The New Substitutes

Chapters

Chrysalis
Sombra
Tirek
Meeting
New Arrival
Teacher Appreciation Week
Interrogation
Fall Formal
Sunset
Interlude
Reaction
Meeting
Conflict
Savior
Harmonic Dissonance
Consequences
Ever Free
Path
Change
Discord
What Does This Thing Do?
Plot

Chrysalis

The clack of heels can be plainly heard through the mostly silent classroom. The only noise created comes from a group of students who sit in the corner, the sounds of snapping, talking, and the turning of pages. The other students all stare at the strange group, until the door opens.

Chrysalis walks into the room, her garb being a simple black dress and heels. Her wild green hair hangs behind a face that carries both wisdom, and beauty at once. The look tied all together by an emotionless smile.

Most students look at her as soon as they hear her enter, as she seems to exude some aura of leadership. The only ones that don’t are the five students in the corner. One leans backward over his desk, tossing a ball into the air. Another snaps as the ball reaches it’s apex, turning it into a square, before snapping again and turning it back into a ball. Two of them talk over cola and cheeseits, snapping both items into something different as they talk. The final one lifts up a book, and snaps, changing it into a handheld console, already playing a game. The mismatched t-shirts and shorts they all wear makes any good fashionista go into a stroke when they look in their direction. Rarity has already been given the day off... before the class even began.

Chrysalis stops at her desk, and places down her briefcase there. She glares at them as they continue to ignore her. She turns to the other students, “My name is Q-Miss Chrysalis.” She walks over to the corner with the students in it, “And I don’t like it when people think they can get away with insubordination.”

The student throwing the ball up looks at her, “Something the problem?”

She glares right back, “When I speak, I expect you all to pay attention. When you are in school, I expect you to do schoolwork.”

The student catches the ball once more, and throws it up again, “We are doing schoolwork.”

She gives him all the anger she can manage, “And what, prey tell, would that be?”

He motions around with his other hand, “We’re studying. As Discord said, we gotta be unpredictable. Well, without this studying, what hope could we have to defeat an enemy?”

Chrysalis leans down into his face, “What’s your name, young man?”

He smiles, “Big Twist!” He then starts to ignore her and looks over to his friend who snaps at the ball, “Hey, Up Heavel? What do you do if an enemy approaches you with a sword?”

He smiles as he snaps more, “Well, first we attack, then faint, but we rise from the faint! Then we slide over to the enemy, and snap the ground under their feet into pure melted sugar! As they slowly sink in and burn to death, take a bit of the sugar and add it to your coffee.”

Chrysalis simply decides to back off, and allow the students to do whatever. She walks back up to the whiteboard, and looks at the rest of the students, “I am here to teach you tactics, and how to win not only a battle, but a war. Take out a sheet of paper, I expect to see notes.”

She draws on the whiteboard, “Say you are going against an enemy nation. They have three rulers that are near demi-gods, a weapon so powerful it can wipe you and your army out if they get to it, a reinforced city, and around one hundred trained guards. There is a wedding between a guard and one of the rulers. You have one demi-god ruler, around two hundred soldiers, and the ability for all of them to shapeshift. They are a hive mind, if the ruler is defeated, the entire army is. How do you win?”

One student raises their hand slowly, “You would overwhelm them with numbers and rush the weapon and then use it against the three rulers so the enemy will surrender early, and you can use the guards later in another assault.”

Chrysalis slightly nods at the students answer, “What is your name?”

He answers readily, “Scarlet Chorus, ma’m.”

She nods, “Good answer, but incorrect. An outright charge would cause too many casualties on your side. What’s the point of a victory if there’s nobody there to celebrate it with you?” She looks around more, “Anyone else?”

Another student raises their hand, “Meet with them to discus peace, in a hard to reach place for the enemy. Then have your soldiers cut down all the guards and any civilian that tries to alert their rulers. Claim the weapon, and get it to the location. Then duck out as your troops use the weapon against the rulers.”

Before Chrysalis can even speak, Scarlet does, “That’s stupid. You would kill all the civilians which could be used later as soldiers or workers.”

He retorts, “Oh, and having all your troops die in a full frontal assault is better?”

Scarlet scoffs, “They are mearly short term sacrifices for long term growth.”

Chrysalis interrupts the two, “What is your name?”

The student looks over to her, “Dis Favor.”

She smiles, “Right, Dis Favor, Scarlet Chorus, you are both right in a way. Both of your strategies would work, but their is a much easier way.” She draws a big word on the board, and looks back, “This is what I shall teach you. The art of infiltration and subterfuge.”

Author's Note

Writing with Chrysalis is so hard because I always misspell her name.

Sombra

Every step taken can be heard through the entire hall, his metal boot crashing down with each forceful step.

Students sit in their room, nervously shifting from the glares between the two corners of the room. A group of students came in dressed completely in black with green highlights. Gloves, sleeves, pants, all but their face. They glare at the Chaos students in the opposite corner of the room. The Chaos glare back with eyes in the side of their head. Another two groups glare at each other. One student, wearing completely red, and Scarlet Chorus, who is dressed in the same red with a strange green aura surrounding him, glare across the room. One student wearing completely purple and blue, and Dis Favor, who wears brown and grey with a purple and blue aura surrounding himself, glare back. Those outside the four cliques shift as they feel the tension in the room, almost as sharp as a well kept sword.

But as everyone knows, it takes good armor to stop a sword.

Sombra opens the door, and walks right in. The tension in the room is broken as even the Chaos have to look to him. If Chrysalis’s aura was that of a Queen, Sombra’s is one of a God. A sort of authority that is one in a billion, the authority of a well respected King. And more importantly, a well feared King. His entire body covered with smooth, shiny, silver armor kept in a perfect looking grey, without making it look dirty. It is perfectly complemented by a kingly red robe with white fur at the ends. His eye whites are pure green with pure red eyes, with a seemingly endless purple fire burning at the end of his eyes. His hair a everflowing piece of pure darkness and shadow. He stands straight, far taller than either of the two other teachers, and almost too tall to fit in a room. About the same size as Principle Celestia. A meter stick peaks it’s head from its sheath on his back, with a ruler situated on his waist, with extra bandoliers around his body carrying markers and pencils.

He glares out at the classroom, getting their absolute attention. Then he speaks, a dark voice with a slight Spanish accent, “You are all weak. None of you could beat me even if you teamed up. You do not know how to wield a sword and duel. You do not know how to lead. You do not know how to defeat an enemy absolutely and totally. You don’t know how to keep an unhappy population within order. You do not know how to keep an Empire running when your people can barely eat. You do not know how to inspire people to work harder so they won’t die in the winter. You do not know the elation of conquest. I am here to teach you how to be a King. How to do all I just listed, as I did.”

He takes a breath before continuing on, “A long time ago, there was a land in chaos. A group of people fled the land, led by their King. They fled to the north, and kept fleeing until they saw something in the snow. A city, with the power to keep out the snow and cold, and keep all within the city safe, and they could grow food within. They grew prosperous as time went on, until the chaos in the land they left turned itself to them. The land turned inferile in the winter, the mines all caved in, all with the snap of a finger. The people hid away from the chaos, until the King had to put a stop to it. Tapping into dark powers, the King managed to banish the chaos from his empire, but not the adverse effects it had. Now the people had barely any food, and didn’t work east enough to be able to eat for the winter. Any crystal mined could no longer be traded, and had to be used for weapons and armor to defend against attacking enemies. The King saw this, and didn’t let it stand. He made his people work harder, so they could eat and survive, he made his soldiers train harder, so they could better defend their already measly supplies. The people got unhappy, but they were still alive.”

He takes a breath, and clenches his fist, “The Queens of the land they had come from heard of his people’s unhappiness. They were furious that this splinter nation even existed in the first place, much less that they were unhappy. They heard the people’s unhappiness, and didn’t even think to check if they were only just surviving because of that!” He slams his armored gauntlet down on the desk, “So they decided to march their entire army to the Empire because of a damned assumption! I challenged them to a duel and won fair and square! Then they break out their Malditos elementos! The entire city was banished from existence for a millennia, because of a Maldita suposición! Luego volvieron y me mataron otra vez!”

He clenches his fist some more, and forces it to his side, “The Empire was called the Crystal Empire posthumously, as the only remains of the city were a single red crystal. The Empire fell, and it’s King and it’s people disappeared for one thousand years. I am here to make sure something like that doesn’t ever happen again. I will teach you the three most important things in running an Empire. Fear, conquest, and dueling. If you can scare an enemy, they will not attack. If they do, you need to know how to attack as well. If it comes down to a battle, you need to be out on the battlefield as well.”

He looks up at the class, “Estudiantes, when I am through with you, we will never have another situation like the Empire.”

Tirek

Boots clack on the floor, plain to hear with the forceful footsteps.

Students are now in the minority, as the five cliques face off. Some students came dressed in black, purple, and green armor with red spike protruding from it. Said Crystals are in the middle of talking to the Scarlet Chorus. Leader of said Chorus having renamed himself to Nerat, who now wears a strange helmet with faces on it, and glows brighter green. The Changelings talk to the Disfavored. Leader of said faction now renamed himself to Ashe. The Chaos are playing ping-pong, but teleport to change sides every time they hit the ball.

The door is flung open by a bright red arm wearing a silver arm guard. Tirek storms into the room, his combat boots slamming down. He wears a black tank top and equally as black jeans, they are complimented nicely by the silver ring around his neck. His nose is pierced with a ring, matching his bright red face. He has a full on grey beard, and a grey Mohawk. His eyes are completely black except for two glowing yellow orbs. His modest muscles are shown as he slams his bag down on his desk.

He sneers at the Crystals and Changelings, speaking in a voice like a metal singer, “Look at how weak you all are. You forge alliances when anyone knows they will betray you later on. I have never felt more disdain in my life! What kind of teacher would tell his students to forge future betrayals!” He sniffs the air, and looks back at the Chaos that still play their game, “You all, back there! You have it right! Smart, not forging alliances, for you are already so... strong.” He says the last word as he sniffs the air once more. Then he shakes his head, “Listen to me children! And I shall teach you how to never lose!”

He pulls a marker out from his bag, and starts to write in the board, “Alliances will get you killed!” He underlines it, “No one can be trusted, not even your own brother! For if he finds it valuable, he will betray you at the flip of a coin! So you must learn to beat any enemy alone!”

He then draws some strange crocodile, standing up, with a bloodshot eye, “Your opponent is strong, fast, and you are not! Some of you may say this is unfair! I will tell you, that’s life! So there’s only one thing to do! Be smart! Hit where it hurts, and hit often! Your opponent will try and be aggressive back, and you will exploit their moves! Turn their weapon against them! Children, I am here to teach you an art! For they are rubber, you will be glue! I shall teach you to turn their advantages to disadvantages! So you may never need an alliance!”

Author's Note

It’s a bit short, but I ran out of ideas.

Oh yeah, anyone getting the references?

Meeting

The school is silent on the Saturday morning, no students in sight. The silence is interrupted by talking in a meeting room.

Discord glares at Tirek, “Tirek... I should’ve know it was you when I said that name. You betrayed me!”

Tirek crosses his arms, “It was as I said. Friendship makes you weak.”

Discord leans right into his face, putting forth all malice he can summon, “You do not know what you did to me. You do not know what I’ve lost because of you! Fluttershy is gone now and the next time I see her will be her grave in a thousand years! You have taken away the best thing to happen to me!” He draws a switchblade from one of his many pockets, and puts it against Tirek’s neck, “Give me a reason. I can cut your neck right here and watch you bleed out. You won’t be sent to another world this time, you will die. Give me a reason!”

Tirek backs up with fear from Discord, “I’m sorry! The power within that magic corrupts me. It’s an addiction, surely you know how far an addict would go to get a fix? But what they did to me, that power, cured me.”

Discord leans his head against Tireks, and backs him up against a wall, “Prove it.”

Tirek looks at the blade with even more fear, “The statue outside! It’s full of magic! If I were to absorb that, then I could tear a portal back to Equestria! But I haven’t despite ample opportunity!”

Discord glares into his eyes some more, before backing up and putting the blade back into his pocket, “Okay. I believe you. But know this, Tirek.” He glares once again, “I have more power here than you could hope for. It is only because of my generosity and kindness that I shall do what I shall.”

As he says this, two others walk in. Sombra, dressed in his armor. And Chrysalis, dressed in the same black dress. Sombra walks to a center table, and leans on it, “So, why did you call us here?”

Discord smiles, “Ah, yes, time for the offer!” He motions out to all four of them, “We are all fellow villains who were defeated by the Elements.”

Chrysalis interjects, “I was defeated by Cadence.”

Discord waves his hand, “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I have a proposition. Sombra, Tirek, Chrysalis, I know all three of you have been living in the library here.”

Sombra looks up, “How do you know that?”

Discord shrugs, “I see everything. I have connections, ever since I helped on the FBI search for myself. Anyway, the offer. You can all crash at my place.”

Tirek snorts, “Ah yes, surely you would live somewhere big enough to house all of us. Surely, if your clothing is anything to go by.”

Discord glares behind him at Tirek, “You are lucky I listened to Fluttershy, else you wouldn’t be around to say comments like that.” He then returns to normal, and looks back, “I can show you, it’s only a block from here.”

