//------------------------------// // Celebration // Story: The Element of Kindness // by BlueHeartTattoo //------------------------------// The sun was setting down as Ponyville finally calmed down after the evasion of the Plunderseed vines. Twilight and the others, except for Pinkie Pie, was still cleaning the mess and checking on its resident on account. On the other side of town, near the Everfree forest, Fluttershy came back for the animals that were hiding in the apple orchard and managed to calm them down before escorted them back to the forest. Gusty stood by her in both cases of whether he’s doing this for her safety or he’s doing this for his sake. He’s still shook on what happened not too long ago. Within the mist of the chaos that he indirectly created, he almost hurt the few ponies he cared about, witnessed Fluttershy in pain from being close to the elements, and rushed in to save her from her second near-death experience when those changelings that came out of nowhere. When everything had started to calm down, he settled in the fact of how petrified he felt when he saw that changeling holding Fluttershy down. All that fear and adrenaline came rushing through him as he flashed in to her rescue. He thanked goodness he got there in time, but he knew that it changed things now that Chrysalis’s drone knows where she is. It also didn’t help that his brief involvement with the changelings in the past might be an advantage for them to take, as if they weren’t so manipulative enough. At the same time, he was confused on why he had reacted so strongly when she was in danger. He knew he cared for her, but he often questions if it were possible for him to feel something more from their friendship. Now from watching the pink and yellow pegasus near her, nurturing and calming the animal who had been smitten with her from the start---he started to realize how close he was from losing her. Whether they’ll be back sooner than later, he finds it hard to imagine how he will put all of this up without either losing her or revealing himself to the world. Or maybe when the princess realizes that Fluttershy’s the missing bearer. He didn’t want how this will all end up as this was started to get complicated. He was still deep within his thoughts that he doesn’t notice Fluttershy had just finished her task and she saw her disguised and distraught friend. She’d guess how everything that’s happened had him concerned and she won’t deny that she is still shaken by this too. Now the changelings had discovered where she is, there is a possibility that they’ll be coming back for her; and she is completely terrified. She can reassure him that everything will be okay and that there is nothing to worry about but she knew deep inside that it won’t work. Still, this is still on her mind when she laid her hoof on his shoulder, “Discord?” He was snapped out of his thoughts and is greeted to a set of teal eyes, “Are you okay?” He cleared his throat and lied for her benefit, “Yeah, better than usual. You?” “Yes, I’m still am,” she said softly. Both of them were completely in silence as they stood in the middle of a field, trying to find a way to make things right between the two of them. Fluttershy was the first to break the silence, “I….I never thanked you for saving my life.” Discord glanced at her very awkwardly as he tries to reply, “Well, I...,” he then cleared his throat, “You’re welcome.” Both of them were back being silent again. Feeling unsatisfied, both of them turned to each other, saying in unison: “Discord, I’m--” “Fluttershy--” “Fluttershy!” But they were both interrupted by the echo of Applejack calling out to Fluttershy, galloping towards the pair. “Looks like everything went well with the animals, Flutters?” Applejack asked. “Yes, they’re fine,” Fluttershy replied, “How’s Ponyville?” “Well,” Applejack sighed in satisfaction, “You’ll be happy to know that we finished up cleaning up. And Pinkie’s already set everything up at the town square for the party.” As if on cue, a pink blur pass by them and suddenly they were all holding in their hooves a party invitation. Applejack chuckled, “Speaking of which. Have you ever been in parties?” “Not really,” Fluttershy replied. “Well, if you feel up to it, we would love to have you over to the party tonight; Especially Pinkie.” Fluttershy nodded softly, “I’ll think about it.” “Well, I best better go; I need to check on the farm. See you later!” Applejack waved goodbye and then ran off towards the direction to the orchard. “Never been to a party, you say?” Gusty said his face etched with a playful smirk. He didn’t her time to answer as he resumed talking, “Well, that’s going to change now because I’m gonna take you there!” Fluttershy