Mending Bonds:Daddy's Little Girl

Chapters

Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Epilogue
Chapter One

Chapter Two

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Chapter Three

"Come on honey...it's been three days. Just let me take her out for the afternoon. She's going crazy being caged in here."

Flitterbee had her ear pressed against her parents' door. Her father was currently pleading her case to her mother. He had assured her that he could convince mom to let them out for just a little while.

"No...Discord if I let up now she won't learn her lesson. You just want an excuse to go mm..." Her mother's voice was suddenly cut off and Flitterbee frowned. She didn't hear anything else and pressed herself further against the door wondering why?

Then she heard her mother sigh and giggle,

"You don't play fair…"

"Is that really a surprise?" Her father purred.

"Hmm...no...oh fine. Just for the afternoon and so long as she stays with you… I guess it's okay."

Flitter smiled and jumped in the air silently cheering her dad.

She was trotting happily through Ponyville next to her father. She was so happy to be off the castle grounds, she never realized how much she would miss running through town. They were heading to SugarCube Corner for a quick treat. Unfortunately, even though mom had let her out, she had given strict orders that the two of them were to be on their best behavior.

They made it to the steps when she was tackled back by two excited colts.

"Flitter!" They shouted in unison and she laughed as she looked up at her two best friends. Before she could say anything though the two were levitated off her and she was also lifted up and into her father's arms. She looked up irritated at her dad, but he was glaring suspiciously at her friends.

"Sorry boys...Flit is still technically grounded. She has to stay by me...which I think I'd prefer anyways." He growled lightly and the two colts' ears fell back. Flitter sent her father another glare, but he ignored it as he turned to carry her inside.

"Dad! What in the hay was that all about?! They just wanted to say hi!" She pouted and he looked down at her. He couldn't fight the smile creeping onto his face,

"Sorry kiddo, daddy instincts...I can't turn them off…"

Flit tilted her head in confusion.

Daddy instincts? What in Celestia does that have to do with anything?

"Alright boys...just don't tell Aunt Fluttershy. Come on, share some milkshakes." He called out to the colts who happily trotted in after them and they all went to a table. Before Discord could sit down in his chair there was a high pitched squeal.

"Oh no…" He muttered and was tackled back by a pink blur. He gasped for breath as the pink mare squeezed him tightly.

"Ah Pinkie…*gasp*...I see that...ergh...you're back…" He groaned as Aunt Pinkie continued to squeeze the life out of him.

"Oh Dissy! I'm so glad I got to see you before I had to leave again, I mean I was planning on coming over for a visit but on the off chance I couldn't now I don't have to worry...Oh but I still want to see my chaos cuties and Flutters!" She finally released him and he fell to the ground gasping for air. Pinkie turned and saw Flitterbee sitting at the table, she smiled and held out her arms.

"There's one of them now! Come here my chaos cutie!"

Flitter flew to her favorite aunt and gave the mare a big hug. Aunt Pinkie set her away and started to closely inspect her, walking around her as if searching for something. Then she put her nose against Flitter's, although this invasion would bother most, Flit didn't mind. Finally Pinkie smiled and ruffled her black mane.

"Oh yes! You are definitely the cutest thing ever!"

"Most definitely, she is growing into the most beautiful mare in town."

They all turned to the door as Aunt Rarity walked in. Flitter cowered a bit, wondering if her aunt was still mad at her. Rarity noticed this and smiled softly at her,

"Oh sweetie...don't look so down. I know you're sorry. Come give me a hug."

Flitter did and her Aunt Rarity also ruffled her mane.

Why do they always do that!? It get's so annoying...

"Besides, you can't exactly help how you love to prank. Considering where you came from…" She shot her father a look and he chuckled, puffing out his chest in pride. Aunt Rarity rolled her eyes and looked back at Flitter.

"Like I was saying when I came in...Flitterbee is going to turn into such a delightful beauty when she's all grown up. No doubt the recipient of many stallions' attentions."

Discord growled again, making a point of snorting at the two colts beside him. Flitter blushed and shook her head.

"Aunt Rarity!"

"Oh I'm only teasing darling! You still have a few years before that should even cross your mind. Otherwise your father may have a heart attack." She winked at Discord who snorted at her, and grumbled under his breath.

"Oh! I almost forgot...I got so distracted when I came in here. Pinkie, I was hoping you would be here. I need you to come to the shop later so I can start getting your designs for the performance."

Pinkie looked at Rarity curiously, then enlightenment hit her and she looked horrified.

"Oh no! The Hearths Warming performance! I forgot! Oh no...I booked several events for me and Cheese to throw that day! Oh no what am I going to do!?" Her aunt started to have a panic attack and Flitter backed up worried, knowing how her aunt got.

Discord also knew how she got so he went over and lifted the mare by her waist before she could take off.

"Easy now...It's no big deal. We can get someone else to play your part...Fluttershy maybe? Oh wait...she already has another part and I don't want to be paired with anypony else hmm..."

Flitter moved to her seat as the adults continued to talk. She wasn't that interested, she knew her father would think of something. She took the time to use this distraction to catch up with her friends.

"Cheese, DL, how have you two been? I've missed you guys so much!"

They blushed slightly and smiled at her, Cheese answered first.

"It's been boring without our leader around. We've been just hanging out at the arcade or with our parents. Well, now Dusk is having more fun than me with little Shining Star home."

Flitterbee's eyes widened.

"Aunt Twilight had the baby!? Oh why wasn't I told?"

"Oh sorry Flit, see mom just came home from Canterlot yesterday. See Shining Star came early so mom didn't know there would be any trouble with her going to the royal summit like she does every year. We would have told you, but you were grounded and we only found out like two days ago." Dusks answered sheepishly. Flitterbee pouted and made a mental note to have her mom take her later to see the new filly.

"Well I'm sure she's adorable. Is she an alicorn too?" Flit asked and Dusk nodded. She smiled wider at the idea of a new baby. The three friends had been the last to be born in their families before little Shining Star. Flit wondered then who the filly would grow up with since none of her other aunts had any babies? She would have to spend lots of time with the little filly and teach her all about pranking ponies.

"Flitter…" Her father called getting her attention. She turned to see the three adults smiling at her. She frowned and looked up to meet her dad's eyes.

"Yes daddy?"

"How would you like to be in the Hearths Warming performance this year?" He asked and she stared at him with her mouth hanging open in shock.

"3...2...1…" Dusk and Cheese counted down moving to cover their ears.

"YEEEEES!" Flitter shouted and jumped into the air, zooming in circles around the adults. She would have continued for who knows how long, had her father not reached out and snatched her out of the air.

"Excellent! See Pinkie, Flit is perfect for your role. She's more towards the age of the character anyways. Oh, better yet! She has about the same energy level you do." He laughed and the other two mares did as well. Flit looked up smiling at her dad,

"This means you and I can perform together daddy!"

He smiled at her and nodded,

"Yes, honestly you will be a lot more fun to mess with than Pinkie."

Pinkie giggled and said,

"True, besides I really am too old for the part. I only said yes because Sweetie, Applebloom and Scootaloo couldn't. Also none of the other fillies who tried out could sing the song."

Flitter's pupils shrunk…

"S-s-sing! Wait! No pony said anything about singing!"

"Honey come out…" Discord said in frustration as he stood outside her door. She had raced home and locked herself in her room after the news at SugarCube Corner. He was trying to get her to let him in. True, he could get in anyways, but it would be rude.

"NO! GO AWAY! I'M NOT SINGING IN FRONT OF PONIES!" She shouted and he sighed.

Now why does this sound so familiar? You are your mother's daughter alright...

"Flitter, it won't be so bad. Come on sweetie, I've heard you sing before when you're with the animals. You have an amazing voice my dear."

"IT'S NOT THE SAME AND YOU KNOW IT!"

He groaned again and was about to argue more when a gentle hoof on his arm stopped him. He looked down to see his wife smiling at him.

"That won't work...trust somepony who knows what she's going through. Let me try...Flitter sweetie, may I come in?"

Fluttershy softly called through the door. There was an extended pause and then the door opened enough to let Fluttershy walk through. However when Discord started to follow it was slammed back in his face.

"Hmph...fine...this is probably better left as a mother/daughter talk anyways…" He grumbled and slunk over to the couch to wait. He snapped his fingers and brought his favorite book to read and his reading glasses.

"Let's see what she was up to today…" He grinned.

Fluttershy was curled on the bed with Flitterbee at her side, her face under her hooves.

"What's wrong sweetie?" She cooed to her daughter, even though she had heard what the problem was she still wanted her daughter to talk it out. Knowing from dealing with her own stage fright that this would help.

"I can't possibly go up there and sing in front of all those ponies mom! What if I make a mistake and they all laugh at me?" There were tears in her beautiful red eyes and Fluttershy smiled softly at her.

Maybe she's not only like Discord after all…

"Oh honey...I know exactly how that feels…"

"Hmph...how can you? Every year you and my aunts perform in Canterlot and you always do great! I'll never be like you are on stage...all graceful with a beautiful voice…" Flitter muttered and it made Fluttershy laugh.

"Oh darling... if I ever made it look easy I apologize. Being on stage is never easy, no matter how many times you do it. Flitter, you are more like me than you think. Not too long ago, I could never bring myself to be on stage."

Flitter raised her head surprised at her mother. Fluttershy kissed her daughter's forehead and smiled at her.

"Flitter, I had horrible stage fright just as you're experiencing right now. I still have it actually…"

"But you never look nervous on stage!"

"Well...that's mostly because I'm not alone. I always have my friends' support as well as your father's. I'm never alone on stage and neither will you be. Even though you have to sing a solo song, we will all be there to love and support you no matter how it goes." She wrapped her wing over her daughter and nuzzled her softly. Flitter sighed and leaned into the touch, then she muttered.

"But what if they laugh at me?"

Fluttershy giggled and whispered,

"Then daddy will rain chaos all over them and I won't say a word against it."

They both laughed and Fluttershy knew she had helped her daughter through a problem that she herself had to overcome much the same way...through some soft words of encouragement and knowing that no matter what happened on the stage, those around her would be proud.

There's was a loud crash in the livingroom and the two jumped. Another crash soon followed by Discord's yell. Before either could get off the bed he was thrown through the door and landed on the floor below them. Fluttershy was terrified until she looked up.

"IF THOU VALUES THINE LIFE! THOU SHALT NEVER TOUCH OUR DIARY AGAIN!"

"Oh dear…"

Flitter was bouncing through Ponyville, finally free of her punishment. She had spent the remaining days with her mother rehearsing. She actually found that she enjoyed the songs and the story. Especially the parts where she would share the stage with her father, ironically, he was perfect for the role! She had felt better hearing her mother's encouragement. Her father had added to it by reminding her that this would be a first for him too.

'If it wasn't for the fact that this role was practically written for me I wouldn't have said yes...well that and your mother cheated and bribed me with...uh...n-nevermind...'

Flitter was in search of her BPFFs, but she was having a hard time finding them around town. Then she heard Dusk's voice and ran towards it. She turned a corner and saw him leaning down talking to a younger filly. She was crying and he was obviously trying to comfort her.

"Hey DL! What's going on?" She called as she trotted closer, looking at the filly worried.

"Oh Flit! I forgot your grounding ended today. This is Spring Blossom, apparently her kitten ran off and she can't find her. She came to me for help...well...because…" He blushed and Flit looked at him oddly. Spring Blossom provided what he had left off.

"Because he's a prince so it's his job to help damsels in distress!"

Flitter snorted to cover her laugh and Dusk's blush deepened.

"Yeah that...obviously someone reads too many fairytales…" He muttered and Flit gave him a smile to silently apologize for laughing and he returned it, his blush lessening. Then she knelt down to talk to the filly, she spoke softly as she would with her animals.

"There, there...it's okay…" She didn't see DL looking at her, amazed at the sudden change in her voice. He had never seen her go so soft and gentle like she was now, his blush returned even brighter.

"Would you like to tell me more about your lost kitten?" She asked the filly who looked up and sniffled. However Flitter's soft demeanor seemed to trigger the filly's instinctive trust.

"She was a present from my grandpa...she's a little white kitten named FluffyBottom...we were playing near the edge of town and she ran off chasing a butterfly...I...I think she may have run off into the Everfree!" The filly started crying harder and Flitter moved to her side and draped her wing over the child.

"Don't worry...we'll go find her."

"We will!?" Dusk looked at her worried and she glared at him.

"Yeah oh knight in shining armor...we will…"

"Flitter this is a bad idea!" Dusk shouted again as they stared up at the forest. Flitter was looking around the edge, trying to find some tracks that looked like they could belong to the kitten. She ignored DL as he shouted at her, happy that although he looked worried, Cheese was keeping quiet.

"You saw that filly...I can't let her down." She muttered as she closely looked at an imprint in the dirt.

"I got it! This has to be her, it's too small to belong to another forest creature!"

She started to move forward and stopped when she felt a tug on her tail. She turned around to see both DL and Cheese holding it in their mouths, looking at her worried. She glared and flicked it out of their grip, then for good measure…

"OW!" They shouted as it flicked across their noses.

"Come on you cowards...are you coming or not?" She asked as she glared back at them. Cheese looked away guiltily and DL glared back at her, he shouted.

"Come on Flit! You can't be serious! We should go get mom or Uncle Discord to handle this!"

"By that time something could already have gotten to the kitten! No we're wasting time as it is! If you won't go with me then I'll go alone!" She turned and started walking into the dark forest, she wasn't afraid of this place. After all, she lived at the center of it anyways and she was Discord's daughter! The Princess of Chaos, there was nothing she couldn't handle.

Kibou was enjoying the peace of the garden. Storm curled against his side, napping. His tail curled further around her as he watched the sun beginning to set. His ear twitched when he heard someone walking behind him. However he knew who it was before turning around, not enough steps to be mom.

"What's up dad?" He whispered so as not to disturb Storm...although she slept like the dead most days.

Discord smiled down at the happy pair before a frown returned to his forehead.

"Have you seen your sister? She should have been home already, but I can't find her anywhere. Celestia, she's released for one day and already back to causing trouble...hmm that's my girl." He chuckled, but couldn't hide the worry in his voice. Kibou frowned too, Flit was a troublemaker, but she never stayed out past dark. She knew it would upset dad and that girl hated to upset her father. Kibou nudged Storm awake and whispered,

"Sorry love...but Flit is getting into trouble again and I have to go find her."

Storm yawned and nodded, but curled back up to sleep. Kibou rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers, teleporting her home. He rose from the grass and looked up at his father, he still preferred to walk on all fours.

"Where do we start lo-"

"UNCLE DISCORD! UNCLE DISCORD!"

They both turned at the pair of shouting voices. Dusks Light and CheesePie were running towards them. Discord looked around and stiffened even more, Kibou did the same. They were both thinking the same thing,

You never saw the Terrible Trio apart.

"Where's Flitter?" Discord asked harshly and Dusk lowered his head.

"We tried to stop her Uncle Discord...we really did, but she just...just wouldn't…"

"Where is she?"

"Here FluffyBottom...here kitty...come on sweetie I'm a friend...FlufflyBottom...seriously who names a cat that? FluffyBottom...come on it's getting dark and dad will be so mad if I'm not home on time." She groaned as she looked around her, trying to listen for some sound that could be the lost kitten.

She thought she heard a twig snap and twisted around, but she couldn't see anything. She had amazing night vision, thanks to inheriting her father's eyes. However even with her heightened senses, she still couldn't see anything.

I'm just getting a bit jumpy...Nothing to worry about though…

"I'm the daughter of Discord! I'm not afraid of anything in this forest! You can't hurt me so neh!" She stuck her tongue out at the forest and then realized how stupid that must look and sucked it back in, blushing slightly. She muttered to herself and continued forward searching for the little kitten.

She smiled when she heard soft mewling. She trotted towards the sound and pushed her way through a bramble bush. Crying out at the thorns tugged at her delicate wings, she bit back the tears as she made it through and saw the kitten tangled in another bush.

"Oh you poor dear...hold on I'll get you out...shh...it's okay I'm going to get you out of here." She spoke to the kitten as she tried to carefully untangle the fur and avoid scratching herself up too much.

"Now I see why you're named FluffyBottom...well she may have to changed your name if I can't get your tail untangled…" She muttered. The kitten's tail was very fluffy and stuck the worst. After what felt like hours, Flitter freed the kitten and took her in her hooves. The kitten responded by purring gently and Flitter smiled.

"Come on, let's get you home. See, who needs a prince to get the job done...guess that makes me the knight in shining armor." She laughed as she looked for an easy way out of the bushes, she wanted to avoid more scrapes. It would be hard enough to explain the scratches she had without revealing she had entered the forest.

She made it through unscathed and sighed in relief. She turned to leave and the kitten in her arm hissed.

"Woah! Hey it's okay, it's just me. I'm going to take you home now...what are you looking at?" Although she couldn't communicate with animals on the same level as her mother, she still read their body language very well. She stiffened and glanced over her shoulder. Staring back at her were several glowing eyes.

"Uh-oh...hold on FluffyBottom!" She tightened her hold on the kitten and flew into the air and raced away. She heard the Timberwolves following behind her and she glared at the tops of the trees preventing her from getting away easier.

She would have to rely on all the tricks Storm had taught her to avoid the predators. She started to pull ahead when growling ahead of her caused her to stop and turn to the right. The pack was larger than she thought and some had circled around to cut her off.

She felt panic start to rise in her as she flew faster.

I am the daughter of Discord...the daughter of Discord…

She chanted to keep the fear at bay. She turned her head to look back at see how close they were to her. They were closing in on her and she briefly counted eight Timberwolves. However as she was counting, she wasn't looking where she was going and ran straight into the side of a mountain. She fell to the ground screaming and when she regained her balance, she cringed in pain. She had landed on her wing and it was obviously broken now, she started crying at the pain and looked over to see the kitten behind her hind legs hissing.

Flitter turned scared eyes to the pack closing in on her, they made a half circle, cutting off all routes of escape. She gulped and began to shiver. She couldn't fly, nowhere to run…

"Stop! Who do you think you are chasing after a helpless filly?" She shouted glaring at the wolves. Her father had told her many times about her mother's special gift called 'The Stare' and how it controlled animals. She had seen it several times and prayed she had inherited it. The wolves were unfazed however and continued to advance. She glared harder and shouted,

"I'm warning you! I am Flitterbee Chaos! I am the daughter of Discord and I am not afraid of you!"

They moved closer, their mouths open and dripping with saliva. Flitter gulped and cried as she whispered,

"Daddy…"

There was a bright flash and the wolves stopped as they faced the two new threats. Kibou and Discord were standing between them and Flitter, both snarling at the wolves, their backs arched and hackles raised.

"Stay away from her you mutts...or I'll tear you apart." Discord growled at the wolves. The pack looked at the two predators in front of them and slowly backed up, knowing that they couldn't take down two threats.

They turned and retreated back into the forest and Kibou snorted after them. Flitter sighed in relief and smiled up at her family. Her smile fell when they both turned and glared down at her. Her ears fell back and she tucked her tail.

"Daddy I…"

"You are in so much trouble Flitterbee Chaos…" He hissed and she started to cry harder. Her father never called her by her full name...she was indeed, in a whole lot of trouble.

"What were you thinking young lady? Do you have any idea what could have happened had me and your brother not gotten there in time!?" Discord shouted as he stared down at his daughter. He had gotten her home and taken her to her room, where he had silently healed her wounds. His heart had ached as he ran his glowing claws over her, seeing his daughter in pain was like a knife in his heart.

He would never forget the fear that had raced through him when the colts had told him she had gone alone into the Everfree.

Furthermore what kind of stallion lets a mare go alone into a dangerous forest!?

He growled low as he stared down at his youngest child. She was sitting on her floor, not looking up at him. He groaned and ran his paw over his face. Fluttershy had wanted to come in with him, but Kibou had wrapped his tail around her shaking his head. Discord wanted to speak to her alone, now though...Discord almost wished she was here to keep him calm.

He was so angry...and terrified! Just realizing how close he had been to losing his daughter…

"I've told you hundreds of times not to go into that forest! Flitterbee you know better!" He shouted again. He didn't mean to raise his voice at her, but he couldn't control himself right now.

"But...but...the kitten…" She sniffled and the sound tugged at him. All this over a lost kitten! He growled again in frustration and practically roared when he said,

"To Tartaus with the kitten! Flitterbee, there's no way that a kitten is worth losing you!"

He fell to his knees and pulled his daughter into his chest. She started to cry against him and buried herself further into his fur. His heart was racing as he held her, his little girl...his baby...and he had almost lost her tonight...He didn't know what he would have done had he gotten there too late and seen her...The image alone was enough to make him gasp in fear and cling to her tighter.

"Flitterbee...nothing is worth losing you...honey do you have any idea how worried I was?" He whispered as tears filled his eyes. He began to stroke her mane and rested his nose against the top of her head. She sniffled and nuzzled him again.

"I'm sorry daddy...I didn't mean to...I was just...trying to be like you…" She whispered and he stopped stroking her mane and lifted her chin to make her meet his eyes.

"What do you mean...like me?"

She sniffled as tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

"You're always so brave...you've saved Equestria before...you're not afraid of anything…"

"Wrong little one...I am afraid of a lot of things...mostly I'm afraid of something happening to you. Honey I was terrified that I had lost you...I'm still shaking from it."

He pulled her to him again and hugged her tight. She sighed and snuggled against him.

"I'm sorry daddy...I just wanted to prove that I'm your child too…" She muttered and Discord frowned further. What was she talking about?

"Flitter...what could you possibly mean? Of course you're…"

"But I don't have any magic...I've heard ponies whispering about how they're happy that I don't have your magic like Kibou...I know they think it's a good thing, but...but I don't…" She started to cry against him again and Discord felt another stab in his heart.

He never realized that his little one would be disappointed that she hadn't inherited his chaos magic, most would consider that a miracle. He felt her shivering against him as she cried and he felt his anger from before softening.

"Darling...just because you don't have my magic does not mean you are not as much a part of me as Kibou is. True he looks more like me and has chaos magic...but that doesn't make him more my child than you…"

"But even you treat me different! You treat me as if I'm weak and helpless and I'm not! I'm...I'm not just another pony…"

He sighed and stood up with her in his arms. He moved to the edge of her bed and sat down, cradling her in his arms, much like when she was a little foal. No bigger than his forearm…

"Is this why you ran into the forest without a second thought to your own safety? Honey...I'm sorry to say, but...you are weaker than me and your brother. Yes I treat you different than your brother, but darling that's because you're my baby girl. That has everything to do with those daddy instincts I mentioned before. You are a pony..." He shushed her when she started to protest and moved her head to rest against his shoulder as he once more ran his fingers through her mane.

"But...that doesn't mean you're helpless sweetheart. Look at your mother, she's not helpless. She's a pony without any magic just like you. Even if she was an Element of Harmony, she's still magic-less without it now. Do you ever think that mommy is weak and helpless?"

He waited and then smiled when he felt Flitter shake her head. He continued as he gently rocked his daughter.

"Besides, if being a pony meant you were helpless. How did your mother tame a ferocious beast like me?"

She giggled and nuzzled his shoulder and her tail wrapped around him in a small hug. His heart expanded and he grinned as he nuzzled her back. He kissed her forehead,

"That's better...you have inherited your mother's lovely laugh, and it warms your old dad's heart to hear it...now sweetheart...don't think that you're completely off the hook for disobeying me...but we can discuss your punishment tomorrow." He stood up and then laid her down in her bed and pulled the covers over her. He kissed her forehead again and smiled down at her, fighting the tears in his eyes.

"I love you Flitterbee...no matter what you are...magic or no...you will always be my daughter...goodnight sweetie…" One more kiss and he left her room, shutting the door behind him. He stood there staring at the wood, his claws still on the handle as his thoughts made him frown.

"Will she be okay? You weren't too hard on her were you honey?"

He sighed and turned to wrap his arms around his heart. He buried his snout into her mane and nuzzled her. She wrapped her own arms around his neck and also sighed against him.

He pulled back and his ears fell as he responded to her question.

"She'll be okay...I may have yelled a bit, but I was just so afraid...Fluttershy...if I hadn't gotten there…"

"Shh...you did...you and Kibou kept her safe. She's home and she's okay."

"Fluttershy I'm still worried though...she just finished telling me...she's upset that she doesn't have my magic..."

Fluttershy pulled back and looked at him strangely. She looked at her daughter's room and sighed,

"Maybe it's just a phase honey...she's young and I'm sure that it can be pretty confusing for her to constantly be compared to Kibou. I never really thought about it before but...I guess it could upset her that Kibou is an almost exact copy of you and she is one of me…without any magic, I never knew it would be a bad thing?"

He chuckled and nuzzled her again, his beautiful wife.

"I'm personally happy that she looks like you darling. My two beautiful girls, I wouldn't change a single hair on either of your heads...I just hope what I said gets through to her and she doesn't try a crazy stunt like this again...my heart couldn't stand this again...only worse would have been catching her kissing a colt." He placed his paw over his eyes and Fluttershy laughed, shaking her head.

"You're impossible...how could that have been worse?"

"Cause I can't tear a colt apart piece by piece and get away with it…" He grumbled and she giggled again at her ridiculous husband as she flew towards their room.

"Come on honey...let's go to bed."

He brightened and moved to wrap his arms tighter around her and growled against her neck. She sighed and rolled her eyes at him, which only made him grin wider.

She has no idea how that only turns me on more…

"I meant to sleep…" She stated and he shrugged. Then he dipped her back and grinned at her,

"I think I have something better in mind."

Author's Note

That's chapter three! Okay so this chapter was longer :facehoof: ? I can't seem to get my brain to decide what length it wants this to be :rainbowlaugh: . Okay so I hope you enjoyed this chapter too and the talk between Discord and Flitterbee.

Also in another note...no the play will not be in here :rainbowderp: because I was just hinting at it and will then jump over it. It is going to be my Hearths Warming special which I am currently also writing :yay: . One of the many ideas that burst from my brain and I was able to lasso in :moustache: . Well I hope you all enjoyed this again and as always feel free to let me know what you thought! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter Four

He stared around him in confusion. Everything was black and there was a thick fog hanging on the ground. Growling low, he slowly made his way forward trying to figure out what in the hay was going on.

"Discord!" He turned at the sound of her voice calling to him in the distance.

"F-Fluttershy?"

"Discord help me!"

He shot into action and ran towards the sound of her voice. He tried snapping his fingers, but his magic wasn't working. He ran faster in order to get to his love. Another scream in the dark brought him skidding to a halt.

"Daddy! Daddy help me!"

He turned his head in the other direction as sweat ran down his neck.

"Flitter? Honey is that you!?" He called out, but she didn't respond. He ran towards her voice and instantly came to a halt as Fluttershy screamed in pain. His head kept swinging back and forth in terror as both his girls cried out for him.

"ENOUGH! WHAT GAME IS THIS!" He called out, growling at the unknown cause of his suffering. The fog began to clear and he looked to see Fluttershy and Flitterbee. Both in serious danger as unknown shadows moved in on them. However, he knew he couldn't reach both of them in time, not without his magic.

Panic gripped his heart as he raced towards them anyways. He had to protect them! Had to find a way to keep them both safe.

"You can't save them both…" A voice hissed in his ear and he growled as he pushed himself to run faster.

"They're both so weak and helpless...how can they protect themselves when you are unable to be there?"

"No...Fluttershy! Flitterbee! Hang on girls, I'm coming!" He shouted and both turned to stare at him. Fear in their beautiful eyes as they cried out for him.

"You can't save them both Discord...you'll have to make a choice in the end...which one means more to you I wonder? Your beautiful wife, who has stood by your side even in your darkest hour? Or your precious, little girl, who is so much like you, your own flesh and blood, and your legacy?"

"Discord!"

"Daddy!"

"Choose Discord...you can't have them both...you don't deserve to have everything when I have nothing…NOW CHOOSE!"

"DADDY!"

"DISCORD"

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Discord shot up in bed. Sweat pooling over his body, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he took in much needed air. He turned to his right to see her darling form still next to him. He sighed in relief and ran his paw over his face.

Just another nightmare...they may be getting worse…

He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek, before slipping out of bed. He moved silently down the hall and peeked in on his little one. He could see her black mane falling over her pillows and her side rising with each breath.

He quietly shut her door and sighed. He ran his paw over his face again and groaned.

"Maybe I'm just having these weird dreams because I'm hungry?" He muttered. Instead of just snapping his fingers he decided to go raid the fridge. Every now and then, Fluttershy insisted on cooking dinner.

Not that he would ever complain about that. She was an amazing cook and he could never replicate her skills with his magic. He went into the kitchen and opened the fridge's door, poking his head in as he looked for something tasty.

"Can't sleep again?"

He jumped and his head hit the hard surface of the inside of the fridge. He growled as he pulled his head back, rubbing the sore spot and turned around. Kibou was sitting at the counter, a steaming glass of hot chocolate in front of him. His son was wearing a worried expression as he stared at Discord.

"What are you doing up little hope? Shouldn't you be-"

"I asked first...Dad, this is the third night in a row I've heard you get up in the middle of the night. What's wrong?"

Discord looked at his son and suddenly wished he didn't have his mother's eyes. Those teal orbs burned into him same as hers, demanding his answer. He sighed and snapped his fingers, making a second stool appear so he would be sitting on the opposite end, facing his son.

When he sat, Kibou snapped in own fingers and a second glass appeared in front of Discord. He smiled at his son and took a small sip, not bothering to cool it down first. He liked the scalding heat and it didn't burn his tongue, some days being a chaos master was a wonderful thing.

"It's nothing to worry about little hope. Dad's just got some things on his mind since..."

He stopped and sighed as his ears flattened. Kibou didn't need him to finish though as he took a drink from his glass and looked at his father. When he set it back down he also sighed and nodded in understanding. Both knew that Discord's worrying had started after Flit needed to be rescued from the Timberwolves. Discord stared down at his reflection in the hot chocolate.

