Fluttershy and the Beast

Chapters

Once Upon A Time
Fluttershy
Blueblood
Forever
Breakfast!
How long must this go on?
Reflection

Once Upon A Time

Discord smiled as he stroked the smooth leather hardback. After all those months of careful planning and writing and interviews, the story was no finished, and soon to be published publically for all ponykind to read if they wished to. He glanced over at his wife Fluttershy who was sitting with their seven children. This was their story, and he didn't want them to miss out on it.

Twilight trotted excitedly into Discord and Fluttershy's living room. There would all their friends and family would be waiting for her to read them the story. They'd chosen her because of her pleasant reading manner. Twilight really knew it was because Fluttershy was still too shy to read aloud in public, Discord wanted to sit with his family, Rainbow Dash would change the story, Rarity would point out silly little mistakes, Applejack said that it was their story, and not her's, so she wouldn't feel comfortable reading it, especially since it was a romantic story. And Pinkie Pie, well, she had a very short attention span, and would completely abandon the story and go off on a tangent about parties or cupcakes or something like that.

Discord handed the book to Twilight and she nodded her thanks. She sat down onto a beanbag in the middle of room, opened it to the beginning and began to read....

Once upon a time....

'Hold on there, wait a minute! This is my story! I'm Discord, the Lord of Chaos. I'm unique! Once upon a time isn't gonna cut it pal!'

Well Discord, all fairy tales begin with 'once upon a time. Besides, you didn't protest when we were writing it!'

'But they're all so boring!'

Can I get on with the story?

'I suppose you might as well.'

Thank you. Now, where was I? Oh yes, once upon a time, in the beautiful land of Equestria, there lived two regal princesses called Celestia and Luna. They were alicorns and were very powerful. They lived in a shining Castle beyond the Everfree Forest with their friends Discord...

'That's me!'

And, their mentor Star Swirl the Bearded. Star Swirl taught them everything they needed to know about ruling a country. And Discord, well, he was a draconecquus who had chaos powers. He used these powers to play pranks on Star Swirl. Luna and Celestia thought that he was brilliant and all three of them had great fun together. They were all very happy.

However, this idyll didn't last long. Star Swirl passed away, the two mares without their father figure. In time, Celestia and Luna took to the thrones of Equestria and ruled peacefully. Discord had now reached his full potential in chaos magic and began using it to the full. What was once funny or harmless in the princesses' eyes was now selfish and cruel. Discord had turned the buildings into Cheese, the clouds into cotton candy and the grass into candy canes. It was also too dangerous for ponies to go outside for fear that they be turned into an ice cream sundae or something like that. However, poor Celestia didn't know what to do.

Matters only got more complicated, when out of the blue one day, Discord proposed to Celestia. Ever since he's been little, he'd always had a big crush on her...

'Like Spike's crush on Rarity!'

'Hey! Not everypony neeeds to know! Twilight, tell him!'

Discord, behave yourself! Back to the story...

So, like I said, he always had this massive crush on her and then he proposed. Celestia refused but told him that she'd reconsider if he stopped causing so much damage. Discord said that she was being a spoilsport and that she should liven up a bit. Celestia shot back that he was a beast and that she hated him. At this, they parted ways and didn't see each other for a long time. Discord lived in a castle in a little valley far away from any civilization. And that's where he stayed.

In the months that followed, Discord gradually became worse. He was ungovernable, angry, demanding, rude, dishonest, sneaky and bitter. His chaos powers got even more out of hand, deliberately now, but he didn't care. Why should I, he reasoned. He had truly become a beast.

'I'm right here, you know!'

Anyway, Celestia and Luna had had enough. They would be letting their subjects down if they didn't stop Discord sometime soon. And so, they came up with a plan.

One cold winter's night, an old begger pony arrived at Discord's castle and offered him a single rose in exchange for shelter from the bitter Wind and rain. Discord was repulsed by her haggard appearance. True, he was no male model...

'I can hear you!'

But... but this mare truly was ugly. He sneered at the rose. What would he want with a rose? He was the Lord of Chaos for crying out loud?!

'That's like so true! I mean, I can't count the number of times that I actually have to introduce myself to ponies! I'm a celebrity! Twilight, you even wrote and published this story!'

Anyway, moving swifly on... he had a garden of roses, but he only ate the flowers when he was bored. He therefore turned the old mare away.

