//------------------------------// // On the way // Story: Chaotic: Changeling Madness // by Marina Stars //------------------------------// When the two were done with breakfast Fluttershy packed a bag for her trip to Canterlot and Discord accompanied Fluttershy to the train station where she was meeting her friends for their trip. Everyone was there and had some luggage except for Rarity who seemed to have her usual mountain of luggage that Spike once again, struggled to carry. "Hello girls" Fluttershy said as she walked up onto the platform. "Hey Flutters." Rainbow smiled Pinkie bounced "Hey Fluttershy! You ready for the gala! I am! I can't wait to go help with the gala! I am so excited!" She rambled off. Discord chuckled at her usual Pinkie Pie-ness. "Y'all coming along?" Apple Jack asked the draconequus. "Sure, why not." He shrugged and Fluttershy smiled, happy that he would be coming along. The group of ponies talked for a while until the train to Canterlot arrived. They all got on and seated themselves putting their luggage in the overhead compartments. Fluttershy took a seat by the window and Discord sat next to her, smiling sweetly at the little pegasus. She hid slightly behind her mane covering the tint of pink that covered her cheeks. The seats were a little small and so the two were sitting rather close. The train departed and they were on their way to Canterlot for the gala. Fluttershy was starting out the window looking over at the passing landscapes, only a little longer and they would be in Canterlot. She was so… what's that word? Nervousited. She couldn't wait for the gala it was sure it would be amazing. She wasn't only excited for the gala, she was hoping to be able to have at least one dance with Discord... that is, if he came. She was sure he'd be invited but she just felt that there was a small chance that he wouldn't be able to go. She frowned at the thought. "You alright?" Discord asked noticing her troubled look. Fluttershy shook out of her thoughts "Yeah, just thinking." "Alright." He said "Oh!" Pinkie squealed "I am sooo excited! I can hardly wait till we get to Canterlot!" "Me too darling. I just can't wait to start making the dresses for the gala. Oh, and I need to check on my boutique. So much to do and so little time." Rarity commented "Oh I just hope I can get it all done." "Sounds like you've got your hooves full. If you need us, we'll be glad to help." Twilight told the unicorn "Thank you Twilight, darling, but I'm sure I can handle it. I work well under pressure." Rarity reassured her. "I just can't wait to make your dresses! I have the most beautiful designs, you are all going to love them!" She continued to ramble about the outfits. Fluttershy once again looked out the window at the passing landscapes and the green rolling hills. She thought about the gala once more. She just imagined how lovely it would be, with the glimmering lights and the stunning ensembles that Rarity would be designing. The best part would be the dancing. There she was, standing, in a gold glittering gown with little jewels. An orchestra played a gentle waltz. Many ponies danced and swayed to the music. The little yellow pegasus stood watching the elegant couples dance. "Fluttershy." The familiar voice of Discord called to her. The shy pegasus turned around and smiled at her best friend. He was wearing a blue suit with gold trimming and a blue bowtie. "Discord!" she beamed, "You made it!" "Of course my dear. I would never miss an opportunity to dance with my dearest friend." His voice was soft and smooth, She blushed at his sweet words, she was glad he considered her his 'dearest friend'. "Shall we dance?" He held out a gloved paw to her. The little pegasus smiled brighter as she placed her hoof into his large paw. The draconequus then led her to the middle of the ball room, Discord held her close in his arms as they began to sway to the music. It was a beautiful song and as Fluttershy gazed into his red and yellow eyes the ponies around them began to fade from reality and it was only the two in the elegant ballroom. "Absolutely perfect." She whispered closing her eyes resting her head on Discord's shoulder bringing a large smile to his face. "Fluttershy." Discord's voice echoed through the ballroom. "Hmm?" "Fluttershy… Fluttershy." Her eyes snapped open and met the unique red and yellow eyes of Discord. "Morning sunshine." He teased "Discord wha-?" She began "You fell asleep. It was absolutely adorable," He grinned "I hated to wake you up, but we are in Canterlot and if we don't get off the train might leave with us." "Oh," She trailed off. So all of that was a dream? That was probably one of the strangest yet best dreams she had ever had, but why? And, did he just call her adorable? "Come on. Let's go." Discord said. "Ok." Fluttershy nodded and got up. They left the train with the rest of the main 6 on the train station platform and they headed to the Canterlot Castle. When they arrived the group met Princess Celestia in the throne room. Twilight greeted her mentor happily. "I am so glad you all could make it." Celestia said "We're happy to help." Twilight replied. The rest nodded in agreement. "And now, I have your assignments for this week." The princess told them conjuring up 8 scrolls, one for each of them. Each pony took the scroll that Celestia gave them. "I'm sure with all your help this year's gala is going to be truly spectacular." Then everyone agreed in their own way "You best get started, we have quite a bit to do." Each pony nodded and set off to do their tasks to help prepare for the gala.