//------------------------------// // Chapter Eleven // Story: Love or Power? Which Will You Choose? // by atomicpuffin //------------------------------// Discord stood in the ballroom smiling as all his servants entered, enjoying the way their eyes widened in awe. They bowed as they passed him and he nodded at each before turning back to the doors waiting. His nerves were starting to rise, but at the same time he was excited. He couldn't wait to see her again, especially in the gown he had chosen for her. Finally he saw Queen Celestia and Queen Luna walk through with their daughters behind them, and behind them the maids. His smile fell when one mare was missing, his heart rate increased as unease and fear began to rise inside him. The group stopped in front of him and bowed, which he reciprocated. He looked around then back at the doors before placing a smile on his face. "Welcome guests, I hope you greatly enjoy yourselves here tonight. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Especially you two." He indicated the two earth ponies who smiled happily at him as they moved off to the buffet. He felt his smile slipping as he wondered if she had changed her mind. Would you really be surprised? A snide voice rang through his head and pain stabbed his heart. He felt a hoof touch his paw and he looked down to see Princess Twilight smiling up at him. She whispered, "Don't worry she's coming, she had to run back to get the necklace with your ring." He visibly relaxed and gave her a wide smile, silently thanking her for telling him. She nodded and moved to stand next to her mother and cousins. He placed his hands behind his back and scanned the ballroom, all were in attendance. Well all except one, still it seemed like it was time to start. He clapped his hands and the lighting in the ballroom began to glow brighter, lighting every corner in its soft glow. All eyes turned to him and he smiled, spreading his arms wide. "Welcome my friends and honored guests! I want to thank each of you for another fantastic year, truly all of you make life in this castle brighter each day with your presence. " Applause followed his words and he smiled. "I also have an extra surprise for all of you that I will reveal at the end of the night. For now, please enjoy yourselves and take pride in the amazing things you've done this year." He bowed and music began to fill the room, he had decided to use his magic to create the music. Made it easier than finding outside musicians and making sure they understood the need for secrecy. Several couples began to fill the floor and once again his eyes moved to the doors. He frowned, she should have been here by now...shouldn't she? His ears twitched as he thought he heard her voice. He turned around, but didn't see her anywhere. His frown deepened as he watched his guests. None of the others seemed to have heard anything, which meant it was his heightened senses that picked up the sound. Then his heart plummeted as he was sure this time it was her. Worse yet, she was screaming in fear. Without a second thought he teleported into her chambers and shouted for her. "Fluttershy! Darling I heard a scream!" He looked around the sitting room and was about to burst into the bedroom, when she walked out and gave him a sheepish smile. He froze, she was breathtakingly beautiful...the gown he had given her made her eyes glow brighter. Her mane was braided and pulled over her shoulder, with flowers woven in her hair. He shook his head to focus on what had brought him here in the first place. "Oh I'm so sorry...I just thought...thought I saw a shadow move in the room…it was only a mouse...forgive me my lord." She whispered and blushed slightly. He began to relax then stopped. My lord? She usually only calls me that in a teasing way…but this time... He shook his head again and smiled down at her. He lifted her hoof and smiled at her, he placed a soft kiss on it and met her eyes. Something inside him froze, there was no heat...she was smiling at him, but there was no heat behind her eyes. His smile fell a bit, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside. "Well, I'm just grateful that it turned out to be nothing. So my dear are you ready to make our grand entrance?" He asked as he straightened up. She giggled and nodded at him, he smiled at her as she flew up and tucked her hoof in his arm. Again, something odd pricked the back of his mind, but he couldn't place it. He decided it was just his nerves, he snapped his fingers teleporting them to the ballroom. She felt like she was rocking. Fluttershy groaned at the pain in her head and opened her eyes slowly. She shut them again at the pounding pain behind them. Taking a deep breath she forced them open again and looked around her. She gasped as she realized she was inside a carriage used to transport prisoners. She