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// Chapter 4: He who laughs 
// Story: Semper Paratus 
// by Eyes in the Dark 
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After a quick run down of the library and most of its uncanny quirks, the trio made their way back to the ground floor where Spike disappeared into the kitchen and Daniel and Twilight retreated to the wall to wall books. Daniel was impressed by the unicorn's thirst for knowledge but felt she lacked a certain amount of common sense to use said knowledge every time. It was merely a theory and since he had only known her a few hours, he would continue to see if anything substantial would come up.

Daniel had been rather engrossed in a particular book from the many shelves when a sudden banging on the front door took him away from some considerations. The book had been mainly illustrations of pony physiology and how it reacted with magic. He might have thought such a study to be crazy or pushing the limits of fantasy back home, but here?

Twilight had a neat stack of notes on either what they had discussed or more questions to ask at a later time, she didn't even look up from the writings with the noise at the door.

"Spi-ike, can you get the door please?" Twilight sing-sung his name while engrossed in her reading.

Spike had just finished eating a rather bland half sandwich and was cleaning up the kitchen area with a broom. He still had on his heart print apron when he trotted out into the room with a sigh. Daniel watched him as he made his way to the door and almost felt sorry for the little guy after what happened with him sleeping in and all.

A hoof banged several times again and Spike quickened his steps, "I'm coming already, hold your horses!"

Daniel quirked an eyebrow at that and looked over at Twilight who seemed not to notice it.

As Spike went for the door it wholly flung open to a rainbow colored blur that flew inside. Other ponies were filing in through the door without a second look at the purple arm and leg hanging precariously along the edges of the door where it slammed into the wall.

Daniel was aghast at the lack of concern and before his book could hit the floor he was two strides closer to the front door. The sudden movement, loud arrival of ponies and ensuing air of mayhem was enough to startle Twilight from her reading to survey the scene.

The first thing that registered was Dan's swift movement toward the door. Twilight had not seen him move faster than a trot before but now? Rainbow Dash had made it inside and was so shocked at the human's appearance her wings ceased to flap and she landed on the floor with a thud and skidded into the bookshelf. Rarity had been second and gave a hearty scream at seeing an 'unknown' barrel toward them at the door. Apple Jack, who was just at the welcome mat, jumped back with such force she plowed into Fluttershy who gave a yelp in surprise. 

Pinkie and Discord were far enough away from the commotion to not be effected but seeing AJ jump from the doorway and collide with the butter yellow pegasus gave them pause in their fun and they stole a glance from each other in a most serious way.

Daniel had gotten to the door and was gently pulling it away from the wall to reveal Spike smashed into the oak and a rather exact outline of his body imprinted when the door swung away. On seeing the condition of the little dragon, Daniel took a knee and put his hand on his back. He was surprised to find Spike was still alive.

Spike stirred and used his free claw to literally peel himself out of his own impression only to find not a pony there to help him, but the human. Daniel stayed on eye level with Spike while he regained his bearings and rubbed a spot on his head.

"Ugh, thanks Dan, I should have seen that coming..."

Daniel put a hand on his scaly shoulder and gave him a pat, "welcome Spike and I've gotta say you're a tough dragon to just shake that off. I mean, you dented the wall."

Both Spike and Daniel ignored the hoof noise behind them as they looked on at his outline in wood. 

Spike chuckled a little, "guess the joke fits that says 'that'll leave a mark', huh?"

Daniel grinned and stood knowing he was OK. What was going on behind him however...

Twilight had moved to Rainbow and Rarity's side to calm them down. Rainbow Dash had recovered enough to start a fight and was being held in place by Twilight's hoof on her tail. Rarity was hyperventilating and Twilight held a paper bag in place for her to breathe. Apple Jack and Fluttershy were both blocking the doorway and looking inside with Pinkie and Discord right behind them trying to see what had happened.

"Hey! Com'on Apple Jack move out of the way so we can see!" Pinkie bounced a couple times but forgot about the doggie bags she was carrying and had to move quick to recovery them, "Oops!"

Discord inverted himself so he was looking in above their heads, "it sounds like chaos in there! Twilight, are you causing problems and didn't invite me? What 'would' Celestia think?!"

Twilight heard Discord and that wasn't what she needed at the moment, "I'm not causing anything I'm... Rainbow will you cut that out!"

Rainbow Dash had gotten out from under Twilight's hoof and was hovering in the air once more only now was shadow boxing in Daniel's direction and mouthing off. Only Twilight's quick thinking to pin RD's tail to the wall with magic kept the high strung mare in check.

"No pony scares my friends like that! Not a pony, or griffon, or... or, whatever you are!"

Daniel didn't know what to make of the cyan pegasus with the rainbow mane and tail initially but one thing stood out to him, she was the 'shoot first, ask questions later' type. 

"What's wrong with everypony? Dan was just trying to help me!" Spike stood by the human ready to come to his defense or whatever defense was needed three feet from the ground.

Questions kept getting thrown at Twilight until she finally snapped, and loudly, "will everypony PLEASE CALM DOWN!!"

The outburst caused all eyes to focus on the rather peeved purple unicorn who dared another soul to make a noise or move.

"Good! Now, everypony who is currently outside- get inside so I don't have to shout!"

The three ponies and one spirit of chaos shuffled inside without so much a peep; Rarity had recovered and hastily moved the paper bag away from her face- such an unladylike thing to do.

"Rarity are YOU OK?"

She looked sheepishly at Twilight, "mhmm."

"Rainbow? Are you listening to me?" Twilight let go of her tail and stood in front of the mare, "I saw the whole thing, it was just a big misunderstanding! No pony was trying to scare anypony!"

Rainbow crossed her hooves on her chest and brooded over the false pretense, "fine, whatever! But if that freak comes charging at me like that I'll buck it in the face!"

Twilight gasped thinking Daniel might react to something like that and she glanced nervously over her shoulder. Daniel's smug expression toward the remark spoke volumes for the amount of restraint he had. 

"Rainbow that was not a nice thing to say what-so-ever! Now, you apologize to Daniel right this instant. He's the one that saved Sweetie Belle's life from the timber wolves!"

Several of the ponies gasped that this creature before them 'Daniel', as Twilight called 'him', was the harbinger that brought the fillies to Zecora's! Daniel could see the puzzle pieces falling into place in their eyes and several of them held differing levels of embarrassment at the situation he had just witnessed. All except one and Daniel was currently trying to make heads or tails of the mismatched individual.

Discord stood out as a stark contrast to the pastel ponies in more ways than one. Daniel could loosely define it as the head of a horse, although not like these ponies, and a body that looked draken with oddities plugged into it. Right arm of a lion, left arm- some sort of prey bird, the right leg looked vaguely reptilian in a dinosaur-like way and the other, maybe a goat leg? He noticed two short wings on its back as well and again the disparity continued in a bat's wing and pegasus wing.

Discord took notice of this appraisal and took the initiative to introduce himself in a traditional fashion. Since he had been carrying some of the 'to-go' bags too, he set them on the center round table as he passed it on the way to Daniel's side of the room. The rest of the group continued their silence at Discord's forwardness.

Daniel raised a brow at having to look up an extra two feet at the smiling horse face looming close to him. He briefly had a flashback to one of his favorite comic strips about a little boy and his pet tiger...Daniel had to wonder if he had finally found 'Hobbes'.

"Please forgive my pony friends for larking about in such a manor, it truly is an honor to meet a being such as yourself! My name's Discord, spirit of chaos and disharmony but I'm currently an hiatus from all that and giving the magic of friendship a try instead! So welcome to Ponyville and all the friendliness it has to offer..."

Discord cringed visibly at that last part but Daniel didn't fully understand the connotation there. He instead was looking at the lion's paw that was extended his way in greeting and decided for it. Had Twilight seen what was about to happen she could have voiced something sooner but as Discord was standing, his paw was hidden from her view and by the time she saw Daniel's hand move to grasp it, it was too late.

"No don't...!" 

The shout was cut short by a blaring white light that engulfed the entire library interior along with its inhabitants. There was no heat from the light and that was a good thing. They all would have been vaporized had things turned out differently. Twilight knew the reaction they were seeing was a result of Daniel's anti-magic ability but what was utterly chilling was the vast depth of 'cancelled magic' emanating from the two. 

The light gained mass and speed and soon became harmless sparks, but those sparks grew in size and anything they smashed into was instantly altered to something chaotic. Several balloons, stuffed animals and party favors appeared randomly around the room. Books sprouted wings and furniture levitated from the floor. The ricochets of magic even hit the mesmerized mares which added to the on the spot bedlam. Rarity's white coat was splashed tie-dyed with hideous shades of mauve and Fluttershy's mane became punk rocker spiked and glowed green.

It all happened so fast that neither Daniel nor Discord could stop it. In fact, while the hand shake lasted a split second, everything that happened was in the blink of an eye. 

Outside the library, a few ponies passing by couldn't help but gawk at the brief light show that blasted silently out of every nook, cranny and window of the old oak. They shook their heads and mumbled about Twilight experimenting again as they went on about their business.

