a massively cocky smirk. She lifted her hoof to cover her giggle.
“Or maybe it’s because I have more brains than charm,” Discord exclaimed cockily before asking, “Thirsty?”
Fluttershy nodded, feeling her throat getting starchy from reading out loud too much, “Very much, yes. Water, please.”
He snapped his finger to create two cups, one with the water like she asked and another that’s empty. He handed the cup of water to her before stretching his arm over the shore of the chocolate ocean and filling the empty cup. He brought his arm back when his cup was full.
“You know,” Fluttershy said after taking a sip of water, “I don’t think I would be able to read on my own if you haven’t helped me. Or even learn more about animals.”
Discord grew a little flushed for a bit. He remembers at first, he used that offer as a trick as to get Fluttershy to tell the truth. But once she told him that she wanted him as a friend, he kept on using it as a mean to see her more. There was a little nag in his head telling him this, but he shrugged it off before he could reply, “Well, somepony has to do something about it. It’s not really safe to have a pony like yourself to walk around uneducated.”
He took a sip before he talked again, “You know… now I think about it, does this animal business has to do with your cutie mark?”
“Yes. I told you before how I can communicate with them.” Fluttershy reminded him.
“Yes, yes, I know that. But what I mean to say is…. How could your life purpose is really meant to be with a bunch of nasty little fur balls?”
“They are not nasty!”
“Sorry! But it’s true! I mean, cutie marks are what defines your purpose in life. It seemed a bit unfair, but it’s true. But you’re certain that your cutie mark is meant with animals, right? If so, then what’s your job supposed to be? To be a veterinarian? A Zoologist? The new pony Tarzan?”
Fluttershy made a face of confusion of the last remark that he said but she skipped it as she thought about his question, “I—I don’t know. I only know that I can talk to them. I never really thought of that. And what do you mean about cutie marks being unfair?”
“Well if you haven’t noticed it yet, ponies can only get cutie marks. Other creatures like griffins or like me can’t have that luxury. Ponies are born with a certified guarantee that their special talents and destiny will come to them as a reward like a golden sticker,” he pointed the golden sticker that suddenly appeared at his hand before he waved it away, “It is just a form of conformity for ponykind so they won’t feel useless or unwanted.”
Fluttershy felt offended by his view of ponykind and how he implied that cutie marks are nothing more than a privilege that only they can achieve. She might not live in Ponyville long enough to know if it’s true, but she knows that from what she’s seen from the CMC that cutie marks aren’t meant to be taken for granted.
“You know most pony don’t get the special treatment you just said. The Cutie Mark Crusaders still don’t know about their talent are. I was punished by having a cutie mark back at home and I never got a chance to even know what it means until now!”
“That might be true for you but— “, Discord stopped and probed a little, “Wait….You never told me how you got your cutie mark?”
Fluttershy grew silent. Her outspokenness died over and the same uncomfortable sensation came over her again, “I rather not talk about it.”
“Why not?”
“It…. It’s not very easy for me.”
Discord could see Fluttershy becoming more quiet and reserved, as if she was regretting about the most seemingly life-changing moment of her life. It was then he thought of over what she said earlier and can see how much it is true.
He tries to comfort Fluttershy by wrapping his tail around her body and brining her towards him, “Hey. I didn’t mean to offend you. My experience with ponies is obviously not very…. positive. I shouldn’t be careless enough to spill them out to you.”
“It’s okay,” Fluttershy choked before clearing her throat, “I—I can see why you would be so skeptical towards them.”
“If you don’t want to tell me how you got your cutie mark; don’t. But if you feel like you can trust me or that you are ready, you can go off from there.”
“Okay,” Fluttershy replied.
“But just because you have a troubled past or anything like that doesn’t mean that my magic will solve all your problems—because it won’t,” Discord teased playfully.
Unfortunately, Fluttershy didn’t understand the sarcastic behind his voice, “But I would never use your powers.”
Discord chuckled, “I was teasing.”
Fluttershy’s cheeks then burn red in embarrassment.
Discord continued, “Nothing to be ashamed of if you have any. Everypony’s got problems; the world is full of problems…..”
He stopped as he hears a whooshing sound coming from the distant. Fluttershy hears it too and her eyes verted to the sky as she sees an object flying over the treetops. It almost looks like a…. a large carriage being led by several Pegasus.
Discord recognizes the seal on the door of the carriage and he instantly froze.
The object flew over the open area that seem to be heading towards Ponyville.
“What was that?” Fluttershy asked before she could take notice of Discord’s expression.
“Fluttershy!” Apple Bloom’s voice echoed through the dimension, “Fluttershy, are you here?”
“Apple Bloom?” Fluttershy uttered as she took off and flew back to the shore and through the exit of the pocket dimension. She could have the time to hear Discord calling out for her.
Soon after jumping through of the invisible wall, Fluttershy saw Apple Bloom in front of her.
“Apple Bloom! Did you see that thing that flew over us?” Fluttershy asked.
“That’s why I’m here! Applejack is coming back here with Princess Twilight Sparkle!”
Fluttershy’s eyes widen, “Princess?”
“Yeah! She’s coming to live here for an mission and Applejack’s going to escort her through town.”
