Chapter 16: Dungeons and Discords
One day in Fluttershy's cottage, the yellow Pegasus had several items spread out on her living room floor. She was busy packing up her saddle bag. While Sokka had offered to help, Fluttershy had told him she could pack her things alone and he let her be. At least until his wife asked for his help.
Fluttershy had just finished putting her earmuffs into her saddle bag and was about to put her money pouch into her saddle bag when a familiar draconequus appeared holding a very basic tea set.
"Tea?" Discord asked.
Fluttershy gasped in surprise and dropped her pouch on the floor. Discord then hovered over the items he saw laying on the floor.
"Trendy coats? Bedrolls? Saddlebags?" Discord said aloud and then wrapped an arm around Fluttershy, "Oh! A surprise vacation just for the two of us? How thoughtful."
Fluttershy just looked at him when he reappeared sitting on a beach chair, wearing sunglasses, with an umbrella above him and sand all over the floor.
"I hear Puerto Caballo is lovely this time of year," said Discord, "Sand like powdered sugar."
Discord then scooped up some sand and blew it toward her. Fluttershy just watched the sand land just in front of her.
"Discord, did you forget that I'm married?" Fluttershy asked.
"Doesn't mean we still can't have friendship trips together, just the two of us," said Discord.
"You know I never take a vacation trip without Shenran," said Fluttershy, "Plus is isn't a vacation trip. Princess Celestia's taking us on an overnight goodwill tour of Yakyakistan. I just found out." Fluttershy just smiled sheepishly. Discord's eyes bugged out as his shades moved so they were now above his head and gasped.
"So what you're saying is no tea?" Discord replied. He then stood up with his tea set in his claw.
"Ugh. Well," Discord remarked as he cleared his throat and literally folded up the tea set and dumped it...into his fur pocket, clearing his throat as he made his beach scene disappear as well, "That's fine. I wasn't thirsty anyway."
"If you're looking for something to do," Fluttershy suggested, "You could spend the evening with Spike, Big Mac, Chase, Clay, Sunray, Antonio, and my husband."
Discord broke out laughing, doing a backwards loop as he hovered about, but then noticed Fluttershy was serious.
"You aren't kidding," said Discord bluntly as he landed before her.
"Spike and Big Mac are very nice," said Fluttershy, "and you are good friends with my husband and Chase. They have a fun time in the dojo whenever we leave Ponyville."
Fluttershy giggled lightly to herself as she finally put another item into her saddle bags. Discord had a blunt look on his face.
"You made Sokka tell you the secret didn't you?" Discord asked.
"Maybe..." Fluttershy said innocently, "I think you'd have fun with them."
"Fun? With Chase and his sidekicks?!" Discord remarked, "Oh, you must think that we're in a dimension where everything is opposite."
Discord then snapped his fingers to make the surroundings looks like the negative print of a picture.
"Da-dee-la!" Discord sing sang, "I'm Opposite Discord, and I want to hang out with Spike, Big Mac, Chase, Sunray, Antonio, Clay, and Sokka! I'm sure I'd have fun!"
"Well, guess what, Sassafras?!" Fluttershy snapped as she hovered into his face, "I'm Opposite Fluttershy, and I'm sick of nice and QUIET ALL THE TIME!"
Discord quickly snapped his fingers to return the scene back to normal. Fluttershy was hovering a few feet away with her eyes bugged out and fore-hooves over her mouth. It was then Shenran came into the living room since he had seen the whole scene.
"Seesh, Antonio wasn't kidding when he said your opposite side was scary!" Sokka remarked.
"That's not funny, Sokka," said Fluttershy indignantly as she landed before him.
"I wasn't teasing you, honey," said Sokka, "besides, until I saw the scenario, I thought you needed me to take you back to my underground dojo to blow off some steam again."
"I'm fine, dear," said Fluttershy, "It just seems Discord feels a little hesitant to join your group's get together this evening."
"Why not?!" said Sokka to the draconequus, "My wife said I'll be there. You know I'm loads of fun to hang out with, Big D."
"I know you are, Sokka," said Discord, "But...Let me explain it to the both of you as simply as I can. Me? Amazing! Them. Well, I've already forgotten who we were talking about. You see?"
Sokka rolled his eyes.
"Besides, why would I want to hang out with Chase, the strict pony in the group and the leader of the Elite Ninja? He's never had any time for fun! He's always practicing in his dojo at his and Twilight's castle! He's always out saving the day from the Quinkan and he's always outsmarting me everytime I do something mischievous!" Discord complained.
Fluttershy looks unamused.
"Maybe it's because he does not like it when you're trying to make Twilight look like a fool." Fluttershy said matter of factly before she recomponsed herself with a smile. "But Chase is so loads of fun to be around and he's a pony you can be your true self without judgment, especially when he's practicing in the dojo. He also just likes to have some peace and quiet."
"There's a reason we've been best friends since we were both foals, Discord," said Sokka, "He's a life-long pal."
"I see..." said Discord dismissively.
"All I'm saying is it's an opportunity to expand your circle of friends," said Fluttershy as she put her pouch into her saddle before adding in a rather sassy tone, "Unless, you're afraid they won't like you?"
"Oooooooooooh! Burn!" Sokka taunted as he and Fluttershy shared a hoof-bump.
"Oh, please," said Discord to Fluttershy, "Don't stoop to tedious reverse psychology. You're better than that and you never used your sass with Chase."
"Because he is much more mature for his age." Fluttershy remarked.
"She can get sassy with anypony," Sokka remarked, "Right, honey?"
Fluttershy replied by sticking her tongue out at Sokka, who glared and returned the gesture. The two Pegasi then giggled to each other. Discord just rolled his eyes.
"My point is," said Fluttershy as she gave her husband a cheek kiss and then got to work rolling up a blanket to put in her saddle bags, "It never hurts to make new friends."
Discord scoffed.
"Consider it considered," said Discord and then poofed away. Sokka just rolled his eyes before turning to his wife.
"Need help packing, dear?" Sokka asked.
"I've got it, honey," said Fluttershy as she went to put another item into her saddle bag. It was then Discord reappeared, now looking pocket sized. Fluttershy gasped when she saw him and Sokka quickly headed over to her.
"Couldn't I just come with you instead?" Discord pleaded.
Fluttershy just smirked as Sokka stood beside her.
"Discord, if I couldn't convince her to take me along," said Sokka, "There's no way she'll take you."
