> A Day with Discord
>  by Shippofan2k
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was Sketch Melody's day off, while her friends were off working, busy or in Starlight Glimmer's case, friendship lessons with Twilight. She sat on her couch a book levitating in her magic, she wanted some new material for a new book, so she decided a nice day at home reading books would give her inspiration.

Her dog Antonio sleeping in his dog bed listening to the sound of his owner reading the book out loud to herself lulling him to sleep. She had been reading when something fell in the kitchen, putting her book down on the table using her magic, getting up from her seat on the couch, she ventured from the living room to see what was going on, Antonio following behind her.

As she entered the kitchen she saw something that made her freeze where she stood. In her kitchen was the Lord of Chaos himself Discord looking through her cupboards. She had no idea what to say for this before she could say anything, however, Antonio zipped over and jumped on Discord's tail. Discord jumped looking down and pulling his tail up, the small Chihuahua holding on to his tail with the tiny teeth in his mouth.

"Well aren't you a big scary dog." Discord said, snapping his fingers and teleporting Antonio off his tail and over to his bowl, which was now full of dog treats.

Seeing the peace offering Antonio practically attacked the delicious treats in his bowl.

"What are you doing in my house?" Sketch asked, catching Discords attention.
"Oh, Fluttershy is out of town and told me that it  was lonely to come see you out." Discord said teleporting in front of her, extending his lion paw. "Discord, The Lord of Chaos!"
"Sketch Melody." Sketch said holding her hoof out to shake his paw. "Now isn't the time for a visit, I'm working on a book--!"
"Oh, a book you say?" Discord said teleporting next to her and wrapping his lion pawed arm around her in a friendly manner. "Can I read it?"

"I haven't thought of the idea yet," Sketch told him. "But I have another one you can read if you want." Sketch said, sliding out of his arm and walking back into the living room, pulling out a book from the bookshelf.
"Is this the one Twilight told me about with the changeling?" Discord questioned accepting the book.

"Yup, The adventures of Antenna." Sketch replied sitting in her chair as Discord took a spot on her couch.
"Fascinating." Discord commented. "So You don't have an idea for your new book?"
"No, I've been reading these book to get an idea." Sketch said. "I haven't had one."
"Well, of course, you haven't!" Discord chuckled. "You're only reading about it, you need to go out and have fun!"

"That's not a bad idea." Sketch replied with a grin. "Do you want to help me?"
"You're asking me for help?" Discord asked taken aback by the question.
"Well if you don't want you I can always do it myself." Sketch teased.
"No no!" Discord said. "I want to help!"
"Great!" Sketch replied. "Where should we go?"

"Hmmm, well Las Pegasus has a place that is under new management, we can always go there." Discord said leaping off the couch and grabbing Sketch.
"Sure why not." Sketch said levitating a satchel full of papers, pens, and money.

"Off we go then!" Discord said, about to snap his fingers and teleport when Flare Spark smashed through the door.
"Sketchhhhhh I'm bored- Who in the name of Tartarus is that!" Flare spark shouted.
"Flare Spark this is Discord." Sketch replied, walking over to her best friend. "He's helping me with my next book."
"The lord of chaos is helping you with your book!" Flare Spark exclaimed. "That is so awesome!"

Discord could only stand there and blink in confusion, not many Ponies were his fans but he didn't mind it, it made him feel accepted. when he snapped out of it, he finally answered,

"I have another fan?" Discord questioned. "Goodness if I become more popular I'll need a fan club like Rainbow Dash!"

"Either way, I want in!" Flare Spark said with a grin.
"The more the merrier!" Discord exclaimed grabbing Flare Spark and proofing a headband on her head with horns matching his own glued to the top.
"So where are we going to go?" Flare Spark asked after fangirling over the headband on her head.
"Las Pegasus." Sketch answered.
"I see." Flare Spark replied.

Flare Spark shrugged, a grin forming on her face as if she was thinking of another good idea that had popped into her head.

"Las Pegasus sounds like fun but a Fantasy quest sounds better!" Flare Spark remarked.
"I can make that happen!" Discord said a big mischievous grin on his face.
"let's do it then!" Sketch squealed.

With a snap of his fingers, Discord changed the inside of Sketch Melody's house, it had changed into a calm countryside.

Flare Spark looked herself over and found herself wearing a light purple dress silver armor plate on her chest, a silver belt around the waist of it holding a crossbow and a pouch full of Arrows, each of her legs had a white boot with silver armor on the fronts of them. her hair was tied up in a ponytail giving her an adventurous look.

Sketch was wearing a light blue dress, with a silver armor on the chest like Flare Spark outfit, each of her legs a silver shoe that covered her hooves, a simple mask on her face colored white that framed her eyes, unlike the belt on Flare Spark's waist, Sketch Melody had saddle bags attached to a saddle.

Discord stood near them, covered in armor and, a bow and a quiver full of arrows on his shoulder and on his hip a simple pouch, on his head was a helmet made of gold much like what the royal guards wear.

"Whoa!" Flare Spark exclaimed. "I didn't think the Lord of Chaos could do this!"
"Of course I can!" Discord shouted with a grin. "I'm willing to bet my magic is just as powerful as Celestia!"
"Sure Discord." Sketch giggled. "Also my saddlebags feel different, what did you do?"
"Nothing much, I added more space to them." Discord said with a grin.

"More space?" Flare spark asked, opening one of the pouches, her mouth falling open and her eyes wide. "it's like there's another Dimension in this saddle bag!"
"Wait really?" Sketch questioned looking in the bag as well. "Oh, my Celestia, Discord this is amazing!"
"I know." Discord replied, grinning confidently looking at his eagle clawed hand like he was Rarity checking her hooves for Dirt. "Now I believe we have a quest to find?"

Sketch Melody and Flare Spark's faces lit up with glee, smiling with Discord. Excitement brimming in their chests.

"Yes!" Both mares cheered, following Discord down the dirt path they were standing on, ready for the adventure they would find.
> Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Day with Discord Part Two

After an hour of walking Discord, Sketch, and Flare Spark had arrived at a small village, full of ponies and many others creatures, in the middle of the village.  the streets were full of ponies as well as other creatures from different places. The Sign at the village entrance had

   Flare Spark could not contain her excitement, Sketch Melody was taking in everything her eyes wide with amazement, the many species running around and getting along. Discord grinned standing between his companions, his head held high as he scanned the crowd, he truly was excited to have an adventure with his new friends, he had made it a mental note to thank Fluttershy for the idea when this was over.

"What should we do first?" Spark inquired.
Sketch put a hoof to her chin in thought. "We could wander around and see what we can find?"
"Maybe find a quest along the way?" Spark asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"We can do both!" Discord cheered, scooping up both mares pulling them into a hug. "After all who said our adventure had to be rushed?"
"True." Flare chimed.

   Discord safely deposited the two mares to the ground as they ventured forward, the many ponies, griffons, and others looking at them or taking short glances their way. They made their way to a stand where apple cider was being sold.  each taking a seat at the stools in front of it.