Chrysalis nods, “It has to be better than that library.”

Sombra rises, “Very well then, let’s see it.”

Discord glares back at Tirek, “What about you, Tirek?”

He quickly nods, “Your genoristy and kindness, right?”

Discord nods, “Right.” He looks back to the others, and motions to the door, “Off we go then.”

———

The odd group move down the street. Strutting, swaggering, stomping, and striding. People wave at Discord, and he waves, nods, or snaps back. One person in particular runs up to him, “Are you the Discord?”

He stops, and nods, “The one and only.”

The person, young enough to be a student, smiles, “I’m your biggest fan!”

He smiles, “Oh, really? What of?”

The person reaches into a bag they wear, “Transcending The Mundane, and Discerning the Transmundane are my two favorite! Could I get your autograph on them? Please?”

Discord summons up a pen, and takes the two books given to him. He writes his signature in an ink that changes color every second, and hands the books back, “Must be a very scientific person then.”

They nod, “I am. I’ve also read your other things. Chaos Theory Called Life, Crystal Pillars and Crimson Snow, Zero Divided By Zero: How To Live Every Day To The Maximum, and even Free Will And The Multiverse Theory! Your writings have inspired me to become a Chaos Physicist just like you!”

Discord smiles at the young man, “It’s nice to know my writing can inspire people. Follow your dreams, kid, and I might read your research one day.”

The person smiles brightly, “Thank you, Mister Discord! Good bye!”

Discord watches the young fan run off with a smile.

The group then moves on forward, until they are stopped near an alleyway. A young Hispanic man jumps out of the alley, his face covered by a cloth wrapping. He looks at Discord, “Discord! Father, you’ve returned!”

The man rushes into Discord’s arms, and they embrace, “Heya Bedlam. How’s the gang been running?”

Bedlam hugs closely, “I’ve been leader, as you told us to do. We were broken for a month after you left us. But... we managed to pull it back and are running smoothly. We haven’t robbed anyone that isn’t rich, as you told us. We thought you were gone forever!”

Discord sadly smiles, “I thought I was as well. As much as it hurt me to abandon all my children, I had to return to my world. You remember when I said goodbye, I meant it. I met somebody back in my world. Fluttershy, the kindest soul you could ever meet. If I wasn’t so stupid, I might’ve been able to return with her with me. She would’ve loved all you, and we’d finnaly be a complete family.”

Bedlam’s tears fall onto his face covering, “But your back now. The others will be ecstatic.” He breaks the hug, and wipes his eyes, “These guys protected as well?”

Discord nods, “They’re friends, most of them.”

Bedlam smiles through his face covering, “My brothers and sisters probably want to hear the good news.”

Discord smiles once more, “Go tell them. We will have a family reunion sometime.”

Bedlam nods once more, before disappearing into the alleyway.

The group continues on once more, with Tirek speaking up, “You had children?”

Discord smiles, “Ah, yes, the gang. They are all orphans who I adopted, and taught to run a proper gang for when I was gone.” He looks forward, “Ah, yes, we’re arriving.”

They turn the corner, to see only one building. A huge, three storied, gothic mansion. Painted all sorts of different colors, but still very gothic. Discord nods, “The British are very generous to war heroes.”

A thud can be heard as Tirek faints right on the sidewalk.

New Arrival

It was a relatively peaceful day for the school. Discord sits with with Chaos students, and talks to them about how to cooperate with the other cliques. After getting to know each other a bit over the weekend, the four teachers had decided that their students would only be more effective working together. First Discord had to teach his students to share chaos with others, and not become a closed off isolated clique.

The Disfavored and Scarlet Chorus glare at each other through the corner of their eyes, but they never act upon their feelings. The Changelings still glare at the Magic Thieves, but talk and mingle among the Crystals. The room is less aggressive and tense than most days, and almost everybody is there. All except for Sunset Shimmer, who is oddly missing.

That is, until the door opens, and she comes in. She slightly pants from some sort of exertion, and takes a seat. Discord calmly looks over to her, “Is there any reason you were missing?”

She looks back with slight annoyance, “I had something to do.”

Discord shrugs, “Today something special or something?”

She leans back, “Oh, not much. It’s only the thirtieth Moon.”

Discord scratches his beard a bit, “Thirtieth Moon? Why do I feel like that’s important… ah, whatever.” He turns back to his Chaos students, “So, share the treasure, yes?”

———

It was only an hour later that a sound disturbed the quiet school. The doors, first being ran into, then being shoved open. Someone stumbling around in boots, and gasps of shock.

Discord walks to the door, and looks at his students, “Alright, I’m going to go check that out. Please, be nice as I’m gone. If you have any problems, solve them through rock-paper-scissors.”

Discord walks down the halls as the bell is about to ring. He hears a young male voice and a young female voice speaking in the entry hallway. They seem to be talking about something serious.

He then turns the corner, and sees a student next to a dog. This particular student being purple, having purple eyes, and a purple mane with pink stripes. The dog being purple, with green additions, who was in the middle of talking. He sees the teacher turn the corner, and recovers quickly, “Um... bark?”

The student turns around, and speaks kindly to the teacher, “Hello there, Sir, we are here to retreave a stolen crown from our world. Is there any way you might be able to get out the crown from inside this display case?”

Discord stares in shock at the familiar human, “By me, you are daft aren’t you?”

Twilight does a double take, “Say what now?”

Discord takes a glance at the clock, only to see it ticking down, almost time for school to be over. He gives Twilight his most commanding look, “You will follow me.”

She gasps, “I’m not in trouble am I?”

Discord takes another worried glance at the clock, before glaring at Twilight, “No. Now follow me, Sparkle. There are matters to discuss these students would interfere in.”

Twilight perks at the mention of her name, and follows after Discord as he storms down the hall. Her curiosity leading her along as she follows Discord into a meeting room. She walks in with Spike, and Discord slams the door behind her, locking the door and pulling the blinds.

Twilight puts Spike down, “Is there any reason you want to talk, Sir?”

Discord looks at her, “You still call me Sir? Oh, Twilight, what happened to you? What simpleton decided to replace your brain with their own?” He leans over his own back, “You don’t recognize me? Oh, my dear, you injure me.”

Twilight looks at Discord a little closer, “Is there a reason I should know you?”

Discord actually flinches, “Okay, that actually hurt a little. Do you not remember the maze? The skating at the Acres? The Tatzelwurm? The Blue Flu?” He smiles as realization washes over her face, “That’s right! It’s-“

She shouts, “Discord!” She stands up suddenly, unlocking her human instinct to raise her fists, “I don’t know how you got here, but I will stop you!”

Discord stands back up with indifference, “You still think I’m the same Discord from the history books. Let me tell you something, Sparkle. I’ve learned, I’ve changed.”

She doesn’t back down, “After you betrayed us to Tirek, you think I will trust you?”

Discord picks at one of his nails, “You are naive, Twilight. For one to believe I simply betrayed you, with nothing else going on in my mind, is truly naive.”

Twilight seethes at Discord, “You are no different than the monster you were.”

Discord loses his calm as something inside snaps, “No difference?” He appears in front of Twilight, and starts to walk closer and closer as he glares at her with changing eyes, “I was insane! Every friend I made passed away within a blink of an eye! Love causes naught but pain! So I shared that pain and killed, brutally and chaotically! You are still alive, Sparkle! That is proof there! You have no idea of what I’ve gone through!”

Twilight backs up, “Discord...”

He continues on, “I joined Tirek because he was immortal, and was a friend! I thought he was my one chance at having a friend who I could spend eternity with! He betrayed me, and I realized my mistake! You do not realize what I lost when you sealed me again. Fluttershy was everything to me, and I only realize now that she is gone. Fluttershy was the morpheme to the pain of loss inside of me. And now that she’s gone... it hurts. It really, really hurts.” Discord loses the mad look in his eyes, and collapses back into a chair, “And now she blames herself for what I’ve done. All I’ve done is ruin her life more... all because I couldn’t withstand the pain. She’ll die with that disappointment and self loathing, and I can do nothing about it. For all my power as a god, that is not something I can do. Equestria is gone for one thousand years, and when I get back, she’ll be gone.” He looks up at Twilight, a defeated look in his eyes, “That’s why I’m going to help you, Twilight. You can talk to Fluttershy, let her know not to blame herself. And, well... I want to repay you after what I did. Tell me, my dear, why are you here?”

Teacher Appreciation Week

Discord clicks his phone up, and smiles over at Twilight, “Well, Twilight, looks like we’ve got some helpers!” He flips open a random watch, then throws it behind him, “They’ll be here in a while.”

Twilight squirms in her chair, still uncomfortable in the odd skin, “What is the plan?”

Discord shakes his finger, “Now, now, Twilight. That’d spoil the surprise!”

She sighs, and looks over her human body, “So, if I walked through the portal and got these clothes, how’d you get those rags?”

Discord looks at himself, “Rags? My, my, Twilight, there are many who would kill to wear such as this. The coat of a King, the shorts of Lord Baden Powell, and the oldest t-shirt in existence? Surely you don’t think those are merely ‘rags’, right? I had to become a knight to get this coat!”

She smirks, “I have a hard time seeing you as a knight, Discord.”

Discord shakes his head, “Ah, then your imagination is severely limited, dear Twilight. I’ll have you know that I have been in honorable service of the British Empire for three hundred years.” He smirks, “Sorry if I don’t seem like the perfect example of a knight in Shining Armor.” He shrugs, “His body wouldn’t fit me anyway.”

Spike leaps on top of the table, “Seemed like you quite liked his skin when you stole his magic.”

Discord shakes his hand, “No, no, that is all wrong! Tirek did that, I was just a victim of not seeing what mattered. What still matters.” He sighs, and takes out a silver fob watch, and flicks it open, “Ah, they should be here!”

Twilight gets ready to see Discord’s helpers, only for absolute silence to fill the room.

Discord stops, and pulls his sleeve back. He looks at the crayon-drawn watch on his arm, and looks back at the fob watch. He taps his arm watch for a bit, “Well, I guess the fob was a bit off.” He closes the watch, and throws it behind him, “Didn’t need to summon a time lord anyway.” He smiles and turns to Twilight, “Alright, they should be here. Right... around... now!”

As he shouts ‘now’, the door opens. Sombra walks in behind the rest of them, coated in oil, and with cloth strapped to his back. Discord looks at him with an unasked question, and he shrugs, “Apprently the video lied about buses being metal monsters that needed to be slain.”

Discord motions on, “And the cloth?”

Sombra looks to his back, and quickly sheds the cloth, “Apparently the bus didn’t fly into the air above a battlefield either. I thought I would come prepared.”

Discord shakes his head, “Remind me to make it so you can’t watch gaming videos or conspiracies until you learn how to tell fact from fiction.”

Spike quips from behind him, “As if you’re one to talk about telling fact from fiction.”

Discord turns around, and leans right on the table, “See, here is the difference. When he thinks something is fact, and it is fiction, then he still is confined by the fact that it is fiction. Me? Fiction and fact are interchangeable. Only true fact is quantum physics.”

Twilight smiles, “As if you know anything about quantum physics.”

Discord flips himself over the table, so he could wrap his arm around her, “Tisk, tak, Twilight. Have you not read my books? Let me inform you, Transcending the Mundane and Discerning the Transmundane are two very quantum-ey books.”

Tirek crosses his arms, “Mind telling us why we’re here, Discord?”

Discord sighs, and flips back over the table, “Well, I assume you all know Twilight?”

Chrysalis instantly snaps her eyes to Twilight, “Sparkle?”

Twilight looks at the bunch, and starts piecing it together, “Wait... Chrysalis? Sombra? Tirek!? I thought you had changed, Discord?!”

Discord holds up a placating hand, “Woah, Twilight, I was not lying. We have all changed. When you are dumped in this world, your mind opens up and let’s you know that you did a lot wrong. By arriving in this dimension, they have all changed.”

Twilight leans back a bit, “Okay, say I believe you. What exactly is your plan?”

Discord looks at his fellow teachers, “Fellows, follow me into the classroom. I will explain as we walk.”

———

The door slams open, causing the loud class to instantly quiet themselves. The four teachers move into the room, catching the attention of the bickering cliques. A purple girl follows after them, catching the attention of the more observant bunch.

Discord smiles, “Alright then, kids. We have an important mission that will test all of your skills learned so far. We need to make it so Miss Bacon Hair, who usually sits in the back, loses this Fall Formal.”

One Chaos student raises his hand, “Uh, Discord, isn’t that a bit petty?”

Discord shrugs, “Do seals quack?”

The student nods, “If you try hard enough.”

Discord snaps, “Then that’s the answer. Make Sunset Shimmer confused.”

Sombra takes up after Discord, “Crystals, I want you to use your supply lines wisely. Cut off the enemy supplies, and force all the popularity and attention to go to Miss Sparkle at the door.”

A Crystal student also asks a question as he looks at Twilight, “Why are we supporting her, exactly?”

Sombra looks them dead in the eye, “We have debts to repay. That is all you need to know as of now.”

Chrysalis takes her turn, “Changelings, infiltrate her friend group and wreak mayhem.”