“What kind of mission?”
“Not sure, but I’m sure it’s important. Com’ on, let’s meet up with them in town!”
Fluttershy stopped and nervously asked, “In town? But… I’ve never gone out far from the orchard. What if somepony finds me weird or I make myself look weird?”
“Hey, you got me and Applejack,” Apple Bloom reassured her, “If anypony got a problem with ya, they can try complaining about it to us. Besides Ponyville is the safest place for you besides the treehouse, Sweet Apple Acres or…. whatever Discord lives. You could at least give this a try.”
Fluttershy pondered and think about it until Apple Bloom interrupted her thoughts, “Also I really want to meet Princess Twilight. Like really bad.”
No matter how many times she tried to convince herself that she’ll be okay, she could not get rid of the storming anxiety and fears inside her and it started to slightly annoy her. Over time and time again, she needs to tell herself to be brave and that she needs to do it as she was given a new life. She must pull this card again once more; especially it’s something as nerve-wrecking and eventful as the arrival of a princess.
“I… I guess I can give it a try—“
“Great! Let’s go!” Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly.
“But wait, maybe I should talk to Discord--!” she was suddenly interrupted as she was pulled in by Apple Bloom’s grasp, who guided her out of the clearing and not listening to her friend’s concern.
Discord watched Fluttershy and Apple Bloom behind the invisible barrier and had overheard everything they had said.
He was caught surprised by an arrival of that carriage. Although he had done this kind of hide and escape plan a million time before, he was suddenly nervous now that Fluttershy is in the picture.
Why would you care if she got too close to the princess? It’s not like she’ll turn you into stone or something.
Discord groaned in frustration as he punched his face, hoping to get rid of the whispers echoing through his head.
You know you’re not doing much, right?
I know, but so is hanging out and making goggling eyes at a pony.
I do not make googling eyes at her!
Oh, if only you have a mirror right now. You’re not even noticing that you’re flushing right now?
Discord realized then that his cheeks are indeed red from embarrassment.
So what if I’m concerned for her—
Concerned? Concerned?! Please, you’re just worried that the princess will notice you’re here. You know that Princess Celestia has been trying to find you since the escape. And now she sent here this faker just to do her dirty work?
Faker?
Come on; “Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Celestia never married, Luna was still on the moon until the last 3 or so decades ago. It’s obvious that she’s not a natural born alicorn. The point is that fake princess is going to find you now you’re starting to grow soft on this little pathetic pegasus.
Discord felt offended by that name-calling, She’s not—Look, I care about my existence as much as you do. But I don’t care about the possibility that everything is changing because of her.
Heh. Keep trying telling yourself that; because you know that deep down—it’s true.
Discord paused. He does know about how much he has changed because of her. He does know how much this princess scares him now. He knows how much of this changes now he has a first friend to care about. But he doesn’t want to admit it at the same time.
And besides, if there’s a chance that this faker will find you, it’s not like you can make yourself unrecognizable or anything.
Would you just shut--!!
Discord was about to bash his brains again until he stopped. For a moment of gratitude for that pesky little brainfart, an idea was lodged into his head.
Ugh, me and my big, metaphorical mouth.
Apple Bloom led Fluttershy out of the Everfree forest and into Ponyville. Fluttershy had been anxious about going in the opening, but she continued trying to stay open-minded.
Going into town was a unique experience for her. All the building were big and tall, the dirt road were open wide that were paved at every direction, and the shops were bustling with its residents. She was amazed that Applejack had helped rebuild all of this when she was aware of its difficult past before its reformation.
The one thing that caught her eye the most were the ponies that roamed all around town. Seeing them doing what they were doing, walking around and living contently with their lives; it was surreal for her to see other ponies like her this close. And through all of it, it made her feel small.
“Hurry!” Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly, “We’re almost to the library where they’ll land!”
Fluttershy giggled from the contagious excitement the little filly has expressed. She could barely catch up with her until she accidently bumped into someone, falling onto the ground and a sudden storm of pink envelopes landing on their hooves.
Fluttershy looked up to the pony that she accidently bumped. She was an earth pony with a light pink coat and a massively poufy pink mane and tail to go with it. This pony was now looking at her big, light blue eyes very blankly as if nothing happened to her.
“Umm….” Fluttershy uttered awkwardly, “I’m so sorry. Let me help--”
Suddenly the pink pony jumped and gasped dramatically, then in the speed of light pick up all of the envelopes that she dropped and disappeared out of sight.
Fluttershy blinked in confusion, “That was… strange.”
“Eh, don’t worry about her. Pinkie gets easily excited with newcomers.”
Fluttershy jumped as the raspy voice who spoke out to her but couldn’t find whom it belonged to. She looked around aimlessly for the owner, “Who said that?”
“Up here.”
She stopped and then looked up to where she saw a cloud hanging over her. She widens her eyes when she saw a pony’s head popping out of the side of the cloud.
“Hey,” the owner to the voice said.
Fluttershy waved awkwardly to the figure above her, “H-h-hi.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before. Did you just move in or something?”
Touching on a more personal topic and remembering her promise to Applejack, she vaguely replied, “Um…. Sort of, yes.”
