It was a cloudy night out in Ponyville and on the outskirts of the town stood a cottage that resides by the Everfree Forest. Clouds came and go covering up the moon that led to moments of darkness surrounding the cottage. Once the clouds had departed, Luna's moon had brightened every part of the cottage exposing what couldn't be seen before. This exposure showed that on the roof of the cottage was a long serpentine figure sitting on top of the cottage roof looking through the night. The creature, now in the spotlight from Luna's crescent moon, was none other than the Spirit of Chaos himself.

Discord who perched himself on the roof gazed over the forest. The scurrying of nocturnal creatures would stir about around the cottage. Even the ones that reside in the Everfree Forest look about for something to prey on. Ambient sounds that Discord took in, but let go as those sounds didn't matter to him right now. He was only keeping his sights on one source of sound coming from the Everfree ... and that was Flutterbat's.

The objective was clear. Watch over the Everfree Forest while Flutterbat was out during the night. Make sure the area is clear of anypony that might stumble upon Flutterbat. That was the protocol he received from Fluttershy and he would stick to it.

"If only these past nights haven't been dragging on too long," said the draconequus with a hint of dullness.

He heaved a heavy sigh as patrolling the woods can be very boring. Once things get boring for him, he loses interest and finds something else to occupy his time on.

There would be the occasional drunkards who make a mess of themselves out in the streets. Their bantering antics always left him laughing up a storm. If that wasn't enough to occupy his need for entertainment he would start coming up with various pranks he can pull off on his friends. From there, he would branch out on the possible outcomes of what their reaction would be, but planning would soon bore him as that requires too much thinking and logic on his behalf.

Even if that can keep himself distracted he'll just end up being bored again. Their is the possibility of leaving, but that is an unlikely scenario he would do at a time where his friend needed him the most. Betraying his best friend's trust, a bond that he has been working so hard on would be devastating for her ... or worse leaving her heartbroken. It was already bad enough that he might had done it once, and that will be last of heartaches he ever wants to give to her and his close companions.

He is determined to not let overwhelming boredom get to him. The Pinkie Promise he made to Fluttershy had ensured that she put her trust in him by partaking the night patrol. By doing this every other night had put aside Fluttershy's worries when she takes off into the night. In case a situation arises that Flutterbat can't handle, Discord would be there for her.

Of course, he would be there for her. He would do anything for her. She ... mattered to him. Quite a lot actually. Sometimes, he wonders if she has any idea how far he go for her.

He never knew he can possess such strong emotions for somepony. It felt ... good. Endearing to say the least. He enjoyed what he was feeling whenever Fluttershy came into thought. Similarly close to the chaos he relishes in which somehow felt even better now that she became apart of his life. After all, it's been a long time since he felt good. Very rarely good things come his way and the selfish being that he is would greedily take all for himself. Who knows how long he has until all that sense of euphoria whisks away. This actually frighten him a bit.

Could he be experiencing something much more than he bargained for? Could it be that his relationship with Fluttershy can go way more in depth if only he can probe at it? Or would it be Fluttershy to bring up the noticeable change that has been happening between them?

He scoffed at the claims. "In my wildest dreams, but in reality? Not a chance," glumly thought the Chaos Spirit.

He wouldn't try anything to ruin what he has with her at this very moment, but the the risk of it is enticing. Though, he couldn't be sure of himself if Fluttershy hasn't thought of him in that light or has ever shown any interest whenever he hanged out with her before.

Opportunity was just a step away, yet he wouldn't dare take that step if it meant humiliation on his part if she rejected. She would probably be kind about the whole affair to keep it between the two of them, but the awkwardness would still be there. Especially for him. After all, isn't what he already has with her in this platonic relationship already precious enough?

Now, that those wonderful thoughts he has of Fluttershy have been diminishing for some time, and being replaced by thoughts Flutterbat.

How was it that his best friend never told him about this before? Sure, it kind of upsets him that she never told him about it, but looking back at it he was still warming up to the idea of friendship. For her, she probably wouldn't have wanted to share information like that when she was sure enough that he were to be trusted with secrets. Which is another thing about friendship that still confuses and bothers him.

