Three's A Crowd
Pony's Log Number 411: Sometimes you can't avoid having a third wheel when try to plan one-on-ones with somepony. But...everypony has that ONE third wheel that just has to show up when you don't want them to...
It was another sunny day in the Library as Spike exited the Great Oak Library to collect the mail from Twilight and Mario's mailbox.
"Mail's here!" said Spike as he closed the front door. Twilight then used her magic to grab the mail, making Spike fall flat on his face.
"Please be a yes, please be a yes, please be a yes..." Twilight said aloud as she sorted the mail until she recognized a gold envelope and pulled out a yellow parchment inside of it, "Yes! She can make it, she can make it!" Twilight then hopped forward excitedly before grabbing Spike with her magic as they hovered about the room in a small circle.
"Going out on a limb here," said Spike as he hovered about with Twilight, "but I'm guessing that Princess Cadance said she can come this weekend!" Twilight then put Spike down, leaving him woozy as she made a landing at the same time.
"I'm finally gonna get to spend some quality time with my sister-in-law!" said Twilight excitedly, "That means I won't be alone while Mario is away! This is the best news ever!" Twilight stood on her hind legs with her fore-legs in the air. It was then there was a knock on the door and a familiar yellow Pegasus shyly peeked inside of the Library.
"Um, so sorry for barging in like this..." said Fluttershy as she walked inside, "But I'm so excited, I just couldn't wait to tell somepony!" Fluttershy then pulled out a letter to show to Twilight.
"The Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures have given me permission to observe the rarest, tiniest, and most adorable magical creatures in all of Equestria - the Breezies!" said Fluttershy excitedly.
"Wow, Fluttershy," said Twilight as Spike looked at the letter, "That's fantastic!"
"Oh, it's not just fantastic," said Fluttershy, "It might be the best news ever! In fact, it gets even better! I'm allowed to bring one guest with me and Shenran has the weekend off. SQUEE! We get to go watch the Breezies together!" Fluttershy then faced away as she hovered in the air and raised a fore-hoof into the air before sighing happily in her own little love daze.
"I see," said Twilight with a smirk. It was then the door crashed down on Spike as Pinkie appeared and tackled Fluttershy from behind.
"I just got the most incredible mail anypony's eve received in all the of recorded pony postal history!" said Pinkie as she held a flyer in her fore-hoof, "It's a flyer about a one-day sale on used patio furniture! Aah! Could this day get any better? Woo-hoo!" While Twilight and Fluttershy smiled, the former didn't resist rolling her eyes while Fluttershy just shook her head.
(Main Theme)
The day came where Fluttershy was going to board the train to the location where she could watch the Breezies. Shenran had arrived at her cottage earlier that day so he could collect the right gear for the trip. He and Fluttershy now stood on the station platform with the rest of the girls. Each of them were wearing a white nature hat. saddle bags, and handkerchief around their neck. Fluttershy's handkerchief was teal colored while Shenran was light pink and yellow. It was then the train pulled into the station.
"Here's some wraps in case you get cold," said Rarity as she used her magic to put them into the saddlebags of both Pegasi.
"Thanks Rarity," said Shenran, "but I'll mostly be holding Fluttershy close if she gets cold." Fluttershy giggled before giving him a little nuzzle. Rarity just giggled. She was still waiting for the day Shenran would finally pop the question to Fluttershy.
"And I packed you two a basket of nice fresh apples in case you get hungry," said Applejack as she placed the basket with apples before the two Pegasi. Shenran then picked up the basket to carry for his marefriend.
"Have a great time you two!" said Twilight.
"Oh we will," said Fluttershy, "And I hope you have fun with Cadance."
"Tell Mario I said hello," said Shenran, "Where is he anyway?"
"Well, you heard the news that Mario found out about his family right?" Twilight replied. Shenran nodded as he gave Applejack a smile. Applejack smiled in return.
"Well, he wanted to spend a few days with Princess Celestia so he could tell her," said Twilight, "And he wanted to make sure that Princess Celestia didn't get jealous or feel replaced since he still considers her his mom."
"I see," said Shenran when the group heard the train gave a loud whistle.
"All aboard!" said the conductor as Fluttershy and Shenran got on the train as the doors to the passenger car closed. The two Pegasi then stood at the back of the train as it pulled out of the station.
"Goodbye!" said Fluttershy as she and Shenran waved at the group, "Goodbye, everypony!" Pinkie then surprised the rest of the group by running after the train.
"Fluttershy! I'll never forget youuuuuuu!" Pinkie cried out as she finally stopped chasing the train and watched it disappear with a sad look on her face. It was then out of nowhere a red balloon floated past her in the background.
"Ooh, something floaty!" said Pinkie as she walked after the balloon, "La-la-la-la-la!" Back at the station, Twilight was feeling a little uneasy.
"Worried about Mario I presume, dear?" Rarity asked.
"I'm always worried when he's away," said Twilight, "But that's not why I look so worried right now. Oh, I'm a bit nervous about Cadance's visit!"
"What could you be nervous about, Twilight?" Applejack asked curiously, "Cadance just loves you to pieces!"
"I know, but I really want her visit to go without a hitch!" Twilight explained as Pinkie arrive holding the red balloon in her mouth.
"Oh, why wouldn't it?" Pinkie asked, accidently losing her balloon when she opened her mouth.
"Well, the last three times we've seen each other haven't exactly been worry-free," Twilight reminded the others, "Plus Mario was at my side during those visits. Not this time around."
"The fate of Equestria has hung in the balance during most of your visits with her," said Rarity, "and Mario certainly was a big help during all of those situations."