Tirek speaks at last, “Magic Thieves, it is time to turn your enemy against themself. Turn her confidence to doubt, and her contentment into dispair.”

Discord says the final line, “Scarlet Chorus, Disfavored, you are the brunt of our attack. Spread rumors, nasty rumors, and turn the people against them.” Discord laughs, “Everyone ready for fun!?”

“Aye, aye, Discord!”

“We won’t disappoint, Miss Chrysalis!”

“We’ll starve her out, King!”

“She’ll be crushed under self-doubt and depression, Lord Tirek!”

“Oh, she’ll suffocate under the hate of the common people!”

Discord laughs madly, and the Chaos students join in. Twilight looks around, worried at the enthusiasm of the students. She looks at Discord as he laughs more, “The fun has only begun!”

Interrogation

Discord sits across from Principle Celestia, his usual grin bigger than usual. Celestia looks at him over the desk, “I assume you know why you are in here, Discord?”

Discord grins, and shrugs, “Can’t say I do, dear Celestia. Mind enlightening me?”

She shakes her head, “Please, don’t call me ‘dear’. Those days have passed, Discord.”

Discord smiles, “Oh, there is a pause, yes. But those days could come back.”

Celestia smiles, “Well, it has been a few years.” She shakes those thoughts out of her head, “No, you’re trying to distract me. I called you in here because I’m afraid that you might have caused a bullying campaign against one of our students.”

Discord recoils in mock shock, “Bullying? Moi? Come now, Celestia, I thought you knew me better than that. Such an accusation! Oh, you wound me!”

Celestia crosses her arms, “Come on.”

Discord continues on, “You besmirch my good name! You rend my honorable moniker useless! To sully my-“

Celestia has had enough, “Discord!”

He stops, putting down his hand from his fake cries, “Yes?”

She puts a list of names down, “Hall monitors have been listening, Discord. They wrote down a list of names of those who seem to constantly insult the student, Sunset Shimmer. If you look closely, all the Chaos clique you founded are on this list. And a large majority of the so called ‘Scarlet Chorus’ and ‘Disfavored’. Both of which, need I remind you, originate from your class. It is not that hard to draw the conclusion that you probably set them up to do this. Tirek was also called into here earlier because of his clique’s involvement. He wouldn’t admit it, but I hope you will, Discord.”

Discord leans forward, “Admit it? Admit what, Celestia? You have no reason to suspect me.”

She sighs, “Discord, you are a God of Chaos in a parallel universe. I think that is reason enough to think you might be behind this.” She holds up her hand to stop Discord before he begins to speak, “I know that you change when you come here, Discord. You told me all about this... I still remember. I trust you when you say you are good. I ask you to trust me the same. I know this has something to do with that world. That’s where you disappeared to, isn’t it? And now that you’re back, you get a few cliques to harass a student? This isn’t normal from you. Not the Discord I know. He would need a reason to sic the clique. You talk about the old days? Then provide me a reason, and I can determine if you’re the same Discord I know.”

Discord takes a second to make his decision. He leans back in his chair, dragging his hand down his face, “You’re right, Celestia. Like usual. There is a new student, Twilight Sparkle. She isn’t from this world, though. She came through from my world, in pursuit of a stolen artifact.”

Celestia catches a hint of something in Discord’s voice, “This Twilight Sparkle, you knew her, didn’t you?”

Discord nods, “She was a friend. Keyword being ‘was’. She was best friends with my best friend, and we became kinda friends. I betrayed her, and all of them. That is why I am back here.”

Celestia nods, “So I assume you are helping her get back the artifact? Might I assume Sunset Shimmer presumably took the artifact?”

Discord leans forward, “Good observation. She stole a crown, which is a very powerful magical artifact. Now, I have to admit, I like her style. She stole something, and yet she placed it in a position that she would have to earn.”

Celestia squints, “A crown? Well, I know the Fall Formal crown looks a lot more shiny, all of a sudden.” Her eyes widen, “Oh, so Sunset Shimmer stole the crown and placed it into the Fall Formal’s place?”

Discord nods, “That way, if anyone were to follow after her, they wouldn’t be able to reclaim it. Sunset Shimmer always wins the Fall Formal, she always gets the crown. So if Twilight were to try and take the crown back, she would get stopped and look bad. If she takes it from Sunset after she gets it, it looks bad. If she takes it out of the case, she looks bad. And when Sunset Shimmer wins it, Twilight will seem like a raving madman if she tries to claim that Sunset is a inter-universal thief.”

Celestia grins, “Well, if nothing else, Sunset seems to be very clever. I’ll take that as an accomplishment of my school system.” She pauses for a second, “So, the reason you have sent cliques after her is so that she will lose the Fall Formal, and the crown can go back to it’s rightful owner? That’s a pretty good plan. Much too organized for you, Discord.”

He shakes his head, “Oh, no, it’s actually only my plan. Organized chaos is still chaos in the end. I just got Tirek, Chrysalis, and Sombra to all work together so our attack could cause more damage.”

Celestia smiles, and writes something down, “Well, Discord, I like what you’re trying to accomplish here. I’ll tell the hall monitors to turn a blind eye in the future.”

Discord smiles, “So, Celestia, about those old days.”

She shakes her head, “Not yet, Discord.”

Discord leans forward, “I didn’t hear a ‘no’.”

She smiles, “You have a class, Discord. I recommend you get to it.”

Fall Formal

The four teachers all move into the gym, where the Fall Formal is being held. Discord comes in with his best attire. That attire being a clean version of what he normally wears, and a white masquerade mask. Chrysalis wears the same black dress as normal, with bright green bracelets dangling from her arms. Sombra has put on a black suit over his armor, with dark purple cuffs at the end. Tirek has replaced his tank top with a short sleeved, red suit. His bracers are also shined to perfection.

Discord smiles as he walks away from the others, “Time to see if our students passed their exam! Oh, come now you three, have fun until the announcement!”

Discord promptly abandons them, allowing them to try and come up with something to do.

But Discord barely even spares them a stray thought, his mind being on other things. Chief among those things being the woman he is walking up to. Celestia stands there, dressed in a pure white dress that holds itself together with a single sun pendant. She looks over at Discord, “Discord, don’t you remember masks are supposed to be saved for the Mid-May Masquerade?”

Discord smiles, “The only think I don’t remember is how you would respond if I were to ask you for a dance. Would you mind enlightening me?”

Celestia smiles, “I would enjoy it, Discord, but I can’t. I have to tell the announcements, and the students would freak out if they saw us two dancing.”

Discord pouts, “Oh, come now, Celestia. So responsible, it’s almost a fault.” He goes back to smiling, “You have Luna to say the announcements if you don’t want to.”

Celestia shakes her head, “No, it is tradition for me to say these announcements. The pattern based students would have a fit if I didn’t say it.”

Discord leans in, “Caring about the opinions of others, Celestia? You must have forsaken all I tried to teach you. Perhaps I shall have to re-educate you at another point.” Discord then leans up to his full height, “Very well then! If I shall not dance with you, then I will dance with no soul but you. I shall dance with myself.”

Celestia grins, “Really now? This is something I want to see.”

Discord makes an exaggerated bow, “Then feast your eyes upon the dancing skills of Discord the Magnifique!”

Discord raises back up, puts his arms in mid air, and spins into the crowd of students.

He makes every step, every spin, every movement fit into the rhythm and beat of Dj-Pon3’s dubstep. It is graceful and beautiful to all around him. In fact, some of his Chaos clique are within the crowd, and start to dance just like him with their dates. More and more start to join in with his giant, ballroom dance.

On the other side of the room is Sombra, who learned the art of breakdancing from videos. His dance seems to move im a flurry of limbs. He flips this way and that, landing on his hand, landing on a leg, landing on his head. He spins on his head, one time, two times, three times. He then summons enough strength in his head to use it and flip his entire body back into a standing position. From this position, he starts pulling off back flips and front flips. He even does a side flip at one point.

Tirek simply stands against the wall, slightly moving his foot and head to the beat. He doesn’t like dubstep as much as thinks like metal and hard rock, but he can still enjoy a good beat.

Chrysalis doesn’t dance. She instead stands in a dark corner, listening to the conversations of the students around her. She hears intel, insults against Sunset, and much more. Dark secrets slipping out in the middle of conversation, drama between dates, jokes told between friends. Her Changeling clique hangs out around her, feeding her even more information. She might dance, but hearing the intel of her clique and the words of the students around her fills her with just as much joy.

Sombra is stopped in the middle of his dance as he looks around him. All those around him have started a ballroom dance, and the music has changed to a remix of some orchestra. His breakdance no longer fits in, and he has to quickly adapt.

Tirek ran into the same problem with the music. Now that everyone is dancing, he seems like an odd one out. He needs to dance to not seem weird, and his eyes quickly meet Sombra’s.

Sombra’s eyes meet Tirek’s, who starts to approach Sombra. It is clear that he needs a partner to dance with. Sombra turns to the nearest female he can find, and starts to dance away from Tirek. He looks at Twilight as he spins her around. She looks back at him, “What are you doing?”

Sombra continues to spin, “We’re getting away from Tirek before he breaks my spine in a dance.”

Twilight stumbles all around as he spins her, “I can’t exactly dance in this body!”

Sombra continues his endless spinning, “You don’t have to dance. Just stay standing until I get to the opposite wall.”

Twilight starts to go dizzy from the spin, “I’m going to be sick.”

Sombra doesn’t stop, no matter what, “Just roll a Con save! You’ll be fine!”

Discord comes spinning by Sombra, and he idly throws a die at Sombra’s feet without breaking his dance. Discord spins around the two, smiling at Sombra as the dice stop, “It’s a ten, she’ll be fine.”

Discord then continues his solitary dance through the path carved by Sombra. He eventually gets near the wall, where Tirek sees him, “Discord!”

Discord looks over at Tirek, who starts to approach him. Discord quickly realizes that Tirek wishes to join his dance. Discord decides to flip over the entire crowd, landing next to Sombra and continuing his dance, “I can see why you are in such a hurry!”

The music suddenly stops in the middle of Tirek’s search. All look up to the stage, where Celestia takes a microphone. She smiles, and starts to speak into it, “Well, students and teachers of Canterlot High, I hope you are all enjoying this year’s Fall Formal. However, it is time to announce the winner of the Fall Formal crown!”

Twilight gets herself out of Sombra’s grip, and she looks up to the stage. Chrysalis can also spot the confident, hopeful face of Sunset Shimmer already approaching the stage.

Celestia takes out a sheet of paper, “This year’s Fall Formal crown winner is... Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight goes up to the stage, and gladly takes her magical artifact back. She misses the knowing smile from Celestia, instead turning to face her friends human counterparts. She also misses Sunset Shimmer running up at her. She only realizes what Sunset is doing when the crown is stolen from her head.

Sunset runs through the exit to the gym, with Twilight following after her. Discord and the three other substitutes all step up to the door as the crowd parts.

Discord smiles as he reaches up, “Don’t worry, I got this.” He rips his white mask from his face, and throws it against the ground, “Arsene!”

Everyone stares at Discord as his mask shatters on the ground.

After a minute of nothing happening, Discord sighs, “Guess I will run after them, then.”

Author's Note

I’m sorry, I just want to mention. Sombra dancing in a flurry of limbs is the best pun I’ve ever made.

Sunset

Discord pushes open the external door of the school, finding himself within the courtyard. Sombra, Tirek, and Chrysalis follow right after him. They all stare into the sky, as Sunset Shimmer starts to transform. Twilight also stares into the air, knocked onto her back.

But she isn’t the only one who transforms. The four substitutes also find themselves surrounded by light, and floating into the air. Chrysalis is surrounded by green light, Tirek by red, Sombra by purple, and Discord by polka dot. They all start to change their forms right along Sunset.

Chrysalis sprouts two insectoid wings from her back, and her skin turns coal black. Her skins also seems to be hit by a hole puncher, as holes sprout throughout her. Her eyes glow a bright green, and her horn sprouts from her head.

Sombra melts into the dark purple, his form disappearing entirely. He then is pieced together by shadow and mist. His body reconstructs itself, his metal armor replaced with a dark crystal. His suit he was wearing turns into a bright red kingly cape on his back. His hands grasp around a dark spear with familiarity. His eyes bleed a purple fire, and his teeth have turned to metal fangs. The meter stick that he carried on his back shifts forms into a greatsword of shadow. The pencils all around his body morph into shards of crystal, ready to dig into the flesh of his enemy. And a red horn slowly constructs on his head, ready to cast the world into shadow.

Tirek grows bigger. He breaks through his suit, showing off the black tank top underneath, with his now huge muscles shown off. His beard grows longer, and his mohawk stands straighter. Two horns burst from atop his head, with a everpresent ball of fiery magic hovering between the two.

Discord starts to change almost instantly. One hand stretches and melds itself into an claw. The other congeals and spreads until it forms a paw. A single tooth grows so far that it sticks outside his mouth, and his goatee grows to an acceptable length. An antler sprouts from one side of his head, and a horn from the other. His body elongates, growing him taller, and making him look more lanky than before. Two wings also burst from his back, changed from his equestrian version. Now, he has an oversized angel wing and a undersized demon wing. The most obvious change is the tail that tears itself from his shorts, with a flexible end to it.