“Heh, good choice. And that’s coming from somepony who moved from Cloudsdale years ago. What’s your name?”
She almost responded by using her old name but figured she shouldn’t mention it to a stranger, “F-Fluttershy.”
“The name’s Rainbow Dash. That pony you bumped into was Pinkie Pie.”
“Oh, umm, it’s…. nice to meet you. What you are doing up here on that cloud?”
“Just relaxing. I thought I might just avoid the crowd for a while and just enjoy the sunlight. What are you doing on the ground?” Rainbow’s voice said the last line teasingly.
“Ummm… walking?”
Then she suddenly remembered the little filly and gasped lightly, “Oh, no, Apple Bloom! She must’ve left to find Applejack without me!”
“Wait, you know Applejack?” Rainbow Dash said in surprise.
“Yes, she’s my friend!” Fluttershy replied.
“And you said that Apple Bloom was with you?”
“Yes. She was leading me to the library to meet up with her.”
“Then why didn’t you say so? Applejack is heading down over there with Twilight. I can help you getting over there if you want.”
Fluttershy widen her eyes, “Really? You would do that?”
“Hey, I’m not the element of loyalty for nothing. Just hang on, I’ll fly back down.”
“Oh, thank you!” She paused for a second to process what Rainbow said earlier, “Wait, the element of loyalty? You mean you’re a bearer?”
She heard Rainbow dash scoffed in response, “I’m guessing AJ already told you about me?”
Fluttershy then replied timidly, “Well…. no. I actually learned about the elements just recently.”
“Recently?” she can hear the questioning tone in her voice.
She paused to figure out something to say when she decided to repeat one of her answers from back then, “I used to live in a sheltered home. I actually get this kind of response a lot.”
“No worries, I can understand. Besides, who can never know a pony as awesome as me?” Rainbow stated as she floated down to the ground, revealing herself to Fluttershy.
Rainbow Dash is a pegasus with a sky blue coat and vibrant magenta eyes. Her mane and tail intrigued Fluttershy the most, for it had all the colors of the rainbow rather than usual one or two colors that other ponies had. Her cutie mark was a rainbow thunderbolt coming from a cloud.
“Come on, I know the quickest way to the library,” she said she flew close to Fluttershy, guiding her the way to their destination.
Meanwhile Apple Bloom was so caught up reaching towards her destination that when she stopped to catch her breath, she realized Fluttershy wasn’t with her.
“Oops,” she uttered to herself.
“Hey! Apple Bloom!”
She turned to where she heard the voices and she saw Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Bab Seed approaching.
“Hey!” Apple Bloom greeted, “You’re coming over to see Princess Twilight?”
“Yep,” Babs Seed replied, “And Applejack is leading her to the library right now. They just landed outside of town a while ago.”
“And the mayor had already given her a speech at where they landed. You completely missed it,” Scootaloo said.
“I was grabbing Fluttershy from….” She looked in between her shoulders to make sure no pony was near, “You-know-who’s place so that we can meet her. But I might have lost her on the progress.” She nervously chuckled before noticing the cloaked figure that seemed to be looking at them from the distance.
“Um, guys? Have you noticed that cloaked figure behind you?”
The girls turned their heads to where Apple Bloom was pointing. But when they get a chance to look, the cloaked figure was gone.
“I don’t see anypony there,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Maybe all of this excitement is starting to go through your head,” Scootaloo said jokingly, which made Apple Bloom uneasy.
They then turned their heads and caught the sight of the cloaked figure standing behind Apple Bloom, “Boo.”
The girls almost screamed until the figure hushed them and an zipper suddenly appeared and closed their mouths, “Shhh! Hold your horses, okay?”
The girls widen their eyes in shock as they recognize the figure’s voice. “Mm-Hmmm?”, the girls tried to say his name muffled.
The figure lifted his hood slightly to reveal the face of a stallion unicorn with a grey coat and red pupils, “Surprised?”
After a short pause, the girls started screaming within their muffled mouths. The figure quickly started ushering them to an empty alley. Once he knew they are alone, he used his magic to make the zippers disappeared. He then fully removed the hood from his head, revealing his short, choppy black mane and his strangely colored blue unicorn horn.
“Discord!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Shh!” Discord hushed, “You want anypony scared out of their wits?”
“What are you doing here? And why are you a stallion now?”
“First thing, never underestimate the powers of the lord of chaos; most ponies lost their mind trying to figure that out. Second, I only checking on this ‘Princess Sparlight Twinkle’”, he said very mockingly when he mentions the name, “And on Fluttershy since you invited her into this little deathtrap.”
“Deathtrap?” Scootaloo asked questionly.
“Didn’t you just hear anything from her speech? She came here as a request from Princess Celestia to find me. Knowing Celestia, she probably sent her on a little investigation so that she doesn’t have to turn me into stone herself.”
“Wait, investigation?” Apple Bloom said confused, “I didn’t hear anything from that.”
“Actually,” Babs spoke out, “The princesses kept this a secret until now. Applejack and the other bearers are the only ones that knew about this.”
“Princess Twilight is hoping to find Discord around this area so that Princess Celestia can arrest Discord for all crimes against Equestria and ponykind,” Sweetie Belle finished.
