Episode 6 - Agent of Chaos

“The guest of honour has arrived! Hold your applause, everyone. No need to get all excited.” If anything, everyone in the room was still in shock from Discord's arrival. Even now, being in sight, Peter's Spider-Sense still barraged his head nauseatingly, still trying to distinguish if this new guest was friend or foe. Or somewhere in the middle. Getting a proper look at him, Peter realised that Discord wasn't like anyone else he'd met thus far. His right hand, sporting a fanciful cane, looked more like a feline paw, while his left hand matched closer to a claw seen on a bird. Even the horns on top of his head didn’t match up either. His skin wasn't exactly normal either, it being a dark grey rather than any human-like pigment. From what Peter could gather, he was a composite of various creatures from the looks of him. Like a chimera.

“So, who exactly is this guy?” Peter inquired with Fluttershy, her hands still locked onto his to insure he didn't make any hasty moves. “Well… he’s a friend. He used to be bad, but he's ok now.” Peter cocked an eyebrow at the phrasing she used. “What do you mean by ‘bad’ here?” He inquired. He could see the look in Fluttershy's eyes as her thoughts whizzed all over the place. “I’ll… I’ll explain later.”

As Discord made his way into the room, the crowd around him parted, knowing full well who it was that was now present with them. Though Peter and Fluttershy made no attempt to move out of his way. Upon seeing the pink haired Pegasus, Discord's eyes went wide with excitement. “My dearest Fluttershy! My goodness, don't you look beautiful tonight! You're practically glowing. What has gotten you so…” From the corner of his eye, Discord spotted Fluttershy's hands still tightly closed on Peters, the gears beginning to turn in his head. “I see. Well now, I must get more acquainted with this new friend of yours, Fluttershy. And rest assured, we WILL get acquainted.” The sinister tone in Discord's voice didn't go unnoticed, his slim yet intimidating figure hovering over Peter. Yet the young man didn't bat an eye, which caught Discord off guard. “Either you have NO idea who I am, or you are just plain foolish. We’ll find out which one soon enough!” Before he could make his way through any further, the crowd parted to reveal Celestia and Luna. The sight of the princesses caused Discord to land, doing a rather half assed bow as his feet touched the floor.

“Ah, Celestia! Don't you look elegant this fine evening? How fortunate I arrived on time. It would be a shame if you had no dance partner for the party.” Peter's Spider-Sense began to flare up again as the two locked eyes with each other, Celestia’s expression turning the most serious he had seen outside of a fight. The sun princess held her composure however, even if it was clear this guy was getting under her skin.
“Good evening, Discord. How kind of you to join us. Though I must admit, even I was unsure if your invitation would find its way to you. Perhaps, an RSVP next time so that we may EXPECT your arrival?” A hearty laugh erupted through the throne room as Discord got to his feet. “Oh come now, Celestia! You expect ME to be one for formalities? Isn't it more fun for me to arrive unannounced? Surely it must have been a surprise for you to have sensed me coming, unaware of my arrival? The suspense in the air - all too thrilling!”

During the back and forth between Celestia and Discord, the other girls had joined Peter and Fluttershy, Applejack placing a hand on Peter's shoulder to keep him in check. Which at this point, he knew he needed. “Not that ah don't trust ya Pete, but Discord can be a nasty piece of work when he wants to be. Not on Sombra’s level, but still bad.”Every so often, Discord's eyes would glance over in Peter's direction, his intrigue amplified now that the girls had surrounded him, almost as if they were trying to protect him. But with each glance, Peter could feel his Spider-Sense surging, trying his damndest to not let his instincts take over, and to avoid harming Fluttershy, whose hands were still hanging onto his. Celestia, taking notice of whatever Discord was trying to do, and of Peter's growing discomfort, knew she had to do something to take his attention away. “Oh Discord… How about a dance?”