Inside was chaos and Discord was trying to come to terms with just how all that had happened without him being in control of it. And something else had happened in that moment he touched the human's hand; Discord knew and was all too familiar with how chaos was 'supposed' to work and feel. What he gleaned from Daniel's vantage point was anarchy and turmoil on a whole new level. He would have thought about it longer if not for the screams and yells from the group as the after effects continued unrestrained.

"Pardon me a moment..."

Discord turned and gave a snap of his eagle's claw and the books returned to normal and to their spots. Another snap and the furniture was replaced, again and mounds of balloons disappeared- much to the disappointment of Pinkie who had set down her saddle bags to jump through the rubbery fun.

He couldn't help placing a digit under his chin in mock thought with a sly grin as he beheld Rarity in near panic over her coat, "you know Rarity, that shade 'does' compliment your eyes," and Discord batted his own teasingly. 

The look she gave him was worse than Fluttershy's 'stare' and he changed her back without delay. Fluttershy was the last and she gave Discord a hug once her mane was back to its flowing pink hue.

"Well, THAT was exciting! How about I just introduce everypony else so we don't repeat that episode." Twilight took the floor before anypony else could object.

She took her time with introductions and even gave Daniel a brief run down of what they all did around Ponyville. Of course, Twilight had to explain what the light show was all about and that earned Daniel some worried looks. Once that was all out of the way, Pinkie enthusiastically reminded them about the food and made sure to give Rarity her 'special' order. Daniel was touched when the pink pony with impossible amounts of energy bounded over to him and held out a bag on her hoof.

"Hi Dan! I know Twilight just introduced us but I always like to get to know a new pony when they come to town but in your case it's super-duper special because you're NOT a pony and I just wanted to say that I always get a little extra when I bake or party or give gifts or have celebrations so it's really a good thing this time because I'd hate for you to feel left out when we all got something scrum-diddly-umptious to munch on for lunch and you didn't get to pick anything so I hope you like it!" 

The only thought beyond smiling and accepting the bag was Daniel thinking- 'did I just get the double talk from a pony?' He found his mouth watering at the smell from those opened bags around the room. His own bag had a small paper cup crammed with 'fries', a sandwich wrapped in thin wax-paper, and a fist-sized pastry that looked sugar glazed. Since the main room was large enough to fit everyone comfortably, they all took seats on the floor for lunch.

Daniel choose to sit on the steps of the stairs that wound up to the second story which was removed from the group. He noticed that they all, Discord included, sat fairly close and engaged in idle chatter as sandwiches were taken out and delved into. While his appearance of being withdrawn drew the attention of Fluttershy and Spike, Daniel's reason was simple. For starters, these were all new ponies that he was only just introduced to, and next, observation.

He had a keen sense whenever he met someone new to watch them interact with others before diving in with personal issues. Daniel was certain he wouldn't be discussing his underwear size with any of them anytime soon, but watching them let him form opinions and ideas on how their group dynamics worked. 

For instance, as he unwrapped his sandwich, Daniel noticed plainly that none of the ponies had the same color scheme. This denoted a lack of or non-existent discriminatory taboo among the equines. He saw no such open favoritism between coat colors that paralleled what humankind had gone though racially. He absently took a bite from his sandwich and mused the scene further.

All of their speaking and dialects differed greatly and logic could sway premonitions of education, age, maturity, experience, humor... yes, even humor. 

Daniel had to smirk when the 'absurdly pink' pony Pinkie Pie started snorting as she laughed at the cyan pegasus Rainbow Dash who had gotten mayonnaise on her nose and was trying to lick it off. 

"Hang on... I got... this!"

With eyes crossed on her muzzle, Rainbow made the most amusing faces trying to get her tongue out and high enough to remove the offending condiment. This caused an uproar when Rainbow refused to just give up and wipe it off, Pinkie, Apple Jack, Spike and Twilight rolled with laughter while Rarity politely covered her mouth with a hoof and tried to keep a modicum of modesty. Discord thought it was downright hilarious and balanced on his tail while the rest of him was up in the air chuckling so hard he had to hold onto his stomach. 

Fluttershy had not fully partook in the wholesome jollity and she smiled at the scene for a moment before casting a look toward Daniel- who was frowning down at the sandwich in his hands. She tilted her head in his direction and noticed he was picking something out of his meal.

Daniel's thoughts had been spoiled when he actually considered what he had just bitten into. Normally he would have excepted food without hesitating but the dandelions among the tomatoes and pickles made his second meal of the day worth looking into. The bread looked like a near copy of whole wheat and the mayo even tasted like the stuff back home. Tomatoes and pickles, both the same, but the addition of the yellow dandelion flowers and plant leaves were an unexpected bonus. 

Not that humans couldn't eat it, in fact, Daniel had made salads before out of an abundance of dandelions and they were truthfully a healthy natural food. It just... was a little surprising to see in a sandwich. But considering who it came from...

Daniel looked at the group who had calmed down with the assistance of Twilight's quick napkin and little magic but his eyes stopped on two sea-green ones that blinked in shock at being discovered. Fluttershy and Daniel held each others gaze for a moment before she averted her eyes to her own meal and nibbled meekly at some of the hay fries. She was first worried that something awful had gotten into his food but when Daniel picked out one of the yellow flowers to stare at it, she couldn't help but watch spell-bound as his fingers nimbly maneuvered the blossom for a better inspection. It was in that moment that Daniel had looked up and their eyes met.

Fluttershy could have swore there was a storm behind those brown depths and the tempest was both terrifying and strangely comforting.

"Odd group, this...", Daniel mumbled under his breath as he watched Discord playing with his food much to the annoyance of Rarity and Twilight. But Discord took 'playing with your food' to a whole new level. He had made little miniature ponies out of his hay fries and animated them to trot around which Pinkie "Ooo'd" and "Aaah'd" over.

"Discord, could you not be civil for just one teensy meal for a change?" Rarity was less impressed by his clowning around than the others were.

"Oh Rarity, for such a beautiful pony you can be quite a stick in mud, it's a wonder you can appreciate any humor at all!" Discord settled down low on the floor and propped his head up on a fist to pout.

"Hmpf! I have ample amounts of humor thank-you-very-much. Just not on the level that compromises regality!" And she wagged a hoof at his edible creations that had gotten too close to her spotless white coat.

Discord gave her a deadpan look and plucked up one of the unlucky fry-ponies and popped it into his mouth with a 'CRUNCH'.

"Ew! Discord!" Twilight gasped as he munched loudly on the once moving food. 

"Ah reckon tha's tha most creepy thing ah've ever seen yall do Discord..." Apple Jack said with a shudder as the rest of the mini fry-ponies fled from being crispy snacks.

Pinkie laughed and dove for one of the tasty moving treats that trotted by her, "I think it's great! And just imagine if they could move quicker! Oo-Oo! THEN it would be 'fast-food'! It would be fan-dabbie-tabilious!"

"Pinkie, that's not even a word, and don't encourage him!" Twilight chided while watching one escape to Daniel's side of the room. 

Daniel had yet to try his own 'fries' when something bumped into his boot and looking down, saw a lone fry-pony trying to hide behind his heel. Pinkie and Discord had regained control on their side of the room and now the only one left was by Daniel's boot which he quirked a brow at.

He didn't think much about the eyes watching his moves as he reached down intending on picking up the animated food for a closer look; what actually happened when he touched it made Discord's mouth hang open.

At Daniel's touch, a soft light flashed soundlessly and without sensation at his fingers, the food ceased to move. In fact, Daniel had grabbed a single fry before the rest collapsed in a heap on the floor. He picked up the fry and looked at it and back down at the wasted fare.

"If that don't beat all ah've ever seen!" Apple Jack's voice broke the shocked silence.

"Dude! How did you DO that? Not even Twi here can affect Discord's magic like that!" Rainbow nearly threw her sandwich at Twilight when she waved a hoof her direction in exasperation.

Pinkie reached up with a hoof and closed Discord's mouth with a giggle while Daniel took a bite of the fry in his fingers; needed ketchup and had a strange after-taste. He didn't have any more of an explanation then Twilight did for his cancelling ability, it certainly wasn't something intentional. After Discord's impromptu food jaunt, Daniel was resolute to finish his sandwich and try to make heads or tails of the fries. Indeed, Discord had coaxed them into trotting around but that's where the differences ended. He broke one of the fries apart in his fingers and could place the potato in them but something else stood out behind the heavy deep fried starch... hay?

Daniel took notice of the mares conversation as Rarity mentioned Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy noticed Daniel's sudden interest and poked Rarity discreetly with a hoof. 

It was something in the way that the alabaster unicorn glanced at him, Daniel was certain there was some spite there. Her eyes were as beautiful as the others and just as expressive. There was no hiding thoughts with these creatures, if the old adage was true 'the eyes are the windows to the soul', then these ponies had binoculars permanently fixed on their faces. 

