Apples

by Ninjab33z

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Changelings, Adventure, Discord
Length: 8529

Applejack finds a unique apple in the everfree forest

when Applejack finds an apple that not even Twilight knows of, Twilight instantly contacts Princess Celestia who forbids them from eating it. But even She has to fall to curiosity now and again.

Published 2013-04-22 21:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-28 10:23:14 UTC

Temptation

"The Everfree Forest is a strange and frighting place at night," Twilight mused, "if I hadn't been this way before I would swear that I was lost." She cautiously looked around." Then again, I don't remember a rock that looks like Pinkie Pie the last time I went this way here," she swore under her breath and slowed her pace. "What was it I was even supposed to get?" Twilight wondered out loud. She couldn't remember. Dismissing the thought, her mind began to drift until it honed in one thing. Not only did Twilight not know what she was looking for, she also didn't know the way back and the trip there had drained too much energy for a spell to help her get back. Stopping, she decided to get her bearings by looking at the stars.

A rustle penetrated the silence. Instincts took over as Twilight swiveled on the spot and let out a burst of magical light in the direction of the noise.
"WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU DOIN', TWILIGHT!" Applejack burst through the bushes.
"Applejack, I didn't know it was you. I'm glad you're here though, I don't think I would have the energy to fire another blast like that and I can smell Timberwolves on the wind," she panted.
"Why are you out here?"
" It's a long story." Twilight let out a sigh, "Is there any chance you could lend me a hoof getting out of here?"

After a few minutes of silence Applejack spoke up.
"Uh, Twilight, while I have you here could take a look at something for me?" As she said it Applejack pulled an apple out of her saddlebag but the apple wasn't anything lie the ones she had seen at Sweet Apple Acres. For a start the apple was black but when Twilight looked at it she felt like she was looking into a starless space. Unnerved by this strange fruit she asked Applejack to put it away and began to think.
"Off the top of my head I can't help you. I'm sure I saw a few books in the library about apples though,"

When Twilight and Applejack got back to the library Applejack dove into the books while Twilight was carefully picking them up and putting them back.
"Will you stop picking up after me and help?"
"Fine," Twilight muttered something about being untidy and pushed the book she was levitating into it's place she then headed into the next room to begin searching. "a reference guide to watermelons, a beginners manual to carrots, AHA." Twilight sped back into the main room with a dusty book that looked older than Granny Smith.
"are you sure that thing is up to date? It looks kinda old," Applejack asked
"it can't be that bad, it was wrote by... Starswirl The Bearded?" Twilight shrugged.
"I suppose 'erypony has a hobby. Well let's see if we can find this mystery apple."

After an hour of reading and five minutes of Applejack watching a particularly interesting bug they had read the book from cover to cover. Twilight sat there lost in the knowledge she has acquired while Applejack was nearly asleep. All of a sudden an idea perked her up.
"Why don' we ask Princess Celestia what she knows," Applejack shouted snapping Twilight out of her daze.Twilight grabbed a piece of parchment, a pen and a quill.She began to write.

Dear Princess Celestia
I am writing to ask you of a favour. Applejack and I have found an apple with unusual features. While it's shape is the same as an ordinary apple, it's colour is a deep black that draws in the eye.We are asking if you know anything that could help figure out what it is or at least give us full access to the restricted section in the Canterlot Royal Library.
Signed
Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle

Twilight finished the letter with a flourish and hovered it over to spike who guessed what it was and engulfed it in a burst of green flame.
"There,I'm sure that this apple will at least be in the Royal Library," Twilight assured herself
Within minutes Celestia had sent a response that read

Dear Twilight Sparkle
I do know of this apple but for fear of this letter being intercepted, accidental or otherwise, I do not wish to disclose this information in this letter. As soon at my duties allow it, I will journey to you and explain the apple in person. I must ask that you do NOT eat it.
Princess Celestia

Twilight handed the letter to an eager Applejack and sat there confused.
"What's so important about an apple that the princess needs to see us in person?" Applejack asked but Twilight was too lost in her own thoughts to answer. why is it so bad to eat the apple. She had to know, even if it meant injury. Twilight was proud of her vast knowledge and always believed she would do anything to get it including breaking into he Royal Library to get a spell. But then again Celestia was very clear in her letter. Twilight was at a loss until a familiar voice chipped in.
"What's wrong, Twi?"
"Nothing" Twilight let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding in, "let's just get some sleep. It would be easier if you stayed, just in case Celestia arrives tonight. Spike is going to visit friends in Canterlot so his bed will be free," She headed towards her bed and Applejack did the same.

Twilight was laying in her bed expecting sleep to wash over her but it never came. She knew why. The apple she wanted so badly lay in a saddlebag just across the room. Unfortunately for her so did Applejack and a whole piano of creaky floorboards (which Fluttershy had suggested putting there to help protect the tree from bugs). Mulling over the pros and cons she decided to go get the apple or more, as she realised, bring the apple to her. Reaching out for something apple shaped with her mind, she mentally headed toward the saddle bag until she found it. gently releasing the buckle and removing the apple she floated it back to herself.Twilight took a few seconds to prepare herself mentally and bit into it.

