Episode 29:

Dungeons and Discords

Fluttershy along with Beshte are busy packing up things for a trip, a trip they’d just found out about a short time ago. As such she was most surprised when Discord of all creatures happened to drop by for one of his unscheduled visits.

"Tea?" He offered, producing a gasp from his closest friends before moving to scan over the various objects strewn about the cottage. "Trendy coats? Bedrolls? Saddlebags? Oh! A surprise vacation just for the two of us? How thoughtful of you, Fluttershy. May I make a suggestion? I hear Puerto Caballo is lovely this time of year. Sand like powdered sugar." He picked up some sand while dressed in an outfit one might expect if you were going to the beach, complete with sunglasses. He then blew the sand, causing Fluttershy and Beshte to cough.

Fluttershy tried to put what she was about to say as delicately as possible.

“Um, actually it's not for the two of us or even the three of us, Discord.” Beshte moved to explain first. “It’s for a trip that involves me, Fluttershy, along with the rest of Guard.”

With that, Fluttershy moved to further add up on the explaination. “Princess Celestia's taking the twelve of us on an overnight goodwill tour of Yakyakistan. We just found out."

Discord frowned. "Twelve? But what about Spike or the other pony that joins you on these important patrols together, Starlight whatever her last name is?”

“Starlight Glimmer, and she wasn't interested. Neither was Spike," Fluttershy explained.

The spirit frowned anew and shrank down briefly with a gasp. "So what you're saying is 'no tea'? Ugh," He cleared his throat and returned to normal. "Er, that's... fine. I wasn't really thirsty anyway."

"We’re really sorry this had to come up at the last minute, Discord." Fluttershy apologized before resuming packing. She then suggested. “If you're looking for something to do, you could spend the evening with Spike, Kovu, and Big Macintosh."

Discord laughed. "Good one, Fluttershy! Always with the lovely zingers!" When Fluttershy didn't laugh with him he slowly realized that she was being serious. "You're not kidding are you? Oh, come on! Why would I ever dream of even thinking of that?"

“It wasn’t something you have to.” Beshte clarified. “It was just a suggestion if want some company to spend time with. And if you’re willing to give it a chance you might find yourself to be actually enjoying it.”

"Yeah, they’re also really nice.” Fluttershy added. "They even have their own 'top secret' thing they like to do whenever the rest of us leave Ponyville," Then she giggled. "Although to be honest, since everyone knows about it it's not really a secret. A little friendly humor on our part."

“So I’ve heard.” Discord remarked still frowning.

Fluttershy added as she finished packing. "Even still I think you should give it a chance, you’d be surprised of how much fun you’ll have with them."

At that Discord remarked quite stubbornly. "Fun? With sidekicks? Oh, you must think that we're in a dimension where everything is opposite," He proceeded to snap his paws, bringing about just such a dimension (which also had an echo to it). "Da-dee-la! I'm Opposite Discord, and I want to hang out with Spike and Big Mac! I'm sure I'd have fun!"

Fluttershy suddenly fluttered up and shouted. "Oh yeah?! Well, guess what, Sassafras?! I'm Opposite Fluttershy, and I'm sick of being nice and quiet all the time!"

“Not only that…” Beshte also spoke up while shouting as well. “I’m Opposite Beshte! Hubba Bubba! And I am sick of being pushed around and disrespected all the time by Pride Landers who don’t respect me!”

Discord proceeded to snap his paws again and bring everything back to normal. Fluttershy seemed surprised by her sudden outburst along with Beshte. "Look, Fluttershy, Beshte, I understand what you are both saying and what you are trying to do but it's all I can do just to be friends with the rest of your pony friends. I haven't even really gotten to know Starlight or Kovu for that matter." He explained. "Spike and Big Mac? I don't even know the first thing about them, other than the fact that they're guys, and that one of them doesn't talk much, and the other is Twilight's adopted son."

Fluttershy smirked. "It’s never too late to learn more about them, Discord. And I really do think you'd like their 'top secret' event," Then she added. "Unless you're afraid they won't like you?"

The spirit groaned. "Oh, please. Don't stoop to tedious reverse psychology. You're better than that."

"Well I learned it from you and Twilight in that matter." The pegasus replied with a giggle.

Discord simply sighed, his entire body starting to droop. "Oh, all right. Consider it considered."

"Great!" Beshte happily smiled. "We’ll make sure they know to expect more company. Just make sure to show up at Twilight's castle at sundown, and the rest is history from there."

"'Twilight's castle, sundown'," Discord wrote down the details on a small notepad. "Got it.” With that he teleported away with a simple snap of his talons.

But no one could've imagined of what lies in store for Discord upon coming across Spike, Big Mac, and Kovu’s 'secret' nor how it would turn out. With the only thing can be sure is how this experience changes things for them going forward.

