Sweet Feather Diet

Chapters

Beginning At The End
The End's New Beginning
A Fresh Start Gone Stale
A Quick Snack
Ethically Sourced Secret
In The Grips of Guilt

Beginning At The End

Twilight's shoulders slumped as she surveyed the chaos around her: open books and note-riddled papers were strewn about from weeks of frantic, failed research. She let out a heavy sigh, wallowing in her sense of defeat.

The crushing feeling of failure hurt Twilight more than the torturous sickness slowly killing her. She had lost; all of Equestria had. Time and time again, she and her friends had triumphed over countless dangers and dilemmas, but in the end, it was an enigmatic disease that had won.

It had taken root and infected Equestria with undetected ferocity. Mass panic and unimaginable horrors ensued, and Equestria fell apart before Twilight—or anyone else—could get a grasp of the situation.

It took weeks before the worst of the illness finally reared its ugly head. Rainbow Dash had arrived at the castle with a chunk taken out of her shoulder; her bewilderment outweighed her pain as she frantically explained that Fluttershy had attacked her when Dash stopped by her cottage. Fluttershy had lunged at her like a crazed animal, tearing into Dash’s shoulder and refusing to listen to reason. Twilight and Starlight were just as bewildered as they hurriedly cleaned and dressed the bite.

The girls rushed to Fluttershy’s cottage once Rainbow Dash had been tended to, but Fluttershy was nowhere to be found. The only evidence of her current state was what little remained of Dr. Fauna sprawled across the grass. It was only a few days into the search for Fluttershy before similar attacks began occurring throughout Equestria. The search for their friend grew stale as everyone desperately turned to the Main Six for answers or a solution.

As the weeks went by, things fell apart even more. Twilight struggled to keep up with the chaos. Dash had to stay at the castle where Twilight could monitor her; the wound wouldn’t heal properly, and Dash was only getting sicker with time. Twilight constantly took notes on Dash’s symptoms, trying to match them to any book she could find on sickness and disease. But that search bore no fruit, and eventually, Dash’s condition became so severe that all she could do was lie in bed, unmoving and barely lucid from the aggressive fever.

Rarity was the next of Twilight’s friends to be taken from her. She had come intending to gift Dash with a beautifully crafted blanket. Amidst Rainbow Dash barely hanging on and everything falling apart so violently around the girls, Rarity was just as desperate to find a glimmer of hope in the darkness as the rest of the Mane Six. Unfortunately, fate didn't care much for a calm moment. As Rarity was gently tucking Dash into the blanket, Rainbow Dash suddenly whipped around with a speed she hadn’t shown in weeks and tore into Rarity.

Her piercing scream pulled Twilight’s attention away from her research. She flew out of the castle library without hesitation towards the sound, yet despite her urgency, she arrived too late. Twilight stood frozen in the doorway for what felt like the longest, most excruciating moment, witnessing Rainbow Dash standing over Rarity’s now silent and unmoving body as Dash tore into her flesh, ripping away at it and eating it with fervor. Twilight was barely able to snap out of her shocked state in time to realize Dash was lunging at her. Her hooves gave out beneath her as she scrambled to react, and Dash managed to bite her before she could fully defend herself. Twilight pushed Dash back into the room and hastily locked the door, sealing whatever remained of her two friends inside.

That had been weeks ago, though Twilight recalled it as if it were mere moments past. Now, as she sat amid the clutter of the library she’d created and stared down at the tightly bandaged bite on her hoof, the weight of those events felt as fresh as ever. She had managed to hide her injury from Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who were too preoccupied with maintaining hope and a sense of community among the remaining Ponies in Ponyville. Since the bite, Twilight hadn’t left her castle. The princesses were long gone, leaving Twilight to fill the vacant spot on the throne and restore order. Everyone was depending on her, hoping she would find the solution and save the day as she and her friends had always done. But after weeks of poring over every book, scroll, and scrap of paper, Twilight had little to show for her efforts.

Zecora had arrived with a grim expression just before the incident with Rarity unfolded and led the girls into the Everfree Forest to the place where she had found what remained of Fluttershy. In a small clearing stood a tall, twisted tree. Its exposed roots sprawled wildly, and its branches curled around those of neighboring trees, as if trying to absorb the surrounding life. Zecora had kept the girls at a distance, but even from afar, they could see the yellow hair and dried skin stretched against the bark, and the base of the trunk, clearly contorted in the shape of a pony.

Unfortunately, Zecora had to interrupt their grieving to share what little she knew about the plight befalling Equestria. With a wary tone, she spoke of the Mortala Tree, a mythical plant she had only heard of in legends. She explained that the tree's pollen spreads and infects any creature that comes into contact with it. The disease slowly kills the creature as it absorbs the magic and nutrients necessary for the tree’s growth. It then uses the lifeless body like a puppet to mindlessly seek out more nutrients before eventually planting the creature in the soil and taking root. From there, the tree continues its aggressive cycle, spreading pollen to further its infestation.

She solemnly explained that she knew of no cure or means to combat the tree and that it had already begun overtaking the area around her hut, forcing her to leave her home. Zecora wished everyone the best before departing in search of anything that might help resolve the situation, but Twilight hadn’t heard from her since. After what happened to Rarity, Starlight set off to search for answers as well, accompanied by a very heartbroken and determined Spike. It was probably for the best; Twilight didn’t want any of them to see the state she was in.

Twilight’s body ached with every movement, each muscle throbbing with a stabbing pain as she sank to the floor. She could feel her body shutting down, unsure if it was due to the disease or the intense stress and lack of sleep she had endured while trying to find a solution. It all seemed for nothing. As she lay there, she spent her final moments reflecting on her failure to help her friends and everyone she cared about. She could only hope that somewhere, someone would succeed where she had failed.

She resigned herself to her fate and closed her eyes.

Author's Note

Writing is hard, as it turns out.
Next chapter probably won't be such a downer.

