//------------------------------// // An Uneventful Day // Story: The Revenge of Tirek // by Matthew Stone //------------------------------// It was the dawn arising through the landscapes being covered by the mixed red, orange, and yellow firing rays of the sun. Ponyville is waking up to its silent alarm as if it’s a meditation exercise. Racing through every road and field, the sunlight now comes over Fluttershy’s house. Inside, Discord is already awake, up to his usual pranks he creates to anger Fluttershy’s pet rabbit Angel. He has ten humanized carrots with sharp teeth chasing him around the room, and stops them when he feels like it. Angel is quite enraged of Discord’s antics, but Discord adds on by transforming himself into a fox, and chasing Angel all over again. “DISCORD!” Fluttershy called out in anger once entering the room. Discord noticed Fluttershy coming down the stairs, and instantly turns back into his original form, racing to the coward, and magically placing a halo over his head. “When are you going to stop this?” Fluttershy demands, “You know how mean you’re being to Angel?” “Come on, I’m the spirit of chaos!” Discord answered, “I have to release my urges on somepony.” “But Angel isn’t a pony, he’s my PET.” Fluttershy pointed out. Discord looks back at angel, sticking his tongue at him. He then looks back to Fluttershy “Look, I would never hurt a living creature.” Discord said, “Seriously, I was just playing around.” Fluttershy sighed, looking down for a minute, but then bringing her direct contact to Discord. “I’m sure you’re aware that today is the peace treaty signing between the griffon and pony regions. Twilight is bringing together the races herself at the town square of Ponyville.” “Well, I wouldn’t miss that for the world” Discord replied. “But Discord…” Fluttershy continued, “You know you need to behave. Princess Celestia is quite strict of how you’re supposed to act in front of the other ponies.” “I know. I have to use my magic for good instead of evil, blah, blah, blah. I know the appropriate time to be myself. Quit worrying.” Discord said. “Discord, please, this is serious.” Fluttershy said sternly, “Twilight has talked to me, taking consideration of the event, and she thinks its best that you don’t use your chaos for today.” Discord eyes Fluttershy, annoyed but yet understanding. “Does this have anything to do with my betrayal by helping Tirek long ago?” Discord asked, “I was just stupid back then, I didn’t really mean to hurt any pony…” Fluttershy sighs, thinking about the past Discord brought up. “Just… no magic today, please?” Fluttershy asked. Discord knew his feelings may be hurt when he can’t express himself for what he is, yet he didn’t want to disappoint of hurt Fluttershy again, or ever. “I… I understand Flutter Butter, I mean Fluttershy.” Discord answered, “I’ll try and act mature today, I promise.” Fluttershy smiled. She nodded a ‘thank you’ to him for his sincerity. “I’ll just go observe the other ponies for pleasure instead today.” Discord continued, “Maybe I’ll visit Pinkie Pie. I know she’ll want to see me for a surprise.” “That may have to wait.” Fluttershy informed, “Pinkie told me she’s having issues with William in her cupcake shop. She doesn’t want her stress to rise higher as anypony may guess.” Discord sighs in frustration, thinking of the sociopathic, and reckless worm. “Sometimes I think I’m a bad influence on that guy.” Discord sighed. “WILLIAM, CONTROL YOURSELF!” Pinkie Pie raged, “Those cupcakes are for the treaty party tonight!” William is acting like a complete menace at Sugarcube Corner. The worm is completely indulging himself with a mouthful of pastries every bite. Ever since the Mane 6, Spike, and Discord defeated another enemy named Arabus, William was also kicked out of the worm region because of his accidental destruction of his races’ city. He was forced to cope with living in Ponyville, alongside a gnome named Leo, and a diamond dog named Ian ever since. Right now, his behavior is far worse than what Discord’s used to be. Discord became more serious, and limited his mischief once in a while because of his reflections on his past actions. By any means necessary, every pony is coming close to the breaking point of William’s self-egotistic mannerisms. “You should be thankful that you set this test platter out before hand.” he said ignorantly, “Let me know if I’m