> Discord: A Chaotic Story
>  by Epicdiscord214
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Draconequus Himself
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Come and answer the call
This is a world for all
For both strong and meek
Nobody can see
How things can be
Both brave and weak
But if you're responsibility's
To see endless possibilities
You're welcome to come across
This is a world for all
For both order and chaos
Order and chaos
Order and chaos
Come to the land where yin and yang are rightful and needed
And a warning heeded
To see what's seeded
And know what we did
To deserve a great loss
But this is a world for all
For both order...
Order...
ORDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER...
AND CHAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS”

Darkness surrounds the mysterious figure in the hood. He looked at a green crystal ball with the city of Canterlot revealed.
“Mine,” the hooded figure hissed. “This all used to be mine. The ponies of all kind bowed before my incomparable power. No magic in Equestria would be measured up against me. Then, I was taken down. They all thought I was dead. In fact, some even forgot I ever existed. But I'm still breathing and I've recently come across a great prophecy; one that foretells a power for me to take control of. All I needed was the right ponies willing to assist. And I found them. The Royal Four Prophecy will be fulfilled and no one will stop me; not even the noblest and bravest hero that ever stepped on the ground.”





In the Canterlot castle, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and Princess Twilight Sparkle came to their meeting table. They each sat simultaneously. Suddenly, when Twilight sat down, the four heard a sound. BBBLLLLRRRRRT! Twilight looked in her seat and found a whoopee cushion.
“Where did that come from,” Luna asked.
“Is it from Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie,” Cadence asked.
“Neither,” Twilight growled when she saw a picture of someone on the cushion. “DISCOOOOOOOOOOOORD!”
Suddenly, Discord appeared out of nowhere and laughed loudly.
“Discord, this is not funny,” Luna said.
“I know, but I can't stop,” Discord laughed.
“Not the laughing,” Luna said.
“Discord, you were brought out of your statue prison to make amends for the evil you've done in the past,” Celestia said.
“Now, hold on a minute,” Discord said after he calmed down. He snapped his fingers and a piece of paper appeared in his eagle claw. “There is nothing in this agreement that says I can't enjoy myself every once in a while. What's wrong with a guy like me wanting some fun out of life.”
“I'm sure you had plenty of fun even before you first took over Equestria,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Not really,” Discord said. “The point is, I'm not going to just sit back while opportunities are knocking. Don't worry, it's only practical jokes and I'll still do a great amount of good, but in the meantime, I've got to enjoy life.”
“Don't ask why,” Twilight told everyone. “It's a trap.”
“Why,” Cadence asked.
“I'M GLAD YOU ASKED, PRINCESS CADENCE,” Discord answered.
“Oh, boy,” the princesses sighed.

“If you're looking for fun,” Discord sang
“Well, I am the one
Who will provide you what you need
If you need to taste the sky
You can always count on I
Just follow my lead
'Cause I'm one of a kind
A little out of my mind
But I'll still seize the day
I am one of a kind
As you will find
I take every moment to play
I'm not evil nor am I bad
I'll fix every ill deed that I had
If I could, I'd like to rewind
And fix what I did
'Cause I'm one of a kind
Well, if you need a path
To help you laugh
Follow the road I walk
You've probably heard tales
'Bout my plans and their fails
Well, believe how they talk
But I'm one of a kind
So swift and refined
As you may have heeeeeeeaaaaaaard
I AM ONE OF A KIND
I DON'T CROSS THE LINE
I'M JUST A CHARACTER THEY'VE PREFERED
AS MUCH AS RAINBOW DASH SOARED OR RARITY WHINED
I PREFER TO BE OOOOOOOOOOONE...
OOOOOOF AAAAAA...
KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIND
WHAT FUN IS THERE IN MAKING SENSE”

As soon as Discord finished his song, there was nothing but silence. Discord held up a dull, red neon sign that said “Applause”.
“As... logical as that sounds, Discord,” Celestia said, “You still have a job to do. Unless you can find a way to do fix your mistakes and make a few new ones at the same time, don't barge in on our meetings.”
“Oh, fine,” Discord grunted. He then disappeared.
“I thought we'd never get rid of him,” Cadence said. “Now, down to business.”
What they didn't know was that far from the window, a tall, hooded pony was looking through a telescope into their meeting.
“We've found what we need,” the pony said. “Queen Chrysalis, are you sure your Changelings can make it to the princess? We only get one shot.”
“Oh, do not worry, partner,” the pony-like insect beast said. “My Changelings will get in there and capture the target before anyone notices. Although, we've got to make sure they keep their disguises. After what happened last time we were in Canterlot, my hive can only have enough strength to keep their cover if they concentrate. They must have nothing distract them.”
“No excuses,” the hooded pony snapped. “If our plan is to be complete, we must have Princess Luna in our clutches! NOW, GO!”
The Changelings took the forms of different ponies and entered Canterlot grounds. The hooded pony chuckled with evil in his voice.
"I hope you enjoy this day, my little ponies," the hooded pony said. "It may be the last one you'll ever have before I reclaim what was taken from me."
> Return of the Swarm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a doughnut shop in downtown Canterlot run by an Earth pony named Joe. He was giving a box of donuts to a customer when the front-door bell ring. Everyone was shocked when they saw who it was. The goat and lizard legs stepped in and got behind the line.
“Hey,” Discord greeted the ponies in the line.
Suddenly, the ponies made a path for Discord to the desk.
“Well, thanks, guys,” Discord said. “And ponies think I'm more feared than respected.” He walked down the path to the desk. “Hey, Joe.”
“Mr. Discord,” Joe shook in fear.
“Just Discord,” Discord greeted. “Mr. Discord was my father.” Discord chuckled for a minute. Then, he just frowned. “Dad.”
“Is something wrong, Discord,” Joe asked.
“What,” Discord asked. “Oh, uh, no. It's just that... uh... the princesses expect me to do a good deed without acting silly. The problem is, it's not who I am. What do you think I should do?”
“You could do what the princesses say,” Joe said.
“Whatcha talkin' about, Willis,” Discord said in a weird accent. “Don't use crazy-tongue on me; I invented the language.”
“Well, I don't know what to do about it,” Joe said. “Anyway, is there anything you want?”
“Oh, I'll just have a bag of doughnut holes and a cup of coffee, please,” Discord said.
“On it, Discord,” Joe said.
As Joe went to the kitchen, Discord dug into his fur. He pulled out a star-shaped locket. He opened it and saw a picture in it. In it, there was a female pegasus with a wind gust for a Cutie Mark. Her smile was hard for Discord to miss. And in front of the pegasus was a knee-high, baby draconequus. At the sight of it, Discord began to have a flashback.





“All right, my sweet boy,” the pegasus said. “It's time for your nap.”
“Can I go outside now,” the baby draconequus asked.
“Not until we know how to break the news to the world,” the pegasus said. “But don't worry. One day, you'll have the one thing you've wanted since your birth: friends.

“One of life's great lessons
When your day's full of rain
There's always someone there
To take away the pain
If you are alone
And low and sad and down
I can see someone there
Who'll always be around
Someone who's by your side
Until the very bitter end
If there is a heart
There's always a friend”

At that moment, the baby draconequus materialized a handful of cotton candy and handed it to the pegasus. After the pegasus giggled, she continued singing.

“Building a tree house
Out in the field, playing ball
Going camping in the woods
Jumping in leaves in the fall
Making angels in the snow
Playing video games
Inventing handshakes
And giving each other nicknames
One day, it will come
One day, a new life will start
'Cause there's always a friend
If there is a heeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaart
If there is a heart
There's always a friiiiiieeeeeend”





