> The Opera Phantom Discord
>  by Alexandrite Ward
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Maris, Prance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Story Summery: Fluttershy and her violinist father come to the Maris Opera House with hopes of making their musical dreams come true. However, all hopes are shattered after Fluttershy's father is kidnapped by the infamous Phantom. She boldly enters the forbidden catacombs, willing to offer her life for her father's. A dark portrayal of Discord and a very villianous portrayal of Blueblood, the two "suitors" for Fluttershy's hoof.

Overture



The two figures dressed in simple peasant clothes gazed up at the massive cathedral, Notre Mane. One of the figures, a young mare, stared at the rose window in fascination, watching the sun hit the glass, causing a rainbow of colors to illumine the pavement below. The other figure, a stallion who was entering the winter of his life, smiled at the filly next to him. "Maris, Fluttershy. We're in Maris."

"Maris…" the mare whispered, her eyes still focused on the beauty and majesty before her. They were actually there, in Maris, just as they had always dreamed.

The stallion sighed and put his arm around the mare's shoulders, gently guiding her away from the majestic cathedral. "Come," he said. "We must get to the Opera House, for that is a treasure in its own right as well."

Fluttershy nodded her head, although she did not look away from the cathedral until they turned a corner. The two walked quickly amongst the busy Marisians of all social classes. From the wealthy who rode in carriages and wore furs and silks, to the beggars who were hobbling on wooden crutches. There was beauty and poverty everywhere, yet none of it tarnished the wonder that Fluttershy saw in the city.

Finally, after a great deal of walking, the two reached the reason they had come to Maris in the first place. There it stood, the beautiful and majestic Opera House, a treasure in its own right, just as the old pony had said. They gazed up at the architectural masterpiece, their breath escaping their throats as grotesque stone ponies stared back at them. Fluttershy was lost in its wonder, but also felt a strange shiver run down her spine. Was it possible for buildings to have eyes? She knew it was a foolish notion, but still…it seemed almost as if it were staring back at her, searching her very soul.

"Fluttershy?"

The mare woke from her trance with a slight jump. "Yes Papa?"

He gestured for her to follow him, as he was already several feet ahead of her. Fluttershy blushed and quickly followed, helping him up the steps towards the front entrance. They had come to Maris with hopes to start a new life. Fluttershy had been born and raised in the country; her father was a musician from Sweetlan who had come to Prance with the hope of playing in a great orchestra. However, before he could begin to pursue his dream, he met a beautiful Prench mare and the two fell madly in love. The mare, Fluttershy's mother, was the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat and Fluttershy's father had little money, barely enough to please the mare's snobbish parents, who naturally refused the union. The two ran away to the country, where they were married by a village priest. They kept themselves hidden, praying that the mare's family would not discover them and force them apart. It would seem however, that instead, the mare's parents cut her off from the family completely, never once attempting to correspond with her.

But despite this sadness, both of Fluttershy's parents made their lives and home a happy one. Fluttershy did not know a day when she wasn't loved. And while some would examine Fluttershy's humble childhood and upbringing with disdain, Fluttershy wouldn't have had it any other way.

Yet at this very moment, as both she and her father passed through the grand doors of the Opera House, for the first time Fluttershy began to feel somewhat embarrassed about who she was and where she came from. There were only a few ponies in the grand hall, but the ones who were there were elegantly dressed in suits and dresses of fine linen, silk, and lace. The mares wore hats with tall plush feathers, and the stallions wore top hats and carried handkerchiefs in their suit pockets. It was the looks that both Fluttershy and her father received that caused her cheeks to burn red; the looks of a pony who was thinking, you don't belong here.

"Papa…" Fluttershy whispered rather timidly. "Perhaps this isn't a good idea…"

Her father, who was lost in the awe of the room and unaware of any hostile looks, turned his graying head swiftly, looking at his daughter as if she had announced she hated music! Which was far from the truth, for he knew his daughter's greatest passion was music. "What are you saying?" he hissed softly, pulling her off to the side. "You thought coming to Maris was a wonderful idea, why are you so against the thought now?"

Fluttershy bit her lip and looked around, trying to ignore the elegant stallions and mares who regarded the two of them with disgust. "We just…I don't know if we can fit in here," she whispered, feeling her cheeks burn brightly, especially at the look her father gave her after she uttered the words.

Yet before he had the opportunity to say anything, a pony in a maroon uniform and a bushy black beard appeared before the two of them. "May I help you?" the stallion asked, although anyone could tell by the tone in his voice that helping a pony was the last thing he wanted to do.

Fluttershy's father smiled and gave a short bow. "Monsieur, I have come with hopes that there may be an opening in your company's orchestra. I am a violinist, and while I do not like to boast, I have been told by many, including nobility, that I play exceptionally. In fact, I studied music at the conservatory-"

"Yes, yes, yes, that is all very well," the uniformed stallion muttered, waving his hoof to stop Fluttershy's father from babbling. "And who is this?" the stallion asked, nodding toward Fluttershy who timidly hid behind her father.

"Oh, my daughter, a fine singer if I may add. She-"

"We don't need singers," the stallion grumbled. "We have too many singers as it is, if you ask me. But…there may be a place for you monsieur," the stallion then motioned behind him to a door that led off down a dark corridor. "The managers are watching a rehearsal for next week's opera. They would be the ones you would truly wish to speak to. I do not know if they will hire you, the season has already been planned, but…one of our violinists has…gone missing..."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed at this news. Missing? What did that mean? "I would not wish to take another pony's place-" Fluttershy's father began, but the stallion in the maroon uniform quickly cut him off.

"Just go through that door, but be very quiet, Fleur de Lis is rehearsing."

Both Fluttershy and her father exchanged looks at the name, and then bowed their heads to the uniformed stallion. "Is Fleur de Lis a great singer?" Fluttershy quickly asked before the stallion turned away from them.

The pony grimaced. "Some…would think so…"

Her father quickly pulled Fluttershy to his side and hurried through the door the pony had indicated. It was a long dark corridor and the further they went, the louder the singing became. Fluttershy felt velvet rub against her. She realized that she was surrounded by black curtains, and up ahead she could see bright lights, indicating the stage. The singing grew louder and louder still, reminding Fluttershy of a time her father had taken her to the seashore and there were seagulls squawking on the cliffs above. Her father stopped, and the two gazed through a sliver in the curtains at the beautifully illuminated stage.

So this was what it was like, she thought. She was encased in a world of black velvet, stage hooves quickly lowered and lifted elaborate scenes by thick ropes and heavy sandbags. And a few feet in front of her, the stage, bathed in golden light, where dancers twirled and singers lifted their voices to the heavens; it was a dazzling picture of rhythmic chaos.

"Those must be the managers," her father whispered, pointing to two ponies who were dressed in fine suits and exchanging notes with one another while examining the stage. "Wait here," he said, before quickly moving off to the side in hopes to have an audience with the stallions.

Fluttershy barely heard a word; she was lost in the spectacle before her. While gazing out through the curtains was nothing compared to sitting in a box, or so she assumed as she had never been in one, it was as if she were gazing at a piece of the world that few could see. Indeed, this view of the stage felt very sacred.

"Hey!" she jumped at the sound of a gruff voice. A stage hoof grabbed her by her shoulders and whirled her around to face him. "What are you doing back here! No one is allowed back here!"

Fluttershy was terrified, especially when she smelled the alcohol on the donkey's breath. His hooves were large and dirty and the pressure on her shoulders hurt. He then seemed to look at her differently, and a toothy grin spread across his face. "You best come with me little one…" he slurred.

"N-n-no thank you…" Fluttershy whimpered, wriggling her shoulders out of his grip.

"Come on, Cranky Doodle Donkey won't hurt you…" he reached for her again, but Fluttershy quickly moved out of the way, causing the stage hoof to run into a prop, which made him lose his balance, and before he fell completely, he grabbed hold of a piece of scenery and the whole thing came crashing down.

There were several screams by dancers, but none compared to the cry by the prima donna who was nearly knocked over by the crashing piece of scenery."Fleur de Lis! Fleur my darling!" a rather rotund pony reached for the shaken singer who was fanning herself as if to keep from fainting. However, the second the stout little pony reached her side, she pushed him away and seemed perfectly fine.

"WHAT IN GOD'S NAME IS THIS!" the mare screamed, pointing at the crushed scenery. Everyone else was at a loss for words, including the two managers who were simply staring in horror at the stage. Fluttershy turned a deep shade of red, knowing she was in full view for everyone to see. Her father shared the same expression of horror as he locked eyes with hers. "YOU!" Fluttershy jumped as she realized the grand mare was addressing her. "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU AND WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!"

Fluttershy was scared speechless. What could she say? A simple sorry wouldn't necessarily do much good at this point. "WHO ARE YOU!" the mare demanded.

Everyone was surprised, including Fluttershy, when the voice that spoke came from the old stallion standing next to the managers. "A thousand apologies madam, it was an accident, my daughter didn't mean-"

"YOUR DAUGHTER?" Both Fluttershy and her father regretted the words the second they left his lips. "AND WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!" she demanded.

"Senora, please, do not stress your lovely voice-"

"SHUT UP!" Fleur de Lis barked at the manager who attempted to ease her.

"Monsieur Time Turner," he gave a deep bow. "And this is my daughter Fluttershy, we have come with hopes that I may find a place in your orchestra, as I was just discussing with these gentlecolts. My daughter has a passion for singing and we were hoping that she may also find work in the chorus." It amazed Fluttershy with how calm her father spoke, despite this mare who looked ready to rip one's throat out.

"Is that so?" Fleur growled, her voice not as loud, yet even more menacing.

"Indeed!" cried one of the managers, quickly stepping in. He was a tall stallion, middle aged, with a dark mustache. "Monsieur Turner may help us as Monsieur Caramel has been missing for quite some time. We are in need of a violinist to fill the stallion's place."

"Yes, quite so!" remarked the other manager, a slightly older but remarkably similar gentlecolt. "After all senora, was it not you who mentioned yesterday that it was impossible for you to find your notes due to the missing violin?"

Fleur's eyes turned into slits as she gazed upon the managers. "I do not need musical help of any sort, my talents are gifts!" she spat. "And as for that pony and this…this…little…country bumpkin!" she retorted, looking upon Fluttershy with fury, "I will not perform on this stage knowing that a little stupid clumsy-"

There was a loud groan and suddenly a figure rose from a heap of black curtains, belching as he came to his feet. "Cranky Doodle Donkey!" the mangers said at once.

The stage hoof turned to look at the ponies on the stage, all of whom were staring at him with surprise. "W-w-what?" he hiccupped.

"The donkey is drunk!" one of the mangers cried.

"And it was he who caused the accident!" the other shouted.

"Shame on you!" they both yelled.

Cranky Doodle Donkey simply looked confused.

The rotund pony who had shown great concern for Fleur de Lis earlier stepped forward and slapped Cranky Doodle Donkey hard across the face. "You nearly killed my beloved Fleur de Lis!" he accused. "You drunken lout! Apologize to her at once and then leave this place immediately!"

Fleur de Lis rolled her eyes. "Do shut up Fancypants," she groaned.

However the mangers were quick to agree with Fancypants, the Opera's leading tenor. "Indeed! You're fired Cranky!"
Cranky Doodle Donkey’s only response was another disgusting belch.

"So you see madam?" Fluttershy's father quickly intervened. "It was all a mistake; my daughter had nothing to do with this accident."

Fleur de Lis hated to be proven wrong, and she hated it even more when she couldn't have her way. "If we must have a new violinist, then so be it, but I will NOT have that mare share the same stage as me!"

"Of course not!" both managers quickly appeased. Fleur de Lis gave one final glare to the petrified mare, then turned on her heel and exited the stage with Fancypants right behind her.

Everyone let out a long weary sigh of relief. "Turner?" addressed Flim. "You must understand this is a trial period. We don't normally hire stallions right off the street, there are plenty of ponies out there who can play a violin for a few coins. But we are desperate right now for someone to fill Monsieur Caramel's place."

"I understand," he whispered.

"If Monsieur Caramel does not return, and if you do as well as is expected, you may stay and take his place in the orchestra," Flam, the taller of the two managers, added.

Fluttershy's father gave another low bow. "Thank you monsieurs. And…my daughter?"

"Yes, your daughter," both managers grumbled, looking at Fluttershy who was desperately trying to help some of the stage hooves and dancers with fixing the fallen set. "We are in no need of singers, our chorus is quite full and the season is already scheduled. But…" Flim glanced at the mare. "We may find some place for her in the costume department or something like that."

"Oh! Thank you monsieurs! Thank you so-"

"Yes, yes," Flim muttered with a wave of his hoof. "Seek Madame Luna, the dance mistress; she will help get the two of you settled. Come Flam, we must talk, I'm afraid there's been another note…"

Flam rolled his eyes to heaven. "Not another one! What are his demands this time?"

"The usual," Flim muttered, "and then of course, some others as well."

The two managers stalked off, grumbling and complaining all the way. Fluttershy then came to her father's side, looking hopeful for him. "So? Will they let you play?"

He smiled at her and nodded his head, although his smile quickly changed. "I'm afraid I couldn't get you a place in the chorus, I'm so sorry-"

"Oh Papa, please, don't apologize, I do not need to be in the chorus, it matters more that you can play as you've always dreamed."

"But my child, you have dreamed of singing on the stage, have you not?"

Fluttershy shook her head, although it was flat faced lie and her father knew it. She did have dreams of singing on the stage, but there were more important things, such as getting food on the table. And right now, there best chances were for her father.

He sighed and put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. "Come, we must find this Madame Luna, she is to help us find lodging." Fluttershy nodded and followed her father, although before she did, she felt an odd eerie feeling…as if she were being watched again. She looked up to the boxes but saw nothing. Her imagination running wild again, she mused. Yet she couldn't help but wonder if such a place, as old and majestic as this, could be haunted? Her mother read gothic romances and mystery tales to her as a child, causing Fluttershy to stay awake at night afraid of what the darkness would bring, but also filling her with excitement at the turn of every page. It was foolish, she knew, but this place seemed to resemble so many of those tales. The thought of ghosts was rather exciting, and perhaps even a little romantic.
Her father called her name, and she quickly turned and hurried after him, yet gazing one last time at the auditorium. Maris…they were truly here! And they were in the Maris Opera House, and she was standing on its stage! She sighed dreamily, imagining what it would be like to perform. But her sigh turned to one of sadness. That was all it could be…a dream.

> Intrigue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intrigue
"Did I please you monsieur?"

He groaned, awoken from his trance by the mare's voice. Yes, the pleasure was pleasing, but always brief.

"You pleased me very much, my dear," he grunted, backing away. The mare seemed to pout a bit, but only momentarily and quickly dusted herself off.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, monsieur?"

He didn't want to look at her. This was the part he always hated. He was a stallion with needs like any other, and when he needed release from the cravings of the flesh, he knew exactly where to find them. The city was littered with prostitutes who were willing to do far more than he had asked of this mare. However, he wanted to keep the encounters as brief as possible. After he received what he wanted, he would give the mare what they wanted. 

"Here," he muttered, tossing the mare several gold coins.

The mare's eyes widened in amazement. "But monsieur, this is too much for a mere-"

"My dear," he whispered, with as much calmness as he could muster, "you are a mare of great talent. You deserve every penny."

The mare said nothing, she wasn't about to argue over money. She quickly tucked the coins into her bodice, yet attempted to peer past the shadows that covered her customer's face. She had seen him before; this wasn't the first encounter the two of them had shared. He was a mysterious pony; only seeking out "company" long after dark, and always refusing to go indoors. He preferred dark lonely alleys and hard stone walls to soft feather beds. She had seen him here with other mares as well, sometimes seeking the pleasure she had provided for him, sometimes seeking more. But he himself never changed, always sticking close to the shadows and keeping his face covered with the collar of his cape. She shrugged her shoulders, thinking it didn't really matter what he wore or how he behaved, so long as she got paid.

"Shall I be seeing you again soon monsieur? Are you sure there isn't anything I can-"

"Yes," he growled. The mare jumped at the sound of his voice, not expecting the frightening tone. He quickly began to move away from the mare, holding onto his last strand of sanity. 

"You've been paid, now go, quickly…and don't say a word about any of this," he warned, before turning on his hoof and disappearing into the shadows, his cape billowing behind him. 

The mare had no idea how lucky she was, he thought disdainfully. If she had spoken one more word, his patience would have fled entirely and there was no telling what he would have done. Indeed, it was good that he left when he had. He hated falling pray to his baser needs, but was forever grateful for the small bit of magic he possessed allowing him to look like a pony, if only for a short while. Most magic had died out in this world, falling prey to fast growing technology. Most ponies couldn't even cast a basic spell anymore. Horns had become nothing more that a show of status or wealth.

Quickly, silently and swiftly, looking like a bat in the night air, he returned to his sanctuary, where the demons that threatened to consume him could be kept at bay by the power of his genius.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	
She gazed out the window at the night sky, pleading for the clouds to reveal the glow of the silver moon and allow its welcoming beams to illuminate her tiny bedroom. She sighed, leaning her head against the hard iron window frame, knowing it was a lost cause. There was a storm in the air; she could feel it in her bones. Years of living in the country had hued such detection skills within her. Fluttershy sighed again and wrapped her blanket around her body, shivering, but not from the cold night air.

She had awoken only a few moments ago from a strange dream that caused her body to tremble violently. She was confused; her surroundings were strange and after a brief moment's pause, she remembered that both she and her father were staying at a cheap flat only a few streets away from the Opera House. Indeed, she could see its domes rising over the rooftops in front of her. And once again, she had that strange feeling that it was looking right back at her, even through her…

"Oh Mama," she whispered, feeling like a filly and wishing for her mother's soothing voice to calm her and tell her everything would be alright. That despite the stories Fluttershy begged her mother to tell, there really were no such thing as monsters or ghosts. Fluttershy cursed herself for thinking earlier that ghosts were romantic. She was lost in the beauty of the Opera House; now after having that strange dream, she felt ghosts could be anything but.

"Maybe it wasn't a ghost," she whispered to herself. "Maybe it really was a stallion…" she shook her head, feeling so foolish for analyzing something that meant nothing to her. It was a nightmare, pure and simple. And now she was awake and the dream was gone. She was safe, and things for both she and her father were going to be alright. He was to play the violin for the orchestra, and she was…going to work as Fleur de Lis' costume pony. The very thought turned Fluttershy's stomach.

She recalled how her father would not stop apologizing to her that whole afternoon while they moved into their new flat. "I can always tell them that I won't play if you are not given a place in the chorus-" She stopped him immediately and scolded him for daring to think such things.

She reasoned with her father, explaining to him that she was still young, she had plenty of opportunity in her life to be a singer, and she could always audition for the next season. And they could not afford to play such silly games with the managers to simply cater to her dreams. This was their only chance of survival. Fluttershy cursed the family of her mother, hating them for buying the farm right out from under her father and throwing both of them off their own land. It was done as a punishment for "stealing" their precious daughter, a mare with whom they had not contacted since the day she ran away to be with Fluttershy's father.

They had no where else to go except Maris. And if her father had been refused, then the only other option would be the streets.

Yet things were going to be alright, she reminded herself. While his position was deemed merely temporary, she was sure that once her father played for the orchestra, they would find something permanent for him. He was such a great musician, and it was he who inspired her love for music. That evening, before they had gone to bed, he played a few tunes on his violin and she sang along. It was just as if they were back on their small country farm. Fluttershy sighed again and quickly wiped the tear that was threatening to trickle down her cheek. While the splendor of the city was certainly dazzling, she missed her simple home.

She gazed one last time at the Opera House before shutting her window and returning to bed. She would dream of singing, instead of ghosts and monsters. She would work hard to win Fleur de Lis' favor and audition for the company the following season. Yes, that was what she would concentrate on. She smiled at her determined thoughts, and closed her eyes, waiting for her dreams of singing at the Opera House to fill her head.

But it was a different music that invaded her senses, a passionate melody that haunted her being. Somewhere in the night, across the miles of darkness, there was music; a sad sweet song that squeezed at her heart. And when she dreamt, it was that song she sang.
----------------------------------------------------------	
The day had been long for Madame Luna, the rigid dance mistress that all the stage hooves feared. No one dared to cross paths with her, not even Fleur de Lis. Everyone believed that Madame Luna's icy demeanor came from an old knee injury that prevented her from ever dancing again, or the fact that her own daughter was the rising star, and she was being over protective. If they only knew the whole truth, she thought to herself. Yes, it had been a long day indeed; after a vigorous rehearsal she was left to find lodgings for the new violinist and his daughter. She didn't say much to either of them, yet observed the two closely, judging whether or not they could be trusted. Satisfied that they could be, she thought despite the late hour, now was as good a time as any to tell him of the day's events.

There were many secret passages that led to his lair; she knew about half of them. She also knew where to avoid the traps he set for intruders. Dressed in her traditional matron's black, she walked with dignity through the tunnels to where there was light burning in the distance, as well as the rising cords of organ music.

As she grew closer, there were movements off to the side. Any other pony would have run screaming, but she continued on, nodding her head to the figures that watched from the shadows. Finally, she came upon a clearing in the cavern, where hundreds of candles lit the room, illuminating the space in an orange glow. In one corner sat a caped figure, hard at work over a piece of music.

"I do not recall inviting you here madam," spoke a cold dark voice.

"I was not aware I needed an invitation, monsieur," she replied just as coldly.

The figure chuckled. "It would never matter; you come as you please, just like me." 

Madame Luna felt the corners of her lips twitch at that. "We are more alike than you can imagine, Discord."

He made a sound to her words and continued going over the score in front of him. She stood silently while he played several cords on the organ before him, before stopping and examining the music again.

"A new opera?"

He smiled. "I'm already hard at work planning the next season." He picked up a pen and made a few changes on the sheet of music. "So what brings you here besides the dazzling conversation?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Madame Luna was not one to beat around the bush so she spoke quite plainly. "The managers hired a new violinist."

Discord dropped the pen and his muscles went rigid. "Today?"

"Yes."

He slowly turned to face the dance mistress, his eyes ablaze with fury. "When did this take place?" he asked, his voice fighting for calmness.
Madame Luna knew he did not like it when anypony focused on his face or body. She glanced briefly to see whether he was masked or not and if his body was covered. She was pleased to see that both were. "Just this afternoon, around three. I did come to tell you shortly after dusk, but…I learned you were otherwise…engaged."

Discord ignored the disgust in her voice and brushed past her to where he kept more parchment. She sighed and continued speaking. "Are you truly surprised? They have been in desperate need of a new violinist since…the rather surprising 'disappearance' of Monsieur Caramel…" she watched him for any reaction, but received none. "Discord, what did you do with the pony? Was his playing that offensive to you?"

He ignored her statements, showing no emotion to any of her words. "Who is this stallion, this new violinist?" he demanded, not looking her.
Typical, she thought. "His name is Time Turner."

"Means nothing to me," Discord icily replied, brushing past her again to the organ. He sat down and began furiously writing notes on the new parchment. "Can he play?"

Madame Luna sighed. "I have not yet heard him, but I do believe he will do the orchestra good."

Discord scoffed at her words. "Amazing how a pony who has not even played is regarded as a musical genius." He was extremely displeased. He knew the managers of the Opera House were idiots, but he never thought they would hire a random pony off the streets who held a violin in his hooves.

Madame Luna knew he was extremely upset. Discord disliked change, and quite frankly, he had been in a bad mood for the past two years ever since Flim and Flam became the Opera House managers. Unlike all the others before them, these two didn't follow Discord's instructions very well, not to mention their love for money was far greater than their love for music and art. Hence why Fleur de Lis was the star. "And those fools actually think they run this theater," he growled beneath his breath.

"Please be kind Discord, they have no where else to go," Madame Luna pleaded.

Discord's head popped up from his writing. "They?"

She sighed. "Yes, Monsieur Turner and his daughter."

Discord rolled his eyes and groaned loudly, before arranging the music just so and trying the new notes on the organ. "I detest fillies; I will not allow a filly to run around in my theater!"

"Mademoiselle Fluttershy is a mare, Discord."

He stopped his playing momentarily. "Oh?"

"Yes…a young mare still, if you ask me. She just turned 20."

"Ah, I see," he whispered, before resuming his playing. "A spinster then."

Madame Luna rolled her eyes. "Hardly. She is no older than my own daughter, and she had hopes of joining the chorus-"

"Do not tell me they hired her too?" Discord groaned, turning and looking at the dance mistress. "We don't need any more singers! We have the right amount for pitch and quality; I thought that was perfectly clear to those fools! "Discord stood up swiftly, knocking over the stool he was sitting on. He began to furiously pace, his breathing becoming harsh and uneven. "The only singer I would welcome is someone to replace that harpy they have warbling day after day! That, madam, is why I must flee this place now and then…if I don't, I'll become madder than I already am…" he sighed and slowed his pacing. If he could, he would kill Fleur de Lis this very night, and he would have no regrets whatsoever. It was this infernal mare's pleas that kept him from doing so. It was also the fact that Fleur de Lis, being a supposed "star" would no doubt cause a riot of some kind. But one day, if things went too far, he would throw caution to the wind and do what he had been longing to do ever since she first stepped hoof in his Opera House and opened her mouth.

Madame Luna saw the rage written across Discord's masked face and quickly continued, hoping it would calm him. 	

"Mademoiselle Fluttershy was not hired for the chorus…she is to work as Fleur de Lis's costume pony."

Discord relaxed somewhat, but a new rage began to spread within him. "These fools will hire anyone, won't they?" He began to pace again. "A costume pony is even worse! Gives her more of an excuse to snoop around! She could trespass easily, and then I would be forced to take matters into my own claws, and you know as well as I, madam, that I can not abide trespassers." His voice was dark and cold. It sent a shiver down Madame Luna's spine, for she had seen what Discord had done to previous trespassers.

"I warned them both about not going below the stage or taking unknown corridors."

"Do better," he hissed, before stomping back to the organ and fixing the stool so he could resume playing. Discord was one who treated music as precious glass…yet at the moment he was banging the keys with a blind fury.

Madame Luna took a deep breath, knowing there was only one way to calm his anger. "Fleur de Lis accused the young mare for trying to murder her…"

Discord suddenly stopped his playing, his head perking up at the words. "Really? Go on..."

Madame Luna couldn't help but smirk. "Fleur de Lis was rehearsing and Mademoiselle Fluttershy was watching from behind the curtains. Apparently a stage hoof attempted to grab Mademoiselle Fluttershy, who side stepped him, causing him to run into a piece of scenery which nearly crushed the managers' beloved star."

Discord rarely laughed, but he found himself grinning at this tale. "Tis a pity the scenery did not succeed," his playing became softer and gentler. "And Fleur de Lis accused the mare?"

"Yes," Madame Luna replied. "Although it was not her fault. It was Cranky Doodle Donkey who caused the accident…" she paused before continuing. "You should know that he was fired."

Discord only momentarily paused from his playing. "That shouldn't bother you," he whispered. "I recall you cursing his name many times for his leering at your precious dancers."

"True," Madame Luna said. "After all, the donkey was a drunkard, as well as a lout. But I know in some strange way he did you some good."
Discord nodded his head. "Cranky Doodle Donkey told more dark tales about me than any of my notes could have done. Because of him not one stage hoof or dancer dares go far below the stage." He turned the music and continued his playing, the music calmer, sweeter. "Still, it is a small loss…the time would have eventually come when I would not have been able to stand the donkey and have killed him myself."

"Discord-"

"My dear mare, when are you going to get a sense of humor?"

She eyed him warily. "Perhaps when your jokes are actually funny."

He couldn't help but grin a little at that. "Touché, madam, touché."

She sighed and turned as if to go, but paused momentarily. "You will not harm them, will you?"

Discord did not miss one beat of his playing. "If you are referring to Monsieur Time Turner and his little charge, then no…so long as his playing is decent and she stays in her place and they all follow my rules."

Satisfied by this answer, Madame Luna turned to leave. Like their greeting, there were no formalities when they parted. She climbed the steps and took the passages that led her out of Discord's purgatory to the pony world. All the while, his music followed her every step.
Discord continued his playing, however his mind was wandering to the news that was recently shared with him. He wasn't sure why, but he was deeply intrigued by the Opera House's new tenants. He would have to pay a visit to Monsieur Turner and his charming daughter. He found himself wondering about her, wondering what she was like, how she looked, whether she had a love for music. Could the mare sing? Madame Luna said that she had hopes to join the chorus. He brushed the thought away, knowing there were many ponies who auditioned year after year to sing in the Opera, and few had talent of any kind. This mare was probably no different from them…yet why did this unknown mare intrigue him so?

The tensions that drove him out earlier were beginning to rise again. No amount of music could soothe this need. He cursed his weakness and adjusted his cloak so that his masked face could be hidden. Damn him, and damn this mare for causing such weakness. Indeed, he would find out more about her, and perhaps, just perhaps, she could satisfy these primal urges that possessed his soul and kept him as a beast . . instead of a pony.
> Masquerade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Masquerade

The elegant carriage pulled up in front of the Opera House, causing several ponies on the street to stop and whisper amongst themselves. The driver quickly jumped down from his seat to open the door for the carriage's occupant. Several mares who were walking stopped and stared at the figure that arose from the carriage; those who were holding fans immediately began to rapidly fan themselves.

He was a tall stallion, slim but muscular as was the fashion at the time. He was elegantly dressed in a gray suit with a high collar, his black shoes polished and glistening, his white tie tucked into his slightly ruffled tunic. A top hat made of black satin crowned his golden blonde mane which feathered just slightly off his neck; he tipped it to the mares who were admiring his emergence. He stepped down from the carriage steps, muttering words to his coachcolt while he dusted himself off. He lifted his eyes to the Opera House and smiled; his face was clean shaven, his posture straight, his teeth white, his eyes a sparkling green. And when he began to walk up those steps, there seemed to be this air of power that followed him with every step. He was like the sun, dazzling at first sight, and forever burning an image within your mind's eye after he had disappeared from view.

Inside the Opera House, things were well underway for the opera that would be kicking off the season in a matter of days. Dancers were frantically perfecting their steps, while stage hooves worked on sets and the orchestra tuned their instruments. Fluttershy's father was turning out to be the toast of the orchestra. In a matter of hours he was close to perfecting the score for the upcoming opera; the managers were well pleased with their decision.

Sadly, Fluttershy herself was not having the same good fortune. When Fleur De Lis first discovered that Fluttershy was to be her costume pony, she had a fit that could rival the most spoiled of fillies. She screamed, stamped her feet, swore in Italian, and then stomped off to lock herself away in her dressing room for a good hour, while the managers stood outside her door and pleaded for her to come out. Fluttershy rolled her eyes to the whole incident, thinking that despite Senora Fleur De Lis' elegant dresses and years of stage experience, a dog could both sing and act better. While the managers pleaded, Fluttershy busied herself with her tasks, mending costumes that had snares, and ironing ones with wrinkles. She delicately laid them out, examining them closely to see if she had missed any repair work, all the while feeling as if someone…or something, were watching her.

Ever since she and her father had arrived that morning, Fluttershy had the suspicion she was being watched. By whom, she had no idea, for every time she turned her head to look, she saw no one. The feeling was strange; most of the time she felt chilled and uneasy, but she would also feel admired and…she blushed when she recalled feeling somewhat, aroused. She shook her head to the whole thing, believing that once again, it was her imagination running wild. And any other thoughts on the matter were quickly disposed of as Fleur De Lis returned, dabbing her nose and eyes with the handkerchief Flim had given her. Flam, Flim, and Fancypants followed, each filling the air with praises to her. The whole thing made Fluttershy sick.

Fleur De Lis waved her hoof, which temporarily stopped the three stallions from making further idiots of themselves, and turned to Fluttershy. "I have decided I will allow you to continue being my costume pony," she sweetly purred, a fake smile creasing the corners of her lips.

Fluttershy stared at the mare.

Fleur De Lis' sweet smile was beginning to fade. She shifted side to side and was tapping her hoof, as if waiting for Fluttershy to fall to her knees and thank God above for granting her this fine honor. Was the mare that conceited?

"Well?"

Fluttershy jumped at the sudden bark that escaped the prima donna's lips. Fleur De Lis quickly smoothed back a silky pink curl that had escaped from her shout. She smiled again at Fluttershy and said in that sweet voice she had used earlier, "Have you nothing to say, my dear?"

Fluttershy wanted to tell the mare what she really thought. She wanted to tell Fleur De Lis she had no talent, that while she strutted across the stage like a peacock, she sounded like a crow. She wanted to tell the mare that her behavior was disgusting and that there were more important things going on in the world than how one's hair looks or what fabric one's dress is made from. She wanted to scream, and perhaps even strike the mare…but she remembered her father and how desperately they needed this. So she swallowed her pride and lifted her chin.

"I have repaired the silk ball gown you were planning to wear for the opening gala."

Fleur De Lis stared at the mare. Fluttershy showed no emotion on her face, but inside she was laughing at the blank expression she was receiving from the so-called great star. Not the answer Fleur De Lis was expecting, let alone looking for, but it was not one she could scream at either.

"What a smart little thing you are," she said through clenched teeth, mustering all the sweetness her voice could create. Fake pleasantness was perhaps the worst acting Fleur De Lis could do.

Fluttershy smiled, placing the gown gently back down on the table, while the managers and Fancypants exchanged worried looks between one another, knowing that the young mare was playing with fire. "Well!" Flam interrupted. "I must say, keep up the good work mademoiselle, you'll do fine in the opera business I'm sure!"

Fleur De Lis only gave Fluttershy a cold smile. "Yes my dear, do show me what else you've accomplished. I can see that life in the country has perfected your skills in…humble domestic crafts."

Fluttershy flinched to the stinging words, but refused to show Fleur De Lis any sign of their effect. "I shall…there is one that I have pinned together that was literally falling to pieces…" She turned to retrieve the dress, while Fleur De Lis took the hot iron Fluttershy had used earlier and placed it, hot side up, near Fluttershy's legs. The second the mare turned back, she gave a yelp of pain as her skin made contact with the iron, causing her to drop the dress in her hooves onto the floor (thus sending pins and pieces flying every which way) and to knock the iron over with her elbow and land on a beautiful white silk gown.

"AH! YOU CLUMSLY LITTLE FOOL! LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY COSTUME!"

The managers turned quickly to Fleur De Lis' shouts, and Fancypants was by her side in a second. "My darling! What happened? What did the wretched mare do?"

Fluttershy was still rubbing the painful burn on her leg before she realized what had happened. She gasped and lifted the iron off the dress, but the damage had already been done. A large brown stain and several tiny holes remained on the dress as souvenirs from the iron. Fluttershy lifted her shocked eyes to Fleur De Lis' face, surprised and enraged upon seeing the smirk in the mare's eyes. "This…this little idiot has ruined two of my costumes!" she shouted to both Fancypants and the managers who had rushed to her side. "She has not only ruined the gown I must wear for Faust by sticking atrocious pieces of fabric to it, but she has also burnt a hole in the silk gown I must wear for Hannibal!"

Flim and Flam stared at Fluttershy, not sure what to say, but knowing if they did not do something quickly, Fleur De Lis would explode. "Don't just stand there, fire this wretched little thing!" Fancypants shouted in defense of Fleur De Lis. He attempted to wrap his arm around her but she shrugged it off immediately.

"F-f-fire her?" Flam asked, glancing at Flim with worried eyes. With only five days till the opening night of the opera season, they needed Time Turner to play in the orchestra more than ever. If they fired the mare they knew they would lose him too. But they couldn't displease Fleur De Lis either! They were in a very tight spot indeed. "Perhaps we can come to an arrangement senora-"

"Arrangement?" Fleur De Lis exclaimed. "There will be no arrangement! This stupid little-"

A gruff male cough interrupted Fleur De Lis' shrieks. "Um…beg your pardon, but is this a bad time?"

The managers and Fleur De Lis turned their heads and all exclaimed at once, "MONSIEUR!"

Fluttershy, whose cheeks were still burning red from both Fleur De Lis' cruel words and foul tricks, stared at the stallion with whom the others appeared to be enamored. He was very handsome; tall, blonde, a bright white coat, and obviously wealthy judging by the clothes he wore. He looked right past the admiring managers who were crowding around him and stared into her eyes. She felt her knees go weak and reached out to clutch the table at her side.

"Good day," he said with an elegant bow of his head. Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat and gave the stallion a small curtsy. He smiled at her and she felt that strange feeling in her knees again. "Well, who is this pretty little thing?" he asked the managers who were still singing praises into his ears.

"Who? Oh! Just the new costume pony. Monsieur, we are so pleased you came to see us today. As you can see, we are well underway in preparing for the opening gala-"

"Yes, yes, it is all looking wonderful Flam," the stallion said with a wave of his hoof, his smile still remaining on Fluttershy. "And what is your name, mademoiselle?"

Fluttershy stared for a long time at the stallion, trying to find her voice, but it was Fleur De Lis who spoke in her stead. "What does it matter? The mare is incompetent with costumes, as I'm sure she is with everything!" she thrust the burnt dress in the stallion's face. "See what I have to put up with monsieur?" she pouted. The stallion gave a weak smile to the prima donna before turning and looking to the managers for answers.

"Oh! Um…" Flim glanced at Fluttershy, trying to remember the name. "Shy…Fluttershy, I believe."

Fluttershy frowned and lifted her chin, looking directly into the handsome stallion's eyes. "My name is-"

"Silence!" Fleur De Lis barked, throwing the burnt gown in Fluttershy's face. She then turned and smiled sweetly up at the gentlecolts. "My dear monsieur, had I been expecting your surprise visit I would have dressed more elegantly for you." The stallion smiled warmly at Fleur De Lis as she batted her eyes, causing Fancypants to fidget with jealousy.

Fluttershy glanced back and forth between the handsome stallion and the cow that had burnt her. The two acted as if they knew each other…rather well.

"Monsieur, um…we have some matters of business to discuss with you. There have been some notes-"

"All in good time Flim," the stallion answered without taking his eyes off Fleur De Lis. "I first have some matters of business to go over with Senora Fleur De Lis. She has written to me of her displeasure with the way things are run here…" he glanced at the managers, the handsome smile disappearing and being replaced with a serious frown.

"D-d-d-displeasure?" both stallions stuttered, looking at one another and Fleur De Lis in horror.

"Yes," Fleur De Lis snapped, linking her arm with that of the handsome stallion. "Much displeasure and hiring that mare is now on the top of my list!" she began to lead the stallion away from the managers who were too flabbergasted to utter a single word. "Come monsieur," she said with a twirl of her skirts. "Let us go to my dressing room to talk things over."

The stallion turned his head back to Fluttershy and gave her one last charming smile before he was literally dragged away by the boorish opera star. Fluttershy's face continued to burn as she watched the two walk away, her emotions confused. Yes, the stallion was indeed handsome, and his smile appeared warm and inviting, while his words and manner were quite charming. But there was something about him that didn't seem right; it was probably the company he seemed to prefer to keep.

The managers finally dashed away, both pale and stuttering worries about what must be done to please Fleur De Lis. Fancypants immediately followed in Fleur De Lis' wake, trying to catch up with the pair. Fluttershy sighed, looking at the burnt costume in her hooves, wishing she had intentionally caused the burn with Fleur De Lis in the costume. She bent down to retrieve the dress that had fallen apart on the ground when a small voice caught her attention.

"I can't believe it…he actually spoke to you!"

Fluttershy glanced up, seeing that the voice belonged to a petite dancer with long purple hair and wide eyes. It was Twilight Sparkle, the lead dancer and daughter of the dance mistress. "Do you know who that was?" she asked Fluttershy, her voice filled with excitement. Fluttershy shook her head, confused at Twilight's behavior.

"Twilight! Was it him? Has he come back?"

Twilight grinned and nodded her head to several other dance mares who were standing back a little ways. The group burst into squeals and excited shrieks. Fluttershy needed answers. "Who is he?" she asked, rather irritably.

The mares looked at one another, rolled their eyes, and then exploded into giggles again. Twilight however kept some composure, at least enough to explain. "He's Prince Blueblood!" Fluttershy's blank expression forced the mare to continue. "The highest paying patron of the Maris Opera House!"

At last it all fitted together. That was why the managers were falling over themselves and why they panicked at Fleur De Lis' mention of displeasure. Fluttershy stared after the direction the Prince had disappeared, feeling like a fool for thinking that for a moment he admired her, and that she thought him kind and charming. She may have lived in the country all her life, but Fluttershy was no fool; a stallion with wealth and a title only looked at a mare in her situation for one thing.

"Mares!" the dancers stopped their giggling and quickly scampered back to where they should have been practicing. Madame Luna emerged from the curtains and looked crossly at all of them. "Twilight!" she barked at the embarrassed mare. "What is the meaning of this?"

Twilight fidgeted and bit her lip. "I'm sorry Mama, it was just…" Madame Luna lifted a dark eyebrow, awaiting her daughter's answer. "It was just…well…we saw the Prince Blueblood, and-"

Madame Luna's face paled at the name. "The Prince is here?"

Twilight nodded her head, her face turning from embarrassment to worry. "Mama, are you alright?"

Madame Luna gave her head a quick shake to compose herself and lifted her chin, her face returning to its cold expression. "Do not let me catch you or any of the other mares wandering away when you should be practicing," she ordered through tight lips. Twilight nodded her head, still looking concerned, but scampered off in the direction the other dancers had gone.

Fluttershy stared up at the ballet mistress whose face returned to one of worry. She fidgeted slightly, biting her lip, and glancing about wildly. "Madame? Are…are you alright?" Fluttershy placed one hoof gently on the mare's arm. "Is there anything I can get you? A glass of water perhaps?"

Madame Luna finally acknowledged Fluttershy, but her expression did not change. "Where did he go?" was all she asked.

What was going on? "He left with Senora Fleur De Lis…they are going to discuss 'business matters' in her dressing room."

Madame Luna lifted an eyebrow at Fluttershy's statement. "Well he'll be occupied for some time," she muttered under her breath.

"I beg your pardon?"

Madame Luna looked at Fluttershy and smiled at her. Despite what the stage hooves may have muttered about the mare, Fluttershy could tell the dance mistress truly had a warm heart of gold under the cold exterior she showed. "Thank you my dear, but no, I'm truly fine." Without another word she turned and quickly walked away, leaving a confused Fluttershy in her wake.

"Fleur De Lis, I must implore that I stay-"
Fleur De Lis groaned and gave Fancypants the cruelest of looks. "Be gone! I have many important matters to discuss with the Prince and I do not need you breathing down my bodice!"

Prince Blueblood couldn't help but chuckle at the prima donna's words. He stood just outside Fleur De Lis' dressing room with Fancypants blocking the entrance way. The stallion was loyal, one could not deny that. It amazed the Prince that despite Fleur De Lis' obvious displeasure for the stallion, he still willingly remained her lap dog.

Fancypants continued to glance back and forth between the Prince and Fleur De Lis with unease. He didn't like it when this stallion came for visits. He didn't care that the stallion was rich, or that he was the reason both he and Fleur De Lis had jobs at the Maris Opera House. He saw the way his lovely Fleur De Lis looked at the stallion, and vice versa.

Fleur De Lis sighed and realized it was time to resort to other necessary battle moves. "Fancypants," she said in a sweet manipulative voice. "Why do you worry? Do you think my virtue is in danger if I allow the Prince into my dressing room?"

Fancypants bit his lip and shifted back and forth a little, glancing at the Fancypants with slight distrust. Fleur De Lis smiled and reached out to caress the tenor's face. "I admire your chivalry. You truly are my knight in shining armor." Her voice was dripping with fake sweetness, yet Fancypants was enamored.

He was cracking. "I assure you I will be quite safe…and I will cry out if I am in need…but I will be perfectly fine. And knowing you are near warms my heart and fills me with such…" she leaned close and planted a soft meek kiss on the tenor's lips. "…passion."

She had won. Fancypants melted away from the dressing room door and smiled bashfully at his lady love. She smiled back and winked at him, while she disappeared into the room, the Prince merely smirking behind her. The second they had entered the dressing room, she slammed the door shut, locked it, and began to spit. "Eh! The stench of him is all over me. I'll have to burn this dress!"

The Prince continued to smirk, placing his hat on her dressing table. "He's quite attached to you, more than ever I see…and quite suspicious…"

Fleur De Lis groaned. "Do not remind me! And to think…I have to kiss him in the opera we are performing!"

She squealed when she felt two powerful hooves grab her by the shoulders and twirled her around. She found herself being pressed to the Prince's body, and she went limp the second she felt his hard frame mold to her own. "How will I be able to control myself then? Seeing you on stage with him…" one of his hooves went up to her hair and began to pull the pins out, causing the pink curls to fall across her shoulders. "…in his arms…" his hooves moved to her skirts and he began to hike them up to her hips. "…kissing him…" his lips captured hers and she melted even more, returning the passionate kiss and clawing at his dress coat.

The Prince pulled back immediately. "Careful!" he hissed, removing her hooves and looking at the coat to be sure it wasn't damaged. "This was quite expensive, I'll have you know."

Fleur De Lis pouted and folded her arms crossly as he carefully removed the coat from his body. "I don't seem to recall you ever feeling a need to be careful with my expensive gowns!"

The Prince grinned, and purposely placed his coat on top of a large white box that was sitting at the chair before her dressing table. Fleur De Lis' eyes followed where his coat went, and she looked at him for confirmation. When he nodded, she squealed happily and tore at the box like a filly at Christmas. He had to carefully remove the coat again.

"OH! Monsieur, it is most beautiful…" she whispered, pulling the elegant gown from the box. It was pink, with blue ruffles and black lace. There was a billowy train and a very low neckline that glittered with black and pink sequins. Most ponies would look at such a gown and find it atrocious, however the Prince had long since learned that Fleur De Lis' taste in fashion was just that.

"Now you truly can burn that gown," he chuckled, coming closer to place kisses on the back of Fleur De Lis' neck while his expert hooves began to undo the buttons on her present dress.

Fleur De Lis whimpered at his touch and leaned back against him. "It has been far too long monsieur since our last encounter…I was beginning to think you had forgotten me…"

"You?" he said with mock horror. "Never…" while one hoof continued to undo the buttons, the other climbed higher and began to sink beneath the bodice of her dress. She moaned when his lips tickled her ear as he nibbled the lobe slightly. "Now…I have a favor to ask of you…" 

"Mmmmmmmmmm…a-a-a-anything…" she whimpered, leaning back and purposely pushing herself against him. He groaned at the movement, but years of experience had taught him self-control.

"Good mare…" he hissed, biting her neck briefly, while his other hoof moved to lift up her skirts. "I want you to tell me…" her skirts were up to her thighs. "…everything you can…" he pushed the stockings and garters down. "…about your adorable little costume pony…"

Fleur De Lis' eyes flew open and she pushed the Prince's hooves away before tearing herself away from his body. "WHAT?"

Blueblood sighed and closed his eyes momentarily to prepare himself for the shrieks that were to follow.

"WHY THE HELL DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HER? SHE'S GARBAGE, SHE'S SLIME, SHE'S-"

"Be quiet!" The Prince snapped. "Do you want all of Maris to hear you?"

The fire in Fleur De Lis' eyes grew wilder. "BUCK MARIS! I DON'T CARE IF ALL OF PRANCE HEARS ME! ANSWER ME WHY YOU WANT TO KNOW!"

The Prince stared back at Fleur De Lis, eager to wrap his hooves around the soprano's pretty neck and snap it in two. However, he knew the best way to handle situations like this was not to lose one's temper. And he too could play the same games that Fleur De Lis played on Fancypants.

"My sweet, I am only interested in knowing what all is going on in my theater," he crooned, putting on his most charming smile and slowly walking towards her. He hoped the passion that filled his eyes would weaken her..

However, the Prince realized it would take more coaxing, as Fleur De Lis was having none of it. "I am not a fool, Blueblood!" she snapped, using his first name. "You think I know nothing about your infamous reputation? You think I know nothing about the many chorus mares and dancers you've bedded? You think I don't know that one of the main reasons you patronize the Opera House is so you can be assured of a pretty young face, with a mouth wide and open and willing-"

"That was BEFORE I met you!" Blueblood lied, coming to her in two strides. "I will not deny my past, but the moment I saw you perform on stage and heard your voice, you alone are the only mare I think about, dream about…" his hoof sneaked down to the hem of her skirts and began to lift them once again. "…and want to buck till the sun comes up…"

Fleur De Lis melted slightly to his words, especially as she felt his hoof move under the skirts and softly brush her thigh. Still, she tried to show some self-control. "W-w-why then do you care about w-who she is…" she whimpered, her lips going dry as she felt his hooves inch closer.

Blueblood grinned as he could tell he was winning this battle. "My dear, did you not say that the mare was incompetent?" His lips brushed against hers as his hooves inched higher.

Fleur De Lis moaned and melted even more, licking her lips and trembling beneath his touch. "T-t-that is true…"

"Yes, it is…and you're not happy…"  Fleur De Lis was gripping the dressing table and pressing against his body. "I only want to make you happy Fleur De Lis…I only want to give you pleasure…" He could see from the expression on her face that she would tell him anything so long as he didn't stop. "Her name, Fleur De Lis…" he huskily whispered, "Tell me her name…"

She couldn't take it anymore. "F-f-f-Flutter-s-Shy…oooOOooOOoohhhh Fluttershy!" she shouted, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately, while he lifted her body with one arm, and the other cleared the dressing table before placing her down on top of it. 

"Thank you my dear, you will not regret it!"

Nor would he, he mused to himself. Already, he was imagining the pretty costume mare as the one before him, But as he had learned, from the time his father had taken him to a brothel at the age of 14 to "make a stallion out of him", any mare could be easily bought at the right price. Sometimes it took money, sometimes jewels or other expensive gifts, sometimes even words of affection and love; but every mare had a price, and it only took Prince Blueblood little time to learn what it was, before luring a mare to his bed. Fleur De Lis definitely suited his purposes; he knew she was once a star in Italy, and with the right publicity, he could make her a star in France and get more money into his pockets. And if that meant having to come every now and then and listen to her litany of complaints before finally moving onto "normal business", as he referred it, then so be it. Whatever it took for him to get what he wanted.

He smiled at his own reflection in the mirror. He continued to look at himself, thinking of all the wealth he was acquiring from Fleur De Lis' so-called talents, thinking of his next escapade: bedding the costume mare. She looked young, full of country virtue; he loved breaking virgins in. She would be a most eager student, he grinned. Yes, he would soon seduce her to his bed, and gain much pleasure for himself from her. Fleur De Lis was business, but the costume mare would be his pleasure. And he loved mixing the two together. He thought all these things while he smiled at his own reflection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madame Luna hurried down the stone steps that led to Discord's lair, her face pale and covered with worry lines. She carefully avoided the passages that she knew were booby trapped, all the while hurrying as fast as she could. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a shadowy figure. "Where is he?" she called out to it. The figure made a groaning sound before pointing off to the right. She nodded her head in thanks and took the passage the figure had indicated. The sound of music filled the cavern before her, and she knew he would not be pleased to be interrupted while working. "Discord! Discord!" she called out, while she crossed the candlelit cavern.

The organ music stopped, and the caped figure stood, his shoulders slumping slightly before straightening his back. "I'm very busy, what is it?"

She stopped a few feet away from him, panting and clutching her chest while she tried to regain her composure. "H-h-h-he's…h-here…"

Discord turned, his face masked and the visible eyebrow arching in speculation. "Prince Bluebood?" he simply asked.

Madame Luna looked at him with surprise. "Y-y-you know?" she asked, her breathing slowly returning to normal.

Discord waved his paw in a blasé manner. "It's my theater, is it not?" he said, before adding under his breath, "despite what that son of a bitch thinks." He reseated himself at the organ and began to play. "Besides, it was rather hard to ignore the harpy's shrieks."

Madame Luna was surprised with how cool Discord was behaving. Normally he would fly into rages when he learned that the Prince was at the Opera House. Discord despised Prince Blueblood, and she could not blame him. The stallion wore the mask of a gentlecolt, when in truth he was more of a monster than Discord ever could be. True, Discord had committed acts of terror and murder, but the Prince…his crimes were so much more heinous to the dance mistress, especially since she knew that he was responsible for impregnating three of her dancers over the past five years. One mare died when seeking crude means to have an abortion, while the other two were thrown out onto the street with no where to go and no money. Madame Luna had no idea what happened to them, and she cursed the Prince for ruining all three lives.

She also knew the many reasons Discord despised the Prince…so why was he acting so nonchalant? "You…you do not care then?" she asked, not daring to come around and face him, but unsure what else to do or say.

The Phantom ceased his playing momentarily and sighed heavily. "Oh, I care very much indeed," he growled under his breath, before his paw and claw violently banged against the organ keys, causing the cavern walls to shake.

Discord's reasoning for despising the Prince was somewhat different. Like the current managers, the Prince cared very little for art and music, and more for the money that rolled into the Opera House. While the Prince was a patron, he also had stock in the Opera House, and ten percent of the profits from every performance went straight into his pocket. The Prince was also the one responsible for placing Fleur De Lis at the Opera House, a sin that Discord would never forgive the stallion for. Yet the crime that Discord held over the Prince more than any other was what he did to Pinkamena Pie, a dancer Discord fancied himself in love with when he was much younger.

Discord was only 19 when he saw the mare on stage for the first time. She was beautiful, with curly pink hair, and large soft brown eyes. He sent her love poems and flowers, thinking she would find it romantic that she had a secret admirer at the Opera. However, his love sick dreams were dashed when Prince Blueblood, a boy of 16 at that time, easily seduced the star-struck mare, making her believe he was the one who had sent her the flowers and poems!

Discord wanted to interfere, but feared if he revealed himself a mob would discover his whereabouts and force him back to the life he had not long escaped. So he waited, and plotted how he would make the young Prince pay. Pinkamena, the foolish mare, believed that young Blueblood truly loved her, and that the two were going to run away to get married. She abandoned her dreams of performing for the scoundrel, disappearing early one cold November morning, never to be seen again. It wasn't until after the death of Blueblood's father, that the Prince returned to the Opera House, some three years later. No one knew what had become of Pinkamena, and the Prince did not seem upset at all.

The stallion was a snake; Discord saw how he strode about the theater as if he owned it, giving musicians advice, telling the managers how to run the business, and bedding chorus mares and dancers along the way. The time would come when he would have his revenge for all the atrocities the Prince had put him through.

But revenge was a dish best served cold…and simply killing the stallion was too polite. No, Discord would have his revenge when the time was right, and it would be a long, agonizing revenge, one full of screaming and begging. This little joy made him smile, and he easily regained his cool demeanor, despite his random outbursts of rage.

It was this show of emotion that Madame Luna feared most. She could not think of what else to say, and he seemed so engrossed with his music that she turned and began to walk away. Yet before she left, he called out to her. "I've seen the violinist's daughter," he said causally.

Madame Luna paused and slowly turned back. "And…?"

"She is very pretty, you did not tell me that," he said with a simple wave of his paw, before turning the page of the score before him. "And she appears to be a hard worker, her care for costumes is impressive," he added. "But what I admire about her most…is the way she refused to give Fleur De Lis the satisfaction of 'thanking her' for the opportunity to work under her," he chuckled.

Madame Luna gave a small smile, but sighed sadly. "I fear Fleur De Lis will make her life a living hell."

"Fleur De Lis makes everyone's life a living hell," Discord grumbled. "At least she had the courage to stand up to the harpy, despite the so-called accident the bitch did to her."

Madame Luna's brow furrowed with confusion. "Accident?"

"It doesn't matter," Discord replied casually, turning the page of the score. "The violinist plays very well too, they both can stay so long as they continue to obey the rules." Madame Luna nodded her head and turned to leave, but Discord called out to her one last time. "I have a note for you to deliver. Rarity has it, see her before you leave." Madame Luna nodded her head again, finally leaving to retrieve the letter Discord had written.

He listened to her distancing footsteps while he continued to play the sweet cords of music written before him. He noticed out of the corner of his eye a hunched figure approaching. "I'm busy Derpy, you know I do not wish to be disturbed while working," he said icily.

The hunched figure remained in the shadows, but nodded its large head. "F-f-forgive me, master," she slowly replied, her words stuttering slightly. "I just…c-c-couldn't help overhearing…t-t-that you were t-talking…about the c-c-c-costume mare…"

Discord nodded his head, not lifting his gaze from the music. "Yes, and what of it?"

The figure shuffled her feet a little before finally responding. "I like her…she s-seems d-d-different…nice…like the g-gypsy mare…"

Discord paused and looked at the hunched figure. "Gypsy mare?"

Derpy nodded her large head. "Yes…f-from the s-s-stories…that Rarity t-tells us…like the one w-with the hunchback…in the c-c-cathedral…"

Discord rolled his eyes and groaned and quickly resumed his playing. "There is no such person, Derpy, it was story, simple as that."

The hunched figure shifted her feet nervously again, her voice barely above a whisper. "B-b-but R-r-rarity says…"

Discord's claw and paw came crashing down on the organ. "THERE IS NO SUCH PONY!" he shouted, his voice echoing throughout the cavern and passageways. Derpy gave a cry of fear and quickly backed away, molding her large frame to the stone wall, as if hoping the shadow would keep her safe. Discord sighed and took several long breaths before lifting his head and speaking again, his tone icy, but calm. "There is no gypsy mare Derpy, there is no mare on earth like that…" he sighed one last time before finally lifting his eyes to where the hunched figure stood shaking. "Beautiful mares and stallions do not fall in love with monsters like us, that is the reality of it, and it's better than you learn this now, before…before you do something foolish and risk hurting yourself."

Derpy nodded her head as if she understood, although she made a strangled sobbing sound before retreating down the passageway, her sobs filling the caverns all around. Discord sighed and cradled his head in his paws. Damn that mare, somehow she was to blame for this. He recalled the crude scene of the Prince and Fleur De Lis, together in her dressing room. He followed her angry shrieks to see if his suspicions were correct, and yes, there was the Prince, attempting to win her affections with seductive lies. While Discord was a spy, he was not a voyeur, and had no interest in watching the two ponies he despised most become like wild animals with one another. But before he turned to leave the disgusting sight, he heard the Prince ask for the name of the new costume mare. Fleur De Lis finally conceded, telling him what he wanted to hear, and was thus rewarded with what he had come to the Opera House for all along.

Discord hated the stallion, but normally did nothing to stop his seductions and rendezvous with the mares of the Opera House. If they were more concerned with what the Prince thought of them, they were not fit to be a part of his theater. However, Disocrd felt a strange urge within his being to protect the violinist's daughter from the hooves of the handsome monster. He wasn't entirely sure why, as he didn't entirely feel this way for Pinkamena. But he felt compelled to keep a close watch on the mare, to make sure that her virtue, if she had any, wasn't turned into a plaything for the Prince.

Yet now her supposed sweet nature was having an affect on Derpy, and he did not need those that he took care of to be filled with such foolish notions, like love and romance. Love got him nothing, and he knew that if he had revealed himself to Pinkamena long ago, she would have rebuked him the second she saw his face. Indeed, love was not meant for creatures like himself.

The thought filled Discord with such rage that he pounded his claw and paw on the organ keys till blood flowed in time with the music.
> Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Revelations

The few days that followed the first day of work at the Maris Opera House went by in a blur. The countdown to the opening gala of the opera season was well underway. Every night, before going to bed, Fluttershy's father would play several movements from the opening opera for a minimum of two hours. While he played, Fluttershy would sit and hum along to the tune as she worked meticulously on repairing snared costumes for Fleur De Lis. She discovered that if she imagined herself in Fleur De Lis' place, she could repair the costumes with greater care, as opposed to wanting to make the snares worse.

Fluttershy's father was not blind; he noticed his daughter's great distaste for the star soprano. He often mentioned how he could speak with the managers, try to make things better, and when he learned about the burn on her arm, he threatened to tell the mare what he really thought of her and quit the orchestra! It took a good hour for Fluttershy to calm her father down and convince him that if he left now, they would surely become beggars in the street. And this city, like most, was not kind to beggars.

So the two would pass their evenings engrossed in their work, hoping that may bring some cheer to their situation. Her father would now and then plead for Fluttershy to sing Fleur De Lis' parts, which she refused on the first few occasions, but now, she could not help herself, she loved the role and the songs! One night, while her father played a movement, Fluttershy sprang to her hooves and began to twirl around the room, singing the song with all her heart, and acting the part of the character. Her father laughed at how his daughter would "ham" up the part, sometimes mimicking the awful acting skills of Fleur De Lis, and then he would clap and beg for more. Fluttershy blushed, but smiled, knowing that no matter what happened, whether she would ever have a chance to perform, her father always made her feel like a star.

It were these moments when it was just the two of them that Fluttershy cherished and looked forward to at the waking of each day. Indeed, while she was grateful for work, she was not always so eager to return to the Opera House every day.

Before her first day of work was over, Fluttershy's ears had been flooded with countless tales of the mysterious Opera Ghost, otherwise known as the Phantom of the Opera. She heard them first by a few stage hooves, grumbling over who would go fetch various props that were being kept below stage. They all complained about the Phantom and how they feared his wrath would bring an end to someone's life…again. Twilight and the other dance mares also had tales. They had been passed on by Cranky Doodle Donkey, the recently fired stage hoof who seemed to be the Opera's chief storyteller. It was through these mares that Fluttershy learned about the Phantom being a tall, thin, frightening black-caped figure that wore a mask and committed numerous acts of foul play.

While she had a somewhat wild imagination, Fluttershy attempted to not let her Gothic romantic sensibilities run ramped, and think realistically. After all, the stallion in charge of these fabrications was a drunkard, how dependent of a source could he be? However, it was harder for her to think this way after her father told her the wild rumor which other members of the orchestra were whispering; that Monsieur Caramel had been kidnapped by the infamous Phantom and most likely would never return…alive. Even the managers themselves seemed somewhat under the spell of this mysterious opera ghost.

Now Fluttershy understood the eerie sensations the Opera House made her feel. Yet no Phantom, be he a myth or a stallion, compared to the other, and slightly more eerie, uneasiness she felt at the Opera.

Not a day went by when she did not arrive for work to find Prince Blueblood waiting near the room where the costumes were kept. He was always polite and charming, bowing to her, smiling at her, filling her ears with compliments about how lovely she looked, and inquiring after her health and that of her father's. In return, Fluttershy would give a small curtsy, a small smile, thank the Prince for his kind words, and answer his questions with short replies. But she never fawned over him the way the dance mares did when they saw him, and she never attempted to make the conversation more than what it was. After their ritual greeting, she would get straight to work and ignore his presence…if she could.

Yes, it seemed that everyone, save for Madame Luna and Fancypants, were taken by the Prince's charm and handsome smile. The managers fell over themselves to please him, Fleur De Lis constantly flirted with the stallion, and the mares of the dance were in a constant state of giggles whenever he was present. He had even managed to charm her dearly beloved father.

One evening, Fluttershy's father asked her about the Prince. "He's a very handsome stallion, polite, charming, quite the gentlecolt. And he does seem to be taken with you, my dear," he said with a smile.

"Papa, he is simply being polite, I'm sure, tis nothing more," she grumbled over her needlework.

Yet her father would not hear it. He was a romantic, and because her mother came from a rich family, he did not see it as so inconceivable for a wealthy stallion to fall in love with a mare of little fortune, like her. Fluttershy knew her father meant well, but he made her feel like a charity project.

Truth be told, Fluttershy never found herself looking forward to seeing the Prince day in and day out. For the first two mornings, he simply greeted her as a gentlecolt would greet a mare on the street. Afterwards, he would eventually disappear and she would not see him again till the next day. But on the third occasion, he would not leave so easily. He would come and look over her shoulder at the work she was doing, complimenting her on her skills, filling her ears with more false flattery. Such praise made Fluttershy uneasy, for it was not praise being purely given, but praise that seemed to hold a ransom, as if now she owed him a compliment…or more, in return.

He would stay and loom over her till she made up an excuse that she had to go and find Fleur De Lis to see what she thought. That would normally get him to leave, and Fluttershy would then retreat somewhere private to get her work done. However, one day he would not leave; he remained and continued to loom, speaking pleasantly to her, but Fluttershy found herself growing more and more uneasy. She could feel his eyes upon her, and it made her feel violated, as if he were stripping away her gown and undergarments and exposing her with his eyes alone. She shivered, and he took this to mean she was cold. She jumped when she felt him wrapping his coat about her shoulders, and his hoof lingered somewhat too long.

Her hooves were being clumsy, tripping over themselves while she attempted to sew, due to the nervousness and discomfort she felt in this stallion's presence. And her theory was correct that the stallion was filling her with false compliments when he continued to flatter her after a very obvious stitching error.

She was working on a very elegant gown, made entirely out of white lace, when his presence alarmed her and she accidentally pricked the skin above her hoof. She gasped when the blood hit the fine fabric, knowing she would never hear the end of it from Fleur De Lis once the stain was discovered. It was a great pity, as she too loved this gown above all the other costumes. The Prince, confusing her distress for the gown with her distress over her prick, cried out her name, before grasping her tiny hoof in his.

"My dear, you've hurt yourself!"

"It's nothing," Fluttershy insisted, plastering a polite smile on her face, while at the same time attempting to wriggle her hoof free from his two.

"Nonsense, it could become infected! Come, let me help you."

"Monsieur, that is not necessarily, I-"

"I will not hear it, mademoiselle, come…I insist, I have just the thing that will help…" he was literally dragging her from her seat and out of the room. Fluttershy continued to try and free herself, but it seemed to be no use, the stallion was quite strong and it hurt the way he gripped her arm. "Ah, here we are," he said with a smile, leading her to a lounge just beyond the stairway that led to the private boxes which overlooked the stage.

Fluttershy had hoped that he would at last release her, but instead he more or less pushed her down onto a chaise lounge, while his other hoof reached for a bottle of wine which emerged from a small sack next to it. He smiled and opened the wine before dabbing a small amount onto a handkerchief and using it to dab her cut.

"Monsieur, that is not necessarily," Fluttershy protested. "As you can see, the blood has stopped and the wound is already closing-"

"Nonsense, one can never be too careful," he said in a patronizing tone, as if she were a small child who didn't know any better. "There, doesn't that feel better?" he asked, his hoof still gripping her arm rather possessively, while he warmly smiled at her. Despite that warmth, Fluttershy felt anything but better.

"Indeed monsieur, you are right, this has done me some good," she quickly reasoned, offering a small polite smile before quickly rising to her feet. "Thank you very much, now if you will excuse me-"

"Now just wait a moment," he said with a chuckle, while his hoof reached out and grasped her arm again, before pulling her back down beside him. "Not so fast my dear. Why the hurry?" he asked, before lounging back.

Fluttershy gave a small smile, but anyone could tell it was forced. "Tomorrow is the opening gala and I still have a great deal of work, it must get done-"

Prince Blueblood waved her worry off with his hoof, like a stallion waving away a pesky fly. "All in good time mademoiselle, all in good time, but first…let us celebrate," he said with a smile, before reaching into that small sack the wine had emerged from, and pulled out two glasses.

He had planned this. Why else would a gentlecolt of his leisure have brought wine and two glasses and then secretly hide them in…most likely his own private lounge?

She had to keep a cool head despite all this. "I do not understand what we have to celebrate, monsieur," she said curtly.

"Please, you may call me Blueblood," he said while pouring the wine, as if he were granting her a large favor. "And we have a great many things to celebrate! Why, the opening gala, your triumphs in costuming-"

"Monsieur-"

"Blueblood."

"MONSIEUR," she said with a little more force than she had planned, but knew it was necessary to get this stallion to understand. "Thank you, but no thank you…there will be no cause to celebrate anything if I do not get my work done." With that, she rose quickly to her feet and began to exit the lounge.

"I beg your pardon Fluttershy, but I thought you to be above such rude behavior."

She paused, his words intentionally made to prick her. She slowly turned her head, one eyebrow lifted. "Excuse me?"

He was grinning. "After all that I have done, you leave like this…I must say, it simply seems…ungrateful, if you ask me."

She couldn't believe she was hearing this. "Ungrateful?"

He nodded his head, lounging further back onto the chaise lounge, his arms stretching out along its rim. There was this smirk on his face that Fluttershy wanted to slap off. How dare he say such things to her! And how dare he presume that he could address her by her first name! They were not intimate friends or equals; how dare he use the power of his title to assume authority over her! Hot anger was boiling in her veins; his conceitedness was, heaven forbid, worse than Fleur De Lis'! "Monsieur," she said through clipped lips. "I do not believe I have ever been so gravely insulted in all my life. I must return at once."

Blueblood stared at her retreating figure, the smirk he had worn completely gone. Did that just happen? No mare had EVER refused him! He leapt to his hooves and in a matter of strides had his hoof on her shoulder and was turning her rapidly around to face him. "Insulted?" he quickly calmed his tone and forced a smile. "I am sorry my dear, I was only trying to make a joke, I did not mean-"

Fluttershy was able to shrug his hoof off her shoulder and twirl away, stomping back to the costume room. Blueblood stared at her, his mouth wide open. She had spurned him! She had turned away before he had even finished what he had to say…and spurned him! That ungrateful, spoiled, little-

"Monsieur Blueblood?"

Blueblood groaned at the sight of the dance mistress who appeared from nowhere. Fluttershy was getting away before he even had the opportunity to turn the mare around and give her a good harsh shake for insulting him. He watched as she walked further and further away, vowing then and now that he would have the mare, one way or another.

"Monsieur?"

He forced a smile and focused his attention on the matron standing before him. "Madame Luna…how wonderful to see you again."

The mare did not smile at him, only icily handed him a note. "This arrived for you monsieur…I suggest you read it at once." With that, the mare turned away and stalked back to the shadows from which she came.

Although Fluttershy was a good distance ahead of the Prince, she overheard Madame Luna's words about the note. She recalled how Twilight had told her that the Phantom only communicated through notes, and while she was still trying to convince herself that the whole notion of the Phantom of the Opera was ridiculous, she found herself pausing after she turned a corner.

She overheard the Prince mumble some of the words, before cursing and crumbling the note. He threw it on the ground and stomped off in a different direction. Fluttershy waited till the sounds of his footsteps were far off before emerging from her hiding place. She quickly dashed to where he had been standing and picked the crumbled note up off the ground. She smoothed the paper out as best she could, and began to read.

To Prince Blueblood,

Monsieur, I do advise you not to harass the people of my theater. As your interests in opera are extremely limited, I suggest you leave all matters of staff to me…and keep what little understanding you have of the opera business to strictly bucking the prima donna-

Fluttershy gasped at the words and found herself blushing deeply. Was…was it true? She recalled how Fleur De Lis always seemed to throw herself at him…and the mysterious engagements the two of them had while in her dressing room…

She shook her head, not truly wanting to dwell on such things, and continued to read.

-and prancing about like a plumed peacock. Good day. I remain, —O.G.

Fluttershy stared at the initials on the letter for a long time. O.G.–opera ghost. Were the stories true? Was it possible that the Phantom wasn't a myth? But ghosts couldn't write notes…at least none of the ghosts in Fluttershy's novels could. But maybe he truly was a stallion…a mad stallion, living somewhere within this theater, watching all that went on, watching…watching her.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and slowly rose. Earlier, when she believed the stories to be simply stories, she found the idea slightly romantic, while eerie as well. Yet now Fluttershy felt a cold shiver run down her body, and she found herself moving very quickly back to where she had left her work.

"Wait…" she paused. "Madame Luna was the one who delivered the note…she must have written it!" Yes! It made sense; Fluttershy could tell Madame Luna had a cold dislike for the Prince. She must have written the letter, and then initialed it as such to frighten him--or at least upset him--either way it got him to leave.

That was what it was, a letter in the guise of the Phantom's threat. She felt calmer at the thought, yet there was a tiny piece of her that also regretted the reality of it; while the stories she had heard about the Phantom sounded frightening, the idea of a mysterious shadow-clad knight coming to her rescue was very romantic.

"Fluttershy, you really must control your sensibilities!" she scolded herself before hurrying back to the costume room.

Discord smiled wickedly from his hidden rooftop view as he watched an angry Prince Blueblood exit the building. The Prince slammed his hat on top of his shimmering golden mane and stalked toward his carriage. The driver leapt to his feet and opened the door, grimacing when he saw the nobleman's expression.

"Get us out of here!" the Prince ordered, settling back into his carriage and glaring at the Opera House that stood before him. "Make no mistake about it," he muttered to himself. "I will have her."

Discord watched with amusement as the carriage pulled away. He couldn't help but laugh at the whole situation. The sight of the handsome Prince Blueblood being snubbed by a pretty mare was extremely comical to Discord. He leaned against the ghastly stone ponies he was hiding behind and laughed for a good long time, not caring if anyone heard him; it would only convince others further of the legends of the infamous Opera Ghost.

Indeed, the Opera hadn't been this entertaining since…well, since before Fleur De Lis first placed her overgrown hoof on the stage. The costume mare was truly fascinating; she was so unlike the others. Despite the Prince's compliments and good looks, she saw past the whole façade and would have none of his bullying. She was intelligent and courageous, outwitting the Prince and standing up to Fleur De Lis; indeed, he liked this mare very much.

His smile faded at that thought. True, the mare was different compared to the squealing dance trollops, but she was still a pretty face that would scream at the sight of him should he reveal himself. His lips twisted in disgust as he thought about how often he would come to see her while she worked. He supposed the whole ordeal began when the Prince wouldn't leave her alone. He found himself pitying the mare, something he rarely did, and today, when he realized that the son of a bitch was interfering with the young mare's concentration to the point where she was causing injury to herself, he had to intervene.

Discord felt a grin return to his lips as he recalled the Prince's displeasure at the note he ordered Madame Luna to deliver. Prince Blueblood did not believe in the Phantom, he was far too "rational" for such things. However, Discord knew how greatly upsetting it was for the stallion to receive such reminders of the Phantom's existence. His grin grew wider as he thought that one day soon, Blueblood would not be able to deny his very real presence.

The bells of Notre Mane sounded the hour, reminding Discord of the vast amount of work that still needed to be done before the opening gala tomorrow. "Faust" would be the first opera of the season; thank God the managers followed some of his instructions. Indeed, there were still a great many things to be done. If only he could find a soprano to replace the harpy.

That night, Fluttershy barely slept a wink. Her dreams were plagued with a dark figure, cloaked in shadows, calling out her name in a haunting voice, while sweet chilling music played in the distance. She could not see his face, yet she went to him, his voice beckoning to her like a siren's. She tried to touch him, but he would move away. However, she felt his hooves upon her; they were large, rough, a worker's, yet they were also gentle, touching her as if she were a finely tuned instrument waiting to be played for the first time.
Every dream was the same: haunting, chilling, erotic. And when she awoke, she was covered in sweat and her body was throbbing for the touch of her ghost. These thoughts and feelings frightened her, for she had a funny feeling she knew very well who the stallion was in her dreams.

The sun came all too early. Fluttershy groaned when her father came to rouse her out of bed. "Come, we have much to do today…for tonight is the opening gala of the opera season!"

With much reluctance, Fluttershy forced herself out of bed and hurried off with her father to the busy Opera House. The place was a scene of chaos. While the gala would not begin till seven, there was a frantic state to get everything in order. The managers were running here and there, trying to please Fleur De Lis and be sure everything was prepared on stage. Madame Luna worked meticulously with the dance, telling the mares that only perfection would satisfy her. The orchestra rehearsed the entire opera, complete with chorus and one star. Fancypants sang, but Fleur De Lis believed herself to be well beyond ready, and chose to spend the day pampering herself. Meanwhile, Fluttershy carefully added the final touches to Fleur De Lis' costumes and gently laid them out for the over-confident star to change into.

Throughout the day, Fluttershy kept hearing talk about mysterious notes. Dancers and stage hooves gossiped about the letters that were mysteriously arriving by the hour to the managers, demanding perfection for the evening. Fluttershy couldn't help but grin when she heard two dance mares giggling that one letter demanded for Fleur De Lis' understudy to perform instead.

Yet Fluttershy found herself even more confused than before. She spent so much energy the previous day trying to convince herself that the letter Madame Luna had delivered to Prince Bueblood was penned by the cold dance mistress herself. However, there was that small annoying voice in the back of her head that kept telling her it was him, the mysterious Phantom. Now, with talk over all these notes, she found that voice growing louder and louder.

The day went by in a whirl. Before anyone knew it, night had fallen over the Opera House, and slowly, dressed in their elegant silks, linens, and furs, the crème de la crème of Maris society arrived in dazzling carriages. Fluttershy managed to sneak away for a few minutes and watch from a balcony overlooking the grand foyer, the arrival of the toast of society. Her eyes quickly scanned the crowded scene before her and saw no sign of the handsome Prince. She thought it odd that a stallion who patronized the Opera as well as he, would not come to a performance, especially the opening opera of the season. However, she remembered how upset he appeared to be after reading the infamous note. Perhaps it was her words; perhaps she was able to sting him with the truth and he was unable to remove her stinger. She couldn't help but grin a little at that thought.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy's father was back stage tuning his instrument, trying to desperately calm his nerves. He hadn't played before an audience in what felt like centuries, and at last his opportunity had come. He needed to calm down; his hooves were shaking so violently he was afraid he wouldn't be able to properly play! What he truly needed was some fresh air, or at the very least, a brief walk away from the auditorium. While patrons were not yet being seated, he could hear them in the foyer and in their private lounges, clinking glasses of champagne and laughing gaily amongst themselves. Yes, he needed to walk away and mentally prepare himself for this wonderful, yet slightly terrifying opportunity.

"I ain't goin' down there!" muttered a gruff looking stage hoof. Time Turner turned his head to see a group of strong unshaven stage hooves argue over who needed to fetch a prop for the opera.

"Well I ain't doin it!" another said just as fiercely. "Cranky always warned us that if you went down there without permission, you would never return alive! Remember Mr. Breezy? Has anyone seen him since he disappeared below stage a year ago?"

"Well someone has to go down there!" another added. "Flim says they need that piece, that it's vital for the opera-"

"Hang Flim and the whole lot of them! They don't understand the things we risk and put up with here. He wants it so bad? Let him get it!"

Time Turner cleared his throat, and the small group of stallions slowly turned towards him. Their eyes went wide at the sight of the stallion who was asking for their attention. "I beg your pardon gentlecolts, but…I do not understand why there is this fear of simply going below stage to retrieve a simple prop?"

The stallions looked at one another, then back at the old stallion, then at one another again, as if to understand they heard him right. "Don't understand?" one of them asked. "Don't you know about…about…you know, the ghost?"

Time Turner made a sound with his lips that signified disbelief. "Oh come now, I would not think that stallions like you would believe in such ghost stories?"

"They be true stories!" one of the stage hooves argued most gruffly. "I've seen him! He lurks in the shadows, and I was lucky to get away with me life! He had his Punjab lasso with him, and he was going to put it around my neck, when I-"

"When did this happen to you?" one of the stallions asked looking extremely skeptical.

The other who had been telling story became flustered at the question. "W-why…surely you remember, that day…a few months ago, when I didn't come to work? I was sure I told you…"

"I remember that day you didn't show up for work, because you were as drunk as a sewer rat! That's one of Cranky's stories about the Phantom, you lying-"

"GENTLECOLTS!"

All the stage hooves turned to look at the old stallion again, surprised that he had such a voice. Time Turner straightened his shoulders, knowing that anyone of these stallions could squash him like a bug if they wished. Yet he could not believe that such filly stories had this gruff looking lot shaking in their boots. "If none of you are willing to fetch whatever prop this is–what is the prop?"

"A spinning wheel," one of them muttered. "It's been in storage for years, but apparently Fleur De Lis' character needs it."

Time Turner nodded his head. "Very well, since none of you will venture below stage to retrieve this spinning wheel…" he sighed heavily, as he did when he was handling Fluttershy's fears when she was a small filly, "then I will go and fetch it."

The stage hooves stared blankly at Time Turner, as if they weren't quite sure if they heard him correctly. Then, all at once, the whole lot burst into hysterical laughter. "Y-y-you!" one of them said between chuckles. "You old stallion…are going to go below stage…into the Phantom's domain?" They all burst into laughter again.

Time Turner grunted, straightening his shoulders even more and glaring at the buffoons before him. "Yes!" he said with determination, lifting his chin proudly. "I will! I, a violinist, will do the job of a stage hoof, the job of stallions who are too afraid of the dark!"

They all kept laughing. "You w-w-would be afraid too, if you k-k-knew w-w-what was down t-there!"

Time Turner shook his head and turned on his heel. "Which way do I go?" he asked, looking for a door that would lead him away. The stallions's laughter rose to new levels at this question.

Time Turner despised being laughed at, especially by ponies who looked at him and thought him inferior. His beloved wife's family, were no different. Even when he announced to his own family that he was going to become a renowned violinist, he was met with laughter. Only Fluttershy, his beloved child, believed in his dreams. And she knew that when he was determined, he could be most foolish, due to his stubborn pride.

So naturally, when these stallions continued to laugh at him over and over again, he felt his pride rising along with his stubbornness, and knew that he had to fetch this silly spinning wheel to prove that he, a old stallion, was not afraid of any figment. So he set off, spying a door that he was sure led below stage, marched over to it, and turned one last time to look at his laughing companions.

It was slowly beginning to die down, as they looked at him before he descended the darkened steps beyond the door. "I'll return soon with your precious prop," Time Turner snapped, before taking a deep breath and stepping through the dark passageway.

No one was laughing now. For deep within their hearts, the stage hoofs knew, especially after they exchanged worried glances amongst themselves, that the old stallion had descended to his death.
> Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darkness

It was dark below stage. Darker than the velvet black curtains that hid the back stage world. Time Turner was slowly beginning to regret his decision to fetch this silly spinning wheel that no one until now had thought to retrieve. After all, it wasn't his job, he should have made one of those stage hooves come with him. But a stallion's pride could also be the bane of his existence, and Time Turner knew that he had let his foolish stubborn pride bring him to this dark netherworld. If Fluttershy knew what he was doing and why…oh he would never hear the end of it.

"I should have brought a light," Time Turner muttered, his hooves reaching out to touch…anything really. "So this is what it's like to be blind…" he whispered to himself, not liking it one bit. He continued a few more steps before sighing and stopping himself. This was foolish, damn foolish, and he had a job to do as a violinist. Wasting his time below stage seeking something that he couldn't even see, let alone having no clue where to find the spinning wheel, was a horrible idea. Best that he turn around and head back–

"Ow!" Time Turner stumbled backwards after hitting the hard surface. Did he just walk into a wall? But…how could that be? He had just come from that direction, all he had done was turn around…

"Strange," he muttered, rubbing his forehead and attempting to side step the wall or hard object he had hit. The problem was…there was no where to side step. "How?" He kept trying to go around the wall, but it was as if the wall just kept on going! "What's going on?" he asked, his voice rising with panic as he attempted to move again, but kept coming in contact with a hard unseen barrier.

Time Turner turned a different direction, hoping somehow he could find his way back…but it too was blocked off. "What the devil…?" he was completely stunned. He knew there wasn't a wall there before, but somehow…it had appeared! It was like…he was slowly being boxed in…

"HELLO?" he cried. "CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?"

Silence.

"HELLO? I NEED HELP! I'M TRAPPED DOWN HERE-"

Hoofsteps. He heard hoofsteps slowly approaching. "Oh thank goodness," he muttered, his hoof patting his chest gently to ease his heart. "Hello? I'm afraid I'm stuck, can you-"

The hoofsteps paused. Time Turner listened closely, but not a sound was being made. "Hello?" Faintly at first, but growing ever so slowly, was the sound of heavy breathing. Time Turner swallowed a rather large lump in his throat, his hoof trembling as it patted his chest. "H-h-hello?"

The breathing continued, and it was different now. It was as if there were several ponies breathing. And it seemed to be coming from all around him. Time Turner attempted to remain calm, but found it extremely difficult. "N-n-now s-s-see here…" he said while mustering up some courage. "If you're n-n-not going to help me…t-t-then you best leave…"

There was a long silence…until a voice, low, gruff, and deep, muttered, "You shouldn't be down here…"

Time Turner gasped and found himself backing up against the mysterious wall. "W-w-who are you?" he demanded.

"You're a trespasser," the gruff voice accused. "We don't like trespassers…"

Time Turner clutched his heart. "W-w-w-we?"

"L-l-l-leave h-h-him alone, R-r-rainbow Dash!"

"Stay out of this Derpy! You know the Master's rules about trespassers! Or do you want to return to the carnival?"

The other voice began wailing in fear. Time Turner couldn't see a thing, but the studdering voice sounded like a young female, strange indeed. He flattened himself as much as he could against the wall.

"There was no need for that, Rainbow Dash," a new voice warned. This voice was also gruff, yet not nearly as frightening as the last. The new voice then began to speak tenderly to the wailing figure.

"Don't lecture me, Shortround! I'll speak to her as I please! Besides, she's always like this whenever somepony-"

"She's a child, Rainbow Dash! Or very much like one…she doesn't understand."

Time Turner heard a scoffing sound, and assumed it came from the voice named "Rainbow Dash". "She should know better! And if she thinks I'm frightening, wait till the Master discovers she allowed a trespasser to go-"

The wailing grew ever louder. Through the wailing, Time Turner could hear both comforting and swearing. He felt along the wall, hoping to find something that would set him free from this dark frightening prison, but it was all in vain.

"All of you, stop this at once!" A new voice emerged, calm, older, another female?

"Rarity-"

"No Rainbow Dash, you listen to me…" she icily snapped. "I'm tired of all this bloodshed; I'm tired of this whole mess. What is this stallion's crime?"

There was a gasping sound, almost as if someone was shocked by the mere question. "What has he done? He's trespassing! You know the Master's rules!"

Before Time Turner knew what was happening, he found himself speaking to the darkness. "I…I d-d-didn't mean to trespass. I swear, I came down to find a prop for tonight's opera. A spinning wheel…please, I didn't mean to offend."

There was a pause, before the mare's voice spoke again. "Put on your shrouds," she ordered.

"WHAT?" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Put…on…your…shrouds!" she hissed, her words clipped and even.

There was a shuffling sound, as if someone were moving quickly. The sound was interrupted by Rainbow Dash's protest. "Am I the only one who cares about what happens to us? Am I the only one who share's the master's feelings on this matter? Have you all so easily forgotten what the carnival was like?"

The wailing began to start again, but the mare's voice quickly silenced both. "Go then Rainbow Dash, go and be gone. I will take responsibility."

Time Turner listened as the hoofsteps vanished somewhere in the darkness, and the wailing came to a series of sniffles. Without warning, a light flickered, and an oil lamp appeared, illuminating the small space.

The light hurt his eyes, and Time Turner peered through the shadows, attempting to see who held the light. He gasped when he saw two shrouded creatures before him, a Pegasus with a severe hunch who only had a face cover, and the other he could not say, for the body was completely covered, but certainly smaller than the other.. "Come monsieur, we will show you what you are looking for…and a different way out."

Time Turner was almost too shocked by what had happened and was taking place before him. The smaller shrouded figure gestured for him to follow. "You can't go back that way monsieur, believe me. And if you wish to escape, you had best follow Derpy and me."

"I…I…" he was stumbling over his words, trying to find his voice but to no avail. Who were these ponies? What was going on? And…who was this mysterious "master" they kept referring to?

The smaller shrouded figure gave an exasperated sigh, then came forward and grasped his arm tightly. "Monsieur, you must follow us." The words were clipped, and it suddenly occurred to Time Turner that the voice of the smaller figure was the mare's voice he had heard earlier. "My name is Rarity, and we shall lead you out of here." He didn't say anything, simply nodded his head and allowed the mare to pull him by the arm.

The larger bent over figure grunted, and began to follow from behind. Time Turner swallowed the growing lump in his throat, unsure what to think or believe, and wondering if he was truly safe.

As if reading his thoughts, the small mare said, "Have no fear monsieur, Derpy is quite harmless."

The bent over figure who was following started to laugh at the words, but it was a filly's laugh, one full of merriment and excitement. "D-do you know g-g-gypsies?"

Time Turner was thrown back by the question that Derpy had asked. "W-w-what?" he asked, still being dragged by the small mare, but attempting to turn and face the bent over pony.

"Gypsies! I…I k-know a s-s-story…with a b-beautiful g-g-gypsy mare!" she stammered happily.

Rarity sighed. "Ever since I told Derpy the story about the hunchback and the gypsy girl, she dreams of meeting gypsies."

Time Turner nodded his head, but he was at a loss for words. It was as if…as if these ponies led normal lives and discussed normal things…yet lived below the Opera House!

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of something scraping along the hard earthen floor. "W-w-w-what was that?" Time Turner asked, trying to calm his voice.

"Shortround," Rarity said simply.

It was so matter of fact that Time Turner felt foolish for asking. "W-w-why can't I s-s-see him?"

Derpy was quick to answer. "Shortround i-is a dwarf! He-"

"Derpy!" Rarity barked. Derpy instantly shrank back. They continued on, although Time Turner found himself in deeper confusion with horrific images flying through his mind. A dwarf? And these two in shrouds? What sort of place was this!

"Here we are!" Rarity announced, after what seemed like a short eternity through twisting tunnels and dark caverns. The shuffling sound that the small mare had identified as "Shortround" moved quickly to a ladder behind them. "You would never have found the spinning wheel without our help I'm afraid," the mare announced. "I've been using it to make clothes," she explained. "I often forget that I must share the props with the actual Opera House," she chuckled, to which Derpy joined her.

Time Turner gasped when he saw the spinning wheel being lowered by a rope from overhead. "Ah! Thank you Shortround!" the mare said brightly. "I'm not very good at climbing, but he's wonderful," she quickly explained.

Time Turner simply nodded his head, the lump in his throat never allowing speech to come through. "Derpy, I want you to hold this, and mind the spindle," Rarity instructed, handing the large creature the prop Time Turner had come to find.

"If I'm n-not c-c-careful, I m-may fall asleep for h-h-hundreds of years! J-just like t-the s-story!"

Rarity nodded her shrouded head to Derpy's words. "Exactly, so be very careful." She then turned back to Time Turner. "Now monsieur, we shall find you a way out-"

A great gust of cold wind blew through the tunnel, knocking the oil lamp Rarity had been holding out of her hoof, the flame disappearing into the shadows. Darkness enveloped the cavern, and Derpy gave a cry of anguish, before dropping the spinning wheel and rushing past Time Turner, her large body causing the old stallion to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

"Master!" Rarity cried. "Please, allow us to explain, this stallion simply came to retrieve-"

Her words were cut short by a roar of rage. "TRESPASSER!"

Time Turner gasped at the sound. He had never heard anything like it! It…it barely sounded pony!

"You did this Rainbow Dash!" accused the voice of Shortround, who was speaking overhead.

Rainbow Dash's voice filled the cavern, responding to Shortround's accusation. "He would have learned sooner or later! And you know the rules! See, master? I was against it all alo-"

"SILENCE!"

Both Rainbow Dash and Shortround shrank away, and the only sounds Time Turner could hear were heavy steps, and his own heartbeat, ringing loudly in his ears.

He was trembling, clutching his chest again, attempting to back away, yet still the steps approached closer, louder, each sound more ominous than the last. He wanted to plead for his life, beg forgiveness, anything that would wake him from this nightmare!

There was a menacing pause, and then, with hot breath hitting his face, Time Turner heard the most frightening voice that had ever filled his ears. "Who are you..." the voice was a hiss. A hiss that would shame a snake and make anypony plea for his life. "…and what are you doing here?"

"I…I…I j-j-just w-w-w-wanted…"

"Do you know what I do with trespassers?" the voice asked, in a menacing tone.

"I…I d-d-didn't mean to t-t-t-trespass! I…I j-j-just w-w-wanted…p-please!"

"Master!" Rarity's voice interceded. "He did not know the rules, he is new, I've never seen-"

"I KNOW WHO HE IS!" the dark voice snapped. "And I know that he knows my rules."

Time Turner had no idea who this pony, or maybe not even that, more like a monster was…but a horrifying feeling was filling him and causing his whole body to convulse and tremble with the cold knowledge. "P-p-please…"

"You know the rules…" the voice hissed. "And yet you disobeyed. You just wanted to come and see the Phantom…didn't you?" the sound of sinister glee rose with each word. Time Turner attempted to shake his head, but he was scared stiff. A sudden flicker of light illuminated the cavern floor. "Well…I wouldn't want to disappoint…" The light rose off the floor, higher and higher, until Time Turner's eyes widened with horror at the sight illuminated before him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite the noise of the crowded foyer and auditorium, those that worked back stage jumped at the sound of the old stallion's screams.

"I swear! I could KILL that stallion!" Flam shouted in frustration.
Flim paled at the words of his colleague, quickly signaling for Flam to lower his voice. "Quiet! The last thing we need is for Fleur…or the Prince for that matter, to learn that something is amiss!"

Flam threw a hoof up in the air in exasperation. "How could he do this to us Flim? After allowing both him and his mouse of a daughter jobs in our theater! How could he do this to us?"

"Calm yourself Flam," Flim attempted.

Flam however was going to be anything but calm. "What are we going to do? We need that violin! Fleur de Lis sings with a violin solo during Act II! No one else knows that solo but Time Turner!" Flam began pacing. "It's just like Caramel! He's disappeared! He's taken our money and he's left, without a word, without a reason, without-"

Flim marched up to the stallion and slapped him hard across the face. "Get a hold of yourself!" he hissed, before glancing to the side to see if anyone saw them. The two managers were back stage after being called by Madam Octavia, the orchestra conductor. Octavia filled the mangers' ears with a litany of complaints, all centering around the fact that Time Turner was nowhere to be seen, no one could find him or knew where he was, and the opera had been delayed for ten minutes!

Fleur de Lis was pacing angrily, wondering what the trouble was, and indeed, out in the auditorium, the patrons were beginning to grow restless. After learning the news, Flam and Flim found themselves panicking, wondering what should be done--besides firing Time Turner, once he was found.

Madame Luna had already been sent to fetch Fluttershy, who was hard at work with preparing a frustrated Fleur de Lis. "I'm sure the mare knows what's become of the stallion," Flim attempted to reassure his business partner.

Flam was less convinced. "And if not? Then what? We still need to start the opera! These ponies paid good money! We can't lose that money! This is the first performance of the season! We'll be ruined if-"

Flim slapped Flam again. "Shut up!" he hissed. The two suddenly realized they were being watched and turned to see a bewildered and somewhat pale Fluttershy standing beside the dance mistress.

"I was told you wanted to speak with me?" she asked, her voice timid for she feared something was wrong.

Flim cleared his throat and nodded his head, his eyes holding hers. "When did you last see your father, mademoiselle?"

Fluttershy's already pale face turned even whiter. "My father?" her tone was high and full of worry. Madame Luna placed a reassuring hoof on the mare's shoulders to calm her. Fluttershy looked back and forth between the two managers. "What's happened? Is he alright? What's wrong?"

"Mademoiselle, please remain calm," Flim whispered, attempting to remain calm himself. "Madam Octavia has not seen him since earlier this evening, before any patrons were seated. And…well, as you very well know, we need him to play that violin piece, and no can find him-"

"He's missing?" Fluttershy practically shrieked. Flim placed a hoof to her lips to silence her.

"Hush! We can not have a scene! We-"

But it was too late. Fleur de Lis, looking more exasperated than ever, waltzed over to the managers with Fancypants close behind. "WELL?" she screeched. "What are we waiting for?"

"Senora, please, you must keep your voice down-"

"I WILL DO AS I PLEASE WHEN I PLEASE, AND I WILL SPEAK AS I PLEASE!" she barked. "Now tell me…what is going on?"

Mustering up as much calmness as he could, Flam stepped forward to explain. "It appears Monsieur Time Turner is missing, and we are-"

"MISSING?" she shrieked. Wincing with pain from the sharpness of her voice, both the managers nodded their heads. Fleur de Lis eyed them coldly, before turning on her heel. "Then fire him! And start the overture!"

"What?" Fluttershy shouted, staring at Fleur de Lis in horror. "You can't fire him! Something is wrong! He would never miss a performance! We must find him! Please! He…oh no, he could be hurt! Lying somewhere and no one can hear him!" hot tears of fear and worry were streaming down Fluttershy's cheeks.

"Who gives a damn!" Fleur de Lis spat.

Silence filled the small space. Silence…and then the sound of Fluttershy walking up to Fleur de Lis and without warning, throwing her hoof directly into the mare's eye. "YOU DESPICABLE UNTALENTED HEARTLESS TOAD!" Fluttershy shouted, her hoof wailing at the screaming prima donna who was pleading for Fancypants to save her. Everyone was frozen in shock at the scene before them, and it took a blood curdling scream from Fleur de Lis before anypony responded by pulling the angry costume mare off the sobbing soprano.

"Mademoiselle! Control yourself!" Flim shouted. Madame Luna pulled Fluttershy away from the managers and wrapped her arms around the mare who was trembling and sobbing with anger and worry for her father.

Fancypants helped Fleur de Lis up, cooing over her, to which she pushed him away. "That little BITCH better be gone by the time the first act is finished!" she spat. "Ugh! My make-up is ruined! My hair!" she wailed as she stalked off. Flim and Flam stared at the retreating figure of their beloved star, unsure what to say or do, but any thoughts on that matter were quickly gone when an usher appeared.

"Pardon me, but…the Prince is here and is growing impatient and says the opera should start, or he will demand…his money back," the stallion whispered in horror.

Both managers paled at those words of doom. "Tell Madam Octavia to start the overture RIGHT NOW!" Flam ordered.

Flim turned to the sobbing costume mare who was still being held closely by the dance mistress. He sighed and locked eyes with the older mare. "Madame Luna, if…you would please escort Mademoiselle Fluttershy out," he whispered. Madame Luna simply returned Flim's words with a cold stare. The managers turned and left, leaving the two mares behind.

"There, there, child, it will be alright…" the dance mistress soothed.

Fluttershy pushed away from the mare. "Alright? I…I just hit Fleur de Lis! I've lost my job! My father is missing! And…and I just cost him his opportunity at achieving his dream!"

Madame Luna knew that no amount of reassuring words would help Fluttershy. She sighed and found herself glaring into the shadows. She knew Discord was to blame for the stallion's disappearance, she only prayed that the Phantom showed some small amount of compassion and had let the old stallion live. Yet she highly doubted it.

The notes of the overture rose into the air, and the lights dimmed and the sound of applause filled the auditorium as the curtains slowly opened. Madame Luna took hold of Fluttershy's shoulders and forced the mare to look at her. "I will help you, but you must listen carefully to what I say," she whispered. "Right now, I have to help with the performance of this opera. If I don't, more disaster may occur. But as soon as it is over, I will…make inquiries…"

Fluttershy's brow furrowed at the mare's words. Inquiries? What did she mean? Yet before she could open her mouth to ask, the dance mistress continued. "You must trust me Fluttershy, I will learn what has happened and find him, I promise you. In the meantime, it would be best if you went home."

"But-"

"Please, I know this must sound confusing, but you must trust me on this. You should go home before Fleur de Lis has another fit."

Fluttershy felt numb. Was this really happening? She nodded her head to the mare's words, who smiled warmly at her, with a dash of sympathy, before turning and leaving the costume mare alone in the shadows of the back stage.

Fleur de Lis's harpy-like voice filled the auditorium, and Fluttershy found herself seething with anger. She had never met anyone in her whole life that she wished more ill will upon. And the louder Fleur de Lis sang, the more the anger boiled within Fluttershy. No, she would find her father, she would find him right now! And…she had an odd feeling…

The smell of tobacco filled her nostrils and she turned her head to see three stagehooves chuckling amongst themselves. The odd feeling grew more and more…

"You!" she hissed, approaching them without a thought or care that they could snap her in two if she angered them enough. "You know something about my father, when did you last see him!"

They stared at her, amazed at her boldness to approach them with such a tone, and found themselves somewhat intimidated. "W-w-what?" one of them asked.

"Monsieur Time Turner! My father! The violinist! Have you seen him at all?" she demanded.
They glanced back and forth between themselves and looked back at her, their faces contorting with worry. "What? Tell me!" she demanded, knowing they knew something.

One of them sighed and shook his head. "We tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen. He was too stubborn."

Fluttershy grabbed the stallion by his shoulders and shook him hard, despite her much smaller frame. The stallion found himself amazed by the mare's strength. "TELL ME!"

The stallion shook Fluttershy's hooves off him. "He went below!" he grunted. "Down…down there…" he pointed to a door just a few feet away. "I'm sorry mademoiselle, but…he's gone."

"G-g-gone?" Fluttershy asked, her voice trembling, not wanting to hear what she knew they were going to tell her.

"No one is allowed down there without the Phantom's permission. Everypony knows that. We warned him, over and over…but he wouldn't listen."

Fluttershy stared at the door while the stallions spoke. "I'm sorry mademoiselle, but…you'll never see your father again."

"NO!" Fluttershy shouted, stalking over to the door and gripping the handle with both hooves before pulling it open. "I'll find him and I'll bring him back," she swore.

The stallions stared at her. "Mademoiselle, you can't be serious? The Phantom! He'll…he'll kill you if you go down there-"

"TO HELL WITH THE PHANTOM!" Fluttershy cried out angrily. "I don't care…I'm going to find my father." She grabbed one of the lit oil lamps that was back stage and disappeared into the darkness, closing the door behind her.

The stage hooves stared in shock at the closed door. The costume mare was surely doomed, just like her violinist father. The Phantom never showed mercy, everypony knew that. The stage hooves began to pray for the soul of the brave mare who had just entered the mouth of hell.
> Choices
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Choices

The clang of the stage door closing behind her sounded like an iron gate that was locking her in. Fluttershy stood silent for a moment, holding the oil lamp with a shaky hoof and observing the never-ending darkness that stood before her. She was alone; no one chose to follow her for they were too afraid, and Fluttershy could hear a tiny voice in her head telling her how foolish it was for her to go into the unknown all by herself.

But her father needed her. He was down here somewhere, she could feel it. He could be hurt, he could be trapped, he could be lost in the shadows. She had to find him, she had to save him, he was all she had left in the world.

Fluttershy took a deep breath and reached up to touch a rusty locket that hung around her neck. The metal was tarnished and beyond repair, but the picture inside was of her mother, and it was all Fluttershy had left of the mare. She said a silent prayer and with it, ventured into the dark unknown.

"She's…she's here!" Derpy cried out happily. Despite her size, she was jumping around like a joyful filly at Christmas, clumping her hooves and grinning madly.
Rarity, who had fallen asleep near the spinning wheel that only a little while ago they had gone to fetch, awoke with a start to Derpy’s jovial dancing. "S-s-s-she's here, R-r-r-rarity!" she stuttered, grasping the mare and twirling her around. "S-s-she's come a-a-at last!"

Rarity squealed when she felt her hooves lift off the ground. "Derpy! Put me down at once!" she cried, preferring to be dropped than crushed to death by the exuberant pony. Derpy blushed and then immediately placed the mare back on the ground, but her grin never disappeared. Rarity straightened herself. "What on earth are you talking about?"

Derpy found herself dancing again. "T-t-the gypsy mare! I…I know it's h-h-her!"

Rarity sighed, regretting telling her that story in the first place, especially since she lied about the ending. "Derpy, that's only a story, there is no-"

"NO!" she shouted, her smile disappearing. "I s-s-saw her! S-s-she's here! S-s-she's wandering near the old p-p-p-prop r-r-room!"

Rarity stared up at Derpy, her brow furrowed. She knew Derpy could get carried away with the stories she read to her, but this time was different. She could tell by simply looking into her eyes that it was true, she had seen a mare, and that the mare she had seen…was here.

"Near the old prop room?" she asked, feeling her hooves carry her away from the cavern they had been occupying. Derpy simply nodded her head before giggling again. Rarity was glad that she was so happy, but her blood ran cold at the thought of the innocent mare becoming another victim of Discord's booby traps…or of Discord's rage. "Come Derpy," she whispered. "Take me to her."

In a further cavern, Shortround sat by candlelight reading quietly. Rainbow Dash was sitting a few feet away, sharpening a knife on an old piece of leather. Now and then she would glance at the stallion, rolling her eyes as she watched Shortround lean close to the book he held.
"How many times have you read that stupid thing?" Rainbow Dash asked irritably. Shortround made no comment. "Waste of time," Rainbow Dash grunted.

Without lifting his head, Shortround muttered, "I have nothing to say to you, so continue sharpening your toy and leave me to read in peace."

Rainbow Dash cast Shortround an angry glare. "What's wrong with you?"

"You mean besides the countless times you mock me?" Shortround muttered, without looking up. "How about…you running to the Master to tattle on the rest of us?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and rose to her hooves. "The stallion was a trespasser! Does that not mean anything to you?" she threw her front legs up in frustration. "Tell me something Shortround, did you like the carnival? Did you like performing for those clops and being called names? Because I know I didn't! And I am never going back there!"

Shortround sighed. "The stallion only wanted a spinning wheel-"

"And the second he came back to the surface, he would tell everypony about us down here and a mob would be after us in a second! Think what you like Shortround, but you're wrong! I for one share the Master's feelings, I for one will not go against the Master's orders! I-"

"Papa?"

The word was soft and distant, but it rang out loud and clear and both were silenced immediately upon hearing it.

"W-w-w-what was that?" Rainbow Dash asked, whirling her head around the cavern.

Silence, and then another call. "Papa?" This time it sounded closer.

"Sounds like…a mare?"

"A MARE!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, her eyes widening with horror. "Are we to have no peace? How are these ponies finding us!"

"Quiet!" Shortround ordered. Both he and Rainbow Dash moved to a crack in the cavern wall, peering out to see if the voice was coming from that direction.

Sure enough, after a few seconds, a small light appeared in the distance, and with it, another cry. "Papa? Can you hear me? Are you there?"

"It is a mare…" Shortround whispered.

"I KNOW WHAT IT IS!" Rainbow Dash exploded. "WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS HOW DO WE GET RID OF HER!"

Shortround winced to Rainbow Dash's cries, and then paled when he heard, "Papa? Is that…you?"

"See what you've done!" Shortround hissed. "She's heading this way!"

"No…I…I'm not going back there…I'm never going back there!" Rainbow Dash mumbled, stepping back frantically and stumbling.

"Get a hold of yourself!"

But it was no use. Despite Shortround's attempt to calm her, Rainbow Dash rose to her hooves and immediately took off down a dark passage wailing for the Master. Damn! "Papa?" Shortround froze; the voice was nearly there! He quickly moved himself away, leaving his book and candle behind.

Fluttershy heard the sound of…hooves? She wasn't sure, but she quickly followed the sound, especially as she heard the sound moving faster. "Wait!" she cried out. "Please, I'm trying to find my father-"

She entered the cavern and saw the small candle glowing as brightly as it could, lying next to an open book. Somepony was here. It could have been her father, but…why would he run from her? The shuffling sound echoed off a cavern wall, coming from a dark tunnel; Fluttershy took off after it. "Papa! Please! Don't run away, I just want to find my father, Monsieur Time Turner! Please! I-"

"F-f-fluttershy?"

Fluttershy froze as her father's voice filled her ears. He was alive. He was HERE! "PAPA!" she cried, whirling around the darkness, trying to find him. She lifted her lamp, which was quickly running out of oil, to try and spot him. His voice sounded so faint, she could hear his ragged breathing, which was interrupted by violent coughs. "Papa, where are you? I can't see…"

"It…doesn't…matter!" he said through his coughs. "You must…get yourself out of here!"

She continued to look around, and finally, in a tiny corner of the stone floor, she saw a small iron grate, and her father's hooves clinging to the bars. "PAPA!" she cried, rushing over to the bars and immediately grasping a hold of the cold iron and attempting to force it open.

It was hopeless, the bars were too strong, and it was clear that the tiny door was locked. She looked down at her father, horrified to see him lying on his back in such a tiny space. His face was hidden by shadows, but his hooves gripped the bars with all his strength. He was wet too, his body barely rising out of dark murky water that surrounded his prison. The space so was tiny, it was as if he were…buried.

"Fluttershy-"

"Who's done this to you?" she asked angrily, placing the lamp down and seeking out a hairpin. She remembered from one of the gothic novels her mother had read to her about a mare who picked a lock with only a hairpin. She prayed that that part of the story was true.

"There's no time my dear, you must leave, now!"

"No! I'm not going to leave you down here to waste away in the earth!" she went to work with picking the lock, cursing the bitter cold for making her hooves clumsy.

"Fluttershy, please, if you love me, you'll leave this place! He'll be here any second!"

"Who?" she asked, not stopping one second with the lock. It was the only way she could avoid allowing the fear to overtake her.

"The Phantom! He's real, Fluttershy! He'll kill you for sure! He's-"

"…right behind you."

Fluttershy froze. The voice was dark, lower than anything she had ever heard, and every hair on her coat stood on end at the deep growl that reverberated around the cavern walls. Before she could begin to turn her head, a claw grabbed her by the shoulder and whirled her around, so rapidly, that her oil lamp broke and she was encased in shadows.

"W-w-w-who's there! What do you want with us?"

She could hear movement, and felt a soft wind hit her face with each step. "Who am I?" his voice was a deep sinister growl that sent freezing shivers down her spine. "Your father knows…"

"RUN FLUTTERSHY! SAVE YOURSELF!" the old stallion shouted.

Fluttershy had never felt so frightened. She found herself reaching for the locket of her mother and pressing it tightly into her neck. She wanted to run, she wanted to flee for her life, but she couldn't abandon her father! She prayed for courage, prayed for resourcefulness, prayed for anything to have this…creature, show mercy upon both she and her father. "Please let my father go…" she whispered. "He didn't mean any harm, it was all a mistake-"

"MISTAKE?" he shouted, causing the cavern walls to shake. "HE KNEW THE RULES! NO PONY IS ALLOWED DOWN HERE! NO PONY!"

Fluttershy wailed, throwing her hooves over her head, afraid a piece of rock would come crashing down and hit her. The movement continued, and Fluttershy bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry. She had to show courage! "P-please…" she whispered. "My father…he'll catch his death if he stays in there…"

A dark menacing chuckle came from the Phantom's lips. "Catch his death?" he chuckled some more. "My dear…I am death."

The chuckles were more than Fluttershy could take. She found her own anger flaring up at the sound of the laughter, at the sound of someone mocking her concern for the life of another being. She bolted to her hooves and squared her shoulders. "You want to punish somepony so badly for breaking your rules? Fine! TAKE ME!"

The Phantom's laughter ceased. There was a long pause of silence before Time Turner cried in protest. "Fluttershy! W-w-what are you saying? Don't do this!"

The Phantom looked at the mare before him. After years of living in darkness his eyes had adapted to the point of where he could see clearly through shadow. Indeed, he had never seen the costume mare like this. She was small; the top of her head would come just to his chest. But she was no waif-like creature. She looked strong for somepony so small, and his eyes began raking up and down her body. She wore a simple dull blue dress, which lacked lace and ruffles. She was not thin, but deliciously curved; indeed, he could not help himself from gazing at her chest which rose and fell with every breath. Her hair was a vibrant pink, cascading down her shoulders and back in beautiful waves that seemed to have a life of their own. Her beautiful face was a natural beauty, with rosy cheeks that lacked the over-zealous amount of make-up that Fleur De Lis threw upon herself. Her coat was a mellow and soft yellow with wings that were pert and well formed, though they were small enough that they were probably not useable.  Her eyes were wild, a light blue, that right now held a fire within them. Of course he knew she was spirited, he had witnessed that several times now since she came to his theater. Indeed…having her as his personal slave was not an idea he was against. He moved around her, knowing she could not see him, but enjoying how she looked for him whenever she felt the breeze billowing off his cape. "Do you know what you are asking?" he whispered darkly.

Fluttershy lifted her chin. "Yes."

"Are you sure?" he asked, his claws reaching out and with the touch that felt like a soft wind, brushing against her hair. "Because there's no going back. You do this, you can never return. You'll be mine…forever."

Fluttershy felt a lump rise in her throat. Trapped for all eternity in this hell, with no sunlight, no love…nothing. But a protesting cough that escaped her father's lips resolved Fluttershy's decision.

"I promise you," she said with a shaky voice, pressing against the locket tightly. "I will stay and take his place."

"NO FLUTTERSHY! NO!"

The Phantom breathed out a heavy sigh, amazed that he had been on tenterhooks while awaiting her decision. "Then it's done," he growled, removing a key from his pocket and quickly unlocking the small prison door that contained her father.

Fluttershy crumpled to the floor, gasping as the weight of what just took place overcame her. She had agreed to be this creature's prisoner, his…his slave, for…who knows what. She trembled at the thought and felt the bile rise in her throat.

"Fluttershy! What have you done?" she felt her father's arms envelope her from behind, and she turned to cling to him. "I'm an old stallion who has lived his life, and you're still young with so much ahead of you! Please, don't do this, I-"

He was yanked out of her arms violently by the unseen Phantom before Fluttershy had the opportunity to say anything. "Wait!" she cried to the darkness, her hooves seeking out her father, but finding nothing. "Please! Let me say goodbye!" But her pleas fell on death ears.

"RAINBOW DASH!" the Phantom bellowed. The mare immediately appeared, and the Phantom pushed the old stallion into her arms. "Take him away," he growled.

"NO! Please! Spare my daughter! Take me back!" Time Turner wailed.

Rainbow Dash was still in shock. "T-t-t-take him away? You mean…release him? Master, are you sure that's wise?"

One glare from the Phantom said everything  Rainbow Dash needed to know. She quickly dragged the screaming old stallion away, leaving the Phantom alone with his silent captive.

Fluttershy was numb. She lay in a crumpled heap on the cavern floor, her breathing slow and uneven. Did this just happen? Did not that morning her father rouse her out of bed, happy and excited for the opening gala that would be taking place? Was it not a week ago that they had come to Maris with such high hopes? She had lost her father; she had lost everything she had ever dreamed for. She was truly alone.

The Phantom looked at the mare who lay on the floor before him. She seemed so small and fragile compared to the other times he had seen her. The spirit he admired was gone. He had at least expected the mare to be lost in hysterics, sobbing endlessly or attacking him with what strength she had. But this was not what he expected, this mute shell of a mare. She simply lay there, lifeless, save for the odd sounds that her breathing made.

Now what? Should he approach her? If he did, what then? The prison he had placed the old stallion was an ancient torture chamber where the victim was boxed in a tiny space, while water slowly flooded into the area, bringing the agonizing reality that the pony trapped would soon drown. He couldn't put her in there, although she was a trespasser and deserved death like all the others. But he had never killed a mare; frightened a few into insanity he was sure, but he had never killed one.

Clearly he hadn't thought this plan through, however, to his credit, it had landed upon him out of nowhere. He had to do something with her, he just couldn't leave her there with the opportunity to escape; she would wind up killing herself from one of his elaborate booby traps.

Mares; he was beginning to understand why he never got involved with them; they were too much of a hassle to try and figure out what to do with!

"Rarity," he muttered. The mare appeared at the sound of her name. "Take the mare…to the Southern chamber."

Rarity stared up at him. "But Master…that's where the costume cages are kept-"

"Exactly," he simply said. "Place her in one of those until I decide what to do with her. Or at least till the opera is finished."

Rarity couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You're going back to the opera?"

The Phantom looked down at the little mare, wondering why the shock in her voice. "It's opening night Rarity; I must see that everything is going as it should."

"BUT…THE MARE!" she shouted. Fluttershy still lay lifeless on the ground, not even flinching to the conversation taking place. "Master…you cannot leave, not like this at least. We must…we must do something; she's only a filly, look at her! She's just lost her father and freedom-"

"THEN SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE TRESPASSED!" he growled harshly. Rarity jumped and took a step back, not wishing to anger Discord more than he already was. That was one ill fate she did not wish on the poor mare. He groaned and ran a paw through his short brown hair. "Do as I say…take her to the Southern cavern, lock her in one of the cages, and after the opera, I will be down to see her."

"Yes Master," she whispered. Satisfied, Discord turned to leave, but a soft small voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Before you go…" came the faint voice of the costume mare, "…I have but one favor to ask…" A death-like silence filled the cavern. "…let me look upon my captor…so that I may know the monster to which I gave my life away to."

Her words were bitter, filled with anger and hatred. It was expected, but Discord had no pity for the mare, it was her decision and she gave her word. It was too late for her. And because of this reason, he had no problem granting her meek request. Without a word, he lit a match and walked over to the far side of the cavern wall. Every cavern had a candleholder, and Discord proceeded to light it, his back to the costume mare.

As the light slowly illuminated the cavern, Fluttershy peered through the shadows and began to make out a shape, it was tall, thin, and black. She realized that the blackness belonged to his cape that hung from his nonexsistant shoulders all the way to his ankles. Slowly, so slowly, he turned, revealing more of himself to her eyes. His body was too long and thin to be a ponies. She squinted, thinking she could see something more in the darkness. "Come into the light and remove your cape…" she whispered.

Without any word, he slowly moved his body forward and lifted his head to where the candlelight was streaming. She saw amber eyes, like that of a panther, glaring back into hers.  His face looked like that of a pony, his left cheek of any stallion; rough and hinted with a few age lines around the mouth and eye. But it was the other half of his face that caused her eyes to widen and her heart to stop. The paleness she had seen earlier belonged to a mask; a smooth off-white mask that covered the right side of his face from the corner of his mouth all the way up to his forehead. His body seemed a mismatch of many different parts. He was much different from anypony she had seen, a deer antler on the right of his head as one horn and a goat horn on the left. His mouth held one long fang, a snake tongue, and a goat beard. His right arm was that of a lion, the left a claw of an eagle, with the right leg of a lizard, and the left leg of a goat. He even had a bat's right wing, a Pegasus' left wing, a horse's mane and a dragon-like snake's tail with a white tail tuft. The shape of his body resembled that of a snake. She was frozen in terror at this monstrously mysterious creature. It was true…everything she heard from the stage hooves and the dancers; the Phantom was real. 

Discord held his arms out from his side, as if displaying himself. "Behold your captor my dear; behold your eternity."

She said nothing. Her eyes fluttered slightly, before rolling back and collapsing on the floor.

> Truth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Truth

Her head hurt. Fluttershy groaned as she slowly awoke, her head throbbing with pain as if somepony were banging it like a drum. Why did her pillow feel so hard? Almost as if it felt like…stone?

Her eyes flew open as a sudden memory filled her brain. "Please…it had to have been a nightmare…" she whispered to herself. But as her eyes slowly took in the dim light that was all around her, she could see that her nightmare was more terrifying than she thought possible.

Bars. Before her she saw nothing but cold iron bars. She was in a cage.

"No…" she whispered, quickly rising to her hooves. "Hello?" she cried, banging on the bars, knowing she could not pry them apart, yet still her body tried. "Somepony? Please? HELP ME! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?" she continued banging on the bars, praying that someone somewhere…other than the Phantom, would hear her cries.

The Phantom. She trembled as she remembered him, standing before her, a monstrous creature, clad in black, darker than midnight, save for his pale mask. Why did he wear a mask? What was he? Was what she saw real? Was it to enhance the terror his reputation had already sent forth? Or…was it something far more sinister? She recalled some of the stories she heard the dance mares chattering about when Madame Luna was not present. Stories about the Phantom and his terrifying face and body.

However, his face and body were the least of her worries. Her father! The Phantom had her father removed…but where? Did he release him as he had ordered? Or was it all a trick? A trick to have his revenge on her father while still keeping her for…

Her stomach twisted in knots at the thought, and she felt the bile rise slightly.

No, she would not let any stallion have her, not that way, never! She would kill herself before it happened! Or kill him…

"There must be a way out of here," she muttered, stepping away from the bars and examining her prison. Was there a door? She could not see one, but there had to be one! She peered all around her, noticing for the first time hanging racks filled with nothing but elaborate costumes…costumes that she realized had long since been forgotten. Perhaps there was a door behind the racks! She pushed through the fabric, trying to see if she could find anything, when a loud thump startled her.

Fluttershy whirled around to where the noise had come from, peering out past the bars, but saw no one. "H-h-h-hello?" she asked the air with a shaky voice. She could hear breathing, but saw no one! "Is someone there? Hello?"

Nothing…

And then, "SHE'S AWAKE!"

Fluttershy screamed as a large hunchbacked pony emerged from the shadows out of no where, her face pressed against the bars. "She's awake! She's…" she stopped when she realized Fluttershy was screaming, and then she too, started screaming.

"Derpy! Stop it at once!" a figure cried. A stallion came from a cavern, however this stallion seemed to be only half the size of a normal pony. Fluttershy continued to scream as the pony turned to Fluttershy, biting his lip with worry. "Please don't scream mademoiselle, you'll only frighten Derpy more!"

Derpy continued screaming, her cry terrifying and sharp, causing the cavern ceiling to shake. "DERPY!" as if on cue, all the noise stopped, as another pony emerged, throwing her shroud off and immediately coming to the hunchback's side to comfort her. "There, there," she whispered. "It's alright, you just startled her is all, she's not terrified of you…she won't hurt you…"

Fluttershy stared in bewilderment at the three figures that were outside her cage. A disfigured mare, a hunchback mare, and a dwarf; they were all…

"Freaks," the disfigured mare said out loud, as if reading Fluttershy's thoughts. "We accept it," she sighed, finally calming Derpy down to where she curled herself up into a ball and rocked herself back and forth, staring at Fluttershy behind the bars. Satisfied, the mare turned and did a small curtsy. "My name is Rarity," she greeted warmly. "And this is Shortround," she added, indicating the dwarfed stallion. "And…well, you've met Derpy," she said with a smile, rubbing a hoof over the hunchback's arm.

Fluttershy was at a loss for words; she didn't know what to say! "W-w-who…h-how…"

Shortround cleared his throat and began to speak. "We work for the Master, and…were told to keep watch for when you awoke," he explained.

"The Master?" Fluttershy asked, staring at the three of them. "Do you mean…the Phantom?"

Shortround and Rarity exchanged glances. "Well," Shortround muttered. "That is one name…but he prefers 'master'."

Despite the unbelievable chaos of the situation, Fluttershy's face contorted to one of anger at the words. "He is no master of me," she hissed, before turning her face away to hide the angry tears that threatened to show.

Rarity sighed and approached the cage with sympathy. "My dear…please do not despair…the Master is truly good-"

"GOOD?" Fluttershy whirled around at the words. "Good? He imprisoned my father! He threatened to kill us! I'M IN A CAGE!" she shouted, rushing to the bars and beating them with her hooves.

The three figures stepped back and Derpy whimpered. Rarity immediately placed a calming hoof on the hunchback's arm and her whimpering ceased. The mare was right; the Master behaved like a monster earlier, how else would she think of him?

Fluttershy stared at the figures then turned away, sitting on the rocky ground and tucking her legs up under her chin. Rarity gazed upon the mare's crumpled form, sighed, and turned to the others. "Why don't you both go and wait for the Master to return." Shortround took the hint and urged Derpy to follow.

"G-g-g-goodbye gypsy mare!" Derpy said somewhat happily, before turning and leaving with Shortround.

Fluttershy turned her head slightly to watch as the two figures left. Rarity smiled softly, although her eyes were filled with utmost sympathy. "Derpy loves the story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame…I confess, I changed the ending somewhat for her…now whenever she sees a beautiful mare, she thinks she's Esmeralda," she chuckled softly. Fluttershy still remained frozen. "My dear-"

"Please," Fluttershy whispered, "Just…just leave me alone."

Rarity bit her lip. "W-would you like me to bring you something hot to drink? Are you hungry? I-"

"Please go," Fluttershy whispered again, curling herself up into a tiny ball and hugging her legs even closer than before. Rarity sighed and lowered her head in defeat. Time was what the mare needed most.

"Here, in case you get cold," the little mare whispered, pushing a wool blanket through the bars. Fluttershy didn't say a word, she simply lay where she was. Rarity sighed and began to walk away. Yet she stopped, paused, and turned one more time. "I just…I just wanted to say…that I think what you did was extremely brave. I don't think many ponies would have been able to do what you did…" Fluttershy didn't respond at all. Rarity gave a soft smile, tears threatening her own eyes, before turning and leaving the mare alone in her cage of iron and despair.

For the longest time she lay there, still as a mouse, listening to her surroundings, listening for the agonizing sound of footsteps. Yet none came. She turned her head slightly, looking around her dim surroundings (a single torch illuminated the cavern, which hung near the cavern's only entrance), and satisfied that she was truly alone, sprung to her hooves and frantically began to look for a way out.

Somewhere…I know there is a door here somewhere! She pushed through the layers of dusty cob-webbed covered costumes, coughing and sneezing here and there, desperately seeking the way out of her prison. And then…at last, hiding behind a large heavy black drape, she found it…the tiny door that kept her and freedom apart.

It was locked, as she suspected, but that didn't matter. She would get out, she was quite determined! She grabbed the last hairpin she had, causing her already loose hair to fall completely down her back and shoulders, and set to work. She had to hurry, for she could hear, ever so softly, the last chorus of the opera being sung.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"HEY! GET OUT OF HERE! THIS IS NO PLACE FOR DRUNKARDS OR BEGGARS!"

Time Turner gasped in pain as he felt a sharp thick boot kick him hard in his side. He glanced up, his eyes red and swollen, seeing a stallion in a maroon uniform glare down at him. He immediately recognized the uniform as belonging to one of the doorponies of the Opera House. Why was he outside the Opera House, and why was this stallion kicking him and urging him to move along?

And then it all came back.

"FLUTTERSHY!" Time Turner cried, quickly rising as fast as his legs would allow. "My daughter! Oh you must help me!" he wailed, gripping the lapels of the doorpony's coat. "He has her! He has my daughter!"

"GET OFF!" the doorman shouted, shoving Time Turner away. "And move on before I call the police!"

Police? YES! That was exactly what he needed! "Yes! Please! We must get the police at once! I need to speak with Monsieur Flam and Monsieur Flim, they will help me, I know it!"

The doorpony stopped Time Turner and shoved him again, this time sending the old stallion to the ground. "GET OUT OF HERE YOU DRUNKEN FOOL!" he shaking his hoof in a threatening manner, and Time Turner suddenly realized in his panic that the stallion was not going to let him by. The stallion didn't know him, and Time Turner looked at his own tattered coat and mud-caked clothes and knew it was a lost cause. Who would believe that he was an employee of the Maris Opera House?

"Are you deaf you old pony? I SAID GO!" Time Turner quickly sprung to his feet before the doorpony had the opportunity to kick him again with his boot. He quickly scampered away, hearing the doorpony's threats behind him, knowing he had to find somepony who would help him…but who? Would the police believe him? No, he needed someone who knew him, somepony who would help him find a way to get Fluttershy back! But who? Who had such influence to help a grieving old stallion?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"And…remember the way she paused, because there was supposed to be…that violin solo!" laughed a well dressed gentlecolt, before taking another drink from his brandy glass.

A small group of stallions erupted with laughter, each pounding one another on the back, lighting cigars, and drinking brandy as the minutes ticked by.

"That was priceless…" another stallion chuckled. "Oh Blueblood, you sure picked a good star! At least we all now have something to entertain us at that bloody place!"

Blueblood gave a small trying smile to his friend's comment, his hoof rubbing his forehead as he inwardly dealt with his irritation. The evening was somewhat short of horrible. At least the horridness disappeared when Fleur wasn't on stage. Unfortunately, there were only three scenes in the whole opera when she made no appearance. And despite the money he was making off her name and so-called talents, he hated feeling like a fool, which was exactly what his friends were doing.

"She reminded me of my dog," one stallion added. "Except I think that bitch can actually hit a proper note!" the others burst out laughing, while Blueblood simply glared.

"Oh come now Blueblood," a grey and white-haired stallion chuckled. "Despite the mare's less than spectacular performance, the evening was a success."

"Here, here!" the others crowed.

"Indeed!" the light grey and white-haired stallion continued. "No doubt, thanks to our friend Black Marble," he said, lifting his glass in the direction of a light colored curly haired gentlecolt who was sitting with them, "who as we all know has such a high influence with the papers, a good review will be published and more ponies will come to see the mare, and more money will be placed in our pockets! See? Everypony wins!"

Blueblood gave a glare to his friend, but then a smile spread across his face. "Indeed, you are right Hoity Toity," he said, raising his glass. "To Fleur de Lis and the money she will bring to us all…was I not right to encourage you to invest with the Opera?"

The stallions chuckled. "Indeed, except for poor Caesar, who only goes because his wife insists!"

Caesar gave the others a glare. "How else am I to convince Lyra that I'm not going out every night to be with my mistress? I swear the mare has spies following me!"

"Oh who gives a damn what the mare thinks," Hoity Toity grumbled. "It's your own bloody fault that you got married in the first place!"

"I needed an heir!" Caesar defended.

"Don't we all?" Black Marble added. "Yet you don't hear the rest of us who are married complaining. Why? Because we know who is the head of our households, and it's not our bloody wives!" several other stallions cheered to Black Marble's words and lifted their glasses in a toast.

"Too true," Hoity Toity added, lighting another cigar. "Really Caesar, the next thing you're going to tell us that she insists that you actually give her pleasure when you're bucking her!"

"If she lets you," Black Marble added. The stallions burst out laughing while Caesar turned a bright red.

"Leave the stallion alone," Blueblood interjected, although he had been laughing along with the others. "The point of a mistress is so that you don't have to sleep with your wife! And Caesar is the only one who's future is secure with at least two heirs."

"Legitimate heirs," Caesar grumbled.

"Here, here," Black Marble chuckled.

"Speaking of mistresses," Hoity Toity commented, "How does it go with the dried up soprano?"

Blueblood was sipping his brandy when he heard the words. He glared from the rim of his glass at his friend, but forced a polite smile. "She still serves her purposes," he simply said. "And you good stallion? Still pursuing young male falsettos?"

Hoity Toity turned a deep shade of red while the other stallions burst out laughing. Blueblood couldn't help but grin wickedly. 

"Come now Hoity Toity," he muttered with a cigar between his lips. "We are all friends, are we not?"

Hoity Toity forced a smile at the Prince. "Actually, I have met a delicious dance mare by the name of Applejacqueline. Very beautiful for a dancer, and has a mouth like you wouldn't believe…not to mention a throat…"

The others were leaning in close, practically drooling at the stallion's words. "And she tells me Blueblood, that you've been seen attempting to…seduce the new costume mare?"

The other stallions turned to the Prince with surprised looks. "A costume mare? Blueblood, I distinctly remember you saying how the lowest a stallion could sink was with a chorus mare…but a costume mare? What has bucking Fleur done to you?"

Before Blueblood could speak, Hoity Toity continued. "Not only has he been seen attempting to lure this mare to his bed-"
"-or lounge," Caesar chuckled.

"But it seems that…could it be…the costume mare has spurned you?"

The others stared in horror. "Blueblood…if a mere costume mare spurns you…there's no hope for the rest of us."

"She did not SPURN me!" Blueblood growled, chewing on his cigar. "And I will have that mare…and if you had seen this mare, you'd understand why she's worth the pursuit! Luscious curves, an ample bottom that's never felt anything other than the fabric of her undergarments…not to mention nimble little hooves that could grip anything hard and thick…"

Now the stallions were drooling at Blueblood's description. Hoity Toity snorted with disgust, causing the trance to break. 

"Point being that you haven't succeeded in bedding her," he grumbled. "Now, if you'll excuse me gentlecolts, I am meeting the delectable Applejacqueline who is going to introduce me to one of her dear little friends, and the three of us are going to go back to my apartment for a private party, while you sorry lot sit here and smoke cigars with one another. Good evening," he said, before tipping his hat and heading towards the door.

Yet the second Hoity Toity reached it, an old stallion, looking frantic, burst inside, crying the Princes's name. "Prince Blueblood? I'm looking for the Prince? Have you seen him? Anypony? Please!"

Hoity Toity looked at Blueblood from across the room, and Blueblood rose to his hooves, locking eyes with his friend before looking at the muddy old stallion. "Please! I have to find him! He can help me, I know it! I-MONSIEUR PRINCE!" Time Turner rushed to Blueblood's side and practically fell to his knees. "Monsieur, you must help me! Please! He has her! He's taken her! WE MUST GET THE POLICE AT ONCE!"

"Who are you?" Blueblood asked in disgust, moving away from the lunatic that had fallen at his hooves.

Time Turner glanced up, surprised by the Prince's words, not to mention his tone. Yet he was covered in mud and dirt, he was probably unrecognizable. "Why it's me monsieur, the violinist? Monsieur Time Turner? You once complimented me on my playing."

"Did I?" Blueblood asked, lifting an eyebrow. "I confess, I do not remember speaking to somepony like you…but then the Opera House is filled with many…" he looked Time Turner up and down before removing his scented handkerchief and lifting it to his nose. "Anyway, why do you come here sir, interrupting the merriment of my club in such a distressed state?"

"HE HAS HER MONSIEUR! WE MUST SAVE HER! PLEASE!" Time Turner was gripping the Prince's evening coat, holding on for dear life, praying that this stallion would believe him.

The Prince was overwhelmed by the stench the stallion was in, and managed to push the feeble old stallion off him, coughing at the smell. "Remove him from here," he muttered to some of the staff who had come to see what the commotion was all about.

"NO! Monsieur, my daughter is Fluttershy! The costume mare! You have spoken with her, on several occasions, am I not correct? Please! You must help me get her back!"

"Come on old fool!" one of the staff members grumbled, dragging Time Turner away.

Blueblood rolled his eyes. "Get her back from whom?"

"THE PHANTOM! THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!"

There was a brief moment of silence, before the whole room burst into laughter. Everyone save for the Prince. He hated talk about the Phantom. It was a myth that was created by Cranky Doodle Donkey, but he hated how it continued to live on, and how there were those that felt it necessary to make the myth seem real by sending threats and demands, not to mention the hysteria several ponies at the Opera House had over the silly ghost stories.

"Get him out of here," Blueblood growled, before sitting back down at his table and taking a long drink from his glass.

"NO! MONSIEUR, PLEASE! HE HAS HER! WE MUST SAVE HER!"

"Your daughter probably ran off with a stage hoof to offer him her so-called virginity. I mean what can one except from a costume mare?" Raoul's comment was greeted by hysterical laughter, and Time Turner stared in horror at the Prince as he was dragged away and thrown out onto the street.

"STAY OUT!" they shouted at him, before slamming the door in his face.

Time Turner stared at the closed doors, the horrible words ringing in his ears. The one pony who he thought cared for his daughter was a cad…and he was truly alone. The managers wouldn't see him, no one would let him back inside the Opera House, and now its most powerful patron had abandoned him as well…not mention had turned out to be snake.

"I'll go to the police myself!" Time Turner said with determination. "I have to save her…I must!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madame Luna had waited till the theater was practically empty, save for a few stage hooves that were cleaning up. She had urged Twilight to go home with several friends and explained she had some important matters to discuss with the managers. Now that she was alone, she made her way towards the secret door that she always used to gain access to the secret labyrinth of the Phantom. Yet the door was locked. It had never been locked before, it was a secret passage that only she and Discord knew how to open! And only Discord had the power to lock it…

"Good evening madam," Discord greeted coldly as always.

Madame Luna whirled around, staring at the shadows in front of her, before seeing the tall masked figure image from the darkness. "Discord! W-w-what are you doing up here!"

"I may feel free to move about my theater however I please," he explained, before extending an envelope to the mare. "Here is a note I wish you to give to my dear managers. It's rather thick…due to all the corrections they need to make before the next performance."

Madame Luna stared up at Discord, his face always unreadable, mask or no mask. "Perhaps the performance would have been better if a certain violinist was present."

Discord snorted. "I highly doubt it…that harpy can butcher anything, from a simple scale of notes to the most beautiful opera composed. No violin solo would have saved the evening."

"Where is he Discord?" Madame Luna asked, feeling her body shake with fury. She hated these games, he only said such things to prolong the agony, like a cat that had caught a mouse, but was merely playing with it before killing the wretched creature.

Discord had been pacing when the conversation began, yet now stood frozen, his amber eyes catching the dance mistress'. "You know my rules," he growled.

"Discord, please! He didn't mean you any harm, and you know it! He's an old stallion, he's barely been here long enough to know anything about you! He-"

"THEN IT WAS HIGH TIME HE FOUND OUT!" the Phantom barked, retreating to the shadows, his cape billowing behind him. Yet he had not gone. Madame Luna could still hear his breathing, could still feel his presence in the small space.

"Is he dead?" she asked, her voice heavy with weariness. How could she approach Fluttershy with such news? "Discord?"

"You know my rules, madam."

"DAMN YOUR RULES DISCORD! IS THE STALLION DEAD?" she had had enough of this nonsense.

There was a long pause, so long that Madame Luna wasn't sure if he was still there or not. Discord had the uncanny ability to move about like…well, for lack of better words, a ghost. Unseen, unheard, yet very present.

Finally, the silence was broken. "You forget yourself madam," he hissed from the shadows. "You forget that I allow you to enter my world. You forget that you are a guest…and you forget that I have the power to control whether those booby traps that you pass so easily go off or not. I do not take orders from you…and I do not answer questions unless I wish to."

Madame Luna felt a cold shiver run up and down her body. Was he declaring her an enemy like all the others? The last thing the Opera House needed was a war, and she knew that if Discord's madness was driven beyond the point of no return, a war was what would happen. The ghastly things he was doing right now were by no means the crescendo of his fiendishness.

"Leave madam," Discord whispered; the harshness of his voice was somewhat less, but the coldness remained very present. "Go home and rest. The dance has much to work on before the next opera."

Madame Luna's face tightened into one of anger. How dare he tell her how to properly run a ballet company! She was a dancer, not he! "Stick to your compositions Discord," she hissed. "I do not tell you how to write music, do not tell me how to train my dancers."

Discord found himself taken aback by her words. "This is my theater madam, I run things here!" the rage was boiling in his voice. "And you shall deliver that note-"

"DELIVER IT YOURSELF!" she shouted, throwing the note on the floor and stomping on it with her boot. "I am done playing your messenger," she hissed to the shadows. She turned on her heel then and began to stalk off, her black skirts billowing behind her.

"HOW DARE YOU-"

"NO!" she cried out, wheeling around. "How dare you! How dare you threaten an innocent old stallion, how dare you commit heartless murders, how dare you patronize my years of extensive research and training in the art of dance!" she had never felt such fury. "You know something Discord…I am sorry that the world turned its back on you because of your face and what you are. I'm sorry that the world spat at you, that the world denied you, that the world caged you and then laughed at you and called you names. But how you are perceived now is your own responsibility! You control the monster, not the world! The way you show no compassion for anyone or anything! The way you threaten others, the way you…you use mares for whatever lusts you crave! And the way you talk…how this is your theater, how these are your rules! Do you have any idea who you are sounding like?" There was a long silence. She took a deep breath, not sure if he were still there or not, but knew she had to say it. "I see no difference Discord…no difference whatsoever between yourself and Prince Blueblood!" With that, she turned and picked up her skirts and ran, not looking back, not once.

Discord was in the shadows, he had not gone. He had stayed that whole time, listening to her words, wanting to lash out, wanting to scream, but he was frozen. Did he breathe? Did his heart beat? Did he have a heart?

What did she mean by that? No difference between himself and the Prince…there were PLENTY of differences! Discord appreciated music, all the Prince cared about was money! The Prince was this blonde Apollo figure, while Discord was more like the disfigured Hephaestus. Yes, Discord paid for mares to…but he did not leave them pregnant and ruin their promising careers! He groaned and stamped his cloven feet, damning his uncontrollable lusts for flesh, damning all that the world had done to him! He couldn't go out into the world! He had been put into a carnival freak show! His own mother had abandoned him as a child! What else could he do? He had no choice but to go into hiding, and if no one else was going to care for the Opera House, for the art of music, then he had to! He looked like a monster, but he was not like the Prince, he wasn't…he wasn't…he…he…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" in a roar of rage, Discord headed down one of his many passageways, down to his labyrinth, down to his hell, down to his sanctuary! And while he fled, he remembered the mare, remembered the body that he found himself lusting for when he first saw her there in the cavern, her fiery spirit shining like a beacon in her wild blue eyes.

And he had never been more disgusted with himself. He actually thought himself above the Prince, but he realized that by doing what he intended, by turning the mare into an unwilling sexual slave for his own pleasure…

Madame Luna was right, damn it! He was no different than the Prince!

He shouldn't go to her; he should leave her where she was and not have anything to do with her! He could release her like her father, send her away, be sure the Opera House would not take her back, get rid of her as he got rid of the old stallion and never be plagued by her beauty again! That would make him different from the Prince!

Yet despite these thoughts he found himself running, flying it seemed, through the dark tunnels, through the dimly lit chambers, past rocks, past the underground lake, past deeply cut pits that he truly believed led to hell itself. He flew to the area of his world where he knew she was kept, and he did not stop till he reached the cavern.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

He listened, but he couldn't hear the sound of her breathing.

He swiftly approached the cage, not caring if she screamed, just having to see her, not sure why, but feeling the need to simply look at her face, look into her sky-colored eyes and somehow, find something in them that resembled what part of humanity he had, that did not reflect the Prince, but reflected his own monster, that reflected himself.

He gripped the bars, unsure what to say. What was her name? He had heard the dance mares say it often…Flattershy? Flittershy? FLUTTERSHY! Yes! But should he reveal that he knew her name? Did it matter? He simply wanted to look at her! Her sleeping form would suffice, anything, just…

He froze.

On the ground, inside the cage, lay a blanket and several costumes that had fallen from the hangers they had been hung on. He didn't have to peer inside to see what had happened. He already knew, for on the ground, shining dimly from the torch light lay a glistening hair pin.

And next to the pin, was an open door.
> Hero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hero

Empty.

The cage was empty.

She was gone. She had promised to take her father's place, and now she was gone.

He felt like a fool. He had actually felt sorry for her! Felt sorry for taking her prisoner, for frightening her, and for the threats he had made. And he had flown to this cage, hoping that somehow he could find some thread of humanity within him by simply looking at her.

And she had abandoned him.

"RAINBOW DASH! SHORTROUND! RARITY!"

Within moments, the others arrived, looking frantic and worried when they saw their master, his whole body rigid with fury.

"The mare is gone…" he growled.

Rarity gasped and looked at the cage, seeing the open door. She should have stayed, she shouldn't have left, the poor filly. She blamed herself completely for this.

"She's out?" Rainbow Dash sputtered, her body beginning to tremble. "She'll tell…she'll…she'll tell the others…they'll…they'll be down here after us!" her voice broke into hysterics. In two strides Discord had Rainbow Dash by the back of the neck and slapped the mare so hard, she would have stumbled backward had not Discord been holding her upright.

"FIND HER!" he hissed. "She will not tell anyone…find her NOW!"

Shortround and Rainbow Dash turned and left the cavern as quickly as they had arrived. Rarity was holding a hoof to her mouth, looking frightened and worried. "She'll get herself killed Master…she does not know these tunnels like us! She'll-"

"Fetch Derpy and look for her…" he growled, turning his back on the little mare.

"But Master-"

"DO AS I SAY!" he roared, turning abruptly, his amber eyes wild with rage. The mare squealed and ran away, calling for Derpy as she went. Discord felt his body sag, like a weight had been lifted. The rage of the moment had passed, but only momentarily. He needed to quench his fury, and there was only one way that he could turn his anger into art; turn his madness into beauty.

He raced to his private cavern, the place where he kept his beloved organ, and once there, threw off his cape, his hat, even his dress coat, and seated himself at the bench, sweat dripping down his forehead, his heart pumping wildly, as he drew the score to the music stand. His leather-gloved claws moved over the familiar keys, and without looking down, he began to play. The song was his own composition, one he wrote during a very bad mood, and it was a song that could either soothe the rage he felt…or kindle it to wildfire.

The only good thing about emotions was the artistic drive they gave for his compositions. He played passionately, his claw and paw large and rough, yet so skilled and quick, moving over the keys like a harsh caress. He pounded on them harder as he felt the fury grow more and more in his blood. He played faster, his whole body shaking with each note, the organ causing the ceiling and walls to tremble. His body was tense, rigid, every muscle rippling in his back, shoulders, and arms, and yet he continued to play, not caring for the pain he could feel, or the blood that dripped from his blistered claw and paw.

In a tiny corner of the dark room, Fluttershy lifted her head from behind a stone pony she had been using as a hiding place. Once she had escaped her prison, her joy was short lived, for she realized all too soon that her true prison was this underground labyrinth of rock and shadow. She moved quietly through the stone caverns so as not to attract attention from the Phantom's servants. There had to be a way out, if she could find the way in which she had come…but then strange things began to happen. She had turned a corner, decided it was the wrong way, and upon turning around, found the way she had come blocked off. When or how this happened she was unsure, but she realized that she was in far greater danger outside of the cage than in it.

She continued on her unknown journey, her hooves the only thing that guided her, for she had no lamp and there was no light in these tunnels. She heard voices overhead, and then she heard the furious scream of the Phantom; he had just learned of her escape. She had to hurry.

She moved as quickly as possible, her hooves stretched out and unsure, but she continued moving. Several times she stumbled and fell, feeling her skirts ripping, but not caring, forcing herself up and moving onward. Then, up ahead, she saw light. It was dim, but it was still light. She moved towards it, faster and faster, gasping as she felt her leg cut against something sharp. She bit her lip and held back the painful cry, especially as she realized her leg was bleeding somewhat. But she continued, and finally, she reached the dimly lit place, and found herself staring in wonder at her new surroundings.

It was a large cavern, bigger than some of the others she had seen. There were lush Persian rugs on the ground, silver candle operas, and vibrate medieval tapestries that hung from the walls. There were mahogany chairs and tables, covered with musical instruments and piles upon piles of parchment. She looked at one pile, and realized that it was a musical score. No…an opera! One that she had never heard of…Don Juan Triumphant.

A breeze rushed through the cavern and made a soft howling sound. She looked up to see what caused the sound and gasped loudly at the sight of the magnificent pipe organ that seemed imbedded with the rock. She began to approach it, but then heard a noise…like footsteps…in the distance.

Somepony was coming. Or worse, he was coming. She had to hide. Somewhere, anywhere! She saw a curtained area off to her left and dashed for it, flinging the curtains open, looking for a place to hide, but finding instead…a bedroom? Yes, a large mahogany bed that looked as if it belonged to a Middle Eastern sheik. It was covered with soft sheer veils, large purple and scarlet gold-trimmed pillows, and a lush blanket that looked like velvet and silk combined. Was this the Phantom's bedchamber? It reminded her of something she had read in a gothic romance, but all thoughts of such things vanished when she heard the footsteps quickly approaching. She could not hide here, what if he came in? Her only other option was behind a large stone pony that filled a tiny corner at the far end of the organ room. And so she hid, and she waited, and she held her breath as the raging Phantom entered the chamber, throwing off some of his garments, and began to play most passionately at the organ.

She bit her lip as she watched him. The way he played…as if he was tortured by something. She had never seen anypony play with such passion, or with such fury. She should be afraid, yet she wasn't…she was intrigued.

The haunting music sounded familiar in some way to her, like she had heard it before in a dream. She found herself being drawn from her hiding place, rising slowly and softly from the shadows and stepping into the soft candlelight. He had his back to her; the emotion in which he played had all his attention, she even wondered if he could hear her. She knew that the others would be looking for her, yet she believed she had a better chance of escaping with them in pursuit than with the Phantom. This was her chance. She could slip out, unnoticed, and seek an exit. She would find something, she was sure of it. She just had to do it before he realized she was behind him.

But a different voice gnawed at her. He had imprisoned her father, threatened to kill him, threatened her own life, and placed her in a cage. He was cruel, a villainous fiend that was more of a monster than any kind of pony. And perhaps because he was a living being and not a ghost, was what made him so monstrous.

And she should seek out her revenge.

That was what the voice was telling her. What was he? Why does he wear a mask? Why does he live beneath the Opera House? What is his secret? She wanted to know, and had a feeling that by removing his mask, she would learn it. It all lay there, the answer to all her questions, beneath that mask, and all she had to do was reach out and grab it. He wouldn't know; he didn't know that she was there right now, and before he realized what had happened, she would have her revenge. Revenge for holding her prisoner, revenge for harming her father, revenge for all those other people who had lost their lives to the Phantom's wrath.

Four steps. She was four steps away from him. Four…three…

No! Just run and leave!

Two steps. She was only two steps away. His body was slumped over the organ, every muscle tense, every fiber of his being locked with the music. And yet he was still unaware that she was behind him.

Leave Fluttershy! Leave now! Don't do this, you'll regret it!

One step. She was only one step away. She could easily reach out and grab the mask…one tiny step was all it took.

You should have run…you'll never escape now.

Discord was lost in the music. The song had changed from the furious sound in which it had begun to a lonely melody filled with both passion and despair. A song of longing, a song of need; a song that was his autobiography. He played with such emotion that it wasn't until he began to feel the breeze against his deformed cheek that he saw the shadow in the candlelight behind him and noticed the curtain to his bedchamber was fully open, with a small trail of blood on the floor.

And then he felt nothing.

His mask was gone. His face exposed. The cold air hit it like a knife, and he stumbled backwards at the shock of it.

Fluttershy stumbled back too, shocked at what had just happened. Without even thinking, she had reached out and grabbed a hold of his mask and now held it in her small hooves. The Phantom sprang to life from his musical enchantment and whirled around to face her, his amber eyes wild and filled with shock, fear, and rage. Rage most especially.

"YOU!" he shouted, his paw flying to his face to cover his exposure.

But it was too late. She had seen it.

Fluttershy stared, her eyes wide in horror. Her mouth fell open, as if wanting to scream, but no sound came out. She stared at the sight of his misshapen deformity and felt her stomach tie up in knots, felt her knees go weak, and felt her head become light. The side of his face that she had unmasked was a mirror opposite to the other. His "normal" side was rough-skinned with a strong jaw line, like any pony who was a workpony. But the other…the skin was pulled over bones that seemed to want to poke through it. A part of his cheek was sunken in, almost looking skeletal, and several large deep red scars stretched out over the sunken flesh, looking like blood spots. His dark hair that fell across his face hid a nasty scar that looked as if someone had hit him with a rock and the wound had never healed, as if a part of his skull was missing, and only had hair growing over it. And his nose; on one side it looked like any nose would, perfectly sloped, but on the other, the slope of the nose stopped altogether, the nostril sunken in somewhat. His lip curled upward, exposing a few teeth in the corner, and a small pile of baggy flesh, that should have been where his cheek was, settled over the eyebrow. She had never seen anyone like this. She had never imagined anyone like this.

"YOU LITTLE WITCH!"

Fluttershy stared up at the Phantom as he advanced upon her, his paw still tightly clamped to his face. "DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!"

Fluttershy backed away, her body trembling as he advanced. She hadn't realized how he towered over her. He could easily crush her in two by just wrapping his slim body around her…and she had a feeling he wanted too. "DON'T JUST STAND THERE! SPEAK YOU LITTLE VIPER!"

Fluttershy trembled and cowered, backing up more and more as he closed in. She couldn't speak, all she could do was stare and damn herself for her foolishness. Her hooves were shaking so that she dropped the mask, but in lightening speed, he reached out and grabbed it before it hit the ground. Just as quickly, he placed it back on his face, which calmed him somewhat, but his rage was still kindling. "Why…didn't you tell me…" he growled, "…that you wanted to see the PHANTOM!" he roared.

Fluttershy squealed as he threw his arms out, grabbing hold of a table and throwing to the ground. "I…I…" she stammered.

"WHAT?" he roared again, grabbing hold of a chair and throwing it against the wall, causing it to splinter and crumble apart.

"I…I'm s-s-s-sorry…" she barely whispered.

"SORRY? YOU'RE SORRY?" he bellowed, causing the ceiling to shake. "YOU'RE ONLY SORRY THAT YOU SAW WHAT YOU SAW!" he accused, to which he threw another chair across the room.

Fluttershy cried out and turned on her heel to flee. As she did so she could hear the Phantom's thunderous voice shout, "GET OUT! GET OUT!"

She ran; ran through the darkness, not caring what she encountered along the way, just having to leave. She gasped when she felt something hard, and almost screamed when she felt it move.

"GYSPY MARE!"

Fluttershy looked up to see Derpy grinning at her. "I f-f-found her!" she shouted down the tunnels. "She's h-h-h-here!"

Rarity was there in a matter of seconds. "My dear!" she panted. "Where h-have you been?" she asked while catching her breath. "We've b-b-been so w-worried!"

Fluttershy looked back and forth between the two figures, and then just over Derpy's shoulder to see Shortround and Rainbow Dash come into view. Behind them she saw…sky? Was it her imagination? No! Shortround and Rainbow Dash had just come from outside! They were shutting a door behind them!

"Derpy!" Shortround cried. "Did you just say you found her?"

"Yes!" she cried out joyfully. "S-s-she's h-here! She's-"

Fluttershy pushed past them and bolted for the door where the other two figures had just emerged. The others were so shocked that they didn't have time to react. "WAIT!" Rarity cried out. "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" But Fluttershy didn't look back, she just ran as fast as she could, through the door and out into the Maris night.

They may pursue her, she was unsure, so she didn't look back. She was free! But she would not relax, she continued running, down long dark allies and past old crumbling buildings. There was no moon, no stars; Fluttershy could smell rain in the air. Yet she continued running, happy for the dim lit lamps of the Maris streets, happy for the air and wind that was hitting her face. She had no idea where she was, or where exactly she was heading. Maris was still very new to her, and at night, she couldn't tell what street was what, but she ran till her sides throbbed and she was gasping for air. She found herself lost in one of the many back allies of the city, one with a dead end and no indication of where she was.

She knew she should turn around, turn and try to find a way home…or to the police at the very least to try and find her father, but the second she took a step, she cried out as pain shot through her leg. She remembered how she had cut her leg back in the tunnel, and gasped as she saw the trail of blood she had left behind her. She bent down and ripped off a scrap of fabric from her already torn dress and proceeded to dab at the wound and bind it. She winced with pain as tied the knot of her homemade bandage, but all thoughts of pain disappeared when a voice spoke over her.

"Well, well, well…hello pretty thing."

Fluttershy bolted upright at the voice, seeing three large burly looking ponies standing before her, all smelling of alcohol, cigarettes, and vomit. It was enough to make Fluttershy gag. "Been a long time since I've had a mare," one of the stallions remarked. He had a large gut that hung over his trousers and his clothes reeked of sweat and urine. It was understandable why a mare hadn't gone near him for quite some time.

"Come with us pretty," another stallion belched, reaching out for her. Fluttershy stepped back, lifting her eyes skyward and wondering why all these horrible things were occurring in one night. The stallion burped again and took a few more steps towards her. "Come on, we can go somewhere quiet…we'll pay you well."

The other two snickered at the comment, while Fluttershy stared wide eyed at them. They thought her a prostitute? She knew she was dirty and her dress was torn, but she did not think she looked like a lady of the night from that alone!

"I'm not for sale," Fluttershy hissed. Unfortunately they were blocking the only way out of the ally and when the three of them stood side by side, it was like standing in front of a brick wall. She was trapped and she knew it…she just couldn't show that she knew it.

One of the stallions frowned at her statement. "Our money is just as good as any other ponies," he grumbled. "Come on…been a long night, and we want some company."

"No," Fluttershy stated again, her jaw set, her eyes steady, while her mind was screaming for help. She could pretend to be what they thought she was, pretend so that they would let her pass, thinking she was leading them back to her bordello, and then make a run for it. She was sure she could outrun three drunken over-weight louts, but her leg wouldn't carry her far, the very idea of running caused it to throb with pain. Also, from the look of these ponies, Fluttershy had a feeling they could care less of where everything took place. They probably expected her to service them right there in that ally, which would explain the mud on their clothes and the stench of urine that perfumed them. While they may not be able to run fast, she knew they could still be dangerous and she had to play things very carefully.

"No?" one of them growled. "Why not? You saying that Cranky Doodle Donkey ain't good enough for you?"

Cranky Doodle Donkey…why did that name sound so familiar? She looked closer and realized that the pony speaking was no pony at all, but a donkey. Suddenly, he lunged for her and Fluttershy easily twirled out of his reach, and then it all dawned on her. This was the same donkey that had lunged at her back stage at the Opera House on that first day! And apparently Cranky hadn't forgotten the incident either, for his eyes went wide with realization after he recovered himself from his unsuccessful attempt of grabbing the mare.

"You…" he whispered, looking at Fluttershy, the realization dawning more and more. There was a wild look in his eyes and Fluttershy swallowed a growing lump in her throat. No amount of twirling would help her for long. "You…you cost me my job," he accused.

Fluttershy stood with her chin up. "You cost yourself your own job, all I did was step out of the waAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!" She cried out as suddenly a stallion lunged at her and caught her around the middle, holding her wriggling and struggling body against his over-grown beer gut.

"I got her Cranky! I have her! And…" he grunted as she continued struggling against him. "She's quite a hellcat, this one!" he laughed.

"LET ME GO AT ONCE!" she screamed. "RELEASE ME! HELP! HELP!"

"Cover her mouth with something!" Cranky hissed to the stallion holding her. "We don't want all of Maris coming!" Fluttershy continued screaming even after the stallion who had caught her placed a large disgusting hoof over her mouth. She gagged as she could smell and taste the filth from his body.

"You know this mare?" the third pony of the group asked Cranky. "She's not a prostitute?"

Cranky shrugged his shoulders. "All mares are whores, that's my motto in life. Whores to be used whenever you need one," he chuckled. Fluttershy's eyes narrowed with hate at the donkey's words. She kept wriggling and squirming against her captor who was now showing signs of struggle with holding onto her.

"God almighty, she's a hellcat!" the stallion who was holding her grunted. "Careful Cranky, she may lash out."

Cranky Doodle Donkey spit on the ground, a sign that he had no worries whatsoever. "Let's open this pretty package!" the other stallion cried out, reaching for Fluttershy's dress. Fluttershy struggled even harder when she realized the stallion's intentions.

"Ah!" cried out the one holding her. "Stop it!" he ordered, although she continued to struggle. "It felt nice having her delicious rump wriggle against me, but now it's hard to hold onto her!"

"Shut up," Cranky growled, and pushed the stallion out of the way. "I'll unwrap this flower…and I get her first."

"No fair!" protested his third companion. "The last time we had a mare, you had her first! She was too tired when she got to me!" Cranky simply grabbed the stallion by the collar of his shirt and glared at him. The stallion quickly relented. "Fine, you can have her first," he whimpered cowardly.

Fluttershy's eyes went wide when she saw the evil smirk on the former stagehoof as he reached out and much to her horror, grabbed both sides of her dress and ripped it apart, leaving her only in her corset and undergarments. She screamed in protest beneath the hoof that covered her mouth, not believing this was actually happening. She was better off with the Phantom.

"Mmmm…pretty," Cranky grinned, eyeing her body from behind the pale white fabric that covered her. His large grubby hoof reached out to touch her, and Fluttershy summoned up all her strength, before swinging her leg out and kicking him HARD in the groin, and then when he dropped to his knees, in the chin. The stallion holding her cried out Cranky's name, and at that point, Fluttershy bit down HARD on the stallion's hoof, causing him to yowl in pain. His blood dripped from her mouth, and she wriggled herself loose from his grip. Before the other stallion could advance upon her, Fluttershy pushed the now howling stallion towards the other, and the two ran into each other, causing them both to fall down. Without another look, she took off, wincing at the pain in her leg, but fighting through it, she just had to get out of the ally, she just-

"AAAAAH!" she screamed as she felt a something hit her ankle and knock her down to the muddy ground. Cranky Doodle Donkey, who was still gripping his balls in one hoof, had reached out and tripped her, succeeding in twisting it in just a way that would cause her to sprain herself. She would not be running now.

"You little BITCH!" he spat, his large body flopping on top of hers. "I'll teach you! I'll show you!" Fluttershy screamed and cried, her face now wet with tears as she could feel his dirty hooves reaching into her undergarments, seeking out her legs which she kept tightly shut. "You'll like this, I promise you that," he grinned wickedly, his disgusting mouth coming down on hers. Fluttershy was able to move her head away just in time, and she screamed as she felt his tongue and lips on her skin. She wriggled, squirmed, kicked, bit, scratched, whatever she could do to free herself. "Hold her down, damn it!" Cranky yelled to one of his friends. "And shut up!" he shouted, shaking Fluttershy roughly, before raising his arm to backhoof her.

Fluttershy prepared herself to feel the stinging fire spread across her cheek, but it never came. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?" Her eyes flew open at the sound of one of Cranky's friends whimpering in fear, and standing just over her, she saw the Phantom, gripping Cranky's arm in his large leather clad claw.

"I wouldn't, if I were you," he growled dangerously.

Cranky stared up at the dark being before him, his eyes wide in both horror and shock. He told the Phantom's tales to frighten the dance mares, but…he never truly believed the ghost stories. Yet now, as he gazed up at the . . . thing clad in black, with a cape billowing around its body, and its face covered in the shadows, save for the outline of a pale mask, he knew…he knew this was the infamous Phantom of the Opera. The Angel of Death himself.

The stallion who had his hoof bitten rose and with a shout charged at the Phantom, but he easily side stepped the stallion, who went headfirst into a pile of garbage. The other stallion rose and attacked, but Discord whirled around before lashing out with his leg, kicking the stallion in the gut, causing him to double-over, and then proceeding to elbow him hard in the spine.

With those two on the ground groaning in pain, Discord then turned his attention on Cranky Doodle Donkey, who was still on top of the costume mare. "If you release her now, I'll let you and your friends live…if you do not…well, you know the stories Doodle."

Cranky Doodle Donkey stared up at the Phantom, his mouth open but no sound coming forth. However, a grin slowly spread across his features as he saw one of his friends rise up slowly behind the Phantom, holding a long shard of wood in his hoof, aiming it at Discord's head. "I don't take orders from a masked freak," Cranky spat.

Discord sighed. "You just did a very stupid thing, monsieur."

Discord's senses were keen, like a wolf, and he bent just in time as the stallion swung at him with the wood. He kicked the stallion hard in the balls, then took the wood from his hooves and used it as a club against him, hitting him hard across the face with it. Cranky stared in horror and turned his attentions to his other friend who was still groaning on the ground. "DON'T JUST SIT THERE! FIGHT THE BASTARD!"

Fluttershy took this opportunity to bite down on his hoof, causing him to yowl in pain and remove his filthy body just somewhat off her. With all her strength, she kicked her knee up which made contact with Cranky's groin, before screaming at Discord, "BEHIND YOU!"

Discord whirled around at that second to escape the lunge caused by Cranky's other friend, who was holding a knife. The blade did however make contact with Discord's cape, tearing a large hole in it. He growled and grabbed hold of the stallion's hoof, twisting it till he dropped the blade. "I love this cape," he hissed, before kicking the stallion with his boot, sending him backwards into a wall.

Yet once again, as soon as he was done fighting one stallion, the other recovered and leapt to his hooves, attacking Discord again, this time throwing his whole body on top of the Phantom's. Discord was not prepared for this attack, and therefore taken by surprise by the burly stallion's strength. He winced, but did not cry out in pain as he felt the stallion punch his lower back. He threw his cape off then and wrapped it tightly around the stallion's head, causing him to throw blind punches in the air, to which Discord kicked the stallion hard in his left shin, before punching him even harder in the jaw.

Cranky was now recovered and grabbed Fluttershy by her hair, causing her to cry out painfully as he lifted her off the ground. "YOU!" he shouted at the Phantom. Discord turned around warily, seeing Cranky hold the mare tightly in one arm, while the other revealed a pistol to which he now held to her head.

Fluttershy who had been struggling stopped as she felt the cold metal of the pistol touch her temple. "DON'T TAKE ANOTHER STEP!" Cranky ordered, thrusting the pistol hard against Fluttershy. "OR I'LL BLOW HER BRAINS ALL ACROSS THIS ALLY!"

Discord did not say a word, he simply faced Cranky head on, his back to his other enemies, knowing he was vulnerable to whatever violence they wished to send his way. He stretched his arms out from his sides, revealing a sword that hung from his right hip. "PUT THAT ON THE GROUND!" Cranky ordered, indicating to Discord's sword. Discord did not make a move, but calmly, removed the sword and, with excruciating slowness, placed it on the ground.

What game was he playing? Fluttershy had a feeling he knew what he was doing, or at least she hoped he did. She wasn't sure what was going to happen to her, and she was surprised the Phantom had followed her all this way. Why was he risking his life for hers? She had unmasked and humiliated him, she would have thought that of all ponies, he would take pleasure to see her death. Well, after Fleur. But why was he doing this…did he truly want to save her life? Or did he simply want to kill these monsters now…and then her later?

"Now…" Cranky said, trying to sound calm, but anyone could tell he truly wasn't. "You don't move…you let me go…and I won't hurt the mare," he explained, backing down the ally with Fluttershy still held tightly to him.

"Let the mare go first," Discord ordered.

"SHE COMES WITH ME!" Cranky shouted, before quickly calming himself. "When I know you're not following me…then I'll release her…but right now, she comes with me."

"No," Discord whispered, shaking his head. "That's not how it works." Fluttershy gasped as she watched him take a step towards them.

"STOP RIGHT THERE OR I WILL SHOOT HER!"

Discord paused…and then took another step.

"I MEAN IT!"

Fluttershy squeezed her eyes shut, feeling the hot tears pierce her skin as they ran down her face.

"Why not point that gun at me Doodle?" Discord reasoned. "Killing me will actually solve all your problems."

Fluttershy's eyes flew open. Was he serious?

Cranky Doodle Donkey stared at the Phantom in shock. Discord took another step closer. "After all, it will answer that question of whether the Phantom of the Opera is truly a ghost…or a monster." He took another step. "And think of the fame, Doodle. The fame you'll receive as the donkey who killed the horrific Phantom." He took another step.

Cranky shook his head. "This mare means something to you!" he accused.

"Well she is amusing, after all you lost your job because of her."

"SHUT UP!" Cranky shouted, now aiming the pistol at Discord.

And that was what he wanted. In a flash, Discord's paw stomped down on top of the handle of the sword in which he laid on the ground, causing the blade to leap in the air, and before Doodle could react to what was happening, Discord gripped the sword and lashed out, cutting off Cranky's hoof that held the pistol, the blood spewing out like a fountain and splattering Cranky in the face.

"MY GOD!" he screamed, falling to the mud and gripping his lifeless bleeding arm to his body. "MY GOD!"

Fluttershy stared in shock at what had just happened, her own face and body splattered with Cranky's blood. She gasped when she saw Cranky's friends rise to their feet, each groaning in pain, each clutching the bleeding wounds on their bodies, but nothing they had compared to what Cranky was suffering. Discord turned immediately and lifted his sword at them. "Leave now," he growled. "I'm not normally this forgiving…in fact I never am…so I advise you to take this rare opportunity, and flee for your lives." he growled, before adding, "and don't bother coming back for your friend."

The two stallions didn't need to be told twice. They fled the ally with their tails between their legs, like the cowardly dogs that they were. Cranky was still wailing like a banshee on the ground. He reached out and grabbed his now dismembered hoof, cradling it like a mother would cradle a baby. He removed the pistol from the now lifeless hoof, and gazed up at Discord in rage. Suddenly, his sobs turned to a cry of fury and he lifted the pistol to Discord's head.

"NO!" Fluttershy screamed, grabbing Cranky Doodle Donkey's shirt sleeve with her teeth and tugging hard, causing him to reel back, but it was too late. The pistol had fired its shot.

Discord whirled around at the sound of Fluttershy's scream. When he saw what Doodle was doing, he wasted no time, took the sword and slashed at the former stagehoof's throat, causing his life's blood to spill out over chest. The pistol had been fired, but the bullet did not make the contact it had intended. Fluttershy quickly released the gurgling Cranky, stepping away as she watched him convulse and his life leave his body, till he lay still like a rock in the mud.

It was raining. Fluttershy wasn't sure when it had started, but her hair was sticking to her face and she could feel what was left of her clothes clinging to her body like paper. She lifted her eyes then to the Phantom, not sure what to say or do, but gasped when she saw him fall to his knees before her.

"Good God, w-w-what is it?" she asked, going to his side in an instant. She caught him before he crumbled to the ground, her arm going around him, trying to prop him up as best she could.

His breathing was heavy, ragged almost. He was groaning in pain, and…blood. There was blood on the white linen shirt he wore. She had thought it was Cranky Doodle Donkey's blood, but no…it was coming from somewhere on him!

She pushed back his shirt, gasping in horror at finding the source of the blood. The bullet hadn't missed him like she had thought. Cranky was aiming at the Phantom's head, but instead, the bullet had hit him in the chest, just below the shoulder. Fluttershy's clothes were soaked and caked with mud, they would do no good for a bandage. She then began to rip the sleeve off his shirt and pressed it against his chest. "You need to hold this there," she instructed. "Please…you need to hold this over your wound…you…monsieur? MONSIEUR!" His eyes had rolled back and he lay lifeless in her arms.

She wasted no time but bent her head over his chest. Yes, she could still hear a heartbeat, although it was very faint. She had no idea where she would be able to find a doctor; she wasn't even sure where she was! No, the only option was to take him back to the Opera House. True, she knew she was free and could run away from this place and pretend nothing had happened…but she refused to lower herself to such selfishness. She would not let a pony . . or whatever he was, who had risked his life for hers, die in the mud. She looked all around her and  spotted several barrels of garbage lying on top of an old wheelbarrow. She pushed the barrels away and then used what strength she could to lift the Phantom onto the wheelbarrow. After she was sure he was secure, she draped his torn cape across his body, then proceeded to move him out of the ally and back to the Opera House. She only prayed that she would find it before her rescuer perished.
> Plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Plans

He was dead.

He had to be. He felt nothing; his body was lighter than air. All he could see was blackness, a thick blackness that enveloped his entire body.

And yet he could hear voices. Angels? No, he would never be in a place where there were angels. He had been abandoned  long ago, and he wasn't sure if the devil would have him either.

Then he felt the pain. It shot through his body like lightening; a searing wrenching pain that caused him to hiss and groan in agony.

The voices that were mere murmurs came to a stop, then he heard the sound of hooves shuffling around him and felt something cold touch his forehead. He was alive? Impossible! And yet his eyes began to flutter ever so softly and he could see the dim candlelight shining through the darkness.

Where was he? He heard one voice...a strange voice, a mare's voice, call out to somepony. He felt a small soft hoof touch his arm, then move to his forehead to lift the cool object and brush it across his cheeks.

His cheeks! His face was exposed! His mask was gone!

Discord bolted upright to Fluttershy's great surprise, his eyes wide and crazed, his muscles tense, and his right paw quickly moving to cover his exposed cheek.

"WHERE'S MY MASK?"

"Calm down, please-"

"GIVE ME MY DAMN MASK! GIVE IT TO ME NOW!"

Fluttershy stood her ground despite every fiber of her being telling her to flee. She had seen the wrath of this creature, it was unlike anything she had ever experienced. He could kill her if he wished it, and she knew there was a delicate strand between sanity and madness with him. She was walking that strand and it was in danger of breaking.

"Please, you must lie down, the bandage is still fresh, it could break-"

Discord released his scarred face and grasped her arm in a powerful death-like grip. "Give...me...my...mask!" he hissed between each word, his amber eyes like molten lava, burning through her own.

He twisted her arm ever so slightly to show her he meant business. Fluttershy bit her lip in an attempt to show him she didn't feel the pain he was causing her. Reasoning was going to be impossible. "Shortround!" she called out. The stallion appeared from the other side of the room. He had retreated there when he heard Discord's angry command. "Give your master his mask," she told him.

Shortround looked at Fluttershy for a long moment then glanced at his master. A few hours ago Fluttershy had stormed through one of the Opera House's secret entrances with Discord bleeding in a wheelbarrow. She announced what had happened and that he needed medical attention right away. However, calling for a doctor was out of the question, as Fluttershy soon learned after Rainbow Dash fled down one of the dark passages and Derpy calmed down from her panicking. She and the others had to take things into their own hooves; remove the bullet, stitch up the wound, and somehow bring his fever down. To do this, his shirt and mask had to be removed. "It's alright Shortround," Fluttershy whispered.

Shortround shuffled forward and held the mask out to his master. Discord moved quickly, grabbing the mask and then shoving Shortround aside. "NEVER ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN!" he roared at the trembling man.

"There's no need for that!" Fluttershy shouted in Shortround's defense.

Discord turned to the mare, his eyes wide with shock at the tone of her voice. Who did she think she was? SHE WAS HIS PRISONER! SHE HAD NO RIGHT TO-

A burst of pain split through his chest and he found himself collapsing back against the plush Persian pillows on his bed. "See? You need to calm yourself or you're going to make it worse!" Fluttershy scolded, gently dabbing at the bandage which was beginning to seep blood again. "Shortround, find Rarity and tell her I need fresh bandages." The dwarf nodded his head and quickly shuffled his way out of the room.

Discord winced with pain and moved his paw to his chest. "W-w-w-what's...w-w-what's happened to me?"

Fluttershy bit her lip and gently brought a cool wet cloth to Discord's chest to dab at the blood. "You don't remember?"

Discord growled his frustration. "Now if I did, do you think I would be asking you such a question?" he barked, before hissing in a breath as the pain swept his chest again. "I...I remember you running away!" he groaned.

Fluttershy ignored his sarcasm. "You were shot-"

"What?" Discord stared at Fluttershy in disbelief. He had no memory of being shot! When did this happen? And then...slowly, like ripples in a pool, it came back to him. The ponies he fought in the ally, and the donkey, Cranky Doodle. He had the mare by the hair, threatening to kill her. He had a pistol, and Discord remembered "removing" the pistol from Doodle the only way he knew best. But everything after that...was darkness.

"He...he tried to kill you," Fluttershy explained, gently dabbing at the wound. "He missed just barely."

Discord groaned as she dabbed at the blood. "Seems to me he was right on target."

"You're very lucky," Fluttershy whispered. "The bullet didn't hit your lungs or your heart."

"Bravo to me," he muttered. "Perhaps it was not luck...simply the fact that Doodle is a very bad shot–AHHH!" he roared as she dabbed somewhat too roughly over his wound. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

Fluttershy jumped at the change of his tone, however her feelings towards the Phantom had changed since he first took her prisoner. Oh she despised him still, that had not changed, but her fear of him had melted, and now she found that he was not the fearsome creature he pretended to be, simply a spoiled creature who threw great tantrums when he did not have his way, be that with the opera itself, or anything. "I'm trying to help you," she hissed at him, feeling her patience waste away.

"Help me?" he asked menacingly. "I do not recall asking for your help...and it rather feels like you're trying TO KILL ME!" He collapsed back against the pillows as the pain seared through his body, sucking in sharp breaths and gritting his teeth.

"You need to lie still!" she ordered. "You already broke the previous stitches, and I've never sewn flesh together before, so they aren't the strongest. Please, just lie still." Discord watched her through narrow slits as he saw her prepare a needle, burning the tip in a candle flame before lacing thread through it.

"You will keep that thing away from me," he growled low and deep.

Fluttershy was not intimated at all. "Hold still; the sooner you let me do this, the sooner it will be over and I can leave you in peace."

She moved to pierce the area of the wound, but Discord would have none of it. He was wriggling away from her like a babe who didn't want his medicine, and when she finally was able to make contact, he gave a roar as he felt the needle prick his already painful wound. "GET YOUR HOOVES OFF ME!"

That was it; her patience was gone. He wanted a fight? He was going to get one. "Perhaps if you listened to me it wouldn't HURT!"

His eyes widened for a moment, shocked that not only had she raised her voice to him, but that she was not intimated by him at all. "Need I remind you..." he growled. "That if you had not run away...this whole thing would not have happened?"

Fluttershy's eyes went wide at his accusation. Was he truly blaming this whole ordeal on her? "Perhaps if you hadn't thrown a chair at my head I wouldn't have run away!" she snapped.

"WELL YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN IN MY CHAMBERS, LET ALONE REMOVE MY MASK!"

"DO NOT BLAME ME FOR THAT! THIS WHOLE THING COULD HAVE BEEN TRULY AVOIDED IF YOU HADN'T TAKEN ME PRISONER!"

"I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN FORCED TO TAKE YOU PRISONER IF YOU HADN'T COME BELOW THE OPERA HOUSE IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

"Both of you stop it at once!"

Fluttershy and Discord turned to see Rarity standing in the entryway of the bedchamber, holding a basket full of bandages and clean scraps of cloth. Derpy stood just behind her, hovering in the shadows, holding a hoof over her mouth to keep from making a sound. It appeared she was trying to stifle some giggles.

"Honestly, the two of you, behaving like little fillies!" Rarity scolded, coming around Discord's bedside and handing the basket to Fluttershy, who was now a deep shade of red. Discord simply laid there, sulking and biting his lip as he felt Rarity tut at him before proceeding to sew up the wound that Fluttershy had begun. "There," she said with satisfaction after she finished her work. "That wasn't so hard now, was it?" she asked her master. Discord didn't say a word, he simply frowned heavenward.

"I'll dress the wound," Fluttershy whispered, removing a clean bandage from the basket. She glanced at Discord who's eyes continued to look elsewhere. What was he thinking? Was he embarrassed by this whole incident? After all, the infamous Phantom of the Opera now did not come across as frightening as he had before. Did he truly blame her for all this? Fluttershy quickly shook her head, wondering why she found herself caring about such things.

Rarity's voice broke Fluttershy's thoughts. "I'll make you some tea, Master, and perhaps some soup?"

"No, no tea and no soup!" Discord growled. "I'm not a filly to be coddled! Just...get out, all of you..."

Rarity rolled her eyes and turned, tugging on Derpy's hoof. Fluttershy moved to finish the bandage, but Discord began to fidget beneath her hooves. "I told you to leave, I want to be left alone!"

"I'll leave you as soon as I'm finished with this," she whispered, gathering any patience she could find.

Discord groaned and continued to sulk. "Why?" he finally asked.

Fluttershy was thrown by his question and looked at him, feeling extremely confused. "Why what?"

He groaned with exasperation. "Why are you doing this? Why did you bring me back here? If I recall, you had escaped, was that not your plan?" He didn't need an answer, he knew that was her intention. "You were free, and after the...incident, shall we say, you were still free...yet you brought me back here; why? I do not understand and I demand an answer!" he growled, pounding one of his paw and claw hard on the mattress.

Fluttershy sighed and eased herself away from him, the wound now properly dressed with a new clean bandage. "You saved my life," she whispered. "I was...simply returning the favor."

Discord rolled his eyes and made a sound of great disdain. "Do not flatter yourself my dear," he scoffed. "I am no prince and this is no fairy tale; I merely pursued you because I can't take the risk of you telling others about my lair. If it were just me, I wouldn't care...but it's not just me, there are others that depend on me to keep them safe, and I will not have some...country chit ruin our lives!"

His words did the trick; Fluttershy could tell that the sting of his tongue had indeed affected the costume mare. There were tears pooling in her eyes, he could see them shimmering in the candlelight, and for a brief moment, he felt the pangs of regret for what he had said. Somewhere, deep within his chest, he felt a pang squeeze at him and fill him with guilt. He shook his head, believing it to be his recent wound.

Fluttershy refused to cry before him; she was not going to show him that he had any power over her, especially her emotions. "I share your opinion sir," she said icily, lifting her chin in defiance. "Believe me, I had no 'romantic notions' with your so-called rescue; you are far from being a prince, monsieur," she spat. She rose to her hooves and quickly turned on her heel to leave the chamber at once.

"Just one moment!" he shouted.

Fluttershy didn't know why, but she stopped, her back facing him. "Explain to me why you felt the so-called need to remove my mask...again," he muttered. "Did you want a better look at the monster beneath? Had not your eyes received a good enough look earlier?"

His tone was dripping with sarcasm, and while she did not turn to see him, she could picture a smirk on his face. If she could see it, she would march over to him and slap it right off. "I had to remove your mask so I could tend to the fever that was raging within you," she explained. There was silence again between them, and once again, Discord felt that odd feeling stir within him. He opened his mouth to say something, but her words took him by surprise. "And the true reason I brought you back was the same reason in which you pursued me," she turned to face him, the tears once again shining in her eyes. "Your servants, if that is what they are to you, have been the only ones who have shown me any ounce of kindness or understanding since I've been brought here," she spat. "I know that they depend on you for their safety, and truly, it was them that filled my mind when I brought you back here," she lied. Here words held some truth, she had thought of the Phantom's servants, if that was what they were to him. Yet they were not the only ones that filled her head when she was rushing him back to the Opera House.

Discord felt the feeling in his chest harden to ice at her words. He didn't know why he was upset, but he was. "Do not think about trying to escape again," he warned. "You were lucky last time that you weren't killed in one of my tunnels."

Fluttershy lifted her chin once more before turning on her heel and leaving. "Say what you will...but I've already proven monsieur that no cage you create can hold me if I so wish it."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood was rubbing the bridge of his nose, preparing himself as his carriage slowly pulled up to the Maris Opera House. This was the last place he wanted to be.

His head was still pounding from the previous night's antics, and he knew once he set foot inside the damn place he would hear nothing but complaints and worries. It was customary, the day after an opera, for the managers to beg their most powerful patron to come and talk about the previous evening. Truth be told, the previous evening from a theatrical standpoint, had been a disaster. Blueblood was all too aware of this as several reviews in the morning paper did not feel the need to be tactful or kind. However, what did their reviews matter? The opening gala had been a success as far as he was concerned; the place had sold out, as were the next several operas. Besides, this was not the first time Fleur de Lis had performed badly, and still the tickets sold.

No, he knew all too well what would be on the managers lips the second they saw him, and his blood boiled at the very thought...

...the damn Phantom of the Opera.

Blueblood knew that ponies who worked in theater were a superstitious sort. He knew that before she performed,Fleur de Lis had a ritual she had to go through in order to prepare herself, even if it meant delaying the curtain from going up. Many of these superstitions were welcomed by the Prince; it was one way to lure unsuspecting dance and chorus mares into his bed. But this Phantom...of all the foolish things in the world to believe in...this Phantom irritated him beyond anything else.

For as long as Blueblood could remember, there were notes that the supposed Phantom had written, full of demands and directions for how the Opera House should be run. They were a complete joke of course, but they infuriated the Prince like nothing else. Why? Because Blueblood liked having complete control of everything in his life; his fortune, his mares, and his business ventures. The Opera House was one of his largest business ventures, and he would see it reach a success that no one thought possible. And that success would be entirely his own.

The so-called Phantom of the Opera represented someone who was outside his control, a nemesis that threatened the control he had over the Maris Opera House. How dare anyone else attempt to have power over his theater! Blueblood vowed that he would personally squash whoever was behind the mysterious "Phantom" notes like a roach beneath his boot.

"MONSIEUR BLUEBLOOD!" exclaimed both Flim and Flam as Blueblood entered their office. Just as he had suspected, they began to fill his ears with worries and concerns over the recent reviews in the morning papers, as well as inform him about the Phantom's threats and demands in their most recent letter.

Fleur de Lis was there as well, with Fancypants by her side attempting to win the heart she did not possess. She was too angry by the morning reviews to even attempt flirting with him. Blueblood knew that this would mean a much "longer" session in her dressing room in order to calm the vain prima donna down. What used to be pleasure was beginning to become a chore.

"AND THAT DAMN VIOLINIST! THIS IS ALL HIS FAULT! DID I NOT TELL YOU I NEED A VIOLIN TO PLAY BESIDE ME DURING THAT PARTICULAR SOLO? IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FOLLOW MY NOTES WITHOUT IT!" Fleur de Lis screamed at the managers, who simply stared at her wide-eyed.

"Senora, we tried to explain to you last night-"

"You two are idiots!" Fancypants snorted. "You run this theater do you not? You should have had a substitute at the very least for my beautiful Fleur de Lis-"

"Oh do shut up Fancypants!" Fleur de Lis screeched.

Blueblood rolled his eyes and removed the note from Flam's hoof and began to tear it up into little pieces, which caused the whole office to fall silent.

"D-d-do you think...t-t-that's wise monsieur?" Flam stammered, staring at the pieces of paper that fell to the floor.

"Flam," Blueblood groaned, "how many times have I told you both that THERE IS NO PHANTOM!" the two managers jumped from the Prince's sudden change of tone, which even surprised Blueblood himself, who normally kept a cool facade in his business matters. He ran a hoof through his blonde hair, smoothing it back and appearing calm and collected as he normally did. "From now on...we are going to treat these letters as they should have always been treated...as empty threats."

