Letting go

Chapters

The witch
The night
The truth
The promise
The birth
The last goodbye

The witch

Chapter 1: The witch

It felt as if centuries had passed since that tragic day. In fact, it was only three months. Three awful months after Discord died. Despite Twilight’s spell that allowed Fluttershy to talk to him one last time, despite carrying in her belly the new life that Discord had given her and despite taking care of Esper, the little unicorn she found two weeks after Discord’s funeral and decided to raise as her own, she still missed him badly. Despite the passage of time, the pain and longing for the lost love didn’t become any less bearable. They could have a happy and peaceful life. Together they could raise Esper and their unborn yet baby. She could give him happiness he had never experienced before. But it was impossible now. Everything was lost. According to what Twilight said there was no way to bring someone back to life. But Fluttershy refused to give up and was still looking for a way. For anything.

It was evening already. Esper was sleeping peacefully in her playpen and Fluttershy was reading the newspaper. There wasn't a lot of interesting informations, but one of them caught her attention. Magical service announcements: "Do you have any desire that you want to fulfill or maybe something in your life has gone wrong and you want to reverse the course of events? Come to me. For a small fee I will help you as much as I can."

The photo on the left showed an old female cat. Probably a representative of the same species as Capper was. Fluttershy decided to pay the witch a visit the next day. In search of a way to restore her lost love life, she met several charlatans and liars. She wasn't sure that this witch would be different, but she wanted to try anyway.

The next day at the morning Fluttershy left Esper at her parents' house, explaining that she needed a day or two for herself, and then flew to the swamp where the old cat is said to live.

The feline known as Esmeralda was helping other ponies with what they have desired. Not that many came in fear of the payment but some ponies took the chance to try witch’s services. As Fluttershy approached, she was able to hear the two creatures talking.

„Why of course you will get that mare you love. Who needs a princess of love when you have a feline with potions and spells. Take this my fellow pony and it shall do the trick.” She gave the pony a potion and instruction.

The earth pony walked past Fluttershy, holding the love potion in his bag.

„Interesting. Zecora wouldn’t give anyone love potion. She would say it’s immoral,” she thought. The pegasus smirked at the memory that hit her suddenly. The memory abut CMCs and their famous adventure with love potion.

„Um....goodmorning. I hope I didn't bother you...” She said hesitantly. Fluttershy looked closely at the cat. She was old. Maybe 50 years old or even more. The wrinkles under her eyes showed her age. She was also a little shorter than Capper. Her fur was a dark brown color with a lighter spot around her mouth and almost black stripes above her eyebrows. She was wearing maroon hood decorated with deer horns on top of her head. In her left hand she held a walking stick decorated with carved symbols which Fluttershy didn’t understand.

The witch looked at her with her green eyes. „Hello there. My name is Esmeralda. And you must be Fluttershy, the element of kindness which fought that chimera. It is quite a pleasure to meet you.” She walked over to Fluttershy and she shook her hoof with her paw in a friendly gesture.

The pegasus was shocked and suprised by the cat's knowledge. "H-how do you know that? It happened weeks ago and you must be new here.”

„Well what kind of sorceress would I be if I couldn’t read ponies so easily. It is quite a story for sure.” She pulled out a seat for her to sit on. „Why don’t you take a seat, my child. You must be exhausted from the travel.”

„It wasn't that exhausting. But I bet you also know that… I didn't fight the chimera... I was just runing from her... him... um them. S-someone else fought the chimera and the monster. Fought and... and died.” It was still hard for her to talk about it.

„Well, yes I know you didn’t quite exactly fight it and that’s why you’re here, you lost someone dear to you. Is that correct?” The witch took a cup of coffee and she was sipping it.

Fluttershy was sitting there quiet for a moment, staring at the floor and looking for the right words. „Y-yes. It... it was Discord. We... we were friends for years but since last year... I felt... I feel something more towards him. And now he is gone. He sacrificed himself...” She was trying her best to not cry in front of the witch.

„Yes, he sacrificed himself to save you and your friends. I can see in your eyes what deep pain this even had brought onto you and your friends. I’m guessing your not satisfied with the princess of friendship just bringing him for one moment like a heartwarming eve comes.”

The mare didn't questioned how does the witch know about it. „She only casted the spell once... One week after the funeral. I won't see him again for the rest of my life.”

„I see. Do you wish to only see him or having around in physical from as well?” She asked running the finger in circles on the edge of the mug she held in her paw.

Fluttershy’s ears perked up. „Physical? But Twilight said there's no way to...”

„Oh please. The princess could bring anyone back if she only wanted. She is afraid of doing so because it would break the laws of nature. I frankly really don’t believe in such foolery.”

Fluttershy was even more confused. „B-but she showed me books with descriptions about how the greatest wizards have failed and died.”

„That was them this is me, my child. I have never failed before and I won’t fail now. But this is a draconequus we speak of bringing back to life. It will be much harder. You know, I guess you’re right I suppose I cannot help if you do not desire it.” She slowly turned her back the Fluttershy and looked out the window. „It is quiet a shame that a creature like him had to pass on.”

„N-no... he didn't have to pass on. The stupid monsters killed him!!!” Fluttershy shouted. If the chimera didn't find the medallion, he would be here!” She started tearing up as the memories of these events came to her mind. „He would be safe and sound! I want him to be here. I want to hear his voice, to look into his eyes, I want to hug him!!!” The pegasus painted heavliy after her outburst, staring at the witch.

Esmeralda grined a bit and gently pated her head. „Your wish shall be granted then. But I will need a few things in order to help you.”

„What things exactly?” Fluttershy asked. The hope raised within her.

„I will need his body for starters.” She said as she walked over to a shelfs and took out a book.” I will also need that old medallion. If you still have it of course...”

Fluttershy’s face went pale. „B-b-body? H-his body?” She stuttered.

„Of course. Unless you want his soul to be in someone’s else body. I can’t bring any creature back to life without their body. I will also need blood of a manticore, scales of a dragon, and something that he held dearly while he was alive.”

„ I-I want him to be draconequus. I love him the way he was and looked. Well... I... I can get manticore blood. Scales of the dragon also aren't a problem... I’m not sure what for Discord was really dearly... Maybe my letters to him. I have all of them.”

„Well then I’ll need you to bring these to me. Don’t forget that medallion as well.” She put the book back in its place and then sat down at the table again.

„The medallion is destroyed. And its parts are probably in Canterlot. But...I'll get them.” She said with confidence in her voice.

„Good. I can restore him once you bring everything. I shall wait for you then I’ll get everything else ready.”

„Okay. I'll promise I'll bring them tomorrow!” She said as she rose from the chair, ready to leave the hut.

„Perfect! Take care and I shall see you at night tomorrow.”

Fluttershy’s heart was beating really fast. She didn't want to waste any moment. She had so many things to do. Straight from the witch's hut she flew to the Everfree Forest in search of manticore.

Luckily for her, finding manticore and convince it to give her a some blood wasn't difficult. After telling the creature why she needs its blood manticore gave her some of the scarlet liquid. From the Everfree Forest she flew to her cottage preppared one of her letters to Discord. She put the letter and the vial with manticore's blood in the bag.

Then she visted Canterlot Castle. Luckily for her Spike was there and greeted her as first. After exchanging greetings and the latest news, Fluttershy asked Spike directly for his scales. She didn't say anything about why she needed them, except that it was something very important and she was in a hurry. Spike without asking for more details gave her what she came for and wished her a nice day.

The only thing left to do was to get the destroyed medalion. She had no idea how to go about it. Even though she was no longer shy and her confidence was much greater, she was still not good at things that required stealth. So breaking into the Canterlot secretly and stealing the medallion wasn’t an option. Asking Twilight for permission to take the damaged medallion was also out of the question. Twilight would start asking uncomfortable questions about why she needed this artifact. If she had told her the truth, Twilight wouldn’t have allowed to bring Discord back to life. There was only one idea left in her mind. She decided to ask the birds and several other small animals to steal the medallion. No one would suspect forest animals of stealing anything from the royal castle. Especially a magical artifact. She explained to the animals where magical items are kept in the castle and described what the remains of the medallion she needed looked like. Now she only had to wait few hours more.

Author's Note

This is my first story since a long time. I'm sorry for all the speiling and grammar mistakes that I didn't notice. English isn't my native language and there are tons of word that I don't know but I tried my best and I hope you will enjoy this story.
I promise later I'll try to correct mistakes.

