It was a warm day in Ponyville. As usual, Rainbow Dash could be seen shooting across the sky, clearing the last of the clouds that had formed in the night, and the town was buzzing. In the centre, Rarity, Twilight and pinkie where all headed through Ponyville for Supplies, Twilight needed some new magic books for a new trick spell she was learning, Pinkie was, as usual, headed to Shugarcube corner, And Rarity was on her way to Canterlot for some very fine material. “ So, Rarity Why is the material you need all the way in Canterlot? Is it some sort of special order?” Questioned Twilight “ oh, yes, a special order, Spike was with me in the store one day, and out belched this letter from Celestia! She said it was Luna’s birthday soon. So I need to make a new dress for her. It’s very exiting. I just haven’t told anypony because Celestia noted that she didn’t want me to tell encase Sompony tries to steal it for themselves. You promise you won’t tell anypony girls?’’ “ Don’t worry Rarity, I won’t tell anyone, last thing I want is for her dress to get stolen or ruined!” replied Twilight. “Oh, than-“ Rarity had to stop mid sentence and the girls looked behind them as Pinkie Performed her ‘Pinkie promise’ on the spot behind them. They rolled there eyes and Waited for her to finish. Suddenly she jumped up “ ohkie dokie, lokie! I’ll not tell a soul” Shouted pinkie.
. “ thank you, Girls Now, what trick are you trying to learn, twilight?” Asked Rarity. “Oh, it’s for a-“
Before she could finish she heard a voice shout from behind her “c’mon Diamond, we won’t be able to catch a train to Canterlot if you lag behind like that!” Then came some fast trotting, Followed by an arsy Reply “well if you hadn’t loaded me up with all YOUR books, my saddlebags, Plus yours. And your papers aren’t stuck in properly so they’re flying all over the place and I HAVE TO PICK THEM UP!” Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity turned to see the mare Glare at the younger pony “don’t take that tone with me, Diamond.” She snapped sharply. But she then said cheerfully” Watch what you say... or nightmare moon will come for your soul!” The younger one went from a submissive stare at the floor to a giggle. And they both cantered on.
Pinkie and twilight both turned to continue to their destinations when Rarity said “wait. Is that. *Gulp* Diablo? Eh. Um. Diablo! Hello, Diablo! “ Shouted Rarity. “wait you know that Pony?” said twilight, confused for a moment. “yes, yes. I’ll tell you all about it in a moment, Twilight” As Rarity walked towards Diablo.
“ oh, Rarity, my Dear. It’s been so long. My, you’ve not changed a bit!” Diablo Squinted in toward Rarity With her small purple irises. Pinkie was looking at The two ponies, and she pulled a Face. “ Twi, Rarity looks a little Weird , don’t ya think?” Twilight examined at the two of them and yes, she did notice Rarity Did look a little intimidated. Her ears where back, she looked a little shaky. but she still had a smile on, just about. “ yes. That looks a little strange” twilight said rather slowly. Rarity looked at Diablo.“ So, Eh. How have you been? Oh. I see you got your cutie mark, Diablo. How nice!” Diablo Laughed “Tschheha! Rare, I got my cutie mark ages ago! Right by the statue. I knew it was my destiny. Just like I said all those years ago! Hehehahah!”
She laughed again hysterically. “so, who are your friends? Can I meet them? But make it quick. I need to be somewhere. I Bet you Can guess where! “ Diablo gave Rarity a wink. Rarity turned to pinkie and twilight, who where some feet back. “ girls, this is Diablo. An old friend of mine , I’ve known her since I was a filly. Come over, she. Ah. She won’t bite! “ said Rarity. Now pulling a very fake smile. The girls walked over, looking at each other. “ what’s wrong with this.. Diablo pony I wonder, Pinkie” Twilight whispered over to pinkie as they walked on over to them. “ Hello, I Am twilight sparkle, and this is my friend pinkie pie. What brings you to Ponyville, Diablo?”
“oh, I was just looking for some books on the history of Equestria, you know Before Celestia And Luna’s reign” Twilights eyes widened and her voice awoke “Oh, that’s easy!” Replied Twilight in delight “ I have lots of books, maybe when you come back from your trip I can tell you all about it!” . “yeah. That will be good, now I really have to make a move, or I’ll miss the train!.. So, see you later,
Rare, okay?” Diablo Replied. “now, come on, Diamond. Double time go! Hey, what’s wrong?”
“..I can’t use my wings! All your stuff is blocking them!” Diamond Complained back at her “fine! Just Gallop!” She shouted as they ran off. “Ugh.. “ Rarity sighed. “Rarity, you didn’t look too good talking to her, Is everything alright?” Twilight asked her “yeah you looked sooper dooper scared!” Pinkie Stated,
Watching Rarity’s eye movements. “ c’mon girls, let’s go get a coffee, forget Luna’s dress. For the time being,
Ill tell you all about it.”