The old mare turned around as if to leave, but instead she took a feeble step forward. She warned him not to be disceived by appearances, as true beauty can only be found within. Discord didn't know how she knew of his prejudices, but he didn't dwell on it. He didn't want to make sense of her wise words. He felt only anger and self pity inside, not Beauty. To make the mistake of living somepony risked the pain he felt at Celestia's rejection. He didn't want to go through that again. He scoffed at the old mare's warning and dismissed her again.

Immediately, the old mare's ugliness away to reveal Princess Luna. She seemed almost near to tears as she explained that Celestia had sent her to test him, and the results weren't good. The misery of those affected by his actions would get worse. He had failed to show fellow feeling.

Discord tried to apologize, the first time he'd done so in years, but it was too late, for Luna had seen that there was no love in his heart. She decided to punish him. If he didn't learn to love and earn her love in return, he would not be turned into stone by the Elements of Harmony. The rose that Luna offered him was an enchanted rose, which would bloom for about a thousand years, and if he failed by the time the last petal fell, he'd be imprisoned in stone forever.

Luna offered a gift to Discord; a magic mirror, which would him anything that it was asked. Then she left, but not before saying that she hoped that everything would turn out all right for him. She explained that he had always been like a brother to her and that she was just trying to help him.

Ashamed of himself, Discord, now calling himself the Beast, concealed himself inside the castle. It seemed that Luna had guessed that this might happen, for the Magic Mirror became his only and rarely used window to the outside world.

The rose was placed safely under a bell jar to prevent any posdible damage done to it. It remained in Discord's bedroom, the West Wing, a silent glowing reminder of his impending doom. Well, he looked at it that way. Really, it was meant to be a symbol of hope.

And time did pass. Equestria moved on. Using the mirror, Discord found out that Luna had become evil, Nightmare Moon and had been banished to the moon with the Elements of Harmony. Discord called her a hypocrite because of this and became even more depressed. He'd fallen into the deep pit of despair and lost all hope, for who could ever learn to love a beast?

Fluttershy

'Hello!'

'Hi! How are you?'

The ponies of Ponyville greeted each other from their windows. Fluttershy tried to smile cheerfully back and reply at the gentle equities regarding her health. She had a terrible fear of crowds, but she wasn't so shy as she once was, when she was almost paralyzed with fear. Still, she was rather shy. Thankfully, she had a few best friends who helped her overcome her fears. This mare was Fluttershy, a kind and as we already mentioned incredibly shy, Pegasus.

'Fluttershy!' Squealed an over excited voice coming from the direction of Sugarcube Corners, bringing her out of her reverie.

It was one of best friends Pinkie Pie, carrying a tray of Rainbow coloured cupcakes and handing them out to ponies.

'Hi, Pinkie Pie,' replied Fluttershy in her soft, shy way. 'How are you?' As crazy and hyperactive Pinkie Pie was, she was a friend worth having, so she was not someone to shy away from.

'Oh, I'm fine! Business is booming! Hey! Do you want a cupcake, or two or three or..... seven hundred thousand!' She screamed at the top of her voice.

Fluttershy laughed outright. 'Just one please. It'll do me fine.'

'Okay! That'll be one bit please!' Said Pinkie handing the cupcake to her friend with a flourish. 'Enjoy!'

Fluttershy was eating her cupcake and trotting away when Pinkie Pie called out, 'Oooooh! I almost forgot! Where're you off to?'

'The library.' replied Fluttershy, struggling to speak with cake in her mouth. She smiled as she thought how reading books about animals made her forget her troubles. 'I just finished reading a wonderful book about animals who have helped ponies with special needs or disabilities. It's lovely.'

'Oooh!' Pinkie Pie said. 'I might borrow it.'

Fluttershy smiled as she walked away. Pinkie Pie was terribly nice and all, but there was no way that she could sit still and read a book with no pictures. In fact, Pinkie even had a few books with all pictures and no words!

She arrived at her intended destination, the library, without too much hassle. 'Hey Fluttershy,' the librarian Twilight Sparkle said, another one of Fluttershy's closest friends, who was reading a book herself.

'Hi, Twilight,' Fluttershy answered, handing the book to her friend. 'I just came to return the book I borrowed.'

Twilight glanced at it and laughed. 'Finished already?'

Fluttershy smiled and began to browse through the bookshelves. 'I couldn't put it down. Angel had to come and tell me that my animals hadn't been fed. Have you..er..got anything new?'

Twilight laughed again. 'Not since yesterday.'

