//------------------------------// // Clementine v Discord: Fall of Chaos // Story: Our Little Clementine // by MaxBeezy //------------------------------// Dang it, Mom and Dad, I don’t want to go to Aunt Fluttershy’s for the weekend! It’s not like I don’t like Aunt Fluttershy; I think she’s great. She’s kind, cool, good with the animals; it’s no wonder why Aunt Dash likes to hang out with her. Still, seeing those two together can be a bit funny, as Aunt Dash is so…well…hot headed, and Aunt Fluttershy is so…well…shy. If it was just me that had to stay at her place for the weekend, I would have been more than fine with it. I am more than capable of watching her pets and feeding them in a timely manner, no problem at all. It’s unfortunate that I’m not going to be alone. Instead, I’m going to be staying the weekend with…him. Discord. The god of chaos. I hate that guy. I’ve hated him ever since he dangled me in front of my family when I was just a little filly. I then watched as my daddy knocked him out with his cast leg. That was awesome; an event that I remember vividly and fondly. I also remember the time when he smacked Discord over the head with a chair. That was when he tried to scare everypony by taking on the form of Tirek. Big jerk. He deserved to get hit with that chair. Wish Dad didn’t have to apologize later, but love and tolerance and all that. Okay, okay, I thought it was KIND OF cool that he helped out at Dawning Shield and I’s last birthday; performing magic tricks with that pretty and super nice Applewood actress, Trixie. But that was ONE time. Still doesn’t excuse the fact that he can be a real punk. Now, I have to spend the weekend with him. Mom and Dad have business to attend to in Manehattan, something about her cutie mark glowing. It’s happened before, much to Dad’s amusement. I have taken to calling Mom “Glow Butt,” and Dad laughs every time. Normally, I’d be home with Aunt Pinkie as my foalsitter, or Slip Wing’s parents allowing me to spend the night over there, where Slip and I would play video games and watch movies. However, Aunt Pinkie, along with the rest of my aunts, all have the case of the glow butt, and have been called to other happenings elsewhere in Equestria. That would leave Slip Wing, but he and his folks have been in Applewood for the past couple of days. Oh, I wish I went with them! I love that city! I suppose the other option could have been grandpa and grandma, but unfortunately we didn’t think of that, especially when Fluttershy decided to speak up about her place. Now, I’m walking up to the door of Fluttershy’s house, where the god of dumbness is waiting. I’m fighting myself from running away and going back home, but I promised my family that I would do this, and I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I turned my back on my promise. Had to do the Pinkie swear and everything. The door opens after a couple of knocks, yet I can see nopony behind it. I can tell that this is going to end with some mischief, so I’m going to take my steps inside carefully. Aunt Fluttershy has already left, so I know she’s not home. Her house is still very nice. Has a few more pictures of Rainbow Dash and herself, but it still feels very much like her home. Still, I can’t dwell too much on her house’s appearance, there’s a god in here, and I have to call him out. “Alright, Discord. I know you’re in here, so come on out.” No response. Great. I think he’s not actually here, and this house is actually haunted. Oh man, I’m scaring myself! Knock it off! I’ll leave and come back later; it’s not time to feed the animals anyway. SLAM! Aw heck, the door has slammed shut. Oh colt, this is just like those scary movies my Dad would watch with Mom; Paranormal Activity, I think is what they’re called. I tried watching one, thinking that I was tough enough to withstand a few scares, but after it was over, I wouldn’t go to sleep. The dang air conditioning sounded like that noise the demon made when it was going to attack! Horseapples, Clementine! Stop scaring yourself! You’re twelve years old! You can’t keep getting scared of things! You gotta be brave, like Mom! EEP! Something is tapping at my back! It’s snarling, like a…a…A SNAKE!!! I turn and see a sizable serpent staring right back at me! AHHHHHH!!!! Dang it, Discord! I hate you so much! I’m going to smack it with my hooves! Take that you lousy snake! “Hey!” Discord emerges quickly