Ace of Hearts

by blowngasket

Acciaccato

Chapter 15: Acciaccato

Everyone stood there, staring slightly. There was many questions that needed to be answered at this point, mainly concerning the oddly dressed man. He wore a yellow and black striped suit, almost looking like a bee but with vertical stripes. He had on a half green half blue with purple polka dotted shirt underneath the suit jacket. His pants, a series of poorly sewn in patches of a variety of odd colors and designs complimented the black pants in a somewhat odd fashion. Finally his shoes were a casual dress, one with black and white zebra stripes and the other with polka dots. His face seemed to have a mischievous smile permanently implanted on it, the man staring at the group with his odd yellow and red eyes, stroking a hand through his small beard.

"I haven't seen him this distraught since the time I replaced his shampoo with ranch dressing." he said casually as he stared at Shining Armor. He stopped his ministrations and glared quickly at the man.

"Discord! That was you?!" Shining looked angry as he started down the taller, thinner man.

"Whoops, I let the cat out of the bag, didn't I." Discord said, grinning slightly as he looked around at the group outside. "Well, aren't you going to invite me in for some scones and tea?" he asked looking over at the heads sticking out of every window in the library.

"...Oh right...well we don't have scones...but I guess I can make you some tea. Come on in." Twilight said, still looking slightly nervous. Discord reached for the door, and grabbed the hinges, opening it in a completely backwards way that would have left anyone wondering how. Shining armor, still not recovered from the Catacomb bit, decided to walk in and cool off himself, followed by Perry. Catacomb took out his rune gun, and pointed it at the unfortunate body of Lucky Strike. He pulled the trigger, sealing the body in another glass orb so it could be buried properly. He looked over to Ark, who seemed fairly content at sticking outside, and decided to go in himself, followed by Spike. Catacomb looked back, slightly worried about the young boy. He had already seen a lot for someone his age, and the stress couldn't be fairing too well. He made a mental note to try and give him some advise, though hopefully he would be fine. Catacomb made his way into the crowded library room, already noticing Discord's desire to casually sit on the ceiling, drinking his tea, which thankfully decided to defy gravity as well. Everyone stared, with the exception of Celestia and Perry.

"Ok...elephant in the room...what is the god of chaos doing here?" Catacomb asked, feeling that someone needed to say something.

"I don't see an elephant!" Pinkie said, looking around confused.

"It is an expression." Twilight said, trying to get her friend to understand. This was not aided when a loud call came from the kitchen, making Catacomb regret the phrasing of his question in general. Twilight nervously jumped and ran into the kitchen. After a few seconds, she walked out and started to yell.

"Discord, is there a reason there is an elephant eating out of my fridge?!" she asked, a bit annoyed. Pinkie gasped in excitement and ran into the kitchen to see for herself.

"Well obviously it is hungry, dear Twilight." Discord responded to Twilight's question. Catacomb and Spike couldn't help but giggle slightly, but were silenced by a quick glare from the woman. She sighed and figured arguing wouldn't do anything anyways.

"Discord, please behave." Celestia asked, staring upwards. He sighed and snapped his fingers, sending the elephant back to wherever it came from. He got up from his table and walked down the wall towards the group, who found themselves scattered throughout the room. Pinkie soon walked out, pouting slightly.

"Treetrunk vanished on me..." Pinkie said sadly.

"Don't worry, Pinkie." Perry said, patting her on the back. "Treetrunk is probably back partying with his family." Her sad face almost flipped at the response, quickly returning to her happy demeanor. Everyone couldn't help but smile at this silly display of innocence amidst the series of tragedies. Discord looked around trying to find a specific person for a few seconds, before turning to everyone.

"If I may ask. Where is dear Fluttershy?" Discord asked, showing a bizarre show of concern.

"She was tired, so we let her rest in my room." Twilight said to him. He smiled happily, heading up the stairs, ecstatic to see his new friend again. "Discord, wait!" Twilight tried to stop him, but he went and barged in anyways, Perry especially unhappy with it. He followed him up there to make sure she would be alright. Everyone else made their move to follow but Celestia raised a hand quickly, stopping them.

"Let them be. I believe they might need a moment. I do believe that Discord has yet to find out about the accident." Celestia told the group, who all nodded, with the exception of Catacomb.

"Wait, why is that important?" he asked, confused. His lack of knowledge on the past of Discord and Fluttershy had left him wondering.

Celestia looked over to Catacomb, and smiled gently. She started to speak, making sure not to be too loud as to cause unwanted attention from upstairs. "Well, it started a month back..."