Discord grumbled indignantly.
I used to get priority before HE ever showed up! Discord said that only to himself.
*Main theme*
Once Fluttershy had packed and was now dressed in her winter attire as she waited at the train station with Sokka at her side. Discord was also there as well. Since he couldn't convince Fluttershy to let him tag along, he had another idea in mind.
"I supposed this is a goodbye then," said Discord in an over-dramatic tone, "Have an absolutely fabulous voyage."
He then discreetly snapped his fingers so the tracks went around and dumped into the mouth of a giant volcano. Fluttershy and Sokka both noticed the volcano.
"Discord..." said Fluttershy and Sokka in annoyed tones. Discord gasped.
"Well, it's not my fault the new train route leads into an active volcano," said Discord in an not so innocent tone, "Guess you'll have to stay."
Fluttershy and Sokka just gave Discord deadpan looks and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Oh, you're no fun," said Discord as he snapped his fingers, "either of you."
The Pegasi couple looked back as Discord made the volcano disappear and they stopped glaring at him.
Discord just went back to sulking as the rest of the Mane sixteen appeared along with Spike, and Big Mac. All the girls had their winter gear on as well.
"Alright, Trini and Jade. Are you guys all set for this?" Chase asked the girls in his family.
"Don't worry, Chase." Trini assured her younger cousin. "We'll be ready for anything on the trip."
"And as long as we're with the girls, we won't let anything bad happen." Jade added with a smile.
Chase and Sunray smiled in reply. Then Chase turned his attention to Nyx, who was also wearing her winter gear.
"Now you be good, Nyx." Chase said, playfully chiding his daughter. "Don't do anything that will upset your mother."
Nyx giggled.
"Don't worry, Daddy." Nyx assured her adoptive father. "I'll be with Mom all the way."
Twilight nodded in agreement as Chase smiled in reply.
"I got my bedroll, parka, unattractive but functional hikin' boots..." Applejack said aloud as she turned to the pink pony, "Uh, anything I forgot, Pinkie Pie? Aside from Chase, you're our resident Yakyakistan expert."
"Nope! I brought yeti food!" Pinkie replied. There was a long silence as everypony besides Discord gave her funny looks.
"Did I forget to mention there's a pony-eating yeti on Frost Field Glacier?" Pinkie asked, still smiling. Chase just face hoofed himself in annoyance.
"Pinkie…" Chase said in annoyance.
"I kind of slipped my mind." Pinkie said sheepishly before she said excitedly, "We're gonna have so much fun!"
"Heh, if he messes with us, I'll turn that yeti into confetti," said Rainbow confidently.
"You know, I still don't understand why Princess Celestia invited everypony except me for this tour," said Chase with a confused look.
"Princess Celestia said she only needs one of us, sweetie," said Twilight, "Besides, you get to have fun with the guys while I get to have fun with the girls."
"Well, I think she's just doing this so I can keep an eye on the boys if they do anything they might regret or get into any trouble." Chase said with a smirk and an eye roll as the boys of the group looked indignant at him while the girls snickered.
Twilight hugged and kissed Chase's cheek. It was then a train whistle was heard as it pulled into the station. Big Mac and Clay wasted no time pushing Applejack toward the train.
"Heh. Somepony's in an awful quick hurry to get out of here," Applejack said with a smirk, "Don't y'all have too much fun!"
"I think we're gonna have some real fun, honey." Clay said with a smirk.
Applejack giggled before she and Clay shared a loving kiss on the lips as the rest of the girls started boarding the train. Fluttershy and Sokka shared a couple of kisses and a hug before parting ways and saying goodbye.
"I bet you boys have big plans. Right, Spike?" Twilight asked as she and Rarity smirked at him.
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," said Spike innocently, "Although if I did, I certainly wouldn't be allowed to discuss it with you girls."
Spike smugly nudged Rarity's side as she rolled her eyes and headed for the train.
Big Mac and Antonio just nodded in agreement. Even Discord was rolling their eyes. Sunray was feeling a little annoyed. Chase walked up beside Twilight and rolled his eyes as Nyx boarded the train.
"Should I break it to him that Sokka and I already told you and Fluttershy our plans?" Chase asked in a hushed tone.
"Nah, let Spike have his moment of masculinity," said Twilight with a smirk and they shared a kiss, "Buh-bye, dear and don't let the boys destroy the castle while you practice in the dojo."
"Sure, honey. I'll keep an eye on them." said Chase as they shared a loving nuzzle.
Sokka, Clay, Antonio, Spike, and Sunray glared at him indignantly.
The train whistle then blew as the train pulled away.
"Bye, y'all!" said Applejack as the rest of the girls each sat before a window and waved goodbye as the train pulled away from the station.
The six boys all waved until the train was out of sight. Discord looked back at the group once and then went back to sulking. Sokka snorted as Chase walked up to him.
"Let me guess," said Chase, "Discord still keeping his issues to himself?"
"Eeyup," said Sokka, "I'm sure he'd have fun joining us, but I don't know why he's so apprehensive about it. We might not be considered to be the coolest of the cool, but we know how to have a good time."
Chase and Sunray nodded in agreement.
"Pst! Chase! Sunray! Antonio! Clay! Sokka! C'mere a sec!" Big Mac called out and gestured for them to cover over.
The six boys then huddled up as Big Mac whispered his plan to the group.
"Uh, I dunno what to say," said Spike as he pointed a finger at Discord, "I mean, I hope he comes but I kinda don't want him to think of it..."
"Yup," Big Mac said in a hushed tone.
"There's no harm in asking," said Sokka.
"Yeah," said Antonio, "I'd rather try than just ignore him. Otherwise he'll make an excuse to crash the party because he thinks we shut him out."
"Let's just hope he doesn't have to be so stubborn." Chase advised.
The five boys then smirked at each other as they gazed their eyes at the draconequus. Discord quickly made a magazine appear with himself on the front cover and pretended to read it.
"Fascinating article, yes?" Discord said to himself and laughed nervously. Then said to himself in a hushed tone, "Don't let them come over, please don't let them come over, please don't let them come cover, please, please, please..."
It seemed as if his pleas only encouraged the six boys to walk up to the draconequus. Discord immediately took notice of them standing close by.
"Oh, salutations, my friend!" said Discord, "Wish I could stay and chat, but I don't want to." Discord quickly tried to walk away.
"Wait!" Spike called out, "Um, we were wondering...What are you up tonight?" The other boys nodded in agreement as Spike smiled nervously.