widen her eyes and stops him, “Wait, Dis—Gusty. I don’t think it’s a good idea. “Why not?” “We’ve been through a lot today and I—“ “Exactly! That’s the point! What better way to relieve yourself from all that stressful junk than to have fun? Plus you never been to one so don’t try to make a point out of this.” “But…I don’t feel like going. I’m sorry, but I can’t go. Not after what happened.” Gusty looked at her and saw that she stared down to the ground despondently. He noticed right then how the events from before were starting to have an effect on her.Frankly he doesn’t blame anything for that. Coming a little closer to her, he put a hoof on her chin that that she would have his attention, “I know. I promise you, everything is going to be fine. And I also promise that you’ll have a wonderful time at your first night out, which is pretty exciting if you ask me.” “I find it hard to see how this makes everything better.” He tried to say something that will reassure her otherwise, but finds it a pretty difficult thing to answer. Then he had a thought and he compromised with her, “How about this—we go to this party, we relax for a bit. But I have something to show you later and there, we can relax more there until we feel like we’re good. Okay?” Fluttershy stared at Gusty for a moment. She knew then that he was concern for her and he would probably do whatever he can to make her safe and happy. While for there are things that troubles them, it was still very sweet of him to make an effort for her sake. With giving much thought on it, she replied to him, “Okay.” Gusty gave her a smile in return, “Well then, let’s gets going. We don’t want to be late.” He is starting to make way to town while Fluttershy follows him. Being curious of this whole party concept, she can’t help but ask, “You’ve been to parties before?” “Pfft. Have you even met me? I am the party!” He paused for a bit before quickly saying, “If I were safe to use my magic right now, I would’ve pull off a bling style right now.” She giggled at his response, despite not knowing what the bling style was. He continued, “But to be completely honest, I was never really invited to one. I usually saw one from time to time, watching from the standbys.” “Were they fun?” He smirked on how she is starting to look like an curious foal, “I guess it’s best if you can decide that for yourself.” It was that this point they reached to the edge of town and they were immediately greeted by Pinkie, who was zooming towards them. “Fluttershy! Gusty! Great timing; the party’s about to start!” Pinkies happily greeted as she takes both the pair’s hooves and pull them to her way to town square. They came to an abrupt stop as they arrived and both Fluttershy and Gusty were caught surprise of how Ponyville looked much different than before. Lanterns were hanging on several strings tied to lampposts and buildings, the dirt floor was cleared up for a dance area, refreshment tables was set off the sides and an band consists in guitars, accordions and an portable pipe organ stood near the dance floor. “How were able to get all of this done so fast?” Gusty asked that even he found it scary that he found something that didn’t make any sense. “Shhhh, a Pie never reveal her secrets,” Pinkie whispered before trotting off to greet other ponies who just entered to the square. Fluttershy giggled at his confused expressions and he caught that, “What?” “I’m sorry,” she continued giggling, “but you looked funny.” He smirked jokingly, “Ooh, you think that’s funny? Well, missy, let’s see whose laughing when we get started in here!” With that, he grabbed her hoof and pulls her into the square. Ponies are starting to immerse from crowds and some even went onto the dancing floor while the band played in a silly, joyous tune. Gusty and Fluttershy made it the dance floor and she became nervous. “You should know,” she uttered shyly, “that I don’t dance well.” Gusty then grab her other hoof to help her stand on her hind legs. He replied with a soft smirk, “Then it’s good you have me as a dance partner. “ He demonstrated to her some simple dance move, like small twirling, hopping and one trick that he called a ‘two swing” wherehe steps in towards her right arm and then back to her another arm and spin around in unison and back again. Fluttershy started to have fun, laughing and wearing her adorable smile all the way through. This is certainly one memory of her that will burn into his mind forever. At the corner of his eye, he saw that Twilight just arrived at the scene with the other bearers. He was almost motivated enough to do another trolling with her, but he didn’t want to leave Fluttershy. Luckily he also saw that the Apple Bloom and the girls, including, Diamond