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Perry walked into Twilight's room quickly, not wanting to leave her alone with the mad god for even a second. He heard about him from Fluttershy, but he was still uneasy due to Discord's unpredictable nature. He was, however, shocked to see him casually sitting at the bedside of the sleeping Fluttershy, a look that was seldom seen on his face. Perry knew that look all too well, as he recently discovered that look for himself.

"You're concerned about her current state, I am guessing?" Perry asked quietly, not wanting to disturb Fluttershy anymore than necessary.

"Silly, isn't it. Someone like me acting so...human. Friendship really does have a powerful magic to it, aye, Perry, my boy?" Discord spoke softly as well, understanding that she was still recovering from her injuries.

"I guess. Disagreeing would make everything I have done here a total lie." Perry responded casually. Discord let out a small chuckle.

"You know, I met your grandpappy once apon a time. A tad obsessive with world domination. Predictable and cliché."

"I know. The whole become my right hand and be given ultimate power? Who seriously says things like that anymore?" Perry let out a small laugh as well, thinking back to the beginning of the end of who he used to be.

"Have to admit, had a certain... je ne sais quoi..." Discord said, holding probably the first slightly normal conversation in several millennia.

"True...still, I am glad that he is no longer around. I refuse to feel regret for that life taken." Perry said, sighing slightly.

"I have heard stories about you, and that makes me wonder. Why didn't you take the offer?" Discord asked, slightly baffled knowing the nature of Perry's bloodline and experiences.

"Let me answer a question with a question. Why did you decided to start helping people?" Discord couldn't help but grin at the answer. Sure, it was exactly the kind of answer he expected, but it doesn't change the fact that it was correct.

"If anyone asks what we talked about, don't tell them we had a nice chat. Make something up, but it better be outrageous. I have a reputation to keep up."

"I don't know...lying isn't the nicest thing to do..." Perry grinned underneath the mask.

"Well then..." Discord smiled evilly. "...I suppose Fluttershy would like to have a look at these..." He waved his hand and pulled out a series of photos. To be more specific, Perry's baby photos. Though it couldn't be seen, Perry's face was instilled with complete horror, unable to comprehend how he got those when he was sure he burned then, burned the ashes, and sent the ashes' ashes into nonexistence.

"I see..." Perry spoke, trying not to show his fear. "I suppose your reputation will indeed remain untarnished tonight."

"I figured you'd see it my way." Discord said happily as he got up to leave.

"Before you go...why are you insistent on guarding Rarity?" Perry asked. Discord stopped walking and stood there for a second. He finally turned around and chuckled.

"Because his reactions were priceless..." In the end, some folks just want to watch the world burn. Perry chuckled as well at the answer and followed him out of the bedroom.

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"I hope they are okay..." Applejack said, looking towards the second story of the library. The thought of Discord getting upset was something they would rather not fathom, so they idly sat around.

"I am more concerned about Shiny..." Twilight said, looking over at the overtaxed Shining Armor. He just stood there, a defeated look in his eyes, as all logic and reason around him had come crashing to the ground violently. What was left was a simple blank stare and a large red mark on his forehead as he stood gazing at a lamp as if it was fascinating.

"Don't worry, Twi. He'll be fine." Catacomb said as cheerfully as he could. "Me...on the other hand..." his cheerfulness was weakened slightly as he let out a nervous chuckle. "I am kinda hoping he chills like that for a bit."

"I don't see why he would be so upset." Twilight said sincerely.

"Yeah...no clue." Catacomb added, casually looking away from the siblings. "Hey Rarity, how are you holding up?" Catacomb quickly said, trying to change the subject.

"I am going to be guarded by the most fashionably uncoordinated being in the world...I am just peachy." Rarity said, trying to smile, but her nerves getting the better of her.

"At least you will be safe...from others." Catacomb said, adding in that last bit made her groan, rubbing her temples as if it might cause some relief to the insane reality they were all in.

"Hey!" Rainbow threw herself into the conversation. "Quit complaining. You could be bunking with Mr. Doom and Gloom!" she said, pointing out the window towards Ark, who seemed content just standing outside, his gaze causally looking around the scenery. Despite being covered in drying blood, he was calm, and didn't seem like he was bothered by it at all. "Hey, Princess?" Rainbow called out, turning her gaze over to Celestia. "What's his deal, anyways?"