The Lion and Pony Guard along with Kiara all boarded the train for Yakyakistan and departed with little fanfare, despite a bit of not so subtle teasing from Twilight and Applejack along with Kion and Fuli about Spike, Kovu, and Big Mac's 'secret' get together.

"Well, time to get everything together for tonight," Spike told Big Macintosh after the train left. "Just hope Discord is willing to give it a try."

“Let’s hope so.” Kovu said in agreement feeling equally unsure of what he is getting himself into this time.

Hours quickly passed, and as the sun set off to the west Spike and Big Macintosh had gathered in Twilight's castle. Starlight yawned as she trotted past them. "Well, since I don’t have any lessons to look forward too tonight, I’m going to call it a day. Have fun, guys. But not too much fun.” Of course, Spike, Big Macintosh, and Kovu all knew that this meant she too knows about their so called "secret" get together.

Spike rushed to a nearby window, watching as the last of the sun's rays disappeared into the gleaming twilight. "3, 2, 1, and... we have sundown. Repeat, we have sundown," He rushed back to the main hallway of the castle. "I hereby declare tonight's guys' night ceremonies officially open!"

“Hooray!”

"Eeyup!"

Both Kovu and Big Macintosh happily shouted. And they along with Spike began to chant (or rather, Spike and Kovu chanted and Big Mac just said "Eeyup."): "It's guys' night, oh yeah! Havin' fun now, oh yeah!"

But just as they had finished their chant, the sound of trumpets blaring in dramatic fanfare caught their attention. They ran to the front of the castle, where the sound was coming from. And they could not believe the sight that greeted their eyes. "Uh, what the hay?" Spike commented out loud. Big Mac said nothing.

“Is that Discord?” Kovu asked trying to make sense of what he is trying to do with they are seeing.

As the trumpets ceased their playing, a miniature version of Discord came running up with a scroll in his paws. After taking a moment to catch his breath he declared. "Announcing the much anticipated arrival of the spirit of chaos and disharmony, the purveyor of pandemonium, lord of lawlessness, earl of turmoil, bringer of bedlam... etcetera etcetera. Dun, dun, a dun, a dun dun! Discord!"

The miniature Discord quickly vanished as a poster of Discord dressed in some kind of sports jersey appeared in its place. Music started playing and spotlights shown as Discord emerged from the poster, bouncing a basketball around and throwing it into the air where it exploded into confetti right over their heads! "Tada!" He proudly declared. "Now that’s what I call a dramatic entrance if I must!" And then with a smile he declared. "So, since we’re all gathered for guys' night shall we get started? Actually, let me rephrase that. Shall we hop to it? I made a list of the rowdiest establishments in Ponyville to visit," He unfolded a small sheet of paper which showed only two names. "It's rather short. Unless you know any other places I’ve missed."

Spike broke the ice before explaining. "Actually, we're staying here. Besides, Twilight wouldn’t really approve of me sneaking out to clubs after dark. And even if she doesn't find out and I don’t tell her, I'm pretty sure Starlight will." A sigh of regret escaped his lips. "Having a pony who's like a big sister to me can be a real pain in the flank sometimes."

“You got me there.” Kovu commented feeling the same way. “Even after escaping from Zira’s watchful eye I still have Kiara to be worried about. I can’t even keep a secret around her without her forcing the truth out of me.”

"Oh, I see, Twilight and Kiara are both keeping you on a short leash are they?" Discord commented.

“Not that kind of leash!” Kovu remarked while glaring angrily at Discord with his cheeks burning red to match.

“And never say that again, unless you want me to set off the fire alarm, got it?!” Spike then warned as he blew smoke from his mouth.

Big Macintosh promptly whispered to Discord. "Probably best you don’t try to talk about it. Spike for sure won't even tell me why it really sets him off." Then he changed the subject. "Anyways, we don't need to go out to have a good time. We've got an awesome game we like to play every time."

"A game? Ooh, I do love games!" Discord commented in amazement. "Reminds me of the time I managed to trap best friend ponies in hedge mazes and turning them against each other. Ah, those were the days."

Spike quickly spoke up shaking his head. "Uh, I'm talking a real game. Wait here while I'll go get it! And I know you’re gonna love this one! It's one the best games to make Guys Night awesome!" He rushed away to retrieve it.

Discord watched Spike disappear and called into the distance. "Whatever it is, it can only get better by adding me to the mix."

Only a few moments later Spike called out to Kovu, Big Mac, and Discord. "Okay! Ready!" Big Mac headed the call, leading Discord to a dark room in the corner of the castle.

Spike clicked on a flash light and began to announce. "In a world where evil reigns supreme, a small band of warriors stands tall against the darkness. This is... Ogres & Oubliettes!" The lights flicked on a moment later, revealing a game made of cardboard cutout figures, a paper map, and lots of dies. And it was all set up on the magic table throne that often sent Twilight and her friends off on friendship quests!

Discord locked eyes on the game and let out a gasp! Whatever he had been expecting, it was most definitely not something like this. "Oh... this looks like..."

