Dave is a normal guy, except for the fact that he's a close brony. But what happens when a plushy he ordered is not what was advertised?
What happens when Dave receives a Discord plushy and it's not what he expected? Chaos of course. This is the story of Dave as he find out that the doll he receives isn't what it seems.
I would like to give thanks to Ruby Flame for editing my chapters.
It was a day just like any other, the morning sun shone through the window, lighting the room. A seventeen year old boy lie sleeping in his bed, and as the sun hit his eyes, he slowly awoke to the bright light and peered to his clock next to him. The clock read nine a.m.
‘’Oh no, I’m going to be late for breakfast!’’ he said, quickly making his way out of bed and starting to get ready; he finished just as he heard his mom calling him.
‘’ Dave! It's time for breakfast, come downstairs.’’ she shouted.
‘’ Coming mom!’’ Dave cried before rushing out of his bedroom to greet his parents for breakfast, which consisted of scrambled eggs and bacon. Once he finished, he looked to the clock on the wall and noticed it was fifteen minutes until ten o’clock. ‘’Oh no, I’m going to be late for school!’’ he cried as he grabbed his bag. After saying his goodbyes, he headed out the door and toward the bus stop down the street.
***
School was rough today, Dave thought as he walked through the door of his house. Exhausted, he was about to walk up to his room, when he suddenly noticed a package laying on the table next to the stairs. He grabbed the box and read it's label; the label confirmed that the package was for him. Suddenly Dave’s frown became an excited grin, as he knew what was in the box, and he immediately ran up to his room. After positioning himself on his chair, he opened the package to find the very item he had been waiting weeks for. Inside the box was a stuffed Discord doll that Dave bought off of eBay. Discord was his favorite villain and character from the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and although he would never admit it, Dave was a huge brony and collected a lot of the merchandise. But the main items he looked for was Discord items; sadly though, there was no official merchandise, just items that other bronies made and sold. After giving the plushy a good look over, he noticed the doll was different from picture that was displayed online, but he was not complaining, for this one looked a lot better and more realistic. Dave put the toy on his shelf next to his other collectibles and then proceeded to examine the rest of the box. At the bottom a white sheet of paper caught Dave’s attention.
‘’What’s this?’’ he thought aloud as he reached for the paper. He quietly read to himself what was on the slip of paper. It read;
‘’The one that possesses this doll is the new bearer of chaos’’
Dave was confused by this but just shrugged it off. ‘"Maybe it’s just a joke they put in to make him seem more authentic," Dave noted to himself.
He put the paper back in the box and walked downstairs for dinner. After dinner, Dave did his homework and then had a shower before heading off to bed. Dave was glad tomorrow was a weekend, as he just wanted to relax after the difficult week he’d been having. He quickly climbed into bed and fell into a deep, rewarding slumber.
After a while the eyes on the new plushy glowed a deep, mystic red before the plushy disappeared into a ball of smoke and reappeared towering over the sleeping human.
"You will do nicely" Discord chuckled to himself before raising his claw and snapping his fingers. A white light illuminated the room before everything went dark again and Discord was nowhere to be seen. The next morning Dave awoke to the morning sun only to realize that something felt a bit off. He felt taller for some reason. As he sat up he banged his head on the light fixture above his bed.
"Ow! What on earth?!" he cried in pain and shock.
His eyes went wide as he uttered those words. Now he knew something was off. As he looked down he was horrified to find that his hands were no longer that of a humans, but instead were replaced with a griffin's claw and a lion's paw. Immediately he felt his face only to find his head was now a pony's with a elongated snout. He clumsily rushed out of bed and stumbled to the ground, as he was not used to his new mix-matched legs. As he got to his feet, he carefully made his way to his bedroom door and opened it .
After opening the door he proceeded to exit, only to bang his head on the door frame. After rubbing his sore head he made his way to the nearby bathroom, making sure to watch his step so he wouldn't fall. As he entered the bathroom he looked to the sink's mirror to view his reflection. What he sees both horrifies and confuses him. Peering back is what appears to a grayish pony head with golden misshaped eyes with red pupils, and a long snout with a white goatee and a lone tooth sticking out of the side of his mouth. The top of his new head wore a pair of mismatched antlers, one of a deer and one of a goat. After getting over the initial shock, Dave let out a scream before quickly covering his mouth, not wanting his parents to find out about his new look. The scream, however, did catch the attention of his mother, who called to make sure he was alright.
"Dave? I heard you scream, are you okay? Do you need some help?" his mother asked worried.
Panicking, Dave immediately called out using the best impersonation of his original voice to try to calm his mother's worries.
"No mom, I'm fine. Just saw a spider fall in front of me," Dave lied.
"Oh, but are you sure you're okay? You sound sick," his mother said.
"Yes I'm fine" Dave lied again, still trying to impersonate his voice. "I'll be down in a bit."
''Okay" his mother yelled before going back to what she was doing.
Dave immediately ran back to his room and locked the door, as he frantically thought of how he would explain this to his parents. In a state of panic, a idea came to him. He wasn't sure if it would work, but at the moment it was the only option he had. If I look like Discord, then I must have his powers as well, he thought. Not taking a moment longer to think about it, Dave closed his eyes and imagined what he looked like before and then raise his lion paw and snapped his claws together.
After a moment he reopened his eyes to find nothing had changed- or so he thought. Standing right in front of him was his television standing on two feet hopping up and down on its stand. Before Dave could react, it jumped off it's stand, yanking the wire out of the wall and galloped out of his bedroom. Dave quickly gave chase to the weird new creature he created, trying to catch it before anyone saw. Unfortunately the TV was too fast for him, and it made it to the stairs before Dave could get to it.
In a last ditch effort to catch the running TV, Dave dove toward the staircase only to cause the TV to stumble and fall down the stairs. As it hit the ground, it shattered, making a loud thump! and crash! on the floor and causing Dave's mom to come rushing to see what happened. When she made it to the stairs and saw the broken TV, she angrily called Dave for an explanation, only to catch sight a tall mismatched creature getting up off the ground-up stairs. She dropped the dish she was washing and let out a horribly terrified scream before rushing toward the garage to get her husband. As she fled, Dave ran after her, trying to calm her and tell her it's him.
"Mom, wait! It's me Dave your son!" he cried, to ease her screaming, but it fell on deaf ears.
Dave made his way to the garage where his mother had fled and was about to open the door when his father walked through holding a shotgun in his hand, bearing a look of disgust toward the creature before him.
"Who are you and where is my son, you monster!" his father said between angrily clenched teeth.
"Dad, it's me Dave!'' he cried, only to have his father point the gun toward his head.
"Don't lie to me, you beast. Now tell me what you did to him before I blow your brains out! And he better be okay!" His father said chillingly cold, holding the gun more firmly.
Dave was about to rebuttal until his father let out an angry accusation. "You killed him, didn't you, monster!" his father cried out.
"No I swear I didn't..." was all he could say before his father cocked the gun, ready to pull the trigger.
"I'm going to make you pay, you hideous freak!" he shouted, heading for the trigger.
Dave was panicked out of all control; he was about to die by his own fathers hands. Thinking quickly, he thought of one way out of this, but was unsure if it would work. Well, what other choice do I have?... He quickly imagined his backyard, and then snapped his fingers. The very moment after he did, his body was engulfed in a bright white light before disappearing just as his father pulled the trigger, hitting the wall behind where Dave was standing. The strange creature had disappeared, leaving both his father and mother motionless, confused as to what they just saw.
The backyard's garden started to glow a brilliant white before Dave appeared drenched in sweat, as he had narrowly escaped death from his father.
"That was close, I could have died!" Dave said in a frazzled tone.
He quickly started to pace around the garden as he quietly thought to himself. He paced for a good hour before finally collapsing on the ground and starting to sob. As his tears hit the ground, he wondered to himself what he did to deserve this and how was he going to fix it.
"What do I do now? My mom and dad hate me and I have nowhere to live." Dave said with hurt in his voice.
After moments of laying on the ground his pain turned into rage as he got up and started to curse the one that did this to him, knowing it had to have been Discord himself that did this despite knowing he should not exist. Dave felt that he needed to find where Discord was as he was the only one that could truly undo this. Suddenly the thought occurred that this must be one of his plans gone wrong, and he would have no problem reversing it. As Dave was thinking this, however, an uneasy realization popped into his head.
"I'm not even sure where he is or if I can even get to him." Upon uttering this, Dave sat down depressed at the thought that he may be stuck like this forever. When all hope he had was gone and he was about to give up, a new thought appeared that lifted his spirits.
"If it's possible that Discord exists, then maybe Equestria exists too!" Dave smiled at this new thought, but how was he going to get there? He barely knew how to use Discord's chaotic magic. However, if he did not try then he would never find Discord.
Closing his eyes, Dave tried to imagine Equestria and Ponyville. After getting the image of Ponyville in his head, he raised his paw and snapped his fingers. Moments later a bright light engulfed the backyard as Dave vanished from view.
***
It was a bright day in Ponyville as a silver mare was just waking up. She made her way out of bed, then headed to the bathroom to take a bath before breakfast.
"I should have a quick bath before heading over to Sugarcube Corner for breakfast."
Just as she got in the tub, a blinding light engulfed the bathroom. After momentarily shielding her eyes, she removes her hooves from her face only to see a confused draconeques staring back at her.
After a moment of silence, the mare let out a scream of terror at the creature and started to throw whatever she could to make the creature go away.
"Ahhhh! Get out you pervert, get out!" she screamed as Dave fled the mare's bathroom and house with flushed cheeks. He bore a look of embarrassment and confusion as he ran through the back streets.
"That was the single most embarrassing thing I have ever witnessed." Dave said as he stopped to catch his breath.
After getting over the confusion of the event that he witnessed, Dave came to realize exactly where he was. Looking through the colorful streets of Ponyville and seeing the various ponies walk by continuing about their day without a care, Dave could not help but get a little excited to see the town he had only viewed through what little of the show he was able to watch. Looking up he saw several pegasi pushing clouds through the sky and preparing them for the day ahead.
Thinking to himself, Dave thought that maybe he could help them using his/Discord’s magic to help the pegasi. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.
As he raised his paw, looking at the clouds he thought of them moving by themselves, then snapped his fingers. Immediately a yellow beam shot out of his claw and hit several of the clouds only to turn them pink and make then move away at incredible speeds, pulling any pegasi holding them. As the pink clouds dashed through the air, they started to produce chocolate rain that trickled down toward Ponyville.
"Oh no, this is not good, this is not what I wanted!" Dave cried trying to stop the out of control clouds. Nothing worked and things only got worse the more Dave used his powers as more chaos started to spread. Not wanting to cause more damage, Dave fled to the Everfree Forest in hopes that no one saw what he did. I'll need to stay low for now, but once I can get moving again, I'll definitely be heading to find Discord. And I have a good idea as to where he might be. Dave thought to thought to himself as he glanced at the far away kingdom resting on the side of a tall mountain.
***
"Is everything ready for Pinkie's party, Spike? I want it to be perfect so that we can show her how much we appreciate all the parties she throws us." The purple unicorn said to the baby dragon.
"Almost Twilight, the only thing left is to get a cake from Sugarcube Corner!" The baby dragon exclaimed, thinking of the delicious cake that awaited them.
"Good. Then let's hurry so we can gather the others for the party." Twilight said in a cheerful tone.
The two gathered what they need and headed out the door towards Ponyville. Just as Twilight and Spike went to exit, their home started to get rained on, soaking them in brown liquid.
"Hey! I thought it was supposed to be sunny today." Twilight said rather annoyed, as she had not known to bring an umbrella.
"Um, Twilight? Since when is rain brown?" The baby dragon asked confusedly.
"Brown rain?" Twilight held a hoof out and caught some of the rain and tasted it. To Twilight’s horror, the rain tasted like chocolate milk. Her eyes went wide as her pupils dilated.
"Twilight, are you all right? You look like you've seen a ghost." Spike said in a worried tone. The only answer he received was an order from Twilight.
"Spike take a letter. Tell the princess we need the Elements of Harmony," Was all the purple unicorn uttered before dashing off into Ponyville alone.
"What?!" Twilight's friends screamed in unison as they all sat around the inside of SugarCube Corner.
The rainbow maned pegasus was the first to speak out of the six mares. "You can’t be serious Twilight! That Dipcord has returned? I mean, we all saw him turn to stone." She stated with worry and confusion.