“Discord,” a familiar voice said.
In panic, Discord woke from his flashback, closed the locket, and stuffed it back in his fur. He turned and faced five ponies, including his first friend, the very pony who reformed him.
“Fluttershy,” Discord said. “I did not see you there. What are you doing here?”
“Well, Twilight is here,” Fluttershy said. “Me and the others have come here to support her. Is something wrong? I saw you space out.”
“I was just... in my own little world,” Discord said. “Hey, maybe you can help me out here. I've just noticed that everypony is scared of me. At first, I thought it was because of the whole Tirek thing.”
“You mean when Tirek tricked you into giving him the strengths of every pony in Equestria, then have him betray you and take your magic,” Applejack asked.
“Hey,” Discord exclaimed.
“I'm the Element of Honesty,” Applejack said.
“Anyhoo,” Discord said, “An hour ago, the princesses told me that I never take my good deeds seriously. What do you girls think?”
“Well, do you remember when you came to Cloudsdale to reconstruct the columns, but at the same time, you turned the clouds into floating glass,” Rainbow Dash asked. “The janitor's still picking the shards up.”
“It was just a joke,” Discord exclaimed. “I do it all the time. Watch this.” Suddenly, a water balloon appeared in his lion paw. He tossed it out the open door and it hit a pony. “See? Every pony does this.”
“Uh, Discord,” Rarity said with fear in her eyes.
“What,” Discord asked. “Is that pony giving me the stink-eye? Well, if he is, then he has no sense of humor.”
“Discord,” Rainbow Dash said with fear in her voice.
“If he doesn't like my jokes, then it's his problem,” Discord said. “I'm the very embodiment of humor. I may be a good guy now, but even I know when to act like what a 9-year-old would do. I'm Discord, the spirit of chaos! And I'm proud!”
“That's not a pony,” Fluttershy said.
Confused, Discord looked out the door. He gasped when he saw a soaking wet Changeling growling at him.
“CHANGELING,” Pinkie Pie screamed.
“THAT'S IT,” the Changeling shouted. “NO HOLDING BAAAAAACK!”
Suddenly, Discord began flinching. “Uh, oh,” he said.
“What,” Rarity asked.
“Do you girls remember how I can sense magical imbalances,” Discord asked. “I'm getting a truck-load of Changeling magic here in Canterlot! THEY'RE BACK!”
Suddenly, the Changelings flew in the sky and attacked every corner.
“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE,” Rainbow Dash screamed.
“Whatever this is, RUN,” Rarity panicked.
“Wait,” Applejack said looking outside. “Most of them are heading towards the castle!”
“THE PRINCESSES,” the ponies gasped.
“MY ROOM,” Discord gasped.
Meanwhile, in the castle throne room, the princesses blasted a lot of Changelings out of the room.
“They're coming from every direction,” Princess Cadence shouted.
“What's Chrysalis doing striking back,” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“We'll ask that later,” Princess Celestia said.
“I'm not sure, sister,” Princess Luna said. “I sense there's something else going on!”
“LOOK OUT,” Princess Cadence shouted.
A Changeling was zooming in their direction. Suddenly, Discord appeared out of nowhere in a baseball costume ready to bat.
“Hey, batter, batter, batter,” Discord chanted. When the Changeling came close to Discord, the draconequus swung the bat and the Changeling flew out of the room. Discord then changed into a football uniform. “GOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!”
The rest of the ponies came in and assisted in fighting the swarm. The fight went on for a few minutes. Suddenly, a familiar set of hooves stomped in the doorway. The Changeling queen grinned at them.
“It's wonderful to see you all,” Queen Chrysalis said in her hissing sound. “Although, I'm surprised you're letting Discord roam free after his betrayal.”
“At least I didn't get engaged to my mortal enemy's brother just to break through a magic shield,” Discord snapped.
“Nevertheless, I'm not here for revenge,” Chrysalis replied. “I'm here on business. By the way, have you met my benefactor?”
Suddenly, a black blur came out of nowhere and brushed past by.
“That was a cloaked pegasus,” Princess Celestia said. “Rainbow Dash, you're the fastest. Chase the pony down!”
But right when Rainbow Dash left the room in chase to the pegasus, Luna's scream was heard.
“HELP,” Luna shouted. She was carried and dragged by a bunch of Changelings.
“SISTER,” Princess Celestia shouted.
Then, Queen Chrysalis used her horn to tear a rip in the air. A portal materialized and the Changelings fell through with Princess Luna. Princess Celestia tried to rescue her, but Changelings kept getting in her way.
“Good bye, princess,” Queen Chrysalis shouted. “Don't worry. Your sister will be in good hooves.”
Queen Chrysalis jumped through the portal and the Changelings followed. Princess Celestia zoomed forward. Just then, the portal started to close.
“NO,” Princess Celestia shouted.
The princess was so close, but in a split second, the portal closed before she reached it. Both the Changelings and Luna was gone. Everyone saw Celestia bow her head with a frown. She lost her sister yet again.
> Assembling the Team
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Rainbow Dash landed in front of the gang in the front yard of Canterlot Castle.
“Did you find the hooded pony,” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“No,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Whoever it was, he told me, 'it's rightfully mine', flew around a corner, and when I followed, he disappeared.”
“What's rightfully his,” Fluttershy asked.
“I don't know,” Rainbow Dash said. “But whatever it is, I bet it's not good.” He saw how depressed her friends were. “Is something wrong?”
“It's Princess Luna,” Twilight Sparkle said. “I'm afraid the Changelings abducted her.”
“I can't believe I let her go again,” Princess Celestia sighed. “How could I have been so foolish?”
“Oh, princess, it's not your fault,” Discord said. “And I'm not just saying it out of symphony; I'm saying it really wasn't your fault. You were tricked.”
“What,” Princess Cadence asked. “How do you know?”
“Well, don't forget, I used to perform the most clever of tricks,” Discord said. “I know a trick when I see it. It is ironic since I let Tirek trick me. I guess it's true what they say; 'you can dish it out, but you can't take it'.”
“DISCORD,” the girls yelled.
“Sorry,” Discord apologized
“How could we have been tricked,” Princess Celestia asked.
Discord changed into a detective outfit the same as Pinkie Pie did when somepony ate the MMM. “Elementary, my dear Celestia. Elementary. You see, we all know Queen Chrysalis to be brutal, sharp, and decisive. None of us expected her to have a partner. In an act of curiosity, it was Celestia's royal duty to send the fastest flyer to investigate him. While Celestia was focused on ordering Rainbow Dash, that was the Changelings' time to kidnap Princess Luna. That's how you were tricked.”
“Don't you think you could've noticed that before my sister was taken,” Princess Celestia asked.
“I admit, I was confused as to why Chrysalis' partner would only appear for a split second before leaving in a hurry,” Discord said, “But I didn't figure it out until the portal closed. I would've told you right then, but I had to wait until you could speak again. After all, isn't it a friend's job to comfort their friend?”
“We'll get angry at Discord later,” Princess Celestia said. “Right now, my sister needs help. If only we knew where to find her.”
“Princess Celestia, you were close to the portal,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Is there anything you noticed about the background?”
“Well, the sky was orange and there was barely any healthy plants and trees around,” Princess Celestia described. “Wait, I remember a carve on one of the trees. It looked like a spiral and a cross.”
“Wait, what,” Discord gasped. “Hold on.” Discord materialized a piece of paper and pencil. He drew a little picture on it. He then showed the drawing as a spiral with its end connected to the top of a cross. “Does it look like this?”
“Yes, exactly,” Princess Celestia answered. “Discord, how did you know that?”
Discord didn't answer. He just breathed in and our deeply.
“Discord, is something wrong,” Fluttershy asked.
“Ladies, I...” Discord hesitated, “I know where they took Princess Luna.”
“WHAT,” everyone gasped.
“What do you mean, you know where they took Princess Luna,” Rarity asked. “Where is she?”
“She's in the Outlands,” Discord answered. “You know, that uncharted, dead country outside the Everfree Forest. I used to live there.”
“When,” Applejack asked.
“Believe it or not, I had a life before I first turned to a lawn ornament for tourists,” Discord said. “But I do much prefer not to talk about it.”
“If you know the Outlands, then you can lead a rescue team to find and retrieve my sister,” Princess Celestia said.
“What's happening now,” Discord gasped. “You're... trusting me... to save your sister? I don't know if you girls remember, but the last time I went after a bad guy, I nearly ended up without magic or friends.”
“But this time, you won't go at it alone,” Princess Celestia said. “This is merely a stealth and rescue team, so it's going to be you and two others only. Choose wisely, Discord.”
“Well, let me think,” Discord said. He then got into his own thoughts. “Fluttershy might come in handy if we run into any dangerous animals, but she wouldn't stand a chance against the Changelings. Rainbow Dash can come in, but she trusts me as far as a turtle can take a step. That goes the same with the rest. Wait, I've got it!”
Discord stepped up and made his announcement. “I've given this some thought, Princess Celestia. We're going to run into many mysteries, so we'll need the best brains if we're going to get past them. Plus, as powerful as Chrysalis is, we might need an alicorn to face her. So, I suggest that I bring along Princess Twilight Sparkle to rescue your sister.”
“Only if Princess Twilight agrees,” Princess Celestia said. “Twilight?”
“Last time Princess Luna was lost, I helped in getting her back,” Twilight said. “I'll be happy to assist again.”
“If a princess is going, then common sense requires a guard,” Princess Cadence said.
“I don't think it's necessary,” Twilight Sparkle said. “I do fine on my own.”
“Nevertheless, it's required,” Princess Celestia said.

Later on, Princess Celestia and Discord entered a room full of guards.
“I've gathered every guard in Canterlot and the Crystal Empire,” Princess Celestia said. “Discord, you'll have the honor of choosing which guard to accompany you.” She looked and saw that Discord wasn't there. “Discord?” She looked in the room and saw Discord examining a guard.
“These guys aren't reacting to seeing me,” Discord said. “They're just giving that dead stare. Oh, Fluttershy told me about these bozos. They don't crack no matter what you do. Let's see... Hey, Charlie, your mane's on fire.” The guard didn't react. “No, seriously; a spider's crawling up your hoof.”
“Discord, stop messing around,” Princess Celestia said.
Discord looked around and saw a pegasus with a blue mane in the center. Discord got into military uniform and confronted the guard. “All right, soldier. I'm going to ask you some questions and I expect some answers. First, what's your name?”
“Flash Sentry, sir,” the pegasus answered quickly.
“Where are you from,” Discord asked.
“The Crystal Empire, sir,” Flash Sentry answered.
“What are your skills,” Discord asked.
“I'm loyal and a fast flyer, sir,” Flash Sentry answered.
“All right, hotshot,” Discord said. “I've got one last question. And I need you to answer with the up-most honesty and precision... BECAUSE THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IN THE HISTORY OF QUESTIONS THAT ARE ASKED BY THE POWERFUL CREATURES!” He bowed and put his face in front of Flash Sentry's, their noses nearly touching. He then asked with a growl in his voice, “What color is my underwear?”
“Uh... you're not wearing underwear, sir,” Flash Sentry answered in confusion.
It took a quiet pause, but Discord said, “Kid, I like you. You're hired!”
> Departure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Discord slammed the door open and saw Twilight with her friends.
“My friends,” Discord declared, “As per requirement, I have found a guard to accompany us in our perilous quest. This pony is willing to risk his safety for the good of the kingdom. Ladies, I present... Drum-roll, please.”
Pinkie Pie went to a drum set and drummed hard and fast.
“I PRESENT... Pause for effect... FLASH SENTRY,” Discord declared. Just then, he moved out of the way revealing the guard he chose.
As soon as Flash Sentry was revealed, Twilight Sparkle widened her eyes in panic. She stepped to Discord and whispered, “Discord, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“All right, Discord answered. The two went into another room and Discord closed the door. “I know, I really can choose them. Even the name—Flash Sentry—sounds sharp. Do I get a thanks?”
Suddenly, Twilight levitated a wooden table and threw it at Discord. Discord was pushed to the wall and he was dizzy.
“I'll take that as a 'no' and a few splinters full of 'maybe',” Discord said.
“HOW COULD YOU RECRUIT FLASH SENTRY,” Twilight Sparkle shouted. “A few hundred guards you could have chosen and you picked Flash Sentry to come with us!”
“What's the problem,” Discord asked. “Do you know him?”
“Yes,” Twilight Sparkle snapped. “Well, no. I mean, sort of.”
“And they say I'm confusing,” Discord sighed. “I can't believe I'm the one who's saying this, but would you give me a straight answer?”
“Don't you remember what I told you,” Twilight Sparkle said. “My Element of Harmony falling into a human world full of human counterparts of everypony here? And there was a guitarist counterpart of Flash Sentry that I danced with? Now, every time I see the Flash Sentry in this world, I freak out? Anything?”
“To be honest, I tuned you out when you told that story,” Discord said. “I was just starting to learn about friendship and at the time, listening to other ponies' stories didn't matter to me.”
At that moment, Twilight smacked Discord across the face with her hoof.
“OW,” Discord exclaimed. “That was uncalled for!”
“You're right,” Twilight said. “This situation calls for two more!”
Twilight smacked Discord again twice. Discord placed his paw and claw on his cheeks and moaned.
“All right,” Discord said. “Look, had I known you had a crush on the guard, I wouldn't...”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Twilight interrupted. “A crush? I don't have a crush on that guy!”
“You hit me three times after you threw a table at me because I brought him in,” Discord said. “I have every animal on me and I've got all their instincts.”
“Look, whatever's going on between me and Flash Sentry is strictly professional,” Twilight exclaimed.
“Oh, right,” Discord said, “Because throwing furniture at another friend's face is very professional. You just can't stand him coming with us because you like him.”
“That's not true,” Twilight insisted. “You know what? Let him come. I don't care.”
“That's the original plan,” Discord said.

“I've got your supplies in this pack, Twilight,” Spike said. “It has your notebook, your textbooks, your utensils, and food.”
“You call that a supply bag,” Discord mocked. “I've got everything I need right here.” He materialized a hand-held bowl.
“Uh, Discord, that's a bowl,” Twilight said.
“Not just any bowl,” Discord said. “Ask me for anything; anything at all.”
“All right,” Spike said. “Well, I do need a new umbrella for those drizzling days.”
Discord reached into his bowl and pulled out a dozen umbrellas.
“Would you like a specific color or would you like me to surprise you,” Discord asked.
Everyone gasped when they saw it.
“I'm telling you,” Discord said, “This magic fruitbowl can give me anything. It can hold unbrellas, a tent, comic books.”
“Fruit,” Applejack asked.
“Ironically, no,” Discord answered. “For some reason, I can never fit an apple in there, yet there's room for everything else.”
“Discord, remember that this mission we're giving you is of the most vital importance,” Princess Celestia said. “It's more important than any good deed you've done. The fate of my sister is in your claw and paw.”
“Princess Celestia, you have nothing to fear,” Discord said.
“Uh, Twilight,” Spike said looking at Flash Sentry, “Isn't that...”
“Unfortunately,” Twilight answered.
“Did Discord bring him to irritate you,” Spike asked.
“No,” Twilight said, “But I wish he did. Turns out, when I told him the story, he didn't listen to a single word I said. It looks like I'm going to have to learn to live with it.”
“So how are we going to travel,” Flash Sentry asked Discord. “Are you going to teleport us there?”
“It's not that simple,” Discord said. “When I first arrived in the Outlands, I was carried there in an echanted carriage.”
“What were you doing in a magic carriage,” Princess Cadence asked.
“I'd rather not talk about it,” Discord said. “The point is, the Outlands is surrounded by a magical field that only royal magic can pass through.”
“I never sent any carriage to the Outlands,” Princess Celestia said.
“I'm not talking about you,” Discord said, “I'm talking about...” He stopped himself from saying anything else. “It doesn't matter. Anyway, we've got to travel there by normal means and Twilight needs to rip a hole so we can enter the Outlands.”
“All right,” Twilight said. “How do we get to the Outlands border? It's quite a long way.”
“Easy,” Discord said. He snapped his talons and everyone appeared at the train station. “We take the Chaos Train.”
“Good luck, Twilight,” everyone said.
“Take care, Discord,” Fluttershy said.
“ALL ABOARD,” Discord shouted holding a pocket watch.
The trio entered the train and waved good-bye to their friends. The train drove off until Canterlot was out of sight. For the next few minutes, Twilight and Flash looked at each other and had awkward moments of silence. That ended when Discord spoke.
“Sooooo,” Discord spoke awkwardly, “Since this is the magic Chaos Train, how's about I'd get into the mood? Usually, I serve hot chocolate along with a musical number about the hot chocolate; however, since we're in the middle of August, we'll just settle for a different topic for a song. Any suggestions?” Twilight and Flash kept being silent. “Anyone? Well... I GOT IT! HIT IT!”

