In an alternate universe, Discord tries to parent three fillies and hires a nanny named Fluttershy who he ends up not being able to resist.
Discord's brother, Misfortune, ended up marrying Sweet Melody, the mare of his dreams. Misfortune and Sweet Melody have three triplets that don't look anything alike each other. Since Misfortune and Sweet Melody disowned them, they dumped the three triplets Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle off on Discord. Now, he's a single father of three difficult triplets.
Discord discovers he cannot care for the three fillies himself, so he hires a nanny named Fluttershy. At first, Discord finds Fluttershy incredibly annoying. She talks to animals, she's the only one who can calm the triplets down, and she's so kind it gets on Discord's nerves. But that sweet singing voice of hers is the one thing Discord cannot resist.
After a while, Discord ends up falling in love with the mare. But one question, does Fluttershy love him back? And what about the triplets? What is the real cause behind their out of control behavior?
Note: Things in this story are not headcanon to the regular universe, only headcanon to this story.
Discord sighed. Ever since he was young, he had his sights set on one mare: Sweet Melody. She was beautiful and Discord couldn't help but admit her beauty to himself. Sweet Melody had a white coat, a pink mane, bright blue eyes, and a cutie mark with a music note forming a heart. Discord tried all his life to win Sweet Melody's affections. He gave her flowers, he surprised her with chocolate rain showers, and made her gifts with his own paw and claw. But it was futile because Sweet Melody's affection went towards his brother, Misfortune.
Sweet Melody loved evil and Misfortune was evil. Discord had wanted to be evil, but he just couldn't find it in himself to be evil. Sure, he loved to play cruel pranks on ponies and spread chaos, but he could never bring himself to actual cruel behavior. And that's where he sat tonight. In the front row of his brother's and Sweet Melody's wedding. His heart filled with jealousy and anger. Misfortune was always the favorite of his mother and now his crush.
Sweet Melody walked down the aisle, holding a bouquet. As the preacher wedded the couple, Discord shot glares at Misfortune. Misfortune only took the glares with amusement and smirked. As soon as the wedding was over, Discord got up and stalked out. He held back strong urges to ruin the wedding. He didn't want Sweet Melody's wedding to be a disaster even though he loved the thought of ruining his brother's wedding.
Discord went back to his house and sighed. He promised himself he would never fall in love again.
Discord heard a knock at his door and answered it. It was the two faces he never wanted to see.
"Hello, little brother," Misfortune said.
Discord growled, but restrained himself. Then he looked down to see Sweet Melody holding three foals. A yellow earth pony, an orange pegasus, and a white unicorn. The earth pony had Sweet Melody's old pink ribbon she used to wear when she was a filly.
"Triplets?" Discord asked in surprise.
"We never wanted any kids," Sweet Melody said. "This must've happened by mistake."
"So, we legally disowned them," Misfortune said.
Discord was shocked. These three little foals no longer had any legal parents.
"Their names are Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle," Sweet Melody told him.
"So, who's going to take care of them?" Discord asked.
"That's why we came here," Sweet Melody replied, placing the three foals in Discord's arms.
"You are," Misfortune added.
"What?!" Discord exclaimed. He startled Sweetie Belle and she began to cry. "No! I have no experience with foals!"
"You do now," Misfortune said.
"I can't," Discord said. "They wouldn't last a day in my paw... and claw."
"Then, figure it out," growled Sweet Melody.
Before Discord could protest, Misfortune took his wife and teleported away.
Discord looked at the three foals in his arms which looked back at him, confused and saddened.
"I guess I have to take care of them," Discord said before slowly closing the door.
Discord proved to have a difficult time with being a father. Being a single father only made the job harder. He was trying to get three foals to settle down. They were going wild. Apple Bloom cried obviously wanting something, Scootaloo crawled around recklessly, and Sweetie Belle cried as well. Discord placed the three foals in a single crib from his days as a baby draconequus and walked out of the room.
It was silent for a few minutes, but then three cries rang out three the halls and Discord lost his temper.
"Why are you three brats crying now?!?!" Discord shouted teleporting back to their room.
"Here, are you hungry? Have a bottle."
He made a bottle appear with his magic and shoved it in Apple Bloom's mouth which she accepted finally satisfied. He lifted Sweetie Belle and out of her crib and rocked her awkwardly.
Discord sang a strange lullaby. "Rockabye baby on the treetop, blah, blah, blah..."
But Sweetie Belle fell asleep to Discord's lullaby anyway and Discord placed Sweetie Belle back in her crib.
He turned to find out Scootaloo had escaped her crib and knocked over a vase on the table. Discord sighed, fixed the vase with his magic, and placed Scootaloo back in bed.
"You played," Discord said. "You happy?"
Scootaloo giggled and Discord assumed she was happy. The three foals were finally fast asleep in their crib.
"Cute," Discord said sarcastically. "Time to get this stupid paperwork done."
He was going to legally, but unhappily take the triplets as his own.
As they grew up, the three little fillies only behaved worse. They fought endlessly and ran around the house. They only listened to commands after Discord said it a million times (at least) and they hated bedtime.
Fluttershy sat in her cottage, singing merrily to her animals. They listened and relished every beautiful note.
Suddenly, a knock on her door interrupted the song. Fluttershy answered it.
Derpy, the mail pony, delivered a letter to Fluttershy. "Delivery!"
She flew away as Fluttershy closed the door. She opened the letter and looked at the note. It read:
"Dear Nanny Fluttershy,
I found an ad for your nanny service in the newspaper and was interested in your help. My name is Discord. I am a single father of triplets: Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. I am a draconequus, but I assure you I'll bring you no harm if you just help. They are extremely wild and do not listen to a single word I say. I had to become the legal father of the triplets when my brother and his wife disowned them. Maybe you can change them. Sincerely, Discord
"Oh my," Fluttershy said. "I'd be delighted! It's been a long time since anypony wanted my nanny service!"
Fluttershy had discovered she loved fillies and colts as much as she loved animals. She had taken care of animals and started a job as a nanny to care for fillies and colts who needed it. At first, her help in caring for fillies and colts was very popular and she was busy almost every day. She was a very loved nanny by many ponies who needed help. But later, no one required her assistance as much and she started caring for just animals. It was a year since she had been asked for help and she was excited to get back into nannying.
"I'll ask somepony to take care of my little animal friends while I'm away," Fluttershy said. "But I must get to Discord and his triplets!"
Fluttershy packed her bags and followed Discord's directions to his house.
"Oh my," Fluttershy said when she reached the area.
It was surrounded by a huge purple aura with many strange objects floating around in it. She didn't know how to get to the actual lawn. She cautiously stepped inside the aura.
She was immediately hurled into the air and she screamed as she floated around. She was tossed and thrown around the aura and she didn't know how to control where she went.
Fluttershy was thrown against the door and her head knocked into it. Discord interpreted it as a knock and answered the door.
"I think this is the place I was looking for," Fluttershy said, dizzily.
"You're a lot smaller than I imagined," Discord remarked. "Come inside, these fillies are driving me crazy."
"They can't be that bad," Fluttershy said. "Let's meet the little angels right now. I bet they're just so---"
Fluttershy caught sight of the triplets who fought and yelled at each other. Fluttershy was surprised.
"Oh dear," Fluttershy said.
"Now, you see what I deal with," Discord said.
Fluttershy walked gracefully to the three fillies and smiled. "Hello," she said pleasantly.
The three fillies stopped in their tracks and stared.
"Who are you?" Scootaloo asked.
"I'm the nanny," Fluttershy explained. "I was asked by your father to help take care of you."
"Yay!" all three exclaimed.
"It will be like I finally have a mother!" Sweetie Belle squealed.
"I've never had a real mother and I always wanted one!" Apple Bloom added.
"Me three!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
Fluttershy couldn't help, but feel sad at the three fillies wanting a mother so desperately.
"Yes, I will be like your mother," Fluttershy agreed. "You three are just so cute."
"I'm not cute," Scootaloo mumbled.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle giggled.
Discord was angry. Was he not being a good enough father?
"You don't need a mother!" Discord thundered. "She's just your nanny and that's all she'll ever be!"
The triplets squealed in fear and ran behind Fluttershy.
