Chapter 3
-o-
The sweet smell of lavender filled the warm air as Fluttershy waltzed merrily passed her window with a perky trot. Inhaling deeply in a desire to savour the wonderful aroma, she gave the flowers in question a quick glance. They were magnificently healthy, with lush petals and vibrant colours that would catch the eye of any pony, and it was all thanks to her hard work.
Fluttershy grinned. Tending to plants was not what she would call a job, just as caring for and feeding the many critters surrounding her land did not count as tedious labour. Every little thing that she saw fit to put sweat into provided her with endless beauty and gratitude; that was payment enough for her efforts.
Moving her attention away from the delightful sight, Fluttershy made her way towards the front door, before opening it with barely concealed excitement. As the heat of the day-time air caressed her cheeks and neck, a comforting breeze gently slipped over her body, extending to her limbs and hugging them in a caring embrace.
Luna's nights were always calm and gorgeous, but nothing could compare to the sun's light in Fluttershy's opinion. Flooding every surface with a bright sparkle of energy, the power of the star could never be rivalled.
Shutting the door to her cottage, Fluttershy let her gaze roam over the greenery that her property was blessed with. It was growing very nicely due to the warmer season. Her grin lowered into a content smile. Under normal circumstances, she would gladly stay close to home, admiring the views she recognised and cherished each day. Today, that was not possible, nor was it desired.
Two long weeks she had been waiting for this moment to arrive; now it was here, she was not going to dawdle around. Being late to her meet up with Discord was not an option.
Finding it hard to hold back on the squeal that wished to pass from her mouth, Fluttershy quickly extended her wings to their full width. The natural spread of the feathers allowed for the soft wind to pass over them, and she closed her eyes momentarily in response. A bird whistled nearby. Snapping her eyes back open instantly, Fluttershy turned to look at the sparrow that had made the noise. She replied with a cheerful call of her own.
When the bird chirped, she giggled. Then, refocusing her attention back to her wings, she used their strength to lift herself from the ground. Taking care not to soar too high in the air, she managed to keep her pace slow and steady, despite her increasing anticipation. She did not need to rush. Risking an injury just because she was eager to get to her destination was not worth it.
As she crossed the boundaries of her land, she failed to notice the blur of purple that ran underneath her, heading in the direction of her now empty cottage.
-o-
Magic was a truly wondrous thing. Providing the ponies of Equestria with various abilities - levitation, flight, teleportation, and more - it was one of the greatest gifts nature had bestowed upon the population. It was pure and raw, strong if required, and as delicate as it needed to be. Nothing that ponies had created by hoof could compare to how magnificently useful magic was. A pegasus could create a sonic rainboom with it; an alicorn could give a unicorn the power of flight.
The possibilities that magic offered were endless. There wasn't a single idea or invention in Equestrian history that had not used it as a tool in some manner.
Right now, Luna was using it to dry her coat. A blue, twinkling aura covered her entire form, from head to tail, pulsing in and out as it tugged droplets of water away from her body. The sensation did not cause pain. The pull of liquid created an odd tickle against her skin, but all it did was make her laugh.
If she were being honest, Luna admitted that she did not enjoy bathing. Regardless of whether that opinion was childish or not didn't change the truth behind the statement. She could not understand how any pony could take pleasure in soaking in lukewarm water. There was no dignity involved at all. How could anyone prefer being sopping wet, when they could be heated and dry instead?
"Princess Luna?"
The quiet, deep voice caught her attention. Glancing at the door with a disappointed frown, Luna dissolved the blue blanket until it faded from existence. Could he not have waited a minute before interrupting?
"You may enter," she announced, satisfied when her tone did not give away her true feelings. Making sure to mask her features into a calm, polished mask of politeness, Luna stood silently as one of the castle's guards entered the room. He didn't look too concerned; that helped to decrease her irritation. Being burdened with a threat to Equestria was not exactly on her agenda for the day.
He bowed his head in a rapid show of respect, smiling kindly. The expression suited him. His eyes were full of pride, and even the shine of his armour could not beat the intensity of their radiance. Was that a flush in his cheeks? Luna's eyebrows rose. Perhaps it was time she stopped allowing stallions access to her cleaning chamber?
"Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight Sparkle wish to hold a conference with you," he proclaimed, smile widening.
Ah, of course. That certainly explained his actions. Steel Heart was one of her own, personal guards, meaning he rarely got to be in the presence of her sister. Receiving a direct order from the princess of the sun was not common for stallions under Luna's command; it was always a treat for them when they did. Luna forced her amusement to remain hidden. It would not be fair to mock him for taking joy in what many ponies would give their right hooves for.
"Thank you, Steel Heart." Waiting for him to bow once again, she watched as he puffed out his chest dramatically, before spinning on the spot and galloping out the room without a bit of shame.
Chuckling at his antics, Luna quickly followed his example and proceeded to leave the chamber. She had not been aware that Twilight was visiting the castle, and she was curious as to what she and Celestia wished to discuss. A smile rose onto her lips. Perhaps her initial thought had been incorrect? Her earlier encounter with Discord had been a mere fluke, surely? The irritating moment had not been an indicator of what was to come.
Twilight's visit was proof that today was going to be enjoyable after all.
-o-
Discord was already in the field when she arrived. Body perched atop a large tree branch, he had his paw and claw folded behind his head as he stared up at the passing clouds. As she drew closer to him, Fluttershy could just make out a low humming sound that filled the air. The tune was unfamiliar, but the notes were long and pitched rather well; her ears were not going to curl under in complaint.
She let a smile grace her lips. Decreasing her speed, the pale mare flew up to her friend, landing on the occupied branch. Taking note to keep her wings spread out - the wood beneath her hooves had bounced, despite her best efforts - and planting her legs in a slightly wider stance than normal, Fluttershy grinned. Leaning forward brought her face into his line of vision.
Peering down at him with an expression that probably outmatched Pinkie's in terms of pure happiness, Fluttershy did not care when her cheeks filled with warmth.
His response did not disappoint.
With his mouth bursting open into a wide smile that could easily be a reflection of her own, Discord called her name in an obvious display of excitement. In one swift movement, he grabbed her legs and pulled her over his head, flipping her around so their bodies were parallel. Fluttershy was unable to contain the squeak of surprise that escaped as he pulled her down into a friendly embrace.
"It's good to see you," she said, the heat in her face becoming much hotter as she realised she was lying on top of him.
Her legs had wrapped themselves around his long body instinctively, yet she did not regret this. Hugs were one of her favourite physical signs of affection, and the dark fur she was currently squashed against was not uncomfortable. Truthfully, she was disappointed that she needed to move. Cuddling was great, but intruding on his personal space any longer than necessary was quite rude, even if he had initiated the contact.
A quiet laugh was all the encouragement he needed to release her. Allowing her wings to flap again, she flew off him. Not waiting to see if he would do the same, she glided to the welcoming cushion of grass that was settled on the ground. Almost instantly a strange noise pierced through the field, before Discord appeared by her side in his customary flash of white. She wondered whether that light was something he did on purpose, or if it was simply the world reacting against his unique magic.
"It really has been too long, hasn't it?" he suddenly asked. An answer was obviously not expected. "Why, I was beginning to forget just what you look like."
He snapped his claw, and Fluttershy's body jerked in response to the fierce chill that rushed through her spine. Darting her gaze down to look at her legs in a hot panic, she couldn't stop the gasp that forced its way up and out of her throat. Taking in the array of multi-coloured butterflies now covering her coat, she stared dumbly at them for a moment, before being brought out of her daze when she caught sight of other changes on her body.
Scrunching up her muzzle, displeasure poured through her as she glanced at her long tail. Flabbergasted did not even begin to describe what she felt upon seeing the sparkles emitting from each strand of hair. Pink was not the only colour present anymore. She frowned. Why in the world had he dyed her tail with various shades of green and purple?
"No, no, no. That isn't right." Discord's voice pulled her away from the scrutinisation of her own body, and she turned to him just as his talon snapped rapidly once more.