from a dark corner in the living room. He doesn’t look too happy that I bucked the serpent in the face. “That was a perfectly good lamp!” I look at the damage that has been done, and see not a terrifying serpent, but a broken lamp. Sweet Celestia, Discord has gone and made me break Aunt Fluttershy’s lamp within two minutes of walking into her place, and it’s all thanks to this thingymabobber looking at me with a scrunched muzzle. It’s only funny when a pony is making that face, Discord; you ain’t doing me any favors with that expression. Slip Wing can kill it with his scrunchy face. It’s funny and kind of adorable. Wait, where was I? Oh yeah, I’m supposed to be talking with stupid-scrunch. “I wouldn’t have broken this lamp if YOU didn’t turn it into a snake that was trying to eat me!” I snap. “Oh please, Clementine. It wasn’t going to eat you. Maybe nip you a couple of times…” “THAT WAS GOING TO HURT!” “Not that much. You’re twelve years old, you’re a big filly.” “How about I bite your face, and see how you like it?!” “That’s not very nice.” Discord pouts with deserved sadness. “My lamp serpent wasn’t going to bite your face. Maybe a hoof, or your tail.” “I don’t operate under MAYBES, Discord. You know I don’t trust a word that you say.” “I have no idea why. I have never lied to you at any moment of your…” “Oh, hey Clementine!” I talk in that annoyingly condescending tone that Discord is known for, reminding him of a particular prank that he pulled on me a few months ago, before my birthday. “Go bob for apples! Oh wait, did I say apples? I meant PIRANHAS!” “They were docile…” “THEY WERE VICIOUS!” I shout at him. They were definitely vicious. One bit my muzzle. I screamed loudly as it was latched on there. It took Dad and a blowtorch to get it off. I ate good that night. Oh, great. I believe my eye is twitching right now. Talking with Discord for a certain period of time makes me lose my cool, and this time, it’s no different. “Oh, I see there’s no convincing you that I have been reformed.” He sighs in defeat. I know he’s playing. “Twelve years, and you still distrust me as much as you did when I dangled you in front of your family.” “Yeah, I wonder why.” “Listen, Clementine, I’m not going to pull any pranks on you any longer. No more snake lamps, no more Tirek transformations, and certainly no more bobbing for piranhas. I had to pay the store I rented the fish from, for the one that you and your father killed and ate. You have any idea how much a Piranha costs if you wanted to own one? Three hundred bits! Three hundred bits went down into your stomachs. I hope it was good.” “It was delicious, actually.” I smile at him in personal triumph. “Humph. You could at least ACT like that was a good chunk of my bank account.” “You don’t have a bank account. You can summon money whenever you feel like. Heck, you could have summoned the piranhas. I don’t even know why you bothered to rent them out. “I felt like being generous.” “Still, I bet you took those three hundred bits from an unsuspecting ponies account.” “Ditzy Doo didn’t notice!” He blurts. Heh, busted. “Okay, her husband did, and he smacked me over the head with his entire body. What is with everypony getting the courage to smack me?! I used to be feared! It was why the princesses encased me in stone!” “I thought it was because you’re annoying.” “Now you’re just being rude. I told you that I will no longer pull any life threatening pranks on you, and you’re still treating me like dirt.” “I’m not treating you like dirt. I could get a shovel and some apple seeds. THEN I can treat you like dirt.” “Wow, you’re violent. I bet you got that from your father.” “Keep pushing me, Discord.” I’m egging him on. I would love to get a swipe off at him. Doesn’t look like he’s taking the bait. Instead, he’s moving to the kitchen. Better follow him; he could be getting a knife or something. “What are you doing over there?” “Making food. Is that a crime?” “Is there poison in the food?” “Clementine, I cause chaos, not death. Poison is not my style. I bet Tirek would be a huge fan of that.” He says with a bit of bitter snideness. That’s right, Tirek betrayed him after he did his bidding. Stupid Discord, what did he expect, following a jerkface like that? Looks like he’s making some kind of vegetable plate. I better watch over him to make sure that he doesn’t add in some terrible ingredient. Yeah, he said poison isn’t his