whimpered as she tried to rise to her hooves and was thrown to the side by the movement of the carriage. "Discord…" She whispered and began to cry, she felt so weak and helpless. She sat there and cried harder. Then she thought of him, his smiling face and the love shining in his eyes as he looked at her. She stopped crying and glared her cage, she wouldn't give up. She had to get out of here and back to Discord, she had to protect him from that creature. Black Widow had said she planned to use Discord for something, but not if that meant she would harm him. The idea sent panic and rage through her blood, she felt an instinctive need to protect him. She forced herself back up and this time was able to wobble to the bars on the door. She lifted herself up to look out and was grateful for the full moon. She looked back and could still see the castle, she wasn't that far away yet. "If I can get out of here I can get back to him...but how do I get out?" She looked down and noticed there was a keyhole on the door. She started to look around for something that she could use to pick the lock. Something that Rainbow Dash had shown her after she had accidentally locked herself in the cleaning closet. Fluttershy let out a cry of frustration when she couldn't find anything. She put her hooves over her head and gasped as her right one brushed the pin in her hair. 'Oh Princess...I can't take this from you, it belongs in beautiful hair like yours.' 'Nonsense darling, oh and call me Rarity...after all soon you will be a queen. Tonight you deserve to look and feel like a princess.' Fluttershy quickly undid the rose pin, tears running down her cheeks at her sudden luck. She bent back the pin, silently promising to replace it for Rarity. She didn't have anything else to use, she bit her lip. Rainbow had told her it required two pins to get through the mechanisms of a lock. She sent a silent prayer that one would be enough this time. Discord watched with great pride as Flash walked over to Queen Celestia. The stallion bowed before the alicorn. "Queen Celestia. I know I may not be a stallion of high station, but I…" "You can stop right there Sir Flash…" Celestia said in a cold tone. Discord glared at the queen, but before he could intervene she began to laugh. She had Flash rise and used her wing to push Twilight closer to the stallion. Both blushed as they bumped into each other, making the other mares laugh as well. "I was wrong before to try and keep you two apart. Flash Sentry, you have proven to be a stallion of honor and pure heart. I believe you are a stallion of the highest station and perfect for my darling daughter...because you love her as she is. I know she will be safe with you." Flash smiled brightly at the alicorn and took Twilight's hoof in his as he smiled lovingly at the mare. "I promise my queen, I will do everything in my power to make her happy until my dying day." Discord smiled at this and then frowned at what Flash had said...the pair faced the same problem he and Fluttershy had faced until Discord had cast that spell. The two were going to have a race against time. He wondered if he could do it again with Flash? Probably not, but he could try something else, maybe he could help Twilight do what he had done with Fluttershy. He was about to move towards them, when he felt her pull at his sleeve. He smiled down at her and felt his heart begin to swell. Heavens she had to be the most beautiful mare in the world. Then why does something not feel right? Almost like it's not the same as before? "Can you get me a drink my king?" She smiled at him and he returned the smile. Having figured she was simply being proper while in others company, by using his title, still he missed hearing his name come from her lips. He snapped his fingers and a glass of their favorite tea appeared in his claws. He handed it to her and saw confusion pass over her eyes before she smiled up at him and took the cup. He smiled as she raised the glass to her soft lips, he was suddenly envious of the porcelain. He frowned in confusion when her muzzle scrunched up and she coughed out the drink. "Is something the matter my dear? Is it too hot?" He asked worried as he took the cup back from her. She frowned at him, "It's not too hot...it's awful tasting, what is that?" His mouth fell open as he looked at her stunned. He tried to speak, but all that came out was, "You...you don't like...but you...um...perhaps some...some different type of tea my dear?" She smiled sweetly at him, but he could see it didn't reach her eyes. Warning bells rang in his head, something was wrong... "Oh...it's okay my lord...I'll just go get a glass of wine from the drinks table...try not to miss me too much." She winked at him and flew off to the table, slightly swishing her tail at him. However that was not what he focused on...something