//------------------------------//
// Episode 12: Four's A Crowd 
// Story: The Pony Guard (Season 4) 
// by MXCDarkHorse2020 
//------------------------------//


Episode 12:



Four's a Crowd


On another fine morning in the kingdom where there is only some life in Diamond Valley aside from the Pride Landers taking up residence there, Kiara has woken up and has made her way to the watering hole not too far from a cave where she and her family are sleeping.

For her, other than watching over the Pride Landers trying to train for battle against Scar, along with going out to walk and talk with her friends and family, there really isn’t much for her to do here in a kingdom that’s barely scraping by and slowly recovering.

“Sometimes deep down.”  She thought to herself while drinking from the watering hole. “I just really wish for some excitement every now and then.”

At that moment, Spike came up to her with a letter and judging from the way he approached her it sure looked urgent.

“Kiara!”

“What is it?” Kiara whipped her head to turn towards him as he approached her.

“Got a letter for you, from Princess Cadance.” He answered while handing the envelope in his claw.

“Princess Cadance?” Kiara questioned in surprise to hear that she is writing her a letter. “Why?”

“I don’t know.” Spike replied while waving it slightly so she can take it and read it. “But it’s something you might want to read yourself to find out why.”

After a moment of hesitation, Kiara moved to take the envelope before pulling out the letter inside. She read it with her eyes moving from side to side as she reads every word the Princess of Love has written for her eyes only. Once she reached the bottom of the letter her slowly opening eyes have fully widen by the time she was done reading.

“Wow!” Kiara expressed really stunned with what she had just read.

“What she say?”

“She said she’s going to be in Ponyville for the weekend here to spend some time with Twilight. And she wants me to join them.”

“What?!” Spike couldn’t help but snatch the letter and read it himself to make sure she isn’t making this up. After reading every word Cadance had just said via letter his still stunned expression makes it clear that the lion princess didn’t make it up. “Sweet cherry jewels, it does say that!”

“Yep.” She nodded while thinking of how to approach this, knowing this will mean having to face Twilight.

Last time they saw each other, she took part in her evil grand uncle’s scheme in taking over the Pride Lands and nearly throw her little brother to his demise had her father not saved him in the nick of time. And shortly afterwards, she came by Diamond Valley to issue a warning that they will be killed should they set foot back in the Pride Lands and that included trying to leave Diamond Valley. That time, left her younger brother to suffer a mental breakdown when she utterly and verbally destroyed him to the core.

It would be a very tough and risky thing to be doing if she were to join in on Twilight and Cadance’s quality time together considering with how far dangerous and deceptive Twilight is. Especially if she can take down the Guard in a straight up fight no problem, and induce and strike fear in other’s heart to the point they are all left crumbling and crying with her words alone after she is done with them. Not to mention is also capable of making lying as easy as telling the truth to the point it's hard to tell whether or not she is truthful and sincere or not.

“So what are thinking?” Spike asked. “You going?”

She gave it some thought for a minute before making a decision. Deep down she knows that if word were to get out that Twilight’s around her, her father will crack down hard by monitoring her every day movements going forward. But really, the more she thinks about it. Twilight hasn’t done anything to her, since she doesn’t harbor any resentment towards her whatsoever even after she’s turned evil. And of course, the old saying, “What they don’t know won’t hurt you.”

So she sees that she doesn’t have to worry about herself around Twilight and that’s what factored in her decision.

“I’m thinking I’m going to go.” She calmly responded.

“Are you sure?” Spike asked feeling uneasy and uncertain that doing so is really a good idea. “Remember when the last time she was here?”

“I know.” Kiara voiced that the memory is still there. “But from it seems from what she wrote to me, she only wants to able to spend quality time with me and Cadance and nothing more.”

“Don’t be too sure, Kiara.” Spike cautioned. “She could be tricking you in some way to help Scar gain some kind of advantage over us.”

“I’m sure.” She repeated once more to assert she is serious about going through with it while Spike still eyes her very mind-boggled here. “I know of what she did when I last saw her but I think Cadance is onto something here.”

“What are you getting at other than risking hurting yourself?”

“I’m getting at that since Twilight still has that dark magic infecting her mind that this is an opportunity for us to try to get through to her and convince her to change sides.” Spike was still confused with what she is proposing. “That way, we can take away Scar’s advantage over us and be able to defeat him.”

Spike was starting to understand what she was putting down but brought up a very crucial obstacle. “That would be great. Expect, Kion and the others have already tried reaching out to her back then. She’s not going to listen to reason.”

“True…” Kiara voiced awareness to that too. “…maybe the Lion and Pony Guard, along with her brother and mentor can’t reach out to her. But maybe she’s willing to listen to reason to those who hadn’t given her any reason to harbor resentment towards. Like me and Cadance for example.”

“Well…” Spike tried to further speak of more reasons why she shouldn’t be pursing this before thinking. “…actually, she might. And last I remember when we were last in the Outlands, she did save me from a fatal fall.” The memory of Twilight’s good side showing back then did give Spike that she might just truly be blinded by her darker emotions and that the dark magic is really getting her to act upon them. “And in a way, she was trying to help me see how much value I have to the team when I pull through and help save the day during our little comic book world adventure.”

“Exactly!” Kiara smiled. “And since Twilight was willing to talk to me after getting her scar, she might be willing to listen to me.”

“She might.” Spike came to agree with her point made before pulling out a quill and paper. “So should I tell Cadance that you can make it?”

“I think you know the answer.” Kiara answered with a teasing grin while affectionately rubbing his scales.

So with the decision made, Spike quickly got writing…





…but not without being secretly observed by Scar himself on the edge of Pride Rock with his magic.

“Aww, how lovely.” Scar remarked while acting touched to the heart himself. “Three princesses and three future sisters-in-law bonding. Oh, how I just love these kinds of reunions.” He then turned to an anonymous figure inside the Pride Rock cave with only a pair of eyes visible. “And can I count on you to ensure that nothing goes right?”

“Of course, your majesty.” He replied with a bow before sinisterly yet laughably chuckling to himself before disappearing in the shadows.





The following weekend, Kiara would meet the Lion and Pony Guard at the trains station where they are also seeing off Fluttershy and Beshte before they head on out for their trip to meet the Breezies, the most rare, tinest, and adorable creatures in Equestria. And judging from the grin on the animal lover’s face, she is very excited to finally get a chance to witness and see them up close especially, after the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures gave them written permission to do so.

In preparation for the trip, her friends have chipped in with their belongings they are taking for the trip.

“Here's a couple of wraps, in case it gets cold.” Rarity said while levitating said items into their saddle bags.

“And I packed you two baskets of nice fresh apples in case you two get hungry.” Applejack added while presenting said baskets.

“Thanks!” Beshte smiled in return just when Ono gives Fluttershy a map to place in her saddle-bag.

“And make sure to take this with you too.” Ono reminded. “Just so you remember of how and where to find them along around the place.”