The End's New Beginning

Twilight’s eyes shot open, jolted awake by a sudden rush of adrenaline. She looked around, finding herself standing in the hall just outside the library where she had last been. She was supposed to be dead, wasn’t she? Twilight slowly raised her hoof to her neck to check for a pulse. A breath she hadn’t realized she was holding escaped her as she felt the steady thrum beneath her skin.

Twilight went still as she pulled her hoof away from her neck, noticing healthy, unmarked skin where the fatal bite had been.

“The bite… I’m alive— I—” Twilight’s astonishment was abruptly interrupted as a lion’s paw hooked around her, pulling her backwards into an awkward embrace.

“Yes, yes! No need to thank me or anything! What are friends for, and all that usual tripe...” Discord’s serpentine body coiled around Twilight as he spoke. Given her shock and the chaos of the moment, deciphering whether his touch was meant as a hug or an irritation was not her priority. She opted to view it as the latter.

“Discord?! Where have you been?! It’s been— I don’t even know how long!” Twilight glared at him, but her obvious displeasure was met with a playful squeeze and a scoff.

“Oh, honestly, I turn my back for one moment, and Equestria is in shambles? Did Princess Twilight lose her footing in my absence? Maybe Princess Celestia should just bite the bullet and make ME a princess! Then you and I could be Castle Neighbors!” Discord hummed with obvious satisfaction. Although he might not admit it outright, he clearly took pleasure in the state he found Equestria in and relished the opportunity to needle Twilight about her shortcomings as a future ruler. Twilight wriggled out of his grip—though he wasn’t making much of an effort to hold her in place to begin with—and gritted her teeth in indignation.

“This is serious! I tried to reach you for WEEKS! You can’t just disappear whenever you please. We needed you! Do you have any idea what—" Her anger was cut short as Discord’s claw pressed against her lips, his eyes nearly rolling back in exasperation.

“I thought I was your friend, not your on-call ‘Save Equestria Maid.’ Seriously, can’t a draconequus be spared a moment to himself without everything going hooves up?” Discord said matter-of-factly, straightening up. “Besides! I’m here now, aren’t I? Though it’s really more for me and Fluttershy’s trip to Neighagra Falls— Whom I can’t seem to find hoof or hair of, by the way! I’ve been trying to snap right to her, but I just keep ending up in the same wooded spot.” He huffed, scooping Twilight up under his arm as he continued his fervent rant about his search for Fluttershy. With a snap, he transported them both to a patch of forest Twilight was already well familiar with. “See!?” Discord exclaimed, dropping Twilight without warning to gesture around the forest exasperatedly. Twilight landed on her back with a wince. “I was trying to take us to Fluttershy, but there is no Fluttershy!” he said fretfully, lifting Twilight briefly to search the spot beneath her before dropping her again just as promptly.

Twilight got to her feet with a slight grimace, trying her best to brush off the impact of hitting the ground twice. “She’s— That’s her…” she said reluctantly, pointing to the tall, twisted tree before them. “HA! Right, yes, a tree!” Discord rolled his eyes. “Now normally, Twilight, I’d love to indulge in this little stand-up routine of yours, but this is serious.” Discord sneered, crossing his arms and glancing up at the odd tree before turning his attention back to Twilight, only to be met with her somber expression. Discord’s curled lip slowly dropped as a long stretch of silence dragged on between them, only emphasizing Twilight’s dourness.

“YOU’RE SERIOUS!?” Discord shrieked, grabbing Twilight by the torso and shaking her dramatically. Twilight quickly teleported herself out of his grip and safely back to the ground before he could drop her for a third time, Discord already having turned his attention back to the tree, coiling around it and inspecting it delicately. Twilight took a small, hesitant step closer as Discord examined the tree with a much more sullen air about him.“She was sick before anyone else… She just said she wasn’t feeling well… before we knew it a few days had already went by without any of us hearing from her. Dash went to— I should have— I…” She stammered, her grief causing her to stumble over her words as she thought back on it.

Discord seemed to ignore Twilight as she fell silent with guilt, sitting down in the grass a short distance from him to fight back tears. Discord knitted his brow as he examined the tree, quickly feeling pangs of guilt as he looked upon what had become of his dearest friend, Fluttershy. He felt terrible for not checking in sooner and felt perhaps he bore some responsibility for how drastically Equestria had been turned upside down. However, Discord’s eyes narrowed as he pondered. The only reason he hadn’t been around was due to a rather sour argument he had during his last visit to Ponyville, where Spike, of all creatures, had told him he was too needy and needed to get out of everyone’s mane. The nerve. Yes, the more Discord thought about it, the more he convinced himself that this was DEFINITELY Spike’s fault, and not his. Twilight cleared her throat, drawing Discord’s attention as he nodded thoughtfully to himself.

“You can fix this, can’t you?” Twilight asked, too preoccupied with wiping away tears to notice Discord’s arm closing the distance between them and pulling her into another awkward side hug. “PSHH! Of course! What do you take me for, some puny street magician?” he laughed, his usual attitude replacing the earlier somber mood. “I’ll snap everything back to as it were, and we can all forget about my little vacation transgression! How does that sound, Princess Twilight?” He raised his brows expectantly, tightening the embrace.

“And then I think we should have a talk about your availability…” Twilight said, a hint of annoyance in her voice, though she didn’t resist the hug.

“Yes, well, of course! If you happen to remember to schedule that meeting, I’ll be sure to attend!” Discord replied in a patronizing tone, leaving Twilight momentarily puzzled by his meaning. Before she could voice any protest, he snapped his claw.

A Fresh Start Gone Stale

Twilight blinked as a wave of magic cascaded over Equestria. In an instant, she found herself standing at the steps of her castle, a sense of disorientation washing over her. The memories of the past few months—the chaos, the turmoil—seemed to have evaporated as if they had never existed. Puzzled but not overly concerned, she shook off the confusion and made her way inside.