At the time, he was told by Celestia about the incident in Sweet Apple Acres. The others felt guilty about the whole ordeal, especially Applejack, who repayed her apology by giving Fluttershy a reduce price of apples if she ever went to purchase from her. Twilight, on the other hand, was put more blame on the incident besides her friends. For Celestia, she wasn't delighted to hear about her student who performed such a powerful(partially ilegal in the magical department) spell on her friend that had drastic results. Oh, how he would've enjoyed to see Celestia's scolding face on her pupil that wasn't directed at him most times.

After hearing this, Discord found himself a bit upset by this whole ordeal that happened with Fluttershy. Wanting to give the ladies a piece of his mind he reconsider on that if he wanted to get on Fluttershy's good side at the time. He avoided doing that since he would be putting himself in a situation that didn't involve him if it was never gonna be brought up again, and the way he was gonna approach it was not gonna lift Fluttershy's spirit.

Now, with all that being shoved in the past he needed to keep his focus on the night. Fluttershy would've wanted that from him, and like he consider before he would oblige in doing so. He would do anything for her, but is his devotion to her the only reason he is doing this?

"If only they knew ... if only she knew, " said the draconequus who's expressed change to that of a state of gloominess after swimming deep in thought for a while.

He had reassured her that with him by her side nothing will happen to her. Ever.

"Okay then, but just so you know I might cling on to you during the walk," softly said the pegasus as she looked down in embarrassment. "That is if you don't mind," shyly asked the mare.

Looking down at his companion he gave a grin at her timidness. They were about to embark outside his home to the absurdities that live within his little pocket dimension. Lately, he has been helping Fluttershy in gaining confindence which was his way of exchange for the friendship lessons she teaches him. What way of helping her to gain confidence then by taking her out to the chaos that is outside his backyard.

"Don't fret my dear." Discord said with a chuckle.

"Just stay by me and you'll surely leave with your limbs intact throughout this whole experience that I have prepared for us two," confidently Discord pointed out even though jokingly two of his mismatched arms fell apart.

"And just so were crystal clear." To put emphasis, he stood on a rock with one of his hind leg while posing with his left arm still on the ground making a salute as if it were on his chest. "I Discord, the most stupendous creature to ever exist will safely guard the superb Fluttershy in this nonsensical dimension as her bodyguard." As he was saying this he conjured long hair that was flowing freely in the air and cheesy triumphant music playing in the background from an unidentified source. "Cause I protect those that matter to me the most, and I'm 115% certain that you are worth protecting my dear," slyly said the draconequus as he pointed with his right arm that were still on the ground at her.

"Oh my," softly giggled Fluttershy as she put a hoof to her face covering the slight blush appearing. He can always be such a tease thought the pegasus. Playing along with the joke she delighfully said, "W-well I'll be honor in having you by my side as my b-bodyguard for this trip. "

With a gasp Discord shouted out in disbelief, "Bodyguard! Is that all I am to you Flutters. A bodyguard that only has to bare his fangs that can leave ponies in a fright or in any other case unsheathed my claws only to just scratch at my bum. I can't believe it! You only see me as a shield and nothing else." With a humph he crossed his arms and turned away from her.

Fluttering back in surprise by the accusation that caught her off guard. Did I do something wrong? I was sure that he was playing along thought the pegasus. Stumbling at her words,"B-b-but, didn't you just ... weren't you ... j-joking about-" was all that was said when she looked up to see Discord who had his head turned back at her with a smugly grin while his eyes showing a playful banter.

"Kidding Flutters."

"..."

A stretch of awkward silence between the two. She could see his grin get even wider as the corner of his lips were now pushing up his cheeks that puffed up with air. He stared amusingly waiting for a response from the fumbling bird horse.

Many words try processing through her mind in what to say after that, but didn't make it through the final process as she open her mouth to softly speak out one word.

"Oh."

That one comment that came out of the poor confused mare had harbored up a laughing storm from Discord who was grinning gleefully. Puzzled and a bit dazed at just what happen she should've at least expected it from her friend who does the unexpected.

"Oh, the look on your face Flutters is priceless," said the draconequus who was now on the floor panting from the exhausting effort he put into laughing.

"Priceless? How was that even priceless, I-I mean it wasn't ..." Sigh. What was the point to even argue any further thought the mare who wanted to dismiss going any further, yet her cut off caught Discord’s attention.

“Wasn’t what?” Heaved the draconequus as he was barely catching his breath after his recent laugh attack.

