//------------------------------// // Secrets: Part 2 // Story: A Kind of Chaos // by Lola Dotz //------------------------------// It was cold. Dull. Life was nonexistent. Blank. Then, it was warm. It was nice, it was pleasurable, and it was short. Then it was cold once again. A loud crash of lighting from outside awoke the stallion with a start. He shook for a moment, but gradually rose from the bed to see his surroundings. What… The room was green and with bird houses and nests that hung off of branches coming through the surrounding walls. Flowers scented the room and made the aroma therapeutic and life giving. Cordwood lay in the covers of a once green bed of cherry wood that made the said color stand out. But now, it was grey. Everything was grey. Why? Because of him. Damn. He thought for a split second, but then looked around more, blushing deeply upon realizing where he was. What happened? He had no clothes on! What had he done to her?! Did he do anything when he wasn’t thinking clearly?! Had he...had he touched her?! Wait. Discord looked over to the nightstand beside the bed and saw items of treatment and care. Oh. I was so foolish to come here...I was sick and I didn’t even consider the cons- “Ack!” He grabbed his head and whimpered, a sound he disliked to hear come from him. Cordwood’s head still pounded and bruised the walls of his skull, why did he feel so weak? He had rested. Granted, he stayed in form, but he still was able to gain some strength, so why did he feel deprived? He massaged his temple trying to think of all that happened, his blush deepening. Oh. I must be tired...all I seem to recall is seductively grabbing Fluttershy and pulling her to the bed...great, my brain is playing tricks on me and can’t decipher dream from reality. I suppose next I’ll be stripped of my title and become the next princess of Equestria! Discord would have grown a pink horn and crown if there had been a viewer for his amusement, or energy to do such shenanigans. He turned his head slightly and could see the outline of a once occupied space, awfully close to him, the blankets had been lifted and rested to a crease. It made the disguised draconequus choke slightly at the sight. She slept next to him. Why? I asked. It made Discord laugh slightly, but then he noticed was alone once more. He hadn’t noticed until he tried to get up that a single yellow feather rested between his chest scruff. He blushed, but grabbed it carefully and lifted it to his eyes. Then stached it between a few of the feathers in his own wing. “Does she- Does she have feelings for me? What about the real me? Will she like me if I have no normal limbs and eyes? If I’m not the stallion she sees now, will she like me then?” Cordwood sighed longingly, but was quickly interrupted by head pounding. He held his face and massaged his temple, while reaching for the nightstand to find a pill. Nothing. Great. Now I have to get up and face her...after what just happened. I’m never going to forgive myself if I don’t tell her the truth, however tempting it may be to stay this way...my body won’t allow it, anyway. I must confess...a number of things actually. Discord groaned again, memories flooding into his mind at a fast pace, naming off his sins and lies, and even his truths that have yet to be told. I have to tell her that she had gotten too much of that liquid in her system that it possessed her to kiss me...not to mention I also told my past, not completely, it must be told sooner or later however. I’d rather tell the one pony I trust wholeheartedly. And I need to tell her...how I truly feel, while admitting that I’m not the stallion she thinks I am. In more ways than one. His brain was searching for words to say. How should he start? Where should he even begin?! He had only just recently recognized his attraction to her, he honestly knows nothing of romance, except that drivel from novels, not much help there. Discord smirked at his own thoughts. He had never attempted to woo, and especially never seduce a mare. He would be too embarrassed to ask after any sort of steps need be taken. Twilight would know. He paused. Twilight. Twilight! That’s it! Twilight would know what to do! She’s read everything! Not to mention she’s had a coltfriend in the same castle as her for a period of months! She would understand my circumstances, and would most likely be able to explain my affections to me at a better level of understanding. Possibly even assist me in romancing Fluttershy, after all, I’m sure Twilight would approve of a stallion-um-draconequus, whom her friend trusts! Any other stallion wouldn’t be good enough! It must be me. His head hurt, aching more as the shouting of his ideas and hopes vibrated about in his thumping brain. Pill first. Twilight later. I must go to Fluttershy and convince her to let me go back home. Well, at least out of her mane. Yes, but first, best try walking without collapsing… It was a