Flavour exploded into her mouth. The taste was magical, both tooth achingly sweet and tongue twistingly sour. The best description would be if you mixed together Pinkie Pie's sugar intake and Applejack's famous Bitter Fritter. Before she realised what she was doing Twilight let out a low moan.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, TWILIGHT?" A shout that sounded loud enough to wake the cake twins pierced the silence.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it, it's just that apple looked so delicious I had to take a bite and..." Twilight began but before she could finish Applejack cut in.
"That's all you were doin'?" Applejack raised an eyebrow
"Yeah, what did you think i was doing?"
Applejack blushed heavily but the dark hid it"Uuuh, nothing," she spotted the apple beside Twilight and hurried to change the subject. "So how does the apple taste?"
"It's amazing! I haven't ever tasted anything better."Twilight remembered the taste and beamed.
"Now I know you're lying 'cause you've tried my fritters." Applejack took a chunk out of the apple and her expression changed to one of awe. As she did so twilight began to get out of bed but a thought stopped her.
"Applejack, I'm naked!" she whispered urgently
"What?"
"Sweet Celestia, I'm naked!"
"Sweet Celestia is right!" Applejack tried to bow while still keeping the duvet draped over her rear
APPLEJACK, TWILIGHT, WHAT ON CELESTIA IS GOING ON?"

Author's Note

This is my very first chapter so i would love it if you all would give me a hint on how to improve the rest of them

exile

"CELESTIA!" Twilight knew this could only end badly. "I'm sorry; I didn't see you there. What is that apple?" Twilight motioned toward the apple which had become a stalk in Applejacks mouth.
"I couldn't help it, it just tasted too good" she explained.
In this time Celestia's expression had changed from angry to distressed.
She started muttering to herself. "Why her? Out of all the ponies in Equestria it had to be her. I wouldn't be so hard if it was just Applejack but her too is just..." she trailed of and looked up with a stern expression even though tears were trickling down.
"Princess? You sound like we just died." Twilight's voice quivered with worry.
"You... you may as well have done," She sighed, "I suppose this warrants an explanation," she said looking at the two frightened faces in front of her.

"A long while ago, before I came to power, Discord ruled Equestria. He planted some apple trees that cause dramatic revelations among ponies that vary depending on the apple. Some were useful such as one apple that that helped one pony provide great advances in magical power but also made him incredibly snappy. You may have heard that after some of his best creations, Starswirl The Bearded simply disappeared but that's not quite the case. I had to banish him; the chaos he caused was simply too much for Canterlot. One time, he nearly killed a pony simply for stating that they disliked carrots. I had to personally remove him and after that I said no matter what, I would banish any pony that has eaten one of Discord's apples and I intend to hold myself to it." Her face softened slightly," I once went to a forest where one tree produced apples that let anyone speak fluent germane. I had an interesting conversation with a turtle about the meaning of life" Celestia returned to a stony expression." I'll send you to an island called Nightfire, it's not inhabited by any ponies but is still a nice place compared to other places I've sent ponies."

"But... but Celestia..." Twilight started all that came out after that were stifled sobs
Applejack put her foreleg around Twilight's shoulder. "Twilight, I think we should go, the princess isn't going to change her mind and arguing will just make it harder for her."
Unable to get any words out between the sobs Twilight just nodded.
"Thank you girls, I could never live myself down if I let you two go free but not the next pony. I'll give you one hour to pack provisions but you cannot leave the house."
The pair silently nodded and set to work.

Dawn was peeking over the horizon when Twilight and Applejack were ready to go. Twilight was finally able to form sentences. They both wore fully packed saddlebags with a light dress on underneath.
"I'm so sorry about this." Celestia's horn began to glow and release beams of light until two beams to focus on the girls. Twilight's vision through her tears began to fade until all that she could see was a piercing white light that forced her to shut her eyes.

Twilight awoke to find something nudging her in the neck and something digging in to her flank. Rolling over to avoid them both she muttered something about five more minutes.
"Twi? We kinda have a problem." A faint voice sounded behind her, snapping her back to a reality which decided to hit her like a brick wall. Turning around to look at Applejack she started to get up. Something stopped her. Glancing up at Applejack's face she saw what she presumed to be the problem. Applejack had acquired a horn. All the sorrow in the world couldn't have stopped her from laughing at the new limb. It was long, slender and the colour was a dirty straw brown.
"This isn't a laughing matter!" Applejack complained but her words were lost on Twilight.
After a few minutes passed of Applejack grumbling and Twilight in a fit of laughter, Twilight was calm enough to speak.
"I'm so sorry, Applejack. That was just too funny." Twilight glanced around and her smile died.