“Thanks.” Fluttershy sweetly returned.

“Have a great time!” Kion said to them just when their train arrives.

“Oh, we will.” She replied before turning to Kiara. “And I hope you have fun with Cadance.”

“I’m sure we will.” She said with certainity before they hear the sound of the train whistle blowing.

“All aboard!” The conductor called out signaling to the two it’s time to leave.

And as soon as they boarded their ride, the train departed from the station.

“Goodbye! Goodbye, everypony!”

“We’ll tell you all more about it when we get back!”

The two waved back from the caboose before entering their cart.

“Have fun!” Fuli shouted after them with best hopes they’ll have a great time there.

“Fluttershy!” Pinkie cried out in a way after now missing them already before pursing the train for a few hundred yards. “I'll never forget youuuuuuu!” She shouted before giving up her chase. And she ends up finding something else to get her mind off of Fluttershy. A shiny red balloon floating in the direction back towards the train station. “Ooh, something floaty! La-la-la-la-la!”

“Well that didn’t take too long.” Fuli sarcastically remarked to the baffled egret’s silent response to Pinkie’s overly-dramatic gesture of affection.

Once Fluttershy and Beshte have left, the Guard’s eyes are on Kiara with her younger brother having a worrying concern for her.

“I really hope Cadance's visit goes well.” He nervously expressed.

“What could you be nervous about, Kion?” Bunga asked. “Cadance loves you and Kiara to pieces! Just like with Twilight and….” He suddenly stops mid-sentence upon realizing what he just said. “…oooh, right. Because of Twilight wanting to spend time with them.” 

“Eeyup. That could do it.” Fuli replied understanding of her friend’s concerns.

“Yeah…” Kion replied. “…that’s why.”

“The fate of Equestria has hung in the balance during most of your visits with her.” Rarity added knowing of those specific times with Cadance and later Twilight following her ascension to becoming an alicorn.

“Exactly.” Kion continued. “It’s just even if Twilight has shown she might have a heart deep down, I just can’t help feel she is up to something. What’s her plan? What’s her ulterior motive for wanting to try to spend quality time with Cadance and my sister?”

“If only I can read minds.” Kyoga commented. “But then again what kind of a friend would that make me? Not a very good friend since spying on others is frowned upon here.”

“Right…” Ono agreed. “…plus considering that Twilight could turn any or all of us into dead meat if she were catch us doing that. And I mean literally.”

Kiara knowing that this would happen spoke up to assure everyone. “Yes, I know you’re all anxious over this, but I’m certain that Twilight is plotting anything bad to happen to me or Cadance.”

“And you know how?” Fuli asked.

“Like I told Spike, because she has no reason to hurt us.” Kiara explained. “Since her anger is more directed at all you, her brother, and Princess Celestia, and she still genuinely seems to value me and Cadance as friends.“

“Well, that’s true.”

“She was willing to talk to you after what happened at the wedding.”

“And she happily greeted Cadance during that time we first went to the Crystal Empire.”

Ono, Kion, and Beshte all recalled.

“Exactly, and as long as we keep it that way, then we have nothing to worry about.” Kiara then said with her point made.

“I'm guessin' you've got a plan that'll keep it that way.” Applejack inquired with a knowing smirk.

“Oh, I do Applejack.” She replied returning the same smirk before turning their attention to a nearby poster featuring Star Swirled the Bearded. “For Twilight, the timing couldn't be more perfect. For one day only, right here in Ponyville, the Star Swirl the Bearded Traveling Museum! Cadance, Twilight, and I can spend the whole day looking at Star Swirl the Bearded artifacts!”

“Sounds like a perfect drama-free way to spend the day with Cadance.”

“That’ll definitely create some excitement for Twilight. And knowing her, she won’t want to miss a single second of that place.”

Both Rarity and Ono both liked the idea finding it very interesting themselves.

“She sure wouldn’t.” Said mare said them having just arrived at the train station which earned her a crowd of gasps from her sudden appearance with Kiara being the only one not following suit. “Hello, everyone. Good to see you all again.” The Guard were momentary stunned by her polite greeting yet were unnerved upon seeing her again before expressing her eager excitement of the museum herself. “Not counting the drama surrounding which of the bells from his cloak they've chosen to put on display. Spoiler alert: it's this one!"

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but make hacking and gagging noises at the whole museum visit idea. “Uh, sorry. Something in my throat... like a big ball of 'lame'!”

“Say what you want, but that’s the first part of the plan for today.” Twilight replied not caring of what Rainbow thinks knowing she’s not into this kind of stuff.

“What do you mean by that?” Kion asked still feeling and eyeing her former friend suspiciously.

Twilight still remained unfazed by this reaction before calmly looking at him in the eyes in answer to his question. “Nothing other than giving your sister a choice of what she would like to do after visiting the museum since it’s only fair since I’ve made the choice of wanting all three of us to go to the museum today.”

“Really?” Kiara questioned in surprise thinking the mare wouldn’t have ever considered giving her that choice before. “Well…I have been thinking about trying out that spa Ponyville has. I’ve heard of how great it is and have been meaning to want to try it out.”

“Well, today you’ll have the chance to experience it Kiara, because it really is a great place to relax and spend some real quality time together.” The alicorn sincerely responded while approaching her to place a hoof on her shoulder. “A nice way to spend just some quiet time together.” She added with a warm smile while placing something in the lioness’s ears.

Of course, Kiara felt a little uncomfortable by this gesture even knowing that she is telling the truth this time, but for her sake she had to accept it with a forced smile, even though Kion had the natural instinct to want to get in between them to protect her sister.

But before he could decide to act upon that, a certain train whistle that everyone is expecting. The crystal train that serves as Princess Cadance’s ride that created a very loud screeching sound when it came to a complete stop causing everyone (sans Twilight and Kiara who had on ear-plugs on) to cover their ears.

Once the train had stopped and Twilight had removed her and Kiara’s earplugs, fanfare played out with two crystal ponies emerged from the side door with a red  carpet rolling out just when the Princess of Love herself emerges with her wings spread out.

It was a sight that sparkled delight in Twilight’s eyes upon being able to see her future sister-in-law once again and in addition, she ended up eyeing a pony that really had her heart melting in awe. A dashing orange Pegasus pony standing on the left of the side of the carpet.

“Wow…” Twilight whispered to herself in brief love-struck awe before quickly recomposing herself and  turned her attention back to the alicorn here to greet them who bowed before them.

“Your Highness.”

“Your Highness.” Twilight returned while following suit with the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard minus Kyoga and Kiara follow suit before the lavender alicorn rises to her hooves shaking her head just when Cadance rises her head at the same time.

“I'm teasing.” She quickly told the Guard. “We don't have to be so formal.” She turned back to her guards to nod at them to let them know that their services are no longer needed for now. 