task. A difficult one. Nothing he couldn’t handle, however. The medicines and Fluttershy’s comfort had really assisted him in his recovery, but his magic was still draining at a steady pace. He had even taken the color from Fluttershy’s bed by accident. Has she noticed? What will she think of that? How can I cover that one up? I’m most inevitably, in a word, doomed. But I must seek advice from Twilight before I tell Fluttershy of my intentions. His mind then secluded itself, his eyes focusing on the stairs in front of him. Cordwoods huffed, snorting like a bull prepared to take on his greatest enemy. Stairs. Is it possible to feel afraid about falling down the stairs? I suppose Pinkie would agree, though the others would laugh at my inability to walk correctly. He would have rolled on the floor and laughed until his lungs gave out if he could see himself manipulating his hooves to work down the elevation of the no more than eight step staircase. It was a task that took its toll on his pride, then burned it to a crisp when his face fell flat on the floor with his last step. He groaned, lifting his chin from the floor and spitting out pieces of carpet that caught in his fangs. I will forever float and fly, just for the sole purpose to avoid stairs...that is my vow and intend to stick to it after this ordeal has met it’s end. Discord got up shakily and walked the rest of the way to the kitchen, to the smell of soup and clanging of a spoon against a pot. Ah, she got up to make something...It was slightly disappointing that she had left him only after a little rest, but his attitude quickly changed when he came into the kitchen. Angel was sitting on a stool and reading a cookbook while stirring a pot of soup. He was complete with a chef hat and concentrated eyebrows, focused on the words and pictures of soups and salads. “Angel? Where-” Cordwood stopped as Angel began to squeak violently, saying, “That mare didn’t finish the soup before she left, but turned off the bloody stove, I wasn’t going to serve you something gross...no matter how tempting it may be Discord...” Cordwoods mouth was agape at the rabbits words, shocked that the rabbit actually cared for his well-being and that the rodent knew all along. “You-You knew?” He spoke barely above a whisper, Fluttershy’s bashfulness rubbing off on him. The rabbit rolled his eyes and continued on with the soup making, throwing in a few green plants in the brew. He squeaked again, “Of course I knew! I can smell your scent Discord, I’m actually quite surprised that Fluttershy hasn’t caught a wiff of your smokey aura...you smell like a diminished chimney that stood in the rain for too long, aging away to no more than a few bricks.” “Gee, thank you ever so much for the lovely compliment…” The stallion said with dripping sarcasm. “No matter...I’m sure Fluttershy doesn’t mind my aroma as much as she spends time with you who smells of rodent dung that has sat in the rays of Celestia’s sun for quite some time…” He smirked at the rabbit who seemed to laugh at the insult, considering it fair play. Cordwood came to the cabinets and tried finding the medicines, only to be met with tea cups, plates, and a couple bags of rabbit food of the highest quality brand. Spoiled. “Where is Fluttershy?” Discord asked, now concerned as to her whereabouts. He would have thought she stayed inside and cooked something. She might have even went to feed her animals if the rain had stopped, but the storm persisted and though it was not as threatening as before, it remained just as frightening. “I sent her out to get some mushrooms for my special dinner food…” “My, my, my, aren’t you the considerate one?” “ It’s hard to be this great, perhaps that’s why I receive more attention from Fluttershy than you do…” Angel was trying to dig at Discords skin, and it was working. Why that little...wait...out? “Where are those mushrooms?” He looked at the white rabbit that continued tasting the soup. “There on the edge of the Everfree beside the cottage, not to far about a three minute walk or so...why?” It’s raining...no, it’s thundering...lightning. “Why would you send her outside when it’s storming! Beside the Everfree no less! Do you know of the beasts that come out when it rains there?!” Discord was furious. How could this rabbit be so selfish! He’s Fluttershy’s friend, guardian more like, so why would he do such a thing as to send a weak soul out there near the untamed forests? “It’s not just me that needs those...we were low on supplies and we needed more. In all honesty I wouldn’t have sent her out there but some of our sickly...including you, needs those mushrooms...their magically charmed. I couldn’t go because I’m a rabbit, I can’t possibly carry all of what we need.” The rabbit squeaked once more, throwing his eyes at the ceiling and shrugging. “You could have waited! At least till the storm had lifted!” Discord was not having this rabbits excuses, no matter