   The half stallion half Griffon, known as a Hypogriph, was selling cider. He had ponies hind quarters and a griffons body for his front half. his feathers were a light blue, his hind quarters a darker shade, his beak was that of a blue jay's only it was a light gray instead of a deep black, his wings matched the color of his hind quarters, his cutie mark was a compass, He smiled kindly at the three of them, bringing up three glasses to the counter, his talons matching his beak in color.

"What can I get you today?" the Hippogriff asked.
"Cider please." Sketch replied with a smile, pulling out some of her bits, thankfully discord had changed it to look like the currency.
"Coming right up!" the Hippogriff replied. "I'm Talon by the way."
"Nice to meet ya Talon!" Spark grinned. "I'm Flare Spark, the draconequus is Discord."
"And I'm Sketch Melody." Sketch smiled.

   Talon pulled a hose that was connected to a barrel of cider, with a careful touch he poured the cider into the glasses without spilling a drop.  when he was done he slid the glass over to the adventurers.

"Likewise." Talon chuckled while sliding the glasses back to them. "You guys guys must be travelers."
"You are correct." Discord replied, accepting his glass of cider from Talon. "We're looking for adventure, Sketch Melody is writing a book."
"A book?" Talon inquired.
"Yes." Sketch replied, pulling out her a pad of paper from her saddle bags. "I've hit a bit of a rut in my ideas."
"I'm sure you will find it." Talon chirped.
"Thanks," Sketch smiled, Levitating the cup to her lips.

   Talon grinned, going back to wiping the counter down, the Three adventurers sipping their drinks and plotting their next move. it was quiet between the four of them until Talon spoke up.

"Have you three heard about the princes' disappearance?" Talon inquired.
Flare Spark tilted her head. "No, what happened?"
"The prince vanished a week ago, the whole kingdom is worried about where he might be," Talon explained. "He has a treasure that is important to the the kingdom with him as well."
"What would that treasure be if it is that important?" Discord asked with his eyebrow raised.

   Talon stopped wiping the countering, looking around as if to see if anyone was looking around. when he seemed sure that no one was around, he looked back at the two mares and the draconic, ready to speak once more.

"The Heart of Kings." Talon spoke. "it has been passed down through the generations of the kings and its power is very great."
"a great power?" Flare Spark asked with a grin.
"It can create anything the user desires, even to create life," Talon replied. "But in the wrong hooves or claws, it could spell disaster."
"And Chaos?" Discord asked, trying to hide his grin at the mention of Chaos.
"That too," Talon confirmed. "They say that the prince was kidnapped."
"Sounds awful." Sketch replied.

   Then it hit them, a quest had fallen at their feet and they had to take the chance. Flare Spark grinned, putting her front hooves on the table.

"is there a way we can get an audience with the king?" Flare Spark asked.
"well sure," Talon replied, his eyes widening. "Are you three thinking about taking the quest?"
"Yeah." Flare spark grinned.
"Do you three even know your way around?" Talon asked with concern.

   The three adventurers looked at each other, realizing they hadn't thought of that, looking over to Talon they shook their heads. Talon placed the now empty glasses where he could wash them later, coming around to the front to sit on one of the stools with them.

"You guys are lucky that my special talent is navigation." Talon smiled. "I can guide you if you want."
"Sounds like a marvelous idea." Discord commented.
"Yeah." Flare Spark agreed.
"then it's settled!" Sketch cheered.

"Great!" Talon smiled. "I have to get a few things, I hope you don't mind."
"Take your time," Discord said, using his magic to conjure up the book Sketch Melody had given him back at her home and reading. "I've been thinking about reading anyway."

   The four of them laughed, Talon heading into the back to collect his things. Once he was done, Talon walked out with his own saddle bags feeling excited about this adventure.

"Now that I'm all set we have to head to the palace," Talon told them.
"Of course." Discord agreed, brimming with confidence. "After all, he does need to know we'll be the ones to find the prince."
"True." Flare Spark laughed. "I wonder if he'll let us in."
"He should, he has a hefty reward for finding his son," Talon told them.
"Well, that and he has that treasure," Sketch added, receiving a nod from Talon.
"Let's go!" Flare Spark said, fluttering in the air.

   With that, the four of them headed for the castle, Talon leading the way to the castle that stood in the middle of the town.
> Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun shone high above our group of heroes now walking on a path to the gates of the castle, tall towers of gray stone, vibrant green flags with a pair of white wings on them. Griffons standing on the walls of the castle spears and crossbows in their claws. Two earth pony Stallions guarding the gates as they got closer to the gates, seeing their armor in more clarity.

The guards wore sleek silver armor similar to guards in the crystal empire, Sketch put a hoof to her lips as she examined the area more, it seems that in this world that Discord had taken them to that the weather managed itself it was definitely an interesting thing to see and made a mental note to use it in her next book.

Flare Spark walked next to Talon talking to him and asking questions about the world they resided in, Sketch walking next to Discord who was on the other side of Flare Spark who stood in the middle.

"So any ideas so far?" Discord asked.
"A few but not a lot." Sketch Melody replied.
"I'm sure you'll think of something." Discord exclaimed with a hint of boasting in his voice. "You can write about me if you want, my fans will love it."
"I'm sure they will discord." Sketch Melody giggled.
"That would make an interesting book." Flare Spark grinned. "I think Princess Celestia would love it especially."
"Celestia? please!" Discord scoffed a small blush on his cheeks. "I mean if she likes it that's all fine and dandy."

"I'll keep that book idea in mind." Sketch snickered.
"Who's Celestia?" Talon asked.
"She's the ruler of the kingdom we are from." Sketch explains. "She raises and sets the sun and her sister raises and sets the moon."
"Interesting," Talon replied amazed by the information. "What else is different in your world compared to ours?"
"well, i could name a few things." Flare Spark smiled.
"I'm all ears!" Talon said returning a smile to the dark purple Pegasus mare.

   With a quiet snap of his fingers Discord teleported himself and Sketch behind Flare Spark and Talon as the two kept talking as they got closer to the castle gate. Once they were at the gates, the two earth pony guards looked at the group, one of the guards had a light red coat while the other had an almost dark tan coat, both took one look at discord and pointed their spears at him. Discord rolled his eyes and with a snap of his fingers, the spears turned into giant candy canes. both stallions looked at each other in shock.

"What in name of Obsidian just happened!" the tan stallion exclaimed, dropping his candy cane.
"I don't know ask the monster!" The red stallion screeched.
"Hey!" Sketch growled.
"Discord isn't a monster!" Flare Spark said stomping her hoof into the dirt.
"If anything I see myself as quite the angel." Discord said with a fake pout using his magic to give himself a halo and a white robe with fake wings sewn on.
"Stay back!" the light red stallion ordered.

The gate behind the two stallions suddenly opened with a swift but hefty swing nearly hitting the two guards in the process. A Griffin stood in the gate way, his eyes narrowed at the scene before him, his mane was dark reddish brown messy, his left eye had a small slash going down it while the other looked unharmed. his wings matched his mane of messy fur around his hawk like beak poking out, the rest of his body was a dark brown, his tail like a lion's tail.

