//------------------------------// // Decisions // Story: Discord's Patchwork Adventure // by Comicizzum //------------------------------// Snowflakes drifted cheerfully from the cloudy sky, whitening the world with fresh snow. Dressed in a thick purple sweater and earmuffs, Fluttershy sat in the middle of Sweet Feather Sanctuary surrounded by some very concerned animal friends. They had seen what that “big mean purple pony” had done to her home and were more than grateful to Discord for keeping his promise of returning her safely.  “I’m alright,” she assured them while snuggling a very annoyed Angel; the rabbit had been unceremoniously kicked out of Discord’s dimension that morning, thrust away from the vegetable room he’d been comfortably living in since the whole Shadow affair began. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to take care of any of you. Did you find enough things to eat for the winter?” Many of the animals chattered in the affirmative, releasing a heavy weight of guilt off of Fluttershy’s heart.  “I’m so glad to hear it,” she smiled. “Discord has agreed to let you stay in his castle-” “Our castle,” the draconequus corrected from a nearby tree branch. Fluttershy blushed. “Our castle,” she repeated. “Should any of you need shelter; we’d be more than happy to have you.” “As long as they stay in the room I’ve prepared for them,” Discord tacked on. “Yes, that too,” she smiled. “And, of course, Angel will be staying with us.” “Demon spawn,” Discord muttered.  Fluttershy frowned but chose not to reprimand him.  After a small discussion a handful of critters decided to take her up on her offer and Discord magicked them -including a disgruntled Angel- to the castle. Fluttershy then continued to visit those who chose to stay behind. Discord busied himself with making an amusement park out of snow complete with snow slides. Arthur the squirrel was just telling her how many nuts he’d managed to collect when the other animals began chattering excitedly. From the crunching of the snow, something was approaching. Fluttershy looked over her shoulder and gasped. Coming towards her was the largest alicorn she had ever seen. The color of her coat was reminiscent of the trunks of trees after a heavy rain, dark and rich. Her mane and tail were literally made of leafy green branches that waved in a nonexistent wind. Flowers sprouted from behind her ears and fell down the flowing branches until they released from the tips and sunk into the snow. Her cutie mark was constantly changing, shifting from every possible item or symbol a pony could imagine.  Some instinct told Fluttershy who this pony was. Overawed, she bowed, her front leg sinking slightly in the snow.  “Oh, now, my dear, there’s no need for that.” Her voice was soft, pleasant, and soothing, like a babbling brook; it inspired the feelings Fluttershy would get on nature walks with her animals. The tiny pegasus rose but kept her eyes averted. A large hoof lifted her chin.  “Come, dear, let me look at you properly.” Fluttershy lifted her gaze, meeting eyes that shifted like the sea from blue to green. Kindness and joy radiated from them, immediately relaxing her nerves. “There, that’s better. My, my, aren’t you the perfect little thing?” “Mother?!” Discord materialized next to Fluttershy. “What are you doing here?” Mother Nature smiled. “Hello, son. It’s so good to see that things worked out exactly as I’d hoped. Though the matter of the Rainbow of Darkness still needs to be addressed.” Discord shifted uncomfortably. “I’m working on that.” At the moment the dark force was being kept in Canterlot under heavy guard, locked securely in its rainbow orbed prison. “I’ve been a little busy.” “I can see that,” his mother observed, her eyes flashing to the bracelet around Fluttershy’s foreleg. “Congratulations are in order. But, before I fully indulge in celebration, I wondered if I could have a moment with Fluttershy alone?” “You’re here to see me?” the pegasus squeaked.  Mother Nature smiled. “Is that alright?” “No!” said Discord at the same time Fluttershy said, “Yes.” The two looked at each other. “Why don’t you want me to see her?” Discord rubbed his lion arm. “It’s not that I don’t want you two to meet…” “He’s afraid I may say something he might not like,” Mother Nature finished. A faint pink blush appeared on Discord’s cheeks as he glowered at his grinning mother.  Fluttershy frowned. While nervous, a part of her was very excited about having a talk with Mother Nature. But she didn’t want to make Discord uncomfortable either.  Seeing her indecision, Mother Nature assured, “I promise not to embarrass him in any way.” “O-Okay,” Fluttershy muttered, glancing up at Discord.  