//------------------------------// // Life as a Draconequus // Story: Life of a Draconequus // by Pearly_Glider //------------------------------// Fluttershy awoke from a relatively pleasant slumber. Not a sound in the house was present, but something felt off. She did not know why exactly, but she felt an urge to go downstairs. Quietly, she slipped from her covers and opened the door. She was careful not to hit the basket that was right by the door, for a little white puffball was sleeping, with steady breaths. She slipped into the hallway and flew down the short stairs. There, on the couch, was a Draconequus. He was wide awake and stared off into the room, not noticing the worried yellow Pegasus. "Discord?" Fluttershy began walking closer to where he lay. "Are you alright?" He turned to face her, it was apparent he cried recently. "I'm fine Fluttershy, I just had a bad dream." He lied, staring into her deep moderate eyes. "Go back to bed. You need your rest." He turned and faced the coach. "Discord, why are you lying to me?" Fluttershy had a hurt expression on her face. Discord sighed and did not move. He cleared his throat. "I had a dream of my past." He choked as if he was about to cry once again. "I'll be fine." Fluttershy hugged the Draconequus in a tight embrace. This wasn't the first time this happened, she remembered this starting just three months before. At least once a week Discord would wake up crying and try to convince her he was alright, but as the weeks progressed the dreams began to happen more frequently. This was the third night in a row. She saw the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep, and how his normally cheery voice disappeared and was replaced by a depressing like sound. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked still hugging him. A few tears fell from Discord's face, he shook his head. "Not really," he said rolling over to return the hug. "This helps." He knew he could not keep a secret from her, but he didn't feel like sharing right now. He was too depressed, and though talking would help he wouldn't want to keep Fluttershy up more than he already had. Her well-being was more important than anything to him. She slowly let go. "OK" she turned and went towards the kitchen. "Where are you going?" He asked still focused on her. "It's about time I normally get up." She explained continuing to her destination. "I have things to do." Discord looked up at the clock, it was 4:30. After rolling his eyes, he sat up on the couch. He wanted to go rest, but knew it wouldn't happen as long as his best friend was awake and moving about the cottage. He finally decided to talk to her about his past. "Fluttershy?" He called rubbing his neck. "Yes Discord?" "If I tell you about my dreams, do you promise not to let it haunt you?" Fluttershy turned back and nodded. "And you won't share it with your friends?" She nodded once again and sat right beside him. He took a deep steady breath and release it slowly. "It started millions of moons ago when southern Equestria was known as Draquonia. My parents, Antipathy and Enmity, went to the local nursery to adopt a challenge. I was a tiny thing, better know as a runt. Runts were rare and weren't developed enough for their magic to keep them alive. The doctors told my parents there was no chance I would have made it." Discord scoffed. "Boy were they wrong." He looked at the pony that was snuggled to his side, ready to hear more. "My parents ignored the doctor and took me to their home. Right away they noticed I wasn't going to be a problem because I ate and behaved like my older sister. When I was brought home, she was six centuries. Which is about 7200 moons for ponies." Fluttershy looked at him in surprise, she never really thought of how old Discord was until that second. "Is everything ok Fluttershy?" "Oh yes, I'm fine. Was this part of your dream?" "No, I wanted to tell you about my life before everything went Tartarus." "Oh, ok." she forced a smile, trying to hide her shock. Discord let out a long sigh, "You want to know how old I am, don't you?" "Oh, you don't have to tell me." Discord sighed, he could never be upset at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, I'm younger than your Princesses. Does that help?" "A little," she said hiding her face behind her mane. She was embarrassed and felt stupid for asking such a rude question. "Anyway, she didn't like me until we both got older and she realized I was there to play with her. I remember my parents telling me how she knocked my crib over when I first got settled." He chuckled at the memory. "I miss them." He sighed. "What happened?" Fluttershy asked. "We were attacked by the changelings." He growled. Fluttershy's heart sank into the depths of her stomach. "It was my eight-hundredth birthday when I noticed my parents were jumpier than usual. Seems like every five minutes, one of them was either outside or talking to a reserve. I didn't get it back then, what a job was or the safety of others. All I cared about was my family spending time with me. "Daddy, why isn't Mommy in here?" Antipathy frowned and sighed. "Buddy, mommy and I are busy at work and worried about a..." He took a moment to think of something that would replace the changelings progressing at our borders. "Meeting? Yes, we are worried about a meeting at work." He grabbed young Discord in his mismatched arms and threw him up into the air. He laughed and buzzed his little wings to make a safe landing on his father. We both laughed. "Oh, my little draconian is growing up so fast." Antipathy pulled Discord from his head and gave him a light noogie. He squealed with laughter. Just then Enmity burst through the door. Her long hair was frizzed and she was crying. "Antipathy, they're