"Sahry Twi, but Rainbow’s right. We awl saw 'im turn to stone after we hit 'im with our elements." The orange earthpony responded honestly.
"Darling, are you sure you weren't just seeing things? I mean we all had a hard time defeating him the last time, I would simply hate to imagine what we would have to go through this time around. I don’t want to wind up falling for some filthy boulder again. I mean, do you know how long I had to spend fixing my mane? It was simply dreadful." The elegant unicorn explained, pouting.
‘’Will you knock it off girls? This is serious. Rainbow Dash, you were on weather patrol, surely you saw the clouds, right?’’ Twilight said to her rainbow maned friend.
"Actually Twi, I caught Rainbow here nappin' in one of ma’ apple trees agin, so I doubt she saw anything." Applejack said mockingly.
"Hey! I was practicing for the WonderBolts, thank you very much!" Rainbow Dash said in defense.
"Okay you two, knock it off. We really need to go find Discord and will be doing so as soon as the princess replies to the letter Spike sent."
Just as Twilight finished her sentence, the baby dragon burped a small green flame from his mouth, causing a scroll to appear out of nowhere and land in the dragons claws. Spike immediately opened the letter to read what it said.
Dearest Twilight:
I regret to inform you that your suspicions about Discords escape are misinformed.
I sent Shining Armour and his group to the maze where Discord is held and they informed me that Discord is still encased in stone and is upon his stand in the center of the maze. Also, the likely hood of Discord escaping is slim because the maze is surrounded by special powerful runes that drain the magic from the area. Had Discord escaped, his magic would have been severely drained from the runes. Shining and the rest had to have a special spell put on them to prevent them from being drained.
Sincerely; Princess Celestia.
As Spike finished the letter, Twilight just sat there in silence, thinking about what she had seen. While she was deep in thought, she was interrupted by her rainbow maned friend.
"Well it looks like this was a false alarm," Rainbow Dash said while yawning. "Since Dipcord is still imprisoned, I think I'm gonna go hit the hay" she said before heading toward the door. Before anypony could reply, Rainbow opened the door and stepped out only to bump into a tall obstacle in her way.
As she backed away to rub her snout, she glanced at what she bumped into only to freeze in place. There, standing right in front of her was the very enemy that she and her friends were just discussing only moments before.
"Dis..Dis..DISCORD!" She said in a loud whimper as she slowly backed up to her friends, who were also just as shocked.
***
Earlier:
It was a half hour before Dave felt that things had calmed down a bit and decided to head off to Canterlot. Not wanting to risk anything going wrong, Dave immersed himself deep in thought as he tried to imagine the location he wanted to warp to. When he was satisfied, he raised his claw and snapped his fingers, hoping nothing will go wrong. Unfortunately, as his luck has been lately, something did go wrong.
Dave disappeared in a flash of light like always, only to reappear in front of what he could recognize as SugarCube Corner, as the door was opening. Looking around he realized that he did not teleport to Canterlot, but was in Ponyville again.
"Darn it, not again!" Dave stated annoyingly to himself, only to feel something bump into him. As he looked down, he was surprised and excited from what he saw. Looking up at him was a shocked blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. Dave was snapped out of his fanboy stare as he heard her loudly whimper: "Dis…Dis…DISCORD!" ,while backing up to her friends.
Mentally wanting to slap himself for forgetting he looked like their enemy, he quickly tried to explain the situation to them in the hopes that they will understand.
"No wait, you don’t understand, I’m not Discord!" as Dave utters these words he was cut off by the purple-maned unicorn, who was clearly unhappy with his presence.
"Don’t lie to us Discord, your mind games won’t work on us this time!" She said with venom in her words.
"I knew my hunch was correct," Twilight uttered, "and once I tell the princess, she'll gladly send the Elements of Harmony so we can put you back where you belong."
Upon hearing she was going to get the elements, Dave knew there was no convincing them. The only option he had was to run for it.
"Um, I would love to stay and chat but I've got some errands to run." Dave joked in a very Discord-y way before darting off in a random direction, in hopes that he could outrun them.
"Hey! Get back here! You're not getting away this time!" Dave heard the lavender unicorn shout, but he didn't care. He keep running, not wanting to get encased in stone for crimes he didn't commit. As he was running, he was suddenly tackled to the ground by an angry Rainbow Dash.
"Got you Dipcord! Now stay here until we get the elements." She taunted him as she called out to Twilight. "Twilight! I caught him, so have Spike send that letter."
As she said this, Dave began to panic. Thinking fast,(and knowing this had failed quite a bit) he snapped his fingers, and in a flash disappeared from under Rainbow Dash.
"Where did he go?!" she shouted in shock.
When Dave reappeared, at first he thought he had gotten away, Until he looked behind him and found that he was only a few feet behind the other ponies.
"Oh come on!" Dave said angrily before beginning to run again. As he fled toward the Everfree, he heared Twilight shouting to alert her friends.
"Guys! He’s this way! We need to get him before he gets to the Everfree Forest!" Twilight said eagerly, as she and the others ran after Dave.
Dave could hear them catching up to him. He knew that they were not going to stop following him, as he recalled how persistent Twilight could be. Dave knew his only hope of escaping them was to scare them off; he didn't like this idea, but knew he had no choice. Dave came to a halt and turned around with the most intimidating face he could make as the ponies came to a shocked halt. Dave raised his claw and as it it began to glow yellow, the ponies began to cower in fear at this new, darker side of Discord. Just as they all thought Discord was going to finish them, something unexpected happened.
All of a sudden, Dave’s head exploded, shooting confetti and streamers everywhere. Dave’s decapitated body started to panic, and his arm’s started to frantically fling around as they tried to find the missing head. Dave’s griffin claw eventually reached down and pulled a new head out of the stub of his neck. Dave quickly felt his new head to ensure everything was intact before putting his paw on his chest and sighing in relief.
After calming down, Dave looked down toward the 6 ponies that stood before him, frozen from shock, bearing looks of horror on their faces. They must have thought that they just witnessed Discord kill himself! Dave took advantage of their shock and disappeared in a flash before the ponies could snap out of their shock.
"Aw great, he got away!" Twilight said in disappointment as she came back to her senses. Her friends looked around, wondering what to do now that their rival had escaped.
***
Dave reappeared, sitting on what appeared to be the branch of a tall tree. Glancing upwards, he noticed a nest of surprised birds resting on his head.
"Darn it!" Dave said annoyed. Why won’t these power work?, He thought to himself. He was pretty sure Discord never had this much trouble controlling them in the show.
Not wasting any more time thinking about it, Dave put the nest back down on the branch and looked up to see, to his surprise, that he was just under Canterlot. Knowing he was so close to his destination, he quickly snapped his fingers, and in a flash, he was gone.
***
Rarity was the first to speak after a long silence.
"This is simply dreadful! What are we going to do with Discord roaming free?" She gasped. "What if he wants revenge on us for turning him to stone?!"
"THIS IS THE MOST AWFULLEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN EVER!!" The pink mare exclaimed. "What if he makes all the sweets taste really awful?! That would be the meanest meany mean thing anypony could ever do!" Pinkie frantically shook Twilight as if she could give her closure.
"Pinkie, calm down. The same goes for the rest of you." Twilight said in an encouraging manner. "Now that we know Discord is free, all we need to do is convince the princess to give us the elements and then we can go hunt him down."
"Sorry te rain on your parade sugar cube, but how are we gonna convince the princess that Discord has returned? She seemed sure as sugar that he was still trapped." Apple Jack asked.
As Twilight quickly looked around, she found exactly what she was looking for; a broken piece of a goat’s horn was laying near where Rainbow Dash had tackled him. Levitating it closer to her with her magic, she confirmed that the blue horn piece was definitely Discord’s.
"Here's the proof we need to get her attention." Twilight said, holding up the piece of the horn. "I'll go get Spike… We need to send a letter.''
Dave had finally appeared where he wanted to be; standing just outside of the royal garden covered by a huge hedge maze shrouded in a hazy fog. Dave reluctantly entered the maze, oblivious to the magic runes hidden inside.
"This maze seems like it goes on forever. How am I going to find Discord in here?" Dave said quietly to himself, getting a small chill down his spine.
As he passed deeper through the maze, the sensation intensified. Not knowing what the feeling was, Dave just brushed it off as he continued through the foggy labyrinth. What seems like hours went by as Dave ventured further through the maze, until he noticed what appeared to be a stone statue of a pony. As he examined the statue he noticed it was holding a large scroll; the description on the statues base read, "KNOWLEDGE".
"I remember this statue’" Dave said to himself. "That has to mean that Discord's statue is somewhere nearby.”
As Dave examined the nearby area, he unfortunately found that Discord was not here. "Darn, he must be deeper in the maze" Dave cursed to himself, getting tired of wandering around.
***
Twilight and her friends were waiting nervously for Celestia to return there letter, it felt like hours have passed since she sent it.
‘’Not to be a bother but what in tarnation is taking so long for that letter’’ Applejack asked.
‘’Yeah what AJ said’’ Rainbow Dash said: ‘’ Dipcord is out there doing whatever he wants and we are stuck wait for the stupid reply’’.
‘’ I hate to admit it but Rainbow has a point darling, she really needs to hurry’’ Rarity said in a worried tone.
‘’ Girls please… the princess is very busy, I’m sure she will reply soon. Besides Discord hasn't done anything yet so we still have time’’ Twilight insured everyone. ‘’ I’m positive she will reply in no time’’.
Almost as if on cue as Twilight uttered those words, a blinding yellow flash covered the room, everypony shielded their eyes, as to not get blinded from the flash. As the flash reseeded, stand before them was a tall white alicorn wearing a golden chest plate and boots to match. Upon her head streaked a vibrant rainbow mane that flowed like moving waves as well as a golden tiara that signified her royalty. The ponies gasp in awe before shouting in unison ‘’ PRINCESS CELESTIA’’ the ponies exclaimed before bowing to the alicorn.
‘’What brings you here Princess’’ Twilight asked in a concerned voice as she looked up at her mentor.
‘’ I received your letter Twilight and after some consideration; I learned that you were correct about Discords escape’’. Celestia said with a bit of guilt and worry.
‘’ I have brought the elements with me’’ she side as she turned and levitated a blue and gold box, bearing magnificent rubies attach around it. She opened the box revealing six golden trinkets that bore the girls cutie marks on them. The ponies gathered their elements and put them on accordingly.
‘’ S-s-so w-what now Princess,’’ Fluttershy asked nervously, as she lay down and hid behind her hooves.
Smiling the princess of the suns only remark was; ‘’we need to stop Discord, and I have a feeling I know where he is’’ the princess said with certainty.
Without any further interruptions the princess’s horn began to shine and she as well as all the other ponies disappeared in a gold light leaving Spike alone again.
‘’How come I never get to go on any adventures’ Spike pouted and cross his arms annoyed.
In an instant all the ponies and the princess was standing outside of the maze, before they continued however the princess first had to put a spell that would protect them from the runes.
‘’Before we venture on, I must first activate a spell that will protect us as we venture through’’ Celestia said.
‘’Are you sure this spell will work, I mean what if something goes wrong’’ Twilight asked.
Celestia just smiled as she bent down to insure her most faithful student it was ok.
‘’ Not to worry my little ponies, this spell is the same spell I used on Shining Armour and his guards when I sent them in here last time’’.
Celestia’s horn began to glow again before all the ponies where covered in a yellow mist that stops magic from being absorbed. When the spell was completed the ponies and princess venture deep into the maze of the Royal Garden.
***
Dave continued to on through the maze, getting annoyed as he kept running into dead ends.
‘’ I am so freaking lost’’ Dave said aggravated. He felt that if he ran into on more dead ends he would explode. As he venture on, something in the distant caught his intention, the silhouette of a weird looking statue came into view. Dave began to run toward the statue believing it to be Discord. Sure enough Dave found himself standing before the very creature he was looking for. Dave had both an excited and confused look on his face as he stared at the statue. Discord sat there with his arms stretched out and bore a look of horror on his face just as he had at the end of ‘’ Return of Harmony part 2’’
‘’ How can this be, I was positive he was free; how else could he have turn me into this?’’