Letting out a tiny 'eep' when the sound met her ears, Fluttershy bit her lip. She didn't really want to know what he'd done to her this time, but there was no denying her curiosity. Halting the tremble in her legs, she chanced a look down. An odd wave of nausea hit her instantly. Swallowing back the disgusting taste of bile, Fluttershy's jaw clenched tightly as she stared at a body that she did not own. The light blue coat was awfully familiar, and she had a bizarre inkling that, if she were to check her flank, the cutie mark displayed there would be one that belonged to her rainbow haired friend.
"Ah, yes. Much better, wouldn't you agree?" Discord asked, tone playful. The light chuckle that sifted through the air made Fluttershy stiffen, especially when an inappropriate thought entered her mind. It seemed that Rainbow Dash's image was not the only thing she'd been gifted with, if the sudden urge to lash out at Discord with a kick was taken into consideration.
Holding back on the reprimand - either physical or verbal - that desperately wanted to escape, Fluttershy chose instead to glare at him in disapproval. Had they not gone through this enough times already? Yes, she understood that he was merely joking around, but changing a pony's body without their explicit consent was a line he should not be crossing. What if he began doing it to other ponies who weren't acquainted with his more childish take on humour? He needed to come to terms with the fact that some actions were off limits, unless permission to do them was granted.
It took no more than a second for his features to lower into a frown. The expression marred his face, and Fluttershy fought back the desire to bring a smile back to his lips. He tutted. Snapping his talon one final time, Fluttershy quickly allowed her expression to lift in relief when an inspection of her body indicated that it was back to normal.
"Has everypony been eating lemons? You're all so sour today." He grunted. "I'd have thought you, of all ponies, would appreciate a good joke. Especially one that doesn't harm anyone." Putting emphasis on the latter sentence, Discord folded his arms and stared down at Fluttershy with clear frustration.
"I do appreciate your jokes, but... um, it's not right to change me like that without asking first."
Discord's lips drew into a thin line. Regardless of this, he gave a tiny shrug. "I suppose I can see it your way."
Offering him a kind smile, Fluttershy resisted the temptation to hug him. He honestly was getting faster at taking her opinion into consideration. And, although it wasn't entirely direct, she knew his statement was meant to be taken as an apology.
"Thank you."
Raising an eyebrow, Discord just stood there watching her for a moment, until his expression softened and lit up with a grin. Fluttershy beamed. Joy was the emotion that suited him more than anything, and she always failed to hide her own happiness when he expressed it so willingly.
Suddenly, without warning, he flew up in the air and stretched out his limbs. Jumping back slightly, Fluttershy's rapid glee vanished, leaving her features twisted in a cringe. Trying hard to ignore the disturbing crack that floated to her ears as Discord popped each of his arms and legs with alarming force, Fluttershy felt a wash of fascination seep into her as his features relaxed in sheer bliss. She licked her lips, confused as to how that didn't cause him pain.
"Now, dear Fluttershy," he started, slumping back to the ground with a smirk, "I do hope you're fully prepared for our little trip. It's not some-"
Discord stopped mid-word. Furrowing her eyebrows, Fluttershy watched quietly as his eyes seemed to move and focus on something that was directly behind her. Whoever or whatever it was, it was not welcome. At least, not if Discord had any say in the matter, since he was practically glowering at the poor intruder. Turning away from the venomous gaze with trepidation, Fluttershy was immediately filled with relief when she was greeted by an out-of-breath dragon.
Spike's pants were short and not very loud, though it was obvious that he'd exerted a lot of energy to get here fast. Her mouth parted slightly in interest as she noticed the parchment he was clutching in one of his claws.
"Fluttershy," he said. "Finally. I've been looking everywhere for you."
She gasped; her hoof flew up to her mouth automatically as guilt rushed through her. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"You really should stop apologising for every little thing, Fluttershy," Discord commented. Glancing at him out the corner of her vision, she was not at all surprised to see that he was not paying attention to Spike. In fact, he was inspecting his paw in a rather nonchalant display of disinterest, as though Spike were the most boring thing he'd ever had the misfortune of encountering.
Fluttershy pursed her lips. "Yes, but it is my fault he had trouble finding me. I could have left a note." Her eyes widened as a horrible thought struck her. "What if somepony had needed me? I don't think-"
"If it were so incredibly important," Discord interrupted, voice like ice, "then I'm sure that darling Twilight would have come herself. I can't imagine Equestria is in some dire need of your assistance if she's sending her pet to come get you."
