Twilight let out a yawn as she trailed under the morning sun. She did not sleep well last night in that sad excuse for a tent she had managed to pack before coming to the forest. Though the stars had been beautiful and Luna's moon gave her a bit of confidence, it was hard to sleep when thoughts about a certain mismatched creature could never escape her mind.
Discord's behavior yesterday completely took her by surprise. While his usual mischievous character was plain as the horns on his head, his attitude towards her made her nearly wonder if she was really talking to the same Discord that almost destroyed her friendship.
He was actually willing to remain by her side when she wanted him to leave her alone. And how concerned he was for her safety among the woods! Her safety? Twilight had a slight feeling he was just trying to manipulate her emotions again.
After all, he did play her a fool with that fake statue of his for so long...though he didn't know it.
Twilight shook those feelings out of her mind as best she could, her head rattling against the football helmet that laid protectively over her horn. As ridiculous as she knew she appeared in her 'battle armor', she refused to whip out her Element of Magic and Friendship. Discord would probably steal it, and it would be a game of deja vu...but it would only be her in his twisted little game of whatever chaos he 'advanced' from their last encounter. But, as she stated yesterday when she put on her gear, she was willing to fight him whether or not he took away her horn.
She was just so angry at him...why was she, exactly?
"He thinks he can just pop out of nowhere..." Twilight muttered under her breath as she stopped in front of a tree. "Act like we've hung out so many times..."
She turned on her hooves, her back facing the tree.
"Try to shower us, especially me, with his gifts..."
She raised her hind legs.
"And says he's never been encased in stone since?"
WHAM!
If her dear friend Applejack or her brother Big Macintosh could see the damage the unicorn was doing to the helpless tree, they would either have been amazed or frightened with slight competition in their eyes. Twilight let out a frustrated groan as she slammed her back hooves against the tree, leaves showering around her as the top branches rattled.
She had to let out steam, her journal didn't do much for her last night no matter how many pages she wrote in. All she ever wrote about was how Discord was being this and also being that...and Twilight was being this and also being that...Then she mentioned how she just drove him away, completely regardless of his actual concern for her. Her fury was just so over the top at the moment that she couldn't see he was actually trying to be...kind?
Finally, after nearly a dozen bucks, Twilight fell on her stomach, breathing heavily from using so much energy on the poor tree that had lost so many leaves and loose branches. Boy, would Applejack have loved to have her over for apple-bucking...
Thinking about her friend Applejack made the unicorn's heart tighten, realizing that by now the others had probably read her note. She feared the worst: panic? Anxiety? Fear? Anger? Twilight just knew Fluttershy would be disappointed once she read over that little passage about how she had become a victim to the memory-erasing spell...the unicorn just hoped Fluttershy could at least forgive her.
Twilight rolled on her back, the life-jacket vest proven very comfy for her as she gazed at the clear blue sky through the mask of her football helmet. It certainly was a beautiful morning...
A morning to spy on Discord.
Slowly raising her head, the unicorn took a deep breath, recalling the plan she made last night before she went to bed. She was going to observe the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, watch him go about his chaotic business while she remained hidden, and take as many notes as she could.
What the point of all that work was...she wasn't exactly sure. But what she did know is it would get her close to Discord and perhaps find something, anything, that the creature might be holding deep within himself.
Maybe his heart..., Twilight couldn't help but think as she summoned forth a paper and quill.
The unicorn's eyes widened and she cringed at the thought. She should already know what was within that Draconequus's heart was nothing but darkness and mischief!
Though that's not what she wrote in her journal back then...
Enough of that! Twilight thought sharply as she adjusted her helmet before making sure her boots were on right, I got a Spirit of Chaos to watch!
And with that in mind, Twilight held her head high, her materials floating above her with magic, and proceeded forward.
WHAM!
She felt she needed to kick the tree once more...just to let out whatever she was going to feel later. And she was off in search of Discord.
_
Spike's eyes slowly opened as he gazed around the library. Though Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle were staying with him...it still felt empty.
The baby dragon had been quite a wreck since yesterday, anxiety pushing him on the edge as all he could think about was what Discord might be doing to his poor unicorn friend. The first thing that came to mind was that Discord might have taken her horn, that was what Rarity mentioned after their first encounter with the Draconequus. Though Spike knew Twilight was a strong pony, he knew she was powerless without her horn.