What Kibou didn't know though, was that Discord's worrying ran much deeper after his daughter had explained why she did it. To think that she was feeling left out and somehow inferior since she lacked chaos magic. He had tried to talk to her again about it after that night, but she refused to speak another word on the subject and it was really worrying him.

He didn't want her to get it into her head that she had to prove herself, yet knowing her...and the fact that she was his daughter...he knew it was only a matter of time.

"Dad...have you been...having nightmares these last few nights?"

Discord jumped at the question and looked at his son. Kibou wasn't looking him in the eye and he had a strange look about him that made Discord wonder what was on his son's mind.

"Yeah kiddo...they're just dreams though. I'll find a way to get rid of…"

"I don't think they're just dreams…" Kibou whispered and Discord frowned. Kibou raised his gaze back up to his and the worry and fear in his teal eyes tugged at Discord. His heart began to beat harder as he swallowed and asked,

"What makes you say that son?"

Kibou fidgeted in his seat and his ears lay back against his head as he looked around the kitchen. Finally his son sighed and looked back at him,

"I've been having nightmares about Flitter too...I think it's a bit unsettling that we're both being woken up from these haunting images."

Discord looked at his son and couldn't help it, he chuckled.

"Oh little hope...you've been hanging around your paranoid Aunt Twilight too much. Ponies...well in our case, draconequus' can have nightmares at the same time without it being too much to dwell on."

Kibou was about to argue when Discord flashed next to his son and placed his claw over his son's lips and smiled at him.

"We were both in the woods when Flitter was attacked son. It's natural for the two of us to be more jumpy than usual. Come on, we both need to get some sleep. After all perfection like this must be maintained as Rarity always says, and that takes effort." He kissed his son on the forehead and patted his shoulder as he passed him to leave the kitchen. Kibou turned his head and frowned at his father's back.

"Mom's always in it too…" He whispered and Discord stopped cold. He turned his head slightly to stare back at Kibou. His son was still sitting on the stool, glaring at the older chimera, he took a deep breath and continued.

"In my nightmare...it's the same one every night...I'm running through a thick fog and can't see anything...all I hear is mom and Flit calling to me for help…"

The more he spoke the colder Discord got.

"Then...this voice whispers in my ear that I can't save them both...that I'll have to choose...Eventually I see them both, being attacked by some strange creatures. However I can't reach them both in time...and just as the voice keeps taunting...I'd have to choose. Usually I wake up before anything else happens...but tonight...tonight was different. This time...dad they weren't calling for me…"

He got off the stool and flew over to stand in front of his father. Kibou was now standing on two legs so he was only a few feet shorter than Discord. He wrapped his arms around his dad in a hug and instinctively Discord's own arms embraced his son. He felt little hope shiver in fear as he whispered,

"Dad they were calling for you...I could hear and see them as they cried out. But I was trapped, I don't know why, but I was stuck and couldn't move. I could only watch as those creatures moved in on them and they cried out in fear. I also heard you calling out for them and I saw you running to reach them...then that voice...her voice…"

"Her?" Discord frowned, he had never identified the voice in his dreams. It was always muffled and distorted beyond recognition. Kibou nodded and looked up again, tears in his eyes.

"Dad...these are no dreams. I think they are warnings...visions to warn of something coming, something that's threatening our family...and...and I'm scared. It wasn't that long ago that Morgana...she...she killed you...Dad, what if something like that happens again...only to...Flitter or mom…"

Discord's heart stopped at the implications Kibou's words held. If these dreams were truly a warning, then they had to make sure they were ready.

"Well...if something is threatening our family...we will take care of it together. Hey, relax little hope…" He lifted his son's chin to make him look up at his father.

"Hush now my little one...nothing bad is going to happen. These are just silly nightmares that we happen to be sharing...and…" He interrupted Kibou as he was about to speak,

"And...if something does come to attack...we'll be ready. It's always better to be safe, especially with our family's track record for dangerous encounters." This got a laugh from his son and Kibou nodded as he seemed to be getting control of himself. He wiped away the tears and floated in the air, smiling at his father,

"I know that look dad...what's the plan?" He asked and Discord chuckled. He looked around the kitchen and sighed.

"I'd rather keep this from your mother and sister. At least until we know for sure that something is really wrong. Until that time though, we have to keep close to them. One of us always has to be around them. It's the only way to ensure their safety."

Kibou rubbed his chin in thought and grimaced.

"Mom n the brat aren't going to like this...both will make things difficult but...shall we play a game of earth, water and fire to see who gets the harder of the two?"

Discord thought about this and tried to decide which he would rather trail. Neither would be a very pleasant experience, but he knew which one would give him the harder time. Kibou smiled at him, knowing what he was thinking, both of them were in agreeance which was the scarier of the two mares.

"Alright, ready? One...Two...Three...Element!" They shouted at the same time and held open their claws. Floating above Discord's was a ball of fire and he grinned. Until he looked over and saw a perfect sphere of water above Kibou's. His son was grinning even wider.

"What! But you always choose Earth! Gah! How did you...ah Tartarus...this means…" Discord groaned and slapped his paw over his face as Kibou laughed,

"Yup...this means you get mom."

Author's Note

That's it for chapter four, sorry it's so short. I'm kinda hitting a wall with this one and so I'm having to step back and analyze it more to see what I want to do. I did warn that the chapters would be unpredictable in their length lol. Well I hope that you still enjoyed this one and the hints at what's going to happen later on. Please let me know what you think by leaving a review, like I said I get worried when people don't comment cause I wonder if it's not that good then. Hopefully I can get around this maze in my head and figure things out, until next time!

Chapter Five

It had been several months since Kibou and Discord had decided to trail the girls in order to keep them safe. The two were starting to grow suspicious and question why they were being watched. Flitter was easier to handle as Discord would simply tell her that Kibou was to watch her until he decided she could be trusted not to run off again.

She would pout, but otherwise it was a sufficient enough answer. Her mother on the other hand… Fluttershy was growing agitated at the fact that Discord was becoming her shadow, but wouldn't explain why. She refused to believe anything he told her, knowing that he was hiding something. It had resulted in several arguments and this time had actually landed him on the couch.

Discord sighed again as he tried to get comfortable. He watched the fire dance and groaned,

"I probably went too far when I tried to distract her like that...guess it only works so many times before she catches on." He snorted and curled himself so that his head was next to his stomach and his tail was hanging off the side. Still he couldn't get settled, he could never sleep if she wasn't by his side. Truly this was the worst punishment she could have given him…

I don't know about that...there are other things you'd miss…

He chuckled at the thought and lifted his head to look back at his bedroom, where his wife was sleeping. He smiled at the fact that even when she was angry with him, she was still adorable and irresistible.

He hated to keep secrets from her and silently promised that soon he would let her know why him and Kibou had grown more protective. He frowned as he laid his head back down and thought of the nightmares that were still plaguing him. He had gone to Princess Luna and asked that she keep the nightmare out of Kibou's mind. She agreed, but wondered why he had not asked for the same.

He didn't tell her that although the dreams haunted his nights, he couldn't ignore them. He was growing more suspicious that these were in fact visions.

If they were, he wanted to know who exactly was the cause of them. He didn't want to be surprised at the last minute like with Morgana. This time he wanted to be prepared and that meant solving the mystery of the voice that taunted him.

"Discord…" His ear twitched at the sound of her voice and he lifted his head back up. She was standing in the doorway to their room and looking at him. He gave her a small smile,

"What's the matter honey? Did you need something?" He whispered and was happy when she gave him a small smile. She stepped to the side and he grinned, interpreting what she was saying. He flew off the couch and to her side, he lowered his head and nuzzled her behind her ear.

"You know I love you right sweetheart?" He whispered and she nodded as she nuzzled into his chest. She sighed and looked up at him before giving him a small kiss on his snout.

"I know and I love you too. I'm sorry I got so angry at you…"

"I deserved it...more than you know…" He murmured the last part and she giggled still. She moved further into the room and smiled at him,

"Come back to bed love. It doesn't feel the same without you and I don't feel right making you sleep on the couch."

He smiled lovingly as she flew to their bed and snuggled under the covers. He followed behind her and crawled into their bed, curling around her and sighing in bliss. He wrapped his tail around them and purred as she snuggled back against his chest.

"I love you Fluttershy...I'm sorry I'm being such a pain my love. Trust me when I say I have my reasons...hopefully I can tell you why. Until then...please love...just know I'm doing it for you." He whispered into her ear as he ran his nose along her mane, making her sigh in return.

"Okay...but Discord...I don't like it when you keep things from me. I'm not a helpless filly that needs protecting you know." He grinned as he remembered telling Flitterbee the exact same thing about her mother. He chuckled and moved his snout to nuzzle the back of her neck, making her shiver.

"I know...but you are still my wife and that means I have to protect you anyway I can. I'll tell you everything as soon as I figure it all out myself...deal?"

She sighed as he began to nibble on the side of her neck and nodded.

"Alright, but I have my own deal to make…"

This got his attention and he grinned wider as he ran his tongue along the back of her ear and chuckled.

"Oh? What would that be my love?" He purred as he turned her face to his and lowered his lips to hers. However, she placed her hoof over his mouth and grinned at him. He both loved and hated the look she was giving him. It was cunning, manipulative and extremely attractive...but it also meant he was about to be in trouble.

"Until you tell me what's going on...this…" She rubbed her tail against him and he jumped, his mouth hanging open in shock.

"Is off limits...goodnight honey. Pleasant dreams." She kissed him on the nose and rolled back to her side, facing away from him. He growled at her and grumbled as he settled down next to her, pulling her back against him. He pouted and whispered into her ear,

"You don't play fair..."

She giggled and tickled his stomach with her tail as she whispered back,

"Is that really a surprise?"

Flitter was crouched down in the backyard, hidden behind some bushes. She slid along the ground, moving closer to her target. She grinned, even if she was still under restrictions, there were worse punishments. At least her jailor had a sense of humor…

"Gotcha!" She shouted as she leapt from the bushes and flew through the air. However her hooves met nothing but air and she tumbled to the ground. Flipping over herself several times before stopping on her stomach, her rump slightly in the air and her tail laying over her head. She blew a puff of air to move the white strands out of her eyes and glared at the grinning face staring at her.

Kibou was laying flat on the ground, his face parallel with hers and his nose pressed against hers.

"You really gotta learn to sneak more quietly squirt. I could hear you ten feet away." He grinned and it only made her glare harder.

"I bet you cheated! You used your magic didn't you! Oh, Kibou that's not…" His paw grabbed her tail and she squeaked as he sat up, holding her by her tail as he laughed. She struggled, her legs moving through the air and her wings flapping furiously. Finally she gave up and went limp in defeat.

Her brother laughed again and turned her by her tail until she was staring at him again. She crossed her arms and pouted at him. He chuckled,

"You are the cutest thing ever! You pout the same way mom does you know that?"

She glared at him and snorted. He grinned wider and leaned forward, she didn't like the look he was giving her. She knew that look, her eyes went wide and she struggled twice as hard as before.

She managed to get out of his grip and started to fly away. She heard him laughing as he chased her.

"You can't run from it Flit! Just admit defeat and take it like a mare!"

"NEVER!" She shouted back and put more speed behind her flight. Luckily, even though Kibou was larger, she still managed to out fly him. She grinned as she made it into the living room and raced to her room. She almost made it when she was tackled from the side. They went rolling across the floor, but his soft body protected her.

She ended up pinned to the floor, Kibou laughing above her. He gave her an evil grin and quickly shot forward before she could struggle again. His snake tongue fell out of his mouth and he slowly ran it along her cheek. She squealed, disgusted and it only made him laugh harder.

"EWW! Oh Kibou! I'm going to get you for that!" She shouted and tried to wipe her cheek off on his arm. He laughed and pulled her close, coiling his body around her. His face nuzzled her mane and he chuckled.

"Oh, who's my snuggle buddy? You're so cute when you're mad...you know what this reminds me of? My little Flitter don't be sad…"

Flitter blushed crimson at the lullaby her brother had sung for her each night during the four years her father was gone, hunting down Morgana. It still had the same effect on her, her ears fell back and she instantly stopped struggling. Instead as he brother uncoiled from around her, she willingly stayed against his warm fur.

"Things aren't really all that bad...My little Flitter don't fly away...Daddy will be back for you someday...but until he comes home...you'll never be all alone...remember you are my dear sister...and I love you, my little Flitter…"

She smiled as a tear escaped her eye. She looked up at him and giggled,

"Still as bad at rhyming as ever I see."

He grinned also and wrapped his tail around her, sitting her on his back. He walked outside and chuckled.

"Yeah...but bad rhymes and all...it's still true my little Flitter." He spread his wings and flew towards Ponyville with Flitter hanging onto his horns, just as she had when they were younger. She smiled as she looked down at her big brother. Although he was technically her jailor, he was still fun to be around. She was suddenly grateful to have such an awesome brother, how she longed to be just like him.

Without chaos magic though...I'll never be as great as Kibou...or daddy…

"What's with the sigh kiddo?" Kibou asked as he turned his head slightly to look at her. She covered her expression with a smile and hugged his neck, nuzzling her nose against his fur.

"Just thinking how I'm going to drink more shakes then you."

"As if...this time it'll be my victory." He chuckled and she giggled in response.

"You've never beaten me in a shake drinking contest! You quit out after number fifteen!"

"Where do you put all that chocolate anyways? That never made sense to me." He grumbled and she laughed as she jumped off him and moved to fly in front of him. She flew backwards and grinned,

"What fun is there in making sense?"

Flitter let out a big yawn and snuggled further under her covers, not yet ready to get up. Her ear twitched when she heard her door open. She groaned and ducked completely under her covers.

"Five more minutes mom...It's too early." She mumbled, but there was no response right away. Then she heard her dad chuckling from the doorway, she groaned again.

"Flitter...do you know what time it is?" He asked and her eyes went wide as she tried to untangle herself from her blankets. In the process she fell backwards out of her bed and landed on the floor with a thump. She looked up to see her dad, DL and Cheese laughing at her position. She glared at all three males and grumbled as she stood up, kicking the blankets off. She shot one more glare at them before asking,

"What are you three doing in my room anyways?"

Her friends smiled brightly at her and without warning tackled her back to the floor.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLITTER!" They shouted in unison and smiled down at her. She blinked, she had forgotten what day it was. Her father chuckled again as he leaned against the doorframe.

"They wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday. But I want to be the first birthday hug." He held out his arms and Flitter kicked her best friends off as she flew into his arms. Her dad squeezed her tight against him and she nuzzled his chest.

"Happy birthday kiddo. Come on, they're all waiting on you in the backyard."

"Everybody's here already?" She looked up surprised and her dad chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"Who knows how early your Aunt Pinkie and Uncle Cheese got here in order to set this up, but yeah everything ready. We're just waiting on the filly of honor." He grinned down at her while she pouted.

"I'm not a filly anymore…"

"Nonsense...I told you, you'll always be a baby filly in my eyes. Even when you're as old as Granny Smith...who knows how old that even is, but you get my point." He said and Flitter laughed harder at his joke. He set her back on the floor and the group made their way outside. When she walked through everyone shouted,

"Happy birthday Flitterbee!"

She smiled at all her family and went to her mom for another hug.

"Happy birthday sweetie. Look at you, my little girl is all grown up."

"No she's not and don't be putting such notions in her head." Discord growled as he curled around the two of them, causing them both to laugh. Kibou came over and nuzzled her behind her ear,

"Happy birthday sis."

She smiled at her family and then turned to greet the rest of the party. She went to her Aunt Twilight and Uncle Flash who were standing next to a baby buggy. She smiled down at the little foal nestled inside. Shining Star was such a pretty little thing with her purple coat and blue mane. Her violet eyes were shining up at Flitter as she smiled down at the foal.

"Hello Star, how's my chaos recruit?"

"Oh please don't call her that Flitterbee, I don't think Aunt Twilight can take you corrupting another of our kids." Uncle Flash laughed as did Flitter, Aunt Twilight just glared at her husband.

"I never said she corrupted him! I just said that he doesn't know how to say no to her since he has a cru-"

"Oh hey Flitter! Come over here and see this thing Uncle Discord made!" Dusks grabbed her shoulders and dragged her away from his parents glaring at the smiles they were shooting him. The two walked over to stand next to Cheese, but she didn't see anything special. In fact her dad was next to her mom talking with her Aunt Rainbow and Aunt AJ.

"I thought you said there was something here for me to see?" She frowned and DL blushed,

"Nah. I just wanted to rescue you from mom. I figured her and dad were about to start lecturing each other."

This made the three friends laugh, but they turned when they heard another giggle behind them. They all smiled at Storm Cloud as she landed next to them and gave Flitter a one-armed hug.

"The Terrible Trio, together again. Happy birthday kiddo, hope you like the gift I got you." She winked and Flitter smiled back. She loved Storm and couldn't wait until the pegasus was officially her sister.

"If it's from you I know I'll love it!"

Storm laughed and ruffled her mane,

"That's sweet squirt, alright I'm gonna head back over to your bro, enjoy yourselves…" She shot a look at the two boys and winked. Flitter tilted her head and frowned as she looked back at her friends. Both were grinning, but didn't comment.

"Alright birthday girl! Time for some cake!" Her Uncle Cheese suddenly appeared under her and lifted her up on his back. She laughed at the sudden randomness that was her Uncle Cheese, it was a wonder at how calm CheesePie was with two crazy parents.

She was taken to a long table and set in the chair at the end. She smiled as all her family sang happy birthday to her and then her Aunt Pinkie hopped around,

"Now make your wish chaos cutie!"

Flitter thought about it then looked at her dad and brother, both were smiling at her. She met her father's eyes and noticed something flash through the pupils before he covered it up. She closed her eyes and thought,

I want to have magic...just like dad.

Then she blew out the candles and the group applauded. She smiled at all of them, then presents were being pushed in front of her by her friends and family. She laughed as she opened each one and thanked the pony that had given it to her.

A professional pranking kit from her Aunt Pinkie and Uncle Cheese. Both mom and Aunt Twilight had groaned at the sight of it.

A new dress from her Aunt Rarity, it was a deep red to match her eyes and it was for the Gala. She was so excited to be allowed to go this year and couldn't wait. Her Uncle Fancy gave her a ruby necklace and hairpin to match the dress her aunt had given her.

As expected, her Aunt Twilight and Uncle Flash gave her some new books. However she was excited to see that two of them were her Aunt Twilight's newest novels. After her success with 'History of Chaos' her aunt had decided to try writing a few fictional works under the same pen name.

Her Aunt Applejack gave her different boxes tied with ribbons and each one held a different treat. She grinned and had to slap Kibou's claw away when he tried to snatch a cookie.

Uncle Spike also gave her jewelry, but his bracelet was different. He had taken several gems and used his flame breath to melt the stones together. It was amazing and beautiful,

"I didn't know you could do this Uncle Spike?" She had looked at him and he explained with a blush,

"I did something similar when forging your aunt's engagement ring." Uncle Spike smiled at his wife and Aunt Applejack gave him a soft kiss on his cheek.

She opened Storm's next, wondering what her soon to be sister-in-law had gotten her. Her eyes widened and she nearly fainted as she pulled out the picture frame. She grinned and shrieked like a crazy fan should.

"Geez what did you get her honey?" Kibou groaned as he tried to clear his ringing ears. Storm laughed as she watched Flitter hug the picture to her chest.

"A photo of the Wonderbolt Derby team, with an autograph from each member."

Flitter jumped at Storm and wrapped her in a hug thanking her loudly, making everyone laugh.

"No problem kiddo. I'm glad to have such a devoted fan as you at all my races."

Flitter nodded and went back to her seat to finish opening presents. She moved to CheesePie's next and laughed as she pulled out a stuffed animal. It was a manticore to add to her collection. She smiled at him and he grinned,

"Now you just need a hydra and a Cerberus to finish off your strange collection." He said and she gave him a big hug laughing. She missed the triumphant look he shot DL as she hugged him.

She was handed DL's present next and smiled at she pulled out a beautiful frame. It held another picture, this one of the entire family. It was taken in front of the Chaos Castle on Hearth's Warming. She smiled as she looked to the center and stared at her friends. She was standing on the backs of Cheese and Dusk laughing. There was an inscription under the three of them.

The Terrible Trio, friends forever no matter what.

She smiled at DL and also gave him a hug, thanking him.

Kibou gave her his next and she gave him a suspicious look as she opened it. He only grinned and looked at their mom, winking. A small squeak came from the box as the ribbon was untied and Flitter gasped as a ferret popped out of the box. Flitter smiled brightly at the little animal as it licked her nose and moved to wrap around her neck. She laughed as is nuzzled her neck, tickling her with its whiskers.

"What's this Kibou? Another animal...really…" Her dad said as he shot the rodent a death glare. They all knew how the animals hated Discord, no matter what he did, old prejudices die hard. Kibou laughed and stroked the ferret's back with one of his claws.

"Relax dad. This little guy is different. I found him hurt a few weeks ago and after nursing him I trained him so he would be a good companion for Flitter. He shouldn't be any trouble unlike mom's animals."

"My animals are not trouble! Just because you two can't give them the patience they deserve." Fluttershy glared at the two and both her son and husband snorted in derision. Discord reached towards the newcomer and it hissed at him. He sighed and then chuckled,

"Oh well…One more pest to torment."

"You will do no such thing daddy! You won't hurt little Kirby here…" She cooed at the ferret who responded like all animals did to the young pegasus. Discord sighed and rolled his eyes,

"Great...just what I need...another Fluttershy, ow!"

"I heard that…" Fluttershy jabbed him in the side and he leaned down to kiss her.

"Okay Flitter, last is mine and mom's gift to you." Discord smiled and handed her the small box. She smiled and opened it, then she looked at them confused as she pulled out a crystal ball. She looked at her dad and tilted her head, he smiled and answered,

"Shake it, like a snowglobe."

She looked down and picked it up, giving it a slight shake. She gasped as the inside swirled and images appeared. It was flashes of moments with her family. Her mother and her friends, her father and mom, Flitter and Kibou when they were younger.

"What is this?" She asked as she looked at her parents. Discord smiled and curled around her, taking the ball in his claws.

"Think of it as a photo album that can replay memories. It was your mother's idea to give you a photo album and I used my magic to spice it up. Now all you have to do is shake it and it will show you different moments. Between me and your mom we got quite a lot in there, but you can add your own."

"I can!" She exclaimed, beaming up at her father who laughed and nodded.

"Here, hold it between your hooves…" He placed his hands on her two hooves as she held the crystal between them like he said.

"Now just think of a moment that you'd like to remember later on."

Instantly she thought of her brother curled around her on his bed. Watching the image of their father smiling down at them as he sang his lullaby to her. Discord's eyes widened as he watched the image in the crystal ball. Then they softened as he smiled at his little girl, he had missed her terribly during that time too. He never wanted to miss out on that much of his children's lives ever again.

"See, that's all you have to do." He whispered and Flitter gasped again as she opened her eyes and smiled at the image before it disappeared. Then she turned her smile up to her father and threw her arms around his neck in a big hug. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her mane.

"I love you little Flit…" He whispered and she kissed his cheek.

"I love you too daddy."

"I love you mom." She said as her mother moved to them and Flitter flew into her arms.

"I love you my beautiful girl. Happy birthday."

After the presents, they all ate the chocolate cake and chattered. The adults mostly talked to each other and the Terrible Trio chatted among the three of them. Then as some of the guests started to leave with final birthday wishes and her father was cleaning the backyard, Flitter felt a tap on her side.

She turned to see DL standing next to her smiling. She returned the smile and tilted her head at the determined look in his eyes.

"What's up DL?" She asked and he swallowed. He took a deep breath and shot a quick look to where her dad and his mom were talking while they cleaned.

"Can I talk to you for a minute? You see I...well...I got something else to give you, but it's kinda silly and lame. So I didn't want to give it in front of the others." He whispered with a small blush and she giggled, nodding. She followed him to the side and they even went into the forest. Not far, but enough to make her nervous since she was still under close scrutiny from her father.

Dusk stopped and taking another deep breath, turned back to face her. She smiled and tilted her head again.

"Alright DL, what's this embarrassing present you talked about?" She asked, laughing slightly as his blush deepened. He took a step to her and gave her a weak smile.

"Close your eyes. I don't want you to see it until I'm ready."

She rolled her eyes and did as he asked.

"Must be really lame if you're acting this embar-" She was cut off as he gave her a quick peck on her lips. Her face flushed a deep red as her eyes snapped open. Her ears lay back against her head as she looked at DL in surprise. He smiled weakly at her,

"Happy Birthday Flit…" He ran past her and back to his mom, leaving her standing there shocked. She turned and walked to the edge of the trees, she could see DL and Aunt Twilight leaving.

"What was that all about?" She muttered and shook her head trying to clear the blush from her cheeks. She blew air through her lips and muttered,

"Pfft...boys…"

"Well hello there little one...I heard it's your birthday."

Flitter jumped and spun around, her ears once more against her head and her tail tucked. She stared up wide eyed at the creature behind her. It was an alicorn, but...different from any of the princesses she knew. Its coat was white as snow, with yellow eyes and its wings looked like that of a butterfly.

"W-who are you? Y-you s-shouldn't be h-here...this is the...Castle of Chaos...my daddy won't like...it if he…"

"Oh I know all about your wonderful daddy, sweet, little one. He and I know each other very well. That's why I'm here, I wanted to give his beautiful daughter a gift for her special day." The alicorn smiled sweetly, but something inside Flitter told her this mare was bad news. She associated it to her father's instincts.

"But...you never answered my question...who are you?" She whispered and backed up further, wondering how long until her dad noticed she was missing. She didn't want to run and risk angering this unknown creature.

The mare smiled and chuckled, then bowed to Flitter.

"Dear Princess of Chaos, I am Queen Titania. I am Queen of the fairy ponies."

Flitter stopped backing up and looked at her suspiciously, tilting her head.

"Fairy ponies? I've never heard of…"

"You wouldn't have. We are very secluded and keep to ourselves, only revealing us to those that are very special. Like you dear child of chaos." Queen Titania smiled at Flitter again and although she was still suspicious, Flitter didn't feel as afraid.

"Okay...so...you said you wanted to wish me a happy birthday?" She whispered and the queen a nodded. She used her horn to pull a pouch from her saddle bag. She floated it to Flitter and sat it at her hooves, smiling.

"Inside that bag is a very special powder that when mixed with tea will grant you one wish for twenty four hours. So choose this wish carefully little one." The queen bowed again as Flit's ear twitched. She turned her head to see her dad looking around for her. When she turned her gaze back she gasped as the other mare was gone. She frowned and looked all around, but saw no sign of the queen.

"There you are! Flitter what are you doing in here? If your dad sees you here your grounding will double. Next thing you know, he'll chain you to his leg." Her mother said as she stood on the edge of the trees looking in on Flitter.

"Flitter...is everything okay? What are you looking for?" Her mother asked worried and Flitter looked down at the pouch still at her hooves, then back at her mother.

"Just Kirby mom...he ran off and I was trying to call for him."

Her mother smiled and pointed back at the house.

"I just saw him run into the house with a cookie in his mouth. I think he got into your treats from Applejack. Come on sweetie before your father has a heart attack."

Flitter nodded and turned to follow her mom, picking up the pouch with her tail and tucking it away in the long strands, out of sight.

One wish for twenty four hours? Does that mean I could see what it's like to have magic like dad and Kibou? Wait Flitter...don't just trust this strange mare...do your research.

She decided that tomorrow she would go to the library in her Aunt Twilight's castle and look up this Queen Titania and fairy ponies. If it turned out to be true, then she would decide what to do with the pouch hidden in her tail.

Author's Note

Okay that's chapter five :yay: ! Sorry for the long wait, but I'm still taking things slow so that I don't run head long into that wall again...that tends to hurt after a while :pinkiecrazy: :derpytongue2: ...Well I hoped that you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you thought by leaving a review!

Chapter Six

Author's Note

Hello everyone! Sorry for the long wait on this chapter, but my brain ran away and refused to come back to work so it was slow going on this one. Hopefully the next one wont take as long! I apologize if there are any mistakes in here I tried to edit as best I could, but whenever I transfer the chapters over some parts get cut for some reason? Anyways please enjoy!

Chapter Six

Flitterbee walked along the roads in Ponyville, heading towards her Aunt Twilight's castle. She had woken up extra early to get the answers she needed. She was determined to find out more about this Queen Titania and her supposed fairy ponies. It seemed highly unlikely that the alicorn had spoken the truth, how ridiculous to think that fairy ponies were real…

Says the daughter of a draconequus?

Point taken…

She sighed and trotted up to the door of her aunt's home. She knocked on the door and waited. It took longer for someone to answer now that Uncle Spike spent most of his time on the farm with Aunt Applejack. Aunt Twilight's new assistant was sweet, but not as efficient as he had been.

Finally the door swung open and a young unicorn mare named Wind Chime looked out. The young mare was working for Princess Twilight to help pay for her studies.

"Oh, hello Miss. Chaos…are you here to see Prince Dusks Light?"

Remembering the last time she had seen him and the small kiss he had given her she blushed. She shook her head to rid herself of the embarrassing tint and smiled at the mare.

"I've told you that you can just call me Flitterbee or Flit as everypony else does Wind Chime. And actually I'm hoping to see my Aunt Twilight…is she…"

"Flitter is that you?"

She smiled as her Uncle Flash came into view and gave him a quick hug. He nodded at Wind Chime who bowed and moved off. Flitter watched her go and giggled,

"I thought she had grown out of those habits?"

Her uncle rolled his eyes and smiled down at her.

"Unfortunately not just yet, she still gets nervous around so much royalty and famous ponies. You should have seen the near heart attack she had when your mother came by to borrow a book."

Flitter giggled again and followed her uncle inside.

"Is Aunt Twilight here?"

"Yes, she's in the library right now. Would you like me to take you to her?"

Flitter nodded and walked beside her uncle. As they rounded the corner she crashed into another body and scrunched up her muzzle in pain. She opened her eyes and smiled at DL, who turned a deep shade of red.