'Oh, that's OK. I'll borrow... um... this one.' She flew down from the top shelf and handed the book to Twilight.

'This one? But you've already read it twice!'

'I know, but it's one of my favorites!' She stroked the book gently. 'Faroff places, Daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!' Not only that, but this book meant so much more to her. Memories of her mother reading this beloved story to her as a tiny filly came flooding back. Shortly after her mother died, her father sent her to Junior Flight Camp. She hasn't seen him since. Tears began to prick her eyes. She looked up. Twilight was smiling at her kindly.

'Listen Fluttershy, if you like it all that much, it's yours! And the book you borrowed yesterday, you can take that too!'

'Thank-' Fluttershy stopped in her tracks, Twilight's words not fully sunk in yet. She shoved the books back into the shelves. 'But Twilight! I can't afford this! I can never take this! You're... you're too kind to me!' At this, she burst into loud and hysterical sobbing.

Twilight sighed gently and put her hoof on her friend's shoulder and waited until she stopped crying before she spoke.

'Don't argue with me. You're my best customer. Very few ponies here appreciate literature like you do. You deserve some nice books. You are a great friend and kindred spirit.' She got the books down the shelves and gave them to Fluttershy.' I insist.'

Fluttershy smiled timidly. She didn't have the strength or desire to hand those books back. 'Thank you.' She whispered. 'Thank-you very much.'

Twilight saw her friend to the door. 'Are you alright?' She asked suddenly. 'Ever since you went to that restaurant with Blueblood, you've been even quieter than usual. What did he do?'

Fluttershy smiled nervously. 'Have I?' For a few seconds, she considered telling her friend, but decided against it. 'There's nothing wrong,' she said shakily. 'I'm fine.'

Twilight frowned slightly. This was not the answer she was looking for, but for now, she chose to let it go. 'Well, OK. Take care, you hear me?'

'Thank you. I'll try.'

Fluttershy ran with all her might, determined not to let ponies see her distress. She was picking up speed. With any luck, she could get to the bridge and then fly the rest of the way home. Then she heard a loud, arrogant voice close behind her. Only one stallion had that voice. Fluttershy's heart jumped, but steeled herself for what was to come.

She was almost at the small bridge which marked the town's border when her books were rudely snatched from her Hooves. Fluttershy turned angrily, only to shiver with fright when she saw who was holding her books.

'Hello Fluttershy,' the big stallion said to her. He smiled his toothy, pearly white smile. Fluttershy groaned softly to herself. There he was, showing off again, not like anypony cared about his looks.

'Hello, Blueblood,'she replied as steadily as she could.

Blueblood

'Blueblood, may I have my books back please?' Squeaked Fluttershy. Realizing her mistake, she looked down at the ground and whispered an apology. Blueblood had only allowed poor Fluttershy when he spoke to her first and even then, she couldn't ask him for anything, not even for her books.

Blueblood was holding the books out of arms reach, open, and flipped through the pages.

'There's no pictures!' He sneered.

'No they're aren't.' Fluttershy agreed. Maybe if she agreed with everything he said then he'd hopefully stop bothering her. 'May I have them back now?'

'How can you read books without pictures? I thought that ponies of your social status couldn't read without pictures!'

'Oh no, I've been reading these kind of books for a long time now.' Fluttershy replied. Still, she hesitated. She didn't want to make him angry like the last time. She looked down at the ground, fighting back the tears.

'Ah, that's better. Sweet shyness. It really suits a mare don't you think? Really, you should stop reading this trash.' His weight shifted suddenly and Fluttershy heard a splash. Both of her books were in the river. Hot anger raced inside her and there was a lump rising in her throat. How dare he treat her possessions in such a manner! Had he no respect for her! No, he didn't, not for anypony!

Before she could fly down, he put his shoulder around her. 'Why don't we walk down to the restaurant and discuss our future together?!' It wasn't a gentle inquiry, it was an order and Fluttershy knew it.

Her heart raced. What to do, what to do?! 'Er, no thank you,' she stammered. 'I have to go home. I'm babysitting the Cutie Mark Crusaders later on, so I have to... er... foalproof the house! But thank you anyway!'

Blueblood snorted. 'Suit yourself,' he said in a sulky voice, turning away. 'But I'll be at your house at five o' clock, so get some dinner for me. You hear?!'

