Prologue

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The moon glistened in the sky, stars twinkling and shining their light to vast places throughout Manehattan. The moonlight streamed onto the empty streets. Mares, stallions, fillies and colts shut tight within their homes, apartments and late night businesses. Silence lulled everything to a dreamful sleep, no sound being made. All was silent, until the sound of police sirens rang across the night like a battle cry.

A long etched shadow crept through the darkness of the streets, trying its best to go about undetected while avoiding street lamps, puddles of water, and coming cars, yet behind it the sounds of galloping stallions and police cars came and pursued closer. Barrels and other large objects popped out of thin air, being thrown straight at the police stallions and mares. Despite the objects in their path, the mares and stallions continued the pursuit, determined to catch the phantom that ran through the streets.

The shadow stared down into a dark alleyway to it's left, yellow eyes and red pupils darting from the pursuing cops to the alleyway and back. The shadow grunted, then skidded into the alleyway, hoping in a quick escape.

"Don't be a dead end like one of those cheesy cop movies. Oh dear Celestia please don't be a dead end."

Yet the pleads from the etched shadow was grown to be short of hope, for the exact opposite appeared before him. A tall brick wall stood between him and his freedom, away from what was coming toward the alley at this moment.

"I bucking hate karma."

Despite his towering height, the shadow could not reach the top of the wall, his claws leaving marks on the red wall, as if it's the shadow's scratching post.

Soon enough, the shadow was blinded by bright lights, the white illumination giving him shape and detail as to what the shadow looked like.

He was a creature made up of many different animal parts: the gray head of a pony, a black mane going down his elongated neck, a goatee, the horn and leg of a goat; a deer antler and a lion's paw, an eagle claw, a bat wing and a blue pegasus wing, a green dragon's leg, a red snake tail with white fluff at the end, and a long, brown, furry serpentine body. He wore an orange jumpsuit, that of what criminals in prison have on, except his was tattered and torn, making it look run down and of absolute no use.

A green unicorn mare walked up calmly in front of the parked police cars, all the police stallion and mares pointing pistols at the unique creature in front of them.

"Discord, there is nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. You can either, calmly and collectively, come with us back to the station, or, you can do it the way you've always made it been. Difficult. It's your choice. I mean, hasn't it always been that way?"

The green unicorn glared at Discord, trying to detect any sign of what was going through the creature's mind at the moment. If he could only listen and not get lost in his insane thoughts. But hopefully he would learn to just obey and come quietly, or go his chaotic ways and make it difficult for the officers to arrest him that way. And just as she feared, it had been the latter.

Discord gave the officer mare a smirk, a toothy grin, then a chuckle which turned into a fit of laughter. The mare's frown only deepened more.

"Oh Celestia! You are sure quite the joker, Pansy, HA! I should really hand it to you though, you should become a comedian some day cause your jokes are completely comedy gold! Hilarious! You're nearly making me fall apart in laughter!"

His body separated into individual pieces, each part of himself falling apart and landing on the ground, his head bouncing as if it's a bouncy ball. The officers, in turn, all shrieked in terror and disgust. Discord then snapped his fingers, a white flash appearing and showing them his natural deformed form once more.

Yet, as the officers below distract the beast that laid before them, above we're a pair of pegasi mares, a cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail and a lavender alicorn with a mane that is dark lavender with light purple and pink streaks. The cyan pegasus pulled out two handcuffs from out of her bag, and with her magic emitting from her horn, the alicorn brought out that of a metal collar that had gems of many colors and shapes were encrusted onto it.

The two waited above for the signal or approval from Pansy. To attack. While the two mares were busy trying to prepare for the strike, it seemed as if Discord had already had enough of the officers stalling and chit chatting to bring a dumpster to the front of himself, create a pistol from thin air, and shoot at the officers.

'If I go down, I'm going down with a fight. And a little chaos of course', Discord thought.

As the scene took place, Pansy shot a blast of green magic in the air, a signal for the two mares in the air. The alicorn immediately swooped downward, bringing the collar towards the mismatched beast, the collar clasping itself around Discord's neck.

Discord tried tugging it off him, but the metal would not break under his will. Yet, as he tried to use his magic to take it off, the collar immediately sensed it and electrocuted him, pain searing into his veins.

Discord roared at the pain he felt, the shock collar giving him what the gems supported, agony and suffering.

Once Discord crippled to the ground, the cyan pegasus swooped below, dropping the cuffs on the cemented floor. Pansy grabbed at it with her magic, and with a click; the cuffs were sealed tight on Discord's wrists.

Discord growled in anger, still trying to snap his fingers, yet the pain grew with every sense that he was to use his magic. He finally stopped trying and looked up, shooting daggers at Pansy who stood before him.

"Sparkle, Dash, good job", Pansy replied, looking over to the cyan pegasus, Rainbow Dash, and the alicorn, Twilight Sparkle.

"Now as for you, I'm going to read you your rights. And this time, let's not zip up my lips when I say you have the right to remain silent, shall we?"

Pilot

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Chapter 1- Pilot
"Oh dear, oh dear! I'm late. I'm late!"

A pegasus mare with a buttercream color coat and a pink rosy mane flew down the streets of Manehattan, frantically trying to get through the traffic and crowds. She gave many ponies words of "excuse me" and "sorry", her shy and innocent appearance making many mares and gentlecolts move aside for the tiny mare to fly on through.

She finally made it to her destination, the Manehattan Police Department, her teal eyes searching for the time clock near the desk where an orange pegasus colt with spiked up electric blue hair sat. She immediately punched in, sighing in relief that she at least made it within a minute.

"Fluttershy? Why are you-?" The colt started, yet was interrupted when the mare started to speak.

"Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry I'm late, Flash. I had to make my roommate lunch for her to take to her classes, then go over to the hospital, then take a trip to the grocery store to pick up food for our pets, and then-"

"Flutters, you know you're always early to work, so I don't know what you're so worked up about", Flash finished.

"Oh", Fluttershy blinked and blushed in embarrassment, hiding behind her long pink curls, "right. Sorry."

Flash chuckled, seeing the action caused by the mare in front of her.

Fluttershy started going through the door leading to the offices, yet just as he was about to turn the knob, Flash called her once more.

"Wait Flutters. Before you go, can you give this to Twilight? I wanted to give it to her earlier, but I didn't want to bother her while she was working."

His face turned a deep crimson, Fluttershy now the one giggling at his embarrassment.

"It will be my pleasure".

She grabbed at the envelope that Flash held out in his hooves and went through the door, heading straight towards her office. She was immediately greeted by a lavender alicorn suddenly hugging her in a tight yet gentle embrace.

"Oh, Fluttershy, we've missed you sooo much! We've already solved three cases while you were on vacation to Maris. Yet it really wasn't the same without our other Chief Detective", Twilight replied gleefully.

"Aw Twi, I missed you guys as well. In fact I brought you all kinds of souvenirs for you and Rainbow. In fact where is she-"

"Rainbow is coming shortly. She's actually pulling up in a van with our latest captor. We just caught him last night actually. One of the most dangerous criminals in all of Manehattan is what I heard, but of course we'll have more information on such".

"More...information?" Fluttershy huffed a shaky breath and sat down at their office chair, gazing at the portfolio that laid on the wooden desk in front of her.

Fluttershy and Twilight were and are the youngest detectives Manehattan has had and share an office solely for themselves, and because of it, are almost like sisters. It is said that Twilight graduated college at the age of fourteen, and yet, even though she derives straight from Canterlot royalty, she still decided to go into the business of Criminal Justice and be a part-time librarian in the local public library in downtown Manehattan.

"Yes, information. Apparently he knows a little bit about the Shadowbolts Inc. then we thought. And, more specifically, I will have to interrogate him. But, if I don't persuade him enough, you're going to have to use your little "Stare" on him to speak", Twilight concludes, tapping a hoof on the portfolio.

Fluttershy opens the portfolio, showing the open case that's been sitting empty for four months. She sighed sadly, her hoof stroking a picture of a dark gray stallion with a light cyanish gray mane with lighter streaks, the caption under stating: Chief Thunderlane; Chief of the Manehattan Police Dept. 1948-1997.

"Fluttershy. This interrogation might get us one step ahead. And you know the case is open as well. I think it is fair for you to take charge of it".

Twilight solemnly looked over Fluttershy's features, feeling empathy on losing her father. It's only been four months, yet some days it's felt like years since his death, for days dragged on and on with no end. But to Fluttershy it felt like yesterday he was wrapping her in his warm hugs, making corny jokes that her mother would be annoyed to yet Fluttershy would laugh whole heartily at.

The silence filled the room, the melancholy shadow's presence looming over its victims.

Twilight wanted to say more, yet saw the tears already brimming in the yellow pegasus's teal eyes. So once the door opened to reveal a female earth pony with a pale yellow coat and raspberry colored hair with light raspberry colored streaks, Twilight sighed in relief to have a distraction.

"Ah, Roseluck. What is it that you needed?"

Roseluck didn't listen much to Twilight's question, for she was too focused on the little pegasus that solemnly looked at a picture of her father on the Pony Press newspaper article, nearly cradling the paper in her hooves. The title of the article expressed everypony's views on Chief Thunderlane's death; Tragedy in Manehattan: Beloved Chief of Police Found Dead, for once that article was out, it seemed as if hope within the city was lost.

Roseluck felt pity for the pegasus. Everyone felt pity for the young pegasus, her friends, her family, even strangers who she's never met. It was just too depressing to know that the city's one time hero was gone.

"Roseluck?"

Roseluck snapped her head towards Twilight, clearing her throat and remembering her quest to their office was.

"Ah, yes. Um, what I was going to say was that Dash, Pansy, and the others have pulled up on the curb and are bringing in the prisoner as we speak."

Fluttershy looked up at this. Twilight had mentioned that they had caught a criminal just that night, for now Fluttershy's curiosity has caught up with her and dragged her to the room that lead out from the offices and into the lobby. Many of the officers were chattering about, curious about whoever was to go through the door, some who had been at the scene last night wincing and cowering at the thought of seeing whoever was coming once again.

Soon enough, the door opened. Every stallion and mare stood in silence as the cyan pegasus Rainbow Dash and the green unicorn Pansy came through, holding chains in their hooves that lead to a shadow that stood behind them.

They tugged at the chains, the shadow grunting and stepping inside, allowing all to see the shadow's appearance. And it was all the reactions he had expected to see.

Officers gasped, standing frozen in shock and surprise by his stature. Officers shrieked and screamed, cowering in fear and hiding behind desks and chairs. Some mares even fainting at the horrid appearance.

Fluttershy was indeed shocked, yet intrigued. Never before had she seen a creature like him before. He was made of many animal parts, his features distinct and secure on his long slender body. Yet what caught her attention was his yellow eyes with the bright vibrant red pupils. They gleamed with danger, violence, and hatred. Yet none the less, he frightened her quite a bit like everypony else, but to a small extent.

She shivered once his eyes took to hers, as if she were staring into the devil's eyes themselves. He gave her a toothy smirk, winking tauntingly in her direction. His eyes raked up and down her body, Fluttershy trembling at this.

When Rainbow noticed this, she yanked the chain that was connected to the shock collar that hung on the creature's neck, urging him to follow.

He snorted and rolled his eyes in annoyance but gave in and followed the forceful mares, two stallion officers following behind with stun batons.

He disappeared behind the door past the offices leading to the small prison where they temporarily keep prisoners, letting gossip and words on the sight now run free.

Fluttershy let out the air she didn't know she was holding, looking at Twilight in bewilderment.

"That was who you caught last night?"

Twilight nodded,"Yes, he's the one. Quite the trouble though, I must say."

Fluttershy gulped at the thought of having to interrogate him. If he looked at her that way before, who wouldn't say what would happen if she had to interrogate him?

"W-who is he? W-what i-is he?" Fluttershy sputtered out.

Twilight grimly looked ahead, straight at the door they disappeared past not too long ago.

"That creature, draconequus to be exact, is Discord, one of the most dangerous and chaotic criminals in all of Manehattan."

The Interrogation

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Chapter 2 - The Interrogation

Discord grunted in annoyance when the police stallions behind him electrocuted him once more on the behind due to his lack of walking faster. The prison keep was full of heartless criminals that the police had snatched up one by one, throwing them from the freedom of the city to the stone encasement of a cell.

Individuals walked around in their cells, murmuring words to themselves or to their imaginary friends; hiding in the shadows, rocking themselves back in forth in a fetus position, welcoming themselves to lonesome insanity. Some others, though, absorbed themselves in anger and hatred, sending hateful glares and death threats to those who walked by or are inhabiting the cells in front of beside them. Most individuals however begged for mercy; to be set free, saying how they shouldn't be there in the first place and how somepony else is to blame for their crimes.

Discord found it irritating to be put in the cells again, for he always hated the amount of noise that is emitted in it by prison mates, the looks many ponies gave, and most likely the reek of ponies who haven't bathed in ages. Yet, with one look at him, most of the ponies had already quieted down, frightened by Discord's appearance and height, the only exception to such was the ponies that were insane.

Rainbow Dash and Pansy escorted him to an empty cell that Discord always would inhabit. The cell was cemented and glowed unnaturally, showing Discord how it has a spell cast over the tiny closet sized cell. It had chalk marks on the walls, scribbled in lines in which to keep track of the days that have passed. There were dried blood stains on the walls and that of an unknown green substance growing in a corner of the cell.

Discord was nearly pushed into the cell, himself stumbling when Rainbow shoved him in.

"Well then, now I see why the prisoners here are so violent and hateful. You must sure be rubbing off on some stallions, Rainbow," Discord cheekily responded.

Rainbow Dash kept silent, only glaring on at the draconequus that stood in the other side of the cell as she began to lock it. Discord then turned to Pansy, raising an eyebrow at the emerald unicorn.

"So how long am I to be kept in imprisonment? Am I to be sent to an asylum? To be left for dead? To rot all on my lonesome while the world around me withers away?" Discord over dramatizes, choking himself sarcastically as Rainbow and Pansy stare at him in a bored like expression.

Discord then grabs at the bars in front of him and smushes his face into the bars.

"What will become of the damned draconequus!"

"Ugh, shut up will you? We don't know yet anyway so shut it," Rainbow Dash snarled.

"Besides, even if we knew, we couldn't tell you none the less without the judge's and chief's consent. Yet before anything happens, you'll be heading in about 5 hours to the interrogation room, where you will be interrogated by Chief Detective Sparkle", Pansy spoke in monotone.

"Ooohh, so Twilight Suckle will interrogate me, is that so? Let's see what she'll get out of me. That prissy alicorn is nothing but a stuck up if you ask me", Discord stuck his tongue out in disgust.

"Either way, it's going to happen whether you are to agree to it or not, Discord," Discord growled at Pansy after her statement.

He turned to sit forward towards the wall, his back to the two mares. Yet something didn't sit right in him. He felt as if something was missing.

'Is it my tooth?'

He used his serpent tongue to lick the sharp tooth that stood outside his mouth.

'Nooo... Is it my tail?'

He looked down poked at the red scaly snake tail that laid on the cold floor next to him.

'Is it my magic?'

Just as when he was about to snap his finger, pain came through his body in an instant, the shock collar around his neck glowing brightly with every pulse of pain it can send into his mismatched self.

"Ugh I hate this damn collar!"

Discord kicked at the wall in frustration. He could hear one of the mares snicker, making him even more agitated, annoyed and angered.

'Magic might be one, but it's something else. Like...a pony?'

He began to list the names of ponies he knew, very few in the least since he was very solitary and to himself most of the time. Most of them of course were officers that had always arrested him since day one.

He turned to the two mares dumbfounded, looking over them curiously.

"Hey, where's the chief? Thunderlane would usually come to arrests, especially, when my beautiful self is involved."

The mares widened their eyes, looking at each other hesitantly.

"Y-you don't know? T-the chief...he...he's-," Rainbow Dash started to sputter out, yet Pansy came forward and interrupted her.

"The chief is on an important business trip to Baltimare, and will not be back for several months. You don't need to know anything else other than that."

She glared at him with cold eyes, his eyes firing back as well. Discord rolled his eyes, spotting the chalk he had had last time he was in the cell underneath his metal bed.

"Whatever, I didn't really care much for the damned pegasus anyway. Always trying to corrupt me...so to hell with him," Discord drew one line on the wall, sucking in a breath of cold air.

Silence spread throughout the cell, Discord not even noticing that the two mares left him to himself. Yet he didn't mind. Not at all. He's always been a lonesome creature, always talking to his own reflections, for with his magic or imagination, could even talk back. In his mind he'd welcome to being alone, for that's when he could spread chaos for his own amusement. He could get lost in his own thoughts, his own little world where nothing could bother him whatsoever. And for that, Discord sat in silence, waiting to be called back to his horrid reality.

Fluttershy gazed up at the clock hesitantly, waiting for it to strike to five o'clock. She watched quietly as Twilight read over a few more details in the portfolio she had in her hooves, memorizing as much as she could in order to get even more information from the draconequus.

"Twilight? Are you sure this will work? I mean, b-by what you've t-told me, about...him, you make it so sure that h-he's difficult", Fluttershy stared at the ground, stuttering wile speaking.

"Don't worry, Fluttershy. I know what I probably said was kinda over exaggerated, but I know if I can't get to him, you will."

"B-but-"

"Flutters," Twilight softly smiled, "you don't need to be worried. We're at and we work in a police department. I'm sure if he were to pull any tricks the other officers would control him. Besides, he can't really do anything, mostly magic, with the Element Collar he's wearing."

Fluttershy looked at her curiously and confused, for she has never heard of such a shock collar.

"Element Collar?"

Twilight nodded in a gleeful way, excited to always explain something she knew to others.

"Yes, Element Collar. It's an interesting artifact that the elites in Canterlot invented, actually. The gems that surround the outside of the collar have a repel against chaotic and dark magic, so to whoever is wearing it cannot use their magic at all! So once we got a handle of it from my sister-in-law, I suggested that we use it on Discord."

"And what is to happen when that, um, user tries to use chaotic magic or any powers exactly?"

Twilight shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "It's the same as any shock collar. It senses when you're going to use magic and electrocutes you, except it's to an extreme. Luckily the only power Discord can use is his healing powers, but the Element Collar is the only way to prevent him from using most of his chaos against us."

The door to the shadowed room the two mares were seated in opened to show Pansy and Rainbow Dash walking in, followed by Roseluck, a light orange mare with a curly orange mane, and a light gold mare with a grayscale mane and deep fuchsia eyes.

Rainbow rose her head up to Fluttershy, immediately smiling at the sight of her kind friend.

"Flutters! Hey kid, I missed ya", Rainbow Dash friendly punched her shoulder teasingly, Fluttershy wrapping her in a warm embrace right after.

"You can have your sappy get-together later. Sparkle, the criminal is in the room", Pansy snapped.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and sat down on a chair. She pushed a button, allowing the window in front of the remaining mares to lighten up and show the draconequus sitting in the chair, making faces at the window.

"The insane bastard can't take anything seriously can he", groaned the light orange pony, whose ID says 'Carrot Top'.

"I personally don't see why he can't belong in an asylum. He's nearly insane", Rainbow agreed.

Fluttershy just stared wide eyed at the creature. Now up close, she can see every little detail on the creature, from the tips of his horns to the red scales on his tail. His distorted body frightened her, yet she felt an allure to it. A wicked feeling that confused and frightened her even more.

Twilight entered the room, looking over at Discord with a confident expression.

"Do you think he'll even listen or focus for two seconds? That bastard barely pays attention to a simple law", Rainbow Dash muttered under breath.

"Dash, silence. We need to listen up, so keep all thoughts to yourself and only yourself", demanded the light gold pegasus.

Rainbow Dash nodded respectively. "Yes Chief Yearling, I mean Do. Sorry", Rainbow apologizes.

Twilight puts down the portfolio and opens it, pulling out a paper with text typed all over it. She slid it on the table so it was right in front of Discord, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"What do you know about the Shadowbolts Inc.?" Twilight gestured to the paper, the title written to be 'Shadowbolts Inc.' with symbols of purple tornadoes right under it.

"Getting right into it are we? Well, what is there to know? They're a company that sells dark magic to unicorns and those who can wield magic. Even pegasi and earth ponies can have control with it. Biggest illegal company in the market. What is there else to know?" Discord rolls wrist in the air for emphasis, difficult for him since he has cuffs on.

Twilight started walking from wall to wall, thinking of all the interrogation tactics that may work on the difficult prisoner.

"Well there are plenty more to know. I mean, by your status on your...", she pauses to look over at Discord,"...criminal expertise, you would be the better candidate to—at least—have a handful of their dark magic spells or potions."

Discord raises a bushy eyebrow, smirking at Twilight's outlook on the case.

"And do pray tell, if I were to gain access to such magic, how and what would I possibly gain from it? I can conjure anything from the tip of my own fingers-"

"Yet to an extent, must I interlude", Twilight interrupts.

