Discord sulked on Fluttershy's couch as he watched her prepare lunch for her animals. Princess Celestia had been forcing him to go on long dangerous missions, limiting the time he could spend with Fluttershy, but Discord never missed a chance to visit Fluttershy or write to her. Though since Princess Celestia sent him to faraway places he was able to find rare and exotic gifts to bring back to Fluttershy, but it didn't excuse the fact that Discord had to risk his life to obtain a few baubles Celestia didn’t even seem to need. Why couldn't Celestia get them herself? Was she still punishing him over the Tirek incident? "Pony errand boy" Tirek's mocking insults and betrayal burned through Discord's thoughts, worsening his mood.
“Oh Fluttershy dear,” Discord cooed, “I'm in a dreadful mood. Would you get me something appropriate please?”
“Oh, uh….When Pinkie Pie is unhappy, she usually eats something chocolate.”
“Chocolate?” Discord asked. He drank chocolate milk every day. Surely Fluttershy realized that?
“Mmhhhmmm. A chocolate sundae for example... Although I don’t speak from personal experience, I’ve seen it have a profound psychological impact on Pinkie”
“Well then, I'll have ten chocolate sun-“
Discord was interrupted by Twilight and company bursting through Fluttershy’s door.
“I’m so sorry to barge in on you like this Fluttershy,” Twilight began as the rest of the main six followed behind her, “But we have an urgent mission from the Princess! By order of her majesty, Discord is to be returned to stone for his betrayal of Equestria!”
Discord bolted up right as he and Fluttershy gasped in shock and horror at the sudden news. Fluttershy recalled how devastated she felt when Discord allowed Tirek to steal their magic but since then he had been doing his best to make amends. He had taken her back in time to see Fluttershy’s most treasured memory; the last Hearth’s Warming Eve before her parents died. Heck, he had even cleaned the windows of her cottage; something he said he’d never do.
Discord groaned. Twilight had to be joking, even though she was as dull and grim as her mentor Celestia. But she couldn’t be serious and the elements of harmony were long gone. No, this had to be some sort of prank. He floated over to her.
“Now really Prrrinncess Twilight, is that anyway to treat a friend? I gave you that necklace and final key as a symbol of my loy–“
“Oh can it DIPcord,” Rainbow shouted angrily as she advanced on Discord. “I never trusted you and I never considered you a friend and I never will!”
“AANNNNNND YOU STILL MAKE IT RAIN DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE MILK WITHOUT A SINGLE DOLLOP OF WHIPPED CREAM TO GO WITH IT ANYWHERE IN SIGHT, “ Pinkie exclaimed , ”NOT A SINGLE DOLLOP! WHAT KIND OF FRIEND DOES THAT?!”
“Here, here,” Rarity chimed in. “I haven’t forgotten how you ruined my date with Fancy Pants! I would never dream of being friends with such an uncouth brute like you! Stone is what you deserve!”
The three angry ponies had backed Discord into a corner
“Well..I-I-I-“Discord stammered. He hadn’t realized the others despised him so. A single tear fell down his cheek. It broke his heart to know he was all alone again; he had no pony to call friend.
“Wait.” Fluttershy said quietly, “Discord is changing and I know he isn’t perfect but…he’s still my friend! Why has the Princess suddenly-“
Twilight ignored Fluttershy and fired her horn. All six ponies began to rise into the air as their Rainbow Power transformation began.
Even though he was terrified of being turned to stone, Discord’s heart soared at Fluttershy’s words. She was the light of his world and her memory would warm his cold, stone prison. But wait, why was he just standing there instead of teleporting away?
“Sorry to disappoint you, my little ponies, but haven’t you forgotten? I’m still Discord! The Master of Chaos! With a snap of my fingers I can do whatever I want, when I want!”
Discord smirked and snapped his fingers but nothing happened. He snapped them again and again as his smirk disappeared and dread overcame him once more.
“Sorry to disappoint you Discord but we’ve taken special precautions to not let you escape!” Twilight’s face beamed with pride as she gloated over cornering the Lord of Chaos. “Princess Celestia taught me how to make a special barrier to nullify your magic. There is no escape for you.”
The six friends continued to rise into the air as the rainbow lights began to fill the room. No one realized the yellow Pegasus crying as her main grew longer and blue streaks appeared. Fluttershy didn’t want Discord to return to stone; he had made her home so lively and made her feel more confident. She looked deep into Discord’s eyes. She saw the fear and loneliness in his heart reflected in them. Courage rising within her, Fluttershy darted in front of Discord protectively.
“RUN”, Fluttershy yelped still crying.
Discord looked up her incredulously as the rest of the mane 6 began to fall to the ground.
“Fluttershy…I…You…comewithm-“ Discord could barely get his thoughts together let alone speak.
“GO, “ Fluttershy yelled. She too couldn’t say more than a word. She was crying to hard.
