Rest for the Weary

"Contrary to popular opinion, chaos is not a bad thing. Chaos, much like harmony, is just a state of mind. It does not abide by the petty ideals of 'good and evil', no, chaos is a thing even the most benevolent of gods and the malicious of knights possess. Chaos is something to overcome... or embrace." -Starswirl the Bearded, 0995 Year of first light, Canterlot historical records.

Discord looked down at the glowing green earth. Having just been defeated on his homeworld he had acquired more time to have fun. And Discord loved having fun. Though he could hop to any reality, universe, planet, or time he desired, there was one specific place he adored. The one place where he could watch chaos rule above all else. Order could try to rise, but, ultimately, chaos would prevail.

This place was called Earth: Year 2281, Mohave wasteland.

204 years after a massive war that ravaged the earth beyond recognition, the humans who lived there still grasped onto their lives and their petty ways of fighting. They kill each other in troves over nothing, they squabble among themselves when they could be working together for the greater good, they possess the technology and knowledge to rebuild what their ancestors so foolishly destroyed, yet, they use it only to create more death.

Discord loved it.

His home planet was home to a boring race of equines that had achieved almost perfect harmony. It is a utopia that has not been ravaged by war for around a millennial. Most ponies believed in the magic of friendship and the power of love.

Discord didn't particularly care for it. Even when he brought the blessing of chaos to Equestria all they did was whine.

That was over and done with though. Now Discord had the time to visit his favorite place on the desolated planet. It was formerly known as 'Sin City', but with so many other places fitting that description as well it lost it's meaning. The actual name of this place was New Vegas, formerly Las Vegas, but that was wiped away along with most of the life on earth. Yet, as humans do, they try to preserve what they love. New Vegas is a testament to that, saved by a man who adored it too much to see it destroyed.

Discord made his way through the irradiated ozone and down to the correct continent. Finding the correct spot, flew down to the barren patch of desert. Seeing the light he wanted off in the distance he saved himself the monotony of floating by teleporting to the entrance.

Something's wrong.

It was the same jagged metal walls surrounding the city, same protectrons doing their job, but something didn't sit right with Discord. He floated over the walls and into the city. He expected to see the normal group of gamblers, hookers, and millitary police, but what he saw confused him.

There were rows upon rows of NCR soldiers lining the streets. They seemed to be recovering from a huge battle, 'But didn't the battle of the dam end already?' Discord thought 'She had just pushed back the Legion last time I checked...'

Discord flew down and walked among the soldiers. None of them could interact with him in this form, they didn't believe in gods, 'Perhaps I could get answers from one of them.' he thought as he saw a group of flustered citizens standing next to one of the wounded tents.

Discord moved over to one of the citizens and leaned in so he could hear.

"...just broke into the 38 with a group of rangers..." one said

"I heard she tried to reason with 'em..." another said

"That sounds like her. Still, it don't matter now," a last one said "whether she tried to talk or not she had to kill her way out."

"Why'd they do it?" the first one asked "I never heard of her doing nothing besides helping them."

"She wiped out the legion almost single handedly," the second one said, "I think... The NCR... They're scared of her."

Discord had heard enough to piece together what had happened 'So,' he thought 'the mighty Courier has been double crossed. I wonder what she's doing now.'

Then it occurred to the god that he was, in fact, a god.

"I'll just find out!" he mused.

With a snap of a claw and a flash of light, he found his favorite source of entertainment.

The courier was curled into the fetal position in the middle of the desert.

"Well... that was a let-down." Discord said, slightly disappointed.

She was either asleep or unconscious. Unconscious seemed more likely, or possibly dead. She had multiple holes in her back, but no blood flowed from them (that's a good sign, right?). Discord saw the light rise and fall of her chest and was satisfied. She was alive, she would be up and kickin' (ass) in no time.

Yet, something bothered the mad god. Every other time he was around the courier she was full of energy and trying to fight the good fight. Granted, she was passed out at the moment, but there was always that aura around her. Even while sleeping, Discord knew something was not right with his little Courier.

'Could she have?... No, that's impossible, she's been through much more than this. She couldn't possibly have...'

Discords thoughts came to a halt as a tear made it's way down the girls face.

'given up...' Discords thought completed.

That was it. That was the push over the edge, the last straw, the final kick to this young woman's hope.

The hero of the mohave is broken.

Though Discord despised how she stood for order and peace, the Courier had caused enough chaos along the way to earn his respect - no- his admiration, and make the end factor of her efforts null and void. Discord would not let this little human that he had come to adore so much lose her fighting spirit.

Something had to be done. She needed something to take her mind off this betrayal, not to mention her terrible, terrible life.

"AHA!" Discord exclaimed as he neared the motionless body before him. He inhaled deeply and let a soft light slowly envelop the woman. "I hope this works!"

In a flash of light, the Courier disappeared.

Discord wiped his claws together in satisfaction, "Never let it be said Discord didn't care for his citizens..."

Perk acquired!: Thought You Died