> Queen of Evil and Princess of Kindness
>  by kurusagi16
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Once upon a time...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue: Once upon a time...




Once upon a time, in a fairytale-esque land called Equestria, there lived a Pegasus named Princess Melodia. Unlike other pegasi however, Melodia had been born with a powerful magic. Many scholars and unicorns tried to find some explanation as to how this could be, but none were found. Queen Celestia, an alicorn and ruler of Canterlot to the filly under her wing and helped her to learn to control her powers. Believing that they could bring great things for not just Melodia but for all of Equestria.  As she grew, Melodia began to notice changes in her magic. It's once shining light had lost its brilliance and was starting to grow darker. Fearing the worst, she sought counsel from Queen Celestia.

Queen Celestia did her best to console the poor Pegasus, but she too was also worried of this change. For Melodia's magic reflected off her heart, and right now, it seemed as though Melodia's heart was experiencing some sort of turmoil. The alicorn queen told Melodia that her magic would right itself once her heart overcame this turmoil. Melodia thanked her and returned to her kingdom at the far corner of the land. The turmoil in Melodia's heart stemmed from the anxious and lonely feelings that had developed in her heart. Though she was a beautiful princess who worked hard to become a noble queen, her subjects were suspicious of her mysterious magic and kept their distance to avoid upsetting her or getting on her bad side. Things only grew worse when Melodia's father, the king, died in battle, and she had to  take his place as queen. Broken hearted over his death, Melodia closed off her heart to anypony else to keep it from breaking anymore. 

At the same time, Melodia saw that her magic had indeed gotten a bit stronger, only it was darker than before. Melodia paid no mind to this and continued to practice her skills.

Queen Celestia grew worried for the Pegasus who'd closed herself off from everypony, she decided to pay her a visit and see how she was doing. What she found, was unexpected. The magic Melodia now had was black magic, a forbidden and dark power that grew stronger as Melodia's heart became harder. Celestia tried to convince Queen Melodia to abandon her magical studies lest she be consumed by the corruptive magic and to open up her heart once more, hoping to save the mare from herself. But the black magic had already begun to warp her mind, and refused Celestia's pleas, ordering her to leave her castle and never return. 

Just as Celestia feared, the black magic had taken over Melodia and made her bent on conquering all of Equestria. She even gave herself the title of, 'The Queen of Evil'. Queen Melodia spread her terror and darkness across the land, nearly succeeding in taking complete control. That is, until she was stopped by Queen Celestia and her sister Princess Luna. A lengthy battle was waged between the three powerful ponies. The sky darkened as the three clashed, casting spells and battling in the air, until Melodia was finally weakened and at the mercy of the royal sisters. 

Feeling pity toward the Pegasus who'd she once thought of as a friend, Celestia banished Melodia to the confines of her own kingdom, and a powerful barrier was erected to keep Melodia from ever getting out. Angered by this, Melodia vowed to one day exact revenge upon them and the rest of Equestria. Queen Melodia delved deeper into her studies of the black magic, preparing and planning for when she could escape from her prison. No matter what, she would get out. And everypony would feel the pain that she'd felt.
		
> Chapter 1: Many years later...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many years later...



Princess Fluttershy awoke to the bright morning sunlight that shined in from her bedroom window. It's rays moving across her walls, illuminating the room with a pale green glow, reflecting off the wallpaper. Her deep teal eyes fluttered open and she let out a long, soft yawn, stretching her limbs and sitting up on her canopy bed. A couple of birds perched at her window, tweeted sweetly. Fluttershy smiled at them.

"Oh, good morning!" said Fluttershy. Slipping out of bed, the buttercream Pegasus went to the window and fed the birds some seeds she kept under her window for any feathered friends that decided to drop by. Fluttershy adored any creature great or small, and if one should happen to drop by, she'd happily great and befriend them. It seemed like so long since she lasted had any furried or feathered visitors.

"There you go!" she said. The birds chirped their thanks and pecked hungrily from her hoof. "You must be very hungry, after all it's a long journey here from the rest of the kingdoms. Or at least that's what mother says." The birds chirped inn agreement. There was a loud knock on the door that made Fluttershy jump in surprise. 

"Oh dear! You better fly off now. go!" said Fluttershy, shooing the birds. 

"Come in!" she called to whoever stood outside. The door opened to reveal a servant in a dark colored uniform. 

"Princess," he said. "The queen wishes to see you for breakfast."

"I'll be right there." said Fluttershy. As the door closed, Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief, if he had seen her with the birds, he would've no doubt reported it to her mother. Her mother didn't approve of a lot of the things she did. Like cavorting with woodland critters, or showing kindness to the servants. So she'd ordered her servants to report to her if they should catch the princess doing any of these things.

Not wanting to be late to breakfast, Fluttershy slipped into a simple dark emerald dress, brushed out her pale pink mane and set her silver tiara on her head as quickly as she could. The castle as always was dimly lit and full of tall creeping shadows. Shadows that always seemed to be reaching out toward Fluttershy to snatch her up and pull her in. Fluttershy closed her eyes and tried to ignore them, continuing toward the dining table. She glided down the long, spiral staircase and entered the dining hall. The servants, in their dark uniforms silently went about their business, forbidden to speak unless spoken to.

"Good morning!" Fluttershy said brightly. Her mother, Queen Melodia, sat in her high backed chair at the end of the long table. Her black, spiked crown nestled in her red-violet mane. She didn't return the friendly greeting, retaining her serious and cold demeanor. Fluttershy lowered her head as she made her way to the seat at her mother's side.

Ever since she was born, Queen Melodia had frowned upon her daughter's kind and gentle nature.
'No doubt inherited from that father of yours.' she had said. Before she was banished, the queen had married a handsome stallion named Drake. Each day, King Drake wished that his wife would abandon her dark ways and return to being the mare he knew and loved. He loved Fluttershy just as dearly and taught her the value of showing kindness and consideration for others. Shielding her from any sadness or loneliness that dared to take root in her young heart.  Unfortunately, he'd passed away from a horrible sickness that held no cure. 

Since then, Fluttershy would find herself crying softly to herself some nights, wanting her father to return to her. To tell her that everything would right itself out. No pony, other than her mother, dared speak to her (for fear that she was just as bad as the queen), leaving her with no pony but herself (and an occasional critter) to comfort her.

The queen felt no sadness for her husband's passing, declaring that she and her daughter were better off without that fool. With him gone, Queen Melodia began to push Fluttershy into her studies. So that she could one day fulfill her destiny.  

Fluttershy sat down and quietly at the table and ate her blackberry pancakes, her mother's hard gaze locked on her. 

"Have you been working hard on your studies?" asked Queen Melodia. Fluttershy gulped.

"Y-yes, mother." Fluttershy lied. Queen Melodia had been trying to train her daughter in the ways of being an evil queen and the art of black magic, for like her mother, she too had been born with magic. 'You'll need to hone your abilities if you're to one day rule over all ponykind.' she'd said. But in truth, Fluttershy had no interest in evil or anything like that. But at the same time, she didn't want to disappoint her mother. 

"Recite the qualities of an evil queen." said Melodia. Fluttershy straightened up in her seat and recited the words her mother had taught her ever since she was born.

"An evil queen is: dishonest, disloyal, greedy, angry, and cruel." said Fluttershy. Queen Melodia nodded approvingly.

"Remember them, never forget those words." she said. Fluttershy nodded. These traits, according to her mother, would make her just as strong and powerful as her. But silently and secretly, Fluttershy would think to herself, 'I don't want to be you mother.' The last thing on the poor princess' mind was hurting other ponies, but there was little she could say or do to make her mother say otherwise.

"After breakfast, we'll begin your next level of magic training in the library." said Melodia. Fluttershy felt her stomach churn at the thought of black magic. It had always scared her since she was a filly, but she couldn't tell her mother. Instead, she did everything she could to please her mother.  Even if it was scary and made her feel even more miserable.

In the musty library, Queen Melodia began the lesson by showing her daughter how to invoke the magic from within herself. 

"For this lesson, you shall use your magic to destroy." said the queen.

Melodia closed her eyes and concentrated, her red-violet mane flowing as the black magic began to flow through her, lifting her off the ground. Her sea-green eyes opened, flashing with a harsh fire behind her pupils. Her irises glowed as she cast a spell on a nearby vase, causing it to shatter. 

"Now you." said Queen Melodia. Fluttershy stood glued to the spot, afraid to try and call upon such fearsome power as her mother had. Taking steady breaths, Fluttershy concentrated as best as she could, only able to lift an inch off the ground. She landed back down, her mother looking at her with disappointment.

"Pitiful." said the queen. Fluttershy looked down at the floor. 'Why can't I do anything right?' Fluttershy asked herself. No matter what she did, she'd never be able to do anything right, and would never meet up to her mother's expectations.

"I'm sorry mother." said Fluttershy. Before the queen could lecture her, there was a loud squawk. The two pegasi looked up toward the ceiling, where they saw a fiery bird, a phoenix, circling the air. It swooped low and dropped a crisp white letter before flying out the high library window. Fluttershy watched the bird with amazement while her mother examined the letter.

"A letter from Canterlot castle." said Melodia with narrowed eyes. Fluttershy looked at the letter with great curiosity.  They never got any letters, and to get one from Canterlot was certainly curious. 

"What does it say?" asked Fluttershy. The queen's eyes scanned over the letter as she read it aloud.


Dear Queen Melodia,

It's been a long time since last we spoke. I hope you are fairing well. I've written to you to offer a chance to give your daughter a chance to learn how to be a great and noble ruler at a special school for princesses. Me and my sister have created the school in the hopes of better teaching the royal families of Equestria. I hope you will allow your daughter the chance of not only learning to better help ponykind, but also to make friends, something you had great difficulty with in your youth.  I await your reply tonight, and shall send a carriage to pick up your daughter if you do decide to let her go. 

Sincerely- Queen Celestia

"A school...for princesses?" said Fluttershy. The idea of her going to  school with other ponies was both thrilling and terrifying. She'd rarely met anypony outside the castle, and only spoke to the servants (though they hardly replied) and her mother. Not only that, but this was a message from Queen Celestia. Her mother's old teacher and nemesis. The pony who banished her to her own kingdom for all these years and was now asking for her daughter to attend her school. She looked at her mother expectantly to see what her answer would be. A small smile crept onto the queen's face.

"This, my dear daughter, is exactly what we've been waiting for." she said. Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion.

"It is?" said Fluttershy. Her mother's eyes gleamed as a plan started to form in her mind. No doubt that whatever it was, it wasn't very pleasant. 

"You will go to this school and once there, you'll find a way to free me from this cursed barrier. Then, together as mother and daughter, we shall rule over the pitiful ponies." Fluttershy said nothing, not wanting to get her mother angry at her. It was an interesting thought, but it seemed...risky. Not to mention impossible! How in Equestria could she lift a barrier casted by two alicorns? She could barely handle the simplest of her mother's basic black magic spells.

"Come with me my darling." said Queen Melodia, leading her daughter to the throne room. She shooed any straggling servants who were dusting so that she could speak to Fluttershy privately. 

"I've waited patiently all these long years for a chance like this. You have been slowly progressing in your studies, something that until now I've let slide. Now however, my dear Fluttershy, you need to stand firmly and start acting like the evil queen you are meant to be." Fluttershy slouched, avoiding looking at her mother's face. The queen faced her.

"Promise me, that no matter what, you will do everything in your power to not only free me, but to seize you're rightful place as the ruler of all Equestria."  said her mother in a serious tone. Fluttershy looked up at her mother's face then back at her own hooves. 

"I-I promise mother." Fluttershy said quietly. Queen Melodia smiled.

"Good. Now, we must prepare for your departure. There is much to do." Fluttershy knew she had to keep her promise, but at the same time, she hoped that somehow at this school she would find an answer to a question that plagued her mind. Should she follow her mother's teachings and be the new Queen of Evil, or be her gentle self.
> Chapter 2: Doubts and decissions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: Doubts and decisions



Queen Melodia had sent a reply to Queen Celestia's letter, saying she would be grateful to have her daughter attend such a regal school. She also asked that Queen Celestia tell nopony, not even the teachers, that Fluttershy was the daughter of the Queen of Evil, saying it would better help her to make friends and avoid being picked on by any rude ponies. 

Fluttershy was to spend an entire year at the castle that would serve as the school and lodgings for the royal ponies. Fluttershy packed all her clothes into a large suitcase and waited anxiously for the carriage the next morning. Queen Melodia had told her that she'd be keeping close watch over her, and would give her anymore news she had on her master plan. So far, all Fluttershy had to do (to her relief), was blend in at school and find a way to break, or weaken the barrier around their kingdom. Fluttershy was called outside as the carriage arrived outside the castle. Standing in a red coat and feathered hat, the coach horse bowed to Fluttershy.

"Your highness." he said. Fluttershy was about to smile at him when she turned to look at the towering castle behind her. An image of her mother's cold eyes looking down at her appeared in her mind. Instead, she quickly and quietly entered the carriage while the coach horse attended to her suitcase.

"You can do this." Fluttershy said softly to herself. "You can do this." 

From the high tower window, Queen Melodia watched as the carriage pulled away from the castle, and drove out of sight. Her daughter would follow her order and become the pony she was born to be...whether she wanted to or not.





Meanwhile, in Canterlot castle, Queen Celestia and Princess Luna were preparing to head to the school they'd created and greet the students. A large carriage pulled by four white pegasus stallions in gleaming armor awaited outside to take them to their ancestral home.  Celestia, a white alicorn with a flowing mane that shined the color of an aurora borealis and a cutie mark of the sun, walked side by side with her sister. Luna was just as divine as her sister, an inch or so shorter with a deep dark blue coat and a mane that flowed with the color of the night sky.

"Have all the preparations been complete?" asked Celestia. Luna nodded.

"Yes, but, there has been something troubling me." said the dark, night-colored alicorn.

"What is is Luna?"

"Do you think it wise to have our two, 'special guests' staying at the school with the teachers and students?"

"I assume you are referring to Fluttershy and Discord."

"One is the daughter of one of our sworn enemies, and the other is the spirit of chaos and disharmony, who had a similar scheme as Melodia!" Luna voice raised a little. "It's a great risk bringing them to a place full of so many innocent ponies."  Queen Celestia looked solemnly at Luna. Her lavender eyes looking into her sister's blue eyes.

"I'm well aware of the risks, but I feel that this would be essential for Fluttershy and Discord. If they learned the value of friendship and goodness of ponies, perhaps they would..."

"You honestly think they would consider abandoning the path of evil, and help Equestria for the greater good?"

"I can understand that you're a little hesitant Luna."

"More than a little."

"But I have confidence that, in the very least, Fluttershy will open her heart out to ponies. And perhaps she'd be able to escape the fate that befell her mother." Luna knew that there was nothing that would change Celestia's mind. She heaved a sigh.

"The least we could do is warn the teachers of what they might be in for." she said.

"Melodia asked me to not let anypony know of her daughter's true identity, and intend to keep my word." Luna gave Celestia a pointed look.

"I know you still feel guilty for what happened to Melodia sister, but don't let that blind you from what's best for everypony." With that, Luna trotted ahead, leaving Celestia to think over her words. A seed of doubt grew in the back of her mind. Was she doing the right thing by fulfilling Melodia's request? Was it wise for her to allow such dark and chaotic magic into her school? Would they indeed open up to friendship? Queen Celestia shook her head, pushing her doubts aside and continuing on. She wouldn't give up on them, especially Fluttershy. She could never live with herself if she failed them as she had failed Melodia.






Flashback


Queen Celestia sat on her throne, a guard trotted in, a little pegasus filly at his side. He bowed his head to the queen.

"You're highness, the Princess Melodia has arrived." he said. Celestia smiled at the filly as she shyly smiled up at her.

"Ah yes, I've been expecting you my dear." she said. The guard did one more bow and left the two alone.

"Your father has told me much of your magical abilities." Melodia's smile dropped and she looked down at the floor.

"You think I'm strange too, don't you?" asked Melodia. Celestia let out a laughed and shook her head.

"Not at all, in fact, I'd like to teach you."

"Huh?" asked Melodia. A bemused expression on her face. 

"I want to teach you to better hone your magical skills. So you can better use them for the benefit of your kingdom." Celestia clarified.

"Do you really think I can do something that important?" Celestia lifted the filly's chin and gave her a warm smile.

"I do."






"Melodia." Celestia said under her breath as she stepped into the carriage. "Why did it have to be like this?" As the carriage took to the skies, Celestia found herself looking in the direction of Melodia's kingdom. Though she couldn't see it, its image was imprinted in her mind. Along with the sweet pegasus that was gone. 'I won't let it happen.' she thought to herself. 'I won't let Fluttershy suffer as her mother did.'
> Chapter 3: The school for princesses
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: The school for princesses




The carriage ride to the school had been a long and quiet one, but Fluttershy didn't mind. She was more than content to look out the window at the passing landscapes. The tall mountains, lush forests, and rolling green farmlands made her feel at ease. A soft breeze blew, lightly whipping her pale pink locks out of her face as the carriage sped down the path. The pegasus' thoughts began to drift to what the other princesses could be like. 

'Perhaps they're nice ponies who like flowers and animals also,' she thought hopefully to herself. 'We could all have tea and cucumber sandwiches, and maybe and I can work up the courage to talk to them!'

As they drew near the Everfree Forest, the school came into view. The old castle of Celestia and Luna had been remodeled to suit the needs for the princesses and the lessons they'd be partaking in. A large gray stone castle with spire towers not unlike the ones of the castle back home. The forest surrounded it on all sides like a semi circle. A clearing off near the back full of ponies in armor, playfully sparing one another. Fluttershy felt her heartbeat as fast as a hummingbird's wings as they approached. 

"You can do this Fluttershy." she said softly. "Just do what mother said, and everything will be fine."  

The carriage lined up along with long stream of other carriages. Out from each stepped out a lovely pony, unicorn or pegasus, (though there were more unicorns than any other pony) dressed in fine dresses worthy of their noble blood. Fluttershy was tempted to just stay in the carriage and wait till there was nopony around to notice her. But she managed to get herself out the door and stood nervously as the the coach horse took her suitcase down.

"T-thank you." she stammered. The stallion bowed lightly and said, "It's my pleasure your highness." Fluttershy looked around, wondering where to go from there. Her attention was caught by a lanky pony struggling under the weight of a dozen heavy bags and trunks.

"Come along now, I need my luggage my room as soon as possible." said a white unicorn with a white coat, curled purple mane and light blue eyes. Her elaborate dress swayed as she walked up the steps to the opened entrance of the school. The servant was moving at a sluggish pace. Fluttershy felt pity toward the poor stallion and trotted up to him.

"Do you need any help?" she asked. The servant looked up at her, before he could answer, a bag from high up fell. Fluttershy caught it and took several other bags from his load.

"Thank you kindly, your highness." he said. She walked alongside him, carrying the bags and dragging her suitcase up the steps and into the grand foyer. Throngs of ponies were chatting amongst themselves, their voices echoing off the high ceiling, filling the room and making it hard to maneuver the luggage. Fluttershy wasn't sure how much longer she'd be able to carry the heavy luggage, when somepony spoke up.

"Here, let me help yall with that." an orange pony with a blonde mane pulled into a pony tail and green eyes helped assist them to a good place to pile the bags and cases. 

"I can help him from here, you better get ready for the opening ceremony." said the mare. 

"Okay." said Fluttershy.

" Thanks for helping!" called out the servant, as Fluttershy disappeared into the crowd.





Princess Twilight Sparkle was beyond thrilled to stand at the old castle that once housed one of the greatest rulers of Equestria. The purple alicorn had read about this place and saw ancient pictures of it in her books. To actually see it and be continuing her studies here by her idol was nothing short of a dream come true. She tried to contain herself from bouncing around with excitement like a little filly, as she did when she'd received the invitation to attend the school.

"You're sure you're gonna be okay Twily?" Twilight smiled at her big brother, Prince Shining Armor. She gave a hug and said, "I'll be fine. I can take care of myself pretty well." Shining Armor laughed.

"You can't blame a big brother for worrying about his little sister." he said. The white unicorn stallion ruffled his sister's mane playfully.

"I'll miss you," said Twilight.

"I'll miss you too Twily." After their fond farewell, Twilight entered the grand foyer, taking in everything she could. From the crystal chandelier to the refurbished tapestries depicting the sun, the moon and moments in Equestrian history. Her mind began spinning at the thought of all the magic and things she'd be learning. She was pulled out of her thoughts by the loud fanfare of trumpets.

"Announcing, their royal highnesses, Queen Celestia and Princess Luna!" The alicorn sisters walked gracefully up to the front of the foyer, a hushed silence fell over the crowd. All eyes on them. Queen Celestia smiled to them and spoke, "My dear princesses, I'm pleased that you all were able to make it to our beloved school. Once home to me and my sister, it shall now be home to you. For the rest of the year, we'll teach you the needed necessities of being a good ruler. As you progress through your studies, you must remember the qualities that make a true queen." Twilight mouthed along as Queen Celestia recited the qualities.

"A true queen is: honest, loyal, generous, happy, and kind." Twilight had gone over the line a dozen times since she got her letter, wanting to have it memorized for when attending classes.

"I wish you all the best of luck. Classes begin tomorrow at 8 o'clock sharp. You shall receive your class schedules after diner. If there are any questions, feel free to ask me, Luna, or any other teacher. That is all."   With her speech concluded, Celestia and Luna left for their 'office'. The other princesses hurried toward the dorm rooms, to meet their roommates and get their things set up. Twilight wanted to follow after Queen Celestia to discuss all the things on her mind, but was stopped by a solider. A White unicorn stallion in golden armor. 

"Halt, nopony is to see the Queen or Princess until after dinner!" he said. Twilight looked over his shoulder.

"What about her?" she asked, pointing a hoof at a butter-yellow pegasus with a pink mane following close behind the royal sisters. The solider glance at the pegasus.

"She is a special case, Queen Celestia herself has allowed her to come and talk to her whenever she pleases." Twilight stared at him in shock.

"That's not fair! I used to be her student any way, why does she get the special treatment?" The solider shrugged as though it wasn't his problem. Twilight stalked away, unable to understand why that pegasus could talk to the queen and she couldn't. She hadn't been lying when she said that Queen Celestia was her teacher. The alicorn had taught her to take control of her alicorn magic, once she had it down, Twilight began studying on her own. She'd have to keep an eye on that pegasus, just in case.
> Chapter 4: Beginnings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Beginnings




Twilight was at work organizing the many books she had brought with her from home, book sorting was calming and helped her to take her mind off things. 

"There." she said proudly, stepping back to admire her work. "All 200 volumes are sorted genre and size." Suddenly, there was a loud thud that caused the bookcases to shake and knock down a few of the books.Twilight swerved to look behind her where the source of the thud came from.

"Oh dear." said the yellow pegasus, trying to pick up the things that spilled out of the suitcase that fell over. "Must be heavier than it looks." she mumbled to herself.

"You?!" cried Twilight. The pegasus looked up at her, a bit befuddled at the sudden outburst.

"Uh, I mean, hey you." Twilight laughed nervously, trying to cover the shock she had. The pegasus who was a 'special case' and got to see Queen Celestia whenever she wanted was her roommate? 'Just great.' Twilight thought to herself. 'I know I wanted to keep an eye on her, but this is ridiculous!' 

"I'm sorry." the pegasus said shyly. Twilight waved her hoof, dismissing it.

"It's alright, it was only a few books any way." Twilight trotted forward and extended her hoof to the pegasus.

"I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, but you can call me Twilight, most ponies do." said Twilight. The pegasus took her hoof tentatively and lightly shook it.

"Princess Fluttershy." mumbled the pegasus. 'Okay, so far so good.' thought Twilight.

"So Fluttershy, I heard that you get to talk to Queen Celestia whenever you want." 'Smooth Twilight, real smooth.' she thought with a grimace, trying not to show it on her face. Fluttershy hid her face behind her long, pale pink.

"Y-yes, my mother used to know the queen a long time ago, I think she just wants to make sure I fit in here. For my mother's sake at least." said Fluttershy.

"Who's your mother?" asked Twilight. Fluttershy bit the inside of her cheeks and looked away. Twilight shook her head.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." she said. There was a knock at the door, a pegasus stallion in a red servant's uniform stood in the doorway.

"Dinner will be served in 5 minutes your highnesses." he said, bowing as he left. 

"Dinner sounds good right about now." said Twilight. Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

"I hadn't eaten anything since the carriage ride." The two ponies laughed lightly. Twilight cleared her throat.

"We, uh, better hurry to the dining room and find some good seats before they're taken." said Twilight. Fluttershy said nothing but nodded in agreement as they headed down to the dining room.






Fluttershy glanced around nervously, looking for something that would give her an indication that her mother was indeed watching her. 'If mother is watching,' she thought. 'I better do everything I can to show her that I'm following her instructions.' But her mother had been a bit vague as to what she was supposed to do. Perhaps she was to be a spy? Yes, that must be what her mother had in mind. To spy on them, till she found something useful. Which could take a while.

