//------------------------------// // Jolly Holiday with Fluttershy and Rarity // Story: The Gryphons of Griffinstone // by misskoifishpony //------------------------------// Chapter 2: Jolly Holiday with Fluttershy and Rarity When Discord poofed to Fluttershy's cottage, there was pure white snow. Everywhere. And the cold air made him shiver...a little. Just a little. It alot warmer back at his castle, both inside and outside. As much as the Lord of Chaos loved winter activities like ice skating and skiing, he didn't like the boring colorless snow surrounding winter and the freezing wind that comes with it. He prefer to pick and choose which elements he likes in seasons and adjust the conditions from there. He was holding a lovely bouquet of flowers from his garden. He called them butterfly kisses. They were forget me not blue and brown flowers shaped like butterflies. The twist is...they smell like chocolate and they can flutter off their stems like butterflies. Fluttershy was his muse when creating these beauties. He couldn't wait to give them to her. He couldn't wait to surprise her with an all day picnic in the Everfree. Discord hopes that this little soiree will help them forget about that whole...Ruber incident...that happened weeks ago. Sure, things are better than they were before the incident. Discord didn't have his nightmares anymore, he received that second kiss on the cheek from Fluttershy in Canterlot two weeks ago, he and her have been spending more and more time with each other. However...there's been this nagging feeling. And it came from the pit of his stomach and from the back of his mind. He didn't know what it was, but this nagging feeling wasn't pleasant. And it started right after Fluttershy gave him that second kiss. He erased these thoughts away and knocked on the door with musicality. While hearing her delicate hoofsteps inside the cottage, Discord straightened his position on her doorstep and curled his beard with his claw. When her door creaked open, he grinned immediately. As soon as he saw her little muzzle and teal eyes peaking out, his ears wiggled with joy. "Oh. Discord. Good morning! What a...wonderful surprise." She said while dressed in her warmest pink robe and her purple fuzzy slippers. Fluttershy wasn't incredibly surprised to see Discord, especially since he has been visiting her every day since the Ruber incident. And she had her suspicions on why that is. "Goood morning my dear!" Discord exclaimed cheerfully. Then, he proudly presented the bouquet to the sweet pegasus, "Care for some flowers?" Fluttershy gasped and gently took the flowers into her hooves, "Oh Discord, they're beautiful. Thank you. What kind of flowers are these?" While she was taking in their scent,Discord replied "I call them Butterfly Kisses. I grew these little devils myself in my garden." "Oh my, they really do look like butterflies. Oh thank you Discord, I love them. Let me just put them in some water and..." "No need to do that my dear. Just stick them back in the ground, water them with sugar water and those sweet little butterflies will be fluttering before your eyes." "Oh wow, that's amazing! But...wouldn't they be cold in the snow?" "Of course they won't, they have chaotic magic running through veins. Trust me, these will be the most sturdy flowers you'll ever have." Discord commented with a wink. "Well, in that case..." Then,Fluttershy hand over her flowers to Discord Poof! He magically transported and planted the flowers in her small garden. "I'm so sorry that I'm...well...still in my robe." Fluttershy remarked with an embarrassed blush. "Not to worry, I can fix that!" And when Discord snapped his fingers, Fluttershy's robe turned into a dress. It was a long sleeved, delicate white lace dress with a red satin belt. With a snap of his tail, he turned her fuzzy slippers into lovely white pumps. Then, a large white hat appeared on top of her head and her long pink hair magically weaved into a large fluffy bun. Then in her right hoof,he poofed up a white laced umbrella. "D-Discord," Fluttershy said in awe of her new outfit, "what...what is all this?" "Your picnic outfit! Oh, which reminds me." In a bright flash of light, Discord dressed himself into a stylish suit. It was white with red, yellow, and orange stripes. He had sleek white dance shoes on his feet, along with a light blue bowtie. He also fancied himself a straw skimmer hat with a tall goose head cane in his claws. "Shall we my dear?" He asked Fluttershy while holding his arm out to her. "Um Discord? As lovely as these outfits are but...do you think we'll be a little cold...in these?" "We would be if we were going to a winter picnic. But since this is my treat, that is hardly the case." "What do you mean?" Discord pointed his head to the front yard and Fluttershy followed her gaze towards that direction. She gasped slowly when she saw the area surrounding her house and the path towards the Everfree Forest was no longer covered in snow. Everything was green and filled with flowers. Skies were blue and the warm spring sun was out. "I