The draconequus was staring at his mother suspiciously but nodded to Fluttershy. After a slightly heavy silence, he flashed away to the far side of the Sanctuary.  “You forgot your ears, son,” Mother Nature said, staring at a nearby bush. Discord’s familiar gray ears were partially sticking out of the snow covered leaves. Fluttershy watched as they perked up, the tips turning red before flashing out of sight. Mother Nature chuckled. “He hates being kept in the dark. Remember to check for ears if you ever plan to surprise him,” she said, winking. Fluttershy couldn’t help giggling lightly into her hoof. “I’ll keep that in mind.” The animals had migrated from Fluttershy over to Mother Nature, the squirrels, birds, and doe settling near her hooves, on her back, and in her mane. The alicorn didn’t seem to mind in the slightest. This acceptance, along with her friendly demeanor, began to relax the butterflies in Fluttershy’s stomach.  “They seem to really like you,” the pegasus commented, smiling. Mother Nature smiled too. “It is always a joy to be surrounded by their sweet spirits. I must say, my dear, your affinity for them is one of the many reasons I approve of your relationship with my son.” Fluttershy’s cheeks warmed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” “Oh, please, no formalities,” she kindly admonished. “If you are to be my daughter-in-law, Mother Nature is perfectly fine.” Fluttershy didn’t miss the “if” in that sentence. “If?” she repeated, slightly worried.  “Forgive me; I don’t mean to cause distress,” Mother Nature said. “It seems we’ve come to the reason for my visit. Please, let us sit down.” Fluttershy blinked. Similar to Discord’s magic, two comfy chairs made of pine had appeared in the snow. The soft pink fabric was covered in delicate paisley patterns and sewn together with gold thread. The chair was so nice she didn’t want to sit in it. Grateful for her wings, she settled onto the chair and made sure to drape her back hooves over the front edge; her forehooves she wiped on her legs before placing carefully on the pink material. “There’s no need to be so nervous, my dear,” Mother Nature assured, still surrounded by the animals. “It’s just a chair.” Fluttershy blushed, her ears lowering slightly as she hid behind her mane. “I’m sorry.” “Oh, I’ve upset you.” Mother Nature frowned. “I’m sorry.” Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh, no! You’re fine!” “Forgive me, dear. I want this meeting to go well. I’m afraid I’m a tad nervous.” “You’re nervous?” Fluttershy asked, surprised.  “You are the first pony my son has ever shown an interest in and the first creature he’s ever actually fallen in love with,” she explained. “I would hate to be at odds with him because of something I said or did to upset you.” “I’m not upset,” Fluttershy assured, flustered. “I have similar feelings. I don’t want to upset or offend you either.” Mother Nature smiled. “You’re too kind, my dear. And thank you, for your honesty.” She straightened a bit in her chair before adding, “If I do say anything that hurts you in any way, please be honest with me.” Fluttershy nodded nervously. “Okay.” The alicorn sighed. “Right. To business. I’m here to discuss Ascension.” “Ascension?” “I know you’ve come to terms concerning the matter of immortality but I’m not sure how you feel about the physical changes your body will undergo to accommodate said immortality.” “Oh,” Fluttershy muttered, understanding. “I confess I am a little wary of having a horn but I’m more than willing to learn how to use magic.” “You believe you will become an alicorn.” It wasn’t a question but Fluttershy nodded anyway. Mother Nature frowned. “If I said that you wouldn’t, would you still be willing to accept any change that may come? This is very important, Fluttershy,” she said earnestly. Fluttershy sat back, stunned. She hadn’t considered such a possibility. “Would I become a draconequus?” she wondered, her eyes widening at the thought.  “It matters not what you will become. What matters is if you will choose to accept it. And I must add, I will not allow any creature to resent my son for changes that will come to them because of their initial choice to be with him.” Mother Nature’s reply was grave and Fluttershy knew that if she said no, all her hopes and dreams of being with Discord would come to an end right then and there. One might think she was frightened of the possibility of becoming something other than an alicorn but the idea somewhat excited her. Discord had changed her into various animals before and each time she’d rather enjoyed it. But she always knew she would return to being a pony afterwards. And besides the weakness of her wings, she actually loved everything