Hello again my friends. How are we doing today? Well i am doing just fine with updating this story once more. I am so glad that we are approaching the end of this story. It will be over soon. Everything that has been building up to the end of this story. In two more chapters, this story will be finished. The talks of the future of this story will be revealed. My endgame will be coming soon.

So, let's see what happens in this chapter. I am sure people will either be shocked, happy, or upset by the events of this chapter. So, let's see how you feel about this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is owned by Hasbro. I don't own the rights to the genderswap ponies.

Chapter 18: The Confrontation

Butterscotch stood there as he saw the draconequus laying in her cell, awaiting the sentence she had desired. The Pegasus stood there wondering why Eris was willing to turn herself to stone. None of it made any sense. Being turned to stone would be the last thing Eris would do.

He remembered one of the many conversations they had during the night.

I know I already asked you….can you tell me again about your experience being turned to stone..

*Sigh* Well Butterscotch, being turned to stone is the most horrifying experience in my life. At first, I didn't expect it. I thought Solaris and Artemis's little Elements of Harmony would do nothing to me. I just simply phased it as magic that wouldn't work. Then I felt my whole body being heaiver than it usually was. Every minute, my body had hardened up, until the point that I was completely petrified. I couldn't move my body, I couldn't use my magic, and I couldn't do anything. like being inside a small box with a hole in it.

All I could do is let the world pass by my eyes. I could listen as well. Feel the pain that ponies were watching me as if I was some attraction in a museum. All of them laughing at me, pointing to one another how I was a monster, and birds had the nerve to lay their droppings on me. How disgusting. Luckily, Artemis and Solaris hired clean up crews to clean every statue that was in the garden.

The worst part of it all was that I felt alone, like more alone that usual. How I couldn't do anything to stop it. It was such an painful moment. I never want to experience it again…..EVER.

Butterscotch stood there with his friends. The Pegasus wanted to talk to Eris, but a barrier, that Eris produced with her magic, made it impossible to even talk to her. He kept pounding on the barrier trying to get her attention. Yet, nothing was working. She was ignoring him. This wouldn't stop the stallion from at least making an effort to save her. She turned to face him.

"Just leave me alone, Butterscotch." Eris turned her head to the corner. "I will only let down the barrier if you and your friends have decided to use the elements to turn me into stone."

Butterscotch growled "Eris, pleases let me in. I just want to talk to you. We can work this out. Pleases, I want to hear your joyful voice once more. I forgive you for everything that has happened. Pleases don't shut me out. I don't want to put you into stone. Not now, and not ever again. I am begging you, don't make me do this to you. I am going to get you out of here. You don't deserve this."

The Pegasus noticed how his voice wasn't reaching Eris at all. He growls as he kicks a nearby pebble while his friends were looking at the cell. Dusk Shine and Elusive went off to talk to the Princes to discuss what was going to happen. The others would have supported Butterscotch, but the chance to finally put Eris to stone was gift wrapped to them. The question that needed to be answered was if they were going to take that chance or not.

The dungeon doors opened as Dusk Shine came down with Elusive. The four other ponies marched towards them. They all wondered what exactly the Princes told them.

"Well, what does the Princes have to say?" Blitz looked at his friend.

"He is leaving it up to us to decide on the course of action that should be dealt with." Dusk Shine looked over at Butterscotch. "In my heart, I want to turn her into stone."

"You can't." Butterscotch yelped. He ran over to Dusk Shine hoping he would hear him out.

"Butterscotch, Eris has done too much to deserve another chance. I understand what you are feeling at the moment and I am taking that into consideration. However, I must take the needs of Equestria as well. If we don't seal her in stone, she might destroy Equestria once more and we will lose this chance."

"I am not willing to turn her into stone. I love her." Butterscotch looked at Dusk Shine.

"Butterscotch, I need to think..." Dusk Shine pleaded.

"…I understand that you need to think of Equestria before me. But, think of what you are doing in order to preserve peace? Think of the consequences of what will happen. Do you think for a minute that I will be willing to forgive you knowing we did this to her? No, we need to think of another way. Some way that doesn't involve turning Eris back into stone. What if it was Flare Warden that was causing chaos in Equestria? Would you have the same mindset as well?" Butterscotch stood in front of the Prince.

"Butterscotch, you are not being fair." Dusk Shine backed off feeling insulted by Butterscotch, yet the thought hadn't occurred to him about how difficult this was on Butterscotch.

"Oh, I am sorry. We haven't met, my name is Butterscotch. The last time I checked, I am the element of kindness, not forgiveness." Butterscotch darted his eyes at Dusk Shine.

