Chapter 3: Behind closed doors...
Standing alone in front of Mr Shy’s study, Discord was starting to break out into a cold sweat. Usually, he was self-assured and oblivious to what others might think of him, but he couldn't help but feel every disgusted and angry glare Mrs Shy had thrown his way before leaving him to stand like a fool in the corridor. Like I wasn't hated enough. On the other side of the door he could hear the climax of a heated argument.
“Why are we just sitting here doing nothing?!” The voice had cracked. The other speaker had murmured an inaudible response. “MY SISTER HAS JUST BEEN ASSAULTED! DON’T TELL ME TO CALM THE BUCK DOWN!" Discord winced to that part, he had been working up the courage to knock the door, but any confidence he had built up by then had been swiftly knocked down. “Fine! I’m going to go see what the doctors are saying!” The door was ripped open by a seething aquamarine stallion. Unlike Fluttershy, Discord had known of her younger brother, Zephyr Breeze for sometime. He had a reputation for his outlandish spending habits and party life. Despite being labelled as the black sheep of the family, he had an uncanny resemblance to his father. Especially from his younger years.
As if the older Pegasus had heard Discord think his name he appeared behind his son. Zephyr opened up his mouth ready to verbally batter the unwanted visitor, just to be interrupted by the baron. “You are excused Zephyr” The adolescent Pegasus didn't leave straight away, working his shadowed jaw side to side as if he was getting ready to spit in Discords face or swallow his anger. If Mrs Shy had looked exhausted, Zephyr looked like a wreck. Like his mother, he kept a bun upon his head. But his looked messy, a few loose strands hung lazily around his chiselled face and his clothes were in a worse state than what Tirek’s had been. Apparently, as soon as he found out what happened to his sister he had practically dived down through the clouds after her and came back up with her limp and bloodied in his forelegs a few minutes later.
“You're a-”
“You are excused Zephyr” Mr Shy repeated himself sternly, this time glaring at his son. His son glared back. “I will handle this.” As if he didn't believe him Zephyr kept the fire behind his eyes. “I may not be as bold as you, Zephyr, but don't you worry…” As if somewhat satisfied the young stallion stormed off the way Discord had came, refusing to give either of the older stallions another second of his time or energy.
Along with his son, all pleasantries had left Mr Shy “Come.” As they entered more tension crawled up discords back. The study was very like his own, though it was lacking the polka dotted wallpaper, a sneezing piñata, flying novels and overall chaos. Mr Shy's study was orderly with the exception of a few papers and books thrown about the floor. Most likely out of anger. There were comfortably cloud stuffed chairs positioned strategically around a muted rainbow rug. The far end wall held a burning fireplace with a small collection of clouds sitting on top of its mantlepiece.
In front of that sat a work desk. All this installed neatly between two walls with large windows and any other free space filled to the brim with leather bound books. Firelight flickered cheerily in the grate, their only other light source came from Luna’s moonlight leaking in through the statement windows.
Discord shivered and decided to stay standing but dropped his cloak onto one of the chairs How can anypony live in all this...order? Mr Shy sat behind his desk his white collar shirt rumpled, the collar open and his cravat loosened. Many who didn't know the baron would call him shy or a coward. Only those who cooperated in his business practices knew how relentless he could be. Which Discord had in the past. The Pegasus had worked his way up from the slums of a common pony to the title of baron. He was a foe to reckoned with. No matter what his title. A tendril of smoke drifted up from an ashtray near his elbow, accompanied by a small glass of strong apple cider.
“Discord,” Mr Shy spoke wearily. “I take it you’ve spoken with Tirek?”
He didn't need a crystal ball to know where this conversation was going. Both Discord and Mr Shy saw no reason to debate Tirek’s involvement in the attack on Fluttershy.
“Yes” The lord of chaos still hadn't taken a seat, nor was he going to, the unnerving feeling still hadn't left Discord, and the steady gaze that Mr. shy had stuck on him wasn't helping. He swallowed and scrubbed the side of his mouth with the back of his claw. “To my dismay, Tirek did it” he finally blurted. “I’m here to sincerely apologize for what he did and make amends anyway I possibly can”
“Yes?”
An awkward silence hung in the air between the air, encouraging discord to carry on talking “I completely understand if you would like to prosecute and I won't interfere-”
“Prosecute?” resting both elbows on his desk, the baron released a dark chuckle. “I wouldn't dare” Unlike Discord's, Mr Shy’s voice was completely soft, yet some how held an edge to it. “How could I do that to the draconequus that helped me achieve so much? and furthermore what good would it do us to make an enemy out of one of our most influential business partners?” He put his two hooves together and rested his chin on them. At that admission, he laughed louder though this time there was no feeling behind it.
Now Discord’s guard was up. Nopony got something for nothing. How much will this apology cost me?
