When The Wall Breaks Down, Chapter 4: Finding Chaos

The group of five sprinted(or in Fluttershy’s and Gilda’s case, flew) as fast as they could through the ancient temple, in their attempt to put as much distance between themselves and the Vatican agents. They hadn’t heard anything from them, but they didn’t want to take any chances. And then they stopped.

Apparently, the builders didn’t want anyone finding whatever was at the bottom of the temple, which Charleston had dubbed ‘Dungeon Objective’ before they began their dash. How did they know they weren’t supposed to go there? Ask the giant hole in front of them. The five had reached a massive pit, big enough to swallow an Ursa Minor whole. It was at least sixty feet long, and thirty feet wide.

“Gilda, you take Charlie and Raph, I’ll take Ari.” Fluttershy commanded, and held out her hooves for her partner. No sooner did Arianna’s hands close around the mare’s forelegs, than she was off the ground, soaring over the pit. Gilda was close behind, carrying the men so they faced backwards, guns extended.

No sound of running came from behind them, but something did come from ahead. Suddenly, an apparition of the one they were after appeared in front of them. It was definitely ethereal, which was indicated by the lack of a shadow that the flare in Arianna’s hand should cast.

“Discord?” Fluttershy whimpered, nearly loosing her altitude.

“Fluttershy? I didn’t think it would be you I sensed…” he replied in shock, with eyes as wide as dishes. “Fluttershy, you need to leave. This is no place for a mare as gentle as you. Don’t worry, I… Wait, how did you find me?”

“We saw a picture of you outside the temple; it was in a news article. Discord, why are you here?”

“I’m trapped. When I was dragged into this world, my being gathered here, and now I’m stuck. Every time I try to teleport out, the temple stops me closer and closer. The last time, I made it to the door.” He paused for a moment. “Please, leave, I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Discord, I’m carrying a gun toting human, there’s a knife on my shoulder, and there’s a griffin behind me carrying two hunters, ready to avenge their fallen friend. I think I’ll be fine. How would I get hurt?” she asked, flying the remaining ten feet across the pit, so she could sit Arianna down.

“There are traps further in, I can guide you through them, but it’s still dangerous. Go and get Twilight, or something. Heck I’ll take Rarity, as long as you get out of harms way.”

“Discord, there are a number of men probably coming down here to kill us. They have way more guns than we do.” Fluttershy stated bluntly, causing Discord’s face to drop. “I’d rather not get riddled with holes.”

“Riiiight. This way then.” he said and led them trough a doorway lined with several glowing stones. “Those would be what are keeping me here. I don’t know what they are, but there are three in my…. Let’s call it a cell. There are three of them, and one more that is broken. I’m certain that that broken stone is the only reason I can project this illusion to you.”

“Oh God, you’re a magic user?” Charleston groaned, letting his rifle fall to his side.

“I’m a spirit, Hunter Boy. The living embodiment of chaos itself.” the illusory Discord stopped for a moment to face the man. “So… yeah, I can use magic. Though, I’m not as proficient as Miss Princess-Pants, with her fancy shmancy crystal castle. And seven chairs.” He finished his rant with a harrumph.

“There are eight, now.”

“What?” Discord stared at Fluttershy in surprise.

“Yes, Twilight felt like you had proved that you deserved a place on the council, so she had Maud carve one out for you. But, you disappeared before it was finished.” Fluttershy replied with a smile sweet enough to have melted the polar ice caps. “She’s been really protective of it, too. She refuses to let anyone else sit in it.”

“R-really?” Ethereal tears started streaming down the spirit’s face. “Honestly, look at me. You ponies have turned me into such a sap.”

“I like this version of you better.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, because this version is my bestest friend in the two worlds.” Fluttershy said with a giggle, prompting Discord to start laughing as well. When the two had calmed down from their giggle fits, Gilda stepped forward and put a talon on Fluttershy’s shoulder.

“Boss, we need to get moving. Should we have the hunters break the crystals?” the griffin asked, pointing at the entryway.

“Yes, I think that’s a splendid idea, wouldn’t you agree, Discord?”

“Assuredly, those infernal devices have caused me no small trouble. But, try to prize on away from the wall, and save it. Twilight may want to examine them.” he replied sourly, his apparition hovering next to one. “I can’t fathom how they could have such advance knowledge of my abilities…”

Charleston spoke next, casting a wary eye at the spirit. “What makes you so sure that it’s you they were trying to contain?”