"I know why your triplets act like this," Fluttershy said.
"Why?" Discord asked, annoyed.
"It's because you're scaring them," Fluttershy claimed.
"Scaring them?" Discord scoffed. "I'm not scaring them."
"They don't look scared to you?!"
Discord looked at the triplets, shaking in fear behind Fluttershy. He groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Okay, okay," he said. "I'm sorry."
The triplets giggled and Fluttershy talked with them. Discord was annoyed at the nanny's endless kindness. He was beginning to think he made a mistake in hiring her.
"You can talk to animals?!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
"Oh yes," Fluttershy said.
Discord snickered. No one could understand what animals said. That had to be a lie.
A little bird landed on Discord's windowsill. Birds usually didn't end up in the aura, but this bird seemed to be attracted to Fluttershy.
"Oh, hello," Fluttershy said. "How are you today?"
The bird tweeted happily.
"Oh, so good to hear!" Fluttershy replied.
"Whoa," the triplets breathed in unison.
Discord was shocked. She really could talk to the animals. That didn't make Discord like her more. In fact, it made him like her even less. She could talk to such pesky little creatures and now they were attracted to his house because Fluttershy was there.
"Do you three want something to eat?" Fluttershy asked. "I can cook you some dinner."
"You cook?" Scootaloo asked.
"Why, of course!" Fluttershy replied. "I learned to cook, so I could become a better nanny."
"Dad never cooks," Apple Bloom said.
Discord was mad at that statement, but he realized it was true and held his temper. He only made dinner appear with his magic.
"I can cook some grilled cheese," Fluttershy said. "That tends to be the most popular among fillies."
"Yeah!" the triplets agreed.
Fluttershy started the stove and took bread and cheese out of his fridge. As the triplets watched her cook the three sandwiches, Discord sighed and only grew more aversion towards her. However, the triplets liked her, so he didn't want to send her home.
After Fluttershy had put the triplets to bed, she came downstairs.
"What lulled the fillies to sleep so quickly?" Discord asked.
"A lullaby," Fluttershy said. "You sing them lullabies, don't you?"
"No," Discord replied.
"It's alright," Fluttershy said. "I can do it."
Fluttershy went towards the guest room. "Goodnight."
Discord didn't reply as she shut her door.
"Why do the fillies like her more than me?" Discord asked, sadly.
"Good morning, Discord!" Fluttershy said, cheerily as she emerged from her room.
"Good morning," Discord replied, unhappily.
The triplets were already awake. However, they were energetic and they began to run around once more, whooping and laughing.
"Girls, slow down," Fluttershy warned.
The triplets stopped immediately.
"Of course, Nanny Fluttershy," Scootaloo said.
"Anything for you, Nanny Fluttershy," agreed Apple Bloom.
"Well, how come you girls won't do the same for me?" Discord asked, crossly.
"Because, you're yelling it and she's speaking it nicely!" Sweetie Belle explained.
The triplets sat at the table for breakfast.
"I'll cook---" Fluttershy began.
"Oh, no, breakfast is on me," Discord said, waving Fluttershy away.
Fluttershy agreed.
The triplets groaned.
Discord made the breakfast appear with his magic. Plates of almost every breakfast were spread across the table. There were pancakes and waffles. Oatmeal and toast. And many, many more. However, the triplets didn't seem to care about the amount. They were interested in the quality of the food.
"Eat up!" Discord said.
The triplets looked at the food and began to eat. Fluttershy began to talk to everyone as they ate.
"I'm so excited to play with the triplets," Fluttershy said. "They're just such great ponies."
"You are too!" the triplets replied simultaneously.
Discord groaned to himself and muttered some incoherent cursing. His aversion to Fluttershy was only beginning to grow.
"They sure are," Discord said with an obviously fake cheer. "They've been my greatest source of joy for all these years."
The triplets frowned at him.
"You're just lying," Apple Bloom said. "You probably don't even know what real love is!"
Fluttershy stood up before it could get worse. "Now, now, girls! Let's not say this. Discord probably knows a lot more about love than you think he does."
The triplets sighed.
Discord felt bursts of fury from inside him. The triplets thought he knew nothing about love! Of course he knew about love! He knew that it could be great and one of the happiest things to happen to a pony. But he also knew that it hurt.
Discord sat on the couch watching Fluttershy and the triplets play.
"What is this doll's name?" Fluttershy asked.
"That's mine," Sweetie Belle said. "She's my favorite. I named her Meloetta."
"That's beautiful," Fluttershy said. "It's like a sweet melody."
Discord winced at the mention of Sweet Melody's name. The triplets and Fluttershy looked at Discord in confusion.
"Are you alright, Discord?" Fluttershy asked.
"Peachy," Discord replied. "Just keep playing."
As Fluttershy played with the triplets, she couldn't help but sneak a few peeks at Discord. He watched them, but he looked upset. Why was he so upset? It couldn't be because of her, could it?
"I'm gonna go out in the garden for a bit," Fluttershy told them, dismissing herself.
"Wait," Apple Bloom called. "You didn't get to see my doll yet."
But the pegasus was already gone.
Fluttershy sang to herself as she was in the garden. Birds landed by her to listen to her angelic voice fill the sky. Ladybugs and butterflies perched on the flowers to relish the melody that filled the area. She thought the animals were the only ones listening. Unfortunately not.
"Wow, your voice is beautiful!"
Fluttershy was startled. Who could that be? She peeked into the bushes and found two mares. They wore black jumpsuits and had earpieces in. They also wore shades.
"Who are you?" Fluttershy asked.
The two mares blinked.
"Uh... no one," a pink mare said.
"Exactly," a blue one said. "Just your imagination."
"You're spies, aren't you?" Fluttershy asked. "I recognize the uniforms from the organization."
"Aw, it's true!" the pink mare blurted. "But, don't admit it! We're terrible!"
"Your secret is safe with me," Fluttershy assured them.
The two mares stepped out of the bushes.
"What are your names?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm Pinkie Pie and this is Rainbow Dash," the pink mare said. "We're spies for the NSA. National Secret Agency."
"Hi there, my name is Fluttershy."
"Nice to meet ya, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said.
"Why were you spying on me? Don't you two have a mission?"
Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash looked at each other.
"No," Pinkie Pie cried.
"We haven't had one for years," Rainbow Dash added.
"But your voice is so pretty," Pinkie Pie said.
"Aw, thank you," Fluttershy replied. "You two are so kind." Then, she paused realizing something alarming. "How are you two inside this aura?!"
"We were just walking along and then suddenly we saw a huge purple bubble!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "So of course, we decided to investigate because that's what spies do, right? Then, we touched it. And we thrown inside like the shot of a party cannon!" She paused. "It wasn't pretty."
"So, why are you here?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I've been asked to nanny for the family that lives here," Fluttershy replied.
"Fun!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Do they like you?"
"I'm not sure," Fluttershy said. "But they might."
"Whose house is this anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"It belongs to a draconequus," Fluttershy told them. "His name is Discord."
"A draconequus?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, hiding under Rainbow Dash's tail.
"As spies, it's our duty to know different creatures inside and out," Rainbow Dash explained. "We know quite a bit about draconequi and well... it's kind of scary."
"Fluttershy!" Discord called. "The triplets need you!"
"I've gotta go," Fluttershy said. "Have fun."
Fluttershy ran back inside the house as Rainbow Dash turned to Pinkie Pie.
"This house is interesting," Rainbow Dash said. "Let's study the family that lives here."
"Agreed," Pinkie Pie said.
The spies began to watch the house side by side.
But what secrets would they discover? That Discord's fate could be awaiting him? Was Fluttershy the solution?
"Fluttershy! Come play with us!" Sweetie Belle begged.
"Yeah, we're bored!" Scootaloo added.
"Of course," Fluttershy agreed. "What would you like to play? We can---"
She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
The triplets hopped up and raced to answer the door. It was eventually Scootaloo who answered the door.
"That must be the maid," Discord said, walking over to the door.
The poor white unicorn dressed in a maid's uniform was shaking in fear.
"Why are you so late?" Discord asked her with a scowl.
"I had quite a hard time trying to find my way," the maid said. "However, let's get to work. My name is Rarity and I will be your personal maid."
