Rainbow Dash was sprint flying to Sweet Apple Acres. She had to, she didn’t want to think about the horrors starting today. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Discord, the Spirit of Chaos, the creature that brought disharmony to Equestria, the very guy that turned all of them on each other, the evil being that made her turn her back on her friends, was suddenly going to be set free to create all the havoc again. She felt her blood boil as the rushing air cooled her body.

She was at the farm quickly, to see her beloved Fluttershy and Applejack talking to a beaver. She soon lost her reserve, even the thought of Discord being pushed to the back of her mind. She saw little Fluttershy, looking as beautiful as ever, even with the frustration etched all over her yellow face.

Rainbow Dash was vaguely aware of her groan as she hovered in the air, feeling a sense of awe overcome her as she secretly watched from the sky. “I’m just not ready to talk to her yet. I just want to look at her beauty.” She daydreamed.

A tinge of jealousy rang in her heart at knowing that lucky Applejack got to be alone with the graceful pegasus. She quickly discarded the feeling, remembering that Fluttershy is not a possession, and that Applejack is one of her closest friends, she would never hurt her like that.

She took a deep gulp as she shut her eyes, jaw clenching and teeth grinding. When she opened her eyes, there was a fire of determination in them. She would not let her strong feelings get in the way of such an important event that could make or break Equestria itself.

She zipped down there, in her usual speedy way that showed she had no patience. She made sure to avoid eye contact with her hopefully still special somepony. She looked into the surprised and annoyed green eyes of the apple farmer, and tell them quite urgently, “Come on you slackers! I need you two to high tail it! Princess Celestia is here. You gotta come, you won’t believe it til you see it!” she blurted out, leaving two shocked ponies on the ground.

Her flight back was much slower for different reasons. The first one, obvious, she did not want to be anywhere near that Discord character, or be in any way a part of setting him free. The second reason was much closer to her heart. She missed Fluttershy, wanted her more than anything she has ever wanted in her life.

It was so hard, to be so close to the pony she needed to connect her heart to, be in hoof’s reach of her, and not even look her way. To talk to her, yet not talk to her. And when she felt her body shiver in need to hold her again, and yet it took every ounce of will power to fly away, it hurt. It hurt Rainbow Dash to fly away from her lover again.

She was caught off guard when she heard the sound of slightly heavy breathing next to her. She looked shocked as she turned to see Fluttershy struggling to keep pace with her. Although the canary yellow pegasus was flapping her wings rather quickly and focusing on her breath, Rainbow Dash recognized the worried and nervous look in her eye. It was the look she got when she needed to say something, but was afraid.

Rainbow Dash felt her stomach twist and knot, she lost some altitude for a moment before getting her senses together and leveling herself. She slowed her pace, feeling sweaty as she took a gulp and kept her emotions in check. She kept her mouth shut to let Fluttershy speak first.

Fluttershy gave the smallest of smiles, grateful for the cyan mare to finally notice her and slow down. She saw as Rainbow’s mouth fell agape with awe once she smiled, making her smile a little more. She couldn’t help but keep her eyes on the majestic flyer. Usually, she was constantly surveying the skies, as any good flyer, for she feared crashing and falling. But seeing Rainbow Dash, and up close, after six days of loneliness and sadness, she could do nothing but admire everything about the rainbow pegasus.

“Um… hi.” Was the quiet greeting from the shy mare.

Rainbow Dash smiled in relief, though the worry was still in her eyes. “Hey.” She managed out in a day dream voice as she brought her head closer to her sunshine.

Fluttershy felt the warm tingles enter her body, a feeling she hadn’t felt since the night she came home and Dash had the special dinner fiasco waiting for her. She allowed herself to get a little closer to her best friend and true love. Her heart beat even faster, even though they had slowed down. “So, how are you?” she asked, not sure what to say.

Rainbow Dash just kept staring into her eyes, as her own magenta eyes looked more watery. Terrible. Horrible. I feel like I have forsaken myself to a life of depression and regret! she thought to herself. But she had to be stronger, she did not want to cause any more stress for the tiny pegasus with what today’s activities will hold. “I’m holding up ok, I guess.” She lied, smiling at the look of skepticism on her lover’s face. “I have been thinking a lot.”

Fluttershy looked all the sadder as she managed to hunch over while flying. Oh no, maybe she decided it is best for us not to be together. Maybe, she is right? she freaked out in her mind. “About what?” she managed to say calmly.

Rainbow Dash made sure to keep an eye on their flight route while still admiring the pink maned beauty. She was grateful for their slow speed, anything to buy more time with Fluttershy. “About you… and me. I miss you. I mean, a pony would have to be a screwball to not miss the sweetest pony in the world.” She complimented. She saw yellow cheeks turn pink, and the mere sight of it made her want to do all sorts of acrobatic tricks and flips in the air. She felt like creating cloud sculptures of a certain Element of Harmony. And she felt her appetite come back. It amazed her just how happy Fluttershy made her body alone. And what it did to her soul, she couldn’t even begin to describe.

“And I have been doing really good in my AA classes. And my therapist says I am making good progress.” Rainbow admitted with a smile, blushing a little at admitting it to her.

This time it was Fluttershy’s turn to be shocked. Her surprised face soon turned to that of pure joy as she started flying happily around the brash pegasus. “Oh Rainbow Dash, that is wonderful news! I had no idea! I mean, you did it so quickly!” she gushed over her mare friend.

The excited words were music to Dash’s ears as she did even faster twirls and cork screws around Fluttershy, all the while keeping her eyes on her. Oh yeah! My baby’s happy with me! I may be able to salvage our relationship yet! she cheered in her mind.

“I had no idea you were doing that… for me?” Fluttershy asked meekly once she realized how zany she got and steadied her flying.

Rainbow Dash smiled brightly as the sun as she did one big loop around the long ways of Fluttershy to end up flying upside down above her. Her prismatic mane hanging messily over Fluttershy’s face. They were so close, making the animal lover giggle. Rainbow herself made little happy sounds at the laughter as she reached her hooves out and managed to grab the yellow ones while still flying upside down. “I’m doing it for us.” She said simply, full of pride.

Fluttershy almost stopped flapping her wings just then, she felt like she was falling in love all over again. There was nothing she wanted more than to take her Dashie home and cuddle in her arms, or under her wings. A flash of Princess Celestia and whatever urgent news entered her mind. And as much as she would love to talk more about where their relationship stood, it wasn’t fair to all the citizens of Equestria if she did that.

Rainbow Dash sensed the change in her. She quickly let go and resumed a normal flying position. She felt both her body and heart sink at the reaction. She had to force her lips still to stop from blubbering. She snuck another peak of her lover, afraid she had somehow crossed the line. “I thought what I said was innocent and romantic?” she questioned all her choices since she got up this morning.

Fluttershy noticed her distress, and quickly felt guilty, and tried to remedy the situation. “Oh Rainbow Dash, I’m sorry. I was just thinking what the Princess needs our help with now. It feels like every time she wants all of us, we are risking our lives against something terribly scary!”

Rainbow Dash avoided looking her in the eye again, not wanting to be the bearer of bad news. She squirmed though when she heard the angelic voice whimper out

“As long as it’s not Discord I suppose.” She managed a weak little chuckle.

“Um, Fluttershy?” was Rainbow’s way of trying to tell her the severity of the situation.

Fluttershy looked into those magenta orbs that she saw her future in. They did know each other too well, because she felt her chest tighten in a panic attack. She couldn’t even breathe as she muttered out, “Discord!” as her wings shut harshly against her body and she started plummeting. She started freaking out, screaming and crying, unable to get her wings open.

“Ah buck!” Rainbow yelled as she flapped her wings as hard as she could and with one smooth swoop she caught the smaller pegasus in her arms. She was pumping her wings harder and harder as she went vertically to a cloud. She could see her friends and the regal bringer of light from where she was, but she knew Fluttershy needed a moment to pull herself together.

Fluttershy didn’t know what to say. But being held in the loving embrace loosened her wings and she could move them. She felt like a fool, just the thought of Discord put her in a horrible relapse again, and she couldn’t fly. But could anypony blame her? Discord is coming back! She looked up, her gaze shaded by her pink mane swishing back and forth across her face. But looking at Rainbow Dash, looking as heroic and determined as ever, she felt like a school filly again, full blown crush on the school’s star athlete and her best friend. Even Discord couldn’t bring this high down.