The idea for this story came to me last week. After watching this animatic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKQ-vpEoJOA I thought what if Fluttershy could find a way to bring Discord back to life. A few minutes later I created more details. I had some issues with lack of the ideas for dialogues so I asked my friend if we could roleplay this story. (https://twitter.com/flutterfrisk it's her twitter account) Some dialouges are from the original roleplay, but I also added a lot new things, a lot of them changed and some of them deleted.
And all of the pictrues for the story are drawn by me ^^

The night

Chapter two: The night

It was dawn when the animals returned to Fluttershy’s cottage with the broken medallion. The witch told her to visit her at night. She spent the waiting time cleaning her house and checking if everything was fine in the animal sanctuary. Since she was pregnant and was taking care of Esper, she hired volunteers and new employees there. She stopped by every day or every other day to check if everything was okay and to assign new tasks. Finally the sun hid behind the mountains. And it started to get darker and darker. Fluttershy left her home and headed towards Esmeralda's house. The closer she got, the faster her heart was beating in her chest and the more nervous she was. Who wouldn't be nervous when their loved one was about to be brought back to life?

Finally she was before of the doors the witch’s hut. The lights were on in the hut as the witch was preparing the ingredients on the giant pot, waiting for the last one that Fluttershy was bringing.

"I'm here. I have the medallion and the other things.” Fluttershy entered without knocking.

"Ahh, good you are here. Let me take that.” She took the medalion and the rest of the things from Fluttershy’s bag. She threw them all into the pot and after few minutes she poured some liquid into a transparent vial. "So where is his body?” She turned around.

"Um... It's in the cemetery behind Ponyville. It's easy to find his grave because there's also his statue.”

"Alright then.”

"So we are going there now?”

"Yes, we are.” She hid the potion in her bag, took an oil lamp, got a hoodie and then moved towards the door.

Fluttershy followed her. They walked all the way in silence, without exchanging a single word. The air slowly turned cool. Every now and then, fireflies were flickering between the bushes but the main sources of light were the moon and the old cat's lamp.

It took them almost an hour to walk from the swamps to the Ponyville’s cemetery. Esmeralda opened the old gate which creaked eerily. This sound made shiver went down Fluttershy's spine. The mare looked uncertainly from side to side. The cemetery looked ghastly at night. She felt like years ago, when even in the daytime she could get scared of her own shadow. She felt as if in each of the dark nooks there were phantoms and ghouls ready to kidnapp her and took to the land of the dead. She jumped in fear when her hoof stopped onto a twig making an sound. She approached Esmeralda who seemed unmoved by the dark atmosphere of the cemetery at night. If it were not for the presence of the cat and her desperate desire to see Discord again, Fluttershy would leave this place as soon as possible and hid under the bed in her safe cottage. But now it was too late to back out. She had to finish what she started. The mare and the old cat walked by the different crave stones as bunch of crows flew by above them. The witch stopped in front of a statue of a creature with a pony's head and the body of a snake.

"I’m guessing this one is his grave?” She asked without any emotion in her voice.

"Yes.” Fluttershy squeaked. Her own voice decided to fail her tonight.

Esmeralda looked around at the nearby graves. She noticed a shovel standing against the crypt wall, probably left there by the grave diggers. Without further ado, she took the shovel and walked over to Discord's grave.

"Okay, lets get digging.” She said cheerfully as if it was not digging in someone else's grave, but digging to look for some legendary treasure.

Fluttershy paled at the thought of digging in the grave. In her lover’s grave. Suddenly she felt her dinner rise to her throat. She was trying her best to not to throw up. "Don't you mind... if you do this alone...”

"I understand. I’ll tell you when I’m done.” The cat shoved the shovel on the ground and started to dig.

The pegasus couldn't look at it. It was too much for her. She turned her back on the witch and stood there with her eyes closed, focusing on breathing and trying to calm her heartbeat while Esmeralda was humming a merry tune as she continued to dig. Fluttershy wondered how many times the old cat had to do this since digging in the grave did not make any impression on her. The witch stopped humming her melody when she hit the lid of the coffin. "I made it!” she shouted at Fluttershy.

"O-okay.” She didn’t dare to turn around.

The feline opened the casket and she saw the body of the draconequus not quite decomposed. The stench of decomposing flesh hit Fluttershy's nostrils. Her face turned green, her heart felt as if it were about to pop out of her chest, her vision started to blurry. She was one step from fainting.

"Okay, let’s get this started.” The witch wishpered, as she crawled out of the hole, took out the potion and poured it into Discord’s body. "Bring back which was taken by the cruel fate, let these two be reunited, regain this body back, repair the broken hearts!” She whispered the words of the spell as the draconequus body or reither what was left of it sooner started to glow. She started to back away a bit as his body levitated from his grave. His body was restored back almost to how it was before he died. Then boom and a shock wave knocked her back. Fluttershy turned her head to see what was happening behind her, but was blinded by a bright light. She covered her eyes with her wing.

The draconequus body landed gently on the ground. After a moment he took a deep breath. When Fluttershy heard this sound, she lowered her wings, opening her eyes, even though still a little blinded, she could see Discord knelling on the ground, trying to gasp for the air.

For a short moment she was staring at him, having a hard time believing what was happening wasn’t a crazy dream, the result of her despair and longing.

"See? I told you I’ll bring him back.” Esmeralda said proudly. "He is not quite as what I expected but he is a creature of so much power that this is the best I could do.”

Tears of joy and happiness streamed down Fluttershy’s cheeks . She wasn’t able to contain herself anymore. „DISCORD!” she cried, as she threw her hooves around his neck, hugging him fiercely.

"Agh no so hard! W-where am I?” He was looking scared and confused not knowing what was going on.

"Oh dear, please be careful with him now. His body is very fragile at the moment.” The witch warned.

"You're in the living world again!” Fluttershy sobbed still hugging him but more gentle. The first thing she noticed was that his fur wasn't that soft as it was before he died.

"I'm alive but how?” He said with dry voice looking down at her, as his eyes looked more tired than they would normally be.

"Thanks to Esmeralda!. She brought you back! Oh Dissy. I missed you. I missed you so much.” She started to cry. „I love you so much. I promise I will love you forever. I will take care of you, I wil give you happiness. My love, my dear.” She was nuzzling his fur like a madmare and her grip tightened again around him. If it was a dream she didn’t want to wake up from it.

Discord slowly huged her back. "I missed you too. But I… I still don’t understand. I think… I shouldn't be here.”

"Yes, you should! If not for the chimera you wouldn't die at first place!” She cried.

He took her hoof in his claw and paw, as they looked into each other eyes, for the first time in a long while. It was wonderful feeling seeing his beautiful golden eyes again.

"If I may I need to see something first.” Esmeralda interrupted them while she approached Discord.

"If you mean money... Have all of them.” Fluttershy pulled out a hoof with a bag full of bits when her other hoof was still wrapped around Discord.

"That won't be necessary.” She pushed Fluttershy’s hoof with the bag away from her. „I just need to check a few things on him.” The witch opened up his jaw to look inside. "Hmm. Seems good.”

"H-hey! Wffat aff you dfffing?!” He mumled with indignation.

"Calm down mister draconequus. I’m just making sure it all is working like it suppose too.” She looked into his eyes, then she inspected the rest of his body. "Alright. You seem to be fine. You will be a bit weak for a week, or two, or maybe more but then you should be back as if nothing happened.”

"That’s wonderful!” Fluttershy shouted with excitement. Ignoring Esmeralda’s presence she kissed Discord with a passion on the lips, she put into this all of her longing, pain and love.

Draconequus ears perked up silghty and he kissed her back.

"Well, I will leave you with that my friend. If you need anything you know where I am.” Without waiting for an answer, she began to walk away.

"Thank you! Thank you for everything!” Fluttershy shouted before the witch was out of sight. She didn't think about the fact that witch didn't take any payment from her. "Dissy, could you teleport us to my cottage?” She looked at him wondering if he also has his chaos magic back.

"Of course, my dear.” He snaped his fingers but nothing happened. „Um hehe.” He laughed nervously. „Just give me a moment.” He snapped his claws few times but still nothing happened. "I guess I can't… I’m sorry.” He looked at her with disappointment.