She saw she was in a forest but that is where the things she knew ended. There were two noticeable things about it. The first was the colour. Although black, when the light shone on it, there was a multitude of colours that would put a rainboom to shame. The second thing was its shape. The easiest description would have to be the outside of a beehive and when you stare at it for too long it seems to pulsate. Twilight decided to touch it, it wobbled like jelly and felt very similar to beeswax. She was sure this was a hive of some sort. It felt weird. Almost Alien.

Twilight wanted to examine this strange wall but she thought about what her curiosity had done for her so far and left it alone. She brought up what meager knowledge she had on medical aid from the depths of her brain and had a look at Applejack's horn. She set to work prodding and poking it until she was sure it was real. Picking a random direction, the two of them decided to head off. Twilight got straight to work in bombarding her new student with spells for the rest of the day.

The sun set as Twilight was teaching Applejack a spell that starts a fire. After a couple of failed attempts, a small bonfire was crackling in the middle of a clearing. Twilight stared solemnly at the fire while Applejack picked out some food from their provisions.
"We have to make these last as long as we can so only get a few things," Twilight called out in the rough direction of the saddlebags. Applejack came back with an apple and some muffins each. They ate in silence, both contemplating what would happen next until Twilight spoke up.
"Applejack? I'm scared. I'm scared of what will happen when we run out of food, I'm scared of that hive we saw earlier and I'm scared that we'll never see any of our friends again." Twilight laid her head on Applejacks shoulder and began to sob silently. Before Applejack could say anything to comfort her, there was a loud rustle. She dismissed it as a log in the fire moving and helped twilight calm down.
"Twilight, we have defeated countless creatures. You even saved Ponyville from an Ursa Minor by yourself. I'm sure we can handle whatever that hive throws at us. And at least we still have each other to talk to." Twilight looked up to Applejack's emerald eyes and gave a soft, teary eyed smile
"Yeah, you're right." She dried her eyes on her foreleg. "Let's get some sleep." They led down beside the dwindling fire and were both asleep before they hit the ground.

Twilight awoke in the dead of night. The only light provided was from the dwindling embers and the moon. That's when she heard it. The sound that woke her up. A slight rustle followed by a hiss. She could hear it drawing closer like a snake hunting a mouse.
"Applejack? Are you awake?" She urgently whispered but all she got in reply was a loud snore. "Applejack." the whisper was followed by a sharp jab to the stomach by Twilight
"Are we in danger?" Applejack groggily asked. Luckily, her tiredness meant that she was quiet and the creature didn't hear them. Or didn't care that they knew it was there.
"I think so," she whispered back .Applejack's mind woke up instantly when she heard this. She blasted out an orb of light that Twilight had taught her and the two girls gasped at what they saw.

Author's Note

As before, pointers are always welcome.
Please don't expect the other chapters to come out this quickly. I had an epiphany about what to put in this chapter so i wanted to get it wrote down as fast as possible

Betrayal

The two girls burst out laughing.
"I WILL DESSSTROY YOU!"

Twilight would be terrified if she didn't know what the shout came from. Standing in front of her was a baby changeling that couldn't have been older than two. In an attempt to look menacing it began charging a spell up. Through her laughter applejack managed to speak.
"D'you think we could keep this cute critter, it won't be any harm to us and I just wanna give it a hug." Applejack began to break out into fits of laughter again while Twilight looked at it. It tried to release it's spell it charged up but the spell backfired and knocked the changeling into it's back. The creature let out an ear-splitting cry and began to flail it's limbs about violently.
"If we don't shut this thing up, we'll have an army all over us," Twilight managed to shout over the screams

Something snapped into place and Applejack started to feel a maternal attachment to the child. She smiled slightly and took it up in her magic.
"It's okay little fella, we won't hurt you none." Applejack shot a glance at Twilight who hastily agreed. The crying died down as Applejack brought the child close to her and began rocking the child while humming a simple tune she used to help Applebloom sleep when she was younger.

After the changeling fell asleep Applejack made a simple nest. Quietly whispering farewells, Applejack wiped a tear away and began to silently move on.
"I wanted to keep it as much as you did but it's a changeling. Not to mention the fact that they would be an extra mouth to feed," Twilight said trying to support her only friend in this desolate place. All she got in return was a stare that rivaled Fluttershy. Applejack visually calmed herself and wiped away another tear.
"I know Flutterbug's a changeling but she's still young. And if we can change someone like discord then I'm sure that we could make her see our side of things too. I know it's happened before..." she trailed off.
"Flutterbug?" Twilight asked
"That's what I named her," Applejack said

They walked on in silence for a while. A low buzz started surrounding them. Applejack opened her mouth to speak but before she could speak a battalion of changelings assaulted them from all sides.
"Applejack, hold them off.Shining Armour taught me a spell that repels changelings." Twilight began cast to but was interrupted by a strike to the flank. The strength of the hit knocked her on to her side. She was about to conjure a bolt of lightning but what she saw caused the spell to die in her horn.