The three went to the café , they where
silent the whole way there, though the town was still loud and busy. It wasn’t until the coffee actually arrived that Rarity Slouched over her Beverage And sighed loudly “ugh..” She stirred her coffee a little.
Twilight and pinkie gave each other a Confused look. “ So, Rarity. Where you going to tell us?” Said Pinkie. “wha? Oh yes.. yes.” Rarity snapped out of her Trance and sat up. “sit tight, girls this is a long story, Quite boring, too. Well. It was a long time ago, like I said. When I was just a filly. In my school Days I was quite lonely. I used to spend My lunch hour indoors, Drawing dresses. *it flashed back to when Filly Rarity Was in School* For Weeks it was just me, and my pencil. My Faison style was indeed, quite Amateur So it was, muffin hats and princess dresses. You know, what a little filly would think of. So one day it was Recess. And it was me all alone. In the class. Then in came another filly. A Pegesai She was a Lighter blue colour than most. Her hair. Cyan with streaks of purple. Her eyes big and purple. Her hooves A Deep blue. She simply sat down beside me, not a word out of her. And began to draw dresses, Too. “ I love your dresses!” She said to me. I Stopped for a moment. And I looked back at her. “…really? you’re the first to have noticed“I replied softly. “ so, what’s your name?” I asked. “ Diablo. Diablo Lune., But you can call me Dia. What’s your name?” “ well. My name is Rarity. “ I replied “ Do you mind if I call you Rare? I think it makes sense, Because you’re such a rare pony to come across.” She shrugged. We Both giggled. Wow. Could this be , the first school friend? So we sat together , talked, laughed. And drew dresses. That was my favourite part. A pony that had the same interests as me! How wonderful!
So 3 years passed by, every lunch was the same, Drew dresses, Laughed. We’d even trade bits and pieces of our lunch boxes. So one day I decided That me And her should start a project together. An actual dress! Yes, in the past we had cut bits of old dresses to make new ones. But our parents actually agreed to take us go all the way to Canterlot to get some fine material! It was a dream come true! So My parents took me and Dia To Canterlot. We spent a while picking out material. Dia found a lovely burgundy felt. While I got the shining gold! Together we knew we’d make a beautiful Regal dress! We where even thinking of perhaps selling it to somepony, anypony who Was attending the galla that year!
So we walked out the shop with our material. My mother turned to me and asked, “how do you girls want to go and get some inspiration for your new dress?” Me and Dia looked at each other strangely. “Why not” I replied. So she took us to the Canterlot statue garden. There where so many statues. We found a magnificent statue, representing victory. It thought it was a lovely statue to base our dress on. We walked around it for a while seeing how it was posed and all. After that we wondered about. And Then Dia came across this one.. statue. She Dropped her jaw and stared in amazement at what she saw Before her. The statue Stood Proudly And had a mismatched Body. It’s head was tilted back, mouth open, it’s arms where posed, one on the chest one pointed in the air, as if it was yelling something. I remember it being some sort of dragon. I Honestly thought it was quite tacky, But Dia stared blankly without moving for what was 5 minutes now. I stood there. Bored., Waiting to go home. She still didn’t move. It came to the point where she was asked to leave by the Canterlot guards because it was past closing time. On the train on the way back she sat there in silence. Finally I Managed to say “ Ugh. Dia, what’s going on?” After a few seconds of silence “ I don’t know. It was just. Amazing. I have no idea why I was so.. Attracted to the statue. It.. kind of felt like it was calling me, I know it sounds all corny and that. I feel like the statue means something. ..I. I-..I’m going to do some research on it tonight. “
It was the next day, I retuned to school a little disappointed at what had happened the day before.
So I sat through my lessons. As per usual. The day drooled on and we finally got to the first recess.
Yes. Finally. I waited for the class to exit to the play grounds. the teacher passed me on the way to the staff room “ No Diablo today, Rarity?” she Asked. I turned to see that Diablo wasn’t there. I Sat in my seat. Blankly staring at my paper for a few minutes. my ears pricked up as suddenly Dia Burst in , balancing a mountain of books on her head, back and Balancing them on her wings. “Hey, Rare! I found out the most awesome things about this statue, he’s amazing, turns out. His name is Discord! And he’s a species called a Draqona…. Eh. Um. Dreacona… Nope. “ She Dropped all her books over my design book as she rifled through them looking for the name of the creature. “ ah, found it!. Draconiquus!” After that. She rambled on about who he was, and his history. I just sat there in silence. I didn’t listen for a moment. After that It was the same every day, More and more books Came. She even sat on another table to read alone because she had so many damn books. Every now and again she’s blurt out a fact or two. My heart sank when the bell was chimed and all the fillies and foals came in. she didn’t even draw one single dress! She’d just sit there, Drawing.. Him! Ugh I was so upset. I’d even cry to my mother sometimes.