Puzzled Dave slowly approached the statue and laid his paw on it. The statue was very cold and lifeless and seemed to appear as if it had been that way all this time. As Dave removes his paw something unexpected happened, Discord’s statue began to crack and crumble. Panic struck Dave as he witnessed the statue breaking and was frightened that he had just released the lord of chaos himself. But to his surprise the statue just crumbles down to a pile of broken stone as if it was hollow.
‘’This makes no sense’’ Dave thought to himself before smacking his forehead. ‘’ How could I have been so stupid, this was probably a decoy he set up to evade suspicion.’’ ‘’That means he must be long gone by now Dave said disheartened. As Dave sat down to mope he heard a sound that caused his heart to skip a beat. Standing right behind him was six ponies and an alicorn,
The alicorn said in a mighty voice, ‘’ Stop right there Discord’’.
***
Celestia stood tall in front of the other ponies as she slowly approached the draconaques.
As she approached the now frightened draconaques, her eyes went wide as she felt something off putting about her old foe. She sensed a big change in Discord, one that was not twisted and cruel, but afraid and lost. Before Celestia had a chance to come to her senses, Twilight stepped passed her and glared at Discord.
‘’This is the end of the line for you Discord’’ Twilight shouted.
‘’Yeah don't even think about running Dipcord, Rainbow Dash said as she glared into Dave’s nervous eyes.’’
‘’ If y’all do try and run I will buck you into next week’’ AJ said.
After the ponies were done shouting at Dave they began to huddle together so they can activate the elements.
‘’Are you girls ready’’ Twilight asked her friends. ‘’Yes’’ the other ponies shouted in unison before closing their eyes. Dave tried to plead with them one last time but it feel on deaf ears.
‘’Please listen; I’m not Discord, I swear’’ Dave cried but they were not listening.
Twilight and her friends began to glow as the elements pulled them closer, the symbols on the elements began to glow as beams shaped like the ponies cutie marks began to fly out toward Dave.
‘’No’’ was all Dave was able to say before their eyes shoot open, glowing a bright white as a vibrant rainbow burst into the sky before twisting back down toward Dave. Dave’s eyes went wide as he saw the rainbow quickly approaching him, and as it hit he closed his eyes not wanting to see his stoned fate. But to Dave’s surprise he was not turned to stone. As he opened his eyes he noticed the rainbow tornado circling around him start to dissipate; revealing that he was indeed unharmed.
Getting over his shock, Dave looked over to the ponies as they are now frozen in shock with their mouths agape, even the princess was wide eyed.
‘’H-how is this possible’’ Twilight said surprised as to what she just witnessed.
‘’What in the hay just happened’’? AJ asked with shock and confusion on her face.
‘’Huhhh, Oh no what if the mean runes; drained the elements of their power’. Pinkie cried as she violently shook Twilight.
‘’Pinkie will you stop’’ Twilight yelled before the pink mare stopped only to be glared at by her.
‘’Oops’’ Pinkie said with a hesitant smile.
‘’That’s enough everyone’’ Celestia said in a stern voice. All the ponies instantly went quiet so they could let their ruler speak.
‘’ I believe I know why the elements did not work’’ she said confidently. ‘’Why’’ the ponies immediately shouted in unison.
Giggling at this Celestia continue; ‘’ It is as he said; he truly is not Discord, that is why the elements did not work on him. ‘’What’? Twilight shouted, before asking ‘’Surely princess you have not fallen for his lies’ Twilight asked.
‘’I can insure you it’s no lie’’ Celestia insured everyone; ‘’ I sensed a difference in him when I first got here that at first I could not explain, but after seeing the elements fail to work it became clear to me that this is not the same draconaques that me and my sister faced a thousand years ago.’
‘’Whoever he is; he is not Discord’’ Celestia finished.
The ponies were silent for a little while before Twilight spoke up.
‘’So you really are not Discord’’ Twilight asked Dave. Dave immediately became more confident as he said ‘’Yes its true, that’s what I have been trying to tell you’’.
‘’Then who are you and where did you come from’’ AJ asked.
‘’Oooh if he is new we should throw him a welcome party’’ the pink mare said jump up in the air with joy.
‘’There will be time for explanations later but for now let’s get out of the maze as I fear the spell may be wearing off soon.’’ Celestia said.
‘’Once we are back at the castle’’ …. ‘’Sorry I didn't quite get your name’’ Celestia admitted.
‘’My name is Dave, M-ma’am’’ Dave clumsily said before bowing.
‘’Well Dave I am sure you will be able to explain everything when we get back won’t you’’ Celestia ask. ‘’I will tell you all I know mam’’. Dave said before bowing.
Celestia just smiled be her, Dave and the rest began heading toward the entrance of the maze and castle.
‘’I have a bad feeling about this’’ Dave thought to himself as he strolled behind the rest.
After what seemed like hours, Dave, Celestia and the others finally exited the Royal Garden, just as their protection spell began to wear off. ‘’O wee it sure is nice to finally be out of that maze’’ Apple Jack said with great relief.
‘’You said it… I feel like I could sleep for a week’’ Rainbow dash joked.
‘’We are almost to the entrance gate, my little ponies… there will be plenty of time to talk when we get inside’’ Celestia said to in order to keep the mood quiet.
As the eight of them approached the entrance of the gate leading to the castle, there stood two Pegasi guarding the entrance. As everyone got closer the two guards raised their hooves in salute before bowing to the princess. ‘’Good afternoon Princess’’ the two guards said in unison before stepping aside to allow the princess and her guests to pass. As the ponies pass the guards , their attention is immediately catch as Dave tries to pass , which causes them to raise their spears blocking his entrance.
‘’What do you think you are doing here monster’’ one of the guards called out.
‘’Why are you following the princess’’ the other guard said with just as much force.
Dave started to sweat as both guard pointed their spears closer to him, ‘’Um…’’ was all he could say before the princess intervened.
‘’Both of you stand down, this draconequus is with me’’ the princess said with a stern voice.
‘’ But Princess…’’ the guards said before they were interrupted by a annoyed look Celestia gave them.
‘’Y..yes princess… sorry princess’’ the two guards said nervously as they lowered their spears.
After finally lowing their weapons, Dave was able to pass and all eight of them headed toward the castle. When they finally got inside, Celestia guided everyone to her throne room where they can speak in private.
As Celestia took a seat in her throne, everyone including Dave bowed before her.
Celestia was the first to speak as she called Dave before the group and started to ask him question. The other ponies remained quiet as she spoke.
‘’I want you to know, Dave that I do believe you are not Discord… However I still need to be sure you are not a treat to my ponies or Equestria…So I need you to answer a few questions I have’’ the princess said in a calm voice. ‘’ One of my concerns is, if you are not Discord, then who are you?’’ Celestia calmly asked.
‘’ Dave thought long and hard on how to answer her until he decided to tell her the truth (or as much of it as he could without sounding crazy).
‘’I am not a draconequus…. I am a human’’ Dave said nervously. ‘’ I am still uncertain on how it happened, but I was a human when I went to bed and the next morning I was Discord. I came here by accident’’. Dave half lied.
All of the ponies were shocked by this, as they did not realize he was also an alien. Even the princess showed some surprise to this answer.
‘’ O ooooo, so that means you are an alien. I’ve always wanted to throw a welcome party for an alien’’ Pinkie said jumping up with glee.
‘’Now just hold on there a sec.’’ AppleJack said. ‘’ I am going to call horse feathers as that is honestly the silliest story I have ever heard’’.
‘’AJ’s right Dave/ Dipcord, or whatever your name is…. How are we to believe that you aren’t just making this up.’’ Rainbow said with some annoyance.
‘’Please settle down my little ponies, as I do believe ‘Dave’ here is telling the truth.’’ Celestia said in a understanding tone’’. ‘’Now if you could would you please be kind enough to answer more of my questions. Celestia asked.
‘’I will do my best to tell you everything you wish to know, your highness’’. Dave said as he bowed.
Celestia smiled at this as she continued on with her questions. ‘’Now I wish to know why you were snooping around my garden’’ she said in a more serious tone.
Dave became nervous because he did not know how exactly to answer her. He knew he could not tell her that she and the rest of the ponies were nothing more than a cartoon that he used to watch; they would think he was insane. Quickly Dave thought up a lie and hoped Celestia and the others would buy it.
‘’ When I first came here, I had accidently spawned myself into another ponies cottage, and as I embarrassingly fled…. I heard her scream the name ‘Discord’’. Dave half lied before continuing.
‘’As I fled through the town I had heard other ponies call me Discord and some even asked how I escaped the Royal Gardens as they ran’’. Dave lied again.
‘’I saw the castle from a distance and figured the garden they were talking about must be there and I also figure this Discord may have answers as to how I became like this… It was some time after this havoc that I ran into Twilight and the others’’. Dave said with confidence and a little uncertainty.
Celestia was quiet for a while which made Dave a little unsettled, before she finally began to speak with a smile on her face.
'' I completely understand and thank you Dave, I have confidence that you are not Discord and do not pose a serious threat to my student or any of my little ponies… however I do wish to speak with my student alone for a moment if that is ok with everypony’’. Celestia said calmly.
‘’Sure’’ everypony said as they began to exit the throne room. ‘’Dave’’ Celestia said immediately.
‘’Yes princess’’ Dave asked nervously. ‘’My student Twilight found this piece of your horn on the ground, I only wish to reattach it for you’’.
Calming down, Dave began to feel his horns before sure enough he felt the one that was damaged.
‘’T..thhthank you’’. He said as he approached Celestia.
Celestia’s horn began to glow as she levitated the piece of horn up to the damaged area and melded it back on. When she was finished Dave bowed before exiting with the others into the hallway.
‘’What is it you wanted to talk to me about princess… huh was he lying because if he was then we will surely turn him back to stone’’. Twilight angrily said.
‘’That won’t be necessary as I do not believe he wishes any harm on you or your friends… however I am going to be leaving the elements with you just encase’’.
‘’You can count on me princess’’. Twilight said with a solute. Celestia smiled at her student, before continuing to speak.
‘’Twilight though I wish for you to be cautious, I do not want you to make Dave feel uncomfortable… You and your friends may still believe he is Discord, but I believe him when he says he isn’t and I want you to try to find some way of changing him back and undoing whatever it is Discord did’’. Celestia said. ‘’I will keep a look out for the real Discord and alert you and your friends if he shows up. .. I also encourage you to help train Dave, as his magic may become useful if we do have to face off against Discord’’.
Twilight thought for a moment before looking up to her mentor with a serious face. ‘’I won’t let you down princess’’ Twilight said before bowing .
Celestia smiled before replying ‘’I know you won’t’’.
‘’Twilight until we can find a way to change him back and send him home, he is going to have to live with one of your friends, who he stays with I will let them decide… And I also want you to help him fit in in Ponyville’’.
Upon hearing this, Twilight gave one final bow before joining her friends.
As they arrived back a Twilights treehouse, Twilight began telling them about what her an Celestia talked about and that he was going to be staying with one of you guy.
‘’WHAT’’ the others yell in unison at that last part you can't be serious they all said.
‘’There is no way I am sharing a house with Dipcord’’. Rainbow said annoyed.
‘’I agree, he would likely mess up my ensemble with that chocolate rain of his’’ Rarity said with a huff.
‘’He made a liar out of me, Discord or not I’m not risking ma family or farm for him’’ AJ said pointing to Dave.
Upon hearing all of this negativity, Dave began to feel depressed as well as hurt that he is being blamed for something he did not do.
‘’I..I understand’’ Dave said sadly with some tears beginning to form. ‘’I will just go find some tree to live in the Everfree’’. Dave began walking toward the forest slowly leaving the other ponies with a hint of guilt with what they just said.
‘’You ponies should be ashamed of yourselves’’. Fluttershy said angrily.
‘’Sure Discord did some awful things to us in the past, but I believe Celestia when she says he is not Discord’’. And with that Fluttershy rushes over to Dave to ask him not to leave.
‘’Please do not leave’’ Fluttershy pleaded. My friends just need some time to get to know you is all.
‘’I don’t think they will ever trust me Fluttershy’’. Dave said between sniffs. ‘’Also I have nowhere to go, I was kicked out of my own home because of how I look’’. Dave said with more tears forming.
Upon hearing this, Fluttershy heart almost shattered. To think that such a horrible fate would come to anyone was just unthinkable.
‘’You can stay with me…I mean if you want to’’Fluttershy immediately said.
‘’Are you sure, I wouldn't want to impose and what would your friends say’’. Dave asked as began to rub his eyes.