Pinkie had found the sweets that Twilight had purchased and after passing them out, and eating her own weight in treats, looked a little more energetic, if that was even possible, and was actually bouncing in place to listen in on Discord and Rarity's 'argument' on etiquette. 

Daniel was starting to think Discord and Rarity had some 'history' the way they bickered back and forth. The draconequus seemed to egg on the white unicorn who was more than willing to continue the feud whether or not she knew he was goading her. 

"...you're cheeky with your crude jokes AND you are simply ruining poor Pinkie Pie!"

Discord gave her a dramatic flare, "Moi?! How tactless of you dear mare to insinuate that 'I' should ever stoop SO low! You gush radiance yet weep dullness."

Rarity sputtered at such an outrage, "why...I... you...MY work is anything but dull! Why even Fancy Pants, the great connoisseur of fashion in all of Equestria, pays homage to my works of art!"

He gave her a smirk, "oh come now Rarity, how CAN you trust the judgement of a pony named 'Fancy Pants' when he himself wears no pants!"

That did it. Daniel was sure if Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash hadn't come in between the two of them there would have been blood. Probably fake blood on Discord's part and much drama on Rarity's but Daniel had to smirk at their 'chemistry'.

Once the commotion had died down, Daniel gave Twilight a small wave and she inclined her head to him. Leaning over so he wouldn't be too loud, "Twilight, do have a bathroom I could use?"

Daniel could see the gears turning a full revolution behind her eyes before she caught on, "Ooooh, yes, of course! How silly of me not to consider showing you 'that' part of the house!" She seemed thoughtful for a moment then uncertain, "I suppose I took it for granted that it didn't need explaining."

He gave her a demure look, "well, hopefully not too much explaining, I mean, I don't know how your kind treats it but humans tend to shy away from talking about bodily functions in the open." 
Daniel glanced up from her briefly to note where everyone was in relation to where 'this' conversation was going on. 

Ever the academic, Twilight responded with a professor-like tone, "to be honest, ponies don't have such hang ups even through it's generally not a topic discussed in public settings. Crude or 'potty humor' jokes are usually reserved for close friends and family depending on historical traditions of parental upbringing."

Daniel got the jest of what she said but she still didn't answer his initial question, "maternal and parental speculations aside Twilight, could you point me in the right direction?"

She turned from him and pointed a hoof to a nearly door under the stairs, "should be adequate for you, I think." She looked Daniel up and down thinking about his height, "Spike doesn't have any problem but then again he 'is' quite shorter than you."

Daniel gave her a chuckle, "well, if it's too crazy maybe I'll just go find a bush somewhere."

Twilight looked aghast at the thought, "that's not sanitary at all and something I'd half expect Apple Jack to say!"

Apple Jack looked over at Twilight and Daniel and decided to trot over to the two. Twilight realized she had raised her voice at the perfect moment and immediately clammed up.

"Now whut in tarnation is goin' on over here? Twi? Ah heard mah name, now spill tha beans!"

Twilight started turning red so Daniel interjected before she could further embarrass herself, "we were just talking about toilets Apple Jack..."

Twilight facehoofed and Apple Jack smirked with a look toward the unicorn, "ya don't say?" Daniel picked up on the cowpony's tone and knew right away that Twilight didn't fall into the 'non-hang ups' group.

"Yeah, I was about to try out the bathroom here and Twilight was just commenting on how ponies don't have such reservations to talk about those things like my kind does." 

Twilight still had a leg over her face and she peeked over her hoof at the two of them grinning back. The redness in her cheeks brightened.

"And by the way Apple Jack, would it be called...the little filly's room here?"

She chuckled and saw how the ribbing was effecting her friend, "yup, well in yer case Dan'el it would be tha little colt's room. An' Twi's right of course, MOST ponies don't have any hang ups with that sorta stuff but when tha shoe is on tha other hoof, Twilight here will turn tha most beautiful shade of apple red ah ever saw!" 

True to AJ's words, Twilight could sure dish it out but couldn't take it. She was turning almost bright red from embarrassment as Daniel shook his head and gave a wink to Apple Jack. He could appreciate her willingness to engage in the banter and it reminded him of some of the military types he retired with, strong sense of duty but still down-to-earth. He took a few steps around the stairs and opened a door that was a little short for him. 

On the inside, there was enough room for a pony to nearly stretch out on the floor without touching any wall or appliance. But the spacious interior gave way to one important piece of modern technology- the toilet. Daniel had traveled around the world several times for both military service and vacations; each culture having it's own differences and similarities when it came to personal hygiene. He had almost expected something these ponies could stand on four legs to use but his parallel thinking to equines from back home took a back seat to what he saw on the floor.

The simple fixture looked strikingly like a Japanese style squat commode and where the flush lever should have been, there was a square plate inches above the floor for 'hoof' use. Daniel was about to 'assume the position' when something very important caught his attention- he didn't see toilet paper hanging anywhere.

He looked in the cabinets on the wall and below the sink but the all important 'TP' was nowhere to be found. Daniel was about ready to go get his own stash when something else clicked into place for him. A rather odd looking water fountain right next to the toilet made him pause and consider what he was seeing. It was a wall-mounted bidet that looked about the right size for a pony tush.

Daniel laughed out right at trying to use something like that and decided on fetching his stash of TP instead. Outside, Twilight was still looking rather dour and Apple Jack was now joined by Rainbow dash who both seemed to be having fun at the unicorn's expense. All three turned to look at Daniel as he exited the bathroom, headed upstairs and a moment later come back down. He gave the three mares a wiry grin as he tossed up the white roll and caught it before ducking back into the latrine room.

Rainbow's eye brow climbed high enough to disappear into her prismatic colored mane that fell across her face. Apple Jack and Twilight shared a look of confusion before Rainbow Dash, ever the master of tack, voiced her thoughts aloud.

"Alright Twi, this 'hoo-man' of yours is officially creepin' me out! I mean, the flat face, beady eyes and no fur coat I can look past. But what the hay was THAT all about?! That looked like a giant marshmallow with a hole in it! Why would anypony take something like that in there?!"

"Ah reckon ah have ta agree wit' Dashie on this one. Not even Pinkie Pie takes food with'er ta tha toilet."

Twilight looked from her friends to the bathroom door and back again, "Dan doesn't seem like the kind of pon- er, person to do something so strange without an explanation. I'm sure there's a perfectly logically reason for his actions... but I'm not sure he'd be willing to share it openly."

Rainbow rolled her eyes and sat back on her haunches, "oh come on Twilight! He can't be that shy! I mean, that's Flutter's territory."

Fluttershy, who was now standing a bit closer heard her name and motioned for Discord to follow over, "um, what about me Dashie? Oh, I mean if you want to tell me that is... I don't really mind."
Fluttershy let Discord step up and she took a step coyly behind him.

Rainbow just wagged a forehoof in her direction, "see what I mean!"

Fluttershy 'Eeped' and Discord put a gentle paw on her head, "I see that the party is over here now, like 'my' shenanigans weren't good enough, so what's gotten everypony's tail in a twist?"

Pinkie heard the word party and just...'appeared' beside Discord with an expectant expression on her face, "Party? Party! Where, where? Oo-oo, I LOVE parties!"

"We KNOW Pinkie, there's no 'party' here and no pony's tail is twisted Discord. There are just a few things we're trying to hash out without intruding on somepony's privacy." Twilight lightly admonished their energy.

"Awww..." Pinkie groaned and Discord looked thoughtful.

"Are you sure about that Twilight? I'm not a 'knot' specialist but each of you looks knotty!" He stifled a laugh as each of the mares looked behind them to see their tails in various degrees of 'knottiness'.

Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash had been standing close enough that their tails were actually weaved together like a basket. Rarity's silken tail had been transformed into intricate couture tresses and Pinkie's poofy tail had been braided with candy pieces woven into it. Twilight's tail had a 'paracord square weave' to it and was so tight only a fourth of it hung from her backside. Fluttershy's tail had been spared anything too crazy and had merely been bow-tied twice to look like a butterfly.

Discord hadn't moved but somehow all that had happened in the breath of a couple seconds. Pinkie loved hers and started to chase her tail for the treats and Rarity almost 'liked' hers.

"While not a fashion that is 'in' for tails this season, I can't be too upset with your Discord." Rarity eyed the details of her new look and took mental notes while undoing it with her magic.

"Well ah sure can! Haystacks on fire, Discord, yall untangle this here mess this instant!"

Rainbow and AJ tried their best to untie themselves but the more they tugged the tighter the weave became- almost like a Chinese finger trap. Twilight's face contorted a few ways as she tried to puzzle out the square weave of her tail with her magic so she was of no help to the cowpony and pegasus.

Daniel had heard some of the commotion through the door and nearly fell over from laughing. He finished his business and washed his hands in a shorter-than-average waist high sink. The soap dispenser was rather robust to handle abuse from hooves but he found the sudsy gel sufficient enough with a fresh rain scent. Daniel chuckled at the thought of different hand soaps back home that were gag-gift 'man scented'. Axle grease, bacon and tires came to mind.