I’d given up. Diablo had a whole new thing going on. On show and tell day she’d bring in mini sculptures she’d made and pictures with the statue. It’s so boring! So tacky! What’s so good about that statue!? Weeks passed. The school play came up. I Made those dresses for the singers. Dia did give me a little advice. It was nice to hear her say that. After my teacher telling me my dresses where. “ Nice” I sat at home. Maybe my destiny wasn’t to be a Dressmaker , Then. My horn glowed and took me all over Equestria. Blah, blah, Blah and I found those jewels in that rock. I’ve told you that story. When I got my cutie mark Dia couldn’t have been happier. She threw me a surprise cutesimera at recess. Which was nice it, Kinda.. re-sparked my hopes that she still cared.. But she still sat alone with her head on those books all the time. One day it was recess and another pony had joined Dia In her obsession. They’d sit there laughing together about the whole thing. The other pony Was a strange one. I don’t think anyone really talked to her up until this point. She was a light purpley Pink. Her hair was Purple and curly with streaks of white. She had this strange accessory on. A Hat. With some sort of propeller on the top. She had already gotten her cutie mark. It was some sort of sport. With a bat and ball. This pony’s eyes where the strangest feature. She didn’t have normal pony eyes! They looked like some sort of spiral hypno purple eyes. Eugh. Horrible! They’d sit there all day talking about this Discord character. The purple pony knew much more than Dia did. But Dia wasn’t jealous of her knowledge. She was learning fast from this pony. I’d even heard that this purple pony would sleep next to the statue! How sad! I couldn’t take it anymore. I went outside and spent the rest of the term outside for recess.
Thankfully the summer holidays where coming up. So I had 6 weeks to myself. And I was all alone.
“ wait, wait, Wait.” Said twilight. Interrupting her story. “ I know I’m saying this a bit late. But you already knew who Discord was? Why didn’t you tell us? We could have used that to stop him Earlier!” she said with a dash of anger in her voice.
“I knew who he was yes, but I didn’t know what he as capable of! Anyway, back to my story”
“good!” said pinkie pie
When I came back from the summer break I noticed the Absence of Diablo Not just for a few minutes. But the whole day. I asked my teacher where she went “ Not only that, Rarity, But Screwball is also gone” She told me “ Screwball?” “Yes. The pink pony, she was sitting with Diablo just before term ended” “Oh. Do you know where they went?” I asked. Confused. “ I heard they went to another school, I’m sorry dear. These things happen” and with that the teacher turned to the black board and wrote up the date and title. Again, The day drooled on. Nothing happened until I got home, “mother! Diablo is gone! She’s not anywhere to be seen!” I Dropped my saddlebags at the door and ran to her, But my mother just gave me a stare and a smile “ don’t worry. She’s not missing, lost or Dead. She’s just moved away” I paused for a moment and Sat down. “ oh. But why didn’t she tell me? How come she just left like that. What a traitor!” My mother smiled at me “ she’s not a traitor. Traitor is quite harsh, sweetie. If she didn’t tell you that she was moving away, that just makes her a bad friend. You told me just the other day that you didn’t like her anymore. So why are you so sad?” my ears dropped and I looked at the floor “ Well I just thought I could still save her” I said. “save her form what? “ my mother queried. “ Well. I don’t know. I just thought I could save her from obsessing over that statue”
“never you mind about her “ my mother told me “ You have plenty of time to make plenty of friends. Just because they don’t draw dresses doesn’t mean they don’t like you. “ I’ll never forget those words my mother spoke that day. And she was Right , I did make plenty of friends. Diablo didn’t come back, but I soon forgot about that and made lots of friends. I haven’t even thought about her up until now, apart from when we encountered Discord. It chilled me to the bone to see him up close. After all he did, he’s a monster. It got me thinking. How could you possibly love such an ugly, monstrous Creature? when he talked to me in the window. I just had to simply pretend I’d never heard of him. I just called him tacky .like I did all those years ago. It just brought back too many bad memories.
Rarity Cringed a little as she tried to forget it all over again. Her face crawled. “blegh. “ she said.
“ enough about that. I’m heading off to Canterlot to finally get a hold of those fabrics for Dearest Luna”
And with that, Her saddlebag opened and 8 bits hovered out of the bag and onto the table. “ 8 bits is outrageous….” She Simply Snorted, and she then turned and strode off with her head up high. Twilight and pinkie just looked at each other from the Profound story. “should we go with her?” whispered pinkie to twilight.
