Order of Discord

*WHAM*

First I was blinded by a bright flash, then I was blinded by darkness. And pain. Darkness and pain. What a lovely combination.

“Nice faceplant.” Starlight said in a cackle. If I had wings, I’d be flipping the middle wing tip at her right about now. I had already face planted once today, I sure as hell didn’t need to do it again. But of course I did do it again, because screw me, right? After spitting the dirt out of my mouth, which tasted awful if I might add, I stood up on seemingly off-balanced hooves. Wait a minute. That’s why I tripped, the ground wasn’t a weird bouncy consistency I had gotten used to. It was an actual dirt path. It was… Normal. Either I was in Heaven, or this was some alternation of Simple Town.

I was wrong on both assumptions, of course. And before I had a chance to get my two bits in, Starlight had shushed me. “Now now, you can thank me later. I’ve got some explaining to do first.” She said with a small grin. Yeah, that’s what I was going to say. “Thanks Starlight, I really appreciate the fact you’ve dragged me into an adventure that’ll most likely get me killed!” Good lord. I shook myself off, brushing my hoodie free of any dirt it had gathered from my faceplant earlier, and glanced back at the mare who had teleported me to… Wherever the hell we were.

“Follow me, my place is the house at the end of the path.” She said, sauntering over while shedding her Nightmare Night costume Discord liked to call ‘armor’. Two ponies came by and quickly retrieved the armor that had landed in a heap on the ground, giving me a firm nod before trotting off briskly. It was after that weird encounter that I noticed the way the homes were aligned.

There were two rows of houses, and each house looked the same. And that was it. Just the two rows. It looked like someone was trying to fill a background on MS Paint, and just copy-pasted the same house they made over and over again and called it a neighborhood. And down the middle was one dirt path, which led to Starlight’s supposed home. However, this weird ‘copy-pasted’ town wasn’t totally bland. Along the path, there were various stands and shops, each selling different goods. Clothing, food, toys for the fillies and colts… How had Discord not found this place?...

I cleared my head for a moment, and looked down the dirt path. Guess I had lost myself for longer than I thought, seeing as how Starlight was already standing at the front of her home, glancing back at me with concern and question. “Are uh.. Are you coming?” She called down the road, and I gave a firm nod in response. “Slow your roll, I’ll be there when I feel like it.” I shouted back, briskly walking over to her home. Though I could tell Starlight was a mare who wasn’t afraid to be a bit playful as well, and sure enough I found myself tripping into the ground, and then being levitated over to her.

“What the hell was-”

“I’m a Unicorn, Nightfall. I’ll always be able to one-up you. Now come on.” She said, dropping me from her spell as I landed on the ground below with a hard ‘oof’. I stood up and shook myself off… Again… and gave the mare a glare. Though in the back of my head, she had my appreciation. Not many knew how to jab back, so it was nice to see a bit of sass thrown back at me for once. “I hope I don’t have to carry you into the house, but get smart and I’ll just cast a silence spell on you. No biggie.” She said with a humble smile. I rolled my eyes, and saw her horn flare up. “You never said anything about a physical gesture.” She stopped, flashing a grin at me. “Fair point.”

She opened the door, an audible creak was heard as the entrance to her home swung open. Starlight trotted in, one Nightfall right in tow. Flipping on the lights with her telekinesis, I got a clear look at what this place really was. It wasn’t a house, it was more like a base of operations. Starlight had made various notes of everything occurring since Discord took over Equestria. Conditions in Canterlot, Manehattan, Seaddle, Neighagra Falls, Baltimare… Even Simple… Ponyville. Right. That’s what it’s actually called.

The light pink mare giggled, grinning a bit as she noticed my awe at all of the notes. Who wouldn’t be amazed? She wasn’t just a spy, she was a ghost! She could see literally everything, everywhere. She even had pictures and notes to prove it! “I know, it’s a bit overwhelming at first. And that’s not even all of it. My actual office is littered with even more.” I blinked my eyes a few times, trying to clear my head for what seemed like the dozenth time. “How have you been.. Everywhere?..” I asked, before giving a firm question I wanted answered first more than anything. “Where the hell are we?”

