//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Persistence Rewarded // by AdmiralSassMcAwesome //------------------------------// It was Discord’s day off from his duties. As usual, he was happy to finally be away from the crowds of ponies that crowded Celestia’s royal court. He sighed a breath of relief as he sauntered through the castle’s gardens, savoring the peace and quiet. Taking a seat against the trunk of a sturdy looking tree, Discord closed his eyes and soaked up the suns golden rays. But an uneasy feeling came over him. It was almost as if somepony were watching him… Cautiously he opened his eyes again and tried to peer around without making it too obvious. What the? Across from him was a rather well formed bush, but it was evident that somepony was hiding within its foliage despite the thickness of its growth. Trying to seem unperturbed, Discord slid his eyes down as much as he could without totally losing his view of the shrub. Sure enough, within a few moments the pony shuffled about to get a closer look at their… What was this pony watching him for? Surely it must simply be some silly tourist who’d never laid eyes on such a handsome draconequus before. This thought comforted Discord and he decided to let sleeping dogs lie. Princess Luna winked at Discord from across the throne room. Within a few seconds she had blown off that stupid pony that was keeping her from the only true object of interest in the room. “You look wonderful this evening, Luna.” “As do you…” Luna blushed lightly and turned her head a little to try and hide it. Discord felt his heart thump a little harder than normal. “I… I have something I must confess to you Discord…” Luna’s tone became delightfully low, causing Discord to shiver. “And…What might that be?” “Well…” Luna’s blush returned….

 "Ahem?" “Wha..?” Discord blinked groggily and regained his focus, his heart still thumping from his daydream. Before him he saw a little yellow pegasus staring at him timidly through her pink mane as she coughed into her hoof. “Ahh… Can I help you?” Discord asked with a look of utter confusion. “Well… You see… I-it’s just that I’ve never seen anything like you before…” The pony stammered. Discord remembered the pony from the bushes. So his suspicions were right, she was simply enjoying the local fauna. “Yes well, I am rather special, there’s no denying it.” He leaned back against the tree nonchalantly. “Oh yes!” The pony almost shouted in agreement, her mane falling back behind her ears as she looked him over unashamedly. “You’re very special. In fact, you’re… Fascinating!”

Discord raised an eyebrow. He was good, but was he really THAT good? He looked carefully at the grinning pony before him. Maybe she wasn’t feeling well. “Uh, thanks. I guess you could say that.” Discord’s mind turned back to the Princess of the Night and he felt a sudden desperation to get rid of this pesky pony and return to his blissful daydreams. “Well, anyway. It was lovely meeting you, I’m sure I wouldn’t want to hold up your tour of the castle, there’s plenty more interesting things to see aside from little old me.” “Oh no! You mustn’t say things like that! You’re wonderful. Besides…” The pony blushed again and a strand of her hair fell across her face again, “I’ve already seen the rest of the castle, so I know you’re the most interesting for a fact.” She giggled nervously as she said this and Discord felt his eyes widen. “Wow. You sure do know how to…” Discord scrunched up his muzzle in thought, “Flatter, yes! Flatter a pony.” He laughed unsurely and felt a sudden urge to run away. Oh come now, she’s just being friendly. What’s so bad about that? The pony blinked softly as he had responded and giggled again. Discord had to stop himself from sticking his tongue out as she did this. Giggling mares really did nothing for him. “Uh… M-my name’s Fluttershy.” The mare said softly, swaying her body a little and battering her eyes some more.

Discord knew where this was going and he didn’t like it. He also didn’t know how to end it nicely. “And I’m… Discord…” “Discord? Oh my!” She exclaimed excitedly, her wings lifting her gently off the ground as she lowered her voice and eyelids simultaneously. “Even your name is interesting.” She blushed again and stifled a giggle. Discord felt an urge to gag. He wasn’t sure how much more of this flirtatious mare he could handle. If only he could turn off his masculine charms for a moment! An idea came to him.

“Oh my! I just realized, I’m supposed to be somewhere and I’ve totally forgotten, it was great chatting, but I’ve really got to go!” He jumped to his hooves and tried to smile with sincerity but it didn’t really work out. “Guess this is goodbye! Nice meeting you Fluttershy!” “Goodbye?” Fluttershy asked bewildered. But Discord didn’t hear her. He teleported out of there before she could even speak. After a moment, Fluttershy smiled and closed her eyes in contentedness. “Don’t worry Discord, we’ll meet again!”
