Stolen Chaosby MoeYusetaChaptersObliviousRestrantOmenSurvivalInvasionPanicTo CanterlotHoofing ItPaths CrossingQuestionable AnswersOuchAnother Rude Awaking: UNFINISHED AND SADAlright FUNNY THING HAPPENEDGetting ReadyObliviousThe time was pineapple and the place was Tuesday, all within the strangetopia of a certain demented Draconequus subconscious. The land, if you could call it that, seemed never ending and always moving, always hosting new and old things of everything strange and of unusual interest. The sky, if you could call it that, was quite possibly the stillest thing in this strange and frightening realm, as it was set in a perpetual state of twilight. No deeper meaning intended. Discord, lord of chaos, resided here, obviously. He draped himself over a cotton candy cloud, lazily floating a few feet into the air without any intention of getting off. Why would he? He drew his gaze into the sky, stirring from his rest slightly, only slightly. At first there was nothing, just nothing at all. Reds mixed with yellow, and the moon was still made of cheese. There were pink clouds and some purple ones too… but oh, oh he wished they were real. Real cotton candy tasted so much better. Cra….cra… What a fool he was! He was cast into stone once before, why couldn’t he take the elements of Harmony more seriously? Crack…..crac… Honestly he only sat there as those mules… CRACK! Oh… what was this now? He focused in on the sky- the sky that seemed to be cracking and splintering apart, like cold glass on a hot day. He arches his neck up, surprised at the sight. He's seen this once, but once before, the feigned reality around him falling apart the seams, and when that happened, he was free....free! Reality, his to bend, unpredictability, outside factors- no more of this mindless game of pretend. But...so soon? It took a thousand years last tim- oh what did it matter? He took flight for the cracks in the sky, readily getting engulfed by its burning light. He'd question his early release after he stepped into real space and time. Freedom… Chaos… They go quite well together. Author's Note This Chapter is now corrected! RestrantShells of stone and marble fell to the ground as Discord happily broke free with a cry of joy. How long has it been since he breathed real air? Weeks? Months? Maybe a year? He knew it wasn’t as long as his last time, but still, too long. The world was over-due on its dose of chaos. “Oh, free again! What joy!” cried Discord, as he stretched out his joints. Oh, how stiff they were! He couldn't take a moment, not even to take in his surroundings before crashing onto the cool wet grass and sinking his claws into the dirt, infecting it, changing it into his image of nonsensical checkered patterns. But the moment he did so, something, something snapped harshly across back; ensnaring around around his torso. He twists his head around in confusion, expecting the royal guard, but instead see's a rather angry horde of changelings. Unfazed, he takes the vine ropes they threw in some odd attempt to lasso him and, made it so that it was harmless strings of bubblegum taffy. "I don't know why Celestia has changelings in her garden bu-" A pause. "Oh we're not in the garden are we? My mistake..." He does his best to not seem confused, but it was getting increasingly difficult. Why was he in the middle of the Everfree Forest? Where did all these changelings come from, and to address an older question, how did he get free? Not that it all matter really. He rathered if it didn't make sense, what a lovely wake up this was turning into! For the moment he needed to get away from these pests so takes flight into the air, opening his mouth to say something to mock their efforts to capture him, when again, something snags at his body- but this time it was different. He finds his body engulfed in a toxic green aura, and is suddenly pummeled into the dirt once mor- oh. Not dirt. A checked platform, the one he made earlier. Smart. "Oh for the love of scompiglio, what is the meaning of all this?" Discord grumbled, realizing that his escape wasn't going to be as cut and dry as last time. He starts to ward off the magic weighting him down, finding himself increasingly more frustrated. This wasn't the lovely wake up he thought it would be anymore. "You would find it in your best interest if you don't resist," came a soothing mares voice. Discord had no intention of giving up though- why should he, when he had the power to turn everypony in the area into a deranged clown minion? He looks to the speaker, sighing when he makes eye contact with a pair of brilliant green eyes. "My dear I don't know what you're trying to do bu-" Again, the vines lassos around his neck and some lucky foal was able to nab his lions paw. "This again?" he groans. What exactly was the plan here? "You're all wast-" It was the then the hoard surrounded him, more then he could possibly count. At first, he swore there were only a dozen or two, but now it was well over a hundred...thousand? A hundred thousand. Or maybe ten. 'Alright, I think I had enough' Discord thought to himself as powerful ripple of energy came clashing out at the changelings, knocking a good number back into the trees and the murky swamps beyond. "You're more deranged then I if you think you have a chance!" he declared to the still advancing minions of the green eyed mare... The mare. Just as he realized that perhaps he should of kept an eye on the leader of this rat-trap, he felt the stinging pain of teeth sinking into his skin. Howling in more bewilderment then pain, he lashed out at the attacker- finding that not only was it the mare, but that her bite was doing much more then simply causing a boo-boo. Her limbs slithered and locked around the draconequus, wings buzzing with the hum of a angry hive of bee's and those teeth, those teeth... "Get off of me!" Angry now, no denying that. Ripple after ripple of blinding power was exerted, all concentrated to rip the queen off his back, to dislodge her teeth that seemed to be draining him, but surely that was his imagination. "I SAID GET OFF!" But her hold stayed true, even as her children washed back into the darkness, as the clouds above swirled angrily above with perplexing colors that just did not seem natural. If anything, her grip tightened. Discord resorted to collapsing to his fours in desperate spasms, clawing at the leech, snapping his tail even as though it was a whip. The method was as childish as it was fruitless. Hours, minutes, he could not tell. But his limbs grew heavy and the skies above, calm. The checkered ground below retreated back into the soft green blades it was before, if not a bit tussled. His thrashing and flailing became nothing more then pathetic twitching. His vision, dull. Finally, he winced as he felt the teeth slide out of his neck, leaving the fur matted with blood. "Hrhmhaha... Oh dear lord of chaos..." Her voice was sickeningly sweet yet tainted. "I do apologize, I hate doing this just as much as anypony but I was given no choice. If it is at all comforting, it's nothing personal." For once in his life, he wished that things did make sense. Why couldn't he move? Why did she bite him? He wobbled up to his fours, refusing to stay down like some defeated pup. "You...have some nerve, haha..." He tried to pretend that his vision wasn't dulling, that his neck wasn't throbbing, that his body wasn't going to give out at any moment. The queen looked at him, amused. "As I said, nothing personal," she said with a smirk. Her form twisted and morphed into... Into him. Discord stared at what at first seemed like a mirror reflection, but as she turned, the less she resembled herself or Discord. Her form was black, body long, long jolting talons riddled with diseased holes and her wings a decayed pair that glowed as if smeared with lighting bugs thoraxes. A sick hybrid, a monstrosity, something Discord would admire if not for the pounding weight of the creatures front claw on his back, pushing him into the dirt once more in a act of mindless aggression. It was then he realized the awful truth. And his answers. Why he was freed. Why he was here and not in the Canterlot garden. Why he was weak. Why she bit him. "You, pitiful pawn, you have helped me so much!" her voice, when he heard it first, it was almost alluring, but now... Oh, how ugly it was now. "Your mind is so simple and you so do deserve a explanation. I have taken your power Discord, you are but a husk of what you were before. I made you nothing so I may become everything." Oh....buck. He trashed weakly, desperate for some relief, for air. Instead all he could do was cough out a spray of red that tasted disturbingly like copper. "Sleep now spirit of disharmony," she cooed in that gravely voice as she released her claw. She stared, unsympathetic at the twisted shape below. "If you are disillusioned enough to think you could exact revenge, drag your powerless husk away from these parts before sundown. I know you're thinking of that, you are. But know that you have no chance, so sleep. And know my children will not waste your remains." A fighting chance? How cliched. But he realized she was only taunting him. He found it impossible to get back up- what kind of shape was he in now? He didn't even have the strength to make words. There was that and... he had no powers. Somthing in his gut clenched up at the thought- powerless. The taunt was confirmed as he heard her chuckle with a rather disgusting squeak as the voice faded to dark. OmenIt seemed as normal of a day as any other in Ponyville. The stores were open, Pinkie Pie was prancing on rooftops with her song of the day, birds were singing and once more Twilight discovered with dread that her back up back up ink and paper supplies were less then adequate. The purple unicorn trotted down the walkway, using her magic to hold up a check list of things she needed to buy. She hummed with amusement as she noted that Spike had jolted down some things that she was sure she didn’t ask to be written down. Nothing too bad, just some candy and birdfeed for his new pet- though she would have to ‘forget’ to bring back a new photo of Rarity. Honestly, how was this crush of his supposed to be secret? In her distraction, she bumped into another pony roughly enough for her to knock herself and the other to the ground. “Ow, ow- oh geez are you oka-” Twilight blinked in surprised, and became much quicker at helping the other up to her hooves. “Zecora!” The zebra smiled kindly at her, picking back up the saddlebag she dropped from the ground. “Twilight I am glad to bump into you, though are your injuries few?” she spoke in rhyme flawlessly and without missing a beat. “I’m fine, I was about to ask you the same,” Twilight giggles. She peers at the bulging saddlebag with interest. “Big shopping day huh?” Zecora’s smile faded, causing the light mood to fade rather quickly. “Shopping no, and I should not be stopping. A great danger nears, the greatest in years-” “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Twilight held her hoof up, interrupting Zecora. “Danger? Did something happen?” True Zecora lived in the Everfree forest, but she was more than equipped to protect herself from the creatures that lurked within. “Whatever happened, my friends and I can help…” Zecora shook her head. “Great omens, one after another. All the signs point to the queen mother. I must leave, trust me when I say, I feared the colors the sky had to display.” “Zecora, you’re seriously not making sense…” Twilight looked confused at what her friend was trying to tell her, when the Zebra took her hoof and tilted the mares head up into the sky. “Look.” She saw no unusual colors, but she did see a terrifying amount of birds flying away from the forest in terror. She realized she saw earlier flocks in the afternoon, but simply dismissed them without thought. After all, Fluttershy was the real expert on these birds, not her. “Why are they leaving?” she asked, not really expecting an answer- but she got one. “The question is Twilight Sparkle, why aren’t you? Miss Sparkle…” she adds, pulling a hood over her head. “Goodbye.” Survival'Wake up...open your eyes you idiot...' He wanted his brain to shut up, to leave him be. He was tired, and it hurts to move. No, no, sleep was a better idea, just sleep. He'll wake up nice and refreshed in a few hours, and enjoy a pleasant brunch of cotton eggs and upside-down bacon. For no, no moving, no opening the eyelids, nothing. 'Move, get up and move!' Discord curls up his lip annoyance- his brain was being especially bothersome today! But slowly as consciousness filled him, so did the memory and oh great mother of sweet pearl, what hellish pain this was! His eyes flew open, and he found himself in some sort of primitive cage made up of thick vines and smelly moss. And he was tied up again- those little gremlins sure were persistent in that goal. His wings were bound, his legs, arms, and his mouth, all bound up in snakey dark vines. Oh how they smelled, how rough they were. It was as though he was wearing a suit made up of sand paper and splinters. But above all, his neck continued to throb and ache- it was a pain to move, but if he wanted to get out, he would just have to suck it up. He paused and tried to use his powers- to turn his restraints into bubbles, to heal himself or at the very least alivate the pain....Nothing. Zip. Nada. 