Chapter 13

The Beast and the Shifter

Over the course of the following weeks, winter’s frigid temperatures depleted making way for the spring. With the help from the Pegasi of Cloudsdale, the weather was made perfect for the Earth Ponies to pile their wagons with wood and supplies needed for construction. In no time they headed down the mountain to begin work on what would soon become known as Ponyville. The Unicorns proceeded to help out too, and made use of their magic to help the process move faster than originally thought. Placing themselves at a perfect angle the architects and drafters worked together to draw the layout of the town. Once satisfied, they handed the prints over the Earth Ponies who took on the assignments with pride and began forming teams. After hours of work the land was already showing signs of change. The Unicorns helped out by using their magic to dig out precise amounts of the earth to leave way for houses, shops, and dinning. With the rest of the land changing at their will, one part of the growing town refused to cooperate. At the center of the work site, the symbol of the counter spell used against the Defiler remained intact. No matter how hard the Unicorns tried to remove it, each attempt proved to be useless. In the end it was decided that the Town’s hall would be built on top of it. At least if that worked, the Symbol would forever be hidden out of sight. To their relief the marked piece of land didn’t object to having a solid mass placed over it. Thanks to the Pegasi, the plans for Ponyville went off with no setbacks in weather. As the town continued to take form, from above, Cloudsdale moved their growing population to live along the ponies of Ponyville. Their building plans however, were something they themselves had to carry out. For the Unicorns and Earth Ponies couldn’t fly.

The Royal Family was pleased with how well the plans were going so far. The four Alicorns went down to the new town every now and then to check on how the ponies were doing. Each time they visited they were met with friendly greetings and a quick up to date progression on both the town and Cloudsdale. One day, they flew up to a vast cloud where upon arrival they saw that the cloud was taking shape of multiple buildings and stairs that connected them to the rest of the cloud. The feeling of walking on the large floating structure was like walking on solid ground that was forever damp and cold. They were shown how the Pegasi would line the clouds up in just the right way that the light from the sun combined with the moister from the cloud would make the white surface change colors at a curtain time of day. The Pegasi flying by were placing more clouds outside of the structure in order to make homes for the new inhabitants. The Royal Family was told that this part of Cloudsdale would take less than a month until it was complete. As unbelievable as it was, Both Ponyville and Cloudsdale would be completed by the end of spring and be ready to inhabit by summer.

With the prospect of having not one but two new places for the ponies of Equestria to inhabit the only thing remaining was what would happen to the Everfree Forest? Would the citizens of Ponyville be willing to venture into the forest once the dark magic from within was gone? It would be up to the Shapeshifter to fulfill his promise and rid the forest of the Defiler’s magic. Celestia and Luna told their parents about the encounter they had with the being and said that he might be able to fix the problem. King Night Shade went into the forest looking for the being, but found nothing. The two sisters never saw the Shapeshifter again after that. Was it possible that he had been scared away by the same thing that was spooking all the animals? Celestia and Luna tried to look for the strange creature themselves, but came up with nothing. Still, while Ponyville was undergoing construction, a creature was watching from the forest. By taking the form of a bird he liked to venture out of his boundaries and observe the ponies. It was clear that the rest of the animals didn’t like him, but he didn’t care. A quick touch of his magic put an end to their complaining. During his exploring, the Shapeshifter began to think that once the forest was under his control, this would serve to be the perfect spot for the epicenter of his out of control world. It was only a matter of time now. Soon he would be able to do just that. But one thing still stood between him and his new world. The King and Queen of Canterlot would no doubt become a threat once he revealed himself. Or would they? He remembered that he had tricked the two Princesses in trusting him and that was a start, but the King and Queen wouldn’t be fooled. Hadn’t they been to the forest looking for something? And haven’t the Princesses been snooping around a lot too? A troubling thought hit him. What if the two Princesses told their parents what had happened and they already figured out who the Shapeshifter was and are only waiting until he reveals himself for their moment to strike! He had to know! He had to find out! All his planning couldn’t be in jeopardy, not when the real fun hasn’t even begun yet! He had to reach the two Princesses! It was time they had another chat. Setting his sights on the castle, the Shapeshifter flew off and made his way to Canterlot city. Once there, he flew behind a shop and reappeared as a brown Earth Pony. Now all he had to do was make his way to the castle… He quickly wished he had flown closer. How could a structure that large look so close, but be farther away?

