The Heart of Pleasure
By Haunter Rayne
Ch 72 – Pleasure’s Recourse

Anxieties were high in Canterlot Castle as Twilight looked to Shining with worry. “Are you sure that you’re going to be able to keep this up? I don’t want something happening to my big brother because he overtaxed himself on using magic.” She said as a bolt of magic shot upwards from his horn like a firecracker. Once well overhead the magic dispersed across a shield that fell over Canterlot like a veil. On the outside, tree branches and twisted vines battered against the magical barrier but to no effect.

“Heh, not to worry.” Shining Armor said with confidence. “This used to be my regular job back before I got married and moved to the Crystal Empire, remember?” Then he wrapped a hoof around Twilight’s neck as they walked back inside to the throne room from the outdoor balcony.

“We really are ever so grateful to have your assistance here in Canterlot again.” Celestia called out joyously.

“Yes, and please send our condolences to Cadence for us stealing you away from her until we get this mess solved.” Luna added as she watched the white stallion approached with Twilight by his side.

“So, what are we going to do about the actual problem?” The purple princess asked to the others. “We have things settled here, Star Swirl is more than capable of keeping the trees away from Ponyville, and the other Pillars have already been sent out in search of anypony in need along the boarders of the forest. So… the question left to us is what is causing this?”

Even though it was short, barely half a second even, there was a short pause as Discord hovered playing cards with himself until everyone looked in his direction. “Oh now really! Would everypony please stop staring at me every time someone asks that question out loud? Truth be told, I’ve actually found it far more entertaining to be on the side of good than I ever did reigning chaos on my own.”

“Yes but...” Luna began. “What about something you may have setup a long time ago? The Plunderseed incident was set in motion long before you were reformed. Could this not be something else that maybe you have forgotten?”

Now Discord’s smile faded to an unenthused glower. “Trust me princess, that is not the case. You know that dark stallion who showed up in Ponyville that everyone seems to be so taken with? Let’s just say that he was hurt during the commotion in all this. And that my dear Luna is not something that I would have any part in.” Now the princess of the night gasped in worry but Discord continued with a sarcastic smirk. “And besides, I went around undoing all of my ‘lingering ploys’ a long time ago. You wouldn’t believe how many of them there were still just lying around.” He snickered as Celestia stared at him nervously.

“Psst… Twily. Is it okay for me to pressure us to stay on topic this time?” Shining Armor asked to her even though the others could clearly hear him.

Rolling her eyes with a smile she said, “Hmm, let’s see. No heart felt emotional confessions of misery? No lengthy backstory of deep seated emotional turmoil? Hehe, then yes. I would say that would be perfectly fine.”

Nodding seriously has if he had not caught on to her obvious sarcasm Shining Armor now deepened his voice to an overly masculine tone and said, “Ahem, now getting back to the primary issue…”

Discord, Celestia, and Luna all looked to one another as if together thinking, “Seriously?” But then the princesses giggled and nodded.

Celestia stepped forward now and said, “This was clearly no accident. I agree that something has to be at the cause of this and that something needs to be addressed, with haste.”

“Yes, but what?” Luna asked as she stepped forward beside her sister. “For as long as the Everfree Forest has existed it has always been a dangerous place. But the danger had always come creatures living WITHIN the forest. Not necessarily from the trees themselves. Since when to branches and foliage move with speed and threaten citizens of Equestria?” She scowled, allowing her attitude and frustration to show a little bit.

Meanwhile Discord seemed to be thoroughly self entertained as he was holding a stained glass window of his own design and seemed to be measuring it as if intending to replace the set glass depicting Celestia’s original assertion to the throne. In his claws the glass showed both princess sisters hanging upside down while ensnared with vines while Luna was laughing hysterically and Celestia was grimacing in anger. “HEY!” Discord called out in annoyance as Celestia shot a spell off to shatter the chaotic artwork.

“Need I remind you sister, that something similar to this has already happened once before?” Celestia said as she returned to her seat. “Powers beyond our control seem to be at work here. I do not feel that this is a situation we will be able to solve without appeasing the temper of another.”

That was when a series of loud speculations erupted into the room.