ready for the next one.” Pinkie starts to stomp her hooves down in frustration, then stops to control herself as she sees Rarity entering the store. Rarity especially cringes at what William is doing. “Oh, I hope I’m not… Interrupting…” she said slowly. “No, It’s all right.” Pinkie said calmly, letting out a sigh, “There’s just enough time to make batches for the PARTY, for next couple hours.” “I thought I’d stop by to remind you to bring that emerald we’ve found on that ‘Human-faced beetle’ journey we had weeks ago.” Rarity continued, “Princess Celestia is hoping to examine the object to see if there’s anything familiar about it.” “Jeez, why’s she so interested in my jewelry all of a sudden?” Pinkie asked. “She wouldn’t say.” Rarity answered, “The poor dear, I know her connection with Discord is still complicated.” Rarity looks out the window as she continues talking. “Something deep in Celestia is still clinging onto her. Twilight has also kept close watch of her. Apparently she told me she hasn’t been in such mood to attend previous events, such as the Equestrian Games, or The Wonderbolts Ceremony.” “That would affect Rainbow Dash too.” Pinkie added. A sudden crash than interrupts their conversation. Pinkie turns to see William barging into the kitchen, and throwing food out of the refrigerator. “Do you know where you keep the eggnog?” William asked in a demanding tone. “WHY YOU…” Pinkie began to shout, “I’m sorry Rarity, I have to take care of this, but…um…is there anything else you need?” “Yes, you haven’t prepared the glazed doughnuts for snack room, have you?” Rarity asked. “Yes, I’d figured that’s why you came, so I put them in the white package, over there!” Pinkie points to the box on the display table. Rarity then decides to take the box, and leave Pinkie to handle the situation herself. “Well, be there at the Party.” Rarity said as she left the shop. Celestia is sitting on her throne, thinking of the procedure of getting the treaty signed. It’s all projected and mapped out in her head. Just walk up to the podium, and announce the history of the feud that started because of their territories being disrespected. Then have the bill and ink pen magically appear on the medium sized podium table, and the signatures over with. If anything were to go wrong, the war would grow longer, and will bring a possibility of becoming worse. Now as for Discord, Discord. Celestia knew him for a long time, much stronger than an eon lifetime. She doesn’t want doubt to stalk around her, but the idea of Discord not controlling his antics is very likely to happen in her opinion. She’s very decent, but after the Tirek incident, she has heavy trouble maintaining trust with Discord. She also wouldn’t forgive herself if she never forgave him. It’s a wild debate that she wishes to erase from her head, but still… Suddenly, Luna enters the room, approaching her sister. Celestia’s attention is brought back to Luna. “It’s time to go to Ponyville.” Luna informed, “Do you want me to get the guards ready?” “And a royal carriage, as usual.” Celestia responds, “I’m just praying that this all goes well…” William is now out of Sugarcube Corner, walking through the Pony Market with Applejack and Apple Bloom. The entire market is also being tided up and getting elegant for the treaty ceremony as well. “Fudge, Pinkie is just acting crabby today. I was only making myself useful.” William grumbled. “You know, you HAVE been causing trouble for Pinkie Pie by not respecting her stuff and property.” Applejack points out, “Let alone making a frosty mess in her kitchen.” “I though that’s what she might want.” William huffed, “What are we doing in the market anyways?” “Applejack and I will be making a special apple recipe for the party banquet.” Apple Bloom answered, “It’s from Granny’s traditional apple recipe history.” “Which will require a bit of nutmeg, cinnamon, and hazelnut apparently.” Applejack said when reading the recipe list, “One of those will at the next stall coming up.” “Meh, I’m just going to look around some more.” William says out loud. “Suit yourself.” said Applejack, “If you’re bored, we won’t stop ya.” William than goes down the dusty street, passing by the other ponies, and stalls that are carrying different items such as African spices, baked cookies and bread, and independently written books made by local authors. William then shuffled up to a stall