style, but he has to go a long way to get me to trust him. MMMMmmmmm…it smells good. That scent of the carrots and corn put together. Oh my goodness, it’s fantastic. No, no Clementine; don’t be won over because he can make a mean steamed vegetable plate, based on the scent. It could taste bad, for all I know. I sit down at the table, awaiting what the food will taste like. He walks over, placing the plate of vegetables down, and gives me a small smile. I can’t tell if he’s smiling genuinely or sarcastically. Well, if he did do something to the food, and I somehow end up in a coma, Mom and Dad will sort him out something fierce. I’m going to take a small bite. That piece of chopped up potato looks particularly inviting, so I’ll have that. Woah. He did something with this meal, alright. It tastes awesome! The perfect blend of spices and even a little bit of butter mixed in. Huh, looks like I made my liking known, cause he’s staring right at me with a bit of victory on his face. I better say something, because it looks like he’s waiting for my seal of approval. “It’s pretty good.” I say coolly. Yeah, I think I did an alright job. Hm, doesn’t seem like he took the bait. Shoot. “If you say so…” Discord smirked, and ate his own meal. Great, he knows I think the meal is fantastic. Oh well, one victory for him, I guess. I’ll eat the rest of the meal without any worry. No food poisoning for Clementine today. Yay! Time to feed the animals their lunch. Discord goes to feed the bigger critters, like that bear that scares the hay out of me, while I get to feel the little ones, like the chickens, and Aunt Fluttershy’s rabbit Angel. Feeding the chickens is rather easy. Just put the seed in the trough, and they feast like it’s their last meal ever. If Dad were here, it would be. Dad likes to eat chicken whenever we would go to his world, and seeing these fat birds would probably make his mouth water. I chuckle just thinking about it. Now, on to Angel. If there’s one being that I think is an even bigger jerk than Discord, it’s Angel bunny. I can think of many vulgar, vile, and hateful things to say about that rabbit, but I’m holding my tongue. He’s staring at me with impatience and hunger. I don’t think I was even like that when I was younger, and he’s older than me! I can’t believe he’s lasted this long, too! Equestrian magic, maybe? I mean, Dad still looks as he did when I was little, and Granny Smith, though not as active as she was a few years ago, is still kicking around, so maybe the same goes for animals, too. I place the bowl of rabbit chow in front of him. One look is all it take for him to kick the bowl back, and onto the top of my head. I may not find much nutritional value in meat, but I am very tempted to having a helping a rabbit stew for dinner. Maybe Discord will help me, he must have a grudge against Angel, too. Maybe… “Hey, stop thinking about murdering Angel.” Discord utters behind me. What?! How did he know what I was thinking?! Urgh. Fine, no bunny murder…today. I can’t promise anything tomorrow. Angel opens up a cookbook, showing me a picture of a very delectable looking salad. So, that’s what he wants for lunch. Little monster, like I have the know how to make such a dish. I can’t believe I’m doing this, but… “Discord…” I say with reluctance. “What?” “Angel wants a salad. He doesn’t want the bunny feed.” “And?” “Can you make it?” “You’re in charge of the little animals, not me.” Urgh. Angel is shoving the picture in my face now. Guess he wants me to make it. Discord is no help at all. I bite down on the book, and head to the kitchen, with the monster following me close behind. I read the instructions to the letter. Thank Celestia Aunt Fluttershy has all the ingredients I need. Angel is right next to me, thumping his foot on the ground impatiently. “It’s coming you…” I want to say something, but… “…little bunny foo foo.” comes out instead. He doesn’t care, he still thumps that stupid foot. Maybe I should follow that story and bop him on the head, preferably with a lightsaber, like those Star Wars movies Dad loves. Sure, it would cut him in two, but at least I would be happy. I’m finished. I place the salad down in front of him. Angel looks at it carefully. Seems as if he’s making sure I did everything right. Looks like I did, he’s munching down on the salad like a wild animal. He finishes, looks at me with a small nod, then bounces away. You’re