Flim paled at the Prince's words. "Empty threats? Monsieur, say what you will, but...well...strange things have occurred around here to...well...let us just say that it is not that difficult to believe that this place very well could be haunted-"

"Flim," Blueblood groaned, "you are a stallion in his prime, I believe you are a little old to be terrified of ghost stories." Flim turned a dark shade of pink before shutting his mouth and keeping it that way. Blueblood eyed both managers carefully to see that they would listen closely. "I want all letters by this supposed Phantom to be brought to me, and IGNORED, gentlecolts, from now on."

"But-"

"IGNORED, gentlecolts..." Blueblood repeated once more. The two managers glanced at one another and slowly nodded their heads in reluctant agreement.

Fleur de Lis rolled her eyes dramatically. "To hell with that! I need a new costume mare!"

Blueblood's attention changed immediately. "What do you mean, you need a new costume mare?" he demanded.

Fleur de Lis was shocked by his question at first, then pouted when she realized his sudden interest. "That mare I had before? I fired her!" she couldn't help but smile in triumph, especially as she watched Blueblood pale before her. That should teach him, she thought.

"WHAT?" Blueblood immediately calmed himself after taking a deep breath. Fleur de Lis stared at him with both shock and disgust. She knew all along that he wanted the little chit for his own "amusement". "Why did you fire her, my dear?" he knew he had to sweeten the mare. "Did she offend you my dear? Was she unkind to my star?"

That did some of the trick, for Fleur de Lis began to melt somewhat to his words. However, she kept a wary eye. "She struck me!" she pouted. "I have been able to cover up the bruise with powder, but...the ungrateful toad struck me! She is a violent little witch! I had to get rid of her!"

Blueblood had to summon all the will power he could in order to not burst out laughing at the thought of someone, especially someone as small as the costume mare, hitting Fleur de Lis hard enough that it would leave a bruise. That mare had done what he only dreamt about doing. "Well you did the right thing," he reassured the soprano, although he wanted to ring her neck for letting the beauty escape him. He was going to have her, one way or another, he had never failed in any conquest.

"Tell me, where is the mare now?" he inquired. Fleur de Lis, who was leaning against the Prince's chest and pretending to sob for the pains she had to go through in life, snapped her head up at Bluebloodl's words. However, before she opened her mouth to let out an ear-splitting shout, he quickly added, "I think any person that dares harm a lovely hair on your beautiful golden head should be locked away! The mare is obviously mad, not to mention jealous of course," Blueblood lied, smiling to himself at the success he was having on the prima donna. "Flim! Flam! How could you both hire such a hellion?" he angrily demanded.

Both managers were at a loss for words, but that didn't matter, he was determined to carry on his charade long enough to discover the whereabouts of the delicious costume mare. "I am going to pay a visit this very afternoon to her and demand that she not only apologize to our dear star, but also send her to the nearest asylum, where she should have been all this time!"

Fleur de Lis squealed happily and threw her arms around the handsome Prince. Fancypants snorted his disgust from a corner while Flim and Flam exchanged weary glances. "We...we do not know where Time Turner and his daughter live," they admitted. "You'll have to ask Madame Luna–she helped them find the flat."

Blueblood groaned at the thought of approaching Madame Luna with such a question, but it was the only way to learn where Fluttershy was. He left the office then in pursuit of the dance mistress, only discover her waiting for him just around the corner.

"Good morning monsieur," she greeted coldly.

"Madame Luna," he replied, just as coldly, with a slight nod of his head.

"I understand you wish to ask me a question?"

Blueblood stared at the mare in disbelief. Had she been eavesdropping? Before he could say anything she was already answering his question. "You will not find her at the apartment she and her father had occupied since coming to Maris. She is gone...most likely both she and her father have left Maris and are traveling back to the countryside." This was all a lie of course, Madame Luna had no idea where Fluttershy was. After the incident with Discord the night before, she raced to the Turner residence in hopes to find Fluttershy, but the mare was nowhere to be found. She had told Fluttershy to return home and wait for her, but the mare had not listened, or...

She did not want to think the alternative. Yet she was not going to reveal any of this to the Prince.

"I'm sorry monsieur, I'm afraid you...missed your opportunity."

Blueblood scowled at the mare. Of all the ponies in this company, she was the one he despised most of all. Once upon a time he had considered making her daughter one of his conquests, yet the mare proved to be a cobra waiting to snap; no mare, no matter how beautiful, was worth pursuing with such a mother.

"Thank you for your...information, madam," Blueblood replied through clipped lips. He gave a small bow then turned on his heel, not bothering to say anything further to either the managers or Fleur de Lis who were calling out to him as he walked out the doors of the Opera House.

He got into his carriage, barked for the driver to return him to his town house at once, and settled back for a long sulk. He wasn't entirely sure why, normally Blueblood did not upset himself over a mare this much. Maris was filled with beautiful mares, many who others had claimed to be utterly unattainable, but Blueblood had proved those voices wrong. Nothing had stopped him from a conquest, nothing. And the ones that proved to be difficult were not worth his time, such as the dance mistress' daughter. But this mare...it was becoming an obsession almost.

No mare...had ever refused him. He began to grind his teeth at the memory of Mademoiselle Fluttershy walking away from him after accusing him of grossly insulting her. The little wench! She should be grateful that a stallion like himself took notice of a penniless country-born ingrate on the verge of spinster-hood, like herself! No...he would have her, make no mistake about that. And he would have her, whether she came willingly to him or not.

The carriage pulled up to the Prince's fashionable town house, but his frown deepened when he saw a policepony waiting at the entrance. "Beg your pardon Monsieur Blueblood, but we have an urgent matter that we need to discuss with you right away."

Blueblood's already deep frown deepened even more. He did not want his servants spreading idle gossip about, nor did he wish to give this stallion the proper time he apparently wished to have in Blueblood's presence. So, Blueblood stepped back inside his carriage and invited the inspector inside.

"What do you want inspector?" Blueblood groaned, feeling a headache coming on.

"I am Chief Inspector Silverstar, and last night, an old stallion covered in dirt and smelling like sewage, stormed into one of our posts and started screaming about a monster kidnapping his one and only daughter."

Blueblood's brow furrowed at the inspector's tale. This was sounding strangely familiar to him. "Well, the stallion was obviously mad," Silverstar continued, "and we had no choice but to lock him away, at least for the night; after all, we could not have such a lunatic roaming the streets and upsetting people!"

"Quite right," Blueblood muttered. "I beg your pardon inspector, but do you mind explaining what any of this has to do with me?"

Silverstar sighed and nodded his head. "Well, you see monsieur, the stallion started raving that he had approached you last night! That he had gone into your club, and begged for your help! Then he started raving about how he was a violinist for the Maris Opera House, and that his daughter was a costume mare-"

"Costume mare?" Blueblood interrupted. Now he remembered.

Time Turner. The old stallion that burst into his club last night after Blueblood had already had several drinks, and hysterically started screaming about his daughter being kidnapped by the Phantom of the Opera. Utter nonsense of course...but it was a connection to the mare.

"Monsieur?" Blueblood shook his head and came back to the present when he realized Silverstar was talking to him. "Monsieur...do you know this stallion? Naturally I assumed he was simply crazed, but...our post received several complaints from that particular club about a homeless beggar upsetting several patrons, not to mention the owners. And...well, I just wanted to know, monsieur, if this was that stallion, and if you wished to file any complaints of your own."

Blueblood opened his mouth to speak, but then quickly closed it. A plan...a plan was brewing.

"You say...that the stallion is in your custody at the moment?"

Silverstar's brow furrowed with confusion, but he nodded his head. "Yes, we still have him in our custody. Outside of disturbing the peace, the stallion has committed no crime, however we plan to contact the nearest asylum and have him delivered-"

"No..." Blueblood interrupted. "Do not send him away...just yet."

"But monsieur, we can not hold him for a lengthy period of time, he belongs in an asylum! The stallion is clearly-"

"Insane? Yes, quite right," Blueblood muttered. "But...truth be, I know the stallion, yes, I know him."

Silverstar's eyes widened in amazement. "You do monsieur? You know who he is?"

"I know of him," Blueblood explained. "And...I know the stallion's daughter. Now, as you have obviously seen, the stallion is quite mad, his daughter has not been kidnapped by a monster...she is simply missing at the moment, nothing to worry about of course," Blueblood quickly explained before Silverstar could respond to this piece of news. "She is a fickle sort of mare...always scampering off with handsome stallions of large fortunes, no doubt hoping some stallion will see past her...disabilities, you know what I mean."

Silverstar simply snorted a reply.

"Now we can't have the stallion thrown into an asylum, at least not until the mare comes forward to claim him. However, we are unsure where she is...so allow me to offer my assistance in this matter."

Silverstar stared at the Prince with great confusion. "I beg your pardon monsieur?"

Blueblood could only grin, a wicked grin for the plot he was setting up. "I will find the mare, after all, she is attracted to single stallions of great wealth, it will only be a matter of time before she falls into my lap," he drawled. "And when I finally have her, I will then explain the horrid news of her mad father, and that if she does not claim him, the dear police will have no alternative but to send him away."

"But monsieur-"

"AND, inspector," Blueblood interceded. "I am prepared to make it worth your while..." The coachman appeared. "Tell my valet to contact my banker immediately...I wish to pay 150 franks in gold to the good Chief Inspector for his...pains." The coachcolt nodded his head and went to deliver the message at once.

Silverstar's mouth hung open in shock. "Monsieur Blueblood, I...I can not possibly-"

"This is simply a deposit, of course," Blueblood explained. "For every week that the stallion occupies your jail, I will pay another 100 franks in gold to you."

Silverstar was speechless. "And...then when you find the stallion's daughter, you will bring her here...and if she refuses to claim him..."

"I will see to it personally, that he is delivered to the asylum."

Blueblood grinned. Silverstar was sold, and the plot was sealed. Fluttershy would have no choice but to play along if she wanted her father back. Yes...she would prove to be a most...willing student to the art of lovemaking, if she truly wished to see her father again. It was all too perfect.

Silverstar stepped outside and bid farewell, leaving the pompous Prince to congratulate himself on a great victory. "I informed your valet," the coachcolt announced after the inspector left. "He is writing a letter as we speak to your banker and plans to deliver it this very afternoon."

"Good," Blueblood said with great satisfaction. "In fact, I feel like celebrating...the best kind of celebrating...take me to Madame Sapphire's, I think a few hours of cards, drink, and company, will turn this rather dull day into something memorable."

The coachcolt nodded his head and prepared to take the Prince to his favorite high-society brothel. However, before they set forth, the coachcolt, who knew his master extremely well and who had been listening to the entire conversation between the Prince and the inspector, asked, "begging your pardon monsieur, but...what if the mare does not respond as you hope? What...what if she truly has been kidnapped?"

Blueblood rolled his eyes. "She has not been kidnapped, especially from the so-called 'Phantom'," he groaned. "And she will come forth...oh she will...and when she does...I'll be waiting."

> Stories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stories

She was a vision; a vision in white with the sun gleaming behind her. He couldn't breathe; she was so beautiful.

She stood facing him, her face a blur, but the closer he came, the more he could see her face. It radiated light, warmth, beauty, and all the other things he yearned for but would never have. Her arms were stretched out to him, beckoning him to come to her. Her lips moved, but he could not hear her words.

He moved closer and closer, yet she still seemed far away. He gasped when the vision before him changed. The white flowing gown that she wore began to cling to her body...a beautiful delicious body from what he could tell; soft body, round hips, luscious thighs...he wanted her unlike anything he had ever wanted before. The vision was changing; the light disappeared and was replaced by rain. The rain was the cause for her gown to cling to her beautiful body. He then noticed that it was not a gown she wore...but a thin slip and corset, which deliciously displayed the flesh beneath. "My angel..." she whispered.

Angel? Him? Impossible, for in truth, she was the angel...yes, for nothing of this world could be so beautiful. But her smile disappeared; she began to shiver and her expression changed from one of happiness and desire to one of fear. Then her ear piercing scream filled his ears the same moment he heard the gun go off...

Discord awoke with a start, gasping and drenched in sweat. He looked wildly around him, searching frantically for familiarity and realized that he was in his own bed. It had been a dream...simply a dream. A throbbing pain spread throughout his chest and he glanced down at the bandage. Now he remembered everything...

"Master?" he glanced up at the voice that came from the entryway of his bedchamber. Rarity emerged, holding a small tray in her hooves. "Ah! I am pleased that you are awake!" she said with more cheerfulness than Discord could take. "I have brought you some soup to which I added a few herbs...special herbs that I believe will help with the pain."

He ignored her words and threw the blankets off. Rarity frowned at Discord's behavior. She gasped when she realized what he truly had in mind the second she saw him attempt to swing his legs over the edge of the bed. "What do you think you're doing?" she gasped, rushing over to stop him.

"Out of my way mare," he growled, hissing back the pain that was searing through him as he attempted to lean forward.

"Master, you are in no condition to be walking about!" Rarity scolded, attempting to stop him from going any further. "Please, you must lie back and relax! It's the only way we can be sure that you'll heal properly!"

Despite the pain that he was feeling, Discord refused to listen. "I…am…not staying…in this bed!" he groaned between jabs of pain. His feet touched the floor, but his legs could not even begin to hold him and he toppled back onto the bed. "DAMNATION!" he swore.

Rarity clucked her tongue and began to draw the blankets up to his chest again. "Master, you have no strength, you've been sleeping the whole day and have not eaten anything since the day before! You are in condition to be-"

"I KNOW VERY WELL WHAT MY CONDITION IS!" he roared, causing Rarity to practically topple over by the power of his voice. He regretted it instantly, as the pain split across his chest. "Please," he groaned, "I…I have an opera to run…"

"All in good time," Rarity grumbled, tucking him back in. This time his only protests came from his mouth. She was grateful he was not attempting to rise again.

"No, I…I must see to things, be sure that…those bloody managers are…are not ruining my theater!" he groaned.

"First things first," Rarity said matter of factly, bringing the tray of soup she had brought to his bedside. "You need to eat in order to regain any strength."

"Later."

"No, now," she insisted with an edge of force to her voice. She was the tiniest one out of all of them, but she was also a force to be reckoned with. "Come now Master, eat up."

She had taken the spoon and was leaning as close as she could with it to his mouth. Discord grumbled his disgust at her gesture. "I can feed myself!" he snapped before snatching the spoon from her hooves. "I may have been shot, but there is nothing wrong with my head!"

Rarity hid the grin that was threatening to spread across her features as she watched Discord gobble down his soup like a greedy filly, grumbling here and there while he ate. Yes, he would soon be back to his normal "charming" self. "The herbs will help," she happily whispered. "I have a whole pot brewing, and I intend to have you drain every last drop."

Discord grimaced. "If I am to be confined to this bed for a lengthy period of time, I at least think I have the right to compose, do you not agree?" he grumbled.

Rarity smiled slightly and went to fetch him some parchment and ink while he finished his soup. "There you are Master…and do not fret so, in a few days you'll be as good as new," she added warmly, pleased that he had drained the bowl as she had hoped. "I'll fetch you another bowl at once."

Discord said nothing; he simply put on a sulk. Rarity knew he was grateful for the soup and for the healing herbs especially, but she also knew that when Discord was in a mood, cordiality was the last thing to expect. He watched the little mare turn to leave, and then called out to her before she was gone.

"Where's the mare?"

Rarity paused, her back still to Discord. "You mean Fluttershy? For that is her-"

"Yes, yes, I know that is her name…this is my theater, is it not?" he muttered. "I know more about her than you may have thought…I know that she's the violinist's daughter, I know that she's from the country, I know that she's rather smart with a needle and thread-"

"Did you know that she has dreams of singing?" Rarity interrupted, turning to face him.

Discord rolled his eyes. "All mares who come to the Maris Opera House believe themselves to be great singers…and many of them are not, as we have good proof," he growled, thinking about how much he wanted to strangle Fleur de Lis. "Now, answer my question, where is she?"

"She's with Shortround and Derpy in the northwest cavern," Rarity explained. Discord simply snorted to the news, however his body seemed to relax somewhat. Rarity nibbled her lip. "I…I've been meaning to ask you Master…what shall we do with her?"

The relaxation was gone. Discord's brow furrowed at the question. "What do you mean?"

"Well…" Rarity placed the tray back down and came back to his bedside. "It seems that…that well…Fluttershy will be with us for…quite some time, would you not agree?" He didn't say anything, simply stared right back at Rarity, his expression dark and exasperated. "What I mean to say is…I do not think the costume cages are…suitable shall we say, to a young mare…w-w-would you not agree…master?" she didn't dare look up into his eyes, she could feel them burning through her.

"And did you have any…suggestions, my dear mare?" he asked, his voice dark and dangerously low. His whole world was being turned upside down from one mare.

"Well, as a matter of fact, I…that is, myself, Shortround, and Derpy, thought…perhaps she could stay in our quarters? We have beds, and…well, I'm sure we can find something suitable for her around here, if not above in the dressing rooms-"

"No," Discord said, his voice dark and unreadable. Rarity was surprised by his quick dismissal of her idea.

"Master…you can't…you can't expect her to simply be locked away! She won't run away again, at least…I don't believe she will, besides, she's injured-"

Discord's eyes went wide at Rarity's news. "What?" he asked, sitting up a little too fast and groaning as he felt the pain hit him like a stone. "What do you mean injured? How?"

"Oh, not badly Master," Rarity quickly explained, although she was surprised by his reaction. He still did not relax. "Her leg was cut, that's all, but I was able to tend it, nothing more than a scratch I assure you."

Discord relaxed somewhat, however the concern that was written across his face did not disappear so easily. "I am glad that you have helped her," he whispered, not meeting Rarity's questioning gaze. "And…when I said 'no' earlier, I had not yet finished to what I meant…" For the life of him he had no idea why he was about to say what he was about to say. "I do not want her sleeping in the same quarters that you all share…I…I think it would be easier on her…as well as for everyone else if…if she is given her own place," his voice was practically a whisper when he had finished.

Rarity however and heard every single word. "You…you want us to prepare her… a room?" she asked, making extra sure she was hearing him correctly.

Discord gritted his teeth. "Yes…I think the southeast cavern would be a good place…it's close to the lagoon, and it's small, but warm and dry. I think that would be a very suitable place for her."

Rarity found herself smiling with pride at his words. "I agree Master…I shall tell the others to begin searching for bedding right away-"

"Wait," Discord interrupted. "I know exactly what I want you to fetch for her…"

Rarity's mouth went wide when she read the thought in Discord's eyes. "Oh, but Master, do you think that's wise?"

A wicked grin was beginning to spread across his face. "Oh yes, I think that will do very nicely," he leaned back against the pillows of his bed feeling much better. "I think I will have another bowl of soup Rarity," he said, sounding extremely peculiar. Rarity realized what it was; he sounded somewhat happy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	

"T-t-his one's m-my FAVORITE!" Derpy cried out happily as she shuffled over to Fluttershy with the book in her mouth. Fluttershy smiled up at her and took the book to have a look at the title.

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame?" she read. "Oh yes! Rarity told me you loved this story…" she looked at Derpy with a warm smile and wondered how on earth she could have screamed in her face earlier. She wasn't fearsome looking at all to be honest. She was large, and hunched over but…she wasn't frightening to say the least. And as she sat there with both her and Derpy…she realized just how much more "pony" they were than most she had encountered in her life above.

Derpy plopped herself down right next to Fluttershy, who was sitting on a blanket on the cavern floor, grinning as she opened the book. "H-h-have you r-r-r-read it?" she asked, stuttering from her excitement.

Fluttershy smiled at him. "I know of the book, but I confess I have never read it."

"It's w-w-w-w-wonderful!" she exclaimed! "There's a h-h-hunchback bell ringer, he l-lives in the bell t-t-tower high above Maris…a-a-a-and a b-beautiful gypsy mare…she f-f-falls in love with him!"

Fluttershy's smile faded somewhat. While she had never read the book, she knew that was not how the story went. Truth be, the hunchback died and Esmeralda fell in love with a handsome stallion. However, she had a feeling that Rarity had "altered" certain parts of the story for her. "It sounds lovely," Fluttershy whispered, feeling that she would enjoy Derpy's version much more than Hugo's. "Perhaps one day you can read it to me?"

Derpy blushed. "I…I c-c-can only r-read a little," she confessed, looking down at her hooves. "B-b-b-but Shortround is t-t-t-teaching me!"

Fluttershy looked over her shoulder at the dwarf, who was sitting on a rock, with a small worn leather-bound book in his hooves. "Shortround r-r-reads alot," Derpy explained. "He was r-r-raised in a m-m-m-mon…m-m-mon…"

"Monastery," Shortround finished. Fluttershy's look of surprise gave him cause to smile. "I never knew my parents," he explained. "I think it was easier on them to leave their 'freak of a son' with someone else than raise him themselves."

Fluttershy bit her lip at the revelation. "I…I'm so sorry," she whispered. She couldn't imagine what it may have felt like to be abandoned.

Shortround, however, continued smiling. "Oh don't be, I have no regrets," he stated quite sincerely. "In fact, I'm very thankful for my upbringing, truly. The monks that took me in were very kind, and it was through them that I received a wonderful education; I do not know if my parents could have done that. And through their kind and charitable example, I have come to accept myself and believe that I am not an abomination of the pony race." He smiled at this, and proceeded to continue reading the page he was just on.

Fluttershy found herself smiling at his words. "How then did you come to be here?"

"We w-w-were in a c-c-carnival!" Derpy exclaimed. "But t-the Master, he-"

"Derpy!" Shortround hissed, quickly quieting the pony who bit her lip, realizing that she was telling too much. Fluttershy had paled at Derpy's first words; a carnival. Had they…were they all on display? A surge of anger shot through her as she imagined poor Derpy with her sweet nature being forced to show off her body for the wealthy upper classes, and Shortround with all his great intelligence, being reduced to less than an animal for the viewing pleasure of others. Truly…they were not the freaks of this world.

"Still here, I see," came a low grumble from the shadows. Fluttershy glanced up to see Rainbow Dash emerge from the darkness and felt a cold chill run down her spine. Of all the Phantom's servants, she was the one that still frightened her. Rarity, Derpy and Shortround had shown nothing but kindness to her, but Rainbow Dash…Rainbow Dash wanted nothing to do with her, and she was making it extremely plain.

"I w-was s-s-s-showing her my f-f-favorite books!" Derpy exclaimed happily, pointing at a pile that was on the ground next to Fluttershy. After tending to Discord, Rarity encouraged Derpy to take Fluttershy to the northwest cavern, the place that she soon learned was where they all slept. Compared to the Phantom's chambers, it was extremely humble…but it held a warm inviting glow that oddly enough reminded her of home back in the country. Like the Phantom's chambers, the cavern had plush Persian rugs that aligned its floors, and pieces of beautiful cloth that hung from its walls. In the center of the room, was a small fire pit with a kettle boiling over a healthy fire. There were four beds, each as different as the four seasons of the year. Shortround's bed was a hammock of deep green cloth that hung between two tall skinny boulders. Derpy's was a boat, with all the seats removed, replaced by blankets and pillows. Naturally it was the only thing that could fit her great size. Rainbow Dash's bed seemed to be a pile of mattresses and blankets thrusted back in a dark corner; fitting for her, she thought. And Rarity's bed actually looked like a bed one would find in a house, clean and soft. Each corner was also marked by the distinct personalities of each person. Derpy had pictures of animals and piles of books near her bed, whereas Shortround had a small pile of books, and an old wooden cross near his. Rarity had a spinning wheel beside her place, with several yards of fabric, and Rainbow Dash…Rainbow Dash's space was bare; a mystery to enhance her already dark persona.

Yes, out of all of them, Rainbow Dash still caused her blood to run cold. Unlike the others, Rainbow Dash's deformity was not one she was born with. She was tall, but skinny. Her hair hung limply from her head. Her hair wasn't normal though, and Fluttershy understood that was where Rainbow Dash had gotten her name. She wore a tattered gray hat and tattered trousers. She wore no shirt, and her ears, lips, and nose  were covered with piercings. Fluttershy flinched when she saw her body, imagining the pain she must feel.  Why would anyone do anything like that to oneself? She would never understand…and she could not see herself having the courage to ask Rainbow Dash why.

Perhaps the most frightening thing about Rainbow Dash was her back left hoof…or lack thereof. Rainbow Dash's left hoof was gone…replaced with a think piece of wood that looked as if somepony long ago had shoved into her skin. Indeed, skin from her hoof seemed to be growing along the edges of the wood; she had to look away for fear that she would be sick.

Rainbow Dash snorted in disgust to Derpy's exuberance over showing Fluttershy her book collection. "Isn't it time that she's placed back in her cage?" she asked Shortround.

"Rarity s-s-said that she c-could s-s-stay here…w-w-w-with us!"

Rainbow Dash paled at Derpy's joyful words. "WHAT!"

Fluttershy flinched to Rainbow Dash's bark. She wasn't entirely thrilled with sleeping in the same place with her either, but the cavern was much warmer than the cage she had originally been placed in.

Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy with coldness and growled, "Why can't the Master simply kill her like all the others?"

Fluttershy paled at her words, which was the exact reaction she was seeking. She couldn't help but chuckle evilly. Shortround however sent Rainbow Dash a look full of warning, to which the mare with the wood leg swore, before stalking off to her pile of mattresses and collapsing on top of the heap.

"Don't mind Rainbow Dash," Shortround said to Fluttershy just loud enough that Rainbwo Dash could hear. "She's always in a foul mood, that's her true deformity."

"At least I don't believe in absolute rubbish!" Rainbow Dash hissed from her dark corner.

"My faith is not rubbish!" Shortround snapped. "How dare you-"

"I see that filly behavior is running rampant this evening," Rarity grumbled as she entered the cavern. Shortround sent Rainbow Dash one more angry look before turning away. Rainbow Dash simply grinned to herself before placing her tattered hat over her eyes.

"How's the Master?" Shortround asked, lowering himself down to cavern floor.

"Much better, although I had to stop him from getting up," she groaned, sitting herself down on the edge of her own bed. "The Master is too concerned with the Opera House than with his own health," she muttered, rubbing her tired aching hooves. "The only way to get him to stay was bring him parchment and ink so he could compose," she rolled her eyes. "If I hear one note coming from that organ, I swear, I will steal his parchment back!"

Fluttershy had her legs tucked under her chin while she listened to Rarity's complaints about the Phantom. How curious, she thought. Had it only been a little over 24 hours that she had believed the infamous opera ghost was a myth? In her brief time there she had learned he was a draconequus; an almost mythological creature native to Persia, which explained the Persian style of his home. He was a frightening creature, but…a creature with a family of sorts, a creature with a love for music.

She remembered the night before when she had been hiding in his chambers and saw him play at his organ with more passion than she had ever seen anyone exhibit over music. Her blood went warm at the memory of watching his large skilled paw and claw fly over the organ keys; he pounded his spirit upon them, and yet there was also a strange gentleness he displayed with the instrument. "My dear?" Fluttershy blushed and looked up from her perch on the floor, realizing that Rarity was talking to her. "Are you alright?" she asked. "You seem…distant."

Fluttershy could feel her cheeks burning pink. "I was…just…well, I-"

"Thinking about your father?" Rarity asked, her eyes filling with sympathy for the mare.

Her father. Fluttershy wondered what had become of him. She had vowed to take his place for the Phantom in return for his life to be spared. Had that happened? Had the Phantom truly set her father free? Or had it all been a trick? A vicious trick to lure her into his trap while keeping her father prisoner in a different area of the Phantom's underground lair, or worse, killing him? After all, it was Rainbow Dash, a mare who had no toleration for outsiders, who had been ordered to remove her father…even if the Phantom ordered him to set the stallion free, would Rainbow Dash have done that?

"It'll be alright," Rarity murmured, reaching out and patting Fluttershy's shoulder with a reassuring touch. Fluttershy smiled at the pat and knew that her father was free and alive; if he wasn't, she knew that she would have learned from Rarity and the others the truth. Yet she still worried for him…especially as she thought of the sadness he was enduring at the moment over losing her.

"Rainbow Dash! Shortround! Derpy!" I will be in need of some assistance from you," Rarity commanded. Rainbow Dash grumbled her protest to which Rarity immediately ignored. "Come, we need to fetch some things for Mademoiselle Fluttershy," she instructed.

Fluttershy looked at Rarity with confusion while Rainbow Dash's silent protest became quite loud. "WHAT? I am doing nothing for her!" she growled. "Let her sleep in that bloody cage; that was the Master's original orders-"

"The Master has changed his mind," Rarity said through clipped lips, cutting Rainbow Dash's protests off immediately. The mare with the wood leg stared at Rarity, her eyes and mouth wide with shock. "The Master has ordered that we fetch some things from above for Mademoiselle Fluttershy, so that we may create suitable living quarters for her-"

"SUITABLE LIVING QUARTERS?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "YOU MEAN HE INTENDS FOR HER TO STAY? WITH US!"

"Yes!" Rarity shouted back, her patience waning greatly. When Fluttershy brought Discord back after the accident, Rainbow Dash disappeared, wailing that a mob would be down in seconds after the whole lot of them, that the Master was going to die, and they would all starve to death, depending if the mob came for them. Her panicking upset Derpy immensely, and when they needed help to care for the Master, he was no where to be found. Now Rainbow Dash was proving to be more of a nuisance as far as Rarity was concerned, with her complaints towards Fluttershy and her ill temper with everyone else. "The Master has instructed that we create a living space for Mademoiselle Fluttershy in the southeastern cavern near the lagoon, and that we begin immediately," she shot a look at Rainbow Dash. "If you don't like it, then go to the Master and inform him of your complaint."

Rainbow Dash said nothing; she simply pushed past the little mare out the cavern entrance. Fluttershy chewed on her lip as she watched the mare stalk out. True, she found her frightening, and the idea of a place away from her sounded pleasing, however, making her hate her even more was the last thing she wanted. "I…I don't want to be a burden, and I fear that I am," she whispered.

"Nonsense," Shortround muttered. "Rainbow Dash is bent on making everyone's lives miserable when she's unhappy…give her time and she'll come around…she's really a good mare." Fluttershy looked at Shortround and found herself feeling reassured by his confidence. It seemed to her that Shortround found the good in every person.

"Come, come, we must fetch these things at once," Rarity clapped her hooves. She then turned to Fluttershy. "My dear, for this night, you shall sleep with us, but I promise you, by tomorrow, you will have your own chamber," she said with a smile.

Fluttershy smiled back, however she felt that this was all happening so fast. One night she was a prisoner in a cage…the next night, she was a guest who would be receiving her own private quarters! Had something happened to change the Phantom so? Perhaps he was taking pity on her for saving his life…however, if he truly pitied her, he could release her. She sighed, knowing that if he did release her from his captivity, she would not go, at least…not until she knew he would be alright.

"Rarity, you have had a trying day, why don't you stay and rest?" Shortround offered.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly-"

"It's alright R-r-r-rarity," Derpy stuttered. "We'll f-f-find items f-f-f-fit for a princess!" she grinned at Fluttershy and blushed slightly when she smiled back.

Rarity opened her mouth to protest, but did not say a word. She had been on her feet all day and evening, keeping watch with Fluttershy over Discord's recovery. He had slept most of the day after they had finished stitching up his wound, yet she remained close by, waiting for him to awake so he could get some food in his system. "I won't argue," she admitted. "My hooves are hurting quite badly."

"Then you stay and we shall fetch the items the Master wishes us to find," Shortround smiled. "And if he is instructing us to go above…then…well, there is only one place I can conceive that the Master would insist upon…"

Rarity could only grin. "You would not be wrong."

Shortround nodded his head and lead Derpy out of the cavern. Rainbow Dash, who had appeared to have stalked off, was truly waiting for them outside the cavern, and her voice filled with complaints when he saw them emerge. "About bloody time!" she groaned.

Fluttershy watched as her new friends left both her and Rarity behind in the small cavern. "Can I get you anything?" Fluttershy asked, as the mare climbed into her bed. "Some tea perhaps? I could boil some over the fire for you, it would be no trouble."

Rarity smiled at Fluttershy's offer. "You are very kind my dear, but I am fine," she then pointed to a small pile of mattresses and rags nearby. "I'm afraid that was the best I could do at the moment for a temporary bed," she sighed. "I'm sorry my dear, it will be for only one night," she reassured.

Fluttershy smiled back. "It will be far warmer and softer than the floor of that cage."

Rarity smiled faintly at Fluttershy's words, but frowned as well. "I'm sorry you had to endure that my dear…I can understand why that experience, as well as being parted with your father…and all the stories I'm sure you've heard above, would have tainted your view of the Master."

Fluttershy was wiping dust off the blankets of her bed while Rarity spoke. She paused and chewed on her lip some more. "I will not deny that…I found your Master to be a bit of a…of a…"

"A monster?"

Fluttershy looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry, I-"

Rarity clucked her tongue. "Nothing to apologize for my dear, that is the image the Master wishes to express. However, I never truly believed him capable of monstrous behavior till I saw him take you prisoner and order you to be placed in that cage," she grumbled coldly. "I know that may sound strange…after all, those stories that you've heard of the Master killing intruders…they are not pure acts of fiction."

Fluttershy felt her blood run cold. She knew she shouldn't be surprised by such news, after all, her father was trapped and it seemed the Phantom had every indication of murdering him. So why was she affected so? Why did it bother her to think of him as a villain?

"The stories are greatly exaggerated, however," Rarity clarified. "I know that the stagehooves and dance mares make it sound like masses of ponies have come below and have lost their lives at the Phantom's wrath…but if that were the truth, do you think that they would not have stormed down here seeking the murderer?" Rarity did have a point, Fluttershy could not argue that. "Truth is, only a handful of stallions have ventured below and have lost their lives; these caverns and tunnels have been carefully booby trapped to stop any trespasser. Most of the traps are simply designed to scare people away, or perhaps cause a minor injury, nothing serious. However, some are designed to do more…" she shuddered. "The Master is more than simply a musical genius, he is an inventor as well, and has designed some of the most elaborate contraptions you have ever seen!" She found herself smiling with pride as she told Fluttershy the tale. Then her smile faded once again to a frown. "However, I…I know that does not excuse the Master for what some of his contraptions have done…"

Fluttershy agreed with Rarity; nothing could excuse murder, however…after getting to know the ponies who lived below with the Phantom…she began to understand why such precautions were being made. "Forgive me…I understand if this is something you do not wish to discuss, and I will not raise it again-"

"You wish to know how we came to be here?" Rarity asked, her eyes shining with understanding. "I'm an old mare my dear, I know a curious face when I see one."

Fluttershy blushed deeply. "It's just…well, Derpy started to tell me something about a carnival…but Shortround quickly shushed her."

"Ahh yes," Rarity sighed, before waving her hoof for Fluttershy to come closer. She immediately obeyed, picking up one of the blankets she had dusted and drawing it over to Rarity's bedside. "Well…what Derpy was going to tell you is true…there was a carnival…and that was how we all knew each other."

Fluttershy looked down at her hooves which were clasped tightly together. "Was it…a…a freak show?" she whispered, not caring for the word at all.

Rarity nodded her head. "Unlike the others, I was not kept in a cage constantly. I was more of a servant really. The owners had me move about, fetching things for them, giving them food and drink, picking pockets off the viewers when they were looking upon the others," she muttered in disgust. "At night, they caged me with Derpy, because she would cry in the dark. I was the only one who could keep her calm," she smiled softly at the memory. "Derpy is very much like a daughter to me," she whispered.

Fluttershy smiled at Rarity's words, but felt her anger kindle at the ponies who had treated Rarity and the others like animals. "Besides myself, Rainbow Dash had been there the longest," Rarity continued to explain. "She was not born like that, as I'm sure you could guess. No, she was their first 'freak' put on display. They did that to her body…I remember hearing her cries of anguish whenever they placed a new piercing on her," she shuddered as the memories flooded her. "But even after they the mutilated her body, they still were not satisfied. So they burnt her hoof off her arm-"

Fluttershy gasped. "They burnt her hoof off her?"

Rarity sadly nodded her head. "Yes…and before the wound had time to heal, they rammed that horrid wood into her flesh…" she whispered. "To this day, I can still remember the screams…and the blood, oh God in heaven, there was so much blood."

Fluttershy felt her stomach churn at the thought. All her thoughts towards Rainbow Dash had now changed; she could completely understand why she disliked her and she didn't blame her. She represented the world that had turned her body into a perversion. No, she did not blame Rainbow Dash for her suspicions in regards to her at all.

"Shortround's life was not nearly as harsh," Rarity continued.

"Yes…he told me that he was raised in a monastery," Fluttershy explained.

Rarity nodded her head. "Yes, he was very fortunate," she sighed. "The monks were good to him, they gave him food, warmth, love, and an education," her expression changed suddenly. "However, the Father who was head of the monastery died, and a new one came to take his place. This stallion saw Shortround as an abomination, a punishment for the sinful ways of pony nature," she sighed sadly. "He sold Shortround to the carnival…I remember that day very clearly. He became known as 'half a man', and was forced to perform stunts for the wealthy," she forced a smile, although it was sad. "Still amazes me how despite all that, he is able to find the good in everyone…" She sighed again, her small wrinkled hooves playing with the ends of her blanket. "And Derpy…poor Derpy…"

Fluttershy sniffed back the tears that were already threatening to descend. She was not sure if she could bear hearing Derpy's sad tale.

"Derpy came to us as an infant. Her mother…" she paused for a second to collect herself. "Her mother was a gypsy, barely 16 if I remember correctly. She had been raped and did not wish to keep the babe, especially after seeing her deformed figure. The carnival offered a handsome price for the filly, so without second thought, she sold her to their display," she looked up at Fluttershy, her own eyes reflecting the tears that mirrored the young mare's. "Ironic, is it not? Derpy dreams of meeting a gypsy mare one day…and her own mother, a gypsy mare, sold her off."

Fluttershy wiped her eyes, her heart breaking for Derpy as she remembered her telling her her version of Victor Hugo's novel. She smiled through the tears at the memory of her calling her "gypsy mare", but more tears came at the thought of her mother selling her to a side show freak carnival.

"Those were very hard years for us," Rarity whispered, wiping her own eyes. "But…thank the goodness, the Master came to be with us…and helped us escape."

Fluttershy sat forward at the mention of the Phantom. "Was he…in the carnival as well?"

"Oh yes, he became a star attraction for them," Fluttershy explained. "He was the last to join. You see, the carnival traveled all across Europe, and I remember being in the east…Romania, Bulgaria…we may have even been in Turkey! But wherever we were, there was a Persian caravan that passed us by. Little is known of the Master's origins, whether he was born in Persia, or if one of his parent's was Persian, but he was in their caravan and they were looking for a way to make some money, so for a hefty price, they sold him to the carnival."

Flutterahy imagined the Phantom, the fierce dark figure that he was, exposed to the ridicule of others in a freak show. Her heart swelled with pity for him. "How old was he?" she asked.

"He was young, 13, perhaps 14?" she sighed. "They called him the 'half stallion monster'; one side of his face looks like that of any other stallion's…but the other… and his body . . .she shivered slightly. "Well my dear, you have seen him without the mask and seen his body." Indeed she had…and yet Fluttershy remembered the second time she saw his face and not fearing it…rather finding it fascinating. She blushed at the thought as Rarity continued her story. "They used to open the curtain to his cage, exposing only the unscarred side of his face. They then would ask one of the young mares to come forward to the cage and pucker her lips for a kiss."

Fluttershy felt her insides churn again at the thought. Of all the cruel things to do to someone; her sickness turned to rage.

"Then, after the mare finished giggling and had her lips puckered for a kiss, they would tell the Master to turn and face the young lady head on, exposing his scars," she trembled again. "They would show his body and would turn and scream and blubber about, agitating the Master and forcing him to attempt at kissing the already screaming mare," she shook her head. "Sometimes he refused to turn and face the audience, so the carnival owners would lash him in front of everyone…" she wrapped her arms around herself as if seeking comfort. "It was horrible, those years in that place."

Fluttershy's fists were tight round balls of rage. "Monsters…they were the real monsters."

"I agree," Rarity sighed, settling herself back in her tiny bed. "But we did escape, as you can see," she smiled. "We owe that to the Master, actually."

Fluttershy looked up at Rarity with curious eyes. "He helped you all?"

"Oh yes, it was his idea actually," she smiled. "One night, the watchpony was very drunk and the Master saw the opportunity. I was already in my cage and witnessed the whole thing from it. You see, he started to insult the watchpony, calling him names and throwing pebbles at him that filly's had thrown at the Master earlier that day."

"Charming," Fluttershy muttered.

"Well, the watchpony, who had the keys around his belt, got irritated and threatened that he would come into the Master's cage and beat him within an inch of his life. Of course the Master continued his insults," Rarity grinned.

Fluttershy was leaning close, her head resting in on top of her hooves, her body leaning against the small bed. "Then what happened?"

Rarity's grin spread further. "Well, as he promised, the watchpony grabbed the whip that was normally used when any of us 'acted up', and proceeded to enter the Master's cage with every intention of beating him," Fluttershy was holding her breath, anticipating Rarity's every word. "Once he entered the cage, the Master then lashed out, kicking the watchpony hard in the groin, before slamming his head against the bars of the cage."

"And no one heard it?" Fluttershy asked in amazement.

Rarity shook her head. "They were all drinking in their little hut, singing loudly and very off key. Even if the watchpony had cried out for help, they wouldn't have heard it."

"So then what happened?"

"Well, the Master got hold of the keys, and immediately set about releasing us. There were others," Rarity explained, "but they chose to go their own way…to this day I don't know what became of them," she sighed sadly. "But Derpy, Shortround, Rainbow Dash, and I…we all chose to follow the Master. We were just outside Maris, so we took our chances and wandered into the city. At that time, the Opera House was being completed, so the Master thought we would be safe hiding there. We found some stairs that led down…and heard water below…so we followed the sound, and…discovered this," she finished, holding her arms out to the cavern. "We believe that it was part of the underground catacombs used in the middle ages."

Fluttershy was amazed by the whole tale. "How long…how long have been down here?" she asked, amazed that no one else had discovered their secret.

Rarity counted softly in her head. "The Master was 17 when we escaped so…just over 20 years."

20 years. No one, till now, knew of their secret which had been kept well for over 20 years. "Amazing…" she whispered. "And…he saved all of you?"

Rarity smiled proudly. "He could have run and saved his own skin, but…not our Discord. He's a good creature, truly he is."

"Discord…" Fluttershy whispered. The Phantom had a name.

"Now my dear, you need your rest," Rarity shushed. "Climb into bed and get some sleep…tomorrow you'll have a new place all your own."

Fluttershy wanted to smile to Rarity's words, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She missed her father and was worried about him; yet she was also grateful for the new friends she had just made. And then there was the Phantom.

Discord. The name really did suit him, with all that mischief and murder. She shivered and wondered how he came to it. Was it given to him by his captives? Or did his mother give him the name before something happened to her? Did she sell him to the Persian caravan? Or did a tragic accident occur, causing him to be ripped from his family? So many questions were still waiting to be unveiled, but one thing was now understood: this place, this world, was his to protect. These people were not his servants, they were his family–yet they felt obligated to treat him as their master for the salvation he had given them. Yes, despite his harsh behavior to her, Fluttershy could see the good that hid within the shadows of his persona.

"Goodnight Rarity," she whispered to the mare as she burrowed under the soft blankets of her temporary sleeping place. She wondered about her captor, wondered about the sudden change in his attitude for wanting to give her a place of her own, instead of throwing her back in the cage. Perhaps it was just pity he felt for her…but she couldn't help the feeling that she wanted it to be more. Friendship perhaps? Surely that was all it was…wasn't it? Fluttershy blushed at the thought and told herself to go to sleep.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fleur de Lis' screams filled the Opera House's walls, causing Fancypants and the managers to come running to her side. "Fleur de Lis! My beloved, what is it? What's wrong?" Fancypants cried, finding his prima donna standing aghast in the doorway of her dressing room.
"WHAT HAS HAPPENED?" she screamed. The managers arrived just then, huffing from their sprint and peered inside to see what had caused the soprano to be so upset.

"Good God," Flim gasped. The dressing room was in shambles. The dressing table, the chaise lounge, all the elegant furniture was gone, leaving only several gaudy dresses and tangled wigs here and there. "What happened senora?"

Fleur de Lis turned on the managers and released her fury. "DO YOU THINK I WOULD BE ASKING YOU IF I KNEW? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" she stormed past them, nearly knocking them to the ground. "I HATE THIS PLACE!"

Somewhere, far below Fleur de Lis' dressing, someone was grinning at the harpy's screams. "I really must do that more often," Discord chuckled.
> Bargaining
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bargaining

"Fluttershy…"

Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of her name. Fluttershy lifted her head, looking around her, remembering once again that she was not in the apartment she and her father occupied, but beneath the Opera House. The cavern was dark save for a few orange embers that glowed from the hearth in the center. Who had spoken to her? All she could hear now were the soft snores of her new friends. And then she heard it again…

"Fluttershy…"

She rose from the bed, a blanket wrapped tightly about her body. The voice seemed to be coming from beyond the cavern.

"Fluttershy…come to me, my angel…"

The voice was hypnotic. Low and deep, rich and soft. A whisper; yet loud and clear. She felt like a ship at sea, and the voice was her beacon guiding her to safe harbor. Or, it could be that of a siren, luring her to her death. Either way, she was under it's power and could not turn away. "I am coming…" she called back, following the voice through the darkness of the tunnels.

The voice was replaced by music. Music she had heard before in her dreams; soft and sad, yet so beautiful and passionate. She continued her unknown journey, her feet carrying her as if she were as light as air.

"Sing for me, my angel…"

Futtershy opened her mouth willingly to the request. Was it a request? The voice was soft and sweet, yet the words seemed commanding. She opened her mouth, yet no sound came out.

"Please sing for me…I long to hear your voice mingle with my music…"

Her skin tingled in the most wonderful way. She felt something within her begin to burn, begin to come alive. The music rose higher in its passion, and as it did so, she felt her blood rise with it, the heat of her body climax with each note.

The blanket fell away, like a puddle at her bare hooves. She wore a sheer gown, its material touching her like a thousand silken hooves. Funny, she did not remember putting such a gown on.

"Yes my angel…come to me…sing for me…stay with me…"

Fluttershy opened her mouth again, willing her voice, forcing it almost, to obey the other's commands. She wanted to please her ghost, her angel of music who was playing for her and her alone.

"Oh angel…how I long to hear you sing…"

Fluttershy attempted again, but her voice stopped in a gasp as she felt something touch her. A paw? She gasped again as she felt the paw, strong and large, spread over her stomach…and then move down, slowly, running along the length of her thigh.

"Mmmmmmmm…your body was meant for singing…" the voice whispered. She gasped for she could hear it in her ear. She felt a claw touch her throat, spread across her neck and then move downward…further and further.

She held her breath.

"I shall teach you to sing…a very, very special kind of song…" the voice promised, as a silky tongue darted out to taste her earlobe, and the paw on her thigh moved between her legs and the one on her chest moved to her nape.

"Oh Fluttershy…Fluttershy…"

"FLUTTERSHY!"

Fluttershy awoke with a start, her face flushed, her brow covered with beads of sweat, the blankets sticking to her body. She gasped and shook her head, looking around and trying to comprehend what had happened.

A dream. It had all been a dream, and standing near her bed, looking extremely exuberant, was Derpy who was practically hopping up and down. "C-C-COME AND SEE!" she exclaimed, her large hooves grasping her shoulders and pulling her out of bed.

Fluttershy squealed, blushing and thinking she was wearing the silken sheer gown as she had in her dream, but she soon realized that instead, she was still wearing her drab blue dress from the previous day. No wonder her body felt stiff.

"Derpy!" Rarity scolded. "Put her down at once!"

Fluttershy realized that her hooves weren't touching the ground; she was so concerned about her state of dress that she hadn't realized. Derpy looked ashamed and quickly put her down, turning a bright shade of red and shrinking her large size into a small ball. "S-s-s-sorry F-f-f-fluttershy," she stuttered, scuffing her feet and looking sad.

Fluttershy smiled and patted Derpy's face, to which she grinned, although she herself was disappointed by being interrupted from her erotic dream. Or perhaps she was more disappointed that it had turned out to only be a dream. Who was her mysterious angel? It was not the first time she had had such a dream; however this one was much more…realistic.

"C-c-c-come and s-see!" Derpy cried again, gently tugging on her hoof to follow. Her gentle tug was truly a good hard pull, but she was trying.

Rarity rolled her eyes and shook her head. "She won't be satisfied till you follow her my dear…I'll make you some breakfast while you're looking."

Fluttershy was so confused. Looking? Looking at what? What had gotten into Derpy? She grinned and tugged on her arm to follow her, which she had no choice but to follow, as her tugs were quite insistent.

She led her through the dark tunnels and passages of the underground labyrinth with ease. Some tunnels were pitch black, yet Derpy navigated the two of them without any problem. Everything looked the same as it had the night before…how did they know when it was morning and when it was evening? She was not sure if she could stand living a life underground, but then she reminded herself that her new friends had little choice.

Some of the tunnels looked oddly familiar…like the tunnels of her dream. She tried to remember the route she was taking her, but after a while, every passage looked no different than the previous one. Fluttershy wondered how far they were going, as it seemed they had been walking–running practically, for Derpy's steps kept getting wider and wider–for quite some time.

"Almost t-t-there!" Derpy said happily, pulling on her arm a little more. Fluttershy continued following, curious to see what it was that had her in such a state. She was surprised when Derpy suddenly stopped in front of her, causing Fluttershy to run into her large frame. "There…" she pointed towards a small glittering light that was coming through a sliver in the cavern wall. Fluttershy looked around her, her gaze following the direction her hoof was pointing. She saw the soft golden glow that was softly illuminating a nearby rock. She realized that the glow as coming from just beyond the rock. What was it? Her first thoughts were that it was the light of morning, streaming through a crack in the cave's ceiling. But as she slowly approached the light, with Derpy's instance, she realized that it was artificial, and not the sun.

"G-g-go on!" she encouraged, grinning from ear to ear. Fluttershy nodded her head at Derpy, slowly going towards the glow, wondering what lay beyond the rocks that blocked her initial eyesight. She realized that the rocks were not hiding the light, they were simply in front of it. She did not have to remove them; she simply had to go around them. She side stepped to her right and went beyond the rocks, finding a small entrance into a cavern. The glow was growing brighter…and her curiosity was growing wilder. The entrance was small, but not to the point where she had to bend down, as she initially thought she would have to do. She gasped when she saw a lacy white curtain covering the "doorway" to the cavern. How did this get here? It was beautiful to be sure, but…where did it come from? Fluttershy pushed the curtain aside…and her breath stopped.

The cavern was small…no bigger than some of the dressing rooms that the chorus girls occupied above…but it was adorned in the most exquisite state she had ever seen. Before her was a rich scarlet rug, unbelievably soft, which stretched to the far reaches of the tiny cavern's floor. In one corner was a beautiful mahogany dressing table, adorned in brightly colored bottles of perfume, cream, and soap. The scent of lavender and rose petals filled her nostrils, reminding Fluttershy of the rose bushes she and her father kept back at their old farm. The dressing table had a pristine mirror which reflected the elegant area she was standing in. There were several beautiful works of art that hung from the cavern walls, and several stone pedestals that held crystal vases filled with all sorts of colorful flowers. To the left of the dressing table was a scarlet chaise-lounge, which had a lovely lace throw adorned across it. She heard the soft trickling of water and glanced to her left and gasped. A tiny waterfall trickled from the ceiling down to a small pound that was at the bottom of a tiny slope. Before the slope there was a mahogany table with two chairs, each with the same scarlet cushions as the chaise-lounge. A single pink rose in a slender crystal vase adorned the table. Light glittered off the falling water and Fluttershy's followed it to see where the light came from. Several large beautiful crystal oil lamps hung from silver hooks on the cavern's walls…yet they were not causing the odd glittering glow. No, the glow was coming from what the light of the oil lamps were bouncing off…which was a small beautiful crystal chandelier, which seemed to sparkle with diamonds, which hung from the center of the ceiling. And then…in the very middle of the room, was a bed. It was not small, but not overly large. Two could sleep on it if they wished, but they would have to be pressed very close together. Fluttershy found herself blushing at the thought. The bed was four posters, and was covered with lace curtains that were held back by white ribbons. The sheets looked as if they were made of silk, and the blanket that covered it was a deep velvet scarlet, same as the other furniture. Needless to say…the cavern took her breath away.

"And just in time for breakfast!" came a merry voice. Fluttershy whirled around to see Rarity smiling as she held a small silver tray, adorned with eggs, several kinds of sweet cakes, and a cup of tea. "Here you are my dear…I'm afraid we were not able to build you a fireplace just yet, but do not worry, all in good time you will have one," she smiled.

Fluttershy was flabbergasted. She could not find her voice, her eyes were wide with amazement. This…this was hers?

"R-r-rarity…" she murmured looking around her, not knowing where to start.

"D-d-d-d-do you l-l-l-like it?" Derpy asked, her stutter even stronger due to her nervousness. She wanted to make sure she loved it, she had worked very hard with the others the previous night to make sure it was perfect.

"Like it," Fluttershy whispered. "I…I don't know what to say?" Derpy's face fell at her words. "It's the most beautiful room I have ever seen!" she exclaimed. Her face instantly broke into a large smile. "I…good Lord, where did this all come from?" Fluttershy asked, her body whirling around the room, taking in everything she was seeing. Rarity and Derpy smiled at one another. "I…I just…I don't know what to say…" she whispered, feeling happy tears form in her eyes. "But…I can not accept this…this is too kind, why…it's fit for a princess! And I'm just a country mare-"

"T-t-t-the Master w-w-will be upset if you d-d-don't take it," Derpy quickly interrupted. "Please say you w-will stay?" Fluttershy was moved by Derpy's words, not knowing that when she made her simple request, she was asking her more than simply accepting the room.

"Oh Derpy…" she looked at Rarity then as well. "Thank you both…and please thank Shortround and Rainbow Dash for me as well! I can only imagine how tired you must all be," she whispered, wiping her eyes and giggling as she remembered that both Shortround and Rainbow Dash were snoring in their beds when Derpy roused her.

"We are not the ones who deserve the thanks my dear," Rarity simply stated. "This was all the Master's doing. He merely directed us to fetch the furniture; he designed the room himself."

Fluttershy stared wide-eyed at Rarity. "The Phant–I mean, Discord…he…he…" she could not believe it.

"Yes," Rarity sighed. "Despite how I told him to stay in bed, he insisted on being here while the others brought the furniture. At least he didn't attempt to move it himself," she thanked heaven for some small favors. "He was present with directing where things should go and designing the whole space," she explained, before taking Fluttershy's arm and leading her towards the table by the small waterfall. "Now, come along and eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Was this another dream? Fluttershy gazed at the lace that covered the top of the bed, relishing in the soft sheets that she lay upon. The previous night had been alright, but it wasn't the best sleep she had received. The mattresses she was given for a bed were old with springs that popped here and there. She had tossed and turned throughout the night and her back ached somewhat. But now, as she laid upon her new bed…oh she had never felt anything softer, as if she were laying on a cloud.

She truly did feel like a princess; she had never seen anything finer. And yet…she did not feel deserving of this extravagant gift. Were the others content? Why was she given luxury when they continued to sleep in their present quarters? Were they happy with what they had, or would they begin to envy her? Was it right for her to have such luxuries? After all, she was a prisoner. And then there was the Phantom…

"Discord," she whispered the name again. His name was both mysterious and beautiful. Ever since Rarity had told her the story of how they all had come to be there, she could not stop thinking about him. Despite his dark mood and cruel exterior…she had learned that he was caring and devoted to those he felt responsible for. They all called him "Master", and had adopted the understanding of being servants for him; that was her first prejudice towards him. Fluttershy knew of several wealthy families back around the country village in which she grew up. They were all snobby and arrogant, commanding servants to do whatever they wished, even if the command was humiliating. The family of her mother, who snubbed her after marrying a poor musician, taught Fluttershy how far ponies were willing to go to view others as equals…and it wasn't that far.

Yet the Phantom…was different. He was the equal of the others; he too lived in that horrid place and suffered the same humiliating cruel acts that they had faced. And when the time came for his escape, he could have easily left without anyone else. But he released the others, and in return for their freedom, they wished to serve him with whatever he needed. And it did not end there either, for he cared for them, provided them food, clothing, shelter, and whatever else they wished. While this underground labyrinth was amazing with all its secret treasures…Fluttershy had a feeling that many of the things that were there, such as Rarity's yards of fabric for her sewing and Derpy's book collection, came from the Phantom himself. And this entire room…where it had come from, she did not know…but he, as she was reminded many times by the others, had wished for her to have it, and was present with the organization of it.

Why had he changed? Was it not one day ago that they were blaming each other for one another's troubles and throwing insults back and forth? Did he feel pity for her? Was this his way of showing thanks for her bringing him back and helping to save his life? Whatever it was…she needed to thank him. Oh she could envision it now, she thought with a wry grin. Yes, she could see herself strolling into his elaborate chambers, and thanking him for the beautiful room and all that he had done…and then receiving scoffing remarks and sarcastic laughter. No, the Phantom did not strike her as a man who would listen to compliments and gratitude.

…and yet she still felt the need to go to him and somehow thank him, even if it was simply seeing his face and body again.

His face and his body. Funny, she thought. The first time she saw him without his mask, she was terrified. Never had she seen anything more horrific in her whole life. But when she reflected on the situation the second time she removed his mask to place a cool cloth on his cheeks and forehead and took off his clothes to ward off the fever, she discovered she truly was not terrified…but intrigued. She concluded that what startled her initially was the way he suddenly turned around after he felt the mask being removed. It was the rage that she saw etched across his face, as well as the odd duality; one side was "normal" while the other…wasn't. 

But when she looked at him again without the mask…her eyes studied his scars, and her hooves lightly played over them while he slept. The scars were hard, and had a somewhat leathery texture. She could feel the bones of his nose and right cheekbone, which had skin covering them, but no muscle tissue. The bag of flesh that hung slightly over his right eye was hard as well, despite looking somewhat squishy. How he came by these scars she did not know…but the more she studied them, the less afraid she felt. She gazed upon the other side of his face, the side that looked like that of any workpony's. It was not handsome, at least not by fashionable society's standards, but then, when was she considered fashionable? It was rugged in texture, pale, but there was a soft hint of brown to his skin. She remembered how Rarity mentioned that one theory of Discord's origins was that he was from Persia; perhaps that explained his coloring? His face was not slender, but with a strong set jaw. The cheekbones were not high, but they were sleek, offering a more rounded look. His eyes however…that was where she remembered her breath being stolen. 

His body also scared her a little at first, simply because it was so strange. However after she had taken a longer look, it stopped scaring her and more interested her. His body was . . .unique to be sure. He appeared to be a miss match of things all put together into something quite horrifying at first glance. But now that she had seen his body more from their encounters and his fever, she felt that it almost. . . suited him in a way, a representation of the insanity that plagued him, and the passion. slim yet strong, a mix of many things that in the end, all worked together very well.

He had the eyes of a panther; large and golden. In the shadows they looked amber–a soft shade of brown with flecks of gold. But when the light shown on his face, and when his eyes went wide with shock or surprise, they turned a golden color, one that drew her into its depths and made her feel like drowning.

And his voice. It was not silken, but deeper, richer…more like the scarlet velvet that adorned her bed. Soft, yet textured; dangerous, yet warm.

His slimness added his gracefulness, another panther-like quality. The way he moved when he was fighting was like a dance of sorts. And when she watched him play at his organ, she saw the graceful way his paw and claw played over the keys, despite the passionate fury his very soul was screaming. Her blood grew hot at the memory; she had been mesmerized by his playing, his music as well as his very being calling out to her like a siren. Was his music the one she heard in her dream? Was it his voice she had heard? She blushed deeply and sat up; she had been laying on her back and yet she had felt dizzy.

The gothic romances her mother had read to her were full of dark suspense, mystery, a little gore here and there, and plenty of ghostly passion. She remembered how as a filly she thought the notion of ghosts was quite romantic, and she even felt that way upon her first arrival to the Maris Opera House. Her feelings on such things had changed; no longer did she find such ideas fascinating or romantic, but frightening and foolish. Yet now…for the first time since her first day in Maris, Fluttershy found herself once again believing in ghostly romance and gothic fantasy. Even though she knew what lay beneath his mask…she could not help but be lost in the mystery of it.

"I'm being so foolish," her practical side scolded. "He said so himself, this is no fairy tale and he is no prince…he is my kidnapper. He may be kind to those who suffer the same way he suffers, but that means I'm his enemy and will always be such in his eyes." So why did these thoughts upset her?

She had to see him; that was the only way to put an end to these silly feelings that were awakening her body to unknown sensations…as well as her heart.

One insult would be all that she needed to remind her silly heart what was her true situation. She could go to him, thank him for his gift, and then allow him to ridicule her for being so foolish as to come to him and think such things. Yes, she would do that, that way she would do the right thing by thanking him…and be reminded of her real situation, that she was prisoner and this beautiful room was her new cage.

So why was her heart breaking at the thought?

"Oh Fluttershy," she grumbled, rising to her hooves and taking one of the oil lamps off the wall and using it as a guide to carry her through the darkened tunnels. "You truly are a foolish country chit!"

Yet her personal insults quickly came to a stop and were replaced by surprise as she found herself going down unknown tunnels…and yet feeling as if they were leading her in the right direction. She had never seen these tunnels before…yet she felt as if she knew them…

Lo and behold, in a matter of minutes, Fluttershy found herself standing just inside the first chamber that belonged to the Phantom. She looked again at the beautiful mighty pipe organ that seemed to be embedded in the rock. By closing her eyes, she could see him sitting at it and playing passionately as she had seen him do only two nights ago.

She shook her head and told herself to continue onward, that she had come here for a purpose.

Quietly, she tipped-toed towards the second chamber, the one in which he slept, and so softly, peered through the shadows to see if he was conscious. Instead, she was greeted by the soft even sound of his breathing, and saw him sleeping, looking utterly exhausted. Fluttershy couldn't help but grin at the sight of him. He wore the mask (she had a feeling he rarely took it off) and on his stomach lay sheets of parchment, while in one paw he held a pen and in the other claw, an inkwell. He looked so peaceful, but she reminded herself that a lion looks just as peaceful before pouncing on its prey.

She knew she should leave him be, but she found herself drawn to him, even in his sleeping state. She quietly approached the side of his bed, and carefully, so as not to wake him, removed the inkwell and pen from his paw. She placed the two items next to the bed on a small table, and then she proceeded to pick up the paper that was scattered across the bed. He made a sound which caused her to jump somewhat, but she noticed that he was still sleeping quite peacefully. She had the amazing urge to bend over and place a soft kiss on his forehead, but she resisted. Instead, she blew out the single candle that was lit by his bedside, and took the parchment into the next room, leaving the slumbering Phantom in peace.

Fluttershy placed the parchment on top of a beautiful piano that sat near the pipe organ. She would come back later or perhaps tomorrow and thank him then. But something on the parchment caught her eye and drew Fluttershy back. It was a song, one that looked as if it had been freshly written.

She recalled the score she had discovered those two nights ago with the words Don Juan Triumphant written at the top. She was not familiar with an opera by that title, and while she had grown up in the country, her father, a lover of all things related to music, had told her much about many operas, the famous and less famous alike. Like that score sheet, this song also contained the words Don Juan Triumphant written in small letters in the upper right corner. The title of the song was "Point of No Return". Fluttershy felt a shiver run down her spine.

The song was a duet, sung by the main figure, Don Juan, and a girl by the name of Aminta. She found herself blushing as she read the first few lines, realizing that it was a love song of sorts…yet the lyrics were extremely erotic, as Don Juan attempts to seduce Aminta. The music was odd as well. One minute, the notes were moving to a graceful slow rhythm, and the next, they changed dramatically to a thunderous exclamation. Without realizing it, she found herself humming softly to the melody…and then, as her eyes reached Aminta's part, she discovered herself singing the role.

"You have brought me
to that moment where words run dry,
to that moment where speech disappears
into silence,
silence…"

She took a breath and continued on, her voice growing a little more confident as the music began to flow through her, casting its spell upon her soul.

"I have come here,
hardly knowing the reason why…
in my mind,
I've already imagined
our bodies entwining, defenseless and silent–
and now I am here with you:
no second thoughts,
I've decided,
decided…"

"What are you doing?"

Fluttershy gasped and whirled around, her hooves gripping the piano to keep herself from fainting with shock.

She had been caught. There he stood, towering over her as she remembered the first time she met him. His shirt was gone; all he wore were a pair of crumpled black suit trousers and his mask. He stood in the entrance between the two chambers, eyeing her.  Even in her frightened state, Fluttershy could not help but look at his bare chest and take in the body she saw before her very eyes. And yet everything in her being told her to run, to get out of there, that she had been meddling in private things and now she was going to pay dearly. She couldn't look into his eyes, she feared what she would find.

So instead, she turned on her heel and darted towards the entrance that led out into the dark tunnels just beyond. This was his lair, nothing could stop him from pursuing her, but right now she wasn't thinking practically, simply following what her instincts told her to do which was run.

"STOP!"

Why, she did not know, but Fluttershy turned her head to look over her shoulder at his thunderous voice, only to find that he wasn't there…but had somehow moved in front of her. She gasped and stared up at him, as he was literally only a breath away from her body. How was that possible to move so quickly?

"I…I…" she swallowed the lump in her throat. "I…I'm sorry, I only…that is, I only came to…to thank you for the room, and…you were asleep, s-s-so I thought…I simply thought that…I only intended…" she was backing away from him and gasped when she discovered she was back against the piano. He was slowly stalking towards her.

"I…I didn't mean to pry, please forgive me, I just…I didn't do any harm, I didn't mean any harm, I…I…" she had nowhere else to go, her back was against the piano and he was still stalking forward. She felt like shrinking, and then, she stopped babbling when she felt his paw reach out and touch her lips.

"Hush now…" he whispered. His voice was not filled with anger…but…fascination. She was instantly quiet in that moment, and she slowly lifted her lashes to gaze up into those molten eyes that were watching her with such intensity.

"I'm going to ask you a question," he murmured, his paw still against her lips. "And I want you to answer me truthfully, nothing else." He paused to see if she understood. "How…when…" he swore softly to himself, for he discovered he too was stumbling over his own words. "Who taught you how to read music?" he softly demanded, yet with great gentleness.

Fluttershy locked eyes with him once more, and read the earnestness in them for his need to know the answer. Slowly he removed his paw from her lips and waited, while she took a deep breath. "My father taught me," she whispered, her eyes not leaving his. "He would play music to me on his violin…and I learned how to read it by singing over his shoulder while he played."

"Amazing…" Discord whispered. It was then that he realized how close he was to her, and he quickly took one step back, providing a little more space between them. "And…how did you learn to sing?"

Fluttershy looked confused by the question. How did she learn to sing? Some people, when they found themselves in the water, could swim like fish. Others could climb rocks and trees as if gravity itself did not apply to them. For her, singing was like breathing; it was just something she could do and had always been able to do. "No one taught me," she whispered. "I…I just can."

His eyes changed, from amazed to scrupulous. He studied her for a long hard moment. He was a connoisseur of music, he knew how to play a variety of instruments, knew all the masterworks by the great composers, and had written several symphonies, cantatas, requiems, marches, and operas, and yet he did it all by thorough and meticulous study. He was born with a gift, but it was gift that did not come so easily, no matter how hard he tried to will it.

But this mare…was it possible for one to have such God-given talent? Only one way to find out…

"Sing this for me," he demanded, finding a song from his opera and slamming it down on the piano.

"W-w-what?" Fluttershy looked confused and felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She felt as if someone were setting a trap for her.

"Sing this, now!" he demanded again, moving to the piano bench and playing the first few cords of the song. He looked up at her, wanting to scream for her to obey and do as he had said, but he stopped himself and saw the fearful confusion in her eyes. His heart instantly softened. "Please…" he whispered. "Please, sing this for me…I need to hear it…"

His voice sounded so pleading, Fluttershy felt herself melting. She took a deep breath and looked down at the sheet of music before her. It was a song that the girl, Aminta, sung earlier on in the opera. She read the first few cords that opened the music, hearing him play them over and over as he waited. She looked at him one more time, finding his eyes locked on hers as he continued playing those same cords over and over. She looked back at the music and began to sing.

"Think of me,
think of me fondly
when we've said goodbye…
think of me,
once in awhile
please promise me you'll try…
when you find
that once again you long
to take your heart back and be free,
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me…"

The playing on the piano came to an abrupt halt and Discord pushed himself away from the instrument, rising to his feet in lightning speed and began pacing the chamber like a caged tiger.

Fluttershy had been lost in the beautiful song; the melody was so sweet and soft and the lyrics so loving, that she was startled by the abrupt stop which brought her crashing back to earth. Had she upset him? She knew she had no formal kind of training when it came to singing, but she didn't believe she was horrible.

Discord's eyes latched onto hers, never leaving their blue depths as he continued his pacing. Incredible, amazing, outstanding; there weren't enough words to describe her voice. It was something that had been missing in the Maris Opera House for years…purity. She had such a pure voice, the tone and pitch clear like a bell. Never had he heard anything so exquisite in all his years at the Opera.

She had the voice of an angel.

Fluttershy felt herself grow more and more uneasy with each step he took. She was going to go mad if someone didn't say or do something. "Monsieur, I…I'm sorry if I offend-"

He stopped. "Sorry?" he said with awe. "You're APOLOGIZING?"

Fluttershy practically jumped at the sudden change of tone in his voice. She couldn't tell if he was surprised, elated, or…upset. "I…well…that is…" she looked up into his eyes, her own filled with confusion. "Yes?"

Discord shook his head furiously. "Don't apologize, do not EVER apologize for…" he wanted to say "the most beautiful divine sound I have heard from another living soul", but he didn't. Instead, he said, "…the talent in which you have been blessed."

Fluttershy felt her cheeks burn at his words. Was that…a compliment? She did not think he would ever say such a thing to her. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes quickly darting away as his caught hers again.

Discord sighed and carefully approached her once more. "I have…I have never heard such a sound before," he stated honestly. If it had been somepony else who had said such a thing, she would have laughed, feeling that that pony was humoring her. Yet she knew that this stallion was being entirely sincere. "Your voice is truly remarkable," he whispered with awe. "The tone, the pitch…everything…it's so clear…" he turned away, rubbing his brow.

Fluttershy stood perfectly still, not entirely sure what to do or say.

"Yet…" he continued. "While it is quite lovely…it is obviously untrained." Fluttershy had blushed to his words and a small smile formed at the corners of her mouth, but after these words, she felt the smile fade away. "You have astounded me with your first attempts at these songs, especially the first one," he murmured. "I know it may sound like bragging, but I have been writing music ever since I've been here…and it is a fact that I am very good at it," he turned to face her once again. "I study music for countless hours every day; most of my compositions end up being burnt for the lack of talent that they possess," he honestly stated. He did believe himself to be good, but he also knew that he was not perfect. "Yet this opera…I do believe is my masterpiece. And you…someone who has had no formal kind of training…can sing the part of Aminta…as if this role was written for you."

Fluttershy's mouth fell open at his statement. Surely he was jesting! Yes, her voice was untrained, yes, she had no formal singing experience, but…she was not as good as he was claiming her to be!

"Monsieur-"

"I'll make a deal with you, mademoiselle," he murmured, sitting himself back down at the piano, his claw lightly running over the ivory keys. "Don Juan Triumphant is an opera that I want performed here in Maris…and now I feel that it is ready to be performed at the end of the opera season. Allow me to be your teacher…to train your voice so that you can perfect the gifts you have been blessed with…and truly emerge as Aminta."

She could not believe what she was hearing. "You…you want to train me?" she asked with bewilderment. Was this the same stallion who had screamed at her the day before, and then had given her the most beautiful room she had ever seen? Now, instead of being furious with her for singing his music…he wanted to be her teacher?

"Yes, you silly mare," he muttered, feeling his patience thinning. How he longed to take possession of her voice and hear her sing Aminta's part only in the way that he had dreamed.

Fluttershy frowned at his words. "I am not a silly mare," she muttered back. "You can not blame me for being a little…flabbergasted to say the least, by your offer," she stated.

He found himself grinning. Ah, that spirit of hers…he did so admire it.

"My apologies," he whispered, which in itself was a bit of a shock for Fluttershy. He smiled even more at this. "So, will you allow me to be your teacher?" he asked again. "I will not lie to you," he warned. "I will be extremely demanding and expect perfection at every rehearsal. I know that you came to Maris with hopes of singing in the chorus," he continued, ignoring the surprise that was in her eyes at this fact. "I am not preparing you to be a chorus mare…I am preparing you to be a star. The part of Aminta is not for a chorus girl but for a diva, a mare who can carry the role with perfection. That is what I am demanding…perfection," he stated quite plainly. "Rehearsals will be long and hard…and no doubt you will come to despise me even more than you already do," he sighed. Fluttershy stared at him when he said these words, her heart going out to him, but her mind reeling with everything he was telling her. "But I can not help that, I am a slave to music and it is my greatest passion. And I demand so much because…I can hear the potential for greatness by what you have sung thus far," he murmured in awe once again. "So, what do you say? Will you let me teach you?" while it sounded like a question, it was truly more like a demand.

Fluttershy let everything he had said soak in. She had no sense of what formal training was like. If she had sought it from somepony else would it be as grueling and demanding as he was warning her? Did she have a choice?

She lifted an eyebrow and stared back at him. "You said this was a deal…what did you mean by that?"

Clever mare. His admiration for her was growing by the minute.

"Let me train you, and when I feel that you are ready, that you have reached your pinnacle and can step forward as the new star for the Maris Opera House…I will release you from your captivity."

Fluttershy was floored by his last words. He would set her free simply by accepting his offer to train her voice?

"Understand that it will depend on whether I and I alone believe you are ready," he explained one last time, giving her fair warning. "But yes…when that time has come…you will be released."

He wasn't sure why…but he felt a stab of pain under his left rib after he said those words. Funny, the bullet hadn't hit him there…

"So give me an answer mademoiselle before I lose my mind with waiting."

Fluttershy gazed into his amber eyes once more, losing herself in the golden brown pools of his being.

Freedom.

She could almost taste it.

And yet she felt a strange wave of sadness come over her for a brief moment. She quickly shook the feeling away, unsure what it was or what it meant, and refocused her gaze with his. By agreeing to his bargain, not only would she be released from her captivity, but her dreams of singing on stage at the Maris Opera House would come true as well! Yes, it would be hard work, she had no doubt…but she was up to the challenge.

"Yes," she whispered, locking her eyes with his. "Yes, I want you to train my voice."

Discord felt such elation at her words that he almost fell off the piano bench. But he hid it all in his heart and simply nodded his head to her. "Wonderful. Now, first order of business," he began quite seriously, "is to get a proper night's rest. We will begin early tomorrow," he rose from the bench and brushed past her towards his bedchamber. A brief shock of electricity passed between them as she felt his arm brush her shoulder. She cursed the dress she was wearing, knowing that it looked horrible on her, and then wondered why she was caring at all about what she wore in front of him.

"Goodnight monsieur," Fluttershy called out, her back to the Phantom, before slowly walking towards the entrance that led out of his music chamber.

"Fluttershy?"

She came to a halt as she heard her name being spoken on his lips for the first time. She felt a strange fire burn between her legs as the words dripped off him like warm honey. She slowly turned her head and glanced over her shoulder at him. Once more, he was standing in the entryway between his two chambers.

"Do you like your room?" he simply asked, his eyes boring deeply into her own.

She swallowed and simply nodded her head. "Y-y-yes…thank you," she whispered.

"My pleasure," he whispered back, before turning and disappearing like a ghost into the shadows of his bed chamber.
> Desires
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Desires

She wasn't going to get any sleep that night. She had tossed and turned for what felt like hours, and was finally succumbing to the fact that she was simply not going to get any sleep. Why? Because she felt she had somehow made a deal with the devil himself.

After her surreal encounter with the Phantom, she returned to her chamber and threw herself onto the bed, praying that sleep would come to her, feeling utterly exhausted by everything that had taken place, not to mention the strange feelings that were swirling around in her head…and heart.

He liked her voice, he thought she had talent, he knew her name! She moaned softly as she remembered the way her name dripped off his lips, like honey melting off the comb. His voice was so hypnotic; deep, rich, soft. Did he sing? Fluttershy believed that a musician of his talents must be able to sing. If he sang to her, Fluttershy knew that she would faint away from the first few chords his voice brought forth.

She groaned and fidgeted some more. Why was this happening to her? He was her kidnapper! Why was she feeling this way? This wasn't some dark romance that she read, this was real; and he had stated quite plainly to her that he was no hero with a happy ending to offer. She was young, true, with what some would call "frivolous dreams", but she was also realistic and level-headed. She had dreams of romance and adventure, but she knew the line between dream and reality…and this was cold reality. He liked her voice, he thought her talented, but that was it! He was in this for himself, for his own opera, not for her. She had to keep telling herself that, or else she would be in danger of…of…

No, she would not think it, for if she did, then she would be in danger of believing it. She did not have feelings for this Phantom! She didn't! She groaned again and crushed her face into the pillow.

All she could see was him; the way he carried himself; regal and mysterious, like a cat stalking its prey. She remembered how he had somehow come around and blocked her way out of the chamber, and how he approached her, his great height towering over her, his paw rising to stop her lips from speaking. His face may be scarred under the smooth mask that he wore and his body may be different, but she could not remember a time when she had found another stallion so handsome and desirable as he was in that moment.

Oh God above, she needed help. She did not understand such feelings, such passionate desires that were coursing through her blood. Her mother died before she had a chance to talk about such things, and her father, bless his heart, well…a mare could not ask her own father such things!

No, she must force herself to put away such thoughts and focus on the bargain that she had agreed to. Her freedom depended entirely on how well she sang for him. She had no doubts that he would be extremely demanding, and she had no doubts that she would come to despise him during those long strenuous rehearsals. But she would have to keep reminding herself that with every note, with every song, with every hour that passed while she sang…would bring her one step closer to her freedom. She should be smiling with joy at such thoughts!

…why did she feel so unhappy then?

Fluttershy threw the blankets off and sat up. How she longed for a book! That was what this beautiful room was missing, a simple bookshelf filled with stories to tame her anxiety. Perhaps she could borrow some of Derpy's books, or maybe Discord could find-

Discord. His name alone sent a strange shiver down her spine.

Fluttershy looked down at herself then, a disgusted look passing over her features. She was still in the same drab blue dress she had worn since the night she was taken prisoner. The dress still had remnants of mud and blood stains from the night she escaped, and while Rarity had been able to sew up the horrible rip that Cranky Doodle Donkey had caused, it still looked awful. It was beginning to smell as well, despite the wash it had received the night she brought Discord back to his underground lair.

The sound of falling water drew her attention to the small waterfall and pool that lay in the far corner of her room. She remembered the perfumes on the dressing table and glanced over, wondering if there was any soap. To her happiness, she saw a small bar of rose-scented soap, next to a basin and pitcher. There was also a white fluffy towel that lay beneath the soap. Fluttershy rose from the bed and dashed over to the soap and towel, a blush covering her cheeks at the thought that was forming in her head. She gathered the items and then went over the pool, the smile immediately fading.

It was too small; the pool was not even deep enough to cover her whole body. But then she noticed a tiny opening against the wall. Yes, the water was leading out of the chamber! She left her chamber and followed the sound of water around several large jagged rocks till finally, she came to a clearing, streaming with moonlight upon the gentle waters of an underground lagoon. Her face lit with such pleasant surprise at her discovery. She blushed and wondered if she was safe from any prying eyes.

The others were further away, and no doubt sleeping. Besides, she remembered Rarity assuring her that no one would disturb her unless she asked for anything. And Discord…

She blushed at the thought but quickly shook her head. He was asleep, of course, and would have no interest in seeing her at all till time came for their rehearsal. No, this was as good a time as any.

Quietly and quickly, Fluttershy shed her dress and undergarments, before being welcomed into the cool refreshing waters.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He wasn't going to get any sleep. He was trying, by God he was trying. He needed the sleep, especially after the new discovery that was made about the costume mare. She could sing! And not just any song, but his own! Discord knew he was being arrogant but he couldn't help it! Don Juan Triumphant was a masterpiece, his masterpiece, and Fluttershy was the first mare he had ever encountered that could sing the part as if she were the living breathing character of Aminta herself!
All he could hear was her voice, beautifully ringing loud and clear in his head. The way she sang those songs, it was outstanding! Yes, she badly needed some training, but she was a miracle all the same! It would be early, it had to be early, he could not wait till mid-morning, let alone mid-day to begin her lessons. But he would mold her and prepare her for stardom, and that was exactly what she would become…a star of opera!

Something deep inside him tugged at the memory of the deal that he made with the mare. He was so desperate to get his paw and claw on her voice that he would have done anything for her…and that's exactly what he did. He promised her the freedom he knew she longed for in exchange for his opportunity to train her to play the part. It was a fair bargain after all, it was what they both wanted…yet that strange tugging feeling worsened at the thought of her leaving for good.

Discord took one of the large pillows and crushed it against his face. Damn it! He was not going to go through ANYTHING like this again! He remembered the pain of pining away for the lovely dancer, Pinkamena, and the jealousy that burned within him as he watched her give herself to the young future Prince. He had been such a fool, writing her stupid love poems and songs of his affection, all the while hiding in the shadows while she bragged them to the other dance mares, thinking they were coming from Blueblood. How he longed to wrap a noose around the stallion's neck!

Love was a curse. He learned long ago that when one had needs, they were best settled with a "professional" than with cards and poems. And that was all he was feeling…lust; simple blind lust. It had been a long time since he had last had a mare. In fact, he had not gone above to see any of the prostitutes since the night that silly mare had entered his life. He needed a long hard fuck with one of the many mares of the night, preferably against an ally wall; they were quicker that way, and Discord never went inside with these mares.

Yes, that was it; he just wanted to feel a mare's legs wrapped around him. This mare was indeed pretty, and he felt his body begin to stiffen at the memory of seeing her standing before him, in her undergarments, the rain falling around her, causing the fabric to be nearly transparent. That was all he wanted, a female body, not this particular mare.

Then why was it that he could only think of her?

Damn this wound! If he could move about better, he would abandon all thoughts and go above to lose himself with one of those mares. Yet a part of him, deep down, knew that no matter how many hours he spent in a prostitute's company…his lust would not be truly satisfied.

He threw the blankets back and rose from the bed, praying that music would be able to soothe the savage need that was coursing through his blood. Yet the second he sat down at the bench to his organ, he found that he could not bear to play. It was all because of her! If he began to play, the thoughts of her face, of her body, of her voice would come streaming back, and there would be no hope for him at all then.

He buried his face into his paw and leaned against the instrument, groaning to himself. What was he going to do? He was going to go mad! Only one thought came to him…he had to see her.

It was foolish, and he felt like a fool for even thinking it, but he knew that if he didn't see her, he would explode! They didn't have to speak; she didn't even have to be awake, for no doubt she was sleeping. But he needed to see her all the same, just to have one look at her beautiful face, to remind him of the ugliness that was beneath his mask, of his body, to remind him of the life he could never have. And then his desire for flesh would be transformed into anger, and music would flow from his anger like rain in a storm.

With new determination, Discord rose from the organ bench and grabbed a linen shirt, throwing it over his head and quickly darting out of his chambers. And then a new thought stopped him short…

Fluttershy had been wearing this horrid looking dress, in fact, if he remembered correctly, she had been wearing the same dress those last few days! He could see the remnants of the mud from the ally that caked it, not to mention the blood of both himself and Cranky Doodle that soiled it as well. Somepony who was going to be trained to become a star needed to look the part as well.

He had a task, and this was exactly what he needed, something for him to focus on what this was truly all about, making his opera become a reality. He hurried as quickly as his healing body would allow to the costume cages, the place where he had her first imprisoned. He couldn't help but grin slightly at the opened door. He went inside and plucked several gowns that hung from the cage's wires, all of which looked to be the right size, and then quickly dashed back to where her chamber lay.

It was quiet as he approached, and he could tell that all but one of the oil lamps within the chamber was lit. She was most likely asleep, which meant he could simply leave the gowns near her dressing table without her knowledge. He felt strange as he approached the entrance, like a colt almost, and he ground his teeth at the thought. What was wrong with him? He held his breath as he came around the entryway to her chamber, wondering how she would look…would she even be dressed? What should he say if she saw him? He looked at the bed where she lay…and frowned. She was not in the bed, and he whirled around, realizing she was nowhere to be seen!

Discord swore under his breath and threw the gowns onto the bed. No, he would not lose her now, not after he had heard her sing!

He stormed out of the chamber, prepared to go on a crazy search throughout the whole labyrinth, when a splashing sound caught his attention. He turned his head towards the sound and heard it again. And a smell filled his nostrils, the smell of…roses?

His brow furrowed in confusion, Discord followed the sounds and the strange smell, easily moving in the darkness and around the rocks that blocked his path, till he saw moonlight fill an open space. It was the lagoon, the secret underground lake that lay beneath the Opera House that no one knew existed. He had no idea where the splashing sounds were coming from, the water looked still, as if nothing had disturbed it. But something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and his mouth fell open when he saw the dress and what lay beneath it lying in a pile by the lagoon's shoreline.

And then, a great splash sounded off to his left, and Discord's eyes went wide as the sight of the beautiful naked Fluttershy emerged from the waters.

Her back was to him, but it was all he needed to see in order for his heart to skip a beat. Before she had the opportunity to look over her shoulder and catch him, he darted behind a rock, the shadows shielding him from the moonlight. He knew how to disappear in the shadows, he had been doing so his entire life. From his hiding place he found himself staring at her back, the strands of her long pink mane dripping down onto her luscious yellow skin. He gasped when she dove one more time beneath the waters, catching sight of her rounded hips and delectable bottom. And when she emerged again, she was facing him now, and he thought he had never seen such beauty…

Her hooves were in her hair, smoothing it from her eyes. The water lapped at her front. Discord felt his mouth water at the sight. She was smiling as she slowly waded towards the shoreline, fetching a bar of soap that she began to lather across herself. He took in everything; her legs were slender, the hips and thighs round …and at the center, the doorway to paradise. Discord's eyes were locked for the longest time and he groaned inwardly, never before feeling so hard as he did right now. She was a goddess…and he knew that if she beckoned him at that very moment, he would be her slave for life.

Fluttershy had no idea that he was there, which perhaps fascinated him most of all. The way she bathed herself, the way she ran the soap over her body…it was so innocent, and yet it drove his desire beyond anything he had ever felt. He forced himself to turn away from the beautiful sight. She mustn't know he had seen her. However, he couldn't resist playing a little…

Fluttershy rinsed herself clean one last time before finally being satisfied that she had wiped away all the grime from the last few nights. The water had been most refreshing indeed, and Fluttershy felt that perhaps she would make this a habit every night. She emerged from the pool, wiping her body with the towel before placing her chemise and pantaloons on her body. Her skin was still slick from the water and she knew that the pale fabric did very little with covering her skin, however it was only till she got back to her chamber…who was going to see her?

She fetched her dress and the rest of her things and headed back to her chamber, humming one of the songs she had sung for Discord that evening. She was so merry from her bath that she didn't realize before it was too late, that she wasn't alone in her chamber.

"Lovely evening for a late night swim, don't you think?"

Fluttershy gave a high-pitched shriek when she saw Discord standing before her, his  frame leaning against one of her bedposts, his arms folded across his chest, his face unreadable as usual…although she thought she could see something of a smirk, despite the mask.

"W-w-w-w-what a-a-are you d-d-doing here?" she stammered, clutching her dress to her body, trying to conceal as much of herself as she could.

Discord couldn't help but grin a little more at her behavior. Truly, he had never thought she looked more delectable, more delicious, than she did at this very moment. He felt the stirring in his loins again, but he ignored it. "I simply came to see how you were, my dear," he said simply.

Fluttershy stared at him, blinking for several seconds before she found her voice. "To…to see how I was?"

Discord nodded his head. "And I can see that…you've more than made yourself at home." She gave a squeak as she realized his eyes were raking over her body, and clutched the dress against herself even tighter.

"W-w-w-well, I'm…I'm doing very well, thank you," she replied, lifting her chin and trying to show him that he did not intimidate her one bit.

Discord could only grin more at this. "I'm glad," he whispered, and then looked at the dress she was clutching to herself and frowned. "And I thought perhaps…you would appreciate some new clothes."

Fluttershy stared at him with confusion, and then gasped as his paw indicated to the gowns he had placed upon her bed. Forgetting for a second that he was in her room, standing near her bed, and she was only wearing her undergarments, Fluttershy went to the bed and with tentative hooves, touched the beautiful fabrics that lay there. "Oh they are lovely!" she exclaimed.

"Yes…" Discord agreed, although he wasn't looking at the gowns.

Fluttershy glanced up and blushed even more as she realized how close they were standing to one another. She quickly took a few steps back, her knuckles turning white at how tightly she clutched the dress to her body. "T-thank you, monsieur," she whispered, looking away from his burning eyes.

Discord could not take his gaze off her, the urge to take her in his arms was burning every fiber of his being. He was not a stranger to sex, but he had never been with a mare on a bed, surrounded by softness and the scent or roses, and that was exactly how she smelled and he knew that would be how she would feel. Soft and sweet…how he wanted her.

"You are most welcome, mademoiselle," he whispered back, before taking a few steps back from her as well.

The two of them locked eyes with each other and in that brief moment, a shock of electricity went through them both. It was Discord who broke the spell, saying, "Since we are both awake, I see no reason why we should waste time any further. Quickly get dressed and then come to my chambers and we shall begin." Without another word, he turned on his heel and left her alone in the chamber.

Fluttershy stared at the space where he had been standing, her breathing slightly ragged and her legs trembling. She reached out to grip the bedpost in order to keep from melting away. Oh heaven above, she was lost.

Discord didn't stop moving till he reached his chamber. Once there he retreated into his darkened bed chamber and collapsed upon the bed, groaning as the lust surged through his body. He could not help it, he found his paw reaching down. Discord rarely touched himself, he was always disgusted with the simple thought of his body, but now, he could not help it, all he could think about was her body, her beautiful body rising from the water, and her sweet voice filling his ears, and her fiery spirit, matching his own, even when she was afraid. He imagined her body tangled with his, her voice singing the song of pleasure and passion, and her spirit boiling with his own as together they strove to reach the pinnacle of their desires.

Never had the thought of a single pony have such an effect on him. And never had he felt such desire before.

However the pleasure quickly disappeared. He was disgusted with himself and rose to quickly change his trousers. He was a monster, simple as that. He knew it, and he had a feeling she knew it as well. So what if she had seen him several times without his mask, he knew she would never be attracted to him, and while once upon a time he had thought of making her a personal slave to his every lustful whim, he knew he could never–WOULD never do such a thing to such an angel.

Angel. Yes, that was what she was. Not a goddess but an angel, something that was far out of reach, something he could never obtain, no matter how hard he repented.

His anger grew more and more with each passing second. Anger for his deformity, anger for her beauty, anger for the world that would never truly accept him. He stormed into the music chamber, seating himself at the organ and began to play with such furious passion, none like he had ever felt.

He played for a long time, losing himself in the music, before he felt her eyes upon his back. He would always feel her eyes upon him, especially after the incident when she removed his mask. "You're late," he muttered, his playing never ceasing or missing a beat.

Fluttershy's mouth fell open at his words. She had been as quick as she could; she just hadn't been sure which dress to wear. The costumes were all so lovely, but they were designed for acting, not for walking about in or…for rehearsing in. Discord turned then and eyed her, his gaze judging her from the start.

In truth, she looked beautiful, wearing a royal blue peasant gown that the character of Marguerite wore in "Faust", but he was a creature who wore masks, and so he masked his pleasure at the sight of her, and instead, stalked past her to his piano and seated himself, opening the music before him.

"Right…let us begin," he instructed, playing the first few notes on the score before him.

Fluttershy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. Oh heaven above, what have I gotten myself into?
> Tension
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tension

"Flim! Oh thank Goodness, I have to speak with you at once!"

Flim turned to see a breathless Flam run to his side, his cheeks red and puffy from exertion. The older stallion groaned and began rubbing the bridge of his nose, already having a bad feeling about what his partner had to say. "Don't tell me…"

Flam gasped, but nodded his head. Flim groaned. "That makes the twelfth one we've received this month!" he cursed.

Flam, finally having the time to catch his breath, groaned with frustration along with his business partner. "We've been receiving notes filled with threats about allowing Fleur De Lis to perform, about changing the opera season, and…well…" Flam handed the note to Flim. "I'm afraid, this one is once again, about that unknown opera…"

Flim swore. "Not again! I don't care who this…prankster thinks he is! I happen to agree with the Prince, we shall not be intimidated by some foolish, masked-"

Flam hissed at Flim to keep his voice down. They were in the grand foyer of the Maris Opera House, where ponies of fashion came to lounge and discuss whatever gossip was going about society, and several heads had turned to overhear Flam and Flim's passionate discussion.

Flam gently pulled Flim's arm and led the gentlecolt to their office where they could not be heard. Once the door was shut, Flam turned to face his partner. "I know that you think me a fool for saying this, let alone believing this-"

"Flam-"

"But I'm starting to believe that…that these letters are not the work of an idle prankster!" he was sweating profusely, and Flim had noticed that Flam seemed very jumpy. He kept looking around, as if trying to make sure they were truly alone and no one would hear what they had to say. "I too believed that all those notes and tales we had heard about the infamous 'Phantom of the Opera' were simply jokes that Cranky Doodle Donkey had played in order to scare the dance mares…but…Flim…these threats…they are becoming real!"

Flim groaned and collapsed into his desk chair. "Now see here Flam, the only reason that we are receiving more of these letters is because we are not reacting to them the way he had in the past! The prankster is trying to scare us, and from the looks of things," he muttered, adding the note Flam had given him and throwing it into a pile with the other notes they had been receiving, "I'd say that our so-called 'Phantom' is getting desperate."

Andre shook his head. "Flim, do you not remember the last two performances?"

Flim shuttered at the memory. Nearly three weeks ago, Fleur De Lis was scheduled to perform, and on the day of her performance, a note had arrived, threatening that the understudy should go on in Fleur De Lis' place, or else a great scandal would occur. Needless to say, the managers ignored the letter, as the Prince had instructed. However, they found themselves eating their words when that evening, Fleur De Lis went on stage, and her voice went from singing…to croaking!

To the horror of everyone on stage, plus the managers, Fleur De Lis could not stop croaking! She finally fled the stage, screaming–if that was what her croaking was meant to sound like–and the patrons demanded their money back.

Only two days ago, Fleur De Lis was scheduled to perform again, and yet once more, another letter filled with threats arrived. This time, it said that if her understudy did not go on for her, a fear greater than anything they had known would come true.

This time Flam summoned the Prince for advice, but the Prince, like the last time, told the managers to ignore it. Fleur De Lis was eager to perform and show whoever this prankster was that he could not mess with her! But 15 minutes prior to when the curtain would go up…Fleur De Lis went missing. She was not in her dressing room, she could not be found anywhere back stage…it was as if she had vanished into thin air!

Fleur De Lis' understudy was to go on while the managers and the police searched high and low for their beloved prima donna. The understudy, a mare who was never given the opportunity to learn the opera, let alone perfect her singing skills, went on to give a most mediocre performance. Once again, the patrons demanded their money back, and the Opera House lost all its profits.

Finally, an hour after the bad performance had ended, Fleur De Lis was discovered locked in a broom closet, a scarf in her mouth, a blindfold around her eyes, and her hands tied to her ankles. Pinned on her sleeve was a note that read "I hope, dear gentlecolts, you will not test my patience further."

Flam needed no more proof; he truly believed the Phantom was real!

Flim was still skeptical, mainly because he felt somepony around here had to be. True, the letters had been coming faster than ever before. Strange demands were being made, such as changing the opera season, adding a new opera by an unknown composer titled Don Juan Triumphant. If the managers agreed to the Phantom's terms, the threats would end and the score would be sent for the orchestra and company to practice.

If these demands were not met, more outrageous scandals would occur. Costumes, props, and tools had already gone missing, some of the patrons' lounges were ransacked, and members of the staff were threatening to quit for fear of ghosts that they swore they had seen. The Phantom was haunting them because he was upset for the Opera disobeying him, or so they believed.

Still, Flim held close to the fact that this was all some elaborate trick to make both him and Flam look like fools. He had several suspects; he knew the elaborate opera company in Canterlot was jealous of the Maris Opera company's success, and it was rumored that Manehatten was willing to pay a handsome fortune to have Fleur De Lis appear for the rest of their season.

Something had to be done and fast, especially before Fleur De Lis learned about Manehatten.

"That note is yet another demand that we push everything else off the opera season and devote all our time to this…this Don Juan Triumphant!" Flam muttered, running a hoof over his sweating face. He could see the money they had made fly out the window.

"Calm yourself, my friend," Flim grumbled. "We will do nothing of the sort; we will continue things as they are scheduled-"

"But Flim-"

"Now is NOT the time to be changing things!" Flim hissed, rising from his chair and glaring out of the glass at the ponies that casually strolled about the grand foyer. "If we change things we will lose more money than this…this PHANTOM could ever cost us!" he turned and faced Flam, the annoyance and frustration that he felt towards this unknown prankster clearly written across his features. "Our patrons…especially our most powerful, will not tolerate changing the season that they wanted…especially if we do it for some…some unknown piece of…we don't even know what it's like, we've never seen it!"

"But Flim-"

"And furthermore Flam, we can not simply…cut Fleur De Lis off the opera season! I mean, you saw how much money we lost those last two performances! The ponies want to see her and no one else!"

"But Fleur De Lis is threatening to leave!"

Flim's face paled at this news. "W-w-w-when did you hear this?"

Flam groaned and removed his handkerchief, using it to wipe his brow and nose. "Just before I received the letter…she…she is getting fed up with her treatment here in Maris, not to mention the horrible reviews that have been coming in ever since the opening gala."

Flim's voice was a hushed tone and he leaned forward so no one could hear him, despite the fact that it was only the two of them in the office. "Does she know about Manehatten?"

Flam shook his head. "Not yet, but…" his voice trailed off, afraid to even comprehend the thought of his money flying out the window.

Flim nodded his head, groaning at the thought of Fleur De Lis' shrieks of rage for her displeasure. "Then there is only one thing that is to be done…" he sighed. "Send word to the Prince."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity sighed and shook her head, sympathy written all across her face as she handed Fluttershy a hot cup of tea. "Drink this my dear, it will soothe the vocal chords," she whispered. Fluttershy gratefully took the cup, her throat feeling so tight that it was hard to accept the warm liquid, which burned as she swallowed it.
One month. She had been in this underground place for an entire month, and yet it still felt as if only yesterday she had been taken prisoner.

Prison. Yes, that was exactly what this place was. She had been foolish once upon a time to think that it was something more, that she was in a mysterious romantic gothic fairy tale and that the Phantom was her dark prince.

Ever since he discovered the truth about her singing capabilities he had become a most militant teacher, commanding her to sing beyond the brink of what was humanly possible for her. He was ruthless, summoning her at odd hours whenever inspiration struck him, to perform the scores of music he had composed the previous night. When he told her that he would be demanding, he was not joking. Every day it was the same: they would start with warm-ups which consisted of a wide variety of scales, her voice being stretched to the far ends of the sound spectrum. Following the warm-ups came time to practice the great works of the masters of opera. This would go on for hours, and every now and then Discord would stop his playing to reprimand her for doing something wrong, and to teach her the story and history behind the work she was singing.

The final hours of rehearsal were solely dedicated to his opera, Don Juan Triumphant. There were many songs that he had composed that Fluttershy liked, such as the two she had sung the night he learned about her voice. But there were others, many of which were extremely difficult, and over all, while the music she thought was brilliant…she could not find herself liking his opera as much as he did. Perhaps it was the story–Aminta was a beautiful mare and Don Juan was a grotesque figure who lusted after her. Like most operas, the story ended tragically, although in this particular opera, the part that Fluttershy truly could not stand, was the way that Aminta betrayed Don Juan, even after professing eternal love for him. Aminta seemed so passionate, and so sad, but the sudden character change was too extreme. She loved Don Juan, but for no reason, betrayed him by sleeping with another stallion, and once Don Juan discovered her treachery, killed both her and her lover, before falling upon his own sword–this was of course after he had sold his soul to the devil, ala Faust.

Fluttershy couldn't understand how Discord could compose such a story…but then, she knew he hadn't had the easiest life.

She whimpered softly in pain as she felt the hot liquid burn her throat. She could feel the healing vapors of the tea begin their affect, yet it still hurt to swallow. She was in danger of developing a serious throat disease, Rarity thought. Her brow furrowed at the thought of Discord's cruel meticulousness.

"I'll have to have words with him," she muttered under her breath, but Fluttershy heard her.

"No," she said hoarsely, before taking another sip of the tea. "I'm alright, truly…and I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to have him train me."

Rarity raised an eyebrow at this. She had a feeling Fluttershy didn't know what exactly she had gotten herself into, but she knew that Discord must have promised her something in return for allowing her to be so strictly trained. Rarity knew that music was Discord's greatest love; it was the only thing he could depend on. Therefore he was going to treat anything harshly when dealing with his love for music. She recalled how Discord had informed her and the others that he was going to become Fluttershy's vocal teacher, and that unless it was a true emergency, he was not to be disturbed. If he needed them, he would call for them, but otherwise, he wanted to be left alone.

Rarity sighed and began cleaning the kettle that the tea had been boiled in, wondering what had come over Discord. True, she believed Fluttershy's voice was very beautiful; she had heard it echo off the cavern walls and throughout the tunnels, yet it was something else that disturbed her. Discord was obsessed, so obsessed that he was truly losing coherent thought and sense when it came to, well, anything really, but especially to the limits Fluttershy's voice could go. If Fluttershy didn't say anything to him, then somepony had to…and she had every intention of telling him what she thought.

"How are the lessons coming along?" Rarity casually asked while scrubbing the kettle.

Fluttershy swallowed another gulp of the hot tea, feeling the soothing effects on her throat, but no smile came to her lips at Rarity's question. "Oh…wonderful, truly," she lied, taking another sip.

Things had changed, in Fluttershy's opinion, ever since she came to his chamber for her first rehearsal.

She was foolish to think that Discord had truly changed, despite the small kind acts he had bestowed. After creating her room and giving her the dresses, Fluttershy thought that perhaps there was a chance that she and Discord could be…friends. She blushed at this thought, thinking herself stupid for even contemplating such a thing. Why? Why had she even considered that she wanted to become his friend? She sighed, knowing that it was because she was afraid of the strange feelings that…that he was awakening within her. Perhaps she would be safe from such feelings if they were friends.

She wanted to get to know Discord more, he was fascinating to her; a tragic figure with a passion for music, a romantic that hid in the shadows, a stallion with so many secrets, and yet he seemed to be yearning for something…acceptance? Recognition? She figured those were the most obvious reasons, and through his opera, he may finally achieve them. This was what drove him, as he had explained to her during their rehearsals. Finally, for the first time ever since he started composing, he could see something of his become a reality, and despite Fluttershy's humility, he told her over and over that no other voice could sing the part.

When Discord first said this, Fluttershy remembered blushing and denying the truth of the matter, but she could not help but smile somewhat to his compliment. Yet now she frowned, realizing that it wasn't a compliment, that he didn't admire her or her voice, he simply wanted to use it for his opera. It didn't matter that it was her voice, it was the voice of "Aminta", and that was all he cared about.

From that first rehearsal, his true colors showed brightly, just as they had the night he took her prisoner. He was cold and cruel, barking commands and directions that were hard for her to follow, shouting at her when she didn't do something right, and having her repeat lines and scales over and over again, demanding perfection, always insisting on perfection. For one whole month it had been like this; she had no idea that hell would look like a piano. Once she thought she would love the rehearsal times with him, thinking that she would get to know her mysterious seductive captor, but she was wrong. He was a cruel taskmaster, and she dreaded rehearsing. In fact…she was beginning to hate singing.

I should be happy, Fluttershy thought to herself. This is what I wanted, a reminder that I should despise him with every fiber of my being and not allow my stupid, filly fantasies to take control of my mind...or heart.

Rarity saw the mare's expression darken more and more as she reflected on her rehearsals with Discord. Rarity was more determined than ever to get to the bottom of all this. "My dear," she sighed, putting the kettle aside and taking Fluttershy's free hoof in her own, "you may be a prisoner here…but you deserve kindness. You should demand it, you-"

"You're late. I've been waiting for over twenty minutes."

Both Rarity and Fluttershy gasped upon the cold dark voice that echoed off the cavern wall. In the faint candlelight of the entryway stood the Phantom, his head lowered, his body covered in black, his cape draping down from his shoulders like a bat's wings. He was beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

Rarity's brow furrowed at his coldness. "She can't sing," she said with contempt. "Her voice needs to rest-"

"Since when did you become an expert of the pony voice?" Discord snapped, his eyes falling on Fluttershy who stood before him, shivering under his intense gaze, but he could see her spirit slowly rising to the challenge.

Rarity was shocked by the tone of voice Discord had used. He had yelled before, but…this was different. This was a creature she did not know! She opened her mouth to say something but Fluttershy stepped in front of her. "As soon as I finish my tea, I will be ready," she said calmly, taking another sip from the cup.

Discord glared. He was in no mood to test how far his patience could go. "You will come, now," he growled.

Fluttershy ignored him and took another sip, relishing the brew that slid down her throat, knowing it would be the last pleasant thing she would feel for a long while. She knew that she was being stubborn, but Discord needed to be taught a lesson. She wanted her freedom, now more than ever, and she had not forgotten the bargain that she had made with him. But she had learned how desperately he needed her too, and unless he started treating her with some respect, she was not going to come like a dog whenever he wished.

Discord growled, tired of this power play, and reached out and grabbed Fluttershy by the wrist, yanking her away from Rarity, causing her to both gasp and drop the tea cup. "Don't EVER make me wait again!" he hissed, before dragging her out of the cavern and down the tunnel that would lead to the music chamber.

Fluttershy protested the whole way, telling Discord to loosen his grip, telling him that he was hurting her arm. She was suddenly reminded of the Prince dragging her to his lounge at the Opera House, much to her displeasure. Both stallions were vile in her opinion; at least the Prince didn't hide the fact of his intentions. It was obvious he was trying to seduce her. Discord may not be doing that, but he was prostituting her voice as far as she could tell.

Finally they reached the music chamber and he released her, only after almost hurling her towards the piano. She glared at him while he went around and sat down, his paw and claw crashing down on the keys. "Now, since you've wasted away our warm-ups, you'll just have to go right into singing-"

"No." Fluttershy was just as shocked as Discord when she realized what she had said. She had enough! She was a living being! She demanded to be treated like one.

Discord's eyes widened at her words. "No?" Fluttershy lifted her chin in defiance and Discord's fist came crashing down on the piano keys, causing Fluttershy to jump at the thunderous sound it made. "NO?" he growled, rising from the bench and causing it to fall over. His eyes were the color of fire and he glared at her with such fury.

Fluttershy felt the terror grip her, but she knew she couldn't show it, that she had to be strong and stand her ground, so she glared right back at him. "My throat hurts…and my voice is tired…" she said hoarsely. "Rarity is right, I need to rest it."

Discord's eyes became fiery slits. "I am your teacher…" he growled. "I will tell you when your voice needs to rest!"

Fluttershy's blue eyes became a storm that sent a threatening message back. "And it is MY voice and MY body!" she hissed back. "And I know it better than anypony!" she spat, leaning towards him, her shoulders squared and her jaw set.

Discord stared in awe and disbelief at the defiance she was having towards him. She should be shaking in terror! But here she was…arguing with him, the Phantom of the Opera! He was not in a sick bed now, he was towering over her, his very form threatening her…and yet she refused to back down.

"You forget your place," he growled.

"It's right here in front of you," she hissed back.

"You forget who I am…that I'm the one who controls whether to release you…or let you rot in this pit!"

She lifted her chin and took another step closer, her whole body shaking with anger and her heart pounding loudly in her ears. "And you forget, monsieur, that your masterpiece would still be gathering dust if not for my voice!" it was a selfish remark, but he had made it true from everything he had said…and he knew it.

Discord was a creature who tolerated many things, even when he disapproved of them. But insulting music…especially his music, was something he would not stand for. With panther-like speed, he was around the piano and had Fluttershy by the shoulders, turning her and pinning her against the piano and his body. She cried out in pain as she felt the piano dig into her back and gazed up at him with hate. How had she ever fancied herself attracted to him?

"I have never killed a mare before…but you're not making it difficult for me to imagine!" he spat, shaking her by the shoulders, angry, and yet very much aware that he was against her, his body molded against her own.

"You're a MONSTER!" she screamed, before spitting in his face.

Discord growled, ignoring her action and squeezing her extra hard, causing her to cry out. "I could kill you now, you know, I could crush you with my own claws!" he threatened.

She looked up at him and said in a voice filled with such deadly calm, "my spirit would still be free."

Discord did not know what it was; the calm coldness in her voice, the cool bitter glare that she returned to him, or simply the fact that the two of them were so close, but whatever it was…he felt a weakness that threatened to consume him. He was so close to her…so very close…his eyes, which were wild and fiery, glanced at her lips…moist and pink…so inviting. He could kiss her, he wanted to kiss her, but he was furious with himself and with her for being right. Her words stabbed him deeply, for it was true; no matter what he tried to do to exert his power over her, it wouldn't matter, because the truth was he was her slave…slave to her voice, slave to the music, slave to these strange sensations that she had been stirring within him ever since he clamped eyes upon her. Before that; ever since he heard about her from Madame Luna! This mare was going to be his undoing, and while it was tempting to lose himself to the uncontrollable urges of passion that were roaring through him, he had to grasp at some sanity, what little of it he contained.

He pushed himself quickly away from her, his eyes wild as he stared at her, watching her as she grunted from the pain of her back being held tightly against the piano. She whimpered slightly and rubbed her back and her arms, her eyes still cold and ruthless, matching his own wild stare.

He had to get away from her. She had to leave, now, or else… he was unsure what would happen, but he had to get her away!

"Leave!" he barked, turning his back on her, fighting the rage, fighting the urge to turn around and either strangle her…or take her in his arms and ravish her on the piano itself!

Fluttershy was shocked by both his reaction and by his command. She did not understand this creature, nor did she think she truly wanted to. But she herself could not deny the strange electricity that passed between them.

But it frightened her; his rage, the change of his mood, and her feelings for him that still seemed to be as strong as before. He was right…she had to get out of there.

"GO NOW!" he shouted again, his roar causing the cavern walls to shake. Fluttershy didn't need to be told again, she fled from him as fast as her legs could carry her.

He watched her go and cursed under his breath. Damn him! Damn her! Damn everything! What had just happened? He had almost lost all control and he could have killed her.

"What is wrong with you?"

Discord was surprised by the voice that interrupted his thoughts. He looked towards the entryway to find Rarity standing there, her face pale and her eyes wide; she looked at him as if for the first time, she was horrified by the ghastly scars on his face.

"Discord…I…I do not know you! You are not the creature that I remember…you…you are a stranger to me!"

His heart was breaking as he heard her words. Rarity, who had been a mother to them all, the only recollection of a mother he knew he would ever have, and she was afraid of him. It was so unusual to hear her call him by his name…but the way she said it was as if she were trying to bring whatever ounce of humanity back before the beast took total control. "Why are you doing this…w-w-why are you pushing her so? I…I thought…"

Discord wanted to be alone. Her shame was more than he could handle, he was ashamed with himself. He simply wanted to be left alone, alone with his music…

"Please go away Rarity," he whispered.

She ignored his plea. "I don't understand Discord…I mean, after she brought you back…I thought things had changed. I thought that perhaps…perhaps…" she didn't know how to say it. Discord had made Fluttershy a room fit for a princess. He gave her gowns, food, even shared with her his most beloved compositions…Rarity thought that surely Discord was changing. That perhaps somewhere in his cold heart…he was learning to…to love. It was a foolish notion, she knew, but she thought it perhaps possible. Yet now…now her fears that this whole month of bitterness and obsession was driving him beyond the brink of madness, looked as though they may perhaps be true. She had followed them both and watched in horror as Discord attacked her. Fluttershy had called him a monster…perhaps the mare was right?

"It does not matter what you think," Discord hissed coldly, turning his back on the mare and retreating into the darkness of his bed chamber. "Leave me alone Rarity."

"Discord!" she cried out. "What is it that you're so afraid of that you must do these things?"

He paused but did not look over his shoulder. "Myself," he whispered.

=----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood groaned as he shut Fleur De Lis' dressing room door behind him. He quickly did up his trousers and began to briskly head towards the managers' office. He was angry; upset that the idiots could not control the spoiled soprano and had him sent to come and calm Fleur De Lis down the only way that he knew how. He could still smell the outrageous perfume that she wore; it made him want to vomit.
Once upon a time, Fleur De Lis proved to be fun. Now, she was soiled goods that he would not bestow upon his lowest servants. Her screeching and jealous rages were more than he could handle. He remembered how she mewed with pleasure to the filthy names he had called her while he was had her. Ironically, he meant every single name.

Fleur De Lis was now sated; her threats to leave Maris were over…at least for a while. At this point, Blueblood would gladly be rid of the bitch, yet she still proved to be an icon, and as such, the tickets continued to sell. However, the last two performances had lost him more money than gaining it.

He was prepared to storm into the managers' office and release his rage when he caught sight of Madame Luna speaking to her daughter in a hushed tone. Normally Blueblood avoided the stone-faced dance mistress like the plague, but something intrigued him about this conversation she was having.

"I don't understand why you have to leave now?" Twilight asked, looking confused at her mother's strange behavior.

"I will not be long my dear, just go through the dance as I have taught," Madame Luna muttered as she pulled on a pair of black gloves.

Twlights's eyes clouded with even more confusion. "But we need your guidance-"

"You will be fine," Madame Luna assured. "Now go on Twilight, I will return shortly." Twilight nodded her head, but still looked worried for her mother. Satisfied that her daughter would not ask any more questions, Madame Luna quickly turned on her heel and headed towards the grand foyer. Intrigued, Blueblood quickly followed at a safe distance.

Madame Luna had a carriage waiting for her and gave the driver the directions of her destination. In thirty minutes the carriage came to a stop outside a tall building that looked as inviting as its cold stony exterior. Madame Luna did not hesitate; she walked up to the door and banged the loud iron knocker that hung in its middle. The door opened a few seconds later, a chamber maid curtseying as Madame Luna brushed her way inside. "I need to speak with Monsieur Crafty Crate, is he available?" she asked the maid as she stripped her gloves off.

"Right this way, madam," the maid replied softly, showing Madame Luna to an oak door at the end of a dull dilapidated hallway. The maid knocked on the door to which a gruff male voice grunted permission to enter. Madame Luna followed the maid inside, thanking the mare after she was introduced.

Monsieur Crafty Crate was a stallion with a balding head, and greasy five a'clock shadow, and he appeared to have several teeth missing. The stallion also wore excessive amounts of jewelry, not to mention outrageous colors and fabrics on his body. No wonder the building looked so drab; the man spent every penny on his own attire.

"Have a seat, madam," Crafty Crate said politely, although he was already admiring the purse she held in her hooves. "What can I do for you?" he asked again, the same polite friendly tone in his voice, however Madame Luna did not smile or bat one eye as she sat, her back straight, across from the greasy stallion.

"I understand, monsieur, that you are a…private investigator of sorts?" she asked, eyeing him with much contempt.

Crafty Crate however had not recognized her distrust in him and was beaming from ear to ear. "Indeed madam! In fact, while I am a humble stallion, I do pride myself on being the best that one can find here in Maris!"

"So I've heard," she muttered.

Crafty Crate continued beaming. "Yes, I have worked for many of the great families here in Maris, including the Countess Fleur de Lis! Why, she hired me to find her sister who had been missing for 25 years…25 years, can you imagine! I had very little information to go on, but I did find her! She was staying in Trottingham, now that I remember-"

"Yes, yes, that's all very good monsieur, but I need you to find two ponies," Madame Luna interrupted.

Crafty Crates expression changed at her words. "Oh I see…well…I must say madam, it will be somewhat more expensive, you see…tracking two ponies down. Not to mention that it may take longer-"

"Do not fear monsieur, you will be paid quite handsomely."

Gone was Crafty Crates apprehension, his beaming smile returning at once to her words. "Splendid!" he exclaimed before pulling himself closer to the desk before him. "Now who are these individuals that you'd like me to find?"

Madame Luna watched him closely as he took notes on what she was saying. "The stallion's name is Time Turner," she explained. "He's in his 50's, brown coat, thin, with gray hair and a gray mustache and beard. He's from Sweetlan, but has been living in Prance for quite some time," she paused to be sure that Crafty Crate had gotten everything she said thus far. "The mare's name is Fluttershy, she is his daughter. She's the same height of her father, perhaps somewhat taller, with light pink hair, a yellow coat, and light blue eyes, which are the same color as her father's. About 20-21 years in age," she explained.

Crafty Crate nodded his head as he wrote down the descriptions. "And you believe that they are in Maris?" he inquired.

Madame Luna shrugged her shoulders. "Monsieur Time Turner and his daughter worked very briefly for the Maris Opera House. Monsieur Time Turner is a violinist," she explained, before adding, "I would appreciate it, monsieur, if you left the Maris Opera House and those that are connected to it…out of your list of inquiries."

Crafty Crates brow furrowed at this, but nodded his head. "I shall do all that I can madam," he said while rising from his chair to show Madame Luna out. "And I shall inform you at once when I learn of anything."

"I would like to be informed within a week, monsieur."

Crafty Crate practically stumbled at her request. In truth, it was more of a demand. "A week?" he choked. "I beg your pardon madam, but…a week is hardly enough time to learn anything!"

Madame Luna lifted an eyebrow at his words. "I thought you were credited as being the best? After all, did you not tell me that you had been able to find the sister of the Countess Fleur de Lis who had been missing for 25 years?"

Craft Crate cleared his throat, straightening his jacket. "Well, I do not wish to brag…but there are those that have esteemed me as such," he explained. "But you must understand madam, the Countess Fleur de Lis was a mare with connections! It is much harder to find, forgive me, a common violin player and his daughter."

Madame Luna slowly rose from her chair and handed the private investigator a small card. He took the card, looking most confused, before glancing at the name, his eyes widening as he read it. "The Marquis Filthy Rich?" he gasped.

Madame Luna nodded her head. "Monsieur Time Turner told me that Fluttershy's mother, his late wife, was the daughter of the Marquis Filthy Rich." Crafty Crate simply glanced back and forth between Madame Luna's calm features and the card he held in his hoof. "I believe, monsieur, since connections are what you seek…that will be a good place to begin."

"Indeed," he whispered, tucking the card into his inside coat pocket. "One week…I will contact you and tell you everything that I can," he murmured.

Madame Luna gave a thin smile to the private investigator before producing a check from her purse and placing it on the desk. Like a greedy colt who had just been given candy, Crafty Crate snatched the check, his eyes wide as he read the numbers. "As a down payment," she explained, before putting her gloves on and walking towards the door. "I must stress, monsieur, how important it is that you find them…I pray that you will not delay the search."

"No indeed madam," Crafty Crate replied, tucking the check into his coat pocket and rushing to open the door of his office for the dance mistress. With a curt nod, Madame Luna walked out of the stone building, leaving the bewildered investigator to take in everything he had just been told.

"Bonbon!" he cried, and the chambermaid from earlier, came quickly. "I will be out all afternoon, on business…in fact, I will not be able to take any new clients for at least a few weeks," he instructed. The maid gave a small curtsy, handed her employer his hat, and opened the door for him.

Crafty Crate nodded his thanks before descending the stone steps of his building and heading west. He had just gone around the corner when a large silver-tipped walking stick struck out from the shadows to stop him. Crafty Crate cursed as he nearly tripped over the stick, prepared to unleash his anger at the individual, but swallowed his words as he gazed upon the handsome face of Prince Blueblood.

Blueblood gave a wry smile to the investigator, glancing briefly ahead of him, and watching the coach that carried Madame Luna, head north. "Whatever she's paying you…I'll double, for the same information."
> Changes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes

Discord was pacing in one of the shadowed tunnels of the underground labyrinth. But it wasn't simply any tunnel…it was the tunnel that led to her chamber.

He cursed himself over and over as he paced, feeling like such a fool for being there. What was he doing there anyway? He ran a paw through his black hair, knowing the full reason why. She had called him a monster…and she was right.

Ever since the night he heard her sing and saw her bathing in the lagoon, he did not trust himself around her. She was beautiful, seductive, and had the voice like an angel. Music was his greatest passion, and she embodied music. She had shown him countless times that she was a unique mare. She had a spirit that did not cower before him or other stallions, she stood by those she loved, her nature was kind, and she was not so easily blinded by the illusions others created in front of her…like the Prince. And he still didn't understand why…why when she had the chance to run away and be free, that she returned to the Opera House, and helped nurse him back to health. Was it pity that she felt for him? If so, he didn't want it, and perhaps that was why he was so cold to her.

But he knew it was more than that. It was not pity that he saw her give to the others; she had become a close friend to all of them…with the exception of Rainbow Dash who wanted nothing to do with her…although Discord had noticed that Rainbow Dash was less grumpy these days.

No, she didn't pity him, pity was the last thing she felt towards him. Discord sighed, knowing he had been cruel, that he had been ruthless. Yes, he had warned her he would be hard and demand much from her, but…he had been blinded by his own discovery of her voice to forget that the voice belonged to somepony…and he had not made that realization until he had her in his arms against the piano.

He groaned as he remembered how she felt in his arms. She was trembling slightly, but it was out of anger and contempt. That was not the way he wanted to feel her against him. Discord knew it was impossible, she would never allow such things to happen…but he longed to feel her tremble willingly in his arms, to feel her sag against him and clutch at him for strength. He groaned again and felt his loins stir at the thought, but he quickly shook the thought from his head.

When Rarity had asked him what he feared, he could not look into the mare's eyes, for the answer would reflect in them. Over twenty years ago Discord had watched as a mare he believed himself in love with throw herself at another stallion. He had felt so happy in those days when he wrote her songs and poems, watching her from afar, ready to protect her at all costs if someone dared to attack the beautiful dancer. But Pinkamena was like all the others; a handsome face with money flattered her dancing, filled her head with sweet compliments, and within the blink of an eye, she was on her back with her legs spread wide for the spoiled Prince. Discord knew since that day that love was a weakness designed to make stallions go mad. And that was exactly what he was experiencing all over again with Fluttershy…madness.

So he resorted to treating her like an object instead of a living being; after all, that was how he was treated for the first seventeen years of his life. By being cruel he would not be able to care; and she would come to despise and hate him, which should insure that the damn stirrings within his soul and heart would disappear. But he was wrong…

He devoted himself to music, composing and conducting, loosing himself in his masterpiece. He wrote letters to the mangers, demanding that they prepare for his opera, knowing he could not wait; he wanted it to be performed before the season was over. He threatened them, frightened them, even kidnapped Fleur De Lis, and yet still he could not get the mare out of his head. He had gotten to the point when he was able to separate her voice from herself…but that all changed when she refused to sing and he became violent.

He hated himself for that. He had done many things in life that he was not proud of…but he truly felt that was one of his lowest moments.

So here he was…pacing in the tunnel near her chamber. Rarity didn't tell him to come and apologize, to go and speak with her…he just felt the need to do it himself. But he still felt like such a fool.

"I'm being more of a fool for standing out here," he grumbled to himself. With a sigh, Discord descended down the tunnel, prepared to look like an absolute idiot.

Fluttershy was lying on the bed on her stomach, gazing at the tiny trickling waterfall that poured into the tiny pool. Her throat was beginning to feel better, however the rest of her felt sore from the fight that she had had with Discord. She wanted to hate him, felt she had every right to, but still, no matter how hard she concentrated, there was still a part of her that wanted to embrace him, to show him that not everyone in the world was cruel, to teach him happiness and…and…affection?

Fluttershy groaned and buried her face against her pillow, unaware that she had a visitor.

"Is this a bad time?"

Fluttershy gasped and turned around at the sound of Discord's voice. She stared up at him as he stood in the entryway of her chamber. She swallowed the lump in her throat and quickly sat up, smoothing the skirts to the yellow and blue dress that she wore, one of the many costumes he had given her.

"I…I am not prepared to sing, if that is what you have come for," she said, trying to sound angry, lifting her chin and looking stubborn.

Discord fought the grin that was trying to break free from looking upon her expression. "I have not come here to ask you to sing," he explained.

Fluttershy stared him, unsure what to say next. What was it that he wanted then? The anger on her face disappeared, now replaced by confusion, which Discord could not help but smile a little at. She frowned when she noticed his smile and rose to her hooves, squaring her shoulders and meeting his gaze. "You may see yourself as lord and master of this labyrinth monsieur…but this is my room, therefore I demand that you tell me what business you have and then be gone."

Discord stared at her, somewhat flabbergasted at her words. Then, remembering the reasons as to why he had come in the first place, he too stood straighter and folded his paw and claw behind his back. "I…I have come to…to…" why was this so hard?

Fluttershy folded her arms across her chest, waiting for him to finish whatever it was that he was having great difficulty with saying.

He grimaced at her expression and finally came out with it. "I've come to apologize." There, he'd said it.

Fluttershy stared at him. That was the last thing she had been expecting.

"I…I beg your pardon?"

Discord groaned. "Fine, I'll say it again if that will suit you, I apologize for the way I treated you…for the way I have been treating you…" he whispered, his gaze falling to his hooves.

Fluttershy stared at the creature who stood before her, tall, thin, dressed in black, his white mask giving off a persona that was ice cold. Yet she knew he meant every word.

"The truth is…music has been the only thing that has given me joy in this life," he continued, his gaze never leaving the ground. "And when I heard your voice…" he paused and looked up at her, his amber eyes catching hers. "I meant it…and I still mean it, your voice is unlike anything…it's…it is exquisite," he sighed, not being able to think of better words for such a beautiful instrument. Fluttershy blushed at his words, her own eyes falling to the floor this time. "And when I heard you sing that night…I just…you have no idea what this opera means to me," he rushed. "I have been working on this opera for most of my adult life, and…and when I heard you sing, I simply…I have never felt more inspired…" he whispered, his eyes burning as they gazed upon her.

Fluttershy felt the heat rise in her cheeks, but she could not look at him, she was afraid that if she did, she may melt where she stood.

"I know I have not been the easiest of people to get along with," he grumbled, "and I did warn you that I would be hard…but you were not expecting a slave-driver, I'm sure." She lifted her eyes then, feeling his genuine regret. "And…while I want this opera performed more than anything, with you in the role of Aminta…I do not want to be your task-master."

Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest, but Discord raised his paw to silence her. "I do however want to be your tutor…and a proper tutor at that, someone who cares about his protégée…and not simply the music she is singing."

There, he had said his peace. He wasn't expecting anything from her, and he wasn't saying he would stop being strict, but he was hoping that she would still sing for him. The idea of her not singing again, the idea of him not being able to hear her angelic voice…it was more than he could bear!

Fluttershy nodded her head slowly, looking down quickly so that he would not be able to see the blush on her cheeks. "Thank you…" she whispered. There was a long pause before she realized he was waiting breathlessly to hear whether she would still sing for him. "Yes, I would like to continue learning with you, monsieur." After all, what choice did she have? It was still her only key to freedom.

Discord wanted to smile and shout to the heavens, but he contained himself and gave a small bow. "Thank you, mademoiselle," he said simply. "And…please, call me Discord." Where had that come from? Discord couldn't believe what he just said and imagined what an idiot he must have sounded like, however all those thoughts drifted away as Fluttershy whispered his name for the first time to his ears.

"Discord…you are most welcome, Discord."

Discord gave another bow, turning to leave, but stopping quickly. "How is your throat feeling?" he asked, his eyes lit with concern.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile a little. "It is getting better, thank you," she whispered.

Discord was glad to hear it, but his concern was still etched across his features. "Rarity was right…and I'm sorry I pushed you despite it. Tomorrow you continue resting your voice. If you're feeling up to singing the day after, then we shall begin again."

Fluttershy smiled and thanked him again. It was hard to believe…but it did seem that he truly had changed!

"You're very welcome mademoiselle," he replied, and then turned to go again.

"Fluttershy!" she called out. Discord who was standing in the shadowed entryway emerged back inside, like an animal of prey rising from the shadows. Fluttershy had to grip the bed post in order to keep her balance from the seductive sight. "It's only right, I think," she quickly explained. "That if I am permitted to call you Discord…then I wish for you to call me by my name."

"Fluttershy," he practically purred, and she tightened her grip on the bed post.

"Goodnight, Fluttershy," he whispered, and then without any warning, he leaned in and took her hoof, raising it to his lips and kissing the it ever so softly. A sharp current of electricity streaked throughout her body.

"Goodnight…Discord," she whispered, watching him turn and leave her alone in her chamber, with nothing but the strange feelings that scorched through her heart to keep her company.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood tapped his cane impatiently against his boot as he sat and waited for Crafty Crate to organize himself in his tiny cold office.
It had been one week since their last encounter in the ally near Crafty Crates' building. One week since Blueblood cut a deal with the private investigator to inform him of everything he was seeking out for Madame Luna. And he was beginning to lose his patience…

Things were getting complicated with the police keeping Time Turner behind bars. Time Turner was proving to be an expensive chore; Blueblood had not expected a whole month to go by without word from Fluttershy. And the police themselves wanted to be rid of the stallion; twice he had to convince them not to send him to the nearest asylum, and hold him just a little longer.

When he learned that Madame Luna was seeking the aid of a private investigator, Blueblood felt that at last an answer to his prayers was coming! But now he was having serious doubts as Crafty Crate clumsily cleared his desk from the piles of papers and cigarette butts that littered it.

"I beg your pardon monsieur, I was not expecting you…" he quickly explained, hurrying as best he could.

Blueblood gave an aggravated sigh. "Do you have any information at all, monsieur? I am a busy stallion and-"

"Oh! Oh I do monsieur! Information that you will take great pleasure in, I believe!"

Blueblood eyed the private investigator, feeling serious doubt, but waving his hoof at the stallion. "Have at it then."

Crafty Crate straightened the tie at his neck and folded his hooves on the desk before proceeding. "I am not sure if you are aware monsieur, the connections that Time Turner and his daughter have in society."

Blueblood rolled his eyes at this. "What sort of connections do a violinist and a costume mare have?"

"Well, very large ones, monsieur," Crafty Crate grinned, before taking one of the papers he had shuffled through and passing it towards the Prince. "This is the birth certificate of the one and only daughter of the Marquis Filthy Rich."

Blueblood eyed the piece of paper and handed it back to Crafty Crate. "And this means…?"

"Well, you see, nearly twenty-two years ago the Marquis Filthy Rich's daughter was discovered to be in a state of marriage that was most disagreeable."

Blueblood waved his hoof in an irritated manner, urging Crafty Crate to continue. He hated dramatics.

"Apparently, although no one entirely knows how, the mare met a young Sweetlin immigrant by the name of Time Turner!"

Blueblood practically fell out of his chair. He stared at Crafty Crate, the expression on his face both shocked and disbelieving. "What are you saying?"

Crafty Crate grinned. "That the filly produced from the disagreeable marriage…is the granddaughter of the Marquis Filthy Rich."

Blueblood was in total shock. Fluttershy, the costume mare, the country bumpkin…had noble blood running through her veins? "Tell me more," he urged, leaning forward and eating up every piece of information.

"Well," Crafty Crate continued, putting on some spectacles and leafing through some more notes. "As you can imagine, the marriage was never accepted by the family and the mare was shunned from both them and society. Yet she lived quite happily with the stallion known as Time Turner on a country farm where they had their first and only filly, a daughter, named Fluttershy."

Blueblood nodded his head. "You have proof that this was the exact stallion?"

"I made some inquiries with the household of the Marquis Flithy Rich, as well as traveled to the farming village that Time Turner and his family lived," his expression changed to one of sadness. "Quite tragic actually; while Time Turner and his bride lived contently with their daughter, the Marquis and his family never spoke to her again, shunning her completely, and after the poor mare died five years ago, the Marquis seized the land that Time Turner lived on and sold it, thus forcing the violinist and his daughter off the property."

Blueblood could care less about this. "Yes, yes, extremely tragic," he groaned sarcastically. "But tell me about the granddaughter's connections to the Marquis? Was her mother disinherited from the family?"

Crafty Crate shook his head. "Most the villagers believed so, but from a conversation I had with the Marquis' household, apparently not! While the mare was shunned for marrying Time Turner, the Marquis never changed his will! She was promised a hefty allowance after the death of her father, and that allowance would be passed on to any children that she may have."

Blueblood stared at Crafty Crate with wide eyes. Fluttershy was rich. She had a fortune waiting for her…and from the sound of things, the mare was not even aware of it.

"What of the Marquis?" Blueblood asked, leaning against Crafty Crates desk, desperate to learn all that he could. "Is the stallion in good health? I thought I heard rumors that he had fallen ill…"

Crafty Crate sighed. "Sad, but true. The household informed me that the Marquis is in a bed ridden state. As you can guess, he is a very old stallion, with extremely poor health and it is believed he will not last past this upcoming winter."

"Utter tragedy," Blueblood whispered, images of the Marquis' money appearing before him.

"And that's not all!"

Blueblood awoke from his day dream and stared at Crafty Crate like a starving stallion. "Tell me…"

"Well, this granddaughter of the Marquis is the only living relative. The Marquis had three children, two sons and a daughter. I learned that the two sons had died years ago; one was in the army and died in battle while the other…well, sad to say, he had a bit of a gambling problem, and he was shot when caught cheating at cards," he sighed. "The poor wife of the Marquis killed herself by slicing her wrists open after learning that her eldest son was dead. And the Marquis has no other living relatives. So, if it is as the household has told me and the will has not be changed…not only does this Fluttershy receive her mother's fortune…but also the land and all the titles that go with it upon the Marquis' death."

Blueblood was like a dog, salivating for a beef bone. Fluttershy was rich; she was nobility; she was an heiress.

…And she was totally unaware of it.

"Monsieur?"

Blueblood awoke from his thoughts and looked at Crafty Crate with wild eyes. "Have you told Madame Luna any of this?"

Crafty Crate shook his head. "I have not seen her yet, but I am expecting her at some point today. Shall I tell her the same news?"

"NO!" Blueblood barked, before quickly calming himself, running a hoof through his blonde hair and fixing his jacket. "No…in fact, tell her nothing. Simply explain to her that you were unable to learn anything from the tip that she gave you but that you will continue trying."

Crafty Crate nodded his head, watching the Prince intently as he rose to his hooves and began to pace across the small office. Fluttershy was an heiress! A single mare of great fortune! Blueblood knew that one day he'd have to marry in order to create an heir for his own title, but he had resorted to waiting another five years before taking such steps. Yet now…now the lovely Mademoiselle Fluttershy had landed on his lap with her great fortune; and to think he was only interested in bedding her!

No, now Fluttershy proved to be a much "worthier" cause for discovery. He had to find her before she learned about her fortune, before her grandfather died! By marrying her, he, being her husband, would come into full rights for the land, title, and all that went with it. And, he could use some of that money; his own gambling debts were climbing higher and higher, and the Opera business as of late was proving to be more of a headache. But with Fluttershy as his wife…it was the beginning to a life of endless possibilities! He just had to figure out what to do with the old stallion…perhaps he could still serve his purpose as an object for blackmail?

"Monsieur?" Crafty Crate asked nervously, not sure if it was wise to interrupt the pensiveness of the Prince.

"Have you learned anything else?" Blueblood asked.

Crafty Crate shook his head. "Not yet monsieur, but soon! I understand that Monsieur Time Turner and his daughter were last seen at the Maris Opera House-"

"Forget the old stallion," Blueblood ordered. "In fact, don't waste any more of your time in this investigation on him…I want you to spend all of your time, morning, noon, and night, on learning the whereabouts of his charming daughter."

Crafty Crate opened his mouth, prepared to protest, but remembered the handsome payment the Prince had offered him and remained silent. "What shall I tell Madame Luna?"

"Anything, make-up whatever you want," Blueblood grumbled, waving his hoof in a dismissive manner. "But find me that mare…and I promise you Crafty Crate, I will make it very worth your while."

Blueblood left the stone building of the private investigator, the look on his face extremely pleasant and satisfied. He climbed into his carriage, whistling a jolly tune, much to the surprise of his driver. "Home, monsieur?" the driver asked.

Blueblood grinned. "No my good stallion, we have some shopping to do!" Blueblood said with good humor. "I have a wedding to plan…"

> Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friendship

Fluttershy awoke that morning feeling energized and happy, a feeling she had not had in a long time. She stretched her arms over her head and yawned before she realized what day it was.

Today she would begin singing again.

One week ago Discord had told her she needed to rest her voice. Originally it was for a day, but he later informed her that a week would truly be more suitable and thus gave her strict instructions on how to take care of her voice, from drinking Rarity's special tea to doing breathing exercises that would help her draw upon the strength of her diaphragm for support rather than her throat.

Fluttershy had to admit, when he informed her of this, she was somewhat disappointed.

Truth was, her voice and throat felt much better; however she followed her tutor's instructions, although she was saddened by the simple fact that it would be a while before she could rehearse with him again.

She didn't know why she was eager to rehearse with him, after all, the other times had been grueling and stressful; yet now…after he came and apologized to her, she found that she couldn't wait to see him…and be alone with him again.

She liked how her voice pleased him. She tried to not let his praises go to her head, but now and then she couldn't help but feel like a star, a prima donna in the making. She just hoped and prayed that if she ever got her chance to perform on stage in a leading role, she would not become like Fleur De Lis.

The days that passed during her resting period were long and rather dull. She tried to pass her time by doing specific activities, such as helping Rarity repair holes and sew new clothes for the others, to being an audience for Derpy who was so excited at her progress with learning to read. Shortround showed her how to get around the tunnels of Discord's labyrinth, and what to watch out for if she ever got lost. Fluttershy was adapting more and more to her underground home; her eyesight was growing keener in the darkness, and her ability to know what time it was despite the shadows that surrounded them was improving as well. Even Rainbow Dash was beginning to become comfortable with her presence, even though he continued to keep his distance. She recalled how earlier in the week the three came to her chamber announcing that they had specific instructions from Discord to build Fluttershy a fireplace. They set to work right away, Rainbow Dash supervising for the most part, demanding that it be perfect. Several hours later, their work was complete, and Fluttershy had a cozy little fireplace to keep her chamber warm as the late autumn nights grew colder and colder. She thanked all of them and it was Raindow Dash who replied a simple, and somewhat gruff, "you're welcome", before turning and leaving. Fluttershy could have sworn she saw the hint of a smile on her lips, but she knew that she would never admit it.

The week went on slowly, and while she was grateful for the company of Rarity, Derpy, Shortround, and yes, even Rainbow Dash…the creature she longed to be with most kept himself hidden away in his chamber, composing.

Sometimes late at night, Fluttershy would lie in bed and listen to him playing his organ. She had never realized what a beautiful instrument the organ was until she heard him play it. Sometimes he would play sonatas by the great composers, other times he would play what she assumed were his own creations. But all of them were beautiful, and she would be lulled to sleep by their haunting lullaby.

It was two days before the end of her resting period when she finally saw Discord again. She was in her chamber, sewing a patch onto one of the dresses he had given her which she had accidentally ripped, when he announced his dark presence by silently standing in her entryway, not saying a word until she noticed his form casting a dark shadow upon the ground.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice deep and rich, yet filled with genuine concern.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile, and quickly rose from the chair she was sitting at, patting out the crinkles in her skirt, and walking towards him, her hooves folded in front of her. "Much better, thank you," she said brightly, blushing as she realized how silly she must sound.

Discord however smiled at her cheery tone, his own posture relaxing as well. "I'm glad to hear it…but we will wait till the week is over before we begin again," he instructed. Fluttershy nodded her head, knowing that was what he would say, however she couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"Are you practicing those exercises like I taught you?" he inquired, fully entering the chamber now and pacing around the small space. Discord couldn't help but feel somewhat out of place. The chamber was small and lovely, with lace and velvet and silk to decorate it and the smell of lavender and rose petals perfuming the air. Basically, it was everything he wasn't. He feared that if he turned too abruptly he may break something!

Fluttershy smiled and blushed a little more. "Yes, every morning and evening for twenty minutes at a time."

Discord turned and smiled at her, feeling pride for his young pupil. Things were different now; her eyes seemed brighter and her face seemed to have this beautiful glow that radiated off her skin despite the darkness that surrounded her. He too felt the difference; once upon a time he feared that being close to her would cause him to lose control…yet now, he had resorted to not only be strictly "professional", but…somewhat friendly as well. He was sure that by behaving in such a manner, he would be able to keep his emotions in check, and not stress so much about their next encounter. Plus, his compositions were being inspired with new intensity and life! Indeed…he was glad things were changing.

"Good, keep it up. When we next meet to rehearse, your diaphragm will be able to help you with those higher notes, as well 	as perfecting your breath control for the longer sets." Fluttershy nodded her head, a small sad frown forming on her lips as she saw him turn and head out of the chamber. "Oh!" he turned around and pulled something out of the pocket of his jacket. "I thought…perhaps you would appreciate these to pass the time?" Discord felt somewhat foolish as he held out a bulky paper package, imagining what he must look like.

Fluttershy was surprised by the gesture, and noticing his embarrassment, quickly took the package from his paw, blushing as her hoof and his paw brushed for a moment, and then quickly unwrapping it. Discord winced. "You really don't need to do that now…" but it was too late, she had unwrapped it and gasped.

"The Bronte sisters…the poems of Lord Byron…and a collection of gothic short stories!" Discord was not expecting the reaction to which she had. Her face lit up like a star, her eyes glowed with happiness, and she actually began to jump up and down! "Oh thank you so much! I have missed reading, especially books like these!" Suddenly, without warning, Fluttershy threw herself around him and hugged him tightly. Discord did not know what to do! He was surprised to say the least! Before he had a chance to react, Fluttershy suddenly released him, her cheeks aflame as she realized what she had done.

In that brief moment, Discord caught the smell of her hair, which reminded him of fresh cut roses and jasmine. He felt the smoothness of her coat against his neck as she stood on her tips to hug him, and he felt the gentleness of her body against his chest, which caused his body to stir with passionate awakening.

As for Fluttershy, she had felt the strength of his muscles beneath his finely made clothes, and there was a pleasant fragrance about him…the smell of candle wax from the long nights he stayed up composing, and incense that he had burning in his chamber. It was a sweet masculine smell; she blushed for she did not know what stallions should smell like…but she believed that they should smell the way Discord smelt. "T-t-t-thank you," she stuttered, blushing furiously for her boldness. "How…how did you know?"

Discord straightened his jacket and shirt, his posture going stiff again. "I had the book of Byron's poems…sometimes I look to them for inspiration while composing…and as for the others, I…well, I found them…above…" In truth, the previous night Discord had gone above to the streets of Maris, keeping himself hidden in the shadows. There was an old bookshop near the Opera House that Madame Luna had gathered many of the books for himself and the others. Not being on present speaking terms with her was not making life easy for all of them, but Discord saw a colt in the same ally he occupied, looking very hungry. With his hat tipped low and the collar of his cape lifted high, he promised the colt several gold coins for food if he would fetch some books for him in the shop ahead. The colt eagerly took the list of books Discord had given him and set about on his task. Pleased with what the colt was able to get, Discord kept his promise and awarded the colt with enough money to not only feed himself and his family for that night, but for a whole week.

"Derpy had told me how much you love to read…" he rambled on. "And…she also explained the type of books you liked. I just thought that perhaps…these would help, with passing the time…" he could kill himself for how foolish he sounded.

But Fluttershy was more than happy. Books like these were childhood friends to her, and more than that; they reminded her of her mother and of the nights they would stay up late finishing the chapter they were currently reading, and then having to read the next for fear of what would happen to the heroine and her lover. "Thank you so much…" Fluttershy whispered, so moved by his kindness that she felt some tears behind her lashes. She quickly blinked them away.

Discord gave her a soft smile before bowing, as he seemed to do whenever they were together, which made her feel like a princess. Before he turned to go, he glanced at her fireplace, seeing the small but warm glowing embers burning in its center. "Are you warm at night?" he asked, once again showing her some genuine caring and concern. "Is the fireplace doing its duty?"

Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, thank you, it's very lovely."

Discord smiled and bowed once more, before retreating into the shadows beyond her chamber. Fluttershy listened as his steps faded away into the distance before leaping with joy once more and jumping onto her bed with a large flop. She grinned as she picked up one of the books, settling back for a wonderful adventure of gothic mystery and romance.

And that was how she spent her last few days of resting. Now the morning had come when she would begin again. A part of her was somewhat worried; had things truly changed between her and Discord? True, they seemed to be friendlier now, and he was showing her more kindness than before…but what would happen when she started singing again? Would the task-master resurface? She knew that he would still be demanding and strict, but would he be considerate and caring as well?

She shook her worries away, feeling that today was the beginning of something new. Today she would sing for him not because she had to, but because she wanted to. She loved music just as much as she loved her books. And she would show him the same passion he had for music, and perhaps then they could truly grow into what she hoped for, more than anything…friends.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"And again…" Discord commanded, his paw and claw brushing over the keys of the piano with both delicacy and precision.
Fluttershy nodded her head and took a deep breath, singing the familiar cords once more.

"Think of me…
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye…
Remember me,
Once in a while
Please promise me, you'll try.
When you find,
That once again you long,
To take your heart back and be free…
If you ever find a moment,
Spare a thought for me."

Discord stopped playing and Fluttershy bit her lip. What had she done wrong now? They had been rehearsing for about two hours now, and for the last hour they had been working on Don Juan Triumphant.

When she first arrived, Fluttershy decided to wear a purple gown with lace ruffles that she remembered Discord admiring once in the past. When he first caught sight of her entering his music chamber, his breath caught in his throat. She looked beautiful; beyond lovely, and it wasn't the dress, for he had seen her wear that dress before. It was the way her hair fell about her face, the way her blue eyes sparkled in the candlelight, the way her smile spread across her fine features. Discord rose from the piano bench and bowed, to which she gave a gentle curtsy. "Monsieur Discord," she greeted, with a warm smile.

"Mademoiselle Fluttershy," he greeted back, feeling a smile break across his own hard features. She approached the piano with confidence, ready to sing, but before they began, Discord had her go through a few breathing exercises once more, just to be sure she was ready. He cursed himself when he realized that his eyes had drifted over her body while she went through the exercises. A professional instructor does not leer at his student, Discord inwardly reprimanded. He then began to play some scales on the piano, to which Fluttershy sang back to him.

After the scales, Discord chose to play some Italian arias for Fluttershy to sing. "On 'la'," he instructed, and she followed his lead. "You need to support yourself more during this bar; sneak a breath in if you must, although you need to try and get to a point when you can fully rely on your breath support to get you through." Fluttershy nodded her head and did as he instructed, going over the arias several times before Discord felt she was finally gaining confidence in her breath support to get her through. At this point, he felt it was time to move to Don Juan.

For the last hour they had been practicing various songs that Aminta sung in the opera, and for the last twenty minutes, they had been working meticulously on one of Aminta's main songs, "Think of Me." If Fluttershy had to pick, she would have to admit that this was her favorite song of Aminta's. However, there were little things that caused Discord to moan and groan over; she needed to carry the notes further, she needed to remember her cut off, she needed to save her breath for this bar, not that one. Yet Discord's suggestions were not like before; yes, it was obvious that he was demanding perfection, but now, instead of dreading to sing, Fluttershy felt encouraged, even empowered, to do better. She too wanted it to be perfect, and so each time he asked her to sing it again, she did, with new confidence that she was going to get it better.

She looked at him after he had her stop, wondering what she had done wrong and what she needed to do better. She waited for his instructions, but instead, he was staring at her, a small smile slowly spreading across his face. "That…was perfect," he whispered.

Fluttershy stared back at him. "A-a-are you sure? Because…I thought that perhaps I stumbled a little there with those notes around the second measure-"

Discord found himself chuckling. "Good God, I've created a monster," he laughed, grinning up at her and smiling as he saw her smile back. "You sang that beautifully…and I would like it very much if you could sing the whole thing now, no stopping, and with as much confidence that I know you possess. Let your spirit shine through Fluttershy," he instructed, his voice dark and sensuous, causing shivers to run up and down her spine. She nodded her head and listened as the introduction to the song began again.

"Think of me…
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye…
Remember me,
Once in a while
Please promise me, you'll try.
When you find,
That once again you long,
To take your heart back and be free…
If you ever find a moment,
Spare a thought for me."

He continued playing, conducting her with nods of his head, and Fluttershy continued singing, closing her eyes and pouring her heart into the song.

"We never said,
Our love was evergreen,
Or as unchanging as the sea–
But if you can still remember,
Stop and think of me…"

"Think of all the things we've shared and seen–
Don't think about the things which might have been…"

She opened her eyes then and looked directly at Discord.

"Think of me,
Think of me waking,
Silent and resigned.
Imagine me,
Trying too hard
To put you from my mind.
Recall those days,
Look back on all those times,
Think of things we'll never do–
There will never be a day, when
I won't think of you!"

Their eyes were locked with one another and Discord continued playing, for this was a large orchestral interlude in the middle of the song. Her voice was like heaven…he had never known such exquisiteness, that such purity could exist in such a world. And while their gazes were focused on each other, Fluttershy didn't miss a beat, she continued singing when the interlude ended, closing her eyes and feeling the music wrap around her like a blanket.

"We never said,
Our love was evergreen,
Or as unchanging as the sea–
But if you can still remember,
Stop and think…"

She paused. In the song, she was supposed to continue and end like she had earlier, but instead she seemed to be lost in her thoughts. Discord was both puzzled and worried, and his playing immediately came to a stop. But before he could ask her what was wrong, her voice, like a crisp clear bell, rang throughout the cavern.

"A-a-a-a-ahhh! A-a-a-ahhh! A-a-a-a-a-a-a-ahhhhhhhhhhhh…." She carried the notes out as if she were performing a scale and Discord was at a loss.

Then, his instinct for music kicked in, and his paw and claw came crashing down on the piano, matching what her voice was doing for a large climatic finish.

"Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhoooof me!"

His paw and claw hit the final cords of the piano, and they both let out long ragged breaths, each surprised and startled by what had just happened.

Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes, the spell of the song coming to an end, and her lips curled in a beautiful smile. She had no idea what had just happened, but it was like the music had urged her to make the song her own, to possess it, to lose herself in its passionate cords. She looked at Discord, her smile bright and wide, but it quickly disappeared as she saw the dark expression on his face. He was displeased.

"I…I'm sorry," she whispered, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. "I…please, forgive me, I don't know what came over me…I just…I thought…"

"That you would improve the song?" he asked, lifting his unmasked eyebrow.

Fluttershy paled. "Oh no! No, it's beautiful the way it is! I would never dream of-"

"There is no need to apologize," Discord interrupted, his voice entirely sincere. Fluttershy stared at him, trying to read his eyes, to see if he meant it…and was surprised to see that he did! "It was beautiful…" he whispered. "You did something that I had never dreamed possible…and I am extremely humbled."

Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest, but Discord lifted a claw. "No, I mean it. You improved the song, greatly, and I don't want you to change it at all. I shall rewrite it tonight and add your valuable correction to it."

Fluttershy was unsure what to say. She was flattered by his words, but she also felt embarrassed and disheartened for what she had done. Did he now think he was horrible? Far from it! His music was so moving, so captivating; let people say what they will about the great composers, Fluttershy was convinced Discord was one of them. "Discord, I…I want you to know…"

"I think we have had enough rehearsal for today, my dear," he said shortly, his eyes not meeting hers. Fluttershy bit her lip, feeling that she had indeed done something wrong.

"A-a-already?" she whispered. In the past, they would sometimes rehearse the whole day. "But it's only been two hours-"

"It was wrong of me to force you to sing all that time before," he simply said. "A good tutor knows when it is time to end for the day, and today is a perfect time. We have reached perfection my dear…there is no point with trying to out do it."

Fluttershy could understand what he was saying, but she still felt responsible and guilty for what she had done. "But-"

"Please," he whispered, raising a paw and rising from the piano bench, his height and width towering above her. They were so close that they could feel the other breathing. "Don't apologize for what you have done…" his gloved claw reached out to brush away a few curls that had fallen across her cheek. Fluttershy stood frozen as she felt the gentle brush of his leather-clad paw and claw. Discord himself could have sworn that despite the glove, he could feel the softness of her coat. "I want you to promise me something…" his voice was rich and silky, his gaze hypnotic and locked with her own. Fluttershy knew that no matter what he asked, she would not be able to deny him. "I want you to promise me that you'll never hold back, that you'll always share your thoughts, your ideas, and your feelings when it comes to music," his claw gently continued brushing her cheek, his own eyes drowning within hers. "I want there to be truth between us…will you promise me this?" Fluttershy read the plea in his eyes, and more than anything, she wanted to wrap her arms around him and tell him she'd do anything he wanted, that she could never deny him, especially when he looked at her that way, and spoke to her so gently, and touched her as if she were made of hoof-cut glass.

Somehow, she found her voice, and quickly answered him. "Yes," she whispered. "I promise you."

Discord felt relief flood him at her promise, and reluctantly withdrew his claw. He had been lost in her voice, in her song, and now simply in her presence.

And it frightened him.

"Now," he cleared his throat, moving away from her. "I suggest you go and rest your voice, and we'll begin again tomorrow."

Fluttershy watched him as he gathered his parchment together and continued to move further and further away from her. She suddenly felt very cold, and wrapped her arms around her body, knowing that she must go, but wanting to stay more than anything. She was scared; scared of the feelings he was stirring within her, and scared of what it all meant. Could one's opinion, one's outlook, and one's very feelings towards a person change overnight or within a week? She would have said no once upon a time…but now, as she stood in the presence of the Phantom of the Opera…she had to admit that yes, it could happen. She did not see this creature as her enemy anymore. She wanted to call him friend. And her heart…she was so confused with how her heart wanted to know him.

"Good day then," she whispered, giving a small curtsy, to which he responded with an elegant bow. She had hoped he would reach out and take her hoof once again and kiss it, but he made no such gesture, and it was just as well, she thought. But before she left, she turned to him and said, "I just…I want you to know that…you may come and visit me whenever you like…" she felt the heat rise in her cheeks, knowing how foolish she must sound, but wanting him to know that he was welcome. "Good day," she quickly said, before rushing out of there before he could say anything to her.

Once upon a time Discord had told her he was not a princely hero at the end of a storybook romance; that day, Fluttershy realized how greatly she disagreed with that thought.
> Discovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discovery

The rehearsals that followed the lesson when Fluttershy sang "Think of Me" were very much the same. For two whole weeks, the two of them met, speaking politely to one another, sharing thoughts on the music at hoof, as well as insights. Unlike the past, Discord was curious to what Fluttershy thought of the music, especially his music, and if she had any ideas for improvements. He was civil to her, demanding, but cordial still. Every day he had something good to say about her singing, about how quickly she was learning, how greatly she was improving, and how proud he was as her teacher.

And that was the extent of their time together.

Fluttershy was grateful for it, she liked being with Discord and looked forward to their lessons together. But the lessons always seemed to end far too early, and after the lesson was finished, she would not see him again until the next day at the next rehearsal.

And it was driving her mad.

She knew she was his student and he was her tutor, and thus, he was acting extremely professional as a good tutor should. But she longed for him to stop being that way, to open up some what, to talk to her and ask her about her feelings and thoughts to things other than music. Was music all he thought about? She knew the answer was yes, for after every rehearsal, he would keep himself hidden away in his chamber, to compose and work on his opera.

For two weeks this continued, and Fluttershy did not know what to do. She felt she was being silly, that she had no right to complain, after all, anything was an improvement over how their lessons used to be, and that was something she did not want to go back to. But when she was in her chamber and she heard noises outside, she would stiffen and hold her breath, hoping it would be Discord. But every time that happened, it was Derpy or Rarity, coming to see her or letting her know that dinner was ready.

Fluttershy had gotten into the habit of eating her dinner with the others; she preferred it instead of eating alone in her chamber. There was a small dining area near the cavern that the others slept in, it contained a simple table with six chairs; the sixth chair always unoccupied. The meals were not fancy and often meager, but it was the company that Fluttershy looked forward to the most; at dinner she would hear Derpy telling her about her progress with reading, Rarity prattling on about the gossip she had heard from the dance mares through the pipes in their dormitories, while Rainbow Dash would grunt and complain about something, and Shortround would end up joining Rainbow Dash in an argument. Yet the dinners were always wonderful and pleasant, no matter what the talk was about, and Fluttershy would share her news on her lessons. But her eyes would often drift to the vacant chair at the table and a look of sadness would pass over her face.

She missed him dearly, and she missed him even more when she could hear him playing his music into the night.

It was extremely early one morning when Fluttershy was awakened by something soft, wet, and cold hitting her cheek. Her face contorted as she wiped away at the intruding coldness, but she felt it again and opened her eyes.

Above her head, tiny white flakes were falling from one of the small cracks in the cavern's ceiling. She scrambled out of bed, her arms wrapping around her body, as the cold hit her. She lifted her hoof to where the flakes were falling, catching a few in her hoof and feeling them melt.

"FLUTTERSHY!"

Fluttershy whirled around to see Derpy, panting and grinning as she stood in the entryway of her chamber. "C-c-c-come and s-s-see!" she stuttered happily, before disappearing. Curious, Fluttershy quickly grabbed her dressing gown and followed, hearing her cries of excitement coming in the direction of where the underground lagoon was. She finally reached her, seeing her jump up and down at the shoreline, and before she could ask her what had her so excited, she saw her reason…and her breath was taken away.

The ceiling of the great cavern above the lagoon had many holes that moonlight would stream through. Now, along with the fading light of the moon, were thousands of snow flakes that flew above the water like swarms of butterflies, sparkling in the light like diamonds. Derpy was grinning happily, her tongue out to catch the flakes. "S-s-see?" she cried. "Snow! It's s-s-snowing!" she lifted an arm above her head and began to dance around, laughing as the flakes tickled her face. Fluttershy couldn't help but grin. "The s-s-s-snow d-d-dances with you!" she explained. "D-d-d-dance w-w-with it, Fluttershy! Dance w-w-w-w-with it!"

Fluttershy laughed and found Derpy's enthusiasm contagious; soon her own hooves were lifted above her body, then she lifted herself in the air with her wings and twirled in a circle. She grinned and giggled as she felt the snow hit her face, her eyes closing as the flakes stuck to her lashes.

"Master!"

Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks and landed on the ground, her eyes flying open at Derpy's words.

There, wrapped in the shadows, stood Discord, his body somewhat hunched, his arms, wrapped inside his cape, were folded across his chest, and the only thing that shown in the darkness was the soft reflection of the moonlight against his mask. And yet his eyes, which were locked on her, burned through her very soul. 

Slowly, he emerged from his hiding place, coming towards both her and Derpy. "Isn't t-t-t-this w-w-wonderful, Master?" Derpy asked happily, her tongue hanging out to catch a few more flakes.

"Yes Derpy," Discord answered, however his amber gaze never left Fluttershy's face.

"This m-m-means t-that…that Christmas w-w-will s-soon be h-here!" Derpy cried, her arms lifting heavenward to catch more snow flakes. She then turned his attention to Fluttershy. "I l-love Christmas…w-w-we g-get presents, a-a-and Rarity cooks us a f-feast, a-a-and sometimes…s-s-s-s-sometimes-"

"Calm down Derpy," Discord said gently, a small smile coming to his lips as he looked at the pony's excitement.

Derpy blushed, but she continued hopping around happily. Fluttershy smiled softly as well, turning her attention to Derpy. "You celebrate Christmas?" she asked, somewhat surprised.

Derpy grinned and nodded her head. "Oh yes! W-we each get a p-p-present…s-s-s-sometimes I g-get a new book! Or…Rarity w-w-will make me something! And t-t-there's a feast…and we p-p-play games…and s-sing songs…and Shortround r-r-reads to us, and-" Derpy nearly tripped over her two feet from her excited hopping, but Discord reached out and caught the pony's arm, helping her find his balance. "T-t-thank you, Master," she whispered, blushing from embarrassment, but still very excited.

"You should go back to bed Derpy," Discord instructed. "It isn't even dawn yet."

Fluttershy watched Derpy as he said these words, and Derpy nodded her head, agreeing with her master that it was very early, and then dashing back down the tunnel she had come from. "G-g-g-goodnight Fluttershy!" she called back, waving before leaving her alone in Discord's presence. Fluttershy grinned and waved back at her, all too soon very much aware that she was alone with the Phantom.

A silence passed between them for a while. The awkwardness of the moment was almost more than Fluttershy could take. "Is…is it so close to Christmas?" she asked, her hooves tightening about her robe. She had lost track of what date it was since she had come there.

Discord's arms folded behind his back, his body straightening upwards, his gaze steady on the flakes that fell to the water. "Yesterday was the first day of December," he said simply, his gaze remaining on the lagoon.

As for Fluttershy, she could not believe how much time had passed since she had come to be there. It was winter already, Christmas would be coming in a matter of weeks, and she had no idea how quickly time had passed. She wondered what her father was doing, if he was alright, and her heart ached at the sadness of missing him.

"I finished it last night," Discord whispered, his words interrupting her thoughts. Fluttershy turned to him, her gaze one of confusion. Without looking at her, he answered her question. "The last song for Don Juan," he explained. "I want the company to begin rehearsing for it after the new year."

Fluttershy's breath caught in her throat at his words. "So soon?" she whispered.

Discord then turned to look at her. "There is still some polishing to do here and there…I need to begin planning the stage directions, the lighting and art design, not to mention cleaning up the overture, but for the most part…yes, it is finished." He couldn't help but feel pleased with himself, and he looked at her face, his smile quickly fading at the worried pensive look that spread across her features. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Fluttershy blushed at his question, shaking her head. "Nothing…just…I…I'm surprised, that's all…" she tightened her arms around herself even more, her gaze now focusing on the snow.

Discord eyed her suspiciously. "You are doing exceptionally well in rehearsals," he said simply. "There are still many songs for us to go over, but for the most part, you have perfected the role of Aminta better than I could have imagined," he said warmly, smiling down at her, still surprised that she did not share his joy. He cocked one eyebrow. "Fluttershy-"

"Thank you, monsieur, I am pleased that I have won your favor."

Discord frowned at her words. "Monsieur?" he asked. "Don't be silly, you know you're doing exceptionally well, what's this talk about…winning my favor?" he turned to fully face her, frustrated that she wouldn't look at him. "Fluttershy…tell me what's wrong." It was not a question; it was a command.

"Nothing is wrong monsieur, I-"

Discord groaned. "Again with calling me 'monsieur'!" he threw his paw and claw up into the air, holding his temper in check before turning and facing her once again. "I've been noticing that this past week…you constantly refer to me as 'monsieur' instead saying my name."

Fluttershy blushed. "I…I was simply being polite-"

"Polite?" he grabbed her by her shoulders and forced her to look at him. "You're acting childish is what you're doing, especially right now," he snapped. Fluttershy looked up at him, knowing there was no turning back now. "Have I offended you Fluttershy?"

Her eyes went wide at his question. "No, of course not-"

"You're lying," he growled, his paw and claw gripping her shoulders again to keep her looking at him. "Tell me the truth…what is wrong? His paw gently reached down and cupped her chin, lifting her face to gaze back at his. "What have I done to lose favor with you?"

She felt like a fool. And that was exactly what he would think of her when she told him. She refused to cry in front of him, she would not show her tears, but even now she could feel a few betray her and fall down her cheeks. "What am I to you Discord?" she asked, feeling bold with her question, as well as foolish.

He was taken aback. "W-what?" he asked, releasing her shoulders.

"What am I to you? It is a simple question, is it not?" she asked.

What was she getting at? Discord was still unsure what to say. "Why are you asking this?"

Fluttershy felt her jaw tremble somewhat. "I…I just…I'm trying to understand who I am to you…so I know how to behave with you," she whispered, feeling her cheeks on fire with embarrassment. Discord stared at her, dumbfounded, before finally opening his mouth to speak, but she silenced him by raising her hoof. "Today is December 2nd, yes?" she asked. "That means…I've been here for…for well over a month…practically two! And yet…despite all that time you and I have spent together…" she bit her lip. "I know nothing about you."

Discord stared at her, his brow furrowed with confusion. He opened his mouth to protest, but she continued on. "I know about your history, yes, Rarity's told me that, but…Discord, you're the one I spend the most time with here…and yet you are a stranger to me." She sighed and refocused her attention once again on the lagoon. "I know so much about the lives of the others…yes, even Rainbow Dash!" she said, laughing somewhat at the amazement of it all. "Why…just yesterday, she was telling me that if she wasn't…wasn't cursed with how she looked," she was pained to say those words, "She would want to become a flyer for the Wonderbolts. Did you know what a love she has of flying?" she asked. "It's extraordinary, really! She longs to properly fly in the sky, but knows she never will, which pains her more than those piercings and that leg those freaks put on her," she spat bitterly. She took a few calming breaths before continuing. "I know so much about the others…but you are the one I am with the most…" her eyes lifted up to meet his. "And you are a stranger to me."

Discord had to speak. "You came to this theater with hopes of becoming a singer, Fluttershy, and that is what I am doing! I am trying to help you become a great singer! But that means maintaining a professional teacher/student relationship as any professional singer would know-"

"Then why do you insist on such informalities as first names!" she spat back, feeling her heart break at his words. "If being a true professional is what you want, then by all means monsieur, that is how I shall behave…good day!"

Discord was stunned by what she had said and could not believe she was turning and walking away from him! "STOP!" he shouted, and in two strides had his paw gripped her and was whirling her around to face him, his strong paw and claw lifting her up and placing themselves about the waist to hold her steady. "Are you saying…that you're upset with me for…for treating you with respect and courteousness-?"

Fluttershy shook his paw and claw off her. "No! I…I am saying that…" she took a deep breath knowing that this was her only chance. "I want to be more!"

Discord stared at her, his breath catching in his throat, his heart skipping a beat. More? What…what did she mean?

Fluttershy saw the question in his eyes and knew she had to continue, despite the embarrassment that had permanently changed the color of her face. "I…I want to be more to you than…than just your student…" she took another breath and continued. "I want…I want to be your friend."

Discord's eyebrows lifted at her words. "Friend?" he asked, the word sounding foreign from the way he said it, as if it were unknown in his vocabulary.

Fluttershy nodded her head, not able to look into his eyes. "Yes…" she whispered. "Please understand that I value everything you have done…the opportunity to learn how to sing professionally, the chance to see my dreams come true…I am so grateful for all that," she said with every bit of sincerity, her lashes lifting to meet his eyes which were locked on her face. "And I greatly value the times we spend together…our lessons and rehearsals…" she wanted to tell him that she treasured those times with him, but she knew he would truly believe her a fool for saying something like that, so she remained silent. "But, I…I want to know you better…I want to hear your thoughts, share your ideas, and have discussions on many things…not just music…" her words had drifted into whispers at that point. What must he think of her? "I…I have invited you to come and see me whenever you wish, hoping that you will…but you never do…" she bit her lip. "I know this must sound foolish to you, but…I…I just…I'm very grateful for everything you've done, and I just…I want…" she sighed, knowing it was useless. "…to be your friend."

She stood before him, her shoulders slumped and her eyes cast downward in defeat. She awaited his laughter, or a sarcastic comment, anything to ridicule her for thinking and behaving like a child. He was right of course, a true singer, a great singer, would not seek friendship with her tutor…yet she could not imagine being anything less than a friend with him, and she longed to know the pony behind the mask better. Yet it was all for loss…

Discord studied her for a long moment, her words sinking into his mind and emotions. A silence fell between them once again, neither of them speaking or moving, until finally, after what felt like an eternity, Discord said, "Come…there's something I want you to see."

Fluttershy was startled by his words. His voice was gentle, soft, and coaxing…not at all what she had expected. "W-w-what?" she asked, looking up at him, confused.

He was already leading the way when he paused to face her again. "Come," he said again, this time holding out his paw for her arm. Curious, and perplexed, Fluttershy allowed him to lead her into the shadows of the unknown.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

Discord chuckled. "You'll just have to be patient and see."

He continued to lead her through the darkness, easily moving through the shadows as if it were as bright as day. Fluttershy stumbled here and there, but maintained her balance and did not complain once. "You have adjusted to my world quickly," he whispered to her. "And I understand you have learned how to get around rather well on your own."

Fluttershy pressed herself closer so as not to lose him in the darkness. "My eyesight is nothing like yours," she replied, gasping as she almost lost her balance.

Discord caught her. "My apologies," he murmured. "I should have warned you about the path…it does get easier, I promise…"

"It's alright," Fluttershy whispered, wondering if he could see the flush of her cheeks despite the darkness.

He smiled and took her arm again, his paws tenderly wrapping around her small arm, cradling it against him. "You have only been here for a few months…I have had over twenty years to learn these tunnels," he said, before coming to a stop. "Wait here," he commanded, before releasing her hoof and disappearing.

Fluttershy missed his touch, realizing just how warm she had been when he had been holding her. She felt so cold now that his presence was gone, but before she could wrap her arms around her body, a light illuminated the shadows out of the corner of her eye. The light came from an oil lamp, that hung…she couldn't quite tell what exactly, but it looked as though…Discord, who was behind the light, was floating towards her! And then she realized…he was floating…but not on the air; on a boat. The lamp hung from the front of a gondola, and Discord was standing in the back, a large oar in his paw and claw, pushing the boat towards her. "Come," he whispered, holding his claw out to her. Without asking, Fluttershy took his claw, and entered the boat, settling herself down as he then began to paddle them across the water.

"W-w-where are we?" she asked, looking out into the murky waters, trying to see if the lamp could illuminate anything else.

"Your lagoon is not the only body of water under the Opera House," he said. "In fact, the Mareine empties into an underground lake here, one that is quite vast, and rather deep," he looked down at her. "Can you swim?" he asked.

Fluttershy shivered as she imagined the bottomless waters of the lake they were sailing. "A little," she replied. "There was a pond behind our farmhouse…in the summer I would sometimes go swimming in it…but it wasn't very deep."

Discord nodded his head, moving the oar at an even pace, grateful for the shadows, for in truth, he knew she could swim, as the memories of that night when he had watched her bathe in the lagoon came flooding back to him, as they did every night.

"How far do the tunnels go?" she asked, interrupting his thoughts, which he was grateful for.

"I have explored many…and yet I am not sure if I have explored them all," he simply stated. "I do know that those," he indicated towards his left, "lead to the infamous catacombs of medieval Maris. Trust me; those are some tunnels you do not wish to explore."

Fluttershy felt a shiver go down her body at the thought of coming across ancient skulls and skeletons of the mares and stallions who lived so long ago. A part of her yearned to know how he knew about the catacombs, but another part of her felt just fine without fully knowing as well.

They reached the other end of the lake and Discord jumped out of the boat, the water going up to his knees, as he pulled the gondola ashore and tethered it to a simple wooden post that rose out of the earth. He then removed the lamp from where it hung and extended his paw to Fluttershy. She wanted to know what he was going to show her, where exactly they were traveling, but she didn't ask, she simply let him take her arm and allowed him to lead her further into the darkness, past rocks and caverns, past pipes and tiny underground streams. She felt as if they were traveling to the center of the earth, but it came to her realization that instead of going down deeper, they were in fact…climbing upward.

The hard earthen ground had changed to stone steps. And there were lamps along the walls that Discord was slowly lighting one by one. The steps were wide, and they twisted in a spiral format. Fluttershy looked around her as Discord lit the lamps and noticed that there were stalls along the steps, some containing old blankets, others with moss and straw on the ground. "They used to keep animals down here," Discord explained, not having to see the curiosity on Fluttershy's face to know what she was thinking. "In the older days of the Maris Opera House, they sometimes had horses, cattle, and sheep on the stage for such operas. They aren't used anymore, but I remember when I first came here, all the noise they would make," he chuckled to himself. "The stagehooves never learned who was milking the cows when they came down to do it themselves."

Fluttershy smiled and could easily imagine the confusion, as well as Derpy's excitement at finding animals, if she knew about this place. After passing the animal stalls, Discord led her down a long passageway, passed large wooden wheels that were as big as a small building, with great ropes tethered around them. "What is this place?" she gasped, looking at the wheels with amazement.

"The mechanisms that control the curtains," Discord simply answered. "They aren't simply controlled by those ropes and sandbags that the stagehooves operate," he stopped her then. "Careful…there are some loose floorboards here."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide and looked down at her hooves, noticing that the boards where she stood did indeed look moldy and weak. She looked at Discord and how he was moving, that only on certain boards did he place his whole weight. She mimicked his steps, her confidence slowly growing, but let out a squeal when she felt one board give way beneath her hoof.

As before, Discord was there, his arm wrapping tightly around her and twirling her out of danger in front of him. "Are you alright?" he asked, seeing how she was panting from her sudden fright.

"Y-y-y-yes," Fluttershy stammered, trying to get her heart to beat at its normal rhythm. "Thank you," she whispered, blushing as she realized that his arm was still around her.

Discord released her, but took her hoof again, leading her past the giant wheels, through some more darkened chambers, ever climbing upwards. They continued their journey, till they reached what appeared to be the inside of a tower. Discord led the way, up a long and narrow spiral staircase, which contained no sconces for Discord to light. In fact, the staircase was so narrow, that Discord couldn't take the oil lamp with him as well as keep a hold of Fluttershy's arm, so they were climbing in pure darkness. Fluttershy kept her body flattened against the wall as they climbed higher and higher. She had no idea where he was taking her, and her curiosity was consuming her with every step, but she didn't want either of them to fall and break their necks!

"Stop here," he commanded. Fluttershy did as he told her, wishing she could see what was going on. She could hear him grunting as he pushed against something, and she squinted her eyes as she saw…a sliver of light? There was the sound of iron being moved, and then, before she could blink, her face was bathed in a flourish of snowflakes that fell from the ceiling door Discord had just opened. "At last," he sighed, emerging into the snow covered air, his paw guiding Fluttershy up through the door, helping her out…and it was then that she realized where they were.

"Oh dear heaven!" Fluttershy gasped, looking all around her. She was outside. The snow that was falling and swirling around her body and hitting her at every angle was not falling through holes in a cavern's ceiling…but from the actual sky above her head! They were standing on the roof of the Maris Opera House.

Discord chuckled at her reaction and walked over to edge of the roof, leaning against the familiar stone gargoyles. "Behold…Maris at dawn," he said quite simply, holding his paw and claw out to the city that still very much seemed asleep.

With tentative steps, Fluttershy followed Discord and gazed out at the city before her. Tiny lights dotted the streets, a few carriages were traveling here and there, but other than that, there wasn't a single living soul moving around. There were no fine mares or gentlecolts of fashion dressed in their silks and furs, parading their wares like peddlers at a market. There were no colts in front of the Opera House, advertising the next opera, and the beggars that were frequently seen to line the streets seemed to have disappeared from view as well. It was so quiet; in her brief time in Maris, Fluttershy had never seen the city this quiet.

Discord studied her as she gazed out over the sleeping city, admiring the way the snow clung to her pink hair, the rosy color of her cheeks, and the brightness in her eyes as she gazed upon the outside world for the first time since she had brought him back on that stormy night. "It's so lovely," she murmured. Discord couldn't help but agree, but it was not the city that had his attention. He couldn't imagine a time he thought she looked more beautiful.

"The view is breath-taking, but the one from Notre Mane is better."

Fluttershy stared at him with disbelief. "You have been to the top of Notre Mane?" she gasped.

He couldn't help but laugh. "Once, when I was much younger; I ventured out into the night without a care in the world, but even I, who have no fear of heights whatsoever, felt uneasy with being up there."

Fluttershy was simply amazed. "You…you go out often?" she asked, curious about everything that he did.

Discord felt his cheeks flush, as he all too well knew the reasons that drove him out into the night. "On occasion," he whispered. "I actually have…some who help me, by getting supplies for us, such as food, wine, fabric for clothes, blankets, oil for our lamps, etc." He grimaced somewhat. Madame Luna was his link to the outside world, and since their fight, they had not been on speaking terms with one another…which was not making life easy for all of them. It was his own damn fault, he knew, and it was his responsibility to settle things; he couldn't afford to be selfish.

He cleared his throat, changing the subject. "I wanted to bring you here for a reason," he murmured, fighting the urge to reach out and brush a strand of hair from her cheek.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile somewhat. "You mean you didn't bring me up here to throw me off the roof?"

Discord realized her joke and found himself chuckling to it. "Tempting, it's true…but…" his voice grew serious again. "I wanted to show you…another part of my world that I know you have not seen…in fact, you are the only other pony who has come up here, besides me."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "None of the others?"

Discord shook his head. "They don't care for heights, and…they shun the light of day even more than me," he sighed, feeling pity for his friends. Despite the scars he wore, he had more freedom than they could ever have.

Fluttershy blushed as realization came over her. While he had not yet said it to her directly, Discord was telling her by bringing her here, that he trusted her with the kind of trust one would give to a friend. He had taken her beyond the underground lair, into the Opera House itself, and above it. He was tempting her with a taste for freedom from his prison…but she did not feel the urge to run for her life, to escape him or the world he lived. She did however feel her heart ache for her father. She gazed out over the cold streets of Maris and wondered where he was. Could she see the apartment they had occupied from here? She peered through the mist, wondering if he was there. Was he worried about her? Was he alright? Would she ever see his face again?

Discord saw the pain in her eyes, knowing what she was thinking, but said nothing. Instead, he removed his cape and gently placed it around Fluttershy's shoulders, offering a smile of reassurance.

"Thank you," she whispered, pulling the cape closer around her body, her eyes fluttering shut as she breathed in his scent. "And…thank you for showing me this."

"Tis nothing," Discord whispered, turning his back to her and leaning against one of the stone ponies. "I have thought about what you said earlier…" he looked over his shoulder at her. "What is it that you wish to know about me?"

Fluttershy was taken aback by his abruptness, and at first thought perhaps he was mocking her. But she realized that he was being very sincere, and that this was a somewhat awkward moment for them both. He had not dismissed her request for wanting to be friends. "Well…I…I am curious…about Don Juan," she began. "How did the idea for the opera come to you?"

Discord couldn't help but give a cynical laugh. "You want to know about the story?" he clarified for her. "Well…when I first came to this theater, I knew very little about music and nothing at all about opera…but it just so happened that on the first night we had arrived…they were playing Faust. I snuck up to the catwalks high above the stage and watched the entire show from there. I was mesmerized by the spectacle…" he whispered, his eyes clouding over with memories. "And instantly, I felt a connection to music…so, as you can see, I have dedicated some of my work to my first exposure to opera."

Fluttershy did understand that, after all, Don Juan, like Faust, sold his soul to the devil, however in Discord's opera, it was to seek out revenge over the beautiful Aminta and her handsome lover. "And…the rest of the story?" she inquired, hoping she was not overstepping her boundaries.

Discord breathed in deeply. "I was 17 when I came here. Young and foolish; I knew nothing of the world or how it worked," he paused before continuing. "And nothing at all about mares."

Fluttershy had not expected this. Her entire attention was upon him like a rabbit being stalked by a wolf.

"Her name was Pinkamena," Discord continued, his teeth grinding somewhat as he said her name. "She was a dancer…a star, really. Graceful, beautiful, young…and stupid," he spat. "I was an idiot too, charmed by her beauty, dazzled by her talent, I composed songs, sonnets, all manners of love-sick poetry to her, signing them as if I were a mysterious ghost…thus giving birth to my infamous pseudonym," he chuckled, although there was little humor in his voice. "For two agonizing years I kept to the shadows, not once revealing who I was, thinking that she would seek me out, and when she did, she would be so in love with me that she would not care about my face or body…that she would see past it…" his voice was full and bitter. "But her true face was soon revealed to me," he growled.

He suddenly turned to face Fluttershy, and she took a quick step back as she saw old anger flare in his eyes. "Do you find the Prince handsome?" he asked, bitterness and hatred pouring out of his voice.

Fluttershy did not know what to say. Yes, strictly going by appearance, Blueblood was quite handsome. But she had a glimpse at the stallion beneath the invisible mask, and from what she could tell, he was pompous, arrogant, narcissistic, and disrespectful. Discord grew impatient. "Naturally you think so, all mares do," he grumbled, turning his attention back to the city.

Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest, not liking to be judged based on some silly thoughts by members of her sex, but Discord continued. "He was only 16 at the time…but he was just as much a hunter then as he is now."

Fluttershy wrapped the cape around her even tighter, feeling the cold invade her bones.

"I remember the day he came to the Opera House. He too found Pinkamena to be irresistible, and all it took for him was a sweet word or two, a kiss on the hoof…and she was on her back, her legs spread willingly from east to west, in a matter of seconds." Fluttershy flushed deeply at Discord's course words, but said nothing. Pain dripped from his lips as the melted snow dripped from her hair.

He sighed deeply, painfully. "What I had been doing for two years…the Prince had accomplished in a matter of minutes," the anger flared once again in his voice. "She assumed he had been the author of her romantic tokens, and he was all too willing to take the credit. I realized then the creature she truly was…vain, spoiled, conceited," he slammed his fist against the stone pony. "And so stupid…"

Fluttershy chewed on her bottom lip, clutching Discord's cape close to her body, yet also wanting to comfort him for his wounds. But she dared not move. "What happened to her?" she whispered.

"The stupid mare thought the Prince loved her and wanted to marry her, so she ran away to be with him. A year later, Blueblood returned, but Pinkamena was not with him. In fact, no one ever saw Pinkamena again, stupid mare," he muttered, flinging some snow over the edge of the roof.

Fluttershy felt Discord's pain as she took in the sad story he had told. Was the character of Aminta based on this mare? Fluttershy was not comfortable with the thought of herself playing a past love interest of his. "Satisfied?" Discord snapped.

Fluttershy flinched at the coldness in his voice, but refused to let it get to her. "I'm sorry Discord," she whispered.

Discord scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Please, the last thing I need from you are apologies for her."

"I'm not apologizing for her!" Fluttershy protested. "But I am sorry for the pain that you went through! I…I can tell from the way you mentioned her that…that at one point you loved her dearly-"

"I did not love her," Discord growled. "I was dazzled by her beauty and flattered by the way she read the poems I wrote for her…but I never loved her."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed. "B-b-but you said-"

He turned on her then, advancing towards her. "Have you ever been in love Fluttershy?" he asked.

"W-w-what?" Fluttershy took several steps back, suddenly feeling like the roof had shrunk.

"Have you ever been in love? Do you know what it feels like to love another and have that love returned?" he was practically yelling at this point.

What could she say? No, she had never known of that kind of love to be returned, but…she was so unsure of the feelings that were beating inside her heart. He confused her; he haunted her thoughts while awake and her dreams while asleep. His music constantly played over and over in her head, and when he stood before her, even now, looking all dark and menacing…she could not help but feel new unknown passions awaken in her blood. And despite his intimidating presence…Fluttershy knew she had nothing to fear of him. There was a trust she felt for this stallion, who several times that day had already caught her before falling. With these thoughts, she found herself standing her ground and squaring her shoulders to him. "The love that you speak, I…I have not known, but-"

Discord wasn't interested in hearing her reason, he was sick of reason; he just wanted to make his point and be done with it. "Then how can you possibly know or comprehend what I feel or have felt? Of all the ponies in this world, don't you think that I would know my feelings better than anyone else?" he turned from her then and stalked back over to the stone pony.

Fluttershy glared at his back, not ready to end this now. "I didn't force you to tell me this story!" she shouted. "But you did answer my question…now I know your basis for Aminta."

Discord kept his back to her. "Aminta is not Pinkamena. She is just a copy of what mares really are."

Fluttershy felt her face pale at his words. She stalked to where he stood and grabbed him by the shoulder, not caring that it took her whole strength to turn him around and face her. "And what am I, Discord?" she shouted. "After all, I am a mare…best that you tell me what I really am!"

