Fluttershy's Deep Breathby gchamp89ChaptersPrologue: Discord's LamentChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Prologue: Discord's LamentFluttershy is in love with me. I would have to be as big a fool as Rarity was when she thought that rock was a diamond. Well, in her defense my magic made her think that but that's beside the point. I have seen the way Fluttershy acts around me. Those baby-blue eyes light up whenever she gazes upon my magnificent form. She'll actually push her mane out of her face in order to see me better. Whenever she is speaking to me, you can hear her talk in a normal tone instead of those barely audible whispers that she usually talks in. She'll even tell that damned rabbit to show me some respect and stop acting like a little bastard whenever I visit her at her little cottage. Fluttershy's affection of me was as obvious to me as was the dragon kid's love for the fashion crazy marshmallow to everyone else. I thought it was cute. Like a little puppy, who wags her tail whenever she sees her owner. I never took her feelings seriously, I thought it was just some schoolfilly's crush on her older teacher or something mundane like that. I am a Spirit of Disharmony and shes a timid, little pegasus who's scared of her own shadow. What in the world could she offer the likes of me? Her friendship? Well...it was interesting to say the least. Playing the selfish, egotistical villain all the time was starting to get boring and I can't stand being bored. And I was also getting sick of being stuck as a statue. Being static just does not work for a creature of chaos. So I accepted her offer of friendship after that whole drama I staged with the beavers and the hick's farm. I tuned down some of my more destructive jokes in order to give the illusion of being reformed. I also kept correspondence with Fluttershy and made regular visits to her cottage. We just mainly talked and drank tea but I could tell that that she was slowly warming up to me. She was coming out of the shell that she had built around herself when it was just us. As for me, well, like I said, I thought it was cute. I thought about leading her on a bit just to amuse myself, but I do admit that I had grown...fond of Fluttershy...and that seemed a bit too malicous for the new "reformed" me so I just played it cool and stayed distant. Also I was having too much fun messing with everypony without the fear of Celestia spoiling my fun. Especially Twilight, the way her eye twitches when she gets mad is just so hilarious. I was having too much fun. That's when I met Tirek. I must have been as thick-headed as Rainbow Dash to have been fooled by him. To believe that he wouldn't back-stab me the first chance he got is the height of foolishness. And Twilight Sparkle...it appears I have greatly underestimated her and the idea that "Friendship is Magic". After that whole fiasco, her and her friends were quick to forgive me. Though with plenty of subtle warnings about not letting something like this happen again. Though I use the word subtle loosely in Dash's case. She is as subtle as a freight train. Then I remebered Fluttershy, and I remembered her affection for me. Since this time I was truely reformed I thought I should do the right thing and properly apologize to her and gently let her down as well. I came to her cottage like I used to and when she opened the door, I closed my eyes and sincerely apologized to her. I was about to let her down like I planned but I then realized I hadn't heard anything so I opened my eyes. I then saw the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Fluttershy wasn't wearing any dress, any makeup, she was standing there with the most serene look of love and kindness on her face.And as I looked into her eyes, time seemed to freeze. Because where I thought I saw just a shallow pool of a schoolfilly's crush, was an ocean of forgiveness, kindness, affection, and most of all...love. Then I saw something horrible within those eyes. Something twisted, cruel, evil, and ugly. I saw me. My heart started racing. All that love was meant for me. I broke out in a cold sweat. She was still in love with me even after my betrayal. My mouth felt like cotton. She forgave me for my transgression. My knees started to shake. A beautiful, kind pure creature like her was in love with a pathetic wretch like me. She started to speak but I quickly teleported myself out from in front of her door to a more secluded spot in the Everfree Forest. I fell to my knees and wept. I sobbed like foal. For I knew that her love for me does not go unanswered. For I knew that I have destroyed any chance for us to be happy together. I went all over Equestria with Tirek in his rampage, helping him drain all the magic from all the ponies. Though I have been forgiven by the princesses and the Elements themselves, my name will forever be mud in their books. I refuse to to let any dirt, any taint, from me fall on her perfect form. I have to distance myself from Fluttershy, lest ponies mark her dirty by association. I have to kill the part of my heart that accepts Fluttershy's love. I have to destroy the part of me that makes me happy. In that cold spot in the forest, I say, for the first and final time, the one line I can never let anypony here. The one line that properly conveys how I feel. The one line that would make Fluttershy so happy as well as invite misery into her life. "Fluttershy, I..." Chapter 1It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. But more importantly, it was a quiet day in Ponyville. Something the residents appreciated and took full advantage of. On this day we see a lone yellow pegasus mare with three butterflies as a cutie mark approach the home/store of one her most closest and fashionable friends. She notices the 'Open' sign and opens the door and sees her friend. Making out with a purple and green dragon. Letting out a small "eep!" she alerts the two to her presence and their eyes go as wide as saucers. "Fl-Fl-Fluttershy!? How did you-" Rarity looked up over the door to space where the bell was supposed to be only to find it vacant. "Ugh, I forgot I took that blasted thing down so I could polish it and I forgot to put it back." "Oh, Ahhh...Hey Fluttershy, How you been?" Spike awkwardly greeted the beet-red pegasus mare. Shaking herself, Fluttershy quickly remembered why she was here, "Um..I'm fine thank you, Spike. I was wondering if I could talk to you and Rarity about something...private" Fluttershy seemed to retreat deeper into her mane as she spoke. Spike and Rarity exchanged glances. Rarity spoke first, "Of course, darling, why don't we sit down and