"Oh, here we go..." Discord groaned to himself and face-palmed himself again.
"Do you wanna, I don't know, hang out?" Spike asked as they others all nodded in agreement, "Is that, like, something you do?"
"Besides trying to convince Fluttershy to dump Sokka for you?" Antonio teased as Sokka glared and gave Antonio a hard shove.
Chase and Sunray just watched them for a bit before they rolled their eyes.
"Oh, if it isn't Sokka, Twilight's friend, Twilight's loving husband, Chase's brother and cousin, Chase's friend, Applejack's monosyllabic brother," Discord said bluntly.
"I'm also Applejack's husband too ya doofus!" Clay retorted indignantly.
"My point is that I can't make it," said Discord quickly, "if only I weren't super busy this evening."
"Right..." Chase, Sunray, and Sokka said together with an eye roll.
"I guess guy's night will just be the five of us," said Spike to the group.
"Oh, well, maybe some other time," said Antonio.
"See ya, Big D," said Sokka.
As the seven boys made their way off the station platform, it finally clicked to Discord what they had said.
"A guys' night?" Discord asked as he hovered above them, "You mean a rowdy evening of reckless revelry? Zoot suits, fedoras, and swing dancing?"
"Eh, something like that," said Spike nervously as Big Mac smiled sheepishly, "You should totally come. The six of us would be way better than two..."
"The does sound fun, actually..." Discord pondered aloud as he stroked his goatee.
"Well, we know how to act like a bunch of party animals," Antonio remarked casually.
"Oh, jeez." Chase muttered to himself in annoyance as he face palmed himself.
"Too bad you're busy," said Spike.
"Yeah, I'm sure you won't miss out on too much fun," Sokka added slyly.
"Oh, now don't you go getting sassy like your wife there, Sokka," said Discord as he made an office desk appear. He was also wearing a business suit.
"Well, I suppose I could squeeze you in if I move a few very important ponies around," said Discord.
"In other word's nopony at all," Antonio whispered to Sokka, who snickered quietly.
"In fact, clear the whole evening," said Discord in his gravelly accent, "Tonight is guys' night. These fellas invited me to spice things up and bring a little class to the whole affair."
Big Mac, Antonio, and Spike just watched Discord do his act with wearily looking faces. Chase, Sunray, and Sokka just smirked and rolled their eyes at him. Discord then disappeared.
Discord then resurfaced from the ground, even using some of his magic so he could hold them all. Big Mac, Clay, and Sunray were in one arm while Sokka, Chase, and Spike were in another.
"Tonight will be the best night of your lives," Discord told them, "and not just because you get to bask in my greatness."
"Bleh!" Sunray said discreetly while sticking a hoof in his mouth.
"I do like basking in things," said Spike.
"Especially himself in the mirror," Chase remarked as Sokka, Sunray, Antonio, Clay, and Big Mac snickered.
"Ha ha!" Spike said annoyingly before looking at Discord, "See you tonight!" He then added in a hushed tone, "Twilight and Chase's castle. The fun starts promptly at sundown."
"Or when Spike stops posing in the mirror," Sokka teased.
"Oh give it a rest!" Spike remarked.
Discord just chuckled as he put the seven boys down.
"Technically, the fun starts when I arrive," Discord said smugly, "but I'll make sure it's around sunset. Adieu, fellas."
Discord then disappeared. The group all had worried looks on their faces.
"Well, if anything goes wrong," said Sokka, "We can blame it all on him."
"Just be on your guard, guys." Chase said slowly. "You never know what kind of 'brilliant scheme' he's got cooking up."
Sunray, Sokka, Clay, Big Mac, Spike, and Antonio nodded in agreement before they all walked away from the train station.
(Scene changes)
Soon the time had some and Celestia had just finished making the sun disappear behind the horizon. Spike watched the sun disappear from outside the castle balcony.
"And...we have sundown. Repeat, we have sundown," said Spike to Big Mac, "I declare tonight's guys' night ceremonies officially open!"
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac excitedly as he waved his fore-legs in the air. Then two started dancing.
"It's guys' night," Spike chanted.
"Yup," said Big Mac.
"Oh, yeah," said Spike.
"Yup," said Big Mac.
"Havin' fun now," said Spike.
"Yup," said Big Mac.
"Oh, yeah!" they said together as Big Mac posed on his hind legs.
Then a record scratch was heard.
Chase was the one who stopped the record player as he had an annoyed look on his face as Sunray, Antonio, and Sokka.
"Guys, how many times have I told you not to use my record player?" Chase asked in irritation.
Big Mac and Spike smiled sheepishly.
"Um… maybe just two times?" Spike asked with a nervous smile.
Chase rolled his eyes in slight amusement.
It was then they heard the faint sound of some fanfare being played. The six boys looked at each other and then rushed to the front hall of the castle.
"What the hay?" Spike remarked as they saw two Discord's playing some trumpets.
"Oh no..." Sokka groaned.
"He's gonna make an entrance isn't he?" Chase remarked bluntly.
"Pretty much," said Sunray and Antonio.
It was then a mini-Discord appeared skedaddling between the trumpet playing Discords and held a scroll.
"Announcing the much anticipated arrival of the spirit of chaos and disharmony," said the mini-Discord, "the purveyor of pandemonium, lord of lawlessness, bringer of bedlam..."
"The superior of stupidity," Sokka whispered to Antonio as they both snickered.
Chase and Sunray just rolled their eyes with smirks. It was then some more fanfare was heard.
"Discord!" the Mini-Discord finished as a large banner of the draconequus wearing basketball attire was seen. Fog soon filled the floor as electronic music was played and a spotlight danced about. Then Discord himself burst through the banner wearing the very attire as he started dribbling a basketball and then tossed the ball at the boys.
"Hit the deck!" Chase shouted as they all got low the ground as the ball came at them and then exploded into some confetti.
"Vo-voy, Vo-voy, voy!" said a very high-pitched voice.
Even Discord was stopped in his tracks as the other five boys stood back up. It was then from under all the excess fog came out a dark brown colored fox with an excessive amount of cream colored fluff around its neck, large black and brown eyes, and some long thin ears that didn't resemble a fox at all.
"Discord, what is...that thing?" said Spike since none of them had ever seen anything like it.
"It's...it's..." Antonio stuttered.
"So cute and fluffy!" Sokka squealed with delight.