about herself. Could she live with looking different for the rest of eternity or would she resent Discord for the change in her physical appearance? And what might Discord think of the change? He might blame himself! Or worse, he might not like what he saw! And what about her friends and family? They would blame Discord for sure. Trying not to cry from these depressed thoughts, she looked up at Mother Nature and asked, “Do I have any say?” Mother Nature rested a comforting hoof over hers. “My dear little pony, of course you do.” Fluttershy swallowed. “Then, if possible, I’d like to remain a pony.” The alicorn nodded but didn’t look disappointed. “Can you share your reasons why?” “Discord fell in love with me looking like this. I-I don’t want him to come to resent me, himself, or anypony else if I were to change. I also don’t want to upset my friends and family; I don’t want them blaming Discord for what may happen.” “A change will occur, Fluttershy,” Mother Nature stated, “But I can give reassurance that the change you undergo will not cause the things you fear. Does this help with your decision?” Fluttershy lowered her eyes in thought. She’d come to terms with immortality but a complete change of her physical appearance?  Some might think it unfair to ask so much of her but this wasn’t a typical transition from one family to another. She was being offered the chance to become a goddess. That transition from mortal to immortal required sacrifices. Fluttershy wasn’t upset by the requirements. She had already expected a change and accepted the idea. Would becoming something besides an alicorn really be that bad? Mother Nature had assured her that her fears wouldn’t come to pass, that Discord would still love her and that resentment would never come. Could she put her trust in such assurance? Was the sacrifice worth it?                       She thought about her love for Discord. She thought of what life would look like if she chose a mortal one, to remain as she was; the thought made her sad. She thought of possibly being a draconequus and actually blushed, envisioning how Discord would respond to her new body. She thought of having magic and the joyful meetings she could have with Twilight teaching her how to control it; she smiled. She also considered the possibility of becoming larger than she was -for both Mother Nature and Amity were larger ponies than any other and the princesses were taller too- and found the thought didn’t really bother her. She’d always had longer legs than the average pegasus anyway.    As she considered all these things and more, the previous excitement of becoming something new returned and she found herself smiling. She looked up. Mother Nature was observing her silently.  “Mother Nature,” she began, “Thank you for giving me time to think about what you said and for allowing this to be my choice. I needed that.” She paused. Taking a deep breath, she sat up straight and declared, “I’ve made my choice. I’m willing to accept any and all changes required for Ascension.”  To her shock and surprise, Mother Nature shed a tear and beamed at her. “I am so glad to hear this, Fluttershy. You have no idea how long I have waited for you to come into Discord’s life. He has needed you, my dear, for so long. Already you have changed him in ways I couldn’t even fathom and I know that both of you will be eternally happy together.” “Thank you,” Fluttershy said.  Both ponies wiped their eyes and stood up. There was a flash of light and Discord was there. The animals, once a content silent audience, now scattered in fear into the woods. Mother Nature and Fluttershy frowned at their departure.  Ignoring this, Discord scooped Fluttershy into his arms. “Alright, I may not have listened in on your little conversation but I can see tears. Why is Flutters crying?” He looked at his mother and added, “Why are you crying?” Fluttershy leaned up and kissed Discord’s cheek. “We’re happy, silly. That’s why.” Deciding not to reprimand her son for scaring her creatures, Mother Nature approached and smiled. “She’s perfect, Discord.” “Of course she is,” Discord replied, puffing out his chest. “I could have told you that!” Her smile widened. “I must be going but I would like to invite you and Fluttershy to join me and your father for dinner tomorrow night. Amity will be there too. Oh, and she’s bringing a special guest.” Discord’s ears shot up. “Special guest? What special guest?” “We’d love to join you for dinner,” Fluttershy said.  “Excellent. We’ll expect you tomorrow just after sunset.” “WHAT SPECIAL GUEST?!” Mother Nature winked. “You’ll see.” She then faded away. “Oh, no you don’t!” Discord cried, snapping his fingers.  