Celestia gave a weak smile, and walked over to Rainbow. "I am sorry, but I am not to say. I would also advise against questioning him about it as well. He will not harm you, but he is more fragile than he appears." Rainbow nodded, though not happy with the vague answer. "It is getting late, I afraid. I would advise you all to go home and get rest." At this point, Discord and Perry had finally come out of the room, both looking relatively calm, much to everyone's relief. "Ah, glad you two have finally returned. I was just saying that it is time to return to our homes." Celestia said, smiling. "Now, Discord, I expect you to act...reasonably well behaved."

"Princess, I wouldn't dream of causing Miss Rarity any trouble..." Discord responded, in a tone that made it difficult to tell if it was sarcastic or not. Rarity sighed and got up, gathering her things together.

"Come, Discord. I'll show you where you will be staying." she said reluctantly.

"Oh goody! Do I get my own room?!" Discord said happily as he followed her.

Rarity groaned and walked towards the door. "Take care, everyone. Princess Celestia, it was a pleasure as always." Rarity said, bowing politely to her.

Everyone waved as Rarity exited, Discord happily following behind. "Take care, and don't worry." Celestia said as she prepared the teleport spell. "I have my best people working on the case, so hopefully we will be able to gain closure before long." With that, she vanished in a loud pop, heading back to the castle. The rest of the group decided it was time to gather their belongings. Reader walked up to Catacomb, giving him a worried look.

"Young Changeling, if I may ask, what am I getting myself into?" Reader spoke softly, as to not be heard. Catacomb simply chuckled and patted him on the head, an act that Reader had often found annoying.

"Don't worry, old man. As long as you don't go probing her head, you should be fine." Catacomb grinned as he responded, looking over to Pinkie, who seemed to be quite content with her new friend.

Pinkie quickly made her way towards Catacomb and Reader, smiling happily. "Are you ready, Reedy? I can't wait to introduce you to the Cake's, though I don't think they will be happy with being woken up this early in the morning. I will introduce you tomorrow, then we can begin preparations."

"Dare I ask, preparations for what?" Reader asked, not really sure he wanted the answer. Pinkie was about to answer him, but Catacomb placed a finger in front of her mouth quickly, silencing her.

"Let's just say a Ponyville tradition." Catacomb grinned as he looked at Reader.

"No parties, please." Reader said, causing Catacomb to smack himself across the head.

"No fair! What did I say about reading minds?" Catacomb said quickly, upset at his lack of mental privacy.

"I do believe it went...please come with me to the bar to help me pick up chicks...am I off?" Reader said calmly, causing Catacomb to nod for a few seconds, before the weight of the words finally hit him.

"Damnit, not in front of my friends!" Catacomb said quickly and quietly. He looked over to Pinkie, who stared awkwardly.

"Catacomb, why do you go to a bar to get chickens?" she asked curiously. Catacomb stared for a second, before he started to laugh.

"Oh, Pinkie, I needed that. I'll tell ya some other time, but you should be going back to get some sleep...you do sleep, right?" Catacomb asked.

"Of course, silly. Everyone sleeps, except for people who don't sleep, but then they get all grouchy, like Twilight does every time she is working on a new spell!" Pinkie stated. Catacomb laughed, Twilight blushing furiously.

"I am not that obsessive!" Twilight said quickly in defense.

"Twi, no offence or nothing, but ya remember the smarty pants incident?" Applejack said, bringing up an interesting memory with a late friendship report, an overstressed Twilight, and an enchanted stuffed toy in which her brother still possessed, which still kind of freaked her out. Twilight wanted to say something, but instead sighed in defeat.

"I gotta hear this!" Catacomb said, still chuckling.

"Well, it started out..."

"Time to go home everyone!" Twilight quickly interrupted Applejack, and started to shoo them all out. Twilight walked up to the still dazed Shining and gave him a surprise hug from behind. He finally returned to his senses, smiling and turning around to return the hug. Pinkie started to happily bounce out of the building, followed but Reader, who's concern could easily be seen in his eyes. Applejack and Perry walked up to Twilight and Shining, causing them to break the hug.

"You take care of AJ, Shining." Twilight said, saying her goodbyes to her brother.

"Of course." He responded, chuckling slightly. He turned and walked towards Catacomb, who was smiling at the touching scene. He approached Catacomb, whispering into his ear. "Just remember...they will never find your body..."

"Relax...I will be a good boy, I promise." Catacomb said casually, not bothered by Shining's threat at all. He made his way out, following Applejack as they made their way towards Sweet Apple Acres. Perry approached Twilight slowly as she watched her friends leave.

"Twilight, if I may ask, could Fluttershy and I stay here the night?" Perry asked, glancing over at Catacomb. "She still needs rest, and all this excitement can't be good for her right now.