the mutual respect between the two. Angel looked out to the window, his brow furrowing, and beginning to squeak a most curious reply. “Strange, it was only misting when she left…” Discord looked out the same direction his eyes widening. All the lightning had been positioned in one spot in the sky, illuminating an area in the forest. There’s only one type of creature capable of that...I have to get her back inside. It can come up out of the forest if it so wishes to, and if she’s on the edge...oh no… “When did she leave?” The rabbit then looked at the stallion with now a worried look in his eyes. “I wasn’t watching the time I-I think-” “When did she leave?!” “About ten or so minutes ago…why?” “She’s in trouble.” Discord quickly left the kitchen forgetting about his migraine and proceeded to the door, materializing his leather jacket. “Stay here until we get back!” He shouted and slammed the door running out and sniffing the air. Rain. Grass. Flowers. Chickens. Chimney...hmmmm...Roses. Bingo. The disguised draconequus followed the scent and made his way through the leaves of the Everfree Forest. The scent of beast and mare filling his nostrils. He tried to listen for anything as another clue to finding her. His ears twitching in all directions and his eyes searching the foliage. “Fluttershy!” He scram, but she wouldn’t be able to hear through the thunder. Then, “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” A long earth shattering scream rang through Discords abnormal ears. [I’m coming Flutters, hang on! He screamed in his thoughts as the branches scraped against his face and the rain soaked him once more, however, this time was protected by the leather of his jacket. He could finally hear his mare’s faint whimpers as he ventured into a clearing within the forest. There it sat up, a long snake like beast, taking on a form much of a dragon, if they were any more snake like. It was dark blue with a lighter shaded belly and bright green eyes that shimmered in the darkness. It carried markings on it’s exaggerated head, lightning bolts, but he hadn’t realized what the snake was, until he saw it’s tail end was one of a lion. Another lightning streak further illuminated it’s frame, making visible dark black, hardly visible in the dark but no less terrifying than ram horns. It was a chimera. This was something Discord knew could match his strength and he didn’t like it. More whimpers sounded as the lion tail wrapped around a yellow pegasus pleading for mercy, hopelessly. The lion tail seemed to have scales toward the end, cutting through the skin of the crying prey. Discord would not watch idly while his friend suffered. The moment the chimera opened it’s mouth to take his meal, Discord surged his magic through him and gave his strength away for Fluttershy’s protection, making him mutter curses under his breath from the heart burn and aching. The pegasus finally looked up from her hooves and viewed the spectacle. Cordwood stood, using magic to freeze the snake's actions, but what he said next was more than any mare could handle in a day. “Put. Her. Down.” He said sternly, now staring daggers at the serpent before him, angry beyond measure. “Before I skin you alive and make you a handbag for my friend Rarity...” Fluttershy squeaked as the snake rolled his tongue and placed her down, none too gently. She sat in the mud, dripping wet, making her slightly appealing to Discord, but it wasn’t the time to admire. The beast hissed and circled around Discord as his magic lifted, allowing the chimera to study him for a moment. “Pray tell, young s-s-s-stallion, how is-s-s-s it possible to have gained s-s-s-such magic of your breed.” “I’m not who think I am, I suggest you tread lightly.” Discord stated, or rather deadpanned, still focusing on the mare only a few feet away from him as she tried gaining her balance once more. “Yes-s-s-s-s, it would seem we are at a match my friend...who are you to be coming into the forest for a weak and pitiful pegasus-s-s-s-s…” Discord showed no emotion, only now his eyes followed that of the snakes. “Perhaps-s-s-s, if only of good deed you would be better to leave me with my lunch…” The chimera then slithered toward Fluttershy once more, a cry of terror coming from the pegasus. All was well, however, Fluttershy opened her eyes and saw Cordwood standing in front of her, burning holes in the snake's eyes. “You will not touch her, she’s mine.” Fluttershy blushed at this but was sincerely shocked. He was being possessive of her, and claiming her as his. He was protecting her. “Why do you claim s-s-s-s-strangers young one?” Discord could only think one thing that could possibly work. The law. “She’s my mate, you may not touch her, it is against the codes of a chimera to ever harm another's mate.” Fluttershy squeaked. Wha-What?! “The rules-s-s-s-s have no boundries for me, I roam free…” Discord shown his eyes only once, his yellow and red eyes