A draconaquus is a mighty breed, not meant for destruction and chaos. What if there was a reason Discord turned to his chaotic powers and wacky sense of humor for a reason that is unknown to pony kind?
Discord is free, alive and free! He refuses to talk to anypony and continues to create havok for the mane six. Fluttershy, to everyone's surprise, saves the day. Discord is reformed! Simple right? No. An injured female draconaquus comes to Ponyville and many secrets are uncovered. EDIT: This is not a Discord R63!!!
It was a beautiful summer day. Daisy's and daffodils were in full bloom and there were almost no clouds in the sky. The pegasi were quickly working on that, though as the sun rose over the horizon. The day was perfect for the ponies who strolled around enjoying the lovely weather. In Canterlot, however, things were not as perfect as the rising day. An alicorn stood by a castle window and scowled. Her pristine white fur glistened in the sunshine. Her rainbow mane flowed in an invisible wind and had a cutie mark of the sun and her name was Celestia. Celestia was scowling at a draconaquus who was obviously ticking off the royal guards.
"Why I even put up with this?" the white alicorn growled. She picked up her golden crown and hoof wear in her golden aura. When placed in their respective places, she spread her wings and flew down next to Discord, the god of chaos.
"What are you doing?" she demanded. Discord half smirked and flew in a circle around the princess, who was hovering over the angry guards.
"Whatever do you mean, Sunface?" he faked an innocent face.
"You know EXACTLY what I mean." the white alicorn growled. Discord was about to say something when suddenly a beam of energy hit him, sending him clear across the meadow and into the side of the castle.
"Uge . . . what was that?" he rubbed his side as he got up. Princess Celestia didn't hear. She was staring at the sliver of the Everfree Forest that was visible from her castle. She could have sworn she saw Discord staring back at her before disappearing into the thick plant growth.
"Whatcha looking at, Oh great and powerful deity that raises the sun?" Discord asked, curious to know why Celestia was staring so hard at the forest. Celestia jumped. She then pretended not to hear the long name he made up for her.
"How did you move so fast?" she said. Discord cocked his head to the side.
"What are you talking about? I flew into a building. You can't miss it." he grinned when Celestia really looked serious. "Did you see me in two places at once? I have SUPER chaotic powers now!"
"Discord."
"To the kitchen!"
"Discord, don't you dare try to put teeth yellowing paste in my cake again!"
"No promises!"
"DISCORD!" she flew after the giggling draconaquus.
~ ~ ~
Miss Cherilee watched the remaining three fillies quarrel over grades on the tests. Scootaloo, a rambunctious pegasus filly who hated things that her idol would call 'lame', was arguing that grading tests was boring. Applebloom, an earth pony filly with a southern drawl, was saying that she thought tests were stupid. Sweetie Belle, a squeaky voiced unicorn filly, was trying to tell them how important and UN-boring tests were. Miss Cherilee laughed to herself and trotted up to the fillies.
"Alright my little ponies. I think you've done enough test grading." she said. The fillies pouted.
"But Miss Cherillee! We haven't gotten our cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle whined.
"I don't think we get it after failing five times." Scootaloo grumbled. Sweetie Belle stuck her tongue out at her.
"No!" the unicorn filly turned to her test papers. Miss Cherilee was about to intervene when Applebloom got a look on her face.
"Ma sister made some apple pie. Ah know who's not gettin' any!" she and Scootaloo ran off, giggling, towards Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple family's farm.
"Hey! I want pie too!" the unicorn filly squealed before galloping after them. Miss Cherilee chuckled.
"Foals." she shook her head and glanced at the work the fillies had done.
~ ~ ~
Jasmine curled up in a ball and sobbed. The female draconaquus was heart broken. Her mate was dead, she was sure of it, and her baby was gone. It was going to be the first one too. She didn't know what to do. Ponies were so cruel. They did this to her.
"Better try to find something to eat." Jasmine flipped her long black hair out of her eyes. She stretched her left wing and dared not move the other. It was broken from when she tried to escape her master and his followers. No problem, the female draconaquus thought, I'll get around by walking. Jasmine wasn't too good at using her chaotic power but she was good at climbing and other things. She knew just where to go. Ponyville was full of ponies and lots of delicious food! She was going to grab some food and go. Simple! what could POSSIBLY go wrong?
~ ~ ~
"That sure was some good pie, Applejack!" Scoolaloo said. Applebloom smiled.
"What did'ja expect? She's ma sister!" she exclaimed. An orange earth pony mare rubbed Applebloom's red mane.
"Don't go showin' me off now Applebloom." the mare said.
"But, Applejack! Yer pie's the best, besides Granny Smith's zap apple jam an' products and Big Mac's apple fritters!"
"ah ain't sayin' yer lyin', sugarcube. Jus' don't go showin' off is all." the mare identified as Applejack said. Applebloom nodded. Sweetie Belle yawned.
"I should get to my sisters house. I'm going to help her make dresses!" she squeaked. Scootaloo rolled her eyes.
"Whatever."
"Bye Sweetie Belle!" Applebloom waved at her unicorn friend as she headed towards Rarity's house. Applebloom waved good-bye to her friend as she left. Sweetie Belle hummed to herself as she trotted across Ponyville. She stopped when she saw something strange. It looked like Discord was wearing a mares wig and put on an extra set of long, thick eyelashes to make himself look feminine. It worked. Discord was acting strange, though. He looked terrified and lost. Sweety Belle galloped straight for him and he looked up just in time. Discord squealed and started to run towards the Everfree Forest. Sweetie Belle galloped after him.
"Stop, Discord! Where are you going?" she yelled. The draconaquus tripped over a rock and slid to a stop.
"Leave me alone." it said. Sweetie Belle froze.
"What's wrong with your voice?"
"Nothing! Leave me alone!" the draconaquus sobbed. Sweetie Bell took a step towards it.
"Discord?" the draconaquus looked up at Sweetie Belle, confused as ever.
Sweety Belle stared at Jasmine wide eyed. So, the draconaquus wasn't Discord at all. It was a GIRL draconaquus named Jasmine! THAT'S why she was acting so strange when Sweety Belle thought she was Discord. Good thing she found out right outside of Ponyville instead of right there in front of anypony where Sweety Belle found her.
"I've never seen another dra- dra- dragon . . . cuss . . . whatever it is . . . besides Discord! Are you guys related?" the unicorn filly bounced eagerly. Jasmine shook with fear and curiosity.
"Um . . . no. I- I- I don't know who t- t- that is." Jasmine peeped. She was wondering why the smallish pony didn't catch her or TRY to catch her yet. Little did she know, Sweety Belle noticed her lack of zest when talking.
"Are you okay? You seem shy or something." the filly pointed a hoof at Jasmine. The draconaquus drew back in fear. "Are you scared of me? Wait, are you scared of ponies?" Jasmine started to back away slowly. Sweety Belle thought for a second. The only pony that was this shy was Fluttershy. She acted the same way when she came to Ponyville. The only reason she's not cooped up with her animals and being totally anti- social was because when she first came to Ponyville, Pinkie Pie . . . Hold on! That was it! Pinkie Pie used her Element, laughter, to get Fluttershy out of her shell. Of course Pinkie didn't know her element or that she WAS an element at the time, but it worked! Maybe Sweety Belle could do the same for Jasmine.
"Hey, Jasmine!" The draconaquus froze. She had almost made it into the bushes. Why won't this smallish pony leave me alone!?, she thought. The unicorn filly quickly thought of a joke. "Why did the chicken cross the road?"
"W- w- why? Um . . . I- I- I don't know . . . because it wanted to?"
"No, to get to the other side!" the filly expected a chuckle at least but the draconaquus just stared at her. "Okay then . . . knock knock."
" . . . "
"C'mon! Say 'who's there?' when I say 'knock knock'."
"Who's t- there . . ?"
"Orange. Knock knock."
"W- who's there?"
"Orange. Knock knock."
"D- do I have t- to ask w- who's there a- again?"
"No its orange. Knock knock."
"W- who i- is there?"
"Orange you glad I didn't say orange?" Jasmine thought for a moment. She nodded. "See? You don't need to be scared of me. Ponies aren't bad. I promise." Sweety Belle trotted towards Jasmine. She was pleased that the draconaquus didn't flinch or move away. She didn't see Jasmine's look either. That's what you think, Jasmine thought.
"You can't go to Ponyville. Your shy and they'll ask too many questions. You can't go into the Everfree forest because its dangerous. My sister, Rarity, says so. She's and Element and she and the rest of her friends defeated Nightmare Moon in there."
"T- the nightmare?" Jsamine felt fear creep up on her once more. "I- is she still t- there?" Sweety Belle laughed.
"No, silly! Nightmare Moon was just Princess Luna in scary mode." Princess Luna? That can't be right . . . Master spoke of another name . . .Jasmine thought. "I just thought of something! You can stay at Sweet Apple Acres! Applebloom will know how to take care of you."
"S- sweet . . . ?"
"Yea! C'mon!"
~ ~ ~
Discord was running for his life. Literally. He looked behind him with a wild smile on his face and laughed out loud.
"I'll get you . . . you fiend!" A unicorn stallion hollered.
"I'd like to see you try!" The draconaquus knew he could easily fly away or even teleport away with a snap of his fingers but that would take away the joy of bothering ponies now wouldn't it? Discord suddenly jumped and landed behind the unicorn.
"What . . . hey!" a waterfall of ice cold water was dropped on the stallion. Discord spread his wings and flew away, cackling. The unicorn stallion did not share his enthusiasm. He cursed Discord and his breed. "If I get my hooves on a draconaquus . . ." he mumbled and trotted away, soaking wet.
~ ~ ~
Celestia knew she was going to regret leaving Discord at the castle. He HAD to be doing something at that moment when she was gone and noone could complain to her right then. A pegasus guard nodded at her after flying alongside her with several others. They were headed to the Crystal Empire to deal with a mad pony who had insisted that Cadence and Shining Armor, the leaders of the empire, had taken a draconaquus from it. The gender and breed of pony was unknown to the princess at the moment so she was ready for anything.
"We have arrived, Princess." the guard to her right said. Celestia nodded. They swooped down and landed on soft, sweet smelling grass and saw crystal flowers of all colors and sized scattered around. In the distance, there was a huge crystal castle and yelling. Celestia and the guards started to run towards the sound.
"We don't have a draconaquus. There's only crystal ponies, us, and the pets of the civilians." Cadence told the grey stallion in a hood in front of her. "That's the truth." Shining Armor stood in a tense position, ready to smack sense into the stallion if he tried anything.
"Lies! I know its here! It better come out or else!" the mad stallion yelled.
"My wife just told you the truth. Move along!" Shining Armor growled. One of the seven timber wolves that were at the command of the grey stallion bared its teeth.
"Easy, Talon. I'm not in need of you yet." The stallion said. Cadence stiffened. Yet?, she wondered.
"Leave! Now!" Celestia boomed behind him. The stallion turned to see the sun princess and several pegasus guards coming towards him. He gasped and bowed immediately. The timber wolves all bowed too.
"I was just trying to get my property and go my liege." The stallion said, his voice thick with respect.
"No species is property. There are no other draconaqui besides the one named Discord." The stallion laughed and waved a hoof to the timber wolves, who in turn, walked away to a small house on wheels that was probably pulled by them. The stallion pulled off his hood, revealing he was a unicorn, and he had a dark grey mane with flecks of red.
"That's where your wrong. Just 20 years ago, I found a baby draconaquus. It was female. It was like a daughter to me. A new generation to carry on my life work." The stallion looked away and stared off into the distance. "I named her Jasmine."
Applebloom smiled at Jasmine, who was staring into space. Sweety Belle had brought gems of all sorts and many yummy leftovers of Rarity's cooking. Applebloom had brought apples, apple fritters, and apple pie. Over the last few couple of days, Jasmine had stayed at Sweet Apple Acres and managed to not get found. However, due to WAY too many almost run ins and Applejack's ability to see right through lies, the two fillies had decided to let Jasmine stay at their clubhouse. Scootaloo didn't give a vote on this simply because she would have said yes anyways and she still hadn't met her yet. Sweety Belle and Applebloom had a plan to fix this.
"So, Jasmine, your going to our clubhouse so you can meet Scootaloo, our best friend." Sweety Belle said. Jasmine sighed. How many ponies did she have to meet? She only came around ponies for one reason and one reason only. This was just plain scary and had no purpose.
"D-do I have t-to? I t-think i've met e-enough ponies." Jasmine stuttered. The fillies had gotten accustomed to the draconaquus' speech but they still glanced at each other.
"Ya'll have only met two ponies. Fluttershy is shy an' stuff but at least she TRIED to make friends!" Applebloom stated. She trotted a little faster to catch up with Jasmine. Their surroundings were grassy with shrubs and bushes everywhere along with scattered trees of all sizes and tallness. There was a small creek near by and a couple birds chirped when they saw a draconaquus and two fillies pass. There was no road, which made Jasmine nervous as ever. What if these smallish ponies get lost!? If Master ever found out I lost youth, he'd kill me!, she thought.
"Who i-is Flutter-" Jasmine managed to start but was cut off. The two fillies raced ahead as a small house in a tree came into view. The tree house was in a really small clearing with a picnic table not too far from it.
"Welcome to the CMC's clubhouse!" Sweety Belle said. Applebloom giggled.
"Scootaloo!? Are ya'll out there? C'mon girl, we're here! We got someone for ya to meet." There was a rustling sound in the bushes and a strange buzzing sort of sound. An orange filly with purple hair burst out of the bushes riding a scooter.
"S'up guys!" the additional filly greeted. She came to a stop and froze when she saw Jasmine. Jasmine waved weakly.
"H-hi. My name i-is Jasmine. Um . . . Applebloom s-said you w-would accept a-as a friend."
"I said so too!" Sweety Belle exclaimed.
"Did not!" Applebloom argued.
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"I did too!"
"Ya did not!"
"You weren't listening!"
"Ah WAS listening! That's how ah KNOW ya ain't say nothin' like that!"
"Liar! I should get Applejack!"
"Fine, go get 'er! The better to prove ya wrong!" Scootaloo giggled and got another look at Jasmine. She stuck out her hoof and shook . . . hoof/claw . . . with her. Jasmine cleared her throat rather loudly and the two fillies stopped arguing.
"Where did you guys find another dragon . . . cuss? This one is WAY cooler than Discord." Scootaloo said. There's that name again . . . Jasmine thought.
"I found her in Ponyville and I talked to her for the first time right outside of Ponyville. She was REALLY scared and shy."
"I don't know any shy ponies besides Fluttershy. Were you with Sweety Belle, Applebloom?"
"Nah. Ah was home, helpin' Big Mac an' Applejack buck apple trees." Scootaloo pointed to the saddlebags on the two fillies' backs.
"What's in those?" she asked. Jasmine brought her attention to the saddlebags too.
"Ah got food for Jasmine!"
"So do I! I got gems too!"
"Why d-did you b-bring gems?" Sweety Belle pulled out some gems and put them down.
"Dragons eat gems and since your part dragon . . . I think . . . I brought some gems for you."
"So, is Jasmine sleeping here or what?" Scootaloo asked. Everypony nodded. "I should've brought our list of todo's. We could've done a make friends with a draconaquus mission. A draconaquus cutie mark is awsome!"
"Yer right. Let's go get 'em!"
~ ~ ~
The grey stallion was through with questions and being caged like an animal. If he was meant to be caged, he should've been born an animal! Another guard followed by a red mare with dull red hair and black rectangle glasses entered the cage room.
"What DO you want? Haven't you bothered me enough?" The grey stallion grumbled. The mare sat on her haunches and stared at the stallion with piercing blue eyes.
"I am here to ask how do you feel right now." the mare said. The stallion scoffed.
"THAT'S IT!?"
"I would also like to know your name." the mare acted as if he didn't just have an outburst. The guard was tense, though.
"I don't know YOUR name."
"My name is Mind Bender. Call me Miss Bender if you wish." Mind Bender? What kind of name is that? Unless . . . the stallion glanced at Mind Bender's flank. There was a white line that swirled in a circle, like hypnosis.
"I-I see." the stallion regained his arrogant stature. "My name is Martin Armstrong Sterling Timely Erny Ronald the third."
"That's quite a unique name you have Martin Armstrong Sterling Timely Erny Ronald." Mind Bender said.
"Thank you. I'm glad SOMEONE appreciates my name." the stallion smiled. "You can also call me Master, by the way. That could be a nickname since those are my initials."
"Alright, . . . Mr.Master." Mind Bender said. "How are you and who exactly is this 'Jasmine' you speak of?"
"I'm fine . . . I suppose. I'm a little aggravated at being held at my own will and . . . WHERE ARE MY TIMBER WOLVES!?"
"Excuse me?"
"MY WOLVES WERE TAKEN AWAY!" Master got up and pointed his horn at the mare. "GIVE THEM BACK!"
~ ~ ~
Jasmine bit into a purple jewel. It actually tasted quite nice but her jaw kind of hurt because of the extra chewing she had to do to get it small enough to swallow. She reached for a piece of apple pie and a lettuce, tomato, and cheese sandwich. This food is delicious, she thought.
"Hey, Applebloom, Granny Smith wants to know if you ate the last pie or took some apples from the batch." a male voice said from outside. Jasmine looked out the window of the tree house. There was a purple dragon with green scales on his back from his head to his tail. His belly was also green. The dragon was Spike, a civilized teenage dragon who lived in Ponyville. Jasmine just stared. He was so close to the tree house. Then, he looked up and his green eyes met her purple ones. Time stopped and the two both froze as their heart's stopped. Spike spread his wings and flew up to the window.
"Who are you? I've never seen another draconaquus besides Discord."
"I-I don't . . . Discord?"
"I'm Spike, number one assistant of Twilight Sparkle. She's a librarian, lives in a tree, and is the element of magic. She and her friends defeated Discord and-" Why am I telling her this? Shouldn't I be telling Twilight? Aren't draconaqui dangerous?, Spike thought.