Inside the castle, Celestia and Luna were just about to finish another lesson with Princess Aurora and Platinum. A new addition to the training was Snap Shot, who quickly made Celestia feel uncomfortable and wasted no time in objecting to this arrangement.

“No, way!” she said, feeling her face grow red.

“And why not?” asked Snap Shot bemused.

“Aurora, can’t Luna…”

“I will go through the same thing with her after you.” Snap Shot said simply. “Now come on! This is important!”

“I… I think Luna should have the honor first!” Said Celestia. “Go on Luna, don’t keep the Captain waiting!”

“What on earth has gotten into you?!” Snap Shot asked starting to get a little annoyed.

“Nothing!” said Celestia. “I just think Luna should go first this time.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am,”

“Celestia, would it kill you to take things seriously for once!”

Celestia shot up and rounded on the Captain who understandably was backing away. The angry look in Celestia’s eyes was a living shadow of their mother as they belittled the Captain.

“For your information Captian, I am taking this very seriously!” Celestia said in a dangerous tone. “I don’t expect you to understand what it is like to have all this pressure on you, but it hasn’t been a walk around castle grounds!”

“He didn’t mean anything by it Celestia!” said Aurora trying to calm the situation.

“Oh yes he did!” snapped Celestia. “He’s always been like this! Criticizing me and my sister on a daily basis, thinking that we aren’t cut out to rule over Canterlot!”

“That isn’t true!” Snap Shot said at last. “Despite how I act, don’t think for one moment that I don’t have complete faith in you two!”

Celestia felt her heart jump. She hadn’t expected this. She wasn’t sure that she wanted to either. Snap Shot glared at her while she stared open mouthed.

“Princess Aurora, shall we end the lesson for the day. I think her highness isn’t feeling up to the task!”

Just then, Celestia took Snap shots hoof and gave him a nod of gratitude.

“Celestia, do you wish to continue?” asked Aurora.

“Y-yes,” said Celestia knowing that it was too late to back down now. “Please, let’s continue!”

The rest of the lesson was past by in awkward exchanges of greetings and dismissals. By the time they had finished, Celestia was more emotionally confused than ever. Not just by Snap Shot’s usual attitude toward her and Luna, but because she had no idea how to approach him. It seemed nearly impossible to treat him like she usually did. This sudden shyness made Luna’s job of hiding what she had seen in her sister’s dreams all the more difficult. Celestia felt her ears lower and her face go slightly pink as the Captain would take her hoof and bow politely to her. Truly, this was something Celestia had to overcome if she and Luna were to get anywhere with their training. Even more so, she would have to decide what to tell the Captain eventually before her hidden feelings got the best of her and made her do something she would really regret. She at least had some good news to tell her parents. That morning for the slightest second she felt the Sun’s pull and prevented it from rising for a full five seconds. To Celestia, it was a clear sign that the powers of the Sun Princess were at last being shown. When she told Luna about her brief moment of excitement, she followed up with the news that her powers were also growing stronger.

They were about to check on their parents in the study room when they heard their fathers voice coming from the main hall. Looking over the railing they saw King Shade accompanied by one of the Royal Guard. He was talking to him in a hushed tone.

“And has anypony else stumbled across it?” Night Shade asked.

“No my liege!” said the guard firmly. “No one but us! Shall I tell the Captain so he can send a small number of the guards out just incase?”

“No. You and the rest leave as soon as possible. No need to draw unnecessary attention. And with Ponyville and Cloudsdale on the way, we don’t need any more surprises.”

“Understood your majesty! And speaking of surprises, what about your uh… Other unexpected… Thing?”

The king stopped just as he was about to open the throne room doors. He looked back at the guard who immediately froze. Thinking that he had said something he shouldn’t have he quickly made to correct himself, but Night Shade spoke first in a way that both pardoned and demanded the guards full attention.

“Yes, as for that… The thing you speak of is waiting for me behind these doors. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if my wife isn’t having a pleasant chat with him.”

“Forgive me my king, but are you sure you can trust him? I mean his kind are…”

“I am aware of their past history.” said Night Shade pleasantly. “But make no mistake that I have complete trust in this individual. I might even ask him to help out with the building of Ponyville. It might make things run more smoothly and quicker with someone of his build!”

