> The Butterfly Pegasus
>  by Fizzyberries302
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chaos and Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord always looked forward to Tuesday's. It was his favourite day of the week. Why? Because it meant he got to spend and hour with the pony he secretly had affections for. Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness was his first and dearest friend. She had helped introduce him to Friendship and control his chaotic powers. Over time, the friendship they had had promoted something greater. Discord never thought there would be a time where he, the master of chaos, would fall in love. He loved everything about her; her soft pink mane, those sparkly teal eyes and her kind, sweet personality. He loved her more than chaos itself, however he was a mixed and matched being of chaos and disharmony nearly a thousand years her senior. It hurt him to know that she could only ever see him as a friend. She was a beautiful pegasus and he was a hideous monster.

The draconequus poofed into her cottage. Fluttershy was already there with the tea and cakes. "Oh hello Discord, your here early." she said.

"Is that a problem?" he said, playfully.

"No not at all, I love your company Discord."

"Just as I love our time together Fluttershy." he said. 

"If only I could tell you how I truly feel." He thought sadly.

Discord sat down on the couch next to Fluttershy and she poured him a cup of tea. Discord levitated it over with his magic and took a small tip. Fluttershy filled her own cup and drank from it. "How you been lately?" she asked, trying to make conversation. 

"Alls well and good, though I look forward to Tuesdays because it means that I get to spend time with the most amazing mare in Equestria." he said, helping himself to a butter cookie. 

Fluttershy blushed. "Discord, I look forward to our Tuesday tea parties as well. We're best friends aren't we?" 

Discord felt a pain in his heart when she said 'best friend'. "Yes," he said with a forced grin. "Best friends."

There was an awkward silence for about five minutes. Fluttershy set her empty cup on the table, while Discord just ate his. She had to admit she admired him at a much greater level than friends. But she was afraid to say anything in fear of what her friends would think.

Discord knew that he had to tell her how he felt, whether she felt the same or not. "Fluttershy,"

"Yes Discord?"

"Um, would it be alright if we could go outside. See its such a lovely day and I don't want to be stuck inside. all the time." he stuttered. 

Fluttershy looked out the window and back at him. "I suppose so, alright lets go outside."

Discord snapped his fingers and teleported them into her garden, which was filled with multicoloured flowers and her forest friends. Discord snapped again and a garden table and two chairs appeared on the lawn. They sat down facing each other. I have to tell her now!"Fluttershy,"

"Yes Discord?"

Here goes nothing, "Um...there's something I've been meaning to tell you." he said, capturing her hooves in his hands. 

"Fluttershy, I know we're best friends. But recently I've felt something more towards you. You are the pony who introduce me to friendship and showed me that theres more to life then chaos. Fluttershy, the day you reformed me I...I...fell for you. I fell in love with the most beautiful pony imaginable. I know you probably don't feel the same, but I have always loved you since that day. Sounds cheesy I know, but I had to tell you this so you know of my feelings for you. I understand if you don't like me in that way, but I know I do. You mean more to me than chaos. Without you, I'm lost and I'm so grateful to have you as a friend, because I know thats all we'll ever be. Besides, how could you ever love somepony who's not your species and is thousand years your senior." he sighed with relief, having got that off his chest.

Fluttershy stared at him, shocked. He had loved her all this time?! How could those words be fake, those had clearly come from his heart. "Discord...I had no idea you felt this way."

"Just say it Fluttershy, I know you'll never love me in the same way." he said, bracing himself for the painful explanation. But...it never came.

Instead he felt an unfamiliar softness on his lips. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see Fluttershy there, her eyes closed like a baby. The softness had been her lips on his own. It only took a few seconds for it to click in his brain. She was kissing him! The mare of his dreams was kissing him! And out of her own free will. Tears of joy filled his eyes as he slowly returned the passion he had been holding back for so long. He let go of her hooves and cupped her chin, pulled her closer. It was then that he knew, that Fluttershy, his  Fluttershy, had loved him all along...
> I love you more than chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy broke away in shock. "Discord, I...I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me,"

Discord raised an eyebrow. "Why stop."

Fluttershy stared at him in disbelief. Was he serious right now?

Discord cupped her chin in his paw and pulled her in for another kiss. It was this kiss that sent them into a state of love and bliss. At that same time, they both relaxed and the table and chairs disappeared and they slumped down onto the grass, their hands/hoofs and lips never separating. Fluttershy had never felt so much happiness and pleasure in her life. Discord was never more relieved that his heart was Fluttershy's from the beginning and that no talented of handsome stallion was going to take her away from him. She was the Beauty who had just kissed her Beast. It was at that very moment, that they discovered how much they loved each other. When they finally broke away, Fluttershy said something that made Discord's life complete. "I love you Discord,"

Discord melted at her words, and at that moment, he felt as if he would hold onto her and never let go until his dying day. 

"Fluttershy,"

"Yes, Discord?"

"You have no idea how much I've been wanting to hear that you loved me..."

"How long?" asked Fluttershy.

"Ever since you reformed me, I fell in love with you. When you helped me understand the true meaning of friendship, that was when I fell for you. When I first saw you after being put to stone, I thought I had died and was seeing the face of an angel." 

Flutterhsy laughed and moved closer to him. "Don't laugh, I'm serious." he said.

"When I first saw you, I was terrified. But that was before I helped you. I helped you control your powers and understand friendship. Through all the hardships we've been through together, I slowly realised my heart was drifting towards you..." Discord had never heard something so touching and so loving, for him! Sh-she loves me! She really loves me!

"But I was so scared because of what my friends would think. I was scared that I would lose them if I went with you, but in truth I want both of you in my life. I thought that friends was all we'd ever be," she stopped as Discord put a finger to his lips. 

"Fluttershy, no matter what happens to us, I will always love you. If your friends don't like it, then they need to wake up and see that love had no boundaries. No pony in Equestrian could ever tear us apart, It's you I love and I always will love you. For my heart belongs to a beautiful, kind pegasus...thats you Fluttershy," Fluttershy's eyes welled up with tears of joy, hardly being able to believe what he just told her.

"Discord..." she said with a trembling voice. "You mean it?"

"I meant every single word, Fluttershy you would be my choice of love over anyone. I love you,"

"Do...do you really love me?" she asked dreamily. Even in the warm summer sun, Discord could see that her eyes were now pouring down uncontrollable tears of pure happiness.

"Does this answer your question?" he said as he answered by leaning in and kissing her. It was so soft, so compassionate... and yet so totally loving her. When he pulled back, he stroked her silky pink mane and smiled at her. "Well?" Flutterhsy smiled and nodded her head.

"I'm sorry, but could you repeat that?" she whispered playfully. Fluttershy and Discord both giggled lightly as Discord tied his arms around Fluttershy and pulled her close, once again embracing her in a deep, true loves kiss. Fluttershy's heart skipped a beat, only focusing on how much she loved Discord, her master of chaos. 

Discord knew that he loved Fluttershy more then chaos. And now, he knows that Fluttershy loves him will all her heart as their undying kiss slowly keeping some more, Fluttershy shifted closer to Discord, so close that not only their lips, but their entire bodies were touching. Discord loved the feeling of Fluttershy's entire weight upon his body. 

All he could think about was the beautiful yellow pegasus who have given her heart to him, completely. "Fluttershy?" he asked.

"Yes Discord,"

"I think I already know your answer but I'm gonna ask you anyway,"

"What do you wanna ask me Discord?"

"Fluttershy, will you me my special somepony?"

Fluttershy smiled at him. "Of course I will," she said before kissing him yet again. As they lay there in the grass, bound together by there lips and arms, they looked straight into each others eyes. Even in the bright sunlight, they could clearly see the deep affections they had for each other.

"Fluttershy," whispered Discord. "I love you more then chaos itself,"

"Discord," she whispered back. She planted a kiss on his lips and smiled. "I know you do." There they lay in the grass of Fluttershy's garden. Opposites; Beauty and the Beast, Kindness and Chaos, Darkness and Light, Angel and Demon. So different, yet so much the same. They shared one last kiss, before the two lovers fell asleep under the summer sun in each others arms.
> Tirek's Return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knock, Knock, Knock,

"Who-what?" mumbled Discord sleepily as he slowly opened his eyes. He let them slowly adjust to the light from the sun. Then he remembered. He looked back down and saw Fluttershy sleeping next to him, with a light smile on her face. He remembered how he had come over to her house for Tuesday tea to tell her how he felt. How she ended up kissing him and found out that she returned his feelings. And then there they were, lying in the grass among the flowers and trees, facing each other and locked up in a tight embrace as they shared long, loving kisses and confessed their feelings to each other. 

Discord sighed happily at the memory as he stared at Fluttershy's angelic face, with the light smile and strands of pink hair falling over her closed eyes. She's so beautiful, and her heart is mine... Discord closed his eyes, and melted into Fluttershy. His arms, which were already around her, held her tighter. I don't know much, but I know I love her and she loves me-

Knock, Knock, Knock,

There is was again. There was knocking at Fluttershy's front door. Gosh how long have they been asleep for. An hour? Two hours? Maybe three? Fluttershy woke up and tried to go see who was at the door, but Discord held onto her. "Don't go,"

"I have to, what if somepony needs help."

Discord groaned and reluctantly let go. If there wasn't somepony knocking at the door, he would have held onto Fluttershy until he crumbled to dust. But this was still her house, and her rules.

"Fluttershy!" cried Twilight's muffled, yet anxious voice from behind the door. Discord felt like somepony had dropped 200 pounds of weight on his head. That's all he needed. With Fluttershy's friends there, he wouldn't be able to act lovingly around her. He decided it was best for him to stay where he was, until they had gone. 

He could hear a muffled conversation happening inside, but he could quite make it out. Discord bolted into a sitting position when Fluttershy came back, but she was wearing her Element around her neck. His face fell when he saw the other five ponies standing there, all wearing their Elements.  Twilight stepped forward. "Discord, we need to talk."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Woah, woah, woah! Woah, wait a minute! You want me," he said, pointing to his chest. "To stop Tirek?!"

"As crazy as it sounds, Princess Celestia believes that you have the potential abilities to stop him. With every passing minute Tirek grows stronger. We need you to track him down and put a stop to his plan to steal all magic in Equestria." Twilight explained.

Discord crossed his arms. "I don't know, Tia and I haven't had the best of pasts. This is the first time she has ever believed my powers are worth something. This seems a little too far fetched." 

Fluttershy put a hoof on his arm, making the draconequus shiver slightly. "Discord, please to what you can. For me?" she said, battering her eyes at him. 

Discord smiled warmly. "Okay," he cracked his knuckles. "For the sake of Equestria, I'll take care of this pest,"

He leaned down to Fluttershy's eye level. "It's mostly for Fluttershy," he said with a wink, making Fluttershy giggle. Discord stood back up and waved his paw. "You ladies go back to your homes, let me deal with this punk." He snapped his fingers and disappeared. 

Applejack spoke up. "Sometimes, I think that the 'reformed' Discord is worse the 'non-reformed' Discord." 

"Oh come on Applejack, I'm sure Discord will catch Tirek and this will all be over." Fluttershy said with a smile. 

"Indeed a roonie!" Pinkie chimed. 

They all turned when they heard a sigh. Twilight didn't look as confident as she usually did. The last time they had seen her like this was when Discord corrupted them into their opposites. "You okay Twilight?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight sighed. "Sorry girls, but I'm really not seeing my purpose as an Equestrian Princess."

They all stared at her as if she had gone mad. "Why do you doubt yourself?" Rarity asked. "You've helped save Equestria dozens of times, so why so glum?"

"Well it's just that Princess Luna raises the Moon, Princess Celestia raises the Sun, Cadence protects the Crystal Empire and all I seem to do is smile and wave."

"That's not true!" Applejack snapped, startling everyone. "Twilight, you have done so much for Equestria and you don't even realise it."

"Name one," Twilight said.

"I'll name all of them! You recovered the Elements of Harmony and defected Nightmare Moon, you stopped Discord's reign of chaos, you've helped us on countless occasions and you've spread the Magic of Friendship all across Equestria." Applejack explained. The other ponies nodded in agreement.

Twilight stared at the southern pony. "What are you saying?"

