Becoming Fluttershy

by Hope

chapter 26. News flash

The scene starts out with a reporter sitting at a desk with “Fox news” behind him.

“Good afternoon, my name is George Reddel, today we have some shocking news to report, the leaders of the pony movement, Lauren Faust and Tara Strong, have gone missing during their respective trips home across the United States. This begs the question, why would they abandon their ponies? We have held many interviews over the last week with....”

The channel changes.

“...Without fatalities. We have yet to hear from any of the so called ‘mane six’ despite repeated requests for interview. Many of the wealthy are offering cash assistance to help get this issue resolved, saying that they have children or friends who are now stuck as ponies until this is fixed.” The woman at the desk gives the camera a genuine look of concern. “One has to ask, what chance do they have now that their princesses are gone?”

Another channel change.

“With the presidential race reaching it’s peak here in the United States, both delegates are having to deal with a new demographic entirely! The pony demographic, which is growing as we speak. Senator Obama has a definite lead in this race due to the sympathy generated by his daughter’s appearance on stage as a pony.”

The shot changes to show a hyper white and purple pony next to the senator. “Ponies rule!” She squeaks into the mic.

A new channel.

The screen displays a grainy picture of Discord, standing nearly over a newly revealed Chrysalis while offering a golden apple to her and grinning.

“This shocking sight was captured by a viewer with a cell phone camera. Here we have mythology expert, Tom Davinport to shed some light on the situation.”

The camera switches to a very nervous looking brown pony.

“Um... Hello everyone. So Discord appears to have a basic understanding of our mythology, and is making a very clear offer to Chrysalis, his apple signifies a practical marriage to him, as well as a seed to a greater conflict. Can I get off this uncomfortable chair now?” He whispers off camera.

The channel changes one last time, to show two ponies sitting at a newscaster desk.

“We have word from the FBI that the disappearances are being investigated as a missing persons situation. We can only hope that our princesses are safe.”

The two ponies bow their heads in a moment of silence, and the screen goes dark.

Discord leans back in his own chair, smiling as he swirls a chocolate milk in one claw.

“I love this world, don’t you?” He says to the human seated on the other side of the room.

“I’ve always found it a bit boring.” John says, with a relaxed shrug.

“Curious that you haven’t asked to be sent somewhere else, then.” Discord says with a smile.

John looks at the mismatched creature with his voice.

John had woken up to Discord standing over him, laughing jubiently. Discord had offered him a deal, help him take over and John would get a single wish that could do anything. It was quite the offer, and one that John had nearly turned down until he realized that Discord did not know much about him, or about this world. John had been able to guide Discord away from the most damaging and chaotic parts of Earth’s culture, instead convincing him to focus on his ponies and taunting them.

“My wish won’t be nearly so blase.” John chuckled, sure that Discord would appreciate the thought of a particularly fun or novel wish.

As the god turned back to his many screens, John contemplated his steepled fingers. This was a gamble of epic proportions.

Comments

[Hilltopper2]

Yay!

[Firebirdbtops]

I was kind of worried that John had been brain-bent. Now we can see his acting skills at work. He's got a kirifudan, but remember that it was only a promise. If he wants to pull it off, he'll need some way to assure that the wish is useable. Monkey's paw scenarios and Discord just flat out refusing to grant it are worrisome possibilities. Good luck.

[Freescript the Bard]

You know, of course the President's daughter was changed. How could we expect any different?

[blazikenking]

I for one don't want to see any politicians brought into the story. They bring the story too close to reality for comfort.

[Hope]

1586517 I needed a bit more news-y stuff and the setting called for some mention of it, I promise to you there wont be much more, if any politics.

[banjo2E]

Personally, I'm hoping John's gonna wish to gain Q's powers. Because Delancie VS Delancie fight.

[StormyVenture]

Well, well, well we have President Obama in here, eh? So very, very fortunate that he was re-elected and you don't have to go backwards in time or make it Mitt Romney... I hope you understand that I'm simply referring to the convenience. I think the politics stuff is interesting, so long as we skirt any commentary on the real world and stick to the issues being faced in the fiction.

1586252
Well we could expect all kinds of things. I kinda hope that's an oc and not a character from the show. It would feel kind of cliche to make someone who has pseudo importance in the real world too important in pony land.

I foresee people merged with actual equestrian ponies not being able to change back being different from what they were in more than physical shape. A melded kind is one mind in the end not two. I bet some of the others would elect to remain ponies and go to Equestria.

[SunsetyDays]

I hope that he wishes to gain the powers of a certain super soldier from a certain tabletop game with certain awesome happenings
(hint hint)

[Corona Blaze]

So 'John' is John DeLancie and he's actually on our side?

OK, I'm intrigued.

[ShadyCanopy]

1586748
I believe it to be Sweetie Belle, but I may be wrong.

[ShadeJak]

ANd finally got around to reading another chapter!

So the plot thickens... wonder what John's trying to get outta this...?

In the meantime lots of laughs from Obama's daughter and a couple newscasters ending up ponified

[Hope]

1586748
After looking over this again, I realize he would not have been referred to as "president" at the time, and I have changed it to senator, as he would have been referred to as. It was a one off gimmick that someone suggested, but I suppose I should do it properly if I am going to do it at all.

[R4skall]

1586740that would be a battle of ungodly proportions
^.=.^

[Pinklestia]

John, you are playing a dangerous game...

[Funky Pony]

This was a gamble of epic proportions.

FORESHADOWING!!!!

[Camolot the Creator]

It almost feels like John is doing what I'd be doing: namely, playing along with the devil until I can screw him over. Discord is dangerous and unpredictable, but he appears to operate by a set list of rules- he does not directly harm, for example. He's also arrogant, and no doubt believes himself to be untouchable, in both planning and power capacities, which means that he has that huge, gaping weakness. If one could maneuver themselves into the perfect position by pretending to be a Quisling (and actually being a Starscream), Discord could be easily manipulated, because he'd be all but blind to the manipulations.

I might completely despise Discord, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't use him.