"Exactly," said Twilight, "Cadance and I haven't really had a chance to just enjoy being friends again. Which is why it is so important that this visit be about the two of us having some real quality time together."
"Don't feel a little bad that Mario is missing out?" Rainbow asked, "Cadance is pretty tight with Mario, too."
"He knew that I wanted some time with her one on one," said Twilight, "Next time, the two of them will have time to share together. I just want my time with her to be perfect."
"I'm guessin' you've got a plan that'll keep it that way," Applejack asked with a smirk.
"The timing couldn't be more perfect," said Twilight as she showed the group a poster hanging on the wall, "For one day only, right here in Ponyville, the Star Swirl the Bearded Traveling Museum! Cadance and I can spend the whole day looking at Star Swirl the Bearded artifacts!"
"Sounds like a perfect drama-free way to spend the day with Cadance," said Rarity.
"Not counting the drama surrounding which of the bells from his cloak they've chosen to put on display," said Twilight excitedly, "Spoiler alert: it's this one!" Twilight excitedly pointed to the bell on the poster when Rainbow made mocking hacking sounds, which earned the blue Pegasus a glare from Rarity.
"Uh, sorry. Something in my throat..." Rainbow said quickly, "like a big ball of lame!" Twilight looked indignant.
"If it was a traveling museum of Wonderbolt memorabilia," said Twilight plainly, "I'd call that a big ball of lame." Rainbow glared.
"Since when are you so sarcastic?" Rainbow asked indignantly.
"When you live with Mr. Sarcastic himself," Twilight explained in a smug tone, "it rubs off on you." Rainbow rolled her eyes as Rarity giggled.
"I think it sounds delightful," said Rarity.
"Yup, definitely sounds like you two will have some real quality time together," said Applejack.
"Exactly," said Twilight, "Just quiet time." It was then a whistle was heard and a train made out of crystal came rocketing down the track. As it neared the station, the train made a loud screech as it came to a stop at the station, making the four ponies cover their ears. It was then some fanfare was heard before two royal guards came out of the train, one being a Pegasus while the other was a crystal pony. A red carpet unrolled between the two guard ponies as Cadance walked out of the train. Twilight smiled as she approached her sister-in law, but was then taken aback when Cadance bowed.
"Your Highness," said Cadance. Twilight was stunned for a moment.
"Your Highness," Twilight replied as she, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow bowed as well.
"I'm teasing, Twilight," said Cadance as she stood up, "We're sisters-in-law. We don't have to be so formal." Cadance then gave a nod to her guard, who quietly dismissed themselves and the red carpet rolled back up into the train before it chugged away from the station.
"So where my little Mario?" Cadance asked.
"He's with Princess Celestia for a few days," Twilight answered.
"Twilight Sparkle," said Cadance with a sly tone, "You didn't get rid of him so you could have me all to yourself did you?"
"No, no-no-no-no!" said Twilight, "You see...let me back up. Mario did sent you a letter a couple of weeks ago didn't he?" Cadance pondered for a moment before she blinked.
"Oh right!" said Cadance, "He told me Applejack and little Apple Bloom are his sisters! Guess that means the Apple family is part of the royal family now!" Applejack couldn't help but blush. It still humbled her to know her family was now related to royalty.
"So...Mario wanted to tell Princess Celestia personally," Twilight continued, "He's worried that Princess Celestia might feel...jealous, or replaced since he knows who his birth mom is."
"I could see Aunt Celestia getting that way," said Cadance, "But I think she'll curb any jealousy or ill feelings once she learns the truth about the parents. I can imagine how difficult it for Mario to hear that his real Mom and Dad are gone."
"He was blaming himself because he had stopped searching years ago," said Applejack, "He may not have known them like I did, but he sure misses them just as much." '
"And for good reason," said Cadance, "Well, at least that explains why he isn't here."
"Did you really think I would get rid of him just so we could hang out alone?" Twilight asked.
"You used to be very possessive of me when you were a foal," said Cadance. Twilight blushed as Cadance and the others snickered.
"Getting back on track," said Cadance with a smirk as the two ponies made their way off the station platform, "knowing you, you've made some plans."
"Boy have I," Twilight replied before she remembered something, "Hang on just one second." Twilight then headed toward the other four ponies.
"You guys-" Twilight began.
"Now, now, don't you worry about a thing!" said Rarity, "We will make sure that nothing - but nothing - interferes with your visit."
"Go on, have a hootenanny with your kinfolk," said Applejack.
"You know you could join us," said Twilight, "I forgot you're my sister-in-law too." Applejack chuckled.
"Yeah, but...the Star-Swirl the Bearded traveling museum is more your thing," said Applejack, "Maybe next time. Now go on. We'll make sure you ain't disturbed." Twilight just smiled.
"You really are the best friends a pony could ever having," said Twilight as she and Rarity exchanged a hug, "Coming Cadance!" Pinkie watched as Twilight caught up with Cadance and the two went on their way.
"Two sisters-in-law bonding," said Pinkie with a sigh, "Well, I for one am gonna make sure that nothing spoils their day!" It was then some strange blue colored object came whistling and spinning down toward the four ponies.
"What is that thing?" Applejack asked worried.
"Whatever it is...duuuck!" Rarity screamed as everypony minus Pinkie squatted down.
"Rarity, that doesn't look anything like a duck!" said Pinkie before Rarity pulled Pinkie down as the object flew low past them and crashed into a nearby tree just outside the station.
"What is that?" Rainbow asked as she hovered over to the tree.
"No, not a "what", but a "who" dear," a very familiar voice sniffled.
"Oh no..." said Rainbow dreadfully, "That sounds like..."