'I hear.' Replied Fluttershy, trembling. Blueblood sniffed and let her go. When he was gone, Fluttershy darted down to the river bank, where her books lay, almost sadly it seemed. Sobbing, she gathered them up, cradling them in her arms. This was the final straw! Hare dare he! What right had he? Sighing, she made her way home, to dry out her books and to foalproof her house before the Cutie Mark Crusaders came.

It had been earlier that day, when Sweetie Belle went missing. Shortly after breakfast, Sweetie Belle and her sister Rarity, (another one of Fluttershy's best friends) had a heated argument. The day before, both of them had been at a party in Canterlot which was attended by the most high in society ponies. Sweetie Belle feeling very frightened by this new situation, had a meltdown. To make matters worse, Rarity dragged her away, telling her that she'd be so in for it when they got home. So, when they got home, they argued. Rarity screamed that she was an embarrassment to her and that she was ashamed that she was her sister. Sweetie Belle broke down crying, begging her sister to forgive her. When Rarity refused to do so, she shouted that she would run away and then Rarity would be sorry. Rarity said, 'Fine, go ahead then! You've ruined my social life! Why should I care!?' At that, Sweetie Belle ran out the door sobbing as if her heart should break.

At first, Rarity wasn't too worried. She thought that Sweetie Belle would be at the club house, ranting to her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders. However, at dinner time, when she heard that Sweetie Belle wasn't anywhere in sight, then she panicked. She set up a large search party, sending them around Ponyville and even into the Everfree Forest, but after hours of searching, they couldn't find her.

That night, Scootaloo and Applebloom stayed with Fluttershy while their families went out looking for their friend. She let them play all their favorite games, but to no avail. Nothing could lighten the mood.

Later that night, Fluttershy had a chat with Rarity. Rarity was blaming herself and rightly so.

'Well, excuse me, darling! I know now that I had acted selfishly and cruelly and I vow never to do so again!'

Nothing could comfort poor Rarity, so Fluttershy went home. She lay there in her bed that night, tossing and turning like nopony's business. She hoped that Sweetie Belle was okay. If she didn't show up, by tomorrow evening, then she'd go looking for her herself. Yes, that's what she'd do.

Forever

Fluttershy and Muffins were nearly falling asleep as they flew along just above the ground. They had been following Sweetie Belle's hoofprints hoping that they'd lead them somewhere. They were only awake through worry about Sweetie Belle.

They had now come deep into the valley, Fluttershy had guessed that much. Occasionally, she thought she heard distant noises, probably a fox or owl, but they never ventured out into the open.

The temperature began to drop and kept on dropping. It was now six o' clock in the evening. It wasn't usually too cold at this time of day, but nevertheless she shivered and her teeth chattered,although not uncontrollably.

Abruptly, they stopped. The tracks ended at a large mansion. There was a possibility that Sweetie Belle was there. After all, there were no more tracks to be found. She looked at the mansion properly. What was it doing here in this lonely, harsh place? Was it abandoned? Or did some eccentric pony live here in the middle of nowhere? Had they found Sweetie Belle? Were they taking care of her? She hoped so.

'What is this place?' She said more to herself than Muffins. Well, they could always shelter here for the night. Even if it was abandoned, stone walls were good shelter for one night.

For such a grand mansion, it didn't have any real security like monstrous iron gates, it was very easy to access. Fluttershy tested the door. It opened as easily as putting a hot knife through butter. Who would leave a grand mansion which was probably full of fine,expensive things wide open for the world and its dog to just waltz in. Well, all that mattered now was looking for Sweetie Belle. Both of them stepped inside. 'Hello?'

Her voice echoed inside the cavernous hall. Both of them had never seem a room so big, so fine, that had gone to wreck and ruin. The floors were made of dark marble and the colonnaded stories and balconies above them were made out of carefully carved stone. Close by was a small but still grand staircase. On closer inspection, both of them realized that everything was incredibly dusty and dirty.

It took all of Fluttershy's strength to close the door. Immediately the air temperature began to rise by several degrees and she sighed with relief. She began to advance down the hall. Muffins followed her closely.

In the centre, both of them stopped. They heard nothing. Surely if somepony was there, they would come out to meet them. After all, that door was creaking really loudly. And wouldn't Sweetie Belle hear them and possibly call for them?

'Is anyone here?' Muffins called out. Still nothing. She shrugged her shoulders. Both of them decided to conduct a thorough search of the building. Fluttershy would look downstairs and in the grounds for her, whilst Muffins would look upstairs.