"No. Don’t be sorry. This isn’t your fault. That's okay. I love you with or without magic.” She hoped this will make him feel better at least a little bit. "We we can walk to my cottage and talk.”

Discord only nodded. Then he started walking towards the gate, but he didn't walk on two legs as he always did, instead he walked on all his fours. Fluttershy didn’t questioned it. She followed him, catching up with him so that now she walked beside him. Since Discord was with her now, the cemetery didn't seem scary anymore. They walked in slient until they were half a way to Fluttershy's cottage. Discord was quiet and taciturn. It was not like him. "Is everything alright?” Fluttershy asked with concern.

"It feels odd and that’s a lot saying from me.” He croaked.

"I'm sure everything will be alright. Look! We are home. Esper is at my parents house I'll pick her tomorrow morning.”

"Esper? Oh you mean the little filly that you adopted some time ago.”

"Yes. You will love her. She is such a sweet baby.” They were now inside her cottage and she turned the lights on.

Discord frown. "Wait, don’t you think it will be a little odd to have her see me alive?”

"She is small. She doesn’t know you yet and that you were dead.”

"What would the others say If they see me alive then?”

"You’re alive, it happened. They will have to accept that. It’s not like they gonna kill you.”

"I suppose.” He still wasn’t sure. "How long has it been, since you know…”

"Three months... I couldn't do it... Without you. I love you more than anything else. I'm sorry. Maybe if I told you long ago... things would be different.” She was going to cry again.

Discord’s eyes widened, as she said that it’s been three months. „I’ve been gone for that long... I would have thought you moved on, my dear... He smiled softly. „You don’t have to be sorry for not telling me. I’m also not without a fault.”

Fluttershy walked on the upstairs. "Three months doesn't seems to be that long. I still feel like it was yesterday. I couldn't stop thinking about you.”

"I feel like I’ve been dead much longer than that.” He followed her up the stairs looking around as if everything was so new to him.

Fluttershy sighed with relief as she laid down on the bed. She felt pain in her hooves from too much walking, but it was worth it since Discord was with her again.

Discord also wanted to lay down next to her, he walked over but then stopped. ”Do you smell that? What is that?” Draconequus sniffed confused around the room.

"I don't smell anything. Everything is as it was before, if not counting Esper's room. Maybe you mean her scent.”

"No, no it’s something else...” He sniffed himself. "Oh celestia, it’s me. I didn’t think I smell so different.” He said with disgusted expression on his face.

"Strange. I didn't smell anything. I would notice it when I hugged you.”

"I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised at my smell. I did came out of a grave, no magic, and I’ve been gone for three months. Maybe I should take a bath first.”

"You know were is bathroom. I will wait for you here. If you need any help let me know.”

"I will.” Discord kissed her head and went to the bathroom.

When he entered the bathroom the first thing he did was look at himself in the mirror, touching his face. "I do look different... I’m so pale.” He studied more carefully his reflection. His body was more grayer than colorful. It reminded him colors of Fluttershy and her friends when he turned them into their opposites. His antler was half broken, and full of cracks and scrapes. There were circles under his eyes. A piece of the right ear was missing. His beard and mane looked like they hadn't been brushed in years, plus the hair on his mane was sparse and missing in several places. The same was with feathers at the end of his tail. The fur all over his body was faded, it looked like a fur of mangy, homeless dog. His blue wing wasn’t in the better state either. The last layer of skin was visible on his hands in several places and on his tail in two places a large area of scales was missing revealing delicate skin. Discord frown slightly. He didn’t like what he saw at all.

"Does she really wants me here like this...? No, it just from being brought back.” He picked up the brush and began to brush his mane with it. But no matter how hard he tried, his hair remained the same as if his appearance was part of the spell and he couldn't change it. "I’m sure after my bath I’ll be good as new.” He smiled and turned the water as he got into bath. His elongated body, getting any dirt and grimed of his body.

In meantime Fluttershy was humming a melody and trying to focus on reading a book, she heard sounds of water from the bathroom. She was waiting impatiently for him to finish his bath, she couldn’t wait to spent her first night with him as something more than a friends.

"Hmm.” He scrobed his body. "My fur feel off too. I hope I can fix that...” He slowly started to feel a bit upset. "Should I really even be here…? What will the others think... What if they will think I tricked them... That I faked my own death... They will hate me again...” He sat down in the shower as he feeling himself about to cry.

"Why this is taking him so long? Maybe I should check on him?” Fluttershy thought. She left the bed.

Discord was sitting there crying to himself as the water hit his body. "I-I don’t want that, I don’t want them to think it’s all another trick. They won’t believe me.”

"Dissy?” She cracked open the door to see how he was doing. What she saw worried her a lot. "What happened? Why are you crying? Is something hurts you?”

"Huh? N-no I’m fine, my dear.” He lied, quickly trying to dry his tears.

"Maybe let me help you.” She took the shampoo from the shelf and put some of it on his mane and gently brushed it.

"Thank you.” Pleased, he closed his eyes, as he let her wash his mane. Her touch felt so nice and it was so gentle.

After a few seconds of rubbing she rinsed off the shampoo with water and changed her position. She got into the tub and sat on his lap, slightly blushing and started kissing his chest slowly moving her lips on his neck higher and higher.

Discord’s body shivered under the touch of her soft lips, blushing brightly. "Fluttershy…” He run his claw through her mane. "I missed you.”

"I missed you too.” she wishpered between kisses. Now she was kissing his face and muzzle, slowly getting closer and closer to his lips. Discord smiled softly putting his paw on her cheek as he pressed his lips against her. A soft moan escaped her mouth as she deepened the kiss, tasting his lips carefully. It was amazing feeling. Her hooves were running through his mane while his claw and paw tightened around her small body.

They broke the kiss seconds later with loud click after they run out of air. For a moment they were staring at each other eyes, trying to catch their breaths. Then Fluttershy put her head between his neck and left arm and whishpered "I want to give you something special, something that adult mare gives to their one and true love.”

His face got all red as she said that. He choked on his own breath from the shock. "Fluttershy a-a-are you s-sure about that. I- I mean are you sure?”

She was sure as never before. She got a second chance with him and she didn’t want to waste time. She wanted him, she loved him too much.

"I want to know what it's like and I want to do this because I love you.”

In response Discord crushed his lips against hers. Fluttershy's eyes widened but after a moment she closed them clutching her hooves around his neck. This night Fluttershy lost her innocence but she didn't regret it, doing this with him felt right.

Later as they were lying on Fluttershy’s bed in her bedroom, Discord’s claw was playing with her mane.

"Fluttershy.” Whispered softly to her. His muzzle was so close to her face so she could feel his breath tickling her ear.

"Yes?”

Discord before he could say anything, Fluttershy sudennly felt a movement inside her, the baby was moving for the first time. She immiediately put her lover paw on her belly.

"I-its moving.” He smiled warmly as he gently rubbed her belly.

"Yes. Our child.” It’s been so long since she felt such happiness. So it was like having a real, complete family with her lover by her side. She moved closer to him so she could nuzzle his neck. "I want you to be a part of my family.”

"I want this too.”

They were cuddling, sharing kisses, whispering tender words until Fluttershy could no longer fight the overwhelming her sleepiness. Discord kissed her cheek again as he wraped banket over her, she lost count how many kisses they have shared during this night and yet she still couldn't get enough of his affection and closeness. She was half- asleep when he softly wshipered "Goodnight, my love”. She nuzzled more into his fur as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight and so close to him. It seemed like nothing could go wrong at this moment.

When she woke up it was early morning, the sky was still dark. Discord was lying next to her with his paw and claw wrapped around her waist. She smiled at the sight of his face with peaceful expression on it, then she put her head on his chest. His heart was beating, she could feel and hear it . Maybe it was beating much slower than it should have been but still. And he was also breathing and his body was so warm. It wasn’t a dream he was really here. He was alive again. He was with her.

The draconequus snuggled her close trying to get warm as he started to feel a bit cold. Fluttershy seeing this put blanket on him. Finally she had what she dreamed about for so long. Now she knew the feeling of sleeping with her love and just being with him. She also knew that sooner or later she will have to tell her friends about everything and this won't be an easy task but for now the most important for her was enjoying this moment.