Spike slipped out of his basket and trudged down the stairs, not daring to gaze back at the empty bed that was always beside his. As he got down to first floor, Spike wondered where Twilight's parents were. He noticed a note on the kitchen table, attached to a large bowl of gems.
Mouth drooling, Spike reached over and plucked the note before reading it.
"'Dear Spike'," he read aloud, "'sorry we weren't home when you woke up. We had to meet with the princesses. We left some gems for your breakfast. Hope you'll join us soon. Hugs and kisses, Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle.'"
They left more than hugs and kisses as Spike took notice of the dried up tear stains on the bottom of the paper. The baby dragon let out a sad sigh, feeling like he could stain the note as well the way he was feeling right now. He almost didn't even feel hungry for the delicious gems waiting for him. Still, he reached over and grabbed a ruby and mildly nibbled on it, his eyes drooping to the floor, near tears.
Feeling a little more hungry, he reached over and picked out another gem. A violet one.
Gazing at it for a few moments, Spike's eyes welled up with tears. No doubt, the sparkling shade of color reminded him all too well of a certain sparkling unicorn.
"Oh, why?" He wailed as he fell to his knees, clutching the gem. "Why me?"
_
"Where is he?" Twilight muttered under her breath as she continued through the forest.
Suddenly, she spun on her hooves, striking out in a fighting pose, intending to inflict harm at...nothing.
The unicorn let out a deep sigh, knowing her paranoia was getting the better of her. But she had to stay alert, meaning brace herself for whatever may creep behind her-
"Ha!" Twilight shouted, wheeling herself in another direction, front hooves held out threateningly.
Of course, nothing was there.
"Great..." She rolled her eyes as she fell back on all four legs and continued walking. "I'm losing my mind over when Discord might pop out and strike me with his ever-terrifying chaos!" She flipped her mane beneath her helmet, acting sarcastic while at the same time acting like a near-complete prima donna.
At least I'm prepared this time, she thought with a nod as she gazed up at the sky, thinking the Draconequus was probably above her waiting to strike when she least expected it.
No way. She was going to expect it at every turn, which is why she continued wearing the outrageous attire, having left her element back at her tent in her travel bag. She was smart, she was vigilant-
Suddenly, her stomach let out a loud, angry growl.
And she was hungry.
"I knew I forgot something," She sighed as she rubbed a hoof over her empty belly. She had hoped food would be the least on her mind, considering her entire focus was on Discord. Her eyes tightened and she bit her lip as her stomach growled louder. She continued walking, trying to ignore the rumble of her hunger as she tried to find him.
She immediately stopped in her tracks, her purple eyes widening in disbelief.
Before her was a large tree that stood out from all the others. Growing on it were apples. Not exactly apples, but apple-shaped muffins. Big, delicious, juicy muffins...
Twilight felt her mouth drool at the sight, her purple eyes glazing over at the nearest branch that was at her reach. Her stomach was screaming for her to grab one, maybe even a dozen.
No.
Twilight held back her sagging tongue, irritation replacing the desire in her eyes as she stood firmly on her hooves. She glared at the tree that was, no doubt, Discord's doing.
"As if I'm going to fall for that!" The unicorn huffed as she made her way around the tree. "He's going to have to do better if he thinks he can trick me through my stomach!" And she continued on.
However, she couldn't stop herself from turning back at the tree. Her bottom lip quivered as she watched all those muffins hanging in all their delicious glory, just begging to be picked. The unicorn clenched her teeth, her mind fighting with her stomach. She was just so hungry, yet she was just so cautious.
Immediately, she rushed back over to the tree and quickly hopped up. She grabbed the nearest muffin within reach before falling back on all four hooves.
She couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face as she gazed at the muffin at her hooves, her eyes sparkling. But that quickly diminished as she cleared her throat, averting her eyes away from the treat as she slipped it into her vest as she continued on. She didn't dare turn back to the tree as she quickened her pace.
The tree was left alone...but the unicorn quickly rushed back and plucked off another muffin. Her eyes shifted back and forth anxiously as she slipped the second muffin into her vest. With that done, she ran off, promising this was the last time.
It really was as the tree behind her became nothing more than a speck in the distance as Twilight disappeared.
