A blinding light appeared before these six ponies. “What the hay?” cried AppleJack, concentrating on the light. “I think I can see somepony somewhere in there.” She was correct about something being in there; however, its silhouette was that of a bipedal standing creature. A hoof stepped out of the light, followed by a lizard’s foot.
Everypony had a look of disbelief on their faces. There he stood, Discord with a cocky smirk occupying his face. “No! That can’t be Discord somepony pinch me!!!!!” blurted out Twilight.
“So be it…” Discord said as he gripped Twilight’s shoulder between his talon’s claws as hard as he could and ripped a chunk of skin and flesh off, exposing part of her shoulder blade.
Twilight screamed in pain. “What was that for?” she demanded from Discord, as she brought her hoof up to cover the fresh wound. All ponies fell silent in fear of a similar incident occuring to them.
“You asked and I obeyed, so now you owe me a favour.” Discord grinned. Rainbow Dash was suddenly filled with courage.
“But, didn’t we kick your butt last time we met?” blurted out Rainbow Dash who was still a bit surprised at Discord's newfound aggressiveness .
His expression became serious. “Listen Rainbow Dash,” he began, “I am a master of illusions and am the spirit of disharmony and chaos. Faking my capture is a sure-fire way to cause chaos amongst you ponies.” Rainbow Dash’s face became red with rage, but she could not find anything to say. Discord cleared his throat, “Now, everypony, we play seriously. My last game was a test. This game is real; therefore, don’t any of you ponies expect to survive its many challenges.”
“Oh yeah? We don’t want to play,” replied Pinkie. Discord grabbed her by the ear and lifted her up. The bottom half of her ear ripped from her head.
“You don’t get a choice!” roared Discord as he tore off the rest of Pinkie’s ear and kicked her to the ground. “And only one of you ponies can play anyway. Twilight, why don’t you choose for me?”
“I’ll do it Twilight! This’ll be easy!” Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically as she began to stretch for the challenge. “What game are we playing anyway?”
“I nominate myself,” Twilight shouted. Discord’s eyes lit up.
“Really? How interesting… although that was to be expected. Your friendship is strong, I see. Hmm… Exactly how strong it is will become apparent over these challenges. Seeing as I am here right now, I might as well start your challenges.” He turned to face AppleJack. “My dear AppleJack, how can you trust others…”
“It’s my game, so you should be talking to me!” shouted Twilight.
“Oh sorry everypony, I forgot the rules.” Discord explained. “Rule 1: There are only two rounds for each pony. Rule 2: Only Twilight chooses if the pony it is for takes the punishment or if she takes it herself.”
“Punishment?” asked Twilight.
“Rule 3: The punishment will be hinted at by me; however I will not give you an exact idea as to what you must do. If you incorrectly punish yourself, the other pony will receive the punishment regardless. And finally Rule 4: Twilight must disfigure herself, unassisted. Now where was I? Ah, yes. AppleJack, how can you trust others to be honest when you can no longer hear?”
AppleJack looked at Discord in confusion. “I can hear perfectly fine. What point are ya tryin’ to make here?”
“Are you going to take the punishment Twilight?” asked Discord.
“Yes. I will take the punishment.” She sighed. Everything went quiet. “What’s happening Discord?”
“Hmm? Oh yes. You must disfigure yourself. Nopony can help you.”
“I won’t do that unless you tell me what I have to do!” And as soon as Twilight spoke that last syllable, AppleJack’s ears burst, spraying blood all over everypony. AppleJack screeched in pain.
“What? I can’t hear no more!” she cried out. “Discord! You did this!”