'You are but a husk of what you were before.' You are but a husk. But a husk. Husk Powerless, that's what she did to him. It was a grim reality, knowing that some changeling queen went around and took his powers- he had no idea they could even do that. Weren't they all supposed to be nothing more then silly copy-cats? Impersonators? Not that mattered really, what mattered was his getting out. Quietly he looked around in his cage, looking for anything, anything at all. The ground was soggy, really soggy. His feet and tail made these awful sucking sounds when he tried to pull them out. He was never one for hygiene, but for the love of Equestria, he'll willingly become Celestia's royal footstool for just one bath. Maybe one with lots of bubbles and rubber ducks... "ʠ≓◃, ◄≖≗đ!" Discord's ears perked up, peering out to see two slightly larger then normal changelings having a little conversation. Rusty on the language, tried to pick up what they where saying as he contionously tried to wiggle out of his binds. Something about how boring guard duty was... Something about how great their queen was, gag... Something about how upsetting that the queen wasn't going to be at the feast... but how they needed to save the sea gull for her trophy... Wait that wasn't right. He hissed quietly as he finally finally loosened the restraints enough for him to slide his griffin's claw down a inch to cut off the binds. Hands free, he immediately tore off the ropes on his mouth and feet. Sea gulls, why sea gulls? Well why not sea gulls? It made just as little sense as everything else that's been happening. 'My children will not waste your remains' Discord freezes and back tracks a little. They were talking about a fest. They were...are going to, if he doesn't get moving, eat him. No, no, no, that he will not stand for. He was the Lord of Chaos, literally immortalized in stone for his misdeeds. And now they were going to have him for dinner? No, no, no! Seagulls... sea gulls... he muttered under his breath, repeated the strange words spoken by the guards... No, not seagull. Skull. His skull for a trophy. "WHY!?" He screamed uncontrolablly. He wasn't scared as so much as appauled and really disgusted. A thousand years ago, changelings were delightful little things much like parasprites. Now they were twisted and evil. Actually evil. Evil evil. But no matter what his reasoning was, his outburst turned out to be a really stupid move. The two guards that were practically ignoring him, now had their full attention on the draconequus. Their horns glowed brightly, aimed at his head. One started screaming about how the other did a shody job of tying up the prisoner. "Wait, wait, don't-" Too late, the trigger happy fouls shot at the cage with their horns. In his panic, he felt a rush of adrenaline pushing him into the mud below, narrowly avoiding harm. The wood and vines splintered apart in a dreadful explosion, giving him an actual opening to escape. 'Idiots! Glorious idiots!' Discord could hardly believe his luck as he wasted no time in scramming out of there as fast as he could. What luck he had to have those baboons for guards? But the joy was short lived as the ruckus attracted other changelings, all joining the chase. For once in his life, he felt his heart pounding- not that he was scared! No, no, why would he be scared, it wasn't like he was going to die or anything. He tried to unfold his wings, only to see that they two were tied up and folded against his back. In his panic, he must of missed that. He remained on foot, zig zagging around the trees, flinching at the sounds of tree's getting hit by the bolts of magic- they were shooting to kill. He wondered vaguely why they didn't just finish him off when they had the chance. The morbid explanation was that perhaps they were trying to preserve the freshness. "Hnngh!" Discord stumbled, trying to push past the creeping pain that was catching up to him. But he couldn't slow down, he couldn't. The gap between them and him was far too small as it was! But the more he forced himself, the slower his pace became. it didn't help that he had no idea where he was going, that if he was just plunging himself deeper into changeling territory. A bolt of green magic catches him in his back, causing him to cry out. The force was enough to knock him off balance and into the ground. The sounds of the hive was getting louder and louder- his mind was gripped with a desprate need to survive. He scuttles off the floor and back on foot, narrowly missing a combined attack. One changeling was quick enough to get in his face, but was savagely torn down with a swipe of his claws. Barring his teeth at the swarm, he takes off again. He knew better then to waste a moment to taunt them. But he also knew that he could not keep this pace. They will catch him. They will kill him. He could take on a handful of these things easily without his power, but the forest was literally infested. Like maggots in a rotting corpse. Too many to count, too many to fight off. He see's what looks like salvation- a break, a upcoming clearing! Maybe it lead into a village, or even royal grounds. Or maybe just an empty field with nothing to hide behind. He goes for it, mustering up every last bit of strength he had- "BUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUC-!" Too fast, too fast to stop on time. It was a clearing alright, a clearing for a sudden death drop into an unforgiving raging river of pure rage. 'Wings you fool, use your wings!' his brain screamed loud enough that he was sure the changelings watching above would hear. Still in mid-air he tears at the last of the rope, scratching at himself in the process. 'FASTERFASTERDOITBUCKCUCK-!' His wings twitched ans spasmed, and finally the Pegasus wing burst free. It flapped insanely, desperate for its featherless partner to become undone. But you can only fall so slowly. And it became clear to the disappointed and hungry changelings above, that perhaps Discord wasn't fast enough. InvasionWhen the wedding ended, everypony, including the two Princesses had let their guard down. The guards became relaxed, the wielders of the elements were allowed home right away, and the captain of the guard, the only one that could create a shield strong enough to keep the creatures away was sent away on honeymoon with his lovely bride. A week passed before the second wave of Changelings hit. And they hit hard. They invaded the royal grounds, the homes of the elite,and the castle itself. They took the faces of innocent ponies so chaos and confusion of who was who erupted throughout the flanks. Celestia needed to help her people, and knew she needed to send word- but there were so many this time. A swarm, a real swarm- and it was on closer inspection that Chrysalis had summon every able-body changeling for this full scale attack- grown ones and younglings alike. Forced from the throne room, she took to the air. She watched as the black creatures spilled out of the windows and spirals, as the guards fell one by one. Her own sister was involved this time in the fight, as she remained on the ground. For each changeling they took down however, three more seemed to take it's place. The alicorn cried out in fury as her horn glowed a burning white light. Surrounded by the creatures that could took flight, she engulfed them all in a terrible storm of fire and brilliant light. The ponies below watched their princess glowing in that deadly fire and felt themselves become more passionate to protect their home. This was their home. Theirs. Luna cheered in joy as she watched those she came to rescue suddenly no longer needing her help. The bakers took their stale bread, the hairdressers their sissors and everyone else, everything else. And for a glorious moment, without aid of the elements or a powerful shield, it seemed the tide was turning. It was then the sky turned a sick green color, and from the black clouds that seemed to materialized out of nowhere, fire and ice rained from the sky. The cheers of pride and courage turned to wild fear and terror as they all ran this way and that to avoid the falling debris and destruction. Celestia heard her sister cry out for her, and she went for her. How could she not? But as she flew down, she found that Luna was flying up. Her face was stricken with terror as she joined her sister and pointed down to the center plaza. The foundation cracked and broke apart as a large creature crawl out of it. It seemed dragon like, but that didn't seem right... It tore apart the ground like it was butter, and there was a unified howl of horror as one side of the plaza gave and swayed down at a dangerous angle- threatening to go down and take all the unfortunate ponies on that its side down with it. Celestia gave her sister a desperate expression, and it was well returned. The two went after the falling half of the city, in hopes that with their combined power, maybe... just maybe... PanicTwilight couldn't be sure what had happened, but whatever it was, it was big. After telling Zecora goodbye and failing to have her stay a moment longer she left to see Fluttershy about the strange behavior of the birds. But when she got to the normally quiet cottage, she was met with utter chaos. The poor pegasus was on the brink of tears as she desperately tried to calm her pets. She was currently at the foot of the willow, with a hoof filled with frantic looking chicks and mice. "Oh darling, please stop- oh, oh dear, it's alright, please stop shaking... Oh, I'm here, why are you all so frightened?" "Fluttershy?" Twilight trotted up, making sure not to step on Angel who seemed to be helping rounding up the chickens. "What in Equestria is happening to your animals? All the birds in the sky..." Fluttershy looked at her friend, seemingly relieved to see her. "Oh Twilight, I am so happy to see you," she says softly dispite the situation. "They're just frightened... Animals tend to be so much more sensitive, especially since we live so closely to the Everfree..." "What does that have to do anything?" Twilight asked, peering out to the forbidden forest. At the edges, she notes the faint darkening of the skies. "Well... you see, since the weather changes on it's own, it sometimes has an awful storm. There must be something dreadful happening Twilight, all my birds ran away!" She looked as though she was going to cry again. "What if they don't find their way home, or food? What if..." "I'm sure they can take care of themselves Fluttershy, they wouldn't of left if they couldn't!" Twilight said to ease her fears. In the back of her mind, she was feeling a bubbling sense of panic- what if something awful was going to happen? Or was happening? No, no, she was just over reacting... Even with Zecora's strange warning, it couldn't be too catastrophic if the princess... "TWI! TWI!" Twilight turned her head to see Spike running up to her with holding up a scroll in his fist. Oh...Oh this couldn't possibly be good. "Spike, whats goi-" "Canterlot is GONE!" The little dragon shrieked, causing the two ponies to forget about the very existence of the frightened animals around them. "The princess just sent me this letter, and, and-!" "Spike, calm down!" Twilight snapped and quickly took the scroll and read it for herself. Twilight Sparkle, We do not have much time to write this. The Changelings has returned with a creature of unknown power and origin. Canterlot destroyed, and our sister has been injured. You must evacuate Ponyville to Fillydelphia. "W-what?" No, surely this was all a mistake. Was this happening now? Why was she only now getting a letter, why not sooner? And injured? Was her beloved teacher in pain right now? Was her life still in danger? "No, no, this... This can't be right!" Fluttershy shuffled to the unicorns side, trying to read the levitating letter. "Twilight? What does it say?" She asked quietly. "It says we need to get everypony in town down to Fillydelphia. Something terrible happened!" She looks at Fluttershy with determination in her eyes. "Go round up the girls Fluttershy, tell them to get ready. I need to see the mayor about the evacuation, so I'll meet up with everyone as soon as I can." She starts to run off, but pauses and used her magic to float Spike onto her back. That letter was barely a quarter of a page, and she hardly had any information to go on. She hoped that there was another letter on it's way. Please... let there be another letter on its way. To CanterlotDespite the disturbing signs the Everfree Forest emitted, it was decided to hold off moving the entire towns population until dawn. It was such short notice after all. This gave more time to organize, though some small groups started to leave ahead of the main pack. Big Macintosh decided it would be best to move down to Appaloosa instead of to Philadelphia, and while it wasn't the written destination on the brief letter, Twilight knew better than to try to keep the Apples away from each other. It'd be better for the tight-nit family to stay together anyways. After all was settled, Twilight returned home, and waited for her friends to show up. She knew it wouldn't be long now, but she wished she had more to tell them. She paced the room