One by one, the Mane Six were returned to their normal lives, their memories wiped clean of the horrific ordeal. Though they were left with a vague sense of something being amiss, they soon settled back into their routines, their homes and lives resuming their usual rhythm. Equestria, too, shifting back into its familiar lively state.

Discord, however, was far from his usual self, slumping to the forest floor. He had never felt so drained, so utterly exhausted. Each ounce of his chaotic magic had been poured into restoring order to Equestria. He had mended homes, revived ponies and landscapes, and erased memories, all in a frantic effort to undo the horrors that had overwhelmed the land. Now, as a result of this monumental effort, he found himself walking. Actually walking. His mismatched legs ached with every step, his wings hung limply at his sides, and his head drooped like a wilting flower as he cursed the consequences of his good intentions under his breath.

Despite his overwhelming fatigue, Discord couldn’t bring himself to stop—Not yet. Not until he saw her.

After what felt like an eternity, Fluttershy’s cottage finally came into view. The quaint cottage was surrounded by a chorus of birds and critters all going about their peaceful little lives, just as blissfully unaware of the chaos that had unfolded as the rest of Equestria. Discord paused at the door, trying his best to pull himself together. The strain of using his magic in a way it was never meant to be used had taken its toll. He sank to the ground with a huff, still feeling light-headed. His restoration was supposed to fix everything. Everything was supposed to be normal again. He needed to make sure she was all right.

He knocked on the door with a shaky paw, and it swung open almost immediately. There she was—Fluttershy, her gentle eyes widening in surprise at the sight of him practically melting onto her welcome mat.

“Discord!” she gasped. “What happened to you? You look awful!”

He managed a weak smile, waving his claw dismissively. “Oh, you know, just a bit under the weather is all... No big deal.” He wheezed, betraying his exhaustion.

Fluttershy’s concern only deepened, and she quickly began guiding him inside. “Oh, come in. You shouldn’t be up and about like this!”

Discord let her usher him into the cottage without protest. It felt strangely comforting—perhaps too comforting—like stepping into a patch of sun after a storm. He sank into the couch, trying not to look too relieved, and watched fondly as Fluttershy flitted about, preparing tea and snacks.

“I’m fine, really,” he insisted, though he could feel the weight of his eyelids growing heavier. “I just… wanted to check in on you. After everything that…” He trailed off, catching himself before he said too much. He didn't want to risk stirring up certain memories. “How are you feeling?”

Fluttershy paused, holding the teapot awkwardly as she poured tea into a delicate cup. “I feel fine,” she said slowly, as if testing the truth of her own words. “Though… I’ve had this strange headache all day. I don’t know why.”

Discord felt his chest tighten, but he forced a chuckle. “Yes, headaches can be tricky things, you know. Probably just the stress from— well, nothing! Nothing at all.” He said with a strained smile.

Fluttershy brought over the tea and a plate of muffins, setting them down on the small table between them. She took a muffin and nibbled at the edge absentmindedly. But after a few bites, her face contorted in disgust, and she set it back down on the plate, pushing it away. “Oh no, maybe the flour’s gone bad. That tasted awful…”

Discord raised an eyebrow in concern. “Awful? Really?”

“I don’t know,” Fluttershy admitted, frowning as she looked down at the plate. “Everything has been tasting off today… I didn’t think much of it, but now I’m not sure. Maybe I’m coming down with something.”

“Hmm,” Discord murmured, leaning back in his seat. He studied her closely, a nagging sense that something wasn’t entirely right gnawing at the back of his mind. But she looked fine—no visible signs of her past ordeal. She was walking, talking, fussing over him as she always did. Everything was fine.

“Perhaps you should get some rest,” he suggested, his tone deliberately light. “Headaches and bad muffins—sounds like a recipe for an early bedtime if you ask me.”

Fluttershy smiled at him, though there was still a hint of worry in her eyes. “Maybe you’re right,” she agreed as she stood up. “But you need to rest too. You’re not fooling anyone, Discord. You’re clearly unwell.”

Discord gave a theatrical sigh. “Yes, yes, but I’ll be fine after a little shut-eye.”

As Fluttershy tidied up and prepared to settle in for the night, Discord leaned back on the couch, attempting to shake off the persistent sense of unease.Everything was fine. He had fixed it. He had to have fixed it.

But as Fluttershy disappeared into her room, Discord’s gaze fell on the half-eaten muffin, and the unease that had been gnawing at him grew sharper. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to dismiss the disquiet, but the uncertainty lingered in the corner of his mind.

Author's Note

A Quick Snack

Rays of sunlight pierced through the curtains of Fluttershy’s bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow over the cluttered space. She slowly blinked awake, her eyes heavy from the weight of an uneasy sleep. She turned to look at the window, trying to shake off the remnants of a night filled with dreams that left her feeling restless.

For a moment, she lay still, just listening to the familiar sounds of the early morning—birds chirping outside, the rustle of the wind through the leaves. But something felt off. A gnawing sensation in the pit of her stomach—a sharp, insistent feeling—pulled her from the comfort of her bed. It was worse now, more urgent than it had been yesterday. She pulled herself out of bed, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Fluttershy’s hooves padded quietly across the wooden floor as she made her way out of her room. Her thoughts immediately shifted to Discord. She felt a flutter of concern as she recalled his unwell appearance from the night before. She wasn’t sure if she should be worried or if he was simply being his usual, unpredictable self. Still, his presence had been a comfort, and she felt it was best to check on him anyway.

She moved into the living room, where Discord was sprawled lazily across her couch, one arm draped over his eyes to block out the light coming in through the window. His serpentine body took up most of the couch, and his tail hung off the side, flicking every now and then as he snored softly.

Fluttershy smiled at the sight of him, the lord of chaos looking strangely peaceful. But that smile quickly faded as she felt her stomach growl again, louder this time. She pressed a hoof against it, grimacing as the feeling grew sharper.