talk in the kitchen. Spike, my love, why don't you warm up some tea for all of us?" "Of course, milady." Spike bowed and went to the kitchen. "Come along now Fluttershy" Rarity began walking toward the kitchen as well, "While we wait for Spike why don't you tell what you've been up to? And when he gets the tea ready will all sit down and talk about whats concerning you." Fluttershy gave a small smile. "That would be lovely." After the two chatted awhile Spike approached them with the tea. After serving the tea he seated himself next to Rarity. Rairty nuzzled him lovingly and pulled him close. She then turned to Fluttershy, "Now my dear, tell us what troubles you?" Fluttershy took a sip of her tea and composed herself. "Well first I wanted to ask...how has it been for you two?" Rarity answered first, "It's been wonderful, Fluttershy. I feel like such a fool searching for my 'Prince Charming" in other stallions when the my prince was near me this whole time. He is true gentledrake who loves me for who I am. I can truly be myself around him, flaws and all." Rarity started to blush a little. "Twilight has also informed me that Spike will be proper adult age in a couple years, so I have put off the more...intimate parts of our romance on hold until then. Though, as you saw earlier, I can be a tad impatient." Spike touched her hoof. "It's okay, milady, it's not like I didn't want it either." "But I am the older one here, my love. Twilight is a dear friend to me but she is also a mother to you. She made me promise that I would be responsible with you and your feelings." Spike smiled. "In that case, I leave this dragons feelings in your capable and lovely hooves." Rarity pecked on the cheeks. "So young and so charming, I believe I'm the luckiest mare in in Equestria to have such wonderful drake to love and cherish." Fluttershy gave a small cough to remind the two of her presence. Turning red, Rarity answered, "Oh..ah...yes, where was I? Oh, well everything has been going along quite beautifully...except for" Rarity's brow furrowed a bit "...a few hiccups." Fluttershy sipped her tea. "A few hiccups?" Spike growled. "Like I thought. not everypony is tolerate of me and Rarity being in a relationship. I have heard some whispers and pointing when they think were not looking. Then there was lunch last week..." Rarity sat her hoof on Spikes claw. "Now, Now, my love, that's enough of that. Someponies are irredeemable louts that are beneath our attention." Rarity smirked "Besides I think after what you did we won't be hearing from him anytime soon." Fluttershy was curious. "What happened?" Rarity smiled and sipped her tea. "Oh nothing important. Lets just say that I hope he's not stupid enough to involve the Royal Guard like he said he would. I had a talk with Twilight and she assured me that me nor Spike went outside the realm of 'justifiable self-defense' . Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Wow..it sounds like you two have been through a lot." Spike gave her smile. "Like Rarity said, a few hiccups along the way, but other than that, it's been perfect. I wish that I would've confessed sooner." Fluttershy eyes took on a vacant look as Spike finished. "I..see" F;uttershy remained silent for several moments before suddenly downing the rest of her tea, like a shot of bourbon, in one huge gulp. Spike and Rarity, startled by her behavior, ware about inquire when Fluttershy spoke. "How did you do it, Spike?" Spike looked at Rarity, who was just as puzzled as he was, and then back at Fluttershy. "How I did I do what?" "How did you lay your heart and soul on the line like that?" Fluttershy had gotten out of her seat was leaning over the table towards Spike. "I know you are much braver than I am. But that still must've the terrifying. What if she had said no?! What if she had laughed at you?! What if she had simply pushed you away without even hearing what you have to say? What . . . what . . . if?" Tears were streaming down Fluttershy's face by this point. But before she could completely break down, Spike held a claw up to her lips. "Fluttershy, confessing to Rarity was probably the most terrifying moment of my life. I did imagine all those things that you said. And I am sure the pain would have been unimaginable. But I couldn't live my life afraid all the time. Rarity is a true treasure that I could not let slip away from me without trying to make a grab for it. And whoever this is that has got you worked up, I can promise you my help in the matter." Rarity grabbed Fluttershy's hoof and smiled. "And mine as well, my dear. Between myself and Spike, I am sure your love for this pony will blossom." Fluttershy visibly relaxed and immediately grabbed them both in an embrace they returned. "Thank you, you have no idea how much this means to me." After they came apart, Rarity asked, "Well, I have no pressing orders and there is no time like the present for love. First of all, who is the lucky mare or stallion?" Fluttershy shrunked back into her mane and squeaked out, "Discord". Both Spike's and Rarity's jaw hit the floor. Spike answered first, "Did you just squeak 'Discord'?" Fluttershy turned red and shrunk even further. Rarity composed herself and turned to Spike. "Spike, you go and grab Twilight and the rest of the girls and have them meet us here. While you're gone, Fluttershy will fill me in on everything." Spike did a small bow and quickly ran out the shop. Fluttershy's eyes started to water. "Am I wrong to love him?" Rarity turned to her and said smiled, "Of course not, my dear." "But we are definitely going to need some help." Author's Note Forgive me for my grammer Chapter 2"Hey Rarity, we're here!" Rarity and Fluttershy came out of the kitchen and into the main store area. There they saw Spike leading the other four elements. Princess Twilight spoke first, "Rarity, Fluttershy, is everything all right?" Rarity smiled at her friends. "Hello, my friends, sorry to have Spike come and collect you on such short notic-" "Is there any tea left in the kitchen?" Rarity turned towards Pinkie Pie with a quizzical look. "Er, yes there is, please help your self." "Okie-Dokie-Lokie!" The pink pony quickly walked into the kitchen and returned with a cup of tea balanced on her head. "Thank you!" She sat on her haunches next to Rainbow Dash. Rarity gave her an awkward smile. "No problem, dear, now where was I?....Oh! As I was saying I had Spike go around and collect everypony because our dear friend Fluttershy has situation here that requires our assistance." Rainbow Dash spoke up next, looking very eager. "Oh! Are we finally going to cage that demon rabbit of yours?" A look