Her spirit was alive and kindling with wildfire. Discord had never seen it in such a blaze, and for the first time in his life…he felt himself shrinking before another. "Calm down," he ordered in a hushed voice. "Do you want all of Maris to awake and know of our whereabouts?"

"	To hell with them!" Fluttershy spat, surprised by her own crude words. "Tell me what you meant Discord! After all, I think I'm entitled as the mare who is playing this Jezebel for your opera!" she shoved her hooves against him. "You are saying that we are all deceitful creatures! That we use good stallions and their romantic tokens as means to make ourselves feel powerful, and then destroy them by throwing ourselves at the first handsome face with wealth and power that comes our way! My Goodness, is that what you truly think?"

Discord was growing annoyed by her words. "Am I wrong?"

Fluttershy threw his cape at him. "YES!" she shouted, stomping her hoof good and hard, breaking the snow all around it. "And how DARE you belittle me for feeling sorry for you! I do NOT pity you Discord! But I am sorry for the pain that she caused you, and I despise her for tainting your view on all mares! But let me assure you that not all mares are so fickle, conceited, and self-absorbed!"

Discord cocked his head to one side, admiring the fire that was fueling through her. "Really?"

"YES!" she shouted again. "I do not know the kind of love that you asked me earlier…but I know myself and what I have been taught. I have seen it with my very own eyes! My mother was the daughter of a Prench aristocrat, but she abandoned that life to be with my father, a poor immigrant. She loved him for the stallion he was, not for money or power or fame. And while it broke his heart that he could not give her all the luxuries she had before, she could never truly make him understand that those things meant nothing to her. He was all that mattered; his love was all that mattered! And I will not be judged upon the horrid deeds of Pinkamena and other mares like her!" Fluttershy stomped angrily.

Discord bit his lips to not grin at her.

"When I love a stallion…I will love him with my whole heart, with all of my being, my soul, and my mind. I will not cast him aside the second another enters my life, no matter how wealthy, handsome, or powerful he may be! I will not lie to him, I will not deceive him, but I will fight for him and stand loyally with him," tears were beginning to stream down her cheeks as she continued speaking. Discord's amused grin disappeared and he slowly began walking towards her. "When he is ill…I will nurse him, and when he is sad, I will comfort him," she choked. "I will be everything to him…his friend…his companion…h-his l-lover…a-a-and if he will have me…his wife," she whispered. She couldn't look at him now, especially since he was standing right in front of her, his body so close to hers.

Had he realized that she was talking about…about him?

Had she realized it? Perhaps she always knew…

Discord's heart felt strangely warmed by this mare. The feelings that had been raging through him ever since Fluttershy came into his life were reaching a boiling point. His memories of Pinkamena had threatened that stone exterior he kept around himself, and his fears for rejection, ridicule, and desertion came crashing back.

But Fluttershy's words filled him with new hope. Was it possible to believe that this beauty could love the beast that he was? She had asked him earlier if it was possible for them to be friends. Yes, yes, he wanted to be friends with her very much.

But it almost seemed too much to dream for anything more, despite the new hope Fluttershy gave him.

Fluttershy wiped her cheeks with the back of her hoof, shivering uncontrollably as the cold seeped through her dressing gown. "C-c-can we go back inside?" she asked. "It's very cold…"

Discord nodded his head and led her back towards the door they had come through. "I do not think the sun will be rising today," he murmured, surveying the cold gray sky overhead.

Fluttershy sighed. "I have almost forgotten what the sun looks like."

The trap door was open once again, and Fluttershy bit her lip, wondering how in the world she was going to climb down those steep steps. "Allow me," Discord murmured, going in front of her, and tethering a rope that was connected to the trap door. The rope was long and disappeared into the dark abyss. He wrapped his leg around the rope, creating a holster and securing himself within it. "Hold tight to me," he urged Fluttershy, his arm already moving around her waist.

Fluttershy was not sure about this; in fact, she had just realized how much she was scared of heights. "Discord-"

"Trust me, Angel."

She looked at him, his words melting over her like honey, and his arm felt strong and secure around her body. He had never called her that before…but she liked it very much. She nodded her head, her arms going around his shoulders and gripping him tightly, her head burrowing against his chest, biting back the scream as with one arm, he held onto the rope, and they gently, yet swiftly, floated to the ground.

It was over before she knew it. Fluttershy was still holding tightly to him even after her hooves were securely on the ground. "It's alright," he whispered, running a soothing paw through her hair.

Fluttershy lifted her head, looking around and realizing that they truly were back on the ground, and then her hooves began pounding against his chest. "Warn me next time about that being the only way of coming back down when you take me up anywhere!" she hissed, but she wasn't truly upset, just…shaken from everything that had taken place. It was more than simply arguing with him on the roof of Maris…it was coming to terms with what she had admitted to herself when she was declaring to him the kind of mare she would be…

She was in love with the Phantom of the Opera.

Discord's paw and claw lingered on her, his face so close to her own. So much had happened; this mare had the voice of an angel, she inspired his music like nothing else, she ignited his soul, and for the first time in over twenty years…she brought hope back to his heart. He was a monster…and yet she made him feel like a stallion.

"We best return, don't you think?" Fluttershy whispered. "B-b-before any stagehooves find us here?"

A sad smile crossed his lips. "You're right," he sighed. "Although all the stagehooves know that this is part of my domain…and that I choose to share it with them," he said simply. "If they saw me…and some of them have…they know best not to tell anyone, except to keep the legend of the Opera Ghost alive."

"Yes, but what would they say if they saw me with you?" she asked.

Discord grinned as he led her back to their lair. "That the Opera Ghost has a friend?"

Fluttershy stared up at him, a smile spreading across her lips. It was a start. Perhaps with time, she could teach the Opera Ghost to love again…
> Kindling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kindling

Two more weeks passed since Discord had taken Fluttershy to the roof the Opera House. But in that period, so much had changed between the two of them, that if one had met them, they would never have suspected that once upon a time, Discord was holding Fluttershy against her will.

Indeed, even the others found the change to be startling. Discord still kept to himself for a large part; he would always be somewhat of an introvert. But his laughter would ring throughout the tunnels, a sound that was not often heard. In the past, Derpy was always cautious about approaching Discord; now, her fear for her master had practically disappeared. Rarity, who often brought Discord his meals to his chamber, was still getting over the compliments he would frequently give for her cooking, not to mention how he was just so much more…cheerful.

"Something has to be done about the Master," Rainbow Dash commented one evening during supper.

Shortround gave the mare a sour look. "Done? What needs to be done? The Master is in merry spirits!"

"Exactly!" Rainbow Dash grumbled. "And…well…it's just not right!"

Rarity, who was serving everyone, made a loud dismissive sound. "Pish posh! The Master has never been in better health, and merry spirits are good for him. One can not expect somepony in his prime to spend his life brooding away in darkness."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Unless you looked in a mirror as of late, that's all we're good for! And while the Master isn't as cursed as we are…he's not a…a 'normal' stallion…to pretend that he is would be horrible!"

Shortround shook his head. "How so Rainbow Dash? How would it be horrible for the Master to be happy now and again? It's a blessing, I say. And what is 'normal' anyway? Down here, to be a 'freak of nature' is normal," he chuckled.

All the others chuckled with him, except for Rainbow Dash who was just looking as sour as ever before. "You think it's funny that the Master is abandoning his duties?"

Shortround's smile quickly disappeared. "What on earth are you groaning about?"

"It's her fault!" Rainbow Dash hissed.

"Hush!"Rarity snapped, not wanting anything rude said about Fluttershy.

"It is! Before she came here, the Master struck fear into the hearts of those who reside above! The legend of the Opera Ghost thrived, and no person dared cross the Phantom's rules or instructions for fear of death! But now…" she sighed. "Now, what threats has he made? What fear do ponies have? None! Because of his so-called 'merry spirits', the Phantom of the Opera is becoming more of a filly story to give people nightmares rather than an entity that controlled this place!"

Shortround groaned. "You truly are the most selfish pony I've met Rainbow Dash. Why don't you just say that you're afraid for yourself, that somepony will come down here and take you away-"

"DON'T BELITTLE ME, SHORTROUND!" Rainbow Dash roared. "You had best be worried about your own skin too! Without any threats from the Phantom, sooner or later ponies will not fear coming down here, and will find us!"

"Impossible!" Shortround retorted. "You know as well as I that any pony who doesn't know these passages will either find themselves trapped, lost…or worse. The Master designed them specially; we have nothing to worry about."

Rainbow Dash found herself chuckling, although it was a cold cynical chuckle. "Yes, of course, you're quite right Shortround…but wait! If I am not correct…isn't there a young mare amongst us who somehow…got past all those traps without a scratch on her?"

Shortround refused to meet Rainbow Dash's eyes, knowing fully well that the mare was right. "The odds of another having the same luck as Fluttershy would be extremely slim," he argued.

Rainbow Dash took a bite from the food on his plate. "But not impossible." She ignored the glares she was receiving from the others around the table and continued eating, knowing very well that she was upsetting Shortround who always made it a habit to say "grace" at supper.

"Y-y-you s-s-should be nicer t-to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash," Derpy softly stuttered, poking at the food on her plate with her fork.

Rainbow Dash was surprised by the protest, not used to hearing Derpy stick up for herself…or anypony in that matter. "Oh really?" she drawled. "Are you threatening me?"

"Stop this nonsense!" Rarity ordered, putting a hoof on Derpy's arm to calm her.

"No Rarity, this is actually getting rather interesting!" Rainbow Dash chuckled. "I'm curious to see what Derpy will do to defend her 'lady fair'."

Derpy was beginning to tremble with anger. "S-s-she's good! A-a-and m-my friend! D-d-don't talk badly a-a-about her!" She pounded a hoof on the table, causing the plates to shake. "A-a-and don't b-b-belittle me e-e-either, Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash leaned back in her chair. "I must say…I'm impressed Derpy," she sighed, bowing her head. "In all the time I've known you…you've never stuck up for anypony, even yourself…and yet here you are…defending your gypsy mare and telling me to, more or less, keep my mouth shut."

Derpy was still trembling, but she was unsure what to say or how to react to Rainbow Dash's words. Then, when Rainbow Dash began to chuckle, Derpy found herself grinning and laughing back. "At least she's good for something," Rainbow Dash muttered, grabbing hold of a wine bottle and pouring a hefty amount into her cup.

Derpy's smile faded into a dark frown. "S-s-she's good for m-m-m-many things…and if you d-d-d-disagree…t-t-then you'll have to g-g-go through me!" she threatened, her hoof slamming down once more onto the table.

"Please!" Rarity cried, worried for the food that was still on the table. "This behavior is highly inappropriate for the dinner table! I am deeply ashamed of you both!"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "You should be proud! Today Derpy has grown up and has finally stood up to me," she laughed, raising her glass and clinking it with Derpy's.

"That's enough!" Rarity barked, raising her fork in the direction of Rainbow Dash. "Let this be the last word on the subject…the Master has always taken care of us and will continue to do so! But the stallion is allowed some happiness for all the burdens he bears, including us," she emphasized, looking directly at Rainbow Dash. "We serve him, yes, but if not for him, we'd have no food on our table, no clothes to wear, no books to read," She cast a look at Derpy, "and for all I know, we'd still be prisoners to that bloody carnival! So I suggest," she growled, looking at each and every one of them, "that you show some gratitude by eating the food on your plates and giving the Master some peace!" She sat back down, shaken from her anger, and stuffed her mouth full of potatoes.

The others said nothing, just stared at their plates in silence.

"Well…that was passionate, I must say."

All four heads turned to one of the shadowed corners from which Discord emerged, his paw and claw coming together in applause. Everypony's eyes were wide; their mouths open, wondering how long he had been standing there. Rainbow Dash turned very pale.

"Master," Rarity said, quickly rising from her chair.

"Sit and eat, you've said quite enough for tonight," Discord reassured, a gentle paw reaching out and patting her shoulder. His eyes were locked on Rainbow Dash, who was trembling in his chair.

"Master…I…I just w-want to say-"

"You needn't say anything, Shortround," Discord sighed, admiring the food on the table. "Roast potatoes, baked bread, and for a main course…surely that's not artichoke, is it?"

"Cabbage!" Derpy said happily. "R-r-roasted Cabbage…w-w-which I helped with p-preparing!" she stated proudly.

Discord smiled at Derpy and patted her shoulder. "Indeed…you have proven yourself grown up in many ways, Derpy," Discord said proudly. Derpy couldn't help but beam.

Rainbow Dash however was sinking in her chair. "C-c-can I f-f-fetch you plate, Master?" Rarity offered, again rising from her chair.

"Stay and eat your food Rarity, you work far too hard to be serving anyone any further," Discord commanded gently, but with great authority. Rarity sat right back down and gazed up at Discord as he continued to circle the table. "I merely came to say that there is no need to bring any dinner to my chamber…"

"Oh?" Rarity asked, still unsure of how to react. Discord seemed to possess a dangerous calm about himself. "D-d-do you know when we shall expect Fluttershy?"

Discord smiled. "Mademoiselle Fluttershy shall be joining me this evening…I actually came to see if there is a basket that I may place some food in."

"I shall fetch it for you Master," Shortround said quickly, rising from his chair and shuffling out of the chamber.

Discord smiled after Shortround and then came to Discord's chair, smiling down at the mare. Rainbow Dash avoided Discord's eyes at all times, focusing her whole attention to the cup of wine she held in her hoof. "I must say Rainbow Dash…I had no idea how worried you were about everypony's safety here," Discord sighed, coming around Rainbow Dash's chair and seating himself in the spot where Shortround had been.

Rainbow Dash said nothing; she simply continued to drink her wine.

"Indeed," Discord sighed, "I also was rather surprised by your words…I had rather thought that you and Mademoiselle Fluttershy were getting on much better." Discord stretched himself out in the chair, his paw and claw lounging on the arms, his legs crossing over one another, his head leaning back as he gazed at Rainbow Dash. "Perhaps there is something you wish to explain?"

Rainbow Dash took another swig from her cup. "N-n-no Master," she whispered.

"No? No there is nothing you wish to explain? Or no, things are not going well between you and Mademoiselle Fluttershy?"

Rainbow Dash swallowed the lump in her throat. "I…I j-just meant-"

"Please speak up Rainbow Dash, I have been playing the organ for a good portion of the day and confess that my hearing is not as keen as it normally would be."

Rainbow Dash swallowed again. "I only meant that…i-if Fluttershy-"

"Mademoiselle Fluttershy," Discord corrected. "Until you are on better terms, I think you should remain formal, don't you?"

Rainbow Dash felt sweat dripping from her brow into her eyes. "Y-y-yes Master," she muttered. "I…I'm only concerned that…if Mademoiselle Fluttershy c-c-could get down here…o-others may a-a-as well."

Discord nodded his head and leaned forward, his arms coming to rest on the table. "Yes, I can understand your concern…but…thankfully, I know I can depend upon you to be on guard in case that did happen, yes?"

Rainbow Dash nodded her head, her eyes remaining downcast to the table.

Discord smiled. "Good," he said, giving Rainbow Dash's shoulder a hearty shake. "And as for your 'concern' that I am not doing my duties as the infamous 'Phantom of the Opera'…" he rose from his chair and leaned close to Rainbow Dash, his face near the mare's ear, his voice so soft, but so dangerous. "Answer me truthfully, Rainbow Dash…do you find me fearsome now?"

Rainbow Dash bit her lip, her whole body trembling.

"Well?"

"Y-y-y-yes M-m-m-master," she stammered.

"Good, I'm glad," Discord whispered. "Never forget…" he emphasized, his teeth clipped and his voice a hiss in the mare's ear. "I know my place and my duties…so it's wise that you remember yours."

Rainbow Dash nodded her head fervently, still looking away, her teeth biting her lip to keep from crying out.

Satisfied that his point was clearly made, Discord moved away from the trembling mare, his paw coming down on Rainbow Dash's shoulder, this time giving it a pat of reassurance. "I promise you, you'll never see that place again," he whispered, compassion coming over him for the mare who feared the carnival more than anypony else.

Discord turned to see Shortround, standing in the entryway of the cavern, holding the basket of food. "Ah! Thank you Shortround," Discord said rather jovially, taking the basket from him. "Enjoy your dinner."

They watched him disappear into the shadows, just as suddenly as he had arrived. Shortround went back to his seat, his eyes looking desperately at Rarity, hoping for an explanation, but she gave none, she simply continued to eat her food in silence. It was Derpy who broke the silence, sitting tall and proud in her seat. "The Master agrees that t-t-today, I've grown up!" she poured herself a small cup of wine and lifted it high into the air. "To Fluttershy!" she said happily. "I'm v-v-very happy s-s-s-she came!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy was grinning from ear to ear as she listened to the beautiful music being played beneath her. Every December right before Christmas, the Opera House gave a free public concert of Handel's Messiah. It was simple, yet elegant; the stage decorated with red and white roses, the four principle soloists sitting on four elegant red velvet chairs while the chorus stood behind them. The orchestra was playing with great gusto, and Fluttershy couldn't help but hum softly to some of the familiar tunes that her father had played on his violin every Christmas. And, much to her relief, this was one performance Fleur De Lis officially did not participate in. According to Discord, Fleur De Lis  would not participate in something as meager as a public choral concert.
Fluttershy still couldn't believe it; she grinned at Discord and then smiled down at the musicians on the tiny stage beneath her. Both she and Discord were sitting on a cat walk high above the auditorium, close the Opera House's grand chandelier that hung over the audience. No one would see them, and no stage hooves would come up to where they were during the performance. It was as if she were at a private concert.

Earlier that evening, after a long rehearsal, Discord congratulated her on her progress, and felt that it was time for a treat. Fluttershy had no idea what he meant, as he had never given her a "treat" before after a rehearsal, but she couldn't help but grin when he told her to wear one of her more "elegant" gowns for that evening, and to come with an empty stomach. Fluttershy did exactly as she was told, and at exactly seven o'clock, he arrived at her chamber, dressed in one his finest black suits, wearing a crisp clean white linen shirt, cravat, and tie. He held out a rose for her, which took Fluttershy by surprise, for she was still unsure about how he felt towards her, but her heart skipped a beat as he offered her the flower and bent to kiss her hoof, hoping beyond anything that perhaps, he too, was feeling something more.

Discord still had no idea what possessed him to make such an offer. Since their conversation on the roof, he was going out of his way to be more open with her, to share his thoughts, not only on music, but on books, art, and philosophy as well. Always the professional musician, Discord would quickly bring them back to the task at hoof if their conversation began to wander during rehearsals. But she was lingering more after rehearsals to speak with him, and he now and then found himself going to her chamber, to either learn her thoughts on something, or to simply bid her goodnight. It was strange, this friendship he had with her, but he had hoped that it would help fight the strange emotions that were raging through him. Sadly, he was finding that instead, it was kindling them.

Yet he ignored his discomfort about such things and tried to focus on his music when they were apart. He was working hard with the stage and art directions for Don Juan, as well as sending up instructions daily to the managers to begin ordering supplies for the opera. He was quite determined to see it performed before the season ended. Yet with so much work at hoof, Discord knew that both he and Fluttershy needed a break of some sort…and knowing that it was the evening for Messiah, he could not imagine a better treat for his rising star than a night at the opera.

He felt like a fool, a stallion well past the age to behave like a love-sick school filly, but he couldn't stop grinning at the thought of her surprise when she learned what he had in store. He went to kitchens of his lair, momentarily taking care of some unpleasant business with Rainbow Dash before fetching the food, and then arriving to take Fluttershy to her surprise.

She was a vision like nothing else he had seen. Indeed, he felt his heart stop at the sight of her.

He had instructed her to wear the most elegant gown she had, not remembering what he had brought her so many weeks ago, but he was not prepared for what he saw. She was a vision in ivory; the gown sparkled, hugging her curves deliciously and then fanning out into a full skirt that made her look like a princess from a fairy tale. He would not have been surprised if it were glass slippers she wore under the skirt. She wore white satin gloves that went up to her elbows, and the old locket that she always wore hung delicately on her neck. Of all her gowns, this one was also the most revealing; the thin lace that served as sleeves revealed her creamy shoulders, and the neckline was dangerously low. When she greeted him, she smiled a dazzling innocent sweet smile, and then did a little twirl, asking him if she had followed his instructions properly. Discord could only nod his head, his voice momentarily gone. This was an image that would forever be burned into his mind.

They then proceeded to the catwalk, going by the underground lake, past the old animal stalls, and up some old steps that he knew were abandoned, and safe for her to climb. When Discord opened the trap door to the catwalk, Fluttershy gasped, the grand chandelier being the first thing to greet her eyes. He took her arm led her to a place on the catwalk where he knew they would be secluded in shadows, but where she would have the best view of the stage. He proceeded to lower his cape for them to sit on, and then revealed the food that had been prepared for their supper. He also revealed a bottle of wine and two glasses that were in the basket as well. Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle as Discord insisted on a toast to the evening.

"What shall we drink to?" he asked, raising his glass.

Fluttershy smiled, feeling her cheeks become aflame. "To the Angel of Music," she whispered.

Discord's brow furrowed at her words. "The what?" he asked, hoping he did not sound as if he were ridiculing her, just simply…curious to what she meant.

Fluttershy smiled and clinked her glass with his. "The Angel of Music," she said again, as if anypony would understand what she was talking about. "The Angel of Music was what brought me here…to this city, to this place…and to this moment."

Discord cocked an eyebrow at her words, curious to know more about this mysterious angel she spoke of, but clinked his glass with hers and raised it to his lips. "To your angel," he whispered, before drinking.

Fluttershy took her drink, wondering if Discord knew that her angel was indeed…him.

They ate the roast cabbage, potatoes, and bread that Rarity had previously prepared, talking quietly with one another, Fluttershy trying to guess what would be performed that evening. Discord couldn't help but find her charming, how she seemed like a little filly, fidgeting with excitement every time she heard the orchestra tune their instruments, trying to figure out what music it was they were going to perform. And then, the curtains opened and the orchestra began to play, and Fluttershy immediately recognized the opening song. "Handel's Messiah! she squealed happily, and without thinking, she leaned against the catwalk, her arms clinging to the ropes that separated her from falling to her death, and her hooves, coming out from under her skirt and dangling over the edge. It was positively unmarelike, but neither Fluttershy nor Discord cared; he had never seen her so happy…and he knew that this was the image that would truly stay with him for the rest of his life.

She kept grinning at the stage, and then at him while the musicians below filled the auditorium with their songs; her hooves swinging back and forth like a filly. Discord however kept his gaze focused on Fluttershy. He was glad that for at least one night, he could give her something to be happy about, something that may take away the pain of being his prisoner and losing her father, if only briefly. He found himself frowning as he remembered Rainbow Dash's words, his fear that Discord had more or less, gone soft; forgotten his duties to strike fear into the hearts of others as the infamous Phantom. Truth was…Discord had forgotten. He was finding bliss with Fluttershy, bliss in her voice, and bliss in her presence. He had never truly known happiness till she had come into his life…and it frightened him.

Was his guard down? Would others attempt to explore the places they knew were forbidden? He had made a vow to protect his friends, promising that they would never again know what it was like to be behind bars and subjected to humiliation. Rainbow Dash needed to be taught a lesson, Discord could see that…but he pitied the mare all the same, knowing that it was her fear that drove her to such mad fits. He glanced at Fluttershy again, thinking perhaps he did need to keep his distance, at least more so than he was now; he needed to stay focused and alert…but he could not imagine a life without her voice singing sweetly to heaven, or her laughter filling his ears. Even now, as she softly hummed to the songs below, he could feel himself being lost in the bliss that she offered. For the first time in his life…light was coming into the shadowy depths of his soul.

He then remembered Rarity's words, about how he "deserved" some happiness. He looked at Fluttershy again, thinking exactly that as he watched her face glow with excitement.

"Oh Discord thank you so much for this!" Fluttershy whispered, leaning a little closer as the famous "Hallelujah Chorus" began to play. "Oh I love this song, I-oh!" she gasped as she had leaned far too close on the catwalk, but Discord was there, his strong arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her safely back onto the catwalk.

"Careful!" he hissed, his arm slipping under her skirts and pulling her fully back. Fluttershy blushed as she felt his arm briefly brush her legs, but she was more ashamed of her fillyish behavior than anything.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was being foolish, I-"

Discord had placed a paw to her lips. "You were merely excited, it's alright," he whispered. "Just be more careful…and enjoy the song." Fluttershy smiled at him and turned her attention back to the stage as the chorus continued to sing.

The incident had startled them both so much that neither of them had realized that one of Fluttershy's shoes had fallen from her hooves, landing softly in Box 5 beneath them. But this was no ordinary box…it was the one that the Prince occupied.

Blueblood didn't normally come to these public concerts, he saw no point as no money was made in them. But tonight, he came with hopes that perhaps the elusive Mademoiselle Fluttershy would arrive. It angered him that the private investigator he was paying quite handsomely had not found anything; but Blueblood was determined to uncover the whereabouts of the missing costume mare before her wealthy and isolated grandfather died.

"What the devil?" he hissed, when the falling shoe landed at his hooves. He looked up at the ceiling of the box, seeing nothing, and then leaned out over the edge, trying to see where the shoe may have come from, but saw nothing.

"Is something wrong monsieur?" an usher appeared, having heard the Prince swearing.

"Tis nothing," Blueblood muttered, his paw waving at the usher in a dismissive manner. He picked the shoe up and examined it, noting how fine it was. Where could such a thing come from? It was the kind of slipper a mare of great fashion would wear, but there were no boxes above him…and it had come from above…so where had it come from? He glanced back out over the edge of his box to the ceiling above. All he could see was the chandelier…and what looked to be a catwalk, although it was hard to tell with shadows covering it.

Impossible, he thought. No mare would be up there…must have been some drunken stage hoof playing a trick. Well, he'd have that settled tomorrow. Blueblood rose from the box, clearly bored from the evening's festivities. "Get me my carriage," he ordered the usher. He glanced one last time at the shoe, and decided to take it with him, as evidence to be used against whomever the idiot was that chose to play the prank.

A few more songs later, the performance had ended. Fluttershy, like the rest of the audience, rose to her hooves and clapped heartily to the performers on stage. "Oh!" she gasped, gripping the rope of the catwalk as she tried to find her balance.

"Is everything alright?" Discord asked, vaulting to his feet when he noticed her stumble.

"Oh…just…" she felt around with her hoof, but couldn't find her missing shoe. "Excuse me," she muttered, lifting her skirts, trying to see where it had gone, but…it was nowhere to be seen. "How odd…" she murmured.

"What?" Discord asked, concern etched across his masked face.

Fluttershy bit her lip, wondering if he would be terribly upset with her. "I can't find my slipper…the one to my left hoof…it seems…oh no."

Fluttershy knew the answer before she said another word. "I think we can be assured that since there was no gasping or screaming in the middle of the performance, your shoe did not hit anypony."

"Yes, but…shouldn't we be worried? I mean…don't you think somepony will wonder who was up here?" Fluttershy bit her lip, fearing that perhaps she had given away the Phantom's secret, but Discord couldn't help but grin at her worry.

"Nonsense," he assured her. "There is nothing to fear or fret about…" his eyes briefly caught that of a petrified stage hoof who was walking along another nearby catwalk and who also turned and fled at the sight of the Phantom. "But we should be on our way."

Fluttershy nodded her head, feeling tired from the night's events, still in awe of everything that they had shared. She felt so honored by what Discord had done, to think of her and bring her here to this performance, and she was so grateful for the growing friendship between the two of them…but her heart ached with love for him that she feared would never be returned.

She followed him safely down from the catwalk, and down the steps they had climbed to reach it, but she cursed her stupidity for losing her shoe, as the ground hurt her stocking-covered feet, (she had removed the other shoe and was now holding it). Sensing what she was thinking, Discord spun around and without a word, scooped her up into his arms as if she weighed next to nothing.

"OH!" she gasped, finding her arms around his neck and shoulders. "T-t-this is not necessary…t-t-thank you, but-"

"I will not have you hobble all the way back," he argued. "And you're tired…rest Fluttershy…" his voice was soft, warm, and deep; very hypnotic. Fluttershy's mouth closed and felt her eyes grow heavy, relishing the feel of his strong arms holding her, his black cape swirling around her, carrying her like one of the dark heroes from her books. Her head fell to his shoulder, and her eyes fluttered shut as he continued to carry her without struggle or complaint.

Discord was still surprised from what he had done. But it was as if an unknown instinct had taken over, and without a thought or care, he scooped her up and began to carry her as if…as if he had always done so. And she felt so right…she was small, but not thin; just the perfect shape really, and she fit so perfectly in his arms. He had not realized that he had been holding his breath when he felt her head fall to his shoulder. How could this be? How could this angel be here, with him, allowing him to hold her? To touch her? He was a monster! She had seen, several times, what his body looked like and what lay beneath his mask! And yet…she had fallen asleep in his demon arms.

Oh God above…he was done for.

He placed her very carefully in the gondola, and then sailed them back to the shore of his lair. He picked her up without struggle once again, and carried her to her chamber, where he laid her softly, gently, upon her bed, her hair spilling around her pillow like a pink silken wave. He took a blanket and carefully laid it over her gown, checked that her fire was blazing warmly, and then pulled the lace curtains around the bed to offer her more privacy.

"Discord?"

He was startled by the soft voice, thinking she was asleep. "I'm here," he whispered, bending to one knee so his face was at the same level as hers.

Her eyes momentarily fluttered open so she could see him, and she smiled. "T-t-thank you…for tonight…" she whispered.

He smiled back and without thinking, found himself leaning forward and placing a kiss to her forehead. "It was my pleasure angel," he whispered back, before quickly rising and hurrying out of there.

What had possessed him to kiss her? He was amazed that she hadn't screamed at the feel of his odd-shaped lips touching her flawless coat. But her words rang through his head; she had thanked him for what he had done, for his surprise, for his gift to her. In a world where he saw countless mares fawn over jewels and diamonds, his Fluttershy had thanked him for taking her to a secret place, eating a simple meal, and watching a choral concert. Perhaps she was right; Fluttershy was not like these mares he had based Aminta on. If she were moved by something as simple as music…perhaps it was possible to dream, to believe that…that she could love–

"Madness," he scoffed at himself, before entering his chamber and grabbing hold of a bottle of wine. He always knew he was on the brink of madness, but now…now he feared he was quickly toppling over the edge. "I will control this," he ordered to himself before taking a deep drink. "I will conquer this!"
> Merriment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Merriment

Blueblood groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose while the managers before him argued back and forth about the notes they held in their hooves. He had come to the Opera House that day to complain about the staff that was being careless overhead, bringing the infamous shoe that had fallen into his box. The managers however had other things on their minds.

"We can not ignore these any longer, Flim! Something has to be done!" Flam shouted, throwing the notes he was holding up in the air.

Flim rolled his eyes. "And what do you suggest? Going through with his orders? Stopping our schedule to rehearse and perform this…this…garbage?" Flim said with disgust, motioning toward a copy of the finished opera that lay on his desk.

Blueblood's eyes flashed to the score that lay on the desk and felt the anger rise within him. This Phantom thing was really going too far.

"What is that…" he asked, his voice clipped, "and when did it arrive?"

Flim waved his hoof nonchalantly. "A few days ago. Dreadful thing; I don't know why I haven't destroyed it yet." Although Blueblood knew the answer to Flim's query. While the older manager was not ready to admit it, his superstition towards the infamous Phantom was growing like his partner's.

Flam was massaging the temples of his head. "We have to do something; I mean it's going too far!" Before the others could protest, he quickly continued. "I'm not saying I believe that there is an Opera Ghost! I'm just saying…we can't treat this lightly anymore! I mean…look at these notes!" he practically thrusted them into Bluevlood's face. "Sabotage! Destruction! Death! Why, he's even threatened to cut down the chandelier if we do not comply!"

Blueboodl's hoof hit Flam's, causing the notes to fly about, telling the younger manager exactly what he thought of the Phantom's notes.

Flim, who always thought himself calm, collected, and realistic, found he too was at a loss. "I for one do not believe we should give in to the Phantom's demands…but…" he sighed, "Flam is right, something needs to be done about this character."

Blueblood groaned and withdrew a cigar from his pocket. "So you're suggesting we light torches, grab our pitchforks, and storm the backstage of the Maris Opera House?" he took one long puff on the cigar and blew a cloud of smoke at the managers. "Thank you gentlecolts, for showing me that I am indeed the patron of an insane asylum."

Flam ignored the Prince's sarcasm. "Monsieur, like you, I do not believe there is a 'Phantom of the Opera'." Blueblood began to scoff, but Flam quickly continued. "I, like Flim, do not believe in ghosts! But I do believe in pranksters; and I believe that is the case we have here."

Blueblood took a long inhale from his cigar, pondering Flam's words. Perhaps these stallions had brains after all.

Flim stepped forward nodding his head. "I too believe that is what we have here; somepony who thinks it a great joke to make demands of the Maris Opera House in the name of its infamous ghost."

Blueblood exhaled the smoke from his cigar. "That's what I've been telling you all along," he muttered, his gaze turning toward the fireplace in the office, his green eyes glowing with the fire's reflection. "Yet I do not find these jokes, these ghost stories amusing…especially since I'm losing more money than gaining, from them."

At the mention of money the managers tensed and began looking at each other nervously. Blueblood took instant notice and felt his anger begin to boil again. "Tell me."

It wasn't a question; it was a demand.

"Well," Flim started, his hooves moving to straighten his suit jacket while his eyes avoided the Prince's. "It is simply…you see, Fleur De Lis…"

Blueblood was growing most impatient and he rubbed the burnt tip of his cigar on Flim's desk to show his irritation.

"She refuses to sing," Flam finished.

If Blueblood had been smoking at that exact moment, he would have begun choking. Instead, he looked as though somepony had just come along and punched in him the stomach. "WHAT? WHY?" he demanded after the shock allowed him.

Flam quickly continued. "She's been receiving death threats! Personal letters sent to her! We only just found out about these yesterday," he quickly answered before Blueblood could demand why he had not been informed of these threats to the Opera House's star.

"The last few performances have been disasters; she's been drugged, kidnapped, and taken ill by mysterious circumstances. And now with these letters…" Flim sighed and handed the fuming Prince one of Fleur De Lis' notes.

"My dear madam," Blueblood began. "Your days at the Maris Opera are numbered. Be grateful it was not strychnine in the glass that you consumed before the performance of Hannibal. I will not be so kind in the future. A new rising star is coming down from the heavens to replace you…I suggest, senora, that you take my advice and end your time here in Maris before I end it permanently. I remain, ever, O.G."

Blueblood's voice had become a hiss by the end of the note. He had not failed to notice that when the note was sealed, the wax seal was a red skull. This prankster did indeed have a flair for the dramatics.

"She destroyed all the other notes," Flam explained. "But she swears this one was her seventh."

Blueblood immediately crumpled the note in his hoof and tossed it into the roaring fireplace. "I have not invested this much money into a project, only to see it go bust due to a myth!" he spat, turning on the managers, his eyes ablaze with fury.

"I WANT TO KNOW WHO THIS PONY IS!" he shouted. "I WANT AN INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED ON EVERY EMPLOYEE OF THIS THEATER!" he turned and gazed at the shoe that had fallen into his box the previous night. "There are ponies here who are not showing their betters the proper respect…AND I INTEND TO SMOKE THEM OUT!" he threw the shoe into the fire at that point, and both Flam and Flim jumped as the thing erupted into flames.

"An…an investigation, monsieur?" Flam asked, unsure what exactly that entailed.

"Yes," Blueblood hissed. "I want every stallion–" he paused as he saw Madame Luna pass the office, "–and mare interrogated. I know that these 'ghost stories' are popular amongst the dancers and that they are spread about by the stagehooves. Start there…" he instructed. "But I want everyone questioned. And I want it done now."

He turned to go but both Flim and Flam tried to call him back. "But monsieur! We have never gone about such things! How on earth do we do this?"

Bueblood grabbed his gloves and hat before turning and snarling, "Just get it done! Or I'll remove my patronage from this place by the New Year!" He slammed the door shut to the office and stalked off in the direction Madame Luna had gone. Lucky for him, she was still in the grand foyer.

"Good morning, madam," Blueblood said with a courteous bow, although it was all done for dramatic effect. She was on the top of his list of "would-be Phantoms".

Madame Luna turned with slight surprise at the Prince's voice, but returned his bow with a cold but courteous nod of her head. "Monsieur Blueblood," she whispered.

"I trust you are in good health?" Blueblood asked, although he continued onward, not giving her the opportunity to reply. "I apologize if you overheard that dreadful argument in the manager's office."

"No apology is necessary monsieur," Madame Luna replied icily. "I do not make it a practice to listen to the private conversations of others."

Blueblood flashed the dance mistress a smile, although they both knew it was false. "We were discussing the letters that the 'Phantom of the Opera', or 'O.G.' as he addresses himself, has been sending. The content of some were rather…dark and monstrous. I pray, you have not been threatened by any means?" he asked oh so sweetly.

Madame Luna smiled, although it was a cold sarcastic smile. "I am touched by your concern monsieur…but I assure you, no threats have reached me, at least not yet."

Blueblood was not surprised. "For that I am glad to hear. I must say…all these sudden threats and demands; oh I know letters have been sent before, but I have never seen this many. It seems this 'Phantom' is working extra hard to have things go his way, does it not?"

Madame Luna nodded her head. "Indeed. It is rather fascinating, I must say."

Blueblood lifted an eyebrow. "Fascinating?"

Madame Luna could not hide the smile that was threatening to break. "Oh yes, quite fascinating. Fascinating that a character that you claim does not exist and that you have repeatedly sworn is nothing more than a myth…is causing you so much stress and costing you so much money."

Blueblood's mouth fell open and he stared at the smiling dance mistress. She bowed her head to him, saying, "Good day monsieur," before leaving him standing stunned in the foyer.

He felt his face burn, his coat turning red, red as fire, and before the anger threatened to burst, he stormed out of the Opera House, slamming his hat on his head, and took quick long strides to his carriage. Yet before he climbed in, a voice erupted from behind.

"Monsieur! Monsieur Prince!"

Blueblood was in no mood to speak to anyone, but the last pony he expected to see come running toward him was the stallion he had hired to find Fluttershy.

"Oh thank Goodness monsieur, the housekeeper told me I could find you at the Opera House, but I have been looking-"

Without a word Blueblood reached forward, grabbed Crafty Crate by the collar of his coat, and pulled him into the carriage. "Idiot!" Blueblood growled, his eyes searching the streets to see if anyone had taken notice, but people were going about their business as usual. He turned and eyed the private investigator who was mopping up his sweaty brow with a hoofkerchief. "I thought it was made quite clear that you were not to seek me out or come to this place!" he hissed, resisting every urge to beat the smaller pony with his cane.

Crafty Crate bit his lip and glowered in his seat. "Forgive me monsieur, but…I had to come here! I have no choice," he groaned, hanging his head in shame.

"I am at a brick wall, monsieur," Crafty Crate sadly moaned. "I have been searching for the whereabouts of Mademoiselle Fluttershy for weeks, but I have been unable to find anything new. As you know, I have been to the residence of the Marquise Filthy Rich, but the household knew nothing about the young mare. The Marquise's valet was kind enough to speak with me and told me of the village that Fluttershy and his family had resided in, but when I reached the village–which is a small farming community, nothing more than country bumpkins if I do say so monsieur," Crafty Crate added but quickly continued based on the look of annoyance on the Prince's face. "When I reached the village, no one could give me any information that I had not already learned through the Marquise's household. That the Marquise had seized the farm which had been the home to Time Turner and his daughter, and the two had gone to Maris with hopes of finding work at the Maris Opera House."

"Yes, yes, you're right, nothing that we didn't already know," Blueblood muttered. "So there better be a point with this story, and a good point at that."

Crafty Crate sighed. "I was able to discover the apartment that Time Turner and the mare had been renting. The mare who runs the place informed me that the last time she had seen Time Turner and his daughter had been on the morning of October 24."

Blueblood's head perked up at this. "The day of the opening gala," he whispered.

Crafty Crate nodded his head vigorously. "The mare has not seen either of them since, and neither had given any indication that they would not be returning. She held their place for a month, and after that, she gave their apartment to new tenants. She still has had no word."

Blueblood was gazing out the window of his carriage at the Opera House. This mystery was growing more and more intriguing by the minute. For it was the night of the opening gala that Time Turner had come bursting into his club, raving about a monster–no, the Phantom–who had kidnapped Fluttershy and was keeping her prisoner.

And since that day, the mare had not been seen since.

Blueblood's eyes narrowing at the sight of the Opera House, a cold feeling running through his blood.

"So you see monsieur, I have no choice…I must continue my investigation here," Crafty Crate explained, looking most distressed. "But not to worry, I will be most careful, I will avoid Madame Luna at all costs…although it will probably not matter," his voice sounded muffled, as if he was about to cry. "She has extracted her case from my services, believing me to be an imbecile," he wailed, quickly dabbing his eyes with the hoofkerchief.

Blueblood groaned at the sound of Crafty Crates lament. "Get a hold yourself!" he hissed, returning his gaze back to the Opera House. A plan was forming in his mind…

"What do you know about the Maris Opera House, Crafty Crate?" he casually asked, his gaze never leaving the grand building.

Crafty Crate blew his nose and followed the Prince's gaze. "Regarded as one of the greatest architectural gems of Maris. Why, it's hailed to be one of the greatest arenas for music in all of Equestria. But I do not consider myself an opera stallion to be honest," he sniffled.

Blueblood ignored François' last comment. "Have you ever heard of the place…being haunted?" he asked, turning his attention back to the private investigator.

Crafty Crate was surprised by this question. He had considered the Prince to be a stallion of reason, not a stallion who was ruled by flights of fancy. "I'm afraid I have not, monsieur…but every building has a story, does it not? And…from what I understand, ponies who work in theater are a superstitious lot."

"Indeed," Blueblood muttered, glancing at the Opera House one last time before focusing all of his attention on Crafty Crate. "There is a ghost story that haunts the Maris Opera House…a specter known as the 'Phantom of the Opera'. There's no such creature of course…but somepony has decided to take this 'myth' and try to make it real."

Crafty Crate nodded his head, reaching into his coat pocket for a pen and some paper. "So you'd like me to track down this 'Phantom' for you monsieur?"

Blueblood's eyes widened at Crafty Crate's words. "No you fool! I'm not giving you a new assignment, especially since you haven't solved the old one!" he turned from Crafty Crate in disgust. "I am conducting an investigation of every employee of the Maris Opera House," he paused, his eyes reflecting the fire that had blazed in them back in the managers' office. "I intend to smoke the villain out," he growled low beneath his breath. "And if anyone becomes suspicious as to why you are going about asking questions of the allusive Fluttershy this is to be your cloak of disguise."

Now Crafty Crate understood, although he had rather hoped that the Prince would change his mind about the mare and pay him for his troubles or give him something new to chase. He was finding this search tiresome. "I shall between my inquiries–"

"Today," Blueblood finished, rapping his hoof against the ceiling of his carriage.

Crafty Crate paled and found himself stuttering. "T-t-t-today?"

Blueblood nodded his head while the driver opened the carriage door. "And I want the information by Christmas," he added with a wave of his hoof, indicating to Crafty Crate to leave his carriage.

Crafty Crate's mouth fell open. "C-c-c-christmas? B-b-but that's less than a week!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes and grabbed the stallion once again by the collar of his coat, practically throwing him out of the carriage. "I'm paying you handsomely enough for you to deliver that information to me by tomorrow! Don't prove me wrong!" he roared, slamming the door shut and shouting to the driver to move on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a cold morning, the day Christmas came. While the rest of Maris sat huddled around the fire, throwing on shawls and rubbing their hooves together to bring life back to them, the family that lived beneath the Maris Opera House felt nothing but warmth spread throughout their bodies and souls.
Fluttershy had been dreaming quite contently when she was awoken by the sound of an exuberant Derpy coming to tell her that it was Christmas morning. "H-h-h-hurry!" she shouted, jumping up and down. "R-r-rarity is a-a-already making us a feast! A-a-a-and Shortround w-w-will lead the s-s-songs and there are p-p-presents, a-a-and stories…oooh hurry Fluttershy!"

Derpy's enthusiasm was contagious, and like a filly, Fluttershy threw the blankets off and leapt out of bed, surprised to find her chamber warm and comfortable. The fire in her small fireplace was blazing brightly; Fluttershy was always amazed by how strong it burned when every night it seemed to have been reduced to a few glowing embers. Yet despite the warm comfort in her chamber, Fluttershy knew it was not so in the stone tunnels between the caverns. Each cavern and chamber had a fire pit, and during the winter months, she had learned that they kept them blazing almost every day. But the tunnels was where the cold air trapped itself, and while the gowns Discord had retrieved for her were lovely, they were not equipped for the cold December weather. With Rarity's help, Fluttershy had been able to make herself three plain dresses, each made with a sturdy thick material that kept out the cold as best it could.

A sad sigh escaped her lips as she slipped one of her winter dresses on. Her eyes had fallen to the beautiful ivory gown that she wore on the night Discord took her to the opera. She truly felt like a princess in that gown…and for one night, she could pretend that Discord was her dark prince.

That night had only been a week ago, but since then, Discord's behavior had changed back to being aloof, antisocial, and melancholy. Their rehearsals were shorter than normal, and he only spoke to her when instructing her. When she attempted to speak to him of things other than music, Discord would calmly ask if she would be so kind as to leave, never raising his voice, never criticizing her efforts, yet never praising them either. It was like he had become a shell…and yet she noticed he was more obsessed with his work than ever before.

One night while she was reading in her chamber, she overheard Rainbow Dash complaining to Shortround about the note errands she was running for Discord. "I've been delivering notes every night this week! Last night he had me go on three different trips!"

Fluttershy wondered what these mysterious notes were. She remembered how Discord had revealed to her his desire to have his opera performed by the end of the season, but she had never truly understood how he would go about convincing the managers, not to mention Fleur De Lis, to allow such a thing to occur. Were the notes he was having Rainbow Dash deliver letters to entice the managers to obey him? A cold feeling ran through her, as Fluttershy knew that Discord ruled the world above using fear and fear alone. If there was any sense of enticement in those notes, it was enticement to not disobey him.

Her hooves did up the buttons on the front of her dress and she glanced once again at the ivory gown which lay across a chair near her dressing table. Would Discord be there with the others? Did he celebrate Christmas? If Rainbow Dash celebrated it, then Discord by all means should. She tried to smile at this new hope, believing that at Christmas, Discord would make the effort to join the others in celebration…but a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach told her she was being silly for hoping such a thing.

She missed their conversations, the walks they would take around his underground labyrinth and the theater above after the lights were off and everyone had gone home. She missed sharing her ideas with him, her hopes and dreams, and she missed hearing his. Even after Discord opened up to her, he was still as mysterious as ever. There were still so many things she didn't know about him, but she felt that in time, when he was comfortable, he would share his hopes and dreams for the future, but now…now it seemed he was avoiding her and the friendship they had created. She wanted to make things right again, to gain his trust…and perhaps more.

Deep in her heart she knew the things she wanted, and it was more than friendship, more than trust. But for today, her Christmas wish would not ask for more, at least…not yet.

Fluttershy grabbed a shawl and quickly set off toward the chamber that the others occupied, clutching the fabric around her shoulders to keep the chill of the tunnels from her. With each step, hope arose that perhaps Discord would be there, perhaps he greet her as she entered, extend his paw to her and raising her hoof to his lips, wishing her a most merry Christmas.

"Fluttershy!" Derpy greeted warmly from the moment Fluttershy appeared in the passageway of the chamber. The others turned and greeted her as well; Rarity, Shortround…even Rainbow Dash, who was sitting huddled in a shadowy corner with a bottle of mulled wine in her good hoof, lifted it in her direction as a greeting…but Discord was nowhere to be seen.

"Now c-c-c-can we o-o-open our p-presents?" Derpy asked Rarity, bouncing eagerly from one foot to the other. Rarity grinned and nodded her head, and Derpy leapt for joy again before diving toward a small meager pile of boxes, each tied with a single blue ribbon.

"Now Derpy, remember your manners," Rarity scolded, although everypony including Derpy knew it was not serious. Derpy grinned and quickly began passing everyone else their own present before opening her own.

"Oh! OH!" she cried happily, clutching the new book she had received to her chest. "T-t-t-thank you!" she murmured, her large hoof lovingly caressing the book's cover as if it were precious gold. "A-a-a-aray…a-a-aray-b-ann–"

"Arabian," Shortround kindly corrected to which Derpy thanked.

"Arabian," he repeated. "Arabian Nights. H-h-have you r-r-r-read it Shortround?"

Shortround smiled but shook his head. "I'm afraid not, but I have heard of the book. I look forward to you reading it to me though," he added kindly.

Derpy grinned and watched while the others opened their gifts. Rarity gasped with surprise at the beautiful yards of fabric she had been given. The colors were a rich scarlet, a deep emerald, and a royal purple. They looked like velvet but felt like silk. "Oh they are too lovely! But I couldn't possibly use them for dresses–"

"Why not?" Fluttershy interjected. "You would look like a queen wearing such finery," she grinned.

Rarity blushed deeply. "I'll be sure to make you something from them my dear–"

But Fluttershy refused. "Thank you, but they are for you and you alone. I have many splendid costumes, but for all the hard work you do, you deserve to be seen and dressed as the rightful queen that you are."

The others, including Rainbow Dash, gave a hearty "Here! Here!" to Fluttershy's words.

Rainbow Dash said nothing of her gift, although anypony could see that she deeply appreciated the new jacket she had been given to replace the tattered one she already wore. And finally, Shortround opened his gift, a small package, but what it held stunned him silent.

"What is it?" Fluttershy asked, seeing the awed expression on his face.

"It's…it's…" he finally murmured when he found his voice. "It's…an old rosary that…that the monks gave me when I came to them as a baby," he whispered, choking back the tears that threatened to break forth. "But…look at it!" he gasped, holding up the beautiful silver rosary for Fluttershy to see. "It was tarnished, rusted…beyond any hope for repair…and the chain had broken too…but…this is the same rosary, this is my rosary and it looks like it did when I first received it!"

"Oh dry your eyes," Rainbow Dash muttered, taking another swig from her bottle. "It's just a silly little cross…" but Shortround could tell that Rainbow Dash was hiding something.

"You did this, didn't you?" he asked.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened at what she considered was an accusation of murder. "What? I did nothing of the sort!"

"You were the only one to whom I mentioned about losing it! I remember very clearly, a few weeks ago, telling you of my distress."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Well it had no proper chain so naturally it was easy to lose–"

"Did you get the chain?" Shortround asked, feeling his heart warm all the more.

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Me? I'm the last pony who would go up there to find you a stupid chain for your stupid cross. I had nothing to do with it," she grumbled, folding her arms over her chest and focusing on the fire pit in the center of the cavern.

Despite Rainbow Dash's words, Shortround knew that the mare had something to do with his newly restored rosary. Perhaps it was something as simple as cleaning it, but whatever she did, Shortround was most grateful.

Fluttershy found herself speculating whether Rainbow Dash did have anything to do with Shortround's gift, but when she saw a tiny smile flicker against Rainbow Dash's lips when Shortround wasn't looking, she knew she had her answer.

"Open y-y-yours, Fluttershy!" Derpy cried out, pointing to the large box at her hooves.

Fluttershy blushed, not truly expecting a gift from anypony, but smiled broadly in thanks. "Who is this from?" she asked, noticing that there was no tag on the box.

Everypony chuckled and shook their heads. "We don't share that information, no matter how hard some may try to learn it," Rarity said, looking directly at Shortround.

Shortround laughed at Rarity's comment. "Half the fun is trying to guess who got who what. But for now, just consider it a gift, from all of us…"

Fluttershy giggled with the others, but a sudden realization came to her. "I…I didn't get anyone a gift," she murmured, feeling utterly horrible. It was Christmas! She knew it was Christmas, but she had forgotten to do anything for the kind hearts of her new friends.

"Oh my dear," Rarity soothed, coming towards her and patting her hoof. "Don't fret about such things, you have brought us all a gift if I may say so…you have brought light to our dreary little world here…and your friendship is a gift far finer than any fabric in the world."

Fluttershy blushed and felt a tear trickle down her cheek at Rarity's kind words. Derpy rushed forward then and enveloped Fluttershy in a huge hug, practically crushing her bones, but she smiled the whole time, even while Rarity scolded her to let her go. "O-o-open it Fluttershy!" she whispered excitedly, wanting to see her reaction to what was underneath.

Fluttershy smiled and untied the ribbon, making the process agonizingly slow, especially for Derpy who wanted to see what was inside. Finally, Flutterhsy could not contain her own excitement, and ripped through the box like an enthusiastic filly. "OH!" Derpy cried out, extremely alarmed. "No! B-b-b-be g-g-g-gentle! You'll s-s-scare her!"

Fluttershy stopped and stared up at Derpy. "Her?" she asked, wondering what was inside her package. But she did not have to ask any further, for a tiny furry black head popped out and let out a great loud "meow!" that echoed off the cavern walls.

"What the hell is that?" Rainbow Dash cried out, pointing at the furry thing that was scrambling to get out of the box.

"Well it's obviously a cat," Shortround explained. "Or has the wine taken its full effect?"

Rainbow Dash ignored Shortround's joke. "I don't like cats…we are not having any cats down here!"

Derpy stood ready to protect the black kitten that was playing with the blue ribbon from Fluttershy's present. "She's F-f-fluttershy's gift. She w-w-won't harm anything!"

Rarity sighed and shook her head. "I guess we know who's responsible for Fluttershy's gift," she looked up at Derpy with scrutiny. "We've talked about this before Derpy–"

"S-s-she was s-s-starving!" she defended. "And she's an o-o-orphan! She would have froze if I h-h-hadn't helped. I j-j-just thought…that Fluttershy would like her," she whispered, looking down at her hooves, her face turning a deep shade of red.

Fluttershy was deeply moved by Derpy's tale, and her heart went out to her. "Oh thank you for giving her to me, Derpy," she whispered with deepest sincerity. "She's so beautiful…and quite lively too!" she grinned, pointing to how the kitten was attacking the box she had been placed in. The others couldn't help but laugh a little at the sight.

"S-s-s-so you l-like her?" Derpy asked, her giant hoof reaching down and very gently petting the tiny kitten.

Fluttershy smiled up at him. "I do, very much. But…you know, I confess, I know nothing about how to take care of cats…do you think you could help me look after her?"

Derpy's face lit up like a candle's flame. "Oh! OH! Yes! Yes! I p-p-promise to do my b-b-best with helping!" she grinned broadly, looking happier than ever.

Fluttershy smiled and picked up the blue ribbon, purposefully waving it in front of the black kitten, enticing it to play. "What should we call her?" she asked.

Derpy couldn't help but grin. "I…I actually already g-g-g-gave her a name," she blushed. "C-c-c-carmen…after the opera."

Fluttershy nodded her head. "I like Carmen; a well suited name for a cat," she said with a smile.

"Bloody hell," Rainbow Dash muttered, taking another long swig from her bottle. "Just keep the hairball away from me."

The others couldn't help but laugh, and Christmas continued in the Phantom's labyrinth. While Rarity cooked over the fire pit, Shortround read to the others. Even Rainbow Dash listened, although she would never admit it. Afterwards, Fluttershy led them in singing Christmas carols, and then time came for the Christmas feast.

It was meager compared to the grand feasts that stallions and mares of great fashion and wealth would have on this day, but the glow of friendship that surrounded the table made the goose stew, the roast potatoes, the bread, cheese, and apples, seem like the grandest feast in the world. Even little Carmen got her share of goose stew, with much thanks to Derpy who was sneaking it to her under the table.

And yet, while the others shared jokes and passed the wine around, Fluttershy felt her heart grow heavy with memories of the past. True, this was one of the grandest Christmas' she had ever experienced; but she deeply missed her parents. Her mother would spend all Christmas morning and afternoon cooking for the three of them, and it was always more food than three people could eat, but it was her mother's greatest joy. Fluttershy's father would play carols with his violin, and the three of them would sing into the night in front of the fireplace till sleep finally conquered.

She wondered what her father was doing on this cold day. Was he alright? Was he warm? Was he getting enough food? Was he scared and worrying for her? She wished she could tell him not to worry, that she was truly alright, that she was even happy…but more than anything, she longed to see him again, to hold his hooves and hear his voice.

"Fluttershy?"

She was startled and looked up at Rarity who was looking most concerned. "Are you alright my dear? You look…distressed."

Fluttershy tried to smile, but it was no use. "I…I was just…" she didn't want to ruin their happiness with her own worries. "Where is Discord? Will he be joining us?" she asked, hoping for a positive answer, that he always came for the Christmas feast…but everyone looked away and she knew what the real answer was.

"He told me yesterday to bring him a tray," Rarity explained. "He is working very hard, getting things ready for his opera, as you know," she whispered.

Fluttershy nodded her head, but still felt her heart break at the other mare's words. Why? Why was he acting this way? Why couldn't he just, for Christmas, leave his vast rich chamber…and be with the ones who…who loved him? She felt her cheeks darken at this thought.

"Has he received a gift?" she asked, wondering if Discord participated in the gift-giving mystery.

Once again, everypony looked away. "The Master's not one for games," Rainbow Dash muttered, picking a piece of potato from her yellow teeth. Yet despite her gruff exterior, Fluttershy could tell that even Rainbow Dash was affected by Discord's absence, not just from the feast, but from everything they did for Christmas.

As if to change the subject, Shortround slammed one of his hooves down on the table. "I've got it!" he cried. "Rainbow Dash is responsible for my present–" to which Rainbow Dash groaned again. "–Rarity is responsible for Rainbow Dash's, I am responsible for yours, Rarity," Shortround said with a grin.

"You did that?" Rarity cried. "Oh! Shortround! You know I don't like it when you spoil surprises!" but she was truly smiling despite trying to sound cross.

"Well, I shall keep it a secret to how I came upon the fabric," he grinned, to which she threw a bread roll at him. "And as we all know, Derpy is responsible for giving Fluttershy her new kitten."

"But that still leaves Derpy's book," Fluttershy pointed out.

"The Master!" Derpy exclaimed. "H-h-he got me m-m-my present?"

"He's the only one left," Shortround grinned.

Fluttershy looked confused. "But…I thought you said–"

"The Master doesn't like it when we give him anything," Rainbow Dash muttered. "But that doesn't mean he won't participate by exchanging something with one of us."

Fluttershy was troubled by this new information. It was nice that Discord had participated somewhat in their Christmas…but it still upset her to think that he would have nothing to do with it, even by rejecting gifts for himself.

"Are you alright my dear?" Rarity asked, noticing the troubled expression on Fluttershy's face.

She faked a smile and nodded her head. "Oh, I'm fine, I um…I think I need to lie down actually, that dinner was so good but so filling…oh Rarity, you're a wonderful cook."

Everypony around the table clapped for Rarity who blushed but thanked all of them. "Well look after yourself my dear! Don't want you hurting your pretty voice."

Fluttershy smiled and asked Derpy if she would be so kind as to take care of Carmen for the evening, to which she was all too pleased to do. She left the merry group then, intentionally heading back to her chamber, but upon second thought…found herself wandering through the cavern's many cold passages. It wasn't long before she came upon the underground lake and without second thought, climbed into the boat and rowed herself across.

Despite the darkness that surrounded her, Fluttershy moved with ease through the passages, climbing steps, slipping in through empty chambers, and dodging weakened floor boards to avoid injury. At last, she finally reached her destination; the tower that led to the Opera House's roof. She climbed the narrow steep steps with ease, although she knew that later when she wished to come back down, she would have much more difficulty. But right now, all she cared about was breathing in the cold evening air, having a chance to be by herself and wrestle with her thoughts alone. She opened the trap door and was greeted by a blast of cold wind, but she welcomed it, climbing through the opening, breathing in the freshness of the cold air…and gasped when she felt a paw grab her arm and pulled her up.

"What are you doing here?" came a deep voice etched with darkness and surprise.

Futtershy didn't have to look at the face to know who it was. She wrestled her arm free and refused to meet his eyes. "Can't a mare get some fresh air if she wishes?" she retorted, walking directly past Discord and looking out towards the quiet city. In the distance Notre Mane chimed the hour.

Discord ran a paw through his tousled hair, still coming over the surprise of seeing her emerge through the door. He thought for sure it had been a stage hoof or thief, somepony who was not supposed to be up there, but when he saw Fluttershy's pretty face emerge instead–he was flooded with both relief and annoyance.

This was the only place he could conceive of escaping her presence! Her scent was embedded in his chambers, and he could hear her voice, her laughter, carry on the wind that traveled through the tunnels. He had to get away; he had to escape the wild emotions that were confusing his soul, his mind, and his heart. Ever since that night at the opera, things were different. Ever since he held her in his arms, carried her to her chamber, and kissed her forehead…things had changed. He had dreamt of her before, fantasized about her, and how could he forget the incident when he had to seek out relief for himself with his own paw. But it was easier then to disregard what he was feeling; then it was lust, pure and simple. Now…ever since they began to become friends…now it was something more. Something he was not sure he wished to resurrect within himself. And yet what he felt towards Fluttershy was far different than what he ever felt for Pinkamena. But it still frightened him; it was still something he did not feel he could control. So he found himself, once again, avoiding her presence when possible. Yet despite his success of keeping his distance for the past week, Discord knew as he looked upon her now, the wind blowing in her hair, the moon shining in her eyes, the rosy color that painted her cheek…he knew that if something was not said or done, he would go mad and lose whatever control he had.

He did not believe he could harm her; no…he could never harm such an angel. But he may frighten her without meaning to. And he was not sure if his heart could withstand to see fear and hatred in her beautiful blue eyes.

Fluttershy felt his gaze upon her, but she kept her back to him, not flinching one bit, just staring out over the city. Thoughts from before returned, thoughts of her father, and as she clutched the woolen shawl around her shoulders to keep out the cold Christmas wind, she wondered if he was warm enough, wherever he was.

Discord saw something glisten in the moonlight, and realized it was a tear that was slowly trickling down her cheek. His breath caught as he gazed upon her, and he fought the urge to go to her side and envelope her in his arms, to shield her from whatever sadness or fear was causing her such grief. He wanted to feel her body against his again, he wanted to comfort her, he wanted to protect her, he wanted….he wanted her.

"You're thinking of your father…aren't you?" he whispered. It was Christmas after all, and while Fluttershy never spoke of her family, he knew deep within his being that she missed him dearly.

Fluttershy said nothing, simply nodded her head for fear of sobbing. She quickly wiped her eyes, hugging the shawl even tighter to her body.

"I am sorry."

She couldn't take it any longer, she whirled around and marched over to him, practically standing toe to toe with him. "Why? Why are you sorry? What exactly are you apologizing for?"

Discord was momentarily stunned by her change in behavior. He found himself taking a step backwards. "W-w-what?"

"I want to know what you're apologizing for," she stated simply. "Are you simply saying it because you pity me? Well don't. Because I don't want your pity just as you don't want mine!" she snapped. "Or are you sincerely, genuinely, apologizing for something else?"

Discord found himself growing annoyed at her words. "And what should I be apologizing for?" he asked. "Obviously you know a reason, so I am eager to hear it," he dryly said.

Fluttershy lifted her chin high. "Why have you been so short with me this week?" she demanded. "Have I greatly displeased you? What have I done that has caused you to avoid me at all costs and keep our rehearsals at a bear minimum?" she sighed and felt the fight within her sag. "I…I don't want to fight you," she sighed. "But…I do want to understand why this change," she lifted her eyes to his. "A week ago, everything was wonderful. We…we went to the opera together and it was a magical night!" she exclaimed, smiling at the memory. "But the next day…everything was different," she bit her lip and turned away again, gazing back out over the city. "Is it my voice? Have you grown tired of my voice–"

"No, of course not," he interrupted.

Fluttershy softly smiled at this, but it was her next question that would determine whether her heart would break or not. "Is it…is it me?" she whispered. "Have you grown tired of…of me?" she wanted to look at him but was afraid, afraid of what truth she may find in his dark mysterious amber eyes. "I know I can be a bother, wanting to talk about silly things like books and philosophy, when you are a serious composer with an opera you're trying to debut; a-am I simply being…too…too forward? Am I being…annoying or…or b-b-bothersome?" she choked on her last words, trying to hold back any tears that threatened to shed.

Discord said nothing, he simply came up from behind her, his large gloved paw and claw, a paw and claw that had killed stallions and caused terror, a paw and claw that had bled for the sake of music, gently fell upon her shoulders, and without struggle, turned her to face him, his paw and claw falling softly down her arms, not letting her go, but not drawing her closer, although he dearly wanted to.

"Never," he whispered. "I could never grow tired of you…you…" he paused and found himself smiling at a memory. "What was it that you said that night…the toast you made…to the 'angel of music', yes?" Fluttershy blushed at the memory but found herself smiling and nodding her head. "You are that…you are my angel of music, Fluttershy," he whispered with the deepest sincerity. "You have brought light to my darkness, beauty to my music, and…" he wanted to tell her how she brought heaven to his hell, but felt foolish, so he stopped. Reluctantly, he released her, but neither stepped back. "Can you forgive me?" he whispered, his eyes full of hope that she would. He knew he had not given her a straight forward answer for his behavior, but he hoped that she would not further question him on that, as he himself was still making sense of it.

Yet Fluttershy's heart felt a glimmer of hope rise within her. Perhaps…perhaps the fearsome Phantom of the Opera was learning to trust and…just perhaps, care for another pony the way a hero and heroine care for one another. "Of course," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling and her smile spreading across her face.

Discord felt a soft smile pull at the ends of his mouth, and for a long moment, the two of them stood close together, practically toe to toe, and Discord found himself bending his head just slightly, while Fluttershy, her eyes going wider all the while, felt her head tilt upwards.

A rush of cold wind blew over them and Discord immediately straightened. "You'll freeze…come, we best get back inside."

Fluttershy awoke from the trance his eyes had created and she quickly nodded her head, her face completely flushed. "Yes, quite right," she whispered, although the cold night air had little effect on the warmth she was feeling.

As before, Discord took the rope that hung from the trap door, expertly wrapping his leg around a part, creating the hold for his foot, and held his paw out to Fluttershy. Last time, Fluttershy had clung to Discord out of fear from falling, her face buried against his shoulder so she would not have to see. But this time, as she entered his embrace, she did not hide her face but locked her eyes with his. Discord's arm tightened around her waist, and slowly, they floated to the floor like a snowflake in a gentle breeze; twisting and twirling with the rope, and the whole time, their eyes never left the other.

"Thank you," Flutttershy whispered after they landed safely.

"My pleasure," Discord whispered back, meaning every word.

They walked in silence then, past the curtains, the stage, and down the steps that led to the underground lake. Fluttershy broke the silence, telling Discord about the Christmas celebrations that went on with the others. She warned him that a new face had come to stay, meaning the black kitten named Carmen, to which Discord groaned at first, but found himself chuckling. While they were on the boat, Fluttershy felt it was time to finally ask Discord, "Why is it that you don't celebrate with the others?"

Discord said nothing at first, his whole concentration on steering the boat. "I'm not one for celebrations," he simply said. "I wouldn't want to drag the spirits of others down."

Fluttershy frowned at this. "If Rainbow Dash can celebrate and not bring spirits down, I do not think you are in danger of doing so."

Discord found himself chuckling again. "Perhaps not…but I am very busy, and had much to do."

Fluttershy frowned more at this. "So busy that you needed to retreat to the roof of the Maris Opera House?"

Discord said nothing, simply climbed out of the boat and tethered it before helping Fluttershy out. She sighed as she realized he was not going to answer her question. "We missed you," she explained. Still, he said nothing; his face was entirely unreadable. "I missed you."

That caused him to pause. He slowly turned to look at her, his face shadowed by the collar of his cape, but his eyes seemed to glow like those of a panther.

Fluttershy could tell he was still not going to say anything, so she took a deep breath and continued. "I…I just…" what was she trying to say exactly? "I consider you all to be dear friends of mine…a family to me, actually," she whispered. "And…I felt that a part of my family…was missing when you weren't there."

Discord straightened himself to his full towering height and looked down at her with curious eyes. She wanted to know what he was thinking, but he was still so unreadable in these shadows.

"I apologize," Discord finally said, bowing his head. "I did not mean to cause you or the others sadness," he took a step closer towards her. "I just have never felt that my presence would be…desired at such occasions. Perhaps, I simply felt I was not worthy to partake."

Fluttershy found her hoof rising and to the surprise of them both, caressing his unscarred cheek. Discord froze at the touch of her hoof, his heart practically coming to a stop. "You think too little of yourself," she said with all the honesty and caring she had. "You are worthy of happiness Discord…you bring happiness to all of us here…" and she thought of the happiness that he brought especially to her life.

She found herself blushing furiously as her other hoof rose and touched the smooth surface of his mask that covered the disfigured side of his face. "Derpy deeply loved the gift you gave her…but I learned that no one has given you a gift. So," she said, swallowing. "it is only right that…that I give you your gift, as I am the only one left who hasn't given a present."

Discord who had been frozen this whole time, yet relishing the feel of her small delicate hooves upon him, finally opened his mouth to ask what she meant…but was stopped short, when Fluttershy held his face, stood up on the tips of her toes, and placed her lips against his own.

The kiss was brief, but it felt like a sweet eternity. It was just the gentle brush of her lips across his, but in that moment, in that gentle brushing of lips, Discord felt his heart explode with wonder and amazement, and Fluttershy felt her love finally pouring out and shouting for joy at being free. Neither of them moved, and finally, Fluttershy leaned back, back down to her height, her soft hooves releasing his face, and the two of them stood in front of the other, neither speaking, neither moving, simply staring at the other and breathing erratically.

"Merry Christmas Discord," Fluttershy whispered, before moving past him to return to her chamber.

Discord said nothing, he simply stood where he was, his chest rising and falling as if he had run a marathon. Truly, he had been holding his breath the whole while. He closed his eyes, the feel of her lips still fresh upon his own. He ran his tongue along them and could taste them there.

It was the first Christmas present he had ever been given…and the sweetest.
> Seduction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seduction

The days that followed Christmas were awkward days for both Discord and Fluttershy. After the kiss, Fluttershy had retreated to her chamber, blushing furiously, wondering if she had done the right thing, if perhaps she had jeopardized the steady friendship they had been building. In her heart she knew she loved him, but she was afraid of saying the words out loud for fear of what he would think of her.

She remembered the night he had saved her from being raped; while she was most grateful to him, the two of them despised each other, and she remembered all too well the words he had said to her, how he was not some knight in shining armor from a fairy tale. Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at the memory. Discord was far from being a knight on a white horse…and she would have it no other way.

He was tall, dark, and brooding. His temper was short, his emotions were like stone, and his patience was extremely thin. And yet, she had heard him laugh, seen him smile, and felt his kindness. He gave her this beautiful chamber, taught her to sing like a star, calmed her fears, and on the night he took her to the opera, carried her back without protest after losing her shoe. Discord was still very dark, still short-tempered, and she had a feeling that he would be as brooding and stone-like as the pony statues on the rooftop, but she hoped and prayed that with every day they spent together, with every conversation they had, she had been able to chip away at the stone barrier he kept.

She tossed and turned in her bed that night, remembering the kiss with every breath of her body.

It had been brief, fleeting; a simple brush of their lips and then it was done.

…but it had been the most electrifying, heated sensation Fluttershy had ever felt. Had Discord felt it too?

Fluttershy was not an experienced kisser, she had only been kissed once before, by a farm colt in her village when she was fifteen, and the experience, she recalled, was not spectacular.

Was it the hypnotic way he held himself when they were together? The way he stood, the way he looked at her? Often she found his voice, deep and rich, dark and soothing, to be the most hypnotic thing about him, but his very presence was having such a deep effect on her, that in that fleeting moment, Fluttershy could not hold herself back. She came towards him, placed her hooves against his skin, as if it were the most natural thing to do…and stood up as high as she could and kissed him, as if it too, were the most natural thing to do.

But the sensation she got from it was nothing natural. It was everything Discord was; sensual, dark, and extremely seductive. It had only been a light brush of lips, and yet she recalled a strange trembling feeling develop in her knees, in the pit of her stomach, and that shot through her body.

Fluttershy was young and innocent, but she was not ignorant. After all, she grew up on a farm and knew all about animals and their mating rituals. But her mother had never told her what it felt like to feel…intense passion for a stallion. Did it…did it hurt when a stallion and mare lie together? She had heard stories in the village; colts boasting to one another. They seemed to get something from the act, but was it pleasant for mares? Was it normal for a filly to question such things? To feel such sensations as she felt when she kissed Discord? She had to admit…she liked the sensation. Would it always be like that? Discord was surprised by her kiss, but…did he feel what she felt? Did he…did he know about such things?

Fluttershy found herself blushing furiously and scolding herself immensely for thinking such things. If Discord did not share her feelings of love, how then could he share her feelings of passion? She bit her lip, wondering slightly if…if he, like other men it seemed, was…"experienced". She shook her head immediately, not sure she wanted to know the answer to that question.

She knew he wore the mask to cover his scars, and even if his face was not disfigured, she knew Discord was not what society would call "fashionably handsome" even if he looked normal. He was tall, thin, with a workstallion's callouses, and strong arms, shoulders, and back. His hair was black and somewhat wild; it was not long, and went up the length of his back. His face was rough looking as well (and this was the non-scarred side). And overall, one can never forget his body.When she touched his cheek, she remembered how it felt like sandpaper. Discord had a small beard and a soft face, but his face felt right, just as his roughened paw and claw felt right when he offered her his paw. No, he was not handsome by society's standards…but no other stallion had ever been as devastatingly attractive to her as Discord was.

The way he moved, spoke, even the way he looked at her! Her body screamed with desire as she felt his eyes upon her. These bold and unashamed feelings frightened her, for she had no idea how to handle them. For the first time in her life, Fluttershy was beginning to understand what it felt like to lust after a pony.

Yet more than anything, she wanted to teach him love. She loved him; for how long, she was unsure, but it had been growing for quite some time. She hoped and prayed that perhaps his feelings towards her were growing as well. After all, he had entrusted her with the secrets of his lair.

But did that mean he trusted her with his heart?

The next few days were extremely awkward. Fluttershy arrived at Discord's chamber for her lesson, unsure what to say, unsure how to behave, and worrying how he would react when he saw her.

Discord, who had been feeling emotions of joy, fear, uncertainty, and desire, stared at Fluttershy as she entered. She wore a simple maroon gown, plain in its appearance, and yet she radiated in it. Her eyes reminded him of the ocean, deep and blue, like the sea he had crossed when the carnival had "bought" him. Her hair was the color of pink flowers, and it felt like silk. Now and then, when she walked by him, he'd catch wisps of it, and he longed to thrust his paw and claw into her strands and run his paw and claw through the locks. And her body…dear God in heaven, so many times he recalled the night he saw her bathing. It took every ounce of will power he had to not return and watch her again. While his desire for her was growing like wildfire, his respect for her had grown even more.

But new thoughts and feelings were racing through him now, for he continued to recall the kiss she had given him. In truth, it was the first kiss he had ever received. While he was not "inexperienced" when it came to mares, he had never allowed the mares he paid for a moment's pleasure to kiss him…or be close to his face at all. But her kiss, Fluttershy's sweet fleeting kiss, had changed all that. In that brief but blissful moment, he knew what heaven smelled, tasted, and felt like. It was the closest he'd ever be to heaven.

"G-g-good morning Discord," Fluttershy stuttered, quickly clearing her throat to try and sound as normal as possible.

Discord nodded his head, not trusting his own voice at the moment, and for a while, the two stared at one another, neither moving nor speaking. Fluttershy felt her legs sway slightly, and was sure her knees would buckle if she didn't do something.

"I–"

"Shall we–"

They both stopped and gave a rather nervous sounding chuckle, before Discord broke the awkward silence and moved around the piano, opening the score to a later portion in his opera. "Come," he said, instructing her to approach the piano. "There is a song I have longed to hear you sing ever since you mastered the role of Aminta." Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at this. When it came to music, Discord was ever the professional.

"Do you recognize this?" he asked.

Fluttershy gazed at the score and felt her eyes go wide. "Point of No Return?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She remembered the song all too well. The music was sensuous and the lyrics were graphic. Oh God above, how was she going to survive singing this song in front of him?

"In Don Juan, this takes place towards the end when Don Juan is attempting to seduce Aminta to his bed, triumphing over her lover and before he murders them both."

Fluttershy held back her groan of disdain. Extremely cheerful, she thought sarcastically.

"Now, it is a duet," Discord instructed. "But for right now, we shall concentrate on Aminta's part. Ready?" And they began.

Fluttershy sang the role as best she could, although her heart was not entirely in the music, as Discord became all too aware half-way through. He first thought it was because they had not had the proper warm-ups to singing, so they went through those for a good half hour before coming back to the score. But once again, Fluttershy struggled.

It was not the music or the rhythm of the song that caused her to struggle, but simply the memory of the opera's sad, tragic story. She knew deep in her heart that it didn't have to end the way it did; that Aminta truly loved Don Juan despite his disfigurement and that she would not betray his trust.

Fluttershy knew deep in her heart that it was she, she was describing, not Aminta.

After an hour of Fluttershy's depressing singing, Discord sighed and chose to end their rehearsal, believing it to be a case of post-Christmas fatigue. Fluttershy left his chamber then, believing it to be for the best, but was determined to think of a way to convince Discord to perhaps change the ending to his opera. Or at least to consider it.

The next day was not much better. This time Discord's patience was waning thin, and he bit his tongue so as not to shout, but Fluttershy could feel his frustration. She was just as frustrated, although over an entirely different reason. "You're not trying," he growled, playing the introduction to the song once again. "I know you can sing this, I've heard you sing it before, now show me the spirit of the mare I know!"

That did it. Fluttershy belted out the notes as he played, matching the passion of his music, although it was not the same sort of passion. It angered her that he thought the lack of heart in which she sang had anything to do with a weakened spirit. She had more heart and spirit than he perhaps knew, and now she sang the words with great gusto, her voice soaring and flying over the notes. She was no longer singing Aminta, she was Aminta, and she sang to him as Aminta sang to Don Juan.

"You have brought me
to that moment where words run dry,
to that moment where speech disappears into silence,
silence…
I have come here,
hardly knowing the reason why…
in my mind, I've already imagined
our bodies entwining, defenseless and silent–"

She continued singing passionately, despite the fact that her cheeks glowed red. Also, at this point, her eyes were locked with his; no longer was he reading the music as he played, but he was gazing back at her, the way a panther gazed at its prey before attacking.

"And now I am here with you:
no second thoughts,
I've decided,
decided…"

"Good!" Discord interrupted, his playing coming to a stop, awaking Fluttershy from the trance of his eyes and the power of his music. "That was much better," he commended, "but I want that fire at every rehearsal! Why did you struggle so?"

Fluttershy's eyes were focused on the ground. "It doesn't…" she began, knowing his reaction and dreading it. "It doesn't feel…" she sighed, having difficulty with saying what was on her heart.

Discord frowned. "Doesn't feel? Doesn't feel what, Fluttershy? Tell me, you promised you'd never hold any secrets from me during our rehearsals."

He would say that, wouldn't he? Fluttershy sighed and looked directly at him, preparing herself for the possible battle. "It doesn't feel right," she stated plainly. Discord's brow furrowed with confusion, but she continued before he could speak. "Singing this song and knowing the story behind it! Discord, have you not read the words that she is saying to Don Juan?"

Discord scowled at her. "Of course I know the words, I composed them!" he snapped, standing up from the piano and organizing the music before him.

Fluttershy sighed and continued. "Discord, this is a love song! Yes, there are indeed dark elements to it, elements that are sensual and provocative, but…it is what it is…a love song that the two characters are singing to one another–"

"I know very well what it is!" he barked, taking his beloved music and moving it away from the piano as if he feared she would harm it in some way. "This is about the plot again, isn't it?" he groaned. "Good God, I thought we were past that now."

Fluttershy frowned, not appreciating the patronizing tone his words carried. "It doesn't make sense Discord, why would Aminta do this? She loves Don Juan! That is made clear so many times before, and yet, for no apparent reason, she betrays him for another stallion?"

Discord slumped himself into a cushioned chair at the other end of his music chamber, his black cape billowing around him as he did so. "Need I remind you that Don Juan has been hideously scarred, and Aminta's new lover is a handsome rogue? I thought perhaps that would make it plain–"

"No it does not!" Fluttershy shouted, stomping her foot with great indignation. "I know Pinkamena and other mares throw themselves constantly at hoofsome stallions, but Aminta is not that sort of mare! She loves him! She would not abandon him! I am not like that!"

Fluttershy's hoof flew to her mouth the second the words came out. Discord did not miss them; he was on his feet in an instant and staring at her from across the room. Yet before he could say anything, Fluttershy turned on her heel and flew from the chamber, not daring to go to her own for fear that he would follow her, but flying to some private corner of the Phantom's realm where she could be alone. And of all places, she ran to the chamber where the costume cages were kept, seeking shelter inside, hiding amongst dusty dresses and forgotten gowns, praying that he had not followed, not sure if she could face him after her explosion. Silent tears dripped down her cheeks and she hid her face against a tattered garment that hung from above, the words echoing in her head the whole while.

She loved Discord with all her heart, but hearing his words hurt her deeply. Did he not think she or any mare was capable of loving a creature such as himself? How could she help him understand that she would never betray his trust or his love, that she was his and his alone? She sighed, for it was true. He may not know it, but Fluttershy was his, and perhaps, if he could return her love…he would be hers.

Discord never followed, and Fluttershy stayed in her hiding place for several hours before retreating back to her chamber. She held her breath as she approached, unsure whether to find him there or not, a part of her hoping that he may be there, waiting…but he was not.

The next day dawned and Fluttershy was dreading the rehearsal already. What would he say to her? What did he think? Should she tell him her true feelings? After all, she had kissed him, but then a horrible thought came to her. Did he think that her kiss was simply a kiss of pity? Or that she had kissed him only because it was Christmas? After all, she had referred to her kiss as a gift…

Fluttershy grasped her mother's locket that she wore around her neck, taking a deep breath as she entered the Phantom's chamber.

"You're late," he stated simply as she entered, already sitting at the piano and playing several cords from the overture of his opera. He didn't even turn to look at her.

Fluttershy inwardly groaned, realizing that this was going to be a hellish day. Yet she held her head high and approached the piano, prepared for whatever he threw at her.

"Point of No Return," he instructed, placing the score before him.

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "A-a-again?" she gasped, thinking that of all the songs, that would be the last he'd want to hear her sing.

"Yes," he stated again. "Although this time, I will be singing with you."

Fluttershy stared at him, her face going from pale to rosy and back to pale in a matter of seconds. "Y-y-y-you w-w-will be s-singing as well?"

Discord gave a wry grin. "Perhaps you only think I'm good at playing music?" he chuckled. "Not to flatter myself, but I do believe I can sing a good note or two. And besides, this song is a duet, and I want to hear how it sounds with two voices. I want to hear you sing back to another, I think that will help the essence of the song greatly."

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat, her hooves gripping the piano slightly, biting her lip and wondering what all this would have in store. Discord's voice was already mesmerizing, but what would it be like when she heard him singing? And not only that…but him singing back to her, singing these seductive lyrics full of fire and passion. Like Aminta, she felt herself coming to a point of no return.

Discord began playing the introduction to the song, and then, without warning…

"You have come here
in pursuit of your deepest urge,
in pursuit of that wish,
which till now has been silent,
silent…"

Fluttershy's breath had caught in her throat as she heard the Phantom's rich voice, singing both tenor and baritone with ease and skill, the words dripping off his tongue like honey…

"I have brought you,
that our passions may fuse and merge–
in your mind you've already succumbed to me,
dropped all defenses,
completely succumbed to me–"

His amber gaze, which looked like molten fire, was burning into her own as he sang.

"Now you are here with me–
no second thoughts,
you've decided,
decided…"

She was under the spell of his eyes, his voice, his music. Fluttershy felt her skin tingle, her blood boil, her heart speeding, and that strange wonderful sensation return between her legs.

"Past the point of no return–
no backward glances:
the games we've played till now are at an end…"

Discord could not look away, nor did he need to. He knew the music and lyrics by heart, but he was entranced by Fluttershy, he sang as if he were Don Juan, singing to the beautiful Aminta, seducing her to come lay with him.

"Past all thought of 'if' or 'when'–
no use resisting:
abandon thought,
and let the dream descend…

What raging fire shall flood the soul?
What rich desire unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction lies before us…?"

Fluttershy whimpered softly to his voice, the tenor in it singing of seduction, while the baritone promised pleasure.

"Past the point of no return,
the final threshold–
what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn?
Beyond the point of no return…"

Despite the trance his voice had over her, Fluttershy began singing, as if it were second nature, responding to Don Juan's seductive questions.

"You have brought me
to that moment where words run dry,
to that moment where speech disappears into silence,
silence…"

Her eyes were still locked with Discord's as she sang, and she was not sure if she was imagining it or not, but he seemed to be breathing even harder than before, the same way she had been breathing while he sang.

"I have come here,
hardly knowing the reason why…
in my mind, I've already imagined
our bodies entwining, defenseless and silent–
and now I am here with you:
no second thoughts,
I've decided,
decided…"

She approached the piano, pressing her body against it and found herself leaning closer to him, leaning rather provocatively against the instrument, her eyes, the color of a stormy sea, burning into his.

"Past the point of no return–
no going back now:
the passion-play has, at last, begun…"

She leaned against the piano even more, her chest now pressed against its surface, her face leaning closer towards his, licking her lips between notes.

"Past all thought of right or wrong–
one final question:
how long should we two wait, before we're one…?

When will the blood begin to race,
the sleeping bud burst into bloom?
When will the flames at last, consume us…?"

Discord pushed himself away from the piano, rising so quickly that the bench toppled backward, but he did not take notice, nor did he care. He advanced upon Fluttershy, singing with her the next part of the song, neither of them paying attention to anything else, the two completely lost with one another.

"Past the point of no return,
the final threshold–
the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn…"

Fluttershy gasped as she felt Discord's arms encircle her, his paw and claw pressed flat against her back, drawing her body fully against his own. Her own arms gripped his shoulders, and she moaned loudly as she felt his growing hardness throbbing against her, the tingling between her thighs growing more and more intense. A paw snaked into her hair, and he tangled his fingers in the silky strands, before cupping the nape of her neck. One of her arms went around his neck, clutching him close, drawing his face even closer to hers. His other arm carefully and tightly held her steady, and then he dipped her somewhat, causing her to lose all balance and completely surrender herself to him. Fluttershy's other hoof now carefully moved to his right cheek, touching the smooth surface of his mask. Could he feel her beneath its surface? His breath caught briefly as he felt her hoof go there, and she swore she heard him groan in pleasure as she caressed its surface.

"We've passed the point of no return…" they both softly sang, gazing into one another's eyes, clinging to each other, the music of their hearts echoing throughout the chamber as they were caught up in its spell. Time seemed to have stopped, and for a several agonizing seconds, the two did not move.

Fluttershy held her breath as she gazed up at Discord, feeling his paws tighten at the back of her neck, and her eyes were pleading, pleading for him to do what she wanted him to do, what he wanted to do, and her own hoof massaged the back of his neck, drawing it closer to her, her eyes fluttering closed, her lips moistening, awaiting, praying for the feel of his against her own.

Discord swore his heart had stopped. His breathing certainly had as he gazed back down at her, his eyes moving from hers to her inviting lips, the memory of her last kiss still fresh. What would it be like to taste her? He had had a tempting savoring of her mouth, but he wanted to taste it further, to feel her lips surrender against his, to open her mouth for him and allow his tongue to ravish hers. He had never kissed a mare before Fluttershy, but any fear from lack of experience was gone; he wanted her, all of her, but for now, he would sate his appetite with the joy of her lips.

Fluttershy whimpered a thankful sigh as Discord's mouth came crashing against hers. She moaned and easily surrendered her mouth to him, willingly opening herself for him, welcoming his tongue with her own. Discord's arms tightened even further around her body as his mouth ravished hers, tasting her sweet essence, tasting the beauty of heaven.

Fluttershy clung to him as he kissed her even deeper, her own tongue boldly exploring his mouth, causing Discord to groan in pleasure as she kissed him back deeply, her hooves digging into the flesh around his neck, through his hair, running over the surface of his mask, caressing his unscarred cheek. He was in heaven, and he didn't want it to end.

Fluttershy gasped as she felt her feet lift off the floor. Was this happening? Was this truly happening? The dark hero from her dreams, the creature who haunted her more than any spirit ever could, was kissing her, holding her…oh God, was this how it felt to make love? Surely, this was different than mere coupling; this was passionate, pleasurable, and utter bliss. If he wanted her, she knew she could not stop him, nor did she want to. She wanted him so much, and she longed to feel his body against hers, to know what it was like to be made love to and to make love. She would surrender herself if he wished it, and in her heart she knew, there would be no regrets.

Discord had literally picked Fluttershy up, one of his arms sliding down the back of her legs, scooping her up at the bend of her knees, and he was carrying her, carrying her past the organ, beyond the music chamber, and into the chamber where he slept, laying her down upon the plush Persian pillows that engulfed his bed. A claw was sliding along Fluttershy's leg, and she whimpered against his mouth as she felt it slide upward along her thigh. Fluttershy's hooves were moving along his shoulders, inside his jacket, and she was quickly shoving the fabric aside, caressing the strong muscles she felt beneath the linen of his shirt.

. Discord's hooves tangled in his hair as she kissed him, and one hoof discovered the tie of his mask. She wanted his mask to be gone, so that she could kiss him properly, without feeling it brush and bump against her lips. She wanted to rain kisses all over him, and perhaps by doing that, perhaps by showing him that she loved him despite his scars, that to her, he was handsome and the stallion of her dreams, perhaps by at least touching him there…he would understand that she would never betray him, that he could trust her with his heart, that she truly loved him!

Fluttershy continued kissing him, her passion growing, her heart racing, as her hooves quickly untied his mask. Yet before she could remove it from his face Discord bolted upright, grasping it to him, and staring at her in horror.

"What game are you playing at?" he asked her harshly, quickly attempting to tie the mask back, but his paw and claw were fumbling as he did so.

Fluttershy sat up, her hooves moving to his, but he jumped away from her, backing away from the bed. "Why? What were you trying to do?" he ordered, turning his back to her quickly while he finished tying the mask in place.

It felt as if the all the warmth of the world had been sucked out, and Fluttershy sat atop his bed, shivering as she stared at the creature she loved who seemed to look at her with both wariness and revulsion. "Aminta…" he whispered, looking at the ground, quickly adjusting his shirt and jacket. "Of course…we were playing roles…"

"No!" Fluttershy practically shouted, rising from the bed, and like Discord, adjusting her dress. "No, Discord, we were not playing anything…that was me you were kissing, not Aminta, and I was kissing you, not Don Juan…don't you see? It was us, not characters from an opera!"

But it was as though he could not hear her. Even though his mask was firm in its place, he still clutched it with his paw. "Why Fluttershy?" he asked again, his eyes locking with hers as he continued to back away. Fluttershy wanted to scream at him, to shout that she loved him, to tell him that with or without a mask, he as still the only stallion she had ever wanted, the only stallion she would allow to touch her as he did, to kiss her, to know her as a husband knows his wife.

"Discord, listen to me, please, I wasn't trying to play any tricks or games on you, I wanted you to kiss me, and I wanted to kiss you!"

He shook his head, and then grabbed her by the wrists, causing her to gasp as he hoisted her away from the bed and towards the door. "Discord! Let go! You're hurting me!" she cried, pulling her wrists from his grip and rubbing them.

"Get out," he practically spat. "Leave me! I see now that you simply wanted to play games of 'unmasking the monster', like those fillys who were sent to my cage at the carnival, offering tempting kisses and then screaming in my face! It's the same way Aminta plays with Don Juan's emotions!"

Fluttershy couldn't stand it any longer. "Damn it Discord! I am not Aminta! I–"

"GET OUT! LEAVE ME BE!" he shouted, before turning his back upon her and striding to his organ and banging his paw and claw hard upon its keys, causing a great gust of wind to come out from its pipes and practically blast Fluttershy off her hooves.

With hot tears flowing down her cheeks, Fluttershy turned and fled from Discords chamber, crying for her lost love, for that was exactly who he was. She thought she had been doing some good, but apparently, it did not matter. Any hope of winning Discord's heart was gone, for now he had no more trust within her. How could she explain to a creature who had spent a great deal of his life in a cage, his disfigurement placed on display for money and mockery, that it was his face, both the masked and unmasked version, that haunted her dreams and filled her with desire?

It was the third day following Christmas, and all too soon, Fluttershy realized that her wish had come to an end.

> Plotting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Plotting

The walls of Blueblood's library were illuminated in a soft orange glow, the same glow that poured over him as he gazed into the fireplace at the small but blazing fire. He grunted softly as he stared into the flames, trying to concentrate on the task at hoof, but finding it extremely difficult while other thoughts from Christmas night invaded his mind.

Christmas had been two days ago, but the news that Crafty Crate had delivered him had been most perplexing and disturbing.

He grunted again, closing his eyes and trying one last time to concentrate but exhaled a frustrated groan, knowing it was no use.

"Get up!" he barked, and a red head popped up from between his legs.

The chambermaid pouted softly, knowing that she had not been able to please her master entirely. "But monsieur, I haven't-"

"Get up and leave at once!" he growled, avoiding the mare's eyes and doing up his own trousers, tucking himself back in, feeling utterly frustrated from both his thoughts and lack of relief.

The maid pouted once again, but rose to her hooves, righting her dress and did a small curtsy, before quickly exiting the library.

Blueblood paid the maid no heed, after all, she was just a servant and maids were only good for one thing as far as he was concerned. He continued to stare into the fire, allowing himself to fully concentrate on the news Crafty Crate had delivered two nights ago.

It was almost 11 o'clock on Christmas night, and Blueblood was impatiently awaiting word from the private investigator. Finally, the butler entered the library announcing Crafty Crate' arrival, and the smaller stallion entered, wiping snow off his coat, his face extremely red. He was panting and collapsed in the nearest arm chair, wheezing for the butler to bring him a brandy, even though Blueblood as host made no such offer. Blueblood chose to ignore this, and focused entirely on the stallion before him.

"Goodness, what the devil happened to you?" he asked, sipping his own brandy and leaning back in his chair.

Crafty Crate wheezed a little more, then finally muttered, "Couldn't…get…a cab…had to…run…" the brandy arrived then and Crafty Crate took a hearty drink. "Thank you," he muttered.

Blueblood lit a cigar, hoping the smoke would help calm him. While Blueblood had made his deadline, Blueblood was most impatient for any news. "Well?" he demanded after taking one long puff. "What news do you have?"

Crafty Crate mopped the sweat from his brow and took another long swig of his brandy before finally retelling his discoveries.

"As you had advised, I played the part of someone seeking out information on the Phantom," Crafty Crate began. "And I began my inquiries with people who I felt would see a great deal of what goes on back stage, but who few would regard with any importance," Crafty Crate said proudly.

Blueblood held back his groan of frustration. "Stagehooves?"

Crafty Crate beamed. "Exactly monsieur! Yes, I felt it best to speak to them, as I feared the dance mares may tell Madame Luna of my presence and we would not want that, would we?"

Blueblood made no response, just glared at the stallion to continue.

"Yes, well," Crafty Crate quickly went on, "I saw several burly looking fellows smoking cigarettes near the orchestra pit, and felt it best to approach them. I must say, monsieur, it amazes me that such places of grandness and refinement would hire such rude, grotesque–"

"Get on with it!"

Crafty Crate practically fell out of his chair from Blueblood's bark of impatience. "Forgive me, monsieur, I digress," he apologized. "Yes, well, I approached these stallions and introduced myself as one who was investigating the whereabouts of the so-called 'Phantom of the Opera'."

Blueblood choked on the smoke he was inhaling from his cigar and pounded his hoof against his chest as he stared at the other stallion with wild eyes. "You…you what?" he coughed. "You idiot! I told you to only say that if anyone inquired as to why you were asking questions! Not as an introduction!"

Blueblood rose from his chair and stalked over to the other side of the room, feeling that if he did not get far enough away from Crafty Crate he'd cause the stallion great pain…and think nothing of it. Even Crafty Crate was shrinking back in his chair. "F-f-forgive monsieur! I…I d-d-do not think t-t-that you are in danger of…of being discovered h-however–"

Blueblood cursed and threw what was left of his cigar into the fire. "Now the maniac who is playing these jokes on me will know about the investigation I'm conducting and gain even more glee at my frustration!"

Crafty Crate shrank even more, but lifted his voice with news that he hoped would please his employer, "I did learn more about the mare, however."

Blueblood froze, his eyes both large and wild as he gazed at Crafty Crate. "Continue…"

Pleased that the Prince didn't want to kill him anymore, at least not at the moment, Crafty Crate quickly continued. "The stagehooves I spoke with laughed at my introduction, telling me that the Phantom was no stallion I could catch, even if I wished it. They all claimed to have seen him, that he lurks in the shadows behind the stage, that he haunts the many catwalks high above, that he knows everything that goes on and that he runs this theater–"


Blueblood growled at those words. "Get on with it," he snarled.

Crafty Crate swallowed his nervousness. "T-they all seemed quite sure that this Phantom is not a prankster, that he truly exists…and I scoffed at them, saying it could be anypony; the letters could be written by any number of ponies wanting to make demands, but they became quite insistent that the Phantom exists! They then told me about ponies who…who did not follow the Phantom's wishes, who did not obey his orders, and who met the wrath of the Opera Ghost," Crafty Crate paused briefly, grateful to see that the Prince did not look homicidal, but, rather intrigued.

"They told me of men who had disappeared, who went below the stage, down far below the Opera House, where once upon a time the theater kept its props and supplies, but now were lost to the Opera Ghost. They said that's his domain…and those that have gone down there, were never heard or seen again," Crafty Crate shivered at the memory of the stallion's words, still recalling how chilling the tale was. "And I laughed, trying to show my doubt to their words, and asked them who was the last pony to have disappeared…and then they all exchanged glances with one another before saying the name of…Time Turner."

Blueblood stared at Crafty Crate, bewilderment slowly settling in. The old stallion had raved like a lunatic about the Phantom…was it possible? "You mentioned you had news on Fluttershy?"

"Oh yes monsieur! In fact, one of the stagehooves interrupted the others who said Turner's name, claiming that it was in fact the costume mare who was last seen disappearing below stage. You see, on the night of the opening gala, one of the stagehooves was meant to go below stage to fetch a prop, but they all claimed to know better, that below stage was strictly off limits! However Time Turner overheard the stallion arguing, and claimed he would go below to fetch the prop himself. Needless to say, the stallion never returned."

"Needless," Blueblood muttered. "And?"

"Well…after it became apparent that he had been missing, his daughter became extremely agitated, wanting to form a search party to find him, but Fleur De Lis said something that offended the young mare, and…well…punched the star soprano directly in the eye," Crafty Crate bit his lip recalling how the stagehooves burst out laughing at this story. "As you can imagine, the mare was fired on the spot! However, instead of returning home as she was advised, she approached these stallions and demanded to know if they had seen her father. They informed her he had gone missing after descending below stage, but without word or thought, she too descended…and…hasn't been heard or seen since."

Blueblood sat there; trying to absorb everything he had just been told. "And the mare who owned the apartment they occupied…hasn't seen either of them since that day?"

Crafty Crate nodded his head. "Which…only brings me to this conclusion monsieur…either the two of them have truly disappeared from society…or…" he wasn't sure he wanted to tell the Prince that he was beginning to believe the stories of the infamous Phantom. "They say that the Phantom dresses in black, and that he wears a mask to hide his horrible face!"

These words soaked over Blueblood, and he recalled how Time Turner had briefly, in his madness, described the Phantom to him, as a horrible grotesque figure with a misshapen face and a demon's soul. But it could not be possible? Could it?

"You've done well, Crafty Crate," Blueblood murmured, staring into the flames before him. "I do not believe I will be needing your services further…I shall have my valet fetch you a carriage and pay you what I owe."

Crafty Crate beamed at Blueblood's words; however he did not think he had truly solved the mystery. "Thank you, monsieur, but…if I may ask, where will you go from here in your search for the missing mare? I mean…it is extremely hard to believe that she has been kidnapped by the mysterious Phantom…is it not?"

Blueblood said nothing, simply continued to stare into the fire…as he was doing now, two nights since the conversation he had had with Crafty Crate. For the past two days that followed the Christmas conversation, Blueblood had been deep in thought of what next to do about the case of the missing costume mare. He couldn't simply storm his way down below the stage, and he wasn't entirely convinced that this whole "Phantom" nonsense was more than a prank. But something needed to happen, after all, how much longer was the Marquis Filthy Rich going to live? He had to find Fluttershy if he was going to get his hooves on that fortune!

And then an idea struck him. "CRESCENT MOON!" he shouted, rising from his chair and striding to fetch his coat which had been thrown over another chair. The butler appeared, looking extremely tired as it was nearly midnight. "Have my carriage prepared, I leave at once."

Crescent Moon, the butler, looked extremely confused. "But monsieur…where are you going at this hour?"

Blueblood grinned to himself. "To see an old…'friend', so to speak."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was cold, the coldest yet, but Discord knew it was just going to get colder. He went about his work, lighting the fire, 	stoking the dying embers, and adding more wood now and then. He continued to do this until he was satisfied that the fire would last the rest of the night, yet it normally took several hours to reach this level of satisfaction.
Discord sighed, a part of him not knowing why he still did this, yet deep down, he knew…he was just afraid to admit it.

He gazed at the orange flames that danced in the small fireplace, feeling their warmth wrap around him, and he remembered a similar fire that not so long ago roared through his veins…a fire that still remained, yet he feared the burning that he knew would utterly consume him from such a blaze.

He turned his eyes for a moment, allowed them to linger, and then added one last log before turning and leaving the chamber.

"So this is where you've been late at night."

Discord met Rainbow Dash's eyes, but said nothing. Instead, he walked right past the peg legged mare, away from the entrance to Fluttershy's chamber, and began heading back to his own chamber to lock himself away with his music.

"Master–"

"What?" Discord turned and growled at the mare.

Rainbow Dash swallowed the lump in her throat, her courage fleeting with the cold night wind that rushed through the tunnels. "I…I s-s-simply w-w-wanted to r-report to you t-that we still have found no trace of…of the mare's father," she whispered.

Discord felt the tenseness in his muscles slowly melt away, but his jaw remained hard and set. Ever since that Christmas night when Fluttershy came to the roof, he had given orders for the others to learn of Time Turner's whereabouts. It was the least he could do, even if things between the two of them were…more muddled than ever before.

"Keep searching," Discord growled, before turning on his heel to leave.

However, Rainbow Dash stopped him with a question. "Forgive me, Master, but…why are we doing this?"

Discord paused, the tenseness slowly returning. Rainbow Dash swallowed another growing lump, but continued. "Why now? I…forgive me, Master, but…it is no secret to the…to the rest of us that…that you two are not speaking…a-a-and why now…why are you still concerned with…with finding her father? And…and I must confess Master, I…I am surprised…" Rainbow Dash motioned toward Fluttershy's chamber. How long had Discord been visiting the sleeping mare to keep the fire in her fireplace from going out? Why did he still do these things when it seemed so obvious to him that…that the two of them despised one another?

Discord kept his back to Rainbow Dash. He too had been questioning his motives and reasons, but the answer to them he was not yet prepared to give…at least not out loud. "You do these things Rainbow Dash," Discord began, slowly turning his head and catching the mare's gaze with his amber eyes that looked like liquid fire, "because I tell you to."

With that, Discord disappeared into the shadows, leaving a trembling Rainbow Dash behind in the darkness. Whether Discord was going to admit it or not, it was obvious to Rainbow Dash that the Master had a secret, one he was not prepared to say…but one that was becoming more and more apparent in his eyes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Time Turner!"

The old stallion's eyes slowly fluttered open. He groaned as he shifted on the uncomfortable prison cot, bending his head to see the officer standing just outside his cell. "Look alive stallion!" the officer barked. "You have a visitor."

Time Turner's brow furrowed at these words. Visitor? For as long as he had been in this jail, no one had stepped foot to see him, mainly because no one, sadly, knew of his whereabouts. Once upon a time he hoped beyond anything that Fluttershy would somehow escape the Phantom's clutches; that she would find him, and together they would leave this city that had become a nightmare. He dreamt of perhaps traveling back to Sweetlan, the two of them, and starting a new life there. But his dreams died with every passing day, and with the change of the seasons, so too did his hope change to despair.

Yet now, with the announcement of a visitor, Time Turner suddenly felt his hopes rise again, and he quickly rose from the cot as fast as his old weary limbs would allow. Yet the hopeful smile on his face quickly died as the last pony he ever expected to see approached the cell.

"Ah, Monsieur!" greeted Prince Blueblood. "At last, we meet again."

Time Turner sank back down onto the cot, yet a scowl now replaced his look of sadness. "You…" he hissed. "What are you doing here?" he demanded through a harsh cough, clutching the thin blanket around his boney shoulders.

Blueblood sighed and quietly kneeled down so he was at the same eye level as the old stallion. "I come asking for your forgiveness, actually."

Time Turner stared at the stallion with a dumbfounded expression. "F-f-forgiveness?" he practically choked.

Blueblood nodded his head. "Yes…for being a fool and not realizing that it was you who had come into my club that night so many months ago," he sighed, running a hoof through his dark blonde hair. "Had I but known…had I not been so damn drunk…" he cursed himself under his breath and hung his head in shame. Time Turner stared at the stallion with eyes as wide as saucers, realization slowly coming over him.

"You…you remember me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "You…you know who I am then?"

Blueblood lifted his head and gave a sad smile. "I do, Monsieur Turner, I do. But that night…" he cursed himself again. "Forgive me, I was drunk and had no wits about me, for if I had, I would have recognized you at once. But…sadly, I mistook you for a beggar, thought you were a raving drunken lunatic…" he hung his head again. "I have been away from Maris for several months, and arrived just this past week. When I went to the Opera House to speak with the mangers, it was then that I learned of your absence, and I made the horrid realization. Oh forgive me, monsieur, if you can. I am to blame for your misfortunes, it is I who has locked you in this place."

Time Turner felt his heart move with pity at the sincerity of the stallion who knelt before him. "Oh monsieur…" he whispered. "I…I should have known…I was covered with mud, it would have been hard to recognize me and think otherwise."

Blueblood shook his head. "No, I will not accept any sort of excuses, I was the one who caused you this pain; because of me, you had no other choice than to go to the police, and this is what has happened," he cursed. "Oh monsieur, if you can find it in your heart, although I do not deserve it, please…please forgive me, this is all my doing."

Time Turner shook his head, reaching out with a boney hoof and touching Blueblood's sleeve, which was gripping one of the cell's bars. "No monsieur…this has nothing to do with you…it is that cursed Phantom that has done this."

Blueblood slowly lifted his eyes to meet Time Turner's. "Truly?" he whispered, his green eyes coming alive with a strange glow. "I remember…I remember you saying something about your daughter…that…that she was a prisoner of the Phantom?"

Time Turner nodded his head most passionately. "Yes! Oh that horrid beast! He has her, he took her from me! Oh monsieur," Time Turner felt hot tears roll down his cheeks, and he turned his head away, sobbing into his boney hooves, coughing now and then.

Blueblood removed his handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Time Turner, who thanked him whole heartily. "Please…tell me more about this Phantom," Blueblood whispered.

Time Turner shuddered at the memory. "He's a demon, monsieur," he whispered. "A monster to be sure. Tall, like a giant…covered in black from head to toe, and his body, a mishmash of different pieces, a monster to be sure…but…oh God above," he crossed himself, "his face…that face still haunts my memory…" he wrapped the blanket tightly around him, yet his shivering only intensified. "He wears a mask, monsieur…a mask to cover his God forsaken face!"

Blueblood was practically leaning against the cell bars. "Can you describe this face to me?"

Time Turner trembled and shook his head most violently. "I…I dare not even think…" he began to cough most heavily, and pounded a boney hoof against his chest to calm himself. "Please monsieur…it…it is only half a face…that is all I can say…one side of his face looks like that of any other stallion…but the other…oh the horror of it is indescribable."

Blueblood leaned back, breathing in deeply everything he had just learned. "And you say he has your daughter?"

"YES! Oh monsieur…I…I did not believe in such stories, so to prove myself, I chose to go below and fetch the prop that the stagehooves had been ordered to retrieve, but…I was trapped and…and he found me," he shuddered deeply. "Fluttershy…oh bless her, she…she came after me…" Blueblood remembered everything Crafty Crate had told him, about the stagehooves who swore that Fluttershy had gone down below the stage, the same way Time Turner had disappeared, and yet had not been seen nor heard from since. "Fluttershy found me, yet sadly, the Phantom found her…but she made a bargain with Satan himself! She offered her life in place of mine…oh monsieur…what horrors may have befallen upon her? My poor daughter…my poor sweet filly…" he sobbed again, his whole body shaking with his tears.

Blueblood rose to his feet and found himself pacing, both Time Turner's news and that of Crafty Crate's washing over him. "And she is still there? With this Phantom?"

Time Turner nodded his head. "I…I can only assume…although who knows if she is even alive! Oh monsieur, she is all I have left in this world! I…I do not know what I will do if she is…if…if she is…" he began to sob again, but Blueblood banged his hoof against the cell's bars.

"Get a hold of yourself stallion!" he practically roared. "If we are to help your daughter, we need all our wits about!"

Time Turner looked up at Blueblood, a smile slowly spreading across his old grizzled face. "You…you will help me, monsieur?"

"Yes," Blueblood whispered, lowering himself again, "but we must keep this a secret between ourselves…I do not want any of the officers here learning of what we have been discussing for fear that they may lock you away in an asylum!"

Time Turner trembled at this, knowing that asylums were far worse than Prench prisons. "I understand," he whispered.

"Good," Blueblood said. "Now, I need to know this for a fact…is this 'Phantom'…an actual living, breathing…stallion?"

"He's a demon if you ask me…" Time Turner hissed. "But…he is flesh, if that is what you mean, monsieur…he is no specter, despite the stories the dancers tell."

Blueblood was pleased at these words. "And…how did you come upon his lair?"

Time Turner trembled. "There is a trap door back stage…a door that leads directly below…but I do not advise that you go down there, monsieur, there are traps everywhere, and…and he has an army!"

Blueblood raised an eyebrow at this. "Army?"

"Well…there are others…they all wore shrouds when I came upon them, but they work for him, minions you see."

Blueblood nodded his head, although he found this piece of news rather hard to swallow. "Well I think you're right, this is not something one wants to be rash about…this will take careful planning, but fear not, monsieur, I am quite determined to find your daughter, bring her to safety, and reunite the two of you once again."

Time Turner felt his face break into a wide smile, his eyes tearing up again, only this time out of joy. "Oh bless you, monsieur! Thank you! Thank you! I knew you were a good stallion, I knew deep in my bones, and now Fluttershy will see that she was wrong and that you truly are a knight in shining–"

"What?" Blueblood stared at Time Turner with wild eyes. "W-w-what do you mean…Fluttershy will see she is wrong…?"

Time Turner bit his lip, looking down at the cell floor. "Forgive me, monsieur…I did not mean to offend…only…you see, Fluttershy, I'm afraid, is sometimes too…realistic I suppose, for her own good. Her mother was a lady of wealth, and she married me, a poor musician. It is not hard for me to believe a pony of great wealth falling in love with…well, with somepony society would say is 'below them', but…Fluttershy has a harder time believing in the possibility, sadly."

"Well…let us hope that I too can…prove her wrong," Blueblood said through clipped lips, but with a genuine smile.

Time Turner did not notice the clipped tone and smiled back. "Oh monsieur, how can I thank you? I know that with your influence, you can summon an army of heaven's angels to do battle with that horrific Phantom and save my daughter. Oh bless you, monsieur…bless you," Time Turner reached out and grasped one of Blueblood's hoof and kissed it.

Blueblood's first reaction was to shake the stallion off him, but he caught himself in time and allowed Time Turner to show his gratitude before removing his hoof. "Once I have found Fluttershy, I will then be able to convince these imbeciles that you are not a mad stallion, and have you released at once."

Time Turner smiled even more. "Oh thank you, monsieur, but all that matters is the safety of my daughter. But thank you, monsieur, oh thank you so much."

Blueblood nodded his head, before turning and leaving the cell block. Outside, he was greeted by Chief Inspector Silverstar, the stallion he was paying to keep Time Turner locked behind bars. "Well?" the inspector asked. "You wish for me to release him?"

Blueblood scoffed at the stallion. "Are you mad? The stallion is clearly insane! But I was able to retrieve the information I desperately needed," he said with a wry grin. "I think it will only be for a few more days that you'll have the…delight, shall we say, of Monsieur Time Turner's company."

Silverstar nodded his head. "And then?"

"Well, that depends," Blueblood sighed. "If all goes according to plan, I shall remove Time Turner off your hooves myself…but if not…I'll gladly pay the fare for the coach that has to drive him to the asylum."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flam yawned very loudly as both he and Flim sat in their office, awaiting the arrival of the Prince, whose message they had both received in the middle of the night, stressed great urgency for the two of them to be at the Opera House extremely early for important matters of business.
"I do not know if any business is this urgent," Flam muttered, yawning again. Flim heartily agreed with his business partner, but said nothing.

"Ah! Good morning gentlemcolts," Blueblood greeted rather cheerfully, entering the managers' office and offering each of them cigars. "I do feel today is a day of celebration," he explained with a wide grin.

The two managers stared at the Prince in stunned silence. Never had either of them seen the stallion looking so…happy. Only when discussions were about money did he look anywhere close to being this happy.

"G-g-good morning, monsieur," Flam said rather nervously, looking at Flim for explanation on how to handle Blueblood's new and strange mood.

"I trust all is well monsieur?" Flim asked, smiling and thankfully accepting the cigar, although he too was just as puzzled.

"Oh very well, thank you," Blueblood chuckled, lighting his own cigar before lighting those that he handed out. He then took Flim's desk chair, seating himself and inhaling deeply before releasing a large cloud of smoke. "Well, I shall not delay your questioning glances further," he sighed, taking one last long puff on his cigar before focusing on the two confused managers.

"I called for this special meeting because I wish to have things started at once, after all, New Years Eve is only…good heavens, two days away, and that's counting today."

Flim and Flam exchanged looks. "I…I beg your pardon monsieur?" Flim inquired. "What…what exactly are you wishing we 'start'?"

Blueblood's smile spread even further. "Why…planning the ball of course."

"BALL?" both managers shouted together, rising to their feet and coughing on the smoke from their cigars.

Blueblood grinned and inhaled deeply. "Yes, a ball given in honor of the whole company; the singers, dancers, musicians, even those that work behind the curtain…I want them all there," he exhaled a long stream of smoke into the direction of the managers. "I suggest you get right on it, especially since I already had the invitations issued this morning."

"I-i-i-invitations?" Flam gasped, pounding his fist against his chest from the smoke he was choking on. "F-f-for the company?"

"Of course not!" Blueblood scoffed. "I expect you to inform the company…the invitations are for the elite of Marisian society."

"M-m-m-marisian s-s-society?" Flam practically spat.

Flam pushed the younger manager away, looking at the Prince straight in the eye. "Am I to understand, monsieur…that you have sent out invitations to…to half of our most prominent patrons–"

"All of them, actually," Blueblood sighed. "You have no idea how much fine paper costs, especially when you're paying by the letter."

Flim forced himself to remain calm. "You have practically invited all of Maris to come here, on New Years Eve, for…for a ball?"

Blueblood smiled and nodded his head like a little boy who had been told he had done something very good. "Yes, and not just any ball, a masked ball, so I'm counting on you to inform the company of that as well."

Both Flim and Flm were looking at each other as if they should call the asylum to inform them that the Prince had completely lost his mind. "This was…this was the urgent news?" Flim slowly asked.

Blueblood exhaled another large cloud of smoke. "Of course it is! What could be more important than that?"

Flam was pacing back and forth, his hooves in his hair. "I…I just thought…monsieur, you know we are in great financial debt, what with the last few…performances," he hissed. "How on earth are we going to afford–"

Blueblood waved his hoof. "Do not worry about expense, I shall handle all finances; but I'm counting on you to organize everything by New Year's Eve! And the party begins promptly at 8 o'clock, so have the doors open then."

Flam couldn't hold it back any further. "BUT WHAT OF THE PHANTOM?"

Blueblood, who at that moment had been rising from Flim's chair, stopped and stared at the younger manager who looked ready to pull out his own hair. "What of him?" he responded coolly.

Flim was rubbing his temples as his partner wailed on. "Pardon me, monsieur…but…am I not correct in recalling that we needed to discover the whereabouts of this prankster, this stage hoof who is attempting to send us into financial ruin?"

Blueblood could only grin. "Do you still have a copy of that score?"

Flim lifted his head. "Yes…b-b-but why? It's utter rubbish, as you said so yourself–"

"Well, I think you should hold onto it…at least just for a little bit longer," Blueblood explained. "You see…I was sure that the invitations announced that not only was this ball in honor of the whole company…but also, at the ringing in of the new year, an announcement will be made on the new 'project' that the Maris Opera House is preparing for later this season."

The jaws of the two stallions dropped as they stared at their greatest of all patrons. And then, slowly, realization dawned on them both.

"This is…this is all a ploy…a plot to…to drag this so-called 'Phantom' into the light," Flim whispered. "This is all deliberate so that he…or she…will reveal themselves–"

"And thus ending our dilemma! OH IT'S BRILLIANT!" Flam exclaimed.

Blueblood looked rather smug. "Yes it is, I must say," he sighed, taking one last long puff on his cigar before stuffing it out. "So you best get to work." No need to tell either of them about his encounter with the old stallion, Blueblood thought. This was the perfect trap, using the Phantom's score as bait to lure him out into the open, and finally put an end to this ghost story. All that mattered was the simple fact that the Phantom was flesh, and whether the infamous Opera Ghost turned out to be a stage hoof playing a great prank…or a freak of nature that the old stallion claimed to exist, he would have his answer by the new year.

And with the answer of who really is the Phantom of the Opera, he hoped to discover the truth and whereabouts of the just as elusive Fluttershy.
> Surprise!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surprise!

She looked like an angel, standing in the snow that fell through the lagoon ceiling, the flakes swirling around her body, her hair blowing softly in its breeze.

But the warmth she once radiated seemed dead; despite her angelic beauty, she looked like a statue, a cold stone object that had no warmth, no life.

Once upon a time, she danced with the snow, her arms outstretched as she twirled like a child at play, laughing as the little black kitten named Carmen leapt to catch snowflakes.

Now, she stood in silence, her wings curled around her like a shield, the kitten mewing at her feet, but she showed no sign that she was listening. She just stared…at some unseen abyss.

He was a safe distance away, hidden by the shadows that had long been his friend, glad that she could not see him, yet feeling deep regret as well.

His efforts for avoiding her since…the incident…was proving to be very hard. They had not spoken to each other since; there had been no lessons, no form of communication whatsoever. The distance they had made between one another was like a canyon, which was just fine with Discord.

Or so he tried to tell himself.

But old habits die hard. Discord couldn't stay away as the nights grew colder. Ever since that first snowfall, while Fluttershy slept, he would go and tend to her fire, making sure that she would not freeze. Some nights were simple and quick, in a matter of minutes he would have her dying fire roaring with life again. Other nights, he may be there for what felt like hours, yet he didn't mind. She was so beautiful, the way her hair fell across her pillow like a pink pool, the way her coat looked in the dying firelight, the way her body softly rose and fell with each sleeping breath. Discord was torn with burning desire to feel himself wrapped in her softness, and the heart-wrenching longing to feel her arms around him. He had never felt such passion, such desire, such…such yearning for another.

Yes, this was far more than lust, and it was far deeper than attraction or friendship.

Not since the first night he had seen her bathing, Discord had returned to the lagoon for fear of coming upon her again in such a state. Once he would not care about such things, but he valued her too much, he respected her too much to ever leer and ogle.

However, since the winter days and nights had crept in, he knew that the chance of her bathing were extremely slim. And he remembered how the day after Christmas he had come upon her playing in the snow with the kitten, dancing and twirling with joy, reminding him once again that truly, she was an angel, a beauty that had fallen from heaven to the depths of his hell. He had not the heart to make his presence known; he simply hid in the shadows and watched her with ever-growing longing.

But her joy was gone now. She no longer played, she no longer danced. In a matter of days, she had grown so much older and for the first time, he noticed the ill effects his world was having on her. She was not overtly thin, but she did look so much frailer than before. And she had grown distinctly pale; her skin once had a creamy glow about it, and there was a rose to her cheek…yet now she looked like a small pale china doll. And there were dark circles forming under her eyes, and her cheeks looked swollen and puffy…

And yet, despite these unpleasant changes to her appearance and personality, she still radiated beauty. And as he had thought when he first saw her dancing in the snow, he still knew that no matter what, he would always be what he was…a monster.

And it was hopeless to even believe for a second she would ever see him as anything else.

"Master?"

The soft voice interrupted Discord's thoughts, and without a word he turned and walked passed Rainbow Dash, heading to his chamber where Fluttershy would not be aware that he had been near.

Rainbow Dash quickly followed, and once they had reached the chamber and Discord had seated himself at his organ, Rainbow Dash quickly delivered her message. "I beg your pardon Master, but I felt this was urgent."

Discord was already playing, a song that had been in his head for several nights now. It had no words, and he had not begun to write it, but the melody had been haunting him like a dream. "What is it?" he simply asked, not lifting his eyes from the keys he so expertly played.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and held out the note with her good hoof. Discord was actually surprised by the token; normally it was he, who delivered the messages here. Without another word, he stopped his playing and took the note, breaking its seal and began reading the elegant writing.

Rainbow Dash watched as Discord's eyes went wide, and then narrowed to tiny slits of fire. Every muscle in the Phantom's body tensed, and his paw gripped the note as if he depended upon it to breathe. "Who gave this to you?" Discord barked, his gaze only briefly leaving the note.

Rainbow Dash swallowed the lump in her throat. "It was found…" she quickly continued as she saw Discord's jaw twitch with impatience. "I was in the northern caverns, checking our traps, and…I heard a noise…near the trap door behind the stage, and…" she took a deep breath, "I saw, through one of our spy holes, the Prince leaving it on the floor." There, she had said it…now she simply had to wait for Discord to explode.

But the Phantom made no such noise or gesture. He simply stared at Rainbow Dash, and then moved his eyes down to the note. He glanced once more at Rainbow Dash, then once more at the note…and then erupted with violent laughter. "The…the c-c-clever b-b-bastard!" Discord laughed. This reaction startled Rainbow Dash greatly, and it was not merry laughter, but cold, dark, and calculating. It was the laughter of a mad stallion.

"Master?"

Discord stopped his laughter, but continued to smile most maliciously. "He's calling me out," Discord whispered. "It's his way of challenging me, but little does he know what he's truly getting himself into."

Rainbow Dash was extremely curious to know what the note said. It didn't matter if she had opened it or not before giving it to his master, she couldn't read anyway. But whatever it said, Discord's reaction was one of triumph and evil glee, despite the fact that the Prince had, as Discord said, "called him out."

"If the Prince wrote that…and deliberately left it here for…for one of us to find…" Rainbow Dash needn't say any more, nor did she wish to dwell on it further. The Prince knew of their existence, he now believed the ghost stories to be true, but instead of reacting with fear as everyone else had, he was challenging the Opera Ghost. "Master, what are we to do?" Rainbow Dash asked with desperation in her voice. Horrible images of the carnival crept back into her memory.

Discord crumpled the note and threw it over his shoulder. "Nothing," Discord said casually. "However, I have an appointment with Monsieur Blueblood, as well as with all of Maris that I must prepare myself for…excuse me," and with that said, Discord, still chuckling, fled the chamber, disappearing once more into the shadows that enveloped him so well in mystery.

Derpy grinned as she dangled a piece of string in front of Carmen, laughing as she batted it back before giving a most indignant meow. "She's g-g-getting f-f-frustrated, which makes her j-j-j-jump a-a-all the more h-higher."

"Well you would be too if someone were dangling something you wanted in front of you," Rarity scolded, although it was in a playful tone. She was sitting in the corner of the main chamber where she and the others slept, sewing some patches onto an old pair of trousers. She glanced over at the young mare seated next to her, the smile on her face quickly disappearing.

Fluttershy was working just as diligently on a shirt that belonged to Shortround, but there was no sign of life in her at all. She made no sound, she showed no emotion, she simply went about her task. And it was extremely unlike her.

"My dear," Rarity whispered, her hoof reaching out and resting atop Fluttershy's. "I do not think work will make things better, no matter how hard you throw yourself into it."

Fluttershy, for the first time showed some sign of life, her eyes lifting to the old mare's. "What makes you think–"

"I see it every day with the Master, and yet I know that despite his best efforts to immerse himself in his art, I know that he is still yearning…still aching."

Fluttershy looked deeply into the other mare's eyes. "Y-y-yearning?" she whispered. "Yearning for what?"

Rarity couldn't help but smile and softly squeezed Fluttershy's hoof. "I think you know, my dear."

Fluttershy suddenly flew to her hooves and she began pacing back and forth most passionately, groaning with great frustration, her body on the brink of breaking down and sobbing till she could no longer move out of exhaustion. "I don't know what to do!" she cried,flaring her wings high in the air, letting her frustrated tears spill forth. "I…I thought…I thought that maybe, if…if I just…if I showed him that…that I don't care about his face, that I…that I'm not like those mares, that…that I'm different, that…that I…that I…"

"That you love him?" Rarity whispered.

Fluttershy stopped and stared down at the smaller mare whose wisdom caused her to tower over everything else. "You know?"

Rarity chuckled and grinned at Derpy who was grinning back. "We've all known my dear…please don't take offense when I say…it has been rather obvious."

Fluttershy collapsed in a heap on the hard cavern floor, her hooves cradling her weary head. "Obvious to everyone but the one creature my feelings are for," she murmured, before leaning her head into Rarity's lap, her small hooves running through Fluttershy's tangled waves.

"Have you told him how you feel?"

Fluttershy held back a sarcastic laugh. "I do not think he would listen, let alone believe me…he would think I was simply playing a part, that it's impossible for anyone to love him." She lifted her tear stained face to Rarity's. "But I do! I do love him, but…I'm so scared…"

Rarity sighed and brushed a strand of hair away from Fluttershy's cheek. "In all my years of living here with the Master, I've never known him to feel so content, and I've never seen him so happy, until you came into his life and ours," her hooves cupped Fluttershy's chin, her eyes locking with the mare's. "Tell him…he respects you, he listens to you better than anyone else, tell him your feelings, tell him that you don't care about his face or his body, but tell him! Until you do tell him, he'll never believe it possible for love to come into his life. Until you tell him Fluttershy, you'll never know if he returns your feelings," she sighed again, her hooves moving to Fluttershy's shoulders and slowly pushing the mare away, encouraging her to stand. "I know it's frightening, the uncertainty of it all. But only you can do this," she emphasized. "The Master feels love is a weakness…but you need to show him that it is indeed strength."

Derpy grinned and clapped her hooves. "F-f-fluttershy w-w-will make the Master happy j-j-just like the gypsy mare makes t-t-the h-hunchback!"

Rarity smiled at Derpy, although Fluttershy saw the guilt in the old mare's eyes for the white lie she once told Derpy about her favorite story. Yet Derpy's words hit her; why couldn't Quasimodo have a happy ending with the gypsy Esmeralda? Why did the beauty have to run away, why couldn't the "beast" find love? No…she was not going to join that long list of tragic characters. She was not going to let anything dictate who she could and could not love. "You're right Derpy," Fluttershy said with new determination. "I will make him happy, and I must tell him…at once!" She turned to leave, to march to Discord's chamber and tell him everything, barring herself at the entrance so he could not turn her away. She would make him listen, she would show him that when they had kissed, it was because she, Fluttershy, wanted to kiss him, that she loved, desired, and wanted him. And she would kiss him again to prove it, she would never stop kissing him, even if he tried to push her away, she was most determined. She was going to win his heart and prove to him that he was indeed worthy of love.

Yet before Fluttershy could leave, Rainbow Dash came bursting in, gasping with breath, Shortround at her side, holding a crumpled piece of parchment in his hooves. Rarity could tell that something was wrong and quickly rose from her chair. "What has happened?" she asked, her eyes going from Rainbow Dash to Shortround and back.

Shortround looked just as grim as Rainbow Dash. "A letter had been delivered," he quickly explained. "Rainbow Dash came across it and brought it to the Master," he glanced down at the letter, dread filling his spirit as he once again read the words. "It appears that on New Year's Eve, there is to be a ball…a masked ball, held here, at the Maris Opera House, in honor of the whole company, and half of Maris has been invited."

"New Year's Eve…" Rarity whispered before realization struck. "Good heavens! That's tonight!"

Fluttershy was also feeling Rarity's discomfort. "So…so naturally Discord is upset…because this means something is going on without his permission, yes?" She hoped that was the answer, but the dreadful feeling that was growing in the pit of her stomach told her otherwise.

"If only," Rainbow Dash muttered. "Turns out, according to what Shortround has told me, at midnight, an announcement will be made about a particular 'project' that the Opera House will be taking on, before the end of the opera season."

Fluttershy knew at once what this meant. She also knew Discord's reaction. "W-w-where is Discord?" she asked, her voice growing soft and shaky.

Rainbow Dash glanced at Shortround, and then sighed. "The Master disappeared after reading the letter…I…I believe he has gone ahead…"

"Lord have mercy," Rarity whispered, before quickly crossing herself. Fluttershy held her hooves out, to which Shortrounf sadly placed the letter.

"B-b-but the M-m-master w-w-wears a mask…n-n-no one w-w-will take notice, right?" Derpy asked, although she too was looking extremely worried.

Rainbow Dash grumbled something before removing a tin flask from her boot and taking a deep swig. "The Master is sure to stand out wherever he goes," she muttered. "And what's more, he's 'dressing up for the occasion'," she took another long deep swig. "Last I saw him, he was running in the direction to where the costumes were kept…no doubt he'll find something to his liking…who knows what he's turned himself into!"

Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow Dash, the letter shaking in her hooves. "The signature simply says 'B'."

Rainbow Dash glanced and Shortround and sighed. "I saw the letter being left near the trap door behind the stage curtains…by Prince Blueblood."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide as she recalled Discord's hatred for the Prince, as well as the Prince's refusal to believe that the Phantom existed. "It's a trap…" she whispered. "He's calling Discord out…he wants Discord to reveal himself…oh God."

Derpy began sobbing at the thought of losing her Master, and Rarity quickly leapt to her hooves. "Damn Discord!" she growled, surprising everyone by her tone. "Damn him for being obsessed with revenge rather than thinking of those who love him!" she said this with an obvious look at Fluttershy.

"His hatred for the Prince blinds him," Shortround sighed. "Just as much as his obsession with music. I fear that the two combined…" he quickly crossed himself.

"So what are we going to do?" Rainbow Dash cried out, throwing her now empty flask against the wall. "Just…just sit here and wait for them to invade our home and take us away again?" Derpy began to sob at the thought.

"No of course not!" Fluttershy shouted. "Nothing is going to happen to any of you…or to Discord!"

The others stared at her with confusion. "W-w-what are you saying, my dear?" Rarity asked, although she felt a strange sense of joy and hope rise within her as she saw Fluttershy's fiery spirit spring forth with life.

"I will go above and stop him before he does anything rash…or before anything happens to him," she vowed.

Both Rarity and Shortround brightened. "Yes! Yes of course!" Rarity declared. "You are the only one of us who can go above undetected! Yes! You can find the Master and warn him and bring him back before anything happens–"

"I don't like it!" Rainbow Dash muttered. "What do you mean 'undetected' anyway? You don't think ponies will wonder where she's been all this time if they see her?"

Shortround rolled his eyes. "It's a masked ball Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy will be disguised."

But Rainbow Dash remained stubborn and indignant. "It's an excuse…an excuse to escape!"

"How dare you!" to everypony's surprise, it was Fluttershy who spoke. "How dare you Rainbow Dash! How dare you think so little of me and how dare you accuse me of trickery! Have I not proved to you after so long that I would not betray any of you or your trust in me?" she marched over to her, her shoulders squared, her chin lifted, and her eyes burning like a storm-driven sea. "After months of having opportunities to escape, you think I would do so now…when my friends need me most? You truly think so little of me?"

Rainbow Dash turned away, but her face was already etched with shame. Derpy approached and touched Fluttershy's hoof. "Y-y-you w-w-will come back?" she whispered, her voice full of hope.

Fluttershy smiled up at the mare and squeezed her hoof before touching her face with the other. "I will not abandon you Derpy…I promise."

"Come, come! We do not have time to argue or reassure one another," Rarity declared, taking Fluttershy's hoof and pulling her away. "We must get you ready for that ball…" the urgency was still in her voice, but so was an air of excitement. "And I know just the gown for you!"

Fluttershy blushed and grinned as the tiny mare pulled her along the cold stone corridors. "It needn't be anything extravagant," she murmured. "I am only going above for what I hope will be as short as possible."

But Rarity was hearing none of it. "Nonsense! I don't care how long it takes for you to track the Master down and put a stop to this whole silly mess. The point is he will be seeing you…and I want him to be robbed of his breath!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Are you sure this was a wise decision Flam?" Flim whispered, feeling utterly ridiculous in the costume he was wearing. He wore a green mask that resembled some sort of skull, and a green satin cape that at the time looked festive and dashing, but now he felt like an utter clown in the get-up. However, nothing was more ridiculous than Flam's costume; a black suit that was covered with pictures of bones from head to hoof. He wore a red satin cape and a half-skull mask that covered his eyes and nose, as well as a black satin top hat to compliment the look. If it was possible for the look to be complimented…
"I have faith in the Prince's plan," Flam said with a smile, greeting guests here and there. "I thought for all the lectures you give me about trusting our dearest patron, you too would have great faith?"

Flim adjusted his waistcoat. "Yes, but that was before I knew I was going to look like a buffoon!" he hissed.

The masquerade ball was well underway. Guests from the richest families in all of Maris were arriving, each wearing a costume more extravagant than the ponies before them. In the grand foyer, the sounds of laughter could be heard, as well as the smell of champagne and the dizzy sight of swirling gowns dancing to the orchestra that played. Amazing how well very little planning and notice went off.

"Monsieur!" Flam exclaimed as Blueblood quietly approached the two managers. Blueblood smiled and bowed his head to the two ponies, however it was obvious from the look on his face that he was looking for someone else. "Monsieur, where is your costume?" Flam inquired, taking notice that the Prince simply wore an elegant tuxedo.

"I do not believe in such frivolities," Blueblood muttered, his eyes scanning the stairway and balconies above.

"That makes two of us," Flim muttered, removing his mask at once.

Flam ignored Flim's comment and followed the Prince's gaze. "I…I have not seen anypony…unusual, monsieur," he confessed, although finding somepony unusual looking at a masquerade ball was like seeking a needle in a haystack.

"I have no fear that our 'guest of honor' will make his presence known in good time," he smiled, before taking a glass of champagne that was offered to him from a pretty young mare. "Now if you will excuse me," he said, following the pretty thing away from the managers.

Flim did not like this at all. While it seemed that it was indeed the perfect trap, it still meant that the "Phantom" had an advantage; this was his territory…whoever he was.

"Good evening."

Both Flim and Flam turned to the voice behind them, and gasped at the sight of the stallion before them. He was clothed from head to toe in red, the color of fresh blood. His jacket, which was tightly buttoned up, his breeches, even the cloak that he wore…all the color of blood. The only portions of him that weren't red were his black knee-high boots, his belt and sash, and the mask that he wore, which, ironically, looked like a skull, yet with more refined detail. It covered his whole face, save for his mouth. His hair was dark, black it seemed, and pulled back away from his mask. And his eyes…the color was both intimidating and penetrating. You wanted to look away immediately, but couldn't. Something compelled you to lock eyes with him. And it was extremely frightening.

"G-g-g-good e-e-evening, m-monsieur," Flam barely whispered, his lips trembling as he spoke.

The stallion, who towered over both managers, made a simple bow with his head, but his eyes never left their stunned pale faces. His eyes drifted over both of them, before looking them up and down, as if measuring their character. "Nice costume," he muttered to Flam, before sweeping past the two of them into the throng of dancers.

Flam and Flim stared at the stallion in red as he went past them and disappeared into the crowd. "W-w-w-who was that?" Flam finally muttered when he found his voice again.

Flim had no idea, but a strange and cold feeling was beginning to swell within him. "I'm not sure I want to know," he whispered.

"M-m-m-most likely noble blood," Flam attempted to reason. "After all, he…he looked like nobility."

"Nobility from hell?"

Flam shrugged his shoulders. "It is after all a masquerade…one is supposed to look different than they normally would…yes?"

Flim realized that Flam was seeking reassurance, however he was not positive if he had any to give. "Perhaps we should find the Prince…"

Yet they were not the only ones seeking out the Prince's presence. Blueblood, who was dancing with a most delectable creature, was not aware of a pair of amber eyes watching him like a hunting predator. However, before the predator could move in for the kill, those two bumbling idiots came bursting through the crowd, pulling the Prince away from his partner.

Blueblood, who was not pleased to be taken away from his next conquest, shook the hooves off the managers and glared at the two of them. "This had better be good!" he hissed, his eyes losing sight of the sweet morsel he had been dancing with.

"Monsieur! We…we met someone, a stallion, dressed all in red, wearing a skull!"

Blueblood stared at Flam as if he were the village idiot. "Oh, well that gives me a clear picture!" he sarcastically groaned, before tearing Flam's own skull mask off.

"Monsieur, we have…reasons to perhaps believe that…that this pony…well, he may be our stallion," Flim said carefully, hoping he at least did not sound nearly as foolish as his partner.

Blueblood groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "So let me understand…you encountered a stallion, dressed all in red, wearing a mask the shape of skull–"

"Wouldn't be surprised if it were a real skull!" Flam mumbled.

Blueblood ignored the stallion's comment. "And simply because…this stallion looked menacing to you both…you assume therefore, that he is 'The Phantom'?"

Before, Flim thought his comment sounded extremely intelligent. Not so much now. "If you had seen him monsieur," he explained. "I've never seen anyone like that before–"

"OF COURSE YOU HAVEN'T!" Blueblood exploded, however he quickly lowered his voice so no one else would look. "This is a masquerade ball! No one looks like anyone you've seen before!"

"But monsieur!"

"I've had enough of this conversation!" Blueblood hissed, turning on his heel to leave the two stallions, however the sight of a young mare entering the foyer momentarily stopped him. She was dressed in a golden gown with blue lace at the shoulders and bust. The gown was delectably cut low, leaving little to one's imagination, and her curves were lusciously flattered by the cut and style of the dress. Her arms were bare, save for a pair of lace gloves that she wore on her hooves, and her hair, which sparkled with golden jewels, flowed wild and free off her bare shoulders. Blueblood stared at the mass of pink waves, sensing something familiar about the mare, but he couldn't see her face. She wore a golden mask that covered the upper part of her face, however the soft pink glow of her cheeks was still visible and beautifully illuminated by the candlelight of the foyer.

Flim and Flam also took notice of the mare in the dazzling gown, as did several other jealous mares who were purposefully tugging on the sleeves of their partners, who couldn't help but gawk somewhat. "Excuse me," Blueblood muttered to the managers, quickly crossing the foyer to where the mare stood. "Mademoiselle," he greeted warmly, bowing humbly before taking one of her small lace-covered hooves and kissing its surface.

Fluttershy jumped at the sound of the Prince's greeting. She had been looking around for Discord the second she had entered the foyer, but knew it was going to be close to impossible to find him in this thick throng of masked dancers. However, now she had a different dilemma to contend with: the Prince.

"Monsieur," Fluttershy said with a curtsy, hoping he would not recognize her voice. Blueblood gave no indication whatsoever.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked, extending his hoof to the beautiful golden mare. He was extremely curious as to who she was; something about her…just seemed so familiar.

Fluttershy's first reaction was to decline his invitation. After all, she cared little for the handsome Prince, and she had not forgotten his treatment of her so many months ago. Yet if she refused his offer, it may cause suspicion, and the last thing she wanted was him attempting to pursue her the whole night. Perhaps one dance would sate him, or so she prayed. "Thank you, monsieur," she said politely, taking his hoof and following him out to the dance floor. At least by dancing together, he would not be able to unleash a trap on Discord...

Everyone was dancing, couples swirling around in a mass of color and silk, all the faces masked, all of them laughing and being merry. But where was her Discord? Where was her masked love?

Fluttershy's focus changed as she felt the Prince lean a little too close to her chest, as his feet expertly began dancing to the music. "I must say…I'm most curious as to know who you are," he murmured, his eyes dancing over her masked face and hair. Fluttershy only prayed that her eyes would not give anything away…however she had little fear in that, as she believed her eyes were the last things his would focus on.

"Come now, monsieur," she chided. "Why ruin the mystery with revealing names?"

Blueblood chuckled. "Too true, my dear, too true." He swirled her around, and Fluttershy gasped as she saw a masked figure leering at her, but when she was swirled again, she realized the figure was not who she thought. No matter what costume Discord was wearing, Fluttershy knew in her heart she would recognize him when she saw him.

"You don't like to talk much, do you?" Blueblood remarked. Blueblood blushed and turned to face her dance partner. Blueblood's brow furrowed even more. "You also don't seem to know this dance."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide. Naturally he thought her a mare of great wealth and connections, a lady who would have been trained at an early age in all sorts of formal dancing, but because Fluttershy was a country mare, she knew nothing about formal dancing, other than the simple country dances she and other country born children learned at village assemblies. "Forgive me," she replied. "It's just…not too long ago I suffered an ankle injury…and this is my first dance since," she gave a sweet smile which she hoped would distract him from her lack of dancing skills.

Blueblood cocked an eyebrow. "You must have been off your feet for quite some time."

Fluttershy bit her tongue. Even if she wasn't dancing very well, a gentlecolt should never make such a rude comment! But she plastered a smile on her lips and gave a fillyish giggle, which seemed to have distracted the Prince entirely.

"I really am curious as to know who you are, however," he whispered. "I know everyone connected with the Opera House…as well as everypony who was invited tonight in Maris…therefore, I am left with either two conclusions."

Fluttershy held her breath.

"Either your disguise is so sophisticated that I truly am at a loss as to guessing who you are…or you are lying to me and should not be here."

This accusation caused Fluttershy to pale, however she could tell in the Prince's dancing green eyes that he was having fun with his joke. "So tell me the truth…did you really hurt your ankle some time ago? Or did you decide to throw on one of your mistress' gowns and play Cinderella for the night?"

Fluttershy knew that if she weren't in the situation she was in right now, she would greatly slap Blueblood for his arrogance and rude behavior. However, she decided to prove who was the better actor of the two: her, or him whose mask was that of a noble gentlecolt.

"Promise not to tell?" Fluttershy whispered, looking up with large doleful eyes, before sharing a secret smile. Blueblood was momentarily at a loss for words; he had not expected his theory to be correct, but so it was.

"Your secret is safe with me, madam," Blueblood vowed, as well as vowing to himself to become better acquainted with this luscious minx all the better. "And I must say…whoever your mistress is…you truly outshine her and all the other mares."

"Thank you, monsieur, you are too kind," she replied with a smile, although it was a smile of pride for her acting skills, not for his compliment.

Now with that mystery solved, Blueblood continued to swirl the mysterious mare around the dance floor. "Since I promise to keep your secret safe, why not grant me a name?"

"Oh monsieur, by doing that I may reveal too much…come, can you not lose yourself for one night in mystery?"

He could, yes, but it frustrated him so. He was the seducer; he was the one in charge; he didn't like losing control over a situation…or another person. "Very well, I shall play your game," Blueblood muttered. "And what was it exactly that compelled you to retreat here this evening?"

Fluttershy knew exactly what he wanted to hear…and she suddenly felt a slight touch of the Phantom's vindictiveness wash over her. "Why…to see you of course, Monsieur Prince."

Blueblood stared at the mare. "You know me?" he quickly shook his head, as if shaking off the stupidity of that comment. Of course she knew him, practically all of Maris knew who he was. "I am flattered my dear…but I highly doubt that is your sole reason."

Fluttershy couldn't believe the arrogance of the stallion; while he admitted he wasn't the only reason for her to come, he had not denied that it was a reason. "Tis true monsieur," Fluttershy murmured. "After all, you did compare me to Cinderella…if I am she…then you must be the prince."

Blueblood felt the smile on his face grow even broader. "I thank you my mare, although I do hope you will not flee at the stroke of twelve."

Fluttershy suddenly remembered the words of the invitation that Rainbow Dash and Shortround had shown her. "Not at all…for by doing that, I will miss the announcement of the new opera the company is planning."

Blueblood's smile fell away, and he stopped dancing at once. "How did you know it was going to be about a new opera?"

Fluttershy held back of gasp as she realized her mistake. She could not pale or blush, she simply had to look as natural as possible. "Well, the invitation clearly said…that at the stroke of twelve, there would be an announcement…about a new project the Maris Opera House was going to do before the end of the opera season…" she prayed she had not missed anything. "One can only assume therefore that it is a new opera…yes?"

Blueblood saw her logic, and had to admit it was fairly accurate and an easy assumption to make. "Yes…yes of course," he whispered, his hooves once again picking up where he had left off.

Fluttershy slowly let out a shaky breath, knowing that had been too close to call. "I feel the need for some fresh air," Blueblood announced. "Come, let us retreat somewhere more…private."

Fluttershy paled at his invitation. "Oh, but…monsieur, the dance–"

"–will still be carrying on when we return, do not worry," he began to lead her away from the floor and Fluttershy was not sure what she could do without causing a scene.

However, her fear in that regard was quickly squashed.

"I'm cutting in."

Fluttershy didn't see him…but she didn't have to. His voice was enough to tell her where he was, which was right behind her, and the tone told her exactly how he felt…which was far from happy.

One fear squashed, but a new one arose in its place.

Blueblood turned at the voice, his brow furrowed in frustration at who would dare come between him and the mare of his choice, but for the first time since Fluttershy had known him, she saw the Prince's face pale with fear. She could only imagine how menacing Blueblood must look…

"W-w-who are you?" Blueblood murmured, his eyes locked with the hard amber ones of the other stallion.

"Let's say…an old acquaintance," Discord softly remarked, his voice thick and cold. "And once more…I'm cutting in."

Blueblood was at a loss for words, and slowly, agonizingly, Fluttershy turned around to face her captor, her teacher, and the stallion she loved. And as she slowly lifted her eyes to meet his…she realized how correct she had been about his menacing displeasure.

After the managers had pulled Blueblood to one side, Discord retreated away from the dance floor, caring not for the strange looks he received from other dancers as he passed. Several members of the company stopped and stared at him, some trembling with fear as he passed. But he paid them no heed, he did not turn to meet any of their eyes, he simply climbed the great staircase and disappeared into the shadows high above the foyer.

Several couples were there as well, heavily kissing or attempting to do much more, but upon his presence, they quickly disappeared, leaving him in peace with the shadows. He watched as the managers and the Prince talked, a smirk spreading across his face as he imagined the Prince's displeasure for being interrupted from his latest seduction. At last, the Prince was turning away, and now would be the perfect time to make his presence known to the pompous arrogant aristocrat, yet before he even took one step out of the shadows…something caught his attention in the far entryway of the grand foyer. Something golden…something sparkling…something…something beautiful.

And as the crowds softly parted to let this lovely creature in, Fluttershy's eyes were filled with her dazzling beauty, and he swore he felt his heart stop. He knew he was not breathing…

But that feeling only lasted a brief moment before it was replaced with a hot feeling of anger at the sight of her. What was she doing here? What in the devil's name did she think she was doing? He wanted to wrap his paw and claw around that neck of hers and strangle her…or at least grab her by those shoulders and give her a good hard shake till some sense was knocked into her.

But his feeling of anger was quickly replaced with something even darker and deadlier. For he was not the only stallion that was taken by her beauty; the Prince was approaching…and Discord stood in stunned silence as he watched the bastard ask for the pleasure of a dance…and Fluttershy accept his offer.

No. The Prince had gotten away with too much now. He had his pick of all the other mares in the room, and Discord had no doubt that they would all gladly fall on their backs and spread their legs for the bastard. But not his angel…not his Fluttershy.

Discord would rather die a thousand horrifying deaths than see the Prince's hooves on her.


Fluttershy gazed up at him, swallowing the large terrified lump in her throat. She knew him very well, and in the time of living below the Opera House, she had gotten to know and see the vast array of emotions he went through.

But not since the first time they had met when she had come to rescue her father, had Fluttershy felt more foreboding.

Yet despite his wild look of anger and…was that jealousy? Despite how he looked at her now…the heat of his gaze still caused her blood to boil with longing. Despite the costume and mask that he wore, one that caused others to back away out of fear…Fluttershy could not help but find him devastatingly handsome and seductive. She knew she would find him handsome no matter what magic he had used to hide his true form.

For a long silent moment, one that crept on for what felt like an eternity, the two of them stared at one another, and soon, the whole room became silent, watching to see whether the strange tall pony dressed like Red Death would lure away the beautiful mare in the golden gown from the handsome Prince.

This very thought was what caused Blueblood to protest. "No monsieur, you may not!" he wrapped an arm around Fluttershy's shoulders, a gesture which only made Discord's eyes inflame brighter. "There are many mares seeking a dance partner…ask one of them."

"I am asking this mare," Discord growled deep and low, his gaze falling back to Fluttershy's. She trembled as her eyes locked with his once more, but then, so silently that only her ears could hear him, he whispered, "Honor me with a dance, mademoiselle?"

The question was hypnotic, and Fluttershy's hoof was already moving to take hold of Discord's. His penetrating gaze seemed to have an effect on the other women too, for several of them began fanning themselves rapidly, as others leaned away from their partners, hoping to look more available.

Blueblood stared in horror as his mysterious companion was willingly leaving him…HIM…for this masked mad stallion! "Unhoof her!" Blueblood roared, one of his hooves grasping Fluttershy's arm very tightly, attempting to yank her away from Red Death, while his other hoof went to throw Discord's off her.

However, as Fluttershy gasped from the pain, Discord's hoof twisted out of the Prince's, and went immediately for Blueblood's throat. The whole room gasped as Blueblood was lifted off the floor by Red Death's strong grip, the Prince flailing about like a fish out of water, releasing Fluttershy and pounding against Discord's arm to release him as he choked for breath.

"I could kill you now," he growled dangerously, "but I won't…that will wait for another day…" he evilly promised. "But if you touch her ever again…ever, I will skin you alive and cut into your flesh until you beg me to kill you!" he spat, before throwing Blueblood from him, the Prince landing with a great thud, the whole room gasping and several mares screaming and fainting from the scene.

The managers rushed over to the coughing, sputtering Prince, but Blueblood, with as much strength as he had, pushed them aside, his eyes alight with green fire as he stared at the stallion dressed as Red Death.

Discord, satisfied that his point had been made, led the stunned Fluttershy out onto the dance floor, which had emptied significantly the moment he approached. "A waltz!" Discord roared to the orchestra who was also staring in stunned silence. When the cords of the music did not begin, he cast them a glare which immediately brought them back to life. At once, the music started, and Discord enfolded the still stunned Fluttershy into his arms, and began to lead her through the elegant dance steps.

Fluttershy clung to Discord's shoulders, her eyes wide with disbelief for what had just taken place. Discord's eyes locked with hers, and for the longest time, the two of them danced in silence, the music the only thing filling their ears.

Yet while they danced, while Discord led her through the steps, his hooves moving with expert skill, swirling her around as if she weighed next to nothing, Fluttershy was not aware of anything other than him. She knew that they were being watched by everypony, and she knew that this was not the reason that she had come above, that she had to warn him, to bring him back before anything horrible happened…but she was caught under the spell of desire. How long had she dreamed of this moment, to be in his arms again, to feel his body so close to hers? She had often imagined the two of them dancing…but had no idea it would feel this intense, this passionate, or in such a setting as this.

"You dance divinely, mademoiselle," Discord whispered, his voice so deep and low that Fluttershy's spine tingled at the sound.

"As do you, monsieur," Fluttershy whispered, feeling the Phantom's spell of seduction coming over her once again. "Where did you learn to dance like this?"

Discord chuckled softly. "You'd be amazed at all the things I do know…" without warning he dipped her deeply, causing both her and the other mares in the room to gasp with shock.

He grinned as he saw her eyes go wide from the move, but he was pleased even more so at seeing how much she liked it. He moved his head down, till his lips were just above her ear. "Why did you come here?" he hissed so only she would hear.

Fluttershy lifted her head, her eyes locking with his. "It's a trap!" she hissed. "They are going to do something horrible!"

Suddenly, without warning, causing more people to gasp again, Discord let out a loud roar of laughter. Fluttershy's eyes narrowed at the sound, disliking the way he laughed at her concern. "You honestly think I haven't considered that?" he growled in her ear.

Fluttershy frowned. "If you have, then did you also consider what may happen to your friends, should anything happen to you?"

"Nothing will happen to me," Discord reassured, but Fluttershy did not like the way he said it. It was too smug. She gasped when she felt his hoof flatten and press against her back, causing her body to arch into his strong broad frame. "I appreciate your concern," he whispered sincerely, "but do not think that will get you out of any trouble." Before she could respond, he once again dipped her deeply, only this time it was slower and far more seductive. The cords of the music ended, and Discord's eyes locked with Fluttershy's open and parted lips, remembering their texture and taste, and felt his desire to once again lose himself in her kiss.

But he quickly rose to his full height, bringing Fluttershy with him, the mare stunned and panting from the intense heat of the dance. Discord's eyes scanned the crowd around the two of them, thinking it rude that no one was even offering a round of applause for their dancing; however, he would be lying to say he was surprised.

"I think the time has come, my dear," he murmured. "For the Phantom to make his debut for the whole world."
> Inevitable
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Countdown

Blueblood groaned, his head aching as he held the cold wet cloth to his right temple. There was far too much noise going on in the managers' tiny office, and what he needed now more than ever was peace and quiet.

"Send everypony home!" he growled at the managers who were trying to keep ponies calm and who were running out of excuses to explain what had happened that night.

"We're trying monsieur!"Flam said with desperation. "We're trying our best!"

"Try harder!" Blueblood barked, cradling his head and moaning at the throbbing ache of his temple.

Fleur De Lis was pacing back and forth, fuming at the events of the evening, while Fancypants, like a lapdog, was following her every direction. "The party was ruined!" she cried. "I can't believe you let that happen!" she shouted at all the stallions in the office.

"It was not intentional, my dear," Blueblood grumbled.

"Fleur De Lis is quite right!" Fancypants scolded. "That party was in her honor! It was thrown so that all of Maris would know that their prima donna lives on! And you let that…that mad stallion, steal her glory!"

Normally Fleur De Lis would tell Fancypants to shut up, however, because he was filling her ears with words she wanted to hear, she simply patted her dog on the head while lifting her nose in the air. "The ball was in honor of the whole company," Blueblood muttered. "And once again…everything that happened tonight was not done intentionally!"

Fleur De Lis glared at the stallion who she had shared her bed with for well over a year. "I can't believe you let him get away!" she spat.

Blueblood glared at her. "I'm not sure if you noticed my dear, but I was the only one attempting to stop him before he…he performed that…that 'spell', so to speak! I don't recall seeing your precious Fancypants racing into action to stop him!"

Fancypants sputtered at Blueblood's insult, however had nothing to say as it was true. "And I'm sorry I failed to follow him after he branded me over the head…let alone choke me to death!" Blueblood growled, muttering obscenities to himself while clutching the cloth to his head.

"Madame Luna is seeing out all the guests," Flim declared, before collapsing into his own chair. "Thank Goodness for that mare…"

"And the way she can order ponies," Flam commented, also collapsing.

Blueblood looked at the two managers, his eyes glowing wildly. "Madame Luna…GET MADAME LUNA IN HERE NOW!"

The two managers stared at the Prince as if he were mad. "G-g-get Madame Luna…now?"

"Yes, damn it! Bring her here at once!" he swore as the pain in his head throbbed all the more harder. "Get her in here now!" Flam and Flim exchanged exhausted glances, before they rose from their chairs to retrieve the dance mistress.

Fleur De Lis continued to glare at Blueblood. "Perhaps none of this would have happened if you hadn't been dancing with that…that…that twit!"

Blueblood glared right back. "You can not possibly be serious," he muttered.

Fleur De Lis lifted her chin, securing her fur wrap around her shoulders. "Perhaps if you had been dancing with me instead, rather than that mare, none of this would have happened!"

Blueblood had never wanted to throttle Fleur De Lis more than this very moment. Listening to her high-pitched shrieks of displeasure was more than he could handle. But listening to her lectures was ten times worse. The events of the evening slowly replayed in his head; after the stallion dressed as Red Death had threatened his life, prior to hurling him across the floor, Blueblood watched in horror, hatred, and fascination as the mysterious mare willingly went into the other stallion's arms, dancing with him as if…as if she knew him, and…it caused Blueblood's jaw to clench as he recalled how her body responded to Red Death's touch. He scrambled to his hooves as their agonizing dance finally came to an end. He would have his revenge on whoever the masked fiend was.

And then the loud chimes of midnight could be heard echoing throughout the grand foyer.

"Happy New Year!" Red Death announced to the stunned crowd. The smile in which he wore was one full of cold calculating promise. "Why so silent? After all, you were expecting me, yes?" Everypony simply stared with wide eyes and open mouths. "Well, I suppose there's no need for formalities," he sighed, slowly ascending the great staircase, Fluttershy at his side. "As promised, there is an announcement in regards to the opera season, and since my dear managers appear speechless…perhaps they will allow me to break the news?" Neither Flim nor Flam spoke, they simply stared in awe. "I'm afraid the news is both good and bad," Red Death continued. "What is left of the opera season…has been canceled." Fleur De Lis gave a most indignant gasp that filled the whole room. "However, the reasons for its cancellation are due to the announcement of a new opera…one that will take place at the end of the season: Don Juan Triumphant!"

A great gasp went throughout the whole room, and the two managers paled with realization as who was addressing them. Blueblood on the other hand, who was also in shock, felt his anger flow as the menace who had been causing him so much trouble for far too long…had finally emerged.

"This opera is of my own creation," Red Death explained, causing everypony to gasp even louder, and for the mare in the golden gown to stare at him with wild blue eyes. "And…I suggest my dear messieurs," Red Death directed, his eyes falling on the managers, "that you comply with the list of instructions that I have, here." He then produced a piece of parchment from his waistcoat, thrusting it out into the air. "The instructions are quite clear," he explained. "Therefore it should not be too hard for you to follow them…after all, we would not want any more…accidents…" his eyes fell on Fleur De Lis, who paled and shrank behind Fancypants who stood nearby. "…to occur."

The paw that had been holding the parchment now rose again to his waistcoat. "Thank you Monsieur Blueblood," Red Death saluted with an elegant, as well as mocking, bow. "This has been quite the party…and I do believe it is going to be a most promising new year."

"STOP HIM!" Blueblood roared, pushing past the managers, racing toward the staircase and climbing the steps two at a time. However, Red Death was ahead of him. He removed something small from his waistcoat, threw the object on the ground, which created a small explosion that caused many of the guests to cry out with fear, before disappearing in a great cloud of thick white smoke. However, the stallion had not disappeared entirely, for as Blueblood scrambled through the smoke to find the place Red Death had been standing, he felt a hard thud come crashing against his right temple, causing him to fall backward and roll down several steps.

When he came to, the Opera House was in uproar. Stallions and mares were running around screaming, the managers were trying to calm everyone down, and everywhere he turned, he kept hearing the same words over and over again. "The Phantom of the Opera! He was here! That was him!"

Blueblood was quickly ushered into the managers' office where he was given a cold cloth to press against his head, but all he could think about was the Phantom…and how greatly he had underestimated the situation.

The Phantom was real! That was no stagehand playing a prank. That was a flesh and blood stallion, a creature who dressed like Death, a creature who still possessed a great threat to him and could send him into financial ruin! And, as he recalled the creature's iron grip around his neck, he also possessed unusual strength.

"Here she is!" Flam announced, ushering in the ballet mistress who looked both cold and annoyed that she had been summoned.

"Yes, monsieur?" she sighed, her wings tight behind her back, her expression cold and hard like stone.

Blueblood rubbed his throat once more, before slowly rising from his chair. "Who is he?" he demanded.

Madame Luna's brow furrowed at the Prince's words. "I beg your pardon, monsieur?"

"WHO IS HE?" Blueblood roared, throwing the cloth on the ground. "WHO WAS THAT? TELL ME WHO HE IS AT ONCE!"

Despite the Prince's explosion, Madame Luna remained ever calm and collected. "I do not know, monsieur."

"Horse shit!" Blueblood spat, causing everyone, save for Madame Luna, to gasp. "You know him, you know who he is…and I demand that you tell me at once…or I will see to it that both you and your precious daughter are thrown out onto the street!"

The managers opened their mouths to protest, but were quickly silenced by one of Blueblood's icy stares. Madame Luna, however, did not bat one eye or show any sign of intimidation. "You know who he is monsieur…he did not formally say it, but he made himself quite known tonight."

Blueblood couldn't decide who he wanted to kill more, Fleur De Lis or Madame Luna. "Was that the Phantom?" Blueblood growled.

"What do you think, monsieur?" she asked.

"DAMN IT!" Blueblood roared again. "ANSWER MY QUESTION!"

Madame Luna sighed and lowered her head. "He certainly fits the description, according to what the stagehands say. Mask, cape, tall, dark, and extremely menacing in appearance…it all seems to fit together, does it not?"

Blueblood stormed right up to the mare, towering over her small dark frame, using all the will he had left to not wrap his hooves around her neck and squeeze. "Now listen to me carefully Madame…listen well, for your daughter's dancing career depends greatly upon this answer," he threatened. "Do you know him?"

Madame Luna raised an eyebrow at his question. "How exactly do you mean?"

"YOU KNOW DAMN WELL WHAT I MEAN!" he shouted. "Are you protecting him? Are you a spy for him? ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION!"

Madame Luna ignored the spit that flew in her face from the Prince's shouts. "I have been at this opera house since I was 14. And like all places that are old, there tends to be a history of strange occurrences, and one can not help but begin to believe the mysterious stories they hear, the tales of ghosts lurking in the shadows. Like all those stories, I heard of his too…a creature of darkness that runs everything here–"

"NO!" Blueblood shouted. "I run everything here! Not some…some masked fiend!"

Madame Luna continued, ignoring Bluebloodl's outburst. "For many years, the Maris Opera House ran smoothly, becoming one of the most successful and beloved places of music and art in all of Equestria. However, since we've been under new management," her eyes fell on Flam and Flim who's eyes fell, "problems have arisen…more notes have been written…and there seems to be a growing list of threats."

"And you deny that you are not in league with him?" Blueblood growled.

Madame Luna simply matched his green fire gaze with an even icier one. "If you mean, 'am I out to destroy you' monsieur? No. I have more important matters to deal with; you are not worth the time or effort."

As Fancypants had done earlier, it was Blueblood's turn to sputter in shock. Madame Luna could not repress a tiny smile at this sight. "I know the Phantom of the Opera the same way all the rest of company know him…we know of his presence, we know of his demands, and we know our places and how he likes to run things. But if you mean do I know who he is, and where he is from…I can not answer that for you monsieur, because he is truly an enigma. Like darkness itself, he too is just as aloof."

Blueblood stared at the mare, shocked speechless by everything she had just said. "You're hiding something…" he murmured. "You know more than you're letting on…"

Madame Luna sighed. "If I do monsieur, are you prepared to throw me out, knowing that you will not receive this information? For I assure you, if anything were to happen to either me or my daughter, then the possibility of you learning more…is gone."

Damn the mare! Damn her cleverness and coldness! Blueblood turned away from her, barking an order to the managers to remove her at once from the office. He collapsed once again into his chair, both his hooves rising to cradle his aching head. The Phantom was real…he was no myth, no ghost story, no nightmarish figment…but a real flesh and blood stallion. Crafty Crate had been right; Time Turner had been right; everypony who believed in the Phantom had been right! And tonight, his plan had fallen to pieces; the Phantom answered his bluff, but instead of having control, Blueblood lost it and the Phantom immediately swept it, grabbed it, and announced his opera to the whole of Maris, showing everypony how much of a fool he, Prince Blueblood, was.

Alright, Blueblood thought. If it's war this ghost wants, then war is what he'll get!

"This is that mare's fault!" Fleur De Lis exclaimed after Madame Luna was removed from the office. "Did you not see how possessive he was to her?" she swore. "If you had released her, no, if you hadn't danced with her in the first place, then none of this would have happened!"

Blueblood was ready to roar at the spoiled soprano, but stopped himself, her words catching him off guard. "Possessive?" he whispered.

Fleur De Lis stared at Blueblood as if he were crazy. "Yes! You were there! You saw how possessive he was of her, whoever she was," she muttered.

It struck him then. The hair…the voice…the eyes…everything…

"Fluttershy…" he whispered.

"Beg your pardon, monsieur?" Flim asked.

"Nothing," Blueblood grumbled, rising from his chair once more and walking over to the fireplace, his eyes reflecting the burning embers. The allusive Fluttershy…the old stallion was right; she was the Phantom's prisoner.

But why then, had she gone so willingly into his arms? Why did it seem as if…she enjoyed their dance? His jaw clenched all the more as the images of the Phantom and Fluttershy dancing together floated across his memory. Why was she there in the first place?

"Escape…" he whispered. Of course…she was hoping to escape her captor's clutches! That had to be it! And she was pretending to be a nobody so as to not draw the Phantom's attention! She had found him because, as Time Turner had said, he was the only one who could help her. The Phantom found her before she could escape, and most likely took her with him again. The poor dear…especially since she was filthy rich and had no idea.

He only hoped that the goods weren't damaged; he wanted to be the first to be with her.

"Monsieur?" Flim called out, glancing at Flam with worry. "Monsieur! What should we do?"

Blueblood shook his head, focusing again on the managers before him. "Do? We…" he paused, thinking quickly. "We play his game," he finally concluded.

Both managers began to cough and choke. "W-w-what!"

"Yes gentlecolts, I fully intend to play along, to announce to all of Maris, as our dear Phantom suggested, that the rest of the opera season has been canceled and to make way for…for whatever he calls it," he muttered with a wave of his hoof.

"Yes, and then what?" Flam inquired.

Blueblood stared at the flames as they seemed to roar with a new life. "Then, we set the trap…only this time, we'll use better bait…and we'll know how big of a trap to get."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"DISCORD! DISCORD YOU PUT ME DOWN AT ONCE!" Fluttershy shrieked, her tiny hooves pounding as hard as they could into the Phantom's back, yet she could put a dent in it for all she knew…he showed no sign of releasing her.

After Discord's revelation to the whole ball, and before the Prince could reach them, he threw some sort of vile onto the ground, causing a great explosion and a large cloud of white smoke to be released, offering the two of them the perfect escape. She gasped as she felt his arm wrap around her, no longer that of a stallion but changed back into the creature she truly knew, and bit back a scream as she felt the ground beneath her hooves disappear. Yet as always, Discord was by her side, keeping her safe, knowing exactly what he was doing. She wondered how many trap doors were in this theater.

The fall was not long, and amazingly enough, they landed softly on the ground. Discord said nothing; he simply grabbed hold of her hoof and broke out into a fast-paced gallop. She clung to his paw to keep up; cursing the slippers she wore as well as the beautiful, but very heavy, skirts of her gown. Finally, when they at last came to an area that she recognized, he stopped his running, which only caused Fluttershy to bump into his back, before turning on her, fiery rage alight in his eyes.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING UP THERE?"

Fluttershy shook his paw from her and squared her shoulders, her own eyes returning his glare. "I WAS TRYING TO WARN YOU!" she spat. "UNLIKE YOU, I HAPPEN TO CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR FRIENDS!"

Discord growled low and deep, a dangerous growl which caused the hairs on the back of Fluttershy's neck to rise. "I don't need your help! I am PERFECTLY capable of looking after myself!" he hissed. "I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING! AND HOW DARE YOU CLAIM THAT I DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM!"

Fluttershy turned her back on him, the rage boiling in her blood. She had gone above not only out of concern, but out of love for him, pure passion-filled love! And for one beautiful moment, she was able to forget the danger they were both in, and lose herself in his arms.

But that moment had been shattered.

Reality had come crashing back like the icy cold waters of the ocean. Once again, the creature who hid behind the mask stood before her, the creature who refused to allow anyone or anything to get truly close to him. "Don't walk away from me," he growled, crossing the short distance between them in one easy stride. His paw grasped her shoulders and he swirled her around to face him. Angry at his gesture, Fluttershy pushed against his chest with all her might, her body momentarily free from his grasp.

"Don't touch me!" she shouted. "And don't tell me what to do! I'm not a filly or some…some slave you can command whenever you wish!"

Discord's eyes were growing darker by the second. His paw and claw were flexing back and forth into fists of rage. "You are a thorn in my side is what you are!" he bellowed.

Fluttershy lifted her chin with indignation. "Well, I beg your pardon, monsieur," she said with great sarcasm, offering a curtsy which reflected her tone of voice. "I shall remember that next time you throw yourself into danger–"

"GOOD GOD, I WASN'T IN ANY DANGER!"

"Oh really? What pray tell do you think the Prince was up to? That it was a simple and friendly invitation? That he wanted the two of you to let bygones be bygones?"

DIscord gritted his teeth. "I could tell you enjoyed his company," he growled with loathing. "Perhaps you should tell the truth my dear…that 'coming to my rescue' so to speak, was an excuse to play dress-up and buck the Prince!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened at his coarse language. "HOW DARE YOU!" she cried, her right hoof rising to slap his face, even though the skull mask that he wore would catch her blow.

Discord however moved quicker, grasping her wrist with his large powerful claw, his eyes locking with hers. "Have I struck a nerve?"

Fluttershy screamed with rage and pounded her free hoof against his chest. Without another word or thought, Discord easily scooped her up, and much to her disdain, threw her over his shoulder, ignoring her high-pitched protests and pounding hooves.

He spoke not one word to her as he carried her back to his lair, the whole way Fluttershy screaming for freedom. "PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT DISCORD! PUT ME DOWN!" Yet it was no use, Discord was in one of his determined moods which meant nothing, not even all the angels of heaven and the demons from hell could stop him.

The others heard Fluttershy's screams and came into the tunnels, happy to see their master alive and unharmed, but trembling with fear as they saw the rage written in his eyes. "ALL OF YOU BACK TO YOUR CHAMBER!" he roared at them. "I have a score to settle with Mademoiselle Fluttershy."

Fluttershy heard his words and momentarily froze her hooves wondering what exactly he meant. But then the fire was boiling within her anew and she wriggled her hooves, pounded his back, she even attempted to pull at his hair, anything to get him to put her down. "I swear Discord, if you do not release me, I'll tear up your music and never sing again!"

Suddenly, without warning, Fluttershy came crashing down onto her backside, gasping as she fell, but thankful for the Persian pillows that softened the blow. She looked around and realized they were in his music chamber. His back was to her and he was removing the red velvet suit coat and sash, as well as changing his mask to the one he normally wore. He only turned to face her until he was satisfied that the mask was securely in place.

Fluttershy's anger only kindled more as she felt her heartbeat betray her; it quickened as she took in the sight of Discord, dressed now in a simple linen shirt, the neck wide open, and the tight red breeches he had worn at the ball. Damn him for being so seductive! Damn her heart for loving him with such a passion! She quickly scrambled to her hooves, throwing off the mask that she still wore, her eyes alight with the same fiery rage, although his seemed so much colder…which was all the more frightening.

"Do not EVER treat me in such a way again!" she shouted, throwing the lace gloves on the floor next to her mask. "And don't you EVER talk to me as you did, you vile, loathsome–"

"Beast?" he offered for her, his arms folding across his chest.

"NO!" she screamed with perhaps a little too much passion. "I wasn't going to say that!"

"Ah, but you were thinking it," he growled, turning his back on her and grabbing hold of a wine bottle to which he pursued to guzzle.

Fluttershy hated it when stallions drank as a way to shut up mares. She reviled the gesture, and knew it would only make things worse. She crossed the chamber to where he stood, and much to his surprise, grabbed hold of the bottle from his fist and threw it hard against the wall.

"DAMNATION MARE!" he shouted, watching the bottle's contents drip down the wall. "ARE YOU MAD?" he roared, grabbing hold of her shoulders and shaking her hard.

"Apparently so since I actually cared to come above and warn you!" she hissed.

Discord pushed her away from him and crossed the chamber again, needing to get away from her, not wanting to lash out, but feeling the desire to do so grow by the second. "I told you…" he said through very tight lips. "I–"

"Knew what you were doing, yes, yes, I know!" she growled back, crossing the room to where he stood. "How foolish of me to care! How foolish of me to not have seen through your plans!"

He whirled around and grabbed her by the shoulders again. "WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT?" he roared, giving her another good hard shake. "You want me to tell you…how glad I was to see you there? Because I wasn't!" he said with a hard shake. "I thought we had trust, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy pushed her hooves against his chest, but he was having none of it, his grip on her shoulders did not lesson. "Don't you speak to me about a lack of trust! You clearly have little for me!"

Discord's eyes widened at her words. "I have shown you EVERYTHING! I have taken you through all my tunnels, you know practically every secret passageway of this theater! I have even shared my music and valued your opinions!"

Fluttershy released a cold harsh laugh. "Except when I try to get you to see reason about the character of Aminta!"

Discord felt the demon within him rise up, ready to burst forth and wreak all sorts of havoc. "Do not even attempt to speak with me about that! You yourself proved all too well tonight how much a stallion can trust another mare!"

Fluttershy stared at him, her blue eyes growing wider at his words. "What do you mean by that?" she gasped.

"Oh I think you know my dear," he growled, suddenly sweeping her up in his arms and dancing around the chamber with her. "Have you so easily forgotten the Prince's dance?"

Fluttershy paled and then felt heat rush to her cheeks. Discord scoffed at the sight. "Even now, the mere mention of his name causes you to blush!"

"I only danced with him so as to not cause suspicion!" she hissed. "You know his personality! If I had refused, he would have pursued me all evening, determined to make his conquest! And by dancing with him, I knew that he could not bring any harm to you!"

Discord threw back his head with laughter, the same cold laughter that echoed throughout the grand foyer not so long ago. "Oh how thoughtful of you!" he declared with great sarcasm. "Dancing with my greatest enemy for my benefit! Truly, your kindness knows no boundaries."

Fluttershy shoved against him as hard as she could, not wanting to be in the circle of his arms, wanting to hate him, wanting to loathe him, not wanting to be reminded that despite how greatly he infuriated her, that she still loved him. Discord was also fighting the same battle, telling himself to release her, that this could only lead to more trouble, but the dance they had shared earlier reminded him once again how right she felt in his arms…and how right it felt to be so close to her. No! He had to be strong! He could not lose his senses as he had done that night when they had kissed.

"I've told you before, I care nothing for the Prince!" she spat.

"Oh yes, your disgust with him was quite plain for the entire world to see," he growled.

Fluttershy glared up at him. "I…am…NOT…Pinkamena!" she screamed between each word. "And don't you EVER compare me to her again!"

"I don't have to! It's quite obvious!" he shouted back. Before she could protest he carried on, his grip around her body tightening all the more. "Do not think that your mask saved you from his suspicions…if I recognized you, what makes you think he didn't?"

"What are you talking about?"

Discord's eyes glowed with a dark fire. "Come now! Arriving in such a gown that was made to catch the eye? All the stallions were leering at you when you entered!" he growled at the memory, never before feeling more hatred towards his own gender as in that moment. "And you think he had no memory of your hair?" he asked, his eyes focusing on the lovely pink waves that sparkled with golden jewels. "Or your eyes?" his own focused deeply into hers, and Fluttershy stopped struggling as they locked. "Or the curves of your body?" he whispered deep and low, and she gasped as she felt him rub against her. She suddenly felt dizzy, and that strange sensation had returned between her thighs. Discord's arms tightened even more about her, pushing her body against his, reveling in the feel of her softness against him, wanting to rip her from the gown and feel her skin touch his, to run his paw over her curves, to taste her flesh, to bury himself deep within her and pour his very essence into her soul.

Fluttershy's eyes were fluttering as she gazed up at him, her lips parted, all manner of speech having been robbed. She clung to his arms for balance, but she felt as limp as a doll. Her eyes kept going back and forth between his and his mouth, as were Discord's. They were only a breath away…if she leaned up on the tips of her hooves…and if he bent his head just a little further…

Discord quickly pushed her away from him, releasing her from his grip, practically hobbling away from her as if he had been burned. Fluttershy almost fell to the ground, her knees trembling violently. They stared at one another, only a short distance between the two of them, but Discord dared not cross it. If he did…there would be no turning back.

"L-l-leave me," he whispered, his voice shaking with…fear? Regret? Sorrow? He was feeling all those things at once.

Fluttershy remembered how events had played out the night they had kissed, and Rarity's words were ringing loud and clear in memory. She stood her ground, prepared once again for battle. "No."

Discord looked at her, his paw and claw gripping the piano for support. "This is no game Fluttershy! I mean it! LEAVE ME NOW!"

She took a deep breath and slowly began to approach him. "No," she repeated.

Discord stared at her, his eyes growing wider and the visible side of his face growing paler at her persistence. "I'm warning you…" he growled.

"I'm not leaving you again, Discord," she murmured, her hooves slowly moving to touch his face, but his were faster, gripping her wrists tightly. Yet Fluttershy continued, knowing this was her only chance. "Yes, I was pretending tonight when I danced with the Prince, but not with you…never with you," she whispered passionately. "I loved our dance…" his paw loosened around her wrist and Fluttershy was free to move it over his unmasked cheek. He was holding his breath as he felt her soft touch make contact; his eyes were swimming with tears of confusion, disbelief…and perhaps…hope? "And when we kissed," she murmured, her voice full with emotion as she lifted herself up onto the tips of her hooves, tilting her head to meet his lips, "I was not pretending then either."

"NOOOOO!" Discord screamed in agony, the emotion spilling forth as he pushed her away from him. "This is not real! This is a…a trick!" he choked. "You p-p-pretended with one stallion…how do I know y-y-you w-w-will not pretend with me?" He seized her then, shaking her shoulders as hard as he could. "DO NOT TOY WITH ME! WHAT REASON DO YOU HAVE FOR DOING ALL THIS?"

"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" she shouted, gasping as the words escaped her lips.

She had said it. There was no going back now…and yet Fluttershy did not feel dread…but the greatest sense of freedom she had ever known!

Discord stared down at her, looking extremely horrified by what he had just heard. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. His voice was gone and all he could hear were her glorious words over and over again, words that he had been dreaming to hear from her for so many nights…but that he never imagined she would say. After all…she was an angel, his angel…and he was a monster.

Fluttershy saw the confusion and the disbelief in his eyes. She could feel him drift away, feel his body try to back away from her, but she gripped the edges of his shirt tightly. "I love you Discord! I love you! I wanted you to kiss me because I love you! I came to you tonight because I feared for your safety! I do trust you; I do value everything you've shared with me! And I do all these things, because I love you!"

But DIscord was backing away all the more. "Please…please Discord!" Fluttershy begged, but he pushed her away from him, backing away even quicker. Fluttershy crumpled to the floor, hot tears spilling from her eyes as she watched the only creature she had ever loved drift away from her like a ghost from one of her novels. "DISCORD!" she cried out, her hoof reaching out to him, but he turned on his heel then, running as fast as he could, leaving her there to sob on the floor. "No…" she mourned, wrapping her arms around her trembling body, rocking back and forth. "NOOOO!"

Fluttershy's screams filled the caverns all around him, but Discord didn't dare look back. He simply ran faster and faster, his legs flying through the tunnels until at last he reached his destination…the world above.

It was the middle of the night. And despite the fact that it was now the New Year, the streets were extremely quiet. Discord needed peace and quiet, but he needed to get away from the Opera House even more.

Did she mean it? Was it possible?

NO! He was a monster! A demon! She had seen his face! She knew the horrible things he had done! He even murdered another stallion in front of her, splattering her with that very stallion's blood! She was intoxicated by the champagne at the party; she was thinking of the handsome Blueblood, she was going mad for living underground for so long! Anyone of these reasons was good enough! She could not love him!

But oh God above, how he wanted her to.

He was not deserving of her love. He was not a creature that was meant for love! Long ago, after Pinkamena's true character was revealed, Discord had learned that love was a sickness, a weakness that ensnared one's senses and turned them into blind blubbering fools! Pinkamena had a promising career as a dancer! She could have been great! But she threw all that away for what she called love. And where was she now? Either lying dead in a ditch or working as a prostitute in some God-forsaken place. If that was what love did to someone, then he wanted none of it! You didn't need love to have pleasure! After all, for the right price, you could "buy" love in a manner of speaking.

The sudden familiar smell of a prostitute's cigarette invaded his nostrils. Discord turned his head and saw a mare dressed in a gaudy pink gown leaning against the wall of an ally, her face overrun with paint, her lips cracked from the cold and smoke. She was not beautiful, but beauty was not what he was interested in. He needed to sate this raging beast within him and there was only one way to do so!

"You!" he hissed from the shadows. The prostitute turned her head, peering into the darkness. Discord did not have his cape or hat; he could not conceal his masked face as well as in the past.

The mare looked wary. "Who's there?" she barked, not taking one step towards the ally. "Show yourself!"

"It's me, madam," Discord simply said, not knowing if she was one he knew or not, he never really tried to know the mare he bucked.

The prostitute however seemed to recognize his voice. "Oh! Oh it's you, monsieur!" she said with relief. "I can't see you very well though…"

"That doesn't matter," Discord growled. "Come, we're wasting time."

The prostitute put out her cigarette and sauntered over to the shadows. "I trust you, monsieur, you always pay us well," she grinned, stumbling here and there, the smell of alcohol extremely pungent. Obviously she had been celebrating the New Year for quite some time. "It's been quite a while, monsieur, the mares were beginning to wonder if something had happened to you?"

Discord grunted, quickly undoing his breeches. The prostitute, while she couldn't see him very well knew the sound of a stallion undressing. She licked her lips. "Will it be the usual, monsieur? Or are you interested in something…a little more special?"

Discord said nothing, he simply grabbed her by the waist and pinned her up against the hard cold wall of the ally. "The usual then," she grinned. Discord could not ignore the foul stench that covered her, but he did not care. In fact, it was all for the better, how then would he be able to think of Fluttershy with this wretched creature before him?

"Oh my!" she gasped, and Discord groaned as he felt her hoof on him. "I see you're in desperate need," she grinned.

Discord's eyes fluttered closed as the prostitute continued to run her hooves over him, but it was not her hooves that were touching him…it was Fluttershy's small soft delicate hooves, all because of her, all because of his desire for her…

"Monsieur?" Discord's eyes snapped open at the prostitute's voice. "Are you alright?" she whispered. She peered closer, straining to see his face in the darkness, thinking she could see something white on the right side of his face.

"I'm fine," he grunted. "And I'll be even better once we start."

The prostitute grinned and wrapped her legs around his body. But once again Discord found himself imagining Fluttershy's legs, smooth and slender, wrapping around his body as he drove himself into her.. Yes…he felt his paw being drawn to Fluttershy's thighs, and he imagined her crying out as he teased her…oh how would she respond? Would she gasp? Would she whimper? Would she scream with delight? How would it feel to have her bare and naked, crushed against his chest? Had she been with a stallion before, he wondered? No…not his Fluttershy, she was an innocent, she was a romantic, and she would wait for the dark hero of her dreams to come to her and cover her with kisses before offering him the greatest gift a pony could ever know. She would be true to this stallion, she would love this stallion; only through love would she give herself to another.

"Oh monsieur…I'm dying! Please! Do not force me to wait another second!"

"Fluttershy…" he groaned with a ragged breath.