welcome, varmint. KNOCK KNOCK. Who could that be? Please tell me Aunt Fluttershy has already finished with her trip. I know it’s only been an hour, but…. I open the door, to see somepony I definitely wasn’t expecting, but it’s not unwelcome either. “SLIP!” I shout. Wow Clementine, that wasn’t embarrassing or anything. Still, I hug the cute colt in my hooves. Dang, he feels a bit bulky lately, but in a good way. He must be working out. That’s to be expected of pegasi, so I’m assuming that he’s getting some flying training. He’s still a little soft, though, and his coat still feels a might comfortable. What am I doing now? “Good to see you, Clem.” He says. Dang, I love his deepening voice. It’s still very young, but he’s growing up faster than I am. He is almost a year older, after all. “What happened? I thought you and your folks were in Applewood.” “We were, but we came back. I thought I said we were going to be back by Saturday.” “I wasn’t listening. I was lost in your eyes.” SHUT UP MIND! PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER! Um… “Oh yeah. I’m sorry, I kind of forgot.” “That’s okay. I noticed you weren’t home, and Roseluck told me that you were at Fluttershy’s for the weekend. Maybe, you’d like to hang out? I got movies and games.” Slip pulls up a bag full of movies, and his video game system. He knows me too well. “That would be awesome…but…” “What?” “I’m…not alone.” “You’re not? Who’s with you? Is it Sky and Terra? Dawning Shield, maybe?” “No. That would be pleasant company. It’s…” “Hello.” Discord says behind me. GAH! Slip and I jump back, I’m pressed up against Slip’s chest. So comfortable, but dang it, Discord! If I was a bit more aggressive, there would be a chair on his face by now! “Discord!” I shout. “Sorry, is this a bad time?” “Discord is with you?” Slip says with mouth open. “Yes.” I reply in disappointment. “He’s here to help around the house, too.” “We’ve met before, right?” Discord puts his griffon talon hand out to shake. “You’re Slip Wing, Clementine's coltfriend, right?” “I….UMM….UHH…..GUH….!!!!” Slip and I are both stammering at the same time. I’m stammering even more, with “ERM…AHHHH….GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!” “HE’S NOT MY COLTFRIEND!!!!” I’m screaming. “He’s my friend, yes! But…NO! EW!” I snap my gaze to Slip, who seems to be a bit curious at my last word. Shoot! Did I just make him think I wouldn’t be interested in him?! Oh no! No, Clementine! Don’t do that! Save the possibility! You can do it! “I…I mean, umm…not ‘ew,” I mean…err…..just…no. We’re best friends…right…now.” “You did your best, Clementine.” SHUT UP BRAIN! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! “Right…best friends.” Slip nods. I guess I saved it. He shakes Discord’s hand now. Such a polite colt, even after all that embarrassment. “We met before, yeah. You transformed into Tirek, and Matt smacked you with a chair. Then my Dad found out you took money from Mom’s account, and he smacked you with…himself.” I see that he’s suppressing a laugh from that. Hearing that story for the first time made me almost die of laughter. “I can see stories of me being tackled are so hilarious around Equestria.” Discord harumphs. “Will you be staying long? I have some reading to do, and I don’t want you foals interrupting me.” Discord snaps his fingers, summoning a monocle, a smoking pipe, and an upside down copy of The Longest Trot by Pegasus Sparks. Urgh, I hate those stories. So schmaltzy. “Umm, I guess I could stay for only a couple of hours…” “He’s kidding, Slip, you can stay as long as you like.” “Are you sure? He has a monocle and everything.” “That’s just Discord being Discord.” I adore his company compared to Discord, so he’s going to stay in this house for as long as I want him to. Wow, that didn’t sound weird at all. Still, I take him by the hoof and lead him inside to the living room, where Aunt Fluttershy’s television is. For such a timid pony, she has a mighty impressive set up, though this could be Aunt Dash’s TV. We hook up Slip’s game system, and we immediately get to playing. Aunt Fluttershy doesn’t have a system, so seeing video games was a blessing. I probably should have brought mine, but I’m happy that Slip had the foresight to bring his. Guess he knew that I would forget. We’re having a blast with Super Smash Ponies, while Discord watches with disinterest, while making occasional glances at his book, which