CHAPTER 6
AN UNINVITED PEST
=Equestria Prime=
"Applejack really!" Rarity cried. "Couldn't you have exercised just a tiny bit of tact and sensitivity?"
“Hey!” Applejack yelled. “I’m not the one at fault here! If you'd seen how the Princess was actin' you'd 'a done the same thing!"
"You did pick kind of a bad time to butt in," Rainbow pointed out which earned her a nasty look from Applejack.
"Guys enough!" Twilight said. "This isn't helping." Following their disastrous attempt to reason with Celestia, Twilight and the others had gone out to the royal gardens to check on Applejack who was understandably upset at how she had been treated and had made it quite clear she didn't want to discuss it until Pinkie and Rarity got back.
"Indeed," Luna agreed. "Rather than argue, our efforts would be best spent on ways to gain access to that mirror shard."
"I'm afraid that there's little chance of that happening," Cadance said. "I talked to one of the guards before we came out. And from what he's heard, Celestia's ordered increased security around her quarters with instructions to arrest anyone who tries to enter without her consent."
"So then what do we do now?" Spike asked as Applejack stood up.
“I say we head home.”
“Applejack!” Twilight cried. “You can’t really mean that!”
"If the Princess wants to sit around and sulk like a spoiled little filly then that's her business. Until she changes her attitude, I don't want nothin' to do with her."
"But Applejack she didn't mean it," Fluttershy said. "Especially if she's under a spell like Tibbles told us."
“Besides,” Rarity added, “didn't you mention earlier that you knew how the Princess felt? How could you even think of leaving in her time of need?”
“First of all,” Applejack said, “you're gonna have to do a whole lot better than the word of a possum to convince me that somepony actually managed to put a spell on Celestia. No offense Princess Luna, but around Sweet Apple Acres, the only thing possums are good for is raidin' the chicken coop." From his seat on Luna's back, Tiberius leaned out and hissed at her. "Ah hiss yourself! Second, I do know how the Princess is feeling. But that don't give a pony the right to take it out on others. I never once did that after my folks died. Especially not to the ones who were tryin' to help me.”
“Okay everypony settle down!” Pinkie Pie interrupted, a bakery carton balanced on her back. "Luckily, Operation Sunny Side up is still proceeding as planned. I told Mr. Cake’s cousin that it was a special emergency order for the Princess and he agreed on short notice to make this custom six-pack of red velvet cupcakes with rainbow frosting!”
"That’s an interesting combination,” Spike said. "Even by my standards."
“Why do I suddenly have the chills?” Rainbow shuddered.
“Just leave everything to me,” Pinkie assured them. “Once Princess Celestia gets a mouthful of these babies, she’ll be back to her old self in no time.” Pinkie started to hop away but Cadance stretched out her wing and cut her off.
"Pinkie," she said, " I know you mean well but right now pushing Celestia any further is possibly the worst thing you could do."
“But these are extra fancy gourmet cupcakes! They don’t have any preservatives. If they don’t get eaten soon they’ll spoil.”
"Oh well that would be a shame," said a voice from inside the box. "These really are quite delicious."
"What the hay?" Rainbow wondered.
"Wow you guys heard that too?" Pinkie asked. "And here I thought I was the only one who spoke baked goods."
"Oh no," Twilight groaned as her hoof covered her face. "No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no! Not him! Not now!" As the others moved in for a closer look, the box began to tremble and shake on Pinkie's back before the lid snapped open and a long sinuous figure that looked as though it had been assembled from spare parts leaped out before them.
"Surprise!" he yelled as confetti showered everywhere.
"Discord!" everyone yelled.
"Hello everyone," the Draconequus said as he darted among them. "Long time no see. Twilight, love the new wings. Though I am rather hurt you didn't invite me to your coronation. Why I could have put on a musical number complete with singing fish, dancing candles, and a hyena parade."
"Wow," Spike said, "That actually sounds kind of..."
"Don't encourage him," Twilight grumbled.
"Hey!" Pinkie yelled as she looked in the box. "He ate all the cupcakes! Discord you jerk! Those were for Princess Celestia! They were expensive!"
"And they were worth every bit." Pinkie growled but Applejack held her back.
“Don’t give him the satisfaction,” she advised as Luna stepped forward.
"Discord, what is the meaning of this? As part of your release, Celestia made it clear that you were not to venture into Canterlot Castle unless specifically summoned."