of abject horror appeared on the Fluttershy's face. "NO! How could you even think that?" "Well, that rabbit has been pain the ass for a long time now and he always tries to kick me whenever I go to your cottage. If you ask me, we should get a big mallet and-OUCH!" Rainbow Dash winced in pain from the hoof she received upside her head. She turned towards the direction it came from to see Applejack giving her the stink eye. "Why don't y'all shut yer trap and let Fluttershy say what shes got to say?" She turned towards Fluttershy, her features softening. "Go on now sugarcube, say what's on your mind." Pinkie Pie sat on her haunches and put the cup to her mouth. Fluttershy took a big deep breath. "I am in love with Discord." Twilight frowned a bit. "Ahhh could you repeat that?" Fluttershy took another big deep breath. "I am in love with Discord" She cast her gaze downward and started fidgeting with her hooves. Rarity sighed and grabbed one of her sewing needles with her magic. "Forgive me, Fluttershy, but this is for your own good." Pinkie took a big sip of tea her tea. As the needle pricked her flank, Fluttershy let out a small shriek, "OWWW! I AM IN LOVE WITH DISCOOOORD" "WHAT!?!?" "HUH?!!?" "WHAAUUUUGGGGH!?!?" Both Applejack and Twilight had looks of stunned disbelief on their face. While Rainbow Dash had a look of stunned disbelief and tea on her face. "What the Tartarus was that for!?!?" Pinkie Pie just smiled. "Well, this morning my Pinkie Sense went off. It was an nose twitch, itchy flank, and dry mouth. And that's the combo which means that I was going to hear something totally unexpected and do a spit take today. The only problem was that I had no idea when it was supposed to happen. So I have drinking water bottles all day so I could be ready when it happens. I just ran out water bottles when Spike arrived and said Fluttershy needed me. When we got to Rarity's I realized this must be it and asked Rarity for some and, wouldn't you know it, I heard a real doozy and did a spittake. Now that that's done, I've been needing to go for a really long time now anmmmph!" Twilight magically closed Pinkie's mouth. "Okay, I heard the last part where you needed to go use the bathroom, so why don't you go and we'll bring you up to speed when you get back, okay? Pinkie enthusiastically shook her head yes and immediately zipped to Rarity's bathroom. Applejack shook her head and looked to Fluttershy. "Speaking of things that ah don't rightly understand, did Ah just hear y'all are in love with Discord?" Fluttershy meekly nodded yes, "For a very long time now, I have been in love with Discord." Applejack closed her eyes and sighed, "Yep, That's what ah thought ah heard." She opened her eyes, "Well, sugarcube, ya'll have gone and fallen for one of the most troublesome creatures this side of Equestria."Her face suddenly lit up and she gave Fluttershy a warm smile, "So ah know ya'll are gonna need all the help you can get and ah'm happy to provide." Fluttershy looked towards the orange mare and squeaked "Really?" Twilight suddenly spoke up, "I couldn't have said it better myself, Applejack. I am happy you found somepony you want to share your love with Fluttershy. Even if it's Discord, you can count on me to support you." Before Fluttershy could respond, she gave a squeak when she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her neck. She looked to her right and saw Pinkie Pie giving her off one of her biggest smiles, "Me three Fluttershy. I can't wait to until you and Discord are together so I can throw you a celebrtion bash for you and the lucky draconequus. Don't worry though I'll make it a quiet bash just for you, that's a Pinkie Promise." She lets go of Fluttershy and did her Pinkie Promise routine. "Oh and don't worry, I washed my hooves." Fluttershy turns toward Rarity and Spike, her eyes filled with hope. Rarity just simply similes "You know were me and Spike stand." Fluttershy turns till she faces everypony with a big smile, "Thank you everypon-" "Hold up." It wasn't that the interruption that rattled Fluttershy, or the simple statement itself. It was the complete and utter chill with wich the words were said. Even more rattaling to Fluttershy was that the chill came from Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash stood there with a stern look on her face, "I am sorry Fluttershy. Discord is a complete and utter bastard who can't be trusted. He's a two-faced jerk who can change his loyalties as fast as Rarity changes dresses. You and him getting together would just end with you in tears and him laughing his ass off at you. The rest of you guys can go ahead and help her get her heart broken out if you want, but count me out. I'm sorry Fluttershy, But I can't and won't help you." Author's Note Sorry for the delay. Had some problems at home and it ate up a lot of free time. I also had writer's block for awhile as well. Everything is cool now so I may be able to get my stories out more often now. Thank you for your patience and time. P.S. Sorry for the short chapter. I am still kinda a beginner when it comes to writing but I am trying to improve. Chapter 3There was nothing but silence as everypony and dragon stared, mouths agape, at Rainbow Dash. The silence seemed to go on forever until it was quielty shattered by a strange plopping sound. Six of the creatures in the room looked towards where they heard and discovered the source its source. It was the sound of Fluttershy's tears hitting the carpet as she was quietly sobbing. Seeing Fluttershy crying snapped Rarity out of her stupor. Reaching a hoof out to her, she quietly called out to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy dear, she-" But Rarity was quickly cut off as Fluttershy demonstrated a burst of strength that would make Big Macintosh proud and shoved her aside and ran out the door, tears streaming down her face along the way. Moments later, as everyone stared out the door where Fluttershy ran out, Rainbow Dash spoke up first, "Look, I know what I said was cruel, but it...was...necessary?" Dash trailed off her statement as she saw how everyone was looking a her. Spike stared angrily at her with his arms folded. Pinkie Pie's mane slowly deflated as she stared at Dash, eyes watering with tears that are on the verge of spilling out. The way Twilight looked at her reminded Dash the way Celestia looked at Twilight during that whole royal wedding fiasco. Disappointment seemed to radiate from her very being. Applejack glared at Dash as if she wanted to feed Dash her own teeth with her tongue as a chaser. And Rarity...? The anger and hate from everyone Dash expected, but the look