"Why yes, of course! For not many magic bearers can produce as much chaotic magic as I can. But of course, no one can handle the magic I possess, for it is disharmonious and out-of-control. Especially fatal in the wrong hands. Or should I mean hooves."

Discord glanced over at Twilight.

"But still, why would I ever be so stupid enough to have the ownership of dark magic? I mean, to study even a little bit of it would be illegal. Don't you think so, Twily?"

Twilight glowered at him suspiciously.

"And what are you getting at exactly?" Twilight asked through closed teeth.

"Well, if I must say, that the highest degree of illegal activity would be to study the "illegal-ness" of dark magic. Don't those in Canterlot, especially the elite, have many a many of books that have the wills of dark possessions to cause even the weakest of ponies to become stronger than that of I?"

Discord clasped his hands together, a dark grin forming on his face.

"Are you to infer that I study and control dark magic just because of my class in society?" Twilight's pupils shrunk, a gasp escaping her lips.

She shook her head, for she knew Discord was trying to wrap his way into her head. To confuse the the interrogator rather then the interrogated. She slammed her hoof on the table.

"Don't get off topic, Discord. Who do you work for? How long has the company's shipments gone for? How many members are in the business? Who are in the business? How many shipments has there been? Who has gotten those shipments? What-"

And Twilight listed down hurriedly question after question. It all slurred and sounded like complete noise to Discord, yet he still kept a straight face, knowing of Twilight's little tactics to get him to talk. Surely not working at all.

"My, remember to breathe when you speak that quickly. You wouldn't want to die a sorry death now would you?" Discord spoke in the middle of Twilight's spiel.

Twilight's eyes twitched, her head aching. Why wasn't it working?

"Would you like me to go over your criminal record once more with you? Or would you like to tell me anything that would actually be useful, enough to get you off your sentence?"

"Ooooh, story time!"

Twilight opened up the portfolio that laid on the desk in front of Discord. The light in the room dimmed down in the room, the only light being projected is the magic emitting from Twilight's horn and the lamp that is nearly blinding Discord, yet he still kept a smug grin upon his face.

"You have arrested for the following felonies for past times: four attempts of bank robbery, six tries on disturbing the peace with chaos, another twelve tries with such; kidnap; selling things you've stolen, stealing things you have stolen before, injuring several ponies with magic outbursts, stealing multiple filly toys-", Discord snickered at that one, yet Twilight continued,"-kidnap once more, multiple cases of sex with prostitutes, and finally the case you've done now: murder."

Twilight slapped down the paper before flying up in the air and went with her face only a few centimeters in Discord's face.

"You're a sick, sick bastard."

Discord didn't reply, his smirk diminishing for only a few seconds before he grinned wildly in Twilight's direction.

"Oh, my dearest Twilight, I've been called much, much worse. And yet you only assume the worst. The only thing I've ever have done is disturb the peace. The rest are only filly play."

"You have done not only drugs, steal, and use others for amusement purposes, but also dark magic. You have forced magic spells on mares and colts to do your dirty greeds, even having the will power to go over and kill a mare in the process!"

Twilight knew she wasn't getting anywhere. Yet what could she do? All Discord was ever good for, for the police, was making them agitated, anxious, and frustrated; all three appearing to Twilight. And Discord knew that.

"Yet how would you know that was me? How would you know if any of those accusations was I? You ponies only assume the worst of criminals because you ponies don't have anywhere else to go, only to assume that beings who're different, who are not to belong, are to blame for these incidences. Just like your little brother, am I correct?"

Twilight's spine went cold, her body stiffing up. What is going on? How is he getting into her head like this?

Fluttershy kept on watching silently, the fur on her neck sticking up. She'd never seen Twilight become so agitated, frustrated, angry, and...vulnerable? She only heard tidbits of the conversation, and so far nothing is to be answered on the case at all. In truth be told, it seems that Discord had switched it off. By annoying Twilight, he had gotten and buried himself under her skin, allowing himself to wriggle his way into her thoughts and letting the little pieces she's gathered up fall apart.

And Fluttershy couldn't take it any longer.

"Get her out", Fluttershy ordered.

Rainbow's eyes widened, taking a glance at Fluttershy hesitantly.

"B-but Flutters-"

"Rainbow, you need to get her out now!" Fluttershy raised her voice, but only by a minimal. Yet enough to get the point across.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash looked over to Chief Do, waiting for approval. Once the the chief nodded, Rainbow left and went to open the door to the Interrogation Room.

The door opened, the light reaching up to the two inhabitants within the room. Twilight angrily blew air threw her nostrils, stomping her hoof on the concrete flooring. She narrowed her eyes at Discord, himself in return giving a sly grin.

Fluttershy grimaced at the amount of yelling and vulgar words Twilight spoke once they entered the viewing room, the pegasus quietly staring up at the monster that was seated in the other room.

How was she to get anything out of him now? Not even Twilight dealt with him. How could she deal with him?

The lavender alicorn sat down on the chair next to Fluttershy, a cup of heated coffee levitating next to her. She looked over at the shivering pegasus, her annoyance now turned to guilt.

"Fluttershy, I-I'm sorry. You didn't need to hear that. I... I was...", Twilight trailed off.

"I... I understand. He shouldn't of gone to far", assured Fluttershy, eyes glued onto the window.

The buttercream pegasus heard her name being called and stood up to face the chief.

"Chief, maybe Fluttershy shouldn't-" began Rainbow, yet Pansy interrupted her.

"Chief, if Twilight can't get anything out of the fiend in the other room, how in the world is 'she' to do so as well?"

Chief Do looked at Fluttershy expectantly, waiting for any sign of anticipation from her. Yet, just as she thought, Fluttershy stood up straighter and opened the door of the viewing room and left to the interrogation room door without a single sound to come from her mouth.

Fluttershy hates being pitied. Hates being put down, stooped to a lower level. Her trying to prover herself is one this that arrogantly came from her mother for certain.

But trying to prove of herself now is about the chance as finding a bag of hundred bits on the sidewalk. And she knew that. She may never have heard of such a creature of Discord, but seeing how Twilight handled him, she would probably be worse.

She sighed shakily, her eyes glued to the door.

'Just breathe. In and out. I-In and out.'

One the officer stallions opened the door for her and she walked through.

The door to the room opened, making Discord look up. His eyes glued to a beautiful mare in front of him on the other side of the table. He nearly gawked at the sight of her once more. It had been the mare he'd seen when entering the police station. And now that he has a closer look, she wasn't at all bad to look at, not at all.

She was a pegasus, with a coat the color of sweet buttercream and a long mane and tail of rose silk. Her teal eyes glowed radiantly, showing innocence and yet determination. She wasn't as thin as all the other mares he'd seen. She has a plump body, her white long sleeve blouse loose, her black skirt tight on her curved hips.

Discord didn't even hear her at first until she called his name once more. He coughed into his paw and sat up straighter, blinking his eyes twice. And once he got a sense of his surroundings, he decided to toy the mare.

"Hellooo hot stuff."

Fluttershy squeaked at Discord's choice of words, her body shaking at now being up close to the draconequus. She took another deep breath, trying to get her determination back into her system.

"Sir, if I could ask a couple of quick questions-"

"Discord," Discord interjected. "You may call me Discord."

Fluttershy paused and looked at Discord, the breath sucked out of her. She breathed out his name, the name itself causing her to shiver in uneasiness. She cleared her throat.

"Sir, as asked before, what do you know about the Shadowbolts Incorporation?"

"As said once before, my dear. I know as much information as you have received from the case at all."

Fluttershy then looked him straight dead in the eye. Right into his very soul. Discord felt a cold sweat run down his back, feeling her eyes dig deep into his head, having the complete silence and awkwardness of the situation unnerving to him. He jumped slightly when she stood up suddenly, grabbing at the portfolio and going her way towards to door.

"And to where, may I ask, are you going?" Discord asked, perplexed.

"Well, it's just what you have said. You have absolutely no detail of information of the business, so why should I waste my time with you if you have nothing to even offer?"

It was as if something spark inside of Discord, and he didn't like it. He couldn't keep a focus of whatever the feeling was, but it was mixed with the feelings of annoyance, confusion, shock and...interest? He's never had such feelings stir within him, but something about this mare intrigued him... Something he wouldn't like to find in the first place. So when she rounded to the statement of saying he was worthless to the case, well, he didn't take kindly to being told off for his arrogance.

"Are you calling me a lost cause? Is that it?" Discord hissed.

"No, all I stated was that it was no use to ask you easy little questions about a simple illegal business if you don't have answers to them. Never once have I called you a lost cause. But now that I were to think about it..." Fluttershy turned her head towards Discord, giving him a sly grin.

Discord's lips raised in a snarl. How dare she make fun of him? Didn't she know who he was?

"And do, pray tell; tell me of this information you speak of. What more information do you know that I don't?"

The portfolio was opened and tossed into his direction, various pictures and articles scattering all over the metal table.

"Stallions and mares alike work directly for the incorporation. Majority of them being unicorns, yet of course with the exception of the transporting ponies of the air, pegasi, and of the ground, earth ponies. Many of the members, numbers of which I can't say, are about close to the thousands in number. One thousand, maybe two-"

"Maybe about four hundred off the point at the first. And having the unicorns have most of the dirty work in magic is very magistist, don't you think? Zebras can also conjure up some spells from potions and concoctions. I mean look at me, I'm not no damn unicorn, now am I?"

"Oh, but I only assumed-"

"Assuming will get you no where, my dear", Discord replied. He was so distracted by her big teal eyes. He was entranced by them until he blinked away.

"Assuming is what makes us ponies. Alive. And assuming will get us to some of the answers we need in life. Which you had gladly have given me today", Fluttershy replied gleefully.

The door opened, two stallions in police uniforms coming in and grabbing at Discord. Yet Discord was too stunned to react. She didn't even try, and yet she still got a few smidgens of information from him. What effect did she have on him to do such a thing? All he did was stare into her teal eyes and...

He smirked at the buttercream pegasus, Fluttershy now crippling under his intense gaze.

"My, my, my. Looks like the sly fox was outsmarted. Whatever you did, it worked for now, my dear..." Discord inched closer to Fluttershy's face, now that the investigation was over and her determination was extinguished, shook and flinched by the closeness of their faces.

"But when I see you again, getting anything outta me would be even more difficult then getting anything out of your skirt."

The officers dragged him down the hall towards the cells once more. Fluttershy blindly looked onward at Discord, her pride and work now washed away by fright as he was whisked away. She may have done the job at hand, but at what cost on her?

The only thing registered in her mind in that moment, with everything and everyone blurred around her and Discord, is his masculine chuckle: low, dark, ominous, and chaotic.

Muffins

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Chapter 3 - Muffins

The gentle tap of the pen in her hoof to the desk in front of her sounded off the walls of the office, the only other sound resonating is that of other voices.

Tap, tap, tap.

She couldn't focus. Her head was in too much pain to think. Yet she couldn't get it off her head. Get him off her head.

"What ever you did Fluttershy, it worked. Surprisingly", replied Twilight, sending Fluttershy out of her trance.

"I mean, you didn't even do anything. And I used most of my main tactics on him. A whole bunch as well. I had a checklist!" Twilight moved in front of Fluttershy, beaming at her friend.

"And yet, all you did was stare him down and he unfolded an answer to you! Granted, it was not what we really wanted and expected from, but it was something."

Every pony in the room nodded in agreement to Twilight. Fluttershy's cheeks grew slightly red, then a question popped up in her head about the draconequus.

"What's going to happen with him now?"

The room grew silent, every pony looking at the other hesitantly. Pansy, however, responded as nonchalantly as possible.

"It is up to either the chief or judge of Manehattan to decide Discord's fate. I wouldn't be surprised if he were to be executed for his crimes."

Fluttershy's eyes widened a bit at Pansy's statement. Execution? She didn't even know they still had the death penalty law in Manehattan. When Twilight saw the expression on Fluttershy's face, she coughed into her hoof and gave a nervous chuckle.

"But, I seriously doubt that will happen to him. I mean, it would've happened a long time ago for his heinous crimes, don't you think?" Twilight sputtered.

"It didn't happen because the chief was still alive. That's why..."

Fluttershy widened her eyes even more, staring at Pansy in shock of her words.

"W-when...when...the ch-chief...", Fluttershy trailed off, memories painfully flooding back to her.

Every individual sympathetically looked at Fluttershy, remembering the previous chief and his kind acts towards his fellow officers. Pansy never reacted to what she had said and to Fluttershy's depressive acts. She didn't even feel a thing of the frail pegasus. Fluttershy immediately wiped her eyes, not wanting to show her weakness to the officer mares within the room. She curiously looked at Pansy, confused by her words.

"Wha-what do you mean b-by before when my father–I mean the chief was alive?"

Twilight responded as soon as the question was spoken.

"What Pansy means is that... Thunderlane, he was notorious for not only capturing numerous criminals, but saving them. He felt as if every pony, stallion, mare, had a heart, just that it was sealed off by torment or darkness or what not."

"Like their goodness or kindness was trapped in a stone prison", replied Carrot Top.

Twilight nodded at Carrot Top and continued. "Thunderlane, just like you, cared for other ponies and treated them justly and right, unlike what other previous chiefs have done. He was gifted to look beyond their crimes and look at the pony inside him or herself."

"And now we see where you get your genes from", bubbled out a greeninsh blue pegasus mare with a yellow mane.

"Thank you Helia. But it still doesn't answer the question on why Discord was saved when my father was alive," exclaimed Fluttershy.

"It was before you joined the force. Long story short, your father saved Discord from a crime, I don't remember, in Baltimare and has tried to reform him since. Before Discord escaped I mean. Yet every time he got arrested here in Manehattan since your guys move, Thunderlane and Discord have, sort of, known each other since," chided Carrot Top.

"Oh, so like what happened to Dash and Thunderlane?"

All the mares stared towards Roseluck, who clamped her mouth shut once her voice rang across the room. Fluttershy took a glance at Rainbow Dash, studying her guilty yet saddened features scrawling across her cyan face and moderate cerise eyes.

"Oops...sorry Dash. I-I didn't mean ta-"

"It's fine Luck. It's...fine", solemnly replied Rainbow Dash.

The room grew silent, the mares shuffling their bodies in awkwardness. As soon as Roseluck looked at the clock on the far wall, she sighed in relief.

"Times up! Time to go home every pony!"

The rest of the mares sighed as well, leaving farewells and exiting out of the small yet glum office. Twilight and Rainbow were left in the room, eyes on the mare that sat stroking a framed picture in her hooves.

"I'm doing the case."

Twilight and Rainbow froze at this statement, again surprised at Fluttershy's actions.

"Flu-Flutters-"

"No. I'm doing the case. My father started it, I am going to finish it." Fluttershy glanced at her father's picture once more, determination flowing through her.

"For you papa."

She tried to grab at the keys that were in the bottom of her purse, grunting in satisfaction once finding them. She hovered towards the door of her home, the need of having a rest from the day behind her tempting the mare.

The door was opened, only for confetti and balloons to fly towards the mare, her eyes bulging in surprise and shock. She shrieked and crouched in a fetal position, trying not to get hit even more than she had already.

"WELCOME HOO~OME!"

A pink earth pony with pink poofy hair, like that of cotton candy, shouted at the top of her lungs, blue crystal eyes sparkling with optimism and excitement. She had a cannon of sorts in front of her, light smoke coming from the hole it shot from.

Fluttershy looked up at the pink mare and sighed, coming over from her small fright.

"P-Pinkie. You st-startled me..."

The mare, Pinkie Pie, giggled nervously, helping Fluttershy in the process.

"Whoopsie daisies! You okay Flutters?"

Fluttershy nodded and looked her in the eyes, scolding Pinkie.

"Pinkie, what did I tell you about the cannon? And how it's very startling a-and–"

"Yeaaaah, I remember. But it's always a celebration to see you come back from work all the time!"

Pinkie stuck her tongue out giddily, Fluttershy smiling and hugging her roommate. Pinkie pushed the cannon away and Fluttershy stepped inside the apartment.

The smell of cupcakes and other sugary delights wafted itself in her nostrils, the scent nearly driving Fluttershy forward in hunger. The living room was decorated with a leather couch set in the middle, facing a brick wall with a glowing fireplace, a television set atop of it.

Fluttershy dropped her purse on the floor, dragging herself to the couch and falling into its soft cushioning. She sighed loudly, almost willing herself to be one with the couch.

"Well, while you rest, I have some carrot muffins on the counter if you want one. Angel and Gummy are upstairs playing and got fed when I got home."

Pinkie pats Fluttershy's head and trots off, leaving a tired pegasus staring at the ceiling, then at the fireplace. Fluttershy pushes herself off the couch and picks up a framed picture. On the picture shows a family of sorts: a small buttercream pegasus filly in the arms of a darkish gray pegasus stallion, a small unicorn colt with a bluish mane and a young mare laughing at the filly and stallion.

Fluttershy's hooves shook slightly. Small drops of water appeared on the glass of the framed picture, Fluttershy not even noticing that she was crying. She immediately wiped the frame and her eyes, setting the picture down where it stood before.

'Why can't I just stop crying? Why can't I just be over it? Why, Celestia, why?'

A sigh escaped her lips. If only the past wasn't there to haunt her as much. But that's all that the pictures and trinkets all around the apartment did for her. Not only causing the sense of loneliness to her well being, but the pain caused by the good and bad memories she can no longer reach to.

She walked into the kitchen, spotting Pinkie chopping some carrots and celery, a pot on the oven boiling. She stood there and watched. Pinkie suddenly begun to shake and stiffen, turning around to see her roommate staring at her uncertainly. Pinkie gave a warm smile to Fluttershy, gesturing her to take a seat near the muffins. Fluttershy did so, hesitantly taking a muffin and taking small bites, the sugar and carrot filling her taste buds.

"So how'd work go today? Did you interrogate anyone? Fight crime? Bring justice!"

Fluttershy giggled and set down her muffin.

"Ah, the usual. Got to work, had a small chat with Flash, met with Twilight and Dashy, interrogated a dangerous criminal, gave Twilight Flash's love letter, came home-"

"Wait, hold up! Whaaaaat?"

Pinkie stood up and leaned closer to Fluttershy, her mouth gaped and her eyes widening.

"Gave a love letter to Twilight from Flash! OHMYGOSH!"

Pinkie squealed, urging Fluttershy to continue. Fluttershy did so whilst giggling at her friend's excitement.

"We were walking to the parking lot when I remembered Flash gave me a letter earlier to give to Twilight. I gave her the letter, and when she opened it her face turned a bright red, like that you see on an apple. It was adorable actually, the way I saw her read the note all dreamily like. I asked her what was on it, but she nervously shrugged it off as if it was nothing. Flash blushed too when he handed me the letter to give to Twily too."

"I KNEW IT!"

Pinkie got on the counter, hopping up and down.

"Twilight and Flashy sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First come love, then comes marriage, then comes a foal in a small sweet carriage! They should just kiss already!"

Fluttershy agreed, taking another bit of the muffin while stifling a laugh. Living with Pinkie was always an adventure, and everyday was just like what was happening in that moment. Having a pony who would always have an optimistic and giddy attitude, who'd always make ponies around them smile and laugh even when in doubt was all Pinkie shined on the world, and that is what Fluttershy liked most about Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie and Fluttershy have known each other since Fluttershy moved from Baltimare and Pinkie moved from a rock farm, having been best friends, more like sisters, since. While Fluttershy works in the station, Pinkie goes to the University of Manehattan, having it to be her last year studying.

But before Fluttershy could ask another question, Pinkie gasped again and put a hoof to Fluttershy's mouth.

"Hold up, one more time. Rewind what you said earlier. About an interrogation with a dangerous criminal?"

Pinkie inched closer and closer to Fluttershy's face, their muzzles nearly touching.

"Um, yes? I interrogated this, um, stallion-" she winced, "-and he is listed to be one of the most dangerous criminals in Manehattan. I d-didn't think he was a-all t-that...bad..."

"Ooo, so you interrogated a creature of different animals parts who can't really use magic because of a shock collar and did so because he might be connected to the magic dealers and in turn your father's murderer?"

Fluttershy looked on a Pinkie questionably, asking how she possibly could know that. Pinkie shrugged.

"Eh, it's just a hunch."

"Um okay...anyway, how was school for you?"

Pinkie beamed at the pegasus, going on about how her day first started to the very end when she came home to find the head of Fluttershy's pet, Angel Bunny, within the mouth of Pinkie Pie's toothless baby alligator, Gummy. But when Fluttershy mentions a specific stallion's name, Pinkie's excitement increases dramatically. She squeals and drags Fluttershy to the couch, plopping on the cushions next to her.

"Oh my Celestia you would never believe it I mean he actually made the first move when I thought I would but I didn't he just went right into it and it was bliss and everything amazing and I literally thought of your cutie mark during and I just loved and he said he would take me out later and I was all like 'Okie dokie loki' and we kissed again and OH MY GOSH!" Pinkie gushed all in one breath, falling from the couch to the floor, her hooves on her chest and a dreamy look on her face.