She quietly made her way to the kitchen, hoping that some breakfast might help ease her discomfort. She filled a bowl with oats and fresh fruit and sat down at the small table. As she took a bite, she immediately grimaced—the taste and texture was nauseating; she couldn’t even stomach swallowing it. She pushed the bowl away in disgust, staring at it in confusion as her stomach still twisted with that strange, unsettling hunger.

After a few minutes, she decided to leave it. Maybe she just needed fresh air, to get back to her usual routine with the animals. That always helped her feel centered.

She stepped outside, the early morning air cool and crisp as it kissed her face. The familiar sounds of her sanctuary greeted her: the gentle song of birds, the rustling of the critters stirring in their nests and burrows. She inhaled deeply, hoping it would ease her mind. But the hunger gnawed at her again, a dull ache spreading through her chest.

With a soft sigh, she walked to the feed shed and began gathering food for the animals, her body moving on autopilot. She carried a bag of seed out to the chicken coop, sprinkling it around as the chickens hurried over, clucking eagerly. Normally, she’d enjoy watching them scurry about, but today, something felt off.

As she moved from one creature to the next, tending to her animal friends, the hunger only grew stronger. She fed the rabbits, cleaned the birdhouses, and refilled the water troughs, but the sensation never left. Instead, it worsened, a sharp pain shooting through her stomach that made her double over for a moment.

Fluttershy stumbled under the shade of a nearby tree, leaning against its rough bark for support. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. “It’s probably nothing,” she reassured herself. “I’ll be fine…”

But she wasn’t fine. The more she tried to ignore it, the more insistent it became, like a ravenous beast clawing away at her insides. Her vision blurred, and for a moment, everything around her spun. She tried to shake it off, but it was no use.

When she finally opened her eyes, something was different.

She smelled it before she saw it—a tantalizing, warm scent. It drifted to her on the breeze, rich and intoxicating. Her mouth watered. Her body moved without thinking, her legs carrying her forward as if being guided by some unseen force. Her senses sharpened, her vision narrowing to focus on the source of that scent. She barely registered the small creature, a tiny rabbit, nibbling on some grass nearby. It was one of her oldest charges, a sweet little thing she’d raised since it was born.

But right now, all Fluttershy could see, all she could focus on, was the rapid beating of its heart.

Her stomach twisted painfully, and before she knew it, she was moving—fast, much too fast. She lunged forward, her hooves striking the ground as the rabbit bolted in fear. She gave chase, the world around her blurred, her breath coming in short, shallow bursts. She could hear the rabbit’s heartbeat, louder and louder.

And then, everything went dark.

When Fluttershy came to, her body was curled on the forest floor, her face pressed into the cool dirt. She could taste something on her lips—warm, metallic. She blinked, her mind slowly piecing together what had just happened, her eyes widening in horror as she looked down.

The rabbit lay still beside her, its small body limp and lifeless. Blood stained its once-white fur, and Fluttershy’s hooves were coated in the same crimson hue. She stared at it in shock, her breath catching in her throat.

“No… no…” she whispered, her voice breaking as the realization hit her like a tidal wave. She had killed it. She had… eaten it.

Tears welled up in her eyes, her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. What had she done?

What was happening to her?

Fluttershy stared at the small, lifeless body, the horror of what she had done paralyzing her for a long moment. But she knew she couldn’t stay there forever. Panic began to set in. She couldn’t leave the poor thing out here. What if one of the animals found it? What if somebody came by?

Her breath hitched at the thought, and she frantically looked around, making sure no one had seen. She was alone—thank Celestia—but that only gave her a few precious moments to decide what to do.

Tears blurred her vision, her hooves trembling as she gently picked up what remained of the small, limp body. The warmth had already begun to leave it, the soft fur slick with blood. Fluttershy couldn’t bear to look at the sight, biting her lip to keep from crying out. She had to focus. She had to clean this up before anyone found out.

Moving quickly, she found a patch of earth hidden behind some thick brush near the edge of her sanctuary, far enough away that none of her animal friends would stumble upon it. Her mind raced as her hooves dug into the soil. This felt so wrong, so horrible, but she couldn’t leave the poor rabbit out in the open like this.

When she had dug deep enough, she gently placed the rabbit inside with trembling hooves, her chest tightening with guilt. She couldn’t stop the tears from falling as she pushed the dirt back over it, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Each push of soil felt heavier than the last, until finally the small grave was filled.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice breaking.“I’m so, so sorry…”

The words felt empty, but it was all she could manage to choke out. She wiped her hooves on the grass, trying to get the blood off, but no matter how much she tried, the feeling of it wouldn’t go away. It felt like it was seared into her skin.

Fluttershy hurried back to the sanctuary, grabbing a bucket of water and rushing to where the rabbit had fallen. She splashed water across the bloodstains, trying to erase any evidence of her crime. Her movements were shaky and frantic, her mind racing as she tried to focus on the task, but all she could think about was the look in the rabbit’s eyes as it had run from her, the way its heartbeat had echoed in her ears.

Once she had cleaned up the mess, Fluttershy stood still for a moment, staring down at the now damp patch of earth. Her body felt numb, her mind overwhelmed with fear and guilt. How could this have happened? What was wrong with her?

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, but that hunger still gnawed at her. It was quieter now, but it hadn’t gone away. It was waiting.

Shakily, Fluttershy made her way back to her cottage, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. She pushed open the door, stepping inside and glancing towards the couch where Discord still lay, lazily sprawled out. His mismatched limbs were hanging over the edges, and his eyes were still closed, lost in whatever strange dreamscape a creature like him would wander through.

Should she tell him? The thought flickered through her mind, but she quickly shoved it aside. How could she? How could she ever admit what she had just done? Discord might understand... He’d seen her at her worst before, hadn’t he? He’d been there for her even when she’d been angry, scared, or confused. But this? This was much different.