When he opened the door, what met Daniel was comical pandemonium. 

Fluttershy and Discord were meticulously picking candy out of Pinkie's tail and off the floor, Twilight had managed to get her tail even more tangled and now Spike was using his claws to help the mess, and poor RD and AJ... 

"Stop moving around so much!" Rainbow shouted to Apple Jack as her hoof fumbled with the twisted locks.

"RD, ouch! Ya keep pullin' mah- oow!"

Rainbow was trying to twist her body around enough to get a good hoof hold on the now snarled clutter only to pinch or pull a strand of either her's or AJ's tail. Apple Jack jerked again from an uncomfortable tug and Rainbow's balance went over as her flank was pulled out from under her.

Daniel set his TP on the bottom step of the stairs and shook his head at the scene. Every pony in the room seemed to have a handle on their 'situation' except that cowpony and the high-strung cyan one. Apple Jack seemed nice enough and he wanted to help her out that but the other?

Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash both looked up when Daniel stepped over to them, "if you uh- ladies need a hand I'm sure I could get you out of that tangle."

AJ smiled kindly and was about to accept when Rainbow jumped up on all fours and planted AJ's face into the floor. 

"YOU aren't touching ME with those freaky fingers! Don't even come close to my-"

Apple Jack had recovered from the spill and had enough of Rainbow's pride, she scooted back just enough to sweep out with one hind leg and kick both of RD's back legs out from under her. Rainbow Dash landed hard on her flanks and was cut off from talking.

"Rainbow Dash yall are goin' ta hush up right now! You threaten'd tha fella when he was tryin' ta help Spike earlier an' now he's a offerin' ta fix our mess an' yall are goin' ta keep mouthin' like that?!

Rainbow Dash didn't look at Daniel during the exchange but rather took on a brooding posture and crossed her forehooves over her chest in indignation. 

Apple Jack looked away from the pegasus and put a hoof over her own muzzle in a way to 'pinch' the bridge of her nose. She shook her head and looked up at the human.

"Dan'el if yall would be so kind to help us out here, ah know WE would be grateful."

Rainbow gave a disgruntle snort but didn't turn her head.

Daniel nodded and took a knee beside the tan mare who looked at little less certain by his sudden proximity. 

"I'll help you both out as long as I don't get 'bucked' for my efforts. I've never been kicked by a horse or... pony in your case, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Apple Jack's eyes searched his face and while she knew she could keep 'Bucky McGillicuddy' and 'Kicks McGee' under control, she stole a sideways glance at RD who still refused to look their direction.

"Ah know mah friends Dan'el, you've got mah word that neither of us will harm ya." AJ was looking at Rainbow who made a face just long enough to let her know she at least heard what was said.

Daniel gave her a quaint grin and nodded, "give me a minute or two and I'll see what I can do.

He slipped around to the rear of both mares and sat down Indian style with their tails in his lap. Daniel's .357 was exposed when his pants no longer covered the holster and he gave a smirk at that while his fingers gingerly dug into the web of long hair.

Apple Jack had been watching him and cocked a brow at his expression, "what uh, what's funny back thar?"

His finger's kept moving and separating the blonde and prismatic locks, "just some irony Miss Apple Jack that's all. Legs can be weapons where I'm from and just thinking about sorting out this mess so close to your, ahem, 'weapons' is just... well, I've never been too comfortable being in the line of fire as it were and I'm sure either of you could cave in my chest with one shot."

Rainbow was getting curious as to just how close 'close' was and she turned her head just enough to spy him scant hooves away from their flanks. THAT was enough to make her very uncomfortable and she could feel the panic building.

"Aw sugar cube, ah've never bucked anypony fer helpin' an' ah know Rainbow Dash here is ah very 'loyal' pony at heart an' would do nothin' ta change 'er friend's minds 'bout that." 

Apple Jack stressed the loyal part and Daniel could see it was almost as if she was reminding Rainbow of something which the mare had her eyes screwed shut to but she still nodded her head.

"An' yall can drop that Miss's stuff Dan'el, ah ain't fancy so it's Apple Jack or AJ if'n yall are in ah hurry."

Daniel grinned and flicked another handful of 'tail' out of the way, this was worse than a fishing pole reel! 

Rainbow's wings twitched and she fought back the urge to flap them to get away. She felt it was worse than the time she was pinned in Ghastly Gorge!

Twilight and Spike were just finishing up when Pinkie and Fluttershy came over to see if they could help. Discord's goofy grin began to falter at the 'stink eye' everypony was giving him, and well, Fluttershy looked more disappointed than angry. Rainbow had started to get that panicked look in her eyes and Fluttershy moved in to calm her down with a hoof around her neck in a hug.

"Dashie, just take it easy, Daniel's almost finished."

"Yall ain't kiddin' there Fluttershy, Dan's usin' them hands like ah champ and he ain't even pulled one hair yet!" 

Apple Jack was smiling warmly over her shoulder as he picked the last knot from the two tails, "There ya go AJ, Rainbow Dash, all done and AJ, I had to take this out of your tail to fix it..."
He picked up the plain red scrunchie that he had to removed when he started in the beginning and held it out to her.

Rainbow took the opportunity to move away from the awkward position but Fluttershy remained at her side until she was certain the fellow pegasus was OK. 

Daniel wasn't really expecting AJ to ask him to put the scrunchie back in place for her but since he was already there, he took a breath and raked his fingers through her long blonde tail and diverted his thoughts elsewhere.

"So Discord, I don't suppose saying you had a hand in this would be unfair would it?"

He scratched his chin in an aloof way, "I could play the unappreciated peasant who merely tries to enrich his friends lives with joy...but it seems my frivolity is at best 'uncouth'."

"And that's saying it mildly!" Rarity half agreed while making sure her own reflection was once again spotless in Twilight's mirror on the wall.

Daniel had to stoically ignore the dreamy look AJ was giving him and he finished the cowpony's tail and stood back up.

"Well Discord, it sounds like you need a good outlet to use your talents on." 

Daniel noticed the color drain from Twilight's face as if he was suggesting Discord cause unbridled chaos again. He hurried an explanation, "what I mean is...Apple Jack, she's honesty embodied or however 'that' works but she still has a regular job at her farm, right?"

Apple Jack looked thoughtful but still nodded.

"And Rarity's generosity is known across Equestria all the while holding a job in designer fashion, something I have no doubt she's good at."

"'Great at' dear Daniel, but please, do continue."

Daniel gave the white unicorn the briefest of looks before nodding back to Discord, "what he 'needs' is a job, but not just any job," Daniel's pause for effect brought them in closer, "not only will Discord get paid for his efforts and get to exercise his magic but he will OWN the chaos!"

As all that was sinking in, Twilight asked the obvious question for the group, "while that all sounds fine Dan, how in the wide-wide world of Equestria would Discord 'own' the chaos as you put it? Who would give him such a job?"

Daniel gave her a sly grin, "do you have a large piece of paper Twilight? Like maybe two sheets wide and three long?"

She looked up in thought, "I have a couple I was holding onto for maps, would one of those work?"

Daniel nodded and she went down into the basement to find one of the large sheets while the girls traded unsure looks. Discord was looking at Daniel with a most peculiar expression as if trying to gauge what he was thinking. Twilight returned a moment later with a poster sized sheet and Daniel motioned for her to set it down on the middle round table. 

"Ok, Spike? Would you happen to have a quill handy?"

Spike produced one out of nowhere and held it up for Daniel to take; all the occupants gathered close to see what was going to happen on the parchment.

"Now then...who has ever been on a roller coaster?"


 ,,,^..^,,, 


Daniel, Twilight and Rarity walked along the outer edge of Ponyville heading to the hospital via the long way at the human's request. He had donned his hat and shades as they moved at a leisurely pace in the pleasant afternoon sun. Apple Jack and Pinkie had to return to their respective jobs and were unable to tag along.

The job discussion for Discord had gone better than he thought it would. So well, in fact, that Discord stayed behind with Fluttershy and Spike to write a letter to the princess concerning the idea and even being so forward as to ask for a royal grant. At the time, it seemed ambitious but Discord waved it off saying the princesses and him went 'way back' and they wouldn't mind. 

If there was one thing Daniel did well, it was send a pitch to get something done. He sketched roughly as he talked and everyone present at the time was glued to the paper as he drew out lines and circles that became a roller coaster, Ferris Wheel, entertainment block, food court and finally, a huge fun house. Pinkie had gotten so excited at the prospect that she nearly threw a party on the spot. It took Twilight and Rainbow both to convince her to wait for the 'Opening Day' which they were sure would need a huge party.

Pinkie's mouth dropped and she starred blankly into space at the idea. She was at a lose for words the rest of the time (but everypony still kept an eye on her). The idea of a full blown amusement park wasn't completely lost on the group as talk of Los Pegasus came up and the fact that there were huge indoor circus acts in that city. But an amusement park so far out in the countryside? Granted, Ponyville had a mainline railroad and was a popular relaxing vacation spot- but to think that Discord could build and run the park himself? And what was more outlandish was the way Daniel suggested he do it.