"I hired you a whole two days ago," Discord said. "Finally."
"Quite sorry, dear," Rarity said. "Ooh, who are these cute little fillies?"
"Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle," Fluttershy replied in delight. "They're just so fun, aren't they?"
"They look like they behave well," Rarity said. "Hello there."
"You're the maid?" Scootaloo asked.
"Yes, I am," Rarity confirmed.
"Yes!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "Now, I don't have to clean my room anymore!"
"Yes, get to work on cleaning the girl's room, my room, and the nanny's room," Discord ordered.
Rarity sighed. "I get paid," she reminded herself.
"Oh no," Fluttershy said. "I clean my own room. You don't need to do mine."
"Oh, thank you!" Rarity said, relieved.
Rarity walked down the hall with her duster and was out of sight.
"You clean your own room?" Discord asked. "You're the nanny."
"That doesn't mean I can't clean," Fluttershy replied. "In fact, learning to clean made my job a lot easier."
Discord sighed.
"When can I kick this mare out?" Discord wondered to himself.
"Sing us a song, Fluttershy," Scootaloo said.
"I wish I had your voice," Apple Bloom told her. "It's so quiet and comforting."
"Alright," Fluttershy agreed.
Fluttershy began to sing them a song. Her voice was beautiful and comforting. The triplets began to sing along. Discord watched in awe. The mare's voice was so sweet. How could it be? She was a nanny, not a singer.
His aversion to Fluttershy still lingered, but something about her voice made it go away. Almost.
"Maid Rarity?" Fluttershy said, entering Apple Bloom's room.
Rarity had just finished Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's room and had moved onto Apple Bloom's.
She dropped her duster. "Oh! Sorry, you startled me."
Rarity used her horn to pick up her duster and begin dusting once more.
"I was wondering if I could talk to you," Fluttershy said.
"Of course," Rarity said, intrigued. She stopped dusting and turned to Fluttershy. "What's bothering you?"
"I don't think Discord likes me," Fluttershy admitted.
"What makes you think that?" Rarity inquired.
"He's always groaning whenever I offer to do something for the triplets. I thought that's what he needed me for. And he says that I'll never be like their mother. He knows that's what they've always wanted, right? So, why can't he accept me to take care of them? He hired me."
Rarity was a mite surprised. "I don't know much about nannying or draconequui for that matter. But he's probably just jealous that the triplets are spending more time with you."
Fluttershy went into thought. Could that be it? Was Discord acting so upset because the triplets wanted to spend more time with her? She knew that Discord wanted to be there for the triplets since their parents disowned them. But he wasn't sure if he could do it. Fluttershy wanted to make sure the triplets loved Discord.
"They should be more grateful for Discord," Fluttershy said. "He took them in and if he hadn't, they'd probably be living in the orphanage. If they're lucky! Maybe they would've been abandoned as foals."
"I'm afraid gratitude doesn't work that way," Rarity replied. "Gratitude can only come if they really see them as a blessing. Do you think the triplets see Discord as a blessing?"
Fluttershy hesitated. "No."
"What can we do to change that?" Rarity asked.
They both thought for a while. How could they change Discord's ways?
"I've got it!" Fluttershy said. "I'll teach Discord to do what I do! I can teach him to cook! I can teach him to play with the triplets! I can teach him everything I know!"
"Great idea!" Rarity exclaimed.
"I'll go tell him right now," Fluttershy said.
"Discord?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yes?" Discord asked, frowning at the mare's presence.
"I'm going to help you," Fluttershy told him.
"Help me what?" Discord scoffed.
"Help the triplets like you," Fluttershy said. "I know you don't like me, but you just need to give me a chance. I can help. Really. I'll teach you."
Discord was intrigued at her kindness. Why would she want to help him? He was just a draconequus with no one that loved him. But Discord wanted the triplets to be easier on him than they were.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie watched the house for a few days. The triplets didn't seem to love their dad more, no matter how much Fluttershy taught him.
"I don't understand," Rainbow Dash whispered. "He's doing the exact same things Fluttershy is doing. So, why are the triplets still loving Fluttershy more?"
"I don't know," Pinkie Pie replied.
"Shh, hide!" yelped Rainbow Dash. Somepony was about to come out the door.
"Now, I'll need to come back in a few days," Rarity said to Fluttershy. "Can I get Discord's pay?"
"Of course!" Fluttershy said.
"The maid," Pinkie Pie said, rather loudly.
"Shhh!!!" Rainbow Dash shushed.
"What were those sounds?" Fluttershy asked.
"Oh, you mean the spies," Rarity replied. "Yeah, they're terrible at their job."
"Hey!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
"See?" Rarity said. "See what I mean?"
Fluttershy giggled and paid Rarity.
"See you later!" Rarity said, as she struggled to leave the aura. Then, she screamed as she was thrown out of the aura.
Fluttershy closed the door and went inside.
"Pinkie Pie? We have to work on being quiet."
"I know," Pinkie Pie said, sadly.
Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash watched the triplets, fully alert.
"Girls," said a familiar voice, coming up behind them.
"Boss!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "I'm so sorry! We got stuck here!"
"I completely understand," their boss replied. "But it's easy to leave. What are you watching here?"
"Applejack, ma'am," Rainbow Dash said. "We're watching three triplets, a draconequus, and a nanny."
Applejack was interested and took a look.
"Fluttershy," she whispered. "Discord."
"You know them?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Not personally," Applejack admitted. "But as a spy, I pick up lots of information. Discord's been out of the house a few times, but not very liked on the streets. Everypony runs away. Fluttershy works for the nanny service. Discord promised himself not to fall in love. But, honestly? I think love is what he wants."
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stared at Applejack for a moment.
"So, Discord wants somepony to love him?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Exactly," Applejack said. "So, I'm putting you two on a very special mission."
Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash got excited. They haven't had a mission for years!
"It is your job," Applejack told them. "To bring this broken family together. The triplets need a mother. Have Fluttershy fall in love with Discord. Discord's always wanted somepony to love him and the triplets to love him, too. Get the triplets to love their father for who he is."
"So, the main objective?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Bring the broken family together."
"We're on a very special mission," Pinkie Pie said. "Aren't you so glad to be getting back to work?"
"Of course," Rainbow Dash replied. "But we'll need a plan."
"The triplets need to love Discord, right?" Pinkie Pie said. "For his own deeds and not Fluttershy's?"
"For his own deeds and not Fluttershy's," Rainbow Dash echoed.
"So, when we get the chance, we'll talk to Fluttershy," Pinkie Pie told her. "We'll tell her how to let Discord do acts of kindness on his own."
"I don't know," said a nervous Rainbow Dash. "Is that going to work?"
"Fluttershy already knows we blew our cover," Pinkie Pie replied. "We can talk to her. It'll be fine."
"Alright," Rainbow Dash agreed.
They slipped into the bushes and watched the family. Triplets fighting with Discord. Fluttershy calming them down. Discord's temper shortening.
When the maid got home, she got out of her maid's outfit and relaxed on the couch.
She opened up her favorite romance story and began reading it.
It was about a stallion that had three daughters, all the same age. The mare was teaching the stallion to be kind and do the same skills she could do. But, the triplets still weren't drawn to the stallion.
Rarity put the book down and wondered to herself. Where have I seen this before?
She felt a little nervous at the striking similarities, so she decided to draw a few fashion designs. It was always her dream to be a fashion designer. But her life led her down a different path. Rarity had cried for days, but she had become a maid instead.
She began to draw a dress and she realized the design she drew would look amazing on Fluttershy.
She quickly flipped the page and began to draw a suit instead. But then she realized the design matched the styles of Discord.
So, she switched back to dresses. She drew three of them. At first, she sighed in relief thinking she had designed something that wasn't a match for Discord's family. Then she realized the dresses would look good on the triplets.
"UGH!!!" Rarity yelled. "What's wrong with me?!"
She closed her fashion designing sketchpad and read the book. Maybe if she knew how the story ended, she knew how things would pan out.
But she couldn't help but wonder why she was doing so many things to remind her of the home of Discord.
"Two of our worst spies!" Bon Bon cried. "And you trusted them on this mission?! They don't know a thing about broken families!"