anxiously. "Oh, I can't stand it Spike! I don't know weather to send a letter to the Princess or not- what if they're still in danger?" She says worriedly. "Twi, it's going to be okay! This is Princess Celestia we're talking about!" Spike called out to her, trying to comfort her as he packed her saddle. "We're going to back her up anyways, so she'll be extra okay." "Spike! if you remember, it wasn't even Celestia that sent the letter- it was Luna!" She stops in her track, snapping suddenly. "...Twi?" The unicorn blinked, realizing she lost control of her tone for a moment. She needed to stay calm. "I'm sorry Spike... I'm just worried. I didn't mean to yell at you." Sighing, she sets her hoofs on a table, looking over all her books. "I'm... Just not used to not knowing what's going on I guess." *BRAP* In all her life, she never heard such a beautiful burp. Twilight practically bounced over to spike, snatching the scroll before it even had the chance to hit the ground. "Please be good news, please be good news... To my faithful student Twilight, I apologize if the last letter frightened you, but I hope the evacuation is well underway. I do not wish for any of my subjects to be near Canterlot at the moment, and my sister and I currently relocating to the Crystal Kingdom; where we'll plan our counter attack on the monster that did this I regret to inform you, in my attempt to take down Chrysalis myself, I have injured myself. Do not worry, what hurts the most at the moment is perhaps, my pride. As always, I must rely on you and your friends. But I fear asking you to take down Chrysalis would be too much. She's turned into this monster, nearly completely unrecognizable. What I want from you Twilight, is to find out the source of this power, and nothing else. The elements are deep within the Palace, and it's completely surrounded. Stay safe. Twilight blinked, reading the letter over and over. What did this mean? Would there be a war? An actual full out war? There hasn't been a war in centuries! "Positives... One positive is that she's still alive..." "Who's still alive?" came the blunt question from a familiar voice. Twilight turned to greet Rainbowdash, who was soon followed into the room by the others. "The Princess Rainbow Dash, there was an attack on Canterlot." "So you've kept telling us! I hope that letter has more information dear, we're all so worried sick!" Rarity said. Twilight levitated the saddle onto her back, managing not to buckle under the weight. "Long story short, Queen Chrysalis returned and we're supposed to find the source of her power. The faster we leave, the better." Spike reached down to his own sack- of which she quickly stepped on. "And Spike, you're going with the Mayor in the morning." The small dragon was visibly upset by this. "What?! But why?" "Because Spike, I need to count on you to send me messages of how the evacuation is going," She smiles kindly at him. "No one else can do it but you." In truth, she was only doing it to keep him out of greater danger, and they both knew it. The baby dragon looked down at his feet, obviously debating on an argument, but in the end, muttered a disgruntled "Okay." Twilight turned to the rest of the girls, standing straight. "We leave tonight girls. The faster we find the source, the faster we save Equestria." Hoofing ItThe train station was out of the picture, Twilight had a feeling but the station was shut down when they got there. Apparently, the tunnels where the tracks normally ran through were caved in, and the closer they got to Canterlot, the more they got distorted. And even if they weren't, all trains were being rerouted to send waiting soldiers to the Crystal Kingdom for preparations from other parts of Equestria. "Well girls... looks like we're walking," Twilight sighed, knowing there was going to be a very long trip ahead of them. There were some groans, especially from Rainbowdash. She knew she could get there before anyone else, perhaps in just a hour or so. But they needed to stick together. "We'll just follow the tracks, it's not like we can get lost..." "B...But Twilight, what about the mountains?" Fluttershy squeaked, barely managing to keep up with the group. "The conductor said the tunnels..." "We'll handle that when we get there." Twilight said flatly. They'll go around the mountains if they had to, but that was still a ways off. "But what about the timber wolves? A-And food? What if we get lost? What if..." Applejack interrupted the frightened pegasus, giving her a comforting smile. "Don't you worry 'bout a thing Sugarcube. Ya act like we never did anything dangerous before!" She laughed, nudging her along as they entered the forest. "Why... Just think of it as camping for now!" "Agh, don't mention camping, please!" Rainbowdash sorting, giving up on hovering over them to avoid getting hit by the thickening trees. "That was fun and all, but I don't want anyone falling down waterfalls this time." "W-Waterfalls?!" Fluttershy squeaked. Applejack shoots Rainbow a glare that clearly read 'Fix this before she freezes'. "I.... uh... it was no big deal. Scoots kinda just spooked herself with a nightmare about the Headless Horse...." Rainbowdash stammered out with a blush. "Yes, I do wonder where she could of gotten such a silly dream," Rarity rolled her eyes, trotting over the wood planks to keep her hooves from getting muddy. "Headless Horse?!" Fluttershy stops walking, obviously terrified now. "Rainbow!" Applejack groaned. She really should of known better. Pinkie wasted no time to cheer up her friend, squeezing between her legs in a crawl and suddenly standing up so she'd be carrying her. "Don't be scared about a Headless Horse!" She chirped, bouncing towards the head of the pack with Twilight. "He doesn't have a head! So that means no eyes!" "H-Ho- ah!" Fluttershy gripped the curly mane tightly to keep from falling over. "How is that s-supposed to make me feel better?!" "He can't see where he's going!" Pinkie laughed. "So he'd just walk into walls and trip over junk all day!" The mental image of the Headless Horse bumping into things was pretty funny, and it was enough for Fluttershy to ease herself into a giggle before excusing herself as she fluttered back onto her own feet. "I suppose you're right." Twilight just smiled to herself. If a silly myth was the only thing they had to fear on their way to Canterlot, then that just makes everything so much easier. "We'll make camp near sundown. We're making great time." Author's Note Next chapter- Discord! Also I got a great beta now. The first chapter has been fixed and we're working on the rest. Paths CrossingDiscord felt himself awakened by something cold splashing against his battered body in a soft rhythm. Something cold and wet, something that still washed over him, matting down his fur, causing mud to clot up on his side. Moaning, he rolled his head to the side, wincing from the pain. His entire body ached, not counting the sharp pains still radiating from his bite wounds and a new source... his wing? He shuts his eyes even tighter, gritting his teeth at the realization. He wouldn't be surprised if he hurt it somehow from the impact with the water. What hurt worse was his ego. That was what was really painful. He was outdone by tiny little Changelings. He drags out his lions paw, making drag marks against the soft most dirt, firmly planting it against the ground. He wasn't going to recover very quickly with half his body in the river- it was a miracle even washed up at all. "Oh sweet Celestia help me," He muttered as he pushed himself off the ground. This would be so much easier if he could float, or fly, but complaining would do him no good here. "I think I preferred being frozen..." Grunting, he drags himself out the water, clawing at tree for support. He was soaking wet and there was a chill in the air- the sun was going down. How long was he out? How long has it been since he was 'freed'? It didn't help that his concept of time was complete garbage now. But everything was going to be fine now. He was free wasn't he? And while he and Celestia may not be on what you would call 'speaking terms', he knew she wouldn't be so cold hearted as to turn away a poor injured draconequus. She certainly would lay the law down on that nasty queen, and get those little ponies of hers to turn her into stone or something. Oh how satisfying that'd be! He paused, thinking that over. No... No it wouldn't be satisfying at all. He still had his pride. He needed help, yes, but he wouldn't stand having someone else fight his battles. But for now, he needed to lick his wounds. Wincing, he limped his way a dry patch of leaves, clasping his neck. It did nothing to ease the pain. "Painful...agh, annoyance!" He grunted. How was it still hurting like this? He debated on returning to the river, the cold at least numbed it, and now it just felt like it caught on fire again. "I bet she infected me! The witch!" His voice hit a painful high pitched tone when he whined. Bitterly, he lets go, and already knowing it couldn't work, he started to snap his fingers. He tried to poof himself back to Canterlot. Or Ponyville. Or to heal himself. Shrink himself. Make himself bigger. "...Nothing." Powerless. Lost. Hurt. What a wonderful evening this was. "Not even a simple levitation? A spark? A wisp of smoke?" He curled into himself. This wasn't even annoying anymore. It was... frightening? He didn't think there could be such a thing that could suck the very magical energy out of you, and the mere thought of it never coming back was horrible. Magic was in a sense, a part of he was. Or really, what he was. Without that, what was he? A monstrous creature, injured by the bank side. "Not that I feel sorry for myself or anything," he muttered bitterly. No, this was just a hiccup. A bump in the road. He didn't know how but he'd find some way to get what was his back. And he didn't need help, why did that thought even cross his mind? Honestly, now thinking more clearly? Celestia would just encase him in stone again without giving him a chance. He shuddered at the thought. 'What a horrible disaster that would be,' he thought to himself, trying to soak up what was left of the sun. 'I cannot let that happen- what happens if I was freed again? There would be no point, not without being able to spread my chaos.' Now there was a depressing thought. '...Not that my entire self-worth depends on my magic.' Better. He reaches up to his wing- and sure enough it was still tied up. The ropes dug in slightly, but he was able to cut through it easily enough, feeling a bit of relief as the blood started to run through it. It was a funny, prickly sensation as he started to regain feeling in his feathered wing. He didn't even want to look at the mangled mess that was his bat wing, but considering how he couldn't even move it now... "...So I said oatmeal? You crazy!" "Pinkie you already told that story." "....What." His head tilts up. Was he hearing voices now? The last few flakes of sunlight disappears over the horizon, leaving him in the dark. He stills himself, listening to the mindless chatter of familiar voices- but it wasn't possible. This was as deep into the Everfree you cold get before you popped onto the other side- why would silly little ponies from Ponyville be doing here? He presses himself onto the dirt, flicking his ears. "This clearing is as good as any... We should of stopped sooner before it got dark." "Why couldn't we stay on the tracks? Now my hooves are all muddy!" "I didn't expect for the tracks to be blocked so early on Rarity, come on and help Pinkie with the tent." There was a bright light, likely from a unicorns horn. "...Twilight Sparkle." Of course she'd be here. Questionable AnswersIt really was just like camping, much to Fluttershy's surprise. But she had no idea her friends were so talented at it. In less than a minute, Rainbowdash zipped around the clearing, cracked down logs to sit in a perfect circle. After a unneeded flip in the air, she created a miniature ditch at the center where a fire would be set up in. "Okay! I did my part~" She boasted as she trots over to a log to 'rest'. "And boy am I tired!" Twilight tried not to roll her eyes, keeping her horn lit up till Applejack could get a fire going. "Very impressive," she chuckles. She tucks her hooves under herself, and turns on the light a little brighter. It was a simple enough spell but she couldn't do anything about the cold. "Um, Twilight? Bad news, and good news," piped Pinkie Pie, making her way over. "Bad news? We can't actually build any tents..." "What?! Why?" Twilight jerked her head. "I saw Rarity packed them herself!" "Well that's the good news!" "...Care you explain yourself?" She asked skeptically, quirking an eyebrow. "Pinkie, we're in the middle of the Everfree. We need some kind of shelter." Pinkie giggled childishly. "Well you see, she did pack a bag full of her tent supplies, but she also had another bag just like it! You said that we had to pack light..." That's right. She did say that. Had she not intervened, everyone would be lugging around needless luggage of frivolous items. Honestly if it weren't for Applejack stepping in and suggesting that if she brought too much, it could be lost or stolen by the Changelings. Even then, her saddle was