School would be starting back up in a few days. Fluttershy was ready...for the most part. Materials and such, she was good. Bitterness was another Bitch entirely, though.

She got the occasional "hello, how's it going" from Rainbow, but she actually was able to talk to Tree Hugger more often than her closer friends.

Not to mention that if Celestia knew about magic, then maybe Rich knew.

But if Celestia was under Rich, did she actually know what was happening?

'Dammit.' she thought, knowing she had to do something. It was dangerous for them to know of magic. For Twilight and them to have that power, especially if Twilight would do whatever Celestia said. It was dangerous. Whatever Rich wanted Celestia to do, she could tell Twilight.

The only thing Fluttershy could think that was a "saving grace", was that the only sources of magic that Celestia knew of was the Elements of Harmony.

Fluttershy would try and keep it that way.

She had to protect her friends. Her housemates.

She had to confront Celestia.

Her gut clenched. The sooner the better might be the key.

She still hadn't found a thing about Zephyr. Neither had Discord, Chrysalis or Sombra. She was beginning to think it was a lie.

She shuddered, getting the idea she might have to talk to Rich and see if there would be any clue or truth to what Rich would be willing to tell.

It was the beginning of the weekend and Chrysalis decided to take her clothes shopping, saying Fluttershy needed a wardrobe makeover.

She appreciated having some girl time.

Doing so let her know more about her as well.

Chrysalis was willing to speak about her orphan home siblings, but when Fluttershy asked about Chrysalis wanting her own family, that's when things got a bit awkward with Chrysalis having a dark look in her eyes and growing quiet instantly, until Fluttershy drove to a different topic.

Sombra was out on a date himself, he and Capper trying to make up for lost time and to re get to know each other, since neither was the same as when they were young teens. Fluttershy was happy for him. He was doing something other than studying in his room.

Now, he and Capper were out on a date to a bookstore and Capper wanted more tech for work, along with a side trip to the pet store for Capper's local strays. Sombra didn't seem to mind in the least, since when Fluttershy asked that morning why he wouldn't ask Capper to do something he wanted to, Sombra had shrugged and said he didn't have many hobbies, but finding one was Capper's top goal for their date, he'd said with a smirk and exasperated look.

Also, since the fight with Rutherford, said Boss quickly realized that Discord's loyalty was NOT to him, but to Fluttershy.

So, if Rutherford wanted to keep using Discord for his job, he stayed being on "good" terms with Fluttershy. Which in Y.A.K. meant leaving her be. Though she had visited a couple times to see Yona and see if Rutherford had any good tips. He didn't have many Fluttershy agreed with.

Knowing Discord was near or that she could call if she had to, was a relief. A comfort. So far, she didn't have much trouble eating.

No one brought up that she had eaten half an ear.

"If you're going to be a junior, well...either way you're going to need a new wardrobe. I've seen your closet. We should go to the spa too." Chrysalis said, trifling through clothes in a rack.

Fluttershy sighed. "It's not that bad, though. But, okay. You better let me pay for my clothes! I sold off a lot of my family's stuff that wasn't important, so I can pay."

Chrysalis chuckled. "Aw, you're growing up! Paying for your own clothes and everything."

Fluttershy puffed her cheeks but smiled, happy that Chrysalis seemed to be acting a bit more normal.

She got a few outfits, deciding she didn't want too many more clothes if hers were still good.

They got lunch, Fluttershy getting something to sip on so it didn't look weird.

It was especially surprising since they bumped into Pharynx, one of the older kids she had been with at her orphanage.

Pharynx was a grump, but it was obvious he and Chrysalis needed the catching up, so he joined them on his lunch, and Fluttershy was content to listen, a warm feeling in her chest at Chrysalis' smile and fond look, her motherly mannerisms towards the young adult amusing.

It was even nice, seeing him kiss the top of her head even as she apologized for ditching them the moment she could.

He, like he said most of them, had understood and had long since forgiven her, since most of them had grown up taking her advice and living their lives, most running off like she did.

Fluttershy got to choose the spa. She chose one that she was familiar with since her and Rarity used to go. She liked the twin owners and it would be nice to see familiar faces.

