In Consideration of Princesses and Pillow Forts
I suppose I can hardly complain, after all, that’s the whole reason I’m here.” Discord gestures towards the now clean space. He frowns as he adds, “Maybe I should have left it a mess. Everything is too… tidy.” He grimaces at the word as if it leaves a foul taste in his mouth.
“W- what do you mean?” Fluttershy gathered the courage to ask, but her voice shook with as much fear as she felt. She had hoped he would just leave her alone, but here he was still very real and turning her safe haven into a place she’d sooner abandon. How would she be able to get him to abandon his efforts and discord some other pony so that she could reach her friends? When she think son this however, she’d rather have herself be corrupted than another pony. What right did she have thinking such a thing? It’s be better for everyone if he didn’t discord anypony. Fluttershy sighed. But I doubt that’s an option…
Discord looked down at the pegasus curiously. It had been many years since someone bothered asking him such a peculiar question, everypony just assumed his mannerisms had to do with his chaotic nature and left it at that. “Surely you’ve realized who you’re talking to? This cottage is simply too-”
“That’s not what I meant….”
“Wh-why,” She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. She had to contain her fear, even if it was difficult. She had to get these words out. She needed to be brave. Rainbow Dash was brave, she just had to gather up the courage and forget that she was the opposite for a while.
Discord, who had been toying with a broken spring and altering a windvane into a miniature flowing bronze waterfall looked back at the bewildered pegasus whom the prissy Celestia had assigned to be his “reformer”, in a sense anyway. If I didn’t know any better I’d say she fully expects this little plan to work, phtt! As if that’s ever going to happen.
At her words however, he straightened and unconsciously changes the bronze waterfall into a familiar maze and then a statue as his memories influenced it’s shape. Discord scowls, changing his creation back to it’s original form and sending it back to where he found it. He turns his gaze back to hers, cringing at the unpleasant reminder.
“Don’t remind me. The ordeal is one I’d sooner forget.” Grimaces Discord his voice coming from behind clenched teeth.
He turns to face her properly, only noticing the too-organized living space, he didn't know how it looked normally, but his magic couldn't have helped matters and it was beginning to bother him. “So you don't mind…?” He asks as he materializes the untidy room that they had been in before. She only shook her head. This couldn't be happening, and at any rate, if it was, she had more to worry about than house cleaning.
His expression almost made Fluttershy apologize to him, but she remembered as the words formed in her mind and stopped herself. It would also have been a lie, she wasn’t sorry, not truly. Sealing him into stone was the only way to stop him, and she didn’t like what he did to ponyville all that much. She hadn’t liked it at all. If he is being genuine… then maybe this is my opportunity to make it up to him. I still remember that day all too well, but I also remember how he reacted to becoming a statue. She wondered, not for the first time, whether or not the process… hurt him. His response to her bringing the subject up however, made it clear that she probably didn’t want an honest answer and he would have none to give freely.
“How then are they responsible for your reappearance?” Fluttershy asked again, his ramblings weren’t bringing her any closer to the answer to her original question. She still had no idea how he got here or what he was talking about.
After a short pause Discord’s deep red pupils found hers. She couldn’t help but stare, captured in his gaze. She saw many things behind those eyes, but she couldn’t rightly name any of them, whatever emotions lay behind them were concealed and if they weren’t they were too complicated for her to understand. She did see one thing she didn’t like however, and there was no room for free interpretation, it was calculated. He was testing her, but she already knew that from his toying with her earlier.
“Asking questions now, are we? I take it you’re quite finished running away?” Fluttershy looked a little more than hesitant at this. If Discord didn't know where he stood and felt the need to test the situation, did that mean she should trust him?
“If not,” he stepped aside, “Be my guest, run away from a draconequus who only trying to be friendly.”
She didn’t bother looking past him, his words implied that he’d wait as long as he deemed necessary before he intercepted again. She already knew from the labyrinth that he could either be very patient… or very impatient. Besides, where would she run to that he wouldn’t find her eventually? Wouldn’t he just stop her before she reached either of the other’s houses?