"A d-dragon . . ?" Spike looked at Jasmine's fear filled eyes. She must think I'M dangerous, Spike thought. The drake flew back a little. She was speechless and he couldn't keep his mouth shut. What was happening? Jasmine flew out the entrance of the tree house, climbed down the latter, and head deep into the Everfree Forest. Spike couldn't move.
"What is happening to me?" he asked himself softly.
It had been days since Spike had seen her. The mystery girl who had had triggered an unusual behavior from him. She was in Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle's tree house that was dubbed the 'cutie mark crusader club house'. She ran into the Everfree Forest. She might be afraid of me . . . or shy . . . but that's not very likely, thought Spike, she IS a draconaquus after all. He played with his hay fries, not feeling very hungry. He was at a picnic with his six mane friends. Rarity noticed Spike's behavior.
"Whatever is the matter, Spikey wikey?" she asked.
"First, don't call me that. Second, uh . . . well . . . there's this-" Spike was cut off by Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash's faces that found their way within three feet of his face. "There's this girl I met and . . . "
"A girl!?" Twilight and Rarity exclaimed. Twilight, out of shock and Rarity out of excitement.
"Oh my, is she an old friend of yours?" Fluttershy asked.
"Or an ex fillyfriend?" Rainbow Dash added. Spike shook his head and sighed.
"I met her a few days ago. She's scared of me, I think."
"Well, Fluttershy could help her. Ponies tend to be scared of dragons, changelings, zebras . . . anything that they usually don't see every day. I'm sure your girl will come around." Twilight said. Spike's eyes shrunk.
"What do you mean, 'your girl' exactly? She's not my fillyfriend. I just told you that I just met her."
"Spike, dear, you seem to be a bit off about this girl." Rarity pointed out. Spike fought the urge to blush. He chuckled nervously and got up.
"What's wrong Spike?" Fluttershy put a hoof on Spike's shoulder. Spike spread his wings.
"Nothing. I just . . . wanna say hi to Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo."
"Or do you want to see mystery girl?" Rainbow Dash teased. Spike felt the blood rush to his cheeks.
"See ya later guys."
~ ~ ~
"A-are you g-guys sure?" Jasmine gazed down the cliff and flexed her right wing. It didn't hurt very much, just a dull throbbing. She didn't exactly know if it had healed properly or what, so she wasn't sure it was safe to fly with three fillies on her back. Applebloom nervously shook her head. Why did they have to go to White Tail Woods to fly on Jasmine's back!?
"Aw c'mon, Applebloom! It will be so cool to have a 'flying a draconaquus' cutie mark!" Scootaloo fluttered her wings.
"Of course she's scared!" Sweetie Belle scolded. "She's about to ride on somepony's back!"
"Ahm not scared!" Jasmine sat on her haunches and let Applebloom climb on her back. Sweetie Belle felt just as queasy as Applebloom. "Lets go, Jasmine!" Jasmine spread her wings and thought one thing that probably would backfire on her. What could POSSIBLY go wrong?
~ ~ ~
Discord picked a blue flower and stuffed it in his saddlebag. It was a gift from Fluttershy and it was coming in handy. He chuckled. Boy was Luna in for a laugh today. So sad it would be at Celestia's expense, though. Discord wondered if he should play a prank with dear Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash. His stomach growled.
"Maybe some lunch first . . . " Discord mumbled. He snapped his fingers and a whole plate of food appeared in front of him.
~ ~ ~
"Okay! Now that we've all gone on alone, lets all o together." Sweetie Belle suggested.
"Totally!" Scootaloo agreed. Applebloom agreed. She wasn't feeling as queasy because all three fillies had gotten a ride without problems. None of the foals noticed that Jasmine was flinching as she tried to stretch her right wing.
"Girls, I-I don't think w-we should f-fly." she said. The fillies turned to look at the draconaquus.
"What? But we wanna ride together." Sweetie Belle whined. Applebloom nodded.
"Ahm ready to fly again!" she exclaimed.
"But . . ."
"Can this at least be our last ride? Please? We promise." Scootaloo pleaded in attempt to make a compromise.
"A-alright." Jasmine let the trio climb onto her back. She winced when one of them accidentally ruffled her wings. Just a quick flight, she thought.
~ ~ ~
There was a flash of light as Celestia and Luna teleported to Discord's self-picnic. They both had stern looks.
"So, you were going to eat all this without me?" Luna said, her look giving way to a smile.
"I only came here because you stole my cloud cake." Celestia grumbled. "I have duties to attend to." Discord grinned.
"You need to get a stallion. You'll be lonely all your life. Well, more than you are now . . ."
"I don't see you being surrounded by babes." Celestia growled. Discord looked up, suddenly. He had a surprised expression on his face.
"Is that . . ?" He gaped. Luna and Celestia looked up too.
"Whaaaa!?" They gasped. There was a draconaquus with three foals on its back. The draconaquus and two alicorns could not believe their eyes. Then, there was a sickening crack and a blood curdling scream that was followed by three smaller ones. The draconaquus started to fall, heading for the unforgiving ground. Discord spread his wings, as did the two alicorns, and flew as fast as he could. He did a short dive in order to catch the smaller draconaquus and the fillies. They were going too fast to stop so he curled into a ball and they tumbled into the ground.
"Discord, are you okay?" Luna asked, landing next to him, along with her sister. He groaned and got up.
"Peachy. I don't think she is, though." The fillies got up shakily and gasped.
"Is she okay?" Scootaloo wondered.
"Ah didn't know her wing was hurt!" Applebloom sobbed.
"Her wing? Oh no! Its bent the wrong way . . ." Sweety Belle felt sick. Jasmine opened her eyes and groaned. A female draconaquus . . . this couldn't be the one the mad pony was talking about, Celestia thought to herself.
"Smallish ponies?" Jasmine froze when she saw the three additional creatures. "Um . . ."
"How did your wing get this way? How did you get here?" Discord demanded.
"I . . . um . . . I . . . uh . . . " Jasmine let out a squeak and spread her wings. A wave of pain coursed through her body. "Ow . . ." she stood up. She was about to grab the fillies and run, but Luna stopped her.
"Your hurt. Come with us."
"Ya should go. Ma sister's friend, Twilight will come to bring us home." Applebloom said. Jasmine nodded slowly. Discord pointed to a castle not too far away.
The mane six, the two alicorns, the nurse, and the male draconaquus stared at the female draconaquus looking at them with big, purple eyes. She had her long, curly black hair covering most of her face. She finally spoke.
"C-can you please t-tell me where Spike is?" This was the first time she had spoken since she was brought in a few minutes ago. Twilight stepped forward.
"How do you know who Spike is?" Jasmine lifted her head, moving some of the hair out of her face and revealing that she was blushing. Her eyes dilated.
"I . . . um . . . m-met him. He's n-nice and . . . a dragon." she stopped blushing and caught Discord's stare. He was staring at her alot . . .
"Oh dear . . . do you think SHE's the girl Spike was talking about?" Rarity asked.
"Spike t-talked about me!?" everypony stared at Jasmine. That was the first time she sounded so happy. "I-I thought he w-would forget a-about me."
"Spike!" Twilight called. A purple dragon entered the room and froze. Jasmine waved shyly.
"I thought I would never find you. What happened to you?"
"Broke her wing." Discord said in a bland voice. Spike turned to him, gave him a curt nod, and turned back to Jasmine.
"You never told me your name."
"My name is Jasmine. I-I'm sorry I ran away . . . I was really shy. I hope didn't think I-I didn't like you." There was emphasis on the word 'like' that only Spike caught. Spike blushed.
"Not at all." Only Discord noticed that she was stuttering less.
~ ~ ~
Discord didn't understand why Jasmine liked Spike so much. He wasn't big on the whole friendship thing but he knew a strong friendship when he saw it. It made him feel so . . . strange. He felt like he just met a long lost friend but he had to compete for her attention with some guy. Except . . . Jasmine wasn't his friend . . . in fact, he barely knew her. So, why was he feeling this way? Discord had these feeling brewing inside him for days. Jasmine's wing healed enough that she could be released from the care of the doctor but she still spent excessive time with Spike. They were inseparable, well, except for when Spike had to leave with the mane six and go back to Ponyville when everything was alright. This was Discord's chance! They were at the train station and getting ready to board the train. He gave Spike a mocking smile and turned to Jasmine.
"Well, I guess now I can spend some time with my own breed, huh? Too bad Spikey Wikey can't stay." Spike glared daggers at him.
"Now, Discord, you shouldn't rub it in Spike's face." Fluttershy said.
"Ya'll know Jazz here can jus' come with us to Ponyville, right?" Applejack sat on her haunches.
"I can!? Oh, thank you. I-I would love to join you and S-spike." Jasmine left Discord's side to go and give Spike a hug. Discord shot Applejack a dirty look.
"You can come along as long you don't cause trouble, Discord." Rarity added. Applejack got up and her and the girls plus Spike got on the train. Discord followed them with a smug look. Spike folded his arms. What is he up to?, he thought.
"We must create some chaos some time, Jazz." Discord said.
"I'm n-not very good with chaotic energy. Y-you can teach me, though." Jasmine fiddled with her tail shyly. He's so weird, she thought, why does he seem so interested in me?
~ ~ ~
"First, you need to stop stuttering. Spells don't work when you don't say the incantations right."
"But . . ."
"Try to think of something or someone that you think is fearless or something."
"I can't. The only brave p-pony I know that is fearless is my f-father."
"Huh?"
"Not my b-biological father. My real daddy's d-dead."
"Oh. . . sorry. You have to be cool, though. Don't let anything get you down, you know?"
"I-I-I dunno." The two draconaqui kept practicing their chaotic energy together while Spike watched them in the bushes.
~ ~ ~
Master lay, chained to the farthest wall in the cell. Mind Bender rubbed her burns angrily and glared at him. He glared back.
"Can I talk to you without the guards?"
"Why? So you can attack me again!?"
"No, no sweet heart. I want to tell you what you've wanted to hear." Mind Bender thought for a second.
"Alright. Guards, leave, but stay close."
"Not very trustworthy are we?" The guards left but not without giving full blown glares at Master. Master cleared his throat. "Sorry. I just can't talk with an english accent for long." Mind Bender gasped. Master's voice now had a thick british accent.
"Oh, come now, my good mare. I'm sure you could easily mimic an accent if you tried. My daughter, Jasmine, has an accent too. When she stutters, though, you can't hear it. She's a clever one. A bit too clever but i'll deal with her for obstructing my plans later. As for you, my dear . . . how would you like to be my mare?"
"What!? Never! I thought you said you'd tell me what I wanted to hear!"
"I am, love."
"So, why are you-"
"I want to know if you'll help me kidnap and over throw Celestia."
Jasmine sat outside the Canterlot castle, watching Celestia's room window. I sure hope this doesn't make me a stalker, she thought. She had this bad feeling. It felt like a fist in her chest, tightening and clenching her heart, making her feel woosy and uneasy. She sure hoped Master wasn't up to anything. She wouldn't say 'too bad' because EVERYTHING he did was bad. Jasmine jumped when Discord appeared with a flash beside her.
"S'up?"
"P-please don't do that." she flicked her tail angrily. "EVER i-if you don't mind." Discord shrugged.
"Whatever. So, why are you stalking old windy mane?" Jasmine gasped.
"I-I-I-I wasn't stalking her! I swear!" Jasmine stood up on all fours and bit her lip nervously. Discord observed her closely. Her body was better proportioned than his. Her body was shorter in length and her legs were longer, making it look more natural when she stood on all fours or stood up. Her wing was still healing so she couldn't fly anyway. Discord preferred to fly around everywhere. He didn't care much for walking and the like.
"Why are you looking at me like that!?" Jasmine demanded. Her british accent wasn't too thick but it was noticeable enough that Discord caught himself and blushed.
"Uh, sorry, just . . . um . . . admiring your body . . . wait . . ."
"You were WHAT!?" He is a total perv, Jasmine thought. Oh man, that comment made me sound like a total perv, thought Discord.
"No, wait! I didn't mean it that way! I meant that your body is . . . okay scratch that . . . I meant that you look different than me and I'm wondering if its because your a girl or because of something else."
"Oooh . . . okay . . . I guess . . ."
"Boy, you thought I was totally checking you out didn't you?"
"What!?" Jasmine blushed.
"C'mon, admit it. You thought I was flirting with ya."
"I just realized that you stopped stuttering and you have an accent."
"Did you hurt yourself while thinking that long?"
"Ooh, burn! I didn't know know you had such sarcastic comments in you!"
"I try."
"Hey, Jasmine. Why ARE you watching 'morning girls' room?"
"I've got a bad feeling."
"Also, you like me don't you? You were hoping I was serious about admiring your body weren't you?"
" . . . "
~ ~ ~
Celestia woke up to a faint sound. Her left ear twitched as she listened intently for the source. Somepony was outside her door. Celestia got up, out of her bed and pointed her horn towards the door. A golden aura took hold of the doorknob and the door opened. A grey stallion with a dark grey mane with red flecks stared into Celestia's eyes. His eyes were red and seemed to glow with anger.
"How did you get out?" Master laughed.
"I'm going to do this quickly. I have an offer to make you."
"I don't accept." The stallion entered Celestia's room and shut the door.
"I didn't finish. You will back down as a monarch and I will rule. We'll give Equestria the respect it deserves! When another country doesn't agree with a national law, kill them! When those filthy mud ponies want to NOT be slaves, beat 'em till their little bloody pulps! If the pegasi don't want to work long hours, turn them into ashes!"
"I will do no such thing."
"We will rule everypony together. You will be my queen and Luna will be my pet. I always wanted to train an alicorn."
"Your mad. Guards!" Master was suddenly surrounded as guards poured into the room.
"I guess I have to use my secret weapon . . ."
~ ~ ~
"I don't! I do NOT have a crush on you! Your so-"
"Do you hear that?"
"Oh no!" Jasmine started to climb the walls of the castle and into the window. Sure enough, Master was there, lighting his horn. The red aura turn black and smoke started to pour out of his eyes."
"Daddy, no!" Jasmine pushed Celestia out of the way as a black, magical orb headed towards her.
"Don't interrupt me, Jasmine! It'll be your dying day!"
"This is wrong. She's not just some mare that you can manipulate. You'll kill everypony if you go through with your plan." Discord entered the room through the window and gasped.
"What? What else is he planning?" Celestia exclaimed.
"So what? I'll have my queen and nopony will take her away from me!"
"Then, you leave me no choice." Jasmine created a small ball of chaotic energy and hurled it at her adopted father. Master couldn't dodge in time and got hit. She swung her tail at him and quickly did a flip to keep him from dodging. He growled and teleported outside.
"Traitor! I'll be back! And with allies too!" he galloped away, into the Everfree Forest.
"Dad!" Jasmine called after him. "Dad, you don't need to-" Discord put a claw on her shoulder.
"I don't think he'll listen."
"I-I guess."
"I have a question I think everyone wants an answer to."
Jasmine and Discord spent the next few days watching Celestia secretly, even though she had put up extra guards to stand at attention at her door. The Elements hadn't been informed of the potential threat that the stallion posed but they seemed to sense that something was wrong. While the mane six and Spike were talking with Luna and Celestia, Discord was trying to sway Jasmine's 'innocent' little mind. It seemed like it was working.
"C'mon! Ole' sun raiser won't mind." Discord insisted. Jasmine stared at him like he was crazy.
"She won't mind if we turn her favorite type of cake into a giant worm?" she asked, sarcasm thick in her voice.
"Well, when you put it that way . . ." Discord rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly.
"Oh please. What other way could you have put it?"
"We're setting the inner creature of a non-living sweet free . . ." Jasmine giggled and spread her wings. She flapped them gently.
"Alright, you win this one. I will if you help me get my wings back in shape. I haven't flown since, like, forever."
"Deal!"
~ ~ ~
Celestia, Spike, Luna, and the mane six headed towards the royal kitchen. Celestia seemed to be quite ready to have some of that cloud cake she asked the baker to make. Luna felt bored. I sure hope Discord does something interesting today. He's been awful good since that Jasmine girl came along . . . I wonder . . . she thought. Everypony was surprised to see Jasmine sitting by the doorway of the kitchen. Jasmine smiled.
"Hey guys! Celestia, did you shine your hair? Or preen your wings extra nice today? Your looking lovely!" she chirped. Everypony glanced at each other.
" . . . Thank you for the . . . complement . . . " Celestia said awkwardly.
"Are you okay, Jasmine?" Spike asked.
"Peachy!"
"Ya sure?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. There was a chuckle followed by a flash. Discord patted Jasmine on the back.
"Wow, I didn't think you could go there with shiny here!" Jasmine blushed.
"Perv . . ." Discord simply laughed.
"So, why exactly are ya hittin' on the princess now?" Applejack asked.
"I wasn't hitting on her! It was a complement!"
"Mmm hmm."
"A complement I tell you!" Celestia finally got fed up with the strange behavior and went inside the kitchen. Discord and Jasmine couldn't hold back their giggles.
"What did you do, Discord?" Fluttershy demanded. Discord WAS her responsibility after all.
"Nothing . . ." There was a loud crash and a scream. Then there were hissing and gushy noises.
"I think he put something in the kitchen, guys." Rainbow Dash said. the cyan pegasus hovered in the kitchen doorway and gasped. "There's a giant worm in there!"
"A worm!? How did . . . Discord!" Applejack hollered.
"A worm!? How dirty! How could you put a WORM in the princesses kitchen? A ROYAL kitchen at that!" Rarity exclaimed. Jasmine was feeling kind of guilty now. Kind of. There was a loud bang and then there was silence. Celestia came out of the room with a face that showed pure anger. You know those times where you do something wrong over and over after being spoken to and then you finally get caught red-handed instead of just being accused but you still deny it even though you KNOW you did it? Remember the face the person that caught you had? That was the face that Celestia was making right now. The only thing was that she was out for BLOOD.