here." Enmity cried. Discord looked at his father who stood in horror. "Who's here?" Discord asked, but his father didn't answer. "Discord, go wake your sister. Tell her we are leaving, and don't bring anything." The little one sensed the terror in the room. His little heart began to beat faster and faster. He quickly ran up the stairs and went to the second room. and opened the door, making it slam against the bookcase on the other side. Dare leaped from the bed at the sound and saw him right in front of her bed. "Dare, mom and dad want us downstairs. We have to leave." His older sister was 19 at the time and appeared to know exactly what was happening. She picked little Discord up in her arms and ran down the stairs. "How far are they?" Dare asked, with Discord still in her arms. "They just crossed the borders and are going to be here any minute," Enmity stated. "Discord still has a chance to make it to the mountain." "We haven't any time to waste." Dare said now pulling Discord to her back. "Mom, Dad what's going on?" Tears began to form in his eyes, this was all too scary for him. "Buddy," Antipathy said, "Do you still remember the food spell I tough you a few weeks back?" "Yes, but what does that have to do with this?" "You'll soon understand." They all looked at each other and with tears in their eyes, Discord knew this was the last time he would see his family. Instinctively, he jumped off Dare, who failed to use her magic to secure him, and ran to his parents. They all held each other and cried. "Mom, dad I'll see you soon." She picked Discord up and placed him on her back, holding him as tight as she could. They all left the house, leaving in separate directions. "Dare, what's going on? Why aren't Mommy and Daddy coming with us?" "Hush Dissy, we have to be quiet now." Dare spread her wing and flew, with speed that rivaled Rainbow Dash. A few minutes passed, and they arrived in a cave along a vast chain of mountains. It was right at the pony city, known as Canterlot. "Ok bud, I have to go in a few minutes to help mommy and daddy. There will be a strange four hooved creature here for you later. It may take a few days but be sure to hide until she uses the words Klutzy Draconequus." "But sis, why aren't mommy and daddy here?" "Dissy, I need you to listen to me now." She demanded. "Stay behind this rock," Dare pointed to a rock at the back of the cave. It looked to be the end of the cave, but it was an illusion. He began to tremble and cry. Dare wrapped him in a hug, "It'll be okay squirt." Dare soothed, stroking my hair. She shook slightly, she forgot a big detail. "Discord, if you see a black bug-like creature with holes in its legs, run as fast as those little legs can carry you." "Ok," I sobbed. She twitched again. "I have to go help mommy and daddy, the creatures should be here in a few minutes." He held onto her hoof. "Please don't leave me!" He cried. "Dissy, I need you to be brave. Please be brave for mommy, daddy, and me." She pleaded. Once again, I nodded. "I love you Dissy, bye." She waved, walking out the cave entrance. "I waved back and went back behind the rock. Not a minute later I heard her scream. I never saw my parents or my sister again." Discord said, sobbing. "What happened next?" Fluttershy asked, tears escaping her eyes. "I waited for what felt like years. I never left that rock for anything. Every once in a while, I would hear hoof steps in the cave along with the buzzing of bug like wings, but every time they would go away as soon as they reached the front of the rock. They were too stupid to realize I was there. About two weeks later I was eating my cotton candy when I heard hoof steps again. This time they were more... solid? They stopped in the middle of the cave. "Klutzy Draconequus" She whispered. I carefully looked out from behind the rock. It was a pink-maned alicorn. I stood there frightened half to death. "It's okay young one. My name is Princess Celestia." She said, "I am here to take you to my kingdom and teach you magic. Your parents Antipathy and Enmity asked me to take you in." I immediately ran up to her and hugged her foreleg. "Thank you, Miss." I began to cry again at the mention of my parents. She looked at my with understanding, like she endured a similar loss. Slowly she wrapped her forehoof around me, hugging me back. We heard hoof prints she turned her head quickly gasped and teleported us out of there. The next thing I remember was being in a huge castle. After talking to her sister, who never really liked me, she showed me to my room and practically raised me as her own. During the years, she began to develop a wavy mane and her sister began to get used to me. It was like I never lost my family, for a while I was happy. One day they called me into the throne room. "Discord." They greeted me. "My princesses." I bowed to show my respect. They both smiled. "You knowest you don't have to do that," Luna said. "Yes, but after all, you ponies have done for me its the least I can do." I looked at them and noticed the same worried look my parents had when I was small. "Is it the changelings again?" I asked walking closer. "I'm afraid not," Celestia said walking toward me. "A new kingdom has arrived in the far north and we have been receiving distress messages about a pony named Sombra." "That's nothing you two can't handle," I said. "This King Sombra is no pony we have ever encountered Discord", Luna said. "You see he is in possession of a great power that can kill the strongest of ponies. Celestia and I are the only hope of their people." "I see, and what would you like me to do?" "We need you to stay here and watch over our developing kingdom," Celestia said. "Me? Are you sure I'm ready?" "Of course." Luna stated, "You have