"-The best game ever?! You're right!" Spike giddily replied. "This isn't just any game, oh no! This is the best game of them all!"

"Yes." Discord remarked and under his breath he added. "A game that certainly makes this a guy’s night out."

Spike could sense that his new guest wasn't exactly thrilled with the game and quickly tried to cheer him up. "Come on, Discord! Ogres & Oubliettes is a fantasy role-playing adventure game," He fondly added. "A game that I’ve had fun playing ever since I was a little dragon with both Shining Armor and Twilight."

"If only Shining Armor had the time to come down and join us, then he could’ve should you of how very skilled he is at this game." Big Macintosh commented. "But unfortunately he has a daughter to take care and a wife to be by her side."

“And believe me I wasn’t exactly completely on board with this my first time playing…” Discord snickered while performing a rim shot on the accompanying drum set. “...but in the end it ended up becoming a game worth playing and looking forward to whenever we have a guy’s night together.”

Spike nodded, puffing out his chest. "I’ve been taught me all the ins and outs, all the best tricks and tips of this game! And as the sole victor and reigning champ of this game I will explain it to you. So here’s how it works!" Then he sat down on Twilight's throne, explaining the basics of the game. "Our goal, defeat the evil Squid Wizard, or... " He stiffled his share laugh with Big Mac. "As we like to call him... the Squizard!"

Big Mac laughed, pounding the table. "Yup. Real funny twist and play on words there. It sure got me there."

Kovu also laughed himself. “Me too. Though I can’t help but wonder why that sounds familiar.”

"Ah yes, how very creative of you." Discord sarcastically grumbled.

Spike, unaware of Discord's comment, cleared his throat and regained his composure as he went on explaining the game. "The Squizard has laid siege to the last free city in Spiketopia. That's the name of the land. And he's kidnapped a beautiful unicorn princess named Shmarity," Realizing what that sounded like the dragon quickly added. "Er.. which is like a normal name in Spiketopia, so, you know, don't think about it too much. It means nothing."

Discord moved a zipper across his mouth. "Fear not. Your romantic 'fantasies' are safe with me," Then he remarked. "So moving forward to the part of how the fun here really starts in this game..."

"We’re getting to that." Spike insisted before pulling out a book and a character sheet. "Okay, first thing's first, you've gotta make your own character. It can be anything you want, within reason of course."

"Oh, okay, what about... Discord?" The spirit immediately proposed.

Spike shook his head. "Come on, Discord. That kills the fun in this game. Try using your imagination into being someone you’re not.” Then he explained. "In this game I'm not Spike the Brave and Glorious. I'm Garbunkle, a famous magician. Everyone treats me with the utmost respect. Oh, and don't get jealous but I happen to be a level 30 Enchanter with major skill points assigned to Intellect and Perception. It comes and goes from someone has had years of experience with this game."

Discord tried his best to feign interest. "Go on, I’m listening."

Spike gestured a claw over to Big Macintosh, seated in Applejack's throne. "Big Mac's character is Sir McBiggun, a level 27 Black Knight Unicorn from Castle Chadwick! His skill with a sword is without equal."

Discord still pretended to care about the game. He was convinced that if he just sat through Spike's long dribble he could kindly bow out and have some fun on his own. "I see. Sounds interesting."

"Oh it is!" Spike proudly explained. "When his king aligned himself with the Squizard, Sir McBiggun would not besmirch his honor. Thus he met Garbunkle, and the two formed an alliance of their own."

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh proudly nodded. "An alliance that allows me to keep my sword rather than give myself to some evil wizard."

It was there Kovu shared his interest and experience with the game himself. “And with the power and assistance of the fearsome Khan, a level 13 dark horse rogue with very lucky horseshoes of destruction, their quest in dealing with the evil Squizard, has proven to be very successful thus far.”

“Oh, sounds very lucky.” Discord returned still acting like this is something of interest to him.

“Even more so, that I actually managed to pick up the rules in the first few go arounds.” Kovu admitted with a sheepish grin.

"And so it came to pass!" Spike declared in a dramatic tone of voice. "The magician and black knight vowed to rid Spiketopia of the evil Squizard. And today, it just so happens that a new traveler has joined their group. And his name is..."

Discord frowned. "Oh, we're still doing this? I already have the best name in the universe. Why would I change it for something like... I don't know... 'Captain Wuzz'?"

"Ah, Captain Wuzz it shall be," Spike wrote down the name on a character card. "You'll start at level 1, like all newcomers. You'll level up the longer you play and the more battles you partake in, some on your own and some with your allies. Now, there's still the matter of class. Choose wisely, once you've chosen one there's no take backs. There's a whole bunch of classes, but for a beginner might I recommend something simple? Archers, Mages, Rogues..."

The spirit rolled his eyes out of his head, pulled them up from the ground, and put them back in as he groaned. "Honestly, those classes all sound lame. I’d rather prank up Ponyville with red paint."