"Fluttershy.” He mumbled in his sleep and moved his head closer to her back. Fluttershy kissed his forehead and nuzzled into fur on his neck failing asleep again.

Author's Note

Again I'm sorry for all of the grammar and speiling mistakes. If you notice anything I don't mind if you let me know ^.^

The truth

Chapter 3: The truth

The night continued on for a few more hours until the sun slowly started to rise up. The sunlight was sneaking through the window shade. Fluttershy didn’t want to leave the bed, she wanted to cuddle more with Discord but she had to pick up Esper from her parents' house. She woke up Discord and together they prepared and ate breakfast. After Fluttershy left he was waiting for her and Esper. He was a bit nervous and not sure how the child will react to him. When Fluttershy returned, she set the Esper on the floor. When the little one saw Discord, she was staring at him frozen for a moment. Discord waited for the crying to burst, but that didn't happen. Instead, the filly approached him.

The little unicorn seemed to be really intrigued and interested in this strange creature. Discord smiled down at her. He laid down on the floor so his eyes were level with Esper's. "Well, hello there little one. I’m happy to see you now with my own living being.”

The little filly without any fear puted her small hooves on his muzzle, rubbing it with curiousity. After a moment she clung to him with her forehooves wrapping them around his face. Discord looked at her in surprise at first thinking she would be scared but soon he was enjoying this moment to have her hug his muzzle. It’s been so long since he have gotten affection and after last night this was just pure gold to him. Within a minute Esper was on top of his head, touching his horns with intrigued expression on her face. Fluttershy was observing it in slience but she couldn’t hide the wide grin on her face. She was so proud of her adopted daughter.

"Hehe she sure is a curious one, isn’t she.” Discord grined.

"Indeed she is.” Fluttershy agreed.

Someone knocked in the door and without waiting for the answer walked or what is most accurate jumped inside. It was Pinkie Pie. "Fluttershy, you won’t believe what happened! Discord’s grave is…” She broke off in mid-sentence as she froze at sight of Discord.

P- Pinkie?!” Fluttershy frowned.

"I’m a ghost! Boooooo!” Discord quickly put Esper down and jumped out of the window, hoping it will convince Pinkie that what she saw was only her imagination. But it was too late. Pinkie run out of the cottage screaming so loud that Fluttershy even didn't expect that Pinkie can scream so loud. The pegasus quickly put Esper in the baby carrier calling Discord’s name. "Discord, come here! We have to stop her!”

"Nononononono! The others will see me and freak out! I-I should have known this wasn’t a good idea!” He was freaking out.

"We don't have time for this! We can catch her before she reaches Ponyville!”

"Fine but I’m gonna cover myself I don’t want any other pony flying by to see me!” He put on a long hood. "Okay, let’s go get her.”

Fluttershy with Esper and with Discord following her rushed after Pinkie Pie, good thing was that was still early morning and most of the ponies were still asleep. Pinkie Pie was already in Ponyville but the pegasus and the draconequus didn't stop chasing her. She was at the door of Rarity's boutique screaming to let her go inside becasue there's a zombie apocalypse. Fluttershy gripped her shoulders, turning the pink pony towards her, so they could face each other.

"Pinkie, calm down!” She hissed.

Discord quickly grabed Pinkie, covering her mouth. This action made Pinkie struggle even more, trying to free herself from the draconequus' paws. "You deal with Rarity, I’ll deal with Pinkie.” Discord wishpered.

"What’s all the noise about? I’m trying to sleep here.” Rarity, dressed in a sleek bathrobe, opened the door yawning. Pinkie Pie took advantage of Discord's moment of distraction and kicked him with all her strenght in the face making him lost his balance and so both of them crashed through Rarity's doors, by the way, knocking over confused Rarity. Fluttershy gasped covering her mouth with her hoof.

"Agh! You little..!” Discord quickly regained his balance after falling and hid himself away.

"Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy what on Equestria are you two doing?!” Rarity demanded answers trying to disentangle herself from the robe which was quite long.

"Discord! I saw Discord!” Pinkie Pie grabbed Rarity by the face, shaking her like a doll as she continued to speak. "He was chasing me! He is a zombie! He is hiding in your boutique! HE WANTS TO EAT OUR BRAINS!” She shouted the last line. Fluttershy said nothing as she waited for Rarity's reaction.

"Pinkie don’t be ridiculous. He’s been gone for three months! You woke me up for this?” She freed herself from her friend's hooves, correcting her curls and making sure they were in a perfect state.

"Then who is hiding under your curtain?!” She shouted uncovering the curtain and showing hundled Discord.

Fluttershy rushed towards him and hugged him. Rarity looked over in shocked. "I… What?!”

Disord quickly threw the curtain rod at Pinkie which hit her on the head.

"Ouch!” Pinkie whined while Discord was trying to find his way to escape from the boutique.

"Discord!” Fluttershy cried catching his tail and trying to stop him from running. "Calm down please! Everyone calm down! He won't hurt anyone!”

"No! This was a bad idea! I-I shouldn’t be here!” He was closer to the door.

"Please stay! Please, don't leave! Dissy...!” She begged feeling herself about to cry and yet still not releasing his tail, and blocking her back hooves so she could make him stop getting closer to the door.

"Oof!” He fell as Fluttershy pulled after his tail back with all her strenght. The mare clunged to his tail tightening her grip. "I'll explain everything... at Twilight's castle. Please let know about it Rainbow Dash and Applejack.” That was the only idea that came to her mind how she could solve this situation.

"No!” Discord protested snapping his finger and trying to use his magic. "Why this doesn’t want to work?!”

"D-discord, p-please.” She stammered hugging him as thight as she could.

"N-no t-they think I-I’m a zombie!” He whimpered.

''Please. Let them have a chance to understand the situation.”

Rarity and Pinkie Pie understood that zombie or not he doesn’t act like he was a danger. "Y-yeah I would like to understand what on Equestria is going on.” Pinkie Pie said, massaging the area on her head where the falling curtain rod had hit her. A great lump on her head was starting to show.

"It’s the same for me.” Rarity added.

Discord curled up to a ball and started to cry. He had never cried in front of anyone except Fluttershy before. It seemed like the whole thing about bringing him back to life was too much for him.

Rarity and Pinkie looked at each other concerned. "I’m sorry for freaking out and calling you a zombie, Discord.” Pinkie lowered her head. "It’s really nice to see you again though”.

"Y-Yeah. I don’t know how it’s possible that you’re alive but it’s nice as Pinkie said.”

Discord didn’t say anything in response. Instead he curled even more still whimpering like a beaten dog.

Fluttershy after few hours was able to calm down Discord and convice him to go with her to the Canterlot Castle the next day.

When they came to the catle Pinkie Pie and Rarity were there already. Pinkie kept herself busy eating cookies that she brought with herself and Rarity took the gown she was trying to finish sewing while waiting for Twilight and the other marauders to show up.

Fluttershy, Discord, Pinkie Pie and Rarity were in the throne room waiting for Twliight and the rest of their friends.

Discord muttered under his breath. "I’m still not sure about this.” Only Fluttershy heard him.

"Everything will be fine. I truly hope they will understand.” She closed her mouth because she heard Twilight’s voice from the other room. And she definitely wasn't in a good mood.

"Nope! Nope!” He tried to hide.

Fluttershy caressed his claw. "They can't blame you. You didn't do anything bad. If anyone here is to be blaming for, it's me.”

"They will… They’ll think it’s just a trick. They will hate me.” He said trying to hide behind his marefriend.

Fluttershy couldn’t recall when last time she saw Discord so nervous and scared.Maybe because she never saw him in sucha state before. "Calm down. Let's listen what Twilight has to say.”

Rarity shifted from hoof to hoof impatiently as she stood still. "So how long we will be standing here in slience and staring at each other? I have important orders to complete and time is running out.”

Soon Twilight walked into the room upset. "Sorry I had some duty to finish and one of the artifacts is missing since two days… So what is you girls came to talk about..."

Rarity asked with confusion. „Fluttershy didn't told you?”

Twilight didn’t answer Rarity’s question. She was too absorbed standing there quietly and staring at Discord who was hiding behind Fluttershy. "Please tell me I'm seeing things.” She rubbed her eyes. At that moment Applejack entered the throne room. "Hi! I’m sorry for…” She also noticed Discord. "Um, well this is kinda… um an awkward moment.”

