> Equestria vs Discord
>  by Epicdiscord214
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Time of Peace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equestria was covered in chaos. The buildings were floating upside-down. Fish were swimming in midair. The clouds were made of cotton candy. And the orchestrator sat on his throne controlling the whole scene. He was a draconequus, a spirit of chaos that looks like the mixture of a bunch of animals. His name was Discord and his mischief was limitless. After his reign went for too long, the royal princess sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, confronted the spirit.
"Oh, this is so much fun." Discord chuckled excitedly. He held up a light-rainbow tail out of nowhere. "How about a game of 'Pin the Tail on the Pony'?"
Princess Celestia recognized it as her tail and saw it missing at her backside. She grew mad and approached closer to the draconequus.
"Playtime is over for you, Discord." Celestia declared.
"Oh, I doubt that." Discord said holding a bag full of black seeds. Whatever he didn't eat, he'd throw to the ground. He pointed the bag to the princesses. "Hungry?" The two sisters ignored the seeds thrown at their faces and kept watching Discord sternly. "Suit yourselves."
While Discord kept playing with the seeds, Celestia opened the bag at her side and pulled out six colorful gems. Discord was curious as he dropped his bag and his seeds scattered all over the ground.
"Ooh. What have you got there?"
"The Elements of Harmony." Celestia replied.
"With them, we shall defeat you!" Luna declared.
The Elements of Harmony began circling the two sisters and began to glow. Discord only laughed.
"Oh, you should see yourselves right now! The look on your faces; so intense, so sure of yourselves. Hahaha! HILARIOUS!"
Discord cracked up so hard, he couldn't see the rainbow blasting out of the Elements of Harmony and covered his body. Suddenly, his skin turned into stone. He was petrified during the middle of his laugh. As soon as he became a statue, all of Equestria had been instantly restored to its natural state and peace had come for Equestria.





"That is your objective!" the dark figure in the shadows said. He presented Discord's defeat to a hooded girl. The draconequus' downfall was revealed in a cloud of smoke coming from a bonfire. "Find Discord and bring him here!"
"Given the state he's in, Red Eye," the girl said, "I don't think he'll be easy to move."
"Let me explain," Red Eye said, "You see, a thousand years later, Discord escaped and attempted to resume his anarchic domination without the meddling of the Elements of Harmony. However, six ponies got through his obstacles and turned him back to stone."
"I don't see your point." the girl said.
"You didn't let me finish." Red Eye said. "A year later, Discord was then released by the same ponies in exchange for no more of his mischief. And the worst part is, he actually agreed to it and meant it. He actually believes that the ponies are his friends. I need you to go to him and refresh his love for his sins, whatever the cost. Only then will he join us."
"Equestria, huh?" the girl said. "No problem. I'll get the job done."





Discord had been the cause of several events after his reformation. It was revealed that the black seeds he planted in the past were meant to weaken the Tree of Harmony, the birthplace of the Elements, and render them useless. The Mane 6 had to give them up to stop the chaos.
Some time later, Discord came to the Mane 6 claiming to be sick of the Blue Flu. He went to Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence to make him feel better by bringing him a flower from the edge of Equestria. It was later revealed that Discord was faking being sick just to test Twilight's friendship to him.
Another mistake Discord made was when he made an alliance to the evil Tirek. Discord was meant to arrest him, but instead, he gave in to his words of evil and helped him grow stronger. But Discord wasn't prepared for when Tirek would betray him when he outgrew his usefulness. Realizing his mistake, Discord gave Princess Twilight Sparkle a gift that was the last piece she needed to defeat Tirek. Discord was forgiven and Twilight was given her own castle.
Two weeks after the battle with Tirek, everyone in Ponyville prepares for a celebration for their peace. To celebrate, everyone starts to build a festival and invites everyone in Equestria. Spike was in charge of the details of the Festival of Peace.
"All right, every pony!" Spike declared. "The Festival starts in two weeks, so let's start building!"
As the ponies started with the preparations, they sang to their work.

"What a fabulous time
It's a happy sign
Nothing can possibly go wrong
Oh, the sun is glowing
As soon as we're knowing
Nothing can possibly go wrong
As long as nothing goes amiss
It can't get better than this
As it's said in this song
Nothing can possibly go wrong"

The Mane 6 arrive to start helping to build.
"Hey, Spike." Twilight said.
"Hi." Spike replied. "Good thing you came! I got some roles I've been saving just for you. Pinkie Pie, you're obviously in charge of the party supplies. Rainbow Dash, you beta-test all the rides. Fluttershy, you can start keeping a petting zoo. Applejack, you cater. Rarity, you're with me at the kissing booth."
"What?" Rarity asked.
"Uh, I mean..." Spike said nervously, "Decorations! You're in charge of preparing the decorations. And Twilight, we'll need you to host the events we're planning."
And with that, the Mane 6 started with their work.

"Get the balloons and streamers," Pinkie Pie sang,
"Where are the ice-creamers"
"Nothing can possibly go wrong," Rainbow Dash sang.
"As long as every detail," Rarity sang
"Goes without a fail
Nothing can possibly go wrong"
"Get ready the banquet," Applejack sang,
"Every meal set
Let's hope their stomachs are strong"
"Nothing can possibly go wrong," everyone sang.
"Facing peril these past years," Twilight Sparkle sang,
"Now, they've disappeared
Absolutely no threat
Nothing now but relax
Sit down and brass tax
And never fret
AND TO THE WORLD, I'LL SHOW
THAT THERE WILL BE NO
DANGER AT AAAAAAAAAAAALL"

Spike continued walking through the area. Then, he felt two taps on his shoulder. He looked and yelped when he saw Discord standing over him.
"Oh no! No, no, no, no, no, no, no!"
"What?" Discord asked. "Spike, I'm only here to watch the show."
"Your definition of help is different from mine." Spike said.
"I didn't say I was going to help." Discord said. "After the whole Tirek fiasco, Princess Celestia made it very clear that I should know when I'm needed and when I'm not. So, until you say that you need me, I shall be seen, but not heard.

"I'll just stay at this spot
Don't do anything, no matter what
So that nothing can go wrong
I can't honestly blame them
I don't want to shame them
So nothing must go wrong
'Keep your magic to yourself
Until we need your help
Stay right where you belong'
Now, nothing can possibly go wrong"

"Well... I suppose that'll work," Spike said, "But no monkey business."
"So I should probably put this back?" Discord asked holding a banana.
Spike rolled his eyes and continued going through.

"Nightmares, chaos, deception, fear," Fluttershy sang,
"Pride, greed, and power
We've fought every threat to friendship
And now, the final victory is ours"
"EQUESTRIA IS FINE," everyone sang,
"THE SUN SHINES
TO EVERYOOOOOOOOOOOOONE"
"The festival is in two weeks," Spike sang
"And I'm going to show responsibility
So I'm going to detect all of the tweaks
And fix them with the best of my ability"
"Soon, we'll enjoy the sound of..." everyone sang
"The Festival of Peace
THE FESTIVAL OF PEEEEEEAAAAAACE
BETTER GET A MOVE ON
GET YOUR GROOVE ON
NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG
DO NOT IGNORE THE FACT
WE CAN POSSIBLY SEE THAT
NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG
WHEN THE FESTIVAL STARTS
WE'LL BE RACING OUR HEARTS
AND IT WILL BE THAT WAY ALL DAY LOOOOOOOOONG
NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GO..."
"This can't actually go..." Fluttershy sang.
"IT WILL PERFECTLY GO," the Cutie Mark Crusaders sang,
"WITHOUT ABOUT TO ACTUALLY GO..."
"NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GO..." everyone sang
"WROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG
NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GO WROOOOOOOOOONG"

From behind a tavern, a hooded pony peeked to the crowd. She looked and saw Discord sitting and watching the ponies passing by. The ponies were getting uneasy around him.
"So he still believes that he belongs with the ponies." the pony said. "We'll have to fix that." She looked and found a support beam holding up bleachers. She extended her hoof and had a ghastly echo in her whisper. "Akala, etur, werlnuas." Suddenly, a small bit of the support beam disappeared. The pony exited the tavern and removed her hood.
The earth pony had gold-yellow hair with some faint, silver streaks up and down. Her body was completely yellow and she had a red flower as a Cutie Mark. Her eyes sparkled with a golden twinkle. She chuckled and marched across the festival.
> Accusations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike and Twilight arrived at the main audience bleachers and observed them.
"Perfect!" Spike said. "Just as I thought it'd look."
"Uh, Spike," Twilight said nervously, "Are you sure it's safe? I mean, it doesn't look sturdy."
"Relax, Twilight," Spike said. He jumped up to the stands and climbed to the top seats. "See? Solid as a rock. And to prove it..." Spike began tap dancing and jumping on the stands. Twilight giggled at the sight of it.
Then, Twilight looked and saw that the stands have slightly started to tip over. She looked and saw a gap in the stand legs. Spike took a big jump and when he landed, the impact shook the stands and it started to topple over.
"SPIKE!" Twilight shouted. She pulled out her wings and flew towards Spike. She caught him right before the bleachers fell to the ground. It broke into pieces and there was a large pile of broken wood.
"Glad that didn't happen when the real audience showed up." Spike said. "What happened?"
"I saw a support beam." Twilight said. "There was a large piece of it missing."
"How is that possible?" Spike asked. "Wouldn't the construction guys see that some wood was missing?"
"TWILIGHT!"
The rest of the Mane 6 appeared and they were slightly out of breath.
"The fake lances we were supposed to use for the jousting were real!" Rainbow Dash said. "Glad I stopped the demonstration before any accidents happened."
"My streamers were found wet and the cotton candy had anchovies!" Pinkie Pie said. "Who wants cotton candy with anchovies?!"
"All my decor have been stained with soda and grape juice!" Rarity said.
"Instead of rabbits and rams at the petting zoo, I found rabid wolverines and wild rhinos!" Fluttershy said.
"All my family's food has gone missing!" Applejack said. "We left the room for only 10 minutes, and when we got back, we've been picked clean with an I.O.U. note!"
"Looks like it's not just us." Twilight said. "Someone's trying to sabotage the fair. But who?"
"Let's put our thinking caps on." Pinkie Pie pulled out a white, pointy hat and placed it on her head. She then sat in a Thinker pose. "Hmm."
"Broken bleachers..." Spike said.
"Stolen food..." Applejack said.
"Real lances..." Rainbow Dash said.
"Wild animals..." Fluttershy said.
"Defacing art..." Rarity said.
"And cotton candy with anchovy toppings." Pinkie Pie finished.
All of a sudden, everyone got the same idea. They grew angry and shouted from the top of their lungs...
"DISCOOOOOOOOORD!"
All of a sudden, Discord appeared in a flash of light.
"Ay, ay, ay!" Discord shouted. "There's no need to shout! What do you want already?"
"How could you do this, Discord?!" Twilight asked angrily. "How?!"
Discord stayed silent for a moment before he spoke. "Is this a trick question? I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You've been messing up the fair!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"What?" Discord asked arcing an eyebrow. "No, I didn't."
"Don't play dumb with us, Discord!" Applejack said.
"Who said I'm playing?" Discord asked.
"Look around, Discord!" Rarity shouted. "You've been sabotaging all our hard work!"
The argument was drawing up a crowd. Discord looked and saw how everyone starting whispering to each other and giving him angry glares.
"Okay, okay, okay!" Discord shouted. "You ponies are accusing me of something I swore not to do! Look, Princess Twilight, why don't we take this to Princess Celestia? We'll get this misunderstanding straightened out then."
"All right." Twilight said. "Come on, everyone."
The Mane 6 and Discord walked away. Watching them, the golden pony watched and pulled out a devilish smirk.