“Is it a new kind of foe that threatens the safety of our livelihood?” Shining guessed.

“Is there an old storybook villain I am not remembering who is actually real and is returning after a deep slumber to wreak havoc?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, oh. Is it Applejack’s fanciful but wildly ridiculous Great Seeding come to life in a dark and twisted re-imagination?!” Discord shouted. Then after getting several strange looks from the others he leaned back and scratched his chin while thinking out loud. “Oh right, that isn’t introduced until season nine. We have hardly made it half way through season eight yet.”

“What?” Shining asked in confusion.

“Nothing! Oh, nothing.” Discord stated quickly.

That was when Luna got the rest of them back on track as she looked to her sister and said aloud, “You of course are referring to the Heart of the Forest?”

“Yes, that is precisely who I meant. With Discord’s innocence on this matter firmly in hoof there is none other whom I can think of who could be responsible for such wild overgrowth.”

“The Heart of the Forest?!” Twilight called out with surprise. “While I certainly agree that he could be capable of causing this, don’t you think that what’s been happening is a little violent? Even for him? It isn’t like the trees are just overgrowing Ponyville’s houses.. The forest is actively going out of it’s way to attack our citizens or anyone who gets too close.”

“Do you have a better suggestion in mind my dear friend?” Celestia asked as everyone else just quietly looked on.

“Well… no, I suppose I don’t.” Twilight said while hanging her head.

“Then I believe the matter is settled.” Celestia announced. “Even if he is not the one responsible for this mishap, he and the subjects of the Thicket may also be finding themselves in the same danger as we are. So whether it be to lend aid or to recover answers, I believe that he is the only one in Equestria who can tell us more about what has happened.”

The others seemed to nod at this as Twilight stepped forward. “Very well then your majesty. You, Luna, and Shining will stay here to defend Canterlot as need be. While the Pillars of Harmony work to keep our other towns safe I will gather my friends together and venture into the forest for answers.”

While the princesses nodded together the Draconequus seemed to sulk in the corner and sigh. “Uhhhh… Another adventure for the Ponies of Harmony that I’ll just have to sit and watch from the sidelines.”

“Not so fast.” Twilight said while walking up to him with a smile. “I did say that I need to gather my friends, didn’t I?”

“W-wh-wha?! You mean that includes me?!” He said with surprise as he suddenly transformed himself into wearing a Twilight Sparkle themed cheerleading outfit.

“You bet it does. My magic may be power but we’re going INTO the forest itself where we will be surrounded by trees on all sides. I care about my friend’s safety and I don’t trust my magic alone to be able to keep us safe. So that is why I would appreciate some friendly chaotic back up!”

“Ohhh well I am overjoyed to hear you-”

“There’s just one condition.” She said sharply.

Now Discord bent down to listen closely. “Yesss?”

“Please never wear, whatever that is, again.” She said while pointing to the outfit. Discord just smirked before snapping the garment away.

- Later at the Outskirts of Ponyville -

“My friend, are you sure about this plan of yours? You don’t even know if this ‘Forest Heart’ as you call him, will even be able to help us.” A gruff old voice said from a wizzled old stallion in blue robes covered in star patterns.

“Oh I’m sure that he will.” Twilight said with confidence. “He is a friend from awhile back. He lives with his own kind deep in the Everfree Forest away from the contact of ponies and other creatures. Back when we met, a Minotaur began to infringe on his land in attempts to make a theme park where the forest is currently located. We stepped in to help set things right. I’m sure that he will remember our kindness and be willing to help us this time in turn.”

But as the rest of the mane six stood with Twilight and Star Swirl at the edge of the forest it was Applejack who commented, “Yeah but uh, Twi? I don’t remember this being anything like last time.”

Standing before them the treeline looked like a snarling of teeth. Branches snapped out and threw shards of wood like spears against a force field that was having to be constantly maintained by the Pillar of Sorcery. “Well I hope that you are right about this. I have no desire to watch a friend fall victim to a grizzly fate.” Star Swirl said with concern.

That was more than enough to make them all shudder with worry. Fluttershy spoke next saying, “Oh well surely that isn’t what will happen to us. We will be safe going in there together… right?”