"Of course, you can stay with her, I'll use the guest room." Twilight responded, smiling. "Don't underestimate her, though. She may look fragile, but she can be scary when she wants to be." Twilight said, chuckling nervously as saying that brought back memories of their first Grand Galloping Gala.

"What about me?" Catacomb asked, giving Twilight a grin.

"Couch." Twilight and Perry both said as they turned their gaze towards him.

"Fine...stupid couches..." Catacomb grumbled to himself. He looked over to Rainbow Dash, who seemed rather apprehensive about leaving. He approached her, causing her to startle slightly, as if she was lost in thought. "What's up with you? Don't feel like leaving?"

"Kinda...It's him." She pointed out of the window at Ark, who continued to stand there uninterested in anything. "He kinda scares me..." She whispered softly. Catacomb smiled, grabbing her wrist.

"Well, come on then! You're not gonna not be scared unless you talk to him." He started to drag her, causing her to struggle against his pull.

"No, I am perfectly happy in here!" She yelled, flailing about slightly. Catacomb continued to pull her, causing her to get more irritated than anything. She quickly yanked his arm, pulling him off balance, following up with a quick leg sweep, dropping Catacomb to the ground. He laid there, awestruck. Perry, Twilight, and Spike couldn't help but laugh at his predicament, Rainbow mounting herself on his chest her fist raised ready to strike. "I am perfectly capable of handling myself, so back off!" Catacomb stared for a few seconds before grinning.

"Then what makes ya afraid of him?" She sat there for a few seconds, comprehending her situation. She smiled, and moved her fist down, giving Catacomb a noogie through his hat. "Hey! Oww! Watch the hat!" he yelped, annoyed by the sudden assault.

"That's what you get for underestimating Rainbow Dash!" she said triumphantly. She got off and brushed herself off before walking outside confidently. Catacomb got up and watched from the window, Rainbow looking like she was asserting her authority. Ark didn't really look like he cared one way or another, simply nodding and shaking his head to each of her declarations. Soon, they were both off into the sky, heading towards Rainbow's cloud house. Perry walked up to Catacomb, holding out a hand to his downed friend.

"Catacomb, I do believe you have just got your ass kicked." Perry said chuckling. Catacomb grabbed his hand and brushed himself off. He looked over to Perry and smiled.

"At least I wasn't a bunny's bitch." Perry cringed at Catacombs response, shaking his head furiously.

"We are to never speak of that in company, do you hear?" He whispered, giving off a menacing feel with his words.

"Right...right..." Catacomb said, walking past Perry casually. "Ok folks, it's late, I'm tired, let's sleep!" Twilight yawned, nodding in agreement as she started upstairs.

"I can't disagree with that, come on, Spike, we got A LOT of work to do tomorrow." She said, looking at the boy, making sure to emphasis the a lot bit.

Spike followed, looking at Perry and Catacomb with a defeated smile. "Kinda hoped she would have forgot. Night guys!" He said, waving as he followed Twilight upstairs into his room. Perry and Catacomb were the last ones downstairs, the latter setting up a comfy spot on the couch to sleep. Perry walked about, taking care of the remaining lights. Once everything was dark, Catacomb shifted himself into his night ware, going with simple black sleep pants. The silence between the two was broken as Perry started his way up the stairs.

"Catacomb, don't do anything you will regret, ok?" Perry said softly as he made his way up the stairs.

"Don't worry, dude. I have done this before after all. Same to you as well, though I doubt you'd regret anything." Catacomb responded, laughing lightly as Perry sighed. He walked into Twilights room where Fluttershy was staying. Catacomb relaxed himself, finding a comfy laying position on the couch. It didn't take look for him to drift into a blissful slumber.

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The room was barely lit by candles, shadows bouncing off the walls. Inside the room was two men, one standing in front of a large desk, where the other man sat. Neither could be seen, due to the near darkness of the room.

"Our scout team has been eliminated as well, unfortunately." The voice from the standing man spoke, looking like he was trying to hide his gaze from the other.

"And what about the snitch..." The one seated asked, his tone less than pleasant.

"We...we managed to take care of him, but it is hard to say how much he disclosed."

"I understand...gather the groups from around, and fortify our defenses while we prepare to be on the safe side...I refuse to let this bounty go...do you understand?"

"Yes sir...by the end of the week, you should be in possession of all of the Element bearers." The candles suddenly went out as a loud bang could be heard throughout the building. The dark completely enveloped the room, the smell of smoke and gunpowder lingering in the air.

"No...I WILL have them by the end of the week..."