//------------------------------// // Act 0: Ch.4 Discord Prince of Mischief // Story: Avengers: Equestria's Mightiest Heroes // by Slam-Manian //------------------------------// Act 0: Avengers Initiative Chapter 4: Discord Prince of Mischief Rainbow groaned in pain as she forced herself up and grits her teeth to stare into the eyes of her brother. “Oh, don’t look so shocked, you knew this was a long time coming, of course.” Discord said, looking down at her with a carefree smile as his magic enveloped his horn. He aimed his horn at her, and unleased a powerful blast of magic. Rainbow tried to defend herself, but the attack came to fast as it hit her dead in her chest. She let loose an agonizing scream as the magic drove her into the ground, grinding her against it until Discord finally ceased his attack. He then teleported a few feet from where his sister was lying on her back, Mjolnir lost from her grip. “You, Dashie and Mommy Dearest both deserve what’s coming to you, so why are you fighting so hard?” He asked as he used his magic to summon a two foot trident spear with a dark green jewel in the center blade. Rainbow opened her eyes to see Discord bearing down on her. She forced herself up again, trying to get her hooves under her. When she finally did, Discord was now only a few feet away. “I don’t wish to fight you, Discord.” She told him. “We were siblings once. We played together, fought together. The Children of Celestia All-Mother; It could still be that way again, please, stop this.” She pleaded sincerely. “Oh, I’m afraid not, you made your choice, Rainbow Dash. Always the valiant one; Always the dutiful daughter and in that choice, you also chose to remain blind to Celestia’s lies,” He practically spat at her with every inch of detest and disgust he could muster. “And for that choice, you will suffer.” Discord charge a small amount of magic into his horn and blasted Rainbow again knocking her to her back. The Pegasus groaned but quickly regained her composure as she saw Discord coming down on her with his spear overhead. She quickly rolled to the side, just in time to dodge as Discord stabbed the three pointed blades into the ground. “Now, to me, Mjolnir,” She called as she quickly got to her feet. Mjolnir quickly responded in kind and flew to its Mistress’ hoof just as Discord dislodged his weapon. Discord went for her side with the pummel of his staff, but Dash quickly blocked it. She then countered and with all her strength swung Mjolnir right into Discord’s chest, sending him flying toward one of the Palace Towers. When he collided, the top of the tower exploded into dust and rubble as it crumbled around him. Not wanting to the give him a chance of respite, Dash quickly took to the skies after him. When she landed atop the spire, Discord was already back to his hooves with his horn aglow ready to strike. He then unleashed a massive blast of magic at her, but Rainbow Dash quickly pulled up her hammer to take the blow. Mjolnir held steadfast as Discord’s magic dispersed around it, protecting its Mistress as she forged herself forward. Discord growled in frustration as he tried to pour on more magic, but Rainbow Dash didn’t falter. She continued onward slowly but surely bridging the gap between herself and her brother. When she was close enough, Rainbow leaned her head back and flung it forward nailing Discord on his forehead, just beneath his horn. The impact caused not only Discord’s magic to dispel but sent falling off the edge of the tower and onto the bridge beneath it. Discord groaned in pain as he got up, but his eyes quickly widened in shock to the sound of thunder roaring above him. He turned around to see his sister with Mjolnir raised high above her head, with thunderclouds swirling above her and lightning flashing through the air from the mighty hammer. Lightning started flashing around her and then began to culminate towards Mjolnir, causing it to glow even brighter and Rainbow’s eyes to flash lightning. Rainbow then aimed hammer down, firing a powerful lightning bolt down toward the weakened Unicorn. Honestly, she’s such a show pony, Discord thought to himself, completely unimpressed by his sister’s display; just before the attack could hit its mark, Discord’s horn lit up and his body quickly dissolved into a swarm of moths and fluttered away. When the blast hit, the bridge was demolished to smoking rubble and when it cleared Discord was nowhere to be seen. “You cannot beat me, brother,” Rainbow said as she forced the storm above to calm. “You never could.” Unbeknownst to her, the swarm of moths had congregated behind her until once again, Discord had become whole. He focused his magic and encased it around his front hooves as he raised them up overhead and slammed them down atop Rainbow’s shoulders. An audible yelp escaped the Pegasus as the impact caused her to fall to her knees. “Are you so sure, Dashie, things change,” Discord said as he wrapped his fore hooves around her, holding her still as he charged his magic once more. Rainbow then felt the eerie sensation of her brother’s magic enveloping her before a searing pain set in, causing her to scream in pain. Rainbow quickly threw off Discord’s hooves and reared her rear hooves back and bucked him into the chest, knocking him to the ground. “Please, surrender, brother, it need not be this way,” She said as she turned to