Rainbow Dash hovered at the cloud longer than she should have. She would gladly fly forever if it meant getting to hold Fluttershy in her arms. She really felt like she could too. This little moment of playing hero again and bringing a smile to Shy’s face was like heaven for her. Her body fought her mind as she forced herself to put her lover down on her back and rested belly down next to her.

Rainbow Dash saw how red with embarrassment Fluttershy was, and all she wanted to do was kiss that face, she looked so cute. She took a deep breath as she laid her head on the soft cloud, trying to regain her self control. I can’t go pushing anything until Fluttershy’s ready. But dang, why’s it gotta be so hard? she thought in her mind. She knew the answer, after having a slice of heaven, it left you hungry for more.

Fluttershy finally turned to her side to see Dash at war with herself. She placed her hoof tenderly and almost skittishly across her neck. “Thank you for saving me.” She added with gratitude, enjoying petting her lover’s mane, watching her face go from frustrated to bliss. Fluttershy herself was blissfully unaware of the look of joy written all over her own face. But she was aware of the strong storm of feelings brewing from the contact, and quickly pulled her hoof away.

Rainbow Dash was sad again. She groaned out loud, not caring if Fluttershy heard her, she was sure how much she knew she missed her touch. She looked sadly to see Fluttershy looking like an angel lying sideways on the cloud with her. Even though she felt down hearted when she took her touch away, the sight of her alone was enough to make her smile. “Dear Celestia, I miss her.” She thought to herself. They looked at each other intensely for a moment, both of them reminded of their most personal moments laying down together.

Rainbow Dash tried to think of anything else. She looked down to the cloud she was on, and hit with a flash back of cotton candy clouds and chocolate rain. She sighed, wishing this quiet moment could last longer, although knowing it could not. She managed to sit up on her haunches. “You’re welcome Shy.” She said with all her tenderness. She scooted a bit closer and held hooves with Fluttershy. “You know I will always be there to catch you when you fall. And I will always be here to protect you. Especially from that loser, Discord.” She said with her smile that said she could do anything, the same smile that melted Fluttershy’s heart.

Fluttershy felt something inside her change. She wasn’t so afraid anymore. She sat up, feeling like that maybe, she could do this. She could face the evils of Discord again. As long as she had Rainbow Dash and the rest of the girls by her side, she could. She released a breath she didn’t know she was holding and held on tighter onto the sky blue wonder. She giggled when she saw how happy Dash was to have the little cuddle, she swore she saw steam coming out of her ears.

“We can talk some more after we take out the trash.” She said, trying to sound tough like her other half. She saw that Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe what she just said. She had trouble believing what she just said. But it was her voice.

Rainbow had the look in her eye like she was ready for a challenge. She blinked, and Fluttershy saw the love and admiration in them. “Yeah! Awesome! Let’s show that Dipcord he can’t get the best of us!” they giggled like fillies again as they glided down to meet with their friends and the picnic.

Now Fluttershy felt her nervousness increase ten fold as she sat in front of the Princess. “And you really think I know what’s best to do this?” Fluttershy asked the benevolent Princess of the sun. She looked down to her hooves, still unable to believe that somepony as simple as her could handle a tall order as Discord.

The celestial bringer of light tenderly placed her hoof under Fluttershy’s chin and lifted it up so she could stare into her scared eyes. “I do.” She said as a matter of fact, and smiled as the shy pegasus blushed. “I know this sounds like a tall order.” She said wisely, somehow knowing what the yellow pony was thinking. “But I wouldn’t ask you to do it if I wasn’t completely sure that you could get Discord to use his magic for good of his own free will.” She finished as she placed her hoof back down.

Rainbow Dash sat there, her body tense as ever. She knew everypony was feeling the uneasiness of it all. She did not like having to bring Discord back. She did not like having Fluttershy be the pony to face him all alone. And as much as she didn’t want to feel it, she didn’t like how touchy feely the Princess was getting with her. But there was nothing she could do but sit by and watch. She was no pony to tell the Princess anything, and as of now, she couldn’t tell Fluttershy who she could be tender with or which evil spirits she could reform. She gritted her teeth in aggravation and nerves when Fluttershy looked like she made a choice.

“I have made my decision. I will do it Princess!” Fluttershy said bravely as she looked the Princess in the eye with a smirk before bowing her head in respect. “I know I can do this. I believe in me, my friends believe in me!” She spared a side glance to Rainbow Dash who looked like her eyes were going to pop out of her head from suspense. And Rainbow believes in me. She thought happily. “I think I know what to do now.” She said aloud to all the ponies there.

All the Elements of Harmony were shocked to know that Princess Celestia had urgent business else where, and had to be flown off. “Seriously? What could be more urgent than Discord!?” Rainbow Dash yelled as she stomped a hoof angrily. She had questioned Fluttershy being the one to be in charge for this. This was Discord for crying out loud, the master manipulator, devious deceiver, and all around bad guy. She even mumbled how Angel Bunny had Fluttershy wrapped around his little paw, how could her Shy stand a chance against the spirit of chaos?

Twilight placed a calming hoof on Dash’s shoulder, telling her to take a breath. Dash looked to her beloved again, noticing a frown and droopy ears, looking depressed. Dash felt herself hunch over, feeling like maybe she made the pegasus feel uncomfortable. She couldn’t help it though, she didn’t want to risk Fluttershy being put in any amount of harm’s way, especially with him involved. She would rather take every wave of attack Discord would throw himself.

The studious unicorn said some words of encouragement as she placed the elements on them respectively. And before any of them were ready, a mischievous statue broke away into Discord himself.

The misfit creature of disharmony stretched his limbs with a big smile on his face. “Ah, it’s about time somepony released me from that cell block!” he called out with a yawn as he floated on his back, jiggling his upper body. “What a relief!” he said in his cocky tone as he snapped his fingers.

Right above them all, a cute squirrel was turned into a brute of a rodent, complete with arm tattoo. The six friends all gasped, Twilight the first to rebuke the trouble maker. “What do you think you are doing?” she yelled at him in an angry tone.

“Why, stretching of course.” He answered smoothly as he stretched his arms. “When you’re a spirit of chaos, stone body suits aren’t your typical go to fashion choice.” He stated as he stretched some more, snapping his fingers.

They all watched in shock as a harmless furry bunny turned into a little bunny monster. What! How could he do this? And I need to reform him? Fluttershy worried in her mind as she felt anger course through her body.

Pinkie did her characteristic loud gasp, “Make that bunny cute again. Now!” she ordered, rather annoyed by their new guest.

Discord chuckled as he looked into Fluttershy’s eyes, a smirk on his face. He bent low to the rabbit monstrosity. “He’s adorable the way he is.” He stated in a mocking tone as he rubbed it under its chin. He quickly moved his claws away as it snapped at him.

“Wish it had bit your sticking paw off!” Rainbow thought angrily in her mind, feeling the fur on her neck rise in aggression.

He blew a raspberry at the creature and then looked at the ponies around him. He looked as sure as ever as he locked eyes with the yellow pegasus again after sparing glances at the rest. “Do you know what else is adorable?” Discord asked.

Five of the Elements kept their eyes glued on their guest as Fluttershy found herself looking to the ground. This isn’t going to be easy. He can poof me away any moment he wants. He can turn me inside out like in that horrible movie! she freaked out inwardly, feeling herself tremble as her heart filled with her old fear of the misshapen creature.

“You ponies truly believe you can reform me!” he answered his own question quickly, seeing the other five grimace. His smile only grew more wicked as he slithered to Fluttershy. He poofed back and forth on each side of her as she tried to stumble away. “And that you’re putting your faith in this one here to make it happen!”

Fluttershy felt like she might have another heart attack as he grew closer to her, gritting her teeth to stop herself from screaming. She tried to control her breathing as he added grandma clothes to himself and started pinching her cheeks, making her skin crawl as he called her adorable; his touch as cold and hard as steel.