Opening her mouth to lecture Discord on just how stupidly offensive his description of Spike was - the dragon was a cherished member of their group, and deserved the utmost of respect - she didn't quite get the opportunity due to Spike speaking up.
"Actually, Twilight's in Canterlot."
That caught Discord's attention. Ears perking up slightly, his idle stance shifted, becoming tense and agitated as he finally moved his full focus onto Spike. Fluttershy, satisfied that he would now listen, returned her complete attention back to her purple friend. The question on her mind must have been apparent in her expression, because Spike didn't take long to elaborate.
"She was doing some research or whatever, like usual. You know the type. But what she wanted wasn't in any of her books." Spike shrugged. "She said she was going to Canterlot to see if she could use their library instead."
"Is that why you've come to see me?" Fluttershy asked, frowning. "Does she think I can help?"
Spike shook his head. "Oh, no. This is from Princess Celestia."
Bringing his claw up, Spike waggled the letter in front of her face. The parchment was curled in on itself, but there was no ribbon tied around it, meaning Spike had opened it. Perhaps he hadn't realised it was intended for her? But then, how would he have known, considering letters sent through him were usually for Twilight.
"She wants you and all the others to go to Canterlot right away. It's important."
"Wait, you're telling me Equestria is under threat?" Discord piped up, the pitch of his voice indicating his incredulity.
Fluttershy swallowed. Forcing her legs to remain still - why did they insist on shaking right now? - and keeping her features as calm as possible, she tried to come up with a reasonable excuse as to why Celestia would want all six Element bearers in Canterlot. An attack on Equestria was the most likely reason, though it was also the least wanted. Surely there was another explanation? Spike didn't appear worried... Did he? He'd be more panicked if there had been an urgency in the tone of the letter, wouldn't he? This wasn't an emergency.
"I don't think so." Spike sounded uncertain as he voiced the answer that Fluttershy had been hoping for. Should she take that as a good sign?
Biting her lip, she glanced at the comfy grass beneath her hooves. The green was vivid and bright, but it did nothing to lift her spirits. Why did the princess have to call for her now? The timing was incorrect. Today was supposed to be spent with her good friend; journeying to Canterlot would ruin that.
She sighed. It wasn't as if she actually had a choice.
"I'll get the girls."
She was not happy, but saying no to Princess Celestia's invitation - could it be called that, when she couldn't decline? - was not an option. Letting out another, long sigh, she turned to Discord and offered him an apologetic smile. His lack of verbal input spoke volumes as to what he thought about the situation.
"Maybe you could come with me?" she suggested, hope seeping into every fibre of her being. "I'm sure-"
"No, thank you." The words were curt and loud; Fluttershy almost flinched back at how sharp they were. "I don't plan on travelling any more today. Although I'm sure they'd love to have me accompany you, I don't want to waste my time with Celestia. I've had my fair share of dealing with dreary princesses today."
He was disappointed. Despite the attempt to hide it behind sarcasm, it was ridiculously obvious that he was upset at the fact that their plans had been stomped all over.
Allowing her smile to lift into a proper grin, Fluttershy braced herself, then flew into the air. Ignoring his look of surprise, she quickly closed the gap between them and wrapped her legs around his warm fur. She felt his body deflate as a sigh passed through his mouth, but not even a moment went by before his arms curled around her, hugging her back without hesitation.
Breathing deeply, holding on slightly longer than was necessary, she felt a flush fill her cheeks as some of his hairs tickled her nose. After a few more seconds, she pulled back and grinned up at him enthusiastically.
"Maybe we can go tomorrow?" she asked, not bothering to cover up the tiny plead in her voice.
His expression was not a cheerful one, but he nodded regardless. "I can make us some sandwiches for the trip."
Releasing him completely, Fluttershy flew back a few metres. Her eyes were filled with clear gratitude. Waiting for the inevitable goodbye wave, she raised a hoof in response when the gesture came. Then, giving Spike a quick smile, she spun around and began heading in the direction of Rarity's boutique.
She could only pray that Celestia's request for her and her friends' presence was not due to something that troubling. Despite Spike being rather unconcerned, she still had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that wouldn't go away.