Both guards complied before heading back inside the cart so the train could head on out of the station. But not without the orange Pegasus giving Twilight a knowing wink and slight blush after picking up the fact that she has a bit of a crush on him.

With the company of three princesses all together, they all set out and walked away from the train station.

“Knowing you, you've made some plans.” Cadance said to Twilight.

“Boy, have I.” Twilight replied just when Kiara excuses herself briefly. 

“Hang on just one second. I’ll be right back.” Kiara turned to the others knowing that Kion still isn’t feeling comfortable with leaving her and Cadance alone with Twilight. 

“Kiara…” Kion tried to speak before Rarity intervened with a hoof on his chest.

“Now, now, don't you worry about a thing, Kion!” She quickly assured. “If your sister is certain that nothing but nothing will happen to her and Cadance. Then we should take her word for it.” She then whispered in Kion’s ear while shifting her eyes around. “Plus it might help in getting Twilight back.”

“Go on…” Applejack encouraged. “…let her have a hootenanny with her kinfolk.”

Kion could only look on at his sister hopeful that everything will turn out like she says it would.

“It’ll be okay, Kion.”

“Just please be careful.” Kion cautioned out of sibling love.

“I will.” She heeded his advice with a hug before turning back to catch up to the two alicorns. “Coming, Cadance! Coming, Twilight!”

Kion looked on very proud of the bravery both Kiara and Cadance were showing, but yet can only hope that he’ll be given no reason to regret trusting their judgement.

Pinkie happily sighed at the sight while her own hooves pressed up her cheeks. “Three future sisters-in-law bonding. Well, I for one am gonna make sure that nothing spoils their day!” She then seriously vowed.

“Me too!” Bunga agreed.

Just then something large and spinning is coming right at their direction. Something looking a little out of the blue...

“What is that thing?” Applejack wondered just when Ono flies up using his keen sight to try to make it out.

“Whatever it is...” Rarity started. 

“…duuuck!!!” Both she and Ono screamed together before everyone all wisely did so.

“Rarity, that doesn't look anything like a duck!”

“Yeah, that looks more like a…”

Both Pinkie and Bunga pointed out before being dragged to the ground by Rarity and Ono respectively before they could lose their heads in the process.

“Get down!” Ono shouted at the honey badger just when it flies overhead and crashes into a tree.

Once everyone got up to their paws and hooves, they all walked towards to the tree where they saw come in for a crash landing.

“What is that?” Rainbow questioned when Ono once more tries to take another close look at what crashed into the tree.

“It looks like…”

“No, not a "what", but a "who", dear.” A voice from the tree corrected them sounding rather sick.

“Oh, no...” Ono groaned knowing who that is after recognizing that voice.

“That sounds like...” Rainbow added with a hoof directed in the tree’s direction just when a sneeze accompanied with blue flames burns all the leaves from the tree off.

“Discord!” Everyone exclaimed upon seeing him.





“What in tarnation are you doin' here?” Applejack demanded. “And why the jumpin' June bugs are you blue?”

“More like a shade of cerulean, to be precise.” Rarity whispered corrected.

“Which is technically correct.” Ono vouched for her in a whisper much to his own and the country pony’s annoyed expressions. “And me of all birds to be a smart mouth.”

“Whatever color you are is the color of trouble!” Rainbow then shouted while flying up to him with narrowed eyes.

“Big, big, trouble!” Bunga added for emphasis while riding on the cyan-colored pony’s back while pounding his fists together.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash, Bunga, I've changed, surely you both remember?” Discord reminded them while trying to act innocent even though nobody was buying it. “I was reformed by lovely little…” He slithered down to the ground before itching up another sneeze that sent him flying backwards. “F-F-Fluttershy and B-B-Beshte-“

“What are you, sick or something?” Bunga questioned rather skeptically.

“Well, of course I'm sick.” The Lord of Chaos asserted. “The blue skin? These sneezes? Could somebody find me a fainting couch?” He added while dramtically placing a palm on his forehead in a dramatic manner

Everyone all eyed to the one pony that actually has one.

“What?” She asked everyone finding it a really incredulous question.

“You’re the only pony we know that has a fainting couch.” Fuli brought up. “So don’t you have one?”

“Well…not…not for him.” Rarity stammered not wanting to give the Lord of Chaos anything, especially since it is clear that he is being phony.

Pinkie, the only one of the group actually being friendly to Discord, goes out of her way and move his luggage that magically appeared right over to him.

“How charming, thank you.” Discord gratefully spoke to her before continuing to express his woes. “I can't stop sneezing and wheezing. In short... I need help.”

“If you're so 'sick', why have you come here?” Kion asked while cautiously approaching him with suspicious eyes. 

“Instead of, y'know, staying home in bed and getting over your weird illness?” Rainbow added sharing the lion cub’s attitude.

Discord sneezed to which both Rainbow and Kion dodged before the former blew his nose. “Because this condition has left me helpless, simply helpless!” Both Applejack and Ono raised an eyebrow at him still unconvinced. “Why, I can barely lift a spoon.” He demonstrated by trying to lift up a spoon and ended up falling to the ground as a result.

“Oh, come on!” Fuli rolled her eyes along with Ono, Rainbow, and Kion while the others exchange dismayed looks that he actually thinks they are going to buy his ‘blue flu‘ excuse. “That is a load of horse manure coming from someone who actually managed to fly all the way over here!” She then has actual horse manure landing on her courtesy of Discord. “Should have seen that coming.”

“Anyways…” Discord continued just when Kyoga kindly uses her magic to make the manure and it’s scent disappear. “I came to find the one pony and her hippo friend who truly understands me and could nurse me back to health. Where is that dear, sweet Fluttershy along with her handsome friend Beshte? I need attention! I need some care! I need-“ He questioned while lifting Pinkie and then the tree rooted next to him.

“You need to chill. Fluttershy's out.” Rainbow quickly interrupted by placing a hoof on his mouth.

“Oh, of course, her trip to see the Breezies. Ah, yes, I had forgotten that was today.” He then casually said like he just remembered it.

“What?” Kion was surprised to hear this.

“How do you know about their trip?” Applejack inquired while she, Kion, and Rarity shoot interrogating looks at him.

“Well, Fluttershy told me about it in her last letter.” He nonchalantly responded while showing everyone the proof on the paper with both Kion and Pinkie both reading the fine print.

“You and Fluttershy write each other letters?” Pinkie asked looking surprised like this is news to her.

“Well, of course we do! We're friends!” He replied before appearing now taking in fluids from a water pouch attached to a hanger on wheels while wearing a hospital gown. “It's just such a shame that today of all days is when I really need her. Oh, well, I know what to do.”

“Good thinking.” Rainbow immediately pushed him back over to the train station with a hat and a suitcase. “Head on home, put your feet up. I'm sure eventually you'll have the strength to make yourself soup or something...”