The four all float to the ground as Sunset finishes her transformation. The four of them look like a mashup of their natural forms with their human forms. Discord steps to the front of the group as Sunset becomes a demonic version of herself. She starts to rip the wall from the school, until a single shout fills the air, “Hey! Bacon Hair!” The name instantly catches Sunset’s attention. Discord holds up his talons, poised to snap, “One thousand years seem like much now?”

She instantly understands what he means, “You! You were an Equestrian!? Fine. Now I have a worthy opponent!”

She picks up some of the rubble, and throws it towards Discord. He snaps once, causing the stone to turn to cheese with opposite gravity. It goes floating up into the air, until Discord snaps it to aluminum, and looks over at Tirek.

Tirek nods, and grabs hold of the rubble with his magic, throwing it towards Sunset. Sunset just shoots through it with a magical beam, rendering the attack useless. Tirek looks towards his others, “Get her on the ground, I can attack her down here!”

Chrysalis and Discord take to the air with a flap of their respective wings. Sombra disappears into the shadows all around him on the dark night.

Sunset instantly lets free a magical beam, which Chrysalis easily dodges past. She also decided to turn into a replica of Discord, and switches position with him. Discord stops yet another beam by turning it into chocolate milk, and creating a giant glass. With the glass filled, he turns it into a cannon, and the milk into fire. He fires it at her with little effect.

Chrysalis takes Sunset’s distraction to move right up next to her ear, and clap as she turns her hands into cymbals. The ringing echoes through Sunset’s ears, causing her to be disorientated enough to miss a retaliation attack. As she flails in the air, Discord decides to teleport behind her, and attaches a piece of paper to her back. He then somehow does a backflip in midair over her, and floats away.

It’s at this moment that Sombra jumps through the veil of shadows behind Sunset. He comes flying from just above her back, his leg meeting her spine and spiking the two downwards. Sunset hits the ground, hard, with Sombra’s heavy crystal boot pushing her down. Sombra holds his hand in the air, and summons his crystal spear from the veil of shadows. He uses Sunset as a jumping board to jump into the air, and he comes crashing back down with the spear where his boot was. The spear pins her to the sidewalk, going right through the piece of paper. Written on the paper is ‘kick and maim me!’ in Discord’s handwriting.

Sunset is done though. She manages to push herself up, rising up until she has gone through the pole of the spear. She spins around, trying to slap Sombra around. But her hand is stopped by one that is a bright red. She follows the muscled arm until she comes face to face with Tirek. Tirek smiles, “Hope you have some painkillers. Cause this pain is going to be killer.”

He flips her around, and slams her on the concrete hard enough to crack it. He then takes her arm, and bends it in the wrong direction. The bone breaking can be heard even within the Fall Formal, and all involuntarily cringed. Except for Tirek. Tirek is too busy moving onto his next move.

He picks Sunset up by her head, and throws her against the ground with all his strength. He then stomps her face into the concrete with his boot. He jumps a good foot or two into the air, and comes down with both feet on top of Sunset’s head. Now, Sunset’s head is buried so far into the concrete that she looks more like a flagpole than a human. Tirek then grabs her by her waist, and moves her to the ground like flipping a lever. This causes her neck to break at a ninety degree angle. Tirek makes use of her now exposed neck to stomp down on it one last time, breaking the bones that just healed back.

Sunset raises herself from the ground, livid and seething. She tries to blast Tirek with her magic, only for him to absorb her magic with his bracers. She finally loses it, and summons a firey sword of plasma. She swings it forward, only to have it be blocked by Sombra’s own sword.

Sombra then hits her with an attack powerful to send her sliding back even with her blocking. She slides two meters away, giving a perfect space for Chrysalis to land. Her arms are morphed into sharp blades, and she moves with a flurry of blows against Sunset. Sunset has to create a second sword just to stop all the blows headed her way.

But Chrysalis hesitates for a single second, changing her blades into chainsaws. Sunset uses this moment to strike with her own blow. She moves forth with her swords of plasma, expecting to have fried bug in a second. But, the fire decides to snap freeze, and Discord decides to do the snapping. He lands between the two, and catches each of Sunset’s blades between his talons and paw. He moves up his tail, and snaps the ice into oxygen. He rubs his talons together, creating a spark, and igniting Sunset’s arms.

Sunset backs away a bit as he arms go out. She looks at the four villains with fear in her eyes. She narrows her eyes, “Why are you fighting me? You aren’t heroes!”

Discord smiles, and all four of them seem to lift into the air once more. He laughs, “Of course we’re not the heroes. That should be obvious.” He looks over at the fallen Twilight, “But when the heroes fall? When the innocent adventurous are laid out? We’re not the heroes.” He looks back at Sunset after sharing a look with his three friends. He grins, “We’re the Substitutes.”

The Elements pick up the existence of the four, and decide to go to them instead of their proper bearers, for this one time. Laughter and Generosity float around Discord. Honesty and Loyalty takes it’s place at Sombra’s side. Magic floats into the orange ball between Triek’s horns. Kindness sees the intentions behind Chrysalis’s actions, and floats around her. They tap into the deep, hidden spirits of the former villains, and summon fourth the harmony from them. From them comes a beam, one that isn’t rainbow. Green, red, purple, and tan. This quartet of colors strike Sunset, and Harmony works it’s magic.

Sunset is slowly changed back into human form, now allowed a chance to see her mistakes. They float down into the relatively undamaged courtyard. Sunset looks up at the four, and looks down. She prepares to be executed for her crimes.

Discord picks her up, and snaps with his tail. The damage done to the school, and to the courtyard, fixes itself. Discord smiles at Sunset, “Harmony has allowed you to see, hasn’t it? So come on, there’s a dance, and you aren’t missing it.”

———

Those at the Formal listen closely as Sunset apologizes to Twilight. They all accept her right back as Twilight forgives her. They saw what happened outside, but trust the Substitutes when they say that Sunset is better. So, the dance kicks back into full swing.

Tirek looks over at Sombra. Their eyes meet, and both realize they still don’t have a partner to dance with. Sombra internally sighs, and moves over to Tirek. They both start to dance, right after Sombra made sure to clarify, “No homo.” Tirek’s heavy boots move in time with Sombra’s crystal armor.

Chrysalis tries to get back in her corner. Her darker skin allows her to blend in better, yet those from the Changeling clique still find her. What wasn’t expected, however, was one of them offering a hand to her. The student smiles, “Dance, my Queen. You are always to serious, let go for once.” Chrysalis smiles at the student’s bravery, shrinks down to his size, and takes his hand. The student wasn’t the best dancer, but Chrysalis made up for that.

Discord walks over to Celestia, who looks at his strange form, “So this is what you looked like in the other world?”

Discord looks down at himself, “Some elements of it.” He then raises his talon, and snaps. He shrinks back down, his extra limbs disappear, and he returns back to his human form. He smiles, “But that’s not who I am anymore. That Discord is long gone.”

Celestia smiles, “And what Discord is this.”

Discord grins, “The one you know.” He offers a hand, “The one who wants to know if you will dance with him.”

Celestia looks at his hand, outstretched towards her.

She takes it, “Then allow me to enlighten you.”

—(End of Act One)—

Interlude

Discord leans against the statue in the court yard. He smiles, his form back to normal, and his magic kept hidden below. He smiles as Twilight approaches, slightly lifting a hand to cut off the glare of the sun. Twilight smiles back, “Discord, I’ve been looking for you. It seemed like you up and disappeared.”

Discord nods, “Yes, well, me and Celestia had something to talk about. I was searching for you as well. Knew you would eventually wind up here.”

Twilight stops in front of him, having to looks up slightly, “Well, through the portal with the two of us.”

Discord shakes his head, “Sorry, Twilight. I won’t be returning to Equestria.” He flicks out a watch, “I fear I wouldn’t be able to return should I go through. Not for a moon.”

Twilight smiles, “Well, you don’t have to worry about coming back here. From what I saw last night, and from what you’ve told me, I could gladly stick up for your return.”

Discord places the watch back into his pocket, “You don’t understand, Twilight. I don’t come back here because of obligation to your Princess’s punishment. Princess Celestia holds no power over me in reality. She doesn’t matter to me anymore. I found a Celestia that I appreciate, and who appreciates me.”

Twilight looks down at the ground, “But what about Fluttershy?” She then shoots her head back up, and glares Discord in his eyes, “You said you wanted to make it up to Fluttershy! That’s why you helped me, that’s why I’m forgiving you! Do you even know what you-“

Discord stares back, “I know what I did, Twilight. I was her best friend, and I... I joined Tirek. But I never said I wanted to make it up to Fluttershy. I wanted you to tell her not to blame herself for my mistake.” Discord sighs, and rubs his head, “I can’t go back to Equestria. No matter how much I want to make it up to Fluttershy.”

Twilight narrows her eyes, “Why not? You feel like you belong to this world? Why, Discord?! Why can’t you go back?!”

Discord takes a single step away from the statue, and towards Twilight, “Godhood, Sparkle. I will not be enslaved by the chains of godhood once more.” He takes yet another step forward, “That’s why I am here. I am a normal person! I am a rich man who became a teacher! I am not the God of Chaos, I am not some abomination that causes others to flee!” He suddenly sees Twilight cowering below him. He turns back to the statue, rubbing his eyes, “Is that so much to ask? To actually get what I want for once?”

Twilight straightens back up, and faces his back, “What do you mean?”

Discord looks back at her, “You know what I mean, Sparkle. You didn’t choose to become an alicorn, did you?”

She shakes her head, “No, but Princess Celestia would’ve stopped if I asked.”

Discord smiles sadly, “Fate is not as kind as Celestia.” He thinks back, “I lived free, but I never could do what I wanted. Brother taught me the responsibility of being a King. Heh, he also taught me the true meaning of ‘right hook’. Didn’t like me going after his daughter. Definitely didn’t like the dagger from Queen Metamorphosis in his back either.” He holds up his hand, clenched tightly, “I became King of Equestria. Year 1, D.R.”

Twilight slightly smiles, “And you say you didn’t have freedom during your time as King?”

Discord nods, “I had a responsibility to Equestria, I was a King. If I were to go to a school and try to teach, all would treat me like a god. In all definitions, I was. The chaos was in my mind, and I couldn’t think.”

Twilight nods, “And you can here.”

Discord snaps his fingers, “Exactly, but not quite. Here, I am a regular, if odd man. I am normal... yet I’m not boring. I can choose to make a normal action in a normal job teaching normal kids.”

Twilight crosses her arms, “But you aren’t normal, Discord. Students saw you last night.”

Discord sighs, “But they won’t treat me as odd. All they care about is that I save them.” He faces towards Twilight, “This world isn’t normal anymore. Now, Equestrian magic has spread onto it like a plague. This world is become abnormal.” He smiles, “It needs someone abnormal to defend it.” He flips open his watch, “You really should be going, Twilight. The portal will close soon.”

She breathes deeply, and smiles, “Goodbye, Discord.”

Discord nods, “Goodbye, Twilight.”

—(Act 2, Begin)—

Reaction

“The nation is left in shock today due to a situation that occurred in a small town in New England yesterday. The incident happened right outside of a school in the middle of an annual dance. The Principle was kind enough to let us use the CCTV footage. What is seen is quite shocking.”

———

“These creature’s dare to sprout wings from their backs! Look, even their wings are corrupted! Followers, it is obvious to us that can see that this is the beginning of Armageddon. Obama, Benedict, and Satan have all worked together to summon to Earth these unholy creatures! What we see here is not a group of heroes saving the day, but a fight between Satan’s minions. Others will allow these corrupters to live among our children, and I say it is time to take action! We will not let these sodomites to continue, if we are not Westboro!”

———

“Many groups across the nation, and across the entire world, have taken stances. Many groups just want to leave the four substitute teachers alone, but there are some groups that call for either negative or positive action. The Westboro Baptist Church has called for action against the school and substitutes. In the opposite corner, Pope Francis has called the four to Rome for a meeting. Some have called for these four to be given full government support. Celebrity, Robert Downey Jr. has commented at how this group could become a, quote, ‘real life Avengers’. People all around the nation seem to have taken this stance, and have used this to make fun of certain groups. Later tonight, we will see a story about a group of ten tennagers standing outside Westboro with signs utilizing the ‘Avengers Endgame’ logo.”

———

“I say to you all today; do not harass these four! Yes, I know, this is quite a big event. God has sent down angels to protect us from the agent of Satan! You should be very excited, for our prayers for protection have been answered! But it is not our place to harass the servants of God. They appear to want to live a normal life, and we should listen to them. Don’t treat them any different. In fact, I ask you all today to instead help them live their normal lives to the fullest! Don’t allow anyone from places like Westboro to harass them. Now, let us all how our heads in prayer, and thank the Lord for the protection he has provided us.”

———

“It should be clear that these are just normal people given abnormal power.”

“Those powers could be used by the United States. Imagine how few people would have to die in the War against Terror if we were to get them to fight!”

“They are U.S citizens, we cannot force them to fight! If you advocate for the government to take away their rights, then you advocate for tyranny in place of democracy! They are no different than you are!”

———

“What is seen in this video is an anomaly.”