“I appreciate the sentiment but I'm not sure your lack of interference would change anything nor will it be necessary”
“I don’t follow” Discord watched the Pegasus flutter out of his chair and to the fireplace mantelpiece, a turquoise hoof stroked the glass to one of his prized cloud collection.
“I suppose I am not making much sense, am I?”
“Where’s the fun in making sense?” the draconequus replied unconsciously, before Discord could curse himself for such an aloof answer he saw the corners of Mr Shy’s snow-white moustache curl up ever so slightly revealing a small shadow of a smile.
“Quite” The baron had now turned his attention back to Discord. “Did you know that all of these clouds are a piece from my most successful factories? All seven of them are an indication of my hard work, my drive, my ambition,” He landed on some of the askew papers letting them rustle at his hooves as he made his way back behind his desk. “And my sacrifices...I’ll get right to the point Discord. Yes, I would do anything for my kids, I love the bones of both of them. But I am not stupid enough to make such strong enemies when I’m so close to retirement, just to destroy my businesses and leave my family like sitting ducks”
“But I just said I won't interfere, you can call on the very princesses if you wanted to” Discord was gesturing towards the window as if the Alicorns would somehow appear out of thin air.
“I wasn't talking about you. Tirek is a Spiritual Lord, just bellow royal status, with his own dealings and relationships. If I were to prosecute do you really think his friends would take that sitting down? Not to mention the punishment itself. A hundred years in jail or on the moon? To you 'immortals' that’s practically a month and a half.”
Discord grimaced, the Pegasus wasn't wrong “But her engagement to prince blueblood might allow some more wriggle room with the law on your part”
“Bah,” Mr Shy scoffed “What a charming prince indeed, to sit there and watch as my daughter was flung off the edge of my garden.” Discord was about to say that he had heard that Blueblood had tried to intervene but thought better of it. He just nodded.
“So you’d prefer to leave as it is then?”
“That I do, Discord” The voice was far from losing its edge despite addressing his guest familiarly by his first name.
Even though it was Tirek’s salvation, Discord couldn't help but feel as though it was a misjudged decision. If Tirek had attacked one mare what was to say he wouldn’t hurt anypony else. Discord pointed this out.
“That's not my problem. I refuse to put my family in any danger, besides, there has been enough damage to my reputation and yours from this hasn't there?”
It was relentless. But Discord could find no argument, not any that he would be willing to bring up anyway. He couldn't think of anything to say except “I am sorry, Mr Shy. I truly am”
The Pegasus sighed “Yes, I know you are. So am I” Their gazes met one last time, this time it didn't feel awkward.
“If there should be any complications or if anything does arise, please call me"
“I entrust you to undo the damage done to my daughter” This was hardly a surprise to Discord. With a snap of his fingers, the girl would be as right as rain.
“Of course”
“Good. Then please close the door on your way out.” It was a rude end to their conversation, but they were hardly there for idle chatter.
Like clockwork behind him, the door opened revealing a orange unicorn with white spots. “Hello!- um sorry for uh interrupting”
“It’s fine, Sunburst. Discord was just leaving”
“Oh! Okay then, it’s just that my air balloon just arrived and everyone has already left so I will be performing the spell on my leave” The unicorn pushed his glasses back up his nose.
“Well at least one thing went according to plan tonight, thank you for your service, Sunburst”
“No problem...I’m sorry about what happened to your da-”
“Yes, thank you” The draconequus knew it was time to leave. Picking up his cloak, Discord turned to exit out of the study after the unicorn but was stopped by Baron Shy’s last words. “Oh, and rest assured my lord, I’ll be in touch if it should prove necessary.”
Closing the door behind him Discord wasn't able to see Mr Shy’s façade crumble away to show a distraught and pained stallion. Doubting the decision he just made.
As the door closed behind him Discord took a deep breath. That went smoother than expected Having just closed his eyes to collect himself when the vermillion unicorn interrupted his train of thought. “Um, I’m sorry my lord, but I think we should get going. I’m about to undo the spell allowing non-pegasi to walk here.”
“Don't worry about me I’ll be fine” Discord wrapped his cloak around himself when a thought came to him. “You didn't happen to see Miss Fluttershy around here did you?”
“Miss Fluttershy? Sure, I had walked past her just a few minutes ago. Two doors down and make a left” Sunburst motioned down the corridor with a hoof.
“Thank you. Have a lovely evening, Sunburst” He hadn't even stayed to finish that sentence, he called out the last part behind him, over his shoulder as he speed-walked in the direction the young stallion had directed him in.
As soon as he turned left, he saw her. She was sitting on the floor in front of a large glass doors that led out onto a large balcony. Looking up at the moon.