"With as little magic as possible. Hire crews, network with ponies that knew how to build- architects, engineers, painters, sculptors..." Daniel's impromptu vision was contagious but they all agreed at the end that not a word should go out until it had the blessing of Celestia and Luna. 

Daniel had lagged behind the mares by a few links and allowed them space to chat while he took in the sights of the countryside. If he didn't have a lot on his mind before hand, he would soon enough. 

The Ponyville hospital came into view and Daniel paused at the front door to collect his thoughts as he followed the two inside. The lobby had a few ponies here and there, one sported a rather nasty bruise which was being treated by a plump nurse pony with an ice bag. He could see other nurses carrying clipboards and asking questions of patients as they waited to be seen. One thing that was different about this group was that they had other priorities then a stray human walking around. Nopony that was busy seemed to give him a second look.

Twilight cleared her throat to get Daniel's attention and they continued through a couple of corridors to a room with a single napping occupant. 

Nurse Redheart came around the corner as the three of them paused at the door with Daniel bending down to look in the small glass window. Her eyes went wide and Twilight quickly saddled up next to the hyperventilating mare to calm her and nodded with her head for Daniel and Rarity to go in.

Thankfully Twilight's encouragement for the nurse to 'take it easy, just breathe' wasn't so loud to wake the sleeping filly. 

Daniel gave a quick look around the room and glanced from Rarity to the bed with a small smile, "did you already see her today?"

She nodded but didn't approach the bed, "most of us were here rather early and the doctor told us Sweetie would be released at the end of the day."

Rarity's breath caught in her throat as Daniel stepped over to the bedside and took a knee next to it. While the unicorn adult hadn't been openly hostile to the human, she was nervous having him so close to her baby sister. But why was she so doubtful of him? Daniel 'did' save her life in the Everfree after all.

Rarity took a couple steps closer to watch the man as he delicately reached out a hand and used his fingers to sweep Sweetie's mane from in front of her eyes. She gave a quiet smile and her eyes fluttered partially open. "Mm?"

"Rarity? Is that you?" Sweetie Belle gave a yawn-squeak and stretched from laying in bed for so long.

"Yes Sweetie, I'm here and I... somepony else is here to see you."

Daniel removed his glasses and hat as the little tike turned his direction. When her sleepy eyes focused on him, they went wide in recognition.

"Dan? Daniel you're here!"

Sweetie was instantly awake and threw her forehooves around his neck, Daniel had to steady himself on the edge of the bed at the sudden forceful hug.

Rarity gasped when Daniel brought his free arm around Sweetie and his hand rested on her mane. Her emotions were in flux at the sight of some'thing' so awful looking being so close to her sister. In fact, she had half a mind to jerk his 'icky' looking hand away from her. It was taking some serious restraint to not do something hasty. But she forced herself to look past the conflict in her mind and see what melted her heart.

Sweetie had started crying after just being so happy to see him again. All the anguish she went through bubbled up into tears and now with Daniel's shoulder so close, she sobbed and clung to him. Daniel himself couldn't at the moment understand the torrent of emotion the embrace brought with it and he too got choked up.

"I'm so glad you're alright Sweetie," Daniel said pulling back from her hug to look her in the eyes, "will you...I mean, how does your leg feel?"

Sweetie gave him a sobbing grin and she moved back in the bed and revealed her leg under the sheets. Already the deep purple-black mark that it had been earlier was now a light purple and the swelling wasn't near as bad as the doctor had thought it would be. Daniel was miffed at the sight, he 'knew' her leg was broke when he toted her out and now, it looked more like a sports bruise.

Rarity found her voice once she caught sight of Twilight and the nurse standing in the doorway and she gave Daniel the run down of what the doctor had said early in the morning and how Sweetie would be released later on. Daniel ruffled Sweetie's mane and she giggled, he was greatly relieved that the little filly was going to be just fine. 

After he explained that he would be spending the night with Twilight, Rarity mentioned she would be back later on to pick up Sweetie to go home. Their visiting time was over and the three exited the hospital much to the relief of the staff. Daniel could feel the intensity of the eyes on him as they left and he found respite in the cool air of the late afternoon. 

Rarity had been at odds about something during the visit and had to use the opportunity to set something right, even if Twilight was still walking with them.

Daniel was roused from his quiet walking with the mares as Rarity politely cleared her throat and addressed him.

"Daniel, I have something to share with you that I must make amends to. And it will do you no good to dispute my claim until I am completely finished with what I have to say."

Daniel and Twilight both had turned their heads toward her as they continued their scenic jaunt. Rarity mentally cursed Daniel's shades for blocking his eyes and not being able to read his face properly.

"I need to tell you that... I... well, I misjudged you." She took a breath as if just getting that sentence out had winded her.

"I let your looks give me a predetermined disposition and now I see your concern for my sister was not only genuine but well placed. I can't imagine my life without Sweetie Belle being a part of it and you made sure youthful ignorance didn't cost her her life."

Daniel could tell the unicorn was struggling internally but said nothing. Twilight, on the other hoof, had a small smile on her muzzle as Rarity battled an inner demon- and was apparently winning.

"Therefore I want to apologize Daniel...and...and I want to do something nice for you."

He was a bit surprised by the revelation and even more stunned that she would ask for forgiveness and offer something to clear the air. They continued to walk along while Daniel mulled over this for bit, Rarity and Twilight shared a look that thought he might refuse the offer. When he did speak again Rarity wished he 'had' just said no.

"I accept your apology Rarity even though I probably would have shrugged off your spite as something little immature but..." Daniel looked over at the unicorn as they came across the backside of Rarity's boutique and stopped, "...I want to pick what this 'something nice' will be."

Both unicorn's eyes got wide at the implications running through their minds. Surely he didn't mean...

Daniel held up a hand to stall their thoughts, "And 'who' you will do something nice for. You see Rarity, I happen to know something about misjudging someone- and so does Twilight."

Daniel cast his gaze her way and she nervously laughed at a shy volume, "So if you truly wish to right this wrong, the person who will receive your gift is...Discord."

Both mares were stunned to silence but Rarity recovered first with a twitching eye, "WHAT?! Why him? Of all the beings in Equestria Daniel, honestly, he deserves it the least!"

Daniel removed his shades and stared into her eyes until she shifted on her hooves uncomfortably, "that- is why he 'needs' your gift more than I do. You two have some kind of history and I could see it plain as the horn on your head while we were at the library eating lunch. I watched you Rarity, I watched you sneer at his joking, avoiding eye contact, clipped remarks..."

Rarity was feeling smaller and smaller the longer Daniel talked, if he, as a complete outsider, could see that she still held something against the Draconequus- did her friends see it too and just not say anything? Rarity began to hang her head at the way she had been acting.

"...and I don't know the whole story yet girls," Daniel was bringing Twilight into this now too, "but I really hope there isn't some ugly under-belly to this beautiful utopian world. It's always been my nature to be suspicious of things too good to be true and I really thought that I could leave that mentality behind me when I found out just what kind of 'vacation' this was turning into. Was I wrong?"

"Rarity?"

Daniel's voice wasn't harsh through all the words but they stung no less. Neither of the mares could met his eyes but to the alabaster unicorn the illumination was painful.

She nodded meekly at first and spoke so softly she felt tears welling up, "yes...you are right after all. I- I haven't given him a chance since Fluttershy helped him."
Rarity choked back a sob, "I was just so angry that he WAS reformed and I, he... I couldn't..."

She began to babble as the tears came out and Daniel put on his shades. Twilight, being the obvious shoulder to cry on, went to Rarity's side and let her latch on in a fierce hug. When she had started to compose herself, Daniel gave her marks for courage.

He spoke gently and in a father-like tone, "Rarity, mercy is 'not' giving someone what they deserve- grace is giving someone what they 'don't' deserve. And you are one of the most graceful ponies I've seen yet and I'm willing to bet A LOT of others look up to you. And I believe that you'll do the right thing."

She sniffed and wiped her eyes on a delicate handkerchief that she produced from...somewhere, "y- you could have given me any other difficult or impossible task in the world to do, but you gave the one that I 'needed'." 

She sighed and looked up at Daniel, "I'll do it, not just because you asked me, but because it will be the right thing to do."

Daniel watched as the two said their good-byes and Rarity opened the backdoor to her home. She looked over her shoulder at them again before disappearing inside. He turned from the door and started walking away without a second thought while Twilight stayed rooted to her spot a moment longer watching the human go. What was it about him she found so horrifying and fascinating at the same time? She couldn't quite put her hoof on it and got up quickly to catch up with and trot along at his side.

He saw her looking up at him but clearly unsure where to start a new conversation.

Daniel gave a sigh, "penny for your thoughts Twilight?"

She didn't know what to make of that, "huh? What's a penny and why would anypony pay for thoughts?"