“Meaning?”

“Science has no explanation for this. To put it simply, this is magic.”

———

“And what does the government have to say about this? President Patton has been silent on this issue.”

“We cannot make any statement at this point in time.”

———

“And why should America be able to keep all four? Sir Discord has been a British knight for three hundred years! The Queen should be able to call him to the House of Windsor!”

“Because the United States respect his freedom as a citizen! We will allow him to go, only if he makes the express decision to do so!”

———

Discord smiles at his students, “I cannot express how proud I am of all of you.”

Big Twist throws his hand to the ground, “Discord, that power you used, is that what we have been using?”

Discord nods, “Yes. The magic of Equestria is bleeding into our own world, and this class is the only one who can access it. You will never get as powerful, but you will learn to use it.”

Discord is about to continue on, but he is interrupted by a knock at the door. He opens the classroom door, and comes face to face with quite a popular man. The man extends his hand, “Sir Discord, it is very nice to meet you.”

Discord slowly shakes his hand, “Patton. Not everyday I get visitors.”

The President smiles, “Yes, well, it’s not everyday that we get introduced to the existence of powers akin to that of a superhero. That is why I am here, Sir Discord. I would like to talk to you. I want to hear what you want to happen.”

Discord slowly smiles, “Follow me, Patton. I have a conference room.”

Meeting

Discord takes a seat, and the President sits on the opposite side of the table, “Sir Discord, what we discuss here could have many effects on the world. Now-“

Discord interrupts him, “Before we begin, I want to make two things clear. One; I do not care about America. I do not care about your administration. I do not care for any nation out there. I know this, and I know that you know this. Two.” Discord leans forward, “I would die to protect my students, so you do not even dare to threaten them. If you lay a finger on them, and they do not conset, even verbally, then I can guarantee you that Vice President Pfaff will be getting a promotion. Three; I get bored and change the rules whenever I want. Five; this is my school, and I am the powerful one here.”

Patton smiles, “You are too paranoid of me, Discord. I came here because I respect your decision as a U.S citizen. If you say no, then I will be on my way. But I ask that you listen to my proposal, and my reasoning, first.”

Discord nods, “Very well then. You came all the way out here. I suppose I can grant you that.”

Patton nods, “Very well then. First, I would like to ask a question. What do you know of the powers you got?”

Discord smiles, slipping into his liar’s lips, “I have no idea. They just... happened. They are gone now, as well, but I can feel them deep within me. I can give my approximation of what our powers allowed us to do?”

Patton smiles, “Please, if you could. You do have first hand experience, you would know.”

Discord nods, “Well, the simplist seem to be Sombra and Tirek. Sombra has always wanted to be a medieval knight and general, that’s the main reason we’re friends to begin with. Like any good King, he decided to learn how to use a sword. His practical skills are journeyman at best. Yet when he got that power, he seemed like an expert on all weapons, even including the spear. I also think he can do something along the lines of moving fast enough as to look like he became a shadow. Tirek is more simple. He has always been a exerciser, wanting to be the coach in this school. He was never that strong though. But, from what I saw him use, it seems he was the Hulk given form. Just red instead of green. I could hear it myself, his weaker punches still made every bone in the area of Sunset’s body crack and shatter. Chrysalis seems to be able to shape shift, and that’s about all I know. She has always been very secretive, more like a CIA agent rather than a teacher.”

Patton nods, “And what about you, Discord? You definitely used the most unique powers out there. I don’t even think there is a superhero to compare it too. Maybe Loki?”

Discord laughs, “Loki? Well, I have always found him the most enjoyable of the Norse pantheon. All I know about my power is chaos. It’s indescribable to you, but it is such a pleasure to experience. It’s like when you are very sneaky, and tear a group apart from the inside. The feeling you get when you tell a lie and a group of people that were once friends fight? It’s that feeling. Smug satisfaction as you watch the Chaos, and know that you caused it all without even breaking a sweat. That rock that was thrown towards me? The molecules inside of it were friends when they were in Sunset’s magic. But when I took hold of it? They were tearing into each other, and I was a puppeteer guiding them to a proper decision. I told them to throw off the shackles of gravity and matter, and they listened. When I broke the ice; all I did was cause the ice to disagree with itself until fracturing. I teleported by convincing the universe that I was supposed to be there. I told the laws of physics that my talons were a flint and steel, and caused fire. And in the end, I convinced my body that it didn’t have transformed limbs anymore.”

Patton leans back, “That... that is very unique. You’re right, I have a hard time imaging how that works. But, anyway, onto the main point of business. You should join the special forces.”

Discord shakes his head, “Yeah, no. I’m not a soldier, I am a teacher. I dealt with Sunset because she was, and threatened, my students. I am a normal man, Patton. A normal man who has lived long due to an odd experiment, and has gained powers he has no idea how to explain. Now, I have a class to teach.”

Discord gets up, but Patton stops him, “Discord, wait. I have a second proposal.” Discord turns around to face him, “Something that won’t interfere with anything in your life. In fact, it would help you live a normal life. Discord, would you be okay if I were to have an agent do surveillance on you? He wouldn’t get in your way, only live in the town and tell me if anything odd is happening.”

Discord smiles, “Now you’re talking, Patton. Sure, I like the idea. Now, I must be going.”

Discord walks out of the conference room, and back to his class. But, as he walks past the main door, he sees three figures in the shadows.

He turns to the figures, “Come on, Chrysalis, I know that’s you.”

Three girls walk out instead. One blue, one purple, and the lead orange. The leader speaks, “Sorry, no, we’re not Chrysalis. In fact, we’re new here.”

Discord raises an eyebrow, “You are? Welp, I am not going to be stuck giving you a tour. Follow me, I can get someone who is supposed to do this.” He smiles, “You three arrived at the perfect time. The Musical Showcase is soon. Maybe you could join and score some brownie points with everyone. Eh, not like I care anyway, just felt like some exposition.” He starts to walk, “Come now, Celestia will have to put up with you.”

Conflict

Tirek snaps at the students, “Tell me, what mistake did he make?!”

One student raises their hand, “He fought too many opponents at once!”

Tirek shakes his head, “Incorrect! He made an alliance with nations that were not ready for war, and yet declared many of them!” Tirek points at Japan, “America, the sleeping giant, awoken by a nation of pathetic and peaceful fools!” He snaps at Italy, “Greece, giving the largest navy in the world a place to land because of a country who’s stuck in the previous war!” Tirek points at another student, “You! Tell me, what should Adolf Hitler done to begin with?”

The Magic Theif smiles, “He should’ve pushed Italy to declare war on Greece, and then join Greece in the war and invade through the Alps. Then he would’ve owned the land he needed for factories, and he wouldn’t have to declare war on the Benelux to get through France. Then the American army couldn’t have known he would try to push through the northern forest, and he could’ve retaken France easily, focusing his forces against the Soviet Union instead.”

Tirek is about to speak, but is interrupted as a vent is sent flying off a wall. It impacts the opposite wall, and Discord crawls out of there on all fours. He climbs onto the ceiling, and starts to sniff around. Tirek sighs, “Discord, why were you in that vent?”

Discord sniffs again, and drops to the ground, standing straight up, “I smell conflict. A very familiar smell of conflict. Tell me, Tirek, is it not lunch period one?”

Tirek nods, “Yeah, it is.”

Discord kicks open the door, and rushes down the hallway. Tirek looks back at the class, and scratches his goatee, “Uhh, any of you Chaos kids have an explanation?”

Big Twist speaks up, snapping his fingers from pens back to normal, “Someone is causing conflict, Discord is investigating it.”

Meanwhile, Discord finds his legs moving like the Road Runner. He slams to a halt outside the lunch room, and he takes a big sniff.

He can smell conflict and chaos being sewn. Yet, something about the conflict is not natural. No, it is definitely familiar, and it is not natural.

He opens the door a sliver, and shrinks his head to fit it through. He sees the three students from earlier that day, walking around the lunch room. Then he hears their singing, and his mind starts to go slightly fuzzy.

Students stand up and begin fighting, shouting, and all around just having any conflict. He feels content, and his fuzzy mind tells him to just sit there.

Then his eyes lock onto something else. Something wrong.

Celestia is sitting there, doing nothing, watching her school decend into chaos.

Discord snaps out of it, and draws himself as far away from the lunch doors as possible. He pants and coughs, getting all the artificial conflict out of his system.

He looks at the doors, still barely able to hear the singing.

He picks up a claw, and snaps, disappearing from the school.

Savior

Sombra stares at his clique of students, confused as all of them seem to be arguing amongst each other. Their arguments stop as Tirek barges in the room, with Chrysalis at his side. He glares, and Sombra gets closer to him, “What is it?”

Tirek sniffs intently, “Discord has disappeared, and some strange magic is filling the school. Come with us, we are going to stop this.”

Sombra nods, and stomps out the room, “Class dismissed!”

Tirek takes deep sniffs as he walks down the hallway, turning every which direction. He sniffs extra strong, starts to charge at a random door.

He bashes it down, and readies his fists for whatever he might find. The other two enter as well, listening intently and drawing their weapons.

Their listening is what caused their downfall, as they are caught off guard by three harmonious voices. Tirek tries to cover his ears, but finds his will taken away.

Sombra shifts into shadow, yet he is still caught within their song, and slips back into his normal form.

Chrysalis starts to buzz her wings as loud as possible, and turn her ears into earmuffs so to not listen. Yet even then, their song rips through her defenses, and pries into her mind.

The three Dazzlings step out of the shadows, smiling as they continue humming to their new victims.

The three Substitutes turn and start to argue with each other, and the energy of conflict radiates off them like the sun.

The entire school is now under their control, bar one group of students.

———

Discord floats around in nothing, coming up with a plan to defeat the Sirens. He looks all in his mind, only to find one answer prevailing over all others.

He needs more of himself.

———

Discord snaps off the sombrero he had on, “So no teaching of Crystal culture? Fine.” He glowers at the crowd before him, “Either way, ponies react to chaos so much better than humans.”

He looks up to hear a comeback from one of his friends, only to see them all frozen in place. No, it would seem like everything is frozen in place.

Discord pops into existence, instantly feeling baked by the desert sun in his coat and overly long socks. He looks around to see an odd crowd around him. Pinkie Pie, a human in a brown duster next to a female human, a decapitated head, and a stereotypical western town.

Discord turns around, and his eyes widen as he sees Discord. His eyebrows raise, pushing his afro even higher up, “Oh, now what’s this? A human version of moi?”

Discord cringes upon sight of the afro upon Discord’s head, “Yeesh, what is this, the Sixties?”

Discord crosses his arms, “I’ll have you know that the afro is needed for mastery of the trumpet.” Discord then walks closer to the other Discord, offering Discord his hand, “Name’s Discord, trumpet player for the Explosive Rockers.”

Discord takes Discord’s hand, fingers meeting talons, and shakes, “Discord, Substitute Teacher for Canterlot High.”

Discord smiles, and nods towards Discord, “Nice to meet another Discord. Tell me, you know that summoning Discords is dangerous, so what situation are you in?”

Discord smiles back, “Sirens have taken over the school, and I can’t take them on alone.”

Discord draws back, “Don’t tell me. Is it Adagio?”

Discord nods, “Yes, so you already know how dangerous they can be. I need to save Celestia and everyone else!”

Discord summons his trumpet, “I’m with you, Discord. Let’s take them on!”

Discord holds up his talons, and snaps his way out of the universe, to await in nothing. Discord nods, and snaps to his next destination.

———

Discord lands in the new world, and looks all around.

Everything is music. A harmonious song fills the air of Canterlot Palace, as the Elements and the two Princess speak to each other. Each one is made up of a single music note, colored in different ways.

The ground is made of a sheet, and each step causes a new note to be added to the overall song. Each note fits in, and everything is perfect.

But then a sound rings out, a single loud drum beat that is out of the rhythm.

Discord appears in the throne room, made up of many different notes. One of his legs are a Minim, and another is a Crescendo. His head is a giant Semibreve, and his beard a breath mark. One arm is a Quaver, and another is a Double Flat. His body is a stretched out Neutral, and his mouth a Breve.

All around him, every movement he makes, he causes a note that is out of tone, rythem, and beat. His mouth opens in a laugh, and what sounds like a scratch of a vinyl comes out. However, his laughter stops as time freezes, and he realizes someone is there.

Discord smiles at Discord, “My name is Discord, Substitute at Canterlot High. I need musical experts. I imagine that with your entire world being music, you would be one?”

Discord reaches into himself, and somehow takes out a vinyl disk. He smiles, and a single electronic beat sounds out. He rises his arm, and another loud drum beat sounds as he awaits in nothing.

———

Discord throws a chunk of marble into the air, catching it as it falls, and sighing in boredom, “Creator, where is the sequel! I’ve been waiting for months, but no, other Discords get the spotlight and I just get to sit here and play with Marbles. I mean, come on, we were a hit, what with all our rocks and stuff, and our subversion of expectations and parody of a popular sub-genre!”

Discord appears, and watches in amusement as Discord throws Marbles back into the air, “Bored, are we? I have a solution to help both me and you.”

Discord looks over at him, catching Marbles without trying, “Will it be a thematic pun about rocks yet also a parody that will defy people’s expectations by meeting them exactly?”