Discord gave her a quick hug goodbye before bursting through a window across from him and with a snap of his tail he disappeared in a bright flash of light.
“FLUTTERSHY! What have you done?” Twilight exclaimed.
The rainbow magic had suddenly turned to lightning, striking at all six ponies. They could feel their energy fading fast as they returned to their normal selves.
“Fluttershy, darling, what were you thinking? My mane was nearly ruined thanks to your little stunt!”
Fluttershy was still sobbing. She knew it was foolish but she loved Discord. It broke her heart to be forced against him. She could not look at any of her friends; their disappointment and anger were all too evident. Fluttershy buried her head into her hooves as Twilight began to lecture her.
“FLUTTERSHY! Do you not understand the gravity of the situation?! Princess Celestia will banish you now for sure! This is worse than phoenix-napping Philomena! You’ve blatantly defied a direct order of the Princess and aided a fugitive! “
But Fluttershy did not care about the consequence of her decision as long as Discord was safe. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself if they had succeeded; being banished would make no difference.
Discord sighed in frustration. He had teleported into a grove just a few feet away from Celestia’s castle. He knew he needed to confront her about Twilight’s little stunt but his new found emotions were proving to be more chaotic than he thought possible. He wasn’t surprised that Rainbow Dash hated, she had always made it perfectly clear, but Twilight had called him a friend! She was the Princess of Friendship for Celestia sake! Sure she did seem annoyed with him at times but she had gone to the ends of Equestria for him and rescued him from Tirek. Did friendship come secondary to royal duties? Or was she merely saving face like Pinkie, Rarity and AppleJack?
Discord sighed again as his thoughts turned to Fluttershy. She was the first pony to accept him, the first pony to be his friend, the first pony he had fallen in love with in 1000 years. He scowled. This whole ordeal had ruined his plans to ask her for a dinner date. Tonight was the night he was finally going to reveal his feelings and pray that she would return his love. He was terrified that aiding Tirek had ruined their friendship forever and that Fluttershy would reject him instantly. He cringed at the thought of her laughing at him. “Love you?!” Fluttershy mockingly, “Who could ever love a deformed monster like you. You’ll live your entire life friendless and alone.” No, no, Discord shook his head, trying to banish the thought. Fluttershy would never utter such cruel words; especially not after helping him escape. She must care about him…she just had to…Discord’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Princess Luna in the garden.
“Sister, are you sure you will not go with me to retrieve Princess Cadence?”
“I must stay here little sister.” Celestia replied with a calm smile “I am expecting some very important mail.”
Luna nodded and went off to fetch Cadence. Luna knew Celestia was waiting to hear if Twilight had successfully returned Discord to stone but she didn’t want her sister to leave her sight. In her mind stone was not enough for the traitor Discord. She and Celestia had given Discord so many chances to redeem himself and each time he ended up betraying them, but this time Luna would never forgive him. Not after Discord had attempted to murder her sister in cold blood. She would never forget the image of Celestia lying in a pool of blood, her throat slit and hooves broken. It was too much for Luna to bear. She had barely been able to keep herself calm enough to heal her sister’s wounds. She flew faster to get the thoughts out of her head.
Celestia smiled as she watched her sister depart. She sipped some tea while waiting for Twilight to respond. She had faith Twilight woudld easily subdue Discord for her. Once that was out of the way, Celestia would take matters into her own hooves. She smiled to herself again. She became too wrapped up in her thoughts to notice Discord floating behind her. The spirit of chaos cleared his throat causing Celestia to drop her tea cup.
“Now, Celestia I know I said what fun is there in making sense, but I would love to know why little Twilight thinks you want me turned to stone and felt it was so urgent she needed to interrupt my weekend off with my dear Fluttershy.”
Celestia regained her composure. She never expected Twilight to fail. Something must have gone horribly wrong. In her normal calm and even tone she replied:
“Because I told Twilight, you attempted to murder me.”
She pointed to a scar left on her neck.
"I made a very convincing scene for Luna to walk in on." She paused to remember how easy it had been to dupe Luna into believing her life was actual in danger. Luna's frantic outburst replayed in her mind causing her to giggle. "Now all of Canterlot and Ponyville believe you're a heartless murder and soon all of Equestria will too."
Discord fell to the ground. He could not be hearing her correctly. Him a murderer? Discord would never murder anypony! Murder was evil and not chaotic, plus there was nothing fun to do with dead ponies.
“Oh, well, I take it back, Celestia. You do have a sense of humor, a dreadful one at that. Why on earth would you tell your little alicorn minons such a thing?”
Celestia levitated her teacup from the ground and pour herself another glass. Her voiced remained as calm and steady as if she was talking about the scenery.
“When I had the girls reform you, I told them I needed your magic but now I don’t need you anymore. You’ve served your purpose.”
Discord was truly dumbfounded. He opened and closed his mouth several times trying to figure out what to say but the words never came.
Celestia continued.