If looks could kill, the two stallions stumbling around would have been dead where they stood. His lips curled into a scowl his teeth practically grinding together.

"Cadets!" His harsh and unyielding voice roared, making the two guards jump and looked at the griffon. "What in the buck are you doing!"

   The guards fumbled with their words, the most they could muster was the word monster while pointing a hoof each at discord. The griffon narrowing his eyes at the draconequus, then his gaze went towards Sketch Melody, Flare Spark, and Talon, Flare Spark looking the gruff looking Griffon in his ruby red eyes with her chocolate ones.

"Who in the Hay are you?" Flare Spark asked, her eyebrow raised.
"Asher, The King's General." The griffon growled.
"Oh." Flare Spark said slowly.
"What is the meaning of this?" Asher snarled, pointing a clawed finger at the giant candy canes on the ground.
"forgive our rude ness." Talon cut in, bowing down, "We were here about a quest the king put out about the prince."

"We were about to ask for an audience  with the king when your guards pointed spears at our friend." Flare Spark explained. "And he turned their spears into candy canes."
"I see." He grumbled, looking at the guards. "You two, latrine duty, now!"
"Yes sir!"  the two stallions shouted nervously before running off.
"Excuse their foolishness." Asher sighed gruffly putting a clawed hand to his face. "Follow me to see the king,"
"Wait for that easily?" Sketch questioned.
"Something fishy is going on." Discord said feeling suspicious and conjuring an actual fish in a fishbowl into his paw and making it disappear.
"You are here about the quest, the only ones who have come to do it," Asher replied, not bothering to look back at them as they walked through the gate. "It is important we get the prince and the Heart of Kings back to the castle safe and sound."
"Sounds reasonable." Flare Spark replied with a shrug.

The small group walked into the castle as two Yak guards replaced the two stallions that had run off. The inside of the castle looked elegant, paintings of past kings and queens lined the walls along with tapestries of ponies and other creatures they didn't recognize.

"Who or what are these?" Flare Spark asked, pointing at a tapestry of a strange creature as Talon stopped to look at it with her.

The face and head were strange looking, it held no fur aside from the long flowing dark man on her head and from the neck down the creature had a body of a lion the fur a beautiful light and creamy fur, and on her back were a pair of mighty wings of a slightly darker shade.

"That is Lady Pandora, one of many in a line of advisors for the royal family, she was the first advisor to the first king of this nation," Talon explained with a chirp.
"But what is she?" Flare Spark inquired. "I've never seen anyone who looks like this before."
"Oh, she's called a Sphinx," Talon confirmed.
"So that's what she is huh?" Flare Spark mused. "She looks awesome!"
"Don't lag behind!" Asher snarled from afar.

Both Talon and Flare Spark jumped at the statement, both noticing that they were now trailing behind the Griffin guard, Sketch Melody and Discord. Both embarrassed they quickly trotted after them rejoining the group.

A thought had popped into Discord's brain, the two guards that had seen them before freaked out and had panic attacks, but Asher had a completely opposite reaction it was slightly concerning, since it seems that like in Equestria that he was the only one, perhaps there were others like him?

They came to a large set of double doors, metal, and dark green. Asher with little to no effort opened the doors with a powerful push as the doors creaked slightly. sitting on a throne with velvet cushioning was a dark gray Earth Pony with odd looking horns with a crown nestled between them, he was looking down at the floor depression clear in his yellow eyes.

"My king, You have visitors who wish to take up the quest of finding the prince," Asher announced, catching the king's attention.

the king looked over from Asher to Sketch Melody, Flare Spark, Talon, and Discord. The king's eyes widened at the sight of discord, trotting over to them and poking discord.

"Impossible." the king gasped. "It can't be."
"Excuse me your highness but what's impossible?" Sketch Melody asked looking between the king and Discord.

   The king didn't reply to Sketch Melody's question, The king's eyes closing as a flash of light blinded them, in front of them to their shock and amazement stood another draconequus.
> Part Four
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The king stood in front of our heroes, no longer under the earth pony transformation he had on when they had entered. He was a Draconequus, just like Discord looking similar but with very Different features that set him apart from the lord of chaos.

The king’s slate gray colored head with a white curled mane going down the back of his neck, on top of his head was a deer antler and next to it a curled light blue horn, the crown was now a circlet wrapped around his head. His eyes had changed as well, the outer color of his eyes was now yellow and his pupils a solid green.

From the end of his neck to where his deep green dragon tail began, was covered in smooth silvery fur as soft as a rabbit’s, one of his arms was that of a tiger bright orange with black stripes, the other the claw of an falcon, his legs remained pony like in nature, matching the dark grey color of his head  still wearing his emerald green shoes, and on his back were a pair of white Pegasus wings, which looked stunning in the light of the setting sun shining in from the windows

Discord stood in shock, his jaw practically on the floor at the sudden revelation. Sketch Melody, Flare Spark, and Talon sharing his exact expression.

“Oh. My. Celestia…” Sketch breathed out, her bright blue eyes taking in every detail.
“I didn’t think there were other beings like Discord.” Flare Spark added.
Discord teleported next to the king, getting a closer look at the other draconequus. “How is this possible?” He poked the king’s side. “It’s so… surprising, yet… Chaotic.”
“I am quite intrigued to see you as well.” The king replied.
“It was a bit of a shocking reveal you made King Obsidian.” Talon pointed out respectfully. “This whole time, the kingdom and I thought you were an earth pony.”

“My apologies,” Obsidian chuckled at the comment. “The only others who know of my true appearance are my wife, my son, and Asher.”
“And your son must be half draconequus.” Discord stated, getting a nod from the king.
“That is correct,” the king confirmed. “My son Prince Emerald, is half Draconequus half Unicorn.”
“Now that is something I’ve never seen,” Discord commented looking very amused. “Well aside from the surprising reveal from moments ago.”

The king placed his paw behind his head a nervous smile on his lips. “I guess I was a little excited seeing someone like myself.”
“That would be an understatement, your highness,” Asher commented, the tone his voice sounding like he had seen the king do this before.
“Your comment has wounded me, General.” Obsidian laughed.
“You seem fine your highness,” Asher replied, turning his gaze at Sketch Melody, Flare Spark, and Talon as discord proofed back next to them. “We need to get back to the matter at hand.”

“Ah Yes, of course.” The king nodded, sitting back down on his throne. "You are here about my quest as Asher informed?"
“Yes, your highness.” Sketch answered with a smile. “we came here to accept the quest to find the prince." 
The king smiled. “Thank you, it warms my heart to finally see someone offering their help, may I ask who you four are?”

Sketch Melody looked to Talon, Flare Spark, and Discord before looking back at the king and Asher, her face full of determination and her chest full of fear and excitement at the same time.