bulging... "Agh... I should of checked before we left," Twilight groaned. "What's the good news? What the hay did she bring?" "Darling you talk like I did it on purpose! Honestly!" The unicorn huffed as she trotted over. "I mistakenly left behind my glamorous tents, yes, but I did bring the saddle bag with some extra food..." "Cake! She brought bonbons and CAKE!" Pinkie squealed. Well no wonder she was so happy. But as good as some cake sounded right now, it wasn't real food, and it wasn't shelter. "I suppose..." "Don't ya worry 'bout a thing sugar cube, we still have our sleeping bags!" AJ assured her. "I'll go pick up some firewood, don't ya fret over a thing." "She's right dear- though we've been incredibly lucky so far as it is!" Rarity remarked. "Normally we would of ran into some sort of trouble by now, but it's been so wonderfully pleasant until this mix-up." "Yeah! I expected Timber-Wolves, or evil plants or something," Pinkie nodded. "I bet they all got scared off like Fluttershy's birds!" Fluttershy nearly jumped out of her skin hearing that. "B-But..." Pinkie laughs sheepishly. "You know.... off.... to a more... safe place?" She offered, but her nerves seemed rattled none the less. "I....I'll go get some w-water from the river," she says shyly as she leaned down to bite the handle of a pail that was brought along and added. "I'm sure they're safe..." "That's the spirit- wait Pinkie, what the hay did you mean by plants getting scared off?" Twilight turns her head back to Pinkie, just now noticing the strangeness of that comment. Fluttershy trotted off, not really wanting to focus on whatever silly explanation her friend had for that. She didn't want to go too far from where Twilight was- she being the source of light at the moment but as luck would have it, she didn't have to. There was a rather large river a little past the brush. Still... it was a bit dark back here and only trickles of light made it through the thick branches. *Snap* Fluttershy held back a squeak, spinning around trying to locate that sound, dropping the pail in the process. "W-Who's there?" Trembling, she darted her eyes around, freezing. She waited, and waited, but... nothing. Maybe it was just Apple Jack from a distance? Maybe... maybe a tiny lost animal? Nothing frightening... not a monster, no, no... Carefully, she picks up the pail again and makes her way back to the shore and scooped up some of the clean cold water. She felt better out here... There was a bright full moon out, it wasn't visible from the camp sight. Luna must be able to still keep the days in order, and it was safe to assume she may be taking over Celesta's duties for now too. She turns for a moment when she noticed... something odd. Under the moonlight, she could see the sand clearly. And on the sand? Strange drag marks and paw prints. As if... well all the prints were mixed up... Maybe there was many animals that visited the river? She sets down the water and kneels to get a better look. "O-Oh my....that's a lion....and a bird..A-and..." Most of the tracks were washed up or too muddled to see. But as fresh as they seemed, surely they were gone by now? *Crackle* "AIEEEEEE!" The pegasus screamed in fright. She defiantly heard something that time, she did! And it sounded even closer, it sounded like it was right behind her. And whatever it was, she was right. Because she was suddenly grabbed from behind by something large and scary and oh god her mouth was snapped shut... "Mmmph! MMMPH!" Fluttershy kicked her hooves, eyes wide with fear. "Oh for the love of- stop screaming!" Hissed a familiar voice. She stilled for a moment, out of shock. Because it couldn't be... it can't be... But there was no mistaking it. "You're the dreadfully kind one yes? I'm going to let go and you are going to tell the others you screamed over a bug or something! Do it... or... I'll turn all your birds to statues! Edible statues! Understoo-" Fluttershy rocked her head back into Discords snot and unfolded her wings to break his grasp. She hears her friends shouting for her, having heard her earlier scream. "HELP ME, HE GRABBED ME!" She screamed. That was all it took for the monster to release her, seeming spooked. "Help! He threatened my birds!" Her hooves land on the ground, and she quickly galloped to her friend of whom all were rushing to her aid. "Fluttershy?! Are you okay?!" Twilight cried out lighting the way. "Oh...this is bad, bad, bad..." Discord wanted to avoid this but it seems like he just made it all so much worse. He turns to run the other way when a powerful pain came crashing down onto his back, causing him to fall onto the ground screaming in pain. "I got him! I got him!" Rainbowdash yelled, revealing herself to be the attacker. She wraps her hooves around his neck, as if that would pin him down further, causing him spasm uncontrollably. "Nice job Dash!" Applejack smirked as she lassoed out her rope, grabbing hold of his legs. "Wrap him up tight! He could get away!" "Is that Discord?!" Rarity blinked in surprise. She looked at Twilight, who seemed stunned speechless at the moment. "What is Discord doing in the forest?" "Who cares!" Rainbowdash laughed, wrapping the last bit of rope around his mouth. "He's way easier to beat now then last time!" Everyone stared at the bound up Spirit of Chaos, clearly expecting more. Even Rainbowdash backed up with a rather quizzical expression. "Well... too easy I guess?" She added unsurely. Discord remained bound up and gagged, and... nearly seemed like he was trembling despite that ugly glare he was sending Rainbow. But asides from the twitching under those many tight knots, he did nothing else.The sky didn't turn pink, he didn't disappear before their eyes, nor did he.... do anything. "Somethings wrong..." Twilight finally said, snapping out of her silence. She cautiously made her way closer to her old foe, nearly blinding him with the light still glowing from her horn. "...Discord?" She muttered quietly. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, he didn't exactly put up much of a fight and his muzzle was roped shut. Even so, she stared into his eye suspiciously.... until the pupil suddenly rolled back, losing focus. "Discord?!" She said again, this time, far more alarmed. Somehow... he passed out. "...He.... He doesn't have his powers... I'm not sensing any energy from him!" She turned to her friends, who all stood there gaping. This was not only a random encounter, but it made no sense- even if it was Discord. But last they saw of him, he was a statue, frozen in time with that stupid expression. And now he was here at their feet in ropes. "Lets take him back to camp." "Wait why?" Rainbow protested, folding her wings back tightly. "We're supposed to look for the Swiss Cheese Queen's 'source'-" "Rainbowdash, don't you get it?!" Twilight exclaimed loudly. "We found it! Discord is the source! Author's Note REMEMBER WHEN I SAID I'LL WRITE MORE WHEN I HAVE MORE MATERIAL? WELL I HAD MORE MATERIAL. LEAVE ME ALONE. OuchIt was a surreal experience having to drag Discord back to the campsite. The draconequus was completely unconscious, which despite Rainbowdash's strength, seemed very unusual... until they got to see the full extent of his injures. His leathery wing was twisted in a horrible way, still twitching somehow. And if that wasn't a terrible sight to look at on its own, his fur was still matted down, making him look like a mess in general. And yet it held an abnormal reddish tone near what looked to be a bite wound. A bite wound that still looked quite fresh. "I-I didn't do that! I didn't even hit his wing!" Rainbowdash stammered out, backing up seeing the full extent of the injuries. "Easy there!" Applejack quickly placed her hoof on her back, gently smiling at her. "I saw ya..." Twilight looked over the draconequus, frowning, trying not to show concern. "Even if you did hit his wing... it wouldn't of done that. It looks completely.... twisted." She cringes at her own words, trying not to imagine how much that could of hurt. "O-Oh....oh my..." Fluttershy, still being shaken up from her initial fright. "I-It looks terrible..." She steps forward, and steps back, unsure of what to do. "Poor Discord!" Pinkie blurted out. "Even if he was a meanie, he didn't deserve that!" She bolted right up next to Twilight, and bit at a rope knot. "Pinkie what are you doing?!" She tries to move her out of the way but was met with a fierce stare that nearly rivaled Fluttershy's. "Twilight, he's hurt. Bad. Really bad," She argued, pointing her hoof at Discord for emphasis. "And you said it yourself, he doesn't have his powers, right?" "Well-" "Right?" Twilight paused, before bowing her head slightly seeming a bit guilty. "...Right." Rarity held back a gasp. "Surely you don't mean to untie him, right? What if he tries to take revenge!" She asked. "We didn't exactly... end things on good terms." That was why Twilight hesitating in the first place. But Pinkie was right- it wasn't moral to keep him gagged up like this, not after seeing him in his current state. "He's not in any condition to attack us Rarity. Pinkie's right, we do...." She sighs heavily, having a difficult time accepting what she was going to say. " ...We do need to show some kind of mercy." "We're the good guys after all!" Rainbowdash agreed. "He may be a big jerk but it doesn't mean we have to be jerks too! I mean... remember last time?" "I-I am still so sorry about those things I said!" Fluttershy blurted out, causing the mood to lighten just enough for small laugh. "It wasn't your fault~ We all got all conked out!" Pinkie giggled as she tugged at a knot. Twilight made a face. They only got 'conked out' because Discord did something awful to their minds. It was Discords fault. "I didn't expect the mission to be completed so quickly. We'll need to get him to the Crystal Kingdom as quickly as possible," she said with a flat tone. "Lets hope he'll come willingly..." Her horn lights up again as she used her magic to unravel all the ropes herself. Still he didn't seem to come too, but she wasn't too concerned- he was breathing just fine after all. And once they get him all patched up, he'll be just fine. Perfect health to be encased into stone again- though that'd be difficult without the Elements. "Maybe he will, maybe he won't. But it's six against one- I don't see how he'd have much of a say." Applejack nodded. "But that's one nasty bite he has there- what do you reckon happen'd?" "I... Have no idea. Fluttershy? Could you..." Fluttershy stepped forward shyly. "Y-Yes... I can patch that up easily." She paused , shuffling her hooves. "The neck is easy enough... but I'm going to need help for the wing..." Another Rude Awaking: UNFINISHED AND SAD"Okay, I-I'm going to pull it now..." "Ready.." "One... two... THREE!" *SNAP* Author's Note totally forgot what was happening/going to happen here But might as well upload the incomplete chapter for ya'll Alright FUNNY THING HAPPENEDI got myself locked out of my account. And in that time, those new Discord episodes came on Keep Calm and Flutter on Threes a Crowd And (my favorite) the season finally to the forth season All these things together made me lose intrest in writing this story for a while, since so many of my head cannons was crushed and new head cannons popped up that conflicted with the story SO. I might rewrite this story. So it makes sense. And is even BETTER. BUT NOT HERE. I have moved. Link below. Author's Note http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Betty-tea-dead Getting ReadyTwilight couldn't help but to feel guilty, suddenly dropping what should of been her job onto the mayor. She was after all, the most organized pony in Ponyville if not in all of Equestria and now she was leaving them when things were about to get its most chaotic. Twilight stayed long enough to help Mayor Mare to round up everypony into groups with receptive team leaders, and even smaller groups of two for safety reason. She advised them all to take wagons filled with food in case the the jouney took longer then usual, and for the young and elderly to ride in. Most seemed to comply easily enough, but a few ponies seemed a little stubborn on going. The Apple Family, or rather Granny Smith, refused to leave her precious farm without anypony to care for it. "Just you all go without me dag-nabbit, these here apple trees an't gonna buck themselves!" She barked at all the well meaning ponies trying to coax her into the wagon. Applejack luckily sided with Twilight and managed to talk her granny into going to Fillydelphia, but not before giving a strict warning to her friend that there better be a good explanation as to why they couldn't just stay and fight off whatever monster that may or may not of threatened the towns safety. "Trust me Applejack, if there's a fight, we'll be there," Twilight told her with confidence. After all they've been though, how could they possibly take the back seat? "Meet me with the others at my place, and make sure to pack. I'll explain everything then." Author's Note There's another chapter in the works and you'll get it tonight- it just felt weird putting it in this one. I know it's short, but I work better in short chapters than I do in long ones. This of course will translate in quicker updates and more chapters.