"Sokka, please," said Discord indignantly, "Where's your masculinity?"
"He gave it up when he married the Fluttershy," said Chase.
"You gave up yours before you and Twilight were even dating!" Sokka shot back.
Chase blushed deep red and Big Mac snickered.
"Don't get to cocky, Big brother," Clay warned his brother-in-law, "Soon you're gonna meet that special mare that's gonna make you act all warm and fuzzy too!"
"No way! No how!" said Big Mac sternly. Clay chuckled.
"We'll see..." said Sunray slyly.
He was already secretly making plans on how he could get Big Mac to meet a certain pink unicorn.
Sunray's train of thought was interrupted as the little fox creature started running and hopping about Sokka. Sokka just smiled and chuckled.
"Well, to answer your question," said Discord, "This little...bundle of joy...was just wandering about my front yard earlier today."
"Let me guess, searching for food?" Antonio asked as the little creature stopped hopping about.
"That would be the most logical thing," said Discord, "I've seen many creatures in my home dimension, but never anything this...cute and fluffy."
Discord couldn't help but strain the last three words out of his mouth.
"Grrrr...!" the fox-creature hissed.
"Long story short, the little guy was looking for a place to stay," said Discord, "But his...cuteness...just cramps my style if you get my drift. Besides, since Sokka and Fluttershy are the animal lovers, I figured you'd have a better home for him."
"Ev-voy, voy, voy!" said the fox creature as he hopped up and down.
Discord made a face of disgust. Sokka just smiled at the creature.
"How do we know this thing won't turn into something big and nasty monster or something?" Spike asked.
"Grrr!" the creature hissed.
"Hey, I'm being serious!" Spike retorted, "alot of creatures that get involved with Discord tend to do that!"
"He doesn't," said Discord, "The worst he'll do is act cute until you can't stand it and your nose falls off." Discord's nose then fell off his face, which he grabbed and put it back on.
"Hmm," said Chase as he looked at the little creature, "Well, he certainly does have some fox-like qualities to him, but I see other types of animals aspects of him as well. He's certainly a mish-mash of different animals."
"Just like you, Discord," said Clay.
"Not really, I came out perfectly," said Discord indignantly, "In his case, something went wrong..."
"HISS!" the creature snarled angrily.
"Easy little guy," said Sunray and rubbed the top of the creature's head, "Discord's just jealous cause you're cute and he's not!"
"Excuse me, Sunray?!" Discord retorted, but was ignored.
"Despite the mix of different animals in him," said Sokka, "understanding his dialect is actually easier than most of the animals my wife and I speak to. I still need to consult my wife on the matter, little guy. But if she says okay, how would you like to stay with me. I could use my own pet if you don't mind that!"
"Voy!" the creature shouted happily and nuzzled Sokka's fore-leg happily.
"Now to find you a name," said Sokka as he looked at the creature and pondered. Then he blinked as a name came to mind, "I got it! I'm gonna call you...Eevee. Do you like that?"
"Ev-voy, voy, voy!" Eevee said happily as he jumped for joy. Sokka then nuzzled his chest fur, making him purr happily. Discord rolled his eyes.
"Eevee?!" Discord exclaimed before muttering, "Guess it beats calling him Stitch or something just as ridiculous..."
"Welcome to the family, Eevee," said Chase, "since he is a boy. You can join us for our guys' night. Right, gang?"
Discord's jaw dropped.
"You've gotta be kidding me!" Discord exclaimed.
"Don't see why not?" said Spike, "We let Ray join us after he begged enough times."
Ray came into the scene as he landed on Chase's back gracefully as he observed the creature. It was then Eevee walked up and held out a paw to introduce himself. Ray was surprised at first, but then smiled and accepted the handshake with his wing. Then spoke in his phoenix voice as he wrapped an arm around Eevee's shoulder saying they're gonna be good friends. Eevee gave a little "voy" in agreement.
"Good to see they're getting along," said Chase.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"Well, now that we've got the intros settled," said Discord, intentionally trying to break up the heart-warming moment, "shall we hop to it? I made a list of the rowdiest establishments in Ponyville."
He then pulled out a scroll that had only two names written down.
"It's rather short," said Discord bluntly.
"Actually," said Spike, "we're staying here. I hope you like awesome games!"
Antonio, Spike, Big Mac, Clay, Sokka, and even Eevee all shared a group high-five.
Chase, Sunray, and Ray just looked at them with blunt looks. But Discord didn't notice.
"Games?" said Discord, "I love games. I'm great at games."
He then transported the group into a 1960s-1970s decor living room. Discord sat on a lounge chair. While Spike, Big Mac, Sokka, Antonio, Sunray, Clay, Chase, Ray, and Eevee were all squeezed into a rather long sofa, Discord then pulled out a slip of paper from a bowl.
"Famous pony charades?" Discord announced as he read the slip of paper, "Oh, this is an easy one."
He then changed his face and added a familiar flowing mane to it.
"Who am I? Huh? Huh?" Discord asked.
"Ugh..." Chase groaned and face-palmed himself as Ray squawked in annoyance.
"Voy..." said Eevee in a very sheepish and annoyed tone.
The others just had disturbed looks on their faces. While it was pretty obvious who Discord was trying to impersonate, everypony was too disturbed to answer.
"Oh, come on!" Discord cried out, thinking nopony could guess.
"We know who you're impersonating, buddy," said Sokka, "it's just seeing you with Princess Celestia's face is a bit disturbing."
"My bad," said Discord as his face returned to normal and he removed the Celestia wig.
"Uh...I'm talkin' about a real game," said Spike with a smirk. The others smiled, but Chase, Sunray, and Ray rolled their eyes again.
"Oh, you mean like trapping best friend ponies in hedge mazes and turning them against each other," Discord suggested as he stroked his Celestia wig like a pet cat, "Those were the days."
"Oh, please don't bring that up," said Chase sternly.
Chase hated the time Discord turned his friends and wife against each other and he still didn't like it. Chase then lost his train of thought when he heard the Celestia wig yowl and run off. Discord then returned everypony into the main hallway of the castle.
"Not exactly," said Spike, "Wait here." Spike then ran off.
"Hey, Antonio, don't you need to get the refreshments in the oven?" Sunray asked his older cousin.
"Oh right," said Antonio, "We can't be playing games on an empty stomach after all!"
"Considering you're the one doing the cooking," said Discord, "I think the odds of us ending up in the hospital will be very small?"
