//------------------------------// // Discord's Dichotomy // Story: Travelers Tales: The Apple Of My Eye // by Slippin_Sweetie //------------------------------// The three sat on a park bench as a heavy feeling of awkwardness hung in the air. “What was that about being realtors?” Leered Scootaloo. “How was I supposed to know you needed a license and a bunch of bits to get into selling houses!” Argued Applebloom. “Guys, let’s stop arguing and actually come up with an idea we can go with.” Sighed Sweetie Belle. “Well, I guess we still can find someponies who need some help around here.” Conceded Applebloom as she lazily kicked her hooves to the dirt. “What a lovely idea!” Chimed Discord as he approached the fillies from out of nowhere. The fillies looked at each other, dazed. They were looking around the park; there was no way Discord could’ve walked up to them without notice. “Discord?” Gasped Applebloom; she and the others have only heard tales of the chaotic misdeeds committed by Discord. Except for Fluttershy and Spike, who at the very least defended the concept of his redemption. “I see you updated your look; very nice, how very sentimental.” Discord fawned as he pinched Applebloom’s cheek, stretching her flesh out by half a foot. Despite her skin and coat being pulled outward so far, it was only mildly painful but disturbing to watch. “Alright, cut to the chase; what do you want?” Snapped Scootaloo. Discord quickly let go of Applebloom’s cheek. A loud rubbery “thwap” sound echoed as her skin and coat slapped back into place. Applebloom grumbled as she rubbed her cheek, giving Discord an irritated look. Discord raised his hands up defensively as he smiled at the filly, “I only wanted to help you get your Cutie Marks; I overheard that you wanted to help the local ponies of Ponyville; in fact... I want to help the local ponies of Ponyville too! (Try saying that five times fast.).” Chuckled Discord. The three looked to one another before shrugging, “I don’t see why not.” Replied Sweetie Belle. “Great!” Exclaimed Discord as confetti fell from the sky, “There’s lots to do; since everyone is gone, you could take their place. Let’s see, Sweetie Belle, you could reopen Rarity’s Boutique, Scootaloo, perhaps you could be a party planner and Applebloom….” He’d chuckle, “Just help around the Orchard!” The girls looked to one another and shook their heads, “We actually work together to find our Cutie Mark; it’s kinda our thing.” Pressed Applebloom. “We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders, after all.” Smirked Scootaloo. “Crusaders forever!” Exclaimed the three. “Charming.” Replied Discord as he began filing his claw, “Well, if you insist on your togetherness, why don’t you take care of Fluttershy’s animals or volunteer to help clear out the debris from Twilight’s house.” “Well, we already tried taking care of animals, and it didn't go so well.” Admitted Sweetie Belle. “Yeah, Spike tried to pawn some pets off to us so he could eat some sort of gem cake.” Scoffed Scootaloo. Discord crossed his arms, giving a rather unimpressed look, and sighed, “Is there anything you haven’t done?” Applebloom smiled, “Sorry, Discord, we’re just busy as the bees these days.” “Uh huh….” Discord said with growing disinterest, “Well, I guess you got it all figured out, but if you need me, I’ll just be helping the ponies of Ponyville.” “Okay.” “Sure.” “Have fun!” Discord grumbled before turning and stamping away defeatedly. "Maybe we should see if we can lend a hoof with Twilight's house." Suggested Applebloom. "It wouldn't hurt to look." Replied Sweetie Belle. "This is gonna suck." Sighed Scootaloo.