"I'm sayin' that your destiny has been with you all along, your job as a princess is not just to hold respect by smiling and waving. Your job is to share the Magic of Friendship with everyone, teach them the lessons that Celestia taught you."

"But,"

"Don't ya remember what Celestia told you after you became an alicorn? Ever since you came to Ponyville, you have shown the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism and leadership of a true alicorn princess and you've been too blind to see that. You don't see how much has changed for Equestria since you came to Ponyville." Applejack finished with a smile.

Twilight stared at her, confused. "But, you all helped me in those situations."

"Indeed we did. Twilight look at the Elements," Applejack said. Twilight looked around at the medallions that had saved Equestria on countless times. "While we all played a part in savin' Equestria, it is you who bares the most powerful magic of all." 

Twilight smiled. "The Magic of Friendship,"

She wrapped her arms around the earth pony. "Thanks Applejack, now I know what my purpose is."

They broke away from the hug and Twilight grinned at her. "Honestly, I never expected such a thing from you Applejack."

They all laughed. Twilight's face fell when she remembered something. "What about Tirek? We have to warn everyone!"

"No, Twilight," Rarity said. "If we tell everyone whats going on, I'll cause a panic. I say we all go home and stay indoors until Discord gives the word," The unicorns eyes crossed slightly. "That is something I never thought I'd say."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The alley was the perfect spot for an ambush. Tirek stayed hidden in the shadows, he didn’t want to be spotted until any unsuspecting pony wandered too close. His golden eyes spotted a grey unicorn down the far end. “Perfect,” he thought. 

He moved closer to the unicorn, wanting the element of surprise. He was about to grab the pony, when it turned its head, revealing that it wasn’t a pony at all. “Tirek, I presume?” said Discord. 

Tirek was taken aback by this, but he knew Discord had some powerful magic. Maybe he could find some use to it. 

“Discord? You’re free?” he questioned, wondering how in the world he had escaped from his stone prison.

“As a bird,” Discord said, turning into a bird version of himself. 

“I commend you on your escape,” Tirek said, bowing slightly. 

Discord poofed back into his original form. “I’m afraid the feeling isn’t mutual.” He snapped his fingers and Tirek found his arms in chains. He tried to fire a spell at him, but Discord dodged by splitting his head down the middle. 

“I should have known you would want Equestria all to yourself,” he grumbled. 

“Oh I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing this for my friends,” Discord leaned in and whispered. “Just between the two of us, it’s mostly for Fluttershy.” He squealed inwardly and moved away. 

Tirek gave him a look. “Fluttershy? You’re not saying your friends with Ponies?” 

“Surprise!” Discord cried, appearing from a giant cake. 

“I am surprised that someone with your abilities doesn’t see that this ‘friendship’ is nothing more than an imprisonment.” 

Discord raised an eyebrow. “Not for me, Fluttershy loves my magic. I even have a pocket dimension where I’m free to spread my glorious chaos, but most of the time I’m with Fluttershy.” He snapped up a picture of him and the pegasus. 

Tirek saw this and stared at him. 

He grinned when he saw the draconequus blush. “This mare means something to you, doesn’t she?” 

“She’s just a friend!” Discord said quickly, snapping the picture away, not wanting Tirek to know of the truth, though it hurt to say 'friend'. 

“Oh you poor unfortunate soul, I’ve seen this before but he was weak. You are Discord, the Lord of Chaos. You don’t need that puny pony; you need something far greater then friendship.” 

Discord crossed his arms and glared at him. “Your trying to get he to abandon my friends, it won’t work Tirek,” 

Tirek’s mouth dropped open. The centaur gritted his teeth. “Fine, I don’t need you. Your weak, just like my brother.”

Tirek opened his mouth and Discord hardly had time to escape before Tirek started to drain him of his magic. Discord struggled, but managed to snap himself away, before Tirek could finish the job. 

Tirek snarled and stomped out of the ally. He grinned, remembering the picture. “So you like Fluttershy, well I’ll be paying her a visit tonight.”

Discord managed to get to the roof top of a nearby house. He saw Tirek heading in the direction of Ponyville, as he was in Canterlot at the minute. His heart started racing when a thought of Fluttershy came into mind. 

“No,” 

He went to teleport, but a great amount of his magic had been stolen by Tirek. He tried to fly, but couldn't fly very well. He groaned in frustration knowing that he had lost a part of his flight abilities and some of his strength and Tirek had part of his magic and a five minute head start. He spread his wings and took of into the sky, flying as fast as he could in the direction of Ponyville. 

“I’m coming Fluttershy,” he said, praying that he wasn't too late.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluttershy was busy cleaning the kitchen when she heard a knock on the door. “That's funny?” 

She walked out, expecting to see one her friends at the door, but instead a loud crash echoed through the cottage, starling her animals to hide. Dust and bits of wall were through everywhere. Fluttershy coughed and choked, trying to see what had happened. When the dust cleared, she couldn't remember taking a breathe when she saw Tirek standing in her now broken doorway.

“Hello my dear,” he said. 

“Wha-what do you want?” she whimpered, backing away. 

“I would have come for your magic, but that friend of yours seems to be weaker than I thought. He thought striking me would do something, but he seems to care for you dearly,” he levitated her over. Fluttershy gasped and tried to get away, but Tirek grabbed her by the tail. In her struggle, she knocked over several things. Her Element had fallen off in the struggle and had rolled onto the floor, unnoticed. She flapped her wings violently, trying everything to escape. 

Angel Bunny watched from under the couch in horror as his owner struggled. She would have screamed, but her screams were too quiet to be heard. Fluttershy squirmed as Tirek covered her mouth and nose. Fluttershy's lungs burned as they begged for oxygen to be let in. She was becoming drowsy and her eyes rolled up to the back of her head in a faint. Tirek snapped up some rope and tied Fluttershy’s arms and legs together.

He threw her over his shoulders and just walked out the door, not caring about the giant hole in the wall. "The magic can wait, I have a better idea for this beauty." He then snapped his fingers and disappeared.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discord sprinted down the main street of Ponyville. He had to get to the cottage as fast as he could. If he had his magic, he would snap his fingers and be there in two seconds. He didn't care if he woke up several neighbours with his cries. He had just passed by the library when Twilight spotted him through her bedroom window. 

She had been lying awake in bed, worrying about Tirek when she heard movement outside. She was about to tell the pony off, but stopped when she saw Discord, running...

"Discord! What's going on!" she called. He didn't hear her, he just kept running. Her heart sank when she realised he was running in the direction of Fluttershy's house. Something was wrong. She shook Spike awake. "Spike wake up, get the girls and and tell them to meet me at Fluttershy's house. I think something's wrong!" 

"Huh, what?" Spike said, sleepily. 

"I'm not messing around Spike! Move it!" she snapped as she violently shoved his bed over and the dragon landed with a bonk. 

"Alright, I'm up!" he said, racing to the door. 

Twilight followed him outside and made a beeline for the cottage. Something must have happened.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Discord saw the cottage, he stopped in shock. 

There was a giant hole where a front door should be. Discord panicked and sprinted inside. The inside of the cottage had been trashed, furniture had been turned over and there was dust and dirt everywhere. In the dust were huge hoof prints and the animals were chattering in terror, all covered in dust or bruised. 

Discord hadn't felt this hopeless since the night his parents died. He saw something sparkling on the floor. With a shaking paw, he picked it up and brushed of the dust. It was the Element of Kindness. He saw yellow feathers all across the floor. Clearly there had been a struggle. By then the other ponies were standing there, shocked and confused. Pinkie's mane deflated when she saw the mess. Twilight turned her head up to Discord, who was standing in the middle of the room. She was shocked to see a broken look on his face. 

Discord was standing in front of the toppled green couch where he and Fluttershy would have their Tuesday tea parties. He had no idea that it would have been the last tea party they'd have. Tears fell from his eyes when the realisation clicked in his brain. She had be taken. Discord fell to his knees in a wail, clutching the Element to his chest, he could still make out her rosy scent. It can't be true, no, no, no, no......

The five ponies stared in shock at their former enemy. They had never seen him cry before. "What happened!" Rainbow demanded. Twilight looked around at the room in a panic. "Where's Fluttershy?" Her eyes widened in horror when it clicked in her brain. "Oh no..."

Discord just sobbed, wetting the floor with his tears. He didn't answer, except let out a wail of pure despair.

"FLUTTERSHY!"
> The Butterfly Pegasus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ponies stared at their former enemy, not once have they seen him cry before. But this was the look of despair. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I’m so sorry,” he sobbed. 

"No," Twilight uttered. “Tirek’s taken Fluttershy,” 

There was a gasp throughout the room. Pinkie’s eyes welled up with tears. “Tirek’s taken Fluttershy,” she whimpered. 

Discord let out a broken-hearted cry. “FLUTTERSHY!” 

“Why do you care Discord?” Rainbow asked. 

“Rainbow!” Applejack snapped, slapping the rainbow pony across the head. 

Discord clenched his fist over the feather and held it to his chest, sobbing loudly. “I…I love her…” he sobbed. 

Twilight stared at him. “Wait…what?” 

“I’ve loved her ever since she reformed me, maybe before that.” The thought of Fluttershy made Discord’s heart shatter to pieces. 

Twilight and the others stared at him, shocked. “You…love…her?” Twilight slowly said, trying to process what he said. 

“Oh my Gosh! Oh my Gosh! Discord’s in love!” Pinkie cried, not grasping the seriousness of the situation. 

“Pinkie, not the right time to be happy. Fluttershy’s been captured, remember.” Applejack said. 

Twilight snapped back into reality and conjured up a blank scroll and scribbled a message onto it. She handed it to Spike for him to deliver to the Princesses. Spike blew on the scroll and enveloped it in a green flame. Twilight patted Discord on the back, trying her best to comfort him. 

Having the Princess of Love as a foal-sitter taught Twilight how to recognise love or a broken heart, and this was clearly a a bad case of a broken heart. Applejack coaxed the startled animals out and led them outside. "Come on little ones, I'll take care of you." she said. Angel Bunny followed her outside, a look of pity on his furry face. He had judged Discord since the beginning, but now...

All the white bunny felt for Discord was sorrow and pity. It was clear that Discord was devastated at this realisation. Angel felt...well...guilty...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celestia paced the throne room with her sister when the letter appeared. She unravelled it with wide eyes. “Shining Armour! Shining Armour!” she cried. 

The unicorn stallion bolted into the throne room, along with two of the guards. “Princess, what is it? What’s wrong?” 

“A message from your sister, she says that Fluttershy has been kidnapped by Tirek. It appears that he’s smarter then he used to be.” 

Shining gasped. With the Element of Kindness gone, his sister couldn't work the Elements. They were useless pieces of jewellery without all six bearers present. Tirek had out-smarted them. By taking the most vulnerable bearer hostage, he had limited the Elements useless. "ON DECK! ALL HOOVES ON DECK!" he shouted.

The guards came running from their posts outside the castle. An orange pegasus stallion stepped forward. "Captain Shining Armour," he said, giving the unicorn a salute. "What's the problem?"

"News from Ponyville, Fluttershy has been kidnapped by Tirek," Shining barked. "Flash, I want you to get your squad together and search Ponyville," Shining pointed to another guard. "You there, you and your squad search the Crystal Empire. The rest of you, search the other cities of Equestria. Fluttershy must be found or the Elements of Harmony won't work."

"Sir yes sir!" They cried. Flash Sentry called his squad together to leave for Ponyville. He was about to leave when Shining Armour put a hoof on his shoulder. "Flash, don't spend to much time gawking at my sister."

Flash paled slightly. "I...I uh..."

"Don't try to hide it, I see the way you look at her," he gave Flash a stern look. "But if you hurt her in anyway, your off the job."

Flash gulped. "Yes sir,"

The kingdom searched and searched, but they could not find the pegasus. Though all hope was lost for the ponies, Discord was not about to give up on the hope that he would see his love again. But unknown to them...hidden in the garden of an isolated castle, a small yellow pegasus was been held...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tirek crossed his arms and shook his head at the tiny butterfly sitting on the rose bud. His assistant, a siren by the name of Sonata, was trying to coax the butterfly over. The tiny insect was beautiful, with a mint green body and yellow wings with green and pink speckles. 