is still upside down. “These games are so violent.” Discord mutters, “It’s no wonder you foals are aggressive, though that might have something to do with your parents.” “My Dad isn’t that aggressive.” Slip smirks, “Only when somepony steals from him, or in this case, Mom. He once beat up a group of colts that were bullying her when they were younger, so I think you got off easy, since all he did was body you.” “You may be right. Still didn’t enjoy it.” “You’re not supposed to, that’s why it’s called an ass kicking.” Slip laughs. I laugh, too. “My goodness, Clementine.” Discord smiles. What’s he up to, now? “You sure seem chipper, now that Slip Wing is here.” “Cause he’s my bestie.” I scoff. “Of course I’d be happy when my bestie shows up.” “Seems to be more than that. You just scooted closer to him when you were going on about besties.” “I did?” I look at Slip. Discord is right, I did just get remarkable close to him without even knowing it. Slip doesn’t seem to mind, though. Does he like me, too? That would be so great! He probably doesn’t though. He’s only allowing me to do this, cause we’re friends. Then again, he did look at me a bit funny when I said “Ew” about Discord’s assumption that we were together. Oh, I don’t know anymore! “Hello? Equestria to Clementine.” “Quiet you!” I blurt out to Discord, going back to playing the game. Nailed it. “Argh! Beat me again!” Slip shouts as his character is knocked off the stage, and into the abyss below. Aw yeah, I am the best at Super Smash Ponies. Not to say that Slip isn’t good. When he’s playing other ponies, even with Sweetie Belle’s coltfriend, Button Mash, he’s quite skilled. Guess I’m just that much better. “I don’t what’s with you, Clem, but I can’t seem to beat you, no matter how hard I try.” “Don’t be so modest, Slip. You’re probably just letting me win.” “Yeah, right.” Slip laughs. “You have a natural talent.” Dang it, Slip. That compliment is making me blush. Stop it with your nice nature. I might just have to punch you for it. In the arm, of course...and softly, too. I don’t want to harm you too much. “Anypony hungry?” Discord asks, putting down his book. “You foals have been playing for hours.” “Yeah…I am a bit hungry.” Slip admits, with a well timed groan coming out of his stomach. “Good. Go feed the animals, and I’ll go get us some food.” Discord snaps his fingers, disappearing in an instant. Great. Slip and I are in charge of feeding ALL the critters. He was in charge of the larger animals for a reason. He’s bigger than us! “So…” Slip trails off, “Which animals are we supposed to be feeding?” “Discord was supposed to feed the big ones, like the bear and the larger birds. I’m supposed to be in charge of the smaller birds and Angel Bunny. Seems like we’re supposed to feed all of them, now.” “Oh…” Slip mutters quietly. He’s shaking in his hooves at the thought of feeding the bear. What a cutie. “It’s okay, sugarcube.” Oh sweet Celestia! I just called him ‘sugarcube!’ I’ve only heard it from Mom, whenever she’s sweet on Dad! “I’ll help you out.” And help him out I shall. We go to the smaller critters first; the birds, chickens and Devil Bunny. Only now, does he eat the rabbit feed that Fluttershy gave to me. Either because he was happy with the salad, or he had a relapse of being a nice bunny for once, I don’t know, and I frankly don’t really care. Slip and I go to the larger animals, such as the Eagles, and that big ol bear that hangs out in a makeshift cave. Hm, he doesn’t seem too bad. These animals’ food is in the fridge; large vegetables and fish are on the menu for these guys. I give a fish over to Slip, pointing over at the cave. I watch as he slowly and shakily approaches the living space; he looks primed to fly away at any moment, but he keeps braving forward. He’s brave, that’s for sure. Suddenly, the bear swiftly comes out, towering above Slip. “Uhhh….hi.” Slip says to the bear, who stares at him. “I brought you some food. Enjoy.” He holds the fish up. The bear leans down at the fish, sniffing it carefully, before snatching it with his massive jaws, and walking back into the cave. Once he disappears into the darkness, Slip hobbles around, trying to keep his hoofing together. “Oh wow. That was scary.” “I think you did a fine job.” I say. “I’d probably have run away when he came out of that cave.” “Believe me, I was going to.” “Hello? Did the animals eat you?” Discord says from inside