Tiara, just ran towards them. “Fluttershy!” the girls called out to her. “Girls!” she hugged them just as soon as they were close, “Did Pinkie invite you?” “Yeah, with the exception that our sisters will watch us,” Sweetie Belle said as she pointed to Applejack and Rarity with Twilight. They waved as soon as they saw Fluttershy with them, to which she waved back. Gusty thought of this as a way to get his chance. “Uh, say, Fluttershy, care to dance with them? I really need to grab some refreshment.” “Oh,” Fluttershy was almost disappointed, but she understood that he needed to rest. She was also confused on why she was disappointed but she pushed that aside, “Okay.” “Great,” he says as he trots away from the dance floor, “I’ll be back.” “Hmmm,” Sweetie Belle slyly smirked at the pegasus, “It looked like you’re having a good time with him.” Fluttershy’s cheek were light pink as she heard it, “What?” “Nothing,” she giggled, “I’m just being silly.” This was almost a lie though. She still remembers how Fluttershy first defended Discord and called him a friend and how her horn had sensed something powerful that was growing between the two of them. With this memory in her mind and paying attention to the times they spent together, she noticed how much closer and stronger that bond has become. Though she is a romantic and like the idea of them together, she decides to let time takes its course. “Um, which one of you would like to dance first?” Fluttershy asked. “I’ll go first,” Apple Bloom volunteered, “I know this one trick from country dancing where we can switch places with all of us if that’ll help you.” “Lead the way then,” Fluttershy said as she let Apple Bloom dance the trick first then later switches with Sweetie Belle. Diamond looked at the stallion who was Fluttershy with puzzlement and whispered to Babs Seed, “have I met him before?” Babs chuckled and whispered back, “I’ll tell you later.” Meanwhile, Pinkie just ran to greet Twilight and the others including Spike. “Hi, guys,” Pinkie gave the group massive bear hug, “I’m so glad you came!” “We wouldn’t miss it, Pinkie,” Applejack wheezed, as the hug was begun to have a tight grip on them. “Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash wheezed also, trying to push out of the grasp, “Can’t… breathe. Let…go!” “Oops! Sorry,” Pinkie finally let go, giving the group some air, “Sometimes I can get a little too excited. Anyway, feel free to mingle around and dance!” “Oh, actually, Pinkie,” Twilight said, catching the attention of the group, “I’m not so sure I can do this right now.” “Why not?” Pinkie asked. “Well,” Twilight explained awkwardly, “It’s been a long day and believe me, I’d love to be with you guys; but I need to get back to the investigation. I promise that we’ll hang out s—“ “Oh, come on, Twi,” Rainbow Dash cried, “I think you can handle one night without being in that library.” “Rainbow!” Rarity sternly called out on Rainbow before she assured Twilight, “It’s fine if you don’t want to be here, darling. We just thought that since we had a rough day- a very rough and messy day-- we would have all of us celebrate this victory and enjoy ourselves for a while. But if that’s not what you want, then we won’t bother you.” “Yeah,” Pinkie interjected, “And it’s totally okay to admit it. Like it’s okay to admit that you don’t like parties because you’re a bad dancer!” The group sent a glare at Pinkie “What?” “Um, excuse me, but I’m a great dancer,” Twilight stated. “Well, if that’s the case, then why would you join us?” Gusty’s voice appeared from behind Pinkie and the others acknowledged him, “We would love to see your moves.” Twilight mentally groaned at his presence, “Gusty, now’s not the best time for me,” The rest she said under her breath, “I’m sure you already knew that.” “I tend to agree on Rainbow Splash her on this point,” Gusty pretended to express his concerns, “You have completely overworked yourself. Does the leader of the bearers group is usually one to always be with their friends?” He gave the princess puppy’s eyes while the other looked either skeptical or, in Twilight’s case, annoyed. “But of course, if you would rather focus looking for the bad guy than being with your friends, that’s would be absolutely fine—as long as you’re not, oh what’s the phrase… leave them hanging?” Twilight took offense to his phrase. She thought earlier about her concerns about keeping in touch with her friends when she felt she was getting close to them. Luckily, she hasn’t told them about it yet as she needed to find the right time to ask them. The only one that knew about this and even tries to help her was Spike, and he noticed how much Gusty’s words were affecting her. But Twilight isn’t