that Rarity wore threw her off. She had look on her face that made Dash think for a second that there was a mix -up at birth and Maud Pie is actually related to Rarity instead of Pinkie. In short, Rarity had a look of almost complete apathy on her face as she was looking at Rainbow Dash. All of sudden, she raised a hoof to her mouth and politely coughed into it and gained everyone's attention. She then started to speak, "Alright, everyone.", her voice concise and clear as if she were a teacher giving a lecture, "here is what going to happen." "I am going to go to Fluttershy's house and try and to calm down the poor mare and get her to come back." She then pointed a hoof towards Rainbow Dash with her voice taking a sharper tone, "You are going to explain yourself to Applejack, Twilight, about every horrid thing you just said." She then looked towards Spike and Pinkie, her features and voice softening, "Spike, my love, and Pinkie will be coming with me to help coax out Fluttershy..." Pinkie shook her mane back to to its normal curliness and saluted her, ready to go cheer up a friend in need. Spike smiled and gave her a gentledrakely bow. Rarity smiled at their gestures and then turned towards Dash, her features hardening again, "...since the words that probably will be used to describe you and what you said shouldn't be heard by young growing dragons and I will probably need Pinkie's help getting in her cottage. Until then I leave you with this." The only thing Rainbow Dash saw was a white blur before she experienced Rarity's right cross on her jaw. Dash was floored instantly by the blow, stars and colors bursting in her eyes. As Rarity turned away from the stunned ponies to leave with Spike and Pinkie, she looked over her shoulder and called out, "Twilight, could you be a dear and check Rainbow for me, please? I don't want to inflict any permanent damage...yet" With that Rarity use her magic to put Spike on her back and galloped out the shop with Pinkie trailing behind her saying, "Hey Rarity, I thought your last name was 'Belle' not 'Ali'?" Rainbow Dash slowly got back up on her hooves, swaying a bit as she tried to regain her balance. "She didn't have to hit me that hard.", she groaned. Applejack shook her head, "Dash, that weren't a hit.", she said simply. "If that wasn't a hit then what the heck was it? ", Dash asked confused Applejack glared at her, "That thar'..." , she said with voice laced with venom, "...was a love tap. Ah'll let you experience a REAL buck if you don't start flappin' your gums and expalnin' why the FUCK you decided to make Fluttershy cry like that." Despite Applejack's intimidation, Dash stood her ground and retorted, "I was trying to protect Fluttershy! Don't tell me you all have forgotten about Tirek?! How can we trust Discord not to do something like that again? He turned on all of us without a second thought and nearly let Tirek destroy Equestria! And you guys want to set him up with Fluttershy?! Seriously are you guys all-" "Dash" Twilight interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt you but I have a question." Caught off guard by Twilight, Dash turns towards her, "Uh...okay, what is it?" "Exactly how stupid do you think we are?", Twilight said as she glared daggers at Rainbow's stunned face, "Everypony was there when Discord first escaped and turned Ponyville into his personal playground and we were also there when he betrayed us to join Tirek in his rampage. So of course we haven't forgotten what he put us through." Twilight continued as she slowly advance on a retreating Rainbow Dash, "Discord put us through Tartarus, screwed around with our friendship, and almost destroyed our home. Even after Celestia put him in Fluttershy's care, we still had to put up with his antics even when he was being helpful in his know-it-all jackass kind of way. But he still ended up backstabbing us in the end to join Tirek, a power hungry monster who, unsurprisingly, returned the favor and left him powerless. But after everything he put us through, I am going to support Fluttershy in trying to pursue him romantically. " Rainbow Dash felt her back hit the wall as Twilight advanced on her, "B-But Why?", she manged to choke out. Twilight didn't stop until her face was inches away from Rainbow Dash and looked her square in the eye. "Because they're my friends." Twilight retreated a couple steps and gave Rainbow her space back, "It must have taken a lot of courage for Fluttershy to confide her feelings for Discord in us and I am going to give that courage every bit of respect it deserves by supporting her anyway I can. Even if it turns out Discord isn't right for her I will certainly be more gentle about it than you were back there." "As for Discord...", Twilight closed her eyes for a couple of moments as if she was in deep thought and when she opened them her gaze had noticeably softened, "When Tirek gave me that choice to either sacrifice my power or my friends I realized in that one moment that I had to not only save you girls but Discord as well. Even after Celestia had pardoned him, I never bothered trying to be a friend to Discord like Fluttershy was trying. In fact I'm pretty sure we all just made him feel like more of a nuisance than a friend. So his betrayal shouldn't have really come as a surprise, we hadn't done anything to make his betrayal difficult. So in that one moment I decided that I show Discord a true act of friendship by getting Tirek to release him and forgiving Discord." Twilight looked on at Rainbow Dash as her words were starting to sink into the cyan pony, "I haven't forgotten what Discord has done, but I forgive him and I'm willing to give him a second chance to be a true friend." Rainbow Dash hung her head looking a little bit ashamed, "Yeah well...maybe I should go and apologize to Fluttershy about what I said." Applejack raised an eyebrow at that, "An'...?" Rainbow Dash huffed, "...and give Discord a second chance." Applejack smiled, "Ain't no pony sayin' that we don't keep the occasional eye on Discord an' make sure that varmint keeps his nose clean fer the most part, him bein' a spirit of chaos and all. But we gotta give the fella a second chance an' show him what real friendship is like. Plus if Twi, Celestia, and Luna can forgive him for all the damage he's done, then why can't I?" Rainbow Dash started to scratch the back of her head, "I guess you got a point there, but how am supposed to handle this whole forgiveness thing? Can you girls help me?" Twilight smiled, "Sure we can, because that's what friends are for." Author's Note Sorry for the delay. My focus comes and goes as for as my writing. Hope you like the chapter. Thank you for reading and stay safe.