"I am Sketch Melody," the unicorn greeted with a polite smile.
"I'm Flare Spark!" Flare Spark grinned. "Our Draconquis friend is Discord."
"I am Talon." Talon smiled with a bow.
"Lovely to meet you all." The king chuckled. “It warms my heart that you are taking the quest, you are the first to come forward.”
“No one has come forward.” Asher snarled.

“No one?” Sketch asked eyes widened.
“I am afraid not,” Obsidian replied. “They fear mostly for their own lives.”
“And the guards?” Talon inquired.
“They do not wish to volunteer either,” Asher answered in a low growl.
“Cowards,” Asher growled to himself, not knowing that Sketch could hear him.
"Wow, they don't sound very reliable." Flare Spark grimaced. “But what about this disappearance is scaring everyone?”
“It's the manner in which my son has vanished,” Obsidian answered grimly. 
“When Prince Emerald vanished, a dark cloud had descended upon the castle,” Asher told them. “Within a moment the Prince and the Heart of kings were gone.”

Sketch levitated her pad of paper and a pencil in her magic, finding this to be a good time to take notes on what was going on.

“Where did it come from?” Sketch inquired.
“We aren’t sure,” Obsidian answered. “But we have reports of its latest sightings, in a place that is a couple days away.”
“Was there anyone who witnessed the disappearance?” Flare Spark asked a small tone of Nervousness leaking though.
“My wife did, but she doesn’t remember much.” Obsidian supplied.
“That's not a lot of information to go on.” Talon frowned.

King Obsidian offered a sad smile his eyes gleaming the same emotion, He stood up from where he sat, now standing in front of his throne, his wings drooped behind him. There was a tense air in the room. Nobody had anything to say, mostly because no one how to voice their thoughts. Other questions invaded their minds.

“I understand if this new information has made any of you change your mind.” The king lamented with sympathy.
“No way!” Sketch smiled. “ I haven't changed my mind about this.”
“Me either.” Discord proclaimed, teleporting over to King Obsidian’s side.
“You can count me in too!” Talon chimed in proudly.

Flare Spark was the only one who hadn't spoken, a small unsure look on her face, many thoughts going through her head.

“I’m not sure…” Flare Spark finally spoke. “Not just because of the whole situation, but I can’t be away from my store.”
“Then why did you come along with us?” Discord asked, looking confused
“I thought this was only going to be a one day adventure.” Flare Spark spoke. 
“An adventure like this takes way more than a day!” Discord stated.
“Well, why don’t we find a different adventure.” Flare Spark suggested.
“We can’t just let these people stuffer or let their prince go on missing.” Sketch protested. “Especially since no one has volunteered!”
“So?” Flare Spark asked, her eyes narrowed at her friend. “That Asher guy looks like he can handle it, and I’m not sticking around!”

The Room fell silent, Sketch Melody and Flare Spark locked in an intense glaring contest. The tension felt so thick that it could be cut with a knife. Suddenly, Sketch broke her gaze, her expression looked neutral, even though Discord hadn’t known Sketch for long, he felt that expression was not one that seemed to suit her

“If you want to go back then that's ok,” Sketch told her. “You have a lot more going on, but I am staying here.”
“Are you sure?” Flare Spark inquired.
Sketch Melody nodded. “Yes, and even though this is going to separate us, I will respect your choice, even if I don’t like it.”

Flare Spark stayed silent, looking to Discord, her face still holding a frown, Discord held a neutral expression but seemed to be awaiting a response from the purple Pegasus mare.

“I would like to go home.” Flare Spark replied.
“That can be arranged.” Discord replied a simple snap of his fingers a portal opening. “Right this way.”
“Right…” Flare Spark nodded, walking to the portal stopping in front of it before turning to face everyone. “Goodbye…”

King Obsidian and Asher’s jaws seemed to drop to the floor at the portal’s sudden appearance. Flare Spark then turned around and walked through the portal, Discord closing it behind her. Talon turned his head to Sketch who looked upset, He went to speak when she turned around towards the king, signaling that she didn’t want to talk. He felt it best to talk to her about it later.
> Part Five
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Well… now that you have agreed, let's get you three ready for the journey.”Obsidian said, steering away from what had just happened.“I will have rooms ready for you, in the morning we can meet again.”
“Sounds like a plan!” Discord applauded. “Now I get to have a sleepover with my new friends!”

Discord snapped his fingers, now holding a pillow under one of his arms while wearing full body pajama suit with a strange pattern, a white base with scattered black squiggly lines all over, with multi-colored shapes over the squiggle lines. (Something like this: https://image.shutterstock.com/image-vector/seamless-geometric-pattern-retro-80s-260nw-257202067.jpg )

Discord reached down pulling Sketch Melody and Talon from the floor and held them with his Lion's arm. “We can have the best Bonding moment in the history of the universe!”
Sketch Melody allowed a small smile to come to her lips. “Sure Discord.”
King Obsidian clapped his hands with a smile. “Allow me to show you to your rooms,”
“You Highness allow me to do that.” Asher insisted. “I am sure your wife is expecting your presence.”
“Nonsense.” Obsidian objected. “She will understand if I am a little late to prepare for bed.”
“If you say so.” Asher sighed.
“Good.” Obsidian grinned. “You’re relieved, for now, See you in the morning, my friend!”
“Yes, your Highness.” Asher bowed slightly, walking past Sketch, Lightly brushing past her as he left.

The king using his magic transformed back into his earth pony disguise, as not to scare his staff since they are still in the dark about his true species, took the lead while Discord, Sketch Melody, and Talon followed the king down the many long halls of the castle, stopping at a pair of doors using his hoofs the king pushed the double doors open, revealing what looked like a small lobby like area a coffee table and a few chairs and a couple of couches, in the corner of the room, was a set of stairs leading up to a small upper level where three doors stood, most likely where the bedrooms were. Feeling like he was in a private area, transformed back into his original form while our heroes took a moment to settle in.

“Wow, this place is big!” Talon said in awe.
“You can say that again.” Sketch replied, her eyes drawn to the details and the decor.
“The bedrooms are just up those stairs, one for each of you,” the king informed them.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say, Thank you, your highness.” Sketch smiled.
“You’re Very welcome.” Obsidian chuckled. “Before I go, I do have one question.”
“And that would be?” Talon inquired.
“How did Discord open that portal?” Obsidian inquired. “I didn’t know people of our kind could do that.”

“Wait really?” Discord asked, his mouth hanging.
“Did I say something offensive?” Obsidian inquired, looking confused.
“No-no, not at all.” Discord replied, snapping out of his shock. “But You’ve really never opened portals or crossed dimensions?”
“Never,” Obsidian answered.
“No, no this won’t do.” Discord ranted, a fun-loving smirk on his face. “I must teach you this at once!”
“You can?” King obsidian asked with wide happy eyes.
“Oh yes, I can!” Discord grinned, snapping his fingers, opening up another portal and grabbing a glass of Chocolate milk before closing it. “Someone like you will be able to catch on to this in no time!”