A chorus of gasps echoed throughout the room, with even Discord himself looking shocked. “How could I ever say no to such a request? Oh orchestra, if you please?” The orchestra, themselves stunned, broke out of their trance and began to play. Discord approached Celestia, hand outstretched as she reluctantly took it, and their dance began immediately. Even with no moment to prepare, Celestia kept up with every move. Almost like this wasn't the first time she had done this dance. With Discord's attention off him, Peter slowly made his way to the back of the crowd, well out of sight, Fluttershy with him the entire time. The other girls, except for Twilight, followed. Outside on the large balcony space, Peter took a few moments to catch his breath. “Ok, question time. Who the hell is that guy?!” The girls all looked at each other, wondering how best to describe who Discord even was. “He is a force of nature, Peter.” The voice of Princess Luna boomed out as she joined them. “Discord is the spirit and embodiment of chaos. His magic is the very energy of chaos itself. With it, he can reshape reality at his whim. My sister and I faced him eons ago, and had to imprison him in stone for his actions.”

“So that's what Fluttershy meant by him being a bad guy in the past tense. But why is everyone ok with him being around now?” All eyes fell upon Fluttershy. “Princess Celestia tasked me with becoming his friend. And so I did. He's become nicer now because of me, I guess.” Of all the things Peter had seen throughout his life, and in Equestria especially, somehow that was the most impressive thing he had heard about. “Do you usually make it a habit of taming bad boys?” A tender kiss on his cheek was all he needed to know. “Just the ones I like. Though I can understand why everyone is a little hesitant to be around Discord right now.” The expressions of the girls, and Luna, all turned furious. “Because he sold us out to Tirek months ago!” Dash shouted out. “It's hard to tell if he's actually on our side when he pulls a stunt like that!” The mention of Tirek’s name took Peter's mind back to the fight weeks ago when he was trying to deal with the Titan-sized centaur. “So the guy that Celestia is dancing with, betrayed you guys to Tirek?”

“Only for Tirek to betray him in the end.” Rarity added. “We all had our moment to laugh at the irony. But rest assured, Discord can be very unpredictable. It’s no wonder Twilight stayed behind to keep an eye on things.” A quick explanation as to why Twilight wasn't with them, the ever faithful pupil making sure her teacher, and friend, was safe. Though Luna’s description of Discord got Peter thinking. “So he's a reality warper? No wonder my Spider-Sense went crazy when he showed up. Those sorts of guys are always a pain.” Even after months, Luna was still surprised by some of the things Peter said. “You mean to tell me you have met beings like him before?” Even the girls couldn't help but feel a little shocked. One being like Discord was bad enough, nevermind more. “Oh yeah, quite a few. A friend of mine had one come after him personally. But he dealt with it.”

In amongst their discussions, the group could hear the music begin to die down, meaning that the dance was also close to its end. They headed back through, the crowd breaking into an applause as the dancers parted. Discord took a bow before the audience, and an extra one for Celestia. “Quite the show we gave. But I can tell you haven't moved like that in a while, have you? One wrong step and you’d have looked like quite the fool, my dear.” While she may have had to fix a few things on her dress, Celestia never once gave the impression that she had done anything imperfect. “I’m sure everyone would understand. My duties leave little time for dance practice. And I think the last thing my people would critique me on is my foxtrot.” Celestia retorted with much conviction.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Peter with his friends, a sigh escaping from her mouth knowing that he was safe. Discord however, noticed her gaze aiming towards the young man, his eyebrow raised. “How peculiar. Going through so much trouble just for the sake of him. How VERY intriguing, Celestia.” For as much as he always acted like a buffoon from time to time, Celestia tended to forget that Discord’s wit was always razor sharp. However, she was already growing tired of his antics. “Not here, Discord. And if you have any respect for those girls, you will leave it be.” A witty retort was about to work its way out of Discord’s mouth, only for him to pause, his eyes veering over towards Fluttershy, standing ever so close to this mysterious young man.