Discord was quick to put a claw on her shoulder and say, “As safe as safe can be with me around. I would never allow anything to harm you or our friends.” Fluttershy smiled and held his claw with a hoof of her own.

“Alrightie! Then let’s do it!” Pinkie shouted as she darted forward ahead of everyone else.

That was until Discord reached out and pulled her back right as sixteen different branches were launched right at her face. “Now I didn’t quite say that I was ready yet, did I?” He asked her as she made her soft wheezing noise with an apologetic smile. “Here you go my bubbly bouncy friend. Chew on this.” He said while handing her a stick of bubblegum with his own quirky face printed upon the label.

“Uh, Pinkie? Are you sure that is something that you think is safe to be putting into yer mouth?” Applejack asked her with concern.

“Whaaaaat? Discord is a friend! What’s the worse that could happen?” The other earth pony said without a care or even a second thought.

“Yeah… that’s definitely not safe.” Dash commented as she watched Pinkie begin to chew.

“Whamt? It’fs goohd!” She spat while chewing a mouthful of candied gum.

Then Rarity took a step back as Discord rubbed his claws together saying, “Alright now Pinkie… let’s see the biggest bubble that you can blow.”

“Discord!” Twilight shouted with a frown. “What are you- AHH!”

Everypony looked stunned as a large pink bubble blew out from Pinkie growing bigger and bigger and bigger still. Suddenly there was a loud pop and they all were quick to try and cover their manes before peeking out nervously a moment later.

“Huh? What in the hey?”

“Eeyyyaaaahh! What IS this?!”

“Seriously Discord? THIS was your bright idea?”

There were several stern looks sent in the Draconequus’ direction as Applejack, Rarity, and Dash spoke out. All six ponies along with Discord were now standing inside of gum bubble that wrapped all the way around them like an encasing shield. Then much to Star Swirl’s annoyance Discord shattered a hole in the force field leaving them all to watch as the branches attacked but were bounced away.

“There we go! You see?! No need to worry, it is positively POP PROOF!” He cheered as if he had created the most amazing invention. And yet Twilight, Applejack, Dash, and Rarity all looked less than impressed.

“Ooooohhh! I’ll bet some of my students at the school would love this!” Pinkie cheered as she tackled herself forward which seemed to move the bubble a little.

Dash and Rarity saw the back of the bubble move closer to them as the stepped forward to get away from it. “Yeah, pop proof. But what about air proof? Are we going to be able to breathe in here?!” The pegasi complained.

To this Discord just frowned. “Oh why of all the stupid, idiotic, non-sensib… wait a minute.” He said before pulling out a mechanical device with ‘oxygen’ written on one side and ‘death’ written on the other. The needle on the little meter was quickly dipping toward the second option. That was when Discord threw the device away and snapped his fingers before blushing sheepishly. “Uh, no worries?” Dash did not look reassured.

“IT’S STICKY UNDER MY HOOOOOOOVES!” Rarity cried in annoyance as Star Swirl used his magic to push the bubble forward into the forest and then reseal up his barrier spell.

“Now girls,” Fluttershy began, “it may be more than a bit unorthodox, but it is creative and imaginative.” She said while trying to put a positive spin on their situation while looking up at the terrifying forest attempting to slay them all. “I for one am very grateful because it definitely seems to be working. And also it’s even a lovely color. That’s nice to see, isn’t it Rarity?”

All of them looked up and could see the forest going nuts around them while trying to hammer, stab and ensnare around the bubble but to no effect. “Well… I suppose. So how are we supposed to move in this thing anyhow?” The fashion pony asked but Discord seemed to falter a bit.

“Oh, I admit beyond keeping us all safe that I hadn’t really thought that far ahead.” He told them while giving the front of the bubble a push. “I suppose that Pinkie Pie probably had the right idea. Let’s just push and roll the thing forward until we can get to wherever it is we’re going.”

“Really?!” Twilight sighed as she and Fluttershy pushed on the front with Discord while Rainbow Dash and Rarity walked backwards checking the end of the bubble to make sure it didn’t get caught on anything.