 ******* “What are you doing in here?” Princess Luna raised an eyebrow as she observed Discord musing amidst a pile of books. He had positioned himself at the back of the Starswirl wing of the royal library and it was evident that despite the books around him, he was not reading. “Luna?” Discord jumped in surprise and felt his face grow warm. “Yes?” “Umm…” “Why are you hiding in the library?” Discord feigned a look of horror. “Hiding? Why in Equestria would I be hiding?” He struck a dramatic pose, “I’m the Lord of Chaos, I fear nothing and I hide from nopony!” Luna rolled her eyes. “Alright Discord the brave. Seen as you fear nothing, surely you can make an appearance at my sister’s dinner feast. She was expecting you to be there ten minutes ago. Our honored guests have almost arrived.” Discord’s frame slackened. “Ah yes. The dinner…” He hated all the ridiculous formalities of regal life. Luna coughed, catching Discord’s attention. She knew how he felt about her and she knew this put her in a position of immense power. “It would mean a lot to me if you would have a little more respect for my sister.” Discord checked himself and straightened up. “Shall we go then?” Luna nodded with a grin. She got a little thrill every time she noticed him do something to impress her. While she would never return his feelings, she felt flattered nonetheless. ******** Discord sighed again as they arrived in the dining hall. Even though he knew it was a way of impressing Luna, that didn’t make formalities any more fun. “Discord, Luna! Thank goodness, you’re here just in time!” Celestia beamed at them both. 

“Yes. Discord was hiding in the library, but I managed to talk him out of there.” Luna winked at Celestia who gave a knowing nod. “I’d like you to meet my honored guests! The elements of harmony!” Celestia boomed out in her royal Canterlot voice. As she spoke, the large doors at the end of the room swung open and six young mares entered the room in V formation. 
“Twilight Sparkle, the element of Magic, Applejack, element of honesty, Pinkie Pie, element of laughter, Rarity, element of generosity, Rainbow Dash, element of loyalty and last but not least, Fluttershy, representing the element of kindness.”

 The ponies bowed low before the princesses and Discord. He turned his head to yawn but paused still for a moment.
The element of kindness… What was her name… Discord felt his jaw drop as his eyes rested on the yellow pegasus from the garden. “Shall we sit?” Celestia asked ushering her guests to the table with a nod of her head. Discord quickly averted his eyes and teleported himself to his seat. Maybe she wouldn’t notice him. “Discord?” 

 Of course she did. What was he thinking?

 Fluttershy happily took the seat opposite him. Discord rubbed his lion paw across his forehead. He knew he had wanted to miss this dinner for a reason. “I knew we’d meet again, but I never thought we’d meet so soon! And like this.” She lowered her eyes as she had done in the garden and the all too familiar blush crept across her cheeks. “With me as your honored guest…” Oh no! Her hair had slipped across her eye again and she was preparing to giggle timidly. 