Suddenly, a banjo appeared out of nowhere and strummed itself.

“Have a stick of cotton candy,” Discord sang,
“Make your life so dandy
Seize the day and never make it plain
Sit back and relax
Even if there's no train tracks
Come on and ride on the Chaos Train”
“Discord got me in this,” Twilight sang,
“It's going to go amiss
I might as well smack him again
Socializing is going to be hard
When it comes to that guard
I'm stuck with him on the Chaos Train”
“Do I stay formal all day,” Flash sang,
“Or relax all the way
It's a strange conflict in my brain
Discord is so laid background
But the princess is staring at the track
What to do here on the Chaos Train”
“HERE, THERE'S ONLY ONE RULE,” Discord sang,
“ALWAYS, ALWAYS SIT BACK COOL”
“DISCORD, YOU'VE GONE INSANE,” Twilight sang.
“WHAT DO I DO RIGHT NOW,” Flash sang,
“IF I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW”
“LET THE QUEST BEGIN,” Discord sang.
“I'LL BASH YOU IN YOUR CHIN,” Twilight sang.
“WHAT TO DO IIIIIIIIIIN,” Flash sang.
“THE CHAOS TRAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIN,” all three sang.

Meanwhile, in a large castle in the Outlands, Princess Luna woke up covered with chains. She struggled, but she couldn't break out. She then tried to illuminate her horn, but all she got was a dim glow.
“Don't bother,” a dark voice asked. “Those chains around you are restraining your alicorn magic.” A hooded pony came out of the shadows. Luna couldn't see the figure's face, but saw that he was a few inches taller than she was.
“What do you want from me,” Princess Luna asked.
“You and your sister took something what was originally mine and I'm going to take it back,” the hooded figure said. “But in the meantime, I need you to change back.”
“Change back,” Luna asked. “What do you mean?”
“It started a thousand years ago,” the hooded pony explained. “You were sick and tired of bringing the night while your sister got all the praise. One night, you decided to force Equestria to notice you. That is when you decided to change into a mare of darkness. Then, you were banished to the moon for a thousand years. When you escaped, you resumed your reign of eternal night. But then, the soon-to-be-Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends removed the evil out of you. But I know that a small bit of that mare of darkness inside you and we need her back.”
“You don't mean,” Luna gasped.
“Yes,” the hooded pony said revealing his teeth. “We need you to turn back into... NightMare Moon.”
> Train Attack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  “YOU WANT ME TO TURN INTO NIGHTMARE MOON,” Princess Luna shouted. “Not in another thousand years!”
“Aren't you sick of being in your sister's shadow once again,” the hooded pony asked.
“That was a mistake I made a long time ago,” Luna said. “I've changed.”
“It was a mistake to change,” the hooded pony said. “NightMare Moon was an alicorn with a vision and a purpose. All Princess Luna is good for is moving the moon and entering ponies' dreams.”
“No matter what you say, I'm not changing back into that monster,” Princess Luna said. “She's not me.”
“Think about it,” the hooded pony said. He walked out of that room and encountered a pair of odd Changelings digging through a duffel bag.
“Well, this is the last bit, Fungus,” one Changeling told the other. “We're officially moved out of that cesspit we were in before the boss found us.”
“Take note that this is my stuff, Blister,” the other Changeling said. “And this includes the stuff I collected at the Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange.”
“You two, that's enough loitering,” the hooded pony shouted. “Don't forget, we've got work to do!”
“Uh, sure,” Fungus panicked. “No problem, boss. We simply need to put this stuff up in our chambers.”
“Oh, so now, it's OUR chambers,” Blister snapped.
“What is that supposed to mean,” Fungus asked.
“You taped a line across the room, but only gave me less than half,” Blister explained. “Besides, you're not planning on sharing your stuff with me.”
“I'm a bad guy,” Fungus said. “I'm not supposed to share.”
“You two are imbeciles,” the hooded pony said. The two Changelings didn't hear him.
“Besides, I deserve more because I was a quick-enough thinker to get that chalice from the Crystal Empire at the Exchange,” Fungus said.
“You're as quick as a snail racing in last place,” Blister said. “I bought that map of Canterlot!”
“I bought that stool that belonged to Star-Swirl the Bearded,” Fungus said.
“A stool is nothing compared to the Discord-shaped lamp I bought,” Blister said.
“Well, you can eat it when I bought...” Fungus said. Suddenly, the hooded pony jolted straight and interrupted.
“WAIT,” the hooded pony shouted. He turned to the Changelings revealing his green, angry eyes. “What... was that last thing... you said you bought?”
“A lamp that looks exactly like Discord,” Blister said. “It's in my bag.”
Blister dug through the bag and pulled out a little figure of Discord holding a light bulb. The figure had a black glow and levitated out of the Changelings' hooves. The hooded pony closely examined the lamp. With a close enough look, the pony growled at the sight of it.
“Why would the ponies make a lamp based off of Equestria's most dangerous enemy,” the hooded pony asked.
“It probably has something to do with Discord working for them now,” Fungus said.
“WHAT,” the pony shouted.
“Yeah, they agreed to free him and never turn him to stone as long as he'd turn good,” Fungus said. “Didn't her majesty tell you?”
The hooded pony dropped the lamp and galloped through the castle. Within time, he broke the doors open and confronted Queen Chrysalis, who was looking over a bunch maps.
“CHRYSALIS,” the hooded pony shouted. “WHY HAVEN'T YOU TOLD ME DISCORD WAS ALONGSIDE THE PONIES?!”
“I didn't think it was important,” Queen Chrysalis explained. “We just collected the final piece we need for the plan. It doesn't seem like anyone can beat us while we're so far ahead.”
“You don't understand,” the hooded pony said. “Discord used to live in these lands. He knows how to get past us here. And he has tremendous power. What do you suppose that mindless beast will do when he comes here?!”
“All right, I get it,” Queen Chrysalis said. “We need to find Discord and stop him.”
“Not stop him,” the hooded pony said. “Crush him! Destroy him! And I think I know who can do just that: our other partner.”
“You don't mean,” Queen Chrysalis gasped.
“Of course,” the hooded pony said. He turned to the pony on the other side of the room. “What do you think? Can you handle getting your hooves dirty?”
The other partner walked out of the shadows revealing his black fur and coat, his red horn, and his green-and-purple eyes.
“Of course,” the evil unicorn said. “After all, I was removed from my Crystal Empire. It's about time I let my anger out.”

Later that night, the Chaos Train continued moving down the tracks. Twilight and Flash were still silent for a while. Suddenly, Discord barged in and set up a bunch of dishes full of food.
“Bonjour, my friends,” Discord said in a French accent. “Tonight's specials include the chocolate cavalier, the strawberry escargot, and the ice cream sundae that's shaped like my face.”
“Not in the mood, Discord,” Twilight said.
“Well, the mood is what I'm actually here to set,” Discord said.
“There is no mood to be set,” Twilight snapped.
“I just hope this won't be any bother for the two of you,” Discord said. “Remember, I'm the only one who can lead you in and out of the Outlands.”
“Uh, Discord, sir,” Flash Sentry said, “How exactly did you end up in the Outlands?”
“It's not my place to discuss,” Discord answered. “I take my past as serious as I do with my present.”
“Discord, you can't take anything seriously,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Sometimes, you talk to someone who's not even there.”
“It's called 'breaking the fourth wall', brainiac,” Discord said.
“Can you believe this guy,” Flash Sentry asked the reader. He then turned to Discord. “Well, how are we sure there won't be anything that's going to keep us from our goal.”
“Simple, Flashy,” Discord said. “I put a spell on this train that keeps it repellent of all sorts of bugs, including the love-draining, shape-changing ones. And if that hooded guy shows up, Twilight will blast him out of the sky. I prepared for every contingency.”
Suddenly, the curtains dropped and the place was black.
“Hey,” Discord said. “Who turned out the sun?”
“Hold on,” Twilight spoke. Her horn illuminated the entire room.
“Well, it looks like the curtains fell... suspiciously... at the same time,” Flash Sentry said. He then turned and saw a certain unicorn. “Uh, guys...”
“What,” Discord said. He looked and saw the same unicorn standing before them. “AAAAHHHH! STRANGER DANGER!”
“King Sombra,” Twilight Sparkle gasped. “You're alive?”
“As you are right now, princess,” King Sombra spoke in his ghostly voice. “As I recall, it is your sister-in-law who took the Crystal Kingdom from me. After all I did for those ponies...”
“You used them to harvest crystals to further your magic,” Twilight exclaimed. “You were going to turn innocent ponies into slaves for your own evil purposes!”
“You make that sound like a bad thing,” King Sombra said with a grin.
“Hi there—Sombra, is it,” Discord said. “I'm Discord, the spirit of chaos and disharmony.”
“I know,” Sombra said. “I was sent here to destroy you!”
Sombra blasted Discord with his horn. Discord split his head in the last second and put it back together when Sombra was done.
Suddenly, a fight ensued between Discord, Twilight Sparkle, and Flash Sentry. The fight eventually took place on top of the train.
“You can't defeat me,” King Sombra proclaimed. “I am fueled by a boiling head, a raging fury...”
“That's a lot of bravado from someone who was outraced by a baby dragon,” Discord mocked.
“I GOT HIM,” Twilight shouted. She flew behind King Sombra and prepared to blast.
King Sombra turned and blasted Twilight down. Twilight fell on the roof of a cart. King Sombra then towered above Twilight's body and illuminated his horn.
“So ends the latest princess of Equestria,” King Sombra said.
“NO,” Flash Sentry shouted. He flew and rammed into King Sombra. When King Sombra fell off the train, Flash offered his hoof to Twilight. “Need a hand up?”
Suddenly, Twilight flashed back to her time on Earth. She saw the human version of the pegasus offering his hand to pick her up. When the flashback ended, Twilight smiled and let Flash pick her up.
“And so ends this chapter of...” Discord said before getting interrupted.
The ground shook and everyone saw a black cloud forming fast and catching up to the Chaos Train. King Sombra was seen soaring on the smoke.
“YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME SO EASILY,” King Sombra roared.
“I'VE GOT AN IDEA,” Discord shouted. “EVERYONE, HOLD ON TO ME!”
Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry grabbed ahold of Discord's arms. Quickly, Discord snapped his claw. Just then, Discord, Twilight, and Flash disappeared. King Sombra couldn't find them anymore. He roared loudly into the air in anger.
> A New Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Later, at the castle in the Outlands, King Sombra appeared in front of Queen Chrysalis and the hooded pony.
“Well...” the hooded pony asked.
“I'm afraid they got away,” King Sombra explained in shame.
“WHAT,” the hooded pony shouted. He blasted King Sombra to the wall and stood over him. “I give you one simple thing.”
“Yes, it was simple,” King Sombra said, “But it would never have been easy.”
“Do not talk back at me,” the hooded pony growled. “I made you whole again and gave Chrysalis a home for her hive! I gave you both a second chance and I can take it away just as easy.”
The hooded pony walked away from King Sombra.
“What now,” Queen Chrysalis asked. “If Discord comes here, it's all over.”
“And that's not all,” King Sombra said. “He's being accompanied by Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“Twilight,” Queen Chrysalis growled. “That's the Equestrian brat who exposed my plan!”
“Well, our enemies are growing in numbers,” the hooded pony said. “How's Princess Luna?”
“She's still not changing,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Then we must move this to the gate,” the hooded pony. “Tell your Changelings to move the prisoner to the carts. Gather as many supplies as we need. When we go toward the gate, we'll come back with the darkest powers Equestria has ever known.”
None of them knew that below the room, Princess Luna was silent enough to hear the whole conversation.
“Gate,” Princess Luna asked herself. “What gate? Nevertheless, Twilight and Discord will never find me if I'm not in this castle.” She looked and saw her shadow. She sighed and bent herself down. Her horn glowed as soon as it touched her shadow. She drew her horn across a portion of her shadow. Soon, the cut part of the shadow was removed and floating from the ground. It grew eyes that glowed.
“Go and find Princess Twilight Sparkle and Discord,” Princess Luna said. “Find them and when they come to the Outlands, lead them to me.”
The shadow flew out of the window and into the border of the Everfree Forest. As soon as the shadow disappeared, a bunch of Changelings opened the door.
“Come on, 'your highness',” one Changeling said. “We're moving.”