- -

After an exhausting push, a chase from an over sized Owl Bear, and having to find creative ways to bounce their bubble across a cliff or two the travelers finally found their way through the forest.

“Alright everyone. I remember the look of these woods. We are now through the Everfree Forest and into the territory of the Heart of the Forest.” Twilight announced as they rolled their bubble into an area where the trees grew straight and neat instead of twisted and dark. Additionally, the foliage in this part of the forest did not seem to be animated into a crazed murdering force.

“Yessiree! This looks like how I remember seeing it last time!” Pinkie cheered as she recalled the first and only time the mane six had visited here several years ago.

“Hmm.” Discord stopped and rubbed his chin while looking around. “Actually now that you mention it this place does seem to be a bit familiar. But it must have been so long ago that I simply can’t recall.” He mumbled.

“AHHHH!” All the mares screamed as an arrow pierced through the gum bubble and landed right before Twilight’s hooves.

“Discord! I thought you said this bubble was pop proof!” Dash exclaimed as the gum bubble began sagging around them.

“I did! It is! I mean it was supposed to be! This much not be any normal arro- OUCH!” He cried after picking up the projectile and looking it over until the wood of it burned his palm for some unknown reason.

More screaming was to be had as three more arrows pierced their gummy shelter rendering it to be nothing more than a gooey net sagging around them now. “Discord!” Twilight yelled.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” The Draconequus shouted. Snapping his claws made the gum bubble disappear and then as a wave of over a dozen arrows arrows launched their way Discord waved his paw turning them all into flowers. “Who dares attack the Master of Chaos and his friends?!” With another wave of his claw several bushes were pulled back revealing three rows of deer armed with bows and arrows before the magic was released sending the bushes like battering rams back into their assailants.

“STOP!!!” A new booming voice roared out from the forest as all of the deer quickly galloped away to line up single file through the treeline. “Who dares encroach on this sacred territory?!” The mighty voice called.

“Hmm… That voice is familiar too.” Discord mused.

Without wasting a moment Twilight ran ahead of her group and called out, “It is I, Princess Twilight Sparkle! Please good deer of the Thicket, don’t attack us! We are friends with your leader and have come here seeking the aid of the Heart of the Forest!”

Just then brilliant golden horns were seen from behind the row of deer. The whole line of them stepped aside and bowed now to make way. “My help?!” The voice called as majestic hooves stomped furiously upon the grass. “You seek aid from me?! You?!” Shimmering green eyes scowled with fury down upon them. “You dare? You dare to come HERE! Seeking my help?! NOW of ALL times?!” Then an exceptionally tall deer with pristine white fur stood before them. “How dare you show your face here Twilight Sparkle?! I hope that you are enjoying that which you had sowed!”

Behind Twilight all the other mares jaws had dropped having no idea what was going on. “Oh good King Aspen, I do not understand. Are you angry with me personally?” Twilight asked nervously.

“YESSSS!!!” The deer roared which made the princess’ eyes spread wide as her ears slumped low. “You and all your pony kind! You have betrayed me! Betrayed our trust and the friendship that I had lent to you! Never could I have imagined that such an insult to the forest and it’s inhabitants could come from you!”

“King Aspen, please! I honestly don’t know what you could possibly be referring to! Last time there was an incident between our two peoples it had just been a misunderstanding! I’m sure that if we-” But the princess was cut off in the most unhelpful way that she should possibly imagine.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Discord shouted as he walked forward waving his hands. “THIS is your mighty Heart of the Forest?! This King ’Aspen’ is who we traveled here to see?! WHY didn’t somepony just say so in the first place?! I could have just teleported us here and saved that whole sticky charade that we endured. Honestly, you ponies and your fancy names for things instead of just calling creatures by their proper name.”

“WHAT?!” Rarity shrieked furiously.

However that was when Aspen paused at the sight of the Draconequus. “...Discord?” The deer looked to their leader seeing the surprised expression on his face. But then the king smirked and called out, “And I suppose you would have these ponies believe that THEY came up with the title ‘Master of Chaos’ for you?”

Looking back over his shoulder with a cheeky grin Discord said, “Why of course they did. My proper full name is ‘Discord, Master of Chaos and Disharmony.’ That’s a name, not a title. Technically I don’t ever remember giving anypony permission to shorten it.”