This place was very strange. It was clearly lived in,the living room had a roaring fire in the grate, but apart from that, there was no other evidence. However there was dust and cobwebs everywhere and the place was overrun with insects, rats and spiders. Whoever was living there must be very lazy or even I'll

Eventually, she realized that somepony was watching her. It made her feel easily and she wanted to fly out of that front door and never go back! But, no, she had to stay, she had to. She had to find Sweetie Belle.

Suddenly, there was a creak behind her. She spun around. 'Sweetie Belle?'

There was no reply, but the door at the end of the hall was half open. Flickering light spilled from behind it. Fluttershy hurried forward and peered around the door. Sure enough, there was light down there. Somepony was down there. 'Hello?' She called. 'Is anypony there?' She thought that she heard footsteps but she wasn't sure and the light began to fade. She decided to follow.

'Wait!' Fluttershy called after whoever it was. She hurried down those stairs after the light. There were a lot of stairs and soon Fluttershy was beginning to pant. 'Wait, please, I'm looking for my friend Sweetie Belle...'

Meanwhile, Discord hung the lamp onto the hook and crouched down in the right corner of the dungeon, waiting for her. He smiled evily.

Abruptly the stairs ended at the last curve. She was now in the dungeon. All she could see was a small lamp hanging on a hook. She took it off and held it up. The dungeon was bigger than she thought. On both sides of the room, there were ten large cells.

'That's funny,' said Fluttershy murmured to herself. It wasn't though. She felt that this was too weird and creepy and she wanted to go home, but she swallowed her fear and continued. 'Is anypony there?'

At long last, from the far end of the room, there came a weak voice. 'Fluttershy?' Fluttershy ran towards the voice, finding Sweetie Belle in the last cell. She flung herself at the cell. From behind the barred grate set nearly at the floor was Sweetie Belle's beloved face. She thrust a hoof between the bars, and she caught it in hers and squeezed it tightly.

'How did you find me?' She stuttered. Fluttershy could hear her shivering.

'Your Hooves are like ice!' She exclaimed. She was as warm as toast after flying for so long and walking around the castle, but poor Sweetie Belle was as cold as if she had been out in the dead of winter.

'Fluttershy, you must leave. He's here. He put me here because I was poking my nose into things that I shouldn't have. He's really angry, it's too dangerous, you must leave me!'

'No! I won't leave you!'

Fluttershy would have argued further but for a few things. As if on que,something enormous seized her shoulder and wrenched her around. Her lamp flew from a sudden numb hoof. It managed to go dead in the process, leaving the room in semidarkness. There was a roar around her, a sound of pure anger, evil and malice 'What are you doing here?'

Sweetie Belle screamed hysterically. 'Fly, Fluttershy, fly!'

That was impossible although whatever had grabbed her had let her go. Fluttershy found herself kneeling by Sweetie Belle's cell, with her back against it. A hulking shadow stood between her and the staircase.

'Who's there? Who are you?' Whimpered Fluttershy.

The figure laughed mockingly. 'Why, I'm the Master of this Mansion! I'm Discord, the Lord of Chaos! And you are Fluttershy and you've come for your friend Sweetie Belle. How sweet, how touching. Friends looking out for each other. How terribly Corny and boring!' He exaggerated a yawn.

'Please, can't you let Sweetie Belle out? Can't you see she's sick?'

Discord thought for a minute. 'Nope! You see, she trespassed on my property, but I treated her like you do with a guest, she repaired me by trespassing into my bedroom and tried to steal my magical rose. So, if you add it all altogether, she has to pay the price by being my prisoner, forever!' He chuckled.

'Please! I'll do anything!'

'Really? Well, then, you can stay here forever!

Fluttershy gasped. Stay here with this whatever he was, forever! She couldn't bare thinking about it. But at least Sweetie Belle and Muffins would be safe.

'You have my word!'

'No, Fluttershy, you don't know what you're doing! I'm in this mess because of my own selfishness and stupidity! I should stay here!'

Fluttershy ignored her poor friends cries. She bravely looked into Discord' eyes, but she could only speak in a squeak.

'You heard me. You have my word. Let her go!'

'Excellent!' Discord exclaimed, snapping his fingers. A pumpkin carriage appeared, with Sweetie Belle and Muffins inside. He snapped his fingers again only for the carriage to disappear and for himself and Fluttershy to be in a guest bedroom.