As soon as she was out of sight, something massive slowly emerged from the tree's trunk.
Discord turned his head in the direction the pony went, the camouflage he used to blend in with the tree slowly disappearing from his body. Still gazing at where Twilight rushed off, he reached over and plucked off a muffin before biting into it.
A small, hopeful smile formed on his lips.
Well, at least she got her breakfast...he thought with a chuckle.
_
The Mayor's house was the only place fitting enough for a meeting as the princesses, Twilight's parents, the remaining Elements of Harmony, and Spike gathered around the Mayor's office as the mare herself, along with her secretary, did all they could to be as supportive as possible.
Princess Luna struggled as the magic upon her horn blazed a bright blue and purple, her efforts becoming fruitless in her attempts to fully conjure her search spell. With a miserable sigh, she turned to her sister with disappointment.
"It's no use," the moon princess moaned, "Discord's location won't reveal itself to us no matter how much magic we harbor. He's just that good."
"And he has my baby!" Mrs. Sparkle cried, trembling on her front hooves as her eyes nearly welled with tears.
"Mrs. Sparkle," the Mayor spoke soothingly while her secretary stood close by, "I assure you, the princesses, as well as everypony, is doing all they can to make sure your daughter is found and safe."
"Ma'am, we just got a message from Soarin'," her secretary chirped in a nonchalant manner as she searched through her binder, "apparently the Wonderbolts haven't found any sign of Ms. Twilight Sparkle or this Mr. Discord."
"Oh, it's hopeless!" Mrs. Sparkle wailed as tears immediately poured down her eyes as she placed her hands on her hooves.
"Oh, Mrs. Sparkle..." Princess Celestia lowered her eyes shamefully, feeling she was responsible for her faithful student's mother to be like this. "I know it's difficult at the moment, but we're doing everything we can."
"Yeah!" Rainbow Dash tried to cheer the unicorn up as she skidded by her side and placed a sympathetic hoof on her shoulder. "I mean, we stopped Discord before! We can do it again!" She smirked at everyone as she tapped at the Element of Loyalty around her neck. "Because we got these babies."
"But we only have five elements," Spike pointed out as she stood near the pegasus, "even if you guys could combine right now and do your whole magic of friendship thing, it'll still be useless!" He averted his eyes and twiddled his fingers. "I mean, I should know...I was the substitute Rainbow Dash." He gave her a nervous, apologetic grin.
"Boy, he's right!" Applejack cried, stamping a hoof to the carpet. "Twilight's the most powerful element of all! We can't do all that powerful stuff without her, we'll be down as soon as we go up!"
"Princesses," Fluttershy turned to them, "can't you use your magic to assist the remaining elements?"
The sisters turned to each other, both masked with an expression of doubt. They turned back to the timid pegasus.
"We will try," Celestia breathed, "but as I stated before, Luna and I are no longer connected to the elements."
"But perhaps our magic can guide them," Luna insisted, "even if we are an element short."
The Mayor blinked, having become fascinated by where the conversation was leading as she leaned forward on her desk, her glasses nearly falling down her nose. Her secretary still remained by her side, however, she was just as curious as she gazed at the five ponies that were taking position in the office while the princesses stood beside each other, readying their horns.
Spike smiled with approval as he stood by the Sparkle couple. "See that?" He told them as he kept his eyes on the five ponies. "You got to admit, that is pretty cool." He took great notice that a spot seemed to be empty, the front of the five. "Of course..." He raised an eyebrow in disappointment. "It would be twenty-percent cooler if Twilight-" His eyes widened in realization before he immediately placed his hands over his mouth. He shifted his gaze over to Mrs. Sparkle, who looked like she was going to burst out in tears again.
Celestia and Luna's horns began to glow as they raised their heads toward the five ponies. Rainbow Dash nodded to the princesses before motioning for the other four to follow her as she slowly closed her eyes, allowing her Element of Loyalty to carry her.
Soon, the five Elements of Harmony began to glow from each of the wielders' necks. The Mayor could barely shield her eyes from the pure beauty of the glow that the elements combined as she gazed at the magic in awe; even her secretary's mouth fell open as she watched. Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle watched in pure astonishment as the glowing elements rose the five ponies high above the ground, their magic combined with the princesses' creating an even brighter effect as a mysterious breeze blew through the office, nearly blowing everyone off their hooves; the secretary struggled to keep all her papers in the files.