“Well, the j-joke.” Squeaked the pegasus as she averted her eyes at her companion as she sighed. “I mean, it was funny, but not something that I would be screaming my head off on,” said the pegasus as she winced at what she just spoken. It’s not that Discord’s jokes were bad. Maybe insufferable to others, but overall he can be of great entertainment. If it weren’t that some of his humor tends to come from picking on others, but rarely has that been happening with those occurrences being only to just be simply teasing.

"Alright, alright. I admit that it wasn't the most wisecrack of pranks I ever did, but it's not my fault that you being here just makes me hype up with this overwhelming joy, said Discord as he cupped his together with a sway of his body. "Ugh! Fluttershy, the things you do to me I just can't take, " dramatically cried Discord.

Fluttershy blushed as she took in the answer she got from her friend. Me, I have that kind of effect on him thought the pegasus. To think that her presence alone can brighten up Discord's day. Not that she ever notice before his mannerism at times whenever he talks about her tend to speak for itself. It's just to be told this kind of flattery gave her a sense of gratefulness.

"Why, that's quite a ... comment you made there Discord. Thank you."

"Now Flutters, you say it as if compliments rarely come your way, Discord said as he gazed at her. Grinning at the noticeable blush she was trying to hide he only added in more fuel to the flame. "I know that you don't think much of yourself, but fret not my dear. I will horribly shower upon you unrelenting gushes of compliments that you will surely greedily gobble up soon as that will not be the first of storms that will be brewing, " he said while conjuring up a sparkly dust that he sprinkled upon the mare.

Fluttershy watched the array of iridescent sparkles shimmer in the air by Discord's magic was a marvelous sight to behold. Even though she flinched at first from the oncoming contact of the sparkles they ended up leaving a sensation of butterfly like kisses that left her giggling. She looked up to see her companion who gave a smile back. To think that a creature who had once never been given a chance to show a bit sentimental can actually express such affection. No one really believes when she says he can be a sweetheart, but it's not that easy to see that side of Discord unless you manage to gain his trust which can be very tough. Knowing that she might be one of the only creatures to see this kind of Discord made her heart twinge.

What she felt at that moment was to see it in herself as the embodiment of kindness she would give kindness to those who rarely receive any. That made Discord in her regard a top priority for endless affection she knew he never had in his entire existence. She didn't want this to be an act of pity as she very well knew that Discord wouldn't take it. She wanted this to be an act of selfless love that a friend can offer to another. I promise that Discord thought the mare.

Remembering why she was here in the first place she decided to cut the conversation for later considering how long they were taking. "Umm, Discord we should probably get going along now," said Fluttershy.

"Yes, now that we have everything under wraps we can move onward, to the depths of the chaos dimension," Discord said as he floated along by Fluttershy by her side.

“Indeed... bodyguard,” coyly said the pegasus. And yet again, another round of laughter from the draconequus.

"Man does this feel good," said Discord.

During the path downward she wasn't kidding about being clingy as throughout the walk she stuck to him like glue. Whether it was a creature flying over them or the slightest sound near them she reacted with an "Eep!," and with a quick flutter of her wings she latched on to the poor draconequus who got the wind knocked out of him a couple of times.

"What was that!," cried the trembling pegasus who frantically looked from left to right in trying to find the source of the sound she heard.

"Mmph!," grunted the draconequus who's vision was blurred out by a streak of yellow along with the extra weight that was added onto his head. He brought both his paw and claw to his face to feel what launched at him.

The pony squeaked at the tickling sensation down her back which made her wings flex out at the feeling of being touched. Opening one of her eyes wondering what touched her she noticed a pair of familiar antlers in her view. Seeing who they belong to she frantically let go of them and fluttered off Discord's face.

Once the weight has been lifted off his head he took in a breath of air as the pegasus cut off his windpipe. With an exhale, he made eye contact to the pegasus who sheepishly looked at him with embarrassment and ... shame?

"Sorry," was the only thing she muttered under her locks of hair obscuring her face.

While it was an unbearable feeling of being choked for Discord. The face she was giving him made his heart flutter which ended up making him forget what he was mad at. Though, he wouldn't yell at her for her accidental choking. He cursed himself for being putty under this mare's hooves. He is a chaos god who can overpower her physically and magically. Yet, she seems to have him pegged by controlling him emotionally and maybe a bit mentally.