Starlight sighed softly, glancing out the window towards the seemingly bland town. “This place used to be known as Equality Village, back when I was… Well, let’s just say I wasn’t a very good pony back then.” She breathed out, a sadness lingering about her as she remembered her past. I had to glance away. I couldn’t seem soft, but I knew what she felt like. So I gave her the moment she needed, but she quickly recovered and ushered my eyes back up at her. “Now we call this place Safe Haven.”

“Safe Haven?... I… You know. Strangely enough, the name fits.” I mumbled mostly to myself, but it got a chuckle out of Starlight. Before she had a chance to speak, I asked another one of my bazillion questions I had about this place. “Okay. Explain this to me, how has Discord not found this Safe Haven, or rather, why hasn’t he attacked it?” My head raced with questions, thoughts zooming around at nearly 100 miles per hour. To be honest, it was somewhat headache inducing.

“That’s just it, we were never on the map.” The mare said simply, flashing a small grin at me. “I beg your pardon… What that hell does that even mean?”

“Equality Village was never officially documented as a town or city in Equestria’s records. Therefore, we were never put on any maps… Save for the one in Twilight’s Castle. But Goddess knows what’s happened to her since she shielded Ponyville from the rest of the world.” She gave a small sigh, looking towards the ground briefly before shaking herself clear. “I hope she’s doing alright..” She said, not to anyone in particular, but I felt obligated to respond. “I’m sure… She’s doing just fine.” Ugh. I went soft. Goddess damn me. Why’d I turn soft, I’m not soft. I’m supposed to be cold, I’m supposed to not give a damn. I welcomed The Order, willingly or not.

But it was definitely met with gratitude, a soft “Thanks” was mumbled out, followed by a somewhat awkward moment of silence. It was broken after Starlight abruptly began to speak again. “Because Discord hasn’t been able to find us, we’ve been able to keep our village a secret base for those who want to change the world.” I felt myself feel entitled to help, but I had to know one more thing. “So why me?...”

“I’ve been observing you for a while, believe it or not.” She said, and I couldn’t help but blurt out. “So you were stalking me, essentially? If you wanted me you could’ve just said so. I’m single and ready to mingle.” I said with a small smirk, which was met by a roll of the eyes. “If you’re done being a smartass, I would like to continue.” I nodded, giving her the go ahead. “Most ponies out here are very one sided. Either their will was broken by Discord, and they’d practically die for him. Or, their all broken to the point of sadness. They can’t bother to put up a fight, thinking they’ll fail or worried they’ll die.”

I could safely agree with what she was saying. There was never someone split right down the middle. You either hollow, empty, waiting for the day either Discord wiped you off the map or the world changed. Or you were loco, and were ready to give Discord a back-massage while you fought off anyone who opposed him. Except for me, apparently. I’ve been split down the middle. While not vocally stating my thoughts, I certainly didn’t agree with what Discord was doing. But I did it just because, well, I figured why try? I’m not meant to be a hero. Guess it just came down to laziness.

“There’s something about you, Nightfall. You don’t have a drive to fight, but you aren’t broken enough to give up. I, hope to stop you from reaching that breaking point.” Starlight said softly, trotting over to me, past her desk littered with all the notes and pictures of towns and cities.

And me. I never mentioned that, did I? Yeah, near all the Manehattan notes, there were a crap ton of photos of the charcoal black stallion you know as Nightfall. Pretty creepy, isn’t it?

I felt her place her hoof on my shoulder, and I found my eyes drifting over to the mare, who seemed more somber than usual. “We need someone like you. Someone who’s been through it, who’s lived there and can fight given a reason to… We need you to join us.” I raised my eyebrow in question, before giving the mare a response. “What do you mean by ‘us’?”

“As in everypony here in this village. We like to call ourselves ‘Phantoms of The Resistance’. But we mostly keep it short as ‘Resistance’. We’ve all united to try and take the world back from a chaotic tyrant.” She said, letting a soft sigh escape her lips. “I know you think you’re not a hero, and you don’t have to be. Anyone in this war is no kind of hero. But I know you could help us out. Everypony here has a common goal, and you can contribute. We’re not like those who are broken and sad, but we’re also not like those who are scared and fierce like they are in-”

“Ponyville?”