planning to take this personally than it needs to be and decides to stay this one time out of spite, “Fine, I will stay.” Gusty brighten up as he heard it, “Splendid! You’re going to have a fun time, I promise you. See you on the dance floor!” He then sprinted off into the crowd. The others then try to shake off the awkward silence the moment was given them and be optimistic about her decision. Applejack was the first to speak, “Well, it looks like we’ll have fun, despite of what other ponies think, right?” Twilight softened when she glanced at her friend trying to be positive for her and she replied, “Right. Pinkie, I heard you’re also good at dancing. Care to join me?” Pinkie literally lit up with that request, “Boy I do! Let’s do this!” she quickly grabbed Twilight’s hoof and zoomed into the dance floor. “Well, might as well have some fun,” Rainbow stated, “I’m gonna head over to the refreshment.” “Hey, uh, Rarity?” Spike spoke out shyly to Rarity, “Is it alright with me to have… one dance with you?” Rarity giggled at how adorable he looked right now. Though it was obvious to see that he is smitten with her, she didn’t want to be rude to him and still see him as a friend nonetheless. She replied back to him, “Alright, one small dance but that’s it.” Spike grew the goofiest smile he ever made and quickly replied, “Okay!” He then walked beside her with Rarity to the dance floor. Applejack was the only one alone out of those who joined the festivities. “Well, I better check the food table.” Meanwhile back at the dance floor, Gusty eventually meet up with girls after his ‘talk’ with Twilight and saw that Fluttershy was having fun, dancing around the fillies. Sweetie Belle noticed that he’s back and went up to pull towards their group. In a matter of seconds, he was dancing with a couple of fillies, switching each at the time and then immediately switched back to Fluttershy just as a song ended. Both of them out of breath and holding very close together, Fluttershy uttered a breathless, “Hi” He did the same back to her, “Hi.” Both of them were silent until the crowd got excited and they turned to see Pinkie and Twilight in the middle of the dance floor, dancing in a very awkwardly matter. “Yeah, you go, Twilight!” Pinkie exclaimed as she’s dancing “Shake your groove thing!” Gusty snickered at this scene and admitted to himself that getting her to procrastinate on her investigation was worth seeing this on display. He then turned to Fluttershy who was giggling at the scene and felt at this point now’s the time. He lets go of her and whispered to her, “Now’s probably the time to go and show you something.” “What is it?” Fluttershy asked. “It’s kind of a surprise, soooo I can’t tell you,” Gusty stated jokingly as he took her hoof and guide her away from the crowd and to the surprise, inside the Everfree forest. Meanwhile, Diamond realized that Fluttershy and the mysterious stallion that left and felt that now’s the time to talk to the CMC privately. “Guys,” she asked the group, “Can I talk to you for a moment? Maybe in somewhere quiet?” The girls looked at each other before they nodded. Diamond quickly finds a small place and she guides them to that spot, in the middle of an alley where she know is deserted and quiet. “So Diamond, what did you wanted to tell us?” Scootaloo asked as the rest turned their attention to her. Already now she is starting to get nervous and she tried to find the words to say, “I…. I wanted to apologize—again.” The group was caught surprise at this. “For what?” Apple Bloom asked. Diamond still continued to find the right words again, “For… for everything that happened. At the orchard. I know I’d already apologize to Sweetie, but I need to say it. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that and I’m sorry if I ever hurt you in anyway.” “Oh, Diamond, it’s okay—“Apple Bloom said before Diamond interrupted her. “No, it’s not! It’s just…. I was so—so jealous and frustrated at you and I know that I acted horrible to you guys then—even to Fluttershy! And even she didn’t deserve the attitude I gave her! Plus with everything happening with my mother, it’s hard for me to cope with all of this. And I’m sorry, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo for what happened back at the Carousel Boutique. I wanted to help—I really do! But I didn’t want to risk getting mother mad and—And--“ “Diamond!” Sweetie Belle interrupted, “That wasn’t your fault! You were forced to leave us—it didn’t mean that you were doing it on purpose! We don’t care about everything you did in the past; you’ve changed! We know you are! You had become a better pony than you ever were.” “Yeah, and who cares of what your mother says? She doesn’t have the right