Calm down Fluttershy. He won’t hurt you. He doesn’t play like that. She tried to calm herself, her brain going a mile a minute. I know I can change him to good, with some tender care. I have to, for all of my friends. She looked to the changed animals, her courage from the cloud returning. Every pony and animal in Ponyville are in my care now! I can’t let them down. How scary can he be looking like that anyway? she thought as she smiled at his wig and knit sweater.

How dare he lay his dirty evil paws on my Fluttershy’s face! Rainbow Dash angrily thought as her protective side threatened to rip out of her chest, every bit of her wanting to tackle and stomp the life out of their foe. She held still though, waiting for him to do just the wrong thing, so she can send back to his stone age.

Both pegasi honestly didn’t pay attention when they saw Discord bickering with the other ponies; Twilight questioning how he knew so much of their plans. Everypony and Discord heard when she made the threat of turning him stone again though.

He flew about, crossing his arms like an upset child being scolded as he turned his back on the unicorn. “You wouldn’t dare turning me back to stone and disappointing your, precious princess!” he retorted, much disdain in his voice at the mere thought of Princess Celestia.

Rainbow had enough of seeing his face. She flew up to his eye level as she put on her mean look. “Try us, Dipcord!” Rainbow Dash declared before Twilight could threaten back.

All of a sudden a flash of yellow was between Rainbow Dash and her sworn enemy. She almost stopped flying she was so caught off guard by her mare friend’s sudden aggression.

Fluttershy hovered angrily over to the Draconequus. “You think you can treat poor defenseless animals like that and get away with it?” Fluttershy scolded angrily as she pointed a hoof to the centuries old creature. He smirked at her in his all knowing way, but Fluttershy did not budge.

Rainbow Dash felt like she was in a dream. Did I get knocked in the head? Is this for real? Fluttershy is telling off Discord! Oh my gosh, this is so, AWESOME! she thought with a surprised smile as she threw her forelegs in the air, “You go Fluttershy!” she cheered, feeling her heart pounding in exhilaration, wanting to kiss the yellow mare all over for such a feat.

Fluttershy felt years of suppressed feelings emerge as her courage grew like wild fire. She could not believe her body going of its own free will as she flew up to his face and poked his smiling mouth. “You best watch your step buster, or I’ll give you-” one more poke for good measure as she shut one eye and the other deepened its gaze as it grew, “The Stare!” she warned in her most intimidating voice.

Rainbow Dash felt a fan girl squeal slip out of her mouth as she hovered in disbelief. This is so hot! she thought lustfully. She swore if Fluttershy just punched Discord into oblivion right now, she would lose her mind.

Discord seemed unimpressed for a moment as he fawned fear. He floated back, lifting his arms in defeat. “The Stare! Oh no, not that! Anything but your disapproving eyeballs!” he exclaimed as he pulled at his cheeks fearfully. He consisted to spin in a perfect circle as he practically laughed his head off.

Oh, he is in for it now! Fluttershy told herself in her mind. And like a flip of a switch, her Stare was on full force. She would not be pulling any punches today.

All of a sudden, Discord’s eyes starting changing as he wiggled about. “Oh no! No, no, no stop!” he started clawing at his throat, hacking and choking. All five of Fluttershy’s friends watched on in awe, unable to believe what was happening. “Stop! I can’t take it anymore! I’ll do whatever you say! Because!” then Discord almost lost his breath from laughing so much at the yellow mare, having to grab his knees.

Fluttershy looked to her hooves, confused. “You’re hilarious!” he finished his statement, dying of laughter as Fluttershy looked as though she was just back hoofed.

Twilight called his bluff when he tried to use her willingness to please her teacher as an excuse to do what he wanted. “I’m sure we could convince the Princess into turning you back into a statue!” All the friends felt better when Twilight made sure he knew what they could do, and saw the slight defeat in his eyes.

Rainbow Dash stood on her tippy toes, ready for an attack as Discord thought it over. No one can stand there and laugh at her mare friend, she was ready to make him pay.

Discord pouted in the air, groaning to himself loudly. “I suppose that’s correct.” He admitted defeat as he snapped his claws again, changing the animals back to normal.

Fluttershy frowned at the smug little smile he gave when he did that, not wondering why he would be so happy to comply. She supposed she couldn’t complain, his willingness would make her job much easier.

Discord turned back to the lavender leader, using his claws to display his fake obedience, “Well, it looks like I know where I will be crashing while I am being, reformed.”

Fluttershy did not know how she appeared in his arms, but he held her tightly as he laughed maniacally whilst giving her a noogie, “With you, Fluttershy!” he continued to laugh as he messed up and patted her mane softly.

Fluttershy felt her insides turn to ice as the thought of The Discord staying in her home hit her like a carrot launched from an angry Angel Bunny. Her mouth fell agape, and all she could do was be held helplessly by the Spirit of Chaos as she looked on shocked into the now fiery red eyes of Rainbow Dash. “Oh dear.” Fluttershy softly muttered out.

Discord smiled an evil grin as he pet and held Fluttershy, staring deep into the rainbow one’s eyes.

Rainbow Dash felt such a rage go through her body as she forgot every tip from anger management. She snorted steam as she cracked her neck. In the blink of an eye she was in his face. “There is no way in hell I am going to let you touch Shy and treat her like some sort of sex slave! You freak of nature you! And not even Celestia herself will convince me to let you even be under the same roof as her!” she barked angrily, putting her hooves up for a fight.

I just knew she would react so poorly to this! Now to get Fluttershy to turn on them and side with me. Should be a piece of chalk flavored cake! Discord planned in his mind as he started to cradle the small pegasus in his arms. He continued to laugh into a now red faced blue pony, unfazed as he would dodge each punch with a quick turn of a head.

“My you are a bossy one, aren’t you Rainbow D. Dash. D for dumb!” he blew a raspberry in her face.

Rainbow Dash saw red as she reached her hoof back for one hay of a hay maker when Fluttershy mysteriously poofed in his place. She managed to stop her attack just in time, the speed gusting some wind through Fluttershy’s flinching face. “Fluttershy! I didn’t knick you, did I?” Rainbow asked, scared she may have hit her mare friend. Fluttershy smiled weakly and shook her head no, sending relief though Dash.

It did not last long though as he appeared tiny and coiled around her neck. “I think somepony needs to learn to control her temper!” he jeered at her, causing her to swipe at her neck rapidly when he poofed into regular size beside Fluttershy.

“Don’t touch me you stupid dirt bag you!” Dash yelled as she hovered above him angrily, feeling each breath rack through her body as she calmed herself to better asses the situation. She hated that none of her attacks would actually do any damage to this guy who had driven them apart long ago. And now he was putting his dirty paws all over her special somepony. She was just waiting for him to do the wrong move so they could zap him back to stone.

Discord put his arm around his yellow host as he traced one gentle claw down her cheek, making yellow fur rise and the blood of a blue pony boil. “Luckily my gracious host is far more, what’s the word, affectionate and tender with me. I am sure she will be far more willing to offer whatever I need to make me comfortable. Isn’t that right, Fluttershy?” he asked in a sickly sweet voice as he brought his face closer to look at her eyes.

Fluttershy felt her world spinning from all the new stress that just entered her life. She knew now was the worst possible time to reform a former foe, when she needed to focus on where she and Dash stood. But emergencies like these always tend to come at the worst time. And this affected everypony in town, and soon Equestria. She had to put her needs and wants for a normal love life aside for something more pressing. She knew what she had to do to reform Discord.

She took a deep gulp as she looked to her friends, Rainbow Dash especially, as she hovered in the air in her agitated way. “He will be staying in my home.” She said boldly. All her friends looked at her in disbelief, raising their voices to argue. She lifted a hoof in the air to silence them. “As an act of good faith, knowing our guest will be joining the forces of good soon, I will gladly open up my home to him for as long as he wishes. I hold all responsibility for him, as he is under my keep.” She said in her typical sweet manner, looking up at the destroyer of friendship with innocent eyes. I have to do this if I ever hope to be his friend. Friendship has saved us all countless times, I just know it will pull us through. She thought with a smile.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe her own ears as her wings stopped and she fell with a thump on the ground. “But Fluttershy! I was supposed to come back tomorrow, everything was going to be fine! You can’t possibly trust, this, this monster to stay in the same home as you and your animals!” Rainbow Dash begged as she slowly made her way to her lover, despair coming over both pegasi as the rest of the ponies looked on sadly. “Please!”