Butterscotch looked to his friends and back at Dusk Shine. "I am not going to use my element against her. After all that she has done, if i do this, then i would betray everything i believed in. I know you guys mean well, but until we can agree on a course of action that doesn't involve turning her into stone, I will not use this."

Butterscotch took off his necklace and gave it to Dusk Shine. With a gust in the wind, The Pegasus ran out of the room. Prince Tempo stepped inside the cell as he just missed Butterscotch.

"I see things aren't going well with Eris's sentence?"

"Not really. Butterscotch is still upset that we still want to turn Eris into stone. Its not like we don't understand him, it's just that we are finding it difficult to justify Eris's actions. We didn't spend a month with her, so we wouldn't know how he is feeling." Elusive sighed.

"Yeah, I mean I want to help out Butterscotch, but I can't seem to jump for joy when it comes to Eris." Bubble Berry said as he literally tries to jump for joy, he only moved a couple of centimeters off the ground.

"Well, we need to make a decision. We can't just leave Eris here. She could be a threat." Rainbow Blitz stared at Eris.

"I say we put it into a vote. All of us needs to make the right decision." Applejack looked up at the door of the dungeon.

"You ponies get Butterscotch and try to make a decision on what will be the best course of action. I will watch over Eris and make sure she doesn't do anything" Prince Tempo ordered.

"You got it, just be careful" Dusk Shine told the Prince before making off with his friends.

Prince Tempo saw them leaving as the doors closed. Prince Tempo only glared at the lady of Chaos, who was merely wept in her cell. "I understand that you want to save me, Butterscotch. But, i am not worth it."

---

Butterscotch stood there gazing out at the window. He knew his words were harsh to Dusk Shine, but the Pegasus wanted to make Dusk Shine see how he was feeling. It wasn't right for his friends to play judge, juror, or executioner. Butterscotch felt sick to his stomach when they tried to seal Eris the first time.

Butterscotch gazed out the window as he knew his friends were now facing him.

"If you are going to sway my decision of not punishing Eris, then you are wasting your breath. No force in Equestria will stop me" Butterscotch took a breath before turning around to face them.

"Pleases, Butterscotch. Think about…" Dusk Shine stepped forward.

"I know I should be thinking about the sake of Equestria, but think about my feelings. I know I am just being selfish, but you don't know what it is like being turned to stone for that long. Eris will have to live in torment for the rest of her life." Butterscotch turned his head.

"Butterscotch, it was her decision to make." Dusk Shine looked to the Pegasus. Dusk Shine was trying to make him see the reasons he had to pick to seal her in stone.

"Butterscotch, I understand that you want to be loyal to Eris after all you have been through, but we have to make a choice." Elusive decided to be the civil one in the group and try to calm down the situation.

"Yes, but I will tell you all what will happen if we do decide to put Eris to stone." Butterscotch told them.

I won't forgive any of you for it. I will choose to remain in the gardens overseeing her imprisonment. I will watch over her.

"But, what about your animals?" Applejack asked

I will set them free as my last request. I will choose to live out in the Canterlot gardens and wait until Eris is free. I will not move from my spot. I will fight anypony that tries to stop me.

"Butterscotch, come on, let's not go crazy here. You can't expect to survive in the Canterlot garden" Rainbow Blitz trying to persuade his friend to reconsider his actions.

I live off of whatever is in the gardens. I am not going to leave her side. While she remains in stone, I will be like her, always standing, staring and listening. I will never leave her side. I will remain with her.

Bubble Berry and Elusive stared at him. They were frightened by what their friend was saying. Was he really that loyal to Eris that he will spend the rest of his life with her? Dusk Shine shook his head. Butterscotch was being foolish."What if Eris never turned back to normal? Eris has been in stone for many years. What if you grow old? What if she returns to the world after you are long gone? Are you willing to risk your life for her? Are you prepared for the heartache you will go through? Are you sure you will understand the sacrifice you are making?"

It took a moment for Butterscotch to process Dusk Shine's questions. The Pegasus answered them without any hesitation in his vocal cords. "Yes, i am prepared to spend the rest of my days waiting for her. I don't care if I have to wait a year, ten years, a hundred years, or even a thousand years. For love is timeless. There might be a day where i will grow old. I will eventually be gone from the world, but my love for her will live on as long as she does. I will stand by her side, because my heart is not going to forsake her. It doesn't matter who you love, it matters how much you are willing to go for them. Love has no form, no preference, no limitations or appearance. I am going to make many sacrifices to ensure that Eris is happy to be with me. So, it doesn't matter how many steps i take, nor it doesn't matter how many years i have to wait. I love Eris and if you guys can't understand that, then i am a monster as well." Butterscotch finished his speech to look at the reactions of his friends.