A changeling stood over her. A changeling with a stetson and a cutie mark. A cutie mark of three apples.
"I'm sorry, Twi. I just... I can't let you do that," she whispered with tears in her eyes
"Applejack?"
"Her name is Web Spinner," A deep but feminine voice boomed out behind Twilight. She turned her head to see who was speaking but all she could see was a pair of piercing green eyes. "I believe it's time to remove the trash." Twilight caught a flash of pristine fangs before she was bucked in the head

Twilight awoke in a pitch black room. It smelt like an ordinary hall. The smell of wood mixed in with the smell of food.
She called out in to the room but the only reply was her echo. She tried to get up and nothing stopped her. But it was then that she noticed something cold around her left rear leg. She heard a rattle as she tried to move and guessed that she was being held by a chain. She sat down in what felt like the softest spot in her reach and began to think.

She spent five minutes wondering what to do when she briefly saw a beam of light from a guard

light!
She began a simple illumination spell that, even as a foal, she could hold for days on end. As soon as the spell lit up the room there was a sharp pain digging into her leg. Twilight collapsed from pain and stopped the spell. The manacles were glowing a deep green. Enchantments. Her one weakness in the fields of magic. Realising her magic would be useless she began to take an Approach Applejack and Rainbow Dash preferred. Brute force. She wasn't the strongest of ponies but all those years of running home to study more must of done something.

After fully exhausting herself Twilight heard the harsh sound of a door creaking open. A familiar face could be seen from the light a flickering flame provided.
"YOU!" Twilight spat out the word like it was a hot coal. "Why are you here?" She fired out the sentence with more hatred than she thought possible. Twilight saw that Applejack's face was devoid of emotion as she threw her torch into a large fireplace in the far side of the building. Twilight saw this was a dining hall as she guessed from the smell but she could also see that the room hadn't been used in a while. It was large and had a curved roof that was covered in cobwebs. It looked like the room would have put Celestia's throne room to shame if it was properly maintained.

A guard poked his head round the corner. "Don't forget, we need as much information as we can but keep her alive. We can sell her back to Celestia when we've finished with her. And get out of pony form when you're done. It confuses the guards." The guard wandered off down the path. Twilights hatred was replaced with fear. She glanced at the fire and saw a sword in the fire. Panic spread through her mind like a wild fire. Applejack's magic grabbed her head in an iron grip and moved it so Applejacks mouth was right next to her ear.

"I hope you scream."

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long. A mix of a really distracting brain and and an internet that dies more than I do on CoD has certainly made this... fun

Revelations

Applejack wandered through the forest path. She was heading toward some ruins. Although the ruins were much older than her she still felt some kind of connection to them. They were the remains of the once proud city of Avalon. The city that was a beacon of hope for the collaboration of ponies, griffons and even changelings. It had everything. A bustling market, luxurious apartments and a castle princess Celestia would be jealous of. Although the citizens were far from perfect. The changelings were hated purely because of what they could do. So the Changelings rebelled. There were peaceful protests across the city but the ponies reacted with violence. Or so she was taught. Since her time in the town of Ponyville, Applejack had begun to doubt her teachings.

A scream broke the silence.

Twilight! Applejack raced off into the direction of the noise. She had heard twilight scream before, Rainbow Dash's pranks had made sure of that, but never like this. She was in danger. Serious danger. Applejack neared the outer corridors of the great halls. Putting on her familiar pony form, she mentally prepared herself for whatever she may find and opened the door.

There was only one noticeable thing in the room. A dwindling fire, not much larger than her foreleg but still lit most the room.
"That's odd. I'm sure there was no fire when I left," Applejack mumbled to herself. "Ah well, she must have been moved."
"Please! I told you all I know! Don't hurt me!" A half shout, half sob came out of the shadows.
"Twilight. Are you okay?" Judging the tone of her voice, Applejack immediately regretted decision.
"OKAY?You TORTURED me! WITH A WHITE HOT SWORD!" Twilight began sobbing hysterically. "Why? I could have DEALT with the fact that you were a changeling but THIS!" sobs began to take control and twilight stopped speaking.
"Twi, that wasn't me." She tried to put a hoof on her shoulder but Twilight recoiled. "I've been a changeling the entire time you've known me. You know I wouldn't do this you."
"But I SAW you."
Applejack snapped. "CELESTIA DAMN IT, TWILIGHT! YOU ARE IN A NEST OF CHANGELINGS!" Her voice echoed around the room. Twilight tried to back away but the wall stopped her. Seeing this Applejack tried to calm down. "What happened was obviously horrible but it wasn't me. Please understand that" Applejacks voice was pleading her. "I'm sorry I snapped but you were always the one to tell us to look at the facts, especially that time when me an' Rainbow were at each other's throats." Applejack chucked lightly and went to hug Twilight. She agreed. They held each other for a few minutes and she began to calm down.