She wished she could say his temper was the only thing unpredictable about him, however, she knew better. In fact, she couldn’t even say what business he had with her now. She also knew next to nothing about this creature. She couldn’t even properly call him a pony, could she? Celestia herself called him only a “draconequus” besides his actual name.
The logical side of her brain that knew the geniuses of all the creatures of Equestria thought it could fit him better. The fearful half of her couldn’t care less, and thought that no name could fit the cruel being, not in latin nor in any other language.
It didn’t help that the beginning of his species name was that of the dragon family. With that renewed fear she began to back away and stoop under the gravity of her predicament.
The spirit of disharmony was inside her home… and she could only assume it had to do with the elements. and she wasn’t sure whether or not she should believe him. There was the other hoof where he could very well be telling the truth, but his intent was more of a sinister nature than his nonchalant and melancholy demeanor suggested.
She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, he’d yet to harm her so far. Maybe he’s being genuine?
"Which reminds me," Discord’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts as he searched the room for something. "Where is that little pest- I mean bunny that interfered earlier?" I'd like to teach him a lesson about messing with my plans. Discord says making sure to avoid saying the last part aloud.
Before Discord realizes his words may have sparked something in her, Fluttershy’s stopped cowering and raised herself off the ground, preparing to give the draconequus a piece of her mind. It was not long before she has enough courage to fly up to him and stare the draconequus down. When he does notice, she doesn’t see that he only grins in response to her sudden change in behavior.
"N-now you listen here buster! You do not touch my Angel, do you hear me?!" The timid thing yells at a smirking draconequus.
Did she just grow a spine? I think I could grow to like this side of her.
Fluttershy continued, oblivious to his enjoyment. She felt her eyes narrow and her jaw tighten, barely aware of the expression her face was taking on. “If you so much as lay a talon on him I will-!”
Discord’s laughing interrupted her. “Ha ha ha! What is with your face?!” He bellowed, with enough force to knock the now dumbfounded pegasus off balance. That’s when she realized she had been using the stare on him. She’d told the girls it seemed to have a mind of its own, though she couldn’t have timed this one better herself, but why was he laughing?
“Y-you think… it’s funny?” She asks, dismayed.
“Funny? No, no, no. No. It’s only Hilarious!”
“Hahaha!” He guffawed again.
Fluttershy frowned. Does nothing work on him? I should really gather the girls. If only she had some insurance that he wouldn’t follow her there. What if he tried to take them again?
“Now hold on, I already told you, I come in peace! Or about as peaceful as I can get.”
“Give me one reason why I should trust you. You… you b-barge in here after scaring and chasing me half to death, then you just barge in here a-and threaten my animals!”
Discord looks ready to argue her point at first, but listens quietly and rubs the back of his neck. “I... You've got a point.” He smiles his chin resting on his paw assessing her challenge for what it was worth. He was not ready to get kicked out just yet.
“So uh.. how does this whole ‘friendship’ thing work, exactly?” Discord asks, air quoting the ‘friendship’ part, unsure of what to do now that he’s there.
He’d had trouble thinking of a way to trick her exactly into thinking he was her friend. He’d developed a bit of an unpredictable tolerance for some ponies, and this particular one was just so… infuriating!
She confused him, and nothing ever confused him, sure she was being predictable now, but he knew there was a confounding element within her. He wasn’t even sure if it was just her element that made her so hard to tolerate. Why yes, Tia! I can see it now, we’ll be the best of pals bye the end of this deal! Then when I tell her all about what I’ve done she’ll still forgive me and want me around. Nice plan! Despite his heavy sarcasm drawing his thoughts, he couldn’t help but feel a bit put out with the statement. He just couldn’t tell why, so used ot ignoring his softer feelings for those that allowed him to torment ponies without regret.
Fluttershy furrows her brows and moves aside acorns and blades of grass to take a seat on the floor. Discord follows suit, only he chooses to take up the entire couch she had off to the side. He wasn’t the biggest fan of the color green. He thought it was repeated far too often in the ways ponies ran things, but it would have to do.
“Um...Well, from experience I’ve known friendship to start off on…. trust….” She falters in her speech as she sees discord changing the color of her window curtains.