"AH-CHOO!" the tree suddenly burst into blue flames, revealing a certain draconequus, who sniffled to himself, "Oh..."
"DISCORD!" Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Rarity all shouted at once as the group approached the tree.
"What in tarnation are you doin' here?" Applejack demanded as she and Rainbow glared at him, "And why the jumpin' June bugs are you blue?"
"More like a shade of cerulean, to be precise," said Rarity, showing off her mastery of colors at Applejack's expense.
"Whatever color you are is the color of trouble!" Rainbow exclaimed as she flew into Discord's face.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash," said Discord, "I've changed, sure you remember? I was reformed by your lovely little-" Discord started snorting as his sinuses started to block up, "F-F-Fluttershy-...AH-CHOO!" Discord was sent flying backwards from his own sneeze as a house nearby started floating in the air.
"Oh yes and Mario as well," said Discord, "and need I remind you what he said about always pointing your hooves at me all the time?" Discord then sniffled once more.
"What are you, sick or somethin'?" Applejack asked as Rarity put a fore-hoof protectively around her mouth.
"Well, of course I'm sick," said Discord, "The blue skin? these sneezes? Could somepony find me a fainting couch?" Immediately after he said that, there was long pause as everypony started at Rarity.
"What?" Rarity asked innocently. Though in reality she wasn't going to spare her precious fainting couch with Discord. It was then Pinkie found a pile of leftover luggage and pushed it over for Discord to recline on instead.
"How charming, thank you," said Discord as he tried to get comfortable, "I can't stop sneezing and wheezing. In short...I need help." Discord gives them all the puppy eyes and whined.
"If you're so "sick"," said Rainbow, still on the defense, "Why have you come here instead of, y'know, staying home in bed and gettin over your weird illness?"
AH-CHOO!
Discord then sneezed at Rainbow and then blew his nose, causing Pinkie's mane and tail to blow about and left it a little messy.
"Because this condition has left me helpless, simply helpless!" said Discord as he tossed his tissue, which flew away, "Why, I can barely lift a spoon?" Applejack just glared as she raised an eyebrow at him as Discord tried to lift a spoon with an ice pack on his head and thermometer in his mouth. He ended up dropping the spoon but tumbled forward. The four ponies just looked annoyed and indignant.
"I came to find the one pony who truly understands me and could nurse me back to health," said Discord, "Where is that dear, sweet Fluttershy? I need attention! I need some care! I need-" As Discord was babbling, he picked up Pinkie as he looked around for the yellow Pegasus.
"You need to chill," said Rainbow sternly, "Fluttershy's out."
"Oh, of course, her trip to see the Breezies," said Discord, "Ah, yes, I had forgotten that was today."
"How do you know about her trip?" Applejack demanded. Discord then opened up a suitcase and showed the group a letter.
"Well, she told about it in her last letter," said Discord before adding bitterly, "Including the fact she invited her lover-pony to go with her instead of me."
"You and Fluttershy write each other letters?" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Well, of course we do!" Discord replied, "We're friends! It's just such a shame that today of all days is when I really need her. Oh well, I know what to do." As he spoke, he approached wearing a hospital gown and pulling an IV drop bag along side of him. He then turned his back to the four ponies, showing that his gown had left his back and back side exposed. Despite the fact that usually he or the ponies didn't ever wear clothes, the four ponies looked away uncomfortably.
"Good thinking," said Rainbow as she pushed Discord over to train station platform, put a hat on his head and a suitcase in his claws, "Head on home, put your feet up. I'm sure eventually you'll have the strength to make yourself soup or something." Rainbow had just rejoined the others when Discord reappeared before them.
"Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no!" said Discord, "I mean, while she's gone, you ponies can take care of me! Isn't that what friends are for, taking care of each other?" Pinkie and Rarity cringed, Applejack looked most annoyed, and Rainbow had a face of dream as Discord appeared between Rarity and Applejack as he pulled the four ponies into a hug and laughed.
"Let the healing begin!" said Discord excitedly.
"Not it!" said Rainbow as she flew off into the distance.
"Well, that's some way to treat a suffering friend," said Discord indignantly as he sneezed again, making a streetlamp come to life, get up, and walk away.
"Don't you worry, Discord!" said Pinkie as she holds him, "I'll give you cuddles, and read you stories, and tell you all about me! I was born on a Tuesday-" Discord quickly hung Pinkie on a tree branch as if she was a Hearth's Warming ornament.
"Oh, you're so sweet to offer," said Discord, "But Rarity and Applejack already volunteered to be my own personal nursemaids." He chuckled as the two ponies had dreadful looks on their faces.
"We did?" they both exclaimed.
"I so hope you don't mind, Pinkie Pie," said Discord as the pink pony got herself out of the tree.
"Well, as a matter of face, I most certainly-" Pinkie tried to retorted when Discord presented a balloon that started floating away from the group, "Hey! Who keeps throwing away these perfectly good balloons?" Pinkie then bounced after, it leaving Applejack and Rarity alone with Discord.
"That joker's up to something, and whatever it is," Applejack told Rarity in a hushed tone, "we're gonna keep it as far away from Twilight and Princess Cadance as possible." The two ponies then looked to see Discord looking miserable as he lay in a hospital bed and a rolling EKG machine next to him beeping constantly.
"You're right," said Rarity in the same hushed tone, "We promised we wouldn't let anything ruin their visit...although I do wish that "anything turned out to be something else!"
"Think I should get in contact with my Big Brother?" Applejack wondered quietly.
"No, no, let Mario deal with Princess Celestia," said Rarity, "After all, Twilight did want to have Cadance to herself." It was then the pole behind them turned into the draconequus.