"Here it is," said Twilight as they made it to the doors of the dining room. "I knew it was a good idea to look up the castle blueprints." Using her alicorn magic, she opened the doors to an already crowded room.

"Wow, it's a lot more crowded than I thought it would be." said Twilight. She searched for an open spot for them to sit. Finding a good space near a large stained glass window. 

"So, what did you and Queen Celestia talk about?" asked Twilight. 

"Nothing much." said Fluttershy. "She just said that if I needed somepony to talk to, she'd be there to listen."

"I've looked up to Queen Celestia ever since I was a filly. What I wouldn't give to have long discussions with her about magic and ancient Equestrian history." Twilight sighed at the thought.

"I suppose." said Fluttershy.

She thought back to when she was standing in Celestia's office, where she commented to the queen on how the qualities of what made a true queen were similar to the qualities her mother had taught her, of course they were the opposites, but still fairly similar. But other than that, Queen Celestia mostly gave her a warm welcome and encouraged her to do her best. All the while Princess Luna looked at her warily. It wasn't anything special, if anything it only made her feel more anxious.

Twilight nudged Fluttershy's shoulder.

"You okay?" she asked. Fluttershy nodded.

"I'm just hungry, that's all."

"Well, wait no more, it looks like they're rolling it out now." Sure enough, a volley of servant ponies pushed food laden carts through the kitchen doors. Setting platters of fresh bread, fruit and salads before the princesses.

"Thank you." said Twilight and Fluttershy graciously. Fluttershy nibbled on a piece of a roll, while Twilight dug right in.

"Oh my, you really were hungry." Said Fluttershy. Twilight smiled sheepishly.

"Excuse me." While they ate, their class schedules appeared before them in a flash of glittering magic. Fluttershy read over her classes.

        Princess Fluttershy

Royal Etiquette.........Princess Cadence
Royal Attire...........Lady Sassy Saddles
Equestrian History.........Princess Luna
Lunch
Physical Education..........Lady Spitfire
Tea Etiquette.............Discord

Twilight looked over at the paper.

"Looks like we both have Tea Etiquette in the afternoon." she said. Her eyes squinted at the name of the teacher. "Discord...I feel like I've heard that name from somewhere before, but where?" 

"What do you suppose he's like?" asked Fluttershy.

"Who knows?" said Twilight with a shrug. "I'm just glad I get to learn Advanced Magic with Queen Celestia." Fluttershy smiled politely.  Twilight seemed like a nice pony, and though it would go against what her mother would want, she hoped the two of them would become good friends. Or at least friendly acquaintances. 
> Chapter 5: Trials, teachers, and Teapots
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Trials, teachers, and Teapots



There was a blissful peace as Princesses Twilight and Fluttershy slept soundly in their comfortable beds. That peace was shattered by the blaring noise of ten instruments. Both girls awoke with a start,  shrieking as the saw a pink, magenta maned pony bouncing up and down as she played all the instruments as a one pony band. 

"Rise and shine sleepyheads!" she sang out. "It's time to get up and get ready for school. Have a wonderful, special, fantabulous day!" With that, the pink pony bounced out of the room and over to the next one to wake its inhabitants.

"What just happened?" asked a groggy and confused Twilight, who rubbed her eyes. Fluttershy let out a soft yawn.

"I think that was...our wake up call?" she said. Twilight groaned.

"I hope we're not gonna have to wake up like that every morning." Twilight stretched out her wings and made her way to the vanity between the two sides of her room to brush out her mane. 

"Me too, I don't think could handle getting startled by that loud music every morning." said Fluttershy. Once they made themselves presentable, tiaras and all, they headed down to breakfast, which, judging by the wafting smells, consisted of oat and blueberry pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and apple muffins. 

"I've been reading up on what I might need to know for Advanced Magic last night. My favorite being the 'Feats of Starswirl the  Bearded.'" said Twilight excitedly. "I wonder if we'll get to learn any of his famous spells." Fluttershy had tried hard not to think about classes too much. The only schooling she ever had was with her mother, and if the lessons were anything like her mother's, then she'd rather be back home. 'Stop being foolish.' she told herself. 'You don't know for sure if the classes are bad. And the teachers themselves are sure to be much nicer and more understanding than mother.' Fluttershy ate her apple muffin, hoping to banish the butterflies that were swarming around in her stomach.



	
Fluttershy had enjoyed her first two classes more than she thought, Princess Cadence had been very nice and Lady Sassy Saddles looked divine in her French haute couture. She also made another possible friend, the white unicorn from the other day, Princess Rarity. They got better acquainted in their  Royal Etiquette lesson, where they practiced polite conversation with each other. Of course, Rarity did most of the talking while Fluttershy quietly listened, which suited her just fine. 

Now it was time for Equestrian History, as she entered the room, Fluttershy shifted uncomfortably as Princess Luna watched her take her seat. Like her sister, Princess Luna's regal stature commanded respect. She looked out at her students.

"Dear students," said Luna. "I'm pleased to be teaching you our great history. Over many moons, pony kings and queens have faced against many hardships and evils." She made her way behind her desk. "Such as the changeling queen, Chrysalis, the wicked unicorn king, Sombra..." Luna's dark eyes met Fluttershy's teal eyes, giving her a venomous look. "...and the Queen of Evil, just to name a few." Fluttershy gulped and sank in her desk. It was clear that before she even met her that Princess Luna didn't trust her one bit.

Using her magic, Princess Luna passed out thick text books to each princess.

"We shall begin with the founding of Equestria, a story I'm sure many of you ponies have heard during Hearth's warming, so we shall keep it short." Princess Luna lectured about how not long after the founding of Equestria, the royal sisters worked together to unite the kingdoms and establish peace between all ponykind. Now and then, Princess Luna would look over at Fluttershy, who shrank under her gaze. As if to tell her, 'I'm watching you.' Not only did she have her mother watching over her, but Princess Luna too! 

Fluttershy was relieved when class was finally over and it was time for lunch. She galloped out of there before Luna could stop her and scare her anymore. Not unlike her mother's looks of disapproval and scolding whenever she failed to meet her expectations. Even though she wasn't at home, it seemed like some things would never change.



	

Lady Spitfire was a member of a noble band of knights called the Wonderbolts. She made it a point to address the princesses that she took no pleasure in being called a 'lady', but digressed that regardless whether or not she was a lady, it didn't affect her abilities in the field. With her was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane. Spitfire introduced her as Squire Rainbow Dash, who was training to join the Wonderbolts and would be assisting her with the lessons. 

"We'll be splitting into two groups," said Spitfire. "Pegasi will be practicing their flying, and unicorns and earth ponies will be running laps. Let's go!" The pegasi princesses took to the air and perched on a cloud.

"You'll all run through this obstacle course till you're good enough to run it with your eyes closed. Rainbow Dash here will demonstrate." said Spitfire. 

"Watch and learn." said Rainbow Dash. Faster than lightening, she zipped through the course with little to no effort. Rainbow let out a yawn as she finished.

"See, nothing to it." The princesses applauded Rainbow who took in their complements. Each princess went through the course, all except Fluttershy. She raised her hoof.

"Um, Lady Spitfire? I was wondering if I could try something a bit easier, I'm not a strong flier." Spitfire shook her head.

"Come on, you're a pegasus for Celestia's sake! You'll be fine."

"B-but..." Spitfire didn't listen and nudged Fluttershy off the cloud. Fluttershy shrieked in fear, wildly flapping her wings before she hit the ground. Flying up to the obstacle course, she slowly but surely maneuvered through it.

"Pick up the pace Princess!" Spitfire called out to Fluttershy.

"I got this." said Rainbow. She flapped over to Fluttershy.

"Everything okay there?" she asked. Fluttershy nodded.

"I'm fine." said Fluttershy. 

"Come on, there's nothing to worry about. It's not like you'll get hurt or anything."

"But what if my wings tire out and I fall?" asked Fluttershy worriedly. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"Look, if by some chance you do fall, I'll make sure to catch you. Now are you gonna pick up the pace or not?" Fluttershy calmed herself with a deep breath and sped up a little, below her, Rainbow Dash hovered to catch her. After a while, Fluttershy grew a bit more confident and was flying at the same speed as the other princesses. She looked down to see if Rainbow Dash was getting tired from hovering under her, only to discover that Rainbow was gone. She looked around to see Rainbow Dash, grinning and waving at her from a cloud perch. At first she was upset that Rainbow Dash had tricked her, but she couldn't help but be a little proud of herself. She'd flown by herself, without anypony to help her. 





It was the last class of the day, and Fluttershy wondered what sort of pony Professor Discord would be like. Hopefully not a threatening as Princess Luna. Fluttershy was startled, along with everypony else as she entered the room. The walls and floors had been sloppily painted with zig-zags, polka dots, and random splotches. Pictures were hung crookedly on the walls, books were staked up on the ceiling and desk strewn with all matter of odds and ends stood in front of the desks. The teacher was no where in sight.

"What in Equestria is all this?" Twilight wondered aloud. Suddenly, disembodied laughter filled the air. Everypony looked around wildly for the source. In a bright flash, a mismatched creature appeared before them. It had the head of a pony, a serpentine body, deer and goat antlers, a lion paw and eagle claw, and a bunch of other inter-species parts. The ponies were taken aback by the sudden appearance of this creature.

"Good afternoon, my little ponies." he said. "If you could see the looks on your faces, simply priceless!"  Twilight looked at him.

"I take it you're Discord." she said. A graduation cap and diploma appeared on Twilight as Discord applauded and said in a mocking tone. "Very good Princess know it all. Celestia herself would be proud." Twilight narrowed her eyes at him. Clearly unimpressed. With a snap of his talons, everypony found themselves seated in the desks.

"Now then, the sooner we get on with the lesson, the sooner we can finish." said Discord. "For our first lesson of Tea Etiquette, you lovely ladies will be making me a cup of tea."

"You can't be serious." said a white unicorn with a pink mane and a Fleur de lis cutie mark.

"Usually I'm not one for being serious, but this case I'm afraid I am, miss...?"

"Princess Fleur de lis," said the unicorn. "Making tea is for servants." Discord gave her a sly smirk.

"Well, your highness, consider this as a chance to do something for yourself for once in your life." Fleur's cheeks turned red with anger and embarrassment, but kept quiet. Taking out a large alarm clock, discord wound it up.

"When the timer runs out, it'll be time for me to judged you all. And I'll take pleasure in judging you harshly and unfairly." The princesses headed toward the cabinet to get the tea ware, but as they opened the cabinet door, teapots and teacups flew out, buzzing around the girls' heads. 

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the tea set is a bit...precocious among other ponies." said Discord with a chuckle.

"You did it on purpose!" cried Twilight, swatting away a sugar bowl wielding a teaspoon. Discord shrugged as thoough it wasn't his problem, and instead read an upside down book, tuning out the ponies' shrieks. 

Fluttershy caught hold of a teapot and stroked it as though it were an animal, the teapot calmed down and let out a happy whistle through its spout. 

"There, that's a good teapot." said Fluttershy in a soft tone. "Would you help me? If it's not too much trouble." The teapot whistled happily. Fluttershy set the pot on her desk. "Now wait here while I get some more help." Fluttershy got the rest of the needed tea supplies lined up on her desk, eager to help. Twilight had cast a stun spell on the rest of the tea ware, making it easier for the rest of the ponies to handle them. 

"Now, what kind of tea should we make?" she wondered. She looked over at Discord. The odd creature was making all sorts of shapes from cats cradle (even some that would be impossible for normal ponies to form). When she was little, one of the few things Fluttershy's parents agreed on was tea, the three of them would have little tea parties together up until her father died. King Drake had told his daughter that tea should complement the drinker. If they were in a foul mood, then the tea should be made to lighten their spirits and make them feel better. 

After careful thinking, Fluttershy decided to try an interesting blend for a interesting 'pony'. From the cupboard, she grabbed a bag of flowering tea. The teapot whistled a tune as it brewed the tea inside. She poured the tea into a dainty little teacup and mixed in a spoonful of wild clover honey and a skosh of chocolate milk (she added this after noticing him drinking a glass of it). The timer let out a loud rooster crow. 

"Time's up! Let's see how you've failed." said Discord. Discord went to each desk, inspecting the cups and taking tentative sips from them. A couple the princesses had accidentally opened the teabags and poured them into the pot, leaving tea leaves floating on the surface. He smiled at the ponies' disappointed faces as he gave them Fs, Ds, and Cs. He sipped from Twilight's cup, grumbling under his breath. 

"It's not bad but not good either. A-, for being well brewed but lacking creativity." he said.

"He just wishes he could fail me." Twilight whispered to Fluttershy. Fluttershy's was the last cup, Discord took a sip from it and looked down at her with his eye and red mismatched eyes. 

"Tell me my dear, have you ever made tea before?" he asked.

"Only a little." said Fluttershy. Discord frowned I'm afraid I won't be failing you, not too bad a blend." Fluttershy received an A- as well.

"Thank you." said Fluttershy. Discord ignored her and flapped his dragon and pegasus wings as he made his way to his desk. The final bell rang out.

"That's all the time we have for today." he said. "But I suggest that tonight you all practice your tea making skills." Fluttershy thanked her tea set for their help and left with Twilight. 

Discord frowned to himself. He wasn't too pleased with the position he found himself in. Gracious Queen Celestia, had taken it upon herself to offer him a second chance, freeing him from his boring, uncomfortable stone prison. Saying that if he could prove himself, Queen Celestia would give Discord his freedom. When he went along with Celestia's 'little game', he didn't recall signing up to be a teacher to a bunch of prissy, spoiled princesses. Not to mention that Celestia had restricted most of his magic to keep him from causing too much trouble. For now, he'd play along with Celestia, but he'd find a way to regain all his chaotic power, and spread his chaos over Equestria once more. 

Discord felt a cold, strange chill run down his spine. Like somepony was watching him. He whirled around to face a mirror on the wall. Nothing about it seemed unnerving or out of place. He stroked his white goatee with his lion paw.

"How peculiar." he muttered to himself. He dismissed the chills as being a figment of his overactive imagination. But sure enough, on the other side of the glass, somepony was watching him. A pony who laughed malevolently.  

> Chapter 6: Keep your enemies close, and your friends closer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6: Keep your enemies close and your friends closer



Twilight sat down next to Fluttershy at the same table near the window, their saddle bags at their sides, brimming full of notes, text books, and homework.

“Well, that was an interesting first day.” Said Fluttershy, eating her fresh garden salad.

“You can say that again.” Said Twilight tiredly. A voice called out from the crowd. It was Rarity, waving at Fluttershy with a smile.

“There you are Fluttershy Darling!” Rarity made her way to their table in another elaborate dress. She sat down between the two ponies.

"You won't believe the day I had after we left Royal Etiquette." Said Rarity, tossing her purple curled mane over her shoulder, accidentally brushing it across Twilight's muzzle.

"Um, hello." said Twilight awkwardly. Rarity turned to her, noticing Twilight was there for the first time. 

“I don’t believe we’ve met,” she said addressing Twilight. “I am Princess Rarity of Lobelia, pleased to meet you.”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle…of Ponyville.” replied Twilight. Rarity titled her head, hearing the name of Twilight's kingdom.

“Ponyville? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of that kingdom.”

“Well it isn’t much of a kingdom per say. It’s more of village with my castle standing near the edge. But I do what I can to help Ponyville’s citizens like any other princess.” said Twilight, rubbing her foreleg awkwardly. Rarity turned back to Fluttershy, her mane once again brushing Twilight's muzzle.

“Speaking of kingdoms, I don’t think you ever told me what kingdom you’re from Fluttershy.” said Rarity.

“ME?" cried Fluttershy. Her mind tried to remember the old name of her mother's kingdom (it had been renamed the Dark realm, or Dark kingdom during Melodia's evil reign). All could think about was her mother. 'That's it!' thought Fluttershy.

"Um...Melodious." Fluttershy fibbed nervously. 

“Melodious, huh?” said Twilight. Fluttershy nodded, taking a big bite of a tomato slice.

“I don’t think I’ve heard of Melodious either. Perhaps I should get out a little more outside social events.” Rarity said to herself. She then put a hoof to her head and said dramatically, “Well I don’t know about you two, but I feel like I could use a spa treatment after that spending class with that Discord fellow. I had him for fourth class of the day, he was unbelievably rude. Allowing tea ware to attack students!”

“It wasn’t so bad.” Said Fluttershy meekly. Twilight pulled brown, cracked book from her saddle book, using her magic to open it and flip through its pages.

“I wasn’t sure at first myself, but now there’s no doubt in my mind that this is the same Discord I read in my Equestrian history book.” Said Twilight. Her magic stopped at an old illustration of a creature looking exactly like Professor Discord. "I can't believe I almost forgot about reading him in this section." Rarity leaned to get a better inspection of the book.

"What exactly did he do?" she asked. Twilight continued, reciting the information she'd read.

“According to it, Discord was the mischievous spirit of chaos and disharmony. He ruled over Equestria centuries ago in a state of unrest and unhappiness.”

“Oh dear.” Gasped Fluttershy. 

“Sounds dreadful.” Said Rarity, in an even more dramatic tone.

“It was. But Queen Celestia and Princess Luna rose against him and turned him to stone.” Twilight said proudly.
Fluttershy winced as she looked at the illustration of the two royal sisters turning him to stone. Discord and her mother seemed very similar. Her mother had also sought to rule Equestria, what if she received the same punishment as Discord, imprisoned in cold stone for all eternity. Then a thought came into her head.

“Maybe he’s not so bad.” Said Fluttershy hopefully. “Why else would Queen Celestia let him teach here? Maybe she thinks he deserves a second chance.” Twilight and Rarity looked at her incredulously.  Rarity shook her head.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy dear, but even if that is the case, Discord’s a hopeless cause. Anypony who has done all those horrible things doesn’t sound like the type who’s interested in being nice. And I think the attacking tea set speaks for itself.” she said. Twilight closed up her book.

“We should be careful nonetheless.” Said Twilight. “Queen Celestia might’ve taken precautions against Discord, but who knows what kind of tricks he has up his sleeve?” Fluttershy nodded in agreement with Rarity, but inside her flapped about in her chest. If this is what her friends (she’d finally decided that Twilight and Rarity counted as her friends) thought of their teacher, what would they think of her if they ever found out her and her mother?






Later that night, Twilight left for the library to do a little light reading. Fluttershy stayed behind in their dorm, pulling back her mane for the night. She'd felt that the day had gone okay, and was glad to make friends with two nice ponies. That she even had ponies she could call friends made her smile brightly. As she gazed in the vanity mirror, a dark light began to emanate from its depths. Fluttershy squealed and backed into the wall in fear. The reflection in the mirror was replaced with Queen Melodia’s image, looking down at her cowering daughter.

“Hello Fluttershy.” Said Queen Melodia. Her eyes lowered at half mast.

“M-mother!” squeaked Fluttershy. She'd nearly forgot about her mother checking in on her.

“You haven’t forgotten your mission, have you?” asked Queen Melodia, sea-green eyes piercing into her. Fluttershy shook her head.

“N-no, of course not mother.”

“Good.” Said her mother approvingly. Fluttershy recovered from the shock and little by little, stood to face her mother in the mirror.
“I’ve been watching you and your teachers. That Draconequus by the way was a pleasant surprise. I would never imagine Celestia would allow such a creature among her precious princesses.”

“Draconequus?” said Fluttershy, wondering who or what her mother could mean. “Do you mean Professor Discord?” Queen Melodia nodded, a wicked gleam in her eye.

“Yes, I feel he could prove quite useful to us.” The butterflies from that morning returned once more, swarming in Fluttershy's stomach.

“Um, about that…” said Fluttershy timidly. She was hoping to convince her mother to possibly forget about the 'takeover Equestria' plan. Queen Melodia stared down her daughter with a sharp gaze. One that made Fluttershy feel uncomfortable and scared.

“You’re not thinking about disobeying my orders are you?” she asked.

“Oh no, I would never disobey you mother!” cried Fluttershy, hoping she hadn’t upset her mother. Even though she was far away and unable to harm her, Fluttershy knew better than to make the queen lose both her temper and patience. Queen Melodia appeared to calm down a bit and continued.

“As I was saying, I want you to keep an eye on the Draconequus, as well as Celestia and Luna.”

“Yes mother.” 

“And one more thing.” said Queen Melodia.

“Yes?”

“I want you to get rid of those friends of yours. They’ll be nothing more than a distraction.” Fluttershy looked at her mother with disbelief. Give up her friends? She'd only started to fit in with them, and felt, for the first time in a long time, truly happy.

“But…” Fluttershy was cut off by another glare that made she shrink back and keep quiet.

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll do as I say and get rid of them. Understand?” asked Queen Melodia in a deadly serious tone. Fluttershy sighed and lowered her head in defeat.

“Yes mother.”

“Very good, I shall contact you again with further instructions. Goodnight my daughter.” The black magic dissipated from the mirror and the queen's image faded away.

“Goodnight…mother.” Fluttershy said in a soft whisper. Fluttershy let out another squeal when the door suddenly opened and Twilight trotted in. 

"Who were you talking to?" asked Twilight. Fluttershy's eyes darted to the mirror. She hated having to lie to everypony, especially her new friends, but she had to do as her mother said. If she disobeyed her, who knew what sort of things she'd do out of anger?

"I was talking to nopony. Nopony at all." said Fluttershy. Twilight looked at her suspiciously but shook her head, dismissing the subject.





Twilight and Rarity began to worry about their shy friend. Over the last few days she'd not spoken a word to anypony unless called upon by the teachers. Not only that, but she'd taken to eating by herself outside for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

"Do you suppose she's ill?" Rarity asked Twilight during lunch. Twilight shook her head.

"I don't think so." she said. She then went on to tell Rarity how she'd confronted Fluttershy the other day. The response had been quite shocking.

"We can't be friends." Fluttershy had said dejectedly.

"What do you mean 'we can't be friends'?" Twilight asked "Is it because I don't really have a kingdom like everypony else? Is that it?"

"No!"

"Then what?"

"I just can't." 

Twilight had groaned in frustration, unable to get a good answer. "Fine then, if you don't want to be friends then so be it." She'd then left in a huff.

"I can't believe you said that to her!" said Rarity, giving Twilight a pointed look. 

"I know, I know! But I just couldn't figure out why she's been so distant lately. I guess I just lost it." said Twilight. Rarity put her hoof on Twilight's shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"Don't worry darling, I'm sure whatever it is, she'll tell us in her own time." she said. Twilight gave a small smile.

"Thanks Rarity."




Fluttershy sadly watched as Rarity and Twilight laughed and talked to each other, wishing she could join them. Plate in hoof, she slipped out the door and sat outside on the stoop. She'd dutifully did as her mother instructed, keeping an eye on her teachers. Princess Luna had taken it upon herself to see that she didn't cause any trouble, and if she did do anything that provoked suspicions, she'd tell Queen Celestia. Of course Fluttershy hadn't done anything of the sort, and thus it was mostly her giving Fluttershy the evil eye every now and then.

Professor Discord was by far the most curious of them all. Each day he'd use his chaos magic to play some sort of prank on the princesses. More often he'd be the only one laughing. But other than that, he seemed roughly harmless. Certainly nothing like the description Twilight had read. Fluttershy was lost in her thoughts as she bit into her daisy sandwich, when a loud voice from before startled her so much she nearly choked.

"Hi there!" Fluttershy turned to see the Pink pony from before, no more than an inch from her face. 

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" she said. Bursting with enthusiasm. "Who're you?" Before Fluttershy could respond, the orange mare stepped out from the kitchen door.

"Pinkie Pie, what are you doing out here?" she spotted Fluttershy. "Pinkie you know you shouldn't go around disturbing the princesses! I thought we went through this after you went around waking everypony with that one pony band set on the first day of classes."

"Aw, but I just wanted everypony to have a super duper special first day." said Pinkie. "And what better way than with a big welcoming song from nowhere?" The orange mare shook her head.

"Try to forgive her your highness." she said to Fluttershy. "Pinkie Pie means well, she just...gets a little carried away." Fluttershy smiled at them politely.

"Oh, I don't mind at all." she said. 

"See Applejack! Somepony likes my welcome music." Pinkie said to the orange mare. Applejack smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Whatever you say Pinkie." said Applejack. The three of them laughed lightly together. Fluttershy put her hoof to her mouth, silently scolding herself. She wasn't supposed to befriend anypony. 

"Hey, I have an idea!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "Why don't you hang out with us?!" 

"Pinkie Pie, what did I tell ya? The princesses are here to learn, not 'hang out'." said Applejack. "Especially with a couple of servants like us." Fluttershy looked the ground, digging her hoof around in the dirt.

"I-I would like to hang out with you. And my friends too." said Fluttershy sadly. "But mother wouldn't approve." 