Discord smiles, “You’re going to play Rock music.”

Discord jumps up, “Yes! Ha-ha! Screw you Creators, I’m doing something before you release ‘I Have a Boulder’!” He looks at the other Discord, “I’ll await you eagerly.”

———

Discord faces down his friend, and enemy. He summons a guitar, and seethes, “Of course you are back. Why wouldn’t you be? Have you come to try and kill me again, Tim?”

The man in a jesters uniform raises his ukulele, and opens his mouth, but is stopped as time itself is stopped.

Discord appears behind Discord, “I need a guitar player.”

Discord looks back, and sighs, “I suppose my fight can wait.”

———

The two final Discords appear in nothing, where the group of them all stand together. Discord smiles, “Alright Discord, what’s the plan?”

Discord looks at all of them, “Okay.” He points at the one with the afro, “I’m gonna need you to prepare a jazzy beat on your trumpet.” He points at Discord, who is still throwing Marbles into the air, “I need you to be our drummer, fast beat.” He points at the Discord who holds the guitar, “I need you to play your guitar, metal style.” He points at musical Discord, “You remix it all together in a electronic, EDM style.” He smiles, “I’ll take the vocals. Is everyone ready?”

“Ready!”

“Marbles says he’s ready to play!”

“We’re gonna put in an explosive show!”

Discord screeches out a high pitched note that causes every other Discord to either cover their ears, or be thankful they have an afro.

Discord smiles, “Alright, let’s go!”

Afro Discord raises his hand, “Wait, what’s our band name?”

Discord scratches his goatee, and smiles, “Discord and the Cacophony.”

Harmonic Dissonance

The five Discords pop into existence, each carrying the instrument of their choice. They stand on a hill top, looking over an outside theater where the Dazzlings stand. Discord snaps, and speaker systems appear all around.

Discord steps forward as his microphone appears, sending the loud noise of feedback over the crowd of people.

The Dazzlings below look up to the hill, their eyes slightly widening as they view the congregation of Discords.

Discord doesn’t give them any time to comprehend what is happening, before he speaks into the microphone.

His voice radiates out of the speakers behind him, clear and loud, he speaks, “Welcome, one and all, to the defeat of the Dazzlings! We are Discord and the Cacophony, and we are here to save you the only way we can!”

His declaration is followed by a loud blare of a trumpet, and the drums begin.

Discord smirks down at the Dazzlings, as the music Discord makes giant musical notes appear in the air, bathing them all in green and red light. Discord fixes his eyes with Adagio, “Music. Just like all those years ago.”

The guitar starts up with a single riff, and the electronic beats slowly begin to mix with it. The trumpet backs off, letting just the guitar, electronic, and drums take over, giving the whole affair an industrial feel to it.

Discord takes a deep breath, making sure the microphone picks it up, before starting.

“Welcome... to Discordant Harmony,
Contradictions as far as you can see,
But please, just promise me...
That you’ll become what you need to be!”

The trumpet picks up as the guitar switches and the electronics synthesize with the trumpet, changing immediately to become electro swing.

Discord taps his foot along, picking up the microphone, and smiling as he sings at a much faster pace.

“We’re not heroes, we don’t need to be!
For we are the masters of Disharmony!
But we’re still here to save the day,
In our own, Discordant way!”

He twists about with the microphone, leaning right against the trumpet Discord.

“So pick your feet up and command your hips to sway,
Put a smile on your face and be quite gay!
And when we’re done, you should know what to say,
‘Thank you Discord for saving the day’!”

The trumpet Discord makes a second version of himself, who sings a solo.

“Human, pony, black, or white, it don’t matter the race,
Long as Discord puts a smile on your face,
And don’t think it makes you a disgrace,
To find some fun in this place!”

They all smile, as the guitar lets out a final high note, and they all look down at the Dazzlings.

Adagio seems to have regained control of herself, and stands in front of a microphone with the other two. Her mouth opens to sing.

“Oh, look at who’s come,
Oh, here to ruin our fun.
Look at what the cat’s dragged in,
A creature of disgust and sin.”

The guitar Discord whispers to the singer, “Should we seriously just let them sing without interrupting them?”

Discord holds up a hand, “They expect us to interrupt, and they would take that opportunity to strike us.” He smiles, “Besides, we have an ace up our sleeve.”

The guitar Discord narrows his eyes, “Well, you haven’t been very forthcoming with information, so how about you share your plan. We all know that we can’t beat those three with that much power, not without cheating.”

Discord smirks, “Well, I wanted to keep it a surprise, but since you’re so insistent, I suppose I can oblige an explanation. You see, by challenging them, we are making more strife. Their power is currently growing greater, meaning that they have more magic.”

The guitar Discord frowns, “And that’s a good thing?”

Discord nods, “Oh yes, definitely. You see, I have a friend who eats magic and grows more powerful when he does. Thus, when their magic grows, his power grows, until he breaks free from their spell. Then, we shall win.”

The guitar Discord shakes his head, “And how long will that take?”

Discord points slightly at the stage behind the Dazzlings, where the form of Tirek is, “About five seconds.”

Adagio opens her mouth once more to begin a chorus, only to be interrupted as she feels someone breath down on her head. She turns around slowly, and has to look up to meet Tirek’s eyes.

Tirek narrows his eyes at her, “Your music is trash, and you are trash. Let’s put you through the compactor.”

Adagio takes a step back, only to stumble slightly and lose her balance as she discovers the stage end. She stutters slightly, “P-please don’t h-hurt me.”

Tirek steps closer, “I think you would quite like crowd surfing.”

He picks her up, and breaks her necklace with a flick of his fingers. With one hand, he holds her up, and throws her into the ground in front of the theater.

He grins as she twitches slightly, “Looks like I went flat, like all your singing!”

He drops down the five foot drop, landing before her. She looks up at him, her bones healing from the throw.

Tirek kneels down in front of her, looking her dead in the eye, “You best hit some high notes, because this pain is going to be major.”

Sombra shouts down to Tirek from on top of the stage, “Tirek, mi amigo, calm down.”

Tirek looks back up at him, seeing Sonata restrained next to him, “They corrupted our minds, Sombra!”

Chrysalis grins, with Aria unconscious beside her, “It feels oddly refreshing to be on the receiving end of mind control for once.”

Tirek growls, looking back at Adagio, “My mind is not something else’s plaything!”

Sombra jumps down, placing an armored hand on Tirek’s shoulder, “Tirek, you have easily broken five bones in her body. I think you have done enough.”

Tirek yells, and tries to stomp on Adagio, only to be pulled back by Sombra. He pushes Sombra away, “Step back, Shadow!”

Sombra stumbles a bit, but moves closer anyway, “Tirek, you are letting your anger get the best of you!”

Tirek steps up to Sombra, meeting him chest to chest and eye to eye, “So what?! I am anger incarnate, rage given form, and you are not going to stop me from my revenge!”

Sombra looks right back, “You are allowing yourself to be controlled, Tirek. Mi amigo, step back and calm down. Tú eres muy inteligente, don’t allow them to make you into a fool.”

Tirek glares a little while longer, before sighing in defeat.

Sombra wraps an arm around him, “Tú segua, mi amigo, you need time to calm down.” Sombra begins to lead Tirek away.

Up on the hill above, the Discords all raise their hands at the same time.

The drummer Discord smiles, “This rocks!”

The guitar Discord nods, “Wasn’t all that bad.”

The trumpet Discord grins, “You guys know how to lay a funky beat.”

The music note Discord makes a screeching sound of agreement.

Discord looks around, “High five, everyone, very good job.”

They all hive five each other simultaneously. But, as their limbs meet, a brown shockwave sends them back a bit, and begins to travel through the sky.

The guitar Discord looks up, “Oh no.”

The trumpet Discord looks to Discord, “I told you this was dangerous.”

Discord’s eyes widen, “I think we may have messed up this time.” He pauses, and his eyes are filled with fear, “Celestia’s gonna be pissed.”

Consequences

Celestia sits across from Discord, rubbing her eyes, “Discord, there is going to be fallout from this.”

Discord nods, “From the Harmonic Dissonance? Oh, believe me, I know.”

She looks up, “Har- you know what, I don’t even care. It can come later.” She leans forward, “Tirek has just broken one of my students once again. Adagio had ten broken bones, and she had to go to the ER.”

Discord’s eyes widen, “Seriously? These human forms of theirs must be weak. Like, I bashed her on the head with a hammer at least five times and she didn’t even get a bruise back in Equestria.”

Celestia shakes her head, “This isn’t Equestria, Discord. We aren’t creatures of magic, of great strength, or anything. Tirek has more strength than even the best bodybuilder, and he is a danger to my school.”

Discord nods, “He is a useful danger, Celestia. Without him, we would have all been screwed.”

Celestia narrows her eyes, “Discord, I don’t care how useful he is. The world is pitching a fit over him, which means I am suffering because of it.”

Discord grins, “Feh, why should they care? We stopped a group of mind controlling sirins who could have taken the world over. We-“

Celestia holds up a hand, “I know, Discord, I know. You are justifying this to the wrong person. To the outside world, all they see is this giant of a man beating up this teenage girl. The media is a riot, and it’s on my neck.”

Discord nods, “Yes, well, why don’t you just give a press-“

Celestia speaks before he can finish, “Discord, I am a principle of a school in New England with not even one thousand students. I cannot give a press conference to the world. I am not some Princess of the Sun, not some goddess like the Celestia you know. Tirek is a substitute teacher, and Adagio is a teenage girl, and you are an immortal man, and this is a different world.”

Discord pauses, “Well... yeah, you are right. I just have trouble remembering that at times. I’m sorry, Principle Celestia.”

She sighs, leaning back in her chair, “Discord, using my title doesn’t get you anywhere. I’ve spent the last week speaking to the press and media in order to make them be content.”

Discord leans forward, “Why? If Tirek is such a problem, just fire him.”

She looks at him, and slightly smiles, “It’s because I still trust you, Discord.”

Discord looks at her, and leans back slightly, “Trust me?”

She nods, “You have, surprisingly, never led me wrong, Discord. You stopped Sunset, you stopped Adagio, and you’ve constantly topped the list of best teachers. Even when you would choose places for us to go to for dinner, or made it yourself, you somehow never chose wrong.”

Discord looks beyond her, his eyes slightly wide, “Celestia, you have no idea how much that means.”

Celestia smiles, “Then I hope you will prove me right. I’m trusting you to stop Tirek.”

Discord pauses, and his form slightly shifts to become more draconequus in form, “Moi, Celestia? You trust me to stop him? But what if I were to miss Fluttershy’s tea time?”

Celestia raises an eyebrow, “Discord?”

He nods, “Well, I suppose I’ll have to cancel tea time for this week. After all, this is what friends do.” He reaches up, and looks at his hand as it shifts into talons, “But what about freedom? Yes, why should Chaos be bound by ponies?” He begins to cackle, “Yes, he’s right! This is all just them taking advantage of me! Friend, feh, Fluttershy is a slave master!”

Celestia looks at the talon with slight concern, “Discord, are you alright?”

Discord smiles widely, his snaggletooth growing longer, “Tirek is a true friend, for he freed me from my bonds!” He pauses, and his smile falls, “Why do you look so betrayed, Fluttershy? I’m Chaos, you should have seen this coming from a mile away. Would you ever forgive me? Can I go back? Do I deserve this?”

Celestia clears her throat, “Discord, I’ll allow you to take me to dinner.”

Discord breaks out of his trance, shifting fully back into his human form. He looks at Celestia again, “What?”

She smiles, “If you can make Tirek better, then I shall allow you to take me to dinner.”

Discord’s mouth hangs open a tiny bit, “R-really?”

She nods, “Well, you’ll have all of our trip to Camp Everfree to do it. Then, if you can make Tirek better, you can take me out to dinner.”

He pauses, and smirks, “I accept your wager, dear Celestia.” He stands up, and moves to the office’s door, glancing back str her, and grinning, “I’ll see you at Everfree.”

Celestia smirks as he moves outside, and she laughs slightly as she hears an outburst on the other side.

Discord pumps his fist, “Yes! Ha-ha, Discord, you did it!” He looks out into the hallway, and wraps his arm around one random student, “You, come on, we’re getting ice cream.”

Sunset Shimmer winces as Discord drags her along, “I still have class, Discord.”

Discord grins at her, “Bacon Hair! Oh, fancy meeting you here.”

She raises an eyebrow, “In the school hallway?”

He waves his hand, “Doesn’t matter. Look, you can either go to class, or come with me to get some ice cream. I’m in a happy mood, and I feel like buying someone ice cream.”

She smiles, “Ice cream, I suppose.”

Discord drags her along even more, “Good! Come on, I know a good place!”

Ever Free

Discord leans against a bus, smiling as students climb on. He ensures that their bags and supplies go in the proper place, and even expands the bus holding area in order to fit everything comfortably.

He nods to a student as they climb on, only to see Sombra out the corner of his vision. He turns his head, and Sombra nods to him, “Discord.”

Discord grins, “Sombra, what is it?”

Sombra glances to a nearby bus, where Tirek helps students load their bags, “Discord, I wished to talk to you about Tirek.”