The two agreed to have a small lesson in the morning before the meeting to discuss the quest and where to go from there before the king bid the group good night. Sketch Melody sat down on one of the couches Talon sitting beside her while the lord of chaos took the other couch. Since it was now quiet and a time where the three of them could belong Talon decided to speak.

“Hey, Sketch?” Talon asked.
“Yes?” Sketch Melody responded.
“Are you ok?” Talon inquired. “That scene with Flare Spark seemed pretty tense.”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Sketch replied with a small smile.
“Are you sure?” Talon question. “Its ok if you're not.”
“I’m ok, upset, but ok.” Sketch nodded. “I’ll admit, it wasn’t the best way to discuss things, but stuff like that happens.”

Discord who had not spoken yet about this was thinking about the feelings Sketch Melody might be feeling and trying to understand them. Even though he was new to friendship and he was starting to get a real hang of it, he couldn't imagine what would happen if he and Fluttershy had got into an argument only for it to end like how Sketch Melody and Flare Spark’s argument had back in the throne room. Perhaps he could use one of Fluttershy’s comfort methods to help make it better. It was then, that was when an idea had popped into Discord’s head, one that he knew from experience with Fluttershy that would be likely to at least lighten the mood.

“I might have a small remedy to this Situation.” Discord grinned, snapping his fingers.

Out of nowhere, between Sketch Melody and Talon, Antonio appeared, looking confused until his brown eyes landed on Sketch, his tail wagging as the small dog jumped into her arms and began attacking her face with plenty of kisses.

“Antonio!” Sketch squealed, cuddling the dog close her expression brighter than it had been moments ago.
“Better?” Discord asked with a smug grin.
Sketch settled Antonio next to her with a grin as the small dog cuddled up next to her. “Much better.”
“I figured the little tail biter would do the trick.” Discord explained. “Whenever Fluttershy is down, she has Angel for comfort,”
“Either way, thank you Discord.” Sketch smiled.
“Tail biter?” Talon asked, looking confused.
“When Discord appeared in my house, Antonio attacked his tail.” Sketch explained with a snicker.

The three of them stayed up for a few more hours before retiring for the night.

Talon was sleeping peacefully in his bed, it was quiet and relaxing dreaming soundly, unaware of the shadow coming up next to him. When he turned over, his eyes cracking to open slightly, catching a glimpse of a thin shadow, once saw the figure Talon’s eyes grew wide, about to shout for help.

“Wakey wakey bird boy!” Discord Grinned. “Time to get up!”
“Discord.” Talon let out a breath of relief. “You scared me!”
“I know!” Discord laughed. “You should have seen the look on your face, wait, I can show you!”

Discord snapped his fingers, his face changing to look like Talon’s and gave off a terrified expression, as much as Talon wanted to feel mad he couldn’t help but join the draconequus in his laughter, There were very few creatures that could show you your own face when you’ve been spooked by them.

“Let's get going Sketch Melody probably is waiting for us,” Talon suggested.
“Oh, All right.” Discord agreed.

The Two of them left Talon’s room, leaving the quarters that King Obsidian had given them, walking out to see that Asher had waited for them.
“Hello, general grumpy beak!” Discord greeted with a grin.
“My name is Asher.” Asher pointed out, not looking amused by Discord’s nickname for him. “Sketch Melody told me you had yet to leave your rooms, she asked me to lead you to the dining room.”
“So she was up before us.” Talon laughed lightly.
“Lead the way!” Discord chimed.

It took no time at all for them to reach the dining room; Sketch was already seated at the table, King Obsidian at the head of the table, in his earth pony form, with a white unicorn mare next to him, her wavy golden mane the outer edge of it outlined in orange, bringing out her soft pink colored eyes, a silver crown on her head behind her horn, there were three more places set at the table, one next to Sketch Melody and two across from her. Talon took a seat across from Sketch Melody, Discord sitting next to him while Asher took the spot next to Sketch. 

From what Talon could see, Sketch Melody looked better than she looked last night, she was more cheerful and bright, her light blue eyes sparkling while she was conversing With the Queen, the unicorn next to the king at the head of the table.

The white unicorn mare turned to look at discord and Talon, a smile on her lips. “You two are Discord and Talon, right? I am Opal Song, queen of this kingdom.”
“A pleasure to meet you!” discord grinned, conjuring up a bouquet of flowers. “For you!”
“Thank you.” Opal smiled, sniffing the flowers before placing them in a vase that was sitting in the middle of the table.
“Thank you for fetching them, Asher,” Obsidian told the griffon.
“You are welcome, Your Highness,” Asher replied with a small bow of his head.
“Let's eat, before we begin discussing our plans shall we?” Obsidian smiled.

Everyone agreed, digging into the breakfast in front of them. Pancakes, muffins, bowls full of fruit and pitchers full of various juices.

Talon looked around. “So where did Antonio go?”
“I asked Discord to teleport him home.” Sketch replied, taking a moment to wipe her mouth with a napkin. “Along with a note for Everyone back home as well.”
“When did that happen?” Talon inquired looking confused.
“If I had to make a guess, I would say it happened an hour ago.” Discord answered after taking a gulp of chocolate milk. “I had just gotten up when she had asked.”
“I see.” Talon nodded, turning to the lord of Chaos. “You seem to be really powerful discord.”
“Of course I am!” Discord boasted. “It’s what us Draconequui do, and we are very talented!”
“What can you do discord?” Opal Song inquired.
“Many things.” Discord replied, snapping his fingers and produced a teapot with wings. “Like this!”

The teapot flutter out of Discord’s hand Flying around the room before refilling the Queen’s Morning tea, only getting a bit of tea on the tablecloth before the lord of chaos made it disappear.

“He’s even made it rain chocolate milk before,” Sketch Added, watching the queen get an amused look on her face.
“That sounds like fun!” Opal giggled.
“Could you teach me that as well?” King Obsidian inquired. “ I’m afraid the only thing I can make rain is cats and Dogs.”
“Of course!” Discord gleamed a small smirk on his lips. “But you must teach me how to make it rain cats and dogs in return.”
“Deal.” Obsidian nodded.
“Your Highness, we have other stuff to discuss,” Asher pointed out. “Like mission details.”
“Oh, yes, you’re right.” Obsidian cleared his throat. “We can Talk about magic lessons later.”

As Obsidian began to speak, the temperature in the room dropped, Black shadowy smoke began to flood the room and pour up into space over the table, two violet colored eyes appearing in its inky black depths. Everyone frozen in their place’s unable to move, whether it be from fear or shock nobody had dared to try.

Talon’s gaze shifted over to Sketch Melody who seemed to have some sort shakiness to her as she was the first to move, slowly trying to get away from the table, The shadow monster’s gaze wasn’t on her so it seemed only logical to her that she needed to move, she had almost succeeded in doing so until her leg knocked into her chair, causing the shadowy creature to turn it gaze at Sketch and dart towards her everyone in the room looking on with fear in their eyes. The mint green unicorn mare flinched screwing her eyes shut waiting for the creature to come in to contact with her.