Discord smiled all the brighter, none of the ponies seeming to notice he was there. This is too perfect! A lover’s quarrel, and me right there, to drive them apart! Oh yes! This will be easier than I thought, and oh so much more fun! he plotted in his mind as he kept his arm loosely around Fluttershy’s tiny frame.

The gentle mare felt another panic attack come on at the swirl of emotions filling her heart. It tore her apart, knowing that Dash so hoped to come back and work things out. It filled her with dread she never knew to know that she alone will be in charge with one of the most powerful, and evil forces this world had ever seen. And it drowned her in sorrow to quickly realize that her closest friends, ponies she held in such high regard, would not see things her way or support her in her endeavors.

She took another hard to swallow gulp as she softly nudged the slightly heavy limb off her shoulders and closed the gap between Rainbow Dash and herself. “Come by later to grab Tank. I don’t think it is the best thing to have him there, or any of my animal friends.” There was a pause as sad pink eyes gazed desperately into blue ones. Fluttershy knew that if Rainbow Dash and Discord were in the same cottage, her plan could never work. “Or even you.” She whispered as she gently stroked her face with a hoof.

Dash saw the glistening blue eyes shut, the sadness now blocked. She felt powerless as Fluttershy turned away from her and toward Discord.

Fluttershy raised her hoof to touch the Spirit of Disharmony on his lion paw as she looked up with welcoming eyes. “Follow me, and I can show you around my neck of the woods.” She said ever so softly, shy as ever.

Discord did a little bow as she fluttered to be at head’s height with him. “Why thank you Fluttershy.” he cast a snobbish glare over his shoulders to the remaining five. “At least somepony here has manners! I would love to meet all your little animals too.”

Rainbow Dash felt heart broken, like she could lay down and die right then and there. “She chose Discord, over me.” She hopelessly muttered, wide eyed. She flinched a bit when she felt a hoof on her shoulder. She didn’t bother looking though.

“We need to trust in her girls. If the Princess believes Fluttershy can do it, then she can!” Twilight reassured everypony.

Fluttershy had all of her animal friends lined up outside the Everfree to meet her new guest, each animal on the edge as they felt Discord’s bad intentions. Discord was all fake smiles, studying everything about his new surroundings, and especially the yellow mare who’s care he would be in.

Fluttershy was on pins and needles, her soft eyes full of worry. She kept on smiling as she fluttered about, fussing over all of her animal friends as she introduced them to Discord one by one by name. She finally landed on the ground, feeling her stomach wretch at who she would introduce next. She cleared her throat as she picked up a very aggressive looking Angel bunny with one hoof and brought him up to look at the mix and match creature. “And last, but certainly not least, Angel Bunny!” Fluttershy said with much enthusiasm as she could muster, even her animals unable to calm her nerves.

Discord looked on bored at all the trivial animals. He could certainly make them much more interesting, creating all sorts of new and terrifying creatures if he wanted. Perhaps later. For now, I best stay on good graces with my dear Fluttershy. he thought as he took another glance to the white rabbit, noticing the look of contempt and defiance he shot his way. He smiled at the bunny as he lowered his head to be at eye level with him, Why, another precious relationship between pet and owner to destroy.

He chuckled in his mind. “Hello Angel. We are going to have so much fun together, aren’t we?” he asked as he locked eyes with the rabbit.

Discord was ready for a fun stay at Fluttershy’s cottage now as Fluttershy fussed and complained when Angel tried to jump out of her hooves and attack the draconequus, and she managed to catch him mid jump and hold him back. “Oh please Angel Bunny, don’t be rude. Discord is our new guest. Please try and be hospitable!” she complained to the rabbit.

Discord laughed as Fluttershy fought to hold the rabbit in her hooves as he showed his teeth to him. “He and that Rainbow Dash have a lot in common I see. Two big blow hards!” he joked as a chair poofed under him and he pulled out sunglasses to wear as he oddly sunbathed in this cool weather.

Fluttershy continued to frown as she looked up to the disharmonious creature. She actually chuckled a bit, surprising him, “I guess they do, don’t they?” she said in a sweet voice.

Discord raised an eyebrow as he pulled his glasses down slightly to look at her.

Fluttershy finally managed to get him to calm down and placed him on the floor, “They are both very brave, and sometimes too hard headed for their own good.”

Angel shot her a dirty look as he bounced off for a carrot.

Fluttershy held an embarrassed smile as she flew up to look him in the eye. “And they are both very loyal. And well, love me very much.” She said in a quieter voice. She looked up at him, “Have you ever had someone who cared for you like that?” she asked curiously. She figured she should take time to get to know him.

Discord cleared his throat, keeping back memories from long ago as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Maybe you can show me the inside of your cottage now Fluttershy?” he asked to change the subject.

Fluttershy blushed and covered her mouth with a hoof. “Oh yes, I’m sorry! You must be getting bored out here. I will make us some tea, how does that sound?” she offered politely.

Discord smiled at how easily she can be manipulated. “Oh yes, that does sound delightful!” he said in a smooth voice.

Fluttershy smiled warmly at him as she turned to her animal friends, all of the critters looking very worried about leaving her alone with him. “Thank you all again for understanding little friends! Discord needs all the space he can in my tiny home. I promise you can come back to sleep when he leaves, and just come by on time for meals!” she said in a happy tone.

Discord frowned at the feeling her sweet voice she used with her animals gave him in his chest. He did his best to ignore it as he floated on his back as she led him in.

Angel Bunny looked on from the bushes, his tiny eyes glaring at the new invader. He knew this one was real trouble. He didn’t care if his pony told all the animals to go back to the woods while he was here, he would not leave his mother alone to fend for herself with such a real threat around. He quietly hopped inside to follow them.

“You guys! I am really worried something terrible is going to happen to Fluttershy if we leave her alone with him. This is Discord for Celestia’s sake! I say we just cut through all the cloud puffs and stoneify the punk!” Dash complained to her friends as she quivered on the blanket, holding herself. They sat at their picnic site, everypony’s plans of a nice fall day ruined.

Pinkie kept her eyes on the skies, looking suspicious of each cloud, “This is devilishly dastardly of Discord girls. Not a single chocolate milk cloud in sight. And where the hay is the whipped cream snow fall?” she complained energetically.

They all gave her a look before turning their attention back on the freaked out pegasus. Rarity used her magic to fan off her rainbow friend. “Rainbow Dash, you are out hamming me right now. Please calm down, there is no way we can handle this whole Discord situation if you are going around like this.”

Rainbow Dash gave her a sad look as she sat up. She instantly threw herself at Twilight’s hooves, “Please! Do something about that jerk! Let’s go there now, and use the elements!”

Twilight was caught off guard as she tried to settle down her friend. “First we have to let Fluttershy have a chance. I want him gone as much as you Rainbow Dash. May I remind you I was the one who held out the longest against him.”

“Stop turning this into a competition or waiting game! We need results now!” Dash yelled as she threw her hooves in the air to emphasize her point. “I’m flying over there now and showing him he can’t mess with Ponyville, or my girl!” Rainbow started gaining altitude when she felt a snag and hit the ground roughly.

She looked back to see her tail firmly gripped in Applejack’s teeth, her eyes staring deep and agitatedly into hers. “Let me go AJ!” the cyan mare demanded.

Applejack shook her head, stepping on the colorful tail. “No RD! You are acting crazy! Every time you get like this and fly off, ya put yourself in more trouble! Now, we gotta make a plan. Nopony here wants to trust Discord, I’m sure even Fluttershy is tippy hoofin around the whole thing.”

“We need Shy here safe and away from him if we want to stand a fighting chance! Don’t you guys get it? He is going to use and manipulate her to turn against us! He is going to destroy everything we know and love! ” the colorful mare retorted.

The farmer still kept her hoof on the tail to stop any flying off. “I know we all need to be on the same page here. But not if ya keep goin off your rocker! Now, ya love and trust Fluttershy, don’t ya?” she questioned with a raised eyebrow.

