//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: The best and worst night ever // Story: Queen of Evil and Princess of Kindness // by kurusagi16 //------------------------------// Chapter 16: The best and worst night ever The days flew by as the day of ball finally arrived. The castle had been cleaned and polished to a spotless shine. The ballroom had been decorated with lavish drapes and golden streamers. And in honor of this event, the latest lessons had been centered around ball decorum. As soon as classes had ended, every princess immediately went to work on their manes, buffing their hooves, trading accessories and picking the right makeup that would complement their outfits and any dates they might pick up while at the ball. Twilight was adjusting the purple graduation hat that went with the outfit that Rarity had made. The outfit in question had golden shoes, a purple and gold saddle with a golden clasp in the front, and long purple train in the back. "Rarity has really outdone herself." commented Twilight, looking at her reflection at different angles. "You look beautiful." said Fluttershy kindly. "So do you." "Really? Do I...really look beautiful?" Twilight smiled. "As pretty as a portrait." she replied. Fluttershy blushed, not used to such a complement. The door opened and in came Rarity, carrying some lovely pink ribbons. "I thought this would look nice as a last minute adjustment to your ensemble." Rarity said to Fluttershy. "W-well, if you're sure-" "Of course I'm sure! Why, every prince who'll be there is bound to notice you." "I'm more comfortable not being noticed, especially by so many ponies I've never met before." Rarity shook her head as she added the ribbons onto Fluttershy. "Come now, there must've been a time where you've wanted to dress up and pretend to be somepony else." "I think I'll just be myself if that's okay." Rarity rolled her eyes. "Very well, but if you change your mind, I'll help give you some pointers." she said with a wink. "I'm sure she'll keep that in mind." said Twilight. "Anyway, don't you have something you should be doing?" Rarity gasped. "You're right! I still need style my mane. Oh, and there's also these gems I've been wanting to use. I need to run, see you girls later." Rarity hurried down the hall. The girls laughed together and discussed all that they were hoping to do that night. Discord had never gone to any event with anypony other than himself. Mostly because nopony ever wanted to have somepony like him at their side. Until now that is. He dressed in what assumed was proper formal attire (Celestia had pleaded with him to follow the dress code). A black tuxedo with a black top hat and a black cape with red lining. He knocked with his lion paw and waited for somepony to answer. He stood at his full height, thinking over his plan over again. 'A little mingling, a quick dance, and then I'll be out before dear Celestia even has time to blink.' Discord heard the knob turn, what he saw next left him speechless. Fluttershy looked beautiful. Pink ribbons were threaded in her tail and tied around her legs in criss-crosses (like on ballet slippers), her mane had delicate pink flowers woven in, and her dress pale blue, teal and pink with floral print. She smiled shyly at him, her eyes twinkling for a moment. For the first time in his long, long life, he was left speechless. "What do you think?" she asked. She did a quick twirl so that he could see the entire dress. "My friend Rarity made it for me, she's a very talented seamstress." Discord, finding his voice stammered, "I-it's lovely, you're sure to take everypony's breath away." Fluttershy blushed and looked away, a lock of her mane falling in front of her face. "I don't know about that." she said unsure. "There are other ponies that are much prettier than me." "But none of them are as charming as you." he said. Fluttershy's blush deepened. "S-should we get going?" she asked. "Of course my dear." With a snap, they both appeared at the ballroom entrance. He extended his right elbow to her. "Shall we?" Fluttershy giggled lightly and took his arm, flying up to his height. A few heads turned as the odd couple entered. Some gave wary looks at Discord, a some looked at Fluttershy and her natural air of grace and elegance. "Oh my, I'm not used to so many ponies staring." fretted Fluttershy. Discord chuckled and whispered so only she could hear. "Their staring because you are lovely, my dear." Fluttershy felt her heart quicken a little. So many wonderful complements, and they were all about