that is selling antiques from a couple centuries ago. He then bumps into Rainbow Dash, shopping alongside with Leo the gnome. “Ah, fancy meeting you guys here.” William said. “I’m just helping Rainbow find a rare tuxedo suit to wear at the treaty signing.” Leo responded. “I want to look awesome as possible” Rainbow Dash says, “As a Wonderbolts captain, I’ve got to be…” “Yeah, yeah, yeah, twenty percent cooler, swag, whatever.” William cuts her off, “I’ve heard that ten times now. Believe me, everyone is trying to make a good impression on the griffons.” “I bet you Gilda might be there too.” Rainbow guesses. “Ugh, but she’s always creepy looking.” William shudders. “Probably because of her mannerisms.” Leo suggested. “Heh. Yeah.” Rainbow agreed. She then noticed something in the sky, along with William, Leo, and the other ponies. Princess Celestia and Luna are arriving at the town square, making their landing. “We’re getting close to being ready.” Rainbow Dash advised. “Where’s Ian? You know, the diamond dog.” William wondered. “He’s helping Twilight and Spike arrange the legal documents for the treaty inside the library.” Leo answered. “Well, I’ll go back to Applejack then.” says William, “Applejack might refrigerate her ingredients, and then we’ll be right back.” “The signing ceremony doesn’t start for another hour.” Rainbow Dash said. William slides off to find Applejack and Apple Bloom, while Leo and Rainbow Dash are making their purchase. The alicorn is being very careful when looking over the treaty documents, to make sure everything is in order. He wings feel stiff from all the sorting and editing she’s being doing all day up to this very point. The papers are almost in good order, and she wanted to make sure not to pile them all up into a mess. The treaty table was to also be moved with the feathered ink pen, and ink bottle. With those, they will help the documents be written on. It won’t be much trouble getting it outside as long as Spike and Ian are here to help. Ian then comes into the room, standing by Twilight and wagging his tail. “Geez, you look glum.” Ian observed, “You want me to make coffee for you?” “Tea would be better, thank you.” Twilight answered. Ian left the room to go to the kitchen, to make tea. Spike passes Ian as he enters the room now. He looks at Twilight, noticing her taking calm, deep breaths. “You sure you’re ready for this?” Spike made sure. “I’m a princess, I have to do this no matter how I feel.” Twilight declared. Twilight reviewed the treaty once more. Trades from both regions will be permitted as long as the griffon race territory won’t be trespassed, due to their cultures and beliefs. Reading the deal and compromises makes Twilight a bit uncomfortable. Equestria is about forming regions and nations, which also involves friendship. Nowadays, conflicts grow bigger for unknown reasons. If Twilight were like Celestia, she can travel the world to resolve those social issues. But is she really ready for that? She doesn’t know, though really feels like she needs to. Ian then arrives back into the room, with three cups of tea on a tray, made for him, Twilight, and Spike. “The flavor is orange.” Ian said. Twilight takes a sip, allowing the tea to help relieve her stress. The essence of the tea is quite normal, which is just perfect. A knock on the library door is then made. Spike comes up to open it, and in storms the griffon prince, followed by three of his guards. “Prince Everest is at your presence.” one of the guards informed, “Please bow before…” “Enough of that. It’s fine. They don’t need to.” Everest told the guard. He then approaches Twilight, as Twilight approached to him. “I hope I’m not being rude to just barge in here,” he said. “No trouble at all.” Twilight replied, “Is there any reason why you arrived here first before the town square?” “I just thought I’d see the royal Princess Twilight with my own eyes.” Everest said, “I’d expect you’d be in your own kingdom.” “I’m only here to get all the information together for these treaty papers, based from the information from the encyclopedias.” Twilight explained, “Every has to be correct you know.” Everest smirked. “I just beg to differ that everything is completely worked out.” Everest sighed, “Not everypony can just understand another race’s traditions.” “Yes, I can… understand that.” said Twilight. “But what really makes me sick…” Everest