But it never did.
> Part 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asher was quick to act, leaping and tackling Sketch Melody away from the shadowy figure’s line of attack while the king and the queen managed to duck under the table away from the shadowy creatures gaze. The figure swung around and was once again hovering overhead and back over to the table.

The Griffon general stood protectively over Sketch Melody, who was on her back and still bracing for an oncoming attack, her eyes screwed shut, but slowly opening and coming muzzle to fur with Asher’s chest, his gaze trained on the shadowy figure nearby. Sketch’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment while Asher remained stoic, the way he was standing over her, showing that he was still on guard.

“Are you ok?” Asher inquired, getting a nod from the unicorn mare.
“Yeah.” Sketch Melody mumbled, turning onto her side. “I think so.”
“Good,” Asher replied, moving so that he was no longer standing over Sketch melody.

The figure geared itself for another attack, this time charging at Asher and Sketch Melody. Before it could reach them, Discord appeared in a small flash of light, attempting to attack the figure only to get knocked into the wall behind him. The shadowy figure changing its target to Discord waiting for him to make the next move.

The lord of Chaos glared at the shadowy figure and attacked once more, sending a blast of what looked like green, pink and yellow bubbles at the figure, the attack only fazed it only a little and it seemed to anger the shadowy being more. It retaliated by sending a black and purple beam of light at the lord of chaos, hitting him in the chest, Discord's voice crying out out a pained yelp before falling onto the ground, becoming unconscious. Sketch Melody’s eyes grew wide in horror at this site.

“Discord!” Sketch Melody shouted, scrambling to her hooves and dashing over to her friend, standing protectively in front of him staring into the eyes of the creature.
“Sketch!” Talon called out, running to her ride side while Asher appeared on the unicorn mare’s left. “What are we going to do?”
“Stand our ground,” Asher replied, his gaze on the shadowy figure’s. “We can’t let it get any closer to discord, nor can we allow it to escape.”

The hippogriff turned his gaze on the shadowy figure as well, this was the only plan that the unicorn could come up with, and it seemed that taking the figure on one to one wasn’t an option after seeing that it had done to Discord. Slowly the three of them stepped closer to the figure, forcing a bigger gap between Discord and the shadowy figure.

As it backed away it moved away from a ray of light that was showing on the wall behind the figure, it had almost drifted into it but it moved away. It was then that an idea had hit Talon, looking overhead at the crystal chandelier over the table, and it was hanging over the shadowy figure as well.

“Sketch, can you shoot a beam of magic?” Talon asked the unicorn mare next to him.
“I can, but it wouldn’t be strong enough to just shoot at the figure.” Sketch Melody told him. “Why do you ask?”
“The shadowy creature is avoiding the spots of light coming in through the windows,” talon explained. “If you shoot your magic at the crystal chandelier over the table it might be able to magnify its power, the light will flood the room and it will drive the creature out.”

Sketch Melody looked around the room, now that she was looking around she had to admit that Talon had a point, she too had noticed that the figure had been hiding in dim parts of the room until now, avoiding the windows and the spots in the room where the light was the brightest. Perhaps they had a shot, but she wasn’t sure of completely driving it off, but she was willing to try.

“What do you think Asher?” Sketch asked, looking to the griffin general for approval.
“It’s worth a shot,” Asher replied, with a nod
“On the count of three,” Talon told Sketch. “One,”
“Two.” Asher counted.
“Three!” Sketch shouted, her horn, lighting up with a bright blue light her eyes screwed shut as she formed a large sphere the size of a large watermelon.

The ball of light at the end of Sketch Melody’s hour began producing a beam of light, shooting at the crystal over the table, The shadowy figure’s glowing purple eyes widened letting out a high pitched screech as the room began to brighten up, all of the dim spots in the room filling with light.

The creature lurched forward attempting to attack, Sketch Melody but it was unable to move, it’s smoky tendrils slowly vanishing.

“It’s working!” Talon cheered.
“Don’t celebrate yet!” Asher snapped at him.
“What do you mean?” Talon inquired.
“Look around.” Asher pointed out to the hippogriff.

The light began to flicker, Sketch was whimpering, her teeth grit as she was pushing her magic, her legs wobbling.

“We must act now before Sketch collapses,” Asher spoke.
“Fudge.” Talon cursed. “How are we going to do that?”
“You two need to figure something out!” Sketch whimpered. “I can’t hold on much longer!”
“We’re thinking of something just hold on a little longer.” Talon encouraged.
“I’m trying!” She cried, sweat forming on her brow as she struggled. “My Special talent isn’t magic you know!”
“We need more light!” Asher growled.
“How are we going to do that?” Talon asked. “Neither of us are unicorns.”
“Maybe not you two.” Queen Opal’s voice called out. “But I am!”

Asher and Talon’s eyes widened, watching as the queen springs out from under the table, a determined look on her face, her eyes narrowed at the shadowy figure, her horn aglow with pink light, shining brightly from behind the shadowy beast, shutting her eyes, she made the pink energy grow into a ball making it the same size as Sketch Melody’s a beam shooting into the crystal chandelier over the table.

The Shadowy figure let out another screech of pain, its body beginning to fade, things were beginning to look up, until Sketch let out a gasp of air, the magic she was using fading as she began to collapse, Asher moved quickly once more, catching her in his arms.

Sensing the light dimming the shadowy creature made its escape knowing that it would be defeated if it stayed any longer, dashing out of the room and out of sight as a guard had arrived after being drawn to the room by the shouting.

Once it was gone Queen Opal stopped using her magic. The king climbed out from under the table, he ordered the That had entered the room guard to gather other guards to search the palace and be on the lookout for the creature. Once the guard was gone, king obsidian changed into his draconequus form.

“Holy Obsidian that worked!” Talon gasped.
“For the moment, yes.” Obsidian spoke calmly.“For now, we must focus on getting Discord to the infirmary.”
“Right!” Talon moved to pull discord onto his back only able to support only half of the lord of Chao’s body. “I might need a little help.”
“I believe I can be of assistance.” King Obsidian replied, joining Talon and helping him lift Discord’s unconscious body.

Talon and Obsidian lightly jogged out of the room, it seemed that the king was not focusing on possibly revealing his form, only that his new found friend gets the medical attention he needed. The only creatures in the room were now Asher, Opal Song, and Sketch Melody.

“Are you ok Queen Opal?” Asher inquired.
“I’m fine Asher.” the queen replied. “It seems that Sketch Melody has worn herself out.”
Asher nodded. “It would seem so.”
“I’m still awake.” She mumbled defiantly, her face in the Griffin general's tangled mane, struggling to stay awake. “I need to follow discord.”
“You will do no such thing.” Opal Song told Sketch. “You need to recover your magic.”

Before Sketch Melody could protest, Asher gently set her on his back, she was draped over his back horizontally like a rolled up rug. His own quiet way of informing her of his agreement with the queen. She sighed, letting her head hang down, knowing that she could not argue with either of them. Something had still bugged her, though. How had the shadow gotten back in? Surely the castle’s security would be on high alert for the shadowy creature.