“Oh, very well then. But I will find out what makes that boy so special, Celestia. Count on it!” With a flash, Discord blipped out of view, only to reappear in front of Fluttershy and the others. “Ah, my dear Fluttershy! We have so much to catch up on. How about a drink and some gossip from my dear friend?” With some hesitation, Fluttershy relinquished her grip on Peter. But before she moved away, she planted a soft kiss on his lips. “I’ll be right back, ok? Have fun while I'm gone.” Watching her walk away, Peter couldn't help but feel a little worried. Applejack, seeing his concern, placed her hand on his shoulder once again. “She’ll be ok, Pete. Discord might be a loose canon at times, but he’ll never hurt her. Trust me on this.” While the room was still ablaze with chatter about the dance, the doors opened once again. This time, a couple of guards walked through, followed closely by someone who was dressed rather fanciful. Rarity's eyes widened at the sight of the new arrival. “Oh dear. It appears Prince Blueblood has joined the party.”

Peter recalled Rarity's story about Blueblood, and how he had been crass and rude with her. “How could a relation of Celestia’s act like a total asshole?” He would soon get his answer as Blueblood seemed to be approaching them. “Rarity. What a pleasure to see you again.” The fashionista turned her nose up to the prince, failing to return the greeting. Instead of trying to keep her attention, Blueblood instead turned to face Peter, extending a hand out. “And who might you be, my good man?” While taken aback by this gesture, Peter didn't once consider acting rude in any way, and so returned the gesture in kind. “Peter Parker, Your Highness. A pleasure.” From the corner of his eye, Blueblood had noticed that Peter's tie was a tad crooked, and so went to fix it, catching everyone off guard. “A gentleman's attire should never be out of place, Mr. Parker.” A few seconds later and the tie was redone, looking even more fanciful than before. “And there we are. Much better. Very eye-catching.”

“Uh, thank you!” Said a rather surprised Peter. “I hadn't even noticed it was loose.” Now he began to wonder if it had looked like that all night, with no one having a moment to tell him with all the excitement. “Think nothing of it, Mr. Parker. Everyone should look their best on such a night. Even those of us with bad manners.” Blueblood decreed, his eyes falling on Rarity, herself looking rather offended by the accusation. “Coming from you, that is rather rich. Given how you treated me at the last Gala!” While Rarity was getting rather flustered, Blueblood seemed to be keeping his composure quite well, leaving Peter confused. “I’m starting to get the feeling this is one of those stories that has two sides.” The others were waiting to see if an argument was about to kick off. Luckily, Peter was there to mediate. “Rarity? Is there any chance you didn't tell me the whole story about the last time you two met?”

“Well… I um… I may have… sort of thrown myself at him last time we were here. I shall admit, I let my feelings get the better of me.” And there was the other side of the story Peter thought was there. “And I will admit” Added Blueblood, “That in the midst of things, I forgot my manners and treated you unfairly. A fault on both sides.” The prince extended his hand, a sign to make amends. Though a little hesitant, Rarity accepted the gesture, Blueblood pulling her in to kiss her hand. “And might I say, you look incredible, Rarity. Please, enjoy your night!” With a bow, Blueblood excused himself to join the party at large, leaving Rarity very confused. “Well… I suppose that's that then. Perhaps tonight will be enjoyable after all.” The orchestra could be heard warming up again, with many guests taking to the dancefloor for another go. Instead of mulling about, Rarity offered her hand out to Peter. “What say you, Mr. Parker? A quick dance for a friend?” A smile on his face, Peter took her hand as they headed to the dancefloor.