Something about this entire situation did not seem right.
-o-
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Oh... My.
Oh no, poor Flutters!
Great as usual! No pressure, but can we get an idea of when we can expect an update?
did Twilight just crap out that book?
5042099
I'm aiming to have at least one update a week. As this is the only story I'm currently working on right now, the chapters should be pretty regular from now on.
Reading this knowing that in your story, Discord's a child, just makes everything click so dreadfully.
This is amazing. I love how this takes a completely different route in explaining Discord, and it's even kind of sad when thought about. I just really can't wait to read what happens when they find out he's not even fully matured yet.
So, Fluttershy is an accidental pedophile... this will be interesting.
5036217
I suspect the thing that develops over time is judgement and empathy, not a lack of playfulness. Humans who are not constrained by circumstances -- that is, the few of us who are lucky enough to get to work at a job that we love -- often remain playful well into adulthood or even old age, and children who have to fight for survival lose their playfulness, so the neotenous mental state is one that even humans might remain in indefinitely if it weren't destroyed by the weight of the responsibilities adult lives put on us. If Discord loses his playfulness, it would be because he was forced to take responsibility that he doesn't enjoy and that weighs on him, not just because he grew up.
But the playfulness isn't the only aspect to his childishness. He's also selfish -- the world revolves around him and what he wants -- and his social development is actually behind where the rest of him seems to be. He's just now hitting the level that your average first grader is at, the level of actively reaching out to make friends. This is due to his bizarre upbringing, but it's quite possible that he will retain a child's empathy for quite some time... children can be very empathetic, but few children will consistently and deliberately sacrifice for others. They may make one big sacrifice that makes them feel heroic and good, but most of the time their behavior's pretty selfish, unless they're looking out for a younger sibling. Discord might be biologically incapable of getting over this inherent selfishness until he hits the equivalent of a teen's mental development. (Still, a 9 year old's natural levels of empathy would be better than where Discord's been most of his life.)
Finally... Discord has terrible judgement. That is something that comes from both age and experience. He has the experience, but he isn't applying it properly, because canonically he has terrible judgement. Failing to notice that the Element Bearers were undiscorded and choosing to taunt them rather than pay attention to the battle; dragging Twilight and Cadance out to somewhere where he himself is obviously unfamiliar with the life forms; believing Tirek... Discord's smart, he can plan, but his judgement's pretty bad. And that's an aspect of childishness that has a direct impact on how ponies should treat him.
Many, many children go through a phase where they reject their true friends in order to hang out with a more popular friend, or a more charismatic friend, or a friend who appeals to their sense of danger. Of course, few are in a position where defecting on their friendships might lead to an entire nation being crippled, but that's Discord's problem in this story -- he has the judgement, empathy and social skills of a nine year old, and the power of a god, and the appearance of an adult, and the life experience of three thousand years. Everything he does has far more impact than it would if he were an ordinary kid, and up until now, he has been cut no slack for it. If Discord is a child then the Mane 6 and the Princesses were right to forgive him for the Tirek thing, and punishing him for it would have been the absolute wrong thing to do (given that the only punishments they have available for Discord tend to be semi-permanent ones).
I agree that Discord won't tolerate being treated as a child, and that he's far too old and experienced for that to be realistic. But I think that knowing he's a child might lead the members of the Mane 6 who have sisters, who are normally the three that dislike and distrust Discord the most, to feel more sympathy to him and be kinder to him, because they'll have a reason they can understand why he does this shit beyond "he's evil". A three thousand year old entity who hasn't figured out that nobody likes it when you poke them in the eye is not believable, so the assumption would be, Discord does things that bother ponies because he's evil and likes bothering ponies. If he's a kid, his desire to stir shit up is a lot more innocent and redeemable.
5042192 She hugged him platonically.
5042310 Yes, but she was blushing the whole time, so I believe it is safe to guess that this was a slightly romantic scene. I, and Nihatclodra, could be wrong, though.
5042210
This is an interesting comment that I enjoyed reading. I don't have much to say in reply, but I do want to say thank you!
So are Discord and Fluttershy dimension hopping?