shining in the dark revealing his identity to the snake. It made the snake choke on his own tongue, and carry a stressed face. “M-My Lord...forgive me...I-I meant no dis-” “Leave.” Cordwood said sternly, now turning toward the mare shaking behind him. “If I ever see you around these parts of the forest, I will find you, and I will hunt you down...that is a promise. Goodnight.” With that the stallion lifted his muzzle under Fluttershy’s belly and hoisted her onto his back, now carrying her out of the forest. Fluttershy was speechless. Where could she begin with all her curious questions! There were too many! But one scratched at the door of her thought. “C-Cordwood...when you said...I-I was your-um-m-mate...what d-did you mean?” Discord froze on the edge of the forest, the cottage in view. He had said that understanding the laws of a chimera. A mate of one would not be harmed, but he also meant it seriously, she was practically mate status to him, considering that he did have an attraction to her. Mates were different than any marriage or relationship. Chimera only have one mate for their lifetime since they’re immortal, and if they fall for a mortal that mortal is granted the same life span to share with the chimera. Discord had never thought much about his own mate, if he ever imagined having one, it didn’t come to consideration. He only cared for Fluttershy. “There’s a law for chimera that one may not harm another’s mate. Considering that each chimera has almost the equal amount of power, there is not a need to fight with one another, but if the chimera has a mate of difference then there must be no harm…” Discord began walking again trying to get home as soon as possible. “Chimera? You-You mean you're…” “No. It was a lie.” “But, but the magic...a-and he called you Lord?!” “Tricks. I can manipulate magic by channeling my energy as a pegasus to do other things that a unicorn might.” “You can do that?” “Yes. You have to have magical capability and understand how magic works.” That was the truth, anyone could contain certain types of magic to their limit if they understood how it works. “But...he called you…” “I switched my eyes momentarily to match Discord’s, he is after all Lord of the Chimera, he keeps them at bay.” And now I know who had been causing so much trouble. I’ll have to report this to Celestia when I get the chance… “He-He’s that...powerful?” Discord couldn’t help but smile and his chest swelled with pride. “Indeed. What do think Celestia intrusted him with once he was reformed?” I hadn’t thought to tell her, I wouldn’t have wanted her to fear me. But I suppose it would have come up sooner or later. “That’s...amazing, I never knew that Discord was capable of order. I mean, he understands it, and it’s importance I’m sure, but he is the Lord of Chaos after all…” “Once he was, no longer, but that was only a title he made for himself and the chimera fear it. But, I believe Discord understands more about harmony than you think…” Cordwood continued walking, now opening the gate to her yard. “Harmony and Chaos need to exist together. You can’t have a perfect world, it’s considered corruption, but you also can’t have Chaos run freely without boundaries, that’s destruction.” “Are you saying...that Discord helps keep balance?” The stallion froze for a moment as he was reaching for the door of Fluttershy’s cottage. “Perhaps, but then again, he may be another pawn of an endless game. He might not be a token of balance, maybe he is the ending of harmony...of everything, after all he’s cursed with the fate of forever causing mischief and grief.” “I think...that he does create balance. Without him, the world would be dull, and it would always be order with no progression, like you said. He’s not evil, he serves a purpose. Without him, my life would be dull too.” She said the last one in a low whisper, covering her small blush in the back of Cordwood’s neck. “He...is good, isn’t he?” “Yes. I think so…” Thank you. He said silently to himself in his mind, which still hurt from his migraine and using his magic to save Fluttershy. But Cordwood’s train of thought slowed as he entered the house and rested Fluttershy on the floor, just now noticing her stomach area was bleeding. “Fluttershy, you're hurt…” “Oh, i-it’s just a scratch...don’t worry about-” But before she could even finish her sentence Discord was trotting upstairs. “C-Cordwood?” She heard the rustling of something and then she realized what he was doing when he came down the steps holding the first aid kit in his muzzle. “I’ll fix fit…” He stated trying to suppress drool with a closed smile and made his way to the mare. It didn’t take long for him to figure out what to do first, of course he put ointment on the wounds, but not before he began his interrogation. “What possessed you to go out there alone?” He asked coolly but you could hear the aggravation in his voice. “I-I had to get those mushrooms. Oh, I should have grabbed some carrots too and-” “Forget the carrots and whatever pointless vegetable you could possibly conjure in that mind of yours...you left without help, all alone into a forest- that wasn’t very intelligent on your part my dear.” He rubbed in the ointment on her cuts, receiving a quiet moan of it’s healing reaching Fluttershy. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t see the patch that’s usually beside the trees...I saw some in the forest, a-and...I-I’m sorry…” “It’s alright...but you should have waited if you didn’t see anything at first...Angel can live without it…” “Oh, b-but some of my other animals need it too, and I haven’t fed them today either!” Discord began wrapping cloth around her stomach to cover the cuts. They weren’t just scratches, but Fluttershy was tougher than she looked, he admired her for that. His expression became that of sadness, and he cut the wrapping and taped it to another end. Fluttershy saw the expression remained even as Cordwood leaned back more to see her face. “What’s wrong? Is it that bad?” I would heal you, if I hadn’t been so unreasonable as to lie to you. “No, you’ll be just fine. As for the other animals, I’ll feed them...before I leave.” “L-Leave?” Fluttershy was now panicking. Cordwood still looked so ill and tired, he can’t possible be thinking of leaving, even if the storm had lifted since they got back home. Night was coming soon too. He couldn't leave! He just couldn't leave...her. “P-Please stay...with me, you still look exhausted and it’s just-just not right for me to allow you to go!” She whimpered a little, her sides hurting, but it also hurt for her interest to leave. “Flutters, I have to. I can’t stay here and burden you any longer…” Cordwood got up and walked for the door and grabbed his shirt and proceeded to put it on after taking his jacket off. “Co-Cordwood! No!” Fluttershy surprised Discord by running over to him and holding from behind. It was warm...when he was cold. He honestly didn’t want to leave, but he needed Twilight's help with his situation. She would know how to approach the subject...and she could explain his attraction...and what it was, really. “I need to go Fluttershy. I have many things to do when I get home. I assure you, I’m perfectly capable of getting there, so, don’t worry…” Fluttershy came to his front and looked up in his eyes, she looked tearful and tired herself. “B-But you s-sick, sniffle, I just-a-and you saved me! I-I can’t j-just, sniffle, let you leave…” She stated the last bit in a low whisper. Her sniffling masking her tears, he hated it, he didn’t want her to cry and he didn’t want to be the reason either. Cordwood’s hoof moved itself under her chin, and he couldn’t comprehend the swelling in his chest and the constant movement in his stomach. Within a few moments Fluttershy stopped her whimpering and crying, giving Discord his cue. She was just too beautiful when the flames of the fireplace danced against her. So he kissed her. His lips touched hers and Fluttershy looked at him red faced and shocked. It was beyond what she expected. The heat from her face seemed to transfer to Cordwood too. What was he doing? Why…oh. Fluttershy reached her hooves around his neck and pulled him closer to strengthen his kiss. That’s why. It made Discord smile slightly, his hooves holding her head. It was a lingering feeling, and the universe slowed, with only the crackling flames to break the silence. Well, until...Fluttershy made an unexpected sound. It was quiet, but it made Discord ruffle up and want to press more. The shy pegasus couldn't hold it back any longer and she opened her mouth a little, as if granting him a gift. Discord knew what she was doing, and complied. Their tongues intertwined and Fluttershy moaned blissfully, giving her love more than she ever had. But there was something that threw her off slightly. A clipped tongue, like a snake’s. It didn’t take long though for her to forget about it. Cordwood pressed against her to the wall, lightly as not to hurt her, but the pressure in Discord was getting too much for him to hold back. Fluttershy moaned quietly, receiving responses back from Discord. This is nice, and I wish I could please you more...but… Discord broke away, gasping for air and putting his head on Fluttershy’s shoulder. It took a minute for them to catch their breath, yet it was the most peaceful moment that Discord had experienced, no matter how excited he was, he was content. He kissed her neck lightly, receiving another quiet moan of pleasure from his interest. Discord went to her ear and breathed into it while nuzzling her. He couldn't spend any more time with her, he needed to tell her soon, before he dies of impatience. Discord sat back up and then rested his forehead on her’s and smiled tenderly, while opening his eyes a little to look at her, she was doing the same. They looked into each other for a moment more, just to view the spectacle