Spike shrugged off the complaint. "Come on, Discord. We’re just getting started." And he settled on a character for Discord. "Well, how about an archer? They're great at ranged attacks, and we could certainly use that to cover our flanks. Magicians are support based and Black Knights fight up close and personal. And Dark Horse rogues have been known to go off on their own accord to help serve as our eyes and ears up front. "

"Ugh, fine, an archer it is then. But consider this the only time I’m entertaining this very game of yours!" Discord vowed.

The little dragon laughed in his throat. "Don’t be so sure because once others get into the game they are wanting to play it more. Just ask Kovu himself along with the many character sheets of all sorts of players to prove it.” After regaining his composure he turned to Big Macintosh and asked. "Sir McBiggun, are you prepared to enter the world of Ogres & Oubliettes?"

"Eeyup." Big Macintosh firmly nodded.

“Khan.” Spike turned to Kovu. “Are you ready.”

“Ready as always.” Kovu returned with a brave face.

"Captain Wuzz," Spike turned to Discord. "Are you—"

"Yes, yes, just get on with it!" Discord impatiently declared.

Spike rolled the dice and then picked up the game book, reading aloud from one of its passages. "Ah, what an interesting predicament. We find our heroes trapped in the dungeon of the evil Squizard. The bars are locked tight," When Discord noticed the lack of actual bars, Spike explained. "The bars exist in our imagination."

"Really? You just describe things and pretend they are real?" Discord sarcastically remarked to the point of borderline complaining.

"They are real, Discord, in our imagination," Spike quickly replied. "And since you’re new to this game, you get to go first. So, Captain Wuzz, what do you want to do?"

Discord grumbled. "Personally I'd like to curse myself for deciding to come to this meeting," Then he realized. "Oh, you meant the game. Well, what can I do, exactly?"

Spike told the spirit. "Almost anything you'd like, really. Then I just roll this twenty sided die and see if you're successful. Although I do have to warn you that certain things are harder for you as an Archer but more into that as we go along."

Discord poofed up a set of bars and stuck his head out from them as he declared. "How's this? I stick my head through the bars and demand for the immediate release of the Lord of Chaos. Someone that Captain Wuzz just so happens to be, by the way."

"Not in this game, you can’t." Spike replied. "Persuasion here is a very dangerous risk as an Archer. You'd have to roll a seventeen or higher to succeed with that. Hope luck’s on your side here." He picked up the die and rolled it, looking down at the number. It was an eight. "Ooh, bad idea. The guard gets mad. The best course of action here would be have one of his comrades take over."

But Discord growled in response. "I don’t think so for I have a counter plan for that!" He looked down at a book nearby, eyeing the things written on it and then declaring. "Ah ha! This spell here should do it. I cast it and turn him into a parsnip."

"Actually, you'd need eleven Intelligent points to cast a Transform Into Root Vegetable spell. Something that only a level 1 Mage is at least capable of doing." Spike told Discord. "But then again, maybe you'll get lucky."

Discord scoffed at the notion while being rather indignant in response. "Of course luck will be on my side. How could I not be intelligent for thinking otherwise? I cast the spell anyway because this game is stupid."

Spike rolled the die again, watching as it landed on a nine. "Ooh, tough luck, Captain Wuzz! The spell backfires. So," He had to pause due to fits of laughter that were erupting from him. "Your claws grow leaves and transform into parsnips!"

"What?! Are you kidding me?!" Discord growled.

“Nope!” Kovu returned unable to control his laughter anymore. “Parsnips

Big Macintosh also laughed hysterically. "Parsnips!"

The spirit found himself increasingly frustrated as the fits of laughter continued. "Don't you dare laugh at me! Do you even know who you're dealing with?!" But his angry remarks only fell on deaf ears, neither Spike or Big Mac acknowledged a word of what he'd said.

Suddenly, something inside Discord snapped! His eyes burned with a fire like the time when Fluttershy had invited Tree Hugger to the Grand Galloping Gala instead of him. "Ooh, that tears it! I've had it enough of this stupid game!" He bellowed at the top of his lungs. "I command that Sir McBiggun be placed in a magic bubble until he stops laughing!"

With a snap of his talons, Big Macintosh found himself suspended in a bubble that he couldn't break out of it no matter what he did. Spike angrily turned to Discord. "What are you doing, Discord?! You're killing the fun in this game!"

"Like there was any fun in a game that says I'm not intelligent enough?!" Discord snorted. "I’ll have you know that I am intelligent. Intelligent to the point that with a simple snap of my paw I can make magic happen. Magic that just so happens to make the impossible possible even for magic bearers like Celestia and Luna! I'm capable of bending the laws of time and space as I please!" Then in a low, growling tone of voice he added. "I am someone nobody but nobody should reckon with or have any of you forgotten that?”