“Thousands of years go by and you still live up to my father’s, father’s, tales of you.” The deer king said while looking the Draconequus over being unsure whether he should be impressed or disappointed.

“And it is nice to see you, oh he who would be king of the forest. You must be what, thirty third? Thirty fifth generation since the last time I was here?”

“Heh, it would be a bit more than that actually.”

"It would seem that your kind still use those annoying Cherry and Elderwood arrows."

"Well they are effective at clensing impure magics and banishing 'evil spirits.'"

"Mmmmmm..."

That was when Twilight had to face hoof herself as Rainbow Dash called out. “Whoa, whoa. Do you two know each other or something?”

King Aspen glowered back to the ponies but he did soften from his earlier tone to answer. “Not personally, no. But we definitely know of each other. Him and I are similar in that we are two of several immortal forces that govern the existence of all things. Discord is the physical representation of disharmony as it exists in nature. The mighty Windigo’s are the beings manifested through fighting and hatred amongst sentient races. I, the current ‘Heart of the Forest’ as Celestia calls me, carry a generational spirit passed down from ancestor to descendant which represents life and holds sway over this forest. Then of course there is always the Watchful Eye of D-”

“Yes, yes… Big surprise! I am not the only ‘Spirit’ of this world! They get it!” Discord shouted. “Let’s get to the point Junior.” Discord snapped aggressively to which Aspen frowned. “I may be the spirit of disharmony but there is a fine line between chaos and destruction. Why are you sending trees and what not to destroy the ponies which surround the forest? It encroaches on my ability to chaos-fy them.”

Then all eyes were on Aspen as he glared with his brow darkening. “I am doing it… in recourse to ponies becoming murderers… and torturers.” That was when everypony froze in disbelief. “What’s the matter Discord? Suddenly have nothing to say?” The deer king asked with anger frothing from his mouth.

“W-what?” Twilight whispered breathlessly. “What has happened? I’m sure it must be a mistake. How could-”

“I WITNESSED IT WITH MY OWN EYES PONY!!!” Aspen screamed which made all the mane six lower their ears with their jaws dropped. “I watched as an assailant walked through my forest, used magic to gain advantage over the creatures of the wild, tormented them, abused them, and in some cases reported to me brutally murdered them as if for sport!”

“But we would never do that!” Fluttershy yelled out as if disgusted by the very accusation. “Even ponies who are inconsiderate and take wildlife for granted aren’t so intentionally cruel!”

But Aspen was not impressed by her plea. “Oh? So you are saying that in the history of your entire race that no pony has been capable of such activity?”

Now Fluttershy clearly faltered. “Oh well… I mean no. I.. I suppose I wouldn’t be able to go that far.”

That was when Twilight took a step forward and blatantly ignored it as the deer upon the treeline raised their arrows when she approached their leader. “King Aspen… yes it is true that in our land we have our degree of crime. It isn’t very often, but yes sometimes ponies can do terrible things to each other and to other creatures. But what you are saying has happened here… While not impossible, it goes beyond belief. Look at our faces. Look into our eyes. Do even a single one of us not look surprised and frightened by your woods?”

Now the deer king stood hesitant for a moment. “Hmm... Twilight Sparkle, despite my better judgment you always have a knack for making compelling arguments.” To this she almost smiled, but given the grave nature of the crimes stated she didn’t dare. “However the current issue is not as simple as land encroachment like last time. This is a direct attack on the inhabitants of this forest. Your neighboring towns are lucky that a deer had not yet fallen victim to these attacks else I would be forced to launch my assault against your kind myself.”

“I won’t let it come to that.” The voice from Twilight had now completely changed. Abandoning her meek tone in fear of offending the forest king, she now stood her ground and looked to Aspen assertively.

The other girls seemed surprised as Applejack leaned down to whisper, “Uh, don’t ya think you might want to ease it down a bit there Twi?”