At a small table across the way, Fluttershy and Discord were mid-discussion while partaking in some refreshments, both being choices non-alcoholic. Fluttershy had been regaling Discord with her activities the past few months: The Tantabus attack; Nightmare Night; meeting Princess Flurry Heart, and was just in the middle of Starlight’s attack on Ponyville. But the Spirit of Chaos couldn't help but notice she was omitting one key figure from all these events. “So, your friend Peter. Where was he in all of this?” Fluttershy’s mind ran wild with excuses, trying to think of anything. Should she say he hid? No. Then people would think he was a coward. But then saying he stood and fought would also raise questions. “He was helping people while the Princesses fought the villains. He’s a very brave man, Discord. I want you to be nice to him.” The Pegasus always did have a way of contrasting kindness and firmness when she wanted to. However, Discord failed to believe her words.

“Well I hope he is indeed brave, considering he's not from Equestria.” All the blood drained away from Fluttershy's face, her drink hovering just before her lips. “How…? But you just met him. How could you know?” She asked, trying to be as quiet as possible as to not draw anymore attention than they already got. A smug Discord took a sip from his drink before answering. “My dear Fluttershy, how could I not know? His aura reeks of magic not from this world. I'm certain the Princesses must have come to the same conclusion once they got near him. I must say - a being from another dimension as your choice of mate? Bold of you.” While it was nice to actually hear him acknowledge Peter as her boyfriend, Fluttershy still couldn't help but feel worried as to what Discord’s interests were. “Yes. He is my choice. He has been nothing but kind to us since he got here. And he almost died fighting Sombra.” The Chaos Spirit's eyes widened at the idea that someone without access to magic could have beaten someone like King Sombra on his own.

“Hmmm. A being of such physical prowess. Makes me wonder what the others on his world are like. Has he ever mentioned them?” This time, Flutterhsy didn't have to worry about making an excuse. She had no answers this time. “No. He hasn't really talked much about his world. We didn't even know he wasn't from here until a while ago. But I judge him by his actions here and now. And I judge him to be a good man.” Even with many unanswered questions, Fluttershy's faith in Peter held firm. Whatever fun Discord had in mind would have to be put on hold. For now. “Then I suppose there isn't much else to say except congratulations to you both. May your days be happy, Fluttershy. But if he harms you in ANY way…” Discord's tone turned eerily sinister, his eyes aglow with magic. “I know he won't.” Fluttershy said to placate him. “As I said: he's a good man.” Looking over towards her friends, Fluttershy had noticed Peter dancing along with the other girls, taking turns with them. Though with mixed results.

“Then how about a formal introduction?” Discord inquired, his tone suggesting that he might actually be genuine. Fluttershy took a few moments to process his request, weighing up if it was worth it or not. “Alright. But you will behave, ok? I want you to Pinkie Swear on it!” Discord knew that a Pinkie Swear was basically an agreement written in blood, without the actual writing in blood part. It was something he knew Fluttershy and her friends took very seriously. “Very well then. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” For Fluttershy this was enough, making her way over to her friends with Discord in tow. Peter, taking notice of their approach, ceased dancing. An uneasy tension formed in the air as he and Discord glared at each other, Fluttershy between the two as a barrier. “Discord, I would officially like for you to meet Peter Parker, my boyfriend.” Her cheeks went red at even the mention of Peter as her romantic partner, a detail Discord fully took note of.

“Well Peter, it would seem Fluttershy is rather smitten with you. I trust those feelings are shared mutually by yourself?” It was very clear what was going on, and Peter knew it. He had figured that such questions would eventually be asked by Fluttershy's parents, but it appeared that the spirit of chaos would be the one to ask them first. “Absolutely.” He responded in full confidence. “She's been so kind to me ever since I arrived in Ponyville. No memory of where I came from; nowhere else to go. And she's always had faith in me when others haven't. It’s safe to say she's good at keeping some of my more nasty habits in check.” While Discord believed that the young man's feelings were genuine, he also knew that Peter had told one small lie. But a lie that he saw right through. “No memory you say?” He quizzed, leaning in closer to the group. “Or is it that you can't get back to whichever universe you popped out from?”