"Well, I am certainly happy for you and Cheese. I think you two are perfect for being each other's special some pony, especially since it's hard to find another pony just like you," Fluttershy chirped, hiding her small envy behind her masking smile.

"Aw, thanks Flutters!"

Pinkie moved and hugged Fluttershy, Fluttershy sighing and letting her head rest on Pinkie's shoulder and wafting in the sugary scent of Pinkie's mane. She felt happy for Pinkie, but she was at times envious towards her friend, and how she would always be as optimistic as she was all the time, even if horrible accidents happened to her.

'If only I was like Pinkie. If only I was ever free to be happy and giddy amongst ponies. If only my life didn't have so many tragedies. If only I weren't me.'

Discord pounded his fists onto the wall of his cell, the loud thump echoing throughout the cells. He grunted and tugged at the collar that is on his neck, but to no prevail. He walked the length of the cell back and forth, paw and claw behind his back, his orange uniform shuffling at his movements.

"I need to get out of here. I need to get out of here. But how? How?"

He tried to snap his fingers, tried to ignore the pain emitting from the collar, but the current was too strong and he roared at the pain. He murmured out as many curse word he could to Celestia's and the other officers' names, hoping that such things he said were to happen to the ponies.

Yet, when his thoughts strayed to a familiar yellow pegasus with silky pink hair, it occurred to him how he's never heard of and seen the mare before, as well as not knowing her name. What also came was how, without using a single thought, spilled some information to the mare, and all because she said some information the opposite on what was right and use her teal eyes to stare at him, into his mismatched eyes.

But it didn't upset him whatsoever. No, it just made the mare all the more interesting. Yes, she had the looks that many mares he'd seen not present, but had a fierce personality behind her innocent virgin frame.

He looked into the toilet bowl and into the murky water. His eagle claw ran a finger through the water, where it began to ripple and the figure of the pegasus mare was shown.

'At least they didn't take away all my magic.'

He gazed into the mare's face, but found it irresistibly difficult to stray from her eyes. Her big, sparkling teal eyes. He shook his head, urging himself to think of something else.

He gave a sly grin, the image rupturing into where her face is distorted and shows fright in her eyes. His claw splashed the surface of the water, the image rippling once more until it stilled, showing Discord's long face, yellow eyes with mismatched red pupils, a long pink scar going vertical through his left eye. His toothy grin widened even more, the look of a maniac glazed onto his face.

"Well my dear pegasus, you just came to be the next victim of chaos himself."

Judgement

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Chapter 4 - Judgement

Discord shot up from the floor wide awake, being startled by the loud clatter that came from the cell bars. He looked over to where the noise came from, only to see Pansy glaring at him through the metal bars whilst a tray–with food Discord can't see distinctly–hovered in the air next to her. He noticed it must have been a little over six in the morning, for not only the alignment in the sky shows it, but on how early he knows Pansy awakens.

"Oh, I expected something much more appealing to see when I awake in the morning. But I guess you'll have to do," jokingly remarked Discord.

Pansy grunted in annoyance, rolling her eyes. The tray full of the unknown solid substances slid through the small slot on the metallic bar door, dropping onto the cemented floor below in a clatter.

Discord looked over at the tray in disgust. He glanced at Pansy and the tray multiple times before using his tail to slide the tray to the opposite side of wall where other trays with rotting food lay. He stuck his serpent tongue out, cringing at the heap and how horrible the smell was from where he stood, the sight not so pleasant to him either. Yet, it was understandable on why they reeked since the food has been laid there for a week or so.

"You know, if you're just going to give me inedible food from the ground, you might as well let me starve. Even though I could probably go a great amount of time fasting."

Discord rose an eyebrow at the emerald unicorn, waiting for her dull expression to change. Instead she brushed aside her forest green bang from her face and monotonically replied, "Oh, but I only wanted to give you your last meal before you confront the judge today."

Discord gazed at her, puzzled.

"The...judge?"

"Why yes, Judge Mare. The judge, and officers that were hoof-picked by the chief, are going to sentence you to whatever fate we demand of it. But it's obvious what that fate will be..."

Her straight face broke into a devious smile, one that even Discord cringed at.

"Execution."

Discord scoffed at Pansy's statement, the belief that he would get the death penalty coming to a minimal in his mind. The draconequus laughs, rolling on the floor in amusement before wiping his eyes of tears.

"Oh Pansy, you really should consider being a comedian. I swear, your jokes become funnier day after day! Death penalty! Ha!"

Pansy's grin doesn't even change, instead her eyes grow darker in twisted humor.

"Yes, I think I will. Considering that after I see your lifeless corpse strewn from life, I will be more than happy to make others feel the giddiness I do in return."

Discord couldn't even laugh along with her. He knew of her dark humor, and how cruel Pansy was, but never had he seen it. And now that she's presenting it towards him, and at this time before sunrise, he couldn't help but shudder at this expense. She must be joking.

"You've got to be joking. Don't you think I would've gotten the death sentence awhile ago? What's the pure reason for it now anyway?"

Pansy chuckled and turned around, the grim smile upon her face unseen to Discord.

"Oh, you'll know. Soon enough. Oh, so soon."

And with that, she walked off, leaving Discord cursing in his cell alone, with the feeling of dread going throughout his body; a feeling he himself would have never imagined to feel.

Fluttershy drove up to the courthouse, still confused on why she was sent here. She parked the silver car and stepped out, immediately spotting Roseluck and calling to her so they may enter the building together.

Around nine in the morning did Fluttershy receive a call from Twilight asking of her to come to the judicial courthouse. Twilight had spoken of something concerning of the chief wanting a specific group of officers and such to come and witness the judgement on a specific prisoner, yet only a few knew who. Fluttershy never got to ask, for Twilight hung up before.

Now Fluttershy stood in front of the double doors leading to the court room with Roseluck, who nervously glanced her way. Roseluck saw Fluttershy's anxious glances and awkward shuffles, concern for the pegasus gripping at her.

"You, um, okay Flutters?"

Fluttershy peered over to earth pony mare and smiled nervously.

"I just had a déjà vu moment is all. Nothing to worry about, but I deeply appreciate your concern."

And déjà vu is all Fluttershy did have a sense of at that moment. It's as if she's going to go through something all over again, except she's never recalled going to a courthouse to experience the sentencing of a prisoner. She's seen them on those judge shows on television, but never in person.

"Um, okay..."

Roseluck hesitantly patted Fluttershy's back before opening the door to allow the both of them through, a light blush blending in with Roseluck's yellow coat.

They enter the wide room, Fluttershy kept in awe at the expanse of the judicial room. There were two columns of chairs, which came to be divided by rows and rows leading up to where the a gate divides the chairs to where the judge's podium stands. On either side of the podium are raised platforms that are fenced in and contain a few rows of benches, where Fluttershy assumes the jury are to be seated.

She spots Rainbow Dash and Twilight sitting off in the distance where the platforms are, deep in discussion by the time Fluttershy approaches them. Twilight then eyes the gentle pegasus and nudges Rainbow, both giving forced smiles to their friend, in which Fluttershy dismisses the action.

The two simultaneously reply a hello, a small greeting and hug followed back by Fluttershy. She sits her self in the middle of the two, Twilight and Rainbow Dash exchanging nervous glances, in which Fluttershy immediately catches.

"What is going on here? Why are we doing here in the first place? And please don't sugarcoat it and tell me false information like you always do. I am an adult as well and deserve the truth," Fluttershy responds.

"We know you are, Fluttershy. And the reason we're here isn't much of a concern, it's just the purpose and the outcome of afterwords is the reason we don't really want you to...witness," Twilight stammered out.

Fluttershy still gazed at them confused and unmoved, Rainbow taking a deep breath before explaining the situation as profoundly as possible.

"The reason why we're here is to...to judge a trial against a prisoner we've had back at the station for a week now. And what we mean by outcome is something most of us have been waiting to have on this...prisoner...for a while now."

"And that outcome is to be...what exactly?" Stuttered Fluttershy worriedly.

But just as Twilight was about to answer, the officers and others started to seat themselves as Chief Do came out of the doors with another officer stallion Fluttershy didn't recognize. Barely to no one sat on the side opposite where Fluttershy say, worry etched on her face as her attention went back to the chief.

They carried chains in their hooves, a picture Fluttershy has seen once. A familiar shadow stood behind them, and once they tugged for it to come forward, Fluttershy's worry grew into anxiety and fear.

"D-Discord? Wha-what's he d-doing here?" Fluttershy whispered out, shuddering at what the suspected outcome will be.

"Um, he's the prisoner were judging...", Twilight whispered back.

Fluttershy froze, goosebumps appearing. Discord? Why would they be judging him? And why is she here to witness it?

Soon enough every individual in the room stood up once the judge entered. Judge Mare was a light beige earth pony coated mare with blue eyes and a gray mane, glasses perched on the tip of her muzzle. Her outfit contains a long black robe that reaches a few inches from the ground she stepped upon, a white collar with a green frill in the around her neck. The room was deathly silent, the sound of her hooves clomping the ground echoing throughout the building.

Judge Mare reached her chair at the podium and slammed her gavel on the table, her voice booming.

"The court will now hear the case of the Manehattan Police Force vs. Discord. Is the attorney rea.... Uh... Where's the attorney Chief Do?"

Judge Mare questioningly glances at the chief, who flies up to her and whispers a few words to her. Murmured 'Mhm's and 'oh's could be heard coming from the old mare, whispers dispersing amongst the officers.

While Fluttershy waited for a response from the chief and Judge Mare, she quietly glanced at Discord and where he sat slumped over. She was surprised when he was already looking at her, the fur on her neck standing on end. He gave her quick smirk, a scowl growing on Fluttershy's face as she remembered the words he told her after the interrogation.

Yes, she was afraid, but annoyance toyed her at the way he was acting in the situation he is in. He's in trial for ponies sake! It's as if he doesn't care about the fate he's about to encounter at the moment. And that made Fluttershy's thoughts on him grow. Questions upon questions stacked in her head about the draconequus that sat before her, and that made her wonder even more.

After this, would her questions even be answered? Or would they stay as they already are, unanswered?

Judge Mare nodded once more and gaveled, bringing the officers' attention back onto her once more. She coughed into her hoof and looked over at the officers in confidence.

"By the seeming issue of what your Chief of Police has described to me, the course of action would be to consult to the Grand Council about this...uh...predicament, per say. But by how they have...handled it, from the Chief's say, Discord here is...of difference to the way things are treated towards draconequi and ponies. And so, the Council has agreed to let the jury, and I, to decide the fate of the verdict."

As soon as she had finished her statement, the officers dissolved in uproar. Some discussed why the council would decide this, whilst the majority talked about the sentences. Even Rainbow Dash talked whilst the others about the fate they have resting upon their hooves, Twilight and Flash Sentry in deep discussion on the issue as well.

Something welled up deep inside Fluttershy that she yhasn't really felt in a long time. She wasn't quite sure, but by the snippets of words she has caught by the yapping coworkers around her, specific words stood out that made her feel worry towards the draconequus.

Murder...dangerous threat...should be put down...execution.

That single word sent shivers down her own back. Condemn him to die? On Fluttershy's part, no pony, even if they aren't one, deserved to be condemned to die, not even if they've committed millions upon millions of crimes. It was just as cruel, unjust. And she felt like that was an abuse in the system in Manehattan. Almost any criminal who's at least committed a felony of murder immediately is to be trialled to death, and even her father reminded her of it.

But hopefully that was not to be the case in this mock trial. Surely the police force are better than that, right?

Judge Mare once more drew her gavel down to the podium, attention brought forth again. She cleared her throat and turned her attention to Discord, who surprisingly sat patient and attentive.

"Oh, so I exist now?" Discord smiled smugly at the judge, her face a strict frown.

"Discord, I know very well how you never abide by the rules. So this change doesn't even faze you a bit? Or would you like it the way it has politically been for hundreds of years? We will find you an attorney and will have an official tri-"

"Oh don't bring the whole justly thing with me, your Honor. I like changes in rules now and then. I mean, it's more...chaotic in that way."

Groans and mutters could be heard from the officers, nonetheless bringing music to Discord's ears. He chuckled, the annoyed atmosphere growing.

"Then the court is hereby in session. Discord, you are charged with the felonies you have been caught in by the federal officers, including disturbance of the peace, destruction of private property, and your newest crime; murder of a young mare. Defendant, what is it that you plead?"

Everyone in the room grew quiet, all focused on the chimera that slowly rose up. He cleared his throat and spoke the word no one expected him to say.

"Guilty."

"G...g-guilty? You're pleading guilty instead of...not guilty? You have been read your rights, correct? You're not even going to acknowledge and defend yourself?" Judge Mare stuttered, as shocked as everyone else in the room.

"Well what would be the point of saying that statement? By the end every pony in the room would guild me as guilty anyway, having to present myself as a false accusation. I may be a villain, but I don't lie. Sometimes. Besides, those crimes that I am accused of-" he chuckled darkly, his eyes becoming dark shaded,"-I have done. So why don't we get this trial done with and be on our separate ways. You all may go to your lovely homes, I can go to my run-down mucky cell by the station. Or better yet, you can just drop me off at the Downtown Prison Ward right now."

The stallion from before stood up and walked over to Chief Do, his eyes boring into Discord's.

"Well, it's more difficult than you think it is, sir. Due to the fact that you have sincerely secluded yourself to say that you are guilty, even though we haven't even had the chance to speak against you, the chance is now up to the jury to decide your fate."

Discord looked over at the judge confirmation. As she nodded, Discord fell into a cold sweat, Pansy's words crawling around in his head.

'I'm so dead...I'm literally going to be a grave draconequus. And I can't even humor myself about it...'

Yet Discord kept a straight face, not wanting any of the officers to catch his wary emotions gripping him and tearing him apart limb from limb. Why was it this week that he actually had feelings he didn't have before? Dread and fear was abnormal to him, he was the one to send it, not receive it.

"Jury, you have one minute to come up with your final answer. Then one of you will announce it as so," Judge Mare replied.

Soon enough jumbled words came from the group, mares and stallions alike sharing the details of sentences the wanted from before. Pansy listened closely and spoke indifferently, smiling wickedly at each one who have an agreement with her thoughts. Soon, one by one came with the same thought, growing and bursting into one. They all smiled, Pansy standing up to declare their answer.

"We have discussed the terms and have provided that yes, Discord is guilty. And so, our sentence for him is to be put...to death."

The few who have discussed other things gasped, but the one who stood out was Fluttershy's. She didn't actually expect it had come to that. And she grimaced once everyone she knew, even Rainbow Dash, nodding in agreement.

Yet Judge Mare questioned this, allowing Fluttershy to actually sigh in small relief. There had to be justice, just in another way.

Yet it was brief, for one by one, officers stood up and said there reasons, one worse than the other.

"He's a threat against pony kind!"

"He hypnotized mares and stallions to do crimes for him!"

"His powers are dangerous and too chaotic and can cause destruction to us all! Haven't you seen the disturbances?!"

"If he's murdered one mare, how do we know we're not all next!"

And it continued, some mares becoming distressed and dramatic, others reporting similar things with serious gestures. All have made their point across, the judge slowly coming and agreeing to their aggressive words.

Fluttershy stayed quiet, unsure on how to even process all of what was happening. In all honesty she was more disappointed at the fact that almost all her coworkers are cruel enough to force death upon him. Yes, he may be a threat and yes, may be a danger to society, but there's no reason to let him cease to exist in the world.

And that's when she saw it.

It was only for a glimmer of a second, but she had caught it. In that flick of a moment, she noticed something that crossed Discord's face, an emotion not once she imagined she'd witness. And once she looked into his eyes, she can see it glazed into the mismatched red pupils.

Fear.

Fear of getting killed. Fear of not living. Fear of being forgotten.

And once she saw that, she knew what she had to do.

Just before the gavel could strike down, declaring the order of execution, a voice boomed and interrupted the action.

"WAIT!"

In a swift motion, Fluttershy flew from her seat to the ground below. She stood a few feet in front of Discord, back facing him and arms stretched out. She held a determined expression towards the judge, whom looked at the mare shocked and confused.

Everyone looked at Fluttershy with the same expression as the judge, even Discord stood flabbergasted.

"Please, don't. Don't execute him, Your Honor, please."

Two burly stallions came walking up to Fluttershy to take her away, but the judge stopped them and glanced curiously at the buttercream pegasus.

"And who may you be?" Asked Judge Mare.

"I am one of the chief detectives' of the Manehattan Police, your Honor. I am Chief Detective Shy...Fluttershy."

Discord looked up at the mare in wonder, mentally noting her name and muttering it under his breath. The name fitted her perfectly, describing her elegance, beauty, and innocence into one.

He shook his head, mentally slapping himself for thinking such thoughts. Instead, he wondered to himself as to why she is even defending him, and why...Fluttershy would even care.

"And why should we not go forth and perform the act, Ms. Shy? Do you have a defense for Discord? Any evidence of innocence?"

"N...n-no your Honor..." Fluttershy nervously stammered out, hesitantly contemplating her words in her head.

"Then why are you-"

"Because this is unfair! Cruel! Unjustly!"

The judge looked her over once more curious, memories coming back to her. The officers stared at Fluttershy wide-eyed, bewildered by the shy pegasus's actions. They were usually proud of her sudden rare bursts of bravery, but at this moment, it was unnecessary and unacceptable.

Rainbow Dash, who was extremely shocked by her friend's behavior, flew to the front of the jury and whispered disbelief to her.

"What are you doing?! Don't you know who you're defending?!"

Fluttershy ignored her friend's pleas and had her attention mainly to Judge Mare, who quickly recognized Fluttershy. She looked at the mare warmly and respectively.

"Ms. Shy, my you do look familiar. Are you related to anyone who works or who worked in the police force?"

Fluttershy gulped and hesitantly replied, "Um, y-yes your Honor. M...m-my father."

The black stallion who stood by Chief Do approached near the judge's podium.

"She's the previous chief's daughter, Chief Thunderlane."

Some of the officers whom never laid eyes on Fluttershy before gasped at this coincidence, even Discord widening his eyes.

'This mare is the daughter of my worst enemy? I swear she is quite the surprising and interesting mare than most indeed...'

"Ah, Thunderlane... What a stallion he was. Notorious for always wanting to save the criminals he saw potential for..." Judge Mare trailed off as she glanced between Discord and Fluttershy, the sense of déjà vu also overwhelming her.

"And why is that you feel that this is unjustly. It is exactly for justice, not against it. For certain you feel the same way, don't you?"

Fluttershy shook her head, her pink curls falling on her covered shoulders.

"Of course not! I understand what you're trying to do. What every pony in this room trying to do. But execution? That's about as worse as murder itself!"

"But Ms. Shy-"

"I'm sorry your Honor, but please let me finish."

Judge Mare sat wide eyed at Fluttershy, Fluttershy instantly blushing and trying to hide behind her long mane. The judge calmly looked over to her and nodded for her to continue. Fluttershy smiled and sighed.

"As I was to say. Condemning an individual to be put to death is as close as to planning the ultimate doom upon a pony's presence. Killing him will make us no better than what he had done, or what anyone has done to put them into trial. Yes, he has committed many and many crimes. Yes, he has threatened and treated ponies here with cruelty and vulgarity. Yes, he may also be a tad bit insane,-" Discord grunted and shouted a vulgar insult, but Fluttershy continued, "-but that doesn't mean he has to die for it."

She stared up at the judge with wide sparkling eyes, the innocence radiating from her teal waves into the heart of the judge.

"We are alive here for a reason, and so to take it away is a sin given up to those in Tartarus. No pony deserves to die, no matter how different they are or how they are treated or treating others."

As she finished her statement, she stood tall and proud, happy with herself for speaking up on another's behalf. Yet a small ounce of regret lingered in her head, but she dismissed it as she heard light murmurs coming from the group of ponies on the far side next to her. Her optimism shrunk as she saw the serious expressions on her peers' faces, very few giving encouraging smiles at Fluttershy.

She was at least glad she could see Twilight, Flash, and Roseluck giving hearty smiles and nods, the only disappointment was seeing Rainbow Dash's dumbfounded expression.

Judge Mare sat there in silence, contemplating and thinking over what the pegasus had said moments ago. She had realized that they have been abusing the system of the death penalty, and she took to heavy heart that what Fluttershy is saying is in full truth. Killing another is bad.

She then glanced at the blue pegasus that stood shocked near the officer jury, revelation being shown in front of her own eyes. She pointed at Rainbow Dash and called out for her to stand on front of the podium.

"Yes your Honor? What was it that you needed?" Asked Rainbow Dash, her voice shaky.

"I need answers from the both of you. Starting with you... Dash is it? Why yes I remember you. You were here in this very court as well, trialled for some crimes...was it?"

Rainbow Dash let out a shaky breath in answer, not wanting to think about the past. She didn't want it to rise again, especially in front of...him.