resumed, “Is the fact that you let that… draconequus… live in your innocent village.” “Who? Discord? But he’s reformed…” Twilight assured. “That stupid beast? With due respect Twilight, monsters like him never change! I fought beings like him before, and the only way peace is formed in this world is when a draconequus rots in hell.” Everest retorted, “I’m not going to stand by and have you defend that idiot freak forever.” Twilight said nothing. Arguing back at him would only make matters worse. If anything were to make Everest angry, the treaty wouldn’t be worth it. And the subject to debate about Discord, that doesn’t really matter now. Though Twilight is still shocked about how racist Everest sounds. Controlling herself, Twilight inhales deeply and looks back to Everest with a calm expression on her face. “I’m very sure Discord means well. I can reassure you, everything will also go in schedule today. He won’t cause trouble, I’m very sure of it.” Twilight said. At least that’s all she can say to Everest for the moment. Everest just stands still, giving Twilight a mixed look of irritation and anger. However, he is well under control of his behavior as well. “I’ll expect everyone in town to watch the signing today, and I mean EVERYONE.” he said strictly, “I want them to see the valiant, correct image of how I’m supposed to be.” “I understand.” said Twilight. The idea of that is also creeping Twilight out. She had no idea Everest could be so vein. The griffon prince then turns around to leave the library, storming out the door with his guards following. “He… he could have said ‘so long’ or something.” Ian stammered in shock, with is tail dropping. “Don’t worry about it.” Twilight advised, “Spike, inform everyone that the ceremony will be in fifteen minutes.” “Right” Spike agreed. As Spike rushes out of the library, Ian helps Twilight carry out the treaty table, with the papers, inkbottle, and pen connected to it. “I probably might want to hang by Discord, just in case he gets offended by Everest.” Ian suggested. “It might be best.” said Twilight, “I do hope this goes well.” There’s now ten minutes before the ceremony starts, and Discord is strolling down the road with Fluttershy to the town square. Discord felt pretty nervous, worried that he’ll never control his urge to make chaos. But how hard can it be? It’s for Fluttershy, and it’s only for one day, not like it’s in a lifetime. “Yeah, that’s right Discord, be positive.” he thought to himself, “Just make a good impression for everypony, and they’ll appreciate you even more.” Discord snapped his fingers to appear quickly in a more formal outfit. Fluttershy grimaced a little when noticing, but what’s the big deal? Discord is only doing that to look nice. It wasn’t long before Discord and Fluttershy pass by more ponies when approaching into Ponyville. “Good afternoon.” Discord said in a hearty tone, but this time, really friendly and not tricky. The ponies just give Discord a look of disgust, and snarl at his presence. “We have better things to do than speaking with YOU!” one pony snapped. With that, the ponies once in contact in Discord, kick dust in his face and storm off. Discord sighs in depression of what just happened, as does Fluttershy. “I knew they’ll hate me no matter what.” Discord sniffed. “There, there Discord.” Fluttershy said rubbing his paw, “Today is still happening. Everypony else will be happy to see you.” “Like me for instance.” says a voice behind them. It’s coming from William, who’s just shuffling up to Discord. “Oh, hello William.” Discord said, “I’ve heard you ran into trouble at Sugarcube Corner.” “Yeah, well Pinkie should have treated me as a guest.” William muttered rhetorically. “You’ve got to learn to respect others and their property.” Fluttershy scolded, “That way you won’t get kicked out every time to go into somepony’s place.” “Ah, believe me, the WHOLE TOWN is my oyster. Whatever I’ll stumble upon will please me.” William giggled mischievously, “So eventually, somepony’s bound to give me something.” “You’re evil.” Discord whispered in annoyance. “So were you.” William snickered. Discord shuddered at the comeback joke William made. “Um, could you just lower those jokes for Discord?” Fluttershy asked, “He just wants to focus on the present today. Not the past.” “Okay, okay.” William said, “But just to be clear, I wasn’t trying to offend anyone just