//------------------------------// // Rescue // Story: Discord's Patchwork Adventure // by Comicizzum //------------------------------// Discord lay on his side, watching the ponies at the carnival trying to win what he thought was a pointless game. From his peripheral vision it was easy to determine this was one of those games where you had to knock down the bottles to win a prize. Being a king of scams however, he knew the bottom bottles were glued to the surface. It would take an immense amount of power to knock them all down, power that the younger crowd of ponies currently attempting to play didn’t have.  “Look, a Discord doll!” a young earth stallion said, pointing it out to his marefriend. "Ew."  The mare’s muzzle wrinkled in disgust. “Who in Equestria would make such a hideous thing?” “Right?” the stallion chortled. “Hey, maybe I should try to win it so I can throw it in the garbage where it belongs.” A few of their friends laughed stupidly at his remark.  Try it and see what happens! Discord challenged. But then he despaired because he knew nothing would. If only I could use my magic! The group of delinquents eventually ended up wasting all their money though, leaving him safe from the trash can fate they'd planned. Discord smirked and shouted unheard obscenities at their backs, glad to see them walking away in defeat. As the night wore on, however, they weren’t the only ones to comment and mock what they thought was nothing but a toy.  Countless ponies pointed him out. Discord's frustration and anger increased with every callous word they spoke. How he wished he could at least fight back with defiant sarcasm! Instead he was forced to watch and listen, trying to convince himself that the words didn't really bother him. “What an ugly doll!” “We should burn it!” “Who would even want that thing? It’s a mockery to nature!” “Monster!” “What a waste of material!” Some of them went so far as to throw “stray” balls at him. Each hit increased his desire to throw the balls back at them. But after getting hit in the face for the third time, he just wanted to fall into unconscious bliss. “I’m so glad we were able to help you with your friendship problem, Zecora. It was certainly nice meeting another zebra.” Discord internally stilled as the most beautiful sound in the world suddenly reached his ears. It couldn’t be! His hearing was playing tricks on him! There was no way she could be here! “I’m thankful for your help, kind Fluttershy. We have been at odds for years, I cannot deny. And your assistance was appreciated too, the task would not have been completed without you.” “Oh, I’m just happy we were able to get to the bottom of it all,” said Rarity. “A simple misunderstanding can certainly grow into an ugly beast if left unattended.” Discord watched as the mare of his dreams finally came into view, her beautiful long legs carrying her through the crowd.  Look this way! Please! FLUTTERSHY! It was as if the very creators had intervened, making the impossible happen, for as soon as he said her name Fluttershy looked his way and froze. Her teal eyes dilated the same way they did whenever she looked at a baby animal and her wings started flapping as she gave a happy squeal. Discord adored her reaction and would have blushed if not for his current predicament. “Oh my goodness! A Discord doll!” she squeed, abandoning her friends as she beelined for the booth.  “Care to play, miss?” Snare Flare, the booth owner, asked. “What do I have to do to win him?” Fluttershy asked eagerly, pointing at Discord. “You want that thing?” Snare said in disbelief.  “Oh, absolutely!” she declared, her eyes wide with adoration towards the doll.  Discord didn’t even need to see the stallion’s face to know he was going to try to swindle her of all her bits. The draconequus didn't want her to lose all her money but he was understandably desperate to see her succeed.  Rarity and Zecora had trotted up at this point, the former eyeing the doll with the critical eye of a seamstress.  “Despite his patchwork appearance he looks very well made,” she commented. “From here the stitching seems flawless.” I should say so since I’m the genuine article! “Beware of deceit, my timid friend,” Zecora warned Fluttershy. “This stallion cares not if you win in the end. He only wants your golden bits and to relish in some conniving tricks.”        “Zecora’s right, darling,” Rarity agreed. “I’m not sure it’s worth it.” “He is,” Fluttershy declared, causing Discord’s heart to pound uncontrollably.  “Well, that’ll be five bits then,” Snare Flare said, swiping the money away the second she placed it on the table.  “And all I have to do is knock over the bottles?” she asked. “Yup! All of them,” he said, his grin widening as he eyed her up and down. Discord grew nervous. Could she possibly pull it off? He knew she was stronger than she looked but did she have enough power to break the glue? Snare handed over three balls and Fluttershy surprised him by picking the first one up with her tail. She glanced at Rarity and Zecora.  “Um, you two might want to stand back.” They did as suggested, giving her some room. Discord watched in abject fascination as Fluttershy’s timid persona melted away, replaced by an angry determination that surged with inner fire. Her hooves left the ground as she began to hover then spin, her speed increasing until it was rapid and precise. After ten turns she flicked her tail at just the right moment, sending the ball hurtling towards the bottom left bottle. The ball slammed into the metal, denting the surface and ripping it away from the glue. The clunk of four bottles hitting the floor seemed magnified in the booth and Discord couldn’t help but cheer!  