The Seeds of Chaos

Twilight awoke the next morning to her dearest friends trying to extricate themselves a mound of what looked like chewed bubble gum. Twilight had a brief moment of annoyed confusion before she realized she should have been more specific the day before. What the hell happened last night, anyway? Her memory was fuzzy. She started trying to piece things together as she dealt with the situation at hoof.

Gum was stuck to every surface of every pony. Rarity appeared to have fainted at some point, probably from the shock of the state of her mane, while Pinkie appeared to be actively trying to eat her way out. Twilight, though still on the weaker side from the last couple days, found it enough magic in herself to remove the gum from her friends, who suddenly were unceremoniously plopped onto the ground. There was a beat of confused silence, followed by every pony attempting to speak at once.

“Where are we?” Squeaked Pinkie, though it came out muffled from her mouthful of gum.
“What is this place?” Rasped Rainbow Dash, who had apparently been trying to fight her way out for some time judging by the sweat dripping off her body.

They began speaking over each other, more and more loudly, until the unlikely Fluttershy piped up with an authoritative “Stop!”. When she felt sure she had the floor, she gestured towards Twilight. Realization dawned I'm the eyes of the other four, and a miniature stampede of trying to reach Twilight first broke out. The purple mare found herself smothered in love, choruses of how much she had been missed, and how happy they were to see her.

The unicorn felt herself begin to tear up, which turned to crying, and then full blown sobs of relief. The others began to join in until the six of them were reduced to little more than a snivelling heap on Twilight’s bed. “I m-mis-missed you girls s-so much.” Twilight whimpered. She felt as though the absence left in her life by the girls missing had suddenly grown so intense she couldn't bear it. There was a gaping hole that had been filled, and the relief was overwhelming. They group hugged intensely until they were all cried out, before beginning to get up and walk around, questioning their surroundings.

“Okay Twi. Ya know we're real glad to see ya, but what in Equestria is going on?” Applejack asked, putting a foreleg around her friend in a side hug.

Twilight took a deep breath. “I was taken captive by Discord and he's been keeping me here for months but it hasn't been all bad he's been training me in all sorts of magic but I missed you girls so much and I found out Celestia isn't who I always thought and-” the unicorn paused the world’s longest run on sentence to take a breath, only to have Applejack’s hoof reach out to stop her.

“Twilight, Ah need ya tuh calm down, you're talkin' awful fast. Discord captured you?” The earth pony clarified. Twilight nodded an emphatic yes.

“Why I'll knock him all the way to Yakyakistan for messing with you!” Rainbow growled protectively. Twilight shook her head in an equally emphatic no. Almost instantly, the other five heads in the room turned to face her with a chorus of some variation of “What?”. Applejack moved her hoof away and gave Twilight a skeptical look.

“Darling, not that I agree with Rainbow's methods, but we should be doing something to him for what that vile ruffian has done to you.” Rarity brought up.

Twilight sighed, then started over. Calmly this time. She told them almost everything, which she knew would be believed because these girls were her best friends in the world. She told them about how she'd arrived, how strange things had been, but how she'd come to know more of Discord. There was some creature behind the veil worth knowing. He wasn't all evil. He was strangely immature in some ways, but he'd promised her he wanted to change. He wanted his freedom enough to give up being the bad guy. He wanted to be who he'd been before, when he worked with ponies instead of against him. She told them everything, every last detail, except for the sex. As the conversation continued, she'd been able to remember the night before. She found herself holding back on wanting to admit to having slept with the embodiment of chaos. Twice.

At the end, she could see a concerned expression mirrored across her dearest friends. Pinkie was the first to speak, having miraculously stayed quiet during Twilight’s speech. Her words were simple. “Okie dokie loki.” The party mare shrugged. “So what can we do? Oh! Can we throw a ‘Discord isn't such a meanie pants party?’” She suggested, her enthusiasm obvious in her voice. A grin quickly broke out across her brightly colored face.