now.” “We’re here.” Discord said. The town square is almost completely packed and with perfect population once they arrived. All the pegasi, earth, and unicorn ponies are in separate sections for viewing the treaty stage and podium. The Canterlot guards are also taking close blockage on each side of the stage. Spike and Ian then bring up the table with the papers and writing utensils carefully. Afterwards, Twilight comes up to them and signals them to head to their reserved seats. Princess Cadence than appears onto the stage, having Twilight welcome her and thanking her for attending the ceremony. Meanwhile, Discord and Fluttershy passes through the crowd, and finally go into the reserved zone, where they see Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Leo, Ian, and Spike sitting down. Some of their family members who are on Applejack’s, Rarity’s, and Rainbow Dash’s are also there. The seats are basically memory foam cushions that are covered in velvet designs. The guards permit Discord and Fluttershy in, along with William. As soon as everypony is there, standing and sitting in their places at the square, Princess Celestia takes herself to the podium, beginning her speech. “As many of you know, we are hearing and seeing such news that are bringing us to such shock as we know it.” Princess Celestia announced, “The new social conflicts arising include bullying, war, violence, drugs, murder, any…” Princess Celestia decided to keep the ideal list limited, thinking they’ve got the point. “The world of Equestia is still strong no matter what happens. We must never back down when sharing the messages of friendship, forgiveness, peace, love, and family. We all exist in Equestia for a reason. To make one’s lives better. And when the treaty is signed, we will take another step to accomplish that goal. We will improve to make better dreams come to life, so our world can be a safer place to love and not be afraid of. Given the past months of fighting with the griffons because of disrespecting cultures, it’s a lesson of us to also learn respect. When we come upon new races, it’s our job to strengthen dignity on others and not break it. Now, it’s our day to make this all correct and loving.” Celestia then pauses, not thinking of anything else to say. The ponies remain silent, in case Celestia needed to say anything else. “And now, please welcome Princess Twilight as we have her host the signing of the treaty.” The ponies stomped their hooves, in a way of applauding. Twilight then eyes her brother Shining Armor who comes buy Cadence just in time for the signing. He the walks up to the stage, as does Everest coming up on the other side. Everest then eyes down on Discord in the reserved zone. Discord isn’t even looking at Everest, just at Shining Armor, and giving him the grinning compliment look as he points his finger at him. Shining Armor acts neutral when looking at Discord, but Everest… Everest has one of his stones as a decoration on his ceremony outfit. With such hatred, he heaves it straight to Discord’s forehead, having Discord yelp in agony. Blood is even tearing out a tad bid, but not too much. The eye contact with Shining Armor to Everest was quite simple and welcoming. After looking over the fine and terms or agreement, both signatures were signed onto the treaty. It didn’t last to long, but the fact that it happened was very important for the pony citizens to watch. Hooves stomped on the ground once more, applauding to this event. Twilight then comes onto the stage to make her announcement. “The gathering is all arranged at Sweet Apple Acres by permission of Applejack.” Twilight called out, “Everypony is welcome to come if they want. Beverages, appetizers, and a grand feast will also be served.” Everypony then moves out from the square, having Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Leo, Ian, and Spike leaving the reserved zone. Spike can’t help but also notice Fluttershy tending to Discord’s bleeding forehead for a minute. Spike noticed what Everest just did, just before he signed the treaty. Spike then turns back, still disturbed of what Everest just did. As for Discord, he paces real slowly, thinking… “Are you okay?” Fluttershy made sure. “I’ll be fine” Discord assured, “I’m just… so scared that I’m not strong enough to control my behavior.” “You’re doing fine,” Fluttershy reassured, “Just have fun at the party.”