The prostitute eyed him suspiciously. "You want me to be 'Fluttershy'? Alright, I'll be this mare, call me Fluttershy, monsieur, I'll be your Fluttershy."

Discord's eyes flew open and he stared at the mare pinned against the wall before him. Good God…what was he doing?

"Monsieur? What's wrong?"

Discord suddenly felt disgust at both the mare he held in his arms and the act he had been about to commit.

"Monsieur?"

He swiftly put the prostitute down on the ground, backing away from her and quickly doing up his breeches. "Take the money!" he shouted, throwing several gold coins on the ground.

The prostitute was no fool, she immediately fell to her knees, gathering the coins and placing them in her bodice. However, she had a large pout on her lips as she glanced up at the shadows before her. "Monsieur, is everything alright? I thought…monsieur? Monsieur!"

But she was alone in the ally with the darkness.

Discord was running blindly through the streets, expertly maneuvering himself in and out of dark allies and forgotten passages, feeling the harsh January winds smack against his body from all sides.

He couldn't do it. He couldn't be with another mare while thinking of Fluttershy.

It had been for quite some time now that the only mare he dreamed about, fantasized about, the only mare he wanted or desired in any capacity…was her. But it was deeper than lust. If it were pure simple lust, he could easily have done what that prostitute had suggested, pretend she was Fluttershy and that it was Fluttershy he was bucking.

But Fluttershy was not a mare a stallion should ever "buck". No…she was so pure, so beautiful…she was a mare to be treasured, a mare to be…made love to. He wondered what it was like to make love…the thought alone gave birth once again to his desire.

No…this was more than lust. This was something far deeper, something far deadlier, and something that he had no control over. He had never been more afraid or more hopeful in all his life.

The snow softly began to fall over his head as he sprinted onward, his feet carrying him, flying him to an unknown destination.

Fluttershy had never left the music chamber. She remained, huddled in a ball, her head resting on the organ stool that her beloved often occupied in this room. Of all his instruments, the pipe organ was his favorite. Fluttershy lifted her shaking hooves to the keys, softly running their tips across them. She imagined his paw and claw touching the keys, playing them with expert skill, the music flowing from his heart and soul like one's blood flowed through one's veins.

"Discord…" she whispered, feeling the hot tears once again threaten to burst forth. Her cheeks were red and puffy from all the crying she had done. She had taken the risk, she had told him of her love…and he had run away.

He didn't believe her, it was obvious. He thought her enamored with the Prince; of all the stupid things she had ever done, dancing with that stallion had been one of the worst. She had thought at the time she was doing some good, but Discord was convinced that she was like all the others; he would never believe her.

She turned her face into the crook of her arm, gasping as she felt another sob escape her throat. She hugged the stool to her body, trying to absorb any warmth that it held, but it was a lost cause. It was cold, so very cold. She had never realized how cold the world felt when she was outside his arms.

"Discord…" she whimpered painfully. "Oh Discord…"

"Fluttershy."

She froze at the sound. That voice…that beautiful, rich, deep voice…could it be? Was it possible?

Slowly, afraid that this was a dream, Fluttershy turned her tear-stained face to the entryway of the Phantom's music chamber, her heart coming to a stop, her breath catching in her throat…

He stood there, staring down at her, his amber eyes dark and intense, his chest heaving with each breath. His hair clung to him; there were remnants of snowflakes on him, and his whole body seemed covered in sweat; his shirt was clinging to his body.

"D-d-discord?" she said shakily, hardly believing he was there. "Discord…is it you?"

She pushed herself up against the organ stool, clambering to her feet most ungracefully, but Discord was there in that next instant, his arms sweeping around her body and lifting her to her feet with expert skill.

The two stared at one another, Fluttershy biting her lip as she looked up into his masked face, hardly knowing what to say, simply grateful that he had returned and that she had him in her arms once more. She could feel the warmth flooding through her once again.

Discord stared down at her, his eyes moving all over her face, in her hair, feeling her body come alive against his own. He dared not move, he could not. But he had to speak.

"Did you mean it?" he whispered, his voice trembling the same way her body was trembling. "What you said to me…did you mean it?"

Fluttershy felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. "Yes," she whispered. "I meant every word. I love you DIscord…I love you."

Discord stared at her for another fleeting moment, before uttering, "God above, have mercy."

Fluttershy lifted her hooves to his masked cheek. "I love you Discord, I love–"

All other words were lost in the hot sensation of Discord's mouth crashing down upon hers.
> Awakening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awakening

She had returned to him, the angel of his dreams. She beckoned him close, her arms outstretched, promising warmth in his darkness, and love in his loneliness. As he approached her, he noticed the golden gown that she wore, and her hair sparkled with golden jewels. He was transfixed, he could not deny either of them, and he went willingly into her arms, losing himself within her, moaning her name as her softness enveloped him…

Discord awoke from the dazzling dream then, gulping in air as if he had been underwater. His body was trembling and the air was cold. His skin was slick with perspiration, no doubt from his dream. He closed his eyes briefly, groaning as he once again came crashing back to reality. Gone was his angel…once more he was awake, once more he was alone…

Wait. Something was different.

There was an unusual weight upon his right arm…in fact he could not even move the arm! And something…something tickled his chin…

He looked down and saw several pink waves that appeared to be the source. How on earth did they…

A sleepy groan arose from the chamber and Discord knew it did not belong to him. His eyes went wide as he looked down at his side where his arm was outstretched. There, snuggled in the crook of his arm, her beautiful head pillowed against him, lay his angel, sleeping peacefully with a lovely smile.

Discord's face paled at the sight. He lay frozen as Fluttershy sleepily moaned again, shifting her body this time, moving in closer to him.

What was she doing here?

He felt his breath catch as he realized…the two of them were naked, her body curled into a ball beside his. Good God…had…had they…?

He remembered. It wasn't a dream…she was here, sleeping beside him, beautiful and naked. He didn't know if he should rejoice with happiness or run with dread. What had he done?

Fluttershy shivered and once again he felt the cold air hit his flesh. He gently lifted her head, gazing in wonder at her beautiful sleeping face, before carefully removing his arm. He then reached down and pulled a warm thick blanket over her body, watching as she buried her face into the pillow, drawing the blanket's warmth around her.

At least she will not freeze, he thought. He quickly rose from the bed, his eyes spying the remnants of their clothes on the floor. Instead, he reached for a black and gold dressing gown that he had strewn across the back of a chair in the corner of the room. He quickly put it on and retreated to his music chamber, stumbling as he went, his legs barely carrying him.

It had happened. The memories came crashing back like a great tidal wave. He remembered the ball, he remembered her arriving in a golden gown, and he remembered the two of them dancing. He also remembered being extremely annoyed with her arrival, and the two of them having a most passionate argument. However…the argument changed; somewhere in the middle of their shouting, they began to give in to their overriding desires. Somewhere in the midst of their argument…she confessed her feelings for him.

"She loves me…" he whispered, the word causing his voice to tremble. Was it possible? Could such a creature love…love him? HIM? "So many things happened last night," he groaned, collapsing upon the organ stool, his head falling into his paw and claw. He remembered running from her, retreating into the night and searching for something. He remembered with great disgust the prostitute he had found, thinking that she was the thing he was searching for, a moment's pleasure to take away his frustrations, to make him forget Fluttershy's blue eyes, Fluttershy's voice, Fluttershy's spirit! He needed to escape…

"But I couldn't do it…" he groaned softly, his head lifting to stare at a piece of parchment he had been writing notes upon for the last several days. "I'm doomed," he groaned. "I…I can't stop thinking about her, I can't stop dreaming about her…" his paw and claw braced himself against the organ, his eyes burning the parchment with his gaze.

Written at the top were the simple words "Fluttershy's Song".

"She has bewitched me," he whispered. "I will never want for another, but…but she's so beautiful! How...how...?" his voice growled, the beast within rising. "Damn her! Damn her eyes!" he growled, visions of passion-filled sapphires filling his head. "Damn her sweetness! Damn her beauty! Damn her angelic soul!" he growled loudly, pushing himself away from the organ and pacing like a crazed caged tiger across the chamber.

"It's impossible! She's so pure–well, was pure until I stole that from her!" he cursed. "She's so lovely…and I'm…I'm…" his gaze caught something in the corner of the chamber. Discord made it a habit to not keep mirrors; he despised them, there was no purpose for them whatsoever. But his reflection was caught in the glass case of an old clock that he had near the piano at the far side of his music chamber. Even though he wore a mask to conceal his horrific face it still reminded him of his marred flesh, of the murderous monster within. "AAAAAAAAAHHH!" he roared, filling the cavern with the sound as he grabbed hold of a marble bust with both paw and claw, lifted it over his head and hurled it as far as he could against the clock, shattering the glass as well as breaking the mechanisms.

Fluttershy awoke with a start at the sound of the noise. Where was she? This wasn't her chamber! She looked frantically around, and then…she remembered.

She was naked. She was in the Phantom's chamber, in his bed! And…she was alone.

"Oh God…" she whispered, blushing brightly as memories from the previous night flooded back.

"Yes, you may wish to begin offering up prayers of repentance," Discord growled from the entryway. "Sorry to wake you, my dear," he added, before stepping fully into the chamber.

Fluttershy stared at him, her mind still overcoming the shock of the situation. They had…truly, they had…

The blush of her cheeks spread so far that Discord swore she would glow if he blew out the candles in his chamber.

He couldn't help but chuckle with amusement at the way she was behaving, clutching the blanket tightly around her body, pulling it all the way up to her chin. She watched him with large wary eyes, her skin burning to the touch, as Discord crossed the room to a corner where he proceeded to pour himself a drink. "Well, I think it's safe to say that we've entered what is known as the 'awkward morning after' moment. Care for anything?" he asked as he put the stopper back onto the bottle. "I don't believe it's too early in the day to get drunk, do you?" he asked before downing the contents of his glass.

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed at his behavior. "That is your answer…to get drunk?"

Discord poured himself another glass. "Perhaps…what is the question exactly?"

Fluttershy scowled at him. "Why are you acting like this?" she asked, a part of her wanting to rise from the bed and remove the glass from his fist, but the other part of her reminding her once more that she was naked.

Discord couldn't help but chuckle, a sound that made Fluttershy's scowl grow even further. "How should I act Fluttershy? Tell me please…perhaps your novels can help us find an answer."

"Don't patronize me Discord," she hissed.

"On the contrary my dear, I'm treating you like an equal! I figured since you're well versed in romance due to the content of your books, not to mention the simple fact that you don't look like this," he indicated to his masked face, "that you would know the proper things a mare and stallion should say or how they should behave after a night of passion."

Fluttershy blushed deeply at his words, but she did not like his tone. "Do not mock what we did!" she hissed. What had happened to him? Last night he had been so tender, so loving when they were in each other's arms. Why was he being so sarcastic? So dispassionate now?

"I'm not mocking it," he said with extreme seriousness, his paw placing the recently poured drink down, not being able to finish it out of respect for her. "I'm merely curious as to why you're looking to me for answers on what happens next. After all, I won't deny that this is an entirely new experience for me as well."

Fluttershy blushed and clutched the blankets even closer. "But…but I thought…" her words trailed off as she remembered how they had made love, the way he guided her, the way he touched her, the way he showed her passion.

Discord saw the confusion written across her face and sighed heavily. "I'm not a eunuch Fluttershy; I am a normal creature, despite my face."

Hot jealousy suddenly boiled through her. "Well, I'm glad I was able to help you with your…'needs'," she muttered sarcastically. "Forgive me for misjudging your masculinity, after all, what do I know, I'm just a simple-minded country chit!" she spat angrily, sniffing back the hot tears that threatened to fall. "Now if you will please give me my clothes, I will be gone from your presence–"

Fluttershy had every intention of leaving, even if it meant she left with the blanket wrapped around her and her clothes remaining on his chamber floor! However, before she could even put one foot on the floor, Discord was there on the bed, his muscular paw and claw seizing her by the shoulders. Fluttershy gasped as she stared up at him, the wild look in his eyes causing her heart to stop.

"You are not going anywhere until you explain yourself, mademoiselle," he growled. The confused expression on her face only caused his frustration to grow. "You must however forgive me, my dear, if the situation does strike me as…surreal, shall we say."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed with even more confusion. "Surreal?"

"Yes!" Discord growled loudly, his paw and claw loosening somewhat on her shoulders, not ever wanting to hurt her, but his eyes continuing to burn into hers. "After all, you did give yourself freely and willingly to the infamous Phantom of the Opera…are you sure you weren't drunk on champagne last night?"

Fluttershy let out an exasperated cry, wriggling against his grip for one of the pillows that lay beside her, wanting to beat him over the head with it! "Have you so easily forgotten?" she shouted. "Or is it that you refuse to believe me when I tell you that I lo–"

"STOP!" he shouted, his claws moving over her mouth. "Don't say it…" he growled, dangerously deep.

Fluttershy's eyes widened as realization came to her and she pushed his paw away. "This isn't about me…it's about you," she whispered. Discord stared at her with confusion, but before he could speak she quickly continued. "You refuse to believe that anypony could love you…that you're unworthy of love, that you're incapable of it."

"Am I?" he demanded, moving away from her and holding his arms out from his body. "Honestly Fluttershy…you know of the things that I've done, you've SEEN me do them! Do you honestly believe it is capable for a stallion one minute to murder somepony in cold blood…and then swear undying everlasting love…?" he was staring deeply into her eyes, his chest rising and falling heavily. Despite the coldness in his voice, Fluttershy could read his eyes and see desperation within them, a longing for acceptance, for compassion, and for love.

"I believe that anypony can be forgiven if they honestly repent and work to do good," she strongly stated. "And you have done good Discord…I've seen the good that you've done, I've felt it."

"Save me your sermons," he grumbled, pushing himself off the bed and away from her. Fluttershy stared at his back with great puzzlement. She opened her mouth to speak, but Discord stopped her with his words. "I don't understand how you can even…say such a thing?" He turned on her then and Fluttershy gasped when she saw tears glistening in his eyes.

"It's true," she implored.

"Like hell!" he spat. "You of all ponies know the evil I do! You've been prey to it!" he turned his head, ashamed to look into her angelic eyes. Gone was the cynicism; his barriers were falling and a great vulnerability surfacing. "I've had the opportunities to show mercy, and I chose murder instead. I pay mares to satisfy my carnal lusts! I have purposely caused stallions to go mad! And now, I seem to have developed a new sinful habit…kidnapping innocent fillies and stealing their virginity!"

"You also protect those who are helpless!" Fluttershy shouted, her hoof stretched in the direction of the chamber that the others occupied. "And you saved my life! You stopped those stallions from–"

"Have you forgotten the cruelty I inflicted upon your father?"

"OF COURSE NOT! I REMEMBER IT EVERY DAY!" Fluttershy screamed in frustration, gasping and covering her mouth with her hoof after the words echoed off the chamber walls.

Discord sighed, a sad painful sigh, however he appeared satisfied that his point had been made. "I told you once Fluttershy…this is no fairy tale. Just because you've kissed the beast and told him that you love him…he still remains what he is. I am no prince and never will be." He turned then, as if to leave, but Fluttershy, who was trembling with a new found rage, rose from the bed, not caring that she was naked, and threw a pillow at his head as hard as she could.

Discord whirled around after the pillow struck him, his eyes wide both at her reaction, as well as the fact that she stood before him, glorious and naked, scowling most disdainfully. "What you did to my father was horrible, I will not deny that," she hissed. "Every day I wonder what has become of him…is he alive? Is he hurt? Is he getting enough to eat?" the tears were pouring down her cheeks and Fluttershy's arms moved to wrap around her naked form. Discord felt his heart breaking at the sight. "But…" she whimpered. "You were not the creature you are now…"

Discord barely breathed. "What am I then?"

"A good stallion!" she declared. "A stallion who provides, protects, and cares for his family. You didn't have to save them when you saved yourself, but you did! And the night you saved my life…you may have only pursued me in order to protect the others, but you did save my life, you did stop those stallions from raping me! And…and you taught me to sing…" Fluttershy whispered, coming towards him, her hoof extended to touch his unmasked cheek. "You believed in my talents, you gave me courage to see my dreams take flight, you showed me your world, you gave me your trust, and you shared yourself in every way with me–"

Discord stopped her hoof mere inches from touching his face, but his eyes no longer held any cruel humor or disdainful cynicism. Instead, she saw hope within them, hope that yearned for freedom behind a cloud of disbelief. "Why Fluttershy…?" his voice was barely above a whisper, and Fluttershy felt his hoof tremble against hers. His disbelief was crackling. "After everything…w-w-why…?"

Fluttershy felt the cold air hit her tear-stained face but she did not flinch from it, and rather than retreat, she moved her hoof behind his grip and softly made contact with his face. He groaned as he felt her feather light caress against his unmarred skin, his own eyes betraying him as tears began to seep from their brim. Fluttershy gave a soft smile through her tears at the sound, and then, as she had done on that magical Christmas, leaned up on the tips of her toes, both her hooves lovingly holding his face, to brush her lips against his…

"Wait," Discord stopped her, his paw and claw going to her shoulders and gently pushing her back. Fluttershy gazed up at him, fear written across her face that he would reject her again, but much to her shock, Discord scooped her up and quickly carried her to the bed, hastily placing her under the lush warm Persian blankets that adorned it. A happy smile was lit across her face as she thought perhaps he was rejoining her, but it was quickly erased by another look of confusion as he moved away, only a few inches, pacing slightly, glancing at her now and then and looking rather nervous.

"Discord, w-w-what is it?" she asked, concern etched across her lovely features.

"There's something you should know," he muttered, his pacing finally coming to a stop before facing her. He swore his heart stood still as he saw the worry in her beautiful blue eyes. "Please," he pleaded, coming to her side on bended knee, his masked face looking up at hers. "Do not fret, it's nothing bad, it's just…" he sighed, turning his eyes away. "I do not wish to raise your hopes, but…I need to tell you...that I've been trying to discover the whereabouts of your father."

Fluttershy's world came to a halt. She stared at the creature who knelt before her, his black hair the only thing she could see of him, and yet in that very moment she could be blind, it would not matter. It was the words he had spoken to her that were ringing over and over in her head. "W-w-w-what?" she stammered softly.

Discord turned and looked up at her, his eyes locking with hers, the tears in their beautiful blue depths reflecting the ocean after a storm. "The others, as well as myself…have been trying to find out all we can on where your father might be. I'm sorry to say that we haven't learned anything, but…after that night on the rooftops…after seeing you cry…I…I had to do something, if anything, it's the most I can do for you Fluttershy, perhaps the only thing I can give you, but–"

His speech was cut off by the sudden impact of Fluttershy's lips upon his.

She literally took his breath away, her small soft hooves clasping his face, and her even softer, sweet lips, locking against his own. For several blind moments Discord knew not what to do! This was the last reaction he had expected, he thought surely she would be reminded of the horror he had inflicted upon both she and her father, that she would want to be as far from him as possible, but this?

However,Fluttershy's kiss was extremely intoxicating and Discord quickly found himself kissing her back. It wasn't until he realized she was practically falling out of the bed that he drew away from her.

"Silly mare, you'll catch your death!" he scolded, pushing her back into the bed and tightly wrapping the blankets around her. However Fluttershy kept trying to catch him, trying to pull him against her, trying to kiss him! What had he done to deserve such affection? What had he done to deserve such an angel?

"Oh Discord," Fluttershy sobbed, although she was crying out of pure happiness at his news. "How…how…" she choked between sobs. "How can you even…even think that…that you possess no goodness…after this?" she smiled up at him through her tears.

He wanted to believe her, so desperately, but even now as his heart warmed at her words and at the happiness he could see in her tear filled eyes, he doubted himself. "It is all I can give you Fluttershy," he whispered, forcing himself to look away from his angel's face. "I wish I could do more…I wish I could give you your father–"

"You've given me hope, Discord," Fluttershy exclaimed, grasping his paw with her hoof in another attempt to draw him to her.

"Have I? If it is false hope, will you still look at me as you do now?" he asked, his eyes locking once more with hers. "Will you still love me?" this question was barely a whisper, and Discord was not sure he wanted to know the answer. She loved him. SHE LOVED HIM! But after everything…did he deserve it?

Fluttershy took his paw and placed it over her heart. Discord groaned softly as he felt the beat beneath his paw, and he stopped breathing as her other hoof reached up and touched his masked cheek. "I will always love you…" she vowed, before leaning up, and pressing her silken lips to the cold shield that hid his disfigurement from the world. "Always."

Discord could not stop the tears; they flowed freely from his eyes. The icy reserve that encased his heart had truly melted, and with a mighty cry, his arms enfolded her body and he crushed her against him. "Oh God…Oh God…" he groaned, his face buried within the curls of her hair. "God I love you…I love you…" he sobbed, his arms clutching her even tighter, rocking himself against her as he felt her soft tiny hooves thread through his black mane.

Fluttershy's heart leapt with joy at the sound of the words she longed to hear, the words she had dreamt about him saying to her for weeks, perhaps months now. Her love for him had been growing with each passing day, she wasn't sure when it had begun, but she knew without any doubt that this stallion, this wonderful stallion who had saved her life countless times, who had shared with her his deepest secrets, and who now, without her asking, was seeking out her father…she could not imagine her life with any other.

"Discord," she whimpered, gasping with happiness, but which he mistook as squeezing her too hard, for he instantly loosened his grip on her.

"Did I hurt you, angel?" he asked, his eyes filled with worry as he looked upon her lovely face.

But Fluttershy's smile told him it wasn't so. He had never seen her face glow more radiantly than this very morning. He had been wrong; when he saw her the night before, dressed in gold, he thought she couldn't be more beautiful. But now…adorned only in a Persian blanket and a loving glow…she had surpassed that gown ten times.

"Say it again," she whispered, her hooves clutching at the shoulders of his dressing gown as she drew him down atop her, her mouth open and her heart racing with excitement.

Discord smiled and felt the passion within his body rise again. "I love you, Fluttershy," he growled. "I love you more than music."

Fluttershy gave a cry of happiness before lifting her head off the pillow to meet his hungry mouth, which eagerly kissed her back, his tongue diving once more into her sweet depths while his paw and claw slid over her writhing body, eager once more to feel the softness of her skin and to lose himself in the damp heat between her thighs. Fluttershy pushed the dressing gown away from his shoulders, and Discord quickly shrugged it off before diving under the blankets with her, his body instantly entwining with hers, yearning once more to be encased in the silk of her body.

"Fluttershy…" he growled against her mouth, groaning as he felt her body arching up against his. "Oh God…God how I want you…"

"Yes," She wrapped her legs around his waist. "Please…please make love to me Discord…please…I need you so much…"

"Yes…yes…YES!" he cried out.

Others may think him a monster, and even he felt he looked like a demon from hell, but by becoming one with the mare he loved…nothing could be closer to heaven.

Together they soared through the pleasure their love had created; they soared past the world around them, beyond the opera house, beyond heaven, to a place where the sweetest music was played, where masks were not needed. As they trembled in the beautiful aftermath, they clung to one another, never wanting to let go, never wanting the dream to end.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood pushed through the doors of the police station with a stern and unpleasant look upon his handsome features.
Inspector Silverstar was surprised at the Prince's arrival, thinking the handsome noblecolt would be "recovering" from a night of New Year's festivities. "Monsieur!" he greeted warmly, although the warmth quickly faded by the deadly glare the Prince shot at him. "H-h-how may I…be of service?"

Blueblood's stare never left Silverstar's face. "Take me to Time Turner…now."

The coldness of Blueblood's voice chilled Silverstar's heart, but he did not stop to question the noblecolt, he quickly took his keys and led Blueblood to where Time Turner's cell lay. The old stallion was sleeping on his cot, the thin blanket wrapped tightly around his body. "Time Turner!" Silverstar bellowed, rattling his keys against the iron bars of the cell, causing the poor stallion to awake with a start. "The Prince is here to see you," he reported sternly.

"Thank you, Chief Inspector," Blueblood said. "Now, kindly leave us."

Silverstar glanced back and forth between the Prince and the old stallion, not sure if leaving would be a wise choice given the Prince's present state. However, he bowed his head and left the two to speak in private.
Time Turner was still getting over the shock of being woken up, but as soon as his old eyes focused on the handsome face of Blueblood, he felt a smile spread across his grizzled face. "Oh monsieur…you're back! Oh I pray that you bring good news!"

"I'm afraid not," Blueblood said through clipped lips. "I have seen your daughter, Monsieur Time Turner," Blueblood explained, ignoring the hope that lit the old stallion's face. "But it is as we feared…she is still in the clutches of the villainous Phantom."

Like that, Time Turner's face fell and he gripped the hard iron bars of his cell to keep him steady. "Oh God above have mercy," he whispered, crossing himself.

Blueblood rolled his eyes. "I believe she was trying to escape him," Blueblood quickly explained. "Last night there was a great masquerade ball at the Opera House. It was meant to be a trap to lure the Phantom, however…" he grimaced as he recalled the events of the previous night and the way the Phantom had humiliated him in front of all of Maris. "…I was not prepared to see your daughter there," he continued. "Like everyone else, she too was masked, a disguise so that she could escape his evil clutches, and escape she would, if I had been able to get her away before…" his jaw clenched at the memory of the Phantom pulling Fluttershy from him and dancing with her. "The cursed monster spotted her through the throng and carried her off."

"Oh my poor filly!" Time Turner wailed, one hoof clamping over his mouth in shock. "Oh curse that fiend! Oh my poor Fluttershy…" he whimpered, the tears already spilling down his cheeks.

"Please!" Blueblood snapped, slamming his hoof against the bars, the sound of Time Turner's dog-like whimpers fraying his last nerve. Time Turner jumped at the action, but Blueblood quickly composed himself. "Forgive me…I too am angered by this masked villain."

Time Turner nodded his head, however he moved away from the cell, his eyes warily watching the Prince. "I thank you for all that you have done and are doing, monsieur," he whispered.

Blueblood however was nowhere near ready to part ways yet. "Listen to me monsieur, and listen closely," he hissed, leaning close to the cell bars. "I need you to tell me everything you can about the Phantom from the brief time you were in his presence."

Time Turner stared up at the Prince with both shock and confusion. "I…I have already told you everything I can remember monsieur…"

"Tell me more!" Blueblood demanded. "Everything! I need details, Monsieur Time Turner, every last detail! What was it like when you went through the trap door? Where did he take you? Tell me about these 'minions' you say he has? What was he wearing? Tell me about his face–YES HIS FACE!" Blueblood practically roared when Time Turner shuddered at the memory. "I need to know everything, I can't make this clear enough!"

Time Turner stared up at the Prince, the noblecolt's eyes glowing with an odd madness in their blue depths. "F-f-forgive me," he stuttered before swallowing the uncomfortable lump in his throat. "But…how…how will this help?"

Blueblood straightened himself and smoothed his hooves over his coat. "You were right, Monsieur Time Turner; the Phantom of the Opera is no ghost, despite what he wants others to believe. Evil he may be, but when you strip away the demonic layers, he is what he is. And that, monsieur, is a great advantage to us."

"How?" Time Turner whispered.

Blueblood sighed and looked at the shadows that filled one corner of Time Turner's small prison cell. "When you know everything you can about your enemy, you gain an upper hoof. The Phantom of the Opera is a stallion…and all stallions have weaknesses."
> Bliss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bliss

"Past the point of no return…no backward glances," Discord softly sang in Fluttershy's ear, his lips teasing the delicate lobe. "The games we've played till now are at an end…"

Fluttershy whimpered as she felt his paw and claw play along her body, stroking the fires of desire once more. "Past all thought of 'if' or 'when'–no use resisting," he growled, before moving his weight over her body. "Abandon thought, and let the dream descend…" he growled.

"What raging fire shall flood the soul?" he groaned, his paw and claw gripping her to wrap around his body. "What rich desire unlocks its door? What sweet seduction lies before us…?" Fluttershy's head thrown back in pleasure as they continued to passionately make love.

"Fluttershy?"

The young mare jumped as her day dreams were interrupted by the sound of Rarity's voice.

Fluttershy's face was extremely flushed, her chest was rising and falling at a somewhat rapid pace, and she bit her lip with worry at the perspiration that one may notice on her brow. "My dear…are you all right?" Rarity asked, lifting one purple brow in speculation. "You do seem to be breathing rather hard…"

"I'm fine!" Fluttershy practically squeaked, quickly clearing her throat and giving Rarity a rather nervous smile. "I'm fine, thank you," she murmured, before looking away from the other mare's questioning eyes and focusing once more on the knitting in her lap.

Rarity's brow furrowed at Fluttershy's change in behavior. All week the mare had been behaving strangely. Ever since the night Fluttershy had gone above, things were different. Rarity could not forget how the two of them had returned, Fluttershy screaming at the Master while he carried her over his shoulder. She was worried for Fluttershy, not that she believed the Master would harm the mare, but she knew of Fluttershy's feelings for the Master, and worried that the poor mare's heart would be torn in two.

However, as the days passed since that night, Rarity did not see much of Fluttershy. And when she did come upon the mare, Fluttershy was always humming or smiling, her eyes looking far off in the distance. Something was on the mare's mind, and that same something was still there.

"So are you going to tell me?" Rarity asked, calmly threading her needle and eyeing Fluttershy closely.

Fluttershy practically jumped at the question. "T-t-tell?" she stuttered, before coughing, as if she were clearing her throat.

Rarity could not help but grin slightly. "Yes my dear, after all, we haven't had much of an opportunity to talk since…well, since New Year's Eve."

Fluttershy blushed slightly but continued to look down at her knitting. "Yes, I'm sorry…I've been very…busy, with…rehearsals."

Fluttershy inwardly groaned at herself. She was the worst liar in the world.

"Rehearsals?" Rarity repeated, the tone of her voice obvious and disbelieving, however she didn't press the issue further.

For a long while the two sat in a rather uncomfortable silence, at least uncomfortable for Fluttershy. She knew Rarity was examining her and trying to put the puzzle pieces together. A part of Fluttershy didn't know why she hadn't told the others. After all, it was no secret about her feelings for Discord; they all knew that she was head over heels in love with their master. However, Fluttershy could not help but grin. She rather liked having a secret that was hers and Discord's alone. She believed that the others would be happy for her, especially Rarity, however Fluttershy was unsure exactly how to announce it. Perhaps Discord should be the one to tell them? Perhaps he preferred that they not know? Fluttershy deeply blushed; there was no need to tell them the details, of course. She could only imagine the scolding she would receive from Shortround if knew what was going on in the Phantom's chamber.

"Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy glanced up from her knitting and felt her face flush again as she realized that, once more, she had not been listening. Rarity smiled tenderly, but did look somewhat concerned. "You do seem to be daydreaming more frequently than before," she said with a cluck of the tongue. "What is it that consumes your thoughts so?"

Fluttershy's red cheeks only turned redder. "I…w-well…that is…" what should she say? It was silly keeping this a secret, she should tell the others!

"Is it about that night?" Rarity further inquired, watching Fluttershy's face closely.

"W-w-w-what?" Fluttershy practically choked on the nervous lump in her throat.

"The night you and the Master returned! I must say…I've never seen him more infuriated," Rarity shivered. "What did he say? What happened?"

Fluttershy opened her mouth but no words came out. Should she tell her? Tell Rarity that both she and Discord had confessed their feelings for one another and that Discord was as much in love with her as she was with him? She wanted to shout to the world her love! And felt she could freely do so now that he knew and had not turned her away! But it didn't feel right to reveal everything without Discord present. After all, these people were his family long before they became a part of hers.

"Well?" Rarity asked, leaning close and looking into Fluttershy's eyes for answers. Fluttershy continued to stare back at the mare with flushed cheeks and an open mouth, unsure what to say or do–

"You're late."

Fluttershy's mouth closed and both she and Rarity turned their heads to see Discord standing before them, wrapped in shadow, his amber eyes fixed on Fluttershy's face.

"Your lesson began ten minutes ago."

Everything he did, even standing as still as he was and looking at her the way he was…everything he did was predatory. It was easy to see how the Phantom had received his reputation for being a menacing spirit. Yet for Fluttershy, she felt her blood boil and her heart race at the sensual sight of him. Lord, what he did to her.

Rarity was alarmed at Discord's sudden presence, and even more so at his cool crisp tone. "Oh Master, do not be hard on her, she was helping me as you see, with the mending–"

"She knows better than to be late for a music lesson," Discord cut in, his tone unchanging, his eyes never leaving Fluttershy's.

Rarity bit her lip and began to wonder if the two of them were still fighting since the night of the ball. However, as she glanced at Fluttershy and then back at Discord, she could have sworn lightning was passing between the two the way they gazed at one another. What was going on between them?

"Are you going to sit there and waste more of our time?" Discord sighed, folding his arms across his chest and cocking his head to one side, his gaze never faltering.

Fluttershy blushed deeply at his words, her eyes narrowing somewhat, but she rose to her feet and gently placed the mending down. "I'll return to help later, Rarity," she promised the mare, before turning towards Discord and walking passed him with her head held high. Discord could not help but give a wry grin at her behavior.

He turned to follow, but Rarity rushed towards him, her hoof grasping him. "Please be kind, Master," she pleaded. "She's a good mare, you know that." Indeed, he did. However the way he knew Fluttershy was far different than the way Rarity was referring. "One should never be punished for displaying kindness."

Discord cocked an eyebrow at her words. "Even when kindness interferes with punctuality?"

Rarity released his paw as if she had been burnt, however it was more from the cold shock of his words. "What has happened to you Master? You are so…different…" the mare was backing away, hugging the thin shawl she wore about her shoulders even tighter.

Discord sighed and knelt before his friend. "I am still the creature I have always been…" he lied. "And you know of my strictness when it comes to music," to this he was telling the truth. "But rest assured, I will be…kind…to Mademoiselle Fluttershy." He never realized how many meanings the word "kind" could have till now. Without another word, he rose to his full height and exited the chamber, vanishing into the shadows after Fluttershy.

Rarity stared at the Master's retreating figure, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Strange," she muttered to herself.

"What's strange?" Rainbow Dash barked, emerging from the other entrance to the chamber at the opposite end. Shortround and Derpy followed, the hunchback giggling as Carmen, the black kitten, mewed from her shoulder.

"Derpy you shouldn't tease her like that," Rarity scolded as she eyed the tiny ball of black fur scrambling to stay aloft on Derpy's shoulder.

"She l-l-l-likes it!" Derpy defended, scooping the kitten up and placing her on the ground, to which she immediately leapt at her leg, holding fast to the fabric of his trousers in an attempt to climb back onto her shoulder. "S-s-see?"

Rarity rolled her eyes. "I'm going to be mending more holes in your clothes than ever before."

Rainbow Dash, who had collapsed upon the heap of old mattresses that was her bed, asked again, "what's strange?"

Rarity sighed and returned to her mending. "Just…the Master's behavior, that's all."

Shortround's brow furrowed at her words. "I haven't noticed anything different…other than his renewed enthusiasm towards teaching."

Rarity shook her head. "No, it's more than that. Fluttershy's different too. She daydreams more…"

"She's a young mare," Shortrounf reasoned. "They are prone to daydream."

"How would you know?" Rainbow Dash groaned. "You grew up with monks! She's the first young mare you've ever been in close proximity with!"

Rarity cut in before the two of them could begin an argument. "The point is something has changed! Ever since the night they returned from the ball…something's different," she sighed, knowing she would not be able to concentrate on her sewing. 

Derpy's head rose as she said this. "W-w-w-what's that do you think?"

Rarity glanced at Derpy and felt color invade her cheeks as her imagination began to run away from her. "I'll tell you when you're older."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy's steps quickened as she heard Discord's swift stride come up from behind her. She could only imagine how he looked at that moment; she could feel his eyes burning through her, as well as hear his breathing. She wondered if he could hear the pounding of her heart as she quickened her pace even more.
Finally, they arrived at the music chamber, but Fluttershy did not stop till she reached the piano. Dare she turn around and look into those molten eyes? She could only imagine the darkness of his expression, which would freeze anyone from its coldness…yet for her, it made her blood run hotter. "I am ready maestro," Fluttershy softly murmured, however she let out a great gasp as she felt a very strong claw and paw  grab her by the shoulders and swing her around.

"As am I," Discord growled, before crushing his mouth over hers in a hungry desperate kiss that spoke of intense longing and need.

"Discord…" she whimpered, her hooves tangling in his hair.

Discord could only groan, his desire would forever remain ravenous for this extraordinary mare.

He would have it no other way…

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood angrily thumped his hoof along the wooden arm of the uncomfortable chair in which he was seated, his other hoof softly massaging the bridge of his nose, as if trying to call upon some ancient meditation to calm his irritated nerves.
He had once more returned to the police, only this time to see Chief Inspector Silverstar. Silverstar was seated across from him, looking rather befuddled. This expression had been on the inspector's face ever since Blueblood had mentioned the words "Phantom".

"So…you're telling me that…the old stallion's ravings are in fact…true?" Silverstar slowly asked, as if trying to piece together a giant puzzle.

"YES, DAMN IT!" Blueblood roared, the last string of his patience snapping. Silverstar practically fell backwards from his chair.

Blueblood bolted up, the hard discomfort of the chair becoming more than he could bear, and it took every ounce of will power to not pick the chair up and fling it across the room in rage. He pressed his hooves on the small table between himself and Silverstar and leaned across, a dark menacing shadow falling across his face. "The Phantom is real…I saw him with my own eyes on the night of the New Year's Eve masquerade. He was there…he is not a myth, he is not a specter, he is a flesh and blood stallion…and he lives somewhere in the Maris Opera House."

Silverstar swallowed the large nervous lump in his throat, his body shrinking back into his chair. "B-b-but, forgive me monsieur…b-b-but how can you be sure it was indeed the Phantom? It was a masquerade–"

"I KNOW WHAT IT BLOODY WAS!" Blueblood shouted, slamming his fist upon the table. "But that was NO guest, that…was…the PHANTOM!" he said through thin clipped lips. "His costume was red from head to toe, he wore a mask that looked like a skull…trust me…it was him."

Silverstar wasn't exactly sure how to respond. After all, he had always believed that the ghost stories about the Phantom of the Opera were simply that: ghost stories! Yet now, the Prince, the Maris Opera House's greatest patron, was telling him the stories were true! He was so confused; he was not sure what exactly to believe. The only thing he was sure about was that he did not wish to anger the Princefurther.

"Forgive me for asking, monsieur," Silverstar said very carefully. "But…why do you think the Phantom would show himself…now? I thought he relied upon notes to make his presence known…why suddenly reveal himself?"

Blueblood leaned away from the table, straightening his suit jacket and pulling a cigar from his the left breast pocket just inside. "I invited him," he simply said as he lit the cigar.

Silverstar's eyes widened with even more confusion. "I beg your pardon?"

Blueblood sighed and inhaled the smoke deeply. "The whole purpose of the masquerade was to bring him forth. Or, as I had suspected at the time, to reveal who the prankster was that was playing the part of 'the Phantom'," he explained. "Along with the countless notes the managers had been receiving, arrived a score…a score for a new opera."

Silverstar's brow furrowed. His wife was the opera lover, not him. However, he knew that his wife would have told him if something like a new opera was going to be performed. And as he recalled, he had received no such news. "It was believed that this score came from the Phantom then?" he asked, still being careful with his words.

"It WAS from the Phantom," Blueblood growled, exhaling a thick gray cloud of smoke in Silverstar's face. "It was the Phantom's opera! He wrote an opera that he demands to be performed before the end of the opera season," he took another long puff on the cigar. "So I set the trap, using the score as bait to draw him in. I had the managers arrange for a grand masquerade ball to take place on New Year's Eve, and at the stroke of midnight, an announcement would be made in regards to a change in the opera season," he exhaled the smoke, his eyes fixed on an invisible object, his voice sounding far off. "It seemed clever at the time…the perfect trap," he sighed and sat back down into the hard wooden chair across from Silverstar. "But the tables were turned; instead of him calling my bluff, I discovered that I, and everypony else, were calling his. He made the announcement himself about his own opera, and more or less…introduced himself to the whole world."

Silverstar was still coughing from the smoke that had been blown in his face. "So…" he paused to cough. "He told everypony that he was in fact…the Phantom?"

"NO!" Blueblood growled, turning his head away in disgust. "But he did announce that it was he that had written the opera; that the opera was going to be performed, and the rest of the season was canceled." Blueblood groaned at the memory of all the ponies he had been speaking with over the last few days; all were demanding to know what was going on and who the creature dressed as Red Death was. He had been so busy making excuses over the last few days that he had been unable to speak with Silverstar till now, practically a week after the incident.

Silverstar's brow was furrowed with confusion once more. "Monsieur, please know that I hold your opinion in highest regard," he hastily said. "I just struggle with understanding how you know that this masked stallion, who did not reveal himself as the Phantom…is in fact, the Phantom?"

Blueblood's first reaction was to shout at the stallion, to grab him by the collar of his suit and throw him against the wall before spitting the truth in his face.

But he restrained himself.

Instead, he gripped the end of the chair very tightly, while taking another long puff on the cigar, inhaling a large cloud of gray smoke before breathing it all out. "I am not a superstitious stallion…I do not fall prey to ghost stories, I do not believe in fate, and I certainly question everything I'm told, as well as everything I see," he said simply, his voice clear and even, but also low and menacing. "Since my father's time, I recall hearing tales about the so-called 'Phantom'…and I never believed them. Even after I began receiving notes signed 'O.G.', I still held to the understanding that it was someone's ill attempt at having fun. Trust me Silverstar, when I say that I am the last stallion in this world to ever believe that the Phantom of the Opera exists…and yet I have seen the damn beast with my own eyes!" he growled, throwing his cigar against the wall.

Silverstar cringed at the motion, unsure what to say or do. Calming the Prince was perhaps the best thing. "Alright, alright, this creature that you saw is the Phantom, the Phantom does exist," he reasoned. "But, forgive me," he cringed somewhat further. "I am unsure what exactly I can do…"

Blueblood's face paled; his eyes went wide with disbelief at what Silverstar had said. "You're the chief inspector! Rally your officers together and arrest him!"

"How?" Silverstar argued. "Where do I go? I know, I know, you said he lives in the opera house," he quickly cut in. "But where do I begin to look? That building is huge! I can't have my officers looking under every nook and cranny for the Phantom…why, he may not even live in the opera house! We don't truly know for sure, monsieur, and further more," he added before Blueblood could interrupt. "On what charges can I arrest him if I do find him?"

These words were almost too much. "What charges…? WHAT CHARGES?" he rose from his chair causing it to fall backward with a loud thud. "MURDER! THEFT! KIDNAPPING! ARE THOSE CHARGES WORTHY ENOUGH?" he pounded his hooves hard onto the table.

Silverstar raised his hooves, both as a sign to calm the Prince down, as well as to defend himself should the stallion become violent. "I don't know of such charges, monsieur! I mean, I have heard of…of accidents that have occurred over the years there, and the old stallion claims his daughter–"

"DAMN IT, THE PHANTOM IS REAL, HE LIVES IN THAT OPERA HOUSE, AND HE HAS FLUTTERSHY WITH HIM! I'VE SEEN HER, SHE WAS AT THE BALL! I DANCED WITH HER! AND HE TOOK HER!"

Silverstar lifted his hooves higher, praying he could bring reason back to this situation. "Monsieur, you told me this when you arrived! You told me that at the time you didn't know it was Time Turner's daughter until the Phantom took her! She was costumed, she wore a mask, and no one else has mentioned anything about the incident until now, and it's been a week since! It is not enough evidence for me to conduct a proper investigation, I am sorry!"

Blueblood was seething. He glared at the chief inspector from across the table, his eyes wild with green fire, his palms flat on the table, his jaw set and the muscles under his eyes twitching. "Mark my words, Silverstar," he hissed. "You will regret this day…" he pointed a hoof at the stallion, and then, in a great rage, grabbed the wooden table between the two of them and threw it hard against the wall, causing it to shatter into several large pieces. "REGRET IT!" he roared, before turning on his heel and stalking out.

Silverstar did not move; even after the Prince left, he remained in his chair, afraid to move.

Blueblood pushed passed anypony who was in his way and marched directly to his carriage. "Take me to the Opera House!" he barked at his driver.

The carriage driver cringed at the Prince's voice, knowing from the tone that things had not gone well. "Inspector Silverstar will not be able to help?" he carefully asked.

Blueblood simply sat back and stared ahead at an invisible target, the muscles under his eyes still twitching with anger. "Oh he'll help, I'll see to that," he vowed. "He just needs a little…persuasion…evidence to convince him to look into this matter."

The carriage driver shivered at his master's words; however it was what he said afterward that made his blood run cold. "If evidence is what he wants…I'll make sure that is what he gets…now DRIVE ON!" Blueblood roared, the carriage driver quickly scrambling to his seat and urging the horses at a quick pace to head to the Prince's destination.

Blueblood stared out the window of his carriage at the citizens of Maris; however his gaze was a thousand miles away. He was concocting a plan, a plan that would rid him of this Phantom once and for all, as well as return the beautiful Fluttershy to him once more.

He would have that Mare; she would be his in every sense of the word, she and the fortune that was going to be left to her once the Marquis Filthy Rich finally died. Nothing was going to stop him, he had never failed in a conquest before, and he wasn't going to start now.

Yes, he thought, a devious smile spreading across his hoofsome features. She would be his bride…and on their wedding day…he would have them dance on the Phantom's grave.
> Alterations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alterations

Fluttershy purred happily as she stretched her arms over her head, sighing as she remembered the delicious dream she had been having; she and Discord had made love, but prior to that, Discord had…well…he had…

Fluttershy couldn't help but blush deeply at the memory, her hoof covering the pleasured smile that spread across her face. Did she dare tell him of her dream? They had made love atop his piano! How would he react from hearing such thoughts? Would he be disgusted? She prayed he wouldn't, but she was unsure, after all, she had never imagined couples doing what…well, what they had done in her dream.

She sighed once more and stretched her arms out against the bed, and then froze as she her hooves made contact with the plush Persian pillows that adorned Discord's bed.

She was in Discord's bed!

Then…it had not been a dream?

Fluttershy felt her face grow a deeper shade of scarlet at the thought that, yes…that exquisite moment which she had thought was a dream…had actually happened!

Oh God, how could she face him? He must think her so wanton!

And then Fluttershy shook her head, feeling so foolish for her embarrassment. "Really Fluttershy, I'm sure the many times you have given yourself to him freely have long since proven that you are wanton," she muttered to herself. Still…the blush remained bright upon her cheeks.

A sweet haunting melody filled the chamber and Fluttershy lifted her head, hearing the warm rich tones of Discord's organ reverberate off the stone walls. She rose from the bed, taking Discord's dressing gown and wrapping it around her body, before emerging into the music chamber.

Discord was at his organ, dressed in a plain white linen shirt and black trousers. He was hunched over the instrument, playing several notes before pausing to pick up his pen and write a few words on a piece of parchment. She stood silently in the entryway and watched as his paw and claw skillfully danced across the organ keys with such grace. As he played, he would softly hum to the music, now and then breaking into song.

"…silently the senses…abandon their defenses…" he softly sang, nodding his head as if agreeing with somepony that yes, these words were suitable. The tune was so haunting and so beautiful; in fact, Fluttershy could have sworn she had heard it once before…

Fluttershy hugged the robe ever closer around her body, sighing as she watched her lover and Phantom perform his art perfectly. Her eyes softly began to drift shut as both the cords from the organ and DIscord's voice wove around her like a spider weaving its silken web.

"Slowly, gently,
night unfurls its splendor…
Grasp it, sense it–
tremulous and tender…
Turn your face away from the garish light of day–"

The music was having such a hypnotic effect on Fluttershy that she had completely lost her balance! In a last attempt to keep from falling, she grasped the velvet curtains that were drawn at the entryway which separated DIscord's bedchamber from his music chamber, but it was all in vain, for she was toppling over, squealing as the curtains came down with her.

Discord whirled around at the sound, completely startled by Fluttershy's presence. It was very rare that Discord was taken unawares. There on the floor, lay the velvet curtains with a rather large lump beneath them. The lump attempted to scramble to her feet as well as push the fabric off her, yet it seemed that Fluttershy only became tangled further. She was cursing at this point, a very unmarelike thing to do–which DIscord could not help but grin at.

"Perhaps you are the true 'Phantom', mademoiselle?" Discord asked, his grin spreading even further as he heard Fluttershy grumble at his words. "I confess you do look more like a ghost than I…" he teased, before approaching and kneeling before the curtain-covered lump. "Would you care for some assistance?"

Fluttershy finally managed to find an opening and freed her head, giving Discord a most filthy look. "I can manage fine on my own, thank you," she snapped, before attempting to stand which was proving to be more difficult than she had thought.

Discord bit back the laugh that threatened to escape and immediately helped her up; ignoring the dirty looks she kept sending his way. "Thank you," she muttered, to which he gave a rather elegant, yet teasing bow.

"My pleasure as always," he murmured, the teasing in his voice dying down as he took in the sight of her. Her hair was deliciously tangled, her cheeks had a fresh rosy hue, and she was wearing his dressing gown which only reminded him of the delectable body that lay underneath. The fire in him began to burn once more at the memory of her flesh…

Fluttershy's skin tingled at the way Discord looked at her. She blushed once more as the memory of their past lovemaking returned. "That music was beautiful," she squeaked, before quickly coughing to regain composure to her voice. It was hard to have composure when DIscord undressed her with his sensuous eyes.

He smiled at her compliment and took a step back, although it took every ounce of willpower he had. "Thank you," he whispered, before gathering the music together and placing it in a leather-bound folder.

Fluttershy's brow furrowed at the rather hasty way he was hiding the music. "Oh! No, I did not mean that you had to stop playing!" she implored, coming to his side to rest her hoof atop his paw. "Please, continue, I would love to hear more–"

"Hush," Discord whispered, moving his paw to cover her lips. "It is not ready yet, but all in good time," he smiled, before placing the folder on a pile of parchment that lay next to the organ. "Besides, we have much work to do, it can not be denied that you are rather…behind on your lessons…" he murmured silkily, his eyes burning into hers with a knowledge that only the two of them shared.

Fluttershy felt her face grow hot. Indeed, this whole week during their rehearsals they had not touched one single piece of music. They had been otherwise…occupied. "I do not recall you protesting to the use of our time," Fluttershy teased, despite the deep flush that covered her cheeks.

Discord could not help but grin, and reached out for her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her down onto his lap. "I would be a fool if I did," he growled, his lips finding hers and kissing them softly. Fluttershy moaned against his mouth and opened hers to invite him in, but he reluctantly withdrew his lips much to the disappointment of both of them. "There is a matter of great importance that I wish to discuss with you," he sighed, his claw gently brushing a few stray waves from her face.

Fluttershy's eyes grew wide at the seriousness of his tone. Had something happened? Was it about her father? No, if something had happened to her father, she was sure Discord would have told her immediately. "Go on," she insisted, preparing herself for the news.

Discord gently reached over and squeezed her hoof before reaching for a piece of blank parchment. "I have been thinking about…what you said about Aminta…" he began, "about why she would not betray Don Juan."

Fluttershy remained silent as he spoke, but her heart was pounding wildly at what he could mean. He looked down at her gave a sad soft smile. "Perhaps you were right…perhaps I was writing about Pinkamena, that I was angry with her and wanted to release the pain she had caused me in some way…" he sighed. "But all that's changed now…" he looked up into Fluttershy's eyes, amazed at how deep, at how innocent, and at how blue they were. "Ever since I heard you sing so many nights ago, I knew that I had found my Aminta…but what I hadn't realized was that at the same time…I had discovered who Aminta really is…"

Fluttershy's breath caught in her throat as Discord lifted her hoof and softly brushed his odd-shapen lips across her knuckles. "Do you remember the first time we were on the roof?" he whispered, looking into her eyes, still amazed at the love he saw in them. Fluttershy smiled and quietly nodded her head. "I remember it very clearly," he whispered. "The words you said to me about how I could not judge all mares based solely upon Pinkamena's actions. That when you love a stallion, you would love him wholly and fully…" his paw moved to catch a tear that was slowly sliding down Fluttershy's cheek. "Indeed…you have proven to me that you are a most unique mare, Fluttershy," he murmured, his voice filled with awe.

Fluttershy smiled at his words but her eyes darted away, feeling somewhat unworthy of such praise. But she felt Discord's strong paw cup her chin and draw her tear filled gaze back to his. "Do not hide from me angel," he whispered, his paw moving to wipe away the tears that had escaped.

Fluttershy blushed and smiled at him, shaking her head and moving her hooves to wipe her face, feeling foolish for crying, but she couldn't help it; in all her life she had never imagined she would experience such passion, that her heart would burn for another the way it did for this creature. And this was a creature, who once upon a time she had despised, but that was all forgotten; now she couldn't imagine feeling anything for him other than love.

Discord smiled and thought how unusual it was that he was doing just that…smiling. Truly, not since this mare came into his life had he ever really smiled before. He wasn't sure what he had done to win God's favor or God's forgiveness, but he was eternally grateful for this mare to have trespassed into his world so many months ago.

"You tell me that you love me–"

"I do love you," Fluttershy declared, her hoof moving to touch his own that lay against her cheek. She moved her lips to his palm and placed the softest of kisses against it. Discord groaned inwardly at the gesture, his heart swelling with love and his body yearning to feel hers once more.

"I believe you," he assured, although he was still amazed. She could tell him every second of every day for the rest of his life that she loved him…he would never ceased to be amazed. "I don't understand why," he sighed, "but I believe you when you tell me that you love me…and…" he looked deeply into her eyes and felt his amazement double. "…I can see it in your eyes, the love you speak. This is why…I'm changing my opera."

Fluttershy's eyes widened at these words and her mouth fell open as if to speak, but no noise came out. Discord could not help but chuckle at the look on her face, his paw moving to her chin to close her mouth. "I didn't think it was going to be that surprising," he teased.

"Do you mean…when you say you're changing your opera…you mean…Aminta and Don Juan…they…they will…" she was too flabbergasted to finish, and a part of her needed to hear him say the words, to tell her that this was real.

"Yes," he assured, his heart warming at the smile that spread across her face from his words. "I am going to change the ending; your Aminta will return to Don Juan not as a mare who betrayed him…but as a mare who still loves him…despite the horrific scars that disfigure his body and soul," he murmured softly, his eyes moving away from hers. Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest Discord's meaning, but he quickly continued, not wishing to dwell on the topic. "This is where I need your help, my dear."

Fluttershy was taken aback by his words. "M-m-my help?"

"Yes," Discord said matter-of-factly, reluctantly removing her from his lap to sit beside him, and reaching for a clean piece of parchment and setting it before them. "The ending needs to change obviously, and I want your advice on how you best think it should be handled. Now I have a few ideas, such as a grave misunderstanding, or perhaps Aminta's hoofsome lover filling her head with lies to lure her away from Don Juan…actually I rather like that one, what do you think?"

Fluttershy stared at him, her mouth falling open once more, but no sound was coming out like the last time. DIscord cocked one black eyebrow at her expression. "I confess, that was not the ending I was thinking, but I'm sure there's some way we can work it in."

Fluttershy quickly closed her mouth and gave his shoulder a playful shove, which naturally had no effect on him whatsoever. "You're serious? You wish…you wish for me to help you with changing the ending of your opera?"

Discord shrugged his shoulders as if it were the most general question anyone should ever ask him. "Of course, you are my star as well as my muse, and I greatly value your opinion when it comes to music…after all, you did improve that one song of Aminta's, and you did promise me to never hold back your thoughts when it comes to music, did you not?"

"Well yes, but…" she stared at him, truly amazed at the change in this stallion. Oh he still knew how to be tall, dark, and brooding, but…something had changed within him, something that seemed to melt the icy exterior that was wrapped about him like the black silken cape he always wore. "You really want to change the ending…a-and you're not simply doing this because of me, a-a-are you?"

Discord smiled at her question but shook his head. "I would be lying to tell you that a part of me isn't doing it because of you…but this is my own decision Fluttershy…I see now what you had been saying all this time, and I agree…Aminta would never betray Don Juan."

Fluttershy couldn't help herself, she gave a happy cry and threw her arms around Discord's neck, surprising her Phantom tremendously, but a surprise at which he welcomed, wrapping his own strong arms around her and hugging her tightly to him. "No she would not DIscord," she happily cried, letting the joyful tears spring forth. "She loves him…just as much as I love you…" she sniffled, blushing and grinning all at once. "And I would be honored to help you in any way that I can."

Discord smiled at the beautiful mare before him, his paw tenderly running over her tear-stained cheeks. "Thank you," he murmured, his own voice filled with emotion. It was a "thank you" with many meanings…and DIscord meant every single one of them.

"So," he cleared his throat, gaining control of his emotions once more. "Do you have any suggestions for an ending?"

Fluttershy quickly wiped her eyes and regained composure of her emotions once more. "I think for the sake of the story that it would make the most sense to have a misunderstanding caused by Aminta's hoofsome young lover."

Discord nodded his head and dipped his pen into the inkwell beside the organ. "Do you have any more suggestions?" he inquired, while writing a few notes down on the parchment.

Fluttershy blushed as a knowing smile spread across her face. "Write them a song, Discord," she pleaded.

Discord lifted his head and cocked another eyebrow at her. "Don Juan and Aminta's young lover?"

"No!" Fluttershy groaned, once again shoving Discord's shoulders to which he grinned. "A song for Don Juan and Aminta! At the end of the opera, when they are together again…a…a love song," she whispered, blushing but smiling happily at her masked lover.

"Ever the romantic," he teased, but the smile he gave her told her that he liked her idea very much. "Very well then, I shall compose a song for them…but I will still need your assistance. Your knowledge of gothic romance can help with the lyrics."

Fluttershy grinned and eagerly sat up, her back straight like a good student, prepared to help her mentor and lover in any way that she could. "I am ready, maestro."

Discord smiled; he couldn't help but find her eagerness charming. "Then let us begin…"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, what you're telling me is…it was all a stunt of some sort?"

Flim simply nodded his head at the newspaperpony who sat across from him, a fake smile plastered to his face.

The newspaperpony seemed distraught by this news, his brow crinkled with confusion. "Madame Sapphire Shores has always been a reliable source when it comes to news in Marisian society and the arts. I just can't believe she'd be wrong about something like this…"

"Yes, well, it did seem rather…realistic, to say the least," Flim sighed, forever holding his smile. "But that is why we are one of the best opera companies in the world! We have the greatest actors."

"But I understand that the Prince was threatened–"

"Come now, monsieur, do you truly think we would allow any harm to come to our highest paying patron? The Prince is a business stallion, he saw this as an opportunity to help raise ticket sales."

The newspaperpony eyed Flim suspiciously before sighing and closing his briefcase. "Very well, I thank you, monsieur, for taking your time to answer my questions. I must say, no offense of course, but I am rather disappointed that this whole story of 'The Phantom' is nothing more than a publicity stunt. Stories of murder and gore always sell better. Ah well," he sighed before picking up his hat. "Good day then."

"Yes, good day," Flim replied, his smile never fading as he held the office door open for the newspaperpony.

Just at that moment, Flam came rushing in, his face red from whatever sprint he had just completed. "FLIM! GOOD GOD THIS IS THE WORST NEWS EVER! I'VE JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTE, WAIT TILL YOU–"

"FLAM!" Flim practically shouted, grabbing hold of his partner's shoulders and giving the stallion a good hard shake. "I don't believe you've met Monsieur Flash Bulb, he's with the NEWSPAPER," Flim said very crisply and clearly.

Flam's face immediately paled as he slowly turned to acknowledge the stallion who was staring up at him with wide uneasy eyes. "Oh! Oh good afternoon, monsieur!" Flam greeted warmly, his face adopting a smile similar to Flim's. "I beg your pardon, I did not mean to intrude, I um…that is…well you see, it's just awful, I was coming to tell Flim that I have just received a note from one of our dear patrons who sadly has taken ill."

Flim's smile remained steadfast, while inside he wanted to throttle Flam for his ill attempt at lying.

The newspaperpony eyed Flam with great suspicion before asking, "Which patron may I ask?"

"I'm afraid we can not speak of such things, monsieur, I apologize!" Flim practically pushed the stallion out the office door. "We must keep the confidentiality of our patrons, you understand! Yes, well, my business partner and I have much…um…"

"Business!" Flam piped up.

"Yes! Business, we have much business to go over…to um…to prepare for our next…performance." Flim wanted to crawl into a hole and die right at that moment.

The newspaperpony tried to turn to ask them further questions. "Which opera? When shall it be performed?"

"You'll just have to buy a ticket to find out!" Flam declared, before pushing the stallion entirely out of the office and slamming the door before he could ask anything further.

Both managers collapsed into the nearest chairs at that point. "Goodness," Flim groaned, his hooves massaging his cheekbones which ached from smiling. "I never thought he'd leave…damn Madame Sapphire Shores and her big expensive mouth," he cursed.

"Madame Sapphire Shores sent him?" Flam asked, his hooves pointing in the direction where the newspaperpony had been standing.

Flim nodded his head. "Yes, and yesterday it was somepony who had heard news from Monsieur Arpeggio, and the day before that from Madame Pearl," he groaned as he recalled how many reporters had come in that week, each wanting to know whether the Opera House was truly canceling its season, and who the stallion dressed as Red Death was. And Flim was beginning to run out of excuses.

"What are we going to do, Flam?" the older manager groaned, his hooves rising to rub his throbbing temples. "It's amazing we've been able to keep the papers silent for this long! But with so many tattling witnesses, and with a company that's frightened beyond all belief to perform–"

"Goodness, I almost forgot," Flam gasped, before thrusting the note he had been waving about earlier into Flim's face. "This is the last straw Flim, by God, it's the last straw!"

The older manager frowned at the note and quickly removed it from Flam's shaking hooves. Truth be told, he did not want to open it. Instead, he wanted to thrust it into the fireplace and let it burn along with the other notes they had been receiving that week.

But he didn't dare; ever since Red Death's appearance at the ball, Flim was far less skeptical about the so-called Phantom of the Opera.

"I'm not going to like this, am I?" Flim groaned, opening the letter to read its horrid contents. Flam was already on his hooves, pacing the office like a caged animal. Flim's eyes, which had been narrow as he began reading the note, slowly widened with shock and horror at what was before him. He looked up at the younger manager, his mouth agape and his face pale.

"Yes," Flam groaned, shaking his head sadly. "Yes, that is what it is…a casting list!" he shouted out of sheer frustration, picking up a small vase filled with flowers and throwing it against the wall.

Flim jumped from the outburst and quickly rose to his feet. "Will you get a hold of yourself!" he hissed at his partner, praying that no one would come and inquire after the noise.

"GET A HOLD OF MYSELF? FLIM…HE'S MADE A BLOODY CASTING LIST! HE'S CHOSEN WHO WILL PLAY WHOM IN THIS…THIS…SHIT OF AN OPERA!"

Flim flinched at the words and without a second thought reached out and slapped the other stallion hard across the face. "Will you be quiet?" he hissed again. "The last thing we need is…well…" he glanced at the walls around them, "more reasons for him to send us into financial ruin!"

Flam had been stunned by Flim's reaction to his outburst; however it did allow him to gain some composure which had fleeted him for those moments. "What are we going to do? If she finds out about this…oh God almighty…" Flam groaned, quickly crossing himself. "We're ruined Flim! Truly, this Phantom will–no, is ruining us!"

Flim wanted to respond with a hopeful answer, with something that sounded both calm as well as brilliant, but he was at a complete loss. And this casting list was simply the tip of a very large and very destructive iceberg.

"I mean, do we dare comply? We have to do something! The company is beginning to talk!" Flam panicked. "You know it's only a matter of time before one of them goes to the newspapers! And what are we going to do about this opera? We can't go through with it!"

"Of course you can."

Flam stared at Flim, astounded that his partner would say such a thing. But he realized then that it was not Flim who spoke, and turned his head towards the door to where the voice had come.

"MONSIEUR!" both managers exclaimed, a fleeting sense of hope filling them as they gazed at the Prince who stood before them.

"Oh thank Goodness you are here!"

"We've been battling reporters all week!"

"–have no idea what to tell the company–"

"–Fleur is going out of her mind!"

Blueblood sighed and raised his hooves to silence both managers. They instantly complied. "Gentlecolts, indeed we have much to discuss…but this is hardly…" he too glanced around the room suspiciously, "…the proper place for such a conversation. Come."

The two stallions stared at the retreating figure of the Prince before quickly grabbing their coats and hats and immediately following their patron. Blueblood led them to his carriage and had the driver take them to his club. As it was the middle of the day, the club that Blueblood attended was practically empty, save for a few gentlecolts. It was the perfect place to discuss business matters…and far away from invisible eyes and ears.

Blueblood found a quiet table away from any other prying eyes, ordered a bottle of champagne, and immediately lit a cigar. "Well, let's get to it," he muttered, deeply inhaling the cigar's smoky calmness. The managers glanced at one another and then both of them, once again, burst out at the same time with their problems.

"–we've been receiving notes all week!"

"–company is in an uproar–"

"–running out of excuses–"

"GENTLECOLTS!" Blueblood bellowed, before immediately lowering his voice. "One at a time!" he hissed. "I too have been dealing with questions all week. Like you, I too have been using whatever excuse I can think of…and like you, I'm beginning to run out."

Flam practically whimpered. "If you can't help us, monsieur, who can?"

"Calm yourself!" both Blueblood and Flim hissed, especially as their champagne had just arrived. The bottle was uncorked and the glasses were poured, but no one moved to take a drink. Blueblood took a long puff on his cigar and blew the smoke into the air over the managers' heads. He eyed them both, and feeling that Flam had at last gotten a hold of his nerves, quietly asked, "you said you received notes?"

Both stallions shivered and groaned in agony at the question. "Yes," Flim muttered. "The day after the ball, we received a note filled with instructions for how to direct his opera! Said he would be 'watching in from time to time' to make sure we did things the way he wanted!"

"He's sent threats too!" Flam hissed. "Threats that would make your blood run cold!"

Blueblood remained calm. "For example?"

"Scandals! Thievery! Even…" his voice was barely above a whisper, "murder."

Blueblood cocked an eyebrow at this. So the Phantom was still using the same playing card, still threatening lives should his demands not be met? Perfect. It all played into Blueblood's hooves even more. To get Silverstar's attention, he needed a murder or some sort of tragedy to befall somepony at the opera house…someone that could potentially cause great scandal. He looked at Flam and wondered if Silverstar would investigate should the younger manager reach an untimely end.

"Monsieur?" Flam asked, noticing the distant look in the Prince's eyes. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Blueblood muttered, waking from his trance. "What other notes have you received?"

Flim sighed and began counting them off. "The conductor, Madam Octavia, received her own copy of the score, along with a note that demanded the replacement of the third trombone, not to mention an extra bassoon," he groaned.

"Notes on costume design, set decoration, lighting, props–" Flam added.

"Not to mention the note about sacking half of the chorus," Flim grumbled.

Flam's eyes widened with realization. "OH! Madame Luna even received a note!"

Blueblood's eyebrows rose at this news. "Really? And did she too receive threats?"

Flam's face fell at that. "Well…no, simply that she needed to instruct the dancers in Spanish dances."

"Interesting," Blueblood muttered. Despite what she said, Blueblood knew deep in his bones that Madame Luna knew more about the Phantom than she was letting on. Once he thought the mare to be the hoof that penned the infamous notes; now he believed her to be an accomplice to the caped menace that haunted the opera house. "And Fleur de Lis?" he inquired.

Both stallions looked at one another and groaned painfully. "She is threatening to leave…again," Andre muttered.

"And she demands that the season continues, as she has her heart set on playing the Countess in 'Il Muto'," Flim grumbled. "She glanced at the score for 'Don Juan' and called it garbage. She won't sing it, she doesn't care if we lose every penny!"

"Well, that won't be a problem now, will it?" Flam muttered with great sarcasm.

Blueblood's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Flam sighed and without another word, simply handed the Prince the letter he had received earlier that day. Blueblood took the note and began reading, his brow furrowing all the more. "What is this?"

"A casting list," Flim explained. "He's gone ahead and chosen the cast for his opera."

Blueblood studied the list carefully. "Fancypants will play Don Juan, hardly a surprise at that…but the role of Aminta, the lead female…it's left blank."

Both managers groaned once more, and Flam took hold of his champagne glass and downed the contents in one gulp. "Read on monsieur, you'll see…"

Blueblood cocked another eyebrow. "Surely Fleur de Lis would be playing the lead–"

"Read on," both managers instructed.

Blueblood sighed and did just that, reading down the cast list, many of the names meaning nothing to him as they were all members of the chorus, however his eyes stopped as one name filled his vision. "Fleur de Lis is cast as…Gypsy #2?" he practically choked.

"GYPSY #2!" both managers wailed in agony.

"It's a role of such insignificance that even chorus nobodies are casted higher!" Flam groaned. "You know how she can be monsieur, when she finds out–"

"She won't find out!" Flim hissed at his partner. "We're not going to do this…this filth!"

Blueblood, now fully recovered from the shock of the casting, calmly exhaled a large gray cloud from his lips. "Of course you are, don't be a fool Flim."

Flim froze as if he had been stabbed through the heart. "I…I b-b-beg your pardon, monsieur?"

Blueblood handed the note back to Flam who was looking just as stunned. "You heard the Phantom's orders…we're performing this opera and canceling the rest of the season. Why look so surprised? I told you after the ball that we were going along with his plan."

Now both managers were staring at the Prince with wide eyes and even wider mouths. True, they both remembered how Blueblood had informed them the night of the masquerade that they would perform the Phantom's opera, however they had simply believed he was still suffering from the severe blow on the head the Phantom had given him.

They were at a complete loss for words, just the way BLueblood preferred them. "I know I have long been the cynic of our business venture," he sighed, taking a sip of his champagne. "But I will admit when I'm wrong…and I was wrong about the Phantom; well, partially wrong. After all, he is not a ghost, that much…" he recalled how the villain had gripped him by the neck and lifted him off the ground, "…we can be certain," he muttered.

Flim finally closed his mouth and attempted to make sense of this new situation. "Am I to understand then…that you actually WANT us to…to put on this production?"

Blueblood smiled and took another deep puff from his cigar. "Exactly."

Flim blinked several times before speaking again. "I beg your pardon monsieur, but…ARE YOU MAD?"

Flam reached out and slapped Flim hard across the face, something he had been wanting to do for some time. Flim sat back, stunned by the gesture as well as Blueblood's revelation that they would be performing Don Juan Triumphant.

"Thank you, Flam," Blueblood muttered. "And no, Flim, allow me to explain and you will see how wise a decision this is." Content that he had both managers full attention, he continued. "So it appears our Phantom fellow is real. Therefore, so are his threats. If there is a story of a murder that he has committed, we can only assume it is true."

"A mad stallion…a mad stallion living somewhere in our opera house!" Flam hissed.

Flim turned to the Prince. "Surely the police will–"

"No," Blueblood coldly replied.

Both stallions stared at Blueblood with absolute horror. "The police won't help?"

Blueblood shook his head, still fuming over the conversation he had had with Silverstar. "They need more proof than stories or letters to conduct a proper investigation. We are completely on our own, gentlecolts," he sighed, taking another sip of his champagne.

"Good God," Flam whispered. "He's right Flim…we have no choice! We'll have to perform the opera if we wish to avoid…any sort of scandal!"

Flim shook off Flam's clinging hooves that were gripping his arm. "Monsieur," he said turning his attention back to Blueblood. "I have looked over the opera…and it's ludicrous! Complete lunacy! Why, even Madam Octavia says it's impossible to conduct, the cords go every which way, the music is off key–"

"Sounds rather…modern," Blueblood sighed, exhaling the smoke from his cigar.

"Exactly! Extremely modern, monsieur! The reviews will crucify us!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes at Flim's hysterics. "Since when do you care about reviews? It's the money that matters! The profit we make from tickets, not reviews! Those reviews would matter more to the composure, and if he doesn't like them, let him haunt the bloody newspaper."

Flam bit his lip at the mention of tickets. "What will our patrons think, monsieur? If we do this opera and cancel the rest of the season, they'll surely demand their money back!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes again. "Obviously you both know nothing about the aristocracy or the delightful selling power of social gossip," he grinned. "Say nothing to the papers, say nothing to your patrons. Should anypony approach you about what is going on at the opera house, simply reply that 'you are hard at work for the next production', and nothing more. Rumors will begin to fly of course, and instead of ticket sales dropping…they will rise. People will want to know what is going on! Why is nothing being said? And then, when the time is right, make your announcement that you will be premiering a brand new opera! Dazzle them by letting them think they are an honored group to see this first hoof before anyone else. Say nothing about Fleur de Lis, in fact, say nothing at all about it. Don't even mention the Phantom! Simply let rumors be what they want to be. Those who insist on remembering the wretched events from the masquerade may continue to do so, while others will most likely have forgotten by that point. But trust me, my dear managers…we will not lose one penny if we are smart."

The Prince's words were somewhat reassuring; after all, they could see the logic behind them. However, there was still one more serious matter to discuss. "What of Fleur de Lis?" Flim whispered, dreading having to say the mare's name at all.

Blueblood was drinking his champagne when Flim mentioned her name. He quickly downed the remaining contents of his glass. "Leave her to me," he sighed, although it was more of an irritated groan.

"But…what about this…this 'Aminta'?" Flam asked. He opened the letter again and pointed to a note that the Phantom had written in the corner. "Says here that he will cast her part in due time, that we should not worry about it. Fleur de Lis will definitely take notice when we have no female lead at rehearsals!"

Blueblood's brow furrowed at the side note he had not seen earlier. Why would the blasted Phantom take so much time to cast everyone but the role of Aminta? What did he mean by waiting?

…and then it slowly occurred to him.

"Fluttershy," he whispered.

"Fluttershy?" Flim asked. "Wasn't she Fleur's costume mare?" he asked, looking to Flam for an answer.

"Yes…I remember her now, the daughter of our elusive violinist," the younger manager muttered. "Fleur de Lis had her fired, and we never saw the old stallion again. What made you think of her, monsieur?" Flam asked Blueblood.

Blueblood crumpled the note, an evil jealous glare shadowing his eyes. "He has her…he intends to cast her in the role of Aminta."

"What?" both managers gasped. "Surely you're mistaken, why…why would the Phantom have Mademoiselle Fluttershy?"

Blueblood grabbed the champagne bottle and quickly refilled his glass. "She was at the masquerade. I danced with her. It all adds up. After Fleur de Lis fired her, she went missing! According to the mare who rented the apartment out to the mare and her father, neither of them was seen again since the morning of the opening gala! Don't you see? She's been in the Phantom's clutches all this time!"

The managers paled at this news, however they did find it rather hard to swallow. "You say you danced with her?" Flim inquired.

Blueblood gulped down the contents of his glass. "Yes," he rasped. "The mare in the golden gown…that was her. She was attempting to escape, I'm sure of it. But the bastard…" he growled. "He stopped us and took her!"

"My God," Flam gasped. "That poor mare! Who knows what horrors she's had to put up with all this time!"

Flim was still skeptical. "What makes you think the Phantom intends for Mademoiselle Fluttershy to play the part? Can the mare even sing?"

Blueblood did not know the answer to that question, but something deep within his soul told him that this was the Phantom's true intention. "It's her…I know it's her, why else would he have kept her alive all this time other than to use her for some diabolical scheme?"

Both managers shivered at the thought of what the young mare must have gone–must be going through, in the depths of the opera house as a prisoner of the Phantom. However, Flim found himself still confused by the whole idea. "Why do you think she went with him so willingly then?"

Blueblood's head snapped up. "What?"

"W-w-well," Flim swallowed. "Of course she was trying to escape, as you said, by disguising herself at the ball…but…why then, did she go so willingly with him when he took her from your side?"

"SHE DID NOT GO WILLINGLY WITH HIM!" Blueblood roared, rising to his hooves and caring not for who looked at them. "SHE HAD NO CHOICE OF COURSE! SHE HAD BEEN CAUGHT, SHE HAD TO GO WITH HIM, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK SHE WENT WILLINGLY? WHAT MAKES YOU THINK SHE'D LEAVE WITH HIM INSTEAD OF ME IF SHE HAD THE CHOICE?"

Both stallions had shrunk back in their chairs by the force of the Prince's roar. "I'm sorry, monsieur! I truly did not mean to offend!" Flim whimpered like a frightened dog. "Of course, you're right, she had no choice, she had to go with him, and she was trying to escape but could not."

Blueblood looked satisfied by this acknowledgement, and quickly calmed himself, smoothing the wrinkles out of his jacket from the outburst. "Of course," he replied rather calmly, although his whole body was shaking from the rage that still brewed within him. "If my suspicions are correct, then Mademoiselle Fluttershy will return to us…however it won't be for some time, no doubt she will not be released till close to opening night."

"How…how can we rehearse without a leading female?" Flam carefully asked, not wanting to evoke the Prince's wrath.

Blueblood shrugged his shoulders. "That is not my concern," he took another gulp of champagne. "But we do this…perform his opera, follow his instructions to the letter, and act as if his wrath truly frightens us–"

Both managers exchanged glances with one another. They would not have to act very hard.

"–then his guard will be down, and that is when we will STRIKE!" he hissed, pounding his hoof down upon the table, causing the glasses to shake.

The managers couldn't help but jump at this motion. "Go on…" Flim whispered.

"I'll think of some way to get the police there," he muttered. "But it is without a doubt, he will be there to see his so-called masterpiece performed."

"Yes!" Flam exclaimed. "And we'll be certain the doors are barred!"

"And certain our stallions are armed!" Flim added.

"Indeed!" Blueblood proclaimed. "And when the curtain falls…so will he!"

"Brilliant, monsieur, brilliant!" both stallions exclaimed, lifting their glasses to toast their patron. Blueblood couldn't help but grin at their gesture, a haughty smile spreading across his hoofsome face.

"Um…begging your pardon, monsieur," a waiter interrupted, standing beside their table, holding a tray in one hoof. Blueblood frowned at the stallion, but his frown deepened even further as his gaze fell upon the note that lay on the tray. "This just arrived for you," the waiter explained, offering the note to the Prince.

Blueblood took the note very reluctantly and felt his blood turn to ice at the familiar red skull seal that adorned the parchment. Without another word or glance at his managers, he ripped the seal open and began to read the letter at once.

My dear Prince,

I am pleased to hear that you have finically agreed to see my opera performed. It pleases me to know that an esteemed patron of my opera house is so eager to provide support to the arts.

The letter was dripping with sarcasm.

Since you are showing such eagerness to seeing this production take flight, then no doubt you will work hard to see my needs met. It would be of a great service that you stay clear of the young ladies of the company, both dancers and singers (this of course excludes La Fleur de Lis, as she is no mare but rather an over-zealous cow), as they have much work to accomplish to be ready for the opening night. In fact, it would probably be for the best that you stay away from the opera house entirely. Let somepony who knows something about music handle the production; a patron's job is simply to provide financial support, therefore your place is in an office, not the arts. Oh, and one more thing…

Blueblood's eyes were tiny green slits as he read the last lines of the letter.

Since you are going out of your way to see my needs met, then you will understand that I am in need of a box for the opening night. I must confess, I do rather enjoy the view from your seat, Box Five…so thank you for being so understanding in this matter.

Respectfully, O.G.

That was the last straw.

"What did it say, monsieur?" Flam asked, biting his lip and praying that the Prince would not explode, although he did look ready to commit murder.

"YOU!" BLueblood bellowed to the waiter who had delivered the letter. "Who gave this to you?"

The waiter was startled. "I…I don't know, monsieur, the doorpony gave it to me, said a black carriage delivered it, but that's all I know, I swear."

"A black carriage?" Flim whispered. "Good God, it couldn't be, could it?"

"Who else could it be!" Flam gasped. "He must have heard us! He must have been watching us! How else could he have sent that note here?"

"Flam, I swear if you do not get a hold of yourself…" Blueblood muttered in a most deadly tone. The younger manager quickly shut his mouth. "Fine," Blueblood muttered through clipped lips. "I'll play his game, I'll let him believe he has the upper hoof over this situation and that he can get away with ordering us about," he grasped his champagne glass tightly and downed its contents in a matter of seconds. "But in the end…the disaster will be his."
> Concern
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Concern

Discord laid on his back, panting deeply, as the beauty that had been sitting above him collapsed against his chest, slick with perspiration from their lovemaking. God, he would never tire of this or cease to be amazed by this incredible mare.

Fluttershy purred happily as she felt Discord's warm arms entwine around her, his paw and claw running lazy circles across her naked back. This was pure heaven, truly. All her life, she had never imagined that the creature she would give her heart to, and who would love her in return, would resemble one of the romantic figures of her dark gothic novels. Never had she envisioned the hero of her dreams to be a creature in a mask, casting his seductive spells over her with the power of his voice. And never…never had she imagined she would respond so eagerly to his passion.

Discord gazed at her and felt himself amazed once more, only now his heart swelled as he saw the love she had for him reflecting in the beautiful blue pools of her eyes. His paw tenderly brushed a few mussed waves from her face, and he held his breath as he took in her beauty, her love, and her happiness. Was it possible that he, an ugly, horrifying, murdering monster, could cause such happiness, could inspire such love and passion? Never in his whole life had he believed such love, such beauty, could be his. And yet here she was, in his bed, in his arms, gazing at him with longing and desire. What was he going to do? How could he ever let her go?

"Discord?" Fluttershy whispered, her voice drawing his attention back once more. One of her small hooves was gently caressing the unmasked side of his face, and Discord could not help but lean into the touch.

"You make it impossible to stay focused my dear," he sighed, his voice teasing as his eyes caught hers once more.

Fluttershy smiled at his words, but a part of her could not help but feel a little worried. She could tell something had bothered him in that faraway gaze he had just had. It was a worry that she too had been secretly harboring…

"As much as I would love to spend the whole day like this…I feel it would be wise that we resume our lessons," he sighed, slowly rising from the bed and reaching for his dressing gown.

Fluttershy blushed and bit her lip as she felt Discord's body slip away from hers. She grasped the edges of the Persian blankets that adorned the bed and wrapped them tightly around her naked body, although not even the soft warmth of the blankets could entirely hold off the chill she was suddenly feeling. "Discord…is…is everything alright?" she asked, her voice soft, as if she could keep the worry out of it by speaking softly.

Discord glanced at her, his brow furrowed by her question. "Why do you ask?"

Fluttershy looked down at her lap, a part of her dreading to ask this question. "I understand the managers are agreeing to perform the opera…"

"Yes,"Discord answered shortly, still curious as to what was bothering her. "They have finally seen reason and must follow through with my instructions in order to avoid any sort of scandal with their ticket-holders."

Fluttershy looked up, worry etched across her face. "Does it not seem strange to you that they simply agreed? They have been fighting it for so long, and then suddenly, they are in agreement?"

"What are you trying to say Fluttershy?" Discord asked, his eyes narrowing. He could not help it that his tone sounded somewhat cold. The very thing he did not want to comprehend was upon him, however he had worked over half of his life on this opera. "My dear," he sighed, softening his tone, and coming towards the bed and sitting opposite of her. "Why don't you just say what's in your heart…you have never held back from me before, why is now so hard to speak your mind?

Fluttershy looked into his eyes and felt a smile slowly spread across her face. However it was a smile that contained sorrow. "I worry for you Discord…I worry that these stallions are plotting something."

Discord couldn't help but chuckle somewhat at her words. "Flim and Flam are too stupid to plot my demise, if that is what's bothering you."

Fluttershy didn't like it when Discord laughed at her worry for him, or when he threw caution to the wind. "Do not be so arrogant! You have said so yourself, the Prince hates you! And I fear that after you embarrassed him at the masquerade, he will stop at nothing to seek his revenge!"

Discord frowned at these words. "Your faith in me, my dear, is overwhelming," he muttered with pure sarcasm, rising from the bed and walking away.

Fluttershy groaned and quickly rose, clasping the blankets to her body. "I do not lack faith in you! I know you are clever, far cleverer than he, but I do not think it is so wise to simply disregard carefulness! He is the sort of person who will behave irrationally over the most irrational things, surely you realize that!"

Discord stood in the entryway between his bedchamber and the music chamber, his head turned just slightly to look over his shoulder. "He is the one who should be taking care," he whispered. "All of them…but especially him. He was lucky that I chose to spare him the night of the ball. That public display of embarrassment was a warning; if he is wise, he will stay away from the opera house."

Fluttershy stood just behind Discord, her small hooves reaching out to his arm. "But that is my worry, he is not wise Discord, how could he be? No pony is wise when vengeance clouds the brain."

His eyes narrowed further at these words and he moved away from her into the music chamber. "We've wasted far too much time," he barked, seating himself at the piano. "There is still much to do and now we have limited time to do it. Come, we shall begin with Act II," he ordered, his experienced paw and claw already flying across the piano.

Fluttershy, however, stood exactly where she was, not moving into the music chamber, her face still etched with worry. Discord glanced up at the entryway, his annoyance spreading like wildfire. "Fluttershy, I'm not in the mood to play games, so come–"

"What happens after Don Juan, Discord?"

Her question practically stopped his breathing. He had to shake his head somewhat to regain consciousness. "W-w-what?"

"What happens after Don Juan Triumphant is performed?" she asked again, her eyes locked with his. "Or before that, even. What happens when the time comes that…that I need to go above to rehearse?"

It was a question Discord had been dreading to face for weeks. No, more than that. Before they both gave way to the passion that was crashing inside them, before he first felt her lips touch his, perhaps before they began to grow as friends…Discord had been dreading this question, and purposefully had been avoiding even the mere thought of it. It seemed so long ago that he had made that pact with Fluttershy, the deal to release her should she allow him to train her voice and star in his opera. Now his opera was going to be performed! And yet, for the first time in his life, Discord was regretting it…

"When the time is right, you will be ready to rehearse with them and perform…but that time is not now," Discord said simply, brushing the worries under the rug once more.

Fluttershy's eyes filled with sadness at these words. She did not know what she wanted to hear, but simply denying her question was certainly not what she wanted. She had not forgotten their bargain, however at the time they made it, Fluttershy longed for her freedom! Now…now things were so much more complicated. She loved her father, and dearly missed him. She worried about him and prayed that wherever he was, he was all right. But Discord…she had fallen in love with her captor, with the infamous Phantom himself! And the thought of having to leave him and this paradise they had created beneath the earth seemed too much to bear…

"I…I don't feel very well,Discord…" she whispered, her hoof rising to her head and softly touching her face. She felt hot and flushed, and things were beginning to spin. "I'm sorry…I…I don't think I will be able to sing…f-f-forgive me…"

Discord bolted to his feet when he noticed Fluttershy's eyes roll back, and flew to her side just in time to catch her as she crumpled to the floor.

She heard singing. A rich tender voice in a distance, soothing her with sweet words, words to a song she had never heard before, and yet…she knew it. It was a song she had never heard with her ears, but one her heart seemed to know, one that filled her dreams. An enchanting song filled with longing, desire, and the promise of everlasting love.
"You alone can make my song take flight…"

Fluttershy's eyes fluttered open then, the blurred image of a face looming close to hers, a face that was only half revealed, while the other half hid beneath a white mask. For some, it would be a startling image to awake to, but for Fluttershy, it was an image that made her heart soar.

"Welcome back," Discord softly whispered, a tender smile spreading across his face, however it was also etched with sadness. "How are you feeling?"

Fluttershy looked around, her eyes filled with confusion. She remembered very little of what had happened, but she was sure she had not been in her chamber. Yet here she was, lying in her bed, the lace curtains drawn around them and the warm fire glowing brightly in her fireplace. She looked up at Discord again, who was lying next to her, although he was propped up on his elbow, his paw tenderly running over her right cheek as he gazed down at her. "How…what…?" she asked, trying to sit up, but her head still felt heavy.

"Shhh…" he whispered. "It's alright, just rest yourself." It was amazing at how tender he could be, she thought. She looked up at him again and saw the love in his eyes, as well as the worry. Gone was the ferocious mad stallion that filled the stories of the dancers, gone was the musical task-master that demanded perfection; the creature she loved lay next to her, a creature who by no means was a monster, despite his short temper, odd body and scarred face. For this was a creature that the stories did not know, a creature who showed tenderness, concern, and compassion; a creature who was indeed capable of love.

"I…I don't remember much," she confessed, feeling foolish for her lack of memory.

Discord smiled softly and bent forward to kiss her forehead. "You fainted and gave me quite a scare," Discord murmured against her skin. True, it had been most frightening; the only other time he recalled Fluttershy fainting was when he took her prisoner so long ago. Since then, she had proven to him many times that she was strong, independent, and not the sort of mare who gave way to fainting spells. Mares of high fashion did it all the time, he had seen it many times throughout his years at the opera, but normally they were faking or had very weak nerves. Not his Fluttershy, she was neither of those things. But when he saw her crumple before him then, it felt as if someone had buried a knife deep into his chest. If he had any doubts before, they had all been dashed in that moment.

He could not live without her.

Yes, he had made the promises once upon a time to release her, should she allow him to teach her and perform in his opera, but that was before he knew it was possible to feel love…and to be loved in return. Now, the thing he had been working so hard on for years was becoming something he was dreading, and Fluttershy's questions increased that dread.

Aminta was a part she was born to play, he could not imagine another playing it, nor did he want to. He had written the opera prior to knowing Fluttershy, but she had created Aminta, the true Aminta.

But the time would come when she would need to go above and rehearse the opera with the rest of the cast. And then what? Ponies would wonder where she had been all this time, and they would speculate as to why he, the Phantom of the Opera, chose her to play the part. They would be curious as to know how she learned to sing so beautifully, and they would want to know why the Phantom favored her to play the leading female role in his opera. When he wrote his notes he thought nothing of it, he didn't care as to what they thought so long as they did their jobs…but now he realized he was putting his beloved Fluttershy at risk. They would question her; perhaps threaten her if she did not tell them about the Phantom.

Discord's blood grew cold at the thought of his beautiful Fluttershy being threatened by the likes of the Prince. He meant what he said at the masquerade ball; if the Prince ever laid a hoof on her, he would kill him, long and slowly.

And what would happen after the opera had been performed? Discord could not imagine now ever saying goodbye forever to Fluttershy. And then there was the promise he had made to find her father. Discord felt ashamed, for while he had Shortround and Rainbow Dash exploring the streets of Maris long after darkness filled the city, he had not been doing his part with searching for the old stallion. When he was not with Fluttershy, Discord spent all his time writing notes and inspecting the opera house, making sure things were going as he had instructed. But now, as he looked at Fluttershy's lovely face, he felt deep shame for the pain he had caused her and for raising her hopes. Shortround and Rainbow Dash were extremely limited in how far they could search, but Discord could do more, much more; despite his face, he at least was gifted without having any other physical disfigurements.

"Discord?"

He gasped as he was brought out of his thoughts by the soft touch of her small hoof on his cheek. His amber eyes met hers, beautiful and blue, and he felt his heart swell with both longing and despair. He could not let her go, despite the promises he had made. And yet, he could never cage her either; he knew what it was like to be in a cage, and he could never inflict that upon her and risk twisting her love for him into resentment.

"Discord, what's wrong?" she whispered, sitting up now, her eyes lit with concern.

He gazed into her eyes and forced a smile, an idea instantly coming to him. "Nothing that a hot bath cannot fix."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed with confusion. "A hot bath? You have a bathing tub?"

Discord smiled and shook his head. "No, I actually have something better, another secret of my lair that I will now share with you."

Before Fluttershy could ask what he meant, he scooped her up and proceeded to carry her out of the chamber. "W-w-w-where are we going?" Fluttershy asked, shivering somewhat as the cold air from the tunnels hit her skin. She realized then, that she was still wrapped in the blanket from Discord's bed.

He smiled down at her and simply whispered, "you'll see."

Fluttershy still had many questions, however the warmth and safety that she was feeling from Discord's arms was extremely intoxicating, almost as intoxicating as his voice. She found her head falling to his shoulder, and her arms twined around his neck as he carried her through dark passages she was unfamiliar with. For now, she would lay her questions aside, and simply focus on the moment she had with this creature. Yes, that would be for the best…

Discord carried her through cold tunnels that were so dark that even he, whose night vision was far advanced from a mere stallion's, had to squint his eyes in order to see where he was going. "We are almost there," he assured her as he felt her shiver slightly. "And it will be worth it, I promise."

Fluttershy believed him, but she still clung to him tightly. "I would be lost if I came here," she whispered.

Discord's arms tightened even more. "That is why you have an experienced guide," he murmured, causing a seductive shiver to run down her spine. "Do you remember the old catacombs I once pointed out to you?"

Fluttershy thought for a minute, and then recalled how on the first time they traveled by boat, the first time Discord took her to the roof, they rowed past a dark tunnel that he told her led to the old catacombs beneath Maris. The seductive shiver Discord had sent through her earlier changed. "Do not tell me we are inside those?"

Discord chuckled softly, his arms tightening even more. "Have no fear, my sweet. Yes, we are in the tunnel that leads to them, however, there are no bones around us…I will not take us that far, I promise."

She was grateful for that piece of news, however she was still curious as to where exactly they were heading, not to mention Discord's statement about a bath.

"Ah, here we are," he announced, coming to a stop. "Now I'll need to put you down for a moment…but keep the blanket wrapped tightly around you, I will be quick," he informed, before setting her on her feet.

Fluttershy still felt a little wobbly, so she quickly sat down, the blanket clung tightly around her, as she heard Discord's steps echo off the tunnel's walls. She didn't have long to wonder where they were exactly, for a light glowed softly from an oil lamp that lay just to her left. Discord was lighting several lamps that hung from the cavern's walls, and she gasped as she saw a pool just before them. It was small, much like the tiny pool that was inside her chamber. Yet she noticed something that set it apart from the other pool as well…it was bubbling softly.

"Believe it or not, I discovered a hot spring in this passage many years ago," Discord informed her as he finished lighting the lamps. "Unusual yes, but I've long since learned not to be too surprised by the secrets that the opera house holds."

Fluttershy blushed as Discord approached her, removing the dressing gown he still wore from earlier. His naked form glowed softly in the firelight, and Fluttershy felt her cheeks glow as well. Discord felt no shame, and knew that Fluttershy's blush, which was very obvious despite the shadows that danced across her face from the oil lamps, was not out of embarrassment but out of her innocence. No matter how many times they made love, she would always be innocent, for her love was pure. Discord felt both his heart swell at the thought, as well as his arousal.

"Come," he whispered, reaching for her and lifting her up again. Fluttershy did not protest while he removed the blanket from her body, exposing her naked flesh once more, however the glow of her blush quickly spread, and she immediately felt that tingling return between her thighs.

She gasped as she first felt the warm waters lap at her body. Discord also sighed, his arms still holding her close. "You should have told me about this ages ago," she giggled as she turned away from him and stretched her body against his.

Discord smiled and closed his eyes briefly as both the sensation of the water and Fluttershy's naked body ran over him. "Yes, you're quite right…but better late than never," he whispered against her ear, causing her to whimper as his paw and claw were already moving over her.

"Discord…" she moaned. "What is this spell you have cast over me?"

Discord smiled, however his paw stilled for a moment. "I have a confession to make, Fluttershy," he whispered, his paw moving to her shoulders and turning her to face him. The desire that had clouded her eyes disappeared and was replaced once more with worry.

Discord looked at the beautiful mare before him, a part of him screaming to tell her his worries, his fears of losing her, of wanting her to never leave him but to forever remain by his side. However, the other part of him was telling him to not ruin this moment, that it was better to wait. He felt weak as he gave in to the second voice.

"On the night I gave you the gowns," he whispered, "I saw you bathing in the lagoon."

That was not what Fluttershy had been expecting to hear, however her whole face paled before glowing the deepest red imaginable. "You…you s-s-saw me n-naked!" she gasped.

Discord tried to keep a straight face, but found it difficult from the delightful flush of her cheek. "I did not mean to spy, and I swear to you that the next time I saw your beautiful body was the night we first made love," he felt a growl rise deep in his throat at the way she blushed even more at these words.

Fluttershy didn't know what to say, and scolding him was clearly foolish, for after all, he had seen her naked many times since. However, a part of her was curious if that was all he had wanted to say. The tone of his voice now seemed filled with merriment, yet prior, it sounded sad…desperate even.

She shook her head, brushing the worries off, and gasped as she felt Discord's arms wrap around her and press her back against one of the sides of the pool. "Do you have any idea of what you do to me?" he growled softly, his mouth already ravishing her throat. Fluttershy whimpered and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pressing him closer, her legs moving to wrap around his waist.

The two of them clung to each other as they made love in the pool, the warm water turning hot as it splashed and lapped around them. Perhaps in their passionate bliss they could somehow make reality stop…

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a calm January afternoon. Crafty Crate, the private investigator that had helped the Prince with learning the whereabouts of the elusive Fluttershy, was settling himself down at his desk, sipping a strong cup of spiced tea to push away the cold that filled his tiny office, when he heard shouting coming from the hall just outside.
"No! I'm sorry Madame, but he's busy! Please, I shall tell him you stopped by–"

"Stand aside and let me through!"

"Please Madame! At least let me announce you, please–"

But the mare who had been arguing with the chambermaid threw open the door to Crafty Crate's tiny office, and shoved her way inside, despite the maid's protests.

Crafty Crate's eyes widened at the uninvited guest who now stood before him, dressed from head to toe in her matronly black, a netted veil covering her face, and a scowl that looked even darker, underneath. He recognized her at once. "Madame Luna! I um…I must say…this is an unexpected surprise–"

"Shut your mouth and sit down!" the mare barked, to which the private investigator immediately obeyed.

The chambermaid gave a weak curtsy to her employer. "I'm sorry, monsieur, I tried to stop her, but–"

"It's alright, Bonbon," Crafty Crate reassured, although he did not take his eyes off the grim-looking dance mistress. "Why don't you go and prepare a cup of tea for my guest."

"Don't bother," Madame Luna snapped. "I won't be staying for very long. Leave us!" she bellowed, to which the chambermaid gave a small shriek before quickly shutting the office door. She turned her attention back to Crafty Crate who was loosening the collar of his shirt so that he could swallow the nervous lump in his throat. "Hard at work, I see," she grumbled, eyeing the cup of tea he had been sipping as well as the messy desk, which was horribly unorganized. "Perhaps now I can begin to see why you were unable to do the job I hired you to do."

"Madame–"

"SILENCE!" Madame Luna barked, and as before, Crafty Crate shrank back, his mouth closed and his face pale. She looked at him with utter disgust, causing icy shivers to course down his spine. Finally, she sat down at a chair across from his desk, however her focus never left his pale face. "Understand now, that until I ask you to speak, you will remain silent," she hissed, before lifting the veil. Crafty Crate simply nodded his head, his whole body frozen with fear. Madame Luna eyed the private investigator before speaking, the coldness in her expression never ceasing.

"I understand you were at the Maris Opera House not so long ago," she began.

"Madame, let me explain, I–"

"A simple 'yes or no' will suffice!" she hissed, to which Crafty Crate immediately squeaked, and then numbly nodded his head.

Madame Luna's features relaxed somewhat, however her back remained rigid and straight, the icy fire in her eyes still burning for satisfaction. "I learned of your 'visits' from a few stage hooves. I overheard them talking about a private investigator…who had come to learn about the Phantom. When I spoke with them, they mentioned the questions you had asked…all pertaining around Fluttershy."

Crafty Crate could not meet the mare's eyes; his very soul would freeze at the simple glance.

Madame Luna continued. "At first, I thought perhaps you were still doing research for my case, although I had fired you some time before hoof," she growled. "However, what intrigued me was learning that you were also curious about the 'Phantom of the Opera'. I know that the managers did not hire anyone to ask questions about the Phantom, and I certainly didn't hire you to ask about him, in fact I mentioned nothing of the Phantom! And yet you were there, days after you had been fired. That is most loyal service…however I do not think it was service for me."

Crafty Crate swallowed and carefully glanced up at the dark matron before him. She held his gaze and slowly rose from her chair, her hooves resting on his desk as she leaned forward, like a bat ready to swoop down and seize its prey. "Now tell me the truth, monsieur," she hissed. "Were you working for somepony else?"

He glanced at her, his mouth open but no sound coming out. Madame Luna leaned back away from the desk, her eyes still hard and cold however. "You may speak now," she sighed with a wave of her hoof. "In fact, I'll make it even simpler for you. Answer this question for me. Were you hired by the Prince?" she paused and locked her eyes with his once more. "A simple 'yes or no' shall suffice."

Crafty Crate tried to keep his calm; after all, he did not wish to expose his highest paying client. However, he did not wish to anger the dance mistress either, especially after he felt the sting of her icy stare. "I…that is…" he swallowed hard, trying to think of what would be the appropriate thing to say. "I thought…well, I learned that the last anyone had seen of Time Turner or his daughter was at the opera house, so perhaps…perhaps someone there would know of their whereabouts–"

"STOP LYING TO ME!" she shouted, causing Crafty Crate to shrink back in his chair.

Madame Luna was furious, and she began pacing the room like a caged animal. "Let me tell you what I think, monsieur," she growled. "I think the Prince hired you, not out of concern to know the whereabouts of Monsieur Time Turner or his charming daughter, but mainly because he wanted one thing and one thing only," she eyed him with great suspicion. "I know that Mademoiselle Fluttershy 'refused' the Prince, and the Prince is not one used to rejection, the pompous arrogant ass."

Crafty Crate gasped at Madame Luna's language, as well as who she was speaking of. "It seems like a lot of trouble, however, to hire a private investigator to find a mare for him to bed. Which leads me to two conclusions," she leaned over the desk once more. "Either the Prince's desire to seek revenge against the Phantom has truly made him mad…or there is something about Fluttershy that I am unaware, but that you learned…and that you're going to tell me, right now," she threatened.

Crafty Crate sat up in his chair, trying to look braver than he felt. "Now see here, madam, I…I will not be intimidated! I–"

Madame Luna dropped a package of money onto his desk. "Will 500 franks help you answer?"

Crafty Crate stared at the money, his eyes wide with disbelief, both at his good fortune, as well as Madame Luna's offer to pay him for information right now! It wasn't nearly as much as the Prince had paid him, however it was still 500 franks! He reached for the package, but she snatched it before he could lay his hooves on it. "Answers first," she hissed, waving the package before him to entice him to speak.

Crafty Crate eagerly answered. "The Prince learned of your interest in discovering Time Turner and his daughter. He did not inform me as to why he wished to discover the pair, but he did hire me for that reason. I soon learned that the night of the opening gala was the last anypony had seen of them."

Madame Luna nodded her head, knowing that indeed this was true. She had gone to the apartment both Fluttershy and her father had been keeping since they came to Maris, however she was shocked to learn that Fluttershy was not there. For a week she kept visiting the apartment, hoping to find the young mare, but there was no sign. She spoke with the land owner, hoping that perhaps she had seen the mare, however her fears grew when she learned that the mare hadn't seen either Fluttershy or her father since they had left for the opera house on the day of the opening gala.

"So I thought perhaps it would be for the best to inquire after the two of them at the Maris Opera House itself," he continued.

Madame Luna eyed him suspiciously. "Why did you tell the stage hooves you were investigating the Phantom?"

Crafty Crate had to admit he found it curious that Madame Luna was worried about the Phantom. However, he chose it was simply because she worked at the opera house, and like all the others, she too, was superstitious. "The Prince informed me that he and the managers would be conducting an investigation as to who was sending messages as the so-called Phantom. He thought it would be the perfect disguise."

Madame Luna's eyes narrowed at Crafty Crate's revelation behind the plot by the managers and the Prince. So that explained the whole masquerade ball–it had been a ruse to capture Discord, however until the night of the ball, she had a good feeling none of them believed that the actual Phantom was indeed the Phantom himself! However, just because they were not prepared on the night of the ball did not mean they would be so clumsy in the future. Discord was in danger, whether he knew it or not…

"What else did you learn?" she snapped.

Crafty Crate gasped and quickly continued. "Well, the stage hooves told me that they had seen both Time Turner and the mare, that Time Turner had gone through a trap door backstage to fetch a prop…however they had warned him that he would be entering the 'Phantom's lair' and if he came back, would not return…alive."

Madame Luna's eyes closed for a second. It was as she feared; DIscord did not confirm for her that Time Turner had met the Phantom's wrath, but everything pointed to that suspicion as being the most likely. "You said they saw the mareirl?" she inquired, hoping to hear some good news, however dreading what he would tell her.

Crafty Crate nodded his head. "Apparently she approached them after…after she had been released from her duties. She asked if they had seen her father, and when they told her, she grabbed an oil lamp and also disappeared below."

Madame Luna sprung to her feet, her eyes wide and her pale face as white as a ghost. "W-w-w-what?"

Crafty Crate was startled by Madame Luna's reaction. "Y-yes…that was the last anypony has seen of her. Like her father, she disappeared beneath the opera house, and no one has seen her since…however, those stallions could have been drunk, it is possible, after all, it does seem far fetched that she became a victim of the Phantom's–"

"SILENCE!" Madame Luna barked, to which Crafty Crate immediately obeyed. Fluttershy had gone below…in a brave attempt to find her father; she had gone below to meet her doom, to become another victim of Discord's wrath, to–

Wait.

Images from the masquerade ball came flooding back. Images of Discord, dressed as Red Death, dancing with a mare in a beautiful gold gown. He was very possessive of the mare…she had been dancing with the Prince, but Discord took her from him. At first she had simply thought it was Discord's way of embarrassing Blueblood, but as she thought about the mare…her hair, pink and wavy, her height small, her figure somewhat voluptuous…was it possible? When Discord made his grand exit, she did not recall seeing the mare either. Had Discord taken her? Was the mare…Fluttershy?

Yes. Fluttershy had disappeared beneath the opera house…and was now Discord's prisoner.

Good God, was it possible for him to sink to such depths?

"I thank you for your information, monsieur," Madame Luna murmured, moving towards the door.

Crafty Crate rose to his feet, his eyes filled with worry as he was seeing his money disappear with her. "Wait! See here, you promised to pay me!"

Without another look, she tossed him the package, to which Crafty Crate greedily grabbed. However, his happy smile fell quickly, as he realized that the money inside the package was simply bits and pieces of blank paper. Before he could shout for her to return at once and pay him with proper money, her carriage was already gone.
> Spies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spying

She watched him like a predator, hidden deep in the safety of the shadows. She watched him emerge from the building, a satisfied smirk creased across his hoofsome lips. He put his hat on, followed by his gloves, and then pulled the collar of his great coat up around his chin, shielding the winter wind from his face. His carriage was pulled in front of the building, anxiously awaiting his arrival, however before he stepped inside, he turned his head in her direction, the smirk disappearing and being replaced with a creased brow of suspicion. The coachcolt asked him if anything was wrong, and with a shrug of the shoulders, the Prince quickly climbed inside, and the carriage immediately pulled away.

Madame Luna waited till the carriage was out of sight before emerging from her shadowed hiding place. Despite the strong winter winds or the heavy snow that was falling, she cared not, and with great strides, walked directly up the steps of the building her adversary had emerged from.

It was late, and there few police inside the station, but they all whirled their heads as the matron of the dancers, dressed in her traditional black, stood in the doorway.

She scowled at each of them, her eyes moving about and surveying the room. Ever since her encounter with Monsieur Crafty Crate, Madame Luna had been spying on the activities of the Prince. To her great surprise, he did not visit the opera house as often as he had done in the past. She had a growing suspicion that he was now sending notes of his own to the managers, yet she had been unable to retrieve or intercept the letters herself. And she also had a growing suspicion that Blueblood was giving instructions for his letters to be burned immediately upon reading them, as large piles of burnt paper were appearing in the office fireplace. No, whatever game the Prince was playing, he was being clever. And while he was giving nothing about himself away at the opera house, she had noticed that he was now frequenting the police station more often than one of fashionable society does. She had spied him entering this place three times thus far, and tonight she intended to learn why.

"May I help you, madam?" an officer timidly asked. He practically shrank from the cold stare he received. "Is s-s-something amiss?"

She removed her gloves and lifted the black-netted veil that covered her face. "I wish to know the business of Prince Blueblood," she stated quite bluntly.

Several of the officers who were present practically gasped in unison. The silence was extremely thick. "I…I b-b-b-beg your p-p-pardon?"

"You heard what I said," she murmured, her voice low and dangerous. "Tell me why the Prince frequents this place as often as he does. What is his business here? What information are you providing for him? I demand to know!"

Her voice began as soft as a whisper and had risen to a powerful bark. The officer with whom she had been speaking to paled at her words, and then turned his head, crying out, "Inspector Silverstar! Inspector Silverstar!"

Within a few seconds, the chief inspector emerged, worry etched across his face from the sound of the officer's voice. "What is it? What's wrong?" he asked, looking about frantically, but then his eyes fell upon Madame Luna, who was now giving him an icy stare. No further questions were needed; he knew the source of his officer's distress.

"May I help you, madam?" Silverstar asked politely, but also standing straight and tall, his chin high as if trying to intimidate her with his position.

It wouldn't work.

"I demand to know why the Prince has been coming here. What business does he have with you?"

Silverstar was shocked by her question, but he quickly hid it. "I beg your pardon madam…but the Prince has not been here," he answered calmly.

Madame Luna's eyes narrowed into angry cold slits. "Do not lie to me, inspector. I am no fool you can easily dupe. I have watched the Prince, I know his carriage, and it was outside your station. I have seen him emerge from this place three times this week. Which means you either are an idiot for not recognizing him, or…" she lowered her voice to a dangerous level, "you are lying for him. And I am believing it is the latter…"

Silverstar kept his head held high, however his eyes betrayed him as they flashed a brief light of worry at her words. "Frankly madam, it is quite disturbing that you believe to have seen the Prince when I assure you, he has not been here, but even more than that, that you claim without any reservation, that you have been spying on him! If anyone has been committing some sort of criminal activity, it sounds as if it is you!"

Madame Luna merely smiled coldly at Silverstar's words, a reaction he had not anticipated. "I never accused the Prince of criminal activity…such an interesting choice of words…"

Silverstar paled. "I…now see her madam, I…I never once revealed–I mean assumed…oh damn it!" he hissed. "The Prince has not been here! And even if he had, I would not reveal his reasons, as they are confidential matters! You forget that I am a stallion of the law and must uphold the rights of our citizens!"

Madame Luna eyed Silverstar as he finished his statement, his chin lifted high again and his eyes matching the very coldness her own possessed. "Very well," she sighed, shocking them all as she turned to leave the station. Silverstar almost lost his balance from how rigid his legs had been. He stared at the retreating figure of Madame Luna with utter surprise. However, that surprise was short lived, as she turned and flashed them all one last hard cold stare. "You're right, inspector…you are indeed a stallion of the law…I just hope you remember that in your next meeting with the Prince."

None of the officers moved after she departed; they were afraid she might come back! Finally, Silverstar turned toward one of his officers and said quite sternly, "Send a message to the Prince at once…tell him he is being watched and that he needs to lesson his visits here," he ordered.

The officer nodded his head. "Who do you suppose she was, inspector?"

Silverstar gazed out the door as the mare disappeared once more into the shadows. A sudden shiver went down his spine, and it wasn't from the cold. "I don't know…nor do I really wish to find out."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I HATE THIS OPERA!" Celestia screeched in the midst of rehearsal. All the other chorus members who were going through warm-ups, immediately stopped as the diva picked up an orchestra member's trumpet and threw it through one of the backdrops.
The conductor gasped at her actions before losing his own temper. "Now see here, senora! You can not simply do that with musical instruments!"

If Fancypants had not been there to hold her back, she would have launched herself at the conductor and rip his eyes out. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, YOU LITTLE WORTHLESS SHIT?" she screamed, trying to wrestle Fancypant's arms off. Several stagehooves realized the effort Fancypants was undergoing with trying to hold back the demon diva, and quickly rushed to the tenor's side to also hold the possessed mare at bay. "I AM A GREAT STAR! I SHOULD BE IN THIS OPERA! PONIES PAY TO SEE ME PERFORM, NOT SOME HORRID, MODERN, DISGUSTING PIECE OF FILTH THAT DARES TO CALL ITSELF MUSIC!"

The conductor paled at her words and anxiously, along with half the cast on stage, began looking around and over his head. "Senora, do not say such things when the composer is present!" he hissed.

Celestia, who was now being held back by four stallions, retorted, "the composer is not here! AND I WILL SAY WHATEVER I DAMN PLEASE!"

Twilight Sparkle, who had been standing off to the side with several of the other dance mares, said exactly what everyone else was thinking. "Are you certain of that, senora?"

Celestia glared at the mare and then began to curse in her native Italian. All four stallions dragged the sputtering prima donna off the stage with great effort, while everyone else continued to look about nervously for fear of upsetting unseen parties. "L-l-let's continue with rehearsing," the conductor stuttered nervously, glancing about one last time.

High above the stage, hidden in the shadows of the catwalk, Discord watched as the chorus and dancers rehearsed. He was pleased with the progress they had made, especially that of the orchestra, however the dancers was still off by several notes, not to mention he could tell several basses were off key as well. He demanded perfection, and he was going to have it for his masterpiece.

He moved about the high catwalk with great ease, eyeing every little detail. The sets were much better than before, he was pleased with the work of the stagehooves. There were still issues of lighting, however that could wait till the approach of opening night. Yet as he inspected all the details, he could not suppress the smile that was bursting forth as the delightful memory of Celestia's rage returned. He remembered the day the news was delivered that she would be playing an insignificant role in his opera; the ground was littered with shattered fragments from whatever she could throw. Pity that all the screaming she mustered did not cause her to lose her voice. Still, he could not deny the pleasure he felt when she was reminded, once more, that she was virtually nothing in his opera.

Yes, things were vastly improving, however there was still a great deal to accomplish. Including the issue of introducing Fluttershy to rehearsals.

Discord's amusement changed to dread once more. The impending doom of this realization was becoming harder and harder to deny.

He recalled the sickening memory of watching her faint before him like a withered flower. When he caught her, she felt so limp and so frail…

Lifeless.

He thought he had tasted fear in the past; the fear of being put on display, the fear of being tortured, the fear of being discovered by intruders; no, none of that measured up to the fear he felt at the thought of losing Fluttershy forever. His world would not be the same without her, music would not be the same without her…his life was never going to be the same again.

Once upon a time, he thought music was the only thing that could give him joy. He knew now, that without Fluttershy, music held no joy, no beauty, no life. He needed her just as a pony needs air to breathe. He needed her to live…for life was not worth living without Fluttershy.

A new memory stirred within him, one that was far happier and of complete bliss. It was but a few nights ago, when they were both lying in her bed, tangled within its sheets and one another's limbs. Her head was pillowed against his chest, her hair filling his nostrils with its sweet perfume. The fire from her fireplace glowed and cast golden shadows upon their naked bodies. No words were spoken, yet none were needed. Until the softest sound interrupted their peaceful silence…

Humming. The sweetest, softest music he had ever heard. Where was it coming from? What could make such a sound?

And then he realized that the humming was coming from Fluttershy.

"What is that?" he whispered, his fingers curling over her right hoof, which lay atop his chest. "That tune…I am not familiar with it…"

Fluttershy turned a bright red when she realized that he had heard her. She had not even been fully aware that she had been singing! "I'm sorry, I thought you were asleep–"

"With such an angel beside me?" he murmured, his paw cradling her hoof and lifting it to his lips. "Please, tell me what you were humming, it was so beautiful…"

Fluttershy moved her head so that she could look up into his amber eyes. Her heart practically burst from the love she saw reflected in those tiger-eyes. "When I was little, my mother sang me a lullaby to calm my fears. You see…she became very sick one winter, so sick that both Papa and I were afraid she was going to die. She did not die that winter, however the sickness forever weakened her heart…" she sadly murmured. "I was so scared, and I prayed as hard as I could every night, but I was still afraid. And then…one night she called me to her bedside, and she whispered to me, 'Fluttershy, do not fear. The Angel of Music will watch over you'."

Discord's brow furrowed at her words. "The Angel of Music? Didn't you–"

"Yes," Fluttershy blushed, but smiled at the memory. "The night we saw Handel's Messiah, I toasted to the Angel of Music. You see, Papa had once told me that there were different angels in heaven, and one of those angels was the Angel of Music. My mother remembered this too, and told me that the Angel of Music watches over those whose heart is pure as song. And then she sang to me, a tune I had heard Papa play many times, but I had never believed meant anything…until then."

Discord's eyes were filled with tenderness, and his claw gently stroked a fallen wave of hair from her cheek. "Sing it for me?" he softly pleaded.

Even in the firelight, Discord could tell Fluttershy was blushing. He thought he would have to ask once again, but then the most beautiful sound emerged from her perfect throat.

"Angel of Music, guide and guardian,
Crown to me your glory…
Angel of Music, hide no longer,
Secret and strange angel…"

Discord thought his heart might melt from the tender chords her voice sang. Never had he heard anything more beautiful in his whole wretched existence. He was amazed to feel a tear drip from his right eye. "Fluttershy…" he finally murmured after a long reverent pause. "That…I have never heard anything so…" his voice was filled with such emotion from the beauty of her music.

Fluttershy could hear the emotion in his voice. Her hoof flew to his lips and she smiled as his eyes caught hers. "I…I know you thought me strange for toasting to the Angel of Music that night," she whispered, her eyes bashfully looking away, briefly, before returning to gaze into his. "But…the reason I did…oh you will think me so foolish for this," she sighed, attempting to look away, but Discord's paw caught her chin.

"Please tell me," he simply whispered.

Fluttershy let out a shaky breath and smiled. "Well…I…I believe you are my angel…the Angel of Music," she finally revealed.

Disocrd's brow creased with confusion. "I am the Angel of Music?"

Fluttershy could not help but giggle at his expression. "Yes, you."

Discord cocked one brow up. "Perhaps you are unfamiliar with how angels look. I do not think I hardly fit the description–"

"You have always watched over me, protecting me from any harm, guiding me and revealing to me the glory of my dreams," her hooves softly ran over his unmasked cheek. "Yes Discord…you are my angel."

Discord stared back at her in amazement. He opened his mouth to speak, but was rendered silent by the soft caresses her fingers were running over his mask. "Discord…I love you with my whole heart, every part of you…"

"Fluttershy…"

"Please," she softly pleaded, her eyes full of hope as she locked them with his. "Do not hide from me? Let me see all of you."

Discord froze at her request. He knew she had seen him before without his mask, and he remembered that she did not flinch those other times…but what if that broke the spell? What if he removed the mask and then she realized she had willingly bedded a monster? "Fluttershy, I…I am afraid…" his voice was so soft.

Fluttershy's hooves ceased their caresses and she looked deeply into his eyes, her love there for him to see, begging for him to trust her, begging for him to never hide from her again. She loved him, every part of him, including the scars on his flesh, as well as on his soul. He tried to avoid her eyes, those oceans of beauty where he often lost himself, but he could not do so, not when he could feel her warm inviting gaze. She saw his fear, but she offered comfort. She was asking for trust, and she was giving him love. He had not been able to deny her anything, and she had asked for so little.

He nodded his head and held his breath as he felt the mask slowly being lifted away.

His tangled and ruined flesh lay there for the whole world to see, to ridicule, and to spit upon. In the depths of his memory he could hear the screams of mares and the mocking laughter of stallions. He waited, waited for her scream to join the din…

But instead, he felt the softest touch of silk. His eyes flew open as he realized that the touch had come from Fluttershy's lips. He let out a long ragged breath as he felt her perfect pink tongue trace one scar, and then gasped as the feel of her lips once more lingered over his mangled flesh.

He was shocked to see that her eyes were swimming with tears just as his were. He groaned as he felt her feather soft hooves touch his disfigured skin, and with an oath of passion, he caught her beautiful face in his paw and claw and brought her lips down upon his. 

Discord let out a long shaky sigh as the memory lingered, before being interrupted by another of Celestia's screams. He growled and glared down at the diva as once more, she stalked on stage, Fancypants at her heels, begging for her to see reason, which was like begging a fish to leap of the water and walk. True, he enjoyed driving the diva mad, but any more of her shrieking and he would be hanging her like one of the many sandbags from the curtains.

He heard the sound of hoofsteps nearby and glanced over his shoulder, catching the eyes of a frightened stagehoof. Without a word, Discord swirled his cape around him and leapt into the nearby shadows just as the stallion was crying out, "The Phantom! I…I've seen the Phantom!"

Concealed by the blackness of shadow, Discord retreated through one of his many secret passages that led to the forbidden depths of his lair. He walked briskly, a determined look alight in his eyes, however it had nothing to do with the opera rehearsal.

No, he was thinking about Fluttershy and what must be done. The truth of the matter was that if Fluttershy didn't play the part of Aminta, Celestia would snatch it up and thus ruin everything. And frankly, he'd rather burn his score (along with the whole opera house) than see, let alone hear, Celestia's harpy voice sing Aminta's songs. Besides, Fluttershy had earned her right to play Aminta; he was the true manager of this opera, not those two fops, and as far as he was concerned, she had auditioned, practiced, and transformed the role into her own creation. Plus, he was the composer as well as the director…and he wanted no other but Fluttershy in his opera.

Yet there still remained the problem of what would happen after she went above. Also, where would she go? He cursed himself for not being able to find her father, yet even if he had, where would they stay? They had little money, if any, and would not be able to afford even the cheapest of flats. Quite frankly, Discord did not like the idea of his precious Fluttershy sleeping on a lice-infested bed or freezing from the lack of heat that was sure to be found in such places. And what if the old stallion could not be found? It broke Discord's heart at the thought of having to tell Fluttershy that he had failed her in finding her father; perhaps she could forgive him one day, but he would never be able to forgive himself for the sorrow he would have caused her. What then? She would be penniless, homeless, a spinster with no family to speak of. For many mares in such situations, there was only one alternative, and Discord's blood turned to ice at the horrible thought of his Fluttershy wearing the meager garb of a prostitute.

No, he could not–he WOULD not allow Fluttershy to face such horrors on her own. He loved her, he needed her, he did not want to know what it was like to live without her!

…And then a sudden thought struck him.

What if she stayed with him? Yes, she could stay at the opera house with him while rehearsals went on…and perhaps after the opera as well.

Even if his opera flopped, he had no doubts that she would become a star over night. People would soon forget all about La Celestia; let the harpy make her threats and leave; Fluttershy would have Maris, and soon her fame would reach the far corners of the globe. And he would continue to teach her, to write music for her, and perhaps produce more operas for her to perform!

And if ponies grew suspicious and wondered where the beautiful mare lived? Well, anonymity always sold tickets, plus it would be considered a part of her stage career. She would be a mare of mystery, a diva that went and stayed wherever she desired. He recalled how he had Rainbow Dash drive the black carriage he kept hidden in the depths of the opera house to Blueblood's club that day the Prince and the managers' left to discuss his opera. He could use it to fetch Fluttershy after every performance, whisk her away in a cloud of mystery, only to later return to the opera house where they would descend to their Eden.

Yes…it was possible! It would work! They would be together, no one could tear them apart, and no one needs know of their secrets! And with time, the suspicions as to why she was favored in the Phantom's opera would disappear into legend.

Discord found himself beaming from ear to ear at the idea. He burst into his chambers, hoping to find Fluttershy there, but his heart sank only momentarily when he discovered she was not. Yet before he turned to search for her, his eyes caught the parchment lying atop his organ. It was the song that for so long now he had been working on, a song that had no title other than, "Fluttershy's Song".

With a gentle paw, he picked the parchment up and examined it carefully. The melody had been with him for a long time, and it had only been a few weeks since he had begun to place lyrics to the music.

It was a song that reminded him of Fluttershy and the way she had transformed his world, his music, and his heart. And as he gazed at the lyrics a new realization came to him…

This song, which he had come to recognize for so long as a declaration of love, was something else as well…it was a marriage proposal.

Discord let out a long shaky breath at the thought. He had never truly considered himself a religious stallion…however, with Fluttershy in his life, he was beginning to believe that God had not truly abandoned him as he thought…that perhaps he had found favor with the Lord for the arrival of his angel. And he knew of Fluttershy's faith, which was deep and pure. She had never referred to their love making as sinful, but he knew that marriage would mean so much to her. And the more he thought about it, the more he found that he too, liked the idea of marriage.

The two of them shared a bond deeper than anything he had ever felt, but through marriage, they would be bonded forever as husband and wife and no one, no one could drive them apart. Even the thought of calling Fluttershy "his wife" caused Discord to groan with desire.

He remembered the beautiful ivory gown she wore on the night he had taken her to see Handel's Messiah. It was like a wedding gown, and he had the greatest longing to see her wear it again. In fact, he was sure that somewhere in the costume cages there was a veil. And they could be married immediately! Shortround had been raised by monks, he had been training to become one, and could perform the ceremony! The others would be witnesses, and it would all be settled!

Except a ring; he needed a ring…

In a secret chamber, far from where he stood, Discord kept several treasured objects, including gold and jewels that he had collected over his years living beneath the opera house. Yes, some of the objects had been stolen, he would not deny that, but he was sure that amongst them he could find a ring for his bride.

His bride.

Discord felt his heart soar and his blood boil with growing desire at the thought. They could be married tonight! Yes! He would propose to her with his song, ask her to wear that gown, present her with the ring, and then Shortround and the others would be ready, and later that night, they could both enjoy the passionate ecstasy of their marriage bed.

But he would not tell her anything. No, instead, he would keep it all a secret; he would leave her instructions to meet him for a special evening rehearsal in his chamber, and to wear that beautiful gown. He would have the chamber adorned in candlelight, he would play his song for her, and when the time was right, he would fall to one knee and present her with the ring.

Yes, he would marry his angel; he would become her husband and take care of her, look after her, and make love to her every night if she so wished it.

Without any hesitation, Discord immediately wrote up a note for his future bride, leaving very little detail as to what he had planned. Several minutes later, he was standing outside her chamber, holding his breath as he peered to see if she were inside it. For the first and only time of his life, he was grateful to find it empty. He quickly placed the note upon the pillow of her bed, and then found the ivory gown and laid it atop the blankets. For a finishing touch, he plucked a single red rose from a vase that was in the corner, and placed it next to the note. He then quickly retreated back to his chamber to make everything ready for the evening ahead.

It wasn't long before Fluttershy returned to her chamber with a weary look in her eyes. She knew that Discord was examining the rehearsals today and would not return until evening. She had been hoping to speak with him before he left that day; she hated waking up and finding him already gone. She wanted to talk to him about the future, about what would happen when the time came for her to go above to rehearse. She didn't like the thought any more than he, but it was something they had to face. She just didn't want to face it alone…
Also, things were growing tense between her and the others. Today for example, Fluttershy had been working with Rarity, and while Rarity had long stopped asking her questions, she could feel the small mare's eyes burning into her, as if trying to assess what secrets she was hiding. Even Derpy was looking at her strangely.

Discord had told her that it was none of their business what she and he did when they were alone. She just disliked the idea of hiding their love; especially from those that she felt had grown to become her family. She had no guilt over the passion she shared with Discord, but through hiding their feelings and keeping things as secrets, she felt as if a cloud of guilt were doomed to come crashing down upon them.

She sighed again as she entered the chamber, her hooves aching from the hours of mending she had been doing, but stopped short as she gazed upon the bed. The rose was the first thing she saw, bright and red through the lacy curtains, but as she approached the bed, her curiosity peaked at the sight of the note and the gown that was lying across the blankets. Without a moment's hesitation, she tore the seal off and began reading the letter at once.

My dearest Fluttershy,

It would give me great pleasure if you would wear this and meet me tonight, in my chambers, at nine o' clock, for a special rehearsal. Please don't be late.

With deepest love, O.G.

Fluttershy could not help but grin at the signature. Even when writing to her, Discord would forever be the Phantom when writing his notes. She began to wonder what sort of "rehearsal" it would be? She ran her hooves over the gown and smiled as she felt the beautiful fabric. The last time she had worn this dress had been one of the happiest nights of her life. Perhaps its good fortune would return?

Perhaps they would sing the new song they had created for Aminta and Don Juan! She remembered the beautiful melody Discord had composed and her heart sighed at the lyrics she had helped to create. Truly, it was one of the most beautiful love songs she had ever imagined…

A strange giddy feeling came over Fluttershy as she began to speculate as to what Discord had in mind for the night. Perhaps he had found a solution for their future problem! Perhaps he had learned something about her father! It still touched her so deeply that he was even looking. And then a most outrageous thought came to her…

…perhaps Discord was going to propose marriage?

Fluttershy quickly shook her head at such a notion. "You're such silly mare sometimes, Fluttershy," she muttered, glancing at one of her novels, which lay near by. "You don't seem to know what's real and what's fiction anymore."

Still…it was an idea she couldn't shake off entirely. Perhaps she didn't want to. She held the gown up to her body and twirled around the chamber with it, giggling the whole time. Oh to be his bride, to become his wife. No matter what happened, she knew that in her heart, he would always be her husband…

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	

Darkness had fallen early that night as a winter storm was brewing. Rainbow Dash hated venturing out into the city, even if she were simply sticking to allies and dark corners in unpopulated areas. Still, she feared her master's wrath more than anything, and so he ventured once more as night fell over Maris.
It was the same search she had been conducting every night ever since Discord first ordered her to seek out Fluttershy's father. While Rainbow Dash believed it was beyond all hope to find the old stallion, she continued looking every night in all the places she could, both because of her orders, as well as for Fluttershy. She would deny the latter reason till he was blue in the face, but truth is, she was growing fond of the mare. She was nothing but trouble, she believed that without a doubt…but she was growing fond of her.

She was in a new section of Maris, an area she had not yet explored; an area that had few shadows, but even fewer ponies. The winds were blowing strong and harsh, and Rainbow Dash wrapped her jacket even tighter around herself. The sooner she could leave this place the better! He spied one building she had been dreading to come near for a very long time, but it was a logical place to look, this much she knew. Swiftly and softly, she followed the shadows till she was standing directly across the police station.

There were a few low barred windows; Rainbow Dash was hoping they belonged to several jail cells. She could crawl down, peer inside, see if Fluttershy's father was anywhere to be found–

She froze as she heard two muffled voices draw near.

"Is he coming tonight or not? That stupid old stallion has been crying out for him since this morning!"

"Inspector Silverstar says he won't, says that mare who was here the other night knows too much and it's best if he stays far away from this place."

Rainbow Dash didn't have time to bolt around the corner, so she did the only thing he could in such a situation; press herself as flat as she could against a shadowed wall and pray they would not notice her presence.

The voices belonged to two officers who were taking long drags from hoof-made cigarettes. They had momentarily stepped outside to smoke, and thus began complaining about recent events pertaining to their jobs. Neither had noticed Rainbow Dash at all, they were too involved in their current conversation.

"I'm getting tired of us holding him here. The stallion should clearly be in an asylum," the taller one grumbled.

The shorter officer, with a rather stout belly, joined in his companion's grumbling. "Do you recall how when he first arrived he did nothing but moan and wail about his daughter?"

The other stallion began to chuckle. "Oh yes, that's right, claiming that a ghost had stolen her from him."

"Oh not just any ghost!" the short fat officer mimicked, a mock look of horror spreading across his features. "The dreaded, infamous…PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!"

Rainbow Dash gasped at the stallion's words, almost too loudly. The short officer paused and glanced up at his friend. "Do you hear something?"

The taller officer was clearly paying no heed. "Then he finally stopped his ranting and wailing and we had peace at last," he sighed, taking a long drag on his cigarette. "But then you-know-who shows up, and after a few late night visits, Time Turner begins howling all over again about the supposed Phantom!"

Time Turner.

Rainbow Dash could barely move, let alone breathe from the shock of it all.

They had him; Time Turner was there, locked away in there jail like a common criminal. She had to get back to the opera house and tell her master at once.

"Now I know I heard something that time!" the shorter stallion grumbled, pushing past his taller friend and peering into the shadows where Rainbow Dash was hiding. "Who goes there! Come out right now!"

"What are you going on about?" the taller stallion groaned. "No one's there, can't you–hey!" Whatever he was going to say was cut off as Rainbow Dash wasted no time and bolted from her hiding place, running as fast as she could with the two officers in pursuit.

"Come back here!" they shouted, pulling their whistles from their pockets. "Stop right now!"

Rainbow Dash didn't dare look back, she just kept running, down dark allies, past shadowed buildings, their hoofsteps and whistles ringing loudly in his ears.

And then, she felt a hoof grab her by the scruff of her coat, and before she could even cry out, she felt her body being hauled up inside something.

She tried to twist herself around, to fight off her assailant, but the way she had been caught, she kept twisting herself even more in her coat. Her peg leg lashed out, hoping she could at least frighten her attacker if not hit them. But she froze when a voice finally spoke from the darkness.

"Relax Rainbow Dash, it's me, I won't harm you…"

She stopped fighting and felt the hoof release his collar. She then quickly turned around to see for herself if the voice were not a figment of her imagination. "Madame Luna?"

The dance mistress smiled at her. "Rather cold night to be out for a stroll, don't you think?" she casually asked as she leaned back in her seat. Rainbow Dash glanced around and realized she was inside a carriage. She looked back at the mare again, her body still tense from the narrow escape of the police officers, let alone the information she had just heard.

"How…how did you know where I was?" she finally asked as she felt her breathing return to normal.

Madame Luna softly smiled. "Like you, I too was spying on the police, although I'd be quite interested in hearing your reasons."

Rainbow Dash quickly looked away from the mare's hard cold eyes that could burn through stone. She knew that presently, the Master was not on speaking terms with the mare, however she was extremely grateful for the help she had offered, yet the Master was the one with whom she solely took orders from.

Madame Luna noticed the mare's silence, as well as her refusal to even look at her. "Did Discord ask you to spy on the police?" she simply asked, hoping that perhaps she would somehow give away something.

Still nothing.

"Well, it is rather obvious that Discord had asked you to do that," she continued. "After all, I know that you would never go out willingly, so there must have been a good reason as to why Discord had you come all the way here…" she murmured, her eyes still watching him closely.

Rainbow Dash still said nothing, yet she was beginning to fidget uncomfortably.

Madame Luna sighed, tired of playing silly games. "I know Discord has Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Dash turned her head and stared at Madame Luna, her eyes wide with shock. Before she could look away, Luna reached out and placed her hoof on her arm. "I can see it in your eyes, Rainbow Dash…and I know she is alive, or at least was a few weeks ago, because I saw her at the masquerade ball." She said nothing, but she did not look away.

Madame Luna sighed again, removing her hoof from Rainbow Dash's arm and leaning back once more, but her eyes remained locked with Rainbow Dash. "You know as well as I do that what Discord has done is wrong…and I need to speak with him, but he will not let me travel below as before."

Rainbow knew this much was true. Madame Luna knew of many entrances into Discord's realm; however there were far more that she did not know, and all the ones she did know had been locked or the traps had been changed. More or less, the world was truly locked out.

"Rainbow Dash please, I beg of you," Madame Luna pleaded, her voice soft and desperate, a sound that she and many others had never heard her speak. "Take me to Discord; let me at least speak with him one more time…at least for Fluttershy's sake."

Rainbow Dash's eyes fell to the carriage floor. "He will not be happy," she murmured.

Madame Luna reached out once more and tenderly touched her arm. "I fully take all the blame for my intrusion," she assured him, yet Rainbow Dash still felt uneasy about all this.

The carriage finally reached its destination, and the coachcolt immediately opened the door. Rainbow Dash hid behind the collar of her coat as he followed Madame Luna down. The dance mistress gave the driver several firm orders to return for her in an hour and wait for her by the front steps. She then turned to Rainbow Dash as the carriage pulled away, awaiting his decision. "May I speak with your master?" she asked once more, hoping that Rainbow Dash would at least do this much.

Rainbow Dash knew something was going on between the Master and Fluttershy, but what exactly, she was unsure. But now that she knew the whereabouts of her father, and that information she did feel responsible to deliver. While she had not warmed to Fluttershy the same way the others had, she did know she was kind, loyal, and most trustworthy; she deserved to be reunited with her father again.

And it was only a short period of time before she would leave for good. What did it matter now if it was sooner rather than later? Still, she could feel his heart sinking as she nodded his head to the dance mistress. She may take the full blame for trespassing, but she would still feel the blunt of it in some form.

"Follow me," Rainbow Dash said at last, leading her into darkness.
> End of Act One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

End of Act I

"Touch me…trust me…savor each sensation…"

Discord felt his heart swell as he softly sang the lyrics on the parchment before him. He was adding the final touches to his song, which now had a proper title.

"Let the dream begin,
let your darker side give in,
to the power of the music that I write…
the power of the music of the night!"

His voice was filled with such deep emotion, and as he sang he envisioned her face before him, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears, or perhaps fluttering closed as he had seen her do when he sang to her. Either way, he would fall to his knee at that point, taking her hoof in his, and hold the bracelet out to her. Discord could not help but smile as he imagined the surprise on her face when he would present the bracelet; he had found the perfect one after several long hours of searching. It was simple and elegant, much like his Fluttershy, yet the diamonds that it held, while not overwhelming, was indeed mesmerizing he had to admit. He was extremely pleased, both with his choice for a bracelet as well as with the song he had composed. Now he simply needed to find Shortround and inform him of his plans–

Discord paused as he heard hoofsteps approach his chamber. They were soft feminine hoofsteps, and he felt the grin spread even further across his face. "You're quite early, my dear, however I will forgive–"

"Hello Discord."

He froze at the sound of the voice, and felt his smile melt away, as did the color from his face. Slowly, he turned to face the mare who had spoken, yet his face was already prepared; the lines deeply set and the dark shadows already forming over his masked features to add an ominous touch to his already menacing glare.

"Madame Luna," he whispered, his own eyes matching the same cold orbs that gazed back at his.

Rainbow Dash stood a few steps behind her, her eyes locked with the ground, her body trembling slightly from the distinct chill the chamber now emanated. Discord merely glanced briefly at Rainbow Dash before coldly dismissing her. "Leave us," he ordered. Rainbow Dash did not need to be told twice, she quickly backed out of the chamber and could be heard running from the place.

Madame Luna waited until the mare could no longer be heard. "Do not be angry with Rainbow Dash, it was I who forced him to bring me here," she explained very dryly.

Discord turned his back on the mare and rearranged his new song under several heavy layers of parchment. "I do not blame him for bringing you here, I know you are quite capable of intimidating anypony," he dryly replied, before turning back and facing her, his arms folded across his chest.

Madame Luna smiled gently to herself. "Everypony, save for you, Discord," she murmured softly.

Discord said nothing; he simply waited for her to state her reasons for being there. Truth was, they had not been corresponding with one another since the night both Fluttershy and her father invaded his world. While they had not officially cut all ties between each other, the argument they had had left little discussion of renewing their "friendship", if one could call it that. Besides, neither of them were going to apologize, they were both far too stubborn for their own good. So he simply waited for her to speak and explain what was so important that she had to intimidate Rainbow Dash into bringing her down there.

Madame Luna recognized Discord's body language and got right to the point. "I know you have Fluttershy down here," she stated plainly.

Discord said nothing, nor did give any indication that her words affected him. She continued. "I saw her that night at the ball…I didn't realize it at first, but I thought something about her seemed familiar…and then I learned recently that the last time anyone had seen her was the night of the opening gala, the same night her father disappeared." She looked up at Discord to see any sign of acknowledgement, but found none. "Several stagehooves confessed to speaking with her and then seeing her disappear beneath the stage to search for her father who had also disappeared the same way…and you did not deny that Monsieur Time Turner had entered your world, if I recall," she added coolly.

"Nor did I confirm your suspicions," Discord replied, just as coolly. "I too remember that conversation, and you were quite quick to accuse me of murdering the old pony."

"I had good reason, due to your history," she icily hissed.

Discord found himself softly chuckling. "All too true, after all, I do abhor trespassers, ponies who simply arrive unannounced as if they own the place or something," he groaned, his statement all too clear as he gazed upon Madame Luna. "I would not do such a thing to somepony else's home…and a stallion does have the right to defend his own home, does he not?"

"Damn it Discord!" Madame Luna growled, her patience waning. "Enough of this, where is the mare?"

Discord leaned back against his piano, his arms still locked across his chest. His eyes speculated her for a moment while a soft cold smile spread across his face. "You claim she is here, after all, you said so yourself that you saw her. Although I must admit, I am rather shocked that it took you so long to put the pieces together. Yet perhaps you were simply avoiding a confrontation? I know I can strike fear into the hearts–"

"You do NOT frighten me!" Madame Luna practically shouted, her black-booted foot stomping down firmly on the ground. "Perhaps I did not wish to jump to such conclusions because I did not think you possible of committing such…such…vile villainy!"

Discord's cold smile vanished, as did any amusement that had lit his gaze. He glared at the mare before him and felt his muscles tense at her words. "Villainy, madam?"

"Yes!" she hissed, stepping towards him. "It would have been one thing to learn that she had disappeared after entering your world, to learn that her fate was the same as the others who trespassed…but Discord…this is not a matter of defense, this is pure villainy! When I realized that the mare you had pried from the Prince's embrace had the same hair, the same figure, the same height as Fluttershy–"

Discord was seething at these words. Was it possible that Madame Luna saw the Prince as some sort of hero?

"–I just never thought it possible that you had…that you had lowered yourself to such evil, to lock up an innocent mare for who knows how long, and to use her for…for…" she felt sick at even thinking such vile thoughts.

Discord had been accused of many things, and many of those things he had been accused of were sadly true. But he had never been accused of using a mare for such diabolical means as Madame Luna was referring to. Even he could not lower himself to that level of filth. In the past he had been guilty of using prostitutes to sate his savage urges, but he was by no means guilty of the acts the dance mistress now accused him of. And now, after so many months of learning about Fluttershy, of living with her, getting to know her, and at last loving her…hearing such horrid things and being accused of such atrocities was more than he could bear.

"Well, I must say that didn't take very long," he growled low and deep.

Madame Luna stared at him with confusion. "What didn't take very long?"

"To step in and be my judge and jury, accusing me of being a vile monster…but I suppose it's rather hard to not be accused of such things when one looks like a monster."

Madame Luna rolled her eyes heavenward, seeking patience from God above. "Damn it Discord, do not bring your face into this! Just tell me where the mare is!"

"No!" Discord barked, his amber eyes glowing like molten fire. "You do not TELL me what to do, madam! And how DARE YOU barge in here and accuse me of rape!"

Madame Luna eyed him coldly. "You deny, then, my accusations?"

Discord opened his mouth to speak and then stopped when a sound outside his chamber indicated that somepony was nearby and listening. "We will not discuss this further…at least not here," he growled, grabbing Madame Luna by the wrist and marching out of the chamber, dragging her behind.

Discord did not know who it was that had been listening, the eavesdropper had vanished by the time he and Madame Luna had exited the chamber, however it was only wise that they did move somewhere else to speak; the last thing he wanted was for his beautiful Fluttershy to walk in and see him strangling the dance mistress. And if he didn't calm his anger soon, that would be exactly what he would do.

Madame Luna had no idea where Discord was taking her, but said nothing; she was too busy trying to catch her breath from the brisk pace Discord was setting.

Finally, they arrived at the destination Discord had intended; the southern chambers where many props and the infamous costume cages were kept. Once there, Discord whirled around and practically pushed the mare away from him, his glare dark and menacing.

Madame Luna rubbed her wrist and eyed the masked creature suspiciously. He was hiding something; she could read it all over him, why else would he insist on carrying on this debate somewhere far from the ears of others? And yet, he had not admitted to holding Fluttershy captive either. Had she jumped to the wrong conclusions? "Answer me once and for all Discord; do you have her?"

Discord's eyes were dark slits of fire as he glared at the dance mistress. He didn't have to tell her anything, this was his home and Fluttershy was his business. And even if he didn't tell her he had Fluttershy, what went on between the two of them was their business! He owed no one anything…

Madame Luna decided it was time to change tactics. She wasn't going to get anywhere with this. "You surprise me Discord…" she began.

Discord shot her another death glare. "Good to know I can still keep you on your toes."

She ignored his icy comment. "I never thought you a stallion of mercy…"

Discord opened his mouth to speak, but paused at her words. What did she mean by that exactly? One minute she was accusing him of villainous acts, the next she was praising his clemency.

Madame Luna noticed his look of surprise and quickly continued. "You have quite an infamous reputation, as you well know. The Phantom of the Opera, who kills anypony who displeases him, especially trespassers–"

"I know of my own reputation, perhaps you should just say what you are babbling about."

Madame Luna eyed him one more time and nodded her head in agreement. "Very well. I saw Monsieur Time Turner this evening."

Discord practically lost his ice-cold composure at the mare's words. Fluttershy's father–he was alive! Yet Discord was a mastermind when it came to giving off a particular persona, and instantly regained the frigidness of his character. "What makes you think it was Time Turner? You said so yourself, you know of my reputation–I have killed stallions for less than what Time Turner did, what makes you feel so sure–"

"Rainbow Dash was the one who discovered him," she interrupted.

Discord's eyes went momentarily wide. He opened his mouth to respond, but once again, she cut in.

"Rainbow Dash also told me that she was at the prison because…you had ordered her to search for Time Turner."

A part of Discord wanted to throw all his rage at the peg legged mare, yet he knew that Rainbow Dash's icy nature was no match for Madame Luna's, and if the mare wanted information, she would get it. For the first time in his life, Discord began to realize what it must feel like to be under Madame Luna's cold hard hoof.

"I can only assume two reasons as to why you would give orders to know the whereabouts of Monsieur Time Turner. One, he escaped your clutches and you are tracking him down to forever silence his tongue, or two…you have other reasons, reasons to which I do not fully understand, but reasons that point to the fact that you ARE keeping Fluttershy!"

"ENOUGH!" Discord shouted, his temper hitting a breaking point. He refused to feel like a bug in a jar in his own domain. "Perhaps your first guess is correct; perhaps Time Turner somehow escaped and I wish to know where he is to be sure he will not have mobs barging down here and destroying not only my life, but the lives of several others!"

Madame Luna cocked a dark brow at these words. "Yet no one has escaped your realm…this place, this labyrinth, is so diligently armed against trespassers…Time Turner could not have escaped, at least not without somepony who knows the workings of your traps. It is far more likely to believe you showed mercy on another being, than it is to believe you would be so careless as to allow someone to easily escape."

Discord's head was throbbing at the constant change from accusations to bewildered praise. She was playing some sort of game with him, trying to get him to reveal something he did not wish to reveal. "State your theories, madam," Discord growled deep and low. "I grow weary of both you and this discussion."

Madame Luna lifted her chin. "Very well. I believe you released Time Turner, although why I do not know. Perhaps–" she gasped and a hoof flew to her mouth as she put the pieces together. "Fluttershy…she offered her life for his! And you took it! You took her in exchange for Time Turner!"

"Like lambs to the slaughter," Discord grumbled, his arms folding once more across his wide chest.

Madame Luna was now the one who looked horrified. "Oh God Discord, I…I did not want to believe you capable of–"

"I WILL NOT STAND BY AND HAVE YOU INSULT ME SO GRAVELY AS YOU DID BEFORE!" Discord shouted, his voice reverberating off the cavern walls. "I NEVER LAID A PAW ON HER! NOT ONCE DID I FORCE MYSELF UPON HER, NOT ONCE DID I RAISE A CLAW TO STRIKE HER! SHE CAME HERE ON HER OWN ACCORD AND SHE STAYS ON HER OWN ACCORD!" His chest was heaving from his shouting, the words still echoing all around them.

Madame Luna stared at him wide-eyed, her mouth open but no sound coming out. A realization dawned upon her as the last puzzle piece slowly fell into its place. "My God…" she whispered. "You love her."

Discrd quickly turned his back to the mare and began to march out of the chamber, not caring what happened to her, just needing to be away from her before he gave in to temptation and wrap a Punjab lasso around her neck.

"She remains here because you love her! And…and that is why you were looking for Time Turner; it was all done for her, not for yourself!"

Discord halted and Madame Luna, who had been following his tall shadowy form close behind, almost slammed into him. "You will leave this place…and you will leave now," he growled, dangerously low. "I will not ask you again."

Madame Luna remained where she was and she watched his figure retreat into the darkness. She knew that she was playing with fire by continuing to stand where she was and even call out to him…but she had to be heard at least one last time. Fluttershy was down here, and she had a right to know about her father, she had a right to be in a world filled with sunshine, nature, and ponies. She had a right to live.

"What are you going to do about Time Turner?" she cried out to his retreating form.

Discord knew he shouldn't turn around, every fiber was telling him to ignore the mare, to go back to his chambers and to prepare for Fluttershy. This was not Madame Luna's business, nor was it the business of others for that matter! He loved Fluttershy, he worshipped her, he would give up his music for her, and she had told him so many times, as well as shown him, that she dearly loved him.

…yet what had he done to deserve her love?

He took her father from her, made her a prisoner, forced her to live a life underground with a bunch of carnival freaks, trained her to sing to the point of causing herself physical pain…and then took her virginity, thus defiling her before God.

But she did all these things willingly cried out a voice inside him. Did she not give her body to you? Did she not take joy in your music? Did she not make all these decisions on her own? He never truly possessed her, because she was her own person!

And she forgave him, the angel that she was. She forgave him for taking her father away.

…and now was the opportunity to make things right.

"Discord…" he practically flinched as he felt Madame Luna's hoof touch his arm. "Never in my life did I believe it possible that…that you would come to know the joy of love–and yet, love also carries a tremendous burden."

He shook her hoof off his arm. "Do not talk to me about love, madam. Whatever love you have felt in life does not even begin to compare to Fluttershy."

"I know…" she sighed, taking a step away from him. "The love my late husband and I shared is nothing like the love you share for Fluttershy. And the reason that is, is because REAL love demands sacrifice."

Discord stared at her, a sick feeling boiling in the pit of his stomach.

"Both my husband and I made sacrifices for each other. We both had to give up things we wanted, make hard choices, and live with one another's consequences. And yet we did these things because we wanted the other to be happy–our happiness was entwined with the happiness of the other. Did you know why I stopped dancing Discord? The dance mares say it is because of an injury, but that is not true. I healed from the injury to my knee, I could return to dancing anytime I wished! But I didn't…because my husband had fallen ill and needed me by his side. I gave up dancing for him, something I am very passionate about, but I realized that no matter how much I love dancing…it does not even compare to the love I feel for my husband." She pulled out a tiny framed picture from her purse and looked down at the old photograph tenderly. "After he died, I dedicated my strength to my daughter. When I see her, I see him…" she sighed, placing the picture back inside her purse. "Twilight will be a great star one day…and he will live on through her." She lifted her eyes once more to Discord's and locked them with his. "That is the burden of love Discord…it gives joy, but it also demands sacrifice. Fluttershy sacrificed herself for her father, because she loves him! She has chosen to live in a world of darkness when what she needs is light! She needs warmth, she needs fresh air, she needs–no, she deserves the family that you have robbed from her!"

Discord was struck by these words as if somepony had clobbered him with a heavy club. "Giving a mare gifts is not the same as putting her wants ahead of yours. Keeping her here as your own caged songbird is not love…its selfish possessiveness disguising itself as enduring affection." She took a step away from him, her eyes glowing like beacons on a stormy night. "Goodbye, Discord…I will not disturb you again." Without so much as another look, she turned on her heel and disappeared down a dark cavern that led back to the outside world, leaving him there in the cold tunnel, a tunnel that did not seem to possess such bitterness, until now.

It seemed like hours had passed.

Discord remained in the tunnel long after Madame Luna had bid him farewell.

The mare's words had a damn nuisance of penetrating his soul. He recalled that horrible time she compared him to the Prince; now was no different, he felt numb all over from the sting of her truthfulness.

Fluttershy's father was alive. This was both wonderful and terrible.

In truth, Discord had forgotten the old stallion. And would he be lying if a part of him had even been hoping that Time Turner would not be found? Discord cursed himself for his selfishness; if Time Turner remained unfound, yes it would mean Fluttershy had no choice but to stay with him…but was that what he wanted?

No. He did not want Fluttershy staying with him because she had no other choice…he wanted her to stay because she wanted to stay; hence his plan to propose to her.

And Fluttershy, while she may deny it now, would live to resent him for the rest of her life. She would inwardly blame him for the death of her father, and she would not be wrong. And that hatred would fester and eat away at her soul until there was no love left–and all that remained was a hollow shell of the mare that once responded to his touch. He would truly become the monster that he was before her eyes…and he would not blame her.

Damn it all! What a fool he had been! To even begin to believe that somepony like him could be happy; could have a mare like Fluttershy with him for the rest of his life. He was cursed to remain in darkness, to haunt the shadows and thirst for the simple pleasures of pony existence.

A puddle of water pooled near his feet and he caught sight of his masked reflection. In anger, his hoof came crashing down on the puddle, sending the water splattering every which way, distorting the reflection from his eyes.

Why had he believed himself to be more than what he was? Damn love, damn dreams, and damn Fluttershy! If she had left him to die in the streets of Maris that one night, he would never know this pain he was now feeling.

She was to blame for all this. She came into his life, turned his world upside down, and then did the unthinkable: she fell in love with the monster. And he all too eagerly allowed himself to be caught in the web her love created.

But creatures like him were not meant to find happiness with others. Creatures like him were not meant to know the joys of the flesh, they were not meant to feel the warmth of a mare's arms, and they certainly were not meant to feel the equal of stallions who had no need to hide their faces behind masks.

That was when the song that had haunted his heart since the first night he had laid in Fluttershy's arms, began to fill his head.

"Turn your face away from the garish light of day…" he whispered, the lyrics now so familiar to him. "Dare you trust the music of the night…"

Discord's paw rose to his head and pulled at his dark hair as if wishing to rip it out. Then, with a angry cry, he threw his head back and let all the caverns hear the pain and rage that filled his being.

He began to run.

He was flying through the caverns as if trying to escape something.

That song. It kept playing over and over inside his head, and it was mixed with another song…that damn lullaby Fluttershy had sung to him several nights ago. She called him angel, she thought of him as her personal angel! Damn her, he cursed. She made him believe that he could perhaps be that for her too; he should have known better.

He needed to destroy it. He needed to find the song he had written and destroy it quickly before the pain engulfed him.

He flew to the entrance of his chambers, determined to thrust the parchment into the fire before its haunting melody inflicted him further, before its lyrics of love and hope mocked him again, before–

"Discord!"

Discord halted the second he entered the chamber, gasping at the sight before him.

Good God…she was vision.

Fluttershy stood before him; her cheeks pink and her smile warm, radiating a glow that stabbed at his heart. She was wearing the ivory gown he had requested that she wear, and the rose he had left on her bed was in her wild and lovely pink hair. She stood before him, smiling with blushing pride, her hooves holding onto the folds of her gown, as if trying to show him that she had done what he had requested, hoping he would be proud.

Was it possible for this mare to look any lovelier? Why was it that every time he saw her, she seemed to glow with even more beauty?

Her smile was so radiating, so beautiful…

He never thought it possible to despise that smile until now.

"Fluttershy…" he simply whispered.

She grinned and did a small curtsy. "Thank you for inviting me, and for the rose," she blushed, her grin spreading further as she touched the fragile flower.

Discord felt his heart being torn to shreds. Did she have to look at him like that? Did she have to grin like that?

"I confess, I was hoping that perhaps we could rehearse that song from Don Juan? The song where both Aminta and Don Juan sing of their love to one another?" she asked timidly, her hooves reaching out for his.

Discord froze at her words. Anything but that right now…God give him strength.

"I know that you believe music can always be perfected, but I do so love it, and it's so beautiful, oh please Discord, I want to sing that with you–"

She had been reaching for him then, her small beautiful hooves almost touching his, her sweet lips tilted upward to kiss his own. One touch of her hoof would be his undoing, let alone one kiss.

Discord pulled away from her before Fluttershy could reach him, a move that caused Fluttershy momentary alarm. Her smile slowly began to vanish and she could read from his body language that something was not right. Perhaps he needed to discuss with her something about the opera before they moved on to rehearsing?

"Forgive me," she apologized. "I was getting ahead of myself, it was you who asked for me to come, and therefore you have matters of great importance you wish to discuss. Please Discord, tell me what–"

She had been reaching for him again, and once more, Discord pulled away from her before she could touch him. This time Fluttershy knew something was wrong by the way Discord moved…and by the way his eyes adverted hers. "Discord? What's wrong…" she whispered, a soft trembling in her voice.

Discord cursed himself as he heard the sudden change of tone in her voice. He was causing this worry, this growing apprehension that something was wrong. And while he knew that it would break his heart, to do what he had to do, it was the only way to truly free her from the cage he had placed her in.

"There will be no need to rehearse Don Juan and Aminta's song," he said harshly, his back still turned to her.

Fluttershy felt a chill wash over her, but chose to ignore it. "Discord, I know you are a perfectionist, but you have already achieved perfection! The song can not be perfected further, it–"

"You misunderstand me," he cut in, his tone razor sharp. Fluttershy stared at his back, her arms wrapping around her body in an attempts to fight off the growing chill that was spreading. "There will be no need to rehearse the song…" he growled, slowly turning to face her, "…because I have removed it completely from the opera."

Fluttershy stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "W-w-what?"

"Don't pretend to be deaf Fluttershy, you have a sweet little voice, but lack talent when it comes to acting."

His words bit into her like a snake striking its victim. What was wrong with him? Why was he behaving so coldly, so maliciously?

"What's wrong Discord? What happened?" she approached him swiftly, her hoof reaching for him, but he moved away from her with more grace than a pony half his size could possess. Even his movements stung her.

"Nothing is wrong my dear, in fact, nothing could be better. I saw the error of my ways and handled the problem immediately."

She stared at him as if she had never known this creature in her life. She was beginning to think that was possible. "The problem?"

He said nothing, simply strode over to the organ, found several pieces of parchment, and without a glance in her direction, proceeded to throw the parchment into the fire that warmed the whole chamber. Fluttershy watched in horror as he paid no attention to her and went about his task as if it were something he commonly did.

"Discord!" she practically screeched his name as panic was beginning to take hold. "What are you doing? What do you mean by 'problem'?"

He sighed and lifted his eyes to hers. "Kindly lower your voice madam, at least to a level that will not cause dogs to howl."

Fluttershy stared at him in shock from the biting remark. She could feel tears beginning to sting her eyes. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!?!"

"NOTHING!" Discord roared, turning on her, anger flashing wildly in his eyes. "Why must something be wrong with me? Perhaps nothing is wrong with me, perhaps I am simply seeing the light for once!"

Fluttershy took a step back, truly feeling afraid of him for the first time since the night she traded her life for her father's. Discord took notice of the way she looked at him, of the way she trembled, and instead of retreating, simply advanced. "I played your game Fluttershy, I knew that if I didn't make those changes and wrote your precious love song, that your nagging would never end! It was for my own sanity that I wrote that song, not out of any favors to you," he mocked, his words cutting and spitting with fire.

Her eyes were shimmering with cold tears. Who was this stallion that stood before her? This was not the stallion she had fallen in love with, this was not the pony she had willingly given her body to almost every night. This was…was…

"A monster?" he simply asked.

Fluttershy's eyes widened at his words. "W-w-what? I…I never said…"

"I can easily read what you're thinking, it's not very hard actually, and you're quite easy to comprehend."

Fluttershy felt a flare of anger ignite within her. "Am I?"

Discord smiled, a cold calculating smile that held no warmth or affection. "Quite. After all, look at what you read! Gothic romances filled with mystery, intrigue, and passion. It wasn't hard to seduce you at all…a few songs, several late night rendezvous', not to mention a midnight waltz on New Year's Eve…yes, it was rather easy getting you into bed actually. And all I had to do to keep you there was simply tell you what you wanted to hear–"

Fluttershy screamed with rage and raised her hoof to slap his uncovered cheek, but his strong powerful grip caught her wrist before it could make contact, squeezing and twisting the skin until she whimpered. "That was rude," he hissed. "At least let me finish before you attempt to strike me down with your little fists of fury." He released her wrist and she stumbled back, clutching her arm to her chest, her whole body trembling with both rage and sorrow. "As I was saying," he continued as if nothing had happened. "Filling your head with words of love was a guaranteed way of keeping your back on the mattress and your thighs parted–"

Discord ducked just in time as Fluttershy picked up a vase and hurled it at his head. She then wasted no time with screaming her attack and throwing herself at him, her hooves attacking his face and chest, ripping the mask off and attempting to scratch his eyes out.

Discord was momentarily stunned by the strength she possessed and found himself fighting her off with some difficulty. He knew his Fluttershy could do anything if she truly put her mind to it, and right now, nothing would please her more than to kill him.

Good. That would at least make her pain less when she left his world forever.

He finally managed to push the little hellion off him, shoving her so hard that she fell backwards and landed with a loud thud. He bent then to retrieve his mask that she had removed, the whole time keeping his eyes on her in case she attempted to attack him again.

She didn't. Instead, she found herself, much to her own disgust, weeping in deep misery. Her strength had only been momentary, now it had been sucked out of her completely. She felt so tired, physically, mentally, and most especially, in her heart. So tired that she could not fight off the tears; they flowed down her cheeks freely, like two ice-cold waterfalls.

Discord slowly placed the mask back on his face, his tongue tasting blood at the corner of his mouth. Fluttershy had not been entirely unsuccessful in her attack. He gazed down at the girl before him, the mare he had reduced to a weeping heap with only a few words. It hurt, God how it hurt, seeing her like that, hearing her sorrow, her misery…but it was the only way…

"I don't know what's happened to you," she whispered, her tear-stained face lifting to meet his eyes. "But I can not…I do not believe that…that it was all a lie…"

"Whatever makes you happy my dear," Discord grumbled, moving past her without another look. He sat himself down at his organ and began to play a few notes from the overture of Don Juan Triumphant. Fluttershy watched him as he played, seeing how rigid he sat, noticing that there was no passion in the way he played. Slowly, she scrambled to her feet.

"You love me Discord, I know you do!"

He ignored her and continued playing, although every fiber in his being screamed at him to answer her.

She sighed and began to approach him, determined to not let him push her away again. "I don't know why you're doing this, saying these things and behaving in such a way, but I KNOW that you love me! I've felt your love! I've seen it!"

His playing did not cease, nor did his concentration. Fluttershy felt the anger rise within her again and she reached out and grabbed him by the shoulders, forcing him to turn and face her. "DAMN IT DISCORD, YOU WILL ANSWER ME!"

He flew to his feet as he felt her tiny hooves grip his shoulders, whirling about so quickly that she almost stumbled backwards. He caught her by the shoulders before she fell, but his touch was not tender.

This will be the hardest part I have ever had to play...

"Love you? Good God, is that what you think? That I love you?"

To Fluttershy's horror, Discord began to laugh. A deep menacing laugh that filled her with dread and made her flesh crawl. She writhed in his arms, but not the way she writhed within them before. Then, it was because of the extreme pleasure they were experiencing together…now, it was out of pure hatred and disgust. She wanted to be far away from him, she didn't want to feel his touch; she didn't want to remember what it felt like to lay within his arms and feel his body cover hers. She wanted the stallion she loved, her Phantom, to come back to her…not this creature who harshly held her and was laughing manically in her face. Who was this creature]?

God forgive me...

"Truth be Fluttershy, I've had my fill of you. In fact, you were growing, for lack of betters words, somewhat tiresome," he spat.

Forgive me Fluttershy...although I do not deserve it...

"I am a stallion nearly 20 years your elder. You're nothing but a mere child; while you are spirited, your youth lacks imagination to keep a grown stallion satisfied for very long."

God this hurts, seeing her flinch...seeing her cry. Kill me now, please...

"However, you are only a country mare, and the only rituals of mating that you are acquainted with is that of farm animals. Pity then, that you did not understand fully that stallions are predatory beasts; when we find prey that we hunger for, we'll do anything necessary to capture it.

Hate me Fluttershy; I never deserved your love. Hate me and leave this place, never looking back...

"In your case, it was telling you that I loved you, when in reality–" Fluttershy gasped in terror when his paw stroked her chest. "–all I wanted was to sup at the delights you eagerly displayed before me."

"GET YOUR PAW OFF ME!" she screamed, her hooves clawing away at his paw that continued to grip her. She had never felt so disgusted in all her life.

End this now; just tell me that you hate me Fluttershy, please...end this suffering!

"What's wrong my dear? I thought you loved me," he mocked, his paw moving down to her thigh. His other arm held her tight to his body so that she could not escape while his paw began to pull at the hem of her gown. "Isn't this what you wanted? I thought you loved the way I touched you…I thought you loved the way I made you feel…" his breath was hot against her neck, but the shivers it caused Fluttershy were not shivers of pleasure.

Fight me, Fluttershy! Lash out, strike me own! HATE ME!

"Don't you want the Phantom of the Opera to buck you?"

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" she screamed, her knee wiggling free from Discord's powerful hold of her body and with all the strength she could, kneeing him hard in the groin, causing him to let her go and stumble backwards.

Had Discord not reached out to grip a stone bust that was near, he would have fallen to the ground from her sudden attack.

Well done Fluttershy, I'm so proud of you...

"Don't you EVER touch me again!" she spat, moving around the piano to keep the instrument between both herself and him.

Discord slowly rose back to his full height, although panting still from the painful blow she had caused. "Touché my dear, you caught me entirely unawares. You fight well…for a mare."

Fluttershy's cheeks flared a hot shade of pink at his words.

"I was wrong…you still have that spirit I admire so," he sighed, moving away from where she stood and retreate back to the organ.

I will never touch her again. Fly away, my angel, fly away from this Hell...

"Your spirit was one of the reasons to why I decided to keep you those many months ago. I thought a sweet little hellion like you could make things interesting in bed for at least some time–not to mention you would be light on my purse."

FLuttershy's eyes went wide at his meaning. "I am no whore!"

No, you are an angel, an angel who deserves freedom from the demon that I am...

He cocked a brow. "Really? Are you sure? What would you call yourself then? A mistress perhaps? No, that won't do at all, even mistresses are given an allowance; well, whatever you were, I won't deny that you were worth every penny," Discord then reached for a black wooden box that sat near his organ, and from inside it, he withdrew a small gray bag. "I think that shall cover all expenses between then and now."

Fluttershy stared at the bag in his paw and then back at him. Was he joking? Was he actually telling her he thought of her as nothing but a streetwalking whore?

Take it, Fluttershy. Take it and leave this place!

"Come now Fluttershy, even if your pride is hurt, I would take the money if I were you…you'll need it when searching for a new residence."

Her eyes had narrowed to hate-filled slits. "You bastard…" she hissed. "I will take NOTHING of yours! I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU!"

She's right, you are a bastard and deserve every cruelty life gives you. Just tell her what she needs to know and end this suffering before it's too late!

Discord sighed and tossed the bag down on the ground. "You may wish to reconsider my offer. If you will not take it to use for yourself, then you may wish to have it when you go to the prison to release your father."

Fluttershy's face paled at Discord's words. Time had truly stopped. His words were still echoing in her ears when she finally found her voice again. "M-m-my f-father?"

Discord kept his stone countenance even though what he was about to tell her would perhaps hurt most of all. "Well of course…it's time that you know the truth my dear," he sighed, turning his back on her and facing his music again.

Don't look at her; don't look into her angel eyes. They're filled with hate, which is what you deserve!

"Your father has been rotting in a Maris prison for at least several months now…poor stalllion, probably thinks your dead."

Fluttershy stared at his back, both shocked as well as vengeful. "Y-y-y-you've known? You've known all this time?!"

Iscord took a deep breath and put on a calculating grin before he turned to face her once more. "Of course my dear…but I couldn't have my mistress leaving my lair for a pitiful old stallion when I was far from done with her, now could I?"

Go find your father and never come back, Fluttershy. I free you from this prison, I free you from my heart...

A part of Fluttershy wanted to kill him; she wanted to lift that bust that stood near his organ and throw it down upon his head! Or at the very least, she wanted to burn all his precious music. But another part of her just couldn't believe that this creature, this creature who she thought had loved her, who she had foolishly given her heart to…had known all this time where her father was, but had purposefully kept the information from her so that she would stay and…

Her stomach churned with revulsion at the many memories of their nights together.

Discord watched the conflict of emotions flash across her beautiful tear-stained face. It took every nerve in his body to not go to her, fall to his knees, and beg forgiveness for the horrid way he had treated her, for the terrible things he had said. He did love her, he loved her more than anything in this world…but damn Madame Luna, she was right; Fluttershy was not meant for this existence and he had been a fool to believe that it could possibly be true.

Painful as it was, this was the only way to let her go and know that at least she would not have to suffer the same pain he would suffer for the rest of his life. Better that she hates me than wallow in sorrowful misery.

"My offer still stands Fluttershy," he said, breaking the silence. She glanced at him and then glanced down at the bag of money he had thrown on the ground. She didn't want to take his money, by doing so she would be admitting, at least to him, that she had been his whore all this time.

But her father needed her, and if what Discord said was true…

Her pride could be put aside for this. She quickly snatched the money up and cradled it to her breast, backing away from him before he could reach out and grab her again.

Discord looked at her for a long moment, before turning his back on her and resuming his playing. "Take the boat and go out the way I showed you that leads towards the stage."

He said nothing more, he simply continued his playing, the notes growing louder and louder so that he would not have to hear her tiny hooves dash out of the chamber and leave his world forever.

He played for what felt like hours, the blisters on his paw and claw breaking from the way he pounded the keys. He did not wish to stop, for if he did, he may hear her go, or he may turn and see her still standing there. He didn't know what he would do if she were still there–he did not think he would be able to let her go then.

"Master?"

Discord gasped at the sound, and then let out a long shaky sigh as he turned to face Shortround, who stood there, holding his bible in one hoof, his face filled with concern.

"Master? I know that you had wished me to come to your chamber tonight…but…" something was troubling the stallion. Discord said nothing; he just waited until Shortround finally finished his thoughts. "Is something wrong? I…I saw Fluttershy a short time ago…she…she looked so upset."

Discord felt his heart burst at the stallion's words. He could only imagine the pain that must have been written across his Fluttershy's lovely face.

"Master…what has happened? She held several small bundles in her arms; she was going to the lake…she was crying. Master, is she all right? Please…what has happened?"

Discord looked away, his focus drawing now to a copy of the song he had composed for Don Juan and Aminta to sing. "I let her go…" was he all said.

Shortround's eyes widened at his master's words. "You…you what?" Fluttershy was gone? She was leaving, never to return? "How…why…why did you let her go?"

Discord still kept his eyes focused on the song. "It was necessary…I had to…"

Shortround's head was reeling with questions. "But why Master? I…I thought…I thought that perhaps…" he had been so sure, for so many weeks now that something had happened between the Master and Fluttershy. Something good…or so he thought.

"Because…" Discord sighed, turning his eyes to the other stallion's, eyes that for the first time ever, revealed tears to his friends, "…I love her."

Shortround's face paled and his eyes widened at the Master's revelation. It had been true…after all this time, the dark, cold, menacing Phantom of the Opera…had fallen in love.

Yet before Shortround could say more, Discord had leapt to his feet, a frantic look washing over his face. He pushed past the stallion, and began racing out the entrance of his chamber, flying through the cavern tunnels, climbing the endless steps and passages of the Maris Opera House, until at last, he reached the familiar stairs that led to the roof. He burst the door open and ran to the ledge, his eyes wild, seeking out a familiar figure amongst the darkened streets.

It was snowing, and snowing very hard. Discord could barely see through all the snow what he was looking for. He peered through the flakes and shadows, scanning the horizon, until…at last…his eyes fell on a small figure, running down one of the main streets.

She had changed her clothes, and was wearing that blue dress she had worn the first day she had arrived. The coat she wore was flimsy and would never keep her properly warm. Her arms held small bundles, and she clutched the bundles tightly to her chest. Discord watched, his eyes wild, as the figure continued to run, faster and faster it seemed, down the street until finally, turning a corner and disappearing from his sight forever.

He lowered his head then, his paw and claw gripping the ledge, his blood turning the snow red. The sobs came then…long and desperate. The tears flowed down his cheeks like molten fire. He threw his head back and screamed his cry of agony for the entire world to hear.

"FLUTTERSHY!!!"
> Entre Act
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entre Act

The housekeeper grumbled in irritation as she approached the pounding door. It was the middle of the night, and she was a having a wonderful dream of being a queen in a far away land with servants of her own to tend to her every need. And then, the irritating pounding came, awaking her from her make-believe paradise. Who on God's green earth would be calling this time of night?

She opened the door a crack, only letting the knocker see her face. "Here now! What on earth are you doing at this ungodly hour?" she snapped.

A young mare stood on the door step, several bundles cradled in her arms, her hair a great mass of tangled waves, covered in snowflakes, and she wore a thin coat, one that did not look very warm, proven by the fact that she was shivering and her teeth were chattering. "P-please, I…I n-n-need to…to s-s-speak w-w-with Madame L-l-luna…"

The housekeeper eyed the waif with suspicion. "Do you know what hour it is? Madame is sound asleep, and so should I! Do your begging somewhere else and leave this door step at once!"

The housekeeper moved away and attempted to shut the door, but Fluttershy's hoof shot out, catching the door before it fully closed. "Please…l-let me speak w-w-w-with her…I b-b-beg of you…"

The housekeeper frowned and attempted to push Fluttershy away. "Go away, you vile, disgusting, little–"

"What seems to be the problem, Sandy?"

Fluttershy looked past the angry housekeeper and felt relief wash over her at the sight of Twilight Sparkle. "Oh, Twilight, please…I…I n-need to speak with–"

"Don't go bothering the young miss!" the housekeeper retorted in Fluttershy's face. "Just some pauper attempting to take advantage of Madame's charity," she informed Twilight.

"Sandy wait!" Twilight placed a hoof on the mare's shoulder and pried the housekeeper away from the door. "Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy wanted to smile, so happy to see somepony she knew, but she was cold, tired, and emotionally exhausted after everything she had endured that night. The smile was fleeting, and gave way to a cascade of tears that were only inevitable. Twilight ignored the housekeeper's harsh words about letting a beggar in, and drew Fluttershy inside the small home of the ballet mistress and her daughter.

"My Goodness, you're frozen all over!" Twilight gasped at the feel of Fluttershy's hooves. "Come, sit here, and I'll fetch Cosmic to build you a fire and Sandy will make you some hot tea."

The housekeeper's eyes widened at the mention of her name. "I most certainly will not! You can't go trusting some homeless waif that shows up on our doorstep just because–"

"Do as my daughter says, Soles," came a cold voice from above.

All heads turned to the top of the narrow staircase to see Madame Luna descend the steps, tying a dark robe around her body. "Twilight, go wake Cosmic to build that fire, and then fetch Mademoiselle Fluttershy a clean night gown, as well as a robe. Soles, make us a whole pot of hot spiced tea."

It wasn't a request, it was a clear demand. The housekeeper eyed Fluttershy warily one last time, before grumbling and disappearing in the way of the kitchen. Twilight also disappeared to fetch the other servant to build the fire, as well as to get clean clothes for Fluttershy. She sat alone with Madame Luna in the small parlor; the snow that had crowned her curls had now melted and left her hair a cold wet mass.

Cosmic, the other servant, entered the room and quickly went to work lighting the parlor's fireplace. Twilight then returned with fresh nightclothes for Fluttershy and took the young mare to her room where Fluttershy could change. Fluttershy then returned to the parlor, where Madame Luna sat, sipping some of the spiced tea that Soles had brought. "Feel any better my dear?" she softly asked as Fluttershy sat down across from her.

Fluttershy slowly nodded her head, but Madame Luna could tell the mare was going through an emotional conflict of great proportions. "Thank you Twilight, Soles," Madame Luna softly dismissed. Sandy Soles was all too grateful to go back to bed, yet Twilight hesitated.

"Are you sure mama? I don't mind–"

"Thank you dear, but you need your rest, tomorrow will be a very busy day with rehearsals for the new opera," she said in a low voice, her eyes never leaving Fluttershy's face.

Fluttershy practically flinched at the mention of Discord's opera. She had forgotten all about it, and wondered if that had been a lie too. Did Discord really think she had potential for being a great singer? Or were the lessons his way of keeping her there longer so that he could eventually bed her?

Strange…he seemed so genuine when he told her how he wanted to change the ending of Don Juan. He also seemed so sincere when he told her he loved her…

Had she been so blind? Or was Discord truly that good of an actor? She didn't know what to think, she was so confused.

"Drink this my dear, it will help," Madame Luna soothed, holding a cup out to Fluttershy. She had been watching the mare ever since she came into the house. She had this distant look in her eyes, the look of one who had experienced some sort of horrifying trauma. Had she been wrong? Perhaps Discord was not in love with Time Turner's daughter, perhaps her worst fears were correct and Discord had taken advantage of the poor mare, using her for whatever purposes he wished to have sated.

Yet she remembered how Discord turned away with disgust at the mention of raping Fluttershy. It was not just his own honor that he was defending then, but she felt that perhaps he had been defending Fluttershy's as well. Yet love can blind people, she reminded herself. Discord may believe himself in love with Fluttershy, but that didn't mean he was doing what was right by her. Fluttershy had been locked away for months down there, and even if Discord had not laid one hoof on her, it was still extremely traumatic to be taken away, locked up, and have one's own family removed.

And yet Discord had been looking for Time Turner, something he had been clearly doing for Fluttershy. Perhaps he was beginning to see the light of his errors.

"I'm glad you came here," Madame Luna whispered, leaning across and placing a soothing hoof on Fluttershy's. "You did the right thing, coming here."

Fluttershy hadn't been paying attention until she felt Madame Luna's hoof touch hers. Her mind was far away, in a darker place, with the memory of the stallion she loved, God help her, the stallion she still loved…and yet it had all been an illusion.

"I didn't know where else to go," she softly murmured.

Madame Luna smiled, yet it was a sad smile, one full of pity for the young mare. "You are always welcome here, my dear. Should anything ever happen, you will always have a place here."

Fluttershy looked down at the teacup she held in her hooves. "Thank you," she whispered. Then, suddenly, her memory stirred to why she had sought out Madame Luna in the first place. "My father!" Fluttershy gasped, the teacup almost falling off her lap. "He is being held in a Maris prison! We must go to him! Please, we must free him at once–"

"Hush my dear, I promise you we shall, but we must wait till dawn, then we shall go at once and release him."

Fluttershy looked at Madame Luna, a puzzled expression written across her face. It was then that she thought it odd that the dance mistress hadn't even questioned to where either she, or her father, had been all this time. True, Fluttershy reminded herself, Celestia had fired her in front of both Madame Luna and the managers, and therefore the dance mistress may not have assumed Fluttershy had been missing this whole time. But to suddenly show up on her doorstep without warning…and to blindly accept everything Fluttershy was saying…

Did Madame Luna know more than she was letting on?

"You say that as though…you're not surprised to learn he is in jail…" Fluttershy whispered, a new feeling of anxiety coming over her.

Madame Luna recognized the emotion the young mare was feeling and reached out, grasping both of Fluttershy's hooves in her own. "My dear, I only just learned the news tonight…and…I only just made the discovery about…about you being kept below by Discord, tonight as well," she sighed.

Fluttershy's eyes widened further at Madame Luna's revelation. "You…you know Discord?"

The older mare nodded her head, releasing Fluttershy's hooves and leaning back in the chair she sat on. "Yes, I know him," she sighed again and looked down at her own teacup. "One could say I was his…liaison to the outside world. The Phantom's representative to the world above."

"Of course," Fluttershy murmured, the pieces of this strange puzzle falling together. "How else would he have gotten food, fabric for clothing, even the money…"

Madame Luna lifted a dark brow at Fluttershy's words. "Money?"

Fluttershy nodded her head and then reached down, picking up one of the small bundles that she had carried in with her. She opened the bundle, reveling a cascade of gold coins. "He…" Fluttershy stopped momentarily to wipe one of her cheeks. "That is, the Phantom…he gave this to me…" she did not wish to explain the full reasons why Discord had given her the money, but she could tell the older mare her intentions. "He knew about my father too," she whispered. "He said I could use the money to free him."

Madame Luna nodded her head with understanding. She had provided Discord and his little family with many things over the years; food, fabric for clothes, parchment for music, books, candles, oil for lamps, and many other things. Yet she never gave him money, for she knew he would only waste it on prostitutes. She was aware that Discord had developed the art of pick pocketing, although he justified his stealing by only taking money from those who could more than afford it, such as the Prince. If Blueblood only knew how much money he was losing every night he went to the opera…

However, seeing this huge pile of money that Fluttershy had revealed caused the dance mistress to take pause and think about Discord in a new light. She had many thoughts go through her head when she saw Fluttershy that night; she had hoped her words would have softened Discord to at least the thought of releasing Fluttershy, but she had not expected that he would have done it so soon. Also, he had revealed to the girl that her father was in jail; yet something about the way Fluttershy had said, "he knew about my father too", caused Madame Luna's brow to crease with confusion. Fluttershy made it sound as if Discord had known for some time that Time Turner was in jail, which she knew for a fact was not true. Discord always tried to give off a stony exterior, yet when she had delivered the news to him earlier that night about Time Turner, he had been taken completely by surprise.

What had transpired between both Discord and Fluttershy after she left?

"That is a hearty fortune my dear," Madame Luna murmured, taking another sip from her teacup. "It will certainly be enough to help your father," she added, hoping to give Fluttershy a chance to smile.

Foolish notion, she thought to herself. The poor mare had just learned that her father, who had been missing all these months, was in jail somewhere in Maris. She wouldn't be happy until she and the old stallion were reunited. "Come," Madame Luna sighed, rising from her chair and reaching to take Fluttershy's teacup. "There is a spare bedroom next door to Soles's. I wish I could offer you better, especially a place away from my grumpy housekeeper," she muttered. Madame Luna wondered how Fluttershy had been living these past few months. Had she been caged? No, she could not imagine Discord being that cruel, however, she had never imagined Discord keeping a mare, period! Perhaps she slept in the same chamber with the others…on a pile of rags. This bed may be the first Fluttershy had slept on in a long time. The tiny servant's room may seem like a palace.

Fluttershy followed Madame Luna's example, and rose from her chair, hugging all the bundles to her body, afraid that if she let them go long enough, she may lose one of them. She said nothing; she simply followed the dance mistress to the spare bedroom she had mentioned.

"Here we are," Madame Luna motioned to the door. "There are clean sheets and blankets, and I promise to wake you as soon as it's dawn, and we will go at once to fetch your father."

Fluttershy nodded her head, although she knew that she wouldn't get any sleep that night. However, before Madame Luna turned to leave, Fluttershy reached out and grasped the older mare's arm. "Madame, I…I need to know something…"

Madame Luna looked at Fluttershy with concern, thinking that perhaps the mare wished to know what prison her father was being kept in, or how, perhaps, she had come to this information about her father.

However, her question was none of those things. In fact, it took the dance mistress completely by surprise.

"How…how well do you know the Phantom?"

Madame Luna looked down at the mare, Fluttershy's blue eyes shimmering with new tears and filled with a need to hear answers to many unspoken questions.

"Well," she took in a deep breath and began. "I met him when I was younger…not as young as you, but before I married, and not long after I began dancing in Maris. He was only seventeen at the time; I remember recognizing him from the carnival. I'm not proud to admit it, but I went with several mares to the carnival and I remember seeing him there, caged and beaten…" she spoke these words with such venom. "The night I met him, I thought I was alone. I was rehearsing for a complicated scene in the upcoming opera, when I heard a noise from off stage. I followed it and found him trapped, his leg caught in a trap door that led below stage. He had been looking for scraps, and when he heard me enter the auditorium, he attempted to flee but got himself caught," she sighed, remembering everything so clearly as if it were yesterday. "I helped him free himself, to which he said nothing, he simply dashed away. I was surprised that he was there, but I was also happy…happy that he had escaped such a horrible place. The next day, I stayed late again, only this time I had brought food with me. I placed it near the trap door I had found him at the other night, and sure enough, he came," she smiled softly to herself. "He was starving, it was quite obvious, and for the next few nights, that's what I did…I brought rations and would leave them by the trap door. And then, one night, he finally spoke to me."

Fluttershy had been enraptured by this tale, and all thoughts of how things had transpired earlier seemed to have vanished. "And? What did he say?"