He looked up at the late afternoon light and back down at the purple unicorn, "Twilight you don't... no, I don't suppose you could have known. A penny is the smallest amount of currency from my country and the saying 'a penny for your thoughts' means tell me what's on your mind, even if it's cheap."

Twilight bit her lip in thought and finally came out with some general notions. For all of her nerdy, naive ways, she 'could' be insightful from time to time. Daniel just chalked that up to being young and inexperienced. She admitted that Daniel confused her with references from his world as well as the uncanny wisdom he portrayed. He smirked at that, Daniel had be accused of many things in the past but never having 'uncanny wisdom'.

Daniel said it was her perspective that was wrong but it was the one thing she couldn't do anything about at the moment. Most people only thought of perspective from where they stood, it was the best analogy to use at the time anyway. Twilight was well versed with dimensions so Daniel didn't have to build his argument from scratch.

"Imagine lying at the base of a beautiful large tree Twilight and you are looking up at it. The thick trunk of the tree is closest to you as it is wide and well defined to your eyes. As you look up, the tree 'appears' to narrow and the details fade with distance. You can see the leaves, branches, limbs, the canopy is spread wide overhead and it lends you its shade. You can't make out the details of each leaf from your position but you have seen a fallen leaf and your 'mind's eye' puts that detail in place for you because you've learned to observe."

Daniel found a tree leaf along side the path they were taking and he let her take it for a closer look.

"I don't have to look at that leaf to tell you it has veins for transporting nutrients to the tree itself or that it has lamina, the part that makes up the 'blade'. You might know about how photosynthesis works and the combination of water and carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight to make oxygen and sugar. But my perspective on this subject is based on study and years of learning in the field."

Twilight wished she had something to write all this down on, her mind working overtime to paint a bigger picture than what she was used to. She looked from the leaf in her telekinetic grip to Daniel with expectancy shining in her eyes.

"Just observing something in three dimensions can give you great knowledge Twilight, but when you look at something, anything in 'four' dimensions, adding time- that is where you gain the perspective of wisdom. Take the tree example again and how we looked at it from the ground by the trunk only. Let's stand back on a hill so we can see the whole tree now. Add time to it and watch it grow from a seed, considering every angle, every detail of its life... use the knowledge of those before you if you have to, to study something fully you don't understand."

He gave the unicorn a knowing smile as she was rapt in his words, "I heard that there are two princesses that rule this country and that they are quite old..."

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, "Twilight said automatically.

Daniel nodded as the library came back into view, "they must have incredible wisdom for living so long and enduring, they would have the kind of perspective that I just talked about Twilight."

Her brow scrunched together in a frown and she considered a few things, "but you seem to have that same mentality and you aren't anywhere near their age!"

"We grew up on different worlds Twilight, think about that and how monumentally different that could be." 


 ,,,^..^,,, 


A couple hours later, a Draconequus, a human, and a unicorn sat around the library's small round table with all sorts of papers littering the direct area. Spike was busy doing some menial tasks that Twilight continued to levee whenever the young dragon came by looking bored. Daniel had made a mental note to talk to Spike later about that but currently had to focus on a rather large drawing in front of him.

"So what do you think Discord?"

Daniel didn't think the creature could sit still long enough to draw up the plans but once again he was surprised by the shear determination in his eyes.

"Are you sure I can't put in a pudding launcher somewhere here?" Discord pointed the feathered end of his quill around the area where the Ferris Wheel was sketched. Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and Twilight's quill stopped in mid-scratch.

"IF you want to add it, it can only fire in a direction away from the machinery of the rides, I told you the same warning about having the chocolate waterfall on the roller coaster. Not to mention how unhygienic that would be."

Discord gave a frustrated look, "they're ponies for Celestia's sake! I've seen them eat grass off the ground they just walked over!"

"And I've seen you drink the 'glass' and leave the juice behind, what's your point?"

"My point being- you worry too much about the little things Dan. As a human from a world of chaos, I'd think you would appreciate a little more spontaneous creation."

Discord snapped his fingers and the large sketch that they had been working on morphed into a engineer's nightmare. The roller coaster twisted in ways not physically possible and at one point had the cars barreling toward each other- one above the tracks and one below. Daniel stood back with his hands on his sides watching the animation play out in front of him and somehow sound was even coming from... somewhere.

Little drawn ponies screamed as the roller coaster sped along the tracks and just missed other rides by scant hairs of their manes. The Ferris wheel was no longer round and at one point all the seats slid over to one side in a large kibosh of twisted steel that seemed more alive and content to chose its own shape. Currently it was a trapezoid. A couple ponies who were trying to buy bags of popcorn suddenly shrieked as the popcorn machine started chasing them in front of the food court all the while blasting the passerby's with buttery goodness.

Parents of foals who had been smiling while totting giant plushie animals were suddenly running in terror as the plushies came alive and chased them with ketchup and mustard bottles. One mare got splashed with a glob of ketchup that made the scene look absolutely ghastly and she screamed out, "The Horror, The Horror!" 

"Discord! You can't have an amusement park like that!" Twilight screeched from his side and was appalled he would even suggest such a thing.

He was about to refute when Daniel beat him to it, "no, no Twilight... I think he has something here."

"He does?!"

"I do?!"

Daniel had been making a few notes on what he saw and was impressed by the grand imagination of it, if nothing else. 

"You're quite the clever one Discord and I don't think Twilight gives you enough credit." Daniel finished a note while Discord blew Twilight a raspberry.

"And Twilight, this will concern you too in a couple of ways. Now, Discord, I want to show you why this won't work as you currently have it," Daniel touched the paper and the small flash changed it back to the original sketch and stopped the animations, "you see? Let's say you put all the time and effort into building such a place only to have someone like me unknowingly erase it all at the touch of a finger?"

"The idea is to have as little magic as possible involved with the working design. The second thing is that through your chaos welding you may have the most incredible imagination of any living creature in Equestria... next to Pinkie of course." Daniel grinned and Discord smirked at that.

Daniel pulled a page from Twilight's stack that he had labeled "Engineering" above what she said was the exact same word in Equestrian. They all found out, only a few pages into notes, that Discord could read both written languages which perplexed Twilight to no end. Discord, or course, simply waved it off since he was the spirit of chaos after all.

"Twilight, could you excuse us a moment?" Daniel set his notes down on the table and she looked at the two before nodding and heading outside. Once she had shut the door behind her, Daniel held up the quill he had been using to the taller being.

"This is your chance at greatness Discord that magic could never bring you. You want to prove some ponies wrong about you? I can show you how to do it. There are still ponies that don't trust you and say they'll never trust you? You can be looked up to!" 

Discord's uneven eyes had been staring at Daniel while he gave his speech, something in it gave him a tingle that he had never felt before. Even when Fluttershy was determined to be his friend and he almost ruined it. Discord's demeanor changed and his crossed arms dropped to his side while he worked his mouth to find the right word. It was something he never had, something driven from him while he was stone and couldn't even imagine how it might feel.

"...hope?" Discord's lion paw reached out and gingerly took the quill from Daniel's fingers.

The corner of Daniel's mouth twitched up in a lopsided smile, "something no one should even leave home without Discord, not even you."

He exhaled a stuttered breath and looked down at the drawing and at Daniel's notes, this human was more surprising than any pony he'd even met. How could he offer such a simple solution to a age old problem from him? 

"Alright Danny boy, " he said with an air of finality in a Scottish accent, "let's see what kind of damage we can do!"


 ,,,^..^,,, 


Princess Celestia had just read the four page letter for the third time and finally decided to set it down on the desk in her room beside the balcony doors. She gave her head a slight toss to remove some of her ethereal mane from in front of her eyes and walked calmly to the open balcony's expanse. Her gaze fell out over the kingdom in the direction of Ponyville.

Twilight had sent her letters before and on countless subjects and lessons. But this single delivery filled her with such mystery that before the princess of the day could reply, she had to pause to collect her thoughts. Discord himself had written the letter this time and the contents therein where a surprise- literally. When Celestia opened the incoming scroll confetti and streamers burst magically out of the page.

Discord's letter started with such a pompous salutation that she could imagine him saying it and rolled her eyes at the fanfare- that was the entire first page.
The second page, however, began to catalog an off-world visitor named Daniel that had given him a brilliant idea as an outlet for his magical mayhem, an amusement park. Strange, Twilight had yet to write about this being but something else struck Celestia as off kilter. The spirit of chaos seemed almost giddy in his correspondence and practically begged of her an allowance to start work immediately.

Celestia 'did' think that part was promising. The fact that Discord was asking for permission and blessing on such an endeavor was worth noting as further progress to reform the once trickster of disharmony. His last pages went through a brief on the park itself and mentioned several sketches that the 'human' had done in conjunction with his and Twilight's input. None of the drawings were included but it did say they were all available on request.

