//------------------------------// // The Quilt // Story: One Night in the Everfree Forest // by Fluttercordfan //------------------------------// "What? What do you mean? Can't you just get around it using your magic?" Discord saw the look of fear come across his friends face and grimaced. Seeing this caused an overwhelming wave of panic to overcome her. Before Discord realized her intentions she had dashed past him and right into the boundary. The reaction was far less severe than the one Discord had. Only causing her to bounce back as if she had hit a brick wall. "No no no no!" Fluttershy immediately began banging on the invisible wall separating them from her home. "Fluttershy stop! You're going to hurt yourself!" She continued to pound on seemingly unable or unwilling to hear Discord's cries. He grabbed a hold of her waist and then wrapped himself around her ceasing her frantic floundering. "Shh shh Fluttershy its alright. Just calm down my dear and everything will be alright. I'm still here aren't I? We both know nothing can stop the great me!" He gave a dramatic flourish with his paw at that last statement. Looking down he noticed that she seemed to have calmed down a bit and had relaxed against him. "I'm sorry I lost it there for a minute." Whispered Fluttershy as she lay her head against his fur. Seeing she was alright he gently uncoiled himself from her. As he did this he silently hoped she didn't notice the way he held on just a little bit longer than necessary. "Look Fluttershy, I'm going to see if this is just centered around this area or if there may be another way out. While I do that I want you to stay here and if anything happens just call and I'll be there." She gave him a wary look, but nodded her head in understanding. Discord couldn't help but admire her courage. With one last longing look he took off into the night leaving nothing, but a wisps of smoke in his wake. "Well little fox I guess its just us two for now." Sighed Fluttershy as she sat down next to him on the cold ground. She couldn't be sure, but she could have sworn she heard the distant sound of laughter. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He had searched the entire perimeter of the forest and still not one small centimeter of an opening. Whom or whatever had cast this spell was powerful indeed. What he couldn't figure out, however, was why? Someone had gone to an awful lot of trouble to keep both him and Fluttershy in...or out. Discord wondered who could be the perpetrator, but considering his history the list was long. Another troubling thought was keep Fluttershy in as well. It would have been simple to have cast the spell to keep in only magic users. While he thought about it his clawed hand detached from his body to knock on his head. "Ow what was that for?!" The detached hand started making fluttering motions. "Fluttershy?" Giving a thumbs up the hand then continued on to mimic walking and then becoming trapped. "Of course! Fluttershy said she didn't know how she got here. What if this was all meant for her. To trap her somehow?" mused Discord. Once this thought sunk in he realized just how long he had been away from Fluttershy. Without a second thought he pulled himself together and swiftly made his way back to his friend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fluttershy was becoming increasingly worried as the minutes ticked by with no sign of Discord. She squeezed the bundle of fur within her arms for comfort, but to no avail. Just then she heard a rustling coming from some nearby bushes. Her heart rate kicked into overdrive and shot right into her throat. Meanwhile the fox was finding it increasingly hard to breath as well with the mares arms wound tightly around his frame. It sounded like drums beating in her ears as the foliage was pulled back to reveal... "Fluttershy? My dear are you alright?" "Discord oh thank goodness your back." Fluttershy's nerves were completely shot at that point and she deflated upon seeing Discord. "Did you find a way out?" Hearing the hopeful tone in her voice caused him to visibly flinch. Discord had never felt more helpless in his entire life. Not even when he had been imprisoned in stone. Worse yet he was letting down his Fluttershy. Did he just say his Fluttershy? 'Get a grip on yourself. She doesn't belong to you.' thought Discord. "Ah I'm sorry Fluttershy I didn't." "Oh" Flutterhy's eyes were downcast and defeat was written all over her face. "Aww don't look so down Flutters. I'll find a way out, I promise." Discord leaned forward to gently cup her chin in his paw. "Look I think I know a place where we can get some answers and maybe find a way out of here. So turn that frown upside down and give your old pal Discord a smile hmm." As he said this Discord made a point of flipping over so that he was now floating tails up in front of Fluttershy. Snapping his fingers he made an entire clown outfit appear to add to his gag. Completing the outfit was a happy/sad mask that kept changing back and forth. Fluttershy couldn't help, but giggle at the ridiculous sight he made. She didn't know how, but even when she was scared out of her mind he managed to make her laugh. "Much better my dear. Might I say that your smile is quite dazzling?" She tried to hide the growing blush on her face, but failed miserable. "Oh stop Discord I get it I'll try to cheer up. I just don't understand how this could have happened. It all seems so surreal." Giving her a sympathetic look Discord said "I know my dear and we'll get through this, together." "Now why don't we both get some much needed rest. It's been a long day and we aren't gonna solve everything tonight." "Your right" agreed Fluttershy as she grabbed her fox and made a makeshift bed of leaves. Frowning Discord questioned "What on earth are you doing?" With a puzzled look she replied "Making a bed?" Discord made a disgusted noise and then waved his hand. "Oh don't be silly Flutters I still have my magic. I can whip up a much better sleeping arrangement than those silly old leaves." True to his word Discord snapped his claws and two large quilts appeared on top of bedding made of pure cloud fluff. The quilts were made up of an assortment of what appeared to be nonsensical patterns. However, when Fluttershy looked closer she notice that they were actually portrayals of events that had took place with both discord and Fluttershy. Her favorite being the time he taught her to ice skate. "Oh Discord they are beautiful!" She snuggled quite comfortably in the new bed and for the first time that day looked completely content. Discord sat back and admired his handiwork before getting into bed himself. He was quite pleased with himself. He wasn't sure he would be able to make her feel better after what they had been through, but the blankets had been a nice touch. His last thought was of how nice it was to fall asleep next to an angel.