With a slight grin, he chuckled and waved his arms at her apology. "No need for any forgiving words Flutterdearest," he said while patting her head. "I should've already known what to expect from those multiple times you attacked me with those bear hugs of yours."

Sighing at the sincere patting Discord was giving to Fluttershy had calmed her nerves down. Just a tiny bit.

"Still, I'm sorry that I have done that," said the sweet mare. Bringing her forehooves around her in a self-hug she looked at him with uncertainty. "It's just that ... I can't help, but feel antsy being here."

Discord gave a uncertain look at her response. It was as if she really doesn't understand what caused her to act out like that and only leaving her shortly puzzled in trying to pinpoint a reason for her behavior.

Never has he ever gotten a response like that from Fluttershy whenever they have meetups in his chaotic world. He thought she had already established that she is not bothered by his chaotic nature the first time she visited his home. This isn't the first time he took her out of the house and show her the chaotic creatures that dwell here.

So, why is she more jumpy than usual? Had she been keeping her true intentions from him for a while now? Was he taking it too far in getting Fluttershy out of her comfort zone to only please me? All these presumptions had started concerning him more which can be clearly shown by the worried look he was giving.

"J-Just to clarify, it's not that I don't feel safe here if that is what you are thinking," quickly stammered Fluttershy when she saw the concerned look on Discord's face hoping he wasn't taking her comment the wrong way. "I'm just feeling a bit light-headed that's all, sheepishly confirmed Fluttershy. "P-Probably from just looking at the sky for too long and hoping any creature doesn’t sneak upon us.”

"Oh," softly said Discord who's face was now eased from the statement. "Well then, Fluttershy you almost had me for a scare right there I’ll tell you that." He summoned a sphygmomanometer that was wrapped around his arm and started squeezing on the pump. Each time he squeezed on it a noise similar to a frog's croak would emit from it as the strap would get tighter and tighter around his arms until it burst with confetti coming out of it.

Fluttershy giggled at this which brought Discord's ears perked up to this sweet sound of her voice. He mentally sighed at that. Whatever was causing her to react in such a way seem to have subsided her uneasiness.

“I’ll just stick to see what’s in front rather than all around me,” confirmed the pegasus. “After all, I have you by my side don’t I?”

“Why of course, my dearest,” said Discord as he was thanked for the reassurance that Flutters is alright.

They continued on with their trip. A few walks down the shifting road that would connect and disconnect with one another as the duo would take in the chaos all around them. A few discussions here and there and then moments of silence between the two of them. Using this quiet time Discord thought about Fluttershy and her recent actions from earlier. It still concern him that she would act out like that. He had taken her before to see the chaos animals and he has trained them well enough to not attack innocent bystanders. Then again, since when does a bystander ever come down to Chaosville if they knew well enough that they have to proceed with caution.

Rarely, he never brings anypony to Chaosville besides Fluttershy with the exception of Big Mac and Spike for Ogres and Oubliettes. He never bothers inviting his other friends to his house since most of his friends never really bother in approaching him to have a hangout. The only other exception was with the mail delivery pony who no longer arrives here after several incidents involving encounters with the obscure gravitational shifts and chaos creatures that dwell within the dimension. Being chased by an inanimate leg that resembles a pony's limb with fishnet and a garter belt was the last straw for the poor mailpony. Now, Discord just gets mail by having a slot that is linked to his house that teleports his mail.

Actually, he recalls a memory of spotting Pinkie wandering the dimension several times, but that wasn’t a pleasant memory he like to recall since that was that last he had ever seen her here again. For him, not knowing that Pinkie can somehow manage to find her way into his realm was something he didn’t expect or had time to prepare himself for what she had to witness when she spotted him.

He was with his pal the Smooze fooling around with one another. Hanging with the gelatinous blob was something Discord always looked forward to now that he gotten close to the green jelly. After all, Smooze is one who wouldn't judge or be weirded out by Discord's oddities since the Smooze is an oddity itself. Sure, Fluttershy is one of the many who can be in his presence instead of tolerating like others would, but even she has her limits.