in front of them. “I’ll be fine.” He said finally, gaining a worried look from Fluttershy. But she knew this battle was lost, so she pulled at his shirt and kissed him and then hugged him tightly. “Please…be careful…” “I’ll come back soon…” With that Cordwood left the cottage, fed the animals as he said he would, and continued on the road to Ponyville. ********************************************************* Twilight carried an umbrella in her magical aura while Spike was to her right, walking on all fours. He was pretty tall compared to how he was before, and had aged more, but he was still small enough to fit under the umbrella. The alicorn princess on the other hand had aged beautifully and grown more mature. Her hair had yellow in it now and was kept up in a bun to keep out of her face. Twilight’s strength and knowledge had since changed when she was turned into a Princess, her magic changed her appearance every year. Her knowledge had helped her much since she had reigned, and that was the reason she was walking on the beaten path to a particular part of the outskirts of town. Discord was the only one who could help Twilight figure out who Cordwood really was, that, and fix her book. Her brow furrowed and she pouted, he still hadn’t fixed the book like he promised. “Twilight?” The lavender alicorn turned to her companion to see him and understand his concern. “Yes Spike?” “So, this Cordwood, could be Discord? Or do you think Discord might know him?” “I have a feeling it could be either...considering Discord came to me for a transformation spell not only three weeks ago, and that was the time we met Cordwood. But I can’t assume until I have proof, it would make sense that Discord would go to certain lengths to receive more attention from Fluttershy. Otherwise It wouldn’t make sense that a stallion would use a name that hadn’t been used in centuries, unless he was some type of con artist trying to use Fluttershy.” “A con artist?” “Yes, but I don’t think that’s what it is...but I can’t be sure, that’s why we have to go see Discord.” “But, don’t you need a portal to get there? And why are we going to Fluttershy’s?” “Fluttershy has a special place in her house that Discord put a portal, in case Fluttershy needed to see him.” “I never knew that.” “He put it there soon after the Terik incident, I’m not sure she’s used it yet, considering that Discord always comes to visit her instead.” Twilight and Spike continued walking down the road, expecting to reach the cottage soon, but plans seemed to change quickly when a figure stumbled in the rain and was heading towards them. “I-Is that?” Spike stuttered and pointed at the familiar shadow. Cordwood heaved and gasped trying his best to keep his balance, but stumbled multiple times. Almost there. Almost there. Almost… He fell with a considerably dull thud, having reached his limit. “Cordwood!” Twilight galloped towards him and covered his shaking body with the umbrella. “Oh no, what happened?!” Cordwood was having difficulty not passing out in the road, he had gone out when he knew he hadn’t healed completely, but he did it any way. He tried to speak, but it was hard for Twilight to understand. “H-Help...h-hold mhe...hup…” He huffed, on the brink of hyperventilating. “Oh, um, alright?” Twilight helped the stallion up, he seemed oddly heavy when he leaned up against her. “Cordwood?! What’s going on?! Where’s Fluttershy?!” She was panicking, but Discord was to tired to answer, instead he glowed slightly. Now he really was getting heavy. Twilight grunted, trying to keep him up on his hooves. Instead Cordwood’s body was changing and seemed to be draining color from the road, but before the scenery could change, the stallion's hoof changed to a eagle claw and swiped the air creating a rip. His backside was changing rapidly, now his tail had came back and his back legs. Twilight looked behind her and couldn't believe who she was carrying. “Discord?” She looked at him scared, Spike looked at him in the same way. What happened to him? “Plhease...home…” He said through fast breaths, and his eyes closed, tempting him to fall passed out. Twilight knew what he was saying, she shared a look with her dragon and nodded. “Spike, go to Fluttershy’s and tell her that Cordwood made his way to my castle, and that he’s fine…” “But-Twilight, he’s not-” “Just go, and hurry back to the castle…Discord is the portal to your home?” The tired stallion nodded, he looked so deprived of color, and so dull. “I’ll bring you home to rest, after that we go to my castle...Spike I’ll be back home soon.” “Alright Twilight…” Spike ran off to Fluttershy’s in a speedy getaway. Twilight took a deep breath and faced the swirling mass in front of her, terrified, but brave enough to assist her friend who had seemed to fall asleep on her shoulder, she stepped through. Not long after, the portal disappeared from the space leaving no trace, but a single yellow feather.