‘’Off course I’m sure, and it is no bother’’Fluttershy said happily. ‘’Don’t worry about my friends, I am sure they will lighten up once they get to know the really you.
Dave smiled as he reached over and hugged Fluttershy. This surprised her but she returned the hug and smiled.
‘’Let’s go to my cottage… there I can introduce you to all my animal friends’’. Fluttershy said joyfully.
‘’That sounds nice’’ Dave said as he and Fluttershy head off toward hurt cottage, leaving the others to think about what they said.
A month had passed sense Dave had gone to live with Fluttershy in Ponyville, and things were not going well. The rest of the ponies still did not fully trust Dave, nor did any of the other ponies in Ponyville. To make matters worse, Dave was experiencing reoccurring nightmares, which haunted his dreams. The dreams would vary, and a lot of times Dave could not recall them the morning after, but he knew they were getting worse. and tonight was no exception.
"Ahhhhh!" Dave screamed as he awoke in the middle of the night.
Fluttershy, who was startled by the scream, ran to investigate the problem. Fluttershy found Dave sitting up in mid-air above the guest bed she set up in the living room. She could tell from the sweat on his face something was wrong.
"Oh my goodness, a-are you alright?" she squeaked in worry.
Dave, who had just come out of his shock, acknowledged Fluttershy and answered, "Yes, I'm fine, nothing to worry about... Sorry if I woke you up". Dave said in an embarrassed and saddened tone.
‘’Oh its ok I guess, I was just worried something bad happened’’. Fluttershy said with a sympathetic tone.
‘’Everything is just fine’’. Dave lied. ‘’You go back to bed’’. Dave said nonchalantly.
Fluttershy agreed though she could tell something was wrong from the expression on his face. When morning rose, Fluttershy awoke early so she could get started with the new day. As she headed out to feed her animals she heard Dave coming down from the guest room.
‘’Morning’’ Fluttershy said in a cheerful tone. Dave to said good morning but Fluttershy could tell something was wrong from the way he looked. Daves eyes were saggy and his voice croaked, as if he had not slept in a long time. Fluttershy new something was bothering him but felt it best to let him tell her on his own. Dave decided he was going to go to Twilights for more training, he was getting better but he still had trouble teleporting. Dave said his goodbyes to Fluttershy as he snapped his claw and vanished only to reappear under her sofa. Fluttershy could not help to to giggle at that. Dave decided to walk as he waved goodbye. As he walked through Ponyville, some of the residents would stare or try to avoid him, which depressed Dave, though he was still determined to prove he was not evil. Dave eventually made it to Golden Oaks Library where he was greeted by Twilight and a still sceptical Spike.
‘’Morning Dave… are you ready for you lesson today’’. Twilight asked in a cheerful tone.
‘’Yes’’ Dave said before sighing.
‘’ Is there something wrong’’ Twilight asked concernedly.
‘’I don’t want to talk about it’’ Dave said saddenly.
‘’I’m sorry , I did not mean to impose on your personal matters, but understand that me and the others are here for you if you feel like sharing ok’’ Twilight said in a soothing but worried tone.e
Dave smiled before walking into the library. As Dave finished his training for the day he decided he would try to help Twilights friends, in hopes they will come to trust him.
‘’Maybe I will go help AppleJack’’ Dave said before snapping his claw and vanishing. He appeared right outside of SweetApple Acres where he saw AppleJack and her family bucking apple trees and gathering the apples. As Dave headed toward AJ, an ominous figure watched from a distance, the only features visible was its misshaped eyes. As Dave approached AppleJack, he saw that she was hard a work bucking apples from the trees.
‘’Hi AppleJack’’ Dave said cheerfully from behind Aj. Nearly jumping out of her skin, AJ turns to greet Dave.
‘’Oh howdy there Dave, yall startled me’’ AJ said embarrassed.
‘’ I..I did not mean to startle you’’ Dave said with panic in his voice.
‘’ Oh it’s no problem…..So what brings yall here’’ AppleJack asked.
‘’ Oh I came to see if you needed any help’’ Dave said determinedly.
‘’ Oh well that’s mighty kind of ya, but I couldn’t trouble you like that’’ AppleJack said honestly.
‘’ Oh it’s no trouble, Twilight has been teaching me how to use my magic and I have really started to get the hang of it’’ Dave said as he snapped his talon before AJ could protest. Suddenly all of the trees in the orchard came to life and started to vigorously shake, casing all of the apples to fall off and landed in their baskets. After all the baskets were full , Dave snapped his talon again and all of the trees went back to normal. AppleJack just stood there with her mouth wide open at what would have taken her hours to finish, only took Dave seconds. Coming out of her shock, AppleJack turned to Dave to thank him.
‘’That was mighty kind of yall..Thanks’’ AJ said ‘’Because of you I have saved hours of work’’ she said gratefully.
‘’Don’t mention it’’ Dave said.
‘’Now if you will excuse me I will be off to see if any of your other friends might need help’’ Dave said happily.
‘’Bye, and thanks again, yall are welcome to come back anytime’’ AJ said as she waved goodbye.
Dave couldn’t help but to smile before snapping his claws and vanishing in a bright white light. After he left, AJ decided to start moving all the baskets to their storage area so they could be turned into that years cider, and other apple related pastries. But as AJ approached her first tree, something unexpected happened. All of a sudden a while light flash and the tree AJ was near came back to life only this time it bore a menacing face, that consisted of two mean looking eyes and a huge mouth with sharp wooden teeth. Instantly AppleJack backed up in horror as she watched the tree us its branches as arms and grab the basket of apple and devour all of them including the basket. As soon as it was finished, another flash of light brought the other trees to life and baring the same features, and they too began devouring all of the apples. When all of the apples were gone, another flash of light appeared and the trees returned to their normal, lifeless form. After a moment, AppleJack snapped herself out of her shock and instantly her fear turned to anger as all she could think about was bucking Dave all the way to Canterlot. Immediately, Applejack ran off to find Dave and give him a peace of her mind. As she left, the ominous figure vanished, with a grin on his face.
Dave reappeared outside of SugarCube Corner and entered accordingly. ‘’I wonder if Pinkie need and help’’ Dave pondered to himself. Almost as if Pinkie had heard him she bounces out of a nearby bush and startles Dave. ‘’Ahhh… where did you come from’’? Dave asked while still shocked from the ordeal.
‘’Hehe, I came from the bush silly’’ Pinkie said, ‘’ A better question is, why are you here’’ Pinkie asked.
‘’Oh I was wondering if you needed some help around here’’ Dave said.
Pinkie thought for a moment before answering Dave.
‘’No, sorry I already made a dozen batches of cupcakes for the Cakes so my jobs are done for right now’’. Said Pinkie.
‘’Oh’’ frowned Dave.
‘’I was trying to do something nice for all of you so you guys would like me better’’. Dave said sadly.
‘’ Silly I already like you’’ Pinkie said, ‘’You don’t have to impress me’’.
‘’Thanks Pinkie’’ Dave said while smiling.
‘’ Ooo oo, but if you don’t mind you could make me one of those chocolate rain clouds’’ Pinkie said excitingly.
‘’ Ah Pinkie I am not sure I should do that, what if it goes crazy’’ Dave said with worry.
‘’ O please, O please, o please with sugar on top’’ Pinkie begged.
‘’ O fine’’ Dave said before snapping his talon.
With a flash of light a small pink rain cloud appeared just above Pinkie and started to rain chocolate milk as well as little dollops of wiped cream. Pinkie gasped with excitement before opening her mouth to drink the chocolate milk.
‘’ Thank you, thank you, thank you’’ Pinkie repeated before hugging Dave and returning to the rain cloud.
‘’Your welcome Pinkie’’ Dave said with a smile, ‘’If you will excuse me I will be off’’. He waved goodbye before snapping his talon and vanishing.
Moments after vanishing, AppleJack spots Pinkie outside of SugarCube Corner drinking chocolate milk from a rain cloud.
‘’O no, not yall too’’ AJ said angrily
‘’ What do you mean, AppleJack, Dave gave me this delicious chocolate rain cloud’’ Pinkie said before drinking another mouth full.
‘’That varmint brought my trees to life and made them eat all of ma apples’’ AJ said, ‘’And I have a feeling he will do the same thing to you’’.
‘’Don’t be silly AJ, Dave would never do something so mean’’ as Pinkie finished her sentence, a flash of light happened and the chocolate rain turned red. Not noticing, Pinkie opened her mouth to get another mouth full before a burning sensation hit her taste buds and her mouth caught on fire. Immediately panicking she rushed back into SugarCube Corner and upstairs to the bathroom and started to drink a gallon of water from the bathtub. After a while of drinking, her mouth stopped burning and she was able to leave the room relieved that her mouth was not burning anymore. When she got outside, she noticed AJ was fuming after what happened
‘’See I told yall, let’s go warn the others, before he does something to them as well’’ Aj said before her and Pinkie ran off to find the others. As they ran, they pasted Carousel Boutique only to have all of Rarities clothes start dancing out of the boutique and headed toward the pond. Moments later they saw an enraged Rarity barge out with steam coming out of her ears.
‘’O when I get my hooves on him’’ Rarity said with anger.
‘’What happened’’ AppleJack asked.
‘’ Dave offered to help me make dresses and used his magic to make the needles and cloth come to life and sow themselves… all was going good until he vanished, then another flash of light happened and all of a sudden all my dresses got up and started to dance away, while doing so ruining some of my blue prints for future dresses’’ Rarity said sadly.
‘’This has gone too far’’ AJ said, we need to tell Twilight.
Fluttershy had just finished feeding her birds when Dave appeared in her living room. A bit started a first, she calmed down after she saw who it was.
‘’So what did you do today’’ Fluttershy asked.
‘’ I decided to help all of your friends with chores, except Rainbow Dash because she still does not trust me’’ Dave huffed at that last part.
‘’Well that sounds nice, and don’t worry I am sure Twilight and the others will warm up to you in time’’ Fluttershy said.
‘’ Ah man I forgot about Twilight, I’m sure there is something I could help her with’’ Dave said panicked.
Fluttershy could not help but to laugh at Dave’s determination. ‘’ Its fine, I am sure you can find something to help her with tomorrow’’ Fluttershy said gleefully.
‘’Maybe your right… Just as Dave finish that sentence there was a knock on the door. Fluttershy went to answer the door curious as to how it might be. As she opens the door she is greeted by the angered looks of her friends as they stand just outside of her cottage.
‘’Where is Dave’’ Twilight asked annoyingly.
Confused as to why everypony is upset, Fluttershy calls for Dave to come outside. Complying with Fluttershy, Dave snaps his talon and vanishes, only to reappear outside.
‘’What’s going on’’ Dave asked puzzled.
‘’O I think you know what’s going on, Dipcord’’. Rainbow Dash said in annoyance.
‘’ You ruined my dresses and my boutique’’ Rarity whined
‘’ Your magic trees ate all ma apples’’ AJ said angrily
‘’ Yau burnt ma tonge’’ Pinkie mumbled, showing her burnt tongue.
Dave was astonished, he had just helped them, and they were accusing all of this bad stuff on him.
‘’What are you guys talking about’’ Dave said puzzled, ‘’I undid all of my spells before I left’’ AppleJack, I picked all your apples, they were in their baskets when I left, and Rarity when your dresses were completed, I even putt all of the supplies away Dave said pleadingly, ‘’ and Pinkie how could my rain cloud burn your tongue, it was raining chocolate milk’’.
‘’Don’t lie and act like yall had nothing to do with this, because of you we are going to be months behind in our harvesting’’ AJ said.
‘’And do you have any idea how long it will take me to redesign those dresses’’ Rarity hissed.
‘’ Oow ma tonge’’ Pinkie said while messaging her tongue with her hooves.
Dave began to panic as the angry mares began to approach him while still cursing him out for these crimes he did not commit. Suddenly Twilight is the one to break up the bickering.
‘’Quiet it everypony’’ Twilight yelled, ‘’I am sure there is a logical reason why all of this has happened’’.
‘’Dave… what happened when you went to help everypony’’. Twilight asked.