ObliviousThe time was pineapple and the place was Tuesday, all within the strangetopia of a certain demented Draconequus subconscious. The land, if you could call it that, seemed never ending and always moving, always hosting new and old things of everything strange and of unusual interest. The sky, if you could call it that, was quite possibly the stillest thing in this strange and frightening realm, as it was set in a perpetual state of twilight. No deeper meaning intended. Discord, lord of chaos, resided here, obviously. He draped himself over a cotton candy cloud, lazily floating a few feet into the air without any intention of getting off. Why would he? He drew his gaze into the sky, stirring from his rest slightly, only slightly. At first there was nothing, just nothing at all. Reds mixed with yellow, and the moon was still made of cheese. There were pink clouds and some purple ones too… but oh, oh he wished they were real. Real cotton candy tasted so much better. Cra….cra… What a fool he was! He was cast into stone once before, why couldn’t he take the elements of Harmony more seriously? Crack…..crac… Honestly he only sat there as those mules… CRACK! Oh… what was this now? He focused in on the sky- the sky that seemed to be cracking and splintering apart, like cold glass on a hot day. He arches his neck up, surprised at the sight. He's seen this once, but once before, the feigned reality around him falling apart the seams, and when that happened, he was free....free! Reality, his to bend, unpredictability, outside factors- no more of this mindless game of pretend. But...so soon? It took a thousand years last tim- oh what did it matter? He took flight for the cracks in the sky, readily getting engulfed by its burning light. He'd question his early release after he stepped into real space and time. Freedom… Chaos… They go quite well together. Author's Note This Chapter is now corrected!
RestrantShells of stone and marble fell to the ground as Discord happily broke free with a cry of joy. How long has it been since he breathed real air? Weeks? Months? Maybe a year? He knew it wasn’t as long as his last time, but still, too long. The world was over-due on its dose of chaos. “Oh, free again! What joy!” cried Discord, as he stretched out his joints. Oh, how stiff they were! He couldn't take a moment, not even to take in his surroundings before crashing onto the cool wet grass and sinking his claws into the dirt, infecting it, changing it into his image of nonsensical checkered patterns. But the moment he did so, something, something snapped harshly across back; ensnaring around around his torso. He twists his head around in confusion, expecting the royal guard, but instead see's a rather angry horde of changelings. Unfazed, he takes the vine ropes they threw in some odd attempt to lasso him and, made it so that it was harmless strings of bubblegum taffy. "I don't know why Celestia has changelings in her garden bu-" A pause. "Oh we're not in the garden are we? My mistake..." He does his best to not seem confused, but it was getting increasingly difficult. Why was he in the middle of the Everfree Forest? Where did all these changelings come from, and to address an older question, how did he get free? Not that it all matter really. He rathered if it didn't make sense, what a lovely wake up this was turning into! For the moment he needed to get away from these pests so takes flight into the air, opening his mouth to say something to mock their efforts to capture him, when again, something snags at his body- but this time it was different. He finds his body engulfed in a toxic green aura, and is suddenly pummeled into the dirt once mor- oh. Not dirt. A checked platform, the one he made earlier. Smart. "Oh for the love of scompiglio, what is the meaning of all this?" Discord grumbled, realizing that his escape wasn't going to be as cut and dry as last time. He starts to ward off the magic weighting him down, finding himself increasingly more frustrated. This wasn't the lovely wake up he thought it would be anymore. "You would find it in your best interest if you don't resist," came a soothing mares voice. Discord had no intention of giving up though- why should he, when he had the power to turn everypony in the area into a deranged clown minion? He looks to the speaker, sighing when he makes eye contact with a pair of brilliant green eyes. "My dear I don't know what you're trying to do bu-" Again, the vines lassos around his neck and some lucky foal was able to nab his lions paw. "This again?" he groans. What exactly was the plan here? "You're all wast-" It was the then the hoard surrounded him, more then he could possibly count. At first, he swore there were only a dozen or two, but now it was well over a hundred...thousand? A hundred thousand. Or maybe ten. 'Alright, I think I had enough' Discord thought to himself as powerful ripple of energy came clashing out at the changelings, knocking a good number back into the trees and the murky swamps beyond. "You're more deranged then I if you think you have a chance!" he declared to the still advancing minions of the green eyed mare... The mare. Just as he realized that perhaps he should of kept an eye on the leader of this rat-trap, he felt the stinging pain of teeth sinking into his skin. Howling in more bewilderment then pain, he lashed out at the attacker- finding that not only was it the mare, but that her bite was doing much more then simply causing a boo-boo. Her limbs slithered and locked around the draconequus, wings buzzing with the hum of a angry hive of bee's and those teeth, those teeth... "Get off of me!" Angry now, no denying that. Ripple after ripple of blinding power was exerted, all concentrated to rip the queen off his back, to dislodge her teeth that seemed to be draining him, but surely that was his imagination. "I SAID GET OFF!" But her hold stayed true, even as her children washed back into the darkness, as the clouds above swirled angrily above with perplexing colors that just did not seem natural. If anything, her grip tightened. Discord resorted to collapsing to his fours in desperate spasms, clawing at the leech, snapping his tail even as though it was a whip. The method was as childish as it was fruitless. Hours, minutes, he could not tell. But his limbs grew heavy and the skies above, calm. The checkered ground below retreated back into the soft green blades it was before, if not a bit tussled. His thrashing and flailing became nothing more then pathetic twitching. His vision, dull. Finally, he winced as he felt the teeth slide out of his neck, leaving the fur matted with blood. "Hrhmhaha... Oh dear lord of chaos..." Her voice was sickeningly sweet yet tainted. "I do apologize, I hate doing this just as much as anypony but I was given no choice. If it is at all comforting, it's nothing personal." For once in his life, he wished that things did make sense. Why couldn't he move? Why did she bite him? He wobbled up to his fours, refusing to stay down like some defeated pup. "You...have some nerve, haha..." He tried to pretend that his vision wasn't dulling, that his neck wasn't throbbing, that his body wasn't going to give out at any moment. The queen looked at him, amused. "As I said, nothing personal," she said with a smirk. Her form twisted and morphed into... Into him. Discord stared at what at first seemed like a mirror reflection, but as she turned, the less she resembled herself or Discord. Her form was black, body long, long jolting talons riddled with diseased holes and her wings a decayed pair that glowed as if smeared with lighting bugs thoraxes. A sick hybrid, a monstrosity, something Discord would admire if not for the pounding weight of the creatures front claw on his back, pushing him into the dirt once more in a act of mindless aggression. It was then he realized the awful truth. And his answers. Why he was freed. Why he was here and not in the Canterlot garden. Why he was weak. Why she bit him. "You, pitiful pawn, you have helped me so much!" her voice, when he heard it first, it was almost alluring, but now... Oh, how ugly it was now. "Your mind is so simple and you so do deserve a explanation. I have taken your power Discord, you are but a husk of what you were before. I made you nothing so I may become everything." Oh....buck. He trashed weakly, desperate for some relief, for air. Instead all he could do was cough out a spray of red that tasted disturbingly like copper. "Sleep now spirit of disharmony," she cooed in that gravely voice as she released her claw. She stared, unsympathetic at the twisted shape below. "If you are disillusioned enough to think you could exact revenge, drag your powerless husk away from these parts before sundown. I know you're thinking of that, you are. But know that you have no chance, so sleep. And know my children will not waste your remains." A fighting chance? How cliched. But he realized she was only taunting him. He found it impossible to get back up- what kind of shape was he in now? He didn't even have the strength to make words. There was that and... he had no powers. Somthing in his gut clenched up at the thought- powerless. The taunt was confirmed as he heard her chuckle with a rather disgusting squeak as the voice faded to dark.
OmenIt seemed as normal of a day as any other in Ponyville. The stores were open, Pinkie Pie was prancing on rooftops with her song of the day, birds were singing and once more Twilight discovered with dread that her back up back up ink and paper supplies were less then adequate. The purple unicorn trotted down the walkway, using her magic to hold up a check list of things she needed to buy. She hummed with amusement as she noted that Spike had jolted down some things that she was sure she didn’t ask to be written down. Nothing too bad, just some candy and birdfeed for his new pet- though she would have to ‘forget’ to bring back a new photo of Rarity. Honestly, how was this crush of his supposed to be secret? In her distraction, she bumped into another pony roughly enough for her to knock herself and the other to the ground. “Ow, ow- oh geez are you oka-” Twilight blinked in surprised, and became much quicker at helping the other up to her hooves. “Zecora!” The zebra smiled kindly at her, picking back up the saddlebag she dropped from the ground. “Twilight I am glad to bump into you, though are your injuries few?” she spoke in rhyme flawlessly and without missing a beat. “I’m fine, I was about to ask you the same,” Twilight giggles. She peers at the bulging saddlebag with interest. “Big shopping day huh?” Zecora’s smile faded, causing the light mood to fade rather quickly. “Shopping no, and I should not be stopping. A great danger nears, the greatest in years-” “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Twilight held her hoof up, interrupting Zecora. “Danger? Did something happen?” True Zecora lived in the Everfree forest, but she was more than equipped to protect herself from the creatures that lurked within. “Whatever happened, my friends and I can help…” Zecora shook her head. “Great omens, one after another. All the signs point to the queen mother. I must leave, trust me when I say, I feared the colors the sky had to display.” “Zecora, you’re seriously not making sense…” Twilight looked confused at what her friend was trying to tell her, when the Zebra took her hoof and tilted the mares head up into the sky. “Look.” She saw no unusual colors, but she did see a terrifying amount of birds flying away from the forest in terror. She realized she saw earlier flocks in the afternoon, but simply dismissed them without thought. After all, Fluttershy was the real expert on these birds, not her. “Why are they leaving?” she asked, not really expecting an answer- but she got one. “The question is Twilight Sparkle, why aren’t you? Miss Sparkle…” she adds, pulling a hood over her head. “Goodbye.”