"I'm giving them a chance," Applejack replied, firmly. "They'll learn their place in the organization."
"Now, it's time to cook dinner," Fluttershy said. "We're going to make the fillies the most simple meal out of all of them. Grilled Cheese."
Discord sighed, annoyed and nodded. He could be doing anything he wanted right now, but instead he was stuck cooking a sandwich with a nanny. "Alright. Where do I start?"
"Turn the stove onto high," Fluttershy instructed. "Just turn the knob right there to HI."
Discord reached for the knob, but his small arm attached to his claw didn't reach that far. He couldn't turn it on with his paw either. It kept slipping around the knob and wouldn't hold a grip to it. "Oh, for the love of choas!!"
Fluttershy giggled and turned the knob on for him. She placed a frying pan on the spot that she turned on. "The next part is a lot more simple. Just get the bread and cheese from the fridge."
Discord snapped his claw and the bread and cheese appeared in front of them.
"Wow," Fluttershy said. "Okay, that works too. Now, get two slices of bread."
Discord snapped his claw again and two slices of bread floated out of the bag and onto the table in front of them.
"Discord, let's make a sandwich without magic please," Fluttershy begged him.
"How do you cook without magic?!?! That's impossible!"
"It's not impossible. Let me show you."
Fluttershy got two more slices out of the bag and placed them on the table. "Now you."
Discord grabbed two slices with his claw, but the fingers on his claw impaled the slices of bread. Discord growled.
"Great start," Fluttershy said using the slices that she got on her own. "Now put some cheese on both slices."
Discord got two slices of cheese without his magic and carefully placed them on the bread.
"Great job!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Now, put one slice of bread on top of the other."
Discord put one slice of bread on top of the other slice of bread.
"Put it in the pan," Fluttershy told him.
Discord put the sandwich in the pan, but then yelped in pain. "YOW!!"
"Oh, goodness! What's wrong?!"
"I think... I burned myself," Discord admitted embarrassed. He didn't like admitting to others when he got hurt.
"Can't you heal yourself?" Fluttershy wondered.
"It hurts when I snap!" Discord whined.
Fluttershy giggled.
"Why are you giggling at my pain?!?! Why did I hire you to care for this family?!? I let you let me get a third degree burn!!"
"That is not close to a third degree burn," Fluttershy said. "I learned first aid to be a nanny, too. I would consider this a mild first degree burn."
"Well, it hurts just as bad!" Discord yelped. "Just do your thing!"
"Do you have any aloe vera?" Fluttershy asked.
Discord shook his head. He didn't even recognize the word.
"It's okay," Fluttershy said. "Ointment creams work well, too. Do you have any ointments?"
"In the medicine cabinet," Discord said.
Fluttershy flew up to the medicine cabinet and opened the cupboard. Since Discord would not show her around the house, she learned her own way around and knew which cabinet contained the stuff that she needed. She got out some ointment for burns and flew back over to Discord. "Now, let me put it on your claw."
Discord was reluctant to let the pegasus touch him, but he held out his claw and Fluttershy rubbed some of the ointment onto his claw. He realized it felt a bit better as the white cream soothed his burn.
"Let me finish making the sandwich," Fluttershy said. "I'll give you full credit at dinner time. Thank you for trying your best."
Discord nodded. He watched Fluttershy as she finished making the sandwiches.
A lot of thoughts ran through his mind as he watched her. Why would she care enough to soothe him when he got a burn? He had shouted at her every time she tried to play with the triplets for longer than 5 minutes. Discord looked at her. Was she really a pony who had a heart to care for a monster like him?
Dinner time came quickly. Discord had dreaded it as he didn't want the triplets to be upset again, but dreading it only made time speed up and it happened fast.
The triplets sat down at the table and Discord took a seat across from them. Fluttershy sat down. She was about to distribute the sandwiches when she heard a knock on the door.
Fluttershy went over to go answer it. She opened the door and she was surprised to see Rarity standing there.
"You're not needed back until next Tuesday," Fluttershy said, confused. "What are you doing here?"
"I don't know," Rarity admitted. "But I feel like I have a reason to be here. Do you mind if I only go home on the weekends?"
"You mean, like stay?" Discord asked.
Fluttershy looked at him with pleading eyes. Fluttershy felt like she could talk to Rarity whenever she needed another pony to vent her feelings to.
Discord looked at the mare's eyes and felt something strange. His heart skipped a beat. That was weird, he thought. Must be a chaotic feeling. "Why not?"
Fluttershy grinned. "Oh thank you, Discord!"
"Thank you," Rarity said setting down the tall pile of suitcases with her horn.
"So, what is the reason you feel you have to be here?" Discord asked.
"Oh, I don't know," Rarity said. "But when I earned my cutie mark, my heart pulled me towards things that would help me fully achieve my destiny! This is the first time it called me somewhere since I was a filly! That's at least 8 years."
"What is your destiny?" Fluttershy inquired. "Cleaning?"
"Oh no," Rarity replied stifling a laugh. "It's fashion design!"
"Then, why are you a maid?" Sweetie Belle asked her. "Why aren't you a famous fashion designer in Canterlot or something?"
"I didn't do my best work," Rarity said, sadly. "I ruined my dreams. But I feel something here may help me at least design just a little. I know my dreams of being a sensation are crushed, but I still love to design!"
Fluttershy, Discord, and the triplets all exchanged a look with one another.
"Well, come in and have some dinner," Fluttershy invited.
Discord sighed and groaned. "Yes, there's plenty of room."
Rarity took a seat at the table. "Is this grilled cheese?"
The triplets nodded eagerly.
"It sure is," Scootaloo said. "Fluttershy makes the best grilled cheese."
Fluttershy looked at Discord with a smile. "Actually, Discord made the grilled cheese tonight... without any magic."
The triplets now looked skeptical on eating the sandwiches.
"How can we be so sure?" Apple Bloom asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Because I was there," Fluttershy replied.
"Girls, no," Discord said. "That's not the truth. I impaled bread and put cheese on the slices. Then I burned myself."
The triplets giggled.
"It was all Fluttershy," Discord continued looking at Fluttershy.
"Discord---"
"No, that's the truth," Discord said. "Now let's eat."
The triplets and Rarity began to eat.
Fluttershy and Discord looked at their food. They just couldn't eat. They had too many things on their mind and felt a little weird to their stomachs.
"Ore yu gon' eat dat?" Scootaloo asked mouth full of grilled cheese.
Fluttershy and Discord shook their heads simultaneously.
"More for us," Apple Bloom said.
Apple Bloom took Fluttershy's sandwich and Scootaloo took Discord's.
Fluttershy quickly excused herself from the table and Discord did the same.
Fluttershy rushed to her bedroom and Discord rushed to his.
Rarity looked at the two confused, but then sighed and returned to eating. She knew that the two had different things on their mind, but the same strange feeling in their heart.
Fluttershy thought to herself in her room. Why did Discord still seem to not like her? She was trying her best to change Discord. She thought her actions spoke louder than her words. She didn't want to tell anyone how she felt. She wanted to show it by trying to help Discord. But was she wrong?
She knew there was only one way to sort things out. Talk to Discord.
Discord was thinking to himself in his room as well. He was a monster. He knew it was all he would ever be. Discord knew the only reason he had an aversion to Fluttershy is because she could do everything so much better than he could. She could calm the triplets down when the triplets wouldn't even let his words fill their ears. Why did Fluttershy have the heart to care for a monster like him? Someone who was so different and would never be beautiful? Never be beautiful. He let those words replay in his mind for minutes. He finally faced it. Discord knew he would never be loved by anyone.
He knew there was only one way to sort things out. Talk to Fluttershy.
The two ran into each other in the hall and they jumped startled. They laughed in relief when they realized who it was.
"I need to talk to you," they said in unison.
They were both surprised. They did not expect that at all.
"Let's go to the garden," Discord said. "It will be easier to talk there."
They arrived out in the garden and heard the birds chirping.
Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash looked out from the bushes and watched.
"Oh, what's going to happen?" Pinkie Pie asked quietly.
"Shhh," Rainbow Dash shushed.
"The anticipation," Pinkie Pie whispered.