This was certainly starting to get interesting.
> Part 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The royal physicians were taking care of Discord’s wounds from the attack made by the shadow creature. 

Asher sat on Sketch Melody’s right allowing her to use him as something to lean on; her body was still slightly drained from using a large amount of magic earlier before Queen Opal Song had jumped in, to help in the fight against the shadowy figure.

On her left sat Talon, who was sitting next to Queen Opal and sitting on her other side was king Obsidian, who was still in his Draconequus form. It was no use to keep up the earth pony disguise while in the castle anymore since countless creatures on his staff had seen him when he had been rushing with Talon to get Discord medical help.

All of them were waiting on the condition of the Lord of Chaos. All of them had been slowly growing nervous. This was understandable since they had been waiting for almost an hour, and no one had allowed them to go in and see him. Many thoughts were running through the unicorn mare’s mind.

Why had the shadow creature been hiding in the castle? If it had already taken the prince of this kingdom away, why would the shadow still be lurking around the castle if its objective was complete? If it wasn’t after the prince this time around, what did it want? None of it made sense, and details needed to be looked into. Which had meant that Sketch had to put her search for novel ideas on hold for now until they could figure this problem out properly?

“How much longer do you think they will be?” Talon inquired with a frown.
“We cannot rush the physicians work,” Opal Song gave a small smile, placing a comforting hoof on the Hippogriff shoulder. “Besides, they won’t let us in, especially since a certain someone tried to pretend to be a nurse.”
“That was only one time!” Obsidian pouted.
“And here we are now dear,” Opal replied, poking her husband’s nose.

Sketch Melody couldn’t help but let a small smile come to her lips at the Queen's remark. The Queen was right, they had to be patient and allow the physicians to do their jobs. Not long after, the group’s attention was drawn to the door of infirmary as it opened.

A pink Pegasus mare walked out, her white and purple mane up in a bun, Sketch attempted to sit up properly seeing the mare’s light purple gaze landed on her as soon as she approached. Obsidian got to his hooves, moving to stand next to the Pegasus, his attention on Talon and Sketch Melody.

“Sketch Melody, Talon, this is our head physician, Rosemary.” Obsidian introduced. “She is in charge of Discord’s recovery.”
Sketch nodded to the mare in greeting. “How is he?
“I believe that we should talk about this in Private Miss Melody.” The mare replied. “Since you seem to be the closest thing to a friend that he has while here,”
“I understand.” Sketch nodded, sliding off of the bench, she was sitting on and getting to her hooves.

The minute she hoofed touched the ground, she could feel her legs still shaking slightly, still struggling to keep herself steady. It took her a moment to get her bearings before looking at Talon, Asher and the royal couple giving them a smile before following the Pegasus mare inside the infirmary.

Sketch Melody followed closely behind the mare as they made it over to Discord’s room. He was sleeping, his head was bandaged and his claw was bandaged, most likely from when he was slammed into the wall in the dining room. Sketch Melody was lead over to a chair by Discords bed.

“I am going, to be honest with you miss Melody,” Rosemary told her. “Parts of Discord’s magic have been taken.”
“Taken?” Sketch’s eyes were wide.
“It could have also been sealed away, we are not sure.” Rosemary clarified.
Sketch took a deep breath to keep remain calm. “So… how much magic does he still have?”
“We are not sure,” Rosemary frowned. “We will have to wait for him to wake up.”
“Ok.” Sketch nodded. “So he doesn’t know yet.”
“Exactly, and we think you should tell him,” Rosemary answered. “He might take the news better from you since you are his friend.”
“Sure,” Sketch spoke. “I can do that.”

With that, Rosemary the room, leaving Sketch alone with the sleeping lord of Chaos, as the door to the room closed, Discord began to stir. She waited quietly watching him open his eyes.

“Ouch…” Discord mumbled, his eyes landing on his unicorn friend. “Sketch,”
“How are you feeling?” Sketch asked.
“Like Rarity when she chips her hoof.” Discord replied. “If I see that shadowy jerk again, I’m going to-!”
“Discord, before you do anything, There's something I need to tell you.” Sketch interrupted.
“And that would be?” He inquired.
“That creature took some of your magic.” Sketch informed him.

As soon as he heard that, discord began flashing through a myriad of expressions. At first, a wave of shock and fear had taken over him before washing away to reveal anger and frustration, his claw and his paw both beginning to curl into tight fists.

“Explain, now,” Discord growled, causing the unicorn mare to jump.
“That shadowy creature stole some of your magic when it hit you with that beam.” Sketch explained carefully. “You passed out after you hit the wall.”
“What else happened?” Discord inquired.

The lord of chaos was silent while Sketch Melody retold the events of what had happened after he had blacked out. Sketch also decided, waiting for Discord to process all of this information that she had given him. Slowly the anger and frustration the Draconequus was feeling had begun to dim, his mind focused on one thing and one thing only.

“Why did you guys come to my defense?” He inquired.
Sketch Melody blinked, confused by his response. “What do you mean?”
“Why did you protect me after I was defeated?” Discord asked. "You could have left me there and escaped."
Sketch Melody placed a hoof on his claw. “Because we’re friends, you said so before we all went to bed last night.”
Discord looked at her in disbelief. “I’m just..."

Sketch Melody could see that he was having a hard time trying to convey what he was thinking. She did not know Discord too well as a friend or acquaintance if she really had to think about it. The most she knew about him what she had heard in rumors and stories from back home, but what she did know for a fact was that he was and is very close with Fluttershy one pony out of the two who truly gave him a second chance at becoming good and caring for him with genuine kindness.

Sketch smiled. “I kind of get what you are trying to say.”
“You do?” Discord inquired.
“You and I literally just met each other yesterday,” Sketch told him. “I know a lot about you, but you don’t know much about me, so I can’t expect you to trust me right away.”

Sketch, using her magic to levitate a pitcher of chocolate milk and a cup over to Discord from a table not too far away from his hospital bed.

“But I want to show you that I can be a good friend.” Sketch smiled. “And that means having your back when you have mine.”
“Really,” Discord toyed with the cup in his paw. “Are you sure?”
“Of course,” Sketch replied. “And I hope you and I can become better friends along with King Obsidian, Queen Opal, Talon, and Asher.”
“I would like that,” Discord gave a small smile.

Sketch got to her hooves, giving her new Draconequus friend a hug, to which the lord of chaos happily returned.

“I think I’m ready to see the others now.” Discord spoke.
“I’ll have a nurse get them.” Sketch replied, getting up from her chair and going around the corner.

Moments later, as Sketch had just returned to her chair, as if on cue, Talon, Opal Song, Asher, and Obsidian had run over, their worried faces melting away into ones of relief.

“How are you feeling?” Obsidian asked.
“I'm sore, but I’ll live.” Discord answered with a grin.
“What did Doctor Rosemary want?” Talon inquired.

The air grew tense for a moment, Sketch and Discord’s smiles were now blank.