"No, Discord, but that doesn’t mean that excuses of how you are behaving right now.” Kovu bravely retorted to Discord. “You were given a fair chance in picking which character you wanted to be. You chose to be an Archer!" Spike retorted to Discord. "You were warned that the things you were wanting and trying to do were risky, and you didn’t listen. And if you had actually bothered to understand how this game works maybe you’d actually be enjoying this instead of throwing a petty tantrum like you are now."

Discord scoffed at the very notion. "Please! This coming from someone who would know little about what defines a night like tonight a guys' night? I can show you a real guys' night!"

"That won’t be necessary, Discord.” Kovu further protested. “Plus I’m sure no one else wants to know what your chaotic idea involves either.”

Bic Mac shook his head to back the little lion up. “Nope. We prefer Ogres & Oubliettes."

It was then that Discord got an idea, a rather sinister idea at that. "Oh, you do you? Well in that case then I think I might have an idea of how to solve both of our problems here. To make way for the perfect and ideal Guy’s Night out.”

“Discord…”

“...What are you thinking?”

Both Spike and Kovu nervously inquired while feigning a scared gulp at the Lord of Chao’s creepy smile.

"Garbunkle! Khan! Sir McBiggun! Are you ready to enter the world of Ogres & Oubliettes?!" As he spoke dark clouds ominously gathered around him, and then he held out his paws and shot three bolts of magic at Spike, Kovu, and Big Macintosh, making them disappear.

When Spike, Kovu, and Big Mac came to, they found themselves looking around at an unfamiliar landscape. It looked almost like it was comprised of colored dies, cardboard cutouts, and paper figures. And it seemed they were dressed in the outfits that matched their characters from the game of Ogres & Oubliettes. Spike had a gray wizard's robe and hat, along with a beard and a wooden staff. Big Mac had a horn, a black mask that concealed all but the eyes on his face, and a sword that could be tucked into a small holding on his back. Kovu himself himself appearing as a tall and muscular black colored horse wearing silver and red colored armor and a helmet that also concealed his face with the sole exception of his eyes.

"Sir McBiggun?!" Spike exclaimed, hoping beyond hope that he wasn't imaging things.

Big Mac took one look at himself and nodded. "Eeyup."

“Khan?” Spike also exclaimed towards Kovu to make sure this isn’t a dream to him too.

“Yep!” Kovu nodded while still processing with what he is now appearing as.

"And I'm... Garbunkle?" Spike commented as realization slowly began to sink in. "Then that means that... Sweetness! We're in the game! Check this out! Ka-zam!" He fired off a beam of magic from his staff, shattering one of the nearby dies.

Delighted at this development, Spike, Kovu, and Big Mac all began to chant again: "It's guys' night, oh yeah! In the game now, oh yeah!"

Spike then marveled at the real life game world Discord had created. "Oh man, if only Shining Armor was here. He'd be wanting to join in!" The little dragon looked all around, but he didn't see any sign of Discord anywhere. Either as himself or as his character: Captain Wuzz the Archer. "Discord? Hey, Discord, where are you?! I know you didn't like playing the game with us, but we’d still like to thank you for making the game real."

From afar, Discord's voice could be heard and it sounded like a laugh. "Oh, the pleasure is all mine. Aren't games fun when you get to experience the action in real life?"

At that, Spike let out a gulp as he looked at Big Mac and Kovu. "Er, you think we should worry that he's using his scary voice?" But he needn't have bothered asking, for at that moment there came the sound of an army marching.

The horrified heroes turned around to look, and found themselves staring down a paper cutout of a giant squid with magic wands and a sorcerer's hat. The creature cackled as he declared. "Behold, I am the Squizard! Cower you fools, cower before my awesome power!" Then he added. "And look at the fine prize I picked up. Your precious Princess Shmarity is mine!"

A couple of paper skeleton warriors held a tied up Starlight Glimmer, who was dressed in a long, flowing princess robe and a crown. As she struggled in vain to break free she complained. "For buck’s sake, I am not Princess Shmarity or Rarity, and more importantly I'm not Spike’s girlfriend!" And when she looked at Spike. "Just what the hay have you got Discord dragging me into this time!"

"Discord!" Spike growled.

Discord's voice only laughed. "You're welcome."

Spike and Big Mac immediately opted to flee from the Squizard, knowing they couldn't hope to take him head on with his army of skeletons. But they could only run so fast, and suddenly several arrows filled the sky!

But before the arrows could impact they stopped midair. Amidst the silence, Discord's voice narrated. "Oh my, what a sharp edged situation you're in, brave heroes. You find yourselves on the battlefield, right in the thick of it, as a barrage of arrows rains down on you. If you roll a fifteen or higher then the shield holds against the attack. Roll a fourteen or lower and, well..." The spirit paused in his narration to laugh. "You get the idea. Better hope lady luck is on your side."