But when she turned back to where her friends are still standing he finds that Discord is magically back over there. “Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no! I mean, while she's gone, you ponies can take care of me! Isn't that what friends are for, taking care of each other?” He asked with a silly smile and chuckle while pulling everyone into an unwanted group hug. “Let the healing begin!”

“One, two, three…” Fuli began counting while eyeing both Rainbow and Ono.

“Not it!” Rainbow, Fuli, and Ono all stated together before immediately flying and running off together going in three separate directions.

“Well, that's some way to treat a suffering friend.” Discord remarked feeling offended by that before letting loose another sneeze with the nearby lamppost tipping its top off as a way to say “bless you.” before leaving.

“Don't you worry, Discord!” Bunga quickly assured before Pinkie gave him a big hug. “We’ll take care of you!

”Totally, in fact, I'll give you cuddles, and read you stories, and tell you all about me! I was born on a Tuesday-“

But Discord  politely used his magic to separate himself from the generous pink pony before placing her and Bunga on the nearby tree branch. “Oh, you're so sweet to offer, but Rarity, Kion, Kyoga, and Applejack already volunteered to be my own personal nursemaids.”

“We did?” The four exclaimed despite having never said anything like that.

“None of us ever said that!” Kion argued.

Discord ignored him before turning back to the two who had both climbed down from the tree. “I so hope you don't mind, Pinkie Pie and Bunga.”

“Well, as a matter of fact, I most certainly-“ Pinkie started to protest until Discord presented and let loose a red balloon. “Hey! Who keeps throwing away these perfectly good balloons?”

“I’m on to you!” Bunga stated with an accusing finger pointed in his direction. “I wasn’t born yesterday…” Discord calmly presents him a pile of grubs glazed together in ball form before rolling it away from the train station. “Oooh! A day’s worth of food!”

“So much for the Guard’s Bravest’s help.” Kyoga sarcastically remarked at him and Pinkie being so quick to being distracted into leaving before turning back to the others who haven’t left yet.

“That joker's up to something, and whatever it is, we're gonna keep it as far away from Twilight, Kiara, and Princess Cadance as possible.” Applejack whisper vowed to the others.

“Agreed.” Kyoga stated before turning to their ‘patient.’ lying down looking like he is on his deathbed. “We can’t afford to give Twilight any more reasons not to trust us.”

“Along with further endangering my sister.” Kion added. “I’m not about to let him put her into harm’s way just so he can pull another one of his mean pranks on her.”

“You're right. We promised we wouldn't let anything ruin their visit...” Rarity vowed but not without expressing her dislike at the idea of watching over Discord. “…although I do so wish that "anything" had turned out to be something else!”

Just then, Discord materialized right in front of them. “Did I hear you four talking about Princess Cadance's visit with Princess Twilight and Princess Kiara?”

“No.”

“Maybe.”

Both Kion and Applejack answered.

“Fluttershy had mentioned that those three were getting together today. Mm-hm. How wonderful for them all. It is so rare that those three get to see one another especially with Twilight and Cadance having their princess obligations on hoof to deal with. I don't know about you, but I sometimes wonder how close they could actually be. All those years apart before being reunited with one of them turning towards the dark side after an unfortunate tragedy?” He added with mock pity towards the pony he is talking about.

“Even so….” Kyoga started wanting to move on from talking about Twilight’s new allegiance to avoid further upsetting Kion. “They're still plenty close.” 

“And if they're not, this rare opportunity to focus on their friendship will certainly bring them closer. Unless...” Discord then thought before being interrupted by Rarity and Kion.

“Don't even think about it! They mustn't be disturbed!” Rarity politely stated.

“And don’t even think about coming near my sister, because if me or my dad hear of what you have done, you’re going to be in serious trouble!” Kion aggressively added with a growl.

“Disturb them? Me? My, my, temper, temper, I wouldn't dream of it.” Discord replied while petting Kion’s head who in return growled and bared his teeth at him to get him knock it off. “Not when I have four such dear friends of my own who have already offered to take care of me.” He said while briefly picking them up before dropping them to the ground. “And at such peril! This flu of mine is highly-“ He works up another sneeze in their faces. “…contagious.”

The four end up all turning blue, just like Discord, before sneezing and crashing into a nearby tree, which knocked them all out upon impact.

“Oh no, I've gotten you all sick. Whomever shall I turn to now in my time of need?” Discord said with faux remorse before sinisterly chuckling to himself knowing of the three princesses who he feels can do the job.





And said princesses are all at the museum all taking a look at the many Star Swirl the Bearded themed accessories and artifacts where there a crowd of ponies wearing costumes that the old sorcerer of magic wore in his days. From the blue robes, long white beard and, the long blue hats with gold colored bells and stars on them, although not quite exact to what Twilight’s costume had since she knows him more than any pony here in the crowd and is never a pony to not wear her costume on an occasion like this.

“A whole day to celebrate Star Swirl the Bearded. What could be better?” Twilight happily expressed to her two companions.

“Absolutely nothing.” Cadance warmly responded before gasping upon seeing something that caught her attention before trotting on over there. “Is that the candlestick he used to light the way when he was exploring the caverns of Maretania?”

“It sure is!”

“Oh, I can't believe I'm getting to see it in real life!” She expressed her excitement equal to Twilight’s in regards to this special and historic item.

“Wow.” Kiara giggled while admiring the candle herself. “Who would have thought that you of all ponies would be interested in Star Swirl the Bearded.”

“Well I did pass it on to her when I was foal-sitting her.” Cadance brought up to which Twilight couldn’t help but blush with a light smile. “Along with some of her other adorable traits we all know her for.”

Twilight was left flustered and blushing madly by her flattery. “Oh, stop it…” She tried to play it off and downplay it with a sheepish grin. “…I’m not all that adorable.”

“Are you listening to yourself?” Kiara teased the alicorn knowing she can’t hide it from them.

Deep down, the Twilight they know and love is showing perfectly clear in plain sight in their eyes deep down iand that there is still good inside of her.

But just that, the candle in front of them shook, transforming into a familiar creature now miniature sized which had both Kiara and Cadance shrieking.

“What the…?” Twilight commented upon seeing who that is when the creature emerged from the glass container after sneezing once more and appearing in full size. “Discord! What are you doing here?!” She angrily demanded upon him literally putting his head on and from the angry looks of both Cadance and Kiara, they weren’t too pleased with him showing up to crowd their quality time together.

“Oh, dear, dear Princesses, I'm sorry to say that I'm sick.” He announced before hacking once more which had the three turning their heads away from him uncomfortably. “Blue flu.”

“Blue flu?” Cadance questioned.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kiara remarked rather exasperated with his so called sick excuse.

“Ah, I fear I've already given it to poor Applejack, Rarity, along with their friends Kion and Kyoga.” He added trying to sound honest about it.

“What?!” Kiara asked in angered shock. “You made Kion sick?!”

“I’m afraid so….so…so…” Discord admitted before letting loose another sneeze to which Cadance quickly used her magic to form a protective dome around her and the other princesses.