“That was the worst place to teleport ever,” Twilight shouted when she walked out of the river soaking wet.
“Well, when you're going somewhere that can't be seen while running from an evil unicorn, you never think it's necessary to aim,” Discord said wiping himself with a towel. “And who knew we were going to fall into a river?”
“Well, what do we do now,” Flash Sentry asked pouring water from his helmet. “We lost all of our supplies in that train.”
“Not all of them,” Discord said. He pulled the fruitbowl from behind his back. “Mary Poppins, eat your heart out.”
“Who are you talking to,” Flash Sentry asked.
“Never mind,” Discord said. “Look, all we have to do is continue on north and Princess Luna will be just around the corner.”
“I hope you're right, Discord,” Twilight said. “Otherwise, this whole thing is going to smack us in the face.”
Suddenly, a black thing flew itself into Twilight's face. Twilight shook it off, but it fell on Flash's face. Flash shook it off, but it fell on Discord's face. Discord grabbed the top of his face and peeled it off. Discord's face was revealed to be covered.
“I covered my face with a fake face,” Discord said. “By Discord—patent pending.”
Suddenly, the black thing fell to the ground and shook itself. It shaped itself into the form of a pony. It spoke in a girl's voice.
“Hello,” the black pony said.
“What are you,” Twilight asked.
“Who, me,” the black thing asked. “I'm part of Princess Luna's shadow. My name is...” She stopped. “Oh, Princess Luna never gave me a name. Could any of you give me a name?”
“Um, all right,” Twilight said with nervousness. “How about...”
“OOH,” Discord asked. “What about Blackie?”
“Blackie,” Twilight asked.
“It's either that or Facejumper,” Discord said.
“Shade,” Flash Sentry said.
“What,” Twilight and Discord asked.
“Shade,” Flash said. “I think we should call her Shade.”
“Well... I like it,” Twilight said.
“Oh... all right,” Discord said.
“MY NAME IS SHADE NOW,” Shade exclaimed.
“Wait,” Twilight said. “Shade, did you say you came from Princess Luna?”
“Yes, I did,” Shade answered. “And she sent me to help you reach her.”
“I appreciate your determination, little one, but I doubt we need any help,” Discord said. “I know the Outlands like the back of my paw. We'll just find wherever they're holding the princess and get out without any problem.”
“Except that the bad guys are already moving the princess somewhere else in the Outlands,” Shade said. “They're taking her to some kind of gate.”
“What gate,” Discord asked. “I don't remember any kind of gate.”
“I've never heard of it,” Twilight said.
“Me neither,” Flash Sentry said.
“If this gate isn't documented,” Discord said, “Then what can you do to help us find the princess?”
“Being Princess Luna's shadow, I can be drawn to her like a magnet,” Shade said. “What do you say?”
“Well...” Discord said. “Oh, all right, kid. You can come.”
“If it will lead us to Princess Luna, we'll let you come along,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“I'm all right with it,” Flash Sentry said.
“HALLELUJAH,” Shade shouted. Suddenly, she broke out into a song.

“Follow me to adventure
Follow me to the edge of life
Follow me, and you'll know for sure
If we'll get through this alive
The trail continues across the bend
The trail goes further than the eye can see
Come and keep an eye out, my friends
All you have to do is follow me
Follow me to the end of the road
Follow me to see the future
Follow me so you can rest your load
So we can know you for sure
The trail continues across the bend
The trail goes further than the eye can see
Come and keep an eye out, my friends
All you have to do is follow me
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW ME
ALL YOU HAVE TO DOOOOOO...
IS FOOOOOLLOOOOOOW... MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”

Later that night, Flash Sentry yawned. No pony noticed it except for Twilight.
“I think we should rest for the night,” Twilight said.
“What,” Discord said. “Oh, Twilight, the Outlands are only 10 miles away from here. We can't stop when we're so close.”
“Discord, we have to sleep,” Twilight said. “We need allthe energy we can get if we're going to find Princess Luna tomorrow.”
“Fine,” Discord groaned. “I'll start the fire.” He snapped his claw and a campfire materialized in front of them all. “Let's just get comfortable and get to sleep. We'll save Princess Luna in the morning.”
Everyone shuffled themselves in the grass.
“Sorry you have to sleep like this, princess,” Flash Sentry said.
“Oh, it's all right,” Twilight replied nervously. “I used to sleep like worse. Huh.” She felt soemthing in her left wing. She extended it and a locket fell out from between her feathers. She opened it and saw a grown, female pegasus standing with a little, baby draconequus. “Uh, Discord, is this yours?”
Discord looked at the locket and panicked instantly. He swiped it from her and breathed heavily.
“Where did you get it,” he asked.
“From my wing,” Twilight said. “I guess it fell there when we fell in the river. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that was Feather Gale in that locket.”
“Feather Gale,” Flash Sentry asked. “You mean THE Feather Gale? She was the greatest pegasus who did air tricks back in the day. I didn't know you knew about her.”
“Well, half of it is because of Rainbow Dash,” Twilight Sparkle. “The other half was that back then, she married the peace philosopher, Society Peace. I did a thesis on him back in magic school. Discord, did you know Feather Gale?”
“It was a long time ago,” Discord said nervously. “You see... Never mind. Forget it.”
“I GOTS TO KNOW,” Shade shouted.
“You're a loud, little sunspot, aren't you,” Discord said. “Fine. I know Feather Gale because...” Twilight, Flash, and Shade leaned in their heads to listen. “SHE'S MY MOM!”
Everyone paused and widened their eyes in surprise.
“Did she... adopt you,” Twilight asked.
“No,” Discord answered.
“Did she find you in the creek,” Flash asked.
“No,” Discord answered.
“Did she...” Shade asked.
“No, no, no,” Discord interrupted. “Feather Gale and Society Peace are my biological parents. I'm their blood son.”
“I don't understand,” Twilight exclaimed. “You're a draconequus and Feather Gale and Society Peace are pure ponies.”
“I know,” Discord said. “They could never figure it out. All right, if you keep quiet, I'll tell you my entire story beginning to end. It all started with my birth, which happened the day after the unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies created Equestria.”
> The Origin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Canterlot was just about to start getting built. The 3 pony races have just decided to work together to build the great city. While the ponies were building, my parents were inside our house with the midwife in the other room. My parents—Society Peace and Feather Gale—were waiting in one room while the midwife was with their son in the other.
“We finally did it,” my dad said. “After all this time, we actually have a baby.”
“I know,” my mom said. “What do you suppose we'll call him?”
“I'm thinking... Honeymane,” my dad said, “'Cause I know he'll be sweet and cute.”
“Well, whatever we call him, I know he's going to be the sweetest, happiest, friendliest little angel any pony's ever seen,” my mom said with confidence.
Suddenly, my parents heard a loud scream. The midwife ran out of the room holding the baby blanket.
“What happened,” my dad asked. “Did something happen to the baby?”
“Forget the baby,” the midwife shouted. “Worry about yourselves! I was removing the blanket off the child to see what he looked like and I saw... a discord!” She continued screaming and galloped out of the house.
My parents looked at each other with confusion and misunderstanding. They walked into the baby room and looked inside the crib. Inside, they found... a little baby draconequus. They were surprised to see me just giggling and waving my arms around.
“Is this our son,” my dad asked.
“I think it is,” my mom answered.
“How do we tell for sure,” my dad asked.
“I think I know,” my mom answered. “While the windigos were covering our land with winter, my parents went to this oracle to make sure the future will be all right for me. The oracle told them that the winter will end and I'll be happy. I happen to know where to find the oracle.”
“Well, we need to go there,” my dad said. “But first, we need to make sure no pony sees our son. And we still need to think of a name.”
“How's about we call him something most people would call the name of a monster,” my mom asked, “But instead, our son would be proud to be called it? We'll name him... Discord.”

Later on, my parents sneaked through the city and the prince's guards.

“Wait,” Flash Sentry interrupted. “The prince's guards? Don't you mean the princesses'?”
“No,” Discord replied. “The ruler of Equestria at the time ruled before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Anyway...”

My parents went into the Everfree forest and found a cave in a mountain's side. When my parents entered, they found the oracle pony.
“Come, come, weary travelers,” the oracle said. “Come and tell me what you need.”
“It's... our son,” my mom said. “We just got our son and... something's different.”
“Well, let me see your little bundle of joy,” the oracle said.
My mom unwrapped the blanket off of me and revealed me to the oracle. The oracle jerked his shoulders a little when he saw me.
“Your son is a draconequus,” the oracle said.
“A what,” my mom asked.
“A draconequus,” the oracle repeated. “It's like a chimera, but with reality-changing powers.”
“Well, why is our son this,” my dad asked.
“My best guess,” the oracle said, “It's because of the peace between the pony races. Draconequui are born from when great conflict has become greatly minimal. There must always be chaos.”
“Chaos,” my dad asked. “I don't understand.”
“A draconequus is made entirely of chaos,” the oracle said. “And because of that, they were feared.”
“Oh, no,” my mom gasped. “What's going to happen to our son?”
“Let me look in my cauldron and find out,” the oracle said. He went to the cauldron and poured some herbal ingredients in the brew. “Now, all I need is a piece of the child's hair.”
My mom plucked a bit of my hair from my head and gave it to the oracle. The oracle dropped my hair into the cauldron and a flash of colorful lights flew out of it.
“I see many events in the future for your son,” the oracle said. “I see many hardships and ponies casting him out for his looks. And if it's not changed, he will be raised in the darkness and his powers will be used for evil. I'm sorry, but that's all I see.”
“We won't let it happen,” my mom said.
“That's right,” my dad said. “We'll wait for the right moment before we announce our son. Until then, we must keep him hidden. We'll raise him with love and affection. Until then, we tell no one about him... not even the prince.”
“Now, I see a change in the future,” the oracle said. “I see a castle in a small village. The castle has 6 thrones and one small throne inside. And I see your son happily hugging six ponies and a baby dragon. They will call him... their friend.”
“Then this won't be a mistake,” my mom said. “All right, Society. Let's raise our son happily.”