They tried not to cry over the extent Butterscotch was willing to go so far to be with the one he loved. To sacrifice everything to be with her. They were speechless. All of them understood the reason why Butterscotch went forward. They couldn't give up the things they had in their lives. As much as they wanted to save Equestria, they also had to consider how lonely Butterscotch would be if Eris was turned to stone. Dusk Shine view the Pegasus before he breathed in and out very slowly.

"Butterscotch, are you sure you are willing to wait that long? If so, I am afraid I can't imprison Eris to stone knowing it will cause you such anguish." Dusk Shine hugged the Pegasus. "You really love her that much?"

"I really do, Dusk Shine." Butterscotch nods his head.

"Well….we have to do something?" Bubble Berry tilted his head.

"We are, Bubble." Dusk Shine smiled "We are going to tell Eris we are not turning her into stone. We just have to convince her that Butterscotch really loves her."

"YAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH" Bubble Berry grinned as he was glad that they wouldn't make Butterscotch sad.

"What are we waiting for? Let's get going." Elusive smiled

As the six began to move towards the hallway, Applejack halted Elusive. The others stared at Applejack and Elusive.

"What's up, Applejack." Rainbow Blitz raised a brow.

"You guys go on ahead, I want to talk to Elusive alone for a minute" Applejack said

"Okay, whatever" Rainbow Blitz left with the others.

As the other four left, Applejack walked slowly with Elusive. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"It's about Barbara. You know she really likes you right?" Applejack sighed.

"Yes, of course I do." Elusive said

"Wait what? You already knew she loved you." Applejack was shocked.

"Come on, you can't expect me not to know that the dragon was feeling something for me. My suspicions were confirmed when she tried to tell me how she felt when we were falling to the ground the one day she became a rather large and rude dragon." Elusive told his friend.

"I see" Applejack felt silly that Elusive already knew about Barbara's feelings for him. "But, why do you lead her on like that. Knowing her feelings for you and just tossing them aside."

"I am not tossing her aside. I guess I have been so grateful for the help Barbara gives out, that I never had the chance to tell her about how I don't see her in the way she sees me." Elusive sighed. He looked to Applejack and smiled.

"But, if there was some stallion that liked Barbara, I believe that stallion just need to tell her his real feelings before another stallion sweeps her off her feet." Elusive continued. He looked at Applejack and tilted his head. "Is that all?"

"Yea" Applejack nods his head quickly.

While Elusive was catching up to his friends, Applejack was left to think over what the stallion told him.

If some stallion liked Barbara, he just needs to tell Barbara his feelings before another stallion will sweep her off her feet.

"Is Elusive right? If I don't tell Barbara how I feel, some other stallion might sweep her off her feet." Applejack sighed as he thought of the possibility of Barbara ending up with some other stallion other than him.

"Applejack, are you coming?" Elusive poked head to where Applejack just stood there.

"Yea, just thinking to myself" Applejack galloped along as his mind was troubled by Barbara ending up with another stallion.

---

Solaris and Artemis were in the throne room thinking to themselves. "Brother, do you think that the six will imprison Eris in stone."

"I don't think so, Artemis." Solaris told him. "Knowing what Butterscotch has been through and his feelings, I highly doubt that he will be okay with turning her into stone. We just have to keep an eye on Eris just in case if she causes trouble once more."

"That is true, but I am sure Butterscotch will have what it takes to keep Eris in check." Artemis smiled. the alicorn was confident that Butterscotch was more than capable of controlling Eris.

"My Lords Solaris and Artemis" A lone guard galloped into the room. He was out of breath and his armor was heavily damaged. "I flew as soon as I could to warn Canterlot of an incoming threat."

Solaris flew down to see to the safety of the guard. He held him to hear the words the guard was gasping over.

"Being…made of wood…..coming this way…to attack Canterlot"

Solaris saw the guard faded into unconsciousness. Solaris put him down seeing other guards ran to the Prince.

"Prepare for battle, it seems that we are going to be attacked, but take this guard to the infirmary" Solaris ordered.

"Made of wood" Artemis closed his eyes for a moment. "Wait, does this mean that…."

"Yes, they are at our gates once more to retake Canterlot" Solaris looked outside overlooking the fields that would soon be flourished with the enemy's army.

---

The mane six were running trying to locate the dungeon, so they could convince Eris to listen to Butterscotch's words of love.

"So, do you have any plans on what you are going to tell Eris?" Elusive asked Butterscotch, who was in deep thought about Eris.