"Of course, Discord," said Antonio with a smirk on his face, "You're the only one I was gonna try to poison."
Ray and Eevee laughed as Antonio passed the two critters, gave them each high-fives, and headed into the castle kitchen.
"Hardy-har-har," Discord remarked sarcastically.
It was then he found that Ray and Eevee had settled down so he had both Big Mac and Sokka to chat with.
"So...any ideas of what this game is?" Discord asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," said Chase.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac in agreement.
"Well, whatever it is, it can only get better by adding me into the mix," said Discord.
"I would think so," said Sokka, "The game can be quite chaotic and full of the unexpected."
"Ooh! Sounds like my kind of game," said Discord with interest.
"Okay!" Spike shouted from the distance as Chase, Big Mac, Clay, Sokka, Ray, and Eevee ran over to where Spike was.
Discord just hovered behind them. The group soon arrived inside the throne room as Spike finished doing some last minute setups to their game. Antonio had also arrived and had taken a seat. Ray and Eevee sat at the edge of the table beside their respective owners. The group waited as Spike put a flashlight over his face.
"In a world where evil reigns supreme," Spike said in dramatic fashion, "a small band of warriors stands tall against the darkness. This is...Ogres & Oubliettes!"
The light to the room then turned on as Big Mac, Antonio, Clay, and Sokka smiled excitedly. Eevee jumped up and down, while Chase, Ray, and Sunray just kept a calm smile over their faces. Discord just gasped dramatically as he leaned away from the table.
Once Discord had recovered, he hovered over what looked like a hand drawn game board with a few twenty sided dice and some other cut outs.
"Oh, this looks like..." Discord started.
"The best game ever?" said Spike excitedly, "You're right!"
"Yes..." Discord agreed, both reluctantly and sarcastically. He even rolled his eyes.
"I know how ya feel," said Chase, "I kind of don't like this game."
"Yeah, this game stinks." Sunray added in agreement.
"It's not our fault you guys don't like to play this game since you both were kids," Spike remarked.
Discord blinked.
"Wait a minute," said Discord, "Are you saying Chase and Sunray don't like this game?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac said.
"They weren't fond of this game since they were not big fans of this board game anymore." Clay said as he glared at the two stallions. "Because they always cheated and we yelled at them."
"I told you guys we didn't cheat on this game for a long time. You were. You guys nearly looked at our cards when you tried to distract us!" Chase argued with an annoyed look.
"Come on, Ray almost melted my ice cream when we were playing!" Spike snapped. "And how was I supposed to know you saw us?"
"That's because you were the one cheating!" Sunray said irritatingly, causing Spike to wince nervously, as he groaned. "And the ice cream was getting the dices all sticky too. I don't know how you guys talked us into playing this stupid game again."
Clay, Antonio, Sokka, and Spike gasped dramatically. Discord blinked.
"Stupid game?!" The four shouted in unison.
"It's not just a game, it's a lifestyle!" Sokka argued with a glare.
Chase and Sunray looked at each other with blunt looks. Then they began to settle down.
"Ogres & Oubliettes is a fantasy role-playing adventure game," Spike explained.
"Or FRPG for short," Chase remarked as he finally sat down.
"Since it was the name they wanted us to make." Sunray added.
"If the F means failure or flop, I heartily agree," Discord muttered.
"Our goal, defeat the evil Squid Wizard," Spike continued, "or..." Spike held back chuckles, "...as we call him...the Squizard!"
Big Mac, Sokka, Clay, Antonio, and even Eevee chuckled in agreement. Chase and Sunray just smirked as Discord simply remained unimpressed at the joke. Spike noticed but quickly recovered as he cleared his throat.
"The Squizard has laid siege to the last free city in Spiketopia," Spike continued, "That's the name of the land."
Ray rolled his eyes and said something to Chase.
"Ray said he wanted to go with naming the kingdom, Spamalot," said Chase, "but I told him the name was already copyrighted."
"Obviously," Discord said with an eye roll.
"He's kidnapped a beautiful unicorn princess named Shmarity," said Spike and then suddenly looked rather sweaty and nervous, "Uh, which is like a normal name in Spiketopia, so, you know, don't think about it too much."
Spike then blushed.
Chase and Sunray rolled their eyes.
"Fear not," said Discord smugly, "Your romantic delusions are safe with me." He then literally zipped up his mouth to make his point.
"Same with your romantic delusions over my Flutters," Sokka remarked.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Discord said quickly and indignantly, despite the fact his mouth was supposed to be zippered shut.
"Besides," said Antonio, "I wanted the princess to be called Twinkles."
"Twinkles? Seriously?" Discord remarked as Antonio glared at him.
"I'd rather have a Pegasus princess named Pixieshy," said Sokka.
"Ooh, not bad on that name," said Discord in agreement.
"Alright, that's enough joking around," said Spike as he grabbed a sheet of paper, "Eevee, you can tell Sokka what you want and he'll translate for us. Okay?" '
"Voy-voy!" said Eevee excitedly as he whispered his idea to Sokka.
"Ooh! Nice!" said Sokka, "Eevee said he'll be Foxbeard, a land pirate who seeks hidden treasures!"
"Hey, we could use one of those!" said Spike as he wrote the name down, "Foxbeard...Treasure Hunter class. Got it! Now you Discord?"
"How about...Discord?" the draconequus remarked. The others just smirked as Chase shook his head.
"The whole point of the game is you get to use your imagination to be someone you're not," Spike sighed as he held out a hand-made game piece, "I'm Garbunkle, a famous magician. Everypony treats me with the utmost respect."
"Just like in real life?" Discord remarked sarcastically as he tried clipping his toe nails.
"And don't get jealous," said Spike, ignoring Discord's sarcasm, "but I'm a level 30 enchanter with major skill points assigned to intellect and perception."
"And no skill points for strength and common sense," said Sunray.
Spike blew him a raspberry. They noticed that Discord was now reading a magazine while sitting under his very own dryer dome.
"Go on, I'm listening," Discord remarked. Chase, Sunray, Antonio, Clay, Sokka, Ray, and Eevee knew he was lying, but Spike believed him as he put down a drawing of Big Mac in black armor.
"Big Mac's character is Sir McBiggun," Spike explained, "a level 27 Black Knight Unicorn from Castle Chadwick!"
"I'm listening," said Discord as he made a life-size pyramid out of playing cards.