Sketch Melody looked towards the lord of chaos. “Do you want to tell them?”
“Tell us what?” Asher raised a brow.
Discord nodded. “The creature that attacked us, Stole some of my magic.”
“It stole your magic?” Obsidian’s face held an expression of guilt.
“Only some of his magic was stolen.” Sketch clarified.
“I shouldn't have hidden as I did.” Obsidian looked down at the floor. “If I had acted when you all did…”
“Don’t worry about it.” Discord told Obsidian. “I chose to fight that thing, and I plan on making it pay.”
“We all will,” Talon promised. “That is if you still want to find Prince Emerald.”

Discord let out a gasp of mock surprise. “Course I do!”
“It’s like we told you in the throne room,” Sketch smiled. “We can’t allow you guys to suffer or let your prince remain missing.”
“Even if it means working with General Sourpuss,” Discord snickered, getting a warning glare from Asher.
“Watch it,” Asher hissed lowly.
“Oh calm down Asher.” Obsidian chuckled.

Asher looked down, grumbling under his breath.

“Then I guess,” Obsidian spoke, “The first step is seeing what Discord can do with the remaining magic that he has left.”
An excited, chaotic grin made its way to the lord of chaos’ face. “This will be interesting.”
> Part 8 (Final!)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The attack that had occurred in the castle dining room, had delayed their plans to search for the missing prince Emerald had set our heroes back by a couple of weeks. Within that time Discord had taken the opportunity to recover from his physical wounds. With some help from Sketch Melody and Opal Song, they discovered which of his abilities were taken from him and what had remained.

He could still teleport from place to place in short bursts; create items or weapons out of thin air, and a lot of his usual stuff. However, he lost his ability to traverse dimensions, open portals or pull stuff from Equestria. Which had meant that they were not going back home to Equestria for a while.

During his recovery, Discord even managed to teach King a few tricks as he had promised, but he could only teach him so many due to his limited power. But this was one of his ways of making the most of the situation he and Sketch Melody were in.

The next step they had taken was getting the proper equipment and supplies. Asher had decided to train Talon and Sketch Melody, showing them a few combat moves and getting Talon fitted for armor. Sketch Melody opted out of wearing armor, it since she wasn’t much of a physical fighter and couldn't move as freely with the heavy armor that Asher wanted her to wear.

To keep the minds of Discord, Talon, and Asher at ease about her safety, she had gotten basic lessons from Opal Song, including how to make a magical force field and basic magical blasts. Asher on the other hoof was not too keen on the idea of Sketch Melody being without armor.

The three males in the group were packing up their wagon while the griffin general was ranting his frustrations to Discord and Talon.

“I still say that wearing armor would be a better choice,” Asher grumbled.
“Maybe not for you, General Sourpuss,” Discord yawned, messing around with a Rubix cube he had conjured. “Sketch Melody is not as strong as us when it comes to her muscles.”
“And she's smaller than all of us.” Talon pointed out.

Asher grumbled silent insults under his breath, walking over to the wagon that King Obsidian had procured for them and placing his luggage inside. The griffon general was slightly regretting accepting the quest from the king to travel with these three to find the prince.

In Asher’s eyes Discord was a powerful being, with a large ego that annoyed him to no end. Talon was a kindhearted hippogriff that meant well but he wasn’t good in a high-pressure situation, it was something that Asher was going to have to help him with. And his thoughts on the unicorn mare, Sketch Melody you ask?

She was an odd Unicorn that he couldn’t quite describe, she was very kind, she didn’t seem to bug him as much as the lord of Chaos, and she seemed to have a good head on her shoulders and he is impressed with how she acted when the shadowy creature had attacked, but she was very stubborn causing a few small fights between the two of them during the weeks of Discord’s recovery, and always being separated by one of the castle staff, Talon, Queen Opal Song or King Obsidian.

“Speaking of,” Discord looked around. “Where is Sketch Melody?”
“I believe the queen wanted a word with her before we left,” Talon spoke. “Something about a gift?”
“She better get here soon,” Asher growled.
“Take a chill pill.” Discord replied, tossing a now solved Rubix cube over his shoulder.
“I will not take a chill pill,” Asher gave a deadpanned look at the lord of chaos. “We should have left already.”

In a small flash of light, the king appeared next to Asher. “They’ll with you soon, the Queen sent me with a few extra things to put in your cart!”

The king had a couple of boxes in his arms and placed them in the cart with some help from Discord.

“Extra armor and potions.” the king smiled.
“Why would we need potions?” Discord asked.
“Potions in this world are very useful,” Talon explained. “They can do a lot of things in an emergency.”
“Besides, not all of us are overpowered beings,” Asher added. “So we need them.

“Noted.” Discord yawned.
“Sorry we’re late!” the Queen announced.
“About time!” Asher snorted, turning his head to the two approaching unicorn mares, his eyes landing on Sketch Melody.

The mint green unicorn stood in a new outfit, a blue top that matched her eyes, a black belt around her waist, light brown pants and brown boots on each hoof, on her back was her saddlebag, Asher could feel his face grow warm, but he shook it off. Still sore about their tardiness.

“Love the new threads!” Discord grinned, flying over to the unicorn.
“You look very nice Sketch!” Talon smiled.
“Thank you.” Sketch grinned. “Queen Opal gave them to me this morning.”
“I enchanted the clothes.” Opal Song chimed in. “Since General Asher is concerned about Sketch Melody’s choice about not wearing armor.”
“A very good idea your Highness.” Asher nodded.

“Thoughtful as always my dear.” Obsidian grabbed his wife and hugged her.
“Thank you, dear.” Opal nuzzled his cheek, allowing her husband to set her down on her hooves. “I wanted to make sure she was properly prepared,”
“And thanks to you we are.” Sketch placed a hoof on the queen’s shoulder. “We will find your son, you can count on us!”

Opal Song’s eyes teared up, she wrapped her front legs around the young unicorn mare letting her tears running down her cheeks, a mix of emotions playing on the queen’s face. Sketch Melody gave the queen a hug in return before pulling away and giving her a handkerchief from her saddlebag.

“Be sure to contact us with the orb if you find anything,” Opal told Sketch Melody in a motherly tone, wiping her eyes with the handkerchief.
“We will,” Sketch promised. “You guys do the same if anything happens on your end.”
“We most certainly will,” Obsidian confirmed.

With one last round of goodbyes, our heroes set off, Talon is pulling the wagon with Sketch in the cart with their map acting as the group's navigator, while Discord and Asher walked in front of them. Their first travel site the first of many in on the journey to find Prince Emerald.
> Author's Note!
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So I might do a little bit of rewriting with of the parts of "A Day with Discord"!

One of the reasons being that I stopped working on Flare Spark as a character (due to a personal reason I'm not going to bore you with), and when I look back on it, Flare Spark doesn't really play much of a role in the story either. So it might put an adventure with discord on a bit of a hold, but I truly want to put out a story I can really be proud of! Hopefully, I can edit all of the parts asap to make the story the best it can be! but we'll see! :3