"Who turned my FAVORITE cake into a WORM?" she questioned in a scarily quiet voice. Everypony glared at Discord. He chuckled and shrugged. "I'm going to KILL YOU!!!!" Celestia ran off, chasing the mischievous god of chaos and leaving everypony else to talk among themselves.
"What's wrong Jazzy wazzy?" Pinkie Pie asked the female draconaquus.
"I actually had a part in it." Jasmine admitted.
"My word. . ." Rarity tsk tsked.
"What? Now why woulda do somethin' like that or help him do somethin' like that?" Applejack scolded.
"He kinda persuaded me to. If he helped me fly, I would help him with a prank."
"He's a bad influence on you." Twilight grumbled. Jasmine didn't like the fact that Twilight was talking about her like a child.
"I didn't know what EXACTLY he was going to do but I knew it was going to be funny."
"Usually, its not a good thing if he doesn't tell you what he's doing." Fluttershy said.
"You both should be ashamed of yourselves." Rarity added.
"Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie do worse pranks than that. You ponies need a sense of humor."
"We DO have a sense of humor-" Twilight began.
"Not YOU. You have a horrible sense of humor." Rainbow Dash sneered. Twilight glared at her.
"Its true Twi, you can't tell a joke from an apple!" Applejack agreed.
"I have to agree with Applejack and Rainbow Dash, Twilight." Rarity flicked her mane with her hoof. Fluttershy nodded in agreement with them. Pinkie nodded too.
"Its okay! I'll teach you all about humor!" Twilight rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. I think Discord is still a bad influence on you. We don't need TWO Discord's around here. Maybe you should come to Ponyville with us. Permanently this time." It was Jasmine's turn to roll her eyes. This mare had to be joking. Who is she to decide where I live and who I hang out with?, Jasmine thought. She could do whatever she wanted as far as she was concerned. It wasn't like she was hurting anyone by helping Discord pull some pranks. It wasn't that big of a deal. So, why was she making a big fuss about it?
"You ponies just don't understand. You don't understand at all."
"Oh yea?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Why?" Applejack raised a brow.
"Because its called 'pranking draconaquus style'."
"Your right we don't understand. We're not draconaqui!" Twilight fumed. Spike folded his arms. He did not like this new 'draconaquus style' attitude at all. There was no way he could fix this. Or was there . . . ?
Jasmine licked the gem tentatively. It tasted amazing. It wasn't too hard for her to chew . . . at all. It would take some time to chew it and take even longer to digest. She put the gem in a small bag filled with several other gems, a plan layout, and a photo. Spike came out of the kitchen and Jasmine quickly hid the bag. She almost forgot she was in Twilight's house/library and that Spike was home.
"I've got more gems if you want and some leftover food from lunch." the teenage drake put a pile of his precious gems in front of the young adult draconaquus. Jasmine smiled and gave Spike a well-deserved hug. He blushed. "Jeez, what was that for?"
"Thank you for making me feel welcome." she blushed a little too. "Its kind of . . . naughty to be hanging out with a guy late at night, though."
"R-really? I, uh, didn't realize that at all." Jasmine laughed. It sounded like bells jingling a melody of pure symphony to Spike. Spending days with the girl of his dreams all day long for WEEKS was having a great toll on his heart. He felt like a love sick puppy and it took all his might not to act like one.
"Your a terrible liar, you know that?" Jasmine put some gems into her bag. Spike raised a brow.
"What's that?"
"My own little bag full of stuff."
"What's in it?" Spike took a gem out of what was left of the pile and took a bite. "Besides gems of course."
"stuff." Jasmine gave Spike an amusing smile and he smiled sheepishly.
"Oh. I probably should have seen that one coming."
"You think?" The two stared at each other for a few minutes. They both looked away, blushing.
"You know, Twilight's meeting are going to be going on for a few more weeks. I'll have a chance to get days off. Since your not doing any-"
"Well . . . not that you would know if i'm doing anything because you didn't ask." Spike chuckled nervously. Jasmine smiled. He's so adorable when he's shy and nervous, she thought. "I'm playing, Spike."
"Oh . . . okay . . . so do you have any plans?"
"Well, if I did, I don't have any now."
"Sweet! I-I mean great . . . I can take you out so we can hang out together and then, I'll show you something special."
"Sounds great. When exactly is this date?" Spike turned beet red.
"D-date! I never said it was a date!"
"So, your not asking me on a date?"
"No! I mean, yes! Wait, . . . no . . . okay . . . yes . . ."
"Alright! Lets go on a date today!" Jasmine went up the stairs and took her bag with her. She turned around while still halfway up the steps. "Oh and by the way . . . I'm glad I'm going on a date with you." she said with a blush. The two temporarily went their separate ways and got themselves ready for their date. Their wasn't really that much to do. Spike simply went to tell the girls that he was hanging out with Jasmine for the rest of the day. Everyone simply took it as a play date between their young friends. Rainbow Dash couldn't hold her playful teasing back, not knowing how right she was with the given situation. After a blush or two and a few snarky remarks, Spike was on his way to drop off some gems to Rarity. She was his first love, not that he ever told her. He knew that she really loved it when he gave her any extra gems he had. Even though his feeling for her were gone, he wasn't willing to stop being a wonderful helper and her beloved 'Spikey Wikey'. Rarity thanked Spike but stopped him when he was about to leave.
"Why, Spike dear, where are you going in such a rush?" the fashonista asked.
"Um . . . I gotta meet up with Jasmine." the dragon replied.
"Well, she can wait a few minutes right? I need help with a dress for a zebra."
"I can't . . . WAIT . . . a zebra?"
"Yes, she lives in a Zehebric tribe near a clan of dragons. They have some sort of peace treaty going on and she wants to please them by appealing to their exotic dress code."
"Dragons wear clothes!?"
"Not normally. Only on special occasions."
"Wow . . ."
"So, you'll help?"
"I'd love to but I really can't be late when I meet up with Jazz."
"Alright . . . but what are you two doing anyways?"
"Um . . . stuff . . . ?" Rarity narrowed her eyes at Spike and gave him a knowing smile.
"See you later, then." Spike ran off to meet Jasmine. Rarity suddenly called after him and he turned around to look at her. "Enjoy your date, Spikey Wikey!" Spike's eyes shrunk and he blushed. He turned and headed towards the library. He would try to figure out how Rarity found out later. Jasmine was laying on the couch, waiting for him when he burst through the door.
"Hey, I went to see Applejack and I got some pie. Pinkie gave me two cupcakes and winked at me. Isn't that odd?"
"What? No." the two left the library and started to walk in the direction of White Tail Woods.
"I think it is."
"Why?"
"I asked Applejack for a pie. Pinkie just came out of nowhere and gave me cupcakes. Then, she winked at me!"
"That is odd. No matter. We're here!" Jasmine looked around and gasped. It was beautiful! The flowers were in full bloom and smelled lovely. They smelled like everything beautiful that had a smell. Little critters chattered and chittered to each other about who knows what and chased each other around the large field of grass, flowers, and shrubs. The birds sang seperate songs to each other and sang the same songs together. It was alot to take in. The two sat on the soft grass and talked for a bit. Jasmine offered Spike some pie and took a slice for herself. They ate while staring each other in the eyes. Spike made a joke or two and managed to make his crush laugh even though he had butterflies in his gut. The sun started to go down and the two watched eagerly.
"Its so beautiful . . ." Jasmine said admirably. Spike nodded in agreement. He was looking at the female draconaquus, though.
"Just like you." he added dreamily. The young draconaquus jerked her head to the side in shock and stared at Spike with a HUGE blush on her face. Her pupils were the size of pinpricks.
"Y-you mean that?" Spike blushed when he realized what he said aloud. He nodded.
"Yea. . . " The two stared at each other but they seemed to be stuck, not knowing what to do next almost. Either wondered if they should make the first move or wait for the other to make a move. Suddenly, music started to play. They looked around, startled at the sudden change of sound. (since they were just hearing nature sounds before the music)
"Where did the music come from!?"
"I dunno . . ."
"Well . . . Anyways, thanks for the date. I really enjoyed myself. Not everypony gets to go on a date with such a sweet, handsome drake." Spike blushed.
"And not everypony gets to have such a beautiful draconaquus girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?"
"Um . . ."
"I've never had such a cool boyfriend."
"Yea?"
"Yea."
"Cool."
"Cool . . . ." Jasmine closed her eyes and leaned forward. Her heart jumped as she felt cool lips brush against hers. The couple opened their eyes and smiled.
"I really like you." they said in unision. Then, they sealed the deal with a kiss. . . . .
Pinkie watched the draconaquus and drake kiss passionately in the field. She had her music player next to her at full volume and she turned and grinned at her four other friends. They eyed the couple and turned their gazes to the party mare. There was shock and surprise written all over their faces except for Rarity's.
"Well done Pinkie." the white unicorn praised.
"YAY! Now its time to throw a Spike- and- Jazzy- are- together- now party!"
Jasmine and Spike were avoiding each other. Everypony could tell. They couldn't be in the same room, they couldn't talk to each other, they couldn't even have eye contact or they would go the other way and pretend they never saw each other. Twilight had come back and wasn't informed about the events that passed while she was away. She certainly noticed that Jasmine was spending as little time as possible in the library and that Spike wasn't complaining about staying inside all day. One day, Jasmine and Spike accidentally went to Sweet Apple Acres at the same time (well, it was actually accidentally on purpose) and they both growled at each other.
"Why are you here?" the female draconaquus said angrily but with a hint of shyness in her voice. The drake narrowed his eyes. He folded his arms.
"I was invited."
"I was invited too." The couple looked around. No pony was in sight.
"Think their here?" Jazz stood up on her hind legs and put her forelegs on her hips. "Their probably trying to get us to talk."
"Well, are are talking."
"Good. Now, bye. We never spoke. Agreed?"
"Agreed." The two took off. Neither thought about the fact that they weren't ambushed and forced to talk. The mane six watched from behind the barn, as Twilight had instructed. She lit up her horn as she wrote down notes.
"How long has this been going on?" Rarity and Pinkie Pie made thinking faces.
"Well, it was a little while after the date . . ." Rarity started but was interrupted by Twilight's shout.
"Date!? Spike went out with a girl and no pony told me!?"
"We were going to tell you but it didn't seem like the time with their little hearts refusing to accept their ONE TRUE LOVE!!!!!" Everypony gave Rarity a look.
"Ah think yer over thinkin' the situation, Rares." Applejack said in a bemused voice.
"But what's their problem? They were all lovey-dovey that night!" Rainbow Dash grumbled.
"Has any pony been watching them to see what might be wrong?"
"I have!" Pinkie bounced in place. "It was like it was a few days ago . . ."
"It was just a few days ago!" Fluttershy failed to shout, but the rest of the girls helped her out nicely.
A few days ago . . . Pinkie Pie's story
Spike and Jasmine stopped at Pinkie's cupcake sale and smiled at the party pony.
"Hiya guys! Whatcha up to? Are you having a superific day?" Spike gave Pinkie an odd look.
"What else could we be up to? We're here at your sale to get a cupcake."
"Oki Doki Loki!" Pinkie didn't grab two cupcakes from the batch in front of her. Instead, she grabbed two cupcakes from a container that was apparently not holding anything else. The couple took the cupcakes and thanked the party pony. They took off to White Tail Woods, their favorite place to hang out. They finally got there and sat down on the soft grass.
"Was it odd to you that Pinkie had special cupcakes for us?" Jasmine asked Spike. The drake shook his head.
"No way. Its just Pinkie being a good friend and saving cupcakes for us is all."
"Okay then. what are we going to do today?"
"Go for a swim?"
"I would like that." Suddenly, there was a thud and galloping hooves coming towards them. The two turned to see a determined Pinkie Pie coming at them.
"Eat the cupcakes!" Jasmine squealed in surprise. She was not used to Pinkie being so . . . well . . . PINKIE.
"Spike eat the cupcakes!"
"But-"
"I don't want mine right now. We'll get more later. Eat both cupcakes so she can stop running in circles around us!" The drake shoved both cupcakes in his mouth and Pinkie let out a shout of dismay.
"Nooooooooooo! Don't eat both!"
Pinkie stopped telling her story and rubbed her neck sheepishly. Everypony glared at her.
"Well, what happened?"
"Oh, I put love potion in the cupcakes to spruce up their day but Spike ate both so then he chased Jazzy to the river and pushed her in then he jumped in and she was like "Spike! Wrong river! There's a waterfall ahead!" and Spike was like "I loooooooooooooooooove you. I didn't notice it over your beauty." Then, I told them to jump out but Spike was holding Jazzy in the water and she was like "Do something Spike!" and he said "What." and she said "DO SOMETHING!" and then he said "I don't need to do anything when i'm with you." and then they fell with Jazzy screaming at the top of her lungs while Spike was going "I love you! Yay! Going down a waterfall with my TRUE LOVE!" Then, I helped them out at the bottom. Jazzy was all shaky and Spike didn't remember much." The girls looked at each other.
"That happened? Why would you do that?" Twilight questioned.
"Ah wouldn't get too hard on 'er, Twi. I'm guilty of messin' with 'em too."
A few days ago . . . Applejack's story
Applejack watched the couple eat apples in the orchard and sit off in the sun. She had no clue why Jasmine seemed to be forcing Spike to stay at Sweet Apple Acres for the day. The orange farm mare was about to ask them about it when Pinkie rushed up to her. The party mare seemed to either not know about personal space, or not care.
"What in tarnation are ya doin' here, Pinkie Pie?"
"Oh my gosh! I've been looking for those silly not-ponies all day! I wanted to say i'm sorry."
"Sorry? Fer what?"
"I gave them love potions in their cupcakes and Spike ate both but I didn't know Jasmine wasn't really hungry or else I wouldn't have given it to them. Spike was all "I love you, I love you." and Jasmine wasn't. She ended up going down a waterfall with him."
"Oh. Well, that seems to be why Jasmine wants to stay in the fields. Maybe you can do somethin' else as a sorry symbol."
"REALLY!?"
"Shush! Poor thing'll run away if she catches you here."
"OKAY!" Applejack face hoofed.
Applejack placed a hoof on Jasmine's shoulder. The female draconaquus turned and gave the farm mare a questioning look. The mare smiled. She handed her and the bored young drake each a single blue flower.
"What's this for, Applejack?" Spike asked. Applejack swallowed. It was never easy to lie.
"Er . . . Its a gift from me . . . to ya . . . by me . . . only me . . . hehe . . ."
"Uh . . . okay." Spike turned to Jasmine who shrugged. Suddenly, there was a scream. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and a whole flock of different animals came bursting from the bushes.
"What in CELESTIA'S NAME is going on!?" Applejack hollered. The animals were all staring at the young couple as if in a trance.
"I-I dunno . . . the animals just suddenly rushed over here. Something about flowers and scents." the meek pegasus said. Jasmine had a look of pure terror on her face and clung to Spike for dear life as he tried to shoo away a couple of big, grey wolves and shake off some rowdy bunnies and chattery squirrels. Pinkie Pie tried to shoo them away as well but ended up getting severely growled at.
"Oh, i'm sorry you guys. I gave Applejack the flowers. I wanted to give you the prettiest."
"Ahm sorry too. I was trying to help 'er set things straight with ya'll." The couple screamed as the animals closed in on them.
"I am not one to use foul words but SWEET CELESTIA'S FLANK, your apologies are not helping and we need to-"
"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!" Jasmine finished for him and they began to run as fast as they could. There were birds above them and they didn't want to feel their feathery wrath. Fluttershy just stared, unable to believe what was going on or why.
Twilight gave the two mares a look of anger. She turned to Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. "And what did you geniuses do to add on to their week long torture?" The three winced.
"I didn't do anything . . . well . . . except for my animals dragging me to Sweet Apple Acres." Fluttershy squeaked.
"Who would mess with those love birds?" Rainbow Dash scoffed. Applejack and Twilight glared at her.
"I may have done something too . . ."
"Rainbow . . ." Applejack warned.
"Hey, cut me some slack! Didn't you lie to them about those cruddy flowers!?"
"I know for a fact that you were messing around with them. I was there. It also led to my . . . meddling . . . as well."
"Fiiiiiiiiiiiiine, i'll tell you guys what happened. It was a clear day . . ."
A few days ago . . . Rainbow Dash's story
. . . And the two love birds were out for a stroll. They were tired and sore from the fiesta at Sweet Apple Acres the day before and Jasmine still had swimmers ear from falling down the waterfall and having Spike squeeze the life out of her at the same time. They had decided not to go anywhere secluded since that led to disaster. Jasmine wasn't so sure about the whole pony friendship thing. If ponies were THIS crazy . . . who knows what they'll do to her in the future if she and Spike ever got married! The female draconaquus blushed. Not that she was thinking of marriage or anything . . . Spike nudged his companion.
"Hey, whatcha thinking about?"
"Nothing!"
"Ha. You were thinking about me weren't you?"
"No. I have lots of other things to talk about . . ."
"Uh huh. Like what?"
"Uhhhhhhm. Clouds?"
"Clouds? You were thinking about clouds? Is that the best you could come up with?"
"No." Jasmine pointed upwards. "Clouds! Alot of them!" The draconaquus was right. There were no clouds in the sky except for one huge dark grey one that looked like a bunch of clouds put together was moving lazily across the sky. Spike grinned and flew up to it. He poked it gently.
"Wanna go prank somepony?"
"I dunno Spike . . . won't we get in trouble?"
"Your worried about getting in trouble?"
"No. I'm worried about getting CAUGHT. We should put that cloud away somewhere. It'll hurt somepony."
"Awww."
"Ha! I'm joking! Lets go prank Pinkie! A little payback for the waterfall and the flower thing."
"I still don't remember the waterfall . . ." Spike grumbled as he eased the cloud closer to ground. Jasmine shivered.
"Trust me, you don't WANT to." Suddenly, Rainbow Dash popped out of nowhere and cackled. She narrowed her eyes and dove for the cloud. Jasmine quickly reached for it, anxious to try and keep a prank hazard out of her hooves. Spike wasn't thinking on the same level. He dove for cover underneath the cloud, beside his draconaquus friend. He then realized that he put himself in soaking range and scurried away just in time before the cyan mares hooves hit the cloud with a 'thump'.