"Well, that's to bad." said Applejack. "Cause from what I can tell you're already hanging out with us." Fluttershy looked up at her in surprise.

"You're right!" said Pinkie. "We've been talking all this time and having fun, so we're already hanging out!"

"And if you're already doing it, I see no harm in hanging out for a bit longer." said Applejack. "At least until we need to get back to work and classes start up again." 'Mother won't be too happy.' thought Fluttershy. But a small smile crept onto her face. For now, she didn't care.





That night, Queen Melodia appeared before Fluttershy in the mirror, just as she'd expected. 

"Fluttershy," said Queen Melodia in an eerily calm voice. "You're not going against my orders are you?" Fluttershy shook her head, doing her best to stand tall and appear brave.

"No mother, quite the contrary. I'm doing just as you said." Queen Melodia arched an eyebrow. Fluttershy looked her mother in the eye.

"One of the lessons you've taught me is to 'keep my allies close and my enemies closer.' And that's precisely what I'm doing." said Fluttershy. Her mother was silent for a moment before breaking into a smile.

"Well done my dear. I'm pleased that you're taking the lessons I taught you seriously. Carry on." Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't sure how long she'd be able to fool her mother, but at least she could be with her friends again. But instead of keeping her allies close and her enemies closer, she'd be keeping her enemies close and her friends closer. It didn't make much sense, but then again, nothing seemed to lately. 

> Chapter 7: Friends and Foes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Friends and Foes




Fluttershy was more than happy to be with her friends again (and relieved that there were no hard feeling between her and Twilight after their little spat). She was also pleased when she introduced them to Pinkie Pie and Applejack at lunch and the four of them got along fairly well. 

“So again, I’m sorry if I seemed so distant over these past few days.” Said Fluttershy. Twilight gave her an understanding smile.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, we’ve already put it behind us.” said Twilight.

“I can’t imagine why your mother wouldn’t approve of us.” said Rarity, applying red lipstick on her lips and admiring her reflection in a compact mirror.

“I can imagine a couple reasons.” Applejack muttered under her breath.

“What was that?” Rarity asked crossly. Twilight luckily interjected before a fight could break out.

“Anyway, it’s nice to meet you two.”

“Same here.” said Applejack.

“Yeah! And you know what this calls for.” said Pinkie Pie, practically jumping out of her seat.

“A party?” asked Applejack with a smirk. 

“Aw, I wanted to say that!” Pinkie Pie pouted in disappointment. Fluttershy smiled brightly.

“A party sounds lovely.” she said. Other than the tea parties she had as a filly, she'd never been to a party before. Pinkie's pout cleared up instantly.

“I know right, who doesn’t love a good party?” asked Pinkie in a bubbly voice. Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

“Well, tomorrow is the weekend," she said. " Maybe we can all have a slumber party in my dorm room.” If it was possible for anypony to look beyond happy, it was Pinkie Pie. A large grin spread across her face.

“That’s perfect! I have everything a pony could possibly need for the bestest slumber party ever!" said Pinkie Pie. Somehow Fluttershy didn't find that so hard to believe and giggled at Pinkie's contagious enthusiasm along with the rest of the girls.

"We’ll have s’mores, and pillow fights, and ghost stories…” continued Pinkie.

“No ghost stories please.” Fluttershy said timidly. "Anything but those." Rarity brightened as an idea entered her head.

“I could give you girls some makeovers. I have all sorts of creams and adornments that I brought from home." Rarity eyed Applejack's mane. "Maybe we can do something about those split ends.” Applejack rolled her eyes in response.

“Then it’s settled, slumber party tonight in our dorm room after dinner.” 







Fluttershy was skipping down the hallway, happily thinking about the slumber party she'd be having with her friends. Talking, eating delicious nighttime treats made by Pinkie Pie and Applejack, playing games. All the things she'd never had the chance to do back home (mostly because the other foals were afraid and her mother would never approve of her doing something so frivolous). But now, she could do all the activities she'd only ever heard or dreamed about. Fluttershy was so lost in her day dreaming that she didn’t pay attention to where she was going and accidentally bumped into somepony.

“Watch where you’re going! Peasant!” said an irritated voice. Fluttershy looked down to find that she'd knocked Princess Fleur Dis Lee to the ground.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t…” Before Fluttershy could get her apology out, Fleur let out a horrified gasp.

“My custom dress!! It’s ruined!" Sure enough, the front of the dress was spattered with a large blot of ink from the bottle in Fleur's bag. Which now rested broken on the floor. Fleur shot a glare at Fluttershy.

"This is all your fault!” she seethed. 

“Hey now, what’s going on here?” Noticing the commotion, a navy unicorn stallion with a white mane named Polaris (the teacher for the Astrology class) galloped toward them. Fleur turned to him.

“Oh, Professor Polaris, it’s just horrible! I was minding my own business when Princess Fluttershy here pushed me and spilt ink all over my dress!” Fluttershy was shocked. 

“But I didn’t…” Fleur interrupted.

“And it was a special dress too! My grandmother had it made for me for my birthday and now it’s ruined forever. How am I going to explain it to her?” She let out long mournful sobs, her face in her hooves. Professor Polaris patted Fleur on the back, trying to comfort her.

“There, there Princess Fleur Dis Lee, why don’t you go and get yourself cleaned up. I’ll see your absence is excused." said Polaris. Fleur thanked him and shot Fluttershy a mean-spirited smirk as she hurried away in her soiled dress. Polaris faced Fluttershy with a stern expression.

"As for you, pushing other ponies, especially fellow princesses, is not proper behavior for royalty.” he said.

“But I…”

“I won’t hear any excuses, as punishment, you’ll receive a two hour detention this weekend. Professor Discord will supervise as you spend detention in his classroom.”

“Professor Polaris…”

“Good day your highness.” Professor Polaris trotted off, leaving a confused and flustered Fluttershy standing in the hall. Trying to piece together what just happened.








“Detention?" cried Rarity in surprise. Her face trying to maintain its stillness through the green face mask. In her and Twilight's dorm, Fluttershy recounted what happened in the hall with Fleur and Professor Polaris to the girls.

" I can’t believe Fleur would do something so under hoofed.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s that surprising, she and those other high and mighty ponies that follow her around are all rotten to the core.” Said Applejack, tying her blonde mane into a thick braid. 

“Now you’ll have to spend a whole two hours with Discord of all ponies. That’s a whole extra hour than our class time with him.” said Rarity.

“I think he’s kinda fun!" Pipped up Pinkie, her mouth full of gooey s'mores. "Like that time he turned the entire classroom upside down in the middle of the lesson. Or when he made a down pour of yummlicious chocolate rain fall on Princess Luna. Too bad there wasn’t any whip cream to go with it.” she spaced out a bit, thinking of delicious whip cream and chocolate. Applejack shook her head.

“Oh Pinkie.” she said.

“What?” asked Pinkie Pie innocently. The girls laughed together at Pinkie's silliness, and Pinkie joined in.

“Don’t worry girls, I’ll be fine.” said Fluttershy, trying to reassure them not to worry. Rarity inspected her flaking face in the vanity mirror.

“Let’s try to change the subject, shall we? All this stress will make me break out.” said Rarity, not wanting a blemish to appear on her clear, silky face.

“We wouldn’t want that to happen now, would we?” said Applejack snarkily. Rarity narrowed her eyes at Applejack, mildly miffed.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Rarity. Pinkie Pie popped up between them. From out of nowhere she pulled a platter of treats.

"How about some of my puff scones and apple blossom honey from Applejack's family farm?" asked Pinkie. The night continued with them happily chatting and eating Pinkie's delicious snacks. Pinkie told them about how both she and Applejack have family farms (the apple farm and rock farm). Applejack shared a few of her Granny Smith's old pony tales while Rarity set up curlers in her mane for the night. And Twilight had them all play truth or dare, as followed in a guide book to throwing slumber parties she'd brought with her from her own library. Just in case.








Fluttershy would be lying if she said she wasn't the teeniest bit nervous. But she didn't want to cause any more trouble than she already had for her friends. Standing outside the door of the Tea Etiquette classroom, Fluttershy lightly rapped on the door. Without warning, the door swung open and Fluttershy was pulled in. Discord stood behind his desk, pretending to be reading a slip of paper as he looked at Fluttershy over a pair of librarian glasses.

"So glad you could make it Princess Shutterfly." he said. 

"It's Fluttershy." said Fluttershy quietly, brushing a loose strand of her mane out of her mane. Discord gestured dismissively at her.

"Whatever." he said. "Professor Polaris told me that you'd pushed Princess Fleur Dis Lee." Fluttershy shook her head.

"It was a misunderstanding." she said. Discord let out a chuckle. He suddenly appeared by Fluttershy and wrapped an eagle talon around her shoulder.

"Come now Fluttershy, don't act like you didn't want to get even with that snobbish mare." he said.

"But I don't." said Fluttershy. Discord smirked and winked.

"That's what they all say. No shame in being caught red-hoofed." As he said this, Fluttershy's hooves became bright red, as though they were dipped in paint. She sighed. It was clear that no pony other than her friends would believe her.

"For your detention time, I want you to untidy the place up a little." said Discord. Fluttershy looked at him with a befuddled expression.

"Don't you mean tidy up?" asked Fluttershy. 

"In case you haven't noticed by now, I do things more differently from you boorish ponies. So I'd get started if I were you." said Discord. Fluttershy did as he said, dirtying the dishes, sweeping dust and dust bunnies onto the floor, and putting the picture frames in crooked angles. When she finished, Discord looked over at the clock on the wall, it's hands (that looked like his own) showed that it had only been roughly 45 minutes.

"Looks like you still have an hour left my dear." he looked at the untidy mess that Fluttershy had made as best she could. Discord nodded his approval.

"Not bad, though I'd have done much better myself. I'd say this calls for a little break." With a snap of his lion paw, a table with a white table cloth appeared in the middle of the room. On it was a small plate of tea cakes, teacups and a teapot.

"Thank you very much." said Fluttershy sincerely. Before helping herself she looked over at the Draconequus lounging far back in a high leather back chair that he hadn't been sitting in before.

"Oh, where are my manners? Would you like to have some of it with me?" asked Fluttershy. Discord raised a bushy white eyebrow.

"I don't usually eat with other ponies, especially princesses." his stomach let out a loud gurgle. He put a paw to his stomach. "But I think I can make an exception." Fluttershy giggled lightly. 

"I hardly find my pangs of hunger humorous, dear Fluttershy. Unless perhaps they happened to somepony else." he mused.

"Oh it's not that, it's just, you remind me of my new friend Pinkie Pie. The two of you are both funny." she said. Discord stuck his tongue defiantly. The two ate in silence before Fluttershy spoke up.

"Um...Professor..." she said.

"Just call me Discord, professor is too formal for my tastes." he said, biting a piece off of his teacup and swallowing it.

"What was it like...being turned to stone...?" asked Fluttershy. Discord almost spurt out his tea when she asked the question. Fluttershy immediately regretted asking.

"I'm sorry, forget I said anything." she said, looking away. 

"No,no, it's quite alright. I had a feeling somepony might be asking me that question sometime soon. I just didn't expect it to happen this soon." he said. Fluttershy looked up, listening  to him as he reminisced about his time in stone.

"It's rather lonely, not to mention boring, being imprisoned in stone. Over a 1,000 years going stir crazy with nothing to do. But being turned to stone didn't keep me from hearing every word somepony would say near me. The rare occasion that I got any visitors  was would pass as entertainment. Honestly, there's nothing much to tell." Discord gave Fluttershy an odd glance. "Why do you ask?"

"Just curious." said Fluttershy. Sipping away at her tea. Discord propped his lion paw under his chin, continuing to reminisce. 

"I will say this though, tinkering with the ponies here is the most fun that I've had in eons." said Discord. "The expressions on their faces are priceless. It brings me back to when Equestria was under my rule. in those days things were much more interesting." he let out a sigh as he thought about the glorious chaos he had spread across all of Equestria. Then he shook his head, seeming to remember that Fluttershy was sitting there.

"Oh, but you don't want to hear about any of that." said Discord.

"I do." said Fluttershy to his surprise.

"I want to know, what it was like." she said, looking down into her cup. 'Mother did say to learn everything I can.' she thought to herself. Discord snapped his talons, and the chaotic classroom turned into a cozy reading room with a fire-lit fireplace. Discord was sitting in a large arm chair, dressed in a quilted red robe, fez, and a pair of reading glasses. 

"I suggest you make yourself comfortable." said Discord.








Queen Celestia had heard about Fluttershy's detention and hurried to Discord's classroom to make sure everything was alright. She was about to knock when she heard raucous laughter from the other side. Quietly, she opened the door a crack and peered inside. What she saw she almost couldn't believe. Discord was laughing as he and Fluttershy had tea and tea cakes.

"You should've seen the look on her face when she saw that her tail was gone!" he roared. "Simply priceless!" 

"I bet she wasn't too happy about that." said Fluttershy.

"Oh she wasn't. But the intense expression she had was just as hilarious!" Fluttershy smiled politely as he went on with his story. Celestia smiled to herself.

"Looks like those two are finally opening up." she whispered. The alicorn gently closed the door  to leave the two of them alone.




  



Discord wasn't sure why he was telling this little pegasus his life story, but as she laughed along with him and listened intently, he would feel something unfamiliar inside him. Probably just his sides from all the laughing he'd been doing. As he paused to catch his breath, he looked up at the clock and saw that she had stayed well over two hours.

"Look at the time." he said. "That late already." Fluttershy's eyes widened as she noticed the late hour too.

"Goodness, I better get back to my friends, they must be wondering what's kept me." said Fluttershy, slipping out of her chair and hurrying toward the door. Discord felt a twinge of disappointment that he quickly brushed off. Fluttershy stopped in her tracks and turned to him.

"I had a lot of fun, thank you." she said sweetly. "I'd like to do it again sometime." Discord looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"You want to get detention again?"

"No," said Fluttershy. "I mean this, us having tea and just talking together...as friends."

"Friends..." Discord said, musing over the word. "I don't think I've ever had one of those."

"Well now you do." said Fluttershy, smiling up at him. As she left, she said, "You're not as horrible as they say."


Discord just stood there, not sure what to think. That princess, Fluttershy, was a curious little thing. Maybe he'd take her up on  her offer and have tea with her again. Discord shook his head to keep his mind straight. Before he could think of tea parties, he had other things that needed his attention. Namely getting rid of the blasted barrier. 

The room started to feel cold, as if all the warmth was sucked out of it. Discord looked around for what the source could be. An echo of malevolent laughter filled the room. The mirror from before glowed with a dark light. Discord raised an eyebrow.

"A bit dramatic, don't you think?" he asked. The mirror spoke, showing no face. 

"It seemed to be the only way to get your attention, though you don't sound too surprised."

"I was beginning to have my suspicions about that mirror." he said.

"That's because I've allowed you to know of my presence." said the mirror coldly.

"A high honor I'm sure." Discord said sarcastically. "But if you're finished I've got better things to do."

"Such as breaking the invisible barrier that keeps you here?" Discord stared at the mirror.

"How did you..."

"Oh, I know many things Draconequus, how you've traded one imprisonment for another. Your powers weakened and are now forced to do the queen's bidding." Discord gave a deep frown.

"I can take the obvious remarks from Celestia and that know it all Princess Twilight, I don't need you to start doing it too."

"Nevertheless, I have a proposition for you. One that could prove most helpful to you." Discord was a bit skeptical of the disembodied voice from the mirror, but didn't see any harm in listening.

"Do tell." he said. The mirror went on.

"There is a key that Celestia keeps with her at all times, it unlocks a vault that keeps an old book of spells. Within it, is a null spell that should disable the barrier. Bring me the key and I shall bring you the book."

"Is that all?" asked Discord.

"I'll take care of everything." Discord's eyes narrowed and he took a wary step back.

"Let's say I do get this key and you keep your word and give me the book," said Discord. "What's in it for you?"

"Think of it as, a gift, from me to you. Oh, and there's one more thing I need you to do." Discord heaved a dramatic sigh.

"What is it now?"

"Once you give me the key, I want you to...convince Queen Celestia to allow a little field trip for her princesses, to Canterlot castle." Discord scratched his head.

"Canterlot? Whatever for?" But the voice vanished and the warmth returned to the room.

"How peculiar." Discord said to himself. He didn't trust that mirror one bit, but it's offer was tempting.

"After all," he said, a smirk forming on his face. "the sooner I'm free, the sooner I can stir things up around here." 
> Chapter 8: Tested
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: Tested



Queen Celestia was in her office,  sifting through the reports made by teachers on the students' progression with their classwork and paperwork sent over from her castle when she heard somepony knock three times on the door. Celestia lifted her head toward the sound.
“Come in.” she said. A red carpet rolled itself out and stopped in front of her desk. Discord sashayed in, a devilish smile on his face.

“Good evening your highness.” He said, tipping a top hat that he conjured from thin air. A thin smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

“Ah, Discord. What can I do for you?” asked Celestia.

“Oh, nothing much, I just came to pay my respects to our lovely ruler.” Discord said nonchalantly. A bouquet of flowers appeared and he held it out to her.  

“How flattering.” said Celestia. Using her magic, she took the bouquet and sniffed the small blossoms.

“But since you asked…” said Discord. Celestia mentally rolled her eyes. When it came to Discord, he so rarely got to the point. 

“I was thinking, those students of yours have been so nauseatingly perfect, that they deserve a reward of sorts.” Celestia tapped her chin thoughtfully.

“I suppose so. What did you have in mind?” Discord stroked his white goatee with his lion paw, appearing to be thinking carefully about it when he clearly had something in mind.

“Let’s see…I know, why not a trip to Canterlot Castle? I’m sure there are all sorts of boorish and educational what not they can learn while there.” he said. Celestia's eyebrows rose in surprise.

“That’s... actually a good idea." she said, her eyes looking at him suspiciously. "It’s hardly like you to suggest something so helpful.” Discord crossed his arms over his chest in a defiant manner.

“I’ll have you know that I can be quite helpful…when I choose to be.” said Discord. Queen Celestia continued to look at him with suspicion, but shrugged it off. She couldn't see any harm or any reason in rejecting Discord's request. 

“I’ll need to discuss this with Luna, but it sounds like a wonderful idea." said Celestia. "Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some paperwork to do.” Discord bowed low to her.
“Of course.” he said. And disappeared in a white flash of light.





Discord grinned to himself, lifting up a sun-gold key in laid with amethysts.

“Hmph, that was much easier than I thought.” he muttered. "Now to see that mirror and finally get to leaving this place."





“You can’t be serious!” said Twilight incredulously. It had been two weeks or so since her roommate’s detention with Discord, during which Fluttershy somehow got it in her head that not only was he nicer than he seemed, but that the two of them were friends! Sure, she was able to befriend her, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, but this was the Lord of Chaos for Celestia’s sake. 

“You do remember all the things he’s done to Equestria right?” asked Twilight. On the other side of the room, Fluttershy was arranging a vase full of flowers on her nightstand. 

“Of course I do, but that’s all in the past." said Fluttershy. She turned to Twilight. "You girls are being a bit too hard on him. He can be a real sweetheart once you get to know him.” A small sincere smile on her face. Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m sure he is.” Twilight muttered sarcastically.

“You should stop by for one of our tea sessions, I think you’d like it.” Twilight frowned, not as eager of the idea as her friend.

“I’ll pass thank you.”

The door slammed open and Pinkie Pie sped in, grabbing Twilight by her shoulders. Fluttershy stood there in shock at the sudden arrival of the pink pony.

“Have you heard the news?!” asked Pinkie Pie. Twilight looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“Uh…what news?” asked Twilight, trying to figure out what Pinkie was talking about. Which at times could be a bit difficult. Pinkie's eyes widened wider than Twilight could ever think possible, gasping loudly.

“What news? What news?!" Pinkie was about to say the news when her expression went blank and she started to think to herself. "Huh, I forgot.” she said. Twilight let out a groan.

“Wait! I remember now! Queen Celestia has a big important announcement for everypony.” said Pinkie excitedly. Twilight lifted her head, her interest now captured.

“What kind of announcement?” Twilight asked. 

“I just said, an important announcement.” she declared as though it were obvious.

“Yes, but what’s it about?” asked Twilight, trying to pry more information from her. Pinkie merely shrugged.

“How should I know? I’m just the messenger.” Twilight face hoofed herself and Fluttershy giggled a little.

“Don’t just sit there, everypony is gathering in the foyer. Come on!” cried Pinkie Pie, bouncing into the hall and toward the stairs.




The foyer was filled with both students and teachers, Twilight and the girls were gathered together, waiting with the rest of them to hear what the announcement was about. Queen Celestia called for attention and began to speak.

“My dear students, many of you are progressing well in your studies. As such, your hard work won’t go unrewarded." Whispers spread amongst the princesses as to what the award could be.

"I hope it's a party." whispered Pinkie, rubbing her hooves together. Celestia continued.

"The princesses with highest grades will be given the chance to visit Canterlot castle. Princess Luna has offered to guide and chaperon you during this trip." A chorus of cheers and groans filled the air. Canterlot was one of many bustling, must see places in Equestria. The ponies with low grades gave envious looks at the cheering princesses. Princess Luna ushered for silence.

"The trip will be held at the end of the week, those of you who wish to improve upon or are lagging behind in your studies have a chance to do so. Good luck everypony." Twilight was squealing and jumping almost as much as Pinkie Pie.

"This is fantastic!" exclaimed Twilight. Rarity sighed dreamily.

"I've always dreamed of going to Canterlot." said Rarity, looking on as she began to fantasize. "The high end fashions, the sophistication..."

"The fact that you can't go because of your poor grades." Applejack interjected. Rarity shot her a look.

"Alright so I"m a little behind in turning in my homework, I still have until the end of the week to take care of all that. And thankfully I happen to work well under pressure." She said, lifting her head into the air. Twilight managed to calm down enough to stop jumping.

"This is an amazing opportunity. I can't wait to see the Canterlot archives, maybe we'll get a chance to see the Starswirl the Bearded wing!" 

"Twilight, darling," said Rarity. "I say this in the nicest way possible, but could you try taking your head out of books and learning for once?"

"Ah, don't listen to her Twilight." said Applejack. "She could do with putting her head in a book." 

"Hey!" cried Rarity.

"Wait a second!" said Pinkie. The girls turned their heads toward her. "Where's Fluttershy?" That's when they all realized that Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen.

"She must've went back to the dorm room." said Twilight. "I hope she's alright."

"I'm sure she's fine. Probably forgot something, that's all." said Applejack.







As soon as Celestia had finished her announcement, Fluttershy heard a voice, faintly whispering in her ear.

Fluttershy.

Fluttershy followed it back to her dorm where she found her mother waiting for her in the vanity mirror.

"Finally, you're here. No doubt you've heard Celestia's little announcement." said Queen Melodia. Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise.

"How did..."

"Never mind how I knew, what we need to be concerning ourselves with now is setting the first phase of our plan in motion." said Melodia. "If memory serves, there's an old book locked away in the highest most tower of Canterlot castle. I need you to get that book and pass it to me through the nearest mirror."

"But," said Fluttershy. "If it's locked up how am I supposed to get it?" The vanity mirror started to ripple like a water's surface, a key passed through and clattered to the floor. Fluttershy picked it up carefully, examining it in the light.

"Use this to undo the lock, and be careful. There are enchantments placed so that if somepony uses magic, it will alert the guards. Be sure you're not caught." Fluttershy nodded.

"I'll do my best mother." she said.

"See that you do."






Rainbow Dash was working hard to sharpen up Spitfire's (as well as the other Wonderbolts') lance(s). The work of a squire was often dull, but it would pay off if it meant she would one day join the Wonderbolts. For as long as she could remember, joining the Wonderbolts had been her dream. And when she managed to get a job as their squire, she was beyond excited. 

"There, that's the last one." Rainbow Dash said to herself, proudly setting down the well sharpened lance. 

"Finished already?" Spitfire flew down and inspected her lance, testing out the tip. 'Nice work. You'll make a good knight in no time." Rainbow Dash puffed her chest out with pride.

"Aw, it's nothing." she said.

"Lady Spitfire!" Sir Soarin was rushing toward the pegasi in a panic.

"Whoa! Settle down there Soarin. What seems to be the trouble?" asked Spitfire. Soarin panted for breath as he began to explain the problem.

"Blaze and I were flying over the Everfree forest, carrying a the new shipment of armor that just arrived, and we kinda sorta dropped it into the forest." he winced, expecting Spitfire to blow her top. Instead she shook her head and gave an aggravated sigh.

"We'll have to search for the supplies in the morning." she said. Rainbow Dash brightened as an idea entered her head. 'This is my chance to prove myself!' she thought.

"Why don't I go and get the shipment for you guys? I'll be back with it in no time flat." Spitfire and Soarin turned to her.

"It's nice of you to offer Rainbow Dash, but it's too dangerous for a pony to go it alone. Especially at night." said Spitfire.