face him. And truly, I wish it weren’t. She thought to herself. Discord chuckled as he got back to his hooves and summoned his magic once more in what Rainbow could only see as a failed attempt to delay the inevitable. “That’s funny, Dashie, because I think it does,” He said with a toothy grin as he saw Rainbow making her way toward him. “So noble,” He said firing another shot which Rainbow swatted away with her hammer. “So brave,” He said, releasing another shot that his sister knocked away as she closed in on him. “So gullible,” He said, giving one final shot that was once again fruitless as Rainbow knocked it away, having finally cleared the distance. She then grabbed Discord by his neck and picked him up off the ground with Mjolnir summoning another storm in her free hoof. “Come, brother, you have much to answer for and I’m sure mother would like to hear what you have to say.” She told him. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Half Hour Later In the Palace throne room, Celestia sat atop her throne with Asgard’s champions, Sir Thunderlane, Lady Lightning Dust and the Warriors Three, all waiting for their prisoner to be brought before them. Within a few moments, the Throne room’s massive doors were swung open with a loud audible ‘boom’ as Discord was thrown to the floor just below the steps to Celestia’s throne . Celestia eyed her son, who now sat before her in shackles with a magic nullifying ring atop his horn and no sooner did the bound unicorn struggle to his hooves, did Rainbow Dash walk in and stood behind him, taking her place in front of her fellow warriors. “You have gone too far this day, Discord,” Celestia told him. “This is not one of your games. Soon I shall enter the Celestial Sleep and Asgard will not have my power to defend it and here you are bringing Chimera into our midst, to try and overthrow your own mother. Why, have I not raised you, treated you as my own, given you love and compassion?” Discord couldn’t help but release a hearty laugh that filled the throne room as all eyes fell upon him. “Please, you’re not my mother,” He said as his laughter quickly turned to a look of distain as he eyed the Alicorn. “The mortals call me the God of Mischief, but you’re the Queen of fools as far as I’m concerned; a ruler who shows not love and compassion, but weakness and betrayal. It’s all one big joke to me; to see Asgard fall and Iwill be there to laugh in its ruins, to see you and Dashie here in chains. That’s the punch line!” “ENOUGH,” Celestia shouted in the Royal Asgardian voice as her eyes and horned glowed with equal intensity. “Discord, it pains me to do this, but you leave me no choice. You are hereby banished to the Isle of Silence, where nopony else will have to suffer your lies and trickery any longer.” “No,” Discord said in shock as he watched Celestia raise Gungnir and aim it at him. Celestia’s weapon quickly became imbued in the golden hue of her magic as it then fired a beam of magic at her son. “No!” Discord shouted as his body quickly dissipated and disappeared without a trace. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the same time elsewhere, in the darkest, murkiest part of Niffleheim sat a massive dead tree that’s branches grew so wide and intricately, it was like an island. In a flash of magic, Discord found himself freed from his bonds. He rubbed his neck, where the uncomfortable shackles had been placed before he picked himself and looked at his surroundings. He looked around to see himself surrounded by dead trees, all of which looked like they were connected to each other, no matter where he looked. The air was humid and foggy, but he could still see just fine. He then saw a shadow pass overhead and saw a crow flying toward a branch above him toward a group of other crows. The crow opened its beak to caw, but no sound came. The crow tried to caw again, but still no sound. The other crows mimicked their comrade, trying to caw, flapping their wings, this way and that, but not a single pitch of sound could be heard. Discord’s eyes began to widen as fear started to set in. He opened his mouth to speak, but not even the sound of air entering his muzzle came to him. He screamed in an inaudible scream at the silent madness he had found himself in. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere, back in Asgard, Celestia dispelled her magic, taking in slow, ragged breathes. Rainbow Dash saw her mother trying to compose herself as her mane started losing more of its color. “Mother,” Dash started as she took a step forward to assist, but Celestia raised a hoof, waving off her daughter’s worry. Celestia sat up straight, sighing in relief as her weariness faded. “The Celestial Sleep draws near. Once a year I must rest to replenish my strength so that Asgard may live,” She said as she looked down at her daughter. “You have much to prepare for in my absence.” “Thunderlane and Lightning Dust can protect Asgard while you sleep, I must attend to Midgard.” Rainbow Dash quickly responded. Thunderlane and Lightning Dust glanced at each other with concern. They knew Rainbow Dash and Celestia have had this discussion many a time, neither giving no quarter. This time however, in Asgard’s most vulnerable time, they feared what might occur between the two in passing of the argument that would follow. “You need to here, as Princess, Asgard is your responsibility, not