“Magic health bubble.” She explained to the two.

“Good thinking.”

“Impressive.”

The two thankfully complimented.

“Indeed.” Discord agreed while pressing his face against the bubble. “How would Twilight nurse me back to health if she were sick too? You will be letting me stay at your place until I'm all better, won't you?” He asked while dragging a claw against the barrier.

“Stay? With me?!” Twilight exclaimed in shock while glancing at both Cadance and Kiara. “Uh, now is not really the best time, though I'm sure you already knew that...” She tried to politely decline though heavily annoyed and irritated in her tone of voice.

“But taking in the sick and the desperate - isn't that what Fluttershy would do? Isn't 'helping' something that friends do for friends?” Discord attempted to reason with her trying to sound and look pitiful. “Unless, of course, you're really saying that you're not my friend.” He added with crossed arms trying to look hurt when Twilight didn’t show concern for him.

Twilight angrily replied while gritting her teeth seeing that he is putting her in an impossible position here. “No, that is not what I'm saying.” 

“Oh, how elated I am to hear that.” Discord then said back to his mischievous and goofy self. “Shall the four of us head back to your place? I don't want to get anypony else sick.”

“Guess we don't have much choice.” Twilight replied with an irritable sigh before leading the way back to the library.

“Riddle me this, Discord.” Kiara spoke up wanting to challenge the truth his ‘ailment’. “If you’re so sick, then how are able to perform magic no problem? Not to mention coming all the way out here while knowing you were sick?”

“Just a lucky blessing.” Discord merely passed it off before slumping to the ground. “Carry me?” He pathetically asked of them with his wings literally breaking off.

“It isn't far. I think you can manage.” Cadance replied not wanting to jump up on the offer to which both Twilight and Kiara smirked in his direction upon seeing that he is not getting help this time around.

“Oh, poo.” He muttered before slithering after the three princesses back to Twilight’s place.





Once they have all arrived at the library, Discord wasted no time in making himself comfortable on Twilight’s bed with Cadance fluffing his pillow letting him rest while tucking him into bed.

“Need anything else?” Twilight asked feeling very grouchy due to having to miss on quality bonding time and the museum because of him while pondering to herself of how this could have happened.

“Just knowing that I have a good friend like you to take care of me has made me feel better already.” Discord replied while rummaging through Twilight’s nightstand and messily handling her scrolls. “I'll be fine here on my own.” 

“Okay, good.” Twilight said while levitating the scrolls and everything he just touched away from him. “And I think the least you could do for me now is to quit going through my stuff without permission.” She then levitated it out of the room and placed it in a nearby closet while placing a magical lock on it. “Thank you.”

The three caretakers moved to try to leave the room but not without Discord speaking up to them just before they could leave.

“Oh, just before you go, just a little small request.” He asked of them with his fingers placed closely together as a statement that it is as small as he says it’ll be.

Twilight sighed heavily, finding this a great pain in her flank.

“It's going to be fine.” Cadance kindly assured with a hoof on her back. “We'll just get him what he wants and be back to the exhibit in no time.” 

“Surely, whatever it is, it won’t take long.” Kiara added while sharing her frustration of having to put up with him.

Twilight in response smiled but had this to say. “Hopefully. Though you never know considering this is Discord we are talking about here.”

“What was it that you needed?” Cadance asked while trying to be nice about it with a forced smile.

Discord in response presented an empty glass while beginning to sing while he makes his request.

“A little glass of water please

A fresh pressed hanky if I sneeze

Some tea with honey from the bees

Whenever you can brew it.”

He sang while pulling a hankey from Twilight’s ear and magically had a tea cup with bees flying out of it.

“See what I mean.” Twilight whispered to Kiara with her point made leading to the lioness’s hopeful smile fading.

“I'll get your tea.” Cadance moved to do so with a forced grin.

“And while I get a little rest

A teeny tiny small request

Some codfish oil for my chest

Poured from a crystal cruet.”

Discord continued to sing while returning to his bed, had smaller duplicates make their way towards Twilight with oil presented in his paws that had a giant fish emerge wearing a bow tie and carrying a cane in his fins.

“A crystal cruet?” Twilight questioned just when Cadance returned with the tea in tow.

“And isn’t that a fish?” Kiara also questioned still clearly confused and skeptical of Discord’s supposed illness.

With that said, Discord proceeded to sing at a much faster pace.

“My goodness, I'm a nincompoop

Because I fear I've got the croup

I need a vat of pumpkin soup

And scarves made out of zinnias.”

He sang while the alicorns stir up a batch of the requested soup before Discord had the flowers inside of it dumped on them and Kiara before transforming them into silk and using it to spin the three around.

“Did I say zinnias? I meant silk

Or something shiny of that ilk

And then I'll need some nice warm milk

And pastries from Abyssinia.”

He sang before having his face appear on his stomach to which had the princesses visibly disgusted.

Cadance used her wings to shield her eyes, while Twilight used her left wing to shield Kiara’s while placing her right front hoof up to obscure the sighting. Just then they are all covered in noodles thanks to Discord.

“And since my stomach's feeling crummy

Why not give my aching tummy

Something soothing, something yummy

Piled up with noodles?”

Next thing Discord does is placing Twilight and Kiara in blue waitress outfits accompanied with red glasses while the patron at the table (Discord) has a sandwich with multiple slices of cheese piled high on it.

“Add a slice of homemade rye

With stacks of Swiss way up high

Served with sides of sweet mince pie

More basil; I need oodles!“

“Anything else?” Twilight asked while rolling her eyes before finding herself in doing the tango with him under the spotlight.

“I'll be grateful for your charity

Until the bitter end

Because I've heard that tenderness

Is what you lend an ailing friend

“Tenderness, isn't that right, friend?”

He sang slowly with the last part giving the alicorn a very suggestive look and tenderly placing a hoof on her cheek.

“Right, but—“

“So, who's ready for my big reprise?” Discord asked before cutting her off and singing at a very fast pace once more.

“I'd like that glass of water please

Some magic spell to cure disease

A firm "gesundhoof" when I sneeze

A fresh bouquet of roses.”

He sang while pulling Twilight’s horn off to use as a flower bouquet with the alicorn shooting him a killer look had the damage been permanent.

“Some lozenges will soon appease

My wheezing when I start to sneeze

A wig to keep me from the breeze

And blankets for my toes-es.”

He sang while swapping the alicorn’s mane’s and presented his blanket covered toes to Kiara who is still not following a word he is saying before finding herself massaging his hooves alongside Twilight and Cadance who both look away while doing so finding it so uncomfortable and cringe worthy before preparing a bowl of peas with shredded and grated cheese.

“Take tweezers out of my valise

And then massage my knobby knees

A bowl of peas, some extra cheese

A cuddle with a Pekingese

A singing harp who's named Louise

A goat on skis, a new trapeze

And more and more and more and more of these

And just because I oughta...