It was like any day with him and the Smooze. They were in his front yard with cans of whipped cream, soda bottles, and a pile of recently used lemons all around them. Picking one of the whipped cream cans up he was about to use on his experimentation with the Smooze he notice something in the distance. From afar, was a wild Pinkie who seemed to have a look of bewilderment as to what purpose he was gonna use the can for. As though as he was caught red handed he remained still. He kept his eyes on the mare, wondering if she were gonna approach him, but she remained where she stood. She seemed to notice he got his attention and for another quiet minute (except for the wobbliness of Smooze confuse at what was going on) Pinkie disappeared into the multi-color bushes.

He shuddered at that memory. Honestly, he had considered the thought of discussing this information with Twilight and embark on a ridiculous quest in discovering the truth about Pinkie's oddities. Yet, he would never bring himself to do it cause he doesn't want Twilight or anypony else to know he can be bothered by this.

Looking back at Fluttershy who was fluttering by his side. She had quite a serious look on her face. He couldn't decipher it if what the face she was trying to make as it looked like a mixture of concern and anger. So, he broke the silence with a question.

"How are you holding up there Flutters?," asked the draconequus.

From looking at the ground she shifted her eyes toward her companion to offer a smile. "I'm fine," she said from the looks of it, but her eyes tell a different side of how "fine" she is. How he would know well that's because he knows how to read one's face to see if there was anything more beneath the mask. Discord was starting to dislike those two words that always came out of the meek pegasus. The term can mean a variety of things and they were always a never good outcome in the end. This kind of fine that Fluttershy might've meant from Discord's assumption that yeah I'm getting by, but that's about as much I'll say cause I'm not sure if I can say much as I'm not sure myself.

Not being satisfied with the answer he asked again. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure Discord. I'm getting by finely," assured the pegasus.

Okay, third times the charm thought the draconequus. "Positive?"

She heaved a heavy sigh. Was that of annoyance wondered Discord. If he was getting to her breaking point than it be best if he should stop, but not when she has been cryptic with her reassuring answers. He wants to know what's up.

"Didn't I say I'm fine not too long ago Discord? Why must you- sigh." She fluttered away from him and was now in the front with her faced back at him.

"I'm sorry Discord. I didn't mean to brush off your questions like that," said Fluttershy as she looked back at her companion. "I-I have a lot on my mind right now."

"Wouldn't it be best to talk about it?," asked Discord.

Her head was still turned back and it seemed she was contemplating the choices in what she wanted to say. She closed her eyes and gave a deep sigh. She fluttered upward and slowly started approaching her friend with a comforting smile. "I should've consider that idea in the first place." Once she found a good distance between her personal space and Discord's she still kept flapping her wing to be at eye-level with the tall draconequus. "Discord, I been having a ... problem these past few months that I thought was behind me." She gave an unsure chuckle at that response. "I guess it isn't, and I only recently notice until a few weeks ago."

She took another pause about how she was gonna word out her next set of sentences and Discord was just on the edge of his seat. Literally. He conjured up one and kept leaning more forward to his friend's face. Keep going dearest I know you have you much more to say he said in his mind. She breathed in a long gulp of air. Ready to say what's been on her mind. Then out of nowhere the pegasus yelled.

"AGHH!," screamed the pegasus as she fell down to the ground.

"Flutters!," shouted Discord. She was scrambling all over the ground picking up dirt as she kept squirming about in what supposedly to Discord's assumptions was pain considering the noises she was making.

"Flutters," he said again and was quickly by her side in a flash. "Hey Flutters, I'm right here. Your pal. What's wrong?" All these speedy remarks were said in a drench of worrisome as he wasn't quite sure what to do in this situation. She kept writhing about and he just kept standing there like an idiot. For once he felt quite vulnerable as he wasn't to sure what he can do to help. He plunged into the scene as he slither himself around the mare in a coil to stop her from contorting her muscles any longer.

"AGH! I should've! I-I should've j-judge beforehand ... t-that I wasn't ..., weakly said Fluttershy as she started looking dazed.

"No! Fluttershy!," yelled out Discord. He grabbed her by the shoulders and started shaking her like a ragdoll as she seemed to be on the verge of knocking out from all the vicious headshaking. "Fluttershy!," shouted out once again , but this time close enough to her ear as it flinched which seemed to do the trick cause now she was wide eyed.