The two spies became silent as they watched.
"You first," Fluttershy said.
"Alright," Discord replied. "When I was a young draconequus, I had a crush on a mare named Sweet Melody. She was beautiful and had the prettiest voice I've ever heard. Well, up until now. I thought she had the prettiest voice until I heard you sing. Your voice is so angelic and sweet. I really can't think when I hear it."
"Aww," Fluttershy said. "That's so sweet of you."
"Anyway," Discord continued. "Sweet Melody fell in love with my brother and my brother got her instead. That was the day I knew no one would ever love me."
Fluttershy was shocked. "D-D-Discord---" she started.
"So, the triplets were actually Sweet Melody's and she disowned them. I did all I could to take care of them, but they hated me and never listened to me. So I asked for your help." He paused, then continued. "Then, I got jealous. The triplets loved you very much the way I knew they would never love me. So I tried to stop it as much as I could. But I didn't want to kick you out because the triplets were happy for once. They'll never have a mother and that's why they think of you as their mother. I don't want to send you home, Fluttershy. The triplets would hate me even more than they already do. But tonight I realized the truth. I'm just a monster. No one will ever love me and I have to face the truth."
"Discord," Fluttershy said. "I thought you didn't like me because you thought I was annoying. And you are not a monster."
"How can you look at me and not think 'monster'?" Discord asked.
"Because you're not truly a monster," Fluttershy said. "Discord, look. There's a difference between a monster on the inside and a monster on the outside. A monster on the outside looks very scary, but he's not even actually a monster at all. A monster on the outside shouldn't even be called one. Because his heart is in the right place and all he wants to do is make others happy. A monster on the inside is the real monster. They could be the most beautiful pony in the world, but they are the monster. That's because their heart is full of true hate and not the hate of jealousy. A monster on the inside is the true monster, but a monster on the outside is the true friend."
Discord just looked at her. Could she really think he's not a true monster?
"Discord, looks don't make a monster," Fluttershy said. "Actions do."
They went inside finally both relieved.
Discord was nicer to Fluttershy. He wanted to be kind, so he let the triplets play with Fluttershy as long as they wanted. He asked nicely when giving them a command. The triplets looked at each other when he did, but listened reluctantly.
He listened when Fluttershy sang to the triplets to help them sleep. Her voice was beautiful, soft, and sweet.
As Fluttershy asked for his help, Discord was shocked but always rushed in to help her. One day, they got into a cleaning race seeing who could clean their room faster while they gave Rarity a break to fashion design.
Discord wasn't allowed to cheat with his magic, so Fluttershy won. Discord was disappointed, but they laughed and had fun.
Soon, Fluttershy became more and more beautiful to Discord. In two more weeks, his heart began to pound whenever she talked to him. He began to blush whenever she complimented him.
He realized that the triplets even started liking him and hugging him whenever he did something nice for them. He started to do acts of kindness of his own and the triplets were quickly lightening up on him.
Discord sat in his room one night. He had to admit something to himself.
And he did. "I can't hide it anymore. I've fallen in love with her."
Fluttershy realized the draconequus was doing much better. He did acts of kindness on his own and was interested in learning to cook.
They got into a cleaning race and Fluttershy won, but Discord didn't even shout. They just laughed and Discord cheered for Fluttershy.
Discord was giving her compliments on everything she did. Fluttershy smiled as she realized the triplets were finally seeing him as their father.
Fluttershy began to have more fun with Discord every day. Soon, she realized she felt really strange when he walked by and waved. She blushed whenever Discord gave her a compliment.
The same night Discord sat in his room, Fluttershy sat in hers. She had to admit the same thing Discord did.
"I can't hide it anymore. I've fallen in love with him."
Scootaloo jumped in front of Sweetie Belle and used her toy sword to knock Fluttershy backwards. Fluttershy pretended to get hurt and fell.
"Noo!" Fluttershy cried. "Have mercy on me, Great and Powerful Scootaloo! I'll do anything!"
"Do you promise to be kind and help others?" Apple Bloom asked.
Fluttershy nodded. "I promise."
"Release her," Scootaloo told Apple Bloom.
Sweetie Belle cheered. "Thank you! You saved me!"
Discord and Rarity watched them, exchanged a look, and laughed.
"Psst! Fluttershy!" a voice called.
Fluttershy turned to see Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash in the bushes.
"Invite your family outside," Rainbow Dash said. "We'd like to tell them we're here."
"Isn't that blowing your cover?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yeah, but it's alright," Rainbow Dash said. "I'm kind of getting tired of always hiding."
"Okay," Fluttershy said. She turned to Discord, Rarity, and the triplets. "Hey, come outside! There's some ponies I'd like you to meet!"
Discord, Rarity, and the triplets followed Fluttershy to the garden. Discord and the triplets were surprised to see Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, but Rarity just smiled and waved. She knew them from seeing them fail at their missions multiple times.
"Hi there! I'm Pinkie Pie! And this is Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow Dash smiled and nodded.
"Who are you?" Discord asked.
"We're spies for the NSA," Pinkie Pie said. "National Secret Agency. Although, Dash and I are getting tired of always sneaking around in the shadows."
"So, you were spying on us then?" Rarity asked.
"We were," Rainbow Dash said. "We were given a mission to bring your broken family together, but we just don't think we can do that without letting you know we exist."
"Well, I'm Discord and these are my triplets Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle."
"Hi!" the triplets said simultaneously.
"Oh, we know all about them! It's what we do as spies!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
"Well, that makes it easier for me," Discord said.
"And this is the maid, Rarity?" Rainbow Dash inquired.
Rarity nodded. "Although, I'm mostly fashion designing now. Fluttershy and Discord like to have races to see who can clean their half of the house faster."
"Wow, that sounds nice," Pinkie Pie said.
"Our family isn't broken though," Apple Bloom claimed. "What are you going to do to bring it together?"
"Now, that is our surprise," Pinkie Pie replied with a mysterious smile.
Cheerilee sat at her desk waiting patiently.
The door slowly opened and a familiar dragon stood at the entrance. "Ma'am, you wanted to see me?"
"Come in, Spike," Cheerilee invited. "I need to have a chat with you."
Spike sat down across from her at her desk and looked around her room a bit. Many photos were hung on the walls, tacked to her memo board, and on her magnet board. Spike also saw a scrapbook in front of her that she was working on. It was pictures of her family. Her husband Big Mac and her daughter and son, Apple Cider and Strong Heart. On her desk was also her name plate and many papers, pencils, pens, and highlighters. She was very well organized and her desk looked like something somepony with OCD would praise.
"So, what did you need me for?" Spike asked her.
"As you know, I monitor all nanny services around Equestria," Cheerilee replied. "It's my job to shut one down if I see a problem. And there's a problem with Fluttershy."
"What is it exactly?" Spike asked. He thought Fluttershy was doing a great job. Would could Cheerilee possibly mean by a problem?
"Nannies aren't supposed to fall in love with who they nanny for," Cheerilee went on to explain. "When they do that, do they know that's violating one of the rules of a national nanny service?"
"I guess she doesn't," Spike said with a shrug. "But what are we going to do? We can't just fire her. She loves to---"
"That's what I have to do," Cheerilee said.
"What?! No!!" Spike exclaimed. "Ma'am, surely we can think this through and---"
He was interrupted once more. "We cannot think this through, Spike. Nannies are only there to care for the family they work for."
Spike wanted to argue, but he knew better. He closed his mouth before any words could escape.
The door opened and Spike and Cheerilee turned in unison to see who it was. It was none other than Big Mac.
"Do I need to go now?" Cheerilee asked.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied.
"Why?" Spike asked. "To stop this before it gets out of hoof?"
Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup."
Cheerilee put on her coat and hat.
"Now, watch my office while I'm gone," Cheerilee told Spike. "And make sure no one touches my photos."
Big Mac and Cheerilee left and Spike sat down in dismay.
Spike looked around at her photos and imagined how it felt to be like family. He looked up in realization. "That's exactly what she's going to make Fluttershy lose."
As Discord, Rarity, Fluttershy, and the triplets chatted at dinner, they were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Fluttershy got up to answer it and opened the door. Standing there was Cheerilee and her husband, Big Mac.