"Did I hear you two talking about Mario?" he asked, "and Princess Cadance's visit with Twilight?"
"Maybe," said Applejack cautiously.
"Fluttershy had mentioned that you and Mario are actually brother and sister," said Discord, "and that he went to tell Princess Celestia the good news. I can see the family resemblance, Applejack. You're both super honest, hard working, and not to mention stubborn mules."
"Grrrrr," Applejack growled offensively. She had no problem admitting being stubborn with Mario, but she knew Discord only said that get under her skin.
"She also mentioned that Princess Cadance and Twilight were getting together today," Discord continued, "Mm-hm, how wonderful for them both. It is so rare that those two get to see one another. I don't know about you, but I sometimes wonder how close they could actually be. All those years apart before being reunited?"
"They're plenty close," said Applejack skeptically.
"She also the reason Mario is the sweetheart is he today," said Rarity, "He did learn how to be a loving pony from her. She could teach you a thing or two."
"Rarity!" Applejack snapped.
"I didn't mean right now!" Rarity retorted.
"Interesting," said Discord, "but back to Princess Cadance and Twilight, and if they're not, this rare opportunity to focus on their friendship will certainly bring them close. Unless..." It didn't take long for Applejack and Rarity to figure out Discord's demented train of thought.
"Don't even think about it!" Rarity warned, "They mustn't be disturbed!"
"Disturb them?" Discord responded as he grabbed the both of them by their cheeks at once, "I wouldn't dream of it. Not when I have two such dear friends of my own who have already offered to take care of me. And at such peril!" Discord then dropped them to the ground so the two mares were landed on their backs.
"This flu of mine is highly...AH-CHOO!" Discord then sneezed on Applejack and Rarity, "...contagious." Suddenly, Applejack and Rarity turned blue and each gave a hard sneeze that sent them flying backwards, causing the two mare to crash into something off screen.
"Oh no," Discord lamented, "I've gotten you both sick. Whomever shall I turn to now in my time of need?" Discord soon chuckled to himself.
Elsewhere in Equestria, Twilight and Cadance had arrived at the grounds for the traveling museum. Twilight had even decided to cosplay as Star Swirl the Bearded and even wore her old costume, which was modified for her wings. Other ponies had also dressed up like the famous wizard for the event. Cadance just stayed wearing her default Princess attire.
"A whole day to celebrate Star Swirl the Bearded," said Twilight excitedly, "What could be better?"
"Absolutely nothing," said Cadance and then gasped when she noticed a glass case with an old candlestick inside of it, "Is that the candlestick he used to light the way when he was exploring the caverns of Maretania?"
"It sure is!" said Twilight.
"Oh, I can't believe I'm getting to see it in real life!" Cadance replied excitedly. It was then the candlestick rattled about and turned into the blue draconequus. Twilight and Cadance yelped in surprise. Discord then sneezed, turning himself into some foam as some hats that were on display grew wings and flew away (literally). The foam then flowed out of the glass case and reformed back into the draconequus himself, making Twilight and Cadance take a step back.
"Discord! What are you doing here?!" Twilight demanded as Cadance gave him a glare.
"Oh, dear, dear Princesses, I'm sorry to say that I'm sick," Discord replied as he suddenly coughed loudly, making Cadance raise a fore-leg protectively in front of herself, "blue flu."
"Blue flu?" Princess Cadance replied.
"Ah, I fear I already given it to poor Applejack and Rarity," said Discord before he gave a loud sneeze. Cadance and Twilight cringed as the former than raised a barrier just in time.
"Magic health bubble," Cadance told Twilight.
"Good thinking," said Twilight and smiled.
"Indeed," Discord replied, "How would Twilight nurse me back to health if she were sick too? You will be letting me stay at your place until I'm all better, won't you?"
"Stay? With me?!" Twilight spluttered, even Cadance found the idea absurd, "Uh, now is not really the best time, through I'm sure you already know that..."
"But taking in the sick and the desperate - isn't that what Fluttershy would do? Isn't that what your husband would do?" Discord asked as he leaned his claw against the health bubble, making Twilight look away, "Isn't "helping" something that friends do for friends? Unless, of course, you're really saying that you're not my friend." Twilight looked at Cadance skeptically, who could only give the purple alicorn a blank look.
"No, that is not what I'm saying," Twilight retorted sternly, gritting her teeth as she spoke.
"Oh, how elated I am to hear that," Discord replied as he slithered on top of the health bubble, "Shall the three of us head back to your place? I don't want to get anypony else sick." Twilight just sighed in defeat.
"Guess we don't have much choice," said Twilight before muttering, "I wish Mario was here so he could watch you instead."
"Twilight..." Cadance warned, "I hope you're not making a habit of dumping your responsibilities on Mario."
"I'm not!" Twilight protested.
"Right, that's why he acts like your servant all the time," Discord remarked, "And all you do is disregard his efforts and treat him like your personal doormat..."
"You stay out of this!" Twilight snapped before calming her tone as she looked at Cadance, "I may have taken him for granted in the past, but I'm trying my best to show that I love him now, especially since he's shown just how much he loves me over the years. Just...nopony's perfect..." Cadance nodded, accepting Twilight's reply, as the two mares headed back to the Library.
"Carry me?" Discord asked as he wings suddenly fell off.
"It isn't far," said Cadance as she and Twilight smirked, "I think you can manage."
"Oh, poo," Discord remarked as he followed after them like a caterpillar. As Cadance had said, it wasn't long before they were back at the Library. Cadance used her magic to fluff up the pillow as Discord lay down...in Twilight and Mario's bed.