"Yes. I remember you clearly. You were wanted for a heavy price I must say. You stole, lied, cheated your way into life. You also as well killing a couple just to steal their wallets..."

Rainbow Dash looked at the floor guiltily, not wanting to look into the eyes of the older mare that stood on front of her.

"I-I wasn't thinking the right way. I did what I was taught on the streets...survival of the fittest, ya know?"

The judge nodded, but prodded forward.

"We were afraid of you. We also thought we would get killed by your antics. You have also been wanted in Cloudsdale, Baltimare, Canterlot...we didn't want you around any more. You were going to be sent through the death penalty. But you didn't. Instead you stand in front of me as a changed mare, all because of a stallion. A stallion who changed you for the better."

Rainbow Dash looked up, her eyes glistening due to the moisture developing in her eyes.

"Thunderlane..."

Judge Mare turned her attention back to Fluttershy, who had been staring at her friend empathically.

"Ms. Shy. What is one other reason why we should spare the life of Discord? And it has to be a good one."

Fluttershy kept her stare at Rainbow Dash, her heart not skipping a best when answering.

"Because my father wouldn't want it. He would give him a chance of redemption, a chance to make things right."

"And how would you recommend we perform that?"

Fluttershy stood silent before a thought came to her.

"He could be used for the benefit of the community. His chaotic magic created to help those in need, for him to contain the elements of not only generosity and kindness, but loyalty and honesty, along with the bubbly amount of laughter. Discord can be reformed."

"No! No! Discord can not be reformed! Reformation bad, bad for Discord!" Shrieked Discord, yet he was obviously ignored.

"Instead of death, reformation to me is the best option we have to not only benefit himself from destruction, but also to the police force and all of Manehattan."

Fluttershy smiled warmly and put her hooves together, proving her point.

"It would be a win-win!"

The judge smiled and looked over at the chief, who she knew was also smiling contently at this.

The judge stood up from her chair and banged her gavel, clearing her throat as she made her final decision. Everyone arose, even Discord, whom waited intently for the mare to speak.

"Discord. You are declared guilty, but changes in punishment go far from death."

He sighed at this, officers groaning in annoyance.

"But! You are to be put in a place where not only will you be put in place, but will learn how to learn the ways of harmony and balance. You are to be reformed. And under the care of a pony who has the mind and knowledge to focus tiring you to good. Who, through kindness, can melt your heart of stone to one of warmth and life."

She turned to Fluttershy, who stiffened under her gaze.

'She isn't going to say it, is she? No...no it can't be...?'

"You are to be under the care of Ms. Fluttershy, who will welcome you into her home, and for three to four months will reform you. And once we are certain you are turned to good, you are to be free from custody."

The room was silent, except for the shout coming from Rainbow Dash and Discord, who simultaneously shrieked, "WHAT?!"

The judge smiled once more before she left the room, Rainbow Dash nearly pleading with her to not do this. Discord stood shocked, staring at Fluttershy through the corner of his eyes. But soon, his shock turned into smugness. He'd be reformed by her and only her. Possibly living in her own home. And he didn't even had to try.

Yet Fluttershy stood silent, hugging herself as she stared at the floor, regrets seeping into her, tears on its way to flow.

'I've just risked myself to allow a criminal into my own home. I saved a criminal who deserved to die, to live. Oh Celestia...father...what have I done?!'

Regrets

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Chapter 5 - Regrets

Fluttershy shivered, tear stains covering her face. She had been silently crying, no whimper or sob to be heard from her as she intently listens to Rainbow Dash yelling in complaint to the judge and Chief Do, Pansy hearing the argument as well.

They were back at the station, Discord back in his cell, Fluttershy waiting patiently to be called into the Chief's Office.

Twilight gently rubbed circles on Fluttershy's back, empathizing with the pegasus.

To Fluttershy, it's like the 'incident' all over again. Ponies pitying her, feeling sorry for her. And yet she was too feeble and frail to say otherwise. No one would listen to her, she's just the wimpy pegasus that always gets in trouble and gets "saved" by her so-called friends.

Yet she wouldn't complain too much. At least she has friends that care, and at the moment, that's all she needed right now.

But hearing Rainbow Dash's yelling arguments to the chief and judge, Fluttershy wondered to the consequences of saving Discord. Yes, she counted many cons, how the thoughts scared her to the bone, but, there were also pros. Two major pros she knew would prove as great help to her mission: the knowledge of a criminal of the streets and the knowledge of knowing Thunderlane.

Discord knew her father. He knew him. Not only will that help with the cause of the case, but Fluttershy's own consideration of finding her killer. And if it was the risk of reforming a dangerous vigilante and living with him, than so let it be.

Fluttershy and Twilight jumped at the sound of a large slam inside the room, both mares staring at the door worriedly.

"M-maybe we should...go check on them...", Fluttershy merely whispered out, her voice strained due to the amount of whimpers she gave out on her way the the station.

Twilight told her to stay put as she got up and opened the door to the office, but Fluttershy willingly got up as well and silently followed her.

Rainbow Dash was flying in the air, her face distorted in anger. The judge and chief were seated quietly, Pansy standing beside them, angry as well. They looked up at the mares in the door way, their eyes gazing softly at Fluttershy.

"Shy, Sparkle. Pleasant to see you here. Come, sit."

Pansy huffed in annoyance as Twilight and Fluttershy sat near Judge Mare and Chief Do, glancing nervously as each other. Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy's tear streaked face, her anger present still but soon turning to gloom.

"See! Even Fluttershy's scared! You can't let that beastly pervert live with her! Who knows what he'll do to her!"

Twilight and Pansy nodded, the chief and judge expectantly looking at Fluttershy. Fluttershy undoubtedly felt offended at the argument, as if she couldn't take care of herself with Discord. Sure, she was also worried about the outcome of him living with her and Pinkie, but she was sure she could probably handle him.

She's dealt with many villains in the past. She has been in many interrogations and situations where she had been left in a room alone with the criminal. Some unconditionally friendly due to the pegasus's innocent looks, some almost as vile looking and crueler than what Discord has shown.

But Discord? So far he hasn't shown anything of criminal like, just acting like a complete and utter filly.

"I don't think handling Discord would be...th-that bad. Could it not?" Fluttershy's tone a hushed whisper. Yet everyone heard it, including Rainbow.

"Not that bad? Not that BAD? Fluttershy you have got to be kidding me!"

Rainbow hovered in front on Fluttershy and placed her hooves on her shoulders. She gazed straight into her teal eyes, worry casted over them.

"Flutters, you don't know Discord like we do. You haven't seen what he's done. You don't know what he's done. You haven't seen what he's really like. He's a cold-hearted bastard that has no chance on stepping on the same ground as us, even breathing the same air as us. We can't have chaos and harmony out into a room together and see what will happen."

Rainbow gripped Fluttershy's shoulders gently, her breathing hitched and cracking.

"We don't want anything to happen to you, Flutters. We...I...I wouldn't know what to do. You and your dad...you guys were and are the only family I got. If that son of a bitch does anything to you..."

Fluttershy grabbed ahold of the blue pegasus and hugged her tight, Rainbow putting her muzzle into Fluttershy's rosy mane.

"Nothing will happen to me. I promise. And besides, if anything were to happen, you, Pinkie, Twilight, and everyone else will be by my side and help."

The room fell silent until Rainbow's small voice asked a question even Fluttershy wanted to know.

"Why'd you do it?"

"...what?"

"Why did you save him? Save Discord?"

Fluttershy fell silent until the same answer from before was spoken through her quivering lips.

"I...I thought it was the right thing to do. I thought, no, felt like he could be given a chance, a second chance. And even though I didn't want to do it, that I felt that he should have that chance, my father kept on popping in my mind. Kept a steady voice, repeating the same thing over and over again. 'Save him. Save him and you save me'. I didnt know what it meant, but I followed it nonetheless. I still don't know what it means, but I saved him, and now...now..."

Fluttershy cringed at the thought of everyday, every moment, she'll see Discord. Think about how in middle of the night he could sneak in to their rooms and kill her and Pinkie. How he could possibly corrupt them or make them suffer or worse. And every thought made her regret her decision even more, even the guilt of dragging her beloved bubbly friend into this mess.

"Chief Do, Judge Mare, please. There has to be another way. We can't let her live with...him. Please...", pleaded Twilight.

The chief and judge shook their heads, casting sorrow glances at the trio.

"We apologize deeply Ms. Sparkle. But there is nothing we can do. What's done is done and we have already done the poll with the jury. We had to make our answer sincere allowed for some of the officers to vote. Reformation by Fluttershy was the most favorable choice," Judge Mare answered.

"What do you mean by poll? What poll?" Asked Rainbow quizzically.

The chief stood up and brought her hooves to her back. She cleared throat and spoke whilst staring at Fluttershy.

"I knew Discord was going to die. And I knew some pony wouldn't allow it. Which is the reason I invited Ms. Shy in the first place."

"But...how-" Fluttershy started, but Chief Do interrupted her.

"Because I knew you were reasonable enough to stop it. I knew ponies never liked Discord. I knew they wanted him to die. But I also knew that if you came, you would save him."

"Yet, why would you want him to be saved chief? That's what I'm not understanding at the moment," sighed Twilight.

"Not only would it give a good presentation to the Manehattan Police, but also gives us an extra ally."

The three mares gave perplexed stares, the chief giving a deep breath before continuing.

"Discord. As you all know he has been an enemy for far too long. He is too difficult, arrogant, confusing, and much too..."

"Perverted?" Replied Rainbow Dash.

"Um, yes. He is all the things that make him unreasonable to deal with. As well as his intelligence and how perceptional he is to get him to spill information in any way. But on that day, you, without giving even one simple sentence, stared him down and made him give way a minimal of information that may help with your case. You were able to get to him. You are able to get him to the right path. To reform him for the better. And not only that, once reformed, he may actually help us. He has enough magic to catch criminals. To work for us-"

"So we can use him? Chief, I can't lie. If reforming him is to use him of his powers I can't-"

"It would be better than letting him free and causing destruction wherever he went. We need to show him what he is doing is not good for us and for him. And so, I am allowing you the option to chose if you want to reform him or not."

All their eyes widened, even Judge Mare's.

"But Ms. Do. The judging, the court, the poll-"

"I'm not forcing one of my own detectives' into a dangerous situation like this. I want it be willingly, not forceful."

She turned her attention back to Fluttershy who was deep in thought. She didn't know what to do. She could hear the silent pleads of her friends to say no. To say that she wouldn't want the risk and let him rot in a cell.

But she couldn't.

She couldn't say no.

As much she knew was going to regret what she was to do, she knew it was for the better. For the better of the community. For the better for him.

"I have made my final decision. As much as I don't want to be, but it is a choice I know that will make it better for all of us."

She sadly looked at her friends, the fear shown on her faces bringing overwhelming guilt through her body. She sighed and gazed up at the chief, guilty determination showing on her face.

"I am willingly going to take Discord under my wings and reform him under my care, and only my care."

The screeching sound bounced against the walls, the noise enough to make ones ears bleed. Yet Discord didn't mind it. He simply just scratched at the cemented wall again, wanting to block everyone and everything from of his mind for the moment.

It had been a day since the trial of that morning, something that wouldn't get out of Discord's mind for the entirety of his time since coming back to his cold cemented in shelter.

Yet he couldn't focus to the painful sound since he had heard distant whistles and seduction voices, the noise becoming louder as the hoof steps approached his cell. He already knew who it was, so instead of standing up to face them, he went back to facing the wall opposite the barred door and scratched another line into it with his eagle claw.

He heard a polite cough and a clearing of the throat before a soft spoken voice laced with milk and honey spoke his name.

"Discord?"

He could already imagine her lips forming the word, but he mentally slapped himself once more on the thought. Instead, he spoke her name as seductively and arrogantly as possible.

"Fluttershy."

He turned slightly to see her cower a bit, quite surprised for him to know of her name. He smirked and gave a menacing chuckle, the hairs on Fluttershy's neck sticking out.

"H-how do y-you-"

"You spoke it out in front of me in court. Remember?"

Fluttershy blushed embarrassed and remembered that it was true, that she had spoken her name out when the judge asked to whom she was. He must've mentally noted it.

"Um...y-yes. O-Of course."

And soon the air was filled in awkward silence. Discord watched as Fluttershy shuffled in place, her hooves gripping the hem of her purple blouse, her legs inside her black slacks quivering slightly.

"I know you came here for a reason. And I know it's not just the welcome committee or food, cause I just told off Pansy this morning about the crappy food substances she's been craving me to die from."

Fluttershy looked over to the corner of the cell where a heap of old rotten smelling food lay, herself cringing. She actually felt a little bit bad for him.

"Oh, no, I was here to see how you were and how you...felt...about this situation..." Fluttershy trailed off. She quickly took a glance at Discord, the sinister grin on his face not moving an inch.

"Oh, the situation! The irony of it all huh? A cop saving a dangerous criminal who they really don't even know, but know that they are a threat to society. And now, we're going to be house buddies!"

Discord clasped his hands together for emphasis, mocking the way Fluttershy did so in the courtroom. Fluttershy slightly frowned, how the insights of difficulty and child-like Discord is coming back to mind.

"Um, yes. The chief has decided that it would be best to let you settle in as soon as possible, so tomorrow is when we'll be...you'll be transferring from cell to home."

Discord nodded in understanding, still looking at the mare questioningly. Fluttershy noticed this and shuffled again awkwardly. He had questions he wanted answered. Especially the ones considering her saving him from execution.

Why had she done it? What was her purpose into rescuing a criminal with no actual knowledge and insights of him? Why Discord? And why now?

Fluttershy decided to take upon a closer look at Discord. His body, though slim, were very muscular in their own way, which Fluttershy took a little by surprise. There were also slight scar marks on his paw, but was hard to tell whether or not he had more due to his orange jumpsuit cloaking his legs and torso. There was a tear in one of his ears, but she couldn't quite see the detailing of his face since it hid in the shadows of his cell. The only thing she could see of his face is his glowing yellow eyes.

The moon had already surfaced in the sky, the moonlight from the window illuminating the hallway from the cell and the cell itself. The light made Fluttershy's body illuminated and glow brightly, along with showing Discord's masked face as well.

She never really noticed his face features until now, even when she was up close to him in the interrogation room. The only thing she actually looked into were his mesmerizing yellow eyes.

But something stood out now, and with the lighting in the cell made it eerily creepy and frightening. A long deep pinkish scar ran down from the top of his bushy eyebrow to the middle of his gray cheek, a nasty scar that seemed quite painful at first glance. The fur around the area was made way for it, as if it was showing the scar for all to see. Even the left eye's pupil, which where the crooked scar was placed, was slitted.

She held in her gasp, and he looked at her curiously and a bit annoyed that he was staring at him. At the mark.

"Is there something you actually needed? Cause if you're going to stare at my good looks the whole time, I mean we have four months for all that."

Fluttershy shook her head, thinking of a good reason to explain herself.

"Well my real reason to coming here is to...well...see how you felt and if we could...I don't know...get to know the other better. Since it is official and such, I just thought that we'd do so – eek!"

Discord stood up suddenly and pulled Fluttershy to the bars with his tail, the only thing separating their muzzles from nearly touching is the thick metal bars themselves. Fluttershy squealed at this, shocked and frightened by the movements.

"Oh my dearest pegasus. You do not need to fret about my conditions and my own thoughts and emotions. You on the other hand..."

She whimpered at the pressure the tail tightened a bit, her breathing becoming rigged as her lungs were being collapsed and crushed together slowly.

"You may have saved me, but that was a dear mistake. Oh Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Fluttershy... What have you gotten yourself into?" He clicked his tongue, a sly grin setting into place. Fluttershy was frozen in place, fear numbing her body as she stared into the eyes of the devil himself.

What had she gotten herself into?

Discord placed a finger on her cheek, stroking it gently. He then dragged his finger down the cheek to her neck.

"Oh what a mistake indeed. And the fun we'll have...the fun I'll have..."

But before anything else could happen, a jolt of pain went through Discord as Rainbow Dash and Twilight stepped into sight, Rainbow holding a necklace of sorts. Rainbow Dash was pressing her hoof onto the pendant, a trigger for the collar to do its work.

Discord immediately let go of Fluttershy and coiled himself under the pain, a roar escaping his mouth. Fluttershy scrambled to push her self against the wall, away from the cell. She tried to steady her breathing, the fear from before turning to pity as she stared at Discord squirming in pain and agony.

Rainbow Dash finally let go to the pendant and the pain exerting from the collar stopped. Discord dropped to the floor, exhaustion hitting him as his breathing slowed and he took in deep breaths. He looked up at Rainbow Dash and Twilight, anger rising within himself and them.

"Why you little-"

Rainbow raised her hoof over the pendant in the gold necklace, Discord immediately quieting down and stared at the panting yellow pegasus on the floor.

Twilight moved to Fluttershy's side, helping her get to her hooves and asking her if she was alright. Rainbow stared down at Discord, eyes in a red glare.

"You...YOU-"

"Oh please, spare me the belligerence. I already heard the vulgar words; been there, done that." Discord rolled his eyes and wrist in annoyance.

"You monster! You could've killed her!"

Discord gave Twilight a questionable look.

"Why would I do such a thing? Even if I could, I'm not one to go ahead and murder my own..."savior"."

He took another quick glance at Fluttershy, who stood silently behind Twilight, eyes on the floor.

"You ungrateful bastard! You should be on your knees kissing the hooves on her legs and thanking the hell outta her! If it wasn't for her you would've been in Tartarus by now!" Shouted Rainbow Dash angrily.

"Yes yes, of course! I should give my most memorable gratitude to be besought upon a good-for-nothing pegasus! Why of course, thank you so very dearly my dear Shutterfly," replied Discord, sarcasm dripping over his tongue.

"Why I outta-"

Yet before Rainbow could pound her hoof into the pendant once more, Fluttershy tugged at her arm, refusing her to hurt Discord again.

"He's n-not worth our t-time... L-let's just go."

Rainbow and Discord looked at Fluttershy even more perplexed at her actions. Discord just tried to hurt her, and yet she still defended him. Sort of.

"But Flutters-"

"Please."

The blue pegasus looked into her friend's eyes and sighed. He turned to glare at Discord once more before stomping off into the hallway. Twilight did the same and waited for Fluttershy to follow. Fluttershy didn't even take a glance at Discord before walking off as well, deep sadness overwhelming her.

"Goodnight Fluttershy. Sweetest of nightmares, I mean dreams to you," Discord hauntingly sing-songed.

Fluttershy took in a deep yet shaky breath before replying back as kindly as she possibly could.

"And may you also have pleasant dreams Discord..."

And soon the clomping of hooves faded into the distance, the sickly silence coming back to haunt Discord once more.

He stood still. He eyed the window and then the far end of the hallway, waiting something, anything to happen. But nothing did. It was as if all the noise in the world had vanished, and it made Discord feel slightly empty.

And a little guilty.

Fluttershy was probably the first person to visit him to see how he was doing. Even though it was for the purpose of having to know him due to the circumstances of them living together, no doubt she was still trying to be friendly.

And he blew it.

No one had ever tried to be kind to Discord. She had tried, but of course she didn't finish because of his immature and hurtful ways. And now he regretted it. Only a little.

And now he was alone. In his cold dark cell. The only warmth within it now swept away. His only and final visitor gone until tomorrow.

Fluttershy silently opened the door to the house, the only source of identification that a pony was there was the light source from the kitchen.

The buttercream pegasus soon saw her friend's head pop up from from the island, a candy cane in her mouth and her poofy hair in ponytail. Pinkie's face was giddy to see Fluttershy until she noticed her friend's lopsided frown and tear stricken eyes, concern soon taking over her.

She took Fluttershy's purse and jacket and set them on the rack, bringing Fluttershy into the kitchen to serve her some salad. Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at her friend's concern, for she always did so when Fluttershy was in her depressed mood.

Pinkie opened up a drawer and pulled out a pill bottle, two pale colored pills dropping into her hoof. She then poured a glass of fruit punch and gave it to Fluttershy.

"I know this is probably a different situation, but you need the pills anyway." Pinkie smiled weakly, Fluttershy eyeing the pills sadly.

"Pinkie, the pills don't really do anything better for me. They just make me seem more energetic, not happy."

Fluttershy pushed away the pills and kept on eating her salad. Pinkie, shook her head at this and pushed the pills again at Fluttershy, her eyebrows pointed downward.

"Flutters, the doc said the pills were good for you, and even though you may not feel it, it helps. You haven't had a single anti-depressant pill in three weeks. You need to have at least one a week."

"Pinkie, please not now."

"Then tell me first what's wrong then. But you are drinking the pills down whether you like it or not."

Fluttershy sighed and nodded her head, knowing that no matter how much they'll argue Fluttershy will have to drink the pills anyway.

So instead Fluttershy did as told and spilled to Pinkie all that happened. From going to the court room and saving Discord, to what happened in the office room, and finally the meet up at Discord's cell. Pinkie nodded in understanding, some things said even making her cringe. Yet with every hesitance Fluttershy made to say the replays of earlier that day, Pinkie slowed her down and allowed her to calm herself before continuing. After she was done, all that Fluttershy could see in Pinkie was concern.