her. Never had she been flattered in such a way before, it was almost too much. Her gazed trailed around the ball room, admiring the scene before her, like something out of one of the fairy-tales her father read. With the beautiful princess arriving at the ball, every colts' head turned, wanting to have the first dance with her, but she turned them all down for her prince. Fluttershy shook her head. Why was she suddenly thinking about her old stories and princes? Perhaps it was just her being taken in by the mood of the party. Pinkie Pie and Applejack went around, serving drinks and food to the guests as they went by, when Rarity came trotting over in a huff. "Hey Rarity, everything alright?" asked Applejack. Rarity's frown deepened. "I am most certainly not fine! I just met the rudest royal pain of a prince in my life!" "What do you mean?" "There I was, looking for a nice prince that could be the one, when I see a handsome unicorn stallion. I recognized him as Prince Blueblood, and attempted to be as cordial as possible, but all that prince could think of was himself! It was absolutely dreadful." Rarity complained. Applejack rolled her eyes. "So he wasn't your prince charming, that shouldn't mean that it has to spoil your evening." said Applejack. Pinkie Pie jumped in between them and the conversation. "Yeah! There are plenty of ponies you could try, I mean look at Fluttershy and Professor Discord over there." she said, pointing a hoof. Applejack and Rarity followed it to see Fluttershy and Discord, arm in arm, conversing with each other and appearing to be having a good time. "Now there's something you don't see everyday." muttered Applejack. Rarity was agape. "I don't believe it. Him...her...huh?" "Well duh!" said Pinkie. "They're both good friends. Everypony knows about their tea sessions together." "Well yes but, I'd never imagined that Fluttershy would..." "I'm sure it's nothing." said Applejack. "They're probably just going as friends and nothing more. I mean, it's a bit soon to be getting that romantic right? And last I checked, Fluttershy hasn't seemed all that interested in the romance department." "You're right, after all, Discord doesn't exactly...seem her type, if you know what I mean." The ball progressed smoothly, or...somewhat smoothly, as Discord caused subtle mishaps to ponies, making sure Celestia wasn't looking while he performed them. He needed some way of entertaining himself after all. He chuckled silently into his eagle claw as he saw the reaction of each pony. The musicians readied their instruments, and started up a waltz. He looked down at Fluttershy. "May I have this dance?" "Oh, um, I've never really danced before. I wouldn't want to embarrass you or make a fool of myself." Discord waved a paw. "Nonsense Fluttershy. You have nothing to be worried about, and if it helps, I'll gladly be the fool for you." Fluttershy, still a bit hesitant, joined him in the dance. Together they stepped, twirled, and glided across the ballroom floor. After awhile, Fluttershy became used to it, breaking into a dazzling smile. As they danced, Fluttershy thought back to what her friend Rarity had said earlier. About dressing up and being somepony else. In that moment, under the lights, surrounded by the flurry of colors as she and Discord danced, she felt like the princesses in her stories. Just as beautiful and amazing. The feeling grew as she and Discord locked onto each others' gaze, both smiling at the other. Fluttershy wanted to hold onto this feeling, wanted this moment to last forever. And Discord shared a similar feeling. This princess, a pony who'd been kind to him, gave him her friendship, was dancing with him at a ball full of other noble ponies. For whatever reason, he found himself unable to release his gaze on her. Soon, everypony else seemed to disappear, and there was only the two of them. Her graceful movements were enchanting, which confused him, because he never thought of something as being enchanting before. Then again, this strange feeling had never been felt before either. But none of that seemed to matter within that dance. It was a shame when the waltz had ended and the music remained it's usual boring drawl. "That was...wonderful." said Fluttershy. "Yes, wonderful." Discord said. He felt his face grow warm. Was he blushing? No, it couldn't be! Could it? He was experiencing many strange things lately. Fluttershy didn't notice the embarrassed look on his face, as her attention was caught by a chilling whisper in her ear. 