"Look, everyone," Discord said before the Mane 6 and the princesses in the throne room, "I swear, I didn't go anywhere near those events. I wasn't even at the fair during the time."
"Yes, you were!" Spike said. "I saw you there! We talked."
"Right, but after that, I grew bored." Discord said. "I couldn't stand staying in one place for so long, but I also knew I promised not to cause trouble. So I went on a stroll through the Everfree Forest. That's where I found this." He pulled out something.
"A little, metal, hollow ball with a hole?" Twilight said observing the item. "You're telling me that your alibi rests on a piece of garbage?"
"Well, when you put it that way, it sounds kind of dumb." Discord said putting the ball away. "Come on, I sensed a tiny amount of darkness in that thing."
"It's the Everfree Forest!" Applejack said. "It's full of darkness!"
"Come on, ladies." Discord said. "It's me? I know I did some bad stuff in the past, but I did some good things to. Twilight, who gave you Tirek's amulet? I did. Fluttershy, who gave you a good dinner party for your friends? I did. Pinkie Pie, who created chocolate rain that you love? I did. Applejack, who thawed your family's land? I did. Rarity, who helped you see a diamond? I did. Rainbow Dash, who threatened to destroy Cloudsdale? I did. Oh, yeah. I guess that was a bad thing."
"Discord, none of this proves anything." Princess Celestia said. "Do you deny that you've been using your powers for your own humor even when it could've brought harm to others?"
"Completely!" Discord replied.
"Of course, he'd deny it."
Everyone looked and saw the golden pony at the doorway. There was a parrot resting on her back.
"It's official," Discord said, "Shining Armor will let anyone in here!"
"Who, might I ask, are you?" Rarity asked.
"You can call me Golden Eyes. This bird is Lok."
"LOK!" the bird squaked.
"Aaawwww." Fluttershy exclaimed. She pulled out a square cracker. "Is little Lok hungry?"
Lok tried to shake his head no, but Fluttershy placed the cracker in his beak. Lok had no choice but to eat it. Golden Eyes just laughed.
"I bet this little pegasus has such a way with dumb animals." Lok looked at Golden Eyes angrily
"HEY," Discord shouted, "I'm one of those dumb animals! Wait, that didn't come out right."
"Oh, well." Golden Eyes said. "Back to business."
"What do you mean it'd be obvious for Discord to deny the accusations?" Luna asked.
"The guilty always do." Golden Eyes explained.
"I'm not guilty." Discord stated.
"That's what you'd say when you're guilty." Golden Eyes said.
"And what if I'm not guilty."
"You're always guilty."
"Am not!"
"The always guilty says what."
"What?" Discord widened his eyes at what he just said. He then palmed his forehead. "Can't believe I fell for that old gag."
"Case in point," Golden Eyes continued, "Discord is obviously beyond the point of reformation. He hasn't changed from his evil ways."
"Don't be ridiculous." Fluttershy said. "I personally counseled Discord's reformation myself."
"You called him a friend." Golden Eyes stated. "By that logic, giving King Sombra a bundle of flowers would convince him to let the Crystal Ponies go."
"Look, if you all need to see that I've changed, I can show you." Discord said. "Princesses, pull out the Uniscope."
The princesses then grew nervous. They opened a hidden compartment in front of the thrones and revealed an orb as black as the night sky with stars on it.
"Uh, Twi, what is that?" Applejack asked.
"The Uniscope!" Twilight gasped. "I've heard about it, but I thought it was a myth! It's a powerful artifact that can show the past, present, and future. Whatever you want to see, it can show you."
"Indeed." Princess Celestia said. "It's how we found the Tree of Harmony the first time. It's also how we knew when Discord had to be released to be reformed."
"Hold the phone." Rainbow Dash shouted. "You mean you had that thing all this time and you didn't use it to help us? You could've used that to find out where Discord hid the Elements of Harmony or find the Crystal Heart or even locate Tirek!"
"It's not how it works." Princess Luna said. "The Uniscope is so powerful, it is a living, thinking object. It will only answer if our request is pure and there's no other way."
"And that's just the kind of request I'm making." Discord said. He swiped the Uniscope and peered into it. "Okay, Uniscope, I want you to work your abracadabra. Show them the real reason why their attractions fell apart."
He held the Uniscope in the air and awaited for its work. But something went wrong: it didn't work. It didn't show anything but its usual stars.
"Uh, hey, Uni," Discord said, "This is no time for dramatic effect. Show something."
When the Uniscope didn't show anything still, Princess Celestia took it back.
"Obviously, he has no self-control." Golden Eyes said. "An obvious sign of his criminal actions."
"But wait," Fluttershy said, "What if Discord really didn't have anything to do with what happened at the fair?
"He was responsible for the Plunderseeds, didn't he?" Golden Eyes asked. "And, if memory serves, he turned over a bunch of ponies to Tirek. Plus, he nearly fed two princesses to that giant worm monster at the edge of Equestria."
"Hey, that was different!" Discord shouted. "I was merely trying to test Twilight's friendship. I had no idea that giant bug was going to be there."
"So you claim." Golden Eyes said. "And due to the chaotic acts at the Festival of Peace, Discord's actions can't be looked the other way. He must be punished!"
"Good luck with that." Discord said. "I can get out of any imprisonment, especially with the Elements of Harmony out of the picture. And since I'm immortal, execution is out of the question. And that leaves..." He widened his eyes and got worried. "Exile."
> The Doctor's Appointment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Discord, this can't be so." Fluttershy gasped in worry. "Golden Eyes, I know in my heart that Discord is innocent."
"History suggests otherwise." Golden Eyes said.
"There's only way to settle this." Cadence said.
"Fencing?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"No." Luna said. "We're talking about settling this in court."
Suddenly, Discord materialized a tennis outfit and carries a racket. "Anyone for tennis?"
"Not that kind of court, you ding-dong!" Twilight explained. "She's talking about when some pony's put on trial, a case is looked at from all angles, and a group of random ponies decide whether or not that pony is guilty."
"Well, you could've been more clear." Discord said. "Very well, princesses. I'll get tried at court. I'll even defend myself because I'm just that innocent."
"I'm sorry, Discord, but that's not required." Celestia said. "You need an unbiased defender to help you."
"Well, where am I going to find a pony like that?" Discord said. He then got an idea. He looked right at Twilight Sparkle.
"Me?" Twilight asked. She sighed. "Well, I guess a small part of me believes you."
"What about you, Golden Eyes?" Luna asked the new pony. "Will you have someone argue with you?"
"No need." Golden Eyes said. "I don't really have many friends."
"There's a surprise." Discord said rolling his eyes.
"Even though, I'll argue against Discord by myself." Golden Eyes continued. "I have the highest confidence that Discord will get what he deserves. Notify me about the time of the court when you're ready." She exited the room and closed the door behind her.
"Calls me a dumb animal." Discord growled to himself.
Outside the door, Golden Eyes looked around and saw that it was an empty hallway. Suddenly, her parrot spit out Fluttershy's cracker.
"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" Lok shouted. "If I have to stay in Equestria pretending to be a dumb bird waiting for some jerk to shove a cracker in my mouth... AAAHHH!"
"Relax, Lok." Golden Eyes said walking across the hallway. "Once we convince the court that Discord is guilty, he'll be ours for the taking and no one will miss him."
"You know, mistress," Lok said, "Red Eye isn't going to like it when he hears you are letting higher power make the decisions for you. You know how much our organization despises it."
"If by some chance he does find out," Golden Eyes said, "We'll simply convince him that we only collaborated with the hierarchy to gain Discord. I'm sure he'll give that an exception. After all, he gave the exception to my father."
"Yeah, and where is he now?" Lok asked. "Oh, right! He's in prison!"
"This is very different." Golden Eyes said. "Don't worry. The only thing we have to do is remind every pony why they hate Discord. He has a weak link and I will find it, no matter who I stomp on along the way."