“ well I did have a book to-“ Started twilight “ you always have to read a book twilight! Now come on! Lets go with Rarity! Or at least follow her. ‘’Why should we follow her?’’ questioned twilight ‘’ well I can’t just stand idly while two old friends are growing apart!’’ stated Pinkie ‘’ But they’ve been apart for a long time now pinkie, it won’t make any difference’’ Pinkie gave twilight a long stare before saying ‘’ well? What should we do? Go with, or follow?” Almost completely ignoring what twilight just said. Twilight thought for a moment. And put a hoof to her chin. She just sat there and thought for a little while.
“ Twilight, we have no time to think! We need to just follow her! I don’t spend all my life thinking before doing, hey? Hehhaha!” she said as her angered rant became laugher, and she trotted of in Rarity’s direction. Twilight stared for a couple of moments. Before simply shrugging and following in Pinkie’s Footsteps.
Rarity boarded her carriage, And the two mares snuck in a separate carriage behind her . The train set off soon enough. The ride was a little rough to begin with. It rattled as it trekked up the mountain to Canterlot.
“So what do we do when we get up there, Twi?” Pinkie asked. Twilight gave a slightly shocked look
“ wait. What? Pinkie! I thought you had a plan! I was following your Crazy idea! What was that about not thinking before doing, why did I ever listen to you?” She got up and started pacing around the carriage. “ Psh, Was just askin’ don’t you worry your purple head about that, missy I’ll have somthin’ brewed up before get off this train!
The rest of the train ride was silent. Twilight was still pacing. The train came to a holt and twilight was swept off her feet and landed on her face. The doors opened “ pony feathers!” Twilight said as she shot up and hid behind a seat to hide from Rarity. Pinkie however, was calm and bounced off the train as she usually would. “ follow me, Twi! I told ya I had somthin’ to go with” said the bouncing pink pony.
Pinkie then turned her bouncy- jump like way of travelling to some sort of ninja stance. As she rolled around behind trees. Looking, Searching for Rarity , but trying not to be seen at all costs. Twilight nervously followed. But she just speedily walked. Which mocked the effect. Pinkie saw the tail end of a purple curl turn the corner suddenly in the edge of her eye. She then dropped to the floor and clumsily rolled towards the same corner, Knocking over tables of cafes and hiding underneath A Mare’s dress.
All the uptight ponies of Canterlot watched in disgust. Twilight walked in embarrassment around the corner Pretending she didn’t know pinkie for a moment.
Meanwhile, Rarity. Walked with her head up in the sky, trying to blend in with the other ponies of the city, She didn’t have to try too hard though, She had already built up her reputation as fancy pant’s Favourite party guest. And she was greeted “hello” By some Royalty wannabe’s all around.
She’s finally reached her destination. ‘Mares Materials’ And entered the Store, Her eyes glowed as she saw all the sparkling material Glowing and gleaming as they hung in their categories and sub categories of fashion. Section of jewels. “ all colour coded! Hehe !” she squeaked to herself. She went round feeling the material with one hoof, and displaying the price tag with the other. She pulled out a sheet in her saddlebag of Luna’s measurements on Celestia’s letter. “ Hm. Okay. I’ll need that in a bigger size of that one” she mumbled to herself She continued on down the isle, looking at the material of a bigger size” When suddenly her eyes where caught by a big sign saying ‘ Accessories’ She squinted to see that in the ‘ Blue section’ Of the Accessories she saw a gleaming Crescent moon broach, It twinkled with smaller star shaped jewels where incrusted into it. “ Oh, MY Stars that is just simply perfect for Luna!!” she silently shouted. She quickly made her way Over to the broach. It glistened with all it’s glory, She went to reach for the broach when another hoof came to meet hers. She looked down to see it was a Light blue Leg. And hoof itself was a much deeper blue, that of
Luna’s coat. She looked up the arm to the body that met it. She looked up. Before she could say anything The hoof quickly Retreated to it’s owner.
“ Oh, sorry Rare, did you want this? You can have it, I wasn’t really buying I was just looking around” to her surprise. It was Diablo. All she could wonder is why she was here. A Fashion shop. After all these years. She thought all the fashion in her had died. ‘’ So, What brings you here,’’ Asked Rarity.’’ Didn’t think this was your.. um, thing.. Anymore’’ Diablo looked up from the floor ‘’ Oh, yeah, well I was invited to the gala this year, you know, so I thought I might try my hoof at an old talent’’ Rarity Stopped for moment. ‘’ wait how did you get into the gala?’’ Diablo hesitantly looked around ‘’ Well, when I. moved away, and may I just say sorry for not telling you.. my parents told me the night before we moved away, and wouldn’t let me come tell you, it wasn’t all bad though, screwy Came with me, I found out she actually lives in Canterlot, by the statue! And.. well I know some ponies, and yeah, just a friend invite ’’
Rarity was a little Aggravated for that casual Apology, but composed herself and replied ‘’ well, I went the other year and I think you’ll love it.’’ ‘’ Oh, how so? ‘’ Diablo questioned. ‘’ Well when I went last year. It was a total disaster! Chaos everywhere!’’ They both chuckled together. ‘’ Anyway, Rare, I might just go buy a dress from Across the street, I’ll see you around!’’ And Diablo quickly turned and hurried off. Rarity gave a sigh and returned looking. ‘’ Oh, I’ve forgotten why I’ve come here.’’ She stared at the blue glittered accessories. ‘’Hm…. Uh…. Ah! The broach!’ She picked it up with her magic and some other glittered blue material, paid and moved out.