Survival'Wake up...open your eyes you idiot...' He wanted his brain to shut up, to leave him be. He was tired, and it hurts to move. No, no, sleep was a better idea, just sleep. He'll wake up nice and refreshed in a few hours, and enjoy a pleasant brunch of cotton eggs and upside-down bacon. For no, no moving, no opening the eyelids, nothing. 'Move, get up and move!' Discord curls up his lip annoyance- his brain was being especially bothersome today! But slowly as consciousness filled him, so did the memory and oh great mother of sweet pearl, what hellish pain this was! His eyes flew open, and he found himself in some sort of primitive cage made up of thick vines and smelly moss. And he was tied up again- those little gremlins sure were persistent in that goal. His wings were bound, his legs, arms, and his mouth, all bound up in snakey dark vines. Oh how they smelled, how rough they were. It was as though he was wearing a suit made up of sand paper and splinters. But above all, his neck continued to throb and ache- it was a pain to move, but if he wanted to get out, he would just have to suck it up. He paused and tried to use his powers- to turn his restraints into bubbles, to heal himself or at the very least alivate the pain....Nothing. Zip. Nada. 'You are but a husk of what you were before.' You are but a husk. But a husk. Husk Powerless, that's what she did to him. It was a grim reality, knowing that some changeling queen went around and took his powers- he had no idea they could even do that. Weren't they all supposed to be nothing more then silly copy-cats? Impersonators? Not that mattered really, what mattered was his getting out. Quietly he looked around in his cage, looking for anything, anything at all. The ground was soggy, really soggy. His feet and tail made these awful sucking sounds when he tried to pull them out. He was never one for hygiene, but for the love of Equestria, he'll willingly become Celestia's royal footstool for just one bath. Maybe one with lots of bubbles and rubber ducks... "ʠ≓◃, ◄≖≗đ!" Discord's ears perked up, peering out to see two slightly larger then normal changelings having a little conversation. Rusty on the language, tried to pick up what they where saying as he contionously tried to wiggle out of his binds. Something about how boring guard duty was... Something about how great their queen was, gag... Something about how upsetting that the queen wasn't going to be at the feast... but how they needed to save the sea gull for her trophy... Wait that wasn't right. He hissed quietly as he finally finally loosened the restraints enough for him to slide his griffin's claw down a inch to cut off the binds. Hands free, he immediately tore off the ropes on his mouth and feet. Sea gulls, why sea gulls? Well why not sea gulls? It made just as little sense as everything else that's been happening. 'My children will not waste your remains' Discord freezes and back tracks a little. They were talking about a fest. They were...are going to, if he doesn't get moving, eat him. No, no, no, that he will not stand for. He was the Lord of Chaos, literally immortalized in stone for his misdeeds. And now they were going to have him for dinner? No, no, no! Seagulls... sea gulls... he muttered under his breath, repeated the strange words spoken by the guards... No, not seagull. Skull. His skull for a trophy. "WHY!?" He screamed uncontrolablly. He wasn't scared as so much as appauled and really disgusted. A thousand years ago, changelings were delightful little things much like parasprites. Now they were twisted and evil. Actually evil. Evil evil. But no matter what his reasoning was, his outburst turned out to be a really stupid move. The two guards that were practically ignoring him, now had their full attention on the draconequus. Their horns glowed brightly, aimed at his head. One started screaming about how the other did a shody job of tying up the prisoner. "Wait, wait, don't-" Too late, the trigger happy fouls shot at the cage with their horns. In his panic, he felt a rush of adrenaline pushing him into the mud below, narrowly avoiding harm. The wood and vines splintered apart in a dreadful explosion, giving him an actual opening to escape. 'Idiots! Glorious idiots!' Discord could hardly believe his luck as he wasted no time in scramming out of there as fast as he could. What luck he had to have those baboons for guards? But the joy was short lived as the ruckus attracted other changelings, all joining the chase. For once in his life, he felt his heart pounding- not that he was scared! No, no, why would he be scared, it wasn't like he was going to die or anything. He tried to unfold his wings, only to see that they two were tied up and folded against his back. In his panic, he must of missed that. He remained on foot, zig zagging around the trees, flinching at the sounds of tree's getting hit by the bolts of magic- they were shooting to kill. He wondered vaguely why they didn't just finish him off when they had the chance. The morbid explanation was that perhaps they were trying to preserve the freshness. "Hnngh!" Discord stumbled, trying to push past the creeping pain that was catching up to him. But he couldn't slow down, he couldn't. The gap between them and him was far too small as it was! But the more he forced himself, the slower his pace became. it didn't help that he had no idea where he was going, that if he was just plunging himself deeper into changeling territory. A bolt of green magic catches him in his back, causing him to cry out. The force was enough to knock him off balance and into the ground. The sounds of the hive was getting louder and louder- his mind was gripped with a desprate need to survive. He scuttles off the floor and back on foot, narrowly missing a combined attack. One changeling was quick enough to get in his face, but was savagely torn down with a swipe of his claws. Barring his teeth at the swarm, he takes off again. He knew better then to waste a moment to taunt them. But he also knew that he could not keep this pace. They will catch him. They will kill him. He could take on a handful of these things easily without his power, but the forest was literally infested. Like maggots in a rotting corpse. Too many to count, too many to fight off. He see's what looks like salvation- a break, a upcoming clearing! Maybe it lead into a village, or even royal grounds. Or maybe just an empty field with nothing to hide behind. He goes for it, mustering up every last bit of strength he had- "BUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUC-!" Too fast, too fast to stop on time. It was a clearing alright, a clearing for a sudden death drop into an unforgiving raging river of pure rage. 'Wings you fool, use your wings!' his brain screamed loud enough that he was sure the changelings watching above would hear. Still in mid-air he tears at the last of the rope, scratching at himself in the process. 'FASTERFASTERDOITBUCKCUCK-!' His wings twitched ans spasmed, and finally the Pegasus wing burst free. It flapped insanely, desperate for its featherless partner to become undone. But you can only fall so slowly. And it became clear to the disappointed and hungry changelings above, that perhaps Discord wasn't fast enough.
InvasionWhen the wedding ended, everypony, including the two Princesses had let their guard down. The guards became relaxed, the wielders of the elements were allowed home right away, and the captain of the guard, the only one that could create a shield strong enough to keep the creatures away was sent away on honeymoon with his lovely bride. A week passed before the second wave of Changelings hit. And they hit hard. They invaded the royal grounds, the homes of the elite,and the castle itself. They took the faces of innocent ponies so chaos and confusion of who was who erupted throughout the flanks. Celestia needed to help her people, and knew she needed to send word- but there were so many this time. A swarm, a real swarm- and it was on closer inspection that Chrysalis had summon every able-body changeling for this full scale attack- grown ones and younglings alike. Forced from the throne room, she took to the air. She watched as the black creatures spilled out of the windows and spirals, as the guards fell one by one. Her own sister was involved this time in the fight, as she remained on the ground. For each changeling they took down however, three more seemed to take it's place. The alicorn cried out in fury as her horn glowed a burning white light. Surrounded by the creatures that could took flight, she engulfed them all in a terrible storm of fire and brilliant light. The ponies below watched their princess glowing in that deadly fire and felt themselves become more passionate to protect their home. This was their home. Theirs. Luna cheered in joy as she watched those she came to rescue suddenly no longer needing her help. The bakers took their stale bread, the hairdressers their sissors and everyone else, everything else. And for a glorious moment, without aid of the elements or a powerful shield, it seemed the tide was turning. It was then the sky turned a sick green color, and from the black clouds that seemed to materialized out of nowhere, fire and ice rained from the sky. The cheers of pride and courage turned to wild fear and terror as they all ran this way and that to avoid the falling debris and destruction. Celestia heard her sister cry out for her, and she went for her. How could she not? But as she flew down, she found that Luna was flying up. Her face was stricken with terror as she joined her sister and pointed down to the center plaza. The foundation cracked and broke apart as a large creature crawl out of it. It seemed dragon like, but that didn't seem right... It tore apart the ground like it was butter, and there was a unified howl of horror as one side of the plaza gave and swayed down at a dangerous angle- threatening to go down and take all the unfortunate ponies on that its side down with it. Celestia gave her sister a desperate expression, and it was well returned. The two went after the falling half of the city, in hopes that with their combined power, maybe... just maybe...
PanicTwilight couldn't be sure what had happened, but whatever it was, it was big. After telling Zecora goodbye and failing to have her stay a moment longer she left to see Fluttershy about the strange behavior of the birds. But when she got to the normally quiet cottage, she was met with utter chaos. The poor pegasus was on the brink of tears as she desperately tried to calm her pets. She was currently at the foot of the willow, with a hoof filled with frantic looking chicks and mice. "Oh darling, please stop- oh, oh dear, it's alright, please stop shaking... Oh, I'm here, why are you all so frightened?" "Fluttershy?" Twilight trotted up, making sure not to step on Angel who seemed to be helping rounding up the chickens. "What in Equestria is happening to your animals? All the birds in the sky..." Fluttershy looked at her friend, seemingly relieved to see her. "Oh Twilight, I am so happy to see you," she says softly dispite the situation. "They're just frightened... Animals tend to be so much more sensitive, especially since we live so closely to the Everfree..." "What does that have to do anything?" Twilight asked, peering out to the forbidden forest. At the edges, she notes the faint darkening of the skies. "Well... you see, since the weather changes on it's own, it sometimes has an awful storm. There must be something dreadful happening Twilight, all my birds ran away!" She looked as though she was going to cry again. "What if they don't find their way home, or food? What if..." "I'm sure they can take care of themselves Fluttershy, they wouldn't of left if they couldn't!" Twilight said to ease her fears. In the back of her mind, she was feeling a bubbling sense of panic- what if something awful was going to happen? Or was happening? No, no, she was just over reacting... Even with Zecora's strange warning, it couldn't be too catastrophic if the princess... "TWI! TWI!" Twilight turned her head to see Spike running up to her with holding up a scroll in his fist. Oh...Oh this couldn't possibly be good. "Spike, whats goi-" "Canterlot is GONE!" The little dragon shrieked, causing the two ponies to forget about the very existence of the frightened animals around them. "The princess just sent me this letter, and, and-!" "Spike, calm down!" Twilight snapped and quickly took the scroll and read it for herself. Twilight Sparkle, We do not have much time to write this. The Changelings has returned with a creature of unknown power and origin. Canterlot destroyed, and our sister has been injured. You must evacuate Ponyville to Fillydelphia. "W-what?" No, surely this was all a mistake. Was this happening now? Why was she only now getting a letter, why not sooner? And injured? Was her beloved teacher in pain right now? Was her life still in danger? "No, no, this... This can't be right!" Fluttershy shuffled to the unicorns side, trying to read the levitating letter. "Twilight? What does it say?" She asked quietly. "It says we need to get everypony in town down to Fillydelphia. Something terrible happened!" She looks at Fluttershy with determination in her eyes. "Go round up the girls Fluttershy, tell them to get ready. I need to see the mayor about the evacuation, so I'll meet up with everyone as soon as I can." She starts to run off, but pauses and used her magic to float Spike onto her back. That letter was barely a quarter of a page, and she hardly had any information to go on. She hoped that there was another letter on it's way. Please... let there be another letter on its way.