"Well you're in a fine mood today aren't you Luna? And here I thought after your little display at the Summer Wrap Up Festival that you were the fun sister. What's the matter? Big Mac turn you down for a date?"
"Excuse me?" Rarity asked.
"Watch it buster!" Pinkie Pie warned. "We've got enough continuity issues without you starting a shipping war."
"Fine have it your way," Discord sighed as he teleported beside Fluttershy. "I was just in the neighborhood when I heard my dear friend Fluttershy was visiting the Princess. Now I ask you what sort of friend would I be if I didn't drop by to say hello? Oh by the way Fluttershy. I got your letter and I'd love to join you and your friends in celebrating all things sunny and summery."
"What was that?" Rainbow asked.
“Um, well he did miss out on it for 1000 years,” Fluttershy stammered. "It would have been mean not to at least tell him about it.“
"Exactly," Discord said as he stuck his tongue out at Rainbow. "Oh it'll such fun. We'll ride the Ferris Wheel, stuff ourselves with chili carrot dogs, play ring toss...fill the petting zoo with velociraptors."
"I heard that!" Twilight yelled.
"I really am happy to see you you Discord," Fluttershy said. "And I'm also glad you decided to come to the Summer Sun Celebration with us. But I'm afraid there may not be one this year.”
“Aw but I was looking forward to it,” Discord whined. “What a shame. And all because Celestia’s feeling cranky over a bad breakup.”
“It was not a ‘bad breakup!’” Cadance snapped. “You’d know that if you understood anything about how she....wait...how do YOU know about it?” Immediately, all eyes fell on Fluttershy who shrank under their gaze.
“Now now,” Discord assured them. “No need to get mad at poor sweet Fluttershy. I already knew what had happened. Although I did go to her for some of the more juicy details. That is what friends do right? Drop in and gossip with each other?”
“It’s true,” Fluttershy said. “He showed up at my house the night after we all got back. And he knew about everything. The mirror, the evil Princesses, even about Celestia and King Sombra."
“And just how DID you find out about it?” Rarity demanded.
“Well let’s just say I have my sources. I must say, I was certainly surprised to hear that Borelestia of all ponies was capable of such impulsive and reckless behavior. Why, in some parts of Equestria they're still talking about the disturbance her little fling caused. I can only imagine how her subjects might react if they ever GAAAKH!” From Luna's horn, a beam of magic had lassoed around Discord's neck and yanked him down to her eye level.
“If you say one word of this to ANYPONY,"she threatened, "I swear that I will personally banish you to the sun!”
“Hmmm, I guess lacking a sense of humor runs in your family." Morphing his finger into a key, Discord unlocked Luna's magic beam which dropped to the ground with a clang. "But no need to worry about that. I'm reformed remember? Sworn to use my powers for good rather than to reap chaos. Why I'd never do ANYTHING to dirty the Princess's good name. Why that would break my promise to Fluttershy."
“That's right,” Fluttershy agreed. “Before I told him anything, he swore that he'd keep it secret. He even made a Pinkie Promise.”
“Yes yes,” Discord said. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” From behind his back, Discord pulled out a cupcake which he promptly stuck in his eye before his eyelid stretched open, closed around the cupcake, and ate it. “Mm, delicious!”
“That’s disgusting!” Rarity grimaced.
“Wait a minute!” Rainbow cried. “Just how long have you been hanging around here?”
“Why Rainbow Dash whatever do you mean?”
“Don’t play innocent with us! This whole thing reeks of you! You hypnotized the Princess into acting this way just like you did with us didn't you!”
“What? Oh Rainbow how could you think that of me? And I thought we were friends now! Fluttershy!” he whimpered as his bottom lip stuck out. “Rainbow’s being mean to me again!”
"There there," Fluttershy said as she patted his paw. "Rainbow you really shouldn't accuse somepony without evidence."
"Makes more sense than somepony from the other world castin' a spell on the Princess," Applejack commented.
"There is some truth to that," Rarity added as Discord snorted in indignation.
“Fine then,” he huffed. “I can tell when I’m not wanted. If you aren't going to be civil I'll go back home then. But I guess that means you wouldn't be interested in THIS either.” Covering his eagle claw with a handkerchief, Discord yanked it away and the eyes of everypony present widened at the item he displayed to them.
"The mirror shard?" Twilight cried. "What are you doing with that?"
"Why I took it of course."
"Discord what have you done?" Cadance yelled.