Midgard.” Celestia told her sternly as all attention came back to the mother and daughter. “Mother, the mortals need me, more than you know,” Dash said as respectful as could as she took a few steps up the stairs toward her mother’s throne. “I return to Midgard, time and time again, because their world is spawning dangers the likes of which ponykind, mortal or Asgardian has never seen before. Evils that will consume . . . destroy them, unless I am there to stop it.” “Thunderlane has kept me well informed of these dangers as well as the mortals. They appear to be much more capable than you give them credit for,” Celestia said, trying to match he daughter’s calm demeanor. “You yourself saw the valor in the pony, Redheart.” “And of course, you were watching,” Dash said in disapproval of her mother’s constant watch of her. “Watch your tone, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia warned her as her eyes began to glow white hot. “I may be speaking to you as your mother, but I am still the All-Mother.” “Asgard is my home and I will always be here to protect it, but I will not play this game,” Dash told her as she lowered her head, preparing to let loose words she knew would hurt her mother, but needed to be said. “Discord was not wrong, Mother. You toy with us all, saying whatever you need to keep us underhoof. Weakened as you may be, you could have stopped Discord’s attack long before it started.” “ENOUGH!” Celestia’s voice echoed through as she finally stood and unfurled her wings with her horn a glow. “YOU DARE QUESTION ME? DEFY ME?” Rainbow Dash stood her ground and met her mother’s gaze. “Should Asgard be threatened I will be here, until then, I choose Earth.” Dash told her mother with every ounce of resolve and conviction she could muster. Knowing full well no more words needed to be said, Rainbow Dash turned from her mother and made her way out of the throne room. When the young Princess was out of sight, Celestia quickly calmed herself and took her place, back on her throne. Dashie, you’ve grown so much, but you still have much to learn. Celestia thought to herself. “Your Majesty,” Thunderlane spoke in a concerned tone. “There is much to prepare, leave me,” Celestia told them. The warriors gave their Queen a respectful bow and did as they were told and left her to her thoughts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elsewhere, at the entrance of the kingdom, where the Bifrost met kingdom’s fortress walls, Rainbow Dash stood, looking back at her home. All she had known, all she had come to known as the mightiest kingdom in all of the Nine Realms, but she could not think of anywhere else to be, but Earth. The pang of guilt and sorrow that griped her heart for what she said to her mother began to unclench as her conviction took hold. “Mother, you do not understand,” She said aloud, hoping the powerful All-Mother would hear her. “Asgard is the most powerful of the Nine Realms. It has champions to protect it, whether I am here or not. But Midgard has no pony. If I’m not there to protect it than who will? I want to sta-no,” She quickly corrected herself. “I am needed on Earth.” Taking in one final view of her home, the young Pegasus turned, unfurled her wings and headed off back toward Midgard. As she flew, she caught sight of the Dark blue Alicorn below, but said nothing, while the Alicorn looked up and watched her fly off with sadness in her heart. Farewell, Dashie, may Faust watch over you. The Lunar Sentry thought, giving a silent prayer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ At the same time, unbeknownst to them elsewhere. Atop one of the palace towers, a lone mare stands watching as the Storm Bringer disappeared into a portal, leading back to Earth. She was an earth pony with a grayish blue coat and very slender frame, but her most discerning features were her green eyes with blood red pupils and her green tendril-like mane. She wore a purple skin tight suit with a light green mini skirt. The mare let loose a cynical chuckle that soon turned into full blown laughter. “To think his plan actually worked. This could be more fun than I thought.” The mare said as she took a few steps back. She focused her magic through her tendril mane, forcing them twirl around her in a spiral as green smoke appeared around them. In one swift motion, she used her tendrils to encase herself in the smoke and when she was fully engulfed in it, she disappeared in a flash. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Elsewhere, back in the Isle of Silence, Discord sat on his haunches among the branches. In the infinite silence, he did the only thing he could think of and recall the events of what lead up to this. In his mind, he found himself in the barren desert of Chimerhiem, surrounded by the band of Chimera he led into battle. “You are in great danger,” He told them, sounding as concerned and authorities as he could. “They threaten your very existence. I have seen it! The Asgardians are preparing to wage war on the Chimera. Even as we speak, they ready their armies. Soon they will move and destroy you all unless you strike first.” The Chimera all gave boisterous roars of outrage and anger. Now that he thought about, he probably didn’t need to sound so dramatic, but where was the urgency without a little drama thrown in? He was the father of all lies after all. “Yes, Celestia