Pinkie pulled Fluttershy in a hug, but Fluttershy refused to cry into her shoulder as much as she wanted to. She instead pulled away and looked guiltily at Pinkie.

"Pinkie, I'm sorry about pulling you into this mess. I wasn't thinking and not once have I thought about how you were going to feel and now I feel bad and I'm so-"

Pinkie put a hoof on Flutters mouth and shushed her, a small smile shown.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. I would be pissed if it was something worse and you didn't tell me until the last minute. You did what you thought was right, and no one should judge you based on your opinion and thinking. Besides, I think it'll be lots a fun to reform him!"

"Fun?" Fluttershy shrilled out.

"Uh, yeah! I mean, when's the next time we'll be able to change someone for the better?"

Pinkie wiped a single tear coming from Fluttershy's cheek, Fluttershy finally giving away a light smile at her friend's optimism.

"You wanna know what I think? I think not only would this be good for the community and for him, but also for you?"

"And why is that?" Fluttershy asked.

Pinkie sighed and held Fluttershy tighter, the small smile growing steadily bigger.

"Because you'll be following in your daddy's hoofsteps. And nothing would make me prouder than to see you doing something that your father would love to see alive."

And deep down inside, Fluttershy knew she was right. But the regret would not settle. Yet, for now, all Fluttershy could do is be as optimistic as Pinkie and hope for a better future, and that the small talk she had with Discord would be all falsehood, that she, Pinkie, and the pets would be safe.

If only the regret went away.

Home Sweet Prison

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Chapter 6 - Home Sweet Prison

The buttercream pegasus stood still and had a forceful smile plastered onto her face, awaiting for the officers to bring in the prisoner that was to be sent to her home and be taught the ways of reformation.

A process Fluttershy did not want to be put through.

She had to be forced, by Pinkie, to get out of bed and get dressed to bring Discord to their home and have a "welcome party", in Pinkie's advice. Fluttershy still was a bit hesitant about all of it, but she left Pinkie to it while she, along with coworkers and her friend's, went to get Discord.

Fluttershy turned slightly to look over at Twilight and Rainbow Dash, shining them a nervous smile. They have back a forced smile as well, and once Fluttershy turned around again, they came back to their worried frowns.

"What are we going to do? We can't just allow this to happen, can we?" whispered Rainbow.

"Well what is there to do? What's done is done, and we should respect Fluttershy's decision on the situation," replied Twilight.

"Yeah, and I do respect her decision. But don't you remember what happened last night? Discord almost killed Fluttershy! Or am I the only one who remembers that?"

"I remember it too Dashie. That's why we have this."

Twilight pulls out the same gold necklace from last night from her bag, the necklace sporting off a pendant of a pink crystal butterfly in the center.

"This is Fluttershy's safety. And once we...I explain to her what it is and it's purpose, we don't have to worry about her well-being anymore. At least...not worry most of the time."

The door from the offices opened, Flash Sentry and another stallion pegasus holding onto the chains that led to Discord, who grunted in utter annoyance.

"Do you really have to do this every time I get out of my cell? Like please, give me a damn break already!"

He spots Fluttershy and gives a slight nod of the head whilst smirking, Fluttershy flinching under his gaze.

Thoughts from last night appeared before her. She had to take deep breaths before giving off the kind gesture of a smile towards Discord, in which he took disappointedly. He wanted to see her quake, to frown at his expense. Yet that would be later on, for now is to settle into the home and the surroundings. And once that's done, start the mischief.

Chief Do came out with Pansy, who stood beside Twilight and Rainbow Dash. The chief cleared her throat.

"Is everything ready and accounted for?"

"Yes ma'am. The van is outside awaiting for us to move the prisoner," replied Flash.

"Wow, still called a prisoner. The low-class I am held in today, for shame! Oh woe is me!"

Discord held a paw to his chest, his back of his eagle claw resting on his forehead in a dramatic pose.

Flash gave a light chuckle and coughed into his hoof a bit after Twilight glared at him and punched his arm. Discord grinned and pointed in Flash's direction.

"See! At least some pony understands my humor!"

Pansy grunted and grabbed one of the loose chains and gestured Fluttershy to follow the way out with them. Only did they stop when the chief announced them to halt.

"Shy, we would like to have a quick conversation in my office, now."

And without a second thought, Fluttershy hovered next to Rainbow Dash and followed Twilight into the office, the chief busy giving Pansy directions on where to leave Discord.

The chief finally comes into the office, Fluttershy already seated whilst Twilight and Rainbow stood next to the Chief's desk. Once the chief is seated as well, Twilight levitates the necklace out from the desk counter and floats it in Fluttershy's direction. She recognizes it as the necklace from last night and looks at is quizzically.

"Wha-"

"Sparkle will explain," Chief Do interrupted, gesturing towards Twilight.

The alicorn nodded her head towards the chief and appointed herself to Fluttershy.

"What you are carrying in your hooves is your defense against Discord. It is your only use of power against him, and it works well with the collar on his neck."

Fluttershy looks down at the necklace, remembering how Rainbow had pushed into the pink butterfly with the result of the element collar electrocuting Discord.

"So how does it work?"

Twilight all at once got giddy and soon started to explain.

"The Pendant of Kindness. It is one of the controls of the Element Collar in which one pony wearing the pendant will have disciplinary control over the bearer of the Element Collar, for your case it's for defense. Anyway, whenever you feel threatened or if Discord isn't obeying any command you give him, you press your hoof into the little butterfly on your golden necklace and he will get electrocuted. The longer it is pressed, the more pain Discord experiences."

"Any positive methods of the necklace? You know...for Discord?" Fluttershy asked, surprisingly worried for Discord and the pain he might take, since it is Discord they are talking about. He will likely not follow the rules Fluttershy will lay down.

"I personally thought that was positive," Rainbow sneered, but stopped when Fluttershy gave her the stare.

"Um...well...positives for Discord would be that he can have some magic back and he can be able to go anywhere...at least if it is the range of being within the same building as you, or on the streets on at least a 20 feet range."

"And how close can he get to me without getting shocked?" Fluttershy hesitantly asked.

Twilight shrugged. "As close as you want him to get. It's as if Discord and you are in a bubble. You can go anywhere and do anything you guys want separately or together, but it has to stay within the bubble. The collar can sense how far it is from the pendant wearer, and so will also shock Discord if he is too far. But when it comes to proximity, you can't really keep him away unless you touch the pendant."

"And it has hoof recognition too, so if you choose to let Discord go, it'll know you set it off and not any pony else." Chief Do exclaimed.

"But I'll doubt it'll happen anyway. I mean, Discord has a long way before becoming "reformed". I still think this is a waste of time," Rainbow muttered.

Twilight levitated the pendant and set it upon Fluttershy's neck, latching it so it may stay. Fluttershy looked at the pendant admirably.

"The Pendant of Kindness...where'd such a name come from?"

Twilight looked over to Rainbow, whom sheepishly looked over to the floor, a light blush appearing.

"Well...it...the pendant reminded me of when you said your cutie mark were butterflies...and I don't know...you represent kindness and compassion wherever you went so I just thought the Pendent of Kindness would be a good name... But I mean you can change it and name it whatever you want."

Fluttershy smiled thoughtfully at Rainbow. "I think it's wonderful. Thank you."

They got out of the office and headed straight for the parking lot, where a van was awaiting for them to enter. The mares stepped inside the back of the black van, the chief going to the front.

Fluttershy shyly looked at Discord, whom was squished in between Flash and another stallion who's ID says 'Double Diamond'.

"Okay, seriously, like personal space much?"

"Just taking the precautions, sir."

Discord rolled his eyes and looked at Fluttershy. She stared out the window to the moving scenery, her mind in a far off place. The lighting from the window illuminated her, a soft glow reflecting against her coat and mane.

iscord couldn't help but get trapped in her eyes, the teal waves an illusion in their wake, pulling him in and never letting him go.

Fluttershy turned ever so slightly and got started to see Discord staring at her. She got a cold sweat run down her back and she turned quickly to the floor, Discord looking away as well once he saw she noticed him staring. He got the thought of just staring at her to make her uncomfortable so he can humor himself, but found that the moving scenery is ever so changing and chaotic in his eyes, and turned his attention to that.

Fluttershy looked back at Discord and adverted her eyes to Twilight, whom was in a discussion with Flash about seeing a movie with him in the weekend. Fluttershy waited patiently until she had said her sentence before nudging her.

Fluttershy gestured her head to Discord and looked down to the necklace, hoping that Twilight would understand. And she did.

"Oh, yes. Right."

Twilight called to Discord, himself growling and groaning.

"Did you want to set some rules upon me or something of the sort? You do know abiding to rules or laws are not of my expertise, right?"

"We just wanted to tell you what is expected of your stay at Fluttershy's, and want you may or may not do whilst being away from the officers'...care." Discord raised his scarred eyebrow at this.

"And what is expected of such circumstances? To me be the best goody-goody angelic princess in all of Equestria?" If it wasn't for the collar, Discord would've made a halo appear over his horn and antler.

Twilight put a hoof to her face, but sucked in a deep breath to calm herself.

"No. What I'm trying to imply-", Discord moved his claw to mock Twilight yet she ignored it, "-is that there are some things you might want to know. Maybe things including the little freedom you have."

"Little freedom my ass...", Discord muttered.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes looked out the window. She smirked a bit at the thoughts she said out loud.

"Forget it Twilight. He doesn't want to hear about the free magic we willingly gave back to him. But since he's soooo arrogant and a total dick, he won't know what magic abilities he can use."

Discord widened his eyes, his going up and pulling at his ears.

"Doth my hearing defy me? Do I heareth this correct? I have my magic back?"

Discord tried to snap his fingers, yet was shocked, literally, to find it still working.

"You really didn't hear us correctly did you? We meant specific magic abilities you can use," Twilight replied, stifling the laugh from Discord get electrocuted. Discord saw this and pouted.

"Well...I see that my pain humors you greatly. Now what magic rights have you given me? Get on with it."

"You're up to the point of unicorn magic."

"UNICORN MAGI-"

"Yes," Twilight shoved her hoof into Discord's mouth to silence him, "unicorn magic. That is how far you are to have. No chaos whatsoever, but there are some abilities you can conjure now. You can levitate; teleport; float and fly; conjure up normal and simple items; and can transform and disguise yourself as other creatures and even ponies. Nothing big like hydra or a cragadile, just simple, like cats, dogs, or birds and bunnies and etcetera."

"My my, I suppose I can work with those abilities..."

Yet before Discord could think of ways to escape and get rid of the collar, Rainbow's judging voice adverted him to her direction.

"Don't get any ideas Dipcord. We made extra precautions with the collar and any possibilities of escape. The collar can still sense if you're are to use any chaos magic, even going to fit around you neck in a disguised form too to fit with your disguise. We also planted a tracking device on both your collar and Fluttershy's necklace to know where you guys are at at all times, and we set a range for you on how far you are to be from Flutters."

"You can be within the same building and it wouldn't hurt unless you are four stories apart. But on the streets, you can go at least 20 feet away from the pendant."

"Pendant?" He glanced at the necklaces he noticed Fluttershy was wearing and recognized as the one Rainbow Dash used to electrocute him. He immediately knew the use and frowned deeply at it.

The van screeched to a stop, Discord surprised to see that they were in a little suburban area not that far from the city. He looked at the brick house that sat in beside the van, a colorful banner that read "Welcome DiSCoRD!" hanging above the front door. He saw it had two stories, and by the way the structure was, guessed the house had a basement as well. Overall, in his opinion, it was the prettiest house in the whole neighborhood, even if the outlook of the house is too normal for Discord's taste.

The van doors opened, the two officer stallions going forth and forcefully pulled Discord out of the van, the remaining mares silently following from behind. Discord thought he had saw movement within the house, but thought nothing of it.

"So this is Casa de la Fluttershy, hm? Even though it is a bit bland at sight, I really do enjoy the fact that the banner sticks out and is very vibrant and messy. Really like the way you made the letters too."

Fluttershy glanced at the banner and replied hesitantly, recognizing Pinkie's hoof-writing. "I-I didn't make the banner..."

The officers and Discord walked up the brick pathway that was beside the driveway, Discord noticing two vehicles parked on the driveway: a grey Mustang and a blue minivan. He questionably looked at the two cars again whilst asking his question.

"Then who made the banne-"

Yet before they could take another step towards the front door, the door bursted open, confetti, streamers and balloons exploding from inside. A pink earth pony mare wearing a white crop-top with paint splattered jeans and a balloon hair clip came out and yelled at the top of her lungs: "WELCOME TO YOU NEEEEWW HOME DISCORD!!"

She blew her party home and threw her hooves in the air, but stopped momentarily when she saw all the officers, including Discord with startled looks. The most startled of all of them being Fluttershy, whom was sitting on the ground with a hoof on her chest.

"Hehe...oops?"

"Oh this is going to be SO. MUCH. FUN!"

Pinkie hopped up and down, twirling with Gummy in her hooves. Chief Do, the officer mares, and Discord sat in the kitchen counter sipping the tea Fluttershy had just made, the stallions watching hoofball on the television. Angel Bunny sat on the table next to Rainbow Dash, glaring at Discord from where he sat.

Discord stared at the pink pony, his mind at a loss.

Fluttershy had a roommate. And pets.

His plan was failing already.

The plan was to trick and manipulate Fluttershy in her own home, or possibly drive her to the brink of insanity to just make him leave, and so far the only manipulative thing happening was how quickly Pinkie made Discord somehow curious of her. Pinkie isn't like any mare he's seen before. She was just as random as himself, if not, more.

And the problem with this is that not only is Pinkie is more socialized and a free-spirited mare, but a complete opposite of Fluttershy. It would be difficult enough to go forth trying to annoy or manipulate Fluttershy without watchful gaze, now having ones where the pink pony and their pets are in place and are residing in the house.

So he went into thinking a new plan. A plan which would work for both mares and pets, but most to Fluttershy. Manipulating will go into plan first, and if all else fails, let the mayhem begin.

And so he played along. He stayed patient and waiting. Waiting till the officers left. Waiting to have his time to look at the house inside out. And then go forth and let the plan commence.

And how he looked forward to it.

Discord trudged blindly, his claw skimming across the wall and his paw atop of a guiding hoof. He could hear nothing other than hoofsteps in front of him and slow steady hoofsteps behind him.

A door opened and a squeaky voice made his ears perk towards them.

"Woooow, we haven't been here in ages! Look out there are stairs ahead."

The mare pulled Discord forward and he nearly missed the step below. So instead of walking all the way down, he flapped his wings once and started to float, still trying to follow the hoof steps.

"I still don't see the reason for the blindfold Pinkie. I mean, he's going to be living here, and what we're going to show him isn't going to make him gawk. There's no sense in it."

Discord chuckled and turned to the quieted voice.

"Sense? Oh what's the fun in making sense? Sense are for those who want a boring and predictable life ahead of them. Let the child do what she likes, she's probably the only thing keeping your boat from sinking in the sea ya know."

A huff and a light grumble came from the marish voice, Discord smirking in satisfaction.

The guiding hoof stopped, and so did the hoofsteps from behind as well. Discord stopped floating and perched himself to the ground, feeling a cold cemented floor from under him.

"Ooooookay! Time to see your neeee~eeww bedroom! 3...2...-"

The voice didn't finish, for the blindfold was ripped away from his face and the dimly lit room appeared before him.

It was the basement. A decent one in Discord's eyes though, but still murky and humid. There was a small bed with blankets and cloths in the corner of the area, a miniature refrigerator disconnected on the far wall. A small television set sat on the cold floor, a depressed box left alone in the middle of the room facing the bed.

"So um, yeah... It's not much but it's just for now until we can find ways to decorate it in any way that you'd like. So you can move aaaall the stuff around if you'd like to make it seem a little homey while I'll be upstairs preparing for dinner!"

Pinkie skipped up the stairs, leaving Fluttershy on the staircase staring distantly at Discord. Discord went ahead in his mind to think of all the way to decorate, redecorate, and re-redecorate the room over and over again.

"I suppose I should apologize for the interior of the room. Again, you came last minute and we didn't have enough time to decorate the basement to...whatever your liking may be. And I guess I should also excuse my friend's...hyper attitude. She gets really excited when we have new visitors she meets or ponies she doesn't see frequently. She's just a naturally happy and jumpy pony."

The silence held in the room after the statement, Fluttershy already starting her habit of awkwardly shuffling in place. Discord turned slightly, Fluttershy looking everywhere in the room except him.

Fluttershy saw a flash of white light, her eyes went up to meet red pupils. She jumped in surprise and almost fell backwards if it weren't for Discord catching her before hitting the ground.

"Discord what..."

"Just wanted to see what was in your mind. You know-", he knocked on her head two times, "-to see what you think about all this."

"I...I don't understand."

"Oh, the thoughts you have about me is what I'm concerned *cough* not really *cough* about. You've probably heard sooo much about me!"

He circled around Fluttershy on all fours, like a lion circling his prey.

"W-well, n-no-ot re-really."

"I'm positive they've must've said something! So tell me, what have they said?"

He stopped circling and just stared at the shrinking pegasus, his eyes dark in envy at her beauty.

"They've must've said how dangerous I am, a threat, a nuisance. How childish and immature I am, yet intelligent and intellectual enough to confuse even one of the most brilliant of Canterlot royals. That I am powerful enough to even destroy a whole town in mere seconds."

He wrapped his tail once more around Fluttershy's shaking body, a devious smile, enough to make the fiercest of ponies quiver and quake, forming on his face.

"And you must ask yourself: 'Did I truly make the right decision?'"

Fluttershy shook in fright, her body rigid in fear. She didn't know what to do. She had forgotten how to scream, to even breathe. He wasn't even squeezing her as harshly as the night before, yet she could feel her lungs collapsing and losing function. Fear had captivated her.

She looked about, trying to find means of escape, when she saw a glint of pink crossed her eyes. The butterfly pendant...

She noticed her left hoof was mere centimeters from the pendant, and so she moved it up slightly, enough where it could touch the edge. She looked up at Discord, whom was in his own world, murmuring to himself.

She didn't want to waste anymore time. And when she felt his grip tighten more, she pressed her hoof into the pendant, Discord shrieking and throwing Fluttershy at the wall.

He squirmed about on the ground, his eyes squeezed shut, talon and claw scratching and tugging at the collar. Fluttershy stared wide-eyed, relief and guilt coming over her at the sight. She knows she shouldn't feel that way. To feel guilt when she had almost been killed or done worse by his hands.

Yet...he didn't deserve pain. He didn't. But neither did she.

She let go of the pendant, Discord seizing his painful jerks and collapsed on the concrete floor panting and sweating in exhaustion.

He watched as Fluttershy got up and hurriedly flew up the stairs, not even a glance back at the tired and glum draconequus. A lone yellow feather fluttered and landed at Discord's face. His claw grabbed at it, examining the delicate feather.

He stroked it, smoothening the ruffled edges, a sense of loneliness overwhelming him. He faced towards the stairs, awaiting Fluttershy or Pinkie, anyone to come down and confront him on what had happened the moment before.

But there was nothing. It felt like forever once the light from the door diminished, the only light in the cellar coming from the flickering lightbulb swinging from the roof and the glint of moonlight from the small cracked window.

Discord sprawled himself on the cold floor where the moonlight hit. He stared at the feather he held in his talon, the smell of sugary sweets and carrots wafting into his nose.

Loneliness still crawled onto Discord, but he shrugged it away once sleep took over.

Fluttershy tossed and turned in her sleep, images of a certain draconequus tugging her mind. Images of Angel Bunny and Gummy as game prizes, Pinkie hanging from a noose, Fluttershy falling from a story high building with broken wings. Her father limp on a concrete floor.

Discord in all of them.

She sat up, eyes wide and her body dripping in sweat. She could feel her mane stick to her forehead, Angel Bunny glancing at his owner worriedly.

"Oh Angel, you don't need to look at me like that. I'm fine, honest," Fluttershy forcefully smiled.

Angel still gave a questionable glance, but knew not to press in. He also knew that neither of them would go to sleep now, so he hopped atop of the bed and tugged at Fluttershy mane.

"What is it Angel? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Need to do some...um...business?"

Angel shook his head and hopped off the bed, stomping his foot in annoyance. Knowing that he want her to follow, Fluttershy came onto the floor and opened to door of her room.

Angel scampered to the room across from Fluttershy's, the kindergarten lettering on the door saying 'Pinkie's Room'. The door was already opened a crack, Angel opening it more so and slipping inside.

Fluttershy called out to her rabbit in wonder. "Angel? Where are you going? ....Angel?"

The wooden floor below cream pegasus creaked, Fluttershy's anxiety rising little by little. She finally willed herself to hover over the ground and step inside Pinkie's room, in which it was very disorganized and messy.