Cautiously, Fluttershy nodded in agreement, then Rarity after some nervous lip chewing. That left Applejack and Rainbow Dash as the two holdouts. They eyed each other, and then Twilight.
“Ah think we're going tuh need some proof before we do anything else, Twilight.” Applejack asserted as kindly as she could.

Twilight nodded. She understood their perspective. “Well girls, are you hungry? I can try to lead us to the kitchen.” The purple unicorn suggested. The others gave appreciative nods as Twilight began to lead the way out of her room. She had a better hoof on getting around than she had initially, but it was still tricky.

“Stay together, girls. Things move around here pretty frequently, and I don't want us to get separated.” Twilight explained as they filed out into the hallway. The little group clumped up uncertainty around the unicorn as she headed in the direction she hoped the kitchen would be. It was strange how little the shifting walls and doors seemed to bother her now, emphasized by Fluttershy giving a startled meep as one of the doors growled when the sextet passed by. A pair of large double doors came in sight. Twilight opened them, hoping for a kitchen. Instead, she was met with darkness.

Then, out of nowhere, Discord appeared. He held a flashlight and was dressed like an usher. Oh no. What now?

“Ah miss Twilight! So pleased you and your guests could make it. The show is about to begin. Right this way, please.” He gestured towards a set of seats that twilight could swear hadn't been there moments before. They surrounded a lovely wooden table, just the right size for six ponies. With some assurance from Twilight, the others followed along. Their host Discord was a perfect gentle,am, pulling out their chairs and putting them in, gingerly filling their glasses with water as the group chartered about what was happening next. The lights began to blink over head slowly, as though play was about to start.

Out of the inky blackness, a single light shown down. It illuminated a gorgeous marble staircase. Discord, wearing what may have been the most form fitting tuxedo a draconequs had ever worn, stepped into the spotlight. Twilight tried to prepare herself for what could be next. She failed as Discord began to sing.

“Be our guest,” Six more spotlights appeared, shining onto several equally nicely dressed versions of Discord. They began to sing as well.
“Be our guest
You've tried others now the best
Take a seat my dearest Rainbow Dash
And soon you'll be free from stress,” One of the Discords snapped his fingers, and Rainbow’s chair became a recliner. Two more appeared dressed as spa attendants on either side of Rarity.
“Nice hot towel, Rarity,
Would you like a spot of tea?
Have some cream or sugar, deary
There's no need to feel so dreary!” One poured the tea, while another trio came up beside Applejack.

“Applejack, Honestly,
We'd just like to be free
No more hiding, no more lying, not from me!” Several at once the looked to Fluttershy.
“Oh my dear Miss Fluttershy,
We'd love to show you why
Twilight here, Has no fear
It's all clear,” The group on the stairs gathered up, linking arms and getting ready for a slow high kick down to the ground floor.

“Changing times, Are coming soon
Let me prove I'm not a loon!
I'll improve and you will see
That Discord can become a boon!” Another Discord appeared before Pinky Pie. He blew an orange like a balloon, and shaped it into an alligator.
“Pinkie Pie, Queen of fun!
Can't some partying be done?
Smiling oh so wide from ear to ear
While we make the cake disappear!
Take a chance! One more shot!
It's the only one that we've got,” Twilight had been using an eye on the one who was snapping. That appeared to be the main Discord. He seemed sincere, she thought she saw desperation on his face.

“I'll be on my best behavior, you will see!
So please expect the best
I promise there's no jest
You can look at something new
(I would check out me, not you)
You'll be blessed, I'm no pest, See this vest?” A pair of Discords were at once beside Rarity, each wearing a vest with a stunning pair of Angel wings embroidered on the back, twin glowing halos appearing in a puff of smoke above their heads. Then, they were gone. The spotlight cut off. It reappeared in the center of the room. One Discord lay forlornly against a chaise lounge. His bird hand was thrown back over his face dramatically.