Meanwhile, Pinkie and Twilight where still in pursuit. They had long lost Rarity in the crowd of shopping ponies. ‘’ ugh, this is hopeless! We’ve lost her!’’ Exclaimed Twilight ‘’Let’s just go back to Ponyville and talk to her when she gets home! We’re wasting our time, Pinkie!” She stopped walking. And noticed that Pinkie also, was gone. “oh, no.” she looked around. “ well. Since Pinkie is long gone, I may as well Go home. Might go make a present for luna.’’
She turned and trotted back to the station.
Pinkie had finally caught sight of Rarity, she was Carrying Sacks full of Material, so many bags she could hardly see where she was going. But as Rarity Walked further along, Pinkie spotted that behind Rarity , was Diablo, in Another Dress shop called ‘Celestial Boutique’ Pinkie Looked back at Rarity, Then to Diablo, Then back to Rarity.” If I quickly ask Diablo If she wants to hang out with Rarity, Then catch up to Rarity before she gets on the train to Ponyville. But, she’s getting close. Um, Uh. Time is running out!’’ Rarity was Fast approaching the Station, But Diablo Was about to leave the shop and go in the opposite direction. ‘’ Uhm ,uh’’ Sweatdrops formed on pinkies head as she frantically looked around to see which pony to go to first. ‘’Oh, um’’ She closed her eyes in panic . ‘’Ehh AHHHH! DIABLO, RARITY!’’ After a moment silence, She opened her eyes to find both ponies staring at her. Pinkie’s mind went blank, she didn’t know what to say. ‘’ uh, I-. I. .. ah …Never mind….’’
Pinkie Dashed off, a little embarrassed to Reform her plan. and Both the mares continued on their task, Unphased.
Twilight Looked at the station clock, ‘’come on. It’s 12:35, we should have left five minutes ago! What’s going on?’’ she leaned against the window. And Huffed out a Sigh, That Fogged up the glass. Five more minutes passed and eventually twilight got Too bored.‘’ hm….’’ Twilight thought ‘’ I’ve never really knew anything about Discord until we Encountered him….. Well, Wouldn’t hurt to take a look, I’m Sure Princess Celestia has some books on him, or personal experience. Time to see what this Diablo finds so interesting’’ she got up and Jumped off the Train, and annoyingly, the doors closed behind her and the train set off. She rolled her eyes And Continued on. She Happily Strolled through the big city, A Part of her missed the buzz, the Magic, not so much the people, they where all the same. But she loved being only two seconds away from The princess’s call. Before she knew it she was at the Castle doors, The Guards Smiled at her ‘’ Hello, sirs’’ She Said. Moments passed and Twilight Reached Celestia’s Doors. She poked her head Around the corner to see the Celestial Mere Sitting on her throne. She was Reading a scroll, Twilight made a move to come in silently without disturbing the Princess, but within a matter of seconds, Princess Celestia Moved the scroll away with her Magic and put it to the side. ‘’ Twilight Sparkle, what brings you here, my star Student?’’ The princess called from the other end of the hall. Twilight shrugged a little as she made her way down the isle ‘’ Well, I was just wondering if I can ask you some questions” Twilight Walked further down the hallway And looked at all the windows, then, the coloured lights shone down and glistened her purple coat, she briefly turned to see the stain glass window with Discord being circled by the two princesses. The Princess Raised an eyebrow “ Hm, What sort of questions?” Twilight trod up the steps to meet her. “ Well, I’ve been thinking.. My friend, Rarity, she’s having a problem with an old friend. This friend has re-appeared after a long time away, and Rarity may not admit it but she’s really hung over it” Her teacher gave her a peculiar look “But, Twilight, I thought your studies about friendship Would come to use” Twilight shook her head “ No, no, no. This pony is, Obsessed, With …Discord!” The princess’s Ear’s Pricked up “ It has driven her insane! I was just wondering, if you could Tell This pony everything you know about him, maybe her Crazed curiosity may stop if she knows everything, and Rarity and her can be friends again” the princess suddenly Stood up
Come with me.