“What are you doing?” She asked him, a little bothered at his apparent ignoring her. It wasn't as if she wasn’t already used to it, but he came here for her help, and … Oh, she felt just awful thinking in such a way, though she really didn’t understand any of what was going on.. She wasn’t even sure Discord did at this point.
“I decided that I’m quite tired of the color of your drapes. You do have a point, I'll give you that.”
Fluttershy sighed, thinking that she managed to convince him out of adjusting her furniture, she liked it as it was and she wasn’t certain he would return anything he changed back to normal.
And then he changed her couch from the plain green to red with blue and plaid polka dots.
“I dislike this green color even more, I don’t know why I bothered with the curtains first!”
“You were saying?” He happily asked his host.
“Oh, um… I guess we could always start with finding what we have in common?” Rethinking her statement Fluttershy replies a bit uncertainly.
Why did I even bring up trust?! I don’t trust him even now and I can’t just kick him out. I wish the girls were here.
Fluttershy notices the direction of her shadow casted by the light from her narrow window. It was early yet, not yet noon, it would be a long couple of hours before she met with her friends for a picnic. She hoped with all her being that it the time would come soon. She needed to let them know about Discord... He really shouldn't be there, and out of his stone prison! If only she was still dreaming, but pinching herself earlier had told her otherwise. This was all actually happening and she wasn't sure how to address any of it. How does one Pegasus, one element of kindness deal with a Draconequus on the loose within her own home? Those thoughts reminded her of how other ponies would call exterminators to get rid of so called "pests". The thought came unbidden and was a most unpleasant one, but it lingered there. Perhaps... perhaps I should give him a chance? I'm no different from those other ponies, thinking such things. He's as much company as my friends, animal or otherwise.
That in mind, Fluttershy comes to a stand and walks over to the draconequus. She said it herself, friendships can't be formed without trust, and with Discord she knew she would have to step up to the plate first. She may not entirely trust his intentions, but she had faith that he would never really hurt anypony, he'd hardly caused any permanent damage the last time he was freed.
She didn't trust him with her life, but that was a lot to ask of anypony, much less a known threat against Equestria and order. Come to think of it, why was she even thinking of that now? It was true though, she trusted her friends and fellow elements with her life. She trusted Celestia and Luna, though they mostly kept to themselves. She trusted Spike, unless gems were involved. She wasn't sure when or even if she'd ever feel that certain with Discord.
Discord’s eyebrows furrow as he thinks on what she’s said. “Common interests, eh? That’ll be interesting no doubt. If that’s truly the place to start I can’t argue though I doubt the success of such a thing.”
There’s one thing already more.. or less. Fluttershy thought, though she didn’t voice the opinion. She was determined to at least try, though… she wasn’t sure how. She’d always just kind of stumbled into friendships, like her meeting with Twilight, Rainbow Dash and the other girls. All those friendships started rather on the spur of the moment and impending doom. She’d never really tried to make friends, so she supposed, lay the second thing she and Discord had in common. At this rate she’d be able to name many things they could relate to, but that were hardly the topics she should bring up.
What could we possibly have in common…? It’s not that he’s a bad pony, I just can’t see us being very close. If I could find one thing…
“Oh.. Discord! Where are my animal friends?” Fluttershy asked panicked, and guilty that she hadn’t realized before that they hadn’t appeared when Discord brought back the mess.
“Oh, just around outside.” Discord waved off her question. It was of no concern to him.
“Although… a few seem to have come in through the windows, even now one of those birds of yours is building a nest on my head!” It seemed to be having trouble considering the horns that also protruded from there and the angry draconequus claws swiping after it, but Discord didn’t care much, he just wanted the winged offender gone.
Fluttershy giggled, but soon realized Discord’s intent towards the bird and swooped in to take the creature out of harm’s way. “These animals are not to be treated like flies! They're delicate and as such need to be treated fairly. How would you like it if somepony took a swipe at you!”
“Oh, you mean nopony has already?” Discord muttered almost laughing as a grin formed across his muzzle. That would explain a lot.
“What was that?” Fluttershy asks, honestly missing his words.
“Oh, nothing important, I’ve developed this force of habit since my… encasement in stone. “
“Huh?”