A few nights later, Discord tried to get to sleep. He had to take a rest in Twilight's castle to make sure no one sees him do anything wrong. The Mane 6 peeked in Discord's room and saw him sleep. They met up in the throne room.
"Well, we better prepare." Twilight said. "Tomorrow, the trial starts and we're chosen to defend Discord."
"I just say we let Golden Eyes do what she wants with Discord." Rainbow Dash said. "Sure, she's a little mean, but I think she's got the right idea."
"But Discord said he didn't ruin the fair." Fluttershy said.
"He also said that he wasn't responsible for his seeds that kidnapped the princesses and nearly destroy Equestria." Rarity said, "And yet, he didn't even bother to tell us he planted them."
"And he sold us out to Tirek." Rainbow Dash said.
"I know, but I know he's completely changed since then." Fluttershy said. "I know Discord is innocent and there's nothing that mean mare can say to change my mind."
"Fluttershy, show some respect." Pinkie Pie said. "Golden Eyes can't help it if she's sour and nasty and bitter AND OBNOXIOUS AND CRUEL AND... Oh, say what you want about her."
"Yeah, she is pretty mean, isn't she?"
Suddenly, the Mane 6 gasped when they saw a male, brown pony next to them. He had an hourglass Cutie Mark and a white collar and black tie.
"Do I know you?" Applejack said.
"Briefly." the pony said in a British accent. "Your sister once tried to scare me into buying your apples a couple years ago, remember?"
"Oh, right." Applejack said nervously.
"Who are you, anyway?" Spike asked. "Have I seen you before? You look familiar."
"I get that a lot." the pony said. "Everyone calls me the Doctor."
"Doctor?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "I've heard of you. You're a time-traveling pony."
"Now, I've seen everything, literally." Pinkie Pie said.
"I'll take your word for it, Ms. Pie." the Doctor said. "Yes, I can travel throughout time periods and timelines and, sometimes, in other worlds. But I digress."
"Oh, yeah?" Rarity asked. "How do we know you really can time-travel?"
"Because in five seconds, Pinkie Pie's tail will twitch and a water balloon will fall on Applejack's head." the Doctor said.
Suddenly, Pinkie's tail started to twitch. It stopped when a water balloon fell from the ceiling and splashed over Applejack's head.
"Okay, so you are what you claim." Applejack said.
"What are you doing here, anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I'm here to let you in on something," the Doctor said, "Discord is completely innocent."
"WHAT?!" the Mane 6 gasped loudly.
"Yes, I never thought I'd hear myself say that either." the Doctor said.
"Discord didn't ruin the fair?" Twilight asked. "Then... who did?"
"That is not important right now." the Doctor said. "The matter at hand is, you must prove Discord is innocent no matter what."
"But how do we do that?" Fluttershy asked. "Almost every pony in Equestria has been having doubts about him ever since Tirek. And Golden Eyes is a good persuader."
"But you all know the truth," the Doctor said, "And that's all that matters. Still, if you need help, I'll leave you with this: Discord has mastered the art of friendship. All you have to do is show everyone. But if you do not and Discord is found guilty, then the Red Eye will have what he wants."
"Huh?" Spike asked.
"Just prove to everyone that Discord is a friend 'til the end." the Doctor explained. "Farewell, all."
The Doctor then began to glow brightly. When the light dimmed, he wasn't there anymore.
"Mind..." Pinkie Pie said holding onto her hair. She then made an explosion sound. "...Blown."
"So Discord's innocent?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"It seems so." Twilight Sparkle said. "All we have to do is convince everyone else... before it's too late."
> Day 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The courtroom was filled with ponies from all over Canterlot. Discord sat on a table at the left side of the room with the Mane 6 while Golden Eyes and Lok were at the other side.
"Uh, ladies," Discord said, "Who chose the jury?"
The jury consisted of the following: the Diamond Dogs, Trenderhoof, Maud Pie, Cheese Sandwich, A.K. Yearling, Derpy Hooves, Lightning Dust, Trixie, and the Flim-Flam Brothers.
"Hey, Applejack!" Trenderhoof waved. Applejack sighed and smacked her own face with her hoof.
"What's the problem, Discord?" Twilight asked. "I thought you had nothing to worry about."
"That was before I saw the jury." Discord said. "I don't know if you remember, but I gave Tirek an entire buffet of energy from all ponies and other creatures. Besides, half of those guys don't like you."
"But we'll help them see reason." Fluttershy said. "Besides, I'm sure the judge will be more fair than the jury."
Shining Armor arrived as the bailiff. "All rise for Judge Iron Will."
Suddenly, a minotaur showed up in the judge's seat. He had a big, white, curly wig between his horns.
"Iron Will?" Fluttershy asked. "Since when did you become a judge?"
"Since last week." Iron Will said. "After you revealed the loophole in my sessions, I decided to get into law. One thing led to another, and wouldn't you know it, I'm right here."
"Enough of this reminiscing." Golden Eyes said. "Don't we have a trial to get to working on?"
"Right." Iron Will picked up his gavel and slammed it on top of the pedestal. "Guilty! Now, let's get on with the punishment."
"You haven't gone over the evidence yet." Twilight said.
"I don't need evidence." Iron Will said. "I already know Discord did it by his beady eyes."
"I don't have beady eyes." Discord said. "It's been a sunny few days. I squint a lot."
"Do I have to over your duties as a judge, Iron Will." Fluttershy asked.
Iron Will sighed. "I suppose we'll have to do this. Discord, you are tried for the sabotage of the Festival of Peace. If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced to exile."
"And if I'm innocent?" Discord asked. Suddenly, almost everyone in court laughed loudly. "HEY!"
"What are we supposed to be doing?" Derpy Hooves asked Lightning Dust next to her.
"We have to listen." Lightning Dust replied.
"To music?" Derpy asked. "I love music."
"No." Lightning said. "To..."
"Sometimes, I love music 'cause it goes like this: LALALALALALALALAAAAAAAAA!"
Iron Will slammed his gavel on the pedestal. "Do I have to remind the members of the jury that they are supposed to stay quiet?"
"Yes." Derpy Hooves replied.
"Be quiet!" Iron Will shouted. "Now then, let's do this." Iron Will said. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, Golden Eyes, give your opening statements."
"Gladly." Golden Eyes said. She got up from her table and confronted the jury. "Ladies and gentlecolts of the jury...

"The motion calls for the verdict
The fair nearly fell and Discord did it"
"But I'm here to prove you all wrong," Twilight sang,
"Equestria is where Discord belongs"
"You don't want a freak," Golden Eyes sang,
"Roaming around your home"
"But all the fair's tweaks," Twilight sang,
"Might not be Discord's own"
"It's no mystery," Golden Eyes sang.
"History
Is on my side"
"Well, we'll see what the evidence will provide," Twilight sang.
"Which one is right? The facts must untangle," the jury sang,
"Is Discord guilty or not
We'll look at the case from every possible angle
Twilight Sparkle or Golden Eyes"
"Give me some more you've got," Iron Will sang.
"The winds of chaos blows fast," Golden Eyes sang,
"All explained in Discord's past"
"Open up and use your eyes," Twilight sang,
"Discord's still one of the good guys"
"You are living in," Golden Eyes sang,
"Fantasies and daydreams"
"I'm just giving in," Twilight sang.
"That he's part of the team"
"Discord can kill," Golden Eyes sang.
"He'll love," Twilight sang.
"Take your free will," Golden Eyes sang.
"He'll give you all his help," Twilight sang.
"He only cares for himself," Golden Eyes sang.
"He'll show you he cares," Twilight sang.
"He'll never be done," Golden Eyes sang.
"He'll always be there," Twilight sang.
"He'll destroy just for fun," Golden Eyes sang.
"Discord's learned to be kind," Twilight sang.
"Now, I know that you're out of your mind," Golden Eyes sang,
"We can't just let him go free"
"Does he seem like the enemy," Twilight sang.
"Look at this. We're pushed to the rift," the jury sang,
"Did Discord really repent
Everyone would like to get this over with
Discord, how do you plead"
"Completely innocent," Discord said.
"WELL, OF COURSE HE'D SAY THAT," Golden Eyes sang,
"WAKE UP, PONIES, AND LOOK AT THE FACTS"
"EVERY PONY FROM ALL THE RANGE," Twilight sang,
"DISCORD'S SAFE, AND WHAT'S MORE, HE'S CHANGED"
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH," both sang,
"LISTEEEEEEEEEEEEN
AND CHOOSE"

"I knew there would be music." Derpy said.
"All right." Iron Will said. "Golden Eyes, what evidence will you provide?"
"Your honor," Golden Eyes said, "I'd like to call my first witness: Applejack."
Confused, the cowgirl walked over and sat in the stand next to Iron Will.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" Shining Armor asked.
"Have you met me?" Applejack asked. "I'm the Element of Honesty."
"That's true." Discord said. "She couldn't tell a lie if her life depended on it."
"Not without help from you." Golden Eye said. "Applejack, is it true you were the first in your group to be a victim of Discord's deception?"
"Well, yeah, but..." Applejack said.
"No buts." Golden Eye said. "I want you to describe what happened that day."
"Well..." Applejack said nervously. "We needed the Elements of Harmony to stop Discord, but he took them. He then led us to the Royal Garden Labyrinth where he separated us. I then met a group of talking apple piles who turned out to be manipulated by Discord. They claimed they could see the future. They showed me that my friends would split up, and I couldn't take the truth. I started to lie, but then I couldn't stop. Only a memory spell from Twilight was able to snap me back. Discord made me into something I'm most definately not."
"That will be all." Golden Eyes said moving away from the witness stand.
"Does the defense want to cross-examine the witness?" Iron Will asked.
"No, your honor." Twilight said.
"Very well." Iron Will said. "Golden Eyes, do you have any other witnesses?"
"Actually, I have five others." Golden Eyes answered. "I call Pinkie Pie to the stand."
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie hopped into the air and landed in the stand. Everyone applauded at the air trick.
"Order!" Iron Will said slamming his gavel. "Order! I said, order!"
"I'd like a double-decker sundae with banana slices, please!" Pinkie Pie said.
"All right, Ms. Pie." Golden Eyes said. "Can you tell me about the day you went into the labyrinth?"
"Uh, huh." Pinkie Pie answered.
...
"Can you tell me?" Golden Eyes asked.
"Of course, I can." Pinkie Pie replied.
...
Golden Eyes sighed in aggravation. "Will you tell us?!"
"Okay." Pinkie Pie said. "There I was, hopping, skipping, and jumping through the hedges. Suddenly, I found a balloon garden. The odd thing was, the balloons were laughing... at me. Discord told me that everyone laughs at me and I believed him. I couldn't smile again until Twilight helped me."
"Good." Golden Eyes said. "Now, I call Rarity to the stand."
Pinkie Pie left the stand and Rarity entered. Golden Eyes asked her the same question she asked the other two.
"Well..." Rarity said, "I ran into a dead end. Strangely enough, I saw diamonds in the wall. I dug them out of the wall, and they seemed like one gigantic diamond. Actually, it was a gigantic boulder. I was hypnotized into seeing a diamond."
"And who made you think it was a diamond?" Golden Eyes asked.
"...Discord." Rarity said.
"I object!" Discord declared.
"OVERRULED!" everyone shouted at once.
"My next witness is Fluttershy." Golden Eyes said.
Rarity got up from the stand and approached her friend. "Be careful. She'll fold you like paper."
Fluttershy got up from the stand and listened to Golden Eyes' question.
"How did you lose your kindness that day?"
"To be honest, it was a blur." Fluttershy said. "I met a group of butterflies, they told me that my friends don't care for me, I denied it, Discord appeared, he poked me, and all of a sudden, I lost track of everything."
"Enough said." Golden Eyes said.
"Et tu, Fluttershy?" Discord asked.
The next witness was Rainbow Dash.
"What did Discord do to you?" Golden Eyes asked.
"Well..." Rainbow Dash said, "I met him using one of my clouds as a hammock. He told me that if I didn't leave my friends in the maze, Cloudsdale would crumble. He gave me the wings he took earlier and let me fly out."
After she was done, all that was left was Twilight Sparkle.
"What happened after you left the labyrinth?" Golden Eyes asked.
Twilight sighed. "After the labyrinth, Discord pointed out subtly that he hid the Elements of Harmony in Ponyville. We tried to use them against him, but due to our opposite personalities, they didn't work. He then made me feel so bad, I almost moved out of Ponyville."
"In my defense..." Discord started to say.
"Not now." Rainbow Dash growled.
"Now, then," Golden Eyes said. "I call Discord to the stand."
Discord disappeared and reappeared at the stand.
"Do you swear to uphold the absolute truth?" Shining Armor asked.
"I'd swear," Discord said, "But this is supposed to be a kid's story."
"I'd ask what that meant, but I'd rather not." Golden Eyes said. "Now, Discord, are you ready?"
"Ask me anything, lady." Discord said. "I've got nothing to hide."
"Is that so?" Golden Eyes asked. "Well, is it true that you were responsible for reversing the hearts of the soon-to-be princess and her friends so the Elements of Harmony would not stop your reign of terror across Equesteria for a second time?"
"Well... yeah, but..." Discord said.
"AH-HA!" Golden Eyes shouted. "He admits to not only spreading his chaos across the world twice, but also ruining the lives of six, young, innocent ponies for his own benefit!"
"Now that we all recall what happened that day," Iron Will said, "Golden Eyes, what is your point? What do his past schemes have to do with this case?"
"I'll get to that later, your honor." Golden Eyes said. "I have many more angles to cover before I rest my case."
"Very well." Iron Will said. "Princess Twilight, do you have any comment about the day you met Discord that could benefit his innocence?"
"Uh... not really." Twilight answered nervously.
"All right." Iron Will said. "The court will take a one-day recess and we'll continue this tomorrow."
Everyone got up from their seats and started to leave. The Mane 6 saw the smug grin on Golden Eyes' face as she left with Lok.
"Why, I oughta..." Rainbow Dash growled. "Let me at her! Let me at her!" She picked up her tail and lifted it to Fluttershy. "Here! Hold me back!"
"Okay." Fluttershy said grabbing the tail.
Rainbow Dash tried to fly out of Fluttershy's grip toward Golden Eyes. "Let me at her! Let me at her!"
"Okay." Fluttershy said letting go of her tail.
"I think you're missing the basic point here, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said.
"Oh." Fluttershy said.