While not in the least bit surprised that he knew, the girls were still furious that he did have some knowledge of Peter's true point of origin. And while the Spirit of Chaos was really tempted to cause a scene with such information, he also knew very well that such action would break Fluttershy's heart - something even he wouldn't dare do. “Oh, not to worry dear boy. Your secret is safe with me. But I warn you now, Peter: should you in any way harm Fluttershy, should that be physically or emotionally, intentional or unintentional, you’ll find chaos knocking on your front door. And no one will be able to save you.” A nauseating tingling shot up Peter's spine, his Spider-Sense telling him exactly just how serious Discord’s threat was. But even with the pain, Peter powered on through. “You can bet I’ll give my life for her before I ever even harm her. I promise you that.”

“Then I guess we’re going to get along just fine. Enjoy the party, eat,drink and be merry, dance the night away, and do anything I wouldn't do. Understood?” Everyone wondered what Discord meant by that last part, all coming to the same conclusion slowly but surely. Before they could say another word, Discord had already left, gone in a flash as he teleported over to the other side of the room to strike up some conversation. The girls breathed a sigh of relief, having presumably survived any drama that may have unfolded. Peter began to feel his head stop pulsing now that he was no longer in Discord’s sights. For the time being. “Are you alright, Peter?” A concerned Fluttershy inquired as she hugged him tight.
“Yeah. I’ve stared down worse than him. Trust me.”

SEVERAL HOURS LATER

Later into the night, many of the guests had begun to leave, a few stragglers still within the throne room. While Sonata and Aria were dancing by themselves, Adagio was nowhere to be seen, though she had been spotted leaving with someone earlier in the night. Best not to ask what was going on there. Cadence and Shining took advantage of the now almost empty dance floor to enjoy a dance all to themselves, with Flurry Heart safely in the arms of her Aunt Luna as she slept, the excitement of her first Gala having taken its toll. Celestia was in mid-conversation with a few guests, while at the same time having her eyes every so often check on Discord to make sure he was behaving himself. Twilight and Spike were also on the dance floor, the two of them no longer having to save face in front of a big crowd and could dance however they liked. With much of the orchestra having left, any instruments not belonging to them were now free for Dash, Applejack and Pinkie to mess around with discreetly.

Rarity had excused herself, having done some damage to her dress (which she of course wasn't subtle about in the slightest). The last two unaccounted for guests had also excused themselves. Outside, on the rooftops of the castle, Peter and Fluttershy gazed out onto the city of Canterlot and beyond, a crescent moon shining down on the cloudless night. Though given it was still the middle of winter, it was still a touch cold, with Fluttershy now having Peter's jacket draped across her. “I guess I’ll have to tell my parents about us now, huh?” She remarked, giggling all the while, her mind still processing all the new feelings she was allowed to have tonight.
“I suppose so, yeah.” Peter responded, himself trying to wrap his brain around the situation. But for the most part, he felt amazing. For the first time in months, he felt lighter than air. Looking down, he kissed Fluttershy on her forehead, earning a few more giggles from her.

While the night had indeed been perfect, with some hiccups thrown in for good measure, something Discord said was hanging in the back of Fluttershy's mind. “What was your world like, Peter?” Perhaps he should have been surprised, but after being here for months, Peter knew that at some point someone would start to press him about where he came from. And now it was someone he knew he couldn't afford to lie to. Not anymore.
“It was… so different compared to here. Only a small number of people had wings, or could use magic. Our technology is so different too.” Fluttershy’s thoughts were ablaze. She had heard about Twilight's stories from the mirror dimension, but there must have been more. “Are there others like you? People with powers?” Out of any question he could have been asked, this was the easiest for Peter to answer.

“Oh yeah. Lots of them, believe me. My world has so many super-powered beings, you'd need a book to keep up with them all. Let's see… Oh, Vixen you would like! Her magical necklace gives her the abilities of any animal she wants! Who else, who else… Oh I know……..

Author's Note

Sorry about the break everyone. I was on vacation for a couple weeks!