'This is your room. The castle is your home now, so you can go anywhere you like, except for the West wing. I'm sure that you have learned from Sweetie Belle's story. Oh, and you will have dinner with me tomorrow. That is not a request. Pick out a dress from that wardrobe there. And tomorrow, we will talk.'

The tears did not begin to fall until he had left. Then Fluttershy threw herself onto the bed and began to cry until she fell asleep.

Breakfast!

Fluttershy woke up slowly. She was really comfortable, the most comfortable she had been for days. In fact, it felt like she was resting on a cloud. A soft, warm, fluffy cloud which smelt musty and dusty.

She opened her eyes, bringing everything into focus. She was in the room that Discord had brought her to the night before. It was a very pretty room- done mostly in shades of pale pink which accents of baby blue and lavender purple. The bed on which she lay on was fit for a princess- with a velvet canopy, fine cotton and silk sheets, a well stuffed mattress and plump, fluffy pillows and cushions. As she slid off the bed, she noticed that she still had her Element of Kindness. Phew.

How long had she been asleep? Fluttershy looked around worriedly. She got up and pulled back the curtains and glanced out of the window. It was quite bright for so early in the morning it seemed.

Fluttershy touched her Mane with her hoof. It was incredibly greasy and was so tangled it was like a bird's nest. She picked up a hairbrush off the bedside table and ran it through it through her Mane. As she did so, memories began surfacing. She especially remembered her bargainto stay in the castle forever.

What had she been thinking? Had she momentarily lost her sanity? She could only blame her decision on her extreme exhaustion. Would she be able to cope being a prisoner in this practically derelict castle to Discord, an unpredictable whatever he was?

Still, life here wasn't as dire as it seemed at first. She wasn't locked in the dungeon. She wasn't a servant or slave as far as she knew and she was being fed and given accommodation. Also, she was well away from Blueblood and his wrath. Yes, she could cope, she could stay here.

Fluttershy put the brush back, feeling much better. Her head was clearing and she could think straight. She wasn't in any pain and she wasn't as exhausted as she was yesterday.

It wasn't so easy to think about her pets or friends though. Even just thinking of them brought tears to her eyes.

A loud bang at the door startled her. 'Who is it?' She squeaked, terrified out of her wits.

'It's Discord. And I have breakfast for you.' A deep, gravelly voice called back.

Trying her best to compose herself, she opened the door. Discord stepped in holding a tray of food

'I thought you'd be hungry.'

'Oh, but you didn't have to.'

'Well, you're in no condition, to go wandering around this place looking for a decent meal. You can go to the dining room later though for dinner.' He snapped his fingers and a table appeared. He settled the tray onto it and have it to her. 'I don't know what you like, so I decided to give you a bit of everything!' He laughed and snapped his fingers again, this time for a glass of chocolate milk and some cotton candy to appear. 'Mind if I join you?' Fluttershy smiled shyly.

So while Fluttershy ate her breakfast Discord entertained her. She had never met somepony as funny as him, except for Pinkie Pie, and really there was no competition between them.

Discord smiled as he was going out of the door. 'Remember, dinner tonight. I'll pick you up since you don't you know your way around. Pick out a nice dress, I made them for you. And tomorrow we'll talk.'

Outside the door, Fluttershy didn't notice Discord rub his paws eagerly and giggle evilly.

How long must this go on?

It had been about a thousand years now. A thousand years of pure misery and depression. That was how long the rose had been glowing under the Bell jar in his bedroom. He had wished to lose track of time, to forget, but he couldn't. The rose was the stark reminder that slowly but surely that time was indeed running out. Only earlier that day, the first petal had fallen. He'd been half asleep when it happened, but he had jumped with fright, when the petal just simply whithered up and fell. He had screamed and cried,for he suddenly realized how slim his chances of redemption were now. Not even ten chocolate sundaes could alleviate his mood.

Why had Luna done it? Why couldn't she have just turned him into stone straight away? He groaned. This additional time felt rather more like another curse than a blessing. Living a thousand years with an impossible hope grew harder and harder to bear any longer.

Go out and make some friends she said. How could he? He had been a villain, an enemy to the princesses and their subjects. Except for Luna. She loved him like a brother and was only trying to help him, so she said. Discord sighed. He wondered whether she would be back in Equestria by now. He never heard anything, never met anypony way out here.

A strange noise woke him from his daydream. It was coming from the main hall most likely. It sounded like a knock at the door. Discord bolted up. A knock at the door! Who could be here at this time? Why were they even here? This valley was so dangerous and far away that even Daring Do would dare venture hear! And who would go to some weird, run down mansion, because he never bothered much with D. I.Y Whoever was at the door must be pretty desperate.