Spike's eyes widened, a smile of hope spreading across his face as he watched the magic unfold as it had done before. "It's working..." he muttered, "it's working..."
Suddenly, the light quickly faded, the elements' power dispersed as the five ponies fell to the ground with inarticulate shouts.
"What happened?" Rarity exclaimed, bunching the side of her mane where she worried might have been ruined from the fall.
"I think we made a big whoopsie there!" Pinkie Pie said, checking over her Element of Laughter.
"Princesses," Applejack turned to them, her green eyes glistening with fear. "are the elements...?"
The sisters bowed their heads shamefully, their wings drooping with disappointment.
"I'm sorry, Applejack," Celestia sighed sadly. "It's just not complete without the Element of Magic and Friendship."
"So you're saying that as long as the elements aren't connected..." Mr. Sparkle gulped. "Our daughter is doomed?" He quickly held his wife close, who was close to another waterfall of tears.
"They didn't say Twilight was doomed!" Rainbow Dash insisted.
"Yeah," Pinkie Pie nodded rapidly, "Twilight's just...well..." She searched her mind for a good term to describe the situation. "Stuck." She smiled at her chosen word. "Yeah, just stuck! Stuck with big, dumb Discord!" And she let out a small giggle.
"Oh, gosh, she is doomed..." Mrs. Sparkle muttered as she placed her face in her hooves.
"Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle," Luna spoke softly, "while the elements are proven useless at this time, please have faith that everypony is giving their time to finding your daughter." She raised a hoof toward the window behind the Mayor's desk. "Whether land or sky, the search is still in continuation."
"That reminds me," the secretary chirped, standing beside the moon princess. She gave Luna a respectful bow before taking out her file. "Mr. Fancy Pants from Canterlot is hard at work with his search party. No other news yet, but, as he stated..." She looked over the paper. "They won't give up." And she flashed the Sparkle couple a hopeful smile.
"Well, at least friends back home are helping us," Mr. Sparkle sighed.
"Since when would Upper Crust and Jet Set manage their hooves for something they think is 'beneath them'?" Mrs. Sparkle said doubtfully, recalling one of the parties she and her husband attended with all the other Canterlot ponies.
"Since Fancy Pants became leader of the whole thing," Rarity answered the older unicorn with a knowing smile.
_
Though that muffin was delicious and satisfying, that didn't stop her from becoming cautious and observant.
Twilight emerged her head from a bush as she remained quiet, both her eyes and mind focused. Still 'armed', the unicorn studied the mismatched creature who created a little playground for himself this morning.
Twilight's serious expression didn't change as she watched Discord stand at the end of a diving board he summoned for his conjured swimming pool of chocolate milk.
It seemed almost fun.
The unicorn immediately shook her head before remaining low, making sure Discord didn't notice her studying him as she magically took out her quill and paper. She continued watching him as she wrote down what she observed, hoping her notes would be helpful for future use...whatever she was going to use them for.
Sure, he was using his chaos, but for his own simply pleasure with no harm to anyone, especially to her, which surprised her considering she had stayed up half the night hoping he would startle her; she even wore helmet to bed. Her mane felt hot underneath it this instant as she kept herself hidden in the bush.
But she needed to be sure, keep herself safe...and just watch him. Was this what she had planned since she left home? She wasn't sure. All she knew was that she couldn't approach Discord just yet, considering she would probably blow up in his face again.
But a part of her did wish she could thank him for that muffin tree...
Discord sighed and rolled his eyes as he stood on the diving board. He knew Twilight was spying on him; the bush wasn't that far from his pool and he could just feel her curious stare at the back of his skull. Honestly, he wished she would just approach him already, talk to him at least; he didn't care if she would yell at him again, he forgave her for that. She could let off as much steam as she wanted, he just wanted them to talk.
At least, ever so grateful, he had been so close to her when she had snagged that muffin off that tree he conjured just for her...
Pretending he wasn't aware of her presence, Discord stretched his arms. Then with a few breaths, he jumped off the board and landed in the pool of chocolate milk with a splash.