"Hey DL, how's it…"

"Oh-hi-Flitter-sor-but-I-got-go-study…" He muttered so quickly that his words were slurred and almost incoherent. He looked at her briefly then galloped away. Flitter frowned after him, completely confused. First he kissed her and now he was ignoring her? Would she ever understand the male species…probably not…

She continued into the library and smiled at her aunt. Aunt Twilight put down the quill she had been writing with and gave her a hug.

"Hello Flit. Finish those books already?"

Flitter laughed and shook her head.

"No, but I am half way through Dungeon Lights. What happens to Destiny? Does she make it out of the trap?"

Twilight laughed and shook her head.

"Sorry kiddo. You'll just have to read and find out. So what did you need then?"

Flitter stopped the whining she was about to issue at the reminder of why she had sought out her aunt. She swallowed and looked up, hoping that she wouldn't have to answer too many questions.

"Um…Aunt Twilight…have…have you ever heard of…fairy ponies?" She whispered and Aunt Twilight blinked in surprise and then put her hoof to her chin in thought. She looked around and used her horn to bring down three volumes from the shelves.

She set them on the floor in front of Flitter and smiled.

"These are the best books on the myth of the fairy ponies and their Queen Titania."

"DID YOU SAY TITANIA!?" Flitter shouted and looked up surprised. Aunt Twilight laughed, mistaking her surprise for eagerness.

"Yes, just like that play you were in as a foal…"

Flitter didn't know what her aunt was talking about and would have to look through her crystal album later to find that memory.

"You were the cutest Puck…These legends are a lot of fun and you should enjoy reading them."

Flitter looked at the three volumes and frowned. She hadn't expected to find anything on such creatures and now there were three sources…

"Can I borrow these Aunt Twilight?" She whispered and looked up at her aunt who smiled in response.

"Of course and enjoy your research…Oh why are you suddenly so interested in this legend?"

Flitter had placed the books in her saddlebags as her aunt asked the question she had been hoping to avoid. She bit her bottom lip and tried to think of something as she inched towards the door.

"Oh…um…just curious…I heard somepony mention…and then got curious…you know how I…well thanks for all your help…BYE!" She raced out the library and tried not to think of the look her aunt had thrown her as she raced past her Uncle Flash.

He watched her race off and turned to his wife with a raised eyebrow.

"What was that all about?"

Twilight moved to his side and watched her niece race out of the castle. She frowned and looked at her husband,

"I have no idea, but I think I should let Discord know that his daughter is acting stranger than usual."

"I didn't know that was even possible." Flash chuckled as he kissed her cheek and moved off down the hall.

Flitter sat in her room going over the books her aunt had given her. She frowned as she flipped through the pages and looked at all the drawing and the descriptions of these fairy ponies. She looked over at the second book and stared at the drawing of Queen Titania.

It was definitely the same alicorn that had spoken to her in the forest. She frowned and looked towards her dresser. She flew over and opened the small chest sitting on top, nestled inside was the pouch given to her. She bit her lip and started to pull it out when her door opened.

"Flitter…honey are you okay?"

Flitter had slammed the lid closed and turned to smile at her mother.

"Of course mom…what…what did you need?" She walked up to her mom and noticed the older pegasus looking at her bed. She winced at the books she had left lying open across the mattress.

"Doing some research for Aunt Twilight?" Her mom asked and raised an eyebrow at Flitter. Flitter swallowed and nodded smiling at her mom, hoping that her mom wouldn't read the lie in her face. Her mother had an unnatural ability to tell whenever one of them was trying to hide something and she blamed her father for that fact.

However Fluttershy nodded and turned to leave smiling at her daughter.

"I was just about to head to Sugar Cube Corner. Would you like to go with me? I…convinced your father to let us go alone."

Flitter smiled and nodded, she quickly flew over and closed the books, placing them on her desk before joining her mom. They walked out and Flitter turned as she heard a groan from the couch. She frowned as she saw a tail draped over the back.

"We'll be back later my love…make sure to put ice on it…" Her mother said as she gave him an apologetic look and walked towards the door. Flitter flew into the air to look down at her father and had to suppress her giggles.

Her father was lying upside down on the couch, holding an icepack to his head as he glared at his retreating wife. Then his eyes took on an entirely different heat as he grinned and muttered,

"How I love that mare…"

The two of them walked into Sugar Cube Corner and smiled at Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich. Flitter left her mom's side to talk to CheesePie,

"Hey Cheese. How have you been?"

She hugged him and he returned her smile. He glanced at the adults and then tilted his head to indicate that she follow him. He went around the corner and she followed, glancing back at her mom before disappearing behind a wall.

"What's up Cheese?" She asked as she smiled at him. He blushed and looked around before looking back at her.

"Um…I just wanted to say…well…I talked to my dad and got some advice and well…um…Flit…" He moved forward and took her hoof making her ears lay back and her cheeks flame up. Something was different about the way he was looking at her.

Oh no…not him too…

He leaned closer and she pulled back slightly unsure of how to respond. Before she could dodge though he kissed her lightly on her lips and pulled back to stare at her. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out as she stared at her best friend.

He smiled and whispered,

"You don't have to say anything yet. I'll let you think about it, I just wanted to let you know…" He trotted away and up the stairs, leaving her staring after him. She shook her head and frowned, apparently all the males in her life were losing their minds.

She went back out to join her mom and met her Uncle Cheese's gaze and blushed further. She moved to her mother's side.
"Sweetie is everything okay?" Her mom asked as she looked down and Flitter nodded silently. She couldn't think too much on her best friends' actions at the moment. She already had too much to think about. Such as whether or not to use the magic powder that had been given to her by a very REAL Queen Titania.

Discord sat on the couch still nursing the bump on his head when his doorbell sounded. He groaned and went to answer. He smiled down at Twilight as she looked up at him.

"Hello Discord I…um…what happened to your head?"

He groaned again and moved back towards the couch, holding the icepack to his head.

"A slight disagreement with my darling wife."

"Fluttershy did that?!" She shouted incredulously and he grinned.

"Not directly no…honestly I brought it on myself." His grin widened as he remembered her sudden fit of rage, how hot she had looked. He had been arguing with her when she told him that both she and Flitter would be heading to Ponyville, without an escort. She had gotten so mad and frustrated with him that she had flown at him and tackled him to the floor.

He had smacked his head on the floor and that was how he had gotten the bump. He couldn't forget how attractive she had been as she stood over him and told him in no uncertain terms how things would be. Or how she had instantly quieted and started fussing over his injury. Her hot/cold mood swings were so chaotic and he fell at her hooves every time.

"Too bad she's too stubborn to lift my restrictions…"

"What?" Twilight asked and he blushed, chuckling as he realized he said that out loud. He waved his paw and smiled at her.

"So what was it that you needed dear princess?"

Her smile fell and she frowned as she glanced at Flitter's room. Discord's own smile fell at the look in Twilight's eyes.

"Flitter came to me today asking some strange questions. At first I thought it was just curiosity that had compelled her to do this research. Something that I can completely understand. However when I asked her what she was up to with this topic she paled and avoided the question.

"Normally Discord, I wouldn't think too much on this, but after what you told me about Flitter wanting chaos magic…well…I think you might want to keep an even sharper eye on her. As hard as that will be. It might make things easier if you tell Fluttershy what's going on?"

He growled and removed the icepack,

"I never should have told you…but you're right. I can't keep this from her any longer. The nightmares are getting worse…What did Flitter want from you?"

"She was asking about fairy ponies."

"Fairy ponies? But their just a myth."

"Coming from the former Lord of Chaos who was a statue for a thousand years?" She grinned at him and he snorted.

"Sarcasm should be left to the professional princess. I've been around for a very long time and I can say without an ounce of doubt…There are no such thing as fairy ponies. The only thing even remotely close would be the…"

"Breezies. True they are somewhat fairy-like, but they are not the same. What do you think we should do about Flitter?" Twilight asked and he glanced at her closed door, wondering when her mother would return.

"Nothing. I will continue to keep an eye on her and I'll bring Fluttershy into the loop with you, Kibou and myself. Between the four of us we should be able to keep an eye on things." He said and Twilight nodded then rose to leave. She hesitated at the door and turned back to give him a worried glance.

"I just hope you're nightmares are nothing more than that. Dreams."

He sighed and lifted the icepack back up to his head, frowning.

"Me too…"

Fluttershy and Flitter walked into their living room and instantly Flitter made an excuse to return to her room. Fluttershy continued further into the house when a soft body wrapped around her own. She couldn't help the smile that graced her features as she met the golden eyes of her husband. He held up a single red rose and gave her his signature 'I'm sorry' grin.

"Hello my love. How's your head?" She whispered as she reached for the small bump on the top of his head. He smiled and took her hoof in his claws bringing it to his lips. She blushed as he placed a soft kiss on it and then pulled it closer to lay over his heart.

"How do you put up with me darling?" He chuckled and she smiled again. He wrapped her in his arms and she sighed in bliss as she settled against his warm fur. He also sighed and held her tighter.

"Very carefully. I'm sorry I lost my temper with you earlier." She whispered and he chuckled again, gently stroking her mane.

"I love it when you do. Besides, I only bring it on myself. Come on darling I need to speak with you." Still carrying her, he moved towards their room and shut the door behind them. Then he snapped his fingers and she recognized the spell as the soundproof barrier.

"Discord?"

He sat her on their bed and sat next to her. His face had changed in those short moments, now he looked worried and she had seen this face only once before.

When he had lied to her about his plans to deal with Morgana.

"Discord what's going on? What haven't you been telling me?" She asked and he sighed before pulling her to him again. He nuzzled her mane softly and whispered,

"I think something is threatening our family, but I don't know what." He then told her about the dreams both he and Kibou had shared and what it could possibly mean. He also told her about how Flitter has been growing more frustrated, evidence in her trips to Twilight.

She felt a twinge of frustration that he had shared his worries with Twilight and not her, even if it was for her own protection.

He continued to tell her how the nightmares were increasing in warning and each time he felt like something was drawing nearer.

"I still can't figure out what they mean. I have gone through them time and time again…still nothing makes sense. Coming from the king of such you know that's bad."

She didn't laugh at his joke and instead nuzzled against his chest.

"I'm glad you finally told me. I wish you had sooner, but I'm glad you told me now."

He chuckled and pulled back to look at her,

"I was trying to pretend that it was nothing, but the fact that Kibou had the same exact dreams has to mean more. I'm more worried about Flitter and why she's become so curious about magical creatures."

"Discord, she's always had a way with animals and had a sense of curiosity. It's part of the reason she gets into so much trouble." Fluttershy said and he grinned at her.

"But why the sudden interest in myths? I'm worried that she's trying to find a way to give herself magic…" He muttered and he looked even more worried than before. Fluttershy watched her husband and sighed.

"I think that Flitterbee is just trying to find her place in our strange family. She must feel that she has a lot to live up to…

"She's a young mare and it can be a hard thing when you have a lot expected of you. Think about it Discord. Her father is the former Lord of Chaos, one of the most powerful beings in Equestria. Her mother is a former bearer of an Element of Harmony. Even her brother is now known as a hero that saved Equestria and a powerful magical being. That's a lot of pressure to put on one young mare."

Discord thought more about it and then sighed. He looked out the window at the setting sun and nodded.

"You have a point as usual darling. I just hope Flit doesn't do what her father did and go to extreme measures to get what she wants. Hopefully she sees that she's loved and fine the way she is before something happens."

Fluttershy nodded and thought of her daughter and how the mare had seemed distracted all day. This was not normal daydreaming on her part, something was really bothering young Flitter. Fluttershy agreed with Discord and hoped that she was able to sort through her troubles soon.

"All we can do right now is remind her that she is perfect the way she is and that she doesn't need magic to be who she is." Fluttershy whispered as she nuzzled against her husband again. Discord nodded and pulled her closer, running his claws along her back. She heard him growl lightly and sighed again, this time for a different reason.

"Discord…no-"

She shrieked as he rolled suddenly and pinned her beneath him. He was grinning down at her and she felt her heart beat increase. Even after their shared years of marriage, he still disarmed her with his charming grin.

"Now for more pressing matters my dear." He purred as he leaned closer and nuzzled the side of her neck. She shivered, honestly her denying him had been a struggle for her as well. He purred again as he felt her shiver.

"I believe the deal was that I was banned until I told you the truth…well I believe that those restrictions are no longer in place. What do you think my darling love?" He whispered as he ran his tongue along her neck and she took in a sudden breath again and giggled. She pulled back and gave him a look that said it all. His face brightened and he growled slightly,

"Good answer."

Flitter sat on her bed staring at the small pouch that had been given to her. She heard a small voice in her heard calling her crazy for even considering something like this. She pushed that annoying little voice to the back of her brain and took a deep breath, coming to a decision.

She flew to her door and peeked outside, making sure the coast was clear. When she didn't see either of her parents she sighed in relief.

Silently moving about towards the kitchen she prayed that her parents wouldn't catch her. She moved about the kitchen and quickly brewed herself a cup of tea.

"Hey kiddo. What are you doing?"

She almost dropped the cup she had been holding as she turned and glared at her brother.

"Kib, you nearly gave me a heart attack! I just wanted some tea before bed." She felt her cheeks warming and hoped that Kibou wouldn't notice. Luckily he seemed more interested with finding something in the fridge. He laughed in excitement when he pulled out a box of dad's special cookies.

Flitter rolled her eyes and gave him a look. One that looked far too much like their mother.

"You know mom hates it when you eat sweets before bed. It gives you weird dreams and your magic starts changing the furniture."

Kibou snorted at her and opened the box to quickly shove three cookies in his mouth. He spoke around his chewing and it made her giggle.

"She should have hid them better than. Besides, mom won't know…Her and dad will be busy for the rest of the night."

Flitter tilted her head in confusion and when he noticed her looking Kibou blushed.

"One, what does that mean? Two, what makes you think I won't tell mom in the morning?"

She smirked at him and his blush increased further as he narrowed his eyes at her.

He cleared his throat and grabbed three more cookies before replacing the box.

"Never mind what I meant. Night brat…" He flashed next to her and pushed one of the cookies into her mouth. He grinned as he whispered into her ear,

"You won't tell mom a thing…because if you do…I'll tell dad about those little kisses your two colt friends snuck in."

It was her turn to flush a bright red. Kibou laughed and ruffled her hair before leaving the kitchen and her behind.

Flitter growled at him and wondered how he had found out about the two kisses she had received. She hadn't even given herself a moment to analyze why her friends had done that. She couldn't think about it, she had something more pressing at the moment.

She munched on the cookie as she carried her cup of tea back to her room with her. She shut and locked the door before moving to her bed.

She sat the steaming cup on her bed next to the small pouch and took a few more moments to fully consider what she was about to do.

I have to do this. I just want to know for one day what it's like…

What it means to truly be a child of chaos…to be my father's daughter.

She opened the pouch and poured the powder inside into her cup. She watched as the green powder mixed with her tea and it started to steam and bubble.

When the liquid settled back to normal, she knew it was time to make her wish.

She picked up the cup and looked out the window at the rising moon as she whispered,

"I want to have my father's magic…"

She took a sip of the tea and flinched at the bitter taste as it slid down her throat. She waited for a few seconds, holding her breath and then frowned when nothing happened.

She had expected some great phenomenon to occur as she received all this immense power that she knew her father wielded…but nothing…

The night continued on as if she had just drank a cup of regular tea. She frowned and picked up the empty glass.

Setting it on her nightstand she sighed,

"I should have known it was all a joke. Somehow, somepony was able to fool the Queen of Tricksters…and boy did it work."

She blinked back her tears and snuggled into her bed.

In another room a young draqconequus' body gave a violent shake and Kibou shot up in bed looking around. His heart was pounding in his chest and he tried to make sense of the sudden surge he had felt rush through him.

Nothing like this had ever happened before and he was positive that it couldn't be anything good.

He ran his claws through his hair and groaned,

"Maybe I should lay off the sweets after all."

He laid back down and snuggled further into his blankets, drifting back to sleep.

Outside the castle, standing among the trees was a tall figure. She was watching the castle, smiling as the time drew nearer.

"My queen…Everything is in place." Her lieutenant came beside her and bowed low. She nodded and her smile widened.

"Soon Equestria will be ours, and this time nothing will stop us. Everything that stood in our way will soon be gone and it's all thanks to that foolish mare." She chuckled as she thought of the young mare who would soon be fulfilling her part in the grand scheme of things.

"My queen. I just have one question?" The lieutenant asked and she turned to raise her eyebrow at him. He cleared his throat and continued,

"Why are we going through the trouble of giving trapping the girl? Why not just march on Equestria now?"

She rolled her eyes and then narrowed them at the soldier.

"Have you learned nothing? Last time we tried to just attack we were pushed back. True we were so very close to victory, but this time is different. Now Discord is on their side and with his son by his side.

"Equestria will be out of reach so long as those two stand in the way. With the mare's foolish help we will be able to get rid of the two just long enough to allow us to take over."

"I understand that part of the plan my lady…but, why are we using the mare at all? Why not just cast the spell yourself?"

Getting frustrated at being questioned, the queen turned and snarled at the soldier. He cowered under her glare.

"Because you fool…A spell this powerful can only be cast by one of equal power. The mare may not have the same level of magic as her parents, but she is still their daughter. She carries in her dormant chaos and harmony magic same as her brother.

"The mare is foolish not to realize she has such power, but it all works out in the end for us. She will fall prey to her own insecurities and with the spell cast we will move in. And this time…" Her sharp fangs flashed in the moonlight as she laughed.

"Victory is assured to be ours."

Chapter Seven

Flitterbee stretched out as the sun began to rise. She opened her eyes and sat up as she remembered the night before.

She sighed and rolled out from under her covers. She felt a tickle in her nose and scrunched it up, feeling a sneeze coming.

"Ah-ah-ah-choo…" She let out the tiniest sneeze. There was limitless humor to her father that she sneezed just like her mother. She opened her eyes and gasped.

Kirby was squeaking indignantly as a watering can chased him around the room. Flitter was unable to move for a second. She was too confused at first to do anything.

Then she blinked and flew towards the watering can and grabbed it. She scowled and looked around her room.

"Ha-ha…okay dad. Leave Kirby alone…dad?" Her room was silent as she looked around. Normally her father would have revealed himself at that moment. Even Kibou would have started laughing.

She frowned and looked down at the watering can.

I wonder…

She closed her eyes and tried to focus on the can. When she opened her eyes, it was still sitting in her hooves. She blew a puff of air to move her bangs out of her eyes and scowled at the thing and her own foolishness.

"Dad can be such a pain in the morning…" She muttered and flew to the window. She opened it and threw the can outside, hoping it would disappear.

She went to her bed and cooed softly to get Kirby back out. He shook his fur dry and chattered angrily.

She giggled and whispered,

"Don't worry boy. I'll get him back later with a good prank. Come on, I smell waffles!" She lifted him up so he could wrap himself around her neck.

She trotted out into the living room and headed towards the kitchen. The others were already up as her mom continued making the waffles.

Her father was standing behind her mom, whispering into her ear and mom was blushing. Flitter rolled her eyes and went to the table to join Kibou. He was already eating his own stack when he looked up at her.

"Don't say I told you so brat." He hissed and she grinned.

"Gave you weird dreams didn't they?" She teased and he snorted at her. She giggled and smiled at her mom as she set a plate of waffles before her.

Flitter dug in, handing a small piece to Kirby which he took and ran off to eat in peace.

Her mom went into the fridge and groaned.

"Which one of you got into the cookies?" She asked as she turned to stare at both of her children, who had frozen in their seats.

Their mother hadn't even touched the box and yet…

"How does she do that?" Flitter whispered and Kibou hushed her before smiling at his mom.

He made a halo appear above his head and Flitter rolled her eyes again as their father laughed.

Their mom was unimpressed and raised an eyebrow at the both of them.

Flitter cracked first, she just got off grounding, and she didn't need to be back on.

"Kibou did it!" She shouted and pointed her hoof at him. He growled at her and pointed his claw back.

"I warned you brat! DL and Cheese kissed Flitter!"

"WHAT!?" Discord shouted, fumes rising from his ears as he bared his teeth. Flitter swallowed and glared at Kibou.

"Thanks a lot."

"You sold me out first." He stuck his tongue out at her just as she was scooped into her father's grasp. She struggled, but his grip was strong as he stared at her.

"That's it young lady, you are officially grounded until you are as old as me!"

"Daddy!"

"Nope, don't give me that cute stare! Nothing will change my mind!" He shouted as he pulled her against his chest. During this whole squabble Fluttershy stood there shaking her head.

"Can't we ever have a normal breakfast as a family?" She muttered before flying up to her husband to rescue her suffocating daughter.

"Now Discord…let Flitter go." She said and he turned to glare at her, but the sternness in her gaze made him comply.

Flitter gasped for air as she was dropped. Fluttershy sighed and looked at her husband.

"Honey, we talked about this…"

"But I thought I still had time. She's my baby!"

"I'm not a…"

"She's growing up and there's no way to stop it." Her mother interrupted her objection and Flitter realized they were now ignoring her. She looked to Kibou and saw him sneaking out of the kitchen before their mother remembered that he had stolen sweets last night.

Flitter rolled her eyes and tried to get her parents attention again.

"Who says I can't keep her my baby forever? I'm Discord! I can do anything I want!"

"Not this time you can't! You know that you aren't supposed to mess with nature!"

"I'm not! Just…just with my…hmm…I'm not winning this argument…at least not this way." He grinned and Fluttershy glared at him, knowing what he meant.

When he tried to grab her she ducked out of the way.

"Oh no you don't! Come here beautiful!" He turned rapidly and wrapped his arms around her laughing.

"Discord!"

"Ew dad I'm still here, gross!" Flitter shouted. She turned to leave and felt a tail wrap around her stomach. She shrieked as she was lifted into the air.

"Not so fast missy. I'm not done with you yet either."

"Dad!"

"Discord!"

He just laughed at the two struggling mares he now held captive. He smiled down at Fluttershy and leaned in to whisper in her ear so only she could hear.

"Careful now darling…you know that when you turn forceful it has dire consequences." As expected her face flushed a deep red and she gave him her best glare, which only made his fur stand up more.

He turned to Flitter and grinned,

"From now on Flitter, you don't go anywhere without my knowing. AND! You will not be allowed to be near those colts again."

"What! But that's not fair! They're my best friends, you can't keep me from them! Dad you are being so unreasonable!" She shouted and struggled against his hold. He shook his head and quickly covered Fluttershy's mouth when she was about to protest.

"No buts my dear. That's the way it's going to be."

"Argh! You are being so…so…so…Ah!" She pulled out of his grasp finally and shouted,

"This is so unfair! You're the worst father ever!" She turned her back on him and pouted.

Discord reeled back as if she had struck him and actually dropped Fluttershy in his shock.

He moved towards his daughter with his hands out,

"Now Flitter…my little one…I know you're upset, but…you don't mean that." He curled around her and nudged her with his muzzle, but she turned her face away and snorted.

"Now little one…I'm sorry…please don't be mad at me. I'm only thinking of you." He pleaded and pulled her bangs away. She glared at him and flicked her tail, which caught his claws and he reeled back again.

At the same time something came flying through the window causing Fluttershy to cry out. At the sound of her shout, Kibou teleported back into the kitchen. His back was arched and his teeth were bared as he instinctively protected his mother.

However his fur smoothed when he noticed it was Storm lying on the kitchen floor.

"Storm!" He shouted as he moved to her side. He helped her up and checked her for injuries.

"What happened?" He whispered and she shook her head and looked outside confused.

Kibou followed her gaze and frowned. Outside the sky was covered in purple clouds and it was raining, but the rain was strange looking.

"Is that?" Kibou asked and Storm nodded as she pulled a gumdrop out of her mane.

"Yeah I got caught in the sudden downpour as I was coming to meet you for our date. So I take it that your parents are fighting again?"

"Not exactly, just dad and Flitter." He turned to the rest of his family and they were all staring out the window in shock.

"Discord! What did you do?" Fluttershy scolded him and he held up his hands.

"That wasn't me! At least I don't think it was?"

"Discord…"

"Okay, yes, yes I know. I'm fixing it." He snapped his fingers and smiled,

"There see now it…" His mouth fell open as it continued to rain candy outside.

"What?" He asked in confusion and snapped his claws again. Still nothing happened, then in a panic he snapped both his hands. After the second fail he included his tail for good measure.

"I-I don't…I don't understand…" He whispered as he stared down at his hands. Kibou came up to his side and looked out at the rain. He frowned and snapped his own claws. Instantly the rain stopped.

Discord looked down at his son and his panic doubled as he realized what was happening. He turned to look at his wife and she had the same scared look as he did.

"I-I…I've lost my magic…"

"How could this have happened?" Discord whispered as he sat on the couch with Fluttershy at his side, Kibou pacing the floor and Flitter curled in his lap; their fight forgotten for now.

The whole family was shaken up, but none more so than Discord himself. He had never felt as helpless as he did right now. His magic, was once more taken from him.

Only this time was twice as frightening, because he had no idea how it had happened.

"Daddy?" Flitter whispered from his lap and he looked down. There were tears in her eyes and he felt his heart squeeze in his chest. He rested his claws on her head,

"Shh little one…It's okay…I'll figure this out." He looked over at Fluttershy and she was also tearing up, so he wrapped his lion arm around her and pulled her closer to his side.

He met Kibou's gaze and the unspoken command passed between the two as Kibou nodded and disappeared.

A few minutes later he flashed back in, but this time Twilight was at his side. She looked over at the family, a worried expression on her face.

"Please tell me this is some horrible joke."

"If it is even I'm not laughing…" Discord muttered and Flitter nuzzled his chest.

"How could this happen? I thought you couldn't lose your magic!" Twilight shouted and Discord shrugged.

"So did I... That's why we need you to help find out what happened." He said and Twilight nodded.

"Of course. I'll run some tests on you to see if it's some strange illness or…" She hesitated and looked down at Flitter a small frown on her face. She looked at Fluttershy and swallowed.

"Anyways…we should get started right away. Kibou, can you send me and your father to my lab? It will be easier to perform my tests there."

He nodded and looked to his father for confirmation. Discord stood up and placed Flitter on the couch.

"You two stay here with Kibou. Don't leave until I get back with answers."
"No. I'm going with you." Fluttershy said as she stood up from her seat. Discord knelt down in front of her and placed his claws on her cheek.

"Please love…I don't want to be worrying about you more than I already am. Stay here where it's safe."

She was about to argue more when she caught the glint in his eyes. She recognized it as pure terror, a look she had rarely seen in her lover's eyes. She hated not knowing what was going on with him and if he was sick she wanted to know right away…

But she also knew that he didn't need to be worried about more than the disappearance of his magic. She sighed and nodded as she looked up into his eyes again.

"Okay…but this time…promise me you'll come back and mean it."

He chuckled and kissed her gently,

"Always…you couldn't get rid of me if you wanted to." He whispered and she smiled as a tear escaped her shut eyes.

He looked to Flitter and smiled,

"Don't worry little one. Daddy's going to be fine. Aunt Twilight is the best egg head around, she'll find out what's wrong with my magic and fix it."

Twilight chose not to comment on that as this was a serious situation and Discord was only making light of it for his girls' sakes.

Flitter threw her arms around his neck and cried against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry daddy…this is all my fault I-"

"Nonsense…If stress and fighting caused my magic to disappear it would have happened a hundred times over since I married your mother."

Fluttershy giggled, but Flitter looked up at her father, her lip still quivering. Discord cupped her face when she opened her mouth to speak and smiled at her.

"Listen to me Flitter. This was in no way your fault and I don't want to hear you say so. Now be a good girl for your mother while I'm gone." He stood up and smiled at his girls once more before turning and nodding at Kibou.

"Keep them safe little hope."

"Always." Kibou smiled as he snapped his fingers, sending Discord and Twilight back to her castle.

Once he was gone, Flitter ducked her head and whispered,

"But it is my fault daddy…me and my stupid wishing…"

Discord growled again as he felt the needle prick his skin.

"Do you really need to take so much?" He grumbled and Twilight gave him a look telling him to stop complaining.

"The more blood I have the faster I can do the tests and the faster you get back to your family so hush." She took the tubes full of his blood and moved towards her chemistry set. She put them all in an organized row and placed labels over each.

Discord sighed and decided he might as well do something in the time he was going to be there.

He moved next to her and mumbled,

"What can I do to help?"

Twilight jumped at his voice, surprised that he was being so calm. Or maybe that was just a ploy? She hummed in thought then shook her head.

"Sorry Discord, but there's really nothing you can do now. Except wait and answer my questions honestly. I'm also going to send a letter to Princess Celestia to see if she has more knowledge on illnesses that affect immortals…"

She finished scribbling the note and rolled it up before turning and calling,

"Dusks! Can you come to the library for a minute?"

It didn't take long for the alicorn to trot into the library, however he froze when he saw Discord standing there and his face flushed a deep red.

"Oh…h-hi Uncle D-Discord…I didn't know you were…um…you needed me mom?" He stuttered and Discord wondered why the colt was so nervous around him?

Then he remembered and his eyes narrowed at the boy.

"We can discuss you going after my daughter later…be sure to tell little cheeseball the same thing…right now I don't have the time…"

Twilight looked between Discord and her son confused. Then she giggled and grinned at her son.

"Finally summed up the courage son?"

Dusks turned a deeper shade of red and swallowed.

"You said you needed me mom…" He muttered, getting his mom back to the present situation. She shook her head and moved the letter towards him.

"Please fly this down to your Uncle Spike and ask him to send it to the princess. It's very important that you get this to him as fast as you can."

"Sure, but why the sudden rush mom? Couldn't you have Wind Chime…"

"No. Normal air mail would take too long…Dusks…" She walked him to the library door, her wing draped over him as she whispered.

"Your Uncle Discord is very sick and we need to figure out what's wrong with him before it gets worse."

Dusks' eyes widened as he glanced at his favorite uncle and frowned. He turned back to his mom and then saluted her, which made him look more like his father in that moment.

"I'll get the letter to Uncle Spike before you know it and…Uncle Discord…" He turned to look at Discord, who turned to raise his eyebrow at the colt.