The king simply smiled at the speechless expression he was being given and turned back to open the doors. The guard stared at the disappearing king and once the doors closed he left to inform the rest of his unit what Night Shade had ordered. He had just past over the spot where Celestia and Luna were eavesdropping when he looked up to see no one above him. Back in their rooms, Celestia and Luna had slipped out through their bedroom windows and exchanged understanding looks. Their parents were meeting with someone the guard was worried about and something once again had been kept secret form them. They reached an agreement as they hovered next to the windows. If their parents weren’t going to tell them such important things in person, then they would have to find out through other means. Together they flew over to the throne room where they inched toward the balcony. Landing as quite as possible, they crept to the doors and placed their heads on either side. They heard their mother talking to someone and soon they heard their father again followed by a rough voice they had never heard before.

“I thought we told you to keep a low profile Scorpan?” said Night Shade humorously.

“And I told you that it would be easier said than done.” said the one named Scorpan. “The only way I would be able to do that is if these meetings were held at night.”

“And yet, here you are. Why turn up now? Surly you must have your reasons.”

“Indeed, that is why I’m here! I’m afraid I have troubling news.”

Silence took over. Celestia and Luna pressed their heads against the doors making sure to catch every word. Finally, it was Star Bright who spoke first.

“Does it have to do with your brother?”

Although Celestia and Luna couldn’t see it, Scorpan nodded.

“Very well,” said Star Bright frowning and her gaze turned to the balcony doors. “Before we continue I think its time you meet somepony. Celestia, Luna, come inside.”

Celestia and Luna froze. How on earth did she know they were there? Once again the queen was showing off how hard it was to have things go unnoticed without her knowing about it. The balcony doors opened revealing the two sisters. Wearing sheepish looks that weren’t met by their parents or the thing behind them. The creature stood seven feet tall, his pupils black and eyes yellow. He had a long brown mane that reached his stomach. Long muscular arms sagged to the floor, his claws dug nervously at the ground. His furry body was a much lighter brown than his mane. From behind him they could see a long tail brushing across the floor.

Without anything to say to the tall strange creature in the castle, Celestia and Luna only stared taking in every bit of him they could see.

“Perhaps I should leave your majesties?” The creature named Scorpan spoke in a low croaky voice.

“Do not worry Scorpan,” said Queen Star Bright reassuringly. “As I said before, you are welcome here! Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the old villagers from the old town are thinking about living in Ponyville by now! I am sure they will be delighted to see you again!”

“That maybe, but your daughters and other ponies may think differently,” said Scorpan, his eyes staring down at the dumbstruck look the two Princesses were giving him.

Night Shade and Star Bright saw this too and quickly made to correct Scorpan’s suspicions.

“Luna, Celestia, This is Scorpan,” Night Shade said clearing his throat loudly. “He is an old friend of ours and of those who had lost their homes during the Defiler’s awakening.”

Celestia continued to star open mouthed at the creature until Luna gave her sharp nudge in the ribs.

“Ouch! What? I mean… It’s an honor to meet you. I think?”

Rolling her eyes Luna made to speak.

“I think what my sister means is that we never had the privilege to meet before.”

“You are correct Princess!” growled Scorpan before sinking into a deep bow.

This time it was Luna’s turn for a hard nudge to the ribs. When Scorpan’s back bent over they saw two long bat wings that were neatly folded.

“We have never met before until now. I am Scorpan, younger brother of Tirek, and friends with the great Starswirl the Bearded and your mother and father!”

Scorpan staid where he was for some time before Celestia realized a little too late, that she or Luna was supposed to tell the beast to rise. Luckily for them their mother stepped in and patted Scorpan on the back making him shoot up instantly. Hoping to by pass the embarrassed looks their parents were giving them, Celestia was first to speak.

“So, Scorpan is it? What brings you here? I mean, where did you come from? I mean… Sorry.”

“No worries, Princess! I come from a far land in the west. Where the heat is fit for no traveling ponies and the land is harsh and dry. As for what brings me here, my big brother and I have traveled for a chance to speak directly to the King and Queen about recent problems our kind has been going through.”

“You mean there are more of you?” asked Celestia thinking that if Scorpan was this tall, how big must the rest of his kind be?

“Oh yes, there are more of us. We live in the places ponies and Griffons normally avoid. Until recently that is. Ponies and Griffons are growing more adventurous by the day and it’s making those of us who have thrived unseen for some time, a little nervous.”