Make sure I'm drinking in the right

Amount of fluids day and night

I wish I may, I wish I might

Have just one little thing

Oh, would you please finally bring

Me that tiny glass

Of water?!!”

He concluded his song while flooding the tree house with water and soaked the three princesses all together.

Just when Discord coughs before getting back into bed after most of the water goes down the drain, Cadance managed to fill the empty glass with the water he had summoned.

He accepted the glass and moved to drink out of it…before ‘accidentally’ dropping it to the floor thus shattering the glass. “Oops. Sorry.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Kiara asked in disbelief that Discord went through all of that trouble for nothing with the latter merely smiling before sneezing and turning into a hundred bubbles.

“Alright, this is ridiculous!” Twilight stated before turning and walking away after putting up with his antics long enough.

“How did you even catch this flu?” Cadance curiously asked.

“Inadequate hoof and claw washing?” Discord replied while spraying clean Cadance’s magic health bubble with anti-germ spray.

“Really?” Kiara asked still very suspicious. “Are you sure you’re not just faking it, specifically to intervene with our time together considering of how well you performed your magical number?!”

“Of course I’m not!” Discord defensively stated while still keeping up his innocent act. “Why would you even think that of me?!”

“Because you have been known to pull this stuff on my brother and his friends from time to time.” Kiara boldly returned.

“Well it’s not like I mean Kion and the others any harm well maybe expect the first time.” Discord tried to downplay the trouble he caused back then. “But now I’m only doing so out of fun and I would never even dream of going as far as to faking an illness because I can assure you it is all real.”

“Uh-huh.” Kiara returned unconvinced with the Princess of Love sharing the same skepticism.

“There must be some way to just cure you!” Twilight voiced while flipping through the pages of several books in her magic. “There has to be a spell or remedy in one of my books!”

“There is one way...” Discord casually mentioned.

“And you didn't think to mention it earlier?” Cadance questioned looking quite annoyed herself.

“Slipped my mind.” He merely replied. 

“Sure it did.” Kiara said in a tone to make it clear she is not buying it for one second before Discord used his magic create a visual of a hill with a pink flower on the very top of it.

“On a hill at the very edge of Equestria, there grows an exquisite magic flower. Pick the flower as it drops its petals at sunset. Then you can make a magical soothing elixir to cure the blue flu.” He explained before snapping his fingers to make the visual disappear.

“I suppose you have a good reason you didn't bother to get this flower as soon as you realized you were sick?” Twilight angrily questioned while expecting a good reason out of this.

“Well, I couldn't travel that far in my condition. By the time I got there, I'd be too weak to even attempt to retrieve the flower.” He said while trembling and shivering under his blanket.

“Yet you were able to travel all the way here no problem.” Kiara commented while further pegging the Lord of Chaos for his fabled excuses.

But nevertheless, Twilight had this question in mind. “So where exactly are Cadance, Kiara, and I headed?”

“Well…” Discord cleared his throat before appearing beside them wearing a tourist outfit with sunglasses and a lollipop along with a map before explaining once more. “…you'll want to head north, turn left, th— Oh...” He paused after twisting the map around. “You know, it'd be much easier if I took you there myself.” He then folded the map into a paper hat and placed it onto Twilight’s head.

“I thought you were in no condition to travel.” Cadance recalled voicing her skepticism towards him arising once more.

“I'm not.” He replied while placing his arms around the three. “We'll need to make some arrangements.” He then chuckled with another agonizing idea in mind for them.

“Not a problem.” Twilight quickly shot down whatever idea he had in mind before lighting her horn and having everyone disappear from her house in a flash and teleported everyone to the place where Discord said the flower would be located. “Because we’re already here.”

“Oh, poo.” Discord once again said in disappointment that he wasn’t able to get them to carry him on his large golden chariot before telling of where to look for this flower that’ll help make him feel better. “It's just at the top of that hill.“ He then instructed pointing towards the tall hill in from them with the very top covered by the gray clouds.





And the three wasted no time in making their way uphill so they can retrieve it along with taking their time while walking upwards.

“I'm really sorry about this.” Twilight apologized to both Kiara and Cadance. “All I wanted was to have some peaceful quality time together.”

“I know, I was looking forward to it too.” Cadance returned understanding that she had not planned for any of this.

“Me three.” Kiara shared the same understanding tone. “And I don’t understand how Discord expects us to watch after us like we’re his servants like that.”

“Because apparently that’s his preference towards everyone alike.” Twilight replied. “It’s in his nature and his past self still doing the talking waiting for the perfect opportunity to laugh in our faces when whatever trick he has up to his sleeve comes to full fruition.”

“And it’s not hard to see why you and the others don’t exactly see him as a friend.” Kiara shared.

“Well the sooner we get this flower, the sooner we can look forward to whatever time we can spend together.” Cadance hopefully expressed just as they made their way to the top of the hill.

“All right.” Kiara sighed just when they all started searching around for the flower Discord needed for his ‘healing.’ tea.

“This is the top.” Twilight stated while looking over the nearby edge of the cliff. “But where is that flower?” She then had a petal fall on her to which Cadance was quick to remove off of her.

“Up there?” Kiara asked pointing to the very tall plant just over their heads.

“Yep.” Twilight replied upon realizing it and wasted no time in flapping her wings ready for some magical rooting. “Come on, if we hurry, we can still have some time together.”

Kiara started off by digging around the roots to the point she created a burrow around the flower and once that was done both Twilight and Cadance both used their magic to remove the flower from its roots. In order for the two alicorns to do so it required full concentration since it was a very large flower they were dealing with. But nevertheless it was doable and the flower started to come out of the ground.

“Come on, you got it!” Kiara shouted in encouragement.

“One... last... pull!” Cadance voiced before they both finally managed to yank the flower out of the ground.

“Phew!” Twilight expressed relief upon succeeding. “Let's get Discord and this flower back home, then all our problems are solved-“

“What in Equestria?!” Cadance suddenly interrupted in alarm when the ground below Kiara shook.

Kiara stumbling in her footing a little before Twilight caught her with her magic when out of the giant hole came a giant wormlike creature.

“What is that?!” Kiara asked very alarmed and frightened when the creature had its head facing the three. 

“A Tatzlwurm!” Twilight answered when the creature opened its enormous mouth and roared loudly to unveil its tentacles.

Both Cadance and Kiara screamed in fright while Twilight showed no fear in the giant creature’s face when it lunged to attack them.

The two alicorns were able dodge the creature’s first attacks before flying upwards to get out of it’s reach. But the Tatzlwurm was able to pop its head back in the head before launching itself up at a great speed before managing to ensnare Cadance with its tentacles.

“Twilight! Help!” Cadance cried out to her.

If this was a pony she didn’t care about, she wouldn’t have bothered to try to rescue her. But since this is her future sister-in-law and one of the few friendships she values deep inside, her good side took over and came to her rescue.