"I…I…I promise I'll do everything to help you get better. We…we can't lose you again…" With that he turned and galloped out of the castle.

Discord stared after the boy and sighed. He looked at Twilight and grinned,

"You got a good kid there princess. He'll make a fine ruler someday…He's got his mother's heart."

Twilight smiled after her son and nodded.

"He is a sweet thing…Discord, you should know that…Dusk has had a crush on your daughter since the day they met. He told me that she was an angel that was to be worshipped by everypony."

Discord started at this and looked at Twilight.

"They were three…"

"I know…He loves her Discord. If it turns out that she feels the same…he would never hurt her. You wouldn't have to worry about her heart with him. I believe the same can be said for little Cheese Pie." She turned back to her tests and began mixing the ingredients she needed.

Discord thought about what she had said and remembered the times his daughter and her friends had been together. The three were inseparable, maybe even more so than the girls were.

Those two colts followed Flitter around and he recognized the looks in their eyes, he had just wanted to deny it. They were both smitten with his little girl and she was growing up faster each day.

He supposed he couldn't actually keep her from the two colts. They really did care for Flitter and the way that they treated each other reminded him a lot of when he had met Fluttershy.

He realized it was only a matter of time before she was completely out of his grasp and a full grown mare. She couldn't stay his little girl forever and he couldn't fight that fact.

He sighed and lowered his head,

"Doesn't mean I have to like it though…" He muttered.

Dusk had dropped off the letter, explaining quickly to his Uncle Spike and Aunt Applejack the problem. Then he raced back to Ponyville, heading to Sugar Cube Corner, Flitter would need them right now.

He ran it, quickly saying hi to his Aunt Pinkie as he ran into the kitchen to find Cheese.

The colt was baking with a tall chef's hat on his head as he pulled out another batch of cupcakes.

When he sensed DL behind him he turned to see the alicorn huffing from the rush.

"DL? What's wrong? You look like you've raced all over town."

"No…just to….Sweet…Apple…" Dusk was still trying to get breath in so Cheese ran and got him a glass of lemonade. Dusk chugged the whole thing and gasped, but then sighed and smiled.

"Thanks. We have to go see Flitter right now, she needs us." Dusk said and Cheese blushed before turning back to his baking.

"Oh…um…why don't you go without me? I have to stay and help mom…" He muttered and Dusk gave him a strange look.

"I'm sure she'll let you go for this. It's important Cheese, Uncle Discord is sick."

"What!" The shout caused them both to turn and see Pinkie standing in the doorway.

"Dissy is sick! Cheese you go with Dusk. I have to go find your father and start preparing a 'Get Well Soon' party!"

"No Aunt Pinkie wait!" Dusk shouted, trying to explain, but it was too late as the pink mare raced out the shop.

Dusk groaned, knowing that Uncle Discord would be twice as annoyed that he had accidentally sent the last mare he'd want pestering him right now.

"Come on Cheese…we should head to Flitter now."

Cheese swallowed and nodded. He sighed and put his hoof on Dusk's shoulder first.

"Wait DL, there's something you should know first."

Dusk stopped and looked back at his friend confused. Cheese took a deep breath and puffed out his chest, standing at his full height. Which was still shorter than Dusk, since he was an alicorn.

"I-I know that we've talked about this between us for a while now…so I don't want to keep secrets from you. I-I…I KISSED FLITTER!" He shouted as his face flushed bright.

Dusk's mouth fell open and then it started to twitch as he tried not to laugh. He lightly punched his friend in the shoulder.

"Hey, way to finally get the guts kid…But…you're a bit late. I kissed her on her birthday, I didn't get a chance to tell you as I was too embarrassed to leave the castle much after."

The two colts stared each other down and then broke down laughing.

"Oh man! Flitter must think we're both crazy right now! We should get there soon, she shouldn't be without her back up duo!" Cheese smiled and Dusk laughed, nodding as the two ran out of the shop heading for the Chaos Castle.

As they were galloping through the streets Dusk looked over at Cheese and asked,

"So what gave you the guts to finally go for it?"

Cheese grinned and answered,

"My dad. I asked him for advice and he told me to trust my guts and to go for it. He only had one piece of advice that he said I shouldn't ignore."

"What's that?"

"Don't let Uncle Discord catch me."

Dusk started laughing and shouted through his laughter.

"I guess great minds think alike. Dad told me the same thing when I asked him for advice."

The two laughed together as they reached the protected path leading to Flitterbee.

Flitter paced around her room and tried to figure out what she had done.

"I had to be me. It's no coincidence that I made a stupid wish to have my dad's magic and poof! Next day his is gone. Still how can I know for sure if I can't even get the magic to work?" She sighed.

She looked around her room, trying to find something she could test it on. She settled on one of her collection dolls. She picked up the diamond dog and glared at it.

She pointed her hoof at it and whispered,

"Um…I-I…I the princess of chaos command you to speak!" The doll flopped over and she face hoofed herself.

"Really Flitter? That's what you try first? You're so lame…" She muttered to herself and laid down on her stomach, staring at the doll.

There had to be a trick to it. Kibou and dad always snapped their fingers to channel the magic.

She stared down at her hoof and grumbled,

"Well that doesn't help me much…but maybe…" She looked back at her long tail.

She had always been able to maneuver it differently from other ponies and she wondered if it would work as her form of snapping.

She focused on the doll again and stood up.

"Okay…here it goes…speak dog!" She flicked her tail so fast it made a small crack sound and there was a small yellow flash that surrounded the doll.

The diamond dog stood up and howled. Flitter covered her ears and clenched her teeth. She flicked her tail again to stop the dog, but it did nothing.

Instead the dog began to run around her room, knocking things off shelves as it jumped around. Flitter gasped and launched herself at the stuffed toy. She struggled to keep it quiet as a small knock sounded at her door.

"Flitterbee? Sweetie, is everything okay in there?' Her mother called.

"Yes mom! I'm just trying to keep my mind off…dad and his…magic…keep still you little…"
She had her whole body on top of the struggling doll as she covered its mouth.

"Okay…well, if you need anything I'll be in the kitchen."

The dog took its chance and howled once more, only this time it also shouted,

"Your mother was a Salamander!"

Flitter gasped and gritted her teeth in fury.

"What? Flitter did you say something?" He mother said through the door again and she saw the knob turning. In a panic she flicked her tail again and a bright yellow light surrounded her and the doll.

Fluttershy came in to see a small table with Flitter, her dolls (now lifeless thank Celestia), and Kirby all having a tea party.

Fluttershy stopped, completely confused at what her daughter was doing. Tea parties were not something she would ever see Flitter partaking in, even when she was a small filly.

"Uh…what?" Was all she could ask as she met her daughter's almost equally confused look. Then Flitter smiled and hid under the long hat sitting on her head.

"Oh you know me mom…always have to do something unexpected."

Fluttershy hummed in thought, but decided not to question it and turned to leave her daughter to…whatever it was she was doing.

"Okay…I'm going to make some tea. I'm also going to start on dinner okay honey."

Flitter sighed in relief as she took off the hat and flung it away from her. That had not been what she had intended at all, but it had worked thankfully.

There was more to this chaos magic than she thought. Without the proper training she'd never control it.

She shook her head. That wasn't what was important right now! She now knew that it was her that had taken her father's magic. However…didn't Queen Titania say it would only last for twenty four hours?

Flitter smiled suddenly and sighed in relief again. That meant that by tomorrow morning her dad would be back to normal and no one would know what had happened. So…

"So I might as well enjoy this." She whispered and looked around before sneaking to the window in her room.

She lifted the window sill and flew out, smiling to herself. She wondered where she should go to use her newfound magic. She didn't want to chance hurting another pony with her lack of control.

She was so caught up in her thinking that she didn't notice the shimmer until it was too late. She ran face first into the barrier surrounding her home. She looked around and growled.

She should have known that Kibou would put the barrier up once there was even a hint of danger.

She landed on the ground and walked along the edge, trying to find a way through. No such luck, the barrier was solid and she didn't want to alert Kibou so she didn't attempt to pass through.

"Flitter!"

Her head shot up as she heard them calling her. She smiled as she saw DL and Cheese running towards her. She remembered to warm them just in time, before they ran into the barrier.

She walked up to them and smiled,

"Dusk, Cheese…you guys don't know how happy I am to see you."

Dusk smiled back and said,

"We know what's going on with Uncle Discord and figured that you would need some company. Any chance we could go to Sugar Cube Corner and talk?"

Flitter looked back at the house and bit her bottom lip. She knew the answer to that question, but she had so much to tell her best friends and she didn't want to chance either her mom or Kib hearing her.

She turned and examined the barrier again. She just hoped that what she planned worked, if not she would tell Kibou that it was just DL and Cheese trying to get inside.

"Okay but…um…close your eyes for a sec and don't ask why…I'll tell you once we're heading to Ponyville."

The two tilted their heads in confusion, but did what she asked. She closed her own eyes and tried to imagine her father's words. She had sometimes sat near when he was training Kibou on control.

Chaos magic is far different from other magic. It will do what it wants if you can't learn to control it. It is almost like a living thing itself that you have to keep a leash on or it will run wild.

The trick is to be absolute in your resolve, know what you want and focus all your energy on it until you feel your magic flow.

Flitter frowned as that still didn't make much sense to her. She took in a deep breath and tried to do as she remembered Kibou doing.

She focused on the barrier and imagined passing through it. She took a couple steps forward and then slowly opened her eyes.

She gasped when she looked back at the barrier and realized she had passed through it, just as she wanted. Her face broke into a bright smile as she hopped around her friends and then tapped each so they would open their eyes.

Dusk's mouth fell open as he stared between her and the barrier. She shook her head and whispered,

"I'll explain later. Come on guys there's so much I have to tell you."

The three of them left and headed for the protected path. Cheese looked back and stopped a frown on his face.

Flitter and Dusk stopped and turned to look at the spot Cheese was staring at.

"What's wrong Cheese?" Flitter whispered, trying to see what Cheese had.

He shook his head and shrugged,

"I thought I saw something in the tree line, but it must have been one of Aunt Fluttershy's animals or something…"

The three looked back at the spot and Flitter got this strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. It was a shiver that started from the tips of her hooves to her hair line.

"It was probably nothing…come on, before Kibou realizes I'm leaving." She whispered and continued away from her home, both colts turned and followed her.

She couldn't help glancing back once more and swore she saw something fly into the trees. Something that was too large to be a bird…

It has to just be a creature of the Everfree…at least it can't get into the castle…

Kibou paced around the living room, waiting for some kind of sign as to what was happening. His gut was telling him that this couldn't be some strange illness. He had spent years studying with his aunt and had never come across any such disease.

One that affects chaos magic? Then why didn't it take his too?

No, this was something else and he had to find out what before it was too late. He couldn't risk anything happening to his family again.

But, without a clue as to what was happening…

"There has to be some kind of explanation as to what is happening. Think Kibou, think…"

He sighed and hung his head. There was nothing he could do to stop this and it was scaring him.

He felt a gentle hoof run through his mane and looked over to see his mom smiling at him. He returned her small smile with one of his own.

"It's going to be okay sweetie. Your father has pulled through worse things."

"I'm scared mom. What if this is because of what Morgana did to him or another attack from…"
"Shh…It's going to be alright. I know that this is really scary honey and you're worried about your dad. We all are, but we just have to trust him and your Aunt Twilight to find out what's happening."

He growled in frustration and began to pace again.

"But I should be helping! I should be there trying to figure this out with them! I should…"

She placed her hoof on his shoulder to stop his tirade again. She was looking at him with her large teal eyes full of understanding.

"Then who would be here with me and Flitter? You are helping Kibou. In the biggest way you can. You are here protecting me and Flitter. If this was a personal attack on your dad, then it's very important that you stay here with us. That way your father and aunt can focus solely on getting his magic back."

He sighed again, knowing she was right. It was why he hadn't gone off with them in the first place. He had to stay here to protect his family. That didn't make it any easier not knowing what was happening.

Things were just starting to get back to normal.

"I know honey. I was hoping things would settle back down too." His mother whispered and he chuckled and nuzzled her.

"How do you read my mind mom?"

She giggled and returned his affection before turning back to the kitchen.

"It's my job to know what my family is feeling. How else would I know when one of you are getting into trouble?"

Kibou chuckled again as his mother disappeared into the kitchen. He sighed and went to the window to stare out at the forest.

He looked up at the sky and sent a silent prayer to Celestia. He felt a shiver and growled, this time in warning.

Something was trying to get through the barrier. He flashed himself outside, his hackles raised as he searched out the threat.

"Hey Squirt! Calm down, it's just me!"

His fur smoothed over and he smiled, a genuine smile this time. He flew down and grinned at his fiancée.

"Hey Storm. Sorry for the scare."

She laughed,

"Please. Like I'd ever be afraid of you. You're nothing but a fluffy mess."

He blushed, but chuckled again.

"So are you going to let me in? Or is this a bad time because you still haven't heard anything?" She asked as she looked up at him.

His smile fell as he was reminded of the situation and he sighed as he ran his claw along the barrier. Following his path was a gap in the shield, like he was unzipping it.

Storm smiled and walked through, then waited as he resealed it. He turned to stare at her and his ears fell.

"There's still no word back on dad. I don't know what to do Storm."

She stared at him for a minute and then walked closer to him and nuzzled against his chest. He sighed and sat down, wrapping his tail around them and running his snout through her rainbow mane.

"It'll be okay Kib. Uncle Discord has to pull through this. We need him too much for him not to."

She whispered against his fur and he purred in response. Having Storm near made things a lot easier to handle.

"You're right of course. Hmm, come on Stormy. Mom's started making tea." He smiled and walked towards his home.

He turned to say something,

"Hey Storm can you-oof" He fell backwards as something heavy slammed against his head.

He lay there groaning and opened his eyes just enough to see Storm standing above him with a sardonic grin on her face.

"S-Storm?" He whispered as his surroundings started to fade into blackness. She chuckled and leaned close to his snout as she whispered.

"You're an even bigger fool than your sister not to see through me."

He growled, but it sounded weak even to his own ears as his vision faded more.

"Don't…you…dare…I…won't let…you hurt…them…" He muttered as his vision faded completely and he lay there unconscious.

The imposter smiled and stared up as the sky, watching as the barrier fell from around the castle.

"It's time my queen. Soon it will all be ours."

Fluttershy hummed to herself in order to distract her mind from Discord. She had hoped to hear something from Twilight by now.

True it had only been a few hours, but she was impatient to see him again. To ensure herself that he was alright.

She sighed and took her cup of tea and sat on one of the kitchen stools. She sipped at her tea, not really paying attention to it as she thought of what was happening.

Just when things looked like they were getting back to normal…or as normal as her house ever was…

"Discord…please be okay." She whispered.

Her ears perked as she heard someone moving about the living room. Then she heard a crash and jumped off her stool moving towards the room. She looked around the empty room and frowned.

"Kibou? Flitter? Kids is everything alright in here?"

"Not for you."

She gasped and turned just as she was hit upside the head and knocked to the floor. She felt herself fading in and out of consciousness.

Through the fog clouding her mind she saw two figures talking to each other and caught bits of their words.

"That takes care of them…the girl…"

"She's…here…"

"Find her! Queen…won't like…have…find her…"

"Flitterbee…run…" She whispered as her eyes closed once more.

Discord…

Chapter Eight

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Nine

Fluttershy screamed again as the green aura surrounded her. She had never felt such pain before. When it subsided once more she collapsed to the ground. Coughing she glanced up to see Chrysalis smiling in satisfaction.

Fluttershy looked back at Kibou and forced herself to her hooves once more.

"My, I'm surprised that you are able to still stand after that last one. I'm almost tempted to see how far you can go…but personal fun will have to wait." She chuckled and turned to look at the door.

She frowned as she waited and then hissed and turned to glare at Fluttershy.

"Seems I may have to increase the power anyways. I need him and the others to arrive or there is no point in all this."

Fluttershy coughed again and was horrified to see she had coughed up a small amount of blood.

I won't last much longer like this. Still I have to protect Kibou…if I fall she may turn to him next.

That thought forced her to turn towards the changeling.

"Others? What are you waiting for Chrysalis? Are you waiting for Discord to come here and to take your bait?"

The queen turned at the questions and snorted.

"He is merely needed to be dispense with right away. No…the ones I need are much more important to my plan."

"Which is what exactly? So far as I can see you don't have one!" Fluttershy hissed and then howled in pain as the green aura engulfed her once more.

This time twice as intense as the others. Her eyes welled with tears and she couldn't hold back the scream of pain.

"There is no need to speak of my plans with you. You will know your part when the time comes."

Fluttershy looked down at her son. He looked so peaceful in his sleep, completely unaware of what was going on around him. She felt her heart constrict at the thought of harm coming to him and his sister.

I only have one more chance at this…without his magic…there's no guarantee that Discord can win…I have to protect them…it's what he would want me to do too…

"Fine…you win…just…please Chrysalis…" Fluttershy's soft voice caught the queen's attention again.

She turned to see the mare leaning down and nuzzling the sleeping draconequus. This made the queen frown as she turned to face the pegasus completely.

Fluttershy lifted her face up to meet the changeling's eyes. Her own were filled with tears, but not of pain like before.

"Please…don't hurt my children…do what you must to me…just leave my babies alone…"

Chrysalis watched as the pony leaned down and rested her head against her son's and cried gently against his fur. Any other creature would have been moved by such a display, but Chrysalis?

Fluttershy looked up again as the changeling queen began to laugh.

"What kind of fool do you take me for? If I let that thing live he will stop at nothing until all my plans have been for not!"

Fluttershy shook her head and began to plead with the queen.

"No! No he won't! I'll make him promise to never fight you! He will not go against you so long as you let him and Flitterbee live! Please, I give you my word that he will not fight you."

"Hmph…your word means nothing to me. Besides…I cannot allow either of the Chaos Children to live. Their powers will be more than my army can handle, even after I obtain the…" Chrysalis cut herself off and glared down at Fluttershy. However Fluttershy had caught enough to start putting the pieces together.

"Both their powers? Flitter doesn't have magic…not on her own…unless…" Her eyes widened in realization and she looked up to see Chrysalis' eyes flashing in anger.

"You're going after the-"

Fluttershy screamed again in pain and fell to the floor next to her son. Her vision now began to fade again and she felt her breathing begin to shallow. Her body was taking too much abuse and she felt that…soon she would fall into an eternal sleep.

Discord…please…you have to find Flitter before it is too late. Take her and Kibou far away from here where you'll all be safe…

"This isn't right." Dusk mumbled for the tenth time as he walked around his room.

Cheese was sitting on the floor watching the alicorn pace. He sighed and shook his head.

"I know it's bugging you DL. Something is telling me that there's more to this than the adults are telling us too."

Dusk shook his head in frustration.

"It's not that! We should have gone after her! What if Flitter is in real trouble? We should have gone after her to make sure she's okay ourselves. If anything happens to her…" He stopped and sat down with his ears back.

Cheese also drooped a bit at the reminder that something could have happened. But he shook it off and smiled at Dusk.

"Everything's fine! Remember this is Flitterbee we're talking about! She's amazing and can handle anything thrown at her. I'm sure she'll be fine until Uncle Spike finds her."

This made DL smile as well and he sighed as he fell back to lie on his side.

"She does have this amazing habit of getting into trouble doesn't she?" He asked and Cheese laughed as he lay down as well.

"She sure is the daughter of Discord in that fact. Trouble follows her around like a faithful pet."

"Hmm…but even so…she handles it with the grace of Aunt Fluttershy." Dusk mused and Cheese nodded in agreement.

The two colts fell into silence after that, both thinking of their friend and silently worrying about her. Cheese broke the silence by chuckling and looking over to Dusk.

"Even with all the trouble she causes…and all the stress she'll cause as she gets older…I'm still willing to stick by her side through it all."

Dusk looked over at his friend and recognized that spark shining in his blue irises. He chuckled and sat up.

"Me too. I made a vow to someday make that mare my bride…and that means sticking with her through everything! Good and bad!"

He jumped up as he realized what he had to do.

"What are we doing here!? We should be out there looking for her right now! She needs us by her side!"

Cheese nodded and rose up as well. He grinned,

"Besides, you can't split up the Terrible Trio." He held out his hoof and DL smiled and placed his own on top of it.

"Friends forever. Come on, we have to sneak out without dad-" He stopped as a loud crash rang through the halls.

Dusk sighed and walked to the door.

"Wind Chime must have run into something again. That mare is so…" He stopped as he opened the door and heard shouts from below.

"That sounds like dad? Come on Cheese, let's see what's going on."

The two trotted down the hallway. They were reaching the front of the castle when Wind Chime came around the corner and blocked their paths.

She was holding Shining Star in her foreleg and was panting heavily.

"Prince Dusk, CheesePie! Quickly, come with me."

"Wait. What's going on? Where's my dad?" Dusk asked as Wind Chime ushered them in the opposite direction.

"I will explain on the way sir. But for now I have instructions to get you foals out of the castle."

"But I don't under-" Dusk was cut off as he heard his mom calling to him.

"Dusk! Come here! That mare is a fake!"

Dusk looked up at the unicorn holding his sister. She looked down at him worried and whispered,

"Don't believe her. I know that looks like your mother, but she-"

"Dusk, Cheese get away from her now!" Flash Sentry shouted, coming to join his wife's side. Dusk looked between his parents and the mare next to him. Unsure of who he should trust. Wind Chime saw him faltering and so handed baby Star to Cheese and stood between the other ponies and the foals.

"Run! Now! Get as far from here as you can!" She fired her magic at his parents and Dusk shouted, afraid to see his family hurt.

His mother put up a shield and fired her own shot of magic, which in turn hit a shield from Wind Chime.

"Mom, dad! What's going on? Why are you all fighting?" He asked as he watched the adults in their standoff.

Wind Chime turned to glare back at him and shouted once more.

"They aren't your parents! No matter how they look and sound just like them! They're changelings come to take you and Cheese! Now run before they succeed!"

"Don't listen to her Dusk! She's the changeling! She attacked me and your father and now she's leading you to a trap."

Dusk closed his eyes as he struggled with who to believe. He felt terror rise inside him as he tried to figure out what was happening.

"Dusk…" Wind Chime whispered, getting his attention once more. He looked up at the mare and was surprised to see her smiling.

"It doesn't matter who you believe. Just take your sister and Cheese, then run as far and as fast as you can."

His eyes widened and in that moment he knew she had to be the real thing. He looked over to his parents, to see them growing angrier.

He had never seen such fury blazing in his mother's eyes and it actually scared him. He turned to Cheese and nodded.

"Let's go…I can lead us to the emergency exit."

"No! Dusk please don't!"

"Enough! Run now, I'll hold them off as long as I can while you get away."

Dusk and Cheese turned away from the fight and baegan to gallop down the hallway.

Dusk took Star from Cheese and used his magic to keep her safely on his back.

They heard shouting coming from behind them.

"After them! We can't fail our queen!"

This made the two colts gallop faster towards the hidden exit. But as they neared the final turn they were forced to stop. Their path was once more blocked. This time by several more changelings, all grinning at them.

"Come here quietly and nothing will happen boys. We just need to have a friendly talk with your mommies."

Cheese moved closer to Dusk and whispered,

"What do we do now?"

Dusk looked at the small group of changelings in front of him and got into a fighting position.

"We do what Flitter would do."

Cheese looked at the group and grinned.

"Time to cause some trouble."

Chrysalis was growing impatient with waiting. The mare had passed out and so she couldn't continue with her torture.

Despite her threats, she couldn't afford the mare to die just yet. She needed her for the rest of her plan. By now her captain should have dealt with that filly and the rest of her swarm would be capturing the other pieces.

However…one variable had yet to show up. She had been sure that Discord would have stormed into the place by now. The fact that he had not was very troublesome.

She had sent one of her soldiers to bring him here over an hour ago. So the delay meant that something had gone wrong and Discord was not aware of his wife's position.

Chrysalis growled in irritation and began to pace as she tried to think of a back-up plan in case there was opposition.

"Your majesty!"

She turned at the voice and frowned. It was the soldier she had just been pondering on.

"What happened!? Where is he?" She demanded and the changeling swallowed nervously. He stuttered for a minute.

"H-he w-wasn't there…but…but some of the others have returned and brought with them their targets."

Chrysalis frowned, it was a relief to hear that part of the plan was going smoothly. However, Discord was a loose thread that she had to cut immediately.

She looked out the window and growled again. If it turned out that the brat had gotten away again…

"We need to speed things along much faster than this. Send several troops to find the remaining bearers and lead them here. Hurry!" She shouted the last part suddenly, making the creature jump and take off to follow her orders.

Chrysalis turned to the window once more and glared at the colors spreading across the sky, indicating that evening was setting in.

"Time's running out. You better not have failed me again captain."

Flitter screamed as another bolt of magic shot past her and this time it caught her wing. She fell to the ground as her feathers were singed so bad that they couldn't support her weight.

She moaned as she struggled back to her feet. She gasped as a heavy weight fell on top of her and forced her back to the ground.

"Captain! We've got her!" The changeling holding her down shouted.

Flitterbee struggled against the beast holding her, even trying to tap into her magic. Silently cursing the fact that nothing was happening.

Why doesn't this stupid magic do what I want it to!?

Probably because it's not your magic genius…

Flitter gritted her teeth and pulled all the years of experience wrestling with her older, and much bigger brother.

She bucked her back as hard as she could and managed to fling the changeling off her. She tried to jump away and take off once more, but she didn't manage to get far.

This time three changelings leapt on her to hold her down. The biggest of the group stepped forward and glared at the others.

"Got her this time?" He asked sarcastically and the others growled in response.

The captain looked down and grinned.

"We've got you this time girlie. No one around to hear you scream."

"That's what you think!"

The captain was slapped away by a long, slender tail. The other changelings turned just as they were grabbed and thrown from her body. The only thing that reached her ears was the sound of their bodies hitting the surrounding trees.

A welcome and familiar body crouched over her as he growled at the enemy.

"Daddy…" She whispered as tears filled her eyes. He glanced down at her and gave her a quick smile before turning back to the threat.

The changelings were gaining their footing as they turned to face Discord. The captain's eyes widened as he took in the draconequus.

"Well, seems that this will be more of a challenge than I had planned. You were supposed to go to the queen."

Discord growled low again as his hackles raised and he bared his teeth at the changeling.

"Trust me. After I deal with you flies…she's next."

He lowered his head closer to Flitter and whispered,

"Baby…I want you to stay down. Don't move unless one of these creatures gets too close. Understand me?"

She nodded and he smiled,

"That's my girl. One more thing, if by chance you start to feel my magic act up…warn me first to duck."

Flitterbee's eyes widened as she looked up at her father and he continued to smile softly at her.

"It didn't take me long to figure it out when I was tracking you through the forest. I may not have my magic, but I recognize it anywhere."

He turned suddenly, cutting off his explanation as he grabbed a changeling by its throat and tossed it away from them.

It seems that the group had taken the time he was talking to her and tried to surround him. However, he was about to prove what he had told Twilight.

"Like I said…" He growled,

"I don't need magic to protect those I love."

Flitter crouched down further under her father. All she could do was watch as he fought off the six changelings at once by himself.

Discord however wasn't worried at the moment. They seemed more intent on fighting him with brute strength than magic. However, he would have to keep an eye out for when they figured he could easily over power them.

Unlike with Morgana, his life force had not been drained with his magic. So he still had his natural size and speed on his side.

He whipped his tail to the side, effectively knocking the two at his backside away. While at the same time he slashed out at the four in front of him.

He snarled as one avoided his claws and leapt onto his back, digging its fangs into his fur. Not wanting to move from his spot above Flitter and thus exposing her to the danger; he whipped his head around and latched his jaws on the thing's tail.

He tossed it as hard as he could, happy when it crashed into another changeling and the two stayed down.

That only left four more. He growled again at the others as they moved in front of him. He wondered why they were huddling so close and tried to figure out what their next move was.

The biggest growled something too fast for his ears to catch and without warning they all fired their magic at him.

There was no time to think, so Discord did what his instincts told him and he shielded Flitter completely with his body.

The force of the blast threw him away from her and he crashed through a tree before rolling to a stop. He groaned as pain rocketed through his body. He tried to stand and growled as his limbs protested.

"Daddy!" Flitter shouted as she ran to his side and tried to help him stand. Discord looked back to the changelings and noticed them building another blast between them. This one was strong enough to kill anything in its way.

"Flitter run!"

"No, I can't just leave you! This is my fault and I need to-"

"Flitter! For once, forget you're my daughter and do as you're told!"

He looked over, the blast was already reaching its peak.

"Now Flitterbee!"

Discord growled and used his remaining strength to stand over Flitter once more.

"Run Flitter…I will keep them busy. Go to your Aunt Twilight and get help."

Flitter looked up at her father to see tears falling down his cheeks as he whispered,

"I'm sorry…I'm so sorry Fluttershy…"

Discord looked down at his daughter and smiled,

"Go now…before it's too late…"

"It already is too late! Say your goodbyes!" Shouted the captain, and Discord turned to see them firing their magic.

"DUCK NOW!"

Discord just managed to grab his girl and drop to the ground as a bright blast of magic flew from behind them to meet the changeling's magic.

The result of the two strong magical blasts connecting caused the ground to tremble and several trees to be uprooted. Discord dug all his claws into the dirt and held Flitter down with his weight to avoid being swept away in the blast.

When the earth had settled back to normal he took a chance to raise his head. He sighed in relief and grinned at the unexpected rescue.

"What took you so long? You're late to the party."

Celestia turned to smile down at them as she folded her wings.

"I will take that as a thank you…Are you two alright?" She asked and Discord raised himself up to look down at his daughter.

"You okay kiddo?" He whispered. Flitter lifted her head and nodded. He then turned to see the changelings laying on the ground, knocked unconscious by the blast from the princess' magic.

"Stay here and rest for a minute sweetie." He said as he turned to the princess.

Discord grimaced as he forced himself to his feet, grateful that nothing seemed to be broken. He was only scuffed up a bit from the fight.