She glanced around cautiously, trying to spot any source of where her rabbit might have gone. She looked over to the spot where her pink pony friend slept, a happy dreamy expression resting on her face as light snores escaped her murmuring lips.

Fluttershy smiled at her, even in sleep Pinkie has a bright attitude.

Suddenly the wanting of comfort from her friend came over her, the thoughts of her dreams creeping their way back to her skull.

'I suppose that's why Angel came here too...'

Whilst Fluttershy was tempting for a way to awake Pinkie, Angel hopped near the bedside and knocked his paw into the cherrywood, Fluttershy and Pinkie jumping at the noise. Pinkie groggily looked up to Fluttershy, who glared at Angel in annoyance.

"Fl-Fluttershy? What's up?"

Fluttershy widened her eyes and straightened her posture.

"Uh...um...no. I-I mean there's nothing up I just wanted to...um...check on you. I heard a noise and instead it was you s-snoring, but everything f-fine now so I'll just be..."

Pinkie straightened up and scooted over, patting the space next to her.

"You don't have to tell me, I already know. Now stop stuttering and trying to make up excuses and get in. You can tell me in the morning."

Fluttershy looked up and down at the floor once more, her cheeks heating up in embarrassment as she shuffled across the floor and into the bed. Pinkie wrapped her arms around her and gave Fluttershy a warm smile.

Soon, all the torture and horrid events from the nightmares vanished, Fluttershy knowing that no matter what they may endure, nothing bad will happen. Not when she has Pinkie. Not when she has friends who are family. Not when she has the necklace and pendant.

If only there wasn't a criminal living and sleeping two floors under her. If only Discord's insane face went away from her dreams.

If only.

Complications

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Chapter 7 - Complications

"DISCORD! GET YOUR FAT ASS IN HERE RIGHT NOW MISTER!"

The draconequus materialized above the coffee table infront of the two fuming mares.

"Ladies! What a pleasant surprise! Oh, tell me, what you have we got in store for today?"

Fluttershy, annoyed at his optimistic attitude, gestured towards the living room. Every piece of furniture was tipped to be upside down; the couch, the coffee table, the television set, even bouquets which somehow are balanced on the the petals.

Discord chuckled and cheekily smiled at Pinkie and Fluttershy.

"Oh, that? This is just some...home redecorating. Your living space needed a bit of pizazz, so I fixed it up."

"Discord, I think it would be best to put everything back in its place," Fluttershy declared.

"But they are, only flipped over!"

Pinkie huffed angrily and shoved a good at Discord's chest.

"Look mister. This week, we've been patient. We've been counting and waiting and trying not to get our hooves around your damn neck. But this...this has gone FAR ENOUGH! So far you've pie pop out of thin air over our heads-which I must say was delicious- have turned Angel and Gummy into chocolate animals, have somehow turned our cars into bicycles, and also took bites out of every piece of cake, clothing, furniture, and picture frame in this very house! AND THAT WAS ALL IN ONE DAY! THAT DOESNT EVEN START WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!"

Pinkie's hoof dug deeper into his chest, making Discord cringe in pain.

"Well, I'm a busy stallion. I can't stay in one spot and do nothing with my life now can I?"

"Discord, that isn't the point. The more you keep aggravating us and making us angrier...the more time you're spent without your chaos magic and freedom. You don't want that, do you?" Fluttershy looked up with pleading eyes.

Discord rolled his eyes and groaned, snapping his talons. A white flash appeared before the room came back to everything having to be back to the way it was before.

Fluttershy and Pinkie nodded in approval, standing up before falling to the ground. They look up at Discord, seeing everything in the room hover above the ground. The mares fumed in anger and screeched to the top of their lungs to Discord's amusement.

"DISCOOOOOORD!"

Fluttershy sighed heavily, swirling her spoon in her coffee mug as she tried to ignore the noises coming from the kitchen. She shuffled towards the couch, Discord chuckling and circling around her whilst Angel chases him for the carrot that was in Discord's grasp. He finally left her and ran back into the kitchen, Angel scampering behind him.

Fluttershy sighed once more and sat her rump on the couch, her mind trying to go elsewhere. She tried to imagine herself in a peaceful and calm setting, such as the beach.

Yes, the beach. With the waves singing their lullabies and the moon in the purple sky shining it's heavenly light towards the pale pegasus. She thought of the stars coming to life as fireflies, blinking their lights around her.

And she actually, for a moment, thought she was at peace and quietness.

That is, until a shattering noise came from right beside her.

She woke up from her daydream and quickly looked over to see dishes and glasses on the kitchen floor, broken. She set down her cup of coffee and trotted to the kitchen, now to see Discord grabbing at Angel's ear whilst Angel is grabbing at Discord's antler, both of their fists raised. Fluttershy clears her throat, and both stop to look at her.

"What in the world do you think you two are doing?! You're trashing the entire kitchen, and now look! The dishes and glasses...broken!"

Angel gave the glance of guilt, Discord on the other hand chuckling at the mess.

"Oh we don't need silverware! We're animals! Equine foods really don't need to be served on a plate if they already come from the ground or a tree ya know."

"Discord, that isn't the point," Fluttershy argued, "the point is that you need to help fix and clean this up."

Discord glanced up at the ceiling while stroking his beard.

"Hmmm, let me think about this. You know if I had my chaos magic, I could possibly put up a thinking tree. But I mean, cleaning up something that isn't rightfully mine and have not boughten not once. Mmmight have to raincheck on that one dear."

He teleported out of the room and into the living room, walking towards the basement door.

"B-but you have broken it! It doesn't matter or it's yours or not...," Fluttershy flew from the kitchen and hovered five inches from his muzzle, "...you need to clean it up! You eat on these plates and bowls, you drink from those glasses! Now clean. It. Up."

Fluttershy began to get even more frustrated when he rolled his eyes and moved her aside, slamming the door in her face. She could even hear his menacing laugh from the other side.

Fluttershy ever so wanted to grab something and throw it at his head, to punch him in his..."area". She wanted to rip out his horns and shove them into his skull.

But she couldn't. And even if she could, she wouldn't. She knew of the consequences, she knew she was too timid and shy and weak to do so. Now if she were Rainbow Dash or Pinkie or even Twilight, they'd probably do it in a heartbeat. But Fluttershy?

She wasn't brave. She wasn't courageous. She was what her name showed her to be.

And so, she grabbed a broom, swallowing in the tears, and started to clean up the mess Discord and Angel had made. Gummy brought a dustpan in his jaws, Angel willing to help clean in part of the mess.

After throwing away the debris and sharp shards of glass and dishes, she called Pinkie to buy some more silverware, dishes, and glass cups when she comes back from her classes. She didn't explain the exact reason why, but explained to Pinkie that they broke because Gummy and Angel were playing around again. She didn't know why she lied, and why she didn't tell the truth. But if Pinkie heard of the trouble Discord was at again, she'd give him such the beat down that he'd wish that he was never saved by Fluttershy in the first place.

So Fluttershy went into the living once more after thanking Gummy and Angel for helping clean the mess. She sat down on the sofa and grabbed her mildly cold cup of coffee and sat silently, sipping at the bitter liquid whilst glaring into the open flames of the fire in the chimney.

"Discord! Leave it alone!"

"Don't touch that! Stop!"

"Turn them back into cakes! They aren't supposed to be jumping like that!"

"Stay in the corner! I said stay!"

"Stop playing the piccolo in the middle of our soap opera!"

Fluttershy dropped her head into the kitchen counter, pain from the hit blocking her thoughts on the mental pain and annoyance from their household guest.

Pinkie hopped down the stairs and into the kitchen. She noticed Fluttershy banging her head on the island multiple times, amusement and empathy crossing lines in her head. She somehow produced a pillow from out of nowhere and placed it quickly to the place Fluttershy was banging her head. Fluttershy looked up at Pinkie, confused, dazed, and annoyed at Pinkie giggling at her sore and red forehead.

"Hey grumpy cakes! How have you been doing lately?"

Fluttershy silently glared at Pinkie, the party pony instantly getting the idea and the gesture.

"Well, now that I'm home and I am finished with a~all my homework and classwork, thanks to Cheesy, I can take it from here!"

Fluttershy gazed confusedly at Pinkie once more before realizing what she had meant.

"Oh no, you can't possibly-"

"Oh yes I can possibly. You need the break, Flutters. Besides, you look like you've been run over sixteen times, been electrocuted eight times, been flushed down the toilet five times, and vomited, ate the vomit, and vomited the vomit back up again."

Fluttershy cringed at Pinkie's description of herself, yet she knew what Pinkie was trying to tell her was true.

"Pinkie, you can't."

"Yes I can! You need the break and going out to your special place by yourself will do you good. Besides, I'm a Pie. And Pie's are a family that do not give up on the lives of others. We are determined, we are prideful, we-"

"No, Pinkie. I mean you can't. We can't go along the lines of being more than 20 feet away from each other. He's bound to get closer to me once he gets in pain by the distance. It wouldn't work."

Pinkie blinked a few times before rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, a light blush forming on her cheeks.

"Pssh, I knew that! It just slipped from my mind, that's all!"

Fluttershy giggled and lightly punched her arm teasingly.

"I didn't know you can get sheepish. Looks like someone is wearing themselves off on you."

"Yeah right! I never get sheepish unless I have a sheep around to be sheepish with!"

Pinkie pulled out a stuffed sheep from her mane before pressing her hoof into its belly, a 'baaa' noise coming from the toy. Fluttershy giggled and laughed half-heartedly, joyed that Pinkie can distract her with light jokes in the toughest of times.

"Well, I have to go upstairs to do a really, really, really quick thing. And I'll be back to make some carrot stew! Pinkie promise!"

Pinkie hopped her way up the stairs, leaving Fluttershy to her lonesome. She sipped at the warm cup of tea that Pinkie left behind, the sweet taste of lemon and sugar overwhelming her senses. The warmth engulfed her, almost lulling to a false sense of security.

Until, once more, a commotion of something falling and breaking onto the wooden floor in the living room. Fluttershy placed the cup down, a strange sense of worry taking the tea's lemony sense away.

Fluttershy scrambled off the chair and abruptly stopped to the sight of Discord hovering over a picture frame that lay on the floor. Discord looked up at the pegasus standing in the area between the kitchen and living room, Discord feeling amusement at her shocked features.

Fluttershy stared at the shattered picture frame. The frame that carried the most memorable picture that Fluttershy took to heart.

The last photo Fluttershy and her family took with her father.

"Wha-what–?"

"Oopsies! Oh, I swear I am soooo clumsy. But don't worry dear Flutters, I'll get this all cleaned up for you~", Discord replied mischievously.

He noticed how Fluttershy reacted to the picture. It's importance to the wimpy girl. And that's when he noticed the fireplace lit.

And so, he magically conjured up a dustpan with his small amount of power, scooping up the broken frame and picture. Smirking to himself whilst doing so.

Fluttershy shook awake from her trance, and just as she was to yell at Discord to stop whatever he was to do, it was too late. The picture and frame were thrown into the open flames of the fireplace.

Discord spun around to see what work of wonders he had done to Fluttershy, only to have a blur of pink and yellow speed by him and to the flames.

Fluttershy quickly pulled out the photo, stamping out the embers before it could damage and singe anymore of the paper. Tears blurred her vision, the only recent memory of her father almost burned to a crisp.

Yet the tears weren't of sadness. No. Only that of anger.

She looked up at Discord, who seemed to be chuckling at her pain. At her misfortune. And she had enough.

Fluttershy screeched. "You...YOU MONSTER!"

At that name, Discord's smirk diminished completely.

"You only think about yourself, you greedy, selfish, annoying, inappropriate, and self loathing criminal! You don't respect other pony's things. You only cause damage and destruction to those around you and you do it only for your amusement!"

Fluttershy was fed up with his insolence. Her face was only distorted into anger and frustration. Hot tears spurted down her face, unafraid of the beast that stood in front of her.

"You don't know how much you put damage and frustration into ponies without just doing it! You don't even know-!"

Yet, when Discord rolled his eyes and turned, heading towards the basement door, fury took over Fluttershy's actions.

Before kindness could come out, before the wimpy and soft Pegasus could come out and put reason in Fluttershy's head, she grabbed at the closest object near her, being a pink vase her mother had given her for her birthday, and threw it at Discord's head. This made the draconequus freeze on impact.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!"

A white flash surrounded the room, and after batting an eyelash from the room, Fluttershy gasped at the proximity Discord was from her.

He stood towering over her, a fearful scowl etched over his facial features. Danger flashed in his piercing red pupils, as if they dilating in anger.

"You DARE throw a fucking vase at me?!? The most fucking dangerous criminal in all of Manehattan, well Tartarus, ALL OF EQUESTRIA?!"

His voice was just laced in venom.

Yet Fluttershy surprisingly wasn't afraid. No, after only a week and a half of dealing with all his quirks and mischiefs, all his pranks and humilities to the two mares and pets in the house, her fear vanished. The fear that he brought to Fluttershy that first night she visited his cell, the day he almost did strangle her to death, was now left dangling in the air at the moment.

"Yeah, and so I did. What are you to do about it?"

A red reptilian tail slid from under her, tripping her backwards onto her back. Fluttershy looked up and saw him get on all fours, glaring his eyes at Fluttershy's.

"What I would do about it? You really don't know me at all, DO YOU?!"

Discord's eagle claw scraped against the wooden floor, splinters and wood shavings flying in the air. Fluttershy tried getting up near the wall, anxiety catching up to her head. Instead, a lion paw pushed her back onto the floor. Discord was over her, still on all fours.

"I could do whatever I please! I am Discord, master of CHAOS and DISHARMONY! Does it look like I care for anyone? No!"

His pupils started to glow in fury, as if an eternal flame has suddenly been lit.

"I could choke you to death like I have before. I could easily snap your little neck. I could pick off and kill everyone on this damned house if I wanted to! I could make you all suffer!"

He raised his eagle claw in the air, Fluttershy staring wide-eyed at what Discord would do.

"Starting with you."

Discord's talon ushered down, only to not meet its target. Instead of Discord making a hit, he got a mouthful of hoof to the face.

Such force propelled Discord's body off and away from the shaking pegasus, whom drew out a shaky breath that she didn't even know she was holding.

Fluttershy looked up to see who had punched Discord, still startled by what had happened. She recognized the silhouette to be that of Pinkie, her hoof extended out. Fluttershy didn't see the happy, fun loving Pinkie she knew to heart, only that of Pinkie's dark side.

Pinkie's coat color turned slightly darker, her blue eyes sparking in anger, as well as her fluffy pink mane now deflated and even darker than her coat.

Pinkie, or Pinkamena, spoke softly yet sternly to Fluttershy, not once moving her eyes from her target.

"Press the pendant."

Fluttershy gave concerning looks to her friend, worried at what she was going to do.

"But Pinkie-"

Discord started moving around to face the pink mare who had struck him, his pupils dilating more so.

"Press the DAMN pendant!"

Fluttershy yelped and did as she said. Before Discord could do anything, a yellow hoof pressed into the butterfly pendant in her necklace, pain burning into him.

Fluttershy saw Discord cripple to the floor.

As well as Pinkie moving forward towards his wriggling body.

"Pinkie what are you...?" Fluttershy's voice trailed off to a gasp of realization.

"Don't move your hoof from the pendant till I say so. Look away..."

The buttercream pegasus wanted to say something, anything to stop what Pinkie was about to do. But it was too late, for the first hoof-punch already had left his mark on Discord's pegasus wing.

Once Fluttershy heard the breaking of bones and a muffled scream of agony from the draconequus, she immediately turned her head away.

She squeezed her eyes tighter and tighter at each scream of pain Discord made, along with the occasional crack of bones or hits.

Memories flooded Fluttershy's mind. Memories of when something similar had happened when she was a young filly.

"Please! Stop!" Whimpered out the small filly that lay in a fetal position on the ground.

"'Oh, please stop! I beg of you!' HA! What a whimp!" Laughed out a red pegasus with a golden mane.

He kicked her side again and again, his friends also joining along.

The small pegasus could only scream out for help, afraid of what would happen if she moved or struggled against the bullies.

That is, when the punches suddenly stopped. The filly didn't move, only listen to the yelps and screams from the children who were beating at her before. And then, that stopped as well.

She heard hoofsteps approach her, and the filly assuming the worst, whimpered more.

"Hey, hey. It's okay."

The pegasus moved her long rosy hair aside, staring up at a young pink pony filly about her age grinning down at her. The pegasus scanned her eyes to her surroundings to see the bullies galloping or flying off, others on the ground in pain.

"You...you s-saved-d me-e?" Asked the small filly.

The pink filly's grin widened, showing a gap where a tooth would be. "Well, I wouldn't call it saving. More like, getting some pony's off your back...literally! Buuut if you want to call it saving, go ahead."

The pink filly helped the yellow pegasus from the ground, wiping a few tears off her cheeks and eyes.

The pegasus could only look at the filly in wonder and confusion. Why would she help her?

"You, it wasn't right what they were doing to you. Beating you up there. You didn't do anything to them. I just...I just needed to do something before anything went even more wrong."

The pegasus stared into the pink pony's eyes in wonder.

No pony had ever stood up for her except for her parents and older brother. In fact, other than her family, no one either paid attention to or acknowledged her. The only way the filly was to be noticed was when they pushed her in the hallways at her school or when she got picked on by her peers for being wimpy and slightly skinnier and weaker than the rest.

"Th-thank you. Thank you so much... Um...", the small filly's voice trailed off, only now knowing that she doesn't know the name of her rescuer.

The pink pony smiled at this.

"Pinkamena Diane Pie...but Pinkie Pie is what I go by", responded the pink filly.

"And you are...?"

The pegasus straightened up and gave Pinkie her shyest of grins.

"Flu-Fluttershy. Call me Fluttershy."

Fluttershy could no longer hear the sounds of hoof-hitting and screaming anymore, just the sounds of ragged breathing from both Discord and Pinkie.

She let go of the pendant and turned around. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers.

Discord was bloodied and bruised all over. His mouth was curled in a snarl, hot tears coming from his yellow eyes. Blood oozed from his mouth, nose, and small cuts made by Pinkie herself. He was engulfed in bruises, and could see places where bones were broken.

Pinkie looked over to what she had done and huffed in approval. She glanced over to Fluttershy, her face softening only a bit.

"I'm going to get washed up and go to bed. I already did what had to be done."

Pinkie turned around and walked off and up the stairs, not wanting to bother with the hump of draconequus meat on the floor anymore.

Fluttershy also started to get up, wiping the stray tears from her cheeks and walking in the same direction as Pinkie.

Her eyes skimming over the barely breathing Discord is what made her stop.

She'd never seen him so...useless. So vulnerable and weak and beaten up. Almost enough to make her feel bad for him, which it did.

She sighed and regretted what she was going to do. But she couldn't let him die like that.

Discord watched as the buttercream pegasus hurriedly flew up the steps. He weakly smiled, yet now felt even lonelier.

There was this tug in his heart he couldn't get away.

And this only happened when he made Fluttershy cry.

He didn't know why, didn't know how. All he knew is that he somehow hated to see her cry. And that made him scared.

He was somewhat glad she left him to rot there in his own blood. He knew he deserved it. He tried to shake the feeling of what was making his stomach churn and heart ache, and thought he had done it.

Until he heard her come back.

His eyes moved from the floor to Fluttershy, who seemed to be carrying a case full of medical supplies.

She silently hovered to him and landed a few inches from his snout. She didn't say anything.

Her hooves reached to his shoulders and carefully gripped them. She pulled him up using her wings and propped him up against the wall. He muttered curses at the pain but didn't argue to what she was doing.

His eyes widened when she started unzipping his orange jumpsuit to his waist and help take the sleeves off his shoulders. She held in her gasp at how muscular Discord actually was, trying her best not to delve into it much. She instead started to look for the wounds she deemed as fatal.

Discord watched curiously as she opened up the case and dug around in it. She finally found what she needed, a needle and sting, and began to look for any deep cuts on his body. She found one near the middle of his torso and began to work.

He noticed the intensity of her eyes, how her movements of putting the string through the needle's hole were graceful yet careful, the same to when she made a knot at the string's end.

He didn't even make a grunt as the needle went through his flesh. She looked up to see Discord's reaction, but all he had was a face contorted into confusion. She looked back down, trying to focus on her stitch work.

She stitched up two more scars afterwords, as well as rubbing healing gel onto Discord's bruises. She noticed him flinching as she touched his wounds again, but ignored his grunts of disapproval to rub some gel onto the stitches.

Discord finally got the courage to speak up to her actions.

"What...what are you doing?"

"I'm spreading some antibiotic ointment over the stitches so you don't catch an infection," Fluttershy replied solemnly.

Discord wanted to say something along the lines about how he could easily treat his injuries himself by using healing spells, but kept the snarky comment to himself. Instead he asked another question.

"No, I mean, why are you doing this?" Discord gestured to himself and her, pointing at the stitching and the medical kit.