‘’I was just leaving your house...when I decided to go help AppleJack on her farm, hoping I could get everyone to trust me instead of just assuming I was Discord’’. ‘’When I got there, I used my magic to bring her trees alive so that they would shake the apples free, once they did that, I undid the spell and left. ‘’ Pinkie was the next pony I visited, but she had no job for me to do, but instead asked me to make her a chocolate rain cloud, and so I did. ‘’Rarity was next; all I had did was enchant her needles and fabric so that they would sow and stitch themselves, with guidance from Rarity. ‘’When the clothes were finished I undid the spell and left; I had only just got home when all of you knocked on Fluttershy’s door’’. Dave explained.
‘’I see’’ Twilight said, I may know what happened she began to explain.
‘’Dave is still new to his magic and a lot of the spells he used were very advanced, it is possible that he had the knowledge on how to do them but wasn’t entirely sure how to undo them, so when he tried, the spells backfired and went out of control’’ Twilight said.
‘’Well if that is true then why did Pinkies raincloud start raining hot sauce’’ AppleJack asked.
‘’I can answer that one’’ Dave said, when she asked for one I warned her that it might not be good idea to make one, they are random and probably started to rain anything after a while’’.
‘’I.. I’m sorry, about everything I did not mean for those outcomes, I thought I had enough control’’ Dave said as tears fell from his eyes, ‘’ I guess I can only mess things up’’ Dave said sadly before walking back into Fluttershys cottage leaving the others with a pain of guilt.
‘’You ponies should be ashamed of yourselves, making assumptions without getting all of the facts first’’. Fluttershy angrily said before going inside. Her friends gave each other a saddened look before returning to their homes. Unbeknownst to everypony, an ominous figure stood off in the distances with an angered expression on his face, before vanishing. Later that night, Dave was have trouble sleeping as he was experiencing another nightmare.
‘’NOOOOO’’ was all Dave was able to scream before a rainbow of colours, formed a tornado around him and he slowly started to feel his body harden as he was frozen in place. When the tornado vanished, Dave was left standing there, completely turned to stone, as his stoned eyes view six ponies standing in front of him, giving him menacing stares. Suddenly a tall dark figure appeared behind them. As its misshaped eyes viewed into his stoned ones, all he saw and heard was this figure start to laugh manically before vanishing. That laughter continued to haunt him as it was a laugh he was very familiar with.
‘’Ahhhh’’ Dave said as he woke from his slumber, this dream was worse than the last one, Dave thought to himself. Suddenly Fluttershy came in worried.
‘’Are y…you ok’’ she asked, ‘’was it another nightmare’’. Dave nodded but insured her it was nothing and that he would get over it. Reluctant, Fluttershy eventually went back to bed leaving Dave alone to think.
‘’ That dream, it was similar to my previous one, only he was not in it last time’’ Dave thought to himself before drifting back to sleep.
A few days go by and Fluttershy is starting to worry about Dave, ever since her friends confronted him about the accidents he made, he’s become more depressed than he was before.
‘’Dave are you ok, would you like to talk about it’’ Fluttershy asked in a sympathetic tone.
‘’NO’’ was all Dave said in reply, knowing that he was hurt, Fluttershy thought for a while of a way to show Dave that he was not worthless. Fluttershy went to Twilight's home for advise a because Twilight was the only one of her friends willing at the moment that would give Dave the benefit of the doubt. She arrived at Golden Oaks Library just as Twilight was exiting.
‘’Oh hi Twilight’’ Fluttershy said.
‘’Hi Fluttershy…what brings you here?’’ Twilight asked.
‘’It..its Dave’’ Fluttershy stuttered.
‘’What, Did he do something again’’ Twilight asked with concern.
‘’Oh n..no, that’s not why I am here’’ Fluttershy explained. ‘’ I am here to ask for advice to cheer up Dave’’ she said.
‘’Oh’’ Twilight said with some guilt for being so accusing.
‘’I am beginning to worry.. he won’t even come out of his room and he has been waking up in the middle of the night because of nightmares that he continues to have’’ Fluttershy said with concern.
Twilight thought for a moment, as one of the things Princess Celestia had told her to do is to help him fit in. As she thought she eventually got an idea, but it would involve the cooperation of all of her friends.
‘’ How about we throw a party for him… As a way of saying sorry.’’ Twilight suggested. ‘’Pinkie Pie could help set things up in AppleJacks barn and we can show him that he is welcome.’’ Twilight said.
‘’Oh that sounds fantastic… I am sure that will make him happy.’’ Fluttershy said as her and Twilight went to tell the others of their plan. At first the others were a bit reluctant, except Pinkie but Twilight convinced them otherwise.
A few hours go by and the party was almost ready, so Fluttershy decided to go get Dave. As she arrive back at her cottage, she found a note laying on her door step. The note read:
[‘’Dear Fluttershy if you are reading this note then I would like you to know that I have decided to go live in the Everfree Forest. There I feel at least I can’t do any more harm with my magic, I am sorry for everything that happened and wish it did not have to come to this but, I don’t want to be where I am not welcome. I hope you can understand and want you to know that I have no hard feelings toward you, as you have done nothing but show kindness and friendship to me even when your friends had their doubts. I wish you and your friends well and goodbye friend.]
Sincerely
Dave.’’
Upon finishing the note, Fluttershy broke down in tears, as she ran back to SweetApple Acres to show everypony the note. When she returned to the barn, she immediately showed Twilight and the others the note she received. Shock and guilt ran through all of their minds as they finished reading the note.
‘’This is just plain awful’’ Rarity said sadly
‘’ I just fill sick to ma stomach, knowing that I had a part in leading him to do this’’ AppleJack said with tears.
‘’ Waaaaaaaaah’’ Pinkie cried
‘’ What are we going to do Twilight’’ Fluttershy asked as she wiped some tears from her eyes.
‘’We are going to go into the Everfree Forest to find him’’ Twilight said with confidence. ‘’ We need to show him that we care and that we are sorry.’’ Twilight preached.
The others were concerned about going into the Everfree but knew it was necessary to find Dave. So the ponies set off toward the Everfree Forest. When they arrived, they began to get second thoughts until surprisingly Fluttershy rushed into the forest first leaving the others to follow behind her. As they disappeared into the forest, a dark shadow behind them vanished as the entrance of the forest came out of sight. What felt like hours went by as the Mane 6 continued walking through the Everfree searching for Dave only to have no luck in locating him.
‘’This is hopeless’’ Rainbow Dash said in annoyance. ‘’ We have been walking forever and there is still no sign of him’’ she said.
‘’Oh no what if something bad happened to him’’ Fluttershy panicked.
‘’Girls calm down, we are going to find him’’ Twilight said with confidence.
‘’ But how do you know, what if he was attacked by those meanie weanie timber wolves or gobbled up by a Ursa Minor’’
Pinkie said as she vigorously shook Twilight, only to have her words frighten Fluttershy even more.
‘’Pinkie please.. everything is fine, we haven’t even ran into one ene….. was all Twilight managed to say before the bushes nearby began to rustle back and forth.
The ponies stood still, frozen in fear as they carefully watched the bushes, expecting a monster to jump out. To their relief, the rustling was caused by a small rabbit. The 6 ponies sighed in relief only to have a timberwolf jump out moments after the rabbit jump out of the bush and began to growl at the ponies. Nearby other timberwolves began to pop out of the other nearby bushes and began to inch toward the Mane 6 with the teeth bare. Twilight and her friends where terrified and began to flee deeper into the forest trying to escape from the timberwolves as they took chase. The timberwolves chased them into the deepest part of the Everfree Forest until they came upon a mountain side. Franticly looking around, with no prevail the ponies found they were corned by the timberwolves. The Mane 6 cowered in fear as the watched the timber wolves come ever closer. Suddenly just as they thought it was all over the timber wolves ears began to perk up and then without warning they fled as fast as they could through the foliage. The ponies stood there shocked and relieved that the timber wolves left until they learned what the timberwolves were fleeing for a reason. The ground began to shake under the ponies feet as something large approached them. Without warning a large tree tumbled over as a large four head hydra stumble out into the area the timberwolves once occupied. They ponies were frozen in fear as they looked upon this mighty beast. The hydra roared as loudly as it could, causing Fluttershy and the others to scream.
Earlier
It had felt like hours had passed since Dave left, but he knew he could not go back as no one wanted him there to begin with.
‘’I had hoped that I could have become friends with all of them… but it seems that all I was good for was messing things up.’’ Dave said as tears came to his eyes. ‘’ For as long as I could remember, I would mess things up and would disappoint those around me, I had hoped that things would be different but they just seemed to get worse and worse.’’ Dave said as he floated through the Everfree.
Dave sadly sighed as he began to think this was his fate as he approached a nearby cave he found that he was planning of turning into a home. As he approached the opening of the cave he heard a loud roar come from a short distance away that cause a bunch of birds to flee in fear.What caught his attention however, was the screams that he heard afterwards. Dave recognised those screams and immediately knew that they came from Fluttershy and her friends.
‘’FLUTTERSHY’’ Dave yelled in panic as he turned around and began running toward the source of the roaring. Realising that running was not fast enough, he decided to teleport but feared he would mess it up. As he heard the screams again he immediately threw that thought out of his head because he knew that teleporting was the best chance he had at saving them. Dave closed his eyes and thought for a moment on where he thought their screams were coming from as he prepared to teleport. ‘’If this does not work, they are dead’’ Dave gravely thought to himself as he snapped his claws and vanished.
The hydra stood there licking its lips as it approached the six ponies. Twilight and her friends prepared themselves for the end when out of nowhere a flash of light appeared and temporarily blinded the hydra.
‘’LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE’’ Dave yelled at the creature.
After regaining its vision the hydra angrily looks down at the creature that stood between it and its meal. As its four heads got a glimpse of Dave the hydra couldn't help but snicker at the thought that Dave could harm it. Taking the creatures snickering as a opening, he immediately turned around to informs the ponies to get out of the forest before turning back to face the beast once again. Reluctantly the ponies agree and they begin to run back the way they entered the forest. Noticing that its meal was getting away the hydra angrily turns to Dave feeling cheated and thought he would do as a replacement. One of the hydras heads instantly lunges at Dave only for Dave to vanish in a flash of light, causing the head that lunged at him to bash into the side of the mountain knocking it out cold. After reappearing Dave notices that the hydra is preparing to lunge again so he conjures up a pink raincloud that launches itself into one of the hydras mouths as it began its attack. The head that the pink cloud launched itself into began to cough out chocolate milk as it chocked. Now angered, the hydra uses its tail to hit Dave in the chest causing him to go flying into a nearby tree.
After getting far distance away Twilight and the others begin to worry about Dave and decides to go back but stay hidden so the creature does not find out they are there. When they return they see Dave confidently battle the hydra bylaunching a raincloud into one of the hydras mouths. They silently cheer for Dave to defeat the hydra until the hydra swings its tail, hitting Dave into a tree. Fluttershy putts her hooves over her mouth as she fears for Dave's safety.
Quickly recovering from the blow Dave looks up only to find the one of the two remaining heads begin to lunge at him. Dave quickly vanishes and reappears above the hydra. Dave snaps his claw and a large zipper covers one of the hydras mouths, closing it shut. Angered final head roars in detest before lunging one more time at Dave. Unfortunately the head misses and pink raincloud to appears above it and begins to rain hot sauce. The final head roars in pain as the hot sauce makes its way into the hydras eyes, mouth and nose. Flames soared from the hydras mouth as it roared In pain franticly looking for water, eventually it found no other choice but to flee from Dave. Feeling victorious, Dave landed back on the ground, only to collapse moments later as exhaustion does its toll on Dave as he passes out. When he awoke he found he was not in the forest anymore but was in AppleJacks barn instead as Twilight and the others stood near him in worry.
‘’Oh thank goodness you are alright’’ Twilight said with relief.
‘’Darling we were awfully worried you were hurt from that ordeal’’ Rarity said.
‘’ That was awesome, how you stood up to that hydra’’ Rainbow Dash said with excitement.
‘’ O thank you, thank you, thank you’’ Pinkie repeated as she hugged Dave for saving her.
‘’But I don’t understand, I thought you guy hated me’’ Dave said confusedly.
‘’Oh heavens no darling, we would never feel that way, sure we may have gotten a bit made when your spells backfired but you have become very enjoyable to be around. Rarity said.
‘’Yeah, yall have done nothing but try to be kind to us even when we seem to be jerks to you’’ AppleJack said honestly.
‘’You make delicious chocolate rain, you even ad whipped cream’’ Pinkie said.