The weather mare looked shocked at such a question, instantly going on the defensive. “Of course I love and trust her! Don’t bring our last fight into this AJ. This has nothing to do with it. This has to do with the fact we can’t trust Discord!” Rainbow Dash answered back, finally sitting down.

AJ let go of her tail, fixing her hat as the rest of the friends let the two hard heads talk it out. “Well then ya gotta trust that Shy knows what she’s doin! Fluttershy of all ponies is the most deathly afraid of Discord. She has herself, and all her animals to fend for against him. Do ya really think she would have consented into takin him in and being solely responsible for him if she wasn’t 110% sure that she could reform him?”

Rainbow Dash looked wide eyed and conflicted as it all started making sense against her own will. “But”

The apple loving pony stomped her hoof on the ground, making a large dent below. “No buts about it Rainbow! Now ya gotta calm down if ya really are set on helpin Fluttershy with him. Give her time to settle things in her home while we think of a logical way to defeat such an illogical creature!” AJ finished her statement as she sat in front of her friend. “Or so help me, I will start knockin some sense into ya with these babies!” she fake threatened with a smile as she raised her forehooves.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but smile as the anxieties started to lift from her heart. Her friends were right, going in throwing punches and kicks wouldn’t work. They all had to work as a unit if they hoped to defeat their greatest enemy. She even managed a laugh as she rested her hoof on AJ’s hat and pushed it over her eyes. “Thanks AJ. I need some of that tough Southern love to snap me out of it sometimes.”

AJ smiled triumphantly as she rested back, letting her unicorn nuzzle her. “I agree! Oh Applejack, you are ever so stunning when you get all inspired like that!” Rarity gushed over her mare friend, cuddling closer.

Rainbow Dash started making gagging noses and sticking her tongue out. “Get a room you two!” she joked.

Rarity turned red faced as she levitated a napkin and tossed it on Rainbow’s smirking face. “How many times have you been all over poor Fluttershy out in the open?”

“Yeah, sometimes ya look like a starvin wolf huntin some poor little deer!” AJ added, laughing as she put a fore leg over Rarity.

Rainbow’s smile slowly faded as the thought of losing her special relationship with Fluttershy to Discord entered her mind. “Um, you girls don’t think Fluttershy will stop loving me and move on to Discord, do you?” she asked as she softly tapped her fore hooves together.

“Of course not!” they all yelled in unison.

Fluttershy was fixing up some tea and biscuits for her unexpected house guest as Discord busied himself by placing fun little traps for Angel to fall into each time the bunny tried to go near. He laughed inwardly as he started thinking of different schemes to get Fluttershy on his side. He manically tapped his claws together as he saw Angel appear right over a bird bath, noticing the white rabbit’s face blush red. He chuckled again to himself as he listened to the sweet sing song voice of his host call out.

“Freshly made tea Discord! I hope you like strawberry jam! I made it about two days ago!” Fluttershy offered as she flew the tray of goodies and placed them to her guest with a smile.

Discord smiled back at her as he inspected the display, sweet aroma filling his nostrils, noticing how the scones and biscuits did look good, and was even slightly amused at the floral arrangements she put effort into. He picked up a fresh looking tulip and popped it in his mouth, leaning back. Maybe after he had taken over the world, he would let her stay and be his tea bearer.

“Why thank you Fluttershy. My, this does look marvelous. Tell me, do you always treat your guests with such hospitality?” he faked curiosity to see what exactly makes her tick and what puts her at ease.

Fluttershy blushed slightly, looking down to her hooves. “Oh well, thank you. And of course I do, it is only good manners. Besides, I want to make sure you feel as comfortable and at ease as possible. I am sure it must have been so hard to be locked away in stone for so long.”

Discord frowned at the boring and maddening memories. He leaned his handsome head on his paw as he rolled his eyes, using his unique tail to flick a scone in his mouth. “Ah yes, that was quite troublesome for me. As I recall, you and your friends put me right back in there, just for trying to make the world more fun.” He whined as he looked her in the eye.

Fluttershy raised her eyebrow, trying her best to stand her ground. “You were making things very unsettling for everypony, that isn’t very nice.” She rebuked, shaking a hoof at him. She looked to her hoof, seemingly remembering whom she was talking to. “I really wished we could have worked something a little better for you out though. I know it must have been quite boring. I am sorry about that. I hope we can put that awful business behind us and start over.”

Discord felt like gagging from her constant kindness. He was reminded of no matter how hard he tried to get her to turn on her friends, she always resorted to kindness, even at the expense of herself. So getting her on his side might prove the challenge. One I would quite enjoy taking. And winning. He thought as he conspired against the only six ponies who could bring him down.

He tapped his claws together as he leaned his head closer to hers. “Why of course my dear precious little Fluttershy.” he stated as he tilted her chin up with a very sharp claw, making her cringe. “May I ask you for a favor?” he asked politely as he pointed down to his cup of tea which was floating in between them now.

Fluttershy finally found the sense to move her head back to look at the hot beverage curiously. “Is there something wrong with the tea? Would you prefer coffee?”

Discord leaned back into the sofa, crossing his paws behind his head. “Oh no, tea does sound delightful. I just happen to have mine with rocks instead of sugar.” He said nonchalant.

Fluttershy looked utterly confused, pulling her ear, wondering if she heard wrong. “My apologies, did you say rocks? For your tea?”

Discord smiled happily as he nodded his head. “Oh yes please. If you could be a dear and fetch me some, then this little snack would be just perfect! And it would definitely make me feel right at home in your quaint little cottage.”

Fluttershy was frowning, not sure what to make of this. But she would not be anything but hospitable to her guest, even one as menacing as Discord. She faked a smile as she gave a curt nod. “Oh yes, of course Discord.” She patted his knee before quickly fluttering to the door. She looked back, still confused. “I will get you rocks, for the tea?” she confirmed.

Discord already had his legs up, making sure to get comfortable. “Yes please. Diet rocks, I need to watch my figure.” He said with glee as he ate another scone.

Fluttershy blinked in confusion again. “Diet rocks? Ok, got it!” she said with all the determination she could muster as she trotted outside.

Discord made sure she was far enough gone before getting up and inspecting all the pictures and knick knacks displayed. He chuckled slightly at noticing how many pictures there were of his gracious host and the rainbow mare, looking awfully close. Rainbow Dash looks easy enough to manipulate. All I have to do is play my cards right. He thought to himself.

All of a sudden, Discord yelped as he felt a pain at his tail. He lifted it up to see a furious Angel Bunny chomping down on it with all the force he had. “Well, you are far more rude than your owner, do you know that Angel?” he asked as he got the rabbit to let go and held him up with magic, laughing to see the critter struggle.

With a snap of his fingers, dancing shoes appeared on the white creature as Angel began to tap furiously all over the cottage ceiling. “Oh and don’t worry about your Fluttershy Angel. I will be sure to take good care of her, and have oodles of fun doing it!” he laughed manically as he sat and watch the helpless rabbit tap dance around everything.

Fluttershy was along side the little creek by her home, some of her birds flying about, trying to find diet rocks. “It appears opening my home to Discord is more complicated than I thought.” She replied to a bird who asked her why they were looking for rocks for him to put in his tea. She looked up, worry lightly etched on her face as the small flock all tweeted their opinions on the intruder. She sighed and looked down, “I know, I am so confused about the whole diet rocks thing too.”

She waved them goodbye as they gave up as she continued shuffling through all sorts of rocks, not realizing how far away she had gotten from home and how deep she was going towards town. She was so busy trying to make sense of these rocks she didn’t notice she bumped into the one pony she wanted back so much but also wanted far away.

Rainbow Dash looked at her with big eyes, relief to see she was ok. “Fluttershy! Oh thank goodness you are still in one piece! You are still you, right? His royal pain in the flank hasn’t corrupted you yet?” Dash questioned as she held Fluttershy in outstretched hooves, moving her this way and that to inspect her.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle at the welcomed silliness, reaching her own hoof out to stroke the side of her mare friend’s face to try and ease her anxieties. She braced herself for the big bear hug she got from the cyan mare as she noticed her friends galloping toward them. She tried to say hello when she felt familiar hooves push her cheeks together making her lips pucker.