Looking over to the draconequus with seriousness she told him, "Discord don't freak out this has happen before." He took in everything she said and nodded at her confimation. "Discord. Take me home, Discord! QUICKLY! I-I can't control it!" Shouted the pegasus who's forehooves were at the temple of her forehead shaking away a supposedly throbbing headache. A snap was heard and the scenery around them was changed to that of a familiar cottage setting.

"Ngh!" A flutter of her eyes as she tried looking up at the draconequus with a sense of focus in her vision, but everything started becoming fuzzy.

"I-I'm losing consciousness," stated the woozy pegasus as she stumbled onto the floor with jelly legs.

She can't take it no more. She let the other part of her take over for now. Her world was now shrouded in fog. Then to black. She went limp. Discord just only stood in place.

A million thoughts flashed through his head and he couldn't process what just transpire right now. How could he be so foolish? Why did he stand there being useless? What just happen? Why did she tell him to take her back home he clearly should had taken her to get help? What just happen? Why couldn't he do anything? What just happen? Why didn't he thought of anything? What just happen? What just hap- BLAM! He got knocked down yet again.

"GAH!," yelped out the draconequus as surge of pain on his left shoulder jolted him out of his deep trance that was who knows how long he been in. Craning his long neck toward the pain he couldn't believe his own eyes as what was on top of him was the night winged Flutterbat.

He took in as much detail as possible of the feral pony to it's leathery wings that were much more larger than a pegasus wings, it's thicken coarse fur was ragged to keep the skin safe from impact, and pierced fangs that were still lodged into his skin. The pain started to subside that was now becoming a dulling ache or that of pain when it comes to a splinter. He thanked Chaos itself that pain was nothing to him compared to a powerful creature such as himself. Lastly, from the fangs he looked into the face of the bat and was mesmerized at the mare before him.

"Is this what you've been trying to tell me Fluttershy," asked the bemused draconequus. This caught Flutterbat's attention as her ears flicked towards Discord and she looked up with those eyes. THOSE EYES! Oh, how they were an intimidating shade of red. Just like his.

Taking her fangs out of Discord's shoulder she threateningly hissed at the draconequus. He went back to his place with his face front at the ceiling. He felt the weight from his be lifted as he watched from the corner of his eye Flutterbat looking around the cottage. She stopped when she saw a source of light outside the window. She moved forward toward the window and started messing with the latch. Discord tried getting up, but got pushed down again by a furious bat pony. Another bite that was now in his neck.

He used his magic to try slowing down his heartbeat in hopes that she would consider him dead. Once she let go of biting him she tried to trample on top of him, but there was no sign life she could detect from the draconequus. She can finally relax. She made her way toward the window and gave a glance back at the creature. No movement. Trying to pry open the latch she heard a click and the window was magically opening on its own. One last hiss and off into the night she went.

Discord got up and with a snap fixed the punctured wounds from his shoulder and neck. Giving one good look around the room he whistled out a tune. Well, that was an experience he thought. He always wanted to see a Flutterbat when he first heard about it, but would've wanted a more peaceful scenario. So, is that what has been happening for the past few months? Is that why Fluttershy been cancelling Tuesday Tea during some weeks? He wanted to ponder more about this, but right now he let a bat out into Ponyville.

He used his magic and tried finding Fluttershy's signature waves. It would've been best if he kept quiet about that tracking spell he had on her, but she wasn't amused that he put that on her without permission.

"That's odd," questioned the draconequus. He picked up on Fluttershy's magical wave and it seemed ... different. He tried again and yet the same result he got last time. For Discord, is it that now Fluttershy being Flutterbat somehow skewered with her signature wave? Why does he keep getting the same result? This time he took a different approach to it.

With a wave of his hand he can now feel the signature waves around him that came from the earth to the animals and Luna's moon. The most recent he felt was of Flutterbat's with a deeper inspection of it now became clear to him. This signature wasn't something different. This signature was something all too familiar. For him.

"I-I don't believe it," said the draconequus.

It was chaos magic.

His chaos magic.

Author's Note

Honestly, didn't consider how long it would take me since this is my first story I ever done and completed. I might get back to it at some point, but I got other stories to write. This time hoping those stories stay short and minimum.

Maybe sometime I might get the second part out. It’s halfway written, and I’m still unsure if I can get it out at that time.

Any errors you see or would like to leave a critique let me know in the comments below.