the house. Looks like he’s back. Slip and I enter the house to see Discord with bags of take out from Won Ton’s Eatery. I have to say; he sure knows where the best food places are. Slip and I both smile at the thought of eating their delicious food, and rush to the dining room. Discord follows us in; I can see that victorious smile on his face. Eggrolls, chow mein, haystuffed dumplings with sweet and sour sauce! Oh, sweet Celestia! They all just melt in my mouth! Dang, Discord, you might just win me over yet if you keep acting like this. Of course, I fully expect you to prank me later on. Slip also has a look of satisfaction on his face, biting into a dumpling as if he hadn’t eaten in days. The food from Won Ton’s can do that to you. “I have to say, Discord. I think it’s awesome that you got this for us.” “Why, thank you, Slip Wing. It’s nice to feel appreciated for once. Clementine here has yet to show me any kind of appreciation for my deeds.” “Hey, I said your vegetable plate was good.” “But, you weren’t entirely honest. I could see that you thought it was delicious. I thought your mother was the Element of Honesty.” “True, but even my mother can lie every once in a while. She’s gotten pretty good at it, too. Why, when we was at my Dad’s place, she was able to spin a yarn without much trouble.” “Impressive, but I still would like some recognition for my culinary delights.” “Oh, fine…” I sigh. “It was delicious. There, you happy?” “Somewhat. I wish it wasn’t so reluctant. You need to work on that.” “Ughmerm…” I mutter. “Anywho.” Discord looks over at Slip, “So, Slip, are you excited for High School?” “Oh, um…yeah, of course I am. I’m surprised that you asked that. No offense.” “None taken, young colt. I’m just asking, because Clementine is also going to attend with you.” “Of course she is.” He smiles. “We were in middle school together, so it’s only natural that we go to high school together.” “Don’t you think it’s weird that you two will both be attending Canterlot High?” “No…why would it be weird?” “Discord? What are you doing?” I ask him. Discord glances back at me with a wink. Oh no, what IS he doing?! “Well, she could have easily chosen Applewood High, or Manehattan High. But, she chose the school that you are going to.” “Because Canterlot High is…well…in Canterlot, and Canterlot is awesome. Plus, we’re best friends.” “Have you ever considered being more than that?” DISCORD! I knew it! You’re up to something! You know! You know I like Slip! You’re trying to embarrass me! Stop it! Stop it now! “Being more than what?” “Best friends?” “What do you mean?” He can’t know yet! Not like this! Not in this way! I have to stop him! I must stop Discord before he says anything else! “It’s just that…I mean, Clementine has be—“ WHAP! CRASH! BOOM! I SMASH a chair over his head, knocking him out cold. Discord immediately slumps to the floor, tongue comically sticking out, and with a bump on the head. Wow, that escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hoof fast. It like jumped up a notch. I just knocked him out with a chair! I should probably lay low for a while, because I’ll probably be wanted for assault. “SWEET CELESTIA OF EQUESTRIA, CLEM!” Slip jumps back at the chair attack. “What the hay happened?!” “I’m sorry!” I shout. “I…I….there was a spider on his neck!” “What?!” “There was a big spider on the back of his neck!” “There was?!” “Yeah! It was gross and nasty! It was about to bite him! I had no time to warn him! I had to do something!” “So you hit him with a chair?!” “Slip, you don’t understand. It was a HUGE spider!” “Ew! Is it dead?!” “I…Umm…” I look down at the bottom of the chair, where Slip can’t see. “Yeah. It’s smooshed something fierce.” “Gross. I’ll clean it off…” “No!” I hold my hoof out to stop him. It works. “I’ll take it outside and wash it off with a hose.” “You sure?” “Yeah. Don’t worry about it. Help me put Discord on the couch.” Slip and I put the groaning Discord on the couch, and I take the chair outside to hose off the non-existent spider guts from it. Returning to the living room, Slip had placed an icepack on Discord’s head, helping the swelling for my impromptu chair assault go down. “How is he?” I ask. “He seems fine. The swelling appears to be going down, so that’s a good sign. I’m glad you gave that spider the what for, but I wished Discord didn’t have to get caught in the crossfire.” “Me too.” I say, using all of