"When his king aligned himself with the Squizard," said Spike, "Sir McBiggun would not besmirch his honor."
"Nnope!" said Big Mac in agreement.
"I'm listening," said Discord as he lay in a floating beg with a sleeping mask on.
Spike then put out Clay's and Sokka's game cards. Clay's card showed himself wearing a gray cloak and holding a medieval sword. Sokka was wearing blue armor similar to Big Mac's, but he had pixie style wings instead of a horn.
"Clay's character is Dwarf Spade, a level 19 swords pony who is super accurate from long distances," said Spike, "He was once considered an outlaw by Schmarity's father the King for robbing from the royal treasury and giving the wealth to those who needed it. Until the King realized that the Squizard has tricked him into charging too many taxes on the common ponies of the land."
"Yes, I'm listening," said Discord, now sitting inside a floating mud bath with cucumber slices over his eyes, not noticing that everypony other than Spike and Big Mac were glaring at him.
"Sokka's character is Sir Pureheart," Spike continued, "a level 14 knight of the royal court and Garbunkle's rival for the Princess Schmarity's affection."
Spike glared at Sokka, who rolled his eyes.
"That rivalry was your idea," said Sokka, "besides, I already told you I have no interest in Schmarity. I found love with the fairy princess, Pixieshy." Spike just rolled his eyes in reply.
"Who is considered non-canon in this universe," Spike said quickly before continuing normally as he held the character cards, "And so it came to pass, the magician, the black knight, the knight of the kings court, the little archer, and our treasure hunter vowed to rid Spiketopia of the evil Squizard."
Discord deflated...literally.
"So, your character's name?" Spike asked again.
"Before I do," said Discord, "I know Chase and Sunray weren't fond of this game anymore, but what were their characters like, especially Antonio's?"
Chase and Sunray glared at the draconequus for the remark. Spike held out a card that showed Chase, Antonio, and Sunray wearing white knight armor suits.
"The White Knights." Spike said. "Level 35 knight dragon warriors. They're the bravest ponies of Princess Jasper's royal guard. Chase is the leader of the group and his character's name is Shadow Blaze. Sunray's character is Alpha Strike. And Antonio's character is Godric Goldenrod. These guys were said to have faced down the Squizard's army and destroyed everything he had created, thus ending his reign of terror, but the villain made a comeback. They became the big heroes of the day too. Only Antonio is left since Chase and Sunray didn't want to play anymore."
Discord looked stunned and amazed a bit before he became annoyed.
"So, your character's name?" Spike asked Discord again.
"I already have the best name in the universe," said Discord, "Why would I change it for something like "Captain Wuzz"?"
"Captain Wuzz it is!" said Spike as he wrote the name down.
Discord just groaned since he wasn't being serious.
"It's better than nothing, buddy," said Sokka, "After all, it beats being called Captain Dodo..."
"From the kingdom of Lolo," Clay finished.
"Ho-hooooooooooooooo!" Clay and Sokka cheered with a fore-leg raised in the air. Chase and Sunray looked rather bored and unamused.
"This is just sad," said Chase.
"And totally embarrassing," Sunray added in agreement.
"Alright, alright," said Spike, "What class are you, Captain Wuzz? There's Archers, Mages, Rouges…"
Discord just snorted.
"Can I suggest we take a break and, I don't know, go out and have some fun?" Discord suggested, "Ponyville's not going to paint itself red."
Discord then held a brush and a can of paint.
"You'll love it once we get started!" Spike said and then rolled a die, "How 'bout an Archer like Little Fuzzles?"
"Sounds just as miserable as the other options," said Discord as he put the paint and paintbrush down, "so fine."
Ray squawked at him offensively.
"I'm only saying it's not really my fit," said Discord, "If it's yours, all the power to you, Ray." Ray just snorted as Spike finished making Discord his playing piece.
"Sir McBiggun, are you prepared to enter the world of Orges & Oubliettes?" Spike asked Big Mac.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac with determination.
"How 'bout you Dwarf?" Spike asked. Clay smirked and gave Spike a salute.
"You got it!" Clay said with a determined smirk.
"Sir Pureheart?" Spike asked next.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" said Sokka excitedly.
"And new recruit, Pirate Foxbeard?" Spike said.
"Ev-voy, voy, voy!" Eevee said excitedly as he waved his paws in the air.
"And you, Godric Goldenrod?" Spike asked Antonio.
"You know me!" Antonio replied definitely.
Discord just looked rather impatient and irritable.
"Discord, or should I say, Captain Wuzz," said Spike, "are you-"
"Oh, get on with it," said Discord rudely. Spike then grabbed some dice and rolled them.
"We find ourselves trapped in the dungeon of the evil Squizard," said Spike, "The bars are locked tight." Discord just looked bored and raised an eyebrow at Spike.
"The bars exist in our imagination," said Spike.
"Really?" Discord asked, "You describe things, and then we pretend it's real?"
"It is real," said Spike, "In our imagination." He then waved his fingers around the side of his head to emphasize his point.
"Thank you, Captain Obvious," said Clay, Big Mac, Antonio, and Sokka together. Chase, Sunray, Ray, and Eevee were muttering comments of agreement. Spike just glared.
"It's your turn first," Spike told Discord, "What do you wanna do?"
"Curse myself for attending this infernal evening?" said Discord.
"Really?" said Antonio, "can Discord really discord himself? Interesting..."
"I was being sarcastic ya doofus!" said Discord.
"So was I, if you couldn't tell, Mister Clueless," said Antonio smugly. Discord scoffed but then realized what Spike was really asking.
"Ohh, no, you mean in the game," Discord remarked.
"Well, you can do whatever you want," said Spike, "Then, I roll this twenty-sided die and see if you're successful."
Discord then made jail bars appear before himself.
"I stick my head through the bars and demand for the immediate release of the Lord of Chaos," Discord replied bluntly.
Spike, Ray, Antonio, Clay, Sokka, and Big Mac winced. Chase, Sunray, and Ray just had a bored look on their faces as the alicorn stallion wiped his katanas clean. Eevee just looked a little lost.
"That's a big risk," said Spike, "You have to roll a seventeen or higher to succeed." Spike then rolled the die and grabbed his book, "Ooh, bad idea. The guard gets mad."
Discord then grabbed Spike's guide book.
"This spell here," said Discord, "I transform him into a parsnip."
"Voy-voy-voy-voy!" said Eevee impatiently, wanting to take his turn.