No. She couldn’t. She couldn’t bear the thought of seeing the disappointment in his eyes. She didn’t even understand what was happening to her. How could she expect Discord to?

Fluttershy sat down at the table, her hooves shaking as she rested her head against the cold surface. She closed her eyes, trying to push the images of the rabbit out of her mind, but they wouldn’t go away. The guilt weighed heavy on her, but the thought of telling Discord filled her with dread.

She couldn’t tell him. Not yet. Maybe… Maybe she could figure this out on her own, and she wouldn’t have to tell anybody at all. Maybe this was just... a one-time thing. A terrible, awful mistake, and nothing more. She could fix it. She had to fix it. She could never let it happen again.

Yes. That was it. She’d keep this secret. For now. No one had to know... Not even Discord.

Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy forced herself to stand, quickly wiping her eyes before moving over to the couch, where Discord still slumbered. She didn’t want to wake him. Not now. She couldn’t face him.

Instead, she watched him for a moment, her stomach churning with guilt and shame. The weight of the lie settled heavy on her heart, but what other choice did she have?

With one last glance, she turned away and headed for the door. Her animal friends would need her soon, and she had to act like everything was normal. She had to push it down and keep it hidden. For their sake. For hers.

Fluttershy stepped back outside, closing the door softly behind her, the guilt clinging to her like a shadow.

Ethically Sourced Secret

By the time Discord woke, the afternoon sun had shifted high in the sky, casting long golden beams through the cottage window and into his eyes. He groaned, throwing a paw over his face as he blinked groggily. The sun's warmth had seeped into the cushions beneath him, making it impossible to ignore. With a yawn, he stretched lazily across the couch, half of his torso dangling precariously off the edge.

For a moment, he simply lay there, staring up at the ceiling and enjoying the peace. But as his mind cleared from the haze of sleep, he realized something was off. The cottage was too quiet.

"Fluttershy?" he called out, his voice cracking from disuse. Silence greeted him. He waited a moment longer, listening for the usual sounds of her bustling about the cottage, humming to herself, or chatting with her animal friends. But there was nothing.

The stillness in the air made him uneasy. Fluttershy was always up by now, tending to the animals or preparing tea, but now the cottage felt... empty. Suspiciously so.

He snapped his talons absentmindedly to poof himself upright—but nothing happened.

Discord scowled, trying again. Another snap. Still nothing. His magic was still gone. A flash of irritation crossed his face, but he quickly smoothed it over, reminding himself that he needed to play this carefully for Fluttershy’s sake. She couldn’t know about his predicament.

He stood up and stretched his long, inharmonious body, taking a moment to compose himself before he ambled toward the door, peering outside. The sweet sounds of the sanctuary drifted toward him—the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the faint chorus of various animals in the distance. Fluttershy was out there, no doubt tending to her beloved animals.

Discord strolled out, wandering a bit aimlessly until he spotted her near the chicken coop. She was hunched over, stuffing fresh hay into the nesting boxes, something about her demeanor struck Discord as... off.

A strange look crossed Discord’s face as he watched her. Fluttershy, normally the picture of serenity, looked tense. her body stiff with agitation, her ears perked at every little sound, and though she was tending to her animals as usual, there was a stiffness to her that didn’t sit right with him.

"Good afternoon, my dear," he called out, breaking the silence. "Sleeping Beauty finally awakens."

Fluttershy jumped, nearly dropping the bundle of hay she was holding. "Oh! Discord!" she exclaimed, quickly spinning around to face him. "I-I didn’t realize you were up."

"Clearly," Discord teased. "You seem rather jumpy. Busy morning, I take it?"

Her eyes flickered away from him, and she quickly forced a smile. "Just… the usual. Taking care of the animals."

Discord raised an eyebrow. He could tell when she was lying; he’d spent enough time around her to recognize the small, subtle signs. The way her wings tightened at her sides, the nervous darting of her gaze. Something was definitely wrong.

"Ah, I see," he drawled, his voice low and curious. "So you left me snoozing the day away while you handled everything? Should I be touched or offended?"

Fluttershy’s smile faltered for a brief moment before she quickly recovered. "I didn’t want to disturb you. You seemed like you needed the rest."

Discord cocked his head, scrutinizing her closely, noting the tension in her shoulders and the way she avoided looking him in the eye. He didn’t like it. Something was gnawing at her, but she wasn’t telling him what.

"Speaking of rest," he began, circling her in a lazy spiral. "I was wondering if perhaps I could stay here just a bit longer, my dear Fluttershy. I find myself still feeling just a tad… under the weather."

She stiffened. "Oh… you want to stay?"

"Mmm," he hummed, nodding dramatically. "Yes. Just for a teensy while longer. I’m sure this illness of mine will pass, but for now, I fear I’m far too weak to return to my own little abode."

Her eyes widened with concern. "Illness? You’re still not feeling better?"

He put on his most woeful expression, placing a paw to his forehead. "Alas, no. I think a few more days of your care and attention may be in order… Perhaps some more of that delightful tea you make? A warm bed? Maybe even a story or two before I sleep?"

Fluttershy swallowed hard, her mind racing. She didn’t want to turn him away, but his presence would make keeping her secret so much more difficult. What if he noticed something? What if he found out about what she had done?

But she couldn’t say no. Not to Discord. Especially if he really was unwell.

"Of course," she finally said, her voice tight. "You can stay as long as you need."

"Oh, how splendid!" he smiled, clasping his hands together. "I knew I could count on you."

Fluttershy forced a smile in return. "I’ll… make us some lunch."

They headed back to the cottage together, Fluttershy walking slowly, trying to calm her anxiety. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Discord was watching her more closely than usual, his constant gaze burning into her back as he trailed along behind her.

Once inside, she set about preparing lunch—nothing too extravagant, just some sandwiches. As she placed the food on the table, Discord lounged nearby. His claws drummed a slow rhythm as he observed her.