thought a nice spring day could be a nice change up in the old winter schedule." Discord commented with a giddy smirk, "So, shall we be off my dear?" "But Discord,what about the winter pegasi? What about Rainbow Dash? They won't like the sight of this spring day in middle of their daily duties." "Relax my dear, it's just for one morning. Once our picnic is over, I'll return the snow back on the ground. Besides, Rainbow is...running an errand today. And the other winter pegasi are busy else where. Come on my dear.." Then, Discord surprised Fluttershy with taking her front hooves into his paws."A little fun never hurt any pony." "Well...I suppose a little warm weather for one day couldn't hurt too terribly." "Woohoo!" "IF...you Pinkie Promise to turn everything back to normal afterwards." Then,Discord went the motions of the promise quickly and jabbered at the speed of light, "Crossmyheart! Hopetofly! Stickacupcakeinmyeye! Now, come on Fluttershy! While we're still young!" While Discord pulled on her arm eagerly, Fluttershy giggled "Alright Discord, I'm coming!" When the couple started on the path from the front step with a kick in their step. In fact, they were dancing and skipping together in harmony. While standing on her hind legs, she strolled along with Discord by holding on to his arm. Discord twirls his cane in his claw and sings to Fluttershy... Ain't it a glorious day? Right as a morning in May I feel like I could fly Then, he flapped his little mismatched wings and floated above the ground while still holding on to Fluttershy. This made the yellow pegasus giggle, "But Discord! You can fly." Fluttershy helped the draconequus back on the ground,and he continued to sing... Have you ever seen The grass so pink and green Or a checkered sky? When Discord pointed to the grass, it was striped with pink and lime green stripes. And when he pointed to the sky, instead of it being blue, it was checkered with yellow and purple squares. This made Fluttershy shake her head and smile. Discord continued to sing... Oh, it's a jolly holiday with Fluttershy Fluttershy makes your heart so light "Oh Discord." Fluttershy said with a warm blushing smile. She turned her face away, speaking in a tone to humble herself and discourage Discord's flattery. Then, her friend took her umbrella and made a grey rain cloud appear above it. While the cloud rained on the umbrella, Discord sings... When the day is gray and ordinary But the cloud disappeared when Discord sang... Fluttershy makes the sun shine bright! "Oh, I don't know about that." said Fluttershy while waving her hoof at Discord. Her blush growing redder and her smile growing bigger. Discord returns the umbrella to Fluttershy and continues his song and dance with... Oh, happiness is bloomin' all around her The daffodils are smiling at the dove He directed her attention to the ground again and she was pleasantly surprised by white and yellow daffodils smiling at her. With big blue eyes and grins and all. They were even swaying along to Discord's song. The draconequus held on to his friend's hoof tighter and leaned in close to her side... When Fluttershy holds your paw or your claw You feel so grand Your heart starts beating like a big brass band! Then, Discord's heart starting beating out of his chest and he turned it into a giant drum he can bang on it's sides. This made Fluttershy giggle and laugh, "Oh Discord! You're so funny." He pulled his drum heart back into his chest and sang... It's a jolly holiday with Fluttershy No wonder that it's Fluttershy that we love Before Fluttershy knew it, they were entering into the Everfree Forest. Discord stopped them right before they journeyed into the deep wood. He magically pulled out a baton and tapped it against a fallen tree. This sound summoned scary and dark animals and monsters from the forest. Fluttershy at first, was startled to them. However, they changed when she saw happy and bright expressions on their faces. They were swaying to some kind of music coming from Discord's direction. A Manticore in this group of animals sang deeply yet cheerfully... Oh, It's a jolly holiday with Fluttershy A trio of bats hanging upside down from a nearby tree branch sang together... Fluttershy makes your heart so light A female chimera was in the group too, and her goat head baaed... When the daaayy is graayy and ordinaaaaryy Her tiger head sang afterwards... Fluttershy makes the sun shine bright Then, her snake head hissed in the back... Oh, happinesssss is blooming all around her Soon,a furry brown warthog joined in the sing along... The daffodils are smiling at the dove Oink! Oink! Then, every animal and monster sang together for Fluttershy... When Fluttershy holds your paw or your claw, You feel so grand Your heart starts beating like a big brass band Bang! Bang! Discord summons a big drum to play on again. After that, his little choir sings once... It's a jolly holiday with Fluttershy No wonder that it's Fluttershy that we love! Discord and Fluttershy waved good bye to their singing choir and wandered into the forest. An intriguing