Discord writes a Fanfic

You know, I've been thinking. Trying to keep track of six different ponies all in the same place trying to figure out the same riddle is...well, difficult. Plus, if they're all together they could put their heads together and come up with the answer much, much sooner and we simply can't have that. I want to have all the fun I can with this story, so here's my proposal.

I'm going to split the ponies up and give them each their own story, where they try to find out the answer to my riddle all on their own. What fun!

Now let's see, who should we start with? I think I'm leaning more towards Twilight Sparkle-oh, that would be fun-but no, let's save her chapter for later. Let's start with somepony simpler, how about Rarity? Ugh, I'm already bored with this story, if I haven't said so before, Rarity is my least favorite.

But nevertheless, a story needs a character.

Rarity, contemplating the answer to my marvelous riddle, blinked. And in an instant, she found herself somewhere else, somewhere far, far away from her friends, and utterly alone.

"Wh-where am I?" She says, eyes full of fear, and movements suddenly shaky.

Calm down, dear, I'm not going to hurt you-Celestia, no!-this is your story, dear, what kind of story kills the main character?

A very good one.

Rarity calms down somewhat, "Well...alright, if you say so."

...Wait a minute.

Rarity, can you hear me?

"Well, of course I can!" Rarity exclaims obviously, "I can't see you though, you're like a voice in my head."

...Well. What an odd turn of events.

"What do you want from me, Discord?" Said Rarity, "And stop saying that after everything I say!"

Oh, you're talking about the 'said Rarity' parts. Well, I suppose so, since your dialogue would be the only dialogue.

"Thank you."

Now, Rarity, I'm curious. I haven't given you a setting, what can you see?

Rarity squints her eyes, looking this way and that, "I...I don't see anything. It's like, a void, of sorts. There's only me!" her voice is rising, "Where am I?"

Rarity, calm down. Gosh, you can be such a drama queen sometimes!

She's offended by that, "Well, I never!"

Alright, this is getting boring. Remember, Rarity, you're supposed to be finding the answer to my riddle.

"Well can I at least get a setting? This empty void is...intimidating."

Ugh, alright, fine.

Rarity blinked, and she found herself in a thick, green swamp, moss and ivy everywhere, the water is a murky brown, and the trees are short and-

"EEEEEEEEEEE!" Rarity jumps up and sprints as far away she can go, tripping over roots and slamming her hooves into muddy waterholes. The air is so thick you could cut it with a knife, hot and grimy-

"TAKE! ME! BACK!"

...

Fine.

Rarity finds herself utterly alone, the only thing in the universe. There is no time here, no space, no light, no dark. Nothing but her.

She takes several deep breaths, gasping for air. She tries to clean off her hooves, but they are already clean. Logically so, if she is the only thing in the universe, then there would be no-

"Would you just shut up!"

...

Rarity, I am the narrator of this tale. You are under my control. I am being very, very giving with you. You don't have any idea the atrocities that could pour out of these claws, you should fear the settings I can create with these words. This is my story, and Rarity my dear marshmallow, it may be a shock, but here, you are not the center of the universe. You are not in control here.

Rarity is quiet. She chose to be of her own free will, I did not make her. I could make her do anything I wanted, but she chose to do this, so I am allowing it.

Have you ever wondered, Rarity, that this is what life is? Do you think this is why ponies fear the Powers That Be? In an instant, I could put you wherever in the universe I wish. Each and every word I continue to write is me consciously choosing to keep you alive. Do you even know for sure that this is reality? How do you know I haven't been writing this tale from the moment you were born? How do you know if anything is real anymore? I can choose to do whatever I want in this tale, so I have just one question for you.

Why would you think you can choose here?

Tears spill out of Rarity's eyes. Tears of fear. "Please...stop," she begs.

...

Rarity, don't cry. Don't cry. I...I'm sorry. I should not have snapped at you, I'm better than this, I promise. Look, look what I can create.

Rarity found herself in an elegant ballroom, wearing a magnificent dress designed by her own hooves. Ponies of all shapes and sizes surround her, holding small conversations here and there. Fine wine and cheeses cover the tables, and a wonderful musician is playing a melodious symphony in the background.

"I..." Rarity says to herself, holding her hoof over her mouth in awe. Her eyes go this way and that, drinking in the scene. With each and every passing moment, the setting becomes sharper, more defined. The tables have a wonderful eggshell tablecloth, with a decorative circular crimp for edging. There is a set of stairs which leads high up into the rest of the ballroom, and a marvelous crystal chandelier bigger than her is hanging from the ceiling, far, far ahead.

"I..." Rarity repeated, "I don't know what to say." she is smiling.

You just wait, Rarity, it gets better.

"Ladies and Gentlecolts!" Called a voice from the top of the staircase. Heads turn to see the announcer speak to the crowded ballroom. "I hope you all are enjoying yourself-and I should think so, our workers have had to open the next case of wine!"

A collective chuckle goes through the crowd, and the announcer continues. "I have called your attention because our guest of honor has finally arrived," he gestures to you, Rarity, "I welcome you, Miss Lady Rarity!" the audience applauds you.

Tears are streaming down your face now, "I, I can't believe it," You say.

You see, dear, I can create this as easily as anything! I started this story simply wanting to have some fun, but you ponies wanted some plot. You wanted me to have a reason. So, I gave you a simple riddle. But it's turned into something much, much more than that. I'm going to take this opportunity to teach you something worthwhile.

You're smiling. "This is..."

It's everything you've ever wanted, isn't it, Miss Rarity? I gave it to you, this is your story.

You're crying now, but they're tears of joy, aren't they? You nod, "Thank you, Discord."

Never thought you'd say that, now would you? I'm quite enjoying this time with you, dear.

You open your mouth, but you say nothing. Excuse me, dear, but I want to explain you a thing. This ballroom here, isn't it grand? It's amazing, marvelous, everything you've ever wanted.

But it's not real.

You see those doors over there? Outside, there is nothing. I haven't written anything else in. This ballroom, these ponies, and you are the only things in the entire universe. Does that make it feel any less real?

You look down at your hooves. You're wearing glass slippers, the most beautiful things you've ever seen. But it's not real, to anyone else, what you see is merely words on a page. "Why are you telling me this?"

I want you to learn, dear. Look at these ponies. They don't exist, and yet there they are, talking and chatting high societal talk as if they were as real as the nose on your face.

"It's..." you say slowly, "It's nothing."

"That's it! The answer to your riddle! Nothing! That's the answer." You're beaming, proud of yourself for solving my petty riddle.

Oh, but my dear, the true riddle goes much, much deeper.

However, in accordance with my promise, I will release you.

With one last look around the marvelous ballroom, you close your eyes

And wake up.

I'm all alone now, in this false universe I created. Do you think I taught that pony anything? My only regret is that I actually let her tears distract me from being chaotic!

Ah well, there are chapters yet to be written. I suppose something exciting will happen in those. Who should I pick next?