Prologue: Discord's LamentFluttershy is in love with me. I would have to be as big a fool as Rarity was when she thought that rock was a diamond. Well, in her defense my magic made her think that but that's beside the point. I have seen the way Fluttershy acts around me. Those baby-blue eyes light up whenever she gazes upon my magnificent form. She'll actually push her mane out of her face in order to see me better. Whenever she is speaking to me, you can hear her talk in a normal tone instead of those barely audible whispers that she usually talks in. She'll even tell that damned rabbit to show me some respect and stop acting like a little bastard whenever I visit her at her little cottage. Fluttershy's affection of me was as obvious to me as was the dragon kid's love for the fashion crazy marshmallow to everyone else. I thought it was cute. Like a little puppy, who wags her tail whenever she sees her owner. I never took her feelings seriously, I thought it was just some schoolfilly's crush on her older teacher or something mundane like that. I am a Spirit of Disharmony and shes a timid, little pegasus who's scared of her own shadow. What in the world could she offer the likes of me? Her friendship? Well...it was interesting to say the least. Playing the selfish, egotistical villain all the time was starting to get boring and I can't stand being bored. And I was also getting sick of being stuck as a statue. Being static just does not work for a creature of chaos. So I accepted her offer of friendship after that whole drama I staged with the beavers and the hick's farm. I tuned down some of my more destructive jokes in order to give the illusion of being reformed. I also kept correspondence with Fluttershy and made regular visits to her cottage. We just mainly talked and drank tea but I could tell that that she was slowly warming up to me. She was coming out of the shell that she had built around herself when it was just us. As for me, well, like I said, I thought it was cute. I thought about leading her on a bit just to amuse myself, but I do admit that I had grown...fond of Fluttershy...and that seemed a bit too malicous for the new "reformed" me so I just played it cool and stayed distant. Also I was having too much fun messing with everypony without the fear of Celestia spoiling my fun. Especially Twilight, the way her eye twitches when she gets mad is just so hilarious. I was having too much fun. That's when I met Tirek. I must have been as thick-headed as Rainbow Dash to have been fooled by him. To believe that he wouldn't back-stab me the first chance he got is the height of foolishness. And Twilight Sparkle...it appears I have greatly underestimated her and the idea that "Friendship is Magic". After that whole fiasco, her and her friends were quick to forgive me. Though with plenty of subtle warnings about not letting something like this happen again. Though I use the word subtle loosely in Dash's case. She is as subtle as a freight train. Then I remebered Fluttershy, and I remembered her affection for me. Since this time I was truely reformed I thought I should do the right thing and properly apologize to her and gently let her down as well. I came to her cottage like I used to and when she opened the door, I closed my eyes and sincerely apologized to her. I was about to let her down like I planned but I then realized I hadn't heard anything so I opened my eyes. I then saw the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Fluttershy wasn't wearing any dress, any makeup, she was standing there with the most serene look of love and kindness on her face.And as I looked into her eyes, time seemed to freeze. Because where I thought I saw just a shallow pool of a schoolfilly's crush, was an ocean of forgiveness, kindness, affection, and most of all...love. Then I saw something horrible within those eyes. Something twisted, cruel, evil, and ugly. I saw me. My heart started racing. All that love was meant for me. I broke out in a cold sweat. She was still in love with me even after my betrayal. My mouth felt like cotton. She forgave me for my transgression. My knees started to shake. A beautiful, kind pure creature like her was in love with a pathetic wretch like me. She started to speak but I quickly teleported myself out from in front of her door to a more secluded spot in the Everfree Forest. I fell to my knees and wept. I sobbed like foal. For I knew that her love for me does not go unanswered. For I knew that I have destroyed any chance for us to be happy together. I went all over Equestria with Tirek in his rampage, helping him drain all the magic from all the ponies. Though I have been forgiven by the princesses and the Elements themselves, my name will forever be mud in their books. I refuse to to let any dirt, any taint, from me fall on her perfect form. I have to distance myself from Fluttershy, lest ponies mark her dirty by association. I have to kill the part of my heart that accepts Fluttershy's love. I have to destroy the part of me that makes me happy. In that cold spot in the forest, I say, for the first and final time, the one line I can never let anypony here. The one line that properly conveys how I feel. The one line that would make Fluttershy so happy as well as invite misery into her life. "Fluttershy, I..."
Chapter 1It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. But more importantly, it was a quiet day in Ponyville. Something the residents appreciated and took full advantage of. On this day we see a lone yellow pegasus mare with three butterflies as a cutie mark approach the home/store of one her most closest and fashionable friends. She notices the 'Open' sign and opens the door and sees her friend. Making out with a purple and green dragon. Letting out a small "eep!" she alerts the two to her presence and their eyes go as wide as saucers. "Fl-Fl-Fluttershy!? How did you-" Rarity looked up over the door to space where the bell was supposed to be only to find it vacant. "Ugh, I forgot I took that blasted thing down so I could polish it and I forgot to put it back." "Oh, Ahhh...Hey Fluttershy, How you been?" Spike awkwardly greeted the beet-red pegasus mare. Shaking herself, Fluttershy quickly remembered why she was here, "Um..I'm fine thank you, Spike. I was wondering if I could talk to you and Rarity about something...private" Fluttershy seemed to retreat deeper into her mane as she spoke. Spike and Rarity exchanged glances. Rarity spoke first, "Of course, darling, why don't we sit down and talk in the kitchen. Spike, my love, why don't you warm up some