“I was talking to myself.” He face palms, pulling his face down with it. He would have thought it rather obvious but he supposed a lot of things were obvious to him and yet ponies remained painfully ignorant to them.
“Oh…” Fluttershy replies becoming her mute self again, petting the feathers of the blue jay she’d rescued from Discord’s hooves.
“Are you alright May?” She asked it, her eyes full of concern. She ignored her rude company. She wouldn’t know what to say if she had paid him any mind then.
Mary only gave a sweet twitter in reply to confirm that, although the strange creature lounging on Fluttershy’s couch had startled her a bit, she was fine.
“Ehem!” The sound of the draconequus clearing his throat could be heard coming from the couch he had stretched himself out on. He made a sound similar to hacking as he tried to catch the yellow pegasus’ attention once more. He hated being ignored. He could attest that he was more important and far more interesting than amree bluebird, or any bird for that matter, forget that it was blue!
“I’m sorry Discord, it’s just that-” Began Fluttershy before Discord silenced her (though she was happy to note he didn’t use his magic to do so).
“You were blatantly ignoring me.”
“Oh, no! I didn’t mean it like that! With all that’s happened today I’m just tired… and I haven’t had this much excitement in one day since-” She stopped, should she bring up the day she turned him into stone again?
“Don’t try and lie to me, Element of kindness though you may be, that wasn’t very nice of you.”
He realized her move as if to protest and while previously Discord had thought against using his magic, he now guiltlessly snapped his fingers to zip her mouth closed.
Discord stood up, and walked over to the pegasus who again began to back away, her ears pinned down to the sides of her head as he glared down at her. He was about to tell her exactly why she shouldn’t ignore him, how he already had all of Equestria in the palm of his paw, he need only choose to ignore Celestia’s little deal. Mentioning the deal alone that her gracious ruler made with him, a monster, would be enough. It's not as if he ever played fair, or that Celestia could ever win this bet. He could start by giving the timid pegasus more reason not to trust him. Tell her exactly why he was there. It was simple! All he'd have to do is claim his prize at the end of the week. No one could make friends with someone who'd gone so far as to turn their beloved world into his chaos playground a second time, and their princesses his puppets.
He looked into her eyes though, and saw the very same look of terror he hoped never to see again. He wasn’t seeing Fluttershy though, not until he mentally cursed himself. He knew it wasn’t her. But of course the wounds she'd left him with were still new, though they were set there over a thousand years ago. He couldn't proceed with that plan while looking into those eyes. It may not have been his Tia, but she was never his in the first place, she was just a good liar. He growled his frustration and turned towards the door. He had to leave and clear his head, he couldn't believe he almost messed up everything. It was that stupid dream that reminded him of- dream… “Luna.” He said quietly. She didn't seriously invade my head while I slept? She of all ponies knew I wouldn't do as Celestia asked and sleep awhile longer. The little schemer!
“I know when I am not wanted, Good day Fluttershy.” He said graciously, with an odd smile on his face and a gleam in his eye. it's far from over, I think I'll keep this game up a little longer. With nothing more said he exited the cottage.
He snapped once, removing the zipper that stopped the flow of her pestering questions, and again to teleport himself to Canterlot, the castle to be more specific. He had to pay Lulu a visit. Now was as good a time as any to work at the bonds between sisters.
Fluttershy would have stopped him, but realized she didn’t want to. Discord was no friend of hers, despite her efforts so far to placate him. She was surprised she's done as well as she had, she usually had trouble talking with anypony. She didn't think much on this though, she was just trying to be polite, and hed already scared her plenty that day to last her a lifetime. Besides she had to meet up with the girls, if moments before had been an indication of anything it was that he had not come there to make friends, and gathering the elements was a primary concern. She waited to be sure he was gone before peering outside. She found nothing but her animals happily playing. She swore they were cheering about something, and she could think of only one thing. He was gone.
She closed her door and headed over the hills as fast as her hooves would carry her, she'd never been much of a flier and she ran faster than she flew. She needed haste, she only hoped somepony would be at the picnic spot. Twilight should be there at least, she always came early.