and tempting idea popped into the Lord of Chaos's mind and he was dying to try it out. He politely took Fluttershy's umbrella and his cane and leaned them against a tree. With a warm smile, he offered his lion paw to Fluttershy...which she happily accepted. Soon, she was on her hind legs and dancing in a enchanting waltz across the forest with Discord. She felt so...light...and free...and supported in his arms. She didn't mean being on her hind legs or dance randomly in a forest...she got to enjoy this moment with him. She felt special. He...made her feel special. In the mist of their waltz, Fluttershy couldn't help but notice that the Everfree...wasn't cold. There was no snow. Anywhere. It was sunny and sunny. She figured that Discord's mood had something to do with this...and that made her warmly chuckle. Meanwhile, Discord couldn't take his eyes off the pretty yellow pegasus. There was...something different about his friend today. It wasn't her fancy new dress, but...the way the sunlight shined on her face and...the nice feeling of holding her in his arms. Her eyes drew him into a whole new world. A whole new chaotic world where only he and her exist in it. Usually, he would dance by himself. But now, he couldn't get enough of this dance with Fluttershy. Why didn't he think of something like this sooner? However, their dance had to stop when they reached a mossy pond in the forest. Discord blows between two fingers and whistles for something to come to him. It was his crane and Fluttershy's umbrella, twirling and dancing in air. They floated back to their owners. Then, two blue and grey medium sized turtles floated to the surface to the pond's surface. With smiles on their faces, they turned around and offered their shells to Fluttershy and Discord. They gladly accepted their services and tip toed onto their new friends' shells. The happy couple balanced on one leg while riding across the pond. They were holding it's each other's hoof and claw to keep balance. Which was something that Discord certainly didn't reject to. When they reached to the other side of the pond, Fluttershy told the turtles "Thank you." "Our pleasure Miss Fluttershy." The turtles replied happily before diving back into the water. The yellow mare and the draconequus went back to skipping down the forest path together, linked arms and all. Fluttershy sang to Discord... Oh, it's a jolly holiday with you, Discord Gentlecolts like you are few "A vanishing breed, that's me." Discord commented proudly. Fluttershy then sang in response... Though your just a diamond in the rough, Discord Underneath, your heart is true "Common knowledge." Discord happily commented again. With her eyes towards the sunlight, she sang with more sincerity in her voice... You've never worry about the past, For the present is a gift to you. "Very true." Discord chuckled. Fluttershy then looked up into her friend's eye, and that lured him to lower his head down to her. Once his head was at her eye level, she twirled and stroked his beard in her hoof. Discord was in utter bliss when she did this. She then sang sweetly while doing this... A lady needn't fear when you are near Your sweet gentility is crystal clear Oh, it's a jolly holiday with you, Discord A jolly, jolly holiday with you Their moment was interrupted when they reached their destination. A white table with two chairs underneath a giant purple Weepy Willow tree. This brought a big bright smile to her face,and her date couldn't help but smile with her. He pulled out her chair for her, and she sat in her chair...with a pink blush on her face. Once Discord was in his chair, he called out "Waiter!" Rarity never anticipated for the Ponyville Mountains to be so cold. She knew that would be chilly since it was winter and there was snow all over town. But it felt like she was climbing the Neigh-Imalyan mountains. Even her tall light blue faux-fur hat wasn't keeping her warm. Her dark purple high heel boots were beginning to pitch her hooves and the snow just kept raining into her face. At this rate, it would take her till nightfall to reach Count Batula's castle. How do they stand this cold?! Rarity thought herself. She looked back at her saddlebag, and remembered the item inside it. This item...reminded her why she had to climb up this horrid mountain and give her little surprise to Diego. Ever since he saved her and her friends from that dreadful Lord Ruber, Rarity had decided to give this were pony a chance and go out with him. After all, he was kind enough and certainly brave enough to risk his life to save hers. The least she could do..was this. Rarity got a little excited knowing that she was going to surprise Diego by asking him out on their first date first before he could. She didn't know why she was so excited, she just was. "Ah-ha! At last! I'm here!" She exclaimed when she finally saw the front door to the castle. The scary manor, to Rarity, actually looked beautiful and peaceful when covered in snow. It reminded her of a gorgeous scenic portrait or a Gothic painting. She used her magic to lift the