"Yeah, you could be set upon by Timber wolves!" said Soarin worriedly. 

"Please? If you guys give me a chance...!" Spitfire shook her head.

"I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, but my decision is final. We'll begin the search tomorrow when it's light." Rainbow watched as Spitfire trotted to off, Soarin looking back at her with an apologetic glance. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes.

"I'll show them. I can handle whatever the Everfree forest throws at me."






Rainbow Dash was beginning to regret her decision. As she made her way through the forest in search of the missing shipment. From the dense shrubs, she could hear all kinds of growls coming from them. Chills ran down her spine, she felt as though something or somepony was following her.

"You've got this Rainbow." she told herself. "Think of this as a test, yeah that's it! A test of endurance. And if you pass, you're one step closer to becoming a Wonderbolt." Rainbow Dash squinted, peering through the darkness for the crate that had been dropped. The moon was hiding behind the clouds, making it difficult to see much of anything. 

"It's got to be around here some-ow!" Rainbow Dash rubbed her foreleg, she'd accidentally bumped into the crate.

"Found it." she said in an annoyed tone. Taking some rope she'd brought with her, Rainbow Dash tied it securely around the crate.
"Now all I got to do is drag this thing back to the castle, and show Spitfire and the rest of them that I'm Wonderbolt material." Rainbow began the long, strenuous journey back, the crate dragging through the dirt. A sound reached her ears. It sounded like a cross between a hiss and a cluck. Rainbow decided to just ignore it and continue on. But with each step, the sound drew closer and closer. Rainbow Dash stopped.

"W-who's there?!" she called out. Nopony answered. "Show yourself! I'm warning you, you don't know who you're dealing with!" Rainbow Dash froze as a slithering sound rose from behind her. Slowly she turned her head. Rising above her was a creature with the body of a snake and the head of a chicken, a cockatrice. It let out it's hiss-cluck. Rainbow screamed, shutting her eyes tightly so she wouldn't look into its stony gaze. 'This is the end.' Rainbow thought grimly. But as she prepared for the worst, she felt something swoop between her and the cockatrice. Overcome with curiosity, Rainbow Dash opened an eye to get a peak at was going on. What she saw she could hardly believe. Princess Fluttershy, the shy pegasus she'd helped, was staring down the cockatrice.

"You should be ashamed of yourself mister! Going around and scaring other ponies. What would your mother think of this behavior?" The cockatrice shrank back under Fluttershy's intense gaze. "Now off you go, and don't let me catch you doing this again." The cockatrice slithered away into the shadows. Fluttershy turned to Rainbow Dash, her face full of worry.

"Are you alright? He didn't hurt you did he?" asked Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash looked at her with disbelief.

"That...was...AWESOME!" cried Rainbow Dash. "How did, where did you learn to do that?!" Fluttershy looked away and nervously rubbed her arm.

"It's kind of a natural talent, I guess. I can't really explain it." said Fluttershy.

"Well however you did it, thanks!" Then Rainbow realized something. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm sorry. I saw you heading into the forest and I was worried." said Fluttershy. 

"I thought somepony was following me." said Rainbow. "Mind helping me get this crate back to the castle?"

"Okay, let's just hurry. This place has given me  enough scares to last me a lifetime." The pegasi worked together to bring the crate back to the safety of the castle grounds. Rainbow Dash wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Thanks again for helping me back there." said Rainbow. "I really needed it." she laughed nervously.

"Your welcome." said Fluttershy quietly. She looked up toward the castle towers. 

"I better get back to my dorm, Twilight might be worried about where I've been." Fluttershy galloped off, waving goodbye to Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash?!" Rainbow whirled to see Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts coming toward her. "Where have you been?!" Her eyes fell on the crate.

"I told you not to go into the forest."

"I'm sorry." said Rainbow. "But hey, the crate is here in one piece and that's all that matters." Spitfire looked seriously into Rainbow Dash's eyes.

"You ignored my warning and could've gotten hurt. I'm gonna have to put you on probation until further notice." Rainbow Dash was about to argue when she remembered the cockatrice and how Princess Fluttershy had to save her. She hung her head and sighed.

"I understand ma'am." said Rainbow. As the she headed back to the sleeping quarters with the Wonderbolts, she found her gaze drifting toward the castle.

"Thanks Fluttershy." she murmured under her breath. A small smile on her face. 
> Chapter 9: Action speaks louder than wishes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: Action speaks louder than wishes




Discord was becoming impatient. When he delivered the key to that mirror it told him to expect the book in due time. He was sick of being locked away in the castle (even if it was more spacious than being encased in stone). What’s more he was itching to cause some trouble. Not the usual little pranks he would cause for the princesses and staff, but full blown chaos.

The entire land of Equestria laid on the other side of the stone walls, waiting for him to use his chaotic magic at his disposal to do with as he pleased. He could turn the adorable woodland critters into hulking monsters, turn entire towns upside down, and bend reality as his will saw fit. But as close as it was, the barrier made it seem far away. It tempted him, teased him, every time he looked out the windows or saw the other ponies moving freely about the castle grounds. It was infuriating! And when He was infuriated, there was only one thing for Discord to do. Dump all his misery on somepony else and get a god laugh out of it in turn. 

The only good thing about being trapped was that unlike his last prison, Discord had a hefty supply of ponies for him to mess with. His mind swarmed with innumerable thoughts of what kind of misfortune could befall the innocent ponies.
His first mischievous of the day was a unicorn princess named Midwinter Grace, who was adorning her dark blue mane with a golden ribbon. Discord snapped his paw and watched as the ribbon came to life and moved on its own accord. Snaking around the terrified unicorn and wrapping around her until she resembled a gaudy birthday present. Then, on Princess Wild Fire, he the pegasus’ wings turn into scaly dragon wings. It was deserving of one or two chuckles to see the look of shock on her face. He moved from pony to pony, turning things topsy-turvy on them.

He sneaked into the library and looked around for a good target. He grinned deviously when he spotted Rarity, attempting to study but taking a break to coif her fabulous mane. Discord chuckled as he snapped his talons. Rarity was at first shocked as she felt her mane move and rearrange itself on its own, but when she looked at her reflection in her hoof mirror, she let out an ear-piercing scream. The librarian shushed her. Rarity gaped in horror at what she saw. Her once beautiful purple locks had been turned a rancid sewer green! What’s worse, it’d been piled high in a twisted rat’s nest full of weeds, garbage and…were those worms?! Rarity galloped out of the library, sobbing and shouting at everypony not to look at her.

He chuckled into his paw at his handy work and was planning to move on when he was stopped by a loud ringing sound. He pulled out a watch from nowhere and saw that it read 2 o'clock. 

"Oh dear, that time already?" The librarian shushed him. Ignoring him, Discord teleported back to his classroom.





Standing inside the Tea Etiquette classroom, Fluttershy was waiting for Discord to arrive for their tea session. 

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting long." said Discord who suddenly appeared before Fluttershy in a crisp, blue waistcoat and wearing a monocle. Fluttershy giggled as he took out a teapot and poured out a table, tea foods, a couple teacups, and the tea itself into the cups.

"One lump or two?" asked Discord, holding two sugar tongs, one held one lump of sugar and the other held two.

"Two will be fine." replied Fluttershy, taking a seat at the table. Discord plopped the sugar and tongs into the the cup and swirled it around with his talon. Humming a tune to himself.

"You seem to be in a good mood." remarked Fluttershy as Discord set the cup down in front of her and took a seat in a large velvet arm chair.

"I was just letting off some steam." he said. Now tell me my dear, what's new with you?"

"Nothing much." she said.

"Really Fluttershy, I've told you about me, it's about time you tell me something about you." 

"Well..." began Fluttershy. "...I like animals, especially butterflies. Oh, and bunnies!" Discord frowned.

"Something wrong?" asked Fluttershy.

"Let's just say, I don't really care for the little bouncers and leave it at that." said Discord, grimacing at a memory.

"Alright, well, I also like reading stories, father used to read storybooks to me and keep me company whenever I got scared." Fluttershy remembered the memory fondly, thinking of King Drake, and how he sat beside her on her canopy bed. Telling tales of dashing princes and beautiful princesses, of good and true love overcoming all evil.

"He was the greatest father I could ever want." said Fluttershy. 

"A fine stallion I'm sure." said Discord, unimpressed. "What about your mother, what's she like?" Fluttershy froze. She looked down into her cup.

"Mother is...okay." she replied. Discord arched an eyebrow. 

"Merely okay?" pressed Discord.

"She can be overbearing, stubborn, and when she loses her temper she can be very scary." she said.

"Doesn't sound like she'd be pleasant company." said Discord. Fluttershy shook her head.

"No, I suppose she wouldn't. But..."

"But?"

"Father used to tell me that mother was the nicest pony you'd ever meet. And at the same time, she seemed so sad and lonely." she said.

"Isn't that what happens in most marriages? Some stallion marries a seemingly sweet mare and discovers that she's a horrible monster." said Discord.

"It's not mother's fault!" Fluttershy defended. "She's been through a lot. She lost both her parents and no pony wanted to befriend her. And when father became ill, he told me that before he died, he wanted to see mother's true self. The mare he fell in love with and married. It was his greatest wish."

"Did he ever get his wish?" asked Discord. 

"No. If anything, his passing made things worse for mother. Since then, I too have been hoping and wishing for mother to go back to being the mare that father talked about."  Discord looked at her, his eyelids lowered at half mast.

"No disrespect to your dear old dad," said Discord. "But simply wishing is just ridiculous." Fluttershy looked up at him.

"Don't get me wrong, wishing for something is fine and all, but wishing alone won't get you anywhere. Whenever I want something for example, I simply get it myself." As if to emphasize this, he snapped his talons and made a dozen objects appear all around them. A crystal cruet, a dozen bags of basil, mince pies, scarves, zinnias, a voodoo doll that looked like her friend Twilight, a magic lamp, and more. With another snap they all disappeared to Celestia knows where.

"Of course in the rare instances where I'm not able to get what I want, I work to get it. My own way of course." he added. Fluttershy thought about it, he had a good point. Her mother worked to become the pony she was today, and nopony (other than Queen Celestia and Princess Luna) tried to stop her. 

"Oh, I almost forgot to ask," said Discord. Bringing Fluttershy's attention back. "What do you think about the trip to Canterlot?" Fluttershy bit back her lip. Her mother's plan to have her steal the spell book flashed through her mind.

"It's nice." said Fluttershy. Discord could sense that something was up, but before he could press on the issue there was a loud pounding on the door.

"Just a minute!" he called out. Fluttershy let out a squeal as Discord shrank her and stuffed into the teapot.

"Wait here my dear." he said. Discord floated over to the door and opened to find a very disgruntled Twilight Sparkle glaring up at him.

"Princess Twilight! What a pleasant surprise." said Discord.

"Save it Discord." snapped Twilight. "I'm in no mood after what you've done." Discord looked at her as if she didn't know what she was referring to.

"Why whatever do you mean?" he asked.

"Don't play dumb, you know exactly what I mean! All those pranks you pulled on the princesses!" she exclaimed. Discord examined talons, not caring what Twilight had to say.

"And your point is" he asked. Twilight gritted her teeth and growled.

"The point is that you're going too far. It's one thing to prank during classes, but now you're tormenting everypony else." Discord rolled his eyes.

"And I should be worried about this how?" he asked.

"Unless you want to end up turning back into stone, you'll clean up your act." said Twilight. 

"If it's such a big problem, Queen Celestia herself can take it up with me. Now if you excuse me, I have business to attend to. Ta-ta!" With that he slammed the door in Twilight's face. Discord took the teapot and turned it upside down. After a couple shakes, a full grown Fluttershy tumbled out. She arched an eyebrow at him.

"Blowing off steam, huh?" Discord laughed and smiled weakly.






Fluttershy managed to talk Twilight into going to the library to calm down after her talk with Discord. She needed to be alone for what she was going to do. She stood in front of the vanity mirror. She did her best to stand tall and appear confident.

"Mother!" she called. "I need to talk to you...please." Her mother appeared before her.

"What is it you wish to talk about?" asked Melodia. Fluttershy took a deep breath.

"It's about the plan mother, I don't want to do it." Melodia was silent, she didn't appear as angry as Fluttershy thought she would be. Instead, she looked at her intently. What Discord said made her realize something. If she wanted her mother to change, she needed to take action. Fluttershy decided to continue.

"I've always listened to you, done my best to please you and follow your orders. But...I don't want to rule Equestria mother. I will be queen one day, but I'll be the queen of our kingdom. I don't want to be the infamous queen you think I'm meant to be." Fluttershy was amazed at how confident she seemed to be. All the feelings she had over the years were just tumbling out.

"You can appeal to Queen Celestia, she could forgive you like she did Discord." said Fluttershy. 

"You ask for much Fluttershy." said Queen Melodia. Fluttershy looked at the queen with her wide, pleading eyes.

"Please mother, you don't need to be evil. You can be the pony you once were." A moment of silenced passed between them.

"Very well." replied Melodia. Fluttershy was surprised. Did she hear right?

"R-really?" asked Fluttershy. Melodia nodded.

"If it's what you truly want, then who am I to stop you? All any mother wants is her child's happiness, and so long as this makes you happy, I'll gladly stand aside." Melodia paused and added, "However, you still might want to consider getting that spell book."

"Mother..."

"Not for me, for that Draconequus you seem to care for." Fluttershy was confused by this.

"Huh?"

"Surely you've noticed how he's never set paw, claw, or cloven hoof outside this castle." Now that she thought about, she hadn't seen him or heard anypony complain about him outside the castle.

"Like me, he too is imprisoned by a barrier."

"Goodness."

"You consider him your friend, correct?" asked Melodia. Fluttershy nodded.

"Then why not do something to thank him for his friendship? By giving what he wants most of all, his freedom."

"B-but Queen Celestia..." Fluttershy stammered. Melodia waved her hoof dismissively.

"Fluttershy, you know as well as I do that he's not the same Draconequus as told in those stories. If you are really his best and only friend, then you'll want to do what it takes to see him happy. And if he does get out of control, Celestia can handle it." Fluttershy was still unsure.

"If what you say is true..."

"It is."

"Then how do I know you won't keep the book for yourself?"

"You have my word as a queen and as your mother, that I'll give the spell book to your friend, and I swear that I won't go back on my word." Fluttershy sighed. Her mother seemed to be telling the truth, and appeared quite serious.

"Alright, for my friend, I'll do it." she said. 'I know first hoof what it's like to feel trapped.' she thought to herself. "Promise me something mother. Once I get the book, you'll make amends with Queen Celestia, and ask her to give you a second chance." Her mother said nothing before replying, "I promise." Fluttershy smiled lightly.

"Thank you mother. You won't regret this." Fluttershy turned and left the room, not noticing the sinister smile that spread onto Melodia's face.

"Oh, I know I won't." 

> Chapter 10: Canterlot heist
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10: Canterlot heist



The day of the Canterlot trip began early that weekend morning. The ponies who were going (the top 10 highest grading students) had spent nearly all night and all morning picking out what to wear and deciding what to do once they arrived. As they began filing in the carriages to take them there, Twilight and Fluttershy were saying goodbye to Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

"This is so exciting!" squealed Twilight. "Just think of all that we can learn from this trip."

"It's a shame that you girls can't come with us." said Fluttershy. "It wouldn't be the same without you." Applejack just shrugged.

"Eh, we don't mind none." she said. Pinkie nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, just make you bring back a bunch of souvenirs for us. Okay?" Twilight and Fluttershy laughed.

"We'll try. Pinkie." Fluttershy looked around.

"Where's Rarity?" she asked.

"She's holed up in her room, been in there for the last two or so days. Something about mane trouble." said Applejack. 

"Your highnesses, we're about to leave." called the coach horse from his seat.

"We gotta get going." said Twilight. "We'll see you soon." Applejack and Pinkie Pie waved their goodbyes.

"Take care!"

"Don't forget us!" Applejack looked at her quizzically.

"You do know they're just gonna be gone for the day. Right?" she asked. Pinkie just smiled.

"Oh I know." Applejack just decided to drop to subject and the two continued to wave their goodbyes as the carriages drove out of sight.






Twilight eagerly talked during the whole trip as Fluttershy listened. Her face full of happiness at the prospect of furthering her learning. Fluttershy however was thinking about what she was about to do. 'Why did I agree to do this?' she wondered. 'It was bad enough when I was doing it for mother but...' She then thought of Discord, unable to leave the castle. What if  Queen Celestia decided to keep him there? Thinking about only his past and not seeing the side of him that she'd come to know? 'It'll only be for a little while.' Fluttershy assured herself. 'Enough time to stretch and move about before anypony notices.'

It was around then that she noticed that Twilight had stopped stopped talking, and she could see why. From the carriage window, the two princesses saw the grand castle coming into view. Canterlot castle was drastically different from the school. Built into the side of a mountain, the castle and its many towers and outward facing balconies looked out over the land below. Made of smooth white stone and capped with roofs of purple and gold. A steady waterfall streamed from the mountainside, pooling into a lake on the edge of the castle grounds before spilling over the edge and down below the mountain. A grand sight worthy of its reputation. 

"There it is." Twilight whispered in awe. Fluttershy was also at a loss for words. She put a hoof to her neck, where hidden beneath the neckline of her dress, hung the key Queen Melodia instructed her to use. 'This is it.' she told herself.


The princesses exited the carriages in single file. Princess Luna stood before them, making sure that they were all present and accounted for. 

"I welcome you all to Canterlot castle." said Luna. "While here, I ask that you respect the rules and do not stray from the group." The princess beckoned for them to follow her inside. Everypony marveled at the grandeur of this hallowed place. Sunlight shined through the stained glass windows, casting bright colors onto the floor. Grand carpets and tapestries hung about the room. 

"Centuries ago, my sister and I ruled Equestria together from our royal castle in the Everfree forest. As more and more ponies began to populate the land, my sister thought it would be best to build an new castle, so that we may be closer to our subjects." said Princess Luna. She went on to describe how she and her sister debated greatly over the matter and how they chose this place to build their new home. Seeing the princess distracted, Fluttershy saw this as her chance to slip away to find the spell book.

Quietly, she ducked away from the group and down a nearby hallway. 'Mother said the book would be in the highest tower of the castle.' Fluttershy thought to herself. She began going down hallways, trying to stay out of sight from the castle guards. 'Where could it be?' she wondered. Just as she was about to give up, she found a long staircase that rose high up. Believing that she finally found what she was looking for, Fluttershy began the long trek up its many steps. 






Back with the group, Princess Luna had taken them through the gardens and the observatory when Fleur Dis Lee spoke up.


"Princess Luna?" Luna stopped and faced Fleur.

"Yes Fleur Dis Lee?"she asked.

"Princesses Twilight and Fluttershy are missing." said Fleur. Sure enough, they were nowhere to be seen. Luna mentally slapped herself for not keeping better watch.

"Guard, come here!" she called. A dark gray unicorn in golden armor trotted toward her. 

"Alert the other guards that Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Fluttershy are wandering the castle. Have them found and brought to me. I'll assist with the search, and ask also that you keep close watch over the students." The guard saluted her, and did as he was told.

"Where could those two have gotten to?" she wondered aloud.






Twilight had been enjoying the tour immensely, but when she noticed that Fluttershy wasn't in the group, no doubt lost, she decided to try and find her before Princess Luna could notice her absence. "She couldn't have gotten that far." Twilight told herself. It wasn't long before Twilight herself got lost. She smacked her hoof onto her forehead.

"This is just great." she muttered. "Where could she have gone?" Twilight aimlessly walked down the hall in search of a guard or somepony that could help her, but they'd all been called by one of the guards to receive some important orders from the princess. Twilight stopped at the entrance of a hallway, something about it caught her attention. Pulled in by curiosity, she found herself walking down it. The walls were lined with portraits of ponies. Young and old, mare and stallion, pegasus, pony, and unicorn, they looked back at Twilight with stiff expressions. She recognized some of them from her books, old rulers of kingdoms in Equestria and beyond. One portrait in particular caused Twilight to stop and stare.

The pegasus mare in the portrait was taller and carried herself with confident grace. Her milk and honey coat made her appear as elegant and as delicate as a porcelain doll. Her red-violet mane was pulled back in a loose ponytail that hung over her shoulder. But despite her beauty and regal air, there was something...off about it. Her eyes...yes, that was it. Those dark sea green eyes held a lonely, almost bitter shadow in them.Twilight somehow felt sorry for her, but at the same time, a touch unnerved the longer she stared into those eyes.

"Twilight Sparkle!" boomed a voice. Twilight flinched at the sound, looking over her shoulder to see Princess Luna, a frown on her face, coming from the entrance of the hall.

"I'd expect you to know better than to wander off." she said sternly. Twilight lowered her head.

"Forgive me Princess, I saw Fluttershy was missing and went to look for her." said Twilight. "Then I stumbled upon this...what is this?"  Luna looked at the portraits with respect. 

"The Hall of Royals Past." she answered. "Here lies the Kings and Queens that have ruled before you. Their portraits made shortly after their coronations. Twilight looked back at the portrait of the pegasus queen.

"If I may your highness, who is she?" she asked pointing a hoof at the mare. A glimmer of an unfamiliar expression passed over the princess' eyes. Her mouth tightened at the question.

"That Twilight Sparkle, is a terrible story for another day." said Luna in a grim tone. Twilight noticed that the princess was glaring at the mare, as though she were really there.

"Let us return to the others." said Luna, turning to leave.

"But...!" Luna silenced her.

"Forget about this place Twilight Sparkle. Forget about that mare." to herself she murmured. "Just as I've tried."

Twilight wanted to ask further, but followed the alicorn back to the room.







Finally Fluttershy had made it to the top of the stairs. She panted a bit to catch her breath. She looked up to find two large doors before her. Carefully, she creaked open the door and entered. A small hallway was inside, lined with floor-length stained glass windows. Fluttershy's hooves pitter-pattered on the stone floor, echoing slightly  against the walls. Fluttershy walked toward the tall glass case that held in it the thick spell book, it's cover cracked and pages yellowing. Fluttershy took out the key and turned it thrice in the golden lock. The tumblers shifted and clicked as the case opened up to her. Carefully, she took the book in hoof and breathed a sigh of relief.

"I thought it would be much more difficult." she said. But then, a small surge of magic left from the podium. Fluttershy could hear the dozen of guards making their way to the door. Quickly, she flew up into the air and into the far corner of the ceiling. She looked down at the now empty podium.

"Please let this work." she whispered. One of the spells her mother had tried to teach her was a simple illusion spell. Fluttershy's irises lit with a small glow as she cast the spell onto the podium. The guards burst in, searching the room, but not thinking to look up. The circled the podium, which to them still contained the book.

"False alarm." said one of the guards, and they all left. Fluttershy flew down from her hiding spot and crept out. She started to search around for a mirror to pass the book through. Finally, she found one hanging on the wall.

"Mother." she said. The mirror reflected a black light in response. Fluttershy pushed the book through the rippling glass. 

"You've done well my daughter." said Queen Melodia. Fluttershy bobbed her head.

"I need to go, remember your promise mother." Fluttershy hurried off. 







Fluttershy found the group again, when she approached, Princess Luna gave her a steely gaze.

"Princess Fluttershy, did I not explicitly tell you not to leave the group?" asked Luna. Fluttershy stammered.

"I-I, I was..."

"There you are!" cried a voice. Fluttershy stiffened. Had somepony seen what she'd done. Much to her surprise, it was Rainbow Dash galloping toward them.

"You didn't give me a chance to thank you." said Rainbow Dash. Princess Luna gave Rainbow a questionable look.

"Squire Rainbow Dash, what are you talking about?" asked Luna. Rainbow faced the alicorn princess.

"I was having some trouble carrying a new order of armor for the Wonderbolts, when Princess Fluttershy," she said wrapping her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulder, "was kind enough to help me. She hurried off, saying she had to get back before I had a chance to properly thank her." Princess Luna eyed the two pegasi before deciding that she was telling the truth.

"Next time Princess Fluttershy," said Luna, her steel gaze lessen by a tiny fraction. "It would be best to inform me of when you choose to go and help somepony on a whim." Luna gave out a long lecture on the importance of listening to their superiors, and that any pony else who broke the rules during the trip would receive a week long detention.

"Thank you." Fluttershy whispered to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smiled.

"No problem. It was the least I could do." 

"What are you doing her?" Rainbow Dash became red faced with embarrassment. 

"I uh, was sent on a shopping errand for the Wonderbolts. What with being on probation and all." Fluttershy's eyes looked down.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I'm the one who didn't listen." A small smile spread on Fluttershy's face. Twilight motioned for her friend to hurry up and follow the rest of the group. Fluttershy bade Rainbow goodbye and went after the other princesses, continuing the tour.







Back in the school, Discord was playing cards with himself, trying to keep himself entertained. Queen Celestia had told Discord to confine his "chaotic quirks" to his classroom, so as to not further upset the princesses and staff. He was interrupted when the mirror on the wall rippled. From it, a thick spell book was pushed out.