was really wrong! Fluttershy hates wine, why is she drinking it now and refusing the tea...a tea that she had made a habit of drinking almost every night for the past week. "It doesn't make any sense…and not in a good way..." He muttered and walked over to Flash. He placed a smile on his face as he approached the group. He wrapped his lion arm around his friend and said, "Congratulations dear friend! I will have to give you two an early wedding present later. I'm so happy that you managed to catch such an amazing mare." He winked at Twilight who giggled and blushed before smiling at Flash. Discord leaned closer and whispered into the stallion's ear. "I need to speak with you alone for a moment." Flash looked up at him worried when he noticed the look in his king's eyes. He nodded and followed Discord out onto a balcony. Discord closed the glass doors behind him and frowned. "What is it Discord?" Flash whispered, seeming to pick up on the need for secrecy. Discord turned around and looked at his friend, his instincts were kicking in and he couldn't explain why, but he was going to try. "Something is wrong Flash. I can't put my finger on it, but Fluttershy is acting strangely." Flash relaxed at this and smiled at Discord, which only made him frown further. "Oh is that all? Discord, surely you're looking too deeply into this? Fluttershy is probably just nervous about tonight. She knows that you are going to announce to all that she is the new queen of Draconia. Relax friend, you worry too much." Flash smiled as he patted Discord's shoulder and re-entered the ballroom. Discord however stayed out on the balcony and looked out over his kingdom. No, this wasn't just nerves. Something was really off, his gut was telling him that it wasn't right and his instincts were rarely wrong. He looked out and felt a sudden urge to fly off...as if to chase after something. Tonight should be one of the happiest of my life. I have the love of my life with me tonight, but...but it doesn't feel the same. Fluttershy is acting so off tonight, she's being almost cold to me. Not once have I seen the heat in her eyes or felt her shiver at my touch. Why can't I put this feeling away, why can't I stop thinking that I shouldn't be here? Like I should be out there somewhere...looking for something...but...what? What is happening to me? Why do I feel like I've lost something without knowing it? "Oh there you are...I was starting to think you had run off on me." She giggled behind him and he turned. She flew out to join him on the balcony and smiled brightly up at him. He smiled down at her and told himself to stop being so foolish. Fluttershy was here, she was his and after tonight they would be together forever. He moved his paw over her hoof and she flinched. It was small, but he caught it anyways. He reached up and firmly grasped her chin making her look at him. "Darling...what's wrong? You haven't been yourself tonight? Is everything alright?" She smiled up at him and whispered, "Just nervous my love...after all...everything changes after tonight." His hold softened, Flash had been correct once again. She was only nervous about his announcement. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, still enjoying the way she fit against him. "There's nothing to be nervous about my love. After tonight we will belong to each other and nothing can come between us." He leaned forward and placed his lips against hers. He groaned at the touch, but hesitated when he started to deepen the kiss...something inside him told him to stop...he pulled back frustrated with himself suddenly. Why did that feel wrong? What in the hell is going on!? Why just now, did I feel like I was betraying my love for Fluttershy...with Fluttershy? He looked down at her, hoping for some sign that would put this crazy sensation to rest. She just sat in his arms smiling up at him, but again there was no fire in her eyes. She wasn't looking at him as she had that morning. He groaned again in frustration, unable to put this feeling to rest. He felt like...like… Like this isn't MY Fluttershy… He frowned again and as if sensing his inner thoughts she pulled out of his hold, tugging on his claws. "Come on Discord...dance with me." She whispered and this time there was some added heat to her gaze. He brightened a bit at her invitation, he had been looking forward to holding her in his arms again. Dancing with her on the roof had felt so right, so perfect. It was exactly what he needed to put this strange feeling aside. "It would be my honor my darling." He purred and brought her back into the ballroom. He led her to the center and all the other couples left to leave the two alone on the floor. He snapped his fingers so that the music would slow for a waltz. Now the room was filled with nothing but soft violins playing. The exact same rhythm and