If you have been waiting for-fucking-ever for an update and still remain, then you have the patience of a saint and I solute you. *collapses*


Discord was wary of Twilight's intentions at first. Despite he appeared cheerful as he bounded out of the door in a similar fashion as Pinkie Pie, he inwardly wondered if Twilight was setting him up. While this was rather uncharacteristic of the purple pony, Discord had already been surprised a few times by her.

However her words had a genuine twinge that was easy to realize. If she wanted to set him up, surely she would have done so by now. Twilight certainly had the ability to easily call upon either Celestia or her friends and deal with the draconequus already.

So he pushed the lingering thought to the back of his mind and merrily followed Twilight out of the house. Besides, he figured, his remaining power would be enough to make a quick escape if it was ever necessary.

They made their way toward the center of the little town where, unsurprisingly, Twilight's friends were mo doubt awaiting her arrival. These six ponies seemed to be glued to each other, Discord thought with bemusement. They were quick to notice Twilight's new companion as soon as they came close enough.

"Who's this?" the shy pony asked – Fluttershy, was it? Ah yes, the one turned cruel. Discord smirked to himself with a small sense of accomplishment; how amusing it was to see these ponies act so different from their normal, boring selves.

For a moment Discord was poised to announce himself with the usual vigor he took great joy in, but then saw Twilight step up and chime nonchalantly, "Oh this is Dicey. He just arrived here and I agreed to show him around."

Discord had to admit, he was rather impressed: for someone who wasn't fond of lying, Twilight Sparkle had quite the pokerface! And not to mention clever – while the fake name was a little odd (even for him!), it fit well. The other ponies nodded, despite some of them raised their brows at the odd name. Spike, who stood at Twilight's side to avoid being near Discord, snickered without even trying to muffle it.

"Fascinating name," Rarity said with a very slight hint of bemusement. She straightened up and smiled warmly. "We're all delighted to meet you, Dicey. Where did you come from?"

"Canterlot," Twilight replied automatically. "Actually, I had met him a very long time ago – before I even started studying under Celestia!"

Discord nodded. "Canterlot, admittedly, is just plain boring now. So many silly ponies and their silly 'parties'." He made a face of disgust. "They really don't know how to really party."

He noticed Pinkie Pie perk up. "You like parties, too?"

"Incredibly so!" He looked to Twilight. "You were right, dear friend! Ponyville does sound incredibly promising already!"

Twilight smiled, though he noticed the uncertainly in her eyes. She made to move away from the group and hastily said to her filly friends, "Well, thanks for the greeting. I still have much to show Dis – Dicey around." She gestured for Discord to follow.

"Mind if we come?" Applejack asked.

How interesting, Discord thought. He sensed their disappointment easily. Even he had to admit that he scarcely imagined they would warm up to him so soon, despite their ignorance. Well, perhaps their attitudes would change once they saw what he was really capable of, he thought with a mischievous smirk. (Earning Twilight's trust was pivotal, yes, but how could one expect the draconequus to abandon his instincts so readily?)

Twilight froze in place and Spike looked warily between her, Discord and the group of friends. Bring her friends along? So soon? Twilight didn't even know what to expect of Discord in just strolling around the town in general, but with her friends? Twilight may be looking to remedy Discord's habits, but her friends weren't meant to be among the equation until much later!

However, rejecting their invitation would be both rude and suspicious. With a forced smile she replied, "Of course." Spike momentarily looked distraught by her answer, but thankfully didn't protest.

Reluctantly she began trotting again, toward whichever building or landmark they would arrive at first. She looked behind her shoulder and felt her heart skip a bit: Discord had situated himself within her group of friends and chatting away.

Discord noticed the look he got and couldn't help but feel a little hurt. Sure, he was an erratic trouble-maker, but he had made a promise not to try anything that would betray his true identity. And besides, as fun as it was to mess with their friendship, Discord did genuinely enjoy these fillies' company.

Pinkie Pie, of course, was definitely someone to look to if you wanted a real fun time. Her plans of a party that may be taking place within the week did give Discord excitement. Applejack talked about the many different foods that could be created simply out of apples (no surprise there); but who didn't like apples, anyway? Especially apple pie?

Sure, Rarity's obsession with clothing was something to be desired, though her talk of diamonds and other gems admittedly caught his interest. Rainbow Dash bragged about the races she had recently won and even Fluttershy seemed far more open than he would have guessed.

Discord was more than willing to admit they were certainly a significant group of ponies. There was no other reason to take such joy in turning them gray.


Twilight didn't know if she should be elated or worrisome by the boisterous laughter coming from behind. Obviously her friends were enjoying Discord's company, though was it simply because they didn't even know who they were really talking to? And what would happen if Discord began creating mischief (as significantly smaller as it would be)? Would he be shunned – or worse, discovered for who he truly was?

Everything could turn into a success or a disaster and Twilight just didn't know what she was going to do now! The fact that her friends were so invested in "Dicey" would just make her attempts all the more difficult, as far as she could tell; it would make the knot in her stomach that came whenever she lied grow ever tighter and larger.