“I was so worried he was going to hurt you Fluttershy? Are you ok? Did that no good trickster do anything funny while I wasn’t around?” Rainbow started puffing out her chest while her fur stood on end and her wings shot open agressivley, “I swear to Celestia if he did anything Shy…” she growled as she shook a hoof to the sky.

Fluttershy hunched over in fear and worry as she rubbed Dash’s front with a tender hoof. “Oh no, he has been quite polite and patient actually.”

Twilight walked between the two, looking at her yellow friend. “Where is Discord?” she asked.

Fluttershy crossed her hooves, embarrassed as she looked at another rock. “Oh, he is waiting at home. He said he needed diet rocks for his tea. Whatever those are.” She admitted.

“Diet rocks?” four ponies said in unison.

Then Pinkie Pie bounced in the middle of them, picking up two hooffuls of rocks. “Awe Flutters! You should have come straight to me! I got some to spare in my bag!” Pinkie Pie helped and put some into Fluttershy’s saddle bag.

Everypony looked at Pinkie oddly. “What, I grew up on a rock farm. Knowing diet rocks from high calorie rocks is like, rocks 101 on the farm!” Pinkie laughed to herself.

Fluttershy looked at her rocks and then Pinkie. “Good enough for me! Thank you girls. I best be off to make sure he hasn’t gotten into any trouble.” Fluttershy excused herself as she began to take off.

Rainbow Dash was already above her and stopped her from continuing. “Hold up there sweetness. If you’re going back to that monster, then you are going to need the rest of us there too.” Rainbow Dash said with her fore legs crossed.

Fluttershy lowered her head and ears as she looked up with big eyes. “Oh no. It is much too early to have you all over with him. First we need some time to get to know each other. I mean, I haven’t even finished giving him the tour of the cottage.”

Rainbow Dash dropped her fore legs and let her mouth fall open. She flew closer to her beloved. “But Fluttershy! We can’t trust him alone with you!”

Fluttershy felt bad about having to push her dearest friends away again, especially her Dashie, but she put on her bravest front. “I’m sorry Dashie, no buts about it. You can all come by and visit in the late afternoon. Oh, and I have Tank waiting for you by the pond by my place.” She looked apologetically into the magenta eyes, which now looked so disappointed and sad. “I have to go, thanks girls.” Fluttershy managed to say as she flew back home.

Fluttershy entered her home as quietly and quickly as possible, as usual. She was panting slightly. “For diet rocks, they are pretty heavy.” She complained to herself. She looked just in time to see a suspicious looking Discord, twiddling his thumbs and looking at the ceiling whilst whistling, and a very tired looking Angel.

“Oh my goodness! Angel, sweet baby, are you ok?” Fluttershy called out as she rushed over and cradled the small rabbit tenderly. She looked up, slightly frustrated with the mix and match creature, “What happened over here Discord?” she questioned, giving a stern eye like a mother.

Discord smiled sheepishly, the look making a funny feeling enter his chest again. He quickly brushed it off, much like last time. He sat up straight, delicately placing his lion paw over his puffed out chest. “Why nothing, honest! Angel here was being quite active, as most bunnies are I suppose.” He defended.

Suddenly Angel leaped from Fluttershy’s soft hold and went straight for his throat. Luckily Fluttershy was quick enough to grab him and hold him back. She turned her closest animal friend to her face and gave him a one eye stare on a safer level. “Angel! That is no way to behave! You have to try and get along with Discord now. No more of acting like you are fresh out of the forest, you hear me mister?” she lectured the tired looking creature.

Angel could not believe that she was turning a blind eye to his obvious evilness. It was all fine and dandy when it was on his account, but this intruder was truly evil. He was only looking out to protect her. He knew he would have to be much sneaker in his Discord Dispatch, since his usual bag of tricks of a full on assault was not working. He pouted in her grip mumbling little curses under his breath, making Fluttershy rear her head back in shock for the second time this day.

Discord smiled to see her so easily controlled by an animal and how ill at ease she became, calculating carefully in his mind.

She sighed as she put him down and pet him. She was really tired of all the hate, distrust, and fights that she was surrounded with lately. And she knew much more headaches were coming her way with Discord under her care.

She looked up with tired eyes to her reformee and genuinely smiled at him. She pulled out the rocks she hauled over and placed them in front of the tea. “Here you go Discord. I found the diet rocks you wanted.” She carefully touched the tea pot, “Should I heat up the tea again? Perhaps a new batch?”

With a snap of his fingers the tea pot was steaming and whistling again, surprising the timid pony.

She hopped back and then smiled, Well, that’s helpful. I wish he would use his powers for good more often. She thought to herself as she smiled gratefully.

Oddly enough, Discord found the smile welcomed. And he decided that needed to stop. He leaned back in the sofa and closed his eyes. “You are going to wash my rocks off, won’t you?”

Fluttershy’s smile was wiped off and replaced with an annoyed frown as she did her best to hold in a groan. “Wash the rocks?” she repeated.

Discord didn’t even bother to look at her as he went on, “But of course. You can’t expect me to have dirty rocks in my tea, do you?” He smiled in his smug way.

Fluttershy sighed again as she went for a tray for the rocks. “Of course Discord. Anything for you.” She said in a kind yet small voice.

Discord watched her leave to the kitchen, bunny casting him dirty looks as he followed. He couldn’t help but wonder about those odd little sprouts of stupid feelings that popped up here and there. He cast the thought aside again as thoughts of world domination and revenge entered his mind instead as he laughed to himself.

Fluttershy was feeling the strain of playing peace keeper again. Perhaps the only somewhat good thing about the space between her and Dash was the fact that Angel had reasserted himself as self proclaimed king of the cottage and his little pranks had ended. But now with the new danger of Discord, Angel entered full on war mode. Constantly pestering the centuries old creature who only laughed at his antics as he did some sort of little back lash, making her beloved pet rather angry.

Fluttershy was tidying up Angel’s mess when she heard a knock at the door. She sighed weakly, in desperate need of a good nap.

Discord was playing innocent again after just whipping Angel in the rear with his tail. “I do so enjoy the company of your pets Fluttershy, they are tons of fun!” he jeered and smirked at the tiny creature whom he was tormenting.

Fluttershy smiled kindly, eyes growing soft, “Thank you Discord. Let me go see who that is.” She did a quick pivot and went for the door.

Discord flicked the flying rabbit away as he kept his eyes glued to the yellow care taker. “Well, I do so hope it is your pony friends. They would be even more fun to torture.” He said to himself, before gleefully giggling at the pissed off bunny shaking a paw angrily at him.

Fluttershy opened her front door and was relieved to see her friends all waiting for her.

Rainbow Dash entered first, looking about like she was on a hunt. “Ok, what has he done here? He hasn’t brought all the furniture to life, has he? Or stolen all the left horse shoes?” Dash accused as she hovered in, magenta eyes scanning everything.

The five other ponies frowned when they heard Discord’s voice as he was floating above them. “Now that is rude Rainbow Dash. I haven’t done a single evil thing. Or interesting for that matter. Why, Fluttershy and myself have merely been playing with Angel Bunny here.”

He pointed to a very dizzy looking rabbit who was having trouble hopping straight. “I do believe he likes me.” Discord said in a sleazy voice to Dash’s ears.

Rainbow Dash landed in front of Fluttershy protectively and even managed to grab the nauseous rabbit and place him behind her. In any other situation, seeing the punk bunny getting his just desserts would make her all smiles. But when caused by the evil claws of Discord, any furry woodland enemy was now a friend. “Back off buster!” Dash yelled while giving him a death glare.

Fluttershy held her mare friend back with an embrace before slipping by and standing between the two.

Discord snaked his way around the ground loving pegasus, making sure to look a jealous Rainbow Dash in the eyes as he did so.

Fluttershy felt the chill with each contact his body made with hers. She could only shiver, and wonder why he felt so cold.

He then put on the puppy dog eyes as he draped an arm around her slender frame. “Did you hear that Fluttershy. Rainbow is being just so rude to me, even though I have done nothing wrong. And after all the trouble you went through to make me feel welcomed here.” He rested his long back against hers, dramatically placing his paw over his forehead. “It is so discouraging!”