As they sat down to eat, Discord wasted no time. Fluttershy watched as his sharp teeth tore through his food with relish, but then her eyes shifted down to her own plate, her stomach twisting painfully. The sight of the food made her feel nauseous. Hunger clawed at her insides relentlessly, but this—this wasn’t what it wanted.

"You’re not eating," Discord said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Fluttershy flinched, poking at the food on her plate. "Oh, um… I’m not really that hungry."

"Not hungry?" Discord echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Are you feeling alright?"

She forced a light laugh, waving her hoof dismissively. "I think… I’m just tired. It’s been a busy morning."

Discord’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t press the issue. Not yet, anyway. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, letting the silence settle between them like a thick fog. Watching her with that same strange intensity that made her squirm in her seat.

Fluttershy could feel the weight of his skeptical gaze, but she kept her own eyes fixed on the table, forcing herself to remain calm. She had to keep it together. She couldn’t let him suspect anything.

How was she going to live like this? How could she hide this terrible, unnatural craving? Every day, she’d have to be careful, keep herself in check, and pretend nothing was wrong. But what if she couldn’t? What if it happened again?

Discord broke the tense air with a loud yawn, stretching out dramatically. "Well, my dear, this has been a delightful meal, but I do believe a nap is calling to me. Key to a speedy recovery and all…"

Fluttershy nodded silently, watching as he strode off back into the living room, her mind still swirling with dread. Once she was sure he was settled, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She couldn’t tell him. She couldn’t tell anyone. But how much longer could she keep this up?

Fluttershy stayed seated at the table, her eyes locked on the untouched food in front of her as she became lost in thought. The pang of hunger in her stomach had grown sharper. It wasn’t a sandwich she wanted. Her body rejected the very thought of it.

As she stood and began tidying the table, an idea crept into her mind. Her eyes flicked to the window, watching the sanctuary outside. The food she prepared for her carnivores was out there. Raw meat, ethically sourced from animals who had passed naturally—ones who died of old age or illness. She had always prided herself on making sure no harm ever came to her animal friends, even when feeding the predators in her care. But the thought of taking some for herself made her stomach twist in disgust—and yet, deep down, something else stirred.

She slowly and deliberately made her way to the door. Discord was already sprawled out on the couch again. She glanced at him cautiously as she quietly reached the door, slipping outside into the fresh afternoon air.

The sanctuary was quiet now, most of the animals lazing about after being fed. Fluttershy moved quickly, her hooves carrying her towards the back storage shed where the food was kept. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts—this was wrong; she shouldn’t be doing this, but… what choice did she have?

She reached the shed and paused, looking around to make sure no one was watching. Her wings fluttered nervously as she slipped inside, the smell of fresh hay and animal feed filling the air. But beneath that, the faint, metallic scent of meat lingered, pulling her to it like a magnet.

Inside, stacked neatly in cold storage, were the packages of raw meat—just enough to feed the carnivores she looked after. Fluttershy hesitated, her hoof trembling as she reached for one of the packages.

Her breath caught in her throat as she pulled it out. The weight of the raw meat in her hoof was heavy, almost unbearable. She could feel her stomach churning with an odd combination of revulsion and desire. The sight of it made her mouth water in a way that horrified her.

"What am I doing?" she whispered to herself as she clutched the package tightly between her hooves. This wasn’t who she was. She couldn’t—she shouldn’t—

But the hunger clawed at her, agonizing, insistent.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she tore open the package, and the smell of the raw meat hit her like a wave. Her body reacted instinctively, her mouth practically salivating as she stared down at the flesh.

No. She couldn’t.

But she did.

Fluttershy tore into the meat, her hooves shaking as she devoured it with a desperation that scared her. Each bite felt wrong, unnatural—but also so terribly satisfying. The hunger that had been torturing her finally eased, replaced with a sickening sense of relief.

When she finished, she dropped the packaging, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She stared down at her hooves, stained with blood, and the sight made her sick.

How had she come to this?

Her body trembled as she wiped her mouth, her mind whirling with disgust at what she had just done. But beneath the horror, a glimmer of hope flickered. Maybe this would work. Maybe if she fed herself this way—secretly, away from everyone—she wouldn’t have to worry about losing control again. She wouldn’t have to worry about hurting anyone else. No more animals would die at her hooves.

She just had to keep it hidden. From Discord. From her friends. From everyone.

The only problem was how to get through meals with Discord without raising suspicion. He was already watching her too closely, asking questions she couldn’t answer. She couldn’t let him see the truth.

“I’ll figure it out,” she quietly reassured herself. “I have to.”

With shaky hooves, Fluttershy carefully cleaned up the mess she had made, wiping blood off her mouth and hooves and discarding the empty packaging. She made sure everything was in its place, that there was no trace left behind, and then she slipped back out of the shed, closing the door quietly behind her.

As she walked back to the cottage, her body felt strangely heavy. The hunger pangs had gone, but the weight of what she'd done lingered. She glanced up at the cottage as it came into view, seeing the soft glow of the window where Discord was resting inside.

She couldn’t let him find out. Not ever.

Fluttershy took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she opened the door and stepped back inside. Discord’s awkward, sleeping body still draped along the couch as he snored, unaware of the secret she had buried.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d be able to keep it that way.

In The Grips of Guilt

Fluttershy had been battling her inner turmoil for days now. The taste of meat—foreign, disturbing—still lingered on her tongue despite the satisfaction it brought her hunger. Each bite filled her stomach, yet it left a deep pit of disgust inside her that nothing could fill. Every time she stepped hoof into her cottage or wandered among her friends, the secret festered like a thorn buried too deep to pull out. The memory of the rabbit she had mutilated haunted her, a grotesque reminder of what she had become. She couldn’t bring herself to tell her friends, not after what she had done—let alone what she had been doing. It felt too twisted, too unnatural. If they knew, they would never look at her the same way again. The very idea of explaining her situation left her paralyzed with fear.