Twilight blinked in utter amazement, having witnessed his incredible move which created a high and mighty splashing wave that looked like a blanket being lifted up into the air before gracefully falling back to the ground. She almost got off track where she was writing as she nearly ripped a hole in her paper while watching Discord. The Draconequus slowly emerged from the pool, whipping his fur back as he smoothed his mismatched horns, a playful smile on his face as he relaxed under the morning sun.
Twilight suddenly felt her face heat up with envy. How is it that Discord can simply have fun while he knew that all of Equestria was probably on his furry tail?
Because he's Discord, Twilight thought with a sigh, duh, I knew that way before the stained-glass window incident.
Careful not the make a sound, Twilight floated her quill and paper away as she quietly got out of the bush, deciding to head back to her campsite and look over her notes. And perhaps write some things in her journal regarding what she observed and thought...
As she kept trotting, Twilight suddenly yelped when she felt something jerk her back, nearly making her fall.
Fearfully shifting her eyes, she blew out a sigh of relief when she noticed that the metal mask of her football helmet got caught on a loose tree branch . With another sigh, Twilight tried to pull her head away, trying to break loose. She struggled, her eyes tightening as that darn tree branch held on to her helmet like glue to a paper.
"Come on," she muttered as she kept pulling.
Suddenly, she felt the branch loosen it's grip. Twilight gave a sigh of relief, glad her strength finally released her. But when she opened her eyes-
She became stiff as she was met with a brown furry chest that nearly towered over her. Gulping, she slowly raised her eyes to meet mismatched ones that gazed down at her, a smile along with them.
Discord gave his best smile, satisfied that she was happy the branch in which he removed had let go of her. He did his best not to laugh at the unicorn in her unusual attire.
Still staring down at her distraught face, he gave a playful smirk as his eyes lowered in a smooth expression of greeting. And he silently waved at her with his lion paw.
Twilight remained still for a few moments...then she immediately turned her back and continued trotting off, not daring to look back at him.
Discord gave a sigh of disappointment as he watched her go. How he wished she would just talk to him again, regardless if most of it was going to be yelling. He would try to soothe that yelling, try to explain himself to her. Hope for something better between them.
Twilight trudged on, her eyes glued to the ground as she made more distance between them.
Suddenly, she nearly lost balance on her hooves as the ground before her began to shake. Twilight let out a startled gasped, assuming it was an Earthquake.
But as she realized, gazing down at the ground which she could see her reflection in, she was standing on jiggling jello.
Her stunned expression suddenly grew to one of pure annoyance as she wheeled around to face Discord, who gave her an innocent look, motioning with his paw that he was just trying to make things fun.
Twilight's narrowed eyes made him avert his as he snapped his fingers, cutting off the portion of jello she stood on and allowed her to continue on her way.
The unicorn held her nose high, looking like some stuck-up Canterlot pony as she retreated back to her camp. Discord merely watched her, disappointment filled his soul as he watched his favorite pony leave him again.
"Oh, Twilight Sparkle," he sighed, "you are just being ridiculous." But he knew she was far from it.
_
Soarin' lifted his goggles and gazed at Ponyville before them. He and the other Wonderbolts had flown for over an hour and decided to take a short break, all remaining atop some mountain. Their search was as difficult as when it started. They were flying ponies, not magic-wielding ones. And considering that this Discord had both the ability to fly and produce magic...Soarin' just hoped Twilight could take care of herself with that powerful horn of hers.
"Yo, Soarin'!"
The green-eyed Wonderbolt's ears perked up as soon as he heard his name. He and Spitfire looked towards the sky and noticed two familiar pegasi flapping towards their location.
"Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy," Spitfire chuckled as they landed before them, "the elements loyalty and kindness, am I right?" She gazed at their necklaces.
"Hay yeah," Rainbow Dash spoke proudly, showing off the element around her neck. "Rainbow Dash, flying extraordinaire and most loyal friend."
"I can see that," Spitfire observed, "how are you and the others pulling it off?"
"Not so well," Rainbow Dash lowered her eyes sadly, "without Twilight, our most important element, that Discord will still be as free as a bird."
"And he could possibly harm those poor birds if he remains free," Fluttershy squeaked nervously, "it'll just be like last time, when he gave my rabbits deer legs."
"Meh, that didn't beat the dancing buffalos," Spitfire said.