The Mane 6 and Discord were wallowing in pity in Twilight's throne room.
"Well, that was a complete bust of a day." Rainbow Dash said.
"Hey, that Golden Eyes didn't even give us a chance." Applejack said.
"Well, it's not like anything she said wasn't true." Twilight said. "Discord really did do all those things to us."
"Yeah, but every pony knows all that." Discord stated. "Why would Golden Eyes state something that everyone already knows is true? What would all that have to do with the fair?"
"She's using history as her evidence." Twilight said. "She's trying to convince everyone that you're so addicted to mischief, you wouldn't let go of your past deeds. Clever move, by my taste. When this is over, I guess I should ask her where..."
"FOCUS!" Discord shouted. "I'M FACING EXILE HERE!"
The door opened. The other three princesses entered.
"Twilight Sparkle, I want to give my apologies for your day." Princess Celestia said.
"Thank you," Twilight said. "Don't worry. I'll prove Discord's innocence before you know it."
"Okay, what's going on?" Discord asked. "Just the other day, you were the first to accuse me of messing with the festival. Now, you're absolutely sure I'm innocent? I don't buy it. Where did your reassurance come from?"
The Mane 6 looked at each other and sighed.
"All right." Twilight said. "We got a visit from a pony calling himself... the Doctor."
All of a sudden, the princesses widened their eyes and gasped. Discord widened his eyes as well and jolted in the air. He went behind Fluttershy's throne and shook.
"The Doctor?" Princess Luna asked. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." Twilight answered. "He told us Discord was innocent. What's with Discord?"
"The Doctor is the one pony that Discord's truly afraid of." Celestia said. "It was the Doctor who gave us the Uniscope that led us to the Tree of Harmony. Ever since then, Discord freaks out when he hear's the Doctor's name afraid of what else the Doctor could do to him."
"Are you kidding me?" Discord asked. "The Doctor can travel to the past, present, and future. If he wanted, he could make sure I was never born. And now, he wants to prove my innocence."
"Actually, he wants us to do it." Fluttershy said. "The only problem is, we don't have a fair trial since half of the jury don't like us."
"Yeah, but the other half loves us." Pinkie Pie said. "Don't forget: Maud is my sister, Braeburn is Applejack's cousin, and Derpy... Well, she might not have an idea of what's going on."
"That won't help." Cadence said. "The vote to the verdict has to be unanimous. If they can't agree, the jurors will be replaced and they might not give better chances."
"Oh, what's the point?" Discord said glumly. "Even if I am proven innocent for the festival problems, they'll just condemn me for everything else I've done wrong. Everything I touch is destroyed."
"Come on, Discord." Fluttershy said. "You can't mean that?"
"Oh, no?" Discord asked. "Look, I terraformed Equestria twice. I twisted your minds. I planted the Plunderseeds and didn't tell you. I sold you all out to Tirek. If I hadn't been involved, Equestria wouldn't have to face so many problems. Maybe Golden Eyes is right. Maybe Equestria is better off without me."
"You don't know that." Fluttershy said. "Discord, despite what Golden Eyes said, you really are a friend. So what if you have a few bumps? We all do. After all, nopony's perfect."
"I guess so." Discord said. "So, how are you all going to defend me tomorrow?"
> Day 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day came for the trial. Everyone was seated except for Discord, who couldn't be seen.
"Where is he?" Twilight Sparkle said. "He should be here by now."
"Well, if the accused isn't to come today, then he is automatically..." Golden Eyes said.
Suddenly, an explosion of blue smoke rose from the defendant's seat. A loud voice echoed throughout the courtroom.
"I am the chaos that casts in the night! I am the ghost story you tell around a campfire!" Discord appeared spinning in his seat. "I am Discord!"
"Order!" Iron Will shouted. "I said, order!" He pointed his gavel at Pinkie Pie who was holding a menu "Don't you dare."
Suddenly, Diamond Tiara appeared beside Discord.
"Oh, hey, kid." Discord said. "What are you doing here?"
"I represent my school's paper," Diamond Tiara said holding a notebook and pencil, "And I want to know, how do feel about being banished?"
"What are you talking about?" Discord asked. "The case isn't over yet."
"You know, we're printing this next week, right?" Diamond Tiara asked.
"Just get out of here!" Discord reacted shooing Diamond Tiara away.
"Today marks day 2 of the case 'Equestria vs Discord'." Iron Will said. "Now then, Princess Twilight Sparkle, you may rise."
Twilight rose from her seat and breathed in and out. "Defense calls Fluttershy to the stand."
Fluttershy got up from her seat and went into the witness stand.
"Fluttershy, is it true that you were in charge of Discord becoming a good guy?"
"Yes, I was.
"Could you describe your method?"
"Well, I knew that all I had to do was to befriend him. True, we had some bumps in the road, but in the end, Discord learned that once he had a friend, he'd never want to let them go. That day, he learned that friendship is magic and I've always had faith in him since."
Lok pointed his wing feather down his throat and motioned a gag. Twilight moved away from Fluttershy.
"Golden Eyes, would you care to cross-examine the witness?" Iron Will asked.
"Indeed, your honor." Golden Eyes approached the witness stand. "Fluttershy, a moment ago, you mentioned there were some bumps in the road while you were reforming Discord. Care to expand on those bumps?"
"Well... He ate all written notes for reforming spells... and spun my house like a gyro-sphere... and flooded Sweet Apple Acres... at the same time."
"Is that all?"
"Actually..."
"I... promised Discord to never use my Element of Harmony so that he'd stop the flood... but instead, he turned the water into ice... and he skated... and he wanted me to play along."
"Did you use the Element against him since he broke his promise?"
"No. I made a promise."
"I thought not. That will be all, your honor."
Golden Eyes grinned as she turned away.
"Does the princess wish to give one last round of questions to the witness?" Iron Will asked.
"Yes, your honor." Twilight said as she got up. "Fluttershy, give us a description on the moment Discord was reformed."
"All right. I refused to use my Element and grabbed the skates Discord offered me. He boasted on how free he was and how close we are. I was so angry, I proclaimed that he wasn't my friend. At first, Discord kept claiming that he didn't need a friend, but then, he realized how much he needed one and thawed Sweet Apple Acres. He apologized and agreed to amend for his sins."
"As you can see, members of the jury," Twilight proclaimed, "Yesterday, we went over all the bad stuff Discord has done. True, some things can't be forgiven, but they can easily be forgotten when they see how much a villain has changed into a friend. We talked about the day Discord became a friend and it wasn't the end that he proved himself."
"Hey, judge," Derpy called out, "When do we get those hammer thingies. I can make a lot of stuff with it and..."
"This is called a gavel," Iron Will replied, "And no, you don't get one!"
"Can I borrow yours then?" Derpy said taking Iron Will's gavel. She flew to the wall with everyone watching and smacked the wall with it. After a few worthless smacks, Derpy returned it to Iron Will. "Here you go."
Iron Will tapped Derpy on the head with it. He walked over to his seat and growled.
"I know they'll give anyone jury duty," Golden Eyes said, "But how did she meet the requirements?"
"That will be enough." Iron Will said. "The court will take another recess and will continue again tomorrow."