How could she ever explain it? The very idea of consuming meat, let alone taking the life of a creature she had once protected, felt too alien to admit to anyone. She wanted nothing more than to ask for help, to lean on her friends like she always had, but this… this was too vile. She was stuck in a mire of self-disgust, wallowing in the horror of what had become of her.

To try and keep her mind occupied, she had turned her attention toward Discord. His “illness”—though, in truth, Fluttershy was no fool; she knew it wasn’t a normal sickness—had offered her a convenient excuse to distract herself. The moment he had lost his magic after using it to reverse the chaos across Equestria, he had come up with the flimsy lie that he was merely sick with some unheard of draconequus illness. He was keeping up the charade, and Fluttershy was more than willing to play along. Caring for him gave her some purpose. It kept her mind occupied, if only for a few hours a day.

She had already checked his temperature twice that afternoon, though it hadn’t fluctuated even a degree since yesterday. Now she hovered beside him, fussing with a teapot as she poured steaming liquid into his cup. Her movements were delicate, her focus absolute, as if the task itself could blot out the torment gnawing at the corners of her mind. Discord sat on the edge of the couch, one mismatched foot crossed over the other as he watched her with a mixture of amusement and concern. Even without his magic, he remained the picture of confidence—though his sharp eyes didn’t miss the tension that had been radiating from her.

“You’re wound tighter than one of those ridiculous wind-up toys,” he remarked, his usually tone of playful banter softened by something a little more serious, masked behind a smile. “I’m starting to worry you might just... pop!”

Fluttershy stiffened at his comment, her hold tightening momentarily on the teapot. She had hoped her frantic care-taking would distract him—keep him focused on himself rather than noticing her own problems. She forced a small smile. “I’m just worried about you, Discord.” She said, her voice gentle but strained. “And the animals have kept me so busy lately. That’s all.”

Discord cocked an eyebrow, taking a sip from the cup she handed him. “Busy avoiding me, more like,” he quipped, though there was a sharp edge behind his playful tone. “For someone who claims to be so worried about my health, you’ve been acting awfully... distant.” His eyes lingered on her longer than usual, watching the way her wings tensed against her, the way she seemed to shrink beneath his gaze.

The teapot shook slightly in her hooves as she set it down on the table. “I’ve just… had a lot on my plate,” she murmured, avoiding his gaze. “There’s more to my life than just… you, Discord.”

The words left her mouth faster than she intended, sharper than she realized. She immediately regretted them as soon as they hung in the air between them, tense and awkward. Discord’s expression shifted, his playful smirk fading as a slight edge crept into his voice. “It’s obvious something is wrong,” he pressed, the teasing gone, replaced by something far more sincere. “I know I’m not exactly an expert on friendship, but I thought confiding in each other was part of the deal, especially between us.” His tone softened briefly, but there was a sting of accusation in his words. “Or… maybe I was mistaken. Maybe you don’t want me around at all.”

The statement hit Fluttershy like a physical blow, and for a moment, she stood frozen, her wings twitching at her sides. It wasn’t true—she cared about Discord deeply, but the weight of her secret crushed any chance of explaining herself. His constant prying, his insistence on pulling her deeper into a conversation she wasn’t ready to have—it pushed her over the edge.

“Stop it, Discord!” She shouted, her normally soft voice cracking with frustration. “Just stop!” The words burst from her before she could even think, her hoof slamming against the floor with enough force to send a shudder through the quiet room. The sharpness of her voice cut through the air like a knife, leaving an uncomfortable silence in its wake.

As soon as the words escaped her, Fluttershy’s eyes widened in horror. She pressed her hoof to her mouth, her breath quick, and panicked. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling with guilt. She couldn’t bear to look at Discord; she couldn’t face the hurt she knew was now etched across his features. Before he could respond, she turned and fled from the cottage, leaving Discord sitting on the couch. His paw hovered above his chest, fingers curling slightly as if to try and grasp the invisible tension.

The air in the cottage felt thicker without her presence. Discord sat there, stunned, blinking in disbelief. Of all the ponies in Equestria, Fluttershy was the last he’d expect to snap at him like that. The tension between them had been palpable for days, but this… this was something different. She was hiding something—something big—and she didn’t trust him enough to share it. The realization stung more than he’d care to admit.

He glanced toward the door, a frown tugging at his lips. “Well, that was... something,” he muttered under his breath, slumping back against the couch as his mind raced. Maybe it wasn’t his place to push her, but the silence between them was becoming unbearable. If she didn’t want him to be part of whatever she was struggling with, maybe she didn’t need him at all.

But as the moments passed, the hurt softened, replaced by a quiet determination. He might not know what was wrong, but he wasn't about to give up on her. Even if she wouldn’t confide in him, he could still watch out for her. He could still be there when she needed him, whether she admitted it or not.

For now, though, all he could do was wait.

Fluttershy’s heart pounded as she rushed through the garden and toward the animal sanctuary. The cool breeze rustled the leaves in the trees overhead, but even the soothing sounds of nature couldn’t quiet the storm of guilt swirling in her chest. How could she have snapped at Discord like that? Her hoofbeats echoed in her ears, the thud of each step a reminder of the outburst she never should have allowed. Her chest felt tight, the weight of her actions pressing down with every breath.

Stopping by the edge of the stream, she crouched down and took a shuddering breath, staring at her reflection in the water. Her eyes were wide, glistening with the unshed tears of self-loathing, her mane disheveled from her hasty retreat. The gentle babble of the water usually brought her peace, but today, all it did was magnify the noise in her head. She had very rarely raised her voice like that, least of all to Discord. It was like something inside her had snapped—something she could no longer control. She clenched her jaw, shaking her head.