To CanterlotDespite the disturbing signs the Everfree Forest emitted, it was decided to hold off moving the entire towns population until dawn. It was such short notice after all. This gave more time to organize, though some small groups started to leave ahead of the main pack. Big Macintosh decided it would be best to move down to Appaloosa instead of to Philadelphia, and while it wasn't the written destination on the brief letter, Twilight knew better than to try to keep the Apples away from each other. It'd be better for the tight-nit family to stay together anyways. After all was settled, Twilight returned home, and waited for her friends to show up. She knew it wouldn't be long now, but she wished she had more to tell them. She paced the room anxiously. "Oh, I can't stand it Spike! I don't know weather to send a letter to the Princess or not- what if they're still in danger?" She says worriedly. "Twi, it's going to be okay! This is Princess Celestia we're talking about!" Spike called out to her, trying to comfort her as he packed her saddle. "We're going to back her up anyways, so she'll be extra okay." "Spike! if you remember, it wasn't even Celestia that sent the letter- it was Luna!" She stops in her track, snapping suddenly. "...Twi?" The unicorn blinked, realizing she lost control of her tone for a moment. She needed to stay calm. "I'm sorry Spike... I'm just worried. I didn't mean to yell at you." Sighing, she sets her hoofs on a table, looking over all her books. "I'm... Just not used to not knowing what's going on I guess." *BRAP* In all her life, she never heard such a beautiful burp. Twilight practically bounced over to spike, snatching the scroll before it even had the chance to hit the ground. "Please be good news, please be good news... To my faithful student Twilight, I apologize if the last letter frightened you, but I hope the evacuation is well underway. I do not wish for any of my subjects to be near Canterlot at the moment, and my sister and I currently relocating to the Crystal Kingdom; where we'll plan our counter attack on the monster that did this I regret to inform you, in my attempt to take down Chrysalis myself, I have injured myself. Do not worry, what hurts the most at the moment is perhaps, my pride. As always, I must rely on you and your friends. But I fear asking you to take down Chrysalis would be too much. She's turned into this monster, nearly completely unrecognizable. What I want from you Twilight, is to find out the source of this power, and nothing else. The elements are deep within the Palace, and it's completely surrounded. Stay safe. Twilight blinked, reading the letter over and over. What did this mean? Would there be a war? An actual full out war? There hasn't been a war in centuries! "Positives... One positive is that she's still alive..." "Who's still alive?" came the blunt question from a familiar voice. Twilight turned to greet Rainbowdash, who was soon followed into the room by the others. "The Princess Rainbow Dash, there was an attack on Canterlot." "So you've kept telling us! I hope that letter has more information dear, we're all so worried sick!" Rarity said. Twilight levitated the saddle onto her back, managing not to buckle under the weight. "Long story short, Queen Chrysalis returned and we're supposed to find the source of her power. The faster we leave, the better." Spike reached down to his own sack- of which she quickly stepped on. "And Spike, you're going with the Mayor in the morning." The small dragon was visibly upset by this. "What?! But why?" "Because Spike, I need to count on you to send me messages of how the evacuation is going," She smiles kindly at him. "No one else can do it but you." In truth, she was only doing it to keep him out of greater danger, and they both knew it. The baby dragon looked down at his feet, obviously debating on an argument, but in the end, muttered a disgruntled "Okay." Twilight turned to the rest of the girls, standing straight. "We leave tonight girls. The faster we find the source, the faster we save Equestria."
Hoofing ItThe train station was out of the picture, Twilight had a feeling but the station was shut down when they got there. Apparently, the tunnels where the tracks normally ran through were caved in, and the closer they got to Canterlot, the more they got distorted. And even if they weren't, all trains were being rerouted to send waiting soldiers to the Crystal Kingdom for preparations from other parts of Equestria. "Well girls... looks like we're walking," Twilight sighed, knowing there was going to be a very long trip ahead of them. There were some groans, especially from Rainbowdash. She knew she could get there before anyone else, perhaps in just a hour or so. But they needed to stick together. "We'll just follow the tracks, it's not like we can get lost..." "B...But Twilight, what about the mountains?" Fluttershy squeaked, barely managing to keep up with the group. "The conductor said the tunnels..." "We'll handle that when we get there." Twilight said flatly. They'll go around the mountains if they had to, but that was still a ways off. "But what about the timber wolves? A-And food? What if we get lost? What if..." Applejack interrupted the frightened pegasus, giving her a comforting smile. "Don't you worry 'bout a thing Sugarcube. Ya act like we never did anything dangerous before!" She laughed, nudging her along as they entered the forest. "Why... Just think of it as camping for now!" "Agh, don't mention camping, please!" Rainbowdash sorting, giving up on hovering over them to avoid getting hit by the thickening trees. "That was fun and all, but I don't want anyone falling down waterfalls this time." "W-Waterfalls?!" Fluttershy squeaked. Applejack shoots Rainbow a glare that clearly read 'Fix this before she freezes'. "I.... uh... it was no big deal. Scoots kinda just spooked herself with a nightmare about the Headless Horse...." Rainbowdash stammered out with a blush. "Yes, I do wonder where she could of gotten such a silly dream," Rarity rolled her eyes, trotting over the wood planks to keep her hooves from getting muddy. "Headless Horse?!" Fluttershy stops walking, obviously terrified now. "Rainbow!" Applejack groaned. She really should of known better. Pinkie wasted no time to cheer up her friend, squeezing between her legs in a crawl and suddenly standing up so she'd be carrying her. "Don't be scared about a Headless Horse!" She chirped, bouncing towards the head of the pack with Twilight. "He doesn't have a head! So that means no eyes!" "H-Ho- ah!" Fluttershy gripped the curly mane tightly to keep from falling over. "How is that s-supposed to make me feel better?!" "He can't see where he's going!" Pinkie laughed. "So he'd just walk into walls and trip over junk all day!" The mental image of the Headless Horse bumping into things was pretty funny, and it was enough for Fluttershy to ease herself into a giggle before excusing herself as she fluttered back onto her own feet. "I suppose you're right." Twilight just smiled to herself. If a silly myth was the only thing they had to fear on their way to Canterlot, then that just makes everything so much easier. "We'll make camp near sundown. We're making great time." Author's Note Next chapter- Discord! Also I got a great beta now. The first chapter has been fixed and we're working on the rest.
Paths CrossingDiscord felt himself awakened by something cold splashing against his battered body in a soft rhythm. Something cold and wet, something that still washed over him, matting down his fur, causing mud to clot up on his side. Moaning, he rolled his head to the side, wincing from the pain. His entire body ached, not counting the sharp pains still radiating from his bite wounds and a new source... his wing? He shuts his eyes even tighter, gritting his teeth at the realization. He wouldn't be surprised if he hurt it somehow from the impact with the water. What hurt worse was his ego. That was what was really painful. He was outdone by tiny little Changelings. He drags out his lions paw, making drag marks against the soft most dirt, firmly planting it against the ground. He wasn't going to recover very quickly with half his body in the river- it was a miracle even washed up at all. "Oh sweet Celestia help me," He muttered as he pushed himself off the ground. This would be so much easier if he could float, or fly, but complaining would do him no good here. "I think I preferred being frozen..." Grunting, he drags himself out the water, clawing at tree for support. He was soaking wet and there was a chill in the air- the sun was going down. How long was he out? How long has it been since he was 'freed'? It didn't help that his concept of time was complete garbage now. But everything was going to be fine now. He was free wasn't he? And while he and Celestia may not be on what you would call 'speaking terms', he knew she wouldn't be so cold hearted as to turn away a poor injured draconequus. She certainly would lay the law down on that nasty queen, and get those little ponies of hers to turn her into stone or something. Oh how satisfying that'd be! He paused, thinking that over. No... No it wouldn't be satisfying at all. He still had his pride. He needed help, yes, but he wouldn't stand having someone else fight his battles. But for now, he needed to lick his wounds. Wincing, he limped his way a dry patch of leaves, clasping his neck. It did nothing to ease the pain. "Painful...agh, annoyance!" He grunted. How was it still hurting like this? He debated on returning to the river, the cold at least numbed it, and now it just felt like it caught on fire again. "I bet she infected me! The witch!" His voice hit a painful high pitched tone when he whined. Bitterly, he lets go, and already knowing it couldn't work, he started to snap his fingers. He tried to poof himself back to Canterlot. Or Ponyville. Or to heal himself. Shrink himself. Make himself bigger. "...Nothing." Powerless. Lost. Hurt. What a wonderful evening this was. "Not even a simple levitation? A spark? A wisp of smoke?" He curled into himself. This wasn't even annoying anymore. It was... frightening? He didn't think there could be such a thing that could suck the very magical energy out of you, and the mere thought of it never coming back was horrible. Magic was in a sense, a part of he was. Or really, what he was. Without that, what was he? A monstrous creature, injured by the bank side. "Not that I feel sorry for myself or anything," he muttered bitterly. No, this was just a hiccup. A bump in the road. He didn't know how but he'd find some way to get what was his back. And he didn't need help, why did that thought even cross his mind? Honestly, now thinking more clearly? Celestia would just encase him in stone again without giving him a chance. He shuddered at the thought. 'What a horrible disaster that would be,' he thought to himself, trying to soak up what was left of the sun. 'I cannot let that happen- what happens if I was freed again? There would be no point, not without being able to spread my chaos.' Now there was a depressing thought. '...Not that my entire self-worth depends on my magic.' Better. He reaches up to his wing- and sure enough it was still tied up. The ropes dug in slightly, but he was able to cut through it easily enough, feeling a bit of relief as the blood started to run through it. It was a funny, prickly sensation as he started to regain feeling in his feathered wing. He didn't even want to look at the mangled mess that was his bat wing, but considering how he couldn't even move it now... "...So I said oatmeal? You crazy!" "Pinkie you already told that story." "....What." His head tilts up. Was he hearing voices now? The last few flakes of sunlight disappears over the horizon, leaving him in the dark. He stills himself, listening to the mindless chatter of familiar voices- but it wasn't possible. This was as deep into the Everfree you cold get before you popped onto the other side- why would silly little ponies from Ponyville be doing here? He presses himself onto the dirt, flicking his ears. "This clearing is as good as any... We should of stopped sooner before it got dark." "Why couldn't we stay on the tracks? Now my hooves are all muddy!" "I didn't expect for the tracks to be blocked so early on Rarity, come on and help Pinkie with the tent." There was a bright light, likely from a unicorns horn. "...Twilight Sparkle." Of course she'd be here.