“Get your coils off my sister-in-law!” She shouted after the worm before firing a powerful beam of magic to make it let go of Cadance.

Once the Tatzlwurm landed back on the ground, it shot it’s tentacles back up to ensnare Twilight instead causing Kiara to leap up and on the worm’s head.

Cadance gasped at the sight of her future sister-in-law struggling against the giant’s grasp before flying down to it’s rescue along with Kiara dug her claws into the worm’s head at the same time Cadance fired two beams to force it to yowl in pain before releasing its grip on Twilight.

“Let go of my sister-in-law!”

“And my friend!”

Both Cadance and Kiara fiercely stated in Twilight’s defense to which had the dark alicorn greatly astonished by this gesture as she really did not expect them to come to her aid even after what happened. But nevertheless, Twilight was very grateful for what they did.

Just when the three tried to catch their breath, the Tatzlwurm leaped up once more and snapped its jaws and caught the three in its mouth. But both Twilight and Cadance were quick to counter attack that by teleporting out of its mouth when it dropped down to the ground back in its hole.

By working together, with a series of magical beams to the face and a series of claws sinking right into the worm’s head, all three princesses were able to force it to back down into the hole it emerged from.

“Just... a little... more!” Twilight announced just as they all finally manage force it inside the hole.

“And for good measure...!” Cadance fiercely stated once more before using the nearby boulders to seal the hole to keep the giant creature from attacking them again and to put an end to this fight and allowing the princesses to safely land and catch their breath.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked while looking at both Cadance and Kiara.

“Yes. Better than okay actually.”

“Never better.”

The two positively replied while panting.

“Then let's get Discord back to Ponyville, make that elixir, and finally get a chance to spend some quality time together.” She happily expressed really eager to finally put an end to this chaotic episode. Something, that both Cadance and Kiara both eagerly grinned too in agreement. 





With Kiara riding on Twilight’s back once more, both alicorns proceeded to use their magic to carefully levitate the giant flower back on over where they left Discord. Then they saw next it comes off as no surprise to those who have paid attention to the obvious signs given beforehand. 

Discord was dancing and was no longer colored blue and clearly not sick the whole time while celebrating in joy.

“To the ends of Equestria! To face such great danger! And she did it for me! She did it all for me, for me, for me!” He danced with lifting up a hat before appearing and sliding wearing sunglasses, a sleeved shirt, socks, and underwear just when the three girls appear before them.

Once he noticed them, he tilted his sunglasses up to see the three princesses all looking very unimpressed and angry at him and for a good reason.

“Are you kidding me?!” Kiara angrily growled before Twilight levitated her up to his face while joining her in getting in the lying prankster's face nose to nose. 

“You... were... faking?!” The alicorn angrily snapped.

“I was!” Discord bravely admitted. “But I had a very good reason.” He added before gently pushing both Twilight and Kiara down to the ground.

“We're listening.” Twilight said expecting one in return.

“I’d sure like to hear it!” Kiara said in agreement.

“Well…” Discord began while having a growing tree grow from the ground and himself being given a lift. “I was in my thinking tree – that's where I do most of my really deep thinking…” He then made the tree disappear before appearing back on the ground. “…I was there, and I said to myself, I said, "Discord, your friend Twilight says that she's your pal, but she never writes and she never pops in for a visit."

“I don't even know where you li-“ Twilight attempted to clarify before being pinched on the lips by Discord so he could continue speaking.

"Now that she's a princess, maybe she's decided that she's too good for you."

“I have never considered myself t-“

“But how was I supposed to know for sure that I'm truly still friends with one of the most important ponies around?” He interrupted again.

“I'm not more-“ She tried speak once more before being interrupted again when Discord picked her up with his tail.

“By seeing if you would go to the ends of Equestria for me, of course. Which you did, literally.” He gave the alicorn a hoofshake. “Congratulations, Twilight, you passed my friendship test!” He then places a medallion around her neck which depicted him giving a thumbs up obscuring Twilight’s right eye covered on one half of the medallion when Discord placed it together with the other half. 

Even so, Twilight’s mood failed to change along with Kiara’s since he resorted to deceiving them about a fake illness and literally sent them on a wild goose nearly getting eaten by a pony and lion eating worm to retrieve a giant flower he didn’t really need.

“Why the angry eyes?” Discord inquired after noticing the look on her face while waving a yellow sports flag. “You love passing tests. It's not because my little exam put a damper on your visit with Princess Cadance and Princess Kiara, is it? Made it so that there was no time for you three to focus on your friendship?” He said with mean delight in the glaring girls eyes.

Before either Twilight or Kiara could both open their mouths so they can tell him off, Cadance spoke up feeling glad with no hostility towards him.

“You didn't put a damper on our visit at all.”

“He didn't?!” Twilight and Kiara exclaimed in surprise to hear that.

“I didn't?!” Discord exclaimed equally surprised too at the exact same time of both Twilight and Kiara's equally stunned response.

“Spending the day at the Star Swirl the Bearded exhibit would've been more relaxing, but to be honest, relaxation is the last thing I need.” She explained when both Twilight and Kiara moved towards her.

“Really?”

“It is?”

The two asked in further surprise with Twilight more pleased to hear it.

“Don't get me wrong. Life in the Crystal Empire is wonderful, but it's become a little... predictable.” She honestly replied. “I enjoy a little excitement now and then. Getting to face all these challenges today was just what I needed. And facing them with you just made me realize even more how lucky I am to have somepony and some lion like you two as friends.” The three shared a warm hug together to which Discord pouted in response seeing this. When the three break up the hug, Cadance had this to share with Twilight. “We may not see each other very often and you might be seeing things a little differently, but I know you'll always be there when I need you. Just like she was there for you, Discord.”

“Yes, she's a real sweetheart deep down. We're all so lucky to have her in our lives.” He grumbled seeing that this was not the result he seeking out of all of this.

“Especially lucky, considering she is smart enough to know that you were faking it.” Kiara said in her defense. “Because unlike Scar she still has everyone’s best interests in heart and is ten times the ruler he could ever hope to be!”

Discord was left further angered by the bravery Kiara was showing in the face of him, but before he could respond the ground shook just when the Tatzlwurm managed to emerge from the ground. The four all backed away when it eyed its tentacles straight at them.

“What in the world?!” Discord exclaimed fearfully before the creature let loose a sneeze in his direction before sickly sinking back into the hole for good.

Thanks to Cadance’s magic health bubble, Twilight, Cadance, and Kiara all were protected from its sneeze. But Discord who didn’t manage to get his magic working in time, ended up getting sick for real from it. And that was a satisfying sight for the three princess’s eyes to see.





Sometime after Fluttershy got back home and Cadance returned back to the Crystal Empire, Discord was placed in the Pegasus’s care who had him lying down on the floor with a blanket over his body and placed in one of her bed’s and inside a quarantine bubble so no one else would get sick.