to push you around like she’s some high horse!” Scootaloo stated her point. “Diamond Tiara!” Diamond froze and turned to see Spoiled Rich standing in the alleyway and the rest looked up did the same. “Bad timing on that, Scoots,” Babs whispered to her embarrassed friend. “I had stand up for myself from embarrassment after you ran off in front of those vines and dragged myself to find you after it was safe, and this is what I see before me?!My daughter associating with confused, insignificant low-lifes?! And blank flanks to top it all!” “Mother, I--” Diamond tried to reason with her until she was interrupted. “Diamond, we have already talked about this time to time! Socializing with their kind is not how you make yourself known in Equestria.” “Make herself known to what?” Scootaloo interjected defiantly, “It’s not like you have gone anywhere yourself!” Spoiled Rich took great offense of that remark and she sneered at them sourly, “You may be as persistent as I’d known you’ll be. But I swear that I’m going to make sure that my daughter is heading to a brighter future; and I’m going to make sure of that in any way possible.” The girls were scared of the impression that Spoiled Rich was given them but they stayed strong to see that it didn’t affect them. Diamond, on the other hoof, was worried about them and she felt like she has crossed a point where her mother will do whatever it takes to get exactly what she wants. It was until now that she needs to decide and take a stand. “Come, Diamond Tiara,” Spoiled Rich turned around to make her leave, expecting her daughter to follow her. “We will discuss more of this back home.” A moment passed and Diamond finally spoke out, “No, mother.” The CMC stared at their friend in shock. “Excuse me?” Spoiled Rich turned to face her daughter. “I said no. I will not be going home with you.” Spoiled Rich looked in shock as her daughter stand before her, deliberately defying her, “This is no joke, Diamond. Come here at once.” Diamond just stood there and didn’t answer. Spoiled Rich yelled out again, “Diamond!” Again she did nothing. Spoiled has reached her point and screamed, “DIAMOND TIARA, YOU COME HERE AT ONCE!” “I told you that I’m not coming!” Spoiled looked at her even in more shocked; she can’t believe this is happening to her! “Don’t be ridiculous, Diamond—“ “No—YOU’RE the one that’s being ridiculous! All of my life you tried to raised me to follow your hoof prints! At first, I thought it was fine. But this past year made me realize what you raise me to be—a sad, lonely, bitter aristocrat that has nothing to do to than to criticizes everything you think is wrong with the world when, really--- you have no right to call it out like that!” “That’s enough, Diamond!” Spoiled is alright at her wit’s end, “I’ll say this once again; step away from those blank flanks and come home at once!” “These blank flanks you are talking about the Cutie Mark Crusaders! I am a part of their group and they are my friends!” Diamond stood by this fact proudly, defending herself and her friends, “I don’t care what you think of me anymore. But I don’t approve to you saying such cruel things to them and that you were wrong about them. They are working harder to get their cutie mark than anypony I’ve ever seen. And I know that they will get them someday when they discover their true talent, and they will be amazing. And if this is the way you are going to treat me, my friend and the whole world like that, then I don’t want to be a part of you anymore.” The CMC watched Diamond with awe while Spoiled stood there dumbfounded. Silence filled with the alley, with the exception of the music playing from the party. After what it seemed an eternity of silence, Spoiled gritted her teeth and glared at her, “Fine. Go ahead. Waste your life away for all I care. You are old enough to make your decisions. I will send over a servant to fetch your things.” The girls lightly gasped on this implication while Diamond stood her ground. She sifted her hooves to left but then stopped to glance at her daughter one more time, “I hope that you’re happy with the decision you’re making. But don’t come back crying when you decide to come back.” “I don’t think I’ll count on that,” Diamond bluntly uttered as she saw her mother turn back and left the alleyway. It took her a moment to turn back to the cutie mark crusaders who continued to stare at her. “Diamond…” Babs Seed was the first to utter a word, “You…defended us.” “And now you’re…,” Sweetie Belle spoke. “I didn’t want to be in a home that didn’t care for me anyway,” Diamond smiled to them while tears were running down her cheeks, “And it’s worth it.” “Oh, Diamond….” Sweetie Belle muttered. They all rush into a hug, wrapping their