“Things are so perturbing
For a Discord who is learning
That maybe there is another way to live
Perhaps toned down could be a good life too,
This old soul still has a lot to give,
So much time has passed on
How many years now long gone?
While I wasted away, a sad forgotten stone.
Even now, hiding inside this dull cave
Dying, or worse, boring
But now you're all here exploring!” On the last line, Discord jumped to his feet, kicking the lounge away. He became excited and animated again, moving quickly to the center of the grand staircase. More lights came down, a dozen Discords dress as show girls appeared. They had gotten through one high kick when Rainbow Dash had enough.

“Discord, stop!” She shouted, banging her hoof on the table angrily before leaping into the air. She flew right up to Discord, breathing heavily. “You kidnapped our friend, tried to destroy Equestria AGAIN, somehow pulled us all here, and your apology is a dance number?” The draconequus shrank away from her hoof being aggressively shaken in his face.

“I can change to a monolog if you prefer.” Discord replied with a shrug. He raised his paw to snap, only for the Pegasus to swat it down. “Perhaps a novel?” He added, producing a book with a ‘My Apology’ across the cover from nowhere.

“The only reason I sat through this was because Twilight trusts you. I don't. And this isn't helping.” Rainbow growled.

Discord sighed. He shook his paw, and the lighting turned into normal lamps. The staircase was gone, replaced by some tables and chairs. The extra copies of himself were nowhere to be seen.

“Rainbow Dash, I am sorry. Let's sit down, have breakfast, and I will give you, all of you, the apology you deserve.”

To everypony's surprise, he had. He offered a sincere, eloquent apology to Twilight and her friends. When it had been brought up that Spike had been left out and must be worried sick, Discord summoned the little dragon in the middle of the table. After calming him down, the draconequus apologized again. Despite their reservations, Applejack and Rainbow seemed won over. They would help Discord get his freedom.

They realized they would need to act quickly though. Twilight missing had put Celestia and Luna in a tizzy. The rest of the element bearers disappearing would be discovered soon enough, and Twilight had no doubt they would redouble their efforts. She would begin planning at once. While Discord began showing her friends to their rooms for the duration of their stay, Twilight went back to work alone. She would ask for their help once she had some ideas, and would regroup that evening over dinner.

As the unicorn flopped against her bed, she wasn't sure what to do. She knew at this point, with the girls on board, Discord wouldn't be going back into stone. Not unless Celestia or Luna had some sort of spell she wasn't aware of. Banishment to the moon was possible, but hopefully it wouldn't come to that. Not just for Discord, but for her. Working with a known enemy of Equestria like this would be treason. She could get sent to the dungeon, or moon, or Celestia only knew where else. Maybe even sent to a remote corner of the world! It could be anything. Nervously, Twilight got up and started to pace.

Even if she wasn't punished for freeing Discord, it didn't change the fact that she'd slept with him twice would come to light eventually. She couldn't sleep it under the rug indefinitely, even if she wanted to. Which was another thing. Did she just want to pretend it had never happened? To move on with her life pretending she didn't crave more from him? But if she came forward, she'd have to tell the truth to her friends. That she had some kind of feelings for a creature who had done truly awful things.

Which brought her back to Celestia. The allegedly benevolent ruler who had, if Discord's books were correct, personally led all out wars against nations herself. She had killed thousands in the name of bringing peace to the land and expanding her territories. Twilight wanted to talk about it with her mentor. Her mentor, who had also been a significant factor in Discord's insanity. The entire Discordian era might have been avoided if Celestia had just prioritized their relationship.

How would she explain this? Any of this? Brush it off as a drunken mistake while interrogating Discord's ex-girlfriend about the atrocities she'd committed centuries before Twilight was even born? At the core, the situation was steeped in so much foolish drama. Celestia was Discord's ex. Twilight was both of their students. It was almost comically ridiculous. A nagging voice asked which of the two mares were better.