“I did tell you that you missed the speech; that’s when Princess Twilight revealed all of this to the public.” Scootaloo stated.
Apple Bloom processed all of this information in and turned to Discord in defiance, “I think I know why you’re here. You’ve come here to foil Princess Twilight’s investigation and kidnap her so that you can still be free from the princesses!”
Discord laughed at the response, “Oh, you little ones have the most fascinating imaginations. But unfortunately, you have thought of me way too astray. I am hiding, remember? I don’t ever plan to reveal my beautiful self to the public without mobs coming in my way. And besides, I have to limit my powers out in public so that the princesses can’t track me. So I can’t literally flip buildings upside down or create something from my fingers for the fun of it.”
“But then why change your appearance if you want to limit your powers?” Sweetie Belle argued.
“I had to make myself unrecognizable. Plus alicorns can’t sense magical imbalance like draconequi used to do. The best they can do is either through visions or spells that are very difficult to master.”
The girls’ anger cooled down and looks at Discord with realization.
“So you can’t attract a crowd or use your magic so you can keep yourself hidden,” Babs stated, putting the pieces together for them, “That was what the pocket dimension was for. You snapped all of your past creations from the past towns in there.”
“Now you’re catching on,” Discord stated.
Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow and asked, “Then why are you here? You could’ve hid from her if you knew she was coming here?”
Discord’s cheek were back into blushing with embarrassment, “I thought I told you I’ve wanted to check on Fluttershy?”
Sweetie Belle noticed the same magic from before signaling around her horn and then smirked, “But you wouldn’t be here if you’re afraid that Fluttershy will be meeting Princess Twilight.”
His cheeks grew redder and the other girls realized with a smile on their faces, “You are! You are concerned for Fluttershy!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, “Awww, that’s so cute!”
His face is now covered in face and he retaliated back in defense, “Shut up! The point is that I am not planning to let that little handmade princess lays a hoof on her and use her as to tell her about my whereabouts!”
“Whoa, chill!” Babs Seed cried, “The princess hasn’t even met Fluttershy yet and you never even met her either. Plus, if we tell Fluttershy on why she’s here, you can tell her to not tell anything to her. She would understand about keeping secrets; she did hid everything about herself from you.”
Discord stopped and the redness on his face started to fade, “Oh. I probably should’ve thought of that fact further. How embarrassing,” he chuckled.
He noticed the small smiles and the big, shining eyes from the fillies and he cleared his throat, “Look, I do trust Fluttershy, but I do not trust some prissy princess hanging around with her and planting lies about me. You never know what ponies are really like until they reveal their true colors. So here’s the deal, you pretend that I’m your new friend and that I knew Fluttershy from before. This way no pony would suspect who I am. You can keep my identity hidden for as long as she’s planning to stay and I—or you four, whatever it goes—can tell Fluttershy the same thing.”
The girls looked at each other with suspicious, with Apple Bloom asking, “What would you do if we decided to help?”
Discord pondered on the reward for a moment until he found it, “I can…. Let you use my bubble for your cutie mark crusading.”
The girls’ eyes widen in shock.
“You—“Apple Bloom uttered, “You would help us get our cutie marks?”
“Well, if you put it that way, it could be it. Just as long as you keep your end of the deal and you can use my bubble whatever and whenever you like. But make sure you schedule an appointment with me beforehand.”
Apple Bloom and the girls all thought of it for a while. They had been trying and trying for way too long to find their special talent and their cutie marks. If they had more resources other than the treehouse or the orchard, they might a sure chance of getting their wish granted sooner.
After a long pause, Apple Bloom said while looking at the ponified Discord in the eyes and bringing her hoof out, “Okay. Deal.”
“Splendid! Let’s shake on it.” Discord cheered as he grabbed Apple Bloom’s hoof to a shake, “Now, will you set us on the way to the library and we go on from there?”
The girls then lead Discord out of the alley and kept on walking towards the way to their destination.
“You know,” Sweetie Belle said to Discord whom is beside her, “This may sound crazy, but I think Fluttershy must’ve done a lot for you to actually do this.”
Discord was defensive to his feelings when it comes to ponies being involved, but he can’t help but feel a little twitch inside telling him it was true, “Yes, I guess it’s true.”
At this time, Applejack has gotten Princess Twilight away from the over-ecstatic crowd and now closer to the Golden Oak Library.
“That was a powerful speech you said back there,” Applejack stated while she is walking side by side with Twilight and Spike, “But if I’m gonna ask; how exactly are you going to find this Discord?”
“I’m not completely sure yet,” Twilight replied, “I’ve studied enough research that I can find about him, but that’s why I’m going to use all the time I have here to investigate and find strategies that’ll help me find his whereabouts.”
“Really? You don’t ever think of, I don’t know, taking a break or something? I would sure love to have you visit Sweet Apple Acres sometime. And I would like to discuss with you some things that the town has problems about.”
Twilight paused as she thinks over those considerations, “I can try to make up some brief period breaks. But for now, getting settled is what I really need right now.”
“Well you’re in luck because we’re here,” Applejack stated as she pointed ahead to the great oak tree, with a few windows and a balcony to resemble somewhat like a building. While looking up to the tree, Twilight saw three ponies standing by in the distance.