tea for all of us?" "Of course, milady." Spike bowed and went to the kitchen. "Come along now Fluttershy" Rarity began walking toward the kitchen as well, "While we wait for Spike why don't you tell what you've been up to? And when he gets the tea ready will all sit down and talk about whats concerning you." Fluttershy gave a small smile. "That would be lovely." After the two chatted awhile Spike approached them with the tea. After serving the tea he seated himself next to Rarity. Rairty nuzzled him lovingly and pulled him close. She then turned to Fluttershy, "Now my dear, tell us what troubles you?" Fluttershy took a sip of her tea and composed herself. "Well first I wanted to ask...how has it been for you two?" Rarity answered first, "It's been wonderful, Fluttershy. I feel like such a fool searching for my 'Prince Charming" in other stallions when the my prince was near me this whole time. He is true gentledrake who loves me for who I am. I can truly be myself around him, flaws and all." Rarity started to blush a little. "Twilight has also informed me that Spike will be proper adult age in a couple years, so I have put off the more...intimate parts of our romance on hold until then. Though, as you saw earlier, I can be a tad impatient." Spike touched her hoof. "It's okay, milady, it's not like I didn't want it either." "But I am the older one here, my love. Twilight is a dear friend to me but she is also a mother to you. She made me promise that I would be responsible with you and your feelings." Spike smiled. "In that case, I leave this dragons feelings in your capable and lovely hooves." Rarity pecked on the cheeks. "So young and so charming, I believe I'm the luckiest mare in in Equestria to have such wonderful drake to love and cherish." Fluttershy gave a small cough to remind the two of her presence. Turning red, Rarity answered, "Oh..ah...yes, where was I? Oh, well everything has been going along quite beautifully...except for" Rarity's brow furrowed a bit "...a few hiccups." Fluttershy sipped her tea. "A few hiccups?" Spike growled. "Like I thought. not everypony is tolerate of me and Rarity being in a relationship. I have heard some whispers and pointing when they think were not looking. Then there was lunch last week..." Rarity sat her hoof on Spikes claw. "Now, Now, my love, that's enough of that. Someponies are irredeemable louts that are beneath our attention." Rarity smirked "Besides I think after what you did we won't be hearing from him anytime soon." Fluttershy was curious. "What happened?" Rarity smiled and sipped her tea. "Oh nothing important. Lets just say that I hope he's not stupid enough to involve the Royal Guard like he said he would. I had a talk with Twilight and she assured me that me nor Spike went outside the realm of 'justifiable self-defense' . Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Wow..it sounds like you two have been through a lot." Spike gave her smile. "Like Rarity said, a few hiccups along the way, but other than that, it's been perfect. I wish that I would've confessed sooner." Fluttershy eyes took on a vacant look as Spike finished. "I..see" F;uttershy remained silent for several moments before suddenly downing the rest of her tea, like a shot of bourbon, in one huge gulp. Spike and Rarity, startled by her behavior, ware about inquire when Fluttershy spoke. "How did you do it, Spike?" Spike looked at Rarity, who was just as puzzled as he was, and then back at Fluttershy. "How I did I do what?" "How did you lay your heart and soul on the line like that?" Fluttershy had gotten out of her seat was leaning over the table towards Spike. "I know you are much braver than I am. But that still must've the terrifying. What if she had said no?! What if she had laughed at you?! What if she had simply pushed you away without even hearing what you have to say? What . . . what . . . if?" Tears were streaming down Fluttershy's face by this point. But before she could completely break down, Spike held a claw up to her lips. "Fluttershy, confessing to Rarity was probably the most terrifying moment of my life. I did imagine all those things that you said. And I am sure the pain would have been unimaginable. But I couldn't live my life afraid all the time. Rarity is a true treasure that I could not let slip away from me without trying to make a grab for it. And whoever this is that has got you worked up, I can promise you my help in the matter." Rarity grabbed Fluttershy's hoof and smiled. "And mine as well, my dear. Between myself and Spike, I am sure your love for this pony will blossom." Fluttershy visibly relaxed and immediately grabbed them both in an embrace they returned. "Thank you, you have no idea how much this means to me." After they came apart, Rarity asked, "Well, I have no pressing orders and there is no time like the present for love. First of all, who is the lucky mare or stallion?" Fluttershy shrunked back into her mane and squeaked out, "Discord". Both Spike's and Rarity's jaw hit the floor. Spike answered first, "Did you just squeak 'Discord'?" Fluttershy turned red and shrunk even further. Rarity composed herself and turned to Spike. "Spike, you go and grab Twilight and the rest of the girls and have them meet us here. While you're gone, Fluttershy will fill me in on everything." Spike did a small bow and quickly ran out the shop. Fluttershy's eyes started to water. "Am I wrong to love him?" Rarity turned to her and said smiled, "Of course not, my dear." "But we are definitely going to need some help." Author's Note Forgive me for my grammer
Chapter 2"Hey Rarity, we're here!" Rarity and Fluttershy came out of the kitchen and into the main store area. There they saw Spike leading the other four elements. Princess Twilight spoke first, "Rarity, Fluttershy, is everything all right?" Rarity smiled at her friends. "Hello, my friends, sorry to have Spike come and collect you on such short notic-" "Is there any tea left in the kitchen?" Rarity turned towards Pinkie Pie with a quizzical look. "Er, yes there is, please help your self." "Okie-Dokie-Lokie!" The pink pony quickly walked into the kitchen and returned with a cup of tea balanced on her head. "Thank you!" She sat on her haunches next to Rainbow Dash. Rarity gave her an awkward smile. "No problem, dear, now where was I?....Oh! As I was saying I had Spike go around and collect everypony because our dear friend Fluttershy has situation here that requires our assistance." Rainbow Dash spoke up next, looking very eager. "Oh! Are we finally going to cage that demon rabbit of yours?" A look of abject horror appeared on the Fluttershy's face. "NO! How