But her response came quick and loud. “No, I don’t. Both sides have now been heard. The offended party has stated their claim and the defendant race of ponies has acknowledged their suffering but plead innocent of the crime. I am open to working out a peaceful solution but I am a Princess of Equestria. If this is going to turn into an international conflict then I would see it start and end here and now. I will not allow any more innocents on either side to be harmed by this debacle.”

The eyes of Twilight’s friends spread wide but seemed impressed. Likewise Aspen looked to her and nodded. “Well said Princess Twilight. Spoken like a true leader. So you would take personal responsibility for the crimes of your citizens?”

“To avert war I would accept any responsibility… as long as you revoke your claim for your kind having a right to retaliate against ponies, leaving it to just you alone being the offended party.” Twilight stated and stared at Aspen shrewdly.

“Accepted.” Aspen called.

“Um, Twilight? I really don’t understand what just happened.” Pinkie asked while looking to Dash who also shrugged in ignorance.

Not wasting any more time the deer king turned back to his subjects and said, “Go forth… Calm the forest, return the trees back from the pony towns. Do not interact with their citizens in any way. Return to the Thicket when you are finished.”

Now some of the mares lifted their ears curiously. “So that’s it? It’s done?” Rarity asked.

But when Aspen walked right through the lot of them, Twilight turned to follow while saying, “No Rarity, I’m afraid it isn’t done at all. This is between King Aspen and I now. I have shifted focus of the situation. No longer is this the deer against Ponyville and Canterlot and the rest of Equestria. For better or worse this is now just upon Aspen and I alone.” As the deer soldiers scurried off, the rest of the entourage from Ponyville followed behind the two leaders in quiet trepidation.

As the group traveled back the way they had come through the forest, Aspen looked to Discord after seeing the sticky residue left trailing all the way back to Ponyville. The Draconequus gave an apologetic chuckle before snapping his claw to clean up the mess. However all the mares gasped as the forest king led them to an area where the trees were bent into spikes and all were aimed at a focal point that stabbed viciously into the earth.

“What happened here?” Rarity called out in shock as the area was frightful beyond anything she had ever imagined.

“This is where I encountered the beast. It has been rampaging through our forest for weeks, maybe longer. When I first heard the reports of such a creature I at first ignored them believing the claims to be ridiculous. But when I finally found the creature myself earlier this morning I put it to a test to make sure there could be no misunderstanding.”

“Uh, what creature? And what kind of test?” Dash asked while peering down in between the sunken tree branches as if she were going to find a corpse buried within.

“I sent a lone Timberwolf through the woods to engage with it. I wanted to see what it would do. The intruder first destroyed and then devoured the wolf whole using magic. It was a similar form of sorcery that only you unicorns could possess. He recreated the beautiful forest creature in his own dark image and whats more under his own control. Never before in the history of deerkind have I heard tell of a being like this. He was black and large, fangs the size of my hooves and claws that could threaten an Owl Bear. It was-”

“A panther?” Twilight asked him suddenly. “But much, much bigger? Nearly the size of a bear or just larger than?”

“Ohh, ooh, and that can use magic?” Pinkie added.

“And that is definitely blood thirsty…” Dash threw in with a shudder.

“….Yeesssss.” Aspen admitted as he looked to the group of ponies in wonder. “So you already know if it then? Am I correct that this creature’s origin came from Equestria?”

Discord was now staring at the lot of them with a skeptical gaze upon his face but he remained silent. “Yes we do know of this creature… and I am sorry King Aspen but we cannot help you. The origin of this being is a mystery to us as well. Your kind, err, I mean to say the denizens of this forest, are far from the only victims.”

Now the deer king looked to Twilight with a respectful attention that he had not shown her before. “Tell me more.” He ordered simply.

“Not long ago... err, ‘someone’ was abducted straight out of our town right in the middle of the street. It cornered them and teleported away. We have yet to confirm what happened to the individual who was taken. But even before that, down in southern Equestria we know very specifically that a member of the goat race encountered this creature. We… as in my friends and I… personally viewed the aftermath of one of the ‘murders’ which I assume you are referring to.”

“So… it travels through magic as well and attacking indiscriminately even beyond our boarders?” Aspen said aloud but mostly to himself as a great disappointment fell into his voice.