"What do you mean?" Butterscotch tilted his head.

"Well, you have to be romantic with this. You are going to sweep her off her feet. There is a book about these types of things" Elusive stomped his hoof.

"I plan to apologize for all that I have said, before telling her how I feel" Butterscotch told the stallion.

Suddenly, guards started to march from the hallway towards the outside doors. Prince Tempo managed to find his way out of the guard's march.

"Prince Tempo, what is going on." Dusk Shine looked at his brother-in-law.

"We are under attack." Prince Tempo announced. "Butterscotch, we could use your assistance."

"But, I need to tell Eris something." Butterscotch kept insisting on seeing Eris. But, Prince Tempo brought him outside with the others.

"What are we under attack by, if I may ask" Elusive questioned.

"Look for yourself." Prince Tempo opened the doors to the balcony.

Down towards the Canterlot gates and into the field, appeared the creatures that were ready to attack the city. Applejack's eyes rose when he finally saw what exactly was going to invade Canterlot. Elusive's hooves were shaking with fear. Bubble Berry hid behind Prince Tempo. Dusk Shine stood there and witnesses the creatures gathering together in a group. The large creature jumped on a rock, ready to attack Canterlot. Dusk Shine leaned his head over to Butterscotch.

"By any chance, do you know how to talk to Timberwolves." Dusk Shine asked nervously.

Butterscotch stood there as his mind grew with fear seeing thousands of Timberwolves growling at the gates of Canterlot. "Of course i can, i mean all those years i spend in the Everfree...ARE YOU INSANE? I don't know how to communicate with theses creatures. They have very large teeth, and i highly doubt that they are used for talking."

The large Timberwolf with the scar on his right eye roar in command of his fellow Timberwolves. "GRAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH"

The creatures started to move to attack the gates of Canterlot. Butterscotch could only watch with fear in his eyes seeing the large numbers of Timberwolves were charging at the gates of Canterlot. He knew this would be a long night.

The invasion of Canterlot has begun.

---

DUH DUH DUH

So, what did you think of this chapter? Well, let's go through everything here.

Oh the tragedy irony. Eris's plan was tying on the edge that Butterscotch would fall in love with her and not want to turn her into stone out of love. Now, that she wants to get turned to stone, Butterscotch doesn't want to turn her into stone. Begs the question if the person we are in love with goes further and further into darkness, would we do the same thing as Butterscotch or make the difficult choice of stopping them. No matter how far down a person goes, we still care about them. Or something like that, idk i am just rambling on. Also, i will explain in the next chapter why Prince Tempo isn't participating in the battle too much and why he is watching over Eris. Things are going to come full circle on that front, but i know you guys are really smart to figure out the whole situation between Eris and Prince Tempo.

The Applejack and Elusive moment was a bit fun to write.

Elusive: They have books for these types of things.

Me: Yeah, those book is right next to another book called, How to offend Woman/Mares in four syllables or less. Ironically, chapter one of that book is called 'What Else Is There'

Now, for Butterscotch's moment with his friends. I know this is old news we are getting that happened in the last chapter, but i felt his friends wasn't convinced enough. Also, that moment with Dusk Shine and Butterscotch, so moving. It's actually based on the one negative of Fluttercord and Butteris or Eriscotch or just Butterscotch/Eris. Don't worry, we will come back to that moment sooner or later.

Finally, the Timberwolves. Okay, you guys knew that they were going to come sooner or later. There is quite a mysterious around it, i am sure you guys are smart enough to figure it out.

So, two chapters until i am all done with this story? Well, let's answer a question.

What can you tell us about the next two chapters of Groom of Eris?

Well, chapter 17 will probably be a long chapter. Consider this chapter and next chapter to be like chapter 17 of Bride of Discord. I can say that things will be a bit different. Plus, the return of my OCs Peanut and Jelly. Plus, i plan to change some things that happen. I am still doing some editing and rewrites, but i will have it done.

Chapter 18 was the hardest to write in my opinion. There are things that are different in that chapter as well. A lot of great moments in that chapter as well. But, i need to play catch up on my work and stuff. So, just the decision on making something red. Now should i go with slippers or heels. Slippers obviously are more comedic, but heels are more feminine. Oh don't mind me, i am just debating to myself. I am sure i will find my answer when i release this chapter...but what to do about it. I will figure it out eventually.

Well, if you guys have any questions i will answer them if i can. If you guys excuse me, i have some confetti cannons i need to hide.

Discord: Writer!

Me: Discord, what do you need? Doesn't DF need you for another chapter of Son in law of Discord

Discord: Well, i am not doing much in that store, besides it's just me and Fluttershy watching Zany and Twinkle

Me: Wait, shouldn't you be helping her?

