When the meal eventually arrived Discord gulped it down, eager to initiate his plan. Ignoring the Sisters and their curious looks he trotted over to the filly nearest him. She timidly looked his way with warm, loving, big eyes but Discord was in no mood for affection. Shrugging the filly's gaze off him he sized her up. She was small like him, probably one of the younger ones here. She seemed a bit shy by the way she looked at him, eyes riddled with uncertainty. Discord noticed she had wings which could prove useful but he had already decided she was of no worth to him. Too young, too fragile. He moved on.
After a few minutes of analysing the various ponies Discord had made a few conclusions. The first being that the majority of these ponies were too young to understand him. They would only do what he asked if they were scared and frightened but that wasn't how he intended to rule. He wanted respect but not through those means. Two: There were some older ponies but these had an arrogant feel about them. It seemed they did not like Discord's self-confidence and refused to have such a young colt treat them like that; so they were not needed. Three: Just looking for potential candidates was of no use. He had to do something to gain their attention and possible respect. Show that he was in fact above them but he meant no harm. He had just the plan.
Discord moved towards Twinkletime and the other pony stared his way. Discord had decided that Twinkletime was one of the ponies that had some authority here. He had magical power, he had size and he had age. Though commonly absorbed in his own activities the other ponies still respected him and knew he was one not to cross paths with. But Discord did just that.
“Greetings, unicorn,” said Discord, his voice calm and focused.
Twinkletime took his time to respond, sizing up the small unicorn-pegasus thing before him. He wasn't impressed.
“What?” Twinkletime said irritably, keen to return to practising his magic.
Discord hadn't expected a response like that. He hadn't expected speech at all. Discord also noted how Twinkletime had disregarded his ability to speak at a tender age. Twinkletime seemed like he really didn't care about Discord at all. Well, he'd make him care; by bringing in something the unicorn was overly fond of.
No point in wasting words, actions spoke louder after all.
Discord clenched his teeth and focused the energy inside him, summoning the magical aura. It seemed that the events this morning were not a fluke and a black stream of magic soon emerged from his horn. Discord used it to envelop Twinkletime's small pillow and lifted off the cot; before moving it and dropping it on the stunned unicorn's head.
The gauntlet had been thrown down.
He waited for a moment, allowing the pillow to slowly slide off; onto the floor with a soft thud. Twinkletime looked down at the pillow before meeting Discord firmly in the eye. Discord simply smiled back at him.
Twinkletime understood. He did the same; lifting the pillow before dropping it on Discord's head. Albeit, slightly quicker than Discord which Twinkletime couldn't help but grin at. This didn't faze Discord, he was just getting warmed up.
Despite his lack of experience in magic it did not dent his confidence as he proceeded to use it once again. This time he picked up the pillow and hurled it in Twinkletime's direction, hitting him softly in the face.
Most of the other ponies wouldn't have tolerated this but Twinkletime was different. He had misjudged Discord and was now enjoying this game/duel with another unicorn of similar ability. However, he wanted to show that all his hard work practising had been worth it
Again he repeated what Discord had done; again with greater vigour. As the pillow whizzed towards Discord he instead stepped out of the way, causing it to slide a few metres along the floor and coming to rest at the feet of another filly.
Twinkletime cursed under his breath: he hadn't expected that. That pillow had been moving pretty fast; just how did he manage to dodge it? Magic? Luck?
Well, he had a few tricks of his own up his non-existent sleeve. And he was going to play them.
Showing little emotion at what had happened, he waited for Discord to make his move, holding his breath.
Discord was pleased that the manoeuvre had paid off and soon wanted to end the confrontation. Just a bit longer...
He looked behind him and picked up the pillow with his magic before again firing at, a lot harder this time, at Twinkletime. The pillow however didn't complete it's journey. It began to slow down some way away from its target before halting in front of the unicorn. Twinkletime poked his head around the floating pillow, grinning again.
He wasn't grinning for long as the pillow began to move again towards his face. Twinkletime realised what was happening and used all his magical might to repel Discord's magic. This was it, this was the final battle.
The pillow remained in equilibrium for a while, moving backwards and forth from the centre but never going too far. Twinkletime grimaced as he felt his strength being drained; he couldn't last for much longer. He really had underestimated the other pony. He looked around the pillow again to see that Discord was also straining with the effort.
It was at this moment that he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Turning slowly, he barely had time to configure as another pillow hit him the face. He lost his concentration and the first pillow hit him too. Staggering back, he fell to the ground, surprised and clearly defeated.
Like a true trickster Discord had won. The battle had never been that of magic: it had been one of cunning and wit, creativeness and flair. He had diverted all of his opponents attention on the seemingly climatic sequence only to have tricked him by bringing in another pawn for the checkmate.
Visible for all the other ponies to see, Discord had defeated one of their elite. This was only the beginning.
Discord moved over to Twinkletime and stood over him. He would have held out out a hoof but he was still only small. Instead he used his magic to lift him off his feet, prompting a disdainful look from some of the spectators. Twinkletime however did not wear an unhappy face. He was only in awe at the manner at which he had lost and the power which Discord possessed.
He held out his hoof and shook Discords. “Teach me?” Twinkletime asked, his speech still slightly weak.
This is why Discord had chosen Twinkletime. He had gambled on his love for magic and not power. He had accepted loss to a younger gladly as he only wished to further advance his abilities.
“Sure,” Discord said. “And to anypony else who wishes to learn,” he added, deliberately raising his voice. This prompted some looks from the other ponies who had certainly been impressed by the duel.
“Twinkletime,” Twinkletime said, at last introducing himself.
Discord had already known his name after a bit of information gathering but again played along.
“Discord..”
It was done. Respect had been earned, admiration had been gained and an influential ally had been obtained.
Perhaps a touch of envy too Discord noticed as he turned around to look at Celestia and Luna. Luna had a big smile on her face and winked, congratulating Discord at his early success. Celestia was smiling too but there was no wink from her. Her smile seemed a little forced as well.
Discord had gained an ally, but had he gained a rival too?