From up above, a huge die came down and rolled around. It eventually stopped, landing right side up with the number seventeen showing. Discord continued his narration. "Ooh, seventeen! Lucky you! The shield holds and you manage to withstand the aerial bombardment, for now." Sure enough, the arrows bounced harmlessly off a magic bubble before they could touch either of the heroes.

Having been spared from the pain the sharp arrows would have brought, Spike, Kovu, and Big Mac wasted no time and resumed fleeing. They tried to take shelter in a nearby cave to rest and hopefully find a way to survive.

Alas, it seemed Discord was already there. "Boo." He cried, before several skeleton warriors suddenly appeared.

"Discord, cut it out!" Spike demanded.

"Yeah! This isn't fun anymore." Kovu stated already feeling his anxiety creeping up by the second.

"Oh, but I thought you wanted the fun that comes with the game." Discord remarked. "Personally I have it more fun when I'm the game master? The one who determines whether you succeed or fail?" Then he looked down at the three heroes. "Speaking of which, I'd cover that entrance if I were you, Sir McBiggun. You don't want the Squizard's forces to get in and ambush you."

But Discord's warning came too late. The Squizard himself closed in on the heroes, and some of his skeleton warriors drew close enough to attack. Garbunkle, Khan, and Sir McBiggun fought bravely, repelling many of the attackers. But the Squizard himself was too powerful, one blast from his magic wands was enough to bring them all down to their knees.

And when the attacks connected, Spike, Khan, and Big Mac felt a sharp, stinging pain.

“Ow! What in the actual hay! That hurts!” Kovu yelled out as he grabbed his injured arm.

"Discord, are you crazy?!" Spike angrily complained.

"Well I am the Lord of Chaos, so it should be expected at this point." Discord retorted. "That is of course when we’re outside of the game, but regardless everything here is as real as the chaotic world I could conquer if I was still the bad guy. My, do little details like sure tend to slip my mind."

"Discord, this is awful!" Spike snapped at the spirit.

"Yeah!” Kovu also snapped. “You’re really trying to kill us here!”

The Squizard simply laughed in his throat. "Of course it is and of course it's awful. Spiketopia will be mine! And Rarity shall be my bride!" After a second of silence he quickly corrected himself. "Er I mean, Shmarity."

Another zap connected, and Spike, Khan, and Big Mac nearly crumpled to the floor from pain. "Why are you doing this, Discord? You're the worst!" Spike complained as the spirit finally appeared in the game world in full.

Discord simply retorted. "Oh, I’m the worst? Says the guy who magically manages to make this game of yours a dream come true, and now you say I'm the worst? If that’s what you really think that way, why did you even invite me to guys' night in the first place? I could've stayed in my dimension, doing whatever I pleased. Instead I decided to join in on your 'top secret' gathering.."

"Because we felt sorry for you, Discord! That's why!" Spike explained.

The spirit stopped the game, snapping his paws and bringing everyone (including Starlight) back to the throne room. Starlight took a moment to catch her breath, then departed without saying a word.

As for Discord he just blinked his eyes but did nothing else. "You felt sorry for me?" He remarked, as if offended by the very notion. "But...why? Why even knowing of who I am and who you are?"

"Life’s not all about you, Discord.” Kovu bitterly remarked. “That ever click in your head or did have cotton candy stuffed up in your ears?” Said spirit moved to remove cotton candy from his ears, which just so happened to be two giant wads enough for two people to enjoy. “Okay, I guess that answers my question." He then cringed along with Spike when he proceeded to eat them on the spot. "Yuck."

Spike then continued after shaking off what he had just witnessed. "That aside...We thought we'd be nice, Fluttershy and Beshte kept mentioning how lonely you are whenever she and the girls and the guys are out of town. So Big Mac, Kovu, and I thought we'd invite you over out of kindness. Because we were trying to be nice to you, you... weirdo!"

“Cotton candy earful plucking sicko, I might say!” Kovu added in disgust more towards the cotton candy tossed at his feet as Big Mac nodded his head in silent agreement.

Discord's mouth all but dropped open at the statement. "I ruined your night, and you don't even think I'm cool? Oh, my." Then he remarked. "Great, now I feel guilt. Why does have to happen? What am I doing wrong with myself?"

"Nothing a little talking out can’t fix, Discord, you just need to lighten up a little," Spike insisted to the spirit. "Along with knowing to tone down being mean to everyone all the time. Even Starlight didn’t get defensive as she would have if she were in your paw and hoof prints, and still she had a hard time fitting in."

“And the same can be said for me.” Kovu chimed in. “Even though I was never mean, I was still a little too nice for my good to the point I had to learn to be more assertive like now.”

"Really? If that’s so than how did you and Starlight manage to be welcomed with open arms whether it’s an invitation or a heads up when Twilight took her on as a student or managing to strike up a really close relationship with the lion king’s daughter." Discord complained with Kovu blushing and looking aside on that last part.