Fluttershy sighed. "I'm just trying to help heal you up quicker."

"That isn't what I was prompting. I'm asking as to why you would help me. Right now."

His stood up straighter, gritting his teeth at the pain. Fluttershy gripped and helped him so he wouldn't break the stitches. He shrugged her off, still wanting answers.

"Why are you being so...so..."

"Nice? Kind?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Yeah that. I've been nothing but a pest these past two weeks. A weight on your back, a pain in the flank. I even threatened to kill everyone in this house! And yet you're...helping me heal?"

He just didn't understand. No pony would ever just suck up and be nice to him like this. Not after the events previous.

Fluttershy stayed quiet after finishing up on wrapping his lion arm in bandages. She grabbed a cloth and dabbed it in rubbing alcohol. She then gently started to dab at the wound and places that were bloodied.

A few more minutes pass before she had to clean up his face. She tried to reach up to his mouth, but his eagle claw grabbed as her hoof and set it down to her side.

His look of bewilderment made her feel awkward.

"Answer me. Why-"

"You want to know why I'm being so nice to you Discord?" Fluttershy answered sternly. "Cause I'm not like you."

Discord's mouth clamped shut as he heard that phrase.

"I don't just leave some pony to cripple and rot on the ground. I don't laugh at other pony's pain or misfortune. I'm. Not. You."

She looked straight into his red and yellow eyes whilst he into her glowing teal ones.

"I treat other fairly and justly. I give kindness instead of selfishness and greed. I give gracefulness to those who deserve it, and sternness to those who don't. I know the difference right and wrong, good and bad. I believe in harmony and order. So let me finish my work. Please."

After a few seconds of looking into her determined teal pools, Discord let go of her hoof.

Her cloth-covered hoof wiped at the blood running from his nose.

Discord was still perplexed about the entire thing. It didn't make sense to him at all.

He expected her to cry. To run off. To call the cops to drag him off to execution. To say he was a lost cause.

Not do...this.

Yet it seemed it wasn't the case. And Discord wanted to know why.

He again watched closely as Fluttershy finished wiping the rest of the blood from his mouth and nose. She huffed in approval and began shuffling toward her medic kit, putting away all the ointments, needles and strings away.

She stood up and began walking up the staircase when a grunt stopped her on the fifth step. She didn't turn around to face him, for she didn't want to see any expression of his at the comment he were to give.

She expected a snarky remark or a dirty joke to come put of his mouth at the way she handled him. Yet what came out of his mouth momentarily shocked her.

"Why...why did you save me?"

Fluttershy didn't know how to respond. She honestly didn't know what to say.

'What do I say?'

Fluttershy glanced around silently till her eyes caught onto a picture that was on the floor. The same picture that was almost burned to a crisp.

She picked it up from the ground and examined everything that lay in the photograph. The way the sky seemed clearer, and happier. How everyone had smiles on their faces, the widest of smiles, she could tell, on that of her father's.

Without her even knowing, Fluttershy began to speak her honest answer.

"Because...everyone deserves a second chance. My father taught me not to give up on those who have given up. That no matter how utterly impossible it is to change that person or help them, you can't give up on what's in your heart and what's right. Killing you off wouldn't of made the world better. Just worse."

She peeled herself from the picture and into Discord's eyes.

"I chose to not give up on you. And that's exactly what I'm going to do."

She stared at the draconequus for a few more seconds before sighing and turning to face up the stairs.

"Goodnight Discord."

She walked up silently, gripping the case of medical supplies to her side and the burnt picture to her chest.

Discord didn't move, didn't talk, didn't breath, didn't even think.

Her words circled his mind over and over and over again, like a broken record that kept repeating the same lyric.

'I chose not to give up on you. And that's exactly what I'm going to do.'

He didn't know how to feel about the entire situation anymore. Discord felt confused and displeased at this...yet he also felt this sense of charisma flow through him from her words.

But this other sense consumed him even deeper into the unknown territory of his feelings.

Absolute guilt.

He's never had it, had to feel guilt because there was no need to.

The world acted like he was absolute garbage, and he threw it back at their faces. He was only known to be cruel and hurtful because society had treated him that way.

But no pony had ever given him the kindness and care Fluttershy has given him. She actually thought he can still be reformed despite how horrible he has treated her.

And now the guilt was eating away at him.

He thought back to when she first saved him from execution. The calmness in her voice when explaining her reasoning, the determination flaring in her eyes. She had heard all about Discord from the beginning, and still freed him from Death's grasp.

She had experienced the annoyance and childish banter of his existence. Fluttershy even got a look at his fierceness and cold demeanor, but still shook it away to look for goodness.

Now that Discord thought about it, this moment, the moment when she wrapped him up in bandages and cleaned him up, even after threatening her and pushing her to the ground, would be the second time she's saved him.

Yes, he could easily heal himself due to his powerful skills on unicorn magic, but it would be such a slow and painful process that would take days to just fix the bones broken. Yet, thanks to Fluttershy's medicine, he could heal up in a matter of hours.

'Ugh...this mare is tormenting me and my mind. Either she's plain crazy...or a saint.'

He didn't know which of the latter would describe Fluttershy. He was just so perplexed by her nature, yet so intrigued by it all the same.

Which gave him the sense to make it up to her. He didn't know how, or what, or even why, but to him it would he would just do it to get the regret out of his chest.

'I'll just be the regal stallion I once was. Damn feelings and emotions catching up to me.'

He'd make it up to her. Not for he cared, no, but to make the feelings go away. At least to his belief.

And he'd find a way, and for once, and only once, he'd make things right.

Author's Notes:

I. AM. SORRY.

This chapter shouldn't of taken sooooo long to post, but it did. And I apologize for it. I promise the next chapter will come up soon enough, but having writer's block is difficult and I have been pushing myself and trying to get as much motivation to write this chapter out as much as I can. But once I do get to chapter 11, I am going to have a small break. The reason for the break is already posted on my blog post, and for any questions or comments you can do it on the post or on this chapter.

And to you, I know this chapter is may be good, but this is to me the most disappointing. But thank you all for liking and putting my story on favorites, as well as watching me. You guys enjoying this story is what has kept me going, and I'm glad of that.

Anyway, Void is out~

Introductions

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Chapter 8 - Introductions

The sound of hoof steps echoed its way through the dark corridor, ponies moving out of the way for the figure to pass on through.

The figure's golden eyes scanned the faces of those who passed its side or got in its way. Whenever a pony was chatting and was stopped in the direction the figure was going in, the figure would loom over them creepily, as if to size them up. Once the pony would turn to the shadow, they would instantly move away in fear.

As the figure passed through a bright lit corridor, many of the new ponies in the warehouse could make out its appearance.

The figure was that of a griffon. It had a feminine look to it, but it also gave off the impression of a tomboyish attitude. Her head and neck were that of an eagle as well as her large wings and her forelegs eagle claws, yet the rest her body and tail belonged to that of a lion. The area surrounding her eyes and the tips of the feathers on her head tinted to the color of purple.

The griffon paused in front of a door and sighed, bringing a claw up knocking on the cherry wood.

"Come in!" Barked a voice from the other side.

The griffon opened the door and stepped inside, the immediate smell of brewed cider entering her nostrils.

The small office was filled with posters upon posters of a pegasi racing teams, as well as some of infamous illegal air speeders: the Wonderbolts. Other than the posters, the office was an absolute mess. Litter and paper balls scattered on the cemented floor, the wallpaper ripped and faded, and assortments of cider and alcohol all in a shelf.

The turquoise pegasus mare with golden hair looked up from her newspaper and gave a small smirk at the griffin who stood in the doorframe.

"Gilda! What a surprise. And I thought you hated me, guess not if you're paying me a visit."

The female griffon, Gilda, gritted her teeth in annoyance. She should've known going into the office was a bad idea, but it wasn't by her own account to go. It was her boss's.

"I'm forced to come here LD, and you know that. And it's not a visit either cause this is my office too."

"An office you don't come into much. Really, it's rare enough to see you at home base, but even rarer to be seen into our office," the pegasus mare replied.

"Yeah, because I actually get things done in the field than stay cooped up in the office drinking cider and doing absolute bullshit, Lighting Dust," retorted Gilda.

The mare, Lightning Dust, grunted and sat back in her chair. She put her arm on the armrest whilst bringing it up to prop her head on her hoof, a bored expression on her face.

"Why are you here Gilda? I know it's not to hurt my pride and dignity anymore than it already is."

Gilda glanced at the clock on the wall, which ticked quite annoyingly to Gilda's perspective.

"The boss's stallions told me ta get ya so we could get our new field work started."

Lightning Dust's eyes widened, a grin replacing her frown.

"The boss is actually gonna let me do shit?"

"Boss said since we're..." Gilda breathed in deeply, "'partners', we should do work outside home-base together instead of you slacking off and me doing all the dirty work. They want us in their office now to tell us the next move in our operation."

Gilda watched as Lightning Dust jumped up from her seat and flew in circles in the air in excitement. The female griffon rolled her golden orbs and pinched the area between her eyes.

"And when the boss means come to the office now, they mean now, LD."

Lightning Dust stops and grins sheepishly at the griffin, who was restraining herself from dragging the pegasus to the office by her wings. "Oops, right, sorry."

They fluttered their wings, passing the variety of ponies that stood in their way and quickly coming close to their destination.

"Erk! Damn, I haven't flapped on these babies for such a long time. I guess you were right when you said I've been cooped up in the office for a long time," Lightning Dust flapped and stretched her wings.

Gilda just kept looking forward, but the trace of a smirk coming off her from Lightning's comment. "I'm always right."

The two paused in their flight and hovered in front of metal sliders, the door mark in red ink, declaring that "Those who have permission, enter at own risk".

"Hey, I was just wondering, have you ever even seen the boss before? It seems a bit suspicious that we work for the mare or stallion and we don't even know who they are, what they are, or how they are like." Gilda landed to the ground softly and walked up the steps to the burly white pegasus stallion guarding entrance to the office, not answering Lightning Dust's question.

"I mean, you are the boss's second in command. You probably have seen their face before! Can't you tell me what they are? More importantly who?"

"You know I can't share such information with coworkers, LD, especially to you."

The pegasus stallion moved aside to let the griffon through, smiling at Lightning Dust in a more smirking manner.

"Finally got your job back, huh?"

"Oh shut it, Biceps."

She walked past, making sure to swat him on the side with her wing and tail.

"C'mon Gilda! Can't you just tell me a bit about them? I mean, I've been working for this company since day uno, and yet I still have not even heard a snippet of their actual voice. Why can't I know stuff about the boss?"

The female griffon turned her head to her partner, the grim expression on her face making Lightning Dust shiver and shrink under her gaze.

"Why? You wanna know why? Because if I don't, this organization wouldn't exist and everyone in this damn warehouse, facility, whatever, would die."

Her golden eyes trained on the quivering pegasus. She watched every movement, every shake, every weakness the pitiful mare showed to only her.

"If I tell ponies like you who the boss was, there would be no more trust. Some pony would find out, tell the cops. No important pony identities should be known. It would...it would just be the incident all over again."

Gilda glanced glumly at the floor, Lightning Dust recovering from her slight fear and patted Gilda's shoulder.

"Hey, hey. Don't be a grumpy griffon now. I didn't think about it, the incident and the rules and all. Just me not usin' my noggin. Let's just forget about this before it gets sappy, aight?"

She wiped the stray tears falling down the griffon's cheeks. Gilda gave an apologetic grin and turned around to wipe the rest of her eyes down. She faced Lightning Dust once more and glared at her.

"Tell this to anyone and you're griffon grub, got that?"

Lightning Dust nodded furiously whilst grinning forcefully, her pupils dilated and a cold sweat running down her neck. "Ye-yeah, I hear ya."

The two trek down a dim hallway, illuminated only by the flickering of broken lights, noises consisting of circuits buzzing and sparking and the constant clomping from the mare and griffon.

"Damn, this place always gave me the creeps," muttered Lightning Dust.

"Yeah, well I've seen worse."

"Bet'cha have you salty murder machine."

A door emerged from the darkness, a skull with wings emitting from it painted in white on the cherry wood. Under it read, 'Enter at risk'.

"Geez, do they always have to be so frightening? Can't they turn down the doom for a bit? I mean, who's stupid enough not to go in at their own risk?"

Gilda rolled her eyes and knocked on the door with heavy fists and in a pattern only those who visit frequently knock to. A voice on the other side gave the approval and the door opened slowly, the creak echoing around in Lightning Dust's mind.

Gilda slowly sauntered forward, Lightning Dust right behind her tail. The eyes belonging to the turquoise mare scanned around the dark walls, light emitting from inscriptions of ancient magic spells scrawled onto the menacing and tattered walls. Doodles of alicorns and the skull with wings symbol also illuminated on the walls in various colors, giving the office room a colorful yet grim look.

Lightning Dust looked ahead towards the desk, in which the silhouette of a pony sat silently, watching with careful eyes at the two whom entered their room. The unsettling part gaze in Lightning Dust's opinion was that their eyes glowed, only to show the purple iris's the pony had. Everything else about the pony was hidden in absolute darkness.

A pony and a zebra stood at opposite ends of the desk, their eyes also trained on the two females.

"Gilda, Lightning Dust." The pony spoke, a deep masculine voice resonating throughout the room.

The pair bowed their head in respect, their left arms coming across the chest whilst doing so.

"Great and Powerful, what is it that you ask us to come here for?" Asked Lightning Dust, trying not to show fear to her superior.

"Just...business."

The pony casually grabbed at a portfolio and tossed it with a black gloved hoof. It landed on the floor and slid across the slick metallic floor, the portfolio caught in Gilda's talon.

"You know Dr. Caballeron I assume. You've worked with him before. Anyway we are expecting a huge amount of trade from him tomorrow night at the Crystal Wing Empire Club."

"What kind of trade are we talking about here?" Gilda cocked her head in confusion. She flipped through the portfolio, scanning every detail there is about this Caballeron stallion.

The pony chuckled, deep and full with menace.

"A big one. Nothing to worry about is all. Once it's in my hooves, I will explain as soon as possible, Gilda." Gilda nodded in consideration. All things were explained to her once the job was done.

"To no disrespect, but why am I called here Boss? I mean-"

"We need you Dust."

Lightning Dust froze and looked into the Boss's eyes curiously.

"N-need me?"

"Yes. We need you back. These few months have been hectic on trade and transport and dealings, especially since Manehattan Police Department's loss. Now that their out of the way, we can spread business across to Las Pegasus, Griffonstone, especially to Canterlot. We may be the biggest illegal trade on the block, but we have to extend to more ground.

"More and more dealers are trying to get into the position we are in, but instead become traffickers owned by us. Dr. Cabelleron just seems to be one of the biggest traffickers on the block, and if we convince him enough, we may get the ground we need."

Lightning Dust cocked her head, confused on the Boss's small spiel.

"Ooookay? And that having to do with me in anyway is...?"

The pony face-hooved.

"You and Gilda are going to be in charge of operations made by yours truly. You two have been in on this corporation the longest, and with the Boss's trust in you, you will bring pride to this establishment. Welcome back, Dust."

The griffon and pegasus mare widened their eyes in shock and surprise. Mostly Lightning Dust. The two bowed in respect.

"We will not let you down Boss."

The two turned at the pony and the zebra were going to escort them out, but the Boss halted them.

"Before you go, I need you to also do one more thing for the Boss."

Gilda and Lightning Dust patiently waited for the Boss's response.

"There was news from one of the pegasi spies about a certain someone getting caught by the cops several nights ago. We don't know the details, but it was between the lines that he is exterminated for good. We don't have to deal with him as a threat to the Shadowbolts anymore."

Gilda stiffened up at the Boss's words. She felt her gut drop, bile rising and her breathing becoming hitched.

"Wha-what...?"

Lightning Dust noticed this and nodded at her commander's words, dragging Gilda away from the desk.

Once they were far enough from the office doors and the guarding station, Gilda sat on the floor with a huff.

"I can't believe it...he's...he's dead?"

"I know right? I never really thought that son of a bitch would die. Especially in the hooves of the cops. Now that's pitiful."

Lightning Dust looked over at Gilda solemnly, seeing her distressed expression to depressing for her to bare.

When Gilda was in a mood, so was every one else.

"Look, he won't go against us again. And besides, he did go behind our backs."

She put a hoof on the she-griffon's feather back in comfort.

"You need to get over it Gilda. He was never going to come back anyway. Move on."

Gilda sighed, knowing what the annoying pegasus was saying was true.

"I guess you're right. It was never gonna happen. I mean, it's him we're talking about."

Lightning Dust nodded and turned tails with Gilda towards their office.

"So what do you think is the big trade the Boss was talking about? Do you think it's more supplies? Wads of dough? Or something bigger?"

"Well whatever it is, it better be worth it. By what the portfolio says, it's one of the biggest trades we've got. Doesn't state what it is, but by the looks of it, we're going to have to surround the Crystal Wing inside and out in order to take this thing down."

"So what about that Cabelleron stallion? What are we gonna do about him?"

"Eh, whatever happens, happens. Either he goes with what we give him, or we kill him. Just the usual."

They enter the office, the two females completely unaware of the pony lurking near the shadows, overhearing everything said from outside the small tattered room. Once out of sight, the pony slipped outside out of the metal slides and slipped into the night.

Author's Notes:

This is new for me as well as for many as you guys too. Meet the antagonists!

So I decided to do a chapter that sidetracks away from the main two and do one based upon "brotp" I had in mind. I platonically ship Gilda with Lightning Dust for personal reasons, but mostly how they both were Rainbow's friends who somehow "betrayed" her or just did something unreasonable that Dash could't hang with them anymore for hurting the main six. I always see Gilda and LD just as a 'partners in crime' sort of deal.

Now I'm just rambling But thank you all for the wonderful comments you have given me in my times of hardship on trying to continue this story. I still have a LOOOONG ways to go, and I'm glad people are continuing to read and delve into this story.

Tootaloo~

P.S. I am currently changing the title of this story for reasons that I feel that the title is bland and even though it goes well with the story, I just don't like it in general. And so, I present to you the title "contest" (not really a contest to get a prize but just a contest for pride or whatnot).

I want a few or all of you to come up with new titles for this story, so far the only one that gave me a response and gave me a few good titles being from taterforlife (thanks by the way!). Anyway, once titles stop coming in, I will pick a selected few I deem as interesting and I will post them so everyone will see and "vote" on. And then the new title!

Thank you bunches!

Crystal Wings (Part 1)

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Chapter 9 - Crystal Wings

Her breathing was slow and focused, her eyes wide and attentive, watching every little thing that moved outside her bedroom window. She captured every detail from the scenery, from the patterns on a beetle's wings to the texture of a leaf. Every time a thing moved or caused attention, her eyes would flick to it in interest, and so the continuation of studying would begin again.

This was the cause of boredom.

An exaggerated sigh escaped the pegasus's lips, a frown forming upon her face.

"You know, if you're sooooo bored, you could just, I don't know, watch TV or play with the pets or something else. You can't just stare out the window all day."

Fluttershy didn't listen, and instead kept staring out the window instead of heeding to Pinkie's idea or thoughts.

Pinkie sighed as well, walking up her friend in exhaustion.

"Look, I didn't mean to make things...worse."

Fluttershy dropped her attention from a falling leaf and glanced towards Pinkie, who's head was resting on her shoulder.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. The whole thing with Mr. Chaotic downstairs, two nights ago? I...I just..." Pinkie trailed off in thought, her voice cracking at the end.

Fluttershy forced a small smile and nuzzled her muzzle into Pinkie's poofy mane.

"Hey, hey now. I understand completely. You didn't like what was happening and you wanted to take a stand for it. I'm fine, and I'm in good health. There's nothing to fret over now."

"I wasn't entirely talking about you though..."

"Hmm?"

Fluttershy questionably glanced at Pinkie. Pinkie shrugged it off and smiled warily at Fluttershy, as to not worry her so.

"Oh, nothing! Anywho, I have decided to go on a small date tonight with Prince Cheese Sandwich the First and I just wanted to make sure my super uper DUPER best friend is fine and well. I couldn't leave the house with a frowny face roommate now could I?"

Fluttershy giggled, such a small sweet noise bringing joy to Pinkie's ears.

"If you're asking for permission, you really don't have to. You're old enough to make you're own decisions. And I think you should have the night to yourself. You deserve it."

The party pony's smile turned lopsided as a thought occurred to her. "Are you sure? Because if anything happens-"

"Nothing will happen. Enjoy yourself with your special somepony. You need it. Like, really need it."

Pinkie's face beamed in happiness as she tackled her friend in a hug.

"OOOO THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!"

Teal eyes watched as the pink mare bounced out of the room and across the hall to her's, slamming the door behind her and shouting things behind the door about dresses and discussion topics and things Fluttershy would find quite inappropriate.

The pegasus sighed heavily, knowing she'd spend another night "alone" in the house.

Ever since the incident with the picture frame, it had gotten awfully quiet in the household. To the point that the deathly silence made one go mad.