"Finally we find this place!" Cheerilee exclaimed. "That was quite a ride!"
"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed, shaken.
"Cheerilee!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "I'm sorry, ma'am. How did you find out?"
Fluttershy turned to face Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie who looked at the ground in guilt.
Fluttershy gasped and tears filled her eyes. "W-w-was it you?"
Rainbow Dash looked alarmed. "Fluttershy! Please! It was part of our mission!"
"Part of your mission?!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "What? To betray me?"
Pinkie Pie shook her head and her own eyes filled with tears. "No! To tell Applejack everything we saw! Then, she told Cheerilee!"
"What's going on?" Sweetie Belle asked, heart pounding in fear.
Discord looked at Fluttershy in confusion and sadness. What was going on?
"You know you're not allowed to fall in love with anyone in the family you nanny for," Cheerilee said. "I'm afraid you have to switch to our Trottingham organization."
Fluttershy felt her heart shatter into pieces. Trottingham? That was many, many miles away. She'd have to take a boat to reach it.
The triplets gasped.
"No! Don't make her go!" Apple Bloom begged.
"She's like my mom!" Sweetie Belle added.
Cheerilee looked at her. "She should've thought about that a bit earlier."
The triplets began to cry and Rarity came up to her.
"Surely, there's something we can do, right? We can't just leave the poor little fillies like this!" Rarity protested.
Cheerilee shook her head and Big Mac added, "Eenope."
Fluttershy came up to Discord. "I---"
"You fell in love with me?" Discord asked in surprise.
Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, I did. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you..."
"No, it's okay," Discord said. "Because I fell in love with you, too."
Those words almost made Fluttershy fall backwards onto the floor. Fluttershy's heart sank. If this never had happened, they could've been so much more than just friends.
Rarity and the triplets looked at them.
"You could've been our real mother," Scootaloo said.
Fluttershy nodded. "I'm so sorry, Scootaloo. You fillies have the best imaginations. Keep using them."
Cheerilee and Big Mac said their goodbyes and left. The triplets went to their rooms on the brink of tears and Rarity sighed and went back to her room to fashion design.
"I'm sorry," Pinkie Pie said. "We just wanted to help."
"And you've helped enough," Discord said angrily.
Discord restrained himself with all his might to not let a trace of a single tear show. Fluttershy just looked at them for a while.
"I thought you girls were," Fluttershy said finally. "But I was wrong."
Fluttershy went to her room sobbing to pack her things.
"That's it!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "I don't want to be a spy anymore!"
Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement.
Rainbow Dash flew out of the aura as quickly as she could. Pinkie Pie looked back at the house. All she could think before she reluctantly followed was, What have I done?
"Permission to enter, ma'am?" Rainbow Dash asked her boss.
"Come in, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie," Applejack invited.
"Why did you tell Cheerilee?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "We thought the NSA was a secret! How could you just tell her that?"
"You weren't supposed to blow your cover," Applejack shot back sternly. "Besides, what do you mean I told her?"
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were surprised.
"If you didn't, then who did?" Pinkie Pie asked.
Just then, the door opened suddenly. They saw a draconequus standing there, but it wasn't the one they knew.
The draconequus smirked at them. "Now, my brother will never be loved. Just the way it should be."
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie were aghast at first, but then they shot him death glares.
"Misfortune," Applejack said gritting her teeth.
"He's a monster," Misfortune said. "He doesn't need to be loved."
"Then, how in the hay did someone like you get it?" Applejack asked restraining all her anger.
Misfortune avoided the question similar to the way a chariot avoided a crash in Manehattan. "That doesn't matter. What matters is that my brother doesn't get it."
Pinkie Pie then remembered what they overheard Discord and Fluttershy talking about in the garden.
"You're the monster," Pinkie Pie said. "You're a monster inside! Your actions show that you are a heartless creature with true hate. A true monster."
Misfortune laughed. It reminded Applejack and Rainbow Dash of a donkey with tonsillitis.
"A disguise can really deceive poor Cheerilee, can't it?" Misfortune said. "I wonder if that would work to make Sweet Melody take out the trash."
Misfortune snapped his claw and teleported back to his own house.
Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.
"Your mission is to---" Applejack was cut off.
"Ma'am, the truth is we don't want to be spies anymore," Pinkie Pie cried.
Applejack just stared at them for a really long time. "What?"
"We're sick of hiding in the shadows," Rainbow Dash said. "We want to make a difference in the light."
Applejack smiled. "You girls are full of surprises."
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie took off their spy uniforms, ear pieces, and shades and gave them back to Applejack.
"Can I give you one last mission before you go?" Applejack asked. "To do without hiding?"
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie nodded.
"Misfortune is planning something sinister," Applejack explained. "He truly hates Discord and wants to... rid of him."
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stood agape. They knew she meant kill.
"So, I ask you to protect Fluttershy and Discord," Applejack said. "Please make sure that nothing happens to their family."
"Of course," Rainbow Dash said. "But, we're going to need some help."
There was a knock on the door.
Discord sulked over to the door and pulled it open. When he saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie standing there, he narrowed his eyes. He was about to slam the door.
"Wait!" Rainbow Dash yelped.
Discord kept the door open and stared at them.
"Go get Fluttershy back!" Pinkie Pie told him. "I know that she'd rather be your wife and your triplets mother than a nanny."
Discord looked at them hopefully. "You do?"
"Hurry!" Rainbow Dash begged. "Her ship is leaving soon!"
"Girls, you're something," Discord said.
"We can do all of that later," Rainbow Dash said. "Hurry!"
Discord raced out the door and Rarity and the triplets rushed out.
"We overheard," Rarity said.
"Girls, we need your help," Pinkie Pie said.
"Our help?" Apple Bloom asked. "What can we do?"
"Misfortune wants to get rid of Discord!" Pinkie Pie said.
Rarity and the triplets gasped.
"Why ever does he want to do that?!" Rarity exclaimed.
"Because he's more jealous of Discord than Discord is of him," Rainbow Dash said. "He wants to get rid of Discord so he doesn't have to envy him anymore."
"That's terrible!" Sweetie Belle cried. "What can we do to help?"
"Just follow my lead," Rainbow Dash said.
Fluttershy boarded a ship at the Baltimare Harbor. She looked back at the land and tears filled her eyes. She was leaving the only home she ever knew. Discord's. Even her peaceful cottage with her animals didn't feel completely right. She loved the triplets, she missed being able to confide in Rarity, and she didn't know why but she thought of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie as her best friends. The cost of them telling Applejack had cost her the place she loved, but she didn't care. She missed them. They felt like her family. But most of all, she missed Discord. She felt as if her heart was slowly ripping itself into shreds like paper. Discord felt like no one loved him and that she would never like him back. But she loved Discord. He made her laugh. He said nice things to her. His heart was in the right place. His looks didn't scare her away. She could see past all of that.
Tears began to spill down her cheeks as the ship's bell rang and then it began to move away from the harbor.
As it sailed over the water, she watched the land until it shrank away and disappeared. Fluttershy looked across the blue water. The waves lightly tapped at the ship, but the ship was so big that the waves were like little kids trying to get an adult to play hide and seek with them. She began to imagine that and smiled, but her smile faded as she was reminded of the triplets. She pushed the thought out of her mind. She wanted to think of her home, but she didn't. Thinking of her home only brought the memories that she now wanted to forget.
She got lost in thought and looked around the beautiful sky.
A draconequus suddenly appeared right in front of her face. "Fluttershy!" he yelped.
Fluttershy was so startled, she screamed and fell overboard. She was so scared she forgot she had wings. Discord swooped down to catch her just in time using his own wings.
Fluttershy watched the ship to Trottingham sail away without her.
"Discord? What are you doing here?" Fluttershy asked.
"Our lives aren't fun without you here, Fluttershy," Discord said. "The triplets love to play with you and think of you as their mother. Rarity loves to hear your thoughts and share hers with you. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie miss you terribly. And I... I... I love you, Fluttershy."
Fluttershy smiled and gazed into his eyes. She could only see the sincerity in his eyes.
"Discord, I don't want to be a nanny anymore," Fluttershy said. "I want to be the mother of your triplets. The friends of Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. And your special somepony."
