Apple Bloom felt anger towards Zecora. The zebra was making her life so much more difficult than it needed to be. Apple Bloom was now the supreme ruler of Equestria. Every pony needed to do what she desired... no, every pony was too narrow... everyone needed to do what she desired. Zebras included. Also demon centaurs such as her father. The alicorn filly decided that she wouldn't let anyone get in her way. Zecora was locked up in the dungeon now. But could she forgive Tirek? Apple Bloom knew that Zecora was right about what Tirek had done. A part of Apple Bloom wanted to forgive Tirek since Cherry Blossom was such a fool for not adhering to Tirek's will. Tirek, Cherry Blossom, and Apple Bloom could have been a family - a family that could have brought Equestria to its knees years ago. However, what could happen to Apple Bloom if she chose to disobey her father? Would Tirek kill her too? Tirek was clever, powerful, and ruthless. He could kill his daughter, and he would be a tough kill himself. Apple Bloom wasn't one to bend to anyone's will. She was so confused.
Suddenly, Apple Bloom heard light-hearted but chilling laughter. She recognized that voice. Could it be? Anyone but him.
The alicorn filly turned around and saw that there was Discord, the draconequs who was also the master of chaos. She groaned. Apple Bloom needed to create order, not chaos.
"Oh my, you have grown so much."
"Go away."
"Oh, I am hurt. I thought we were friends."
"Huh? Fuck no. Ah think ah never gave any bit of indication we were friends. Perhaps, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo did, but ah'm not exactly a Cutie Mark Crusader anymore."
"I can tell. I must admit though that your cutie mark does terrify me somewhat. I always thought the tall tales of earth ponies were the most real."
"The pegasi got their wings, the unicorns got their horns, we are grounded in reality."
"You are most fortunate. Now you have all three."
"How perceptive of you. How would you like to die? I could bring you to my daddy."
"I don't think I will be visiting Tirek today."
"I will bring him to you if you don't leave me the fuck alone. Don't you see ah'm deep in thought?"
"Yes. In fact, I am here to help."
"Your help won't do any good. Ah can handle this on my own."
"Oh, you underestimate me."
"I simply choose to ignore you", she said turning away.
"It appears you have lost sight of your vision. Tell me. Why did you kill Snails in the first place over a year ago at Froggy Bog Pond?"
Apple Bloom refused to give Discord any satisfaction, but Discord continued to talk.
"I think I know why. Didn't you want to make the world a better place? Didn't you want to get rid of all that was wrong in the world? Was power ever part of the equation for you, Apple Bloom? It certainly is part of your father's equation. The world is a darker place now. You wanted to get rid of those who are weak of mind and weak of heart. But now, Celestia is dead. Twilight is no longer an alicorn. Luna and Cadence are defenseless."
"Those around me rejected my vision", responded Apple Bloom angrily, "besides, the princesses were naïve. They would let the undesirables roam freely without any punishment. It is better if I rule. It's the only way my vision can truly come into reality."
Discord shuddered. Apple Bloom did have much of her father in her, but perhaps he could still help her. He hoped she had some of her mother in her. Perhaps, Discord could get Apple Bloom to trust him.
"Ooh", said Apple Bloom with a devilish grin, "did ah scare the almighty master of chaos?"
"Not at all. To the contrary, I think I have figured out what you really want. Is it the world we live in right now?"
"Once everyone does exactly what I say, the world will be a better place."
"Even Tirek?"
"Yea, even Tirek."
"How do you expect to accomplish that?"
"Tirek trusts my judgment and ideas."
"I thought so too once."
"Tirek is my daddy. He loves me."
"I hate to bring up such a sensitive subject, but do you know how your parents died?"
"My dad is still alive."
"You know what I mean."
Apple Bloom groaned.
Discord laughed to himself. This would work. The alicorn filly knew the true story and what Tirek had done.
"Do you think your father will let you accomplish your vision the way you want it?"
"Of course."
"I didn't realize Princess Celestia was such an undesirable."
"She enabled the undesirables."
"Who is safe under your reign?"
"Whoever lets me and Daddy rule the world."
"I certainly have no desire to stop you. I am simply asking questions."
"Your questions are annoying. You can stop them."
"Very well then. My last question is what will happen if your vision clashes with Tirek's?"
"I know exactly what you are trying to do, Discord. It isn't going to work on me. Ah have an off-the-charts IQ and know when somepony is trying to push me into a direction. You want me to kill Tirek, because he tricked you into helping him. I am not you, Discord. I am not a pawn of Tirek. Rather, I am the daughter of Tirek. My father has been selfless in his desire to help me be the best mare I can be."
Discord began to laugh hysterically. This draconequs is mad, thought Apple Bloom.
"Wow, I am amazed you can say that with a straight face. Tirek cares for nobody but himself. He treated me the same way he is treating you right now. Do I really have to spell it out to a mare with an off-the-charts IQ?"
"You're wrong, Discord. Get over it." Apple Bloom realized at that moment how cowardly she was. She wanted to kill Discord right there. The desire to see Discord lose his life was burning inside her. She couldn't take that action though. Someone like Discord doesn't survive as long as he did without knowing real well how to preserve one's self.
"Do you have any proof that I am wrong?"
"Do you have any proof that you are right?"
"I suppose time will tell on this one. If I am right, you have everything to lose."
"You're pathetic. You just keep on trying to mess with my head. I am sure it works wonderfully on lesser ponies, but you are talking to the supreme ruler of Equestria."
"I suppose I wasted my time."
"Yea, you did."
"Very well, I'll leave you to your royal duties." Discord vanished into thin air.
The alicorn filly sighed. She realized that she was so focused on what she wanted that she never took the time to really think about what Tirek wanted. Apple Bloom would never admit it to Discord, but her mind couldn't stop thinking about it. What were the odds Tirek would betray his own daughter? That would affect Apple Bloom's next plan of action greatly.