//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: The Game Has Begun 
// Story: Equestrian Darkness 
// by Arreis Of Avalon 
//------------------------------//

	Discord sat in his caves, the book he had taken from the castle open on the floor. In front of him were 6 figures, made of clay. Each of them had distinct designs, each better than the last. 
The first had been designed based on his own cotton candy clouds. She would be wild and crazy, and would always know how to laugh. Yet, in times of trouble, she would dwell deep in her own mind, the cotton candy mane falling straight as her own depth confounded even her. The cutie mark he had etched into her flank, 3 balloons, represented her need to smile. She would be an easy game piece.
The second was a country pony, complete with a hat and freckles. She was simple and collected, strong and rough. She hardly knew the meaning of the word ‘lie’. Her cutie mark was 3 apples, representing her simple nature and honest mind. Seeing as Discord knew how to use lies and trickery to his advantage, she would be a simple game piece to finish off.
Next was a speed demon. Shaped with Pegasus wings to show her free spirit, the mare would be absolutely loyal to her friends. With the cutie mark of a lightning bolt, it showed her speed. She would be quick to her friends aid… Yes, he could use that to his advantage easily. 
Next was a peculiar one, but lovely as well. One of his finest creations, and quite possibly the most beautiful, her every aspect screamed ‘clean pristine queen’. Her heart was beautiful, but moreover, it would be generous. She would spread her beauty to others through her own. Still, beauty attracts other beauty… what better use of a mirror image to make this piece crumble?
He turned to the 5th in line… yes, she would cause him the most trouble, he saw. Shy and timid, she wouldn’t be able to defend herself easily, meaning that she would know this herself. She would always be prepared, just because of the fact that she would never be. This twisted logic twirled even his chaotic mind. He would have to see, on this one. She may just be his undoing.
Finally he reached the last in his line of creations, the 6th. She was his greatest achievement. She would assess and adapt to any life style, any birthing and any circumstance. She would take the throne he had lost long ago, and when the time was right, he would work through her to create his shining world of chaos once more. She would know that her magic powers came from her friendship…
Yes, he thought. Friendship… he would become their friend. He would be one of them – he could wear the mask of friendship well. After all, hadn’t he tricked Celestia into trusting him? 
He glanced at each pony in turn, one for each Element. They would do the job perfectly… and Celestia would never connect the dots. 
He smiled to himself. The game of Puppet and Puppeteer had begun, and only he knew who really pulled the strings.