There, the Lion and Pony Guard were there to oversee the karmic results Discord received for his antics the other day along with Kiara’s visit with Twilight. And nobody was more pleased than Kion to see that his older sister managed to prove everyone that she got what she wanted out of it and without incurring any harm her way.

“Wow! I got to say Kiara, that was very impressive!” He complimented.

“Thanks, Kion.” Kiara humbly replied. “And at least we know that even though Twilight may not see eye to eye with you along with the rest of the Guard, she does have everyone’s best interests at heart unlike Scar.”

“He sure doesn’t.” Kion agreed. “And I sure hope that experience proves vital in turning things around for whenever Scar is ready to enact his endgame.”

“I think we’ll definitely look forward to it because even though my visit with her and Cadance didn't go quite the way I expected. But in the end, when you're with a good friend, even the most chaotic day can end up being a great experience that brings you closer.” She then turned to Fluttershy’s patient. “Wouldn't you agree, Discord?”

“Yes, Kiara.” Discord replied with a sickly snort.

“I don't wanna go sayin' you got what you deserved...” Applejack began.

“Well, I have no trouble saying it.” Rarity stated. 

“Me too!” Kyoga added before the two finished together with Applejack and Kion both smiling in response because he definitely had it coming big time.

“You got what you deserved!” They both stated at the same time as each other.

“Now, now…” Fluttershy kindly intervened before scratching his back while wearing a protective glove. “…he's learned his lesson. Isn't that right, my little patient?”

“I'm so glad that you're back from your trip, Fluttershy.” Discord expressed happy relief. "You too, Beshte." He added when the hippo gave Fluttershy a tray of food along with a drink for their patient to enjoy. “Just your presence here is making me feel so much better.” Kiara rolled her eyes in annoyance in response. “I was just wondering, could I trouble you for just one more thing?”

“No!” Kiara quickly answered having none of it this time around.

“What? I was simply going to ask for a teeny, tiny glass of water.” He finished but that wasn’t changing her mind.

“Not from me!” She assertively stated before turning her back before telling the Guard. “Trust me, you don’t want to give it to him. It’s like giving a mouse a cookie here.”

“A very addictive cookie.” Ono commented knowing where he is going with this.

“Yep.” Fuli nodded getting the same idea.

Nevertheless, Fluttershy was quick to get him the requested idea with the others awaiting to see Discord’s musical number he performed the other day without the magic due to his illness.

A sight that an amused Twilight watched from the nearby window out of the Guard’s sight feeling pleased that she was able to get what she wanted out of it along with no longer having the burden to care for Discord anymore. A day of fun that gave her a closer bond to Cadance and Kiara even after turning to the dark side.



.

Later that night, after everyone has retired for the night with Fluttershy asleep in her bed, a mist of green and black magic came inside the cottage creeping near Discord’s quarantined resting area.

“Huh?” Discord spoke upon waking up. “What? Oh no.” He said to himself before said smoke cleared up to reveal Scar himself had made appeared inside and stood before him. “Oh hey, Scar.” He then lowered his head into a bow. “You’re Highness! How are we doing this fine evening?”

But Scar wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries tonight before harshly glaring at him in the eyes. “I think you know why I'm here...” He coolly replied in the suddenly worried draconequus’s face. “...In regards to this…” He demonstrated a past visual of Twilight, Cadance, Kiara all managing to spend time with one another like good friends at the spa, now closer than before as a result of Discord’s meddling.

The three at the time were relaxing in the pool, all sitting on the edges with their shoulders placed out of the water with cucumbers and mud masks on their faces, where Twilight at that moment had something on her mind to tell them.

“Now I know you said relaxing isn’t your thing…” Twilight said to her former foalsitter. “…but this is exactly what we needed after today.”

“It sure is.” Cadance agreed feeling it was a much needed bonding activity they could do.

“No kidding.” Kiara also agreed while sitting back at the edge of the pool. “It is definitely worth the first time experience.”

“Oh and before I forget…” She said while speaking from her heart as sincerely as possible which sparked the girl’s attention when she removes the cucumbers from her mud mask. “…thank you both for saving my life.”

Both Cadance and Kiara were both stunned to hear this come out of her mouth to the point their cucumbers fell off when she said it. 

“Did she just…” The two thought in their minds while eyeing each other with widen eyes unsure if she really meant it deep down before responding what they usually say in an equally sincere tone likewise.

“Of course, Twilight.”

“You’re welcome.”

Scar canceled the visual before eyeing Discord once more. “When I sent you out there to intervene with Twilight’s quality time with both Cadance and Kiara I wanted you to get her to further forgo her friendship and free her from its curse, but instead you only managed to succeed in bringing them closer than before and therefore leashed herself towards it again.”

“Well…” Discord struggled with how to explain himself. “…it was not like I intended that to happen. It seemed to be working until Cadance said otherwise. I mean what else could I have done?”

“Maybe trying something else that doesn’t involve faking an illness or at least putting actual effort into making it convincing.” He coldly replied while showing him of all of his antics while he was colored blue before further chastising him. “In case you haven’t noticed, Twilight, nor Kiara, or even Cadance, are stupid enough to believe a made up disease.”

Discord was left speechless since nothing was going to appeal to his good graces at the moment just when Scar continues giving him the death glare for his failure to further corrupt Twilight and managing to do the opposite of what he wanted. “I mean come on Scar. It was just bad luck, really.” He implored of him.

Scar still looked on unconvinced before turning his back before preparing to leave before Fluttershy wakes up and sees him. “Just be ready for when the time comes.”

“Of course, you got it Scar.” Discord quickly replied.

“And Discord…” Scar spoke up sharply with one last thing to say. “…Don’t disappoint me, again?” He coldly and darkly warned him in an ominous and calm tone.

Discord nervously gulped before muttering an “I won’t.” before the lion himself moved to disappear with his magic.





When Scar managed to get back to Pride Rock, he had a visitor waiting for him just inside the cave.

“So…?” The mysterious voice said to him. “How did it go with Discord?”

“He didn’t give me the results I wanted.” He said with a frown before approaching this visitor wearing his black cloak. The one he broke out of Tartarus a while back, a figure that had blood red skin, a white beard with gray-black horns, and small yellow eyes. And judging from his muscular physique, he’s been given some magic to help him regain his former strength. "We offered her freedom and she chose to leash herself again."

“So what does this mean in regard to that alicorn princess you have wrapped around your paws?” He inquired. “Will she be a problem?”

Scar pondered the thought for a moment before responded feeling certain with his best course of action. “She won’t be a problem, Tirek.” He voiced with confidence. “I’ll make sure of that because it is time to move forward…” 

The visitor managed to sport a vicious and excited grin knowing that when his master’s endgame is enacted that’s when he’ll make the scene and get what he wants out of his deal with Scar and it’s soon to happen as long as they stick to his strategy since their time to rise over Equestria was about to come…