Twilight followed the princess to the Discord window. “Discord may be gone, but that doesn’t mean he can’t try and contact us.” The tone in her voice, changing completely. “ Tell me, how long had Discord had a hold of your friends soul for? Because it might not be too late to change her back” She asked, in a concerted voice. “ Well, Rarity said that when they visited the garden when they where fillies in school, and ever since that, she’s been different.. is it too late, Princess?” Her teacher looked down at her, There was a pause.
“ I’m Afraid it is.”
“ you see, Discord Grabs the souls Of ponies who are easily Influenced by The pure curiosity of his form. Once you take even the slightest interest in him, it becomes an obsession, and that eventually leads to an insane Way of life that completely Engulfs the Pony. I Think he feeds off their insanity, keeping him alive. There’s always one pony that falls for his trap. We’ve tried isolating the statue Before, but nothing seems to change, and telling her all I know will worsen it, to the point where they leave their life completely. I’ve seen an example of this in many ponies, but none of them have ever given up their whole entire life.” Twilight sighed in relief “ Good, I’m glad it’s neve-“ The princess cut over Twilight “ Apart from Scewball” Twilight looked at the princess “ screwball? Who in the hoof is…..” Twilight in a flash suddenly remembered. “Wait. Screwball. She’s a friend of Diablo!, uh I mean, Diablo is the ‘friend of Rarity’s’ “ Twilight explained. Celestia replied “ no need to tell me, Twilight, I know all about Diablo Lunacy. She’s one of the victims that has been caught in his physiological net. She may think she chose to be obsessed, but they often don’t know that it’s being influenced. And since he’s had her mind since she was a filly, I assume her special talent is some sort of Discord cutie mark?” Twilight thought back “ Yes, she had Discords head for a cutie mark. Ugh. This is so confusing, I had no idea he was capable of such things! I thought this meant he was forever dormant, uh. And in a slumber!” Twilight Thumped a hoof in frustration. “ I’m sorry, Twilight, she’s unsavable.” Princess Celestia said as she put a wing over Twilight. Twilight gave a long hard sigh. There was a pause.“No.” Twilight said “ Celestia looked up “ what do you mean? We can’t help her as far as I know, what would you have me do?” “ I know this is going to seem harsh” Twilight started
” but I think we should.. Keep Diablo in a confined area, you know, would it at least slow the process down?” Celestia gave Twilight a funny look “ no, no, My student. You cannot just simply trap a pony, or take away her life, that’s wrong.” Twilight nodded her head “ I know, but what life are we taking away? If we take her away, we can starve Discord and keep all the ponies safe!” the princess looked to the floor as she thought hard. “hm..”
“ Okay, twilight, I trust you will get this done, I know where the nearest Asylum is. I assume that’s the safest place to put her, I’ll Collect my guards, and I’ll send princess Luna to go with you. just encase she won’t come by word” the princess answered.
“thank you” Said twilight. “but don’t you think an asylum is a little extreme?” The princess looked at Twilight, “ Oh? And what did you have in mind?” Twilight remembered she had no other plan
. “.. oh..good point.”
Diablo Was in the statue garden, as usual, with her ‘ponybeats’ in her ears and was nodding her head to the music as she was reading a new section of her “ Draconiquus mysteries” book. She flicked the page over and read with intrigue in her eye. Suddenly, her eyes began to throb, and hurt a little. Diablo Blinked a little to try and push the sensation away. She stared back at her book, but the feeling came back, but it was like pins in the back of her eyeballs this time around ‘’ Celestia, what is that?” she took her ‘ponybeats’ out of her ears, and rubbed her eyes and she tried to escape the pain. She opened her eyes again to find black patches in her vision. She blinked and rubbed her eyes more,now, trying to break free of what was beginning to feel like a migraine. “ Sweet Merciful Luna, what the heck is going on?” the Pain was too much for her, it finally hit her brain, and she lay on the grass and fell into a painful unconscious state under the life sapping statue.
Pinkie Had finally come up with a plan to reunite the two ponies and was looking for them now, she knew that Diablo would most likely be at the statue, knowing her, As pinkie arrived she saw from afar a blue form on the floor at the foot of Discord’s statue. She dashed over to find the unconscious mare completely out cold. “ oh my, Diablo? Oh my! Hello? Anypony? Please can we have some assistance!” she pleaded out into the quiet- almost empty sculpture garden. A few ponies heard and made their way over, one of them white, with Blue and red hair, another Was a darker red unicorn, with mint blue hair with a red streak, with sunglasses and a Light blue jacket on. they heaved the Blue pony over to Discord statue and propped her up against It.
“we gotta get some water, WATER, FANS, DAMP CLOTHES ASAP!” pinkie shouted at the other ponies, they Dashed off. And Pinkie sat by Diablo’s Lifeless body.