Twilight shakily got to her feet and shook her head. "you're... you're right." She sighed. "Why are you a changeling but spend years in Equestria?"
"Mostly curiosity about what ponies are like. I was taught they are all violent but if they were then they wouldn't be so powerful. I wanted to see for myself so I started looking for a place to fit in." Tears started welling up in Applejacks eyes. "The real applejack died when she was twelve. She was attacked by Timberwolves. I still visit the grave where I buried her." Applejack wiped her tears away. "The worst part is that after a few weeks people told me that I had changed for the better. I had replaced a dead filly and I was better at it. The family treated me like their own but I wasn't and it just made it worse. But I couldn't leave either. I couldn't hurt the family that gave me so much. I also couldn't leave because I was hated by other changelings. Most changelings have either horns or wings but I was born with neither. Everyone hated me for it, even the queen."

"How touching. The reject and the exile. I'd have hoped for better from two of the elements of harmony. "The voice was familiar to Twilight. Someone she had heard recently but not often. Before she could figure out who it was, Applejack spoke up.
"Queen Cocoon. You promised you wouldn't hurt her if I handed her in willingly." Applejack's voice was mixed with equal parts anger and respect.
"My dear, there are no scars on her, I kept my promise," her voice was smooth and calm but still edged with anger.
"Look at her, she's a WRECK" All respect in her voice disappeared.
"You never said anything about mental harm when we made that deal," the queen said idly eying her hoof.
"You witch," Applejack hissed.
"Some may say that, yes, but I'm afraid I have bad news. Your usefulness has just about run out." A manacle ripped off the wall and locked itself to her rear leg. "I would never hurt one of my own but a prisoner who could have vital information..." She put a sword into the embers and relit the fire with her magic. "I just can't resist." A dark smile crept across the queen's face.

Author's Note

I only lightly brushed over the Changeling Rebellions because I planned to make a story from it. I'll put a link in later.

The news is out

Meanwhile

"Miss Pinkamena Pie, I have a message for you," a deep blue pegasus guard captain with a silver mane called out as he entered the Sugercube Corner.
Pinkie gasped "No-one uses my name unless it's super duper important!" She bounced over and took the letter. "It even has a royal seal. I thought I already apologized about the party that people could hear in Canterlot." She broke the seal and started reading the scroll.

Dear pinkie pie
I request a meeting with you at the Ponyville library tonight. The matters of which I wish to discuss with you are very sensitive and I request that you tell no-one about this meeting.
Yours sincerely
Princess Celestia

"What could be so important that," Pinkie was stopped by a hoof invading her mouth. "Sorry," her face lit up. "Wait, you're new! I need to throw you a party." The guard was bombarded by questions until he ended it with a hoof again.
"I would love a party if you're still feeling up to it later, I'm Axewing by the way." Axewing ended the sentence with a small smirk
"What do you mean if I'm still up to it? I'm always up for a party." Pinkie pulled a small bag full of party supplies out of her mane as if to prove her point.
"How did you do that?" He sighed. "Actually, never mind, I've got other stuff to do. Bye"
He searched around in his saddlebag until he found a letter addressed to Rarity among his rations. Heading towards the Carousel Boutique, he smiled and hoped that Pinkie Pie was willing to set up a party. He was guarding the last one at Canterlot and it took all of his military training not to join in.

Rarity heard a ring come from the showroom.
"Come in." Rarity said as she avoided the numerous stacks of paper in her inspiration room and headed to the front of the shop. Axewing was eying a hat that was designed by rarity herself. Axewing was in here often, usually wanting Rarity to design a new suit of armour for him. Rarity suspected it was changed a little too often but she didn't complain.
"Ah, Axewing. I'm afraid I don't have the design finished. It's hard to improve on perfection." She smiled at her own joke and Axewing let out a small chuckle.
"Unfortunately I'm here for business. I have a letter for you." He fished the letter out of his saddlebag and handed it to her. Axewing knew that it read the same as Pinkie's because he'd been briefed on the situation.
"Well I best be off." He smiled as he left for the door. "Before I go, who's closer Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy?"
"That would have to be Rainbow Dash. She decided to move her house so it was almost directly above the pathway to Fluttershy's house."

Axewing landed on the cloud walkway. After all these years of guarding Canterlot, clouds were the nicest feeling in a long time. He decided that, instead of knocking like his original plan, he would relish the feeling and shout for her instead.
"Rainbow Dash! There's a letter for you!" Axewing called out. A rainbow blur shot at him and changed in to a pegasus just inches from his nose.
"Who's the letter from?" Axewing jumped nearly half a foot into the air causing Rainbow dash to erupt into laughter.
"It's from Princess Celestia and thanks for the heart attack." Axewing sarcastically added as he tried to stifle a snicker.
He handed her a letter and got ready to fly.
"What's this about anyways?" Rainbow Dash asked
Axewing tapped his muzzle with his forehoof.
" 'Fraid I can't say. Well, see you around." He took off.