"I take it that you received Twilight's letter." He asked and Celestia nodded.

"From what I read, I assume a spell has been cast. There is no such disease that would target an immortal's magic. I assumed it was one of Twilight's experiments gone wrong. Now…" She looked over to the changelings and frowned,

"Now it seems that the situation is worse than I had originally thought."

Discord nodded in agreement as he turned back in the direction of his castle.

"Now to deal with the source of the problem." He growled and clenched his fists in anger.

"I have a small group of soldiers here with me, among them Prince Shining Armor. We should be able to use his shield magic again. With a boost of power from the rest of us it can repel them once more." Celestia said, but he shook his head and looked at the princess.

"You know that we are beyond that Tia. She's gone too far this time. I won't let her get away with threatening my family. It's time for new leadership among the changelings."

"Hmm perhaps you are correct…it does seem that we cannot reach any type of diplomatic solution with Chrysalis. Very well…I will help you defeat her."

"No…I will face her alone."

Celestia frowned at him and whispered so Flitterbee couldn't hear.

"Discord…you can't possibly beat her without your magic. Don't be prideful…let me help you. For old time's sake…"

This caught him off guard and he looked into the princess' eyes, remembering another time when the sight of them caused so much anger to rage inside him. Now he felt something of equal strength filling him.

Compassion…He hadn't wanted to acknowledge it before, but the two of them had finally reached a point where they could be more than enemies.

They could finally be friends.

He felt his lips lift into a small smile as he turned away.

"Fine…I could use your help with something."

She smiled and let out a small breath in relief. Then she lifted herself to her full height and whispered,

"Looks like for once…we'll be working together to save Equestria."

He snorted,

"Don't count on it happening again. It's only for Fluttershy and Kibou that I'm even allowing you to follow me."

Then he turned and lifted Flitter into his arms,

"First I have to get her somewhere she'll be safe."

He moved past Celestia and didn't catch the sparkle in her eyes as she watched him cradle the filly in his arms.

She chuckled and turned to follow, whispering under her breath.

"Of course…we wouldn't want to ruin your reputation now would we?"

She moved to walk beside him and glanced up at the sky.

"So, what exactly is your plan?" She asked.

Discord grinned,

"Plan T."

She raised her eyebrow at him, but before she could ask the filly in his arms giggled.

"Take them by storm." Flitter whispered.

Author's Note

That's chapter nine everyone! Sorry it took longer than I wanted. Lots of blocks in my way of getting it done. Seems my brain wants to take advantage of my illness and stay on vacation, but I managed to reign it in. So I hope you like the chapter, please let me know what you thought by leaving a review and I'll get started on chapter ten!

P.S. Ten points if you can tell me what the 'plan t' is a reference from!

Chapter Ten

Twilight looked up at the Chaos Castle and took a deep breath. She looked over to Rainbow,

"Are you sure you heard right?"

Rainbow nodded and glared up at the castle. Pure fury radiating from her every pore.

"Yes. It was definitely Fluttershy screaming in pain. I would have rushed in to get her, but the place was swarming with changelings."

Twilight frowned at this and looked around at the barren yard. Not a single creature was stirring and it gave her pause.

Apparently Applejack was thinking the same thing.

"If this place was crawling with enemies before…where did they all go?"

The two mares turned to Rainbow who shrugged.

"I left to get you girls right away so I don't have any clue as to what happened. But we can't sit outside chatting about it all day."

"You're most certainly right Rainbow." Rarity spoke up as she moved forward and pointed towards the castle.

"We should just be grateful that at this moment we can easily get in. Chrysalis is no doubt expecting us."

"Which is exactly why we're staying out here. We have to fully assess the situation and gather all the information we can. This is the best course of action to take down the changelings."

Twilight interjected with Rarity and Applejack nodding while Rainbow sighed.

"Okay…I get needing information…but then why in Celestia's name did you send Pinkie!?"

As soon as the group had made it to the castle Twilight had sent Pinkie to do surveillance, much to the surprise of the others. Pinkie was the best at going unnoticed in odd situations. The only creature better at it than the pink mare was currently out of commission.

"She has an unnatural ability at stealth, so she was the most logical choice."

"Logic should never be mentioned around my home." A deep voice growled from behind them, causing them all to jump and turn.

"Discord!" Twilight hissed, annoyed that he had startled them.

"What are you all doing here? You have to leave now!" Discord growled back, glaring at Twilight.

"No way partner! There's no way in Tartarus that we would abandon Flutters in a crisis like this." Applejack said and Discord turned his glare on her.

"You idiots are playing right into Chrysalis' plan. You have to leave now! Before you ruin everything."

This gave the mares pause. Twilight looked around confused and suddenly things were starting to make sense.

"It's a trap. That's why there aren't any guards around. They knew we would come…but how did you?"

"I intercepted one of Chrysalis' soldiers. He was being sent to bring you all here. Seems that was pointless as you are here anyways. Look, I don't have time to explain. The five of you…one-two-three…where's Pinkie?"

His eyes widened and he slapped his face in frustration.

"You didn't…please tell me Miss 'I'm smarter than all of you' didn't send her alone!"

Twilight glared back and held her head high.

"You should have more faith in her Discord, Pinkie is very capable-"

"How long?"

"What?" Twilight paused, having been caught off guard by Discord's tone.

"How long has she been gone?" He asked again and the girls all looked between one another worried.

Discord growled deeper and moved past them and looked up at his home.

"She's already been taken then…the rest of you have to get out of here before they get you too. We can't risk her getting all of you. She may already have two."

Twilight stepped up next to Discord and frowned.

"Why does it sound like you know more than you're letting on? Discord…What aren't you telling me?"

"Nothing…but this is something that I have to do alone. Go home, see to the safety of your families. No doubt Chrysalis will target them same as she did with mine."

Rarity stepped forward, obviously confused by that last statement.

"Wait a minute darling. I thought Chrysalis targeted you because of your magic? Isn't she trying to gain more power through you?"

He sighed and looked back at his friends. They could see him hesitate in what he was about to tell them. However it was Twilight that provided the answers, finally seeing what this was all about.

"No. I think she was just starting with his magic. To take down a strong defense on our side. Why else would she immediately go for Kibou after? Think about it girls.

"She's not doing all this to cause us pain and misery. This is not a personal vendetta like I originally thought. She's taking down the strongest players first in order to make the rest easier to deal with…she's actually thinking this time."

Discord looked down at Twilight and nodded.

"So you understand now? What's really at stake?"

Twilight sighed and nodded reluctantly. Then she glared up at him again.

"We'll come with you. We just need to come up with a new plan."

"Twilight-"

"No. No arguing this time mister. You won't be doing this alone like Morgana." Twilight interrupted and he groaned.

She lifted her hoof and placed it over his paw.

"We're family Discord. That means we face challenges together."

"It's because we're family that I can't risk you being here. Twilight, please…" He said as he stared at her with pleading eyes.

Twilight hesitated again, not used to seeing this side of the draconequus even after all these years. She sighed and shook her head,

"We can't let you do this on your own Discord. You have to learn to let others help you. You're always running off on your own in dangerous situations and it only lands you into more trouble."

He opened his mouth to protest and it was Applejack that came up to him and placed her hoof over his mouth.

"No more wasting time with words. Ya can't change our minds. We're with ya to the end partner!"

"Yeah! Come on! Let's go kick some changeling flank!" Rainbow shouted from his other side.

Discord looked at the determined faces of all the mares and shook his head, smiling.

"I think that you've all been hanging around me too much. You are turning out to be just as reckless as I am."

They only smiled brighter at him and turned to face the castle, ready in battle position.

"So what's the plan? Or do you even have one?" Twilight asked, making Discord grin wider.

"Do I ever?"

Flitterbee crouched low as she crawled through the low brush. If she was caught it would be all over. Her father would be so angry to know she had disobeyed him again.

'Don't leave this spot young lady.'

He had said as he set her inside one of the tents. She had argued and protested greatly with him. Begging him to take her along, she didn't want to sit by and do nothing while her family was in danger.

However, as usual, her father hadn't listened and insisted that she stay in the camp where it would be safer. She had to admit that she had been surprised to see how many soldiers Princess Celestia had brought along.

"I have to make it back home."

It had only been an hour after he had left her when she'd had enough. She had been wandering around the tent in frustration and had eventually decided to leave and explore the camp grounds.

While walking she had looked towards home and realized what she had to do. She couldn't sit and wait. She had to be there by their sides in the fight, after all this was all her fault.

"I have to be there when this all happens. If I'm right, that queen is counting on defeating dad before her spell runs out."

She looked up at the sky and noted the changing colors. There was only a few more hours before the spell would run out and the chaos magic would return to its proper owner.

"But if dad tries to fight her before that time…I have to make it!"

She began to gallop towards her home, praying that she could reach it in time. She had to set things right and fix the mistakes she's made.

The castle began to come into view and she put more energy into reaching it in time.

"I can make it! I'm coming everyone! I'll show that changeling that you can't mess with this mare's family!"

Flitterbee skidded to a halt as she saw a group of changelings coming into view. She tucked behind a bush and slowly peeked her head over to see.

Luckily the group hadn't noticed her as they were preoccupied with something else. Flitter watched as several struggled with what they were carrying on their backs.

"Careful you fools! We can't let too much harm come to these foals."

"Oh what does it matter? The queen is going to dispose of them once we've gotten what we came for anyways." One griped as he tried to readjust what he was carrying.

The head of the group glared back at the two arguing, frustrated at the delay. During their hestitation, Flitter took a closer look at what they were carrying.

"DL! Cheese!" She gasped as she recognized her friends lying unconscious on the creatures' backs.

Anger began to rise inside her and she felt that strange energy fill her being once more. She walked out of her hiding place and the changelings turned at the noise.

Their eyes widened at the sight of the glowing pony. Flitter was once more encased in a soft yellow aura and her red pupils were glowing.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll let them go…NOW!" She shouted and the ground shook with her anger.

The changelings backed up worried and turned to the leader of the group for advice. He swallowed and looked just as terrified as the others in the face of the angry mare.

"I said…Let them go!"

A shot of yellow energy flew through the air and hit the changeling carrying Cheese on his back. The changeling writhed in pain in the air for a minute before he was encased in a bubble.

Despite his attempts, he couldn't burst through it. The remaining changelings looked from their comrade back to the pony and panicked.

The leader turned tail and ran, shouting over his shoulder.

"Forget this! First that blast in Canterlot and now this psycho pony! I'm out of here, the queen can finish this crazy plan on her own."

The ones still standing their gaping turned to look back at Flitter and found her directly in front of them. She gave them a wicked smile, her eyes glowing brighter. And then…

"Run." She whispered and they screamed, dropped their loads and took off as well. Flitter caught the small bundle before it hit the ground.

"Hey there little one…how are you sleeping through all this?" She asked with a smile as she looked down at young Shining Star.

"You cowards! Come back here and help me! You'll pay for your treachery!" The changeling continued to shout insults at the fleeing changelings before they disappeared from sight.

Flitter then moved to her friends and began to rouse them from their unconsciousness. She nudged each of their muzzles, while still cradling the foal in her foreleg.

"Come on guys. Wake up!" When they continued to lay there she sniffled and lowered her head.

"I really need you right now…" She whispered.

"Ungh…W-What…happ…"

Her head shot up as DL opened his eyes and groaned. He looked up and met her smiling face, noticing the tears in her eyes.

"Flit? What are you doing here? Where…where am I?"

He sat up more and looked around the forest. At that moment Cheese also began to stir and opened his eyes. He looked up at Flitter and smiled.

"I knew we'd find you…you can't split up the Terrible Trio."

Flitter grinned and leaned down, nuzzling her nose against his.

"Never!"

She waited as the two of them gained their footing and then handed Star over to her brother.

"Thank Flit." He whispered while watching the filly.

She nodded and then frowned.

"What happened? How were you captured by the changelings?"

Cheese sighed and looked at Dusk.

"They attacked the castle and caught us as we were trying to flee. We managed to fight a few of them off, but there were just too many."

Dusk nodded and frowned at Flitter,

"If they came for us…Then it stands to reason that they've also gone after the others too. I think their targeting the families of the Elements. Why? I don't know, but that would be my guess."

Flitterbee nodded and looked towards her home.

"I would say that's the safest bet too." She looked up and glared.

"Luckily we won't have to guess anymore."

The colts looked up to see the still caught changeling sulking in his bubble. Until he noticed Flitter glaring at him.

"What?!" He shouted. Then the bubble burst and he fell to the ground. He started to take off when a weight on his tail stopped him.

He turned and cowered down in fear. Flitter had one hoof on his tail and her eyes were once more glowing red.

"Oh no you don't…now we need answers and we'll get them."

The changeling growled and spat her.

"I'll never speak! Do your worst!"

Flitter ducked her head, hiding behind her mane. She raised her head and the changeling was surprised to see her eyes shining brightly. However not with her magic, but with a strange emotion he didn't recognize.

"Please…" Her voice had taken on a softer tone and it caught the creature off guard.

"I know that deep down, you know that what you're doing is wrong."

Dusk's and Cheese's mouths fell open. Completely confused as to what Flitter was doing.

"Attacking us and taking innocent foals hostage is not the way to get what you want…"

"How do you know what we want!? You don't know what it's like to be a changeling! So don't pretend you understand us." The changeling huffed and Flitter nodded.

"You're right. Look at me…just a plain pegasus. There's nothing special about me…especially compared to my father and brother."

"Hmph…" He snorted.

Flitter continued and as she spoke the changeling began turned back to look at her.

"But I do know what it's like to want. And to want something so badly that you'll do anything to get it. Even when doing so…ends up hurting those you love." She looked back at Cheese and DL.

Then she looked back at the changeling who was looking at her strangely. She could feel it softening and continued further.

"I wanted to have chaos magic more than anything. To be great like my father was and like my brother. But since I've gotten this magic it has done nothing but cause pain and misery to those around me…I should have realized long ago that it's just not who I am."

"This is a sweet story and all, but what does this have to do with me?" He growled. Flitter smiled sweetly at him and removed her hoof from his tail.

"You and your kind aren't cruel by nature. I know that that's not who you are on the inside. You've just been led astray by the lies and greed of one of your own."

"Don't you dare insult my queen!" The changeling growled and turned to face Flitter, baring his fangs. Flitter remained calm and sighed,

"I admire your loyalty to her, but you have to admit that all of this is crazy."

That made the changeling hesitate.

"Well…some of us don't see why we have to…What am I saying!? Get out of my head!" He placed his hooves over his ears.

Flitter reached forward and took one of his hooves in between hers. The changeling blushed slightly and its eyes widened.

"I know that you don't want to betray your queen, but she has betrayed all of you by placing you in such a dangerous situation. You don't know my father like I do…if anything happens to my brother or mother…he'll…it won't be pretty…" She whispered and that struck home for the changeling. He looked down guiltily as he confessed his doubts.

"Some of us…we…we were worried about this plan from the start. It doesn't seem like our majesty is thinking of the hive anymore. Just of her own ambitions…we…we were hoping that Black Widow…that she…" He stopped and Flitter prompted him to continue.

"Who's Black Widow?"

"The queen's daughter and heir…she's not like her mother. She cares for all of us and is always looking after our wellbeing. She…she was against this plan from the start…"

Flitter nodded and looked back at DL. He nodded as well and stepped forward,

"You know…if you help us now. We can help your clan out in return. If Black Widow inherits the throne there may finally be peace between our two nations. Your kind won't have to hide in fear, you'll be protected under our laws."

Flitter turned back to the changeling.

"Your kind survives on love right?"

The changeling nodded, confused by the question. So Flitter elaborated.

"Does it hurt when you feed on a pony's love?"

"No…most of the time they don't even notice that much. Only when you do it for too long and purposely drain their energy as well. We'd run out of food if it wasn't allowed to replenish over time. Love doesn't flourish when one is in pain…"

"Then the best thing for you and your family is to help us after all." She beamed at him. He frowned.

"Why? Why should I even trust you ponies? You could just be playing me for a fool."

Cheese moved forward and grinned,

"If we were trying to play games with you there are much better ones to choose from. Flitter is quite adequate at chess…and torture." He grinned and the changeling swallowed nervously.

Flitter laughed and put her hoof on the changeling's head,

"He's teasing you! Tell me something. What are you feeling right now?" She smiled at him. The changeling looked down frowning further. Then his eyes widened and he looked up at Flitter.

"Love…it's faint but it's there…feeding me…but…but I'm not even in a form from your family?"

"That's because it's the real you that I'm growing fond of. I've now seen your heart and I know that you and I could…if you wanted to…become friends one day."

"F-friends? You…you'd really want to…be friends…with a f-freak like me?" He asked and the colts were surprised to see tears actually forming in its insect eyes.

"Have you seen my family? We're all freaks! You'll fit right in!" She laughed and patted him on the head again.

Now they could clearly see the changeling's eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I was always told that ponies hated us…"

"Don't believe all the lies you're told." DL said with a smile.

"We're not all bad. There are some who refuse to accept those that are different, but they are few and outnumbered by the rest of us. You also have my word as a royal that I will do everything to protect you and those that stand with us against the queen."

The changeling narrowed its eyes again, but before it could protest Flitter interrupted it.

"You don't have to doubt a promise from DL. He's the most honest colt I know. When he gives you his word you can count on it with all your heart."

"Changelings don't have hearts…" It mumbled and Cheese came over and laughed, placing his hoof on the creature's chest.

"That's just crazy talk. How are you alive if you don't have a heart? All creatures have hearts, even if it's WAY down in there…like Uncle Discord and spiders!"

Dusk and Flitter laughed, knowing how Cheese was terrified of the things. The changeling looked around at the laughing ponies and could feel the love and joy filling him to the brim. He felt the corners of his mouth turn up and without realizing it, he began to laugh along with them.

"Hey Cheese! Look, you have to be the first to make a changeling laugh!" DL pointed out and it made the group laugh harder.

Flitter sighed and looked up at the sky. They hadn't been in the clearing for too long and there was still time to make it to the castle.

"We have to go. Look…hey what's your name?" She asked and it looked down.

"We…we don't have names. Only the royals are named."

"Then how do you tell each other apart?" Cheese asked and the changeling just shrugged.

"We just can."

"Hmm…well if you're going to be our friend you'll need a name." Flitter thought out loud. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Would you like me to give you one? I'm pretty good at naming my animal friends, but it's only if you want me to."

The changeling thought about it and then nodded.

"Hmm. There was this one name I read in a book…it was Delshad…it means happy heart…would…would you like that to be your name? We could call you Del for short." She asked and was surprised when the changeling smiled and nodded.

She laughed and put her hoof around his shoulder.

"Alright Del, welcome to the group of misfits that is our family. So… I know that this is asking a lot of you but…"

"Say no more! I will help you. I think it's time for a new era in our hive. One that isn't shadowed by fear and hate." Del said as he smiled. Flitter hated to admit it, but it was kind of scary to see one smiling so much.

"There's just one problem. I don't have any clue on how to get into the castle undetected." Dusk said and Flitter smiled at Del.

"Then let's go in detected." She said and winked at Del who smirked and nodded in agreement.

"Huh?" DL and Cheese said as the same time while looking at each other.

Chrysalis was growing impatient with this whole thing. Ponies could be so irritating when they put their minds to it. The Elements should have been here by now along with that pesky Lord of Chaos.

"I'm growing tired of waiting." She growled. Her anger only rising as she heard a soft chuckle coming from behind her.

The pegasus had regained consciousness and was laughing at Chrysalis.

"What's wrong Chrissy…things aren't going as you planned?" The mare chocked out and the taunting tone only flared Chrysalis' anger more. She bared her teeth and charged up her magic to strike down the pony once more.

The doors behind her burst in, blasted from the outside. The sound brought a smile back to her lips and a calmness settled over her as she smirked down at the pegasus.

"No…they are going exactly as I planned." She turned and greeted her guests. Quickly putting up a shield to protect from the magic blast aimed at her.

"Now, now…it's rude to attack your host before greeting them. Ponies have such terrible manners." She chuckled and met the eyes of possibly the angriest creature alive, who looked fit to kill.

"Discord…what a pleasant surprise. I would have thought you'd be here sooner. So disappointing. I thought you cared about them more." She glanced back at the mare and the younger draconequus lying beside her.

When Discord noticed that his son wasn't moving he snarled at the changeling.

"Kibou…I swear Chrysalis…if you've hurt him I'll-"

"You'll what? From what I understand you don't have any magic at this moment."

"But I do!" Twilight shouted and fired another, stronger blast. This time Chrysalis teleported away, knowing she couldn't shield from a blast that strong.

Chrysalis looked at the scorch marks on the wall behind her, dangerously close to the pair lying on the floor.

"Tch, tch…careful now princess. You wouldn't want to hit your friends on accident."

"Don't worry. I have excellent aim." Twilight hissed and Chrysalis smiled wider.

"Keep her busy girls…I'm going to try and revive Kibou. His magic can turn the tides in our favor." Discord whispered and the others nodded as he slithered away.

None of this escaped Chrysalis' notice and she watched the creature move towards his family. Allowing it; after all, he was no threat at the moment. She instead focused her attention on the ponies trying to surround her.

"Ah this is going to be fun." She cooed.

Discord rushed to his family, quickly dropping by Fluttershy's side.

"My darling…What has she done to you…" He whispered and he looked over her battered body. Her soft fur was scratched and frayed in so many places, her once vibrant wings now hung limply at her sides and her beautiful eyes were red from the tears she had shed.

He cupped her face gently and rested his forehead against hers, feeling tears fill his own eyes.

"I'm so sorry…I should have come here sooner but I…"

"Shh…" She whispered and smiled up at him.

"I had faith that you would come…Discord, what about Flitter?"

Discord kissed his wife's forehead and nodded,

"She's safe. I got to her before they could…with the help of a friend of course…" He turned to Kibou and shook his son's shoulder,

"Come on little hope…we need you right now kiddo…you have to wake up."

"It's no use. She cast some kind of sleep spell on him, nothing will wake him up."

Discord looked over at Fluttershy and then glared back at Chrysalis.

"I know one thing that will wake him up." He crouched down and sprang himself towards Chrysalis, who had her back to them.

He opened his claws and jaws, prepared to tear the creature apart. However, at the last second, Chrysalis tucked herself down and Discord skidded across the floor.

"Nice try little pest…but I'm not that stupid. What do you suppose I was doing all those years you were nestled all cozy here? Preparing for this exact moment when I would finally get what I've aimed for."

Discord growled and looked back at the girls, they were breathing hard. Everything they had thrown at the queen had missed. Somehow she had known each of their positions and what they would try.

"She's not kidding Discord…" Twilight whispered,

"She must have been training for this over these last twenty years…we can't land a single blow."

"Can you activate that odd rainbow power the tree gave you?" He asked.

"No…even if I knew how to do it on command, we still have no idea where Pinkie is." Twilight whispered back.

Chrysalis' laugh brought them back to her and Discord growled, stepping in front of the girls.

"Discord, what are you doing?" Applejack hissed.

Discord ignored her and kept his sight on the monster in front of him.

"We've got to buy some time…" Was all he said.

"Discord, what are you-" Rainbow was cut off as Discord jumped away from them suddenly.

He launched himself at Chrysalis once more and she shot his away with her magic.

Discord fell to the ground and winced in pain. Getting hit without his healing magic was more unbearable than he imagined it would be.

"Enough of this Chrysalis. What is your game? Surely you didn't come all this way just for little ol' me?" He hissed as he forced himself back to his feet.

"That is for me to know. All you need to know is that thanks to the precious daughter of yours…your purpose has been fulfilled."

She shot another blast at him and Twilight barely managed to jump in front of him and shield them before it hit. She turned and glared up at the draconequus.

"Don't do that again you idiot!"

Discord only grinned.

"This is ridiculous!" Rarity groaned as they moved next to the pair.

"Everythin' we throw at her just ends up bitin' us in the tail-end." Applejack gritted through clenched teeth.

"And we still don't know if she actually has Pinkie Pie." Rainbow whispered and Twilight nodded as she frowned and looked around.

"Your right…you think she would have revealed her already if she had her?"

Discord frowned as well and then his ear twitched and he looked up. He grinned and turned his attention back to Chrysalis.

"You think you've calculated all of this perfectly Chrissy. But you made one big mistake." He chuckled and Chrysalis frowned before regaining her composure.

"I doubt that. But just to humor you…what is this big mistake of mine?"

He smiled and pointed up.

"You didn't learn the layout of my castle."

Chrysalis frowned and looked up just as the gravity defying Pinkie pulled open a door on the ceiling.

"What in Tartarus!?" She shouted as a massive amount of green slime fell from the room and flew towards the queen.

Chrysalis teleported away from where she was as the slime hit the floor and solidified into a giant marshmallow.

Pinkie let go of the door and did a freefall before bouncing of the marshmallow and landed in Discord's arms.

"Good catch Dissy!" She laughed as she smiled up at him and he grinned down at her.

"I'm sorry for doubting that random chaos living inside you." He replied.

Chrysalis growled and glared at them.

"What was the point of that!? All it did was get you all together again for me! That wasn't even a real attack! It made no sense!"

"Normally I would agree with you, but in this case there was a purpose for that." Discord grinned as he set Pinkie on the ground and kept Chrysalis' eye contact.

"What!?" She shouted back, her calm cracking a bit.

"This!"

Chrysalis turned just as Rainbow rammed into her at top speed. The force of the impact sent the changeling flying across the room and crashing through a wall.

"Oh and I really liked that picture…" Discord mumbled as he looked at the new hole.

He went to Fluttershy's side again and rested his paw on her head.

"It's okay now love. We've got her…I-AH!" He was thrown away from Fluttershy by a strong blast of green magic.

"DISCORD!" Fluttershy screamed and tried to run to his side, stumbling several times. She fell at his side and crying nuzzled his face.

"No not again! Please Discord you can't…"

"I'm okay love…I'm bruised up, but nothing like last time." Discord groaned and lifted himself up on shaky legs.

"Did you really think it would be that easy!?" Chrysalis shouted and glared down at the ponies beneath her. She landed and growled at the group.

"I have waited far too long for this moment to be taken down by such a weak attack."

"Weak!? I'll show you weak!" Rainbow shouted and started to charge after the changeling, but Pinkie stepped in her way.

"No Dashie! It's just what that meanie expects you to do!"

Chrysalis laughed,

"So there are some brains hidden deep within that head of yours."

There was an uproar of noise and the girls huddled close as a swarm of changelings filled the room.

Chrysalis grinned and stared down at the ponies.

"Finally…my children have returned. Funny thing about families…they can bring so much joy and yet…cause so much pain."

Twilight narrowed her eyes at Chrysalis and growled,

"What are you talking about?"

Chrysalis laughed and nodded to her changelings. The swarm parted by where Kibou had been laying. Now laying around him were several other bodies.

Each of the mares cried out for their loved ones as they saw all of them lying on the ground unmoving.

Spike, Storm, Sweetie Belle, CheesePie, and Dusks Light were all there next to Kibou.

"Chrysalis you monster! How dare you attack my son! I'll-" Twilight shouted as her horn glowed with her magic.

"You'll do exactly as I say or these precious creature that you all hold so dear will be killed."

Chrysalis interjected as her changelings moved in closer to the group. The mares shouted again and Discord growled.

"This is low…even for you."

Chrysalis chuckled and shook her head,

"There are no rules in war. Only the strong survive. Now let's take a little walk shall we? And don't try anything or I won't hesitate to destroy these creatures."

"What do we do Twilight? How can we stop her while she has Sweetie and the others?" Rarity whispered and Twilight looked at her son. Worrying about Flash and little Star, where were they?

"For now we just have to do as she says."

They allowed the changelings to move them towards the exit and through the forest. They kept their eyes on their families which were being moved along with them.

It proved difficult for them to move Spike's and Kibou's larger forms, but with several helping they managed to take them as well.

Fluttershy looked over to Discord who was growling and snapping at changelings as he tried to move to her side.

"Discord!" Fluttershy tried to go to him, but was blocked by more changelings.

Chrysalis stepped forward and grinned at Discord.

"Oh no…not you. I plan to deal with you soon. For now you will remain here, out of my way."

Fluttershy shouted and turned to Chrysalis.

"No! Either you let him come or I won't cooperate with you!"

Chrysalis snorted and looked towards Kibou.

"You are in no position to make demands. Remember I also have your son, the same one whom you were begging for. If you come quietly I'll rethink my decision on your offer before."

Fluttershy looked between Kibou and Discord, not wanting to have to choose who to save. She wanted both to be safe.

"It's okay honey…go, I'll be fine." Discord whispered and Fluttershy looked up into his eyes. Only she read the hidden message within the bright orbs.

I'll be with you again soon, nothing can stop me.

So she sighed and turned to follow the others as they were led out of the castle.

"Be careful Discord…"

Author's Note

Well that's it for this chapter :pinkiehappy: . Sorry it's messy I'm editing it before running out the door for work lol. I was going to add more but I think it would be better to save it for chapter eleven. So I'm sorry for those that have just thrown their computers across the room. For those that are still here (lol) let me know what you thought and I will start on chapter eleven. Thank you all for your patience and for sticking around.

A/N okay so it was 'suggested' (basically another dare by the evil one :trollestia: ) that I do a Q&A for you guys. Now I'm still on the fence :twilightoops: about it so I'd like your opinion. Would you like to submit questions for a Q&A Yes or No, leave your answers in the comments!

Chapter Eleven

Flitterbee peeked out from her hiding spot and watched her family being marched out of the castle. She couldn't help the smile that graced her face.

Del had come through for them and gotten Dusk and Cheese in just as he said he could. Now all she had to do was…

"Wait…Where's dad!?" She whispered as she looked at the group walking away. He wasn't among them and that was a serious problem.

She looked up at the sky, there was only a few more hours before the spell wore off. She looked at the group leaving, it was getting smaller and smaller as it moved off.

She bit her lip and looked back to the castle. What was she to do? The plan was that she would follow behind them to their destination. But with her dad missing…she just knew that something was wrong.

She sent a silent prayer that there wouldn't be any more problems with their plan and ran for the castle.