Pinkie sat there for a while, about twelve minutes. She sighed as the ponies failed to come back with the things she needed on time, but just as she’s given up hope on them, the ponies soon returned with the items, the white one came with a fan, and began waving it around Diablo’s head, while burgundy Unicorn placed a bucket full of water with a damp flannel laying across the rim. He levitated the flannel and lay it across Diablo’s forehead. The white pony looked at the darker red unicorn. He glanced back. Then they both glanced back at Pinkie. “ anything else?” the white Earth pony asked.
“No, no, that will be all, thank you. Uh, what are your names?” The white pony stepped forward ‘’ I’m Shutter, Shutter shock’’ the Darker Red unicorn then said ‘’ And I’m uh, Vinal Flare” Pinkie smiled at them both, “ thank you, Shutter, And Vinal, thank you so much for your help, sorry I shouted, we just don’t know what could have caused this, you’re free to go” “ are you sure? Vinal asked” “yep, I’ve got it all handled here” Pinkie replied and with that, the two ponies turned and trotted off.
About half an hour had passed, and pinkie was getting pretty dozy. Her eyes would flutter in and out of sleep every know and then. But she looked down to see Diablo’s eye’s forcing themselves open. “ oh, Diablo! You’re okay!” Pinkie hugged the Frail body. “ heheheh…” came a squeak out of Diablo.
“.. okay..” answered Pinkie. Pinkie looked to Diablo’s face and failed to notice a Detail that wasn’t there before. As Diablo’s eye’s Opened, Pinkie Gasped, They had completely changed. Instead of her Extremely Dilated pupils, and small iris’s It’ had changed to A Larger Shape in the eye, That of a normal pony size. But there was no pupil, no iris, just a Yellow eye, with a big Red swirl making it’s way from the middle and spiralling outwards to the rim of the eyes.
“uh, Diablo? Do you feel okay? You know, one hundred and twenty percent okay?” Pinkie asked.
“okay?” Diablo replied
“ If you feel Refreshed, Restored, knower of the old Pony age, back when things where glorious, the fires burning, the ponies, screaming ,hehehehaha.. and best of all, the chocolate, raining!. If you know all of that, and meant I’m okay, then it means I’m doing fantastic!” Diablo Randomly ranted. “ um, I’m not too sure what you just said, and I don’t really know how to respond to that.” Pinkie Said before Diablo Sprang to her feet and rifled through her books again. “ screwball, screwball, I NEED a MIRROR. Pinkie, do you have a mirror?!” Pinkie shook her head “ the clothes shop over there might have one……?” she said still unsure on what is going on.
Diablo Bolted into the shop. And ran straight back out again, but this time, covered in clothes. “ it’s done, it’s finally done! I’m finally enlightened! “ Diablo said as she shook off the clothes. pinkie was Beyond confused at this point “ uh.. Enlightened? What do you mean?” Diablo cantered over to pinkie and pounced on her “ Screwball said that when your eyes turn like this, it meant you know Everything there is to know about Discord!”
Diablo began to dance about in glee pinkie sat there. “ well, if you say so..” said Pinkie
Pinkie turned to see Twilight, princess Luna, and three of the royal guard cantering towards them
“ holy moly!” pinkie squeaked “ that’s a lot of guards! And princess Luna, what are you going here?” she said as the Squad Cantered past them. “ oh, are we having a party at the fact that Dia’s eyes went all oogly boogly?” pinke asked as she spun her eyes in independent circles. Twilight stopped cantering and looked at pinkie. “wh-h-..what?” Twilight huffed as she was out of breath. “ Yeah! Dia said that when your eyes go all strange, like hers are now, it means you’re enlightened! Isn’t this great!?” Twilight pushed past pinkie, and the Royal guards to find that Diablo had gone.
Twilight looked around frantically. “ Where’s Diablo!” she said in a panicked tone.
“Hawhawhahehehe….” Came a voice, from somewhere.
“ up here, Friends.” Everypony looked up to see the unstable pony laid in a relaxed position on the statue, almost as if she could take a nap. And was running her hoof along the statue. “ well, well, well. I Finally know all there is to know. How interesting. I know it all, His History. His mind, his personality. His … methods. And.. His Defeat” She thumped her hoof down on the statue as she said that last word. She stared at Twilight. “you know . It wasn’t all fair.” Diablo patted the statue Lightly
“ The poor old boy just wanted some fun. Isn’t that right?” Twilight shook her head. “ what are you, stupid? Discord tried to plunge all of Equestria
into chaos.. disharmony, Reverse!” The blue pony sat up, and fluttered down slowly, and began to fly upside down next to Twilight, with their heads in line “ ….and who ever said that was a bad thing~?” Diablo whispered into Twilights ear.