Just where is this place they were going to go to? This is a new mystery.
I choked on my water when I saw the update. I had to read this very slowly so it wouldn't go by too quickly. This story is just that good.
5042382 Fluttershy blushes at the slightest bit of affection in the show
5042544 True. I guess only the author can tell us what's going on!
5042548 pursuhnally i am hoppin that Twilight and Flash will get together and spike and AJ and Blublood and Rarty.
Liek dis f u crye erytim!
5042581 I feel as if you are joking or mocking me in some way... if you are mocking, please be clear with it.
If not... you spelling needs some work...
*looks at the Authors notes* "Yes, I do hope to see an update sooner this time, lol" I am really enjoying this and cannot wait to see what happens next
So, if Discord is basically a foal for his species.. Does this mean the CMC is going to kidnap and induct him? He is part pony and he could totally qualify for a cutie mark! >.>
5042644 lol no i am not mocking you i pinkie promise. I just have to do stupid things occasionally otherwise i get to serious and melodramatic.
I was just shitposting cus i thought it'd be funny XD
I like this idea. Personally, I think it's little iffy, but it's a fun topic to explore.
I love this story. Not only is the premise awesome, it actually keeps with the roots of the character, for Discord is the Squire of Gothos.
...okay, that might take some explanation.
Discord is, essentially, an animated version of the Star Trek: TNG/DS9/VOY character Q, Q was directly inspired by an earlier character from the original Star Trek series: Trelane from the episode The Squire of Gothos. If you haven't watched it, a) do so, it's a classic of science fiction, and b) If you don't mind spoilers: Trelane isn't a god, he's a super-powered little kid using the Enterprise crew as toys.
Mr. Spock: I object to you. I object to intellect without discipline; I object to power without constructive purpose.
Trelane: Oh, Mr. Spock, you do have one saving grace after all: you're ill-mannered! The Human half of you, no doubt?
My headcanon is now that Eris prefers lemonade rain.
Hold on....
"Certain smells can act as a catalyst to emotion for draconequui. The effects differ between the genders. Example: Females can gain a sense of happiness from the scent of lemons, while males gain the same happiness from the scent of chocolate instead."
"Has every pony been eating lemons? You're all so sour today."
Was this intentional? I have no idea what it could mean if it was -- But was it?
YES! THIS FINALLY UPDATED! I NEED TO FIND OUT MORE! THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!
*takes deep breath*
I cannot wait to see where you take this.
5043071 I would think lemonade snow, like snow flakes of frozen lemonade, but yeah XDD. With what type of clouds...
Marshmellow?
5043322 Both awesome ideas.
Lemonade rain would make more sense, but then it's not really supposed to make sense, and I like the idea of lemonade snow so that's cool. Marshmallow clouds also cool. 'Course then they would be white like regular clouds, which would just be confusing.... Only other option I can seem to think of is whipped cream, with the same effect.
We must develoup the headcanon further.
5043459
I could imagine Eris and Discord having a competition of sorts--Eris takes a mug of chocolate rain, heats it up, and then puts a dollop of marshmallow cloud on top to give to Discord.
Hearths (and Hearts) Warming, indeed.
I've got three months to write this....
Oh Fluttershy. You have no idea. You and the girls are going to get one of the biggest shocks of your life.
From the famous words of Scar the lion: "Be prepared."
~ Super-Brony12
5043071 Except what would YOU do if suddenly the rain was yellow, eh?
5042094 YOO OKAY FLUTTERSHY? NETHING I CAN D00 T0 H3LP???
5043015
I haven't watched that episode of TOS yet, but I have read the TNG based book "Q-Squared" which involves both Q and Trelane. Does that at least count for something?
5042210
Some serious fridge logic just hit me: all living things with anything resembling sapience tend to experiment with sexuality as soon as they learn what it is, which is why parents go to such lengths to keep children from learning about it too early. I find it really hard to believe that Discord has not once learned about sex over a period of three thousand years.
5043754 Call R. Kelly.
5043807
Half a point. That book ties together a bunch of floating mythological debris from various Star Trek series, but has barely anything to do with the character, or the episode in which he appears (for example, in Q Squared Trelane spends most of his time possessed by Evil Alternate Universe Trelane, who is attempting to collapse the multiverse into a single reality... it's a Star Trek novel).