arms around Diamond as she let out tears, as if the weight was finally lifted from Diamond’s shoulders and she was free. “I can’t believe this,” Scootaloo awed, “you stood to her! For us!” “Yes, I did!” Diamond cried through her tears happily as she broke the hug, “Sweetie was right; I had become a better pony than I ever was. And it’s all thanks to you. You showed me there was some other way to find out who I really am, and you stood by me even at times where I was too stubborn or proud. You even helped me when I had lost my best friend! I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done. Though, heh, I kind of admit what happened with mother was a little sudden. But I don’t care what happens from then on; because I know I’ll have my friends to help me all the way through.” Diamond then pulls the group into another hug, to which they returned the gesture. “Diamond, you’re free to stay with me and my parents,” Sweetie Belle said as they broke out of the hug, “I might have to ask them first, but if that doesn’t work out, you can ask Applejack.” “Yeah, and if you want, we can ask her if you want to get emancipated,” Apple Bloom suggested. It wasn’t until the group gave her confused looks that she explained, “It means that she can be legally independent at a young age and not tied into her family.” “That’s very nice of you to offer, Apple Bloom, but I want to take this slowly for now,” Diamond gratefully stated, “This is going to take some time for me to get used to it. Plus, I need to talk with father about this; he’s the only family I have now.” “We understand,” Babs replied, “And no matter what happens, we will always be your friends and be at your side.” Diamond swiped away the tears from her face, “Thanks, you guys.” One more group hug came over them until Diamond thought of something that has been bothering her, “Hey, Babs. Who was that stallion that was with Fluttershy earlier? He kind of looked familiar.” The girls looked at her with wide eyes and then turn to each other. Diamond was confused by this, “What?” “Listen,” Babs spoke to her anxiously, “I know it’s been a while and you missed out a lot of things; but before I tell you, you need to promise not to mention this to any pony.” Diamond raised an eyebrow, “Why?” “Just promise you won’t, okay?” Seeing that there’s no other way, she sighed, “I promise.” “Pinkie Promise?” “Cross-my-heart-hope-to-fly-stick-a-cupcake-in-my-eye—Now tell me who is he?” After taking in a deep breath in and out, Babs bluntly whispered to her, so that no other pony can hear them, “That was Discord in disguise.” Diamond’s face changed from confusion to eye-wide surprise and shock. “THAT WAS DISCORD?!” she screamed before the group shushed her. Luckily nopony heard them. “Sorry, but—but… what?! “Diamond asked, with her face completely filled with confusion and skepticism, “H-How did that happen? Why is he disguised?! Why are you guys okay with this?!” “Well,” Apple Bloom replied with a small laugh, “It’s a long story.” Discord, who had changed back to his true form, continued guiding Fluttershy through the forest with her eyes closed. “How much further are we have to go?” Fluttershy asked. “I promise we’re almost there,” Discord replied. “That’s what you said last time.” “Just keep your eyes closed,” he chuckled at her observantness. Luckily for him, it didn’t take long to arrive where he wanted to go. He magically poofed an wrist-watch and said to her as he looked at the time, “Okay, we’re here. Oh, And about time, too.” “Time for what?” Fluttershy asked. “You can open your eyes now,” he whispered next to her ear. She opened her eyes to see a small pond in front of them. Confused, she was going to ask why he dragged her all the way until she saw something small but bright floating upon the water. Then a few more specks of light came out of the bushes and before she knew it, the entire place was starting glow brightly through the dark. It wasn’t until she paid close attention to those lights to see that they were fireflies. The glow from those fireflies reflected to the water from the pond, making the scenery looked breathtaking. Fluttershy stared at the spectacle with wonder while Discord sat by, feeling satisfied that she loved this little surprise. “Oh, Discord,” Fluttershy uttered, “It’s beautiful.” “I knew you would like it,” Discord said, “When you spend the last twenty years hiding in these woods, you tend to find a few surprises. It’s very peaceful here” A few couple of fireflies few around the pair and one even landed on Discord’s nose. Fluttershy giggled and put her hoof up to his nose, where she gently picked up the firefly off there. Discord swiped his nose on where the bug was, “Pesky little things, heh.” Fluttershy