"Or the floating pies!" Soarin' exclaimed, his mouth drooling. "I loved that one!" As soon as all eyes fell on him with disapproving glares, the green-eyed Wonderbolt shuddered, scuffling a hoof shamefully. "Still...poor Twilight."
_
Twilight clung onto the tree branch as she gazed down below her. Paper and quill held firmly in her teeth, she watched from her hiding spot in the tree as Discord leaned against it, watching a small river before him.
It was difficult climbing up the tall tree, but the unicorn was determined to observe the Draconequus even further. As frightened as she was to have climbed so high, it was worth it to watch Discord far below, completely unaware that she was spying on him.
For a few minutes, Discord just laid against the tree, his mismatched legs crossed out in front of him as he continued watching the river. Twilight raised an eyebrow in slight surprise as she continued holding onto the branch she laid against.
"Seems..." She muttered as she continued watching. "...interesting." And she slowly removed the paper and quill from her mouth using her magic. Clinging to the branch with her back legs, the unicorn glazed over her recent notes before finding an empty section in which she began to write in.
Suddenly, there was a crack.
Gasping, Twilight rapidly turned her head from side to side, hoping what she just heard was not what it supposedly meant. After a few moments and observing around her from high above in the tree, she slowly breathed out a sigh or relief before returning to her work.
CRACK!
Before she knew it, the branch Twilight was on snapped and the unicorn found herself falling, her papers and quill flying out of her hands as she began to plummet down. The unicorn screamed, hoping at least the football helmet would protect her head. She closed her eyes, awaiting to hit the ground...
She let out a sudden yelp when she found herself sliding against a large, scaled tail. She could barely take sight of Discord's playful smirk as she she slid off his furry tip and landed in-
SPLASH!
Twilight immediately emerged her head above the water, coughing and spluttering and gasping for air. Her helmet floated beside her as part of her mane fell over her eyes. As she struggled to fix it, she heard laughter.
Furious, the unicorn wheeled around and spotted Discord standing at the edge of the river clutching his stomach as he tried to stifle his guffaws. Twilight bared her teeth, her purple eyes blazing with rage.
He probably planned this! She thought with clenched teeth as she remained floating in the river. She was just about to swim away when she noticed Discord take a few steps back...
Then he raced forward and dove into the water, creating an even bigger splash than hers. Twilight struggled as a wave nearly engulfed her. She kept on paddling until the waves died down, leaving her in the center of the river.
Suddenly, Discord emerged before her, water dripping down his goat beard as he smiled down at her distraught face. Twilight's eyes widened in shock, her mouth nearly dropping. Then she bared her teeth, showing the Draconequus just how infuriated he made her.
But Discord just smiled down at her. And with that, he scooped up some water with his lion paw and splashed at her. Twilight shook her mane, ridding the water he threw at her before looking at him once again, this time with an expression of surprise.
Discord couldn't hold it anymore and let out another laugh, clutching his belly as his mismatched wings paddled for him. Twilight just stared at him, completely stunned by how oblivious he was at the moment. Or maybe he wasn't being oblivious at all...
After all, he did prepare himself when she fell from that tree, which, she was sure, he was responsible for...
But at least she fell in the river on not the hard ground...and the river did seem refreshing...and seeing him laugh and smile...
The corners of Twilight's mouth suddenly twitched as she watched him roll in the river with laughter. Suddenly, her cheeks began to tighten as she felt her lips form into a small smile.
And she let out a small, quiet giggle.
Discord stopped laughing and whipped a tear in his eye, gazing down at her with a smile of pure joy. Finally, he heard her laugh.
Twilight continued giggling, until she suddenly realized that Discord was observing it. She immediately stopped, placing a hoof over her lips to cease her sudden laughter.
"What's wrong, Twilight?" Discord asked with slight disappointment as she continued swimming around her. "You know, that's the first time I've ever heard you laugh."
And no doubt it would be the last as Twilight immediately swam away from him, as fast as her hooves could take her.
Finally, she made it toward land as she came onto the grass, her mane and tail dripping. She shook herself rapidly, then finally she was well dry. Smiling to herself as she felt her body sparkle as her last name implied, she stroked her soft mane with a hoof.
She suddenly realized that her football helmet was missing as she gazed around desperately.