Discord took a pleasurable stroll across Ponyville with the Mane 6. Ponies would still move away from the draconequus, but he didn't notice because of his whistling.
"I say, that turned out better than yesterday." Discord said. "I'm starting to have hopes for the verdict."
"Don't get cocky, Discord." Applejack said. "We still have to prove your innocence to all twelve jurors."
"That's in the bag." Discord said. He looked and saw the festival still repairing the damages and stroked his beard. "Uh, you girls go on ahead to the castle. I'll be right there."
The Mane 6 agreed and left. Discord sneaked into the festival and found the broken bleacher pile. He picked up the one with the gap and looked at it.
"Hmm." Discord said. "It definitely looks enchanted, but it's no magic I've seen before."
"Here to finish the job?" Discord turned and saw Golden Eyes and Lok behind him. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone you're here. But out of curiosity, why are you here? I suppose criminals always return to the scene of the crime."
"I live in Equestria." Discord said. "The whole world's a crime scene. And, for the record, what are you doing here?"
"Collecting evidence." Golden Eyes answered.
"Oh, look around, you cruel crank." Discord said gesturing toward the fair. "There is no physical evidence that I did all this. Even you got to see this. There's no proof."
"Proof?" Golden Eyes asked. "What do I need proof for when I've got history on my side? I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win the case." She started to turn away.
Discord arced an eyebrow. Suddenly, he widened his eyes and had a regretful face. "What did I do?"
Golden Eyes stopped in her tracks and turned her head back at Discord. "What?"
"Well, there's only one reason you're so determined to punish me this much," Discord said, "I did something wrong? In the past, I made a mistake that meant a lot to you. So when you heard about my blame for the festival, you saw the opportunity to see me take what I deserve. So, I've got to know; what did I do wrong?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Golden Eyes asked. "You made friends."
"SQUAK!" Lok screeched. "MADE FRIENDS!"
Golden Eyes turned away and left Discord confused and scratching his head. How could making friends be a mistake for Discord?
> Day 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Discord was first to be called to the witness stand by Golden Eyes. Meanwhile, Spike was reading the latest issue of the Power Ponies comic.
"Discord, a year ago do you recall several black vines from the Everfree Forest that kidnapped Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?"
"Yes, I do." Discord answered.
"Would you care to tell everyone what happened?" Golden Eyes asked.
"Sure thing." Discord said. "It was all because of some special seeds. They drained the magic from the Tree of Harmony and caused the Everfree Forest to run amok."
"And how did the Plunderseeds get into the dirt in the first place?"
"Um... I planted them."
The ponies in the crowd began to talk among themselves.
"Wait! Wait! You don't understand! I planted them right before I first became stone years ago. That was long before I was reformed."
"How long did it take for you to tell your 'friends' that you made the mess?" Golden Eyes asked.
"...After they fixed it."
"And what were you doing during the growth of the Everfree Forest? Did you even help?"
"I... Not really. I was sunbathing and sharpening my claw with Gummy?
"I KNEW IT!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
"YOU KNEW NOTHING!" Discord shouted back.
"Your honor, this proves that not only Discord refuses to confess his crimes," Golden Eyes said, "But he also abused his powers by relaxing himself. That will be all for now."
When she turned, Golden Eyes was confused when she saw Derpy Hooves gnawing at the stand. "Don't you find the justice system fascinating?"
"I'm surprised you know how to breathe." Golden Eyes groaned.
"Princess Twilight, would you like to cross-examine the witness?" Iron Will asked.
"Indeed, your honor." Twilight said. "Discord, I happen to believe that you did help stop the disaster. Do you remember your conversation with me during the search for the Tree of Harmony?"
"You mean when you were moping around thinking your own safety was more important than finding the Tree?" Discord asked. "Sure."
"Ladies and gentlecolts of the jury," Twilight said, "I was willing to give up while my friends searched for the Tree. Then, Discord took me on a guilt trip that eventually led me to go in after my friends. If Discord hadn't convinced me to return to the Everfree Forest, we wouldn't have all the Elements of Harmony returned and saved Equestria. Do you think so, Discord?"
"Now that you mention it... you're right." Discord said. "I did help!"
Twilight ended her questions and Discord returned to his seat.
"Does the prosecutor have one last witness before we wrap up this session for the day?" Iron Will asked.
"Actually, I do." Golden Eyes said. "I call Princess Twilight Sparkle to the stand."
Confused, Twilight got up and got into the witness seat.
"Princess," Golden Eyes said, "Do you really think Discord caused more good than harm? How do you know Discord didn't cause the Everfree Forest to grow on purpose?"
"I'm sorry," Twilight said. "I don't understand."
"Well, the Plunderseeds never bothered Equestria for hundreds of years," Golden Eyes explained, "And yet, a few weeks after you 'reformed' Discord, the Tree of Harmony conveniently lost its magic and submitted to them. It only makes sense that Discord drained the Tree of Harmony from its magic so that you could get rid of the Elements of Harmony. That might also be the same reason he sent you back into the Everfree Forest."
"Objection!" Fluttershy said. "That's only a claim."
"A fair claim." Golden Eyes said. "Princess, how do explain how the seeds just did that?"
"I... can't. Discord?"
"I don't know." Discord said. "It would take a unique form of magic to remove that much strength from the Tree."
"Exactly." Golden Eyes said. "That will be all, your honor."
"Very well." Iron Will said. "Iron Will declares another recess."
At that moment, Fluttershy watched Golden Eyes grin. Fluttershy then got suspicious and began to rub her chin.





Later that night, almost all the Mane 6 and Discord were pacing around the throne room.
"I'll give it to this to Golden Eyes," Rarity said, "She knows how to turn an argument around."
"I know what to do." Discord said. "Just say the word and I'll turn her into a toad."
"Discord, no!" Twilight said. "We're trying to prove your innocence, not make it worse. I promised I wouldn't misuse your powers."
"Did you get that promise in writing?" Discord asked.
"I just have one question," Rainbow Dash said, "How did the Tree of Harmony lose its magic in the first place?"
Suddenly, the door opened and Fluttershy ran inside all tired out. "AAAHHH!"
"Fluttershy, what's wrong?" Spike asked. "Did you break something?"
"AAAHHH!"
"Is it your leg?" Applejack asked.
"AAAHHH!"
"Is it your wing?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"AAAHHH!"
"Is it your mane?" Discord asked.
"AAAHHH!"
"Oh, for goodness sake," Twilight said, "Fluttershy, what's wrong?"
"Okay." Fluttershy breathed in and out. "You would not believe what I just learned. I had a suspicion on Golden Eyes so I followed her in a cave...





 I looked inside and didn't see her, but I also saw that the cave could go on for a while. I found her bag and looked inside. I saw a bunch of jewels and a book. I opened up the book and found a strange language written. I couldn't read it at all.
Suddenly, I overheard footsteps, so I put the book back and hid behind a rock. I peeked and saw Golden Eyes talking to Rover, Spot, and Fido. They were working together.
"My fellow dogs and I are getting impatient, Ms. Eyes." Rover said. "Where are the gems you promised us?"
"I'll get it." Lok spoke. That's right. He can speak like anyone else. He opened the bag and the Diamond Dogs were amazed by how beautiful the treasure was. Suddenly, Golden Eyes closed the bag.
"Not yet." Golden Eyes said. "All you have to do to earn this is to not call Discord innocent. Convince the rest of the jury to do the same. As soon as the case is settled, you'll have to earn these gems."
"Maybe, but we have loose lips." Rover said. "We might let slip that not only did you ruin the Festival of Peace, but you were also the one who stripped the Tree of Harmony of its magic, brought the worm monster to the edge of Equestria, and convinced Tirek to recruit Discord."
"Actually, I brought the worm." Lok said.
"Those were all necessary." Golden Eyes said. "And you will keep your traps shut if you know what's good for you! I have to keep up with this deception.

"I'm the mistress of masquerade
The lady in charge of this charade
And no one in the worlds could have this trick made
I'm an innocent-looking mare
You wouldn't even care
Without even wondering how I came out of thin air
The ponies have all been played
By the mistress of masquerade
Without me, you dogs have been hurt
Living in your economic problems
But now that I'm here, you'll be out of the dirt
Soon, you'll be rolling in gems
Who weaved this web of lies
No one else but Golden Eyes
And boy, are they all in for an unpleasant surprise
You don't want to cross my trade
As the mistress of masquerade
To you, I may look like an angel
But it's only skin deep. Inside, I'm something
You never thought that my whole charisma
Was an act to rival a Changeling's"

"That's all understood." Rover said, "But could you explain what we have to do again?"

"You influence the rest of the jurors
To just look at Discord's errors
And then, Discord's guilty verdict will finally occur
So Discord, your goodness ends
You'll soon regret making friends
You could've stayed bad, but guess what
IT'S TOO LATE FOR AMENDS
DISCORD'S CHANCES WILL FADE
AND NO ONE WILL COME TO HIS AID
THE SET-UP'S ALREADY LAAAAIIIIIIID
I'M THE MISTRESS OF MASQUERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE"

I ran out of the cave without anyone noticing me just so I could tell you.