could you even think that?" "Well, that rabbit has been pain the ass for a long time now and he always tries to kick me whenever I go to your cottage. If you ask me, we should get a big mallet and-OUCH!" Rainbow Dash winced in pain from the hoof she received upside her head. She turned towards the direction it came from to see Applejack giving her the stink eye. "Why don't y'all shut yer trap and let Fluttershy say what shes got to say?" She turned towards Fluttershy, her features softening. "Go on now sugarcube, say what's on your mind." Pinkie Pie sat on her haunches and put the cup to her mouth. Fluttershy took a big deep breath. "I am in love with Discord." Twilight frowned a bit. "Ahhh could you repeat that?" Fluttershy took another big deep breath. "I am in love with Discord" She cast her gaze downward and started fidgeting with her hooves. Rarity sighed and grabbed one of her sewing needles with her magic. "Forgive me, Fluttershy, but this is for your own good." Pinkie took a big sip of tea her tea. As the needle pricked her flank, Fluttershy let out a small shriek, "OWWW! I AM IN LOVE WITH DISCOOOORD" "WHAT!?!?" "HUH?!!?" "WHAAUUUUGGGGH!?!?" Both Applejack and Twilight had looks of stunned disbelief on their face. While Rainbow Dash had a look of stunned disbelief and tea on her face. "What the Tartarus was that for!?!?" Pinkie Pie just smiled. "Well, this morning my Pinkie Sense went off. It was an nose twitch, itchy flank, and dry mouth. And that's the combo which means that I was going to hear something totally unexpected and do a spit take today. The only problem was that I had no idea when it was supposed to happen. So I have drinking water bottles all day so I could be ready when it happens. I just ran out water bottles when Spike arrived and said Fluttershy needed me. When we got to Rarity's I realized this must be it and asked Rarity for some and, wouldn't you know it, I heard a real doozy and did a spittake. Now that that's done, I've been needing to go for a really long time now anmmmph!" Twilight magically closed Pinkie's mouth. "Okay, I heard the last part where you needed to go use the bathroom, so why don't you go and we'll bring you up to speed when you get back, okay? Pinkie enthusiastically shook her head yes and immediately zipped to Rarity's bathroom. Applejack shook her head and looked to Fluttershy. "Speaking of things that ah don't rightly understand, did Ah just hear y'all are in love with Discord?" Fluttershy meekly nodded yes, "For a very long time now, I have been in love with Discord." Applejack closed her eyes and sighed, "Yep, That's what ah thought ah heard." She opened her eyes, "Well, sugarcube, ya'll have gone and fallen for one of the most troublesome creatures this side of Equestria."Her face suddenly lit up and she gave Fluttershy a warm smile, "So ah know ya'll are gonna need all the help you can get and ah'm happy to provide." Fluttershy looked towards the orange mare and squeaked "Really?" Twilight suddenly spoke up, "I couldn't have said it better myself, Applejack. I am happy you found somepony you want to share your love with Fluttershy. Even if it's Discord, you can count on me to support you." Before Fluttershy could respond, she gave a squeak when she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her neck. She looked to her right and saw Pinkie Pie giving her off one of her biggest smiles, "Me three Fluttershy. I can't wait to until you and Discord are together so I can throw you a celebrtion bash for you and the lucky draconequus. Don't worry though I'll make it a quiet bash just for you, that's a Pinkie Promise." She lets go of Fluttershy and did her Pinkie Promise routine. "Oh and don't worry, I washed my hooves." Fluttershy turns toward Rarity and Spike, her eyes filled with hope. Rarity just simply similes "You know were me and Spike stand." Fluttershy turns till she faces everypony with a big smile, "Thank you everypon-" "Hold up." It wasn't that the interruption that rattled Fluttershy, or the simple statement itself. It was the complete and utter chill with wich the words were said. Even more rattaling to Fluttershy was that the chill came from Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash stood there with a stern look on her face, "I am sorry Fluttershy. Discord is a complete and utter bastard who can't be trusted. He's a two-faced jerk who can change his loyalties as fast as Rarity changes dresses. You and him getting together would just end with you in tears and him laughing his ass off at you. The rest of you guys can go ahead and help her get her heart broken out if you want, but count me out. I'm sorry Fluttershy, But I can't and won't help you." Author's Note Sorry for the delay. Had some problems at home and it ate up a lot of free time. I also had writer's block for awhile as well. Everything is cool now so I may be able to get my stories out more often now. Thank you for your patience and time. P.S. Sorry for the short chapter. I am still kinda a beginner when it comes to writing but I am trying to improve.
Chapter 3There was nothing but silence as everypony and dragon stared, mouths agape, at Rainbow Dash. The silence seemed to go on forever until it was quielty shattered by a strange plopping sound. Six of the creatures in the room looked towards where they heard and discovered the source its source. It was the sound of Fluttershy's tears hitting the carpet as she was quietly sobbing. Seeing Fluttershy crying snapped Rarity out of her stupor. Reaching a hoof out to her, she quietly called out to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy dear, she-" But Rarity was quickly cut off as Fluttershy demonstrated a burst of strength that would make Big Macintosh proud and shoved her aside and ran out the door, tears streaming down her face along the way. Moments later, as everyone stared out the door where Fluttershy ran out, Rainbow Dash spoke up first, "Look, I know what I said was cruel, but it...was...necessary?" Dash trailed off her statement as she saw how everyone was looking a her. Spike stared angrily at her with his arms folded. Pinkie Pie's mane slowly deflated as she stared at Dash, eyes watering with tears that are on the verge of spilling out. The way Twilight looked at her reminded Dash the way Celestia looked at Twilight during that whole royal wedding fiasco. Disappointment seemed to radiate from her very being. Applejack glared at Dash as if she wanted to feed Dash her own teeth with her tongue as a chaser. And Rarity...? The anger and hate from everyone Dash expected, but the look that Rarity wore threw her off. She had look on her face that