She was still pacing when Discord entered her room. She didn't even look up as the door swung shut. Discord frowned, walking up to the mare and reaching out a paw. Twilight walked right into it as she turned around, causing her to stumble backwards and notice him. “Discord? What are you doing in here?”

“I can hear you pacing outside the door. There are Yaks that are quieter than you, Twilight.” He told her.

Twilight gazed down at the ground, frustrated. “I am still working on a plan here.” She told him, looking at her notes from the day before. “There are so many things that we need to consider before moving forward.” She felt a warm furry paw on her chin, pushing her face up to reach Discord's.

“Twilight, you are one of the smartest mares I have ever met. You know I don't say that lightly. But you are so wound up right now. You need to relax!” He smiled mischievously before snapping. A warm hot tub was beneath them. Twilight found herself sitting on some soft sort of cushion in the calming water, the scent of lavender wafting through the air. “Isn't this better?”
Twilight, in that moment, understood how much she changed in the last few months. She'd been frustrated by Discord's methods before. Now she was just annoyed he hadn't added bubbles. With a smirk, she added them herself. “Now it's better.” She giggled. Discord cocked an eyebrow before joining in the laughter himself.

Twilight summoned a drink for herself. A cool slushie in a hot tub was a fun thing to try. She sipped at it happily.

“Is that where you learned to suck on things, Twilight?” Discord asked, his tone nonchalant but a naughty smile on his face.

Twilight’s sip caught her in her throat. She coughed it out, little ice particles landing all over her visitor, much to his displeasure. Her face flushed as she set the drink down. “I'm kind of glad you brought that up. I guess we need to talk.”

Discord's left ear twitched. The dreaded ‘we need to talk’ was not where he had imagined this conversation going.

“I know I was the instigator last night. I'm sorry for being so… um… forward.” She murmured, looking away for a moment before making eye contact again. She'd almost literally thrown herself at him. It was embarrassing behavior. “I guess I had a bit too much to drink, I shouldn't have acted that way with a…” The unicorn trailed off. Friend? Teacher? Captor? All accurate labels. All confusing to use.

“Twilight, are you familiar with the phrase ‘drunk actions are sober thoughts’ ?” Discord inquired. “If you aren't, it poses the idea that drunk actions are things sober versions want to do, but don't act on.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “No, really?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. She didn't appreciate being condescended to.

“Twilight, here's the short of it. It's fine. What happened is fine. What happens in the future, whether that happens again or not, will be fine.” Discord sighed. He wanted to tease her, but it just seemed mean. She was young, and he too had once been inexperienced and confused. Making her squirm just didn't look fun anymore. “Twilight, look. I like you. You are a brilliant, hardworking, and above all truly kind mare. You have seen it in your heart to help me, a monster by many definitions. So if you had wondered where I stand, that's it. I like you. I consider you a dear friend, despite the circumstances bringing us here. You don't need to apologize or explain.”

“I really feel like I should-” Twilight began to speak, but Discord cut her off.

“Twilight, I want us to be friends. If, someday there is more there, that could be lovely. If you want to pretend last night never happened, we can. I'll only tease you behind closed doors.” He couldn't resist the small jab, sticking his tongue out and flicking it suggestively in the air for a moment. Twilight blushed. “Or if you want to come find me when you've had one too many so I can buck you senseless, that'll be nice too. But I want to be friends, if nothing else.” He spoke sincerely, feeling vulnerable at the end. It wasn't like him to be so open, but he felt he could trust Twilight. He had to.

“I… I don't know where I am just yet. But I'd like to be friends too.” The unicorn replied after a short silence. Just gave a weak smile.

Discord returned the expression.

She shifted over to sit beside him, and he wrapped his lion's paws around her. They sat together, enjoying each other's company in silence. Neither one realized Discord had never bothered to shut the door after he came in. A very shocked yellow Pegasus who'd had walked by earlier finally left, feeling awfully guilty over how long she'd been eavesdropping, but also very conflicted about what to do with the information.