pace as when they had danced together on the roof. His smile brightened as he remembered the way she had rested against his chest when they had danced together for the first time. He bowed to her and she curtsied to him before moving into his arms. He smiled down at her as he moved around the floor, pulling her along with him. He heard several mares sigh and he saw Flash smiling brightly at the two of them. He glanced to the side and noticed many of his servants eyes widening as well as their smiles. No doubt they were realizing how special the mare in his arms was and who, by the end of the night, she would be to them. His eyes returned to hers and he felt himself relaxing with her in his arms once more. Yes, the feelings he had been experiencing before were nothing but his imagination. Now he could focus on their future together, he leaned closer and whispered into her ear. "You look absolutely amazing my darling. You're the most beautiful, kind, and passionate mare I know." She giggled at this and the sound made him smile. She tilted her head and looked up at him smiling, then she whispered to him. "You look really handsome as well Discord...as does this ballroom. The music...it's all so perfect for our first dance." He almost tripped and stopped moving as he frowned down at her. "What...what did you just say?" Fluttershy cried out again in frustration as the pin snapped in half. She threw it away from her and began to cry once more. She wasn't even sure how long she had been trying to pick the lock, all she knew was that she had failed. She lifted herself up again to see how far away the castle was. Her heart broke when it was nothing but a distant shadow. They were in the outskirts of the kingdom now, there was nothing around them except trees lining the path. What would normally be beautiful scenery was now an ominous setting. Fog was rolling in and settling along the ground, creating a blanket of mystery and danger across the land. She placed her forehead against the door and began to cry harder. She had to get back to him, but her one idea had failed. She looked up and whispered into the night air, "Discord...I'm so sorry...I'm sorry I'm so weak and can't help myself get out of this...I really am a helpless nobody…" That's not true… Once more she heard his voice telling her that, just as he had under his tree, when she had really begun to fall for him. She looked to the castle again and felt a surge of courage and strength. It had to be her love for Discord, never had she been very brave or strong...until she met him. This had to be coming from the need to be with him again, to stop that changeling from tricking him. She took a deep breath and turned away from the door, telling herself over and over again. I can do this...I can do this… She lifted her back hooves and kicked them out against the door. She bit back the cry of pain as they made contact with the heavy wood. She steadied her stance and repeated the motion several times. Sweat was building on her body and her breathing grew heavy, her legs began to shake from the effort to kick the door open. However she didn't quit, she couldn't, not if she wanted to get back to him. She lifted her hooves one last time, gathering all the leftover strength she had and...was thrown forward as the carriage came to a sudden stop. She groaned as she slowly lifted herself back up and looked to the door. She heard a key turning in the lock and froze. The door opened and 'Blueblood' was standing there, the changeling must have changed back to make leaving easier. She glared at him and he returned the stare as he sneered at her. "What are you doing in here? You're causing such a racket and I don't like it." He moved into the cage and levitated a rope to her. In a rush of adrenaline Fluttershy spread her wings and charged at him. She slammed into his chest, catching him off guard and the two went tumbling out the back of the carriage. Fluttershy was fortunate to come out on top and took off, galloping away from him. She heard him rise to his hooves and follow behind her, she gathered all her courage and it pushed her to run faster. However, when she felt her hooves being lifted off the ground she cried out in fear. She looked back to see him grinning at her as he used his magic to bring her to him. She struggled against the hold, but it was no use. He dropped her at his feet and snarled at her, "Now listen here...I don't want anymore trouble out of you or else." She glared at him and then tried to jump at him again, but he smacked her with his hoof throwing her to the side. She groaned and tried to stand up, but felt his body move on top of hers, holding her down. She began to shout and he chuckled at her, "Who are you yelling for my pretty, little thing? There's no one out here but us...in fact...you may be even prettier than Princess Fleur ever was. She was a lot of fun before we had to get rid of her. Maybe I can convince Black Widow to let me keep you for a little while too. I may have been a fool to think she actually cared for me, but now that her stupid spell has worn off...I got to thinking. Being on her good side is definitely the smarter move...she'll have the king's powers on her side once she marries him...so maybe as a reward she'll let me play with you before I have to finish you off." Fluttershy shivered and began to double her efforts to get away. She cried out, "Please! Help me!" 