“You were very helpful with retrieving all the artifacts I sent you to collect. I didn’t actually expect you to survive most of the journeys. But thanks to you I can finally carry out my plans.”
Discord snorted.
“I don’t suppose you’ll reveal these plans to me like a cliché villain, would you?”
Celestia smiled.
“Hmmm, I don’t mind. It’s not like you’ll be around much longer. All of Equestria will hunt you no matter where you go.”
Discord growled in fury. Celestia wasn’t joking, she really had something sinister planned and she had used him like a pawn. He was tired of being used and abandoned by people he thought cared about him.
“Oh well then do get on with it before I die of boredom right here.”
Celestia gazed at him as if he were nothing more than a fly. Her peaceful demeanor never wavered as she spoke.
“As you know, Luna and I are no longer connected to the Elements of Harmony since the passed to Twilight and her friends. Because of this Luna and I are no longer immortal and I have resorted to using aging spells to maintain my youthful appearance.”
“What does me becoming a statue have to do with the reappearance of your vanity? Afraid my beeeeaaaautiful face will make the citizens want me to be their new princess?”
Celestia ignored his quip.
“Every pony believes the Tree of Harmony has retaken the Elements but they have forgotten that Twilight and her friends represent the spirit of the Elements just like you are the embodiment of the spirit of chaos. The gems the tree has taken are merely keys to unlocking the Element power that resides inside of the six ponies. After the keys were returned to the Tree, it decided that Twilight and her friends had proved they were able to unlock a new level of power.”
Discord rolled his eyes. This exposition was taking way too long.
“Just cut to the chase will you Celestia! You’ll be looking your age before you’re done boring me with your tale!”
“Oh Discord, haven’t you realized I want that power back! But I don’t just want the Power of Harmony, I want the combined power of Harmony and Chaos; the power that allows the universe to exist. However, I can’t just take it from you and the other Elements; I need something to harness the power I seek. You see, once I turn you and the others into stone, I can destroy your statues to release the magic of the spirits and use the artifacts you collected to channel it all. With Harmony, Friendship, and Chaos at my disposal and I'll be unstoppable. Of course I will have to rid Luna and Cadence of their magic just in case."
Discord was again at a loss upon hearing Celestia’s ridiculous plan. Did she really believe she would succeed in this? Twilight had proved time after time that the magic of friendship could defeat anything. Was Celestia really foolish to not see this?
“So you plan on becoming god, killing me and 6 other ponies just because you’re afraid of a few wrinkles? Really Celestia, this joke of yours has gone on far enough.” Discord placed his arm around Celestia’s shoulders. “Let’s go find Twilight ann-“
Celestia forcefully pinned Discord to a tree with her magic. She snarled at him in disgust.
“I told you over 1000 years ago to never touch me!”
She slammed him back and forth between the garden wall and a tree.
“Remember, I told you, no one could ever love a deformed monster like you. You’ll live your entire life friendless and alone. But don’t worry, your life will and suffering will end soon.”
Discord leaped at Celestia in rage, her eyes widened in bewilderment. She was no different than the spoiled brat she was when they first met. He had no idea what he had seen in her all those centuries ago.
“Wellll excuuuuusssse meeee Princess!” Discord retorted. He wanted to shake her relentlessly. “I hate to ruin your whole Primidonna schemes but once I tell Twilight of you silly little delusions, I’m sure she’ll be blasting you with her rainbows.”
The entire garden was filled with the sound of Celestia laughing hysterically. Tears began to form in her eyes.
“You really think she’ll believe you Discord? She might have forgiven you for Fluttershy’s sake but my words will always hold more weight with her than yours do. Besides you’re wanted for attempted murder.”
Discord’s chest tightened in fear. Celestia was right; no one would ever believe his claims when not even he fully believed them. He had no way of stopping Celestia. The castle already had a barrier to prevent him from using his magic. Now that Twilight knew how to perform the spell and with Cadence on her way, the 4 Alicorn Princesses could easily place the barrier all over Equestria. He had to think of a way to get himself and the others away from Celestia before that happened; especially Fluttershy. He promised her that he would never make her cry or let anyone hurt her and he was not about to let her down again. Celestia’s grin widened as she noticed a scroll from Twilight appear on the ground.
“You know Discord, I’m happy you escaped because now I can make you watch me crush your precious Fluttershy, right in front of you.”
Discord’s heart became enraged again but before he could take action, Celestia had grabbed the scroll and teleported away. He wanted to scream and unleash chaos all over Equestria but getting to Fluttershy was more important.
“OVER HERE MEN! I HEARD A DISTURBANCE IN THE GARDENS!”
The royal guards were running towards Discord.
“IT’S DISCORD! ARREST HIM IMMEDIATELY!”
But before the guards had a chance to get within five feet of him, Discord had flown away at top speed. Nothing would get in his way from saving Fluttershy. He only hoped he would make it to her in time.