"Because Starlight didn't want or need that kind of attention, she needed time to get used to her new life along with adjusting to the terms of her probation." Spike explained. "But now she's gotten the time to readjust and settle in, and she's become a part of the circle of friends that defend the Pride Lands and Equestria. Not to mention, she's managed to make a few friends of her own.”

“And as for me, well…” Kovu added on while trying hard not to blush. “...even though I’ve been around for a few years, it took a recent trip to the Crystal Empire for me to come out of my shell and start learning to grow more accustomed to the comforts that the Pride Lands and Equestria both have to offer. As for me and Kiara...that was more of a blessing that comes at first sight rather than expecting special royal treatment. And given the king himself, it’s more of a given to actually expect that. But that said if Starlight can make the adjustments she needed to learn to fit right in and if I can learn to be a little more fearless and tougher, why can't you?"

Discord stuttered and twiddled his paws, that indicates the answer to that question is something that he didn't want to admit that’s really troubling him deep down. "W-well..." After a moment of hesitation he sighed and confessed. "Oh, fiddlesticks! I can't lie to you on this one. Even if I wanted to, I suppose I have to learn when to tell the truth when it really matters." He cleared his throat. "Ever since the day the Pride Lands was reclaimed from Scar I’ve been having trouble of fitting right back in and readjusting to new changes in life.”

“Like what?” Kovu asked. “Because if it’s about whatever Scar said you know he usually says what he says to get you to believe what he wants you think so you’d do what he says. And of course it’s natural given that he’s very unpredictable with his words that are a matter of pride.” He then said in his Scar-like tone and accent on the last part. After chuckling for a moment with what he just did. “I mean it’s not hard to see why he can rub off on anyone who’s spent time with him.”

“True, but in a way he was right about what he said to me back then.” Discord returned to make his point across. “That once I was committed in helping him and switched sides there was no going back and that no matter what the very elements of friendship are both a blessing and a curse. And even after trying to put the whole matter behind me, his words still proved true. When ponies and Pride Landers see me they go all 'Ah! Help! Run away! It's Discord, the Lord of Chas, here to cause trouble our way and turn my life upside down!'. Even Twilight still sometimes thinks I'm up to no good, like I'm a bad influence best kept to a minimum. Not only that a part of me still enjoys causing chaos with no consequences to follow whatsoever. But then again, not to the point I’d want to go back to the days where I was without friends and forever trapped in stone again."

Spike simply reached out a claw to the spirit. "Maybe if you weren’t acting like a jerk just because you're unhappy maybe other’s including Twilight wouldn’t be thinking that way towards you. And even if you've changed and have come to terms with friendship you're still the same Discord deep down. The same spirit of chaos and disharmony, even after allowing friends in your inner circle.”

“And given that I’ve been around others who could actually benefit a thing or two from friendship, it can happen to anyone, young or old.” Kovu added. “Even from the youngest baby of the bunch to the oldest being in all of Equestria.”

Discord found himself greatly embarrassed himself. "That is so very true. Even for me. After all my age doesn't really equate to super strong wisdom like Mufusa himself."

“No question about that.” Kovu returned while nodding his head.

"Eeyup." Big Macintosh also nodded his head.

Spike nodded too. "Better late than never he would say if he were here." And then he turned to Discord. "Speaking of which, how about we try out Ogres & Oubliettes again? And I hope you’re willing to say yes, because I've got a little proposition for you."

"I'm listening!" Discord said with a grin as he opened up his large magically appeared ears.

The little dragon grinned. "Well while the whole game coming to life was terrifying, but it was also kind of and actually the best thing ever! So, uh, Big Mac, Kovu and I were wondering... What if you toned the realness part down a little? You know, by that we mean exclude the experience of real pain and injuries thing."

The spirit grinned again. "Hm, that I can do. It'll take a while for me to make the necessary readjustments happen but I can manage it no problem."

"As long as you can make it happen that’s all that matters.” Spike assured. “So how about you go ahead and get it set up while I go check on a certain somepony who got caught up in the mix?"

Spike raced out of the throne room and trotted down a couple of hallways to Starlight's bedroom. He knocked on it a few times before hearing a very sharp and annoyed tone of voice. “I’m not in the mood for anymore games, Spike!”

"Starlight, please.” Spike implored of her. “I'm sorry Discord roped into it the way he did but I already got to promise to never do it again."

Starlight still remained adamant on where she stands and lays down in her room. "Even still, I don't want to be a princess. All I want is to just get some sleep so I can be prepared to resume my friendship lessons for when Twilight returns, so good night!”

"Okay. But you know where to find us if you change your mind." Spike replied and returned to the throne room, deciding it was best to leave Starlight be for now.

Discord had just finished setting up the real life game world, and had slipped into his character costume of Captain Wuzz. "Ah, there you are, Garbunkle. Are you ready to enter the world of Ogres & Oubliettes?"

Spike nodded as he rushed onto the game world, changing into his character costume. "I'm ready!"