Fluttershy felt panic with the weight of Discord, both literally and figuratively, as she was torn between her duty and her desires.

Rainbow Dash looked like she might explode from the total faker act he was putting on. She was snarling like a rabid dog as Twilight and Applejack spared a glance at each other before hopping into action to hold her down. “Quit the lies buddy! And back off my mare friend right now!”

Applejack had her forelegs wrapped around Dash’s neck, using her powerful legs to hold her still. “Settle down there Sally! C’mon girl, keep your cool!”

Discord unwrapped himself from Fluttershy, smiling evilly at the rift he was causing between Fluttershy and her friends.

Rainbow Dash felt her hooves itching for some rough impact. “How can I when he is throwing himself all over her!” Dash complained.

Fluttershy felt another migraine hit her as she rubbed her temples. “Rainbow Dash!” she yelled as her head continued to ache. She finally looked up to her suddenly silent pegasus. She groaned again, hating to have to take sides. “Please respect my guest. He has been behaving so nicely, at least give him a chance. Get to know him?”

Rainbow Dash threw her forelegs in the air in utter bewilderment. “Get to know him! I do know him! He is EVIL!” she shouted louder with each word, getting frustrated, forgetting that she was talking to Fluttershy.

The butter colored mare kept clutching at her head. “Stop yelling at me!” Fluttershy weakly yelled back. She gave her lover a dirty look, making the bold pegasus hunch over embarrassed.

Discord appeared under Rainbow Dash, making her stomp her hooves madly at him to no avail. “Now see what you’ve done Rainbow? Some mare friend you are. You shouldn’t be yelling at her like that.” He said in a smug voice that oozed fake concern, making her growl. He was behind Fluttershy as she was suddenly atop a massage table, mane wrapped in a towel and a humidifier steaming her fur nicely.

The jokester had lotion on his paws as he started on her neck and shoulders, his tail waving a large leaf to cool her. “There Fluttershy, is this helping with that nasty headache you were having?”

Fluttershy instantly relaxed, feeling the pain leave her body. She practically looked drunk from his touches, cold claws warmed by the sweetest smelling lotion and hot steam. “Oh yes, thank you so much Discord! Mmm, you are better than the spa ponies.” She complimented as she shut her eyes, almost drifting to sleep.

Rarity forced herself through the crowded room, “Really? Better than Aloe and Lotus? Darling, you will let me have a turn when you are all finished, won’t you?” the fashionista said coyly as she fanned the steam away from her, not wanting it to mess up her mane. Everypony gave her one of those looks, causing her to look back and fourth, “What? Discord may have his uses yet.” She shrugged off.

Even Applejack and Twilight couldn’t stop Rainbow Dash from jetting to the scene that made her sick and shoo the no good scoundrel away. “That’s it! Back up now! Paws off my girl! If Fluttershy wants a massage, she comes to me! You keep your evil mitts off of her!” Dash warned, looking crazed at her new mortal enemy.

Fluttershy finally had enough as she sat back up and brushed blue hooves off her back. “Enough is enough Dashie! If you can’t behave, then I will ask you to leave! Last chance!” Shy warned.

Rainbow Dash removed her hooves as if she just touched fire. She felt her heart break again, knowing that her Fluttershy was now choosing Discord in everything. What was she supposed to do now? What are they going to do at bed time? She didn’t even want to think about it.

Discord pulled out a flashy pair of sunglasses and yellow and pink boa as he floated above them all. “I don’t need to take this. Not from her. It appears Fluttershy is the only pony here deserving of being called well mannered.”

“Enough Discord.” Twilight warned, having enough of his actions.

The Spirit of Chaos ignored the mage unicorn as he gave one final look to Fluttershy. “I will be on my spot on the sofa. Waiting, for whenever your little kissy face wants to apologize!” he feigned insult as he vanished.

Rainbow Dash was on edge again. “That isn’t your sofa to begin with you. It’s ours. You have no spot except for in a rock.” Rainbow Dash mumbled so only her friends can hear.

Fluttershy was in her view, giving her a mini stare, making Dash’s ears flinch back in sudden fright. “What was that all about?”

The prismatic mare was standing straight again, a head above the animal lover, yet still feeling tiny. “What, I said it so he couldn’t hear.” Dash tried to play it cool, feeling her resolves crumble from Fluttershy’s constant stare. Dash hadn’t even realized she was lying down now, those soft blue eyes hard. “Is this the way I looked at her? All those times I got so mad?” Dash thought to herself.

Fluttershy felt like crying, knowing she was having to be so harsh to Dash right now. But she kept strong. “Ugh, please understand Dashie. Please try it my way, a little kindness goes a long way. It’s all part of my plan.”

Once the stare was broken, Dash was sitting up again, though not so aggressively. “What is your plan Shy? Let him walk all over us as he destroys this town?”

Fluttershy cast another mean look as she tidied up. “You need to learn to trust me Rainbow Dash, if you ever hope for this relationship to work out.” The yellow pegasus simply said.

Dash flinched from the words. That sentence made it feel like somepony just poured cement in her stomach. She didn’t know how to respond. So she went on the defensive again as they all followed Fluttershy into the living room. “He is being horrible though.”

Fluttershy picked up some books off the floor as she replaced them on the shelf. She saw Discord patiently sitting, and she put on her friendliest face as she fluttered about fixing things. “He may be horrible, but that doesn’t mean we have to act the same way.”

She saw as Angel was at his wits end as he glared at the resting malevolent creature. She realized maybe she could try asking Angel for permission to get him to get along. “We can at least try and be hospitable.” she said with a smile toward Twilight, noticing Dash facing the wall, not wanting to spare a glance toward anypony.

“You don’t mind giving up your favorite spot on the couch, do you Angel Bunny?” Fluttershy half pleaded, half asked with big happy eyes as she tried to block his path of vengeance.

He zipped right past her and went straight for Discord’s dragon foot. He pulled with all his remaining strength, little tiny grunts showing his determination.

Discord just laid there and smiled the whole time, watching the rabbit wear out the last of his energy and walk away, defeated. He glanced up and saw the Element of Kindness fluttering about above him.

She was nervous again, with the stress of her friends here. “Oh, I’m sorry about Angel.” She patted his knee again, concerned. “Are you alright?”

Rainbow Dash was following the whole scene by looking through the mirror, her wings beating furiously. And she was not liking what she was seeing here. She literally had to bite down on her tongue, because she didn’t want to risk losing Fluttershy for some knee touch.

Discord looked genuinely surprised that this tiny pony was so concerned about his safety and comfort, even if it was from some weak rabbit. It fascinated him how she continued to defend him against those she obviously cared for and look up to. He decided that his plans would fall together all too easily.

“Oh yes, thank you for your concern Fluttershy. If only your pony friends could be as considerate.” He egged them on, keeping one eye on the easiest to anger.

Rainbow Dash was in the middle of everything again. “Don’t listen to him Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash flew to be eye to eye with her lover. They both looked deeply into the other’s gaze, both feeling the strain. “He’s just trying to drive a wedge between us like he always does!” Dash tried desperately to make her mare friend see reason.

Discord smiled at their suffering as he threw his arms in the air. “Now WHY in the world would I ever try to do a thing like that?” Discord impishly said, faking his innocence to the point of making others gag.

Rainbow Dash flew right up to him, to meet him eye to eye, looking as ticked off as ever. “So we can’t unite and use the Elements of Harmony against you! That’s why!” Rainbow defended, feeling as if she were the only one to see through his plans.

Discord rolled his eyes, truly shocked at how easy it was to manipulate the blue one. He was having way too much fun messing around with Loyalty. “Ah, I never thought of that.” He over acted again.

Rainbow Dash was red faced as she flew back to her friends, trying to remain cool. “Ya big liar!” she yelled, not looking at him.

Fluttershy was sitting, making a silence sign as she brought a hoof to her lips, hoping to stop this fight before it escalated.

Everypony turned to see Discord tiny on the sofa, no bigger than Angel. “Now look who’s a liar. Anyone can plainly see I’m not big at all!”