Applejack recognized them right away, “And some new friends to go along with it. Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy!”
The three ponies who were chatting looked to where Applejack was coming in and greeted her with enthusiasm. Twilight reluctantly trotted near Applejack and watched over the spectacle.
“Oh, darling! It’s so good to see you again. All of that working in and out of the politics is simply getting too much for your own good,” said the pony that Applejack called Rarity. She was a pure white unicorn with deep purple, curled mane and tail, ocean blue eyes with light blue eyeshadow to complement it. Her cutie mark was a trio of diamond that seems to sparkle and shine. Overhead from where Twilight was standing, Spike had fallen in trance of her perfected beauty in a matter of second.
“Ah, I try not to let it overwhelm me,” Applejack replied before turning her attention to Fluttershy, “I didn’t expect to you being out here and already making new friends.”
“Well, actually,” Fluttershy replied with a slight blush of pink on her cheeks, “Apple Bloom had persuaded me to come here to meet the princess. But I’d gotten lost and Rainbow Dash founded me and we met up with Rarity.”
“Well, I’m glad you’ve met some ponies I know who will keep you company,” Applejack warmly smiled until she questioned, “Say, now that you mentioned it; Where is Apple Bloom?”
“Over here!”
Apple Bloom, Babs Seed, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked towards the group along with a grey unicorn stallion with a cloak.
“Sorry we got you worried, but we were just catching up with an old friend,” Apple Bloom cried.
For some strange reason, from one glance of this new pony, Fluttershy could’ve sworn that she had seen him before. The light blue horn was almost strange to her, but his red, ruby eyes sort of reminded her of…. But that couldn’t be possible. Right?
“Fluttershy!” The disguised Discord greeted to her as he walked up to her and pulled her into a hug, “Oh, it’s so good to see you again.”
Fluttershy has become more confused as she thought she just heard Discord’s voice coming from that stallion’s throat. Then that simple squeeze from their hug and that toothy grin confirmed to her that this is Discord. Only different.
“What’s wrong, my dear?” the stallion asked in concern, “Don’t you remember your old friend, Gusty Hex?”
Fluttershy looked at him very confusingly. She peered back to the girls and back to Discord whose expression told her to believe all of this and play along.
“Oh, Hex! Hello!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she returns the hug to the ponified Discord, “So good to see you. Sorry I didn’t recognize you for a second.”
“Oh, that’s fine,” Gusty Hex replied, or rather Gusty Hex, “I know it’s been a while since we last saw each other.”
Applejack cleared her throat, “Hate to bug in, but who are you?”
“Oh, right!” Fluttershy pronounced, “Applejack, this is my friend, Gusty Hex. I’d known him only for a few weeks now.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Applejack,” Gusty Hex bowed slightly before Ponyville’s leader.
Everypony heard a loud clearing of the throat and Applejack turned to see that she had left out Princess Twilight all this time.
“Oh! Sorry, Twi,” Applejack apologized after announcing to her friends, “Girls, Gusty Hex, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
The girls slightly bow to the princess’s presence with the exception Gusty Hex who bowed to her almost mockingly. Fluttershy tried to mimic their bow since she didn’t feel being left out.
“Oh, no, please. You don’t need to bow,” Twilight insisted before the ponies stopped and stood back up.
“I trust you remember us?” Rarity asked to the princess.
“I’m sure I do,” Twilight said, “You’re Rarity, bearer to the element of generosity. Rainbow Dash, the element of Loyalty, Applejack’s the element of honesty and….”
She stopped and looked around, “Does anypony know where the element of Laughter is?”
“Oh, you mean Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow Dash replied, “She’s out doing errands, but she said she’ll see you later tonight.”
“Oh, that’s good to know,” Twilight then noticed Fluttershy, “I don’t believe we ever met. Your name is…”
“Fluttershy,” she finished shyly, “It’s, um, nice to meet you, your highness.”
“Oh, no please, just call me Twilight.”
The Cutie Mark Crusaders then budge in, “My name is Apple Bloom; I’m Applejack’s sister. This is Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and my cousin Bab Seed. We’re so excited to meet you.”
“Rarity’s my sister,” Sweetie Belle cheerfully, providing the huge smile on her face.
“Aww. Well it’s nice to meet you too,” and she then turn to Gusty Hex, “And same goes to you, Gusty Hex.”
“The feeling’s mutual, Princess,” he said teasingly, “Oh, wait. I’m not supposed to call you call, should I?”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at that but tries to be polite with her answer “Well… you can use it often. I much prefer Twilight Sparkle just fine.”
“Well, if you say, Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is.” He smirked on the confused look on her face, “What, too much for you?”
Scootaloo budged in, nervously chuckled to Twilight, “You have to excuse Hex. He can be a bit cynical sometimes; it’s like his sense of humor.”
“Oh, okay,” Twilight replied, still keeping her eye on the stallion, “ I think for now, I’ll let that past.”
“What? My sense of humor or your name?”
Twilight frown at Gusty Hex.
“What? It’s just an honest question.” He replied, looking seemingly innocent.