"He said, 'could you bring more for my friends?'," Madame Luna could not help but smile tenderly at the memory. Fluttershy found herself smiling too, and then a wave of confusion coming over her. How could a stallion, who cared so deeply for his companions, be as cruel as he had been to her that night? It just didn't make any sense…

"The next night I did as he asked, bringing more food than usual. I soon learned that while he had eaten some of the food I had brought him the night before, he was giving larger portions to the others. This way, they all could have an equal share," she explained. "And then, the night that followed that one, Discord struck a bargain with me. I was to begin to tell ghost stories about a mysterious creature called The Phantom, who haunted the Maris Opera House, and who oversaw everything. If one didn't do as they were told, The Phantom would see to them. And then I was to say that The Phantom lived beneath the opera house, and anyone who dared to enter his domain, would not return…alive. And thus began the legend of the Opera Ghost," Madame Luna concluded.

Fluttershy looked up at Madame Luna, puzzlement still written across her pretty face. "In all the time you've known him, has Discord–I mean, the Phantom, has he…has he ever taken anypony…hostage?"

Madame Luna slowly shook her head, a hoof rising to brush across the mare's face. "No my dear, at least not that I have been aware of…" she paused, her own brow furrowing. "Of course…I did not learn that he held you prisoner until tonight," she confessed. "I had my suspicions, for instance, the night at the New Year's masquerade I thought I recognized you–and then my suspicions were confirmed when I realized the mare in gold had disappeared with Red Death…but I was never sure, until tonight."

Fluttershy had felt her heart lift and then dash into a thousand pieces. She had been hoping that Madame Luna would tell her that Discord was not capable of the cruelty he had inflicted. Yes, she knew he could be frightening, but she knew that his reasons were to protect himself and his friends from trespassers. However, if Madame Luna had only tonight learned of Fluttershy living below, there may have been other times she was not aware of Discord keeping somepony else below for…whatever purposes he had.

"You really should get some rest, my dear," Madame Luna murmured, coaxing Fluttershy into the small bedroom. "Tomorrow will be a new day, we shall find your father, and everything will be made right."

Fluttershy wanted to agree with the mare, but her heart was still breaking. She simply nodded her head and shut the door of the tiny bedroom. She placed the small bundles she had been cradling down upon the bed, eyeing them all carefully. There were four bundles total; the money that Discord had thrown at her feet, and the others were items she had gathered from her chambers.

She slowly sat down and began to unwrap them, her fingers shaking as each bundle slowly revealed its secrets.

One held the books Discord had given her. She ran her hooves across the leather bindings, remembering how happy she had been upon discovering her gift.

The second bundle contained the dresses Rarity had made for her. They were plain compared to the grand gowns Discord had fetched for her from the costume cages, but they were dear gifts that she treasured. A tear trickled down her cheek as she thought of her friends who she sadly did not say goodbye to.

The final bundle was one that Fluttershy was very wary of opening. It was the smallest of all the bundles, and she still questioned herself as to why she brought it. Yet at the time, when she looked at it, she couldn't imagine leaving it either.

Slowly, she opened the bundle, her hooves trembling as she did so. Inside, lay one of Discord's black leather gloves. One evening he had come to her chamber, and they made love for what felt like hours. Discord had dropped the glove, and she always meant to bring it to him, but always forgot. Tonight, she spotted the glove, and without another moment's hesitation, snatched it up and stuffed it in with her other bundles.

Fluttershy lifted the glove and ran her fhooves along the smooth black leather, remembering how his paw and claw felt when they had touched her, how tender he had been when they first made love, how careful he always was when they were together. He never rushed her, he always waited until she was ready; what had happened to them?

She squeezed her eyes shut as hot fresh tears began to pour down her cheeks. She ran the glove's smooth fabric along her cheek, wishing it truly was Discord's paw, that he would be there and tell her it had all been a horrible misunderstanding, that he didn't mean what he said, that it had been a nightmare–that he still loved her and would never do anything to hurt her.

She opened her eyes then, and let out a soft wail as she sadly realized she was still in the tiny bedroom. Indeed, this was a nightmare…but it was one that she was living.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"HE DID WHAT?"
Shortround winced at the rather ear-piercing shriek from Rarity and Derpy, but sadly nodded his head.

"S-s-she's…s-s-she's g-g-going away?" Derpy whimpered, her face already growing wet from tears.

Shortround sighed and reached out, placing one hoof on the hunchback's arm. "Yes…I'm afraid it's true. And she's not going away Derpy…she's…she's already gone."

Derpy's eyes widened in disbelief; this couldn't be happening! "But…b-but I thought…I t-t-thought s-she liked it here? I…I t-t-thought s-she liked us?"

Shortround squeezed Derpy's arm tenderly, wishing he could explain things better. "She does Derpy, she does, it's just…well…she just had to go."

"WHY?" Derpy cried, her face now shining from her spilt tears.

Rarity was also struggling with the news. "Fluttershy would never…she would never just leave without saying anything to us!"

"Well, she did, so get over it," Rainbow Dash grumbled from her corner.

Rarity turned towards the peg legged mare, her eyes narrowing into tiny slits of fire. "You had something to do with this, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU!"

Rainbow Dash sprang to her feet, her own eyes burning with the same angry fire. "You know nothing! Do not accuse me unless you have proof!"

"Stop it!" Shortround roared, his hoof already rubbing Derpy's shoulder, which was trembling from her sobs. "Fighting will not bring Fluttershy back; nor will it help the Master," he murmured.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity glared at one another before Rainbow Dash retreated back into her darkened corner. Rarity took Derpy's hoof in her own and led her over to her bed, where she coaxed her to sit down. The anger still burned within her eyes and veins, but she tried to calm herself so as not to upset Derpy further.

"You never cared for her, you always made that abundantly clear," she grumbled towards Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash glared back at her, but said nothing. She simply stared at the shadows and huddled her body around the heap of rags that she slept on.

Shortround watched Rainbow Dash pensively for a moment, before Derpy's question interrupted his thoughts. "W-w-why…w-w-why d-did Fluttershy h-h-have t-to go?" She hiccuped here and there through her sobbing.

Shortround sighed. "You remember how the Master was giving Fluttershy singing lessons?" Derpy nodded her head. "Well…the Master made a bargain with Fluttershy; if she would let him train her voice, he would…he would release her when the time was right," Shortround lifted his hoof to brush away a tear that was trickling down his own cheek. "I suppose that he felt that now was the right time."

Raritys brow creased with confusion. "But…but surely she will come back? I mean…if what you say is true, if the Master truly made such a bargain with Fluttershy, then…then surely she would at least visit…"

"S-s-she h-has to!" Derpy wailed, before scooping up the tiny black kitten that was trying to sleep next to her pillow. "Carmen! S-s-she f-f-forgot Carmen!"

Rarity eyed Rainbow Dash from her corner, an uneasy feeling washing over her. "I'm not wrong with thinking that you do know something more to all this…" she murmured. Rainbow Dash said nothing, she simply huddled her body closer, attempting to turn her back on the prying eyes of her companions. "Rainbow Dash…" Rarity rose from Rarity's bed and began marching towards the mare. "Rainbow Dash you will answer me," she said through clipped lips. "You at least owe us that much."

"I owe you nothing!" Rainbow Dash snapped, turning slightly to send the mare a death glare.

Rarity was not phased one bit by the look. "What do you know about Fluttershy's leaving?"

Without warning, Rainbow Dash leapt to her hooves once more, this time she was bearing down upon Rarity, her eyes wild with anger and…something else. "You want to know what I know? FINE! But I will not be blamed for this!" she shouted. "I was doing my part for the Master, I was doing my job! He ordered me to search for the mare's father, that was EXACTLY what I did! And I found him, yes I found him!" she roared at all three of them. "He was in a prison cell, I overheard two police officers say his name and how they had been holding him for quite some time…" she paused as she recalled the danger of the situation. "They saw me…not my face, or my…" she glanced down at her leg and moved her arm behind his back. "But they saw my shadow and chased me…if it hadn't been for her, I would have…I…I would have…" her words trailed off as the nightmares from the past began to fill her head.

Shortround slowly approached the trembling mare, his voice calm and soothing. "Who helped you Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash woke from her trance and glanced into Shortround's eyes, before looking once more at the ground. "Madame Luna," she muttered. "She pulled me into her carriage and brought me back to the opera house," she paused for a moment before continuing. "She demanded that I take her to see the Master."

Rarity gasped, her hooves flying to her mouth. "Madame Luna was here? She spoke with the Master?"

Rainbow Dash nodded her head, but couldn't look into anypony's eyes. "She…she said it was important…and…and I knew it had something to do with Fluttershy…I…I didn't know what else to do, and I had to tell the Master about Fluttershy's father–"

"It's alright Rainbow Dash," Shortround interrupted. "Madame Luna can be a very commanding person; if you had not taken her to the Master, I'm sure she would have discovered her own way inside…and you're right, you had to tell the Master about Monsieur Time Turner."

Rainbow Dash said nothing; he simply kept her eyes to the ground. "I listened for a short while, outside the Master's chambers…they were arguing, he and Madame Luna; arguing about Fluttershy."

"Oh dear," Rarity whispered. "She must have thought the Master had kidnapped her and…and done terrible things to the poor mare!"

Rainbow Dash slowly nodded her head. "The Master must have heard me, because he quickly led Madame Luna from the chamber to another place…I…I dared not follow, the Master looked…I've never seen the Master look so angry in all my years of knowing him…"

A chill went down the spines of all four friends. They had known Discord for many years, and they had seen his fits of rage and the extremes his temper could be taken. But something about Rainbow Dash's words caused a sense of dread to creep into the hearts of all of them.

"Well, that explains it then," Shortround sighed. "The Master released her because of her father. If he was in prison, Fluttershy had to go and save him, naturally."

Rarity lowered her head, a feeling of shame washing over her. "I'm so selfish–I had forgotten all about the poor old stallion. Of course, Fluttershy had to go and save him, she had to go and be with him," yet Rarity's brow was still creased with worry. "But…but something still doesn't make sense. I understand Fluttershy's need for leaving, but…but why didn't she say goodbye?"

Shortround shook his head. "I'm not sure. Perhaps…perhaps she thought it would be too painful?" He reflected on his thoughts and slowly murmured, "You should have seen the Master's face. I…I've never seen him like that before…"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened at these words. "W-w-what do you mean? W-was he still angry?"

"No Rainbow Dash, you do not need to fear him," Shortround reassured, but no calming smile creased his lips. Instead, his eyes shown the deepest concern a pony could ever show for another. "I've never seen the Master look…look so sad. As if his very life had been sucked out of his body–not even his music could give him joy. He just…he looked so lifeless, so–"

"He's in love," Rarity whispered, yet her words rang clearer than any bell.

Shortround sighed, and softly nodded his head.

The others stared at her, their eyes wide as realization slowly fell upon them. "I…I always wondered since the night Fluttershy had gone above to warn the Master if something…if something had happened between them…"

"They were spending much of their time together…" Shortround continued. "And the Master had given me specific instructions to come to his chambers this evening and bring my bible…"

"And he was hard at work when I brought Madame Luna in to see him," Rainbow Dash finished. "He was smiling when I first saw him…and then he became so angry, especially when Madame Luna began to…well, to accuse him of doing horrible things to Fluttershy…"

Rarity looked at the others, a tiny smile lighting her face. "After all this time…the Master has fallen in love."

"And that is why he released Fluttershy," Shortround sighed. "He knew her father needed her, and he knew she missed him dreadfully."

"But it wasn't enough," Rainbow Dash muttered. "She's still gone, for a good reason, yes, but she's not coming back, you said so yourself that the Master told you she's gone for good."

"But surely she will come back! I mean, where will the poor mare stay, even after she's saved her father?" Rarity  bit her lip with worry. "I mean, she loves him! We all know that she loves him, and if he loves her…well, they should be together! And her father could stay here too, they could–"

"Rarity," Shortround interrupted, his eyes full of wisdom and truth, truth that Rarity did not want to see.

"Yes, yes, I know," she sighed, feeling tears burn her eyes. "I just…she brought light to our darkened world, and for once I believed in goodness because of her," she smiled as several memories of Fluttershy returned. "And while we have no choice to live in hiding…this is no world for a mare like her, or an old stallion."

Shortround nodded his head, although he too was saddened by the truth of the situation. "The Master knew what he was doing…and he did the right thing by letting her go."

"Yes, you're right," Rarity sighed, although her heart was aching with the sad truth. "I just hope Derpy can understand why she had to go. Derpy?" she turned towards the mares's bed, but gasped when she realized she was gone.

"Where…where did she…?"

"Must have left while we were talking," Rainbow Dash grumbled. "Took that blasted kitten with her too," she pointed to the blank spot on the bed where Carmen had been sleeping.

"Oh dear," Rarity bit her lip. "We have to find her, she won't understand, she'll think Fluttershy abandoned her–"

"It will be all right," Shortround soothed. "We'll explain everything when we see her later, but for now, let her have some time to herself."

Rarity nodded her head, but a horrible feeling was washing over her body. "Yes, of course…it's just…something doesn't feel right," she murmured, more to herself than to the others. "Something doesn't feel right at all…"
> Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reunion

"What do you mean this isn't enough? I have well over 300 franks in gold!"

The officer groaned and shook his head, feeling a pounding migraine come on from the young mare's screeching. The sun hadn't even peeked over the horizon when the young mare came barging into the station, demanding that her father be released at once. Behind her followed another mare, dressed in black from head to toe. The officer recognized the older mare immediately, yet tried to advert his eyes from hers; she made him feel like a fly caught in a spider's web.

"I'm sorry mademoiselle, but it is not enough, as I've told you now for the fourth time."

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed into hateful slits. She wanted to leap across the counter that separated her from the police officer and strangle him. It seemed as if some of Discord's violent ruthlessness had rubbed off on her.

"What crime has this stallion committed?" she barked at him, her hooves flattening on the counter top, as if preparing herself to vault over it and throttle him. "He is an old stallion, gentle and harmless; he's MY FATHER!" she shouted, not caring if her scream caused the officer to wince in pain. "I DEMAND THAT YOU RELEASE HIM AT ONCE!"

"I CAN'T DO THAT!" the officer shouted back, his own rage clearly seen in his pale brown eyes.

Madame Luna, who had been standing by and watching the scene this whole while could not be silent any longer. She had entered the station, determined to keep her mouth closed, knowing that this was Fluttershy's battle, and thinking that with over 300 gold franks. Time Turner would be in the mare's arms before one counted to ten.

Something wasn't right; a stallion like Time Turner could be released with less than 100 franks. No, they were keeping him for some reason…or for some one. And Madame Luna had a good idea who was behind it…

"Why exactly can you not release him?" she asked, very calmly, surprising both Fluttershy and the officer with her tone. Yet despite the tranquility of her voice, her eyes held only dark wrathful promises if the officer did not respond to her liking.

"I…that is…" he swallowed the growing lump in his throat, trying to keep his wits about him despite the cold stare she was sending his way. "This stallion is a lunatic, for one."

"HE MOST CERTAINLY IS NOT!" Fluttershy shouted, pounding her hoof down on the counter.

"The stallion was raving about a monster!" the officer continued, ignoring Fluttershy's protests. "He came in here, talking about some sort of masked fiend that had stolen his daughter, or something like that. He was clearly mad! Such a stalion is not safe in public!"

Fluttershy's teeth clenched at the man's words. "I am his daughter!" she hissed. "And I am here, now, so you can release him!"

The officer turned back to Fluttershy, weary of the mare's screeches and fits of temper. "Yes, mademoiselle, I see that, but all the more reason to point to the stallion's lunacy! And how do I know you're the stallion's daughter? You could be some strumpet that was hired–"

"You dare you speak to a mare in such a way?"

Both Fluttershy and Madame Luna had been prepared to throw their hooves at the officer for saying such things, but the third voice stopped them and they turned to see who had spoken…both completely shocked at the figure that stood in the doorway.

"Monsieur Prince!" the officer gasped, bowing as if being presented before royalty. "I…I didn't mean…that is…I beg your pardon, monsieur, but I–"

"You were simply being an imbecile," Blueblood growled at the officer. "Now apologize at once to the mare!"

The officer stared at the Prince as if the stallion were a strange creature from another world. Then, he immediately turned toward Fluttershy and began apologizing for his behavior in a series of blubbers.

Madame Luna simply watched with narrowed suspicious eyes.

"It's a start," Blueblood growled once more, turning away from the officer to face Fluttershy.

Fluttershy stared up at the hoofsome Prince, not sure what to say or think. Of all the ponies in this world who would come to her defense, he was the last stallion she had ever imagined doing so. True, while the Prince had the appearance of a gallant knight coming to a maiden's rescue on a charging white steed, she knew him to be pompous, arrogant, and extremely conceited. Also, his behavior in the past did not win him merit for being chivalrous. So what was he doing there?

"Mademoiselle," Blueblood greeted with a deep bow. "I apologize for the rudeness you had to endure just then; I promise you I shall speak with this stallion's superior on your behalf."

Fluttershy gave a slight curtsy out of politeness, but still looked at the Prince with wary eyes. "I thank you for your offer, but that is not necessary–I'm sure nothing of the sort will be necessary if he simply accepts my offer and gives me what I have come here for!" she hissed once more at the officer.

Blueblood turned his head, his eyes catching the officer who was fidgeting nervously from all the stares he was receiving. "And what offer is that, mademoiselle, if you don't mind me asking?"

Madame Luna wanted to open her mouth and shout at the Prince to stop playing games. He knew why they were there, she was sure he was responsible for Time Turner's imprisonment; she just needed proof.

She was surprised when Fluttershy responded to the Prince's question. "They are keeping my father prisoner," she explained, lifting her chin in defiance. "I offer over 300 franks in gold, and yet I am told it is not enough to release him!"

Blueblood's calm coolness almost fell away at the mention of the amount of money she carried. Over 300 gold franks? Compared to his vast wealth, the amount was nothing; but where did she obtain such an amount? Fluttershy's puzzled expression reminded him that his questions would have to wait for a later time.

"Keep your money, mademoiselle, I shall take care of the payment."

Everypony in the small lobby stared at the Prince, as if he had just announced he was going to fly to the moon by simply sprouting wings. "I…I b-b-beg your pardon?" Fluttershy finally stammered after the shock had washed over her.

"Monsieur?" the officer asked, his eyes filled with confusion.

Blueblood reached across the counter, grabbed the officer by this coat collar, and shook him hard. "RELEASE HIM!" he roared, before pushing the officer away from him in disgust.

The stallion didn't say another word; he scrambled away from the Prince and went through a door that led to the prison cells. Madame Luna eyed the Prince suspiciously once more; she had not missed the officer's surprise by the Prince's declaration.

Fluttershy's heart began to lift as she saw the officer disappear, wondering how her father was, anxious to see him and to hold him close. She looked up at the Prince, joy lit in her face, but confusion still clouding her eyes. "W-w-what do you mean y-you will take care of the payment?"

"I mean exactly that," Blueblood said, bowing to her once more as he had done before. "Keep your money and allow me to do this for you."

"But monsieur, there is no need for that–"

"Nonsense," he interrupted, reaching out and taking her hoof in his. "It may come as a surprise to you, mademoiselle, but I remember your father's kindness to me. And if there is any way I can help either of you, please, do not hesitate–"

Madame Luna was seething, but before she could do anything, the door the officer had gone through burst open once more, and several stallions came out, each hauling another stallion forward.

"PAPA!" Fluttershy cried, rushing past the Prince towards the frail old stallion, pushing through several of the officers so that she could throw her arms around her father.

But she stopped short, her breath catching in her throat and her face paling at the sight. "P-p-papa?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her father wasn't walking; these stalllions were dragging him. A hoof flew to Fluttershys mouth as she took in the sight of her father–there were bruises on his face, a cut on the side of his lip, he was covered from head to toe in absolute filth, his clothes were mere shreds of fabric, and he looked so thin and frail…as if he could snap in two by a simple twitch.

Cold silent tears coursed down her cheeks. "What have you done to him?" she gasped, her eyes wide with fear and anger at the officers who were holding him. "YOU MONSTERS! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?"

Time Turner let out a great cough and Fluttershy's attention fell to her father once more. She pushed the stallions away from him and wrapped her trembling arms around her father's weak and feeble form. "Papa…Papa, it's me, I'm here…I'm here," she whispered into his ear as she held him even tighter, fighting back the sobs that threatened to burst forth.

"H-h-he d-d-did it to himself, mademoiselle, I swear!" one officer argued, but quickly shrank away at the cold stare Madame Luna sent towards him.

"Papa? Papa, it's me, it's Fluttershy, I have you now, you're safe…Papa, don't you understand me?" there was still no answer from the frail old man. "Papa?" Fluttershy turned her face up towards the officer who had been there earlier. "What's wrong? Why can't he talk?"

The officer sighed, glanced briefly at Blueblood, and then looked back at Fluttershy. "He's been sick for some time mademoiselle–one prisoner that we brought in had Consumption…he infected over half the prisoners and two officers."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in horror at the stallion's words. "WHY DIDN'T YOU GET A DOCTOR?"

The officer stared at her as if that were the oddest thing to suggest. "Beg your pardon, mademoiselle, but…they're prisoners. It would be a horrid waste of money–"

"Do shut up," Blueblood growled at the stallion, jabbing the officer's stomach. He glared for a long time at the small crowd of Maris policestallions before kneeling down to where Fluttershy held her father on the floor. "I have a carriage just outside. Is there some place I can take you? I will have my valet fetch my doctor and he will examine your father."

Fluttershy was so overtaken by the shock of the situation that she had barely heard the Prince's offer. She simply stared up at him, her cheeks moist with tears. 

"There will be no need for that," the dance mistress hissed, pushing her way past the stunned Prince and bending to help Fluttershy lift the old stallion to his hooves. "I have my own carriage to transport us, and I will have my doctor fetched to help Monsieur Time Turner. Good day to you monsieur!" she icily snapped.

Blueblood's eyes narrowed at the figure of the dance mistress, but he did not hesitate to help carry Time Turner out of the station and to Madame Luna's carriage. Any other day, Madame Luna would have told the Prince to shove off, but both she and Fluttershy were struggling to carry the old stallion, so for this moment, she bit her tongue.

Once Fluttershy's father was securely inside the carriage, Fluttershy turned to face the Prince and gave a small curtsy. "Thank you, monsieur," she said simply, before climbing into the carriage herself.

However, before the door shut, Blueblood reached out and grasped one of Fluttershy's small, gloved hooves. "Please, should you need anything…anything at all, do not hesitate to ask."

Madame Luna took hold of Fluttershy's wrist and pulled her hoof away from the Prince's. "You're too kind, monsieur," she muttered sarcastically, before shouting instructions to her driver.

"Do send me word when he recovers!" Blueblood called out to Fluttershy, watching as Madame Luna's gray carriage disappeared around a corner. He stood there for a long moment, gazing down the street, contemplating on all that had taken place.

She was free.

Her face, while he was pleased to see it, was the last he had expected to greet him at the police station that morning. And he had not failed to notice that Madame Luna was with her; somehow Madame Luna had learned that Time Turner was being kept there, yet it seemed she had not managed to figure out how he had come to be there, or who was responsible for keeping him there.

Just as well, he would not have his plans ruined, not when he was so close to obtaining that which he desired more than anything. How she managed to escape the Phantom's realm he knew not, but that would be learned soon enough. Right now, he had more pressing concerns to attend to.

Fluttershy paced back and forth in her room, hugging the red shawl she wore around her shoulders ever closer to her body. She could not stand this suspense; it was driving her mad! The doctor had been summoned the second she and Madame Luna reached the older mare's town house. Madame Luna ordered Soles to immediately begin boiling water, and had Cosmic carry the old stallion up to Madame Luna's own room. Within the hour, the doctor was there, and had been there all morning and a good portion of the afternoon. While the doctor said nothing, Fluttershy's worst fears were growing by the second…

Her father had Consumption, or heaven forbid, Influenza. The way the doctor hovered around him, checking his pulse, checking his heartbeat, ordering for more hot water, fresh linens, and more pillows to elevate his head…

Fluttershy could not bear it any longer, she broke down in sobs and the doctor had to order her to be taken out of the room. She sat in the tiny servant's bedroom just a few doors down, but she could still make out some of the hushed whispers between the dance mistress and the doctor.

It wasn't looking good.

The doctor kept commenting on her father's breathing, how it wasn't regular, it wasn't right. He would also comment on how weak his pulse seemed to be growing, and Madame Luna would respond if there was any more she could do, but the doctor never responded, he simply commented on how they had to wait; wait and see what happened.

Fluttershy couldn't sit still, she had been pacing for what felt like hours, and her eyes were red, swollen, and dry from all the tears she had shed. What would she do if her father never recovered? She didn't want to think of such things, but the impending doom of the situation continued to grow further and further with every passing hour.

She couldn't lose her father after finding him again. There were so many things she needed to tell him, so many things she wanted to say.

She wanted to apologize for being so selfish and losing herself in the arms of another stallion, a stallion who was in fact the enemy, a stallion who had attempted to kill her father, and in the end, threw him out onto the streets to suffer at the hooves of the elements and the cruelty of humanity.

She had been so foolish. She was an ungrateful child, playing princess in a dark mystical realm like the characters from her gothic novels, never thinking about the world above, never thinking about the suffering her father was enduring, not just physically, but emotionally as well. He must have been so worried for her…and what had she done?

She lost herself to passion. The fires were kindled within her heart, but how quickly they were extinguished when reality came crashing down.

Discord had been right…

This was no fairy tale. He was no gallant hero that turned into a hoofsome prince from true love's first kiss…

She had been such a fool. A fool for losing herself in passion, a fool for giving her body away too easily, a fool for…for falling in love…

God above, help her. She still loved him…

She collapsed onto the bed, pulling her knees up to her chest and curling up into a tight ball. How could she have been so blind? She always thought of herself as being a sensible person, thinking with her head instead of her heart. Perhaps that was the problem…perhaps she had clouded her head with too many gothic romances?

She shut her eyes, praying to drown out the sounds of servants, rushing back and forth along the corridor carrying pots of boiling water and clean linens. She didn't want to hear the doctor give yet another poor diagnosis, she didn't want to hear the hopelessness in Madame Luna's voice, she didn't want to hear her father's gurgled breathing, but then when it stopped, her heart would only freeze with horror that perhaps he had stopped breathing.

She just wanted everything to be as it had been, before coming to Maris, before losing their farm, before her mother died…

"Fluttershy…"

No. This was the last thing she wanted to hear…

"Fluttershy…"

"Go away," she whispered into the sheets, burying her face against them, wanting his voice to vanish completely from the world. She did not think herself strong enough to listen to his voice, to the seductive combinations of his baritone and tenor.

"Fluttershy, I have missed you…"

"Discord please," she whimpered against the sheets. "Do not do this, leave me be."

"Come back to me…come back and stay with me…"

Her heart skipped a beat at the words. "I can't…you don't love me, you told me it was all a lie…"

"I do love you Fluttershy…I'm sorry for hurting you, I wanted to spare you of the life you would have lived, locked under ground, separate from the world above–I thought I was doing the right thing, sacrificing my desires so that you would not be condemned to the same life I am."

Fluttershy held her breath at his words. He loved her? Everything he had done…all those horrible things he had said…they weren't true?

With a shaky breath, she lifted her head away from the sheets, her eyes glancing upward towards the wall in front of her. She let out a gasp as she saw his shadow cast against the wall from the setting sun.

She was not sure she had the courage to face him. "No more lies Discord. I…I don't know what to believe anymore…"

"Believe that I love you. I know that I have betrayed your trust, I know that I have caused you pain, and I curse myself for every tear that I caused you to shed. I…I thought I was doing the right thing…I thought I was being selfish, keeping you in my world, a world without sunlight, a world without fields, forests, and horizons. I thought that perhaps…it is better that she leave, but that she leave hating me, despising me, wishing she had never known me…and then perhaps her pain would be less. Perhaps she could live the life she was meant to live, forgetting me completely, or at least sooner than…than I would be able to forget her. In truth, I would never…I could never forget you. You not only taught me to love, Fluttershy…you taught me that I was not a monster, but a stallion. You showed me passion, faith, hope…and goodness. I…I do not blame you if you hate me, in fact, I do not ask for your forgiveness for I do not deserve it. I do not believe I am worthy of your forgiveness, let alone your love. But I do realize that what I did, saying what I said, forcing you to go…was the most foolish thing I have ever done in my whole life. I understand if you struggle with trusting me, I do not blame you…but please know this…I will spend the rest of my days telling you and showing you, how deeply I love you. I will gladly worship the ground on which you tread, and spend my life pleasing you in whatever manner I can."

Fluttershy did not think she had any tears left in her body, but slowly, she began to feel them trickle down her face. She looked down at her hooves; they were shaking. "You…you really love me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

She let a long shaky gasp, as she felt his paw touch her shoulder, gently, but warmly. "More than music itself," he whispered back.

She could not hold back any longer. Her heart was bursting, just as the tears were bursting forth, gushing in streams down her cheeks. "Oh Discord!" she turned then, ready to throw her arms around her lover, her friend, her Phantom…

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy!"

Her eyes flew open as she felt her body being shaken. She looked up through wet lashes, her hopes sinking as the face she gazed at was none other than Madame Luna's.

It had been a dream.

"You fell asleep my dear," Madame Luna informed, helping Fluttershy to sit up. Fluttershy's heart sank even further as her suspicions were confirmed. She should have known that it was a dream, after all, how could Discord have been there in Madame Luna's home? It just…it had all felt so real, even the touch of his paw on her shoulder…

"I have wonderful news!" Madame Luna said excitedly. Fluttershy quickly wiped her cheeks, took a deep breath, and turned to face the dance mistress, determined not to give anything in her eyes away about her recent dream. "Your father…" she began.

Fluttershy's face lit up at the words. "Is he better?" she asked, her voice so shaky. Lord, she prayed that this wasn't a dream either…

"Oh much better than that!" Madame Luna grinned. "He was suffering from a severe fever, but it has broken. The worst is over! And he did not have Consumption as we had feared. And…" she smiled, squeezing Fluttershy's hooves. "He is calling for you…"

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "He's…he's awake?"

Madame Luna simply nodded her head, and watched with happiness as the mare leapt from the bed and ran to the room where he was lying. "PAPA! PAPA!"

Time Turner's head lifted at the sound of his daughter's voice, and he cried out happily as she burst through the door and flew to his bedside. "FLUTTERSHY!" he gasped, so pleased to see his daughter safe and sound, his frail arms wrapping around her as she collapsed against him, hugging him so tightly.

"Oh Papa…" she cried against his chest, her arms holding him even tighter. He was safe, he was awake, and he was breathing strongly; everything was going to be fine.

"Oh my sweet mare," Time Turner murmured into Fluttershy's hair, his hoof running through the pink tangled waves. "How I have missed you and how I have longed to know if you were alright."

"I'm fine, Papa, I'm fine," she grinned through the joyful tears that were trickling down her face. "Oh I missed you so much, I was so scared, so very scared…"

Time Turner's arms, while still very weak, tightened around his daughter at her words. "Hush my dear, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore…you're safe."

Fluttershy frowned slightly at his words, and then realized what he meant by them. "Oh Papa, no, you misunderstand, I meant I was scared that you weren't–"

"How did you escape?"

Fluttershy was taken aback by her father's question. In truth, it was something she had not considered. Would he believe her if she simply told him that the Phantom had released her? Would anyone?

Her father gripped her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him, fear written across his face. "Did he hurt you?" he asked, his voice shaking with terror, but trying to sound strong. "Did…did he…" he couldn't bring himself to say the words; it was too horrible to even comprehend.

Fluttershy took hold of one of his hooves and gently squeezed it. "I am fine Papa, no, he did not harm me in any way…"

Other than breaking my heart, she thought to herself. But even that seemed odd. His words at the time were biting and horrible, meant to cause grief, anger, and pain. And yet her recent dream…made some sort of odd sense. His face had been so cold, and yet…did she not see pain in the very depths of his eyes? And if truly he had only meant to use her for his own purposes…why was he so gentle with her when they made love? Why pretend to love her? Why pretend to be tender, to be caring? Why care at all to how she felt when they laid together? Even the greatest actor in the world could not pretend all that.

Or did her heart simply want to believe in her dream?

"Fluttershy, please! I need to know!"

She awoke from her trance and gazed back at her father who looked desperate. "Answer me, please…how did you escape?"

Fluttershy did not know why Discord had said those cruel things, but a part of her, once a tiny voice now growing louder and louder, wanted to believe that his cruelty had been the performance, not his love. "I didn't escape Papa," she murmured softly, taking his hooves in hers and smiling gently into his eyes. "He let me go."

Time Turner stared back at his daughter, his brow furrowed with confusion. "W-w-what?"

"It's true," Fluttershy sighed, squeezing his hooves tighter. "He released me…he told me I was free to leave."

Time Turner continued to stare with confusion. This didn't make any sense! "That horrible…monstrous…fiend, simply let you go?"

Fluttershy knew it would be too hard for her father to believe. After all, his only encounter with the Phantom had been one filled with malice, fear, and revenge. How would he even begin to understand that during the long months she had spent with Discord, she was treated more like an equal, than a prisoner?

"He's…he's different now, Papa…" she softly murmured, unsure if he heard her.

At least he seemed different, Fluttershy thought to herself, sadly.

Time Turner shook his head, confusion still etched across his face. "I just don't understand…I truly don't understand…"

Fluttershy gave his hooves another squeeze before bending her head to kiss his brow. "The important thing is that we're together, and we're both safe," she smiled, tenderly touching his cheek.

Time Turner gazed back up at his daughter and returned her warm smile. "Yes, yes, you're quite right. And while I do not understand how…how such a beast could show such mercy by letting you go…I am grateful that you are here. Oh Fluttershy, I have missed you," he sobbed, pulling her back into his arms and holding her close.

Fluttershy smiled, despite the tears, and hugged him just as tightly. But was it truly mercy that Discord had shown? While she was grateful to be reunited with her father, she also longed for her Phantom.

She cursed herself for being silly and selfish; basically she wanted her cake and to eat it too, but in truth, that could not be. She could not have her father and stay with Discord, and vice versa. Perhaps the dream had been truer than she had thought; perhaps Discord had long since realized that the two of them could never be…and decided to end this fillyish fantasy.

She quickly wiped her eyes before looking back at her father, forcing a happy smile. "I will go down at once and get you some hot soup. You need to eat if you are to get your strength back," she smiled, leaning once more and kissing his forehead.

Time Turner smiled as Fluttershy rose from the bed and walked towards the door. "It is so good to see you again," he sighed happily.

Fluttershy turned and smiled back, forcing her breaking heart to stop its selfish splintering. "I love you Papa," she whispered.

"I love you, my mare," he murmured back, before settling under the blankets and gently closing his eyes. She watched him for a moment longer, before finally turning and shutting the door.

"Soles is making some soup," Madame Luna murmured, startling Fluttershy in the corridor. "You look tired my dear, perhaps you should get some rest?"

Fluttershy's eyes went wide at the dance mistress' suggestion. While she could not deny she was tired (unless one finds oneself greatly worrying over something, one will not understand how exhausting worry can be), the mere thought of falling asleep and having another dream, frightened Fluttershy. She was not sure if she could bear the reality that the last dream had presented, again.

"I'm fine," Fluttershy lied, smiling at the dance mistress. "I'm just so happy that he's alright. Oh Madame Luna, I cannot thank you enough for all that you've done."

The dance mistress smiled, but she could not stop thinking about the words Fluttershy had spoken in her sleep earlier, when she had gone in to wake the poor girl up.

Discord.

Fluttershy had cried out Discord's name, and she had said it in such a way that Madame Luna found herself doubting her original suspicions about what had gone on between the Phantom and his prisoner. Was it possible? Did Fluttershy return Discord's affections?

"Madame Luna?"

The older mare shook her head, realizing that Fluttershy was looking at her with some worry. "I'm sorry my dear, I believe I am feeling a little exhausted myself. But sleep will have to wait," she turned towards the stairs and began to descend them. "I must go to the Opera House and see how the dancers are doing with rehearsals. But I will be back shortly, as will Twilight," she smiled up at the mare.

Fluttershy had forgotten all about the opera. She remembered Madame Luna mentioning something about it the night before to Twilight. She decided it was something she need not think about at the moment, besides, after recent events, she was not even sure if Discord would want her in it. She was not even sure if she wanted to be a part of it…

"I'll tell Soles to bring the soup up when it's ready," Madame Luna informed, before disappearing through the kitchen doors.

Fluttershy smiled faintly, her thoughts already filling with questions about Don Juan Triumphant, but those thoughts quickly disappeared when she heard a strange sound come from the servant's bedroom she had been occupying earlier.

Her heart leapt into her throat as she distinctly heard the sound of a stallion's voice, grunting. Was it possible? Was Discord…had Discord…?

She flew down the small corridor to the room she had been in earlier, throwing the door wide open. "Discord?" she called into the growing darkness.

Something moved in one of the shadowy corners. Fluttershy held her breath as she watched the figure, which had been crouched on the ground, rise to its full height…

"F-f-f-fluttershy?"

Fluttershy gasped at the voice, and slowly, her eyes adjusting to the shadows, she realized who exactly had crept into the room. "Derpy?"

Derpy slowly emerged from her hiding place, looking both happy and bashful at the sight of her. "Oh Fluttershy!" she cried out, engulfing her in her big arms and pulling her tightly against her

Fluttershy was happy to see the hunchback too, but had to push against her slightly so that she would not crush her completely. "I…I k-knew I c-c-could find you!" she grinned. "I…I just…I just f-f-followed your f-footprints in the snow…a-a-and w-waited till it got d-d-dark, before c-c-climbing through the w-window," she stuttered proudly.

Fluttershy stared up at her as realization slowly dawned on her. "You mean…you followed me all the way here last night?" she gasped.

Derpy nodded her head. 

Fluttershy shook her head, trying to grasp everything Derpy was telling her. "But…but if you've been there all day, why didn't I see you when Madame Luna and I took the carriage and left for the police station?"

Derpy looked down at his feet. "I…I didn't want M-m-madame Luna to s-s-see me. I was a-a-afraid she would force me t-t-to go back. S-s-so I hid u-up in the rafters when you t-t-took the carriage…a-a-and when you brought it back."

"But why Derpy? Why did you follow me?" All she could think about was poor Rarity and how worried the mare must be.

Derpy looked at Fluttershy strangely. She had thought it had been obvious to why she had come. "Y-y-you l-left w-w-without s-saying goodbye," she whimpered softly. Fluttershy felt her heart sting with pain. "A-a-and you f-f-forgot Carmen," she explained, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the black kitten, which mewed in protest from being removed from its warm cozy pouch.

Fluttershy bit her lip, determined not to show Derpy any tears. She reached out and gently rubbed her hoof against the kitten's furry head. "Thank you, Derpy," she whispered, taking the kitten in her arms and gently petting it till it began to purr. "But now that it is dark, you must hurry back. Rarity must be sick with worry–"

"B-b-but you're coming w-with me, a-aren't you?"

Fluttershy looked up at Derpy's face and saw the hope within her eyes. Of course, she should have realized. She had come not to say goodbye, but to bring her back…to bring her home.

"Derpy…" Fluttershy placed Carmen on the bed, and then reached out to take Derpy's hoof in hers. "I know that this might be hard to understand…but I can't go back…" Even if I wanted to, she silently thought to herself.

Derpy's face scrunched up with sad confusion. "B-b-but w-why?"

Fluttershy sighed. "Well, you see, my father was in prison…but now he's free. But he was very sick and is only just now getting better–"

"You c-c-can bring him!" Derpy cried, hope once more returning to her voice. "I mean…w-w-when he g-g-gets better, y-you can bring him b-back w-with you."

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at Derpys solution. If only it were that simple. "I wish I could," she sighed. "But…my father needs me. And…I need to stay with him…here."

She could not have both worlds, it was just not meant to be. She couldn't be selfish any longer, she had to make a choice…and she had made hers. Either way, her heart would break.

Derpy looked back at her, the sadness returning to his eyes. "B-b-but…b-but I thought…I thought you liked us…"

Oh God, give me strength, she prayed. "I do, Derpy, please believe me, I do like you…all of you, and I will miss you very much."

"Is it b-b-because of t-t-the Master?" she asked.

Fluttershy felt her body grow tense. Did Derpy know all that had happened?

"I k-know t-t-that the Master c-can be s-s-scary sometimes," she continued. "A-and I know that he's ugly–"

Fluttershy had to interrupt. "He's not ugly," she stated firmly. "None of you are ugly. It's the world that's ugly, for not seeing the beauty within the heart and soul of it's fellow pony."

Derpy couldn't help but blush at her words. "All p-ponies s-should be like you Fluttershy…"

Fluttershy smiled, but quickly shook her head. "No Derpy…" she murmured, her hoof rising to touch his cheek. "All ponies should be like you and your family."

Derpy blushed again. "Rarity is right…"

Fluttershy bit her lip. "R-r-right about what?"

Derpy smiled softly. "T-t-that the Master h-has n-n-never been s-s-so happy s-since he met you."

Fluttershy felt the tears trickle once more down her face from Derpy's revelation. How she wanted to believe her words, how she wanted to believe that voice in her head that kept telling her that something was wrong, that Discord didn't mean what he said the other night. But she didn't know what to believe; she wasn't sure if she could trust her heart.

"H-h-he loves you…" Derpy murmured, smiling back at Fluttershy. "I k-know it. I've s-seen the w-way he looks at you…I c-c-can hear it in the way he t-talks to you. And I know t-t-that you love him," she declared. "So y-you should be together!"

Fluttershy turned her face away and released Derpy's hoof. "I…I want to believe that," she whispered. "But…I can't go back Derpy. I…I need to stay with my father. I need to stay in the world above. And, I think your master understands that too," she sighed, although she hated the reality of it all.

Derpy stared at her, her sadness giving way to anger. "N-no!" she practically shouted. Fluttershy whirled around at the sound of his voice, her eyes wide with surprise; she had never heard Derpy become angry before. "Y-you a-a-and the Master d-d-deserve t-to be together!" she stomped, causing the furniture in the room to shake.

"What's going on up there?" Soles shouted from downstairs.

"Don't you s-see? It's j-j-just like that story!"

"What's causing all that racket?" Soles shouted again, only this time it sounded as if she were climbing the stairs.

Fluttershy began to push Derpy towards the window, knowing that if Madame Luna's housekeeper caught sight of the hunchback, she'd scream till every police officer in all of Maris was there.

"Fluttershy, don't y-y-you understand?" she implored.

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with confusion. "No Derpy, what story are you talking about?"

"The Hunchback of Notre Mane!" he almost shouted. "Y-y-you a-and the Master belong t-t-together j-just like the hunchback a-and the gypsy mare!"

Fluttershy closed her eyes at Derpy's words, feeling her heart grow even heavier.

"The w-w-world t-thought him ugly…b-but the gypsy mare loved him! A-a-and they did live h-happily ever after! See? It c-c-can happen! It d-d-does!"

"IT DOESN'T!" Fluttershy shouted, her hoof flying to her mouth as she realized the words that had just escaped.

Derpy stared back down at her, her eyes wide with horror from Fluttershy's words. Fluttershy stared back; feeling horrible for shouting at her, let alone smashing her hopes. She wanted to apologize, to tell her that she was right, that fairy tales can come true and that sad endings could be rewritten. But the sound of the housekeeper's footsteps coming along the corridor at a quick pace brought reality crashing back.

"You must go!" she hissed, urging Derpy to escape.

"I hear voices!" Soles accused from the corridor. "Mademoiselle? To whom are you talking?"

Fluttershy ignored the housekeeper. "Quickly! Run all the way back to the opera house, do not stop until you get there, don't let anyone see you!"

"Mademoiselle!" Soles shouted once more.

"B-b-b-but Fluttershy–"

"GO!" she hissed once more, gasping and turning around as the housekeeper threw the door open and stomped into the room.

"What the devil is going on in here?" she growled, glaring at Fluttershy coldly.

Fluttershy quickly glanced over her shoulder at the window, a long sigh of relief escaping as she realized Derpy had gotten away. "N-n-nothing," she lied.

Soles continued to glare at Fluttershy with suspicion. "I heard you talking to somepony, and I heard stomping coming from below! What were you doing?"

Fluttershy bit her lip, not sure exactly how to explain herself. "I um…t-t-that is…I w-was praying."

The housekeeper cocked an eyebrow. "Praying?"

"Yes," Fluttershy quickly continued. "I…I was so thankful t-that my father was awake and on the mend, t-t-that I was thanking God, a-and d-dancing for joy…" she weakly demonstrated a giddy dance, hoping that the housekeeper would accept her answer and leave.

Soles eyed Fluttershy strangely. "You are a funny one, mademoiselle." It was clear insult.

She turned to leave, and then let out a shriek. Carmen, startled by the housekeeper's intrusion, leapt to her feet and was hissing at the grumpy mare. "How in high holy heaven did that get in here?"

Fluttershy swooped forward, catching the hissing kitten before the housekeeper could hurt it. "She's mine," she defended, holding Carmen close.

Soles scrunched her nose at the hissing creature. "I hate cats," she grumbled. "And the mistress' daughter is allergic to them! I won't let you keep that beast in this house!"

"She'll stay in this room until my father fully recovers!" Fluttershy practically growled at the mare. "And then you can be rid of us all!"

Soles lifted her chin and turned her back on the mare. "The sooner, the better."
> Conflict
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conflict

Rarity bit her lip as she slowly peeked her head through the entryway of Discord's chamber. "M-m-master?" she softly called out, but to which she received no reply. She took a deep breath and entered the chamber, prepared to deal with the gathering storm that was surely ready to break should the Master be disturbed, but gasped loudly at the sight before her.

The place was in shambles. Curtains were torn, music strewn about, and many of the stone busts and figures that decorated the chamber lay smashed into thousands of pieces across the floor. A hoof flew to Rarity's mouth as she realized that the piano had been overthrown as well, the ivory and ebony keys lying in a heap on the ground, while several long stiff wires from within the instrument had been pulled, looking like some grotesque sculpture from one's nightmare.

"What are you doing here?"

Rarity nearly screamed as she felt two strong hooves grasp her by the shoulders and whirl her around. Her hoof flew to her heart and she panted with relief when she realized the voice and hooves had belonged to Shortround.

"You shouldn't be here," Shortround warned, glancing up and quickly ushering Rarity away from the ransacked chamber.

"What happened?" Rarity whispered, constantly glancing back at the chamber's entryway.

Shortround sighed and looked down at the ground. "Did you hear those noises last night?" he whispered.

How could she not? Sleep was impossible, they were all too saddened by the news of Fluttershy's departure, but their silent sorrow was interrupted by loud crashes and anguished cries that filled the night air.

There was no question as to who was causing the noises…but now she knew what the Master had been doing.

"Did you see his piano?" Rarity murmured. "I…I never imagined him destroying…" she knew that the Master's sorrow was great…she just had not comprehended the lengths his sorrow could go. To destroy his own music and the instruments he dearly cherished, the only things that brought joy into his life…

There was no joy left in this world. All that was good, all that which had caused delight in their lives, had vanished with Fluttershy.

"The Master needs his time…we must grant him that, at the very least," Shortround whispered, moving away from the chamber's entrance.

Rarity silently nodded her head, but a cloud of worry was already washing over her. If the Master was capable of destroying his precious piano, he was also capable of behaving most irrationally when it came to his own health. "Shortround…you haven't by any chance seen Derpy today, have you?"

Her heart sank as Shortround shook his head. "I'm sure she is fine," he reassured, a weak attempt at trying to ease Rarity's worry. "We all just…need time. Time will heal…" although not even Shortround was certain his words provided any comfort. Could time heal such wounds as this? He glanced once more at the wreckage of the music chamber and sighed heavily. Shortround always had his books to fall back on when things seemed bleak; it would take a miracle to lighten the despair that hovered over their dark world.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood groaned and rolled over onto his side, his chest slick with perspiration. He reached for his jacket, which was lying nearby, and pulled his cigar case out from his inner pocket. He lit the cigar and inhaled deeply, relaxing as the smoke filled his nostrils.
"I think those things are disgusting," came the voice beside him. Blueblood shut his eyes, as if that gesture alone would shut out the mare's voice. "However, you smoking after we make love is always a sure sign that I pleasured you greatly…" she purred, moving her head to nestle against his chest, her tongue flicking out to tease his ear.

Blueblood grunted, but not out of pleasure–more out of annoyance. He stiffened at the words "make love"; he always made it clear that what he did was "fucking", never "making love". When a stallion made love to a mare it meant he owed her something, and Blueblood never wanted Celestia to think he owed her anything.

He took another long puff on the cigar, before gently pushing the blonde soprano's head off his chest. Celestia pouted as she felt Blueblood rise from the bed, and her pout only increased as she watched him pull on his breeches. "Why do you always rush off?" she complained. "If you stay a little longer, I'll do that thing with my tongue that I know you enjoy…" she grinned, running her tongue seductively across her lips.

Blueblood showed no amusement at her offer, and only continued to get dressed.

Celestia's grin quickly disappeared, and her eyes narrowed into angry slits. "I swear, sometimes you make me feel like a cheap whore," she spat, angrily folding her arms across her chest.

Blueblood said nothing; the truth would only infuriate Celestia further.

She glanced at him again; annoyed that he was not even acknowledging her presence. With an outraged shriek, she grabbed one of the bed pillows and flung it at his head. Blueblood took a deep calming breath before finally turning back to the pouting soprano. "You have something you wish to express, my dear?" he asked sweetly, although the tone was dripping with sarcasm. He took the pillow that she had thrown and flung it back at her.

Celestia glared at him and quickly sat up, fire burning in her eyes. "I'm getting tired of this Blueblood," she hissed angrily.

Blueblood cocked an eyebrow at her words. "Truly? I thought you enjoyed our 'meetings', my dear," he could not help but grin at the angry frown she cast his way.

"You know what I mean!" she snapped, gathering the sheets around her body. "At first I thought you were simply an awestruck admirer."

Blueblood smiled fondly at the memory. "Tis true, I can not deny that upon our first meeting, I was indeed awestruck," he grinned, remembering the way he had her beg for him rip her dress off and take her between acts in the corridor just past the stage.

Celestia did not show any sign of fond remembrance. "As time went on however, I began to realize that it wasn't the 'pleasure' of my company that you sought, but rather…an opportunity for you to get something!"

Blueblood closed his eyes briefly, his hoof rising to rub the bridge of his nose. He would need all the patience he could muster for this one.

"I know all the stories about you, monsieur," she muttered with disgust. "And don't think that I've forgotten how you wanted to seduce my costume mare all those months ago!" she accused.

Blueblood pasted a look of hurt across his face before sitting back down at the edge of the bed. "You believe those vicious rumors? They are spun by silly dance mares who are jealous of your beauty, your talent, and your charisma in the bedroom–"

Celestia rolled her eyes and rose from the bed, gripping the sheets tightly around her body as she began to stalk back and forth across the dressing room floor. "You are a worse liar than those two imbeciles who run this opera house!"

Blueblood let out a long frustrated sigh before rising once more. "Clearly you have something on your mind, and clearly it's not entirely about my hasty departure. So why don't you simply say what's bothering you, after all, you never hold back your disdain to anyone else," he growled, while leaning against the dressing table.

Celestia cast him a vengeful stare, before fully turning and facing him. "You all must think I am a complete idiot!" she charged, her face darkening with anger. Blueblood held his tongue, although the temptation was extremely great. "But I am not as blind as you may think, Monsieur Prince," she spat.

Blueblood groaned and rubbed his nose once more. "Meaning?"

"Meaning this pile of shit that you and the managers dare call opera!" she screeched. "I am not blind Blueblood! I have noticed how Fancypants has been singing the lead at rehearsals…but what I find interesting is that we have no female lead. In fact, we are conveniently skipping her scenes and songs altogether!"

Blueblood gripped the edges of Celestia's dressing table to keep himself from reaching out and throttling the prima donna.

She eyed him suspiciously and slowly sauntered over to him. "In fact…I think that your 'visits' are simply a way to keep me distracted from what is really going on," she murmured, running her hooves along his chest. "Am I wrong?"

Blueblood smiled down at her, although it was not a smile of seduction, rather of one that was obviously covering up feelings of annoyance.

Celestia returned the smile, however hers was one of calculation and triumph. She turned on her heel and began to walk away from the Prince. "I want a copy of that piss-awful opera in my dressing room within the next hour," she ordered.

Blueblood eyed Celestia's back and watched as the diva dropped the sheets, before stepping into her dressing gown. "Are you threatening me, senora?" he calmly asked, resuming his cigar smoking.

Celestia turned to face him as she finished tying the sash of her dressing gown. "If you wish to call it that," she replied haughtily.

Blueblood moved away from the dressing table as Celestia marched towards it and sat herself down, running a brush through her disheveled waves. He continued to watch her as a hawk watches the prey its about to devour. "And if I do not comply with your orders?" he simply inquired.

Celestia put the brush down and stared back at him in the reflection of her mirror. "Maris is not the only city that wants me, monsieur," she spat. "I have many offers. Vienna has been begging me to come and perform on their stage for over a year. And Brussels has made an offer that by far exceeds what this company pitifully calls a salary."

Blueblood could not help but smile at her threats. "Why, I'm sure that even your beloved Venice would sell its soul for the opportunity to have its prima donna grace the stage once more."

Celestia slammed her brush down once more. "Perhaps they would!" she screeched. "And perhaps I will take their offer! I should, after the horrible ways that you and this company have treated me!" she grumbled.

Blueblood's smile darkened and his eyes locked with hers in the mirror. "But you won't," he simply said.

Celestia whirled around and stared at him. "Who says I won't? You? HA!" she laughed. "You silly aristocrats, thinking that you can buy anything, even stars like myself!" She turned back towards the mirror and began to powder her face. "I can not be bought, monsieur, and I will not be used any longer! I will have that role in this opera, or you will be the one to suffer!"

Blueblood cocked an eyebrow at her words. "How so?"

She couldn't help but grin evilly. "Money matters very much to you and the managers. If I go, so go your ticket sales."

"Ah, but there you are wrong," Blueblood sighed, his arms moving around his back. "You see my dear, you weren't the only one doing some detective work."

Celestia froze at his words. "W-w-what do you mean?"

Blueblood could not help but grin. "Simply that I decided to investigate these so-called 'pleas' that you have been receiving," he paused as he watched the color drain completely from Celestia's face. "There are no pleas. Vienna could care less of what became of you, and Brussels has actually pleaded that we do not release ourselves of you, in fear that you would come to them," he leaned down till his face was just hovering over her shoulder, staring back at her in the mirror. "No one wants you Celestia…not even your beloved Venice. The great La Celestia is no longer great; she is simply a memory of someone who perhaps at one point in her career had some talent…and you're scared as hell if Maris releases itself of you."

He straightened himself up and continued to watch as the prima donna sat completely still, not even moving an eyelash…save for a single tear that trickled down her over-made up cheek. "In truth, senora," Blueblood continued, reaching for his suit jacket, "it is I who have helped you maintain your fame and fortune here in Maris. I am regarded as the patron saint of the arts in this city; whatever the Prince deems as worthy to patronize, so goes society. I have filled society's ears with praises of your great name and talent, although we all know that's a white lie," he sighed. "In a manner of speaking, I have brainwashed society into still believing you are the great star that at one time you were. My scheming, with the power of your name, has brought much wealth to this opera house, but in the end, it is I who holds the cards Celestia…not you."

Blueblood adjusted his jacket and picked up his hat. "I bid you good day senora…and I trust that you'll go along with the instructions for this opera. I have too much resting on it to let some spoiled soprano ruin it for me." He calmly opened the dressing room door, only to find Fancypants standing on the other side, his eyes wide with horror at being discovered by the Prince. "Ah! Senor, I do believe I am finished; by all means, have at her."

Blueblood never looked back as Celestia's angry screams filled the corridor, along with the sound of smashing vase.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"More?" Fluttershy inquired, grinning as her father finished a third bowl of soup. He was too busy slurping the bottom of the bowl, to hear Fluttershy's question. "Well, its good see that at least your appetite has returned," she giggled, taking the empty bowl away and placing it on a tray.

Time Turner smiled and took his daughter's hoof in his own. "I must say, I do feel my strength improving," he sighed happily. "Although, I believe most of that is because of you," he said, squeezing her hoof.

Fluttershy squeezed his back, so happy that he was alright and they were together. But there remained that gnawing feeling of despair, a feeling that she feared would never fully leave.

"Are you alright dear?" Time Turner asked, his smile disappearing and being replaced with a look of concern.

Fluttershy was startled by the question. "What? Oh! Oh, I'm fine, truly Papa, I was just…thinking about how we could ever repay Madame Luna for her kindness to us these last few days."

The old stallion's smile returned and nodded his head to his daughter's words. "Yes, both she and her daughter have been true friends to us these last few days, as you said," he sighed, leaning back in the bed. "Both they and the Prince."

Fluttershy's head snapped up. "The Prince?" she asked, her eyes growing wide from the revelation. "Prince Blueblood?"

Her father returned the puzzled look, his brow furrowing at the way she spoke. "Why yes, of course…I had assumed that he had been the one to tell you of my whereabouts."

Fluttershy rose to her feet, although her legs felt rather shaky. "Madame Luna had recently learned of your imprisonment and was the one who took me to you…w-what does the Prince have to do with all this?" she asked, her voice somewhere between trembling suspense and screeching hysteria.

"Calm down my dear, you say that as though the stallion has done some great ill against us, when in truth, he has shown such loyal friendship."

Fluttershy took a deep breath to try and calm herself, but in truth, she desperately needed answers. "Papa, please, explain to me about how the Prince knew of you being in the prison."

Time Turner stared at his daughter as if he were afraid she'd leap out the window. What had gotten into her? She sounded ready to go mad! "The Prince learned of my imprisonment and came to visit me," he explained. "Unlike those imbeciles who call themselves detectives, he believed me when I told him about the Phantom kidnapping you."

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed with confusion. "You…you told him that?"

"Yes, of course! I wanted to save you, but…those idiots wouldn't listen," he sighed with annoyance. "They thought me mad, and locked me up. But the Prince learned of my whereabouts and came directly to me. He tried to have me released, fully prepared to pay the bail himself, but those idiots claimed that I could only be released to a member of my own family. Huh, can you believe it?" he asked, folding his arms across his chest. "A stallion with the connections, the wealth, and the power of the Prince, was not regarded as good enough to believe. He even implored them, telling them that my words were true, that you were in great danger, but still, they wouldn't listen," a small smile creased at the corners of his mouth. "I suppose in our misunderstanding, the Prince and I are not very different."

Fluttershy frowned slightly at these words. "Yes, but the difference of course being that you, a poor working class stallion, is deemed a threat to society and must be locked away, while he, an aristocrat who is also telling the same story, is free to go about as he pleases." She could not help but hide the venom in her voice.

Time Turner shook his head, as if the reality of the situation meant little to him. "The world has always been prejudiced to the poor, I was not the first example, nor will I be the last."

Fluttershy knew her father to be right, but she was not as ready as he was to happily draw the comparison between the two stallions.

"I am very grateful to him though," he continued, turning and smiling at her while taking her hoof in his. "I know there was nothing he could do, about rescuing you I mean. After all, we both know how heavily laden with traps that place is," Time Turner murmured, a shudder going through him at the memory. "And it would take an army to overthrow that fiend. Sadly, because the police would not believe the Pince's story, he could not assemble a mob to overtake the Phantom's lair."

Fluttershy felt her blood freeze at her father's words; even more at the hateful tone in which he said them. She pulled her hoof away from his, a gesture which startled the old stallion. "Fluttershy? Is something wrong?"

She inwardly cursed herself for her silly gesture. She couldn't blame her father for his feelings, after all, he had not known the Phantom the way she had. But the very thought of a mob, bursting through the barriers Discord had spent years perfecting, and possibly hurting him and the others, caused her blood to boil with rage.

"If you're finished, I'll take your bowl downstairs," Fluttershy offered, her hoof going out to the empty soup bowl.

Time Turner watched his daughter with sad eyes, cursing himself for being foolish enough to bring up the past. His poor filly, it must have been extremely traumatic, all those months, locked away in a world of darkness. He would never understand the reasons as to why the Phantom simply "released her", as Flutershy insisted, but whatever the reasons, he was so grateful to have her back, safe and sound.

"You should get some rest," Fluttershy whispered, bending and kissing his forehead. "Your health has greatly improved, but you are still on the mend."

Time Turner opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden knock came from the bedroom door. Without waiting for anyone to open the door, Soles burst in, a deep scowl written across her already grim features.

"There's a gentlecolt here to see you, mademoiselle," she grumbled.

Fluttershy's brow furrowed with confusion. "A gentlecolt?"

"Yes, although I don't understand what a stallion like him would want with a mare like you," she muttered, too soft for Time Turner to hear, but just at the right level for Fluttershy. "It's Prince Blueblood, and he's presently waiting in the parlor downstairs."

"Oh! The Prince is here?" Time Turner asked, his face lighting up with pleasure. "Oh Fluttershy, you must go down and see him at once! Please, apologize on my behalf, I would like to see him and thank him personally, but will you do it for me?"

Fluttershy smiled faintly at her father, but in truth, she did not share his enthusiasm for the Prince's presence.

"He is waiting, mademoiselle," the housekeeper grumbled again, her tone clearly of one filled with irritation.

Fluttershy cast an icy glare at the mare, and then lifted her chin. "I shall be down at once…why don't you make some tea for my guest?"

Soles returned Fluttershy's cold glare with one of her own, but walked past the young mare on her way to the kitchens.

"You look lovely, my dear!" her father called out to her as she exited the bedroom. Fluttershy inwardly groaned; the Prince may have been most helpful to her father, but she should have known he was playing matchmaker once more by the way he filled her ears with praises towards the hoofsome noblecolt.

She descended the stairs and took a deep breath before entering the parlor. The Prince stood with his back to her, gazing out the window, his hat, and gloves in his arms. "Good day, monsieur," Fluttershy said politely with a curtsy.

Blueblood turned around at the sound of Fluttershy's voice and his face seemed to radiate a pleasured glow. "Fluttershy!" he beamed, before quickly bowing in response. "I beg your pardon; Mademoiselle Fluttershy," he corrected. He pulled a chair out for her and offered his hoof. "Won't you have a seat?" he asked, his smile continuing to radiate warmth.

Fluttershy smiled back politely, although she could not help but feel somewhat foolish for her lack of manners when it came to being a hostess. After all, it was she who should be offering him a place to sit, but she gratefully took the chair he offered, quickly hiding her embarrassment. "I must say, this is an unexpected surprise," she said while sitting down. She froze as she felt the Prince's lips brush over her hoof, but as soon as he had planted the kiss, he had released her hoof and was seating himself on the chaise lounge directly across from her.

Fluttershy continued to smile out of politeness, however it didn't compare to the beaming grin that the Prince offered her. "I'm afraid Madame Luna is not here, she is–"

"At the opera house, yes," he interrupted. "I just came from there actually, although I did not chance to speak with her."

"Ah," Fluttershy added, not sure how else to respond. Perhaps that was why the Prince thought it safe to pay a visit, since the dance mistress was out? Soles entered the parlor with the tea tray and placed it on the small table between the two of them. Fluttershy murmured a polite thank you, to which the housekeeper simply grunted.

"How is your father, if I may ask?" Blueblood politely inquired, although there did seem to be a genuine feeling of concern in his voice.

"He is greatly improving, thank you," Fluttershy murmured, offering the Prince his tea. He gratefully took the cup and saucer, his hooves lingering just slightly over hers as he accepted it, a gesture which caused Fluttershy to shiver, however not in the way she was sure the Prince intended.

"I am glad to hear it," he smiled, his eyes lingering on her face as he sipped his tea.

Fluttershy squirmed just slightly under his watchful gaze, sipping her tea but keeping her eyes to the floor. Had he simply come to inquire after her father? Or was there something else? "Monsieur," she began, "I…that is, I am very grateful for what you did at the police station."

Blueblood smiled warmly. "It was my pleasure," he softly replied, bowing his head slightly and keeping his eyes focused on her face.

She returned his smile, although it still did not hold the same amount of warmth that his held. "I do want you to know, however, that I fully intend to pay you back, when I get the money," she added firmly; however a worried look passed over her face as she wondered how long that would take.

Blueblood's smile disappeared then and was replaced by a look of confusion. "I beg your pardon?"

Fluttershy lifted her eyes to his, somewhat surprised by his surprise. "The money at which you paid for my father's release; I just wanted you to know that I have every intention of paying you back…in fact, I can begin paying you now, actually, I do have that gold–"

Blueblood reached out and placed one large hoof atop hers. "Fluttershy, you owe me nothing," he reassured. "I was more than happy to help you and your father, please…" he gave her hooves a gentle squeeze. "Let this be my gift to you."

Fluttershy eyed him suspiciously for a moment. She had to admit, this did not seem like the Prince that she knew. Well, in truth, she didn't know very much about the Prince, other than the stories she had heard from Discord. Yet even Discord's prejudice seemed justified by Madame Luna's mistrust of the stallion. Besides, she had not forgotten that time he tried to seduce her in his private lounge at the opera house. Does one good deed outweigh a lifetime of sins? She bit her lip at that thought; she wanted to say no, but then she had easily forgiven Discord for the many sins he had committed over the years. Of course the difference there was that she loved him…still.

"Fluttershy?"

She shook her head and returned her gaze to the Prince. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern, as were his eyes. Perhaps she had poorly misjudged the stallion? "You seem…troubled, if I may say. Forgive me if I am wrong, though," he quickly added.

Fluttershy shook her head. "No, I am fine, thank you, just…tired, actually," she lied, hoping that would satisfy his curiosity. It seemed to do the trick.

"Of course, you have been very busy, I am sure, helping your father regain his strength. Forgive me; I am probably intruding upon your resting time–"

"No, please," Fluttershy insisted, feeling somewhat ashamed for her prejudice and rudeness towards the stallion. While she was not ready to trust him, at least not completely, she was thankful for the graces in which he had performed. "I am most thankful for all that you have done, monsieur, it is an honor to have your company."

Blueblood beamed once more at her words and settled himself again on the chaise lounge. "The honor is all mine, mademoiselle, and besides, it is not only I who is honored to be in your presence this fine day…"

Fluttershy was puzzled by his words, and opened her mouth to ask what he meant, when suddenly, the door to the kitchens opened, and both Flim and Flam came bursting forth.

"MADEMOISELLE!" they cried happily, bowing politely, each stallion beaming as brightly as the Prince.

Fluttershy jumped at their entrance and even more so at their outburst. "M-m-messieur's…" she stuttered, her eyes flashing back and forth between Blueblood and the managers. "T-t-this is a surprise!" she added, although she wasn't sure which exactly surprised her more: the fact that these stallions were here, or the fact that they knew the name of Celestia's costume mare.

"So glad to hear that your father is on the mend," Flim stated proudly.

"And so happy to see you once more!" Flam included, taking her hoof in his and giving it a rather dramatic kiss.

Fluttershy simply stared at each one of them in absolute confusion.

"Messieur's, please, we must allow Mademoiselle Fluttershy an opportunity to regain her composure; I think the two of you scared her to death!" Blueblood cheerfully reprimanded, smiling warmly at Fluttershy.

"Oh we do beg your pardon, mademoiselle," Flm apologized, pulling up a chair and seating himself on Fluttershy's left.

"We are just so overjoyed to have you with us once more," Flam explained, also pulling up a chair and sitting on Fluttershy's right.

Fluttershy was beginning to feel as if the walls were closing in on her.

"I…I am very grateful that you both are pleased to see me…a-as I am pleased to see you," she added politely, although in truth, she had not thought about the two managers since the day they hired her to work for Celestia.

"I think it would be best if you both explained to Mademoiselle Fluttershy why you are pleased to see her…I do not think it fair to keep her in the dark much longer," Blueblood intervened.

Flim nodded his head in agreement. "Mademoiselle, I know that you have been…away…for some time," he mumbled. "But you should know that during your absence, the Maris Opera House has been having an extraordinary season!"

"Very…unique and original, one must say," Flam added, his smile never fading, despite the somewhat hysterical look in his eyes.

"Indeed so," Flim agreed. "And now, as our season is coming to a close…we have decided to drop the schedule we originally had, and end the opera year with a rather…um…rather…" Flim looked to Flam for help.

"Original!" the younger manager cut in.

"Yes! Rather…original, new piece, titled Don Juan Triumphant."

Fluttershy's face paled at the words and she suddenly felt as cold as ice. "D-d-don Juan T-t-triumphant?"

"Yes, Don Juan Triumphant," Flim smiled. "You know, mademoiselle, you say it as if you've heard it before," he added, his gray brow furrowing with confusion.

Fluttershy's eyes went wide and she turned to look at the Prince, whose own eyes she caught by surprise; they were like a hawk's, eyeing its prey. "N-no, I um…simply, as you said, it is an opera with a…unique name. Not at all what you originally had planned when the season began, if I remember correctly."

Both managers exchanged a grievous look, each feeling the truth of those words.

"Yes, well, we have been rehearsing for nearly a month now, but are still struggling with certain areas…" Flim continued.

"Certain areas in regards to casting," Flam clarified, although the bright smile he once wore was now long gone.

Fluttershy stared at both stallions, her face pale and her eyes wide. Were they asking her what she thought they were asking her?

"Well, I see no point in beating around the bush," Flim sighed, taking one of Fluttershy's hooves in his. "Mademoiselle Fluttershy, it would be a great honor, if you would grace us with your voice in singing the part of Aminta in our opera."

Fluttershy pulled her hooves away from Flim and rose so quickly from her chair that it fell over with a loud thud. Both managers stared up at her in shock, and Blueblood rose to his hooves as well, concern etched across his hoofsome features. "Fluttershy? Are you unwell?"

She ignored him and kept her focus entirely on the managers. "Y-y-you're asking me to…to perform…to perform in…"

"The Phantom's opera, yes," Blueblood sighed, coming around the table and gently placing a hoof on her shoulder. Fluttershy turned and looked at him, her blue eyes wide with questions. "You have a right to know Fluttershy…" Blueblood softly murmured, nodding at Flam, who grimaced as he pulled an envelope from his coat pocket.

Fluttershy stared at the envelope that the younger manager held, her legs trembling at the sight of Discord's seal, a blood-red skull. With shaky hooves, she reached for the note, gasping as if someone had struck her when she touched the paper.

Blueblood, noticing her reluctance, took the note and opened it. "Monsieur Flam and Monsieur Flim received this letter several days ago," he explained. "Almost a month ago they received a letter similar to it, containing a casting list for the Phantom's opera. All parts were assigned by the Phantom himself…with the exception of the main female lead."

Fluttershy attempted to swallow the large lump in her throat but found the chore extremely difficult. "This letter gives strict instructions, as all his letters do, as to who shall play the part of Aminta," he continued. "It mentions one single name: Fluttershy." He held the letter up for her to see, and Fluttershy let out a long shaky breath as she read her name in Discord's unique hoofwriting.

Her world was spinning. Fluttershy shook her head violently so as to make the whirlwind stop. She crossed the room then, her arms gripping the red shawl that she wore ever more tightly around her body. She reached out and gripped the windowsill for support, her eyes gazing northward where she could see the spires of the Maris Opera House overhead.

The managers rose from their chairs, each casting one another and the Prince a look of concern. "We…we do not understand ourselves why the Phantom chose you, mademoiselle…" Flam carefully explained. "But…we do know this much; ever since receiving this opera, the demands have been great, but the accidents few and far between."

"We are hoping that by complying with the Phantom's instructions, and performing his opera, he will…perhaps…cease haunting our lives for good," Flim added, although his voice held something that Fluttershy couldn't exactly make out; a hint of assurance, as if he knew for a fact that the notes would stop after opening night of Don Juan Triumphant.

"More or less, mademoiselle, it is a selfish reason, true, but we, that is the Maris Opera House, can not afford another scandal this season," Flam sighed. "We can not afford NOT to follow the Phantom's instructions. And so, we come begging, that you will help us in this endeavor by playing the part of Aminta."

Fluttershy bit her lip as several tears betrayed her eyes and slowly began to trickle down her face. Blueblood sensed the uneasiness only growing and quickly urged the managers to take their leave. "We look forward to seeing you on stage mademois–" Blueblood shut the door before they could finish.

He groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose, cursing the two mangers for their lack of understanding. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," Blueblood moaned, turning his attention back to Fluttershy. She remained by the window, only this time she was gripping it as if for dear life. "Fluttershy?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. He quickly crossed the room to where she stood, gently reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Fluttershy?"

"I can't believe this is happening," she whispered, turning her face away so that he couldn't see her tears.

Blueblood exhaled a long worried sigh, before retrieving his hoofkerchief and handing it to her. Fluttershy murmured a thank you before taking the hoofkerchief and blowing her nose. "I know it was horrible of them to ask you to perform, especially after everything you've endured…"

Fluttershy turned to face him then, her face contorted with bewilderment at his words. "What are you saying?"

Blueblood gazed down at her for a moment before folding his hooves behind his back. "I know about the Phantom taking you prisoner. He originally kidnapped your father, but you…" he smiled softly. "You sacrificed your own life for his. I confess, I have never known such bravery."

Fluttershy gave a faint smile to his words, but now was not the time she wanted to hear how brave she was to endure what truly had been the happiest months of her life.

"I can't even begin to fathom the sort of horrors you must have endured all that time…and I am still in awe of seeing you now, safe and alive," he said with wonder. "However you managed to escape, I can't imagine, but somehow you did find a way."

Fluttershy said nothing; if her father had trouble believing that the Phantom had released her, there was no hope with the Prince.

"Fluttershy, forgive me, I know I am being very forward," he reached out and took one of her hooves then, enfolding it in his much larger ones. "But I want to offer my services to you."

Her eyes went wide at the words. "I…I b-beg your pardon?" she was very much aware at how iron tight his hooves felt when holding hers.

Blueblood grinned. "I want to help you, and your father, in any way that I can. I am but your loyal servant," he said with an elegant bow.

Fluttershy gave a faint smile but quickly pulled her hooves away. "You are too kind, monsieur, but that won't be necessary."

Blueblood frowned slightly at this, but remained steadfast. "Please…my name is Blueblood, and it would do me the great honor to hear you call me by it."

Inwardly, Fluttershy was groaning, but she smiled out of politeness and nodded her head. "Very well…Blueblood," she tested the word. "You have done more than enough for my father and me, truly, and I am very grateful for your kindness and charity–"

"I do not do these things out of charity, Fluttershy," he said, somewhat darkly. The change in his tone caused Fluttershy to practically jump. Blueblood quickly smoothed his tone before continuing. "What I mean is…I know that you do not trust me, and there is no use for arguing," he silenced her when she opened her mouth to protest, "because I can read it in your eyes. You don't trust me, and I can not blame you," he sighed, looking down at the floor before him. "This may come as a surprise to you, but I have not forgotten that day either, and I think you know what day I mean…" he looked into her eyes and Fluttershy felt a tremble go through her body. His face was extremely hoofsome, there could be no doubt about that…but it also held a darkness. There was darkness in Discord's face too, however his, while dangerous, also held something sensual. The Prince's cast no such sensual spell; its darkness remained very sinister, despite his fair-haired Apollo-like beauty.

"I am a stallion who has been born into a great many privileges. Wealth, power, titles–and yet despite all these privileges, I never realized until that day that the title of 'gentlecolt' was not one a stallion was simply given; it was one that he had to earn. I had assumed all my life that because of my money, because of my estate, because I was the next in line to become the Prince, that I was also a gentlecolt. However…you taught me that day," he murmured, reaching for her hoof once more. "What makes a true gentlecolt, and it isn't any of those things."

Fluttershy gazed up at him, unsure how to respond. "How…how did I teach you that?"

He smiled down at her, and Fluttershy began to see why many of the  dance mares regarded him as so charming. "By snubbing me, and telling me exactly how insulted you were by my treatment of you," he added, wincing at the memory.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile slightly. Perhaps he was learning after all. "From that moment," he went on, "I began to realize that my treatment of mares was utterly disgusting, and while I am by no means a perfect stallion," he softly chuckled, "I do owe you my thanks for helping me realize the stallion that I want to be…"

Fluttershy began to feel slightly uncomfortable with their closeness, and slowly tugged her hoof free. "You flatter me, monsieur, in ways that I do not deserve."

"I do not think that is possible. I think you deserve every ounce of flattery in this world, and beyond. But I can tell that my boldness is making you very uncomfortable, so I shall cease," he said with a polite smile, taking a step away from her. "But my offer still remains; I would like to be of service to both you and your father, and…if I may be so bold as to make a suggestion?" Curious, Fluttershy nodded her head.

"Madame Luna has been very kind to both you and your father, opening her home and allowing you a place to stay while your father recovers. That is kindness indeed," he smiled. Fluttershy returned the smile, however she was unsure where he was going with this. "However…I have noticed a few…tensions in the household?" he cocked his head in direction of the kitchen to where Soles had disappeared earlier. "And while I know that Madame Luna would never dream of urging the two of you to leave, I did notice the small pile of newspapers when I first entered the house near the door…all of which were turned towards the listings of available apartments."

Fluttershy felt a flush invade her cheeks, somewhat amazed by the Prince's eye for detail. "I have been making inquiries," she explained. "My father is quickly improving, however as soon as he is well enough to venture outside, we shall not intrude upon Madame Luna's hospitality a second longer."

Blueblood nodded his head in understanding. "And have you had any luck in your search?"

Fluttershy grimaced slightly. "What we can afford is not much," she whispered. "But we shall make due, we always have in the past," she gave an optimistic smile, despite how she truly felt.

"Yes, well, we can't have that now, can we?" Blueblood murmured, his eyes twinkling as he gazed down at Fluttershy. "I know you already feel greatly indebted to me, but please, allow me to make this one other offer. I have friends from the country who sometimes come and visit me when I am in Maris. I keep an apartment for these friends when they visit, but right now, it is available. I already pay the monthly rent for it, and knowing that it is being used by someone, rather than simply collecting dust as it is presently, well…in all actuality, you would be doing me the favor."

Fluttershy gazed up at him, her eyes wide with amazement at his offer. "It is too much…"

"Fluttershy, please, let me do this for you," he implored. "At least let it be for a temporary period. Once you find something that is not only comfortable, but also affordable, you may feel free to move out, no questions asked. But let me help you now…please…"

She gazed into his emerald eyes, searching them for a long time to see if there was any sign of expectation for accepting his offer. She could not find any. Perhaps he truly was changing? "Very well," she whispered. "I shall tell my father the news and when he is ready to move, we shall do so…but it will only be for a temporary period," she emphasized, perhaps a little too bluntly.

Blueblood said nothing; he simply bowed his head to her. "You do me a great honor, Fluttershy," he smiled. "I shall begin to make the arrangements for your stay," he pulled his gloves on and put on his hat, walking briskly towards the door. However, once reaching it, he paused and turned to face her once more. "And what of the opera?"

Fluttershy's smile vanished at his words and she felt that chill return. "I…I don't know…" she whispered, avoiding his eyes.

Blueblood watched her closely for a moment before speaking again. "As Monsieur Flam said, we do not understand why the Phantom requests that you sing in his opera, and I understand your reluctance Fluttershy…"

She highly doubted that, but she said nothing.

"However, I see this as an opportunity to take something and make it your own."

She looked up at him, her eyes narrowed with confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Simply that you take this opera, you take this role, and you mold it into something uniquely your own. That way, you have complete control over it, that way you have nothing to fear; it does not rule you…you rule it."

Funny, Fluttershy thought, but those words were so similar to what Discord had once said.

"It is your way of gaining the upper hoof on our masked friend," Blueblood muttered sarcastically, that cold darkness returning to his voice once more. Fluttershy eyed him warily; was he talking about her or himself? "Besides," Blueblood continued, the lightness in his voice returning, "do you really want to see Celestia butchering this role which is rightfully yours?"

The Prince's words caused Fluttershy to stiffen, and a cold wave of realization hit her like an ocean wave. If she didn't sing Aminta, Celestia would…and despite what happened between her and Discord, she couldn't let that witch murder Discord's work. She didn't know what was true; that gnawing voice in the back of her head that told her to not believe Discord's hateful words was continuing to grow louder. Whether Discord envisioned her to play Aminta or not, Fluttershy believed that she had earned the right to play that part after months of intense training. It may be the Phantom's opera, but it was her character.

"Please tell Monsieur Flam and Monsieur Flim that I shall report to rehearsals at the beginning of next week."
> Pain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pain

Four days.

He had locked himself away in that place for four solid days.

Rarity stood outside the chamber, remembering happier times when she had come to it, remembering the laughter that had once filled it, and the warmth that had once radiated from it. But all those things were gone; ever since she left them, life as it seemed, had been taken as well.

The mare held the tray of food in her mouth and prepared herself for the argument that she was sure would greet her. Ever since Discord had shut himself away in Fluttershy's former chamber, he refused to see or speak with anypony. At first, Rarity had been leaving trays of food outside the chamber entrance, but she would return later and find the food cold and untouched. Now and then a piece of bread would be found missing from the tray, but not much else. It was as if the Master were trying to waste away…

And yet despite his attempts to disappear, he was still just as mighty and just as fierce. It was only yesterday that he chased her out of the chamber for daring to disturb him, throwing the tray she had brought against the wall, leaving a colorful mushy mess on the stone. Who knew what today would hold? Rarity took a deep breath, and bravely entered the chamber.

"Master?"

He did not answer. She carefully and quietly walked towards him, a ghost-like figure, cloaked in shadow, sitting motionless upon the bed in the center of the room.

Rarity recalled her shock at seeing his chamber; the torn music, the broken statues, and of course, the overturned piano. When she had learned that he had been staying in Fluttershy's chamber, she suspected that it too, would have been torn to pieces. However, much to her surprise, the chamber remained untouched. Everything was perfectly in order, as if she had never left. Discord sat upon the bed, his back towards the entryway, his figure hunched over, as if examining something. Rarity cleared her throat so that he would know of her presence, but still, he remained still and silent.

She set the tray down. "Master…I have brought you some food…" she waited for a reply, or at least some acknowledgement that he had heard her, but there was nothing.

"Please…a few crusts of bread here and there will not keep your strength up…"

Nothing.

Rarity sighed and slowly walked around the edge of the bed. The lace curtains were drawn, but Discord's dark figure was clearly visible behind them. What was it that he was examining so intently? She peered through the shadows and saw that his paw and claw were gently running over the silken fabric of an ivory dress that lay flat on the bed.

"Master, we all miss her–"

"Get out."

He didn't raise his voice; the words were barely above a whisper. But the threat behind them was as clear as a bell ringing on a silent morning. The mare said nothing more; she quickly walked back towards the entrance. But before exiting, she paused, and turned once more to face him.

"Why don't you search for her? Find her and tell her of your feelings…" he said nothing; it was like talking to a brick wall. With a heavy heart, Rarity turned away. "She does love you Master, please know that…she loves you…" without another word, the mare picked up her skirts and quickly hurried off before he could respond.

Discord sat in the mute stillness of the chamber, his paw ceasing only momentarily from stroking the fabric. "Not anymore…" he whispered to the shadows. "Not anymore."

Fluttershy trembled as she gazed up at the great stage, memories of first entering the Maris Opera House coming back to her as clear as visions from yesterday.
Things were not so different. Then, ponies were busily preparing for the opening gala–now, they were preparing to put on Don Juan Triumphant. Sets were being designed, stage hooves worked in the background, painting and installing the various pieces, while the dancers rehearsed another meticulous dance number upstage. The sound of hammering and sawing could be heard throughout the auditorium, oddly mixed with the orchestra's playing. The smell of cigarettes and cheap perfume wafted the air, and in the distance, Celestia's angry screeches reverberated off the walls. Yes, little had changed since she had last seen this place; in fact, it was as if sompony had handed her a painting of her first visit, and she had stepped through it to go back in time. A time when she did not know the Phantom of the Opera, a time when both she and her father had steady work.

A time when she was not afraid of what the future held…

"Ah! Mademoiselle! There you are, at last!" Flam cried happily, leaving the conversation he was having with the conductor and rushing to her side.

Fluttershy smiled back politely, however she regretted his small outburst as dozens of eyes turned to stare at her.

When the Prince had visited almost a week ago, Fluttershy had felt determined to come and sing the role she believed she had worked so hard to earn, even if Discord had cast her for the role without hearing anypony else. The point being that she had practiced and trained for such a role over long, meticulous hours, many of which had been quite stressful. In her mind, she had earned that role, creating and shaping Aminta's character into Fluttershy's vision of a young mare, desperately in love with a stallion who did not think he was worthy. The truth of that role stung very deeply, Fluttershy thought.

And yet, as the days past, Fluttershy's doubts began to grow. Had she done the right thing, agreeing to perform? A part of her warned her to stay as far away from the opera house as possible, that returning would only cause further heartache and trouble. But she was also drawn to the place, a part of her wanting desperately to see how Discord's unique musical vision was being brought to life. In the end, despite her worries and fears, she convinced herself that she could at least try one rehearsal and see how things went. Perhaps the managers would not be pleased with her; after all, it had been some time since she had last rehearsed, perhaps it had all been a foolish day dream, that she could not sing as well as she thought, that Discord was completely tone deaf after long months of listening to Celestia's screeches.

"Mademoiselle?"

Fluttershy shook her head and gazed at the younger manager who smiled and offered her his arm. She smiled back once more, out of politeness, taking his arm and following him as he led her up to the stage. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering about wildly, and her legs felt extremely shaky as she felt every eye turn and fix itself on her. Some expressions were filled with curiosity, others were filled with confusion, and even some held no emotion whatsoever. But it was the stares of disdain and judgment that caused the cold sweat to form on Fluttershy's brow.

"Attention please, attention!" Flam announced, a "salespony" smile pasted across his face. "I would like to introduce you all…to our new star…and lead in this most…" he paused, the next words slightly tricky to get out. "…original, opera," he continued, the smile never fading. "Our Aminta: Fluttershy!" he practically shouted her name and then erupted into applause. Fluttershy's face turned a bright shade of red, as she was quite aware that the only ponies truly clapping for her were the two managers. Flim stood off to the side and was also clapping wildly, wearing the same smile that Flam had plastered across his face, as well.

The managers continued clapping and only seemed to just realize that no one else was sharing in their applause. Their smiles disappeared only momentarily as they cast a dark menacing look at the rest of the company, who then broke out into a very light and somewhat faint applause, so light that Fluttershy could hear whispers.

"Wasn't she Celestia's costume mare? I heard she was fired! Haven't seen her in ages."

"I heard she punched Celestia in the face…she gets my applause for that, at least."

"Why is she here now? Where has she been all this time?"

"I heard that she was selected by the Phantom himself to play the part!"

"Why would the Phantom pick some nobody to sing the main role?"

"I heard some stagehooves say she went below stage."

"That's impossible, if she had done that, she wouldn't be here now!"

"That's not what I heard…I heard she slept with the Prince to get the part."

"I heard she slept with both him and the managers to get the part!"

"Oh please, the Prince would never waste his time on a mare like that! Look at her! She's not that pretty. Sure she has some 'country bred' beauty, but this is the city; she won't last too long on stage with that going for her."

"Can she even sing? She doesn't even look like she can manage holding her breath for very long!"

"What makes her so special anyway?"

Fluttershy felt her head grow dizzy as all the whispers swirled around her, and the different stares penetrated her spirit, measuring her up as to whether she was "worthy" in their eyes to even set foot on this stage. But it was one voice in particular that rang out over the others, causing everyone to fall silent, even the unsuspecting managers.

"Ah, so our dear little ingénue has decided to grace us with her presence," Celestia mocked from off stage, her smile both condescending and venomous.

Fluttershy felt as if she had been hit by an ice storm; the coldness in Celestia's words, combined with the suspecting stares of others, froze Fluttershy in her place.

"Indeed, let us applaud our newly found star!" she shouted, her hooves joining together and clapping loudly. Even her clapping was sarcastic. Fluttershy watched with wary eyes as the woman slowly climbed up to the stage, her eyes floating up and down Fluttershy's figure. "Yes, a star in the making," she chuckled, eyeing Fluttershy's rather plain gray dress. It lacked the lace, ribbons, and ruffles that Celestia's outrageous orange gown held.

"Senora," Flam greeted warmly, hoping to keep peace between the two mares; he had not forgotten Fluttershy's violent outburst upon the prima donna all those months ago. "Perhaps you will be able to offer some advice to Mademoiselle Fluttershy?"

Celestia smiled at Flam's words and quietly approached the young mare, her dazzling eyes focusing on Fluttershy's pale face. "Of course monsieur, I would be glad to. First," she reached out and held a bit of the material of Fluttershy's dress. "An opera star needs to dazzle the audience, take them away to far away places…not make them feel that they are simply watching their servants perform," she released the material with disgust.

"Second, an opera star needs to hold her head high, to stand boldly, and to look as though she owns the stage! Not appear meek, or shy, or even sweet…she is not here to win the audience's sympathy, she is here to conquer them with her presence!"

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed as Celestia walked around her, making her feel like some object on display. "And finally, an opera star needs to be someone who draws attention, someone who can make the audience anticipate her next move, her next breath, and especially her next performance…" she came around and faced Fluttershy fully.

Fluttershy lifted her chin slightly and returned the blonde soprano's steel gaze. "Basically, if I am correct, you are saying that an opera star needs to be more like…you, senora?"

Celestia's lips curved into a wicked smile. "There may be hope for you yet, my dear," she purred, reaching out and patting Fluttershy on the cheek like one would pat their dog.

Fluttershy glared at the woman, but Flim and Flam quickly intervened before anything else could be said. "Thank you for that lovely bit of…advice," Flim coughed, trying to smile but failing miserably.

"I help whenever I can," Celestia sighed, looking innocent and smiling as Fancypants offered her fur wrap to her.

"True, but you forgot a very important detail, senora," a voice interrupted from the back of the auditorium. All eyes turned and several dancers burst into excited giggles as Blueblood emerged. "An opera star needs to be a great singer."

Several ponies on stage began to snicker behind their hooves, while others gasped at the Prince's comment. Celestia glared at the stallion, all traces of amusement vanishing in that instant. Blueblood turned to Fluttershy and gave her a warm smile, to which she returned out of politeness, but it quickly vanished when to her shock, he winked at her. Several more giggles erupted from the ballet who had noticed the gesture in which he had given her, and yet again, there were more whispers.

"All right, all right," Madam Octavia, the conductor, called to order. "Come now, we have much work to do. Mademoiselle? Shall we?"

Fluttershy blushed as she realized he wanted to have her sing. She mutely nodded her head, but grimaced as she felt the butterflies rise once more. The last thing she wanted was to get sick right then and there on stage.

"Let us take it from Aminta's entrance in Scene III from Act I. The song titled 'Think of Me'."

Fluttershy froze at the conductor's words. She remembered singing that song for Discord so long ago; she remembered falling in love with that song, and blushing as she felt Discord's eyes upon her when she sang it. Could she do this? She was seriously doubting her decision to come there and sing in this opera.

"Mademoiselle?"

She blushed and quickly apologized to the conductor. She looked at Fluttershy critically before tapping her baton on her music stand, calling the orchestra to attention and silencing the whole company. All eyes were glazed upon her as the beautiful introduction to the song began.

Fluttershy took a deep breath, keeping her eyes focused on Madam Octaica, as the cords floated over her. "Think of me…" she began rather weakly. "Think of me fondly, when we say goodbye…"

The last word came out more as a squeak than anything else. Madam Octavia tapped her baton against her music stand rather rapidly, calling the orchestra to stop their playing. Fluttershy felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, and all around her she could hear the whispers once more.

Celestia was positively glowing. "A fine choice, my dear managers," she teased, grinning at Fancypants who was also chuckling. "Your Phantom's tastes are quite…extraordinary."

Blueblood glared at the mare and then turned his full attention back to Fluttershy. Madam Octiavia tapped her music stand once more, calling for silence and attention. "My dear," she said, looking directly at Fluttershy, her voice somewhat stern. "You need to project more; I can barely hear you over the orchestra! And if I am struggling, the audience surely will struggle too, do you understand?"

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head. She reached up then and grasped the locket that hung around her neck which contained her mother's picture. The tiny trinket had always given Fluttershy courage; she needed that courage once more to get through this.

The music rose again; Fluttershy closed her eyes and imagined herself back in the Phantom's lair, standing at the piano with Discord softly playing the notes. Sing for him, a voice inside her heart whispered. Sing for Discord…

"Think of me…think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye…"

Her voice was stronger, clearer, and more confident. Everypony who had been whispering and scowling earlier had stopped; even Celestia froze at the sound of young woman's voice.

"Remember me, once in a while–please promise me you'll try…"

Everypony's undivided attention was focused entirely on Fluttershy. She slowly opened her eyes and felt the song overtake her, her voice reaching out to him in the depths of the opera house, singing for him, always for him.

"When you find, that once again you long, to take your heart back and be free–
if you ever find a moment…" Fluttershy's heart swelled as she thought of the plea she was singing to Discord. "Spare a thought for me…"

The orchestra burst into its interlude and the managers glanced at one another, grinning at the thought of the money they would make from their new discovery. Celestia was fuming, and Blueblood was simply smiling with pride as he gazed up at the stage.

In the depths of the opera house, far below the stage, Discord awoke with a start at the sound of music. He had fallen asleep atop Fluttershy's bed, his maskless face buried against the silken fabric of her gown. He sat up, his eyes wild as he heard the chords to "Think of Me" being played. Grabbing his mask, he leapt off the bed, moving at a quick pace towards the sound. He had grown accustomed to hearing the company rehearse his opera, but something was different this time, something was…new.

And then he heard her. Through the stone, wood, and cement that separated him from the world above, he heard her voice, guiding him home, like a beacon to a lost ship.

"We never said our love was evergreen,
or as unchanging as the sea–
but if you can still remember,
stop and think of me…"

Fluttershy's voice felt somewhat heavy as the reality of the lyrics settled over her. She could feel her legs trembling slightly and her palms growing sweaty–not out of nervousness, but out of anxiety as to whether her song, the song he had written, was being heard. She was not being Aminta in that moment; she was singing as Fluttershy to him.

"Think of all the things we've shared and seen…" her voice began to dissolve then. "Don't think about the things which…" it was barely above a whisper. "Might…have been…"

Fluttershy stopped; she couldn't go on anymore.

Everypony had been in a trance when she had begun to sing. Now, they were slowly waking from it, and the whispers began to erupt again. Flim and Flam exchanged looks at one another and Blueblood frowned in confusion.

Madam Octavia called for order with hee baton, silencing the orchestra and casting disdainful looks to the chorus and dancers who were busy gossiping. "Mademoiselle, there are still several more bars left, we are not finished."

Fluttershy had been frozen in her place and only just then did she glance up at the conductor. "Mademoiselle? Are…are you alright?" Madam Octavia inquired, a look of genuine concern crossing her older features. Fluttershy stared back, and it was then that she realized her cheeks were wet with tears. She looked all around her, feeling everypony's eyes on her once more, and then she caught the eyes of the managers, of Blueblood, and Celestia, who was now looking extremely smug. Without a word, she ran from the stage, causing several chorus members to gasp in surprise by her behavior.

Celestia continued to grin. "I wonder, do you think she will do that on opening night?"

Fluttershy ran far back stage, pushing past ponies, not caring how they looked at her or what they thought, she was sick of ponies looking at her and judging her, attempting to understand who she was and what she had gone through. Let them think what they will, not one of them would understand the pain of a broken heart and a lost love the way she did. She finally found a dark shadowed corner, far enough away from the stage and its many eyes, and there she crumpled to a heap on the ground, her face buried inside her hooves, sobbing.

God above, help her, she prayed. It hurt so badly, the pain in her heart, the pain in her spirit. Being here, a place so alive with the Phantom's presence, and yet she felt so cold, so alone, and so empty on that stage. She longed for Discord to reappear, and as he had done at the masquerade ball, to simply whisk her away to his underground world, away from their judging eyes, away from their harsh whispers. And yet, she knew with a heavy heart that she couldn't go back, no matter how much she wanted to. She had her father to look after, and she couldn't abandon him after being separated for so long. But this pain was so severe; she was terrified to fall asleep at night for fear that she would dream of him, only to wake in the morning with the agony that it had simply been a dream. She longed for his strong arms to wrap around her, to carry her away, to hear his voice whisper into her ear that he loved her, that he would let no harm ever come to her. She longed to feel his body beside hers at night, and she longed to look into his dark amber gaze and lose herself in their seductive promise. But more than anything, she wanted to see his face again, unmasked, to touch his disfigured cheek and show him over and over how deeply she loved him, and how hoofsome she found him to be.

But it was all in vain it seemed.

"Fluttershy?"

She gasped at the sound of her name and quickly wiped her face, not wanting to show her tears to anyone. She turned as she heard the Prince's hoofsteps softly approach. "Fluttershy?" he called again, and then let out a sigh of relief at finding her. "Are you alright? I was worried when I saw–" he paused when he noticed her trembling hoovess brushing away the last of her tears. "Fluttershy…what's wrong?" he tenderly asked, reaching out and touching her chin with a soft hoof.

"I'm fine," she lied, moving away so his hoof touched only the air between them.

Blueblood noticed her quick gesture to free herself from his touch, but he swallowed his hurt pride and quickly dropped his hoof back to his side. "Somepony who is 'fine' does not burst into tears and then run away…" he murmured, his eyes trying to capture hers, but she kept them adverted.

"I was nervous, that's all," she explained, keeping her eyes locked on the floor. "I have never sung before an audience before, a-a-and I thought…I t-t-thought perhaps I was doing very poorly, a-and so I lost my confidence. Quite silly I know, but–"

Fluttershy gasped when she felt the Prince's hoof gently touch her lips to silence her. She looked up at the hoofsome noblecolt, her eyes locking with his steady emerald gaze.

"You actually think you sang poorly?" Blueblood asked, his voice a mixture of shock and wonder. "Fluttershy…I have never…" a warm smile spread across his hoofsome features. "I have been coming to this place ever since I was colt. And in all my years, both then, and now as a patron, I have never heard anything so…so beautiful," he murmured in absolute awe.

Fluttershy felt her cheeks flush at the compliment, and a soft smile spread across her lips. She wondered if Discord had heard her. Would she have made him proud? After all, any compliments she received for her singing should truly be directed for him.

"I know that there were ponies who were not being entirely…kind," he added gently. "I find that it comes down to two things. One, jealousy," Fluttershy couldn't help but softly chuckle at this. "And two…they simply do not understand," he sighed. "They don't understand why you've been asked to sing this part when many of them have been involved within the company for years. However, I think after this moment, we can all begin to understand why the Phantom favored your voice."

Blueblood meant the comment to be one of merriment, but his smile disappeared when he noticed Fluttershy stiffen just slightly at the comment. Suddenly, a loud crashing sound could be heard overhead, and Fluttershy gasped loudly as Blueblood pushed them both away, just missing the falling sandbag.

"What the devil?" he shouted angrily, one hoof flying to smooth back his blonde hair. A stagehoof rushed forward at the sound of Bluebloods voice, and before the stallion could ask what had happened, the Vicomte had the stallion by the throat. "You idiot! You nearly had us killed!" he growled, shaking the stallion viciously.

"Blueblood, put him down!" Fluttershy protested, pushing at the Prince with all her strength. "It was an accident! Please! You're hurting him!"

Blueblood glanced at Fluttershy, seeing her terror at his behavior reflected in her blue eyes, and immediately released the stallion, who crumpled to the floor, coughing and gasping. "I…I'm sorry…" Blueblood quickly apologized, although he was keeping his eyes on Fluttershy and not the stallion he had nearly strangled. "But that sandbag could have struck Mademoiselle Fluttershy! All of you need to be more careful!"

The stagehoof weakly nodded his head, and then scrambled to his hooves and dashed away before the Prince could do anything worse. Blueblood watched the stallion go before turning back to face Fluttershy, grimacing when he saw the expression on her face. "I'm sorry you had to see that mademoiselle, but…well, many of these stallions are drunken louts who do not pay enough attention to their jobs at hoof. If I didn't put the fear of God into him, someone has to; seems to be the only way to communicate with them," he muttered, smoothing his hair back once more.

Fluttershy said nothing; she simply kept her distance from the Prince. "I should apologize to Madam Octavia for my behavior," she said simply, wrapping her arms around herself and heading back towards the stage.

Blueblood silently cursed himself and then glanced down at the sandbag, kicking it rather violently, before lifting his eyes heavenward to see where it may have come from. Had he been looking close enough, he would have seen a pair of eyes glaring back at him, but the eyes were well hidden in the shadows. Those eyes continued to watch the Prince as he turned and departed the same way Fluttershy had gone, all the while sending looks of utter hatred for the hoofsome noblecolt.

Nothing could begin to describe Discord's rage at seeing the Prince stand so close, and talk so intimately, to his Fluttershy. He had followed her voice from the very depths of his world, hearing it grow more and more clear the closer he got to the stage. And once he had reached his hiding place on the catwalk, the very place he and Fluttershy had watched Handel's Messiah all those months ago, his heart seemed to stop at the very sight of her.

She stood there, on his stage, singing his music. It was a vision unlike anything he had ever known. He remembered how once upon a time, this was all he dreamed about, hearing her voice sing his music on stage. But it meant so much more now; the first feelings he felt were sheer joy at seeing his beloved Fluttershy there, and then his thoughts immediately changed to confusion. What was she doing there? He had assumed since…since…

He did not like to think about that night, but it forever haunted him.

After all those horrible things he had said, he had assumed she would want to stay as far away from this place as possible. Ah, but his Fluttershy was extremely stubborn, a thought that he couldn't help smiling to. Joy once more erupted; perhaps she had returned? Perhaps she had come to tell him that she still loved him, that she would not leave him no matter what he said, that he would have to make her leave–and he knew that would not be possible.

But then something happened. He noticed the tears before anyone else. He heard the trembling in her voice before the conductor took notice. Her voice disappeared into a sob, and then the next thing he knew, she was flying from the stage, disappearing deep into the shadows beyond the curtains.

Discord flew from his place, flew to a spot where she may have gone. He longed to take her up in his arms, to hold her tightly, to tell her over and over how sorry he was for hurting her, to beg her forgiveness, even though he did not deserve it. To comfort her, to tell her how deeply he loved her…

And then he saw him with her.

The hoofsome, charming, Prince, coming once more to a damsel's rescue, armed with manners and a hoofkerchief. Discord struggled with hearing all of the words that past between the two of them, but he did not miss the smile Fluttershy flashed when the Prince spoke to her, and he felt his blood boil with fury as he watched the Prince reach out and touch his beloved angel…and the fury only kindled when he saw that Fluttershy did not pull away from him as she had done so earlier. His anger burst forth into a wild blaze, and before he knew what he was doing, he took out the dagger that he always concealed in his boot, and with a single swipe, cut the nearest sandbag.

He had no intentions of harming Fluttershy, it was truly meant to strike the Prince. But he cursed her for warning his hoofsome adversary with her gasp, and he cursed himself when he realized, after the Prince pushed both himself and Fluttershy away from the falling sandbag, how close he had been to actually striking her as well.

It was not possible to begin describing his hatred for the blonde noblecolt, but he knew that if any harm ever befell on Fluttershy because of his anger, he would never forgive himself. He was already damning himself for the pain he had caused her to make her leave…if he truly hurt her or…or worse, that would be the end of everything.

Discord's heart swelled with pain as he heard his angel begin to sing once more. He could understand why she had cried when he listened to the words closely.

"Think of me, think of me waking,
silent and resigned.
Imagine me, trying too hard
to put you from my mind.

Recall those days, look back on all those times,
think of the things we'll never do–
there will never be a day when I won't think of you!"

Indeed. There would never be a day when he would not be consumed by thoughts of her.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	

Rarity grumbled as she attempted to walk while holding an overly large pile of dirty clothes in her arms. They all badly needed mending and washing, and it always amazed her at how much work the five of them generated for her to do. She longed for Fluttershy's help, at least to hear the young mare's sweet voice to help pass the time and the chores.
Rarity dumped the large pile of clothes down on the floor beside her little bed, reaching for the round steel tub that she used to wash clothes, not realizing that she was not alone in the chamber she and the others occupied.

"W-w-w-where is it?"

Rarity gasped and turned to see where the voice had come from. "Derpy?" she whispered, and then let out a joyful cry as she saw the hunchback emerge from the shadows. "Oh Derpy! I've been so worried! I haven't seen you for days! I mean, I knew you were present, I kept finding leftovers being eaten, and your books had been strewn about, but where have you been sleeping all this time? And where is that kitten that is always by your side, why–"

"WHERE IS IT?" she practically roared, a sound Rarity had never heard come from her.

She stared up at the hunchback who she had regarded for so many years as a daughter, and for the first time in her life, actually felt afraid of her. "W-w-where is what?" she asked, her voice trembling with confusion and apprehension.

Derpy lifted the book that she held in one of her hooves. "I c-c-can't find it," she explained. "I c-c-can't find the p-part w-where the gypsy mare a-agrees to stay w-w-with the hunchback, w-w-where she tells him that she loves him, a-a-and they live h-happily ever after."

Rarity felt her insides grow cold as Derpy's words slowly washed over her. In her hoof she held The Hunchback of Notre Mane. Shortround had indeed been a fine reading teacher. With a heavy heart, she sighed, and sat down on the edge of her bed, suddenly feeling very old.

"Derpy…t-there's something I need to tell you," she whispered, not sure she could look into her eyes.

"J-j-just t-tell me w-what page it's on…a-a-and I'll r-read it f-for myself."

"No, Derpy, you don't understand…it's not…it doesn't have a page," she slowly lifted her eyes to meet hers, which were a mixture of confusion and despair.

"W-w-what do you mean?" he softly asked, his whole body trembling with fear at what she would say next.

"Derpy," she gently began. "The reason you can't find that passage…is because I…" she took a deep breath, summoning all her strength. "…is because I made it up."

She stared at Rarity, unable to move. "M-m-made it up?"

"Yes," she whispered, her eyes already misting. "I…I wanted to give you a story that would give you hope…a story that showed a kind, gentle, and loving side of life. I…I didn't mean to cause any harm, I just wanted to make you happy Derpy, please know that?" her tears were welling over as she gazed back at her; Rarity's heart breaking as the realization slowly dawned on her.

"The g-g-gypsy mare n-never loved the h-hunchback?"

Rarity bit her lip. "She cared for him, she became his friend…b-b-but…no, they did not f-fall in love as I told you…"

Derpy stared at her, her voice barely above a whisper. "T-t-they d-d-did not live h-happily e-ever after?"

She looked down, unable to bear it another second. "No."

The sound of the book falling to the ground was louder than any capsized boulder. Rarity winced with pain as she heard the book echo off the walls, and her pain only increased as she heard Derpy's heart-wrenching cries fill the cavern and the tunnels beyond, as she ran from the lies that Rarity had harmlessly spun.

> Intentions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intentions

"So…aren't you going to say anything?"

Fluttershy, who had been poking the food around on her dinner plate, looked up at her father, confusion in her eyes. "Say anything?" she repeated his words back at him.

Time Turner groaned and rolled his eyes. "About the rehearsal! I've been waiting to hear you tell me how things went…and I thought since you did not wish to talk when you arrived home, that it meant you were simply tired and it would wait for dinner…but…" he looked at the food on her plate which she had barely touched. A wave of concern washing over him and he reached out to grasp her hoof. "Fluttershy, what's troubling you?"

Startled by his question, Fluttershy simply pulled her hoof away. "Nothing is wrong…I…I'm just not very hungry to be honest," she mumbled, her eyes adverting his.

Time Turner watched her intently. "Are you not feeling well?"

Fluttershy's face scrunched up at the thought. "I confess, I have been feeling rather queasy, but I'm fine Papa, truly," she reached out to take his finished plate, but before she could even touch the dish, a bubbly servant mare burst forth, snatching the plates up herself.

"I'll take care of those mademoiselle!" she chirped, smiling as she took both Fluttershy's plate and that of her father's. 	

"Would mademoiselle care for something else perhaps?"

Fluttershy gave the mare a weak smile. "Thank you, Cherry Jubilee, but that won't be necessary." Fluttershy confessed she was not used to having servants wait upon her and was not exactly sure how to behave around them. Even when she was living in the Phantom's realm, she never thought of Rarity and the others as servants, but rather, friends. This was going to take some getting used to, not simply having a servant mare do all the cooking and cleaning, chores Fluttershy herself was used to doing, but living in such an extravagant place as this!

She remembered the day she and her father arrived to the Prince's guest flat, and how speechless they both were at the sheer size of the place. It was ten times larger than the tiny flat they had occupied all those months ago, with more rooms than she and her father would know what to do with.

Blueblood was extremely proud, he gave them what he called "the grand tour", showing them the different rooms; two lavish bedrooms, each larger than the chamber Discord had given her, and each possessing their own luxurious private bathrooms. There was a grand parlor for entertaining guests, a library, a small billiard room, and much to Fluttershy's surprise, a music room, complete with a beautiful pianoforte.

It was too much; there was no possible way she and her father would be able to repay the Prince for this sort of hospitality. Yet Blueblood insisted, reminding her that he was already paying the rent for such a place, and felt much better knowing it was being used than collecting dust. He also introduced them at that time to Cherry Jubilee, the servant mare who would be staying and tending to their every need. Time Turner shook the Prince's hoof heartily, thanking him over and over for his kindness and generosity. Fluttershy however could not share in her father's joy. What Blueblood was doing for them was extremely kind, but she could not help but feel his charity, even when it seemed quite genuine in its offer, had a price of some kind.

"So?" her father interrupted her thoughts. "Tell me about the rehearsal! I wish to hear how my daughter dazzled all those 'veterans of the theatre' with her voice," he grinned, thanking Cherry Jubilee as she poured him a small glass of brandy.

"There is not much to tell," Fluttershy murmured, still adverting her eyes from her father's gaze.

"Not much to tell?" he exclaimed. "Utter nonsense. I know you astounded them all with your voice, my dear."

Fluttershy sighed heavily. "Papa, please don't, I do not deserve so much flattery, especially…" her voice trailed off as memories of the day returned once more.

Her father's brows rose at her words. "Especially? What do you mean 'especially' Fluttershy?" he reached out once more and took her hooves into his. "Please…something is troubling you, I can see it…please tell me?"

She finally looked up into his eyes and smiled faintly back at him, squeezing his hooves in return. "My first 'performance' was not exactly my finest moment," she sighed. "Oh Papa…I don't know what I was thinking, I do not belong there, it's quite obvious…" Time Turner eyes narrowed with concern. "When I sang today, I…I was a complete mess. My nerves were in shambles, my pitch was off, and many of the lyrics I forgot–"

"But my dear, it was your first rehearsal. You…you make it sound as if you have been rehearsing for weeks, months even."

Fluttershy paled slightly at her father's words. "I…that is, I um…I simply wanted to fit in with the others," she lied. "Many of them have their lyrics memorized…" Fluttershy was a horrible liar, and she winced at how badly that had come out. However, her father simply shook his head, a tender smile creasing his face.

"Oh my dear, you must move at your own pace, and do what feels right, not what others are expecting." If only her father knew the whole truth, she thought; ah, but he would never believe her, or at least not easily.

"Do not be discouraged by your first rehearsal my dear," her father smiled, giving her hooves one last reassuring squeeze before releasing them. "It's quite natural to feel nervous in front of others, hence your stomach feeling uneasy," he grinned. "But I'm sure, despite your doubts, that you did astound them today. After all, the Prince believes so, therefore–"

Fluttershy's eyes went wide at her father's words. "W-w-what? How…w-what do you mean the Prince believes so? Did you…did the Prince speak with you?"

Time Turner nodded very proudly. "He did stop by around tea time. He wished to know how things were going here, if Cherry Jubilee was enough help for both of us, and if there was anything he could do further."

Fluttershy grimaced at this piece of news. "I hope that you told him we have far more than we could possibly need?"

Time Turner frowned slightly at his daughter's tone, but chose not to dwell on it. "I thanked him, of course, and did explain that you and I were doing quite well. I invited him to stay for tea, and during which he then proceeded to tell me all about how you dazzled the company with your singing."

Fluttershy inwardly groaned. "Oh Papa, he only heard me sing one song, one which I did struggle through," she admitted, a slight shiver running down her body as she recalled how difficult "Think of Me" had been. "I would hardly call that a fair review of my singing."

"Why are you so quick to harshly judge the Prince?" Time Turner asked, a deep frown settling across his face. "The stallion has shown us nothing but generosity and kindness, and yet you seem so determined to prove him to be a villain?"

"It's not that," Fluttershy groaned. "I…I am very grateful for all that the Prince has done for us, but…" she sighed. "I just…I can not help but feel that perhaps he is…expecting something, in return for his kindness."

Time Turner couldn't help but chuckle at this. "Oh my dear, I blame your mother's family for creating such a wariness of the upper classes in you."

Fluttershy lifted her chin, not pleased that her concerns were being laughed at. "I'm surprised you've forgotten how horrid they were to us, taking away our home, refusing to acknowledge my very existence, their own granddaughter and niece."

Time Turner shook his head and reached for her hoof once more. "I have not forgotten their cruelty, but your mother, a daughter of a Marquis, a mare who grew up amongst the wealthy and powerful, was a pony with a kind heart and a generous soul. Now why can not the Prince be the same sort of pony?"

Fluttershy did not care for where this conversation was heading. "The difference Papa, is that Mama was willing to set aside all those things to be with you, to start a new life with the pony she loved. I…I confess, I can not see the Prince doing such a thing…"

"Nonsense. The sad truth of the matter is that your mother had no choice. If she followed her heart, she would have to give up those things, as I could not enter her world," he murmured, somewhat sadly. There would always be a part of him that would never forgive himself for taking his beautiful wife away from a world of luxury. "But this is different," he continued, lifting his chin and forcing a smile. "The Prince does not have to make such a choice, you can enter his world and no one will think anything of it!"

"Papa!"Fluttershy gasped, shocked by what her father was saying.

"Oh Fluttershy, I only want what is best for you; a stallion who can give you everything you desire–"

She pulled her hoof away and stood up quickly. "I will choose what is best for me!"

Time Turner stared up at her, rather shocked by her cold behavior. "But he is a good stallion Fluttershy, can you not see that? He is a good stallion who I know would provide for you, protect you, and cherish you the way you should be cherished! 

And I can tell that he lov–"

"ENOUGH!" Fluttershy shouted, her blood boiling with rage. She would not be made to feel like an auctioned item for the highest bidder. "I think I shall go to bed now," she muttered, turning on her heel to disappear into her room, yet before she managed to take a single step, Cherry Jubilee appeared, a broad smile beaming from her pretty face.

"The Prince," she announced, giving a small curtsy.

This cannot be happening, Fluttershy thought gloomily. Time Turner straightened up at the servant mare's announcement and grinned broadly as the hoofsome noblecolt entered the dining room, quickly removing his hat and elegantly bowing before them, a warm smile spreading across his hoofsome features. "Monsieur Time Turner, Mademoiselle," he greeted, his tone sharing the same warmth as his smile. "Forgive me for interrupting your meal, but I could not wait until tomorrow to deliver the news, I had to see you at once."

"Oh not at all, monsieur," Time Turner replied, his own face beaming with delight at the sight of the stallion. "Please, won't you sit down? It would be a great pleasure to have you join us." Fluttershy wanted to protest, but instead, forced a smile out of politeness' sake. She slowly seated herself back down in her chair, while Blueblood happily sat in a chair on her left.

"Thank you, monsieur, you are very kind, but I'm afraid I must decline. Sadly, I have a dinner engagement that I can not put off, however I do look forward to perhaps having both you, and your charming daughter," he added, grinning at Fluttershy, his emerald eyes sparkling, "as guests at my town house, before the week's end?" he asked, his eyes looking most hopeful as they focused entirely on Fluttershy.

Fluttershy felt a rush of color flood her cheeks, more out of embarrassment if anything. She prayed that her father was wrong; she did not exactly like the idea of the Prince being in love with her. Even love itself seemed to come with a price, where the Prince was concerned.

"Oh!" Time Turner grinned, his eyes also focusing on Fluttershy. "We would be most happy to accept!"

Fluttershy could feel her father's gaze upon her, knowing he wanted her to reply to the Prince's kind offer. However she chose to remain looking meek, in hopes that perhaps the Prince would stop staring at her as if she were a bug in a jar.

Time Turner could not help but show a little displeasure at his daughter's lack of response, but quickly reassured, "yes, we are very happy to accept such a kind, generous offer." Fluttershy winced at her father's words, knowing they were an attempt to make her feel ashamed for her silence and lack of trust towards the Prince.

Blueblood however didn't seem to take notice, he simply continued smiling and once more directed his attention at the old stallion. "I hope that you both are settling in well? I know that I asked this question of you earlier, but please, do let me know if there is anything I can do to help you both…anything at all, I truly wish for your stay here to be comfortable and see that you receive the best service."

Time Turner smiled but shook his head. "Does your compassion know no ends? You are too kind, monsieur, and I can't begin to thank you for everything that you have done already…but forgive me, you did say something about news? That you had news you wished to share?"

Fluttershy turned her head back towards Blueblood, curious to see what news he did indeed have that needed to be shared with them immediately.

Blueblood's grin broadened at Time Turner's words. "Well, after I visited you, monsieur, I felt an urgent need to return once more to the opera house, and so I did…and I called for a meeting with both the managers to discuss the sad order of events that took place prior to your…disappearance," he murmured gently.

Time Turner's face fell somewhat at these words. He had learned through both Fluttershy and Madame Luna during his recovery that Flam and Flim had him fired, believing his disappearance to be deliberate. Yet now, as the Prince spoke, a hopeful spark slowly began to come to life within him.

"Well," he continued, his smile not being able to conceal itself. "After carefully explaining the full details behind your…disappearance…"

Fluttershy's eyes went wide at this. Was Blueblood telling everypony about what happened to her and her father?
"…they both realized that your absence was truly out of your control, and therefore, have agreed to hire you once more, to play lead violin, in the orchestra," he beamed.

Both Fluttershy and her father stared wild-eyed at the Prince the second the words left his mouth. Neither one of them spoke, the shock was too great. Yet Fluttershy's father, while at a complete loss for words, began sobbing his joy, gripping Blueblood's hoof tightly and blubbering praises and words of thanks. "Oh monsieur…thank you…thank you! I…I don't know what to say…just…thank you!"

Fluttershy simply stared, her mind reeling at the news, her body rigid from the shock.

Did the Prince just tell them that he had convinced the managers of the Maris Opera House to rehire her father? Did the 
Prince give them this beautiful luxurious flat? Did the Prince pay a large sum of money for her father's release from prison? 

Did the Prince's charity know no bounds?

These were all wonderful things! So why couldn't Fluttershy share in her father's happiness?

"Fluttershy?"

She shook her head, waking herself from the questions that were plaguing her thoughts and turned to her father, who had been calling out her name. "Yes Papa?" He looked so happy; there were tears of joy streaming down his cheeks, and his smile was so radiant, so full of life. She should be grateful that the Prince could bring such happiness to her father… And yet she could not shake off the feeling that there was something dark and untrustworthy about the hoofsome noblecolt.

"I was simply saying how wonderful the Prince–"

"Please, monsieur," Blueblood smiled, attempting to look modest. "I believe formalities are no longer needed; call me Blueblood."

Time Turner beamed even more at this. Fluttershy couldn't help but frown.

"Blueblood has given so much to us…I do not know where we can even begin to repay him!" the old stallion smiled, reaching out and taking Fluttershy's hoof in his.

"Yes," she whispered, although there was genuine worry in her tone. How could they begin to repay the Prince for his…charity? And what sort of payment was he expecting?

Blueblood smiled at Time Turner, but his eyes were fixed on Fluttershy's pretty face. "Your thanks alone, is enough for me," he replied, his tone rich and warm, like a blanket on a cold winter night.

Fluttershy smiled faintly at his words, but her discomfort over the matter would not fade away.

Time Turner smiled, squeezing Fluttershy's hoof tenderly in his. "You are indeed a good stallion, monsieur," he murmured warmly, as his left hoof, which held Fluttershy's, slowly began to pull hers to his right, which held Blueblood's.

Fluttershy's frown deepened as she realized what her father was doing, and quickly wriggled her hoof free and stood up.

Her actions were so swift that the chair, in which she had been sitting, nearly toppled over. Both stallions looked at her in surprise, and Blueblood, out of gentlecoltly politeness, quickly rose to his feet, but a distinct look of confusion had clouded his hoofsome features.

"I…I beg your pardon…" she whispered, her eyes swiftly glancing back and forth between the two of them. "I do not feel particularly well…I think getting some sleep would be best, if you'll excuse me," she added, giving a quick curtsy before turning on her heel and swiftly walking to her bedroom. She did not wish to wait for either of them to reply.

Blueblood watched Fluttershy quickly slip away, his eyes narrowing slightly at her actions. Time Turner groaned before hanging his head in embarrassment. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior," he sighed. "Please do not think ill of her, she is simply…exhausted, I mean, today was very stressful for her, from what I understand–"

"It's alright, monsieur," Blueblood quickly interceded. "She has been through a great ordeal, that we must keep in mind."

Time Turner nodded his head, his eyes looking down at the table and his hooves gripping the edges. "Damn Phantom…damn beast!"

Blueblood could not help but smile at the old stallion's words. "Indeed…but do not worry, monsieur…everything will end as it should."

Fluttershy was leaning against the inside of her bedroom door, a shiver running down her spine as she heard the hate in her father's voice and the slightly sinister words from the Prince's throat. She wrapped her arms around herself, yearning for Discord's embrace, wondering if she would ever feel his arms again. She let out a sigh of relief as she heard Blueblood rise from the table and make his farewells. However the slight joy she was feeling at Blueblood's leaving quickly vanished as she imagined her father, pounding on the door, demanding an explanation for her behavior. Oh what did it matter? Somehow the Prince had won her father's love and respect; nothing she said would convince him that the stallion could not be trusted. She sighed again, only this time out of frustration, and sat down at the bedroom's dressing table, awaiting the inevitable knocking.

It had only been a glance, extremely brief. Her eyes floated upward to look at her reflection in the mirror, as one does when before one, not looking for anything, not really looking at herself, simply a reflex really. But in that brief moment, in that glance, she saw the flash of a black cloak and a white mask out of the corner of her eye, just outside her window.

Her eyes went wide at the sight, and instead of freezing in place, she whirled around, his name leaving her lips before she even realized what she was doing. "Discord?" She rose to her feet and dashed across the room, lifting the window and gripping the sill, looking out at the snow covered city streets of Maris, her eyes darting wildly, looking to both her left and right, trying to see where he had gone…

Nothing.

She saw and found nothing.

There were no prints on the tiny ledge that ran long her window; there was no sign of a black cape or anything that was a part of her beloved Discord. Absolutely nothing.

She had imagined it.

This realization hurt her more than any of the memories she had been having of the night she left Discord. For while those memories were indeed painful, here she had actually, for the briefest moment, believed he had been there, watching her, that he had found her and that perhaps, he truly did love her…

But it wasn't real, it was simply her imagination playing tricks on her, telling her what she wanted to see, what she wanted to believe…but none of it was real.

Fluttershy collapsed atop her bed, silent tears stinging her eyes. She was so tired; tired of mourning, tired of hoping, and tired of arguing with those around her. She curled herself into a tiny ball and pulled the blankets up over her head in hopes to create a personal sanctuary, a place where prying eyes, unkind whispers, and unwanted suitors could not find her. She cried herself to sleep; yet not once did she whimper or let out a sob. In truth, she was too exhausted. She had returned to a world of sunlight, fresh air, and people. She and her father were together again, and her dreams of singing on stage were finally coming true…

So why did she feel more alone now than ever before?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord cursed himself for being clumsy and allowing her to see him. Had it not been for the stone pony that adorned the ledge above hers, he would not have been able to hoist himself up and away before she threw open the window.

Now was not the time for reunions, although he longed to hold her again desperately. It pained him to watch her look about for him, trying to find where he had gone, but he held himself back from swinging through her window and taking her then and there. If he so much as touched her, he would not be able to let her go, and although he dearly wanted to, he knew it would not be fair to the old pony who he had deeply wronged.

But after seeing her that day, singing his music on stage, he had to see her again; he could not wait until she returned the next day. He truly had believed that he would never see her face, that he would never hear her voice, except in his dreams. But when he realized that he was not dreaming, that she had indeed returned to the opera house…he truly learned then that he was completely addicted, that there was no cure for the ache he felt in his heart for her.

But there were a few unanswered questions that he had…many of which that involved Fluttershy's relationship with the Prince.

He was still trembling with anger after seeing the two of them talk so "intimately" in the shadows. And his suspicions continued to grow as he learned through the various gossip of the chorus that she was staying at the Prince's fashionable guest apartment. And it took every ounce of willpower to not kill a chorus wench that began spreading rumors that Fluttershy was sleeping with the Prince in order to sing the lead.

A satisfied smile spread across Discord's face as he remembered overturning a trunk filled with spiders and dead rats atop the vile mare's head.

But despite that moment of vengeful satisfaction, Discord's worst fears seemed to be coming true. Without telling the others, he took the black coach, pulling the collar of his cloak up to hide his face, and from a safe distance, slowly followed Fluttershy home. He recalled how his blood froze when he saw her enter an extremely fashionable building. And he swore he felt his heart stop when he climbed the building and saw the inside of the apartment that both she and her father occupied.

It was true. Fluttershy had accepted the Prince's so-called "kindness", and was staying in a place that belonged to the fop. By doing this, she was turning herself into the Prince's possession…a thought that caused Discord to crush the piece of stone that his right paw held.

A long, deep, primal growl, escaped his throat as he watched through narrowed slits of fire, the Prince exit the building. 

He had been there, he had been with her, he had spoken to her…and perhaps he had even touched her.

Rage, unlike anything Discord had ever experienced, coursed through him, and without a second thought, he swung himself from the stone pony to another ledge, before easily dropping himself atop the Prince's moving carriage.

"What the devil–"

The carriage driver never finished his words; Discord punched him so hard that he lost all consciousness, before throwing the limp driver from his seat.

"What's going on up there?"

Discord growled even deeper as Blueblood's voice filled his ears. The sound of Blueblood tapping furiously against the carriage's ceiling made Discord want to reach in and beat the blonde fop to death. But without a word, he picked up the reigns and gave them a good smack, the horses quickly bolting from where they had been standing.

He could not help but grin as he heard the Prince fall backward and utter curses at the driver's name.
Killing him now would be too merciful, too simple–no, he had his own plans.

After regaining some composure, Blueblood sat and contemplated all that had gone on today. He thought things between him and Fluttershy were changing, that she was beginning to trust him. He grimaced at the memory of how she practically flinched when her father had attempted to join both his hoof and hers. What was wrong with the mare? After everything he had done for her, releasing her father, giving her a luxurious place to stay, seeing to it that she was able to sing on stage…good God, even calling himself a jackass for his behavior towards her all those months ago! He favored her above any other mares, could she not see that? What more did she want?

He muttered a curse under his breath and sighed deeply. He would just have to be more patient. After all, some progress was being made; she had at least accepted his offers. He just prayed that he would not have to wait much longer–he was not sure how many more days the Marquis Filthy Rich had left to live.

It occurred to Blueblood at that moment that he should be at his townhouse by now, and that the coach was traveling rather…faster than usual. What the devil was going on?

He looked out the carriage window and gasped when he noticed slums instead of townhouses, dirt instead of cobblestone, and paupers instead of aristocrats. "Joe!" he shouted, anger and confusion fueling through him. "Where the bloody hell have you taken us?"

He waited for his driver to respond, but there was nothing. Blueblood groaned and poked his head out from the carriage window, his walking stick ready to beat the driver should he not respond again. "Joe! Answer me, damn it, why–eeehgh!"

Blueblood did not even have the opportunity to gasp as he suddenly felt something scratchy and extremely tight wrap around his throat. His hooves flew to the rope that had mysteriously found its way around his neck, trying to tug at it and free himself, but the rope only grew tighter, causing Blueblood to gag for air.

"I do apologize, monsieur," came a dark, menacing voice, from behind a black hood. "But Joe needed to relieve himself…so I happily took over."

Blueblood could barely see anything; he was too busy trying to pull at the rope. Yet the voice sent chills down his spine; cold, sinister chills, that eerily seemed familiar…

"Now, to answer your question…" the voice continued, taking the end of the rope and pulling it tighter, causing the Prince to thrash and flail like a fish out of water. "You did ask me to take you home…and so that is what I have done. Now, you may not think this is your home, but that is where you are wrong, good monsieur," the voice explained, its tone dripping with sarcasm and malice. "You see, you truly do belong here…in the mud, in the slime, in the very cesspool of pony filth, for that is what you are, monsieur…absolute filth," the voice spat.

Blueblood gurgled something, the veins around his face looking ready to pop through his skin from the strain that the rope was causing.

"What was that?" the voice asked. "I'm sorry, it's very difficult to understand you, however I do consider myself quite good at reading one's thoughts. Let me see…no doubt you are cursing me, after all, I am trying to kill you," the voice sighed casually, tugging on the rope just a little more, causing Blueblood to gurgle even louder. "Or perhaps you were arguing with me, disagreeing with what I said about calling you filth." Blueblood attempted to lift his eyes to the hood where the dark voice was coming, his hooves flailing upward, hoping, just hoping, he could manage to throw the hood back…

"But I don't think it was either of those things," the voice murmured, dark and low, almost near his ear. "I think you were begging…begging for me to spare your miserable existence," it hissed. "But I already warned you, monsieur…several times as a matter of fact. I warned you stay away from the Maris Opera House, and I warned you to never touch–"

Blueblood swung his arms upward and gripped the edge of the hood, as well as something else, and pulled with all his might. 

The voice immediately stopped talking, in fact, it released the rope that had been around the Prince's neck, and Blueblood crumpled to the ground, gasping and taking in great gulps of air.

A great indistinguishable curse tore through the night air, followed by the sound of horses and stallions shouting his name. 

The figure who had been speaking to him had disappeared, and before Blueblood could pull himself up onto his feet, he was being surrounded by several police officers.

"Monsieur! Monsieur, are you alright?"

"We fired at the villain, monsieur, but he got away."

"Found your carriage driver out cold on the street. When he came to, he told us you had been kidnapped!"

"Somepony get me a knife! We need to cut this thing off him."

Blueblood could barely understand what was happening, but groaned with relief as he felt the rope being cut away from his neck.

"Best get you to a doctor, monsieur," one officer muttered, eyeing the rope that had been strung about the Prince's neck. 

"Those welts are extremely nasty looking."

Blueblood pushed the stallions away as he slowly drew himself up, gripping the carriage door for support. "Joe!" he barked, his eyes somewhat glazed over by the shock of the whole evening.

The carriage driver timidly came forward, a massive bruise covering half his face. "Yes, monsieur?"

"Take me home,"Blueblood grumbled, pulling himself inside the carriage.

"But monsieur–"

"I SAID, TAKE ME HOME!" Blueblood bellowed, fire burning in his emerald gaze. The driver didn't need to be told twice, he quickly climbed to his place, took the reigns, and was already urging the horses at a quick trot in the direction of the Prince's townhouse.

"But monsieur! The villain! Did you get a look at him? Monsieur! MONSIEUR!" the officers' cries disappeared as the carriage drove further and further away.

Blueblood groaned and continued to take in deep gulps of air, never before relishing the gift of breathing as much as this moment. He looked down at his hooves, amazed to find the cloak that he had pulled off the stallion still clasped tightly within them. But there was something else…something heavier within the cloak. He recalled how when he had pulled at the stallion's hood, he had also felt something else. He grabbed at whatever he could, tugging, pulling, simply hoping to distract the villain long enough to release him. He pulled back the folds of the cloak to see what exactly he had managed to steal from the murderous bastard.

His eyes went wide at the sight. The question as to who had attempted to strangle him was now answered…
In his very hooves, Blueblood held the Phantom's mask.

> Return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Return

Discord stormed into his realm, his sanctuary, anger and rage coursing through his veins, every curse imaginable escaping his disfigured lips. None of the others would dare try to talk to him now, they knew better than to approach him when he was in such a fury. And Discord's rage only deepened every time he felt the cold winter air touch his mutilated flesh.

He had him; he had the Prince right where he wanted him to be, squirming and gagging and begging for his miserable life to be spared. Discord entered his dilapidated chamber, walking over the rubble and parchment that littered his floor, grabbing a wine bottle and began gulping great swigs of the dark liquid.

He had been careless.

Discord wasn't sure what angered him more; the fact that he had his chance to kill the Prince, but let his personal arrogance get in the way of finishing the job…or that the Prince had outsmarted him.

He took another long swig from the wine bottle and growled low and deep as his paw gently touched his disfigured cheek.

He had underestimated the Prince.

Somewhere in the city of Maris, the Prince was recovering from his attack, nursing his wounded neck, and most likely smiling with triumph at the prize he had stolen from Discord's own face.

He cursed his own name this time, realizing that his carelessness not only put himself at danger, but also his closest friends. A wry smile curled at Discord's lips as he remembered Fluttershy's words of warning on the night of the masquerade ball. She had warned him then that his hunger for revenge would get him into trouble, as well as reminding him that his selfish idiotic behavior may in fact harm those that depended upon him for survival.

"It's just my mask," Discord whispered to himself. "It's not enough evidence to condemn us."

Like hell it wasn't.

Discord groaned as he realized just how lucky he had been in the past. Before, the Prince didn't even believe in the Phantom, he simply passed off the notes as some prank. The Prince was not so blind anymore, yet even now, the police, while cow-towing to every thing he said, were not prepared to go chasing some bedtime story that was used to frighten dancers into the beds of lust-crazed stagehooves.

But now, armed with his own mask, the Prince may have just enough proof to push the noses of several police officers into places they should never poke about.

True, he had all sorts of elaborate booby traps at every imaginable entrance to his world (and even some not-so-imaginable), but those were designed to stop one stallion at a time, not an army of them, not a mob.

His blood turned to ice as he imagined a mob storming into his labyrinth, the others desperately trying to escape, him being captured and strung up. The Prince would see to his demise, he had no doubt about that–but the others? Discord had promised all of them that he would never let any harm come to them, that they would never know what it feels like to be kept inside a cage again…

The Prince, being the sort of greedy villain that he was, would no doubt realize the fortune he could make with such a commodity of freaks. He knew that they would rather die than be put on display again, it was the same feeling he had about the subject. 

Discord put the bottle down, remembering Fluttershy's words about how drunkenness never fully absorbed one's pain, and it never solved one's problems. He could not help but smile tenderly at the memory of the fire in her blue eyes when she grabbed the wine bottle out of his paw and threw it against the wall. She was right; now was not the time to feel sorry for himself and mourn over his lost opportunity, his lost mask, and his lost sense of pride.

He looked across the shambled room, spying a single granite bust that remained intact. The bust wore a black mask, one that covered both sides of one's face. It was fitting, Discord thought, as he walked across the room and removed the mask from its holder. The color matched his mood, and the way it hid all portions of his face, save for his mouth, chin, and eyes, matched the new sense of mystery and caution he needed to carry.

As he held the black mask in his paw and claw, he reevaluated his choices and actions over the last week and a half.

Things were going to be different now.

He wasn't going to sit and mourn for his lost love when he had the power to put things right. He wasn't going to wait and worry as to whether the Prince would come storming after him, and he certainly wasn't going to allow the Prince to think he ran this theater any longer.

No. This was his opera, his production, and his theater.

"Let them plot against me and believe they have the upper hoof," Discord coldly muttered as he pulled the mask on. "I'll be ready for them."

They wanted a war? They would have one.

"The Phantom is back."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I do hope he is alright," Time Turner mumbled, gently running his bow along the strings of his violin. "I would hate to think that his simple visit to us last night would have gotten him ill."

Fluttershy could not help but roll her eyes at her father's worries. That morning he didn't speak with her, she could tell that he was annoyed by her behavior last night, and even after they had arrived at the opera house for rehearsal, he refused to speak with her. But now, after a few hours of steady playing and singing, and no sign of the Prince, her father's vow of silence towards her was being broken.

Yet Fluttershy found that she missed the silence, since all her father could talk about was Blueblood's absence. "Perhaps he fell ill last night at his dinner engagement? After all, he did mention he had dinner plans, perhaps the food was undercooked and he was unable to get out of bed."

Fluttershy could not help but cynically smile at her father's words. "Yes, I'm sure something kept him in bed," she muttered.

"What did you say my dear?"

Fluttershy sighed, feeling a tad irritated at her father's concern for the Prince. "I'm sure he is fine, Papa, he is a busy stallion after all…perhaps he will come by this afternoon?"

The old stallion nodded his head in agreement, but there was still worry in his eyes. "Are you feeling well my dear?" he asked.

Fluttershy was rather surprised to find the concern now directed at her. "Yes, I'm fine Papa, why do you ask?"

"Well, you barely had any breakfast this morning, and I surely thought you would be starving since you barely ate your dinner last night," he explained.

Fluttershy gave a weak smile, but the mere mention of food caused her stomach to twist. "I'm fine Papa, truly, I think…I think one of the dance mares had a severe cold yesterday, and has now past it on to me. But I'm sure I will be feeling better before the day is finished. Please, don't worry about me, I'm fine."

Time Turner cocked an eyebrow at her words. "Don't worry? I'm your father, I have every right to worry, besides…after months of separation, I have some worry to catch up on," he grumbled matter-of-factly, although his eyes danced with merriment.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. "That makes two of us," she warned, grinning as he made a face at her words.

"Monsieur! Mademoiselle! If you please, we would like to finish today's rehearsal…today!" Madam Octavia muttered with exasperation, tapping her baton with great frustration.

Both Fluttershy and her father blushed with embarrassment and quickly returned to their places. Satisfied that his orchestra was in place, and that the chorus and dance were ready, Madam Octavia lifted her hooves for attention, ready to begin Act II of Don Juan Triumphant, when–

"STOP! STOP EVERYTHING!"

Madam Octavia let out an exasperated shriek as whirled around to see who dared interrupt the rehearsal. Both managers were running and huffing down the aisle, their faces red and covered with sweat as if they had just finished running a marathon. "Messieurs! What is the meaning of this interruption?" Octavia grumbled, her baton slamming down on her music stand. "I am trying to conduct a rehearsal! And I can't have these–"

"HERE!" Flim shouted back, dangling a note in the other stallion's face. "Here is the cause for your interruption!"

The conductor almost shrank back from Flim's tone, before taking the note with trembling hooves. "W-what is this?" she asked, looking at both Flim and Flam warily.

Flim turned to the stage and orchestra pit, everypony's attention completely on him. "I do hope you all are learning your music and stage directions to the point of memorization…" his eyes locked on Fluttershy for a moment, before continuing. "Because, instead of having another month to rehearse and prepare for this…" he struggled with the next words. "This…most original…opera, we now have one week."

A great gasp went up from the stage, and everyone began talking at once, looking at one another with confusion and horror, especially Madam Octavia, who seemed to have gone the color of snow. "O-o-o-one w-week?" she stuttered.

"Nonsense!" Fancypants's voice shouted over the crowd, all eyes now turning to him. "What utter nonsense! I will not stand for it, I will not be ordered about and told when to sing!" he gave a smile to Celestia, hoping his show of authority would gain some respect from the diva. Rather, she rolled her eyes and walked away.

"You have no choice, signor," Flam muttered. Everypony now turned to him to see what he had to say. "Seems our illustrious…composer…has also sent a note to the papers."

"WHAT?" Madam Octavia shouted, her eyes looking ready to pop from her head.

"See for yourself!" Flam groaned, thrusting the morning's newspaper in the conductor's face.

Everypony gave his or her undivided attention as the conductor began reading. "The Maris Opera House announces a new production to be added to their season. Don Juan Triumphant, a new opera, premieres next Friday evening, on stage for the first time." Another great burst of whispers erupted as Madam Octavia read the article out loud, looking as if she would faint any second.

"And that's not all," Flam muttered, his gaze focused entirely on Fluttershy's flushing face. It seemed that everypony was now staring at her, and many of their stares felt like daggers stinging her back. "It appears that our dear composer, who takes full credit for sending word to the papers…failed to mention all other details about the opera, with the exception of Mademoiselle Fluttershy."

A great gasp went up from everypony and Fluttershy thought surely her heart had stopped beating.

"Yes, read it for yourself," Flam muttered, his eyes narrowing as he continued to look at the pretty pink haired mare.

Octavia mopped her brow and continued reading where she had left off. "Fluttershy, a new and rising opera sensation, will sing the lead. She is sure to amaze audiences with her pure, angelic-like tone, and spirited acting."

More whispers, as well as an outraged screech. No one needed to look as to whom that had come from.

Fluttershy's breathing had grown rapid as Octavia finished the article. What game was Discord playing at? She didn't know whether to be excited or saddened at the idea that he may have heard her singing the other day. Had he ordered the opera to be performed sooner so…so he would not have to hear her again? Or did he enjoy making her and the others suffer; did he want to punish her by making her rehearse harder, demanding more and more perfection? Did he enjoy seeing her squirm under the scrutinizing stares of others?

"T-t-there's nothing you c-can do?" Octavia whimpered, her hoofkerchief growing quite damp as she continued to mop her brow.

"It's in the blasted papers!" Flim growled. "We can't afford any more scandals! We have to perform next Friday!"

"BUT WE'RE NOT READY!" Octavia helplessly wailed. "The sets aren't even close to being finished, let alone the singing!"

"Don't you think we realize that?" Andre cried, his face turning so red that it looked as if smoke would start coming out of his ears. "You'll just have to work harder!"

A great groan came up from the ponies on stage, but Flam stomped his hoof on the ground. "REHEARSALS WILL NOW LAST FROM 7 TO 8!"

The groan grew even louder, and Fancypants began to swear at the managers in Italian, as well as throw curses to the shadows overhead. Celestia, who had been quite furious a few seconds ago, now appeared to be the calmest pony in the entire room; in fact, she looked rather smug. The soprano strutted over to where Fluttershy stood and whispered in the young mare's ear, "Now we'll see if you truly can handle the pressure of being a singer, as well as live up to your…admirer's praise…oh most favored of the Phantom…" she silkily hissed, sarcasm dripping from her lips. Fluttershy glared as Celestia strutted away, softly chuckling and turning to blow Fluttershy a patronizing kiss.

"Silence! Silence!" Octavia ordered, tapping her baton so violently it seemed as if it would snap. "It does us no good arguing!" she grumbled, mopping at her brow once more. "The papers say next Friday–that gives us nine days. We can do this, if we simply…work hard enough." If only Madam Octavia believed her own words, perhaps everypony would not feel so hopeless. "Right, let us take it from Act II, Scene I–mademoiselle?" she inquired, turning to Fluttershy.

She nodded her head and quickly opened her music. She glanced at Celestia one last time, feeling utter hatred for the mare. She would prove to the so-called diva that she could handle such pressure, that she was destined to be a great singer. The stage quickly cleared as the music from the orchestra rolled up in the introduction to her song. She would prove to them all: Celestia, the managers, Madam Octavia, Discord…everyone.

This was her opera too…

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"GOOD GOD STALLION, I'M TELLING YOU, THIS PROVES THAT HE EXISTS!"

Inspector Silverstar winced as the Prince's voice rose to a painful height. He had received the news late last night, how the Prince had been attacked on his way home, how the carriage driver had been knocked out, and the villain had kidnapped the Prince in order to commit foul play against the noblecolt. Thankfully, the driver came to, and told several officers who were patrolling what had happened. They quickly followed the carriage in the direction it had gone, and before the horrific deed could be committed, they had managed to stop the villain and save the Prince's life.

Inspector Silverstar was not at all surprised to see the Prince at the station early that morning, however the story that the Prince arrived with was one that caused the stallion to groan with frustration and helplessness.

The Phantom of the Opera.

The Prince was once more raving about the infamous Phantom, and how this so-called ghost was behind the attempted murder from the night before; the only difference however from the previous times he had heard the Prince's story was that this time he had brought "evidence".

On the table between the two of them lay a black cloak, and half a mask, the mask that the Prince claimed was the Phantom's disguise.

"I'm sorry, monsieur, but this is not enough," Silverstar attempted again, knowing it was in vain.

"NOT ENOUGH?" Blueblood shouted, pounding his hoof down on the table. "Ask any stagehoof has reported seeing the Phantom and they will all tell you the same thing…he wears a mask, a mask just like this one!"

Silverstar groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It was not that long ago, monsieur, that you believed the 'Phantom' to be some ghost story, and that the notes belonged to some prankster. Could this not also be a prank?" he sighed, hoping to make the Prince see reason. "Now my stallions will get to the bottom of this, and find the stallion who attacked you, but to simply believe that it was–"

"DAMN IT STALLION, I'M TELLING YOU IT'S THE BLOODY PHANTOM!" Blueblood shouted, pushing himself away from the table and pacing to the other side of the room. It was taking every ounce of willpower he contained to not lash out at the imbecile.

Silverstar said his next words very carefully, knowing he was playing with fire. "Can you think of anypony who would wish you harm? An enemy in business, or an old acquaintance that's gone sour–"

"I have enemies, Silverstar, but none of them would dare come at me like this," Blueblood hissed, keeping his back to the chief inspector. "The Phantom has threatened my life before," he murmured, recalling the incident at the masquerade ball. "He's jealous that I have possession of Fluttershy – he told me that night if I so touched her he would kill me. He must be stalking her, and saw me come out of the building…"

"I have not heard any complaints from Mademoiselle Fluttershy of a stranger following her, or any threats that she's received since her…well…her…"

"Her 'sudden reappearance' into society?" Blueblood finished, his words filled with venom.

Silverstar groaned once more. "Now see here, monsieur–"

"NO!" Blueblood roared, his hoof crashing down once more atop the table. "Are you actually going to sit there and tell me, after months of 'missing in action', when not one soul can recall seeing her or knowing of her whereabouts, and then suddenly reappearing, declaring for the release of her father in a rather desperate state, that there is nothing…unusual about that?"

Silverstar squirmed under the Prince's fiery gaze, his throat going dry at how exactly to respond.

"And let us not forget that the last time she was seen was retreating below stage, on the same night her father was seen going below, the very night he was also arrested for raving, like a madstallion, about a horrible masked creature, otherwise known as the Phantom of the Opera, for kidnapping his daughter!"

"It's still not enough!" Silverstar hissed, before quickly shrinking back from the Prince's venomous stare. "I'm sorry, monsieur," he sighed. "While the story fits together, I…I can not begin to fall prey to what is surely impossible!"

Blueblood glared at the inspector. "We're not dealing with some…some specter, some ghost! This is a madstallion! A flesh and blood monster that will stop at nothing to see me dead!"

Silverstar groaned and shook his head, total frustration taking over. "And what do you suggest I do?"

"Oh, I beg your pardon," Blueblood muttered, not at all missing the irritation in the stallion's voice. "How foolish of me to sound concerned, after all, it is only MY LIFE!" he roared, grabbing hold of the chair he had been sitting on and kicking it over with his hoof.

Silverstar jumped by the sudden action, and a surprised officer poked his head inside the door. "Is everything alright inspector? I heard a noise–"

"Yes, everything's fine…" Silverstar grumbled, glaring back at the Prince.

"Wait!" Blueblood shouted, turning towards the young officer who had opened the door. Both policestallions looked surprised. "I recognize your face…"

The younger officer swallowed the nervous lump in his throat and nodded his head. He was a colt really, Blueblood noted; couldn't have been more than 18. "I was the one who cut the rope from your throat, monsieur…"

A slow, devious smile, slowly spread across the Prince's hoofsome features. "Really?" the colt nodded his head and Blueblood's smile spread even further. "What did you do with the rope?"

The colt looked at Silverstar then back at Blueblood. "Well…w-we have it, monsieur; we keep all murder weapons, as it may be a clue that could…well, that could lead us to–"

"Wonderful, will you fetch it for me?"

The colt glanced once more at Silverstar before nodding his head and disappearing. Blueblood could not help but grin broadly, and with a composed air that he had not possessed a few seconds ago, he calmly picked up the chair he had kicked over, and casually sat back down.

Silverstar eyed him suspiciously. "Have you taken a sudden interest in studying crime related items?"

Without a word, the Prince removed a cigar from his coat pocket, lit it, and calmly began to smoke.

A few seconds later, the colt returned with the rope in hoof. Silverstar thanked the colt before dismissing him, and with an annoyed sigh, held the rope up for Blueblood to see.

The rope was not some common thread; in fact, it was a noose. But an interesting sort of noose, that the Prince could tell right away. He leaned in and gazed at the fine threads, his hooves slowly rising to touch the bruised welts that now adorned his neck.

"Interesting…" he murmured.

Silverstar looked puzzled. "What is?"

Blueblood leaned back in his chair and took a long drag from his cigar before finally focusing on the chief inspector. "The thread," Blueblood simply explained. "I simply remembered that when the Phantom…I'm sorry, the mysterious masked fiend who by all means can not possibly be the Phantom because the Phantom is truly some silly figment–"

Silverstar rolled his eyes.

"–anyway, I remember that when he had me about the neck, the threads, while extremely tight…were not necessarily rough, meaning made from a rough material."

Silverstar narrowed his eyes, his own attention now focusing on the noose he held. "True," he whispered. "These threads seem…strange, not at all like the sort of rope one would find at a dock yard or…or used to string crates together…"

"No," Blueblood whispered, reaching out and taking the noose from Silverstar's hooves. "Indeed…this material, it is rather soft, at least it is when not wrapped around one's neck," he grunted. "In fact…it reminds me of something…"

"Reminds me of the cord to these expensive curtains my wife insisted on purchasing," Silverstar grumbled with disgust.

Blueblood's eyes went wide at the inspector's words. "Curtains…?" he whispered. "Of course…"

Silverstar looked at the Prince with confusion. "Monsieur?"

"What sort of curtains are they?" he de,anded.

Silverstar stared at the stallion as if he had lost his mind. "What?"

"The curtains, stallion!" Blueblood shouted, pounding his fist again on the table. "Tell me what sort of curtains they are!"

"I don't know!" Silverstar defended. "Marsian looking if you ask me…Marsian, or…or Middle Eastern! I had nothing to do with them, my wife said they're the latest fashion, but a waste of good money if you ask me–"

Blueblood rose from his chair, throwing the noose into Silverstar's lap. "Your wife is not wrong," he muttered, pulling his gloves on and grabbing his hat. "Middle Eastern décor is at the height of fashion right now."

Silverstar stared at Blueblood as he turned to leave the room. "Wait just one second!" he called out, rising to quickly catch up with the Prince's long strides. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Blueblood turned and looked at the chief inspector with a determined gaze, his voice dark and cold. "I'm not entirely sure, but I know it has something to do with the Phantom–and I will prove it to you, no matter what, that he does exist and that it was him last night who attempted to take my life!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The hours at rehearsal had been long and endless.

Fewer breaks were called because there was now less time to prepare for opening night. The managers continued to bustle in and out of the auditorium, followed closely by different reporters. It seemed that every hour, a new reporter would join the growing throng, each asking the same questions, over and over.

What was this new production?

Why hadn't anything been said until this moment?

Who was this new composer?

What was this opera about?

And the one question that Fluttershy had been dreading above all others; who was this mare that was singing the lead?

Every now and then, a few reporters would interrupt the rehearsal, asking if they could speak with Fluttershy, but thankfully, Madam Octavia refused, demanding that time was of the essence and could not be stopped for some interview. Fluttershy was rather thankful for Octavia's stubbornness; she had no idea what she would say and feared she would make an absolute fool of herself in front of the reporters.

Yet a break from singing and rehearsing was extremely tempting.

For three hours straight, she had been rehearsing with either Fancypants or the chorus. Her voice was beginning to grow horse, and her throat was beginning to feel raw. She remembered Rarity's special tea and longed for a cup to relieve her vocal cords. But in truth, it was not her voice that was bothering her; all day she had been feeling weak and light-headed. The room felt so warm, and now and then she thought she would lose her balance out of a sudden spell of dizziness. She blamed it on the fact that she hadn't eaten anything all day, but every time she thought of food, her stomach seemed to churn with uneasiness. What she really needed was some rest, a chance to lie down and rest her head…

"Mademoiselle! If you please!" Octavia grunted, tapping her baton with irritation.

Fluttershy shook her head and offered a weak apology as she once more took her place. She and Fancypants had been rehearsing the infamous scene from Act III, the scene where Don Juan attempts to seduce Aminta into his bed, the scene that possessed the haunting song "Point of No Return".

They had gone over this scene for practically an hour and Fluttershy was not sure how much more she could handle singing this song over and over. Every time she did so, she remembered Discord, the primal fire that burned in his amber eyes as he sang Don Juan's role back to her; the way his long paw and claw ran over the keys, a promise of what hecould do to drive her beyond the point of no return…

Her thoughts were shaken as Fancypants's tired tenor filled the stage, the boredom in his voice quite apparent for all to see. Fluttershy took a deep breath and began to sing her role, trying very hard to fight the waves of dizziness, and sing above the weakness that had taken hold of her body and voice.

Several reporters who had been questioning themanagers paused to listen to Fluttershy sing, as did everypony else on stage. Celestia, clearly revolted by the whole scene, began to make some rather loud and crude comments in regards to the young mare, remarking how extraordinary it was that a country strumpet who had no knowledge or experience in musical theater, had suddenly been handed the lead role. A few reporters began scribbling down Celestia's words, a fact that Fluttershy had not missed.

The room felt extremely warm, and even though she stood perfectly still, everything began to spin. She was tired, she felt sick, and the cruelty of Celestia's words cut to the very core.

And then the spinning stopped. She felt weightless, as if she were floating in the air…

A great scream erupted from the stage as Fluttershy's body crumpled to the floor.

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy!"

She heard her name being called across the darkness. She was having the most peaceful dreamless slumber…and then, her head reeled with pain as the bright lights of the room illuminated her eyes.

"She's waking up!"

Fluttershy's eyes slowly fluttered open and she gazed back at the faces of several young mares, all of whom were chatting amongst themselves as they gazed back down at her. She felt a warm familiar hoof grip hers, and she turned to see her father sitting beside her, a thankful, yet worried smile, spreading across his wrinkled face. "Oh thank Goodness," he whispered with relief.

Madame Luna pushed the dance mares who had been crowding around her away. "Give her some air!" she scolded, before kneeling down on Fluttershy's other side. "Are you alright, my dear? You gave us such a scare!"

Fluttershy eyes drifted from the dance mistress to her father, her expression one of utter confusion. "W-w-what happened?"

"You fainted, my dear," Madame Luna calmly explained. "No doubt caused by some overzealous rehearsing," she murmured, glaring at Octavia, who shrank from the mare's cold stare.

"You silly mare," her father scolded, still looking worried, but also rather upset. "You barely ate anything last night, and this morning you won't even touch your food…no wonder you fainted!"

Madame Luna looked at the old stallion with curious eyes. She then looked at Fluttershy, a dark brow lifting with question. "You have been feeling ill recently?"

Fluttershy did not care for the way Madame Luna looked at her. In truth, Fluttershy had been having trouble looking into the dance mistress' eyes ever since she had announced that both she and her father would be moving out of the mare's home…and into the guest apartment of the Prince.

Needless to say, Madame Luna did not take the news very well.

"I'm fine," Fluttershy lied, attempting to sit up too quickly, her head already spinning once more.

"Clearly you need some rest," Madame Luna announced. "Come, we shall take you to your dressing room."

Fluttershy stared up at the mare, confusion filling her eyes. "D-d-dressing room? I…I don't have a dressing room."

"Actually, you do," Twilight grinned, and several other dance mares began giggling all at once.

Madame Luna cast them all a cold glare, which immediately silenced them, and with the aid of Fluttershy's father, helped the young mare sit up and walk off stage. In a matter of minutes, they were opening the door to her dressing room and helping her inside.

Fluttershy stared wide-eyed at the room, overwhelmed by its beauty; there were vases filled with sweet-scented roses, elegant curtains that hung from the wall, beautiful Italian furniture that adorned every corner, and against a far wall, stood a large mirror, that touched the floor and seemed to stretch to the ceiling.

And then realization hit her. "This is Celestia's dressing room!" she gasped.

"No," Madame Luna corrected. "This is the star's dressing room, and belongs to the female lead. Celestia has simply held that title for so long that we all think it's her dressing room. But Celestia is not the star of this production, my dear, so it is your dressing room…and don't let anyone argue that point."

Fluttershy could not help but smile at the thought, but she groaned as she imagined the hell Celestia would raise once she found out that Fluttershy had taken the room.

"Get some rest, my dear," Madame Luna instructed. "I will explain everything to the managers–I believe they fainted as well at the thought of losing their new star." Fluttershy chuckled softly as she saw the amusement in Madame Luna's eyes. "Besides, the dance could use some extra rehearsal time, come monsieur," she motioned for Time Turner.

Time Turner helped his daughter sit down on the chaise lounge in the center of the room. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead before rising and smiling down at her. "If you don't eat every last bit of food that Cherry Jubilee prepares tonight, I'll start doing all the cooking…and you know that's a fate worse than death," he teased, although Fluttershy could still see the genuine worry that clouded his eyes.

She sighed and pulled her legs up to her body as she was left alone in the dressing room. Her arms wrapped around them and with a tired groan she buried her face against her knees. She realized that this was the first time she had been left alone in the opera house since her return. She looked around at the elegant room and a sad smile slowly spread across her face. Once upon a time, this was all she dreamed about, becoming a great singer who would return to her dressing room after every perforstallionce to find dozens of roses left by her admiring fans. She truly believed that with Discord's help, that dream could indeed become a reality…

But now…now what she truly yearned for had nothing to do with fame and glory. Her eyes focused in on a bouquet of dark red roses, and her thoughts immediately drifted to Discord. Had he seen what happened? Did he know that she had fainted? Did he care? Her heart ached to be with him, her arms ached to hold him, to feel him close to her once more. She missed him so much…

"Angel of music…" she softly, painfully sang, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Angel of music, guide and guardian…grant to me your glory…" she sniffed back the tears that began to fall. "Angel of music, hide no longer…" she turned and buried her face once more against her knees, her arms hugging her legs tighter to her body. "Come to me strange angel…"

Her words, her beautiful and sorrowful words, were like a prayer being offered up to heaven, a prayer beckoning her angel, her love, to come to her once more. He heard her words despite their softness, her voice like a beacon to his ears.

He had seen everything. That horrible sickening feeling returned as he watched his beloved crumple to the ground, nothing more than a rag doll. He was frozen as they cried out her name, feeling so helpless and so frightened. With great relief, he began to breathe again as she slowly sat up with the aid of her father and Madame Luna, and he flew to the secret tunnel that ran alongside the dressing room, watching everything take place from the other side of the long mirror.

The mirror was an illusion, a secret passageway that no one, not even Madame Luna, knew about. From within the dressing room, it looked like a simple mirror, when in truth, he could see in and enter the world above, through it.

He held his breath as Fluttershy was left alone in the dressing room, very much aware that the two of them, in a sense, were completely alone. Yet she of course, had no idea that he was there…and while it was tempting to break through the glass and take her in his arms, he stood completely still, the pain in her eyes and in her voice tearing him apart.

He had been a fool to drive her away. He had done it all because he thought it was the selfless thing to do, but God had somehow brought her back to this place, back into his life…and he knew now that he could not live without her, that she belonged to him…and he to her.

As if by some unknown instinct, the song rose up within his throat and the words escaped his lips…

"No more talk of darkness,
forget these wide-eyed fears.
I'm here, nothing can harm you–
My words will warm and calm you…"

It was the song that he had written with Fluttershy, the song that would have been sung by Don Juan and Aminta at the end of his opera, if he had kept the new ending.

"Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry your tears.
I'm here, with you, beside you,
To guard you and to guide you…"

He sang the words just as softly as she had sung her song. There was no way she could have heard him, but somehow he hoped that she could feel him there, near her, that her pain would lessen, and her fears float away.

He sighed and silently watched her as she turned her face towards the mirror, her eyes closed, as if in some deep thought. Her sadness was still evident, but at least she had stopped crying.

What happened next, however, took him completely by surprise.

"Say you love me,
every waking moment,
turn my head with talk of summertime…"

He stared at her through the mirror as her voice filled his ears.

"Say you need me,
with you now, and always…
promise me that all you say is true–
that's all I ask of you…"

How could she possibly…?

Discord shook his head, not sure how to go about explaining it, but somehow, and for some reason, Fluttershy was singing Aminta's response, as if…as if she had heard every word he had sung…

"Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light.
You're safe:
No one will find you–
Your fears are far behind you…"

Fluttershy's voice began to respond to his once more, and this time her face focused in on the mirror where he stood.

"All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night…
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me…"

Discord watched as she slowly began to rise from the chaise lounge, his own voice responding once more, his eyes locking in on her face as she began to approach the mirror.

"Then say you'll share with me
one love, one lifetime…
let me lead you from your solitude…"

She was drawn to the mirror, although she knew not why. All she could see was her own reflection in the glass, but she felt something…something calling for her from just beyond.

"Say you need me
with you here, beside you…" he continued singing, his gaze running over her beautiful face as she drew closer to the glass.

"Anywhere you go, let me go too–
Fluttershy…that's all I ask of you…"

Fluttershy's voice rose as she stood before the mirror, unable to see him, but gazing up at his face as if she knew he were there. His voice joined hers, and they sang to each other, the glass the only thing truly separating them…

"Say you'll share with me
one love, one lifetime…
say the word and I will follow you…
Share each day with me,
Each night, each morning…"

The two of them stopped singing, and Fluttershy slowly lifted a tentative hoof to the glass, resting it against its cool surface, her eyes searching. "Say you love me…"

Discord watched her hoof lift to the glass, and immediately lifted his own paw, mirroring her hoof exactly. "You know I do…" he answered.

A soft, joyful smile slowly spread across Fluttershy's face, and Discord felt the same joy swelling within himself, ready to burst. He gripped the edges of the mirror, fully prepared to fling it open…

"Love me–" they both sang, "that's all I ask of–"

"FLUTTERSHY!"

Fluttershy gasped and whirled around, and Discord flew from the mirror, cursing Madame Luna's brat who had entered the dressing room unannounced.

"Oh I'm sorry, did I startle you?" Twilight apologized, her eyes moving from the mirror to Fluttershy's rather flushed face.

Fluttershy took a deep breath and quickly shook her head, wondering how she must have looked, singing to a mirror when Twilight had burst in. "I'm fine," she lied, trying quickly to compose herself. "Am I being summoned? Do the managers or Madam Octavia wish to see me?"

Twilight shook her head. "Oh no, Mama spoke with them, you are to be given a full day of rest tomorrow, and your father feels it is best that you go home now…he asked me to come and fetch you."

Fluttershy smiled, but still could not conceal the redness that flamed her cheeks. "Thank you, Twilight," she whispered, turning to follow the mare, but taking one last glance at the mirror in the room.

She had felt him. She had felt his presence with her in that room. She could not explain the power that had drawn her to the mirror, or that had compelled her to sing. There was no other explanation other than for a brief moment, she had been under the spell of the Opera Ghost himself.

But as just as suddenly as she had felt his presence, so the feeling disappeared. With a heavy heart, she exited the dressing room, never seeing the amber gaze that had remained locked on her face long after she had shut the door.

> Clarity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clarity

Blueblood glared at the article before him, his eyes filled with hateful spite. He had only just arrived at the Maris Opera House, his face a harsh color of red, a newspaper in his hooves. It came as quite a shock to him when he awoke that morning to see Don Juan Triumphant in the headlines. He stormed into the stallionagers' office and began destallionding answers for whose idea it was to say anything to the papers. Now, he was gazing down at the original article that Flam had received the day before, as well as the note that came with it. With a growl, he took his cigar and stabbed the burnt end into the paper. He glanced up at the two stallionagers, both of who were looking rather nervous. "And why was I not informed of this news yesterday?" he inquired.

Flim and Flam glanced at one another, and then back at the Prince, before erupting into a din of excuses.

Blueblood groaned and lifted his hoof to silence them; he could feel a headache coming on. "This new turn of events does change our plans somewhat," he muttered.

Flam nodded his head in agreement. "We must quickly come up with a plan to capture that fiend! We have only a week until opening night! Surely he will be there then, we simply must find a way to lure him–"

"We have the bait," Blueblood muttered, gazing at the article he held in his hooves. "We simply need the trap."

Flim's brow furrowed at the Prince's words. "You mean his opera, monsieur?"

Blueblood shook his head. "No…I mean Fluttershy."

Both stallionagers stared at the Prince with wide eyes and sudden realization. "Of course…she was chosen by the Phantom to play the lead," Flim whispered.

"And she was the only detail mentioned in the article," Flam added.

Blueblood nodded his head. "Yes, Fluttershy is the link in all this. The Phantom is clearly obsessed with her," he growled, his hoof lifting to rub his neck. "Not to mention extremely possessive; he is most eager to see his so-called masterpiece performed with her singing the lead…perhaps he rushed the perforstallionce date, out of fear that she will flee, or out of fear that we will catch on to him…but whatever the reason, mark my words, he will be present at that perforstallionce."

Flam quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, we simply need a trap as you say!"

"What of the police?" Flim inquired, looking hopeful.

Blueblood grunted, and immediately Flim's hopes melted. "The police remain skeptical," he muttered with disgust. "While all the evidence obviously points to the truth that the Phantom is indeed a madstallion living within these walls, they remain unconvinced. They need more…evidence."

Flam threw his hooves up into the air. "Good God! What sort of evidence? A dead body?"

Blueblood quickly concealed his sinister grin at the younger stallionager's words. "We shall simply have to keep our eyes open for ideas, but have no fear gentlecolts…I am most determined to see his end."

Both stallionagers could not help but tremble at the cold way the Prince spoke, however, that dreaded feeling was quickly replaced by another, and a far more dreadful feeling...

"WHAT THE HELL IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" Celestia shrieked, throwing the door to the office open.

"Signora? What is the matter? What–"

"You shut-up!" she hissed, pointing her hoof in Flam's face. "AND EXPLAIN WHY THAT LITTLE BITCH HAS MY DRESSING ROOM!"

Flim and Flam went white at her words. They attempted to speak, but rather than giving her explanations, a series of nervous and indistinguishable sounds came out of their mouths. Blueblood groaned as Celestia began to shriek once more, his head pounding now. "It's quite obvious, signora," he muttered. "Mademoiselle Fluttershy is the star now…therefore it's her dressing room."

Both Flim and Flam looked ready to dive behind a desk to avoid Celestia's explosion. Indeed, the Prima Donna looked shocked from the simple, matter-of-fact way that the Prince had replied. But the pale shock on her face slowly changed to a deep angry red, and she opened her mouth, a scream rising in her throat, her eyes shooting daggers of fury at the hoofsome blonde noblecolt who stood a few Hooves away.

Both managers took cover.

"Please don't," Blueblood cut in, a weary and annoyed sigh escaping his lips, as he reached out and placed one hoof on Celestia's pouting lips. "I am not having the best of mornings, and I do not think I can tolerate another outburst."

A great gasp escaped from the stallionagers and the diva. "How dare you–"

Blueblood cut her off once more. "My dear, please…why are we arguing this point? What possible threat can you throw at me?"

Celestia was turning a deep shade of red, more from fury than embarrassment. "I'll leave!" she hissed. She turned her eyes on the frightened stallionagers who had gone a shade paler at her words. "I'll leave this wretched piss hole, and go to Vienna!"

"Fine," Blueblood sighed, ignoring the blank stare the stallionagers were giving him at his words. "You'd best be on your way, signora, there is probably a train leaving for Vienna within the hour."

Celestia was at a complete loss of words. She watched with venomous eyes as Blueblood once again sat down in his chair, pulling a new cigar from the inside of his coat, and lighting it. "I mean it…" she repeated, although the confidence in her voice was slowly disappearing.

Blueblood took one long puff on his cigar before exhaling the smoke in one long steady stream. "Of course you do, my dear," he whispered, his eyes locking with hers.

It was an empty threat; they both knew it. But now Celestia had a new challenge; either stay and live in the shadows of a new rising star, or leave with her pride, but face the reality of being penniless.

She didn't have control anymore; Blueblood was making that abundantly clear.

"Damn you," she hissed at him, her eyes filled with humiliation and hatred. "Damn you to hell!"

Blueblood exhaled again and smiled. "After you, signora."

She swore in Italian before turning on her heel and exiting the office, the door banging loudly in her wake. Both Flim and Flam, who had been watching the whole scene in silence, let out a long sigh filled with both relief and anxiety. "Monsieur, I…I can't believe…I can't believe that you almost–"

"Shut up," Blueblood muttered. "If you didn't spoil her in the first place this would never have been a problem!" He rose from his chair and grabbed his belongings. "La Celestia will no longer be threatening us," he grumbled as he pulled on his coat. "But she is not our concern; we must focus all our attention on how to capture that monster!"

The stallionagers glanced at one another, both shivering slightly at the cold sinister tone of the Prince's voice. "Quite right," Flim agreed, although the confidence in his voice was lacking.

"Yes, absolutely," Flam quickly replied, although he too looked doubtful.

"Excellent," Blueblood muttered. "I will speak with you both later, but right now, I need to…look into something." Without another word, Blueblood left the office and headed directly to the auditorium, his steps quick and his jaw clenched.

Madame Luna and her dancers were warming up on stage, preparing to rehearse a dance scene from Act III. Several chorus members were talking with a few orchestra members, and Blueblood spotted the old stallion who he was looking for.

"Monsieur!" he called out, a charming smile now creasing his hoofsome features.

Time Turner turned to the voice and his own features brightened with a warm welcoming smile. "Oh! Monsieur Prince! So good to see you today!" he warmly greeted, before doing a quick polite bow.

Blueblood grinned and shook his head. "Monsieur Time Turner, please…I have told you before, call me Blueblood."

Time Turner grinned and nodded his head. "Thank you monsieur–Blueblood," he quickly corrected. "I must confess, we were worried when we did not see you yesterday. We feared that perhaps something was amiss."

Blueblood's smile momentarily vanished as he remembered how he spent the whole day recovering from his attack and attempting to have the police see reason. "Yes, well…I had some urgent business matters that needed attending. But I am glad to be back," he added, his eyes surveying the rest of the large room, hoping to find a particular brunette. "You said, 'we were worried', monsieur…" Blueblood added, his eyes sliding back to the old stallion.

"Oh! Yes, I meant both myself and my daughter." Inwardly, Time Turner was frowning. Fluttershy had not shown any concern, or interest for that matter, on the Prince's whereabouts the day before. He shook his head, wishing that Fluttershy would not be so doubtful as to the Prince's intentions. She was far too suspicious for her own good; perhaps it was those books her mother read to her? Yes, there were some wealthy gentlemen who took advantage of young ladies, especially young ladies below their station, but the Prince seemed so different! His feelings seemed quite genuine and sincere, and if he meant harm, why had he gone out of his way to help them? No…the Prince was a good stallion, Time Turner was convinced of this. And he genuinely seemed to hold Fluttershy in high esteem, even in deep affection.

Time Turner sighed. He was an old stallion and was not sure how many more years he had left. He wanted to know that Fluttershy would be taken care of, that she would be loved and cherished and have every comfort available. Perhaps with time, she would see that the Prince was not this horrible beast she seemed convinced to believe him to be. But who knew how long that would take; best that he help the situation in any way that he could. "Both my daughter and myself were terribly worried for you," he lied again.

Blueblood studied the old stallion carefully. Was he being lied to? No, that was impossible. Fluttershy was simply modest and humble, believing it to be impossible that a stallion of Blueblood's birth, education, and power, could possibly take any interest in a lowly farm mare. She simply needed more convincing; but it was impossible to comprehend that she did not find him attractive. After all…he was, well…him.

"I must confess, I had hoped to speak with both you and your daughter today…but I can not see her anywhere," he murmured, glancing once more about the auditorium and then back at the old stallion.

"Oh, she is not well," Time Turner explained. "She is home, resting, but will be back at rehearsals tomorrow."

"Not well?" Blueblood asked, through slightly clenched teeth. Those stupid idiots who called themselves managers forgot to mention that one detail. "Its not serious I hope…"

"Oh no!" Time Turner quickly defended. "She is a silly mare, brought it on herself, I think," he muttered. "Barely ate anything yesterday, and after long hours of singing and being on stage, she fainted. Oh she is alright now, let me assure you," Time Turner added, after noticing the Prince's slight alarm. "I think it is simply nerves–she's never sung on stage before, and now with the news of the opera opening in a week…"

"Yes," Blueblood added, his teeth grinding once more. "I can understand the stress she is feeling. And I am glad to hear that she does not suffer from any illness other than heightened nerves," he turned his attention back to the old stallion once more. "It would be most disappointing, as I was hoping that perhaps both Fluttershy and yourself would be my guests tomorrow evening for dinner."

Time Turner's eyes widened with surprise. "Oh monsieur–Blueblood, I…I don't know what to say…what an honor–"

"Please monsieur," Blueblood smiled. "The honor is entirely mine." Time Turner smiled warmly back, but then it quickly disappeared, something to which Blueblood took immediate notice. "What is wrong?" he asked, his tone somewhat demanding.

"Oh it is only…sadly," the old stallion sighed, "while I am most thankful for the invitation, I must sadly decline. You see, I am desperately trying to catch up with the rest of the orchestra with learning this opera–they have had over a month to practice where I have had only a few days. And now that it is being performed in a week–"

"I understand," Blueblood muttered, his attempt at hiding his disappointment, failing.

"Oh please, do not take offense," Time Turner pleaded, seeing the displeasure in the Prince's eyes. "And do not feel you need to change your plans. I am simply saying that, sadly, I must decline, but my daughter on the other hoof…"

Blueblood went tense for a moment. Was the old stallion that naïve when it came to how things worked in society? No father would ever allow a young single mare to be left alone with another gentlecolt, no matter how wealthy he was. But perhaps this simply showed that the old stallion truly trusted him, that he had the old stallion's loyalty–something, which would come in hoofy, should Fluttershy need…convincing…to accept his marriage proposal. "Do you think Fluttershy will accept the invitation?" he calmly asked.

Time Turner only too eagerly nodded his head. "Oh she will be delighted!"

Blueblood cocked one golden eyebrow. "She will be fully recovered?"

Time Turner smiled and nodded his head. "She plans to return to rehearsals tomorrow, I'm sure she will be well enough to also attend dinner."

Blueblood smiled at this, but his brow furrowed with confusion. "Surely she is very busy with trying to learn everything before opening night–"

"Oh no," Time Turner interrupted. "She knows all the songs by heart."

Blueblood froze at these words. "S-s-she knows e-everything by heart?" he whispered. "All the music…e-everything? After only a few days of rehearsal?"

Time Turner nodded his head proudly. "Amazing, really. She does have a gift for quickly learning music, but even I was impressed with how swiftly she memorized her songs and notes."

"Indeed," Blueblood whispered. Yet another piece to this puzzle involving the Phantom of the Opera, and it was evolving into a picture that the Prince did not like one bit.

"Monsieur Time Turner!" Madam Octavia bellowed from the orchestra pit. "We would like to rehearse now! And seeing as we only have a week…" the conductor muttered with irritation.

"Forgive me," Time Turner murmured to the Prince.

"Not at all," Blueblood smiled at the old stallion, once again regaining his calm cool composure. "Please give your daughter my best wishes for her improving health, as well as my invitation. I shall meet her here, after rehearsal, and I will gladly bring her home."

Time Turner smiled and bowed his head once more, ignoring the frustrated cries of the conductor. "Thank you Blueblood…it is a great honor and pleasure."

Blueblood smiled and bowed his own head, watching as the old stallion turned in the direction of the pit. He turned then to the stage, not surprised to see the grim face of the dance mistress staring back at him. With a polite smile, Blueblood bowed his head to her, a gesture that only deepened her scowl.

"Madame Luna? If your dancers are ready?" Octavia asked from the pit.

The dance mistress nodded her head and quickly clapped her hooves. Several mares immediately took their places on stage, while a few could be heard giggling off to the side. Frowning, the mare crossed the stage in several great strides and clapped her hooves again, the sound reverberating off the walls like thunder. Blueblood turned to see where the mare's gaze was directed, and caught the glimpse of several dance mares huddled around a stagehoof.

The sudden thunderous clap awoke them from their trance, and they quickly turned to take their places on stage with the others. Madame Luna glared at the stagehoof, who shrank slightly beneath her cold stare, before turning and nodding her head once more at the conductor. The music rose, and the mares immediately fell into the trained steps of their dance.

Normally the Prince would have thought nothing of the scene that he had just witnessed; it was not that uncommon to see the stagehooves attempting to lure the dance mares into the shadows, but this particular stagehoof caused the Prince to pause. In truth, it was the object that the stallion was holding that had captured Blueblood's interest.

Everypony else was distracted by the dancer's rehearsal, that no one noticed Blueblood approaching the stagehoof. "Excuse me…"

The stallion gasped and whirled around to see the Prince tower over him. The stagehoof was short, pudgy, and had a scraggly graying beard on his pudgy face. He also smelled like somepony who slept in his own fluids, a stench that caused Blueblood to gag somewhat. But he quickly regained his composure and kept his emerald gaze locked on the stallion's plump face. "Where did you get that?" he pointed at the stallion's hooves.

"I didn't do no harm! I didn't touch one of those mares! I'm just doin' me job!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes at the stallion's defensive pleas. "I'm not accusing you of anything," he muttered. "I just want to know where you got…that."

The stagehoof looked down at the object that he held in his hooves.

It was a noose. And not just any noose…one that looked oddly familiar to the one Blueblood had examined at the police station.

"I didn't do nothin', I was just doin' as Donkey did before he disappeared."

Blueblood's brow furrowed with confusion. "Donkey?"

The stagehoof nodded his head. "Used to be chief stagehoof, till he was fired all those months ago. No one's seen him since…" he leaned in and whispered, as if sharing a big secret. "Some think the Phantom got him!"

Blueblood cocked a brow at these words. "Do they? And what did you mean by 'doing what he did'?"

The stagehoof glanced upward and then looked all around him before speaking. "Cranky Doodle Donkey told stories about…about the Phantom," he whispered. "Now that he's gone, I feel it's my duty to continue them."

Blueblood nodded his head. "And that?" he indicated at the noose the stallion held. "A prop to aid your storytelling?"

The stallion looked down at the noose once more before glancing around again. "Ain't no prop…it's real."

Blueblood frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I've been working at this theater for nearly 25 years," the stallion stated proudly. "And I've seen many a thing that can't be explained. But none so strange as…well…" he looked around again, the nervousness on his face growing more and more.

"Go on," Blueblood urged, more anxious than irritated.

"W-w-well," the stallion continued, swallowing the nervous lump that was in his throat. "Once there was this stallion by the name of Snowflake…don't remember too much about him, a big fella, but not much going on in the noggin, the sort that just asked for trouble. Always drinking when he shouldn't have been…chasing anything that wore a skirt…" the stallion sighed and shook his head sadly. "Phantom warned him…told him to start doin' his duties or else. But stupid Snowflake…he didn't believe in the Phantom, thought him nothin' but a ghost story…well, he don't think that now, wherever he be."

Blueblood narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

The stallion looked surprised at the Prince's question. "Snowflake was warned, but ignored the warnings! Kept on doin' as he did, poor soul."

Blueblood groaned as the stagehoof bowed his head as if in prayer. "What happened to him?" he hissed. "Did the Phantom kill him? Tell me!"

The pudgy stagehoof jumped at the Prince's voice. "It w-w-was during a perforstallionce of Faust–Snowflake was up there," he pointed at the catwalk high above. "The dancers were dancing, no one saw it coming until…" he shivered at the memory. "His body fell…b-but before it hit the stage, it stopped…h-he was hangin' you see…but he never screamed! H-he was already dead!"

Blueblood eyed the stallion suspiciously. "You saw this?"

The stagehoof nodded his head. "I…I saw his body hangin' from off stage…Doodle claimed h-he saw the Phantom throw him."

"And the police? Were they summoned?" he anxiously asked.

The stagehoof nodded his head. "Snowflake reeked with alcohol, police said it was an accident, that he was so drunk he fell off the catwalk himself, and his neck got caught in the ropes."

Blueblood wondered if Silverstar was chief inspector then. He doubted it, but he was beginning to see where the stallion's incompetence had come from.

He glanced at the noose once more, before grabbing it out of the stallion's hooves. Just like the other one, it was made of fine smooth threads. "He was hung with this?"

The stagehoof shook his head. "No…t-that was what killed him. The Phantom strangles his victims with it. Doodle called it the 'punjab lasso'; s-said it was from Persia, how he knew that I don't know, b-b-but he said he s-saw the Phantom strangle Snowflake with it, and then wrapped the ropes from several sandbags around his neck, before throwing him over!"

Persian. Just like the expensive curtains he had in his own town house.

Why or how the Phantom got his hooves on threads like these made no sense, but every cold-blooded murderer had a "signature" of some kind. Apparently the Phantom preferred Middle Eastern thread for his nooses than mere rope.

"How did you get your hooves on this?"

The stallion looked around again, the nervousness extremely apparent now. "Doodle got it somehow…I…I don't know how exactly…b-b-but he claimed to have several things of the Phantom's. I knew w-where he kept them, s-so after he disappeared, I felt it was me duty to continue his stories…and warn others about the Phantom."

Blueblood eyed the noose one last time before looking at the short pudgy stagehoof. "I'll give you 100 franks for it."

The stallion gasped. "100 franks?"

"Sold," Blueblood muttered, tossing the money at the stagehoof without a second thought. However, before he turned to leave, a new question arose in his mind. "You said you've been working here for nearly 25 years…?"

The stagehoof reluctantly looked away from his money. "Me and Doodle have been here the longest…" he paused, before adding, "well, guess it's just me now…"

Blueblood ignored the stallion's sad recollections. "When you joined the company, was the Phantom already sending notes?"

The stallion opened his mouth to reply, but stopped, a pensive look creasing his grizzled features. "You know…when I think about it…I don't remember hearing anything about the Phantom or any notes until…well…at least a few years later?"

"Interesting," Blueblood whispered. "Thank you for your time, and for the story."

The stallion watched as Blueblood walked away. "Here now…w-what are you goin' do with that?"

Blueblood heard the stallion's question, but didn't bother to turn around and answer him. He knew exactly what he was going to do. "Your move, Monsieur Phantom."

Fluttershy sighed as she gazed out her window, watching several soft flakes fall from the sky. A cold winter breeze blew in through the opened window, but she didn't care. Her heart was longing for him, singing to him, praying that perhaps he would feel her, just as she had felt his presence the other day.
Fluttershy had protested when her father told her to stay home and rest. He assumed it was because she wanted to prove to everyone that she was capable of singing the lead, as well as handle all the pressure. But that wasn't it at all; yesterday, in that dressing room, something happened. For the first time since her return to the Maris Opera House…she had felt him.

She spent so many moments wondering if Discord knew she was there, wondering if he was watching her, wondering if he could hear her sing, and if so, what he was thinking. Was he pleased? Disappointed? Did he even care?

But yesterday, when she was left alone in that dressing room…something happened. Out of nowhere, the song that they had created, the love song between Don Juan and Aminta, rose up in her throat and escaped her lips. As if by some mysterious spell, she could hear his voice singing back to her, singing Don Juan's part…and while she knew it sounded crazy…she swore she saw him…in the mirror…

"I don't know what to think anymore…" she sighed unhappily. A part of her wanted to hate him, to despise him, to simply forget him and all that they had shared, to focus entirely on the horrid things he had said and accept that as the simple truth.

But the other part of her, the part of her which was louder and stronger, told her that this was all wrong, that the words he had said and the thoughts she were having…were not true. She momentarily closed her eyes as she remembered the song…

"…Say you love me?" she softly whispered. Was she mad? She could have sworn she heard his beautiful voice respond…

"Mademoiselle! Come away from there, you'll catch your death!"

Fluttershy turned to see Cherry Jubilee hurry into the room and quickly rush over to shut the window. One last blast of cold air hit her face as the window closed with a thud. With a deep sigh, Fluttershy prepared herself for the pretty maid's lecture.