'Blueblood' began to laugh again, Fluttershy felt him nuzzle her mane and she cried out again. He only chuckled and the sound made her shiver more. In desperation she twisted her body and swung her hoof. She was happy when it made contact with 'Blueblood's' muzzle, knocking him off her. She shot to her feet and learning from her mistake before avoided the path. Instead of continuing on the path she ran for the cover of the trees on the sides. She ran through the trees, still trying to head towards the castle and away from 'Blueblood'. While she was running she heard crashing behind her and ran faster, she felt tears run down her cheeks. She sent a silent prayer to her love hoping he would be smarter than Black Widow gave him credit for. I just have to believe that I was right! She won't fool him! Discord will see through her, he will... Discord...please...realize the truth! Come find me! Discord let go of her and took a step away. Everything now inside of him was crying out in warning. The other things that were off he could attribute to nerves, but not this...not something that she...he must have heard wrong! "What did you just say?" He muttered again, hoping he had heard wrong. The music stopped playing and the others were looking at him worried. All his servants could see that their king was growing more upset, even if they didn't know why. Discord stood there staring at her, his hands balled into fists as he waited. She began to shake as she looked up at him, "Discord...what's wrong...why did you…" "What did you just say?" He repeated, his tone growing harsher than before. She looked up at him and swallowed then whispered, "I was just saying how all of this is the perfect setting for our first dance and…" He shot forward and grabbed her shoulders in a harsh grip. He moved so quickly none of the others knew what was happening. He slammed her against one of the pillars, she let out a cry in pain, but it fell on deaf ears. He snarled at her and she began to cry, "Discord stop! You're hurting me!" "Not nearly as much as I will if you don't tell me where she is." He hissed. Fluttershy's head shot up and he saw something flash quickly through her eyes, disbelief. He growled louder, she had just given herself away further. He growled, baring his teeth at her and snarled, "Where is she? What did you do with Fluttershy?" "Discord please…" She cried, still holding the guise. He lifted his claws, determined to make her say the truth when he was knocked back. He was forced to release her as he fell back on the floor. He looked up to see Flash standing between him and Fluttershy. "What the hell is wrong with you!" Flash shouted at him and Discord snarled pointing at the imposter shouting. "That's not Fluttershy!" The others gasped and turned to look at the pegasus, who was breaking down crying. "Please Discord...why are you doing this? It's me, please stop this...Discord…" He rose up again and snarled at her, he took a step forward and Flash moved further between the two. Discord glared at the stallion and hissed, "Flash move...that's an order. This is not my Fluttershy, but I intend to find out where she is, and not even you will stop me." Flash seemed to hesitate at this, but stood his ground to the king. The two had never had a problem with each other before and Discord would hate for it to come to this. However if Fluttershy was in trouble nothing would keep him from getting to her. He would find her and go through anyone in his way...even his best friend. "Flash...move...now…" His tone was calm, but all the more menacing for it's quiet tone. There was a stillness in the room that caused a wave of fear to spread through his servants. He could sense it, for the first time in a long time, they were afraid of him. He was truly terrifying in this moment and he didn't care if they all hated him after, his love was missing and to hell with the consequences, he would find her. He jumped at Flash determined to knock the stallion out of his way. He was shot to the side by a sudden bolt of magic. He groaned, rising to his feet then looked over to see Twilight had moved next to Flash, her horn still smoking from the blast. He snarled at her too, "Can't you see she's a fake! That's not Fluttershy! Dammit Twilight, you of all ponies