So, for the next seven years, I was raised in secret. Whenever my parents' families came to Canterlot, they hid me in the basement. On the bright side, it was a good place to practice my chaos powers. One day, I was practicing my magic in the living room when I accidentally blasted a firework out the window. The prince tracked me down and arrested me. Then, came the day of the trial.
“I swear, my son would never harm anyone,” my mom declared.
“You registered him as Discord,” the prince said.
“That proves nothing,” my dad defended. “You can't hurt our son!”
“We haven't finished the first decade in our new unity yet,” the alicorn prince explained. “I expect our fair city of Canterlot to never have any unexpected interferences.”
“Some ponies just can't handle change,” I told the readers.
The prince looked where I was facing and had a confused face.
“It doesn't matter,” the prince said. “It is time to address the elephant in the room: this draconequus that the parents have called Discord is capable of changing every rule of nature we know. We can't have him in our lives. I propose he must live the rest of his monstrous existence in a place where the most dangerous of monsters must go: the Outlands!”
“I OBJECT,” my parents shouted.
“Overruled,” a pony in the council replied. “The prince has made his case and it will be granted. We hereby declare that the draconequus called Discord will be removed from Equestrian soil and exiled to the Outlands. Case dismissed!”
As soon as the council member slammed his gavel, the pony guards grabbed me and dragged me from my parents. The last I saw my parents before the doors slammed, tears were pouring from their eyes.

“So, that's how I ended up in the Outlands,” Discord said. “I was taken from my loving parents, persecuted, and banished to the worst place on the planet. And the worst part is, I didn't do a thing to deserve any of that. Anyway, as soon as I grew old enough and powerful enough, I escaped the Outlands and invaded Canterlot. I confronted the prince and defeated him. But I still had some anger inside me, so I turned Equestria into my own image. Then, Celestia and Luna came out of nowhere with the Elements of Harmony and turned me to stone. Because of their achievement, they were named the new rulers of Equestria. That's why I was evil; because I wanted the worship my parents wanted.”
“Are you sure it's what your parents wanted,” Flash asked.
“To be honest, now that I'm remembering how caring they were, I know it isn't,” Discord said. “I guess I was too angry to think differently.”
“I'm... sorry all that happened,” Twilight said.
“Well, at least it worked out, right,” Discord asked. “I mean, we were in Princess Twilight's castle and everyone accepted me as a friend. It all worked out anyway. Only, it looks like I'm going back to my old stomping grounds tomorrow.”
“Well, thank you for clearing the air,” Twilight said.
“Look at me,” Shade said with sad eyes. “I'm choking up.”
“Well, good night,” Discord said. “Tomorrow, I'm going back to my least favorite place on the face of this planet.”
“Discord, this won't be like last time,” Twilight said. “This time, you're going in with friends.”
The four of them snuggled to the ground and fell asleep underneath Luna's moon.
> Finding the Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The next morning, Discord, Twilight, Flash, and Shade came across a line where grass died and there's a bleak wasteland on the other side.
“Here we are,” Discord said. He reached to the border and his claw was shocked. He backed away. “Yep, this is the border of the Outlands all right. Now, Twilight, all you need to do is illuminate your horn with Alicorn magic. The border will break apart for a few minutes which is a thousand-times longer than we need to walk across.”
“I hope you're right, Discord,” Twilight gulped.
Twilight's horn glowed a bright light. Flash and Shade covered their eyes and Discord poofed a pair of sunglasses in front of his eyes. The light shined brightly until it ended suddenly. Discord reached his claw in and there was no shock.
“Well, done, Twilight,” Discord congratulated. “Now, all we need to do is follow Shade to Princess Luna, beat the evil trio, and come back home to Canterlot for some ice cream and cotton candy. Now, as a mode of transportation, I was thinking roller-skates and rocket boosters. And then...”
“Discord,” Flash Sentry interrupted, “I know I'm not an expert on the Outlands like you, but since the three of us have wings and Shade can float, I don't see why we can't fly over the Outlands.”
Discord paused for a moment. “I did not think of that. All right, we'll do things the easy way.”
Everyone floated in the air.
“I sense Princess Luna is...” Shade said, “THIS WAY!”
Shade flew towards the horizon. Discord, Twilight, and Flash followed. Discord saw Flash and Twilight flying side by side and grinned. He bumped Flash with his tail and Flash shifted to Twilight. They both blushed and continued to fly; 'though, they couldn't take their eyes of each other.
“Oopsie,” Discord told the readers with a grin.

Later, at sunset, the four found a large Changeling camp. They landed behind some crates and saw the Changelings coming across the aisles.
“Changelings,” Discord said putting on a fedora. “Why'd it have to be Changelings?”
“Can we get through,” Flash asked.
“Easily,” Discord answered. “Just leave it to me.”
Discord walked from behind the crated and into the open.
“Discord,” Twilight whispered loudly. “What are you doing?!”
“YOU,” the Changeling, Fungus, shouted pointing at Discord. “You have some nerve coming here!”
“Relax, it's just me,” Discord said. “I'm your partner, remember?”
“Blister,” Fungus asked.
“Yes,” Discord lied. “I changed into Discord to get the drop on the ponies when they arrive.”
“Oh, and I suppose you're telling me to rub your plan in my face,” Fungus said.
“No, actually,” Discord said. “I'm telling you that I brought the ponies here. You'll find them around that corner.” Discord pointed at a bunch of tents where three pony-shaped shadows were projected on.
Fungus flew around the corner and started beating on the Changelings. The rest of the Changelings heard the struggle and went to investigate. Discord gestured his hand and they sneaked through the camp.
“FUNGUS, GET OFF OF US,” the three Changelings shouted while Fungus was attacking them.
“You're... Changelings,” Fungus asked.
“Well, we're not Breezies,” a Changeling answered. “You nearly poked another hole in my hoof! What's wrong with you?!”
“It's not my fault,” Fungus said. “Blister told me to do it!”
“I did what,” the real Blister asked.
In less then a second, Fungus tackled Blister and prepared to blast.
“Make a fool out of me, will you,” Fungus asked angrily. “Think I'm stupid, do you?!”
Meanwhile, Discord, Twilight, Flash, and Shade walked past the camp and saw a large chasm.
“I don't remember that being there,” Discord said.
“Princess Luna is down there,” Shade said. “We've got to get down there.”
“All right,” Twilight said. “Let's get down there.”
The group floated down the chasm. Within a minute, they reached the ground. Discord came down inside an elevator.
“Ground floor: shape-shifters, evil unicorns, and kidnapped princesses,” Discord said.
The four walked through the canyon until they found Princess Luna chained up. And above her was a large, creepy, stone wall. Discord and the others ran to Princess Luna and came to her. When Princess Luna opened her eyes, she saw them above her.
“You came,” Princess Luna said. “Thank you.”
“Well, you're our friend,” Twilight said. “And friends don't leave friends behind.”
“How sentimental,” a dark voice said. Everyone turned to see the hooded pony in the corner. “And here I thought sentiment was overrated.”
“You,” Twilight Sparkle shouted. “Release Princess Luna now!”
“So you must be Twilight Sparkle who gave Chrysalis and Sombra a hard time,” the hooded pony said. “You're the latest princess? They'll give any pony a crown these days.”
“HEY,” Flash Sentry shouted. “She's a great princess!”
“Be silent, peasant,” the hooded pony said. “I might say, I thought the rescue team would have some manners at least. Wouldn't you think so, Sombra?”
King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis appeared from the shadows.
“Oh, I don't know,” King Sombra said. “For a so-called princess, she had to rely on a baby dragon to do her job.”
“Hey, it worked, didn't it,” Discord shouted.
“Discord,” the hooded pony said. “I nearly forgot that you were here. I might say, even I couldn't foresee this reunion.”
“Reunion,” Discord repeated in a confusing tone. “Have we met before?”
“Don't tell me you don't recognize me,” the hooded pony said.
“Let me think,” Discord said. “Are you... Sauron? Freddy Krueger? OH, NO! DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE CHRIS BROWN!”
“Why do I even bother,” the hooded pony groaned. “Maybe this will help you remember.”
The hooded pony reached the front of his cloak and unhooked it. He removed the cape to reveal his black wings and a black stain Cutie Mark. His tail and mane was pitch black. He then removed his hood revealing his red eyes, his pointy teeth, and his razor-sharp horn. He stood there for a minute while Discord stared.
“Surprised, Discord,” the alicorn asked.
“I... still don't recognize you,” Discord answered.
The alicorn groaned and pulled out a black crown and placed it on top of his head. As soon as Discord saw him with his crown on, he gasped in panic.
“FALLEN,” Discord shouted. “But I...”
“Defeated me,” the alicorn said. “You thought you did.”
“Discord, what's this guy talking about,” Twilight asked. “Who is he?”
“Yeah, there's one bit of my story I didn't tell you guys about,” Discord introduced. “I remember it like it was yesterday.”
> Villains United
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Thousands of years ago, the Equestrian prince was looking out the castle window and onto Canterlot.
“At long last,” the prince said. “My beautiful, perfect city of Canterlot is complete.”
“YOUR HIGHNESS,” a guard shouted. A guard pegasus flew from the window and crashed in front of him.
“What is the meaning of this,” the prince said.
“There's something here,” the guard breathed heavily. “It's big... and tall... and unpredictable.”
Suddenly, the guard floated in the air and stuck to the ceiling. All of a sudden, Discord appeared in front of the prince.
“Prince Fallen, I presume,” Discord said.
“What the,” the black alicorn said. “Who are you?”
“I'm Justin Beiber in three years,” Discord answered. “Oh, don't tell me you don't remember me.”
“Wait,” Prince Fallen squinted. He widened his eyes when he recognized his intruder. “You're the beast I banished years ago.”
“I was no beast,” Discord said. “But I am now. Now, then, let's get right to the question-and-answer portion of our game.”
“What do you want to know,” Prince Fallen asked.
“How are my parents,” Discord said. “Is Feather Gale and Society Peace well?”
“I'm afraid you're far too late,” Prince Fallen answered. “The thought of losing you was more than their hearts could bare. They fell from heart failures. Personally, I think sentiment is overrated. Now, if you're going to kill me, get it over with.”
“Oh, I'm not here to kill you,” Discord said. “I'm here to thank you.”
“Explain,” Prince Fallen commanded.
“Fine, but I'll only explain my way,” Discord said.

“You expect me to see you with anger and hate
But instead, I must thank you for my fate
All those years in the Outlands outcast and alone
Have given me a strong heart of stone
Now, I can carry out this full-force attack
Without any family or friends to hold me back
So I'll take your throne with a prideful smile
While you get to take my place in exile”

With a snap of his claw, Prince Fallen disappeared and Discord saw Canterlot.
“Oh, no, no, no,” Discord said. “This picture will never do. It needs... chaos.”

