//------------------------------//
// CHAPTER 1 
// Story: An Assistant 
// by samstermlp 
//------------------------------//

He stared down uncomprehendingly at the dark outline before him. His eyes traced the buttercup-yellow wings, the rosy-pink mane and tail, the staring teal eyes. And then, the deep red gash that marred the mare’s throat. He began to tremble. His head tilted back, releasing a scream of agony, of heart-wrenching pain, loss, of savage and primal rage. A dark laugh echoed through the night.

“Fluttershy!”

Discord shot straight up in bed, banging his head on the low ceiling in the process. He embraced the pain gratefully. He could deal with physical pain. Focusing on that helped him escape the ocean of pain that always accompanied the dream. If only it was only a dream. It had been ten years. Ten years since that witch Chrysalis had stolen everything from him. Ten years since his 11-month pregnant wife had been murdered. Ten years since Discord’s life had lost all meaning. 

He sighed and got out of bed. He made his bed by claw. Discord rarely used his chaos magic these days. The only thing he did with any energy was help in every way possible to the ongoing hunt for Chrysalis.

He walked down the long hallways of the castle, where he now resided. As he approached, the guards opened the throne room doors for him.  "Good morning, Discord,” Celestia greeted him. He grunted. “I haven’t gotten any more leads on Chrysalis yet, Discord. I’m sorry.” Discord sighed and nodded glumly. He hadn’t really expected anything new, but he couldn’t help hoping. After ten years, leads on Chrysalis had become pretty scarce. He turned to exit the room. “Discord, one moment please. He turned back to the princess. “I know you’ve gone through the stacks with the records of Chrysalis many times already, but I think one more time wouldn’t hurt.” Discord opened his mouth, but Celestia cut him off. “ I know you’ve all but memorized the stacks, but I think somepony with a... different perspective might see things you don’t.” Discord tilted his head, confused. “ I’ve decided that you need an assistant. But the thing is, this assistant isn’t the... normal type of assistant.” Once upon a time, this would have triggered many a joking comment from the Lord of Chaos, but now he just narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Celestia wasn’t normally so indirect. 

"What do you mean by ‘not the normal type of..’” He was cut off by the entrance of a little grey unicorn filly with a red mane, green eyes, and a pink tornado cutie mark made out of tiny musical notes. She bounced up to Discord and grinned up at him. 

"Hi, Mr.Discord! I’m your new assistant!”