"That's exactly what they want you to be," Discord said with a smile.
"Yes!" Pinkie Pie replied. "We used to use it to get around!"
"We can use it to see if Discord has Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash continued. "But we need to hurry!"
"A real adventure!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle cheered in agreement.
"Come on, get in," Rainbow Dash beckoned.
The triplets and Rarity hopped into the cart and Pinkie Pie followed them. Rainbow Dash began to push the cart and it began to gain speed.
"It's going downhill, so soon it will be able to go on its own," Rainbow Dash said.
As soon as the cart was barreling down the hill, Rainbow Dash used her wings to hurl herself into the cart. It launched out of the aura and everypony screamed. It landed safely continuing.
"Is everypony okay?!?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Everypony moaned, but Pinkie Pie knew they were fine.
"We only need to reach the end of the Everfree Forest," Rainbow Dash said. "He said if he failed to get back home, we could meet up in the Everfree Forest."
"Then, what are we waiting for?!" Apple Bloom said.
Discord was teleported, but he didn't reach his house.
"Uh-oh," Discord said.
He snapped his claw again, but his magic seemed to fail. "What is going on?!"
"I altered your course," a familiar voice said. "And disabled your magic, so you didn't get any smart ideas."
Fluttershy gasped and clung to Discord. "Who is that?!?!"
Discord narrowed his eyes. "That," he said. "Is my brother. Misfortune."
"It's been awhile," Misfortune said smugly. "So, is this the pony that you love so dearly?"
"And I love him, too," Fluttershy said, defensively.
"Ah, I see," Misfortune said annoyed. "How unexpected. Oh, well."
Misfortune snapped his claw and glowing yellow eyes appeared behind him. Discord gasped. Misfortune had used his chaos powers to get Timberwolves under his control.
Fluttershy looked at Discord, fear running through her heart. "Discord?"
"Run!!" Discord exclaimed.
Discord took Fluttershy's hoof and they began to sprint away from the timberwolves. Misfortune yelled something at them and the timberwolves began to race after them. They were quickly catching up.
"They're too fast!!" Fluttershy cried.
"Then, I'll fight them!" Discord said with a newfound determination.
"You'll what?!" Fluttershy exclaimed.
Discord turned to find that Misfortune had disappeared, but the timberwolves surrounded them menacingly. They growled deeply.
Discord tried to get them back. "Come on, back! Back!"
Fluttershy got an idea and threw a stone in one of the Timberwolves mouth. It swallowed it and began to choke on it. It burst and sticks flew everywhere.
All, but a few timberwolves ran away. A few timberwolves were still brave enough to try to fight.
Discord and Fluttershy worked together to throw stones into the other Timberwolves mouths. All of them burst, except one. One timberwolf was smart enough to not swallow the stone.
"Uh oh," Fluttershy said.
"Oh, for chaos's sake!" Discord shouted.
The timberwolf growled and got closer and closer to them. Fluttershy screamed as the timberwolf got closer and closer to her. She could feel its hot breath on her face and cringed in disgust at how horrid it smelled. It's over for me, Fluttershy thought.
The cart continued to race downhill.
"Are we almost there?" Scootaloo asked.
"I think so," Rainbow Dash replied. "Just a few more miles and we should be there!"
"Uh, Dash? I have good news and bad news," Pinkie Pie said.
"What is it, Pinkie Pie?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"The good news is that we're entering Everfree Forest!"
"And the bad...?"
"There's a bunch of timberwolves ahead of us," Pinkie Pie said.
"What?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"It looks like they just reassembled themselves!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
One of the timberwolves scratched at one of the wheels on the cart. They all looked at it in alarm as the other timberwolves continued to scratch the cart. It slowly started to break.
Pinkie Pie stood up and knocked back one of the timberwolves and sent it tumbling away into the bushes. The other timberwolves were angered by this and growled at her.
Rainbow Dash knocked another one of the timberwolves backwards and it was out of sight. Scootaloo tried to do the same, but she wasn't strong enough for it. It snapped at her hoof and she yelped pulling it away just in time. Rainbow Dash knocked it away for her.
"Last one!" Rarity cried, keeping the triplets safe.
Just before Pinkie Pie knocked it back, one of the wheels fell in on itself.
"Hang on!!" Rainbow Dash shrieked. "We're going to spin out! Just hang on tight!!"
The cart began to swerve, spinning in multiple circles. Everypony in the cart screamed and yelled until it finally skidded to a stop.
"Looks like we'll have to continue on hoof," Pinkie Pie said, dismayed.
Discord threw himself in front of Fluttershy in an attempt to protect her. He succeeded by disabling one of its paws, but before it limped off, it scratched him in a vulnerable spot.
Discord cried out in pain and Fluttershy gasped. "NO!!" she screamed, rushing over to his side.
She realized the sickening truth that Discord was dying. His eyes barely remained open. His breathing was extremely rapid, but dropping fast. His healthy brown color was turning a sickly white.
"Why did you do that?!" Fluttershy cried, tears welling up in her eyes.
Discord looked at her. His response was very faint, but she could hear it. "I love you."
Tears began to slip down Fluttershy's face out of her control.
Discord's breathing came to a stop and his eyes closed. A faint smile appeared on his face as he fell limp.
Fluttershy gasped. Discord. Someone everyone thought was a monster and someone incapable of love was dead. Sacrificed himself for her. She threw her arms around him and sobbed.
Pinkie Pie arrived with the rest of the team behind her. "Ha ha! Here to save the day!" She gasped in horror as she saw the scene in front of her.
Everyone else gasped in horror as well.
"Discord, wake up," Fluttershy begged through her sobs.
"Dad..." Sweetie Belle said, trailing off.
Tears filled the triplets eyes. Sweetie Belle burst into tears and clung to Rarity who gave her a hug back. Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a comforting hug and Pinkie Pie came over to comfort Apple Bloom.
As a tear slipped down Fluttershy's face, it landed on Discord's. The tear turned a healing golden.
After a few moments, Discord coughed. Fluttershy gasped in hope. The triplets looked at him. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity did the same.
Then, Discord slowly sat up dizzily. "Ugh, I feel like I just died."
Rainbow Dash smiled and giggled. "Uh, you did just die."
"Oh, that's nice," Discord said, not yet fully alert. "Wait, what?!" Now, he was back in reality.
Fluttershy started crying again, but this time it was tears of relief. Fluttershy kissed Discord. Discord was surprised, but then he kissed her back.
Pinkie Pie started cheering and clapping. The triplets ran over to him and hugged him. "Dad!" they exclaimed in unison.
Rarity smiled. "Welcome back, Discord." She winked. "You truly are a hero."
Discord smiled and he was aglow in all the happiness he received from his friends and family.
Discord knew that everything would be alright.
"Come on, girls," Discord said. "There's a few changes that need to be made."
Once they reached home, Discord sat on the couch exhausted.
"Ah, it's good to be back," Discord said.
Fluttershy sat next to him on the couch and giggled.
"There's some changes I would like to make," Discord announced.
He made a wave with his claw as if inviting another in. The door opened and Applejack stood there with a smile. She looked around at the house.
"How do you even live in this?" Applejack asked. "I'm already getting dizzy."
The others laughed and Applejack sat down on the couch.
"Fluttershy, we just want to apologize," Rainbow Dash said.
"Please, don't be mad," Pinkie Pie pleaded.
Fluttershy smiled. It was hard to look at them and not forgive them. "It's okay, Rainbow and Pinkie. I know it wasn't your fault."
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy group hugged.
"How adorable," Rarity whispered to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.
"Applejack, ma'am," Rainbow Dash began. "Pinkie Pie and I don't want to be spies anymore."
"That's alright," Applejack replied with a smile. "Honestly, I'm kind of getting tired of it, too."
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie exchanged a surprised look.
"I've got a new idea!" Applejack exclaimed. "It's not exactly anything that's real, but we can still start! I call them Actioneers. Instead of hiding in the shadows and secretly watching others, their mission is to stop any danger. With any plan they come up with."
"That's a great idea!" Pinkie Pie squealed in excitement. "When do we start?"
"Right now," Applejack said. "You can paint your old spy chariot and use it as your transportation."