“I shouldn’t have said that,” she whispered to herself, her voice breaking as the words slipped into the breeze. Her wings hung limply at her sides, the tension from earlier now replaced by an overwhelming sense of guilt. She could see his face and the hurt in his eyes when she had lashed out. He didn’t deserve that. She should’ve handled it better, should’ve been able to push down whatever was eating away at her. But no, she’d failed him—and herself. She splashed a hoof into the water, as if punishing her reflection would somehow make the situation better. “What’s happening to me?”

Her stomach growled in response. She could feel it even now, crawling under her skin, taunting her. She knew that was the real reason she had snapped. The hunger. It was always there, twisting her insides, clouding her thoughts. And no matter how much she hated herself for it, her body craved more. But that didn’t make her feel any better. If anything, it made it worse. She was losing control—not just of her actions, but of who she was.

“That’s no excuse…” she murmured as she pushed herself up from the stream. Whether she was hungry or not, it didn’t justify how she had treated Discord. He had been nothing but concerned for her, and she had lashed out at him as though he were the problem. What kind of monster yells at their best friend because they haven’t eaten?

Fluttershy swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath. Maybe she could stop this spiral if she just… ate something. Something small, just enough to clear her head, to stop this hunger from consuming her completely. She tore her eyes away from the water and began walking toward the food storage shed. The sanctuary loomed ahead, its peaceful surroundings in stark contrast to the turmoil twisting inside her. Deep in thought, she barely noticed the soft crunch of approaching hoofsteps.

“Fluttershy!”

The sudden voice jolted her from her thoughts. Her heart leaped in her chest, and she nearly stumbled as Dr. Fauna appeared from seemingly nowhere. Fluttershy blinked, momentarily disoriented by the veterinarian’s presence. She had completely forgotten about the scheduled check-up.

“Oh!” Fluttershy gasped, her wings flaring out in surprise. “I, um, wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”

Dr. Fauna smiled warmly. “It’s alright, Fluttershy! I’ve just been making my rounds with the animals, making sure everything’s in order.” Her tone was casual, but Fluttershy felt her gaze lingering, studying her too closely for comfort. “You seem a little frazzled today. Is everything alright?”

“Oh… of course! I’m sorry, I’ve been so busy lately, I must’ve lost track of time.” Her voice sounded unnaturally chipper, even to her own ears, and she could feel the smile on her face straining at the edges.

Dr. Fauna nodded. “I understand. Things can get hectic around here, can’t they?” She laughed, launching into a cheerful recount of her work so far. “But everything’s looking great! The birds are healthy, the deer are in good spirits, and I gave the raccoons their checkups already. I’m thinking I’ll do the rabbits next…” She continued listing off tasks, but Fluttershy could only half-listen, her mind still reeling from the confrontation with Discord and the pull of her hunger eating away at her.

“And speaking of checkups,” Dr. Fauna added, her tone shifting slightly, “I noticed something odd when I was going over the food inventory earlier.”

Fluttershy’s stomach dropped, a cold chill sweeping through her. “What… what do you mean?”

Dr. Fauna furrowed her brow. “The meat supply for the carnivores is running lower than I expected. I haven’t seen an influx of new carnivores around here, though, so I found it a bit strange. Have we gotten more animals I haven’t met yet?”

Fluttershy’s mouth went dry. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Dr. Fauna’s question felt like a trap—innocent on the surface, but digging deeper than Fluttershy was prepared for. She scrambled for an explanation, but her mind was blank, weighed down by the guilt and the fog of hunger clouding her thoughts.

Fluttershy’s wings stiffened at her sides, panic bubbling as she tried to choke out an explanation. “Oh! Uh, no, no new animals,” she said, trying to sound casual, though her voice cracked. “Maybe… maybe it’s just an accounting error or, um, some animals sneaking extra helpings when we’re not looking.” She forced a laugh, the sound thin and hollow. “You know how sneaky they can be!”

Dr. Fauna narrowed her eyes slightly, her skepticism deepening. “I suppose that’s possible, but I’ve been keeping a pretty close eye on the stock. There’s been a noticeable drop in the meat supply, but I haven’t seen anything that would explain it.” Her gaze sharpened, a hint of curiosity creeping into her voice. “Have you noticed anything unusual?”

Fluttershy’s mind went blank. She could feel herself unraveling under Dr. Fauna’s scrutiny, every excuse she tried to think of slipping through her grasp like water. She was failing, horribly. Dr. Fauna was perceptive, too perceptive, and Fluttershy was frozen with the fear that her secret was about to be laid bare.

“I-I’m sure it’s nothing!” Fluttershy blurted, a little too quickly. She took a step back, putting a bit more distance between them. “I’ll keep an eye on it, though. I’m sure it’s just a mix-up. Really, you should just focus on the animals. Everything is fine.”

Dr. Fauna paused, her eyes lingering on Fluttershy’s face for a moment longer than was comfortable before giving a small nod. “Alright, if you say so,” she said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t entirely convinced. “I’ll get back to the rounds, then. Let me know if anything comes up.”

Fluttershy nodded stiffly, frozen in place as Dr. Fauna turned and walked off, leaving her standing there in a cold sweat. As soon as the veterinarian was out of sight, Fluttershy’s legs gave out, and she sank to the ground, breathing hard. It had only taken a few minutes for Dr. Fauna to notice something off. And it was only a matter of time before she—or someone else—put the pieces together.

She couldn’t let that happen. No one could find out what she was doing.

Fluttershy stared at the doors of the shed, the aching hunger pulling her inside, but the weight of the encounter with Dr. Fauna left her rooted in place. She couldn’t eat—not now. Not after this. She needed to control herself. She couldn’t afford to make another mistake.

Swallowing hard, she turned away from the shed and began to walk in the opposite direction, her legs still shaking. Returning to the cottage after what had happened with Discord felt impossible, so instead, she set her sights on town. Maybe if she saw her friends, she could distract herself—pretend, if only for a little while, that everything was normal. That she was still normal.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long, i had written something completely different and hated it.