Do they really trust me?
The question clawed on Discord’s brain like a bear trying to break into a bee hive. It had been nearly a week since the events with Tirek, and nobody had heard from the draconequus since. A turmoil of emotions crashed and burned in Discord’s heart, and he knew that he would need to do something about it eventually.
Had he apologized? Yes. Had they forgiven him? Yes. Had he put on a mask, hiding his true emotions at a vital point? Yes. But still, the very thought that he had betrayed them at a vital point had left a wound on Discord. A wound that wouldn’t be healed so quickly.
He tossed and turned, lying frigidly on a branch of his thinking tree. Why had he trusted Tirek? Had he truly been foolish enough to believe his lies? Freedom. He had bought into thinking he would be truly free. Hadn’t he already learned a lesson about this? You can’t always have it your way. If that was the case, why did he buy into Tirek’s manipulation?
Discord clutched his head. He had been thinking about this way too much over the past week, but he couldn’t escape from the guilty lump in his throat. He uneasily glanced over to the unopened pile of letters that rested neatly upon a floating dresser. Each was addressed from Fluttershy, his first friend. He had truly wanted to open them and read them, but he couldn’t find the courage to do so. He slumped back on his branch.
Discord you old fool, you can’t stay in this tree moping about.
“Well, I can’t just go and talk to Fluttershy, she’d be upset that I hadn’t told her sooner!”
Then don’t talk to Fluttershy.
“Whoever could I—no... I’m not going to talk to her.”
Oh yes you are, you’re going to set things right!
“...If you insist.”
-
“Spike! Spiiiike?” Twilight called, looking left and right for her dragon assistant. She was afraid he’d gotten lost in the castle again, like he’d done nearly fifty times in the past three days! She’d limited his exploring to the main hallway, kitchen, bedroom, and throne room. Anywhere else would need adult company.
“Right here, Twilight!” came a friendly voice, and Twilight peered down the banister of the large crystal staircase to see Spike on the bottom floor of the palace.
“How’d you—oh nevermind. Spike, come here, you nearly had me worried sick!”
“Be there in a jiffy!” And there he was, seconds after his words. Twilight blinked with curiosity, wondering how the dragon had managed to climb the stairs at such a speed. She shook her head, trying not to think on it.
“I thought you had gotten yourself lost again, Spike! You can’t just do that! Haven’t I told you that you’re to be accompanied,“ Twilight was interrupted by a series of knocks at her front door. “—oh never mind, could you get the door for me, Spike….”
“Yes ma’am!” Spike saluted with a silly grin, and leaped onto the banister, sliding down it like the child he was. Once he reached the bottom, Spike ran towards the large crystal gates and opened them. Behind them was a small yellow and pink figure.
“Fluttershy!” Twilight exclaimed, spreading her wings and gliding down to the first floor. “What brings you here?”
“Oh, um, I hope I’m not interrupting anything…” Fluttershy said, her eyes not exactly focused on Twilight, but on the intertwining structures of the palace. “I’d like to speak to you, I-If you don’t mind.”
“Uh, sure! I’m not really doing anything right now, so, okay!” Twilight exclaimed as Spike closed the door and ran over to join the two.
“Hey, I’ve got an idea, why don’t you two talk over tea? I’ve got a great herbal recipe that Zecora gave me when she came to the castle! I’m dyin’ to use it Twi!” Spike jumped up and down in excitement, and the alicorn had no choice but to give in.
“Do you have time for tea, Fluttershy?” She asked, a gleam of hope shining in her big purple eyes.
“Believe me, I have all the time in the world.”
-
Now seated at the table in the immense dining hall, Twilight could be seen staring at the oddly frazzled Fluttershy. She wasn’t used to seeing her usually calm friend like this. “So Fluttershy, what was it that you wanted to talk about?”
“It’s Discord.” Fluttershy bursted out, like she’d been holding the words in for years. “He hasn’t been responding to any of my letters.” She blinks, eyes locked on her tea cup. “I-I’ve been sending quite a few. Before recent events he would respond to them within minutes, hours at the most, but it’s been a week! I’m worried about him, Twilight.” At loss for words, Twilight looked at her friend, and their eyes met. Fluttershy looked on the verge of tears.
“Fluttershy, if I’d have spoken with Discord, I’d be sure to let you know firsthoof.” She paused, trying her best to carefully choose her words. “There isn’t much I can do about him not responding to your letters… I would take you to where he lives, but I don’t think anyone knows where that is, not even Princess Celestia.”
“I suppose you’re right, Twilight…” Fluttershy sighed, and stood. “I believe I’ve finished my tea. Angel Bunny will be expecting his noontime snack soon.”
“Fluttershy, I—“
“No Twilight, its okay. I’m sure Discord will respond soon. He is a very busy draconequus after all…” The Pegasus stands and begins trotting for the door before quickly turning. “W-Which way is the door again, Twilight?”
“Keep going straight, and it’s the third door to the left. It’ll take you to the main stairwell.”
“Thanks, Twilight.” And she was gone. Twilight soon heard the front door echo open and shut, and she knew it was too late to follow and comfort her friend.
-
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
Twilight’s ear twitched at the noise. It had been a few hours since Fluttershy had left, and the sun was soon to set. “Who could that be?” She said aloud, although Spike was in the master bedroom sleeping and nopony was around to hear her. She stood and set down the book that she had been reading, and trotted to the main hall where the double doors were located. Using her magic, she opened both doors simultaneously, and was greeted by a very tall figure.
“This isn’t a bad time, is it?”
Discord.