When they walked in, Chrysalis still happily bragging about her "siblings", Aloe approached them, along with Lotus, them matching with opposing color schemes.

"Welcome! Oh! Chrysalis Crystal, is that you?! How's the baby? Must be about 5 or 6 by now. Oh, Fluttershy, too. How's miss Rarity? We haven't seen either of you in a long time!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened and she looked up at Chrysalis who had a pained look on her face, eyes averted, brows furrowed and hugging her arms.

The twins were talking again about what her and Chrysalis would want done that day.

Fluttershy chose, deciding in front of the owners wasn't the best place to ask.

Chrysalis, since the question and bomb drop, had been quiet, almost lost in her mind.

Fluttershy herself, wasn't sure how to broach the topic. Maybe she shouldn't.

Getting in the herb and medical bath, seemed to be a trigger for Chrysalis, because as they sat naked in the murky, lavender and vanilla scented water, she saw Chrysalis' lip wobble.

Fluttershy stayed quiet, but got closer, laying her head on Chrysalis' shoulder in hopefully a comforting way.

It was obvious she was fighting whatever anguish she still held on to.

Fluttershy grabbed Chrysalis' hand and pet it gently. "It's just us. You can cry. I won't judge." Her voice was soft, even the red that had stayed permanent since her dream with ButterShy, seemed soft.

"I...I wouldn't have asked for anything." Chrysalis spoke in barely a whisper.

Fluttershy looked up at her, her eyes glowing green and the electric green light fizzled, until Chrysalis looked slightly younger, with a baby bump under the water.

Looking down, Chrysalis had noticed the transformation and her face contorted into horror and with a watery yowl, she covered her eyes, fat tears running down her cheeks and she tried pulling her knees up, only to start shaking.

"It can't! It can't be there! It can't, it can't, it can't! Please...please go away. I don't have to be reminded."

Fluttershy wasn't sure of the feeling coursing through her. She felt sad, concerned, angry at whoever made Chrysalis this full of grief.

She tried piecing together what Chrysalis was saying.

She moved in the water, getting in front of Chrysalis and putting her hands on Chrysalis' knees, causing her to jump. "Chrissy, calm down. It's...its just your power. It's reacting to your state of mind. Try going back to normal."

Chrysalis squeezed her eyes shut and tried, only to fail. She choked on a sob. "I haven't...haven't cried since that day. Why won't it work?!"

Fluttershy gulped down the pressure in her throat. She took a deep, shuddering breath and pushed Chrysalis' legs apart so she could get closer, sitting on her knees and slowly, cautiously, put her hands against the bump.

They stayed silent, Fluttershy rubbing the bump, as if there was a soul within, and Chrysalis trying her best to calm down.

"What happened? Maybe talking to someone, will help with moving on. It won't solve the pain, or erase the memories, but it could help with healing."

Chrysalis was rubbing her nose, eyes blood shot and hair wet and back. She thought for awhile, a watery grin against her mouth. "He really is a good liar. He made me believe he was over her. I wouldn't...even if he wanted to leave, I wouldn't have asked him for anything."

Fluttershy's brows furrowed. "Who?"

Chrysalis bit her lip. "I was so close to finding out the gender, too. It wouldn't have mattered...except I wanted to be able to choose a name. But you know, Hun? I should've known he wasn't over her."

It seemed to click, but before Fluttershy could allow herself to feel whatever level of fury burning a hole in her belly, she had to confirm. Nothing good came from assumptions. "You mean the father? Is it who I think? Or another?" She asked quietly.

Chrysalis nodded. "I told you. He's a good liar. I guess a child born from an orphaned whore wouldn't be good for his "Straight A soldier" image." She spoke bitterly, like she'd come to terms with that fate.

Fluttershy's nostrils flared and the green ran along Chrysalis again, returning her to normal, a look of longing lingering in her gaze.

The last time Fluttershy felt this level of need to want to castrate a man, it was Rich. Fluttershy took deep breaths, trying to keep calm and not ruin more of Chrysalis' day by losing her temper.