"It's about time." said Discord. He opened the old book, the page he needed had been bookmarked by a soft, milk and honey colored feather.

"What's this?" he asked quizzically. The mirror spoke.

"That is a vital ingredient for the spell to work. I suggest you take care not to loose it." Discord's yellow and red eyes scanned the text, stopping at how long it would take for the spell to work.

"A month?!" he screeched. He glared at the mirror. 

"The price for freedom requires patience." replied the mirror coolly.  

"Knowing how long I'd have to wait would've been a helpful tidbit." said Discord snarkily. "What am I supposed to do until then?"

"Your the Lord of Chaos,you think of something." replied the mirror sharply. The voice faded and the mirror became ordinary once more. Discord was not the least bit amused.

"That's the last time I choose to listen to talking mirrors." said Discord. He placed the book and feather on his desk. "Still, I can't argue that the mirror didn't deliver." 
> Chapter 11: Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 11: Revealed



Twilight, despite what Princess Luna had advised, couldn't seem to get that mare from the portrait out of her mind. There was something about her, and she couldn't help but wonder who she was. Seeing that Princess Luna wasn't going to give her any answers, Twilight decided it was best to find the answers on her own. She searched through the library for some clue as to the mare's identity. 

"You okay sugarcube?" asked Applejack as Twilight flipped through her 15th book so far since beginning her research. 

"You've been holed up in here since the trip to Canterlot. Is everything alright?"  Twilight nodded.

"I'm fine, I just can't help but be drawn to that mare somehow."

"Well maybe you should take a break. Help clear your head." said Applejack, setting down a little snack for Twilight and left. Twilight closed the book in frustration. No matter how many books she sifted through, she didn't seem to be getting anywhere. Perhaps Applejack was right. A little break could be good for her muddled mind. Just as she was closing the book however, that's when she finally spotted it. A small illustration of the pegasus. 

"Aha!" cried Twilight triumphantly. The librarian shushed her.

"Sorry." Twilight whispered. Smiling sheepishly at the librarian. She looked down at the book and immediately began to read it.  



Queen Melodia of the kingdom of Amrista, was known as the most unusual pegasus in all recorded history. Daughter of King Viridian  and Queen Maia, the mare had born with the gift of magic.

Twilight paused. 'Magic?' she thought to herself. 'How could that be? Pegasi can't use magic...right?' Twilight continued reading.

Ponies from far and wide gathered to see this miraculous princess. Despite having no horn, she could cast spells as well as any unicorn. Many theories and rumors sprang up, surrounding around how a non-unicorn could possibly possess magic. Nopony could come up with a sound explanation, and the rumors and theories remained. The talents of this filly intrigued Queen Celestia herself, who saw potential in her powers to help benefit all the ponies of Equestria. With King Viridian's permission, Queen Celestia took the pegasus princess under her wing, and taught her to better hone and use her powers. As the years passed, Princess Melodia grew into a lovely mare, who studied hard to become a good queen for her subjects, and take over for her father who was getting old and tired. Then, King Viridian received a letter from a good friend of his, pleading for his help to defeat a rampaging dragon in his kingdom. Unable to refuse a request from an old friend, the old pegasus king went to his friend's aid. The king died in battle after sacrificing his life to save another, and the dragon had been vanquished. With the king dead, and the late queen having died while in labor, Melodia was all alone to become Amrista's new ruler. The youngest ruler in Amrista at the age of 17.  


Twilight turned the page, hoping for more, but there was nothing. She flipped through the book, hoping that there must've been some mistake. There had to be more! She let her head fall onto the book, trying to think about what she learned. 'A pegasus with magic.' she thought to herself. It was an interesting and fascinating thought. She thought about the look in Queen Melodia's eyes from her coronation portrait. That's when it hit her. 'A pegasus with a magic.' She remembered skimming through her Equestria History text book and catching those words as she'd flipped the pages. 

Twilight reached into her saddle bag, pulling out her text book and searched for the words til she stopped near the end of the book. The section that held the most recent events to occur. She read the section.

The Queen of Evil, one of many who tried to claim Equestria for her own, was a pegasus with magic. Powerful, black magic that rivaled that for the royal pony sisters. When confronted by Queen Celestia and Princess Luna, the three beings battled for two days nonstop. When it seemed as though the battle would be in the pegasus queen's favor, Queen Celestia and Princess Luna combined their powers and managed to render the Queen of Evil helpless. Showing mercy toward her, Queen Celestia banished the mare to the confines of her kingdom in the far edge of Equestria. A magical barrier erected by the royal sister, made specifically to imprison the queen, and allow the innocent ponies of the kingdom to come and go as they pleased. But fearing their ruler's wrath, none had left in fear of what she'd attempt to do to them should they try to leave.

Twilight closed the book, having finished reading the section. Her mind was rapidly thinking as she pieced together what she'd read. The mare in the portrait, Queen Melodia of Amrista, was the Queen of Evil. There couldn't be that many pegasi that posses magic, and the fact that she battled against Celestia and Luna could explain why the princess seemed so upset by the portrait. But there was still something that didn't quite make sense. If they really were the same pony, then why did the history books describe them as if they were two entirely different? Twilight scratched her head. She'd figure it out later, for now she needed to take a little break.  Placing the book back on the shelf, and trotted out of the library.







Fluttershy was glad to see that her mother had kept her word, when in Tea Etiquette class she saw the spell book sitting on Discord's desk. Perhaps her mother really did decide to listen to her and change her ways. But what she noticed was that Discord didn't seem to be using it. Had her mother been mistaken? No, she couldn't have. Was he waiting for something? What's more, her mother hadn't talked to her since the trip to Canterlot.

"Yoo-hoo! Fluttershy! You in there?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Wha?"  Fluttershy was pulled out of her thoughts.

"Are you alright darling?" asked Rarity. "You and Twilight both seem out of it lately."

"Oh, I'm fine, I've just had a lot on my mind is all." said Fluttershy.

"Same here." replied Twilight.

"Well I know something that will help with that." said Pinkie. "A nice big batch of my Granny Pie's special feel good cupcakes!" Pinkie Pie pulled out a large plate of pink frosted cupcakes from under the table.

"How does she do that?" Twilight wondered allowed.

"After being around Pinkie for a while, you learn to just kinda roll with it." said Applejack, taking a big bite out of a cupcake. The rest of the girls each took a cupcake and happily ate them. 

"Hey, look who's coming over." said Applejack, pointing a hoof out at the approaching ponies. Fleur Dis Lee and her buddies Upper Crust, Charm, Florina Tart, Royal Ribbon, and Cinnabelle were making their way toward their table.

"What do you suppose they want?" asked Rarity.

"Maybe they want some cupcakes." said Pinkie Pie. Fleur stopped in front of the girls, looking at them distastefully. 

"Ah, the peasants' table." she said with a sneer.

"What do you want Fleur?" asked Twilight, narrowing her eyes at the unicorn princess.

"Nothing much," said Fleur. "I was just wondering were you and Fluttershy wandered off to during the trip."

"And we should tell you, why?" asked Twilight. Fleur batted her eyelashes innocently.

"I'm simply caring about the well being of my fellow students, we were all very worried when you too disappeared." Twilight looked at her suspiciously, clearly not believing her.

"You already know where we went." said Twilight. "Fluttershy stopped to help Squire Rainbow Dash and I went to find Fluttershy." Fleur let out a light chuckle.

"Pardon me princess, but I find that story to be nothing more than that, a story." Fluttershy looked at her anxiously.

"W-why would you say that?" she asked. Fleur smiled at her slyly.

"Oh, I don't know, only that I happened to over hear Lady Spitfire say that the new shipment of armor came in days before the trip, and that Squire Rainbow Dash retrieved it by herself." Fluttershy gulped. What could she say? 

"So I'll ask you, where did you go during the trip?" Fluttershy's throat tightened, her forehead perspiring.

"You just want to get Fluttershy in trouble." accused Applejack. Fleur shrugged. 

"So what if I do? She should learn not to get away with lying to Princess Luna, or anypony else."

"Just go away Fleur." said Twilight. Fleur looked at her unimpressed. 

"Says who, the princess who rules over a tiny village of under 200 ponies?" Fleur and her cronies laughed as Twilight's cheeks grew red with embarrassment. 

"I mean it, go away." said Twilight angrily. Fleur turned as she was about to leave, but her horn lit up, pouring Twilight's cup over her books and papers. 

"Oops! My bad!" said Fleur, not really meaning it, her pals laughing snarkily. Rainbow Dash had spotted the mean mares hassling Fluttershy and her friends and hurried to get somepony before things got real ugly real fast.

"How rude!" gasped Rarity. Pinkie Pie tried to get a good whack at Fleur, pawing at the air as Applejack held her back.

"You mean old meanie!""

"Let her be Pinkie." Fluttershy faced Fleur, her eyes narrowed. Twilight was her friend, and nopony treated her friends like that.

"I think you should leave." said Fluttershy softly. Fleur cocked her head, trying to listen.

"What was that?" she asked mockingly.

"I said, I think you should leave." repeated Fluttershy. Fleur scoffed.

"Or what? What can a pathetic pegasus like you do?" 

"I-I..." she stammered.

"Oh dear, it seems she intends to stammer us into submission." said Upper Crust. Fluttershy frowned, she could feel herself beginning to loose her temper. She took a deep breath.

"Please, leave." Fleur bent down and smirked nastily, her face inches away from Fluttershy's.

"Make me, peasant." she said. Fluttershy could feel her face grow warm, her eyes glaring intensely. Fleur backed away as she saw a dark light glimmer in Fluttershy's irises.

"Leave us alone...NOW!" she yelled. All the princesses turned to see the commotion at the window table. Rainbow Dash entered the dining room, followed by Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and Professor Polaris.

"What's going on here?" boomed Luna. But it was too late. A black surge of magic erupted from Fluttershy, knocking the ponies around her to the floor and shattering the glass in the window. The anger drained out of Fluttershy, she looked around her as all the ponies stared in shock at what had happened. What had she done? Fleur stared at her from the floor.

"What are you?" she asked. Fluttershy looked behind to her friends, also knocked by the surge. Fluttershy's eyes began to water. Her eyes tightened and Fluttershy galloped as fast as she could out of the dining room, leaving the shocked ponies behind in the dining room, still trying to figure out what it was that had happened.






Queen Melodia grinned to herself, having witnessed what had transpired in her mirror. 

"Finally, she's called upon the power of black magic." she said. The image of her daughter tearfully galloping away from her friends and fellow princesses appeared in her mirror. The corner of Melodia's mouth tightened. Seeing her daughter brought to tears wasn't pleasant, but it was needed in order for her daughter to learn. She had to learn, just as she had all those years ago. When she too foolishly believed in the goodness of ponies and the peace of Equestria. Melodia changed to show the Draconequus performing the null spell in what he thought was solitude. The spell's effect wouldn't be evident for a month, until then, there was still much for her to do.
> Chapter 12: The truth will set you free...kind of...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 12: The truth will set you free...kind of...



There was a whirlwind of commotion in Queen Celestia's office as she did her best to calm down the unsteady teachers (surprisingly Discord wasn't among them when clearly it would be in his character to get in on this kind of uproar). Do to great shock, classes had been cancelled for the day and the princesses were sent to their assorted dorm rooms.

"I understand that it was quite a surprise for you!"

"Hah! That's an understatment." exclaimed Polaris. "Forgive me my queen, but it was one thing to bring that...that beast to this school, and  have him teaching no less, but to discover that there was another!"

"I assure you, Fluttershy isn't like that." said Celestia. But no matter what she said, the panic in the teachers began to rise, all except for Luna and Cadence.

"Queen Celestia is right." said Cadence. "Fluttershy is one of the nicest, shiest ponies you'll ever meet. Could somepony like that possibly wish harm on anypony?" Polaris scoffed.

"Unless the students themselves agree with your views, I don't see why we should listen." As if on Que, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, all came bursting in. Each with a worried expression.

'Princess Twilight, I thought I had everypony sent to their rooms." said Celestia. But Twilight stood tall and determined.

"I'm sorry Queen Celestia, but I had to tell you that what happened wasn't Fluttershy's fault." Her friends nodded in agreement. Luna cocked her head at the ponies.

"How so?" she asked.

Twilight said, "In the dining room, Fleur Dis Lee came over to our table and started to insult us."

"Well she mostly insulted Twilight and Fluttershy, but still." clarified Rainbow Dash.

"Thank you Rainbow Dash. The point is that Fleur was egging Fluttershy on, she wanted Fluttershy to react." said Twilight.

"I don't think she was expecting the kind of reaction that came from Fluttershy though." said Rarity. "I know I certainly didn't" A brief silence passed before Queen Celestia spoke up.

"We will speak further of this later." she said addressing the teachers. "For now, I need a word with these young ponies." The teachers didn't look too happy to leave, but trotted out of the office. Twilight looked up at Queen Celestia.

"Queen, that power that erupted out of Fluttershy, it was black magic...wasn't it?"

"...Yes, it was."

"I don't understand." said Applejack. "How can a pegasus use magic, much less black magic?"

"It was an inherited from her mother."

"Queen Melodia." said Twilight. Celestia looked at her surprised that she knew about Melodia.

"I'm right, aren't I?"

"Once again, you are correct Twilight Sparkle. I suppose it was only a matter of time before somepony found out." The rest of the girls however were still confused as to who they were referring to.

"Who's Queen Melodia?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"She was an old pupil of mine, as well as the first pegasus in the history of Equestria to possess magic. Though most ponies know her as the Queen of Evil." There was a collective gasp from the ponies, except Twilight and Rainbow Dash who only scratched her mane in confusion.

"The who what now?" she asked.

"She was foolishly corrupted by the power of black magic and sought to take over all of Equestria." clarified Princess Luna.

"Wait, wait, you expect me to believe that this evil queen or whatever is Fluttershy's mom?" asked Rainbow Dash incredulously. Princess Luna nodded, completely serious.

"Granny Smith used to tell stories about the Queen of Evil, it's hard to imagine her as Fluttershy's mother." said Applejack.

"Yeah, she's super duper mean, and Fluttershy is super duper nice!" said Pinkie Pie.

"That is the truth though. Before coming to this school, I made an agreement with Melodia that nopony would know of who Fluttershy really was. She said she'd be able to fit in better with the other princesses if they didn't know that the Queen of Evil was her mother." said Queen Celestia. "But now it seems that I have no choice but to send her back home." 

"You're not going to expel her?"

"I have no choice. The students and teachers are rightfully in a panic. No matter what I say, nothing will convince them to let her stay for the rest of the year."

"But you can't! Fluttershy doesn't deserve to be expelled." 

"Then what do you suggest?" asked Luna.

"I don't know, but please, don't expel Fluttershy. We'll do what we can to make sure nopony has to be afraid." said Twilight. Queen Celestia looked into each of their determined faces.

"You all are willing to defend Fluttershy?"

"Yep."

"Yes indeedy!"

"You got that right."

"Yes."

"Here, here!" Celestia looked over to her sister, she gave a curt nod.

"I'll do what I can, but I guarantee no promises." A smile spread across her face. "Fluttershy is fortunate to have friends such as you."

"Thank you Queen Celestia." The ponies left the office, leaving Celestia and Luna alone. 

"Things are going to be quite difficult, now that Fluttershy's powers have been revealed." said Princess Luna. "But nothing I'm sure we can't handle together." Celestia looked at her sister who smiled at her. Celestia returned the gesture.

"Thank you Luna."







Fluttershy lay on her bed, softly crying to herself. She couldn't believe what she'd done. She'd never gotten angry like that before! She wanted to take it all back, but that wasn't an option. As she cried, her mind drifted to a memory from long ago, when she was a filly and her mother had come into the room to see what had caused Fluttershy to scream in fear. Fluttershy told her mother that the shadows were making all sorts of terrifying shapes. In response to this her mother had said:

"When you are queen, you will be feared instead of fearing others. You will stand tall and command attention." It was one of the few, almost motherly memories Fluttershy had of her. 

"I don't think I'll ever be like that mother." she'd said. "I'm not strong or confident or anything like that. Not like you." Her mother's expression had became soft and distant.

"I wasn't always like this Fluttershy. Like you I too was...insecure. Afraid that nopony would ever love or respect me like they did my parents, or my mentor."

"What happened?"

"I discovered the beauty and fearsome might of black magic, and the secrets it held. As I learned, I began to discover the truth. Those ponies I tried to earn love and respect from were jealous and bitter of my talents. They envied the magic I was born with, magic that rivaled that of Queen Celestia. And for that, what did they do? They shunned me, never attempting to reach a hoof out to me when I needed it. I then realized I didn't need their love, or anypony else's. What good had love ever done me but break my heart?" Queen Melodia had looked at her solemnly and had said, "Let this be a lesson to you my daughter. Once you love or care for somepony, it will only lead to heartache and heart break."

Fluttershy looked up from her pillow. Her mother had been like her. At the time, she thought that meant that she could become nurturing, gentle and kind. But now, she was beginning to wonder if she was becoming like her mother. Bitter and evil. After all, she'd been dishonest in not telling anypony the truth, disloyal to the Queen's and her friends' trust, and had acted out of anger and cruelty toward Fleur. Maybe she was evil. Just as her mother had always wanted her to be. The door opened and all her friends stepped in.

Fluttershy blinked back tears.

"Fluttershy...?"

"Okay there sugarcube?" Rarity used her unicorn magic to pull out a silken handkerchief and wiped the tears away from her warm cheeks.

"I-I'm okay." she said, sniffling. 

"So, your mom's the Queen of Evil." Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise. Then lowered her head. 

"You must think the worst of me." she muttered. Rarity shook her head.

"Fluttershy darling, why would we ever think the worst of you?" she asked.

"You all saw what happened. I...I..."

"You were only doing what Fleur wanted you to do. Overreact."

"It's not your fault, all your guilty of is defending Twilight and yourself from her insults."

"You-re, you're not mad?" she asked.

Rainbow dash shook her head, "Why would we be?"

"It doesn't matter to us who your mother is or what she's done, because to us you're not a thing like her." said Applejack. The girls gathered around the bed and pulled Fluttershy into a group hug. She closed her eyes and smiled at the kindness of her friends. With them, she felt a little bit better.







Fluttershy hadn't been expelled thanks to Queen Celestia and Princess Luna who came up with a way to make the teachers and students feel safer. They had imposed a curfew, with guards patrolling the dorm halls, and had assigned teachers to monitor the dining room, switching off between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fleur and her friends were receive all sorts of attention and sympathy from the princesses. 

"I just knew there was something strange about her." she'd say to any who'd listen. "I can't imagine why Queen Celestia would let somepony like that continue going to school here. It's obvious she doesn't belong." Fluttershy winced at these comments. Every so often she'd look to her friends to see what their reactions were, but they just ignored Fleur all together. 

"You shouldn't let what they say get you down sugarcube." said Applejack.

"I know but, I can't help it. I what else can I do?"

"We can start by helping them see the real you." said Twilight confidently.

"How?"

"Just be yourself, and everypony will see how wrong they were." Twilight hefted her saddle bag onto the table.

"We should also help you learn to better control that magic of yours. That way you won't loose control of it." Fluttershy didn't know what to say. Her eyes drifted to the other princesses then back to her friends.

"I'll do it."
> Chapter 13: A little kindness and a little chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13: A little kindness and a little chaos



Discord was both surprised and disappointed as he stole a couple glances at Fluttershy during his lesson. After he finished completing the spell that would break the barrier, he'd found out there was some kind of commotion during lunch. He couldn't believe it when he'd heard that it was not only Fluttershy that caused it, but that she also possessed magic. Magic!  He also heard there was a large argument between the rest of the teachers and Queen Celestia. All this delightful chaos and confusion and he missed it! How was it that he was the last to know?! He cursed under his breath over not having been there, but pushed that disappointment aside. He needed to have a word with the pegasus princess.  

As the bell rang, signaling the end of school, Discord pulled Fluttershy back with his magic.

"A quick word with you my dear." said Discord, conjuring his desk chair behind him where he promptly sat. Fluttershy was momentarily surprised before she guessed what this was about.

"You must've heard about what happened at lunch, like everypony else." she said embarrassed.

"Yes, that incident where you performed magic. And here I thought I knew all there was to know about you, but now I find out you've been keeping secrets from me."

"I'm sure you have your own secrets too." Fluttershy hid half her face behind her mane. "Besides, even if I had told you, it wouldn't do me any good." Discord scooted closer to her.

"It would've been better to have heard it though from you instead of somepony else." he retorted. "I would've loved to see how flustered Celestia was, or the look on all those princesses' faces when you showed them who's boss." As he said this, he thought to himself, 'I could have helped.' He frowned to himself. Where the heck did that come from? 

"You're right." said Fluttershy. Discord looked at her, not sure if he heard right. "I should've told you, I should've told my friends, and everypony else to begin with. Why I didn't...I don't know, maybe I was just doing as mother said or..." She looked up into Discord's face, her eyes a touch watery.

"I was afraid what everypony would think once they found out who I was, what I can do. That all they'd see is my mother and all she's done instead of me." Discord felt a strange twinge in his chest as he looked into those doe eyes filled with sadness and worry. Discord took her hoof with his lion paw and wrapped his long snake tail around her, in a comforting gesture.

"Don't cry my dear, tears don't suit you at all. As to those other ponies, who cares what they think? I never do." he put his eagle claw to his chest, looking quite proud of that fact, giving her a toothy grin.

"And besides, there are far worse things a pony can do to receive such disdain that they are giving you, it'll all blow over before you know it." Fluttershy gave him a small hug and smiled at him.

"Thank you Discord, that means a lot to me." Discord felt another strange feeling, this time it was nice and warm. He smiled back.

"Think nothing of it my dear."



 


Fluttershy looked at the piece of paper on the table, directing her concentration on it. That concentration was broken by Pinkie Pie who burst in. 

"What are you girls up to?"

"Pinkie!"

"What?" asked Pinkie, not sure what she did wrong.

"It's okay Twilight, I don't think it was working anyway." said Fluttershy.

"You need to stop being so hard on yourself. Confidence is one of the keys to practicing magic."

"Ooh! You're doing magic?" Pinkie smiled ecstatically. "What kind are you doing? Can you make the kind Discord makes? How do you do magic? Do you say magic words? Do you...?" Twilight stuffed a large muffin into Pinkie's mouth, which she'd taken to having a few nearby for instances like this. Especially with Pinkie popping up all the time.

"It's just a simple levitation spell." said Twilight. "And no, Fluttershy doesn't say any words to perform her magic."

"I use my eyes." said Fluttershy. Pinkie finished off the cupcake. 

"Your eyes?"

"They glow, or the irises glow when I cast a spell. But I can only do a few simple spells. It's nothing like the stuff Twilight can do. Or anypony else with magic."

"You just need more practice, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time." Twilight said encouragingly. Pinkie's let out a gasp as she had a sudden idea.

"What about your mom?" Twilight and Fluttershy stared at her.

"You're not serious are you?"

"Hear me out, Fluttershy's mom used to be nice right?"

"Right...."

"Yes."

"So, what did your mom do to learn magic when she was young and not all crazy and evil and wanting to takeover and make everypony miserable." She looked over at Fluttershy. "Oops, sorry. Forget I said that last part." Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"You have a good point, minus the last part, maybe if we know how Queen Melodia trained it could help." She turned to Fluttershy.

"Did your mother ever tell you about how she learned to control her powers?"

"Only a little bit, like how our magic is connected to the state of our hearts. If our hearts are in turmoil or are leaning toward darkness, the magic becomes weaker and eventually turns into black magic. That's why I never really practiced, black magic always seemed...terrifying." she looked down at the floor. Twilight eyed her intently.

"It must've been very difficult for you."

"It was, on one hoof I tried to make her proud, but on the other, I didn't want to become corrupted like her. Father told me how mother became an entirely different pony altogether when her magic turned."

"I've been wondering about that, how did your mother and father ever get together?" asked Twilight.

"Ooh, story time!" cheered Pinkie Pie. She made a chair out of Twilight's pillow from the bed and sat with eager anticipation to hear the story. Fluttershy was a bit hesitant but gave in and told them.

"When mother was a filly, it was arranged by her father, my grandpa, and my father's parents that the two ponies meet. They were hoping to unite their kingdoms through the marriage of their children. Father told me how nervous mother was when they first met." Fluttershy smiled thinking of the sweet story.

"He tried to impress her by showing how fast he could climb up a tree in the castle garden. He ended up falling out when he neared the top. Father had broken his wing in an accident and was still recovering when he visited, so he wasn't able to save himself when he fell. But, mother used her magic to stop him in midair and lower him to safety." 

"She saved him?"

Fluttershy nodded. "Father told me about how mother scolded him for doing such a dangerous and stupid stunt, even if it was for her. They both became good friends after that...until his parents found out about mother's magic. Like everypony else who found out, they became wary of her, and decided not to let their son marry such a strange pony. Father waited for mother though, and when they married, he stayed by her side. No matter what happened he stayed with her." Fluttershy smiled at Pinkie and Twilight.