"Now now, Fluttershy. Don't let my little spell make you sad. It doesn't even last the whole day," he gestured to the full moon. "As soon as the moon comes up," Fluttershy watched as petals and sparkles surrounded her. From the bushes by the pond, a frog and a turtle watched in amazement as the butterfly was turned into a butter yellow pegasus with a pink mane. "And that's how it works, every night. You have to be in flowers of course, and when the moonlight touches your wings-" he was cut off as Fluttershy glared at him. 

He sighed. "Look Fluttershy, this sort of thing doesn't give me any pleasure, well maybe a little. But your friend Discord has done me a huge favour-" he was cut off as Fluttershy snapped at him.

"How dare you talk about Discord in front of me?!" she snapped.

Tirek ignored her cry and continued. "He's led me to this beautiful pegasus mare, far more worthy of any amount of magic I can obtain," Tirek snapped his fingers and Fluttershy found herself in a shimmering white gown. "Your much more worthy then those other ponies," he leaned closer to Fluttershy's ear. "You'll look lovely sitting on the throne next to mine,"

Fluttershy gasped as she caught onto what he was implying. "Never!" she snapped and the gown disappeared. Fluttershy trotted away down the garden path. 

"Where are you going?!" Tirek called out to her. "As soon as Luna's moon leaves the sky, you'll turn back into a butterfly," he said. "No matter where you are..." Tirek finished.

The frog and turtle watched sadly as Fluttershy burst into tears. The realisation kicked in, she was a prisoner to this monster. She was sure that she would never see her friends or Discord again. 
> I'm not finished with you
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord had never felt so frustrated in his life. In fact, he had never felt frustrated before. Usually, he would fix his frustration by using his magic, but Tirek had stolen the most of his magic. He paced around the library, while his friends watched him. "Discord calm down," Twilight said. 

Discord jerked his head around at the alicorn. "Calm down? WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN CALM DOWN. TIREK HAS KIDNAPPED THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND WE'RE GONNA DO NOTHING EXCEPT SIT HERE AND PRAY THAT THINGS WILL WORK OUT. IF I HAD MY MAGIC I'D OF FOUND HER BY NOW, BUT NOOO. TIREK HAS STOLEN MOST OF MY MAGIC, ROBBING MY ABILITY TO FIND HER!" 

The Mane five winced as his voice echoed off the walls. Discord then slumped down to the floor and sobbed. Twilight felt a tear down her cheek and she stroke her friends back. She had been wrong about him not having at heart when she met him, would a heartless monster sob over such an event. "Discord, I know your upset but the guards are doing everything they can to find her."

"They need to try harder, I can't imagine what horrors Fluttershy must be going through, what if she..." he broke down again into harder sobs. 

The other ponies watched, giving him sorrowful looks. Rainbow looks away, trying to block out the crying. She felt guilty that she had judged him for his past, she felt guilty that she didn't trust him even after he was reformed. Now she felt sorry for the draconequus, the state he was in, was proof that he did indeed have a heart. A tear fell down her tough girl cheek. 

No one was fairing well without Fluttershy. After news had spread around Equestria that an Element of Harmony had been kidnapped, and several ponies had their magic stolen a great depression had struck Equestria. No one had any luck finding clues to where Tirek had taken Fluttershy. 

Discord sat up and wiped his eyes, his eyes now glowing with hate for that monster. "I'm done with being a sitting duck, if no pony's gonna find her, then I will. When I do find that jerk, I'll be ready. But I need your help." 



Twilight dumped a tub of blue powder into a bucket of arrows. "I can't believe we're doing this," she said.

"Then start, I have to practice somehow." Discord said, tying a blindfold around his eyes. 

"Oh no complaints here, I think this is going to be loads of fun." Twilight said, sarcastically.

"Tirek will never give her up without a fight." Discord said, picking up his bow. Since he had been robbed of his magic, he was going to get Fluttershy back the old fashioned way.

"I know, I'll call the girls over," Twilight turned to a tree. "You girls ready yet?"

From behind the tree, the four ponies trotted out, dressed as Tirek. "Twilight why do we have to dress up in these monkey suits to have Discord shoot arrows at us?" Rarity complained.

"The guards are busy enough as it is, we have to use somepony." Twilight explained.

"But what if we get hurt?" Applejack asked.

"Girls, calm down. They're harmless!" Discord called, waving an arrow around, but instead of a pointy end, it had a small cushion, covered in the same blue dust.

The four dressed up ponies looked at each other. They knew they didn't have any other choice. If they wanted to help their friend, they were going to have to play a part in this. Twilight brought out an hour glass. "Okay Discord you have 15 minutes to shoot as many times as possible. Girls, when I start counting, you start running, then I'll take away the blindfold," 

Twilight picked up the glass and faced her friends. "Three...two...one...Go!" she cried, taking away the blindfold and tipped the hour glass over. The girls started running in all directions and Discord started to shoot at them with the dusty arrows. 

To everyones surprise, Discord hardly missed a single shot. Blue dots appeared on the costumes in all places, on all four ponies. "Time!" Twilight cried. 

The girls all walked back, all puffed out and covered in blue dots. "Unbelievable," Twilight uttered. She turned the draconequus, who was playing with the bow. "When did you learn to shoot like that Discord?"

"I took up archery when I was a kid," he explained. "Also, I've had lots of practice."

"Wow, so...would you mind telling us your motives for this exercise? How is this gonna help find Fluttershy." Twilight asked. The other ponies nodded, all wanting to know why Discord made them into living, walking targets.

Discord dusted himself off. "Well, when I do find Fluttershy, there's no doubt that Tirek will be far behind. I have to protect myself as well as her somehow."

The ponies shrugged. "Good point, now I hope you don't mind, but we're gonna go to the spa and get cleaned up." Twilight said.

Discord waved his paw. "Yeah, you go do that. I've got some more practice to do."

The ponies trotted off and Discord gazed into the trees. "Don't loose hope, Fluttershy. Wherever you are, I'm going to find you."



Sonata had to duck in order to stop herself getting hit in the head with a candlestick. "That pony's getting on my nerves!" Tirek snapped, tossing the table over. 

Sonata trembled under her masters tone of voice. "M-master Tirek, if I may ask. What's the point of marrying Fluttershy anyway?"

Tirek calmed down enough to speak. "Well Sonata, by marrying Fluttershy I will have the upper hoof over every pony. See for the Elements of Harmony to work, the bearers all have to be present or else the Elements are useless, meaning they can't stop me in my take over. By taking Fluttershy as my own, I'm also taking Equestria's only means of protection. After all, no pony would dare try to usurp me when I have a Bearer as a hostage. But if those ponies want her back, they'll have to offer their magic to me," Tirek explained

"But can't you just go back and take the magic right now?" Sonata asked.

"I tried that already, the thing is my dear. Once you steal something, you spend your whole life fighting to kept it. By making Fluttershy mine, I will rule all of Equestria and their magic will be mine forever."

Sonata nodded, satisfied with this answer. "Ooooohhhhh, I get it now."

"Now if only I can convince her to be my bride, then everything will me perfect." Tirek grinned.



Discord lay on his stomach next to the stream by Fluttershy's house. His tears joining the water in the stream as he gazed at his reflection in the water. It was night and Discord couldn't sleep. The worry for his love was overbearing for him. As he played with her Element, he remembered the day when they shared their first kiss. He missed her even more that he was laying in her garden. The ruins of her beautiful cottage were behind him, he refused to look at them, knowing that it was a permanent reminder of the tragedy that had occurred.

"I thought I'd find you here Discord," said a low voice. Discord jumped and spun round, seeing Princess Luna standing there. 

"Oh, it's you. What do you want Luna?"

"I heard about what happened to Fluttershy,"

"Thanks, just what I need. Salt in the wound."

"I also know that you love her,"

"Did you come here to rub it in my face?!" Discord snapped.

"Discord! I did not come here for that, I came here because I know where Fluttershy is." she said, with a hint of excitement.

Discord's eyes widened and he stared at her in shock. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I found where Fluttershy is!" Luna said, gleefully.

Not wasting a minute, he picked himself up and grabbed his bow and arrows, which had been laying next to him on the ground. "I'm going to find her," he was about to leave when he realised he had no idea where she was. "Where is she?"

"Fluttershy is held in the garden of the Black Castle, it's located North of Canterlot." Luna explained.

"Thank you! Luna your a gem!" he cried and took off it the direction of the train station. Luna watched as he raced off, smiling. 

"Good luck, old friend," she said, before disappearing into the night sky.

Discord was more determined then ever to get to Fluttershy. He looked down at the Element of Kindness in his paw. "I'm coming Fluttershy,"
> Far Longer Than Forever
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rocky the Turtle sniggered as his friend Tad tied two bullrushes together with string. they were sitting on the bank of the large garden pond, which was their home. "Quiet!" The frog snapped. "I cannot concentrate."

"Your ideas are getting dumber each day Tad,"

Tad scoffed. "Ha, think what you like mister. I am going to get her to kiss and-"

Rocky cut him off. "And when she does, 'poof' you'll turn into a prince. I know, I know, you've told me,"

Rocky pointed to a bed of tulips. "Why not give her those flowers, she loves tulips."

"Ha, tulips are so old school. I must have those ones," Tad pointed to a clump of water lilies growing in the middle of the pond. "When she learns that I risked my life for them, the kissing will not stop," he explained, not seeing the two hungry catfish lying in wait. Tad bounced up into a tree and positioned the bullrush pole.

"And then, you'll change into a prince," Rocky finished for him. 

"Precisely," Tad said.

"Mind if I point out a problem," Rocky smirked, he had seen the catfish.

"I don't take advice from peasants," Tad scoffed.

"Suit yourself," said Rocky, walking away.

Tad jumped from the tree and the pole dug into the ground. Tad leaned back and got ready to fly across. Rocky approached him. "Just a quick question, how are you gonna get back?"

Tad paled when he realised what was about to happen. The pole flew forward, with Tad on board. The pole was heading straight towards the gapping mouth of the catfish. Fortunately for Tad, the fish started fighting over who was going to get the froggy dinner. Tad panicked and started trashing around. Rocky stood up to try and grab him when Tad came over to the bank. 

Suddenly, Tad came to a halt above the safety of the bank, still screaming for help. "Hold my arm! Hold my leg! Hold my...oh..." he gave a cheesy grin and looked up to see a butter yellow pegasus with a pink mane holding the pole. 

"Oh thank you, Fluttershy. Thank you, let me have that," he said, grabbing the pole. "Silence you savages!" he cried, letting the pole go. The end of the pole whacked one of the fish on the head, but came back and knocked the frog down, before breaking and falling into the water. 

Fluttershy gasped. "Are you alright Tad? Tad?" 

"Oui, yes Fluttershy. I'm alright." he coughed. 

"What on earth were you trying to do?" Fluttershy asked.

"He thought he-" Rocky was cut off as Tad shushed him.

"I wanted to get, those lilies for you." Tad said.

Fluttershy put on a cheeky grin. "You're being sneaky again Tad."

"What sneaky? You deserve a nice bouquet."

"And you deserve a kiss," she teased. Her face fell slightly. "But you know I'm under a spell."

"But my kiss will break the spell!" Tad insisted.

Fluttershy shook her head. "That's not how it works Tad. My heart belongs to Discord, he's the only one who can break the spell. And he-"

"Must make a vow of Everlasting Love, I know!" Tad snapped.

"And prove it to the world," she finished.

"I don't get how mister chaos can help you! I risked my life to get those flowers with the catfish going chomp-chomp!" Tad snapped, all his effort for nothing.

"I'm saw Discord is doing whatever he can to find me," Fluttershy said, standing up. She started to sing the words that came from her heart.

"If I could break this spell
I'd run to him today!
And somehow I know he's on his way to me,"

She walked a little into the flowers, still singing.

"Discord, you and were meant to be
Far longer than forever
I'll hold you in my heart,
Its almost like your here with me
All through we're far apart," 

Somewhere in the nearby woods, Discord was walking through the foliage. He felt like someone was singing for him. The forest echoed with his enchanting voice as he replied.

"Far longer than forever
As constant as a star
I close my eyes and I am where you are,"

He closed his fist around the Element of Kindness, holding it to his chest.