"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Discord shouted. "Golden Eyes did all that stuff, and now, she's framing me! When I get my paw and claw on her..."
"Discord, you can't." Twilight said. "We can't just tell the court. It'll be our word against her's."
"But I really, really want to." Discord said.
"Honestly, Discord," Twilight groaned, "Sometimes, you're just out of control."
"If only we had Pandora's Box," Spike said, "Then that can end."
Everyone turned their eyes to Spike.
"WHAAAAT?!" Applejack asked.
"It's in this month's issue of Power Ponies." Spike said holding up an open comic book. The Power Ponies were fighting familiar-looking characters with a stone box. "In the comic book, there was an evil spirit called Anar D who could only be controlled by his sister's magic box. In an earlier issue, Anar D became good and decided to right his wrongs by facing the dark demon, Arcanus, and his henchgirls, the Siren Sisters."
"Hang on." Fluttershy said looking at the book. "This Anar D looks like Discord."
"And Arcanus reminds me of Tirek." Rainbow Dash said.
"And the Siren Sisters has a strong resemblance to the Dazzlings." Twilight said.
"And that stone box reminds me of that box I found." Discord said.
"What box you found?" Spike asked.
"This one." Discord held up a box that looks exactly like the one in the comic book. "I found it nearly buried in the dirt and I thought it might be a nifty accessory."
"That's weird." Twilight said. "But that's not the issue here. We've got to prove Discord innocent and Golden Eyes guilty."
Discord looked at the box in his hand and stroke his beard. "Hmm."
> Day 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Today," Golden Eyes told the court the next day, "I shall make the point of Discord's deception. As you know, Discord has deceived hundreds of ponies in the past, and even after he's reformed he lied. Discord..." She saw him staring at the stone box. "What are you doing?"
"Huh?" Discord asked. "Oh, I'm just studying this little container."
"Put that thing down and focus!" Golden Eyes snapped.
Grunting, Discord put the stone box away.
"And now," Golden Eyes continued, "I call Princess Cadence to the stand."
Princess Cadence got up from the crowd and walked across the room. She sat in the witness stand. Shining Armor looked at his wife with worry.
"Princess Cadence," Golden Eyes said, "Please, explain the circumstances that occurred during your previous visit to your sister-in-law."
"All right." Princess Cadence said. "Twilight planned for us to explore the traveling Star-Swirl the Bearded exhibit. Suddenly, Discord appeared acting all sick and ill. He then told us that to make him better, we had to make a tea out of a flower from the edge of Equestria. As it turned out, Discord was faking being sick the whole time."
"Yeah," Discord whispered to himself. "I remember that day. I sang a really good song. Too bad no one posted a mash-up of that song on Youtube. Hint, hint."
"Is it true or not that while you were getting the flower, you encountered a gigantic monster that nearly ate Princess Twilight?" Golden Eyes asked.
"Well, yes," Cadence replied, "But I fail to see was what that has to do with Discord."
"Very simple, really," Golden Eyes said. "I've been looking up at the description of the beast. It's a Manegonian Colossus Worm, a carnivorous beast that don't usually inhabit a barren land such as the edge of Equestria. What was it doing outside of its own habitat? Answer: somepony must have moved it there."
Discord had an angry face and started to make his face red. Steam blew out of his ears like a tea kettle, but no one noticed except for the Mane 6.
"Does the defense wish to cross-examine the witness?" Iron Will asked.
"Yes, your honor." Twilight said. "Cadence, do you remember Discord's reaction when the Colossus Worm attacked a second time."
"I do." Cadence said. "He heard the worm's roar and jumped to us. His exact words were 'what in the world'. The worm, who was then sick, sneezed on Discord and got him sick for real."
"Reaction was the key to my point." Twilight said. "Discord was completely surprised at the sight of the worm. If he really did bring that to us, he'd have prepared for it being sick. Discord couldn't have brought along the worm."
The jury chatted among themselves.
"Has the jury reached the verdict?"
"Not yet, your honor." Maud replied. "Apparently, a certain pony here barely knows what's going on."
"Muuuffiiiiiins." Derpy said.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Iron Will shouted. "NO ONE SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MUFFINS!"
"Judge?" Derpy asked.
"NO!" Iron Will shouted. "Shut up!"
"Judge?"
"Shut up!"
"Judge?"
"Shut up!"
"Judge?"
"I order you to shut up!"
"Judge?"
"WHY WON'T YOU SHUT UP?!"
"...Judge?"
Iron Will sighed.
"It doesn't matter, your honor." Golden Eyes said. "I'll need just one more day to prove why Discord should face justice."
"All right." Iron Will declared. "We will have but one more recess before the verdict." As he slammed the gavel down, everyone started to leave. The Mane 6 approached Golden Eyes with angry faces.
"Hey, Golden Eyes!" Applejack said.
"Or should we call you Golden Lies?" Rainbow Dash said.
"What are you talking about?" Golden Eyes asked.
"We know you framed Discord for plenty of things." Fluttershy said. "I saw you bribe the Diamond Dogs to call Discord guilty."
"Is that so?" Golden Eyes said. "Tell me, do you have any photographic evidence? Any confession from the dogs? Do you have any proof at all?"
"Well... no." Fluttershy said.
"Then don't bother saying anything." Golden Eyes said. "You're pinning a crime on the prosecutor and three members of the jury. Who do you think they're going to believe?"
"It won't matter." Twilight said. "Tomorrow, we'll prove Discord's innocent and prove you guilty."
"I don't think so." Golden Eyes said. "I happen to know something, something that gives me assurance that things will go my way: you never needed Discord."
"What?" Pinkie Pie said. "That's crazy talk. And I should know; I'm fluent."
"True." Rarity agreed.
"Discord was very useful in plenty of situations." Twilight explained.
"Situations that he caused." Golden Eyes said. "Think about it. The next time after you reformed Discord was when his Plunderseeds took effect. Then, he brought Twilight and Cadence to their near doom. Afterwards, he could've had the chance to capture Tirek. Instead, he helped him. The only way Discord ever helped was because he started them all. Answer me this: do you really need Discord?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Twilight said. "Discord is as much of a friend as anyone else. He..."
"You didn't answer my question." Golden Eyes said. "Do you need Discord?"
"He's been very helpful all the time." Twilight said.
"Do. You. Need. Discord?"
The Mane 6 didn't answer. They had awkward faces and looked worried.
"That's what I thought." Golden Eyes said turning away. Lok looked back and stretched his lower eyelid down and stuck out his tongue.





Later, in the throne room, everyone was down in the dumps. Discord entered and held up plenty of scrolls.
"Okay, everypony." Discord said. "I summoned all the most clever law strategies. I'm sure we can use one of them for the finale tomorrow. Now, I was thinking..." He noticed the Mane 6 sulking. "Eh... what's the matter?"
"We can't beat Golden Eyes, that's what?" Twilight Sparkle said.
"What?" Discord asked. "Come on. We're neck-and-neck. Toe-to-toe. Mane-to-mane. Do-si-do. Fee-fi-fo-fum."
"You're just making sounds." Rainbow Dash said.
"Discord, Golden Eyes raised an interesting point." Twilight Sparkle said. "She has an advantage and we don't. She's not convincing everyone you're evil. She's convincing them that we don't need you."
"Don't need me?" Discord said. "Twilight, I gave you Tirek's amulet."
"In a problem you caused!" Twilight snapped. "The only way you were any help is when you caused these problems. Maybe... we don't need you."
Discord looked at his friends with shock. He sighed and opened his stone box.
"All right." Discord said. "After all, everypony else gave up on me. I guess you didn't want to be left out. Luckily for me, this box is a good place to be. Don't worry. I get the gist. You don't think I belong here.

"You do not need me
You don't want me around
I'm just a chain
Weighing you down
If I didn't exist
Then you'd be safe and sound
I'm not welcome
You do not need me
I have no place
You want me to disappear
Without any trace
You're lucky, 'cause tomorrow
I'll get out of your face
I'm out of your mane
You all said that we were truly friends
That we belong together
But now, you want the "TTFE"
That means 'Ta-Ta Fooooooreveeeeeeeeer'
You said I should go
So I won't disappoint
You've already
Made your point
So tommorow, I'll leave
And get out of this joint
I'll go where you waaaaaaant
There was a time when I didn't have friends
Now, that time, I'm starting to miss
I didn't think I would be this hurt
I'M SORRY I GOT YOU INVOLVED IN THIIIIIIIS
YOU DO NOT NEED MEEEEE
SO I'LL LEAVE YOU ALOOOOOONE
GATHER THE ELEMENTS
AND TURN ME TO STONE
A PONY'S BEST AND ONLY FRIEND
CAN JUST BE THEIR OOOOOOWN
I SAY, ARREVEDIRCI
I SAY, FAREWELL
I SAY, GOOOOOOOOOD BYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEE
YOU DO NOT NEED MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

Discord leaped up into the air and landed in the stone box. The lid closed shut after he was completely in.
Twilight picked up the box. "Discord, I'm sorry?"
Suddenly, the box opened and Discord's fork tongue blew a raspberry at her.
"WELL, FINE!" Twilight shouted slamming the box down. "JUST... STAY THERE!" She sighed. "He's right. We keep resenting him. But why?"
"It's because he's our exact opposite." Fluttershy said. "Think about it. The six of us represent all the parts of harmony in Equestria. He's all about disharmony. We're completely different, but we can be compatible.
"Yeah, maybe." Applejack said. "The problem is, we can't seem to prove it to everypony else. And with the Diamond Dogs bribed, it will take something big to change their minds."
"Something big, huh?" Fluttershy said. She then smiled and gasped. "That's it! I know what I have to do! I've got to pick up an old friend, but I need time."
"Really?" Applejack asked. "Who?"
"I can't say yet." Fluttershy said. "Twilight, I want you to know that what I'm about to do is very, very drastic and very, very risky."
"Do what you have to do." Twilight said. "We'll buy you all the time you need."
Fluttershy opened the door and flew away.
> Day 5 (the Final Day)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day was the final day of the trial. Almost every pony was there. Discord was still hiding in his stone box from the Mane 6 and Fluttershy was absent. Golden Eyes had great confidence. Lok leaned in to her ear.
"Mistress, could we finish this quickly? That pegasus with the eyes is freaking me out."
"Save your breath, Lok?" Golden Eyes whispered back. "Today, we end it."
Iron Will appeared on the judge's stand. "All right, everypony. Today, end the case of 'Equestria vs Discord'. Now..." He looked over at the Mane 6 and grew confused. "Speaking of which, where is the accused?"
"He's... in this box, your honor." Twilight said holding up the box. "He refuses to come out."
"Nonsense!" Golden Eyes said swiping the box. She opened it and shook it upside down. Discord fell from inside of the box with a pout. "I'll hold onto this box until the end of the trial."
"Discord, I..." Twilight said.
"HUP!" Discord interrupted holding up his lion paw. "Talk to the paw because Big D ain't speaking to you."
"Who's Big D?" Derpy asked.
"Don't you have to be stupid somewhere else?" A.K. Yearling asked.
"Not until 4." Derpy said.
"Your honor," Golden Eyes called out, "I call no one to the witness stand."
"What?" Iron Will asked. "Iron Will... doesn't understand."
"You see, it's hard to fit all of Equestria in one itty-bitty stand." Golden Eyes said. "My witness is... ALL OF EQUESTRIA!" She turned to everyone. "EVERYONE, YOU WERE ALL VICTIMS AND YOU SAW WHAT THE ACCUSED DID! HE PROMISED HE'D CAPTURE TIREK, BUT INSTEAD, HE HELPED HIM! HE ROUNDED YOU ALL UP FOR A GREAT HARVEST! DO YOU ALL AGREE?!"
"YES!" everyone shouted. Discord hung his head sullenly while the Mane 6 looked worried.
"HOW CAN YOU EXPECT A DEAL-BREAKER TO KEEP HIS PROMISE AND LEAVE US ALONE?! WELL, I SAY IF DISCORD CAN'T LEAVE US ALONE, WE MAKE HIM LEAVE US ALONE! WHAT SAY YOU, DISCORD?! READY TO SPILL THE BEANS?!"
Still pouting, Discord materialized a can of beans and flipped it over. Several beans fell out and landed in a pile on the floor.
"Yes, that's very funny!" Golden Eyes said sarcastically. "CONFESS, ALREADY!"
"ORDER!" Iron Will shouted slamming his gavel down. "ORDER!" He continued until the courtroom fell silent. "You made your point, Ms. Eyes. Princess Twilight Sparkle, do you have anything to say to respond to that?"
"Um..." Twilight said.
"OF COURSE, WE DO!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "Can't you take a look at Discord?! He's very depressed! I say, before we hear the verdict, we should cheer him up. And I know just a song to make him happy."
"What?" Discord asked.
"Objection!" Golden Eyes shouted. "They're stalling, your honor!"
"Objection carried." Iron Will said. "You won't sing."
"I will!"
"You won't!"
"I will!"
"You won't!"
"I won't!"
"YOU WILL!"
"NO, I WILL NOT SING A SONG!"
"YES, YOU'LL SING AND I WON'T CHANGE MY MIND!"
"Have it your way." Pinkie said with a smile.
"Wait a minute." Iron Will said. He then groaned. "I can't believe I fell for that again."
"Hey, Maud," Pinkie called out, "Hit it!"
Maud Pie pulled out a bunch of rocks in the shape of musical instruments and played music with them. Pinkie sang along to it while Golden Eyes was aggravated.