Rainbow Dash joined them second after Applejack. "Hey, sorry I’m late.” She froze as she stared at draconequus.

Pinkie Pie broke the silence. "Nope! You definitely not seeing things Twilight, because we all seeing him too! You know that is a crazy story! Yesterday I woke up early in the morning because I had dream about Discord and because yesterday passed three months since his death, I decided to visit his grave, but the grave was dug up, so I ran to Fluttershy’s cottage. When I walked in, I saw Discord in the living room and I got scared. I thought the zombies were attacking us, so I wanted to hide in Ponyville but Fluttershy and Discord started chasing me. I thought Fluttershy turned into a zombie as well, so I was running even more...”

Rarity pulled a cookie from Pinkie's bag and stuffed it into Pinkie's mouth, preventing her from talking more. "Yeah. And they all crushed through my boutique’s door. We all are here because Fluttershy promised us to explain how this is possible that Discord is alive.”

Everyone looked at Fluttershy waiting for her to explain everything. But before she could say anything Rainbows Dash shouted. "Discord is alive?! What kind of sick trick is this?!

"I was dead, Rainbow!” Discord growled. What he feared the most was happening.

Applejack soclded Rainbow Dash. "Come on. Let’s now jump to conclusions. That’s the best way to solve everything!”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth ready to argue more with Applejack but Twilight intterupted her.

"How for Celestia’s sake are you alive? There is no spell to bring back the dead!”

"Are you sure about that?” Fluttershy questioned.

Twilight looked surprised. "What do you mean?”

"Esmeralda The Cat Witch brought him back to live. She lives on the swamps. I found out about her through newspapers.” She showed them the page of the newspaper with the advertisement.

Rainbow Dash looked closely at it. "I didn't hear about her before.”

"Spooooky.” Pinkie summed it up.

"A cat bringing the dead back to life. That’s kinda uncanny don’t ya think?”

"She is the same species as Capper. Maybe other species has their own kinds of magic and spells.” Fluttershy explained.

"Fluttershy, this is unholy and not ethical. How could you bring him back. This… This...” She paused for a moment and took the paper reading the advertisement. "Fluttershy this doesn’t make it right still and you know it.” She sighed.

Rainbow Dash pointed with her hoof at draconequus. "Yeah and who knows what she could have done to his body. Maybe she is using him!”

"Nobody is using me Rainbow!” He growled showing is fangs and trying to defend himself from the false accusations.

Fluttershy knew that the talk with her friends about it gonna be difficult but she didn’t expect it would be that hard. "Why this isn't right?! Because he don't deserves to live or what?! Or maybe you were happy that he was gone?! But I defenitely wasn't!”

Twilight raised her voice more upset. "That is not the point! This is unnatural! Just look at him! He looks like a walking corpse!”

"Gee, thanks Twilight.” Discord rolled his eyes. He definitely was not amused by what the princess of friendship just said.

"I mean, there are also good sides to this.” Pinkie Pie made an attempt to loosen the tense atmosphere between the gathered. "Hey at least he doesn’t need a costume for Nightmare Night. He can prented to be zombie and scare others.” She squeezed Discord’s cheeks.

"PINKIE PIE!” Everyone yelled at her.

Pinkie coverd her head with her hooves. "Okay, okay! Sorry! That was just a joke!”

Fluttershy turned to Twilight. "His heart is beating and he is breathing! And he even was sleeping and eating! Like alive being!”

Something clicked in Twilight's mind and she asked Fluttershy. "How exactly this witch brought him back?”

Fluttershy told them with details about the potion, the night and everything else.

"She did what with the medallion?!” Twilight couldn’t believe what she just heard. The destroyed medalion was gone forever, tunred into poison that brought Discord back to live.

"You heard me loud and clear.” Fluttershy stammed.

"Welp, that explains a lot.” Applejack added.

Twilight took a moment to calm down herself. "Fluttershy think about it. If other ponies will see that Discord is alive they will also want their loved ones to be brought back to life. Do you want all of equestrians to bring the deads back to life?

"So what you are gonna do?! You will kill him?! If you do this then you won't be anymore friends of mine! I do not agree to lose him again!”

"Dear, I think Twilight is right.” Discord put his paw on his beloved shoulder. "As much as I love spending time with you I think it’s best if I’m not here.”

These words broke Fluttershy’s heart. "No! I don't agree!” She shouted and then run out of the room, crying.

"Fluttershy! „Draconequus chased after her on all his fours. He called her name few times before she stopped runing. They were now outside the Canterlot Castle.

"I wonder what would you do if I was the one who died. I bet you would also looking for a way to bring me back.” She spat.

"Of course I would. I won’t deny that. Please just listen to me.” He tried to reach her with his claw and touch her mane but in anger, she rejected his gesture.

"No! First you will listen to me! You don't even know how it was after you died! Every day was a pain and pure torture! I cried every night before I fell asleep! I was wondering how things would be if you were alive! I was wondering how it would be waking up by your side, cuddling with you... just, just to be with you! And two days ago I got it and it was amazing! It was even better than in my dreams!” Her eyes were full of tears, her chest was moving rapidly after this outburst.

Discord touched her cheek trying to get her to calm down. "I know you have miss me, and it does hurt not to be with you but you have to think about it rationally.”

"The lord of chaos is talking about rationallity, what a irony.” She said with great sarcasm.

Discord frowned at her words. What she said have hurt him, and she knew about it from the look on his face but she felt too angry and disappointed to worry about this at the moment.

"It looks like I’m not a lord of chaos anymore since I don’t have my chaos magic.” He growled. "And besides even someone like me has to from time to time think about some things rationally.”

"What about the baby? It deserves to know its father. And Esper? She also needs a father.”

"I know but Fluttershy look at me, I don’t want to be like this, not in front of anyone. Others will suspect things and make us all look like we faked everything.” He said with worry in his voice.

"But the night when Esmeralda brought you back you said you want to be a part of my family!”

"I do, I’m just not sure if being like this is the right way.”

Fluttershy screamed in despair as she tried to pound her hoof against his chest but instead she rested her forehead there. "I... I'm not ready to let you go... I'm not...” she sobbed.

"I know your not.”

"They why do you want to leave me. I gave you my heart, soul an body. What else you want?” she said with frustration.

"I want you to move on.” Discord sighed as he took in his paw the hoof with which she tried to hit him second ago.

Fluttershy didn't say anything, instead she began to cry uncontrollably and shaking.

"Please don’t cry. I want you to be happy, I know you can be without me. You have your friends.”

"It isn't the same. They can't comfort me when I woke up in the middle of the night because of nightmare. I can't cuddle with them or kiss them on the lips. Friends will not replace you.” She wasn't going to give up.

"You’ll still have a piece on me once the baby will be born.” He was running out of arguments.

"It still isn't the same… Why I should move on since you’re here and we can live happily ever after?”

Discord frown a bit holding her close.

"Dissy...”

"Everything gonna be alright.” He coughed a bit. "I-I’ll stay here with you.” He said resignedly.

"R-really?” Fluttershy expected that he gonna argue with her much longer. But she didn’t complain.

"Yes. Just for you."

"Will you be happy?”

Draconequus nodded smiling a bit. Out of joy the mare kissed him on the lips and nuzzled his fur chest.

The rest of their friends heard their conversation. Discord noticed Twilight making a head movement. As if she wanted to talk to him in private.

The promise

„I’ll be back, dear.”

„Okay. I will wait for you here.”

Discord noded again and headed over to Twilight.

When he was close enough, the princess spoke. „I heard your conversation. If you’re not sure this is right then you shouldn't gave up so easliy.”

They begun to walk slowly.

„I love her and I want her to be happy, I’m not even really sure if I’ll be alive much longer anyway. I don’t think I’m immortal and I’m not feeling like I used to.”

„What about you? You look tired and...sick.”

„I’ll be fine.” he smiled trying to look happy, hoping he convinced her.

„Don't even try to lie to me. And what about rumors? You won't hide it in secret for too long.”

„I can try to as best as I can. At least for a little while.”

„I hope you know what you're doing.” Twilight sighed.

„Don’t worry. Plus if I do need to die I can always ask you.”

Twilight froze too shocked to say anything for almost a minute. „ I won't kill you.” She said with cold voice.

„Twilight please. As a friend I ask of you if the time will come. Do to me this one favor.” He begged.