The royal family listened as Scorpan filled them in on what has been happening over the past five years. First the three races of ponies were seen passing by the unknown lands. At first Scorpan and the rest of the hidden creatures thought it was just a passing phase and the travelers were only taking long routs to their destinations. But then, more ponies dared to venture out of their homelands and enter the unknown. Then came the Griffins.

“What?” came the confused voice of King Night Shade.

“That can’t be right,” said Queen Star Bright thinking back to the last time she and her husband had heard from the Griffins. “Dear, didn’t you say that the general made it perfectly clear to you in his letter, that his kind hasn’t done any extensive traveling since the Defiler was defeated?”

“Well, it looks like someone on their side has!” Growled Scorpan. “And now both ponies and Griffons are spreading their territory throughout the lands!”

“I can’t believe this!” said Night Shade bewildered, though he too looked a little troubled by the news. “Yes, I’ll be writing back to the general, I can promise you that! If they want us to stay on good terms with them, then they need to start being honest with us!”

Scorpan was about to get to the point of his return in the day when the throne room doors opened and Snap Shot stepped in. When everyone turned to see the captain, he stopped in his tracks staring open mouthed at the tall creature.

“Pardon the intrusion my liege!” he said still eyeing Scorpan’s bizarre features.

“Not, not at all, Snap Shot,” said Night Shade patiently. “What is it?”

“Her highnesses are to… Come with… Me…” Snap Shot said, pointing a hoof at Celestia and Luna, but his eyes were still on the large flying beast. “There is somepony here who claims they know them and wishes to speak with them as soon as possible. But, if you are too busy with this, uh… thing, I can send him away.”

“I think we’re too busy here Snap Shot,” said Luna, making sure that her and her sister’s intentions of staying were clear. “You can tell whoever is there too…”

“They will be happy to accompany you Captain,” said Star Bright before her daughter could finish.

“What?!” exclaimed Luna and Celestia at once.

“But, but mother, we want to here what Scorpan has to say!” Luna said pleadingly.

“Now Luna,” said Star Bright facing her youngest daughter. “You and Celestia head along now. The pony outside sounds like his business is greater for you to hear than whatever Scorpan has to say here.”

“But…”

“Luna, now please, while he is still waiting.”

Reluctantly, Luna and Celestia followed Snap Shot out of the throne room where Star Bright made the doors behind them close. The two sisters were at a loss for words. Once again their parents had shut them out of important business. Wasn’t it going to be their duty as Princesses to one day attend these meetings? So why were there parents constantly telling them to focus on their princess studies, but whenever they wanted to participate in such important duties to the throne, they were denied the chance to prove themselves? This time, the thing holding them back was a pony they knew. Could it be one of their friends who had requested to see them at such a bad time? What could possibly be more important than sudden Griffon activity and what ever else Scorpan had to say? Whatever else the beast had to tell their parents, they weren’t likely to find out now. Snap Shot opened the front doors and led them to the gate where two guards stood at attention looking down on the pony just outside the gates. Above them, more guards looked down on the scene with their spears held tight ready for any suspicious activity. As the three approached the gate the two sisters saw a brown Earth Pony with an untidy mane and tail who looked pleased to see them. It wasn’t one of heir friends at all. Looking disappointed, Luna approached the gate first and eyed the strange pony.

“Guards who is this?” she asked.

“You don’t know him your highness?” asked one of the two guards.

“No, I don’t,” replied Luna staring carefully at the smiling Earth Pony.

“He says he knows you and your sister,” said the guard starting to suspect something wasn’t right.

“Oh, I think you do know me your highness,” said the Earth Pony stepping closer to the gate.

“Stay where you are!” demanded the guard.

“May I suggest we take our business elsewhere? I have something very important to tell you two. Just as soon as your sister gets here that is… Ah, there she is!”

“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid we don’t know you,” said Celestia kindly as she stepped beside her little sister. “Have we met?”

“Oh, you could say that,” said the pony sounding bored. “Why, we met in the Everfree Forest. Don’t you remember? Look carefully at me. Do these eyes look familiar to you?”

Just then the guards above acted instinctively and pointed their spears threateningly down at the pony who had gotten so close to the gate that his snout touched the black bars.

“I don’t think so!”

There was the sound a sword being drawn and the sisters felt themselves being pulled back by the two guards as Snap Shot marched forward, his horn glowing and sword hovering in front of him as he pointed the tip of his sword at the pony who remained where he was.