heavy iron handle above her and knock on the door. "Coming!" said Diego's muffled voice coming from some other part of the castle. The white unicorn immediately began to fuss with her jacket, trying to make sure that it was free from wrinkles. Wait a moment, Rarity thought to herself, why am I...? Before she could answer her own question, the giant door creaked open. The first thing that Rarity saw was a long brown muzzle and a pair of red eyes. "Yes, how may I...Rarity?!" Diego exclaimed in a surprised tone, "W-What...what are you doing here?" "Why, I'm here to visit you darling." Rarity answered with a smile on her face. "You're..you're here to visit me?" Diego replied in disbelief. "Well of course I am! After all, we did agreed to get to know each other better remember? Plus, you always through the fuss of visiting me at the boutique. The least I could do was return the favor and visit you for a change. Which reminds me..." Diego then became very curious when the white unicorn started searching inside her saddle bag. She also pointed out to him, "Since you always bring me something..." His eyes widened at what she pulled out. "I figured 'Why not bring you something?'" Rarity pulled out a leather and sheep sheer winter cap. "A gift...for me?" Diego uttered with a blush. While handing the winter cap to him, Rarity explained "I know you said that the winter doesn't bother you, but I did distinctly remember you saying that you hate it when your ears get cold. So, I used the sheep wool that Applejack sheered for me and made you this lovely hat. I have to say, despite working on this in the middle of my nights after work, this cap turned out quite nicely." Then, Rarity became nervous and a pink blush soon caressed her cheeks, "Do you, um, like it?" "Like it?" Diego immediately put his new hat over his ears and proclaimed with a giant grin, "I love it! No pony has ever made me a gift before! And they certainly haven't given a gift as nice as this!" "Oh well," Rarity waved her hoof at him and chuckled in her modesty, "I don't know about that." "I shall keep it." Then, Diego stared into Rarity's eyes lovingly, "Forever..." She rapidly began to feel warm and unsure what to do when Diego started to stare at her like that. She didn't know what to do under his gaze, she didn't know how to feel about it. Oh, I hope the whole morning isn't like this. Rarity panicked inside her mind. "Oh sweet rotten apple cores! You must be freezing! Please, come inside." Diego stated while letting Rarity into the warm manor. While looking at the ceiling, the Element of Generousity stated in her awe, "I must say, these ceilings are...Oh." She was then caught off guard Diego taking off her saddle bag for her and placing it near a coat rack. "Uh, Diego? This isn't really..." Then, he gently took off her light snow coat and cashmere scarf. He placed them to dry on the coat rack. "Thank you, but this isn't neces..." After that, he took off her hat and also hanged it on the coat rack. He walked over to pull off her boots for her but Rarity stopped him from doing this, "I-It's alright, I got this one. Thank you." "Anything...for a lady." He answered with a dashing smirk, not having the power to take his eyes off his pony beloved. Rarity's face turned red...and she knew it. She quickly turned her head away and focus her efforts on taking her boots off. Diego chuckled to himself when she did this. Once her boots were off and she had taken over to the coat rack, she realized that she forgot something. While digging in her saddle bag, she told Diego "Oh Diego, before I forget..." The white and purple unicorn pulled out a precious white rose to Diego, "Sweetie wanted me to give you this." When the brown werepony softly took the rose into his claws, Rarity explained in further detail "She insisted that I tell you that it this rose is from me. I swear, Sweetie can get carried away sometimes." Diego chuckled, "I don't think it's that. Your little sis is just...a spirited romantic." This made Rarity giggle, "More like a spirited firecracker." "Sounds like somepony I know." Rarity could tell, in the werepony's tone, that he was comparing Sweetie to her. In his polite yet teasing way. This made Rarity smirk at him, and Diego couldn't help but giggle when he saw her little smirk. "Diego?" She asked, "you can..take the hat off now. We're inside." "I know, but...I don't want to. It's so warm and kind...like you." Once again, Rarity's flared up with heat and she kept wishing for this senseless blushing to end. "How about you relax by the fireplace while I make us some hot cocoa?" Diego pointed to the fireplace along the left side of the giant living room. It was such a grand and wide black marble and grey stone fireplace with carving of bats and gargoyles all over it. Rarity slowly walked over to it, hearing her echoing hoof steps in the strangely quiet castle. The castle was so dark and drearily, and the fire place was the only source of light in this giant space. Rarity took a spot in front of the flames, laid on her stomach, and watched the fire danced.