"Yeah are you crazy?" Spike asked
“I can’t even believe you would be that low!” Rarity scolded. “Burglarizing a lady’s boudoir! Have you no sense of shame?” Rolling his eyes, Discord conjured a glass dome which he lowered over Rarity, sealing her and her voice inside as she raged and pounded against the interior.
“Ooh?” Pinkie asked. “Are we playing charades now?”
“Well that’s a fine way to thank me," Discord said as Applejack and Rainbow lifted the dome off of Rarity. "I go out of my way to help you and this is the appreciation I get."
"We were only going to study it!" Twilight yelled. "We weren't going to steal it! Now give that back!" She lunged for the shard but Discord casually tossed it from one hand to the other. Twilight then tried to fly over him to snatch it from above. But Discord casually stretched the arm holding the shard up into the air until her wings gave out and she collapsed to the ground.
"Still haven't gotten the hang of flying I see," he teased as Twilight fumed up at him.
“Discord,” Fluttershy warned, “You need to take that back right now. If the Princess finds out you took it she’s going to be REALLY mad!”
“Fluttershy please,” Discord said as he rolled the shard across his shoulders and onto his lion paw where he spun it on one finger. “First of all, I can certainly handle anything Celestia can dish out. Second, she won't find out because I created a double to leave in its place. Third, the whole thing was entirely her idea." Twilight and the others looked up to where he gestured and saw a flame feathered bird flying down to them from a nearby tree.
"Philomena?" Fluttershy asked. "What's going on?" Philomena chirped and gestured with her wings as Fluttershy nodded along. “Uh-huh. Oh I see.” Once she finished with her tale, Philomena leaned her head against Fluttershy’s breast and sadly cawed into her coat. “There there Philomena,” Fluttershy assured her as she put a hoof around her. “It’s not your fault. Somepony tricked you.”
“Fluttershy?” Luna asked. “What did she say?”
“She says that when Celestia had her nightmare, Philomena was led off by a male phoenix that disappeared after she heard Celestia scream.”
“A glamour spell,” Twilight said. “Whoever cast the spell on Celestia through the mirror must have wanted to lure Philomena out of the room before they did.”
“Excuse me,” Rarity interrupted. “But I’m confused. How could someone in the other world have known that Philomena was even in the same room as Celestia? Much less the type of spell to use on her.” As the ponies talked, Discord amused himself by balancing the mirror shard on his nose.
“What was that?” he asked, jerking his head so sharply that the shard slipped and fell. Twilight shrieked and Spike dove for the shard before it could shatter on the ground but Discord flicked out his tail and snatched it away. “You think that someone...oh no no no! You have it all wrong. Nothing CAME through the mirror. Rather...something WENT through. From our side."
"Wait what?" Twilight cried. "That's impossible!"
"Yeah," Pinkie agreed. "You'd have to be itsy bitsy teencie weencie size to even get through that piece."
"And even if one was as Pinkie describes," Luna added, "it's impossible to open the pathway without knowing the spell."
"Oh it's quite true my little ponies," Discord corrected. "You see, as part of my release, Celestia tasked me with monitoring and investigating any abnormalities in the rhythm of Equestria's magic. And some days ago I sensed an abnormality occur right here in Canterlot. Almost as if a hole had been punched through the flow of magic followed by something passing through it. Just like the last few times someone crossed out of our world."
"And you're only telling us this now?" Cadance asked.
"Well nopony asked did they? Besides, if I gave you all the answers you'd never learn to do things on your own. The point is, something, or somepony, was somehow able to open the mirror and then squeeze through into the other world where they are currently doing who knows what. And from what I've gathered so far, they also managed to cast a spell on Celestia, poor heartbroken thing. You know it's sad really. She's so caught up in putting on a brave face for everyone else that she can't even see what's going on in her own head. In any case, this shard is your only clue as to who is behind it all. It really doesn't matter to me of course. If breaking a few rules is so abhorrent to your sensibilities then I'll gladly put it back. That way, you can keep your conscious clear while the situation snowballs even further. The decision is entirely yours 'Princess'. So whatever will you do now?" Discord held the shard out to her and Twilight's reflection stared back at her from the polished surface.
"You aren't really buying this are you Twilight?" Spike asked. "This is Discord we're talking about."
"Yeah," Rainbow agreed. "Even if he's not behind it, he's probably just sending us off on a wild goose chase for a cheap laugh."
"I certainly wouldn't put it past him," Rarity said.
"And I'm still not entirely sold on this whole bit about Celestia bein' under a spell," Applejack added.