"Arrge! Spiiiiiiiiiiiiike!" the female draconaquus yelled as she got soaked to the bone. The drake rubbed his neck sheepishly.
"Hehe . . . sorry." Rainbow Dash laughed.
"Your sure to get some action from that boring ole' dragon now!" she giggled. "Your welcome, love birds!" Jasmine just stood there. Her jaw had dropped and her eyes had gone wide. Spike reddened.
"OMG . . . She did NOT just say that . . . " Jazz whined. Mares and Stallions glared at the two in disgust and anger. A couple teenage fillies and colt snickered.
"Ah didn't know ya had such a dirty mind, Spike." A voice said from behind them. It was Applebloom, accompanied by Sweety Belle and Scootaloo. The younger teenage fillies then glared at Jasmine.
"And shame on you for tagging along, Jasmine." Sweety Belle folded her forelegs.
"Who would've known she had more to her then what caught the eye?" Scootaloo shrugged. The fillies turned to leave.
"Ah thought she was the shy type. 'Cause of how she was actin', ya know?"
"I wouldn't wet myself to look alluring. Not even for Spike."
"Sweety, your fifteen. Rarity wouldn't let you do ANYTHING for Spike." The drake and the female draconaquus headed towards the library. When they were out of earshot of everypony, Jasmine began to speak.
"Spike, your friends are crazy."
"I know. I'll talk to them."
"I don't think it'll work. They seem . . . stubborn."
"I can make them stop."
"Spike . . . I've been wet, chased, embarrassed, and squeezed for the last time-"
"I know! Because it'll never happen again!"
"I highly doubt that . . ."
"I'll just ask them to stop. They probably don't even know that we're miserable."
"ARE you miserable? They are YOUR friends after all."
"What?"
"I've never had real friends before. Not if you don't count the CMC or you or Discord. I never knew what friendship was. It seems hectic and stressful. I can only take so much . . ."
"Yea . . . What are you getting at . . . ?"
"Spike . . . It seems like this is your first time dating."
"It is."
"Mine too. Your friends seem to be excited and and eager to help."
"Yeah."
"A little too eager."
"Okay."
"If you weren't dating at all . . . they wouldn't be eager to do . . . stuff all the time . . ."
" . . . Maybe . . . "
"I can't deal with the stress."
" . . . You can . . . you can deal with it!"
"I think maybe . . ."
"no . . ."
" . . . that we should . . ."
"no . . ."
" . . . have some distance . . ."
"Distance!? What . . . do you mean . . . ?"
"Spike . . . I think we . . ."
"OMG! Nonononononononononono!"
" . . . should break up . . ."
"NO! We can fix this!"
"Spike"
"I know we can! Just talk to them!"
"Spike"
"Please talk to them! Don't do anything you'll regret!"
"Spike"
"Jasmine, how could you DO this to me!? I thought-"
"WHAT!? What do you mean 'how could I do this to you'? Its hard for me too, you know! I can't take it! These ponies are driving me crazy! I understand why it took Discord CENTURIES to get the hang of friendship! Its impossibly stressful!" The female draconaquus glared at the drake angrily.
"But-"
"I just can't!" She took off, tears streaming down her cheeks and her whole body shivering from the earlier encounter. Spike watched her go with an extended claw.
"Don't go . . ."
Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy sniffled and wiped their tears away.
"That was beautifully told, Rainbow." Rarity praised. Twilight nodded in agreement.
"I can't believe my number one assistant had a girlfriend and broke up while I was gone."
"They grow up so fast." Applejack mumbled. Rarity flipped her mane.
"Now, time to tell my story."
"WAIT! HOLD EVERYTHING!" Pinkie screamed. Everypony froze and stared at her. "Twilight, don't you mean fillyfriend?"
"Jasmine is not a filly. She is a young mare . . . well, actually, she's not even a pony. Things like that don't apply to her."
"So what exactly did you do, Rarity?" the bookworm asked the fashonista. Rarity lowered her head and blushed.
"I sort of called Discord and asked him to brainwash the dears into being together. I didn't know that they had actually broken up but they weren't really talking to each other. I thought it would work but then . . . Discord seemed to get upset about something. He said something to Jasmine and she refused to talk to him and Spike got into a heated argument with him. Discord looked like he really wanted to strangle my dear Spikey-Wikey. Jasmine started to give me the evil eye. It was awful. I felt so embarrassed."
"So he got all riled up about somethin' huh? Wonder what the problem was . . . Say, how come yer not tellin' ya story all long like?" Applejack said.
"Yea." Rainbow Dash shoved her muzzle in Rarity's personal space.
"I wasn't paying that much attention. I didn't think my plan would go wrong. Its not like I publicly humiliated them or made them fall down a waterfall." Pinkie's hair deflated and she frowned as tears filled her eyes. Everypony glared at Rarity.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that . . ."
"Its alright, Rarity. We just need to figure out how to fix this." The lavender unicorn rose off her haunches and trotted in circles around the five mares. Said mares watched her and listened intently for whatever plan she would muster up.
"It would be best if we don't interfere with their relationship. You girls have done enough damage already. Maybe they'll patch things up on their own. Give them a few weeks. They need space. If that doesn't work, we'll regroup and figure out another way to make this right."
A FEW WEEKS LATER . . .
"Why do I have to go to Canterlot?" Jasmine whined.
"Because all my friends have gone CRAZY!" Twilight shouted, catching all the attention of the local ponies passing them. The mane six, Spike, and the lunar princess were standing around awkwardly as they tried to coax the distressed female draconaquus into the train. The driver of the train seemed annoyed and frightened at the same time. The passengers were too scared to even move. Discord himself was never so . . . . over-emotional.
That's right. Apparently there was a mix up between medicine for 'Hormonal Decrease Disorder' and tea, so now, the ponies had to deal with an overly hormonal draconaquus. No pony knew how the mistake was made exactly but hey, that was Equestria. Anything could be solved with either magic or friendship. In this case, it was friendship.
"I don't want to go to Canterlot."
"We don't really care." Spike grumbled.
"What!?" Jasmine sniffed and her eyes filled with tears. "You don't care about me? Waaah!!!"
"We don't because your annoying . . ."
"You think i'm annoying?"
"N-n-no! I mean that we don't want you here bec-"
"So, you don't want me around anymore, huh?" The female draconaquus stopped crying and glared angrily at her pony (and dragon) friends. Twilight looked like she was really going to blow a fuse.
"Get on the train or so help me, Faust, I will shove my hoof down your throat!" She hissed. Jasmine shed a few tears and then she got mad. Her angry gaze fell on the lavender unicorn. She started to talk, slightly whispering, "I'm am not going to Canterlot."
At Canterlot
Discord stared at Jasmine with a terrified look on his face. A bead of sweat rolled down his face. Celestia stood next to him with the same expression. Luna motioned for Celestia to follow. They slowly tiphooved backwards then turned and bolted at full speed towards the castle.
"Why did I choose to come outside today?" Discord groaned.
Later . . .
Discord lay on the ground with a half bored, half terrified look on his face. Jasmine was currently trying to tie his tongue with his left ear. She hummed softly.
"Discord?"
"um hum?"
"Do you like me?" Discords eyes dilated and he stiffened.
"uh!?"
"D-do you like me?"
"Aaaahm . . . ifpt pter ift nooft . . ."
"What? I don't understand you, man." Discord growled. "Oh! I'm sorry I forgot I had your tongue!" Jasmine shed a few unnecessary tears and blushed a little.
"Jeez . . . you've got a killer grip. Hey, your being less chaotically emotional already. We could probably have some fun before you go back to boring-ville."
"But . . . my question Discord . . ."
"Oh . . . yea . . . um . . . sure I like you. Your cool, kid. You'd be my closest friend besides Fluttershy." Jasmine shook her head.
"not what I meant."
"You sure?" Discord shot her a playful smile. She giggled.
"I'm sure. I meant do you like like me."
"No . . ."
"Are you sure? I feel a connection between us, you know? Its almost like we're drawn together by some mysterious force."
"What?" Discord chuckled and shook his head. "Listen, kid, you've got stuff in your system. That's the hormones talking! You'll feel better in the morning, I guarantee it."
"No, discord, no! Don't you feel it? Don't tell me you were never jealous of Spike because he got to spend time with me. I know your heart broke when I went to Ponyville. I know you felt your heart flutter when I refused to go. You felt like I . . ." Jasmine stopped. She gave Discord a soulful look. She thought she saw hope in his eyes. " . . . I . . . maybe . . . like you too?" Discord looked around nervously.
"Woa . . . kid . . . I . . . don't think . . ."
"Don't think with your head dummy, think with your heart." Jasmine grabbed Discord and kissed him. She melted as soon as those cool, soft lips pressed against hers. The god of chaos stared at her wide eyed. Then, he closed them and kissed her back hungrily. They parted for air and looked at each other, panting.
"I think I really did just hear my heart flutter."
"I told you."
"Kid I-"
"Call me Jazz, man."
"Okay, Jazz. I think your heads all loopy."
"Oh."
"Not that I don't like loopy."
"You dope! A sweet dope . . ."
"And a quite handsome dope at that." Discord grabbed Jasmine and smiled. "C'mon. I still got some chaotic things to show you."
"What kind of things?" Discord chuckled mischievously.
Jasmine sat in the sun, accompanied by her male counterpart. Discord held in a bored sigh as he looked at her with a nervous grimace. He did not want to bother her or anger her in any way. That made him think, this is odd. She does make me feel some type of way. Discord finally hopped up and shouted, "This is crazy!" Jasmine eyed him and then sighed.
"What's the matter?"
"Don't you have a crush on whats-his-name? I don't understand how you could like me much."
"Do you not think your likable?"
"Of course i'm likable! There's no questioning that."
"You are so conceited."
"I am not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"No, i'm not."
"You really are."
"No, i'm really not."
"Discord you are conceited. You-"
"That's not the point! I gotta be honest, kid, I really think it's the crazy meds talking."
"So you think i'm crazy!?"
"What . . . no!"
"Yea you do! I'm not crazy!"
"What-"
"Your crazy!"
"The-"
"I'm not the crazy one!"
"buck . . ."
"I'm not-"
"Crazy, yea I got that. Um . . . yea . . . I don't think your reactions to simple things really help your side of the argument." Jasmine lowered her head.
"I'm sorry." Discord wrapped his arms around her and gave her a 'Pinkie Pie squeeze'.
"Eh, don't worry about it, sport."
"Didn't I say to call to call me Jazz? You're always calling me 'kid' or 'sport' or just plain 'Jasmine'."
"Uh . . ."
"It makes me feel like a kid."
"You are many millenium younger than me." There was a pregnant pause. Jasmine's anger suddenly rose.
"Do you like Celestia?"
"No. Speaking of Celestia, what happened to your dad? I saw this shadowy figure sometime last week and-"
"Do not speak of my father." Jasmine said simply and she got up and flew away with a growl. Discord watched her go.
"What the heck is eatin' her?"
Meanwhile near the castle . . .
Spike was walking on all fours, cautiously looking around for any signs of Discord or the princesses. He was looking for Jasmine to apologize. He wasn't sure if she was still nutty but he intended to be the first to say something. He crawled around a corner and saw the royal gardens. Lovely scents of flowers tickled his nose as he breathed. The flowers were blue, gold, red and white. rustle rustle Spike jumped. He turned to his left and stared at a bush that made the sound. It sounded like breathing. Spike narrowed his eyes and got closer. The bush was silent and still. rustle The bush moved proudly and teasingly right in front of the drakes eyes! He moved closer to get a better look. Suddenly, a small brown and black bunny jumped out and landed on his head. Spike let out a yelp and shifted his weight backwards. The bunny gripped his head to hold on but flew off and hit the ground with a 'thump'. Spike whipped around to get a good look at the bunny and back to the bush. The bunny gasped, seeing Spike up close this time. He turned his attention to it. It wrinkled its nose and stared at him with narrowed, beady eyes.
"Shoo!" the drake whispered. The bunny's eyes widened and it pointed to itself as if to say "Me!?". Spike nodded. It huffed and turned tail, hopping away like there was no tomorrow. Spike sighed and turned around to continue his search when he bumped right into Jasmine. "Oh! I-" Spike blushed. "I didn't see you there." Jasmine cocked her head to the side and smiled sweetly, "How would you?"
"Jazz I wanted to apologize." Spike blurted out. Jasmine's eyes widened with genuine surprise.
"For what?"
"For everything! For not showing you the true meaning of friendship, for the awful times i've shown you, for my friends behavior too. It was all my fault."
"How so?"
"I was so caught up in the idea of a relationship but I never really put any real effort into it. For that, i'm sorry."
"Oh Spikey-Wikey! That sounds so nice and sweet but you sound like those colts from cheesy romance movies."
"Heh heh . . . I do don't I?"
"Yes! You do! I forgive you, of course, but please don't ever give me a speech like that again."
"Alright!" The two embraced each other lovingly. Spike nuzzled her affectionately while Jasmine nibbled his neck. They talked and giggled and talked and giggled. It was a bit weird for Jazz, though. She felt like something was wrong . . . like there was something that was missing or something she was forgetting. She just couldn't put her claw on it. She thought long and hard while Spike went on.
" . . . Don't you agree?"
"Uh . . . huh?"
"Have you been listening? Are you thinking about something?"
"No . . . I guess it's nothing important."
"Alright then, head out of the clouds!" Spike brought her face to his and lifted her chin slightly. They gazed into each others eyes and smiled. The two pairs of eyes closed and their lips met. Jasmine's arms wrapped around Spike's neck while he wrapped his around her body.
"I truly love you." Each whispered.
______________
Discord watched the two from afar with tears in his eyes. He was feeling the worst imaginable pain in his chest. What was this feeling? Why did it hurt so bad? It was heartbreak. He had let her get close . . . he was actually starting to have feelings for her . . . But she betrayed him. So there Discord lay, watching his possible lover kiss and love another guy while he watched with a broken heart . . . and a new mindset.
Love was impossibly difficult . . . . and a broken heart did not feel good.
Jasmine stared at her male counterpart with a look of shock, embarrassment, and anger. Said male was hunched over her and flapping his wings angrily as he awaited his answer. His arms folded across his chest as he stared the female straight in the eyes. No words came. She just stood there on all fours, opening and closing her mouth, trying to find words. The silence was back-breaking. Luckily, Discord was never one to be patient.
"Well?"
"I . . ."
"Well!?"
"I . . . "
"WELL!?"
"I DON'T KNOW!" Jasmine lowered her head in shame. She didn't lift her head back up to look into those heartbroken, mismatched red eyes. She felt so dirty and embarrassed. How could she forget? She broke Discord's heart. And the worst part was that she didn't have any feelings for him now. "I was dating Spike but there were complications in our relationship. His friends-"
"They interfered. So you broke up?"
"Yes! That's it. I swear I never meant to hurt you or anything . . ."
"That's the dumbest reason to dump somepony I ever heard. I mean, how do you accidentally hook up with somepony? Kid, I can't believe you. I just . . . I thought we had a connection for a second. A real one. Not like my 'friendship' with Fluttershy. She doesn't trust me, I trust her, and she uses me to get Celestia's approval for that portal thing to summon a demon-"
"What!?"
"Oops! Wrong example! I mean . . . uh . . . like that time when I used to trust Ole Shiny White Butt Pants. She was never my friend."
"Repeat that last part!"
"What? Ole Shiny White Butt Pants?"
"No, before that."
"Hmm?"
"The Fluttershy part!"
"Fluttershy's my friend?"
"You said something about a portal. And did you say she's trying to summon a demon!?"
"What? You're still high on the hormone drugs! You're talking nonsense!"
"But you-"
"Wait a minute, I know what you're doing!"
"What do you m-"
"You were pretending the whole time! Just to hurt me."
"But-"
"I can't believe you. Aaarge! I trusted you, kid!"
"I'm so confused . . ."
"What's wrong with you!?" Discord shouted. He growled and flew off, leaving Jasmine very confused and slightly terrified. Discord glanced back at her and sighed. "I sure know how to blow minds." Jasmine watched him go with a puzzled look. She stood there like like that for a good fifteen minutes. Finally, she decided to go see Spike. He was relaxing in the castle. Watching out for Discord, she searched for her boyfriend. Damn, meeting another dragonequus was not as fun as it seemed, Jasmine thought. She entered the castle and traveled through the halls quietly. There was the occasional wave from the more nice nobles and a wink from a handsome, but unfamiliar grey stallion. Jasmine stopped and gave the stallion an odd look. The stallion realized she was staring at him and smiled. It looked forced.
"Can I . . . can I help you?" he asked nervously. Jasmine stared at him. He began to sweat. "I . . . I . . . Um . . . Nice day ain't it?"
"Do I know you from somewhere?" the female dragonaquus questioned. the stallion took a step back.
"No, no! I've never met you before in my life. A total stranger!" Jasmine's eyes narrowed.
"I suppose. Have a nice day." She continued to search for Spike, her drake, not noticing the stallions mouth twist into a wicked grin filled with madness as he watched her go. Jasmine searched for only a few minutes before finding her prize. Spike smiled when she walked into a room. It was nice. Light blue curtains, a grey couch, green wallpaper, a yellow poka dotted rug and a bed with purple covers and pink pillows. Obviously the decorator had no fashion sense but hey, nothing was perfect right?
The two embraced each other and sighed. It felt good to be back together again. Jasmine almost forgot the days problems when Spike began to nibble on her neck. She nuzzled him and held him close. She felt like she really wanted him, needed him. She would have pushed him away and told him all her troubled she'd experienced and all the wrongs she committed but Spike pulled his head back from the kissing and nibbling and caressing to put his lip to her ear.
"I love you, Jazz. With all my heart. I've never felt this way about anypony in my life. No crush i've ever had compares to how you make me feel. I just know you feel the same way too." Jasmine's eyes watered and she collapsed into him with such need and desire to show him just how much she loved him. Spike gasped, "Are you . . . are you sure . . . ah . . . Jazz . . ."