"Easy little guy," said Sokka, "You'll get your turn soon enough." Eevee just huffed to himself.
"You need eleven intelligent points to cast a Transform Into Root Vegetable Spell," said Spike.
"I'm not intelligent?" said Discord, taking offense.
"Discord, in the real world, you are intelligent," said Chase, "But in this game, your character is a level 1 Archer. You gotta earn experience and level up so your character can do the more complex spells and such. Nopony's insulting you."
"Oh whatever!" Discord retorted as he tossed the guide book away, "I cast it anyway because this game is stupid."
Spike rolled the dice again and read the book.
"The spell backfires. So..." Spike then started to hold back laughter, "...your claws grow leaves and turn into parsnips!"
"Parsnips," Big Mac chuckled and started laughing.
Antonio, Sokka, Clay, Ray, and Eevee laughed as well. The two critters were on their backs as they laughed. Chase and Sunray smirked in amusement as they laughed in the inside. Discord growled at them.
"The guard laughs," said Spike as he rolled the die again, "He calls his friends over, and they laugh too."
The rest of the group continued laughing.
"Don't you laugh at me, Big Mac, Chase, Sunray, Antonio, Clay, Sokka, Ray, Eevee!" said Discord as he leaned into the face of everypony he said the name to, "Does it really say that? Let me see."
As Discord checked the guide book, Spike rolled the die again.
"As you get angrier, everypony laughs harder!" said Spike.
"Then one guard says," Antonio added before speaking in a falsetto, "Temper, temper, Captain Wuzz. You laugh at the expense of others all the time. You need to learn to let others laugh at you for a change and not act like a big baby about it."
"Oh, be quiet!" Discord remarked.
"Now, now, Captain Wuzz, didn't mommy warn you about that low boiling point of yours?" Antonio asked, still speaking in a falsetto.
"Leave my mommy out of this!" Discord snapped, but then bit his lower lip.
Everypony minus Discord laughed even harder. Antonio was banging the table from laughing so hard. Eevee was just kicking his four legs wildly in the air from his own laughter. Discord felt his temper boil. He couldn't believe he had actually walked right into such a juvenile joke.
"I seal Sir McBiggun, Godric, Sir Pureheart, Little Fuzzles, and Pirate Foxbeard in a magic bubble until they stop laughing!" Discord retorted.
"I told you, you can't do magic!" Spike told him as the laughter continued.
That's when Chase, Sunray, and Ray saw the angry look in Discord's eyes. They realized this was getting out of hoof.
"Uh, guys. I think you've already done enough." Chase said with a concerned look.
Discord's eyebrows erupted into flames as he literally encased everypony except Spike, Chase, Sunray, and Ray, into a magic bubble.
"Whoa! Nope! Nope! Nope!" Big Mac yelped.
"Not cool, man!" Antonio cried out.
"Hey, what's the big idea!" Shenran called out.
"Get us out of here!" Clay snapped. Eevee shouted in his own dialect for Discord to release them.
""Not intelligent enough", please," said Discord indignantly.
"Cut it out, Discord!" Spike snapped.
"I already told you we weren't insulting your intelligence!" Antonio shouted from the bubble, "It's your game characters that's under-experienced!"
"Okay, Discord. I think you've already proven your point about this. So just calm down." Chase advised Discord gently.
But Discord didn't listen to the alicorn master.
"Oh, this game is insufferable!" Discord complained, "Let me show you a real guys' night!"
He then snapped his fingers and teleported the group into the middle of a jazzy nightclub. Discord was now wearing an orange zoot suit and had a pencil mustache on his face. Chase, Sunray, and Ray were watching. The rest of the group was then released from the bubble and landed on their hooves, or feet in Charlie and Eevee's case.
"Oooooooooooooooooh!" said Clay as he surveyed his surroundings.
"Voy-voy, voy-voy!" said Eevee excitedly.
"I agree," said Antonio as he used his magic to make a dressing screen appear before himself and the critter.
Two seconds later they were all wearing nicely dressed zoot suits and fedoras.
"Now this is my kind of hang out joint," said Antonio.
Discord laughed in agreement.
"This is the life!" said Discord, "Jazz, dancing, the best table magic can buy! This is what guy's night is all about. Am I right, fellas?"
As Discord showed them around, he swapped himself into a pair of ponies that were dancing together, then showed them a very spacious U shaped booth, and then reappeared before the rest of the group. It was then a rather attractive mare walked across the fore-ground catching Big Mac's attention.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac excitedly as Eevee hopped up and down excitedly. Sunray sighed in annoyance.
"Oh no." Chase groaned in agitation as he glared at the three, making them glare at him in reply. "Guys, don't get into one of these things, alright?! Just focus on the game."
Big Mac, Antonio, and Eevee just pouted.
Discord then rolled his eyes at them when Spike rushed over to the booth.
"I know you probably didn't do this on purpose," said Spike as he started setting up the game again, "but this table's the perfect size and shape!"
"I don't think so," said Discord as he appeared behind the little dragon and removed the game parts and pieces from the table.
Spike gave him a glare as he teleported the group to the club's bar for some family friendly drinks.
"Let's have a drink," said Discord, "Chocolate milkshakes?"
Eevee happily accepted the milkshakes. Antonio did as well and they started slurping them happily. Sokka, Clay, Big Mac, Chase, Sunray, Ray, and Spike just glared as they were offered the milkshakes.
"No, we want to go back to Orges &-" Spike sighed and tried to retort as he set the milkshake down, but was immediately cut off.
"Oh, how 'bout a different game?" said Discord as he teleported the group to the table as they each had their own hand of cards.
Spike just looked rather annoyed as Discord leaned in from behind.
"Those are very bad cards," Discord told the little dragon.
"Stop messing with us!" said Spike firmly, "We wanna-" Discord then cut him off again as he teleported them toward the dance floor.
"A dance content?" said Discord as he started moving about to some upbeat jazz music. Antonio was bopping to the music as well.
"Antonio..." Chase said in a low tone as Antonio looked and saw that the rest of the group, including Ray and Eevee, looked rather annoyed.
"Come on, everypony," said Antonio, "Discord's just opening the door to some other fun options we can do this evening. No harm no foul. Who didn't want a free chocolate milkshake?"
Sokka sighed as he stepped forward.