"DISCORD! STOP TURNING ANGEL ORANGE!" A shout broke through the quiet.
Before briefly questioning his timing, Axewing knocked on the door. To his surprise, Discord opened the door.
"I'm sorry, Fluttershy is busy trying to remove my head. Can I take a message?" Discord politely asked.
"Um... Oh, I have a letter for Fluttershy." Axewing said, overcoming his surprise and getting the letter.
"I'll take if you want and hand it to her when she isn't after my throat." He smiled but another shout echoed through the house.
"DISCORD! GET BACK HERE!"
"I'm afraid I have to be off. It was a nice chat. Goodbye." And with that the door shut on Axewing's face.
Discord slunk back to a waiting Fluttershy.
"Before you kill me I have something i need to give to you." He handed her the letter
"And where did you get this?" Fluttershy asked accusingly.
I didn't steal it. You know I don't do things like that." Discord battered his eyelids innocently as Fluttershy read.
Finishing the message, she placed it on the bedside table and looked out the window. The sun had almost set.
"I have to go, Discord. Can you look after angel when I'm gone?" Fluttershy asked. "And I expect him to be white and have all his Appendages in the right place."
"Will you ever forgive me for the time I switched his tail and head? It was all in good fun and I fully intended to put them back." Discord smiled to himself but stopped when he saw the look on Fluttershy's face.
"No," she said and shut the door.

Celestia sat in the main room of the library dreading what was to come. She would have to tell four good friends that two of their closest friends were exiled by Celestia herself. Nervously she shook her head and adjusted her wings. Luckily for her, they all came at once, preventing having to explain why she was there and why Twilight and Applejack weren't.
She stood up to get their attention and almost at once they quietened down.
"I suppose you are all wondering why I gathered you here today." The four girls nodded and Pinkie Pie asked the one question Celestia was dreading.
"Where's Twilight and Applejack?"
"Yes, about that... I had to exile them." Her voice no louder than a whisper
The room was silent until Rainbow Dash charged at Celestia with tears in her eyes. Celestia was too shocked to do anything and simply stood there. The charge was interrupted by a light blue aura holding Rainbow Dash in place
"Rainbow Dash! Give Celestia a chance. She must have has a reason for banishing Twilight and Applejack, right?" Rarity was visibly shaken but mostly kept her composure.
Celestia nodded and began telling the tale of what had happened over the last day. When the story was over, the three girls stared silently until Pinkie noticed something.
"Where's Fluttershy?" The three girls walked to the door but Celestia held them back.
"She probably wants some time alone. If you have any more questions feel free to ask."

Discord sat eating painted apples while inside one of his favourite paintings when Fluttershy came back. Her eyes were coated in tears and she ran straight to her room. Seeing her in this state, Discord overcame the fear of being punished and decided to follow.
"Fluttershy, what ever could be the matter?" he asked as he entered her room. He was attacked by a hug as Fluttershy cried onto his shoulder. He sat on her bed, quietly comforting her for a few minutes.
"She's gone. Twilight's gone. Applejack too. Celestia exiled them." Fluttershy broke down into tears again.
"By any chance, was she exiled because of an apple?" Discord asked and Fluttershy simply nodded.
"Trust twilight to find one of those trees." He sighed and lifted Fluttershy's face so that they were eye to eye.
"I promise you that I will get her back," he said with a look of stern determination in his eyes. Fluttershy smiled slightly and whispered in his ear.
"Please do."

An unexpected hero (edited)

Celestia was relaxing in her art room. In it were many famous paintings by Salvador Donkey, Claude Manet and Leonardo De Hoovsie. She often came here when she had lots to think about as it usually calmed her mind. It took her almost her whole lifetime to get the room just right and she never let anyone, aside from herself, in it alone for fear of messing it up. The last few days were a train-wreck. She had exiled her favourite student and one of her close friends. Then, to top it all off, she had to explain to her other friends what she had done and why she did it. But it had to be done, or at least she told her self this. She wandered around the room, vaguely in the direction of her bed. When she got there she collapsed on the bed and began to sob. The silent yet unstoppable tears escaped for hours until she thought she could cry no more.

She looked up and wiped her eyes. Above her was one of Salvador's more famous pieces, the melting clock. The abstract artist always brought a smile to her face when she remembered the times they had. The smile was dashed when the hands of the clock slowly began to move backwards and the clock face was replaced with one she recognized much better.
"Discord, get out the painting," she half snapped, half sighed.
Discord smirked as he jumped out of the painting and straight on to Celestia.
"Stop this. I am not a foal anymore and i do not need you to cheer me up any more." After finishing the sentence she realised how harsh she had sounded. "Look. I've had a difficult last few days and I don't want anyone trying to cheer me up."
"As much as it hurts to see you sad, I'm glad you said that. You see I heard about Twilight's 'incident' and I wish to help." It was then that he saw Celestia's expression change and really wished he was stone again.
"YOU! HELP! I wouldn't trust you to even be yourself! The only reason I'm giving you a CHANCE is because Fluttershy practically BEGGED me to!" At this point Celestia was practically on top of Discord with her wings flared and magic armed. He slunk out from underneath her and brushed himself down.
"I do wish you would have come to me sooner." He snuck a glance at Celestia and instantly regretted it but carried on nonetheless. "This was my magic you were dealing with and it would have made sense to ask me to reverse it. I would have been happy to oblige." Celestia was practically staring daggers at this point. "Even though you have exiled them I could still save them IF you tell me where they are." Celestia muttered something under her breath and Discord grinned. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."
As much as it pained her to even think it, she knew Discord would be invaluable. "They're at Nightfire but before you go I'm sending Axewing with you to make sure you don't just run off and cause chaos."
"Celestia, my dear. Do you have any faith in me?" Discord asked with a fake innocent smile
"No," Celestia responded bluntly.