Fluttershy expected Mother Nature to magically reappear but she didn’t. Her eyes widened in surprise as Discord snapped again and again without any effect.  “Your magic doesn’t work on your mother?” Discord folded his arms and pouted, sitting in the snow. “She just had to leave on that note!” he grumbled. “I’m not going to sleep a wink tonight! Special guest?! Who in the world would Amity invite to dinner with my family?” “Um, why does it matter who it is, Discord?” “It matters because Amity is bringing somecreature to meet my parents,” he emphasized. “That can only mean one thing! She’s found somepony too!” “And that’s a bad thing?” Fluttershy asked, confused. “It’s a travesty!” Discord wailed. “She didn’t tell me about them! The last we spoke, it was pretty obvious she didn’t have anypony. Who could she have met in so short a time?” “Well, she did stick around for the celebration party after Shadow’s defeat,” Fluttershy muttered. “Maybe she met somepony there?” “Yes!” Discord cried, sitting ramrod straight. “Of course!” He looked a little crazed as he leapt to his feet and began pacing. “Oh, when I get my claws on whoever it is…” “Discord!” Fluttershy admonished, “Whoever it is, Amity likes them and I don’t think it’s fair of you to make any kind of assumptions or ruin any potential relationship they may have. Besides, for all we know, it could be one of the princesses.” The flaming fire in Discord’s eyes dissipated somewhat. He stroked his beard. “You’re right. It might just be a niece. There’s no need to panic. Mother has been known for having a mischievous side. No need to freak out. You’re right, Fluttershy. Of course you’re right.” Sensing his need for a distraction, Fluttershy rolled her eyes, smiling exasperatedly. “Discord.” “Hmmm?” he asked, his eye twitching slightly. “How about we go home and make some hot chocolate?” She flipped her mane and added seductively, “We could try out the hot tub room too.” Any thought of Amity’s guest fled from his mind at such a suggestion, his pupils turning into tiny hearts. “The hot tub room? With hot chocolate?” “Mm-hmmm,” Fluttershy nodded, smiling sweetly. The draconequus scooped her up and raised his paw in the air. “Your wish is my command, my lady!”  He enthusiastically snapped, teleporting them away from the winter wonderland, Fluttershy giggling happily over her success and his excitement.      The letter appeared shortly after Fluttershy and Discord had left the giant hot tub. Lying on a huge furry white rug to dry, the pegasus watched as Discord’s smile fell with each passing word. When finished, he belched and a small flame exploded from his mouth, disintegrating the paper. “Who sent it?” she asked nervously. “Luna. Reminding me not to skip town. My trial is in two days.” Fluttershy’s ears fell. “Oh. Right.” These past few days she’d been so happy she’d forgotten about the real world and the problems attached to it.  “Hey, it’ll be fine,” Discord said, swooping down to kiss her forehead. “Yeah,” Fluttershy muttered, still distressed. Discord’s brow furrowed until a literal red exclamation mark appeared above his head. “I know what you need!” A flash and a kit appeared in his hands labeled ‘Fluttershy’s Pampering Kit’ with a yellow sticker advertising ‘A Discord Special’ in the box’s right corner. Fluttershy couldn’t help giggling as her beloved opened the kit with great gusto and began pulling out two brushes, a set of curry combs, a hoof pick, three already lit candles, and some costume jewelry. With another snap of his fingers three other Discords appeared.  “Allow us to pamper you senseless, my dear,” the original Discord said while the others looked on eagerly.  Fluttershy blushed. Normally mass attention would make her drastically uncomfortable but Discord was the exception to her anxiety. Nodding in consent, she muttered, “Okay.”  The other Discords squeed. Fluttershy lay down on her stomach and closed her eyes, allowing the Discords to work their various ministrations. Original Discord brushed her mane while Cordy Two worked on her tail. Cordy Three used a soft curry brush against her body and Cordy Four gently worked on her hooves, picking out all the tiny rocks and dirt stuck under her shoes. Fluttershy moaned in pleasure and the Discords grinned, happily continuing their tasks.     After about half an hour Discord dismissed the others and completed Fluttershy’s look with some earrings and a necklace. “Thank you, Discord,” Fluttershy said as he held out a mirror. He’d tied up her hair in a fancy loop, the mane held together near the back of her head with a beautiful blue flower clip that looked much fancier than the necklace and earrings. Noticing what she was looking at, Discord coughed.  “I, um, may have immortalized an actual bluebell and turned it into a clip,” he confessed. “Consider it an early wedding present.” Fluttershy’s cheeks warmed. Bluebell flowers had multiple meanings but one specifically was everlasting love. Smiling happily, she wrapped both her forelegs and wings around him.  “I love you too,” she muttered against his chest.  After a moment of cuddling, Fluttershy’s thoughts grew heavy again. Noticing this, Discord sighed. “Bit for your thoughts, my dear?” he asked, tossing a gold coin.  It landed between her folded forelegs. Fluttershy sighed, staring at the shiny object. “I guess I’m just nervous. These past few days with you have been like living in a dream but sooner than I wish I’m going to have to wake up. Your trial is in a couple days.” “Yes.” Fluttershy bit her lip. Discord tilted her head. “What is it, dearest?” “I’ve been thinking… We don’t know what the princesses’ punishment will be and there is a possibility we might be separated from our friends.” “I suppose,” Discord agreed with a frown. Fluttershy took a deep breath. Her heart was suddenly pounding loudly against her ribcage. “Well, considering that, how would you feel about… about getting married before the trial?”  Her voice trailed off until it was barely a whisper but Discord’s excellent hearing heard her anyway.  “Married? As in tomorrow or two days from now, right before the trial starts?” “I-I thought about to-tomorrow,” Fluttershy confessed, thoroughly flustered. Discord blinked before grinning maniacally. “Such short notice will certainly cause quite a frenzy. How could I pass up such a wonderfully chaotic opportunity? A spontaneous wedding! It’s so, so, well, me! I love it!”  His excitement, however, withered at the lack of enthusiasm from his marefriend.  “Shy?” She looked up. “I’m sorry. I actually don’t mind getting married tomorrow. It’s just that, well, I’ll Ascend when we get married, right?” “Yes.” Discord paused. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” he asked nervously. “Oh, not at all!” Fluttershy assured. “It’s just that your mom said something this morning. About Ascension.” Discord’s brow furrowed. “What did she say?” “Well, she confirmed that there will be a physical change that happens to me but she hinted at the possibility of not becoming an alicorn.” Discord’s eyes widened. “Not an alicorn?” Fluttershy nodded, swallowing nervously as he lowered his gaze. “You’ll still like me, won’t you? If I become something else?” The far away look in Discord’s eye disappeared. Swooping down, he took her hooves. “Is that why you’ve been so quiet since we came home?” She nodded tearfully. He kissed her cheek. “No matter what appearance you hold, Fluttershy, you will always be exquisite to me. I love you for who you are and I always will, be that pony or any other creature.” “Oh, Discord!”  Fluttershy flew forward and buried him in kisses, her wings keeping her airborne. When she pulled away he had a dopey smile on his face, his tongue slightly sticking out. Little hearts swirled around his horns and his eyes were glazed over. Fluttershy giggled as he gently shook his head.  She placed one last kiss on his snout. “I love you.” He chuckled. “I love you too. Was that all that was troubling you?” “I think so. Oh! But now we have to tell everypony! Do you think we’ll have enough time to get everything ready?” “Of course we will! I’ll snap over the wedding planners, you make a plan, and we’ll use my magic to make it happen. Sound good?” “Yes but-” “Perfect!” Discord interrupted, snapping his fingers enthusiastically.  Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Starlight Glimmer, and Fluttershy’s mother all magically appeared, each looking incredibly confused.  Twilight, the first to recover from the sudden teleportation, opened her mouth to reprimand but Discord cut her off. “No need to thank me!” he said happily. “I’ll leave you ladies to it! Just let me know what I need to do. Ta!”  And then he vanished, leaving Fluttershy to explain why her friends and mother had just been magically whisked to his castle.  Releasing a tired sigh, Fluttershy tried to smile as she said, “I’m sorry for the rude interruption to your day but I’m getting married tomorrow and would really appreciate your help.” It took three hours but with Twilight spearheading the event, Discord and Fluttershy’s wedding was planned and accounted for down to the last detail. Rarity and Pinkie Pie had pushed for a big celebration but Applejack and Rainbow Dash put their hooves down, stating that while Discord would love a big showy scene, Fluttershy deserved to be happy and comfortable on her wedding day too. Thinking of Discord, the pegasus compromised by allowing the reception to be as loud and colorful as he would like it to be.  