"Ahem."
She wheeled around and stood stiff as Discord's chest toward over her. In his mismatched hands was her helmet.
"You dropped this, my dear," he said before handing it to her.
Twilight blinked in utter surprise as he showed her helmet. She bit her lip, mind racing as she stared from the helmet to Discord.
Without a word, she grabbed the mask of the helmet with her teeth and immediately scurried off, leaving a slightly disappointed Discord behind.
Discord sighed as he watched her leave. At least he heard her laugh for once instead of her yelling at him...
_
Twilight continued walking, knowing that Discord was far behind her now and she felt she could just walk in peace. He completely took her by surprise with those swimming antics. And she seemed to actually enjoy it!
The unicorn shuddered as she found a nice tree to rest against. Twilight let out a sigh as she raised her eyes to the sky, her thoughts drifting back to Discord.
He was just not living in any fear, he was just living in his own paradise while Twilight was being cautious, readying herself for whenever he was going to strike. She had been so sure he was up to something when it came to that muffin tree or that time in the river. He seemed to be enjoying playing with her. And he heard her laugh! He might have sensed some sort of weakness within her, she just knew it! Twilight sighed, feeling rather stressed.
Suddenly, her stomach growled.
And rather hungry.
Twilight groaned, remembering how she had forgotten to pack much food for her trip here, mentally grateful she had taken two muffins this morning for her breakfast. She was just so focused on Discord, she thought food would be the least on her mind.
Her stomach growled angrily, and Twilight clutched it with a sigh. She recalled the many times Discord had summoned himself a glass of chocolate milk...or a chocolate milk of glass. The sweet, sugary taste that touched his lips as she had spied him drink...
Twilight shook her head before she removed her helmet and threw it on the ground. Then she dug into one of the pockets of her vest, hoping there was something she had slipped in it.
Her eyes brightened when she took out a tiny, crumpled chips bags. While she had hoped for a chocolate bar, chips would do just fine. The unicorn's hooves held against the ends of the bag as she tried to open it. It wouldn't.
"Come on!" She growled as she sank her teeth unto the plastic and pulled at it, her hunger making her desperate. "Open!"
Suddenly, a bright light blinded her. The unicorn yelped as she shut her eyes, turning away. The light lasted for a few moments before finally dispersing.
Slowly opening her eyes, they widened when she gazed down and noticed that her small chips bag had opened...and it was filled to the brim with cookies.
Twilight blinked in confusion, but then she got the hint before turning her head. And there was Discord, lying on his stomach as he gazed at her with a playful smile.
"Spying can make you famished, doesn't it, my dear?" He chuckled as he raised his head and scratched his ear.
The unicorn's jaw fell, and he laughed.
"Not that I mind," he chuckled, "I know sooner or later you're going to have to come to me like the dear Element of Friendship and Magic you are."
Twilight gulped, clutching the bag of cookies closer to her. She slowly stepped away from him. Discord noticed this and raised an eyebrow at her.
"Come now, Twilight," he said softly as he got to his feet. "You know I wouldn't dream of terrorizing you. Well, not anymore."
"Uh..." The unicorn gulped. "No, it's just..." She stepped further away. "I just don't think..."
The Draconequus sighed, his expression lowering that to self-disappointment before regarding the fearful unicorn. "Don't think I'm capable...of showing some kindness?"
She stiffened a bit, stopping in her tracks. Was that it? Was she afraid this was all simply an act to win her over just to mess with her? He had played her a fool before with the fake statue...she was just trying to make sure she wouldn't be played again.
What is wrong me? She thought desperately, he's just being so...so...sweet.
The unicorn felt herself twitch, shocked she would think of such a word. But she knew this wasn't the first time she had mentally called him sweet.
She once called him a sweet jerk.
But what if he was still that jerk behind all the sweetness?
"Twilight?" The sound of his voice drew her out of her thoughts and she blinked and looked up.
His face was so close to hers, his eyes gazing down at her with...concern?
"Um..." She immediately stepped back.
She suddenly felt the corners of her eyes grow wet.
"I'm sorry, I..." She choked. "I got to go!"
Before Discord could say anything, she grabbed her helmet, quill, notes, and bag of cookies and rushed off, leaving a very confused, very hurt Draconequus.