Axewing was back at Ponyville, enjoying a hastily put together party from Pinkie Pie. It was nowhere near her usual standards but given the circumstances he didn't mind, in fact he was glad to stay, just in case one of the girls needed any help.Most would say it wasn't his fault but he couldn't help but feel guilty for being one of the bearers of bad news.
He was sitting on a bench outside to let his ears readjust from painfully high volumes of rock music. Who knew Pinkie was such a rock fan and it was a real shock to see Rarity in the middle of a mosh pit. He almost went to ask if she was okay until he saw how wide she was smiling. And let's just say Rainbow Dash is a VERY friendly drunk. Even Fluttershy looked reasonably happy until she saw Angel try to stage dive and disappear into the crowd. The party was almost dead now. The four girls were chatting loudly until their deafness faded, Vinyl was packing up her equipment with what looked like a very disapproving Octavia, and Berry Punch was downing the alcohol now that she knew no-one else wanted it. Maybe Celestia would transfer him here if he asked enough. He could always use the excuse that the Everfree forest could be a danger.

Axewing was snapped out of these thoughts by a death grip. His first reaction was to reach for the dagger he had sheathed under his wing but stopped when he opened his eyes. All he could see was a mass of pink and he guessed that it was Pinkie that was nearly choking him.
"Please don't surprise me like that. The last person that did that was in hospital for a week," he said with a smile even though he was being completely serious
"Reelaaax, Axey. This is a party. No-one's gonna try and hurt you here." Pinkie grinned and stumbled as she released him.
"You'd be surprised. I remember this one time at a gala a few years ago." He began but was interrupted by a guard.
Sir, Princess Celestia has requested that you assist Discord in the recovery of Twilight Sparkle and Applejack." The guard finished the sentence with a salute.
"Did he say rescue?" Rainbow Dash asked
"I can tell what you're thinking and you are not joining me." Axewing knew he was fighting a losing battle as Rarity slid up beside him. Almost straight away his legs turned to jelly.
"But you're ever so strong and I know you'll be able to protect us. We'd be ever so grateful." A soft kiss on the cheek was a decider for him.
"Alright but only if Discord says yes," he said trying to regain both his lost dignity and authority.

"Discord, Would you do me a huge favour?" Axewing asked, trying to employ Rarity's tactic of innocence and failing horribly.
"My 'protector' is asking me favours. Could it get much worse?" Discord looked down from his newspaper and rolled his eyes a little. Before Axewing responded Pinkie bounced out of a bush.
"could you please please please PLEASE take us to Nightfire so that we can save Twilight and Applejack from cruel and horrible torture?"
"Oh look, it got worse," Discord muttered to himself. "Follow me. And I hope you didn't have a big lunch."

The ground lurched out from under them and morphed in to a half broken roller coaster with a colour scheme that would put Rainbow Dash's mane to shame.Discord sat at the front and pulled a couple of invisible levers. Fluttershy hovered where she was. She was trying to decide if she should go to the front to prevent discord from pulling tricks or go to the back so she could be safe. She eventually decided on the first choice. Axewing tried to slide in next to Rarity but was beaten by Rainbow Dash. Admitting defeat, Axewing settled down next to Pinkie and awaited her trademark death hug.
"Please keep all hooves, wings and horns inside the ride at all times. And away.
We.
Go."

Author's Note

Sorry for making the build up take so long but this has to be done. Also it didn't save so I am re-releasing it. Sorry if I waste your time

Wild rides and happy endings

The roller coaster cart coughed and spluttered but didn't move.
"Discord? Is this supposed to happEEEENNN!" A burst of speed took Rainbow Dash by surprise as the cart shot of into a brick wall. Everyone passed through harmlessly and came out in a completely black space. A turtle floated through the empty void with fish fishing off of it's back. It began to pull up it's catch.
"Discord," Axewing warned "We are in a rush. Stop this nonsense and just get us there."
"This is how we Draconequus travel." Discord stated matter-of-factly. "And anyway, we are on a completely different plane of existence. Time is irrelevant."
As he said this, the roller coaster cart entered the mouth of a whale but where the throat should be, there was a large garden.
The cart slowed to a crawl as thousands of sharks started jumping from the bushes.
"I swear to Celestia, I am seconds away from grabbing one of those sharks and throwing it at you." The tone of Axewing's voice sent a shiver down Discords back.
"Oh alright, It was getting boring anyway..."
Discord conjured up a remote and pressed a button. A small X32 appeared in the bottom right of everyone's view but before anyone had a chance to question it the cart began to fly off. Thousands of different things began to float past their eyes at lightning speed, including a hippo with wings, a leg with a head attached to it, and Celestia with her wings and horn switched. Within a few minutes the stopped at what looked like the exact same place they began. The only difference was that there was a large door that looked like it would be the entrance to a dining hall.