Oh, how I wish I could see the look on Snare Flare’s face! From the dropped jaw of Zecora and the proud grin of Rarity, he knew it must be priceless! “Four down," Fluttershy declared with a maniacal grin.  Discord’s inner eyes turned to hearts at the sight. At this moment she was the most beautiful mare in Equestria. Destroy him, Flutterbuddy! he cackled. The second and third ball achieved their purpose, the remaining two bottles meeting the same fate as their brother. Fluttershy’s magnificent use of her buckball talent had drawn a crowd, all the ponies cheering over her victory.  Discord tenderly witnessed her confidence retreat from all the attention. Managing a weak smile, she waved shyly at her audience. "C-Congratulations," Snare Flare weakly praised. "Um, take your pick; any prize you want." "That one!" Fluttershy said, pointing right at Discord.  "Are you sure? I've got bigger and better prizes." Fluttershy smiled happily as he handed over the stuffed draconequus.  "Nothing is better than him."  Discord’s face was on fire as she nuzzled the side of his head and happily held him in the crook of her arm.  F-Fluttershy…n-nuzzled…me…! If his magic could manifest itself, fireworks would be exploding in the sky. Never in his life had he experienced such affection. He'd hugged others before, yes, but a nuzzle? This was the first he'd ever received. And it had been from her. He was on cloud nine.  "That was remarkable, darling!" Rarity praised as the three mares walked away from the astonished carnival pony.  "It was quite indeed," said Zecora. "Pray tell, where did you learn to use such speed?" The pegasus blushed, her hair sweeping forward to hide her face. Discord lamented his loss of smell. If only he could taste the strawberries and cream of her shampoo; he'd never been this smothered in her mane before.  Oh well; at least I can enjoy how soft it is. "I've been working on my buckball skills with Rainbow Dash. She wants the team in top form when the next season starts." "Well, whatever she's done, tell her it's working," Rarity laughed. "That brute's face was priceless!" "He was rather slack in the jaw," Zecora agreed with a chuckle, "to see his game had an unexpected flaw."  Fluttershy smiled.  The mares took the train back to Ponyville, Fluttershy allowing Rarity to observe her prize.  Discord did not enjoy being maneuvered and twirled through the air, feeling greatly annoyed and embarrassed by the unicorn's complete invasion of his privacy as she studied every inch of him. He felt rather violated by the time he was back in Fluttershy’s arms.  "The stitching is some of the best I've ever seen on a stuffed animal," she said as Fluttershy wrapped Discord around her neck so that he hung limp like a scarf.  He didn't really appreciate being stuck upside down at first but he quickly changed his mind when he felt the closeness and warmth coming from his beloved.  "Hardly what one would see in a carnival bin," Rarity continued. "If it wasn't a replica of Discord I'm sure this doll would sell for at least a hundred bits on the market, if not more." "Why do you say that?" Yes, why indeed? Discord said, insulted. He knew why and he was fairly sure Fluttershy knew why too, given her tone. Rarity looked apologetic as she slightly averted her gaze. "Forgive me for saying so, darling, but Discord is far from the most beloved creature in Equestria. I can't understand why anypony would even take the time to make a doll of him- except, perhaps, for the inspiration himself." Fluttershy frowned. "I know he may not be your favorite creature but he is our friend and I think it's wonderful somepony took the time to make this. Besides, I know Discord would take it as a compliment." I really would. "Well, to each their own," Rarity smiled. "But are you sure you're okay with it being made up of so many different materials? I could replace all the patchwork pieces with the same type of fabric." Discord paled at the thought, panicking and silently praying Fluttershy would turn down the offer. Rarity had unknowingly just offered to skin him alive after all. How else was he supposed to react? "Oh, no, I wouldn't change a thing about him!" Fluttershy declared, unconsciously placing a protective hoof over the doll. "He's perfectly chaotic just the way he is." Fluttershy, I could kiss you! Rarity eyed the doll with a frown. "If you say so, dear." The rest of the train ride was filled with conversation between Rarity and Zecora, Fluttershy opting to happily listen. Discord didn't pay much attention, the slight sway of the train car and the quiet song of Fluttershy’s heartbeat playing the perfect melody to eventually put him to sleep.  He woke sometime later, rather disoriented, as his vision blurred and his body flopped rapidly, unraveling from Fluttershy’s neck. It was quickly determined that he was now in Fluttershy’s cottage, the safest place he could be given his situation.  Fluttershy rubbed his head affectionately with a hoof before setting him down on his favorite green couch in her living room. He watched her disappear into her kitchen, the brief separation sparking a profound longing in his chest. He supposed that was because the curse made him feel dangerously vulnerable; something he was loath to admit even to himself.  