Discord nods, “Ah, yes, Tirek. Don’t worry, Sombra, you don’t have to worry about him harming anybody this time. I’ll stop him if if comes to that.”

Sombra smirks, “Discord, I already know of your bet with Celestia. I also know that Tirek will be fired if he messes up. Yet, I come to ask you, mi amigo, to leave Tirek to me.”

Discord narrows his eyes, “Leave Tirek to you?”

Sombra nods, “Yes, leave him to me. I know you wish to personally force Tirek to change. After all, brute force is usually your method.”

Discord laughs, “Brute force as my method? Sombra, you must not know me well if you say that.”

Sombra shakes his head, “Whatever, your method is usually direct, that’s what I meant. You are a trickster, Discord, not a king.”

Discord grins, “Really? I was a king longer than you, Sombra.”

Sombra smiles, “Yes, well, you are right. But you don’t have the traits of a king, like I do. Which is why I believe I should take care of Tirek. I understand him, I can inspire him, and I can change him.”

Discord pauses, and sighs, “Sombra, you must realize this is a difficult thing for me to agree to. Tirek has already cost me my best friend’s trust, and I’m not sure I’m ready to place Celestia’s trust to that chance.”

Sombra nods, “I can understand, Discord. I wish you good luck with Tirek.” He turns and begins to walk back to his own bus.

Discord pauses for a second, before speaking, “I trust you.”

Sombra pauses, and looks back, “What was that, mi amigo?”

Discord nods, “I trust you, Sombra. If you think you can change him better than I could, then I trust you.”

Sombra grins, “Thank you, Discord, though that is quite the sudden change in mind.”

Discord smiles, “Well, friendship is all about sharing. Including sharing trust.”

Sombra nods, “And are we friends, Discord?”

Discord nods back, “I’d like to think that we are.”

Sombra smiles, “Then I shall not fail you, friend.”

Discord grins, and walks into the bus. He stands, and overlooks the students, “Alright, everybody, I hope you packed everything. If any of you forgot something, just tell me, and I’ll snap it into existence. Now then, are you all ready for Camp Everfree?”

There are a few students who mumble yes, and the others who simply nod.

Discord smiles, “Wonderful. Settle in, and get comfortable; it’s a slight trip there. Of course, we need to go over rules as well. Don’t fight, no matter how much you want to. Don’t do anything illegal, unless if it’s really funny. Respect the owners of the camp, their family have been friends of Canterlot High for a long time. Finally, go along with the flow. Even if you don’t really feel like doing an activity, just do it. Trust me, it’s more fun when you just do it.” He pauses, and nods, “Alright, let’s get this show on the road.”

He sits down in the front row seat, right next to Big Twist.

Big Twist grins, “Think there’s going to be any magical shenanigans during this trip, Discord?”

Discord chuckles, “You are provoking Murphy, Twist.”

Twist nods, “Oh, don’t worry, that’s my plan.”

Discord grins, “That plan is how you mess everyone’s day up, Twist. Quite chaotic of you.”

Twist smiles, “Does that mean extra credit?”

Discord pauses, “Ah, sure, I’ll give you some extra credit. But, tone down the chaos for this week.”

Twist nods, “Ah yes, for Principle Celestia?”

Discord smirks, “I don’t know how you found out about that, but yes. I actually do have a mission for you and the clique, Twist.”

Twist smiles, “Well, long as that mission is fun. Maybe I’ll gain a level.”

Discord nods, “I need you to keep an eye on my fellow Substitutes. Out of the three, I only truly trust one of them. Tirek has already betrayed me once, and is quite dangerous. Chrysalis, well, Changelings are quite shifty creatures.”

Twist laughs, “Sounds quite racist of you, Discord.”

Discord chuckles, “Alright, you got me there. That’s more credit for you.”

Twist grins, “Thank you. Though, seriously, what’s the reason for why you don’t trust Chrysalis?”

Discord sighs, “You see, her family and I don’t have the best history. Her mother, Queen Metamorphosis, killed my brother.”

The grin falls from Twist’s face, “Oh. I didn’t know you even had a brother.”

Discord nods, “His name was Ordirus, King of Equestria, Spirit of Order. He ruled for a thousand years, keeping the land united and happy. Then, after he passed, came my one thousand years of rule. Then I passed the crown to Princess Celestia.”

Twist nods along, “So, you fear Chrysalis is going to try something like her mom?”

Discord glances over, “Yes. For all I know, she might plan to go over to Africa and become a rampaging warlord. She might assassinate the Queen, and take her place. She might take over North Korea, maybe even Belarus, Mexico, Luxembourg, Iran, anywhere. She tried to take over Equestria, who’s to say she won’t try to do the same with Earth? Especially when this place doesn’t have the magic she does?”

Twist grins, “Yeah, I can see why you don’t trust her now. To be honest, I don’t like her either. I’ll keep my eye on her.”

Discord holds up a finger, “Don’t actually take your eye out and put it on her.”

Twist pouts, “How’d you know?”

Discord grins, “I taught you too well, Twist. Now then, let’s quiet down and allow the intro song to play as we get to Everfree.”

Path

Chrysalis sits on a tree branch, hidden behind the leaves, watching the limo pull away. She frowns deeply, until she hears the leaves next to her shudder, “Report, Morph.”

The student nods, “Yes, my Queen. Discord is chatting with the one named Timber. Sombra and Tirek are setting up their tent. Celestia is directing the students, and Luna has already fallen asleep in her own tent.”

She nods, “And what of that businessman?”

Morph smiles, “Filthy Rich, my Queen. He is an investor from a nearby town. Quite famous as well. Rumor has it that this camp is in debt to him.”

Chrysalis follows the limo with her eyes, “Parasite. See if you can isolate the one known as Gloriosa. We have business to discuss.”

Morph nods, “Immediately, my Queen.”

He drops down from the tree, and scans the surrounding area for the camp director. He smiles slightly as he spots her, and begins to walk over to her.

He pauses as an arm wraps around him, “Hey there, Morph, how’s it going?”

Morph’s eye twitches as he looks at the hand resting on his shoulder, “Twist, how nice.”

Twist grins, “I try. So, Morph, what say me and you go pick out a tent?”

Morph reaches up, and takes the hand off his shoulder, “What makes you think I would ever tent with you?”

Twist smiles, “Who else is going to tent with you, a girl? Ha, not in a million years, Morph, and not for any time after. Besides, I’m all that’s left. Unless you want to tent with that neckbeard over there. And trust me, you’d choke faster next to him than a soldier in World War One.”

Morph frowns, “I think I would rather die than tent with you.”

Twist smirks, “Why not both at once?” He begins to drag Morph to a nearby tent, “Come on, Morph, you’re being over dramatic.”

Morph shakes his head, “I think I’m being the perfect amount of dramatic. We aren’t friends, Twist.”

Twist nods, “But we used to be.”

Morph narrows his eyes, “The last time we were friends, we could barely speak.”

Twist smiles, “True, but I always think there’s the ability to rekindle stuff. Come on, Morph, is it truly going to kill you to tent with me?”

He nods, “It might.”

Twist frowns, “You’re being obtuse. I’ve already got all of your stuff in the tent.”

Morph wrenches his hand from Twist’s grasp, “You mean you stole my stuff and are now blackmailing me in order to get it back?”

Twist smirks, “Geez, you make it sound so complicated. I set your stuff up in my tent, and now I’m inviting you in.”

Morph sighs, “Fine, I’ll tent with you. But if you don’t mind, I was just about to ask the camp director a question.”

Twist grins, “You mean Gloriosa? She walked into the woods while we were talking.”

Morph’s eyes widen, “She did what?” He looks back, only to find her gone, “Oh no.”

Twist smiles, “Oh yeah. Chrysalis can have her plans, Morph, but I’m offering you plausible deniability. Take it.”

Morph looks back at Twist, “How-“

Twist nods, “I have eyes and ears everywhere, my friend. I’m not about to allow you to assist in what is possibly Thursday the Twenty-Second.”

Morph pushes Twist inside the tent, moving in after him and surrounding the entire tent with a green glow. He glares at Twist, “You dare to imply my Queen might murder someone?”

Twist spins, and sits on his cot, lounging back, “Yep. Wouldn’t be the first time one of her kind has.”

Morph steps forward, “You know nothing about my Queen!”

Twist smirks, “Geez, dude, you’ve been whipped. You know she’s, like, hundreds of years old, right?”

Morph growls, “I- you- don’t you dare!”

Twist shrugs, “I think you’re the one here who doesn’t know anything, Morph. She’s a traitor, one who could destroy life as we know it.”

Morph’s eyes narrow, and he holds a hand behind his back as a knife is summoned into it, “You don’t know anything.”

Twist grins, “Actually, I know quite a lot. Discord told me all about her on the way over. A surprise attack against Equestria, during a wedding of all times, as she disguised herself as the bride. Many years of mistreating her subjects and raiding caravans. I’m making it so you aren’t in trouble when the guillotine is brought down upon her.”

Morph steps closer, “You still don’t know anything.”

Twist shrugs, “Maybe I don’t. But stabbing me isn’t going to help that.”

Morph glares, and lets the knife disappear.

Twist slowly stands up, “Now, how about we go do something fun?”

Change

The sun rises, shining it’s light down upon Camp Everfree. Sat on the edge of the lake in the center of the camp is Sombra.

A warm wind blows past him, flowing through the blades of grass, and sending ripples through the lake’s surface. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, and basking in the warmth of the sun.

He opens his eyes again, gazing upon a family of ducks, peacefully swimming across the lake. His fist clenches for a moment, before he relaxes, taking another deep breath.

A rock goes flying above him, headed right for the ducks. With a clench of his fist, the rock stops, surrounded by his magical aura.

Tirek looks at him, “Why did you stop it?”

Sombra brings the rock back to shore, and places it down, “Sit, Tirek. It’s time we had a talk.”

Tirek frowns, but sits next to Sombra anyway.

Sombra floats the rock back up, and looks over it, “We are very similar in many ways, Tirek. At least, we were. We are both addicts.”

Tirek raises an eyebrow, “Addicts?”

Sombra nods, “Addicts to pain. Causing pain, and suffering. Don’t deny it, amigo. I saw you smile and laugh as you broke that singer the other day. And I’ve heard of what you did to get here.”

“And?”

He sighs, “We... you need to change. Before I came to this world, I was infected by darkness. A misguided belief that suffering was the best way forward. But this world, it’s a catalyst for change, amigo. Pain and suffering has led us here, forced into a non-magical realm and into unnatural bodies. Tirek, what is it that drives you to cause pain?”

Tirek shrugs, “It’s amusing.”

He looks over at Tirek, eyes narrowing, “Amusing? You find pain amusing?!”

He nods, “Yeah, I do. It’s fun to make others fear me, and my power. It’s amusing to hurt those not as powerful. And it’s funny to drain another of all power.”

He glares, and stands up suddenly, “You’re worse than I thought. Too far gone. Are you not driven by anything?”

Tirek shrugs, “Not really. I want to gain power and be amused. That a problem with you?”

Sombra clenches his fist, summoning his shadowed spear and pointing it at Tirek, “Stand up, Tirek. Now.”

Tirek slowly stands up, keeping eye contact with Sombra all the while.

He growls, moving closer to Tirek, “You know nothing of pain. You know nothing of suffering.”

Tirek scoffs, “And what, you do?”

Sombra nods, “Si, I do. I am born by pain, and shaped by suffering. Yet I exist now by happiness and peace.”

Tirek shakes his head, “You’re weak. You’ve become weak.”

Sombra narrows his eyes, grabbing Tirek by the neck, and holding him up. Tirek’s eyes widen, and he attempts to move his arms. However, both of them are held in place by crystal.

Sombra glares, “If I am weak, Tirek, then you are pathetic. You live for nothing, to cause nothing but pain. You are a monster, like I would kill back then. Do you know who I am Tirek?”

He doesn’t respond, looking more and more panicked.

Sombra’s eyes slowly grow more green, “I am the Terror of the Everfree, the Shadow Emperor, the Tyrant of the North. I have killed more than you have ever seen, Tirek, beast and pony alike. You dare not assume who I am, or you shall find your fate to be brought to a swift end. You are worse than a hydra, more cruel than a basilisk, more violent than a wolf, and more stubborn than a mountain. I should kill you now, like I have with monsters in the past.”

He drops Tirek, who goes to his knees, breathing deeply.

Sombra looks down at him, “But I have changed. Who I am is no more, Tirek. I am no cruel king, no tyrant, no monster. I am... a man. A powerful man, but a man nonetheless. I have become a teacher to a generation who shall one day surpass me. And I am merciful.”

Sombra extends his hand, and Tirek looks at it with worry.

He smiles, “You have the chance to become a man as well, Tirek. To become something greater than yourself, to have something to fight for. You have the chance, Tirek, to become a friend. You can change, like I and Discord. You can become truly powerful, not just the false power you have now. Your friends shall become your strength, and we shall carry you when you fall. Take my hand, amigo.”

Tirek pauses, hesitating, before grabbing Sombra’s hand. Sombra pulls him back to his feet.

He pats Tirek’s shoulder, “I apologize for that, Tirek, but you’d never change without seeing what you bring upon others with pain.”