"Let's...let's go."

She moved from Chrysalis' space, both leaving the water. Because the water was so warm, Fluttershy was able to see the horizontal scar along Chrysalis' lower abdomen, along with crisscross scars that were much smaller.

Fluttershy tried multiple times to change the topic or smile, but she couldn't bring herself to. She wasn't judging. She was livid. She was so angry but she felt hopeless as to not know how to comfort her friend.

At some point, on their walk, Chrysalis held her hand, startling Fluttershy.

When she looked up to Chrysalis, she was smiling small but fondly to Fluttershy, then looked away. "You know...Discord is the only other person who knows. He was there in the living area when I came home. He's the one who brought me to the hospital. He kept my secret. He kept quiet. That was the first, last, and only time I ever saw him care about anyone, until you came along."

Fluttershy's eyes were wide. "But he does care."

Chrysalis hummed. "It wasn't always like that. You don't know the kind of man he is. Or was. The first couple years, on the anniversary of when I even found out I was-was..." she cleared her throat, "anyhow, I thought he was mocking me after. I only realized, recently, after snapping his head off for it, that it was his way of trying to comfort me. He would make these small, almost baby sized bracelets, braided from odd color combinations of string. Haha, he's definitely an enigma."

Fluttershy laughed breathily. "I was supposed to comfort you, but you're the one doing the comforting."

Chrysalis smiled small to her. "The fact you weren't sure how, was comforting enough. To me, that meant you were genuine in your attempt. In your care. Just having someone to talk it through, is enough for now."

Fluttershy smiled, though that anger still coiled like a rattle snake's tail in her bones. "You're not alone in healing. I know, even if it's awkward for you, none of us think less of you. Just talk to us."

Chrysalis chuckled. "You are so sweet."

Fluttershy looked up at her, fully serious, a remorseful grin on her lips. "No, I'm not."

She tried letting go of her anger, but it festered.

School would be starting in a few hours and Fluttershy hadn't slept. She paced and paced around the kitchen, making lunches and distracting herself. Or at least, trying to. She thought exhausting herself would help, until she realized she's went days without sleep before so one or two days wouldn't be too hard.

She jolted at hearing the door open, a loud yawn being heard.

It was Discord.

He walked in, mumbling about a snack, his arms covered to the elbow in dried blood. He rubbed at his stomach and looked exhausted. He jolted, having realized she was there, but grinned. "My Dear. You're up awfully early." He walked over, knowing she wouldn't mind the dried blood touching her, and brushed his knuckles against her cheek.

She tilted her head against the knuckles, enjoying the gentle touch. "Couldn't sleep. Just getting in?" She looked up at him, for some reason feeling sleepy, like Discord was raking the ebb of anger away.

He nodded. "Boss has been working me harder in retaliation for your actions. I don't mind. Hungry?"

She shook her head. "I'm okay. I have time, want me to make you breakfast?"

His eyes searched her face for a bit. She grinned. "Hey, Dissy?"

His face broke into a amused grin. "Yes, Darling?"

Her breath caught and a blush burst from her face. It was close to "my Dear", but this was somehow different. She squeaked. "F-f-focus. Uhm...I was...I was wondering. Next time you make a bracelet for Chrysalis, can I help?"

He froze, quickly processing, luckily, that Fluttershy knew. He sighed. "If you'd like. I'm surprised she told you." He removed his hand to go wash off what blood he could.

"It was an accident, really. We went to the spa and they mentioned a baby. Then she kinda broke down in the bath. So...go a bit easy on her." She began making breakfast burritos with whipped cream and salsa for him.

He scoffed. "I'm always easy on her. But, fine, if you say." He walked over and she felt that warmth against her back again.

He nuzzled the top of her head. "So what's wrong?"

She couldn't help the small grin that gave her. "Did you know who the father was?"

He hummed, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her more towards him. "No. She never did say. Do you?"

She gripped his hand to anchor herself, the flash of anger renewing after a couple days. "Yes."

He was silent for a bit, but she could feel his energy changing. His grip on her waist tightened. "Oh?" His voice growled low and deep. "Who's the lucky man?"