Questionable AnswersIt really was just like camping, much to Fluttershy's surprise. But she had no idea her friends were so talented at it. In less than a minute, Rainbowdash zipped around the clearing, cracked down logs to sit in a perfect circle. After a unneeded flip in the air, she created a miniature ditch at the center where a fire would be set up in. "Okay! I did my part~" She boasted as she trots over to a log to 'rest'. "And boy am I tired!" Twilight tried not to roll her eyes, keeping her horn lit up till Applejack could get a fire going. "Very impressive," she chuckles. She tucks her hooves under herself, and turns on the light a little brighter. It was a simple enough spell but she couldn't do anything about the cold. "Um, Twilight? Bad news, and good news," piped Pinkie Pie, making her way over. "Bad news? We can't actually build any tents..." "What?! Why?" Twilight jerked her head. "I saw Rarity packed them herself!" "Well that's the good news!" "...Care you explain yourself?" She asked skeptically, quirking an eyebrow. "Pinkie, we're in the middle of the Everfree. We need some kind of shelter." Pinkie giggled childishly. "Well you see, she did pack a bag full of her tent supplies, but she also had another bag just like it! You said that we had to pack light..." That's right. She did say that. Had she not intervened, everyone would be lugging around needless luggage of frivolous items. Honestly if it weren't for Applejack stepping in and suggesting that if she brought too much, it could be lost or stolen by the Changelings. Even then, her saddle was bulging... "Agh... I should of checked before we left," Twilight groaned. "What's the good news? What the hay did she bring?" "Darling you talk like I did it on purpose! Honestly!" The unicorn huffed as she trotted over. "I mistakenly left behind my glamorous tents, yes, but I did bring the saddle bag with some extra food..." "Cake! She brought bonbons and CAKE!" Pinkie squealed. Well no wonder she was so happy. But as good as some cake sounded right now, it wasn't real food, and it wasn't shelter. "I suppose..." "Don't ya worry 'bout a thing sugar cube, we still have our sleeping bags!" AJ assured her. "I'll go pick up some firewood, don't ya fret over a thing." "She's right dear- though we've been incredibly lucky so far as it is!" Rarity remarked. "Normally we would of ran into some sort of trouble by now, but it's been so wonderfully pleasant until this mix-up." "Yeah! I expected Timber-Wolves, or evil plants or something," Pinkie nodded. "I bet they all got scared off like Fluttershy's birds!" Fluttershy nearly jumped out of her skin hearing that. "B-But..." Pinkie laughs sheepishly. "You know.... off.... to a more... safe place?" She offered, but her nerves seemed rattled none the less. "I....I'll go get some w-water from the river," she says shyly as she leaned down to bite the handle of a pail that was brought along and added. "I'm sure they're safe..." "That's the spirit- wait Pinkie, what the hay did you mean by plants getting scared off?" Twilight turns her head back to Pinkie, just now noticing the strangeness of that comment. Fluttershy trotted off, not really wanting to focus on whatever silly explanation her friend had for that. She didn't want to go too far from where Twilight was- she being the source of light at the moment but as luck would have it, she didn't have to. There was a rather large river a little past the brush. Still... it was a bit dark back here and only trickles of light made it through the thick branches. *Snap* Fluttershy held back a squeak, spinning around trying to locate that sound, dropping the pail in the process. "W-Who's there?" Trembling, she darted her eyes around, freezing. She waited, and waited, but... nothing. Maybe it was just Apple Jack from a distance? Maybe... maybe a tiny lost animal? Nothing frightening... not a monster, no, no... Carefully, she picks up the pail again and makes her way back to the shore and scooped up some of the clean cold water. She felt better out here... There was a bright full moon out, it wasn't visible from the camp sight. Luna must be able to still keep the days in order, and it was safe to assume she may be taking over Celesta's duties for now too. She turns for a moment when she noticed... something odd. Under the moonlight, she could see the sand clearly. And on the sand? Strange drag marks and paw prints. As if... well all the prints were mixed up... Maybe there was many animals that visited the river? She sets down the water and kneels to get a better look. "O-Oh my....that's a lion....and a bird..A-and..." Most of the tracks were washed up or too muddled to see. But as fresh as they seemed, surely they were gone by now? *Crackle* "AIEEEEEE!" The pegasus screamed in fright. She defiantly heard something that time, she did! And it sounded even closer, it sounded like it was right behind her. And whatever it was, she was right. Because she was suddenly grabbed from behind by something large and scary and oh god her mouth was snapped shut... "Mmmph! MMMPH!" Fluttershy kicked her hooves, eyes wide with fear. "Oh for the love of- stop screaming!" Hissed a familiar voice. She stilled for a moment, out of shock. Because it couldn't be... it can't be... But there was no mistaking it. "You're the dreadfully kind one yes? I'm going to let go and you are going to tell the others you screamed over a bug or something! Do it... or... I'll turn all your birds to statues! Edible statues! Understoo-" Fluttershy rocked her head back into Discords snot and unfolded her wings to break his grasp. She hears her friends shouting for her, having heard her earlier scream. "HELP ME, HE GRABBED ME!" She screamed. That was all it took for the monster to release her, seeming spooked. "Help! He threatened my birds!" Her hooves land on the ground, and she quickly galloped to her friend of whom all were rushing to her aid. "Fluttershy?! Are you okay?!" Twilight cried out lighting the way. "Oh...this is bad, bad, bad..." Discord wanted to avoid this but it seems like he just made it all so much worse. He turns to run the other way when a powerful pain came crashing down onto his back, causing him to fall onto the ground screaming in pain. "I got him! I got him!" Rainbowdash yelled, revealing herself to be the attacker. She wraps her hooves around his neck, as if that would pin him down further, causing him spasm uncontrollably. "Nice job Dash!" Applejack smirked as she lassoed out her rope, grabbing hold of his legs. "Wrap him up tight! He could get away!" "Is that Discord?!" Rarity blinked in surprise. She looked at Twilight, who seemed stunned speechless at the moment. "What is Discord doing in the forest?" "Who cares!" Rainbowdash laughed, wrapping the last bit of rope around his mouth. "He's way easier to beat now then last time!" Everyone stared at the bound up Spirit of Chaos, clearly expecting more. Even Rainbowdash backed up with a rather quizzical expression. "Well... too easy I guess?" She added unsurely. Discord remained bound up and gagged, and... nearly seemed like he was trembling despite that ugly glare he was sending Rainbow. But asides from the twitching under those many tight knots, he did nothing else.The sky didn't turn pink, he didn't disappear before their eyes, nor did he.... do anything. "Somethings wrong..." Twilight finally said, snapping out of her silence. She cautiously made her way closer to her old foe, nearly blinding him with the light still glowing from her horn. "...Discord?" She muttered quietly. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, he didn't exactly put up much of a fight and his muzzle was roped shut. Even so, she stared into his eye suspiciously.... until the pupil suddenly rolled back, losing focus. "Discord?!" She said again, this time, far more alarmed. Somehow... he passed out. "...He.... He doesn't have his powers... I'm not sensing any energy from him!" She turned to her friends, who all stood there gaping. This was not only a random encounter, but it made no sense- even if it was Discord. But last they saw of him, he was a statue, frozen in time with that stupid expression. And now he was here at their feet in ropes. "Lets take him back to camp." "Wait why?" Rainbow protested, folding her wings back tightly. "We're supposed to look for the Swiss Cheese Queen's 'source'-" "Rainbowdash, don't you get it?!" Twilight exclaimed loudly. "We found it! Discord is the source! Author's Note REMEMBER WHEN I SAID I'LL WRITE MORE WHEN I HAVE MORE MATERIAL? WELL I HAD MORE MATERIAL. LEAVE ME ALONE.
OuchIt was a surreal experience having to drag Discord back to the campsite. The draconequus was completely unconscious, which despite Rainbowdash's strength, seemed very unusual... until they got to see the full extent of his injures. His leathery wing was twisted in a horrible way, still twitching somehow. And if that wasn't a terrible sight to look at on its own, his fur was still matted down, making him look like a mess in general. And yet it held an abnormal reddish tone near what looked to be a bite wound. A bite wound that still looked quite fresh. "I-I didn't do that! I didn't even hit his wing!" Rainbowdash stammered out, backing up seeing the full extent of the injuries. "Easy there!" Applejack quickly placed her hoof on her back, gently smiling at her. "I saw ya..." Twilight looked over the draconequus, frowning, trying not to show concern. "Even if you did hit his wing... it wouldn't of done that. It looks completely.... twisted." She cringes at her own words, trying not to imagine how much that could of hurt. "O-Oh....oh my..." Fluttershy, still being shaken up from her initial fright. "I-It looks terrible..." She steps forward, and steps back, unsure of what to do. "Poor Discord!" Pinkie blurted out. "Even if he was a meanie, he didn't deserve that!" She bolted right up next to Twilight, and bit at a rope knot. "Pinkie what are you doing?!" She tries to move her out of the way but was met with a fierce stare that nearly rivaled Fluttershy's. "Twilight, he's hurt. Bad. Really bad," She argued, pointing her hoof at Discord for emphasis. "And you said it yourself, he doesn't have his powers, right?" "Well-" "Right?" Twilight paused, before bowing her head slightly seeming a bit guilty. "...Right." Rarity held back a gasp. "Surely you don't mean to untie him, right? What if he tries to take revenge!" She asked. "We didn't exactly... end things on good terms." That was why Twilight hesitating in the first place. But Pinkie was right- it wasn't moral to keep him gagged up like this, not after seeing him in his current state. "He's not in any condition to attack us Rarity. Pinkie's right, we do...." She sighs heavily, having a difficult time accepting what she was going to say. " ...We do need to show some kind of mercy." "We're the good guys after all!" Rainbowdash agreed. "He may be a big jerk but it doesn't mean we have to be jerks too! I mean... remember last time?" "I-I am still so sorry about those things I said!" Fluttershy blurted out, causing the mood to lighten just enough for small laugh. "It wasn't your fault~ We all got all conked out!" Pinkie giggled as she tugged at a knot. Twilight made a face. They only got 'conked out' because Discord did something awful to their minds. It was Discords fault. "I didn't expect the mission to be completed so quickly. We'll need to get him to the Crystal Kingdom as quickly as possible," she said with a flat tone. "Lets hope he'll come willingly..." Her horn lights up again as she used her magic to unravel all the ropes herself. Still he didn't seem to come too, but she wasn't too concerned- he was breathing just fine after all. And once they get him all patched up, he'll be just fine. Perfect health to be encased into stone again- though that'd be difficult without the Elements. "Maybe he will, maybe he won't. But it's six against one- I don't see how he'd have much of a say." Applejack nodded. "But that's one nasty bite he has there- what do you reckon happen'd?" "I... Have no idea. Fluttershy? Could you..." Fluttershy stepped forward shyly. "Y-Yes... I can patch that up easily." She paused , shuffling her hooves. "The neck is easy enough... but I'm going to need help for the wing..."
Another Rude Awaking: UNFINISHED AND SAD"Okay, I-I'm going to pull it now..." "Ready.." "One... two... THREE!" *SNAP* Author's Note totally forgot what was happening/going to happen here But might as well upload the incomplete chapter for ya'll
Alright FUNNY THING HAPPENEDI got myself locked out of my account. And in that time, those new Discord episodes came on Keep Calm and Flutter on Threes a Crowd And (my favorite) the season finally to the forth season All these things together made me lose intrest in writing this story for a while, since so many of my head cannons was crushed and new head cannons popped up that conflicted with the story SO. I might rewrite this story. So it makes sense. And is even BETTER. BUT NOT HERE. I have moved. Link below. Author's Note http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Betty-tea-dead
Getting ReadyTwilight couldn't help but to feel guilty, suddenly dropping what should of been her job onto the mayor. She was after all, the most organized pony in Ponyville if not in all of Equestria and now she was leaving them when things were about to get its most chaotic. Twilight stayed long enough to help Mayor Mare to round up everypony into groups with receptive team leaders, and even smaller groups of two for safety reason. She advised them all to take wagons filled with food in case the the jouney took longer then usual, and for the young and elderly to ride in. Most seemed to comply easily enough, but a few ponies seemed a little stubborn on going. The Apple Family, or rather Granny Smith, refused to leave her precious farm without anypony to care for it. "Just you all go without me dag-nabbit, these here apple trees an't gonna buck themselves!" She barked at all the well meaning ponies trying to coax her into the wagon. Applejack luckily sided with Twilight and managed to talk her granny into going to Fillydelphia, but not before giving a strict warning to her friend that there better be a good explanation as to why they couldn't just stay and fight off whatever monster that may or may not of threatened the towns safety. "Trust me Applejack, if there's a fight, we'll be there," Twilight told her with confidence. After all they've been though, how could they possibly take the back seat? "Meet me with the others at my place, and make sure to pack. I'll explain everything then." Author's Note There's another chapter in the works and you'll get it tonight- it just felt weird putting it in this one. I know it's short, but I work better in short chapters than I do in long ones. This of course will translate in quicker updates and more chapters.