looked between Discord and the beautiful scenery. She loved the gesture that Discord explained earlier, and she had a wonderful at the party. And she knew that all of this was done to make her feel better. Though she can’t shake the feeling that he is still upset about the incident as much as she, now, can’t shake it. Discord took notice of her soft frown and asked in concern, “You’re feeling okay?” “Yeah, it’s just….” Fluttershy sighed, “Everything was happening so fast. I shouldn’t be worried about it much but….” “You want to talk about it now?” he suggested. “I don’t even know how to start.” He then fiddled with his fingers, “Well, we can start with this. Zecora was right when she suspect someone planting those seeds.” Fluttershy noticed how nervous he became and knew that he was hiding something, “How?” “Well, to put it simply—I planted them.” Her eyes widen, “You what?!” “Not intentionally! I might’ve heard some things about them, but I didn’t think it would work. I’d gotten bored on my first month after my escape, so I—borrowed—a bag from a small-town pony. But after I planted them, they didn’t grow. I thought they were a dud.” “Why didn’t you tell me about this?” “I’d forgot all about them! I even forgot where I planted them---It wasn’t important at the time.” “You do realize that you could’ve given yourself away to Twilight if you hadn’t lied about that? Or even when anypony could’ve seen you when you saved me?” “But it didn’t happen.” He pointed out the worried pegasus, “Therefore you shouldn’t worry about that.” “But the changelings do know!” Fluttershy exclaimed, making Discord’s eyes widen as she started to become hysterical, “You mentioned once that they know you. What if they come after you? I don’t want to get anypony hurt because of me. I’m trouble enough as it is.” “No! Fluttershy, don’t say that!” Discord wrapped his arms around her in a protective notion. Fluttershy slowly hugged him back as she felt his arms shielding her and letting a few tears from stress. “I’m just scared,” she whispered, to which Discord heard, “I don’t know how much longer I have left. Now that I got a home, the girls, my friends, and you— and after I have learned and seen so much…” She sighs in defeat as she pressed her face to his brown fur. Discord had always hated seeing her like this but he knew that she was right. The changeling will get her no matter what; especially since her birthright and unclaimed role in Equestria is a crucial factor for her imminent diminish. She has gotten his far into making a difference in any creature’s lives, including his; it would be impossible imagining life without her. But he isn’t planning to let it happen. He swear, by the name of all things chaos, he would do whatever it take to keep her safe away from those heartless monster—or die trying. After a moment of silence between them, he gently lift her chin up to face him. “Fluttershy, when I first met you, I thought of you as I thought of everypony—weak and helpless against my chaos. That was all I thought of you until you decided to be my friend. And since then, you have proven to be much stronger than I thought you were. You’re kind, sweet, caring, smart—the bravest soul I’ve ever laid eyes on. You had come this far all the way from Chrysalis’ grasp and look where you are now! Just the fact that you’re still alive is a miracle to me. I…. couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if you weren’t in it.” He gently swipes away the tear from her eyes. Looking down at her with her kind eyes full of hope and wonder is enough to tug at his heartstrings. He continued, “I’m not going to let them take you. If anything, they would have to get through me to even touch you. For as long as it takes, I’ll always come and protect you and won’t ever leave your side. No matter what.” “Do you really mean that?” Fluttershy asked softly. “For what I see it,” Discord reassured her, “You’re worth it.” Fluttershy can see the sincerity and warmth in Discord’s voice and eyes that it made her smile that shone in the radiant light. She then rested her head back to his chest while he returned back a gentle hug and a few strokes on her back. Her eyes turned to the scenery before them, still lit aglow and surrounded by fireflies. “You were right being peaceful here,” Fluttershy muttered, “It’s perfect.” Discord looked down at her frame still wrapped around his embrace. In this moment, he thought more than the scenery to be perfect, “Yeah.” Then he had an urge to which he accepted without a thought. He lean his head down to where her head rest and when he got close enough, he placed a kiss on her forehead. Fluttershy didn’t see it coming and was caught surprise by this act. She turned