„Fluttershy won't forgive me. You should talk about this with the witch. I won’t kill any of my friends. Never. I’m sorry Discord but I can’t do this. ”

„But if anything does happen, please. She doesn’t have to know.”

„But she will. Fluttershy isn’t stupid.” She growled.

„I know she isn’t.” He sighed. „I’m glad to see your doing okay though.”

Twilight thanked heavens that he changed the topic. „It's nice to talk to you again.”

„ It’s still a bit odd to be alive after so long...” He almost whispered.

„I think you should go back to Fluttershy. She's waiting for you.”

„I suppose you’re right. I’ll perhaps see you later.”
The draconequus went back to his beloved mare.

She turned around as she heard his steps. She noticed how tired he looked. He walked on four legs, it seemed lik every step was taking him a lot of effort and pain. His limbs were shaking.

„Let’s go home.” He said smiling, trying to hide the pain.

„Can you still fly?”

„I can try.”

„I thought we could fly to my cottage.”

Discord started flapping his wings levitating off the ground. „S-see I can fly.”

Fluttershyrose into the air and kissed him on the cheek. „So let's go.”

Discord smiled and started to fly off with her panting slightly. Fluttershy noticed that he was panting. She wasn't happy without him but definetly he wasn't happy being like this. His body was weak and vunerable, he was pale almost colorless and without his chaos magic and it seemed like he also didn't have his joy of life and sense of humor. As the old saying goes, if you love someone you will set them free. But she wasn't ready to let him go... At least not yet... But on the other side he was suffering, just like when he was suffering because of chimera's venom. She fought with herself for a moment, struggling what se should do. Then an idea appeared in her mind. „Discord?”

„Y-yes dearest?” He flew little low because he grew exhausted.

Fluttershy landed on the grass and started to walking slowlly, giving him time to rest. He fell a few inches of the air and laid next to the place where Fluttersy was standing. „Just give me a second.”

„I… I'm still not ready to be without you... I need time... In a year... after our child will be born... I.. .I'll let you go.”

„I’ll be fine, my dear. Really don’t worry about it.” He slowly got up, his limbs were shaking.

„I'm serious, Discord.” She looked into his eyes. „ I’ll go with you to the witch and I’ll ask her to to send you back.”

He looked back smiling a bit trying to keep her from worrying. „Come, let’s just go.” He started walking slowly.

„I'll promise. I'll set you free. I just only want you to met our child. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

„O-okay.”

„That's all you have to say?” She was a little bit disappointed.

„No, sorry. I’m not thinking clearly.” He said ashamed, rubbing his neck.

Fluttershy sighed. „It's okay... But there is also one more thing.”

„What is it?”

„I want to marry you. So even if you will be gone you still will be my husband and I’ll still be your wife.”

Discord giggled for the first time since he was brought back. „Well are you asking for my hand? That is so odd of you.” He teased.

„Well, yes. I’m asking you for your hand.” She chuckled. „So what will be your answer?”

He smiled. „Of course I’ll marry you dear.”

The mare nuzzled fur on his chest. „Thank you.”

„Should I wear the dress then?”

Fluttershy rolld her eyes, happy that Discord was teasing with her just like it used to be. „I don't think you would look good in dress.” She teased him.

He gasped. „Are you calling me ugly? It was a blow to the heart, my dear.” He put the claw on his chest and the paw on his head in a theatrical gesture. „I would look fabulous in a dress.”

Fluttershy giggled. „You would be even more handsome in a suit or in a tuxedo.”

„Well you aren’t wrong in that.”

Fluttershy in response giggled again.

Soon they were at Fluttershy's cottage. She gave him a solid massage to make the pain from his body gone.

„Oh that feels so good.” He was laying on the bed, on his belly sticking his tongue out a bit, while Fluttershy was sitting on his back.

„I know. You deserve it. My hero.” She gently kissed his back.

Discord purred soflty in response making Fluttershy giggle.

Some time later, a couple asked Twilight if she would agree to marry them. The princess agreed. A month later the wedding took place outside Fluttershy's cottage and it was modest. Despite this, Rarity insisted on sewing a wedding dress for Fluttershy and a tuxedo for Discord.

At the wedding were everyone who knew about that Discord was brought back to life.

It was the Apple family, Fluttershy’s family, Twilight and Spike, Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, CMC’s, Starlight, Trixie, Sunburst and Zecora. They all swore that they won’t tell anyone about the secret.

The birth

Chapter 5: The birth

Time passed quickly. Fluttershy's belly grew bigger with each month passing by. She has looked after Discord with loving care and concern. They were spending a lot of time together. Discord sang her songs and played guitar for her. Often in the evenings they were stargazing or went for walks or they were just dancing together.

As for Esper, the little unicorn loved Discord and she began to treat him like a father and she was even calling him a dada. They had a good relationship and strong bond. Discord liked a lot to play with his adopted daughter.

Fluttershy was trying her best to make less painful for Discord being in the living world. Now only three weeks left unitl giving birth. She had so little time left with Discord and still she didn’t feel ready to say goodbye to him.

As the time came closer, Discord grew sicker each day and weaker just wanting to end his pain but he stayed for Fluttershy’s sake. Just to keep her happy.

Any of Starlight's spells or Zecora's potions and methods didn't help to improve his health. At best, they helped him feel better for a few hours or a day.

It was morning. Fluttershy was lying next to her husband on the bed and watching him sleeping. As he was sleeping he stopped breathing for a moment. Fluttershy noticed it and she freaked out. „Discord, sweetheart?” she shaked him.

He was just laying there for a few seconds and then took a deep breath gasping for air. „I-I’m okay.”

„You stopped breathing! That was not okay!” She cried as she hugged his neck tightly. „I love you so much, Dissy.”

„I love you too.” He murmured as he huged her back, still feeling tired.

„Nngh...” She suddenly felt a pain in her belly.

„Are you okay?” He nuzzled her cheek worried.

„N-n-no. I... think the baby is coming...” She panted.

„Wait, now?!” He freaked out a bit.

„Y-yes... Please get Applejack, Sugar Belle and Granny Smith. They... They will know what to do... How to help me.”

„Come on. I’m taking you to them.” He tried to pick her up. As soon as he picked her up a little his hands started shaking. Then Fluttershy tried to stand on her legs but she fell on the bed.

„I-I can't walk in this state. And you can't… You can't take me there, I'm too heavy. Go, get them. Once you get to them, Sugar Belle will be able to teleport you here. I, I'll be fine.”

„I said I can take you. I can do it. I can’t leave you alone.” He put her on his back trying his best to ignore the pain. „Just hold on my dear.”

„Discord, we don't have time to be stubborn. I won't be completely alone. Animals will stay with me.” She said softly.

„What if I don’t get there on time? I would rather have you with me.”

„Discord.”

„Okay, fine! I’ll be back, just try to hold on till I get back!” He put her in a more comfortable spot. He quickly set a few pillows for her, making sure she was comfortable.

„Okay, Discord. Go, now.”

The lord of chaos nodded and quickly run out of the door trying his best to ignore all the pain this caused him as he made his way to Sweet Apple Acres.

„Applejack! Sugar Belle! Help! Please!” He soon felt himself about to collapse on the floor, sweating and trying to catch his breath. „F-Fluttershy needs you.”

Sugar Belle asked „What happened?” The rest of the Apple family also joined them.

Apple Bloom asked Discord „Is Fluttershy alright?”

T-the baby is… He panted heavily, having a hard time breathing. „C-coming. Please. There isn’t much time.”

„Oh okay! I can teleport us to her!” Sugar Belle said nervously. „Applejack bring towels! Granny will you go with us? I need your experience and knowledge about giving birth!”

„Why of course I’m a coming. Ain’t everyday I get to deliver a baby.”

„Don’t worry sugarcube. I got this!” Applejack brought some towels ready to go.

„T-thank you.” Discord closed his eyes passing out on the floor as he slowly stopped breathing again as he used most of his energy to get here.

Applejack shouted. „Discord?!”

„Is he stopped breathing?!” Apple Bloom freaked out.

„No! Come on! Ya can’t die now, Fluttershy needs ya!” Applejeck checked his pulse, it was very faint. „Sugar Belle, teleport us now! We ain’t got time now, I’ll take care of him there! You Apple Bloom, stay here with Big Mac!”