Fluttershy replied with more feeling. "Sure as the dawn brings the sunrise
We have unshakeable bonds,"

"Destined to last for a lifetime and beyond," Discord's voice echoed through the trees.

Soon the voices from two lovers combined together in the song. So far apart, yet so close together.

"Far longer than forever,"

"Far longer then forever,"

"I swear that I'll be true,"

"I swear that I'll be true,"

"I've made an everlasting vow,
To find the way to you,"

"Far longer than forever,
Like no love ever known
And with your love I'll never be alone,"

"Far longer than forever," Fluttershy sang.

"Much stronger then forever," Discord replied.

Fluttershy trailed off as she walked back to where her friends were sitting. "And with your love I'll never be alone,"

Fluttershy gasped as she saw a small shimmering figure fall down by the bank. She rushed over and was shocked to see it was a female Breezie. The Breezie's body was butter yellow like her own, but the tiny being had an orange mane. Around it's neck was a blue neckerchief  and on her feet she wore green boots. Fluttershy noticed that one of it's antennas was bent. 

"What is it?" Rocky asked. 

"A Breezie, their a race of adorable fairy like beings that live in a small world at the back of a cave. But the portal to their home closed three months ago, meaning that this one must of got lost or left behind." Fluttershy explained, cradling the unconscious Breezie in her hooves. 

She carefully bent the antenna back into the correct position. Tad opened one of the Breezie's eyelids. "Hello, this is your wake up call!"

The Breezie shrieked and held out her fists in a fight mode. Rocky and Tad jumped back at the sudden change in behaviour. "What the heck do you think you're doing! Creeping up on a girl when she's sleeping!" 

Fluttershy found her voice. "Wait, we're friendly."

The Breezie shot around to look at Fluttershy. "If you're friendly, then how come you let those boys creep up on-" The breezie was cut off when she noticed that her antenna was fixed. 

"I fixed your antenna while you were laying there."

"You mean instead of killing me, you chose to help me?"

"Yes,"

The Breezie curtsied to the pegasus. "Madam, I apologise. My name's Buttercup."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Buttercup, I'm Fluttershy," Fluttershy turned to the boys. "These two are my friends Mr Rocks," 

"Just call me Rocky sweetheart," Rocky said, introducing himself to the Breezie.

"And Tad,"

"I have no friends, only servants and they call me 'Your Highness'." Tad said, holding out his hand. Buttercup gave him an odd look.

"Thinks he's a prince," Rocky whispered to her.

Buttercup whistled and faced Fluttershy. "I owe ya Fluttershy, if there's anything I can do for you let me know."

Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't think there's anything you can do, he has me under a spell."

Buttercup gasped. "Who does?!"

"Lord Tirek," Rocky explained.

As he said that, the garden started to glow bright and colourful like the day. The Breezie, frog and Turtle ducked behind and rock as Fluttershy stood up. Tirek came out from behind a tree, wearing a gold suit of of armour. Fluttershy scowled and turned away from her captor. "Your knight in shining armour has come to set you free," He turned her around so she was facing him. "All it takes is one word, Will you Marry Me?"

Fluttershy snapped. "Every night you ask the same question, and every night I'll give you the same answer. I'll die if I choose you,"

Tirek growled and the beautiful scenery and armour disappeared. "You're really starting to bug me Fluttershy,"

"I'd of think you'd be used to it by now."

"THAT'S IT! JUST KEEP PUSHING IT, BUT SOMEDAY FLUTTERSHY I'M GONNA BOIL OVER!" Tirek snapped.

"GO AHEAD THEN! BUT I'LL NEVER BE YOUR QUEEN!"

Tirek grumbled and faced her. "I was hoping that your answer would have changed, but maybe you need some time to think about it."

Fluttershy turned and saw that the moon was setting. "No," she uttered as she walked into the flowerbed. Tears fell down her cheeks as petals and sparkles surrounded her. The petals blew away, revealing a beautiful yellow and pink butterfly, a single tear fell from her eye. Tirek kicked over a rock and stomped away. Buttercup gapped at the sight of what was once a beautiful pony.

She and the animals came out from their hiding place. "Who was that?! Fluttershy, what happened to you?" she asked.

"It's the spell I'm under, it turns me into a butterfly when the sun comes up." Fluttershy explained.

"But who was that guy and why did he ask you to marry him?" Buttercup demanded. 

"That was Lord Tirek, he's the one who put her under the spell. The proposal part is so he can use Fluttershy to take control of Equestria." Rocky explained.

"That snake! Will you always be like this Fluttershy?" Buttercup asked.

The butterfly hung her head. "I hope not, the spell can only be broken by a vow of Everlasting Love, proven to the world."

"And, do you have a special somepony?"

"Yes I do, he's my everything. I love him with every fibre of my body and he feels the same for me."

"What's his name?"

"His name is Discord, the Lord of Chaos." Fluttershy explained.

"Oh yeah, I've heard of him. Wasn't he evil?"

"Yes, but he's changed. Discord really cares about me." Fluttershy said.

"Well Fluttershy, you said that I can't repay you fro helping me, well you're wrong. I can help you reunite with your lover."

Fluttershy stared at the tiny Breezie. "But you're a Breezie."

Buttercup crossed her arms. "So? Even the smallest person can make a big difference. I'm not like other Breezies, I don't let big things worry me. I'll help you Fluttershy and I don't care what it takes."
> Lovers Unite
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, so I think our best bet is to get Discord to you Fluttershy." Buttercup said. The four friends were sat on the bank. Buttercup was seated on Rocky's shell, with one of her knees raised. 

"And how do you suppose we do that?" Tad grumbled from his spot on Rocky's head. 

"Give her a chance Tad, if we want to help Fluttershy we've gotta give it a go." Rocky explained.

"Hmph," Tad scoffed, turning his nose to the sky. 

"What do you have in mind?" Fluttershy asked.

Buttercup pondered for a minute. Suddenly her wings perked up. "I've got it, picture this. Fluttershy and I got out to find him ourselves, lead him here, the moon comes up, Fluttershy changes into a pegasus and," the Breezie imitated a trumpet sound and struck a pose. "Happily Ever After,"

"How do we find him?" Fluttershy asked.

Buttercup lost her balance and fell onto the grass. She got up and dusted herself off. "You don't know where he is?" she said, baffled.

"I don't even know were I am," 

Rocky looked up at the dark castle overlooking the garden. "I bet he does," he said, pointing up to the castle with a grim expression.

Tad crossed his arms. "Yup good idea, just waltz up to the castle door and say 'Monsieur Tirek, mind if we borrow a map or something'?"

Buttercup gasped. "That's it! We need a map,"

The Breezie spread her wings. "Wait here, I'll see if I can find one." A strong Breezie came along and blew her in the direction off the castle.



In a few minutes, Buttercup came back smiling. "I found one, it's hanging on the wall in the upper chamber."

She landed and pulled them all into a huddle. "Fluttershy can kept a look out, while we get the map."

"We?" Tad scoffed.

"What you're not gonna help us?"

"No way, it's a suicide mission! Aren't you guys forgetting Tirek's slimy sea pony assistant?"

"I already checked, the sea pony's snoring away on the study." Buttercup explained.

"Still not going," Tad said.

"You don't have a choice," Rocky said, grabbing the frog by the arm.



Buttercup pushed open the door and peaked at the room. It was empty, aside from a few suits of armour. "Cost is clear, now quickly."

"Easy for you to say dollface-ouch," Rocky gasped as the door closed on his shell. Buttercup and Tad rolled their eyes. Buttercup grabbed the turtles neck, while Tad pushed him out from the back. 

"Whenever I need something done, I always bring a turtle." he grumbled, pushing Rocky free.

A minute later they were climbing some stairs when Rocky let out a painful grunt. "I think I pulled a muscle,"

By then, Tad was fed up. "I can't deal with this anymore, I'm on a dangerous mission with a lame turtle, your gonna get us all killed!" Tad failed to noticed that he had kicked a suit of armour. The armour wobbled and teetered over to it's neighbour, knocking it down. A loud crash filled the room as the suits of armour were knocked over like dominoes. 

The three friends cringed as it happened. Buttercup glared at Tad and slapped him across the face. "Great job Tad!" 

Elsewhere in the castle, the loud crash had woken up the sleeping siren. Sonata blinked and ran downstairs to see what had caused the loud crash. Her master was down in the dungeons plotting so he didn't here the crash. 

Fluttershy, who was watching the siren gasped as the sea pony left her room and was scurrying downstairs.  She had to warn her friends.

Meanwhile, the frog, turtle and Breezie had found the map. Fluttershy found them and Tad opened the window for her. "The sea pony! She's awake!"

The friends gasped, only then did they hear hoof steps coming upstairs. "Come on, just get the map and go!" Buttercup cried, going into panic mode. 

Tad leaped up and unhooked the map and tossed it out the window to Fluttershy. The butterfly caught it, but before the others could make their getaway, Sonata appeared out of nowhere and slammed the window shut. "Not good!" Rocky cried.

"Head for the door!" Buttercup cried, flying to the open door, but Sonata blocked the way. The friends halted to a stop. Buttercup looked around the room for a way out. She spotted the slippery slime left by Sonata on the floor. That gave her an idea. 

"Rocky, duck in your shell. Tad you're with me!" Tad and Rocky barely got a word out as the eccentric Breezie grabbed a small wooden pole and jumped onto Rocky, who was hiding in his shell. Buttercup pulled  Tad on board the shell and she used the pole to move Rocky. To their luck, the slime worked and they slid past the confused sea pony. 

"Woohoo!" Buttercup cried as they slid down the stairs. Tad's cheeks puffed out as he began to feel queasy. He turned and saw Sonata gaining on them. "Speed up! She's on our heels!" he cried. Buttercup moved the pole in a paddle motion, making them move faster. 

They were coming up to a low set window when Tad panicked. "Oh no you don't!"

Too late. Buttercup speed up, heading straight to the window. "Hang onto your socks, we're going for a ride!" she cried. Rocky's hard shell smashed through the glass as if it was butter. Sonata slipped and crashed into the pile of armour, knocking her cold. Only then did the friends realise they were falling. Tad ducked into Rocky's shell and Buttercup caught a breeze with her wings. It wasn't much, but they managed to glide safely down to the water. They skied across the water and crashed into the bank with a thud. 

Buttercup jumped down and squealed. "Woohoo! Who's up for round two!"

She stopped when she saw the boys covered in mud, water and slime, glaring at her. Fluttershy flew over holding the map. "Oh my goodness, are you guys alright?"

Buttercup dusted herself off and shook the dust from her neckerchief. "More or less, that was an adventure and a half."

"No kidding, but don't ever do that again." Tad said, washing himself off. Rocky shook the mud off his body and cleaned up as well. Fluttershy spread out the map and they all studied it. Fluttershy gasped and pointed to a familiar town. "There's Ponyville, and if we're here," she said, pointing to a black castle. "Then that means I'm not far from Canterlot!"

She looked up and faced her friends with a grin. She was more determined to find Discord. He must be so worried about her. "When do we leave?!"



Buttercup and Fluttershy were flying in the direction of the city. They were currently flying above the forest outside of Canterlot. It was getting close to sunset and already the fireflies were starting to come out. "You okay Fluttershy?" Buttercup asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just worried what will happen if Tirek finds that I'm gone."

Buttercup halted in the air and pointed to a clearing next to a big rock. "Look!" 

Fluttershy looked and her heart soared when she saw a familiar mixed and matched draconequus. Her heart gave a leap of joy. If Discord was all the way out here, then that must mean that he was searching for her. "Discord, he's come looking for me." she uttered.

"Now that we've found your man, we just need to get his attention." Buttercup said and a few fireflies buzzed around her. One lit up above her head. "I've got an idea! Fluttershy, can you talk to bugs?"

Fluttershy gave the Breezie a smile.

In seconds, the two tiny winged beings were covered in fireflies. In the sky, they looked like a floating lantern. Both girls slowly flapped their wings, trying their best to get Discord's attention.

They watched as he finally stood up and look around. His head turned up to them and it was clear that he had seen them. They slowly started to fly back to the castle. To Fluttershy's delight, he started to follow them.