She snuck around the edge until she came to the ledge of her window. She lifted herself up and peeked in. Thankful that it was empty.

She carefully flew through the open window and moved towards the door. She almost screamed when something brushed against her back leg, but managed to bite down on her tongue.

She turned to see Kirby snuggling up to her and she sighed in relief. Then she got a bright idea as she stared at the little ferret.

"Hey Kirby…do you want to help mama cause some trouble?"

Kirby looked up and chirped happily and followed his owner to her door.

"Okay boy, go do what you're good at."

Discord growled deeper at the changelings circling him. They felt smug knowing that he couldn't use his magic on them so they kept creeping in on him. Laughing when he would snap at one that got too close.

"Keep laughing you insects. Soon you won't have anything to chuckle about." He growled at them. That only made them laugh more and one even shot a small bolt of magic at his flank.

Discord growled and lunged at the changeling, narrowly missing it. He snorted and mumbled,

"I don't have time for this. I have to get to Fluttershy."

His ear twitched when he heard a soft click. The changelings didn't seem to notice the sound in their continued laughter.

Discord glanced to the side towards the sound, noticed Flitterbee's room opening a crack and a small blur shoot out of the room.

"So how much fun can we have with the almighty Lord of Chaos before the queen disposes of him?" One asked and the others grinned in response.

"I think we should see how long it'll take his pride to break and him to yell for mercy."

"Oh that sound-YOUCH!" The one who had started to speak looked down at his back hoof.

"What is that?" Hanging from his hoof was a ferret. He shook it off and Kirby fell to the ground and began hissing ferociously. The other two came closer and looked at the creature curiously.

As soon as they all got close enough together Flitterbee dove at them from above. She was holding her favorite jump rope in her mouth.

She used the trick Storm had taught her and raced around the group, effectively tying them together. She skidded to a halt and gave the rope one final tug to tighten it.

"What in Tartarus!?" They all shouted and struggle from the rope's grip. However the more they struggled the tighter it squeezed.

"Don't bother. That was a rope from my brother. It makes jump rope a much more interesting game when the rope is enchanted and trying to capture you." Flitter said and nuzzled Kirby as a reward for his good job.

Then she turned and ran to her father, throwing herself into his arms.

"Dad! You're okay after all! Oh I was so worried when I didn't see you with the others; I thought they had already hurt you and that I was too late…"

Discord laid his talon over her lips to shush her and smiled down at her.

"I'm fine little one, thanks to you and your quick thinking."

Flitter looked up at him and then gave him her most innocent look.

"So…does this mean I'm not in trouble for leaving the camp?"

"Oh no, you are most definitely in trouble…but that can wait given the circumstances." He grinned and then tightened his hold on her, whispering.

"I'm just so thankful that you're okay…" Before releasing her.

"Dad…there's something you need to know." Flitter whispered and Discord looked down.

"The reason Chrysalis is here. What she's really after. She-"

"Little one, I already knew why she was here." Discord whispered and Flitter's mouth fell open.

"You did! Why didn't you tell everyone then?"

Discord knelt down to his daughter and rested his paw on her head and gave her a soft look.

"Do you trust me little one?"

"What?" Flitter asked, confused even more.

"Do you trust me?" He repeated and Flitter nodded in response.

"Then there's nothing to worry about. I think Chrysalis has made a gross miscalculation in her plan. She assumes that she can use you mother and your aunts to obtain what she wants."

"But she can! Dad, I met one of her soldiers and he explained everything to us! Chrysalis has found a way to use mom and the others to transfer the Elements' power to her!" Flitter shouted, tears filling her eyes as she thought of what that would mean for her family.

Chrysalis would use the elements power to control the land and everything Flitter held dear would be destroyed.

"Dad…she's found a way to separate mom and the others from the Elements. When she does-" Once more Discord covered his daughter's mouth to quiet her. He was still grinning at her and that did little to reassure her.

"Flitterbee, this is just one of those times that you have to stop thinking about things and trust yourself. You just have to remember who you are and everything will turn out for the best." He whispered and pulled her into another hug.

Flitter groaned and mumbled,

"That doesn't make any sense…"

Discord chuckled and pulled back from the hug, cupping his daughter's chin.

"I can't believe I'm saying this…but in a few hours…it will make perfect sense. Now let's go get mom and little hope back."

Fluttershy stayed close to her son's side during the move to where ever it was they were heading. She kept hoping that he would wake up soon, but he remained deeply unconscious.

"Don't worry too much darling…I'm sure that a Discord will break loose and come after us." Rarity whispered, trying to cheer up Fluttershy.

Fluttershy turned to her friend and looked down before answering,
"What if he does follow us? Without his magic he'll…" She couldn't finish and Rarity looked away sadly.

Twilight looked over and tried to cheer everyone up.

"I know things seem hopeless right now, but we've been up against worse. And just like all those other times we'll pull through."

The five other mares smiled and responded,

"Together."

"Oh will you please keep quiet back there! I'd like to keep my lunch down thank you." Chrysalis called and the mares glared at the queen's back.

Twilight looked around and quickly recognized where they were heading. It wasn't far from the castle and they had been to this spot several times in the past years.

"The Tree of Harmony…" The mares whispered in awe as they approached the almost sacred spot. To them, this was the very source of their magic and so was sacred in a sentimental way.

"Twilight, what do we do now?" AJ asked as she looked up at the elements they had given up so long ago, but each still felt an attachment to.

"I-I don't know…" Twilight whispered as the army stopped in its march and Chrysalis moved further ahead. She stopped when she was standing under the tree and looking up at the Elements it held.

"At last. With these in my control I will be unstoppable and all will bow down to Queen Chrysalis. Even Celestia and Luna will fall under my hooves." She let out a great laugh and nodded at her soldiers to move the six Elements forward.

As one of the changelings brushed against Fluttershy she could have sworn she heard it whisper,

"Have no fear…Flitter has a plan…" But it disappeared before she could pinpoint which had spoken.

Flitterbee? What does that mean exactly?

Fluttershy looked back at Kibou and noticed his ears twitching. She hoped that was a sign that the spell was wearing off.

"Now my dear little ponies, it's time for you to fulfill your part in all this." Chrysalis purred, getting all their attentions once more. She turned to face them fully and grinned wickedly.

"I have been anticipating this moment for years."

"Someone seriously needs a new hobby." Rainbow muttered and was jabbed in the side by one of the changelings.

"Now, if you would all kindly step forward and line up." She asked, but none of them moved to do so.

Chrysalis frowned at them and nodded to her guards. Each held a spear point to the throats of their loved ones. The mares cried out and tried to rush to their aid, but were blocked by the rest of the army.

"Now, I will only repeat myself once. Step forward and line up." Chrysalis growled in a cold tone. This time the mares ducked their heads and moved forward until they were lined up before Chrysalis and the tree.

"That's better." Chrysalis' horn lit with her magic and the six mares were engulfed in the green aura. Then the aura shot out, connecting each mare with the Element they represented.

"Yes!" Chrysalis cheered as she watched the magic consume the Elements. The mares cried out as the magic also consumed them.

Chrysalis turned to her army and cheered,

"Soon my children! Soon this pathetic land will belong to us!"

"You mean it will belong to you!"

The army turned and looked up to see a lone changeling standing on a rock above them. Chrysalis growled as she stared up at the soldier.

"What is the meaning of this!?"

"You claim that all of this is for us Chrysalis! But there are those of us that know the truth! You don't care what happens to a single one of us. You just want the power those stones will give you. Once they're yours, our importance will diminish!"

"Why you little…guards! Seize the traitor!" Chrysalis shouted. Before they could do as she ordered another shout stopped them.

"You're the real traitor Chrysalis!" A yellow blur shot out of the sky and landed next to the changeling.

"You!" Chrysalis shouted as she glared up at the filly those idiots were supposed to dispose of.

"You betrayed your kind the minute you set out on this quest! You are the real traitor! You don't care about these creatures as you should!"

"How dare you! All I think about is my subjects' wellbeing!" Chrysalis shouted back, her anger starting to flare.

During this argument there were some murmurs running through the army. A clear division forming as some broke away from the group and moved back towards Del and Flitter.

"If you cared for their wellbeing than you would have signed a treaty years ago!"

The changelings backed away as Dusks Light suddenly stood up, no longer faking sleep.

"You have been offered peace many times in the past and each time you have refused it! Because it wasn't peace you wanted. It was more power!" Dusk shouted.

As soon as Dusk had stood up, Cheese began to scoot towards the others. He was to wake as many as he could while they kept the queen distracted.

"I've heard enough of this! Take them!" Chrysalis shouted, but none of her subjects moved. They were all fighting their own internal struggles on who to believe.

"Listen to me!" Flitter shouted from above them.

"If you stand up for yourselves now things can change! We can make a new age for your kind! One filled with peace and love, instead of fear and hatred!"

"Ha! Ponies will never accept us! You all know that is it only I who can love and protect you! There was never any offer of peace, only of domination! These ponies want to exterminate us and you are falling for another trap!" Chrysalis shouted back and was happy that many continued to stand on her side. But was also angry to still see several move to the side with the traitors.

"The queen spouts more lies! These ponies offered me friendship and peace! Knowing what I am! It is time to stand up once and for all! Time to start a new era under the rule of Princess Black Widow!" Del shouted and at the mention of their princess' name more moved to their side.

At the sound of her daughter's name Chrysalis turned furious.

"So, even my own heir has betrayed me! So be it then! Once this power is mine you will all be punished for your treachery!

"Attack my soldiers! Keep them away from me until the spell is complete!" Chrysalis shouted and turned to focus back on the Elements.

"NOW DL!" Flitter shouted and the alicorn shot a bolt of magic into the sky. As soon as it exploded a great cry rang from the canyons sides.

The changeling army looked over to see another army lining up along the sides.

Flying above them was their leader, Princess Celestia. She began to glow with her magic and the sight made the changelings hesitate.

"Stop this foolishness before there is unnecessary bloodshed!"

Chrysalis was forced to look away from the mares next to her at the sound of her sworn enemy's voice.

"Ah Celestia. How surprising it is to see you get your flank off that fancy throne of yours."

"Enough of this Chrysalis! You cannot win and are only endangering the lives of your hive!" Celestia shouted as she hovered closer to the queen. Chrysalis chuckled and shook her head.

"You're too late. The spell to disconnect the bearers from their Elements has already started and cannot be stopped! Unless you really do care so little for their lives."

Celestia looked at the six mares, her old pupil in particular and growled.

"So be it Chrysalis. If peace is so far from your mind then I have no other choice." She flew up higher and shouted,

"Soldiers! Take down the enemy! We must protect Equestria!"

The army shouted and charged, most being pegasi and able to fly. Those that were unicorns used the areas that were less steep.

The changelings that had chosen to stand with Chrysalis charged to meet the army. Those that had abandoned her rule joined in on the opposing side. Flitter flew down to her friends, Del at her side.

She looked over to see Chrysalis and Celestia locked in combat. The two beings holding each other off, neither one at an obvious advantage.

She turned to see where Cheese was and he was just finishing waking Spike. Storm and Sweetie Belle had already been woken up. And were gaining their footing. Flitter ran to Storm and gave her a quick hug.

"Oh I'm so glad you're alright." She whispered and Storm nodded.

"Me too. But what about Kibou?" Storm asked as she looked over to her love. Kibou was still unconscious and Cheese shrugged.

"I've tried everything Flit. He just won't wake up?"

Flitter looked over to the battlefield. Her brother would be their best way to end it quickly. He knew how to control his magic and could stop the enemy with a single snap. If she tried that, she risked hurting everypony in the area.

"Keep trying! If we can wake up Kibou we can stop this madness!" DL said as he joined Cheese in trying to wake the young draconequus.

Storm flew past them suddenly and knocked several changelings that had been charging the colts away. She turned and shouted,

"DL! You and me need to keep the fighting away from the others while they try to wake up little hope! Flitter, where is Uncle Discord?"

"He's making his way towards mom and the others!" Flit pointed as she noticed her father thrashing his way through the fighting. He was looking straight at her mother and the clear determination in his eyes was frightening.

"Then we'll leave freeing them to him. Come on DL!" Storm shouted and Dusk nodded as they faced off against several changelings that had already moved towards the group.

Flit ran to her brother's side and nudged him,

"Come on Kib. Wake up! We need you!" She looked up to see her dad had just reached her mother, who looked like she was in unbearable pain.

She looked out over the two warring armies and watched as many from both sides fell injured. And yet they continued to fight each other, clearly prepared to fight to the death. Even Princess Celestia wasn't holding back as she fired at Chrysalis.

Her shots that missed caused the sides to rumble and large pieces to fall around the fighting.

Tears filled Flitter's eyes as she looked at the destruction and pain she had inadvertently caused. She lowered her head and whispered,

"Come on big brother. I need your strength now more than ever."

Discord reached his wife and growled as he saw her face contorted in pain. He reached for her and had to pull his paw back as the magic shocked him.

He held his singed paw to his chest and growled. He looked at the tree and then back at the ponies caught in the magical aura.

"Come on Discord. Think! What should I do?" He mumbled to himself as he looked at Fluttershy. He turned to see Celestia still holding off Chrysalis as the two flew high overhead.

"There's got to be a way to stop this." He growled and heard a laugh behind him. He turned as one of the changeling soldiers sneered up at him.

"You can't stop it. Once the spell is cast it can't be stopped. You will-" The changeling choked as Discord's arm shot out and latched onto its throat. He slammed the creature against the side of the cave and growled.

"Start talking or I'll snap your neck."

"Y-your bl-uffing…you wouldn't dare…"

Discord tightened his grip in emphasize and narrowed his eyes as he snarled,

"Try me. That mare there is the most precious thing in this world to me. If one hair on her head is harmed…your species will become extinct in minutes." Discord growled and the changeling swallowed nervously. Seeing the seriousness of the threat in the chimera's eyes.

"Now. Start talking. How do I counter this spell?"

"Y-you can't! I told you, once it's started the spell can't be stopped. If you do the lives of the ponies it's connected to will also be severed. In other words…"

"If I try to stop the spell…I'll only end up killing them." Discord finished. He glared back at the changeling, then threw it to the ground.

"Get out of here before I change my mind." The changeling didn't hesitate and buzzed away quickly. Discord turned back to his wife and frowned.

He knelt down beside her and whispered her name. Fluttershy, hearing her husband's voice, forced her eyes open through the pain.

"D-Discord…you…you came…" She winced in pain and had to stop talking. Discord hushed her,

"Don't speak love. I'm here…I promise that I'm going to get you out of this. Somehow, I'll make this right." He whispered. He wrapped his arms around her and gritted his teeth as the shock was worse this time.

He endured it in order to hold his love in his arms, sharing in the pain she was going through. He winced and hissed through his teeth,

"I'll protect you no matter what my love. I promise…"

Tears fell from Fluttershy's eyes that had nothing to do with the painful magic surrounding her.

Suddenly Discord was shot away from Fluttershy and all the mares screamed.

Those screams were so loud and terrifying that they stopped the fighting as all eyes turned towards the Element Bearers.

Celestia turned at the sound of the mares' screams and Chrysalis took this chance of distraction. She shot forward and used her horn, glowing with its magic, to pierce Celestia's right wing. Chrysalis used her magic to tear through the feathers and there was a sickening crack as it pierced Celestia's Ulna bone.

The princess howled in pain and no longer able to fly properly plummeted to the earth. She crashed in a heap of flying dirt and rocks.

Several nearby guards, including Shining Armor raced to her side.

"Princess!" Shining shouted as he helped his leader to her hooves. Celestia grimaced as her right wing hung limply at her side, red staining her beautiful, white feathers. At least those that were left.

"I'm fine Shining Armor. I got distracted at the wrong time."

"But, that was Twily screaming." He muttered as he looked over to the tree and the six mares.

Discord shouted and ran towards Fluttershy again, but was once more shot back before he could touch her.

He growled in frustration as he pushed himself to all fours. His hackles raised more when Chrysalis landed next to the screaming mares.

"Stay away from them Chrysalis!" He shouted and leapt for her. However the magic still blasted him away before he could get close to her.

"It's all over now! The Elements will be mine and then all of you fools will have to bow down to me!" She laughed and Discord growled deeper, baring his teeth at the demented creature.

"That's what you think Chrysalis. There are those of us that will never bow to a monster like you."

"Then you shall be destroyed. It's really that simple." She chuckled and glanced down as the six mares collapsed simultaneously.

"No! Fluttershy!" He shouted as the aura left her body, but she remained unmoving. Tears flooded his eyes and he balled his fists in fury.

"I'm going to tear you apart Chrysalis. Each part, bit-by-bit, slowly until you crumble into dust."

"My-my…I don't believe I've ever seen you so ferocious looking. It's quite handsome actually, maybe I'll keep you as a pet after all… Or better yet." She reached down and ran her hoof through Fluttershy's mane while smirking at Discord.

The sight sent his blood boiling and his entire body tensed in pure fury. He didn't think, he just leapt for the changeling.

"That's right you fool." She whispered as the draconequus drew nearer. When he was close enough she ducked and leapt herself.

She had positioned herself under Discord and as she leapt she caught him under his stomach. Leaving a long, deep gash in his soft belly.

Discord howled and fell to the ground, holding his stomach as he felt the sticky sensation covering his fur.

"DAD!" He heard his daughter shout and looked over to meet her tear-filled eyes. He felt his own lowering and fought the need to collapse, knowing he had to stay conscious.

Chrysalis chuckled as she looked down at him,

"You're weak now that you let love control you. So easy to manipulate and now you will watch everything you love being taken from you. After all…"

She leaned in close to whisper to him and his eyes widened at the words.

"Why should you have everything when I have nothing?"

They were the words from his dream and they pierced his heart as he realized he had failed his family. The premonition was coming to pass and he had made the mistake of letting his guard down.

His only hope was that his other hunch was correct. He looked back to his daughter and prayed that for once, things made perfect sense.

Flitterbee watched in horror as Chrysalis walked away from her father. She saw the red spot under his paw and claw and tears flooded her eyes.

She couldn't believe that her father had been taken down. Even without his magic he was a strong fighter, but Chrysalis had used his one weakness against him.

Flitter looked back at the others and they were also looking at the fallen mares with tears in their eyes. Each unable to believe that their mother had been defeated.

Flitter took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. She turned to Kibou and growled,

"Okay you! No more excuses! It's time to wake up NOW!"

Kibou grumbled, but his eyes remained close. Signaling that the spell was wearing off, but not fast enough.

Chrysalis' laugh brought Flitterbee's, and every other creature present, attention back to her. She walked up to the glowing Elements and grinned.

"Now, after all this time. It will finally all be mine!" Her horn glowed with her magic and all held their breath as she prepared the spell to connect the Elements with herself.

Discord groaned and dragged himself across the dirt as Chrysalis had her back to them. He ignored all the pain racing through his body. Once goal in mind as he clawed his way to her.

He reached her side and wrapped himself around her. Feeling her warm body under his was a great relief.

"She's alive…thank the heavens…Fluttershy…wake up." He whispered and nudged his wife until she moaned and opened her eyes. She lifted her head and looked to Discord. When she noticed his injury she gasped,

"Discord! You're hurt!" She cried and he chuckled, although weakly.

"Just a scratch love. I'm just happy you're alright. Quickly, you have to wake the others and get away from here." He whispered and Fluttershy shook her head in protest.

"No! I can't leave you here alone!"

"Please love…trust me…get the girls and I'll be right behind you."

"No you won't! This is another Morgana! You're going to sacrifice y-" She was cut off as his lips latched onto hers and his claws held her head in place. She cried harder as she read the desperation behind his kiss, as if he did fear it would be their last.

He pulled back and revealed that his own eyes were filled with tears.

"Not sacrificing my love. But I am gambling and I don't want you to be hurt if I turn out to be wrong. Please…" He rested his forehead against hers and she cried before pulling away and moving towards her friends.

Discord sighed in relief and looked to Chrysalis. She had finished preparing the spell and released her magic. Six identical beams latched onto the Elements, once more covering them in the sickly green magic.

Chrysalis was so focused on the spell she had to cast that she failed to notice the mares being woken up behind her. Each one regaining their hooves as they looked up at the monster before them.

"Chrysalis…What have you done." Twilight whispered as she realized she no longer felt the connection to the Element of Magic.

"Twilight…we have to get back. Who knows what will happen when Chrysalis' spell is finished." Rarity whispered and the princess nodded. She turned to see Fluttershy moving back to Discord's side.

"Fluttershy…I told you to get out of here." He growled and she smiled softly at him. She moved under his lion arm and used her body to lift it up.

"I haven't listened to you in nearly fifteen years of marriage…what makes you think now would be any different?" She whispered and Discord groaned.

Rainbow moved to his left side and did as Fluttershy had and helped the injured draconequus to his feet, at least on all fours.

"Come on pal. It's time to kick some changeling flank. Don't tell me that you're down after one hit."

"Let's see you do any better." He growled, but was smiling at the same time.

"You're last minute efforts at heroicness are for nothing! The Elements will be mine!" Chrysalis shouted, and all eyes widened as the Elements began to glow softly with the green aura.

Discord growled and closed his eyes.

Please let me be right at least once…

Flitterbee and the others near her gasped as they watched the Elements glowing. Flitter turned to Kibou and felt her heart sink further.

"It's hopeless now…even if we wake Kibou. His magic can't stand up to the Elements of Harmony…nothing can…" Storm whispered and Flitter looked back at those around her. Storm, Dusk, Cheese and Del all looked down in defeat.

As she looked at her friends, Flitter realized that if she truly gave up than there would be no one left to stand up to Chrysalis.

"No! We're not done yet! So long as we have each other, the friendship and love we share will make us stronger than even the Elements!"

DL perked up and whispered,

"Isn't that what they represent anyways? Maybe if we stand together we can weaken Chrysalis' hold on them!"

That made the others look up and Flitter nodded enthusiastically. She moved past them to Kibou's side once more.

"That's the spirit! We can't give up because our mothers never did! It's our turn to protect them and all of Equestria!"

"I'm behind you Flitterbee, one hundred percent! You ponies showed me that it is possible for a brighter future. It's time to prove that to the rest of my clan by defeating the queen once and for all." Del said and Flitter looked at him worried,

"Del…maybe you should get out of here. If something happens to you…"

"Nonsense! I'm here with you to the end because that's what friends do right?"

Cheese moved to Del's side and grinned at Flitter.

"Right. We can do it so long as we stick together and stay strong."

Flitter smiled and nodded, then she turned to Kibou once more.

"Even so. It doesn't hurt to have an Ace hidden in your tail…"

"I knew you were cheating at Poker!" DL shouted and Flitter laughed,

She moved to Kibou's tail and looked down at the long serpent like scales. She sighed and moved to the spot right below his tuft of fur.

"Sorry big bro, but this is for your own good." She whispered and latched onto his tail. Kibou flicked his tail in his sleep, but didn't wake up.

"Oh come on!" Flitter shouted and Del moved forward.

"Allow me." He smiled, revealing his two sharp fangs.

"Um…I don't think you want to do that Del. You see Kibou wakes up rather…"

"I can handle it. Plenty of changelings are cranky risers."

"No it's not just that, he…"

"I said I got this. Trust me Flitterbee." Del said with a big grin. Flitter nodded reluctantly and looked at Storm who was standing by Kibou's head as Del opened his jaws above the tail.

"Uh Storm…you might want to step back." Flitter warned as she and the two colts behind her ducked down. Storm followed suit and Del glanced back at the ponies just as his teeth latched onto the dragon-like tail.

Del mumbled, his mouth full,

"Wha mmare myou…"

Kibou's eyes shot open and he let out a giant roar and began to thrash like a crazed beast. Poor Del was thrown to the side, but DL caught him in his magic.

"She tried to warn you." Dusk said as Del hung there with his mouth wide open. The changeling lifted his hoof and mumbled,

"I think he chipped one of my fangs."

Kibou continued to roar and thrash until Flitter flew forward and grabbed his face.

"Kibou! Relax it's only us!" She shouted and the fog over Kibou's eyes faded as he looked up at his baby sister.

"Flitter? What are you…"

"There's not much time to explain, just look!" She shouted as she turned his head to the mayhem below.

Kibou gasped as he say the injured lying all over. As his eyes scanned the area they fell on the scene by the tree. He growled when his eyes fell on Chrysalis and his parents.

"Dad's hurt." He growled and opened his wings to take off. Flitter wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Wait! Kib we need to-"

"We need to go down there and help!" He shouted and took off with Flitter still holding onto his neck shouting.

Storm quickly followed racing after the two. DL and Cheese sighed and galloped after the group. Del was running alongside them and glanced over at DL,

"Is your entire family like this?"

"Worse." The two colts answered together.

Chrysalis laughed once more as she looked up at the Elements. She cast the final spell that would make them hers. When the spell connected, each Element began to glow even brighter with her magic.

She grinned as she waited for the spell to be complete and to feel the overwhelming sensation of unstoppable magic.

"Chrysalis!"

She turned at the sudden roar and was surprised to see the Chaos Children flying towards her. Somehow they had managed to wake the younger draconequus, but that no longer mattered.

"So nice of you to come join your family as I use the same magic that brought them together to destroy them all."

Kibou landed and growled at the queen, the ground rumbling with his power, just as it had with Morgana.

"You are overly confident Chrysalis and that shall be your downfall." He growled and Flitter slid off his back to stand at his side.

"Flitter. Get to the side. I'll handle this myself." Kibou growled and Storm flew to his other side, grinning.

"You're starting to sound like Uncle Discord and you know what kind of trouble he always gets into."

He looked down at Storm, but she shook her head before he could speak.

"We already talked about this before waking you. We're going to stand against her together."

Kibou looked around as Dusk, Cheese and an unknown changeling come up to stand beside them. He chose not to question the changeling at the moment and turned his attention back to Chrysalis.

The queen was laughing at their little display of courage.

"I have to admit, you are very entertaining in your determination. Foolish as it may be."

"I wouldn't be so sure Chrysalis…" Discord hissed, bringing the queen's attention back to him. He was barely able to hold himself up and yet he still forced himself to stare down the changeling.

"You've finally made a fatal mistake in all this." He chuckled as he fell the ground, Fluttershy at his side instantly.

"What dribble is this? Are you trying to distract me so that I won't be able to complete my spell? Nice try but I've already finished it!" She shouted as she shot one last blast at the tree, causing the ground to shake all around them.

The six creatures facing Chrysalis stood their ground as the tree began to glow brighter, the Elements themselves being almost blinding.

Discord smiled up at Fluttershy and whispered,

"Time to see if I still have the knack for detecting chaos."

Chrysalis laughed as she flew above them confidently.

"Say your final prayers you pathetic weaklings!" She aimed her magic at the Elements in order to pull their magic from the tree.

"Now you shall all bow down to-WHAT!" She suddenly shouted as she felt the Elements pull from her magical grasp. She turned to see them glowing with their own magic and no longer surrounded by her aura.

"What!? NO!" Chrysalis shouted as the six Elements shot their magic out, each connecting with their rightful owners.

However, the six mares stared in wide-eyed awe as the lights were shining on six different creatures. The Elements of Harmony were bonding with the six that stood in front of Chrysalis.

Discord chuckled as he raised himself to explain in the confusion,

"Just as I thought. When Chrysalis forced the break between you and the Elements, it also forced them to link with new bearers. Although the changeling is something I didn't bet on."

Twilight got to her hooves and looked at their children and whispered,

"New bearers. Most of them being the children of the former bearers…but…" She stared confused as she watched each Element connect with its new bearer.

Discord chuckled once more and let his eyes fall closed finally as he mumbled,

"Not exactly what you'd expect…but when does anything in my family really make sense?"

Back to the six that were being surrounded with the Elemental magic. The six looked up in shock as the Elements separated from the tree and flew towards their new owners. Chrysalis tried to snatch them out of the air.

Her calm demeanor long gone, replaced by utter desperation for the power that was slipping from her grasp.

"No, no, no, no! Those belong to me! ME!" She shouted, but it was futile. The Elements flew right past her.

Then just as they had done in the past each formed into a golden necklace, latching onto the throat of its bearer.

Kibou and Storm, as expected received the Elements of Kindness and Loyalty. They instantly felt the power filling them and combining with what they already possessed inside them.

Cheese received the Element of Laughter, just as his mother had in the past. Del was twice as shocked as the others when the Element of Generosity latched onto him, believing it must be some mistake.

Dusk looked at the two remaining Elements flying through the air and closed his eyes as he waited. When he felt the necklace latch to him, he opened his eyes in shock. He looked down at the Element of Honesty and smiled.

That only left one…Flitterbee stared up in horror at the Element of Magic as it formed into a much larger pendant than the others; covering all of her neck and chest in gold plating, almost like armor. When it latched onto her she gasped and looked at Dusk.

"This…this has to be a mistake…" She whispered, but he shook his head and smiled at her.

"The tree doesn't make mistakes…it's not allowed to."

When the glowing faded the six of them stood together, each bearing their new Elements and the power than came with each. Kibou looked down at his sister and smiled,

"I told you that you were just as special kiddo."

She shook her head and frowned,

"This is a mistake…the Element of Magic should have gone to Dusk. He's the son of Twilight the former bearer."

"This is all a mistake! Those Elements belong to me!" Chrysalis shouted, bringing the attention back to the present situation. The queen looked even more demented than before as she advanced on the group.

"You shall hand over those this instant! I have worked too hard for this moment for it to be ruined by a group of brats and a traitor!" She hissed.

Chrysalis' gaze fell on Del and her anger doubled,

"You don't deserve that kind of power! You are a betrayer and shall be punished fully for your crimes!" She shot her deadly magic towards Del. Kibou started to move forward to protect the creature, but Flitter was faster as she leapt into the magic's path.

Her pendant began to glow as she reflected the magic away from the changeling. Her eyes were glowing softly, same as the Element on her chest. She turned to the queen and felt something surge through her.

This was not the chaos magic inside her, but her own power that was fueled by her need to protect those close to her.