my trust and that is the hardest thing to obtain in all of Equestria." "I see. What all should I do?" "Answer the ponies and treat them as I have treated you," Celestia said. "And you and our kingdom should be just fine." "Yes, Princess. When will you be leaving?" "At dawn," Luna whined, I chuckled slightly. "If you have any problems Discord don't hesitate to write to me." "Yes, Princess," I bowed. Celestia ruffled my hair and said, "I mean it." "I know," I said. She wrapped her hooves around me one last time and said, "My sister and I will rest, you may start now." I saluted and ran up to my throne that sat in the middle of the royal sister's. I only needed Celestia a few times that day, but other than that everything was fine. The next morning came faster than I realized. I awoke an hour after sunrise and quickly teleported to the castle gate. They already left and I was alone once again. I teleported to the throne room and told the guards to allow the pony folk in. Each time a pony came in they stood in shock. I told each and every one of them who I was and that I wouldn't harm them. Then the names started in. I thought I could handle it myself. For I was a prized pupil of the great Celestia and Luna. They taught me that names shouldn't matter, but nopony would stop. Every time I tried to contact Celestia one of the royal guards would taunt me. "Oh is the little Draconaquus scared?" "Is he going to contact Mommy Celestia for help?" Eventually, I lost it and enslaved the pony race instead of ruling it. I changed everything into something that fit my pain and suffering. I did everything that Celestia told me not to in order to show those pathetic excuses of subjects that I was not one to be messed with. Centuries passed I grew more and more insane. No matter what I didn't feel at home. So I continued this until my princesses returned. "Discord?" Celestia asked tears clearly in her eyes. "What has happened to you?" "What have you done?" Luna asked. "Who me? Well, I changed all of Equestria for the better." I began to chuckle. "Discord this isn't you. Please tell me your still in there!" I laughed viscously, "This is me, Celestia." "No, it isn't. I know you I raised you after your parents passed. Please show me the son I love." "Son? SON!? YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER!" All of Equestria shook from my rage. Celestia broke into tears. "You have gone too far Discord." Luna spat. "If you do not undo this You will see who is stronger." "Oh please like you can stop this Lulu." "Don't call me that!" She demanded. "Not while you are like this. This is not the friend I know. You need to stop this." "How about you make me?" The princesses looked at each other, then sighed. "We will give you one more chance Discord. Stop this now or we will have to use the same power we had to use to defeat Sombra!" "So you did stop him. I had been wondering that since the moment you arrived." "This is your last chance Discord," Celestia said through the tears. Luna grabbed five rocks out of her bag. I took one look at them and laughed. "Little did I know that would be my fall." Discord looked at the pony who laid next to him. She had no doubt been crying. He hugged her tightly. They held each other for what only felt like minutes but had truly been hours. "You know Fluttershy?" Discord said to break the silence. "You were right." "Right about what?" Fluttershy asked. "That talking about my dreams really does help." He hugged her once again. "Thank you, friend." Fluttershy hugged him back, fighting the tears that threatened her very eyes. "Oh no! Angel Bunny!"Fluttershy jumped up and picked up the white puff of fur in her arms. "You must be so hungry. Discord would you help me take care of the animals?" "Of course Fluttershy, but to you have a quill and some parchment?" "Yes in my study. What do you need it for." "I'm going to do something I haven't done in a very long time." "Well alright. The key is on the end table." She carried Angel Bunny into the kitchen and began her day's work. Discord entered the study and sat in the little chair. He grabbed the quill and parchment. "Come on Dissy." He told himself. "You can do this." He took a deep breath and began writing. Dear Princess Celestia, This is Discord in case you were wondering not your other student. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me. I could never do anything that would amount to all you have done for me. And I'm sorry for how I treated you a thousand years ago. I was way out of line and there is nothing I can do to undo that. I just ask that you forgive me. Please tell Luna I'm sorry as well. I would still like to continue my lessons with you two and would like to tell you what I learned today as though I was your prized pupil again. So here it goes. Dear Princess Celestia, Today I learned that talking about your problems to a friend is quite helpful. Things that you let fester inside can be poured out with a good friend to help you through it. You will always be their shoulder to cry on, but every once in a while it is good to let your worries out too. For that is what makes a good friend. Sincerely, believe it or not, Discord He rolled up the letter and, with a snap of his claw, sent it to the Princess. A few ours later, when Fluttershy and Discord were tending the garden, a note appeared from a cloud of smoke. "Discord?" Fluttershy asked, "Is that from?" "I.. I believe so." He hastily opened the letter and smiled. Dear Discord, You are forgiven and yes I would love for you talk to me more. Like I said nearly two thousand years ago, "If you have any problems Discord don't hesitate to write to me." Sincerely Princess Celestia P.S. Luna forgives you too, but she doesn't want me to tell you. ~The end~