"Sir McBiggun," Discord turned to Big Mac. "Are you ready to enter the world of Ogres & Oubliettes?"

"Eeyup!" Big Mac declared as he changed into his character costume too.

“And how about you, Khan.” Discord turned to Kovu. “Are you ready to enter the world of Ogres & Oubliettes?"”

“Ready!” Kovu bravely stated as he too changed into his character costume as well.

"Okay, let's begin!" Discord declared. "Our heroes decide to confront the Squizard directly, and so they go to his castle. But the Squizard's army is there to greet them already." As he spoke, a massive paper castle rose out of the ground, and several cardboard cutout skeleton warriors appeared.

The voice of the Squizard taunted the heroes. "You will never defeat me, fools! My army will make mince meat out of you!"

"In your dreams, Squizard! You're going down!" Garbunkle taunted as he swung his staff, shooting out several blasts of magic that brought down many skeleton warriors.

Sir McBiggun swung his sword around, slicing apart many skeleton warriors as well. And Captain Wuzz's well aimed arrows brought down countless more. But it seemed like no matter how many were defeated, the skeleton warriors continued to pour in.

That is until Khan bravely charged into the heart of danger swinging and kicking around every skeleton warrior that comes right at them.

And even with the never ending tides changing, the heroes didn't care, they were having the time of their lives. The skeleton warriors fell easily against their weapons.

At last, the Squizard himself emerged from his castle just as the heroes reached the top of it. "You've made a foolish mistake! I'll defeat you all myself, and then I'll rule Spiketopia forever!"

Captain Wuzz aimed another arrow as he instructed. "Garbunkle! Follow my lead! We'll take him down together!" He shot off an arrow in a far off direction.

"Fool! Mere arrows can't harm me!" The Squizard declared. "And you missed by a mile!"

"Oh, it's no ordinary arrow, Squizard!" Garbunkle vowed as he aimed his staff at the arrow as it bounced off the castle walls, encasing it in ice. "Let's see how you like this!"

The ice arrow soon pierced the Squizard from behind, causing him to let out a squeak! "You'll pay for that! You haven't seen the last of me!" He vowed as he ran off, trying to get the arrow out of his rear.

"Bulls-eye!" Garbunkle declared.

Captain Wuzz nodded and smiled. "Nice one! Garbunkle! I knew I could count on you!"

Then all four heroes started to chant together: "It's guys' night, oh yeah! Havin' fun now, oh yeah!"

Suddenly, they were snapped out of their game by the sound of hoofs and paws clapping. The heroes spun around to see Twilight, Kion, Kiara, and all of her friends had come back to the castle, still dressed in their attire for Yakyakistan.

"Mom!"

“Kiara!”

Spike and Kovu furiously blushed.

“W-when did you get here?”

"H-how long have you all been...standing there?"

Twilight snickered, trying (and failing) to cover her look of amusement. "Long enough to catch the very end, Spike. Looks like you're having fun."

“Along with making new friends along the way.” Kiara added with a love-struck grin on her face that had Kovu further blushing in response to the point his pink cheeks are now colored red out of sheer embarrassment at being seen in the act with what he was doing.

“Yep.”

“We sure have. Thanks to Discord," Spike then said. "I suppose we should... probably pack it up now since...guys' night is over."

But Rainbow Dash protested. "What are you talking about? It doesn't have to end yet! I want in!" And she happily exclaimed. "Did you see Big Mac's sword? That's awesome!"

“It sure was!” Bunga happily added. “That was so Un-Bunga-veilable! Let me play too!”

Pinkie Pie added. "Yeah! I don't know what it is, but it looks like super duper fun!" She chased after Rainbow Dash as they stepped into the gaming world, obtaining in game costumes (Rainbow was dressed in a dark gray hooded robe, Bunga sported a multi-colored jester’s outfit with a clownish themed yet powerful staff in his claws, and Pinkie had a multicolored vest and a purple band that made her look like a fortune teller).

“Okay, all right.” Fuli smirked feeling like this is a challenge worth tackling. “If were allowing girls in on the fun, then hope there is room for one more, because I want in on this.” She then rushed into the gaming world too, where she donned a helmet and armor all clad in green and gold to match her eyes and fur.

"Guys' night rules!" They all declared as they rushed to join in on the fun.

Author's Note

Here while the main cast is out on an expedition to Yakyakistan, there's a guy's night being held in the castle where Discord himself finds himself joining on the action with Spike, Big Mac, and Kovu for company.

Due to the fact that he finds it as in obligation on his end, Discord is not entirely feeling it to the point he went as far as going a little (more than that really ) crazy when trying out their biggest fun and games into another chaotic experience.

Thankfully, his moral compass was still on the right side of things when called out on his behavior and from there they all came to an understanding together which paved way for a fun night together.

As for what happened on the other side of things, well that's a story that will be told coming up next...