“Anyway,” Twilight then change the topic, “Well, it’s been pleasant meeting all of you. Truly, it is. But I’m afraid I have to unpack all of my things inside the library. So I suggest you can just go home and I’ll see you, Applejack, in the morning.”
“Well if you want, Twilight,” Rarity said, “we can help you unpack.”
Twilight froze and quickly objected, “What? No, no, no; I can’t let you do all of my work. There’s tons—TONS—of book, and they’re really heavy and--“
“Ah, that ain’t no problem, sugar cube,” Applejack said as she walks past Twilight and inside the library, “You have important business to do, finding Discord and bring him to justice and all. So we can get this quicker than you ever could, you’ll can get into investigating sooner.”
The other ponies nodded in agreement and entered inside. Twilight then groaned in defeat and her and Spike followed them.
Fluttershy and Gusty stayed behind without anypony noticing. She thought back of what Applejack just said earlier before she turns to him with worry.
“Discord?” She uttered, “What did Applejack mean about ‘bringing you to justice’? Is Twilight looking for you? ”
“I’ll explain this later,” Discord said keeping his voice low so that no other pony can hear them, “But right now, don’t tell anypony who I am or anything about me, understand?”
Fluttershy then nodded, “O-okay?”
“Good. We better go inside. Her ‘royal highness’ might be waiting for us.”
With that, Fluttershy followed Gusty as they entered inside of the library.
As they’d promised, Applejack and the others joined in to help Twilight unpack her things inside of the Golden Oak Library. Even though Twilight felt uncomfortable asking a bunch of stranger to help her when she and Spike could’ve easily done it all in a matter of minutes, she didn’t want to be rude and reluctantly went along with it.
“Princess Twilight!” Sweetie Belle shouted and grabbed the princess’s attention from upstairs, “We got your all of your personal suitcases up in the bedroom.”
“Thank you, Sweetie. And please, ‘Twilight’ is just fine.”
“Uh, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, “What exactly are we going to do with these books on the floor?”
“You can stack up them up as much as you can. Make sure you put them in alphabetical order and on subjects, like magic, history, excreta. And don’t worry about putting them on the shelves, I can do that myself.”
“Would you like a place for the books?” Applejack asked, “I’ll be happy to create the space for you.”
“That would be nice, Applejack, thank you.”
Gusty Hex snickered, “Oh, isn’t that rich.”
Twilight turned to see Gusty Hex in his pile of books, “Is there something funny?”
“Not really very funny—well, a little,” Gusty Hex replied, “But it is sort of amusing to me how you’re so quick to let Applejack to do a little shelve-cleaning for you. I should’ve guessed that you think that you’re better than any pony else.”
Twilight easily took this as offense while Gusty Hex smirked from behind, “I don’t think I’m better than anypony else. And I didn’t not use Applejack if she’s like my servant; she volunteered to help.”
“Oh, I guess you’re probably right. And I apologize for it. You see, I had a really bad experience with princesses before. And I can absolutely tell you that has been forever engraved in my mind on how they only think about what matters to them and not minding the little things that are in front of their faces.”
“I’m sorry to hear that you felt that way about me, but I can assure that I’m not that kind of pony.”
“You sure about that? I mean you were a pony once, right? What if all these duties and privileges are starting to get to you?”
“Quit it, Gusty!” Rainbow defended.
“There’s no reason to lash her out like that!” Spike argued.
“Gusty—“ Fluttershy whispered before she was interrupted by Gusty Hex.
“I bet that sooner or later, you’ll start to realize that you didn’t earn your wings and your element for nothing.”
That was the final straw that Twilight was able to take. With a dark look on her face, she faced head-to-head with Gusty Hex.
“Listen and listen well. I earned my wings and my crown because I’d proved myself and to Equestria of my worth. And ever since then, I have been working to save whatever part of Equestria that needed to be saved. Never once have I ever think of others so lowly and so unworthy of my attention. Just think of that the next time you make another snarky comment about me. So, if you could just shut up and stack these books that are piling right by you, that would be great.”
Silence came between them until Gusty Hex spoke out, “My apologizes; I guess my sense of humor is not suited for somepony with high standards just like yours.”
Gusty Hex then kneeled down on the wooden floors and start stacking the books. Twilight stared down at him for a bit before she took a deep breath in and out and resume magically putting the books on the shelves. The rest of the ponies resumed to stacking the books.
“That colt needs to chill out for a bit,” Rainbow Dash said to herself, to which everypony heard and giggled for a bit, losing all possible tensions in the room.
“I am doing fine, thank you, Miss Dash,” Gusty Hex replied, “And I’ll be sure to check on my behavior in the future.”
“Hmpf. Makes me wonder how Fluttershy was able to tolerate him,” Rarity whispered.
Fluttershy felt a little nervous about Discord and his first impression from her new friends. Though understandable that he wasn’t exactly fond of ponies to begin with, it wasn’t necessary for him to be acting hostile towards Twilight and the others. Maybe it might be because he was afraid and he build himself up into a defensive mode. That would explain why he changed his appearance and his name.
Then again, this was her guess since he has yet to explain to her; but she felt like this is the case.
But she didn’t the time to think for a solution for this dilemma as she tries to bring her focus back to the books below her.