"Thank you, Applejack," Rainbow Dash said. "I can't wait to begin!"
"And I'm quitting," Fluttershy said.
"Quitting?" the triplets asked. Their hearts sank.
"It's because I want to stay with Discord," Fluttershy told them. "And be his special somepony."
"I'd like that," Discord agreed with a smile.
Fluttershy cuddled up against Discord as she listened to everypony else.
"Hooray!" the triplets cheered.
"May I continue to stay here?" Rarity asked.
Discord nodded and reached for her sketchpad. "Though, staying here requires you to go after your dreams. Not to clean our house."
"You don't have to be the maid anymore," Fluttershy said.
Rarity clapped and squealed in excitement. "Look at the outfits I made you!"
Rarity flipped to the outfits that she had made while she was at home and missing Discord's house.
"Wow!" Fluttershy breathed. "It's beautiful!"
"I... have no words to how amazing that looks," Discord stuttered.
"We like them!" the triplets complimented.
"I'd like to dance with you tonight, Discord," Fluttershy told him.
"D-D-Dance?" Discord stammered. "Why?"
"Because we never have," Fluttershy said. "And I... honestly really like to dance. I remember watching my mother and father dance and I wished I could dance like that, too."
"Then, we'll dance," Discord agreed.
"Oh, I can sew the outfits for you!" Rarity suggested, eagerly pointing to the dresses on the page.
"I'd love that," Fluttershy agreed.
The triplets bounced up and down in excitement.
"This is the best day ever!!!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
"Woohoo!" Scootaloo cheered.
That night, they were dressed in the outfits that Rarity had designed.
Fluttershy wore a beautiful light pink dress with green highlights flowing down the sides. A beautiful pink and white flower sat on the top of the dress and she wore an identical one in her mane. The dress flowed behind her as if she were a fairy.
Discord wore a black tuxedo and white button up shirt. He wore a red bowtie at the top of it and looked as elegant as if he were going to the Grand Galloping Gala.
The triplets wore almost the same dresses, but with a few color and added differences. They were all simple dresses on the outline, but the added features made them beautiful. Apple Bloom's dress was a beautiful red-violet color and roses lied on the sash in the middle. Scootaloo's color was a red-purple color and yellow lightning surrounded the sash. Sweetie Belle's dress was white and the sash had lacy material flowing around it.
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity didn't wear anything. Rarity didn't have time to design outfits for herself or them.
Discord and Fluttershy danced throughout the night. For Fluttershy, it was a dream come true. She didn't expect a draconequus to be in place of a stallion, but there he was. Fluttershy cherished every minute of it. For Discord, it was a touch awkward. He had never expected to be dancing with somepony at all, let alone the one he hired originally to nanny his triplets. But he loved it and he couldn't help but smile.
After the dancing had ended, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had to leave.
"I'll miss you," Fluttershy said.
"Please visit," Discord added.
"Wouldn't dream of not coming back here," Rainbow Dash assured them. "How do Saturdays sound?"
"Perfect," Discord agreed.
As their chariot raced away, Pinkie Pie called after Fluttershy, "Goodbye, Fluttershy!!!"
Fluttershy giggled. She was going to miss them a lot. At least until Saturday came.
8 months later, Fluttershy sat at a picnic at a beautiful park. She had gone back to her cottage since she didn't live with Discord. Until this moment.
"Discord, this is so nice," Fluttershy said.
"And this isn't even the best part," Discord claimed. He snapped his claw and a box appeared.
He opened it and it was a ring. It was attached to a chain, so the pegasus could actually wear it.
Fluttershy put the ring around her neck without hesitation. "Took you a while," Fluttershy said teasingly.
"I'm sorry," Discord apologized. "The ring was three months late."
Fluttershy and Discord embraced.
When Fluttershy told the triplets the news, they were excited.
"I finally have a mother!!!" Sweetie Belle cried happily.
"We've been waiting forever!" Scootaloo said.
"And our mother is FLUTTERSHY!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "FLUTTERSHY!!!"
Discord and Fluttershy exchanged a look, smiled, and laughed.
"I must get the wedding dresses ready!" Rarity exclaimed. "For each and every one of you! Do you think Rainbow Dash prefers red or orange?"
The wedding was over. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and the triplets all agreed it was amazing. Fluttershy had the night of her life. Her spirits were high and every time she looked at Discord, she couldn't do anything but grin. Discord had a night he never imagined would happen. He always expected to be alone forever. Yet here he stood looking at the most beautiful mare he had ever seen. Sweet Melody was no longer a part of his life.
As the team arrived at Discord's house, Fluttershy settled into her new home. "Feels so good to be back!" Fluttershy exclaimed.
The triplets were more excited than they ever were.
"Hey, Dad!" Apple Bloom called.
"Yes, Apple Bloom?" Discord answered, loving to hear the triplets call him their father.
"Can we have a younger sibling?" Apple Bloom asked.
Fluttershy and Discord exchanged a look of shock.
"Um... we'll have to wait until I'm.... we're... ready for that," Fluttershy stuttered.
"Aww," the triplets said.
"I can't believe you two are married now," Rarity said in delight.
"Me either," Rainbow Dash added. "Congratulations. Discord, you looked so nervous."
Discord laughed. "Honestly, I was a bit nervous."
Pinkie Pie giggled and nudged him. "Well, it's all over with now," she teased.
"But now I wished it was still happening," Discord admitted. "That was the best day I've ever had."
Fluttershy blushed a little and embraced him. "Me too."
"Well, we've gotta go," Rainbow Dash said. "Business down in Baltimare."
Pinkie Pie nodded and they both hopped in their newly painted chariot. Instead of black, it was now a glimmering silver that even shone in the moonlight. Rarity, Discord, Fluttershy, and the triplets gave them a wave goodbye.
As the chariot rode away, Rarity yawned.
"I'm going to go to bed," Rarity announced sleepily. "I don't want to miss out on my beauty sleep. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Discord and Fluttershy returned.
As Rarity shut the door to her bedroom, the triplets decided to go to bed too.
"We'd love to stay up," Scootaloo explained. "But the wedding has drained our energy."
"Goodnight," Apple Bloom said.
"Goodnight, girls," Fluttershy said. "Would you like me to come up and sing you a lullaby?"
"I've missed those lullabies for quite some time," Apple Bloom replied. "Yes, please."
"Okay, I'll be up in a minute," Fluttershy told them.
The triplets went upstairs and into their bedroom.
Fluttershy and Discord looked at each other.
"Well, looks like we're back to where our story started," Fluttershy said. "But better."
Discord couldn't agree more. The couple shared a kiss.
As life continued to go on, it hit some bumps in the road, but the trials ended quickly and life was amazing for each and every one of them.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie enjoyed their jobs as actioneers as Applejack called them. They could devise any plans they wanted to stop a situation and no longer had to hide in the shadows. They were loved heroes throughout all of Equestria for their acts of heroism.
Rarity began to fashion design again and even got brave enough to show off her designs again in Manehattan. This time, her fashion was accepted and loved. Not long afterward, she opened boutiques and began to sell her lines around Equestria. Her dreams of becoming a fashion sensation were no longer a forgotten fantasy. They were now a true reality. Her work was loved throughout Equestria and anytime she journeyed to Manehattan or Canterlot, she was met with cheers and cameras.
The triplets loved Fluttershy and Discord as their true mother and father. They knew Uncle Misfortune and Aunt Sweet Melody were their birth parents, but they no longer considered them so especially since they were split by law. Fluttershy's lullabies comforted them to sleep at night and Discord's power to make their imaginations reality made their games so much more fun. The triplets still fought with each other because sibling rivalry isn't uncommon, but Fluttershy and Discord knew exactly what to do to stop it.
Fluttershy and Discord were the happiest of them all. Discord found love where he least expected it and Fluttershy did as well. Discord was interested in learning to cook, so Fluttershy taught him how to cook without any of his magic. Discord wasn't so good at cooking at first, but he got better at it and soon he was able to make an entire dinner by himself. They soon switched off between cooking meals every night. Fluttershy and Discord had the occasional fight, but they knew how to still love each other no matter what happened.
That's what is special about the melody of love. It never stops singing.