Sugar Belle teleported them straight to Fluttershy's living room. Sugar Belle and Granny Smith ran upstairs while Applejack stayed with Discord, begging him to wake up. „Come one, come on! Breathe you idiot!”

„Alrighty, sweetie we all are here.” Granny as fist entered the bedroom and headed over to Futtershy.

„W-where is Discord? I'm scared.” She was sweating and panting heavily. Her waters broke. She was now even more scared and worried. The fact that Discord didn't come with Granny and Sugar Belle to her was a bad sign.

„ Applejack is with him. He’s alright, just really exhausted. Don’t ya worry. Just hold my hoof and lay down.” Granny tried to calm her down.

„Granny, take care of her. I’ll bring some hot water!” Suger Bell rushed to the living room. In fact, she also wanted to check on Discord.

„DISCORD WAKE UP! YA CANT LEAVE YET!” Applejack shouted.

„How is he?!”

„It ain’t go! He’s not responding and I can’t get him breathing again!”

The unicorn checked his pulse but she couldn’t hear anything. „I’ll take him to the hospital! We can’t let him die now! Go and help Granny!”

Sugar Belle immediately teleported herself and Discord to the hospital, praying the doctors could save him. „ Please I need help! He isn’t breathing!”

At the reception desk stood nurse ReadHeart and doctor Greymare. Their jaws dropped when they saw unconscious Discord. Like everyone else in Ponyville, they knew the story of Discord's heroic death so it was even more of a shock to them.
„H-h-h-how? WHAT?!” The nurse's eyes were the size of saucers. The same was for the doctor.

„I'll tell you everything but please save him! He needs help!” Suger Belle begged with tears in her eyes. The nurse and the doctor exchanged glances and rushed to the draconequus.

At the same time, Granny and Applejack did everything to help Fluttershy and distract her from her husband's absence.

„Okay sweetie. I need ya to take deep breath now.” Fluttershy was trying her best to do what Granny told her but she was more and more scared and nervous. „ I want Discord to be h-here! W-where is he?! She cried.

„Um yeah. He’ll be here soon.” Granny was really hoping that what she said will be the truth.

„ Just try to relax, please.” Applejack said.

Sugar Belle told the nurse and the doctor about everything when they resuscitated him. Draconequus gasped in pain after they used a defibrillator on him a third time.

„Thanks goddness...” Sugar Bell fell to the floor with relief. Her hooves refused to stand, from this stress.

„I-it hurts s-so much.” Discord whimpered cowering, still laying on the floor.

Sugar Belle hugged his neck warmly. „You have to be strong. Fluttershy is giving birth right now, she was asking about you.”

He tried to get up but collapsed. „I-I can’t do it. I can’t get up.” He whined.

Doctor and ReadHeart helped him get up. „Poor thing. I think he should stay here for a day or two. He looks so sick.” The nurse said sympathetically.

„T-That won't help me. Nothing can help me. I... I’ll die sooner or later. I think the spell didn't work as it should…”He panted. „Sugar Belle please take me to my wife.”

„If you say so…” The doctor said.

„Please don’t say about Discord anyone. It’s really important.” Sugar Belle asked.

„We won’t.” The nurse promised. „ I’ll go with you. I think you will need my help.” She offered.

„Thank you.” Discord looked at the nurse gratefully.

Sugar Belle after teleporting them all to Fluttershy’s living room went to the kitchen to get a bowl with water while nurse and Discord ran to the bedroom.

„I don’t think I can make it much longer.” Discord said to himself. He truly wanted to be with Fluttershy. He loved her so much with all his heart but the pain and weakness he felt every day in his whole body were getting bigger and bigger.

When they were at the door on the other side of it they could hear a loud cry of pain.

„Fluttershy!” Discord shouted.

„Discord!” Fluttershy cried feeling unspeakable relief at the sight of her beloved.

„Thanks heavens you’re alright!” Applejack smiled.

Discord, can you try to have her relax?” Granny asked.

The pegasus reached a hoof towards him, her eyes were full of tears. „I-I’m here, my dear.” He slowly walked to her and nuzzled her cheek. She clung to him immediately wrapping her one hoof around his waist, with the other, holding him by the paw and resting her head on his chest. His presence calmed her down and the mare looked much more relaxed. Discord kissed her sweaty forehead.

„If you don’t mind. I’ll help you get through this.” Fluttershy and the rest noticed the nure standing by the door. Me and Sugar Belle brought her. Discord quickly explained. He didn't want Fluttershy to find out what really happened. At least not now.

„That's why you were gone?” Fluttershy looked at him. Discord only nodded.

„Granny, I got a water!” Sugar Belle also entered the room.

„Applejack please take care of Esper. She is in her room.”

„Of course Fluttershy. Don’t ya worry about anything.” The earth pony said ,heading to the other room to find Esper.

Sugar Belle handed Granny Smith the bowl and took Fluttershy by her free hoof.

The nurse ReadHeart took the lead. „Okay at the count of three I want you to push, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy nooded panting heavily. She whined as she pushed, squeezing Discord’s paw with all her might. He bite his lips trying to ignore the pain.

„You can do it, love.” Discord caressed her cheek.

The mare gave him a weak smile while Discord kissed her cheek.

„ Okay, now take a deep breath again and relax.” The nurse ordered.

Childbirth continued for another hour. Fluttershy’s mouth escaped another loud scream as she pushed again then everyone heard newborn baby's cry. The nurse grabbed the baby and started to clean the foal with warm water. „There we go. You have a healthy baby girl.”

„I want to see her. Let me hold her.” Fluttershy wishpered. She was exhausted but also happy.

The nurse wrapped the baby in a warm soft blanket and handed her over to young mother.

The little one had some parts of her look after her mother and her father. She was a draconequus with eagle claws and her back legs were pony's legs in colors similar to Futtershy’s coat. The same was for her face. Her wings looked like Discord's, they had the same shade of blue but with a combination of light pink and purple. Her mane was the same color as Discord's. And the rest of her body was light brown.

„She is so beautiful.” Discord was amazed by his new daughter’s look as he touched her face gently.

„Coming a new life into the world is always a beautiful and magical moment.” Granny wiped the tear from her cheek, hugging Sugar Belle and Applejack who was holding Esper.

„How we should named her?” Futtershy asked Discord. „I want you to give her name.”

Discord was thinking for a moment. „How about Melody?”

„It's beautiful.” She approved.

Discord grined and laid his head on top of hers, closing his eyes.

„Our daughter is born... That means I have to keep my promise... even If I won't do this he looks like he will die soon anyway... so it will be best If... I let him go...” At this though she huged him with her one hoof, in the second holding Melody.

Draconequus smiled at her action and hugged her back whispering. „I love you.”

„I know. And I'm grateful for that.” She replied.

Melody opened her eyes for the first time. They were exactly like Fluttershy’s eyes. Eyes that Discord loved so much. „She is truly perfect.”

Fluttershy was already so proud of her daughter. „I know. And I know she will do great things in the future.”

Discord chuckled. „Like her mother.”

„I think the Apple family can go back home. I’ll stay here and make sure that everything is okay with mother and the baby.” The nurse said.

„Okay.” Applejack handed Esper to Discord. „Let us know If you need anything.”

„Thank you for everything.” Discord laid down on the floor. „I’m so tired.” He wishpered as he closed his eyes laying there.

The last goodbye

And so on another months has passed. Everyday Fluttershy was saying to herself that she will go with Discord to the witch next day and next day and so on. Discord was helping Fluttershy with taking care of Esper and Melody as much as he could. He desperately held on to life as much as it was possible for him, despite his misery. But more and more often his body was failing him but never complained to Fluttershy about it. He endured everything in silence. The only moments of relief were when Fluttershy was close to him. Her touch for a few short seconds made the pain in his body disappear.

It was Saturday afternoon, Melody and Esper were taking their nap, Discord was also sleeping in their bedroom and Fluttershy was watching over him. In past few months he was sleeping more and more and he barely eat. He looked like he was ten thousand years older, He seemed to be very tired of life. He had lost enough weight that Fluttershy could easliy see all of his ribs.

„I can't put it off any longer. He's just suffering. What's the point in a relationship where one only suffers...” Now she was seeing her mistake clearly.” What have I done. I was a selfish idiot. I was keeping him here, for my own egoistic desires... Even though I knew about his misery.” She felt so gulity. She hated herself at the moment for what she did to Discord.