She whispered hotly, "I will show you just how much I love you."
Master had seen enough. He grinned as he watched things escalate in the horribly decorated room. So, Jasmine had betrayed him and taken another over? She would pay . . . pay dearly.
"This will not do . . . this won't do at all . . ."
It was a while before Jasmine got enough courage to tell Spike what happened when she was with Discord. He looked hurt but decided to brush off the incident anyways. Jasmine was relieved to have it all behind her. Almost everything was perfect. She and Spike were together again and she hadn't heard from her father in weeks. However, Discord hadn't forgotten. Nopony knew about what happened besides Spike. She couldn't talk to Discord, she couldn't make eye contact, she couldn't even be around him. She felt like they had made a connection. It seemed like she had gotten through his shell of chaos and seen his true self. She felt guilty of her feelings for him while with Spike. Spike was her calm, supportive waters while Discord was her dazzling, adventurous blaze. She was encouraged (by Spike of all creatures! He HATES Discord!) to talk to him and it turned out that he felt the same way about her. Their friendship needed alot of work but at least it was being patched up.
6 months later . . .
Jasmine yawned and looked up. She could have sworn she heard somepony say something. Spike groaned next to her and turned over. He was quiet for a few minutes but opened one eye sleepily when he realized that Jasmine was up.
"Go to sleep, Jazz." he whispered. Jasmine's heart pounded at the sound of her name on his tongue.
"Shhh." Jasmine hissed. Spike winced.
"What's wrong with you?"
"I-I hear something." This alarmed Spike greatly. He sat up and looked around the room, as if trying to spot a burglar. Jasmine told him that it wasn't near by and to stay put in a stern voice. Spike opened his mouth to protest but Jasmine put a claw to his lips and gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Stay here and be quiet." she said, her voice as sharp as knives. Spike nodded reluctantly and slumped a little. Jasmine got up from the bed and opened he door. She glanced at Spike again and then set out to look for the source of the voice. She searched the halls silently. She jumped at every sound and glared at every shadow. The voice couldn't be heard anymore. It was either far away or the pony had shut up. Jasmine passed the royal kitchen, then Princess Luna's room, then the training room, then the dining room, then Princes Celestia's room. She paused for a second. Could it be possible that Celestia was in trouble again? It was possible. She hadn't heard from her father in a while. She reached for the doorknob, wondering where all the guards were.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." a female voice said. Jasmine whipped around only to see a red mare with dull red hair. The mare whinnied softly and a timber wolf stepped out of the shadows. "It would be tragic if this wolf lunges at sleeping beauty in there, no?"
"Who are you? How did you get a timber wolf in here?"
"I am Mind Bender. You may call me Ms. Bender if you wish."
"The timber wolf, it will kill you. They are pure instinct. I don't understand how you could have coaxed in to enter this castle."
"Well, there's magic . . ."
"But how . . . you're not a unicorn . . . but an earth pony."
" . . . And there's your father." Jasmine's eyes widened.
"No. Don't tell me you've sided with him. What did he offer you? It's a lie, you know."
"It wasn't a lie. He speaks only truth. He knows what has happened to your species and he had a plan for you. But you ruined it . . . you and that damn dragon!"
"Ms. Bender, please! Think carefully! I've lived with him for many years. Don't you think I would know him better than you? He's lying to you. Leave him before he tries to kill you." Mind Bender thought for a moment. She smiled slyly at the female draconaquus.
"Maybe you should call me Mrs. Ronald? It would be more proper since you want to be polite."
"Mrs. Ronald? But . . . Martin Armstrong Sterling Timely Erny Ronald . . . Ronald! Omigosh, you did not marry that creep!"
"As a matter of fact, I did. It's been a long few months, Jasmine. Let me tell you, your fathers a monster in bed." Jasmine gagged and growled at the mare. The timber wolf growled threateningly. "Calm down. This wolf'll never let you put a claw on me." The door to Celestia's room opened and the sun princess stood there, trying to make sense of the scene before her.
"What is going on here? Mind Bender, what are you doing with a timber wolf at your side? Jasmine . . . why are you up?"
Jasmine pointed a claw at Mind Bender. "She's working with my father! That timber wolf is his! Where are your guards!?" Celestia laughed. This the female draconaquus off guard. She lowered her claw and gave Celestia a confused look. "What's so funny?"
"N-nothing! It's just that you are now noticing the guards disappearance. I thought you were more attentive than that. Serves me right for letting another draconaquus in the country." Jasmine took a step back. Something was wrong. Something was off about her . . . not quite right about her behavior.
"Where did they go? Didn't you put up extra guards at your door since the attack?" Another step back. Mind Bender was watching her intensely. The timber wolf was watching something inside Celestia's room.
"Don't you worry." Celestia waved her hoof dismissively. Mind Bender looked up at her with a scowl. Another step back. "Their all fine for now. I'll put them to new purposes later on." Another step back.
"Ms. Bender is helping my father. He wants to overthrow you."
"Not overthrow me . . . rule with me. Isn't that delightful?" Jasmine froze. She searched for words and the next course of action.
"Spike!" She bolted down the hall. "Spike! Help me, Spike! Spike, I need your help! Spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike!"
Celestia watched the female dragonaquus race down the hall calling her prized students assistants name. She raised an eyebrow and chuckled. Mind Bender scowled and pointed in Jasmine's direction. She cursed out loud and yelled for the timber wolf to get her. The timber wolf took off after her with a howl. Celestia shook her head at the earth pony mare and entered her room. Mind Bender followed and shut the door behind her. Master was sitting on the bed with a glass of red wine in his magical grip. The room of the sun princess was much better decorated than Jasmine and Spike's 'hangout room'. There was a black rug on the floor, a bed with white sheets and silver blankets and silver pillows lined with gold, a white night stand beside the bed, and a white closet filled with designer dresses and gowns. Golden designs danced across the cream colored walls and the silver blankets. There was a single window with black curtains that Celestia chose to stand by. Mind Bender stood by the balcony where Celestia raised the sun every day. Master smiled at his girls.
"Did Jasmine come snooping around like I predicted?" he asked. He took a sip of his fine wine and sighed heartily. He already knew the answer. Mind Bender nodded and scratched her head sheepishly.
"She got away, though. Blabbering off to that damn dragon of hers, no doubt." Mind Bender stomped her right hoof in anger. Celestia gave her an un-amused look while staring at her through half lidded eyes.
"You sent the timber wolf after her, remember? He'll catch her. Why I'll bet she'll lead the timber wolf right to Spike. We'll get them both. Right in one swing."
"But she'll get their first!"
"No creature can outrun a timber wolf. They'll always find you."
"They have wings idiot! They'll fly away and tell the Elements of Harmony!"
Celestia gave her a stern look. She looked almost disappointed. She sat on her haunches and explained, "They have a keen sense of smell. The timber wolves will find anypony they seek in under an hour. Whether they tell or not." Master smiled at this and clapped his hooves together in glee.
"Celestia is right. Talon will find my daughter in no time. To be honest, it was my plan all along to send him after her. She'll warn Spike, they'll run to cry to the Elements, and we'll have a battle right here in Canterlot!" Master took a minute to cackle maniacally. He brushed a tear from his eye and got serious. "Now, you girls must do everything in your power to make my wishes come true. You know how I hate to be wrong."
"Yes, Master. We know." the mares bowed their heads and murmured in unision.
"What is our motto?"
"There is no space for mistakes. Mistakes equal trouble. Trouble equals wasted time. Wasted time equals an angry Master. Angry Master's equal death."
"Good, good! What does an angry Master mean?"
"Death! Death! Death!"
"What will happen if you do very well and behave like good girls?"
"We will rule by your side as your queens! We will be our Master's lovers and dams!"
"And what will you do when you get a hold of my daughter, that dragon, or any of the Elements!?"
"We will kill them! There will be no room for rebelling ponies in our Master's kingdom!"
"Excellent! Now go do Master proud!"
Spike's face was ridden with worry and surprise. He looked like he was either on the verge of crying or turning someone into a burnt piece of toast . . . pony toast. Jasmine really did feel like crying.
"Are you sure? Maybe it was somepony as tall as Celestia."
"But I saw her face. She looked so . . . different with that strange smirk on her face."
"Maybe she's under his control. She has to be! There's no way Celestia would just turn evil."
"I'm not so sure."
"Please. I know her personally. So does Twilight. Somethings not right."
"Alright, I'll side with you on this one but I will be the first to blow her into oblivion when she shows her true colors and turns on all pony kind." Spike looked away from her determined gaze.
"Let's go find Luna and Discord. They should know something about this." The two got up off the bed and headed towards the door. Suddenly there was a bang and a growl. A timber wolf was scratching and clawing the door! Jasmine shrieked and gripped Spike's shoulders.
"That timber wolf was with Princess Celestia and Ms. Bender. Its followed me!"
"Okay. On three, we open the door and smash it to bits. Then, we run before it regenerates. Got that?"
"Uh huh."
"Okay." Spike and Jasmine got in front of the door. "One." They gripped the doorknob. "Two." They got in defensive stances. "Three!" They swung the door open and grabbed the surprisingly soft body and started to pound away. A female cry came from the timber wolf. The couple froze. They opened their eyes and saw a furious lunar princess glaring at them with a bruise on her head.
"Jasmine and Spike, what is the meaning of this!?" They blushed and babbled apologies while helping the princess up.
"Sorry. There was a timber wolf outside our door. We thought . . . we thought you were the timber wolf."
"Ah. That explains this." Luna kicked a pile of wood splinters. "I blasted the darned thing as soon as I lay my eyes on it. Have any of you seen Discord? He went to Ponyville earlier but never came back."
"Are you sure he went to Ponyville? Or did he see Celestia? He's in deep trouble if he saw her." Jasmine asked.
"My sister? She's not fond of him but I assure you, she wont hurt him . . . much."
"I'll explain while we search the castle."
An hour later
"Really? She said that?" a nod. "I don't believe it. My sister was always a goodie two shoes. Plus, she would never betray Equestria." Jasmine sighed.
"Same thing Spike said. I'm letting you know this; if she posses a threat to any of you, I'm taking her out."
"By the stars! You're not seriously thinking of killing my sister are you?"
"Luna, she's putting all of Equestria and the Outlands and Griffondor and Zehebrica and all the other countries in danger! If she really is evil, do you really want her loose in Equestria to accomplish my fathers goals?" Luna huffed and motioned for the couple to follow her. They krept down the quiet hallways cautiously. Blue, green, and purple eyes searched for anything suspicious and the missing spirit of chaos. They neared a door and opened it. They were outside! Luna smiled.
"We will have no trouble getting to Ponyville now. All we have to do is-" Luna froze as she saw the flames in the distance. "Do you see that?" Spike gasped and spread his wings.
"Is that . . . ?" Jasmine whispered. Luna trembled at the thought.
Spike didn't wait for either of them. "Ponyville is under attack!!!"
Spike, Luna, and Jasmine flew about a mile and a half to get to Ponyville. It only took 20-30 minutes but Spike seemed to be having a mini heart attack everytime a minute passed by. Jasmine glanced at him and sighed. It hurt her everytime he was sad and worried like this. The last time he ever felt so much grief was when she broke up with him. And when she told him about Discord . . . All my fault, she thought. She lowered her head in shame and growled.
"What troubles you, Jasmine?" Luna asked her. Jasmine looked at the princess. The princess smiled knowingly. "Troubles with guilt, huh?"
"How did you know?"
"You are quite easy to read." Jasmine gasped.
"Am I really? I hope not . . ." Luna chuckled. She flapped her wings and got closer. She placed a hoof on the dragonaquus' shoulder.
"Just teasing. Don't worry. Spike loves you with all his heart and you love him." Jasmine grimanced. Luna frowned. "You do love him, don't you?" Jasmine nodded.
"I do . . . I do. I just . . . uge . . . my stomach hurts . . . I think it's the guilt."
"Ah. Don't worry. Whatever you did is in the past. Don't let it eat you up inside. If you're still worried, however, you can talk to somepony." Luna narrowed her eyes. "Or your special somepony."
"Sure, that could work. Spike is such a good listener."
"I wonder how much fun you guys have in that room."
"Luna!" Luna spread her wings and flew forward in a fit of laughter. Jasmine took after her. Spike looked up from his daydream and watched the two girls flip and turn in the air. He smiled.
The trio landed just outside of Ponyville. Smoke curled into the air like angry grey snakes. They cautiously walked through and looked around for any signs of ponies. They saw several putting out fires on flowers and other crops. There were ponies cowering together and discussing the state of their houses and property while others rushed to put out fires in their jobs. Twilight was lifting a pile wood and casting a spell on it. A pegasus stallion flew next to her and tapped her. The lavender unicorn glared at him.
"Sorry to bother, Miss Sparkle. There is trouble near Sweet Apple Acres and Miss Shy's cottage."
"Alright. Send in several earth ponies to Fluttershy's and a few pegasai to Apple Acres. The Apples can handle themselves better than any of us. Make sure they bring the splinters here right after." The stallion nodded. He flapped his wings and suddenly looked nervous.
"Why are you still here!?"
"Um . . . do you need help? . . . When I come back, that is?"
"Yea, sure, whats your name?"
"Shadow Boo."
"Alright, Shadow. Hurry up will ya!"
Spike, Luna, and Jasmine had taken a route around Ponyville that was located just outside of the Everfree forest. Spike wrinkled his nose and gagged. Jasmine pointed up ahead.
"That's my dads timber wolf right there. That ones Razor I think. Oh no, that's Claw and Blade . . . daddy's gone ane sent his wolves to attack Ponyville." Luna lit up her horn.
"Well, we're not going to let them destroy these ponies' property are we?" Spike and Jasmine smirked at each other.
"Nope!" Spike torched one with a belch of green fire. It howled painfully and collapsed into splinters. Jasmine bit her bottom lip and watched as Luna shot a magical blast towards another one . It burst into splinters without so much as a bark. The third timber wolf had caused damage, tearing at apple trees and chasing poor little Applebloom around the orchard. Jasmine shakily made a ball of pure chaos.
"Applebloom! Move out of the way!"
"Ahm trying!"
"Um . . . Try harder?"
"Ahhhh! Is this better!?" Jasmine aimed and fired. The timber wolf sizzled into a pile of ash right before it was about to get the little yellow filly. Applebloom smiled and rushed to the female dragonaquus.
"You alright?"
"Yea! Thanks fer the save!"
"No prob, Applebloom." Luna and Spike approached them. Applebloom gasped at seeing the lunar princess.
"Princess Luna!? Whaddya doin' here? Did ya come to help?"
"Yes. We're also looking for Discord. Have you seen him?"
"Eeup! He came 'round here hours ago! Askin' 'bout a bad pony. Ah was there when he was talkin' to Twilight, Applejack, an' Fluttershy. He left real fast though. Talkin' nonsense."
"As usual." Applejack added, starteling the quartet. "Jus' like Applebloom never minds her own business." She ruffled the teenage filly's mane and tipped her stetson to Jasmine and the others. "Thankyou kindly fer helping and keeping ma sister safe. What brings you here besides Discord?" Jasmine frowned and lowered her eyes.
"My father is trying to destroy and/or take over Equestria."
"So, let me get this straight. Princess Celestia, our Princess Celestia, was with this other mare who sent a timber wolf after you and she laughed and said, 'He's ruling with me'?" Rainbow Dash asked. She folded her forelegs and gave Jasmine a look that clearly said 'You're nuts dude.' Jasmine sighed and nodded to the same question bing asked again. Twilight shook her head defiantly. Pinkie and Fluttershy glanced at each other while Applejack stomped her hoof angrily. Rarity rolled her eyes.
"I can't believe such a thing. Princess Celestia couldn't-no-wouldn't do anything of the sort." she said. Applejack nodded.
"Ah havta agree. Ah don't mean to say yer a liar but . . . no . . . you gotta be wrong."
Jasmine growled, "So it's not possible that your princess could be with the enemy!?"
"Unbelievibally, unconcievably, unconditionally, illogically, sure-as-can-be . . . no!" Twilight yelled. There was fire in her eyes. Jasmine folded her arms and sat on her haunches. This was ridiculous. How could these ponies seriously not even consider the fact that their beloved princess might be evil and work with the enemy. She looked to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy for help. Fluttershy lowered her gaze. She agreed with her friends, Jazz knew, but she was to shy to hurt her feelings.
"There's no reason why Princess Celestia would betray us. I-I-I'm sorry Jasmine . . . I just can't believe-"
"Yea! We're sorry, Jazzy! Maybe you're super duper crazy or had an extra dose of mega sugary snacks. Applejack would've known that your lying right?" Pinkie chirped. She bounced up and down cheerily. Jasmine was stumped. They didn't believe her.
"Alright, fine. Don't believe me. See if I care! Maybe I'll let her kill you all!" She opened the library door and saw Spike and Luna helping dispose of splinters. She glared at them both when they looked up. "I'll find a way to stop her and my father myself!" Spike rushed to her side and held her claw.
"Don't go. We can solve all this confusion together."
"Confusion!? Confusion!? I'm not confused! I know what I saw and heard! I don't care if you're oming or not!" she screached. She spread her wings and looked back at the ponies and dragon. The drake showed no signs of budging. She took off without looking back. Of course he would choose his friends over her. He did it before. That was how they broke up in the first place. He wasn't willing to see that his friends were ruining everything and to tell them to give him space. But noooooo. Dear Spikey-Wikey didn't want to push his friends away. They'll stop if he talks to them. It's the magic of frienship to tolerate and wuuuuuuuuv your friends. Bleh!
Spike sighed unhappily. Luna put a hoof on his shoulder. "It is always hard to disagree with somepony you love. Even harder to stand your ground, but the worst thing anypony can ever do is leave their special somepony hanging." she said. Twilight's eyes widened.
"You aren't suggesting that he goes after her, are you?" Luna looked at her.