Discord:I am sure she can handle Zany and Twinkle...

*Meanwhile, at Castle Fluttercord*

Fluttershy: DISCORD! Where are you? Zany is defying gravity and...ZANY, Stop spinning Twinkle around. You know how weak her stomach is after she eats...

BLECH

Zany: EWWWWW Mommy, Twinkle Twinkle little Sparkle threw up on me. This is going to be in my hair for weeks.

Fluttershy: Discord, where are you? *Fluttershy sadly said.

*Returning to the Writer and Discord* (Zany and Twinkle are owned by Disney Fanatic 2364).

Discord: She can handle them,

Me: Right...Why are you here again?

Discord: I heard that Groom of Eris is ending in two chapters, what do you have planned for it.

Me: Actually, i am not sure.

Discord: You do realize that eventually the fanfic will end.

Me: *being sad* Oh yeah, i forgot about that?

Discord: Are you making a sequel?

Me: I don't know...I mean i have thought about it and whatever decision i make will impact my fans. I never really given any thought about one. Besides, they will know when i post the last chapter of this story.

Discord: Well, that's okay i guess. Besides, you still have a lot going for you. It's not like people or ponies only like this story just because its a genderswapped version of Bride of Discord.

Me: Yeah, *Gives a humorless laugh.* i am sure it's not the reason.

*Once Discord left, The Autistic writer was in deep thought of what the draconequus said.*

Me: I mean i am sure people don't like this story only because it's a genderswapped Bride of Discord. *The Writer sighed* I mean this story has a lot of differences to it. I mean it's about Butterscotch being forced to marry Eris...which is similar to the plot of Bride of Discord. *He sighs for a minute, before lifting his head up.* But Eris gives him a garden...Which also happened in Bride of Discord except for Discord gives it to Fluttershy. *thinks hard once more* But, Eris and Butterscotch have a romantic date...Which Bride of Discord had Discord and Fluttershy go on a date as well...What exactly is different?

Me: Maybe Discord is right...Is the only reason people like this story...is because they only see it as a genderswap version of Bride of Discord. I am really not adding anything new to it. I mean what difference does it make? People won't enjoy it. No matter how many differences i make, no matter how much i change the dialogue or some actions, no matter how much ButterEris or AppleBarb i try to put into this story, it won't matter. Maybe all that i am doing...is for nothing. Maybe the reason people like Groom of Eris is because it closely resembles Bride of Discord. *He lowers his head while his coat turns grey. The writer looks to his audience in sadness.* Maybe i should just quit writing for this story? I mean the fans that i seem to draw into this story is people that enjoyed Bride of Discord and its many stories around it. Maybe i am no better than a copycat. Maybe someone could do a better job than me.

*In his sadness, the Writer looked up. He saw a bit of sunlight in the dark clouds. His eyes lowered for a minute, before his coat slowly starts to gain a little color.* But, it doesn't matter. People will like Groom of Eris, others will prefer Bride of Discord and...I'm okay with that. I never made this story with the intention of it being better than Bride. I never made it to be popular. I made it because i thought that i could create a unique version of Bride of Discord that people would enjoy. I didn't think it would get laughs. I didn't think people would like it. I didn't think by creating unique moments that people would enjoy them. So what if people hate it? So what if people think this story isn't very good? I don't need anyone's approval. I don't need all these haters mocking my story. It doesn't matter.

*His coat turns bright green* It matters that i do a good job on this story and i see it through to the end.

*Turns to the fanfic* I almost gave up on you. I will not make the same mistake again. I have a job to do. I asked DF if i could make this story. It's only fair that i see it through to the end. Maybe it took a lot of energy from me. But, that doesn't mean i don't have any left to give. It is time that we finish this. Maybe then my decision of the fate of you will ultimately be decided. So, Watch out people, i have a fanfic to finish.

*The green unicorn teleports away. Discord hides behind a tree*

Discord: Darn, i thought i could dash his hopes away. No matter, i am sure that i will get him eventually.

(Sorry folks, that was small drabble about my recent stress while writing Groom of Eris. I will express it more with a one shot someday. Yes, i almost gave up writing this story. But, luckily i snapped out of my sad mood and convinced myself to complete this story. Maybe it will be on its own or maybe it will have a sequel, but i really don't know. We will have to wait and see. Don't worry people, i am fine. I just felt overwhelmed about completing this story. Don't worry, i am in a better mood now. It's time to give it my all.) So,

UNTIL NEXT TIME, my friends, see you later.