"And that's the story."

"Aw, that's sooo cute!" Pinkie squealed. 

"It's a shame she didn't return his love."

"Father liked to think that somehow, mother did love him, in her own strange way. That deep down was the filly that helped the foolish colt that almost fell out of the tree."

"Pinkie!" called the voice of one of the servant ponies.

"Whoops! My break's over, see you later girls!" Pinkie dashed out of the room.

"It's good to see that Pinkie will continue to keep things random around here." said Twilight chuckling. "It sounds to me that your magic follows strongly on emotion. So maybe, if you're confident while concentrate, the spells will work." Fluttershy wasn't sure if what she said would work, but it was worth a shot. She closed her eyes and reached into herself, calling on the magic that slept within her, waiting and wanting to be used for whatever its wielder wished. 'Rise....float....lift for me...' she willed. She could feel the usual tingling she felt in her eyes when she cast spells (or attempted to). She opened her eyes and looked down at the piece of paper. It hadn't budged ever an inch. She sighed.

"It didn't work." she said.

"I beg to differ." said Twilight. Fluttershy lifted her head and saw that Twilight had been levitated into the air and was dangling upside down. She wasn't amused.

"We're gonna need a lot more practice."







Word spread fast that Princess Twilight Sparkle was teaching Princess Fluttershy how to use her magic.

"Is she crazy?"

"We're all doomed!"

"What is she thinking?!"

"I knew I should've stayed home. I'm better off with my insufferable tutors than one, no, two magic wielding maniacs." Needless to say, nopony was too happy about it. Except of course Fluttershy's friends, who came to her defense whenever somepony bad mouthed about her. Fluttershy had gotten used to her powers, she still had a bit of difficulty with casting spells and would break concentration after long periods of time, but she was getting better. In History, when Princess Luna had asked Fluttershy to pass out papers, Fluttershy had used to magic to assist. The princesses let out cries of fright, worrying that she'd curse them or something. Princess Luna however merely raised an eyebrow and told her to pass it out by hoof next time. The princess of the night had noticeably eased up on Fluttershy, which made her both relieved and confused. Why was she acting this way? Fluttershy decided that it was about time she asked. She stayed after the class left and walked up to the alicorn.

"Um...Princess Luna?"

"Yes, what is it?" Fluttershy flinched a little, she still felt anxious around the princess. She ignored those feelings and asked her question.

"I was wondering why, you've been so nice to me, after...after..."

"After I've acted so cold toward you?" Fluttershy nodded.

"When you first arrived, I admit that I only saw your mother whenever I looked at you. That you were waiting to strike and betray my sister's trust." Fluttershy gulped.

"However, I soon saw...that I was wrong. My sister was close to Melodia, and I too cared for her, though I'd never let her or Celestia know about it. Mistake on my part maybe." Luna became solemn, her eyes shining. "You are nothing like the Melodia who attacked me and my sister. Who fell victim to black magic." As she looked back at Fluttershy, her gaze steely once more.

"However, if proven otherwise, I shall not hesitate to do what must be done to protect the students and my sister. Remember that." Fluttershy backed away and nodded, leaving the alicorn alone. Luna heaved a sigh. Then she heard somepony breathing behind her.

"Show yourself Discord." she growled. Discord materialized, a smile on his face.

"My, my, I would never think you'd hold a grudge so strong over somepony's daughter."

"And I take it you were spying on me?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny whom I may or not have been spying on. If I were. I just happened to over hear that curios conversation between you and Fluttershy. Nothing more." Luna gave him a curious look.

"Oh really? None of it stems from your little friendship with the pony?" Discord's smile faded.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Nearly everypony knows that you two have those get togethers, so there's no point in hiding it." Discord stuck out his tongue defiantly. 

"Shouldn't you be off brooding in a corner or something?"

"Shouldn't you be getting back to your class?" retorted Luna. Discord left, but not before leaving all the desks up on the ceiling. Luna looked up at the rearrangement and frowned at it. 

"I shall have to consult Celestia about keeping Discord from entering the other classrooms as he pleases." 








"Today dear princesses, we'll be learning an important factor of attending or throwing a tea party." said Discord, looking out at the students from his desk. He snapped his talons and in an instant, all the ponies were paired up and seated at different tables that weren't there before. Upon them was a lovely spread of tea foods.

"You'll be learning to pull through whatever situation I decide to throw at you." Fluttershy had been told ahead of time by him to bring an umbrella to this class, and now she was starting to understand why. She gripped it at her side, so she could open it up as quickly as possible.

"Begin!" The princesses began to talk and help themselves to the food, as they were enjoying themselves, clouds began to form above their heads. Fluttershy opened up her umbrella just in time as torrents of water came crashing down. The princesses complained and cried as they were soaked. Twilight exhaled a sigh of relief for having casted a shield around herself to keep her from getting wet.

"Whew! That was clo-Ow!" Twilight was cut off guard when an eclair hit her across the cheek. She looked over to see that Discord was throwing pastries at the other princesses too. Fluttershy wasn't a fan of fighting, but she decided to try something new with her magic. Lifting up a soggy scone, she flung it at Discord as he was laughing, some of it went into his mouth. Fluttershy giggled a little. She knew it was wrong for her to do, but it was a little funny to see Discord stopped mid-laugh by wet food. Discord looked around for the perpetrator that dared to throw food back. When he saw it was Fluttershy he surprised, that surprise faded into a sly smirk.

"If that's how you want to play my dear, the bring it on." Piles of pastries appeared in front of everypony.

"FOOD FIGHT!" In all directions, a huge mess of pastries took to the air. It appeared that they all forgot about the lesson, or that they were in class, as each of them flung the deserts to other tables. By the time the fight was over, Twilight and Fluttershy were still the only ponies dry and clean, thanks to help of some shield magic they used together. 

"That was excellent!" cried Discord. He looked quite pleased by the mess of things and the disgruntled princesses.

"For surviving a food fight and a freak storm and remaining relatively unscathed, Princesses Twilight and Fluttershy both pass." He leaned over and whispered to Fluttershy.

"Couldn't have started a better food fight myself." Fluttershy blushed a light pink, unsure whether to be flattered or embarrassed by his words. The bell rang and the princesses trudged out, grumbling over the state they were in and how they even got involved in that pointless fight. 

"An lovely bit of chaos you caused Fluttershy, I think I'm rubbing off on you." Fluttershy raised an eyebrow as she smiled at him.

"I could say the same to you." Discord was puzzled by this, seeing his confusion Fluttershy explained.

"You've been so nice to me, giving me advice and just being there when I feel sad. You act like you don't care, but in all honesty I think you do." Discord was stunned, a warm smile appearing on his face.

"Well said,my dear. Though, a little food for thought, next time you might want to use something more tasteful than scones." A glint came into his eye as he began to think of nice bit of mischief he could cause.

"Then again, I wouldn't mind using it on a couple of ponies..."

"Discord, it was a one time thing. I don't plan on doing it again."

"Of course not." he winked at her as if she did consider doing it again. 

"I should get going." said Fluttershy, her face growing a touch warm.

"I look forward to our next get together." he called out. He smiled as she left. She really was a sweet girl, not to mention the first to get close to actually befriending him. He began to wonder to himself what it would be like if the two of them were together for something other than their tea sessions. Like a picnic, or light dinner. Talking and laughing as always. He was pulled out of these thoughts by a loud knock. He opened the door and came face to face with Queen Celestia.

"Ah, Celestia, what brings you here?" She just looked at him with her usual boring, serious expression.

"We need to talk."
> Chapter 14: The most important thing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14: The most important thing



Fluttershy watched from her cushion as Discord ranted and paced in front of her. He'd been telling her about the other day, and how just moments after she'd left Queen Celestia had come by to have a talk with him. Apparently, she'd been receiving numerous complaints about his behavior and the pranks he pulled on the students. She'd went to talk Discord into containing his chaos in his own class room and to not use it on the students.

"Just who does that mare think she is?!"

"Um, the queen?"

"That's beside the point. I've already toned down most of my chaotic quirks, and now she comes and expects me to further contain myself. If she really wants me to reform," he said making air quotes. "Then she start by giving me a good reason. Other than going back to being stone." It was clear that a nerve had been struck. Fluttershy said in the calmest tone possible:

"She's probably trying to appease both sides. If she ignores your pranks, the princesses might demand that you leave. They might even get their parents to help side with them, and what a disaster that would be." Discord just rolled his eyes.

"Please, Celestia just wants to rub the fact that she has me under her hoof in my face. Ugh! I feel sick just saying that." The Draconequus leaned into his seat, his arm draped over his head in a dramatic way. Fluttershy couldn't help but find it similar to Rarity's own dramatic outbursts. 

Discord heaved another sigh and turned to Fluttershy. "I hope you can forgive my outburst my dear, I've been going stir crazy around here with all these limitations." 

"I don't mind," said Fluttershy, "anypony would get uneasy after being cooped up for so long." Discord nodded in agreement.

"Finally somepony understands. Now if only the queen and that sister of hers could be just as understanding as you."

"They can't be that bad. They gave you a second chance didn't they?"

"If you can even call it that. Stuck in a castle with all this power going to waste, teaching a bunch of stuck up royal snobs." His eyes darted to Fluttershy and he added. "Except you of course. You're nothing like those other ponies." 

Fluttershy faced him, fidgeting with her hooves as she tried to get out her question.

"What would you do, if you were free to leave and go outside the castle?" Discord stroked his goatee as he thought of an appropriate answer. He couldn't very well tell her of his plans to spread his chaotic might across the land, stretching out the potential of his powers that had too long be restrained. But other than that, he couldn't think of anything.

"I don't really know." he said. "But I enjoy making things up as I go, so it's not too big a deal." He lowered his eyes at her, "Why do you ask?"

Fluttershy stammered, "O-oh, n-no reason. Just curious." She cracked a nervous smile. Discord decided to leave the subject alone, for now, and changed the conversation.  

"I've heard that Princess Twilight has been teaching you some of her magic tricks."

"Only a little, I still have a lot to learn before I can reach her level of skill." said Fluttershy modestly.

"Why don't you give me a little demonstration?" asked Discord. 

"Right now?" Fluttershy began to feel the anxiety creep into her throat. 

"It shouldn't be that big a deal, you used in my class after all no problem." said Discord, trying to calm done the pegasus.

"That was different. I wasn't really thinking about all that much. What if something goes wrong? What if-?" Discord put a finger to her lips to silence her. 

"You need to stop worrying so much my dear." he said. "It's unhealthy." Fluttershy could see that she wasn't going to change his mind.

"Alright." she said, giving in. "But don't say I didn't warn you." She focused on the vase that sat on a nearby shelf, her eyes glowing as she lifted it (with a bit of effort) into the air before her concentration gave out.

"It's a start." Discord commented.

"Just tell me the truth," sighed Fluttershy. "I'm terrible at magic."

"I wouldn't say terrible, more magically challenged."

"That sounds even worse." moaned Fluttershy.

"Not at all Fluttershy. If anything, it means you can only get better." he said encouragingly. "There'll probably be a lot of mishaps, but still, you'll get better from it." Fluttershy cracked a nervous smile. She could tell Discord was trying to lighten her mood, in his own way.

"Thank you Discord...I guess." Discord was going to talk some more, when the classroom door opened and in came Twilight Sparkle.

"Fluttershy! I've been looking all over for you, we were supposed to continue practicing those shield spells, remember?" 

"Oh dear, I forgot. Give me second Twilight." Fluttershy turned to Discord. "I hope you don't mind, but I need to get going."

"Not at all Fluttershy, not at all. You go on and do what needs to be done." Discord waved goodbye as Fluttershy and Twilight left. He made the two seats disappear and sat down at his desk. Fluttershy's question still plagued his mind. What else was there besides his chaos? His eyes drifted about the room as he was lost in thought. They landed on the vase Fluttershy tried to levitate. 'Perhaps I could take time off and enjoy a nice outing with Fluttershy.' he thought. His imagined the new and improved Equestria, with him and Fluttershy having a picnic during a chaotic but otherwise pleasant afternoon. She'd proved herself to be a good friend, who didn't seem to mind his...quirks. Yes, she was a good friend. His first and only friend, but a friend nonetheless. She put up with him, and honestly seemed to care about him. Something nopony had ever done for him. The warm feeling he'd felt once before returned. He ignored it once more. But deep in his mind and his heart, he'd found the most important thing any creature could ever want, though he himself didn't know it. He'd found friendship, in a shy little pegasus.



		
> Chapter 15: Magic makes might
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 15: Magic makes might



Twilight was pleased with how well Fluttershy was progressing. Well, progressing at her own pace, but progressing nonetheless. At last she had control of levitation and a few shield spells (Fluttershy had been insistent on learning on how to defend herself), and they were moving onto transformations. Something small of course, to help give her a feel for it. She started by showing Fluttershy how to change an apple into a miniature toy carriage. Surrounded by magic, the apple hollowed out, wheels, doors, and seats grew out of it, and the apple's skin hardened. Twilight backed away so Fluttershy could get a better look. 

"I don't know if I could do that." said Fluttershy nervously. It looks a bit...tricky." She shrank back and cast her eyes away. But Twilight refused to let Fluttershy give up so easily.

"Nonsense! Just give it a try. What's the worst that could happen?" said Twilight. Fluttershy hesitantly cast the spell on the apple, it started to hollow out inside until it suddenly imploded. Apple mush sitting in its place. A little bit flew onto Twilight's muzzle. Fluttershy groaned.

"You see? I told you I couldn't do it." Twilight shook her head.

"No! It was starting to change a little, you just..."

"I appreciate all you're doing for me Twilight, but I don't think I'm cut out for magic." Fluttershy turned her back and slouched dejectedly. Twilight tried to argue. Fluttershy was her friend and in a way her pupil in learning magic. But it was clear that Fluttershy didn't believe in herself or her magic. Twilight thought, 'She's been taught to follow black magic and she chose to refuse it despite her mother's heeding.' Something clicked in her head and she said, "Maybe you're right. Maybe you're not cut out for magic, but that doesn't change the fact that you have this power." Fluttershy kept quiet as Twilight went on. She didn't expect Twilight to agree with what she was thinking.

"Magic is a tricky thing, not all ponies who have it use it wisely. There are those who use it selfishly or to harm others. But you...you can make your own choice as to whether or not you want to use it. And if you do use it, only you can decide whether you want to use it for good or bad purposes." Fluttershy looked at Twilight in awe. Nopony had ever told her that she could choose how to use her magic. She tried to choose not to practice black magic, and would end up getting sent to her room or some other  punishment. Her mother had always pushed her toward evil, and now...somepony was giving her the option to do what she wanted.

"Off course," added Twilight, "we still need to make sure we get your powers under control...just to be safe." The two smiled and laughed good-naturally to each other. 

"Now, let's clean this up, and take a well deserved break." 






Fluttershy was walking while she read a book Twilight had given her, full of techniques on how to control or deal with outbursts of magic. 'A lot of young unicorns read these when they first learn to hone their magic,' Twilight had said. As she read, Fluttershy noticed one of the servant ponies, named Coco Pomel, burdened by a heavy load of laundry.  Fluttershy decided to try something, her irises glowing. Coco Pomel let out a gasp of surprise as the heavy load lifted off her back. She turned to see Fluttershy levitating the laundry with her magic.

"Oh, Princess Fluttershy, you don't have to do that. It's my job anyway, I can handle it." said Coco, trying not to trouble the princess with her own problems.

"I know, but it doesn't hurt to have a helping  hoof. That is...if you'll accept mine." said Fluttershy. Coco Pomel was wary at first, but broke into a smile.

"I would be very grateful." said Coco. Fluttershy set a lighter load on Coco's back as she lifted the heavier clothes. The two walked together down to the laundry room.

"Thank you again Princess Fluttershy." said Coco Pomel with a bow. Fluttershy waved a hoof.

"It was nothing. I'm just happy I could help." Coco began to drag the laundry inside, saying her thanks once more. Fluttershy then started to think, 'Twilight said I can choose whether to use my magic, and how to use it.' Fluttershy picked up the book she'd been reading. Perhaps she wouldn't give up on magic just yet. If she could choose, then she chose to use it for good, and to help other ponies.







In her special chambers, full of potions and ancient texts, Queen Melodia was concocting a special spell in her cauldron. She'd been toiling away at it for the last week or so, on top of monitoring her daughter and her progression in the school. There were mirrors and reflective surfaces all throughout that school, so it wasn't difficult to keep track of her. She'd not only noticed how Fluttershy was controlling her powers, but using them to help...others. A mistake she herself foolishly tried to do, before she realized how pointless it was. 'She's making the same mistakes I made.' thought Melodia. 'Well, with this, she won't have to feel the same pain I felt when I realized the truth.' Melodia lowered into the cauldron, a delicately crafted necklace into the cauldron of thick, black ooze. She looked up into her mirror, watching as her daughter helped put away large texts books with her magic.

"My naive little daughter, you don't comprehend the potential of your power. But don't worry my darling, mommy will take care of everything." Melodia said with a wicked grin. She lifted the necklace out, once golden it was now pure black. "For mommy knows what's best." Melodia waved a hoof, shifting the mirror's image to show her her old mentor, Queen Celestia in her office. Celestia and Princess Luna were locked in discussion, not knowing that Melodia was listening in.

"There is still much to prepare for before the the ball." said Luna.

"Yes, but I feel it will be an excellent way to show how well the students have been doing in their studies." said Celestia. 

"I've already made up the guest list and have sent the invitations ahead."

"Thank you Luna, now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to my class." Queen Melodia was intrigued by this news.

"A party?" mused Melodia. "And they didn't bother to send me an invite? Well, we'll have to fix that. It's been ages since last I attended a ball, and what a ball it shall be." 







The entire castle was abuzz with the talk of the upcoming ball, where royalty and nobles from all over were coming (including family members). Rarity smiled to herself as she took in all the talk of colts, dresses, and the sophistication that were sure to be there on that magnificent night. Rarity hadn't missed a single one and she wasn't about to now. She'd already begun to fantasize over what to where. Something dazzling but not to gaudy. Elaborate, yet simplistic. Classy yet with an air modesty. Perhaps something with diamonds. Rarity knocked on the door of her friends' room. 

"Come in!" Rarity entered the room, where Twilight and Fluttershy were practicing spells and whatnot. 

"Is this a bad time?" inquired Rarity. Twilight shook her head. 

"No not at all. Did you need something?"

"Just your measurements, I'm planning on making dresses for all of us to wear to the ball, and I want to make sure that they're perfect." Rarity pulled out her measuring tape, and used it to measure the girls.

"I didn't know you could sew." said Twilight.

"She's the best student in our Royal Attire class." Rarity grinned at Fluttershy's praise.

"Oh I dabble a little here and there. Besides, there's nothing better than a dress made by one's own hooves." She looked Twilight up and down, determining what kind of dress would look best on the alicorn princess. 'Maybe an evening theme. Or something that shows her love of learning.' Rarity pondered. 

"Everypony sure seems excited about the ball." said Fluttershy in her gentle voice.

"Well of course! It's a ball darling, every princess remembers her first ball." Fluttershy looked away embarrassed.

"I...never went to a ball before." She said. Rarity let out a loud gasp upon hearing this.

"Never been to a ball?!"

"There wasn't exactly anything to celebrate, or any opportunity to be invited to one."

"Still...I'd never think..."

"It's okay, after all, this will be my first ball." Rarity's eyes widened and she smiled excitedly, like she did whenever she felt inspired.

"You're right! And with my help, I'll see that this is the most memorable ball you've ever attended!" Rarity practically skipped out of the room as she made her way back to her dorm. Her roommate, Photo Finish, was out somewhere in the school, probably taking pictures. The unicorn cleared off her inspiration table and got to work designing the dresses. 'Let's see, for Twilight definitely a purple and gold motif. Fluttershy, flowers would look positively fabulous on her!' Rarity sketched out the designs, proud of how they were turning out. There was a kind of magic put into designing or making dresses that she absolutely loved. And the thought of how they'd look on her friends was so...so...well it was so great she couldn't think of a word that could convey the feeling.

"There!" she proclaimed, holding up her finished work. Now all she needed to do was make them. Hopefully, there would be enough time for her to work on her own dress! She needed to get started right away!








Discord could tell something was up when Fluttershy walked up to him nervously during her lunch hour.

"Something troubling you my dear?" he inquired. Fluttershy shook her head.

"Oh no, nothing's troubling me, it's just that I...have something I want to ask you." 

"Well by all means, ask away." Discord watched her closely as she tried to meet his eyes but was unable to.

"I'm sure you know about the ball that's coming up." she said. 

"How could I forget." Discord had been keeping track of the day the spell would take full affect and release him from the castle. And it just so happened to be on the day of the ball (and by 'so happened' he convinced Celestia to move it to that day). It would provide the perfect cover for his escape. 

"So, I was wondering...i-if it's not too much trouble...could you...would you..." Fluttershy mumbled something.

"Speak up, Fluttershy! What is it you're trying to say?" Whatever it was, it seemed to be very difficult for her to get out. Fluttershy took a deep breath.

"Would you...accompany to the ball?" Discord blinked. 

"Come again?" he asked. He stuck his talon into his ear, not sure if he heard right.

"I-it's just that...this is my first ball, and I'd like it if you would accompany me...as a friend of course." Discord looked at her with disbelief. Somepony wanted him to go with them to an event like a ball? Fluttershy frowned worriedly at his expression.

"Oh, you don't have to of course! I can just go alone...or join with Twilight and her brother. I wouldn't want to impose on you." said Fluttershy. "Just forget it, forget I said anything." Fluttershy was about to leave when Discord materialized in front of her. 

"Now wait, I didn't say no...yet." said Discord. "Why me? Why not go with one of your other friends?"

"The girls already have ponies that are going with them, and I didn't want to be a third wheel on them. Also, I thought that, if you're going you might feel more comfortable going with a friend." Discord thought about this to himself.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt. Though I wouldn't know what to wear."

"So, you'll go?" Discord smiled at Fluttershy.

"Consider it done my dear." Fluttershy grinned.

"Thank you, Discord." As Fluttershy left Discord felt that warm feeling again. What was it, and why did it keep reappearing whenever Fluttershy was around? 'Whatever this feeling is, I can't let it distract me. I might have enough time for a dance before I make my spectacular exit. Perhaps once I'm free, I'll leave Fluttershy alone to repay her for her kindness. Maybe even a celebratory picnic or something as well when I have the time.' Yes, there was much to do. His freedom was close, and he could just reach out and touch it.

"Now," he mused. "What to wear for such a momentous occasion."
> Chapter 16: The best and worst night ever
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 16: The best and worst night ever



The days flew by as the day of ball finally arrived. The castle had been cleaned and polished to a spotless shine. The ballroom had been decorated with lavish drapes and golden streamers. And in honor of this event, the latest lessons had been centered around ball decorum. As soon as classes had ended, every princess immediately went to work on their manes, buffing their hooves, trading accessories and picking the right makeup that would complement their outfits and any dates they might pick up while at the ball. Twilight was adjusting the purple graduation hat that went with the outfit that Rarity had made. The outfit in question had golden shoes, a purple and gold saddle with a golden clasp in the front, and long purple train in the back.

"Rarity has really outdone herself." commented Twilight, looking at her reflection at different angles.

"You look beautiful." said Fluttershy kindly.

"So do you." 

"Really? Do I...really look beautiful?" Twilight smiled.

"As pretty as a portrait." she replied. Fluttershy blushed, not used to such a complement. The door opened and in came Rarity, carrying some lovely pink ribbons.

"I thought this would look nice as a last minute adjustment to your ensemble." Rarity said to Fluttershy. 

"W-well, if you're sure-"

"Of course I'm sure! Why, every prince who'll be there is bound to notice you."

"I'm more comfortable not being noticed, especially by so many ponies I've never met before." Rarity shook her head as she added the ribbons onto Fluttershy.

"Come now, there must've been a time where you've wanted to dress up and pretend to be somepony else."

"I think I'll just be myself if that's okay." Rarity rolled her eyes.

"Very well, but if you change your mind, I'll help give you some pointers." she said with a wink.

"I'm sure she'll keep that in mind." said Twilight. "Anyway, don't you have something you should be doing?" Rarity gasped.

"You're right! I still need style my mane. Oh, and there's also these gems I've been wanting to use. I need to run, see you girls later." Rarity hurried down the hall. The girls laughed together and discussed all that they were hoping to do that night.







Discord had never gone to any event with anypony other than himself. Mostly because nopony ever wanted to have somepony like him at their side. Until now that is. He dressed in what assumed was proper formal attire (Celestia had pleaded with him to follow the dress code). A black tuxedo with a black top hat and a black cape with red lining. He knocked with his lion paw and waited for somepony to answer. He stood at his full height, thinking over his plan over again. 'A little mingling, a quick dance, and then I'll be out before dear Celestia even has time to blink.' Discord heard the knob turn, what he saw next left him speechless. 