‘’I guess what we are all trying to say is we are sorry for making you feel unwelcomed’’ Twilight said before she and the others joined Pinkie in a group hug. Dave could not help but to smile to this.
‘’O I almost forgot, surprise’’ Pinkie said as she pointed to the party banter.
‘’As our way of apologizing for being so mean to yall and to thank yall for saving us, Twilight here suggested we throw you a party. Applejack said.
‘’Enough chatting let’s get this party started’’ Rainbow Dash said.
Dave smiled as he final began to feel excepted.
‘’Dave’’ Fluttershy said.
‘’Yes Fluttershy’’ Dave answered.
‘’ I was hoping you would sing a song with me.’’Fluttershy said
‘’But Fluttershy, I…I’m not sure I know how to sing and I don't know the lyrics.’’ Dave said honestly.
'' Just sing from the heart'' Fluttershy said.
Before they could talk anymore, Twilight levitated two microphones over to them as Pinkie began to play some music and the others cheered them both to sing.
‘’O what the heck’’ Dave said smiling at Fluttershy. Fluttershy smiled to as she began to sing.
[Fluttershy] ‘’ You think you'll always be stuck exactly the same But that's just because you haven't tried a different game I can show you the world in a new way Accept my friendship and let me brighten your day’’
[Dave] ‘’ What is this feeling I can't seem to hide? This feeling that I'm more than meets the eye Is this the dawn of a new me? Perhaps chaos isn't the only thing I'm meant to be’’
Twilight and the others cheer from the background.
[Both] ‘’ Your friendship feels like magic And this change feels so drastic We found something fantastic And I don't wanna let it go Because your friendship feels like magic And every second's less tragic We have something fantastic And I don't wanna let it go’’
Dave hugged Fluttershy as he continued to sing.
[Dave] ‘’ I'll be there for you If you'll be there for me If we can work together Friends we can forever be’’
[Fluttershy] ‘’ I'll be there for you If you'll be there for me I've been waiting to hear that all along My friendship is yours to keep’’
[Both] ‘’ Your friendship feels like magic And this change feels so drastic We found something fantastic And I don't wanna let it go Because your friendship feels like magic And every second's less tragic We have something fantastic And I don't wanna let it go’’
The other ponies clapped louder as their song came to a close.
‘’ Your friendship feels like magic And this change feels so drastic We found something fantastic And I don't wanna let it go Because your friendship feels like magic And every second's less tragic We have something fantastic And I don't wanna let it go.’’
Both Dave and Fluttershy bowed as they finished and the others cheered them on. Dave finally felt happy for the first time in a while, and he final felt accepted. The party continued, late through out the night. A ominous shadow lurked outside, vanished as it was not pleased with this turn of events. Dave finally felt that he could look forward to tomorrow.
[ I would just like to give fare warning to those of you who have not seen the two part opener of Season 4.] This story contains spoilers, so it is advised to watch the season 4 opener before you read.
Dave awoke to find himself in a small dark cave; with the only light emitting was a blue glow deep within the cave. Curiosity compelled Dave to approach the source of the light, as he got nearer the light became brighter. As the source of the light came into view; Dave was astonished at what he saw, standing before him was a glowing blue tree with each branch possessing a pod that once held one of the Elements of Harmony. Dave found himself compelled to approach the wonderful tree and as he did the tree began to glisten as he reached out to touch the tree; still astonished by its beauty. As his talon touch the trees trunk his eyes began to glow white as he experience a flashback.
2000 years ago
Dave found himself standing in what looked like a medieval Equestria as everything looked old fashioned. The homes throughout the town were just small huts made with cloth and hay with sticks holding up them up. As Dave walked deeper into the small town he realised that the town was Ponyville or at least it would be eventually. Wondering why the tree would send him here, he decides to ask one of the nearby ponies for help. He approaches a red Pegasus with a mane and tail that consisted of 3 colors, red, blue, and green. The Pegasus also had a blue flame with a yellow lightning bolt going through it as a cutie mark. He also had a blue tint on the tip of his feathers.
‘’ Excuse me but do you know where I am’’ Dave asks but the Pegasus does not reply. So Dave spoke up a bit.
‘’ I am not sure you heard me… I am lost and was hoping…’’’ that was all Dave managed to say before a loud rumble from the center of the town caught both Dave’s and the Pegasus’s attention. There in the center of the small town was a crater where large black tendrils coming had burst out of the ground, these same tendrils then started to tear the town apart. Ponies were fleeing left and right as the tendrils continued to grow and envelop the town. Some tendrils managed to capture two earth ponies and dragged them to the center. Without thinking Dave snapped his claw but to no avail as nothing happened. He snapped them again but was met with the same result; whatever had brought him here must have disabled his powers. ‘’But why’’ Dave thought to himself as the ponies got closer to the crater. Suddenly the red Pegasus quickly flew toward the tendrils that held the two ponies captive. With one powerful kick the Pegasus was able to get the tendril to let go of the ponies. As soon as they landed they immediately fled. Now angered the tendrils began to swipe at the red Pegasus only he was too quick for and they missed. Out of nowhere a blue beam was fired at the tendrils causing them to dissolve. Surprised by this Dave glances over to where the beam originated and was stunned by what he saw. Standing before him was the most beautiful Alicorn he had ever seen, she stood tall and radiant with a cyan blue coat and a flowing silver mane and tail. Her cutie mark resembled that of Twilights only with a rainbow rapping around it. Her rainbow colored eyes glistened with intent as she approached the Pegasus.
‘’Princess Harmonous’’ the red Pegasus stallion said before bowing. Harmonous only smiled as she told the Pegasus to get the others as their presence was required. ‘’ Your bows are thoughtful, Lightning Blaze but I require you and your friends assistance.’’ The alicorn said. ‘’Yes your highness’’, Lightning Blaze said before retreating to get his friends. ‘’Who are they’’ Dave wondered to himself as he approached the alicorn. As Dave got nearer to the Alicorn he noticed her expression changed from that of happiness to sorrow, the Pegasus returned moments later with 4 other ponies with him; the other ponies consisted of two earth ponies, one unicorn and one Pegasus, each pony was also a different color. The 5 ponies gathered around the alicorn as she began to tell them what was wrong.
‘’My little ponies, I am glad you all came as I have urgent news, the Tree of Life is in jeopardy and I need you 5 to help me save it.’’ Harmonous said in a sad but subtle manner. The 5 ponies gasped at what they heard but quickly snapped themselves out of it., ‘’ You can count on us princess’’ a blue unicorn spoke up as he raised a hoof to his head, soon the others followed in the solute. ‘’I knew I could count on you’’ the princess said before turning to what appeared to be the Everfree Forest. ‘’I give fair warning, the Forbidden Forest is packed with danger you must be alert at all cost’’ the alicorn said with a firm voice. The other ponies became a bit nervous but shook it off before following the princess into the forest.
As soon as the ponies entered the forest Dave immediately followed after them. As they ascended deeper into the Everfree Forest, the vines and foliage became more gruesome and hideous each passing step making the plants in the Everfree Forest he knew look like roses growing in a flat meadow in comparison. As they ventured deeper they stumbled across an injured timberwolf or at-least Dave assumed it was one. Its figure was a similar build as a timberwolf except its body wasn’t made of timber and sticks but freshly cut wooden planks, perhaps it was some form of subspecies to the timberwolf. Dave watched closely as the alicorn walked closer to the creature, it whined in pain as it tried to flee but was unable, once the alicorn was within reach of the wolf, her horn began to glow as she lower her head toward the wound of the timberwolf. Instantly the wound began to glow and the split wood started to seal itself. Now healed the timberwolf stood up and looked at its leg before licking the princess and running off back into the forest. After the wolf fled the 6 ponies continued through the Everfree with Dave tagging along behind them. It seemed like hours had passed before they finally reached a small ravine near where the Castle of the Twin Sister were supposed to be only there was no castle. Nearby was a set of stairs leading to the bottom of the ravine, Dave followed as the 5 ponies and alicord ascended down the stairs and into a cave carved right into the cliff side. As the entered Dave began to recognise the cave as it was the one he was in before the tree brought him here. A faint glow came into view as the ponies turned the corner, sure enough stand right in front of them was the Tree of Life, and it was the same tree Dave saw in the cave before coming here only it was different, besides the vines that was squeezing the life out of it, he noticed that the element pods were not on the tree nor any of the cutiemarks. Then it dawned on Dave,
‘’ This must be the past’’ Dave said to himself. ‘’Maybe this tree is showing me something’’. Dave immediately snapped out of his thought when a flash of light appeared above the tree. After uncovering their eyes the ponies and Dave were shocked at who they saw hovering above the tree. Floating before them was Discord who had a large grin on his face as he looked down toward the 6 ponies. ‘’ Oh oh oh what have we here’’ Discord said with while chuckling to himself.
‘’A.a draconequus’’ the shock princess sputtered. ‘’ What are you doing here you foul creature; and what have you done to the Tree of Life?’’. Harmonous said with fury in her voice. ‘’Now now my dear I do have a name and that name is Discord, It would be ever so kind of you to address me as such’’ Discord said with a grin. ‘’ I don’t care what your name is monster, undo everything you have caused right now’’ the alicorn said now raging in anger.
‘’ Hahahahah. Oh you are sooo hilarious when you are angry’’ Discord said while coiling around her. ‘’ It’s all in good fun my dear’’ Discord said before vanishing back to his original position. '' See how much nicer the tree looks now'' Discord laughed as he pulled out a camera and took a picture.
‘’ Your playtime is over, fix this now’’ the alicorn demanded.
‘’Oh I doubt that’’ Discord said '' I am the master of chaos, I don't do orders. In a flash of light a small hammock appeared with one side tied the Tree of Life and another tied to one of his vines. In another flash Discord is seen laying down on the hammock with a soda in hand while he relaxed. Infuriated and saddened the Alicorn princess turned to the frightened ponies with a saddened expression.
‘’ I know how to save the tree… but you ponies must promise that whatever happens, you won’t stop.’’ The princess said. Confused, the ponies reluctantly promised as the princess explained to them what to do.
‘’ Ok I need the 5 of you to touch the tree’’ she said. '' But once you touch it , you mustn't let go'' she said firmly. Without hesitation the 5 ponies approached the tree and placed their hooves on the bark of the trunk. Immediately the 5 ponies began to glow and 5 pods grew on the branches of the tree, each pod began to form a chrystal that were the same colors as the 5 ponies. As soon as these chrystals appeared, Harmonous’s horn began to glow extremely bright, and she touched the tree bark with her horn. As she held her horn to the trunk of the tree, she cried out in pain before collapsing to the ground, the 5 other ponies noticed this but knew they could not let go of the tree as they had promised and continued to hold on to the trunk, within moments a large silver 6 faced star appeared on the trunk of the tree. I opened revealing a small purple chrystal that also looked like a 6 faced star and then clamped itself in the center of the larger star. Once all the chrystals had formed the tree began to glow a brilliant light as the tree began to shake. Discord who was asleep at the time was awoken by the trees shaking and was stunned by what he saw. Before he was able to snap out of his confusion, the tree began to emitted a vibrant colourful wave that flew out toward Discord. The wave destroyed the vines as it flew outward through the Everfree Forest leading back toward the town. Discord shielded his eyes form the light before the wave hit him, instantly turning him to stone before starting to fade. Discord's statue fell to the ground, still bearing the position of him shielding his eyes. The 5 ponies gathered around the fallen alicorn, trying very hard to awaken her. But unfortunately she would not wake up. The ponies just sat there crying over their fallen princess who had given her life to save the tree. Even Dave was in tears, suddenly the elements began to react and a small rainbow shot out toward the alicorn, a small tornado formed around her body as the other ponies stepped back. As soon as the tornado faded the ponies bore a look of shock as they realised the princesses body was no longer there but in its place was a small blue chest with rubies around it. Inside the chest were two tiaras one golden with 2 little triangular spikes on either side of the rim and a larger one in the middle of the two triangles. In the center of the largest triangle was a small red ruby shaped like a diamond. The second tiara was black with the same spikes but was smaller and had no ruby in the center. The ponies found a note under the tiaras that read:
{‘’ I know it must have been difficult for what you had to do, but do not morn my death as you ponies have done a wonderful deed. You have made the Tree of Life better. You have turned it into the Tree of Harmony, the elements this tree has forged will keep this land and forest safe from those who wish to cause grief and disharmony for eons to come. In this chest you will find two tiaras; they are to be given to the ponies that can command the sun and the moon, they are the true heirs to the thrown.’’}
As the 5 ponies finished reading the letter, they looked up toward the tree that was now glowing, below the star on the trunk two symbols appeared, one was that of the sun the other the moon. The red Pegasus stood forward with a stern look as he spoke firmly.