"It's working! We'll be there in no time," Buttercup said.



Discord was exhausted. For someone who was used to teleporting everywhere, walking was a huge change for him. Without all his magic, he was only able to do small things like conquer up food and drink, but there was really nothing else. 

His bow and arrows were seated next to him as he was propped against a damp rock. He had gotten lost in the woods and since he failed to bring a compass, he had no idea where he was. He forced himself to his feet and looked around. Nothing but trees for the next mile. Celestia's sun cast an orange glow on the afternoon forest. He wasn't exactly sure where he was, but he had to carry on for Fluttershy. Just the thought of that beautiful pegasus who had captured his heart gave him the energy to carry on. 

The sun was getting close to setting in the west. Soon it would be dark and he would be forced to rest up until the dawn. His keen eye sight, which he got from the eagle part of him, caught sight of a small light in the distance. Curious, he started to follow it. He picked up his weapons and chased after the strange light in the sky.

He didn't know why, but it intrigued him. His gut told him to follow and that it was a sign of something. Using all his energy, he ran after the light.



By the pond, Tad and Rocky waited for the girls to come back. "No sign of them yet," Rocky said, looking around.

"I knew this was a bad idea," Tad grumbled.

Rocky's eyes lit up. "In coming," he said as he spotted the girls, covered in fireflies.

Tad grabbeed two of his own and waved the glowing bugs around. 

"There they are!" Buttercup cried. The fireflies had left their bodies and had flown off.

Down below, Discord had followed the light into the garden of a seemingly abandoned castle. He looked around in confusion at where this was getting. Unknown to him, he was conveniently standing next to the flower bed where Fluttershy would transform back into a pegasus.

Nearby, the four friends met up. Tad let the fireflies go and blew on his burning hands. "It's almost time Fluttershy, look!" Buttercup said, pointing to the moon. 

Fluttershy started hyperventilating. "I...I can't do it Buttercup."

"Why the heck not?"

"If Tirek sees him, he'll kill him."

"Fluttershy, if you don't go now, you've lost your chance for life."

Fluttershy sucked in a big breath. Buttercup was right, they only had one chance. "Alright, I'll go."

"Yes, go now!" Buttercup urged, giving the butterfly a little push. 

Fluttershy spread her wings and fluttered out of the hiding place. She flew past her lover and landed in the flower bed. 

Discord raised an eyebrow. "A...butterfly?" He shrugged it off as nothing and continued to look for the light that brought him there. He turned his back on the flowerbed and started to walk off. Just as the moon hit the flowerbed.

A sudden light from behind him forced himself to turn around. To his surprise, the butterfly he saw earlier was suddenly surrounded by petals and sparkles. The swirl of petals grew taller, as tall as a grown mare. When the petals blew away, instead of a butterfly was...

"Hello Discord," Fluttershy said, her pony form was back once again.

Discord stared in utter shock. She was alive! The goal to see those beautiful teal eyes once more had been accomplished. She was standing in front of him, among the flowerbed. The shock and joy that had overflowed his body caused him to drop his bow and run forward.

He picked her up by her armpits and swung her around, before pressing his lips to hers in a long, passionate kiss. He breathed a sigh of relief to feel her lips on his own. Fluttershy had never felt so happy in her life, after so long, their hearts were together again. Discord ran his claws through her mane, never wanting to let her go again. 

Leaving her to go defeat Tirek was the biggest mistake of his life. He blamed himself that this happened. That Tirek kidnapped her and stole his magic. Now, all he cared about was the beautiful pony locking lips with him. Fluttershy moaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck and shuddered as his beard tickled her chin. Neither of them wanted this moment to end, to be separated again. They broke away soon after, flushed faces and blushing. 

Fluttershy felt tears of joy trickle down her cheeks and she sobbed in his shoulder, Discord tenderly stroked her back, sobbing along with her.

Fluttershy looked into his gold and ruby eyes. "Discord, I missed you so much,"

"I knew you were okay Fluttershy, I knew it,"

Fluttershy's eye snapped fully open when she remembered that Tirek was coming along soon. "Discord, you can't stay." she said suddenly.

"Can't stay?" Discord repeated. "Fluttershy, I will never let you out of my sight again!"

"Listen to me Disco-"

"Fluttershy!" called a voice.

Fluttershy was all to familiar with that voice. They only had seconds before they would be spotted.

"Oh no," she uttered.

"What's wrong?" Discord asked.

"It's him,"

"Tirek?!" Discord asked, eyes filling with rage.

"Yes, he's keeping me prisoner here."

"Then let him come, I'll-"

Fluttershy panicked at what he was implying. "No Discord, without your magic you don't stand a chance."

"Then come with me, I can find my way back to Canterlot. I'll get Twilight to help you-"

"Discord I can't leave this place for too long. When the Moon sets I'll turn back into a butterfly. I can only turn back if I stand in the flowerbed. Please Discord, just go." she said, pushing him away.

Discord walked a few steps and stopped, facing her. "If your under a spell, there must be some way to break it."

Fluttershy nodded. "There is, you must make a vow of Everlasting Love-"

Discord took her hooves in his hands. "I'd make it Fluttershy, it's all I'd ever wanted."

"But you have to prove it to the world."

That did it. How was he going to prove his love to the world. "How?"

"I don't know!" she said, trying to fight back the panicked tears.

"Fluttershy!" Tirek called again.

"Coming!" she replied. she turned back to Discord. "Go!"

Discord started running, then stopped. He just remembered a tiny detail about the following night. It was the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. Ponies from all across the world would be coming. If Fluttershy were to come, he could make the vow in front of the guests and the princesses. Then the spell would be broken. 

"The Gala, Fluttershy the Grand Galloping Gala is tomorrow night. Come to Canterlot, before the whole world, I'll make a vow of Everlasting Love." he said, as Fluttershy blushed, his kiss still on her lips.

"FLUTTERSHY!" called her capture.

"I'm coming!" she cried.

"Tomorrow night?" Discord asked.

Fluttershy smiled. "Yes, tomorrow night, now go."

Before he left, Discord blew her a kiss and took off into the trees. When he was gone, Fluttershy turned around and saw Tirek coming out from behind a marble pillar. "Fluttershy, didn't you hear me calling?"

"I...I uh..." she stammered.

Tirek walked over to her, arms crossed. "I thought I heard voices," he said, getting suspicious.

"Voices?"

"Yes, voices. Well...?"

Fluttershy had to buy Discord some more time. "I...I uh...I've decided to become your queen."

Her friends gapped at her statement, Tad fainted from the shock.

Tirek smirked. "Well done my dear, you've finally come to your senses," he cupped her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

"However, I'll need some proof that you'll be true to your statement. I think a kiss would be proof enough."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Kis-" before she could finish, Tirek smashed his lips into hers. Fluttershy tried to pull away, but his grip on her was too strong. From their hiding place, her friends gagged at the horrible scene. Tad had just recovered from the faint, but when he saw the scene, he fainted again. Buttercup ducked behind a bush to vomit.

Fluttershy could barely breathe at Tirek's mouth on hers, giving her a wet, sloppy kiss. She felt bile in her throat as he forced his tongue into her mouth. Fluttershy gagged at the slimy intruder and did her best to pretend to enjoy it. She knew that if Discord saw this, he would kill him.

Tirek finally broke away and Fluttershy pulled away, putting on her best forced smile. "Hmm, you're a good kisser my dear, but I still believe that your buffing. After all, would you have any idea who..." he pulled out Discord's bow, which he had stupidly left behind. "This belongs too?"

Fluttershy back up, scared of the centaur. Tirek chuckled. "Go to the Gala, and make a vow of Everlasting Love weren't you?"

Fluttershy scowled at him. Tirek laughed as he disintegrated the bow into ash. Fluttershy let out a sob as her lovers bow was burned before her eyes.

"Foolish little mare, but I'm afraid you won't be able to make it to the Grand Galloping Gala, tomorrow night."

"If you have to stop me, then you have to kill me!" she snapped.

Tirek turned around. "No my dear, it seems as if you forgot one very important detail about tomorrow night. There is no moon," 

His laughter echoed around the garden as Fluttershy broke into tears.
> The Wrong Vow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The doors to the castle burst open as Tirek stomped into the foyer, Sonata behind him. "I can't believe that Discord found her! How else would she have known about the Gross Gruesome Gala."

"Actually it's called the Grand Galloping Gala." Sonata corrected. 

"I KNOW WHAT IT'S CALLED SONATA!" Tirek roared. Sonata remained quiet after that. The siren watched as her master paced around the room. "If Discord makes the vow it could ruin everything, the Elements of Harmony would work again and I'd be getting a one way ticket to Tartarus," he stroked his chin, deep in thought. "I'm going to have to deal with him, but how?"

His eyes lit up as he came to an idea. "The Vow," he chuckled for a bit. 

Sonata raised an eyebrow. "The Vow?"

"Yes Sonata, the spell Little Miss Butterfly is under has one weakness. It works like this my dear, if her lover makes the vow of Everlasting Love to another, her heart will obviously break and the spell will weaken her. In other words my dear, if Discord makes the vow to the wrong girl, Fluttershy will die."

"But I thought you were going to make her your queen," Sonata said.

Tirek waved it off. "I was never attracted to her, besides she'd be too stubborn to control."

"But where are we gonna get a mare that looks like Fluttershy? I doubt we'd find a lookalike willing to do this." Sonata said.

Tirek chuckled. "My poor naive Sonata, you forget who I am. This is where you come in."

Sonata blinked. "Me?" she asked, pointing to her chest.

"Of course my dear, I'm going to make you look like Fluttershy. Of course it will take a lot of work, but it will be possible. Follow me,"

Tirek took the sea pony's hoof and led her into the basement. Down there was were Tirek experimented with the magic he had stolen. "Have a seat," he said, pointing to a stone seat on the corner, next to the lagoon, which was a leak from the castle moat. 

Tirek picked up and book and flipped through it. "Perfect," He turned to the sea pony and grinned. A golden orange glow appeared in between his horns and shot at Sonata. 

The blue sea pony was surrounded in the orange and felt her scaly skin turn into yellow fur and her spikes turn into a long wavy mane. 

When the glow disappeared, instead of a blue scaly sea pony siren, was a butter yellow pegasus with teal eyes and a pink mane.

"Now say something, I want to see if your voice is the same."

"Is this good?" Sonata asked, but instead of her own voice, it came out in Fluttershy's soft melody-like voice. 

Tirek clapped his hands together. "Haha, perfect. Now I want you to spend the day practicing to be Fluttershy. In other words, practice her shy, kind nature. But not when you're around Discord, he's her lover remember."

"You've got it boss! Oh I mean...I understand."

"Yes, yes, now be a good girl and go practice."

Sonata was about to leave when she remembered something. "But what about the real Fluttershy. What if she escapes before we get to the Gala?"

Tirek chuckled. "I'm locking her up in, this." Tirek said, holding up a glass jar.



Later that night...



Discord and the girls were getting ready for the Grand Galloping Gala. Rarity had made everyones attire (as usual). However, none of the girls were smiling. "It doesn't fell right without Fluttershy," Twilight said as Rarity curled her mane. She was wearing a purple dress, similar to the one she wore for her coronation. 

"I know darling, we all miss her," Rarity said, sadly. She was wearing a pale lavender dress with navy blue lace.

"Yeah, I'm gonna miss that girl." Rainbow said, she was wearing a white dress with a hue of rainbow and gold designs. 

Twilight turned to see Discord humming as he straighten his tie. He was wearing an orange tux with a white ruffled shirt and a red tie. "You seem very happy Discord. Why is that? We still haven't found Fluttershy."

Discord chuckled. "Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure she's fine. Believe me, I know."



Sitting in the middle of a damp, flooded basement was a glass jar. Inside, was a yellow butterfly with a green body and pink and green speckles on its wings. "It hurts me to lock you up Fluttershy, you would have looked beautiful as my queen. But no, you just had to be the stubborn little thing you are." Tirek said.

Fluttershy scowled and turned her back to him. "Oh, now you're mad at me again. Well I should have expected it, with all your stubbornness. How is it that you're the Element of Kindness?" he mocked.