"But what he says does confirm what Tibbles told me and Princess Luna," Fluttershy argued.
"And who knows what kind of evil magic a wild goose could be capable of," Pinkie pointed out. To Twilight, her friends' arguments were little more than background noise. She wasn't sure if she trusted Discord or not. After all, just because he had promised not to cause chaos himself didn't mean that he had to intervene against it. But none of that changed the fact that they had no other leads to go on. And if Discord was right about someone crossing through into the other world then that meant the situation was far more dire than she originally feared.
"Give it to me Discord," she sighed. Discord smiled and released the shard as Twilight's magic levitated it to her side. "Everyone, I don't fully understand what is going on. But I do know this. The Princess I've seen today is not the same mare that took me under her wing and guided me my entire life. But it's not just because of losing Sombra. Something has deliberately twisted her into this. And while I don't like going behind her back, I will if it's the only way to help her. That's why I'm going to take the shard down to Star Swirl's library where it was first created. If there are any answers then that's where I'll find them. I won't blame you if this time, none of you want to get involved considering what might happen if Celestia catches us. But if you do, then don't do it because she's the Princess. Do it because you want to help her as you would anypony else." Twilight looked to her friends and awaited their answer; hoping for the best but prepared and willing to accept their refusal considering what she was asking of them.
"Let's do it," Spike finally said. "If the Princess needs help then I’m there, whether she wants it or not."
“You can count on me!” Pinkie cheered. "I can't stand seeing anyone being unable to smile. Especially if some big bully meanie pants is behind it."
“Here here,” Rainbow agreed. "Anyone who messes with the Princess or any of my friends has to answer to me. So let's find who's behind this so they can get what's coming!"
“Need you ask?" Rarity inquired. "A true lady always aides another when they are in distress."
“I don’t know if I’ll be of much use,” Fluttershy said. “But I’ll do whatever I can to help as well.”
“I’ll come along too,” Cadance said. “It's probably for the best if I stayed out of Celestia’s way for a while. Besides, I'd like to have a look at this library myself.” With the group united in their goal, all eyes turned to the one remaining pony.
“Applejack,” Twilight said as she approached her, "I know you’re upset. But we could really use your help with this.” Applejack looked to her friends and sighed in resignation.
“Alright sugarcube. I’m in. But let’s get one thing clear. I’m doin' this for you. Not the Princess. And you can bet that I’ll be expecting one huge heapin’ apology from her when this is over.” Twilight smiled in gratitude and embraced the farmmare.
“Thanks Applejack."
“And while you all do that,” Luna said. “I’ll stay here with Tiberius and Philomena to keep an eye on Celestia. That way, if anything goes wrong, I can send word to you through Spike.”
"Good idea Princess," Twilight agreed. "Okay everyone. We need to get down to Star Swirl’s library. The problem is how we’re going to do so without Celestia seeing us. Especially now that we have the mirror shard."
“Oh I believe I can help with that,” Discord suggested.
"Hey now wait a minute!" Rainbow cried as Discord snapped his fingers. In an instant, the world vanished in a flash of light and then seemed to move around them before the light faded and the ground dropped out beneath them. Twilight heard the others scream as they fell; save for Rainbow, Fluttershy, Discord, and Cadance who took their wings in time. Twilight attempted to do so as well but could only manage a few harried flaps before her wings failed her and she fell screaming into the same water the others had landed in. As she bobbed sputtering to the surface, Twilight saw that Discord had indeed teleported them into Star Swirl's library but had placed them mid-air above the pool in the main chamber.
"Oh dear!" Fluttershy cried out. "Are you all okay?"
"Whoopsie," Discord chortled. "Sorry. My aim must have been off."
"Yeah I bet it was," Applejack growled as she helped Rarity out.
"My mane!" the white unicorn wailed. Beside them, Pinkie Pie climbed on the bank and shook herself off before sticking her hoof in her mouth and blowing into her cheeks to puff out her mane and tail back to their usual fluffy appearance.
"You okay Spike?" Twilight asked as she pulled him up onto her back.
"Yeah I'm fine," he answered as she swam towards the shore. "For the record, this counts as my bath for the day. Wait a minute. Twilight? Where's the shard?"
"Oh no!" she cried as her head whipped in every direction. "Girls the shard! I lost the shard!"
"You mean this?" Discord asked as he waved it in front of her. "Luckily for you I was here to catch it. Whatever would you do without my help?" Twilight was about to tell Discord exactly what he could do with his help when Mr. Dustmop came running out from behind the bookcases.