The Princess took note of the sun and closed her eyes in the soft evening glow, if Celestia knew her student she would be somewhere close to the human. The white alicorn's horn began to glow softly as she reached out in the unseen realm of flowing magic and quickly found Twilight's aura among the myriad of other living creatures. The purple fire danced and swayed as her student talked with another being of immense radiation that rivaled Celestia's own- Discord. His luminous magic shifted erratically from polka-dot, plaid, and tie-dyed. Celestia shook her head in the subconscious sense and noticed an eerie shadow sitting very close to both Discord and Twilight.

She focused her sight to look closer without revealing her presence to any of the group and her breath caught as the outlined came into sharp relief. The very essence of magic that infused the world seemed to detour around and away from the shadow. The thick darkness within the shade was so dense that whatever it touched was dulled in the dream scape to monochrome. 

Celestia felt chilled when the human's outline shifted and came dangerously close to 'touching' her sight, she felt her power dim and drew back to herself in a sudden intake of air.

Her eyes snapped open and she stared out at the expanse for a moment before taking a nervous breath. She picked up a scroll to return and began to write her reply. Luna would need to hear about this development as soon as possible but the two sisters would met shortly to trade duties anyway. 


 ,,,^..^,,, 


Twilight slapped Discord's claw away for the second time as he tried to 'nibble' on the quill in thought. The first time hadn't been that odd until he started chewing on the feather and finally ate it completely. 

The brainstorming session had gone quite well and all three parties had integral parts to play. Twilight was ever the logical voice and was quick to point out things or designs that were way too 'over-the-top'. She wrote her notes in Equestrian script and of course Daniel couldn't read them. Daniel, on the other hand, took his notes in English and kept their plans moving forward even when an idea sounded too ridiculous.

Discord was being the most reserved Twilight had ever seen and he could read both the Equestrian and English. His notes were a conglomeration of symbols, English, pictures and Equestrian that neither Twilight nor Daniel tried to figure out. But the foundation was being laid. Each ride in the amusement park had it's own page now with sketches and notes. The large poster of the entire park had been refined a couple times and had some rather daunting equations along the side for references of gravity- Twilight insisted.

A rather loud belch sounded out from upstairs and Daniel looked up from his drawing of a 'pony-friendly' water slide.

"Was that- Spike?"

Twilight nodded and looked over at Discord who was practically vibrating with anticipation. She shook her head, "he must have received a letter back from the Princess about your plans."

Daniel drew back at that answer and turned to see the dragon bounding down the stairs with a rolled up scroll. Why would a loud burp herald the arrival of a letter?

Discord snapped his fingers and appeared in a flash of light at the base of the stairs to intercept the scroll from Spike's claws, "why thank you dear Spike, you are most thoughtful to bring this down for me!"

"Hey! How do you know that wasn't for Twilight?!" Spike said trying to jump up and take the bound paper back. 

Discord popped the seal and started to read aloud after dramatically clearing his throat, "My dearest student Twilight Sparkle..."

She stopped writing and looked up as Discord crossed his armed, "honestly Twilight, I can't receive ONE piece of correspondence without your name plastered all over it?"

Spike took the opportunity to jump and snatch the letter back in a huff, "then that means the letter is for her, don't read other pony's mail!"

Discord balled his fists and straightened his arms, "why of all tha... can't have my own... splib-poulaba-wrecha..." He sputtered and fumed for a moment until Twilight was done reading the page.

"Oh my, perhaps Discord should have read this."

He facepalmed but stopped his tantrum, "well, I don't WANT to read it now after you spoiled it with your acidic judgements."

Twilight looked affronted, "what?! I haven't even said anything yet!"

Discord's eyes literally oozed from between his fingers to 'eye' her, "but you were thinking it!"

Twilight rolled her own eyes, "actually there was no judgement at all Discord and if you would calm down I can tell both of you," she looked toward Daniel, "this includes you too."

"The letter says that Princess Celestia is impressed by your combined ingenuity and eagerness to continue reaching toward more excellent goals. She says that she wants to see everything you have... tomorrow-" Twilight looked up from the letter at them and back down, "...due to the nature of the request I will grant you an audience immediately on arrival to Canterlot so we can set this plan in motion with the least possible delay. I also wish that you bring your human companion along so that Princess Luna and I may speak with him on his knowledge of such affairs. The fact that you accepted his aid during this phase of development shows great courage on your part to overcome past mistakes. Until tomorrow, Princess Celestia."

The letter had more than disarmed the draconequus and now he was staring at the paper in Twilight's magic grip. Daniel exhaled and put down his quill on the table, this was definitely not on his 'to-do' list while on vacation. 

Twilight asked Spike to go around to the others and see if they would like to travel with them. At the prospect of going to see Rarity he was out the door with a quickness. 

"A meeting with the princess? Oh bother, what ever shall I wear?!" Discord threw the back of his paw to his forehead while snapping his claw. A sky blue sports coat with white cuffs and gold buttons appeared on his torso and a similarly colored top hat perched itself on his head. He acted surprised as if he didn't expect it to happen and joyously skipped over to Twilight's mirror to inspect his ensemble. Discord scoffed at his attire several times while snapping his fingers, changing the colors, textures, adding a tie, taking away the hat...

Twilight gave a smirk thinking of how alike Discord was to Rarity in a fashion sense. Discord gave a 'whoop' as he found his chosen threads. A plaid business suit coat with a red vest and black neck tie. The plaid was a very light gold with light pink cross-thatching that was almost the same color scheme of- Fluttershy? 

Twilight shook her head and was about to engage with Daniel but found him moving toward the stairs and picking up that same strange 'marshmallow' with a hole in it from before. He didn't look back as he climbed the steps and shoved the TP back in the bag before looking over at the doors leading to one of the balconies. She watched him move out of sight and looked over her shoulder at Discord who was still gushing over himself in the mirror. Twilight shook her head and made her own way up the stairs and to the balcony.

Daniel had to admit that the view was nice from that second story perch. He could see the town's edge thin away and the hills giving way to the mountains in the distance beyond. His hands rested on the red railing and he took a moment to consider what he was really doing here. Helping that one fellow Discord felt right, especially the way all the other ponies treated him. Daniel was there once himself and he knew how that felt at the end of the day when all you have is your thoughts. There was that one girl though that didn't seem reserved toward the trickster, Fluttershy was it? 

While she was overly shy and didn't really speak past a 'hello' to Daniel, something caused the human to remember her eyes and way she looked at him. He couldn't quite put it into words but there was something off center about all the 'adults' so far. Well, Zecora excluded...

Twilight's hoof steps to the balcony made Daniel glance over his shoulder at the unicorn and preempt her question.

"I don't think me going to see your princess is a good idea Twilight."

She came up short and tilted her head, "well I, wait- what? Why not?"

"You don't seem to grasp my concept of a vacation and the idea was to 'not' go to any big cities or towns and it surely didn't include meeting alien royalty. I mean, no disrespect to your leader but, had I not ran into those little fillies out there in the woods I would not have come looking for the locals had I known they weren't human."

Daniel was trying to keep his expression neutral but he had been in situations where he was the visitor before and things didn't turn out so well. And that had been with his own kind! Now he was in middle of a small town of non-humans, and the fact that some could fly and use magic- 'real' magic, was enough to cause him some anxiety. But he felt this 'cancelling' ability Twilight had spoke of leveled the playing field just enough...

"But why would anypony want to be alone like that? Granted, you aren't a pony, but doesn't your kind value friendship as much as mine?

Twilight moved a little closer to the rail so she could see him as he turned to look out at the countryside.

"Maybe it's easier here to make friends Twilight, and it maybe true if you are local- but I'm not. I have a few close friends at home but not a lot. In fact, I can count them all on one hand. But those are the ones I'd trust with anything, my life even. There are others that consider me a friend and I do them, in a way I suppose. But I don't try to get all buddy-buddy with them, they respect my space and I don't get into theirs."

She gave him a frown and reared up on the railing to cross her forehooves and lean on them. Like that, she was almost as tall as Daniel.

"That sounds awfully lonely Dan and nearly how I was before moving to Ponyville. I guess Spike was the only one I ever really hung around with but that was because I hatched him. And my life has been so much better now that I have friends, they remind me there is just so much more to life!"

Daniel looked over at the mare now eye to eye with him, her points were all fine but his road to friends wasn't as pastel and rainbow strewn as her's. Twilight considered him a moment longer and his stoic silence.

"And while I didn't take offense to you saying that about meeting ponykind, Princess Celestia is the most wise and kind leader Equestria has had the pleasure to know. If she would like an audience with you it's not something to just shrug off, she would be genuinely interested in you as a... a 'person', an individual. I'm certain she and Princess Luna would love to hear about your life, what you value, where you are going- it's not everyday Equestria has a human drop in and say 'hi'."

Daniel smirked and gave her an even look, "we don't huh?"

Twilight gave a huff, "not that I'm aware of, unless..."

Discord took that moment to phase into existence right behind them both and was a bit put off by the fact that everyone had left him downstairs quote "all by his lonesome". Twilight merely waved him off stating that he was having too much fun playing dress up so they came up for some evening air. Well, she was half right, Daniel had come up first and she followed him. Discord then proposed dinner since it was getting late and lunch had been light, even for him.