"Tsk tsk tsk, Fluttershy I just remembered that the Gala's on tonight. To bad you're grounded my dear. If only you can go to the Gala and still be here," he pretended to think about it. "I know, I'll make Sonata go for you," As he said that the disguised siren came out from behind him, wearing a black ball gown. 

Fluttershy gasped at her doppelgänger, she looked at Tirek with wide eyes. Tirek chuckled and patted Sonatashy on the head. "We best get going Sonata, don't want your date to think you've forgotten him."

He let out a low chuckle as he and Sonata left the room, locking the door behind them. Fluttershy started to sob uncontrollably. She was so close...



It had been an hour since the Gala started and Twilight was sure that all the guests were there. Discord was still looking around the room for Fluttershy. Ponies were dancing gracefully with their partners. Twilight was with Flash, Rarity had caught up with Fancy Pants and was dancing with him, Pinkie was dancing with Cheese Sandwich, Rainbow was dancing with Soarin and Applejack was twirling Spike around. 

To everyones surprise and disbelief, there was a loud knock on the ballroom doors. The music stopped and everypony turned to the noise. Princess Celestia approached Twilight. "Twilight, did you check that everypony's here?"

"Yes, I'm sure all the guests have arrived. I double checked the list. Twice!" Twilight insisted.

Flash Sentry walked over to open the door. "I'm sure it's just somepony placing a prank," he said, grabbing the handles. He pulled the doors open and gasped at who was standing there. He clasped a hoof over his mouth has the butter coloured pegasus entered the ballroom. 

All through the ballroom, mouths dropped in shock as Fluttershy walked through the stunned crowd, silent and gracefully. Discord beamed and walked up to her. "And here I was thinking you weren't going to make it." he said.

Discord signalled for the music to start again and the confused orchestra started to play a waltz. However, no one else when onto the dance floor. They just watched as the couple twirled around the tiled floor.



Down by the bank of the castle moat, Buttercup was pacing while Rocky and Tad watched. "Ha!" she suddenly said. 

"What?" Rocky said.

"It's good," Buttercup said.

"What is?" Tad asked.

"An idea, a large colossal idea!"

"Sounds big," Rocky said.

"I've got it!" Buttercup pointed to the moat. "Water leaks into the basement right. If there's a leak, there must be a hole. We'll find the hole, make it bigger and break through!"

Tad jumped up onto Rocky's shell. "Buttercup, I think you're forgetting one thing." He pointed to the catfish lying in wait.

"His Majesty's got a point," Rocky said. 

Buttercup pondered for a minute. "It's our only chance we have of getting her out. We have to do something."

"Are you insane, who's going to jump into this muck." Tad said.

"He's gotta be a good swimmer,"

"Precisely,"

"He's gotta be small too," Rocky added. Both he and Buttercup knew who they were talking about.

"Teeny weeny, can not be seen."

"And it wouldn't hurt to be green, for camouflage." Buttercup said, smirking.

"Precisely; small, good swimmer, green." Tad's eyes widened when he realised what they meant. "Good grief! You're talking about me! No, no, absolutely not! I am not going in that moat."

"You have to! Fluttershy needs us!" Buttercup insisted. 

Tad still refused. "N.O means No, Buttercup."

Buttercup crossed her arms and smirked. "I suppose that special kiss isn't on your mind anymore."

Tad jerked his head around. "What do you mean?"

"I don't think you want Fluttershy to turn you into a prince anymore,"

Tad jumped up. "What are you talking about! I'm going in!" he was about to leap into the moat, when Rocky stopped him.

"Hold mister Knight in Shining Armour. We still need a plan, any idea's Buttercup."

"Yes, Rocky you distract the catfish, Tad you find the hole." Buttercup said.

"What about you?" Tad asked.

"I'll distract them from up here."

Tad rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll do it. If I can find it and if the catfish don't eat me before I get there."

"Relax, I've got your back buddy." Rocky said, diving into the moat. 

Once the turtle was in the water he hollered out to the catfish. "Hey you old eels! Come get me!" The catfish spotted him and chased after the turtle, who was surprisingly fast in the water.

"Okay Tad, now go!" Buttercup said.

The frog leaped into the moat. One of the catfish spotted him and started to swim towards him. Tad panicked and tried to climb back out, but the rocks were too slippery. Luckily, Buttercup whacked the fish on the head with a tree branch. "Go now!" she cried.

Tad didn't need to be told twice and swam under water. He reached the wall leading into the basement and started looking for the hole. Rocky was still distracting the other catfish. He swam up to the surface and Buttercup whacked his chaser over the head with the branch. Both fish were now out cold and the boys could safely find the hole. 

Tad found it and they started digging through. Rocky pushed his friend through the hole and the frog shot through. On the other side of the hole, Tad shot out of the water and landing with a thud on the stone floor. Fluttershy squealed at the sight of her friend. "Tad!"

"To the rescue mademoiselle," he said, dazed.

Outside, Rocky worked hard to make the hole bigger for him to fit through. Tad picked up the jar and dived underwater with Fluttershy. "Thank you Tad, when this is over, remind me to give you a kiss."

Tad cheered mentally. The frog and turtle swam up to the surface, with Fluttershy in a jar. Buttercup smashed the top off on Rocky's shell and Fluttershy flew out. "I have to get to Canterlot, Tirek's gonna make Discord say the vow to another!" she cried. 

Her friends gasped. "Then you have no time to loose Fluttershy. Go! We're right behind you!" Buttercup called out to her as the butterfly flew away as fast as her wings could carry her. 



Discord was enjoying a dance with the mare of his dreams. Set something seemed off about her. He approached her about it. "Fluttershy, you seem...I don't know...different."

Sonata panicked, thinking that he was on to her. "Don't worry, once this is over we won't have anything to worry about." she said, snuggling into his chest. 

"Yes, yes of course," Discord said, smiling.

In the middle of the waltz, he called out to Twilight. "Twilight! I wanna make an announcement. Stop the music!"

Twilight heard and ushered for the orchestra to stop. The crowd gathered to hear what was going on. No one saw the tiny yellow butterfly trying to get into the ballroom.

Fluttershy could clearly see her doppelgänger with Discord. And with the music stopped, it meant that he was about to make the vow. The vow that was meant for her.

She panicked as she heard loud and clear of her lovers speech. 

"Ponies of Equestria, Lords and Ladies, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and all my friends," Discord began. 

"I, Discord, the Lord of Chaos have learnt that there is more to life then chaos. I my have lost a great amount of my magic, but I have found something worth all the magic in Equestria. The love of my life, Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness,"

Fluttershy gasped as a stab of pain hit her in the heart. The ponies cheered and stomped their hooves. "No! Discord! That's not me! It's a trick!" she pleaded, feeling her body get weaker.

"Before all of Equestria, I pledge a vow to break all vows. A vow stronger then all the powers of the earth,"

The Mane Five watched, tearing up at the beautiful speech. Pinkie was bawling her eyes out.

"I make a vow of Everlasting Love,"

Fluttershy felt her heart break in two pieces as she let out a wail. "DISCORD!"

"To Fluttershy." he finished.

The crowd cheered for the happy couple. Discord was about to kiss his lover when all the doors and window burst open, blowing out all the candles. Ponies cheers turned into panicked whispers as a familiar centaur stomped into the room. 

Discord stepped forward. "Tirek!"

"Haha, well hello my little ponies. Don't even try to hurt me, you don't have all the Element's present. And your Lord of Chaos has pledged his love to another."

Twilight stepped forward. "What are you talking about? Fluttershy is right here!"

"Yeah, Tirek you have no power here. I made a vow, a vow of Everlasting Love!" Discord snapped.

Tirek chuckled. "Oh you made a vow alright, a vow of Everlasting...Death!" A beam of orange light shot out from between his horns and hit Fluttershy, knocking her out.

"Fluttershy!" Discord cried, running to her side. The Mane Five ran over as well, but when the pony's mane was pulled back, they all jumped back in horror and disgust to see a blue, slimy scaly sea pony. Discord stared in disbelief at Tirek.

"You just had to intervene didn't you, because of your stupidity, Fluttershy will die." His voice faded away as he disappeared in a cloud of red dust.

Discord shot his head up to one of the windows. He got us make out a tiny yellow, green and pink butterfly flying away. "Fluttershy!"

He jumped up and pushed past the five ponies. He grabbed a steel sword from the wall and ran out into the night. The Mane Five soon figured out what was going on. "Come on!" Twilight said as they followed him. The remaining guests started to panic as Sonata made her getaway by sliding past them and between legs.

Discord had never run so fast in his life. He desperately tried to keep the butterfly in sight. Fluttershy could feel herself getting weaker and weaker, her vision was getting blurry and she knew she was dying. Tirek's voice echoed through the forest. 

"She's fading fast, Discord," 

"If you hurry draconequus, I might let you see her, one last time,"

Down by a river; Tad, Rocky and Buttercup were waiting for their friend. "There she is!" Buttercup cried, pointing to the sky. Sure enough the yellow butterfly was coming their way. 

Rocky noticed how weakly she was flying. "I don't thinks she's gonna make it,"

Tad waved his arms around. "This way Fluttershy!"

Buttercup bit her lip. "Come on Fluttershy, come on,"

Fluttershy landed in the middle of a large clearing. Tad, Rocky and Buttercup hurried over and were horrified to see her body lying still in the short grass. Sparkles appeared and the butterfly turned into a pegasus pony, eyes peacefully closed as if she was sleeping. They turned when they heard branches breaking behind them. Discord came bursting through the trees, a panicked look on his face. His tux was ripped and dirty. He spotted Fluttershy lying on the ground.

"Fluttershy!" he ran over and knelt down beside her, cradling her in his arms. "Fluttershy, what have I done to you. I'm sorry Fluttershy. I never saw this coming. Forgive me Fluttershy, forgive me," he sobbed.

"D-Discord?" she murmured, weakly.

"Yes Fluttershy, I'm here," he said.

"Discord, I feel so weak,"

"Fluttershy, you're going to be alright, the vow I made was for you," he sobbed. This couldn't be the end. 

"I know," she uttered. She reached out a hoof and touched his cheek. "I love you, Discord," 

She fell limp in his arms, her eyes closed forever. "Fluttershy, wake up. Please Fluttershy, wake up," Discord sobbed. No response.

"No, this can't be. Fluttershy, the vow I made was for you. Please don't leave me Fluttershy, I love you," he sobbed, holding her close to his body.

Her body was so cold, it was like ice. No, he had just gotten her back. He couldn't loose her again. This wasn't how it was supposed to end. But there was no response out of the tiny pegasus.

She was dead.
> The Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Discord sobbed heavily into her lifeless form, he felt like someone had just come up and ripped his heart out. Words couldn't describe the pain he was feeling as he watched the love of his life die before his eyes. "Fluttershy...I'm so sorry," he uttered as the tears streamed down his cheeks. "I'm so so sorry Fluttershy, I never meant for this to happen. The vow was for you, not her,"

He laid her body down on the ground and continued to sob. Anger filled his veins. He blamed Tirek for tricking him with a fake Fluttershy. "I made the vow for her, you hear me Tirek?! THE VOW I MADE WAS FOR HER!" he screamed, his voice echoing off the mountains. 

"No need to shout," said a voice from behind him. Discord spun around and saw Tirek standing under a tree. Discord only felt pure hate for the centaur in front of him.

"Don't let her die!" he snapped, stomping over to him. 

Tirek scoffed. "Is that a threat?"

Discord yanked Tirek by his beard so he was looking him in the eye. Discord's eye were glowing with the anger in his blood. "DON'T YOU DARE LET HER DIE!"

"Oh, it is a threat,"

"You're the only one with the magic, now do it!"

Tirek slapped Discord away. The draconequus fell down and Tirek stood over him like a predator cornering his prey. 

"Only if you defeat...me," he hissed. 

An orange ball of magic appeared between his horns and surrounded him. When it died down, in the centaur's place, was a giant red and black bat.

The bat gave a shriek that made Discord's ears bleed. Tad, Rocky and Buttercup gasped in horror at the grotesque monster bat. "That's not good," Tad uttered.