_
Applejack held her hat down upon her head as she and Rarity gazed up at the gray sky as a strong wind blew through Ponyville.
"Oh, of all days for a storm!" Rarity whined. "And still no sign of Twilight or Discord!"
"We can continue searching tomorrow!" Applejack urged her as she motioned a hoof toward the unicorn's boutique. "Right now, we got to head for cover! Who knows? Maybe this storm will be over in a couple of hours!"
Rarity lowered her gaze as she touched the Element of Generosity around her neck. Her bottom lip quivered, worried as ever for her dear friend.
"I just hope it doesn't rain."
_
Twilight shivered as she laid under her tiny tent, trying to ignore the rain and thunder as she tried to write in her journal.
Some tent...it was almost too small to cover her body as she felt water drop through the tiny cracks of it. And the wind, it was moving her tent, and she hoped desperately the wooden nails would hold it down until morning.
This was all she could fit into her traveling bag.
Twilight couldn't concentrate on writing in her journal as bits of rain fell on the pages. She sighed in defeat before shutting it and putting it back in her bag.
Those cookies were delicious, but she knew breakfast was going to be a problem tomorrow.
And Discord...the unicorn bit her lip as she recalled the look of hurt on his face as she ran away from him.
She didn't mean to call him unkind...even though she knew he had been the first time they met. But still...instincts were messing with her about whether or not she could do something. Anything.
Her mind was telling her she should keep avoiding him, yet keep on eye on him. Yet her heart told her to reach out to him as she had promised all those weeks ago. Had that not been her goal since the first time she visited him, actually, his fake stone self, in the Canterlot gardens? Had she not told herself that she had seen something in him even after he nearly destroyed her friendship?
She really did see something, she had been noticing it all day. From those muffins, to the quick swim in the river, to the amount of cookies in her little bag...Discord really showed something. And Twilight was just doubting it because she wasn't sure how to approach such a difficult situation.
It had been, after all, been so long. And deep down, Twilight knew she had been waiting for something like this. She was just afraid it would all go to disaster. No, more like becoming a crushed dream.
"I can't keep doing this..." She said, tears nearly welling in her eyes as she rested her head against the cold grass beneath her. "I...I...Discord..." She sniffed, tears falling down her face as she hugged herself close. She shivered as the wind blew harder, and she grew frightened as her tent kept shuffling.
Maybe she could talk to him tomorrow, though she wasn't sure how.
Finally, she closed her eyes and forced herself to go to asleep against nature's cruel work.
_
Twilight stirred and moaned, hugging herself closer. She leaned harder, wanting her head and mane to imbibe in the softness beneath her.
Wait...softness?
Her eyes jerked open as she quickly raised her head. Beneath her was a pillow.
"Wha..?" She gazed at where she lay.
It was a massive bed.
Confused, Twilight regarded her surroundings and her eyes widened.
She was in a room of polka-dotted walls, and she noticed the floors were covered with zigzag stripes of black and white. Gazing at her sleeping material, Twilight realized she was lying in a bed made entirely of clouds, as well as the pillow, though it was a cotton candy cloud.
Twilight's mouth fell in shock, knowing so well what a cotton candy cloud meant.
But where was...?
Suddenly, she heard light snoring and quickly turned around.
There sat Discord beside her bed, eyes closed and his head low. Around him was a blanket he held close to his body. He was asleep.
And he had been by her side this whole time!
Twilight gasped, her eyes glistening with confusion and amazement.
He...he saved me...She thought incredulously. He...even waited for me...
Her eyes sparkled with pure astonishment as she continued gazing at him, her cheeks flushing from the heat that she so desperately needed after enduring the cold weather. She watched as the corners of his mouth remained in a small, tender smile, as if it was both happy and grateful she was away from the cold storm and in the warm bed he had summoned for her. His closed eyes made him appear soft, innocent...sweet as well as kind.
Twilight placed a hoof to her warm cheek, amazed as well as stunned by what the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony had done for her. Maybe, just maybe, she should still hold some hope for him.
Finally, feeling tired again, she laid her head back down. Gazing at him one last time, the corner's of Twilight's mouth formed a small smile as she closed her eyes. A tiny, happy tear slid down her cheek as she fell back to sleep.
Perhaps there truly was a little kindness in him...