Still, you HAVE heard of him, so congrats there.
5043904
Who says he's not aware of it? He probably did his experimenting millenia ago, then got bored and moved on. Children may experiment, but they don't usually become obsessed with it.
♫ TREE AND DISCORD SITTING IN A FLUTTERSHY ♫
♫ K-I-hugging platonically
There's no comedy tag, so I'm guessing my dreams of Discord being put in a foster home for being underage and bumped around from Adoptor to Adopter will go unfulfilled...
5044555 eeyup
5043904 it's Discord
nuff said
5043904
I'm sure he has. But the essential component of sexuality that children lack is libido. Stimulating the erogenous zones feels good at any age, but children have no internal drive toward it, no feeling of need for that sensation.
Given Discord's dominance over the Equestrian landscape in the past, it's almost certain that somepony would have tried to seduce him, either for power or to get him to leave her friends and family alone. Discord would have learned fairly quickly that while sex feels good, it comes with baggage and expectations, and ponies obviously want it more and are getting something more out of it than he is. Since he thought he was an adult, the logical conclusion he'd probably have drawn from that is that he's naturally attracted to draconequui, not ponies, and since there aren't any he's effectively asexual.
Considering what he can do with his powers, the baggage that comes with pony expectations in sex, and the disconnect between what he wants and what ponies want, Discord would probably find masturbation more pleasant than partnered sex, since the option of being with someone he loved was never offered (due to him never having had someone he loved available). And even that would probably be something he'd indulge in when he's bored or trying to go to sleep, but not something he needs or feels compelled to do.
I think the story is in fact suggesting that Fluttershy has a romantic interest in him, because she thinks he's an adult, and she's very shy and probably sexually inexperienced and is misinterpreting his extreme levels of interest in and attention to her as romantic. (It may actually be romantic, just not sexual. Children are capable of passionate, obsessive love for their friends, they just don't feel the desire to translate that into sex.) Discord probably sees her as his best friend and does in fact love her but might possibly have no idea that she could have a sexual interest in him, because if he's a child, even if he's had sex he's not going to think about it very much.
Can't wait for the next chapter
5045558
And that is assuming that his species uses the same method of reproduction. In my headcanon, draconequii use Macroscopic Genetical Transmigration, meaning random limbs and organs get dissatached during "sex", forming a new individual. The missing parts of the adults grow back, and the kid has a good blend of his parents components. That is how sexual reproduction works, just taken to a macroscopic scale.
And if they didn´t want to have a kid, they would just exchange body parts with each other.
I have read about this (theoretical) method of reproduction. It is perfectly possible, and the individuals would have, like Discord, a body made up of many different things.
5045914
Makes sense, and it's a pretty nifty variant of reproduction. It also sounds a whole lot like my explanation for how the Q reproduce in ST:TNG/VOY, with the caveat that they're energy beings and not combining body parts so much as combining non-physical traits, essentially personality elements, because that's what they're composed of. Which just adds to my weird headcanon about this story that the reason there are no draconequui around is they ascended to become beings of pure thought and energy, and Discord, the child they accidentally left behind, will eventually be contacted and brought to their new home, the Q Continuum, but will never quite get over his interest in mortals and in stirring shit up. :-)
5044760
Like Discord would ever let someone tell him what to do. He's still Discord, no matter the age
It seemed like Fluttershy was crushing on Discord here. She's going to feel awful when she finds out the truth.
5044082
I didn't imply that he would obsess over it. In fact, I didn't even say it was a bad thing. It's just something that alters the dynamics of him being a child, as innocence over sexuality is one of the biggest factors of why people treat children different from adults.
5045558
I know for a fact that children can be romantic. In fact, I once knew of a kid who was called "Little Casanova" because of his incredible charm and ability to woo the opposite sex.
You have my attention...
I'm sorry; I can't unsee this.
The cover art makes me think Twilight pooped that book out.
I'm such an idiot...
5045558
And this would have been extremely weird ´cause they would have been almost certainly incompatible.
Just imagine someone trying to seduce you by pulling his arm of and offering to exchange it with yours.