Fluttershy stepped out of her room and walked carefully down the stairs. Each step sounded like a bomb dropping within the house in her ears, and so she hovered above the steps in anxiety. Stopped at the last step and looked to her side, the the door that has stayed closed for the past two days.

Fluttershy didn't know what to do or say in the situation of the one who dwelled in the basement. Her feelings were mixed on the matter, for she didn't know if feeling sad or happy or worried could even make up for the previous night.

Yet she knew that between then and now, she had to speak with Discord again. Had to make him socialize again with the two ponies. If he was to be in the basement the whole time, he would never be able to reform and get out of each other's lives.

She sighed heavily, dragging her body towards the basement door. The door opened before her creakingly and she took another deep breath before descending the steps.

The basement seemed absurdly quiet except for slight electronic voices being said through the television. As she slowly took steps, she could see how much the basement has changed within the first few weeks.

The walls were coated in messy patterns, from polka dots to stripes to plaid. Every so minute, a wall would change the patter or color, along with the extra room furniture and ornaments changing from their positions to other areas of the room.

'Well Discord sure made it home-y.'

She spotted the draconequus sitting on a brown leather couch, flicking through the television channels in what looked like boredom. Fluttershy, from where she could see, noticed that his bandages and bruises had gone away; even his wings looking like they hadn't even gotten broken just two nights ago.

She stood staring at him for about two minutes, contemplating how she should go about a discussion with him.

"Standing behind me and staring into my back is not really the best way to start a conversation. More like a way that seems as if you're possessed and here to reap my soul."

Fluttershy jumped at Discord's voice.

"H-how'd you know-"

"Pfft. You clomp down the steps so hard that I'm surprised Celestia didn't feel the quakes."

Fluttershy huffed, the awkward tension she felt earlier immediately leaving her body. Replaced by calm annoyance.

Discord turned slightly to get a look at the pegasus.

Her flowing hair had been put up in a messy bun, a green tank top and sweatpants covering her torso.

Even to Discord she looked naturally pretty in comfortable and saggy clothing.

He looked back at the tv, which a show about these weird creatures standing on two legs talked about the power of friendship played. He frowned at how babyish and unrealistic it was and flipped to another channel.

"Did you need something? Or are you gonna stand around all day here? If you are...then I'd be worried about your mentality."

Fluttershy fidgeted and took a deep breath, trying to get the air to her brain so she could speak clearly on what she was to say.

"I...I honestly don't know."

Discord stopped playing with the remote in his claw and stayed silent.

"I would guess I thought it was to come and apologize for the beating you endured...for Pinkie's sake."

Discord opened his mouth to speak, yet Fluttershy continued.

"But that wasn't really why...I came down here. I...I came down here to make amends and start over."

Discord widened his eyes. He turned to the buttercream pegasus, shock visible on his facial features.

"Make...make amends?"

Fluttershy nodded shyly, her eyes going anywhere but the draconequus seated in front of her.

"I-I was worried that what Pinkie did...had done, fractured what little...progress we had. And I came to check how your wounds and bruises were doing but..."

Fluttershy dragged her eyes along Discord's body, seeing that every little thing she had either stitched up or bandaged or put ointment on disappeared completely, as if he was never even close to being pummeled to death.

"...it seems that you took better care for yourself then I could. I suppose I did forget that you had some specific magic abilities not all unicorns have."

"So you wanted to apologize for behalf of your savage friend, hm?"

"She isn't savage. She was just protecting me..."

Fluttershy looked all around, wondering if coming was a bad idea after all. The two days that's passed by after all had been peaceful enough. Whenever they had to eat Fluttershy or Pinkie would have to leave food on the top step of the staircase and then retrieve the empty dish afterwords to clean. He had his room to mess around with, and he wasn't causing harm to anyone else in the house or I the outside world. So what would be the point then?

"Yeah... I know what she was doing."

Fluttershy glanced to the draconequus in confusion.

"I don't see why you have to make amends. You haven't done anything wrong. I still don't see why you should be coming here at all! I've pushed you into the ground, threatened you and your little friend, strangled you...twice! And yet you still comeback trying to show me the kindness I don't even deserve."

Fluttershy looked in wonderment at Discord, her breath hitching in surprise at his words. Discord noticed what he had said and tried covering it up.

"But just to be clear, I find it vaguely annoying to see that your sooo persistent with it. Besides that, you don't even need to apologize for Pinkemina's acts of violence and justice or whatnot, she apologized earlier. Like the night after."

"Pinkie...Pinkie never told me that," muttered Fluttershy in surprise.

'Why hadn't she mentioned that?'

"Eh, she came down here and just was very bipolar in general when asking for forgiveness. One moment she was all pissed off and calling me out and everything, the next she was trying to get me to eat her 'I'm-Sorry-I-Almost-Killed-You' cupcakes and etcetera."

"And all this happened in the house? Where was I?"

"It was like three in the morning. I was awake anyway, and being that Pinkie is her own kind of pony, she came down here in the same way you're here now. You were long knocked out."

Just as Fluttershy was to respond back, small ringing noise came from up the staircase.

"Ah, I've got it."

He snapped his talon and purple telephone appeared on the wall closest to him. He grabbed at the phone and coughed into his paw before speaking.

"Ah, allo! This is la Señora Discordia a speaking from Fluttershy's residency. May I help yoooouu?" Discord asked in a terrible Spanish female accent.

"Discord, I need to speak with Fluttershy, it's urgent", replied Twilight.

"Ooo, what urgent news is there to speak about?"

"News that only concerns with Fluttershy. Now can I please speak with her?"

"Tell me, do you guys miss me? Is that it? Did you guys want me back? Hmmmm?"

"Discord, I need to talk with Fluttershy now!"

"Why is it always Fluttershy this? And Fluttershy that? What about my needs dammit!"

"DISCORD!"

Fluttershy just stood confused at the small banter Discord was making when speaking through the phone. Yet once she heard what sounded like Twilight's muffled voice at the end, she took the phone out of Discord's talon to end Twilight's suffering.

"I'm sorry Twilight. Our guest just won't quit annoying ponies even if the world begged not to."

Discord snickered behind her, Fluttershy glaring at him slightly yet also with humor in her eyes.

"I can see. Well I had news for you, like big news. But I just need to know real quick, how are you holding up? Rainbow and I haven't seen you in three weeks and we just wanted to see how you were doing."

"Oh Twilight, I'm perfectly fine. I'm not homeless yet!"

Fluttershy giggled, trying to make humor out of something, but just got an awkward laugh from the purple alicorn on the other side.

"A-Anyway, what was the news you wanted to give me?"

The sound of papers being shuffled and things being dropped on the floor was heard before Twilight spoke again.

"Well okay, good news."

Fluttershy stayed silent. It was rare to get such news from Twilight.

"Well...we found something. We might've gotten you one step into the case."

Fluttershy widened her eyes, giddiness surrounding her.

"You mean some pony found evidence or what not? I thought I wasn't doing the case anymore!"

"I thought so as well, but apparently not. Roseluck, bless her soul. She somehow sneaked into one of the corporation warehouses. I don't know how or where, but she got recorded information from one of the workers about a magic trade-in. Over at the Crystal Wing Empire Club."

A blush spread along Fluttershy's face, the name association of the club coming to her and where she had heard it from.

"B-But Twilight...isn't the Crystal Wing a...a..."

"Yeah, it is", sighed Twilight. "But I don't have much time. But all you need to know is that I, along with the chief, Rainbow, Pansy and others will be picking you up in the van to head over there. Intel told us that the trade-in was tonight. We'll be picking you up at 1800 hours."

"Wa-wait! What about...um...you know who? I can't go anywhere without him because of the collar and pendant."

"Don't worry, we've got it covered. Just tell him that you guys are going out. If he was to be told, we'll tell you both together. See you Flutters."

The call ended, and Fluttershy stared into empty space, her giddiness fading into worry.

"Weeeeeeeell? What is it? What did she want?"

"Um... Well... She said that we will be going out sometime near 6 P.M. and wanted to tell us to get ready."

"Well, if only I had known, I would've made sure to get pampered up and straighten my outfit."

He powdered his face with the powder he conjured up.

"It's about time I get out of this house too. It's been years since I had a whiff of fresh polluted air."

"Well, when you get things in order, I'll call you up when Twilight gets here then."

"Ah, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy was halfway up the steps when Discord spoke.

"Hm?"

Discord fumbled with his words before shaking his head and looking off to the side in thought.

"Oh nothing. Carry on."

And so she did without question.

The honk of a car horn sounded from outside the cherrywood door of the house. Fluttershy went to the window and drew back the shades, seeing the familiar white van parked across the lawn.

Fluttershy didn't even have to call out to Discord to come, a flash of bright light and appeared the draconequus, in orange jumpsuit and all.

"Ah yes. Riding around in a white kidnapper van with cops inside while wearing an orange jumpsuit at night. The best way to go out, am I right?"

Fluttershy shook her head in annoyance and opened the door, allowing Discord to go out before her. Yet just to agitate her more, he teleported out instead, Fluttershy going through the door herself.

"Now, remember what I told you?" Asked Fluttershy.

"You told me something?"

"Yes, I did...you didn't listen to me did you?"

"Nooooope~"

Fluttershy rapped on the door, knocking a pattern with her hoof to acknowledge the people inside.

The van door slid open, a pair of purple hooves immediately pulling in Fluttershy and wrapping her in a hug. "Oh Fluttershy I missed you soooo much! We were so worried."

Rainbow Dash saw this and also came forth to embrace Fluttershy.

"I missed you too girls."

"Ew. I hope this isn't exactly how the car ride to our destination is going to be like. Between the cops or the lovey dovey sappiness, I'd probably just die from disgust by the gushy feelings."

Twilight and Rainbow Dash frowned at the gagging and melodramatic draconequus, having forgotten about him for the moment.

Discord entered the van and saw that almost everyone from before was in the van. The only difference were the outfits worn and the interior of the van itself.

Each pony was wearing equipment that blended in with their black outfits; night vision goggles, walkie-talkies, bullet-proof vests, and so forth. They also held onto weapons and hoof-holding guns, varying about size and power. Inside, the van had trackers and radios of sorts, data and information and weapons lining up half of it.

The door behind him slid to a close, and Discord was forced to sit in between Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Pansy, Twilight, and Chief Do sat to the side, whilst across from Discord sat a stallion and two mares at the controls.

"Discord, Fluttershy. I see you both are doing well?" Asked Chief Do.

Discord looked to the side and scowled. "Barely."

"Everything has been fine, Chief. Just had to get some...things off of our chests throughout the weeks," replied Fluttershy sweetly.

The chief looked between the two twice before noticing the few new scars on Discord's arms, as well as more tears on his orange jumpsuit.

"Ah, I see Pinkie is doing fine with your house guest too, hm?"

Discord glared at her, Do ignoring such and continuing with her discussion.

"Have you've been informed on what we are trying to accomplish here, Shy?"

"No, I haven't really told her why and how we are to do this operation chief."

"And does Discord know?"

"No-yes."

Everyone looked at Discord curiously.

"I-I never told you where we were going," said Fluttershy.

"Oh, you haven't? I could've sworn I heard a little alicorn declare that we were going to the Crystal Wings for a mission or other things she had said. You may have it as a mission, but I like to think of as a...release of tension." Discord smirked cheekily in thought.

"You were snooping?!"

"I wouldn't call it snooping, I'd call it listening in to a private conversation secretly with another phone without the callers knowing."

Everyone groaned and rolled their eyes, the only one snickering at the joke was Flash Sentry, who was driving the van.

"I guess we can go right into it then. Intel-"

"Roseluck," interrupted Discord. Twilight growled, yet continued.

"Roseluck told us that the one stallion that the Shadowbolts are meeting is named Dr. Cabelleron."

"Oooo, Cabbie. I haven't seen him since I stole that precious gold statue that was worth millions of bits. I remember playing whack-a-mole and hunt with him during that time. Funny how I destroyed that statue afterwords. Now that I think about it, he did have a gold object fetish-"

"Anyway, we are told that this trade-in is vital for the Shadowbolts, for it may boost their investments by a thousand to a million. We have not yet confirmed what it may be that Cabelleron has that the Shadowbolts want so much, but we have to stop and retrieve it before the other does."

"And how do you suppose you do that Miss Prissypants?"

"None of your concern Discord," Twilight spat.

She turned to Fluttershy, whom had been listening and absorbing the information that Twilight was giving out.

"Now Fluttershy, you remember how this goes, yes? You do-"

"I got it Twilight," nodded Fluttershy.

Twilight clapped her hooves and grinned.

"Great! I don't have to explain much then. Pansy, can you pull out the box then?"

Pansy nodded and moved her hooves under the chair, pulling out a medium sized wooden box from underneath. Fluttershy looked at it with unease, Discord watching it in confusion. The buttercream pegasus's unease increase as she saw Rainbow Dash and Twilight tense up at the sight of it.

The van screeched to a stop. Flashing lights flickered from the windows, the neon letters from atop a one-story building reading 'Crystal Wing Empire Club'.

Fluttershy gulped in anxiety, watching as gentlecolts and stallions walked in with greedy looks on their faces. Discord, on the other hoof, smugly pressed his face on the glass, his tongue hanging out like a dog's when he saw a mare with barely any clothing on, except for the undergarments and other accessories, walk into the building.

"They would do trade in a gentlecolt's club, wouldn't they those dirty perverts...", grumbled Rainbow Dash.

Pansy opened the box and pulled out a fake identification card, as well as a bag of garments. Stripper garments.

Fluttershy stared back in horror, her mouth gaped open and eyes wide enough to have them pop out of her skull.

"No...no no nonononononononono..."

Fluttershy furiously shook her head, trying to back herself up all the way into the cushion of the van seat.

"Fluttershy, I know it looks bad but-"

"You expect me to wear that?! Stripper-wear?!?"

"It's for undercover purposes. I will have to be surveying and stalling time in order for Pansy or you to retrieve the unidentified object in Cabelleron's possession," explained Twilight.

"Then why can't you act as a stripper and I survey and stall? I...I can't-"

"Fluttershy."

Fluttershy turned to Chief Do, her expression still startled. The chief looked at her with determination and utmost calmness.

"This is different from all the other fieldworks you've done, yes. But there will always be different undercover works that will most likely be harder than the next. This is just one step higher than your comfort zone, and that's alright. Everyone will have to get out of their comfort zones one way or another. You need to understand that. You would do anything for this case, correct? This is justice Fluttershy, you must remember that. Isn't that what you want? What he would want?"

Fluttershy blinked, Chief Do's words sinking in. This is for her father. To finish what her father had started. This was her first step into unknown territory, and she was sure to make it deep enough to make it across with feats.

Fluttershy drew in a shaky breath and grabbed at the bag and ID card, slow determination filling her system. Pansy also handed Fluttershy a small hoof-held gun that can easily fit inside the inside of her boots.

"We'll make it quick Flutters, I promise," Rainbow declared.

"Okay, enough about her and onto terms considering the most beloved one here", snarked Discord.

"Beloved my plot..." Muttered Pansy and Rainbow Dash.

"Well, considering you have the collar and all, we can't leave you in the van since you'd thrash about in pain by Fluttershy being so far away from you, and we can't have that while those in the van work. We're going to have to bring you inside...sadly."

Discord toothily grinned, but became short when Twilight did not conclude her thoughts.

"But, you will have to have somepony look out after you whilst we work, and so Rainbow Dash will be seated with you during the show."

"Which will be one of my biggest regrets to agreeing."

"Oh you love me, Dashy ole pal!"

Rainbow snarled and turned her head the other direction away from Discord's view.

"Oh, and one more thing. Discord, in order to not get suspected by anyone in the club, we would suggest you change your attire and go into a more preferable disguise."

"Disguise?"

"Well, we did give you the only ability that only the highest of unicorn magic can achieve, and that would be transformations and disguises. I thought ahead-" "Of course she would", muttered Discord, "-and knew that if Fluttershy was to go on missions, or not just missions but to say the store or whatnot, she'd have to drag you with her, and if you didn't have a disguise, well, you know the rest. And so, we would like it if you changed to an appropriate pony form now."

Discord groaned, pouting at the thought of turning into a pony.

"But I don't wanna!" Discord threw a small tantrum, throwing what he could muster up at the moment, that being apples, towards the cops beside him. Fluttershy put a hoof on his shoulder in order for him to stop.

"It will only be for tonight, and anytime we ever go out in public. You won't have to be a pony for long periods of time. So cooperate?"

A sigh escaped his lips, Discord turning to the window to look away from Fluttershy's sparkling innocent teal pools called eyes.

"Fine, but not because you asked but because I want to see some ass, especially yours~"

Rainbow took her hoof up to hit Discord, but instead Fluttershy frowned and tapped her hoof to her pendant, a small shock going through Discord.

"Okay okay sheesh, I'll turn into a damn pony," Discord spat in disgust.

A white light absorbed his body, the light shrinking in form and fading instantly. In Discord's place stood a light brown coated unicorn stallion. His jet black hair spiked backwards, deep crimson eyes unblinking, a regal silver horn atop his head. Other than such differences, the scar and slit of his left eye as well as the orange jumpsuit and now shrunken collar, or now studded necklace, were the only identification that that was still Discord.

Fluttershy blinked and blushed at the sight of Discord's pony form, for she was surprised at how handsome he was in it. She stared at his broad shoulders, his jawline, and his muscular build-up in awe. Discord noticed this and smirked.

"Like what you see babe?"

Fluttershy looked the other way, hiding behind her mane in embarrassment. Pansy shoved a black tux suit into his chest, drawing the breath out of the draconequus-turned-pony.

"Put on these clothes. It's time for business."

Discord sipped at his glass of margarita silently, glaring into the eyes of the rainbow maned pegasus seated next to him.

"Y'know if we keep staring like this, ponies would think we're dating."

"EW. As if I would ever date you. I'd rather die."

Discord snickered and looked about, watching all the mare that walked by hungrily.

"Don't get any ideas, Discord. This is a mission, meaning that you are not a variable and you can not intervene in it at all. And that also means that you can't touch or get near any mares in this club at all. You hear me? At all."

"That's like saying you couldn't eat anything in a chocolate store that's giving away free chocolate. You can't resist it."

Rainbow Dash watched the club doors carefully, Discord on the other hoof watching the strippers twirl and work their way around the metal pole on the stage.

From backstage, one of the stripper mates knocked on one of the doors. Worry etched over her features and she rapped on the door again until a small voice told her to come in.

"Hun, are you alright? You're shivering like the winter's got you in its trap!"

Fluttershy looked up from where she was sitting and stared at the pink coated and green maned earth pony standing by the doorway. Fluttershy stood up slowly from her corner, embarrassed by the minimal amount of clothing upon her body.

"O-oh yea-ah. I'm really really f-fine D-Daisy."

"Then what's got you all shaky for?"

Fluttershy hid in the blush forming on her cheeks and breathed in the amount of air she could, which was a lot. She tried and thought of an excuse to not blow away her cover.

"Oh...its just...that this is the absolute first time doing...this...in front of a crowd and I don't know how it will go and such."

Daisy smiled sweetly at the cowering pegasus.

"Oh dear, when I was your age I used to be nervous as heck to when I first started in this business. But the more you do it, the easier and less stressful it'll become. That's what my momma told me."

"You're mother?"

"Yep, she was a stripper and gardener when she was in her walking years. Same with my grandmama. Runs in the family."

As Daisy left the room, Fluttershy started to cower even more so at the thought of twirling on a metal pole almost naked in front of tens and hundreds of stallions. Including Discord in them.

She never agreed to this! Why would acting as a stripper even make a difference? What was so vital of her to be dressed in such a humiliating and disgusting way for the sake of a case, a mission? She wasn't sure, but what she did know was that Twilight and the others were not telling her something she was to know. And she wanted to know why.

Author's Notes:

Hello my little Chaotic Butterflies (yes that is my new nickname for my audience)~
And so the conflict begins! This chapter will split into two separate ones because by the way it was heading it was just going to be about 10,000 words or something and I really didn't want you guys to read all that in one sitting.
Okay, and before anything else is said, I know (maybe not because you all are so kind) that some of you will not agree with the choices put in this chapter, neither have I. To be perfectly honest, I just wanted to get this type of scene out of the way, because where I am somewhat going with this, this story does have regular cop movie cliche stuff going on, and that does include the movies with strip clubs scenes in them. But, I have planned this chapter to become better for the next so it doesn't end up being as horrible, I promise. I wouldn't let Fluttershy suffer that much.
I had some ideas put in for it by my lovely friend Canwejusteatnowplz, and I thank her so for some of the scene ideas and some comical choices.
Thank you for the favorites and comments and I hope you all enjoyed!
-Void~

Chaos and Justice

by AwkwardVoid

Prologue

Pilot

The Interrogation

Muffins

Judgement

Regrets

Home Sweet Prison

Complications

Introductions

Crystal Wings (Part 1)