to him as he quickly snapped his head back. “Sorry! I-I didn’t know what I was doing,” he blurted out embarrassed, “Or thinking in that matter, heh.” “You gave me a kiss,” she said bluntly. “Yes? Is that okay?” “Oh, yes, it is. It’s just that....” Fluttershy then looked back the pond as reminisced about her home, a pleasant one this time, “Back at the changeling kingdom, in my cell, I kept a box for the things I have. One of them was a page ripped out of a fairy tale book. I read it one time as a filly when I found this room that was filled with books. It was the very first time I glowed. But Mother knew about them and she had them burned. That page was all that survived. It shows a sleeping mare, lying down on a coffin under a curse while the prince kneels down to her. And it had a poem under the sketch, showing the prince’s devotion and love for the mare.” “Do you remember what story it was?” Discord asked, simply curious. “I don’t know. I might’ve before, but I’d forgot. I don’t even know the ending. But whenever I had a bad day or when I’m upset, I would just grab the page from the box and just stare at it.It always makes me feel better. And this may sound silly but—whenever I looked at it, I feel…. Hope.” He raised an eyebrow, “Hope?” “I don’t know how in a way but…somehow I just felt like someday I would have a happy ending like in that page. I would be happy, free…. And being loved. I didn’t know how or when it was going to happen; but I knew that it will come. I guess after all that’s happened; I finally got that.” She then turned up to Discord who was staring at her with his soft gaze. She chuckled, “Again, it sounds silly.” He smiled softly, “I don’t think that sounds silly.” After a moment, she returned back to his chest and focus back to the fireflies as they continued to glow upon the pond; all the while giving both of them time to their thoughts. Discord mentally dashed himself for planting that kiss on her forehead, though looking back she didn’t seem to be disgusted about it. It was also comforting that it brought her some decent memories. But then he listened to her talking about that page, that fairy tale that seemed familiar and her talking about hope; he was amazed to say the least. He was almost started to become hopeful himself as he embraced her in his arms and feeling her warmth. This pony just kept on surprising him; yet he liked it. Fluttershy was happy to have this moment with Discord. His gift and this talk, although disconcerting to think about, left her completely at peace. His kiss caught her by surprise and though she liked it, she was almost suspecting on why he done it. But then she thought back on the book page and suddenly, she felt hopeful. Her dreams had taken her this far as she realized this, but she started to question about how she felt about him. She questioned if she thinks of him more than she thought she did. And it frightened her. She’d never had felt anything like this before and she even doubted that he would feel the same way too. It would be probably better for her if she kept this to herself and try to keep this friendship the way it is. Or maybe ‘friendship’ is too strong of a word for her? She knew she would have a hard time figuring this out. It was at this point that the fireflies began to fly away and the glow started to die. Discord poofed back the watch on his wrist to check the time, “Boy, it’s already getting late.” He then lifted her up and carried her in a bridal style, “Now’s definitely the time to take you home.” “You don’t have to carry me--” Fluttershy shyly muttered. “I know, but I want to,” He insisted, “Plus you looked tired. You’re welcome to sleep on the way home if you want.” He then started to float their way to the direction of the hut. Fluttershy yawned and rested her head on his chest and then her arms around his neck. “Home…” she yawned very tiredly as she slowly drifted off to sleep. As he kept floating down the trail, he only thought about how right it felt with her being in his arms. She is so small compared to his size, but somehow it managed to fit. It was also a reminder to him how much she means to him to the point that he felt like everything he did and all he was now was for her. If things haven’t gotten complication for the two of them, he could imagine this moment to last forever. How she would always shine to him through her kind heart and beauty, how she will always fit into his arms like a glove, and how he will forever be treasured his moment, from then on and forever— Then his soft grin started to disappear. It was then that he realized he’s fallen in love with her. He looked down to the sleeping mare his arms. His smiled returned and continued his way to the treehouse.