"Mademoiselle, you should be in bed, resting! I have strict orders from your father to make sure you get plenty of rest, and that you eat every last bit of your supper," the maid ordered, pulling the tray of food that she carried over to Fluttershy's bedside.

Fluttershy said nothing, she simply eyed the food with disdain, however she was in no mood to argue, and after all, the mare was simply following orders and doing what she thought was right…even if she did speak in a patronizing tone; Cherry Jubilee couldn't have been much older than her.

"Thank you," Fluttershy murmured, deciding that the soup on her tray was the safest option.

Cherry Jubilee smiled and did a little curtsy, before turning to leave…but then paused when she reached the door. "Begging your pardon, mademoiselle, but…may I ask you something?"

Fluttershy could not hide her surprise at the young mare's question. She had not had the opportunity to truly speak to Cherry Jubilee, at least not on a level where one got to know the other. "Yes, of course," she smiled politely, wondering what was on the mare's mind.

"Well…I know it's none of my business…" the maid began, her face turning pink with each word. "But…but I was just wondering…well…" she could not contain her giggles anymore, and they erupted in a mighty shower. "Are you and the Prince engaged?" 

Fluttershy began choking on her soup. "W-w-w-what?" she coughed.

Cherry Jubilee stopped giggling and quickly rushed over to pat Fluttershy's back. "Oh dear, did I ruin the surprise? I'll never forgive myself if I have," she murmured with worry.

Fluttershy shook her head, her coughs now under control. "No…no…you ruined nothing, please…" she lifted her hoof to stop the young maid from pounding her back. "W-what made you think w-w-we were engaged?"

It was now Cherry Jubilee who looked puzzled. "Why, he seems to frequently call on you, and last night…well, the other night he was talking to your father after you had gone to bed, so…well…I had assumed…"

Fluttershy's eyes widened at these words. Was it possible? Had Blueblood discussed the possibilities of marrying her with her father…behind her back? How could her father do such a thing without telling her!

But she quickly shook her head, telling herself it was a simple misunderstanding. Why on earth would the Prince wish to marry her? She had no money, no connections, no titles to her name; yet he did always seem persistent. Good God, what if her father was right, that somehow, the Prince did…love her?

She shook her head at this notion; it was not that she believed people could not fall in love with others above and below their station, after all, her mother, the daughter of a wealthy Prench aristocrat, had married her pauper father. It was simply that she was unsure if the Prince could love someone that way. True, he had shown tenderness and kindness…but Fluttershy could not shake this feeling that he had ulterior motives.

"Mademoiselle?"

Fluttershy shook her head, realizing that Cherry Jubilee was awaiting an answer. "No, we are not engaged, he is simply…being charitable to us."

The maid frowned at this, but chose not to say anything further on the subject. "I'll come back later to collect your tray," she murmured with a curtsy, before turning and leaving Fluttershy alone in the room.

She wasn't a mare with high social connections, but Fluttershy was beginning to realize just how scandalous it must seem to have Blueblood's recurring presence practically every evening. "This is all my fault," she groaned, regretting now her acceptance for taking his flat. "No wonder they're whispering things at the opera house. I must look like his…his…" she couldn't finish the words. No, what she needed to do was to get out of that place, she and her father needed to find a place of their own and soon. But was it too late? Had the gossip gone too far? No one would ever think ill of the Prince; after all, it was not unusual for men of his…kind…to have mistresses.

Fluttershy's stomach churned at the very thought.

She pushed the food away, her appetite now completely gone, and pulled the blankets up around her. This was not how she wanted to live her dream, this was not how she wanted her opera to be. It sickened her to hear the rumors that she was bedding the Prince, and even the managers, to have the part. Ponies were more afraid of angering the Phantom, than paying any attention to whether she was a decent singer. She wanted to play this role because Discord had, in a sense, written it for her, and because she had made it her own.

But it didn't seem to matter anymore. She felt wretched, vile, and disgusting.

With a sad sigh, she laid her head down, and prayed for a dreamless sleep to take her far away.

Her prayers were in vain, for she was dreaming.
"Fluttershy…"

His voice. It was Discord's voice, haunting her once more. Why? Why was she being tortured like this?

"Fluttershy…"

She looked around herself, noticing that nothing had changed about the surroundings in her dream. She was in her room, only it was very dark, and there was a distinct chill. Funny, she didn't recall ever feeling cold in her dreams before…

What sort of dream was this? She continued hearing him call out her name, but he was nowhere to be seen. Had he truly become the Opera Ghost in this dream? She wrapped the blanket about her shoulders, hugging the fabric to her body to block out the cold. It seemed to be coming from her window…

"I thought Cherry Jubilee had closed it?" she whispered to herself. But this was a dream, she reminded herself, and anything was possible in dreams. In her dream, the window was once again open, blowing a crisp cold wind into her room.

"Fluttershy…"

"Discord?" Fluttershy froze when she heard his voice once more. Only this time, it didn't seem to be coming from across the plains of time…but rather…from her window.

She sat fully up, her bare Hooves just barely touching the carpeted floor. He sounded so close…as if he were just beyond the curtains. "Discord?" she whispered again, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Are…are you here?"

Suddenly, the curtains flew open, and a great stream of snowflakes burst into the room, like tens of thousands of butterflies having hatched from their cocoons. A great stream of moonlight flowed through the open window, piercing the darkness of the room and illuminating it in a silver glow.

But nothing was more breathtaking in that moment than the stallion who stood beside the curtains, the moonlight illuminating his masked face, while the shadows continued to swallow his body. How strange, she thought. Her dream Discord wore a different mask, a black one that covered both sides of his face. The mask itself was slightly more terrifying than the white half-mask that she knew him to wear, but Fluttershy held no fear as she gazed at him; how could she be afraid when his beautiful amber eyes burned with such passion, such warmth?

She held her breath as she watched him take a step towards her, now fully coming into the light. He was dressed simply, no cloak, no suit coat, no costume–just a white shirt, open at the neck, revealing his broad chest, black breeches, and knee-high boots.

He was her dark prince, a hero out of her gothic romances…and he had come for her.

She opened her mouth to speak to him, a part of her wanting to reach out and touch him, and a part of her reminding her silly self that this was a dream, and he was, indeed, a phantom of her imagination. However, before she could speak, before she could decide whether to go to him or whether to tell herself to wake up…he began to sing.

"Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation…"

Fluttershy felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his voice, such a strange combination of baritone and tenor. Indeed, she was feeling heightened by sensations…

"Darkness stirs and wakes imagination…"

He continued singing, slowly, quietly, approaching her, his eyes locking with her own.

"Silently the senses abandon their defenses…"

Fluttershy thought her heart would stop beating as Discord held his paw out to her. Not once did she look at it, and not once did she stop to think and question what she was doing.

On instinct, she placed her small hoof in his paw, and let out a long shaky breath.

"Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendor…" he sang, pulling her to her Hooves. "Grasp it, sense it–tremulous and tender…"

Fluttershy held her breath as she felt his claw softly touch her chin and lift her face towards his.

"Turn your face away from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light–
and listen to the music of the night…"

He released her chin and then took both her hooves in his paw and claw, leading her into the pool of moonlight that flooded the room.

"Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams!
Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before!
Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar…"

Fluttershy moaned and felt her lashes flutter against her cheeks as his silken spell wove around her.

He leaned in, his lips mere inches from her ear. "And you'll live as you've never lived before…"

Fluttershy whimpered as she felt his paw stroke her face, her eyes fluttering open once more to gaze into his own.

"Softly, deftly, music shall caress you…" she gasped as she felt him move around her, his hooves sliding down from her face to her shoulders, and then slowly, agonizingly, running down the length of her arms.

"Hear it, feel it, secretly possess you…" he sang, his voice growing deeper, almost like a passionate growl, and Fluttershy whimpered and leaned back against him as she felt his arms entwine around her waist.

"Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind,
in this darkness which you know you cannot fight–
the darkness of the music of the night."

Fluttershy gasped when she suddenly felt her body being whirled around, till once more, she was facing him. She looked up at him and whispered his name, before gasping once more as his strong paw and claw gripped her around the waist, and lifted her off the floor. Her hooves gripped his powerful shoulders, her eyes never leaving his as his song continued.

"Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world!
Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before!
Let your soul take you where you long to be!"

He held the note of the last word for so long that Fluttershy gasped when finally he caught his breath. She let out another long shaky breath as he slowly, painstakingly, lowered her back to the floor, her body on fire as she brushed his.

"Only then…can you belong to me…" his words were practically a whisper.

Fluttershy's eyes drifted shut once more as she felt him gently turn her again, so that she was leaning against him once more.

"Floating, falling, sweet intoxication! Touch me…trust me…" one paw held her hoof and lifted it up to the side of his face that was disfigured. Fluttershy whimpered as she ran her hoof over his masked cheek, wishing she could feel the skin beneath. She let out an even louder gasp when she felt his other claw brush over her thigh, before sliding up her body and running across her breasts. "Savor each sensation…" he whispered in her ear, his voice filled with passion, and his body showing his desire.

"Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write–
the power of the music of the night!"

Without warning, he whirled her around once more, and with a passionate groan, his mouth crushed hers. Fluttershy moaned against his lips, her mouth immediately opening and offering him entrance, her tongue eagerly welcoming his, pulling him even closer to her.

Discord kissed her back with as much passion, if not more, his arms enfolding her and pulling her off the ground and against his chest. As he kissed her, he began to twirl her around the room, the snowflakes swirling and dancing around them. He felt her joyful tears run over his cheeks; fitting, as they were mingling with his own. He could hear the happy, thankful laughter bubbling in her throat as they twirled in the snow, only to be suppressed by the intensity of the kiss which they were sharing.

He longed for more, and he could feel her body eagerly respond to his. It would be so easy, to simply fall upon her bed and to lose themselves to this overwhelming passion. He wanted to make love to her more than he had ever wanted anything in his life…

But he could hear thehoofsteps in the hallway just beyond her door, and he knew that her father would wish to see how she was. He also knew that Fluttershy believed this to be a dream, and for the moment, he would let her believe that.

He would see her again, he needed to. Everything would be put to right, and he and his angel would be reunited once more, and no one, not even the Prince himself, would part them.

She may be accepting the Prince's charity, but her kiss tonight, the passion he felt in her embrace, and the love he saw in her eyes, told him everything–her heart belonged, and remained, to her Phantom.

Reluctantly, Discord lifted his face from hers, his lips brushing across her forehead, before sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her back to the bed. Fluttershy gazed up at him as she felt him lay her down upon the sheets, and watched with aching sadness as he pulled the blankets up over her body.

He would not be joining her. But then, this was a dream, she reminded herself.

However, instead of instantly disappearing into the shadows, he lowered himself down to one knee and took her hooves in his, singing once more.

"You alone can make my song take flight…"

She watched as he pulled something from the pocket of his breeches. She could not see what it was, but she gasped as she felt it touch her hoof. He leaned down and brushed his lips once more against hers, before murmuring against them, "Help me make the music of the night…"

She watched as he slowly rose from the edge of the bed, his tenor holding the note in such a way that it sent shivers down her spine, but it also caused her eyes to grow heavy, as if he were casting some sort of sleeping spell over her with his lullaby.

He continued to hold the note, his voice growing ever softer as he slowly backed away from the bed, until his body was once more swallowed up by the shadows of the room. And just as her eyes drifted shut, so did the moonlight disappear with him.

"Fluttershy?"

Had he returned? Her eyes flew open at the sound of her name being called, but she realized quickly that it was not Discord's voice that was calling her, but that of her father's.

"Fluttershy? Are you alright?"

She looked up to see her father's worried face hovering above. "I thought I heard…singing…" he softly explained, although he knew it must sound unbelievable.

Fluttershy sat up at his words, and she stared at her father with wide eyes. "Singing?"

Time Turner nodded his head. "I know, very strange, must have been my imagination," he sighed with a shake of his head. He quickly wrapped his arms around his body as a shiver overtook him. "Awfully cold in here," he muttered.

Fluttershy looked at the window, but noticed it was shut, just as Cherry Jubilee had done earlier that evening. She knew it had been a dream, she knew it even while she dreamt him…yet it felt more real than any dream she had had before.

"Fluttershy? Is something wrong?" her father asked, his eyes filling with concern.

She looked up at him and smiled at the tenderness she saw in his face. "I'm fine," she promised, taking his hoof in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. "It was simply a dream, that's all."

Time Turner's brow furrowed at her words, but nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, you're right…I must have dreamt what I heard. Well, you should continue to get your rest, my dear, tomorrow the managers are hoping to see you at rehearsals," he explained.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head. For the first time since she had joined the company, she was actually beginning to look forward to rehearsals. "Goodnight, Papa," she murmured, kissing his cheek as he bent to kiss hers.

"Goodnight, my child," he smiled, before turning and quietly shutting the door to her room.

Fluttershy sighed and fell back against her pillows. Funny, she thought. She would have thought that after such an intense dream she would be sad. Truly, it felt as if Discord had been there! She remembered his embrace, she remembered his kiss…everything! And yet she felt…happy. As if her hopes were being renewed…

She pulled the covers up to her chin to ward off the distinct chill that now filled the room, determined to somehow get some sleep despite this strange feeling that was coursing through her, when she let out a great gasp of realization.

She pulled her left hoof out from beneath the blankets and stared at it with wide-eyed shock.

Her once naked hoof, now wore an elegant gold band.

> Misunderstanding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Misunderstanding

Blueblood strolled into the police station, his expression one of smug satisfaction. The officer who noticed his presence first groaned inwardly, but hastily pasted a smile across his face. "Good day, monsieur, we were not expecting you today."

Blueblood smiled at the young officer. "To tell you the truth, I had not planned to visit, but after a recent conversation, I realized that yes, I could afford time out of my schedule to stop by."

The officer continued to smile, although it was extremely apparent that it was not genuine. "Inspector Silverstar is not here at the moment–"

"I do not wish to speak with Inspector Silverstar," Blueblood cut in. "And stop smiling like that, you look like an absolute idiot."

The officer's smile quickly fell, but his interest was now peaked at Blueblood's announcement that he did not wish to speak with the chief inspector. "May I ask then, monsieur, what…well, what–"

"What perhaps you can do for me?" Blueblood finished the sentence, his smile growing by the second. "Yes, you may." Without another word, he tossed the noose that the stagehoof had sold to him to the officer.

The young officer let out a surprised gasp and stared at the object he now held with wide eyes. "This looks like…forgive me for bringing up painful memories, monsieur, but…this looks like–"

"The same noose that had been around my own neck but a few nights ago? Yes," Blueblood confirmed, although his warm smile had momentarily vanished. "I got this one off a stagehoof at the Maris Opera House, and no, he was not the stallion who attempted to murder me, so don't even begin to make such accusations."

The officer closed his mouth and quickly nodded his head. He gazed once more at the noose he now held and then back at the Prince. "If you don't mind me asking, monsieur, but…how exactly did he obtain–"

"The Phantom of the Opera," Blueblood said with a nonchalant wave of his hoof. "And before you begin to mimic your chief inspector, do this for me, and I shall pay you hoofsomely."

The officer once more closed his mouth and without another word nodded his head. "Yes monsieur! What can I do for you?"

Blueblood sighed and gazed at the noose in the officer's hoofs. "I assume you keep records of all your cases? At least of all your severe cases?"

The officer quickly nodded his head. "Oh yes, we keep records and files of many of our past cases, especially severe ones, such as murder investigations, if that is what you mean?"

Blueblood's cool smile returned. "I want you to go through those past records, and find me all the cases that deal with the Maris Opera House."

The officer's eyes widened and his face paled at the Prince's instructions. "But monsieur! T-t-that could take hours…days even!"

"Don't worry, I only want you to investigate the past 25–" he paused for a moment, and then smiled even wider. "Make that the past 20 years. Go back 20 years and find me everything you can about police investigations with the Paris Opera House."

The officer could not suppress his groan of disdain. "It will still take many hours."

Blueblood's calmness remained intact. "I do not mind, I have other…business…to attend to first anyway. Perhaps later this evening?" The officer looked ready to protest, but Blueblood knew the answer that would win anyone over. "As I said before, I will pay you quite hoofsomely for your troubles."

The officer closed his mouth a third time and simply nodded his head inagreement. "If you come back later this evening I may have it ready?" he suggested.

Blueblood thought for a second. "Tomorrow," he concluded, before placing his hat back on his head and turning to go. "I have a very important dinner engagement this evening."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy was furious.

She had not spoken to her father since that morning at breakfast when he announced that she would be joining the Prince for dinner that very evening. The shock of the announcement had momenarily stunned Fluttershy speechless; but when she regained her speech, her reaction was not the one her father was expecting.

"PAPA, HOW COULD YOU?"

Time Turner stared at his daughter, the shock she had worn now mirrored on him. "B-b-but my dear, I…I thought you would be thrilled–"

"THRILLED? YOU THOUGHT I WOULD BE THRILLED?" she threw her napkin down and pushed herself away from the table. "Naturally I would be thrilled," she muttered sarcastically. "After all, he's rich and hoofsome and charming. I must be a complete idiot to not find him agreeable!"

Time Turner winced at his daughter's high-pitched tone. "Fluttershy–"

"NO!" she rounded on him, her hooves pressing down on the table, causing it to creak, while she leaned down and stared at him, her eyes reflecting anger and betrayal. "I have told you, many times, that I do NOT like the Prince, at least not in the way that you would have me like him!"

Time Turner flinched slightly at her words, but more at the sight of angry passionate tears that began to drip down her cheeks. "Fluttershy, he is a good stallion–"

"Why, papa?" she demanded, her arms now folding across her chest as she glared at her father. "Why do you wish me to marry him? And don't deny that you were not thinking that, I can tell that this whole plot to have me be alone with him was simply another way to get the Prince to propose." She held her tongue about the scandal her and Blueblood's meeting would cause; her father was misguided, but not vicious. He saw her as Cinderella and the Prince as her hoodsome fairy tale prince. Because it had happened to him, he thought it only natural that somepony who was an aristocrat would marry someone who was a pauper.

Her father stared up at her, shock written across his aged face. He opened his mouth to speak, but Fluttershy, who was pacing furiously back and forth across the room, rounded on him once more. "Is it because he is rich? Is that what this is all about?"

Time Turner gasped at her words. "Of course not! Fluttershy, I will not deny that I want you to have every comfort in life, Lord knows I wish I could have provided your mother with the same, but I would be just as satisfied with him were he one of those stagehooves at the opera house."

Fluttershy groaned at his words. The stagehooves were poor examples of decent stallions–yet perhaps fitting where the Prince was concerned.

"Fluttershy…I've tried to understand your dislike for the stallion. But the only reasons I can find is that you believe him to be arrogant and you dislike his social class; not exactly reasons I find worthy to condemn him for all eternity."

"No, of course not," she spat, turning and grabbing her coat which Cherry Jubilee had laid out for her. "Never mind that I've told you, repeatedly, that he makes me uncomfortable, that I do not hold him in high esteem, and that I believe his kindness holds selfish motives that are only meant to benefit himself!" She pulled her coat on and stormed out the door, not pausing to even glance back at her father.

And so the day had continued. Upon arrival at the opera house, she made herself busy to avoid her father at all costs. If he attempted to speak with her, she knew that she would cause a scene, and more gossip was the last thing she needed. She threw herself into her work, her singing extremely passionate, although Madam Octavia had to pause every now and then to remind Fluttershy to stop shouting her lyrics at Fancypants, who looked somewhat terrified.

A thirty minute break was called, but Fluttershy still did not feel ready to face her father, so she retreated to the only place where she was sure she could be alone; a place that she had been thinking about a great deal.

She quickly entered the star's dressing room, shutting the door and locking it, before leaning against the wooden surface, closing her eyes, and taking in a deep breath of relief. Peace and solitude; these were things she was beginning to cherish ever since she began singing with the company.

The room was rich in a beautiful fragrance. Fluttershy opened her eyes to see where it was coming from, and gasped at the sight of hundreds of roses, of every shade and color, that adorned the elegant room.

They were strewn across her dressing table, scattered over the chaise lounge, and several bouquets hung from the large mirror against the wall. Fluttershy's hooves flew to her mouth in surprise at the beautiful sight, but her blue eyes sparkled with happiness, and her lips curled into a grin.

Discord had done this. He had been with her the last time she was in the dressing room, it wasn't just her imagination. And last night…

Fluttershy had hidden the bracelet she had found on her hoof last night, not exactly sure how to explain it to her father. She had kept the bracelet in a small pocket on her skirt, and now reached in to retrieve it. It was very beautiful, but also simple. Unlike the gaudy jewelry she saw many mares of wealth wear, with large jewels set atop more jewels that looked to weigh the wearer down, the bracelet was a simple, elegant gold band. Fluttershy smiled and tenderly ran her hooves over the bracelet before taking a deep breath and slipping it once more upon her hoof.

It wasn't a dream. He had been in her room last night, he had found her and his message with the bracelet was the same with the roses…

"He still loves me," she whispered to herself, hope springing to new life within her heart.

Without another thought, she picked up her skirts and ran to the mirror, pounding on it, running her hooves over its edges, seeking desperately to find the trigger mechanism that would open it. "Discord!" she cried, hoping that perhaps he would hear her. "Discord!"

"Who is Discord?"

Fluttershy gasped at the sound of the other voice and whirled around, her eyes wide with shock at the sight of Celestia, who was stepping from beyond the changing screen in the far corner of the room. Had she been hiding there this whole time?

"W-w-what are you doing here?" Fluttershy asked, her voice shaking from the shock at seeing the prima donna, as well as with fear, wondering how much the soprano had witnessed.

Celestia grinned, although it was a grin filled with sinister promises. "I believe I asked you first. It is rude you know, to ignore somepony else's question."

Fluttershy stared at the mare blankly. "This is my dressing room–"

"Don't be cute with me!" the diva snapped, her calm composure momentarily disappearing. However, another smile quickly replaced the frown she wore and she glided over to the dressing table, her hooves running over the roses that lay there. "I'll ask again…who is Discord?"

Fluttershy's face paled. What could she say? By telling Celestia who Discord really was, she would be betraying Discord's trust, not to stallionstion endanger the lives of Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Shortround, and Derpy.

Distraction was her only answer.

"I was simply rehearsing a scene from Don Juan," she said plainly, lifting her chin in hopes to not appear intimidated.

Celestia eyed her suspiciously. "There's no 'Discord' in Don Juan," she retorted. "I've seen that score with my own eyes, I've watched every scene from rehearsals…" she cocked a golden eyebrow at Fluttershy. "I think you're lying to me…"

Something inside Fluttershy sparked to life at Celestia's words. With her head held high and her eyes locked with the blonde soprano's, she said with an even tone, "Truth be told, signora…it's none of your damn business."

Celestia's eyes widened at the young mare's words. All signs of cool collectiveness were gone. "How dare you speak to me in such a way, you disgusting little–"

"No, signora," Fluttershy interrupted, her voice filled with cold disdain. "How dare you sneak into my dressing room and hide here, plotting who knows what," she accused, causing Celestia's mouth to fall open from shock.

"I…I…I w-was…" she shook her head, anger boiling in her for the insolence of this country girl who was enjoying her new star status far too much. "This was MY dressing room at one point!" she angrily snapped back. "And I have as much right to come in here as–"

"No you don't, signora," Fluttershy cut in. "This was your dressing room at one point, but not anymore. Your privileges to enter it at any time have been stripped from you, at least during the rehearsal and performance of this particular opera," she calmly explained, before crossing the room to open the door. "Now, signora, if you don't mind," Fluttershy said with a sweet smile, although her voice was anything but. "Get the hell out of my dressing room."

Celestia was completely speechless. She stared at Fluttershy with a mixture of hatred and astonishment. She attempted to speak, but her voice came out in gurgles. She attempted to move, but her anger had her frozen in place!

"Oh! Fluttershy! There you are!"

Both mares turned to see Twilight Sparkle standing in the doorway of the dressing room. Twilight was smiling, but one glance at Celestia's face, which was the brightest shade of scarlet she had ever seen, caused the dancer's smile to quickly disappear. "Um…sorry, I…I didn't mean to interrupt anything…"

"It's quite alright Twilight," Fluttershy reassured, her eyes traveling to Celestia. "I am done with Signora Celestia," she stated quite plainly, before glancing back at the dancer. "Am I wanted on stage?"

Twilight nodded her head, but her eyes were still fastened on the prima donna who looked ready to explode like Pompeii. She gave Fluttershy a smile, before quickly disappearing from the impending disaster.

Fluttershy turned once more to the mare whose eyes looked to be throwing daggers. "Allow me to present you with my own accusation, signora, as you were quite ready to call me a liar," Fluttershy said quite evenly, folding her arms across her chest. "I think you came in here with hopes to find some reason to be rid of me, or perhaps to spread more malicious gossip in order to intimidate me and make yourself feel superior–but allow me to reassure you that none of it will work." She glared back at Celestia, her words cold as ice, and their meaning twice as sharp. "I remember you calling me 'most favored of the Phantom'. Perhaps you are right…after all, I was chosen over you, to play the lead. Perhaps I am favored?"

Celestia just growled.

"The truth of the situation is this, signora," Fluttershy concluded. "I am playing Aminta, and you can not make me leave, and you will not succeed in doing so," she pleasantly smiled, despite the other mare's silent fury. "Now," Fluttershy gestured towards the door, "if you would be so kind as stay out of my dressing room from now on?"

That did it! Celestia had had enough of this mare's impertinent–

She stopped momentarily, her eyes darting to Fluttershy's hoof as the light from the room reflected off the bracelet	 she wore. Fluttershy didn't seem to notice, and Celestia wanted to keep it that way, so without another word, she stormed out of the dressing room, grumbling in Italian to herself, but her mind still fresh with the image of the bracelet.

Fluttershy let a large sigh escape her and leaned against the open door. She still couldn't believe that she had stood up to the mare! She bit her lip, a part of her worrying if perhaps she would later regret her words, but she lifted her chin, telling herself that she had a right to stand up for herself and not let others push her around. She smiled at this thought, and quietly closed the door behind her, before retreating to the stage where she could already hear Madam Octavia call her name in annoyance.

Behind the mirror, Discord smiled as he watched his angel depart. When he realized she had gone to the dressing room, he hastened to the mirror, wanting to see her reaction to the roses, but stopped short when instead he found her arguing with the harpy. 

Never before had Discord been more proud of her. She stood up to the harpy's threats, put the damn mare in her place, and hopefully, reinstated the fear she and the others should have when it came to the Phantom of the Opera.

"Well done, Fluttershy," he whispered. "Well done."

The afternoon rehearsals were long and tedious. Fluttershy groaned and tried to massage the muscles in her lower back and neck, yearning for the time when she could go home and collapse upon her bed.

Would Discord come again tonight? She felt her heart skip a beat at the expectation at what the night would bring. Her eyes momentarily closed as memories of his beautiful song floated through her. It was as if he had written that song just for her...

Oh how she longed to lose herself in her fillyish dreams and fantasies. But every time she glanced at the orchestra pit, her heart sank as she saw the sadness written across her father's face.

Fluttershy's anger towards her father began to dissolve not long after her confrontation with Celestia. Also, the absence of the Prince during the day's rehearsal gave her fewer reasons to hold a grudge. Truth be, she knew her father loved her, and that he was only encouraging her to court the Prince because he wanted what he thought would be best for her. Sadly, her father was so blinded by Blueblood's charms, that he could not see how manipulative the hoofsome noblecolt was.

She couldn't entirely blame her father for liking the stallion. After all, according to her father, the Prince had often visited him in prison, and it was through Blueblood's help that she had been able to free him. Fluttershy was extremely grateful to Madam Luna and the hospitality of her household, but she knew that both she and her father were intruding upon them all, and once more, the Prince stepped forward with a solution.

Yes, she wearily thought, she could not blame her father for finding the stallion agreeable. Anyone in his situation would think she was mad for not being flattered by the Prince's attentions. Her only excuse lay with Discord, who revealed to her all the horrible things Blueblood had done throughout the years he was a patron to the Paris Opera House. It was hard enough trying to convince her father of her own distrust towards the Prince; she could not even fathom how difficult it would be to reveal that her distrust came from stories revealed to her by the infamous Phantom.

"Time Turner!"

Fluttershy gasped at the bark of her father's name, quickly waking from her trance and glancing at the orchestra pit to see why Madam Octavia was fuming.

"You're half a beat late…again!" the conductor groaned, throwing her baton down on the music stand.

Time Turner gave a somewhat sheepish smile, but quickly readjusted his music, avoiding Gerard's disapproving gaze. "I beg your pardon," he softly murmured. "I'll get it the next time."

Octavia threw her hooves up in the air. "The next time? THE NEXT TIME?" she grabbed hold of her hair and looked ready to tear it out. "Monsieur…we've rehearsed this introduction sixteen times! And still, each and every time, you come in half a beat late!"

Time Turner flushed with embarrassment and began to shrink as the conductor threw curses to the wind. He glanced up at Fluttershy, his eyes filled with sorrow and shame, and her heart immediately melted.

"Madam Octavia!" she called out, causing the swearing conductor to momentarily pause and turn to her. Fluttershy took a deep breath and gave the mare what she hoped was a pleasing smile, before speaking again. "Could perhaps we take a quick break? Of ten minutes? I know that Signor Fancypants has been standing for quite some time and would probably benefit with a quick stretch of the legs," she suggested, smiling at Fancypants, who in truth did look exhausted.

Octavia eyed Fluttershy for a moment before shrugging her shoulders in agreement. "Fine. We're not exactly making any progress at the moment anyhow," he muttered.

The orchestra groaned with relief, and Fluttershy immediately went to her father's side, who was silently tuning the strings on his violin.

She didn't say anything; she knew this was his way of dealing with his shame. Her father was a perfectionist; he didn't need somepony to tell him how disappointed they were with his playing, he was already reprimanding himself for it. He finally looked up at her, a sad smile spreading across his face. "Looks like I need to practice harder," he said simply. Fluttershy returned the same sad smile he had shown, knowing he was trying very hard to rise above his own disappointment.

"It's not easy music to learn," she sighed. "And you've had less time than everypony here to rehearse. They should be praising all that you have accomplished, not pin-pricking the tiniest of details."

Time Turner smiled to himself. "Ah, but my dear, sometimes the tiniest of details make the most difference to whether someone will be moved by music." She smiled at his philosophy, knowing that she too possessed such a spirit when it came to singing, thanks in large part to Discord. "Besides," her father added. "It took you no time at all to learn your songs. Now that is an accomplishment."

Fluttershy's cheeks flushed at his words, but remained calm, knowing that her father was merely speculating, as opposed to putting puzzle pieces together. She reached out and took his hoof in hers, giving his hooves a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry for shouting at you this morning…and for avoiding you all day," she gave a heavy sigh and looked down at her feet. "I've been a selfish filly."

"No, my dear," Time Turner murmured, squeezing her hooves back. "It is I who should ask for your forgiveness." He smiled sadly, and reached out to brush a stray brown curl that had fallen across her cheek. "You are my pride and joy in this world and your happiness matters more to me than anything else," his words were warm, but Fluttershy read the deep sadness in his eyes. He looked down and softly groaned, before whispering, "When I lost you to the Phantom, I thought my life had ended. And as those long days in that prison turned into weeks…and then months…I wondered if I would ever see you again. I feared I would die before seeing your face once more…"

"Papa–"

He lifted his hoof, motioning for her to allow him to continue. "Then a miracle happened," he smiled. "You found me, and we were together again," a few tears trickled down his wrinkled face as he gazed into her eyes. "But after that moment, I realized that my greatest worry was not whether I would see you again…but knowing whether you would be alright."

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head. She knew now what her father was trying to say. "The Prince was good to me," he continued. "Whenever we were in need, he always seemed to be there, ready to help, and I thought to myself…this is a stallion that I know I could trust with the safety, comfort, and life of my dearest treasure…" he smiled and caressed her cheek with gentle hooves. Fluttershy smiled at the gesture, but her own eyes were unable to meet his; how could she begin to give her father hope when it would be lying to her heart?

"He seems like such a good stallion…and he is very hoofsome," he added, a soft chuckle in his voice. "And you would never want for anything…even love, for I do believe he does care deeply for you…"

Fluttershy closed her eyes to block back the tears. She did not wish for her father to see her crying, especially not over the Prince.

"…but I can never condemn you to such a life."

Fluttershy's eyes flew open and she looked up at her father, her brow furrowed with confusion. "W-w-what?"

Time Turner smiled, a sad smile, but one filled with love for his daughter. "What I wish for you is not the same as what you wish. I told you Fluttershy, I want nothing more than your happiness, and while I want you to be loved and cherished for the precious treasure that you are…so do I want you to feel love and to cherish someone just as fiercely."

Fluttershy's mouth fell open with surprise. She knew she was crying, but she wasn't exactly sure for what reason. "Papa…are you…are you saying–"

"You have told me, many times, that your feelings for the Prince are not entirely favorable," he murmured. "I did listen to you, but a part of me wanted to hold onto the belief that perhaps you would change your mind. But he is not the stallion for you…I see that now. And it wasn't right of me to make arrangements for you to have dinner with him…"

"Papa–"

"No Fluttershy, it's true. What you said this morning was true," he took both her hooves in his and squeezed them tenderly. "I want you to be happy, and I want you to find a stallion who you can love, and who will make you happy. That is my wish for you," he smiled and reached up to wipe away one of her tears. "And I will speak to the Prince this evening and apologize for answering on your behalf, and simply explain that you will be unable to have dinner with him."

She could not deny the fact that she was grateful to hear him say that, but the ease she yearned to feel did not come. "No Papa…"

Time Turner's eyes widened at her words. "No?"

Fluttershy took a deep breath; she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "I…I will have dinner with him, tonight."

The old stallion looked very confused. "But…but I thought that you–"

"I don't…I mean, yes, I am grateful for all that he has done for us…but my feelings for him are not warm or tender or loving," she sighed deeply. "I don't love him, and it would be a lie to pretend that I care for him in any great capacity. But even if you do apologize on my behalf, I do not think he will understand what you are trying to say for me. And…you shouldn't be the one who has to say it, it's my responsibility, really."

Time Turner stared at his daughter, discomfort mounting in his eyes. "Fluttershy, he is a gentlecolt. While it is not news that most stallions would favor, you make it sound as if he'll…he'll hunt us down and force you to marry him!"

Fluttershy bit her lip. Why would Blueblood wish to marry her she had no idea, in fact, she doubted very much that it was marriage that ruled the Prince's mind. She was simply another conquest in his eyes, an uncharted land that he wanted to explore and claim as his own. "The Prince is most persistent," she muttered. "If you tell him my feelings, he may not understand or believe them to be true. I should be the one to tell him, and I will, tonight."

Time Turner now bit his lip, the worry lines on his forehead creasing greatly. "I do not like the sound of this Fluttershy…"

Neither did she; but as far as Fluttershy could tell, it may be the only way to convince Blueblood to stop pursuing her. Now all she needed to do was convince herself that this was the right thing to do…

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eight o' clock came far too soon.

Fluttershy had spent the rest of the afternoon and evening dreading every passing hour. And she was beginning to seriously doubt her plan.

Her father, who had always been praising the Prince’s kindness and gentility, truly looked concerned when she said she would accept the invitation. That in itself was disconcerting. But more than that was the question as to where they would be having dinner. She recalled how a few nights ago the Prince suggested that both she and her father join him at his town house. It would not be proper at all for a single mare to attend a private dinner party at the house of a single stallion, no matter how renowned his reputation was. The scandal would never hurt Blueblood, but she could greatly suffer from it.

She took a deep breath and ran her hooves across the bracelet, praying for courage to get her through the evening.

At a quarter to eight, the auditorium doors opened, and Blueblood stepped forth, dressed in his finest, a bouquet of yellow roses in hoof.

Several dancers began giggling when they noticed him holding the flowers, but Madam Luna quickly shushed them to silence.

Celestia had noticed the Prince's grand appearance, and her eyes glowed with hateful fire at the roses he held.

Madam Octavia knew it was hopeless to try and keep order with the company, now that the Prince had entered, so with her hooves thrown in the air, she muttered in a defeated tone, "until tomorrow," and ended the rehearsal.

Fluttershy felt her cheeks grow hot under the Prince's gaze. She quickly glanced at her father, whose expression was one filled with worry and uncertainty. "Good evening, monsieur," he greeted in a somewhat strained voice as Blueblood slowly approached the stage.

"Ah, good evening Monsieur Time Turner," Blueblood returned warmly, bowing elegantly before the old stallion. "And good evening to you, mademoiselle," he murmured, his eyes moving over Fluttershy hungrily.

Fluttershy smiled back, somewhat nervously, but Blueblood didn't seem to take any notice. His eyes were too busy raking across the swell of her breasts beneath the lacy green gown that she wore.

Blueblood momentarily snapped out of his trance and held the roses out to Fluttershy. "Shall we?" he offered, extending his hoof to help her down from the stage.

Fluttershy smiled once more, although it took great force to do so. She reluctantly took the flowers, and even more reluctantly, took his hoof. "I just need to gather my belongings."

"Ah, actually, my coachcolt, has already fetched your things," Blueblood smiled, clapping his hooves as if he were calling a dog, and the coachcolt came rushing forward, with Fluttershy's coat open.

Time Turner eyed the Prince suspiciously. "You do seem to plan for things well in advance, monsieur," he murmured.

Blueblood turned and smiled, taking Time Turner's words as a compliment. "Thank you…but what is this 'monsieur' business? Please, call me Blueblood…" he looked at both Fluttershy and her father, indicating that he wished for them both to be less formal with him.

Fluttershy glanced around the stage warily. She could feel dozens of eyes gazing upon her, some of them curious, some of them envious, and many of them judging. She caught Madam Luna's gaze which chilled her to the bone. The ballet mistress' dark eyes seemed to grow even blacker as she watched Fluttershy politely take Blueblood's arm as he led her out of the auditorium.

She could only begin to imagine what some of them were thinking of her…

Blueblood led her out the doors into the cold night air, his finest carriage being pulled by four beautiful snowy white horses, waiting for their departure. Time Turner followed them all the way out to the carriage, and watched with unease as Blueblood helped Fluttershy inside. "Monsieur," he reached out and grasped the Prince's arm before he could climb in after her.

Blueblood turned, his eyes filled with confusion, as well as some annoyance with being delayed. "Please Monsieur Time Turner, call me–"

"Blueblood," Time Turner finally muttered. "It…it has been a very long day for my daughter, she has been singing all morning and afternoon, and…I do not think she has entirely recovered from her brief illness two days ago, I…I think it would be best if…if perhaps you bring her home within the hour."

Blueblood stared at the old stallion as if he had been told that Fluttershy herself was the Phantom of the Opera. The hoofsome stallion's face broke into a smile, and then rich deep laughter erupted from his chest.

Time Turner scowled at the way his concern was being mocked. He was beginning to understand his daughter's disdain for the stallion.

"Oh…forgive me, forgive me," Blueblood sighed, his laugh tapering off. "You did say that…you wish me to bring Fluttershy home within the hour?"

Time Turner lifted his chin stubbornly. "Indeed, monsieur, and I do not appreciate my concern for my daughter's health to be mocked!"

All the jest that was alight in Blueblood's eyes vanished. He did not appreciate ponies giving him orders, especially when the pony was an old lunatic. However, instead of letting his irritation show, he put on another charming smile, and reached out to give the old stallion's shoulder a firm squeeze. "Forgive me," he bowed. "I assure you, I will have her home before midnight; she will get the rest that she rightly deserves," without another word or glance, Blueblood released Time Turner and climbed inside the carriage. "And good luck to you, monsieur, with your violin playing!" he called out, just as the carriage driver cracked his whip.

Fluttershy leaned her head out to look at her father for a brief moment as the carriage began to pull away, the worry clearly evident in his eyes. She truly doubted the sense in her plan.

Blueblood watched her intently as she settled herself back in her seat. He noticed how rigid she sat, how every muscle in her body was on full alert. "Relax, my dear," he murmured warmly. "You have had a hard day from the sound of it," he smiled, reaching into a basket that lay under his seat.

Fluttershy knew that when she was alone with the Prince, she would never truly relax.

She watched as he pulled out a bottle of champagne and two glasses. "I think we can begin our celebration somewhat early. After all, you do deserve it," he grinned, popping the cork off the bottle and happily pouring himself a glass.

"No thank you," Fluttershy replied, as Blueblood handed her the glass. "I prefer to wait until we are at dinner."

The Prince scowled, but only momentarily. "As you wish, mademoiselle," he smiled, lifting the glass in her direction, before taking a sip of it.

Fluttershy smiled, but it was still a smile of nervousness. She wanted to have all her wits about her, especially when they were alone together in a carriage. But it was most disconcerting to watch him drink–what if he lost all of his wits? Her hooves simply tightened about her purse and she turned her eyes to gaze out the carriage window. "I must say," she began, hoping to distract him with conversation; she detested the way he eyed her. "I was surprised to see you at the opera house."

Blueblood, who was gazing at Fluttershy's skirt and imagining what her legs looked like under it, was momentarily shaken by her words. "Surprised?" he asked, taking another sip of champagne. "But you knew–"

"I meant I was surprised because I did not think you would be taking me to dinner yourself…I assumed you would be meeting me there, and your driver would take me," she explained.

Blueblood smiled, now fully understanding what she meant. "Well, that would have made excellent sense if I were having you join me for dinner at my town house…however, after your father told me that he would be unable to join us…I made new arrangements." 

As if on cue, the carriage came to a stop. Fluttershy's brow furrowed as she gazed out the window at the lovely stone building with candles lit in every window. "Where are we?" she asked, turning back to the Prince.

Blueblood grinned and climbed out of the carriage after the coachcolt opened the door. He offered his hoof and helped Fluttershy down as well. "Welcome to the Château de Sugar Cube Corner," he smiled proudly. "One of my favorite restaurants in all of Maris."

Fluttershy bit her lip as she gazed up at the elegant building. She always believed that the lacy green gown that she was wearing was quite pretty, but it was nowhere near as stylish a dress for such a fancy place. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as one elegantly dressed couple exited the restaurant, the mare dressed in purple silk, fine jewels, and mink fur, eyeing her with contempt. She tried to reassure herself that at least she would not be alone in his home; surely that would lessen the scandal. However, now that they were being seen in public, who knows what sort of gossip would spread…

As far as Fluttershy was concerned, it was a lose-all situation for her.

"Ah! Monsieur Prince!" a finely dressed waiter greeted them as they entered the restaurant. "So good to see you this evening!" the waiter turned to Fluttershy and smiled down at her, although he too seemed to be judging her simple appearance.

"Pleasure as always, Horte Cuisine," Blueblood grinned. "I trust you have my table reserved and waiting?"

"But of course!" Horte Cuisine replied, happily leading them through the throng of patrons that crowded the front of the restaurant. Blueblood is used to people gazing at him, he probably expects it, Fluttershy thought. But as hard as she tried to keep her head held high, she could not conceal the blush on her cheek as she noticed several people lean in to whisper to one another, while also pointing their hooves in speculation, at her.

"Here we are!" Horte Cuisine happily announced, opening a silken curtain to reveal a small, private dining room, decorated with candles and crushed rose petals, overlooking a beautiful view of the river.

"It's beautiful," Fluttershy whispered.

Blueblood's chest seemed to swell with pride. "Thank you Horte Cuisine, I shall help mademoiselle with her seat."

The waiter bowed graciously. "I will be serving you this evening. I will bring you a bottle of our finest–"

"1854 Bordeaux," Blueblood finished.

Horte Cuisine smiled and nodded his head, before closing the silk curtains behind him.

Fluttershy whispered her thanks as he helped her with her coat and then pulled her chair out for her. It was indeed a lovely room, nothing like she had ever imagined. If only her company were different…

"They have excellent fish here," Blueblood explained as he opened his stallionsu. "Although I find the filet minion is quite excellent as well," he murmured, studying the list of entrees.

Fluttershy knew this wasn't going to be easy; both having to explain to him to stop his attempts at courting her, as well as getting through the meal. Louis, their waiter, arrived in a matter of minutes, opening the bottle of wine that Blueblood had ordered, and taking their orders. As they waited, Fluttershy listened as Blueblood went on and on about himself, talking about his estate in the south, how long it had been since he had last been there, but how he planned to spend the summer months down there, as well as visit several of his favorite casinos. Fluttershy detested gambling, but even if she attempted to show her displeasure, it wouldn't matter; he was too enamored with himself.

"I am thinking of renovating the eastern wing of my estate, it is far too old fashioned," he muttered. "Middle Eastern décor is all the rage here in Paris, I am speculating of building a mosque-like structure on the grounds…I am told that my gardens rival even the most beautiful here in the city. Perhaps I shall have a garden ball on midsummer's eve…yes, it is time I have a party at my estate, it has been far too long…or instead I could invite a few close friends to stay for a weekend; it has been quite some time since I had a hunting party, and there is a great deal of game on my land; fox, rabbit, deer…I must say, I do like that idea far more, however there is the issue of the dogs, I need some new ones, many of them are just too old. Perhaps my winnings from my casino visits can go to purchasing new ones…"

Fluttershy was so grateful when their food arrived; it meant he would have to pause now and then to chew. Had she simply been invited to be an audience to his endless tirade of himself? She was so surprised when he actually directed a question at her, that she nearly dropped her fork.

"How is your fish?" he asked politely.

Fluttershy smiled back, although it was rather forced. "Very good, thank you. A fine recomendation, monsieur."

"Blueblood," he corrected her, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "And I am glad you took my advice. I imagine that your advice is coveted by those who are fortunate enough to receive it…" he murmured. Fluttershy glanced up at him to see the gleam in his eyes; it, like his words, it held many meanings.

"Perhaps you can tell me about my opera?" he went on, taking another bite of his steak.

Fluttershy practically choked on the piece of fish that she was swallowing at his words. "I…I beg your pardon?" she asked, reaching for her water glass and taking a long swallow.

"The opera I am endorsing," he clarified, not having missed the way she reacted to his previous words. "I know very little about it, other than that the composer is a mad stallion," he smiled, before taking another sip of wine. "Please, I would like to know about it from the perspective of a rising star."

Fluttershy blushed at his words, however she frowned when he called Discord a mad stallion. "Very well," she replied. "It's a beautiful story, really…and a tragic one too," she murmured. "A stallion by the name of Don Juan falls in love with a young mare by the name Aminta."

"The part that you play," Blueblood pointed out.

Fluttershy nodded her head and continued. "Sadly, Don Juan was horribly disfigured in a fire–"

"I thought Don Juan was a great lover, like Casanova?" Blueblood interrupted.

Fluttershy ignored his rudeness. "In this opera, little is mentionned of his past. It is eluded that he had many conquests before his accident, but the focus of the story is on his love for Aminta."

"Ah, the tragic love story that is most opera," Blueblood muttered, taking another long sip from his wine glass, before taking the bottle and pouring himself some more.

Fluttershy frowned at his actions, but continued. "Aminta is a country mare who does not find Don Juan frightening…she is fascinated by him, as well as moved with pity for how cruel the world has treated him."

Blueblood cocked one eyebrow at this. "A country mare? How appropriate that you were cast for the role…"

She ignored him and continued. "The devil tricks Don Juan into selling his soul, promising that he will make Don Juan hoofsome once more to win Aminta's heart…but only when Don Juan looks through a particular mirror, does he see how he once looked; to the rest of the world he is…he is–"

"A monster," Blueblood finished for her.

"No, not a monster!" Fluttershy snapped, surprising them both. Blueblood stared at her with question, but Fluttershy adverted her eyes and went on. "Aminta loves Don Juan regardless. But…but there is a horrible mistake…"

Blueblood cocked another golden brow at this. "Mistake? Go on…"

"There is a young stallion who is infatuated with Aminta…and…and Don Juan sees him with her and believes they are lovers, which is false for she loves Don Juan alone."

Blueblood's brow furrowed at this.

"Don Juan seeks out the devil and pleads for the power to overthrow his enemies. Don Juan plots to kill both Aminta and the young stallion he believes to be her lover, and lures the unsuspecting Aminta to his home, where he seduces her with promises of unending pleasure and love…"

Blueblood watched as Fluttershy became more and more impassioned with her tale. Her eyes even seemed to be shimmering with unshed tears…

"But all is made well," Fluttershy sighed, taking in a deep breath. "Don Juan realizes that he can not kill his beloved, and Aminta explains everything. With the help of her love, Don Juan is redeemed and wins back his soul. And…the opera ends with the two of them sharing a beautiful love song…" her voice trailed off into a whisper, and she gasped as she felt the tears that had been swelling beneath her lashes finally find release.

Blueblood silently hoofed her his hoofkerchief, his hooves lightly tapping against his lips as he gazed at her. "Strange," he murmured to himself. "That sounds like a completely different opera…"

Fluttershy looked up at him, seeing the speculation in his eyes. Why did she do that? She inwardly cursed herself for momentarily losing her senses; perhaps it was the wine? She groaned, knowing that it didn't matter how much she drank at dinner, it was no excuse for losing herself in the story of Don Juan and Aminta…the story she and Discord had composed and revised together.

"Now, granted I have not seen every single scene being rehearsed, nor have I read the entire score…but from what I have seen, and what I have read, I recall Aminta having tricked Don Juan, having run away with this young hoofsome lover of hers, and Don Juan succeeding in killing them both…before killing himself, of course," he quickly summarized.

Fluttershy felt like such a fool, and she despised how the Prince, who sat there pretending he knew nothing about the opera, had instead lied and been testing her. "If I had written it," Fluttershy muttered, "that would have been how I would have ended it."

Blueblood could not help but chuckle. "Ah, Fluttershy is a romantic, I see," he grinned. "An interesting idea, I must say…an opera with a happy ending–is that truly opera then?" He continued to chuckle as he took another sip of his wine.

Fluttershy was fuming, but instead of losing her temper, or simply allowing him to laugh at her, she lifted her chin and returned his smile with one of her own. "Happy for everyone but the young stallion," she explained.

Blueblood lifted his brows at this. "I beg your pardon?"

Now she grinned, although there was something cold in her smile. "You said how interesting it was, to have an opera with a happy ending. I was merely clarifying that it was a happy ending for everypony but the young stallion mistaken for Aminta's lover." 

The amusement in Blueblood's eyes vanished. "Meaning?"

Fluttershy took her own wine glass and lifted it to her lips for a sip. "In my version, monsieur…the young stallion is the villain. And in all gothic rostallionces, the villain dies."

The evening quickly came to a close after Fluttershy's final comment on Don Juan. The meal was finished in silence, and now they were both in his carriage once more, being taken to the guest apartstallionst that she and her father presently occupied.

Little was said in the carriage. Fluttershy knew that she still needed to tell the Prince that she would not see him further after this evening. In a few days, she and her father would leave the apartment he kept, and find a place of their own. The sooner the better, she thought to herself. Perhaps Madam Luna could help them? She hated falling back on the ballet mistress, feeling as if she were using her, but Fluttershy knew that the most important thing at this moment was to separate herself as best as she could from the Prince.

"You never told me how you escaped…" Blueblood whispered into the shadows of the carriage. Fluttershy was startled by his question, and practically jumped. He looked very strange…sinister even. There was something in the depths of his eyes that gave her cause to tremble. "I am curious, as I know others are," he repeated. "How did you escape the Phantom's lair?"

Fluttershy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat, not exactly sure how to respond. It was still strange to her that he knew about her staying with Discord. Well, no one truly knew it the way she did, and perhaps it was for the best. Better that they fear the Phantom than know of Discord's tenderness.

"I…I was kept in a cage," she murmured, remembering the costume cages she had originally been locked in. "And…one evening, after giving me my meal…he had not locked the door properly…and I managed to escape."

She was lying. Not only was her story unconvincing, but her very mannerisms betrayed her. However he chose to not press the matter further, at least not at the moment.

The carriage slowed, and the coachcolt quickly climbed down to open the door. Blueblood exited first, helping Fluttershy out, and walking with her to the door.

It was now or never.

"Thank you for joining me this evening," he elegantly bowed, before taking one of her hoofs in his and bringing it to his lips.

Fluttershy, however, quickly withdrew her hoof, and Blueblood found his lips caressing the air instead. He looked up at Fluttershy, his eyes narrowed with confusion. Fluttershy took a deep breath, as well as a step back. "Monsieur, I thank you for all that you have done for my father and I…"

"It was a pleasure," he replied, taking a step towards her.

Fluttershy took another step back. "I fully intend to repay every last bit of money that you spent on our welfare…" There was a strange look in his eyes, one that she could not describe, nor did she wish to dwell upon.

He continued stalking forward. "I told you Fluttershy, that is not necessary, in fact, if you attempt to pay me, I shall refuse it."

Fluttershy's last step brought her back against a stone column near the doors of the building. "You have been most charitable," she practically squeaked. "And…and for aiding my father, I thank you very much–"

"Blueblood, Fluttershy…" his voice was a deep whisper, and he was leaning towards her. "My name is Blueblood…say my name–"

"Blueblood please!" Fluttershy's hoofs were on his chest and she was pushing him away. He had been too close, his body closing in, his lips descending to hers. Crying out his name and pushing him with all the force she could, had momentarily broken the spell that he had been under, and he stumbled backwards, just catching his balance, his cheeks flushed with obvious embarrassment.

"I…I'm sorry," Fluttershy sighed. "But…this must end, tonight…now."

Blueblood stared at her, confusion mixed with irritation, clearly written across his face. "End? What must end Fluttershy? What are you referring to exactly?"

Fluttershy swallowed another nervous lump and lifted her chin. "Any girl would be flattered to be in my place," she sighed. "You're hoofsome, you're charming, you have high social connections, and of course, you're very rich. But…such attentions should be placed on a mare who…who is worthy of taking your arm and entering such fine places as the Château de Suger Cube Corner."

Truth masked as flattery. By enlarging his ego, she hoped she could convince him to leave her be.

Sadly, her words seemed to have had the wrong effect.

Blueblood had been staring at her with wide eyes as he listened to his words; for the briefest moment, Fluttershy saw something wild and dangerous in their green depths. However, it had been fleeting, and the harsh set in his jaw relaxed, replaced by a perfect hoofsome smile.

"Oh my dear Fluttershy," he murmured, reaching out and taking her hoof in his. "What must I do to prove that you are worthy of such attention?"

Fluttershy gasped and felt the color drain from her face. "No, Blueblood, you don't understand, I–"

"Hush," he whispered, as one of his hooves touched her lips. "There shall be no more talk on this tonight. You are sweet girl, Fluttershy Time Turner, always thinking of others," he smiled, and before she could remove her hoof, planted a soft kiss upon her knuckles. "It may take some time to convince you, but I am more than willing to help you see that you are worthy of being seen on my arm."

Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was hearing. The arrogance of the stallion! She sadly recalled their dinner conversation and remembered how it was entirely about him, until they reached the subject of the opera. Oh to be condemned to a life of having to feed his ego every few seconds! Of having to fill his ears with praises, even at the cost of ridiculing herself!

Was it possible for hell to be much worse?

"Goodnight, monsieur," Fluttershy snapped, grabbing her skirts and turning on her heel, leaving him to stare after her retreating figure as she slammed the door to the building in his face.

Blueblood was momentarily stunned by her actions. He couldn't possibly understand what had upset her? "Most likely she is embarrassed by her feelings of self doubt," he reasoned with himself. After all, that was what had to have been bothering her…right? 

Upstairs, Fluttershy burst into the apartment, throwing her coat onto the floor, not caring about anything at the moment, just wanting to retreat to her room where she could be alone with her thoughts.

"Fluttershy?" her father heard her enter and rushed into the parlor. "Are you alright? He didn't do anything he shouldn't have done, did he?"

"No Papa, he was a perfect gentlecolt," she muttered with disgust. "Most of the time." Her father opened his mouth to ask her more questions, but Fluttershy lifted her hoof to indicate that now was not the time. She brushed passed him and went into her room, shutting the door and letting out a frustrated sigh. "Of all the stupid messes I've ever gotten myself into," she groaned. Getting rid of the Prince was going to be more of a chore than she had intended.

A brush of cold wind blew through Fluttershy's hair. Her eyes snapped open and she stared at the open window at the other end of the room. "Oh no…" she gasped. "No…please, please no…" She flew to the window, her hooves gripping the sill as she looked wildly about.

Nothing. Just like the night she thought she saw him standing on the ledge and looking in.

Fluttershy bit her lip and turned to face the room. Had he been there? She would never forgive herself if she had missed him being there. Last night had felt like a dream, but she was so sure that he had been in her room…had he come back?

Then her heart froze as a new horror dawned upon her.

Did he see her with Blueblood?

As if to answer her question, Fluttershy's eyes were drawn to something that lay upon her bed. Silent, cold tears dripped down her cheeks as she gazed upon a single red rose, with a small note attached by a black piece of string.

With trembling hooves, she reached for the rose, and carefully, so as not to damage its petals, she untied the note.

The words cut into her heart more than a thousand knives.

"I gave you my music…made your song take wing…and now, how you've repaid me: denied me and betrayed me…"

Fluttershy's tears were already blotting out the remainder of the words. "No…no, not when I just got him back…" she wailed, before crumpling the note in her palm. She rushed to the window and threw her head out into the night. "DISCORD!" she screamed. "DISCORD, PLEASE!"

Her anguished cries fell on deaf ears, at least on the deaf ears of her intended.

Fluttershy crumpled to the ground, her body trembling from her sobs. She couldn't believe this was happening to her, all over again.

Her worst nightmare was coming true; the tragic tale of Don Juan Triumphant was coming to life.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	

From a safe distance, Derpy watched as her master descended the building he had mysteriously disappeared into for several hours. She had followed the Master that evening, curious to see what it was that was driving him into the cold night air. She had watched the Master leave several nights ago and then once more last night. Tonight, she decided to follow.

Derpy had been distant from the others ever since Fluttershy had left. She had never realized how dark and dismal that place was until Fluttershy left them. She had hoped she would return, but she chose to remain in the world above…although there were some moments she swore she could hear Fluttershy singing.

Things had gone from bad to worse. The Master rarely spoke to them, although in the brief moments she did see the Master, he did not look as unhappy has he had been. Yet that did not improve the emotions of the others; Rarity never smiled, Shortround always frowned while praying, and Rainbow Dash…well, Rainbow Dash seemed more miserable than ever before. As for herself…Derpy had lost all interest in reading ever since she made the discovery about her favorite story.

She sighed and watched as the Master clung to the shadows and began his journey back to the opera house. Whatever had driven the Master out into the cold had not had the happy effect that Derpy had speculated. She could tell by the way the Master moved that he was upset. Best not to reveal herself, Derpy silently thought. She too would cling to the shadows and follow the Master home–

But something caught the hunchback's attention; something in the water of the river…

A reflection.

Derpy glanced up at the object that had been reflected, and he felt his breath escape his lungs at the awesome sight.

Notre Mane Cathedral.

"The p-p-place the h-hunchback lived," she softly breathed to herself. In all her life, she had never thought she would see the place where her story had been set…but there it was, standing proud and tall, its ancient stone filled with stories, and its bells beckoning for her to come closer.

"It's true…" she whispered. "I k-k-know the s-s-story is true…"

Forgetting all about the Master, Derpy turned in the direction of the majestic cathedral, hope flaring in her heart once more.

> Resolve
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resolve

Time Turner gasped with shock as his daughter burst into the bedroom, the bang from the door echoing throughout the apartment. "Fluttershy?" he murmured, sitting up in bed and looking to his daughter for answers, but she gave none, she simply marched over his window and threw open the curtains.

It was barely dawn.

"Fluttershy, what is going on? Are you all right? Answer me, please!"

She finally turned to her father, a determined look upon her face. "I must go. I just wanted to let you know should you awake and not find me here."

Her father was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "G-go? What are you talking about? Go where?"

"The opera house," she simply replied, before turning and leaving the room.

Time Turner stared after his daughter with puzzlement. He had never seen her in such a state. She looked as if she were ready to go into battle and face a great foe, like Goliath. He quickly got out of bed and began to dress at once. As soon as he had pulled his shoes on, he exited the room to find Fluttershy by the door, buttoning her coat.

"What is this all about?" he asked, his tone both worrisome as well as sleepy.

Cherry Jubilee suddenly appeared, a shawl wrapped tightly around her nightgown. "Monsieur? Mademoiselle? Is something wrong?"

"Everything is fine Cherry Jubilee," Fluttershy softly explained to the pretty maid. "And I really must be going, I can not waste any more time," she explained to her father, turning to leave, but Time Turner caught her arm and whirled her around to face him once more.

"Fluttershy, so help me, you will answer my questions!" he nearly shouted. "The sun has barely risen, what do you mean, having to go the opera house?" He paused and softened his voice. "Is this…is this about last night?"

Fluttershy was looking down at her feet. At her father's question she glanced up at him and then briefly at the maid who was practically leaning in to hear every last word.

Her father quickly understood. "Thank you Cherry Jubilee, you may go back to bed."

The pretty redhead jumped as she realized she had been caught and was being dismissed. She gave a small curtsy and then quickly turned and left the two of them in peace.

"Now," he sighed, turning to face his daughter once more. "Will you please explain what is going on?"

Fluttershy groaned and then threw her hooves up in the air out of exasperation. "Oh Papa, everything went wrong!" she wailed, collapsing onto one of the couches in the parlor and burying her face in her hooves.

Time Turner's face paled with concern. "But I thought you said he didn't…" his stomach churned at the horrible idea. "He didn't touch you, did he?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "No, no, other than kissing my hoof and helping me out of the carriage, he did nothing of the sort…but…I'm such a fool," she whispered, her voice dripping with self-hatred. "I felt so sure with what I was doing; I thought that I could explain to him to stop his attempts…" her voice trailed off and she slumped further on the couch.

Time Turner bit his lip and tenderly rubbed his daughter's shoulders. "I shouldn't have let you go in the first place. As your father, I should have spoken with him, it was my responsibility, and I encouraged him–"

"No, Papa," she sighed. "It wouldn't have mattered. I see that now only the plainest, and bluntest language, will work to convince him."

Her father's face softened with sympathy. "What did you say to him exactly?"

Fluttershy groaned as the memories came back. "I thought that by inflating his already over-sized ego, I could successfully convince him that I was a waste of his time. I told him that I was wrong for him, that a pony of his station should place all his attentions on a mare who is worthy to be seen and interact in his stylish aristocratic world."

A small smile appeared on her father's lips. "Oh Fluttershy, but you are worthy. In truth, it is people like him who are unworthy to be seen with you."

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile softly at her father's compliment. "Thank you, Papa," she whispered. "But it was all in vain. My plan backfired; instead of bruising his arrogance by attempting to show him that I was an embarrassment to his title, he tried to 'ease my worries' by telling me that I was worthy enough to seen with him, and then he complimented me on always thinking of others, more or less 'forgiving me' for being of inferior birth."

Time Turner sighed and wrapped his arms around his daughter's shoulders. "Oh my dear," he whispered into her hair. "I truly do not know what it was that I saw in him. I was blinded by his charm and manners, but I see now that he would have made a very poor son-in-law."

Fluttershy couldn't help but chuckle at his words.

"But what does this have to do with you traveling to the opera house so early?"

Fluttershy bit her lip. How did one explain that the stallion, who the rest of the world saw as villainous, was the stallion that had captured her heart? "I…I can't explain that right now," she murmured, "but I will…soon…but right now I must go, for I have already wasted more time than I should!"

Time Turner watched with confusion as his daughter rose from the couch. "Wait!" he called after her, grabbing his own coat and hurrying out the door after her. "I may not know what has gotten into you this morning, or what exactly is going on, but I will not allow you travel alone!"

Fluttershy said nothing; she obediently waited for her father to catch up, but walked very briskly down the wet cobble-stoned streets. She was so exhausted after last night, that she cried herself to sleep after reading Discord's hateful note. Had she not fallen asleep, she would have stormed the opera house walls until she found him.

Hopefully there was still time to do that this morning.

She hastened her steps as her mind reeled with questions. Why didn't she consider the possibility of him seeing her leave the opera house with the Prince? After all, everyone else saw it. Oh what the gossip would be like that day…

"Hang the gossip," she muttered to herself. The only thing that mattered was putting things right with Discord. "He loves me…I know he does!" It had to be true, she felt so sure of it! Somepony who did not have love in their heart for another would not have bothered to leave such a note. She knew now that his reasons for sending her away in the first place had to do with her father, there could be no other answer. And while his words were vile and filled with such hatred…she knew deep within her heart that they were not true.

"No more lies, no more pretenses," Fluttershy softly vowed. She would demand the truth as well as tell it. She shuttered to think how horrible it must have looked if he had seen her with Blueblood on the front steps outside the apartment. She had only just stopped him from kissing her! Of all the stupid ideas! She would make it quite plain the next time she saw the Prince that she was not a candidate to be one of his paramours.

"Don't know what good this will do," her father grumbled as he hurried to keep up with her. "The opera house will surely be locked up."

"The stagehooves will be there," Fluttershy answered back. "And Madame Luna always arrives before dawn."

Her father muttered something, but it was inaudible. Fluttershy glanced over her shoulder at the red-faced stallion who was desperately trying to keep up. "No more lies," she whispered once more to herself. Fluttershy made a solemn vow that before the day was over…she would reveal everything at last to her father. She owed him that much.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The faintest of the sun's rays wove through the cracks in the cavern ceiling just over the lagoon. Discord, standing straight and tall, his black cloak wrapped tightly around his broad shoulders, watched as the rays gently played across the water.

What a fool he had been.

He had no one to blame but himself, he knew that deep down, yet still…of all the ponies in this world…and after she knew the sort of creature he was!

He closed his eyes, feeling his jaw tighten at the memories of watching her leave the opera house on his arm. It couldn't be true! He watched from the roof as she was escorted into the Prince's carriage, before flying to the cellars to retrieve his own black carriage to silently follow. He saw them disappear into an elegant restaurant, and he waited several hours at the end of the street until he saw them once more emerge. He began following them again, until it was clear to him where they were going. He left the carriage a few streets away, before continuing his journey on foot, traveling through the shadows and climbing buildings, until he reached the rooftop of the building at which they stood before.

He remembered cracking the stone pony with his own claw as he saw the Prince advance upon her. And then, to his great horror, he watched as the stallion bent his head to Fluttershy's beautiful face…

He could not bear to see more.

Pure fire ran through his veins. He descended through the window into her bedchamber, placing the red rose he had brought, upon her pillow. He had originally planned to come to her again that night, but to stay…to stay until she realized that she wasn't dreaming, and to fall to his knees and beg for her forgiveness for how he had treated her before.

But it was too late.

His romantic gestures had not been enough to heal the wounds on her heart by his horrific words, and could he blame her? She probably assumed he was toying with her, purposefully confusing her, telling her to leave when in truth...he wanted her more than ever before.

He had driven her into the arms of his greatest enemy.

In a moment of heartbreak and anger, he wrote her the letter and tied it to the rose. He wanted her to feel his pain, for her to know the betrayal that he felt.

It was only later, after he abandoned her room and arrived at the opera house, that he realized it was truly his own fault. He returned the horses and hid the carriage, before descending to his lair. Lord help him, how was he going to get through another day of those blasted rehearsals? What was once his pride and joy had now become something he loathed more than anything; how he despised this opera.

It was pure torture, hearing her beautiful angelic voice reverberate throughout the whole opera house, being so close to her, and yet not being able to reach out and touch her. And now this on top of everything else; oh how wished for death to free him.

"Master?"

Discord turned his head to the sound of the small voice that came from the entrance to the lagoon's cavern. Rarity stood there, a shawl wrapped tightly about her body, her face etched with worry.

"I wish to be alone now," he softly commanded.

"I understand that Master, but…please, this is of great importance."

He glanced at her once more and saw how deeply distressed she looked. His heart, which he thought had turned to stone after enduring  what he saw the previous night, melted at the sight of the tiny mare who had truly been the closest thing to a mother in his life. He sighed and softly approached her, lowering  himself until his eyes were level with hers. "What troubles you Rarity?"

"It's Derpy…I…I haven't seen her since yesterday and I have this…this terrible worry…" she choked back a sob that threatened to escape her throat. "I fear for her life!"

Discord reached out and took one of Rarity's hooves in his paw. "I'm sure she is fine," he reassured. "She is most likely in one of the far northern caverns, keeping to herself. She seems to be doing that more lately," he softly added.

Rarity's brow furrowed. "You're a one to talk," she muttered.

Discord ignored her comment. "Do not worry yourself Rarity; she will reveal herself when she is ready."

But the tiny mare could not be consoled. "No Master, this is different from those other times!" she wailed. "I…I don't know how to describe it, but…I feel something deep in my bones! Something is not right, something…" she bit her lip to keep herself from going into hysterics. "I fear for her life!"

Discord's brow furrowed at her words. "Her life? You believe her to be in danger?"

She nodded her head. "Ever since…" she glanced up at Discord and saw the way his jaw clenched. He knew exactly what she was thinking. "Ever since...she left…Derpy has retreated into complete solitude. She doesn't read anymore, she barely touches her food, and there are many mornings when I awake to see that she has not slept in her bed. But…but this is different from those other times. She…she recently learned that…that I had been lying about her favorite story…"

Discord arched a brow at this. "The Hunchback of Notre Mane?"

Rarity sadly nodded her head. "She hasn't spoken to me since. I had hoped that Shortround…or even Rainbow Dash, could perhaps talk to her, but they have not had any success either…and they are preoccupied with their own problems," she whispered.

Discord softly cursed to himself. He had been blind to all that was going on around him–mainly because he chose to be so. His own selfishness had kept him from seeing the distress of those he had sworn to protect, and now, something could seriously be wrong. He wanted to convince Rarity that Derpy was fine, but even he was having serious doubts.

"Find Shortround and Rainbow Dash and have them begin searching the southern and western corners of the labyrinth. You take the eastern tunnels, and I will search the northern caverns, as well as the catacombs."

Rarity let out a sigh of relief and squeezed Discord's paw tightly. "Thank you Master, thank you so much!"

"Do not thank me until we find her," he muttered, but he gave the tiny mare a reassuring  smile, before squeezing her hoof in return.

Rarity quickly scurried away to find the others to help them in her search. Discord glanced one last time at the lagoon before turning to leave himself. The opera would have to wait; besides, he welcomed a distraction from it.

"Damn it!" Fluttershy cursed as her attempts with opening the hidden door behind the mirror in her dressing room failed once more. There had to be a trigger somewhere! Surely if Discord used the mirror to get to the dressing room, there had to be some way to go back as well.

Her hooves were red, raw, and blistered from all the pulling and prying. She refused to cry, but the frustration was so great that it took every nerve to not let any tears be shed. She gazed at the mirror with both longing and irritation. "Perhaps if I break the glass…" she whispered to herself. Her eyes narrowed at the idea; surely that would be too easy? If anyone broke the glass, then they would be able to get through…but it was the only option she had left.

Upon first arriving at the opera house, Fluttershy went immediately into the auditorium, going directly to the trap door that was backstage, the same door that she took so many months ago that led her to the Phantom's lair.

It was bolted shut.

A stagehoof, who saw her trying to force the door open, stopped her. "Won't do no good," he muttered. "And a pretty thing like you don't want to go down there, believe me."

She ignored the stallion's words, but stood up to face him, wiping the sweat from her brow. "This used to be open before, why can't it open now?"

The stagehoof shrugged. "S'pose the Phantom had his fill of trespassers," he mumbled. "Been bolted for weeks now, all the secret doors," he waved his hoof around the auditorium. "Just as well if you ask me; only askin' for trouble if you go down there."

All the passages were bolted.

It made no sense. Surely Discord continued to freely travel throughout the opera house–perhaps there were passages that the stagehooves didn't know about? She tried to remember all that Discord had shown her in the time she was with him. Sadly, she knew all those secret doorways from the other side; she would have no idea where to begin looking for them now. The only door she could think that the stagehooves didn't know about was the mirror in her dressing room. It had to be a door, she was sure of it! She felt his presence so clearly through it, and what other reason could explain the sudden appearance of all those roses? So without a second thought, she fled to her dressing room, eager to tear open the mirror and find her masked love.

But the project had been harder than she had anticipated.

Fluttershy pushed back several damp waves that had fallen across her forehead, a weary, but determined sigh escaping her lips. So help her, she was going to find him and put everything to right!

With a deep breath, she picked up the wooden cushioned stool that sat by the dressing table, prepared to fling the piece of furniture at the mirror with all her might. "I'd rather have seven years of bad luck than a life without Discord," she hissed to the air. With one last breath, she gave out a battle cry, charging at the mirror with the stool–

"FLUTTERSHY!"

The sound of her name being squealed startled her so, that Fluttershy lost her balance and tumbled forward, going directly over the stool.

"Oh! Oh Fluttershy, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!"

Fluttershy groaned with embarrassment, frustration, and a little pain, as she pushed the cursed stool away from her. She glanced up to see Twilight Sparkle rushing towards her to help her stand. "Are you alright? Oh I pray nothing is broken or sprained…good God Fluttershy, what were you doing?"

Fluttershy forced a smile upon her lips and winced slightly as Twilight helped her stand, her knees feeling the worse for wear. "Rehearsing," she mumbled. "A scene from Act II."

Twilight seemed satisfied with this answer and pressed nothing further. However, the eager expression on her pretty face caused Fluttershy to tremble with slight worry. She had a bad feeling about this…

"Well?" Twilight giggled, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Fluttershy tried to smile back, but she was so confused. "Well…?"

Twilight rolled her eyes but let out another giggle. "Oh don't be modest Fluttershy, we all know!"

Fluttershy felt the color drain from her face. "K-k-know what?"

Twilight groaned, but reached out to grab Fluttershy's hoof. "ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT OF COURSE!"

Fluttershy thought her heart would stop beating. She couldn't believe what she was hearing! However, before she could begin to question Twilight on where she had learned this news, a mass of giggles erupted from the hallway, and over a dozen dance mares scrambled inside the dressing room, each grinning and giggling and demanding to see Fluttershy's engagement Bracelet.

"Knew the Prince liked you…saw how he looked at you ever since the day you came here!" one mare practically shouted.

"I'm so jealous! What is your secret Fluttershy? How can I land a rich husband?"

"Never thought the Prince would settle down, but then you go and snatch him up! How did you do it Fluttershy?"

Her head was spinning with all the questions and the giggling faces that surrounded her. This couldn't be happening…of all the misunderstandings in the entire world…

"MARES!"

Madame Luna's bark echoed off the dressing room walls. All smiles disappeared as a deadly silence filled the room.

The dance mistress stood in the doorway, her scowl darker than the black gown that she wore. "You should be on stage rehearsing!" she hissed. "You dance for one of the most prestigious dance companies in the whole world! And here you are, acting like insolent fillies who are unworthy to dance on that stage!" She moved away from the door and pointed one long finger in the direction of the stage. "Everypony leave at once and begin practice immediately!"

Without another word or glance, the mares quickly filed out of the dressing room in the direction Madame Luna was pointing. Twilight bit her lip and whispered "sorry" to Fluttershy, before hurrying out with the others. "Sorry Mama," she murmured as she past her mother. Madame Luna said nothing; her eyes were now focused entirely on the pretty pink haired mare.

Fluttershy felt like a bug being examined in a jar under Madame Luna's scrupulous gaze. She was still trembling with shock at the news she had just received from the dance. Engagement! She couldn't believe her misfortune.

"I suppose I should congratulate you," Madame Luna muttered. "Although you must forgive me if I struggle with doing so; after all, he is not a stallion worthy of you, but I suppose a hoofsome face, a great estate, and a hefty allowance make up for everything else–"

"I'm not engaged!" Fluttershy practically shrieked with anguish. "I…I don't know where you heard this from but…but it's not true!" She crumpled to the floor, exhausted and upset, the tears that she refused to shed earlier now flowing freely.

The dance mistress continued to keep her calm cool manner, but a great weight was lifted off her shoulders at Fluttershy's declaration. "But…we all saw you leave with him; you took his arm and left in his carriage. Also, it is very well known, not just here, but throughout Maris, that you are staying in his guest apartment. With all the gossip that has been traveling around, an engagement can only be assumed; in some ways it puts you in a better light than before…"

Fluttershy wiped her eyes and looked up at Madame Luna with confusion. "Better light? What…what do you mean?"

Madame Luna sighed and reached out to help Fluttershy to her feet. "Come now Fluttershy…a mare of your station? An actress? Staying in a place that all society knows belongs to the Prince? What do you think people were thinking?"

She always knew that her association with Blueblood would hurt her more than help her…but she had assumed that the rumors would stay at the opera house and amongst the company…she never thought that they would spread further. But after last night, appearing  with him at the restaurant, and leaving with him in his carriage…

"I can't believe how stupid I've become," Fluttershy groaned. "I always thought myself a good judge of character, and a person of sense…I…I thought that such rumors would be squashed since I was with my father, or…or…oh God above, help me," she sighed, her face falling upon Madame Luna's shoulder, her arms wrapping around the dance mistress as new tears sprang forth.

Madame Luna sighed and hugged Fluttershy back, whispering soothing words into her dark hair. "So he did not propose to you?" she asked, lifting Fluttershy's face and gazing into her eyes.

Fluttershy shook her head. "If he had, I'm sure he's the sort of person who would tell every last newspaper in all of France, paying them to put the story on the front page."

"Yes, you are right about that," Madame Luna murmured. "But…but Twilight said she saw you wearing a bracelet?"

Fluttershy's eyes widened with shock.

The bracelet Discord had given to her.

She remembered how Twilight demanded to look at her hoof when she burst into the room, quickly followed by several of dance mares all wanting a peak. Fluttershy had only worn it briefly the day before, after she came into the dressing room and tried for the first time to get through the mirror. But later, when she returned for rehearsals, she hid the Bracelet  once more in her pocket and had not worn it since. She didn't think anyone had seen her wear it, she was sure of it!

Celestia.

Fluttershy let out a shaky breath as she remembered Celestia being with her at the time she was wearing it. And then she remembered Celestia's eyes, which were already glimmering with hatred, falling upon her hooves.

Celestia had seen the bracelet and must have started the rumors. And her leaving with Blueblood only added fuel to the prima donna's vengeful fire.

"Madame Luna, I need your help," Fluttershy whispered. "The only reason I left with Blueblood was because my father promised at the time, that I would have dinner with him. But my father now realizes that the Prince is not the sort of pony one can trust, and further, I tried to tell him that I could not be seen with him anymore, but…it didn't work…" she mumbled, remembering the disaster that was the night before.

Madame Luna's eyes narrowed at Fluttershy's words. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"Oh no!" Fluttershy quickly reassured. "But…I realize now that I will have to be extremely blunt when I next see him…and I know that when that time comes, my father and I can not be at that apartment. Please…can you help us find another place to stay?"

Madame Luna's eyes softened at the young mare's request. "Of course…and you know that you and your father are welcome to stay with Twilight and myself if need be?"

Fluttershy nodded her head, although she hated being a burden to the mare. "Thank you," she whispered. "And the sooner, the better."

Madame Luna nodded her head. "Start packing your things tonight. Tomorrow you can stay with us, and then we will go about finding you both your own place."

Fluttershy let out a great sigh of relief. Being away from Blueblood made her feel so much better; but there was still the matter of telling Discord the truth.

"Madame Luna…I…I know that…that you have connections with…" her eyes glanced towards the mirror, and Madame Luna's gaze quickly followed.

The dance mistress stiffened at Fluttershy's words, but softly nodded her head. After all, she had revealed to Fluttershy on that snowy night not so long ago that she was Discord's liaison with the outside world.

"Tell me how I can get down there, to his realm, please! I must speak with him, it's of urgent importance!"

Madame Luna was entirely caught off guard by Fluttershy's words. "S-s-speak to him?" she stammered, her calm collective appearance momentarily shaken.

Fluttershy nodded her head. "Yes, there's been a terrible misunderstanding, and I need to tell him the truth. Especially now with…with this horrid news circulating." What she wouldn't give to throw her hoof into Celestia's over-made face. "I've been trying for the last hour to get through the mirror, I know it's a door! But I can't find the mechanism to open it…please…do you know a way inside?"

Madame Luna couldn't believe what she was hearing. Somepony actually wanting to get into the Phantom's lair and find the Phantom himself! "Fluttershy…why…why would you…" she shook her head, so many different things running through her mind. "Fluttershy, he kidnapped your father! And he took you prisoner! I…I thought you despised him!" Had she been wrong? She knew Discord claimed to be in love with the mare…but was it possible that Fluttershy loved him as well?

Fluttershy took a deep breath and looked directly into the mare's eyes. "I did once…twice actually," she whispered, recalling what she first thought of him when he took her prisoner, as well as when he told her to leave. "But…in my heart, I…I feel, no, I know that he loves me…still, and…and I still love him."

Madame Luna's pale face only grew whiter at the words. In all her life, she never thought it was possible; Discord felt love, pure, selfless love for another mare. And perhaps even more miraculous was that someone else loved him just as fiercely.

"You and Discord…you…you…"

"Yes," Fluttershy whispered, nodding her head without shame or hesitation.

Madame Luna swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back the tears she could feel stinging her eyes. "You love him?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise.

"Very much," Fluttershy whispered with great sincerity.

"But…but he is so much older…"

Fluttershy smiled softly. "He is practically 20 years older than me, but I would not label a pony of 38 as 'old'. Besides, I am nearly 21...in society's eyes I'm an old maid; not exactly a green mare from the schoolroom."

"Fine, but…but he…" Madame Luna hated herself for doing this. "His face my dear…have you seen it?"

Fluttershy locked her eyes with the dance mistress before nodding her head. "His face holds no horror for me. I will always see him as hoofsome, no matter what the world sees."

Madame Luna was in complete awe. "I never thought I would live to know a day where…where Discord felt love, as well as receive it."

Fluttershy grinned and blinked back the happy tears that shimmered in her eyes. "Nor I," she grinned. "I love him Madame Luna, I love him and he loves me, I just know it, I feel it!"

Madame Luna's brow furrowed at Fluttershy's words. "Has Discord not told you of his feelings?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "No, I mean…yes, he has told me that he loves me, but…" she closed her eyes and groaned sadly. "Before he released me, he…he told me that it had all been pretense, that he was only using me for his own carnal desires."

Madame Luna stiffened at the mare's words. "Did he hurt you?" she whispered.

"Oh no!" Fluttershy defended. "No, I…it made no sense, what he was saying. Because when we…" she blushed deeply and saw the knowing look in the dance mistress' eyes. "He was always gentle…and he took great care when he held me in his arms," she closed her eyes briefly at the beautiful memories. "And he would tell, as well as show, how deeply he loved me," she whispered. "But then, one night, he told me he was finished with me, that he no longer desired my 'services', and then…" she turned away from Madame Luna and wrapped her arms tightly around herself. "And then he told me that he knew where my father was being kept, that he had known all along–"

"That's not true!"

Fluttershy turned her head to look at the dance mistress, her eyes filled with confusion as well as growing hope. "W-w-what?"

Madame Luna reached out and took one of Fluttershy's hooves in hers. "That night, the night you were released from Discord's imprisonment, the night you came to me…was the same night he learned about where your father was."

Fluttershy's eyes widened with shock. "But…but…how do you–"

"I told him," she whispered. "He had sent Rainbow Dash in search of your father's whereabouts, and she and I crossed paths. I helped Rainbow Dash back to the opera house, and revealed the news to Discord," she looked down at her feet and felt a sudden wash of shame come over her. "I…I learned that night that Discord was keeping you with him. Why else would he send someone in search of your father? I confronted him, telling him that it wasn't right, keeping you there, believing that he…that he was being selfish, that he was keeping you as one keeps a caged bird, locked in a cage and being fed to sing for his pleasure. But I never knew that you both…that you both had grown such an attachment to one another…"

Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was hearing. She remembered how there was that tiny voice inside her that never truly believed the harsh words that he said, which told her constantly it was all a lie. "He said those things…to make me leave, so that I could find my father, and help him," she whispered with realization. A part of her always suspected it…but now she knew.

Madame Luna nodded her head. "I believe you are right," she smiled softly, but then a frown clouded her face. "But I have not spoken to him since that night. He will not see me; he will not have anything to do with me, or the outside world. Ever since the night you left, many of his passages have been–"

"Bolted, I know," Fluttershy murmured. "And the mirror?" she asked, hope flaring in her heart.

Madame Luna shook her head. "Discord doesn't think I know this, but yes, it is a door…but sadly, I do not know how it works. I would not be surprised if it can only be opened one way, from the inside. Many of his secret doors are like that," she explained.

"No," Fluttershy whispered, a fierce fire of determination rising within her. "I have felt his presence with me in this room. And just yesterday, I came in here and there were all these roses…I know there must be a way inside!" she looked down at the stool and quickly picked it up. "Perhaps by breaking the glass–"

Madame Luna's hooves took hold of the stool. "You shatter the glass, you find nothing but the wall itself. It is not the mirror, it is what's behind the mirror. The mirror is not the door; it is the cover of the door. It's complicated, I know, but…trust me on this. If you truly wish to get a message to him, but fear he will not see you, then…the only solution I have is to write him a letter."

Fluttershy stared blankly at the mare. "Write him a letter?"

"Yes," Madame Luna replied, as if it were obvious. "Write him a letter, seal it, and then leave it in Box 5."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "But isn't that the Prince's box?"

"Yes, but Discord has lain claim to it for far longer," Madame Luna simply answered. "If he ever makes any requests, he always leaves instructions to leave a note in Box 5."

Fluttershy nodded her head, seeing the sense in that, but would Discord find the note if he were not expecting it? Or did he always check Box 5, no matter what? She had so many questions, and there was so much information for her to grasp. Her note would be simple, and she prayed he would answer it.

She needed to see him. She needed to hear from his own lips that all those things he had said were simply his way of getting her to leave to be with her father. She needed to hear him tell her what Madame Luna had revealed about the knowledge of her father, and more than anything, she needed to know if it was possible for him to still love her? And just as important…she needed to tell him that she still loved him with all her heart.

"I must go and deliver my message," she said with determination. "Thank you, Madame Luna, thank you for everything." She gave the dance mistress a grateful smile and turned to leave, but gasped when she felt the mare's cold hoof grip her arm.

"Just one more thing, my dear," Madame Luna murmured, releasing Fluttershy's arm. "How…how are you feeling?"

Fluttershy looked at her with confused eyes. "How am I feeling?"

"Yes," Madame Luna pressed. "I know that you have been feeling lightheaded and nauseous recently. I was simply curious to know if you have been feeling any better, or if your symptoms persist?"

"Oh," Fluttershy said, somewhat surprised by the question. "I am feeling much better, thank you, I think that day of rest has done me some good," she smiled, but felt it fade away at the stone expression on the mare's face. "I…I do now and then feel nauseous, but I have been able to keep my food down for the most part."

Madame Luna looked at the mare closely and then nodded her head. "Go write your letter. I will take it to Box 5 for you, as I'm sure you are wanted on stage by now."

Fluttershy nodded her head and quickly left the dressing room, hoping that she could manage to pen a few lines before Madam Octavia or the managers lost their patience. She passed several chorus members in the halls, many of whom were whispering at the sight of her. A few stepped forward to wish her congratulations, to which Fluttershy rolled her eyes and pushed past them. She caught Celestia's eye from backstage, and Fluttershy felt her blood boil with anger at the sight of the blonde soprano who was also sending her a similar deadly glare. She felt her fists tighten with anger, and more than anything, Fluttershy wanted to go over to the prima donna and tear out her hair.

But all vengeful thoughts, all urgent hastiness to write her letter to Discord, vanished as she overheard several stagehooves in conversation.

"Did you hear about what happened at Notre Mane?"

"No, what are you talking about?"

"Seems that the cathedral does have its own hunchback!"

"What are you saying?"

"Some poor friar was scared out of his wits early this mornin'. Went to go and ring the bells for morning vespers, and found a monster in the bell tower!"

"You're serious? There was an actual hunchback in the bell tower?"

"Go outside and hear for yourself! It's all anyone's talkin' about on the street!"

"What did they do with the creature?"

"What do you think they did? Arrested him of course! Can't let some monster run around Notre Mane, can you? What a stupid question," the stagehoof muttered.

"MADAMOISELLE FLUTTERSHY!" Madam Octavia's exasperated roar filled the auditorium and the far corners backstage.

Soon, grumbling with irritation, Flim and Flam emerged behind the curtains, their faces set with deep scowls. "Where is Fluttershy?" Flim demanded. "She was due on stage 15 minutes ago, and no one can find her! She's not in her dressing room–"

"You mean that pretty pink-haired mare who's been singing lead soprano?" a stagehoof asked.

The managers rolled their eyes in annoyance. "YES!"

"She was just standing here," the stagehoof calmly explained. "Then but a second later, she was off and running," he lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. "Funny…never seen a mare run that fast. Wonder what caused her to leave?"

> Enlightenment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enlightenment

Blueblood was in a good mood.

The night before, while it had some rocky moments, had been a success. True, he had not been able to seduce her, and his body was aching for release, but he simply continued to remind himself that the fortune that would be left entirely to Fluttershy when the Marquis Filthy Rich died, was practically in his grasp.

Blueblood smiled as the carriage came to a stop outside the police station. Today he would learn the whole truth about the infamous Phantom; he would find the records on the last case that the police investigated at the Maris Opera House, and finally have enough proof for Silverstar and his stallions to help him with setting a trap to catching the Opera Ghost.

Yes, everything was going so well.

"Monsters! Freaks! Creatures that you only thought existed in nightmares! Come see them all at the Ronaldi Carnival!"

Blueblood glanced at the colt who stood in front of the police station, passing out various flyers, a poster tied to his small shoulders as he shouted his advertisements up and down the streets.

"Mornin' monsieur!" the colt greeted, stuffing a flyer into Blueblood's hoof. "Come to the Ronaldi Carnival, only in Maris this week! Five franks is all you need to see all the ghouls and freaks you can imagine!"

Blueblood crumpled the flyer with disgust. "Five franks for a freak show? Highway robbery," he muttered, pushing past the colt. "Go sell your wares further down the street."

The colt glared up at the Prince and spat on the ground before him, before turning and running down the street before Blueblood decided to call the police after him.

"Stupid gypsies and their carnivals," he muttered to his coachcolt. "The sooner they leave Maris, the better." Without a second glance at where the colt had gone, Blueblood entered the police station, his eyes lit with satisfaction as the young officer to whom he had spoken to the day before, stood at the counter.

"Oh! Good morning, monsieur!" the officer greeted. "I searched the records as you requested, and I found three cases."

Blueblood cocked a golden brow at this. "Really?" he pulled his wallet out from his coat and began to count the money he had inside. "And what manner of investigations were these?"

The officer eyed the wallet and licked his lips. "Two murder, one kidnapping," he explained. "The first murder investigation took place about twenty years ago…I say murder because that was what they called it at the time, but it's long since been understood as a horrific accident."

"Really?" Blueblood asked, pretending to be surprised. "What happened?"

"Well, turns out that the stallion, a stagehoof, was so drunk, that he fell from the catwalk high above, during a performance, and got caught in the ropes, thus hanging himself–"

The conversation was lost when the door to the station burst open and Fluttershy came rushing in, her face red and her breathing coming in quick gasps. Blueblood stared at her, completely shocked to see her there, and without another word, grabbed the records that the officer had been explaining to him, and stuffed them inside his coat. "Fluttershy?"

She looked right past him at the officer standing by the counter. "Where is she?"

The officer stared at her blankly. "Beg your pardon, mademoiselle, but–"

"THE HUNCHBACK!" she practically shouted. "WHERE IS SHE?"

Both the officer and Blueblood jumped slightly at her tone. Blueblood took a deep breath and reached out to touch her shoulder. "Fluttershy, calm down, what are you talking about exactly–"

"Don't tell me to calm down!" she snapped, before pushing her way past the stunned Prince, her hooves pounding on top of the counter. "Take me to her!"

The officer was actually trembling before her. "Mademoiselle, I…I can't–hey! You can't go back there!" he shouted, but Fluttershy ignored him, dashing around the counter and going through the back door that she was sure led to the prison cells.

Blueblood stared in surprise as Fluttershy pushed the young officer away from her, actually causing him to fall over from the force, before disappearing through the door. Without a second thought, he quickly followed, curious to what had driven her to this point of madness.

On the other side of the door was a long hallway with various offices. At the end, Fluttershy saw a barred door. That was the door she needed.

There were few officers in the station; after all, it was early morning and many of them were no doubt on their first rounds for the day. The ones that she did see stared at her in stunned silence, before attempting to stop her from going further.

Fluttershy ignored their protests, and attempted to dart out of their grasp. Two officers grabbed hold of her shoulders and began pushing her back, away from the hall that would lead to the prison cells, but Blueblood's thunderous shout caused them to cease. "She's with me!" he barked, pushing the men away from her. He hoped to find her smiling up at him with gratitude, but instead, she continued on her journey, pushing through the door that led to the room where the prison cells were kept.

Fluttershy thought she would choke on the stench that filled the room.

Was this the sort of place her father had been dejected to for all those months? She couldn't believe how horrible it was!

The walls and floors were absolute filth, and everywhere, she saw creeping insects as well as a few fat rats dart in and out of the cells. It was very cold, and the blankets that the prisoners had been given looked to be made of the cheapest cotton. And no one could escape the stench of vomit and urine. She had to get Derpy out of here!

Several prisoners whistled at her as she past, but most of them stared in curious silence. The same men made comments as the Prince passed, whistling at his fancy boots and expensive coat. Blueblood growled at their crudeness, wishing he could ignore them as easily as Fluttershy had.

A small cluster of officers stood near a cell at the end of the hall. Fluttershy could hear them laughing and ridiculing the prisoner inside, throwing pieces of garbage at the poor creature, and then she heard one of the most painful, heartbreaking sounds in her life; Derpy's sob of fear and despair.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" she shouted at the officers, running to the end of the hall and pushing her way past them.

The stallions were shocked at the sight of her standing there, and even more shocked that she was defending the monster inside the cell. "You should be ashamed of yourselves!" she snapped. "YOU'RE THE MONSTERS, YOU BASTARDS!" she saw a tin can on the ground, a remnant of the garbage they had been throwing, and picked it up and hurled it at them, shouting curses to their shocked faces.

"FLUTTERSHY!" Blueblood bellowed, rushing to her side and quickly grabbing hold of her. She was ready to launch herself at the officers and, if given half the chance, gouge their eyes out. "Calm down!" he hissed at her. "You won't be able to help your friend if you don't calm down!"

Fluttershy knew he was right, and Derpy was all that mattered at this point. She wriggled herself free from Blueblood's hold, and turned to face the poor hunchback, who was huddled in the corner, her massive body curled up into a ball.

"Derpy? Derpy, it's me…it's Fluttershy," she whispered, falling to her knees and tapping on the prison bars to get her attention.

Slowly, the hunchback turned her large head in the direction of her voice, and Fluttershy thought her heart would break into a thousand pieces at the pain and fear that she saw in Derpy's eyes.

One whole side of her face was bruised, and there was a deep cut on her brow, which still trickled blood. Rage fueled through her; what had those bastards done to her? "Derpy, it's me, it's Fluttershy," she murmured. "I'm here, I won't let any harm come to you."

Blueblood gasped in horror at the sight of the creature, especially as he turned to fully face them. This was what Fluttershy had come to rescue?

Derpy's soft eyes, which were red and puffy from crying, lit up at the sight of Fluttershy's face. "F-f-f-fluttershy?" she stammered.

"Get away from there, mademoiselle!" one of the officers shouted. "She's a dangerous monster!"

She ignored their words and smiled back at Derpy. "Yes, yes, it's me," she grinned. "I'm here to help you; I'm going to get you out of here." She held her hoof out to him, and Derpy crawled across the grime covered floor to where she stood, her own hooves outstretched to touch hers.

"Mademoiselle! Did you hear what I said? Get away–"

"She's not a threat to me or to anypony!" she shouted at the officer. She turned her attentions back to the hunchback and smiled as Derpy's large hooves tenderly grasped hers.

"I…I h-h-hoped you would come," she whispered softly, a smile spreading over her tear-stained face.

Blueblood couldn't get over the shock of the whole scene. She knew this creature? But even more surprising was the fact that…it knew her!

"Everything will be alright, I promise," Fluttershy reassured, giving her hooves a tender squeeze, before rising to her full height. "Get her out of this thing!" Fluttershy ordered, turning on her hooves to face the officer who was closest.

The stallion stared back at her, hardly believing what he was hearing. "W-w-what?"

"I said," Fluttershy began again, yet now she spoke through clenched teeth. "Get…her…out…of…this…thing."

Blueblood glanced once more at the creature inside the cage.It was a monster! "Fluttershy, I'm not sure that is wise," Blueblood protested. "Look at her! She'll crush you–"

"SHE'S NOT A DANGER!" Fluttershy shouted, before turning to the officers once more. "But I will be, if you don't release her NOW!"

"Mademoiselle," one officer sighed. "We can't just release her; prisoners must be paid for to be released, and who will pay for this–"

"I think over 300 franks in gold will be enough, don't you?" Fluttershy muttered, removing the bag of money that Discord had given her all those weeks ago from inside her coat.

All the stallion, including Blueblood, stared at the bag of money that Fluttershy produced.

"A-a-ample amount, mademoiselle," the officer murmured, before snatching the money from her hooves and producing a set of keys from his belt. "Now stand back, who knows how violent she'll become when we let her loose–"

Fluttershy ignored the officer's warnings, as well as Blueblood's protests, and held her hoof out to Derpy, who carefully and tentatively, exited the cell and took Fluttershy's hoof.

The officers watched him warily, but Fluttershy placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder, which helped Derpy feel safer and calmer. "T-t-they t-threw things at me," she whispered to Fluttershy. "I…I was s-s-so s-s-s-scared."

"There's nothing to be afraid of anymore," Fluttershy soothed. "I won't let anyone ever harm you."

She led Derpy out of the prison, and down the hall, out to the lobby of the station. Fluttershy had taken the blanket from inside Derpy's cell, and threw it over her shoulders. "Hide your face in this," she whispered, knowing how self-conscious she was now that she was out in open daylight. "I will fetch us a carriage."

Blueblood, who had followed them out this whole while, and who was still shocked beyond all belief, finally found her tongue and spoke. "That won't be necessary," he announced. "You may travel in my carriage."

Fluttershy wanted nothing to do with Blueblood, she was sick of the sight of him. But right now, getting Derpy someplace safe, away from the prying eyes of others, was all that mattered. She couldn't afford to be proud right now.

"Thank you," she whispered, before following Blueblood's lead and guiding Derpy to the Prince's carriage. One quick glance from his master told the coachcolt to refrain from asking questions, as the large hunchback crawled inside the expensive carriage.

"Mademoiselle!" one of the officers hissed. "You have to sign papers when we release a prisoner!"

Blueblood glanced at the officer, and then back at the carriage. "I will see to the papers," he reassured Fluttershy, before turning and entering the station once more.

The officer looked extremely agitated. "How am I to explain this to Inspector Silverstar!" he practically wailed. "You have no idea how much trouble it was, bringing that beast in! And now, she's out once more, just like that! Silverstar will have my hide!"

Blueblood could care less what happened to the officer. "Just tell Silverstar the truth; bail was paid for the prisoner by somepony who…apparently knows her." That part distressed Blueblood the most. How did she know this creature? Where on earth could she have possibly met such a monster?

"I ain't never seen anything like that," the officer whispered, his eyes never leaving Derpy's hunched-over figure as Fluttershy drew the curtains in the carriage. "But she seemed to know it! How do you think–"

"I don't know," Blueblood growled. "But I will find out…and I will need your help with that."

The officer stared blankly at the Prince. "Help? How? What can we do?"

"Follow my carriage," Blueblood muttered, as he slid some money into the stallion's hoof. "I want you to keep close watch on Mademoiselle Fluttershy and this…this thing."

The officer stared at the money he had just received and mutely nodded his head. "And…for how long do you wish us to keep watch?"

Blueblood turned his gaze to the carriage and narrowed his eyes as a plan began to brew within him. "Send word to me at the slightest change in activity. If she goes anywhere with the creature, follow them. The second she and the creature are parted, tell me at once, and keep close watch as to where they go!"

The officer nodded his head and then shouted instructions at several men who stood gaping at the carriage. The stallions disappeared, and the officer bowed his head to the Prince. "Everything will be arranged. We'll have an unmarked coach follow you and stay wherever Mademoiselle Fluttershy and the beast go."

"Good stallion," Blueblood muttered, before turning on his heel and exiting the station. With a grimace, he climbed into the unusually cramped carriage and barked orders to the driver.

"I did not realize signing papers would take so long," Fluttershy mumbled, Derpy's shrouded head resting against her shoulder.

Blueblood glared at her from across the carriage, but forced a look of genuine concern on his face. "I had to convince them that you would be safe, and that…she…would not be harmful to the public."

Fluttershy did not trust him, but chose not to press the matter further. She whispered soothing words into Derpy's ear, as her hoof ran back and forth over her shoulder.

Nothing further was said during the rest of the journey. Blueblood was grateful that Fluttershy drew the curtains in the carriage; he did not want to be seen in Maris with this monster. Normally the drive to the apartment was short, but at this moment, it seemed to take agonizingly long.

Finally, at long last, the carriage reached their destination, and before the driver could climb down to open the door, Fluttershy was already half-way out, her hooves grasping Derpy's and helping her down. "Thank you, monsieur," she said quite simply, before turning and ushering Derpy towards the building.

Blueblood's brow furrowed at her tone. "Fluttershy, you can't possibly be serious! You're going to let that…that thing inside with you?"

She paid him no heed; he was not worth wasting her breath upon.

Blueblood couldn't believe this was happening. "Fluttershy, be sensible!" he climbed down from the carriage and followed close behind. "At least let me stay, to make sure you will be safe."

"I'm fine," Fluttershy muttered, fumbling with her door key. "I am in no more danger than I would be if I were taking in a stray kitten," she managed to unlock the door and help Derpy inside. "Thank you for your help, monsieur, I am very grateful for the use of your carriage." Blueblood opened his mouth to respond, but her next words cut him to the core. "However it shall be the last time I will impose upon you. As of this day, I am no longer in need of your charity. Good day to you."

Blueblood stared wide-eyed and open mouthed, as Fluttershy let the door shut behind her.

Had that just happened? What did she mean by that? His hooves ran through his blonde hair, a growl rising up inside his chest. Something was going on, something he did not care for. She knew that creature all too well, and it knew her. She was hiding something…and he intended to find out!

Blueblood turned to go back to his carriage, his eyes spying a smaller coach on the other side of the street. He saw the officers inside it just briefly, and he smiled with satisfaction, glad that they had followed his instructions.

He would deal with Silverstar later. Right now, he had his own research to do. He climbed back inside his carriage and looked at the records he had taken from the station. "Start saying your prayers, monsieur Phantom," he hissed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm s-s-s-sorry I s-scared your maid," Derpy mumbled.

Fluttershy couldn't help but grin just slightly. "It's not your fault Derpy, I had completely forgotten about Cherry Jubilee, but I'm sure she'll be alright."

The second she and Derpy had entered the apartment, the pretty red-headed maid gasped at the sight of the hunchback, before screaming and fainting right there in the parlor. With Derpy's help, they took her to her bedroom, and felt it wise to lock her in there.

Fluttershy then went to work with cleaning Derpy's cuts, washing her hair, and applying clean bandages to the sores on her body. She then cooked her some soup, and gave her a nice warm cup of tea. Poor Derpy was so hungry that she had five bowls in a row! After she had eaten, Fluttershy went to work tending to her tattered clothes. She mended several tears on her shirt, and was now making her a new one from one of the bed sheets in her room. Derpy happily sat on the floor beside her, playing with Carmen, Fluttershy's tiny black kitten. It was very obvious that both the kitten, and Derpy, had dearly missed one another.

"After it gets dark," Fluttershy explained. "I will take you back to the opera house. I'm afraid we'll have to walk, but we'll stay close to the shadows, and at night, few will notice your appearance."

Derpy's face lit up at her words. "Y-y-you are coming b-back?"

Fluttershy stopped her sewing and looked into Derpy's eyes, her heart breaking at the hope she saw. "Only to help you find your way home," she whispered.

Derpy's face fell at her words. "I…I understand…" she mumbled. "Y-y-you h-have to take care of y-your family, just as the Master t-takes care of us."

Fluttershy bit her lip. "How is your master?" she tentatively asked.

Derpy continued playing with Carmen. "He's sad," she answered. "He d-d-destroyed his chamber a-after you left."

Fluttershy gasped as she stabbed her hoof with the needle. However, it was Derpy's words that caused her more alarm. "He destroyed his chamber? W-w-what do you mean?"

Derpy looked at her strangely, thinking her answer had been obvious. "He k-knocked over e-e-everything. And the p-p-piano is broken. It w-won't play anymore."

Fluttershy paled at Derpy's description. She had witnessed Discord's wrathful anger in the past, and she knew he was capable of acting irrationally, but…going so far to destroy a beloved instrument? It was too horrible to comprehend.

"You say he is sad…is he…is he sick?" she asked, fear growing within her that perhaps Discord was now trying to harm himself.

Derpy shrugged his massive shoulders. "I d-don't know…he looks alright, but…Rarity says his heart won't work."

Fluttershy's eyes widened with horror. "What? What do you mean his heart won't work?"

Derpy looked at her once more with confusion. "Rarity s-says that it's broken, meaning h-h-his heart. And if s-s-something is broken, t-t-t-that means it doesn't work. R-r-right?"

Fluttershy didn't know whether to sigh with relief, or out of regret. "You're very perceptive Derpy," she whispered. "And…perhaps you can tell me why you were at Notre Mane?"

Derpy turned her face away to avoid catching her eyes. "I…I…I just w-wanted to see if it was true…" she whispered, a trace of personal shame in her voice. "I t-t-thought perhaps I w-w-would find the gypsy mare there. But…but Rarity w-was right…"

Fluttershy heard the deep regret and sadness in her voice. "Right about what?"

"The story," she mumbled, looking down at the floor. "Rarity t-told me everything; the hunchback a-a-and the gypsy mare…t-they don't live happily e-e-ever after."

Fluttershy paused, feeling her heart swell with sadness at Derpy's revelation. "And…you thought that by going to Notre Mane, you would find Esmeralda? And prove that both she and Quasimodo did fall in love and live happily ever after?"

She nodded her head, and she noticed the tears that were dripping onto the carpet. "It was s-s-stupid, I know," she grumbled, her hooves quickly moving to wipe her eyes.

Fluttershy's heart melted at his words, and she reached out to take one if her hooves in hers. "No Derpy…searching for love and happy endings is never stupid."

Just then, the door to the apartment burst open, and Time Turner came rushing inside, his face streaked with perspiration and worry. "Fluttershy? My God! Are you alright? You just left rehearsal! I've been looking everywhere for you! I–"

He paused when he finally noticed the large hunchback sitting on the floor next to his daughter.

Derpy recognized Time Turner from the last time she had seen him, but she recognized the look of horror that the old stallion wore even more. Derpy quickly rose to her hooves and covered her face with her overly-large hooves, before flying from the parlor into Fluttershy's bedchamber.

Fluttershy noticed the panic that spread across the hunchback's face. She tried to console her, but she was already on her hoovest and running. "Derpy? Derpy it's alright! It's only my father–"

The door slammed shut.

"WHAT THE DEVIL?" Time Turner cried, staring at his daughter in both confusion and dismay.

Fluttershy quickly rose to her feet and crossed the parlor to where her father stood. "Please, keep your voice down! I don't Derpy to be distressed any further than she is."

"DERPY!"

"Papa, please!" Fluttershy hissed. "She's not a threat, she's very gentle, like a filly…please, keep your voice down!" she took her father's hooves and led him to a chair where she forced him to sit down. "I'll make you some tea."

Time Turner reached out and grabbed his daughter's wrist. "No, you will tell me what is going on! You leave rehearsals without any warning; I am trying to reassure both the managers that you are alright, while at the same time, looking desperately for you! I searched every part of the opera house; in fact we had a whole search party looking for you! Oh! And on top of everything else, I hear rumors that you and the Prince are engaged!"

Fluttershy groaned and rolled her eyes. "No Papa, we are not engaged; you know that I do not care for the stallion."

"Well I figured that much was true!" he bellowed. "But how do you explain your disappearance?" he buried his head in his ands and let out a long weary groan. "Good Lord Fluttershy, I feared…" he turned his face away, the tears ready to spill forth. "I thought that perhaps he had taken you again!"

Fluttershy knew who her father was talking about, she didn't need to ask. "I'm alright," she murmured, sitting on the floor beside him, her hooves holding his tightly. "I'm sorry for frightening you, but it was matter of great importance. When I heard the news, I had to go at once!"

The old stallion looked down at his daughter with utter confusion. "What news? Fluttershy, what is that…" he paused and corrected himself. "WHO is that…that…"

"I told you, her name is Derpy," Fluttershy intervened. "And she's my friend."

Time Turner stared at Fluttershy with absolute shock. "F-f-friend? How…when…" his head was spinning from all the questions he had. Nothing was making sense!

Fluttershy took a deep breath, knowing that the time had finally come. "Papa, there is something you need to know. I…I didn't tell you before, because…well, at first it was because I didn't think you would believe me, and even now I'm having my doubts," she muttered. "But mainly it was because I was afraid…afraid of how you would think of me, and afraid of…of what this news would do to you…but, I love you with my whole heart, and I can't lie to you anymore," she sadly sighed, feeling the tears beginning to sting her eyes.

Time Turner looked at his daughter and felt his blood turn to ice. "Fluttershy…w-what is wrong? What are you trying to say?"

Fluttershy blinked back her tears and continued. "Do you remember when you asked me how I managed to escape the Phantom, and I told you that he let me go?"

Time Turner nodded his head slowly, recalling the conversation. "Yes…but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Very much, actually," Fluttershy murmured. "Papa, I wasn't lying; the Phantom did let me go…because of you."

Time Turner's brow furrowed. "Because of me? I don't understand…Fluttershy, none of this makes sense!"

"I love him!" she cried, surprising both herself and her father with her tone.

Time Turner stared at her with shock and alarm. "W-w-what do you mean?" he asked, his voice shaking. With a steadying breath, Fluttershy lifted her eyes to her father's, and one look in their blue depths spoke volumes to him. "Good God…" he whispered.

"Papa, please!" Fluttershy gripped his hooves tightly in hers, forcing him to look at her. "I know he was cruel once, what he did to you was horrible, but…he's changed Papa, he's not the same stallion that he was then."

Time Turner was shaking. "T-t-that horrible, monstrous madstallion…that beast–"

"No Papa! No…he's not a beast, he's not a madstallion…he was kind to me, good to me…he taught me to sing!" she was rambling on and knew that none of this was helping her father. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy rose to her feet and called for Derpy. The door opened a tiny crack and the hunchback peeked out. "Derpy, come here for a moment, please," she pleaded. "I want you to meet my father."

With slow, tentative steps, Derpy emerged, carrying Carmen in hs\er hooves. Time Turner stared up at the giant hunchback and looked back at his daughter for an answer.

"This is Derpy," Fluttershy introduced.

"H-h-hello M-m-monsieur Time Turner," Derpy murmured, her feet shuffling nervously.

Time Turner swallowed the lump in his throat and glanced at his daughter, before looking back up at the hunchback. "H-h-hello Derpy," he nervously greeted.

"Derpy lives below the opera house," Fluttershy explained. "She and her friends, Rarity, Shortround, and Rainbow Dash, all live below, and Discord takes care of them."

Time Turner looked at his daughter then. "Discord?"

"Yes Papa, the Phantom; his name is Discord," Fluttershy explained. "Once upon a time, Derpy, and the others, were kept in a horrible place; a carnival that put their bodies on display for ridicule and money. They were kept in cages, starved, and beaten. And then one day, while the carnival was in Maris, Discord–the Phantom–broke free from his cage, and saved the others from their horrible fate. They escaped into the city under nightfall, and have been living under the opera house ever since."

Time Turner couldn't believe what he was hearing. "H-how…how do you know all this?"

"Because they told me," Fluttershy explained, turning her face to Derpy and smiling up at her. "They are my friends."

Time Turner glanced at the hunchback and then back at his daughter. The creature looked monstrous at first glance, but from the way she tenderly held the kitten in one hoof, and Fluttershy's hoof in the other, Time Turner could see that this creature would never harm another soul.

"I…I remember you," he whispered, gazing up at Derpy. "You wore a shroud then, but…I do remember you."

Derpy grinned at the old stallion's words. "Yes, w-w-we were helping you g-g-get a prop…a s-s-spinning wheel, I think."

Time Turner smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, that's right, and there was a mare with you…and others too."

"Rarity!" Derpy stated proudly. "That w-w-w-was Rarity! And w-was one of the others g-g-grumpy?"

Time Turner thought for a second. "Well, I recall somepony not exactly being thrilled that I was there and wished to see me leave at once."

"That w-w-would be Rainbow Dash," Derpy explained.

Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle at Derpy's words. "Why don't you go and play with Carmen in my chamber, Derpy," she encouraged gently. Derpy nodded her head and gave Time Turner one last smile, before turning and taking the kitten with her back into the room. Fluttershy turned once more to face her father, a sad smile spreading across her pretty face. "Now you can see why the Phantom forbids anyone from entering the cellars."

Time Turner silently nodded his head as he watched Derpy quietly shut the door behind him. "Yes…one look at those creatures and somepony would immediately lock them up."

Fluttershy nodded her head. "Sadly, that was what took me away from the opera house this morning. Some time last night, Derpy wandered outside and went to Notre Mane Cathedral," she sighed as she remembered the hunchback's sad tale. "She adores the story, The Hunchback of Notre Mane for obvious reasons; but she recently learned that the beautiful Esmeralda does not choose Quasimodo, and she had hoped that perhaps by going to the cathedral itself…she could change the story."

Time Turner's expression changed to one of sadness and pity. "Yes, I too overheard the stories today at the opera house, about a real hunchback being found in the bell tower of the cathedral. I can only imagine what the police must have done…"

"I went to the station as soon as I heard the news. Oh Papa, they were throwing things at her!" she hissed with rage. "And it sickens me to think of…of what you must have gone through in such a place."

Time Turner sighed and looked down at the floor. "Not one of my finest memories, I confess," he whispered. "But then again, they all thought me mad. The burdens I bore were nothing, I am assuming, to what your friend Derpy must have endured."

He paused and glanced up at his daughter, who was pacing slightly, trying to ease the rage that he could see clearly written across her face. There were still many questions that needed to be answered, and none as important as the one which dealt with her previous outburst. "Fluttershy…what happened down there, beneath the opera house?"

Fluttershy stopped her pacing and glanced at her father. She was grateful to see the understanding smile on his face, rather than one filled with harsh judgment. She went to him and took his hooves in hers, sitting once more on the floor beside him. "I was so afraid at first…thinking that I had made the most terrible mistake in my whole life. I was thankful, knowing that you were free, but I was terrified, wondering what would become of me, wondering if I would ever see you again…"

Time Turner nodded his head. "I too had similar fears," he whispered, leaning down to plant a kiss on the top of her head.

Fluttershy smiled up at him, but she squeezed his hooves harder, knowing that this would probably be hard for him to understand. "It started slowly at first. We couldn't stand each other," she smiled softly at the arguments she and Discord first had. "But little by little…things began to change. Slowly, we became friends," she whispered. "He heard me singing, and made a bargain with me; he would teach me to sing properly and I would perform in his opera, playing the role of Aminta–"

"You mean he had planned this all along? For you to sing the lead?" Time Turner gasped. Fluttershy nodded her head, and the old stallion sank further back into his chair, astounded by the revelation. "That's why you learned the music so quickly."

"Yes," Fluttershy whispered. "And in exchange for letting him teach me, he would grant me my freedom when the time to perform the opera had come." She looked down at the floor, pausing as the memories flashed before her like photographs. "It seemed like such a simple bargain then…so I agreed, thinking nothing of it," she sighed. "Little did either of us know, that keeping our word would become one of the hardest choices for us to make."

Time Turner reached down and cupped his daughter's chin, lifting her face up so he could see her eyes. "What do you mean Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy took a deep breath and held her father's hooves tightly. "I mean what I said earlier, Papa. I…I love him, and he loves me."

Time Turner stared at his daughter in shock. "That Phantom…you and the Phantom…?"

"Discord, Papa, his name is Discord…and yes, we…we fell in love," she couldn't help it; she was smiling through the tears because the memory was so wonderful. "He learned to trust me, showing me so many wonderful things, revealing all sorts of secrets to his labyrinth world…and I sang for him, not because I had made an agreement, but because I wanted to, and because I could see the pleasure in his eyes when he heard my voice. And…and he never forgave himself, for what he did to you…" she whispered.

Time Turner's eyes widened. "W-what do you mean?"

"He knew I missed you," Fluttershy explained, pausing now and then to wipe her eyes. "And because he did not wish to see me upset, he and his friends would go out into the city, late at night, and search for you. He had been doing this for some time, long before he told me about it. And…and then one night, not so long ago, he learned where you were…" Fluttershy could still hear Madame Luna's information echoing in her ears. The night Discord told Fluttershy to leave was the same night he learned about her father. He had done it all for her and her father…

"I don't understand," Time Turner muttered, his face contorted with puzzlement. "You're telling me, that he, the very stallion who separated us…was also trying to help us be reunited?"

Fluttershy's tears were flowing freely now. "Yes," she whispered. "And Papa, I…I am not a good filly, I do not deserve your love," she wailed, turning her face away. "I was being so selfish; I missed you dreadfully, but…but Discord was right; if he did not throw me out, if he did force me to go…" she couldn't finish her words, she was so ashamed.

Time Turner looked down upon his weeping daughter, his throat going dry at all the information she had just shared. "Fluttershy…" he murmured, before reaching down to gather her up in his arms. Fluttershy clung to him, sobbing against his shoulder, mumbling over and over again how sorry she was, and Time Turner simply whispered soothing words into her hair, his hoof running through her wild pink locks. "It's alright," he whispered. "You're not a bad child…and you're not selfish. You're in love," he explained to her. "And when you're in love, it's hard to think of anything else." He gently took her shoulders and eased her away from him so he could look into her eyes. "I honestly do not believe you would have left me in that prison, Fluttershy, if that is what you fear," he smiled. "But…I won't deny that I am grateful to your Phantom for letting you go to find me."

Fluttershy smiled slightly, but there was still so much more to tell. "Papa, it's true that without the Prince's help, I would not have been able to release you…but I want you to know that Discord did give me over 300 franks, in gold, to help pay for your release."

Time Turner's eyes widened with disbelief. "Over 300 franks?" he practically choked. "Fluttershy, that amount of money…that would have been well over the amount needed to free me!"

Fluttershy's brows rose at his words. "But…but the officers at the station…they said it wasn't enough?"

Time Turner felt his jaw clench. "They lied…they were trying to cheat you out of your money!"

Fluttershy shook her head. "But it was Blueblood they would have cheated; Blueblood who willingly paid the dept to have you released…"

Time Turner knew that the Prince had paid for his release, but he had never known the amount of money that had been spent on his behalf. If he and his daughter were having this conversation two days ago, Time Turner would have assumed that the poor Prince had been cheated from the police, and feel obliged to help the hoofsome noblecolt.

But now…he was beginning to see why his daughter distrusted the stallion. And he remembered the night he burst into the Prince's club, begging for Blueblood to help him free his daughter. The Prince called him a madstallion, insulted Fluttershy's honor, and then had him thrown out! And yes, later he came to the prison and apologized, but…how much of that apology had been true? He had been blinded by the Prince's promises to help him find Fluttershy…but the Prince knew very well where Fluttershy was, after all, he had told him!

Something wasn't making sense. And Time Turner had a cold suspicion that whatever it was…it was sinister.

"Papa? Are…are you alright?"

Time Turner glanced down at his daughter and saw the worry in her pretty blue eyes. "I'm fine my dear, I didn't mean to worry you…it's just so much news to take in!" he murmured, forcing a smile on his lips, although in truth, it was quite strained. "Have…have you been in contact with…with Discord?" he asked, testing the pony's name for the first time.

Fluttershy felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she recalled the night Discord had been in her bedroom. However, she was not ready to go into that much detail with her father. She quickly turned her head and muttered a "no", before her father could read her eyes.

Time Turner sighed, not sure how to respond. He was happy that his daughter had not been harmed while being the Phantom's prisoner…if one could call it that. And it filled him with joy to know that his daughter had experienced and felt love! But the colt…despite what Fluttershy said, the world still saw the Phantom of the Opera as a madcolt, and even if he had truly changed since Time Turner had encountered him, he still had that horrible past, a past that the world would use to judge him. And then, of course, there was the issue of his face…

And did the Phantom truly love Fluttershy as she said? Or was it all a trick? Perhaps he was planning to lure Fluttershy back, to take her once more and to never let her go?

He quickly squished that notion. Of course the stallion loved her! Would a stallion who was simply using her waste his time with trying to learn the whereabouts of her father? Would a stalliom who didn't love her sacrifice his own happiness so that she could be with her family?

No. Fluttershy had at long last found such a stallion worthy of her love, and who Time Turner could tell, by simply hearing his daughter's voice and looking into her eyes, that this stallion did indeed love her. The Phantom was not the monster he once was.

"You must go to him," her father murmured.

Fluttershy's eyes widened with shock at her father's words. "W-w-what?"

He took her hooves in his and helped her rise to her feet. "If you truly love him, Fluttershy, then you must go to him at once and tell him of your love," he pushed a stray wave away from her cheek. "I do not know the full details, and I understand if they are too painful to share…but I have the impression that the two of you did not part well. But I believe you when you say that you love him still…and that you believe he loves you just as fiercely. In fact…I have often felt a mysterious presence overseeing rehearsals," he murmured.

Fluttershy couldn't believe what her father was saying. Was he actually…giving her his blessing? "No doubt he saw you with the Prince the night before," Time Turner whispered. One look at his daughter's crestfallen face, and he knew it was true. "You must go to him at once and explain everything. Tell him that your father is an old fool, and that the Prince's mask was the one that fooled me, not his."

Fluttershy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. She didn't dare pinch herself, for fear of awaking and learning that this was all some sort of dream. "But Papa–"

"I trust you Fluttershy," he smiled, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "And oddly enough, I trust him. I…I do not think he will take you away from me…but I can not bear to know that I am keeping you from him."

Fluttershy didn't know what to say. She was crying once more, only this time it was out of pure happiness. "THANK YOU, PAPA!" she practically shouted, throwing her arms around her father's neck and hugging him fiercely.

Time Turner laughed and hugged his daughter back just as tightly. "Hurry," he whispered. "Night is falling. Take Derpy back to the opera house, but do not leave until you talk to him."

"Oh Papa," Fluttershy sniffled, wiping her eyes and grinning at her father. "I…I don't know what to say…"

Her father smiled. "Oh Fluttershy, seeing your happiness right now…that tells me more than all the words in the world ever could." He kissed her cheek once more, before giving her hooves a gentle squeeze. "Now go."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------	

Discord stood on the roof of the opera house, watching the last of the sun's rays set over Maris. Night was closing in once more, and as soon as the shadows covered the streets, his search for Derpy would continue beyond the opera house's walls.

He and the others had spent the entire day, searching every crevice, every crack, every corner, leaving no stone unturned, looking in all the usual, and unusual places, that Derpy could have hidden. Discord even searched the depths of the catacombs, thinking that perhaps Derpy had somehow wandered into the twisting tunnels that stretched throughout the city.

None of them had had any luck.

"Where on earth can she be?" Discord muttered as the last of the sun's rays disappeared over the horizon. If anything had happened to Derpy, Discord would never be able to forgive himself. He had a responsibility to these ponies, he had promised with his own life to look after them, to care for them, to never let any danger ever come to them–

"Master?"

Discord turned to see Shortround's head poking through the trap door that led onto the roof. "Have you found her?" Discord asked somewhat anxiously. "Where was she? Where is she now?"

Shortround sadly shook his head. "No Master, we have not found her yet…but...we have just learned that earlier today, a hunchback was discovered at…at Notre Mane Cathedral."

Discord blinked several times until finally the news Shortround had delivered sunk in. "Notre Mane?" he practically shouted. He turned away and gripped the edge of roof, rage boiling in him at the horrors Derpy must have endured. "Of all the stupid…" he bit his lip, knowing that placing his rage on Derpy would do no good. "Where is she now?" he demanded, turning to face Shortround once more. "How did you learn this news?"

"Because I told them."

Discord stared at the face of Madame Luna, who was now emerging through the trap door. His eyes narrowed at the sight of the dance mistress who had recently become a thorn in his side. "What are you doing here?" he coldly hissed, the question coming out more like a demand.

Madame Luna sighed and climbed through the trap door and out onto the roof. "I know I am no longer welcome, but I thought you might make allowances for information on Derpy's welfare."

Discord's jaw tightened. "Speak then and be on your way," he growled.

Madame Luna nodded her head. "The news is true. The hunchback that was discovered at Notre Mane was Derpy; I do not know how or why she went to the cathedral, but she was discovered, and the police arrested her."

Discord grunted a curse. "Where is she?" he demanded.

"She is safe now," Madame Luna calmly explained.

Discord stared at the mare with dismay and surprise. "W-w-what? How? Who?"

"Fluttershy," Madame Luna murmured. "She paid for Derpy's release and she is with her. She sent a letter to me earlier this afternoon and wished for me to tell you, in case you were worrying."

Discord couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Fluttershy…Fluttershy rescued her?" he asked, his tone filled with both bewilderment and amazement.

Madame Luna couldn't help but smile. "Yes, I suppose you could call it that. She is quite safe and will be returning later tonight."

Discord stiffened at this news. "Alone?" he asked.

Madame Luna cocked her head to one side. "Why would you care to know?"

Discord rolled his eyes out of irritation, something Madame Luna couldn't help but notice, and couldn't help but grin at. "Do not toy with me, madam," Discord growled. "Just answer my question."

"She didn't say," Madame Luna responded truthfully. "But there are a few things I wish to discuss with you, if I may…" she glanced at Shortround who had been watching their conversation this whole time. "Alone."

Shortround didn't even wait for Discord to dismiss him; he quickly shut the door and left the two of them alone on the roof.

"I have nothing to say to you," Discord grumbled, turning his back to the dance mistress and looking back at the city. "Nor do I wish to hear anything you have to say. Your words and actions have long since haunted my lair that I've come to believe that this place truly is haunted."

"I come seeking your forgiveness."

The words took Discord entirely by surprise. He turned to face the mare, his brow furrowed with confusion. "What?"

"I wish to apologize," she stated once more. "For my accusations, that I now realize, were quite wrong."

Discord glared at her. "You mean your accusations about me raping Fluttershy and using her for whatever sick fantasies I craved at the moment?"

Madame Luna simply nodded her head. "Yes, and for calling you heartless, as well as denouncing your feelings for her. I realize I was in the wrong."

Discord muttered something under his breath and turned to look at the city once more. "If I accept your 'apology', will you leave me in peace?" he muttered.

Madame Luna sighed and softly approached Discord's side. "I can not make promises on that," she whispered. "But I am truly sorry for misjudging you Discord. I see now that your feelings for Fluttershy were genuine and pure."

"Nothing has changed," Discord murmured to the night air. "My feelings remain what they are."

Madame Luna smiled softly at this. "I am glad to hear it, for I know that Fluttershy's feelings remain unchanged as well."

Discord snorted at her words. "I think she has taken somepony else into her heart, somepony tall, blonde, hoofsome, and filthy rich."

Madame Luna shook her head. "Oh Discord, you are a master of illusion. I would have thought that you of all people would have learned to look at things twice before judging them."

She turned and began heading back towards the trap door. Discord turned to watch her go, questions now forming in his mind. "What caused you to finally see that my feelings were true? Divine revelation?" he mockingly joked.

Madame Luna turned and locked her eyes with his before opening the door. "You could call it that," she answered. "After all, everything I told you I learned from an 'angel of music'."

Discord's eyes widened at her words, and he flew to the trap door, stopping Madame Luna from disappearing. "What did you say?"

The dance mistress smiled. "Discord, do you truly believe that Fluttershy, who has shared so much of her heart with you, would turn away from you now, after weeks of pining for you?" She reached out and touched her hoof against his chest. "What does your heart tell you Discord? Trust your heart…sometimes it sees things so much more clearly than our eyes."

Discord stood in stunned silence as Madame Luna began her descent through the trap door. "Oh, and one more thing," she added, before going. "This is very important, and something you need to know."

Discord woke from his trance and looked at the mare with expectation. "Yes? What is it?"

Madame Luna took his hoof in hers and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "I think Fluttershy is pregnant."
> Pursuit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pursuit

"What I wouldn't give for a salt lick."

"Shut up!"

"What?" protested the first police officer. "We've been sitting outside this stupid place for well over…" he dug his pocket watch out of his coat. "Nearly eight hours! How much longer do we have to stay here?"

"SHUT UP!" hissed his partner. "Look!"

The two officers peered out the window of their coach at the door of the apartment building. They noticed Fluttershy emerge first, followed by a large bent over figure, whose head seemed to be covered in some sort of shroud.

"That's them! Just as the Prince said!"

The first officer's brow furrowed. "So what are we supposed to do?"

"Well, the Prince wanted us to follow them, and send word to him at once when the mare and the creature part ways."

The first officer grimaced at this news. "Follow them? Won't that give us away?" he pointed to the interior of the coach they occupied. "Won't it look suspicious if a strange carriage is following them at a slow pace?"

The second officer opened the carriage door and stepped out slowly, keeping his eyes on both Fluttershy and Derpy as they kept to the shadows on the dark street. "We'll have to go on hoof."

"WHAT?"

"Be quiet!" the second officer hissed. "You want them to hear you?"

His partner's face contorted in displeasure. "We have no idea where they're going! Or how far! Besides, I'm sure I remember the Prince wanting us to send him word as soon as they left…why don't I go on and deliver the message, while you follow–"

"Will you just get out of that thing and help me track them?"

The first officer groaned and reluctantly climbed out of the carriage. "I should have joined the army," he grumbled.

"I l-like your father…he s-s-seems very nice," Derpy commented, as he and Fluttershy continued their long night journey back to the opera house.

Fluttershy smiled and gave Derpy's hoof a tender squeeze. "I think my father likes you too, Derpy."

Derpy grinned at her words. "H-h-he didn't look at m-me too s-s-strangely," she stuttered. "A-and he didn't s-scream." A hopeful smile began to spread across her face. "M-m-maybe your father c-c-can come a-and live with us! A-and you can come back?"

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak…but paused at the thought. She didn't know what would transpire once she helped Derpy get back to the opera house safely. She prayed that Discord would see her, let her tell him the truth and hear her out, and she prayed that he too would reveal everything finally to her. She wanted to hear what he felt for her from his own lips, she wanted to look into his beautiful, haunting, amber eyes, and see the truth for herself.

And perhaps…just perhaps, it would be possible, for her world, and his, to join together.

Fluttershy decided it was best to change the subject; she didn't want to get Derpy's hopes up, nor her own just yet, although she could feel so many butterflies flying rapidly about in her stomach. "Tell me Derpy…what was it like? Notre Mane Cathedral?"

Derpy was silent for a moment, and Fluttershy began to fear that perhaps she had brought up unpleasant memories. But then she broke the silence, her voice filled with wonder, as she replied, "It was v-v-v-very beautiful."

Fluttershy smiled at her words. "How beautiful? Tell me everything."

Derpy grinned and began describing everything she remembered; the smell of incense still billowing in the air, the shimmering light of hundreds of prayer candles, and the glow that illuminated the magnificent Rose Window. But all these things paled in comparison to the description of the view of Maris from the bell tower.

"Oh Derpy," Fluttershy sighed. "You are very lucky. You have done something that so few ponies in this whole world have done."

Derpy couldn't help but blush at her words. "T-t-the Master h-has also b-b-been there."

Fluttershy remembered the first time she stood on the roof of the opera house with Discord by her side. That was the day that their friendship began to blossom into something more. "Yes," she whispered. "He told me he had been there. I was very envious," she chuckled.

Derpy smiled tenderly down at her. "Maybe t-t-the Master w-w-will take you there s-s-someday?"

Fluttershy looked up at Derpy and squeezed her hoof. "I would like that very much."

They walked the rest of the way in silence, and with every step that brought them closer, so did the butterflies in Fluttershy's stomach become more and more violent.

What would she say to him? There were thousands of things she knew she could say, but what would make him stop and listen to her? What if he refused to speak with her? What if he was angry? Oh God, what if he heard the news about her supposed engagement to the Prince?

Fluttershy fumbled in the pocket of her skirt and found the bracelet that Discord had given her. Without a second thought, she slipped the elegant band on her hoof, hoping that by wearing it she could show Discord that she indeed treasured the gift, and that her heart always would belong to him and him alone.

All too soon, the towering rotunda of the Maris Opera House was in sight, and they were standing but a few feet away from the magnificent structure.

Fluttershy took a deep breath, hoping to calm her nerves. Derpy noticed the stiff way Fluttershy stood, and tenderly took her hoof in hers. "This way," she whispered, leading her to a shadowed corner of a building that stood across the street from the opera house.

"Where?" Fluttershy asked.

"Y-you l-look nervous," Derpy said. "B-b-but don't worry…no one w-will see us this way."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed at Derpy's words, and she opened her mouth to ask her what he meant, but all words were stopped by the sound of iron scraping the pavement.

It was very dark, the place where they stood, but Fluttershy's eyes had learned to adapt to the darkness after all those months of living in Discord's lair, and she could tell that the sound had come from a heavy iron grate that Derpy had lifted off the ground and shoved to one side. She didn't need further explanation as the sound of running water could be heard below.

"The sewer?"

Derpy nodded her head as if somepony asking her this was an everyday occurrence. "It's t-t-the s-s-safest w-way in a-a-and out of the opera h-house," she explained. "If you w-w-w-want to avoid t-t-the usual entrances."

Fluttershy wanted to see Derpy home, safe and sound, and she desperately wanted to see Discord more than anything…but the idea of walking in raw sewage did turn her stomach somewhat. It was going to be difficult enough to make Discord listen to her; she didn't need the added difficulty of trying to talk to him while at the same time, smelling of dead fish and human waste.

"It's alright Fluttershy," Derpy reassured, holding out his hoof to her. "No one w-w-w-will see us if w-we go in t-this way."

Fluttershy swallowed her pride and nodded her head. She only prayed that Discord had strong nostrils.

Taking Derpy's large hoof, she followed him down the dark hole that led into the sewers, wishing her night vision was as good as Derpy's and that she could see where she was going, but at the same time slightly grateful that she couldn't. She bit her tongue as she heard the sound of rats scurrying by, and prayed that her hair didn't get tangled in any cobwebs.

Derpy reached the ground first and helped Fluttershy the rest of the way. "Just a m-moment," she whispered, climbing back up part way to take the iron grate and pull it once more over the sewer entrance.

"Have you traveled this way much?" Fluttershy asked nervously, determined not to shriek as she felt something tiny, with wet scraggly fur, brush past her ankle.

"N-n-not very much…Rainbow Dash s-s-showed this place to me once…and I've seen her a-a-and Shortround, and e-e-even the Master use it. W-while it is the s-safest way in a-and out of the opera house…it is also t-the least guarded."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed at her words. "What do you mean?"

Derpy sighed. "The Master h-has t-t-traps set all over the opera house, t-t-to keep trespassers out. B-b-but because this entrance is s-s-so obscure, not to m-mention very d-d-dark, the Master has n-never felt a need to guard it as w-well as the others. B-b-but he always s-says t-t-that w-we must be careful if we u-use it."

Fluttershy nodded her head with understanding. "Yes, in case somepony does see you use it, you don't want any unwanted visitors."

Derpy nodded her head back, and then, without any warning, turned and picked Fluttershy up. "H-here, d-don't w-w-want you ruining y-your dress."

Fluttershy had been startled by the sudden feeling of being lifted off the ground. "Oh! But Derpy, that is not necessary, I assure–"

"It w-w-wouldn't do," she interrupted. "F-f-for you to see the Master a-a-and have a s-soiled dress."

Fluttershy was moved by Derpy's sweet and simple gesture. "How did you know I wanted to see your master?"

Derpy grinned and let out a small chuckle. "Y-y-you began b-b-breathing m-more and more r-r-r-rapidly the c-closer we got to the opera house," she explained. "O-only ponies who are afraid…or in love, d-do that."

Fluttershy blushed, but couldn't help but smile in response. "Derpy, you may be the world's most perceptive, most wise mare, that ever lived."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Did you see that?" hissed the second officer to his partner, who was trailing behind.

"No," the first officer grumbled, gasping for breath and leaning against a building for support. "T-t-they were moving too quickly," he panted.

The second officer rolled his eyes. "Perhaps if you drank less and exercised more, you wouldn't be as winded as you are now, and you would have seen them disappear, as I did…through that!"

The first officer peered to where his partner had pointed, but all he saw was a tall stone building covered in shadows. "They went into the building?"

"NO!" the second officer groaned in exasperation. "There's a hole in the ground…the big one picked something up and they both disappeared into the ground!"

The first officer threw his hoofs up in irritation. "Well what are we supposed to do about it?"

The second officer just gave him a look, before crossing the street to the place where Derpy and Fluttershy had been standing. His partner reluctantly followed, grumbling all the way, and snorting with disgust when the second officer asked for help with moving the iron grate.

After much straining and cursing, they finally managed to move the grate and peer into the place where Fluttershy and Derpy had disappeared. "You smell that?" the second officer asked, his eyes flying to his partner.

The first officer coughed, and sadly nodded his head. "Wish I couldn't," he muttered.

"It's the sewer!" the second officer gasped. "They're taking the sewer to…to somewhere!"

The first officer rolled his eyes. "And where do you suppose they are going?"

"Only one way to find out…"

The first officer stared at his partner with a blank expression, before his eyes finally widened with the realization at what the other man was suggesting. "No…no, you can not be serious!"

"Come on! We'll lose sight of them if we don't hurry up!"

"No!" the first officer hissed. "I am not going down there to simply follow some…some freak and idiot girl!"

"If you don't come with me now," the second officer warned, "I'll tell the Prince, myself, that you refused to help with this investigation…and not only will that mean that you don't get a cut of the money, but that you won't get any further assignments…because you'll be fired!"

The first officer glared at his partner. "Silverstar wouldn't order us to do anything like this."

"Well, Silverstar isn't running this investigation!" the second officer hissed.

The first officer let out a labored sigh and began to follow his partner who was already descending down the dark sewer entrance. "Seems that Silverstar isn't running much anymore, not since the Prince's been visiting the station…"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------	

Fluttershy was extremely surprised to find where she and Derpy had ended up. She had assumed that the sewer led directly to the underground lake in Discord's lair, but rather, it flowed just away from the opera cellars, in fact, if she and Derpy and continued going straight, they would have traveled the sewer for miles, as Derpy informed her. But instead, they turned a corner at one point, and stopped momentarily, as Derpy wrestled with a large rock, finally pushing it away to reveal a crawl space hidden behind it.

The space was just large enough for Derpy to fit, and she led the way, Fluttershy close behind. It did not take them long to reach the other end of the crawl space, which opened itself up into a large round pipe. Derpy helped Fluttershy out of the pipe, and she gasped as she realized they were standing atop a small ravine that overlooked the chamber where Derpy and the others slept.

Fluttershy couldn't help but grin as she looked down at the place where her dear beloved friends lived, hoping to see there faces (even Rainbow Dash would be a welcomed sight), but her smile faded as she realized the chamber was empty.

"I w-w-wonder w-where they all are?" Derpy murmured out loud.

As if on cue, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Shortround, entered the chamber, each talking all at once, their voices filled with questions and excitement.

"Derpy is all right?" Rarity choked, tears of relief streaming down her face. "That is what she said?"

Shortround grinned and nodded his head. "Yes, she told me that Fluttershy had found him and would be returning him tonight!"

"Tonight?" Rainbow Dash gasped. "How? When?"

"Oh! Fluttershy will be here?" Rarity gasped, her face lighting up with excitement. "Oh how wonderful! I have missed her so dearly–"

"RARITY!"

The three who stood on the ground looked upward and let out a unified gasp as Fluttershy, who was also crying and grinning from ear to ear, waved at them happily.

"FLUTTERSHY!" they practically shouted in unison.

"And Derpy! She brought Derpy just as Madam Luna said!" Shortround gasped with delight, as the large hunchback carefully carried Fluttershy down the ravine.

As soon as Fluttershy's hooves touched the ground, she flew into the arms of her friends, falling to her knees to hug Rarity, reaching out to give Shortround a fierce hug, and even leaping on her feet to hug Rainbow Dash, much to her surprise. She stood stiff as she felt Fluttershy's arms go around her, but even she couldn't help it, and gave in somewhat, her good arm hugging her back.

Rarity was in Derpy's arms instantly after Fluttershy released her. She was weeping over her, and she was crying with her, murmuring how sorry she was for frightening her and the others, reassuring them all she would never do it again. Rarity was just too happy to have her back, that she didn't bother to scold her, she just wrapped her arms around Derpy's head and planted kisses all across her brow.

"Oh, Fluttershy," Shortround sighed, smiling so brightly at the sight of her. "It is so good to have you back! Oh this place has been a tomb since you left!"

Fluttershy blushed but smiled at his words and squeezed his hooves in hers. "Believe it or not, but the world above is not much better without any of you."

"And uh…your father?" Rainbow Dash tentatively asked, trying to keep her emotions under control and not reveal that she was as glad as the others to see her again.

"Oh, he is very well," Fluttershy grinned. "He is doing so much better now that he is free from that place," she reached out and touched Rainbow Dash's cheek, before leaning up on to kiss it. "Thank you Rainbow Dash, for finding him."

Rainbow Dash was blushing from ear to ear. "Y-you know?" she asked, somewhat surprised.

Fluttershy nodded her head and brushed the tears from her eyes. "Madam Luna told me how you found the prison where they were keeping him. Thank you so much," she whispered, trying hard to control her tears of joy at seeing her friends again once more.

"Oh Fluttershy, we have missed you so," Rarity sighed, happiness now replacing her melancholy. "And I am glad to hear that your father is safe and well…and thank you…thank you so much for helping Derpy."

Fluttershy smiled at the mare who was practically sitting on Derpy's shoulder. She opened her mouth to respond, but a chill swept through the air, and everyone turned to the entryway to see the tall, dark, and broad figure of Discord, standing and staring at Fluttershy, his chest rising and falling as if he had just run a marathon.

Fluttershy was frozen in place and felt her breath catch as his dark amber eyes captured hers, holding her gaze to him as a lover holds his beloved in the night. Her throat went dry, her voice disappeared, and Fluttershy was sure that even her breathing had stopped. The presence of the others seemed to have disappeared; all she could see was him…

Shortround looked back and forth between Fluttershy and the Master, and swallowed the lump in his throat before finally speaking. "Derpy is back, Master. Fluttershy…she brought him home, just…just as Madam Luna said."

Discord's eyes never left Fluttershy's when he finally spoke, his voice dark and calm. "I am glad you are safe, Derpy."

Fluttershy thought her knees would buckle at the sound of Discord's voice. It had been too long…

Derpy bit his lip, fearing the punishment he may receive. "I'm s-s-s-sorry I l-left Master–"

"It doesn't matter now," Discord interrupted, his eyes still focused on Fluttershy. "I'm just glad that you're safe."

The others glanced at one another awkwardly, unsure what to say or do. Finally, it was Fluttershy who found her voice and spoke up. "Discord…if…if I may…I wish to talk to you–"

"I'll meet you in your chamber," he simply said, turning on his heel and disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared, his black cape billowing behind him.

Fluttershy felt as if somepony had punched her in the stomach. His voice sounded so cold! So unfeeling! It was as she had feared; he must have heard the news of her false engagement.

But instead of giving way to tears, she lifted her chin high, determined to make him hear what she had to say, and determined to show him how deeply she still loved him. She ran her hoof across and said a silent prayer for God to give her courage and keep her emotions under control.

"It was good to see you all again," she murmured, turning to the others and smiling at all of them, biting her lip to hold back the tears.

"God bless you," Rarity whispered, climbing down from Derpy's shoulder, and reaching out for the young mare, who stooped to her knees to hug the tiny mare fiercely. "It will all be all right," Rarity whispered into Fluttershy's hair. "Have no fear, dear…keep your chin up."

Fluttershy smiled at Rarity's words, brushing away a few renegade tears that had escaped, and with her head lifted high and determination in her eyes, she turned and left the chamber.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ahh! What the hell was that?"

"Keep your voice down! Do you want them to hear us?" hissed the second officer at his partner, who was trailing behind him as they plunged further and further into the sewer.

"That better not have been a rat that just–"

"Shut up!"

"No, you shut up!" the first officer retorted. "This wasn't my idea! We should have just gone and told the Prince when we had the opportunity."

"We'll get the message to him soon enough. Right now, we just keep watch for this mare and…and that thing that's with her."

The first officer groaned and continued to trudge through the sludge and filth behind his partner. "How are we going to watch this mare when we can barely see anything down here? And furthermore, how far are we going to follow them? This place must go on for miles!"

The second officer ignored his partner's protests and continued trudging onward. "This is crazy," the first officer muttered, following close behind, and then cursed when he ran into the other man. "Ouch! Why did you stop?"

"Quiet…"

"No! Why did you stop–"

"BE QUIET!" the second officer hissed, turning and clutching the other man by the collar of his uniform and shaking him. "Look…"

The first officer followed the direction of his partner's hoof, noticing that he was pointing at the ground just off to the left of them. "Hoofprints."

There, on the dry stony ground just around a small turn, was a pair of muddy, filthy hoofprints that stopped at a large rock. "They went through there," the second officer murmured.

The first officer snorted. "I only see one pair…that couldn't be them."

"When have you ever seen a pair of hoofprints that large?" the second officer argued. He had a point; the muddy hoofprints were big enough for the average stallion to fit 2 of his hooves in.

"Well where did they go?"

"I don't know," the second officer whispered. "But I have a feeling that if we move this rock, we'll find out."

The first officer groaned and lifted his eyes heavenward. "Lifting…why did it have to be lifting?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy couldn't believe how after all these weeks of being away, her chamber looked untouched, as if she had been there all this time. A part of her was curious to see Discord's chamber; it was almost impossible to believe what Derpy had told her, that Discord had destroyed his beloved piano. The practical side of her, however, protested to the very thought of disobeying Discord right now, and deep down she knew that if she saw that horrific sight, her struggle to tell him the truth would be even more difficult.

She had been in the chamber for quite some time, and Fluttershy was beginning to worry that perhaps Discord was not going to see her after all. Perhaps he had intended to avoid her all along?

With a weary sigh, she peeled the lacy curtains back from her bed, and sat on its soft surface, gazing at the tiny waterfall that glimmered in the far corner of her room.

She didn't hear him when he entered.

"Is it true?"

Fluttershy gasped and leapt to her feet, turning at once to face him, feeling her legs shake at the hoofsome sight of him.

He was glorious; tall and dark, towering over her like a mountain, reminding Fluttershy how wonderful it felt to be caught in his arms, to be held and crushed in his arms.

His eyes were brilliant; dark and mysterious, and yet their amber color burned with so many different promises: danger, menace, destruction, and passion.

She knew Discord would not believe her if she told him, but she prayed that perhaps one day he would understand when she told him she thought him hoofsome. His features were not classically or fashionably hoofsome, not the same way Blueblood's was; but the rugged lines of his jaw, the sharp angles of his chin, and the unkemptness of his black hair; Fluttershy could not imagine a stallion who looked more desirable.

And yes, even his face and body was hoofsome to her. She gazed at the black mask that he wore which covered both sides of his face, wondering why he had stopped wearing the white-half mask that revealed his unscarred cheek. Truly, this mask was much more menacing, but Fluttershy held no fear for the creature that wore it…simply longing. Longing to touch him, longing to run her lips across his brow, and over his scars, to show him again how much she loved him, how much she desired him.

Discord watched her intently, his muscles twitching from the strain of his willpower. It was all he had, to keep himself from taking two long strides and grabbing her up in his arms. No, he had to stay focused; he needed to know if what Madam Luna had told him was true.

Discord remembered the scene not very long ago when he was on the roof of the opera house and Madam Luna had just informed him of her suspicions over Fluttershy's condition.

He didn't speak. He couldn't speak! His voice had literally been taken from him, in fact, he couldn't breathe!

Fluttershy was pregnant? Fluttershy…his Fluttershy…was with little one? His little one?

"The babe is yours, if that is what is worrying you," Madam Luna muttered when she noticed Discord's face pale at her revelation.

Discord stared at the dance mistress and finally let out a gasp, as if he had been under water. "How…how do you know this?"

"Discord, Fluttershy loves you! She would not, and she has not slept with the Prince–"

"STOP!" he roared, causing Madam Luna to actually tremble from his outburst. "How…do…you…know…that she is pregnant?" he said with short, clipped words.

Madam Luna sighed softly. "All the signs are there; she has been feeling nauseous almost every morning, and has as of late, been prone to light-headedness, even fainting spells."

"That can be a case of ill nerves!" Discord growled, throwing his arms up in the air. "It proves nothing."

Madam Luna shook her head. "Discord, I am no doctor, I do not know for certain, but…as a mare, and as a mother…I know what I see, and I believe that she is pregnant…and it is yours. And don't bother asking yourself how this could be…I think you know the answer to that all too well, even though I'll admit I never thought a creature such as yourself could breed with ponies. . ."

Discord was not one prone to blushing, but in that moment he did feel his face grow hot at the dance mistress' assumption. And she was right; even now, he felt his body tremble with desire as memories of his and Fluttershy's love making returned once more. How many nights since their first encounter had they spent in each other's arms? It was not impossible to believe that sometime during those many nights, they had created a babe together. Discord had never imagined of one day becoming a father…but then, he had never imagined he would find and know love, either.

He knew the second Fluttershy had reentered his world. He felt her presence from far away, and flew to the place where she was, gasping at the beautiful sight of her, her cheeks rosy from the cold night air, her blue eyes shimmering from happy tears, her pink locks, mussed and tangled, and her soft pink lips…curved into a joyous smile as she exchanged greetings with the others. And when she looked at him, as she was looking at him now…he felt as if time itself had stopped, allowing him to take in all the beauty of this moment.

And somewhere, perhaps deep within his imagination, he could hear music; beautiful, haunting music…a cantata playing, just for them.

"Discord…" Fluttershy breathed as she looked at him, standing in the entryway of her chamber.

"Answer my question, Fluttershy," he murmured, his voice soft, but very deep. "Is it true?"

Fluttershy took a deep breath and lifted her head high. "No Discord, it's not."

Discord felt as if somepony had punched him, hard, in the stomach, knocking all the oxygen out of his body. He had not realized, until Fluttershy's revelation, how much the thought of having a babe with her meant to him. He feared the sort of father he would be; he knew nothing about fillies or colts! What would he do? Where did one begin? But the thought of Fluttershy's belly, swelling as each month past, and then the thought of her holding their babe in her arms, nursing their son or daughter at her breast…he felt his throat tightened at the beauty of the image…and he felt his heart stop at the sudden loss of having that.

Fluttershy noticed Discord go still. He would not look into her eyes, and the black mask made it hard for her to read his features. But she could tell something was wrong, simply by the stiff way he held himself. Perhaps he did not believe her?

"Madam Luna was so sure…" he whispered.

Fluttershy shook her head. "No, I explained everything to Madam Luna, it was all a horrible mistake."

Discord looked up at Fluttershy, his eyes filled with confusion and pain. A horrible mistake? She being pregant…with his filly or colt…was a horrible mistake?

A cold feeling washed over him; could he blame her for thinking such things?

Fluttershy bit her lip. What was wrong? Why did Discord look so upset? She thought he would be glad to know that her engagement wasn't true? "Celestia started the whole thing," she explained.

"Celestia?" None of this made sense. "Why would Celestia start such rumors?" he demanded, rage beginning to boil within him.

Fluttershy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat, hearing the angry rise in his voice. "She…she is jealous that I have the lead," Fluttershy softly explained.

Discord began pacing, every muscle taught with building rage. "And naturally she assumed that in your condition, you would not be able to perform."

Fluttershy's brow furrowed at this. "I suppose," she murmured, although she didn't see why the announcement of her being engaged to Blueblood would prevent her from performing in Don Juan. "Perhaps she thought the scandal would cause me to retreat from performing?" After all, the announcement of the Prince being engaged to a chorus mare wasn't exactly the most flattering of news stories…especially for her.

Discord had stopped his pacing momentarily and looked at Fluttershy with burning fury. "Yes…it would create scandal wouldn't it?" he growled. If that harpy tried to take possession of his opera, and do it by means of harming Fluttershy in any way, shape, or form…

He reached out and gripped one of the posts of Fluttershy's bed, causing the whole thing to shake under the force of his paw.

Fluttershy trembled at the signs of his anger. She did not fear for herself, she truly believed that Discord would never harm her…it was him she was worried about. "But Discord, it doesn't matter now," Fluttershy whispered, reaching out for his hoof. "It isn't true, it was just a vicious rumor, I'm not–"

"DOESN'T MATTER?"

Fluttershy jumped at the sound of Discord's roar; the whole chamber seemed to shake from the sound.

He took a deep, calming, breath, not wishing to frighten her. "Fluttershy, forgive me, but…after everything I have witnessed recently, after…after seeing you with…" he couldn't finish the words; he hated that pony so much!

Fluttershy reached out and grasped his paw that held the bedpost. "I don't love him, I never have," she quickly explained, her voice trying to sound soothing and reassuring. "I can only imagine what you must be thinking, after seeing me stay at that place, and then seeing me leave with him only last night…"

"Indeed," Discord growled. "And then hearing this news on top of all that…"

Fluttershy felt the tears begin to slip down her cheeks, betraying her resolve not to cry. "I…I thought you would be happy," she choked, feeling the sobs grow in her throat. "I…I'm so sorry…" How he must despise her…

Discord caught her hoof. "Fluttershy," he whispered, his paw gently massaging her hoof, and his claw moving to lift her chin up to meet his eyes. "Oh my sweet angel," he breathed, before taking her in his arms and holding her close to his chest, feeling her tremble against him, feeling her tears soak his shirt. His arms tightened even more and he rested his cheek atop her head, whispering soothing words into her hair as she sobbed against him. "Do not apologize," he whispered. "I am sorry…I behaved horribly and shouldn't have."

Fluttershy said nothing, she just hugged him even tighter, relishing the feel of his arms around her once more, protecting her, comforting her, shielding her from all the evils that haunted them outside.

Discord ran his paw through her hair, his lips grazing the curs, and his breath warm upon her skin. "Forgive me," he murmured. "I just…I never realized how…how wonderful the thought was, until you told me it wasn't true…"

Fluttershy suddenly pushed herself away from him, her face contorted in confusion and horror. "W-w-what?" she gasped.

Discord stared at her in bewilderment, surprised by her sudden actions, and even more so by the look on her face. He opened his mouth, but her words cut him to the core.

"How…how can you say that?" she practically spat. "Is…is this some kind of trick? Some sort of…of sick revenge game that you are playing at?"

Discord stared at her, his eyes wide with shock. "Trick?" he breathed, before the anger clouded his eyes, nearly turning them black. "TRICK?" he roared. "YOU THINK I WOULD…" he was so disgusted, he couldn't finish his sentence. "OBVIOUSLY YOUR THOUGHTS IN REGARDS TO ME HAVE LESSONED GREATLY SINCE WE LAST WERE TOGETHER!"

Fluttershy felt her own rage boil up and over. "DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT LESSONED THOUGHTS!" she shouted back. "I WAS NOT THE ONE WHO LIED ABOUT MY LOVE FOR YOU IN ORDER TO SEND ME AWAY!"

Discord couldn't believe this was happening. "Ah, so it's come to that, has it? I AM BEING PUNISHED, IS THAT IT? YOU'RE PUNISHING ME FOR GOING OUT OF MY WAY TO FIND YOUR FATHER, AND GIVE YOU BACK A LIFE IN THE WORLD ABOVE?"

"NO!" she screamed back at him. "BUT I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT SOMEPONY LIKE YOU, WHO LIED ABOUT HIS FEELINGS TO ME TO MAKE ME LEAVE…AND WHO SAID SOME HORRIBLE THINGS TO COMPLETE THE ILLUSION," she shouted, "WOULD HAVE AT LEAST BEEN MORE UNDERSTANDING WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH!"

Discord swore under his breath. "The truth? More understanding?" he growled, dangerously low.

Fluttershy's chest was heaving from their argument, but she glared right back at him. "Yes," she hissed.

"FINE!" Discord roared. "YOU WANT THE TRUTH? YES! YES, I LIED TO MAKE YOU LEAVE! I NEVER ONCE STOPPED LOVING YOU, THOUGH!" he shouted.

"GOOD!" Fluttershy shouted back. "BECAUSE I NEVER STOPPED LOVING YOU!"

They both stared at each other for a long moment, unsure what to say or do next.

"If you still love me," Discord murmured, "then why did I see you with the Prince the other night?"

Fluttershy groaned. "My father made the arrangements. He told the Prince I would have dinner with him, and the ONLY reason I accepted was so I could tell him to stop attempting to court me!"

Discord stared at Fluttershy with surprise. "Truly?"

"YES!" Fluttershy shouted in exasperation. "Haven't you been listening to what I have been saying? I never loved the Prince! NEVER! You…" she murmured, her eyes focused steadily on him. "You are the only creature I have ever loved…and will ever love."

Discord took a step towards her. "You mean that?" he whispered.

"Oh Discord, of course–"

"Then why did you…why did you say it didn't matter? Why did you tell me it was a horrible mistake?"

Fluttershy stared at Discord, her head reeling with confusion. "Discord…you're not making sense!"

"You said it didn't matter! You acted as though it was…it was something awful! You're the one who is not making sense Fluttershy!" he charged.

Fluttershy felt her throat tighten once more. "Am I wrong?" she spat. "You're telling me you think it's a good thing?"

"YES!" Discord shouted, advancing upon her and taking her hoofs in his. "Yes, I do…I…in all my life…I have never heard more wonderful news!"

"How can you say that?"

"Because it's the truth!"

Their voices were rising again and they began to talk over each other.

"YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU THINK–"

"YES FLUTTERSHY, I AM TELLING YOU THAT IT IS A GOOD THING–"

"THAT I'M ENGAGED TO THE PRINCE?"

"THAT YOU'RE PREGNANT!"

Silence, far louder than any of their screams, filled the chamber with an awful din that could only be interrupted by a unison, "WHAT?"

"You're…you're engaged to the Prince?"

"You t-t-thought I was pregnant?"

The questions had suddenly switched sides.

Fluttershy covered her mouth and tried to turn away, her face turning the brightest shade of red out of embarrassment and shamefulness for misunderstanding Discord's intentions, but Discord gripped her by her shoulders and forced her to look at him. "What do you mean Fluttershy? Tell me! What were you trying to explain?"

"I…I…" she was shaking all over. Discord thought she was pregnant! Why would he think…?

Oh God.

The nausea she had almost every morning; her sudden dizzy spells that left her feeling light-headed. She had assumed that they were all symptoms of nervousness! But how did bad nerves explain the fact that for nearly two months, she hadn't been menstruating…

"Discord…" she weakly cried, feeling her knees buckle as the realization of it all hit her like a brick wall.

He saw her face pale and her eyes widen with shock; she was assessing everything he had said…and it was then that he realized she had not known what Madam Luna had suspected…until now. Before his name left her lips, he was there, catching her before she crumpled to the ground.

Oh so gently, he laid her upon the bed, his arms never leaving her, never wanting to let her go ever again. And he couldn't if he tried; Fluttershy gripped his shirt like a vice, needing to feel him close to her.

"Ssshh, it's alright," he whispered, his lips moving to her forehead and kissing the skin tenderly. "I'm here…I'm here, my angel."

She began to cry again, but these were not sobs of pain and misery that she had been shedding before. No, this was something completely different; she was crying out of exhaustion, for the sudden weight of everything that was crashing around her. But Discord continued to hold her close, his arms never once loosening; he would be there to hold the weight up so it would not crush her.

"Discord…" she sobbed, her small hooves moving around his waist, her head burrowing further against his chest. "I…I'm so…I'm so sorry–"

"Hush," he soothed. "There is nothing for you to apologize for," he murmured into her hair.

"No, you must…you must know that I am not–"

"Engaged to the Prince?" he finished for her. She looked up at him, her eyes slightly pink from her crying, her cheeks moist from her tears. She was still radiant. "You said you were not, and I believe you," he murmured, his lips gently kissing her forehead once more. "I was listening to what you were telling me…I only now realize what you were trying to say."

Fluttershy snuggled closer to him, wanting to be wrapped further in his warmth. "Everyone assumed because I had left with him the other night, that there was something happening between us," she whispered.

Discord's arms tightened around her, but not out of jealousy. After all, he had her love, what was there to be jealous about? No, he held her tight because he knew that she had been going through hell up there, in the world above. His brave angel had endured much ridicule and scrutiny over the last few weeks since she had returned. Had he known what he would have been putting her through, he would never have made her go.

"A-and Celestia saw me wearing this," she murmured, holding up her hoof which bore the bracelet he had given her.

Discord felt his breath catch as he saw the candlelight glow off the gold. "You have been wearing it?" he whispered.

"Not all the time," Fluttershy whispered, feeling somewhat ashamed. "But I have been carrying it close to me," she looked up into his eyes and smiled softly. "It's very beautiful."

Discord reached out and brushed a stray wave from her cheek. "It pales in comparison to you," he murmured, his paw lightly playing over her skin.

A shiver went through Fluttershy's body at his touch, and she felt her heart begin to melt at the intense way he was looking at her.

"You are very brave, my angel," he murmured, smiling down at her. "You risked revealing our love to the world by wearing my ring, and you faced a predator like the Prince all by yourself. I am in awe of you, Fluttershy."

She looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity of his words. He truly thought her amazing; a strange warmth washed over her from the sweet understanding. She sighed and snuggled her head in the crook of his arm. "And…you believed I was pregnant?"

Discord's soft "yes" reverberated deep within his chest, and Fluttershy felt the sound wash over her, causing her body to tremble once more.

But she knew that they needed to talk about this. She took a deep breath and moved away from him to sit up, slowly turning to face him, a nervous look in her eyes. Discord sat up immediately, seeing the concern that had washed over her face. "Fluttershy? What's wrong?"

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat and took Discord's paw in her hoof, bringing it to rest on her stomach. "I…I didn't think about it until you mentioned it, but…" she looked up into his eyes, surprised to see such tender understanding reflected in them. "I…I haven't been," she glanced down, slightly embarrassed to finish the sentence. "It's been nearly two months since…well…" she looked up at him and Discord softly smiled back, understanding what she was trying to say. "I think…I think it's true…"

Discord's eyes never left hers. And his paw never left her stomach. He didn't say anything at all, but his claw did rise to run across her cheek, before he slowly moved in, and brushed his lips across hers.

Fluttershy moaned and returned the kiss, her hooves rising to touch his masked face. It was not as passionate as some of their previous kisses had been…but it was one of the sweetest, one of the tenderest, and one of the most beautiful, that she had ever experienced.

"Then that is wonderful news," he breathed against her mouth. She opened her eyes and looked into his own to see him smiling. He meant it; he meant every word that he had said.

"Oh Discord," Fluttershy murmured, her smile radiant, her eyes shimmering with love and joy, her hoofs holding his face as she brought her mouth back up to his, moaning as she felt his lips cover hers and kiss her just as fiercely.

She was his; her heart belonged completely to him…as his heart belonged completely to her. Indeed, God had taken mercy on his miserable existence, bringing this beautiful angel into his life, returning her to him even after he forced her away. His arms wrapped around her body and he pulled her even closer, his tongue diving into the depths of her mouth as Fluttershy whimpered his name. She tasted so sweet, so pure, he couldn't get enough.

"Fluttershy…" he growled, his breath ragged as he leaned his forehead against hers, panting from the intense passion that was overtaking them.

Their passionate cries filled the chamber. Discord collapsed atop his beloved, his sweat mingling with her own, his chest heaving along with hers, his heart beating to her rhythm. "Oh Fluttershy," he panted, his lips moving across her flesh. She happily moaned his name and captured his lips with hers once more. They kissed deeply, their bodies still joined and their limbs tangled, both with each other and the sheets.

Nothing was going to part them now, not Celestia's rumors, not Bluebloods attempts, and not even their own foolish misunderstanding.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I hate this."

"Will you be quiet?"

"No!" the first officer protested, extremely tempted to kick his partner. They had both managed to roll away the large rock that blocked the supposed entrance to the crawl space which now they were traveling. The first officer, much to his reluctance, had gone in first, and spent much of the time complaining about how sore his palms and knees were from the crawling. "Should have just gone to the Prince when we had the chance," he muttered.

"Will you stop complaining?" the second officer muttered. "And perhaps spend more of your time moving instead!"

The first officer was well prepared to turn and give in to the temptation of kicking his partner, when something caused him to pause.

Voices.

And he swore he could see a dim light up ahead.

Without any further word, he crawled towards the dim light, and he realized that the space opened up to what looked like a large pipe. Shadows played across the wall just beyond the pipe's exit, and the officer realized that the light was coming from a fire. His suspicions were confirmed as the smell of burning wood filled his nostrils.

"What are you doing?" the second officer groaned.

"Shut up!" the first officer hissed. "I hear something…"

Very carefully, the first officer crawled as silently as possible towards the end of the pipe. His ears were perked as he listened to various sentences he could make out from the voices below.

"–I hope that the Master and Fluttershy clear things up."

"–so nice to have her back! I have missed her so!"

"–I m-m-met Fluttershy's f-f-father…he's v-v-very nice."

"–how long do you think she'll stay this time?"

The officer held his breath as very slowly, very carefully, he poked his head around the pipe's exit just far enough so he could get a glimpse of who was talking.

He had to bite his tongue, quite literally, to keep from gasping at the sight of the freaks before him.

"What do you see?" the second officer whispered.

The first officer began to crawl backwards, and the second officer, instead of questioning what was going on, quickly moved backwards as well, and said nothing further until they reached the end of the tunnel, and were once more on the other side of the crawl space. "WHAT? What did you see?"

"Good Lord," the first officer gasped. "There are four of them!"

"Four of what?"

"Freaks! Monsters! Just like that big one we were following tonight!"

The second officer paled. "All just as big as her?"

"No, not literally like him…but…" he shuddered at the memory. "One was a dwarf, another had…well, her face was grotesque. And then there was this mare with a peg leg!"

The second officer eyed his partner with some disbelief. "You're joking…"

"Do I LOOK like I'm joking?"

The second officer saw by the horror in the other man's eyes, and knew that this was indeed no joke; somewhere, beneath the earth, lived monsters! "What about the mare?"

"Didn't see her," the first officer explained. "Maybe…maybe they killed her?"

The second officer shook his head. "Why would they kill her if she knew them?"

"I don't know!" the first officer protested. "They're monsters! Who knows what they would do?" He shook his head, the image of those creatures still flashing across his eyes. "What now?"

The second officer couldn't help but smile at his partner. "Now, we send word to the Prince."
> Emotion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emotion

For the first time in what felt like centuries…things were right.

Discord moaned as he felt something soft run across his leg. Without opening his eyes, he moved his paw to touch the object, and a content smile spread across his face as his paw wrapped around a shapely smooth thigh.

He moved his head, and found waves tickling his nose. He moaned again as he felt sweet lips kiss the muscles on his chest, before feeling her soft smooth cheek rest once more against him. His other claw rose to tangle in her hair, and his lips found her brow, brushing a gentle kiss across the skin.

Yes, for the first time in far too long, things were right.

"I've missed this," Fluttershy murmured, purring contentedly as she felt Discord's paw caress her arm, which lay across his chest.

"So have I," he whispered, his paw finding her hoof, and bringing it to his lips. "It has been far too long."

Fluttershy smiled and turned her head, so that her chin rested on his chest and she could look into his eyes. "Let's make a promise, here and now, to never let our own foolishness part us again…ever."

Discord smiled down at her and squeezed her hoof tenderly. "Agreed."

Fluttershy grinned and snuggled her head once more against him, her mass of pink waves blanketing his chest. "I must thank my father for his wisdom in telling me to come here."

Discord's paw stilled momentarily by her announcement. "Your father told you to come here?" Had he heard her correctly? The very stallion who had a right to despise him…encouraged his beautiful daughter to return to her beast? "You told your father about us?" 

"Well…not everything," Fluttershy giggled with a slight blush. "But I did tell him how it was you who found him, who gave me the money to release him, and…" she smiled and reached up to run her hoof across his disfigured flesh, "…how you are the stallion I love with my whole heart."

Discord held his breath as Fluttershy revealed everything that had transpired between her and her father. "And…how did he react to this news?"

Fluttershy's smile was radiant, and she leaned up to brush her lips across his. "Very well, actually," she grinned. "My father was fooled by the Prince; he believed Blueblood to be an absolute gentlecolt, and that we owed our lives to him. But I have been able to make him see reason, as well as the truth, and today, when I told him about you…he could see how deeply my love was…and he believed me when I told him that you loved me," Fluttershy nestled her head over his chest so that she could hear his heart beating. "My father is a good stallion, Discord, and as any good father, he wants the best for me…and he knows that the best for me is to be with somepony whom I love and respect," she smiled as she looked up at him. "So he gave me his blessing, and encouraged me to come to you, and to not leave until you heard my feelings."

Discord couldn't help but smile down at her, his paw now tracing her cheek. "Now I understand where your power of amazement comes from," he murmured. "And in all honesty, it's still hard for me to fathom. Your father has a right to hate me, revile me, and distrust me, especially now that I have seduced his one and only daughter."

"My father believes me when I tell him that you are not the same stallion as you were that day you took me prisoner," Fluttershy soothed. "And he can see that for himself, especially after I explained that it was through you that I knew where to find you. He is thankful to you for reuniting us…but he said so himself, he could not bear the thought of keeping you and I apart. He has accepted my choice, Discord," Fluttershy whispered, bringing Discord's hoof to her lips. "He has accepted us."

Discord found himself wondering if this was all some elaborate dream; for the first time in his life, everything that was happening to him was good. After a childhood spent in a cage, and twenty years spent in the cold dark bowels of the Maris Opera House…he was finally receiving everything he could have ever hoped and dreamed for…but had been too cynical to try. He did not deserve God's mercy…but he would forever be thankful for it.

"I never truly doubted, you know," she murmured, her head once again settling on his chest. "There was always a part of me that believed that you were lying, when you sent me away…"

A frown shadowed Discord's face. "Fluttershy, I'm so sorry for that night, I don't deserve your forgiv–"

Her lips stopped him from apologizing further. Discord could not help but welcome the kiss, his paw and claw holding her lovely face to his, until his lungs burned for air. She smiled down at him, and let her lips trail across his scars. "It is forgotten," she whispered. "I know that you did it all because you wanted me to be with my father…and you thought you were doing the right thing, letting me return above–"

Discord's claw and paw lifted her face away so he could look directly into her eyes. "It does not change the fact that I hurt you, Fluttershy," he softly said, his eyes filled with shame and sadness. "And for that, I will never forgive myself. You have a right to hate me–"

"But I don't," Fluttershy reassured, her eyes shimmering with love for him. "We have hurt each other in ways we're not proud of…but despite all that, our love has never lessoned. It has led us back to this place, it has led us back to each other!" she smiled and bent her lips to kiss his once more. "Let us learn from our mistakes, but not let them rule us."

Discord knew that no matter how many years he lived, there would never be a day where Fluttershy wouldn't amaze him in some way. "I thought God had abandoned me," he whispered in awe as his paw traced the soft contours of her face. "But here you are, my angel...with me, here, now…"

"And my heart too," Fluttershy whispered back, feeling fresh tears of joy brim in her eyes. "But it has never left this place…it has always been with you."

Discord's paw tangled in her hair once more and he brought her lips down to his, drinking in her essence, her sweetness, yearning for his taste of heaven. Fluttershy giggled against his mouth as she felt him role her over onto her back, his body moving over hers once more. "Why, Monsieur Phantom," she whispered coyly, "I did not realize you were…up…to three performances a night."

"Amazing what the right audience will do to increase one's stamina, don't you think, mademoiselle?" he growled.

Emotion was welling up deep in his chest. "No…for the first time in my life…everything is so right." He had found love, and even more extraordinary, his angel loved him in return, despite the scars of his face and past. "Fluttershy…do you remember the night I came to you?"

Fluttershy blushed furiously at the memory. "That song was so haunting…so beautiful…I thought I must be dreaming," she whispered. It had perhaps been one of the most sensual and erotic experiences of her life. "But I wasn't," she murmured, gazing into his eyes, before looking down at the bracelet on her hoof. "You left me this, so that I would know of your presence."

Discord shook his head. "I left you that so you would know of my intentions," his large paw and claw enfolded both of hers. "Fluttershy, the song you heard…was a gift of mine, to you."

"A gift?"

"Yes, a song that I had been writing for…months really, a tune that would not leave my head," he explained. "A song that you inspired shortly after we began our lessons…and it continued to grow, until I could not hold it inside me any longer, and I had to write it down." He paused and looked down at her hoof, his paw, large and calloused, delicately tracing her much smaller and softer hooves. "On the night I sent you away…I had intended to sing you that song…" he looked into her eyes and almost lost his breath as he saw her love and understanding reflected back. "And I had also intended to give you this…" he whispered, his thumb running across the ring. "Even after you left…the song wouldn't die. I burned it, even destroyed the piano where I had composed it…and yet the music, the lyrics, everything…it refused to be forgotten."

Fluttershy thought she might choke on the emotion that was bubbling up in her throat. She was trembling, not from cold or fear, but from pure emotion…and anticipation.

"During those dark days that past, when my world of music had become a sarcophagus, I truly wanted to die," his gaze caught hers, and Fluttershy bit her lip to keep herself from protesting. She understood that he needed to finish this first. "And then, on that day when I heard your voice on stage, singing my music, I felt my strength return…and I realized that I did not want to die, I did not want to disappear…I wanted you, I needed you. And the song blazed through me, like wildfire," he lifted her hooves to his lips and gently kissed them. "I had to share my song with you. I could not wait another moment…I came to you that night, and when I held you, when I felt your kiss…my doubts, my fears, were squashed in that moment, and I felt hope come alive within me."

Fluttershy felt the tears trickle down her cheeks as his gaze captured hers once more, his paw and claw bringing her hooves to rest against his chest. She could feel his heart; it was beating rapidly, just as hers was.

"All my life, I have been called many things: murderer, monster, madcolt…and I all my life, I have believed I was nothing more. Until you trespassed into my world, showed me the depths of your love, of your passion, and awakened what little good I possessed with the beauty of your voice…Fluttershy, I would be lost without you. You are my angel, my muse, my savior, and my equal in so many ways." Fluttershy held her breath as his next words slipped past his lips. "Now I am asking you…will you also be my wife?"

She couldn't speak. Her voice had literally been robbed from her! And she couldn't move! It was as if the world around her had frozen and time itself had stopped.

Discord was holding his breath, awaiting his beloved's answer. It had not been the most romantic of proposals; he knew he should have gone down on one knee, despite the fact that he was naked–

"YES!"

The sudden outburst from the mare before him shocked Discord to the core, and before he could respond, Fluttershy had launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and knocking him backwards on the bed. "Yes! Oh yes! If you wish to have me, a silly country mare practically twenty years younger, who is often stubborn, and–"

All other words were lost as Discord rolled her over onto her back and was kissing her deeply. "A simple 'yes' will suffice," he teased, laughing as she purposely pushed him off her, so that she could pin him down and tower over him.

Fluttershy couldn't help but share in his loving laughter. "I can't believe it," she giggled. "I had come here hoping that you would hear me out, hoping that you would believe me when I told you that my leaving with the Prince meant nothing…and now I find myself engaged!"

Discord smiled up at her and ran his paw along her cheek. "Oh my sweet angel…I promise to take care of you, to give you everything I have, so that you will want for nothing." He took her hooves in his once more. "My wealth does not match the Prince's by any capacity, but I do have enough to afford us a comfortable and some-what stylish house here in Maris."

Fluttershy's eyes widened at his words. "A…a house?"

"Of course," Discord chuckled. "I can't have my bride, and the new star of the Maris Opera House, living in a cave for the rest of her life now, can I?"

"But Discord," Fluttershy's eyes were filled with genuine concern. "What of the others?"

Discord's brow furrowed at her question. "They will come with us, of course," he answered, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "After all…they are the closest thing I have in this world to a family. And your father too, if you think he will not mind?"

Fluttershy's eyes were alight with hope. "Oh no, I do not think Papa will object, but Discord, you…you think the others will be alright with this idea?"

Discord sighed, foreseeing the hardships ahead. "It will take much convincing for Rainbow Dash…and we will not be able to keep a staff I'm afraid–"

"I don't mind," Fluttershy cut in. "My father and I have a maid, and while she is very sweet, I am not used to being waited on."

"Well you'll just have to get used to that," Discord growled seductively. "I intend to serve my mare in any way that I see fit…"

Fluttershy giggled and purred happily as Discord's arms wrapped around her back, pulling her down onto the bed, and rolling over until he was on top once more. He kissed her deeply, his tongue teasing hers, and his paw and claw already working their sensual spell on her flesh. "Oh Discord…" Fluttershy whimpered. "I'm so happy…I…I have never been more happy."

Discord paused his kisses and gazed into her tear filled eyes, enchanted by their innocence and beauty. One paw lay flat on her stomach, and he imagined the babe that was already growing inside. His babe he had created with Fluttershy. It frightened him, the responsibility and the expectation of such an event in his life…and yet he meant what he had said earlier when he held Fluttershy in his arms. It was truly, the most wonderful news he had ever been given.

"I know," Fluttershy whispered, her hoof coming to rest over his. "I'm scared too. But we shall have each other."

Discord felt his own tears sting the corners of his eyes. "Do…do you think that…that he or she will…" he couldn't finish the words. He only prayed that the babe would not look anything like him.

Fluttershy's hoof brushed over his scars, and her gaze caught and held Discord's tenderly. "He, or she, will be beautiful, no matter how they look. They will have their father's passion for music, and their mother's talent with needle and pin."

Discord found himself chuckling to Fluttershy's joke. "They will have their mother's beautiful voice," he corrected, "as well as her talent with needle and pin."

Fluttershy shared in his laughter. "And Lord help us, both our temperaments."

Both of them laughed together, before giving way at last to the passions they held inside. The candlelight flickered and washed their bodies in a warm orange glow as they made love once more. If this were a dream, they both prayed that their slumber would never end.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood sipped the brandy from his glass, his eyes focused on the flames that flickered in his fireplace. At the other end of the library, the clock chimed the late hour. It was nearly dawn.

He had not been awake this whole time, only for a few hours, really. His tired butler roused him out of bed, announcing that there were two police officers at the door demanding that they speak with the Prince at once. Blueblood said nothing to explain the late night interruption; he pulled on his dressing gown and went into the library where he awaited the two officers.

As he poured himself a glass of brandy, he listened to their tale of how they had followed Fluttershy and the mysterious hunchbacked monster all the way to the Maris Opera House. Blueblood's suspicions were heightened further as the officers told him that both Fluttershy and the beast disappeared down a sewer tunnel that ran directly beneath the opera house. They continued their pursuit, discovering a pair of muddy hoofprints that led to a secret underground passage, which fed into a large hollowed-out cavern.

"Four of them?" Blueblood asked in bewilderment, after one of the officers described everything he had seen and heard.

"Yes, monsieur, four of the ugliest, most hideous monsters you can imagine! A dwarf mare with a baggy face, a pony who moved by dragging his body by his hooves, the hunchback that we followed, and a mare with piercings–"

"–Don't forget the hook!"

"I was getting to that!" the officer growled at his partner. "And where one of her hooves should be, instead has a rusty hook!"

Blueblood's brow furrowed at this. "Did any of them wear a mask?"

The first officer shook his head. "No mask in all the world could help any of them."

They didn't see the Phantom, Blueblood concluded. None of those creatures sounded anything like the Phantom–freaks and monsters, yes, but not the Phantom. Yet somehow, he knew they were connected to that masked fiend.

"And Mademoiselle Fluttershy?" he inquired. "Where was she?"

The officers glanced at one another and the first one looked down at his boots nervously. "We…that is, I…did not see her with them, monsieur."

Something cold and dangerous flashed in Blueblood's eyes at the officer's revelation. "I see," he murmured, tapping his hoof along the arm of his chair. "And what were the instructions that I left for you, when I asked you to do this for me?"

The two officers glanced at one another. "You…you asked us to keep watch–"

"TO KEEP WATCH ON BOTH OF THEM!" Blueblood roared, throwing his brandy glass into the fireplace, the flames bursting to new life as the alcohol made contact. The two officers jumped at the Prince's actions, and began blubbering apologies.

"She disappeared, monsieur! We tried to keep watch on both of them, honest we tried, but–"

"Save me your excuses," Blueblood muttered with disgust, rising to pour himself a new glass of brandy. "It's obvious that these creatures are minions of some kind to that fiend," he growled. "And Fluttershy knew that one monster all too well."

"W-w-what do you think it means, monsieur?" one of the officers tentatively asked.

Blueblood downed his brandy in one swift gulp. "I don't know," he rasped, "but I'm beginning to form a picture…and it's not one I like." He turned to the two officers, who were slightly trembling under his menacing gaze. "Go and inform your chief inspector about everything you witnessed. Explain that the creature that was causing havoc at Notre Mane lives below the opera house with others like him. And tell Inspector Silverstar that these monsters are a danger to society…but, do not do anything until I give the word."

The two officers glanced at one another before looking back at Blueblood with hopes for more clarification to his plan. "What do you intend to do, monsieur?"

Blueblood turned his back on the officers and gazed into the fire. "Whatever it takes…" he growled, low and menacingly. A few minutes later, Blueblood was alone once more in the library. It would have been impossible to go back to bed; he couldn't sleep now, not with such thoughts running through his head.

She knew that monster; she had called it by name. And the monster knew her.

His pretty Fluttershy was keeping secrets from him, and Blueblood detested secrets.

Thoughts began to flash through his mind. Fluttershy's appearance at the masquerade ball, the lies she spun while in his presence, and how willingly she went into the arms of Red Death. And then her sudden reappearance at the police station only a few weeks ago; how did she know that her father was being kept there? Madame Luna didn't even know that Time Turner was being kept there, so how on earth did she learn the truth? And now this…her desperateness to free a monster, and her mysterious midnight stroll with the creature, which led all the way back to the Maris Opera House, revealing a hidden world that lay beneath the mighty structure.

Indeed, Blueblood recalled the stories that the stagehooves spun, as well as the inquiries of his private investigator; the Phantom lived somewhere beneath the opera house. And based on the information that he had received that evening, there was a way inside the madstallion's world that contained no booby traps to stop them.

Blueblood knew he should be ecstatic at the thought of finally knowing a way to infiltrate and capture the villain, but there was still something that bothered him, something that caused his stomach to twist, something that caused his face to burn…

Where had Fluttershy gone after delivering the monster to its home?

She couldn't have left, at least not the same way that she had gone. Perhaps she gone out a different way, a way through the opera house? That still didn't bring him comfort; it meant that she had–his blood chilled at this thought–it meant that she had been lying to him this whole time.

She never escaped the Phantom, because the Phantom had never been a danger to her!

What had gone on down there, beneath the Maris Opera House, during all those months she had been missing?

Blueblood stomach tightened at the sickening thought. He gripped the mantle above the fireplace and fought the bile that was rising in his throat.

"Monsieur?"

Blueblood turned at the sound of the feminine voice from behind him. A mare stood in the doorway of the library, a hooded cape covering her head.

"Ah, come in Cherry Jubilee," Blueblood greeted, as the maid removed her cape, her fiery red hair spilling over her shoulders. "Have a seat my dear, and tell me all the news that you bring from the Time Turner residence…"
> Dangerous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dangerous

A soft purr escaped Fluttershy's lips as she felt the sun's warm rays fall across her face. Her eyes slowly fluttered opened, and a content smile spread across her lips as she gazed at the pillow next to her.