“That's the prince who took you from your parents,” Twilight asked. “That's the guy who made you what you were.”
“As plain as the nose on my face,” Discord said. “And here, I thought you'd be dead by the time we meet again, Fallen.”
“I should be,” Prince Fallen said. “But I found a way out of the Outlands and found you sitting on my throne. I was about to strike you behind your back, but I couldn't see or hear Celestia and Luna blasting Discord with the Elements of Harmony. The blast sent a shockwave that pushed me to a tree in the Everfree Forest. The tree bark grew around me because of the Elements' magic. I was trapped inside for thousands of years. One day, salvation came when you put the Elements of Harmony back where they came from.”
“The Tree of Harmony,” Twilight asked.
“Once that happened, the magic hold they had over me was broken and I broke out of the tree I was in,” Prince Fallen continued. “I went back to the Outlands to plan my next move. Then, I found this canyon formed after the Crystal Empire returned. I then found this gate.” He pointed at the stone wall.
“That's a gate,” Shade asked.
“Indeed,” Fallen answered. “It's a gate to a netherworld with no inhabitants and filled with accessible, dark magic that's more powerful than any dark magic found in Equestria. When I harness enough of its dark power, I will finally be able to take back my throne.”
“And I'll be able to feed my Changelings from here to eternity,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“And I get to take back the Crystal Empire,” King Sombra said.
“Well, why did you kidnap Princess Luna,” Twilight asked.
“I tried opening the gate by myself,” Prince Fallen replied, “But I had no success. Then, I came across a Royal Four Prophecy. It spoke that four dark creatures of royalty will open the gate and harness its power. All it requires is a king, a queen, a prince, and...”
“A princess,” Discord finished. “That's why you kidnapped Princess Luna.”
“There was just one problem,” Prince Fallen said. “The prophecy requires all four participants to have pure darkness in their soul. In order for Luna to unlock the gate with us, she needs to change back into NightMare Moon.”
“You can't turn her back into NightMare Moon,” Discord said. “They already worked hard on making her good.”
“We can't force it upon her,” Prince Fallen said. “There's a bit of NightMare Moon's evil still in her and she's been holding it back all this time. We need her to let it go.”
“Which I will never do,” Princess Luna said. “Now that I know why you need me, I definitely won't do anything you want.”
“It's not a request,” Prince Fallen said. “Perhaps you need a little more motivation.”
Prince Fallen's horn glowed and a large bubble covered the group.
“It's a magic-proof bubble,” Twilight said. “We can't break through.”
“We'll see about that,” Discord said. He materialized a giant ax and swung at the shield. The bubble didn't break, but Discord fell to pieces. “Kids, don't play with sharp object. Some pony always gets hurt.”
“Let's change the game,” Prince Fallen said. He levitated the bubble and placed it high in the air.
“Let them go,” Princess Luna said.
“If you say so,” Prince Fallen said.
Fallen let go of the bubble and it was falling down at great speed. Everyone inside was screaming.
“THIS MIGHT BE THE END,” Discord shouted. “AND I JUST WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW SOMETHING.... I CHOSE FLASH FOR YOUR PURPOSE, TWILIGHT!”
“WHAT,” Twilight shouted angrily.
“STOP,” Princess Luna shouted.
“All right,” Prince Fallen said before using his magic to stop the bubble from popping. “If you don't let go of the NightMare Moon darkness, then the shadow will go, the guard will fall down hard, Princess Twilight will say 'good night', and Discord will be a corpse.”
“Thank you, Dr. Seuss,” Discord exclaimed.
“Enough,” Prince Fallen shouted. “I want an answer and I want it now!”
Princess Luna looked at her friends and made her choice.
“I'll do it,” Princess Luna chose. “But first, you must let them out of that bubble.”
“Of course,” Prince Fallen agreed. The bubble popped and the four fell to the ground.
“Princess Luna, wait,” Twilight shouted.
Suddenly, a swarm of Changelings flew down and surrounded the four. And then, Princess Luna's mane covered her entire body. When she came out, she was wearing a black-and-blue armor. She then laughed out loud.
“THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER,” Princess Luna shouted finally becoming NightMare Moon.
“Oh, no,” Twilight Sparkle gasped. “It's NightMare Moon...”
“And Queen Chrysalis...” Shade said.
“And King Sombra...” Flash Sentry shivered.
“And Prince Fallen working together,” Discord finished with fear.
Suddenly, Prince Fallen blasted NightMare Moon and her eyes were glowing.
“What was that,” King Sombra asked.
“It's called insurance,” Prince Fallen said. “Can't risk her turning back good. So I gave her a little spell that put my will over hers.”
“Well, it doesn't matter,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Let's just open the gate.”
“NO,” Twilight Sparkle shouted.
“Don't get in our way,” Prince Fallen said as he blasted from his horn.
“Princess Twilight, look out,” Flash Sentry said pushing Twilight out of the way of the blast. Flash Sentry was pushed by the blast and to the wall.
“FLASH,” Twilight gasped. She galloped to him and picked him up. “Are you all right?”
“I'm fine,” Flash groaned. “'Though I think I sprained my wing.”
“Back to our business,” Prince Fallen said. “Everyone, aim your horns.”
Each of the villains aimed their horns to a different corner of the gate and blasted their horns at them. Suddenly, the door opened revealing a black, ghostly background. The sight of it shook fear down everyone's spines.
“At long last,” Prince Fallen praised. “The darkest power in this or any world will be mine.”
“You mean 'ours',” Queen Chrysalis said.
“No,” Prince Fallen replied. “I actually mean... 'mine'.”
Suddenly, Prince Fallen and NightMare Moon blasted Queen Chrysalis and King Sombra to the wall.
“What is the meaning of this,” King Sombra shouted.
“I only needed you two to help me open the gate,” Prince Fallen explained. “And now, you're no longer of any use to me.”
“What about her,” Queen Chrysalis asked pointing at NightMare Moon. “What's she useful for?”
“I told you,” Prince Fallen said, “Insurance.”
Suddenly the gate opened completely and black smoke shot out of it. The smoke poured itself onto Prince Fallen. In a few minutes, the gate closed and Prince Fallen was all powerful.
> Heart to Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Prince Fallen landed on the ground with his mane larger and more evil. He also had a black suit of armor.
“I can feel it,” Prince Fallen declared. “I am more powerful than any alicorn in history!”
“There are some days when you wished you stayed in bed,” Discord told the readers.
“You won't get away with this,” Twilight Sparkle shouted.
“Oh, I nearly forgot about you, princess,” Prince Fallen said. “I've just learned several new spells in this transformation, including a fear spell. One blast and you'll be experiencing your worst fear come to life. And if you're as devoted to your friends as I sense you are, then you're going to live the rest of your life alone and friendless... just like you were before.”
“Uh, oh,” Discord gasped. He ran in front of the blast and got hit on his left side. Discord fell to the ground.
“I see,” Prince Fallen said. “Well, let's see what Discord's most afraid of.”
Discord got up and looked around his body. He didn't see anything wrong with him. “This is peculiar,” Discord said. “Hey, Fally, it looks like your fear spell's a dud.”
“It doesn't matter,” Prince Fallen said. “I'm going to take over Equestria and there's nothing you can do or say to stop me.”
Prince Fallen and NightMare Moon flew into the air and out of the canyon.
“Let's follow them,” Discord shouted. He jumped in the air, but fell back down. “What the...” He jumped again, but couldn't hover. “Come on and fly. Up, up, and away. Make me a bird or a plane or something!” He still couldn't fly.
“Let's make sure you never find us,” Prince Fallen said. He blasted the edges of the canyon and a stone roof covered the whole crack.
“I'm gonna find a way out,” Flash Sentry said. He flew slowly with his sprained wing and went to the top.
“Do you think it was the fear spell that made you unable to fly,” Twilight asked.
“No,” Discord said. “I mean, I do find it unfomfortable to not fly, but I'm not afraid of not being able to.”
“Well, are you all right,” Twilight asked.
“Yeah,” Discord answered. “Yeah, I think I'm all right.”
“GOOD,” Twilight shouted before smacking Discord across the face.
“DIDN'T PRINCESS CELESTIA TEACH YOU TO KEEP YOUR HOOVES TO YOURSELF,” Discord shouted in pain. “Why'd you do that?!”
“I haven't forgotten what you said,” Twilight explained. “You said you chose Flash for my purpose. What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, I chose Flash in hopes of getting you two together since you were already smittin' with his human self,” Discord said.
“I thought you said you weren't paying attention to my story,” Twilight said.
“Well... that's not entirely, completely, 100%... true,” Discord said.
“How much have you heard,” Twilight asked.
“Every word,” Discord answered. “I heard everything; including the mirror portal, Sunset Shimmer, and the teenage zombie army.”
“Why did you tell me otherwise,” Twilight asked.
“Because when I recruited Flash Sentry, your response was throwing a table at me,” Discord replied. “I figured if I told you why I really recruited him, you'd throw a futon into the mix.”
“Is there anything else I need to know,” Twilight asked.
“Yes,” Discord said. “There is no royal magic barrier around the Outlands. I made it up to get you to come. I remembered that you needed to be accompanied, so I saw the opportunity to recruit Flash Sentry and play matchmaker.”
“But you demonstrated a barrier when we came in here,” Twilight said.
“I'm a draconequus,” Discord explained. “I can make anything happen, including a shock on my hand. Come on, if there really was a barrier, there would be no way me and Prince Fallen could have escaped.”
“And here I thought you changed, Discord,” Twilight growled, “But you're still the heartless, no-good, sociopathic, CRAZY JERK!”
“Hey,” Discord said in offense. “I am not sociopathic!” Suddenly, he groaned in pain and held on to his left arm. “What the...”
“Oh, and I suppose faking a heart attack is going to have my pity,” Twilight groaned.
“Uh, Twilight, I don't think he's faking,” Shade said.
“Actually, I don't have a problem with my heart,” Discord said. “I just lost all feeling in my elbow.”
“Look, Discord, I just need some time to think,” Twilight said. “Just go.”
“But... Twilight,” Discord said.
“I SAID GO,” Twilight shouted.
Discord frowned and walked away. But before he left, he turned his head back at Twilight.
“You know, I'm surprised I'm getting punished for secrets,” Discord said. “I've spent the last few days with you and Flash and do you know what I found out? You never told him about your trip to the human world even though you told every pony else. I did this to get you two closer together, but I guess I was just getting my hopes up.”
Discord continued to walk away until he disappeared in the shadows.
Twilight was alone next to Shade and pondered. When she saw Flash Sentry coming back down, she stood up.
“Did you find any way out,” Twilight asked.
“No,” Flash Sentry answered. “Fallen has sealed the chasm without any flaw. It's all solid. I don't know what to do.”
Twilight was silent until Shade bumped herself on Twilight and gave her a gesture.
“Listen, Flash,” Twilight said, “If this is the end, I need to let you in on something... Shortly after I became princess and around the time we first met, my crown was stolen. I followed it to a world full of human counterparts of everyone Equestria. I found your counterpart and we danced together. I got my crown back and returned to Equestria, but now, I get nervous when I'm near you.”
“That's why you were silent around me,” Flash said. “Wait, you actually remember how we met?”
“You see, Flash, I think I like you,” Twilight said. “Actually, I know it. Discord knew it too. That's why he brought you with us. And I got mad at him because he was just trying to help.”
“Princess Twilight, there's no need to hide your feelings,” Flash said. “I know it. You see, my parents were very controlling of me. They wanted me to stay professional. Sooner or later, it became a habit. Then, when I met you, I got out of character for a second... and I liked it. That's why I was silent this whole trip; because as much as it was my duty to stay a guard, I wanted to socialize more because that's who I really am.”
“It's true,” Shade said. “You know how I got this personality? It's because I went into your hearts and combined all your personalities. And of all three of your minds, I never saw more of a love connection than you two.”
“She might be right,” Flash Sentry said.