"Need anything else?" Twilight asked, not hiding the irritation in her tone.
"Just knowing that I have a good friend like you to take care of me has made me feel better already," said Discord as he reached into the side table drawer and pulled a list and opened a book, "I'll be fine here on my own." The two ponies then turned to leave.
"Oh, just before you go," Discord called out, "just a little small request." Twilight just sighed in frustration.
"It's going to be fine," Cadance assured her, "We'll just get him what he wants and be back to the exhibit in no time." Twilight smiled as Cadance turned to face the draconequus.
"What was it that you needed?" Cadance asked as Twilight gave Discord an annoyed look. It was then Discord decided to sing his request.
[Discord - As he sang, he presented a small drinking glass, making the two alicorns flinch and lean away. Then Discord pulled out a handkerchief from Twilight's mane, making her rub the back of her head. He then made a teacup appear and some bees flew out of it before batting his eye lashes at them.]
A little glass of water please
A fresh pressed hanky if I sneeze
Some tea with honey from the bees
Whenever you can brew it
"I'll get your tea," said Cadance.
[Discord - He then pretended to be asleep as the bottom of the bed lifted up to present a small bed, then that bed lifted up to reveal a smaller bed, and then a smaller bed lifted up to reveal a small version of Discord himself presenting a request in a bottle to Twilight. Then a fish popped out of the bottle wearing a straw boater hat and holding a dancing cane.]
And while I get a little rest
A teeny tiny small request
Some codfish oil for my chest
Poured from a crystal cruet
"A crystal cruet?" Twilight asked stunned as Cadance arrived with the tea.
[Discord - He began to sing at a faster pace as flowers appeared on his body. Twilight and Cadance were then forced into making soup in a black cauldron as Twilight put a pumpkin into the brew. He then lifted the pot and dumped the contents over them. Twilight and Cadance flinched until they saw only zinnia flowers fell on them.]
My goodness, I'm a nincompoop
Because I fear I've got the croup
I need a vat of pumpkin soup
And scarves made out of zinnas
[Discord - The flowers then turned into a strip of cloth that wrapped around the two alicorns. He then pulled on it to make them spin about. He then showed himself swimming in a pool of milk as a cow reclined in a floaty chair. Then he appeared with a desert background holding an iced pastry in his claw.]
Did I say zinnias? I meant silk
Or something shiny of that ilk
And then I'll need some nice warm milk
And pastries from Abyssinia
[Discord - His face then appeared on his stomach as his eyes swirled about. He then stuck his face into Twilight and Cadance's, then appeared behind them, and finally in between them. Then some giant noodles appeared out of nowhere and fell on top of the two alicorns.]
And since my stomach's feeling crummy
Why not give my aching tummy
Something soothing, something yummy
Piled up with noodles?
[Discord - He then showed a giant Swiss cheese sandwich that was as high as a tower. He was then seen inside of a dinner sitting at a table with a spread of various food items on it. Twilight then approached the table wearing a blue waitress shirt, extra large red glasses, and a white waitress headset.]
Add a slice of homemade rye
With stacks of Swiss way up high
Served with side of sweet mince pie
More basil; I need oodles!
"Anything else?" Twilight asked irritably with an eye roll as she held a small notepad with her magic.
[Discord - The area turned black with just a spotlight as Discord made Twilight dance with him while standing on her hind legs. He spun her about, tapped her horn, then made her switch positions so Twilight was forced to dip him, forcing her to hover in the air to do it correctly. They both spun again and Twilight was struggling to hold Discord above her head with her fore-legs. She was then able to set him down as he hugged her, then held her fore-hoof as he kept singing. Twilight glared at him while standing on her hind legs.]
I'll be grateful for your charity
Until the bitter end
Because I've heard that tenderness
Is what you lend an ailing friend
"Tenderness, isn't that right friend?" Discord asked Twilight as he held her chin and got into her face.
"Right, but-" Twilight tried to reply before Discord let her go and made her fall into her back on the floor of the bedroom.
"So, who's ready for my big reprise?" Discord announced.
Doesn't matter if any of you readers said no. Here he goes again!
[Discord - He is then seen surrounded by pony-sized saltine crackers. Then had himself, Cadance, and Twilight do a montage of Harry Potter (with Twilight playing Harry and wearing oversized glasses). Discord then sneezed, making a house fly away and revealing Bon Bon wearing a towel over her mane standing next to a toilet. He then pulled out a bouquet of roses from Twilight's mane, shocking the purple pony.]
I'd like that glass of water please
Some magic spell to cure disease
A firm "gesundhoof" when I sneeze
A fresh bouquet of roses
[Discord - He then held a wrapper with two cough drops in his claw with a background montage to the Ricola commercial. The cough drop then get bigger as he stuffed them inside his nostrils. He then reappeared before Twilight and Cadance and shocked them by swapping their manes. He then lifted his feet and showed them covered in blankets.]
Some lozenges will soon appease
My wheezing when I start to sneeze
A wig to keep me from the breeze
And blankets for me toes-es
[Discord - He was then shown going through security when he pulled out a pair of tweezers from his bag. Then Twilight and Cadance were reluctantly forced to message his knees. Then the two alicorns glared at him as he used a metal grater to put cheese on his peas. He was then seen sitting on a fuzzy dog and then was cheering from some stands as an animated harp played a song. A goat was then seen riding down a hill on skiis. Discord then swung on a trampoline. Then the screen spit in three showing Discord riding a monkey, lion taming a blueberry, and squeezing a stress toy that looked like Twilight. He then appeared in the ground as he sang a long note.]