“Right.” She said, the sadness seeping out of her again as she thought I was disinterested in her offer. “If you don’t want to, I can teleport you right back to your home in Manehattan, and make sure no Apostle ever remembers you running off with me. I won’t force you into a decision.. I won’t force anypony into a decision ever again..” Her voice practically began to crack, and I quickly stopped her before she started crying. Good lord, I won’t be able to stand crying. So that needs to stop before it even starts. I gave her a simple response, but one that should’ve gotten the point across. “Got anyone in this village of yours that can remove a patch off my hoodie? I don’t think I’ll be needing it, or wanting it anymore.”

After nearly getting attacked with affection from Starlight, I was pushed out into “Safe Haven” To get acquainted with the ponies around the village. Starlight also gave me keys to one of the homes along the dirt path, which was a pretty sweet deal. The houses here were much bigger than mine back in Manehattan. Hell, I practically lived in an apartment classified as a home by Equestrian guidelines. Working the arcade, while it was a nice gig, didn’t pay a whole lot.

There were still more questions I had, both about Starlight’s plan and just her in general. She’s definitely a mare to keep tabs on, to make sure I don’t lose my flank unsuspectingly. But Starlight seemed like a nice mare, who had nothing but good intentions. I still don’t see myself as the hero Starlight thinks I could be, but if it gets me out of that damned chaos-ridden hellhole, so be it. First stop was the tailor, time to get this damn mark off my hoodie!

I stopped by the building marked “CLOTHING”, fitting. This should be the place. I walked in, and felt my ears twitch to the bell that chimed above the door as I stepped in. That was bit new to me, I hadn’t walked into such a formal store in a while. Everything was all messed up ever since Discord took over, none of the shops in Manehattan were the same. The pony behind the counter greeted me with a warm smile, a yellow mare with a rainbow like mane and tail, brushed down a bit messily. I couldn’t really make out her cutie mark too well, all I got out of it was that it looked like a Pokeball.

Ignoring the really peppy attitude I wasn’t used to yet, I wandered up to the counter with a small smile. Ech, here I go again. ‘You’re turning soft, Nightfall.’ the voice in my head chirped, and I nearly smacked myself to shut it up. “I was uh, told you could help me get this patch on my hoodie removed. Starlight, specifically told me. I hope this won’t cost much, Starlight didn’t teleport me here with my wallet..” I said with a somewhat sheepish grin, but my worries were quickly stomped out after the mare kindly accepted me. “Have no worries, mister! We’ll get you right sewed up to look proper! Oh, you may call me Tashie, by the way.” All this positive attitude stuff is only escalating my headache.. I guess I’m adding a trip to the doctor’s on the list of places I need to visit. “Nightfall-” I was barely able to greet back before she ushered me off into the back.

After small talk that seemed to last for an eternity, the kind mare named Tashie presented me with a new hoodie, one free of an Order emblem. Although she did put some of her own adjustments on it. On the left shoulder, she placed a little Assassin’s symbol on the shoulder. Seems this mare knew a thing or two about games. Should’ve figured, seeing as how her cutie mark is a Pokeball. However, the main addition to the hoodie was a symbol placed onto the chest. A bleeding heart with a ring around it.

“It’s the symbol of the Resistance! Thought it was a nice touch!” She happily chirped. At first, I was about to demand it be removed. It felt like I was being branded by a faction all over again… But I stopped, took a deep breath. I could grow used to it. Besides, these guys weren’t even on the map, so it technically didn’t exist?... Question mark?... I gave the mare a nod, as well as a quick thanks. “Make sure to stop back, I’d love to have some company!” She called out the second I wandered out of the store. I’m not used to all the happiness, it’s been so long since I experienced it I’m nearly desensitized. Guess it’s going to be one of the many things I have to learn here.

By the time Tashie had finished up tailoring my hoodie, it was already dark out. The moon in full swing above the sky. Good thing to know Luna was okay being holed up in Sim.. Ponyville. It’s Ponyville Goddess damnit. I had little time to make it to the food market, and the doctor. Thankfully the market went by quick. I got in, got the food I needed to sustain, well, everyday life, and got out. Food was one of my favorite things, but unfortunately I didn’t have the time to spend gazing at all the options. Final stop, the doctor’s office.