Axewing quietly pushed open the door and they found themselves inside a dimly lit hall just in time to hear a loud yell from behind them. Forgoing stealth, Discord slammed the door shut and wrenched back open to reveal the dining room that Twilight and two unknown changelings. One of which was tied down and had a long cut running down it's side.

The girls and Axewing ran to Twilight while Discord stood in shock.
"Cocoon?"
"You two know each other?" Applejack asked as Twilight fixed up her injuries, much to the confusion of the others.
"While he was in stone and my sister ruled I was the head of the recon group. I worked as a guard for the gardens. I was bored one night and I felt out with my magic and found an unusual reading. At first I thought it was a robber or maybe even one of my own but it turned out that while Discord was in stone, he was still fully conscious. I began to telepathically communicate with him and well... It got pretty intimate." While she was telling the story, Cocoon was awkwardly playing with her mane while Discord nervously wandered the room. "Please don't say you're working with them?" Cocoon's voice was strong but had a hint of pleading in it.
"Well, they offered me something I haven't had in a long time. Friendship." He smiled at Fluttershy
"And I wasn't a friend?" Cocoons eyes went wide.
Discord sighed. This was going to take a while. "I do, it's just... Oh, how do I explain it? If I was openly friends with you then there is no way I would ever be accepted back in to society but these girls, well, they're heroes." He scratched the back of his neck.
"Oh, I see." She lowered her head and Discord smirked knowing he dodged a bullet.
Or so he thought.
"It's all about reputation with you." She began to walk towards him charging a spell.
"No I... Well yes I suppose it is but I just want to be seen as a good guy for once or at least neutral. You of all people should know how that feels."
Cocoon dissipated the spell and began to speak, although she was interrupted by a flying kick.
"Rainbow dash!" Discord shouted.
"Oh, sorry. I guess I should thank you for distracting her but you could have given us a hint to show what you were doing."
Applejack laughed briefly. A serious face came over her. "Girls, as you can guess, I'm not a pony and I can understand if you never want to see me again but at least let me out the door before you attack me."
The girls ran at her and before she even had the chance to think about dodging she was coated in hugs
"Darling, we would never leave you though I don't suppose you would let me design a few dresses for changelings?"

"Sorry to break up this special moment but we are in the middle of a changeling hive." Axewing turned to the door. "And Discord? No cinematics this time please."
Discord shrugged and picked up Cocoon.
"Why are we taking her with us? She turned me in to a gibbering wreck and probably would have done the same to applejack," Twilight said, struggling to keep the anger out her voice
"That may well be true, my dear Twilight but stop and remember what I did to both you and your friends yet you still gave me a second chance" Discord smirked knowing he had trapped her in a corner.
"Um... well, I guess your right but take her straight to Princess Celestia and you're the one who is going to explain it to her."

"And that's how we saved Equestria!" Pinkie triumphantly said.
Celestia smiled. "You girls seem to be doing that a lot lately."
"Yes, well I hope that Cocoon won't make us have to do it again," Twilight said
Fluttershy spoke up as much as her confidence would let her, "Discord's good at heart and I hope he passes it on to her."
"Yes and I believe he may have changed her slightly already and would have done so more, if it were not for somepony kicking her in the head," Axewing added and glanced over at Rainbow Dash who blushed and looked away.

Meanwhile down in the cells, Discord sat with Cocoon who was just beginning to wake up. She struggled to her feet and instantly regretted it as she almost collapsed before Discord managed to catch her.
"Why are you here? Don't tell me after all this that they still threw you in prison." she said and winced as her own voice caused a headache.
"No, I'm here because I want to be. The princess is willing to give you a second chance to change your ways and work with her, and seeing as I'm probably the only one you trust right now, I thought I should tell you."
"If I'm getting a second chance then why am I in prison?"
"So you don't go on a rampage right after you wake up like I did." Discord smiled, remembering the fun he had that day.
"Would... Would you still want to stay with me? Even after all I did?" As Cocoon said this, she looked up to Discord. She was on the verge of crying.
"Well I didn't really care for them really. I just wanted to save them because it would be shameful to lose to them and then they're beaten by one of my apples." Discord and Cocoon couldn't keep a straight face. "Well I better return and tell everyone the good news. Also I need to cancel the spell my apples put on Twilight and Applejack." Cocoon grabbed Discord's hand with her magic.
"You always were a horrible liar," She smiled and hugged him. "But if you really want me to I will try to change." Discord returned the hug and they both stood there in silence.

Author's Note

Sorry this has taken so long. A mix of exams, writers block, a festival, and a newfound love for my Gamecube have made me forget about it for a while.
Well this is it, the end of my first story. Any advice/slip ups that are pointed out would be greatly appreciated.