“I'm supposed to play my part
But I can't ignore what's in my heart
When I have you here
It's crystal clear
My life was ready to start
Shining eyes and graceful flight
Suddenly, I know that this is rightfully
Without you in my life
I'm full of strife
And I lost everything in sight
I can't be me without yourselves
You're the only one who can make me true
Without you, I can't be me
You're the source of my harmony
If I'm not awake, then it would seem
This is my most beautiful dream”
“It all began when I was alone,” Twilight sang
“Always secluded in my home
Yet, destiny
Brought the best in me
Now, I'm never on my own
I'm a princess, I have a crown
Yet, something always made me down
But now, I know
That all that woe
Would end when you're around
I can't be me without yourselves
You can help me see it through
Without you, I can't be me
I see you better truly
If I'm not awake, then it would seem
This is my most beautiful dream”

As Twilight and Flash leaned in slowly and kissed, Shade cried her eyes out. When Twilight and Flash finished, they went down the canyon and found Discord in the corner. When Discord saw Twilight and Flash holding hooves and smiling, he smiled also.

“I CAN'T BE ME WITHOUT YOU,” everyone sang,
“THERE'S NOTHING ELSE I'D RATHER DO
WITHOUT YOU, I CAN'T BE ME
'CAUSE YOU ALL SET ME FREE”
“So when push comes to shove,” Discord sang.
“And when there's meddling there,” Twilight sang.
“Then it's all out of love,” Flash sang.
“AND IT'S FULL OF CARE,” everyone sang,
“IF WE'RE NOT AWAKE, IT WOULD SEEM
THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL...
DREEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAM”

“I'm sorry I yelled at you, Discord,” Twilight said. “I realize now that you were just trying to help.”
“Yeah,” Discord said. Suddenly, he yelled in pain and held on to his eagle arm. He looked at the elbow and shrieked.
“What's wrong,” Twilight asked.
Discord held his arm and saw the elbow white and hard. And it was slowly spreading.
“That's... stone,” Flash recognized. “You're turning to stone.”
“But how,” Discord asked. He then widened his eyes. “FALLEN'S FEAR SPELL! IT'S MAKING MY WORST NIGHTMARE COME TRUE! I'M SLOWLY TURNING BACK INTO A STATUE!”
“Well, it's no problem, right,” Shade asked. “I mean, didn't Twilight and her friends turn you back to flash before?”
“We had the Elements of Harmony back then,” Twilight explained. “We don't have them anymore.”
“What do we do,” Discord panicked. “I can't go back to being a statue. Do you know what birds do to me?”
“Look, maybe Princess Celestia will have an answer,” Flash said. “The problem is, we can't get out of this place.”
“You know,” Discord said looking at his stone elbow, “If there's anything I learned from my mother, it's creativity. We need to work together!”
Twilight then blasted the top of the canyon with her horn continuously and Flash bashed Discord to the top with Discord's elbow. Within a few minutes, the cracks formed began to grow and the ceiling cumbled into a hole. Everyone climbed back out into the sunlight.
“Fallen must be heading back to Canterlot,” Twiight said.
“Then we've got to go and stop him,” Discord said, “For ponies, for friendship, and for an epic battle scene!”
“WAIT,” Queen Chrysalis shouted when she and King Sombra climbed out of the canyon.
“Chrysalis, Sombra,” Twilight growled.
“Twilight Sparkle,” King Sombra growled.
“SHADE,” Shade shouted.
“What do you want,” Flash asked angrily. “I seem to recall you helping Fallen get his power.
“That was before he betrayed us,” Queen Chrysalis said. “As far as I'm concerned, we are not friends, but we share a common enemy.”
“Why should we accept your help,” Discord asked.
“Because we have an army and you don't,” King Sombra said. “You'll need all the help you can get.”
The four looked at each other and sighed.
“You can come, as long as you promise to return to the Outlands and not bother us for... six months,” Twilight said.
“Very well,” Queen Chrysalis accepted. “I'll call upon the Changelings. Today, we get back at Prince Fallen!”
> The Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Canterlot was filled with worried ponies and Princess Celestia was pacing.
“Oh, it's been quite a couple of days since we sent Discord and Twilight to rescue my sister,” Princess Celestia said. “I'm starting to fear the worst.”
“There's nothing to worry about, your highness,” Spike said. “I've known Twilight my whole life and I have complete faith that she'll succeed.”
“And Discord won't let anything stop him,” Fluttershy said. “I'm sure that before you know it, they'll all come back as right as rain.”
Suddenly, the ground shook. Everyone looked at the town square and a large, black throne sprouted from the ground. Prince Fallen and NightMare Moon flew from the sky. Prince Fallen set himself on the throne.
“ALL HAIL PRINCE FALLEN,” he shouted.
“That's Luna,” Princess Celestia gasped. “What's she doing?!”
“That alicorn must have tricked her into becoming NightMare Moon,” Princess Cadence said.
“GUARDS, SEIZE HIM,” Shining Armor shouted.
The guards surrounded Prince Fallen, but the evil alicorn didn't flinch.
“I'll have you know that I am royalty,” Prince Fallen said. “And as a guard, you must bow before me!”
Prince Fallen's horn began to glow and black lightning shot out. As soon as the lightning hit the guards, they all fell to the ground and bowed down.
“SHINING ARMOR,” Cadence shouted.
“Oh, this is better than anything I've ever imagined,” Prince Fallen declared.
“YOU,” Princess Celestia shouted as she landed in front of Prince Fallen. “Surrender my sister, surrender yourself and we will spare you.”
“Ooh, what are you going to do,” Prince Fallen asked in a mocking tone, “Throw the sun at me?!” He then laughed. When he was finished, his horn glowed. “Once the ponies of Equestria see you bow before me, they will all fear into my rule and I will have Equestria once more.”
Suddenly, everyone heard a familiar laugh. They looked and saw Discord surfing on a chocolate milk wave. When he landed, he revealed his completely stone eagle claw and half-stoned chest.
“Cowabunga, evil dude,” Discord said. “Now, will you surrender quietly, Prince Fallen, or will this end with the spilling of your blood?”
“Now, this is just getting sad,” Prince Fallen said. “A princess who's beneath me and a draconequus who's half-stone at this point? This is your big rescue?”
“No,” Discord answered. “THIS IS!” There was a moment of silence. “I said, THIS IS!” There was still a moment of silence. “THAT'S YOUR CUE!”
Suddenly, a swarm of Changelings appeared with Twilight Sparkle, Flash Sentry, Shade, King Sombra, and Queen Chrysalis at the front.
“Give up, Prince Fallen,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Even you can't beat this army!”
“I agree,” Prince Fallen said. “And I might say, you are splendid in escaping the canyon, and I mean it. You truly deserve the title of royalty.”
“Flattery won't save you, Fallen,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Oh, Princess Twilight, I wasn't talking about you,” Prince Fallen said. “I was merely refering to the real symbols of royalty: King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis. You know, perhaps I was too harsh on getting rid of you. You're much too valuable by my side.”
“Nice try, fool,” Queen Chrysalis said. “We're not falling for the same trick twice.”
“Oh, it's no trick,” Prince Fallen said. “I merely realized that my power has nothing to do with your intentions. All the Changelings need is to feed on the love of those who serve their purpose and King Sombra wants his Crystal Empire back. We can help each other. Tell me, what did they promise to do to you when this is over?” They took a moment. “Ah, nothing good. Well, when I take over, I can promise you anything you want.”
“Don't listen to him,” Discord said. “That's how Tirek tricked me.”
“Well, it looks like you have a choice, Sombra and Chrysalis,” Prince Fallen said.
The two looked around and grinned wickedly. They stood beside Prince Fallen and NightMare Moon.
“I thought we had a common enemy,” Twilight shouted.
“You're giving us eternity in the Outlands while he gives us all we've wanted,” King Sombra said. “It wasn't a hard choice.”
“Changelings, SEIZE THEM,” Queen Chrysalis commanded.
The Changelings then swarmed over the city. Every pony panicked and ran from the insects. Everyone then hid behind a barricade.
“Discord, what has happened,” Princess Celestia asked.
“Here's the 10¢ tour,” Discord said, “Sombra, gate, netherworld energy, NightMare Moon, former ruler, mind-controlled Luna, fear spell, turning to stone. The rest of the story will be told after we beat them.”
“Discord's turning to stone,” Shade said. “We need a new remedy to save him!”
“There is none,” Princess Celestia said. “Only the Elements of Harmony can change Discord to flesh!”
“Well, we can find a way out of this later,” Discord siad. “Right now, we need to take down Prince Fallen. He's the one behind this madness.”
“Uh, Discord,” Fluttershy said. She pointed at his reptile foot, which was solid rock.
“AAAAAHHH,” Discord shrieked. “Okay, what if I can force Prince Fallen to turn me back?”
“We just need to get you close enough,” Princess Cadence said. “And the king, queen, and nightmare are in the way.”
“Put me in,” Shade shouted.
“What,” Twilight asked.
“Throw me to NightMare Moon's shadow,” Shade explained. “I'm a piece of Princess Luna's shadow and she created me with goodness and care for her friends. If I can get to her shadow, I can probably fight off the darkness she has.”
“Assuming we can get you through Chrysalis and Sombra,” Spike said. “They're not exactly the friendliest of ponies.”
“Friends,” Discord whispered. He then gasped in excitement. “FRIENDS! THAT'S IT! Let me near them!”
“I hope you know what you're doing,” Twilight said. She levitated Discord and brought him to Queen Chrysalis and King Sombra.
“You,” King Sombra said. “It's time to surrender.”
“You're right,” Discord said. “I should surrender, but only to the most evil pony. Which one of you is better in the nefarious game?”
“It's me obviously,” King Sombra said.
“YOU,” Queen Chrysalis asked. “Don't make me laugh. I've got the better intentions.”
“You couldn't dream to match my power,” King Sombra hissed at Queen Chrysalis. “I ruled the Crystal Empire through hatred and fear so they would find me crystals to magnify my power.”
“Ooh, that's a good plan,” Discord commented.
“I used deciet to get my Changelings into Canterlot and feed on every pony's love for each other,” Queen Chrysalis argued.
“Ooh, deception versus fear,” Discord said. “Continue debating.”
“You weren't even defeated by the Elements of Harmony,” King Sombra stated.
“Neither were you,” Queen Chrysalis replied. “You were beaten by a baby dragon!”
“THAT'S IT,” King Sombra shouted before attacking Queen Chrysalis.
“I'll leave you two to discuss your issues,” Discord said limping with his stone foot.
Suddenly, Shade dashed into the sky and hit NightMare Moon. NightMare Moon was struggling hard.
“GET... OUT... OF... HER... HEAD,” Shade shouted.
In a few minutes, NightMare Moon glowed white and the armor broke into pieces. Princess Luna's original body fell until Princess Celestia caught her. Shade landed on the ground and saw Princess Celestia land and helped her sister stand.
“I've got you, sister,” Princess Celestia said.
“All right, Princess Twilight,” Discord said with the stone creeping down his goat leg. “Launch me.”
Twilight levitated Discord and threw him towards Prince Fallen. Discord grabbed Prince Fallen and they were both heading toward the castle. Soon, they crashed through a window and they both rolled on the throne room floor. They both got up (though, Discord got up a lot slower) and faced each other.
“Discord,” Prince Fallen said. “It's ironic that we have to be in the very place from which you banished me.”
“I'm giving you one chance, Fallen,” Discord said with the stone reaching the end of his tail. “Reverse the fear spell and give me my flesh back.”
“Even if I wanted to, I couldn't,” Prince Fallen said. “The spell is irreversible. I can't stop it. You should have killed me when you had the chance.”
“Well, guess what,” Discord said. “If I had to do it all again, I still wouldn't have.”
“Why is that,” Prince Fallen said.
“Because it's not what my mother would have wanted,” Discord said. “I knew it back then, but I couldn't accept it. And you don't have the feelings to know what it's like.
"Feelings," Prince Fallen asked. "I don't care about feelings!"
"Remind you of a certain, pony brat, anyone," Discord asked the reader. Prince Fallen looked at where Discord was facing and shouted.
"WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THAT," Prince Fallen shouted. "WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO?! THERE'S NO ONE THERE!"
"Oh, forget it," Discord said. "I may not have been able to kill you, but I've got a worse fate for you... mine."
Discord reached out his lion paw, grabbed Prince Fallen's horn, and held it tightly. Prince Fallen struggled, but Discord couldn't let go.
“RELEASE ME, YOU MONSTER,” Prince Fallen shouted.
“NEVER,” Discord said.
Suddenly, Discord's lion paw was completely stone. All that was left was Discord's head. Prince Fallen slipped out of the grip and knocked Discord to the ground. Prince Fallen then laughed.
“Discord, Discord, Discord,” Prince Fallen spoke with confidence. “Did you really think a tight grip from a nearly-petrified beast could stop me?”
“I wasn't trying to stop you, Fallen,” Discord said. “I was just wondering if I held on long enough, the petrification could spread to something else!”
Prince Fallen gasped and looked at his horn. It was quickly turning to stone. Prince Fallen tried burning it with his magic, but it only made the stone grow faster. Prince Fallen shouted and yelled. Discord grinned as Prince Fallen was completely covered in stone.
> Return of the Elements
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Discord's face was almost completely turned to stone. The doors slammed open and the Mane Six, princesses, Flash Sentry, and Shade entered and found Discord.
“Discord,” Fluttershy shrieked. “Are you all right?”
“Well, I lost feeling in all my body but my face and I'm going to be a lawn ornament for the rest of my life,” Discord said. “But other than that, everything peachy keen.”
Everyone lifted Discord and stood him straight up.
“What about Prince Fallen,” Flash Sentry asked. “What happened to making him turn you back?”
“Oh, I was wrong,” Discord said. “Before I go, there are some things I have to confess. Fluttershy, you were the first friend I ever had and probably the best. It was your kindness that made me the draconequus my parents wanted me to be.”
“Thank you, Discord,” Fluttershy said tearing up. “That really means a lot.”
“Discord,” Twilight said, “I have to know: why were you so determined on getting me together with Flash Sentry?”
“Yeah,” Flash said. “Most of the time, you only do things that benefit yourself.”
“To be completely honest, I was doing it as something in return,” Discord said. “You all were so good as to giving me many chances at being a friend. I wanted to do something for you.”
“Is that so,” Twilight asked.
“Not completely,” Discord said. “There might have been a bit of selfishness thrown into the mix. Another reason was that... the two of you remind me of my parents. My dad was intelligent and able to cover all the angles. My mom was quick and smart. The two of you, you're all of those things combined when you're together. I... I didn't want to lose another reminder of my parents. And now, I want to give you a reminder of both me and my parents.”
Discord spit out a locket and it landed in Princess Celestia's hoof.
“Discord, what is this,” Princess Celestia asked.
“It's the last thing I have of my mom,” Discord said. “I realized I was evil all these years because I was angry at my past and refused to let go of it, but after everything I experienced, I decided the best thing I must do is let it go.”
“That's a very mature thing to do, Discord,” Princess Luna said. “Didn't expect that from you. So, is there anything else you want to confess?”
“Yes,” Discord said. “My one regret... is that I never learned how to yodel.”
Everyone giggled.
“Well, Discord, it looks like you succeeded,” Fluttershy said. “You managed to be you and focused at the same time.”
“Yeah,” Discord sniffled. “I did alright for a jerk. My mother always told me this day would come.