In a flash Angel was on the attack again, lounging straight for the mini Discord when he returned to his normal size and kicked him across the room. He turned his head when he heard something fall and break. “Oops.” He looked completely neutral when he saw the remnants of a lamp on the floor. He did frown though when he heard a soft and timid gasp.

Fluttershy was floating in the air, hooves held up to cover a small scream. It was horrible, a priceless gift, a hoof made lamp her grandmother had made her before she passed, an item that Fluttershy had always held dear. And now it was shattered into glass all over the floor. Her eyes began to water as her hooves stifled a little sniffle.

Discord could not keep his eyes off of hers. How they glistened from the tears. How the tears fell slowly but surely, staining her pretty yellow fur on her face. Discord groaned inwardly as he rolled his red eyes. He was really beginning to hate these inappropriate feelings. Something about seeing her sad and in tears just didn’t sit right with him, and it made his stomach feel unsettled. He decided he needed to fix the situation, with his own twist. With a snap of his claws, it instantly turned into a Discord lamp.

“There, all better.” He looked back to see a pesky white rabbit sitting happily in his spot, so he was sure to snap his tail and send him to the floor.

Applejack covered her face with her hat as Pinkie and Rarity were already leaving. “I can’t watch.”

Rainbow Dash was still steaming, trying to keep herself in check. “We’ll be outside.” She said as she went from glaring at her enemy to looking concerned for her mare friend.

“I’m still waiting for that apology Dashie! I guess your mommy didn’t teach you very well!” he gleefully looked at the flash of anger in her eyes as he put a claw to his lips, noticing how everything went quiet and everypony stopped dead in their tracks. “Oopsies!”

Rainbow Dash was about to go head first to him when she felt Fluttershy’s small frame hold her back, the yellow mare trembling in fear of a fight. “Please Dashie, don’t!”

“Who the hell do you think you are? What gives you the right to talk about my mother like that?” her voice rose and grew darker with each word. She cast an angry eye to the pegasus holding her back. There was pain and sorrow in the magenta eyes which flowed into the soul of her other half. “Did you tell him that, Fluttershy?” she said in a soft voice, one that was hurt and confused.

Fluttershy was at a loss for words. She shook her head violently, not knowing how he knew.

Discord just kept on whistling until the focus was on him again. “Tsk tsk Dashie.” Fluttershy felt her lover shake with anger each time he called her that as her breath became more ragged. “It is so clear to anypony after all. While the rest of you were so easily tricked with just a few simple words, even getting you to abandon your friends so easily, the same can not be said for Fluttershy here.”

He was in between the two pegasi, pushing the rainbow one out of the way and stroking the face of his host. “I had to use my, special touch, on her.” He flicked her ear, making her cringe and shiver from the cold as her skin crawled. “So while implanting her mean streak, I got access to all of her memories.”

He was back on the sofa again, “So I have seen all those tender moments you two have shared since fillyhood. And how cute and desperate she was for you in flight school, her heart continuously crushing on you, looking from afar, hopelessly waiting! It’s all quite touching really, how she wasted so much time on a pony who could not read the signs.”

“Discord, enough.” Fluttershy pleaded. “It’s embarrassing!”

“And to think of the night where your love blossomed, truly bitter sweet! Tell me Fluttershy, how did you get those scars on your wings that you have been hiding from me?” he said, like twisting a knife in Rainbow’s back, watched her grind her teeth as her eyes began to water from pain and anger.

“Discord!” Fluttershy yelled at full force, making the disharmonious creature cup his paws together. “That is enough! All of that is personal, and I don’t appreciate how you are making it sound!” she yelled while stomping a hoof.

He looked unfazed as he leaned back on the couch. “As you wish, Fluttershy.”

“How did he know about our fight, or my scars?” she thought, a little concerned about the extent of his powers.

He looked right at her, seemingly reading her mind, “There is so much you can learn, just from a pony’s eyes.” He said in a dead serious voice.

Fluttershy felt her insides twist and turn with unease at his expression. He seemed more filled with malice now. She looked back to see Rainbow Dash teary eyes, snarling her disgust to the alien creature. “Dashie.” Was all she could say, heart broken to see all the turmoil her lover was going through.

Rainbow Dash felt like she was at ground zero again, everything she had been working so hard for being ripped from her heart as Discord continued to deceive Fluttershy. She spared a final glance, hurting too much to stare longer than a moment. “Like I said, I’ll be outside.”

Twilight was mediator again as she placed a caring hoof on Fluttershy. She looked as the rest of their friends were already out of the door. She looked into Fluttershy’s scared eyes, “You sure you’re ok with this?” Twilight asked, still not sure if this was the best idea.

Fluttershy did her best to put on her best smile after all the things that just took place. “I know this won’t be easy. But Princess Celestia is counting on me.” The words rung true in her yellow ears as she started smiling for real. “And, I think I actually know what to do!” she said, sure of herself.

Twilight saw the sparkle in her eyes, caught off guard. “You do?”

Fluttershy was completely oblivious to the chaos behind her. “I think the key is to befriend him. And being kind and letting him be my house guest is the best way to do that.” She released her plan to the smartest of her friends.

Twilight thought it over quickly, trying to way out the pros and cons. She was still not 100% sure, but she decided her yellow friend would not be risking so much if she wasn’t 100% sure. “And you really think that will work.” She smiled to see Fluttershy brighten up as her courage built.

“I think it’s worth a try.” She stated.

“Ok, if you need us, just whisper help. And we will be back here with our elements.” She smiled softly to her shy yet brave friend. Her demeanor totally changed though when she looked to the trickster who brought her so much grief. She pointed an accusing hoof to him. “So watch that goat legged step of yours, pal!” she yelled.

They both looked to see him carrying an angry Angel by the legs as he poked him softly. Discord quickly changed the scene to them having a sophisticated cup of tea together. “Why what! Why, look at me! I’m practically reformed already!” he said in a snobbish voice.

Twilight looked to an embarrassed Fluttershy, the unicorn feeling skeptical about leaving the two polar opposites alone.

“Be right back Discord!” Fluttershy called out as she trotted out the door to see Rainbow Dash sitting there.

The cyan mare touched foreheads with the smaller pegasus, dying to hold on to whatever she could. She felt her heart skip a beat to see the kind mare shut her eyes and relish the touch. She shut her eyes too and took a whiff of her scent, not wanting to break contact. “Please Fluttershy, be careful. I don’t trust him”

Fluttershy felt her ears flick back as her brow lowered. She sighed as she was the one to pull away from the tender moment she didn’t want to end. She looked into the somber eyes of her beloved. “You don’t have to trust him Dashie. You just have to trust me. That’s all you’ve ever had to do.”

Rainbow Dash felt sick, not knowing what to think. “This is different, isn’t it? It’s not my insecurities. It’s not our friends, or even some strange pony putting on the moves. It’s Discord, the guy that wants to break us apart and watch the world burn for his amusement.”

She trembled as she felt Fluttershy gently nudge noses with her in one desperate last attempt to comfort her and stay close. If I keep fighting her to keep her safe, I will probably lose her as a mare friend. Her thoughts turned darker of a certain chaotic spirit engulfing a certain pegasi in flames. But if I don’t try to make her come to her senses about him, I will lose him to her.

Rainbow Dash lost her voice as Fluttershy looked hurt. The animal lover gave a weak nod to her friends as she went back into her cottage. The Cloudsdale native decided, she needed to get them away from each other, and get rid of Discord, once and for all.

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone. Hope all you moms out there had an amazing Mother’s day. So, big bad Discord is back to bring the chaos. I felt Fluttershy’s and Discord’s friendship was glossed over, barely showing how it developed. So I am trying to give them something to work with. Things seem conflicted, and they are. I hope I am giving my favorite bad guy his fair share, and doing him justice. And just when things seemed to be looking up for the two pegasi. I had no idea how to explain Celestia, so I decided to have Dash complain about it. So, did it feel right? please feel free to let me know. This is my first time writing Discord, or a humorous bad guy for that matter. So it’s still kind of trial and error. And as always, thanks for reading, and thanks for my two pals spell checking. Everyone have a beautiful day!