"What in Celestia's name is going on over here!" he yelled. "Ms Twilight? Where did you come from? What's going on?"
"It's a long story," Twilight answered as she climbed onto shore.
"Um excuse me sir?" Fluttershy asked. "If you don't mind my asking, who are you and why are you down here?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Discord said as he stared the old unicorn up and down.
"Oh right," Twilight said. "Everyone, this is Mr. Dustmop. He used to work for Princess Celestia but she called him out of retirement to get Star Swirl's library cleaned up."
"I thought it looked less run-down in here," Rarity said as she did her best to re-curl her hair using magic alone.
"You worked for Celestia?" Cadance asked
"Yeah that's right," Dustmop nodded.
"That's strange. I don't really remember ever seeing you around the castle."
"I don't remember ever seeing you around the castle either."
"Fair enough," Cadance shrugged.
"Oh so you're a janitor?" Discord smirked. "Guess that explains the smell of cheap cleaner and minimum wage."
"You know I've been wondering where I recognize you from," Dustmop said. "Now I remember. You're that statue that used to be out in the gardens right?"
"Indeed I was," Discord gloated. "But Celestia in her wisdom and mercy saw fit to release me from my prison."
"That's good," Dustmop said. "That ugly thing ruined the whole garden." Applejack and Rainbow snickered but Discord glowered at the old unicorn.
"Clever," he said as he stretched out his tail and knocked over a nearby trash can, its contents spilling out onto the floor. "Oops! Clumsy me!"
"Hey!" Dustmop yelled.
"Discord!" Fluttershy cried. "That wasn't very nice!"
"Whatever do you mean? As a janitor, he wouldn't have a job without any messes to clean up. So out of the charity of my own heart I decided to ensure his continued employment!" With a snap of his fingers, Discord conjured a heavily stacked sub which he messily began to eat. "After all, whatever would we do without the working stallion?" he asked as he walked around Dustmop, bits of lettuce falling out of his mouth and from between the bread. "Why without them, Equestria would grind to a halt. I for one salute the working stallion and his selfless dedication to cleaning up after the rest of us. Making sure there's always plenty of work for them is the least I can do."
"I never thought unemployment could sound so good," Dustmop muttered. Discord opened his mouth to give another retort, but fell silent as his body suddenly jerked itself straight.
"Oh my!" he mumbled as a twitch crawled up his back. "That doesn't seem right."
"What doesn't?" Applejack asked as the Draconequus loosened up.
"I'm sorry everyone," he said. "But it looks like I'm back on the clock. We'll have to continue this later." Tossing the shard to Spike, Discord snapped his fingers and vanished without any further explanation.
"He's not coming back is he?" Dustmop asked.
"Let's hope not," Rarity answered.
"Um, I'm really sorry about Discord Mr. Dustmop," Fluttershy said. "I'm still trying to teach him the difference between joking around and being rude."
"It's fine," he told her as he swept up the mess. "What I can't figure out is where all this trash came from. I'm positive this can was empty."
"You get used to stuff like that around Discord," Twilight explained.
"I'd rather not if it's all the same. Well in any case, looks like you five had quite a bath. Why don't you all wait here and I'll get some blankets and some hot coffee so you don't catch your deaths of cold."
"That would be great," Twilight shivered.
"None for me thanks," Pinkie said. "That stuff puts me to sleep."
"You should try his hot cocoa then," Spike suggested. "Trust me. Mr Dustmop knows his stuff."
"I'll take a non-caffeine mocha latte cappaspresso if you don't mind," Rarity requested.
"Rarity," Twilight said, "I highly doubt Mr. Dustmop can make something like..."
"With steamed vanilla-flavored almond milk right?"
"Mr. Dustmop," Rarity smiled, oblivious to Twilight's perplexed stare, "I do believe you and I are going to get along just fine." A short while later, with blankets draped over them, the seven mares and dragon assistant warmed themselves up with the hot drinks that Dustmop had prepared for them.
"Woowie!" Applejack hollered. "Now that's a good cup 'a joe!"
"Sure is," Rainbow agreed. "Thanks a lot Pops!"
"Rainbow really!" Rarity scolded. "Have a little respect for your elders."
"Oh that's alright," Dustmop said. "At my age, it's a compliment if Pops is all they call you."
"Yeah about that," Spike interrupted. "Just how old are you?"
"Spike!" Twilight scolded.