“One day, it will come
One day, a new life will start
'Cause there's always a friendless
If there it a heeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaart
If there is a heart
There's always a friiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeend”

At that last note, Discord's face was completely turned to stone. The spell was complete and Discord stood on his stone pedestal completely petrified, yet happy. The ponies bowed their heads in sadness. It was over...
...Or was it? At that moment, King Sombra broke through the ceiling. He looked up at Queen Chrysalis angry and growling. King Sombra leaped into the air and followed.
“It looks like we've got more stuff to fix,” Rainbow Dash said miserably.
“I'll get the party cannon,” Pinkie Pie said dragging her pink, sad dreads on the floor.
“Wait,” Twilight said. “Something's not right. Prince Fallen said his power keeps King Sombra whole. If Prince Fallen's defeated, why is King Sombra still around?”
Suddenly, they heard a crack. Everyone looked at Prince Fallen's statue and saw a crack growing across the stone surface. Soon, the statue broke apart and Prince Fallen came out laughing out loud.
“Even a passed-on petrification curse is no match for my tremendous power,” Prince Fallen shouted. “This proves that there is no power on Equestria equal to my own!”
“You,” Fluttershy shouted. “This is your fault!”
“I GOT HIM,” Rainbow Dash shouted. She then zipped through the air towards the evil alicorn.
Suddenly, Prince Fallen blasted Rainbow Dash. When Rainbow Dash was blasted, the fell to the floor and was forced to bow her head toward Prince Fallen. After that, Prince Fallen forced town the other ponies in front of him.
“That's it, Princess Celestia,” Prince Fallen said. “Bow down before me!”
“No, sister,” Princess Luna shouted. “You can't!”
“I'm sorry, Luna,” Princess Celestia strained as she dropped to the ground. “I can't control myself!”
Prince Fallen laughed loudly and boomed his voice right through the castle.
“AT LONG LAST, MY VICTORY IS COMPLETE,” Prince Fallen declared. “WITH THE POWER TO MAKE THE FOUR PRINCESSES BOW, I WILL RULE AGAIN WITH NO CHALLENGE! AND NOTHING WILL STAND IN MY WAY EVER AGAIN! NOT EVEN...”
Suddenly, the floor shook and something came out of the ground. Prince Fallen looked at it with confusion.
“...A bright, blue vine,” Prince Fallen asked.
“It looks like a root from the Tree of Harmony,” Twilight said. “What's it doing here?”
“Whatever it is, I'm cutting it down,” Prince Fallen shouted.
He blasted the vine, but a shield appeared and deflected the blast. Suddenly, a bright rainbow blasted out of the vine and hit Discord's statue. In a few seconds, Discord bursted out with a supersized mane and bright hands and feet. Everyone was surprised and confused when they saw him alive.
“I'M BAAAAACK,” Discord shouted in a sing-song voice. He held up a fruitbowl. “Anybody need anything from the magic fruitbowl?!”
“NO, IT CAN'T BE,” Prince Fallen gasped. “YOU'RE BACK?!”
“In the flesh,” Discord said. He reached into the bowl and pulled out a giant hammer. “It's hammer time, Prince Filly.”
Prince Fallen flew towards Discord, but Discord smacked him to the wall with the hammer.
“You know, if your last name was Albertinacan,” Discord giggled, “You'd be Prince Albertinacan!” And with that, he leaped and confronted Prince Fallen.
While Discord and Prince Fallen fought, the ponies were still surprised.
“I don't understand,” Princess Cadence said. “I thought only the Elements of Harmony could free him!”
“I think he did use them,” Twilight said. “While we may have put away the gems, the elements they represent have been used by Discord this whole adventure. When Discord saved me from the fear spell, he showed complete loyalty. When he tried to get me and Flash together, that's kindness. When he trapped Prince Fallen in stone, that was magic. When he confessed his selfishness, that was honesty. When he gave us his locket, that was generosity. And when he made us giggle at his last joke, that was laughter. When Discord accomplished all those things, he was able to master the Elements of Harmony and attract the Tree's power. The master of disharmony has mastered harmony!”
“And it looks like he's kicking Prince Fallen's tail,” Rainbow Dash shouted.
Suddenly, Discord created an orb around him and Fallen.
“No, this cannot be,” Prince Fallen shouted. “THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!”
“Make sense,” Discord giggled readying a blast. “Oh, Prince Fallen... what fun is there in making sense?”
Suddenly, Discord blasted Prince Fallen with a large blast that covered his entire body.

Far off, King Sombra was still battling Queen Chrysalis. Suddenly, King Sombra screamed in pain. He then dematerialized and fell to pieces. When Queen Chrysalis saw the light coming from Canterlot Castle, she panicked.
“CHANGELINGS, BACK TO THE OUTLANDS,” Queen Chrysalis said.
Queen Chrysalis and most of the Changelings flew out of the city and out of sight. The other Changelings didn't hear Queen Chrysalis, including Fungus and Blister. When they got up, they saw Shining Armor and the guards surrounding them and the other Changelings. Blister chuckled.
“Parley,” he asked.
Back at the castle, Discord changed back to normal. With a snap of his fingers, he then changed in Spanish clothes and made a Mariachi band.
“Hola, my little ponies,” Discord shouted. “I'm back!” The band played Spanish music. “I DID IT! I SAVED THE DAY!”
“Uh, Discord,” Twilight said pointing at the ground.
Discord looked and saw Prince Fallen laying on the floor. His mane was shorter.
“It looks like Prince Fallen has lost his Netherworld power,” Princess Luna said. “What do we do with him?”
“I have an idea,” Discord giggled.

Later, behind a large, black, three-headed dog, Prince Fallen appeared inside of a cage without his horn and wings. He looked and saw a thin, weak centaur in the same cage.
“What are you in for,” Tirek asked.
> The End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  A large parade was held and Discord was the center of attention. He kissed into the air and waved his arms. He met up with his friends and hugged them.
“Congratulations, Discord,” Princess Celestia said. “In honor of your selfless heroism, we decided to name this... Discord Day!”

Suddenly, Discord opened his eyes when Shade shook him hard.
“Whoa,” Discord said. “What happened?”
“After you sent Prince Fallen to Tartarus, you were tired and fell asleep,” Twilight explained.
“Discord, you showed the true friend within you today,” Princess Celestia said. “And for everything you've done...”
“You're making a holiday named after me,” Discord asked in excitement.
“No,” Princess Celestia said. “I am hereby giving you your own home here in Canterlot.”
“I couldn't thank you all more,” Discord beginning to tear up.
Princess Luna looked at Shade who waved.
“I think Shade deserves a place in Canterlot as well, sister,” Luna said. “After all, she did help and she's a part of me.”
“Accepted,” Princess Celestia said.
“Bring it in, every pony,” Discord said as he reached out and hugged everyone.

Later on, Discord and his friends began reconstructing Canterlot. Discord snapped his claw and a musical singer appeared.
“You know, I would've hated myself if I didn't wrap this up in a song,” Discord said. “Two, three, four!”

“There's nothing wrong with looking strange
Nothing wrong with being weird
But when they get
To know you, you can bet
That the dirty looked will have disappeared
It's not that they want to you to changeling
Nothing they say makes it untrue
Everyone can see
It is better to be
For you to be more like yourselves
Why be different when you can be rare
And let them see the real thing there
Why be different when you can be rare
That's when you show that you can care
WHY BE DIFFERENT WHEN YOU CAN BE RARE
TREATING OTHERS AS EQUALS IS ONLY FAIR
WHY BE DIFFERENT WHEN YOU CAN BE RAAAAAARE
THERE'S A WORLD ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE TO SHARE
Why be diiiffereeeent... when you caaaaaan beeeeeeee...
Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaare”

The last thing Discord did was take a picture with his friends. What nobody saw was that Discord put bunny ears over everyone's heads---actual bunny ears. Some ponies just can't change.
> EPILOGUE
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Flash Sentry, Shade, Spike, and Discord was sitting in a round table with dishes full of shawarma. They just stood still for a while. A minute later, Discord sighed.
“Well, this stinks. How did the Avengers pull this off? And for the record, what is shawarma anyway?”