Not to mention, even if she did succeed, could Discord really reveal himself and receive positive consequences? After all that had happened during his schemes, could her friends be so forgiving? Twilight wasn't even sure if she could truly forgive Discord.

"Twilight, are you well?" Discord was quick to notice Twilight's worsening expression of inner turmoil.

Before her friends could look to her for some sign that all was not well, Twilight righted herself and she looked back with a wry smile. "I'm fine, silly. I just . . . don't know where we should go. We've been roaming all around and I'm not even giving you that tour I promised."

Immediately Pinkie Pie shot up. "Oh, let's go to the bakery! I gotta go make an order, anyway, and we can show Dicey how wonderful all our sweets are!"

"Splendid!" Discord agreed. "Now that you mention it, I'm quite famished."

It had never even occurred to her that Discord may still need to eat just like every other being in Equestria, Twilight thought guiltily. He may have powers of chaos, but she doubted that made him independent from necessities . . . Or maybe this was just a ploy to lessen any chances of suspicion . . .

Oh, how frustratingly confusing Discord was!

Rather than dwell on the thought any longer, Twilight said, "I apologize for not offering anything at the house, Dicey. I'm sure we can stop by a restaurant after the bakery."

"Why not just the bakery?" he asked. "After all, my first meal here should be something to remember, right? I mean, considering all the praise you gave of every aspect of this town."

Pinkie Pie nodded in approval and then looked pleadingly at Twilight. "Yeah! He's got some good ideas. I can order a couple more things while we're there."

Rarity and Applejack also nodded. "Sounds alright to me," said Rarity. "And then perhaps later on, we can stop by my shop." Suddenly she jumped up and an excited spark reflected in her eyes. "Oh, Dicey, I've rarely ever made many outfits for bucks and I feel the need to give the opposite gender more opportunities for fashion. I know we just met, but it would be wonderful if you could help me!"

She smiled that pleading smile that was difficult to turn away from, much less say no to (especially for Spike, who seemed upset at the moment). Discord looked confused at first and even looked reluctant. Twilight wondered just what he may actually do; he wasn't exactly known for sensitivity, and she doubted rejection was an exception. But to Twilight's surprise he finally answered with a shrug, "I suppose I don't see the harm. As long as I can admire the jewels."

Rarity looked ever grateful as she replied, "That wouldn't be a problem! Thank you, I promise you won't regret it."

Well, that was definitely unexpected. But it also helped to alleviate the challenge Twilight charged herself with. Her friends were already willing to spend their time with this newcomer-in-disguise and had yet to question anything about him that may reveal himself. Perhaps that would come later, but Twilight felt her usual confidence returning as she watched Discord and her friends chat as if they already knew each other well – no matter how close to the truth that was.

As Rarity led the group toward her home, Twilight trailed behind slightly when she noticed Zecora trotting near them. The zebra eyed Discord for a moment as a flash of suspicion crossed her features. Twilight felt her heart skip a beat.

"Hey Zecora!" Twilight exclaimed. Zecora turned her attention to the pony with a pleasant grin. She added, "I'll catch up, guys!" At that Twilight walked up to Zecora. "So, um, how are you doing?"

Zecora didn't answer at first. She studied Twilight for a moment, and then replied levelly, "Although he may pass as a pony at best, the draconequus will only fool the rest."

Twilight nearly jumped out of her skin. "H-How do you know?"

"Many potions have I tried to create so that my appearance takes on a different state. It is not something difficult to recognize when I see such magic before my eyes."

"Oh . . ." Twilight looked down almost in shame. "Please don't tell anyone. Things are going rather well so far."

Zecora was silent again. After much thinking she replied reluctantly, "Very well. I will not tell." Before Twilight could release a breath of relief, Zecora added, "Be forewarned that should he remain concealed, better earlier than later that he may be revealed."

Zecora was right, Twilight thought forlornly. As much as she desired for this façade to continue for however long she determined would be needed to integrate Discord into their town, she still needed to do so soon. If everyone got used to "Dicey" long enough, they may not accept Discord.

But then . . . what was the point? Why should Twilight continue trying to pass him off as someone else when the results may just be negative?

Twilight groaned. "Thanks for the advice, Zecora. I've, uh, gotta go now."

The zebra nodded. "Farewell."

Twilight made to dash off back to the group, but then she stopped midway. She turned around and addressed Zecora as she was departing, "Um, can I ask why you used transformation potions?" Twilight was just curious, considering how advanced the magic was.

Zecora stopped and she looked down, abashed. "During the time when all avoided me, I tried to change so that a pony they would see."

"I'm sorry," said Twilight. She felt another pang of guilt like on the day they all went to Zecora's house to accuse her of magic she didn't do. And she'd already been subject to plenty of ostracizing before Twilight even came here; it never occurred to her how Zecora might have felt about that, though. "You're perfect the way you are!"

"Your words are appreciated," Zecora replied genuinely. Then she trotted away.

As Twilight reflected on what she just said, she wondered if making Discord be something else wasn't a mistake as well.