As she continued stacking, Fluttershy glanced at one book that had caught her eye. Intrigued and curious, she picked the book in her hooves and studied its appearance. The cover was brown and it had image of the unicorn’s head plagued in gold. She then opened it, the pages flipping in front of her until it stopped to show an illustration of a stone pedestal with six gems branched onto it.
As she stared at the illustration, she felt something strange. It was like she had seen this before. Like something inside of her was missing and she just has been connected to it again. She was mesmerized by the image that she doesn’t notice her chest started to glow dimly.
Gusty Hex felt a slight shiver on his spine as he was disorganizing his pile of books and he froze when the shivering stopped.
I know that magic.
His eye flinched as a sudden, faded light glared near his face. He turned to see Fluttershy holding a book in her hooves while her chest…. glowed? He narrowed his eyes to see the book she was holding, and he recognize the cover. Then they’d widen in a mix of confusion and horror.
What?
“Fluttershy?”
Spike’s voice made Fluttershy jumped and her chest stopped glowing.
“Are you okay? You sort of spaced out for a bit.”
“Oh, sorry,” Fluttershy nervously said.
Spike peered over her shoulder to see the book, “I can see you’re very interested at the elements of harmony.”
“Those are what the elements look like?” Fluttershy said questionly.
“Yep.”
She then uttered in strange amazement, “They look… beautiful.”
“You know, I should give that to Twilight in case she needs it,” Spike said as he lend his claw out to Fluttershy, ushering her to give the book to him.
“Sure, okay,” she said as she passes the book to him.
“Be right back,” Spike stated as he got off the ground and ran to Twilight at the other side of the room.
Fluttershy returned to the books around her and resumed stacking. Gusty had resumed disorganizing the books as well, with a slight look of anxiety etched on his face.
“There. Now everything is settled.”
Twilight proclaimed as she and Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Gusty Hex had put the last stuff out of her bags into the bedroom where she’ll be staying.
“Well, that done a lot quicker than I thought.”
“See what did I tell ya, Princess? With a little help, you can get a lot done in matter of time,” Applejack said.
“That’s good,” Twilight replied, starting to fake a yawn, “Oh, my! It’s getting late. I think you better go home and do something that you need to do.”
“Oh, are you sure, darling?” Rarity questioned.
“I am sure, darling,” Twilight replied, reaching her hoof to the door and lead them downstairs.
The room was suspiciously dark, but then the lights went up and they suddenly saw a crowd of ponies in the main room.
“SURPRISE!” The ponies shouted and cheered as they flew up confetti around the group.
“Surprise!”
The group was caught surprise by the spontaneous appearance of the pink pony whom Fluttershy saw earlier this afternoon.
“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie,” The pink pony greeted, “and I threw this welcoming party just for you, Princess Twilight Sparkle and for our new friend Fluttershy. Were you surprised? Were you? Huh, Huh Huh?”
“Very surprised,” Twilight replied annoyingly, “I thought libraries are supposed to be quiet.”
Pinkie giggled, “Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet?” She then turned her focus to Fluttershy, “You remembered me from this afternoon, right?”
“Um, yes, I do,” Fluttershy said confused, “But how did you know my name--? “
“I asked Applejack who you were while you started to clean up. See, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You bumped into me, you were all "I’m so sorry" and I was all,” she dramatically gasped before resuming back, “And spin around you to grab those invitations to Twilight’s welcoming party, remember? And—
“Wait,” Twilight interrupted, “You were going to throw me a welcoming party anyway?”
“Yes, silly. Anyway, I've never saw you two before and if I've never saw you two before that means you're new, because I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville! And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went!”, She dramatically gasp again, “I can throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party not just for the Princess and the bearer to the element of magic, but also to an amazing new friend named Fluttershy and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you two have lots and lots of friends!”
Both Fluttershy and Twilight looked at Pinkie Pie with surprised awe, with Twilight replacing it with a slight groan.
Gusty Hex smirked at the princess, “You sure you want us to leave right now? Seems awfully rude, don’t you think?”
Twilight frowned at Gusty Hex before stating, “You know what? You can stay if you want. You probably deserve it after helping me unpack today. I can stay for a few minutes, but you can keep this party going without me. Understand, Pinkie?”
“That’s good enough with me,” Pinkie replied then lifted the needle of the monogram and down on a vinyl disc to play the music, “Everypony party!”
Twilight minded her own business and grabs a drink from the punch bowl. Spike popped in, seeing her frustration and poked at her just to get her attention, “Hey, you remember what Princess Celestia and Luna said earlier. You should be friends with them.”
“I have other things in my mind right now,” Twilight replied back, “And it’s nearly bedtime for you”.
As the ponies kept enjoying their time at the party, none of them noticed the shy and quiet pegasus slipping out of the crowd and into the balcony that resides on the upper side of the ground floor.Gusty Hex, however, did and followed her.
He peeked through the glass door and saw Fluttershy near the balcony rails. She looked sad for a second and he got confused at that. It took a moment to see the reason why she was as he took notice of the tiny baby bird that rested in her hooves.
He opened the door quietly as to not to disturb them and he continued watching them.
“So your mother and father are at that nest up there?” Fluttershy questioned to the bird, listening to every tweets that it said.