He was more than grateful to hear the soft clip-clop of Fluttershy’s hooves as she returned with a cookie in her mouth. Discord was surprised by the sweet; she usually was such a health nut.  "I always have one of these before bed," she confessed to the doll, a faint blush powdering her muzzle. "Don't tell Discord though, okay? He thinks I only have sweets when he stops by." Discord grinned. Too late for that, my dear.  The pegasus finished her cookie before hoisting the doll into her hooves and carrying him upstairs. Gently placing him on her bed, she unintentionally gave him the perfect view of the room as she left for the bathroom across the hall. Discord had never been in here before, this being the only room he'd never explored out of respect for Fluttershy. But now that he was here, he couldn't help taking in every last detail he could see.  The bed was near a window, the quilt a soft delicate pink. A dresser stood near a vanity on the opposite wall and a closet full of tasteful clothes mirrored the bed. A couple posters hung on the walls, one causing him immense joy; it was the one he'd given her last Hearth's Warming, displaying her favorite heavy metal band, Poison Rose.  Never in a million years would he have thought Fluttershy a metalhead. It went against everything her particular lifestyle portrayed and was therefore deliciously chaotic and attractive to the Chaos Lord.  Fluttershy eventually returned and sat down on a stool in front of her vanity, beginning to brush her mane and tail. As she worked, she lightly hummed. Discord blissfully listened to the music, delighted to hear her lovely voice. She rarely sang around him. This unexpected treat was the highlight of his entire day.  Just when things were looking peaceful, the white demon spawn Fluttershy loved unconditionally (for some unknown reason) hopped onto the bed, a look of murderous intent in his beady little eyes.  Oh no. Stay away from me, you fluffy devil! Discord had never been in a situation quite like this before; where he was the helpless, pitiful prey. It was all so insulting, lying there like a defenseless worm while a bunny sought revenge. Did Angel know the doll was really him? Animals often had a sense for picking up things sapient creatures missed. If that rang true, and Angel did know it was truly his enemy lying on the bed, then Discord was about to have a lot of pain inflicted on his poor, unfortunate stuffed carcass.  He waited in dreadful anticipation as the bunny got down on his belly and started dragging himself across the comforter, occasionally looking at his owner to make sure she was still unaware and preoccupied with her brush.  Please look this way. Please look this way. Please look this way! But it was all in vain. Angel had reached his target and was now looming over Discord like a chimera about to maul its next meal. Discord watched the evil glint in the rabbit’s eye and prepared himself for the worst.  He struck like a cobra, sinking his large teeth into Discord’s lion paw. The draconequus grit his teeth, trying bravely to bite back the pain. Angel began shaking him, smacking his body with his front and back paws, claws extended, pulling as hard as he could on the stuffed yellow limb. Eventually he managed to get both of his back feet under Discord’s chin and pushed, his teeth still stuck fast. The seam connecting the arm to his body began to strain and Discord couldn’t take it anymore. There was a loud tearing noise. He screamed.    “ANGEL!” Fluttershy roared, finally aware of the mauling taking place. Discord fell, his body hitting the bed, his lion arm no longer attached. The stuffing had partially fallen out. Angel ran out of the room before Fluttershy could catch him but that didn’t stop her from shouting down the hall.  “You can sleep in the living room tonight!" She snapped shrilly. "And in the morning you’re eating the rabbit food I picked up from the store. No carrots!”  She slammed the door shut, her anger both incredibly beautiful and frightening. The emotion melted into worry, however, as she practically flew back to the bed and scooped up the ripped doll into her forehooves. “Oh no, oh no, I’m so sorry! You have to understand, Angel and Discord don’t really get along all that well. He was just taking it out on you. I promise I’ll fix it. Just, stay right here, okay?” She fled out of the room. Discord watched, confused and flattered that she cared so much for what she thought was a doll.  A doll that looks like me. The thought was a welcome distraction from the immense pain he was feeling. He’d never experienced physical suffering before when removing his limbs.  Note to self, he said through gritted teeth, Amputation without the aid of magic is not advised. AT. ALL. Fluttershy returned a couple minutes later with a small basket in her mouth. Setting it on the bed, she rummaged around inside and pulled out a needle and thread.  “Discord would probably approve of it being a different color,” she muttered to herself, carefully eyeing the bright green thread as she pushed it through the needle’s eye. And a fine color you’ve picked too, my dear, he said through clenched teeth. It will clash beautifully with the yellow and brown.  Her consideration for his appreciation of chaos was deeply touching. It was a marvel, though, how ponies managed to do such things like thread a needle without fingers or magic; one of the many oddities he loved about this world.  After making sure all the loose stuffing was safely tucked back inside, Fluttershy picked up the severed arm and began sewing it back onto Discord’s body. He hissed in pain, gritting his teeth. The stitches were neat and even; a minor flaw but he could understand the reason behind it.  “I’m terribly sorry,” she muttered again as she sewed. “It’s not your fault those two can’t get along. I honestly don’t understand why. Is it jealousy?” Bingo! We both want you solely to ourselves, my dear. Surely you figured out long ago that we hate sharing? “I just wish they would figure things out,” she continued. “Angel may have been with me longer but Discord is just as important to me. He’s become such a big part of my life and, if I can manage it, I’d like him to stay that way. I just hope Angel will realize that I can give both him and Discord the care and attention they require. And I hope Discord knows that too…I think he does…I hope he does.” One more stitch -Ouch!- and she was done.  “There, good as new,” she smiled, admiring her hoofwork. “The limb might be a little stiffer than before but I think the way I sewed should still allow movement.”  She carefully tested it out. Discord winced a little as he felt the new stitches strain but it was just as she said; his arm moved under her power just fine. She'd done a masterful job.  Thank you, Fluttershy, he said softly, marveling and basking in her never-ending kindness. She set him carefully down on her pillow and moved the sewing basket back to her vanity before climbing into bed. Once settled under her covers, she pulled Discord close. The draconequus' face started to burn as he felt her chest press up against his back, her forehooves looping loosely around his torso. She gave him a light squeeze and nuzzle. “You’ll be safe here,” she muttered softly, “I promise.” I know I will be, he said tenderly, meaningfully.  A contented sigh escaped her lips, brushing up against the back of his neck.  Discord shivered in pleasure as his heart began pounding within his chest. The sensations he was suddenly experiencing were indescribably pleasant. He wanted nothing more than to stay this way forever. But it was atrociously inappropriate for him to be here.   Am I seriously complaining about being snuggled in Fluttershy’s arms?  … Yes, but only because I don't want to take advantage of her! She doesn't know what she's really doing! And I feel guilty for some reason. How can I feel guilty and happy at the same time? She was the one who brought me to bed. I certainly didn't ask her to do that. But she thinks I'm just a doll. Maybe, to her, it's like me? The real me. The way she's holding me… could she possibly have the same feelings I have for her? Am I reading too much into this? Discord would have continued his mental contemplations but Fluttershy’s muzzle started rubbing the side of his head again, providing a pleasing distraction. "Goodnight, Dissy," she whispered, snuffing out the candle with a soft beat of her wing. "I'm really glad I won you."  Goodnight, my dear, Discord replied, his heart puttering over the nickname. You really have, in more ways than you know. Fluttershy sighed again and Discord returned to his torn feelings of guilt and pleasure. It was going to be a long night.  It had taken most of the night but Tirek had finally succeeded in reaching his destination unseen. He slid down the side of the large ravine, loosening a few rocks in his descent. Once on the ground floor, he straightened and made for the cave mouth, entering with a wicked grin and malicious intent.  The Tree of Harmony was tall, ethereal, and completely unprotected. Tirek could not believe the audacity of these ponies. Did they honestly think the Everfree Forest was enough to stop any wayward soul from finding their greatest protection?  “The fools are in for quite the surprise,” he smirked, raising his hand.  The Darkness sprang from his fingertips like electricity, shooting down and burrowing into the earth. It began severing the Tree’s roots one by one, swiping through them like a knife slicing through butter. Tirek watched with great pleasure as the brilliance around the Tree began to dim and the crystal branches shook. He relished its pain and distress.  After the roots were destroyed, Tirek directed the Darkness up into the trunk. Poisonous black veins grew along the crystal bark, infecting every inch of the tree. The evil contaminant spread. The crystal cracked. A huge BANG! suddenly rent the air as the Tree exploded. Tirek shielded his eyes to protect them from the flying shards but he needn’t have worried; the Darkness produced a protective bubble, the shrapnel exploding into powder as it made contact with the surface.  Unlike the Tree, the Elements of Harmony did not explode but went flying, the six colored jewels clinking across the floor. Tirek collected them one by one and placed them in a neat little pile. A sneer spread across his face as he stared down at the source of his last defeat. “I will not fail this time,” he whispered. “Let’s see how the ponies fare without their precious little gems.” Concentrating the Darkness into his right hoof, he slammed it down on the Elements. A wicked cackle echoed off the cave walls as he felt them shatter beneath him. He stomped again. And again, each time grinding the Elements further and further until they became nothing but colorful powder.  “Finally, the reign of Harmony is over,” the Darkness whispered within his mind, “and the time of Eternal Night has begun.” The Darkness laughed from within as Tirek laughed aloud, their horrid pleasure mocking the ruin that once held Equestia’s greatest safeguard.  “Let the nightmare begin!”