Had this been yesterday, she may have awoken with a start, surprised to see her surroundings. Had this been yesterday, she may have felt tears sting her eyes as she realized that the beautiful passion she had experienced had only been a dream. Had this been yesterday, her melancholy would still be with her…

But this was not yesterday, it was today, a new day in her life, a day that marked the beginning of a new life altogether.

She was in her bed, back at the apartment, and she was very much alone. But lying on the pillow beside her lay a single red rose, and Fluttershy only smiled further as her hooves softly touched the flower's silken petals. She had no memory of him bringing her back; there was something mysterious and magical about Discord, and a part of her never wanted to discover how he was able to create the illusions he had become a master of. The rose was his promise; his promise of love, his promise of devotion, and his promise that they would soon, very soon, be together again once more.

"Fluttershy!"

The sound of her father's frantic voice startled the young mare, and she rose from her bed at once, wrapping her dressing gown around her just as her father opened the door. "Oh! Thank God, you are here," he sighed with relief as he entered her room. "I did not hear you come in last night," he hastily added.

Fluttershy flushed brightly at his words. "Neither did I, Papa," she softly murmured, a knowing smile stealing its way across her face. Her father didn't hear her, so she quickly concealed her smile and tried to look serious as she could tell her father was extremely troubled by something. "Is something the matter?"

"What?" he had been lost in his thoughts, his brow furrowed as he contemplated a piece of paper that he held in his hooves. "Oh! Oh no, I mean…well, that is to say…" he was extremely flustered. "Fluttershy, last night…" he looked at her and saw the blush in her cheeks. "I…I am assuming you took my advice?"

Fluttershy blushed even further, but her smile could no longer remain concealed and it broke forth, radiating such joyous light. "Yes," she simply said, not being able to hide her grin, even when her hoof rose to cover it.

Her father smiled softly, but his brow still remained furrowed with confusion. "Well…perhaps then you can help me make sense of this…" He handed his daughter the piece of paper that he had been holding and fussing over.

Fluttershy took the paper and began reading its contents to see what concerned him. "Dear monsieur," she began, "I am by no means knowledgeable in such customs, so I hope you shall forgive me if I come across as frank or too bold. Yet perhaps this is the best way when talking about such subjects," she paused, looking at her father with the same confusion.

"Go on," he murmured, pacing back and forth across the room.

"I know that you are a good and honorable stallion who has much love for his daughter," she continued. "And I also know that you have a right to despise me with your last breath, if you so wish it. What I did to you was unforgivable, and I would not blame you at all if you chose to hate me…and yet I find hope rising within me as I write this." Fluttershy paused again and looked at her father with curious eyes. "Papa?"

"Go on," he encouraged, his pacing coming to a stop and his eyes fixing on Fluttershy's face as she continued to read.

"I shall get to the point. I have asked your daughter, and she has given me her consent, and has told me of your blessing, but I wish to boldly ask of it myself…by seeking your permission to marry your beautiful daughter…" Fluttershy paused and held her breath, her eyes slowly rising from the letter to her father's face.

There were many emotions she expected to see reflected in his eyes; seeing the tears streaming down his face was not one of them.

"Oh Fluttershy," he sobbed, falling to his knees and grasping her hooves up in his. "I…I…" he couldn't finish his words, he was crying too hard.

Fluttershy bit her lip, unsure what to say. Was her father pleased? She remembered how he had told her only last night that he wanted her to follow her heart, to be with the creature she loved…but perhaps after she had gone, he had second thoughts? After all, her father's only memory of the Phantom had been a cold-blooded madcolt, not the creature she knew. "Papa…" she swallowed the lump in her throat. "Are…are you displeased?"

Her father looked up at her with wide eyes. "Displeased?" his hooves framed her face and Fluttershy's worries melted away as she saw the joyful smile spread across her father's old worn face. "Oh my dear, I…I confess, he is not exactly the stallion I always envisioned as my future son-in-law…but…" he looked into her eyes and brushed a stray curl from her brow. "I can see your love for him in your eyes…and I can also see his love for you reflected there, as well as in these words," he chuckled. "It goes on actually," he explained, picking up the letter. "He tells me about how he intends to take care of you, that he is willing to find a house in Maris so that you will not be shut away from sunlight, and he even offers that I may stay if I wish…" he smiled in awe and then looked at his daughter once more. "What did you do to him Fluttershy? How…how did you change that monstrous Phantom into…into this gentlecolt?"

Fluttershy blushed but smiled at her father with such happiness. "I think he was always a gentlecolt Papa, he just…didn't have many opportunities to practice."

They both found themselves chuckling, and Time Turner, smiling with such pride and happiness for his daughter, rose to his feet and helped Fluttershy up. "Come, we have a long day before us! And I dare say that you will want to get to the opera house early today…you have much explaining to do for the managers."

Fluttershy grimaced at the idea. Her sudden disappearance did not bode well for her, and she knew that if they were not following the Phantom's instructions, or opening in two days, they would easily dismiss her from the company.

And that was when a sudden realization struck Fluttershy. "Papa, I spoke with Madame Giry yesterday. She has offered to help us find a place to stay, and has offered that for tonight, we may stay at her home."

Time Turner looked at Fluttershy with utter confusion. "Stay with her? But why–"

"Because I told Blueblood we would no longer need his charity."

Time Turner paled slightly at his daughter's revelation. "But…but I thought you said that he did not understand your meaning when you spoke with him that night?"

Fluttershy let out a sigh of frustration, remembering how Blueblood attempted to kiss her, praising her for her what he thought was her "selfless concern for him" because she was poor. She remembered how she had punched Celestia that night her father disappeared, and how good it felt; she wanted to do nothing more than punch that arrogant grin off Blueblood's face.

"He was at the police station yesterday, when I went to free Derpy," she calmly explained.

Time Turner's eyes widened further at her revelation. Blueblood had been at the station? Whatever for? Time Turner did not care for the many secrets the Prince seemed to be keeping. "What happened?"

Fluttershy sighed again and rolled her eyes. "I was desperate to get Derpy out of there. So desperate that…that I accepted Blueblood's offer of bringing us here in his carriage."

Time Turner closed his eyes and softly groaned. He remembered how his daughter once said she believed that the Prince's charity did not come without a price; he could understand that now. "He didn't…he didn't hurt you or threaten you, did he?"

"No," Fluttershy quickly reassured. "But…oh Papa, if you had heard some of the things he had said yesterday, you would have realized how much of a gentlecolt he is not," she affirmed. "He said some horrible things about Derpy right in Derpy's presence! And I could not stand it further, I just…I told him that you and I would not be needing his charity any longer, and left," she softly explained.

Time Turner nodded his head at his daughter's words, but he was still troubled by this turn of events. He could not stop speculating what Blueblood had been doing at the police station. Ever since Fluttershy had told him about the amount of money the Phantom had given her, money that was well over the amount needed to release him, he had been having sneaking suspicions that Blueblood's involvement with his release from prison was not as "chivalrous" as it may have appeared.

"You are quite right, my dear," he murmured. "We must remove ourselves from this place immediately, it would not do for us to be here any longer than necessary."

Fluttershy nodded her head, seeing the growing concern in her father's eyes. "I feel horrible, taking advantage of Madame Luna's hospitality once more, but at the time, I did not know who to go to–"

"It will be alright, my dear," Time Turner reassured, taking her hoof in his and giving it a tender squeeze. "But right now, we must concentrate on two things: getting ready for today's rehearsal…and getting out of this place." He turned to the doorway and cried out Cherry Jubilee's name. Normally, the pretty maid would appear before the words had entirely left the caller's mouth, but today, she did not magically emerge. "That's funny," Time Turner murmured. "Cherry Jubilee!"

Suddenly, in a fluster of thunderous footsteps, her hair spilling out in wisps from her cap, Cherry Jubilee appeared, her cheeks rosier than normal. "I'm so sorry, monsieur! I did not hear you at first, I do apologize–"

"It's alright, dear mare," Time Turner reassured, his face showing a kind smile. "My daughter and I must hasten to the opera house, but in our absence, would you be so kind as to pack our things?"

Cherry Jubilee stared at Time Turner as if he had grown a third eye. "I b-b-beg your p-pardon?"

"Mademoiselle Time Turner and I will be leaving this place–"

"Leaving?" Cherry Jubilee gasped, her face paling at the old stallion's revelation.

Fluttershy took immediate notice of the mare's reaction, and felt something uneasy twist inside her.

Cherry Jubilee quickly regained her composure and forced a pretty smile. "Forgive me, monsieur…b-but have…have I upset or displeased either you or mademoiselle?"

"Oh no my dear!" Time Turner hastened to reassure the mare. "But we have trespassed on the good Prince's hospitality long enough. We would not wish to burden him further, so if you could please, pack up our few possessions for us and when we return later this evening, we shall fetch them and be on our way."

Cherry Jubilee's face was as white as a sheet. She numbly nodded her head and gave Fluttershy's father a polite curtsy, before turning and leaving to prepare packing their things at once. Within a few short minutes, the old pony and his daughter had left, and Cherry Jubilee silently watched them out of one of the windows as they disappeared from view. With a squeak of desperation, she flew to the parlor, and sat down at an elegant cherry wood desk that sat in one corner of the room. Inside the desk, the maid found paper, ink, and pen, and immediately went to work writing a hasty note. She folded the paper over, wrote the address on one side, and then quickly took some wax, melted it over the note, and sealed it with the Princes own seal. After quickly blowing on the wax to cool it, she flew down the stairs that led to the front door of the building.

"You there, colt!" she cried, spying a colt who looked to be eleven or twelve. The colt was an obvious messenger, he carried several letters in his hoof, and he paused reluctantly to look at the maid. "I need you to deliver this to the Prince," she explained, pointing to the address on the paper.

The colt's eyes widened as he looked at the address. It was in one of the most elegant parts of Maris! "Do it quickly," Cherry Jubilee ordered, placing a copper coin in the colt's hoof. The colt simply nodded and took off down the street as if someone were chasing him. The maid sighed, glad that she was able to get the message off to her master, but already dreading his reaction once he learned that the Time Turner's were leaving. When that moment came, she would only be too glad that she was not the pretty pink haired pony.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You have some nerve," the older chief inspector growled, his eyes narrowed as he glared at the hoofsome blonde noblecolt who stood opposite of him in his tiny office.

"Somepony had to take charge," Blueblood calmly replied, exhaling a large cloud of smoke from his nostrils.

"I am the chief inspector here!" Silverstar practically shouted.

"Then start acting like one!" Blueblood retorted, his voice dripping with disgust.

Behind the Prince, sitting and blubbering in a corner, were the two officers that had given Blueblood the news about the Phantom's lair. Every now and then Silverstar would cast his eye at them, glaring with such fury. "I can't believe that the two of you went along with this!" he grumbled. "I should remove you from your duties for this insolence!"

"Oh leave them alone," Blueblood groaned, inhaling deeply from his cigar. "They were only doing their duty."

Silverstar's eyes widened at the Prince's words. "Their duty!?"

Blueblood nodded his head as if his statement were obvious. "Of course. They were following a monster, a madcolt who had broken into Notre Dame believing himself to be a fictional character."

"No thanks to you!" Silverstar grumbled, collapsing into his chair.

Blueblood put on a look of mocked hurt. "I had nothing to do with the monster's release. That was entirely the mare's doing; she paid over 300 franks for that creature."

Silverstar practically choked. "300 franks! Where on earth did she get such money!? I thought you said she was poor?"

"For the time being," Blueblood murmured.

"And why on earth would this Time Turner mare want to release such a monster!?"

One of the officers sitting in the corner piped up. "S-s-she did seem to know the beast, chief inspector."

"That's right!" the other added. "She called him by name! Um…Rudolph, I think."

Blueblood turned back to Silverstar whose expression was somewhere between confusion and annoyance at his officers. "It's obvious that Mademoiselle Time Turner has a sympathetic heart for lunatics," he calmly stated, sitting in a chair opposite of Silverstar. "And while we can praise her for her charities, let us not forget that this creature did attack several of your officers after he frightened a poor monk," he turned to one of the officers behind him. "Weren't you there when you took him in?"

The first officer stood up, eagerly nodding his head. "Yes! That's right, I was! And you're quite right, monsieur, she was a madstallion! She picked several stallions up and threw them across the tower! She had the strength of a bear! It took ten of us to bring her in!"

"That's right," Blueblood agreed, as if he had been there himself. "And you had no power to withhold Mademoiselle Fluttershy from purchasing the monster's freedom…but," he turned to look at Silverstar, "they did have power to make sure that the creature did not bring any further harm to anyone else."

Silverstar glared back at the Prince. "Perhaps you should simply tell me what it is that you are suggesting, monsieur," he grumbled.

Blueblood turned back to the two officers and nodded his head. The shorter and fatter officer stood up, swallowing the nervous lump in his throat, as he spoke to his chief inspector. "W-we followed the mare and the creature, until they stopped just across the street from the Maris Opera House…"

Silverstar groaned; he could tell where this was going.

"The two disappeared through a sewer vent in the street," the officer continued. "And despite my own reluctance…we followed."

"Tell your chief inspector what it is that you saw," Blueblood encouraged.

The officer nodded his head and quickly continued. "Well, we noticed a little ways further on, a pair of giant hoofprints that led off in a different direction. We followed them, believing they belonged to the monster…and discovered a secret tunnel."

"And what was beyond that tunnel?" Blueblood asked, leaning forward for the pony to finish his report.

"There was a boulder…we pushed it away a-a-and crawled down this dark tunnel…and…I…I saw…" the memories flashed before him once more, causing the pony to shudder.

"Tell him," Blueblood practically growled. "Tell him what you saw…"

"M-more monsters," the officer practically gasped. "There were more monsters, and the hunchback was with them!"

"Ah ha! See?" Blueblood shouted, his voice filled with triumph, before turning and facing Silverstar once more. "There are more of those things living below the Maris Opera House!"

Silverstar stared with wide-eyed disbelief at his officer. "You're quite certain?"

"Oh yes, chief inspector!" the officer nodded. "All different kinds too! There was one stallion…oh he was a horror to behold, covered in piercings…and he was missing a hoof! He had a peg leg instead!"

Silverstar's eyes narrowed at the information. "Are you sure you hadn't been drinking?"

Blueblood groaned and flicked his cigar on the chief inspector's desk. "They were perfectly sober, and do not disregard this!" he warned. "Think about it Silverstar! There are monsters…more of those mad creatures like that one you had imprisoned, living underneath the Maris Opera House!"

"It's true!" the officer agreed. "I…I saw blankets, a-a-and beds! They are living down there!"

Silverstar's brow furrowed. "Beds? These creatures actually sleep in beds?"

Blueblood rose and slammed his hoof down on the pony's desk. "You're missing the point! That thing you had imprisoned was a madstallion! Think of the damage it would have caused had it been aggravated last night? Now imagine more of those things! What if they chose to come above? Think of the havoc, of the terror they would cause!"

Silverstar could see the Prince's point. "But why is it that they haven't come above before?"

"Who knows?!?" Blueblood cried out, throwing his arms up in exasperation. "But do keep in mind that one of them has come above now…and who knows how long it will be before others follow…"

Silverstar felt a shiver go down his spine. "I do not understand how this concerns you, monsieur," he grumbled, looking up at Blueblood's pacing figure.

"It concerns me most greatly," Blueblood quietly replied, before drawing an item out from the inside of his coat's pocket and tossing it on the chief inspector's desk.

Silverstar looked down at the item the Prince had thrown and narrowed his eyes in confusion. "What the devil…?" he picked up the noose that Blueblood had shown. "You took evidence out of my station!?"

"That's not the one your men found around my neck," Blueblood clarified. "It comes from the Maris Opera House…and has a morbid tale to go with it."

Silverstar looked confused. "But…this looks just like–"

"Yes it does," Blueblood smiled softly. "Fascinating, isn't it? The noose that had been used to take my life looks exactly like the noose this one stagehoof possessed after a horrifying encounter with the murderous Phantom?"

Silverstar groaned, his suspicions earlier being confirmed. "Monsieur, please, you can not possibly–"

"Oh but I do!" Blueblood cheerfully interrupted, before drawing several papers out from his coat pocket. "Let me see…ah yes, here we are. 'April 19, 1860, the body of a stallion was found, hanging from the scaffolds above the stage, at the Maris Opera House. Several witnesses report seeing the pony being thrown by a dark figure, after he was strangled with a curious piece of rope.'" Blueblood paused and smiled at Silverstar, whose face had gone as white as a sheet. "Ah, here's another. 'October 23, 1864, body of a stallion was found locked in one of opera house coat closets. Body had rough red marks around the neck and throat, as if it had been strangled, while there was also a note attached to the stallion's coat that simply said: Heed My Warnings.'" Blueblood paused again and looked at the chief inspector. "There are a few more, shall I continue?"

"WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE?!?" Silverstar roared, reaching out and snatching up the papers Blueblood had been reading.

The Prince did not react, he allowed the stallion to take away the reports he had been reading. Instead, he drew a new cigar from his case and proceeded to light it. "As I said," he calmly explained. "Someone needs to act like the chief inspector around here…and if you will not be bothered to hold proper investigations, despite all the evidence," he growled, "then I shall be forced to carry them out myself."

Silverstar was furious. "These are police records that you took–"

"TO MAKE YOU SEE REASON!" Blueblood roared. He calmly ran a hoof through his hair, before leaning forward on the chief inspector's desk, looming over the other pony, his green eyes ablaze with vengeance. "The Phantom is real! I've encountered him, Monsieur Time Turner has encountered him…and now, Fluttershy has too! But last night, she led us to where he lives! And those things," he spat, "are his servants! They work for him! They do his bidding! They are his minions! And all of them…including the Phantom himself…MUST BE STOPPED!"

Silverstar was trembling. He glanced down at the records he had snatched out of Blueblood's hoof, and then at the noose that lay upon his desk. Was it possible? Did a masked madstallion actually live beneath the Maris Opera House?

"You have a duty to protect the people of Maris," Blueblood murmured, interrupting the chief inspector's thoughts. "Do not make the same mistake over and over again, assuming that the impossible can not be possible. Do not disregard this until it is too late and those monsters have killed another. We must crush him, completely, before he strikes again."

Silverstar sighed and glanced one more time at the noose, then at his officers, before turning his eyes back to the Prince's. "Tell me what you need me to do?"

"Ah! Mademoiselle Fluttershy! So glad you could grace us with your presence today," Madam Octavia grumbled, as Fluttershy hastily joined the rest of the company on stage. She gave the conductor a weak smile, and offered a quick apology that she immediately waved away with her hoof. "We have two days before opening night. See that it does not happen again!" Fluttershy nodded her head, and quickly moved back offstage so that Fancypants could sing the opening solo to Don Juan.

"What happened to you yesterday?" a small mareish voice hissed behind the Pink haired's back. Fluttershy turned to see Twilight Sparkle standing with several other ballet mares, all of who were looking at her with wide, expectant eyes.

"I received word from a dear friend…they were in trouble and I had to go at once to help them," she explained, hoping that they would be satisfied with her answer and not beg for details.

Some of the mares groaned with disappointment. Fluttershy looked confused, but Twilight quickly explained. "I told them that I was wrong about the engagement, that you and the Prince do not have an attachment, but some of them will not believe me and assumed you were with him," she grumbled, eyeing several of the mares who returned her look of annoyance.

Fluttershy's cheeks turned a bright shade of scarlet as she imagined the horrid gossip that was already being spread in regards to her and Blueblood. "How did you know it wasn't true?" She was indeed grateful, but had not had the opportunity to clarify the truth with anyone, other than Madame Luna.

"Mama told me," Twilight explained. "She went on to say how it was all a vicious rumor that Celestia was spreading because she is jealous that you are the star of this production…and also because I think she likes the Prince herself."

Fluttershy looked across the stage to see Celestia standing in the opposite wings, eyeing her with disdain. She returned the same look to the prima donna, wanting to shout that Celestia was more than welcome to take Blueblood for her own.

"If only you hadn't left…"

Fluttershy's attention went immediately back to Twilight, and she stared wide-eyed at the pretty dancer. "W-what? What do you mean?"

Twilight sighed and looked down at her feet. "The managers were in an absolute panic after your sudden disappearance. Some even began to claim that the Phantom himself took you prisoner!"

Fluttershy bit her lip to hide her smile, but any merry thoughts of her beloved quickly dissolved as she noticed Twilight's growing concern. "What happened?"

"Without you here to sing the part," Twilight continued, her eyes drifting to the wings on the opposite side of the stage, "the managers thought it best to have an understudy. And…" she looked at Fluttershy before looking once more at the opposite wings. "They cast Celestia."

Fluttershy felt her face pale at the ballerina's words. "Celestia?" she practically gasped.

Twilight sadly nodded her head. "She has been studying the score and knows all of your songs! Even all of your stage directions!" Twilight glanced once more at Celestia's over-made face, which was holding a wicked grin. It was more than obvious that she knew what the two younger mares were talking about. "Oh Fluttershy, if she has her way, she'll try to steal the part from you!"

Fluttershy shot Celestia a look that she hoped would chill the diva in her place. "Don't worry; nothing is going to keep me from playing Aminta. Nothing."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"A-a-are you sure about this, monsieur?"

Blueblood ignored the stuttering officer who sat opposite of him in his carriage. His eyes were fixed on the item he held in his hooves.

A glove.

A stallion's glove.

The glove that Cherry Jubilee had brought to him when she came to report on the happenings at his apartment where Fluttershy and her father were staying.

At first, he thought the glove as nothing; some insignificant piece of clothing that obviously belonged to the older pony. It was when Cherry Jubilee explained to him that she had found the glove in Fluttershy's room, and that it was kept under the mare's pillow…that Blueblood began to grow suspisious.

Under normal circumstances, he would simply have wondered why Fluttershy was keeping a single black leather glove under her pillow?

But these were not normal circumstances, not any longer. Fluttershy knew the hunchback creature, she helped him escape back to his secret lair, a lair that lay beneath the Maris Opera House, a lair that was reported to be the mysterious dwelling of the infamous Phantom, a monster who the old stallion, and who Blueblood himself, had come to believe had truly been keeping Fluttershy as his prisoner for months!

Or so he thought.

But after everything he had personally witnessed, and after the reports he had been given by the two officers, and now after Cherry Jubilee had brought him this glove…

Blueblood found that he was biting his own fist, fighting the urge to vomit and scream.

It was not possible! He refused to believe that Fluttershy…that Fluttershy…

"Monsieur, we seem to be rather far from the city's walls…" the officer opposite of him commented uneasily, gazing out the window of the carriage.

Blueblood was actually grateful for the interruption to his thoughts. He did not want to dwell on his worst fears. He looked out the carriage window and noticed that the officer had been right, they were rather far from Maris' boundaries.

He took his walking stick and banged it against the wall where his driver would hear him.  "If that colt is lying, I want you to throw him off!"

Suddenly, a colt's head, with dark eyes and even darker disheveled hair, appeared before the window of the carriage, having leaned down from the driver's seat. "I ain't lying!" the colt protested angrily. "The carnival is just outside Maris and over this hill!"

"It better be," Blueblood growled. He settled back in his seat and continued to gaze out the window, his mind going back to the events that led to his sudden journey to the outskirts of Maris.

After Silverstar finally began to see the light of the matter, a loud voice interrupted their conversation, causing Silverstar to rise from his desk and go into the lobby of the station, where an officer was wrestling to keep hold of a young gypsy colt, who was struggling against him.

"What's the meaning of this?" Silverstar questioned.

"Ouch!" the officer grunted as the colt kicked at his shins. "Little beast! Caught him trying to pick pockets while he was passing out flyers for some carnival," the officer explained, before crying out in pain again as the colt bit down on the stallion's hoof.

Blueblood recognized the colt immediately. It was the same colt who had been standing outside the station the day before, passing out flyers about some carnival in Maris that displayed more freaks than one could imagine. At the time, Blueblood thought nothing of it, and pushed the colt out of his way. But now…now he saw an opportunity…

"Wait!" he intervened, grabbing the colt by the collar of his shirt and pulling him away from the officer he had been fighting. The colt immediately began to lash out at the Prince, but Blueblood quickly raised his walking stick in a threatening manner, and the colt immediately stilled. "Good lad," Blueblood grumbled. "Now, perhaps you can help me…"

"I ain't helpin' you!" the colt spat.

Blueblood smiled at Silverstar and the other officers. "We've met before," he explained before turning his attentions back to the colt. "What if I offered you 10 franks…would you help me then?"

The colt's eyes lit up at the mention of money. "Maybe…?"

Blueblood could not help but smile. "A wise answer, you've the makings of a true businesscolt," he grinned. "Now…I remember you telling me yesterday, when I saw you on the street, that this carnival has a vast collection of freaks?"

"Yeah, that's right," the colt said with a hint of pride. "My grandfather runs it, we have more freaks and monsters than you can imagine!"

"Interesting," Blueblood murmured. "I would very much like to meet your grandfather, would you take me to him?"

The colt eyed Blueblood warily. "What about my money?"

"Here," Blueblood hoofed 5 franks to the colt. "You'll get the rest after you take me to this carnival."

The colt seemed satisfied with this and nodded his head. Silverstar stared at Blueblood as if he had lost his mind. "Are you mad!?" he hissed. "You do realize that this carnival is run by gypsies? Gypsies who would gladly steal your money and leave you for dead!?"

Blueblood silently nodded his head. "Yes, and that is why I am not going alone." Before anyone could question what he meant exactly, Blueblood reached out and grasped the arm of the short, fat officer, who had seen everything the night before.

Despite the officer's protests, Blueblood pushed the pony inside his carriage, and ordered the colt to sit beside his driver and direct where the carriage should go. They had been traveling for practically an hour, and Blueblood was beginning to have serious doubts to this plan he had been concocting.

But suddenly, the hill they had been traveling up, dipped, and the sound of music and laughter could be heard just below. Blueblood quickly looked out the window and saw over a dozen wagons, circled together, as well as several tents, pitched nearby.

The carriage came to a stop, and the colt was the first to leap down and open the door. "Where's the rest of my money?" he demanded, holding his dirty hoof out in the Prince's face.

Blueblood pushed the colt aside as he climbed down from the carriage. "All in good time," he promised. "First, take me to your father." The colt groaned his irritation, but nodded his head, leading the way towards the circle of wagons that lay just ahead.

"Monsieur…I'm not sure about this…"

"Get out of there!" Blueblood barked at the trembling police officer that still sat in the dark confines of the carriage. "If you don't come with me right now, I'll fetch those gypsies over here to force you out!"

That did it. The officer gave a rather high-pitched squeak, a little too high for a stallion his size to make, and followed the Prince, uneasily, into the gypsy camp.

There were few "customers" viewing the sights of the carnival; some children and a few working class men and mares, but no one that the Prince would normally associate himself with. The freaks that that they did have were grotesque to be sure; Blueblood caught sight of a pair of Siamese twins, as well as a little dwarfish stallion with flesh so wrinkled it looked as if he wore his skin inside out. Blueblood pulled his scented hoofkerchief from his pocket and held it to his nose as he passed the various cages; too disgusted to look at the contents behind the iron bars, too nauseous from the smell of blood, vomit, and urine that polluted the air around them.

It was not long before others took notice of the Prince's presence; after all, he was clearly the wealthiest stallion to set hoof in the camp. The music, which had been coming from a small band of gypsies, came to a complete stop, and Blueblood could feel their eyes boring into him, especially on the sight of his fancy clothes. He barked a command at the officer, who quickly hurried to catch up.

The colt, who ran ahead of them, did not even have to call for his father, for a tall stallion, with long blond hair and a scruffy blue coat, burst out of a tent in front of them. The stallion had piercing eyes, eyes that seemed to bore into a person and threaten to burn their very soul out of them. Blueblood returned the stallion's cold gaze with one of his own, refusing to be intimidated, not when he could feel his reward so close.

"This is my father, the leader of the Master Carnival. Now give me my money!" the colt demanded.

Blueblood snorted at the colt's words, but dropped the remaining coins on the ground for the colt to snatch up. He then ran behind the tall stallion, whose gaze never left the Prince's. "Monsieur Master," Blueblood greeted with a slight bow of his head. The blubbering sounds of the officer behind him told Blueblood that the other gypsies were closing in. "I am the Prince Blueblood, and I come with a business proposition," he announced, holding his head high.

No one said anything. And then, a great burst of laughter erupted from the camp; that is, everyone but the stallion Blueblood had been speaking to.

"I don't like police on my property," the older pony finally spoke, his voice a deep wheeze.

"My companion is not here to cause you or your family trouble," Blueblood quickly reassured. "But he is necessary to describe to you what my business venture is."

"I ain't interested," the stallion barked, turning on his heel. "Never liked dealing with nobility," he muttered as he dipped his head into his tent.

Blueblood could not believe this was happening! "I have some freaks that may be of use to you!"

The stallion stopped, and slowly turned around. "Freaks?" he held his arms out, indicating the many cages that surrounded them. "Look around you! I have more monsters than any circus! I doubt your freaks can–"

"There are four of them…perhaps more!" he quickly elbowed the officer who was trembling next to him. "Tell him what you saw!" he hissed.

"Oh! W-w-well, I…I s-s-saw a large hunchback…a-a-and there was this d-dwarf mare…a-a-a-and–"

"I have hunchbacks, and dwarves are not the commodities they used to be," the old stallion grumbled.

"Wait!" the officer pleaded, seeing two burly gypsies with knives come close. "I saw a mare with piercings and peg leg for a hoof!"

The wicked laughter that had been on everypony's lips suddenly disappeared. And the tall stallion froze in place. "What did you say?" he whispered, turning to face the officer head on.

"You heard him," Blueblood interjected. "The question is…is he worth something to you?"

The stallion eyed Blueblood warily. "Where did you see this creature?"

"Underground," Blueblood reported, answering for the blubbering officer. "Underground, and beneath the Maris Opera House."

The gypsy glanced at the officer. "Who else did you see?"

"A hunchback, a dwarf stallion, the stallion with the leg…a-a-and an old mare with a grotesque face."

"Rarity!" gasped an old mare from the small crowd. "That sounds like Rarity…and the others!"

The older stallion turned to look at the mare who was his wife, astonishment in his eyes. "That's impossible," he murmured. "She would be dead by now, surely!"

"No, that's her, I'm sure of it! And the descriptions of the others!" the mare reached out and grasped her husband's hoof. "Remember how there was that blubbering hunchback she always cooed over? And that is surely our missing dwarf…and…" she turned to the officer then. "Which hoof was the peg leg on!?" she demanded.

The officer jumped at her harsh rasping voice. "T-t-the left, I think."

The mare smiled and turned back to her husband. "Surely you remember Rainbow Dash, the first of our collection? It was her left hoof that we burnt, his left hoof that we replaced with that wood! That has to be her!"

Blueblood was finding all this extremely fascinating. He had come to this carnival with hopes that these gypsies would be interested in removing the Phantom's minions, making it easier for him to remove the Phantom…but apparently, it seemed this particular band had a history with the freaks that lived beneath the opera house.

"So," Blueblood interrupted. "Are you interested?"

The old stallion eyed the Prince suspiciously. "How did you come upon them?"

"My friend here," he explained, indicating to the officer, "discovered them just last night, after he followed the hunchback all the way back to their lair, which, as I mentioned before, lies beneath the Maris Opera House."

The old stallion continued to look suspicious. "And…were there any others?"

"N-n-none that was seen," the officer shakily explained.

"But that doesn't mean there couldn't be," Blueblood corrected immediately.

The old stallion scratched his chin, glancing at several of the other gypsies before locking eyes once more with the Prince. "I have not been in Maris for nearly twenty years," he softly explained. "The reason being because I lost a good deal of my collection one night, therefore this city holds bad memories for me."

"Touching," Blueblood muttered.

The stallion continued, ignoring the Prince's sarcasm. "Those creatures you saw drew much money for me and my family, but none of them could match my most prized possession…The Half Stallion Draconequus."

Blueblood's ears perked up at this. "Draconequus?"

"Yes," the old mare rasped. "He was a colt then, but despite his youth, he still drew in the crowds. On one side of his face, he looked like anyone else…but the other side…oh on the other side, was the face of a demon with the body of a monster from hell!"

Blueblood thought surely time had stopped in that moment. He had never seen the infamous Phantom face to face…but the stories he had heard all mentioned something about a horrific face that lay beneath a mask…and on the night he had been attacked by the villain, he remembered how the monster ran away in rage after he had torn the creature's mask away. Was it possible? Did the Phantom actually, at one point, belong to the Master Carnival?

He could not believe his good fortune at finding this place.

"I have not seen your draconequus," Blueblood murmured, "but I can assure you…I know where you can find him."

The gypsies looked at one another with evil grins. It was a good day for them as well! "Name your price!" the old stallion announced. "After twenty years he will be worth more now than he was as a colt! Name your price and I will pay it gladly!"

Blueblood's smile disappeared at once. "Wait…you do not understand," he clarified. "I am not selling these creatures to you…I simply want you to remove them for me."

The smiles the gypsies had been wearing also disappeared. "What?" the stallion asked, his piercing eyes boring into the Prince's once more.

"I don't care what you do with the creatures," Blueblood explained, not liking the way the stallion and his family were looking at him. "But I need them removed and the Phantom killed."

"The Phantom?" the old mare asked, looking confused.

"Yes, the Phantom," Blueblood groaned. "Your draconequus is now known as the Phantom of the Opera. He lives with those other freaks beneath the Maris Opera House, and he haunts the blasted place! That is what he has been doing for twenty years–and I want him dead!"

"Don't shout at me," the stallion warned, and several gypsies unsheathed their knives, their expressions dark and dangerous. "And don't tell me what to do. That monster made me more money than any other freak I've ever owned. The draconequus belongs to me!"

"Monsieur Master–"

"No deal!" the stallion barked, turning on his heel. "I am done speaking with you, monsieur. I suggest you leave before my stallions force you to…" without another word or glance, he disappeared into the tent he had emerged.

Blueblood was furious! He wanted to march into that tent and force the old fool to see reason, but the glint that shimmered off the knives that several gypsies held, forced him to turn and stalk back to his carriage.

The police officer quickly followed, panting to keep up with the Prince's long angry strides. "Monsieur!" he gasped. "Monsieur! W-w-we are just going to l-leave like that?"

"Don't say another word to me," Blueblood hissed at the stout little pony. "And take me to the opera house at once!" he barked to his driver, before climbing inside his carriage. He was not going to let this sad turn of events ruin his day or his plans! 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------	

Fluttershy was grateful for the break in rehearsal when it was finally announced. This had perhaps been one of her hardest rehearsals, and she knew that the reason was because in two days time, Don Juan Triumphant would be premiering for the entire world to see.

Two days. She shuttered at the thought. In two days she would be singing before an audience, as the star in Discord's opera.

It was a shame that the opera would be performed with the original ending that Discord had written, with Don Juan murdering Aminta and her hoovesome young lover. She remembered how a few nights ago she had defended the opera before the Prince, telling him her version of the story, the version she had helped compose with Discord. She knew that it was impossible now…but perhaps, if Don Juan became a success, if other opera houses began to demand it…perhaps it could be changed once more? After all, things were finally better between herself and her Phantom lover; surely Discord would not mind.

A smile spread across her face as she thought of her beloved. Where he was, she did not know, but she knew he had been watching her rehearse, and she only prayed that she had made him proud. She owed so much to him when it came to her singing abilities. She may have always had a sweet voice, but Discord had helped her mold it, tone it, and turn it into a voice that could sing to great depths. She smiled even more as her hooves went to play with the chain that hung around her neck; the chain belonged to the locket that held her mother's picture, but around the chain hung another treasure, a secret treasure for the time being.

She let out a happy content sigh as her hooves brushed the bracelet. She was engaged to the stallion of her dreams…and soon, she prayed, they would be married.

With another happy sigh, Fluttershy practically skipped to her dressing room, knowing that the managers wanted the cast to wear costumes for the rest of rehearsals. She was eager to try on Aminta's costumes, the costumes that Discord himself had designed. She found herself wondering whether he had designed the costumes before they had met, or if perhaps after? Had he thought of her while designing such gowns? She couldn't wait to see! She burst into her dressing room, checked around quickly to see if Celestia or anyone else was hiding, and satisfied that she was alone, locked the door.

"You are a goddess…"

Fluttershy gasped as she heard his silky voice just behind her ear. She couldn't turn around, for she felt his large, warm hooves, wrap around her waist, pulling her against his solid frame. She purred as she felt his hot breath on her neck, and couldn't help but moan as she felt his lips leave the softest of kisses on her skin.

"For you, my angel," he whispered, producing a single red rose, with an elegant black ribbon, tied around the stem.

Fluttershy smiled at the gift, and reached out to take it, but Discord moved the flower away before she could wrap her small hooves around the stem. "Discord," she giggled, turning in his arms to smile up at him. "Are you playing games with me?"

Discord pretended to look hurt. "I would never dream of such a thing, mademoiselle."

"Good," she teased, attempting to take her flower again, but once more, he was too quick for her, and lifted it away. Fluttershy attempted to pout, but found the task too hard, as she couldn't stop smiling. "Fine, be dark and mysterious," she sighed, turning away from him to fetch her costume.

But Discord's gloved paw and claw wrapped grasped her wrist, and pulled her back into his embrace. "Discord," she blushed, trying to keep her voice low. "I need to change into my costume."

"And you will," he promised, taking the rose and slowly running the soft petals along her cheek. "But that also means that you need help out of your dress…a task that I am only too happy to help you with…" he growled seductively, his talented hooves already undoing the buttons along her back.

"Discord…" she moaned, feeling the heat rise between her legs. "They will be expecting me soon…"

"They can wait," he murmured, undoing the last of her buttons and slowly pulling the dress off her shoulders. "I am the one who makes the rules around here, not them…and I demand that my star receives only the best treatment when she is not rehearsing…"

Fluttershy could not argue with him, she didn't want to. She was too wrapped up in her lover's seductive spell. With hazy eyes, the color of a storm-filled sea, she stepped out of her dress, and moaned with pleasure as Discord continued to undress her, removing her corset, pantalets, chemise, and stockings, before finally leading her over to the chaise lounge, with only a blush to cover her body.

"Close your eyes," he softly commanded, and Fluttershy immediately obeyed. With tender care, he ran the rose over her skin, delighting in every purr and whimper that Fluttershy produced. The petals were so soft, reminding her of the silken sheets that covered the bed she and Discord had shared the night before. She gasped and trembled with need as she felt Discord run the petals across her breasts, taking extra care to roll over her budding nipples. "My beauty…" he growled. "My intoxicating bride…"

Outside the dressing room, in the auditorium, Blueblood burst through the doors, his eyes lit with rage from the earlier business with the gypsies. The only thing that could calm him was seeing Fluttershy…but even that did not prove to be a calming thought.

He demanded answers! Who was that creature that she burst into the police station to rescue? How did she know the monster? Why had she come with that thing to the opera house? Where had she gone after bringing the beast back? And most importantly…whose glove was she keeping under her pillow!?

Blueblood was furious, and if anyone got in his way, so help him–

"Ah! There you are!"

Blueblood groaned with annoyance at the sight of Celestia, who blocked his way from advancing upon the stage. "Not now, Celestia," he growled with warning.

The soprano would not be ordered away easily. "I can not believe it," she hissed with disgust. "After everything we have shared…I can not believe that you're actually…you're actually…" she struggled with finishing the words, she was just so angry at the thought of him marrying that stupid mare!

"My dear," Blueblood growled with exasperation. "You were a good buck that served its purposes…nothing more. I owe you nothing. Now get out of my way!"

Celestia's rage was so great that she shoved him with all the might she could muster. "You bastard!" she hissed. "Despite your reputation for bedding every dancer in this place, I never thought that you would go so far as to…as to propose marriage to some chorus wench!"

Blueblood, who was ready to shove the prima donna to one side, froze at the mare's words. "W-w-w-what?"

Celestia grinned evilly and lifted her head high. "Yes, I know all about it. I saw the  bracelet she was wearing, and I must say…for a stallion like yourself, your gambling debts must be seriously high, if you think a little bauble like that would classify as a wedding bracelet!"

Blueblood stared at the mare, feeling the color drain from his face. What on earth was Celestia talking about!? What bracelet had she seen Fluttershy wearing!? So many thoughts were flying about in his head that he barely heard Celestia's next words.

"I hate myself for letting you use me like some cheap whore," she spat, "but I get pleasure out of knowing that it is you, who is now being played the fool!"

Blueblood looked at the mare, wanting nothing more than to backhoof the smirk that played across her over-made lips. "Fool!?" he nearly roared. No one ever made a fool out of him!

"Yes," Celestia continued, not backing down despite the rage she could see in his eyes. "You enter this place as if you own it, snapping your hooves at any mare who pleases your eye, thinking yourself a god in the bedroom…but the one mare you want more than any other, the one mare you've spent more time pursuing than any other…the one you have actually gone so far as to propose marriage, is the one who is playing you for a fool…and giving her body over to another!"

Celestia's grin quickly melted away when Blueblood grasped her by the shoulders and slammed her against the nearest wall. "WHAT?!?" he hissed. "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!?"

"DISCORD!" the diva practically shrieked. "I heard her say his name a few days ago!" she wailed, pushing at Blueblood's chest to release her. She gasped when he finally did, her shoulders aching with pain from where he had held her.

"Discord…" Blueblood repeated. A cold feeling was rising within his stomach.

Without another word or glance, Blueblood raced to Fluttershy's dressing room, not caring if he trespassed on her privacy, he was determined to get to the bottom of all this, determined to discover what Celestia meant by believing the two of them to be engaged, what this talk was about some kind of ring, and most importantly…who this "Discord" was.

Blueblood reached the dressing room, prepared to break the door down if necessary, and found…

…it was open?

"Fluttershy?"

Nothing. She wasn't there. She had already left.

But his nostrils caught a familiar scent in the air, one that made his stomach turn with horror. And on the dressing table, lay a single red rose, with a black ribbon tied around its stem.
> Jealousy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jealousy

He sat in his darkened library; his chin resting against his hooves, and his eyes staring off into the dark shadows across the room.

Outside, a storm was raging. The sound of thunder erupted the air, as if the earth itself were growling with fury. Now and then lightening would illuminate the darkened library, casting eerie shadows over his face.

He had left the opera house not long after he had arrived. One glance at Fluttershy's dressing room had been enough for him, and the rage had been building since…

Her clothes lay in a heap on the floor.

There was an imprint of two bodies on the chaise lounge.

The scent of lovemaking was in the air.

And the single red rose…

Blueblood could not help himself; he grasped the rose and took it with him, wanting to smash its delicate petals on the ground beneath his hoof..

But he didn't…at least, not yet.

It was all becoming too clear. The glove Cherry Jubilee had brought him, the rumor of Fluttershy's engagement bracelet, the rose, the obvious signs that Fluttershy had not been alone in her dressing room…and the name that Celestia had heard the young mare say: Discord.

These little pieces of evidence, combined with Fluttershy's mysterious return after months of disappearing, the 300 franks in gold she had mysteriously acquired, her knowledge of the creature from the prison, and even the mask worn by his attacker after leaving Fluttershy that one evening, created a picture that caused bile to rise in his throat.

It could not be possible! But the evidence was not lying…

He closed his eyes as he remembered the way she easily went into the arms of Red Death at the masquerade ball. He bit the inside of his cheek as he recalled the way she passionately defended the Phantom's opera, and he tasted blood as he recalled how she refused to allow him to kiss her, to touch her, to even accept his offer of help when she freed the monster.

He tried to create reasons, excuses really, to the way she had been behaving. After all, she had willingly danced in his arms at the masquerade, had she not? He was sure she had! And she graciously accepted his offers to help her, thanking him for all that he had done to free her father, to find them a place to stay…

…and she had also told him just the other day that she would not be needing his charity any longer.
Charity.
He hated that word, but he hated it with newfound passion ever since Fluttershy had said it to him. His actions had not been charitable! How dare she take them that way! And how dare she, a little nobody, refuse him and his kind actions!

He slammed his hoof down on the arm of his chair as the lightning illuminated the library once more. Damn her! Damn her beautiful eyes, her pretty face, her silken hair, and her sweet body! Damn her for having this hold on him!

She was a mare! And mares were meant to satisfy his cravings, nothing more! Why was it that she had been so difficult? No other mare had ever been this much of a headache for him, not even Celestia! He had done everything to win her over; he wooed her, he showered gifts upon her, he took her to the most fashionable places in Maris! He was willing to commit matrimony for her!

And yet she still refused him. HIM! He was hoofsome, wealthy, had high social connections, a great estate in the country, a fashionable town house in Paris! He had traveled across Europe, he could take her anywhere she longed to go, buy her whatever it was that she wanted! WHAT DID HE HAVE TO DO TO WIN HER OVER?!?

Blueblood was shaking with rage. No…it was not possible…

He closed his eyes and images of her with the Phantom invaded his mind. Her head thrown back, her hair falling down her shoulders, as the Phantom ran his disgusting lips across her creamy skin. Blueblood growled as he thought about Fluttershy spreading her legs willingly for that madcolt, rutting with the monster, allowing him to defile her flesh!

NO!

"Monsieur?"

Blueblood snarled at the butler who had dared to open the door to the library. "I told you," he hissed in a dangerous voice. "I don't want any interruptions."

The butler swallowed the nervous lump in his throat. "I beg your pardon monsieur…but I thought it best that you should see this…" the stallion carefully approached the Prince and handed him a note. "Cherry Jubilee sent it here this morning…"

The name of the redheaded maid caused the Prince's head to spring upward, and he snatched the note out of the butler's hooves. Without another glance or word, he tore the paper open, and quickly read the letter's contents.

The butler recalled the look of fury buried in the green depths of his master's eyes, and did not think it possible for that fury to blaze even brighter.

He was wrong.

"Get my carriage," Blueblood ordered, his voice dark, cold, and menacing. The butler simply nodded his head, and quickly walked out of the library to fetch the Prince's coachcolt.

Blueblood slowly rose to his feet, his jaw cracking from the way he clenched his teeth. The news that Cherry Jubilee had sent him had been too much. It was time he confronted Mademoiselle Time Turner once and for all. He lifted his eyes to glance at the rose he had taken from her dressing room; it had been lying on the mantle above the empty fireplace.

Like a rose, his Fluttershy was beautiful and soft…but she was also very prickly, with sharp, deadly thorns, thorns that had scratched at him for too long. Without another thought, he grasped the rose by its petals, and crushed them with his fist. So would he also crush his beautiful brunette flower, should she attempt to prick him once more.

"I have informed my housekeeper that you and your father will be my guests once more," Madame Luna explained to Fluttershy as rehearsals were finally coming to a close for the evening. Fluttershy put on a weak smile, remembering how "well" she and Madame Luna's housekeeper got on the last time she had been there. But she reminded herself that this was only temporary and extremely necessary–she and her father couldn't stay in that fashionable apartment one more night.
"I thank you for doing all this," Fluttershy murmured, still feeling guilty for intruding on Madame Luna's hospitality once more.

"Nonsense," the dance mistress smiled. "It is a pleasure to help you...and the sooner you are away from the Prince, the better," she muttered.

Fluttershy couldn't help but agree. "Papa left almost an hour ago to fetch our things, but I should check to see if he needs any help, as well as make sure Cherry Jubilee didn't forget anything."

Madame Luna nodded her head with understanding. "Come, Twilight and I will be glad to take you to the apartment in our carriage."

Fluttershy smiled at the mare who was known to have an icy persona, but who truly had a heart of gold. "Thank you, but first..." she blushed as she revealed two envelopes to the dance mistress. "I need to leave these in Box 5."

One of the letters Fluttershy held had been written by her father. She had been glowing with happiness as her father wrote his blessing to Discord. The second letter was a brief note that Fluttershy had scribbled earlier that morning to inform Discord that she and her father would be staying with Madame Luna for the night. The last thing she wanted was for him to risk his life venturing out in the night to see her as he had done on other occasions.

"I understand," Madame Luna smiled tenderly. "Hurry and deliver your notes and we shall be on our way."

Fluttershy grinned and quickly took the stairs that would lead her to the Prince's box. Today had perhaps been one of the happiest days Fluttershy could remember. She felt such relief, knowing that things were right between herself and Discord, knowing that her father had given his approval, and knowing especially that she would not have to deal with Blueblood any more. However, she could not help but feel a little surprised for not seeing him since the other day. She knew she had startled him with her behavior, with her concern towards Derpy, and he made it abundantly clear that he thought her mad for taking the poor hunchback in. And while she had not told him outright that she wished to no longer see him again, she had made it rather clear that was her intention.

It puzzled her; Blueblood seemed to be the sort of stallion that did not take "no" very well, if at all. Yet he had not graced the opera house with his appearance; Fluttershy was grateful for this, but she could not suppress a feeling of apprehension.

She shook her head, not wanting worries that involved the Prince to spoil her good mood. Instead, she focused on her afternoon with Discord, which immediately caused a dark blush to color her cheeks.

Discord certainly had surprised her; she was hoping he would appear to her before the day was finished, but she had not expected him to seduce her in her own dressing room! She blushed even further as her mind began to imagine what "surprises" the intermission on opening night would hold for her. A smile spread across her lips as she remembered the wonderful feel of his arms holding her close, his lips tenderly kissing her glowing face after they both gave themselves up to one another's passion, and even the loving way he helped her with her costume, lacing her corset, pinning roses in her hair; with a tender kiss to her forehead, he disappeared once more through the mirror, while she quickly hurried back on stage–she would not allow Celestia another opportunity to play Aminta.

Fluttershy kissed both letters before laying them on the chair in Box 5. She clutched the ring that hung from her neck and smiled even further as she imagined marrying her Phantom. Soon, she prayed.

Without another look, she quickly descended the stairs and ran to her dressing room to gather her things. She frowned as she could not find the beautiful rose that Discord had given her earlier that day; she swore she had left it on the dressing table. She did not like the idea of leaving without it, but she could not wait another minute, she knew she was keeping both Madame Luna and Twilight. Determined to search for it anew tomorrow, Fluttershy quickly hurried outside to where a small black carriage waited. Twilight was smiling and had the door opened for Fluttershy. "I'm so glad that you'll be staying with us again!" she said cheerfully. Fluttershy smiled back at the pretty dancer, knowing that she had not revealed many of her secrets to the dance mistress' daughter, including her reasons for needing to stay with them. However, ever since Fluttershy had returned to the opera house, Twilight had been one of the few people who had treated her with any kindness. She wanted desperately to confide in the young mare, to reveal everything that had happened, to explain why she was not engaged to Blueblood, and who truly had given her that ring. But not yet, she thought sadly. While Twilight was very kind and thoughtful, Fluttershy was not sure how the pretty dancer would take to the news of her being engaged to the infamous Opera Ghost.

Within a few short minutes, Madame Luna's carriage stopped just outside the apartment both Fluttershy and her father had been occupying. "I shall be quick!" Fluttershy promised, climbing out of the carriage and dashing into the building.

"Papa! I'm here! Madame Luna and Twilight are waiting in their carriage outside," she called out, entering the flat. "Do you have all our things? Did you check both bedrooms–"

"He's not here, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy froze at the sound of Blueblood's voice. She slowly turned from the door she had been shutting to face the tall, hoovesome, blonde noblecolt who stood in the dark hallway that led to the bedchambers. An uneasy feeling began to rise in the pit of her stomach.

"Blueblood…" Fluttershy murmured. "W-what are you doing here?"

The Prince took a calm step towards her, and Fluttershy felt herself instinctively move back. The first time she had seen him, his hoofsome face, his charming smile, and his elegant manners had overwhelmed Fluttershy. She could easily understand why many of the mares in the dance found him dashing and irresistible–but tonight, she wondered if any of those same mares would think those things about him now, as a sinister cloud passed over his eyes, causing his hoofsome features to look twisted and grotesque. Funny, she thought; Discord could frighten anyone if he so willed it…except for her. When he stalked her, she felt excitement, not fear. When the Prince stalked her, she felt like a doe, about to be torn apart by a ravenous wolf.

"Do not worry about your father," Blueblood reassured, his voice calm and even, but with an icy edge to the tone. "I saw him leave just moments ago. He was carrying several large bags…"

Fluttershy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat and lifted her chin. She refused to allow him to believe he intimidated her.

Blueblood paused and glanced at several ornaments that decorated a shelf. "Had I been closer, I would have inquired where he was going, even offer my services to help him with those bags," he sighed, before lifting his eyes to hers once more. "I can't help but wonder where he was going…and with so many bags…"

Fluttershy's lips were a thin tight line, a result from having clenched her teeth. She was tired of Blueblood's "cat and mouse" games, tired of him believing he could bully anyone he wanted into doing whatever he wished. No more, she thought to herself. No more lies, no more games. "We are leaving," she simply said.

It took every ounce of will power that Blueblood possessed to not reach out and throttle the pretty brunette before him. He had been practicing this will power the second she had entered the apartment and called out for her absent father. He forced himself to be calm, to keep his emotions in check, to even sound light-hearted…

But he had not been expecting her blunt answer. Any amusement that he had in his eyes or in his voice disappeared.

"You're leaving?" he calmly asked, although anyone could tell that the calmness was strained.

"Yes," Fluttershy simply answered, and without another word, pushed past him to check the bedrooms to make sure her father had gathered all their supplies.

Blueblood stared at the mare's back, stunned by her bluntness and coldness. Despite all the puzzle pieces he had been putting together, despite the letter and evidence that Cherry Jubilee had given him…he still had difficulty believing that this mare…was blatantly refusing him!

"WHY?" he demanded, his voice a loud bark.

Fluttershy ignored his question, and the dangerous tone it held, and continued checking the rooms. She owed him nothing, not even an explanation. Yet she also knew that by attempting to answer his questions, she would be forced to stay in his presence longer…and the sooner she got of there, the better.

"Damn it, Fluttershy," Blueblood growled, slamming his fist against one of the walls. "You will answer me!"

Fluttershy remained silent, searching her bedchamber thoroughly while the Prince fumed. Blueblood watched with cold rage as she checked under her pillow, the muscles at the side of his neck throbbing and twitching.

The glove. She was searching for that blasted glove that Cherry Jubilee had brought to him.

Fluttershy was troubled that she could not find the glove that had belonged to Discord. Strange, both his glove and his rose were missing. If she were alone, she would take extra time to search for it, but she knew deep in her heart that she needed to get out of there immediately. She could only pray that her father had somehow retrieved it.

"Missing something?" Blueblood asked through clenched teeth.

Fluttershy lifted her chin, refusing to give him any sort of satisfaction, even an answer to his questions. She began to walk by, but he stood in front of her, blocking the hall from the bedroom. "Let me pass," she calmly ordered.

"No, I think not," Blueblood snarled. "Not until I have some questions answered. You owe me that much, I think."

Fluttershy's eyes locked with his, hatred seething from their blue depths. "I owe you nothing!" she spat.

"Oh really?" Blueblood retorted. "How foolish of me to misunderstand! After all, I only paid the fine to release your father, I only gave the two of you a place to stay, I only helped both you, and he, find work at the Paris Opera House, and I only convinced the managers to make you the star of this bloody opera, while keeping Celestia at bay!"

"You had nothing to do with me getting that part!" Fluttershy shouted. "That part was mine even before you went to the managers!"

Blueblood cocked a golden brow at her words. "Oh how silly of me to forget; that's right, you are the Phantom's favored singer…"

Fluttershy glared at him, despising the words he used. She didn't care if he slandered her name and hated her till the day he died; but she would not stand by while he insulted Discord. "You know what continues to amuse me? The fact that you continue to believe that you run that opera house."

"I DO RUN THAT OPERA HOUSE!" Blueblood roared in her face, causing her hair to blow backward.

"NO YOU DON'T!" Fluttershy shouted back, not backing down for one second. "You think you do, you think you run everything! You think that with a wave of your hoof, a hoofsome smile, and the promise of money, you can have anything you want. But you can't Blueblood, and you never will!"

Blueblood's eyes seemed to be glowing with rage. "Never?" he questioned, his voice a dangerous tone that Fluttershy had never heard before, a tone that caused a horrible tingle to rush down her spine. She held fast to her courage.

"The day you helped me release my father, I offered to pay you back–but you refused. You said I owed you nothing, and I foolishly believed you. But you don't mean that, do you?" she asked, squaring her shoulders despite the treacherous way he was looking at her. "Your promises are empty, and your charity is costly. You said I owed you nothing, but what you really meant was that you didn't want my money, or even my gratitude! Paying for my father's release, offering us this elegant place to stay, even your invitation to dinner! It was all a ruse, an elaborate scheme to make both myself and my father feel that we had to repay you somehow…but the payment you seek is something you will NEVER have!"

Fluttershy could not conceal the gasp that escaped her throat when Blueblood took a sudden thunderous step towards her. "Never?" he growled again, a shadow darkening his face and making him look even more sinister. He opened his mouth to speak further, but something caught his eye…something sparkling on her hoof. Without another word, he reached out and grasped the bracelet, tugging it from her hoof before she could react, let alone protest.

Fluttershy stared in horror, as Blueblood not only took the bracelet Discord had given her, but also her mother's locket which she had attached to it. She clawed at his hoof to give them back to her, but without even looking at her, he shoved her away, causing Fluttershy to fall backwards onto the bed. She quickly sat up, prepared to launch herself at the Prince to reclaim what was rightfully hers, but the cold anger in Blueblood's eyes froze her in place.

"So it's true…" he whispered, his eyes flying back and forth between her face and the bracelet. "It's all true," he whispered again, although this time more to himself than her. The glove, the rose, the bracelet, everything…

She was the Phantom's whore!

Fluttershy let out a scream as Blueblood suddenly seized her by the shoulders, forcing her off the bed, and shoving her, hard, against a nearby wall. Her head hurt from banging the wall's hard surface, and she whimpered with pain as his fingers dug into her flesh, practically lifting her off the floor so that she dangled helplessly. "YOU LITTLE BITCH!" he shouted, slamming her again against the wall. "YOU RUTTED WITH THAT MONSTER, DIDN'T YOU?" Fluttershy blinked back her frightened tears as Blueblood shoved her again against the wall. She turned her head away, wanting to retch as she felt his body pressing against hers.

"ADMIT IT FLUTTERSHY!" he shouted, shaking her like a rag doll. "YOU GAVE YOURSELF TO HIM! YOU BECAME HIS WHORE! HIS SLUT! HIS–"

"YES!" she screamed in his face, anger now replacing fear. "And I loved it!"

Blueblood's face paled, and for a brief moment, he was stunned speechless. But that moment quickly ended, and without blinking, he backhooved her, hard, across the face, causing her to crumple to the ground, blood seeping from her nose and lip.

Fluttershy coughed and tasted blood in her mouth. She knew she had only kindled his anger with her words, but she would never take them back, it had been worth it.

A howl of pain escaped Fluttershy's throat as she felt Blueblood grab her by the hair and hoist her up to her feet. "You filthy, disgusting, bitch," he snarled, slamming her once more against the wall. Fluttershy groaned in pain, her head throbbing from the abuse. She turned her face away as she suddenly felt his lips smother her neck with wet, slimy kisses, his teeth biting the flesh harshly, while his hooves were busy pushing up her skirt. "You're mine," Blueblood growled possessively. "MINE!"

Despite the light-headedness Fluttershy was feeling, despite the pain and shock from everything that had transpired, her strength and courage rose up once more, and in one great moment of vengeful anger, her knee shot out and made contact with his groin. Blueblood gasped in pain and fell to his knees, and without hesitating further, Fluttershy's knee slammed into the Prince's hoofsome face, praying that she broke his so-called perfect nose, and causing him to topple over onto the ground. While he lay on the ground, cursing her name and groaning in pain, she took her booted hoof and kicked him hard in the stomach, before stomping on his groin once more.

Blueblood howled with pain from Fluttershy's actions. Satisfied that he was in too much agony to do anything other than whimper and groan, she reached down and reclaimed the bracelet and locket he had taken from her, before quickly hurrying out of the apartment.

Madame Luna was pacing on the street below, looking anxious and worried. She let out a sigh of relief when Fluttershy emerged, but her relief quickly disappeared when she saw Fluttershy's cut lip and bloody nose. "What happened?" the dance mistress practically screeched in horror.

"I'm fine," Fluttershy reassured. "Please, I'll explain everything later, but we must go, now."

Madame Luna glanced up to the windows of the apartment and felt cold rage fill her veins. "The Prince?" she icily asked.

"Please…" Fluttershy pleaded. "I just want to leave this place."

Madame Luna knew that the mare was right. Staying here would only worsen things, and right now Fluttershy needed to be somewhere safe. She quickly helped the young mare into the carriage, and ordered the driver to be off. Twilight gasped at the sight of Fluttershy, but one look from her mother told her to hold her tongue. Answers would be given later, but right now, all that mattered was getting home.

Blueblood stumbled out of the building the second the carriage disappeared around a corner. He snarled as he held his hoofkerchief to his bleeding nose, pain still radiating between his legs. "So be it," he growled to the night air. "Let this be war upon the both of you!"

"Monsieur?" Blueblood turned and saw his coachcolt, hurrying towards him. "Are you alright?"

"DOES IT LOOK LIKE I'M ALRIGHT?"

The coachcolt jumped at his master's tone. His eyes flew to the place where Madame Luna's carriage had been. "Do you wish to follow them?" he asked, hoping to get back on the Prince's good graces.

Blueblood looked up once more in the direction that the carriage had gone. "No," he whispered. "But there is someone else I wish to see…"

Nearly an hour later, Blueblood emerged from his carriage, not even waiting for his coachcolt to climb down and open the door. He threw his bloody hoofkerchief down on the ground, and stalked towards his destination.

Music was playing, several people were dancing, and wine flowed from nearly a dozen pitchers. The gypsies laughed and sang to the music, dancing and shouting their revelry around a glowing bonfire, while behind them, their "collections" sat huddled in their cages, yearning for kindness and freedom.

They were so preoccupied with their revel making that they did not notice they had a visitor, until a child cried out, "look! It's that fancy stallion from this morning!"

The music stopped and silence fell over the camp as the gypsies gazed at Blueblood with suspicion, several going for the daggers that they kept at their boots. "I wish to speak with Monsieur Master," Blueblood said calmly, but with cold determination.

The tall stallion emerged from the cluster of ponies and approached the Prince, eyeing the noblecoltsuspiciously. "Good evening, monsieur," he greeted. "I did not realize that we would be honored by your presence once more."

"I want to make a deal with you."

A murmur went up around the camp, but Master lifted his hoof to silence them. "A deal?" he inquired. "I do hope it's a different proposition than the one you presented earlier today…"

"Indeed," Blueblood reassured. "Name your price, and I will pay it."

Master cocked a silver brow at the Prince's words. "My price?"

"Yes," Blueblood growled. "I want him dead."

"The Draconequus?"

"Draconequus, the Phantom, whatever his name is, yes," he snarled. "I want him dead…and I will pay you and your stallions whatever amount you wish to see that it's done."

Master stood for a long moment, eyeing the Prince carefully, while the rest of his clan stood in silent anticipation awaiting the response from their leader.

"Deal."

> Tempest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tempest

Blueblood sighed as he exhaled a long cloud of gray smoke. For the first time in months, he truly felt relaxed.

He sat in one of the gypsy's wagons, on a rather rickety old chair, but it made no difference, he could be sitting in a puddle of muddy water; what mattered was that Master had agreed to take care of his "phantom" problem.

Master sat across from Blueblood, at a small green desk. He too was smoking one of Blueblood's fine cigars, as well as drinking a glass of Merlot. "So the entrance to this place is in the sewer tunnels?"

Blueblood nodded his head. "I'm sure there are several entrances to where he lives, but this is the only one that I know of that isn't booby trapped."

Master let out a soft chuckle. "Discord was always resourceful."

Blueblood's head shot up at the mention of the Phantom's name. "Discord?"

Master smiled and sipped his wine. "All our creatures have names, monsieur…we're not so cruel," he chuckled.

Blueblood despised the Phantom more than anyone else on earth, but he found himself slightly curious at how the old gypsy came to know the masked devil. "When and where did you…acquire him?"

Master sighed, a cloud of smoke leaving his nostrils. "It was so long ago…seems like ages," he murmured. "We used to travel everywhere, and one day when we were near Constantinople, we encountered a Persian caravan."

"Persian?" Blueblood asked, his attention set on Master's story.

The old gypsy nodded his head. "He was already a colt...12, perhaps even 13...I can not recall. They had purchased him when he was a baby; there was this mare, young…a child really. When she gave birth, the babe was deformed, monstrous. Her husband wanted nothing to do with the colt–said his wife had laid with a demon and had marked him as a sign for disobedience and sin. I never questioned what this 'disobedience' was, but I got the impression that the husband wasn't the most faithful of stallions," Master winked. "Apparently the mare screamed, wanting to keep her baby," he chuckled softly. "Funny…it was one of the ugliest monsters I had ever seen, and yet I could from the way these travelers told me the tale, that this mare truly thought him beautiful," he shrugged his shoulders. "The husband more or less thrust the babe with the caravan, wanting to be rid of it more than anything. Apparently the colt did slave labor for them, but as he grew with age, he became too cocky, began to talk back, and eventually fight back. They would beat him into obedience...and the day before we came upon them, they had beaten him so badly, that they told me he had lost his memory."

Blueblood's brows arched at this. "You mean the Phantom has no memory of his life before being in your carnival?"

Master shrugged his shoulders. "I never truly cared enough to ask. I just knew that he would be a star attraction, and they were quite eager to sell him," he sighed, somewhat wistfully. "Now he didn't come cheap; I paid a hoofsome price to have him in my collection, but it was worth it; he made us more money than we had ever dreamed of making! We gave him the title of the 'Half Stallion', with his rarity and unbelievable look, we could show him as is, but with his face he became our star attraction," he sighed and shook his head. "But one night, he escaped; our watchstallion said he had gone in to Discord's cage to beat him, but Discord…ever resourceful Discord, knew exactly what he was doing. He kicked the stallion in the groin–"

Blueblood winced and carefully folded his legs; his groin still throbbed with pain.

"And took the watchstallion's keys, making his escape. He released the others too, but we were able to capture all of them again, except for the four that your police friend saw," he concluded, finishing his glass of wine. "But thanks to you, they will be ours once more."

"Just remember to kill the Phantom," Blueblood growled as he flicked the ashes from his cigar.

Master nodded his head, although he eyed his business partner with scrutiny. "A deal is a deal, monsieur…but tell me, why is it that you hate him so?"

Blueblood grunted at the old stallion's question. "Let's just say…he and I have a history."

Master couldn't help but chuckle at the Prince's answer. "As do both he and myself, but that tells me nothing! Come…" he rose from his desk to pour the Prince a glass of Merlot. "I wish to know why I am being asked to kill my most prized attraction."

Blueblood nearly gulped down the whole glass of Merlot once the stallion stopped pouring. "He's been a thorn in my side for too long," he hissed. "I am a patron of the Maris Opera House–what I say, goes! But he…he believes he runs the blasted place. And he makes demands all the time, ordering the management to follow his instructions to the line. And when we refuse, he causes some sort of scandal that takes weeks to clear up."

Master cocked a silver brow at Blueblood's revelation. "Sounds like a nuisance, indeed, but not a good enough reason for me and my stallions to kill him."

Blueblood's hooves squeezed the wine glass he held, and it instantly began to crack. "He's taken something from me," he growled, deep, low, and dangerous. "Something very valuable."

Master eyed the noblecolt, and glanced at the cracked wine glass which he held. Without saying anything, he reached over and took the glass. Nothing further needed to be said; only a mare could have that sort of effect on a stallion.

"We should discuss the subject of payment," the old gypsy murmured, walking back to his desk.

"Money is no object," Blueblood stated once more.

"Good," Master smiled, sitting back down and propping his feet up on the desk. "I want 5,000 franks."

Blueblood began choking on the smoke from his cigar. "5,000 FRANKS?" he coughed, his face paling at the old stallion's words. "You can't be serious–"

"10,000!" Master barked, his dark eyes unwavering and daring the Prince to challenge him further.

Blueblood groaned and knew it was worthless to argue. "Fine. 10,000 franks."

The old gypsy smiled and eased himself even further back into his chair. "Good. You can pay me the first 5,000 now, and the rest after we've done the deed."

"You're too generous," Blueblood muttered with irritation. This was going to set him back quite a bit. What he wouldn't give to have the money that the dying Marquis Filthy Rich had! Oh Fluttershy–the stupid mare had no idea that her grandfather was going to be leaving her his entire fortune.

"It would be best for my men and I to see this sewer entrance tonight, while under the cover of darkness. Tomorrow, we shall strike," Master explained.

"And how will you strike?" Blueblood asked curiously. "More importantly, how will you go about killing the Phantom?"

Master grinned. "Let me reassure you that my clan has a long history of getting out of tough situations, and disappearing without a shred of evidence," he reached out and patted a covered item with his hoof.

Blueblood rose from where he sat and walked over to the thing that Master had been patting. It was round, that much he could tell…and it was covered with a dirty sheet. A nod from the old pony's head told Blueblood he was welcome to lift the sheet and see what exactly the Master clan was hiding.

Gunpowder.

Barrels upon barrels of gunpowder.

"It's a shame you won't be able to join us, monsieur," Master sighed, covering the barrels once more. "It should be quite the display."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy winced as the housekeeper rubbed a little alcohol across her lip. "Hold still," the mare muttered. "I know it stings, but it's for your own good."

Sitting across from her was her father, who looked more distressed than ever before. It had been less than twenty minutes since she had entered Madame Luna's home. Fluttershy was so grateful to see that her father had indeed made it there, safely. He smiled as she entered, but in one second, his smile disappeared. From that moment on, he had been in hysterics. "I'll kill him!" he angrily vowed, throwing on his coat and preparing to leave to challenge the Prince to a duel right then and there.

"You will do no such thing, Papa!" Fluttershy argued, grabbing her father's shoulder as he opened the door.

None of them noticed the black kitten escape between the old stallion's legs, out into the night.

"Your daughter is right," Madame Luna quickly agreed. "Come…I will have a pot of special spiced tea made."

"To think that I actually considered that stallion a gentlecolt…" Time Turner muttered with disgust.

"Please, monsieur," Madame Luna murmured, coaxing the old pony to sit down in her parlor. "Fluttershy has been through enough tonight. Do not make it worse by giving her cause to worry over your well being."

Knowing that the dance mistress was right, Time Turner sighed with defeat and collapsed into a chair across from his daughter. Madame Luna's housekeeper, Isabel, arrived moments later, after putting the kettle on, with her own small medical bag. She went to work tending to Fluttershy's bruises, and despite her usual grumbling, Fluttershy could tell that the housekeeper was truly sorry for what she had gone through tonight. "All men are bastards, if you ask me," she grumbled. "Especially the wealthy ones."

"Thank you," Madame Luna cut in, not needing the housekeeper's commentary to go any further than need be. "Perhaps our tea is ready?" The housekeeper curtsied for her mistress, before disappearing into the kitchens once more, grumbling as she went.

"I should have waited for you," Time Turner sadly mumbled, reaching out and grasping his daughter's hoof in his. "I'm so sorry Fluttershy."

"Papa, no, please, do not blame yourself," Fluttershy reassured. "I'm alright…bruises heal and fade, and hopefully Blueblood will think twice before cornering me again."

Twilight couldn't help but grin at her words. "I wish I had been there, I would love to have seen you kick him in the–"

"Twilight Luna!" Madame Luna gasped.

"Oh Mama, he deserved it! Besides, serves him right after years of manipulating mares at the opera house," the mirth in her voice slowly faded away. "I can't believe that I actually thought him hoofsome, that I actually desired–" she stopped her words short after the icy glare that her mother gave her.

The tea was brought, and a silence fell over the room as they sipped from their cups. Fluttershy was torn; a part of her wanted to go to Discord immediately, to feel the comfort and safety that his arms offered, but had he seen her as she looked now, who knows what spasm of rage would flow through him? Such feelings of rage were not always the most sensible, in fact, they often blocked sense, and his defenses may not have been as keen as they normally were. Fluttershy's hoof fell to her stomach, a gesture that Madame Luna had taken immediate notice. Both mares prayed that the babe growing inside Fluttershy was safe, that the child had not been hurt by Blueblood's hateful actions. Madame Luna shivered as she imagined Discord's wrath if anything had happened to the child.

"I think we should all get some rest," the dance mistress suggested, rising from her chair. "Tomorrow is a very busy day, of course. It is the final dress rehearsal, and we shall also begin our search for a proper house for you both."

Fluttershy smiled at the mare's words, remembering Discord's promise of finding them a house to live in after they were married. She murmured a thankful prayer for being able to retrieve her mother's locket and Discord'sbracelet. Despite everything that had happened, she was glad that Blueblood now knew the whole truth. Perhaps his interest in her would vanish, now knowing that Discord had beaten him to claiming her virginity. Perhaps the simple thought that she was entangled with the Phantom of the Opera would be enough to keep him away. She could only pray…

Time Turner kissed his daughter's cheek, a few of his tears falling against her skin. She hugged him close and whispered her goodnight to him, as he disappeared toward the servant's quarters. Twilight also gave Fluttershy a hug, insisting that the brunette take her room for the night, and she would share a bed with her mother. Fluttershy reluctantly agreed, but thanked the dancer most sincerely. Madame Luna smiled, happy that Fluttershy had found a friend with her daughter, and was ready to disappear into her bedroom, when she was stopped by a question.

"Madame Luna…may I…may I talk to you, just for a moment?"

The dance mistress silently nodded her head, and went back into the parlor where Fluttershy remained. "What is it my dear?"

Fluttershy sighed and pulled the bracelet that she had rescued from Blueblood, out of her pocket. "I…I wanted you to be one of the first to know," she whispered, revealing the bracelet to the dance mistress.

Madame Luna gasped as Fluttershy revealed the elegant jewel. She looked into the young mare's eyes, her vision blurred by happy tears. "You…you and Discord?" she whispered.

Fluttershy blushed, her own happy tears already beginning to drip down her cheeks. "Yes," she whispered, happily placing the bracelet on her hoof. "Last night, I went to see him. He knows everything; that I never loved or wished to marry Blueblood, that my heart has always been to him…and…" she smiled as her hoof fell to her stomach.

Madame Luna smiled and placed her own hoof over the mare's. "I'm so happy for you my dear…I'm happy for you both. Discord…" she found herself smiling at the memory. "Discord has had a hard life, and for many years has resolved himself to keeping his emotions and his heart locked away from others," she smiled at the mare and squeezed her hoofs. "I never thought I would live to see the day when Discord told me he was in love, and that someone returned his love…I never thought I would see the day when…when he would be married," she whispered in awe.

Fluttershy blushed and smiled despite her tears. "He has promised me that we shall have a house here in Maris. The others will come with us, of course, and he will compose music and I will sing…" the emotion was so great that Fluttershy could not continue.

Madame Luna smiled and touched the young mare's cheek tenderly. "Does your father know?"

Fluttershy blushed and looked down at her stomach. "I…I haven't told him about the baby…to be honest, I just found out myself, last night…" a soft smile spread across her face. "He does know about my feelings for Discord, and his feelings for me, and in fact, one of the letters that I left in Box 5 was written by my father…" her eyes sparkled from the memory. "He has given both of us his blessing, and…oh Madame Luna, I…I just can't believe my good fortune. Is it possible to die from happiness?"

The mare smiled tenderly at the mare before her. "Oh my dear child…I am very happy for you both…" her hoof had been softly caressing Fluttershy's cheek, but she frowned as her fingers gently passed over one of Fluttershy's bruises. "I always knew the Prince was a monster…no amount of hoofsome smiles or charming compliments could hide that." Fluttershy saw the sorrow in the older mare's eyes, and could tell that Madame Luna was recalling an old memory. "Just like his father…in too many ways."

"Madame Luna?"

The mare shook her head. "I'm sorry, my dear, I did not mean to startle you."

"Oh no, you didn't," Fluttershy reassured, but an old thought began to gnaw at her, a question that she was not sure she wanted to know the answer to, but was too curious to hold back. "Did…did you know a dancer named Pinkamena?" she whispered.

Madame Luna's eyes widened slightly, before sorrow filled them once more. "You know about Pinkamena?" she asked.

Fluttershy felt ashamed for even asking. "Only a little," she murmured. "I know that Discord was in love with her once, that he had sent her poems, flowers, and songs…but she believed them all to be gifts from Blueblood. And…and then one day, she disappeared."

"Yes," Madame Luna sighed sadly. "Discord was much younger then, only 19, but he was infatuated with the mare. Pinkamena was a stunning beauty to be sure, as well as a promising dancer for a mare of only 15. But not always the wisest of mares, and she too easily fell to young Blueblood's charms," she paused, her gaze drifting to the window. A light rain was falling. "Blueblood was 16, but had been educated by his father to treat mares like objects, rather than ponies. Blueblood took a keen interest in Pinkamena, and it wasn't long before he had lured her to his bed with promises of love and marriage."

Fluttershy felt her heart break, both for Madame Luna and for Discord. "Discord said she ran away with Blueblood…and she was never seen again."

Madame Luna shook her head. "That's not entirely true," she sighed. "I know this because she briefly kept a correspondence with some of the mares," Madame Luna shook her head, angry tears now filling her eyes. "Stupid mare. Her letters were boastful, and she bragged about how she had 'triumphed' at winning Blueblood's heart…" the older mare quickly wiped her eyes as if she were ashamed of her tears.

"I had just given birth to Twilight," she went on to explain, "and was too busy trying to be a mother instead of a dance mistress, and when I wasn't watching, Pinkamena agreed to run away with Blueblood, believing he loved her, that he wanted to marry her…when in truth, his only interest in her was what she could do for him in the bedroom," she muttered bitterly. "Pinkamena became Blueblood's mistress, and they ran away into the country. His father, who was the King at that time, was furious. He did not care if his son defiled my mares, but he refused to allow his son to keep one of them in his house, which was what Blueblood had been doing."

Madame Luna sighed and turned away from the window. "As you can imagine, it came as no great surprise that Pinkamena was pregnant. The Prince felt it best to have the mare removed to a cottage in the country, far from prying eyes and aristocratic gossip. Pinkamena simply thought she was being sent somewhere until her baby was born…but it soon became obvious that Blueblood had no intentions of ever marrying her, and after she gave birth to a colt, she chose to seek him out and demand that he acknowledge his son, the future Prince."

"Oh no," Fluttershy whispered, her hoof covering her mouth. She had a feeling she knew where this was going…and dreaded it.

"You can imagine the Prince's horror when Pinkamena arrived on the steps of the Maris Opera House, just after the opening gala of that season, demanding that he acknowledge his grandson, and let both her and Blueblood marry at once. I was there, I saw the entire scene being played out…" she sighed and looked down at her folded hoofs. "I never told Discord…he was so angry, both with her for running away with Blueblood, and with himself for allowing his emotions to get the better of him. I felt it best to keep it a secret from him."

Fluttershy could understand the mare's reasoning; after all, the truth would not do any good with helping the pain he was already feeling at the time. But there were still a few unanswered questions. "Do you know what became of Pinkamena and her child after that night?"

Madame Luna shook her head. "The Prince took both his son and the mare by the arm and led them to his carriage, 	before the scene that was developing could grow even further. After that moment…I don't know what happened, Pinkamena's letters stopped at that point," she sighed sadly. "I do know, however, that Blueblood's father was a ruthless stallion, and was capable of committing the most horrible crimes for his own personal gain."

Fluttershy shivered at the mare's words. She could understand how Blueblood had become so menacing. "That was the last time I saw either Pinkamena or the elder King. Two years past, and finally, Blueblood returned, this time bearing his father's title. I never questioned him about Pinkamena or the child…but I soon realized that he had, sadly, become just like his father–ruthless, arrogant, manipulative, and greedy. He's used his charms and good looks to lure many young foolish mares into his bed, and many of them were thrown out onto the streets as a result…losing their jobs for becoming pregnant, or losing their lives in giving birth or…" she bit back a sob, "…attempting to remove the babe themselves."

Fluttershy gasped and found her hoof moving to her stomach in a protective fashion. She had heard such stories, of mares who were put under the knife to rid themselves of the babies they were carrying. She always wondered what could drive a mare to make such a decision…but the reality of a young mare, with no husband or family, and with a meager job that supplied her with food and a place to stay as one's only option from being homeless, starving, and selling one's body for profit…

It was a horrible decision that a mare had to make. A decision Fluttershy prayed that she would never know. But she could not judge such mares, especially when she herself was not facing such horrors that they were.

"He has bastards strewn all across Prance. But he could care less," Madame Luna muttered with great bitterness. "Just like his father…"

Fluttershy looked at the older mare and saw deep pain in her eyes, as well as blinding hatred. "His father…did he…?"

"Yes," Madame Luna answered, her tone brittle and cold. "I was 14 when I came to the opera house, to live in the dance dormitories. I was flattered by his compliments…he thought me pretty," she spat with disgust. "I was such a fool…and I vowed to never allow that to happen to my daughter, or to my mares if I could help it," she sighed. "Some of them I have failed…but I know that I can not be their mother, no matter how much I wish to protect them…I simply continue to work hard to see that I do not fail them as their teacher and mentor, and help them make wise decisions instead of foolish ones," she murmured, a soft sad smile spreading across her face.

Fluttershy reached out and wrapped her arms around the dance mistress. "Twilight is a wonderful dancer, the best in the whole company…and you have done that. She is also kind, witty, and compassionate…as are many of the other mares. You have not failed them, Madame Luna, believe me, you have not."

The older mare smiled and hugged Fluttershy close. "I am sorry I was not there to protect you from the Prince–"

"I'm alright," Fluttershy reassured. "Truly. None of us could have known that he would be there, or to what lengths his jealousy would go."

Madame Luna shivered at Fluttershy's words. The problem was she did know the lengths that Blueblood's jealousy could go…and if he knew now that Fluttershy was the Phantom's lover, she could only imagine what plots he was concocting to seek his revenge.

"Come, we should both get some rest," Madame Luna insisted. Fluttershy nodded her head, although she could tell that something wasn't entirely right. However, she chose not to question it further, whispered her goodnight, before retreating to the room that Twilight had offered.

Outside, the rain grew harder and harder. Thunder resounded in the air, and lightning filled the sky. Madame Luna looked out the window, watching as the storm became more and more brutal. A cold, frightening feeling took hold of her. Something was wrong; she could feel it in her bones. Both Blueblood and Discord had horrible tempers and wrathful tendencies. She shivered as she imagined the two men, facing off in a heated battle, rage, jealousy, and hate fueling them as they fought. Such a battle seemed inevitable.

Madame Luna knew that sleep was impossible now, but with such a storm she dared not go out again. Tomorrow, as soon as she arrived at the opera house, she would find Discord and warn him. She could only pray that he would see sense; Blueblood was capable of committing the vilest acts of villainy, and he would use Discord's compassion towards his friends against him if he could. Yes, tomorrow she would seek Discord out and insist that they move Derpy and the others to someplace safe, somewhere hidden.

She only prayed that she was not too late…

Fluttershy had just blown out her candle and was pulling the blankets up to her chin to keep out the cold night air, when the sudden sound of the windowpane, banging against the wall, startled her.
She turned around to see the window open, and gasped as lightning illuminated the tall, dark figure, that stood just inside. "Don't be afraid Fluttershy, it's me," Discord murmured softly, his voice warm and soothing.

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at the sound of his voice, and when lightning illuminated the room again, she could make out his face behind the black mask that he wore. "Discord, you're soaking!" Fluttershy gasped, immediately rising from the bed.

"Yes, rain has a tendency to do that," he muttered, removing his hat and giving it a shake.

"What are you doing here?" Fluttershy whispered, rushing to his side and helping him remove his soaking cloak.

Discord could not help but grin as he felt his beloved's nimble hooves unclasp his cloak and then begin to remove his jacket. "I received your letters, and I did not feel like waiting till tomorrow to see you again–"

His words stopped as the lightning once again illuminated the room, and for the first time, he saw Fluttershy's bruises and the cut on her lip.

Fluttershy realized this too, as she saw the horror fill Discord's hoofsome amber eyes, before turning into rage. "What happened?!?" he demanded, his voice beginning to rise with anger.

"I'm alright," Fluttershy murmured as calmly as possible, hoping to reassure him, but she could tell that would not be possible.

"WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!?"

"Discord, please, it's not as bad–"

"The Prince…" he growled, his voice so low it seemed to be rumbling from the earth itself. "I'll kill him!" He turned then, as if prepared to fly out the window, into the storm-filled night to seek his vengeance.

"Discord, please!" Fluttershy hissed, grasping his arm and using all her strength to pull him back into the room. "Please, stay with me."

"He HURT you, Fluttershy!" he nearly roared. Suddenly, his anger faded, and worry filled his eyes. "My God…he didn't–"

"No," Fluttershy quickly reassured, a small smile spreading across her lips. "You would have been proud; with any luck, I may have broken his nose as well as other things."

Discord let out a sigh of relief, taking one of her small hoofs in his and lifting it to his lips. His other hoof immediately fell to her stomach, and he softly caressed her there. "And the baby?"

"The baby is fine," Fluttershy murmured, feeling her heart overflow with love for the creature before her. He would be a wonderful father; she had no doubt about it.

Discord let out another shaky sigh of relief, but his anger had only melted away momentarily. Once again, rage filled his eyes. "When did this happen?" he snarled.

Fluttershy sighed, and quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, not caring that his clothes were soaking wet, just needing to feel him close to her once more. She purred happily as she felt his arms, strong and warm, wrap around her body in a tender and protective manner. "I had gone to the apartment, to make sure Papa had gathered all of our things…he…he was there, but I did not know it."

Discord growled, and his arms tightened even more. "He ambushed you, that bastard," he hissed.

Fluttershy tightened her own arms around him. She would hold him fast if it would keep him by her side and not venture out into the storm-filled night. "He knows everything, Discord," she whispered against his chest. "He knows that you and I are lovers…and…and he saw the ring."

Discord offered up a silent curse, although it was to himself and not the Prince. "I should never have given you that blasted ring–"

"No!" Fluttershy protested. "Don't say that!"

"That bracelet has caused you more trouble than I could have imagined," he muttered, taking her left hoof in his paw and bringing her hoof to his lips once more.

"Trouble that I would gladly face again and again," Fluttershy argued. "I have no regrets, Discord…none. I am proud to be engaged to you, and I eagerly await the day when I will be your wife! So please…" she carefully removed his mask, so happy that he had such trust to show his face to her without protest. "Don't regret this. We have hidden from the world for long enough…let us not hide our love any further."

Discord gazed down at his future bride with such awe. She would never stop amazing him. However, his heart filled with sorrow and rage as he gazed at the bruises on her beautiful skin. "I will make the Prince pay for his crimes," he vowed, his fingers tenderly touching the marks the bastard had left behind. He knew that they would fade, that nothing could truly damage the beauty that radiated from his Fluttershy…but he would forever be reminded that he was not able to fully protect her from the Prince's jealousy.

Fluttershy did not like the idea of him fighting Blueblood, especially when he was feeling such rage. If she could at least keep him from seeking his vengeance tonight…

"Stay with me?" she pleaded. "The storm is too strong for you to go back out now."

Discord eyed her suspiciously. "I know what you're trying to do Fluttershy…" he sighed. "And you are right. I can not promise you that I will not seek out my vengeance, but for tonight, I will stay."

It was enough. "Thank you, Discord," she murmured with relief, hugging him tight. With strong, loving arms, he gently picked her up and carried her back to the bed. He removed his own wet clothes, smiling at her blush when he approached the bed, fully naked, and slid under the blankets, gathering her close to his body.

"Discord–"

"Ssshh," he whispered, his lips planting a soft kiss to her brow. "Sleep, my love. I will stay with you until dawn…"

Fluttershy smiled and felt her eyelids grow heavy, as Discord softly began singing that song he had composed for her.

"Softly…deftly, music shall caress you…"

With her head pillowed upon her beloved's chest, she drifted into a sweet, peaceful slumber, knowing that her Phantom would keep her safe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blueblood watched from the window of his carriage as Master and several of his men examined the sewage entrance. Blueblood had to admit he was impressed by the gypsies work ethic; despite the storm that raged around them, they were determined to plot out their move of attack.

Several gypsies had disappeared into the sewer, and a short time later, reemerged. Master listened closely to the descriptions of his men, nodding his head in approval to their news. Blueblood watched with curious eyes as the old silver-haired gypsy approached his carriage.

"Everything to your satisfaction?" Blueblood asked.

"These few stallions will stay here and keep watch for any…activity," Master calmly explained. "Wouldn't do to have any of them escape on us, would it?"

Blueblood shook his head, although he was anxious to hear about their plan. "And?"

"I will travel back to my camp and fetch more men…it is good to have numbers for this sort of thing," he explained.

Blueblood simply nodded his head, despite the fact that he knew nothing about kidnapping and burglary.

"Sometime before dawn…we will attack," he whispered, his eyes locking with the sewage entrance.

"And…what about the…'display'…you have in mind for our masked friend?"

Master smiled. "Do not worry, monsieur. When the time comes for our 'display', you will know when."

Blueblood smiled faintly to the older gypsy's laughter, but he was beginning to doubt the reliability that the pony's plan would truly rid him of the Phantom.

"I suggest you go home and get some rest, monsieur," Master said, patting the door of the Prince's carriage. "No doubt you will need to think of some explanation as to why the opera house will be trembling tomorrow morning."

Blueblood frowned at this. "I don't want any harm to come to the opera house! Is that understood? I just want the Phantom killed!"

"Not to worry," Master reassured. "Your precious opera house will be fine. But providing an explanation to what goes on is entirely your responsibility…and don't even think about mentioning my name," he threatened, the lightning illuminating the black depths of his eyes.

Blueblood nodded his head in agreement and urged His coachcolt to drive the carriage home. A plan was already forming on how he could explain the ruckus that Master and his clan would be providing early tomorrow. He just hoped that this whole scheme worked, that the Phantom would no longer be a bloody thorn in his side. And as for the fair Fluttershy…despite everything that had taken place that night, and despite the knowledge he had now acquired, he was more determined than ever to get her to marry him.

And he knew exactly how to go about doing it.
> Dread
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dread

"Meow!"

Derpy heard the sound and her eyes immediately flew open. She sat up in her bed, and looked around the chamber. The others were sound asleep, and the embers from the fire were slowly dying.

"Meow!"

She heard it again! "Carmen?" Derpy whispered. Carefully, quietly, she rose from her bed so as not to wake the others, and followed the sound, which seemed to be coming from one of the northwest tunnels…

As if on instinct, Discord awoke. It was still dark outside, but the rain had stopped, and he could sense the coming dawn.
He looked down at the angel who lay snuggled against him, her face pressed against his side, her head nuzzled in the crook of his arm. His paw gently ran over her shoulder, marveling in the softness of her coat. She looked so peaceful that he did not wish to wake her. Yet he knew he had to leave before dawn's gentle rays fell upon the streets of Maris.

A smile crept across his disfigured face as he imagined a future when he would not have sneak in and out of windows to be with his beloved. When he could stay with her and wake with her when the sun rose. Soon, he reminded himself. Very soon.

With a gentle kiss to her shoulder, he rose from the bed, pulling the covers up around her, snuggly tucking her in so that she would not be cold.

His clothes were semi-dry; he quickly dressed himself and placed the mask once more upon his face. He had no gift to leave her this time, but he knew she would understand. With one last look of longing at the mare who was so many things to him, he opened the window and quickly disappeared into the shadows that still hovered the streets.

Derpy followed the plaintive mews down the dark passage. She knew it was Carmen, for they were the same mews she had heard the day she found her freezing in the snow. Carmen sounded as if she were in pain! Derpy quickened her steps, wondering how she had gotten away from Fluttershy, and if Fluttershy was aware that Carmen had somehow escaped?
"I'm c-c-c-coming, C-c-Carmen!"she cried out into the tunnel, paying no heed to the cold air that whirled around her.

Discord was a master of illusions and mystery. If he didn't want to be seen, he knew very well how to stay hidden.
The dark shadowy allys that so many ponies feared…as they should…were friends to him; welcoming sanctuaries of darkness that helped him move about with ease in this city.

Discord wondered what it would be like to live above ground once more. He was no stranger to the world above, when he so wished it, he could easily move about in it. However, he always moved about as a thief, or a stalker, staying hidden in the shadows, avoiding others at all costs. Instinct, he reminded himself. After spending his entire childhood and part of his young adult life in a cage, being spat upon and screamed at, being called a freak of nature and other horrible things…it was a wonder he dared to venture above ground at all.

He had not yet told the others of his engagement. They had to know by now that he and Fluttershy were lovers, but he needed to tell them the plans and promises he had made to her.

She meant everything to him, and he would do whatever was necessary to make her happy and see that she lived comfortably. While Fluttershy had adapted to his world so well during all those long months, he knew he could not deny her fresh air, sunlight, and pony interaction. So he promised her a house, a home above ground, a place there in Maris, where the others could easily live with them without fear of being discovered or captured.

Or so he hoped.

Discord realized that he had not thought this plan through very well. He had convinced himself that by living in a house, they would have more safety, more privacy. After all, in their own house, that the law would rightfully recognize as their own personal and private property, the likelihood of someone breaking in, of someone trespassing, was not as high or as risky as living beneath the opera house…yes?

Discord frowned. Houses meant windows, and it would not be fair to keep the curtains drawn the entire time, blocking out the sun's warmth. How would it be any different than living below? But Discord could not deny that he was not entirely comfortable with the idea of moving about with open windows, and he knew the others would be less comfortable.

What more, a house in Maris meant…well…Maris!

Discord had never once considered composing to be a paid profession for himself; he had always viewed it as a passionate art that he lived and breathed for. But selling his compositions (and he had many already written) would not only help provide for the family he had coming, and the family that already existed, but would also show the world his genius. And Fluttershy, his beautiful Fluttershy, would perform in them, breathing life into his music as she was doing for Don Juan. No doubt fame would come her way…and perhaps his, and that was where the problem with Maris lay.

Maris was a city where it was impossible to stay hidden, especially from gossip. Discord never cared for the gossip he overheard at the opera house amongst the city's elite families, but he perhaps knew more than the newspapers did. Ponies would begin to talk about Fluttershy; who was her husband? Where did she live? What if she were invited to balls and parties? The thought of her traveling to such places alone sickened him, but what could he do? And what if the gossip became nasty once more? His poor angel had endured much already at the opera house, must she be subjected to more by the city's aristocrats?

Discord groaned, his heart growing heavy with worry. He wanted to be with her, he wanted to be her husband in every way possible, and he wanted to be a good father to their child. But he also wanted to do what was right for Rarity and the others! He leaned against a building to catch his breath, a puddle on the ground catching his masked reflection.

"Damn this face and body!" he growled to himself. It was the thing that kept him separated from the world around him! He stomped on the puddle, splattering the image across the ground. A momentary sense of satisfaction filled him.

And then…a new emotion filled him. A strange emotion, one filled with confusion and…apprehension.

Discord's brow furrowed; something wasn't right, he could sense it…

The sky turned an ashen gray, telling Discord that the sun was beginning to rise. Quickly, he continued his way back to the opera house, staying close to the shadows, praying that this strange, anxious feeling, was nothing more than pre-wedding jitters.

"Meow!"
Derpy gave a sigh of relief as she finally found the tiny black kitten, mewing ever louder as she approached. She was stuck on a tall rock, unsure exactly how to get down, near a crack that she knew led outside. Derpy knew that the entrance she was near had an elaborate booby trap, which would cut the heels and ankles of any intruder, crippling them from going further. Carmen was so small, that she had easily slipped through the entrance without triggering the trap.

"W-w-what are you d-doing here?" Derpy scolded, easily reaching up to rescue the kitten. "Y-you should be with Fluttershy…s-s-she'll be so w-w-worried for you!"

The kitten began playing with Derpy's hooves, but stopped instantly, and let out a high-pitched hiss in the direction she had just been coming from.

Derpy looked puzzled and turned her gaze to where the kitten was hissing. She couldn't see anything, but a strange chill went down her spine.

Something wasn't right.

"C-c-come on Carmen," Derpy murmured, putting the hissing kitten inside her shirt pocket. With heavy limped steps, she began to hurry back to where the others were sleeping.

"Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy yawned and opened her eyes to see Twilight's pretty head peeking inside. "Good morning!" she cheerily greeted.

Fluttershy smiled back at the dancer, blushing as she could still feel the warmth from Discord's body under the sheets. "Already?" she moaned, slowly sitting up and gazing out the window.

The sun was rising, and the birds were singing happily. It seemed as if the storm had brought spring to Maris.

"Mama seems quite anxious, and wants to leave early," Twilight explained, fetching a pair of dance slippers from a drawer at the other end of the room. "Probably because Madam Octavia will no doubt wish to begin rehearsals as soon as possible…after all, tomorrow is the big day!" she grinned.

Fluttershy smiled back, a strange feeling of peacefulness settling over her. Tomorrow was not only opening night of Don Juan Triumphant, but also the opening night of her career as a singer. She should be nervous beyond belief! But instead, she felt a sense of tranquility and calmness…

"How are you feeling today?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy slowly lifted her hooves to her cheek. "A little sore, but not too bad."

Twilight nodded her head. "There is a little discoloration, but I think Isabel's remedies have helped keep the swelling down," she happily explained. "And the rest can easily be covered with stage make-up."

Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head, before finally rising from the bed to get dressed. Twilight turned to leave so that she could give Fluttershy some privacy, but found herself pausing at the doorway. "Fluttershy? I heard…singing last night."

Fluttershy paled at first, and then felt a hot blush rise to her cheeks. Her back was to the dancer, and she was unsure exactly what to say. If Twilight could see her face right now, her questions would never end!

"Ah well," Twilight sighed, shrugging her shoulders. "My imagination, I guess. See you downstairs!" and with that, she shut the door.

Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief. She wanted to tell Twilight everything, to confide in her all that was happening. She had grown such a close bond with the mare in such a short amount of time, but she just had no idea how to begin explaining. With a shake of her head, Fluttershy quickly got dressed before leaving with the others to the opera house.

Rainbow Dash sensed it immediately.
Danger…

She could smell it.

Something wasn't right, something strange, and alien, had just entered their world…and yet, there was something sinister and familiar about it as well.

"Shortround," she muttered, rising from her pile of rags and mattresses. "Shortround, wake up!"

The dwarf practically fell out of his hammock when Rainbow Dash reached out and shook him from his sleep. "W-w-what?" he gasped, regaining his balance. "Rainbow Dash, what is the meaning–"

"Shut up!" Rainbow Dash hissed, putting a hoof to her lips to indicate that silence was necessary.

Shortround looked at his friend with confusion, but a frown creased his features. Rainbow Dash could tell that Shortround was feeling it too, that same feeling of apprehension.

Shortround quickly climbed out of his hammock and swung herself down, easily and quietly, to where Rarity lay sleeping. "Rarity," he murmured. "Rarity, wake up."

The mare opened her eyes and looked up at the stallion with confusion. "Shortround? What–"

"Sshh," Shortround whispered. "Something's wrong."

Rarity sat up straight at her friend's words. She knew from the looks that both Shortround and Rainbow Dash wore that whatever was causing them worry, was serious. She turned towards Derpy's bed, and let out a gasp as she realized it was empty.

"Where's Derpy!?" she practically squealed, clutching at Shortround's shirt.

Shortround shook his head helplessly, turning to Rainbow Dash with hopes that the mare would have an answer, but he too, looked just as puzzled.

"We have to find her, we have to–"

"GET THEM!"

The three turned their faces to where the battle cry had erupted, and suddenly, a hoard of gypsies burst through the entrance that lay just above their cavern.

"NO!" Rainbow Dash screamed in terror. Her worst nightmare was coming true!

Rarity scrambled from her bed and started screaming Derpy's name, moving as fast as her legs could carry her. With a cry, she felt herself toppling to the ground, as something heavy landed on top of her.

"Bag her and get her in the sewer!"

Before she could cry out again, she felt the harsh fabric of burlap surround and trap her, and she was being hauled off the ground to some unknown and unseen place.

"RARITY!" Shortround shouted with rage, charging at the gypsy who had captured her. The sound of gunfire filled the cavern, and Shortround gasped as he felt a severe pain burst through his body.

Rainbow Dash stared in horror as her friend fell to his knees, groaning in pain. "You idiot!" shouted an all too familiar voice to Rainbow Dash's ears. "I said if you have to shoot, shoot them in the arm or leg! HE'S NO GOOD TO ME DEAD!"

Rainbow Dash's face paled at the sight of Master, who was pushing the gypsy who had fired at Shortround, off to the side. "Quickly," he ordered to several stallions. "Drag him up into the sewer and get him in the wagon! And use whatever means you can to stop his bleeding! Because if he dies, I'm going to put YOU in his cage!" Master turned then to see Rainbow Dash, cowering in a corner.

"Rainbow Dash…" Master greeted with a smile. "It's been so long…"

Rainbow Dash began blubbering and curling herself up into a tighter ball, as if hoping to shrink away against the rock.

Master sighed and shook his head. "I see that you haven't changed one bit," he muttered, clapping his hooves. Several stallions appeared at that moment and immediately threw a burlap sack over her head, as well as tie both her arms behind his body. "Ever the sniveling coward," Master muttered with disgust. "Take him away."

"Sir!" Master turned to see two of his stallion emerging from one of the many dark tunnels that led out of the cavern. One of them was groaning and limping. "We can't find the hunchback anywhere!"

"Well I'm sure she's here somewhere," Master muttered. "Form a search party and tear this place apart! Who knows, there might be some spoils worth taking."

The two stallions looked at one another nervously. "I don't think that's a good idea…"

Master cocked a brow at their words. "What did you say? That sounded as if you were questioning my authority…"

The stallions paled. "No, it's just…well…those traps that the Prince mentioned, they're not just at the entrances; they're all over this place!"

"It's true!" the other stallion, who had been limping, cut in. "Some sort of wire lashed out at me leg!" he groaned, showing the blood that was flowing from his calf muscle.

"And besides…what if we run into the creature?" the other asked.

Master rolled his eyes. "I'm surrounded by idiots," he muttered. "Fine! Get the gunpowder and lace it around this place…I don't need another hunchback anyway."

High in the caverns above, Derpy watched in fear as the gypsies went to work. She watched them drag her friends away, she watched them go through their things, taking what they wanted, and she watched them pour endless amounts of gunpowder throughout the cavern and the tunnels beyond.

She quickly swallowed the sob that threatened to erupt in her throat, and backed away from the cavern. She had to find the Master…

"Good morning everyone!" Monsieur Flim greeted as the cast filed out onto the stage. "Well, I'm certainly glad to see all of you here, bright and early, on this fine morning!"
There were a few smiles returned to Flim's warm, happy greeting, but most of the company simply grumbled.

The older manager continued without notice. "Well, as you all know, tomorrow is our opening night of this…splendid…" anyone could tell he was forcing his words. "…work of music…" his words had disappeared into a mumble. "Anyway! This will be our final dress rehearsal, so please, full costumes and make-up, sets, props, and no breaks at any period other than when intermission shall be taking place!"

Several members of the company groaned, but nodded their heads. Fluttershy was already dressed in the first costume she would be wearing, and she began to feel the nervous butterflies in her stomach. She looked around at the faces on stage. So many of the ponies around her were veterans of the stage, and were probably immune to the nervous feelings she was experiencing. She even glanced at Celestia, who looked cool and collected…and somewhat cocky. As if she knew an incredibly big secret…

"Thank you for your…enthusiastic words, Monsieur Flim," Madam Octavia mumbled, tapping her baton on her music stand. "Right, let us begin with the overture."

The stage quickly emptied and Fluttershy went to sit in the chair that was designated for her off in the wings. She smiled as her father led the orchestra in its traditional warm-up, feeling so happy that his dreams were finally coming true as well. She turned her head to glance at Twilight and the other dance mares who stood nearby, stretching and preparing for their first scene. Fluttershy frowned as she noticed Madame Luna was not amongst them. In fact, she did not recall seeing Madame Luna on stage during Flim's speech.

On the carriage ride to the opera house that morning, the dance mistress seemed tense and nervous. She said very little, and simply kept her gaze locked to the view outside. Fluttershy didn't question the mare's behavior; she simply thought perhaps that she was feeling nervous for tomorrow's performance. But now she found herself wondering if perhaps Madame Luna's tenseness had anything to do with the story she had shared the previous evening.

"So…tomorrow you shall be performing before hundreds of ponies, some of which are the finest in all of France! Are you nervous?"

Fluttershy didn't even have to turn her head to know that it was Celestia who was speaking to her. "A little…" she murmured, knowing that if she lied, Celestia would catch it instantly.

Celestia grinned wickedly at the younger mare's revelation. "When I was a filly, I too was often nervous," she sighed, taking a seat next to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy could not help but glare at the beautiful blonde soprano. "I'm twenty," she whispered.

Celestia turned her head as if surprised that Fluttershy had even spoken. "What was that?"

"I said, I'm twenty," Fluttershy repeated. "That hardly makes me a filly."

Celestia's dazzling wicked smile spread even further. "Perhaps not in terms of actual age, my dear…but in terms of stage experience, I think you will find that it does."

Fluttershy said nothing, she simply kept her gaze locked onto the stage while Fancypants went forward to sing the first song from Don Juan.

"You know, I have always been curious," Celestia sighed, turning her attention back to Fluttershy. "Why did the Phantom choose you? I mean, I know he hates me," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Which is fine, for I despise him, the masked devil." Fluttershy felt her teeth clench at the diva's cruel words. "But he could have chosen any mare in the company, and there are many…many who would kill to be your shoes right now," she sighed, eyeing the young brunette, as if searching for faults. "So many mares with so much more stage experience…" she continued. "I wonder why he chose you?"

Fluttershy turned her face to the prima donna, a fire burning in her blue eyes. "Perhaps he saw talent that no one else believed could exist in a young country mare without any stage experience?"

Celestia grinned, happy that she was aggravating the young singer. "Perhaps," she sighed. "Or perhaps there is more to it than that…"

Fluttershy rose to her feet, refusing to speak further on the subject. Besides, she would soon be entering the stage for her first song.

"Perhaps the Phantom favors you for different reasons…" Celestia continued taunting. "Or should I say…Discord?"

Fluttershy gasped and her eyes widened as she turned to stare at Celestia. But before she could say anything, several members of the chorus were practically pushing her out onto the stage for her entrance.

Celestia smiled smugly as the nervous mare began to sing her first song, her voice broken and shaky, causing the conductor to frown. This may be easier than she thought! With any luck, she'd convince the managers and the whole company to give her the part before the day was out.

Discord let out a curse as that horrible sense of foreboding continued to plague him.
He had entered his underground world through a way that he normally did not use: the ancient Marisian catacombs. It was darker than any of his other tunnels, and had more twists and turns, but it was one of the faster ways to his underground realm. There was an old mausoleum in a churchyard that led to the catacombs; the sun seemed to be rising faster than normal on this day, and Discord chose to take that entrance rather than continuing to keep to the shadows of Maris' ally ways. The only problem with the catacombs was that he could not run through them, as he could with his other tunnels. With so many twists and turns, one had to walk carefully and count how many steps they were taking, so as not to go down the wrong tunnel.

He continued to count his steps as he marched onward, muttering curses here and there, trying to understand what could be causing him this worry.

There was a strange smell in the air…and the smell that only increased his apprehension. "I should never have left," he muttered to himself. "I should have stayed here and waited to see Fluttershy in the morning."

Discord tried to quicken his steps, praying that he would soon come to the end of this blasted tunnel so that he could finally break out into a run.

Madame Luna cursed as she once again, found another of Discord's secret entrances barred and locked from the other side. Damn him! She remembered how not long after Fluttershy had returned to the world above, that all of the Phantom's secret passages, at least all of the ones she knew, were barricaded from the other side to keep trespassers out.
There were a few more passages that she had not tried, the problem was that they were in plain sight of the performing company at the moment, and she did not wish to cause further suspicion. Perhaps she could figure out how to open the mirror in Fluttershy's dressing room? And what of the vent in the chapel? They were worth a try, surely.

She picked up her skirts and hurried along, determined to find Discord and warn him. While she had not seen any sign of the Prince, she could not shake the horrible sense that he was plotting something terrible…

"Flim!" Flam hissed. The older manager groaned and turned his head to his partner who had just entered the auditorium. "I need to speak with you at once!" the younger stallion pleaded.
Flim rolled his eyes. "Can it not wait?" he whispered, glancing to the stage where Mademoiselle Fluttershy was attempting to sing her first song, and in his opinion, rather poorly.

"No!" Flam hissed again. "This is extremely important!"

Flim groaned and nodded his head, rising from the chair he had been occupying, and following the younger manager out of room. "This had better be good," he grumbled once they were in the foyer.

"He sent us another letter," Flam finally informed, his voice shaking with concern.

"What!?" Flim snatched the note out of Flam's hooves and began reading it carefully. "'If things do not go according to my plans…a disaster beyond your imaginations will occur'," he read. "What the bloody hell does he mean by that!?"

"I don't know!" Flam cried, his voice sounding somewhat hysterical. "This is the first note we've received ever since that Time Turner mare took the lead role! What could he possibly be complaining about!? We've followed his instructions to the line, we've cast who he's wanted–"

"Get a hold of yourself, Flam!" Flim grumbled, examining the letter further. "Strange…"

"W-w-what?" Flam stuttered, attempting to keep himself calm.

"Well…it's different from the other letters," Flim explained.

"What? How do you mean?"

Flim continued to examine it closely, re-reading it several times. "Well…in the past, his letters have always been so…well, detailed," he explained. "And this one is rather…ambiguous."

Flam rolled his eyes. "What are you talking about?! He says that if we do not follow his plans, he will do something terrible! What can be more detailed than that!?"

"Yes, but why!?" Flim practically shouted, his patience waning. "The Phantom has always explained what his plans are…and you said so yourself, we are following his instructions…so why on earth would he threaten us?"

"Because he's a murdering madstallion!" Flam shouted, throwing his hooves up in irritation. "We're ruined…this opera is going to ruin us!"

"Shut up," Flim grumbled. "We'll just do as the letter says, we'll continue following his instructions, and prepare for tomorrow evening."

Flam reached out and gripped Flim's shoulder. "Do you…do you suppose it's because he has learned–"

"No," Flim hissed, looking all around the foyer nervously. "He can't possibly know that…so don't start acting hysterical and giving anything away!"

The younger manager mutely nodded, and followed his partner back inside the auditorium, determined to remain calm and focus on tomorrow's performance. He tucked the Phantom's note inside his jacket, a sense of worry washing over him as he could not help but imagine what disasters the Phantom would bring their way if they angered him.

However, Flim's question in regards to the letter's details did arise one question in Flam's mind. The letter had been left in their office, as all of the Phantom's notes had been left in the past. But unlike those other notes, this one lacked the Phantom's unique and menacing red seal…

Madame Luna pushed a strand of her hair that had fallen from its pins, out of her face. She was making progress with the vent in the chapel, nearly prying the rough iron open. She knew this entrance well, but whenever Discord had summoned for her in the past, he had been the one to open it, not she.
She had taken a stagehooves hammer and had spent the last fifteen minutes prying at the vent's iron edges, working against the opening mechanism to the passage. "Finally," she muttered, praying that no one would enter the chapel at that moment to see what she was doing.

She had just managed to pull enough of the vent away for her to slip through. Holding the hammer up as a weapon against any intruders that she would find, she entered the passage, praying that she was not too late.

"That's the last of it!" a stallion shouted to Master.
Satisfied, the older gypsy nodded his head. "Do it," he simply commanded, before turning to exit out the way they had come.

With an evil grin, a small group of stallion threw their empty barrels of gunpowder to the side, before lighting a match, and throwing it down on the small trail of black dust. Without a moment's hesitation, they turned and ran towards the secret sewage entrance that had gained them access to the Phantom's realm.

Discord flew through his tunnels, finally free from the blasted catacombs. The smell was everywhere! It was an odd combination of scents; sweat, blood, smoke, alcohol, and something else…something that he could not describe, but that filled him with dread.
"RARITY!" he roared, his voice filling the tunnels and the caverns beyond. "RAINBOW DASH! SHORTROUND! DERPY!"

He ran faster, and faster, in the direction of their chamber. He continued screaming their names; dread filling him to the core when they would not answer. It occurred to him then that the foreign scents that were invading his nostrils belonged to men…a hoard of stallions, stallions who should not be there, stallions who had gotten past his traps, stallions who had somehow managed to get inside!

He screamed their names once more as he turned a corner, before closing his mouth and freezing in horror at the sight before him…

Madame Luna gasped, ignoring the pain that throbbed in her side as she continued to make her way down towards Discord's hidden world. "Discord!" she cried. "Discord!" She did not think she was so far away that he could not hear her, but she continued to hurry, hoping that she would find him and warn him before anything happened.
And then a strange smell hit her, as if she had run right into a wall.

Madame Luna coughed as the smoke filled her lungs…and then her eyes widened with horror as she realized what exactly was happening…

"Recall those times, look back on those years, think of the things we'll never do…"
Fluttershy continued singing her song, a sweet pleasant smile plastered across her face, despite the fact that inside, she was frowning with displeasure.

She was singing horribly! She could hear the constant breaks in her voice, the way it trembled, and while she hoped she at least looked professional, standing tall, looking calm, she was even beginning to doubt her acting capabilities. The more Madam Octavia, and the two managers frowned, the more her doubts spread.

She could not help but throw a glance towards Celestia, who was grinning evilly off to the side. She had said those things in order to make Fluttershy look like a fool…and Fluttershy knew she was a fool for allowing the witch's words to get the better of her.

She lifted her chin, determined to not let Celestia win this battle, determined to prove to anyone that she was capable of singing this role, of being the lead. "There will never be a day when, I won't think of–"

Fluttershy's singing stopped and a scream escaped her lips as the ground beneath her feet shook violently.

Others quickly joined Fluttershy's scream, adding their own to the growing chorus. Celestia let out an ear-piercing shriek, rushing towards Fancypants who was crying out in Italian. The dance mares were squealing and clinging to one another as the ground continued to tremble ferociously. The orchestra began coughing as smoke filled their pit from the vents just beneath them, and several stagehooves rushed onto the stage, screaming "fire!"

"Good God! What is this, an earthquake!?" Flam cried.

Flim didn't answer, but a horrible feeling filled the pit of his stomach. "Everyone outside!" he ordered.

No one needed to be told twice; the whole company was running towards the exit, screaming and crying as they went. Several stagehooves stayed behind, rushing to get buckets of water to put the fire that had suddenly and mysteriously erupted back stage, from beneath one of the trap doors. Time Turner rushed onto the stage to help bring his daughter to safety, while Twilight was searching frantically for her mother.

"I can't find Mama!" she shouted over the screams.

Fluttershy looked about frantically, wanting to help her friend. But her eyes fell on the trap door, the same trap door that she had disappeared through all those months ago when she entered the Phantom's world for the first time. She saw the flames raging from within, and watched as the stagehooves desperately threw buckets of water onto the roaring fire.

"FLUTTERSHY!" her father cried as she bolted towards her dressing room. She did not hear the screams all around her; she did not hear her father and Twilight shout out her name, she had only one thought on her mind…

Discord.

She needed to get through that mirror, to run down and see if he and the others were alright! She remembered how Madame Luna had told her that breaking the glass would do no good, but she didn't care, she was desperate, she had to find him! She had to find Derpy, Rarity, and the others! She had–

"Not that way my dear!"

Fluttershy came crashing into Madame Luna, who was covered with smoke and ash, and who was coughing violently. Fluttershy's eyes widened in disbelief, realizing that the mare had just emerged from the opera house chapel, which lay only a few feet away from her dressing room. She looked into the chapel and gasped at the smoke that was billowing in from the vent at the far end of the room. She began to move toward it, but the dance mistress held her fast.

"No Fluttershy! There's nothing down there but flames and falling stone!"

Fluttershy froze at the mare's words. She looked up into Madame Luna's dark eyes, her own brimming with frightened tears. She saw the truth in their black depths, a sad, horrifying truth that chilled her blood.

At that moment, Fluttershy's father and Twilight entered the chapel. "Mama!" Twilight gasped, running to her mother and throwing her arms around the older mare. Madame Luna let out a thankful prayer as she hugged her daughter tightly. "Where were you?" the mare demanded, her own frightened tears falling down her cheeks. "I was so scared!"

"I'm alright," Madame Luna reassured, continuing to hug her daughter tightly. "But we must leave this place, now, before the fire rages out of control."

"F-f-fire?" Time Turner gasped, his hooves grasping Fluttershy's shoulders. She looked ready to faint any second.

"Yes…I don't know what happened…some sort of…explosion it seems!"

Fluttershy felt her legs suddenly go weak and the color drain completely from her face. She took one trembling step towards the vent, needing to find him, needing to know he and the others were safe, that they were not harmed, but both Time Turner and Madame Luna pulled her away.

"We must get outside, now," Madame Luna ordered sternly, hoping that her tone would hurry them. With his arm wrapped around his daughter's waist, Time Turner helped lead Fluttershy out of the opera house, while Twilight helped her mother, who was coughing and gasping for air.

Once outside, the whole company stood huddled on the steps that led up to the grand Maris Opera House, staring at the building which stood tall and beautiful, but where strange flames licked the bottom levels, and smoke billowed from sewer vents that ran beneath it.

A bell sounded, and suddenly a large horse-drawn wagon came crashing around the corner, stopping right in front of the opera house, while dozens of firemen leapt from the wagon and quickly climbed the steps to enter the still magnificent looking building. 

Fluttershy clutched at her father's coat weakly, feeling the world spin around her. While others gazed up at the opera house, her gaze fell to the sewer vent that she had traveled through only a few nights ago.

She felt her stomach twist and churn as she watched black ominous clouds rise from within. She did not know what had happened, but she found herself questioning if a person could survive such an atrocity. Were Derpy and his friends down there? Had they made it to safety? Was Discord with them? She swallowed the lump in her throat, the sickened feeling churning more and more.

Their world was vast! Surely they had managed to escape, taken one of the many dark passages that she had not even begun to explore while she had been there. Surely they were alright…surely…

She couldn't hold it back any further; she bent over and began retching whatever was in her stomach.

Her father pulled her hair away, his hoof running soothing circles over her back. He knew exactly what was troubling his daughter; he could feel her heart breaking…it was the same feeling he had experienced when her beautiful mother had died.

"Papa!" she wailed, throwing her arms around his neck and letting out an anguished cry.

"I know," he whispered into her hair, "I know."

She sobbed against him, burying her face against his shoulder, crying for the loss of her friends, for the loss of their home, and for the loss of her beloved. She prayed that they had made it to safety, that perhaps they weren't even there when the disaster struck.

But one look into Madame Luna's sad eyes, and Fluttershy knew that all hope was gone.

No one could survive such an event…not even the legendary Opera Ghost.

> Sorrow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorrow

"It was like an earthquake! The ground just…shook! Like nothing I've ever felt before!"

Inspector Silverstar nodded his head to Flam's explanation of what had occurred at the Maris Opera House, although his brow was creased with confusion. Not long after the fire brigade had been called out, he also received the news that some sort of "explosion" had occurred at the legendary theater. However, when he had arrived, the building still seemed to be intact. It wasn't until he began questioning the two managers that he had learned that the explosion had taken place beneath the opera house.

"Do you have any idea as to what may have caused it?" Silverstar asked, carefully examining the stage, taking note of several chard floorboards.

"None whatsoever," Flim sighed. "We never ordered any sort of construction, and were not told that the city would be doing any sort work…it came as a complete shock to all of us!"

Silverstar silently nodded his head. "Is there anything beneath the opera house that could perhaps trigger such a violent reaction?"

Both managers glanced at one another. The chief inspector turned around to face them, immediately taking note of their wary expressions. "Well?"

"All that's down there are…old props and costumes…" Flim mumbled.

"In fact…we never use the items down there," Flam added.

Silverstar looked even more confused. "I don't understand…are you saying that this simply…occurred by itself?"

"No, they're saying that the bloody Phantom was behind it."

The two managers and the chief inspector turned to see the Prince enter the auditorium, his hoofsome features marred by a dark expression.

"Monsieur!" both managers cried, rushing towards him.

"Oh thank God you're here!"

"You won't believe the madness we've endured!"

"Explosions, threats, hysterical actors–"

"We could have lost our lives!"

"Calm down," Blueblood softly ordered, to which the two stallions immediately ceased their speech. The Prince kept his eyes locked on Silverstar, whose face was turning a bright shade of red, knowing exactly what the hoofsome noblecolt was thinking. Blueblood then began to look over the stage, noticing, thankfully, that any damage that had been done was at a bare minimum. Still…it was too close to call, in his opinion.

"Are you satisfied, Silverstar?" Blueblood questioned.

Silverstar paled at the Prince's words. "S-s-satisfied? Whatever do you mean?"

"I mean your insistence that I, and everyone else at this theater, were completely mad for believing that a masked lunatic and his army of freaks, lived beneath this place and was capable of anything!"

Everyone shrank at the sound of the Prince's roar. Silverstar attempted to show some courage; after all, he felt it somewhat unfair to blame this whole incident on him. "Now s-s-see here," he stammered. "I told you that I was now starting to see what you were talking about–"

"Ah yes, that's right," Blueblood muttered with great sarcasm. "Better late than never, eh?"

Silverstar was at a loss for words by the Prince's accusation. "N-now s-see here!" he stammered with embarrassment, glancing briefly at the two managers who were now sharing the Prince's same glares of disdain.

"It doesn't matter," Blueblood grumbled with a wave of his hoof. "The damage has been done. Let us at least be thankful that it wasn't the entire opera house that he chose to blow up!"

When Blueblood had received word about the explosion, it had sounded far worse than how Master had explained it would be. He cursed the gypsy as his carriage carried him to the opera house, only to let out a sigh of relief when he arrived to find that the building remained standing. However, now as he surveyed the damage, which was not great from what anyone could see on the ground level, and as he heard the stories that were flying around from the various chorus members that he had passed on his way into the auditorium, as well as from the two managers, Blueblood began to see how this whole incident may, in fact, play in his favor.

The truth of the matter was that Blueblood was not entirely convinced that the explosion had truly killed his nemesis. He listened in great detail to the reports of how the ground shook, to the flames that had burst through the trap doors, thinking that it was unlikely anyone could survive such a thing…but still, his paranoia remained.

"I just don't understand it…" Flam murmured. "Why would he do such a thing?"

Blueblood opened his mouth to reply with the usual retort, that the Phantom was a devil and a madstallion, but suddenly, a new plan was forming…

"May I see this note that he left?" he inquired. Silverstar had been holding the letter, and reluctantly hoofed it over to the Prince. "A disaster beyond your imagination will occur…" he read out loud. "I think, gentlecolts, that he was sending us a warning."

"A warning?" both managers said together, looking confused.

Blueblood nodded his head. "Absolutely, it's the only thing that makes sense! He must have learned of our plans to capture him; that we were simply putting on this whole opera as a means to take him prisoner…and so he chose to frighten us by showing how vast his madness is, as a means to intimidate, even dare us to follow through with our plan."

"Worked for me," Flam muttered to his partner.

Silverstar scratched his mustache. "You're suggesting that the Phantom destroyed his own underground lair as a means to create a diversion so that he could escape before your plan was put into motion?"

"No," Blueblood said with a shake of his head. "I'm suggesting that he learned of our plans…and chose to send us a message." He could not help but grin as he noticed he had the three stallion's attention. "Think about it gentlecolts…what reasons can you grasp by him destroying his own home?"

Silverstar immediately had the answer. "Lack of evidence."

"Exactly!" Blueblood exclaimed. "He destroys all proof that he once lived beneath the opera house so that none of it can be used against him. And, by willingly destroying his secret underground world, he is sending us a message…a message of warning…"

"Indeed," Silverstar added, catching on to the Prince's theory. "He's telling us 'if I'm willing to destroy my own home…just think what I will do to your theater.'"

Both Flim and Flam paled at the chief inspector's words.

"But he made a vital mistake…" Blueblood continued.

"He did?" Flim asked.

Blueblood nodded his head. "He assumed we were going to storm his fortress, attempt to overtake him on his own territory…"

Flim and Flam exchanged confused glances. "We weren't?"

"Of course not!" Blueblood groaned in annoyance. "Why go hunting, when you can lure your prey to you?"

The two managers exchanged glances at one another, before slowly beginning to smile with revelation to what their dear patron was saying.

"Wait," Silverstar interrupted. "You actually believe that…that he's still alive?"

I hope not, Blueblood thought to himself. In truth, he did not know, but he wasn't prepared to take any chances. "What point is there in killing himself?" Blueblood questioned. "Where would be his triumph then? It is a possibility that he was unable to escape his elaborate explosion," he sighed. "But perhaps that is exactly what he wants us to believe? Perhaps he assumes that we will not be expecting him, or that we will cancel his opera?"

"Oh God," Flim groaned. "What are we going to do about the opera? Tomorrow is opening night! The papers will be filled with news about the explosion, it will ruin–"

"Calm down, Flim," Blueblood interrupted, his hoof gripping the older manager's shoulder tightly. "What have I told you about scandal? No matter what, it always sells tickets."

Flam looked just as shocked as his partner. "Are you suggesting that we go on with it?"

"Absolutely," Blueblood confirmed. "Why, I just learned yesterday that we've sold practically every seat! When was the last time you can remember a full house? Everyone is talking about this opera…even at my own clubs, all anyone can talk about is Don Juan Triumphant and who the new star is." He could not help but grin as he imagined all the money they would make from both the Phantom's opera, and his "disaster". "Celestia herself could not bring us such publicity. This explosion will surely help us sell out, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if we had people lined up just hoping to stand in the foyer tomorrow!"

Both managers were grinning from ear to ear as they too began to imagine all the money that would be pouring in.

"And as for our dear chief inspector," Blueblood continued, smiling at Silverstar. "This will be your opportunity to redeem yourself."

Silverstar frowned at the Prince's words. "Now see here, you can not blame me or my men for–"

"Think of the heroism that will fall upon you and your office if you capture the Phantom?" Blueblood murmured, attempting to make his plan sound as intriguing as possible. "You and your men stand guard at every entrance and backstage with your guns loaded and waiting…and we know he will make an appearance with Mademoiselle Fluttershy performing."

"That's right!" Flim cut in. "She's the bait that will lure him!"

Blueblood continued smiling, despite the fact that he could feel his neck muscles twitching at the thought Fluttershy bedding that monster. "As soon as we spot him, we take him down!"

Silverstar smiled faintly, still showing that he was not entirely sure about this plot, and doubting very much that the creature could still be alive. But one thing the Prince had mentioned was right, even if Silverstar did not wish to admit it. He knew about the creature, he knew that it existed, that the Prince had been correct with all the evidence he had shown…and now a disaster had taken place, which thankfully had not taken any known lives. But who knows what would happen should he continue to ignore the existence or the threat of the supposed "Phantom of the Opera".

"Very well," Silverstar agreed. "My men and I will be here tomorrow evening, standing guard and standing prepared should the fiend arrive."

Blueblood could not help but smile smugly. "Excellent. Now, Flim, Flam," he said turning to the two managers. "I think it's best that you bring in the rest of the company and explain to them that we shall be continuing as planned, for tomorrow night."

Both men nodded their heads, and immediately went out into the foyer where the company was waiting to hear word on what was going on. Twilight Luna, who had been standing and talking with several other dance mares, took immediate notice that Fluttershy was nowhere in sight. She left her small group of friends to search for the brunette, having a sneaking suspicion of where she may have gone.

To no surprise, Twilight was right as to where Fluttershy was. She found the young mare in her dressing room, crumpled on the ground, sobbing, and desperately trying to pry the hinges from her mirror off with a hammer. "Fluttershy?" Twilight asked in a tentative voice. She knew Fluttershy had been upset when the explosion had occurred, but she was still unsure as to why.

"I have…I have to get down there," Fluttershy mumbled through her sobs, still trying to pry the mirror open.

Twilight slowly approached the crying mare, unsure exactly what to say or do. "Get down there?"

"Yes," Fluttershy choked, "I…I need…I need to know…"

Twilight was very confused, but felt her heart swell with sadness for her friend. "Need to know what, Fluttershy?"

"I…I…I need to know…" she sobbed, her efforts with the hammer slowing. "I need to know if…if he's alright…if…if…I…" she dropped the hammer and crumpled completely, her head falling against the mirror's smooth surface, as the tears overwhelmed her. "Oh Twilight…" she wailed in utter despair.

The ballerina quickly fell to her knees and gathered Fluttershy's sobbing form in her arms, hugging her friend tightly. "It's alright Fluttershy…it will be alright," she attempted to soothe, although she had a hard time believing her own words. How could she expect Fluttershy to believe them?

Fluttershy clung to the small dance mare, her body weak and tired from crying, her heart overflowing with sorrow. After the fire brigade had finished dousing the flames and given the all clear, she was one of the first to hurry back inside. She flew to the chapel where Madame Luna had emerged earlier, but much to her despair, found the small passageway blocked by several large rocks that had caved in. The police arrived shortly after, and were keeping the rest of the company in the foyer while the chief inspector examined the auditorium along with the managers. Fluttershy's only other choice was the mirror in her dressing room. Had she thought about it, she would have asked Discord when they were together the other day how he opened the mirror. She had been tempted to break the glass, hoping still that somehow she'd find a door on the other side. But a part of her couldn't bear to break it; what if she ruined any chance at him returning to her? Perhaps it was the only way out for him now? Of course…that all depended whether he was still alive…and her doubts were growing more and more.

"Twilight? Fluttershy?"

Both mares looked up to see another dancer standing in the doorway of the dressing room.

"Is…is everything alright?"

Twilight nodded her head. "We're fine, Carrot Top."

The mare gave a faint smile, but still looked worried. "You both best come into the auditorium. The Prince is here–"

Fluttershy's head snapped up. "The…the Prince is here?"

Carrot Top smiled a little more and nodded her head. "Yes, and he wishes to address all of us."

Fluttershy felt her blood begin to boil. She didn't know how exactly…but deep inside she knew that Blueblood was to blame for all this.

Twilight immediately noticed the change in her friend. "Thank you, Carrot Top," she quickly replied, hoping that the mare would take her leave. Fluttershy rose to her feet, and Twilight quickly followed. "Fluttershy, you don't have to go out there," she intervened. "I will tell you everything, but you don't need to leave, you don't have to face him."

"Yes, I do," Fluttershy murmured, her tone somewhat harsher than normal. She walked out of the dressing room, and immediately took one of the side doors that led directly into the auditorium. The whole company was sitting, facing the stage…and there he stood, tall, proud, and extremely arrogant, addressing them as a dictator addresses his troops.

"I know that this harrowing experience was traumatic for many of you," he spoke with rehearsed sympathy. "And like you, I too have many questions: why did this happen? What was the meaning behind it? And perhaps the most important question, how exactly should we respond?"

A soft murmur went up around the auditorium; that was exactly what many of the company's members were thinking.

"Well, after careful consideration, and much discussion with our fine managers, we have decided to continue things as planned."

The murmur suddenly erupted into a great din of voices, many of which were gasping with surprise and protesting to the Prince's announcement. Even Fluttershy was shocked. They wanted the opera to go on?

"Tomorrow is opening night, and Don Juan Triumphant will go on as planned," Flim stated quite firmly.

"Here! Here!" Flam heartily replied, although he was one of the few voices to respond positively.

"This is crazy!" Fancypants cried. "We could have been killed! And you want us to carry on?"

"It's a necessity, signor," Blueblood muttered.

Celestia lifted a brow at Blueblood's words. "A necessity? How do you mean?"

Blueblood groaned, although inside he couldn't stop grinning. "If you must know," he sighed, pulling a letter from the inside of his jacket, "we owe our thanks for this underground display of fireworks to none other, than the Phantom of the Opera."

A great gasp went up from around the auditorium, including Fluttershy. However, unlike the others, she was fuming with anger as Blueblood waved the letter like a flag.

"Our dear Phantom sent us a warning…" Blueblood continued to explain. "He says that unless things go according to his plans, a disaster beyond our imaginations will occur."

Another murmur went up around the auditorium. No one could understand it! Why would the Phantom threaten them? Weren't they doing everything he had asked?

Fluttershy was gripping the armrests of her chair, her anger raging. Were they actually blaming Discord for this? Were they actually suggesting that he would destroy his entire world and commit suicide…just to frighten them?

"Well, he tried to frighten us, showing us the evil he is capable of committing. And I, for one, am tired of being bullied by some masked fiend!"

Several people in the auditorium began to grumble with agreement, while the others continued to look around warily, as if not convinced that the Opera Ghost was not watching.

"So we shall continue with our plans and show him once and for all that this is our theater!"

A rumble of applause went up from the auditorium, many people nodding their heads to the Prince's words. Fluttershy on the other hoof, couldn't stand it any longer. "He would never do such a thing!"

Blueblood's victorious smile faded instantly at the sound of Fluttershy's voice. Everyone turned to stare at the young mare who had spoken in the Phantom's defense.

Fluttershy lifted her chin and held her head high. "Do you honestly think that the Phantom would destroy his underground realm simply to frighten us?"

Blueblood felt his jaw tighten. "He's a lunatic," he growled. "He's capable of anything."

"He's a genius!" Fluttershy retorted, causing several people to gasp in surprise. "And it makes no sense!"

"It's right here!" Blueblood bellowed, throwing the letter up into the air. "Written in his own hoof, plain as the eye can see!"

"From what I have heard, the Phantom's letters have always been detailed with clear and concise instructions. Why would he be so ambiguous now?"

"Well forgive me, mademoiselle, but you have not been dealing with this villain for as long as we have!" Blueblood spat back. "He is capable of committing the most vile crime! He is mad enough to take his own life in the process of taking ours!"

"He would never do such a thing!" Fluttershy shouted back.

"He's a demon! A monster! A–"

"HE'S NOT A MONSTER! YOU ARE! AND I KNOW YOU ARE THE ONE BEHIND THIS!"

Everypony gasped and stared in shock and horror as Fluttershy screamed her accusation upon the Prince. Yet no one was as shocked as Blueblood himself. "She's hysterical," he muttered to the managers. "Get her out of here before she further causes a scene." 

Flim and Flam had been frozen to their places the whole time, but quickly broke from their trance at Blueblood's words. "Yes, of course," Flim muttered, signaling to several stagehooves to come forward. "Take Mademoiselle Fluttershy to her dressing room…she is clearly upset from today's trauma."

"What?" Fluttershy gasped, and then she began to struggle against the strong grip of the stagehooves as they held her by the shoulders and began to pull her away. "GET YOUR HOOVES OFF ME! LET ME GO! DAMN YOU BLUEBLOOD!"

Blueblood turned his back on her shrieking, his face dark with rage and jealousy. Even now, she defended that creature. How he despised that monster, more than anything else in this world.

"Monsieur? Do you think it's wise for Mademoiselle Fluttershyto continue performing as planned?" Flam whispered. "Perhaps we should have Celestia–"

"No," Blueblood growled, deep and low. "Fluttershy will perform, that's who the people want to see anyway…they've heard too much about this chorus mare-turned opera star. But take control!" he hissed. "Don't let them even think about this morning…have them rehearse for as long as it takes…but do not let them dwell on today's events."

Both managers quickly nodded their heads, too intimidated to contradict their patron. A slow breath escaped their chests as they watched the Prince turn on his heel and exit the auditorium, causing the doors to bang loudly behind him.

"Well!" Flim coughed, looking stern. "Come now Madam Octavia! We have an opera to perform!"

The conductor groaned and rolled her eyes as he rose from her chair. "Come along everyone," she grumbled.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy continued to struggle against her "prison guards". "Let her go!" Madame Luna hissed, appearing around a corner, surprising them. They didn't have to be told twice, and quickly dropped her arms. Madame Luna wrapped a protective arm around Fluttershy's shoulders, glaring at each of the stagehooves until they all turned and quickly retreated the way they had come. Madame Luna turned then to Fluttershy, her voice a gentle whisper. "Are you alright my dear?"

"NO!" Fluttershy shouted, her anger and sorrow brimming over. "You know Discord would never do such a thing!"

"I know, my dear, I know," Madame Luna murmured, leading Fluttershy towards her dressing room.

"I'm not crazy, Madame Luna, you know that!"

"Of course I do!" the dance mistress replied, squeezing Fluttershy's hoof. "And like you, I too believe that Discord would never do such a thing, let alone write such a letter."

"The letter…" Fluttershy whispered. "Where did they get that letter?"

Madame Luna sighed and shook her head. "I don't know…but I find it hard to believe that it was written by Discord's hoof."

Fluttershy turned and gripped the older mare by the shoulders. "You have to take me to him," she implored. "Please Madame Luna, you must show me how I can get down there, and–"

"Fluttershy…" Madame Luna felt her own heart breaking with having to tell the young mare the sad news, but it couldn't wait another moment. "Fluttershy…I…I saw it happen. I heard the explosion, I smelled the gunpowder…and I saw his world go up in flames and cave in." She bit her lip, knowing this was going to be hard for the mare to understand, and extremely hard to tell her, especially when Madame Luna could see the hope dying in the mare's blue eyes. "No one…no one could survive such a–"

"No!" Fluttershy cried. "Don't…don't say that!"

"My dear, it would be a miracle if Discord, or the others, survived. The damage that was done was great indeed; it wasn't just fire or falling stone that threatened their lives…but the smoke was so great, how could anyone not choke on it?"

Fluttershy felt her head spin. She couldn't believe it, she just couldn't! Or was it that she didn't want to believe it?

Madame Luna hated herself for smashing the mare's hopes…but would it have been worse allowing her to hope when it was not possible? She carefully led Fluttershy to the chaise lounge in her dressing room, and helped her to lie down. "Get some rest," she murmured, smoothing a few stray curls from her brow. "I will check on you later."

Fluttershy said nothing; she didn't even nod her head. The tears that flowed down her cheeks were cold and silent, for that was exactly how she felt…hollow. Just like the ruined realm that lay beneath the Maris Opera House.

Blueblood was fuming.
Fluttershy's words continued to echo in his ears during the whole ride home.

Monster. She had called him a monster!

And she continued to defend that villain!

No…he would not be defeated, even if that masked fiend was dead! She was going to be his! He would possess her body, her soul, and especially the fortune that the Marquis Filthy Rich was planning on leaving her. He would have that mare no matter what!

Blueblood pushed his coachcolt out of the way as he climbed down the carriage himself. His butler, who had been standing ready by the door, quickly opened it upon noticing his master's temper. "Monsieur?"

"What?" he barked at the butler, wanting nothing more than a stiff glass of whisky to ease the ache in his head.

"T-t-there is a…well…a 'gentlecolt'…of sorts, to see you, in the library," the butler stammered slightly.

Blueblood's brow furrowed at the information, but then clarity washed over him as he realized whom the servant was talking about. "Thank you," he grumbled, pushing past the butler and going straight into the library. He would have to make sure that nothing was missing before dismissing his unwanted guest.

"Master," Blueblood muttered, seeing the tall graying gypsy examining one of Blueblood's many elegant book shelves.

"Ah, monsieur," Master greeted, smiling and giving a slight bow to the noblecolt. Blueblood simply grunted and shut the door behind him. "I was admiring your fine collection," Master continued, as if nothing were amiss.

Blueblood looked at the books on the shelf. "Can you read?"

Master chuckled. "Barely. But a stallion doesn't need to be a great reader to not know the great value of such books."

Blueblood rolled his eyes, taking a mental note to inspect the shelf closely before the gypsy left. "What are you doing here?"

The old gypsy's smile faded at the hostility in the Prince's voice. "I've come to collect the other 5,000 you owe me."

Blueblood said nothing, he simply walked over to a small table where a bottle of whisky lay and proceeded to pour himself a glass. The gypsy frowned at the lack of response. "Did you hear what I said?"

"Quite clearly," Blueblood muttered, taking a large gulp from his glass. "And you said I could pay you the other 5,000 once the Phantom was killed."

"That's right," Master muttered, his impatience growing. "And that's what I did!"

Blueblood took another drink. "We don't know that."

"WHAT?" Master was fuming. "What do you mean? Of course he is! No one could survive that! We had over thirty barrels of gunpowder! A cockroach wouldn't even survive such a–"

"You nearly destroyed my opera house!" Blueblood retorted, his eyes flaring up with anger. "And that was NOT part of our deal!"

"Please," Master grumbled. "Last I saw it, it was still standing…and besides, you wanted us to take care of your 'problem' without leaving any evidence behind…and I think we did just that! So pay me my 5,000!"

It was no use arguing with the stallion. He was convinced that the job had been done right, but Blueblood could not shake off that disturbing feeling, that everything had not gone according to plan…

And that was when Blueblood saw the opportunity rise.

"Were you able to get those creatures?"

Master was still fuming. "Don't change the subject," he snapped. "I got my freaks, but I want my–"

"I'll pay you your 5,000…plus extra, if you do me a little favor…"

Master stared at the noblecolt as if he had two heads. "You must be out of your mind! You expect me to do more favors for you before I receive my full payment? No, I'm finished making deals with you!"

"It will be worth your while…" Blueblood attempted to reason.

"No deal! Pay me my 5,000!"

"I could pay you another 10,000!"

Master stared at the Prince in surprise, his mouth falling open at the hoofsome pony's words. Even Blueblood was shocked by what he said…but he quickly brushed the surprise away, needing to make this deal desperately. "There is a mare…she…she…" he couldn't finish the sentence. "The Phantom took her prisoner, and she grew…close…with those monsters. They mean much to her, in fact, it was only two days ago when she rescued one of them from the police."

Master wanted to pretend that he didn't care, but he found himself intrigued by the Prince's story. "I'm listening," he softly urged.

"This mare is an heiress…she is to receive the whole fortune of the Marquis Filthy Rich upon the time of his death, which could be any day now. If I am able to marry her, I could give you another 10,000 on top of the 10,000 franks I'm already paying you." 

"You've only paid me 5,000 franks so far."

Blueblood rolled his eyes and bit his lip to keep from shouting at the stubborn gypsy.

Master ran his hooves through his long silver beard. "Does she hold feelings for you?"

Blueblood tasted blood on the inside of his mouth. He realized then that Master's question had caused him to bite his cheek in anger. "She has feelings for those…those things that you took," he carefully explained. "And with your help, we can convince her to…accept…my proposal."

Master could not help but grin at Blueblood's words. "That is truly loathsome," he murmured. "I love it."

Fluttershy awoke with a start, sitting up abruptly and looking at her surroundings wildly. She had just had the most horrible dream; there was a great fire at the opera house, and Discord and his friends were trapped, and she could not reach them…
It wasn't a dream, she realized with a heavy heart.

She remembered everything now; the ground shaking, the smoke billowing from the air vents, giant orange flames bursting from the trap doors, and Madame Luna, telling her that there was no hope.

Discord was dead. Derpy and all the others were dead. Nothing could survive such an explosion…

Fluttershy felt cold and hollow. She wrapped her arms around her body, her every muscle aching with grief. Her hooves slowly fell to her belly, and new tears brimmed at the corners of her eyes.

Their son or daughter would never know his or her father.

Was it possible to die from a broken heart? Yes…for Fluttershy felt as if she were dying inside.

"Fluttershy?"

She turned her head to the doorway, seeing her father standing there, attempting to smile, but failing miserably. He said nothing else; he simply went to her side and wrapped his arms around her. Fluttershy let out a sad but grateful sigh, and hugged him back just as fiercely. "Oh Papa," she moaned, burying her face against his shoulder as she wept.

Time Turner ran his old hooves through his daughter's hair, whispering soothing words into her ear, yet knowing they would do little to relieve her sorrow. "When your mother died, I…I thought it was the end of the world…" he began. "I didn't want to go on living…I didn't want to face another day without seeing her beautiful face, or hearing her lovely voice…" his arms held Fluttershy even tighter as he could feel her trembling against him. "And I think…I would have let the sorrow eat me away, until there was nothing left…had it not been for you…"

Fluttershy looked up at him, her brow slightly furrowed at his words. "Me?" she sniffled.

Time Turner smiled softly and nodded his head as his hoof brushed a fallen curl away from her face. "I realized that I had my daughter to take care of, that you needed me, and if I gave in to my sorrow, you would be mourning two parents, not one," he sighed and kissed her forehead. "Fluttershy…I'm not saying that the pain will ever go away, or that things will get easier. I still grieve for your mother after all this time…but I know that she would want me to continue living, for her…for you."

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but her father put his hoof to her lips. "I know, my dear."

Fluttershy's brow contorted even more. What did he mean? What did he know? And then it dawned on her…

"How…how long?" she whispered, unsure how he would react. Would he be disappointed? Upset? Angry?

Time Turner smiled softly. "After you had fainted on stage, I began to put the puzzle pieces together. You weren't eating very much, and yet you seemed to be ill much of the time. I remember your mother having similar dizzy spells and moments of sickness…and at first, I was worried; worried that perhaps the Phantom had…" he didn't finish his thoughts; no father ever wanted to finish such thoughts. "But when you told me how much you loved him, and how deeply he returned your love…I realized then that it hadn't been my worst fear."

Fluttershy smiled faintly to her father's words. "I'm sorry, Papa–"

"Oh no, my dear!" Time Turner shook his head, holding her face in his hooves. "You misunderstand, I am not upset, and I am not disappointed. I…I cannot condemn you, my child. When I met your mother, I…" he blushed slightly. "We were much younger, and our passion for one another could not be contained, at least not before our marriage. And I know that Discord had every intention of marrying you…" his words faded as he noticed the sorrow rise once more in his daughter's eyes. "What I am trying to say is…the pain you are feeling is great indeed, and it will be hard…but you must go on living, Fluttershy. Think of Discord…and think of your child…"

Fluttershy let out a long shaky breath as her hoof fell once more to her stomach. It pained her to think that Discord would never see their child…but she knew her father was right. She wanted to die, but she couldn't, and she wouldn't. She needed to go on living for Discord, for their son or daughter. She would tell the child all about his or her father; how he was a great musician, how he ran an opera house, how he wrote a great opera…how she and him met. She would tell the child about Discord's past, about the friends he looked after, about the cruelty that ponies can inflict upon others, and yet how despite all that, the two of them had found love. Discord would live on her heart, always and forever, in her memory, and in their child.

"Thank you, Papa," she murmured, hugging him tightly.

Time Turner smiled and hugged his daughter back. They held each other for a long time, giving one another strength, before finally letting go, as the sounds from the orchestra sailed into the dressing room. Time Turner sighed with annoyance. "I can't believe they actually want to go on with this performance."

Fluttershy was frowning too, but for different reasons. She rose from the chaise lounge and began walking towards the door. "Come," she said to her father. "There is something of great importance I wish to say."

Time Turner's eyes narrowed with confusion. "To whom?"

"Everyone." Without another word, she began walking towards the stage, her father following directly behind.

Flim and Flam were sitting in the auditorium, looking absolutely miserable, while Fancypants continued singing Don Juan's title song. Celestia was having a fit because no one was letting her sing Aminta's songs, and the dance that danced behind Don Juan, looked extremely tired. However, everyone fell silent, as Fluttershy walked out onto the stage.

"Mademoiselle!" both managers cried at once.

Fancypants looked horrified that his solo had been interrupted. Madam Octavia looked both thankful, and annoyed, that Fluttershy had finally chosen to join the rehearsals. There were several other chorus members who were also sharing the conductor's sentiments, thankful she had interrupted the rehearsal, grumbling that she had some nerve to come in late. "I'm glad our little ingénue chose to join us," Celestia scoffed with bitterness.

Fluttershy ignored the mare and looked directly at the managers. Both Flim and Flam were unsure exactly what to say. "Well…" Flam began. "Good to see that you are feeling better, mademoiselle."

"Indeed," Flim added. "Now that you are here, we can truly rehearse. Madam Octavia, if you please–"

"No."

Everyone stared in wide-eyed confusion and shock at the words that had escaped Fluttershy's mouth. Her voice had not been loud, but it had been extremely clear.

"No?" Flam, Flim, and Octavia said together.

"That's right," Fluttershy continued. "No…as in no, I will not rehearse."

Octavia groaned and threw her baton up into the air. Another prima donna in the making…

"What do you mean 'no'?" Flim asked, his annoyance growing.

"In case you didn't realize, mademoiselle," Flam muttered, not hiding his own annoyance. "We have a performance tomorrow evening! And we need–"

"Why are you doing this?" Fluttershy questioned, although she was asking the question to everyone, not just the managers. "Why are you performing this opera? None of you like it, I've heard you all complain about it. Why do it then?"

"The Phantom, of course!" Fancypants defended, shaking his hoof to the catwalks overhead. "He has ordered us to perform his opera, or–"

"You never paid attention to his instructions before!" Fluttershy accused, her voice rising slightly. "You took some things to heart, but you never followed them to the line as you're doing now…why this opera? Why this performance? And why now, exactly? The Phantom is dead!"

Fluttershy gasped as the words escaped her lips. Had she really said that? Did she believe it? "The Phantom is dead…" she repeated again, this time her words nothing more than mere whisper.

Flim and Flam glanced at one another warily. "We…we don't know that, for sure," Flam retorted. "This could all be a ruse! A plan to trick us! Besides, why would he commit suicide–"

"He didn't commit suicide, he was murdered!" Fluttershy shouted, causing the younger manager to tremble and stutter.

"That's a heavy accusation," Flim murmured.

"And how could it be murder?" Celestia grumbled. "No one cares about that villain anyway…you ask me, it was justice!"

Fluttershy rounded on the mare, and the diva gave a shriek before shielding herself behind Fancypants. She still remembered the day Fluttershy had punched her right in the eye.

"I care!" Fluttershy shouted. "And for too long I have been silent…but not anymore. I love him!" a gasp went out from around the stage, but Fluttershy carried on, not letting her courage fade. "Why did the Phantom choose me, you ask? Where was I all these months? I was with him! He took me prisoner, but in exchange for my freedom, he taught me to sing…and he crafted my voice, helped me become great…and I am great!" she shouted, lifting her chin with pride. "Think what you will, but I am a good singer, and you know that," her eyes fell on Celestia, who was attempting to look away. "And while I was there, locked away in his underground realm, a world that exists no more…I fell in love with him," another gasp went up from everyone, although now, some of the company looked sympathetic…and ashamed. "Those were the happiest months of my life…" Fluttershy whispered, before her eyes fell once more on the managers. "He is not the monster you make him out to be! He is a genius! And you…you are nothing but a hoard of greedy, frightened, cowards!"

Flim and Flam both began to cough in surprise at Fluttershy's words. "Now…now see here!" Flim shouted in defense. "That's going too far–"

"No, monsieur, it's the truth. You perform his opera, doing so in the name of fear, but what have you to fear now? He's dead! No…you carry on, because while you hate the music and you hate the composer…you will gladly take the money his genius has created!" she spat with bitterness.

The managers opened their mouths to reply, but found they had been robbed of their voices.

"Hypocrites," Fluttershy muttered. "Cowardly hypocrites."

She turned then, and began walking towards Celestia. The blonde soprano gave a high-pitched squeak, and pushed Fancypants in front of her. "Stay away from me!"

"It's yours."

Celestia stopped squeaking, and carefully looked over Fancypants's shoulder. "W-w-what?"

Everyone held their breath, wondering what Fluttershy was going to do. "I said, it's yours," Fluttershy repeated. "The part, the role of Aminta…take it."

"WHAT?" gasped the managers, along with half of the chorus. Twilight glanced at her mother, who was also looking shocked by Fluttershy's offer. Yet no one looked as shocked as Celestia herself.

"You…you w-want me to take the part of Aminta?" Celestia asked slowly.

Fluttershy nodded her head. "Yes. You've wanted it for so long, although I know that was more because you wanted to play the lead. You cared nothing for the character, or the story, or the music…all you care about is having the lead."

Her words stung, but that was the point. Celestia knew deep in her bones that it was true. "What game are you playing at?" she asked, eyeing Fluttershy suspiciously.

"No game," Fluttershy confirmed. "I'm giving you the role of Aminta. I don't want it anymore." Her words were short and everyone could hear the emotion behind them, but Fluttershy continued to hold her head high, her eyes focused on Celestia's.

"Mademoiselle!" Flam gasped finally. "What are you doing?"

"It's been advertised in the papers that you will be playing the lead!" Flim explained, his voice pleading. "You must play Aminta! You can not do this!"

"I am," Fluttershy murmured, looking around the stage at all the faces that were gazing at her with confusion, sadness, and shock. Her eyes lingered momentarily on Twilight and Madame Luna, before turning to look at her father. He gave her a soft smile, one filled with understanding. "I quit."

"YOU QUIT?!?" they shouted together in disbelief.

"As do I," Time Turner murmured.

"WHAT?" Flam gasped, looking as if he were going to faint dead away.

"No! Time Turner, you can't do this to us! Not a second time!" Flim cried.

Neither Fluttershy nor her father said anything further. Hoof in hoof, they walked off the stage, and out the auditorium, leaving a stunned company, and two wailing managers, behind.

Derpy groaned as pain ripped through her arms. She had been pushing at rocks and pulling at boulders for hours, trying to get to the Master who had been trapped in the cave-in from the explosion.
Carmen mewed behind him, leaping over the rocks Derpy had removed and sniffing the air around her, as if trying to find a weak spot in the wall of stone that barricaded the hunchback from the Phantom.

"Master?" Derpy cried. "H-h-hold on! I'm c-c-coming!" she grunted as she pulled more rocks away, watching carefully to make sure that she did not cause further damage to the already ravaged labyrinth.

Derpy shuddered as the memories of what had occurred earlier once more replayed before his eyes. She and the tiny kitten had fled from the sight where Master and his stallions were dispensing the gunpowder. She went immediately to the Master's chambers, shocked at seeing that the Master was not there. Where had he gone? She went to Fluttershy's old chambers, but found nothing their either. She began searching all the tunnels and hidden chambers, hoping to find some sign of the Master…and then, she smelled the smoke.

Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

It was a horrible smell, a smell mixed with hate and fear. Derpy knew she had to get away from it, as far as possible. Gathering Carmen close, she hurried down the tunnels, away from the foul smoky stench, as fast as her legs could carry him.

And then she spotted the Master.

He was flying down an opposite tunnel, his black cape billowing behind him like a bat's silken wings, heading towards the smell, heading towards the danger.

Derpy gave a cry of dismay and horror, and desperately tried to reach the Master before it was too late. She carefully crossed the divide between the two tunnels, calling out the Master's name, hoping he would hear her voice and at least pause, if not stop.

The Master was very fast, and Derpy knew she would not be able to keep up. "Master!" he shouted. "MASTER!" Derpy reached the other tunnel and began to hurry after Discord. She was panting, her side aching, her head swimming from the smoke that was now beginning to fill the tunnel, and her stomach churning with growing dread. Even Carmen was burrowing deeper inside her pocket, mewing out of fear. "MASTER!"

And then, the Master had stopped. He had just gone around a corner and paused. And Derpy saw why.

A flame, extremely small, was chasing a trail of gunpowder. And the trail came to an end where a pile of barrels lay clumped together. The flame had reached its destination…

Derpy said nothing, she simply acted. She grabbed the Master by the hem of his cape and hurled him with all her strength, back down the tunnel which they had been running. Derpy, her large hooves clutching her pocket protectively, dove under a large piece of rock, praying for safety, as behind her she heard a great blast.
Derpy knew that she should have been dead; she was far too close to where the explosion had occurred, and even the large rock that she had taken shelter under should have collapsed with all the weight that had fallen on it. But no…the rock, her shelter, remained steadfast, shielding her large body from the explosion and the stone that caved in all around her. Truly, she had witnessed a miracle.

And now, she only prayed that she could witness another miracle. After the dust settled, Derpy emerged from her shelter and noticed the large wall of stone that had collapsed all around her, barricading himself from where she had flung the Master. She immediately went to work, hauling, pulling, and pushing stone away, coughing from the dust and smoke that still filled the ruined tunnel.

"Meow!"

Derpy glanced up to see Carmen pawing at a particular rock. She was sniffing it with much interest, and Derpy noticed that her tiny nose was examining a crack between the rocks. When she moved her dark furry head, a tiny splinter of dim light pierced through.

"Master!" Derpy cried, immediately attempting to pull the boulder away. "M-master! I'm c-c-coming! H-h-hang on!" Carmen continued mewing, as if in encouragement. Derpy grunted as she pulled at the boulder, sweat dripping down her brow, her hooves blistered and bleeding, every muscle in her body aching, but she continued her struggle, she continued pulling…

And then, with a great thud, the boulder, fell away, and along with it, so did other rocks, crumbling around it, the entire wall rolling away and giving him access into the tunnel. Snatching up Carmen, Derpy placed the kitten once more inside her pocket and began to desperately search for the Master.

It was so dark.

Nothing was familiar anymore; the elaborate tunnels that stretched in the Phantom's underground labyrinth had been reduced to piles of rubble. The sliver of light that Derpy had seen through the crack belonged to a small, dying flame, which glowed from what looked like a piece of fabric.

Derpy's stomach tightened. "MASTER!" she cried, rushing towards the glow. The hunchback's suspicions had been correct; the fire had been eating away at Discord's cape. She quickly doused the flames, and bit her lip as she looked down at her Master, lying deathly still.

He lay on his side, his black mask somewhat askew, his clothes tattered and covered with dust, and there were several large, horrid looking cuts on his brow, lip, arms, and legs. "M-m-master?" Derpy whispered, fear swelling in her chest. He looked lifeless…lying there. Was his chest even moving? "Master…please…p-p-please w-wake up…"

Derpy felt the tears begin to fall, and her throat tightened as she touched the Master's hoof, gasping at how cool it felt. It didn't look like he was breathing. The Master…he was–

Derpy practically jumped from the great hollow gasp that escaped Discord's lips, his chest rising suddenly from the great gulp of air he was taking in. And then, he was coughing; coughing, sputtering, and vomiting.

"Master!" Derpy cried with relief, quickly brushing her tears away. "Master y-y-you're a-alive!"

Discord groaned, pain filling his body. He had never felt worse. "Derpy?" he whispered, his voice raspy. He could barely see the hunchback that was looming over him; his head ached so much. "What…w-w-what happened…?" he coughed, gasping for another gulp of air.

"T-t-there w-was t-this burst of f-fire…a-a-and then, the rocks started t-t-to fall! I grabbed you…and t-threw you d-down the tunnel," Derpy carefully explained, biting her lip with worry, wondering if she had caused the Master further injury.

"Y-you s-saved my life, Derpy," Discord murmured, offering a weak smile of gratitude; it hurt his mouth to move it.

"Y-you have s-s-saved us s-so many times," Derpy murmured humbly, glad that she had been able to help her master.

Discord groaned as he attempted to sit up, and found that it was far too painful. "The air…" he mumbled, coughing once more. "It's…it's not right in here…w-w-we must get to f-fresh air…"

Derpy bit her lip. He did not know how to exactly get to the world above from there, and knew especially that it wasn't safe. "The catacombs," Discord murmured, reading the hunchback's thoughts. "Take me to the catacombs, Derpy…the air will be fresher there…" he coughed as he explained.

Derpy nodded her head, and carefully, picked the Master up and hauled him over her shoulders, wincing as she heard Discord moan in agony from the pain that wracked his body. He too was coughing as he realized that the air was poisoned from the smoke. With a grunt, Derpy carried Discord towards the dark catacombs, praying that the Master would stay awake to guide her through the long twisting tunnels. She would tell him about the others once she knew the Master was going to be all right. Right now, all that mattered was that the Master was alive.
> Villainy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Villainy


"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. It has been quite some time since my last confession…"

A soft, elderly voice, responded through the screen to the  mare who was confessing. "Speak my child, what are these sins that trouble you?"

The  mare sighed, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. "I have interfered with God's plan."

The priest's brow furrowed at the  mare's words. "Interfered?"

"Yes," the  mare went on. "While my faith in God is strong, my faith in ponies is lacking."

"Ponies are imperfect," the priest quietly explained. "It is easy to lack faith in others, even when we try not to. But God can give us strength…tell me, my child, is it this lack of faith in others that has caused you to believe you have interfered?"

"Yes," the  mare replied, her voice filled with emotion. "I…I have…" she paused and felt a terrible shiver course through her body. "I mean, I…had…a friend, a stallion who I have known for many years, a stallion who lived his life locked away in shadow, a stallion who despised the light, a stallion who, despite his cold temper, was truly good to those who depended upon him, and I knew this…I had witnessed the good he had done…and yet, I doubted him."

The priest was troubled by the  mare's words. "Please continue," he whispered.

The  mare sighed, swallowing the lump in her throat. "There was a mare…she was young, pretty, and full of life…" she felt the tears slip down her cheeks. "She met this stallion…"

"And you feared for her?" the priest asked, beginning to understand the mare's troubles.

There was a long pause; the only sound the priest could hear was the mare's soft weeping. "Yes…" she sniffled, finally. "I did…I…I assumed the worst of him, forgetting the kindness he was capable of showing, and judging him no differently than others…and I was wrong, I was so wrong…"

The priest felt such pity as he listened to the mare cry. "How were you wrong, my child?"

The mare sniffled here and there, trying to control her tears. "He and this mare…they fell in love. He truly loved her with all his heart, and she loved him. But…but I drove them away, I forced them to be parted, thinking that what I was doing was for the best…and now…now he's no more."

The priest could not hold back his gasp from the mare's words. "He is dead?"

A soft wail escaped her lips, before finally murmuring a strangled, "yes." The priest sat in silence as the  mare cried, wishing with all his heart that he could ease her pain. After several deep breaths, the  mare finally began to speak again. "He is dead…and she is dying with grief," the  mare whispered. "She is also leaving, traveling far away from this place, and I blame myself for all of this…had I not interfered, had I attempted to understand–"

"My child," the priest quietly interrupted. "You were not interfering; you were acting as many frightened parents act, seeing what was in front of them, seeing what they fear. Pray for this stallion who has left this world, pray for his soul, and pray for the mare who grieves him.”

"Pray for him, my child," the priest again murmured, soothingly. "Pray and tell him of your grief, your sorrow, and your love."

The mare nodded her head and slowly rose from the confessional. "Thank you, Father."

The priest whispered a blessing, before murmuring, "Go in peace."

Slowly, Madame Luna exited the confessional, and with her head bowed low, prayed that wherever Discord was, he could hear her.

"Fluttershy…"
Derpy's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the Master's voice. The Master was very strong, and had been a bit of a challenge for Derpy to carry, but he had managed to bring him to the catacombs, just as the Master had suggested. Upon arriving there, both of them began to breathe more easily, the air fresher and cleaner, despite the endless tunnels of bones that surrounded them. Derpy had gotten right to work, tearing pieces of cloth to help stop the bleeding for several of the Master's wounds. She was extremely grateful for all that Rarity had taught her. After binding the wounds, Derpy fetched them both some water, and looked for any other supplies that may be helpful.

Discord could barely stay awake. He had so many questions, but his body was so weak from the explosion. He was grateful to Derpy, but yearned to know what had become of the others. Where were they? Had they made it to safety? Were they trapped somewhere? He yearned to rise up and go in search for them, to stand on his own two feet, but sitting up on his own proved difficult; he hated to think how it would be to stand.

One of his legs pained him greatly, and Discord cursed whenever he or Derpy tried to move it. He needed help, this much he knew…if only he weren't so tired…

Both Discord and Derpy were completely exhausted from the ordeal. Derpy never meant to fall asleep, she had planned on staying awake and making sure the Master would be alright, but sleep overcame her, just as it took the Master. How long she had slept, she did not know, but Derpy awoke when she began to hear the Master call out for Fluttershy.

"Master?" she whispered, coming to Discord's side. "Master, is t-t-there something y-you need?"

"Fluttershy…" Discord murmured weakly.

Derpy bit her lip. If she could bring Fluttershy to him, she would. She remembered how well Fluttershy had helped the Master when he had been injured by the gunshot. But she did know how to get to the place where she stayed, or how to get word to her.

"I'm s-s-sorry Master…I…I d-don't know how to g-g-get Fluttershy," Derpy murmured sadly.

Discord's eyes drifted open then, realizing that Derpy was talking to him. His sleep had been littered with fevered dreams; nightmares where the Prince attacked Fluttershy and he was unable to help her. He glanced up at Derpy, who was leaning over him and looking concerned. The hunchback had been a great help, but he needed more, both of them did.

"Master?" Derpy asked again. "I said I'm s-s-sorry…b-but I don't know h-h-how to g-g-get Fluttershy."

Discord slowly nodded her head with understanding. "Madame Luna," he coughed. "Get Madame Luna…she will know what to do…"

"Madame Luna?" Derpy thought for a second and remembered that she lived in the house with the stable that had the very nice horses. Of course she would be able to help! "I will g-g-go a-and b-bring her to you!" Derpy promised, rising to her feet.

"Take the catacombs," Discord whispered. "They will be the quickest way."

Derpy's confident smile quickly vanished. "But the catacombs a-a-are d-d-dark! Darker t-t-than all the other t-tunnels…a-and I don't know t-t-them very well–"

"Derpy," Discord interrupted, his eyes focusing on the hunchback. "You can do this…I know you can. I showed all of you the way down the tunnel once…do you remember?"

Derpy slowly nodded her head, although she never thought she would ever have to use it. "I d-do," she whispered, trying to sound brave, but failing.

"Take the tunnel…count to 40, then turn to your right…count to 80, then turn to your left. Count to 20 and then turn left again…count to 70, and then turn right. You'll be near the entrance at that point. Just go another 20 paces and you'll come to some stairs. There are 14 of them. Go up the stairs and you will find yourself inside a mausoleum. There is an old rusted key that hides on a stone ledge above the gate. Use it to unlock the gate, and be sure to lock the gate once you've left. Take the key with you, and find Madame Luna."

Derpy slowly nodded her head, not liking the idea very much, but knowing that the Master was depending on her. "I w-will be q-q-quick," she promised. "I w-will find her a-a-and bring her back."

"I know you will," Discord whispered, leaning back against the wall of stone, and feeling his eyes grow heavy once more. "I know you can do this."

Derpy nodded her head and took a deep breath. Carmen mewed from inside her pocket, and Derpy smiled down at the kitten. At least she would not be taking this darkened journey alone.

She glanced at the Master one last time, before entering the darkness of the old Marisian catacombs.

"I can't believe it…and yet…it doesn't surprise me."
Fluttershy glanced up at the pretty dancer who sat across from her in Madame Luna's parlor. It was early morning, the day after Fluttershy had announced that she was quitting the Maris Opera House. Had she still been a member of the company, today would be her opening night, the day she would take her first step out on stage as an opera singer before all of Maris. But that day would never come for her, and it was her choice.

After Fluttershy and her father had left, both Madame Luna and Twilight had rushed home, bursting into the house, talking at the same time, their eyes wide, their faces pale, and looking shocked beyond all belief. Together, both Fluttershy and her father stood facing them, calmly explaining their decisions, how they felt this was truly better for them both, and that was the end of it.

Madame Luna looked horrified, and had to excuse herself from the parlor before bursting into tears. Twilight was still stunned by Fluttershy's news that she and the Phantom were lovers. It made perfect sense, of course, looking back on everything. Fluttershy's hysterical behavior after the explosion, her desperateness to get below the opera house, even the way she defended the Phantom's name in front of the Prince! It all made sense, and yet Twilight had never once suspected.

Little sleep was had that night.

Both Fluttershy and her father seemed unsure what to do next. Madame Luna could not stop crying and worrying, and Twilight had just too many questions. Finally, before the dawn's light rose, the four of them gathered together once more in Madame Luna's parlor. Time Turner had been talking with Fluttershy late into the night, and the two decided that the best thing for them both was to travel back to Time Turner's homeland of Sweden, and start a new life there. Madame Luna's tears flowed even more, and she excused herself again, saying she needed to go somewhere urgently, and left the house. Time Turner also excused himself, believing it best to go and arrange the tickets that they would need for their journey. Twilight and Fluttershy were left alone in the parlor, sipping tea and watching the dawn's gray light illuminate the streets of Maris from the parlor window.

"All those months…" Twilight murmured. "All those months you had been missing, you were only just below."

Fluttershy nodded her head and took a sip from her teacup. She was unsure how Twilight would react after learning the truth about her and the Phantom, but she realized that she should have known better; Twilight was truly the only pony in the whole company that had not judged Fluttershy. And still, even after everything she had learned, Twilight's kindness and sweet understanding remained steadfast.

"It's amazing," Twilight murmured again. "Just…I have never seen the Phantom myself, but I believed the stories. And he was always portrayed as this masked villainous monster…"

"I know," Fluttershy whispered. "And I thought the same when I first met him. I will not lie, he was not always kind; he had a fierce temper and his words could be most cruel…but something changed. Or perhaps, I changed, and saw the good in him. But the Phantom I knew then is practically forgotten; Discord…the Phantom I know now…he is the stallion I love…the stallion I will always love."

Twilight smiled at her friend's words, but felt the same pangs of sadness for her loss. "And the ring…the ring that Celestia saw you wearing and had assumed was from the Prince? That was from the Phan–I mean, from Discord?"

Fluttershy simply nodded her head, her hooves reaching up to brush her tears away. She felt so cold, so hollow since yesterday. She also felt so much older, as if Discord's death had aged her twenty years. Her heart, and her innocence died in that explosion, along with the creature she loved. She had become a widow, before becoming a bride.

Twilight reached out and took Fluttershy's hoof in her own. Fluttershy squeezed the dancer's hoof, grateful for the comfort. "You don't have to go, Fluttershy," Twilight whispered, looking into her friends' eyes. "You don't have to do this."

Fluttershy sadly shook her head. "No Twilight, I can't stay here…Papa is right. There is nothing for us here anymore. Nothing for us in Maris, and nothing for us back in the country. He has a sister in Sweden who he has corresponded with through the years, and after the death of my mother, wrote to us, telling us that we could come and stay with her if need be."

"Yes, but it's so far away!" Twilight sighed unhappily. "I'm going to miss you."

Fluttershy looked up at the mare who sat across from her and reached out to hug her tightly. "Oh Twilight, I'm going to miss you too, so very much. Both you and your mother are going to be my only regrets when leaving Maris."

Twilight put her hooves on Fluttershy's shoulders and looked deeply into the brunette's eyes. "Your only regret? Fluttershy…think about what you're giving up! I understand your feelings, and I respect them, but…giving the part to Celestia? Fluttershy, that's Discord's opera…don't you want to sing the part that he wrote for you?"

Fluttershy felt her heart swell with sorrow and shame at Twilight's words. She knew that Discord would be disappointed in her decision, but the truth of the matter was, she could not stand to be a part of something that cared so little for the genius that composed the great work they would be performing. It was all a lie, a mask in a sense, hiding the ugly resentment by taking the money.

"Twilight…a part of me wants to sing that part more than anything. But…" she looked away as the tears began to fall. "Ever since I came back, ever since I stepped foot on stage at rehearsals, I have always felt his presence. As if he were watching over me, guiding me through the music." She smiled at this thought, but it quickly faded. "Yesterday, when I stepped out on that stage, after everything that had happened…something didn't feel right. Something felt cold, harsh, and different. And then I realized…I couldn't feel him anymore. It was as if his very presence was taken away in that horrible explosion…" Fluttershy couldn't hold back anymore, the tears began flowing and she covered her mouth with her hoof to control her sobs.

Twilight quickly hugged her friend tightly as Fluttershy released herself to her sorrow. For a long time, the two of them sat like that, hugging one another and crying together until their eyes stung from all the tears that had been shed. Fluttershy finally lifted her head and wiped her eyes. "I can't do it Twilight…" she murmured sadly. "I…I know you're right, I know that I should sing…but I can't do it. I can't go out there, feeling that emptiness, the lack of his presence. I'm sorry…"

"Oh Fluttershy, no," Twilight shushed, shaking her head. "You don't need to apologize, and I'm sorry for making you feel pressured to sing. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to sing something somepony you loved created for you…and then know that…well, that they won't be seeing it." She paused, her hooves gripping Fluttershy's. "I wish I could quit too."

Fluttershy's head jerked up at Twilight's words. "Oh no Twilight, you mustn't wish that. There are so many wonderful dance scenes in the opera, and several solos for you. You must go on and perform them so that all of Maris can see the star that you are!" 

"But Fluttershy, you are a star too!" Twilight argued.

"No," Fluttershy shook her head. "No Twilight, I'm nobody. At least in the world of opera, I'm nobody. But you have been dancing since you could walk–you deserve this moment to shine."

Twilight wanted to argue further, but at that moment, the door opened and Time Turner emerged. "I have our tickets," he announced. "We shall be leaving tonight, on the six o'clock train to the coast. Tomorrow, a ship shall take us to Sweden."

Both mares gasped. "So soon?" Fluttershy realized it was she who had said those words. She felt it best that both she and her father leave Maris, but she had not fully comprehended how quickly they would be going…or how much she would miss the city.

"It was the only train that still had seats," her father explained. "There was nothing else available until next week."

Fluttershy nodded her head with understanding, but she felt sadness wash over her. She touched her stomach and thought of the baby, thought of the city where her child had been conceived, and how perhaps one day, after the child was born, she would bring her son or daughter back to show them Maris.

"You must come and visit, both of you," Twilight insisted, forcing a smile, although it was quite strained.

"We shall," Time Turner promised, leaning down and taking Fluttershy's hooves in his. Fluttershy quickly smiled up at her father, and tried to smile at Twilight's words, yet hers was strained as well.

"Well," Twilight murmured. "I had best be getting to the opera house. Monsieur Flim announced that we need to have one more rehearsal this morning, due to yesterday's…" her voice trailed off, and she quickly looked away from both Fluttershy and her father.

"Good luck," Fluttershy whispered, rising from her chair to give Twilight a hug. It felt very much like a sad farewell. "I shall write as soon as we reach Sweetlen."

Twilight nodded her head, fighting back her own tears, before quickly turning to leave the house. Time Turner rested a hoof on his daughter's shoulder, offering as much comfort as he could. "We shall visit again soon, I promise."

Fluttershy said nothing, she simply reached up to give her father's hoof a squeeze, before turning to go and help with packing their things.

Madame Luna exited the small church with a heavy sigh. Clouds were brewing overhead; fitting, she thought. The sun's beautiful golden rays were quickly disappearing, as thunder could be heard in the distance. Yes, quite fitting; this is not a day for sunshine and warmth.
She knew she was late. She should be at the opera house, helping the mares prepare for the evening's opera, but it was a task that she was not looking forward to.

How could she go there, knowing that Discord was dead and Fluttershy was leaving? How could she enjoy watching her daughter dance, knowing that the genius that had designed and choreographed Twilight's solos was no longer present? How could she stand by, cold with grief, and watch the managers greedily boast about ticket sales? If Twilight and the other mares did not need her support, she would quit herself.

A creaking sound to her right caused the dance mistress to rapidly turn her head. She stood in the cold churchyard, surrounded by ancient gravestones, her eyes falling on a lonely, cracked mausoleum. She could have sworn she had heard the sound come from there! She took a tentative step towards the mausoleum, and froze as she heard a soft grunt escape its darkened confines.

Were the dead rising from their graves?

She took another step towards the mausoleum, and gasped as she saw the iron gate of enlarged tomb, creak open.

The sight that greeted her after that was never more beautiful.

"D-d-d-derpy?" she choked, as the hunchback and slowly, and carefully, emerged from her hiding place.

Derpy froze at the sound of her name, however she recognized the voice and turned quickly, gasping at the sight of the mare she had come above to fetch. She opened his mouth to greet her, but was stunned speechless when the dance mistress gave a shriek of joy, before rushing forward and throwing her arms around her.

"You're alive!" Madame Luna happily cried. "Oh thank the Lord above, you're alive!"

Derpy was still stunned by Madame Luna's burst of emotion. The few times she had conversed with the dance mistress, she always gave off an air of cold aloofness. Now, she was crying against her chest and hugging her as tightly as her two thin arms could.

However, it wasn't just Madame Luna's emotional outburst that had her frozen in his place. She still couldn't believe that she had managed to find her way out of the catacombs. She had almost burst into tears with worry, thinking that she had gotten herself lost, until Carmen's sweet meow brought her attention to the tunnel that led to the mausoleum's steps. Now she just needed to find Madame Luna; and before she had even shut the tomb's gate, there she was! The very pony she needed, standing right there as if she had heard the Master's prayer.

Madame Luna finally got control of her emotions, and quickly took the hunchback's arm, bringing her more securely into the shadows of the mausoleum. She was so happy that Derpy had made it, that she was indeed alive, which could also mean that the others were alive as well! But she needed to let her speak first and learn everything that she could about the situation. "Derpy, how did you get out of there?" she asked in a hushed voice.

The hunchback smiled with pride. "T-t-the Master t-told me about the c-c-catacombs, a-a-and h-helped me find the way outside," she explained.

Madame Luna froze at the mention of Discord. Was it possible? Could he still be alive?

"Derpy…you must tell me everything," she whispered, carefully and calmly, despite the anxiousness she was feeling inside.

The hunchback nodded her head, but pushed the gate of the mausoleum open. "I p-promise to t-t-t-tell you everything o-on the way…b-b-but we must g-go, the Master needs y-your h-help."

She couldn't contain her questions any longer. "Discord is alive?"

Derpy smiled and began to nod hwe head, but then hwe smile quickly faded. "H-he is badly h-hurt…a-and told me to come a-and get you," zhe explained.

Madame Luna could not believe it. Discord was alive…he was alive! But Derpy's words were slowly sinking in; he was alive…now, but he was in need of help, and if she did not go to him quickly…

"Lead the way," she murmured, picking up her skirts and entering the mausoleum.

Derpy grinned and nodded his head, feeling his hope rising. Everything was going to be all right; Madame Luna would help them as she always had before.

As Derpy bravely led the way back into the dark catacombs, Madame Luna found herself thanking God for answering her prayer, but also praying that by the time she reached Discord, she was not too late.

"Where is she!?!"
Twilight groaned and once more, attempted to calm the angry manager down. "She will be here shortly, Monsieur Flam, she simply wanted to go to church this morning before coming to the opera house."

"Church!" Flam practically spat. "On a Friday?"

Twilight took a deep breath so as not to lose her temper at the odious pony. "She wanted to go to confession," she simply explained. "After yesterday's tragedy, it should not be surprising that everyone is a little…shaken."

Flam looked down at the pretty dancer, his face twisting with disgust; how dare she, a mere child, lecture him! He opened his mouth to reply, but a sudden grip on his shoulder caused the younger manager to whirl around.

"Is there a problem, monsieur?" Blueblood casually asked.

Flam's eyes widened and quickly shook his head. "No monsieur, not at all! Simply, I was asking Mademoiselle Luna here, if she knew where her mother was. Madame Luna is late for rehearsals," he explained, hoping to not upset the Prince, while also wanting to tattle on the dance mistress.

Blueblood had been reluctant to come to the opera house that morning. Partly, because he got little sleep the night before, due to worries involving his loss of finances, and his plans involving Fluttershy. Even if the Phantom were dead, it still did not help the matter of his debts. Due to the scandals and lack of ticket sales prior to Don Juan, on top of his gambling debts, and the money he owed to both Silverstar and Master, Blueblood needed the Marquis Filthy Rich's fortune more than ever, which meant he needed Fluttershy as his wife, now, more than ever.

Which was the cause for his other reason to being reluctant for coming to the opera house that morning. Fluttershy's words to him the night before, on top of everything else she had revealed, were still whirling about in his head. She called him a monster; she confessed to rutting with that beast; she defended that creature even as she was being dragged away! The second he had her alone, after they were married, he would teach her a lesson, a lesson he was looking quite forward to inflicting.

Blueblood ignored any other words that were leaving Flam's mouth, and found himself smiling with interest at Twilight. She was quite pretty…and she did seem to have blossomed overnight, since last he had paid any heed to her. Perhaps he could persuade Twilight to cure the ache in his loins that Fluttershy had caused?

"I'm sure she will be here shortly," he murmured to the manager, offering a charming smile in Twilight's direction.

Once upon a time, Twilight would have found herself giggling and smiling back, but now, she only wrapped her arms around her body and immediately began to back away from Blueblood's hoofsome gaze. "Good day to you," she whispered, before quickly turning and rushing back to where the other dance mares stood.

Blueblood frowned, cursing Madame Luna for influencing the mare. He turned away then and pushed past Flam, practically causing the younger manager to fall backward. "Tonight's a big night," he muttered. "Is everything understood about what is to happen?"

"Oh yes!" Flam answered, quickly recovering from his near loss of balance. He followed Blueblood into the auditorium, and now stood beside Monsieur Flim, who was gazing up at the stage while Fancypants sang one of his many songs. "The police will be here promptly at six, before any patrons arrive, and they shall be stationed at every entrance, and backstage–"

"What's this?" Blueblood asked, his voice filled with both surprise and disgust.

Flam turned to look up at the stage to see Celestia, strutting across, singing "Think of Me", far too dramatically. "Celestia is Mademoiselle Fluttershy's understudy, so she is–"

"I know she is Fluttershy's understudy," Blueblood growled, his temper beginning to kindle. "But what is she doing on stage? This is pointless! It is a waste of valuable time, having the understudies rehearse when they will not be performing!"

Flam glanced at Flim, who was now beginning to turn pale with realization. "You haven't told him?" the older manager practically hissed.

"He just arrived! Besides, you should be the one to tell him!" Flam hissed back.

Blueblood's eyes narrowed at the two managers. "Tell me what?" he growled.

Both men looked up at the Prince, swallowing the nervous lumps in their throats, feeling their palms grow sweaty. "Well…monsieur, a-after you left…" Flim began, his courage quickly leaving along with his voice.

"T-things were quite tense," Flam offered, trying to help, but also feeling his own courage drift away.

"If one of you does not explain in the next few seconds," he growled, dragging the two men out of the auditorium and into the foyer where they would cause less of scene, "you will both be wishing that you had never even heard of the opera business!" Blueblood threatened, his eyes flashing with irritation.

Funnily enough, the two stallions were already wishing that.

The managers glanced at each other, took a deep breath, and together, said, "Mademoiselle Fluttershy quit."

There was a long pause, as if time itself had come to a stand still.

And then…

"WHAT?!?"

Before the two managers could say or do anything, Blueblood had grabbed them both by the collars of their suits, and had practically bashed the two of them together. "WHY DIDN'T DID YOU TELL ME THIS YESTERDAY?"

"W-w-we did not wish to worry you f-further!" Flam quickly explained, in a pathetic blubbering voice.

"W-w-we thought l-letting Celestia play the lead–" Flim attempted to reason, but was quickly shaken, violently, for doing so.

"DO YOU TWO IDIOTS UNDERSTAND ANYTHING?" Blueblood shouted, pushing them away from him, causing them both to stumble backwards. "WE NEED FLUTTERSHY! SHE'S THE BAIT! IF THAT BLASTED PHANTOM IS STILL ALIVE, HE WILL COME TONIGHT BECAUSE OF HER!" he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, if at least to calm his voice. "She…" he began, his tone slightly softer, but still quite threatening, "…is the key to our plans. She is the thing that will lure him into our trap. Also, she's the one that the BUCKING PUBLIC IS PAYING TO SEE!" he roared again.

Both stallion shrunk at the Prince's tone, lifting their arms up as if to shield themselves.

"Do you WANT to live through more scandals? Do you WANT this place to remain haunted by that madcolt? IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?"

"NO!" both stallions pathetically shouted in unison.

Blueblood cursed under his breath, before smoothing his jacket and running his hooves through his blonde hair. It looked as if his plot would have to begin earlier than he had planned. "Get Celestia off stage," he growled. "And have everything ready tonight for Mademoiselle Fluttershy."

Flim knew he was playing with fire by asking this question, but it needed to be asked. "A-a-are you g-going to bring her back?"

Blueblood wanted to shout, but instead he clenched his teeth and nodded his head. "She will perform, I promise you that," he muttered, before turning on his heel and exiting the opera house. "And I know just how to persuade her…"

Time Turner watched as his daughter gently placed their meager belongings in the two carpetbags they possessed. She had insisted on doing the task by herself, telling him that he had already done his part by rising early to purchase their tickets. Time Turner finally gave in, yet it pained him so to see his daughter's face, pale and hopeless, the life that once sparkled in her eyes gone…
Sweden was their only choice. There was nothing for them in Prance; no farm to tend, and now after making the dramatic move to quit the opera house, they truly had no other options. Time Turner knew his sister would welcome them with open arms, but still, he despised having to rely on others when for so many years, he had provided for his family.