Discord pulled out the sword, but Tirek bounced on him. The bat tried to bite him but the draconequus grabbed a hand full of dirt and flung it at Tirek's eyes. The bat gave a loud cry as the dirt blinded him. Discord crawled out from under him and grabbed his sword.

With one swing he struck Tirek on the shoulder. Tirek gave a yelp of pain as the blade made contact just below the collarbone. Blood started to pour from the gash in his shoulder. Tirek glared at the draconequus. Discord had the sword pointed at him, blood dripping down the blade. 

"I won't let her die!" he snapped.

Tirek grinned, presenting several sharp teeth. The huge bat spread his wings and flew into the sky. Discord quickly lost sight of his enemy and looked around. Without warning, the bat crashed down from the over hanging tree and pinned him to the ground. 

Discord tasted blood as his head smashed into the ground. The wind was knocked out of him as he desperately looked around for his sword. He spotted it lying in arms reach and went to grab it, but Tirek sent the sword flying into the river. 

Discord picked up a large rock and smashed Tirek's face with it. The bat gave a shriek of pain, a few of its teeth were broken and had chipped into fragments that fell into the soil. From the hiding spot, Buttercup could see that Discord was losing. Her eyes widened as an idea popped into her head. "The sword!" she grabbed Tad by the arm and looked him in the eye. "Swim to the bottom of the river and get the sword!" she said, throwing the frog into the water. Tad let out a scream as he was sent flying face first into the river.

The giant bat picked Discord up with his claws and carried him into the air. Discord tried to pry himself free from the bat's grip on him. Tirek saw this and threw him against a tree. Tirek tried to make another lunge attack. Discord broke off a tree branch at smacked Tirek in the face with it. The bat chomped on the wood and it broke into pieces. Tirek tried to get a hold on him again, but instead broke the branch, sending Discord crashing down through the trees, knocking him cold.

Down in the river, Tad had spotted the sword wedged between a tree root. He tried to pry it free but it was wedged to far in. Suddenly, he felt himself and the sword powering to the surface. He looked down and saw Rocky with the handle in his mouth, powering them to the surface. 

Tirek was flying above the unconscious draconequus, preparing for the final blow. Tad and Rock appeared. Buttercup screamed from the shore. "THROW IT JUST THROW IT!" 

Rocky threw the sword, but failed to see that Tad was still on board. The sword landed next to Discord, Tad saw Tirek coming fast. The frog slapped him in the face. "Wake up, wake up!" 

Discord opened his eyes and Tad quickly hopped out of the away. Discord grabbed the sword and got to his feet. As he positioned the sword, he saw that it was emitting a purple aura. He turned his head. "Twilight?"

The Mane Five had arrived on the scene, Twilight's horn was ignited, enchanting the sword. "Oh Sword of Truth, fly swift and sure. That Evil die and Good indure!" she screamed. Discord used all his strength in his arm and threw the sword at Tirek.

The evil bat gave one final bloodcurdling shriek as at least 5 inches of the sword impaled his chest, piercing through his cold black heart. All the magic that he had stolen was starting to sizzle out and back to it's owners. Discord felt the large part of his magic return to his body and watched in awe as Tirek fell down dead.

On impact, the body exploded from the magic that was still inside. Everyone watched in awe as the magic completely disintegrated Tirek. The magic flew back to it's owners and only the sword remained, impaled into the ground.

Tad passed out from the overwhelming situation. Buttercup and Rocky cheered for Discord's victory. Rocky blushed beet red as Buttercup kissed him on the cheek. She blushed back.

The Mane Five high-hooved each other, cheering. "Go Discord!" Rainbow cried, punching the air.

Pinkie then spotted Fluttershy lying still on the ground and paled. "Look at Fluttershy!" she cried, pointing at the still yellow pony.

They all turned and were shocked to see their friend lying still as a statue. "Oh no..." Twilight uttered. They slowly walked over. Discord went back to cradling Fluttershy in his arms. 

"Fluttershy, it's over. I defeated Tirek, please come back to me," he sobbed, hanging onto one string of hope that she could still be alive.

Twilight approached him from behind. "Is...is she?"

Discord lay the butter yellow pegasus back on to the ground. Rarity leaned down and put her ear to her friends chest. Her face scrunched up as tears began to fall. There was no heartbeat. She stood back up and shook her head, weeping. Her friends gasped. Tears started to fall down their cheeks. Pinkie was sobbing onto Twilight's shoulder as the princess tried to console her friend, but she wished that there was someone to console her. Applejack had removed her hat as a sign of respect. Even Rainbow let a few tears out, knowing that the mare she knew since childhood was gone forever.

Discord picked her tiny form in a bridal style, sobbing uncontrollably. Without words, he started to walk back to  Canterlot. Twilight picked up the sword and followed behind him, crying. The other ponies sobbed as they trudged back to Canterlot. Tad, Rocky and Buttercup followed them back to the palace, not saying a word.



Celestia gave a look of disgust at the sight of the caged sea pony. Sonata pouted as she held onto the bars of the cage. She had managed to escape into the gardens, but was caught when one of the Fluttershy's traps from the previous year had fallen on her. It was a mystery to why this hadn't happened sooner. 

Celestia turned to Shining Armour, who was standing behind her with a grim look on his face. "Call off the Gala, Tirek's finally come back for another attack. Shining Armour, I want all guards on standby in every city." she said. 

"Yes Princess," he said, leaving the room and barking orders. After Tirek disappeared and Discord ran out, there had been a panic. 

Ponies were running in all directions, screaming and tripping over each other. It took three firecrackers blasting from Celestia's horn silence everyone. Celestia glared at the sea pony. She had been overjoyed that Fluttershy was alive, but after realising the truth, she feared that something must have happened to the real pony. She could be...well...

Celestia's stomach churned at the horrible thoughts at were in her coming into her head. She didn't even want to think about what happened to Fluttershy when she was missing. She refused to cry in front of the sea pony as two more guards loaded the cage onto a cart to be taken away to the sea.

The doors burst open and Shining came running back inside. Celestia jumped and spun around. "Shining Armour! What's wrong?"

Shining Armour panted as he was out of breath. "Word from...the pony cites. Those who had...their magic stolen...have got it back!" he panted, beaming all the while. 

Celestia stared at him, wondering if he was joking or not. "Really?"

Shining Armour grinned. "There's more! It's...Discord, he and the others, they've found Fluttershy...the real Fluttershy,"



They were just approaching Canterlot when a horde of guards came running towards them, followed by the Princesses, still wearing their formal gowns. 

"Discord! We just got news that the ponies who had been attacked by Tirek have gotten their magic back and-" Celestia stopped in her tracks when she got a better look at everyone in the group. 

They were all sobbing and Twilight was levitating the sword with her magic. Discord was holding a limp Fluttershy in his arms. The draconequus looked like he had just been in battle. His bottom lip had a cut in it and was leaking blood. His suit was scratched, dusty and falling apart. All over his body were cuts, bruises and scrapes. His eyes were puffy and tears were streaming down his cheeks.

The girls' eyes were also puffy and red from crying. Rarity's makeup was running and Pinkie's mane had deflated. Their dresses were dusty and they had twigs in their manes and their fur was covered in sweat and dust.

Celestia's eyes fell upon the limp pegasus in Discord's arms. Her eyes were peacefully closed as if she was sleeping, head limp as her body and fallen back over Discord's arm. Her mane had bits of grass and twigs in it and her fur was corse and lost it's colour. 

"Oh Faust..." she uttered. "Get her inside!" she cried, pulling them all upstairs and into one of the spare rooms. Cadence and Luna followed behind them.

Discord laid the pegasus on the bed, resting her head on the pillow and knelt down beside her. The Mane Five, Shining Armour, Cadance and Luna stood at one side of the room, in disbelief. Celestia walked up to the draconequus. 

"Discord, what happened?" she asked.

Discord choked the urge to speak. The pain in his chest was unbearable. Even in death, Tirek still had the last laugh, he took away the one thing that Discord loved...Fluttershy...

Even in death, she was so beautiful, like the Sleeping Beauty. 

"Discord? What happened?" Celestia asked again

Discord wiped his eyes, not daring to look away from Fluttershy. "It's all my fault, I made the vow to another," he choked out. "I couldn't save her, I couldn't save her. I should have forced her to come with me when I found her, she'd still be with us."

The princesses gasped when they caught onto what he meant. "She's...she's..." Celestia asked, praying that this was some kind of sick joke. Celestia hadn't felt this much pain since the day she banished her sister to the moon. While she didn't exactly talk to Fluttershy, she still felt that she had lost an old friend...

All around the room were broken hearts and tears, but none of them were as heart broken as Discord. The draconequus leaned over and stroked her forehead, running his claw through her mane. "I'm sorry Fluttershy," he closed his eyes, leaned down and planted a farewell kiss on her lips. No one saw the pink tear fall from Discord's eye and onto Fluttershy's right cheek, before being absorbed into her skin and fur.

Discord pulled away and leaned down, head buried into the mattress. Everypony hung their heads, paying their respects to their lost friend. The sound of movement and a soft sigh made everyone look up. Discord looked up and was shocked to see Fluttershy's eyes open. "Fluttershy!" he cried, embracing her.

"Discord, what happened?" she asked.

"Fluttershy, I thought I lost you," he sobbed, tears of joy falling down his cheeks.

Fluttershy smiled and reached her arms out to embrace him. Her eyes widened when she remembered something. "What happened to you? What happened to Tirek?!" she cried in a panic.

Discord lay her back down and beamed. "It's okay Fluttershy, he's gone."

"Fluttershy!" The Mane Five cried, rushing to their friends side.

"Girls! I missed you all so much!" she said, embracing them one at a time.

"Oh Fluttershy, you're okay," Applejack sobbed when it was her turn.

"We thought we lost you Fluttershy," Rarity cried.

"I'm not gonna cry, I'm not gonna cry," Rainbow wept, trying to force back the tears of joy.

"How is she still alive?!" Twilight asked, turning to Celestia. 

"I don't know, Twilight." Celestia said, before grinning wildly. "But who cares!"

Twilight grinned back. "You're right,"

Celestia turned to Discord, remembering something. "Discord, you said Tirek is gone. What do you mean?"

Discord stood up and faced her. "He's dead,"

"Pardon?"

"It's true, Discord killed Tirek!" Pinkie cried. 

Celestia stared at the draconequus. "I...I don't believe it...you've really changed..." she uttered. "I think you just saved Equestria. You're a hero, Discord," she finished with a smile.

Discord rubbed his arm awkwardly. "I'm not a hero Tia, I only did what needed to be done. Just taking out the trash,"

"Discord, you destroyed Tirek, returned the stolen magic back to it's owners and rescued Fluttershy. You think you don't deserve to be hailed a hero."

"I may have done what you said, but I'm still the Lord of Chaos. Even though I have my magic back and I'm happy about that, but a life without Fluttershy would be awful," he said, smiling down at the pegasus. "I didn't see it before but I realise how much love and friendship means to me. Count me as truly reformed." he said in an unusual seriously that stunned everyone silent.

Celestia wiped away a tear. "I'm happy for you and you have my thanks for saving us all just the same."

Twilight smiled and turned to her friends. "I think we should leave the love birds alone."

They all nodded their heads and exited the room. Twilight gave Discord one last smile. "I never thought I would say this but...thank you Discord."

"You're welcome," he replied.

When they were all gone, turned back to Fluttershy, who was lying on the bed. Fluttershy then noticed his injuries. "Discord, you're hurt," she uttered.

"It's nothing that my magic can't fix," he said, snapping his fingers. In an instant, his injuries were healed and his fur was clean again. He snapped again and his formal attire disappeared. "Boy am I glad that things off," he said, laying down next to her. "I never want to see that suit again, knowing that I dancing with a sea pony in it."

Fluttershy rolled over to face him. "Discord?"

"Yeah,"

"Did you mean what you said?"

Discord moved his arm around her and pulled her closer, much like when they first kissed. "I meant every single word, you mean all the magic in Equestria to me Fluttershy. No, you're worth so much more to me. Fluttershy, you're the one who taught me that friendship is magic and you're the pony I would lay down all my powers if it means you'll live another day with me."

Fluttershy felt wetness in her eyes. "Discord...that's the most beautiful thing anypony has ever said to me." she said.