Fluttershy looked beautiful. Pink ribbons were threaded in her tail and tied around her legs in criss-crosses (like on ballet slippers), her mane had delicate pink flowers woven in, and her dress pale blue, teal and pink with floral print. She smiled shyly at him, her eyes twinkling for a moment. For the first time in his long, long life, he was left speechless. 

"What do you think?" she asked. She did a quick twirl so that he could see the entire dress. "My friend Rarity made it for me, she's a very talented seamstress." Discord, finding his voice stammered, "I-it's lovely, you're sure to take everypony's breath away." Fluttershy blushed and looked away, a lock of her mane falling in front of her face. 

"I don't know about that." she said unsure. "There are other ponies that are much prettier than me."

"But none of them are as charming as you." he said. Fluttershy's blush deepened.

"S-should we get going?" she asked.

"Of course my dear." With a snap, they both appeared at the ballroom entrance. He extended his right elbow to her.

"Shall we?" Fluttershy giggled lightly and took his arm, flying up to his height. A few heads turned as the odd couple entered. Some gave wary looks at Discord, a some looked at Fluttershy and her natural air of grace and elegance. 

"Oh my, I'm not used to so many ponies staring." fretted Fluttershy. Discord chuckled and whispered so only she could hear.

"Their staring because you are lovely, my dear." Fluttershy felt her heart quicken a little. So many wonderful complements, and they were all about her. Never had she been flattered in such a way before, it was almost too much. Her gazed trailed around the ball room, admiring the scene before her, like something out of one of the fairy-tales her father read. With the beautiful princess arriving at the ball, every colts' head turned, wanting to have the first dance with her, but she turned them all down for her prince. Fluttershy shook her head. Why was she suddenly thinking about her old stories and princes? Perhaps it was just her being taken in by the mood of the party.






Pinkie Pie and Applejack went around, serving drinks and food to the guests as they went by, when Rarity came trotting over in a huff.

"Hey Rarity, everything alright?" asked Applejack. Rarity's frown deepened.

"I am most certainly not fine! I just met the rudest royal pain of a prince in my life!"

"What do you mean?"

"There I was, looking for a nice prince that could be the one, when I see a handsome unicorn stallion. I recognized him as Prince Blueblood, and attempted to be as cordial as possible, but all that prince could think of was himself! It was absolutely dreadful." Rarity complained.  Applejack rolled her eyes.

"So he wasn't your prince charming, that shouldn't mean that it has to spoil your evening." said Applejack. Pinkie Pie jumped in between them and the conversation. 

"Yeah! There are plenty of ponies you could try, I mean look at Fluttershy and Professor Discord over there." she said, pointing a hoof. Applejack and Rarity followed it to see Fluttershy and Discord, arm in arm, conversing with each other and appearing to be having a good time.

"Now there's something you don't see everyday." muttered Applejack. Rarity was agape. 

"I don't believe it. Him...her...huh?"

"Well duh!" said Pinkie. "They're both good friends. Everypony knows about their tea sessions together."

"Well yes but, I'd never imagined that Fluttershy would..."

"I'm sure it's nothing." said Applejack. "They're probably just going as friends and nothing more. I mean, it's a bit soon to be getting that romantic right? And last I checked, Fluttershy hasn't seemed all that interested in the romance department."

"You're right, after all, Discord doesn't exactly...seem her type, if you know what I mean."







The ball progressed smoothly, or...somewhat smoothly, as Discord caused subtle mishaps to ponies, making sure Celestia wasn't looking while he performed them. He needed some way of entertaining himself after all. He chuckled silently into his eagle claw as he saw the reaction of each pony. The musicians readied their instruments, and started up a waltz. He looked down at Fluttershy.

"May I have this dance?"

"Oh, um, I've never really danced before. I wouldn't want to embarrass you or make a fool of myself." Discord waved a paw.

"Nonsense Fluttershy. You have nothing to be worried about, and if it helps, I'll gladly be the fool for you." Fluttershy, still a bit hesitant, joined him in the dance. Together they stepped, twirled, and glided across the ballroom floor. After awhile, Fluttershy became used to it, breaking into a dazzling smile. As they danced, Fluttershy thought back to what her friend Rarity had said earlier. About dressing up and being somepony else. In that moment, under the lights, surrounded by the flurry of colors as she and Discord danced, she felt like the princesses in her stories. Just as beautiful and amazing. The feeling grew as she and Discord locked onto each others' gaze, both smiling at the other. Fluttershy wanted to hold onto this feeling, wanted this moment to last forever. 

And Discord shared a similar feeling. This princess, a pony who'd been kind to him, gave him her friendship, was dancing with him at a ball full of other noble ponies. For whatever reason, he found himself unable to release his gaze on her. Soon, everypony else seemed to disappear, and there was only the two of them. Her graceful movements were enchanting, which confused him, because he never thought of something as being enchanting before. Then again, this strange feeling had never been felt before either. But none of that seemed to matter within that dance. It was a shame when the waltz had ended and the music remained it's usual boring drawl. 

"That was...wonderful." said Fluttershy.

"Yes, wonderful." Discord said. He felt his face grow warm. Was he blushing? No, it couldn't be! Could it? He was experiencing many strange things lately. Fluttershy didn't notice the embarrassed look on his face, as her attention was caught by a chilling whisper in her ear. 'Fluttershy...Fluttershy...'

Fluttershy turned to where the sound seemed to coming from. Her mother was calling her outside the ballroom.

"I...need to go and check something." she said, distracted. "I'll be right back." She left a confused Discord as she galloped out of the ballroom. She followed her mother's call to a darkened room. She peered around, searching for where the source of her mother's voice could be. 

"Mother?" she called. "Where are you?" she stepped further inside. 

"Right here." said a voice directly behind her. Fluttershy whirled around to see Queen Melodia standing before her, in the flesh.

"M-mother! H-how d-did you get out?" Melodia took a step calmly toward her daughter. 

"For now, let's just say I found a way, and now I'm able to see my beautiful daughter attending her first ball." She ran her hoof under Fluttershy's chin. "Yes, a beautiful mare indeed." All the fear she'd felt came rushing back into Fluttershy, gone were the pleasant feelings she'd felt. 

"Why are you here?" asked Fluttershy. Queen Melodia smiled coyly.

"I'm just to take care of some...unfinished business, then, you and I have much to discuss once we return home. About your future, and your reign as queen." Fluttershy shivered, she didn't like how her mother said 'unfinished business'.

"W-we're leaving?!"

"Of course, you didn't think you were going to stay at this pathetic school were you?"

"Well I-"

"You're not like those other princesses, oh no, you have a far greater destiny ahead of you. A destiny that I shall help guide you through." Fluttershy's eyes widened.

"What?" She locked into her mother's gaze. Her sea-green eyes piercing through her teal eyes. Fluttershy wanted to cower, but she did her best to keep her ground.

"You must trust me Fluttershy, everything I've been doing all these years has been for you. I've trying to teach you, train you, so that you wouldn't follow my same mistakes, the mistakes that ate at my heart and made it ache." Fluttershy's fear disappeared by degree as her mother started to sound genuinely concerned about her daughter's well being.

"On the day you were born," said Melodia, in a gentle tone that Fluttershy often used when she spoke, "I vowed that would never let you feel the pain of heartbreak, that you'd become a strong mare with no reason to be afraid or shy away from your role as a queen." Melodia looked away from her daughter.

"Mothers know what's best for their children, you are no different." Fluttershy wanted to speak, but words escaped her. Her mother returned to her cold composure.

"I want you to stay here, until I get back." said Queen Melodia. She vanished in a cloud of black and purple smoke. The door behind Fluttershy slammed shut. Fluttershy tried to open it, but it was locked tight.

"Mother!" she yelled. "Mother!" Just what was Melodia going to do? And how was Fluttershy supposed to get out.






Back in the ballroom, Twilight was awkwardly dancing with her brother, when she noticed Discord leaning against the refreshment table, waiting for somepony. Twilight arched an eyebrow at this. 'What is he waiting for?' What happened next was a complete surprise. Everypony (except Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Discord, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Rarity) disappeared. 

"What in tarnation is going on here?!"

"Why don't we ask him?!" Rainbow pointed a hoof accusingly at Discord. Discord held his paw and claw up defensively.

"Don't look at me! As much as I'd love to take credit, this isn't my doing." Princess Luna and Queen Celestia walked toward the ponies and Discord. 

"Is everypony alright?" asked Luna. The ponies nodded and Discord ignored her completely. 

"Who or what could be causing this?" Celestia wondered out loud. A soft cold laugh echoed from behind her, everypony turned to it to see Queen Melodia, smiling malevolently. 

"Queen Celestia," she said. "it's been far too long since last we saw each other. Hasn't it?" Celestia was shocked.

"Melodia! B-but how? You were-"

"Imprisoned? Indeed, no thanks to you. Luckily though, my darling daughter managed to aid in my escape." The wicked eyes fell onto the ponies and Draconequus behind the queen.

"I admit I was against her fraternizing with these ponies, but in the end, she made use of her little friends." she said with a sneer. Rarity spoke up against the queen.

"As if Fluttershy would help an evil witch like you!" Melodia looked at her dismissively. 

"Believe whatever you like, but the fact remains that I am free. And together, my daughter and I shall bring this land under our rule." Princess Luna narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth.

"Not if I can help it!" she shouted. Luna's horn lit up and she charged at Melodia. Melodia smirked.

"You've got to be joking." she said. A barrier formed around Melodia as Luna's horn came down on her.	

"You've gotten out of practice Luna. You really should brush up on your fighting skills." Celestia saw the dark glow pass over Melodia's eyes.

"Luna, look out!" she cried. But it was too late.

"This, is how you take down your opponent." said Melodia darkly. Luna's eyes widened in surprise as force of black magic whammed into her and sent her crashing onto the ballroom floor.

"Luna!" Celestia screamed. She knelt down at her sister's side. Melodia scoffed as if it were nothing.

"Don't worry your little head over it Celestia. She's merely unconscious." she said. Rainbow Dash growled and tried to speed toward Queen Melodia to teach her what happens when you mess with the princess.

"Let me at her!" yelled Rainbow. Twilight held up a hoof.

"No Rainbow, it's too dangerous."

"Perhaps then, I can be of some assistance." said Discord stepping forward.

"Discord?"

"Great, what's he gonna do?" asked Rainbow Dash. Discord narrowed his eyes at her.

"I'll choose to ignore that Miss Dash. This is a matter of personal pride." He turned his gaze to Queen Melodia. "If anypony suddenly decides to take control of Equestria, it'll be me." Melodia put on a mock, amused smile.

"Ah, the Draconequus. Perhaps once I make my daughter queen, you'll make an amusing if not refreshing court jester." said Melodia.

"Sorry to disappoint you my dear, but I'm my own fool, and nopony elses." said Discord.

"Oh? Well, I still should thank you, after all, it was because of you that I was able to escape." Discord's eyes widened.

"What do you mean?" 

"Surely you remember me? The mirror on the wall? Who gave you a means to attempt to escape?" All eyes were on Discord.

"So, you were the mirror?"

"Yes, but my foolish Draconequus, what you didn't know was that the barrier can't be broken by the pony that it entraps. It must be broken by another." She lifted one of her wings up, showing off her milk and honey feathers. "That feather you used was my own, the spell you cast broke my barrier from afar." Queen Melodia reveled in Discord's shocked expression.

"I'd hoped to use my daughter to cast it, but unfortunately, her magic isn't quite as strong as I'd hoped. What luck it was to find you here, full of magic for my use." Discord gritted his teeth.

"That's quite enough chatter out of you, my dear." he said. He shot a blast at Melodia who avoided it easily. 

"Is that your best?" she asked mockingly. Discord aimed his talons, prepared to banish the queen to another dimension for her insolence, but dark light surrounded him and the rest of the ponies. All were lifted into the air, in the grasp of Melodia's power.

"Now, let's move onto business, shall we?"








Fluttershy pounded on the door (which wasn't very hard). She had to get out and see what her mother was up to. She looked around to see if there was something she could use to escape. 

Aha!" she cried. A letter opener! She placed the sharp end into the lock, and began to fiddle with it. She'd never picked a lock before, but she hoped that this would work. She could hear clicking, and finally, the door unlocked.

"I can't believe it worked!" she said. "Now to find mother before she causes any trouble." Fluttershy hurried to the only place she could think of her mother could be, the ballroom. Sure enough, as she approached, she overhead her mother's voice.

"Now, let's move onto business, shall we?" Fluttershy peeked around the corner. She saw Queen Celestia, and her friends, in midair, her mother using her magic to squeeze the life  out of them. Fluttershy let out a gasp, and rushed in toward her mother.

"Mother, stop this!" cried Fluttershy. Queen Melodia loosened her grip on her captives, distracted by her daughter's appearance.

"I'm a bit busy at the moment dear, you'll have to wait until I finish taking care of these ponies, who've outlived their usefulness." said Queen Melodia.

"Mother please! Spare them, I'll do anything if you'll let them go."

"Really?"

"Please, their my friends." Queen Melodia grinned deviously.

"As you wish Fluttershy." She let go of everypony, letting them fall to the floor. "It's been fun and all, but my daughter and I must take our leave." Fluttershy looked sadly at the other ponies.

"I-I'm sorry everypony. Please forgive me." In a cloud of black and purple smoke, Queen Melodia and Princess Fluttershy were gone.
> Chapter 17: Darkness rising
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 17: Darkness rising



Fluttershy laid in her bed, wanting to cry but finding herself unable to. She couldn't believe what she'd done. 'It's my fault. It's all my fault!' she thought mournfully. 'I-if I hadn't stolen that spell book, if I hadn't befriended those girls and Discord, if I hadn't even gone to that school in the first place! Then...mother wouldn't be free, and she wouldn't have tried to kill them.' What would happen now? What did her friends think of her now? They probably wished they had nothing to do with her, and she really was like her mother. Evil, through and through. A knock broke through her thoughts. 

"Go away!" yelled Fluttershy, her voice cracking with sadness. The door opened anyway, and in came Queen Melodia. She sat down next to Fluttershy on the bed.

"What do you want now mother?" asked Fluttershy. She felt defeated, what was left for her? Queen Melodia reached over to her side and pushed a medium-sized box to Fluttershy.

"What is it?" asked Fluttershy. Both wary and curious of it.

"It's a gift, I thought it would help improve your mood and make you feel better." Fluttershy felt a strange chill coming off of the box, but there wasn't much else she could do but open it, her mother watching, pressing her to see what was inside. She lifted the lid and found a well crafted necklace. The necklace was pure black, and had a single shining opal in the center.

"It's lovely mother, but I don't think that a necklace will make me feel any better." she said. Queen Melodia cast her eyes down upon the necklace.

"In the very least, try it on. I'd like to see how it looks on you." said Melodia. A full-length mirror was conjured in front of the pegasi. Fluttershy sighed and clasped the necklace around her neck. It looked almost as if a pair of black wings were wrapped around her. 

"It looks perfect on you," said Melodia. Fluttershy wasn't so sure, but didn't argue. She moved her hooves up to take it off, when her whole body froze. A sharp, piercing feeling shot through her heart. Fluttershy let out a heart-wrenching gasp, and fell to the floor. Her breathing became rigid. Her mother acted as though nothing horrible were happening to her daughter. Fluttershy tried to stand herself up, but was parallelized by the pain. 

"W-what...d-did you...do...?" Fluttershy gasped, trying to speak, but finding it to be difficult. 

"It's for your own good Fluttershy. Everything I've done has been for you, for us. Don't fight it, let the darkness strengthen you, and harden over your heart, so you may not feel fear nor pain." Fluttershy let out another gasp, her heart filling with dark, horrible feeling. Her vision started to blur and she began to lose consciousness. 

"H-help...me...somepony...help..."








It was chaos in the school, a chaos Discord didn't feel like enjoying. Why? He was the king of chaos! He was chaos itself! So then, why did he feel...depressed? Even admitting that he was depressed to himself bothered him. 'It's because of her, Fluttershy.' he thought, knowing it to be true. The events of what happened when Queen Melodia appeared rushed quickly in his mind. He'd been tricked, and he allowed himself to be tricked! 'That's probably why I feel depressed! I, the trickster of tricksters was tricked, by a talking mirror and her sweet, lovely daughter.' He was confused by that last thought. What in the world would make him think something like that?! 

'She was sweet.'

Could've been an act.

'And she was lovely in her own way.'

Much good it'd do for somepony as under-hoofed as her! 

Discord's ears perked up as he heard hoofsteps approaching him from behind. He didn't need to turn around to guess who it was.

"What do you want Celestia?" asked Discord. "Come to ridicule me on how I was fooled by a little princess?" Queen Celestia said nothing for a moment.

"I did not come to do any such thing." she said. "I just wanted to see if you were alright." Discord scoffed.

"You're better off elsewhere dear Celestia. I'm in no mood for your sympathies."

"Because of Fluttershy?" asked Celestia. Discord's silence was answer enough. "I know you two were close friends..."

"Sure, if you can call her a friend. Tricking me into freeing her vile mother who, may I remind you, sought to kill me. Not that would've succeeded mind you, but the fact that she attempted to is bad enough." Discord interrupted, his voice rising with his anger. Queen Celestia tried to remain calm.

"And need I remind you, that you were trying to escape in the first place." she said.

"Oh, don't try to turn this around onto me Celestia. It's because of you, that I wanted to escape from here, it's because of you that you allowed Fluttershy to attend here, and it's because of you that there's a Queen of Evil to begin with."

"You think I don't know that?!" snapped Queen Celestia. Discord was momentarily stunned by this outburst. Celestia sighed.

"Not a day goes by since I left Melodia that I don't regret what I've done. Every action I take to try to save her or somepony else from a similar fate only leads to more trouble." she looked to the side, her mind someplace else as she spoke. "I know that all this is caused by my own mistakes, which means I must do everything in my power to correct those mistakes and accept the consequences of my actions." Queen Celestia turned to leave, she stopped looked Discord in the eye. 

"Fluttershy may have tricked you, whether intentionally or by her mother's orders, however I know that the friendship the two of you shared was, is, genuine. Please, keep that in mind." she said. Discord turned his back as the queen left. With Celestia gone, he allowed his anger to diminish a bit. 'What does she know? Genuine friendship indeed.' But the more Discord thought over it, the more he began to miss that yellow pegasus. No more tea sessions, she was probably back in Amrista, or the Dark Kingdom, or whatever it was called. Locked away, never to see anypony for the rest of her life. Genuine friendship. That's what the feeling that he felt in his chest was. What he felt around her. 

"Now the question remains, where to go from here?"



	



The girls were all sitting together in Twilight's room, each one full of sadness over the loss of their friend. Even Pinkie Pie was down in the dumps! With one of the happiest ponies ever like that, it just showed how bad the situation had become.

"Do you think they're treating her well in the Dark Kingdom?" Rarity asked, breaking the sad silence.

"Who knows?" said Applejack. Rainbow Dash groaned and stood up.

"That's it! I've had enough moping around, we need to take action, we need to do something!" she said. 

"Do what exactly?" asked Applejack.

"What else? We need to get Fluttershy back, and while we're at it, stop that wacko queen too!" Nopony said anything.

"Come on guys! This is Fluttershy, she's our friend and she needs our help. Now who's with me?" Twilight had been listening to the conversation. She wanted to help Fluttershy too! But, what could five ponies like them do? Queen Melodia had almost killed them with her magic! 'We could've been killed.' But as she thought this, she also thought, 'We could've...if it hadn't been for Fluttershy.' 

"Alright, I'm in." said Twilight. Everypony turned their attention to her.

"Really?" asked Rainbow Dash. Twilight nodded.

"Fluttershy is one of the nicest ponies I've ever met, and she gave herself up to save all of us. The least we can do is return the favor, and get her back." Rainbow let out a whoop.

"Yeah! That's what I'm talking about." said Rainbow Dash. Applejack also stood up.

"Aw, heck! Count me in too, better to go out and help her, than sitting around feeling sorry." said Applejack. Pinkie's smile returned and she jumped up with joy.

"Alright, an adventure! This is gonna be fun!" she cheered. They all looked at Rarity, seeing what her answer would be. Rarity sighed dramatically.

"I'll go too, Fluttershy was such a darling friend, and it would be bad of me to refuse her in her time of need." she said. Everypony now had determination on their faces.

"Alright then, let's do this." said Twilight. 'Don't worry Fluttershy, we're coming!'







Queen Melodia stayed at her daughter's bedside, where Princess Fluttershy lay. She began to stir. Queen Melodia stroked her daughter's mane.

"Awaken my daughter, it's time for you to claim your destiny." she said. Fluttershy's eyes opened. No longer teal, but crimson red. Queen Melodia grinned evilly.

"Darkness is rising, and it's time for it to meet it's new queen."
> Chapter 18: The Dark Kingdom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 18: The Dark Kingdom



Queen Celestia entered the infirmary as soon as she heard that her sister had regained consciousness. The princess was sitting up in bed, still a bit dazed.

"Luna!" Celestia cried happily. She wrapped her arms around Princess Luna. "Thank goodness."

"I'm fine sister. Where is Melodia?" Celestia let go of her sister and faced her.

"She escaped, and took Fluttershy with her." Celestia lowered her head in shame. "You were right Luna, I shouldn't have put so much faith in Melodia so easily, and now, I've put everypony's lives in danger." Celestia shut her eyes. The weight of everything crashing down upon her shoulders. Luna looked at Queen Celestia with pity.

"It's not all your fault Celestia, Melodia fooled everypony. What matters now is what you do about it. How will you handle Melodia now?" said Luna. Queen Celestia wasn't sure what say, when Lady Spitfire came rushing into the infirmary in a panic.

"Queen Celestia! Princess Luna! Something has happened!" she said, a bit out of breath.

"What is it, what's happened?" asked Queen Celestia. 

"Princesses Twilight Sparkle and Rarity are missing! As well as Applejack, Pinkie Pie, even Squire Rainbow Dash." 

"They must be heading to the Dark Kingdom." said Celestia. 

"What makes you say that?" asked Luna.

"Because that's where Fluttershy is, and there's no doubt they're trying to save her." 

"My Queen, what are your orders?" asked Spitfire. 

"Round up the Wonderbolts and the rest of the guards, and have them look after the castle. I'll be heading to the Dark Kingdom to and stop them."

"We'll head over and stop them." said Luna, getting out of the bed and stumbling a little.

"Luna, you're in no condition to travel, or even fight should we need to." Celestia argued.

"You'll need all the help you can get. I'll be fine, please sister, let me come." said Princess Luna. Queen Celestia shook her head.

"I won't lose you Luna, you're staying here." Luna was laid back down on the infirmary bed, and Queen Celestia followed Lady Spitfire out of the room. As Queen Celestia was heading down with Spitfire, she was stopped by a paw on her shoulder. She turned her head, to see Discord grinning.

"I have a little proposition I'd like to make." he said, his grin growing wider.






Twilight and the girls had taken a large hot air balloon, and were flying it toward the Dark Kingdom. Prepared to face whatever might come their way.

"How will we know when we arrive?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I think that creepy, dark castle ahead is a good clue." said Pinkie Pie. Sure enough, a tall spire castle, made out of roughly cut black rock, surrounding the castle was a poor, desolate land full of dying grass, dead trees and dilapidated houses.

"Never mind." said Rainbow. 

"Ugh! It's so dreadful!" exclaimed Rarity. "How can anypony live here?" 

"It's certainly a sad sight, how will we find Fluttershy?" asked Applejack. Before anypony could answer her, an arrow from the castle shot toward them, and punctured a hole in the balloon. The girls then went crashing down, screaming all the way. 

"We're gonna die!" Rarity shrieked, holding tightly onto Applejack for dear life. "And there was some much I wanted to do!" Rainbow flew out of the balloon, carrying Pinkie Pie. Twilight also flew out and used her magic to levitate Rarity and Applejack out of the basket and placed them safely on the ground.

"Oh, we're alive!" Rarity cried joyfully. 

"Uh, you can let go now princess." said Applejack. Rarity saw that she was still holding Applejack and let go of her, embarrassed. 

"Right, sorry." she said. The girls faced the towering castle that loomed over them.

"There's no turning back now." said Twilight. The girls took a single step forward, as the did so, a horde of shadow ponies rose up, surrounding the girls.

"Aw man! Why can't it be easy?" Pinkie complained. The shadow ponies herded the girls toward the castle, to meet whatever fate awaited them inside.






Inside the throne room, the girls were forcibly knelt onto the floor. Before them, smiling smugly was the Queen of Evil herself, Queen Melodia. 

"Welcome, to my humble home." said Queen Melodia. Her arms gesturing to everything around her.

"Where's Fluttershy?" asked Twilight, her voice hard as she looked up at the queen. 