"How dare you attack one of your own! The only crimes committed here were your own. Your reign of terror ends now Chrysalis! It's time for you to face your judgement." Flitterbee whispered and closed her eyes.

As she did so the others followed and did the same. The elements they wore each began to glow brightly until their powers linked with one another. As Flitter opened her eyes, they were completely white with the Elements' power.

A large rainbow that was far too familiar to those witnessing this phenomenon. It rose high above them before crashing down on Chrysalis. The other mares covered their eyes at the brightness, not realizing before how blinding it truly was.

When the light faded they looked to see the six creatures laying on the ground exhausted. Then all their eyes turned to where Chrysalis was standing. They gasped at the sight.

Where the large royal changeling had once stood, now lay a smaller changeling. Chrysalis lifted her head and glared at them, her eyes remaining the same as before. But her body had changed dramatically.

She no longer looked like a royal changeling, but just like every other normal changeling. The fighting outside had stopped at the activation of the Elements of Harmony and now gathered around to stare at their leader.

Celestia walked in and stared down at Chrysalis,

"Your judgement has been passed Chrysalis. You are no longer the leader of the changeling hive. Your rule shall be taken over by you successor. Perhaps you can finally find inner peace in your simple state."

She then turned to the changelings that were gathered around. She raised herself up to address them next,

"It's time for all of you to go home. Inform the new heir that she shall now rule over your kind and that it is my hope that we can finally achieve peace."

The army hesitated, unsure if they should take orders from the enemy's ruler. Del saw this hesitation and flew next to the princess.

"It's time to let the fighting end! We finally have the chance to live in peace and I think you should all take it, but it has to be your choice." He called out and Flitter flew to his side and smiled at the changelings.

"That's right. Just as our friend Del here chose to be free, so must you. You have to decide if you want to let friendship into your hearts or if you would rather hold onto the hate that has been fed to you."

The changelings looked down at their disgraced queen and then over to the new Elements of Harmony. Each smiling in reassurance at the army. It was certainly strange to see two of the bearers being something other than ponies, but it also strengthened the fact that they could face a new future, full of change.

"It's time to go home." Del whispered and bowed his head to his clan. They all bowed their heads in turn and then slowly turned to head home. Some stayed behind and made sure to take Chrysalis with them.

Although she tried to struggle at first, in her weakened state she was without most of her magic and unable to put up a real fight.

As soon as the army began to file out of the canyon the families began to reunite with one another. Spike and Applejack embraced each other tightly.

Rarity held her sister close and cried dramatically, while Sweetie patted her back. Rainbow nuzzled her daughter and whispered,

"I am so proud of you. You are definitely my daughter."

Storm laughed and hugged her mother in turn,

"Was there ever any doubt about that? I'm just so glad that you're all okay."

Cheese was tackled by his mother and then squeezed in a giant hug.

"Don't ever scare me like that again I thought that you were a goner and then with the Elements and everything I was like oh my gosh and-" Cheese covered his mother's mouth laughing and then hugged her back.

"I love you too mom."

Pinkie smiled and held her son tightly as tears filled her eyes.

Twilight trotted up to her son and saw Shining Armor heading towards them too. She smiled down at her son and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek.

"So, looks like you kids really do take after all of us in the end."

"Yeah I guess we do. So you're not surprised that I'm the Element of Honesty?" Dusk asked as he smiled up at his mother and she laughed. She wrapped him in her hooves and said,

"Not really. It suits you very well. You were always so full of integrity and kindness that I wouldn't have been surprised if you were the Element of Kindness either!"

The two laughed as Shining Armor wrapped the pair in a huge hug.

"I'm just glad my baby sister and favorite nephew are okay after all this chaos."

The family laughed harder and continued to embrace.

Finally Kibou and Flitterbee ran to their parents. Discord was still laying against Fluttershy, his eyes closed and his breathing shallow. However he opened his eyes as his children approached him.

He chuckled,

"Look at you two. Finally all grown up and ready to take on the worlds evil."

Flitter fell next to her father and cried as she pressed her head under his. Discord nuzzled his daughter back and hushed her softly.

"Hey, why the tears kiddo? You did it, you saved the day…and…you did it without chaos magic."

Flitterbee lifted her head and looked up at her father with tears falling down her cheeks.

"But you got hurt because of me! If I hadn't made that stupid wish in the first place than none of this would have happened."

Discord sighed and shook his head, unable to explain to his daughter what he meant. Kibou moved forward and began to heal his father with his magic. As he did so, Fluttershy moved to Flitterbee's side and lifted her daughter's chin.

"Your right. None of this would have happened."

Flitter started to cry harder, but Fluttershy turned her head to the side and smiled.

"None of this…" She repeated and Flitter looked out at the celebration taking place around her as Del finished assuring Princess Celestia that Princess Black Widow would most definitely agree to peace. She saw as her friends were showing off their new Elements and having their mother's praise them.

Fluttershy turned her daughter's face back to meet her kind, teal eyes. Fluttershy wiped away Flitter's tears and whispered.

"It's true that your rash thinking may have been the catalyst in all this…but you were also the one to help bring it to a close. You fixed the mistake you made instead of letting it take over you. I'm so proud of the young mare you've become my little one. You truly are amazing."

Discord lifted himself up and Flitter turned to her father as he and Kibou smiled down at her. Discord ran his claws through her black mane and whispered,

"I just hope that you can finally see what we've seen for years, watching you grow up."

Flitterbee smiled up at her family and wiped away her tears as she laughed,

"Yes. I'm the daughter of Discord and Fluttershy! I know who I am and it doesn't matter what I am so long as I remember that!"

Discord smiled wider, prouder than he had ever been of his sweet little girl. But when her smile fell he started to worry again.

"What is it little one?" Kibou whispered, also seeing Flit's expression fall.

Flitter shook her head and raised her hoof to lay it over the Element resting on her chest.

"It's just…why did I get the Element of Magic? I'm not even a unicorn." She whispered and Discord laughed harder. That laughter was echoed by Twilight who had come over to the family and heard that last part.

"Oh sweetie…it actually took me a couple years to learn this, but I think I'll save you that trouble. You're not the Element of Magic…at least not the magic you're thinking of. You represent the greatest magic in the world.

"One that you shared with a lonely creature today. One that you have freely given to all, never judging a creature by how they looked, but by what lies in their hearts. You take after your mother in that aspect." Twilight finished and smiled as Fluttershy blushed and Discord nuzzled his wife.

Flitter looked at all the adults confused and then her eyes fell off to the side, on DL, Cheese and their new friend Del.

It was then that it hit her what her aunt meant.

"It's not the Element of Magic…but the Element of Friendship…and the magic that comes from sharing in friendship." She whispered and Twilight nodded.

Flitter turned to her family and they were all beaming at her. Kibou came over and nuzzled his little sister.

"There's no pony I know who's better at making friends than you kiddo. It's very fitting."

Flitter smiled up at her brother and then at her parents. She gasped and looked up at the sky to see the sun dipping behind the mountains finally.

She turned to her father and walked closer to him. He lowered his head and rested his forehead against hers.

"I'm so proud of you Flitterbee. You truly have grown into an amazing young mare…but don't think that means I'm done being your over protective father."

Flitter nuzzled her father as her body began to glow with a yellow aura. The aura surrounded her father as she whispered,

"I'm not ready to be without my Daddy Discord yet anyways."

The aura faded and Discord lifted his head away smiling. He snapped his fingers and a white rose appeared in his claws. The others smiled at the sign of his magic returning.

He nestled the rose in her mane, behind her ear and grinned.

"That's good, because you're grounded until you die."

Flitter laughed and launched herself at her father, knocking him over. Laughing as well, Kibou jumped onto the pile. Discord laughed and pulled Fluttershy to him as well, kissing her cheek.

With screams of delight more bodies joined the pile and soon every pony was lying atop one another, laughing in pure joy.

Del stood to the side his ears back slightly as he looked at the laughing ponies. Flitter managed to wiggle enough to see him and laughed,

"Come on Del! You're a part of this celebratory pile too!"

Del perked up and smiled as he jumped into the pile of bodies, joining in on the laughter.

At the bottom of the pile Fluttershy looked at Discord and gently kissed his cheek as she whispered.

"Never a dull day right love?"

He laughed and cupped her face in a deep kiss before responding,

"Not with the chaos family!"

Author's Note

Yes folks…that's the final chapter of this book and now all that's left is the epilogue. Which will come with a special surprise at the end. I hope that you all enjoyed this and know that the epilogue will be up shortly. I just need to finish that surprise for all of you and then it will be here. Thank you all for sticking it out with me and I hope you continue to stick it out for the epilogue!

Epilogue

*Three Months after the Battle*

"Flitterbee, honey. Please settle down. You are making it very difficult for Aunt Rarity to curl your mane." Fluttershy giggled as she watched her daughter grow more excited with each passing minute.

"Oh it's quite alright Fluttershy. Let the darling be excited. I can work around her movements. Besides, it's not every day a young filly becomes the belle of the ball." Rarity responded while fixing a ruby clip into Flitter's mane.

"I'm sorry mom, Aunt Rarity, but I'm just so happy that the Gala is finally here!" Flitter responded as she watched herself in the mirror.

She looked down at her red gown and blushed slightly at how pretty it was and how it made her eyes shine brighter.

There was a quick knock at the door before Discord stuck his head through.

"Almost ready ladies?" He asked.

"Just finishing now. Presenting the very beautiful Flitterbee." Rarity said as she spun Flitter around to face her parents.

Both smiled proudly and Discord moved forward to kiss his daughter's cheek.

"You do look lovely little one. Promise you'll save your ol' man one dance?"

Flitter laughed and smiled up at her father.

"You mean you're going to actually let me dance?"

"Of course it is a ball."

"With other colts?"

This made the other two mares laugh as well and Discord rolled his eyes.

"Well…okay just a few and so long as I can see you the whole time." He teased and Flitter giggled.

"Anyways, the others have arrived so I'm here to fetch you three so we can go." Discord finished and the group filed out of the small dressing room.

Flitter, DL and Cheese stared up in awe at the grand ballroom. They had never seen a place so magnificently decorated before. Flitter in particular was walking with stars in her eyes.

She smiled at DL and Cheese, who both looked very impressive in their formal coats.

"To the best night ever." She joked, having heard it said over the last few years by her mother and aunts.

Dusk held out his hoof and winked at her,

"To the Terrible Trio."

Cheese and Flitter placed their hooves over his and cheered,

"To the Terrible Trio!"

"Mind if you add a fourth to that group?" A familiar voice called out and the three turned smiling to their friend Del.

He was dressed up, although his coat was grey to stand out against his black skin. He approached the others, gave the colts hoof bumps and Flitter a small hug.

"You look great tonight Flitter. Nothing surprising there." Del said with a grin and Flitter blushed. She shook her head and laughed,

"Del, you think you're so smooth now that you live in Canterlot."

"Well I have to maintain a certain appearance now that I'm chief ambassador for Queen Black Widow." Del said and the others congratulated him.

"Wow Del that's amazing! Oh, but will it interfere with your other projects?" Flitter asked and Del shook his head.

"No, I still have the time I need to go out and monitor things. We've recently opened another branch in Apploosa." He explained and Flitter sighed in relief. She was so proud of their friend Del.

After Queen Black Widow signed the peace treaty with Equestria, many changelings had migrated away from the hive. Eager to explore the opportunities that awaited them.

It had been a rocky start and there were those that feared letting changelings into the kingdom. It was Del that had stepped up and become the leader of his kind.

With the help of the Elements of Harmony they had been able to smooth the differences between the two races and over the last three months things have been going up.

Del had enjoyed the work they had done so much that he had founded 'Hearts Together'. Now if there was a changeling that was having a hard time adjusting to society, Del would go and help out any way he could.

It wasn't a surprise to Flitter that his work had paved the way for his new position. She really was proud of Del, and couldn't see why he still questioned being given his element.

Then Dusk got serious and asked,

"Speaking of queens…I heard mom saying that Queen Black Widow finally made a ruling on her mother's fate."

Del nodded and sighed,

"It was decided that she couldn't be trusted to wander free and execution was too harsh. She still has some followers and my queen feared civil war may break out.

"So she's been placed in a special holding facility where she can be monitored. I think losing her crown and immortality has caused the former queen to go even more insane."

They all fell silent and it was Flitter that brought them out of it. She shook her head and grinned again.

"Let's just be grateful that everyone is safe now. Come on boys, this is supposed to be a night filled with fun!"

"Well in that case…" Dusk said with a deep blush on his face. He held out his hoof to Flitter and grinned as Del and Cheese shot him annoyed looks.

"May I have the honor of your first dance tonight?"

Flitter blushed slightly and nodded as she placed her hoof in his and followed him to the dance floor. Cheese and Del looked at each other. Del then grinned and nudged Cheese playfully,

"Don't look so down. He hasn't won yet and the night's still young."

Cheese groaned and sighed,

"It was bad enough having to compete for her attention with DL, but now I've got you too!"

Del laughed,

"It's true that I quickly understood why you two follow her around so devotedly. She truly is something else and I would be honored if she returned my feelings, slim as that may be." He smiled down at Cheese and continued,

"But, no matter who she chooses. I want us to promise that there will be no hard feelings and we'll all remain friends."

Cheese looked up at the changeling next to him and grinned,

"Sure pal. Besides…it's obvious who'll she'll pick…Flitter has always loved to laugh."

Discord twirled Fluttershy around the dancefloor, making her giggle. He grinned, the wonderful sound filling his heart with joy.

"I'm proud of you honey." She suddenly whispered and he looked down at her curiously.

"Oh? What for? Not that I don't love to have your sweet praises rain down on my head, but I doubt I've actually done anything this time?"

Fluttershy laughed and nodded her head to the side. He followed that line of sight and then groaned.

Flitter was being pulled out to the dance floor for the fifth time, this time by the changeling.

Fluttershy laughed at the face he was making.

"You've watched that little girl dance with three stallions and have not once exploded. I'm impressed." She teased and he felt his fur stand up at the gleam in her eyes. He wished that he could steal her away to the garden for a few minutes, but they would definitely be missed.

"Alas my dear, you shouldn't be. It is taking every ounce of willpower and self-control within me to behave…and you know firsthand how small both are." He grinned and was pleased that she blushed, having picked up on what he meant beneath his words.

She shook her hair, causing a single strand of hair to escape her high clip. He reached up and tucked the lock behind her ear. Running his claw along the side of her neck, eliciting a small shiver from the mare.

His grin doubled and he leaned in closer, whispering into her ear.

"In fact…right now my willpower is being tested to its limits…but not by my daughter and her friends." He pulled back to see his wife's face was completely red, but she was smiling devilishly at him.

"Well, then why don't you do something about it?" She cooed and he tripped, almost knocking over a couple next to them. He apologized before turning back to his temptress of a mate.

"I'm sorry my dear, but I don't believe I heard you right. Did you just say…"

She wrapped both her hooves around his neck and winked at him.

"I'm sure no one would mind if we went to the garden for a minute to…enjoy the scenery." She whispered as she nuzzled him under his chin.

A shiver starting at the tip of his tail raced up his entire length and he was sure steam was rising from his fur. However, he didn't care if any pony noticed at that particular moment.

He wrapped his arms tighter around his wife's waist and pressed her against him, grinning like a madman.

"My darling, little minx…you never cease to amaze me." He snapped his fingers and the two disappeared in a flash from the dance floor.

Kibou had seen the flash and looked just as his parents disappeared to who knows where. He chuckled and shook his head. Sure that his father had stolen his mom away to a more private location.

He shut his mind off at that point and focused it on something else. He glanced down at the mare leaning against him. She looked absolutely stunning tonight in her green gown, her mane was straightened and then curled at the ends.

She looked so beautiful and in that moment he couldn't believe she was his.

Storm looked up to catch him watching her and she blushed.

"What?" She whispered and began to fidget nervously. Kibou chuckled and leaned down to nuzzle her behind her ear.

"Just thanking the stars that you fell into my life."

Storm giggled at how corny that was and snuggled up closer to him, sighing contently.

"Thanks…but it was you that fell on me remember."

Kibou laughed again as he recalled the day they met. He had been up in a tree the day Storm had been brought to visit.

He had been leaning over to see the new friend his mom had told him about and it resulted in him falling. He had indeed fallen onto Storm and instead of getting mad, she had simply looked up at him and laughed.

"Wow you kinda suck at flying huh!" and thus had marked the beginning of their friendship. He couldn't believe that such an amazing mare was willing to be by his side.

"I love you Storm." He whispered and she looked up, smiling at him.

"I love you too Kib." She whispered back before leaning up and kissing him gently.

He smiled and took her hoof in his claw.

"Come my future wife. Dance with me."

Storm followed him to the dance floor laughing as she did so.

Flitter sat down, exhausted from all the dancing throughout the night. Not just the slow dances with her friends, but also dancing as a group during the faster songs.

She had always hoped that her first Gala would be special and tonight far exceeded her expectations. A glass of punch floated in front of her and she smiled her thanks at DL who had gone to fetch all of them something to drink.

"This has to be the best night of my life!" She said as she laughed and the colts sitting with her smiled. They all silently agreed that she looked twice as beautiful when she laughed so carefree.

"Oh, don't forget that next week we have to go on that trip to Draconia." Dusk said and the other boys groaned.

"Another trip? We just got back from one two weeks ago." Del grumbled and continued with,

"At this rate I'll collapse from exhaustion. With my new duties on top of everything else, I'm going to have my hooves full."

"I know you can do it. But if it gets to be too much you know you can always call on us to help Del." Flitter said and smiled reassuringly at the changeling. He grinned and nodded,

"I know, but you all have your own duties to take care of. Dusk you have your royal duties with your mother. Cheese has his side party business with his parents. And Flitter…"

"Oh don't remind me…" Flitter groaned. She and Kibou had been swamped with invitations all over Equestria. Being the only two Elements without other pressing responsibilities they had taken over the role of representatives.

It seemed that as soon as word had spread of the new bearers, every creature wanted to meet the Elements. Rarely did they take trips together as a full group, like they would have to do next week to Draconia.

Most of the time it was solely her and her brother. Not that ponies minded, being the Children of Chaos also attracted a lot of attention.

Although she did enjoy going all over to meet new faces, she wished for a little more peace now and again.

When they weren't traveling together, she was with her Aunt Twilight. Learning from the Princess of Friendship everything that would come with her new title.

Flitter was thankful that her aunt was so patient and understood Flitter's feelings about all these new changes.

"Ah don't worry Flit. Things will settle down after the excitement wears off. Everyone is just over excited at all that's happened in the past few months." Dusk assured her and she sighed while nodding.

"You're right. I'm not complaining too much, I'm honored that so many want to show their support to us…but I could use more nights like this one."

They nodded together and Cheese hopped down and held out his hoof.

"I believe it's my turn." He grinned and Flitter giggled while floating down to his side.

"Funny…it seems to have been your turn a lot lately." Dusk mumbled as he watched the pair trot off together. Del lightly punched his friend and grinned,

"Be a good sport man. You still have time before she has to make a decision. Just be thankful that her father isn't breathing fire down our necks at the moment and take each dance as a blessing."

Dusk nodded and then frowned. He looked around the ballroom and tilted his head.

"Actually, that's a good point…Where is Uncle Discord? For that matter…Where did my parents go?"

Twilight and Flash were sitting out on a balcony. Enjoying the peaceful moment and each other's company.

"Can you believe all this Flash? After all these years, the Elements have passed on to a new generation."

Flash chuckled and nuzzled his wife,

"It is certainly strange. But it was expected to happen eventually. I have to admit, I am a little surprised that the changeling received one."

Twilight chuckled and smiled up at her husband.

"I was at first. But the sweet thing has shown he's a good match. He's been a big help to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna here in the castle.

"Celestia told me that she considers him a small blessing in all this chaos. He's taken his duties very seriously and does everything to help those that need him. Even Rarity gave him her seal of approval as her successor."

That made Flash laugh harder and he turned his wife's chin to look into her eyes.

"Tell me honestly honey…are you unhappy to have lost your connection with your Element?"

Twilight shook her head, thinking how sweet he was to be worrying about her feelings in this.

"No…it was time for another to take the reins. I'm still the Princess of Friendship and will continue in my duties. I even get an apprentice in all this. Poor Flitter has been taking things as well as she could."

"It is a lot to take in for ones so young. Even Kibou and Storm aren't fully grown, they still have so much to enjoy in their youth. Maybe we should suggest a break for them, some time to rest between all this rushing." Flash suggested and Twilight nodded. She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"You know…it's times like this that I remember why I fell in love with you."

"My rugged good looks and staggering charms?" He raised his eyebrows teasingly, making Twilight laughed and pushed him playfully.

"That's it! No more guys' night with Discord and Spike for you!" She laughed and Flash grinned, wrapping his hooves around her. He grinned and whispered,

"It was those things though right?"

Twilight rolled her eyes and leaned up to kiss him once more. He chuckled and kissed her back, tightening his hold on her.

When he pulled away they both sighed. He smiled down at her,

"Really though…you're doing okay in all this too?" He asked again and Twilight nodded to reassure him.

"Yes…although I feel awfully old seeing my son so grown up."

Flash laughed,

"Just wait until he gets married!"

"Oh…don't bring that up right now…" She groaned and placed her hoof over her face. Flash laughed harder and pulled her to him again.

Discord groaned as he ran his claws through Fluttershy's mane. He currently had her pressed against a stone wall out in the garden.

The two were hidden from sight and had taken full advantage of that fact. He continued to kiss her deeply and enjoyed the way she was shivering in his grasp.

He pulled back to take a deep breath and grinned down at her flushed face. Her hair was mussed from him running his fingers through it while they were kissing so passionately.

"My sweet darling, you have no idea how tempting you look right now. All flushed and shining in the moonlight." He whispered and she blushed deeper. She leaned up and kissed him along his neck.

He growled in response and had to brace himself against the wall in order not to collapse. They hadn't had much time together these last few months.

It seemed that lately Celestia always needed either him or the girls for something. He understood why, with all that had happened, but it was still wearing at his patience.

He was a male after all and having such an intoxicating creature so close to him was more than he could handle.

He jumped when her teeth grazed his neck and he groaned again.

"Fl-Fluttershy…darling…as much as I…we really do need to get back...before they..." He mumbled, not fully able to concentrate on his train of thought.

She gave a husky chuckle and the sound sent an electrical wave through his body. He buried his snout against her neck and growled lightly.

She giggled still and ran her hooves along his back. He mentally counted to three and took deep calming breaths to try and combat the reactions she was enticing.

"But Discord…I'm having so much fun out here. It's been too long since we had such a quiet moment together." She whispered, mirroring the thoughts he had just been contemplating.

He sighed and pulled away so he could look down into her deep eyes. He smiled and twirled a strand of her rose mane in his claws.

"True…but hopefully things will quiet down soon and we can have more time together. For that matter, maybe we'll actually get to see our children for more than five minutes." He sighed as he realized just how grown up both his children were.

He hated to admit it, but it was almost time to let go. Especially with his son. Kibou was growing into a fine stallion, one that many looked up to.

Kibou truly was the pride and joy of both his parents and they could see that he was quickly becoming a champion to Equestria. He no longer had to worry about what others thought of him, for all of the kingdom adored him.

Discord sighed as he thought about how in a few short years, the boy would be a full grown draconequus. No longer depending on his father. Soon he would go off and start a family all his own.

"Who knows…could be fun being a grandpa…" He mumbled and Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion.

"What?"

Discord chuckled and nuzzled her behind her ear.

"Nothing…just thinking out loud. Hmm…although I have to say. You'll probably be the hottest granny around Ponyville."

"Discord!"

He laughed and captured her lips once more, she instantly quieted and moaned against his mouth. He quickly deciding they could steal a few more minutes together. He also concluded that once he got her home there would be no more excuses, he was locking them in their room for the next week.

*Five years later*

Flitter was waiting in the dressing room in the Chaos Castle. By now every pony would be taking their seats waiting for the ceremony to begin.

She watched as her Aunt Rarity finished pinning Storm's mane into place and setting the final jewel. She smiled and proclaimed that she was finished.

All the mares in the room cooed and praised Storm for being such a lovely bride, before leaving to take their seats. The only ones that remained were Flitter and Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes. She cupped her cheeks and whispered,

"Where does the time go? Seems like only yesterday you were a small foal being placed in my hooves."

Storm began to tear up as well and giggled,

"Mom…don't get so mushy on me…you'll make my makeup run and then Aunt Rarity will get you."

Rainbow laughed and hugged her daughter tightly.

"Oh to heck with that fussy mare. This is my baby girl's big day and for once I'm going to be a sappy mare like every other mother does on this day."

Storm laughed again and kissed her mother's cheek. Rainbow kissed her daughter's cheek back and whispered that she loved her and that she really was proud of the mare she had become.

After the older mare had left, Flitter walked up to her soon to be sister-in-law and began to fix the makeup that had in fact run.

"You look absolutely beautiful Storm. I know that you'll blow them all away, especially my brother."

Storm giggled and placed her hooves over her stomach. She gave a small smile and whispered,

"I'm so nervous…I feel as if I'm about to faint."

Flitter nuzzled the mare,

"You can't be nervous, you've known this day was coming for years now. Besides, if you faint there won't be anyone to revive Kibou."

The two mares laughed and turned as there was a knock at the door. Soarin came into the room and smiled at his daughter.

"It's almost time. Flitterbee you should take your position. I'm sure your brother could use you right now."

"Oh dear…I'll see you soon Storm. Deep breaths!" Flitter called as she trotted out of the room.

She made her way through her living room to the backyard. She quickly smoothed out her pastel pink gown before going out.

Their backyard had been transformed thanks to the Pie family, with some help from Discord. There were tables set up all over the backyard to accommodate the large family and guests. Streamers and white balloons lined the white satin that lead to the altar.

Flitter looked up to the altar to see Princess Celestia waiting with a very nervous looking Kibou at her side.

Her mother and aunts were standing across from him, but it looked like they couldn't calm him down.

She went to his side and rested her hoof on his shoulder.

"Hey, are you doing okay?" She whispered and Kibou swallowed before looking around the yard.

"I'm feeling hot all of a sudden. Maybe we shouldn't be doing this in the middle of the afternoon. W-why don't we wait another, oh I don't know…twenty years?"

The older mares laughed and Rainbow gave Fluttershy a knowing look.

"Like father, like son. Although I think Discord takes the cake for nervous grooms."

"Hey!" Discord called from where he was standing, talking with Spike.

Dusk and Cheese chuckled as they stood behind Kibou as groomstallions.

Kibou sighed and looked down at the ground. Flitter placed her hoof over his claw and when he looked up at her, she gave him a reassuring smile.

"You've got this Kib. Show me the strong, brave brother I have and pick your head up. After today, you'll know why you went through all this chaos."

The music started and everyone settled down as they turned to the castle doors. Flitter smiled and nudged Kibou in the side.

"Just wait until you see her. Storm looks great."

The doors opened and out walked Storm, holding the arm of her father as they walked down the aisle.

Her white gown was simple with its smooth design and flowing train. The trim of the gown was a soft pink to match the bridesmaid gowns. Storm's hair was pinned high at the back and had sparkling jewels intertwined with the rainbow locks.

The mares sighed in awe at Storm and Flitter looked up at her brother to see his mouth hanging open. She laughed and closed it for him,

"Told you."

"No…you lied Flit…Storm doesn't look great. She looks absolutely breathtaking." Kibou grinned as he met the eyes of his bride.

Storm blushed under her thin veil. When she reached the altar she turned and received a soft kiss from Soarin.

The stallion moved off to stand next to Discord who patted the pegasus on his back. Both males looked at their children as Storm placed her hoof in Kibou's hand.

The two were shining with pride and a small hint of sadness at the fact that their babies were fully grown.

As the couple took their place Celestia began the ceremony.

"Thank you all for coming. We are here today to celebrate the union of these two brave souls as they make their love a binding one. Over the years many of us have watched these two grow into the fine adults they are today.

"And I believe I reflect the emotions of their parents when I say we couldn't be prouder. Kibou Chaos, Storm Cloud…you two are about to take on the biggest adventure you have yet to set out on. Starting a new life with each other, where you will face all kinds of new challenges.

"But it is these challenges that will also strengthen your love for one another as you face them together. Now for the vows, the couple has chosen to recite their own words to each other. Storm Cloud, would you like to go first."

Storm Cloud smiled up at Kibou and took a deep breath.

"Kibou. There has been so much that has happened since I met you. You have always been by my side, offering me your strength when I needed it most. You have the biggest, kindest heart I have ever known and I am so grateful that you've allowed me into it.

"I know that this is all new and scary…but I'm happy that I'll be facing it with you. I love you so much Kibou…Hmm, you know I've never been good at putting things into words but…but I hope I can show you for the rest of our lives just how much you mean to me."

Flitter had to quickly wipe away some tears and the other mares did as well. Kibou's chest was puffed up in pride as he smiled down at Storm.

"Beautiful words my dear…Kibou, it is your turn." Celestia whispered and Kibou nodded. He reached up and stroked Storm's cheek.

"Storm…my Storm…Even after all this time, I can't believe that you've chosen me. You are the strongest, smartest, most beautiful mare I've ever seen. When we met I was in complete awe of you. Through the years of friendship we shared I began to understand just how much I needed you in my life.

"You have given me a purpose in life, a reason to stay strong and keep going. I will do everything in my power to protect you from now on. I will always be there when you need me and you will never have a reason to doubt the love I hold for you.

"Storm Cloud, I had always fantasized that someday you and I would be standing here…but I always thought it was just that, a fantasy. To see you here now, so beautiful and elegant…it melts my heart. I don't know what I've done to deserve you, but I will always be grateful. I love you more than words could ever completely describe. I can't wait to spend the next eternity showing you what you mean to me."

He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead through her veil. Now even Celestia had unshed tears in her eyes. She turned to Del, who was the ring bearer and nodded. He stepped forward and held up the pillow for her.

Celestia used her magic to lift the two rings. She placed the chain over Storm's head, it was the same chain that had held the ring for years. The other gold band slid onto Kibou's finger on his paw.