Take tweezers out of my valise
And then message my knobby knees
A bowl of peas, some extra cheese
A cuddle with a Pekingese
A singing harp who's named Louise
A goat on skis, a new trapeze
And more and more and more of these
"And just because I oughta..." Discord continued as he made a mini copy of himself appear from his teeth.
[Discord - He was seen laying on the ground he drank from a long water pipe connected to a water tower as Day turned into Night in the background. He was then seen wishing upon a star, rubbing a magic lamp, and then became a giant as he measured Twilight's head with a pair of tweezers and holding a magnifying glass. He then dropped a bit, which had his face on it, into a well as Cadance and Twilight watched. He then does a dynamic pose with Cadance and Twilight behind him as holds the empty drinking glass. Discord sat down on a chair and pulled a cord to make water fall on himself, flooding the bedroom. Then the water drained as he sang a long note, with Cadance and Twilight were caught in the whirlpool current.]
Make sure I'm drinking in the night
Amount of fluids day and night
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have just one little thing
Oh, would you please finally bring
Me that tiny glass
Of water?!
Discord then lay back down on the bed and coughed as he did so. Twilight and Cadance were now standing in front of the bed, soaking wet. In fact, the entire room was drenched. The two alicorns stayed silent as Cadance presented Discord with his glass of water. Discord took the glass and went for a drink when he dropped the cup.
"Oops. Sorry," said Discord before sneezing and turning himself into bubbles, which shined against the health bubble as the two alicorns were now dry.
"Alright, this is ridiculous!" said Twilight as she walked off toward her book shelves.
"How did you even catch this flu?" Cadance asked Discord.
"Inadequate hoof and claw washing?" Discord as he sprayed anti-bacterial on the health bubble and wiped it.
"There must be some way to just cure you!" said Twilight as he looked through several books at once, "There has to be a spell or remedy in one of my books!"
"There is one way," said Discord, making Twilight drop the books.
"And you didn't think to mention it earlier?" Cadance asked as Twilight sternly approached the bed. Discord just smirked as he reclined on the bed on his stomach.
"Slipped my mind," said Discord simply as he traced a finger on the health bubble and then created a magic cloud before the two alicorns.
"On the hill at the very edge of Equestria, there grows an exquisite magic flower," Discord explained as the cloud showed a visual of the flower, "Pick the flower as it drops its petals at sunset. Then you can make a magic soothing elixir to cure the blue flu." It was then a visual was shown of the petals being used for a tea that Discord drank, which restored his color. Then the cloud poofed at the snap of his fingers.
"I supposed you have a good reason you didn't bother to get this flower as soon as you realized you were sick," Twilight as asked as both alicorns glared at him.
"Well, I couldn't travel that far in my condition," said Discord, "By the time I got there, I'd be too weak to even attempt to retrieve the flower." Discord curled up into the blanket and shivered. Twilight and Cadance exchanged looks with each other.
"So where exactly are Cadance and I headed?" Twilight asked with a glare.
"Well," said Discord, clearing his throat as he appeared before the two alicorns in tourist gear and holding a folded map, "you'll want to head north, turn left, th-" He then folded the map into a paper hat and dropped it on Twilight's head, "You know, it'd be much easier if I took you there myself."
"I thought you were in no condition to travel," said Cadance skeptically. Discord then appeared between them.
"I'm not," Discord replied, "We'll need to make some arrangements." Discord chuckled to himself as Twilight and Cadance shared worried looks with each other.
"Excuse me for a second," said Twilight as she rushed downstairs and headed into the kitchen. Cadance and Discord looked puzzled.
"Yes! I love you so much, Mario!" Twilight shouted with glee. Twilight then returned with a little sack in her magic grip as she came back upstairs.
"Care to explain what that was all about?" Discord asked, "We're in a hurry." Twilight snorted before she smirked.
"Just a little insurance," said Twilight with a simple smile on her face.
It wasn't long before Twilight and Cadance found themselves pulling a giant gold chariot in the sky as Discord reclined comfortably. They had been flying for a while when Cadance found herself straining and sweating heavily.
"Doing okay there?" Twilight asked.
"To be honest, I'm a little out of practice when it comes to flying," said Cadance.
"I'm still not that good at flying either," said Twilight, "Mario on the other hand can fly like a Wonderbolt."
"Really?" said Cadance, "I heard that Mario had gotten more athletic, but I didn't know he was that physically fit."
"Well, now it's time for me to show you why I got so excited," said Twilight as she opened her sack and pulled out two star shaped butter cookies.
"Mmm, I was feeling a little hungry," said Cadance, "Mario always made the best cookies."
"He's gotten even better with them," said Twilight, "You'll find out once you eat it." Twilight then gave Cadance the cookie. Discord was just relaxing comfortably when they were suddenly going faster.
(Cue favorite invincibility theme)
He looked to see that both alicorns were glowing various colors.
"WOO-HOO!" Cadance shouted excitedly, "This is amazing! I can't believe Mario finally perfected the invincibility spell! He's been working on that spell since he was foal."
"I know," said Twilight, "I have two more cookies if we need them. They should make it easier for us to get to our destination. Cadance just smiled excitedly. She was enjoying what felt like boundless energy and an extra speed boost to her flying. Sadly, the cookies only lasted roughly a minute before the effects wore off. While Twilight and Cadance received a little energy boost for using the cookies, they were growing tired once again.
"Maybe we should eat those other cookies now?" Cadance suggested to Twilight, "I'm feeling exhausted."
"Well, then lucky for you," said Discord before Twilight could answer, "We're here." The two alicorns then brought the chariot for a landing.