Tirek nods slightly, “I... I think you were right, Sombra.”

Sombra smiles, “I’m glad to hear that, amigo. Come, now, the day is early and this camp needs help.”

Tirek nods, “And we should help the camp, so they don’t feel pain.”

Sombra nods, “Si, that is why.”

Tirek smiles slightly, “Well... yeah, let’s get started.”

Discord

Discord opens the door, and struts into the room as the bell rings around the entire school. The entire class stares at the oddly dressed man.

His brown t-shirt barely visible behind his coat. The coat is a long, and very battered looking affair. Fur once white, now grey, puffs near the collar and cuffs at the end of dirty yellow sleeves. It trails down to his battered green cargo shorts, with mismatched long socks covering up the rest of his leg. One sock is red, the other is brown. It comes to an end with his sandals, with many stings hanging off that it shows obvious repeated use. He smiles as he enters the room, his teeth being the cleanest thing about him. Shining white. His hair is a mess that looks like the fur in the jacket, and just as dirty. He obviously has colored contact lenses, as his eyes are a dirty yellow. His pupils themselves different sizes and red. To finish the look off is the short goatee that hangs off his chin.

He drops his plastic bag full of supplies on the desk, and turns to look at the class, “Hello there everybody! My name is Discord, feel free to add a Mister before that if you wish. I am your substitute teacher!”

Many kids start to murmur among themselves, and Discord’s smile drops a little bit. One kid finally speaks up, “Isn’t Doctor Turner supposed to be our teacher?”

Discord nods, “That you are right! But, sadly, the good Doctor shan’t be able to teach you.” He leans over his desk backwards, staring at the kid through his new upside-down perspective, “I’m afraid he came down with a terrible case of pushed-down-the-stairs-itis. He should be hospitalized for...” he raises his arm, moves his sleeve, and looks at a watch drawn in by crayon, “the rest of the year.”

One kid raises his hand from the back of the class. Discord stands back up, and turns to look at him. Nerd, that’s all that this kid looks like. The kid takes Discord looking at him to be the sign to speak, “You do know ‘itis’ means inflammation, right?”

Discord loses his smile completely as he stares at the kid with his best deadpan, “Oh my me, shut up. Please, for your own safety, never say something like that again. This isn’t CinemaSins, alright. You might think your clever for saying that, you might think you will get all the women with that one. Let me tell you, saying that line will get you nothing but bullying. And when you wonder what you did to be targeted by a bully, remember every time you said that to somebody. Word of advice right here, stop saying that.”

The entrie class turns to glare at him as he turns away, ashamed of his life choices.

Discord smiles once more, “Now, as I was saying before the nerd interrupted. I am your new teacher! Well, one of them anyway.” He pulls out a marker, and draws on the board. First, he draws a really crude piece of Swiss cheese shaped like a human, “You will also have three other teachers. Miss Chrysalis, who will come right after me.” He then draws a piece of gal shaped like a person, “Mister Sombra, who comes after her.” Then he finally draws a cane with a strange horse head at the top, “And Mister Tirek. After him, the cycle resets with me.” He turns and smiles at the students, “Any questions about anything?”

One student raises their hand, who’s skin is marshmallow white, and hair is purple, “Why are you wearing such garish clothing? Isn’t that against the Dress Code?”

“Dress code?” Discord says it out loud once more before falling over with laughter. After about a minute of laughter, and banging his gist on the desk, Discord picks himself up and wipes his eyes, “Oh, dear, you actually think there’s a dress code?”

The students all share confused looks before they look back at him.

He laughs once more, “Dress Code means people enforce it, my dear. They tell you how you ‘should’ dress, but they don’t enforce it. They aren’t rules, more... guidelines.” He motions his hand to the back of class, “I mean, if there was a dress code, Miss ‘wears leather jacket even though it’s ninety outside’ would’ve been caught a long time ago.”

Said student in the back growls back at Discord, “Do you even know who you’re talking too?”

Discord takes a long look at the person. Orange and yellow hair, orangish-yellow skin, and the leather jacket. He strokes his goatee, “Hmm, can’t say I have. Oh! Is this a guessing game!? I’m great at guessing games!” He points a finger out, “Bacon Hair! No, too simple. Bacon Pone! No, she wouldn’t know of them. Oh, Mustard Skin! No. Oh, oh, Mustard Bacon! That’s it, nailed it on the bacon looking head!”

She growls an answer back, “My name is Sunset Shimmer.”

Discord let’s the name phase past him, “You say that like it means something.”

She scoffs, “Yeah, I’ve only won the Fall Formal for the last few years.”

Discord shrugs, “Is that supposed to impress me?”

She glares at him, “Then why don’t you tell us what you’ve done, Discord.”

He smiles, “Well lets see. I have been given the award for best janitor in five different establishments over six years. I have been given about ninety awards for best janitor in this very school, one for each year. I was given the award for best coach for two hundred years. I am the proud owner of fifty victories in the Friendship Games back when I was a student. I was voted King of the Fall Formal ten times. I spend fifty years on run from the F.B.I without getting caught. I helped the F.B.I search for me for four years. I was the leader of the Russian Mafia for ninety, and the Italians for one hundred. I fought for the British Empire for about three hundred years. I was given award for best substitute teacher one hundred times. Then I had to suddenly quit and came back.”

She slightly smiles, “You expect to believe you have been alive for... hey, nerd, how much is that!?”

The nerd from before jumps in suprise, “One thousand!”

She nods, “Yeah. You expect us to believe you have been alive for one thousand years?”

He nods, “Yes. Without me, where’s the fun in the world!”

She leans back, “You don’t make any sense.”

He smiles, “Sense? Oh what fun is there in making sense, my dear? If fact, I think that’s what you shall all learn!”

He scambles around his grocery sack once again, until he pulls out another marker.

He draws a bunch of hieroglyphics that look slightly like the word ‘history’ and x’s it out. He smiles, and writes in big letters beneath it, “History is useless if you don’t know how to use it! So this class will now be Tactics!” He underlines ‘Tactics’ on the whiteboard , and turns to face the class, “Lesson One! This is what I do. Get used to it, for I am going to teach you the best tactic to defeat any enemy! Suprise!”

What Does This Thing Do?

Discord sips from a can of soda in his sitting room, watching his 146 inch tv. He introduced everyone to their room, each equipped with a large bed, a mini fridge, a computer, and other essentials. He even made sure to have bells equipped so they could ring them if they needed any assistance.

He takes another sip from the can, only to find it empty. He throws it to the side, and lands it inside an open trash can. As he does this, one of the bells ring, the one to Sombra’s room.

Discord goes to the stairs, and starts to go up. He grabs a vase from a holding place, and snaps it into chocolate milk. He drinks from it as he walks up the stairs, before snapping it back and placing it into another holding place at the top of the stairs.

He opens up Sombra’s door, and walks in, “What is it?”

Sombra can be seen staring at a computer with confusion, “What does this thing do?”

Discord smiles, and walks over, “Ah, yes, the computer. It is a treasure trove of information and fun. You use that mouse there and click on stuff you want to open.”

Sombra hesitantly moves the mouse around, and sees it move around on screen. He squints his eye at something on the screen, “What’s this ‘Youtube’ thing?”

Discord leans over, “YouTube! Oh, it’s a wonderful place! People from everywhere can upload videos for you to watch. Go ahead and click on whatever you find interesting.”

Sombra looks at the titles until one catches his interest, “Me-me review?” He leans back, and stokes his chin, “Cannot say I’ve heard of a ‘me-me’ before. This peaks my interest.”

Discord nods and smiles, “I’ll be out then.”

Discord steps out, only to hear yet another bell. He goes down a different hall to get to Chrysalis. He walks in, and speaks, “Yes?”

She stares at some of the icons on the computer oddly, “What’s with the name on some of these things? Like, ‘Internet Explorer’ is self explanatory, it’s an Explorer for an Internet. Said Internet seeming to be a huge archive of information. But what about these other things? CS:GO? Metal Gear Solid? What do such things mean?”

Discord leans over, and looks at the two said games, “Oh, I almost forgot I had the original Metal Gear! Well, CA:GO stands for Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and is a multiplayer game. Metal Gear Solid is a game about stealth and infiltration, sneaking instead of shooting. Very story driven compared to the relatively meaningless shooting in Counter Strike.”

Chrysalis smiles, “Stealth and infiltration? I think I might just try this ‘Metal Gear Solid’ for a while.”

She clicks on the icon, and Discord exits from the room. As he exits, the final bell goes off.

Discord sighs a bit as he walks over to Tirek’s room. He opens the door with yet another smile, “Yes?”

Tirek scratches his beard as he comptemplates something on the screen, “What is an ‘I Tunes’? And for that matter, what is a ‘Fallout: New Vegas’?”

Discord leans against the door frame, “I Tunes is something that allows you to listen to music. Fallout New Vegas is the best Fallout game made.” He turns to a random wall, acting as if he’s taunting someone invisible, “Fight me.” Then he turns back to Tirek, “It’s a single player RPG, very fun, and oh so modded from when I play it.”

Tirek clicks on I Tunes, and smiles a slight bit as he looks at one of the bands, “Metallica? Strange name for a band, I like it. Whatever this picture is with their name on it looks right up my alley.” He turns to face Discord, “What does this ‘Metallica’ play? Polka, Orchestra, Ponystep, Country?”

Discord shakes his head, “Nah, they play something you haven’t ever heard before, Tirek. They play Metal, or Heavy Metal If you’ve never heard Heavy Metal before. For some reason, I believe you would like it.”

He goes ahead and clicks on ‘One’ and the intro of the song starts to play, “Thank you, Discord.”

Discord nods, and steps out of the room. He glides down the stairs handrails, and deposits himself back on his couch.

He grabs his Duck Hunt NES pistol, and puts in Friday the 13th. He prepares the pistol. Be very, very quiet. He’s hunting Pamela.

Plot

Gloriosa walks through the forest alone, headed towards the administrative building.

However, she pauses as she hears something fall from a tree beside her. She looks, “Hello?”

A voice speaks from behind her, “Gloriosa Daisy.”

She turns around, meeting Chrysalis face to face. She backs up slightly, “You’re... Chrysalis, right?”

Chrysalis nods, “Correct. How did you know?”

She smiles slightly, “Well, you and the other three Substitutes have been all in the news. You’re practically a celebrity.”

Chrysalis pauses, “That is useful information.”

Gloriosa smiles, “Oh, you must need something. How can I help?”

Chrysalis grins, “Actually, I believe the question is if you want my help. You see, I couldn’t help but notice that businessman earlier today.”

Gloriosa frowns, “You don’t need to worry about him. He’s just an old camper who wanted to have a little visit.”

Chrysalis raises an eyebrow, “Is that so? Well, I personally find it odd that an old camper would be holding some stupid debts over your head.”

Gloriosa’s eyes widen, “How’d you figure out about that?”

Chrysalis smiles, “I know a lot, and I eventually figure out every little secret. It’s written all over your face. Fear, anger, worry, panic, every emotion that would point to that. You’re so worried, I’m almost seeing wrinkles already.” She laughs a bit, before affixing Gloriosa with a serious look, “You want him gone.”

Gloriosa shakes her head, “Gone? No, of course not.”

Chrysalis moves slightly closer, “You mean you don’t want to pay off your debts to him?”

She pauses, “Wait, you meant making him gone by paying our debts.”

Chrysalis nods, “Why, of course that’s what I meant. If you picked up any other impression, it must have just been your own mind filling in gaps.”

Gloriosa nods, “Well, of course I want him to be gone through paying my debts. But the camp can’t afford it just yet.”

Chrysalis moves closer again, “Will the camp ever be able to afford paying such ridiculous debts?”

Gloriosa pauses, “I... don’t quite know. This week is all the time we have. And I don’t know if we can truly make that much.”

Chrysalis moves to Gloriosa’s side, placing her hand on her shoulder. Green magic slowly begins to channel itself into Gloriosa, and Chrysalis smiles, “Wouldn’t it just be so much easier if all that debt never existed?”

Gloriosa nods, “It would be. Or if all that debt were to just disappear.”

Chrysalis whispers into her ear, “He wants to demolish all of this. Your land, your camp... your home. All for a few extra dollars in his bank account. He’s a greedy man, preying upon a naive little girl. Are you going to just allow that to happen?”

She shakes her head, “No... I have to stand up for my home. For my camp. I have to fight.”

Chrysalis grins, “He’s the villain, and you’re the hero.”

She nods, “Yes, and I have to defeat him.”

Chrysalis summons more green magic, pouring it into her, “He needs to disappear. Others don’t know what he’s doing, they won’t see your cause as righteous.”

She smiles, “Yes... disappear.”

Chrysalis grins, “But you aren’t good enough. Not yet. No, you need somebody who will train you. Somebody you can trust.” She looks Gloriosa in the eyes, “A Queen to follow.”

She looks back into Chrysalis’s eyes, “Will you train me?”

Chrysalis smirks, “Will you bow to me?”

Gloriosa nods, “Yes, of course, my Queen.”

Chrysalis smiles widely as Gloriosa’s eyes flash green, “Then you shall be able to make him disappear forever.”