the strength in my body not to make that sound sarcastic. Slip begins to gather his things back into his bag. Hey, what’s he doing? “Hey, what are you doing?” “It’s getting late. I have to get home. Wish I could stay, but I told my parents I’d be back. Don’t want to worry them.” “Aw, that sucks.” “I’ll be back tomorrow, if you’re still here. If not, then I’ll stop by at your house.” “I’d like that.” Slip nods, turning to the door. He stops for a moment, then turns back to look at me. “Hey, Clem?” “Yeah?” Slip looks at me for what feels like a long while. I could get lost in those eyes for days, but something is interesting about them now. Like…like he wants to say or ask something important, but can’t get the words out. “Nevermind.” He smiles; guess he can’t do it. “I’ll see you later.” “See you later, Slip.” I wave, and just like that, he’s gone. With a sigh, I sit on the couch next to Discord. I stare at the oaf with annoyance. Even though he made a good meal, and bought an even better one, he STILL tried to pull something! I thought he was going to change! I thought… “That wasn’t fun.” Discord says. I scoot away from him quickly. He’s conscious?! “What?! You’re…” “Don’t be so shocked. I was unconscious for five minutes. I woke up in time to hear you say goodbye to your coltfriend.” “He’s NOT my…” “But you want him to be.” “Shut up! You said you weren’t going to try anything, and you lied!” “I said I wasn’t going to pull any life threatening pranks. Did you see any piranhas attacking when I was asking him questions?” “No. But still, you were trying to embarrass me!” “Oh please. If I wanted to embarrass you, I would have done worse. Like make you look like a ballerina, or have dancing candles and saxophone music playing when you and Slip were playing video games. Shoot, I probably should have done that.” “Then you would have gotten hit sooner.” “That is probably true.” A long pause between us. I don’t know what else to say to him. I suppose I can tell him more about what I jerk I think he is, but I think he knows that already. I give up. I don’t want to fight any more. I think the damage has been done…literally. “You want to watch some TV?” Discord asks. “Yeah.” Morning comes, and I wake up in Fluttershy’s bedroom. Wow, her bed was mighty comfortable. Maybe when Mom and Dad come back, I’ll ask them to get me a bed just like this one. KNOCK KNOCK Oh, who could that be, now? I go to the door and open it up. Again, I see somepony I wasn’t expecting, but the feeling isn’t unwelcome either. “Mom! Dad!” They’re back! So soon, too. I wasn’t expecting them until later on; perhaps when the sun went down or something. “So good to see you, Clem!” Mom hugs me. “I didn’t expect you guys to be back until later.” “We actually finished up business sooner than expected.” Mom says. “Spent the night in Manehattan before coming back. Fluttershy has come back, too, so you don’t need to stay.” “That’s good. I want to ask you…” One thing is catching my attention fairly quickly; Dad has a black eye. “Um…Dad? What happened to your eye?” “Oh, this? I had a bit of a conflict with a doorframe in the middle of the night. Didn’t enjoy it too much.” “Seems that we both had our share of injuries.” Discord appears with a bandage around his head. “Oh my!” Mom gasps, immediately looking at me. “Clementine! Did you do that?” “It was my fault, Mrs. Williams-Apple.” Discord admits with a dour tone of voice. “I was embarrassing poor Clementine in front of Slip Wing, and those Williams genes kicked in.” Mom looks over at Dad, who is raising his hands up in innocence. “Clementine, you still need to apologize.” Mom says sternly. “Okay.” I don’t like it, but I guess I should. “Sorry, Discord.” “Apology accepted, Clementine.” Discord smirks with a bow. “Now, I’ll tend to the animals. You go off with your family.” Discord and my parents say their goodbyes, and he shuts the door. I walk alongside Dad, as he and Mom discuss their plans for the rest of the day. I can’t wait to get home. Slip might come over for video games, so that will be fun. I hope Mom and Dad don’t ground me. Suddenly, I see Dad move his fist gently over to me. I look up at him, wondering what he wants. He glances down to meet my gaze, staring at me with a proud smile. Oh, now I get it. He wants me to hoofpound his fist. He’s actually happy that I used his abilities on Discord! I meet his fist with my hoof. Coolest. Dad. Ever.