"It's just at the top of that hill," said Discord as he pointed at the hill in the foreground, which had a cloud covering the top of the hill.
"I'm really sorry about this," said Twilight to Cadance as they made their way up the path, "All I wanted was to have some peaceful quality time together."
"I know," said Cadance in understanding, "I was looking forward to it too." Soon they reached the top of the hill as Cadance looked down to examine something.
"This is the top," said Twilight as she looked around, "But where is that flower?" It was then a giant purple petal fell on top of her. Cadance then used her magic to remove the petal off of Twilight. Twilight looked at the petal for a moment before looking up.
"Oh, Come on," said Twilight as she saw that the flower was a giant sized flower before the two alicorns hovered up to it, "if we hurry, we can still have some time together." Together, Twilight and Cadance worked together to use their magic to uproot the giant flower, which was easier said than done.
"One...last...pull," said Cadance in a strained tone when they finally got the flower uprooted and held in their magic grip.
"Phew!" said Twilight as she hovered over to Cadance, "Let's get Discord and this flower back home, then all our problems will be solved-" Just then the ground began to rumble.
"What in Equestria?!" Cadance exclaimed when the two looked down at the hole the flower was in. A giant worm like monster, known as a Tatzlwurm, appeared. Twilight and Candace looked at the monster with their jaws hanging it. The tatzlwurm just stared before it roared at the two ponies, showing off its deadly coil like tongues.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Cadance and Twilight screamed. Twilight then remembered the cookies and pulled the last two from the sack, but before she or Cadance could eat them, the tatzlwurm roared and tried to attack them. Twilight dropped the cookies as she dodged out of the way. While the cookies held the magic of invincibility, they were still typical butter cookies. In other words, they shattered into crumbs when they hit the ground, rendering the magic inside of them useless.
"Ugh, those would have been very useful right about now!" said Twilight as Cadance dodged an attack and the two alicorns tired to fly high above the skies to get away. The tatzlwurm then shocked them by showing off its ability to super jump high into the air. It was able to snag its coils into Cadance's hind leg before she could fly high enough to get away.
"Twilight! Help!" said Cadance as the worm tried to pull her down into his mouth.
"Get your coils off my sister-in-law!" Twilight yelled as she fired a magic blast at the tatzlwurm, making it let go of Cadance so she could get away. But the tatzlwurm roared before it launched its coil like tongues and snagged Twilight.
"YAAAAAAHH!" Twilight yelped as the tatzlwurm tried to pull her in this time. Cadance gasped as she turned around to see Twilight was in trouble.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Twilight screamed as she was just inches away from becoming the tatzlwurm's dinner.
"Let go of my sister-in-law!" Cadance yelled as she fired multiple magic blasts until Twilight was able to break free.
"Thanks!" Twilight said gratefully.
"Don't thank me yet!" Cadance replied as the tatzlwurm roared and did another super jump. Twilight gasped as the tatzlwurm grabbed both of them into its mouth. But as it made its way down, Twilight fired a magic blast to make it open its mouth so she and Cadance could escape. The two alicorns began to fly and fire magic blasts at the tatzlwurm to drive it back underground.
"Just...a little...more!" Twilight said as both alicorns fired a long magic blast so the tatzlwurm finally went underground, roaring and giving a Wilhelm scream as it did so.
"And for good measure...!" said Cadance as she used her magic to grab some rocks and dumped them into the hole. Several thuds were heard as tatzlwurm tried to escape but failed to do so.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asked as the two alicorns tried to catch their breath.
"Yes," said Cadance, "Better than okay actually."
"Then let's get Discord back to Ponyville, make that elixir, and finally get a chance to spend some quality time together," said Twilight as Cadance smiled and nodded in agreement. As the two made their way back down the hill with the flower in their magic grip, they were both given the shock of their lives to see Discord completely healthy and dancing.
"To the ends of Equestria!" Discord sang as held a straw boater hat in his caw, "To face such great danger! And she did it all for me! She did it all for me, for me, for me!" Discord then laughed as he wore some sun glasses and a buttoned shirt with white undies as he slid to the ground. He then noticed that Twilight and Cadance were giving him dirty looks.
"You...were...faking?!" Twilight snapped angrily as she got into Discord's face.
"I was!" Discord said honestly, "But I had a very good reason."
"We're listening," said Twilight in a stern tone.
"Well, I was in my thinking tree - that's where I do most of my really deep thinking," Discord explained as the said tree sprouted up instantly and then disappeared as he wrapped an arm around and gave her a noggie, "I was there and I said to myself, I said, "Discord, your friend Twilight says that she's your pa, but she never writes or never pops in for a visit"."
"I don't even know where you li-" Twilight was cut off when Discord pinched her lips.
""Now that she's a princess"," Discord continued as a replica of her current crown was on his head, ""maybe she's decided that she's too good for you"." Twilight shot a look at Cadance before trying to defend herself again.
"I have never considered myself t-"
"But how was I supposed to know for sure that I'm truly still friends with one of the more important ponies around?" Discord pondered, interrupting Twilight again.
"I'm not more-"
"By seeing if you would go to the ends of Equestria for me, of course," Discord continued, cutting Twilight off again as he pulled her up by his tail so they were making eye contact, "which you did, literally. Congratulations, Twilight, you passes my friendship test!" He then put a necklace around her neck that had a gold half-heart with his ugly mug on it. Discord then held out the other half of the gold heart, which had Twilight's image on it...with his big claw giving a thumbs up over her face. Discord just waved a yellow flag as the purple pony gave him a stern glare.