Curiously but cautiously, he peeped over the balustrade between him and the view into the main (entrance) hall. He didn't have to worry about mistakes in sight, it was only one floor down.

A little unicorn filly had opened the door and was standing in the hallway, looking around her, terrified it seemed.

A filly! Discord thought that he was hallucinating for a second there! What on earth was she doing there? Had bshe been abandoned or was she just really, really and I mean, really lost? He didn't like the idea of somepony just dumping her in this barren, dry, treacherous valley. Yes, she must be lost. What to do, what to do?

He quietly came down the stairs. The filly was now curled up in a ball, crying her eyes out. Discord tried to holdback the tears. Poor thing. She needed a shoulder to cry on, and now that he thought about it, so did he. She could stay.

'Hush now,'he said, bending down to her level and trying speak in a soothing tone. 'It's alright. I won't hurt you.Honest.'

The little filly (and yes, it was Sweetie Belle) looked up and gasped. She had never seen a draconecquus before and she hoped that she'd never see one again. She began to cry even harder.

Discord moaned impatiently. She was scared of him, poor little thing. Well, poor little Discord too! He hated it when ponies were frightened of him. Muttering and mumbling to himself, he quickly pulled on a mask which only half his face.

'There!'He huffed. 'Is that better?' Sweetie Belle nodded. 'Well, good, cause I ain't gonna hurt you. I hurt plenty of ponies before, but I won't do it again. But I hate being feared for my looks, so whether you like it or not, I can't wear this mask all the time, makes my face itch!' He threw it off a minute later. 'I couldn't take it any longer.' Sweetie Belle sniffed.

Discord began to walk down the hallway. 'Follow me.' He said in an attempt to sound patient. He led her to the grand living room.

'Now, my dear!' He said dramatically, snapping his fingers/ claws/ paws, making a table with a fancy tablecloth appear. Sweetie Belle giggled. 'If you just pull up a chair and let me proudly present your dinner.' He smiled warmly.

Sweetie Belle didn't know how hungry she was until Discord handed her the first course of steaming hot vegetable soup. She hasn't eaten for about two or three days, except for a few wild berries here and there and some riverwater.

The food was also delicious. Once the edge had worn off her hunger she could actually pay attention to what was put in front of her. Everything was so flavourful and even the meals that she regularly had, were many many times better thanks to Discord. She had never been a good cook, but her parents were always away and they weren't great at cooking either, and Rarity was too busy making dresses to cook meals most days.

Discord beamed at Sweetie Belle enthusiastic praise. True, he did not cook the food, but it still gave him a warm, fuzzy feeling when he was praised for his chaos powers and the good that they could do. He even put on a small show for her while she ate. He sang and danced and told terribly Corny old jokes. Sweetie Belle had never laughed so much in all her life. Then they had a talent show. Discord sang some song called 'Friend Like Me' which he said that he got from an old friend from a distant country many years ago. Sweetie Belle then stood up and recited the first story of her all-time favorite book, a book of fairytale.

'I have forgotten how good that story is,' remarked Discord to her when they'd finished. He was no showing her her sleeping quarters.

'You know it?!' Sweetie Belle asked, clearly delighted.

'Well, I heard a slightly different version. There are many, many different versions out there I suppose.'

'Oh yeah. That one's just my favorite you know.' Suddenly, Sweetie Belle began to cry.

'What's the matter?'

'I'm just so grateful for all that you've done for me. But, I feel so empty without having any music or fairytale books.'

Discord smiled. 'Well,you can explore around the castle, you are my guest. You can go to the library and the music room. Nopony will bother you. But remember, don't go to the West Wing..'

'What's the West Wing?'

'It's forbidden! So you avoid it, it's on the first floor and on the right. Goodnight.'

Sweetie Belle couldn't sleep. There was no point in trying. What could she do to pass the time? She could go to the library. Where was it again? Oh yeah, he didn't tell her. Maybe she could just explore.

The caste's interior was quite nice, but it in a bit of a mess. Well wouldn't it be in a bit of a state if you didn't dust it for about a thousand years!? But Sweetie Belle didn't care about its interior or decor. She was intent on exploring and nothing or nopony was going to stop her. Besides, she was getting incredibly tired, so the exercise must be working!