“Because, if they didn’t have certain enchantments in place, I would not be here. You may not be aware, but it is- and I say this with no small amount of pride- very difficult to contain chaos in its rawest forms. Would you please get to breaking? It would be much appreciated.”

“Right, sorry.” the Englishman replied, and took aim at the gem on the top left. Arianna aimed at the bottom right, and Raphael took the top right. They let lose a burst of gunfire, and the three crystals were shattered. Their bright blue color faded, and they became black. Only one was left, and Fluttershy casually trotted up to it and drew her knife, then buried it in between the rock and it’s attachment. The stone came loose easily, clattering to the floor, where it was promptly picked up by Charleston.

“Say, I think I’ve seen these before… Raphael, do you remember that temple in Africa?” Raphael nodded to his partner, who turned to Fluttershy in realization. “We were hunting a panther, and it fled inside. There were black stones like this all over the place. They had been broken, I see that now, but that place must’ve been like this one; it was a prison!”

Arianna stepped forward to examine the stone. “It does give off a bit of faint magic, but I can also feel it going, like, into it. It’s like it’s absorbing the magic around us. It would make sense if discord is getting weaker.”

“How does that make sense? And if that’s what’s keeping you here, if you wait for the magic to disappear from your body, can’t you escape?” Raphael asked, shouldering his rifle. His skepticism was annoying to Fluttershy, whose patience was much thinner than it was three years ago.

“No, I can’t. haven’t you been paying attention? I’m made of magic. Not this, that you see before you, but my true self, down below.” he explained, hovering forward a bit. “We’re coming up on the first trap now. It’s so cliché, too.”
Several minutes passed before anyone said anything.

“Well, What is it?”

“I’M GLAD YOU ASKED GRIFFY-POO!” Discord shouted, floating over beside Gilda. “It’s a hall with dart-shooting walls.”

“Y-You’re ki… those exist?!” Arianna shouted as she jogged forward to where the floor changed texture. She knelt down and gingerly laid her hand against the smooth tiles. “No one gets in there… the floor here is smooth; it’s not weathered down by footsteps like over there.” she explained, pointing towards where the others were standing. “Mister Discord-”

“Please, Mr. Discord was my father. Call me Discord.”

“Are you… serious? You’re a junior?” asked Gilda, staring slack jawed(beaked?) at the spirit.

“Wow.” he deadpanned. He turned towards his bestie. “Fluttershy, where did you even get her?”

“She’s Dashie’s friend. Twilight thought she would be helpful.” the pegasus answered calmly. “Of course, she absolutely has been. She’s a good fighter, a great flyer, and not too mean once you get to know her.”

“Right. Well, Dashie’s Friend, I never had a father.” The spirit’s eyes fell to the floor. “No mother, either.”

“Discord, you have a family now. Me, and the others, we’re you’re family. Celestia and Luna too!” Fluttershy said, hovering in front of the illusion’s face. “You won’t be alone, ever again.”

“Fluttershy.” He looked the mare dead in the eyes. “You’re mortal.”

It was not as though Fluttershy had never thought about this. Sure, the court of harmony would have new members some day, but the original members were his first true friends. No one could ever replace that. But Fluttershy was going to make sure he wasn’t lonely for the rest of her life.

“Yeah, but you’ll make more friends! I know you will! After all,” she said, pausing to wipe a tear from her eye. “Everyone in Ponyville loves you now. Soon, all of Equestria will, too.”

“I doubt it. I genuinely appreciate your sincere faith in me, but I still believe it’s misplaced.” The illusory Draconequus drifted around her, and snapped his fingers. A number of smooth tiles in the hallway started glowing as little orange arrows appeared above them. “These are the safe tiles.” He snapped again, and numerous orange lines appeared close to the ceiling. “Those are trip wires. Don’t fly through, or you’ll set them off.” The illusion of Discord vanished, and all they were left with was a the glowing orange indicators in the hall.

“I’m sorry I’m not a god.”

Author's Note

So, chapter four is up! You know, it makes me smile to know this story is being so well received. Thanks to every one who's been reading this, and I hope you all continue to enjoy it. Also, is there anywhere you think I can improve? let me know and I'll try my best to work on it!