'Fluttershy...Fluttershy...' Fluttershy turned to where the sound seemed to coming from. Her mother was calling her outside the ballroom. "I...need to go and check something." she said, distracted. "I'll be right back." She left a confused Discord as she galloped out of the ballroom. She followed her mother's call to a darkened room. She peered around, searching for where the source of her mother's voice could be. "Mother?" she called. "Where are you?" she stepped further inside. "Right here." said a voice directly behind her. Fluttershy whirled around to see Queen Melodia standing before her, in the flesh. "M-mother! H-how d-did you get out?" Melodia took a step calmly toward her daughter. "For now, let's just say I found a way, and now I'm able to see my beautiful daughter attending her first ball." She ran her hoof under Fluttershy's chin. "Yes, a beautiful mare indeed." All the fear she'd felt came rushing back into Fluttershy, gone were the pleasant feelings she'd felt. "Why are you here?" asked Fluttershy. Queen Melodia smiled coyly. "I'm just to take care of some...unfinished business, then, you and I have much to discuss once we return home. About your future, and your reign as queen." Fluttershy shivered, she didn't like how her mother said 'unfinished business'. "W-we're leaving?!" "Of course, you didn't think you were going to stay at this pathetic school were you?" "Well I-" "You're not like those other princesses, oh no, you have a far greater destiny ahead of you. A destiny that I shall help guide you through." Fluttershy's eyes widened. "What?" She locked into her mother's gaze. Her sea-green eyes piercing through her teal eyes. Fluttershy wanted to cower, but she did her best to keep her ground. "You must trust me Fluttershy, everything I've been doing all these years has been for you. I've trying to teach you, train you, so that you wouldn't follow my same mistakes, the mistakes that ate at my heart and made it ache." Fluttershy's fear disappeared by degree as her mother started to sound genuinely concerned about her daughter's well being. "On the day you were born," said Melodia, in a gentle tone that Fluttershy often used when she spoke, "I vowed that would never let you feel the pain of heartbreak, that you'd become a strong mare with no reason to be afraid or shy away from your role as a queen." Melodia looked away from her daughter. "Mothers know what's best for their children, you are no different." Fluttershy wanted to speak, but words escaped her. Her mother returned to her cold composure. "I want you to stay here, until I get back." said Queen Melodia. She vanished in a cloud of black and purple smoke. The door behind Fluttershy slammed shut. Fluttershy tried to open it, but it was locked tight. "Mother!" she yelled. "Mother!" Just what was Melodia going to do? And how was Fluttershy supposed to get out. Back in the ballroom, Twilight was awkwardly dancing with her brother, when she noticed Discord leaning against the refreshment table, waiting for somepony. Twilight arched an eyebrow at this. 'What is he waiting for?' What happened next was a complete surprise. Everypony (except Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Discord, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Rarity) disappeared. "What in tarnation is going on here?!" "Why don't we ask him?!" Rainbow pointed a hoof accusingly at Discord. Discord held his paw and claw up defensively. "Don't look at me! As much as I'd love to take credit, this isn't my doing." Princess Luna and Queen Celestia walked toward the ponies and Discord. "Is everypony alright?" asked Luna. The ponies nodded and Discord ignored her completely. "Who or what could be causing this?" Celestia wondered out loud. A soft cold laugh echoed from behind her, everypony turned to it to see Queen Melodia, smiling malevolently. "Queen Celestia," she said. "it's been far too long since last we saw each other. Hasn't it?" Celestia was shocked. "Melodia! B-but how? You were-" "Imprisoned? Indeed, no thanks to you. Luckily though, my darling daughter managed to aid in my escape." The wicked eyes fell onto the ponies and Draconequus behind the queen. "I admit I was against her fraternizing with these ponies, but in the end, she made use of her little friends." she said with a sneer. Rarity spoke up against the queen. "As if Fluttershy would help an evil witch like you!" Melodia looked at her dismissively. "Believe whatever you like, but the fact remains that I am free. And together, my daughter and I shall bring this land under our rule." Princess Luna narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth. "Not if I can help it!" she shouted. Luna's horn lit up and she charged at Melodia. Melodia smirked. "You've got to be joking." she said. A barrier formed around Melodia as Luna's horn came down on her. "You've gotten out of practice Luna. You really should brush up on your fighting skills." Celestia saw the dark glow pass over Melodia's eyes. "Luna, look out!" she cried. But it was too late. "This, is how you take down your opponent." said Melodia darkly. Luna's eyes widened in surprise as force of black magic whammed into her and sent her crashing onto the ballroom floor. "Luna!" Celestia screamed. She knelt down at her sister's side. Melodia scoffed as if it were nothing. "Don't worry your little head over it Celestia. She's merely unconscious." she said. Rainbow Dash growled and tried to speed toward Queen Melodia to teach her what happens when you mess with the princess. "Let me at her!" yelled Rainbow. Twilight held up a hoof. "No Rainbow, it's too dangerous." "Perhaps then, I can be of some assistance." said Discord stepping forward. "Discord?" "Great, what's he gonna do?" asked Rainbow Dash. Discord narrowed his eyes at her. "I'll choose to ignore that Miss Dash. This is a matter of personal pride." He turned his gaze to Queen Melodia. "If anypony suddenly decides to take control of Equestria, it'll be me." Melodia put on a mock, amused smile. "Ah, the Draconequus. Perhaps once I make my daughter queen, you'll make an amusing if not refreshing court jester." said Melodia. "Sorry to disappoint you my dear, but I'm my own fool, and nopony elses." said Discord. "Oh? Well, I still should thank you, after all, it was because of you that I was able to escape." Discord's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" "Surely you remember me? The mirror on the wall? Who gave you a means to attempt to escape?" All eyes were on Discord. "So, you were the mirror?" "Yes, but my foolish Draconequus, what you didn't know was that the barrier can't be broken by the pony that it entraps. It must be broken by another." She lifted one of her wings up, showing off her milk and honey feathers. "That feather you used was my own, the spell you cast broke my barrier from afar." Queen Melodia reveled in Discord's shocked expression. "I'd hoped to use my daughter to cast it, but unfortunately, her magic isn't quite as strong as I'd hoped. What luck it was to find you here, full of magic for my use." Discord gritted his teeth. "That's quite enough chatter out of you, my dear." he said. He shot a blast at Melodia who avoided it easily. "Is that your best?" she asked mockingly. Discord aimed his talons, prepared to banish the queen to another dimension for her insolence, but dark light surrounded him and the rest of the ponies. All were lifted into the air, in the grasp of Melodia's power. "Now, let's move onto business, shall we?" Fluttershy pounded on the door (which wasn't very hard). She had to get out and see what her mother was up to. She looked around to see if there was something she could use to escape. Aha!" she cried. A letter opener! She placed the sharp end into the lock, and began to fiddle with it. She'd never picked a lock before, but she hoped that this would work. She could hear clicking, and finally, the door unlocked. "I can't believe it worked!" she said. "Now to find mother before she causes any trouble." Fluttershy hurried to the only place she could think of her mother could be, the ballroom. Sure enough, as she approached, she overhead her mother's voice. "Now, let's move onto business, shall we?" Fluttershy peeked around the corner. She saw Queen Celestia, and her friends, in midair, her mother using her magic to squeeze the life out of them. Fluttershy let out a gasp, and rushed in toward her mother. "Mother, stop this!" cried Fluttershy. Queen Melodia loosened her grip on her captives, distracted by her daughter's appearance. "I'm a bit busy at the moment dear, you'll have to wait until I finish taking care of these ponies, who've outlived their usefulness." said Queen Melodia. "Mother please! Spare them, I'll do anything if you'll let them go." "Really?" "Please, their my friends." Queen Melodia grinned deviously. "As you wish Fluttershy." She let go of everypony, letting them fall to the floor. "It's been fun and all, but my daughter and I must take our leave." Fluttershy looked sadly at the other ponies. "I-I'm sorry everypony. Please forgive me." In a cloud of black and purple smoke, Queen Melodia and Princess Fluttershy were gone.