“Yes well, technically you’re Celestia’s honored guest, not mine.” He bit his lip as he saw her eyes grow concerned at his remark. Her pupils grew large and watery and he felt sweat beads form on his brow. Why did he say that!? There was one thing Discord hated more than giggling mares, and that was crying ones. “But, uh, lets forget about Celestia for a moment and pretend, eh?” He grinned nervously watching her face. Despite his poor save, Fluttershy seemed content with this and a smile slowly crept across her lips. “Y-y-you’re really sweet.” She whispered. Discord felt his shoulders relax themselves as she turned back to her creepy self. He never thought he’d say it, but at the prospect of facing a sulky Fluttershy, he much preferred her blushing flirty side. Anyway, he may as well enjoy the attention. Maybe Luna would notice and realise what she was missing. ******* The elements of harmony were not staying in Canterlot long, and Discord managed to escape Fluttershy most of the time by pretending he had lots of important royal business. By the time she left, he wasn’t nearly half as creeped out by her advances as he had been at first. He even decided that he would be nice enough to see her off as the elements boarded their carriage to the station. She had beamed brightly as he waved goodbye and this fed Discord’s ego immensely. I’m such a nice guy. He thought proudly. ******* It was a few weeks after his meeting with Fluttershy that Discord was summoned before Princess Celestia. "I have a very important task for you Discord. Do you think that you are up to it?" Celestia regarded him seriously from her throne. Discord never enjoyed anything labelled 'important'. He shuffled on his hooves and Celestia gave a slight nod realising that he would need some convincing. "I was hoping you would be a more willing participant in this particular exercise." Celestias lips curled upwards as she dropped out her lure. "My esteemed sister, Princess Luna recommended you herself. I had doubted her decision and my doubts have found roots. She will be disappointed..." Celestia had to try hard not to laugh as Discord went bright red. "I never said I wouldn't do it! I was simply.... Making sure I was truly ready for this task... You know, mentally prepared for its gravity, I mean." "Very good, Discord. I am most grateful for your help." Celestia wasn't sure how she'd managed to pull off that comment without the least hint of the snigger that echoed in her mind. "I am assigning you to assist my most faithful student Twilight Sparkle by teaching her defence magic to use in case of emergencies. She is now well enough developed in her magic skill to suitably handle such immense spells as may be used to protect Ponyville. This is an important part of her training and is no small task." She added this as she saw Discord rolling his eyes, "Twilight may yet have a very important role in Equestria, her destiny is well beyond hers or any of her friends and families expectations." The serious tone Celestia struck here caused Discord to cease his disrespectful composure and attempt seriousness. "I understand, Princess." He mumbled hastily. Celestia gazed at him for a while and then continued. "You will leave immediately. Her training must begin tomorrow morning after breakfast. I leave her in your hooves, and I hope that you will prove me wrong and confirm Princess Luna's expectations concerning your use to us." Celestia couldn't help grinning. Discords crush was so pathetically easy to abuse. Discord shuffled awkwardly like a schoolcoalt. But he overcame himself and coughed a little as he tried to strike a dignified pose again. "If I may, Princess?" Celestia nodded. "Why do I have to leave immediately? If her training begins tomorrow, surely I can teleport there then, it only takes me a second." "That is true, but you have been offered lodgings with one of the elements and I believe it would benefit you greatly to get to know some different ponies. Therefore, I am sending you to learn about the magic of which Twilight is an expert, the magic of friendship. It shall be a learning experience for you both." "One of the elements?" Discord felt a lump growing in his throat. "Yes. Fluttershy has kindly offered to accommodate you during your stay in Ponyville. She expects your arrival at any moment." Celestia stated it all so matter of factly. Discord froze and had only one desire at that moment. To curl up into a foetal ball and rock himself back and forth on the cold marble floor with his thumb in his mouth. Celestia noted this disturbance in Discord. "Is everything alright?" "Umm..." Discord wondered if he should tell Celestia that he felt uncomfortable about such a proposition. But as he regarded that option he imagined Celestia's response. She would burst into hysterical laughter and no doubt tell Luna before he could utter a defence. And Luna certainly couldn't know about this. After all, he was always telling her how brave and fearless he was, and yet he felt his stomach tie itself in knots as he contemplated the thought of being alone with the tiny and extremely shy pony. He could tell that he had started to sweat and Celestia had noticed, because she was scrutinising him closely. He needed to respond. And quick! "Everything's fine. I'd better not keep Fluttershy waiting. See