“At the present time we have not been able to discern any pattern to it’s victims, at least not with absolute certainly. And knowing now that it has been attacking forest creatures greatly calls into question the few unsubstantiated theories that we did have.” Twilight told him as she walked up along side.

“You have my apologizes. I was wrong… your kind may not to be responsible for our plight after all. I hope that you will accept my forgiveness.” Aspen said as he turned to look down to Twilight.

But the relief on her friend’s faces turned to absolute shock when she looked up at him and stated, “I am sorry King Aspen, but I cannot do that.”

“Twilight!” Dash yelled.

“What are you thinkin’ sayin a thing like that to him?!” Applejack asked her.

“Just say you accept his apology so we can get out of here!” Rarity pleaded.

The princess just shook her head and looked to the forest king sternly. “King Aspen… I hope that peace can be reconciled between our two races. However, I am addressing you now not as a friend but as a royal Princess of Equestria. As a king you are required to be hold yourself responsible for the actions that you make be it politically, socially, and in times of conflict. You have attacked territories of pony-kind without proper provocation and I regret to inform you that your efforts to harm us were successful.”

“Oh, is that so?” The tall white deer replied, sounding neither remorseful nor aggressive.

“In addition to countless cases of property damage, which in time can be repaired or replaced, you injured dozens of our citizens with your violence. As such, a close and personal friend of ours lies in a medical center at this very moment in a life threatening condition. As king, and the one who ordered these attacks, I hereby demand that you attend audience in Canterlot before the other princesses to discuss recompense for these attacks!” Twilight ordered with a stomp of her hoof.

Now everyone was surprised by this sudden authority that Twilight was commanding. “Well… The Princess of Friendship certainly has some backbone for a lone little alicorn without Celestia here to support her. Doesn’t she?” Just then deer emerged from behind trees and taller bushes where the ponies had no clue that they were hiding before. Each of them pointed their arrows at point blank range.

“Oh please...” Discord scoffed and raised a claw but Twilight was quick to shout out.

“No wait!” Now all eyes were on her. “Aspen and I made a deal with each other, ruler to ruler, that we would handle this between ourselves! Even if he goes back on his word and allows his guard to attack us, the ponies of Ponyville and their friends will hold true to our promise. Discord you are not allowed to assist in this manner.”

A silence fell upon the forest as everyone held perfectly still. All the while Twilight’s gaze never wavered as she glared at Aspen authoritatively. “Princess Twilight, my greatest regret in all this,” Aspen said aloud, “was not seeking aid in my pony allies to begin with. I allowed my heart to be clouded with fear and anger.” Now the deer guard looked up in surprise. Aspen waived a hoof and their expressions were shocked as he said, “I will appear in before your Canterlot as you requested and I will do so without armed guard, trusting that your other princesses shall be as fair and reasonable as you have been today.”

“M-my king?” One of the deer asked gently. But Aspen shook his head and ordered them to withdraw.

- -

It was after a short conversation later that the ponies had negotiated a set date and time to allow for arrangements to be made on both sides. Mutual agreements were made and shocked members from both sides made their way off to walk to their respective homes. However the Draconequus stayed behind claiming that he had ‘private business’ to discuss with Aspen, spirit to spirit.

“Are we alone?” The forest king asked him.

“Oh very much so.” He said with a snap of his claw. “Not even a magical scrying could eavesdrop on this conversation.”

“So, what is it that you want? My time is short apparently.” The deer grumbled regretfully.

“Oh I wouldn’t worry about the ponies being too hard on you. I’m sure there will be some angry words and then a slap on the wrist for you. But I have a different question.” Discord stated while stepping around the wooden branches violently staked into the soil. “Wheeeew, what destruction you have wrought here my young friend. Tell me, in all this,” Discord said while pointing around, “did you actually manage to injure the ‘panther’ who was responsible for your ire?”

Aspen nodded. “Yes. While it did manage to avoid most of my attacks with only some scrapes and gouges, my initial strike pierced through the monster’s back and out it’s front right in between the ribs. And it lost a fair amount of blood after that. Hopefully I have done us all a favor and we have now heard the end of that being for good.”