“And you’re too weak to fly?”
Another tweet.
“You seem old enough. Have your parents ever taught you how to fly yet?”
The bird chirp ‘yes’ in response.
“Have you tried to do it?”
The bird paused and then tweeted sadly.
“You sure about that? It couldn’t hurt to try.”
She then lifted her hooves up in the air with the bird still on her hooves, “Try flapping your wings.”
The bird looks down at her nervously.
“You can do it.”
Gulping and closing its eyes, the bird started to flap its wings steadily. Fluttershy lowered her hooves down and giggled. The bird looked confused on why the pony was giggling until it realized that he was flying on its own. The bird reacted by chirping happily, making Fluttershy giggle more.
Watching the sight close by, Gusty Hex couldn’t imagine he has ever seen anything that made Fluttershy so adorable.
The bird later flew back to his nest and tweeted to the pegasus in gratitude.
“Your welcome. Make sure you practice,” Fluttershy quietly cried to the bird, waving goodbye.
“Well, that was something,” Gusty Hex said as he closed the door behind him.
“Oh, Gus—I mean, Discord,” Fluttershy greeted, “That bird fell down and he needed some encouragement.”
“I saw,” Discord said, “And I’m sorry for earlier. I must you must’ve been startled by my new form.”
“It’s because of Twilight, isn’t it?” she asked, “Is that why you were unfriendly to her?”
“For the most part, yes. Mainly just to push her buttons for a bit,” he chuckled until seeing that apprehensive frown on her face.
He cleared his throat, “Anyway, you know I’m still hiding. That’s why I look like this—and why I changed my name. I told the girls about this, but I need you to know that you need to not mention me around Twilight or the others. If they find out I’m here the whole time, they’ll…. You know.”
Fluttershy understood that short pause completely, as she knows how painful it was for him being a stone statue for centuries. She also knew that she will miss Discord terribly if something like that ever happen to him and that no pony will believe her if she try to defend him.
“I promise,” Fluttershy vowed, “I’ll never tell. I’m starting to get used to keeping secrets anyway.”
Discord smiled for a moment until he thought of something that haunted him earlier, “Say, um, Fluttershy? Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Back at the library, when we were stacking the books—I saw your chest glowing when you looked at the book about the elements of harmony.”
“I did?” Fluttershy gasped, “Huh? I hope no pony else had noticed it.”
Discord was caught-off guard, “noticed?”
“This may sound crazy to you; that’s why I kept this but…. My chest has always glowed ever since I was a filly. It only happens every once in a while and it used to scare me but I’ve grown used to it. But it does have a mind of its own. That day when the general tried to kill me, my chest reacted and ricocheted his spell. That’s why I fell from that cliff and ran away. It never did anything like that before.”
“Then…” Discord became uneasy, “What does it do?”
“Nothing. It used glowed. But sometimes, I feel something in me that I never felt before. Like back in the library, looking at those elements, I have no idea why but…. I felt like I’ve seen it before. Almost like I was….connected.”
Connected.
Connected.
Connected.
Those words echoed through his head as he grew frozen with fear. Memories starting storming through his mind--his memories with Fluttershy, her chest glowing and the time when she escaped from the changeling.
Then his mind unravels on other memories. Memories with the two princesses gathered around him, magically turning him to stone through the power of the elements of harmony. Then later, six more ponies came and turned him to stone once again by the element’s power.
Then again. And again. And again.
All the while, more voices echoed through his ears. The terrified screams of ponies. The shouts of the princesses who want to declare peace between them and asking to stop this chaos. The magical surges swirling through the air and the crackling sound of stone. All completed by his own maniacal laughter as his body was turned into stone once more.
At one moment, an image snapped of a oblivious Fluttershy wearing a necklace to the elements of Harmony and was blasting it magic at him.
A revelation came over him as those memories and the voices stopped. There was a reason why her chest glowed. There was a reason he sensed that magical surge at the library. And there was a reason why she would felt connected by nothing more that the image of those jewels.
Fluttershy is the element of kindness…. She’s the missing bearer. But how—!
Oh, no…
“Discord?”
He felt Fluttershy touching his arm in concern. He recoiled and used his unicorn horn to teleport away from here.
“Discord?!”
“Fluttershy?”
She jumped as she heard Applejack standing from the balcony door, “Who are you talking to?”
“Nothing,” Fluttershy quickly replied.
Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Okay? Um, Apple Bloom told me that you can talk to animals?”
“Y-yes, I can.”
“Well, I got a favor to ask ya. Would it be alright if you come over to Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow? My dog Winona has been acting antsy lately and I was hoping if you can help her.”
Fluttershy didn’t reacted; she was spaced out of what Discord reacted toward her about her glow. And it started to make her worried. Did she just scare him away? Why did he act that way?”
Applejack stared at her, waiting for an answer, “Um… Fluttershy?”
“Oh! Um, Yes. Sure, I can come over tomorrow.”
“Great! I have to go home right now to put Apple Bloom and Babs to bed. I’ll see you at noon!”
Fluttershy waved goodbye as Applejack close the door, leaving her in the darkness with her troubling and confusing thoughts.
Did I say something wrong?