“What are you Imposter? Speak!”

Above the Earth Pony, the guards waited for their captain to give the word for them to strike the faker down. The Shapeshifter had decided to turn his clear blue eyes back to yellow with small red pupils. Still he remained where he was, looking past Snap Shot to where Celestia and Luna had been moved for their protection.

“Step away from the gate!” ordered Snap Shot threateningly.

“Now, now, what’s this?” asked the Shapeshifter completely oblivious to Snap Shot, and the rest of the guards who all had their weapons drawn. “I sense hostility coming from you. Was it something I said?”

“I’m not going to ask again! Get back!”

“All I want is a word with her highnesses.”

“If they say they don’t know you…”

“Ah, but they do,” said the Shapeshifter matter-of-factly. “Oh Pincesses, could you come here for sec and put this ones mind at ease?”

The Shapeshifter made to tap the bars with his hoof, but Snap Shot reacting instantly, thrust his sword forward. The Shapeshifter moved his neck back only to allow the sword to move its full extent before its guard clanged against the bars. Daring to tap the tip with his hoof the fake Earth Pony stared back amused at the captains sudden violent approach.

“Nice sword,” he said as the weapon clinked softly with each tap his hoof gave it.

“Wha…?! Do you think this some sort of game?!” demanded Snap Shot the fire in his eyes starting to get tested by the Shapeshifter cool attitude.

“I do love games, but no. This is no game. All I want is a quick word with her highnesses and I’ll be on my way. I swear.”

“How… You can’t just… What makes you think we’ll just let the Princesses anywhere near you?!”

“It’s alright Snap Shot!” Came Clestia’s voice from behind.

She and Luna made to approach the armed captain, the other two guards followed close on either side. Their spears held at the ready.

“Everyone lower your weapons!” Luna ordered with her booming voice.

At once the guards accompanying them and the ones above placed their spears close to their sides once more. But their eyes still stayed focused on the scene at the gate. Snap Shot was the only one who didn’t obey. He continued to stare down the imposter. The tip of his sword was still pointed directly at the pony’s snout.

“Snap Shot, didn’t you hear me? I said…”

“Sorry Princess,” said Snap Shot his eyes still fixated on the pony in front of him. “But this… thing, has stayed his welcome! Now this is your last chance to step away from the castle or I will give the order for your capture!”

“No!” Celestia said aloud. “Snap Shot, it’s alright we remember now! We have met him before.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, he’s a friend. He can be trusted.”

Reluctantly and still eyeing the faker with deep suspicion, Snap Shot pulled his sword back sheathing it. The Shapeshifter, satisfied with the two princesses at coming to his aid gave another wide grin as he bowed his head in respect to them.

“Thank you, your highnesses! Now, where was I? Oh, that’s right, I have come here to give you important information!”

He stepped close to the gate again making the guards grip their weapons tightly. Ignoring them he signaled Celestia to come closer. She was close enough to him, that their snouts were inches away from touching the gate.

“I think I know how I can save the forest.”

“Really?!” exclaimed Celestia just as quietly. “You figured it out?! How?”

“It will be easier if you come and see for yourselves.”

Celestia gave him an understanding look before requesting the gate to be opened. When Luna followed Celestia out to the streets Snap Shot made to accompany them. The Shapeshifter didn’t like this idea and looked back at the unwanted third party member.

“Sorry Snap Shot,” said Celestia. “But this is something me and Luna have to do alone.”

“My, apologies Princess Celestia,” said Snap Shot not sounding sorry at all. “But I must insist that I or somepony else accompanies you two!”

“Not this time Snap!” said Celestia sounding more demanding.

Snap Shot looked at Luna hoping that she would object to this, but she too was looking at him as if to say, “She’s right.” He then noticed the Shapeshifter who had a slight spark go off in his eyes as if he was thoroughly enjoying his rejection. Straightening up, Snap Shot stomped the ground with his hoof before marching back to opened gate. The gate made a slamming noise as it closed behind him. Sighing, Celestia turned back to hers and Luna escort and had him lead them down to the forest. At the edge of the city cliff, the Shapeshifter turned back into a bird before flying off. Celestia and Luna followed close behind. Once they had reentered the Everfree Forest, the Shapeshifter turned back to his pony form and began inspecting the ground.

“So, how are you going to fix the forest?” asked Celestia.

“It’s simple,” said the Shapeshifter giving a nearby pebble a kick. “I will use my magic to fight back this magic!”