Thrilled by the decision, Pinkie ran off to talk shop with the draconequus while Rarity hastened away to finish details on Fluttershy’s gown. (“Don’t worry, darling, I’ve been working on it since Shadow’s defeat!”) Applejack left to take care of catering matters and Rainbow Dash flew off to practice making sonic rainbooms over the Everfree. (“This place’s weather is unpredictable and I want to be able to make the best rainboom ever in any and all conditions!”). Starlight volunteered to go to the Mirror World to invite their human friends to the big event and Twilight returned to her own castle, raving about the magical invitations she planned to send out. “My, they are a lively bunch, aren’t they?” said Mrs. Shy with a giggle after Twilight vanished in an excited tizzy. Fluttershy sent her a tired smile. “They’re the best pony friends I could ever ask for.”  Mrs. Shy gave her a hug. “I’m glad you included me in the planning.” Her face fell. “But I am sorry about Hearth’s Warming. I didn’t think-” “It’s okay, mom,” Fluttershy assured. “Unfortunately, I’ve learned that encountering hostility is always a possibility when with Discord.” “You must really love him,” she observed. “I do,” Fluttershy smiled.  “Then I’m truly happy for you.” Mrs. Shy gave her another hug then stepped back, admiring her daughter. “What a beautiful bride you will be.” Fluttershy blushed. “Thanks, mom.” “I should get back to Cloudsdale. I need to let your father and Zephyr know about giving you away tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything.” “I will. Thanks again, mom. I love you.” “I love you too, sweetheart.” After waving her farewell, Fluttershy felt drained. Emotionally and mentally exhausted, she wandered over to the nearest couch and collapsed onto it, sighing into the soft fabric. Glancing out the window, she realized that sunset was fast approaching. Any thought of relaxation fled from her mind and she sat bolt upright.    “Discord!” she cried out hysterically. Her draconequus appeared in an instant wearing full military armor and a bazooka over his shoulder. “Fluttershy! Are you hurt? Are you in danger? Who do I need to vaporize?” “We’re supposed to be having dinner with your family tomorrow!” she cried in dismay. “But if we’re getting married-! Oh, I can’t believe I forgot! How terrible can I be forgetting about Mother Nature herself?! Oh, she’s going to hate me forever!” She collapsed onto the floor, her eyes flooding with tears. Discord, now sans military attire, coiled around her and took her shoulders.  “Fluttershy,” he said in a commanding voice, “breathe.” It took the pegasus a few tries but she finally managed to calm down enough to take the deep breaths he was encouraging. Cheeks flushing with embarrassment, she tried not to cry again. “I’m so sorry, Discord. I didn’t mean to panic like that. I’m just so overwhelmed! Oh, I can’t believe I forgot about your family’s dinner!” “Shyfly, if I recall, my mother didn’t specify where dinner would be taking place.” Fluttershy wiped her cheek. “Huh?” Discord sighed. “My delightful mother knows many things. I would bet my chaos that she knew this was going to happen- us getting married tomorrow, I mean. I just finished making the reception plans with Pinkie. We’re going to have dinner with everypony and then party the night away. Of course my parents will be there and of course it makes sense that Amity will bring a special guest. It’s a wedding. You always bring a plus two if you can help it. Sly old mare.” Fluttershy blinked.  A sunflower suddenly burst forth from the ground, its petals exploding open to reveal a note sitting on its pistil. ‘See you tomorrow, son! So excited for your big day!’ was written on the card in fancy rainbow ink. Discord snorted, snapping both the card and the flower away. “Suspicions confirmed,” he muttered. “I think I need to lay down,” Fluttershy muttered, utterly spent. Discord scooped her up. “How about this: a lovely second pampering session from yours truly followed by a quiet candlelight dinner under the stars before bed?” The thought of Discord massaging her withers and back with a curry brush sounded positively divine. Wrapping her forelegs around his torso, she gently squeezed his chest and muttered, “That is exactly what I need. Thank you.”  “I live for you, my dear,” he answered, kissing her head.  “Just for me?” she teased knowingly. He rolled his eyes and laughed. “Oh, alright. And chaos. Happy?” “Yes,” she said honestly, “because I wouldn’t have it any other way.” “Tomorrow can’t come fast enough,” Discord muttered as he whisked her away, Fluttershy silently agreeing with him.