should see this!" She glared at him and moved to stand in front of her cowering friend. He glared at the imposter, who was crying while she looked at him with Fluttershy's big, doe eyes. She was playing the weak card to the max, trying to convince him that she was his Fluttershy. If you wanted that you should have done your homework better...You clearly don't know about all the time me and Fluttershy spent together...wait… He pointed at the mare and said, "I can prove it!" This froze the two and they looked back at Fluttershy. "Please Discord...don't do this anymore...just stop!" She shouted and buried her face in her hooves. He took a step closer and whispered, "What instrument do I play?" Her head shot up as she looked at him, there was no mistaking the worry in her eyes. She swallowed and stammered, "Um...I...you…um." She was backing up as he advanced and at her hesitation even Flash was staring at her strangely. "Fluttershy? You have to know that…" She looked at him and then cried, "I can't...I'm too scared to focus!" "But that's an easy one...if you were really Fluttershy!" Discord shouted moving closer, Twilight moved to block his path, but he could see that Flash was starting to shift sides. "Well can you answer the question?" The stallion asked looking at the mare suspiciously. She turned to look at all the servants and swallowed. She thought about it and then shouted, "Fine! The damn violin!" Discord growled and Flash also moved to stand at his side. "Twilight...get away from her…" Flash whispered as he glared at the mare. Twilight looked at her friend, even she was starting to glare at the other mare. Fluttershy had told her about Discord playing the piano for her several times, there was no way Fluttershy wouldn't know that. She stepped away from the mare to stand beside Flash. Now the queens were moving to stand around the mare as all the others watched to see what would happen. "Where is she?" Discord hissed and seeing she was caught the imposter bared her teeth at him and shouted in anger. "NO! It's not possible! How could you see through it! No one can see through this magic, no one ever has!" Green flames engulfed the mare and in Fluttershy's place stood a tall female changeling. Celestia and Luna who were standing behind the creature growled thinking they recognized her. "Chrysalis!" Celestia shouted and started to move forward when Discord laughed. They looked at him oddly as he grinned at the changeling. "Chrissy wouldn't come here...we have a treaty between us, her kingdom provides us with their special honey even I can't make. She couldn't afford to lose me as a trading partner, my wealth is bringing her kingdom back after the wars. No, Chrissy has been trying, unsuccessfully, to get me to marry her the normal way...she's not foolish enough to tempt my anger. You however Black Widow...you are still too young to know better." The queens took a closer look at the changeling and realized he was right. This one was younger looking and had red slits. The changeling snarled at Discord, "How did you see through it? Mother said no one is powerful enough to see through it!" "Didn't your mother teach you to know the pony you become before you try and pose as them? It's one of the most important changeling rules...no wonder she disowned you..." He growled, "Now I will only ask this once more...where is Fluttershy?" She glared at him, then threw her head back and laughed. She flew into the air and before they could stop her she shouted, "Good luck finding her before my friend takes care of her you fools!" Then in a flash of green fire she was gone. No! Dammit how am I going to find her in time now? She could be anywhere! She could already be...dead... Discord felt pain and fear slice through his heart. Flash moved away from the king's side and reminded Discord why he relied so heavily on the stallion for support. "Fluttershy is in trouble, you now know what she looks like! Our future queen needs us men! We must find her and bring her home! " Flash shouted and the guards moved forward and looked to Discord for their orders. He nodded and rose to his feet, standing to his full height he shouted, "Search the kingdom, spread out across the entire area and check every corner! Find her!" The stallions rushed from the ballroom and without a second thought Discord turned to rush out onto the balcony. He spread his wings and took to the skies, understanding his earlier feelings now. His heart had been calling out for her and he had been stupid not to listen to it sooner. He glanced to the side and noted that Flash was flying closely behind him. The stallion nodded and Discord returned the nod before flying faster towards the outskirts of his kingdom. He was trusting his gut and letting it guide him, hoping that it led him to her in time. "Fluttershy...I will find you my darling…"