She had explored the entire ground floor but with no joy. All of the rooms were just dusty, stuffy, old bedrooms and bathrooms, bar the living room. Next stop, the first floor.

Sweetie Belle climbed the stairs, her Hooves trailing lightly on the dusty banister. She kept alert for any movement or noise that wasn't her own. She didn't want to wake up Discord. When she reached the landing, she peeped up and down. To the left was a blank wall with paintings which were so thick with dust, it was almost impossible to see what they depicted. From the vague shapes under the grime, she came to the conclusion that they were landscapes, not portraits.

To the right- she stifled a gasp when she saw it. It was a disaster scene. A painting had been cracked in half and seemed to be thrown in a corner along with a broken chair, and a shredded rug. She opened her mouth to scream but no noise came out. Discord did this. Why would he do it? He had been so nice to her. Did he have a really bad temper and break things to get rid of all that built up tension?

She picked up the painting. If was filthy but she could just about see what it depicted. She wiped the dust and cobwebs away to see it better. It was a picture of a younger Celestia and Luna sitting in a meadow with an old stallion and Discord? They all seemed to be smiling and laughing and happy. This could only mean one thing. They had been friends. They surely weren't friends now, judging by the mangled wreck of the painting.

She put down the painting and was about to go back downstairs, when she saw a door ajar. She peeped thrpugh. All she could see was a faint, reddish Pink glow. It was so pretty. What was it? She gently opened the door and stepped inside. Ooops. There was Discord lying in a four poster bed, snoring his head off. This was his bedroom. She squinted. The light seemed to be coming from behind the curtain near the balcony. She
peered around the curtain to find little that the small space was clear of destruction. Well, there wasn't much there anyway. It was just a little round table, probably made out of marble. And sitting on it...

A beautiful red rose, under a clear glass Bell jar. And it was floating in mid air and glowing! How cool was that!

Sweetie Belle approached the rose cautiously. It wasn't perfect like she thought it would be. It was wilting, and already one of its petals had fallen.

It was an enchanted rose, it had to be. Maybe that's why Discord didn't want her to come her. Since the rose was magical he'd want it all to himself. Maybe she could take it and then go home. She'd be like Daring Do. If she did take the rose, maybe she'd then get her Cutie Mark! Then Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoonand Rarity would show her respect. And boy would Blueblood be surprised! She would prove to him that she wasn't a cry baby like he thought she was when he kidnapped her and left her in the valley. She, Sweetie Belle, stole the mighty rose of Discord! Yes,she had to take it. Gently, she lifted off the lid and set it aside. It was all hers now...

A shadow suddenly passed over her. She yanked away as the Bell jar slammed down where her hoof had been precious moments before.

She stated up and saw Discord' angry face.

Reflection

She said yes. Discord was still partially in shock that this mare agreed to stay with him forever, even though it meant giving up all that she loved to save her friend. Even after seeing his hideousness and experiencing his cruelty. Her fright was expected and understandable, but it had pierced his heart. Her trembling assent though, he had not seen coming. He thought that she would just leg it, get out and go as far away as possible, leaving her friend to her fate, and leaving him without any hope of finding true love.

Yet, she had agreed. Despite his amazement, he agreed to her side of the bargain. She had the courage to take her friend's place as prisoner. Discord just couldn't understand it, all this friendship stuff, it just went over his head. There was nothing particularly special about this little filly, who seemed quite emotional, selfish and nervous. Plus, she didn't have a Cutie Mark. Anyway, what this mare saw in him to save her friend was behind him. Had she had chosen to leave, he would have told her to never return no matter what and to tell nopony what happened, although she too was a trespasser. He sighed. One minute he was all nice to the little filly and the next, her life was in the balance. What was wrong with him?

Discord was still pondering the new state of affairs as he stalked back to the West Wing. He slammed the door behind him and trudged miserably to his chest of drawers. On top of it was his key to the outside world, the Magic Mirror. He thought for a minute. Then, he knew what he wanted.

'Show me the mare,' He commanded in a rough voice.

With a flash of light, the mirror revealed Fluttershy lying on her bed, still weeping, though not as hysterically as before. Discord half smiled. Even in great distress, she still looked so sweet. Maybe she was beginning to get to him. But wait, remember what Luna had warned him, to not judge by appearances, that there's more to a pony, not just love at first sight.

Discord groaned and the mirror down onto a conviently placed couch. All this friendship stuff was just too much for him to think about, it's be best to just sleep on it. And that's what he did.