you when I see you!" In desperation he teleported himself away in a flash, grateful to be out of Celestia's judging gaze. Celestias eyebrow curved up for a moment. "He's an odd one..." She mumbled as she dismissed the whole scene. What was important was that he was co-operating. He may have been odd, but his powers were incredible and no amount of strange could undermine that. ********** There it is. It's not so bad. It's quite pretty really. I has a kind of rustic charm. Plus it's nicely situated. Out of town. Away from other ponies. Isolated. So no one will hear you scream... Discord shook his head. He had to stop thinking this way. She wasn't so bad when she was in Canterlot. Everything would be fine here too. He would spend his time teaching Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy would be off doing... Whatever it is the element of kindness does. Discord took a deep breath. It's now or never. Lets get this over with. The sooner you get in there, the sooner you leave! Woah! How did he get to the door so quickly? He wasn't ready for this... "Discord! You made it!" His claw was still hanging mid air about to knock on her front door when Fluttershy trotted out from the side. "Y-yes. I made it. Hooray..." He mumbled feebly. He tried his best to give the pony a smile. She was very happy to see him. Not that this was really a surprise. "Let me show you around! We're going to have so much fun together!" Fluttershy hovered over to Discord and wrapped her hooves around him in a surprisingly and yet, at the same time, not so surprisingly, tight embrace. "Just the two of us..." She whispered lowly into his fur. "Can't wait." Discord murmured as he attempted to shake her off lightly. "Oh! Neither can I!" ******* Fluttershy spent the afternoon showing Discord her property and explaining her role of taking care of the various animals in her charge as well as any other animals around Ponyville. Discord listened very half-heartedly; wishing that one of Fluttershy's friends would come and visit so he wouldn't have to be alone with her. As she led him around she had a terrible habit of holding his paw, or grabbing his arm. And there was a certain look deep in her eyes that sent a chill down Discords spine. No pony had ever looked at him that way before. He wasn't sure what it meant. But he had a gut feeling that it meant something he wouldn't like. The sun had begun setting and Fluttershy had finally left him alone for a moment while she prepared their dinner. He had decided to spend that time in his bedroom, searching for peepholes or any gaps that she might watch him through. He hadn't found any, which was comforting, but her bedroom lay only a step away across the hall. He was considering installing a lock when he heard her hooves pattering on the wooden floorboards outside. She knocked gently at his door. "Dinner's ready Discord." He sat up dead straight and strained his ears for the sound of her hoof steps going back down to eat. But it didn’t seem like Fluttershy was very hungry. He shivered as he imagined her standing on the other side of the door, trying to listen for his movements as he listened for hers. Only they both did it with VERY different intentions. After a minute or two, Discord made his way over to the door and swung the handle down. As he had expected, Fluttershy almost fell onto him as the door moved away so suddenly. She had evidently had her ear pressed tightly against it as she wobbled side on to him. He hesitantly reached out to steady her. Immediately as his paw touched her shoulder her face flushed again and her eyelids batted as she gazed up at him. "T-thank you." Her stammer was beginning to grind away at his nerves. It must have been an act. She was so incredibly forward with him that it was impossible she was too timid to utter a word without stumbling over it. He withdrew his paw hastily. "I don't know about you, but I sure am starving!" He lied. Discord dreaded going down to a plate of food prepared by Fluttershy. Who knew what she'd put in it?! As she followed him down the stairs she hummed quietly. The act was so innocent, and yet it seemed everything that this mare did was putting him on edge. He tried to calm his nerves with soothing thoughts. You're imagining all this. This shy little pony couldn't hurt a fly, what can you possibly have to fear? Everything's going to be just fine... A salad? That was dinner. How could any pony poison a salad! Haha, you idiot. Worrying for nothing… "Looks delicious Fluttershy." Discord took a seat at the table and decided to put on his best game face. He wasn't afraid of any pony! "I must say, I am very grateful that you invited me to stay with you. You're ever so hospitable." Fluttershy took the seat opposite him and smiled back. "You are most welcome. How could I ever turn away a friend?" A friend! See! Nothing to worry about here. We're friends, just friends! Fluttershy was about to eat a piece of cucumber when she paused and glanced back at discord, her smile getting sheepish. "And if I couldn't turn away a friend, I'd certainly never turn away a very special friend." Discord coughed loudly and pounded at his chest. The lettuce he was swallowing got caught by her words and decided it didn't feel like being digested just yet. "Goodness! Are you alright?!" Fluttershy flew