would have you all wiped out, but I alone, stand against her. Join me, and we will strike hard at the very heart of Asgard.” He told them, sounding so confident and self-righteous. “And what of the Storm Bringer,” asked the Gorilla Chimera as he kneeled down to face his rebellious liberator. “What of Rainbow Dash?” “Don’t worry about my Step-Sister, leave her to me,” He said with nothing but utter pleasure for what he had in store. “Now, who is with me?” The Chimera all roared in agreement. If Asgard wanted war, they would have it and the Chimera would feast on the blood and bones of their fallen enemies. Discord smiled as the first step in his plan was set in motion. His mind then traveled a little further ahead, to the next phase in his plan. This step required more tact, for while he was still working with mindless brutes, he couldn’t do so as himself, so disguising himself was quite necessary. He was now standing before the Wrecking Crew in an abandoned warehouse. He took on a form he knew the brutes would respond well to; a large green minatory with a Mohawk going down his massive oversized head known as the Iron Will. “Now, the Iron Will knows this may sound boring, but the shipment pulls into Manehatten early in the morning. It’s on a Sparkle Industry Freighter and the Iron Will wants it sooner, rather than later.” He rhymed which he sort of liked. “You got it, boss,” Wrecker assured him as he and his crew left to do their job. When the Wrecking Crew was gone, Discord dropped his disguise and smiled as step two was underway. His mind skips once again, a little further ahead. He sat once again in the deserts of Chimerhiem, waiting for confirmation from his other cohort. Soon enough he got his wish as a small portal opened up before him. The image of the slender grayish earth pony appeared to him, her cackling already filling his ears as her tendrils writhe around in her gleeful demeanor. “It is done,” She giggled. “She believed me and is on her way to the docks now.” “Of course, my beautiful Mane-Enchantress,” Discord praised her. “She always believes you.” “Now we move to the ‘mane’ event?” She asked laughing full-heartedly at her joke. “Not yet, now it’s time to have a little fun with Mommy Dearest.” Discord told her. Discord’s mind once again fast forwarded and he found himself kneeled down before the All-Mother herself, but of course under the disguise of Thunderlane. “I’m afraid her behavior is troubling, All-Mother,” He started, trying to hold back his own laughter at this joke of a performance as he looked up to meet her gaze. “Her actions on Midgard are . . . disheartening. She-,” He quickly stopped himself, feigning uncertainty. “Please, speak, noble Thunderlane,” Celestia insisted. “Her arrogance is growing,” he answered. “She treats the mortals like children, believing she must protect them from themselves in a manner I believe is simply to feed her own ego and I believe I have found the reason she neglects Asgard.” Celestia’s face quickly turned to sudden intrigue. “Tell me.” She orders him. “It is possible that she stays on Midgard because a portal pony has caught her attention. A female earth pony by the name of Redheart.” He answered. Celestia’s mind quickly became riddled with thoughts and actions she would have to take to deal with her daughter as she quickly dismissed Thunderlane from her Throne room. Thunderlane left, he quickly found a shadowy corner to drop his illusion and return to Discord and set about finishing his plans. As his mind went through the remainder of his scheme, bringing him back to his present, he finally found himself free from his thoughts as he came to a realization. Then, as if on cue, a bright green flash appeared before him as the Mane-Enchantress appeared in a flash of smoke, however, she was not alone; beside her stood a large hulking white coated Pegasus stallion. He had a light amber mane, blood red eyes and a very small pair of disproportionate wings on his back. He wore red and black armor chest plating and shoulder guards, but none on his arms that showed off his bulging biceps and atop his back was massive double sided axe. Not enjoying the silence for very long, the Mane-Enchantress pulled up two of her tendrils as the two began to swirl and form a small orb of magic. Her tendril then tossed it overhead, allowing it to expand until the energy encased herself and her two compatriots. Discord gave a few audible coughs, trying to clear his throat and get his voice working once more as the Mane-Enchantress started cackling at him. “How befitting, say what you will about the All-Mother, but she certainly knows how to give a proper punishment. What better way to make you suffer than to make you feel the agony of not hearing your own voice,” She said, laughing all the harder. “What say you, my Executioner?” “YEAH!!!” He shouted simply with a smirk, agreeing with his Mistress. “Yes, yes, how droll,” He said carelessly. “Tell me, is everything coming along?” “Yes, everything transpires as you plan,” she giggled with excitement. “Neither Rainbow Dash or even Celestia are aware of what’s happening.” “Of course they’re not,” he said proudly as he stood up with a toothy grin plastered on his muzzle. “Nopony is ready for what’s next.” He gave a hearty laughter with the Mane-Enchantress and Executioner joining in as their grand scheme was well underway.