"Every girl and boy
Can have their own joy
In each little dimple
As you can see
Being completely happy
Isn't that easy nor simple
You have to have no worries in your life
'Cause peace is what you have to feed
And when the smoke clears, you'll be happy
So where is the smile you need
The fear and darkness
Can make you very heartless
If you allow it to invade your mind
But if you cheer up
Then the joy will clear up
And who knows what treasure you'll find
All I really need is a big, wide smile
One grin is all I please
'Cause if I'm happy, you're happy to
So where is the smile you...
Where is it
Where is the smile you need
Your teeth are very white
So let them shine bright
They have an enchanting glow
And if you make them shine
Then life will be fine
Now, it only goes to show
WHEN YOU MAKE A SMILE
IT DOESN'T TAKE A WHILE
TO GET A GOOD FEELING INSIDE
AND STARTING A GRIN
CAN ONLY BEGIN
THE DELIGHT IT WILL PROVIDE
ANYONE CAN SMILE IF THEY JUST TRY
THOSE EXACT WORDS ARE MY CREED
HAPPINESS IS A BIG, SILLY SMIIIIIIILE"
"Where is the smile..." Maud Pie sang.
"WHERE IS THE SMILE..." Pinkie sang.
"WHERE IS THE SMILE YOU..." everyone sang,
"NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED"

"STOP IT!" Golden Eyes shouted angrily. "These pathetic attempts are only to stall Discord's punishment. This proves without a doubt that..."
Suddenly, the courtroom doors slammed open and Fluttershy ran with fear in her eyes.
"DRAGON OUTSIDE! THERE'S A DRAGON OUTSIDE!" everyone stared at Fluttershy. "Thought you ought to know."
Suddenly, the roof of the building was ripped open and a large, red dragon with golden-colored spikes were out of its back. It roared and everyone panicked.
"MISTRESS, THIS WASN'T PART OF THE PLAN!" Lok shouted.
"GET DOWN, YOU BIRD-BRAIN!" Golden Eyes shouted.
The dragon looked down at Fluttershy who didn't move and roared. Discord looked and gasped. "FLUTTERSHY!"
The dragon raised its claw and prepared to strike. Suddenly, Discord materialized a rocket and shot it at the dragon's face. He then created a giant pair of underwear and put it on the dragon.
"I can see your underwear." Discord sang.
The dragon roared again.
"You... you gave me the roar." Discord said. "That's it. You can swallow me whole. You can insult my mother. You can trash my home. But nopony--and I mean noooooo pony--gives me the roar. I'm maaaaaaad."
Suddenly, Discord brought up a giant blanket and waved it at the dragon. It was confused until Discord came from under the blanket and grabbed the dragon's nostrils. He pulled them off.
"I got your nose!" Discord said.
The dragon gasped. "But how will I smell?"
"Terrible." Discord chuckled.
Discord snapped his eagle claw and the dragon's nose disappeared. "Hey, big guy, I gave your nose to a teenage dragon named Garble. I think you can find him at the volcano springs."
The dragon raised its wing and flew away. Discord chuckled as the dragon disappeared into the horizon. He landed back into the courtroom preparing for what might happen next.
> The Verdict
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"SOMEONE, ARREST HIM!" Golden Eyes appeared from under her table. The rest of the ponies in the court got up. "GET HIM AND BANISH HIM!"
"NO!" Fluttershy cried out staying in front of Discord. "You can't do that to Discord. We didn't even hear the verdict yet."
"It's enough evidence we need!" Golden Eyes shouted. "Discord obviously brought that dragon here to make himself look good."
"I did not!" Discord shouted. "That dragon must have come here on its own."
"Blah, blah, blah!" Golden Eyes said. "For too long, Equestria has succumbed to your lies and mischief. It's about time for justice to be served."
"No." Fluttershy defended. "I assure you, Discord is not the one who brought the dragon here."
"Oh, yeah?" Golden Eyes asked. "If you're so sure, then who did?"
"...I did!" Fluttershy shouted proudly.
"What?" Discord gasped.
"What?" the jury gasped.
"What?" Iron Will gasped.
"What?" Fluttershy's friends gasped.
"That's right." Fluttershy said. "Before we first met Discord, that same dragon was polluting the sky with its sleep. I managed to talk it into moving. I knew that he would help me with anything I ask after that, so I searched all morning for it. And he was happy to help."
"Fluttershy, that was completely dangerous." Twilight said. "What was the point of all that?"
"If Discord was the same as he was before, he'd disappear to safety." Fluttershy explained. "Instead, he stuck around to save our lives. He was willing to risk his own to save us. I admit, it was risky, but we owed him that much at least."
"It's true." Twilight said. "Discord, last night, we said some things we didn't mean. You were right. I don't know if you're willing to forgive us, but..."
"OF COURSE, I FORGIVE YOU!" Discord cried with tears. "NO ONE HAS EVER BROUGHT A DRAGON TO TEAR APART A COURTROOM FOR ME BEFORE!"
"This doesn't prove anything!" Golden Eyes said violently. "I'm sure the jury agrees."
"That depends." Iron Will said adjusting his wig. "Has the jury reached the verdict?"
"We have, your honor." Flam said holding up the paper verdict.
"Ooh, let me see." Derpy said taking the paper. She pulled out a pair of reading glasses and peeked closely at the paper. "Oh, wait. I can't read."
"Give me that!" The Mane 6 became worried when Rover, leader of the Diamond Dogs, took the verdict and read it. "We, the jury, found Discord..."
Discord was gnawing at his paw and claw at the pause. At the same time, Golden Eyes and Lok grinned and everyone else leaned in to listen. It was a complete shock when everyone heard the verdict.
"...Not guilty."
Suddenly, Discord cheered and bounce off the courtroom like a pinball machine.
"WHAT?!" Golden Eyes shouted angrily. "NO! NO, NO, NO!" She leaned into Rover. "What are you three doing?"
"Not breaking such a strong friendship, we're not." Rover said. "We're seeing you get what you deserve." He turned to everyone. "Listen, everypony, Golden Eyes here is the guilty one! Not only did she mess up the fair; she also made the seeds work, brought the giant worm to the edge of Equestria, and convinced Tirek to corrupt Discord!"
Everyone gasped and turned their angry faces at the golden pony and her parrot.
"No!" Golden Eyes gasped. "Don't listen to them! They're filthy mutts! I move for a mistrial!"
"Oh, stop being a sore loser!" Discord said. "You tried to blame me for stuff that's not even my fault. This whole year, I thought I did deserve some punishment for all those things, but now, I can rest easy knowing that someone else was behind the whole thing!"
"He is right!" Princess Celestia said approaching her. "Guards!"
"Well, that's it." Lok gasped. "We're dead. We're dead."
Then, Golden Eyes saw a Power Ponies comic book open by her hoof. She glanced at something that made her widen her eyes.
"This is not over yet, Discord!" she growled. "And you, princesses, your time will come soon enough." She then pointed her front hooves in different directions. "KALU, MATAH, DESORU!"
Suddenly, the windows broke open an black smoke poured in and blinded everyone. As soon as the smoke cleared, no one had seen Golden Eyes or her parrot.
"Find her!" Princess Luna shouted. "Search everywhere!"
Shining Armor led the guards out of the room in search of the runaway.
"How did she do that?" Applejack said. "She's not even a unicorn."
"There's something else." Twilight Sparkle said. "She spoke in some kind of an unfamiliar language before the smoke appeared. I've never seen anyone use verbal magic."
"Who cares?" Discord said. "If Golden Eyes ever shows up again, we'll be ready for her."
"Right now, we should throw a party!" Pinkie Pie said. "It will celebrate Discord's name cleared!"
"All right, Pinkie Pie." Princess Celestia said. "We'll invite everyone who was ever associated with this trial so we can all apologize to Discord."
"Thank you." Discord said. "Now, things are looking up."
"Hey," Spike said looking around the room, "Has anyone seen my comic book?"