‘’ Our princess might be gone, but her spirit lives on in the Tree of Harmony. Let us never forget the sacrifice she made today as she not only saved the tree but all of Equestria from these horrible vines that were formed by the draconeqqus Discord as well as turning him to stone. Shall her spirit live on through these 6 elements; the Elements of Harmony.''
As soon as his speech was over a white flash enveloped everything, as the flash subsides, we see Dave standing there with his paw still on the trunk of the tree as his eyes began to revert back to normal. As Dave’s eyes returned to normal, Dave heard a silent whisper in his ear. ‘’YOU ARE NOT CHAOS’’ was all Dave heard as he backed away from the tree. As he looked around, he noticed he was back in the cave, not the one from the flashback, the real one as he looked at the tree he noticed the elements were missing, confirming this is after they were taken from the tree. As Dave was about to leave, he noticed that the tree was not glowing like it was in the flashback, suddenly a rumbling noise erupted and started to shake the entire cave as large black vines burst out of the ground and started to rap around the tree. Dave immediately ran toward the tree to try to save it but one of the vines rapped around him and held him in place as it continue to grow around him. As the vines rapped around the last part of him, the last thing Dave heard was maniacal laughter from the distance as the vine enveloped the rest of him. The laughter was one he recognised all too well.
‘’Ahhhh’’ Dave screamed as he opened his eyes and sat up in a cold sweat, as he regained his bearings he noticed that it was still the middle of the night and that he was no longer in that cave with the Tree of Harmony but instead he was in AppleJacks barn. As he looked around he noticed the Mane 6 peacefully sleeping on the hay bed he had fallen asleep on. As he looked around he noticed the glasses of punch and half eaten cake that were sitting on a nearby table as well as the cupcake rappers and frosting that covered Pinkie as she slept. ‘’ Was everything I just saw just a dream’’ Dave thought to himself before dosing off again. As he slept, a small black weed began to grow outside of SweetApple Acres as a silent laugh was heard from a distance away.
It was early the next morning when the group was awoken by a loud scream, startled Dave and the others ran outside to see who was screaming. AppleJack stood just outside the gate leading into SweetApple Acres that was now covered in large black vines with thorns on them. As the others looked around the saw that the entire barn and apple field was covered by the same black vines, as they peered up into the sky they saw the strangest phenomenon that has ever a cured. In the sky hovered both the sun and the moon who stood side by side as well as grotesque black clouds with thorns coming out of them. Twilight was the first to ask what happened. ‘’Applejack where did all the vines come from and what happened to the sky ’’ Twilight asked.
‘’Can’t say I got a clue Twilight, I just woke up this morning and they were everywhere’’ AJ answered. ‘’They are even covering Ponyville.
The ponies gasped as they saw the vines slowly engulfing Ponyville. Dave tried to get rid of the vines with his magic but more just keep growing faster than he could get rid of them. As the vines continued to grow, the sky began to get darker as wild Everfree clouds stared to swarm the area. But most shockingly, up in the sky both the sun and the moon sat still as day in the sky, making a weird phenomenon happened that caused it to be both day and night. The ponies were shocked by this. Dave stood in shock, as he saw the tentacles from his nightmare become a reality.
‘’Whh..what’s going on?’’ Fluttershy studdered.
‘’I have no idea…but we need to warn Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’’ Twilight said.
As if on cue, Spike was seen running toward the ponies with a letter in hand and a large blue chest. As he approached the others, they bore expressions of relief and confusion as to why the baby dragon was out here with all of the dangerous vines.
‘’Spike’’Twilight exclaimed. ‘’What are you doing out here?...It’s dangerous’’
‘’I received this letter from one of the royal guards.’’ Spike stated with worry.
‘’What did it say?’’ Twilight asked.
‘’ It said that both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had gone…. MISSING’’ Spike said with worry. Twilight and the others gasped in horror upon hearing that message as they feared the worst for their rulers.
‘’I also brought the Elements of Harmony just encase it became dangerous’’ Spike said as he opened the chest revealing the Elements of Harmony.
Twilight thanked Spike as she took the chest and gave each of the ponies their respectful elements before turning back to the others. The other ponies quickly put their elements around their necks as they prepared on what they would do next.
‘’What are we gonna do Twilight’’ Applejack asked with worry.
‘’The first thing we need to do is find out were these vines are coming from, as they may have some connection to their disappearance.
‘’I might have an idea’’ said Dave nervously. The others looked at Dave for a moment before asking what he knew about.
‘’Wait wait wait, hold the phone here… How do you know what is happening’’ Rainbow Dash said with suspicion in her eyes. ‘’You did not do this did you’’ she said coldly.
‘’WHAT! No I would never, I merely know do to a dream I had last night.’’ Dave said still a little nervous. The ponies stared at him with confusion, as they pondered what he meant. Signing Dave took a deep breath before continuing.
‘’ Last night I had a dream that I was in a cave, deep into the Everfree Forest, but I was not alone as a giant majestic tree stood before me, as I touched it I had this weird flashback were I was in the past and I got to see what Ponyville looked like back then as well as to how the tree came to be, but also in the flashback I saw those same tentacles that were trying to destroy the town. I followed a group of ponies into the Everfree Forest were the tentacles were originating from and followed them until they came upon a tree in a cave nearby the old Castle of the Twin Sisters. As the tree came into view I noticed that it was the same tree from before except it was different. Besides its obvious appearance change it had those same vines wrapping around it as they were squeezing the life out of the tree and …’’
‘’WHOA whoa whoa, what does a tree have to do with these vines’’ Rainbow Dash interrupted
‘’I wasn’t finished’’ Dave said with his hand on his hips.
‘’That doesn’t matter now, if what Dave said has any merit then the Everfree Forest is our best bet on finding out what happened’’ Twilight said before gulping. ‘’ Can you teleport us to the Everfree Forest entrance’’ Twilight asked.
‘’I can try’’ Dave said as he walked closer to the others. As the ponies huddled around Dave, Dave closed his eyes as he concentrated on the Everfree Forest. As the image came into view, he immediately snapped his claws and him and the Mane 6 vanished. Standing by a nearby building a shadowy figure smiled as it laughed to itself. ‘’its show time’’ the figure said before it to vanished.
Reappearing just outside of the Everfree Forest, Dave and the others stood there looking at the entrance to the creepy forest. Dave was a bit drained after teleporting so many ponies at once but quickly shock it off as there were more important things to worry about than rest. Dave and the others stood there in fear as they looked upon the horrifying forest that now had large vines coming out of it. After a moment Dave decides to take the first steps toward the forest, as he was about to take his first step into the forest a nearby bush began to rustle causing Dave to step back in shock. As the bush continued to shack, Dave and the others prepare for the worst when all of a sudden a small pink filly comes bouncing out of the bush heading toward Dave. As soon as the filly got within a hoofs distances from Dave, she tackled him to the ground before staring straight into his eyes. As Dave stared he noticed the pony had a swirly purple mane and tail with a white stripe running through it as well as a small orange propeller hat with a green propeller, he also notice her cutie mark which was just a screw and a baseball. But most noticeably were her large swirling purple eyes that were staring into his mismatched ones. Before Dave could speak the little filly jumped off of him and bounced back into the forest while giggling to herself.
‘’Who in the hay was that?’’ AppleJack asked
‘’ I am curious of that too as I have never ever seen that pony in Ponyville before and I should know because I know everypony’’ Pinkie said
‘’Buu…but why would she go into such a scary place like the Everfree Forest’’ Fluttershy asked, nervously.
‘’ Now is not the time to ask questions, we need to find that filly and ensure she is safe as well as confirm whether or not the tree from Dave’s dream is real.’’ Twilight said sternly.
Everypony gulp before venturing into the Everfree Forest. As the ventured deep into the forest they began to see more and more vine grow around the forest making it even more deadly and frightening than it was before. What seemed like hours passed before they finally reached a clearing and was able to see the ruins of the old castle resting just on the other side of the ravine.
‘’We are finally here, but where is the tree and the little filly we haven’t seen either of them sense we came in’’ RainbowDash said.
‘’ Well it looks like there is no tree so let’s go home now’’ Fluttershy said nervously before trying to run only to be stopped by Apple Jack.
‘’ Wait there’s the cave I saw in my dream’’ Dave said as he peered over the ravine. ‘’ Look there’s even the glow from the tree’’ he said as he pointed toward the cave.
‘’ It can’t be’’ Rainbow Dash said before seeing the cave for herself.
‘’ But how are we going to get down there’’ Twilight asked.
‘’ From what I could remember from my dream there should be a row of… Dave was immediately interrupted by Pinkie pie as she began to tumble down a row of stair.
‘’Stairs’’ Dave finished as Pinkie landed at the bottom.
‘’I found them’’ Pinkie shouted out to the others.
Dave and the others quickly descended the flight of stairs as they approached the cave. At the entrance of the cave they saw huge vines coming out of it leading out into the forest as well as a dim glow that was slightly brighter now that they were closer. As they were about to enter the little filly from before jumped out from behind a rock near the entrance before bouncing into the cave.
‘’Wait’’ Dave shouted before running into the cave, prompting the others to do the same.
As they entered the cave they were astonished and saddened by what they saw. They saw a now faded trees emitting a dim glow as large vines were wrapped around the tree, squeezing the life out of it. Dave walked up to the little filly and picked her up before walking back toward the others.
‘’ That tree does not look too well’’ RainbowDash stated.
‘’ The poor thing looks like it is dying’’ Fluttershy said sadly.
‘’ Well let’s not just stand here, let’s get rid of these here vines.’’ AppleJack said before rushing toward the tree and grabbing one of the vines. The others followed pursuit as they too began to attack the vines but to no avail. The vines were sprouting faster than they could get rid of them.
‘’ It’s hopeless, they are too fast’’ Applejack complained.
‘’ I think I might know how to stop them’’ Dave mentioned. ‘’ In my dream…’’ that was all Dave was able to say before the entrance to the cave was covered by vines. As soon as the entrance was blocked, the little filly jumped out of Dave’s arms as she ran up to one of the vines and started to play’s with it.
‘’ No get away from those they are too dangerous’’ Dave called out to the small filly.
‘’ Oh I beg to differ, Muhahahahaha’’ An anonymous voice announced.
‘’ Wh-who said that’’ Dave stuttered as he and the others franticly looked for the source of the voice.
All the heard was a soft laughter echo through the cave before a blinding flash of light illuminated the dark cave as an all too familiar face appeared above the tree, laughing . As Dave and the others unshielded their eyes they were shock at who they saw. Standing there, floating just above the tree was Discord.
" DISCORD"! Dave and the others shouted as they looked up at their old foe.
‘’DISCORD’’! Dave and the others shouted as they looked up at their old foe.
‘’Did you miss me Twilight Sparkle because I certainly missed you’’ Discord said with a smirk on his face.
‘’ I should have known you were behind this’’ Twilight shouted at the draconequus.
‘’ Hahaha while I would love to take full credit I must give credit where credit is due’’ Discord smiled as he continued. ‘’ Dave my boy I would not have been able to do it without your contribution’’ he said with a grin.
‘’WHAT’’!!! The ponies shouted in unison, even Dave was shocked by what he had just heard.
‘’ No y-you lie I would never help you, I hate you’’ Dave shout.
Discord just laughed as he snap his claws causing a movie projector and screen to appear. ‘’Since you don’t remember then why don’t I remind you’’ Discord stated as he started the projector.
FLASHBACK
‘’ I am so freaking lost’’ Dave said aggravated. He felt that if he ran into on more dead ends he would explode. As he venture on, something in the distant caught his intention, the silhouette of a weird looking statue came into view. Dave began running toward the statue believing it to be Discord. Sure enough Dave found himself standing before the very creature he was looking for. Dave had a confused look on his face as he stared at the statue. Discord sat there with his arms stretched out and bore a look of horror on his face just as he had at the end of ‘’ Return of Harmony part 2’’
‘’ How can this be, I was positive he was free; how else could he have turn me into this?’’