And while he knew it was not his fault, he blamed himself for the sorrow his daughter was feeling.

Fluttershy had found love; a creature who once upon a time had seemed like a horrible monstrous beast…but in the end, had learned to love, had adored his daughter, and who wanted to marry her. And the two of them, like so many couples, lost themselves in their passions, and now Fluttershy was with child…and the stallion who would have married her and helped her raise that child was no more.

He knew it wasn't his fault, but Time Turner blamed himself entirely for not somehow being a better help for his daughter.

"When will our boat be leaving?"

Time Turner glanced up at his daughter, realizing she was asking him a question. "Tomorrow morning," he murmured. "Around eight."

Fluttershy nodded her head. "And our train that will take us to the coast leaves at six," she confirmed.

Time Turner nodded his head to her question. "I was informed that there will be several inns in the area that will provide us with both a hot meal, and a warm bed for the night."

Fluttershy tried to smile, but found it difficult. The hours had been ticking by far faster than she had liked. She could not believe it was the afternoon already! Prior to packing their things, Fluttershy had insisted on helping Shores, Madame Luna's housekeeper, with several of the household chores, as repayment for the dance mistress' kindness. Several times during her work, Fluttershy had thought that perhaps instead of traveling to Sweden, she could find work in the city as a seamstress; after all, she was rather smart with needle and pin. If not that, then at least as a maid, she was not a stranger to hard work. But she knew her father wouldn't stand for it, if he could help it, and she personally was not sure how she could handle staying in Maris after everything. And yet, she also was not sure how she could handle leaving it as well. All that mattered now was helping her father, and looking after her baby.

"My dear," Time Turner murmured, interrupting her thoughts. "Let me finish, you have done more than enough today."

"I'm fine, Papa," she mumbled, not meeting his eyes, as she folded a dress into her bag.

Time Turner sighed and rose from his chair, gently placing his old hooves on his daughter's shoulders. They were trembling with the resolve not to cry.

"Fluttershy, let me finish this, and why don't you go visit Twilight?"

Fluttershy froze at his words and she turned to face him. "What?"

"Go to the opera house," he gently explained. "Say goodbye to Twilight and the others, it will do you some good."

"But Papa–"

"Fluttershy," he whispered, pushing a fallen wave away from her brow. "I know from experience; you will regret it if you do not do this. Go say your goodbyes…"

He did not say it, but Fluttershy knew what he meant. Yes, he was telling her to go and say her final goodbyes to Twilight and others of the company…but he was also telling her to say goodbye to the opera house itself…and to its ghost.

Time Turner smiled as he noticed her hesitation melt away. "Go on, I will finish this and wait for you."

Fluttershy nodded her head, a soft smile spreading across her face. "I shall be back before five."

"Take as long as you need," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her close.

Fluttershy hugged her father back just as tightly, murmuring her thanks, before turning and leaving the town house to pay her last respects to the magnificent Maris Opera House…and the memory of the stallion who had called it his home for the last twenty years. 

"Master!" Derpy cried, as he and Madame Luna finally came to the end of their tunnel. "M-m-master! I f-f-found her! I h-have her!"
Madame Luna gasped at the sight of the destruction that lay around them. She had seen little when she had taken the passage from the chapel, and yet she had not imagined how horrible the damage was. It was amazing that either Derpy or Discord had survived this disaster.

Much to Derpy's surprise, Discord was awake, and had been ever since he had heard their hoofsteps far down the dark tunnel. "Master!" Derpy grinned proudly and happily at seeing him conscious. "H-h-here s-she is!" she happily stuttered, taking Madame Luna's arm and gently pulling her towards Discord.

"Discord!" she gasped with relief at seeing him, although her relief was quickly squashed at the sight of the dried blood that caked his shirt and skin. "Oh God, Discord…"

"Don't faint on me," he grunted with discomfort, as he attempted to sit up. "You're the most level-headed pony I know, and if you lose your senses, I don't know what I'll do."

At least the explosion hadn't knocked away his dry humor. Madame Luna knelt down beside her friend and carefully began to examine the blood on his shirt. "Where do you feel the most pain?" she asked, taking note of the cuts on his chest.

"My leg," Discord groaned, wincing with pain as he moved it. "The left one."

Madame Luna leaned down to examine his leg, while Derpy hovered near by. "Is t-t-there a-a-anything I c-can do?" he softly asked.

Discord looked up at Derpy and felt his chest swell with pride. "You have done more than enough, my friend," he murmured most sincerely. "Thank you."

Derpy grinned, but knew now was not the time to be feeling proud; she needed to help the Master so they could save the others. "I f-f-found s-some of Rarity's m-medicines," she explained to Madame Luna, reaching over to show her the small bag that the little mare had kept whenever they were injured. "I g-gathered it a-after b-bringing the Master here."

Madame Luna smiled up at the hunchback. "You're quite resourceful, Derpy," she complimented. "And a good thing too, we need to put some of those herbs she uses on these cuts, as well as some clean bandages. And we'll need some wood…two thin slabs to make a splint."

"A splint?" Discord asked.

Madame Luna nodded. "It's not as bad as I feared; your leg isn't broken, but the ankle is sprained. A splint will help give your ankle the support it will need to heal. Derpy? Can you go and fetch me some clean strips of cloth, as well as two lean wooden slabs?"

"No," Discord interrupted before the hunchback could answer.

Madame Luna lifted an eyebrow at his words. "Discord, you need this splint if you want to be able to stand on your own, let alone walk–"

"Forget about me!" he growled. "I am fine, I will be alright, just help the others."

Madame Luna leaned away. "The others?" she asked, slowly realizing that he did not know what Derpy had told her.

"Yes, they are trapped somewhere, most likely in their chamber. Derpy, go and help them, I'm sure they are–"

"They're not here," Madame Luna calmly explained.

Discord stared at the mare before him, confused and irritated that nothing was being done. "What are you talking about? I told you, they're trapped on the other side–"

"T-t-the g-g-gypsies took t-them," Derpy interrupted, her voice filled with sadness and fear.

Discord's eyes widened with shock and disbelief. "W-w-what?"

"Master," Madame Luna whispered. "The same stallion that kept you imprisoned all those years…he has them."

Silence fell over the tunnel as the shock from Madame Luna's words settled over Discord. And then, suddenly, with a mighty roar of anger, Discord gripped the slab of stone he had been leaning against, and forced himself up onto his feet.

"Discord!" Madame Luna gasped as he attempted to walk on his own. "What are you doing?"

"What…does…it…look…like?" he growled through clenched teeth, groaning at the pain that was shooting through his body with each step.

His leg was not broken, but a sprained ankle still made it difficult for an ordinary stallion to walk on. But Discord was no ordinary stallion, the dance mistress had to remind herself. He could be the most unbelievably stubborn pony on the planet…and that was probably the only thing that kept him living this long.

"Discord, you are in no condition–"

"IT'S MASTER!" he shouted. "That…that…that BASTARD kept me in a cage! He tortured me, as well as the others! And I PROMISED them I would NEVER allow this to ever happen to them AGAIN!" he turned and slammed his fist, hard, into the wall behind him, leaving a dent in the stone. "I promised them," he whispered this time, ignoring the pain that pierced his ankle, as well as his bloody knuckles. "I promised them this would never happen again…"

Madame Luna felt Discord's pain, knowing how it felt to believe one had failed another. "We will save them, I promise," Madame Luna murmured, slowly coaxing Discord to sit back down. "But you are in no condition to go and fight them, at least not yet," she argued, hoping Discord would see reason.

With a groan of defeat, Discord sat down once more, and Madame Luna sent Derpy to fetch her the supplies she needed. She opened Rarity's small medical bag, and began to go through her tiny collection of healing herbs. "You need a doctor," Madame Luna sighed, as she took a small brush from the bag and dipped it into one of the herb jars.

"I need to get my hooves around Master's neck," Discord growled, wincing at the sting of the herbs on his open cuts.

"All in good time," the dance mistress grumbled as she applied the herbal paste to his cuts, before bandaging them.

"How did he find this place?" Discord asked hypothetically. "How did he get in?"

"Derpy said she saw them enter through the sewer entrance above their chamber," Madame Luna informed.

"The sewer entrance?" Discord thought about the passage that led down the sewer into the chamber his friends occupied. It was the most unguarded of the chamber entrances, but that was for the simple reason that Discord thought no one in their right mind would willingly walk through raw sewage to get to them. And even then, there was the boulder that covered the tunnel entrance into the chamber…

"He didn't just stumble upon that tunnel," Discord growled. "Somepony told him. Somepony found out and passed the information on…" A low snarl escaped his throat. "The Prince."

Madame Luna suspected the Prince as well, but it still made little sense. "How did the Prince discover this place? He hates you, yes, but he's the last pony who would walk through raw sewage to learn of your whereabouts."

At that moment, Derpy reappeared with several strips of cloth and two wooden slabs, just as Madame Luna had requested. Discord looked up at his friend and realized how the trap had been set. "They followed Derpy and Fluttershy," he whispered. "The night she brought him back, the Prince must have had somepony follow them…for she told me Derpy got them inside through the sewer."

Derpy had only just arrived, but already she was paling at her Master's words. "Does…does t-t-that mean it's m-m-my f-fault?"

"No," Madame Luna quickly intervened, taking the two wooden slabs and binding them to Discord's leg. "If anyone is to blame it is the Prince, if he is behind all this."

Discord grunted in pain as she tightened the splint. "He is, I know it."

Madame Luna shook her head. She suspected Blueblood of being behind this, but it made no sense! Just as she believed Blueblood would never walk through a sewer, she could not believe he would go out of his way to associate with gypsies. "How did the Prince come to know Master? Why would he want to know the stallion?"

"I don't know," Discord sighed with frustration. "But you can not tell me that this is all coincidence! That my greatest enemy who is more than determined to see me dead, and who covets Fluttershy, had nothing to do with the pony who kept me a prisoner in his freak show, finding my home and invading it to take the others?"

Madame Luna sighed, knowing that while it made no sense, she could not see it as pure coincidence either. And then she gasped with realization. "Discord, there is something else you need to know. Fluttershy–"

Discord paled at the  mare's words. "Good God, is she alright? He didn't lay another hoof on her, did he?" he would skin the Prince alive if he had tried to force himself on Fluttershy again. Discord had every intention of the killing the stallion, but now it all came down to how much torture he would inflict.

"She is fine," the dance mistress quickly intervened. "But…she thinks you're dead!"

Discord's brow furrowed at the  mare's words. "Dead?"

"Yes, the explosion, we all felt it…and few ponies believe that you are still alive, I even thought you were dead!" Madame Luna confessed. "And Fluttershy…she…she quit the opera–"

"What?" Discord gasped, groaning as he moved his leg too quickly. "What do you mean?" he demanded.

"The managers insist that the opera go on," Madame Luna explained. "They have too much money invested, but Fluttershy accused their hypocrisy, and thinking you were dead…quit the opera."

Had this been any other circumstance, Discord would be raging at the thought of somepony other than Fluttershy singing in his opera. But the opera was the last thing he needed to worry about.

"There's more," Madame Luna murmured. "She and her father are leaving Maris, tonight."

"WHAT?" Discord roared. "WHERE?"

"Sweetlan," Madame Luna quickly answered. "Her father has family there. Discord, please understand, Fluttershy believed she had nothing left here–"

"It's alright," he muttered, attempting to stand with his new splint. "I can not blame her, and it's the damn Prince's fault for arranging all this!" he cursed as pain shot through his leg as he attempted to put some weight on it. What was he going to do? He needed to save his friends, and stop Fluttershy from leaving Maris! He needed to get word to her that he was alive, that he was alright, and he feared for her too. If the Prince had mastered this whole plot to kill him…there was no end to the hoofsome noblecolt's villainy.

"Where is she now?" he asked, groaning at the pain in his leg.

"At my home, with her father. Time Turner went to get train tickets; I believe they will try to leave Maris tonight."

Discord nodded. He had no idea what the time was now, but he needed to get word to her as soon as possible. "Tell her I'm alright, and have both her and Time Turner stay where they are and lock the doors. Unless it is either you or your daughter, do not let anyone else inside."

Madame Luna felt a cold chill run down her spine at the serious tone of Discord's words. "What do you suspect?"

"I don't know," he groaned, attempting to put some weight on his leg once more. "But knowing she is safe is all that matters. Just tell her that I am alright and I will come to her later, but do not let her leave that house for anything!"

Madame Luna nodded her head in agreement. "I shall leave at once and get word to her right away…and what are you going to do?"

Discord took several deep breaths, fighting the pain that was in his leg as he stood away from the wall, his weight balancing back and forth between his legs. "Derpy and I are going to pay a visit to Monsieur Master."

"Discord! That is not wise–"

"WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO?" he roared in anger. "I am not exactly the sort of stallion who can rely on the police for help!"

"Discord you can not fight him! He has a hoards of stallions, and you…you can barely walk!" Discord had nearly lost his life; she did not want him to go looking for an opportunity to put it at stake.

"We shall take the black carriage," Discord explained, ignoring her concern. "Do you think you can help me?" he asked, looking at Derpy who had been watching the whole scene with a trembling lip.

The hunchback was unsure. She tried to avoid any kind of fighting; besides, the Master was always there to protect them. But now, it was the Master who was in need of her strength , and then she thought of Rainbow Dash, Shortround, and Rarity…being held in cages, being beaten with whips and rocks…

A great storm of rage filled her eyes. "Y-yes Master," she growled, in a way similar to Discord's. "I w-w-will f-fetch the carriage."

Madame Luna threw her hooves up into the air. "This is crazy! Discord, you can't expect Derpy–"
"She's not a filly, madam, but a mare. A mare who has proven several times today to be capable of looking after herself, as well as others. And I will not sit here another second, knowing that my…my family…are being held in cages!" he spat bitterly.

It was a pointless battle. Nothing she said would stop him, and she knew how important it was to help Rarity and the others. "I remember hearing news about a gypsy carnival just outside of Maris," she murmured, "to the north."

Discord nodded his head and limped in the direction Derpy had gone, his back straight, his broad shoulders square, and his head lifted high. "Go and send word to Fluttershy. And tell her…tell her I love her, and that I will see her again, very soon." he paused, turning and looking back at the  mare who had been a guardian angel to all of them throughout the years. "Thank you…for everything"

Madame Luna nodded her head, a tearful smile spreading across her face. "You're welcome…and be careful," she whispered.

"I promise," Discord vowed.

Time Turner sighed and glanced at the clock in Madame Luna's parlor. He could not believe how quickly the day had flown. It was after four and he knew that within the hour, Fluttershy would be back and the two of them would leave to catch their train.
He set down the cup of tea he had been sipping, and tried to think of the positive things that awaited them in Sweden. It had been years since he had visited his home country, and while a part of him longed to see his sister and the land of his birth…he knew, like Fluttershy, he would miss Maris immensely.

A knock on the door interrupted Time Turner's thoughts. Fluttershy had returned earlier than he had expected. He rose from his chair and opened the door, ready to embrace his daughter who he expected to find in tears…but his blood turned cold at the sight that greeted him.

"Ah, good afternoon, Monsieur Time Turner," Blueblood greeted, as thunder softly growled overhead. "I do hope I am not intruding?"

Blueblood's hoof slammed against the door, stopping it from closing when Time Turner attempted to shut it in the noblecolt's face. "Now that is rude," Blueblood sighed, pushing his way in. "A proper gentlecolt would have at least invited me in for tea."

Time Turner glared at the stallion before him, the pony who only a few weeks ago he had thought was the epitome of good manners and gentility. "You, monsieur, need a lesson in how to be gentlecolt," Time Turner spat. "Get out of this house!"

Blueblood ignored the old pony and pushed his way past him, taking a seat in the chair Time Turner had occupied, and helping himself to a cup of tea. "It is not your house to be throwing orders," Blueblood murmured, as he added sugar to his cup. "And I'm not here to see you, but your charming daughter."

Time Turner had gone from a hot red to a deep shade of purple. "YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER!" he shouted. "YOU ARE PURE FILTH! I KNOW WHAT YOU TRIED TO DO–"

"Must you shout? It can hurt one's head."

Time Turner could not believe the arrogance of this pony! The conceitedness! The way he assumed authority wherever he went! He opened his mouth to shout other, more crude, obscenities at the noblecolt, but was robbed from all speech when he felt two strong arms grip his own, pulling them behind his back, causing him to flail helplessly. Who was his unseen attacker?

"Thank you," Blueblood complimented his coachcolt, as he sipped the tea from his cup. "Now, Monsieur Time Turner, perhaps you can answer a few questions for me?"

"Go to hell!" Time Turner spat, struggling against the coachcolt's strong grip.

Blueblood sighed and rose from his chair. Without pausing or blinking, his fist made contact with the old pony's stomach, causing Time Turner to crumple and groan in pain. "Now…" Blueblood murmured, grasping the old stallionst head and lifting it up to look at him. "Let's try this again," he said with a devilish smile. "I understand that you and Fluttershy have quit the opera house…and judging by your bags," Blueblood noted, "I'd say you're planning on going on a long trip. But why on earth would you be doing that? And once more…where would you be going?"

"I'll tell you nothing!" Time Turner coughed in agony as Blueblood's walking stick made contact with his gut.

"Are you that stubborn?" Blueblood grumbled. "Best let me know now; I'd hate to be doing this all night."

Time Turner simply spat at the Prince's feet, although he felt horribly sick in his stomach from the beating.
Blueblood sighed, realizing there was no reasoning with the old stallion, and knew he would be forced to use different tactics. "Monsieur Time Turner, I have been more than patient with you and your daughter, but my patience is growing extremely thin. If you do not begin answering my questions…" with a simple snap of his fingers, two burly gypsies entered the foyer, each dragging the bound and gagged housekeeper, "then I shall be forced to take out my anger on this innocent  mare."

Time Turner stared wide eyed at the Prince. Surely he was not capable of committing such villainy! But Time Turner knew he was a pony who looked like a gentlecolt, and could pass off as one in society, and yet who was capable of nearly committing rape on his daughter, not to mention beat a helpless stallion. Time Turner gasped in horror as Blueblood lifted his arm to backhoof Madame Luna's housekeeper, the poor mare's eyes lit with terror. "No! I'll tell you whatever you wish! Just please, don't hurt her!"

Blueblood lowered his arm and a satisfied smile spread across his hoofsome features. "Good Colt."

It was quiet in the chapel; peaceful and calm. Fluttershy wished she had visited this place more often when she had been a member of the company. It was nice to be away from the chatter and noise of the opera house, preparing for its opening night of Don Juan Triumphant.
Fluttershy had seen very little when she had entered the majestic building. She was still in shock at how hard it had been to enter; it seemed as if her own feet refused to carry her up the stone steps that led into the grand foyer. Yet she pushed herself to do it, and once inside, quickly discovered that everyone was on stage, going over the last bits of the opera before its inaugural performance.

Fluttershy gazed from a crack in the door and felt her heart swell with sadness as she watched Celestia sing Aminta's songs. Yes, it had been her choice to quit, but she would be lying if she admitted she truly didn't want to play the part. The truth of the matter was that she did…but not without Discord. It wouldn't be the same without his presence haunting the stage from overhead.

Twilight and the other dance mares were extremely busy, dancing from one scene to the next. Fluttershy wanted to say goodbye to her new friend, but realized it would be impossible, and inconsiderate to interrupt the rehearsal. Also, she did not wish to draw any attention to herself, especially from the managers who were talking with one another as they watched the rehearsal.

With a heavy heart, Fluttershy went to the chapel, grateful to find it empty. It was a simple room; a single stained glass window with a beautiful picture of an angel illuminated the room with color, and beside a cross that hung from one wall, laid a small row of candles, some looking ancient and worn, many covered with dust. A box of matches lay on the ground beside the candles, and Fluttershy quickly lit one. She knelt beside the cross, and gazed at the broken vent that Madame Luna had pried open, that now only resembled burnt wood and crumpled stone. With her hooves folded, Fluttershy closed her eyes and began to pray, allowing the tears to flow freely down her cheeks.

"Discord…" she whispered. "If you can hear me…please know how much I love you. I…I miss you terribly…" she gasped as a sob escaped her throat. "I…I wish…" she paused to gather her senses. "I know you thought little of yourself…but I know your heart…and I know that you are with God, composing beautiful music for the choirs of angels…" she smiled slightly at this comforting thought. "I only pray that…that you can forgive me for quitting," she continued, feeling her eyes sting from the tears. "Please know that, no matter what, I shall always be your Aminta…" she bit her lip to keep from sobbing, although her body was violently shaking with the need. "I will be going far away…but I have already vowed to bring our child back, when he or she is old enough to understand. I will tell them about you, how their father was a great composer…and I will show them the Maris Opera House…you will live on in our child…and forever, in my heart."

She couldn't go on anymore, the sorrow had become too much. Her folded hooves rose to cradle her face as she sobbed into them, moaning softly, shaking and trembling with grief. After a long moment, she finally lifted her head, and sat in silence while she listened to the orchestra play Discord's music. Her red, puffy eyes, lifted to the image of the angel on the window, which would brighten now and then as lightning illuminated the late afternoon sky.

"Angel of Music, guide and guardian…" she found herself softly singing. "Grant to me your glory…" her words were faint, and it pained her to sing them, but it was truly, the only way she could say goodbye to her beloved.

"Angel of Music, hide no longer…
Come to me, strange angel…"

Her voice died away, but for a moment, her eyes locked with the vent, hoping, praying, knowing it was impossible, but still wishing that any second…Discord would emerge from the entrance.

In the distance, she heard a clock chime the hour. It was time for her to hurry back so she and her father could catch their train.

With a sad sigh, she silently rose to her feet, and carefully, removed the beautiful red rose Discord had given to her the night he had visited her bedroom, from the inside of her cloak. Oh so gently, she laid the fragile flower at the dusty entrance of the secret passage. "Goodbye…" she whispered, before turning and hurrying away before anyone caught sight of her.

It was quicker to take a coach back to Madame Luna's town house; she had enough coins in her purse to afford one. It didn't take long for Fluttershy to hail one and receive the ride she needed to the home of the dance mistress. It was a smart choice, as the clouds opened up over head and began to pour.

She leaned back and continued to stare out the window, as ponies covered their heads and quickly rushed indoors to escape the rain. In her head, a slow, haunting melody began to play over and over.

"In sleep he sang to me…in dreams he came…
that voice which calls to me, and speaks my name…
And do I dream again? For now, I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there–
inside my mind."

The coach came to a sudden jerk. They were there already? She thanked the driver and quickly paid him, before rushing up the steps of the town house to get out of the rain as quickly as possible.

"Papa!" Fluttershy gasped, when she finally managed to get inside. "We had best think of taking a coach to the station, it is pouring outside–"

"I don't think a coach will be necessary, my dear."

Fluttershy froze as the all too familiar voice from her nightmares filled her ears. With painful agony, she slowly turned to face the pony she despised with all her heart.

"So nice to see you, my dear mademoiselle!" Blueblood greeted all too warmly. He was sitting, comfortably, in a chair in Madame Luna's parlor, holding his arms out in a gesture of welcome, while the smoke from one of his cigars polluted the air. "I have missed you, dearly."

Without a second glance, Fluttershy turned to quickly escape, but gasped in shock as a large gypsy blocked her exit from the other side of the door.

"Ah, we shall have none of that now," Blueblood casually sighed, rising from his chair.

Fluttershy turned away from the gypsy, and bit back a scream as she realized several large, burly, dark-haired men were closing in on her from all different angles of the room. She turned and faced Blueblood, anger seething in her eyes. "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" she screamed at him, feeling the hysteria begin to rise within her.

"You know the answer to that, Fluttershy."

She shook her head. She couldn't believe this was happening! "WHY?" she demanded. "Why me? I'm nothing! Even you can admit that!"

"I could, once upon a time," Blueblood murmured, inhaling from his cigar as he examined her. His little rose did indeed have vicious thorns, but he had learned the proper way to plunk and destroy such delicate petals. "But you have become much more than 'nothing', my dear."

Fluttershy lifted her chin, trying to remain brave, but finding it difficult. The more the men closed in around her, the more hysterical she became. Was this his revenge? Would he let these men defile her body, and happily watch as they did so, over and over again? Her hooves went to her stomach in a protective fashion, feeling the bile rise in her throat. She had to remain calm, she had to be strong!

"Where is my father!" she demanded, lifting her chin and refusing to show him her fear.

"He's fine," Blueblood murmured simply. "And you shall see him, quite soon, but first…I have a business matter to settle with you."

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed with confusion from his choice of words. "Business matter?"

"Yes," Blueblood sighed, exhaling another cloud of smoke from his nostrils, before putting the cigar out on the chair's arm. "I have a great deal of money invested in this opera…and the public is expecting a little nobody named Fluttershy Time Turner, to be playing the part…not Celestia. So, I need you in that opera."

That was it? He had come to bully and frighten her to simply sing in Discord's opera? She opened her mouth to speak, but Blueblood immediately carried on.

"Second," he continued. "As soon as the performance is over and you have taken your bow, you leave the opera house, with me…"

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat, knowing there was something she was going to despise about this. "And?"

Blueblood couldn't help but grin. "Well…I might as well do this properly." She stared with wide eyes as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a dazzling diamond and gold ring, before falling to one knee in front of her. "Fluttershy Time Turner, will you marry me?"

He had to be joking.

There could be no other explanation!

She wanted to kick him on the chin and remove that smug smile with her boot.

"Now, before you lose your delicate feminine senses and are overcome by tears of joy," he muttered with sarcasm, rising to his feet. "Allow me to explain what I mean about this being a 'business venture'." He nodded to two of the gypsies, and with a knowing smile, the two men disappeared through the kitchen entrance. "I know you don't like me, and I've accepted that…but I am giving you a choice, my dear," he said with a charming smile. "A choice to accept my proposal, or to decline it. However, before you make your decision, allow me to offer you an early wedding gift."

Suddenly, one of the gypsies that had left moments ago, returned, hauling her father into the room by his bound wrists.

"PAPA!" Fluttershy gasped with horror at seeing his black and blue face. There were bruises all over his face, his lip was bleeding, and he was groaning in pain. "You…you monster!" she shouted at Blueblood, but several strong arms reached out and grabbed her before she could launch herself at the blonde noblecolt.

"Wait…it gets better," Blueblood grinned, before snapping his fingers once more. The other gypsy, who had disappeared, emerged again, this time hauling a burlap sack over his shoulder. He didn't even bother to place the sack on the ground, before opening it to pour out the sack's contents.

A bound, gagged, and badly bruised Rarity, tumbled out in front of Fluttershy's feet.

"RARITY!" she gasped, fighting against the arms that held her, wanting to fall to her knees and embrace the tiny  mare. She was alive! But how in the world had Blueblood gotten his hooves on her? "LET HER GO!" Fluttershy shouted. "SHE'S DONE NOTHING TO YOU, LET HER GO!"

"Now wait, my dear," Blueblood reasoned, his tone extremely patronizing. "Before we make any rash decisions, I want you to fully understand the gift I am offering you…so, please…look out the window."

One of the gypsies grasped the curtains and yanked them back, and Fluttershy felt the color drain from her face, as she took in the sight of two wagons, each containing a cage, and inside those two cages, lay the crumpled figures of Rainbow Dash and Shortround.

The tears that ran down her face were cold as a sick realization washed over her.

"My good business partner, Monsieur Master, has a most extraordinary carnival," Blueblood softly explained. "He collects all kinds of monsters, and so when I told him about your hunchback friend, his interest was, shall we say, aroused."

Fluttershy slowly turned to face the Prince, her voice straining from the horror of the situation. "What do you want?"

All traces of humor and sarcasm faded from Blueblood's green gaze. "You, Fluttershy. You as my wife. After tonight's performance, you will leave the opera house with me, and we shall immediately be married. That is the choice I am giving you…and they," he pointed to Rainbow Dash, Shortround, and Rarity, "are my wedding present to you. Should you accept my proposal, I will pay Monsieur Master quite hoofsomely, and have your friends released. However, should you refuse, not only will Monsieur Master be adding three new additions to his freak show, but I will ponyally see to it that your dear, devoted, and insane father…be taken immediately to the nearest asylum. After all, we can't have a madmen like him, who raves about masked fiends, be walking the streets now, can we?"

Fluttershy stared at the stallion before her with cold, horrifying, disbelief. Was it possible for a pony to be so cruel? "You call that a choice?" she whispered.

"Indeed, I do," Blueblood murmured. "An unfair choice, perhaps, but…such is life." He retrieved the bracelet once more and held it out to her. "So my dear, what is your decision?"

> Triumphant
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Triumphant

He had heard her. In the depths of his ruined home, he had heard her sweet angelic voice, singing through the tears, calling out for her Angel of Music.

Once upon a time, Discord would not have imagined a sweet angel, like her, weeping over him. He would not have imagined that God could be merciful, and show him acceptance, belonging, and love. But Discord was not the stallion he once was; he was a stallion who knew such things now, who felt such things. And when he heard her call out for him, he moved as quickly as his injured leg would allow, struggling over jagged rocks, pushing fallen boulders away, desperate to reach his angel, desperate to ease her sadness and offer her comfort.

But it was too late.

By the time he had reached the place where he had heard her singing, she was already gone. All that remained was a lit candle, and a drying rose, lying in the dust.

Carefully, he picked up the flower, and softly blew the dust from its petals. He immediately took notice how several of those petals, including the flower's leaves, contained small beads of moisture; his angel had left her tears with her gift.

Discord was not a stallion who felt pity, at least not easily, but he pitied his angel now, and his chest tightened with emotion as he imagined the pain she was feeling. She thought him dead; she had come to this place to say goodbye.

"No," Discord growled, deep and low, his chest rumbling like thunder. He would not let her pain and sorrow consume her further. He would not lose her to grief, and he would stop her before she left.

He cursed Master over and over, as he slowly made his way back into the ruined labyrinth. Enough time had already been wasted, he had to hurry and rescue his friends before any further horrors could be inflicted upon them. But he longed to seek Fluttershy out, to take her in his arms and hold her tight, to feel her tears against his flesh, and hear her voice in his ear. He would go to her now, if it had not been for Master.

He only prayed that Madame Luna would reach her before she left…

Fluttershy carefully dabbed at her father's bruises with a warm cloth, casting an angry, hateful glare, every now and then to the hoofsome stallion who stood several feet away from her, and who was having a hushed conversation with one of the gypsies; an older stallion with long blond hair and a blue coat.
"Fluttershy…"

"Hush Papa, it's alright," Fluttershy whispered, gently dabbing at the cut on his lip.

"No," Time Turner gasped, his stomach throbbing with pain from the many times he had been punched. "No…y-you can not do this!"

Fluttershy's heart broke at the pain in her father's words. "I have no choice, Papa," she whispered, fighting back the tears that stung the corner of her eyes. "I must."

"Fluttershy, I am an old stallion–"

"I believe my fiancée has already made her decision," Blueblood interrupted, an arrogant grin spreading across his hoofsome face. "After all, she could not condemn those poor creatures to such a life…even if there is no other life for them," he grumbled.

Fluttershy wanted to spit on him. She did not think it was possible for her own hatred towards the Prince to grow any further, but he always had a knack for proving her wrong when it came to that particular subject. "How will I know you will keep your end of our 'business venture'?" she asked, not trusting him one bit.

"Now don't go and worry your pretty head over such matters; a mare's mind is far too delicate to comprehend such things," he cooed in his most patronizing tone.

It took every ounce of willpower for Fluttershy not to leap forward and scratch out his eyes. "I have made my choice!" Fluttershy shouted with disgust. "I am your fiancée, and I demand that you treat me with respect, and that you honor my wishes and your wedding present to me!"

The mirth in Blueblood's eyes quickly vanished. Fluttershy gasped when in one simple stride, he was in front of her, his hoof painfully holding up her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Let us get one thing clear, my dear. I am the master of my own home…and when you are my wife, you will do as a wife is required: love, honor, and OBEY!" he released her chin with a hurtful jerk, causing Fluttershy to cry out. She lifted her hooves to rub her skin, her body trembling from Blueblood's sudden explosion. What had she condemned herself to? Truly, she had made a deal with the devil himself…

"As for your 'present'," Blueblood sneered, ignoring the fear and pain in Fluttershy's eyes. "Monsieur Master and I have an understanding. He will keep them during the opera's performance, as well as your dear father," he grinned at the old man. "After you have finished, I shall come to your dressing room, and you and I shall quickly take our leave, where we shall travel to my country château, where a priest will be waiting. Master and his men will follow us, and once there, your father can give you away, while your freakish friends can sit as witnesses, on the bride's side of course," he casually explained, "and after you say those two simple words, and the priest pronounces the blessing…Monsieur Master will release them."

Fluttershy glared up at him with disgust. "Just like that? He'll just open their cages and let them go?"

Blueblood cocked one golden brow at Fluttershy's question. "Is there something you dislike, my dear?"

"Yes, but I'm not talking about you just now," she snapped. Blueblood couldn't help but smirk at her attempts to wound him. "I want them taken someplace safe, a place where they will not have to fear about being taken and caged ever again."

Blueblood folded his arms across his chest. "And do you have any suggestions on such a place?" This ought to be interesting, he thought.

Fluttershy lifted her chin, knowing it was dangerous to attempt to even suggest such a thing, but needing to try at the very least. "Yes…I want them to stay with me."

Blueblood paled at the young mare's words. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"

"No!" Fluttershy shouted, rising to her feet and squaring her shoulders in defiance. "They are my friends! I will look after them! I will–"

"You will shut up and do as you are told!" Blueblood growled, shoving her back down onto the couch. "And I will not have a trio of freaks parading around my home, even as servants!"

Fluttershy's glare was venomous. "You call yourself a stallion, but you are nothing but a sniveling, wretched, disgusting–"

"FLUTTERSHY!" her father cried, when Blueblood whirled around and backhooved her across the jaw.

"You'd be wise to educate your daughter, monsieur, on how a wife should properly address her future husband," the Prince snarled, sending a threatening glance to both Fluttershy and her father. "And I have made my deal," Blueblood hissed at the pretty pink haired mare, who was rubbing her jaw from where he had struck her. Fluttershy met his gaze and glared back at him, refusing to show him one tear. "You are mine; your mind, your body, and your soul belong to me now."

Fluttershy bravely shook her head. "You're wrong," she whispered. "You may force me into this marriage…but you will never truly possess me."

Blueblood clenched his teeth, fighting the urge to beat her senseless. As tempting as it was, he knew he could not have tonight's Aminta looking black and blue. "We shall see about that," he growled, reaching out and yanking her arm forward, twisting her wrist in a hurtful grasp. "And we shall start with this!"

"NO!" Fluttershy struggled, but the more she attempted to pull away, the harder Blueblood twisted her wrist.

He pulled the gold bracelet that Discord had given her off her hoof, and flung it over his shoulder, before forcing the new bracelet that he had presented, on her hoof. "No bride of mine will be wearing anything that once belonged to a madstallion."

Fluttershy bit her lip to keep from crying as she felt Blueblood's hurtful grip squeeze her wrist, while he shoved the new bracelet on. She hated it; it was gaudy, it was extravagant, it wasn't Discord's! Oh God above, was her child to be raised by such a monster? Did she dare say anything about the child? No, Blueblood would surely find some way to destroy the babe; were she not with Discord's child, she would willingly take her life, but she had to survive for the child's sake. She vowed, then and there, that as soon as the babe was born, she would flee her tyrannical husband. She didn't care if she lived the rest of her life as a beggar on the streets, she would not allow her son or daughter to be raised by such a man.

"Somepony's here…" Master grumbled, staring out the window.

Blueblood said nothing; he immediately moved to the window and cursed as his eyes focused on the figure of Madame Luna. "What is she doing here?" he growled with annoyance.

Fluttershy couldn't see who he was talking about, but she had a good suspicion. "HELP! PLEASE! HELP US!" she screamed, before one of the burly gypsies covered her mouth with his sweaty hoof.

Blueblood glared at his future wife, but shut his mouth from saying anything when the door suddenly burst open. "Fluttershy? I heard screaming! I–"

Madame Luna gasped as she felt somepony come up from behind her and hold her fast, quickly covering her mouth before she could scream.

Blueblood had to admit it; Master's stallions were quite nice to have. "Good evening, Madame," he greeted, once the gypsy turned Madame Luna around to face him. "I'm surprised to see you here, I thought you would be helping your dear little dance troop prepare for tonight's performance."

Madame Luna glared at the Prince with pure hatred. If a dirty and horrible smelling hoof weren't covering her mouth, she would tell him exactly what she was thinking.

"I do hope the adorable Mademoiselle Twilight will not be disturbing us tonight, I don't know if I will have enough room in my carriage."

A yowl of pain escaped from the gypsy who had been covering Fluttershy's mouth. "She bit me! She bit me!"

"Oh stop your whining," Master muttered, rolling his eyes.

"Let her go!" Fluttershy spat, now free to speak. "She has done nothing to you, release her! I have already promised you that I will be your wife!"

Madame Luna's eyes widened with horror. The gypsy who had been covering her mouth quickly released it, after his friend started yowling. "Fluttershy…" the older mare gasped. "Oh Fluttershy, no, you can't…"

"Indeed, she can," Blueblood muttered. "And she made the choice by her own free will, is that not right, my dear?"

Madame Luna's eyes narrowed into cold black slits. "You bastard…you forced her to make that choice!" the dance mistress accused.

"Please Blueblood, please let her go!" Fluttershy pleaded once more. "Please…give Rarity and the others over to her, she will take care of them for me, I promise, I will not press the issue further, please…"

Blueblood tilted his head, as if considering Fluttershy's words, but she could immediately tell that he was only mocking her. "I already told you of my deal…and that is the final word on the matter. And as for our dear dance mistress, I think it would be best that we take her with us. After all, we are all going to the same place," he offered with a charming smile, fooling no one.

Madame Luna looked at Fluttershy with confusion. "What do you mean about giving Rarity and the others over to me?" she whirled her head back towards the Prince. "You have them?" she gasped.

"They're my 'wedding present'," Fluttershy spat with as much hate as she could muster. "If I marry him, he will set them free."

Madame Luna could not believe it. Discord had been right in his suspicions; the Prince was behind the explosion! She looked over at the silver-haired gypsy who had been observing this whole scene, and immediately remembered him when she had gone to the carnival with the other dance mares so long ago. Blueblood had helped Master find the others, and was using them as a means to blackmail Fluttershy into marrying him.

How despicable could a pony be?

Suddenly, Fluttershy's mind cleared, and a horrifying question burst through her head. Why was it that she had seen Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Shortround…but not Derpy? "Where's Derpy?" she gasped, her mind reeling with desperation. "Why haven't I seen her?"

"The hunchback?" Master asked. "Didn't find her…but then, I have no need for one, so it doesn't matter."

Fluttershy stared at this stallion who had said very little since he had entered the room, wondering what sort of pony could happily make money by showing off other ponies? She had her answer now, especially after the way he dismissed Derpy's gentle, caring life: a villain.

"Well," Blueblood sighed, looking at his pocket watch. "It's ten minutes after six, so there's no need to worry about your train," he said to Time Turner. "And the curtain goes up at eight, so we had best be on our way to the opera house to prepare."

Fluttershy felt so hollow. In the last 24 hours, all of her worst nightmares seemed to be coming to life. How on earth was she going to be able to sing?

"Throw the old stallion into one of the cages with the freaks," Blueblood muttered, despite the protests that came from Fluttershy and her father. "Come, my dear," he said, while yanking her up from where she sat. "We must get you to the opera house…your public awaits."

Discord cursed the Prince. He cursed Master. He even cursed himself, for his own bad luck.
He stood in the opera house stables, staring at the black carriage that had normally been his saving grace, when needing to move about the city during the daylight, but for the first time, the carriage was no good.

Any carriage was no good, when one did not have horses to pull it. It seemed that the Prince and his gypsy partners had thought of everything, even robbing the stable of its horses

He hated feeling this way: helpless. Normally, he would attempt to "borrow" somepony else's horses and carriage, however, a storm was raging outside, making his normal aloofness near impossible. He would be noticed right away, and due to the injury with his ankle, the possibility of attempting to go on foot was out of the question.

Discord leaned against one of the wooden walls of the stall, taking some weight off his leg. He always considered himself a fast healer, and was grateful that it was getting easier for him to stand and walk, despite the pain that throbbed in his ankle. Perhaps as soon as the rain let up, he could sneak out into the shadows, and take one of the carriages that belonged to one of the many fancy-dressed opera patrons–

"Master?"

Discord turned to Derpy's voice. The mare had been searching throughout the opera house stables, looking to see if the horses were somewhere else. Discord had little hope, but perhaps Derpy had some surprising news to share? However, the expression on her face froze Discord's blood, and in her hoof, he noticed that the hunchback carried a piece of paper.

"I f-f-found a n-note," Derpy explained, hoofing the paper over to Discord. From the look on Derpy's face, Discord could tell that his friend had already read it. Without any question, he opened it immediately, recognizing Madame Luna's hoofwriting.

Discord–

I hope you can read this, I had to write as quickly as I could, so I apologize if it is difficult. I was on my way home, to stop Fluttershy from leaving, when I noticed two wagons suspiciously moving down the ally from the front of my house. I carefully followed them and learned my worst fear. Master is here, in Maris, and he has the others. But what's worse, your suspicions were correct; he is working with the Prince! I can only imagine what villainy the two of them are concocting, but I beg you, do not attempt to come to my home…I do not think that will be necessary. I believe, deep in my bones, that Blueblood has every intention of bringing Fluttershy here. I am going to go back now, and pretend as if I know nothing; hopefully Blueblood will keep me close to Fluttershy. Stand ready by the mirror in her dressing room. I hope to get the Prince to reveal his whole plan, if I can.

The note crumpled into his fists. He would make the Prince pay dearly for this…

"Master?" Derpy asked, noticing Discord's angry reaction to the letter. "D-d-do you t-think t-they will b-bring Rarity a-and the others h-here too?"

"I don't know," Discord growled, his voice a dangerously low depth. "We can only hope."

Derpy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. "W-w-what a-are we going to do?"

"We're going to follow Madame Luna's instructions and wait by the mirror," he growled once more. "And I vow Derpy, I vow to you and to God…it will all end…tonight."

Fluttershy felt sick. Sick for several reasons.
She was sick with worry for her friends; she did not trust Blueblood to keep his word. The way he and Master spoke in hushed whispers earlier, the way the gypsy seemed so cool and confident, as Blueblood explained how he would release Shortround, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity if she married him; everything about the situation. She just could not trust him.

She was also feeling quite nervous, which caused her stomach to unpleasantly churn. She remembered seeing the many elegant carriages pulling up in front of the Maris Opera House, which had never looked more beautiful. Blueblood, never letting go of her arm, dragged her down a side hallway towards her dressing room, while his coachcolt dragged Madame Luna.

She didn't see much of the grand foyer, but what she did see caused Fluttershy's stomach to flip flop.

So many ponies! Men and mares elegantly dressed, laughing and greeting one another, despite the storm that raged outside, all talking at once, murmuring their questions as to who the new star was, what the opera was about, why the performance dates had been changed; she could only imagine how the auditorium would look once all those ponies entered its majestic doors.

But the excitement she wanted to feel for such a night had died in that explosion, when Discord's world had collapsed beneath her feet.

The final reason to why she felt sick, and the reason that ruled over all others, was due to the horrid, lecherous smile, that Blueblood was giving her, as she got dressed for the evening's performance.

"It's bad luck, to see the bride before the wedding," Madame Luna grumbled, as she pulled at the laces on Fluttershy's corset.

"It would be even worse luck leaving you two alone to plot against me," Blueblood muttered back, his eyes moving over Fluttershy's luscious skin.

Once Blueblood had made it clear that he would be going into the dressing room along with Fluttershy, Madame Luna insisted that she help the young mare dress, trying her best to shield Fluttershy's body with her own.

Fluttershy was grateful for Madame Luna's presence, but chose to try and ignore the arrogant Prince, keeping her back to him, pretending she didn't care if he caught sight of her in her undergarments.

"I must say, Fluttershy," he murmured, "from what I have seen so far…I must confess I am looking forward to our wedding night."

Fluttershy paled at the thought of Blueblood touching her, of his body covering hers, of him forcing himself inside her…

Madame Luna thrust a glass of cool water into Fluttershy's hoof. "Drink this, my dear," she murmured, her eyes focusing on the Prince's. "It will ease your stomach."

Blueblood only grinned, catching every meaning behind the dance mistress' words. "You know, my dear madam, I happened upon your charming daughter earlier today…"

Madame Luna froze at the pony's words. Her black eyes captured his, and a deep, venomous hiss, escaped her lips. "You stay away from Twilight."

Blueblood feigned disappointment. "You do not approve? Surely, I would have thought that you would be overjoyed, upon learning that I wished to make the darling dancer my mistress."

"Stop it!" Fluttershy snapped, her eyes locked with Blueblood's and her hooves gripping the older mare's shoulders; she looked ready to scratch the noblecolt's eyes out, if she had the chance. And Fluttershy knew there was no other reason for Blueblood's cruel words other than to goad Madame Luna.

"Do you not approve?" Blueblood asked, flashing a charming smile in Fluttershy's direction.

She returned his smile with a cold glare. "A pony should not talk about such things in front of his wife," she muttered, turning her attention back to the dressing table mirror to finish applying her make-up.

Madame Luna took a deep breath and felt her calmness return. She knew he had only done that to annoy her, but she also knew he was capable of making it happen, if he so wished.

The older mare's eyes drifted over to the mirror at the other side of the room. As far as she was aware, Blueblood did not know the mirror's secrets. She only prayed that Discord had received her message. "How did you do it?" she casually asked, finishing the laces on Fluttershy's corset.

Blueblood was surprised she was actually talking to him. "Do what?"

"Arrange all this," she explained, taking the first costume Fluttershy would be wearing, and helping the young mare put it on. "How did you know about the others? How did you learn where to find them?"

Fluttershy froze momentarily after hearing Madame Luna's questions. She too, was quite curious how this had all come to be.

Blueblood couldn't help but smile, quite smugly. "Much of the credit goes to Fluttershy, herself," he explained. "After her gallant rescue of the hunchback, I realized that there was only one place where she could have met such a monster…and so I had some men follow her on the night she brought him back–"

"You had ponies follow me?" Fluttershy gasped, whirling her head around to stare at the pony she was going to be marrying, unfortunately.

"You brought it upon yourself, my dear," he defended, waving his hoof as if he were done with her. Fluttershy was fuming, but Madame Luna's gentle, reassuring hoof on her back, helped her to stay calm.

"So through these stallions, you discovered a way inside. Quite clever, I must say," she added, feeding his over-sized ego even more. "But how did you meet Master? How did you learn that he was connected to all this?"

"Learning that Master had a history with the Phantom was pure coincidence. But I remembered hearing about a gypsy carnival just outside Paris that displayed a variety of monsters. I thought that Monsieur Master would be interested in what I had discovered, and perhaps with his help, my 'Phantom' problem, could be solved."

Fluttershy gripped the edge of her dressing table, feeling the anger fuel her body. "You bastard," she hissed. "YOU ORGANIZED THAT EXPLOSION! I KNEW YOU HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT!"

"Fluttershy!" Madame Luna hushed, gripping the young mare's shoulders, forcing her to stay where she was. She understood the mare's anger very well, but now was not the time to lose one's head. "Hush my dear, hush," she soothed, her hooves holding the mare's arms, feeling the muscles tremble with rage. "It will all be alright, I promise," she whispered, continuing her work with lacing up the costume.

Blueblood's smirk only continued to grow at Fluttershy's outburst. "I see no reason why I should hide the truth…and even if you did try to accuse me in public, it wouldn't stand; there's no evidence you can hold against me, and who would believe you? I am the Prince, after all. Why would I risk sabotaging a theater that I have invested so much money in?

Fluttershy hated him. She hated him so passionately, and she hated him even more because she knew he was right.

"Every pony has his price, as does Master. Once he and his men were inside, they took the monsters they could find, and went about lacing the tunnels with gun powder."

Fluttershy was trembling, trying to keep control of her emotions. "Why?" she gasped through the sobs that threatened to break forth. "Why?"

The amusement that had lit Blueblood's eyes earlier, faded away, and without another thought or word, his hoof reached inside the pocket of his suit jacket, and pulled out the leather glove that Marguerite had revealed to him several days ago. "Perhaps you can explain why you keep this under your pillow at night!" he spat with anger, throwing the glove onto the dressing table before her.

Fluttershy stared in horror at the glove he had revealed, the glove that she had taken from Discord's realm the night he forced her to leave. "How…where…?"

"I have many loyal servants," Blueblood answered. "And you have already confirmed my suspicions about you and that monster," he grumbled with disgust.

"Yes, which asks the question, why you're still marrying her?"

Both Fluttershy and Blueblood turned to Madame Luna, confusion lit in both their eyes. "I beg your pardon?" Blueblood asked, trying to hold back his irritation.

"What is your reasoning for wishing to marry Fluttershy?" the dance mistress asked, adjusting the final lace on Fluttershy's costume. "After all, she is 'used goods' so to speak, and even if you have killed your enemy, you still have to live with the knowledge that you are not the first pony to bed her."

Fluttershy couldn't believe what Madame Luna was saying! She was turning beet red as she listened to the mare's crude words. But one look at Blueblood, and Fluttershy quickly realized what the older mare was doing.

Blueblood was gripping his walking stick so tightly, that his knuckles were turning a ghostly shade of white. His jaw was clenched so tightly that both mares could hear his teeth grinding together. But he closed his eyes, counted to five, before opening them and taking a deep breath. "I have been with countless mares, madam, and many of them were not virgins when I bedded them. It shall make no difference."

Madame Luna cocked a dark brow at the noblecolt's words. "True, but those other mares never bedded a creature who hid his disfigured features beneath a mask."

Blueblood's calm smile disappeared and a low, dangerous growl, erupted from his chest.

"After all, Fluttershy gave herself to the Phantom freely; you had to blackmail her into even accepting your marriage proposal. Surely that must sting one's ego," she sighed, running a comb through Fluttershy's hair. "And isn't she the first mare to truly 'reject' your advances?"

Fluttershy watched Blueblood closely from her dressing table mirror. She bit her lip nervously, wondering if the dance mistress truly knew what she was doing.

"Oh! And we mustn't forget her pregnancy," Madame Luna added, after placing a crimson rose in Fluttershy's waves

Fluttershy paled at the mare's words, and her eyes quickly darted to Blueblood's face, fearing his reaction. Her hooves instantly fell to her stomach, as if that alone would protect her unborn child.

Blueblood had been fuming as Madame Luna spoke, but her final words took him completely off guard.

He was speechless!

He opened his mouth, wanting to shout, wanting to roar…and couldn't!

His face turned such a dark shade of red that it looked purple!

"You're…you're pregnant?" he hissed, forcing himself to keep his voice down so no one outside would hear.

"Are you surprised?" Madame Luna answered for Fluttershy. "That is often the result when a stallion and mare couple together. Surely you are an expert with such things," she muttered, turning and facing the Prince with her head held high.

Blueblood had never felt such outrage. Damn the Phantom! Would he ever find peace? Would that masked fiend forever haunt him, even after he was dead?

He glared at Fluttershy with demon-like eyes; the thought of that creature's spawn, growing in the belly of his soon-to-be-wife–

"Ten minutes to curtain, Mademoiselle Fluttershy!" shouted a voice on the other side of the dressing room door.

Fluttershy let out a gasp from the sudden knock on her door. "I'll be r-r-right out!" she answered back, her voice trembling slightly.

Blueblood continued to glare at her, his anger only kindling the more and more he looked at her. "I'll be in my box," he growled, before picking up his walking stick and stomping towards the door, yanking it open so harshly, that his coachcolt, who was standing on the other side, practically fell in. "Escort my bride to the stage!" he barked at the trembling coachcolt. "And you!" he growled, turning and facing Madame Luna. "Don't try anything…there are police everywhere, and one nod from me, and I will see to it that you are arrested!"

Madame Luna said nothing; she simply curtsied in a mocking fashion.

Blueblood clenched his jaw and turned his focus on Fluttershy. "Master and his stallions are just outside, with your father and those freaks, so keep that in mind during the performance," he growled. "And remember…I will be watching…closely," he warned, before turning on his heel and leaving them there.

"Oh God…" Fluttershy gasped, letting out a worried sigh. "What have I done? What kind of life have I condemned myself to?"

Madame Luna was too busy trying to look busy, so as to fool the coachcolt. "I just need to put in a few more pins!" she informed the wary looking stallions  who stood in the doorway, before going to work with Fluttershy's hair.

"Why did you say that?" the younger mare whispered, her eyes looking to the dance mistress from the mirror. "Why did you tell him about the child?"

Madame Luna watched the coachcolt out of the corner of her eye, and continued looking busy. "Every stallion has his weakness," she whispered into Fluttershy's ear. "The Prince's happens to be his ego. And what I needed was to get him angry enough that he would leave."

Fluttershy understood what the older mare was saying, and with trembling hooves, applied a dark shade of scarlet to her lips, hoping to also look busy in front of the suspicious coachcolt. "Yes, but…what about after the performance? What if he tries–"

"Hush, child," Madame Luna whispered, her eyes quickly darting to the mirror on the other wall. "All will be well; I wish I could give you more details, but do not lose faith, my dear…do not lose faith."

"She's ready, come on!" the coachcolt grumbled, coming forward and grabbing Fluttershy by the elbow.

Fluttershy glared at the pony and jerked her arm away. "I am not a child! I can take myself to the stage!" she spat, before rising, giving herself one last look, and exiting the dressing room on her own.

The coachcolt tried to protest, but Fluttershy pushed right past him. So instead, he turned to Madame Luna, and tried to look tougher than he was, when in truth, the mare dressed in black frightened him more than the Prince, himself. "C-c-come on, now," he ordered, trying to suppress the nervous stammer in his voice.

Madame Luna cocked a brow at the coachcolt's words, and the stallion immediately began to shrink beneath her cold gaze. "As you wish," she sighed, surprising the coachcolt with her obedience. She glanced one last time at the mirror, before turning and leaving the dressing room.

It was in his hooves now.

"Master?"
Discord was growling, his whole body trembling with fury from everything that he had witnessed and heard.

Both he and Derpy had been hiding behind the mirror, just as Madame Luna's letter had instructed, and never…never in his whole wretched life, had Discord felt such rage.

Derpy had to literally hold him back when the Prince stood there, leering at Fluttershy, while she undressed. He wanted to burst through the glass, he wanted to take something and ram it down the stallion's throat!

But all in good time.

The element of surprise was extremely important, and thanks to Madame Luna's clever foresight, he now knew most, if not all, of the Prince's plans.

Blueblood was responsible for Master stealing his friends. Blueblood was responsible for the explosion beneath the opera house. And Blueblood had used villainous means to coax Fluttershy into marrying him. But what Blueblood didn't know was that the Phantom was very much alive...and was going to ruin everything he had worked so hard to claim.

"Come," Discord murmured to Derpy, before turning and stalking down the tunnel.

Derpy quickly followed, taking notice of how Discord moved with more and more ease, barely limping at all. The hunchback knew his master all too well; it was the rage that gave him strength to overcome his weaknesses. "W-w-what a-are we going to do?" she asked, wanting to help more than anything.

Discord paused, and turned down another tunnel, the one that led to the opera house's carriage stalls and horse stables, where they had been earlier that day. "Keep quiet, now," Discord whispered, slowing his steps as they got closer and closer to the stables. They kept close to the shadows, and peeked over a stone ledge that overlooked the stables below.

Just as he had suspected; Master and his stallions stood, huddled around two wagons, each holding an iron cage, and each cage, holding two prisoners.

"Rarity!" Derpy gasped.

"Quiet!" Discord hissed, ducking low as one of the gypsies glanced their way. As soon as the gypsy turned his back, Discord glanced once more at the cages. In one sat Rarity and Rainbow Dash, in the other, lay Shortround and Fluttershy's father. Several gypsies were taunting them, calling them names and rattling sticks against the bars. Horrible memories flooded Discord's brain as he took in the terrible scene before him. He had promised to never allow such things to ever happen again, to any of them. And while he had failed this much, he would see to it that they would never be put on display for an audience.

"Master?"

"I'm trying to think of a plan, Derpy," Discord softly hushed.

"And I h-h-have one."

Discord froze and turned to gaze at the hunchback beside him. Derpy's words had surprised him, but he quickly felt shame for even having a moment's doubt, for the determined look in Derpy's eyes spoke more than words ever could.

"What is your plan?" he softly asked, admiring the bravery of his friend.

"I w-will s-s-s-stay here, and h-help the others," she explained. "And y-you g-g-go and s-s-save Fluttershy."

Discord frowned at Derpy's plan. It wasn't the most detailed plan he had ever heard, but he did not question it. He saw the determination, the courage, and the stubbornness in the mare's eyes. And Discord knew, without a doubt, that Derpy could do this.

"You have proven yourself in more ways than one," Discord murmured with awe. "Be careful."

Derpy grinned and nodded her head. "I w-w-will…and y-you b-be careful t-to."

Discord nodded, his hoof rubbing Derpy's shoulder with pride, before carefully slipping back through the shadows and down the tunnel that had led him to the stables.

However, instead of going back towards Fluttershy's dressing room, he chose a different route, one that led him backstage, one that led him to the catwalks.

Even with a sprained ankle, Discord could move with ease through the many ropes that hung overhead. He listened to the orchestra's overture, and had to pause for a moment, his chest swelling with pride and wonder, as he realized that it was his music, being performed before an audience.

Right on cue, he heard Fancypants burst into song, the audience clapping for the Italian as he walked out onto the stage. Discord finally reached the catwalk that overlooked the entire stage, and felt his breath catch in his throat as he took in the sight of the packed auditorium.

This was his opera, his masterpiece! After years of struggle, it was finally being performed.

And then…he heard her sweet voice fill the room.

"Think of me…think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye…"

A gasp escaped the audience as Fluttershy's bell-like tone echoed off the walls. He could not help but smile with love and pride, knowing that they too had fallen in love with her voice, just as he had.

He watched Fluttershy from the catwalk, entranced at the sight of her, standing in the beautiful costume he had designed, her hair sparkling in the candlelight, her face glowing as she sung. A long, shaky breath, escaped his lungs; never, had he seen or heard anything so beautiful…

He would have been lost in her performance, had he not noticed her sudden flinch.

It was not overly noticeable; indeed most of the audience seemed enraptured by her voice that they had not seen anything out of the ordinary. But Discord had seen it, and his eyes traveled to what may have caused the sudden motion.

His jaw clenched as he took in the sight of the Prince, sitting in Box 5, looking smug and at ease. Every now and then, he would blow kisses at Fluttershy, and Discord immediately noticed her flinch once more. No, he would not let this stallion ruin his opera, or his life any longer!

He turned on his heel and disappeared down the catwalk, his black cape billowing behind. He had taken notice of the many police that littered the auditorium, each holding a loaded gun, but he cared not.

A plan was forming, a plan that would not only surprise Fluttershy, but also give the audience a performance they would never forget!

"She is extraordinary!" Flam whispered to Flim as the audience burst into applause after the beginning of the Act III. "The ponies love her!"
Flim only grinned. "I knew we could rely on the Prince," he whispered back. "Just look at this place! Full house! Imagine the reviews tomorrow!"

"Imagine the money!" Flam added, causing both managers to chuckle. They grinned across the auditorium at Blueblood, who simply nodded his head politely, although he too shared a knowing grin.

Indeed, everything was going to plan. So what if Fluttershy was pregnant with the Phantom's child. He'd get rid of the monster somehow; he could do anything once they were married! A satisfied sigh escaped his lips as he took in the sight of the crowded auditorium below. Celestia could never fill an opera house like this. Perhaps he would continue to have Fluttershy perform even after they were married? After all, he was a patron of the arts, and that way he could be closer to Madame Luna's charming little dancer.

He grinned as he imagined all the money the opera house would receive after tonight…and his grin only spread further as he imagined all the money he would inherit from his bride's dying grandfather.

Down on stage, off in the wings, Fluttershy fought the urge to cry, despite how painful her heart ached with every note the chorus sung.

The audience was laughing as Celestia emerged with the chorus, singing a simple chorus number, nothing grand, nothing outstanding, nothing worthy of her name. Celestia barked the notes, hatred boiling in her veins from the audience's laughter. Every now and then she would send deadly glares up towards the managers, knowing it was their fault for forcing her out of the lead, and putting Fluttershy back in.

Much of the company had been shocked at seeing Fluttershy return that evening. The managers had already mentioned, on Blueblood's behalf, that she had had a "change of heart", and would be performing that evening. Twilight was extremely happy at seeing Fluttershy once more, but realized something was amiss, when a strange looking pony continued to follow her everywhere backstage, keeping her away from others, especially Madame Luna.

Fluttershy lifted her eyes to the wings on the other side of the stage, watching as Madame Luna whispered some last instructions to her dancers. She could not get over how calm the older mare seemed! Did the dance mistress know something that she did not? 

"Passarino, faithful friend! Once again, recite the plan."

Fluttershy's thoughts were interrupted by Fancypants's voice. She knew her entrance was coming up, and she squared her shoulders, trying to be brave despite the dread that filled her at the thought of singing the opera's most seductive song without her beloved.

She glanced one last time at the opposite wings, and caught Madame Luna's gaze. The mare softly smiled at her, a smile that possessed hope and anticipation. Fluttershy wanted to question the mare's smile, but heard her cue from the orchestra, and with a deep breath, stepped back out onto the stage.

"No thoughts within her head, but thoughts of joy!
No dreams within her heart, but dreams of love!"

She settled herself down on the stage as rehearsed, and pulled a thin rose out from the prop basket she had been carrying. This was the scene when Don Juan fools Aminta, disguising himself as another, and seducing her into his bed, before killing her for her betrayal.

Indeed, she felt as if she were betraying Discord for accepting Blueblood's proposal.

"Passarino–go away! For the trap is set…and waits for its prey…"

Fluttershy's brow furrowed slightly as she listened to Fancypants singing behind her. Strange–it sounded as if something had happened to his voice!

"You have come here…
in pursuit of your deepest urge,
in pursuit of that wish, which till now has been silent…"

Fluttershy froze as the voice grew clearer and clearer behind her.

No…it wasn't possible!

She turned her head, her eyes wide and her face pale as the impact of the reality overcame her.

Discord? 
At least, she thought it was Discord, his voice was the same, but his body, his body was that of a pony!

Discords same golden eyes peered at her from behind his mask and held hers for a long moment, before he continued singing, lifting a hoof to his lips. "…silent…"

Fluttershy quickly turned her head away, realizing exactly what he was trying to convey. She may not recognize his disguise, but she knew it was her Discord. She was overjoyed at seeing him there, learning he was alive and had come to her…but he depended upon her now not to lose her senses, to maintain a professional air, to continue staying in character…and to not cause any suspicion.

"I have brought you,
that our passions may fuse and merge–"

A soft rumble went up from around the audience as it suddenly dawned on them that Signor Fancypants was not singing the lead anymore. It seemed that when he had disappeared behind that curtain, Don Juan had truly changed form.

Up in his box, Blueblood was frowning. What was going on? Who was this stallion? He had not been aware that Fancypants had an understudy! He glanced across the auditorium at the box the managers occupied, but they looked just as puzzled.

"In your mind, you've already succumbed to me,
dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to me–"

Fluttershy could not help it, the power of Discord's voice caused her insides to melt as he sang of promised passion.

Indeed, she was not the only mare in the opera house who was affected. Several mares began to suddenly fan themselves as the new Don Juan continued to sing.

"Now you are here with me:
no second thoughts,
you've decided,
decided…"

Fluttershy looked up at him once more, a warm, loving hope, filling her being for the first time since she last felt Discord holding her.

"Past the point of no return–
no backward glances:
the games we've played till now, are at an end…"

Fluttershy slowly rose to her feet and gazed at him with longing, but kept it all in her eyes, not wanting to arouse any suspicions from Blueblood or the managers.

"Past all thought of 'if' or 'when'–
no use resisting:
abandon thought, and let the dream descend…"

The audience gasped when Don Juan moved in quickly, behind Aminta, his large hooves gripping her neck, as if to strangle her, but gently moving over her skin in a lover's seductive caress.

"What raging fire shall flood the soul?
What rich desire unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction lies before us…?"

Several mares began to swoon; a great flapping sound could be heard as many ladies fans began to move more and more rapidly.

Discord himself could not deny how caught up he was becoming in the song. He knew his movements and motions had shocked Fluttershy, but he could not help but groan inwardly as he felt her respond to his caress, to his song.

Taking her arm, he ran his hooves down her skin, all the way to her hoof, before planting a kiss upon the knuckles, his eyes holding hers, their amber depths twinkling with promise.

"Past the point of no return,
the final threshold–
what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn?"

He released her hoof and stepped away from her, his eyes never leaving hers as he finished his song.

"Beyond the point of no return…"

Blueblood's hooves were pressing down on the arms of his chair, fury filling his eyes as the mysterious Don Juan practically made love to his fiancée on the stage. Who was that stallion? He leaned forward and scanned the wings as best he could from where he was sitting. Where was Madame Luna? Where was his coachcolt who was supposed to be watching everything? What the hell was going on?

"You have brought me…"

Fluttershy's voice interrupted his search and drew his attention back to the stage. She was facing the audience once more, singing out to them while she shyly kept her back on her seducer.

"…to that moment where words runs dry,
to that moment where speech disappears into silence…"

She briefly, only briefly, lifted her eyes up to Blueblood's box, to see how he was reacting to all this.

"…silence…"

Did he know that it was Discord?

"I have come here,
hardly knowing the reason why…"

Like her, Discord also lifted his eyes up to Box 5, however his gaze was not brief, nor did he intend it to be. He wanted to catch the Prince's gaze, to confirm his suspicions.

He wanted Blueblood to know that he had failed at killing him.

"In my mind,
I've already imagined
our bodies entwining,
defenseless and silent–"

Discord's eyes were drawn once more to the mare who was singing to him, the mare who was now becoming the seducer to his Don Juan.

"Now I am here with you:
no second thoughts,
I've decided…"

She smiled, and nodded her head, her eyes reflecting unending love for the masked pony before her.

"…decided…"

For the longest time, Blueblood had been frozen in his seat.

No, it was not possible…it could NOT be possible!

And yet he knew it was, the second his eyes clashed with that dark amber gaze.

With one quick nod of his head in the direction of the managers, Blueblood motioned for them to get one of the policecolts in their box and be ready to shoot on his signal.

Below, Fluttershy continued singing, and the audience remained enraptured, watching as both she and Don Juan began to climb their individual spiral staircases, leading up to a small, wooden bridge.

"Past the point of no return–
no going back now:
our passion play has now, at last, begun…"

Blueblood clenched his teeth as he watched the way Fluttershy sang to the Phantom.

"Past all thought of right or wrong–
one final question:
how long should we two wait, before we're one…?"

Something startled the Prince. Something wet against his cheek. He reached up to touch the wetness that he felt…and to his horror, realized it was his own tears!

"When will the blood begin to race?
The sleeping bud burst into bloom?
When will the flames at last, consume us…?"

Discord felt his chest swell with such pride for his angel as she sang with all her passion, and boldly faced him as the two of them reached the top of their staircases, and began to walk towards one another across the wooden bridge, their voices joining together in song.

"Past the point of no return,
the final threshold–"

The audience, and much of the company that watched from the wings, gasped as Don Juan passionately took Aminta into his arms, and twirled her around, until she was pressed tightly against him, his hooves, covering hers, running across her body in a most arousing and erotic display.

"The bridge is crossed,
so stand and watch it burn…"

Blueblood swallowed the lump in his throat, and tried to look away, his eyes stinging with hateful tears at the sight before him, but found that he could not tear himself away from the passionate display on stage.

Softly, so softly, Discord and Fluttershy sang their last few notes, still holding each other passionately.

"We've past the point of no return…"

The orchestra continued its playing, although Madam Octavia remained looking just as stunned as everyone else. The music slowly faded, and everyone held their breath, lost in the passion of the couple before them.

Blueblood's hoof shook as he brought it to his face, finally turning away, and letting his angry tears flow freely as the Phantom mocked him from on stage, holding the mare Blueblood had longed to possess, against his somehow changed body, running his filthy hooves across her coat, over her curves, and into her hair. And Fluttershy…she leaned against the broad body of the masked fiend, a content smile spread across her face as she felt the Phantom's hooves caress her neck and move into her hair.

Damn them both!

A soft gasp went out from the audience, as suddenly, without the aid of music, Don Juan began to sing, oh so softly, but quite clearly, into Aminta's ear.

"Say you'll share with me one love…one lifetime…"

Fluttershy was lost in the trance of Discord's voice, her eyes closed, her lips curved into a happy smile, a contented purr escaping her throat as she felt his strong fingers run across her chin, her cheeks, her neck…

"Lead me, save me from my solitude…"

Her eyes suddenly fluttered open as she realized the words he was singing.

Don Juan's love song to Aminta! The song that both she and Discord had composed together, the song that marked the different ending to the opera. He was singing it to her, stating his love, asking for her hoof, once more, before all these ponies…

"Say you'll want me with you, here beside you…"

He took her hoof in his and gently turned her to face him, as the passion in his voice erupted into a full crescendo. He was no longer Don Juan, but himself…singing to her.

"Anywhere you go, let me go too!"

Blueblood watched in horror as the audience leaned forward just as Fluttershy was leaning up, on the tips of her toes, her hooves rising to hold the Phantom's masked face, her lips parted, awaiting his kiss…

He couldn't take this anymore!

"Fluttershy, that's all I ask of–"

Without a second thought, Blueblood reached for the pistol in the holster of the policecolt that occupied his box, leapt to his feet, and fired at the couple.

> Crescendo
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crescendo

A scream went up from the auditorium as the sound of the gunshot echoed off the opera house walls.

The bullet had just missed them, but it had been too close to call.

Fluttershy screamed and fell against Discord's chest, as he pushed her down and away from where the bullet had flown. Her hooves had been on his face, and in her sudden panic, she clung to him, unsure of what was happening, not realizing that as he pushed her, she had ripped his mask off.

Another scream erupted from the auditorium, only this time it was in reaction to Discord's disfigured features being revealed.

It had only been mere seconds ago, when those same mares who were now screaming in terror at seeing his mangled flesh, had been fanning themselves with desire to be seduced by his Don Juan.

How quickly ponies changed when masks were removed.

The police officer who had been standing in Box 5 was stunned by the whole display. He only just realized that it was his gun that the Prince had fired! He attempted to take the pistol back, but Blueblood punched the stallion in the jaw, hard, causing him to stumble backwards. Satisfied that he would not be stopped further, Blueblood leapt on top of his chair, prepared to fire again.

Only now, he got a good look at his enemy.

Both Blueblood and Discord locked eyes once more, and for the first time in his life, Blueblood felt nothing but genuine terror.

Discord glared back up at the Prince, despite the screams that echoed all around him. He held his arms out, wanting to give the terrified noblecolt a good look at the creature who was his greatest adversary, the creature who Fluttershy had given her love to.

And that was exactly what Blueblood was doing.

He couldn't believe it! Never, never had he seen anything more grotesque! Never had he imagined such a sight, such a face!

And this…this monster…was the thing Fluttershy had willingly given her body to?!? Over him?!? What could this creature offer her that he couldn't!?

The terror disappeared, replaced by blind hatred and rage. With another vengeful cry, Blueblood lifted the pistol and clumsily fired the gun again, one shot after another.

Fluttershy screamed as she felt the wooden bridge shake violently. One of Blueblood's bullets had made contact with the ropes that held the bridge together. "Discord!" she cried, fear gripping her as the Prince continued to blindly fire the pistol.

Discord looked around him, his eyes falling onto a rope that hung near by, a rope that he knew connected to the opera house's grand chandelier. He looked at the crowds of ponies, some of them already rising from their chairs and moving away quickly due to Blueblood's wild shooting. Off to his side, he saw several police officers point their firearms at him, shouting for him to stand down, to give himself up.

There was no other way.

Fluttershy gasped as she felt Discord's strong grip grab hold of her, and pull her tightly against him. "Hold tight to me!" he shouted over the screams and the Prince's gunshots, and with a swish of his cloak, revealed his sword that hung from his belt.

Fluttershy's eyes widened as she realized what he intended to do. She bit her lip and buried her face against his chest as her arms wrapped tightly around his neck and shoulders, the scream dying in her throat as she felt the bridge give way beneath her.

With one swipe, Discord's sword cut through the chandelier's rope, which not only caused the giant crystal jewel to tremble dangerously over the auditorium, but also revealed a hidden trap door beneath the stage and within the bridge itself. Gripping the now cut rope, the Phantom and his bride plummeted through the broken bridge, falling down through the hidden trap door.

Blueblood's eyes were wild. He continued firing the pistol as they fell, cursing every time he missed.

Fancypants suddenly stumbled out on stage, a large bruise purpling on the top of his head, his expression one of dazed confusion. "T-t-the Phantom!" he cried. "T-t-the Phantom is here! He struck me! The Phantom–"

A sickening gasp escaped Fancypants's lungs as a sharp pain blasted through his chest. He looked down, and another scream filled the air as everypony realized that the tenor had been shot!

"The Prince shot Signor Fancypants!" shouted someone from the wings of the stage.

Flim and Flam had been staring at the whole scene, frozen in place out of fear and confusion. Their wide eyes flew to the noblecolt, their mouths open with shock at what had just happened.

Blueblood on the other hoof didn't look phased one bit. He cursed the tenor for getting in the way of his bullet, especially since it was his last one, and threw the gun out of the box before leaping down onto the stage.

Fancypants gurgled a plea for help, before stumbling forward, falling to his knees, and collapsing in a pool of his own blood.

More ponies screamed, and Celestia suddenly rushed out onto the stage, screaming and crying words in Italian as she fell before Fancypants's body, weeping over the pony who was perhaps her greatest admirer.

She turned and screamed obscenities at the Prince as he leapt onto the stage, but Blueblood paid no attention, he simply leapt towards the trap door that the Phantom had produced, and dived inside before it could close.

With another violent shake, the chandelier plummeted towards the stage, and everypony screamed and stumbled over one another to get out of the way.

In the grand foyer, it was mass chaos. Ponies everywhere were running, falling, and screaming as they pushed their way outside. Both Flim and Flam watched in horror as the chandelier smashed right in front of the orchestra pit, Monsieur Gerard leaping away in mere seconds. "We're ruined…" Flim gasped, as the chandelier's candles spilt over onto the oil lamps that aligned the stage, causing the entire surface to erupt in flames. "We're ruined Flam! RUINED!"

The fire quickly began to spread, and everypony was taking cover, running outdoors as fast as they could. Backstage, Madame Luna quickly began to shepherd the dance mares out of the theater, stopping her daughter from attempting to pursue Discord and Fluttershy. In the foyer, Silverstar gathered his men together, ordering several of them to help get the crowds of ponies to safety, while ordering the others to follow him. Flim and Flam stumbled out into the foyer, both blubbering about how this scandal would be impossible to recover from.

"You there!" Silverstar shouted, his hooves gripping the managers' shoulders. "Where would they possibly go!?"

"G-g-go?" Flam stammered, looking confused. All he could think about was the money that was slipping through their hooves. "W-w-what are you talking about?"

Silverstar groaned in irritation. "The Phantom!" he shouted. "Where do you think I could possibly find him!?"

Both men looked at one another and shook their heads helplessly, not knowing how or where to capture the masked fiend. However, Flim caught sight of the dance mistress, who was busy hurrying her charges outside. "Her!" he shouted, pointing at Madame Luna. "She knows where to find the Phantom! She is connected to him somehow!"

Madame Luna's head snapped up when she realized that Flim was shouting at her. Suddenly, several officers had her by the elbows, and were dragging her forward, towards Inspector Silverstar. "Release me, you vermin!" she shouted, struggling against their grip.

"Madame Luna," Silverstar greeted, although it was much more of a groan. "Tell us the whereabouts of the Phantom."

It wasn't a question, but Madame Luna refused to be intimidated. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"She's lying!" Flam accused. "You know she is! She's always one step ahead of us when it comes to the Phantom! She always knows his next move, she always knows whether he's delivered a message, and she certainly knows where to find him!"

Madame Luna glared at the younger manager, who immediately shrank from her cold stare. "Even if I did know where they had gone…which I don't," she emphasized icily, "it is not the Phantom you need to worry about! From what I saw, the true madcolt is the Prince! The way he fired that pistol without any regard for the lives of others, and you all saw him kill Fancypants!"

Silverstar groaned, knowing she was right. The Prince's jealousy and anger had erupted into madness, and he had to stop the noblecolt before he took more lives with his unstable rage. "If you can at least guess as to where the Phantom may have gone, we will at least know where to find the Prince," he attempted to reason. "Please Madame Luna, there's an innocent mare caught up in all this!"

Madame Luna sighed, knowing that the police could at least stop Blueblood before he attempted to cause further damage. "I am telling you the truth when I say I do not know where they could have gone. Were it not for that explosion yesterday, he would have retreated back down into his realm, but there is nothing down there now but fallen rock and the lagoon."

Silverstar's ears perked up at these words. "A lagoon?"

"Yes," Madame Luna confirmed…and then began to realize what the Chief Inspector was indicating. "A lagoon that feeds into the Seine…" she gasped.

"Come on," Silverstar ordered to his men. "With any luck, we'll reach them before they come to the river."

Madame Luna's eyes widened with fear. "Wait! You can't go back down there! All the ways are blocked! Believe me, I've tried!" But her cries were in vain, as the officers abandoned her there, in search of the infamous Opera Ghost.

Had she truly helped Discord and Fluttershy? Or had she simply sealed their fate?

Rarity sat huddled in her cage; her small arms attempting to keep the storm's chill off her body.
"I can't go back there…" murmured a voice from one shadowy corner of the cage. Rarity glanced up to see Rainbow Dash, groaning and rocking herself back and forth, her eyes glazed over in some sort of hypnotic state. "I can't go back there…"

"Rainbow Dash, we will be alright," Rarity attempted to soothe, rising from her place and going over to where the peg-hoofed mare sat. "Look where we are! At the opera house! Surely the Master will save us."

Rainbow Dash continued rocking back and forth, as if she hadn't heard a word Rarity had said. However, in the cage next to hers, both Shortround and Time Turner had heard everything, but their faces were not as hopeful as that of the little mare's.

"I felt that explosion," Time Turner sighed to Shortround. "It would take a miracle for anyone to survive it."

Shortround knew Time Turner was right; he remembered the gunpowder barrels that the gypsies were pouring through the tunnels before they dragged him away. But if his faith had taught him anything, it was to always believe in the possibility of miracles.

"What the hell!?"

The four of them turned their attention from their cages as several of the gypsies who were guarding them, began to curse and gasp as suddenly, one of the windows of the opera house over head, burst open, the glass shattering like rain, before flames billowed forth.

A great gasp escaped the four caged prisoners as they watched window after window burst into flame, and suddenly, the night sky was interrupted with the sounds of screams, as patrons wildly fled the burning building.

"What's going on!?" a gypsy demanded, looking to Master for an answer.

Master said nothing, only kept his eyes locked on the fire that burned in the windows above. As far as he was aware, this was not part of the Prince's elaborate plan.

"I don't like this," one gypsy grumbled. "Let's leave this place, now, we got what we wanted, why should we stay?"

Time Turner's face paled at the pony's words. "No! No, you promised Fluttershy that you would–"

"We ain't promised her anything!" the gypsy spat, before taking a stick and ramming it against the cages bars, just missing the old pony's hooves. "And did you really think we would be giving up these monsters? Ha! That would be like throwing money away!"  

Time Turner's eyes widened at the gypsy's words. "This…this was all a ruse…this was your plan all along!"

"Shut up," Master grumbled.

The old stallion became indignant. "No! I am tired of being told what to do by the likes of criminals like you!" he spat. "And was I a part of this ruse as well? After the wedding, was I going to be shipped off the asylum while you take your carnival someplace else!?"

"I SAID SHUT–" Master's roar was lost in his throat, as a strangled cry went up from one of his stallions.

"W-w-what was that!?"

"It came from over there!"

"Did you hear it?!"

"Yes," Master growled, removing his dagger from his bootstrap. "And I have a good feeling as to whom–"

Another strangled cry broke the night air, and the whole of Master's men were looking about frantically, wondering where the mysterious threat was coming from.

"Master," Rarity breathed with relief. "It's the Master!"

"We shall see about that," Master growled, throwing open the door to Rarity's cage and grabbing the tiny mare from inside. "I AM YOUR MASTER NOW!" he bellowed at the mare, before gripping her by the neck and lifting her off the ground, her hooves dangling and her body struggling as the golden-haired gypsy choked her.

"RARITY!" Shortround gasped, his small hooves kicking the cage's bars. "LET HER GO! PUT HER DOWN!"

Master ignored Shortround, and shouted into the storm-filled air. "SHOW YOURSELF, YOU MASKED FREAK! SHOW YOURSELF OR I'LL COUNT TO THREE…" he pulled the choking mare against his chest and thrust his dagger under her chin. "…AND I'LL SPILL HER BLOOD RIGHT HERE!"

Silence.

"ONE!"

Still, nothing, except the sounds of Shortround's protests.

"TWO!"

All the stallions, including Master, held their breath, waiting…waiting for the Phantom, the draconequus, to make his appearance.

"YOU KILLED HER, NOT I!" Master shouted, before pressing the blade against Rarity's throat. "THR–"

"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

The mighty roar came from over head, and before Master or any of the others knew what was happening, a giant figure landed on top of the older gypsy, knocking him down and causing him to release Rarity from her captivity.

"DERPY!" Shortround shouted in dismay and gladness.

Time Turner gasped and pressed his cold, wet face, against the iron bars to see the hunchback throwing endless punches at the leader of the gypsy clan. "It is Derpy! She's alive!"

"D-d-derpy?" Rainbow Dash gasped, as if the name of the hunchback was enough to wake her from her trance.

Rarity was coughing and gasping for air after being released from Master's vice-like grip. She looked up from her hooves and knees, and gasped with surprise and joy at the sight of Derpy, her heroic rescuer. "DERPY!" she cried in happiness, causing the hunchback to stop his punches on the groaning Master.

Rarity gave a glad cry, and Derpy leapt off the gypsy to lift the mare up off the ground, and hug her fiercely. "Oh Derpy, that's twice I thought I had lost you!" she cried, her joyful tears covering the hunchback's face.

The other gypsies stood there in stunned silence, not believing what they were seeing.

Master rolled over onto his stomach, and gasped for air, coughing and sputtering as the pain coursed through his body from the attack. "Don't just stand there you idiots!" he shouted. "KILL THEM!"

Derpy whirled around, quickly putting Rarity back down on the ground, ready to fight her attackers as they charged at her.

"Let's get her stallion! Come on!" shouted one of the larger gypsies, but his words quickly disappeared into a groan of pain, after Rainbow Dash grabbed hold of the stallion's shirt collar, and slammed his head against the cage's bars, knocking the gypsy out cold.

"Nicely done," Time Turner grinned, being quick to grab the keys from the pony's belt.

"Idiots!" Master groaned as he noticed Time Turner taking the keys and attempting to unlock the cage. "STOP HIM!"

Three of Master's stallions were fighting Derpy, who was proving to be more of a torrential force than the storm itself! A stallion who had been standing near Rainbow Dash's cage, ran toward the other, his knife glimmering in the lightning light, threatening to slice at the old pony's hooves, when he suddenly felt a wave of pain shoot through his lower back, and then at his thigh.

"It's time for you to learn some manners!" Rarity shouted, using the stick her captor had used to beat against her cage, as her own weapon to beat on him. "First lesson," she growled, "is don't poke at others!" Without warning, she slammed the stick against the stallion's groin, causing him to fall to his knees as a blubbering, painful cry, escaped his lips. "Second lesson," she hissed, before taking the stick and whacking the stallion against the side of his head, causing him to fall over, "is never underestimate a mare."

"Well done, Rarity!" Shortround congratulated, as Time Turner finally got their cage door open. The old stallion quickly ran to Rainbow Dash's cage, while Shortround charged at the three gypsies who were fighting Derpy. "Three against one is not the fairest of odds!" he roared, before attacking.

Master couldn't believe it. What the hell was happening!? The monsters were revolting, the opera house was going up in flames, and the Prince was nowhere in sight! This could not be happening!

Shortround growled as he fought off one of the gypsies that had been fighting Derpy. He could not run the way they could, but his size made it easy to tackle them. "It's time you learn manners!" he spat, before jumping onto another gypsy's back.

Rarity managed to use her stick to force one of Derpy's attackers off her, and Time Turner took another stick, and hit the stallion hard over the head, causing him to crumple on the ground.

Derpy growled as she struggled with the largest of Master's stallion, a burly stallion who tried to swipe at the hunchback's face with his dagger. "I'm gonna cut you like a fish, monster!" the stallion snarled with evil glee. "I'm going to skin you alive and mount your head on my wagon!"

Derpy continued to struggle, her large hooves gripping the stallion's wrist to keep him from using the dagger, but the stallion now had his other hoof around the hunchback's neck, and was squeezing so tightly that Derpy felt her skin begin to turn blue!

And then, moving so quickly that she only looked like a tiny black blur, the pony let out a yowl of pain, as the kitten sank her teeth and claws into the skin of his hoof, causing him to loosen his grip on Derpy's throat, giving Derpy enough time to slam her fist into the stallion's jaw, knocking him out cold.

"T-t-t-thanks Carmen," Derpy panted down at the little kitten, which only responded with an affectionate purr.

The men that had recovered from the onslaught, quickly scrambled to their hooves and rushed towards one of the wagons. "To hell with the Prince!" one of them cried. "Let's get out of here!"

Master stared in horror, shock, and most of all, anger, as his men abandoned him there, hurrying away like frightened children. "COWARDS!" the old gypsy shouted. "COME BACK HERE, YOU COWARDS!"

"It's over, Master," Rarity sighed, her small arms folding across her chest, as Derpy, Time Turner, and Shortround stood around her, each glaring with anger at the silver-haired pony. "Give yourself up."

Master stared at the little mare, his face blank. "Did I hear you correctly?" he asked, his voice containing a dangerous tone. "Were you giving me orders?"

"You've lost!" Shortround retorted. "Drop your dagger, now."

Master eyed his small mob of freaks, remembering how much trouble it had taken for him to reclaim them once more. "Alright," he sighed, letting go of the dagger. "But if you don't mind…" he quickly drew a pistol from the back of his belt. "I think I'll hold onto to this."

The others froze at the sight of the gun, their faces pale and their eyes focused entirely on the weapon.

"Now…you were saying?" Master asked Shortround once more. "Who is it that has lost?" A deep, menacing laugh, escaped his chest, as Master continued to keep the gun aimed at them. "It is truly a pity that it had to come to this," he sighed, after his laughter had died down. "I really believe that you all would have made me a great deal of money. But I can't afford rebellion," he cocked the pistol and turned it on Derpy. "I think I'll start with the rebel rouser here."

"NO!" Rarity shouted, but instead of a gunshot being fired, a sick, gurgling sound could be heard coming from the old gypsy.

The others stared, as Master's trembling hoof let go of the pistol, and watched in horror as blood trickled down from his mouth. "I…I…I u-u-underestimated…y-y-you…" the old stallion gasped to his unseen attacker.

"That you did," Rainbow Dash growled, pulling her bloody peg leg out from behind the stallion's back, before the old gypsy crumbled to the ground, dead.

A shaky sigh went up from the group, and Shortround, Derpy, and Rarity, rushed forward to embrace Rainbow Dash, who happily welcomed the affection.

Time Turner smiled as he took in the small family, seeing no deformity, only love. But his own heart throbbed with worry as he turned his eyes back to the burning building overhead; what had become of Fluttershy?

"Umph!" Fluttershy gasped as she landed on top of Discord, after their sudden plummet through the stage.
Discord groaned and transformed back to normal, knowing that the landing had not been good for his ankle, and he felt a painful throbbing in his right shoulder. But all thoughts on pain disappeared, the second he felt Fluttershy's lips rain joyous kisses all over his face. He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, and opened his mouth to speak, but hers quickly covered it, and she kissed him with such intensity that it took his breath away.

"Fluttershy–" he gasped between kisses. "Angel, we–"

"YOU'RE ALIVE!" Fluttershy cried, her hooves running over his face, her lips tracing the scars. "Oh Discord…" she wailed, her tears flowing over his skin.  "How did you - I…I thought…I thought you were…"

"Sshh," he whispered, before holding her face tenderly to his, and drawing her mouth back down over his own. A blissful sigh escaped her throat as she kissed Discord back, so relieved, so happy, so–

Discord's hooves gripped Fluttershy's shoulders and he gently pushed her away, as he heard heavy footsteps in the distance. "Now is not the time for sweet reunions, my love," he whispered as he helped her to his hooves.

The mirth that had been in Fluttershy's eyes quickly vanished as she too heard the sounds of a small mob, only a short distance away. It was then that Fluttershy truly took in the sight around her.

Both she and Discord had fallen into a mysterious looking chamber, like one of the many caverns that filled the underground labyrinth. Yet this one was smaller…and not made out of stone.

"Where are we?" she asked, looking at the blackened ground, her foot brushing over a strange sort of dust.

"A fire chamber," Discord murmured, his eyes scanning their surroundings, seeking out the trap door that lay hidden in the walls.

Fluttershy's eyes went wide at his words. "Fire chamber!?" she gasped. "Why on earth would the opera house need such a thing?"

"Some operas require a bonfire scene," he murmured as if it were common knowledge. "I had them install the chamber about fifteen years ago."

Fluttershy did not like the idea of the two of them being trapped in some sort of giant cooking pan. The sooner they got out of there, the better.

"Here it is!" Discord cried out triumphantly. He immediately began to push his weight against a section of the chamber's wall, a section that began to move slowly on its own, revealing a small door.

Discord hissed as the pain shot through this arm, and he paused, clutching his shoulder while cursing the Prince's name.

"Discord? Discord what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked, concern filling her eyes at the way his hoof clutched his shoulder.

"Nothing," he growled, turning away from her and attempting to push at the door again.

"Discord, something's wrong with your shoulder, I can tell, I–" Discord cursed as Fluttershy reached out to touch his shoulder, and she gasped in horror at the sight that greeted her. "Oh God! You're bleeding!"

"It's nothing," he grumbled, trying to brush her hooves away.

"That is not nothing!" she retorted, biting her lip at the growing blood stain on his shirt. "Discord, you've been shot!"

"No," he shook his head. "The bullet grazed me, that is all. It's just scratch, really." He couldn't help but find himself smiling at the tender way Fluttershy fussed over him. "I'm just lucky that the Prince is a lousy shot."

"Ah, but will you be lucky now?"

Fluttershy's head snapped up from where she had been examining Discord's injury, her eyes widening with horror as Blueblood emerged from the chamber's shadows, a sword glistening in the dim light that surrounded them.

Discord growled low and deep, and moved Fluttershy behind him in a protective fashion.

"I must thank you…Discord, is it?" Blueblood asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he approached them. "Your elaborate trap doors are quite clever, separating those that follow, causing them to fall into different rooms. Luckily for me, I landed in an old prop room," Blueblood grinned, brandishing the sword towards them.

Discord said nothing; he only kept his eyes locked on that of his enemy, while one of his arms held Fluttershy behind him, prepared to protect her at all costs.

Blueblood found himself chuckling at the way Discord stared him down, and his eyes flew to Fluttershy's pale pretty face, that hid behind the monster's shoulders. "And to think…this was my competition?"

Discord tilted his head to one side, studying his adversary carefully. "Insults have never helped stallion win battles," he murmured, low and even, his voice so calm and collected. "You know how to use that thing?" he asked, indicating the sword that Blueblood was wielding.

Blueblood felt his jaw clench at the Phantom's question. "I was the top of my class," he snarled, making a lunging motion towards his opponent, but Discord easily moved out of the way, pushing Fluttershy with him.

Fluttershy gasped at Blueblood's sudden move, and bit her lip with apprehension. She had just found Discord…she could not lose him again!

Blueblood grinned, and then lunged once more towards the Phantom, but once again, Discord easily moved away, his arms wrapping around Fluttershy and twirling her, as if they were caught up in a dance. "Clever," Blueblood murmured, shrugging his shoulders, before making another lunge. Fluttershy shrieked at how close Blueblood's sword had been, but felt Discord's strong, protective arms, once more move her out of harm's way.

By now the Prince's amusement was vanishing. "Are you going to be doing this all night?" he grumbled with irritation. "Put up your sword and fight!"

"Only when the time is necessary," Discord growled.

"Necessary?" Blueblood asked, madness filling his eyes. "Is NOW a necessary time!?" he cried, leaping forward and throwing his blade out towards the Phantom's chest, but Discord was prepared, and pushed Fluttershy down to one side, before swirling around and countering Blueblood's sword with his own blade.

Fluttershy shrieked again as both stallions engaged in a heated sword fight; Blueblood looking like a lunatic, flinging his sword madly at the Phantom, while Discord continued to counter each lunge, only furthering the Prince's rage.

"You see, unlike you, my dear monsieur," Discord hissed, as their blades met once more, sparks flying from their steel, "I was my own teacher, and never took one class my whole life." Blueblood roared with anger as he attacked once more, aiming for Discord's throat, but Discord's sword caught the blade before making contact. Blueblood's teeth were clenched as he pressed the sword against Discord's, his eyes wild with jealousy and hate. "Tell me," Discord asked. "How does it feel, knowing that you are being bested by someone with no formal training?"

"DAMN YOU!" Blueblood shouted in the Phantom's face, but Discord's boot shot up and kicked the noblecolt hard in the stomach, sending him backwards and hitting the wall on the other side of the chamber with a loud thud.

"Down here! I hear them down here!"

Fluttershy's eyes flew to a far tunnel straight ahead, and in the distance, she could see the orange glow of torches, and hear those same heavy footsteps that she had heard only moments ago.

The mob was coming, and had found them!

She rushed to Discord's side, and gasped when she realized he was sloping against the wall, breathing heavily and hissing in pain. "Discord!?" she gasped, her eyes widening with worry. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" She had watched their sword fight so carefully; Blueblood's blade never once made contact!

"My ankle," Discord groaned. "It was hurt in the explosion…and this," he indicated to the sword in his hoof, "hasn't helped it."

"THERE THEY ARE!" shouted the voice of Monsieur Flam. Fluttershy's eyes widened with horror as she saw the two managers and several police officers, carrying torches and loaded guns, heading right towards them.

"STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" one of officers shouted, before calling over his shoulder, "INSPECTOR SILVERSTAR! I FOUND THE PHANTOM! I FOUND HIM!"

"GO!" Discord hissed at Fluttershy, pushing her through the opening of the secret door he had found. There was no time to close it, he simply grabbed her hoof and fled down a dark corridor, being careful to avoid stumbling over fallen debris from the other day's explosion.

"AFTER THEM!" Flim shouted. "DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY!"

Discord cursed as he heard the police follow, their voices and footsteps sounding far too close for his own liking.

Fluttershy was worried too, although slightly more worried that Blueblood could possibly be following them as well. Yes, Discord had kicked him away, causing the Prince to hit the wall, but she hadn't paid close enough attention to see whether he was conscious.

She had never seen a pony look demonic in her entire life! The way his eyes flashed, the way he spoke, everything! Before he engaged in the sword fight, back when she and Discord were on stage, before Blueblood started shooting at them; Fluttershy remembered the frightening way he looked at her when she glanced up at him while Discord sang to her. Blueblood's jealousy had completely driven him to madness.

"STAND DOWN! STAND DOWN I SAY!" shouted a voice behind them. Fluttershy's scream filled the tunnel when the sound of a gun firing filled the void behind her. Discord roared a curse as the bullet flew just past them, and swirled his cloak around to envelope Fluttershy, as if the fabric itself would shield her.

"STOP SHOOTING!" Silverstar's voice barked. "You'll hit the mare! And I don't want any bullets ricocheting back at us!"

Discord pulled Fluttershy to his left, and led her down another tunnel, cursing Master further for destroying all traps in the explosion. He was like a blind pony, stumbling in a place that was unfamiliar. This wasn't his home anymore; the tunnels beneath the Maris Opera House had betrayed him, blocking off old exits, leaving him little choice as to where to turn next. "Discord?" Fluttershy's voice was filled with fear and anxiety. She was looking to him to help them, depending on him to get them out of this…and he was completely lost.

"This way," he grunted, taking her arm and leading her once more down a different tunnel. "We can take the boat and escape out the river!" Fluttershy nodded her head, and held her skirts tightly as the two of them broke into a run.

Derpy had surveyed the area earlier, and told Discord that one of the boats had remained intact, even after the explosion. It was not the quickest way out of the opera house, but Discord had little choice. His home was now his prison, and he had to get them both out of there.

The tunnel grew wider and wider, and within seconds, they had finally reached the underground lagoon. Discord wasted no time with helping Fluttershy down the small rocky cliff, and Fluttershy gasped with horror as she finally saw the destruction that the explosion had caused to Discord's underground world.

Fallen rocks were everywhere, but also, she could see charred pieces of furniture, some floating in the lagoon. She caught sight of other items, each burnt or damaged beyond repair, such as Rarity's spinning wheel and Derpy's books. "Hurry," Discord hissed, waking Fluttershy from her trance. She quickly followed him to the boat and climbed in while he released its tether and picked up the oar to push them away from the shore.

"STOP!" shouted a voice overhead.

Both Discord and Fluttershy looked up to see the same police officer who had shot at them earlier, now standing on the cliff overhead, his gun aimed at the boat. "YOU'RE UNDER ARREST!"

Flim and Flam also appeared, each panting and gasping for breath, but each looking just as wild as Blueblood. It was not jealousy that filled their eyes, but a need to extract vengeance from the Phantom's many threats. "Hurry!" Flim cried. "You have a clear shot! Shoot him before he gets away!"

The officer looked at Flim as if he were crazy. "Inspector Silverstar said–"

"Oh HANG Inspector Silverstar!" Flam muttered, grabbing the gun out of the officer's hooves and firing at the boat.

Fluttershy screamed as the sound of gunfire echoed throughout the cavern. Discord leapt down just in time; his body covering Fluttershy's to shield her from the gun's bullets. His actions caused him to drop the oar into the water, but the lagoon's current was already pushing them towards the river.

"ARE YOU MAD!?" the officer shouted, staring at Flam as if he were a madcolt.

"They're getting away!" Flam cried, aiming the gun once more.

The officer leapt at the gun, and soon the two stallions were wrestling for control. More officers arrived, and each looked confused at the strange fight between one of their colleagues and the younger opera house manager.

Flim, who was still stunned by Flam's actions, quickly snapped out of it in order to throw orders at the newly arrived officers. "Don't just stand there gawking!" he shouted. "The Phantom! He's getting away! He's kidnapped Mademoiselle Fluttershy! GET HIM!"

"How!?" one of the men asked. "There aren't any more boats!"

"And if we shoot at him, we could risk hitting the mare!"

Flim rolled his eyes. "Then jump in after them!"

"WHAT!?" several shouted. "ARE YOU MAD!?"

One of the younger officers, who was a little haughtier than the others, and who had a dire longing to prove himself brave, ran to the cliff's edge without a second thought, and leapt into the icy waters of the lagoon below.

Discord's head shot up at the splashing sound, and saw the young officer swimming towards them. As soon as the officer noticed that Discord was in sight, he paused his swimming and attempted to aim his gun at the Phantom's head.

Discord could not risk having the boat shot at. It was their only means of escape, and all that mattered was getting Fluttershy to safety. They wouldn't shoot at her, they were only after him. Without another thought, Discord threw his cloak off, and dove over the boat's edge into the water.

"DISCORD!" Fluttershy shrieked, her hooves clutching the edge of the boat. What was he doing!? Had he gone mad!? He was swimming out to meet the officer, who was looking stunned by the Phantom's actions.

"You want to shoot me now!?" he roared at the officer, whose face had paled to a ghostly shade of white. The pony lifted his gun, and Fluttershy screamed, but before he could even pull the trigger, Discord dove under the water, only to come up right in the pony's face, knocking the gun out his hooves, and gripping the frightened, blubbering officer around the neck. "You want to see the Angel of Death?" he snarled, before dunking the frightened officer's head under the water.

Fluttershy stared in horror at the scene before her, and screamed when she heard more gunshots. The officers who still remained on the cliff opened fire, shouting for Discord to release their friend. There was a great splashing sound, as two more officers dove into the lagoon's waters, and swam out to meet the Phantom.

Fluttershy leaned over the boat and attempted to use her own hooves to paddle back towards him, but the current was too strong, and was already carrying the boat further and further away. Discord released the stallionwho he was originally fighting, and met his two new adversaries head on. They leapt atop him, and he threw them off, roaring and throwing punches, gulping air as they pushed him down, splashing and sputtering water everywhere.

The boat continued to drift. She couldn't see them! "DISCORD!" she cried. "DISCORD!"

He turned his head, and realized Fluttershy was disappearing into the darkness of the tunnel. He cursed as he felt one of the men leap onto his shoulders in another attempt to push him under the water. "GO ON!" he shouted, before disappearing under the water. He growled and used all his strength to push his attacker off. "GET OUT OF HERE! LEAVE ME!" he shouted once his head resurfaced. All that mattered was that she would be safe; they would not pursue her, and the current would carry her safely out of the opera house.

"DISCORD!?" Fluttershy couldn't see him anymore, the boat had drifted down a dark tunnel and he had completely disappeared from sight. Her hooves were still in the water, and she was still leaning over the edge of the boat, trying to paddle back, knowing that it was a lost cause.

Was he going to be all right? He was fighting three stallions in the water! They could drown him! He could drown them! And then Fluttershy went numb as the sound of gunshots echoed down the tunnel…

"DISCORD!" she screamed, fully prepared to leap into the water at that second and swim back to him, not caring what he said, only caring about him, only–

"HALT!"

Fluttershy whirled her head around to the sound of the voice, and gasped when a torch's light was shoved close to her face.

"It's just the mare, Inspector," an officer announced, moving the torch away. Fluttershy's eyes adjusted to the dim light in the darkness, and realized there was another small band of police officers, standing on a small embankment just inside the tunnel's entrance.

Silverstar peered down at her while two officers moved into the water to bring the boat ashore. "I heard gunshots," he murmured with puzzlement. "Where is the Phantom?"

"Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy's eyes flew to the embankment and gasped when she saw Madame Luna push her way through the crowd of officers, not caring if her petticoats got wet, and meeting Fluttershy halfway in the water, embracing the mare who broke down against her. "Get me a blanket!" she barked at the chief inspector, before tightening her hold around Fluttershy's shivering form. "There, there, my dear. It's alright, you're safe now, you're safe."

Fluttershy trembled and shook her head frantically from side to side. "No!" she wailed through the worried tears that covered her face. "Discord is back there! He was fighting three stallions, and…I…I heard gunshots!"

"We'll find him, I promise," Madame Luna murmured, running her hooves through the young mare's hair, whispering soothing words into her ear.

Silverstar sighed and hoofed the dance mistress the blanket she had requested. "Mademoiselle," he began, his tone soft, but quite desperate for answers. "I need to know where he is."

Madame Luna growled at the chief inspector, her eyes cold, narrow slits of rage. "Can't you see the child is freezing?" she hissed. "Hasn't she been through enough this evening? Please!" she wrapped an arm around Fluttershy's shoulders and began to lead her away from Silverstar and his band of officers.

Silverstar groaned, running his hooves through his thinning hair; the mare could be damned irritable! "Mademoiselle, I saw everything!"

Fluttershy paused her steps, and slowly turned her head to the chief inspector. "W-what do you mean?" she asked, wary of what this stallion was attempting to learn from her.

Silverstar ignored the dance mistress' cold stare and quietly approached Fluttershy, keeping his voice low. "I came here tonight, because I feared a madcolt would attempt to sabotage the evening," he looked back in the direction Fluttershy's boat had come. "And I was right…but not about the pony."

Fluttershy's eyes widened at the pony's words; even Madame Luna seemed at a loss.

"Please…you must tell me where you saw him last; if I don't find him, more ponies may end up dead!"

Fluttershy understood the chief inspector's concern, it would be the concern of any good policecolt, but he and his men did not understand anything about Discord. All they saw was a stallion with a strange body who wore mask to hide his scarred face, and that alone seemed to be enough to condemn him. She shook her head, feeling angry for the accusation that more ponies would die by his hooves if she did not reveal where he was; both she and Discord had been shot at multiple times that night! "You can give that lecture to your own men," Fluttershy hissed. "I can't believe you would even ask me such a thing; I know the evils that your men are capable of performing on men who look different. How do I know that you will not also treat Discord the same?"

Silverstar's brow furrowed at Fluttershy's words. "Discord?"

"Yes! Discord! That is his name," she grumbled, pulling the blanket up even tighter around her shoulders.

Now he understood. "No! No, mademoiselle, you misunderstand! I was not inquiring as to where you last saw the Phantom, I meant the Prince."

Fluttershy froze at Silverstar's question. "Blueblood?"

"Yes," he sighed. "In his attempts to shoot at you, he killed Signor Fancypants."

Fluttershy gasped, and her hoof flew to cover her mouth. She had not known Fancypants very long, and knew that the tenor despised her for taking the lead from Celestia, but no stallion deserved to be shot in cold blood.

"Please," Silverstar asked again. "The last I saw, the Prince dove in after both you and the Phantom. I had assumed that the two of you had encountered him."

Fluttershy could almost laugh at the words Silverstar used. Yes, indeed, they did "encounter" him. "He and Discord were fighting," she murmured. "The Prince had a sword, but Discord managed to kick him away…I…I don't know what became of him after that point…"

"Inspector! Inspector!"

All heads turned in the direction of the tunnel, where several officers emerged, a few of them soaked to the bone. "He's gone!" one shouted. "The Phantom is gone!"

Fluttershy gasped and looked at Madame Luna. Discord was still alive? "What happened to him!?" she frantically asked, pushing her way towards the men, desperate to know what had become of Discord.

"Well…we don't know, exactly," one admitted. "You see…he dove under the water…and never emerged."

Fluttershy froze at the officer's words, and felt her knees suddenly go limp. Madame Luna quickly reached out for the mare to lean on, wrapping her arm around Fluttershy's waist to keep her upright. "What do you mean he never emerged?" she demanded, desperate to learn the truth just as much as Fluttershy…yet also dreading what it could be.

"We mean exactly that, Madame," one officer tried to explain. "He dove beneath the water, and when he hadn't emerged, we too dove down, but saw nothing...no body, no evidence of his presence…nothing! It was as if he had completely disappeared."

Fluttershy swallowed the nervous lump in her throat, gripping the blanket that she wore around her shoulders all the tighter. He was alive, she knew he was alive, he had to be; after everything they had gone through, both tonight and in the last few days: Discord was alive, she would not lose him again!

"I'm sure he's alright," Madame Luna murmured, leading Fluttershy away from Silverstar and his men. "Come, there is something you need to see…"

Fluttershy mutely nodded her head, although she could not shake that sense of impending doom, nor the question that Silverstar had asked her: what had happened to Blueblood after they had fled that chamber? Was he still in there, hunting his enemy? Was Discord truly alright? His ankle was sprained, a bullet had grazed his shoulder, and after hearing all those other gunshots…

"FLUTTERSHY!"

Fluttershy's head snapped up at the sound of the familiar voice, a voice that she had not heard in what felt like ages…

"Derpy?" she gasped, seeing the hunchback waving to her from a wagon in the distance. "DERPY!" she shouted, throwing the blanket off her shoulders and running towards her friend, throwing her arms out and hugging Derpy tight as she met her halfway. "Oh Derpy!" she cried, "I thought…I thought…"

"We all did," Rarity answered, smiling at the happy reunion between Derpy and Fluttershy. "But as you can see, she is very much alive."

Fluttershy gasped at the sight of Rarity, free from her chains, and then saw her father approach, while both Shortround and Rainbow Dash smiled from the wagon. "Y-y-you're free!" she stammered in surprise, happiness overwhelming her. "But…but how…?"

"Master is dead," Time Turner sighed. "Derpy is the one who saved us," he explained with a smile. "She freed us, and frightened Master's stallions away."

"A-a-and Rainbow Dash s-s-saved me," Derpy grinned. "M-m-m-master w-was going to s-shoot me…but Rainbow Dash s-s-saved me!"

Fluttershy couldn't believe it; it was only yesterday that she had feared they were all dead, and yet, here they all were, safe and free! Master was no more, they would not to be taken prisoner and put on display, Discord could rest with ease from that…

But where was he?

"Fluttershy?" Derpy asked, looking at her with large nervous eyes. "W-w-where is the Master?"

"Yes!" Rarity gasped. "Derpy explained that he is alive! That he went to save you…but where is he now?"

Fluttershy bit her lip and glanced at Madame Luna nervously. Discord had to be alive, he just had to be! He knew the opera house better than anyone; he must have known what he was doing when he dove under the water. She kept reminding herself that the police never found a body, that it seemed that he had disappeared entirely. He must have escaped…but where to?

Discord burst out through the opening of the roof, gasping and coughing from the smoke that he had fought through. It was even worse that swimming through that dark water pipe which had been his only escape after the police had cornered him. The pipe emptied out into a sewage tunnel, which Discord took to lead him back towards the opera house, undetected.
The place was ablaze; all around him he could hear men shouting for more water as they fought the fire that raged on. The smoke was overwhelming, and Discord knew he needed to get out of there, but he also knew the police…or worse…would be waiting for him.

He needed to get out of the smoke, away from the flames, but he needed to be someplace where he could see, where he could understand what would be his next best chance for escape. He needed to know if Fluttershy had made it safely outside, and whether Derpy had been successful with freeing the others from Master and his stallions. The roof was the only possibility.

Overhead, a storm raged, helping to douse the flames that had burst through the windows. He let out a long shaky sigh and breathed in the cool clean air, feeling its freshness replenish and heal his lungs.

Despite the fact that he was already soaking, he lifted his head to the rain and ran his paw and claw over his unmasked face, feeling the drops cleanse his body and soul from the evening's ordeal.

He leaned against one of the many stone pony’s that adorned the roof, wincing at the pain in his leg, his shoulder, everywhere; his whole body ached. How he longed to be lying in a warm, dry bed, with Fluttershy's smooth arms wrapped around him. He groaned and shifted his body so that he could continue to lean against the stone pony, but also look out over the roof's ledge.

Below, he saw the fire brigade, working hard to put out what was left the opera house fire. Around them stood hundreds of ponies; company members, patrons, onlookers, and of course, police. He scanned the police carefully; they would most likely have been anticipating his escape by boat, and have Fluttershy in their group.

His eyes found one of Master's wagons, but the gypsies were nowhere to be seen. He did however see Madame Luna, standing and talking with some unseen figures, who appeared to be hiding inside the wagon. The figure of Rarity emerged then, and Discord felt a great weight lift off his shoulders; Derpy had been successful!

"Your hunchback is clever," a voice dryly murmured behind him. Discord lifted his head, but kept his back to his enemy. "Perhaps you should have sent her to fight in your stead?"

Discord turned slowly as the lightning illuminated the sky, causing the scars on his face to look even more horrific than normal. "I do my own fighting," he growled.

"Good," Blueblood replied. "THEN YOU CAN SHOW ME!" Without any warning, he lunged forward, his sword scraping stone has Discord moved away just in time.

Discord growled and drew his own sword forth, lunging towards the Prince, taking Blueblood completely by surprise. "Come now, boy," Discord mocked as their swords clashed together. "Prove to me that you're more than a fop."

Blueblood roared and lunged back at Discord, who continued to parry his every attack. Thunder shook the sky as their fight continued, swords clashing, fists flying, as the rain beat down upon them.

Down below, Inspector Silverstar was reprimanding Flim and Flam for the danger they could have inflicted upon his stallions, while a short distance away, Fluttershy, with the help of Madame Luna and Twlight, was tending to the wounds of her friends.

"So…you've known about these…" Twlight glanced up at Derpy, who was blushing as she dabbed at a bruise on her arm. "These…ponies…all along?" she questioned her mother.

Madame Luna sighed and simply nodded her head. "Why didn't you tell me?" Twlight asked, a hurt look filling her eyes.

"Twlight, it wasn't that I didn't trust you, I just believed that the fewer ponies who knew, the better–"

"LOOK!" shouted Flam, who was pointing up to the rooftops.

Everypony squinted as they looked up, not seeing anything through the rain and shadows, until a bolt of lightning illuminated the sky…and revealed two figures, fighting with one another.

"It's the Master!" Rarity gasped. Fluttershy's hoof flew to her mouth as she recognized Discord's figure.

"Good God!" Flim gasped. "The Prince! He's fighting the Phantom!"

For the longest moment, Fluttershy sat there, frozen with fear, as she watched the stallion she loved passionately fight his greatest enemy. Sparks flew as their swords clashed, and despite the thunder overhead, a person could hear the curses they were throwing at one another.

Blueblood continued attacking, his rage fueling his sword as he endlessly lunged forward. Discord would meet each of Blueblood's attacks, countering them before lunging back. "It won't change anything," Discord growled, as their swords crossed, his face getting into Blueblood's. "No matter how hard you fight…it won't change the fact that she rejected you."

Blueblood roared and threw his fist out to catch Discord's jaw; Discord leaned away just in time to miss Blueblood's fist, but was not fast enough to miss Blueblood's boot, which had made contact with his torso and caused him to fall backward. Fluttershy screamed as she saw Blueblood lift his sword over his head to plunge into Discord's chest. But Discord was faster still, and kicked both his legs up, making contact with Blueblood's stomach and knocking the Prince backwards.

"You do fight well, I will give you that," Discord grunted as he lifted himself up. "But you should have left when I spared you earlier.

Blueblood coughed and wiped the blood from his lip, his green eyes blazing with hatred and fury. "I've bested you before," he growled, rising to his feet. "Or have you forgotten?" An evil grin spread across Blueblood's hoofsome, bloody face, as he removed Discord's white half mask from the pocket of his jacket. "Here is my trophy to prove it."

A muscle twitched in Discord's neck as Blueblood revealed his mask, the mask that he had lost the night he had attacked the Prince. It was a symbol of his shame for allowing the noblecolt to get the best of him, to allowing his anger and foolishness to blind him. Blueblood took immediate notice of Discord's reaction upon seeing the mask, and chuckled as he returned it to his pocket. "You want it?" he asked, opening his arms out in a welcoming fashion. "Come and take it then!"

Discord roared as he lunged forward, his sword clashing with Blueblood's, sending a shower of sparks over the roof.

Fluttershy couldn't take it anymore, she had to stop this! She picked up her skirts and bolted towards the opera house entrance, pushing her way past the crowd of ponies that stood, gaping at the scene upon the roof.

"FLUTTERSHY!" her father shouted as he realized what she was doing.

His cries were joined by Twlight and Madame Luna, catching the attention of Inspector Silverstar. "STOP THAT MARE!" he shouted to several of his men.

Fluttershy's elbow shot up and hit one of the officers in the chin, causing the pony to curse and spit blood all over the ground. Another officer moved to grab her, but Fluttershy was faster, moving her hooves in such a way that he only caught air, and then reaching out to grab the pistol from his holster. "STAY BACK!" she shouted, cocking the gun and aiming it directly at the small group of police that had moved in to stop her.

The officers froze as her shaky hooves clutched the gun, each of them fearing that she may accidentally open fire. Silverstar was stunned speechless, and the managers couldn't close their mouths. "Mademoiselle…" Silverstar carefully murmured, taking a slow step towards her.

"STAY BACK!" Fluttershy warned, aiming the pistol at the chief inspector while she slowly began to back her way towards the opera house.

"M-m-m-mademoiselle, w-w-what are you doing!?" Flim stammered.

"P-p-p-put t-the gun d-down," Flam whispered shakily, taking a step towards her.

Fluttershy fired the gun at the ground in front of the younger manager, surprising herself, as well as everypony around her. Flam sank to his hooves in a dead faint, and Flim felt an uncomfortable wetness in his trousers.

"KEEP AWAY!" Fluttershy shouted, the gun now aimed at Silverstar, as she continued her assent up the stone steps.

Silverstar and his stallions stood perfectly still, not moving one muscle as Fluttershy finally turned and bolted up the steps, into the smoke filled opera house. "Follow her, carefully…" Silverstar ordered once Fluttershy was out of sight.

Discord had heard a gun firing down below, and then to his horror, had heard Time Turner shout his daughter's name. Had something happened to Fluttershy?

Blueblood grinned as he noticed Discord's sudden distraction, and without warning, lunged forward, burying his sword into the shoulder of his unsuspecting opponent.

Discord let out a roar of pain as he felt the sword's sting, especially after Blueblood cruelly pulled the blade back. A great red stain began to spread under Discord's white shirt, and Discord limped away, clutching at his shoulder and muttering curses under his breath, while Blueblood threw his head back and laughed. "So the ghost does bleed!" he chuckled, his eyes wild with evil amusement.

Discord growled and released his shoulder, both his hooves clutching the hilt of his sword as he let out a battle cry and charged at the Prince. But now it was Blueblood who parried Discord's every move, his laughter never ceasing, causing Discord's fury to blind him, and making him clumsy as he attacked.

Fluttershy coughed as the smoke filled her lungs, but her pace never lessoned as she ran towards her dressing room. Once there, she fell to her knees, and immediately began to pry at every knob around the giant mirror's frame, pushing, pulling, twisting, whatever she could do, working her hooves raw in her attempts. "Come on, come on!" she hissed as she pried at the mirror.

Suddenly, she heard a click, as she pulled at the golden wing of one of the many cherubs that decorated the mirror's frame. She held onto the cherub's wing and pulled with all her might, causing the mirror to suddenly open, revealing to her an unknown tunnel to Discord's realm. She only prayed that she could find her way to the roof from it.

Meanwhile, the sword fight grew more and more intense, as Discord continued to attack with more and more fury. Blueblood was not as quick as Discord was when it came to leaping away, but his arms remained strong and steady as he met each one of Discord's attacks, countering and parrying every movement of the Phantom's sword. "I'm going to see to it that all of your freakish friends are locked away in cages for the rest of their miserable lives!" he threatened. "Who knows? They may make a good profit! Perhaps I'll keep them on my estate and offer free admission for children?" he grinned as Discord growled, before countering his attack. "Yes, I like that idea…free admission for every child that throws a rock at that disfigured mare."

"BURN IN HELL!" Discord roared, lunging forward, his sword ready to be buried in the Prince's stomach, but Blueblood's sword was faster, and slashed out at Discord's unscarred cheek, just missing his eye.

Discord stumbled back, his hoof flying to where the sword had made contact. "Oh dear," Blueblood sighed, mockingly. "It appears I have added another scar, and to your good side too…ah well, perhaps it is best that I finish where God left off."

Discord growled and lifted his sword, ready to attack, but Blueblood's boot shot out, kicking Discord's injured leg and causing him to fall backwards, losing his grip on the sword. Before he could reach for it, Blueblood's boot stomped on Discord's bad ankle, causing the Phantom to cry out in pain, and giving Blueblood the opportunity to take Discord's sword.

"Oh dear, oh dear," Blueblood sighed as he gazed down at his injured enemy. "Perhaps it was you, Monsieur Phantom, who should have left when you had the chance, hmm?" Discord snarled as he slowly sat up, very much aware that Blueblood was holding both swords at his throat. "And as for that invitation to burn in hell, well…after you," he grinned, before lifting the swords to plummet them into the Phantom's chest.

This is going to hurt, Discord thought regretfully, but without a moment's hesitation, threw his injured leg into the Prince's groin, causing Blueblood to cry out in pain and stumble backwards, giving Discord enough time to roll away.

"DAMN YOU!" Blueblood hissed, falling to his knees and biting curses to the wind, but never once releasing the two swords he held. He lifted his eyes then to glare at the Phantom…but gasped when the lightning revealed no trace of the pony.

He quickly got to his hooves and looked around wildly, trying to see where Discord had gone. The rain was falling even harder, washing away any traces of blood that may have given Blueblood a clue as to where he could find his opponent. "COME OUT AND FIGHT!" Blueblood shouted to the sky, but only the thunder responded.

"Come now…" he continued to jeer. "I promise to make your death quick and as painless as possible."

No response.

Blueblood's amusement quickly faded, and he gripped the two swords even tighter as he began to search his surroundings. Where could the devil have gone!? "You surprise me, Discord," he growled, using the Phantom's name as he slowly searched the stone ponys that loomed all around. "I thought you many things…murderer, madcolt…but never once, did I think you a coward!"

Still, nothing.

Blueblood grinded his teeth as the fury began to take hold. "Did you love her?" he shouted against the wind's howl. "How sweet; a real-life 'beauty and the beast' fairytale," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Amazing; you truly believed that she would love a thing like you…when she could have a pony like me!"

He whirled around when he heard a movement behind his shoulder. Blueblood jumped when he realized he was only face to face with a hideous stone pony. "Was she good in bed?" he snarled, knowing that his words would eventually bring the fiend out. "Tell me, Discord…how was she?" he grinned as he heard a growl off to his right. "Is she responsive? Does she mew when you touch her?" he moved ever more closely to the stone pony where he heard the growl. "I do hope she likes it rough," he hissed, before leaping around the stone pony and slashing his sword at…

…nothing.

Blueblood let out a curse as he drew his sword back, his anger only kindling. "You're making this worse!" he shouted. "Let's finish this, now! I'll even throw down my sword!"

The clang of the sword's steel seemed to echo louder than thunder, as Blueblood dropped the blade.

He waited, holding his breath, half expecting the disfigured fiend to leap down and pummel him, before taking the sword and slicing his throat.

But nothing happened. Only the sounds of the storm responded to Blueblood's actions.

"YOU BRING THIS UPON YOURSELF!" Blueblood shouted, his head turning in all directions. Something was moving in the shadows…

"I know all about your child!" the Prince taunted, his eyes following the shadow's movements. "You want to know what I was going to do, Discord?" he grinned. "I planned on destroying your seed–forcing Fluttershy to get rid of the babe, if necessary…after all, I can't have a monster living in my house and bearing my name!"

The movement stopped, and Blueblood's grin spread further. "But I've changed my mind," he hissed. "I've decided to raise the child as my own…" Blueblood carefully gripped his other sword, prepared to defend any attack the Phantom may throw at him. "After all, isn't that the best way to triumph over one's enemy? Just imagine it Discord…if you have a son, I'll gladly raise him as my own…" he took several tentative steps towards the shadows, every muscle in his body tense and prepared. "Wouldn't you love to see that? Myself, raising your own son…to become just like me?"

The gunshot echoed in the night and Blueblood threw a curse to the air when he felt the bullet just graze his ear. His wild green eyes flew to where the gun had been fired, and widened at the surprising sight of the small pink haired mare, her hair clinging to her face, her arms shaking as they gripped the pistol, aimed directly at him.

"You will NEVER touch my child!" Fluttershy swore, cocking the pistol once more, her eyes never leaving the Prince's face. "Now drop your sword!"

Blueblood glared back at the young mare, but instead of following her orders, an evil grin spread across his demonically hoofsome features. "How sweet," he mocked. "The beauty comes to save her beast."

"DROP YOUR SWORD, BLUEBLOOD!" Fluttershy screamed, her hooves gripping the pistol even tighter, fury raging in the blue depths of her eyes.

"Or you'll what, Fluttershy?" he murmured, taking a step towards her. "Shoot me? Oh no…you do that, you'll be locked away for murder…and your precious demon spawn will be born inside a jail. And then you'll never see your Phantom–he'll be locked away in a cage, put on display once more. Is that what you want?"

Fluttershy aimed the gun at Blueblood's head, the fire of hatred blazing ever brighter in her eyes. "I'm warning you, Blueblood…"

"Then what are you waiting for?" he growled, coming ever closer to her. "Do it then! Shoot me! Kill me! That's what you want, isn't it? PROVE IT TO ME THEN!"

Fluttershy hated this stallion, and tried to keep her aim steady, despite the trembling in her arms. But his words were beginning to have their effect; would she be condemning both Discord and her child if she killed this horrible stallion? They were two innocents who depended upon her!

"I knew you couldn't do it," Blueblood hissed, his body practically upon her.

Fluttershy's anger flared, and not caring any further about anything other than saving Discord's life, and wiping Blueblood's arrogant grin off his face, pulled the trigger back on the pistol…

Nothing.

Panic suddenly gripped Fluttershy, and she pulled the trigger again, and again, and again!

Blueblood reached out and grabbed her wrist, twisting it in such a manner that Fluttershy let out a painful whimper, and dropped the pistol to the ground. "It helps when one has bullets," he growled, before grabbing her against his body, and lifting the sword to her throat.

Fluttershy let out a shriek as the cold steel touched her skin, and her eyes searched desperately in the shadows for Discord's face, or at least his silhouette.

"Now…if you're not out by the time I count to five…I'll cut her throat right here!" Blueblood shouted to the sky, his eyes flying around the darkness. "One–"

"Five," Discord finished, his fist slamming hard into Blueblood's jaw as he came up from behind the Prince. The punch not only broke Blueblood from his hold on Fluttershy, but it also caused the Prince to drop his sword. "NOW we finish this!" Discord snarled, before pummeling his fists into his enemy's face.

Fluttershy covered her mouth as she watched the two men fight, each spitting blood with every punch. Discord grabbed hold of Blueblood's body and bent the stallion so he could slam his knee into the Prince's stomach. Blueblood gasped in pain, but only wrapped his arms around Discord's legs, wrestling the Phantom to the ground, before continuing to throw bloody punches upon his enemy.

Fluttershy grabbed the sword that Blueblood had dropped, prepared to use it to defend Discord's life, or at least to throw it to him should he need it. But right now, tossing Discord his sword was the least of her worries; the two stallions were fighting dangerously close to the edge of the building.

Silverstar and his men were just emerging through the roof's entrance, their eyes locked on the fighting pair. One of the officers raised his gun, but Silverstar's hoof reached out to halt the officer. "No one fire unless I give the order!" the chief inspector barked.

Blueblood and Discord were unaware of their audience; all they cared about was killing the other with their own bare hooves!

Discord felt the stone crack under one of his hooves, and he knew he was getting too close to the roof's ledge. One small gasp from Fluttershy confirmed his suspicions, but he kept his focus entirely on the Prince; no doubt Blueblood was all too aware that Discord was mere inches away from falling over the edge.

Blueblood threw another punch, making contact with Discord's jaw, before throwing his foot out to trip his enemy. Fluttershy let out a blood curdling scream, as did several ponies far below, as Discord almost lost his balance. The only thing that kept him from falling was Blueblood's grip of Discord's shirt. "It's over, Phantom!" he spat in Discord's face. "Fluttershy is MINE!"

Discord only roared, and grabbed hold of Blueblood's own shirt collar, surprising the Prince greatly as he felt something slip around his neck, and his confident smile fading as he felt his own hooves give way.

Fluttershy's scream was deafening as the two men fell over the edge, and she quickly rushed forward, Silverstar and his officers close behind.

Fluttershy gripped the ledge of the roof as she stared in horror at the sight before her. Discord, dangling by one arm, was holding fast to a smaller stone stone pony, while in his other arm, he held Blueblood, who was coughing and choking, his hooves scraping at his neck, his face pale with fear as he looked up at Discord with pleading eyes. It was then that Fluttershy realized that Blueblood wore a strange looking noose, and Discord held the other end.

"P-p-please!" Blueblood gasped, one of his arms reaching up and gripping at the arm to which Discord held him. "P-p-please! P-p-please d-d-don't d-do this!"

Discord growled at the Prince, and hissed as he felt the pain throb in his own muscles. He could feel his grip beginning to loosen from the stone pony…

"Please!" Blueblood choked out, feeling blood rising in his throat. "D-d-d-don't h-hurt me! P-p-please let me go! I d-d-don't w-want to die! Please!" he begged, his voice sounding so different from before. It wasn't the noose that had caused the difference; it was the true nature of the stallion.

He was, and had always been, a coward.

Blueblood choked, sputtering blood all over his arms, as he released his hold on the noose, and only concentrated and pulling himself up from Discord's arm.

Despite the pain in both his arms, Discord continued to glare at the stallion who now dangled beneath him, the stallion who had attempted to rape Fluttershy, who had locked away his family, who had threatened the life of his unborn child! This stallion was the cause of so much misery, not just for him, but for many all around! He deserved death, nothing simpler. And Discord deserved to be the one to end his life.

But now, as he looked down at this pathetic excuse for a pony, Discord felt all his years of thirsting for vengeance drift away. He couldn't see her face, but he could hear her sobs, and Discord knew that despite his hatred for the noblecolt, who now dangled at his mercy, Blueblood's death no longer mattered.

He, the Phantom, the dark deformed villain of so many stories, had won.

And Blueblood knew it.

What better vengeance could there be than Blueblood having to live the rest of his days in shame, knowing that he had begged for mercy from the Phantom?

Blueblood gasped in shock and frightened relief, as he felt Discord's grip tighten around the noose, and swing his blubbering form towards a tiny stone ledge, just on the other side of the small stone pony that Discord grasped. With wide eyes, Blueblood sat frozen as he felt Discord release the noose. "Get out of my opera house," the Phantom growled.

"Discord!" Fluttershy finally cried, after holding her breath during the tense scene.

Discord lifted his eyes towards the sound of his beloved, and felt a smile spread across his face as her beauty filled his senses. Fluttershy smiled despite her tears, and lowered her hooves towards him, eager to pull him back over the roof's edge.

Discord nodded his head, now having two arms to lift himself back up, and one hoof moving into one of Fluttershy's outstretched arms and then–

Fluttershy’s blood ran cold as the horrible the sound of Discord’s yell filled the air, along with the sight of Blueblood removing a dagger from Discord's side, filled her senses.

Blueblood laughed evilly as blood sprayed from the wound he had created. He lifted the knife again, prepared to drive into Discord's back, but his laughter, and his smile, quickly faded, as suddenly, he felt his balance slip from the wet ledge. Discord would have lost his grip as well, had not Fluttershy reached out and grabbed him about the shoulders, and with the aid of several of Silverstar's stallions, was able to pull him back safely.

The same could not be said for Blueblood.

Blueblood's terrified scream filled the night air as his hooves slipped away entirely. Several screams erupted from the crowd down below, as Blueblood's body fell through the air, before landing with a sickening thud, smashed on the opera house steps.

"Step back," Silverstar commanded, as Fluttershy pulled Discord's limp body away the roof's ledge, cradling him in her arms, her tears mixing with the rain as they fell upon his face.

His breathing was erratic, and his skin felt cold to her touch. She quickly laid him down on the roof, and ripped the hem off her costume, before moving it to cover the wound that Blueblood's knife had left.

"F-f-fluttershy…"

"Sshh," Fluttershy whispered, fighting back the sobs that were trapped in her throat. She had to remain calm; she had to concentrate on helping Discord. "It's alright, I'm here," she whispered, biting her lip as he winced with pain from her applying pressure over the wound. "You're going to be alright," she promised.

"F-f-f-f-f-Fluttershy…" his voice was even more broken than before.

"Don't try to talk, Discord," she murmured, her hooves curling under his neck to lift his head off the wet stone. "Save your strength. I'll get you to a doctor, and then into a soft, warm bed, and–"

"I…" he gasped, coughing, feeling blood filling his throat. "F-f-fluttershy…I…I…" lifted his paw then to push away a wet strand of pink hair from her face. Fluttershy held her breath as she felt Discord's soft, yet urgent touch, draw her mouth down to his, before softly, brushing his lips against hers. "I love you…" he finally rasped.

And then he went still.

Fluttershy's eyes widened at the sudden stiff feeling of his body in her arms. Silverstar and his stallions removed their caps, each sharing a sad and knowing expression.

Fluttershy stared down at the stallion she held, his amber eyes closed, his skin growing paler by the second…

"Discord," she finally murmured, her hooves softly shaking his shoulders. "Discord, open your eyes," she commanded, trying to hold back the rising panic. "Discord, open your eyes!" she demanded with more force.

He felt so cold, so…so lifeless…

"DISCORD!" she shouted into his ear, the sobs escaping as she clung to his still body. "DISCORD, PLEASE!" she buried her face against his shirt, crying hot tears over his cold body. "Please…please don't leave me," she sobbed. "Please…please come back, please stay with me, please…please…PLEASE!"

She wasn't even aware of the hooves that were gently pulling her away from him. "Please Discord…don't go…stay with me, with our child…" she begged through the tears. "I love you…"


> Finale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finale

Stars.

There were stars falling, softly, all around him.

He was encased in this thick black void, but despite its constraints, he did not feel smothered. Instead, he stared in awe at the beauty that shimmered all around him. In the distance, he could hear music…the sweetest, most beautiful music ever composed, playing in time with the falling stars. It was as if he were lost in a dream, a strange, but beautiful dream: heaven, performing a concert just for him.

"Discord…"

He heard her call his name out of the darkness. It was faint, but her bell-like quality still rang clear over all the rising cords of the heavenly music.

The stars began to fade; it was only right, for they could not compare to his Fluttershy.

"Discord…come back to me…"

There was a sadness in her voice, a longing despair, that he yearned to soothe. She sounded so faint, so distant, and yet, if he just reached out…he was sure he would be able to touch her.

The stars disappeared completely, but instead, soft, pink locks fell, tickling his face, smelling of sweet perfume, reminding him of silk.

He wanted to run his paw through those waves, to feel them on his skin, against his chest, against his face, to see the playful, radiant blue eyes, that sparkled in their shadow.

He wanted to see her face, her sweet, young, beautiful face, that still possessed so much innocence, despite everything that she had been through. She was one of the strongest ponies he had ever known; a heroine out of a storybook. And she filled him with strength, making him feel more like a hero, than a villain. Helping him to believe that he could be so much more than just a beast that hid behind a mask…

The concert that heaven was giving him could wait. He needed his angel, he wanted her desperately, and he felt, deep in his heart, that she wanted and needed him too.

No, it was deeper than want or need; she loved him. And he loved her with his entire being; more than music itself.

"D-d-d-discord?" Fluttershy stammered with surprise and joy as her beloved slowly began to open his eyes. A hoof flew to her mouth to keep from sobbing, as joyous tears streamed down her cheeks at the wonderful sight of his amber eyes, focusing upon her face. "DISCORD!" she cried, not being able to contain herself anymore, throwing her arms around him, hugging him fiercely, murmuring a never-ending prayer of thankfulness to God for bringing her love back to the world.

Discord groaned as a sharp pain throbbed in his side. He ached all over, every muscle, every joint, everything a person could imagine. But despite the pain that wracked his body, the feel of Fluttershy's arms and her sweet tears, baptizing his skin with her love, made the pain wash away.

"I k-k-knew it…I k-knew it…" she sobbed against his chest, and Discord, wincing as he lifted his arm, let out a grateful sigh, as his hooves finally made contact with her silken pink strands.

"W-what did you know?" he murmured, despite the pain in his chest.

Fluttershy lifted her tear-filled eyes, her smile brighter than anything he had ever seen. "I…I knew that…" she swallowed the emotional lump in her throat. "I knew that you would come back to me," she finally gasped, grinning and crying all at once.

Discord felt his heart swell at Fluttershy's words, and he longed more than anything to have the strength to pull her into his embrace, and crush her against his body. "Fluttershy…"

"Hush," she whispered, sitting up and wiping the tears from her face. "Don't talk, just rest…I will get the doctor."

Discord's brow furrowed at Fluttershy's words, and it was then that he realized his surroundings. He was lying in a bed, one that was slightly warmer and softer than he had ever experienced. He also realized that under all the thick blankets that covered him, he was naked. There was a bulky bandage on his side, and his ankle felt even stiffer than before, but that was due to a heavy, and somewhat larger, split that he was wearing. There was a bandage over the arm where he had been stabbed, as well as shot at, and he felt a soft sting on his unscarred cheek, remembering how Blueblood had slashed at his skin.

Blueblood. The last thing he remembered was that villain stabbing him, quite literally in the back, after he chose to be merciful to the coward. The moments that followed that were hazy at best.

"W-w-wait," he gasped, reaching out for Fluttershy.

Fluttershy paused and returned to Discord, her hooves entwining with his paw. "I'm here," she whispered, squeezing his paw with affection as she knelt by his bedside.

"W-w-where…?"

"Madame Luna's," Fluttershy confirmed. "Do you…do you remember anything?"

Discord shook his head, but his eyes told her he was desperate to understand.

"Blueblood…he stabbed you," Fluttershy explained, her hoof squeezing his paw even tighter. She had come so close to losing him again. "But in his attempts to kill you, he lost his footing on the ledge…and fell to his death."

Blueblood was dead? Discord could hardly believe it! His enemy of so many years…dead, just like that. But he did not feel any remorse, or regret for the fallen stallion; it was a fitting death for such a person, lacking all traces of honor.

"They…they found this on him…" Fluttershy whispered, reaching over to the nightstand beside the bed, and placing Discord's white half-mask in his paw and claw.

Discord looked down at the mask, the so-called trophy that the Prince had been keeping. It was his once more, and with a shaky paw and claw, he carefully placed it back over his face, hiding his scars once more from the world around him.

Fluttershy smiled down at him, knowing that it was important to Discord to wear his mask, even though she loved him and found him handsome. It had been so long since she had seen him wear the half-mask, and she had often wondered what had become of it. She would ask Discord later, but right now, all that mattered was that he healed properly.

"I…I t-thought you had died," she whispered, so softly, that Discord had to strain his ears to hear. "You looked…you looked so pale, a-and you were lying so still…a-and you felt so cold…" she bit her lip to control her emotions. "Inspector Silverstar helped me carry you down, and we immediately took you here, to Madame Luna's, and summoned a doctor," she explained. "You were not dead, merely unconscious due to how much blood you had lost. But…had the doctor not arrived when he did–"

"Hush," Discord murmured, a hoof sliding up over her lips. "I am alright…I had my angel to guide me back."

Fluttershy let out a shaky sigh, fresh tears falling down her face, as she leaned forward to let her forehead rest against Discord's. "That's twice in one day that I believed you were dead," she gasped through the tears. "I never want to feel that pain again."

Discord lifted his claw to hold Fluttershy's face, and his eyes bore deeply into hers. No words were spoken; none needed to be. He regretted causing her that pain, he regretted all the pain that she had felt, from kidnapping her father, to forcing her to leave, to the prejudice she received at the opera house, and to this. She had a right to hate him, and yet, when he looked into her eyes, he saw nothing but the most sincere love reflected in her blue depths.

Fluttershy exhaled a long, shaky sigh, as Discord gently pulled her face down to his, and felt his lips softly, brush against hers. Little encouragement was needed, Fluttershy instantly responded to the kiss.

A gasp from the doorway caused the couple to break the kiss, and Fluttershy whirled around to see Rarity standing there, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes filling with happy tears as she stared at Discord with surprise. "M-m-master?" she gasped, her voice trembling. Then, before anything else was said, Rarity turned her head over her shoulder and shouted, "THE MASTER IS AWAKE! HE LIVES! THE MASTER IS AWAKE!"

A great trampling sound could be heard from all over the house, and suddenly, several heads were pushing inside the doorway, gasping and smiling at the sight of Discord, awake and sitting up.

"M-m-m-master!" Derpy happily stammered. Shortround lifted his hooves in thankful prayer, and even Rainbow Dash appeared to be smiling broadly, something Fluttershy was not used to seeing.

Both Twilight and Madame Luna were standing in the doorway as well, hugging one another and smiling happily at Fluttershy, and Fluttershy's smile only brightened as her father grinned back at her, feeling such joy for his daughter.

"Ahem!" the many bodies and faces suddenly moved apart as a small red haired mare, pushed her way inside the bedroom. "If you will excuse me, I have a patient to tend to," the nurse barked.

Fluttershy planted a kiss to Discord's brow, before rising and giving his paw one last squeeze. "I shall be back soon," she promised, smiling from the doorway, feeling such relief fill her as Discord's eyes continued to hold hers, even after she shut the door.

He's alive! He will be fine!

Never, never had she felt such joy, such pure happiness in all her life. She immediately flew down the stairs from the bedroom, fully prepared to throw herself into cooking a pot of hot soup for Discord, when Madame Luna's cold voice interrupted her merriment.

"Fluttershy, you should come here," the dance mistress icily murmured from the parlor.

Fluttershy immediately went to where the mare stood, and felt her insides freeze at the sight in front of her.

It was Inspector Silverstar, with both Monsieur Flim and Monsieur Flam on either side. "Mademoiselle," the chief inspector greeted in a cold voice. "I am sorry to inform you of this…but I have come to arrest the creature you call Discord; the Phantom of the Opera." 

Derpy bit her lip as she watched the scene before her from the safety of the keyhole in the room she was hiding in
.
"What are they saying?" Rainbow Dash hissed, trying very hard to control her anxiety. She was not used to being around all these other ponies, and it was treading thinly on her nerves.

"Keep calm," Shortround whispered, as he put his ear to the door, trying very hard to listen.

"YOU'RE INSANE!" Madame Luna shouted at the chief inspector and the two opera managers.

"Madame, please," Silverstar sighed. "I must arrest him–"

"ON WHAT GROUNDS!?" the dance mistress fumed.

"W-w-what grounds!?" Flam sputtered in disbelief. "Murder, kidnapping, stealing, harassment, arson–"

Fluttershy's eyes widened at Flam's words. "Are you blaming Discord for that fire?"

"He started it!" Flim accused. "While you were falling through the stage, your Phantom cut the rope of the chandelier, nearly killing everypony in that room!"

"But he didn't," Madame Luna hissed.

"IT'S THE PRINCIPLE OF THE THING!" Flim roared at the mare. "Had he not cut that rope, the chandelier wouldn't have fallen, and the opera house would not have gone up in flames!"

"So you're saying that Fluttershy and Discord should have just stayed where they were and risked being shot by the Prince!?"

Flam glared at the dance mistress. "You should have a little more respect for the dead, madam. That stallion was a genius! He helped make the Maris Opera House one of the finest in all of Europe!"

"No, Discord was the one that made the Maris Opera House great! And the stallion you speak so highly about, was a murderer!" Madame Luna retorted. "Or was I wrong in seeing him shoot Signor Fancypants?"

Flam paled at the mare's words. "It was an accident! The Prince did not mean to shoot Signor Fancypants, he simply…well, that is to say–"

"So if the Prince begins to madly shoot at someone, and 'accidentally' kills someone else, it's alright…but if Discord cuts the chandelier to escape, and 'accidentally' starts a fire…it's arson?"

"YOU ARE TWISTING MY WORDS, MADAME!" Flam shouted.

"AND YOU ARE AN IDIOT!" Madame Luna retorted.

"PLEASE!" Silverstar barked, bringing all attention back to him. "I am well aware of the damage that the Prince has committed. And were he still alive today…I would be arresting him as well," he added, his eyes boring into those of the dance mistress. "The point, however, is that the Phantom, who we now know exists and is indeed normal, has committed many crimes over the last few decades! Several ponies have gone missing, and several bodies have been discovered, each with a mysterious rope wrapped around their necks–"

"He was not killing them in cold blood!" Fluttershy defended, lifting her chin high. "Discord never killed unless he had no other choice."

Silverstar cocked a gray brow at Fluttershy's words. "Truly? So if he sent a note to Madam Octavia," he indicated to an old piece of parchment in his hoof, "that stated if he didn't replace the third trombone, the stallion would wish he were dead, you would say that this was a murder of…necessity?"

Fluttershy paled slightly, but Madame Luna was quick to answer. "That stallion was not murdered," she groaned. "Discord frightened him, that is all, forcing him to quit. Ask Octavia, she will tell you the truth! The day after he received that note, the stallion announced his leaving, and was never seen from again. But he certainly was not murdered by the Phantom."

Both Flam and Flim paled slightly, trying to think of another accusation. "The truth is," Madame Luna continued. "Discord has only killed three or four stallions since he has come to live at the opera house."

"B-b-but the stories said–"

"Those are ghost stories spread by stagehooves and dancers, Monsieur Flim," Madame Luna groaned. "A ghost story would not be as frightening if not exaggerated."

Silverstar narrowed his eyes with suspicion. "So he only killed three or four stallions; it wouldn't matter if he had killed twenty, it's still murder, Madame Luna!"

"N-n-no!"

Everypony in the room gasped when Derpy suddenly burst into the parlor from the side room she and the others had been hiding. Rainbow Dash was cursing and sputtering at being revealed, and Shortround and Rarity looked both frantic, as well as cautious, as they peeked out from their hiding place.

"Good God!" Flim gasped at the sight of the hunchback. Flam simply whimpered and hid behind his partner.

"T-t-t-the Master o-only k-killed t-t-those men t-to protect us!" Derpy defended. "T-t-t-those men invaded o-our home…a-a-a-and t-the Master c-c-couldn't risk h-having them t-tell others…s-s-s-so, h-he did w-what he had to…f-f-for us!"

Fluttershy stepped forward and took Derpy's hoof in hers. "These are living beings, just like you and I, Inspector. And yet for much of their lives, they were put in cages and treated worse than animals! Discord vowed to them all to never allow that to happen to them again."

Derpy smiled down at Fluttershy and then turned her eyes back to Silverstar. "I know t-t-that m-murder is w-wrong," she murmured. "B-but h-he d-did it for us…to k-keep us safe…s-s-so if you're going to a-a-arrest him…t-t-then you n-need to arrest me, too."

"No!" gasped Twilight, who was standing off to the side with Time Turner. 
Silverstar sighed and shook his head. "I will not be arresting…" he looked at Derpy and swallowed the nervous lump in his throat, "you," he murmured. "But what you say is true…murder is wrong, and for that, as well as for many other crimes that the Phantom has committed, I must arrest him!"

"Why?"

Everypony turned to the voice that spoke up from the other side of the room. "Papa?" Fluttershy whispered, confusion filling her eyes from her father's question.

"Monsieur Time Turner, I must say, you of all ponies surprise me. After raving about your daughter being kidnapped by the Phantom, I would think you would wish to see justice done more than anyone!"

Time Turner lifted his chin, his eyes staying focused on Silverstar's. "You are right, inspector, I do wish to see justice done…and I want you to look into my daughter's eyes, and tell her how long you had me prisoner."

Silverstar suddenly went stiff at the old man's words. A deftly silence fell over the room, and even Flam and Flim looked confused. "Yes…" Madame Luna murmured, turning towards Silverstar. "Do tell us all, how long was Monsieur Time Turner your prisoner?"

"I…I…that is…" he swallowed the growing lump in his throat and did his best to keep his eyes adverted from all the ponies around him, especially those of Fluttershy's. "I have a duty to this city! A stallion raving about a monster would naturally be considered a threat to society. What I did is no different than what others would have done!"

"Perhaps, but if I was considered a madstallion, then why was I kept in jail?" Time Turner inquired, his eyes never leaving Silverstar's.

"Well, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for that…" Silverstar muttered, although he seemed to be delaying with giving it.

"You never told my daughter how long I was kept in prison," Time Turner reminded.

"I don't have to tell your daughter anything!" the chief inspector barked. "And I am not here to answer your silly questions; I am here to arrest–"

"Nearly six months, Fluttershy," her father answered. "From the night we were parted, to the night you found me, I was kept in that jail."

Fluttershy stared at her father, and then at the chief inspector. She knew from what Madame Luna had told her, that Discord had learned of her father's whereabouts the same night she had; but she had no idea her father had been in jail for so long.

"After I realized the Prince was no gentlecolt…" Time Turner continued, "I began to question why he was always seen at the police station. Madame Luna saw him there, my daughter saw him there, it seemed he was spending more and more time there, than at the opera house itself."

The managers turned to Silverstar, waiting for an explanation from everypony. The chief inspector looked more and more uncomfortable under all the stares.

"Then my daughter told me how she offered to pay well over 300 franks in gold for my release." A large gasp went up from the two managers, and Silverstar's face paled even further. "In the end, it was the Prince who paid for my release, but not because he wished to do so out of the goodness of his heart, but because your station refused to accept the money she offered, telling her it wasn't enough."

"That's right," Fluttershy added, remembering the day very clearly. "I remember being shocked by the news, thinking it was more than enough…and later, my father told me that indeed it was! That I had been cheated out of my money."

"Of course, Fluttershy hadn't been cheated, the Prince had. Yet why would he continue to do so much business with you, unless of course, he hadn't been cheated...and it was simply a ruse to fool my daughter..."

Silverstar stomped his foot, tired of all this second guessing. "Why don't you just say what you're trying to say, Time Turner," he growled in exasperation.

The old stallion smiled and softly nodded his head. "I think that if you believed I was as much of a madman as you claim, that I had to be taken off the streets, then I should have been thrown into an asylum. However, I wasn't; and I know that it can be costly, keeping a prisoner for as long as you did, in that place." Time Turner lifted his own blue eyes to meet Silverstar's, which were blinking rapidly out of nervousness. "I think that you were doing business with the Prince…and that you were accepting bribes from him in order to keep me there."

Silverstar let out a sudden, wild laugh, as if trying to make everypony doubt what Time Turner was saying. "C-c-can you believe the words coming out of his mouth?" he gasped between laughs, looking at all the faces around him. Sadly, no one else was seeing the humor of the situation.

"I can believe it," Madame Luna stepped forward. "Whenever I entered that place, I was always met with disdain from your officers, as if they were desperately trying to keep something from me."

"Oh come now!" Silverstar defended. "Why would I want to keep a harmless old stallion–"

"But I thought you said I was a 'madstallion that needed to be kept off the streets'?"

"Shut up, Time Turner!" the chief inspector barked.

Derpy stepped forward, growling at Silverstar. "Y-y-you d-d-don't talk to Fluttershy's f-f-father t-that way," she warned.

Silverstar eyed the hunchback warily. "Y-you're lucky I don't arrest you, mademoiselle," he murmured to Fluttershy. "Harboring criminals–"

"Harboring criminals?" Fluttershy spat in outrage. "I followed the law and paid for Derpy's release! And the only crime she is guilty of is defending herself when your stallions attempted to beat her like a dog!"

Silverstar opened his mouth to respond, but found that there was nothing he could say in his defense. "You are avoiding the topic, Inspector," Time Turner commented. "Look me in the eyes and tell me that you were not taking bribes from the Prince."

"Good God," Flim gasped, a sudden realization coming to him.

"What?" Flam asked, his head spinning from all the secrets.

The older manager looked at Silverstar in horror, before turning to his partner. "I think it's best that we leave–"

"You are going nowhere, my dear messieurs," Madame Luna hissed, coming to stand between the managers and the doorway. "At least, not until you share with us your startling revelation."

Derpy took a menacing step towards the two trembling stallions, and in a matter of seconds, their stone-cold resolve vanished.

"The Prince mentioned he could bring Fluttershy back to the opera house!"

"He said he knew how to draw her out!"

"He kept referring to Fluttershy as the bait for his trap!"

"We didn't know he was using Time Turner, we swear!"

Madame Luna groaned and began rubbing her temples as the two stallions continued talking at once. Yet it was enough for everypony; Blueblood's evil plans had been revealed at last.

"Mama, are you implying that the Prince knew Monsieur Time Turner was in prison, and bribed Inspector Silverstar to keep him there, until Fluttershy made another appearance?" Twilight asked, trying to put all the puzzle pieces together.

"I think that is exactly what Monsieur Time Turner and I are thinking…and I think that is exactly what happened, am I wrong Inspector?" Madame Luna asked, lifting a dark brow in question.

The chief inspector shifted his weight uncomfortably and found himself staring at the ground, unable to look at the others around him.

"I think the chief inspector's silence is more than enough proof," Time Turner muttered with disgust.

"B-b-but the explosion!" Flam gasped. "The Phantom sent us a note, promising a disaster! Surely that gives us grounds to arrest him–"

"Blueblood was behind that explosion, not Discord!" Fluttershy defended, glaring at the younger manager for even suggesting such a thing.

Flam glared back. "I have his note, right here," he retorted, waving the piece of paper in the air.

However, Silverstar snatched the letter right out of the younger manager's hooves, and began to read it. "This is the Prince's writing," he murmured with surprise.

"WHAT?!?" Flim and Flam gasped together.

"He's right," Madame Luna added, while looking over the chief inspector's shoulder. "This is not Discord's writing…and the seal is not his either."

"Exactly," Fluttershy confirmed. "The gypsies from that carnival kidnapped Discord's friends, and then poured gun powder everywhere. They revealed it all to me the night I was brought back to the opera house."

Time Turner nodded his head. "So the Prince staged that explosion, blaming it on the Phantom, while at the same time, plotting with both the managers, and the police, all an extremely elaborate way to kill Discord…and defile my daughter." His eyes bore into those of the chief inspector, growing bright with anger. "And you helped him!"

"Now see here!" Silverstar argued, although his voice was extremely weak. "None of that changes the fact that the Phantom is under arrest–"

"Oh it changes everything very much," Time Turner muttered. "You wish to arrest a stallion that you didn't believe existed for past crimes that your stallions didn't even bother to investigate properly. And after all that you've done to me, to my family," he wrapped a protective arm around Fluttershy's shoulders, "you come here, talking about justice?"

Silverstar was speechless. And Time Turner, was right.

"I think what would be best is that we forget these incidents," Madame Luna sighed. "We will not say anything to the papers about your corruption…if you do not arrest Discord."

Silverstar was stunned speechless. He glanced at the two managers, whose mouths were hanging open with surprise. They had been defeated, and the only way to escape this scandal with any sort of dignity was to agree. "Very well," he muttered. "He is free."

A joyous gasp escaped from the side room where the others remained, and even Rainbow Dash looked happily amazed. Fluttershy grinned and hugged Derpy close, before turning and hugging her father. Twilight happily hugged her mother, and Madame Luna politely opened the door. "I trust that you gentlecolts can see yourselves out?"

The managers grumbled, and Inspector Silverstar quickly followed, not looking back once.

It was over. Truly, Discord, and his friends, had nothing more to fear. The danger had past.

"Ahem!"

All heads turned to see the doctor coming down the steps, still looking quite gruff, but also slightly more relaxed. "He is healing faster than most stallions I have treated, especially for someone with wounds such as his. I would not suggest that he get out of bed for at least a few more days; the stitches are still quite delicate, and no doubt he will have a fever before fully recovering. I suggest a week of bed rest, just to be safe."

Madame Luna nodded her head and thanked the doctor before showing him out. Fluttershy, however, was already climbing the steps, taking two at a time, eager to once more see Discord and be by his side.

There was so much to talk about; so much to plan! But first, she just wanted to take comfort with him by her side, to tend him and care for him. The danger had past; the shadows could finally lift for good.

"A week!?" he gasped, when Fluttershy told him the news.

Fluttershy was kneeling by the side of his bed, her small hooves curled up inside his larger paw and claw. Every now and then, she'd run her cheek across his knuckles, an action that squeezed at Discord's heart, although right now, the only emotion he was feeling was annoyance from the doctor's instructions.

"I can't stay in bed for a whole week!" he grumbled.

"It will do you some good," Fluttershy murmured, placing a kiss on his hoof. "The rest will help you regain your strength, and your ankle will heal so much better with you being off it."

Discord made a face, reminding Fluttershy of a spoiled child, and she bit her lip so as not to laugh. However, Discord saw the amusement in her eyes and glared back. "Is something funny?"

Try as she might, Fluttershy could not help it, and a giggle escaped her lips. Discord fumed and pouted, while her giggles grew more and more. "I'm glad my injuries amuse you so much," he muttered.

"Oh Discord…" she gasped between giggles. "Y-you know t-t-that's not true," she took several deep breaths to calm herself. "It's just…we've done this before," she grinned. "And I think…that was when we began to fall in love."

Discord's annoyance melted at Fluttershy's words, and her amused grin melted into a tender smile, before leaning her cheek forward, once more, to rest against Discord's paw. It seemed so long ago, but they both remembered the time she had brought him back to the opera house, and how they fought while she stitched up his wounds.

Yes, Discord smiled to himself. Perhaps that was the moment when things between them began to change for the better?

"I will need something to do," Discord sighed, his body leaning back against the pillows in defeat. "I simply can not just…lie here, all day and all night."

Fluttershy grinned and kissed his hoof once more before rising to her feet. "I shall fetch you some parchment, some ink, and a pen, and when you run out from your composing, I will gladly get you some more." However, the second the words had left her lips, Fluttershy's grin faded. "Discord? What's wrong?"

Discord looked away, and Fluttershy saw the way his jaw was clenched, as if fighting some overwhelming emotion. "Discord?" she whispered, a sense of worry coming over her. "Discord, what is it? What's wrong–"

"EVERYTHING!" he roared, his amber eyes glowing with rage. "I'M IN CONSTANT PAIN, I CAN'T GET OUT OF BED, I HAVE NO HOME, MY MUSIC IS GONE, I HAVE NOTHING LEFT!" He collapsed back against his pillows, groaning as the pain throbbed throughout his body, and then lifted his eyes up to Fluttershy, who was trembling from his shouts. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I…I did not mean to yell at you, I'm sorry Fluttershy."

Fluttershy knew his anger was not directed at her, but she felt his sorrow and his anger for losing the world he had spent so much of his life building.

"Twenty years," he whispered. "Nearly twenty years of music…gone."

Fluttershy took a step towards the bed. "The paper may be gone Discord, but the music still lives," she reached out and placed a gentle hoof on his chest. "In here, and in your mind."

Discord shook his head. "It's more than the music Fluttershy, it's everything! All my possessions, all of Derpy's books, Rarity's dresses, everything! I have nothing left."

Fluttershy shook her head and knelt down once more beside him. "You have me," she whispered, before moving his hoof to her belly. "You have our baby, and you have Shortround, Rarity, Derpy, Rainbow Dash–"

"But I have nothing to provide for you!" he interrupted, his eyes filled with a sadness that pained him even more than his wounds. "Don't you understand Fluttershy? I have nothing to give you…nothing to help raise our child, nothing to help my friends. All the money I once had, the money I was going to use to buy us a home…it's gone." He released a sigh of defeat before turning his head away from her. "Blueblood may be dead…but he has still managed to proclaim some small victory over me."

Fluttershy shook her head, feeling cold tears trickle down her cheeks. Discord could not give up! Not now! He needed to have hope; he needed to believe that everything would be all right. She opened her mouth to speak, but a sudden knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"I beg your pardon…" Time Turner whispered, poking his head inside the door. "But…Fluttershy, there is a matter of great importance that I need to speak with you about."

Fluttershy turned to look at Discord, but he continued to gaze out the window, as if he hadn't even acknowledged the fact that her father had just spoken to them. Reluctantly, she released his hoof, and followed her father out into the hall.

The look at her father's face caused Fluttershy's heart to skip a beat. "Papa…what's wrong?" Her mind began to run wild with horrible images. Silverstar has returned; he has found some way to arrest Discord!

"A messenger just arrived," he began, taking his daughter's hooves in his.

Not Inspector Silverstar, but a messenger who has come on his behalf to warn them!

"He had been traveling for several days, trying to find us…or, rather, trying to find you."

Oh God, is this another trick of Blueblood's? Has the stallion created a back-up plan, in case he failed?

"The messenger brought greetings from the house of the late Marquis Filthy Rich."

All of Fluttershy's suspicions flew away at her father's words. "The Marquis Filthy Rich?" Why did that name sound familiar? Why would anyone from a noble household be looking for her? "I don't understand…"

Time Turner sighed and brought Fluttershy over to a set of chairs, urging her to sit down before he continued. "The Marquis Filthy Rich was your grandfather, Fluttershy. He was your mother's father."

Fluttershy gasped, the realization suddenly dawning on her. That was why the name was so familiar! Yet why would the pony who was responsible for taking away the Time Turner farm, bother with sending a messenger to find her? "What was the message he had come to bring me?" After all these years of rejecting her existence, Fluttershy had no intention of reconciling with the old noblecolt.

"The Marquis Filthy Rich died, two days ago," Time Turner murmured, his eyes watching Fluttershy's intently.

Fluttershy bit her lip, feeling a small stab of guilt for thinking ill of the pony. She nodded her head, asking her father to continue.

"And…it appears, he was the last of the Filthy Rich's. His wife had died a few years ago, and all of his children were dead. Yet the Marquis never changed his will…"

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed at her father's words. "Papa…?"

Time Turner sighed and gripped his daughter's hooves tightly. "Fluttershy…you are the Marquis Filthy Rich's only living descendent. And because he never changed his will…you inherit everything."

Fluttershy blinked several times before the weight of her father's words finally sank over her. "W-w-what?"

Her father's eyes were lighting up with happiness. "Fluttershy, you're an heiress! You have inherited the entire Filthy Rich fortune, and their country estate!"

It was a good thing she was sitting down, for Fluttershy did not think her legs would be able to hold her. Her mother's snobbish, uncaring family, who had done so much to make her and her father's life miserable, had somehow left their entire fortune…to her.

"Fluttershy?" she realized that her father had been saying her name and turned to him, her surprise still evident. "Well?" he grinned. "What do you think?"

"I…I…" Fluttershy took a deep breath. "I…I don't know if…if I want it."

Time Turner's face sank slightly at her words. "Not want it? Fluttershy…this is more money than…than either of us can imagine! You will never want for anything again! You can live comfortably, just as I have always wished for you," his hoof lifted to caress her cheek. "You can have the life I have always wished I could give to you."

Fluttershy shook her head. "Papa, that money, that house, those things belonged to the ponies that treated us horribly!" she slowly stood up and turned her back on her father. "I don't know if I want to have anything to do with it."

Time Turner sighed and rose to gently touch his daughter's shoulders. "Fluttershy, I know what you are saying. And I won't deny that a part of me is proud to hear you say those things. But my dear," he slowly turned her to face him. "There is a thin line between stubbornness…and foolishness. Do not allow your pride to push you in the wrong direction."

He released her shoulders then and walked away, leaving Fluttershy alone with her thoughts.

Some time later, she gently knocked on Discord's door, her hooves full with parchment, ink, and several quill pens that Madame Luna kept. She heard no sound, and slowly opened the door. Perhaps he was sleeping? Instead, she found him exactly as how she had left him, staring out the window, his jaw set, and his face grim. Quietly, she shut the door behind her and softly approached the bed. "I brought you some parchment, should you wish to compose," she whispered.

Nothing.

She sighed with a slight hint of annoyance. This attitude was going to get old very quickly. "Discord–"

"Thank you, Fluttershy," he whispered. "But I do not feel like composing now. In fact, I wish to be left alone, if you don't mind."

Fluttershy folded her arms across her chest and stood her ground. "I do mind, actually."

Discord finally turned and shifted his gaze upon her. "I am not in the mood for jokes or games, Fluttershy–"

"Nor I!" Fluttershy replied, before settling herself down on a nearby chair. "And trust me, this is no joke or game."

Discord groaned as he attempted to sit up more, his eyes never leaving hers. "Something on your mind, my dear?" he asked, his words cut short.

"Several things, actually," she replied. "I know that you've lost so much…and for that, I truly pity you–"

"I don't want your pity!" he barked.

"Too bad!" she retorted, feeling the fire in her spirit rise again. "I know how it feels to lose everything! After my mother died…I felt so lost. And then her family took our farm out from under my father and me, without any warning, and suddenly…our entire world, was gone, just like that."

She took a deep breath, and reached for his paw, grateful that he did not pull away. "Discord…I am trying to say that I understand how it feels. Yes, it is a hopeless, horrible feeling. And it is different for everypony…but it can be better! You simply have to want it to be–"

"You're right, it is different," Discord interrupted, his eyes gazing at their entwined hooves. "Fluttershy…I want to provide you a home, a comfortable living, for both you and our child! I have promised to take care of the others, and I will continue to do that, but…with what? I can't do any of those things! I have no music to sell, no possessions to pawn, I have nothing!"

"But we have each other," she implored, leaving the chair and kneeling beside the bed. "And together, we can help one another."

Discord gazed deeply into her blue eyes and saw such love, such dedication, more than he possibly deserved. She was right, he knew that, and he knew he should be thanking God from the bottom of his heart for bringing them together, but it hurt, knowing that he could not take proper care of her, of their baby, the way he had wanted to.

"Discord…" Fluttershy softly murmured, realization suddenly coming upon her. "There is a way for us to live comfortably…giving us the time we need for you to be able compose again, and to provide for the others…"

Discord's eyes narrowed with confusion. What did she mean exactly?

"I have just received word, that my mother's father, the Marquis Filthy Rich…has died. And has left me his fortune, as well as his country estate."

Discord's eyes widened at the revelation of her words. Fluttershy was now a rich mare!

"Don't you see?" she continued. "The estate will be ours! We can move in immediately, and there will be plenty of room for the others! They will not have to live in fear of being suspected or detected, the estate is remote, and–"

"You are a rich mare, Fluttershy," he whispered.

Fluttershy frowned slightly; it felt so odd, saying that. Her father had called her an heiress, but Discord's words were more to the point. Yes, she was a rich mare now–but it was money that did not just belong to her. It also belonged to her father, to Discord, to their friends, to their child–

"And you can do much better than a disfigured, homeless, composer."

Fluttershy blinked at the words that Discord had just whispered. Had she heard him correctly? "W-w-what?"

Discord sighed and turned his head away from her once more. "I am happy for you, and for your father. You deserve this, truly…" he softly murmured. "But a mare with such a fortune deserves a stallion who can–OW!" he cursed as a great wave of pain shook his chest. He turned his head then to see Fluttershy, glaring at him, her eyes filled with tears and anger, and before he could prepare himself, she hit him across the chest again.

"HOW DARE YOU!" she hissed at him, before hitting him again. "HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH THINGS TO ME!"

Discord caught her before she could hit him again, to which she struggled against his grip, before crumpling in a crying heap against him.

Discord felt a new pain in his chest, although he knew what it was. Fluttershy did not protest as she felt Discord's injured, yet strong arms, wrap around her, and pull her up completely onto the bed. She curled herself against him, her head nestled in the crook of his shoulder, her face buried against his body, as the tears ran over his skin. "Please…" he whispered, running his hooves over her cheek. "Please, angel…please don't cry."

"Discord…Discord you promised…" she sobbed against him. "You p-p-promised to n-never f-f-force me away again!" She rose up then, and hit his chest again, although this time, Discord was prepared…and felt it was rightly deserved.

"You are right," he groaned, after her recent attack. "You are right…and I am an idiot for even thinking such things, let alone saying them," he reached to hold her face, marveling at the strength and spirit this mare possessed. Truly, this, and her sweet nature, was what made her beautiful. "Forgive me, Fluttershy? Forgive your foolish Phantom?"

Fluttershy felt a smile slowly break forth across her tear-stained face. "Only if…if you can f-forgive me, for…for hitting you," she murmured, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"It was rightly deserved," he whispered, smiling up at her before coaxing her body to lie back down against him. Fluttershy snuggled against his warmth and wrapped her arms around his waist, smiling as she felt Discord's warm arms hold her close, and his hooves run through her hair. "An estate, you say?" he asked.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, I am not sure where exactly, but Papa seems to know. From what he has briefly told me, it is remote…"

"Good," Discord whispered. "That will make it easier for the others, I think."

Fluttershy shifted slightly, so that she could look into Discord's eyes. "What are you saying, Discord?"

"I'm saying," he sighed, "that there is a thin line between stubbornness and foolishness…and sometimes, one's pride can lead a pony down the wrong path."

Fluttershy froze as her father's words tumbled out of her beloved's mouth. And then a grin began to spread across her face, before laughter bubbled up and out of her throat. "Indeed…" she giggled, grinning all the more as Discord stared at her with wonder. "Indeed…it can."

"You will never cease to amaze me," he murmured in awe, feeling a grin begin to spread on his own face as he watched her laugh. He then reached for her left hoof, and brought it to his lips, before holding it over his heart. The laughter in Fluttershy's throat died away and her eyes locked with Discord's.

"Fluttershy…this is twice now when I cannot kneel before you as I ask this…but I hope you will still accept, despite the lack of romantic formality–"

Any other words were cut off as Fluttershy's mouth covered his in a passionate, loving kiss, her hooves tenderly holding his masked face, as her joyful tears ran from her cheeks down onto his.

"Yes," she murmured against his lips, grinning as she felt his arms wrap around her, and slowly, roll her over onto her back. "Careful," she giggled. "The doctor advised that you do not do any 'rigorous' activity, for fear of breaking your stitches."

Discord growled and stopped her from giggling as he kissed her. "I have always considered myself a fast healer," he growled, before kissing her throat. "And I have every intention of being fully healed before the week is over."

Fluttershy giggled as she caught her breath at last. "What happens then?"

"Then," Discord growled, leaning his head against hers, and lifting his eyebrows suggestively. "Then, I shall take my angel as my wife."

Fluttershy grinned and offered her mouth once more to her Angel of Music. "I eagerly look forward to it."

Exactly four days later, as promised, Discord was out of bed, and walking perfectly well on his own two feet. His wounds had remarkably healed, so remarkably that even the doctor could not explain it.

Madame Luna was wary at first of letting Discord out, but after encouragement from the doctor, and after seeing Discord's own eagerness to break free from his "sheeted cage", she agreed, and helped the couple begin their plans.

Just as night had fallen over Maris, Madame Luna's carriage, as well as the black carriage from the opera house, carried the large group to the château that once belonged to the Marquis Filthy Rich, and had now been passed down to Fluttershy.

The ride, while long, was on a good road, and by the time darkness had enveloped the earth, they reached the stately country manor.

The house was indeed large, with more rooms than Fluttershy would know what to do with. The land that surrounded the château was even larger, with fields to work, as well as vast forests, beautiful gardens, and even a hedge maze! A tiny stone chapel lay at one end of the property, and a small white barn lay at the other.

There were few servants; many of had left after the Marquis's death, and those that had stayed seemed calm and quiet, and did not say anything once seeing Rarity, Derpy, Shortround, and a very reluctant Rainbow Dash. They were shocked, that could not be denied, but they kept their surprise entirely in their eyes, something that Discord found most agreeable, especially after they looked away from him, after noticing his mask, and his looks. So long as they offered loyal service, and did not question their new Master's mask, he saw no reason as to why they could not stay.

The house was entirely furnished, and much to Discord's happy surprise, there was a beautiful music room just down the hall from the master bedroom. A beautiful pianoforte sat in one corner, and Discord smiled as he ran his paw and claw across the keys to find that the instrument was still in tune.

Indeed, it seemed truly perfect.

The next day was a very busy day. Time Turner, with the help of Rainbow Dash and Derpy, moved what little possessions he and Fluttershy had into the château. Fluttershy spent the day with Twilight, Madame Luna, and Rarity, blushing and pacing with anxiety while the three mares attempted to fit a beautiful white gown on her, giggling as she nervously fussed.

Discord spent the day in solitude, feeling rather grateful for it. He explained to Fluttershy how he had looked like a pony while at the opera house, old magic he remembered from childhood, she was impressed but he told her he could only do it for short periods, and that he could never be the stallion she deserved. She had hugged him and said that she didn’t care and that the creature she loved stood before her and she would never want him to change. He and Fluttershy had agreed he should hide his looks for the service, no need to scare the priest. He was happy, his life had already changed in so many ways, but tonight…tonight it would change forever.

Finally, dusk came to the château, and Fluttershy, with the aid of Rarity, set out for the tiny stone chapel, taking in deep breaths with every step, clutching the bouquet of spring flowers that Twilight had picked for her, to her breast.

The chapel doors opened, and soft organ music began to play. The servants were gathered inside, and quickly rose to their feet as Fluttershy entered the chapel. Her father, standing proudly, smiling and crying at the same time, led her down the aisle, as Rarity walked behind her train. Rainbow Dash, Shortround, and Derpy, stood on one side, while Twilight and Madame Luna stood on the other. In the center, an old monk stood, smiling as Fluttershy approached…and next to him, dressed handsomely in black trousers, a crisp, white linen shirt, a red and gold vest, and a black waistcoat and cravat, stood her future husband.

Discord's breath caught in his throat as Fluttershy descended the aisle. The white gown she wore was simple in decoration, but perhaps the most beautiful gown he had ever seen. It truly surpassed both the ivory gown and the gold gown she wore to the masquerade ball. Small bits of lace lined the hem and the bodice, and a soft, lacy veil covered her face. Fluttershy smiled as she reached the alter, and let out her own shaky breath, as she felt Discord's arm take hers.

The priest began the wedding vows. Fluttershy swallowed the emotional lump in her throat as Discord held her gloved hoof in his, looking deeply into her eyes, as he recited his vows to her…and Discord felt his heart skip a beat while he listened to Fluttershy's sweet vows to him.

The priest took the bracelet that Discord had provided, and urged the masked stallion to place it on Fluttershy’s hoof after reciting a blessing over it.

Fluttershy felt a few tears slip down her cheeks as she felt Discord's hoof  slip the bracelet down her hoof, and she sighed a thankful prayer as the priest murmured a blessing upon them both.

Fluttershy squeezed Discord's hoof lovingly, as the priest murmured the final blessing, before announcing them as husband and wife.

Discord wasted no time with lifting Fluttershy's veil, and to the applause of their friends and family, took his bride's face and kissed her deeply, telling her with all his heart how deeply he loved her, and how lost he would have been had she not stumbled into his life.

Although he may be disguised as a pony on the outside, inside his face and body remained unchanged and deformed. Discord with the knowledge she loved him as he truly looked felt like a prince; one of Fluttershy's dark, gothic, romantic heroes. Indeed, her love had broken the icy spell that had fallen over his heart, and had turned this masked monster into a stallion.
> Encore, an epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Encore

an epilogue

Fluttershy's Diary, Summer, 1882

It has been five months since our marriage. And so much has happened…

Everything is well with the baby; the doctor recently examined me, and says that I am in excellent health, and should deliver a healthy child in the Fall. I must admit, while I am nervous, I am also very excited. I have been thinking of names recently, writing down those that I like, and sometimes crossing them out later after more careful thought. I still have a few months before I need to come to a decision, which I am most grateful for.

We have all settled here very well, I am happy to say. During our first months here, I feared that Inspector Silverstar would go back on his word, and attempt to arrest Discord. But thankfully, we have not seen nor heard from the chief inspector or any of his stallions.

I now understand why Blueblood was so persistent on pursuing my hoof in marriage. The papers made his death sound more tragic than it was, and his actions far more heroic than he deserved, but they also revealed that he had many outstanding gambling debts, as well as many unpaid loans that his own estate would barely cover. Apparently he knew about my relationship to the Marquis Filthy Rich, and had planned on using the money passed down to me to pay off his debts, and live in the lap of luxury.

Well, he would have been sorely upset then. While we are living quite comfortably, more comfortably than I have ever dreamed, the money is not as great as Blueblood would have liked. Papa quickly learned that the Marquis and his family had many unpaid debts and loans as well, especially to poor farming tenants that shared the land. I am happy to say, that we have quickly set things to right.

As for my dear friends, they seem happier than ever before. Rarity has taken to her role as housekeeper like a fish to water; it is easy to see who truly rules this manor. None of the other servants dare cross her path or question her decisions, at least not without careful consideration as to what may happen if they do. Truly, I always knew she was a queen, and now, she has made it a reality.

Rainbow Dash continues to fascinate me. Out of all of Discord's friends, she is still the one I know the least about, and I remember how once I feared she and I would never get along. I would not say that we are close friends, but we do have a mutual respect, and I never doubt her loyalty. Her fear of the world beyond the labyrinth of the opera house has almost disappeared. She is still wary, especially if an unknown carriage approaches the château, but she no longer feels the need to hide. She seems to be finally accepting that this is a safe haven, that the dreaded carnival will not snatch her away. I truly hope that she and I will get to know one another better.

And Derpy, dear Derpy; she perhaps loves this place more than anypony else.

While she has her own bedroom here in the house, it is not uncommon to discover that she has spent the entire night in the barn, despite the many reprimands she receives from Rarity. She loves being with the animals, and has made it her own responsibility to take care of them, as well as work with them to tend the fields. I think Papa sees Derpy as a daughter, and takes great pleasure in teaching her farming techniques.

As for the other servants, I am proud that they have grown accustomed to our little family. Not once do I see them staring or gawking, and they never, never, ask questions in regards to Discord's mask. It is a silent understanding that he seems to keep with the household. I understand his feelings and do not push him on the subject; he wears the mask wherever he goes, except for our bedroom. He will at least agree with me on that.

Madame Luna and Twilight often come to visit, something that I am very grateful for. My friendship with Twilight has continued to grow, and I often find myself thinking of her as a dear sister. I know my mother would have adored her, as well as find a kindred friend in Madame Luna. 

When Madame Luna and Twilight arrive, we find ourselves spending long hours in the gardens, laughing and talking…and I am not proud when I say that it seems I have taken a taste for Marisian gossip. Naturally, I know very little about aristocracy of Maris, but the gossip they bring comes from opera house itself, and what gossip they brought today!

Celestia has decided to leave Maris, believing there is nothing here left for her. I would have assumed she'd travel back to Venice, or go to those other opera houses that she always bragged about, but no, she has gone somewhere else entirely!

It seems, that Celestia has had her fill with Equestria, and will be traveling overseas, to become the new diva at an opera house in…Manehattan.

Apparently they have been in demand for Equestrian singers, and once word reached them about her fame, they were more than happy to accept her to their company. I only hope they are prepared for the tempest they are about to receive.

Indeed, many changes have been going on at the opera house. It was only a month ago that Monsieur Flam and Monsieur Flim announced that they were quitting their positions, and leaving the opera business for good. You cannot imagine Discord's good humor when he heard this. Apparently, the two stallions were in, what Madame Luna calls, the 'junk business', and have decided to go back. Little else was said, but I think it is safe to say that after the ordeal at the opera house involving 'Don Juan Triumphant', the two stallions had had enough.

Speaking of Don Juan, that reminds me! Madame Luna told me how despite the fire and the pandemonium caused by Blueblood's shooting rampage, the opera was well received! Many critics, who chose to continue writing reviews after that chaotic night, found the music to be extremely modern…perhaps too modern for their liking, but found the story riveting, and many commented on the amazing 'transformation' of Don Juan, at the end of the Act III. The opera has received so much acclaim, that once the Maris Opera House is restored, critics are begging that it be performed again! And already, several letters have been sent to the opera house from other theaters across Equestria, begging for the opportunity to have it performed on their stages as well. It appears Blueblood was right about something; scandals do sell tickets.

The damage done to the opera house was indeed great, but not as horrid as it could have been. There are hopes that its repairs will be completed before the year is over. Yet even though the opera house is currently closed for repair, this does not mean that business has come to a stand still. Indeed, there has been much discussion as to what shall be done once its doors open again.

After Monsieur Flim and Monsieur Flam announced their retirement, the first question on everyone's lips was 'who will take over the managers' positions?'

That was the night Papa surprised me.

At dinner, he tapped his glass and rose to his feet, a proud, broad smile spreading across his face. After much thought, consideration, and discussion with Discord, he has chosen to join Madam Octavia, the conductor, as the Maris Opera House's new managers.

I was shocked by this news. My father, who had come to Maris nearly a year ago, with hopes to simply play in their orchestra, is now one of its managers. I couldn't be happier for him.

Discord is very happy too; he now truly believes that his opera house will be left in good hooves, and Papa respects Discord's thoughts on music, and often, after dinner, the two of them disappear into the library to discuss music, the opera schedule, and share their insights on how certain works should be performed. I am glad at how both Papa and Discord have grown to respect and understand each other. Papa truly sees that Discord is not the same stallion he met almost a year ago, and Discord is now much more open to listening to other people's opinions.

Oh, Discord.

It amazes me with how my life has changed. It wasn't very long ago that I felt my life was reserved for country living, that my dreams of singing would never come true. And then, I was in Maris, and shortly after arriving…I met the stallion who is now my husband.

I almost laugh when I think about how much we despised one another when we first met. But little by little…I came to realize that Discord was no heartless beast, but truly, the stallion of my dreams. I often find myself calling him my 'Angel of Music', but he constantly says that I am his angel, saving him from eternal darkness, and bringing light, and love, into his life.

Discord spends much of his day locked away in his music room, composing whatever comes to mind. Many of the works that were lost in the explosion have been rewritten, including 'Don Juan Triumphant'. I am happy to say that Discord has now, permanently, included the ending that both he and I composed together.

Papa has gone over many of Discord's compositions, and has shown them to Madam Octavia. Both he and Papa wish to perform several of Discord's works, and Discord has also sent several other copies of music to other opera houses and symphony halls across Equestria. I am so happy for him.

He often says that I will never cease to amaze him; well, he always amazes me. Despite the many hours of work he puts into his music, Discord still insists on instructing me to sing. We spend much of the morning rehearsing, and at least an hour composing music together. I am no musical genius, but I dearly love how Discord values my thoughts and opinions.

At first, I wondered why he wished to continue teaching me. I did not mind it, in fact, I love it, it has become a favorite part of my day. But then Discord told me, one night before going to bed, how he was working on a new opera…and would love to see me perform the lead.

I was stunned. I am still stunned! It is my decision of course, and he understands that, but he does believe, and encourages, that I consider returning to the stage after the baby is born. Well…I confess, while I am anticipating the birth of our child, I am also eager for the day when I can return to Maris, and sing upon that stage once more! Amazing really; I hated being there when I thought Discord was dead, but remembering how it felt, knowing he was watching, singing my heart to him, wanting to please him…

I can't help it; I am greedy for that feeling again! And I anticipate the opportunity to sing once more.

"Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy paused the writing in her journal and turned from her small writing desk to where her husband lay, smiling at the look he was giving her as he stretched himself out, a thin sheet covering the lower half of his body, while his broad, muscled chest, lay exposed, leaving little to the imagination.

"Come to bed," he softly commanded, his voice deep and seductive, sending chills down her spine.

"In a minute," she promised, grinning as he let out a frustrated growl.

Indeed, Discord never ceases to amaze me. And I find myself thanking God every night, and every morning, for bringing him into my life. My dark Phantom–my masked prince.

Fluttershy gasped as the journal was pulled out from under her hooves. "Discord!" she squeaked, her face turning a bright shade of pink. "Give that back!"

"Your masked prince, hmm?"

"DISCORD!"

His grin was wide, and his laughter rich, as she pounded her small fists against his chest, before he put the journal back down on the desk, and wrapped his arms around his wife, dipping her into a passionate kiss.

"Now my dear…will you come to bed?"

Fluttershy blushed. He was completely naked, while she still wore her robe.

"I look and feel like a heifer," she sighed, glancing at her large reflection in the mirror across the room.

Discord wrapped his arms around her from behind, his paw and claw falling across her belly. "You have never looked more beautiful," he whispered in her ear, before his lips began to play with the lobe.

Fluttershy purred and leaned in to his touch, and gasped as she felt his paw climbing inside her robe. "You are incorrigible," she whimpered, arching her body to his touch.

"And you, my sweet wife, are extremely desirable," he growled, before swooping her up into his arms and carrying her to the bed. Fluttershy snuggled her head against his shoulder, still amazed that after all the weight she had gained from her pregnancy, he was still able to make her feel as light and as delicate as a princess from a fairytale.

Discord happily opened her robe completely, growling with satisfaction as he gazed at his wife's beautiful full body. He lowered his head then, to plant a soft, gentle kiss, on her swollen belly, before placing a loving paw over it. "Good night, my son."

Fluttershy swatted his shoulder. "You always say that, you never say 'goodnight my daughter'."

Discord grinned, before lowering his mouth over hers. "True, because I love your reactions."

Fluttershy's giggle quickly became a sigh, as she surrendered her mouth to Discord's loving, passionate kiss, her body melting as his paw and claw began their gentle caress.

The future contained many possibilities for them. Yes, things were looking well and positive, but Fluttershy was not foolish enough to believe it would always be that way. However, no matter what the future held, she truly felt blessed to know that she would be facing it with this wonderful creature by her side. Her dark phantom–her masked prince.

FINIS