“Is that it?” asked Luna. “Anypony could have done that by now! Our mother and father even tried to fix what the Defilers dark magic had done. What makes you think yours will be any different?”

“They might have tried their magic, but not dark magic.”

“Now hang on, Dark Magic? I thought the whole point of doing this was to get rid of the dark magic that’s already here!”

“Ah, Princess,” sighed the Shapeshifter. “You’re both still too young to understand, but some times you need to fight fire with fire. The flames that dragon produced wasn’t natural fire. It was something else. Cursed fire if my suspicions are correct. No ordinary magic will be able to undo what has been done here.”

“I don’t know,” said Luna thoughtfully. “So many things could go wrong.”

The two sisters considered the Shapeshifter for some time wondering what would happen if they allow him to continue on with his plan. The clone master had a feeling that they were beginning to doubt him, so he decided to give them an example of his powers. Picking a nearby tree at random he made his hoof glow and placed it on the trunk and focused hard. The tree began to glow a bright shimmering yellow. Celestia and Luna watched in amazement as the once dead tree sprung back to life. Its color returning and naked branches sprouting a full canopy with dangling vines. The bark that was once charred was now a dark purple color.

“Please, by all means take a look,” the Shapeshifter insisted.

Celestia and Luna flew up to the newly formed leaves and examined them. True their new dark colors were odd and all but as a whole, it didn’t look bad. On the contrary, it was nice to at long last see life return.

“What do you think?” asked the Shapeshifter from below.

“It’s, it’s… Well, there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with it,” said Luna prodding the vine with her hoof.

“Are you kidding?!” exclaimed Celestia growing more excited. “This is brilliant! Mr. Shapeshifter, if this is what you had in mind, when can you start?”

“Are you saying you will give me permission to do it?” asked the Shapeshifter hiding his own growing excitement.

Celestia and Luna landed back on the forest floor. The newly born tree acting as a beckon of confidence as Celestia said the words the Shifter was waiting for.

“Mr. Shapeshifter, we give you permission to carry on with remaking the Everfree Forest! Help us restore this place back to its rightful state!”

“And I will do just that!” said the fake Pony sinking into a deep bow.

For a split second Luna could have sworn she saw the pony’s eyes flash mischievously, but the moment passed and the three once again rose above the forest and made their way back to Canterlot. Right when they were only several feet away from the cities cliff. The small bird behind them suddenly froze. His gaze was fixed on a large form that had flown off the castle balcony and headed not toward the forest, but to Ponyville.

“Mr. Shapeshifter?” Celestia called to the bird. “What’s the matter?”

“Impossible,” said the Master of Chaos following Scorpan’s body in the distance as he flew by. “What was he doing here?”

“Who, Scorpan?” asked Celestia also watching as the beasts body drew close to the small town. “He came by around the same time you did.”

“What?”

“Yeah, he knows our mother and father and Starswirl the Bearded! I wonder why he’s headed for Ponyville?”

“Mother did say that some of the ponies down there know him,” said Luna joining in. “Maybe Scorpan decided to take up on their offer and help out with construction. It would help move things along quicker with him there!”

Discord, in his bird form, continued to stare down at the town where Scorpan had gone and knew that his plan might fail if he has already given him away. Celestia saw the worried look on the birds face and knew something was wrong.

“Um, Mr. Shapeshifter? Do you know Scorpan?”

Discord didn’t respond. His small body froze. His nerves began to shatter and his mind began to race. What if the King and Queen knew about him? If he was right in suspecting so, then now was the time to act. Now was the time to…

“Mr. Shapeshifter?”

“What?!”

“I asked if you knew Scorpan?”

“I… Might have ran into him once before,” said Discord refusing to make eye contact.

This needed to be taken care of and he knew just who to speak to.

“Tell you what, you two head along! There’s a lot to do if we want the Everfree to return!”

“Well, ok then,” said Luna. “We’ll tell our parents about what’s going on and…”

“NO!” Discord shouted.

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, don’t tell them. Not yet.”

Discord began to think. He needed an excuse and he needed one quick.

“I got it!” he cried, regaining some of his confidence back. “I’ll make it a surprise for them! I’ll tell you two when the forest is back to normal of course and then you can show them yourselves!”

Before Celestia or Luna could respond to this offer Discord flew off at top speed, disappearing under the cover of the forest.