Puzzled Dave slowly approached the statue and laid his paw on it. The statue was very cold and lifeless and seemed to appear as if it had been that way all this time. As Dave removes his paw something unexpected happened, Discord’s statue began to crack and crumble. Panic struck Dave as he witnessed the statue breaking and was frightened that he had just released the lord of chaos himself. But to his surprise the statue just crumbles down to a pile of broken stone as if it was hollow.
‘’You see I would have never been able to escape had you not touched my statue with your paw, your obsession with finding me lead to you releasing me from that extremely uncomfortable stone prison. Discord narrated ‘’ It was there I was able to exact part 2 of my plan’’ as he stated as the projector switched to another memory.
Dave awoke to find himself in a small dark cave; with the only light emitting was a blue glow deep within the cave. Curiosity compelled Dave to approach the source of the light, as he got nearer the light became brighter. As the source of the light came into view; Dave was astonished at what he saw, standing before him was a glowing blue tree with each branch possessing a pod that once held one of the Elements of Harmony. Dave found himself compelled to approach the wonderful tree and as he did the tree began to glisten as he reached out to touch the tree; still astonished by its beauty. As his talon touch the trees trunk his eyes began to glow white as he experience a flashback.
‘’ Once you touched the Tree of Harmony with your chaotic magic, your magic drained the tree of any remaining magic allowing my plunder seeds to grow and crush the tree with its vines. As the flashback ended the projector turned off and then vanished.
‘’So now do you see how much help you have been, I seriously could not have done it without you Muhahahahahahahaha.’’ Discord laughed. The Mane 6 stood there shattered, as they started to have doubts in Dave after seeing the video. Dave however was the most broken as he just blankly stood there staring at what he caused. He broke out into tears as he fell to his knees crying.
''No but that last one was a dream, there is no way that was real'' Dave stated
''Oh but it was'' Discord laughed.
‘’What have I done’’ Dave stated sadly.
‘’Oh poor Dave’’ Discord said as he patted Dave on the head.
‘’ You are a monster Discord’’ Twilight said in anger. ‘’ And we will defeat you’’ as she said this her element as well as the others began to glow as they were pulled closer together. A majestic rainbow shot into the air and headed toward Discord, who was just standing there with a smile on his face as he filed his talon with a nail file. The rainbow hit Discord as a tornado began to form around him; the ponies were putting everything they had into maintaining the rainbow. As the tornado began to subside, the ponies were confident that Discord was reverted to stone until they saw him standing there giggling to himself.
‘’Are you quite finished’’ Discord said to the now shocked ponies.
‘’Don’t be too shocked, the Tree of Harmony is the source of the Elements power, if the tree is weakened so are they’’ Discord chuckled.
The ponies sat down devastated that their last hope did not work, just then 6 large vines burst out of the ground and snatched the ponies holding them in the air as the little pink filly is seen sliding down one of the vines.
‘’Now Screwball, what did I tell you about playing with the vines’’ Discord said nonchalantly as the vines began to squeeze the 6 ponies. Screwball held her head down low before bouncing away.
‘’LET THEM GO’’ Dave screamed with anger at Discord who just chuckled in response.
‘’ I don’t think I will’’ Discord said with a smirk.
Angered, Dave raises his talon and snaps his claw only to have nothing happen. He tries again but to no prevail. No matter how many times the white flash appears over the vines they still remain unharmed. Discord just laughs at Dave’s attempts to save his friends.
‘’Hahaha , oh you are so hilarious’’ Discord said. ‘’Did you really believe your magic would be able to disable mine’’
‘’Please let them go, I will do anything’’ Dave began to cry as he utter those words.
‘’ Anything’’ Discord said as he drummed his fingers together. ‘’ Alright I’ll let them go if you promise to become my apprentice’’ Discord said.
‘’ WHAT! No I would never join you’’ Dave said coldly to the draconequus.
‘’Well suit yourself’’ Discord said as he snapped his fingers causing 6 "Ponadentrens" to appear above the Mane 6. ‘’Dinner time’’ Discord said as the black plants opened their mandibles to attack.
‘’No wait….You-you win I will be your apprentice’’ Dave said holding his head down low.
‘’NO’’ the six ponies screamed toward Dave, but he was not listening.
‘’Excellent’’ Discord stated as he snapped his fingers; causing the Elements of Harmony to vanish off of the ponies and into his hands.
‘’As proof of our new found partnership, I want you to destroy the Elements of Harmony’’. Discord said with an evil grin.
‘’What, w-why me, can’t you do it.’’ Dave said, shocked at what he was expected to do.
‘’As much as I would love to get rid of these trinkets, my magic simply won’t work on them even in a weakened state.’’ Discord said as he handed Dave the elements.
‘’B-but my magic is the same as yours, it won’t work either.’’ Dave said hoping that Discord would give him another task.
‘’Only one with a pure heart could hope to damage them, even though you have my magic the elements won’t negate yours magic like they would mine… now take them’’ Discord said in a aggravated tone. Dave reluctantly took the elements and held them in his hands, he stared at them for what seemed like minutes before turning to look at the Tree of Harmony. The trees light was nearly depleted as the vines continued to strangle the tree. He then looked up to Twilight and the others who were shaking their heads for him not to do it. Finally he looked back at Discord who was giving him a hurrying gesture before he looked back down at the elements. So many thoughts started running through his mind but one thought caught his attention, it was a memory ‘’ YOU ARE NOT CHAOS’’. Snapping out of his stupor, he looked down in shame as he apologized for what he was about to do.
‘’I’m sorry’’ Dave said as his hand began to glow.
‘’NOOOOOOO’’ the ponies screamed but Dave did not listen.
With a flash the elements vanished leaving as small plume of smoke where they once were. The ponies were in tears as they saw the elements vanish believing all hope was now lost to them. Pleased with what has transpired, Discord began to gloat about the elements destruction. In a flash Discord vanished only to reappear by Twilight who was just as lost as the other ponies. Discord leaned in as he said ‘’ You’r precious elements are gone’’ Discord said while leaning back. ‘’I’m free forever hahaha’’ Discord laughed before snapping his claws causing the ponadentrens to continue their attack.
‘’ Hey we had a deal’’ Dave screamed in anger.
‘’ I am Discord, the master of chaos… I don’t do deals’’ Discord boasted but Dave just smirked.
‘’ Well then its fortunate for me that I don't make deals with monsters,but unfortunate for you I anticipated this’’ Dave said as he snapped his fingers causing the elements to reveal themselves from behind the tree. As the elements floated into view, their gem stones popped out of their metal casing and began to float toward the pods on the tree.
‘’NO’’ Discord yelled as each element was placed in to its corresponding pod. As soon as the Element of Magic clicked itself into place in the center of the star on the trunk the tree began to emit a brilliant light as the vines crushing it disintegrated. A large harmonic sonic wave shot out of the tree and toward Discord and the vines. As the wave hit the vines that held the Mane 6, both the vines and ponadentrens disintegrated as the wave continues to destroy the remaining vines. As soon as the wave hit Discord he stretched his arms out and looked away with his eye closed as he shouted’’ NOOOOOOO’’. Instantly Discord began to turn to stone as the rainbow wave engulfed his body and before long Discord was nothing more than a statue frozen in place. The wave continued on until it reached Ponyville and continued to destroy any remaining vines along the way. Before the wave subsided the wave blasted Dave causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. ‘’DAVE’’! Twilight and the others shouted after gathering themselves from the vines and ran to Dave’s side as Screwball began to cry that Discord was encased in stone before she ran off deep into the forest. Twilight and the others looked sad and frightened that Dave was hurt as they saw parts of his body glow. Suddenly two large piles of vines began to disintegrate as the Tree of Harmony calmed down. As the vines disappeared, they revealed both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna who were trapped in the vines.
‘’Princess Celestia and Luna’’ the ponies cried as they ran to their rulers.
‘’ I am so proud of all of you as it must have been a difficult decision to give up the element to save the Tree of Harmony as well as to defeat Discord’’ Celestia said.
‘’But princess, I did not do anything, Dave was the one that replaced the elements but he is not moving and parts of him are glowing.
‘’Oh’’ Princess said as she and the others move closer to Dave’s body. Suddenly the glowing body parts began to change. The deer antler Dave had changed into a blue goat’s antler, identical to his other one. His lions are changed into a griffon’s talon identic to the one on the right left side of his body. Finally his lizard leg changed into a cloven hoof which matched his other. After his parts stopped glowing, Dave began to come too. As he opened his eyes he was greeted by Twilight and the others who were standing around him.
‘’What happen’’ Dave asked as he sat up rubbing his head.
‘’ You did it’’ Twilight said gratefully. ‘’ You saved the Tree of Harmony and revered Discord back into stone. Twilight said.
‘’Yeah but it looks like the tree changed you’’ RainbowDash said.
Dave pupils went small upon hearing that as he looked down at his body. Staring back at him was a pair of griffon talons and two cloven hooves. As he looked behind him he noticed he no longer had a bat wing and two Pegasus wing, but instead he had two Pegasus wings.
‘’What happened to me’’ Dave asked in a panic.
‘’ It looks like the Tree of Harmony turned you into a Equinequus’’ Celestia said with joy.
‘’What’s a equinequus’’ Twilight asked.
‘’I believe I can answer that one’’ Luna said. ‘’Long ago before Equestria was founded, a race of "Equinequus" lived in harmony and peace. They were similar in looks to the Draconequus but their powers brought order and harmony to the land instead of chaos. Unfortunately a war broke out between the two species and sadly all of the Equinequuses were wiped out as well as most of the Draconequuses. Discord as far as we know is the last of his kind. But it seems the Tree of Harmony has restored the Equinequus through you.’’ Luna said with a smile.
‘’ That’s enough talking for now, as we need to get back to Canterlot , I have a very important announcement to make.’’ Celestia said.
Dave and the others agreed as they all headed out of the cave and back toward the entrance of the Everfree Forest. Back in Canterlot, Dave and the others stood in the throne room as well as a bunch of other ponies as Princess Celestia prepared her announcement.
‘’Greetings my little ponies, I have wonderful news to share… I wish to thank my student Twilight Sparkle and her friends for venturing into the face of danger to save not only the Tree of Harmony but me and my sister as well, but mostly I wish to thank Dave who managed to defeat Discord as well as return the elements back to their rightful place.’’ Celestia said pointing at Dave and the others. The ponies in the crowd cheered to the ponies that saved them from the vines. ‘’ I also wish to announce that Dave will be the new protector of Equestria’’ Celestia said as she levitated a medal and placed it around Dave’s neck.
The crowd cheer louder that prompted Dave to smile. Twilight and the others couldn’t help but to smile to. As the crowds of ponies left Dave and the others stayed behind. Though he was happy and grateful about the thanks he receive he also could not help but to feel sad.
‘’What’s wrong Dave’’ Celestia asked.
‘’ I am grateful for everything that you have done for me but I miss my parents and my home… since Discord was defeated, I have been wondering why I haven't turned back to normal’’? Dave asked sadly.
‘’I am sorry Dave as I do not have that answer.. Whatever Discord did in order to change you into this form is irreversible as even the Tree of Harmony was unable to restore you to your original form.’’ Celestia said.
‘’ But what about my parents, I don’t want them to suffer because of me’’ Dave said.
‘’I might not know what is going on in your world but something tells me that they are alright.’’ Celestia said reassuringly.
‘’ Are you sure’’ Dave asked.
‘’ I am positive and I am also certain they would want you to be happy, not sad and miserable’’ the princess said.
‘’ Ok’’ Dave said as he look over at his new friends.
‘’ Listen we might not be able to undo the damage Discord cause but we can allow you to live here with us were you won’t be lonely anymore’’ Celestia said. Dave pondered for a moment before smiling and hugging Twilight which prompted the others to do the same.
‘’One thing however’’ Dave said
‘’What is it’’Celestia asked
‘’ If I am starting a new life here then I wish to change my name as it holds to many memories’’ Dave said.
‘’ Oh and what name did you have in mind’’ Celestia asked. Dave thought for a moment before answering the princess’s question.
‘’Concord’’ Dave finally said.
‘’ The opposite of Discord, that is a perfect name.’’ Celestia said. ‘’ As you wish, from now on your name is Concord’’ Celestia decreed.
Concord finally felt happy after all the grief he had to go through, but he deems it worth it do to all of the new friends he made as well as the adventures he got to explore as well as the ones he has yet to discover. Concord knew he was finally at peace.