“ Psh, what a stupid sentence, Princess Celestia said so, but we’re not here to have a petty argument. Listen, . Screwball had been fooled just like you, you claim to have all knowledge on Discord, but you don’t! he’s feeding off you, and he can only feed once you’re totally in his control! And he’s began now! We need to starve him, and make sure he’s gone for good. we can’t leave a shred of hope for the beast!”
“And why would I want to do that? Who said I didn’t want to Fuel this almightily Entity!”
“Because it’s against thy Law” Stepped in Luna.
“And not only that, you’re breaking Rarity’s heart! She really misses you, Diablo, come with us. We’ll help you get better. So we can live in harmony” Said Twilight.
“Psh, what a cheesy line!” spurted Diablo, ignorantly. The Pegasus turned around and tried to wing it.
“Guards!” called Luna.
At the same time the royal guards all lifted their heads up as their horns Conjured up a magical wall that hit Diablo in the face, the wall flashed a quick bright light, and Confused her, the damaged mare fell to the floor, where twilight lifted her up with her magic. The guards used their magic again to tape down her wings with a Magical barrier. Luna turned to pinkie “ We thank you for your services , Pinkamena, We ask of you if you may collect Rarity for us. Bring her to Canterlot royal mental Heath institute. “ Pinkie nodded “ will do.” And with that, the pink pony turned to retrieve Rarity from Ponyville, and headed for Canterlot station.
Diablo Awoke with a pounding in her head. She also woke up smiling, for no apparent reason. Her vision was blurred. All she could see around her was white. “oh, Great Celestia, Am I dead?”
“No, you’re not” Celestia Replied from nowhere. “wait what? I didn't mean ‘Celestia’ Literally!”
Diablo Got up sharply and tried to Fly away, Her vision was still blurred. And it was now apparent her wings and arms where tied down. She ended up running five steps and then hitting a wall face first.
After recovering from the injury to her face. Her vision came into focus to see princess Celestia standing in the room with Rarity. There where tears down Rarity’s face. “wha- where am I?” Diablo shifted her position to face the two ponies staring at her. “ why am I tied down?” Diablo asked, Rather confused.
“oh my Gosh, she doesn't even remember..” Wept Rarity. “Remember what? How did I get here? What happened? “ Questioned Diablo. Celestia put up a hoof to stop the Reel of Questions.
“ we brought you here from the Discord Statue, remember?” Said Celestia. “of course” Diablo rolled her eyes. “ it’s a bit extreme to tie me down, just for that.”
“that’s not all,” Celestia Continued “ we brought you here. And sat you down with Rarity. Since we need all spirits of harmony to be happy. We can’t let this get in the way. So we tried to reason with you. But the Discord inside of you, eating away at your soul Lashed out. And Refused the offer. Seems as though Discord can attack through the body. It was as though you where some sort of exorcist. The spirit of Disharmony can work in many ways. But it took a good hour or so to calm you down. You began to Rant on about Twisting the souls of every pony that you find, and that friendship is all, smoke in mirrors to scare other ponies.”
“ but you didn't just Lash at out souls alone, Diablo Lunacy, you indeed Hurt our bodies too.” Luna added. “ the Two Alicorn sisters glanced at each other, and Rarity began Silently crying again.
“for some Reason you Decided our cutie marks ‘ Shouldn't Exist’ As I heard from your rant” Celestia began.
“what? When did this.. i. uhh. What do you mean by, ‘ shouldn't exist?’” Diablo confusingly asked.
“ I dunno, you tell me” said twilight. As she turned around So her flank was facing Diablo. Diablo gasped. Twilight's cutie mark was covered in cuts. And Had a cross in blood covering it.”
“oh.. oh my god…” muttered the Dumbfounded mare.
The rest of the ponies revealed their Cut Marks. Rarities was the worst. She had a Huge Tare town her arm too. And The cut on Her cutie mark Read ‘D’ If that represented ‘Diablo’ or ‘ Discord’ they didn't know.
“ IT ISN'T YOUR FAULT!” Screamed Rarity as she hugged Diablo. Rarity cried for some time as her arm was bleeding out onto the cloth she was given.
Several minutes had passed . the crying had died down. “ Twilight, I don’t f-f-f-eel so good.” Rarity faintly said. As she fell limply to her side. “ We need to get her out of here., nonono, Rarity you’re gonna be okay.” Pleaded Twilight. The two princesses jumped into help, Celestia Picked Rarity up with her magic While Luna used her magic to keep the skin together, they rushed out of the room.
Twilight was going to leave with them when she looked back to Diablo. She sat there with a smile Torn on her face. Her eyes where in different Directions. She was in a straight jacket. Diablo was gone, for now.
“you Sit tight Diablo. I know this isn't your fault. But you caused a lot of grief today. Rarity is going to be fine.. just a scrape.”
Twilight Shut the Door to Diablo’s Confined area behind her, and Diablo Could begin to Regain herself in the white fluffy room of the Asylum.