In a small hut in the Everfree Forest, Golden Eyes and Lok entered. The parrot flew around panicking and grabbing some stuff. Meanwhile, Golden Eyes pulled out Spike's comic and Discord's box. She read the book with a grin while Lok panicked
"WE GOT CAUGHT! WE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE! MAYBE THE RED EYE CAN TAKE US BACK IF WE BEG! ONLY PACK THE ESSENTIALS! WE SHOULD..."
He stopped when he heard Golden Eyes laugh. She busted a gut while slamming her hoof on the door. "Hehehehehe. HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Oh, great. She's mad. She's lost it." Lok flew to Golden Eyes. "Mistress! Hey, mistress!" He then tugged on her mane. "GET A GRIP!" Suddenly, Golden Eyes pushed Lok to a wall. "I said, grip."
"We've been going about this all wrong." Golden Eyes said. "There's another way Discord will do what we want." She held up the comic book. "The answers are in here."
"A comic book?! Seriously?!"
"Just look at what the stone box is all about!"
Reluctantly, Lok picked up the comic book and flipped through the pages. Then, he saw something that made him grin. "So... we're going to use it."
"Yes." Golden Eyes said with a grin. "We're going to use it. But first, we're going to pick up an old partner."
> Returns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Twilight's castle, everyone from the court had finally arrived. The Mane 6 and Discord watched the whole crowd with high grins.
"It's good you're found innocent, Discord," Twilight said, "And... I guess I'm sorry for giving up on you."
"It's all right." Discord said. "I'd tell you I'd do the same in your shoes, but you don't wear shoes. By the way, how's the Festival of Peace repairs?"
"Great." Spike said. "They said it should be ready by the end of the month."
"Everything's looking fine after all." Fluttershy said. "And you're all right, Discord."
"Thanks, Fluttershy." Discord said. "By the way, that trick with the dragon... well played."
Suddenly, the front doors slammed open. Golden Eyes and Lok appeared with evil smiles. There was also a hooded figure next to them.
"It's her!" Rainbow Dash growled.
"Hey, Lok, what do you think of this assembly?" Golden Eyes said.
"Hmm." Lok said. "Well, it does have royalty, nobility, the gentry, and..." He stared at the Mane 6. "How quaint. Even the rabble."
"I guess my invitation got lost in the mail." Golden Eyes said.
"You're not welcome here!" Rarity shouted. "Now, you're under arrest, you ruffians!"
Suddenly, a group of guards surrounded Golden Eyes and blocked her only method of escape.
"Oh, I don't think so." Golden Eyes said. "Discord won't let me leave, will you?" She held up the stone box.
"Actually, I'd love to push you toward their spears." Discord said pretending to roll up his sleeves.
"Discord, get these guards away from me!" Golden Eyes demanded.
"You think you can tell me what to do and..." Discord said. Suddenly, his whole body electrocuted throughout his body and he knelt down.
"DISCORD!" Fluttershy shouted. "Are you hurt?!"
"NO," Discord shouted sarcastically, "I'M JUST DOING THIS 'CAUSE IT'S FUN!"
"Your only hope is to get me out of here, Discord." Golden Eyes said.
Discord didn't want to do it, but he pointed his claw and blasted the guards to the wall. Suddenly, the pain stopped.
"Discord, what happened?!" Twilight asked.
"I... I don't know what came over me." Discord said with worry. "I just wanted the pain to stop."
"Discord, unless you want another shock, you will make sure these ponies can't move but us." Golden Eyes commanded.
Regretfully, Discord snapped his lion paw and many green vines sprouted from the ground and tied everyone up.
"Perfect!" Golden Eyes said. "Now, we have somewhere to go."
The hooded figure revealed his red claws. He lowered the hood off of him and revealed his form that made everyone cower.
"TIREK!" Discord gasped. "But you're..."
"Locked away." the skinny centaur said. "Yes, but thanks to the Red Eye's little companion here, I am free to take my revenge."
"Not yet, Tirek." Golden Eyes said. "The Red Eye needs him at full power. And don't waste time on the ponies. They're time will come soon enough."
"Very well." Tirek said. "Let's leave."
Discord followed Golden Eyes, Tirek, and Lok to the stairwell. No one knew it, but Discord accidently dropped his little, metal ball and it landed it Twilight's bag.
"I... I don't understand." Spike said. "If they're trying to leave, why are they going upstairs?"
"What's upstairs, Twi?" Applejack said trying to wrestle out of the vines.
Twilight then gasped. "The mirror. They're going through the magic mirror!"
"Oh, no!" Fluttershy gasped. "We've got to stop them!"
"Hey, guys!" Pinkie Pie said outside of the vines.
"Pinkie, how..." Rainbow Dash asked. "It doesn't matter. Get us out of here!"





Upstairs, Golden Eyes, Lok, Tirek, and Discord faced the magic mirror.
"What's this for, child?" Tirek asked.
"Originally, the portal in this mirror could only open once every 30 moons." Golden Eyes explained. "Now, thanks to Princess Twilight's tinkering, it can open powered by a magic book."
"So what?" Discord asked. "You're from Canterlot High?"
"No." Golden Eyes said. "It's not just that human world. You see, this mirror can reach out to another world as long as the book powering it can reach out to the book in the world which you are trying to reach. Observe."
Golden Eyes pulled out a book from her bag and placed it above the mirror. A black stream flowed through the tubes and a yellow glow emitted from the reflective surface.
"You're from another world besides this Equestria and the human Equestria?" Discord asked. "I don't get it, Eyes."
"Don't call me Golden Eyes." the pony said. "That was a name I called myself to blend in. My real name... is Iris. I came here from a human world in search for something my leader was looking for, something that changes everything... you."
"Me?" Discord asked. "So that's why you wanted me exiled!"
Suddenly, everyone heard someone trying to break through the door.
"The ponies!" Lok said. "We must go through now!"
"Right." Iris said. "Discord, come with us. Oh, and at the last second, take the book with you."
Discord was the last to enter. The Mane 6 broke through the door.
"DISCORD, WAIT!" Fluttershy screamed.
"Sorry, ladies." Discord said. "I wish I could help myself, but I can't." He stepped into the portal.
Then, right before Discord's tail followed, it wrapped around the book above and pulled it through. The Mane 6 ran toward the portal that was starting to dim. Spike jumped right toward it, but suddenly, he hit the glass. The portal had closed.
"DISCORD!" Fluttershy screamed. "NO!"
> Where Is He?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We've got to get him back!" Applejack said. "Twilight, perhaps if we pull out your journal and call Sunset Shimmer..."
"They didn't go the the human world." Twilight Sparkle said. "Didn't you see? They used another book to open the portal. They must have entered another world."
"But why?" Rarity asked. "Why did they take Discord?"
"They've taken Discord?" Princess Celestia asked. She entered the room with Luna and Cadence.
"Where are the other ponies?" Spike asked.
"They're safe." Cadence said. "We sent them home."
"Golden Eyes and Tirek have used some kind of magic box to control Discord." Twilight said. "How?"
"I can explain." the Doctor said appearing out of nowhere.
"WHOA!" Pinkie shrieked. "Where'd you come from?"
"My mother." the Doctor answered.
"Doctor." Celestia asked. "We haven't seen you in years."
"Spike, do you not remember your comic books about the Power Ponies?" the Doctor asked.
"Yeah, and the latest issue is awesome!" Spike said. "At last, Hum Drum has some use."
"What if I told you that in another universe, the Power Ponies are real and they went against everything they faced in the comics?" the Doctor asked. "That includes Pandora's Box."
"Okay, what is Pandora's Box?" Princess Luna asked.
"Simply put," the Doctor said, "It gives one control over any draconequus."
"And that includes Discord." Celestia gasped. "What do we do?"
"Not to worry, my old friends." the Doctor said. "I can show you how to reach him."
"But where is he?" Fluttershy said.
"That's for you to decide on your own." the Doctor said. "Princess, the Uniscope."
Surprised, Princess Luna pulled out the starry orb and handed it to Twilight.
"What do I do with it?" Twilight asked. "If you know where Discord is, why don't you tell us?"
"Because you need to be committed to saving him." the Doctor said. "It's not enough that you enter the world. You've got to want to save him. Just give your reason to the Uniscope."
"Why didn't it work for Discord before then?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Because there was another way for Discord's name to be cleared and the Uniscope knew it." the Doctor explained. "Now, the only way to find him is with the Uniscope."
Twilight breathed in and out. She gazed at the Uniscope. "Uniscope, Discord's been taken by evil forces. We have to get him back. Where is he?" The orb didn't show anything. "Please, we have to know." There was still nothing. "This is useless!"
"No, it isn't." the Doctor said. "You're just not giving it your reason."
"But I did." Twilight said. "Golden Eyes and Tirek are planning on using Discord for something bad and we need to stop them."
"Is that all?" the Doctor asked. "Is that your only reason, because the Uniscope doesn't seem like it was pure enough."
Twilight took a moment to think then realized what she needed to say. She looked at the Uniscope again.
"Discord is a very unusual being. Sure, he aggravates us a lot, but it's how it works in friendships. Then, I look back at all the good Discord's done and remembered what they meant to me. Each action he took was a stepping stone for me and my friends reaching our destinies. You have to show me where Discord is because..." She began to tear up. "...We need Discord."
Suddenly, the orb started to change, but slightly. The rest of the ponies were excited and joined in.
"We need Discord!" Fluttershy proclaimed.
"We need Discord!" Pinkie Pie proclaimed.
"We need Discord!" Applejack proclaimed.
"We need Discord!" Rarity proclaimed.
"Eh, I guess we really do need Discord!" Rainbow Dash said. "I'm onboard!"
"WE NEED DISCORD!" they all shouted.
Suddenly, the Uniscope glowed brightly. Suddenly, the scenery in the orb changed. Instead of stars and blackness, there was something else.
"It looks like a... large city with a forest in the middle." Spike said. "And it looks like there's a yellow, glowing pillar in the middle of the forest."
"Where is that?" Fluttershy asked. "Where did they take Discord?"
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had surprised faces when they saw the city. They looked at each other before they looked at the Doctor. He nodded.
"Well, this complicates things." Princess Celestia said. "We don't know how to get there."
"I can help with that." the Doctor said. "Take a good look at the two girls near the bottom."
The Uniscope zoomed in at two human figures. The Mane 6 didn't recognize any of them, but Celestia and Luna recognized one of them.
"Here's what you must do," the Doctor said, "You alicorns must concentrate your magic at the top of the mirror. I'll adjust the energy waves so that you can intercept the portal. That should bring them here."
"I don't understand." Twilight asked. "What's going on?"
"Let's just do it." Celestia said. "We might not have another chance."
The alicorn princesses pointed their horns and fired magic blasts at the tip of the mirror. The Doctor then extended his hooves and a silver glow escaped from them. It reached the mirror and a new glow came from the glass. Suddenly, two adult shadows appeared.
There was something else. From behind the door, Derpy Hooves peeked in and stared at the glow.
"Ooh, sparkly." she whispered.
"So who are we asking for help?" Applejack asked. "Who did we summon?"
"Someone just as powerful as the six of you put together." Princess Celestia said. "She also follows the path of friendship and she might be the last hope we have if Golden Eyes is part of something I hoped we would never face."
"And what's that?" Twilight asked.
"...An organization that we all should fear." Celestia said.





It was a dark building. Discord didn't see what street it was on. When he looked, he saw several humans practicing some form of martial arts he's never seen before. He also saw Tirek next to him. He was still in his centaur form, but Iris looked like human in her early 20's. She had blonde hair and a slightly-tanned skin. She had on a gray outfit with a red flower emblem on the torso. Suddenly, four grown humans approached Iris.
"So you got him." one human said.
"Just like the Red Eye wanted." Iris said. "I also retrieved Tirek back. Also, I have the means to making Discord cooperate."
"Nice digs." Discord said observing the building. "I love what you and Frankenstein have done with the place. Now, what's going on?! Who are you people?! Why am I here?! And most importantly, where am I?!"
"Apologies, Discord, but this was all necessary." Iris said. "I'd like to welcome you to... Republic City, home of the Avatar Korra. And I also want to congratulate you. You have the honor of working for... the Red Lotus."
Discord gulped and started to prepare for the worst wondering what they had in store for the draconequus. He doesn't like where this was going.