"Then by the power in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Kibou leaned forward and lifted Storm's veil and then cupped her face as he gently kissed her. The crowd erupted into cheers and stomped their hooves in excitement.

Kibou turned with Storm at his side, her hoof tucked in his arm. Discord snapped his fingers and small bundles of fireworks exploded over the couple as they walked down the aisle. The sparks transforming into rose petals that fell gently around the two.

He sighed and felt his wife wrap her hooves around his arm. He smiled down at her and wiped away her tears.

"Our little hope is not so little anymore." He whispered and Fluttershy nodded. She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"He wouldn't be the stallion he is today without you honey."

He turned and wrapped his arms completely around her.

"Or you my darling wife."

They looked over just as Kibou pulled Storm to him and dipped her back in a dramatic kiss. The family shouted and whistled at the pair.

Flitter walked along the edge of the dancefloor. Smiling as she watched Kibou and Storm dancing close, Storm's head on her brother's chest.

She felt tears prick her eyes again, she never knew that she could be so gushy over things. But it was a beautiful wedding and so it could be excused for the day.

She began to sweep the backyard and took in all the smiling faces. She felt her own smile widen. After all the chaos, this is what it was really about. She was so glad she was a part of this crazy family.

She wouldn't want to be anyone else in the world at this moment. She took in a deep breath and sighed as she continued to walk around the perimeter of the backyard.

"Hey Flitter!" She turned at the sound of her name and her smile doubled. Her three friends were standing to the side, away from the party and they were motioning for her to join them.

She turned and trotted over to the boys and grinned.

"What are you guys doing all the way over here? The party is that way." She was laughing, but when she looked up at them her ears fell back.

"Uh…guys? What's with the serious expressions?" She asked.

Dusk took a deep breath and spoke first.

"Flitterbee. You know that each of us thinks you are the most amazing mare we've ever known. We've each told you at some point how we feel. Well…we've been very patient and all wanted to give you the time to think it over."

"Because we also cherish our friendships and don't want you to think this will in anyway change that." Cheese added in and Flitter felt her face flaming. She now understood where this was going and she felt a tightening in her stomach as well.

She looked at Del curiously,

"But…but Del…you told me a couple years ago that…"

"Yeah. I never got a chance to tell these guys. I've been stuck in Canterlot since then and so never got to admit what happened."

Dusk and Cheese looked at Del as he blushed.

"You see. I realized a while ago that all I felt for Flitter was admiration and what you call a school pony crush. She's very dear to me, but only as a friend. I was just swept away by her in the beginning. What I feel for her can never compare to you two. We talked about it in Canterlot and she even admitted to me that she liked both of you and didn't know who to choose."

"Del! You promised never to mention that!" Flitter shouted angrily and he laughed as he turned to walk away. He called over his shoulder,

"Too late now! Besides, it doesn't matter now that you can't put it off any longer."

When he had moved off, back to the party, Flitter turned to her friends. She had always taken for granted that they would wait forever. She really didn't want to hurt either one of them and she cared for both equally. She had to admit that both were very handsome stallions.

But she wasn't sure if what she felt for them was love…real love, the kind shared between two beings. Like her parents who adored each other above all others.

She didn't know what to think. She took the time to slowly look in each stallion's eyes. She swallowed and whispered,

"So…so you want me to make a choice…Are you sure you want to do this?"

They nodded and she sighed, she rubbed her hoof against her foreleg.

"But…but if I choose one of you…won't it ruin what we have?" She whispered.

The two smiled and moved forward to hug her. They laughed as they shared a group hug.

"Flitter we love you. We're the best of friends." Dusk said.

"So no matter what you decide…we will respect your decision. Nothing will tear us apart, you're stuck with us until the end." Cheese added and Flitter hugged them tighter. Tears filling her eyes, she was so lucky to have these colts in her life. Coming to a decision about what she must do in this moment made her smile.

She pulled away and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and looked closely at each colt.

"Okay. I know exactly what I need to do."

She walked closer to them and moved to Dusk. She leaned in until they were almost touching muzzles. Dusk blushed, but remained still as he was unsure what Flitter was up to.

She looked him in the eyes and then took a small sniff. She pulled away and went to Cheese, leaving both colts a bit confused.

She did the same thing to Cheese and then walked slowly around both colts examining them closely. When she came to stand in front of them again she was nodding.

"Yes…It's clear. I've made up my mind…"

"You mean you've decided who you want to be with?" Dusk asked and she smiled. Then she blushed and ran her hoof along the grass.

"But um…could…could you guys turn around. It's still embarrassing…but I'll tap the one I've chosen…please." She turned her face up to them. Her red eyes sparkling and big, instantly melting the two colts.

They turned around just as she asked. Cheese glanced at Dusk and whispered,

"So no hard feelings in the end right?"

Dusk chuckled and answered,

"Are you kidding? You're going to be best stallion at our wedding."

Flitter took a few steps back and then turned and ran. Dusk glanced behind him to see her white tail flying behind her.

"Hey!" He shouted and the two of them turned to chase after her.

"Flitter! You can't run from this!" Cheese shouted and Flitter turned to shout over her shoulder.

"Watch me! I'm just not ready guys! You can't make me!"

The two ran after her, trying to catch her once more. Flitter noticed them getting closer and chose to pull that ace from her tail.

She turned suddenly and leapt into the arms of a very surprised draconequus.

Discord laughed as he caught his daughter who had suddenly launched herself at him.

"What the rush kiddo? Is this your way of requesting a dance or you just couldn't wait to see your ol' man again?" He teased and she giggled.

Flitter turned to see Dusk and Cheese skidding to a halt. Discord looked down at the two and raised an eyebrow in question. Flitter stuck her tongue out at the boys and they shook their heads in frustration.

"That's not fair Flitter!" Cheese said, but he was still smiling anyways. Dusk was also smiling as he added,

"One day Flitter, we'll get you to answer."

"Answer what exactly?" Discord asked and Flitter looked down at the two in triumph. She was being held in her father's arms and she rested her chin on one of her hooves.

"Yes Dusk…explain to my father exactly what it is you asked me just now."

Both looked up into Discord's questioning gaze and grinned innocently.

"Oh it can wait for another time I guess. Say DL, how about we go have some cake?" Cheese said as he patted Dusk on the back. The other stallion rolled his eyes and agreed that he wasn't brave enough to face up to Uncle Discord just yet.

"Fine…but Flitter…promise us that one day you will answer that question."

Flitter looked down at both of her friends and nodded. She whispered,

"I promise that I'll make a decision…just not right now. I'm just not ready. Besides, I don't think dad's ready either."

"Ready for what?" Discord asked, but none of them answered as DL and Cheese smiled and nodded. Placated for the moment that Flitter would eventually choose one of them…hopefully.

Flitter sighed in relief and fluttered out of her father's hold. He crossed his arms and repeated,

"Ready for what?"

Flitter giggled and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"It's nothing to worry about daddy. You still have me as your little girl for a few more years."

Catching what she meant Discord groaned and slapped his claw over his eyes.

"I swear, I've aged a thousand years in the eighteen years since you've been born."

Flitterbee laughed again and her father grinned as well. He looked at her and then reached up to brush her mane out of her face. He sighed and whispered,

"But you know little one…no matter how old you get…you'll remain my little girl forever."

Flitter smiled and flew into his arms once more, realizing that she still felt safest when he held her.

"I know daddy. I wouldn't want to stop being your little girl ever…I love you daddy."

"And I love you too…My little Flitter…"

Flitter smiled as she squeezed her father tighter and felt a tear escape her closed eyes. She heard him sigh as he pulled away from their hug. He looked off to where her friends were and took a deep breath. He set her down on the ground and knelt before her.

"But you know…it is okay for you to be a little grown up too."

She looked up confused and Discord swallowed again before continuing.

"You should go be with your friends. No doubt they would enjoy having you around them…plus it'll…it'll make it easier for you to decide how you feel about them as well."

Her face flushed and she hid behind her mane. Discord moved it to the side and tilted her chin up. He smiled down at her and whispered,

"I know it's scary to fall in love little one…but trust me when I say it's worth the risk."

"But…but I don't know if what I feel for either of them is love…at least…not like you and mom…or Kibou and Storm." She whispered and he chuckled. He rested his claws on her head, gently stroking the black curls.

"Then the best thing to help you figure that out is to do as your father says and go be with your friends. You don't have to force a decision little one…let it happen naturally." He looked over his shoulder, behind him Fluttershy was talking with Rarity.

"It's better that way…"

Then he looked back at Flitterbee and cleared his throat.

"Go on now…before I change my mind and chain you to your bed."

Flitter giggled and gave her father another quick hug before galloping off to her friends. Discord watched her go and felt a small stab in his heart. He knew that no matter how much he wanted to…he couldn't hold onto her forever.

He stood up as she reached her friends and stole a piece of cake from Cheese, making the three laugh.

Eventually she would be able to stand on her own, fall in love, and leave to begin a new life. Just as his son was doing today. He glanced over at his son who was dancing with his new wife, both had wide, happy smiles.

He sighed again and crossed his arms as he suddenly felt very old. He felt a hoof run up his mane and he shivered, but smiled. Without having to look he pulled the mare into his arms and inhaled her sweet scent.

"That was almost painful…" He whispered against her rose mane and she sighed. She pulled back and looked up at him with her large teal eyes. He felt his heart skip at the sight of the love shining in their depths.

"I know my love. But you did the right thing. Just because our babies are growing up doesn't mean they'll stop being our little ones." She whispered as she looked at both Kibou and Flitter before meeting his gaze once more.

He nodded, although he still felt a bit sad that they were slipping away. He never realized how hard it would be to let go.

"I can't believe the time has flown by…it's almost as if I blinked and there they were…all grown up." He said and Fluttershy nodded.

"I feel the same way. But I couldn't be prouder…and I know you feel the same."

Discord nodded in agreement and looked back to his wife. He brushed her mane out of her face and took in her eternal beauty. At least he would always have her at his side. He grinned suddenly and leaned in close to whisper in her ear.

"Let's have another."

"What!?" She shouted, causing several heads to turn to them.

Discord laughed and taking her in his arms twirled her onto the dance floor.

"Oh, I still love to see that shocked look on your face! Reminds me of the good ol' days when I used to drop in on you at your cottage!"

Fluttershy realized he had been teasing her and joined in his laughter as he twirled her around the floor.

Flitterbee flew around them to get their attentions and then did the same to Kibou and Storm. She flew to the side until she landed on the stage where Pinkie Pie was sitting behind a DJ table.

She went up to the microphone,

"And now I have a special surprise for my brother and his new bride! A very special present to welcome Storm officially into our family! Something that Cheese, DL and I put together with the help of our mothers and aunts."

There was a small cheer as Flitter looked back to nod to her aunt. Pinkie picked up a record and set it to play as Flitter took a deep breath.

"What is she up to?" Discord asked as he looked down at Fluttershy. She shook her head and leaned against his chest whispering,

"It's a surprise…Just watch."

Discord chuckled and smiled up at his daughter, the pride radiating off of him.

"She certainly is my daughter, always full of surprises."

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait everyone, I had a lot of issues with the special at the end...so, so many problems :pinkiesad2: ...

Thank you all so much for the support and love you've given this series. I'm so grateful and so happy to end it on such a happy note! I know that many of you are probably putting me on a hit list for not making a choice for Flitterbee lol. Sorry but it's just the troll I am ;)

Chapter One

Author's Note

Okay everyone I'm back! I will not be starting the sequel to LOP asince the details are still fuzzy in my head. Now as I've been going back and forth on this story I'm not sure how it's going to turn out. Okay so in this story we are going to pay attention to the younger Chaos child, Flitterbee. This will all be taking place in the order of the universe, so it is still after Mending Souls and all that happened within it. I hope you all enjoy this story and it works out for me too lol. I'm not sure how long this will be, but I hope that you will bear with me and let me know what you think of it.

*I only own my OC's all other characters are owned by Hasbro*
Forgive me if there are any grammar errors I will relook over it and fix them tomorrow.

Chapter One

Discord yawned widely as he began to wake up fully. He sighed as his arm tightened around his beautiful wife. He lifted his head to look out the window, the sun was rising, signalling the beginning of the day. However there was still a definite chill in the air, it was winter once again in Equestria and the land was covered in a painting of white.

Well all but the around the Chaos Castle, which had a rainbow of snow covering the land. Discord smiled, his girls had taken great joy in the sight when him and Kibou had surprised them by changing the snow's colors.

"Daddy you're awake!" A tiny voice shrieked and he smiled.

Speaking of one of those girls.

Flitterbee ran into the room and launched herself into her parents' bed. Discord laughed and caught the energetic eight year old. She smiled up at him and he ruffled her beautiful mane.

"What's up kiddo?"

"Daddy! Did you see? The lake is frozen over! Come on let's go ice skating! Oh! I have to wake up Kib too!" Without letting him get in a word she took off out of their room and assumingly ran to get Kibou up.

Discord chuckled again and heard the mare next to him groan. He smiled down and her and curled himself around her once more. He nuzzled her behind her ear and whispered,

"Good morning my love. Care to join me and the kids in some ice skating?"

She giggled and rolled over to face him. His heart melted at the love shining in her eyes. She shook her head and sighed as she snuggled against his fur.

"Can't you let Kibou take her? I don't want to lose your warmth just yet...it's still too early."

He chuckled again and rubbed his nose in her soft mane. He sighed and wished that he could give in to the tempting offer his lovely wife was presenting.

"No love...You know it's tradition for me and the little ones to go ice skating as soon as that lake is solid ice. Besides, Flitter won't let up until…"

"Why are you still in bed?! Come on! Come on! We're all ready to go!" She shouted from their doorway and they both turned their heads to see Flitterbee standing there with her ice skates hanging around her neck. Also behind her was a very grumpy looking Kibou, he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes.

"Better do what she says dad. She's in a particularly difficult mood this year and she refuses to wait one more second."

Discord laughed as he watched his daughter hop in place and smile at him. He loved the way his little girl's red eyes would light up when she was this excited. Her smiling face was one he couldn't ignore and could never say no to. Really he was nothing more than a slave to his two children.

"Alright I'm up...but let's allow mom to sleep in hmm?"

He gave Fluttershy a gentle kiss on her forehead and she mumbled a quiet thank you. He grinned and rose from bed, stretching out his cramped muscles. He smiled and said,

"Alright...let's go skate."

"Again!" She shouted and Kibou laughed. Flitterbee waited and felt his tail wrap around her waist. She grinned and held still waiting for what would happen next.

"Ready Flit?" Her brother asked and she nodded shouting,

"Launch!"

She screeched as she was twirled and thrown into the air. She laughed as she flew through the air, her wings tight against her side to prevent extra wind resistance. She opened her eyes and laughed as she was caught in another, longer, tail.

She laughed again and looked up at her smiling father as his tail wrapped tighter around her. She loved it when they tossed her in the air with their tails, her brother and dad only agreed to it when mom wasn't around. Their game would have given the pegasus a heart attack.

"This is why winter is my favorite season!" She laughed and squeaked as she was gently tossed in the air and landed in her father's arms. He held her against his chest and nuzzled her mane.

"Really? Cause I recall you saying something similar when we go swimming in the summer?"

"Well I do...hmm...Okay! I love all the seasons because there's always some kind of trouble to get into!" She gave him her special grin that she shared with him and it made her father laugh and hug her tighter.

"Indeed little one! The world is full of fun things to do if only you look!" Discord laughed as Kibou came over and skidded to a halt. He ruffled her black locks and gave their dad a strange look. She looked between her sibling and parent and frowned at the looks they were sharing. She flicked her long, white tail in annoyance and it caught Kibou on the nose.

He yelped in pain and glared down at her,

"What was that for Flit?"

"I don't like it when you two are clearly talking about me, but using your magic so I can't hear." She pouted and her father chuckled again. He skated to the edge of the lake and set her down. She continued to glare at him and it reminded Discord of Fluttershy's Stare.

"Sorry kiddo, we didn't mean to upset you. Can you forgive your dear old dad?" His eyes grew very large and he snapped his fingers holding out a bouquet of white roses. She giggled and wrapped her tail around the flowers, something that only she could do. Her friends were always jealous of the fact that she could use her tail much like her father and brother could.

"Okay daddy...you are forgiven...hmm. Kib on the other hand." She turned away and put her nose in the air and started trotting towards home. She called over her shoulder,

"He will just have to wait and see."

Kibou stood next to Discord watching the little brat trot off as he rubbed his nose. He snorted and glanced sideways at his father.

"Like I said...It's a good thing she wasn't born with our powers. Who knows what trouble that little nightmare would cause."

Discord laughed and placed his paw on his son's shoulder and gave him a worried look.

"Yeah, unfortunately she inherited something much scarier."

Kibou gave him a confused look.

"What?"

"Hmm...her mother's temperament."

Flitter ran to the door as her mother was opening it. She jumped and tackled to two colts standing on her doorstep. The three friends went tumbling, laughing as their heads popped out of some blue snow.

Flitter looked over to see her mother smiling, but shaking her head. Her father had also come to the door and was smiling at the Terrible Trio.

"So what mayhem will you three be causing today?" He chuckled and Fluttershy gave him a stern look.

"Do not encourage them. Now darling, please just stay out of trouble today. Can't you three just have a nice, quiet picnic?" Her mother begged and all three children groaned. Flitter looked at her two friends, Dusks Light and CheesePie.

Dusks Light was the only male alicorn in the world. He was a light orange like his father with his mother's mane and violet eyes. His cutie mark was a flaming star, Flit still couldn't figure out his talent and when he tried to explain she would fall asleep. CheesePie looked just like his father, Uncle Cheese, with his mother's crystal blue eyes and his cutie mark was confetti shooting out of a pie, he was definitely a party pony like his parents, but he was a little more calm than they were. Flit's own cutie mark was something of a mystery to her too. It was a tornado, but it was made of bees, not like a normal tornado? Her father had laughed when she got it, saying maybe she was more like him than he thought...whatever that meant?

She smiled at her two best friends and winked.

"Okay mom...today we'll do something nice and calm...for you."

They put on their best, most innocent smiles and her mother breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Oh good. Well you kids have fun. When you return I'll have some Hearth's Warming coco and cookies for you."

The three friends squealed in delight as they turned to leave. There was a bright flash and her father was standing in front of them. His arms folded over her chest and one eyebrow raised at his daughter.

"Now what are you three really planning on doing?" He asked and Flitter titled her head.

"Whatever do you mean daddy? We're just gonna…"

He snorted, cutting her off. He lowered himself to all fours and the two colts took a step back. Flitter continued to stand there and smile up at her father, knowing he couldn't resist her cute stare.

"Nice try kiddo...but I know all the tricks...I invented most of them. So once more, what are you really planning today? I promise I won't tell mom…" He gave her a grin and she returned it giggling.

"Okay...we're going to be explorers today. We wanted to look around the Everfree…"

"Absolutely not!" Her father shouted, his grin gone, replaced with a stern look. Flitter frowned at her father and pouted.

"But daddy…"

"NO! No buts...Flitter I've told you countless times to never stray from the protected path. There's a reason for that. Promise me little one…"

She looked away and his claws moved under her chin and made her look back into his eyes. She felt a little guilt at the worry shining in her father's eyes. She sighed,

"Okay...we...we'll find something else to do...maybe play a few pranks."

Her father let out a sigh of relief and his grin returned. He smirked and looked at the castle to make sure the coast was clear. He snapped his fingers and held out a box to her grinning.

"You didn't get this from me…" Then in a bright flash he was gone. Flitter opened the box and laughed. The other two moved forward and glanced down into the box.

"Uhhh...Flit...What's that?" Dusk asked tilting his head in utter confusion. Flitter smiled at her two friends.

"Boys...we are in for the best pranks yet!"

"Two clicks north...one click west…"

"Ugh! Flitter speak normal please! Just tell us how many times to turn it!" Dusk grumbled and Flitter looked away from her spyglass and back at the two colts. She smiled and giggled,

"Okay DL, turn yours once and Cheese turn yours twice...get it now geniuses?"

Cheese gave her a big smile and whispered as he turned the handle on his side of the catapult.

"Hey Flit don't blame Dusk. He's not use to using Uncle Discord's crazy inventions."

"Shh...remember dad had nothing to do with this okay? Oh quick the target is about to move! Is the ammo ready?"

"Flit there is no am-nevermind...yes." Dusk finished saying as the pie flashed into it's position.

"Perfect...on my signal stallions! Ready...and…."

"This was really sweet of you Kibou…" Storm giggled as Kibou and her were sitting at a table enjoying lunch. He grinned at her and set down his shake.

"Of course. Only the best for my future bride."

She blushed as he purred this, but couldn't hide the happy smile on her face. She leaned closer to him and he did the same. She closed her eyes waiting for his lips to meet hers.

Kibou yelled and her eyes shot open. Kibou had been knocked backwards out of his seat. Storm gasped and jumped over the table to be beside him. However the sight of her beloved laying on the floor and his head covered in a smashed, blueberry pie made her fall backwards laughing.

Kibou growled and looked around,

"I don't know where you are you little brat, but I'm going to get you later for that."

The three of them were laughing as they took turns looking through the spyglass as Kibou got up and wiped away the remains of the pie. Flitter stuck her tongue out at him, even though he couldn't see them from where they were hiding.

"Whose next?" Cheese laughed as he reset their weapon of choice. Flit looked at Dusk and grinned.

"It's your turn to choose. Who would you like to see get pelted?"

Dusk shook his head and frowned,

"Nah I'm good. How about you Cheese?" He looked back at the other colt who also shook his head. Flitter roller her eyes and muttered,

"You two can be so boring sometimes...hmm...Oh! Perfect! DL look!" She passed the spyglass over and pointed with her hoof. Dusk followed her path until he spotted her intended target. He paled…

"Oh no...Flit not her...we can't she'll…"

"Scaredy-pony. What's the worse she can do? Screech us to death? Come on where's your sense of adventure?! Of excitement!"

"Long gone...along with the rest of me if she catches us…" He muttered and glared at his grinning friend. Flitter rolled her eyes and looked back at Cheese.

"What about you Cheese? You going to chicken out on me too?"

He moved closer to them and took the glass to see Flit's intended victim. He also gasped and looked at Flit as if she was crazy.

"But...Flit...she's so scary…"

"Cowards...both of you! Fine I will take this one myself and all the glory from slaying the beast!"

Dusk and Cheese tried to talk her out of it as she repositioned the catapult. She looked through the glass and adjusted the aim, ignoring her friends' pleas. She grinned, a grin that would make even her father cringe.

"LAUNCH!" She shouted, however she failed to notice that the catapult chose to give her something else this time. Her father's magic made the ammo random for each pony. So instead of a pie flying through the air the three watched as a water balloon flew through the air. Staying true to its course it hit its target and popped, spilling its contents all over its victim.

There was a moment of eerie calm and then an unholy scream filled Ponyville. All three cowered down and muttered,

"Uh-oh…"

"Um...Dusk...just a question...did...did that look like…" Cheese whispered and Dusk nodded.

"Green dye...she's going to kill us for sure."

"Only if she catches us...which of course she-" Flitter whispered and froze as she heard a voice right below them.

"FLITTERBEE CHAOS! YOU BRING YOUR YELLOW FLANKS DOWN HERE NOW!"

Flitter cringed and peeked over the top of Sugar Cube corner.

"Oh….Hi Aunt Rarity...fancy meeting you here...I love your new look…"

"FLITTERBEE! JUST WAIT UNTIL I GET YOU HOME! COME DOWN HERE NOW!" Her Aunt Rarity fumed at her and despite everything, Flitter giggled at her 'veggie aunt'... She turned and whispered to her friends.

"Stay low...she doesn't know you two are here so just wait until we leave."

"Flit you can't…"

"Don't worry boys...when have you ever known me to get caught?" She grinned and unfolded her wings. She took off into the sky and raced towards home laughing as her aunt gave chase, screeching the whole time.

Her two friends rose their heads up to watch as the pegasus mare led the scary monster away. They both sighed in awe and got goofy grins, then at the same time whispered,

"Someday I'm going to marry that girl."

They glared at one another and then broke into laughter.

Her perfect record of not getting caught...was officially broken. And she had her traitor brother to thank for had seen her flying away from their aunt and had flown into the air to grab her, and since she was so much smaller than him, she had been trapped. She sent him another glare as she hung her head in front of her parents, while her green aunt explained what happened. Discord was desperately trying to keep a straight face as Rarity spoke.

"Now I know she's still young and all Flutters, but look at me! It may take days to get this stuff out!" Rarity whined at the two of them and Fluttershy sighed.

"I know Rarity and I'm sure she's very sorry for what she did...aren't you Flitterbee?" Her mother gave her a stern look and Flit's tail tucked under her legs and she nodded. Then she looked up at her aunt with large eyes and whispered,

"Very sorry Auntie Rarity...it...it was just supposed to be a pie…"

Discord had to cough to cover a laugh as Fluttershy glared at him then back to her daughter.

"And?"

Flitter's ears lay back and she sighed,

"And I never should have been throwing things at ponies in the first place. I'm sorry."

Both mares nodded at her, seeming satisfied with this. Rarity looked down at her coat and sighed,

"I guess I should go home and start washing this out…" Her ears flattened and she pouted.

Kibou moved closer and smiled at their aunt.

"I got it." He snapped his fingers and Rarity's coat was once again white. She beamed at her nephew and gave him a big hug.

"Oh thank you little hope!" She smiled and trotted out of the castle as Fluttershy and Kibou stood in the doorway waving. Discord snorted and muttered,

"Spoil-sport…"

Flitter smiled up at her father and then her smile fell when the front door was slammed closed. Her mother was facing the door with her back to them. She looked over and saw Kibou backing away from their mother, his ears laid back.

"Um...you know what...I just remembered...I promised Storm I'd go with her to this thing...at this place...um bye!" He flashed himself out of the room and Flitter looked around, confused when she realized her dad wasn't standing next to her anymore. She looked behind her and noticed her father trying to quietly sneak out of the living room as well.

Why do they both look so terrified?

She thought as she continued to watch her father slink away. Then the answer came from in front of her.

"Oh Discord…" Her mother softly said and Discord froze in place, his lizard leg in the air and the color drained from his body leaving him white. Flitter giggled at her silly daddy and then swallowed it when her mother landed next to her and continued to look at her father.

Strange...mom doesn't look mad? Why are they…

"Oh Fluttershy...I-I-I was just going to start on...uh...dinner? Yes dinner! What would my lovely, patient, smart, beautiful...forgiving...wife wish to have?" He said as he turned to face them. Fluttershy snorted and looked down at Flitter, who swallowed in response to her mother's stare.

"Flitterbee, I'm afraid this stunt today is going to cost you. You are now grounded for the next week. If you can behave and change my mind, I will still allow you to accompany us to the Hearth's Warming Day festival in Canterlot. Otherwise you and...your father, will both be staying here...don't even think about it mister." Fluttershy said without looking away from her daughter. Flitter looked over and noticed her father freeze again as he had been trying to leave the room.

"Now Flitter...say goodnight to your father and go to bed. I expect you to be on your best behavior this next week, understand?"

"Yes mom...um...goodnight daddy…" She looked at her mother once more and whispered,

"Good luck…" Before running to her room and shutting the door behind her.

"Okay now honey...let's each take a deep breath and relax." Discord said as he floated in the air in a meditating position, incense burning next to him. However his beautiful wife seemed to be in no mood for his antics.

"Where did she get the catapult Discord?" She asked and Discord fell out of the air and landed on his rump on the floor. He smiled nervously at his wife and shrugged,

"Who knows how these things come to pass? Can't we just be happy that it was all in good fun and a safe activity for our lovely…"

"Discord…" She took several steps towards him and he scooted back. He stopped when his back hit the couch and tried to smooth his way out of this mess.

"Ah come on honey. Worse things have happened when me and Pinkie team up and I don't hear you-Yah!" He shouted and jumped over the couch to avoid her as she jumped at him. He used the couch as a shield and smiled at his gorgeous wife whose eyes were on fire.

"I knew it! You did give her that thing didn't you!?" She shouted and jumped at him again. He flashed himself out of the way and smiled down at her.

"Now I never said that, did I my love?" He purred and she stiffened at the sound of his voice. He grinned and slowly slithered along the floor and then curled himself around her, feeling her shiver as his fur slid along hers. He also gave off a growl at feeling her against him.

"Come on love...it was just a small prank. Little hope fixed Rarity's coat...no harm, no foul. Why not let Flitter off easy? She was only having some fun with her friends. Come on honey, let the little girl have her fun." He rubbed his face against hers and she sighed and returned the affectionate display.

"Discord...somedays that little girl is more like you than your son. All she wants is to cause trouble, I'm just worried one day she'll get too carried away and upset the wrong ponies…"

"Nonsense love. Flitter is a sweetheart deep down, just like her mother. She's only enjoying her youth, nothing wrong with that. Besides, what could anypony do to a child of chaos?" He teased and Fluttershy looked up at him.

"Discord...that's the thing...she may be your child but...she has no magic, like me. She's not strong like Kibou and you...how can she protect herself from the dangers of the world?"

Discord smiled at his wife and nuzzled her again.

"Oh darling...you worry too much. Flitter will be fine, besides she'll always have me and Kibou here to protect her from other dangers. What harm could come to this family with two chaos masters present?"

Fluttershy giggled and kissed her husband.

"I guess you're right. I am worrying over nothing, but I will not remove Flitter's punishment. She has to learn...and so do you."

"Me?! What did I…"

"Don't play innocent...just take your punishment with some dignity." She giggled as she walked away from him. Discord swallowed and watched her walking away, her tail swishing.

"And...w-what punishment am I getting?" He groaned and she looked back at him, a wicked gleam in her eyes. Heavens, how he loved that look. He felt his body rise to the occasion, just staring into her teal eyes. She smiled and put her nose in the air,

"You'll just have to wait and see…"

He groaned and slid to the floor on his stomach and remembered that morning.

'He'll just have to wait and see...'

"Yup...definitely her mother's temperament…" Discord growled and slammed his face into the ground.