Daniel still needed some time to himself and even when Discord offered to help Twilight make something she didn't really smile. She had made a promise and was now being expected to abide by it even when she knew leaving him wasn't the best thing to do. The draconequus and unicorn excused themselves and Daniel stayed put while watching the setting sun. Just like at the zebra's hut, the sun now hurried out of the way of the fast approaching nightfall and within moments, the entire land was shrouded in moonlit night.

It didn't take long for his senses to rouse him from distant thoughts as the smells from the kitchen below came up to meet him. Daniel's curiosity got the better of him as to what Twilight and Discord could have possibly whipped up in 30 minutes that smelled so good. He made his way down the stairs and at the bottom looked in on a truly mesmerizing scene.

Twilight was tending to three duties at once without even moving from her spot. Her purple magic stirred a pot at the stove, chopped vegetables on the side and put bread into the oven while Discord was busy making a concoction of his own at the table. With all the baking and cooking items laying across the kitchen table Daniel couldn't begin to guess what he was making but whatever Twilight was doing smelled just like pasta sauce.

She noticed him standing in the doorway and motioned for him to come in. Daniel watched as Twilight moved chopped garlic and minced parsley into the bubbling pot all the while stirring it and never missing a beat. 

"We didn't get to talk much about your diet but Discord and I came up with a middle ground meal that should work for everypony- one of the few dishes I can make without burning it, Alfredo sauce and noodles! Although it does make it tricky to use very little magic in the preparations so everything has to be made by hoof and claw."

Discord didn't have the same optimistic attitude Twilight had and grumbled as his noodle batter was threatening mutiny, "I'll say it's tricky! I would have had this done in a 'SNAP' if Twilight hadn't reminded me that your lanky fingers would have erased all the fun in an instant," he sighed and continued to fight the thickening dough, "but I suppose I was just as much a handful when I started hanging out with these ponies..."

Discord left the bowl and mixing spoon suspended in air and they moved on their own long enough for him to flash to Twilight's side, give her a noogie, and flash back. He resumed his duties as if nothing had happened.

Twilight used a hoof to straighten her mane back out, "ugh, no Discord, 'you' were far worse. Turning bunnies in monsters, Sweet Apple Acres into an ice skating rink- but thank Celestia you found friendship with Fluttershy worth more than the chaos."

Again, Discord's task continued on their own power when he threw up his hands in surrender, "guilty as charged! Although getting to know you ponies on a personal level has made the 'friendlier' pranks so much more rewarding! Dan you'd never guess that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie could be such great accomplices in crime."

Twilight shook her head, "the only crime here is how long you are taking with the noodles Discord, the sauce is nearly done!"

Discord snapped his claw and a purple Hawaii style beach shirt appeared on on the unicorn, "oh keep your shirt on Twilight," he fretted with the dough and smacked it a couple times with a rolling pin for good measure, "nothing has blown up, burnt down or turned into chocolate milk yet so I feel I'm doing a fair job here."

Daniel couldn't help but smile and laugh as the two continued their banter back and forth, "ya know Discord, I could see Pinkie getting into mischief but Rainbow Dash? She seemed way too wound up when I met her today and not at all like the prank-type."

Twilight finished adding some spices and mushrooms to the sauce, "she just needs to warm up to you is all Dan and when she does I hope you have a good sense of humor, you'll need it."

They continued to chat until Spike returned from his 'quest' almost an hour later and a bit less enthusiastic than when he left. Pinkie and Apple Jack had to decline because of work and Fluttershy didn't want to leave her animals on such short notice. On the way back, he ran into Rarity with Sweetie Belle who was walking almost normally. Rarity admitted she would have loved to go but had lost the day prior when they were out searching for the fillies and needed to catch up on some work. 

Apparently Rarity had talked with AJ after leaving the library and came up with some appropriate discipline for the CMC- they were all grounded to Ponyville for the time being. While Sweetie looked well enough, the wind was taken from her sails from this revelation. Spike didn't understand the significance of that at the time but after recounting it to Twilight, it made more sense. The CMC did a lot of things just outside the town and for now, at least, the three had to stay put.

Discord had long finished his noodles and much to the chagrin of Twilight, wouldn't let anyone try them until they were done. Daniel had momentarily caused a stir when Twilight inquired of what he thought of pasta. Of course he loved Italian dishes and nearly gave her a heart attack when he mentioned meat. Discord slapped his knee and held onto the stove for dear life while he laughed at Twilight's pale expression. 

After the commotion had died down and Discord relinquished the noodles, all four of the occupants sat down to enjoy the meal. Twilight's sauce was thick and rich and looked absolutely wonderful, Daniel was nearly drooling before the others got their plates loaded. The bread was golden brown and topped with garlic salt and the steamed vegetables looked like a picture from a culinary digest magazine. Discord's noodles were the wild card however...

No one at the table knew how he did it without magic but the draconequus had pulled off a rather interesting feat. Twilight's eyes widened at the favor of alfalfa and hay while Spike savored each bite listed with invisible rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Discord's own had hints of chocolate milk and blueberry pie while Daniel, listening to what the others compared their plates to, took a careful bite and expected the worst.

Discord rubbed his chin in thought while Daniel chewed without any major discoveries of his own. To him it tasted just like it should- Alfredo and pasta. The rest of the dinner passed without incident and Daniel was shoo'd away from helping them clean up. Discord agreed to meet them at the train station at first light to catch a ride and spirited away after collecting a to-go container of pasta and sauce for Fluttershy. 

As the evening wore to a close, Twilight showed Daniel the upper balcony where one of her telescopes was perched and they both took a moment to gaze up at the stars. He had to admit that it was brighter and more expansive than the sky back home, but after a thought figured it was probably due to so many city lights. Twilight grinned and said that he would get to meet the Princess of the night, Luna, on his trip tomorrow and he could give her the compliment on her sky here. 

He gave her a sigh and decided it was enough for the night, Daniel still wasn't convinced he should just forgo the meeting tomorrow and head back into the woods. Twilight and Spike got ready for bed while he dug absently into his backpack, having already located his toothbrush. He had never 'ran away' from something like this during his duty in the service, why did he feel so inclined to duck out now? Daniel passed her on the stairs heading to the bathroom and he saw her eyes watch him as he went. Did she want to say something to him? He wasn't sure and didn't look back.

Twilight was frustrated to say the least. Why would an individual actively turn down thoughtful concern? It was if Daniel's personality would grow dark whenever somepony tried to be friendly toward him. It didn't make sense with his story of saving Sweetie Belle. No one could save a filly and cast personal safety to the side one minute and turn to metaphorical stone the next! 

She flopped back onto her bed and exhaled noisily at the annoyance of it all. Spike had curled up and drifted off to sleep by the time Daniel came back upstairs, he found the light switch by the kitchen and cast the lower library into darkness. He moved his pack to the floor and striped off his shirt and socks while sitting on the bed. Twilight had crawled under the single cover and was watching the human through one cracked eye.

Daniel gave a stretch and ran a hand over the pillow and thin blanket on his bed. The unicorn's home wasn't exactly cold but it was comfortable for the time of year. He reached out and clicked off the light bathing the bedroom in silvery moonlight. His holster was still on his ankle as he climbed into bed so he slipped it off quietly and moved it under his pillow. Spike's steady breathing meant he was long gone but Daniel didn't hear Twilight at all.

Finally, he relented, "thanks for the wonderful meal Twilight, and letting me stay over..."

Her eyes snapped open and looked toward the motionless form under his own sheets a bed length away; a smile crept onto her face, "you're welcome Daniel, I'm glad you liked it." 

Some of her irritation melted away as sleep invaded her conscious and she drifted off, "good night Dan..."

"Good night...Twilight..."


 ,,,^..^,,, 


Daniel's dreams had been deep and close to the void, no images or thoughts, just emptiness that stole complete slumber. Throughout the night he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. That old 'edge-of-the-knife' sensation that he needed to be ready to react at a moment's notice came to a head when something hitting the floor jarred him from the bare world beheld in his mind's eye.

His move was quick and reflexive in nature as his hand found his gun and a digit cocked the hammer back before his eyes could open. 

"What was that noise?"

"Shh Spike, don't wake him up yet. And why are you up anyway? I said you could sleep a little longer... the sun isn't even up yet."

Daniel's body was coiled like a spring and his ears strained to hear the voices move away from him. The younger voice said a name... it should mean something. His eyes cracked open without moving his head and he could see pale purple light reflecting off the wall and books to the side. Why wasn't anyone shooting? Did he miss the alarms? 

Slowly it came back that he was indeed in a bed in a library that was ran by one unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. Daniel forced himself to sit up and release the weapon. He took a breath and rubbed his face, he hadn't woken like that in a few months but still knew he was close to fighting his dark foe again.

Daniel uncocked the pistol and replaced it back on his ankle. As he stood and dressed, he silently hoped the day wouldn't be as intimidating as waking up to his real nightmare all those years ago.