"And what if I was, Twilight Sparkle?" Fluttershy 'eeped'. Applejack and Rarity shared a worried glance.
"I was just asking a question, Princess Luna."
"What if I don't want to answer your question, Sparkle? What are you going to do about it?"
"Uh oh." Rainbow Dash's wings twitched nervously.
"Is that a threat, princess!?"
"Oh dear . . . My word, it's a lovely day today isn't it . . . right Twilight? Hehe . . . Twilight?" Rarity tried to settle things down.
"Maybe it is. Spike needs to follow his heart sometimes and not his friends."
"There's no magic in puppylove."
"What? Puppylove!? I love Jasmine. With all my heart!" Spike interupted. He narrowed his eyes at Twilight. Twilight stomped a hoof.
"We didn't save Equestria by kissing and shoving our tongues down each other's throats, did we!?"
"He's lost his love because of your frindship before-"
"Spike, you've done the right thing. Friendship always prevails."
"Do you really think this way? Now, I feel like I've done the wrong thing. . ." Spike spread his wings.
"You better not fly off, young man!" Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder.
"Twi, yall've been stressed from all this troublin' business. Relax. We'll all go. C'mon girls!" Twilight opened her mouth to protest but she was being lifted in Luna's aura. Spike looked thrilled and relieved. He didn't want to fight with sister/mother. Twilight wasn't so sure about this. Something was fishy. Jasmine always was on the wild side and disregarded their friendship as 'something only silly ponies do' and used that to break up with Spike. Poor Spike was devastated and chewed them out as a consequence. Her friends weren't that hard to handle. She reminded Twilight of Discord sometimes. Discord was not somepony you'd like to be compared to. The last straw was when she accused her mentor of siding with the enemy (which was her father.), as if Celestia would ever do a thing like that! Jasmine had to be lying. . .
Jasmine landed. It was only a 30 minute fly for her but for anypony walking, it would be almost an hour before they got there. That was enough time for Jasmine to search the ragity house she used to live in. It was made out of crumbling stone and had a rotting wooden door. Weeds grew in the front yard and stones littered the backyard, marking the graves of her mate and others. There were piles of rotting splinters of timber wolves, dead birds and moles. There was one large black and white rat with a long, bald tail and intellegent brown eyes staring up at her from a pile of garbage. Jasmine grabbed it and went inside. There were papers and dirty furniture thrown everywhere. The rat squeaked angrily. Jasmine put it down and smiled with tears in her eyes.
"Science, I haven't seen you in forever. I remember when I first found you . . ." The rat's eyes widened. It squeaked to itself, then chittered happily with its paws out. "Glad you remember me. Where's the important papers?" Science the rat scampered off into another room. It came back with a bundle of papers in its mouth.
"Good girl, Science. Look how big you've gotten!" It was true. Science was twice the size of a chihuahua. She was a genetically enhanced rat. More intellegent and much bigger that average rats. She was also striped like a zebra. Master had called her a zebra rat, one of his creations. Master had also tried creating dragon ponies and mule griffons. All the test subjects except four died. Jasmine, her mate, and a black, male dragon pony were the only living subjects. Master had tried to create more draconaqui. He seemed angry, however, that she was going to have her mates baby and not his. Didn't he want more of her species? Pony+draconaqui didn't = draconaquus baby. But he had been so mad . . . and after the brutal punishment, her mate was punished, but by death . Then . . . she bled . . . and she knew the baby was no more.
Science pulled the lever up and watched the water gush into the pot. She pushed the lever down and carried to water filled pot to the rusty stove. She brushed dust and papers off of the hot platelet with her bald tail. She placed the pot down and turned the knob to high. The zebra rat squeaked loudly to the female draconaquus in the other room.
"Why don't you use your thought speak, Science?" Jasmine suggested. "It would be easier for both of us."
Not nessisarily, Jasmine. Thought speak takes alot of energy.
"It does!? I'm sorry. You can squeak if you want."
Now, you're being ridiculous. I can manage. I am the smartest rat in the world . . . possibly.
"Come in here. I can't read these papers without a good cup of tea or my little companion." Science squeaked happily and carried the hot pot of water to her old caregiver. Jasmine picked up the papers and started to read. They should've had a clue to what her father was planning and how he planned to pull it off exactly. Science held out a cup.
Master never came back after he left to find you, Jasmine. He was so angry. But he found another prize, yes?
"Oh yes. A princess. The solar princess to be exact. She rules all of Equestria, you know. He's got her under his control or she's gone to the dark side." Jasmine looked carefully at the documents. There were written plans about almost everything, making perfect sense. There were some things that didn't fit together and confused the young draconaquus.
June-15-2001CR
I've figured out time travel, it seems. The scientists were wrong and right. If I change anything . . . if that's even possible, time will reset itself and this will have never happened in the first place. Starswirl was right, too. I've never seen Princess Celestia's pink mane before. It's marvelous. Such beauty! Did you know Starswirl the Bearded had a baby dragon? He also likes colts who have a knack for dark magic. Omigosh! There's Luna! She looks different. I think this is CR, Celestia's Rule, as in LUNA DIDN'T GET BANISHED YET! Uh oh. Something's wrong. The spell's wearing off. Barb, be a dear and write all I said and send it to this address. You're already writing? Wait, right now? No don't write what I'm saying now!
Mail to south 156 rd. Ponyville. Everfree forest
Science peered up at Jasmine and snarled. Master met Starswirl the Bearded? Who was Barb? Jasmine thought for a second while Science passed her another paper. It had two torn out journal entrys and a photo.
Feb-21-989LB
I ran away from home today. I hit my sister. I think she's dead. I don't care. She deserved it. I'm not a colt anymore. You can't call me names. Crazy it not a nice word. I think I lost dad. He was going to send me away, anyways. Who wants to go to a place for crazies? Not me! You understand me, don't you journal? Of course not. You're a book. Books don't feel. If they did, I would stick my horn in your throat for knowing. I'm not crazy, see? I wonder if Jasmine feels better. I think she was scared when I just grabbed her. I took her when she was one. She's okay. I think she's eleven now. Yea, 'cause I'm twenty so she has to be ten or eleven. Is it odd for a twenty-year-old to be with his parents? Naw, I was going to college. I'm on my own NOW. Jasmine is looking at me with those weird purple eyes. I'm gonna go now. Maybe I'll marry Princess Celestia one day. If she wont . . . I'll kill her I'll offer to rule with her.
July-5-998LB
Jasmine is with Josiah. He likes her. I can tell. He gives her these googly eyes everytime he sees her. I think she likes him too. She smiles alot at him. She's not supposed to! I brought her here. She's supposed to like me! Ever since I saw that Celestia would never like a common pony . . . she . . . she promised to stay. Jazz is twenty. Josiah went out. Good riddance. Jasmine's coming. She doesn't like my testing. I made a zebra rat. She liked that one. My other testees died. I don't test Jazz or Josiah much now. I got bored with it. I need excitement. Jasmine is looking at me. She's smiling? She doesn't do that to me much. I really want to kiss her. I want to hug her to feel close. ask her something. I wonder how warm she feels. I just wanna tell her how I feel. I want her, badly.
Wow. I feel better now. I feel excitement racing through my veins! Jasmine is crying. I think I hurt her. I kinda I don't care. I loved it. feel really bad. Hmm. I think I did bad. I wasn't supposed to . . . oh well I like babies. so I have another to rip apart. Hear scream. Ah I can already hear it! to love.
She's not pregnant getting plump. It didn't work. I am feeling suicidal slightly relieved. I'm not ready for that. I'm going to go slice my hooves. I love the sting. I love especially when blood gets on you, journal. Good memories! let off steam. Hey, I think Josiah's back.
Jasmine tried to hold back the tears. She remembered that day, and the month following. She'd gotten pregnant from Josiah and Master threw a fit. He killed him right in front of her. And that was after her punishment. Then, she miscarried from bodily trauma or whatever that nice zebra had said. Science nuzzled her caregiver and squeaked sympathetically. Jasmine sniffed.
Don't worry, Jasmine. We'll get him good. I'll stand by your side. You know that.
"No time for feeling sorry. The past is the past. I didn't forget Josiah and I wont disrespect him by letting my father do ill will on Equestria and everywhere else! I know where Discord is! To Fillydelphia!" Science hopped on her back and growled triumphantly.
The ponies didn't even know that they had no hope in bumping into Jasmine, who was traveling with Science (who they didn't know yet), since she was going in the opposite direction. Spike and Luna flew ahead, scanning the skies for their draconaquus friend. Twilight was ground bound with Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Rainbow Dash flanked Luna while Fluttershy flew at a laughable altitude beneath the flying three and above the grounded four. She was feeling nervous that day. Twilight had thrown a fit about Spike abandoning his friends for Jasmine while Luna seemed to find it very important that he stay by her side. She found it a little odd.
"Um . . . Princess Luna? Can I have a word with you? If that's alrightwith you that is . . . " she almost whispered. Luna looked down, smiled and flew to Fluttershy's side.
"How can I help you, Fluttershy?"
"Um, do you know something?"
"Pardon?"
"I-I well . . . you seem so determined that Spike stay close to Jazz."
"Yes. But all males should stick to their mates, no?"
"Yes but . . . Do you know something about Jasmine he doesn't?"
"I do. Jasmine's going through a very tough time right now. With her condition-"
"Her condition!? Is-is Jasmine sick?"
Luna chuckled, "No,no Fluttershy. She's perfectly healthy. It's her mental state I'm speaking of. Her father has fancied my sister a long time, you see. Her father is about to put all of Equestria in danger. She feels that it is her duty to help save Equestria or do it herself."
"Oh my. I never . . . I never thought of it like that."
"She might stress herself out or overwork herself. Don't you think Spike showing up at the right time would help her alot?"
"It would help me. So, it would help her too."
"Spike is her love. It'd help alot. Do you understand?"
Fluttershy nodded, "Oh yes. I see now." Fluttershy gave Luna a smile and blushed at her slowness. Luna watched her fly just a little faster. Luna shook her head and sighed.
"If only you really knew . . ."
It was a long ride to Fillydelphia. Jasmine didn't think she could last much longer. It was getting dark. It took a few days for the train to reach there. It'd take longer for her. Science yawned.
It would be best if we got tickets and rode the train.
"But . . . I can't."
Oh sorry. Ticket. I forgot I'm just a rat. I can hide in your hair!" Jasmine was suddenly reminded of Pinkie pulling a cupcake out of her fluffy mane. She landed and hid in some bushes. She watched the ticket booth longingly.
"It's not that, Science." Jasmine could swear she heard Pinkie calling her name. "I have no money."
What!? No bits at all?
"None. I'm sorry. If only my friends were here. I miss Spike and Applejack and Pinkie and even Twilight. I feel like I can still hear him say-"
"I love you." Jasmine jumped. Science hid in her hair. She whipped around to see the grinning mane six, Luna and Spike. She glared at Spike playfully.
"Jeez, you scared me!"
"I couldn't resist." They hugged and giggled. Rainbow Dash gagged. Rarity said she thought it was cute. Pinkie simply pulled out a cupcake and smiled more. Science peeked out of her hair. Rarity screamed.
"Jasmine, there's a rat in your hair!" Twilight exclaimed. Spike attempted to grab her. Science wouldn't have it. She dove for Spike's head and held on for dear life. She hissed and growled.
"Stop! That's just Science!" The ponies and dragon froze. "It's my pet, Science. She was at Master's house . . . our house, technically. She's alright." Science relaxed on Spike's head. "Say hi, Science." Science folded her little forelegs.
"Well, I'm sorry Science. I didn't know. I'm sorry if I scared you."
Tell him I said he is forgiven. Science said in Jasmine's head only.
"Alright. She says you are forgiven." Spike gave her a startled look. "Now come, I need your help. We have to go to Fillydelphia."
"Wait, did you say the rat just told you-" Jasmine cut Twilight off with a snort. Science hissed and made a 'shh' face at her. "Did that rat just shush me?"
"Why do we need to go to Fillydelphia?" Rarity asked.
"Yea. Ah mean, don't we gotta crazy stallion tryin' take over the world?" Applejack added. Rainbow dash made a face as Jasmine turned to Science and yelled, "Shush! You've done enough. I don't need you yelling in my head. No! I know I didn't bring any. So? No, I'm not blaming you . . . what!?" Science wasn't talking. She was making faces.
"I can see somepony caught the crazies. . ."
"Nonsense! The train is here! Science will explain on the way there." Twilight bought tickets and they boarded. The boxcar was mostly empty except for a mare and her teenage colt and a business stallion and his foal. The mare gasped at Jazz. The colt spotted Applejack and blushed. Applejack lowered her stetson. The mare looked snooty and she glared at Applejack distastefully. Luna was last to board. The ponies watched her in awe. She smiled. The stallion grunted and picked up a bottle. He fed his foal, trying not to stare.
"Alright. Science, it's best to explain now."
Do I have to? In her head only, again.
"Yes! You weren't shy before." The stallion left the boxcart.
Fine . . . The ponies watched Jazz uneasily.
"Jazz . . . are you feeling alright? Did you hit your head?" Spike asked.
"No, I'm not alright. And no I did not hit my head. Science talk or you go overboard." The mare grabbed her son and ran to the next cart. The stallion slowly scooted to the door. Science's ears drooped.
We read stuff on a paper and we remembered a place where we met Josiah. You are wondering who is Josiah, yes?
"It talks!!!!!!!!!!!" Twilight squealed in glee. Rarity fainted.
"Ah'll wake her later. You keep talkin' sugarcube." Science perked up.
A special thanks to supervg for entering my contest and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
They had reached their destination, finally. Four days, two hours, fifteen minutes and thirteen seconds later but they still got there. It was time to finally find Discord. The ponies were still unsure of how Discord got to Fillydelphia and why but they were working on that. It was still quite a shock that Science the rat could thought-speak. Rarity and Applejack were unsettled by the idea of a rat getting in their heads while Twilight was delighted at something new to study and Spike simply kept his mouth shut about it. He was mildly disturbed by the fact that Jasmine had befriended a large thought reading/speaking rat while living with a lunatic. The rat was perched on Jasmine's shoulders, currently, and nuzzling her dear caregiver. The rat did not know what Spike was thinking just then. She did not know what any of them thought. She could only project her thoughts of choice to whoever she saw fit.
"Jasmine, Where are we going?" Spike asked. This received a groan. "What? I know the answer was Fillydelphia on our way here but where are we going now that we're in Fillydelphia?" Science contemplated this. So did Jasmine. The girls nodded to each other.
We shall head to Coltington City right after we go to North Pintocassio
"What? Those are in Filly?"
"Yea. Pintocassio is where we went that summer when Josiah sprained his paw right?"
Indeed.
"Wait, you've gone there before? With a guy named Josiah?" Spike asked.
He wasn't just any guy. He wasn't even a stallion.
"He was a draconaquus. Just like me and Discord."
And Josiah wasn't any guy. He was Jasmine's lover! Jasmine blushed.
"W-we weren't serious, though. Just a crush."
A crush she was ready to marry and undress for.
"Ahhh! Shush you! It was a crush. I didn't even wear clothes."
See? And he had a mustache.
"A french one."
A cute mustache at that. Quite fetching. Jasmine blushed more. Spike growled. Science laughed silently. She seemed to enjoy playing around with her caregiver's mate. It had been a while since her caregiver had even been able to feel such a way about a male. Twilight whinnied impatiently. She wanted to know where the draconaquus was taking them and how her rat was able to communicate telepathically. Little did she know, her friends were with her on this one. Applejack and Rarity, however, were thinking about their little sisters. Applebloom and Sweety Belle could be in trouble.
"Jasmine, please lets find what we're lookin' for an' leave. Ah've got a bad feelin' about my sister . . ." Applejack said. Rarity twirled her hoof and nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Celestia knows what those two could be enduring without their big sisters." she brought her hooves to her cheeks and gasped, "I'll bet they miss us right now! The poor dears!" Jasmine, Science, and Rainbow Dash rolled their eyes.
"C'mon guys! I'm sure their fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine."
Applebloom screamed. It was the most horrible thing happening. She couldn't even believe it. She couldn't wrap her head around it. It was confusing.
It was horrifying.
It was irritating.
It was terrifying.
It was nerve-wrecking.
It was terrible.
It was tongue tying.
It was horrible.
It was nauseating.
It was frightening.
It was just plain scary. Out of this world, scary! It was . . .
Sweety Belle sighed unhappily. Her sister wasn't here. It was quite a relief, actually, but she was bored. She couldn't see Applebloom right now because she had to watch the boutique while Rarity was gone. While she wasn't a seamstress like her older sister, the teen knew how to patch up some things or even touch it up a bit. She earned a bit here and a hay penny there but it wasn't enough. She could have left. Scootaloo was sure to have been riding around on her scooter. Not to mention that Night Flower, Rarity's cat-sitter, was downstairs watching Opalescence scratch up the couch. Sweety trudged down the stairs and stood in the doorway. Night Flower was a black griffon with grey talons and head feathers. He currently had a deep scratch on his face from one of Opal's fits. He looked up at Sweety Belle.
"Oh hey . . . I'm just . . . uh . . . teaching the cat to . . . jump-flip . . ?" he said, grinning sheepishly. Sweety Belle stared at him through half lidded eyes and gave him a bemused look. Obviously, leaving right now was not an option. Without Night Flower, Opal would go outside and terrorize the critter population. Without Sweety, Night Flower would die of the cat crazies.
Probably.
Maybe.
The ponies, dragon, draconaquus, and rat had arrived to Coltington City and were walking the streets, keeping an eye out for any shady looking joints where a draconaquus could be held. Jasmine revealed that she believed some ponies who owned a shop in the city were either holding Discord hostage or knew where Master had put him. Rainbow Dash was rambling on about how Sweety Belle and Applebloom were fine and probably enjoying the time away from their older sisters. Applejack didn't look so sure and Rarity seemed worried about Sweety Belle. They finally gave in to Rainbow Dash's reassuring look and sighed.