That caused Fluttershy to snort. "I wouldn't call him a man. Dissy...my lovely, Dissy?" She turned in his grasp, not shocked at all by the glowing in his eyes. Though she did hear the breath hitch at the nickname.

He made a low noise in the back of his throat, not quite a hum or grunt. "What can I do for you?"

She sighed. "Unfortunately not much right now. But, I do have a question." She grinned darkly at him, pulling his shirt down enough to give a peck to his collarbone, or what she could reach of it.

His fingers rubbed her side. "Yes?"

"How would you castrate a male? Just get rid of the rod or do you pop the balloons too?" She laughed at his slight look of fear. "Don't worry, my Lovely. I just need to know the best way to harm him without killing."

He actually seemed to think on it for a bit, relaxing. "Both. Pop first then chop." To distract from the painful imagery, he kissed along her temple and forehead.

"Coward." She said, lifting her head up.

He pulled away enough to raise a brow, a smirk on his face. "How so?"

"If you're going to kiss me, you might as well make it the lips." She breathed. She was still furious, but there was a bud of excitement blossoming in her lungs.

He chuckled after looking over her face. "You either missed me, or knowing you're about to harm someone makes you more affectionate."

She hummed, knowing he wouldn't do it. For some bewildering reason, he seemed to want to do one thing right, despite the World he lives and works in and wait until she was 18. It both melted her heart and annoyed her to no end. "Maybe both. You see, Twilight said I shouldn't destroy other families since I lost mine. But you see, my Lovely, sweet man, this isn't about MY family I LOST." She grinned large, revealing her canines. "You see, he destroyed a family before it could even bear a fruit. So...it's only natural to take an eye for an eye." She growled out and rubbed her hands against his sides, causing a shiver to wrack through him. "Problem is, his wife is heavily pregnant. It's not the child's fault and to be honest, I'm not sure the wife knows. Not many women would stay after knowing. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the woman, but I couldn't ever harm a child." She chuckled darkly. "What happened, truly scarred our beautiful Chrissy to her soul. I can't let it be."

He lifted her chin. "You know these people well. Don't you?" His gaze was observant.

She brought one hand up and brushed her index finger along his lower lip, even pushing under his snaggle tooth. "Not really. I know their family members. But personally, no, I don't know them."

He bent down and nipped her jaw again, holding her tight. "Who's the family you know?"

Her mind was becoming fuzzy, the hum she got from his affection making her drunk. "You've...you've found out how to get me to talk."

He pulled away, chuckling lowly. "Maybe."

She smiled at him with hooded eyes. "Think of the singing I'd do with a kiss."

He gulped. "There's a lot...most things I've done in my life that weren't done right. Whatever we are doing right now, along with more, I want to do right. I want to do right by you." He blushed, looking away, like admitting something so intimate was a weakness.

She reached her hand up and pulled his face back to look at her. She smiled fondly. "I understand. I won't ask for kisses again until I'm 18. But if I do, forgive me for the slip."

He kissed her palm. "I will."

She giggled. "Well, eat. Then get some rest. I have school. And a plan."

He rose a brow, pulling away to grab his food. "Oh? What's your evil scheme? Monologue for me." He smiled.

She snorted, moving her arms dramatically. "Well!" Then she put her finger to his lips. "It's a secret."

He chortled and began laughing so hard it brought tears to his eyes. His laugh made her smile so hard her cheeks hurt.

Her alarm for when to leave went off and she grabbed her backpack, made sure food was down for Angel, then she grabbed Discord's hand, kissing the top gently.

"Have a good rest. I'll see you tonight, unless you leave before I get back."

He had blushed at her gesture but smiled. "I'll make sure to let you know. Don't get into too much trouble."

She laughed loudly and ran to the front door. "No promises, my Lovely!" She snorted as his blush almost glowed.

The anger returned once she was out of view of the mansion. Without that warmth, the dark thoughts began to hiss at her like the tail of a Rattle Snake, ready to strike with a mouthful of venom enough to kill in seconds.