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// Preperations 
// Story: Thieves' Gala 
// by DarkStarWolf53 
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The draconequus and unicorn end up in a bizarre dimension where the laws of physics seem not to apply.

"This your home, beastie?"

"Yes it is. And before you get any ideas about killing me while I sleep, no one can get here unless I bring them here. It's in a separate reality."

"You think I would attack you when your guard is down?" 

"As a matter of fact, yes."

"Oh come now, beastie, even I have some morals."

"It's not 'beastie', it's Discord!"

"You keep calling me a pony when I'm a horse, so I'm just returning the favor."

"I hate you."

"Feeling's mutual. Now then, do you have any black paint that will wash off my fur and not hinder my running?"

"No, but I can magic up some."

"And how do I know the stuff you use won't be poison?"

"Look, pinto, if I planned to kill you, I'd have done it by now."

"Perhaps, but perhaps not. We both know you are a demonic trickster."

"Look, I swear by all the powers of chaos this isn't a trap or a trick."

"Then I suppose I can trust you, at least temporarily."

"Just until the gala is over, then it's back to trying to kill each other. Which you seem to get some perverse pleasure out of."

"Look who's talking, Mr. 'I'll tear the flesh from your bones and watch you bleed'! Can't deny you said that to me, now, can you?"

"Touche." Discord snaps his claws and a can of black paint materializes.

"Ok, pinto. You go through with your plan, I'll get ready for mine."

"Whatever."

The pinto carefully paints the fur on the front half of her body black, from the base of her neck to the top of her hooves. Meanwhile, Discord snaps his claws and turns into an unassuming earth pony, the only sign of who he really is in his red-and-golden eyes.

"You about ready, beastie?" asks Storm, finishing up the last touches of her 'outfit' and grabbing her saddlebags.

"Almost," comes the reply. 

After a moment, Discord-in-disguise comes out of nowhere. He's wearing a very loud suit of plaid and stripes.

"You aren't going to blend in one bit in that outfit, beastie. Though, I must admit being an earth pony is a good idea- seems these sissy-ponies don't have as much respect for those without wings or magic."

"I know I won't blend in. But I need to express myself somewhere."

"Whatever. Incidentally, what's with the decor?" 

"Huh?"

"The skulls and bones of your victims by the welcome mat, really?"

"That's to scare off any fool who tries to attack me."

"I thought you said only you can get in here."

"You would remember that..."

"So what's the catch, huh?"

"Why should I tell you? I know you want me dead."

"Yes, but it's against my code to attack someone in their own den (not to mention stupid, since I wouldn't have the advantage). And considering you want me dead too..."

"Hmph. I don't trust you."

"You know you just repeated what I said earlier."

"Stop being logical! Logic has no place in the House of Discord!"

"Seriously, I'm curious. How could one get in besides you?"

"All I will tell you is the portal to my dimension constantly moves. And only I know where it is at any given time."

"Nice non-answer."

"You aren't getting any more information."

"Hmm, fine. So shall we leave to that gala-whatever?"

"Yes. It should be just starting, so..."

"Then come in! Let's get there before they close the doors!"

"Bit over eager..."

"If there's jewels and cash to steal, you bet I'll be eager!"

"Yes, I know. You are a strange little horse."

"And you're a demon-god of chaos. What's your point?"

"Nothing. I'll teleport us there."

At the gala, a white unicorn with a violet mane and tail is greeted by an odd sight- a tall black-and-white unicorn, and an earth pony in an outfit the fashionista mare would call horrifying.

The white mare comes over curiously, keeping her gaze away from the strange earth pony and focusing on the other unicorn.

"You're new around here, aren't you?"

"Indeed I am."

"You're a mare?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"You must be fitted for a proper dress!"

"I don't do dresses."

"At least let me get you a more in-style suit!"

"Not interested. By the way, I see you have a lot of jewelry..."

"Oh, yes, yes I do." She points at a large red ruby around her neck. "This was a gift from a very special friend of mine."

"I see." The pinto circles this new mare, an odd look in her eyes.

"Um, excuse me, but what are you doing?"

"Just inspecting the gems on your dress."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"Huh?"

As a reply, the pinto mare yanks the jewels off the strange unicorn's dress (though she doesn't touch the ruby necklace), and before the pony has a chance to scream, she's gagged and bound. 

Discord appears before the trapped pony.

"Hello, Rarity."

Rarity promptly faints.

"That was so easy," mutters Discord. He touches a claw to the mare's forehead. "Now you will forget." And soon I'll steal and corrupt your friends' and your magic elements. Without the elements, you will be helpless against me.

He turns back into a pony.

"Come on, beastie," whispers Storm, "Let's have some real fun!"

She heads into the gala, Discord following.