Don’t get me wrong, I hate seeing the doctor as much as anypony. All those shots and needles are enough to make even a royal guard squirm. Why the hell did we make ways to cure and prevent illnesses so painful? Not the point. I quickly stopped by, the doctor cleverly named “Band-Aid” waved me in. A light blue stallion who seemed a little older, who had a grey mane and tail, worn short and messy. I already didn’t like the look of the guy. He seems like a needle first, talk later kind of doctor.

“Look, I just need some aspirin or spell or something. My head is pounding and I’m about ready to turn my brain into mush just to get it to stop.” I said bluntly, and surely enough, Band-Aid played 20 Questions with me. “Are you sure that’s all that’s wrong? Are you feeling weak? Tired and/or lazy? Do you have aching pain anywhere else?”
“I’m about to send an aching pain into your jaw if you don’t stop the interrogation, doc.” I said through a sigh. I just wanted my crap, and I wanted to get out. Why can’t this be as simple as the market? After threatening to knock his block off, the doctor gazed at me firmly before handing me some painkillers. “Take these and sleep it off. If you have any problems in the morning, stop on by. I’m always open, even for stubborn ones such as yourself.”

Before I threw him to the floor, I took the painkillers and practically marched out of his office. The nerve on that guy, right? After making all my necessary trips, I was supposed to go see some of the townsfolk. Guess that’s not happening anymore. It’s almost midnight, and I had a date with a bed inside of a new home. I let out a yawn, trying to rub my bright violet eyes open a little longer just to make it to my new humble abode. But of course, I couldn’t go to sleep just yet. Why in the world would I be able to do that? Instead, a familiar voice called to me at the end of the dirt path.

Starlight. Of course.

“Nightfall! Over here!” Yeah, I got that Starlight. Trust me, you aren’t that hard to miss. I stumbled over to her, barely shuffling my hooves along the ground below me. “Good evening miss, how do you do?” I said with a small grin, which was almost immediately followed by another yawn. This conversation dragged on for even a second too long, and I was sleeping out in the middle of the street tonight.

“So, did you get to meet some of the ponies in Safe Haven?” She questioned, tilting her head slightly to the side as she stared at the rather tired ‘me’. “Well, I met a jolly few, if that’s what you’re asking. You got the all too bouncy mare who tailored my hoodie, the rather lackluster ponies at the food stands in the market, and the doc who I’m afraid is going to jab a needle into my spine and say there’s something wrong with me. Other than that? No. And quite frankly, I’d like to hold off on that if at all possible. Sleep is at the top of my agenda right now, if you catch my drift.”

“Well duh! Of course I’m not gonna make you go out and make friends right now. I just want to make sure you were at least acquainted with those few, and that you were given the necessities needed to live.” I gave a small nod, I could feel my head ready to bob right off, that’s how tired I was. “Good. Now, go get some shut-eye. If you thought today was a long day, just wait until tomorrow. It’s time this trip down the rabbit hole really got started.” With that, I already wanted to plunge a dagger into my neck. Can’t I just take a week off? Enjoy the calm and quiet? No? Okay.

Before I even had a chance to say something back I was ushered away with a quick “Goodnight!” before Starlight closed the door to her home. Great. Awesome. Can’t wait for tomorrow. I sighed, and went back down the dirt path to my new home, dreading what was to come tomorrow. I’m really starting to question if jumping down the rabbit hole was a bad idea, or an awful idea. The lesser of two evils, essentially.

I unlocked the door to my home, pushing open the door as my tired eyes jolted around to access the room. Empty, or the equivalent to it. There was going to be serious home renovation happening tomorrow, given I had the time to do such a thing. I sluggishly moved my way up the stairs, towards the nearest bedroom. I tossed my hoodie off to the side before plopping belly-down on the bed. My face came into contact with the pillow, and I was out almost instantly. Though I dreaded what’s to come, I can safely tonight was the first time in over a year I’ve slept without a nightmare of some kind. All aboard the Resistance train, next stop, who the fuck knows?