"My daughter is preparing for her coronation, though, I suppose it's about time that you meet your new queen." She turned and called out, "You're subjects are awaiting you my dear." Fluttershy appeared, but she didn't look like the pegasus they knew and loved. Her eyes, now crimson, regarded them coldly. She slowly walked toward them, wearing a black dress, and a necklace around her neck. The opal on it was clouded over. 

"Fluttershy?" Twilight couldn't believe it. This couldn't be their friend! What had happened to her?!

"Is this them?" Fluttershy asked. Her voice was full of contempt that didn't suit her at all. 

"Fluttershy, it's us! Don't you remember?" inquired Twilight, unable to take her eyes off the pegasus. Fluttershy sneered.

"Why should I remember peasants like you?" 

"What has that witch done to you?" asked Rarity. Fluttershy's eyes zeroed in on her. 

"What's the matter Rarity? Not used to having everything be your way?" Rarity shrank back. "Well, sorry to disappoint you girls, but I'm no longer the weak, simple-minded fool I once was. You won't be able to push me around anymore, never once complaining. I've changed for the better."

"More like for the worst." said Rainbow Dash. 

"Fluttershy, this isn't you, choose who you want to be! Be the friend we love and care about!" said Twilight, hoping to reach through to her. But Fluttershy didn't seem to care.

"Frankly girls, I don't give a flying feather about you, or your friendship. You can all stay in the dungeons for all I care." Queen Melodia was practically glowing with pride.

"Well said my dear, well said." she said. Melodia motioned for the guards to come forward. "Take them to the dungeons, they shall be an example on all who think they can just trespass into this kingdom and get away with it." Queen Melodia laughed maniacally as the girls were dragged away. Fluttershy watched, feeling the smallest bit of sadness and regret, deep within her hardened heart. 






"Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were rattling against the bars, trying to get out of the cells they'd been locked in. Twilight tried to use her magic, but there was some kind of anti-magic field surrounding them.

"We need to get out of here." said Applejack. 

"How in Equestria are we going to do that?" asked Rarity. 

"I'm sure Twilight has come up with something." said Pinkie Pie. Twilight was sitting on the floor, deep in thought. It didn't seem like there was any chance of them escaping. 'What are we supposed to do now?' she asked herself.

"Looks like you ladies are in need of some assistance." The girls all looked up to see Discord standing near the stairway. 

"Discord!" they all cried.

"How...when...huh?!" said a confused Rainbow Dash. 

"What the hay are you doing here?" asked Applejack.

"Is that the kind of treatment you show your rescuer?" asked Discord.

"Come again?" asked Rarity. Discord pulled out a ring of keys he'd "borrowed" from on of the guards.

"Queen Celestia made a deal, that I help rescue you, and Fluttershy, in return I get to leave the castle with a free pass." he said. He bent down and unlocked the prison doors.

"You came to rescue us? Why?" asked Twilight. 

"Let's just say that you're not the only ponies that care what happens to Fluttershy." he said. Discord was surprised to see Twilight smiling at him.

"Thank you, Discord." she said. 

"Yes, yes, now tell me, where can we find Fluttershy?"

"Sorry to tell you this sugarcube, but it's not gonna be as easy as you think."

"Yeah, that queen put so kind of freaky spell on Fluttershy, making her nasty and mean!" 

"Not if I have anything to say about it." said Discord. He snapped his lion paw and disappeared. 

"Hey, no fair!" Pinkie shouted, running up the stairs to try and follow after him. 

"Come on girls!" said Twilight, leading them out of the dungeon.







Queen Melodia couldn't help but smile as she looked down below at the army of shadow ponies she'd summoned. The barrier had considerably weakened her powers, but now, she was at full strength. She could almost reach out and touch the victory that was so close and yet so far. Equestria would fall, her daughter would be queen, and together they'd rule, not needing anypony else that would betray or abandon them. Not like her mother, father, Celestia, or Drake had done. They'd left her behind, but n turn, they'd led her to this glorious fate that awaited her. One of the guards entered without knocking.

"What is it?" she growled, hating it when ponies disturb her. The guard shook with fear before he said what he'd come to tell her.

"The princess asks for you, she says that she doesn't feel well." he said. Melodia's eyes widened at this and she instantly teleported into her daughter's bedroom. Fluttershy was hunched over, in apparent pain, gasping for breath that would not come.  Queen Melodia felt her maternal side take control as she went to her daughter's side and placed both hooves on the young mare's shoulders, worried for her daughter's well being.

"Fluttershy, what's wrong?" she asked. Fluttershy lifted her head, trying her best to speak.

"I-it...hurts..." Queen Melodia looked into her daughter's eyes, within them, she could see massive turmoil in them, as they cleared and clouded with black magic. She put a hoof on her daughter's chest and concentrated. The evil and black magic she'd given her daughter was being rejected, and it was hurting Fluttershy in the process. 'How can this be?! It never hurt me before! I must do something, to help ease the pain.' Hoof still on her daughter's chest, she allowed some of her own black magic to flow into Fluttershy. Gradually, Fluttershy managed to breathe at a normal pace, and was no longer in pain.

"There, that should help you, are you okay?" asked Melodia. Fluttershy whacked her mother's touch away with the back of her hoof, giving her a look she'd never seen before, or at least, nopony had ever given her before.


"Spare me the sympathies mother, it's none of your concern." she spat. "Now leave!" Queen Melodia was shocked, but regained her composure, and did as she wanted. Back in her throne room, Melodia began to wonder. Why was Fluttershy rejecting the black magic? It was supposed to make her stronger, but instead, it was causing her pain. She'd given her more, but how long would it last? As of now, it was hard to tell. She also couldn't help but feel a sadness at her daughter talking so harshly to her, instead of the sweet manner she usually used. 'Did I do...the right thing...?' 






Discord and the girls had left the dungeon level and made it to the first floor, where they found some shadow ponies waiting for them.

"Oh great, who tripped the alarm?" asked Discord. Most ponies were looking at him. "Oh, right, in that case, there's only one thing left to do." He conjured a large cannon in front of them and shouted, "FIRE IN THE HOLE!!" He plugged his ears and the cannon blasted the shadow ponies through the wall. 


"Oooooo I have to get one of these for myself." said Pinkie rubbing the cannon. "Except of course it'll need lots and lots of confetti!" The rescue party continued onward, searching for their friend. Along the way, they would blow away any guards or shadow ponies that stood in their path.

This caused so loud a commotion that it reached the ears of Fluttershy.

"What in Equestria is making all that racket?!" she stormed out of her room and peered over the railing. She saw the girls and Discord fighting of the shadow ponies, her eyes narrowing on them. Using her magic, she teleported down to them.

"So you've managed to escape." she said. "I should've known you'd be stubborn enough to escape."

"It's gonna take a lot more than a dungeon to keep us from helping you." said Applejack. Fluttershy scowled.

"Then you a sorely out of luck girls, this is the end of you." Her eyes glowed, and she lifted the ponies into the wall, squeezing the life out of them. 

"Fluttershy!" they cried, trying to reach through to her. But something unexpected happened. Fluttershy let out a cry of pain and released the girls. She collapsed to the floor, feeling a surge of pain rearing her to pieces.

"Fluttershy, what's wrong?!" Fluttershy was unable to speak, she started to hyperventilate, trying to regain control of her magic. She felt a tapping on her shoulder, she turned to see Discord behind her. 

"Sorry about this my dear." he raised his talons in the air, and used them to slash the necklace off. As it fell off, Fluttershy fainted. 

"What did you do?" questioned Rainbow Dash, shaking Fluttershy a little. The pegasus moved and her eyes opened up. The red flushing out of them and returning to their normal teal.


"Oh no, I had the most horrible dream!" said Fluttershy. She looked up at the friends who surrounded her. They pulled her into a group hug.

"Fluttershy!"

"Fluttershy, you're back!"

"Girls, Discord, you...you came for me?" asked Fluttershy.

"Of course we came for you, you're our friend." said Twilight. Fluttershy looked up at Discord and smiled at him.

"Thank you Discord." she said. She turned to the rest of the girls. "Thank you everypony." There was a loud clashing outside, from the army that was preparing to invade.

"We're not out of the woods yet." said Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy's eyes widened in fear.

"Y-you're not going to fight them, are you?" asked Fluttershy. 

"Don't worry my dear, Queen Celestia is on her way as we speak, and besides, you have me on your side." said Discord. The ponies formed a protective circle around Fluttershy, ready to head out into the army, and escape this Dark Kingdom.
> Chapter 19: The beginning of the end
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 19: The beginning of the end



The army of shadow ponies, clad in sharp armor and weaponry and prepared for battle, turned their attention to the large doors of the castle that were opening. They'd expected to see their queen, and were ready to follow her orders, but instead, they found a bunch of ponies and a Draconequus burst through the doors and heading into the army. Seeing the prisoners and the princess in their clutches, they attacked them. Rainbow Dash uppercut them, Applejack used her back legs to kick them, Twilight and Rarity used their magic, and Discord gave Pinkie control of his cannon, and she went nuts with it. Shooting cannon balls with reckless abandonment, and whooping all the way. 

"Say hello to my little friend!" she yelled, pulling the cord.

Shadow ponies were flying left and right, but there seemed to be an endless supply of them. When one fell down, ten more came up in its place.

"Yeesh, when your mom makes an army, she knows how to make an army!" Rainbow shouted over the crowd of soldiers. She socked one in the jaw and knocked two soldiers together with their own heads.

"She's been planning this for years, she won't go down with a fight." said Fluttershy, staying close to Discord's side, shrinking away from the scary shadow ponies. Everypony battled valiantly, slowly plowing through the horde. They needed to get out of the kingdom, but they didn't seem to be making much progress in their escape. Queen Melodia rushed onto her balcony, robes swishing behind her and saw the scene below. Her eyes filled with anger. So many long, and tiring years of planning, and she was not about to let it all go to waste, not now, not while she was in charge. This was the last straw.

"That's ENOUGH!" shouted Queen Melodia. The fighting ceased as everypony turned their attention to Queen Melodia, who flew down from her balcony down to them. Her magnificent wings flapping like a great bird of prey, ready to reign death and misery upon them. 

"This has gone on long enough. I've allowed you to go on with this farce, but now it's time to end it." Queen Melodia shot a blast of magic at the group, to her surprise, they were protected by a bubble of magic. She turned to her daughter who'd cast the spell.

"What is the meaning of this?!" demanded Queen Melodia. Fluttershy looked sadly at her mother.

"I'm sorry mother, I can't follow the path you want me to take. Give up Equestria, please mother." Fluttershy pleaded. Everypony took a step back, horrified by the hideous expression on the queen's face, as her eyes bored into Fluttershy's friends. She was more fearful than Fluttershy had ever seen her, which meant she was beyond furious.

"You've turned my own daughter against me. YOU SHALL PAY!!!" Melodia tried to attack them, but Fluttershy once again protected them with her shield.

"No! Your fight is with me mother. Don't drag anypony else into this." said Fluttershy, her face was bold, but she was shaking with fear. Queen Melodia cocked her head, mildly intrigued by the idea. 

"Fluttershy..." Discord began, but Fluttershy silenced him with a look. 

"Don't worry about me, this is something I have to do." She left her friends' side and stepped to face her mother. 

"Let the battle begin." said Queen Melodia. Both pegasi took to the air to fight. The battle below continued, Discord however was still focused on Fluttershy as he watched her and her mother fight. Her white light entangling with her mother's dark light. The two forces clashing. Queen Melodia knocked her body into Fluttershy's the yellow pegasus, flapped her wings with all her might to keep her airborne. She was almost caught off guard when the queen launched a beam of magic at her.

"You can help you know!" shouted Rainbow Dash as some shadow ponies began piling over her, calling back the Draconequus' attention. Discord snapped his paw and sent a shock wave that caused all the soldiers to become as frozen as statues.  

"Are you kidding me?! You could do that this whole time?!" yelled an angry Pinkie Pie. She let out a final blast from the cannon that narrowly missed his head. Discord shrugged. 

"You ponies seemed to have been handling it fine without me, I didn't want to spoil your fun." Meanwhile, high in the sky, Fluttershy battled against her mother. Fluttershy mostly defended herself, not having learned any good attacking spells. Even if she did, her mother's magic was far stronger than hers. The queen did everything to catch her daughter off guard and used that opportunity to strike. Whether she used her magic, or attacked with her own fighting skills. Together they fought. Evil and kindness, darkness and light, mother and daughter, two souls that wished to be together but would ultimately need to make the final decision. A decision that could cost either side their life. Fluttershy panted, she couldn't hold her mother back for much longer. As she paused for a moment to gather her strength, her mother attacked her with a beam of magic. Causing Fluttershy to cry out and fall from the sky. Luckily she was caught in the arms of her dear friend Discord. She looked up into his eyes with surprise.

"You saved me." she breathed. Discord smiled tenderly at her.

"Really my dear, you must give me more credit, how could I not save you?' Fluttershy blushed. The two of them ducked as Melodia sot another beam of magic a them.

"I need to go." said Fluttershy. She gave a light peck on Discord's cheek and whispered, "Thank you," before returning to the fight. Discord placed a paw on the spot, it still felt warm from her touch. He felt his own face begin to blush. 

"Things look pretty intense up there." Rainbow Dash commented as she looked up into the sky.

"You're right!" grumbled Discord. "Where is Celestia when you need her?"






On her way to the Dark Kingdom, Queen Celestia had been sidetracked in organizing the troops and had left a bit later than she expected. She hoped she wasn't too late. 

"Sister, wait!" called a voice. Queen Celestia stopped in mid-flight to see her sister flying after her.

"Luna! I thought I told you to stay behind." she said. 

"I know, but I can't let you go without me. It took the both of us to weaken Melodia, and it'll take the both of us to defeat her." Queen Celestia searched Luna's face and sighed, knowing nothing was going to change her mind.

"Very well, but stay close to me, there's no telling what Melodia might try to do. And we may already be too late." The two sisters flew off to the Dark Kingdom, where already a battle was taking place.






Twilight became very worried, her friend was getting tired, and Melodia appeared to have the upper hoof.

"We have to do something!" she said. 

"Fluttershy wishes to settle this herself." said Discord, holding her back. "We must respect that."

"But she'll be killed!" Queen Melodia frowned at her daughter, it was time to deal the finishing blow. Her eyes filled with black light till they were completely consumed by it. 'Forgive me Fluttershy.' Fluttershy cast a shield around her as the magic shot down on her. Fluttershy strained, her shield was beginning to crack, and she'd be dead. If only she had more power! Twilight could almost hear Fluttershy's plea. An idea entered her head. It was crazy, but it just might be able to work, and could very well be the only thing that could help Fluttershy.

"Girls, get behind me!" she said urgently. There was no time to lose, the shield was about to collapse.

"What, why?" 

"What's going on Twilight?"

"I have an idea, and I need your help in order for it to work. Now do it!" There was no time to answer questions, there was only time for actions.The girls did as she said and got behind her, Twilight spread her wings out and concentrated on the spell. Her body, along with the girls' began to glow with a light aura. She channeled this power straight into Fluttershy's body, giving her strength and filling her with magical power. The cracks in the barrier sealed and became much stronger than before. This power, she'd never felt anything like it before. Queen Melodia persisted, using every ounce of her power on the pegasus. 

"It's still not enough." said Twilight. Discord stepped forward and added his own power into Fluttershy. He cared for her, and would willing do whatever it took to help her defeat the Queen of Evil if it meant saving her life. After all, she'd shown him that there was more to life than chaos. Something he didn't want to lose any time soon. Fluttershy gasped as she felt nearly endless power flowing out of her, she no longer strained to hold the barrier in place. Still, there was the matter of her mother left to deal with. Fluttershy looked at her mother with sad, pitiful eyes. Despite all she'd done, she couldn't kill her. And she couldn't banish her or lock her away, otherwise she'd try to escape, and become even more bitter than before. There was one thing left to do, and with all this power, she could do it. Fluttershy's eyes were consumed with brilliant white light. She enacted the spell she knew would bring everything to the end. From Fluttershy's heart came a blinding light that consumed her and her mother into it. 

"No! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" cried Queen Melodia spitefully. The girls and Discord looked away from the blinding light. It spread out all across the kingdom. When it died down, Fluttershy and Queen Melodia were gone, not a trace of them left to be found.


"She's gone!" cried Pinkie Pie. 

"Twilight, what did we do?" asked Applejack.

"I don't know girls." said Twilight. "I just don't know."
> Chapter 20: Ever after...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 20: Ever after...



The place was completely white and empty, it was wide open and hazy, and yet warm and comforting. Queen Melodia let out a gasp as she opened her sea green eyes. The black magic emptied out of her, and the for the first time in years, her mind cleared. All the twisted words and thoughts she'd believed in had been put to order, the corruption had left her.

"Wh-what happened to me?" she asked, looking down at her hooves. 

"I healed you." Melodia looked up to see her daughter floating before her, like an angel. 

"Healed me?"

"I couldn't bear to see you suffer anymore, so a healed your mind and banished the black magic out of you." A whirlwind of emotions washed over Queen Melodia, emotions she hadn't felt in what felt like forever. She smiled widely at her daughter.

"Oh Fluttershy..." Fluttershy let out a gasp of surprise as her mother pulled her into a sudden tight embrace, one that Fluttershy happily returned. A warmth generated between them. This was what she wanted for so long, to hug her mother, and feel her love. Queen Melodia pulled away, her face full of warmth and pride.

"My beautiful little daughter, how can I ever thank you?" 

"You can start, by coming back with me." Melodia's eyes widened and she looked away. Her red violet falling into her face, similar to what Fluttershy would do.

"After all that I've done? What right do I have to return? To be forgiven? I hurt so many, and tricked many. I tried to kill my own daughter! I deserve to stay here, to think about my crimes." lamented Melodia. "You must hate me now." Fluttershy shook her head.

"Mother no! I could never hate you. There were times I was afraid, but I always forgave you, just as father forgave you. You are my mother, I've always loved above any evil did you'd done." said Fluttershy.

"How can you treat me with such kindness?" asked Queen Melodia, she looked at her daughter with a mix of confusion and awe. 

"What you've done, I've put behind me. You've shown remorse for what you've done, and that's all I could ask for. If you truly want to make up for your sins, then you'll need to atone for your crimes. Apologize to everypony, and work to repair the damage you've caused." Melodia brushed a loose strand of pale pink hair behind Fluttershy's ear. Smiling lovingly at her. The queen looked just as beautiful as her daughter she showed true happiness.

"For you, my darling Fluttershy, I'd gladly face any punishment for your sake. I'd blindly thought that I was doing what was best for you and for me...I was wrong. And for that I'll do whatever it takes to pay for my crimes." said Melodia. The two held each others hooves and vanished from the plane of light.






The ponies were in a state of shock, trying to piece together what had happened to Fluttershy and Queen Melodia. 

"You don't think she's..." Rarity couldn't finish it. The thought was too horrible. Applejack took off the hat, Everypony, including Discord, lowered their heads. Discord's eyes widened thought when a butterfly made of light perched on his nose. He looked up into the sky and pointed, the girls let out a cry of equal surprise. In the sky, flying down to them was a kaleidoscope of butterflies, their wings flashing as they headed toward them. As they neared the ground, they faded to reveal Fluttershy and Melodia, gracefully landing on the ground. As their hooves touched the hard earth, Melodia's old spell broke and the shadow ponies vanished in a puff of smoke. 

"Fluttershy!" Discord cried with joy. He swooped the pegasus up into his arms and whisked her around. She blushed and laughed a little as he did so. Seeming to remember the other ponies, he promptly set her down and cleared his throat.

"Yes well, it's good to see that you're okay my dear." He smiled sheepishly. Queen Melodia playfully arched an eyebrow. 

"Is he your gentlecolt friend?" she asked teasingly. Fluttershy batted a hoof.

"Mother, don't say embarrassing things like that!" Queen Melodia laughed a beautiful, and tinkling laugh. The ponies were amazed by the change in the pony that had up until recently tried to kill them. The queen faced the girls and bowed low to them.

"Thank you for everything you've done for my daughter. If only I'd been blessed with ponies such as you when I was younger, then perhaps our first meeting would've been under different circumstances. I don't blame you if you don't forgive me, but I will do everything in my power to atone for my crimes." said Melodia. 

The girls gathered around Fluttershy into another hug, happy that it finally seemed to be over. From the sky, Queen Celestia and Princess Luna flew down to the ponies and Draconequus.

"What's going on here?" asked Luna.

"Celestia and Luna, late as always I see." Discord said snarkily. But Queen Celestia hadn't listened to him, instead she was focused on Melodia.

"Melodia...is that you?" she asked. Melodia had a small smile as she nodded.

"Yes Celestia, it's me, the real me." said Melodia. 

"But, but how?" asked Queen Celestia. Melodia looked to her daughter and her friends.

"My daughter showed me the truth, and with your permission, I'd like to star anew." Queen Celestia beamed and embraced her old student.

"Of course." she said. The girls all looked at one another, wondering how long it would be until their lives returned to normal.





"It had been roughly six months or so since the battle against Melodia. Fluttershy was relieved to have her mother free from the burden of evil, and be her true self once again. And to be with her during this special day. It was the last day at the School for Princesses, and Fluttershy was admiring her gown. It was a colorful dress that looked as if it had been embroidered with live butterflies, another fine job done by Rarity. The was a gentle knock on the door, and in came Queen Melodia.

"Are you nervous?" she asked. Fluttershy nodded.

"A little bit."

"Don't be, you'll be fine." the queen reassured. Fluttershy looked fretfully at her reflection in the mirror. There was a special ceremony today, and Queen Celestia had asked her stand up in front of everypony. She wouldn't be saying anything, but that didn't make it any less scary.

"Here, I have a gift for you." said Queen Melodia. She made a box appear in Fluttershy's hooves. Fluttershy arched an eyebrow at the box.

"It's a good gift, I swear." said the queen. Fluttershy opened the box and smiled at what lay inside. It was a beautiful crown made of gold, it looked as though it was crafted out of ivy and had delicate flowers placed in it.

"I wore this on my coronation day, and I think it's about time that I pass it onto you." said Melodia. Fluttershy hugged her tightly.

"Thank you mother, I'll treasure it always." she said with a smile. "I wish father were here to see this." Melodia sighed.

"I know, I miss him too. Especially after all I'd said to him, and the way I'd treated him." 

"He knew you weren't yourself mother, he forgave you, just as I have."  There was a flash of light and Discord materialized into the room. 

"I'll leave you two alone." said Melodia, winking at Fluttershy as she left. Fluttershy turned to Discord.

"Did you need something?" she asked him. 

"I just came by to wish you good luck my dear." said Discord in a charming voice. "And to give you this." He made a beautiful white lily appear and handed it to Fluttershy. She took a sniff from it and smiled.

"Thank you Discord, it's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you." Fluttershy set the flower down.

"I'm gonna be very busy," she said. "Helping mother rebuild Amrista and everything. But, I was wondering if, you could stop by and visit me." Discord smiled and bowed before her.

"As you wish princess." he said. "After all, you need somepony to make your boring life interesting." He extended his elbow to her. "Shall we be off?" Fluttershy gladly took it and away they went. Discord was a dear friend, and she wanted to get to know him all the better.





The students and staff were gathered in the foyer, awaiting for the ceremony to commence. All were dressed in their finest, as they awaited for Queen Celestia to begin. The girls couldn't believe all that had happened to them in the beginning of the year, but one thing they knew, it was good to be together and to have peace at last. Fluttershy joined them, promising to visit one another whenever they had the chance. Finally, Queen Celestia and Princess Luna stepped before the ponies that had gathered, her head held high. 

"My dear students." said Celestia. "I know that many surprising and unexpected things have happened here. But as you experienced them, you've become better, stronger ponies than you were when you first arrived here. I'm pleased to have taught you all, and hope that you will return to this school for the rest of the term. And now, with pleasantries aside, I'd like to call Princess Fluttershy of Amrista to stand before us." She made a motion, and Fluttershy nervously made her way up to them. She faced the crowd of ponies, wishing that she could just disappear completely, but sadly, that wasn't an option.

"Fluttershy and her friends have helped demonstrate together, the rules of a true queen. They've shown honesty, loyalty, laughter, generosity, and kindness. In turn, they defeated a great evil, and saved a dream old friend of mine." Her eyes fell on Melodia who was sitting in the crowd. "For that, I thank them all dearly." The ponies in the crowd applauded. Fluttershy smiled, and using her magic, she made her friends appear from their seat and at her side. Rarity waved and blew kisses into the crowd. Rainbow basked in the attention. Even Fleur looked begrudgingly impressed. Princess Luna leaned over and whispered into her ear.

"You've done well Fluttershy, better than I could've foreseen." Coming from the princess, that meant a lot. As Fluttershy had her friends with her and looked at Discord and her mother who were smiling up at her, she felt proud and confident. Like a true queen. There was no telling what the future had in store for her, but with her friends at her side, she could face anything that would come her way.




                       The End