made Dash think for a second that there was a mix -up at birth and Maud Pie is actually related to Rarity instead of Pinkie. In short, Rarity had a look of almost complete apathy on her face as she was looking at Rainbow Dash. All of sudden, she raised a hoof to her mouth and politely coughed into it and gained everyone's attention. She then started to speak, "Alright, everyone.", her voice concise and clear as if she were a teacher giving a lecture, "here is what going to happen." "I am going to go to Fluttershy's house and try and to calm down the poor mare and get her to come back." She then pointed a hoof towards Rainbow Dash with her voice taking a sharper tone, "You are going to explain yourself to Applejack, Twilight, about every horrid thing you just said." She then looked towards Spike and Pinkie, her features and voice softening, "Spike, my love, and Pinkie will be coming with me to help coax out Fluttershy..." Pinkie shook her mane back to to its normal curliness and saluted her, ready to go cheer up a friend in need. Spike smiled and gave her a gentledrakely bow. Rarity smiled at their gestures and then turned towards Dash, her features hardening again, "...since the words that probably will be used to describe you and what you said shouldn't be heard by young growing dragons and I will probably need Pinkie's help getting in her cottage. Until then I leave you with this." The only thing Rainbow Dash saw was a white blur before she experienced Rarity's right cross on her jaw. Dash was floored instantly by the blow, stars and colors bursting in her eyes. As Rarity turned away from the stunned ponies to leave with Spike and Pinkie, she looked over her shoulder and called out, "Twilight, could you be a dear and check Rainbow for me, please? I don't want to inflict any permanent damage...yet" With that Rarity use her magic to put Spike on her back and galloped out the shop with Pinkie trailing behind her saying, "Hey Rarity, I thought your last name was 'Belle' not 'Ali'?" Rainbow Dash slowly got back up on her hooves, swaying a bit as she tried to regain her balance. "She didn't have to hit me that hard.", she groaned. Applejack shook her head, "Dash, that weren't a hit.", she said simply. "If that wasn't a hit then what the heck was it? ", Dash asked confused Applejack glared at her, "That thar'..." , she said with voice laced with venom, "...was a love tap. Ah'll let you experience a REAL buck if you don't start flappin' your gums and expalnin' why the FUCK you decided to make Fluttershy cry like that." Despite Applejack's intimidation, Dash stood her ground and retorted, "I was trying to protect Fluttershy! Don't tell me you all have forgotten about Tirek?! How can we trust Discord not to do something like that again? He turned on all of us without a second thought and nearly let Tirek destroy Equestria! And you guys want to set him up with Fluttershy?! Seriously are you guys all-" "Dash" Twilight interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt you but I have a question." Caught off guard by Twilight, Dash turns towards her, "Uh...okay, what is it?" "Exactly how stupid do you think we are?", Twilight said as she glared daggers at Rainbow's stunned face, "Everypony was there when Discord first escaped and turned Ponyville into his personal playground and we were also there when he betrayed us to join Tirek in his rampage. So of course we haven't forgotten what he put us through." Twilight continued as she slowly advance on a retreating Rainbow Dash, "Discord put us through Tartarus, screwed around with our friendship, and almost destroyed our home. Even after Celestia put him in Fluttershy's care, we still had to put up with his antics even when he was being helpful in his know-it-all jackass kind of way. But he still ended up backstabbing us in the end to join Tirek, a power hungry monster who, unsurprisingly, returned the favor and left him powerless. But after everything he put us through, I am going to support Fluttershy in trying to pursue him romantically. " Rainbow Dash felt her back hit the wall as Twilight advanced on her, "B-But Why?", she manged to choke out. Twilight didn't stop until her face was inches away from Rainbow Dash and looked her square in the eye. "Because they're my friends." Twilight retreated a couple steps and gave Rainbow her space back, "It must have taken a lot of courage for Fluttershy to confide her feelings for Discord in us and I am going to give that courage every bit of respect it deserves by supporting her anyway I can. Even if it turns out Discord isn't right for her I will certainly be more gentle about it than you were back there." "As for Discord...", Twilight closed her eyes for a couple of moments as if she was in deep thought and when she opened them her gaze had noticeably softened, "When Tirek gave me that choice to either sacrifice my power or my friends I realized in that one moment that I had to not only save you girls but Discord as well. Even after Celestia had pardoned him, I never bothered trying to be a friend to Discord like Fluttershy was trying. In fact I'm pretty sure we all just made him feel like more of a nuisance than a friend. So his betrayal shouldn't have really come as a surprise, we hadn't done anything to make his betrayal difficult. So in that one moment I decided that I show Discord a true act of friendship by getting Tirek to release him and forgiving Discord." Twilight looked on at Rainbow Dash as her words were starting to sink into the cyan pony, "I haven't forgotten what Discord has done, but I forgive him and I'm willing to give him a second chance to be a true friend." Rainbow Dash hung her head looking a little bit ashamed, "Yeah well...maybe I should go and apologize to Fluttershy about what I said." Applejack raised an eyebrow at that, "An'...?" Rainbow Dash huffed, "...and give Discord a second chance." Applejack smiled, "Ain't no pony sayin' that we don't keep the occasional eye on Discord an' make sure that varmint keeps his nose clean fer the most part, him bein' a spirit of chaos and all. But we gotta give the fella a second chance an' show him what real friendship is like. Plus if Twi, Celestia, and Luna can forgive him for all the damage he's done, then why can't I?" Rainbow Dash started to scratch the back of her head, "I guess you got a point there, but how am supposed to handle this whole forgiveness thing? Can you girls help me?" Twilight smiled, "Sure we can, because that's what friends are for." Author's Note Sorry for the delay. My focus comes and goes as for as my writing. Hope you like the chapter. Thank you for reading and stay safe.