quickly over to Discords side and readily wound her hooves around his chest, pushing them against his ribs to stop him choking. "Gah... I-I-I....." Discord couldn't quite get the words out. "Hold on!" Fluttershy murmured forcefully as she banged against his chest with all her might. After the third hit, the lettuce sprung out of Discords mouth and onto the plate before him, mingling again with its leafy brethren. Discord rubbed his throat rhythmically, the pain from the choking slowly subsiding. Fluttershy reluctantly removed her hooves from around him and with a concerned look came to his front. "Feeling better?" Discord looked at her warily. Perhaps the salad was tainted... "Peachy." He grumbled. Her brow creased as he spoke so gruffly to her and he quickly added, " thanks for that. You... Saved my life." "That's what friends are for, silly!" Fluttershy squeed as she finished her sentence. Discord found this ultra creepy. Please don't let her get any more ideas because I said she saved my life. It's not like I couldn't have helped myself... "Do you think you'll be able to eat anymore?" Discord felt some relief wash over him at this question. "No, Im afraid I've lost my appetite." At least now she couldn't make him eat. "That's okay. I'm not that hungry anyways. Would you like to play a board game with me? I've got Ponyopoly!" "No thanks, I'm feeling pretty tired, I guess teleportation, cottage tours and near death experiences aren't the best combination..." Fluttershy giggled wildly at this. "Oh Discord! Even at a time like this you're still hilarious!" Discord couldn't quite hold back his eye roll at this outburst, but due to her giggling she didn't notice. "Yes, well. Goodnight Fluttershy." Discord snapped his fingers and teleported to his room. ******** "Discord, you're friendship means a lot to me. But sometimes I wish for more. Do you know what I mean?" Discord didn't say a word. He simply grabbed the mare of his dreams in his claw and paw and pressed his lips against hers in response. Nothing had felt more natural and right than this moment... The hinges of the door squealed as it slid open. Discord heard this and growled lowly as he forced himself up from his bed. "Oh, were you asleep?" Fluttershy was standing at the entrance to his room with a purple dressing gown on and a cup of cocoa in her hoof; steam rose from the mug and spread the warm aroma through the air. Discord jumped as she spoke and wound the sheets around his chest, feeling awfully self-conscious. He felt a prick to his pride as he realised how ridiculous he must have looked. "Oh no, not at all!" He remarked sarcastically. "Ooo good! I don't quite feel like sleeping yet." She smiled broadly as she took a seat at the end of Discords bed. He instinctively curled his hooves towards his body, wanting to stay as far away as possible from this mare. I knew I should've summoned a lock for the door... I also should have known she wouldn't understand sarcasm. Or at least I should've known she'd pretend not to. "I couldn't help thinking that I don't really know a lot about you..." She mused as she gazed at him, a shimmer in her eye that made them sparkle. Discord couldn't help but find that sparkle quite beautiful. It reminded him of the look in Luna's eye when she became excited about something. "Oh, and I bought you some hot cocoa. I simply can't let you go to sleep without having had anything!" She passed him the mug gently. Discord stared down at the mug. So she was still going to get to drug him. If he ever made it back to Canterlot, Celestia had better stay out of his way! He placed the cup gingerly on the nightstand. Fluttershy's eyes followed the cup but she didn't show any sign of disappointment. "So, what do you do exactly?" Discord hadn't expected that question and it was kind of a difficult thing to pinpoint. "Well…I'm the only draconequus left so my magical abilities are pretty rare. Celestia is trying to harness my abilities for the well being of ponykind, or something like that..." "You mean, there aren't any other ponies, I mean, draconequus' like you?" Fluttershy looked genuinely concerned and Discord felt slightly touched by that. But it passed. She was evil, he had to watch this one. "That's right." He replied cautiously. "You must get awfully lonely!" She declared raising her hooves to her face as she contemplated the prospect of being the last of her kind. "It's not so bad..." Discord lied. He was NOT going to open up to this creep. "B-but. How can that be? Why, if I were the last of my species. I'd feel terribly lonely..." She bought her hooves around her body and hugged herself tightly. Discord rolled his eyes, this was hardly comforting. She stopped hugging herself suddenly and gazed at Discord again. That glint in her eyes. The flush began spreading across her cheeks and nose. "Are you very lonely, Discord?" Discord felt his eyes grow wide again and he pressed himself against the bed head. Fluttershy had her gaze focused on him and she was slowly shifting herself further up the length of the bed. "You poor darling. You can tell me, I’m your friend. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be all on your lonesome. With no pony else to care for you. No pony else who understands you... " She stopped edging rapidly and she seemed to think for a moment. "Come to think of it. I would bet that no pony even really knows you... Or takes the time too try to know you..." She lowered her voice as she had done before when trying to seem seductive. Her eyes captured Discords in a way they hadn't done before. "I want to know you, Discord. I want to understand you." She edged up again but this time Discord didn't react, he just continued to watch those gloriously shimmering eyes. She bit her lip softly and lowered her voice again, leaning forward so that her little chest stuck out. "I want you." She said the words so low that Discord only barely heard them. He knew unmistakably what the look in her eyes was. And despite his better judgement, right now, that look made him feel very differently toward Fluttershy. No pony had ever said they had wanted get to know him before. It was true; he didn’t have friends that cared about his thoughts and feelings. The Princesses only bossed him around. He was alone. But at this moment, he wasn't... She batted her eyelids gently as she continued to stare into his eyes. "I've wanted you all along." She whispered. Her left hoof moved out and felt beneath the blanket for Discords leg. She firmly pressed against it and moved that weight up the inside of his thigh. While this happened Discord felt his heart begin to thump a little more rapidly and a rush of blood go to his head, as well as other places. Fluttershy giggled again, but not as filly-like as she had done in the past, there seemed something much more seductive about this particular giggle. Her wings picked her up and swiftly moved her behind Discord. "Poor darling, you're so tense!" She cried playfully as she pressed her hooves, with that same light but firm touch, into the muscles around his spine. Discord groaned as she kneaded at his back with her expert hooves. Her touch was kindling a fire within him that he'd never truly experienced before. The more she worked the muscles of his back the more he longed for her to work her small frame on something else that was getting rather tense. Fluttershy realised how much she was torturing him and it brought a strange feeling over her, a feeling of power and control. She wasn't generally interested in such notions, but as she was slowly getting her way with Discord she couldn't help but be equally as intoxicated by the fact that she had so much say in all of this. "How's that feel?" She purred gently. Discord was caught up in so many different overpowering emotions it took him a moment to remember how to use his brain. "Wonderful." He purred back. She moved her hooves deeper into his flesh eliciting another groan from her lover. "And that?" She whispered. "Amazing..." Discord curved his spine to meet her touch. He couldn't get enough of it. And what he was getting now was not going to do for much longer. "How about this?" Discords eyes flew open as he felt his ear suddenly enveloped by warm saliva. Fluttershy purred as she withdrew her tongue, licking her lips loudly. She paused for a moment to enjoy the reaction from Discord before quickly pulling herself around to his front. She swiftly wrapped her legs around his slim waist and pressed her body with a fierce passion against him, at long last pushing her hot lips against his. Discord melted completely at this, unabashedly drawing his paw and claw down her back and finding the skirts of her dressing gown. He reached under them and squeezed at her flank, causing Fluttershy to squeal, before tugging the gown away. From the day he first met Fluttershy she had never worn clothes, but for some reason, this action was still terribly sensual. Fluttershy was pressing down against him now, forcing them backwards, but Discords pride kicked in one more time. He was not about to let a timid little pony straddle the Lord of Chaos. Before they landed backwards, Discord turned them both so that he lay atop Fluttershy. She pulled away from him as she landed against the pillow and sighed. "I thought you'd never take over..." She spoke breathlessly which made her voice unbearably seductive. Discord couldn't hold back a moment longer... ********* The morning sun fell through the window and seemed to dance among the mass of her pink mane. She moved her head a little with a gentle sigh and the sunlight shifting through the hair follicles seemed to shimmer as though her hair were made of crystal. Discord was expecting to feel regret over what had happened last night, but as he watched the pony laying across his chest, he found that he wasn’t bothered at all. Actually, he felt a small sense of accomplishment. She’s actually very attractive. I wonder that I didn’t notice it before. The cocoa still sat on the nightstand from the evening prior. The drink within the cup had long since cooled and begun to curdle in the warmth of the sun. So she hadn’t had to drug him after all… Discord laughed at this thought which made his jaw hit against Fluttershy’s head, which was nestled under his chin. She blinked rapidly as she lifted her head, looking a little bewildered at first but as her eyes rested on Discords she gave him a knowing smile and lay back again, pushing against him a little more firmly, making Discord grin. Hadn't Celestia sent him here to get better acquainted with the element of kindess? Yes. This could be the start of a wonderful friendship…