Discord took this as an opportunity to get a better look at her. Her mane was a pale rose colour which complimented her pale gold coat that still sported a few severe bruises. What is she thinking about now? How do I handle this? He walked a bit closer, blanching at the sight of her wing. Seeing his reflection on the glass, Fluttershy turned around with a gasp. Her tears had left her cheeks stained. She was now standing frightfully still, the only sign of movement was the twitching of her wing. Coughing into his paw he tried to start a conversation. "Hello, there" giving a small wave.
When he didn't receive an answer, he tried again “Good evening Miss Fluttershy. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Discord, Lord of chaos, I just had a talk with your father.”
Not even a peep. At the very most she did move, but further into the corner. “I am here to offer my apologies and heal your wing” He saw her lips move. “What was that?” Rather than repeat herself, she gave a small nod fiddling with her hair and looking at her eggplant dressing gown's hem, as if it were the most interesting thing in all of Equestria. That colour doesn't suit her at all “Right then. Just stay like that” with a snap of his fingers her bandages were gone, along with any cuts and bruises.
It took Fluttershy a few seconds to realise what had just happened. The pain was gone. She stretched out her wing in awe. Gently flapping it to make sure it worked, she blinked back up at Discord. Gaping. Honestly, what is she thinking right now? "Does it feel better?" She gave a few flaps of wings before trying to look at her back to see the base of her wings. Turning trying to catch a glimpse of it. Discord bit his lip to stifle a small laugh, She looks like a puppy chasing her tail Having heard him the young mare looked back up at the chimaera and blushed. Realising how silly she must have looked just then. "Shall I take that as a yes" quirking an eyebrow at her. She nodded shyly.
They found themselves staring at each other again. The petite Pegasus fidgeted under the Lord's gaze as though he was looking for something from her. T-that's right I should say thank you... A pink tongue darted out and slowly swept across her bottom lip where a small cut had been. She brought her head back up to make her eyes meet his again a tiny thank you on the tip of her tongue. The words didn't come. Instead of her eyes meeting his he noticed his attention a few centimetres lower, on her now wet lips. A warm glow returned to her cheeks, and a slight shiver worked its way up her spine.
“Miss Fluttershy I-Whoa!” He couldn't even get another word out as she ducked between his legs and escaped through a door on their left. “Wait! Fluttershy!” He gave chase only to have the door slam on his paw. “yeeeEEEOUCH! Fanning his paw to numb the pain.
The draconequus reluctantly pulled away from the door and leaned against the wall behind him. He facepalmed. Well done, Discord. You scared her off. He peeked between his talons back at the door, releasing a sigh and click of his fingers, he disappeared from the corridor. Whatever.
Fluttershy’s ear was to the door. She bit her bottom lip feeling a little guilty for running away like that, but the look he gave her... It was a little like that horrible stallion Tirek's. It may have lacked the evil and malice the centaurs had, however, it still had something predatory behind them. He seemed nice though looking back at her wing she felt a small warmth in her chest, she remembered his voice. She looked around the empty closet she was in and sighed. I'm acting silly aren't I? Peeking around the door, she sought out the tall creature. Only to find him nowhere in sight. huh? He was just here. Realising that she was now alone in the corridor she went back to the glass door, and pushed.
Taking a deep breath, she took in the crisp night air. Her hair billowing behind her in the wind. Spreading both wings, she cast a long shadow behind her, stepping out on to the balcony. She started flapping her hooves had started to lift off the ground, a small smile forming on her lips. Then she felt it, the icy wind that had tore into her when she fell, the pitiful stares. The severed bond between herself and her own wings, the unspoken promise from birth that they would hold her whenever she fell, to carry her when she could no longer walk. The one thing she knew she could trust, have faith in, had failed her. Just like then, an intense pain shot through her wing making her collapse with a thud.
She looked back at her wing laying limp over her as if to apologise for dropping her again. I-I can't take this anymore. Hiding her face in her hooves once more she broke down and cried. The howling wind deafening her wails just like they had done with screams and prayers the previous day.
Discord had kept his word, he had healed Fluttershy's wing.
Yet the broken Pegasus still could not fly.
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Good chapter! Just felt a little confusing to read though. I'm not saying it's bad! I'm not! Trust me! It's just that the story was a little confusing to follow. But other than that, good chapter! Can't wait for more.
8787976
Thanks for commenting! I really appreciate feedback! I was actually a little anxious about this and the next chapter. (especially since they were meant to be one chapter...FUSION!)
Sometimes I am a little worried because I wanted this to be a big project and I might of bitten off a little more than I can chew, so having constructive criticism and comments is always a relief.
Also thank you for feeding my determination!
I thought that this chapter did a good job of setting up the environment.
8790407
Thank you! I'll try to keep it up the environment description then!
8788267
So far the story's been good, however another proofread would help with the grammar and spelling mistakes here and there.