"Ah do believe Applebloom might be in one piece."
"I suppose Sweety will make sure I don't go bankrupt." Rarity grimanced. "And that Opal doesn't kill anyone."
"Oh, that sweet thing!" Fluttershy squealed. "I hope that poor kitty doesn't accidentally hurt any bunnies."
"Accidentally?" Applejack growled.
"Oh yes. She scares them pretty bed. B-but I'm sure she doesn't mean it." Fluttershy smiled and flapped her wings happily to show she really meant what she said. Science rolled her eyes and squeaked under her breath.
Of course you think that. You're not the one who gets clawed or almost has a heart attack or gets eaten by a ponies cat
Something was bugging Twilight. She had tried to ignore the sheer idiocy of the past events but it seemed unbearable now. First, she had been challenged by Luna about letting Spike follow his girlfriend after she accused Princess Celestia (very illogical in her book) of working with a mad pony who was bent on destroying the peace in Equestria, ruling, and turning everypony into slaves. Then, she had been led to believe that Discord was being held against his will in Fillydelphia. Finally, she (and her faithful friends) had been taken on a wild goose chase. They had been looking for days. It irritated her even more that her friends didn't seem to mind!
"Jasmine." Twilight said. She trotted beside the female draconaquus. Jasmine turned her head slightly to show she heard her. Science gripped Jasmine's silky black hair and watched the lavender unicorn. Twilight gave her an uneasy feeling.
"Yea?"
"I-I have to talk to you."
"No duh, silly, you're talking to me right now." Twilight glared at her. Jasmine's smile faltered. Science stiffened.
What exactly do you wish to speak about?
"I wish to speak to Jasmine. Not a rat." Twilight snapped. Science hissed. Jasmine snorted apprehensively.
Well I never! Science jumped off of Jasmine and on the ground. She scampered to Spike and gripped his left leg. Spike gave the large zebra rat an uneasy smile. Science was never too affectionate towards him. Jasmine gave him an apologetic smile and she and Twilight put some distance between them and the group. Spike narrowed his eyes and watched the two suspiciously. He turned his attention to the rat.
"So, uh, Science was it . . ?" he said nervously. Science rolled her eyes and scoffed. Don't start.
Twilight gave Jasmine a long, boring lecture about her worries and concerns. Jasmine was wondering how Spike put up with it. She was barely staying awake to listen to the mare nag. How was she even able to nag!? Twilight didn't have foals. Well, she had Spike. Spike was kinda like a foal. Jasmine started to imagine monkeys swimming in cotton candy and eating wood bark. Twilight stomped her hoof. Jasmine blinked.
"H-huh? What?"
"Were you even listening to me?"
"Uh no."
"Uge! You're just like Discord! You two never listen!"
"Alright. Uh, repeat what you said?"
"Fine but I'm only explaining this one more time."
"Okay."
"I was talking about the stupidity and irresponsibility of going thousands of miles for no reason."
"It wasn't for no reason. We're here to find Discord."
"We're here to find someone who left to Celestia knows where-"
"He disappeared."
"Whatever. Plus, he was in Canterlot. How would he get here?"
"Some ponies got him. I know their here."
"Based off what? A hunch?"
"No. A letter."
"A letter."
"Yes. And a . . . memory. I can show you if you want." Jasmine held out a claw and an orb of energy manifested in it. The orb of energy hummed and swirled. It separated into tendrils of light and reached out to Twilight's horn. Twilight eyed the energy suspiciously and stiffened when she felt the cool, electrifying sensation on her horn.
"I'll see you're memories?"
"Yes. We'll both be inside my head." Twilight felt numb and weak. She gasped, her eyes rolled back in her head and she hit the ground with a thud.
Twilight woke up in a different world. There was grass, flowers, trees and bunnies everywhere. She felt a paw on her shoulder. It was Jasmine. The female draconaquus smiled.
"You're in my head now." she looked around. "We both are."
"Where are we . . . in the place in your head, I mean?"
"It was almost two years ago. Before I met any of you. When I was still shy. When . . . when Josiah was still alive and so was Caleb."
"You were teasing Spike about a Josiah before, but who's this 'Caleb' guy?"
"He . . . I . . . we . . . just watch." A younger version of Jasmine walked into the two girls' view with a male draconaquus. The male was as young and happy as she. His brown hair was shaggy and he had no snaggle tooth, unlike Discord. He was different, though. All four legs were that of a lions. His body was also proportioned well, like Jasmine's. He laughed at something. Younger Jasmine gave him a strange look.
"What is so f-funny?"
"Nothing. Nothing." the male waved her question away. "I just feel happy with you."
"Y-you do?"
"Yes. Happy to the point of laughing." Young Jasmine shoved the male playfully. "So, why are we here, dearest?"
"W-well, Josiah, I wanted to t-tell you something important."
"Really now?"
"Yes. I've been w-waiting for the right t-time to say . . ."
"Say what?"
"Well . . . "
"Now you're getting me worried."
"I-it's nothing b-bad . . . I hope."
"Okay."
"I am p-pregnant."
"You're what?"
"Pregnant." Younger Jasmine said after a deep breath. "I am pregnant with your child." Josiah froze. He tilted his head and stared at Young Jasmine in a confused manner. He opened and closed his mouth, unable to find words to speak. He put his paw on her slightly pudgy belly.
"I . . . I can't believe this. I'm going to be a father!" He grinned. "I'm going to be a father!"
"Yes, you are. I'm g-glad you're glad."
"Babe, we gotta tell Master!"
"I-I don't think that's a good idea."
"Nonsense. He's very good deep down."
"VERY deep down." Young Jasmine mumbled. Twilight stared at the couple in surprise. Jasmine was with another guy before!? There was yet another draconaquus!? Jasmine was pregnant before!? Jasmine rolled her eyes.
"It's not that serious. I had a whole life before I met you guys. Not a complete, complete life . . . only complete of love . . . but a life all the same."
"I-I never thought . . . a child? What did you name it, if you named it?"
"Caleb. Draconaqui normally have litters, though. I never got to think of more names. Nor did I need to. Master b-beat me and I . . . watched him kill Josiah in cold blood. I miscarried." A new picture appeared and played itself. "Master no! Please! I love him!"
"How dare you fornicate with this . . . this . . . ABOMINATION while I loved you, cared for you and kept you alive!"
"Love me!? You don't love me! Not like Josiah does!"
"I gave you my all that night!"
"You hurt me! You ruined me! You're nothing but a stain!"
"A-a stain!? A stain!? I'll give you a stain!"
"Aarge! Jazzy, don't worry, I don't blame you . . . eerge . . . I still love you . . . I just hope you . . . find somepony who can . . . keep you away . . . from . . . danger . . ." There was a scream as Master ripped out Josiah's heart.
"JOSIAH! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Young Jasmine cried. Master raised his blade to her. "What are you doing? No! No! AHHH!!!" There was a flash of Master's crazed face. Jasmine waved the scene away with a sob. She collapsed on the white ground as the scene went away. Twilight rubbed her back. She didn't know how anypony could endure such a past.
"I know this is hard but I need to see how you know where Discord is. Maybe I can help." Liar!, Jasmine wanted to say. Twilight came only because she questioned Jasmine's accuracy and sanity. She only wanted a reason to go back to her mentor and demand the 'truth'.
"I almost forgot the bad and cherished the good. I don't know why it showed all that. I must have little practice."
"Is the part coming up next?"
"Yes. Or at least it should."
"Here's another scene. Brace yourself." Young Jasmine and a black stallion approached two dragons. One yellow with orange spikes while the other was a turquoise color with drooping midnight blue spines. The stallion stopped and whinnied. The yellow dragon looked up first. It readied its breath. The stallion's eyes widened and he cast a worried glance at Young Jasmine.
"Cease your breath of fire, dragon. We came here to speak with Barb." The turquoise dragon stood up on all fours and grunted to the duo. It gestured for them to come over to a corner on the bushy field they were in. The yellow dragon raised an eyebrow and watched the three.
"What brings you here, travelers?" The yellow dragon asked, its voice revealing that it was female. Barb, the turquoise dragon, glared at her.
"Quiet, Ember. They're here for me. Not you."
"Ooh, so I'm not invited? Tsk tsk, I expected more of my friend than to leave me out."
"Ignore her. What seems to be the problem?"
"I-we left Master. I know you met him once. He was ranting. He also said something about Sarswirl the Bearded?"
"Ah yes. I was his assistant/project. I was the first dragon to be held in society. I was taught out of my 'savage' ways."
"Ha! I'l bet!" Ember snorted.
"I said quiet, Ember!"
"We're trying to find Master's secret weapon. He hid it where he hides everything. From ponies to treasure to . . . well . . . weapons."
"He hides 'em in Fillydelphia. Somewhere in Coltington City. Look for a shop with the title, "Exotic Eccentrics". It looks crazy weird and plenty amazing. It'll sure catch your eye."- Twilight opened her eyes. Her friends and faithful assistant were crowding around her. Jasmine too. the two girls gave each other looks and sighed.
"What's wrong guys?" Both asked.
"You just collapsed. Both of you. I-I didn't know what to do." Spike said.
you nearly gave the both of us heart attacks!
"You really were that worried about me? After I called you rat instead of your name?"
No. I was actually talking to Jasmine. I don't care about you.
"You filthy rodent! How long were we out?"
"Uh, about two minutes." Rainbow Dash answered.
"Seriously?" Jasmine sighed. "We weren't even out that long."
"I found it!" Pinkie shouted. Twilight, Jasmine and Science all gasped and practically dog-piled her. They struggled to find the building they were looking for.
"Where is it?" Twilight asked. "Where, Pinkie, where?"
"I don't see anything." Fluttershy said. "I only see buildings."
"What are we looking for again?" Rainbow Dash yawned. Applejack yawned too. She fiddled with her stetson.
"Yea, we've been in Fillydelphia fer almost a week now. Discord ain't here."
"How are we supposed to search a whole city anyways?" Rarity whined. She looked tired and ready to go home.
"Good question. You didn't even tell us what we're looking for. If Discord was kidnapped, he wouldn't be out in the open." Spike pointed out to Jasmine. Twilight yawned. She didn't even realize she was tired until now.
"We're looking for a building called Exotic Eccentrics." Pinkie frowned. She blushed and giggled.
"Okie dokie then. Never mind. I guess I found the wrong thing then. I was talking about a carrot dog stand. I'm super duper hungry." Twilight face hoofed. The group bought carrot dogs and continued to search. They didn't have to search much longer because right there in the middle of the block was the very store they were talking about. Science squeaked with delight. Jasmine pulled Spike in for a brief hug and walked right up to the store. Applejack and Rarity were to her left while Twilight and Rainbow Dash took her right. Fluttershy and Spike hung back to watch how everything went down. Pinkie bounced in place.
"Alright guys. If Discord is in there, their not going to hand him over. They work for my dad and will not hesitate to hurt you. He's probably in a holding cell of some sort. They probably will have innocents in the crossfire so you gotta be careful if you are firing magic beams." Jasmine peeked through the door and frowned. "Yup. I know those guys. They work for my dad. They'll definitely put up a fight. Spike and Fluttershy, you two keep watch." Twilight stepped forward.
"Dash, you and Applejack will deal with any hostile ponies. Rarity and I will help Jasmine look for Discord. Pinkie, you'll go ahead of us and pose as a distraction so ponies won't come and surround Applejack and Rainbow Dash or my group." she ordered.
"Your group?" Jasmine narrowed her eyes. Fluttershy started to tremble. She wasn't to happy about the violence or the danger.
"Yes, my group. Now lets move." Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie entered the store first. There were two stallions and a mare. One stallion (a pegasus) stood at the register behind a counter while the mare (an earth pony) leaned against the wall, counting money. The second stallion (a unicorn) was fiddling with a key. The first stallion looked up and scowled at the trio.
"Whatcha want, punks?"
"Is that any way to greet the Elements?" Rainbow Dash asked. She folded her forelegs and flapped her wings tensely. The pegasus counter stallion narrowed his eyes. His eyes darted left and right. Applejack noticed the mare put her money away and was awfully close to Pinkie. Pinkie seemed oblivious to the danger. The key stallion was approaching her and Rainbow Dash with a grin.
"Elements huh? And I suppose you want a discount on whatever you're here to buy?"
"That would be nice." Applejack answered, playing along.
"And what were you here to buy, miss stetson?" the key stallion sneered.
"Ahm interested in exotic creatures. Ahm sure you got 'em."
"Applejack, their closing in on us." Rainbow Dash whispered. So, she had noticed too. Pinkie clapped her hooves together.
"Is that so?" the mare joined in. "How do you suppose that? You can clearly see we don't."
"Well, I know something none of you know!" Pinkie shouted randomly.
"Not now, Pinkie." Rainbow Dash sighed. The party mare ignored her. She pulled a rope that hung from the ceiling that strangly enough, hadn't been there before. A shower of candy rained down on the three ponies while Applejack and Dash watched in shock and surprise. They were buried in a matter of seconds.
"Tadaaaaaaaaaaa!" The party mare laughed and bounced to the door behind the counter. She inspected it, went to a pile and pulled out a key, and opened the door with it. Applejack signaled to the others. Jasmine whispered something to her.
"Alright. Jazz jus' told me that Science will communicate anythin' we gotta say to everypony else without us havin' to talk. C'mon Dash. We got out part to do."
"A'ight." The two went through the door. Pinkie followed after waving to the rest of them.
There are more ponies inside this building.
"I know. I just hope we find who we're looking for before they swarm us." Twilight sighed.
"How big is this building, exactly?" Rarity asked.
Good question. It's actually huge. There are about five floors beneath us holding many things. I can't see exactly what.
"Alright. Lets hope Discord is here then." Suddenly Science doubled over and coughed out blood while clutching her head. Her bald tail twitched in pain. "Science!? Science, what's wrong?" Science cried out in agony.
S-some . . . somepony . . . ah . . . is in . . . my h-head . . . GAH! Jasmine petted Science and asked her more questions.
It seems like somepony is somewhere they shouldn't be. They all froze. They didn't know who that voice belonged to. It echoed in their heads even after it finished its sentence. "W-who was that!?" Rarity and Twilight asked in unision. Jasmine shook her head and she held her unconsious rat.
Something was wrong. Nothing was where it was supposed to be. Everypony was in different places. They were in groups. Now, they were separated. They were strong. Now they were weak. Discord lifted his head and listened. That was all he could do. Listen. He remembered leaving Canterlot. He felt the evil washing over him like water over water rock. It was a fine day. He slipped away undetected and went to warn the Elements. He told Luna he was leaving but he was going to return. Or he planned to. Now, he was tied up and hooked to a machine of some sort. It fed on his chaotic powers. He didn't think he could ever run out before. He didn't think that anymore. How amusing. The god of disharmony. The embodiment of chaos. Tied up. Trapped. Waiting to be rescued. By ponies. The very species that his species had hated for generations. The species he'd come to hate, love, admire, and befriend all in one century. How strange, yet ironic. You'd think he would be rescuing ponies from this sort of thing. Not the other way around. Discord sighed. He hadn't been this bored since he was trapped in stone. A turquoise dragon with midnight blue spines shivered next to him. He couldn't remember her name. What was it? Baby? Bony? Barny? Barbie? Bass?
Barb, you imbecile. The Voice growled. It wasn't Barb, the turquoise dragon. It wasn't Ember, the yellow one. It sounded male and gruff. The Voice was the one thing Discord couldn't understand. He didn't like that.
"Must you barge into my head like that?"
How else will I keep you in line? You could be plotting against me. I know how you draconaqui think.
"Not all are the same."
You're right. Some act evil while others pretend to be good. Only to stab all other species in the back!
"Don't be so cynical."
Cynical!? How dare you! Why I'll rip you to shreds! I'll eat your intestines with your eyeballs for lunch! I'll-
Now, now. Calm down. He's just playing around. It's his way. Isn't that right, Discord? This voice was soft and kind. It sounded female and reminded Discord of a mother. She was sweet and kind most of the time but could scorn and swear like a sailor on her bad days. She also had a way of making the ponies working for her tremble in fear.
B-but honey I-
Don't 'but honey' me, dear. Go and torture a frog or something to take your mind off of things.
Fine.
"Ha! The highlight of my day!"
And you mister! You hush your mouth, deary. I don't wanna hear another word until suppertime. Do you understand? Discord frowned.
"But-"
Butts are for pooping! Discord shut his mouth. He had to agree with that.
Discord had managed to find a comfortable position to lay in while still being able to see the creatures across from him. There were two dragon-pony hybrids that were being questioned by two unicorn ponies. The dragon-pony hybrids were easily recognized since they had dragon characteristics that normal ponies didn't have. The ponies were flanked by a German Shepard and a boxer. The boxer turned and caught Discord's eye. It barked. One pony kicked it and scowled. The boxer whimpered and turned away. The German Shepard wagged its tail and licked its canine partner on the muzzle.
"42, check on the cell over there. Hurry up. Act as if Master were here." The German Shepard barked once and headed to Discord's cell. It cocked its head at him and watched him. Discord stuck out his tongue. The dog growled and barked. "42! Don't start! 51, stand guard of this cell and don't bark. Either of you." The boxer nodded.
The German Shepard was snoring lightly. It was curled up in a ball and drooling on the floor. The boxer was watching it longingly. Discord whistled to it. The boxer looked at him.
"You're 51 right? That's your name?" The boxer nodded. "Do you like it here? In this awful place?" The boxer shook its head slowly, unsure of where the questioning was going.
"I can get you out of here. But, you have to help me get out of this cell first. You don't have to worry. I know you and your friend can take on those ponies. Actually, I can help. Don't you want that awful collar off?" The boxer eyed the electric collar around its neck and nodded. It punched in a code for the lock and the cell door opened. The magical ropes holding Discord loosened and fell off. Barb and Ember stirred from their chemical induced sleep and got up groggily.
"You got the cell door open? Or am I dreaming?" Barb asked.
"Nope. They put real dogs to guard instead of timber wolves this time. The boxer opened the door." Discord reached down and petted the dog. "Good boy."