"Why the angry eyes?" Discord asked, "You love passing tests. It's not because my little exam put a damper on your visit with Princess Cadance, is it? Made it so that there was no time for you two to focus on your friendship?" It doesn't take a genius to figure out that was probably Discord's true intentions as Twilight hovered before him look very upset. Cadance was worried until she put on a innocent smile of her own.
"You didn't put a damper on our visit at all," said Cadance.
"He didn't?/I didn't?" Twilight and Discord said at once.
"Spending the day at the Star Swirl the Bearded exhibit would've been more relaxing," said Cadance as Twilight landed beside her, "but to be honest, relaxation is the last thing I need."
"It is?" Twilight asked with a smile.
"Don't get me wrong. Life in the Crystal Empire is wonderful," said Cadance, "but it becomes a little...predictable. I enjoy a little excitement now and then. Getting to face all these challenges today was just what I needed. And facing them with you just made me realize even more how lucky I am to have somepony like you as a friend. We may not get to see each other very often, but I know you'll always be there when I need you. Just like she was there for you, Discord." Cadance put a fore-leg around Twilight as they shared an embrace. Discord just pouted, completely annoyed at the touching moment.
"Yes, she's a real sweetheart," said Discord irritably, "We're all so lucky to have her in our lives."
"I know Mario certainly does," Cadance remarked as Twilight giggled and Discord stuck a finger in his mouth and hacked. Suddenly the ground rumbled suddenly and the tatzlwurm surfaced and roared at the group. Discord held onto Twilight.
"What in the world?!" Discord exclaimed fearfully when the tatzlwurm went up to Discord and spat out some green slime at the group. The tatzlwurm then plopped to the ground and slithered backwards underground. Twilight and Cadance smiled since the health bubble protected them, but Discord was affect by the slime as his body turned green and got some spots on his body to boot.
A couple of days later, Twilight and Spike were at Fluttershy's cottage, along with Applejack and Rarity.
"It's pretty clear that my visit with Cadance didn't go quite the way I expected," Twilight recited as Spike wrote her words into the friendship journal, "But in the end, I realized that when you're with a good friend, even the most chaotic day can end up being a great experience that brings you closer." Twilight then turned her head to give somepony a smirk, "Wouldn't you agree, Discord?"
"Yes, Twilight," Discord said miserably as he gave a snort inside of his own health containment bubble since he was now legitimately ill.
"I don't wanna go sayin' that you got what you deserved..." Applejack remarked as she approached the bubble with Rarity alongside of her. It hadn't taken them long to find the "blue flu" was just Discord's magic and a false sickness once their fur colored were restored.
"Well, I have no trouble saying it," said Rarity before saying sternly to the draconequus, "You got what you deserved!"
"You can say that again!" said Shenran since he was hovering on the other side of the room giving Discord a stern glare. Twilight had told him everything the draconequus had done to her since Mario hadn't come home yet.
"Now, now, he's learned his lesson," said Fluttershy gently as she stuck her fore-hoof through a protective hole in the bubble to stroke his back, "Isn't that right, my little patient?" Rarity and Shenran made disgusted face. Kindness or not, neither pony could understand how Fluttershy could even touch Discord in his condition, protective covering or not.
"I'm so glad that you're back from your trip, Fluttershy," said Discord, "Just your presence is making me feel so much better." Shenran and Twilight both gritted their teeth irritably as they rolled their eyes.
"By the way, what are you doing here, Shenran?" Discord asked, "I thought you were only here for Fluttershy's trip?"
"Princess Cadance asked me to help Twilight protect Ponyville as part of an job abroad assignment," Shenran explained, "Cadance managed to secure the house Mario used to live in before he moved in with Twilight so I have my own place to live while I'm here."
"And exactly how long will be around?" Discord asked, dreading what the answer would be.
"Hmm, a few months tops," Shenran replied with a smirk.
"This is so exciting!" Fluttershy exclaimed happily as she hovered next to Shenran, "Now I'll be able to see my boyfriend whenever I want while he's here!"
"And I can be with my princess," said Shenran as the two shared a kiss. Discord groaned in disgust.
"As if I didn't feel sick enough as it is," he remarked before recomposing himself, "I was just wondering, could I trouble you for just one more thing?"
"NO!" Twilight yelled.
"What?" said Discord in an innocent tone, "I was simply doing to ask for a teeny, tiny glass of water." Twilight bit her lower lip as a long shriek leaked from her mouth. Shenran gave Twilight a clean pillow.
"Let it all out, Twilight," said Shenran gently. Twilight screamed as loudly into the pillow as she could, making Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity flinch. Twilight then gave a loud whimper.
"It's okay, Twilight," said Shenran as he gently guided the flustered pony to the kitchen, "Let's just get some tea in the kitchen and I'll take you home." Twilight then said something, but it was muffled behind the pillow she was keeping over her face.
"Mario will be back soon," said Shenran gently as he guided Twilight into the kitchen. The other three ponies just gave Discord glares.
"What it something I said?" he asked innocently. The three ponies rolled their eyes.
It was probably best they never know.
Ugh...writing all the imagery for that Glass of Water song was so difficult. There's a reason why is one of my least favorite songs of MLP.
Mario may not have appeared in this chapter, but he certainly mentioned alot. Plus Shenran got to appear. And as mentioned, he will be around for the next five chapters back to back. I know alot of you were waiting for him to come back to the story. And Mario will be back for next chapter.
Also thank you for over 100,000 views! I really appreciate the support!
Next chapter will feature some Mario and Pinkie bonding. But I gotta warn you...
Things will get "Weird"
Things will get "Cheesy"
Aside from that, its gonna be a whole bunch of FUN!
Peace Pony Fans!