Discord leaned in and kissed her again, rubbing his thumb on her wet cheek. He pulled away and smiled. "Every minute with you I'll treasure," They sat up and Discord took her hooves and kissed them. "Do you know how much you mean to me Fluttershy?"

"I think I do," she said, returned her lips to his. Discord wrapped his arms around her and held her closer. Discord broke the kiss, still holding her.

"I wish we could stay this way forever. I love you Fluttershy," he said, lost in the perfection of those teal orbs.

"I love you too Dissy," she uttered, snuggling into his chest.

Discord sighed and stroked her mane, lovingly. 

As along as she was still with him, life just got a whole lot better...
> Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

News of Fluttershy's return spread throughout Equestria like wild vines. Almost every town, city and village celebrated the Element of Kindness's return and the defeat of Tirek, but no town celebrated as much as Ponyville did. Once Fluttershy's strength had returned, she, her friends and Discord arrived at Ponyville in the golden chariot pulled by six armoured Pegasi stallions, and were immediately greeted by a smiling crowd showering her in flowers, candy, welcome homes and praises towards Discord and his heroism. 

When Fluttershy stepped out of the chariot, all her animal friends, including Angel Bunny were there to greet her. "Angel Bunny!" Fluttershy cried, holding her hooves out for her precious bunny. Angel squeaked in happiness seeing his owner was alive, safe and home, scampering into her arms for a hug. 

Discord knelt down beside Fluttershy, wrapping an arm around the pegasus. "Looks like I wasn't the only one who missed you, butterfly," 

At first, Fluttershy thought he was talking about her animal friends until Discord pointed to three pegasi ponies standing in the centre of the crowd. 

They were a middle-aged mare and stallion, along with a young stallion, no older than seventeen. Fluttershy gasped as Angel scampered off to allow Fluttershy to run towards the three ponies. 

"Mom! Dad! Zephyr Breeze!" she cried, galloping towards them, while Discord and Angel Bunny watched from afar, smiling from ear to ear.

"Fluttershy!" they cried joyously, hugging her. 

Mrs Shy burst into tears, her glasses slipping down her muzzle as she held her daughter like she never wanted to let her go again. "My baby, my sweet little filly, you're okay!"

"You gave us a right old scare sis," Zephyr Breeze commented, looking like he was about to tear up as well.

Mr Shy patted his daughter on the head as he looked up at the Lord of Chaos, turned hero of Equestria. "You saved my daughter's life, Lord Discord,"

Discord raised his claw. "Pish posh, there's no need for formalities. Your daughter means more to me than chaos itself, in fact, while we're on the subject, there's something I'd like to ask you in private, sir."

Mr Shy beamed, having a feeling he knew what Discord had in mind and gladly went with him away from the celebrations for a chat.



Fluttershy didn't see Discord for the remainder of the day, not that she could go look for him herself, she was being swamped by admiration and joy in every direction. The rest of the Mane Six were practically smothering her after being separated for so long. During this time, Fluttershy went on to explain the whole story about what had happened to her while captive.

"Eugh!" Rarity cringed. "He tried to force you to marry him? How horrid!"

"Agreed, next to Tirek, Discord looks like a real gentlecolt," Rainbow added, suddenly looking shocked at her own words.

Pinkie grinned. "Is that what I think it is? Dashie's finally excepting Discord is right for Fluttershy?"

Rainbow flushed embarrassed. "N-No... I still think he's a jerk b-but... I mean, next to Tirek... he's..."

"What does it matter?" Twilight said, "He saved her life and broke the spell. In all my life, I have never seen anybody look so happy than Fluttershy and Discord, and don't get me started on how crushed he was when Fluttershy was apparently dead. They're soulmates."

Fluttershy blushed. "Thank you Twilight, I'm just so happy to be home."

"We really are happy that you're home, sugarcube. That Discord has done a right tootin job with ya. Ya know," Applejack grinned wickedly, "Ah think he might be poppin the question soon, don't ya think Flutters?"

"Wha-what!" Fluttershy stuttered. "Applejack, it's... don't you think that's a bit... soon?"

Applejack shrugged. "He almost lost ya once Fluttershy, ya really think he's gonna risk losing ya again?"

Rarity squealed. "Oh please let me be the one to make the wedding dress Fluttershy, i already have so many ideas, and you'll be marrying your soulmate and -"

"Then can I plan the reception!" Pinkie cheered.

"Girls!" Twilight shouted, exasperated. Fluttershy had apparently taken up being a turtle, curled up into a ball of embarrassment. "Fluttershy's not even engaged yet. We don't even know if Discord is going to propose."

The other mares giggled like fillies. "I saw Discord talking to your Dad Fluttershy, maybe he was asking for his blessing?" Rainbow said with a wink.

Rarity nodded, approvingly. "Very proper indeed, and how polite. He's definitely going to be asking for your hoof in marriage Fluttershy."

Fluttershy squeaked, blushing redder than ever. Twilight just rolled her eyes, giving up. "Girls, seriously. I know I said they're soulmates, but that's a little too far. Look at Fluttershy, she's so embarrassed right now."

"Almost exactly how you look whenever you talk to Flash Sentry, Twilight?" Rainbow teased.

It was Twilight's turn to blush. "Excuse me? We're just friends!"

"Friends don't look at friends like the way Flash looks at you." Applejack pointed out. She then pointed a hoof into the crowd, "See, he's doing so right now. Why don't ya go talk to him?"

Twilight blushed crimson. "Girls, really! I don't think -"

"HEY FLASH, TWILIGHT WANTS TO SPEAK WITH YOU!" Rainbow hollered at the top of her lungs.

"Rainbow!" Twilight cringed as Flash Sentry walked over to the flushed princess. 

"I hear that someone wants to talk to me, how ironic, I was just about to come over hear myself to ask you for a dance, Princess Twilight," Flash said smoothly.

"It's just Twilight, Flash," Twilight groaned, as her friends giggled behind her.

Flash smirked and held out his hoof. "So is that a yes or a no to a dance?"

Twilight blinked and immediately felt like she was about to explode when she realised what he had just said. She could hear her friends behind her hissing, "Do it, do it, do it!"

She rolled her eyes and took Flash's hoof. "I'd love to," she said, blushing badly, and went with him over on the dance floor.

The Mane Six cheered quietly and high-hooved each other. "The ship has sailed! The ship has sailed!" Pinkie cried, waving a sailors hat around, "Flashlight is canon, now all we need is a Fluttercord moment for the audience reading this fanfic. That's what they came here for after all!"

The rest of the ponies looked at her weirdly. "What are ya talking about Pinkie?" Applejack asked.

Pinkie gasped dramatically. "You really can't see them? They're right there, they're all celebrating that the ending chapter is finally here! I heard that the author has been absent from the website due to some life problems and writing her first proper novel, she's only back to finish the fanfics she's uploaded and hadn't gotten around to finishing," Pinkie shrugged. "Can't say I blame her; family troubles, friend troubles, writing practice, further studies, her autism - whooo weee, now I'm getting flustered." Pinkie chimed, fanning herself with the hat. "Too bad you can't see them yourselves, anyway, back to the story. We still need the Fluttercord moment we're waiting for, but first, we need Fluttershy and - hey, wait a minute, where is Fluttershy?!"

The Mane Six whirled around, realising that Fluttershy was no longer there. "What the heck, where did she go?"

"Maybe she ran off to hide somewhere, or maybe we went to find Discord while we were distracted by Pinkie." said Rarity, looking around.

Pinkie grinned sheepishly. "Oopsie, maybe we should leave it alone for now. Give her some space, and let the readers see the rest now. Come on, I wanna know what happened to Tad, Rocky and Buttercup. They just disappeared from the plot!"

Her friends rolled her eyes, and followed Pinkie into the crowd as the scene cut to Fluttershy.



Fluttershy ran towards the safety of the field with her animal friends, completely embarrassed, hopeful and excited. Was Discord really planning to propose to her? According to Rainbow Dash, he certainly was, it was good that Pinkie had another fourth wall break and she was able to escape from them.

Finally, she was able to rest and relax for the first time since she was captured. Until...

"Well if it isn't the butterfly pegasus?" said a smooth voice from above her. Fluttershy looked up and beamed warmly like a mare in love when she saw the love of her life hovering above her. "Where have you been all my life?"

Fluttershy giggled and rolled her eyes. "You never change Discord,"

Discord frowned. "I believe I have changed Fluttershy, after all it was me you came to your rescue and broke the spell. I'm no longer evil thanks to you, little butterfly."

"That's not what I meant Discord. I think you've always been this perfect, you just never had the chance to show it. This is the real you, the stallion I fell in love with."

Discord smiled and landed in front of her. He picked her up and pressed his lips to hers. Fluttershy kissed him back with passion and the couple broke away soon after. "The feeling mutual, my dear. I have a surprise for you."

Fluttershy blushed, remembering what Rainbow Dash had said. "S-Surprise?"

"Yes my dear, a surprise. Why do you look so flustered all of a sudden, am I too devilishly handsome for you?" he grinned, slicking his black mane back.

"Show off, I'm fine. Pinkie had another of her fourth wall breaks earlier."

Discord nodded, understanding. "Ah the great skills of Pinkie Pie, it amazes me how she's able to perform such chaos and she's not even a draconequus."

"Maybe she has draconequus ancestors?" Fluttershy guessed.

"Yes, yes, but I'm not here for Pinkie's heritage. I'm here to take you to your surprise. Hold on tight, I'm teleporting us there."

Fluttershy held onto his chest and Discord snapped his fingers, teleporting them to Fluttershy's cottage. He had repaired it to its former glory, but there was something different about it. Fluttershy gasped at the sight of her cottage. 

"Surprise! Tirek may have done some damage when he captured you, so as soon as I got my chance after getting my magic back, I fixed up the place. I hope you don't mind, but I added some touches."

The cottage looked very much the same as it was last time Fluttershy saw it, but there were added rooms climbing up, sticking out at odd, crooked angles with several chimneys rising up, smoking from fireplaces. "I expanded it to suit the both of us if that's alright with you. I even added a theatre! I hope you like it,"

"Discord... it's lovely!" Fluttershy cried, happy that she was home again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Oh thank you, thank you!"

Discord hugged her back and put a finger to her lips. "There's more though, on the inside."

As he said this, the front door opened and a red carpet rolled out, coming to a stop in front of them. Discord snapped his fingers again, and the pair were suddenly dressed formally. Discord wore a black and purple striped tux, while Fluttershy wore a beautiful peacock themed dress, complete with a feather tucked behind her ear. "Shall we, my dear butterfly."

Fluttershy smiled, that was all Discord needed to see.

He led her into her cottage. A beautiful dinner was set up in her living room, complete with scented candles everywhere. 

Fluttershy felt tears well up in her eyes. "Discord this is... I don't know what to say..."

"I know, it's mushy, isn't it. Oh well, I'm too tired to care. What's say we dig into this feast Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy nodded. "That would be great Discord. I love you."

"I love you too, butterfly."

As the evening went on, the pair chatted throughout dinner and all through to dessert, and Fluttershy had forgotten all about what Rainbow Dash had said. Fluttershy was halfway through her tiramisu when Discord cleared his throat, tugging at his collar nervously. 

"Fluttershy, listen... this dinner, it wasn't just because we never got to go out on a date. I wanted this evening to be special because... well... after losing you, I don't ever want to go through that again."

"Discord, you could never lose me."

"I know, but... I wanted to make it official," he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box. Fluttershy's eyes widened. "I had to ask your father's permission first."

He opened the box, revealing a beautiful silver ring with a small pink butterfly. "Fluttershy, my butterfly Pegasus. I love you so much more than chaos. I lost you once before, I don't want to be apart from you ever again. Will you marry me?"

Fluttershy gasped, tears spilling from her eyes as she clapped a hoof to her face. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Discord, I'll marry you!" She ran around the table and kissed him passionately. She sobbed as Discord placed the ring, that was attached to a chain around her neck, his own tears falling down as he stared down lovingly at his fiancee.

"You've made me so happy Fluttershy,"

Fluttershy looked up at him with a smile. "Will you love me Discord, till the day I die?"

Discord scoffed. "A silly question, my dear. I'll love you much longer than that Fluttershy, much longer than that."