„Fluttershy...” Discord looked at her exhausted, almost out of breath saying it.

„Y-yes? Sorry. I didn't want to wake you up.”

„I think it’s time for me to go.”

„D-do you want to go to the witch as I promised you?” She was hoping that was what he meant by saying it’s time for him to go.

"I’m tired. I can’t hold on much longer my dear. It’s already been more than a year." He rose a little and got to nuzzle her cheek then fell back on the bed. It looked like this action took all of his strength. Now he was laying on his back.

„ S-so you are – are d-dying?” She felt the tears began to trickle into her eyes.

„I have been. I almost did before Melody was born.” He started to drift off as he spoke.

Fluttershy noticed bird sitting on the windowsill. „Please bring the Cat Witch here. She lives on the edge of the swamps. Please hurry up, Discord is dying!” The bird noded and flew over to the witch’s hut. Then she turned to Discord. „ I'm so sorry... I’m sorry for all of the pain you had to endure, I'm sorry for being selfish.” She couldn't hold back her tears any longer and began to cry as she took his paw and claw in her hooves.

„It’s okay my dear… I- I don’t have grudge against you…” His breathing became heavier. „I’m happy I could be by your side for a little while. You were so loving and gentle… And you was trying your best to make me happy… T-thank you for that.”

Hearing these words she hugged his neck „I love you with all my heart. Please don’t forget about it.”

„I won’t… I love you too.”

Fluttershy pressed her forehead against his. „I'm so sorry for everything... Will... will I see you again?”

„Maybe after you pass on. I don’t remember a lot from the time when I was dead but I know the after life is actually nice.”

„S-so you don't know for sure if... we will be together again?”

Discord tried to comfort her. „I’m sure we will.” After a moment of silence he said. „I want you to keep it.” He removed a wedding ring from his middle claw. „It won't be useful to me on the other side, but you will have another thing that will remind you, and our daughters when they will be older, of me.”

Moved, she took the ring from him. Draconequus pulled out a small bundle from under the pillow. „This is also for you. Last gift from me. Unpack it now.”

Fluttershy did as he said. A small heart made of pure gold, decorated with a pattern with a floral ornament, appeared before her eyes after removing the package. It was a necklace that could be opened.

„Open it.” Discord mumbled.

And so she did. Inside, to the right was a picture of her, Discord, Esper, and Melody together. Discord was holding her while Fluttershy was holding in both her hooves their daughters and was nuzzling his cheek. They looked so happy on this photo. On the left, there was a lock of hair from Discord's mane. Fluttershy was out of words.

„R-rarity helped me with this. D-do you like it?”

„I love it! This is wonderful gift, sweetheart. Thank you so much.” She put the wedding ring and necklace on the nightstand.

Discord lifted his paw and caressed his wife’s cheek, then ran his fingers through her hair. Fluttershy leaned into his touch as she wrapped her front hooves around his paw. They stayed like that for a moment, then Fluttershy leaned forward and gently pressed her lips against his. Discord returned her kiss. That was one of the most loving and tender kisses they have ever shared and sadly the last.

A knock could be heard on the other side of the door.

„Come in!” Fluttershy's voice cracked.

Soon the witch came in closing the door behind her.

Fluttershy wasn’t sure what she felt at the sight of the witch. Anger? Rage? Grudge? „He is dying. Your spell was messed up!” She said it as if every word that left her mouth was a poision that could harm.

The feline didn't seem moved by her words. „I did warn you that he is a powerful creature and I couldn’t bring him back fully to normal. I simply gave you what you desired. There’s alway consequences to your actions.”

„Or maybe your spells for bringing back to life are always like this!” She felt a growing anger within her.

The witch sit down and sighed. „Yes they are but it seems like you haven’t learn anything from this.”

Learn?! So this old witch didn’t give her any warning just to make her learn a lesson? She agreed to bring Discord back and put him in such a suffering just for that? The rage was boiling in her blood. She wanted to slap Esmeralda in the face with all her strenght but Discord's faint whisper stopped her. „C-calm down…”

For a moment she was sitting next to Discord’s bed in silence. „ If you think so… Then you’re wrong. I know I was selfish is that what you want to hear?!” She spoke through clenched teeth as she took draconequus paw again and started caressing it. Discord smiled softly.

„That is not what I wanted you to learn.”

„I was selfish and... I know if we love someone we should set them free and... and any spell can't cheat death... Are you satisfied?” She hissed.

Esmeralda smiled slightly. „ I suppose we should set him back then.”

Fluttershy was still mad at Esmeralda. „If you didn’t notice he is already dying. I just will be here, by his side until he fell asleep.”

„As you wish.”

„If you want you can stay here. Or do wahtever you want. I don’t care.”

The cat didn’t move from where she was sitting. It looked like she wanted to stay.

Discord's breathing began to become faint and shallow.

„Discord?” she wishpered.

„Yes l-love…”

„Shhh. I- I… I’m glad I have met you. I’m glad you were a part of my life.” She laid one hoof on his chest while in the other still holding his paw. He no longer had the strength to say anything instead he only gave her a week smile laying there. She tried to smile back as she looked into his beautiful golden eyes one last time.

„Try-try to sleep...” she almost choked on her tears saying that. She knew prefectly well that when he fell asleep he won’t wake up from this slumber anymore.

The former lord of chaos slowly started to drift off, his heart beat getting slower with each second passing by. Fluttershy gave a light squeeze to his paw, reassuring him that she is still by his side and she will stay there to the end.

Soon he took his final breath, as he passed on once more. His chest stopped moving and his body went still. Fluttershy closed his eyes and started to cry and sobbing uncontrollably on his chest, she couldn't hear his heartbeat anymore but his body was still warm.

Esmeralda put her paw on grieving mare’s shoulder. „I’m sorry but it’s best that he isn’t in pain anymore. He’s in a better place now.”

„I know.” Fluttershy sniffed.” But that doesn't mean it's less painful... But I hope... it will be better over time...”

„It will. Trust me you aren’t the only one that have been through this, but after some time you will look back at these moments fondly.”

„Tell me one. If your spells are always like this… then why… Then why you are doing this? Why you’re giving ponies their loved ones just so they had to watch them suffering and dying again after few months.”

„I know it seems cruel but most of the time it’s the only way to help them understand important things and move on. If I didn’t gave them what they desired they would find someone else, someone worse who only heavens know what would do with their despair and with what they want. Tell me If I had refused you, you would have stopped looking for a way to bring him back? ”

The mare was silent for a moment. „ No.”

„And now will you try ever again to bring him or anyone alse back?”

„No.” Now she understoond the witch’s intentions.

„ I know life is cruel but we all have to understand that sometimes we have to let go and move on. Sometimes is the best we can do.”

Fluttersy looked at Discord. He looked like he was just asleep there but a sign of relief and slight smile left on his face. „Yes, he is happy now.” She thought. „At least I got a chance to spend some time with him... To wake up by his side... I know how it's like to be a wife and have a family...”

„I’m happy you got that.” Esmeralda gently stroked her head.

Fluttershy rose from her knees. She put Discord paw and claw crossed over his chest and covered his whole body with a blanket. „ I need to tell my other friends about it...we have to prepare the funeral...but this time without the crowds.”

„I do wish you the best of luck. If you need anything let me know. That isn’t bringing back the dead.

„Thank you.”

Two days later, everyone who knew about the whole thing was at the funeral: Fluttershy's friends, the Apple family, Starlight, Trixie and Sunburst. The sun was setting when Fluttershy came home. But this time she wasn't in despair. She felt sadness and in the corners of her eyes were tears, but she also felt a kind of peace and relief. She left Esper and Melody in the care of her mother while she was at the funeral. And now Esper welcomed her. The little filly was now almost two years old.

„Mommy!” Then she froze. „Where is daddy?”

„Daddy… well he had to go sweetie.”

„But he will come back?”

„Maybe someday we’ll see him again.”

Esper was saddened and started to cry. Fluttershy knew it will take some time for Esper to get used to the new situation. The mare hugged her tight, and a few tears ran down her cheeks. Holding Esper in her hoof, she went to the kitchen where her mother and second daughter were. He still is here, in my heart, in Esper. - She thought - And in Melody.

THE END