"Woof!"
"Oh! You're a girl!" The German Shepard woke up and growled. It barked at the boxer who whined. "Don't worry. I'll get those collars off and you'll be free too!" With a clap of his hands, the collars buzzed and fell off. The German Shepard barked happily. It licked the boxer on the muzzle again. The boxer swooned.
"Lemme guess. You're a boy?" The German Shepard barked an answer. "Aww, puppy love. Now, can you guys let all the other captives out?"
Discord, Ember, Barb, 51, 42, and the other inmates wandered around, looking for a way out. The dogs were brought in from a lab in cages covered by sheets so they didn't know how to get out either. There was a rush of a rainbow next to 51, the boxer, and she barked angrily while wagging her stub of a tail. 42 followed suit.
"I found him! And he's not alone! He's got a whole crew!" It sounded alot like Rainbow Dash.
"Is that Rainbow Dash? Can you get us out of here!?"
"Ahm on it, Discord!" Applejack said as she rounded the corner. Discord never thought he'd be so happy to see an Element of Harmony.
Discord was abnormally quiet on the way back to Ponyville. He kept sneaking glances at Jasmine and looking away whenever she caught him. The ponies were sleeping peacefully. He decided not to bother them for once so he chuckled to himself. Spike growled at him.
"What do you want?"
"Hmm? Me? Oh. Nothing."
"So why do you keep staring at me?" Jasmine stared at him with half lidded purple eyes.
"I was noticing your aura."
"My aura?"
"Yes. Your aura is very different. I wonder why . . ."
Spike held Jasmine close to him. He glared at the spirit of chaos. "You better not be playing any tricks on her. If I find one hair misplaced or discolored I'll-" Discord leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. Was that twerp threatening him!?
"Or what, Spike? What are you going to do if I touch a hair on your girlfriends head? Hmm? I'm dying to hear this." Jasmine bristled. Was that a threat thrown towards her? Spike was obviously thinking the same thing so he avoided Discord's steely gaze and looked at the floor.
"Nothing. I just-I just don't want you playing any pranks today. Or on this train at all, actually."
"Oh." Discord then mumbled, "That's what I thought." Awkward silence followed for the next few minutes. Jasmine decided to break it by asking a question she needed answered.
"Um, Discord, who took you? Why did they take you? How did they take you? And what about my aura?"
"What about your aura!? Wait a minute. You don't know?"
"Know what?" Spike asked.
"I dunno. Know what, Discord?"
" . . . "
"What? Tell me. It's my body we're talking about."
"N-nothing. Shall I answer your other questions in order? No. Um . . . Who? A group of dragon-pony hybrids and timber wolves got me. How? I was surrounded. They cast some spells and I was unable to use my powers. They tied me up in magical bounds and carried me to Filly. Why? They were harvesting my energy to power a machine of some sort. It creates energy balls to power Master's secret weapon."
"S-secret weapon!?" Spike stuttered. "W-we need to t-tell Princess Celestia r-right away!" Jasmine glared at him. He smiled sheepishly.
"You mean, your going to warn the enemy?"
"Ah . . . no Jazz . . . I meant . . . uh . . . we gotta warn . . . Princess Luna . . . heheh . . ."
"Uh huh."
"No, really!"
"You're not getting yourself out of this one, Spike."
"Darn. I'll be over here, then."
"Yea, you do that."
"Did you guys happen to hear a male, angry, and gruff sounding voice in your heads anytime while you were in the building?" Discord asked.
"As a matter of fact, we did. It knocked Science right out!"
Sweety Belle locked the cage door and watched the naughty kitty hiss and throw a fit. Her mane was a mess but she had no cuts or scratches. Night Flower wasn't so lucky. He had managed to break his nose chasing a cat. A cat. Sweety smiled at Night Flower and went to get a wet rag to clean up the cuts. Night flower watched her go and relaxed a little. It was nice to finally be able to relax. He couldn't wait until Rarity got home. She would praise him and even invite him to dinner. Wait. No, he was supposed to do the asking. And she would say yes. He could see it now. "Oh, Night Flower, never mind your girly name or your constant flirting with other mares. I would LOVE to spend some quality time with you after work. I know this lovely restaurant-" "Nightie, watch out!" Sweety Belle called. Uh oh. He had hit the cage by accident and let the whiny cat out. Darn. Opalescence hissed and swiped at his claw with her claws.
"Good kitty. C'mon, back in your cage. Good kitty." The cat wasn't having any of it. She crouched. Night Flower gulped. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Sweety Belle watched her 'baby/cat sitter' get mauled by a five pound feline. She sighed and shook her head. Why her sister hired him, she would never know.
"Idiot."
Science grinned at Discord the whole time they were getting off the train. Discord found it very creepy. The rat had decided it was very fun to stare at the spirit of chaos and see him flinch at an unnaturally smart rodent reading his mind.
So, Mr. Chaotic Guy, how was cage life? Did it feel good to be an animal for once? Oh wait, you already are an animal! Ha!
"You are one rude little tyke aren't you?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Ah would throw you right out like the garbage you treat others like." Applejack stated. "Ah ain't never met nopony as mean as you."
"Ha! Wait until you meet Ember." Twilight scoffed. "She's mean and rude." Science glared at her.
How do you know, Ember? I've never seen Jasmine tell you about her.
"She probably told her on her own time." Rarity sighed. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie glanced at each other. The party mare giggled.
"Arguments are funny."
"Speaking of arguments, where's Princess Luna? I didn't see her get off the train."
"I didn't see her get on the train."
"Ah haven't even seen 'er until a little before we went into the buildin'."
"Where is she!? Princess Luna!?" Jasmine shushed everyone. There was barking. A german shepard was twirling in circles, trying to get their attention. "Hey there, little guy. What's wrong?" The dog barked and barked. It led them to a spot in the station where they could see Canterlot in the distance. There was a small blue silhouette in the sky.
"She flew here!? She left early to get a head start back to Canterlot!?" Twilight exclaimed. The dog barked.
"Hey, that's 42, the dog that was with the dog who let me out. Did you follow us here?" Discord said. 42 barked. "How splendid!" The dog galloped off. The boxer, 51, that everypony didn't notice get off, followed.
"Alright, let's just head back to Ponyville, make a plan for both sides, rest up, and head to Canterlot. We have to deal with this problem now. We've got two draconaqui, a dragon, two more dragons that might help, the Elements, and a whole bucketful of testees that will support us. We're ready to face my dad."
A boxer, a labrador, a golden retriever, and a german shepard sat at Master's heels. There was only one timber wolf left now. It let out a low growl towards the boxer. The boxer, a female, and the same one who helped Discord escape, whined pleadingly. She wanted to leave and be done with that psycho. The german shepard was with her on this one. He let out a bored bark. The labrador was currently in a violent argument with the timber wolf. All the dogs had thought-speach, like Science the rat. Master decided he'd had enough of the scuffle and grunted.
"Tell me, 51, how did the embodiment of chaos get out of his holding cell?" The boxer gulped.
W-well . . . see, what had happened was . . . um . . . the ponies left me in charge of guarding the cell and . . . the embodiment . . . ah . . . asked if I wanted to leave that awful place.
Typical female. Too kind and forgiving. The labrador sneered. He barked. I'll bet he's planning our demise right now!
He promised to get us out of there and take the collars off!
So what!? Master, let us agree that it s a female thing to be too kind and stupid and vulnerable to lies. It makes no sense to include them in your amazing plan.
You said females are what, dear!? The golden retriever snarled at the labrador.
Ah . . . I meant that . . . um . . . other females and not you are stupid . . . uh, yea . . .
Better be. You don't want me to dump hot acid in your kibble again do you, dear? Last time, if that mouse hadn't eaten it, you would've died.
I-I know. Master giggled. His golden retriever, named 15, was his favorite dog by far.
"And what do you have to say on your mates behalf, 42?" Master asked, turning to the german shepard.
Well, we got out of there. We're able to serve you up close now. Discord is out, yes, but seriously. Is that really gonna stop you? Surely he poses no real threat to you or your prize. He certainly won't mess up your plan.
"I agree, 42. Nopony can stop me! Not even my daughter or her scaly partner."
Exactly. Now, what are you going to do now that they have Discord and are back in Ponyville?
"I will send my prize out to confront them. I'm tired of waiting. She'll attack Canterlot and attract her Elements. Then, we'll tell them to surrender or die. Finally, I'll take my queen here, lock my daughter up, and kill Discord and that damned dragon!" The dogs barked and howled in agreement. The timber wolf snarled its approval.
"Call my prize. I will send her out immediately!"
Luna had returned. She wasn't alone. She had brought a dragon-pony hybrid with her. This one was a guy and his name was Tom. It was a strange name but Luna wasn't about to question it. Tom had informed Luna that Master was creating hybrids to try and have creatures that were stronger than ponies. The only things wrong with that was that nopony wanted to follow him. He created collars that shocked anypony who defied his orders. Luna approached the balcony of her sisters room.
"Celestia!" she called. "Celestia! Come out and face me!" Tom, who thought it was better for him to travel by hoof, watched the lunar princess hover over the solar princess's balcony. He didn't feel right about any of it. He wasn't even sure how they got so close to the castle. Normally, Master would have sent timber wolves and hybrids and genetically engineered animals to terrorize towns and cities. While the heroes tried to stop the chaos, Master would take over. It was the same thing Master did in Fillydelphia. That was how he managed to make an army of the locals there by combining their DNA with dragon's DNA. Tom's eyes widened. Princess Luna didn't know about the army. She didn't know there were more hybrids out there.
"Princess Luna! I have something to tell you!"
"Lulu? What are you doing here?" Princess Celestia came to the balcony and looked as beautiful as ever. "You and Discord disappeared. Where did you go?"
"Never mind that. Why are you working with the enemy?" Luna narrowed her eyes.
"Working with him? No, no sister. I am taking him as my husband. I must share with Mind Bender, of course, but I love him."
"What!?"
"You should be happy for me."
"He's trying to destroy Equestria!"
"No. He's trying to . . . to . . . reshape it. He won't hurt a soul." There was a crash and a boom. We could hear screams of ponies in Canterlot. "That's not him. That's his awful pets. They don't listen."
"Princess Luna! There's something very important I have to-"
"Celly, dear, I must have a word with you- AH!- Who is that!? Is that your pesky sister? Why is she here?" Master had entered Celestia's room and glared at Luna.
"Master, baby, she claims you do control your pets and you're trying to destroy Equestria."
"You know that's not true. We talked about this. Step away from your jealous little sister."
"Okay, munchkin."
"What is wrong with you!? I thought better of you! You better hope you're under his control and you're not really this stupid!" Luna turned and flew off to help the ponies in Canterlot. Tom hid and followed her while staying hidden in the bushes. He didn't want to die today. After following Luna some ways from the castle, he finally spread his wings and caught up with her.
"He's got a plan, Princess. I don't know what but it has got to be bad."
"I know. I'll fight off these fiends and you'll go to Ponyville and request to see the Elements of Harmony. We need them to send groups of allies here and tell them to come to Canterlot."
"Aye aye, Princess!" Tom saluted and flew off. Luna didn't notice him smile secretively. "Everything is going according to plan, my lord. All you need to do now is get the Elements and bring the secret weapon to Canterlot."
Jasmine woke up in a dark room. It smelled of earth and blood. She stretched and winced. She had cuts and bruises all over her. She didn't get all of those in the fight. They had to be from being dragged down to that . . . wherever she was. Jasmine looked around. There was a corpse lying in a corner opposite of her. She shuddered. She couldn't imagine killing anypony. Speaking of anypony . . . the corpse kinda looked like a pony. A big pony. A big pony with blue fur. And a horn. And wings! "Princess Luna!? Omigish, are you really dead? Is this where Master sent you?"
Hours earlier . . .
Jasmine flung herself at her father. Master grabbed her in his magic and held her above him. She struggled and shouted. Spike held his injured left arm and glared at Master. He let out a mighty roar and let out a fury of green flames. Master created a shield and laughed evilly. He waved his magical sword around.
"You think that will stop me?"
"Let her go!"
"Never!" Master banged Jasmine repeatedly on the hard ground. "Leave me, will you? Think your dragon can save you? Where is he now? Huh? He's weak! He can't even get past my shield!" Jasmine grunted every time she hit the ground. Her screams turned into grunts and gurgles. Spike was screaming her name over and over. Celestia was on the ground, badly wounded. He had harvested her power too in order to feed the secret weapon.
"Leave her alone . . . please. I agreed to be with you." The others caught up and gasped at the sight. The solar princess and their friend turned into bloody pulps.
"Sister!" Luna called. "Sister, do something! You can redeem yourself! I know you made a mistake with him. I know you wanted to believe so badly that he might change if you were with him. I know. Now it's time to fight back for what is ours. Please fight back, sister." Celestia's eyes teared up. she let out a sob. She stood up slowly and approached Master. She lowered her head and her horn was pointing right at him. She charged. A war cry escaped her mouth and master whirled around. He swung his sword while it was lit with large amounts of magic. Her horn pierced his chest. He stared at her as if he couldn't believe it. He looked . . . hurt. No. It wasn't hurt. It was smugness. His magical sword had gone right through Celestia's chest and into her heart. Her horn had hit one of his lungs. Celestia quivered.
"Go to Hell, Master." she coughed out.
"I'll see you there." he wheezed. Celestia's body started to glow. Master's eyes widened. "What are you doing!?"
"Making sure I don't die in vain." Jasmine was passing out. Spike grabbed her and he and the others backed away.
"What's she doing?" Somepony asked.
"My sister is going to send out a huge wave of power. It will destroy everything. We need to get underground. I'll warn the ponies. I'll send out a warning shot. The wave will destroy most of Equestria."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Master cried. "Send my weapon! Send it now!" A huge monster appeared in a flash of dark magic. It looked like a bear with a moles face. It had tentacles oozing out of random places and a spiked tail. It roared. Its mouth was a giant hole filled with rows and rows of teeth. It grabbed at anypony it could get and gobbled them down like nothing.
"Now, sister, now!"
BOOM
Jasmine remembered now. Master was dead and she was seriously injured by him. So was . . . so was Celestia. She died saving everypony. Jasmine stroked Luna. "So, what happened to you?"
"I . . . nothing." Luna whispered. Jasmine jumped. Luna was breathing, but faintly. "I got hurt but I will live."
The group made their way through the rubble and destruction. There was smoke and fire and collapsed buildings everywhere. There were a couple of dead bodies on the street but they were dead from the fighting, not the explosion Celestia made. The group consisted of Jasmine, Luna, Spike, the mane six's pets, Science, Discord, the mane six, the rescued hybrids and dragons, and civilians from Ponyville and Canterlot. There were other groups too. Luna had gathered everypony up to one spot and all left in groups of their own. Science was having a conversation with Owlowishious.
So, how's your wings? Are they hurt or you just wanna sit on Twilight's back?
"Hoo."
Really? Cool. I like to sit in Jasmine's hair. It's comfy.
"Hoo?"
Yea. Wanna try?
"Hoo." The owl turned its head to Jasmine. "Hoo?"
"What?"
He wants to know if he can perch on your head and in your hair. Science translated.
"Oh. Uh, sure." The owl flew up and landed on her head. He nuzzled her hair.
"Hoo. Hoo-oo!"
See? I told you! Winona barked. What? What's wrong? Winona smelled dogs. They were the same four dogs that were with Master. Winona did not know this, of course. All she knew was that there were dogs and they were unfamiliar. The dogs approached the group and were welcomed immediately. 15, the golden retriever, took a liking to Discord. The labrador did not like this and slunk off into what was left of the Everfree forest.
"Hey Rarity! Over here!" Rarity turned to see Night Flower and the CMC. They had traveled in a separate group. "I hope that cat is not causing trouble!" Rarity blanched.
"Oh no, no. Opal is fine. Please stay over there with the girls."
"Okay! Wait, I got a flower for you!"
"No, you can keep it."
"But I'm allergic-achoo!" Rarity sighed. She walked faster. Twilight and Jasmine were ahead of the group. Twilight pulled out a heart monitor and examined it. It showed seven heart blips. Twilight narrowed her eyes. She glanced at Jasmine.She shook her head.
"Naaaaaaaah."
They had reached Zehebra. It was the closest country. The border was only a few miles from the Everfree forest. The groups dispersed. Ponies found their family and went to find the nearest village or city. The nearest village was Wakonda. It had a small population. They filled the hospital to the brim. Jasmine and Luna stayed the longest in their group. Luna had ointment put on her cut by a very nice zebra nurse while an elephant doctor took and x-ray of Jasmine's body. Jasmine complained that her stomach hurt. Rarity had told her she was getting pudgy on the way there and she was sure that she had inhaled some toxic gas or something. The doctor took a blood test and went to test it. Everypony gathered in the room.
"I hope you're okay, Jazz." Fluttershy said. The doctor returned. He had a grin on his face.
"Congrats." He handed Jasmine a paper.
"Congrats on what? I'm not poisoned?"
"Not even close." Jasmine read the paper. She gasped and put a claw to her mouth.
Tom and Mind Bender walked through the mess of vegetation and trees. The mare gave a look to the sign on a splintering wooden pole. She felt both joy and anger towards the words it spelled. Tom stayed several steps behind her. The crackle of dead leaves and twigs was the only sound that could be heard besides the running water of a river nearby. Tom looked all around. His gaze finally landed the mare in front of him. More importantly, her swishing tail. He was slightly mesmerized by it. "Hurry up. I don't want to take all day." The owner of the tail said. Tom blushed and laid his ears back. He adjusted his wings out of habit and trotted to catch up. "What are we going to do when we get to the heart of Wakonda?" he asked. "I don't know!" There was anger in her voice. Tom didn't quite know why. "Alright." Tom continued to scope out the scenery. Mind Bender gave him a confused look that he didn't see. She felt a feeling in her chest that she couldn't put a hoof on but shook it off. They needed to get to Wakonda before nightfall.