“I see...” Discord said shortly. “That is all.” And without even an exit Discord was suddenly gone while Aspen was alone in his forest.

- Ponyville Hospital, Rayne’s Room -

Starlight was startled as the hospital room door suddenly flew open and a furious looking Draconequus marched himself inside. “Get out.” He said to her shortly as he towered over Rayne looking down at the sleeping stallion and his injuries.

“Discord?! What do you think you’re doing in here? Rayne is in a very sensitive state right now! You can’t just-”

“I told you to get out.” Starlight was shocked. Never had she seen him speak to anypony that way, ever. “Do not worry. There is just something I need to speak to Rayne about… but privately. And it cannot wait.” But when Starlight just stood there in shock Discord rolled his eyes and shouted, “Oh fine, go get the princesses and tell them I’m ‘scarring you’ and I need to be turned back to stone! Just leave! I only need a moment with him.” He exaggerated.

“I-… I’ll be in the hall...” Starlight said, not knowing how else to respond. Slowly she stepped out while looking back and as soon as she was through the door Discord shut it and silenced the room with magic.

“Okay let’s see…” He mumbled as Rayne winced in his sleep from Discord angrily tearing his bandages off. “Hmm, that is a nasty wound but… wait, this hardly seems worthy of all this medical equipment. You don’t seem to be hurt that badly at all.” Discord surmised.

“Giyaaah!” Rayne shouted awake in pain when Discord snapped his claws making the cable supports disappear to leave the stallion to fall onto the mattress still covered with injuries to his back. “Oowww! What the- Discord? What the hell?!”

“You watch your mouth and remember where you are!” The Draconequus furiously spat while forcing Rayne onto his stomach. “Let’s see… through the back and out the ribs…”

“Oouaawww, Aahhhh! What are you-” But then Rayne froze with worry. Discord looked at Rayne’s injuries and then up at him engraged. Even what Rayne was sweltering in pain, he looked up at Discord knowingly. “H-hey… Discord. It’s not what you-AAUUGHCCK!” Rayne choked as the Master of Chaos wrapped his claws around his throat.

“What Did you DO Rayne?! What have you been DOING in Equestria while my back was TURNED?!” He bellowed as the stallion twisted and kicked in the mattress.

Author's Notes:

Okay so this is another story arc that is inspired by the comics which can be referred here.

Now of course this is my story and I am writing it the way I want it to go. The idea that Discord is not the only 'spirit' of this world is entirely my own idea. It basically doesn't come down to anything more than me adding an additional label to existing characters like the Windigos, etc. But there might be one more OC I create from this in a later story arc.

Now oh la la. I do believe this is Star Swirl's first physical appearance in my story. All of the pillars will be included eventually. But this is Star Swirl's introductory chapter. There will be more of him later to come.

Also the stained glass window Discord was holding in Canterlot refers to a scene in the comics where Celestia gets angry at Luna for saying they are "hanging" around.

Oh btw, who liked Discord's fourth wall break?

The arrows that can pierce Discord's magic are my own idea, just because I thought it'd be clever. That's all. Pure forest life magic piercing chaos magic... it's not really any deeper than that. It got the group out of the bubble.

As for the timeframe of things, Discord was encased in stone for a thousand years. So he would probably remember the previous deer king from back before that time. I also made the assumption that all/most 'spirits' of this world know each other.

Just a quick note, I do feel that in Equestria they would have crime. There is murder, rape, theft, vandalism, etc. It is just much more rare compared to our world's standards and it is less publicized.

Now I believe in a situation like this Twilight would feel responsible to act like a real ruler would. Politically you can't just attack another nation and then say, "Oh my bad." Twilight is not trying to incite conflict here. She is just being a responsible adult.

While it has not come out to Twilight and friends that the panther is really a stallion yet, it will. That's coming. But time and time again, citizens of Equestria in all walks of life prove that they aren't as smart as they could be. They have a tendency to word things naively and vaguely.

And now for the big revelation at the end. Discord has finally found out that Rayne has been causing mischief. Very bad mischief. And even more shockingly he somehow has done it all this time without the Draconequus knowing about it. Needless to say, Discord's temper is getting the better of him. Rayne might really be in trouble this time.