"Well," Dustmop mused, "You could say that I've been cleaning up messes since long before any of you kids were born."
"Before Fluttershy AND Cadance?" Pinkie gasped, a goatee of hot cocoa around her muzzle. "Wow that IS a long time?"
"Excuse me?" Cadance asked as Dustmop guffawed.
"Ms. Pinkie, you're alright! Now if you don't mind my asking, why did you all teleport down here instead of using the door?"
"Well," Fluttershy said, "it's kind of complicated."
"You mean it has something to do with what's wrong with Princess Celestia?" he suddenly asked, causing Twilight to almost choke on her coffee.
"How much do you know exactly?" Rarity asked.
"I don't know the particulars," he answered, "but I'm not blind. For the last few days, to say that the Princess hasn't been herself would be an understatement. But even before then, it's pretty clear to anyone with an ounce of common sense that she was putting on an act to hide something was wrong. She and I parted ways a long time ago so I figured I didn't have any right to stick my snout into it. But even so, if she's in trouble and if there's anything I can do to help than I'd like to."
"Well that's the problem," Twilight explained as she wiped her chin with her blanket. "There is something wrong. We don't know what but we came down here to find out. I wish we could tell you more but we made a promise to Celestia that we wouldn't say a word of it to anypony. I'm sorry Mr. Dustmop but I'm afraid that we can't involve you in this. I think you may already know too much already."
"It's alright," he sighed. "I just thought for once I'd be able to do more than just sweep up afterwards. But I guess an old pony should remember his place." Dustmop hung his head and started to walk off when Cadance suddenly stepped forward.
"Hold on a second Twilight. Mr Dustmop, maybe there is a way you can help."
"Oh yeah?"
"I've got a feeling we're going to be down here for a while. And we can't risk going back up to the castle without garnering attention so we need someone who can run errands but won't attract suspicion."
"I get you. They see me running to and fro they'll just think that I'm working late down here. Alright. I'll stay out of your way so I don't learn anything I shouldn't. And if you need me to run for anything, just holler."
"Great," Applejack said. "You can start by getting us some grub. With all that's happened today I don't think any of us have had a square meal since breakfast. Can't work on an empty stomach ya' know."
"Can do," he beamed. "I know a place that has the best hayburgers in all of Canterlot. I'll be back as soon as I can." With his head held high, Dustmop trotted away on his mission.
"Nice work Cadance," Twilight said. "Okay everypony. Our first stop is the laboratory. We need to examine the shard and see if it's still capable of creating a doorway to the other world."
"Yippee," Rainbow groaned. "Boring sciency stuff. Oh well. You think this place might have some Daring Do books somewhere?"
Far to the south, in the arid wastes of the Badlands, Discord was in the middle of his own investigation. The icy chill up his spine had led him to a riverbank in the middle of nowhere. Something like that could only mean somepony was dabbling in some pretty dark magic; the kind he had last sensed back when the Crystal Empire reopened for business. Hopefully he could take care of this quick and get back before he missed anything. All my Princesses was getting good and he didn't want to miss a moment of his favorite new soap opera.
"Now what do we have here?" he wondered aloud. Whatever had happened it certainly left an impact. Nearby rocks had been charred black, the sand melted into pools of glass, and the river boiled like a tea kettle. But one thing was missing. Any explosion of power intense enough to do all this would have left traces of residual heat. But everything around him didn't feel nearly hot enough to sustain that level of damage. Even the river, despite it's bubbling, was cool to the touch.
"I don't like this," he said. "Not one bit." While confusing and surprising others was one of Discord's favorite hobbies, he himself did not relish the sensation. But even worse was that someone was infringing on his trademark. Random chaos was supposed to be HIS gimmick. The very idea that someone would dare try to move in on his act just because he had switched teams incensed Discord in a way that very few things could. And somehow, Discord couldn't shake the feeling that it was tied to that mirror shard.
"I think it's time the old stallion and I had a talk," he decided. At least that was what he planned to do before a chilling sensation rolled over him. "What on earth!" It felt as though he had been blasted with an arctic snow flurry but no wind was blowing. The sensation passed but now Discord noticed something else out of place. The hot arid smell of the desert had been overlaid with the scent of finely cut grass and spring flowers. It was the very same smell that had itched Discord's sinuses for 1000 years he had been trapped in stone.
"Well that's certainly peculiar," he said before an invisible force slammed into him and sent him flying backwards to crash into an invisible wall.