"We understand that, Antonio." said Sokka, "but you know as well as I do that we've been planning this guy's night for our game. We don't like the fact that Discord's overstepping our feelings just so we do what he wants. You might not like playing Ogres & Oubliettes, but you still respect what we want to do as a group and we make sure you can have fun as well." Antonio then hummed.
"I see your point," said Antonio as he narrowed his eyes in determination.
It was then some balloons fell down from above.
"Surprise!" said Discord excitedly, "We won!" he then shoved a trophy's into Spike's claws.
"DISCORD!" Spike, Sunray, and Chase shouted.
"Yes?" Discord asked sinisterly as the lights around the area went dim.
Spike, Chase, Clay, Antonio, Sokka, Ray, and Big Mac stood their ground as Eevee hid fearfully behind Sokka.
"Look, we don't wanna do these things," said Spike, "We wanna play our game."
"I know it might not be what you had in mind for fun, Discord," said Sokka, "But don't you remember the first lesson you ever learned when you first became Fluttershy and I's friend."
"Please refresh my memory..." Discord said dismissively.
"Why ? Is your memory rusty?" Sunray asked, his tone full of sarcasm.
"Oh fine!" said Discord, taking offense at the rusty memory comment before saying begrudgingly, "I like it my way, but when you have friends, you can't always have things your way."
"Exactly," said Chase, "But that doesn't mean you have to feel excluded from the group either."
"If you don't wanna play with us," Spike added, "you can, I don't know, sit and watch like Chase, Sunray, and Ray do."
"You could be a second advisor or help Chase, Sunray, and Ray with making refreshments or something," Sokka remarked, "Like you do during your tea parties with my wife."
"Sit and watch? Do the things I enjoy with Fluttershy...with Chase, Sunray, and Ray?!" Discord snapped, rising into the air angrily and refusing to see reason, "Fine. We'll play your game." He then made his voice reverberate as he spoke, "Are you ready to enter the world of Orges & Oubliettes?"
Chase, Sunray, Antonio, Clay, and Sokka stood their ground, ready to deal with Discord directly while the rest of the group cowered back. Before the five stallions could do anything, Discord zapped them all. Before they knew it, the group had been transported to what looked like a giant game board and they were all dressed in the costumes of their game characters, Chase and Sunray included.
"Sir, McBiggun?!" Spike exclaimed to Big Mac.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac.
"Sir Pureheart?!" Spike said to Sokka.
"I...guess so?" said Sokka as he looked at his attire.
"Dwarf?" Spike said to Clay.
"Uh huh?" Clay said as he looked at his attire.
"Pirate Foxbead?" Spike said to Eevee, who had a beard with his costume.
"Voy!" said Eevee excitedly as he hopped up and down.
"The White Knights?!" Spike said as he looked at Chase, Sunray, and Antonio as they were wearing their outfits like the rest of the group. "Shadow Blaze? Alpha Strike? Godric Goldenrod?!"
"We guess so…" Chase said to the group.
"Awesome!" Antonio said excitedly.
"Oh, not again with the costumes. Come on!" Sunray said in annoyance.
"We need to pretend to be in the game, Sunray." Antonio said before he added with cockiness. "Besides, I want to impress the ladies here with armor. Chicks dig 'em."
Chase and Sunray shook their heads in annoyance.
"And I'm...Garbunkle?" said Spike, "That means...Sweetness! We're in the game! Check it out! Ka-zam!"
Spike held a staff and fired a magic blast at a giant die, blowing it up to smithereens. He then fired another magic blast at a stream to freeze the water. He then back-flipped and fired another magic blast at another die, making it grow wings and fly away. Big Mac, now being a unicorn, used his magic to hold his sword and sliced down some nearby tree cut outs. Clay then practiced using his dagger, slicing some dices in half. Eevee then sniffed around and then did a little digging and pulled out what looked like a red jewel.
"Nice find Foxbeard!" said Spike.
It was then all but Chase, Sunray, and Ray began to dance.
"It's guy's night!" said Spike, Clay, Antonio, and Sokka.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac.
"Oh, yeah!" said Spike and Shenran.
"Yup!" said Big Mac.
"In the game now!" said Spike and Sokka.
"Yup!" said Big Mac.
"Oh, yeah!" said Antonio, Clay, and Sokka.
"Oh, yeah!" said Big Mac as they all posed, even Eevee.
But then they noticed that Chase, Sunray, and Ray weren't dancing. They looked a little unsure about this.
"What's up, guys?" Big Mac asked.
"I don't think I want to be in the game," Chase said, sensing something was up as he looked around suspiciously with Sunray and Ray agreeing with him.
"You'll be alright, guys," said Clay as he and Sokka walked up to him.
"Yeah, we've got ya back, buddy," Sokka added. Mario smiled and felt better.
"Discord, where are you?" Spike called out, "This is great! You made the game real!" It waa then a large cloud appeared and Discord chuckled sinisterly.
"Aren't games fun?" Discord asked the group darkly.
"Should we be worried he's using his scary voice?" Spike asked.
"No, it only means we're about to be showered with lots of sunshine and rainbows," Sunray added in an over the top happy tone before snapping angrily, "Of course we should be worried!"
"Yeah, he's just being so immature with us and not seeing the point about having fun with board games!" Chase added angrily.
Ray slapped Spike from the back of his head in agreement with his owner as Eevee glared at the little dragon. Big Mac then sighed in annoyance and then heard a sound. He looked back and saw a paper cut out of the Squizard and several of his skeletons approaching.
"Heads up!" Big Mac called out as the group turned around and saw the army approaching.
"Looks like we've got company!" said Antonio sternly.
"Behold! I am the Squizard!" said the cut out.
The group gasped. A giant cut-out would normally not be a threat, but this cut-out was brought to life by Discord.
"You're welcome," Discord chuckled darkly to the group with a devious smirk on his face.
So in other words, they were in deep trouble.
The group wasn't sure about what to do as the army started to approach them. But Chase, Sunray, and Ray were not nervous since, at least in this game, they were not heavily under-skilled and under-level.
"Attack!" said Squizard shouted as the army yelled and charged at them.
"What's the battle plan, Garbunkle?" Antonio asked fearfully.
"RUN!" Spike shouted as the group did just that and ran for their lives.
The group panted as they tried to get away from the army behind them. But then they found themselves running into more skeleton minions. The minions wasted no time firing some arrows at them. The group huddled close together as Big Mac held up a shield above them to block the arrows. But then everything other than the group froze in time.
"You find yourself on the battlefield," Discord told the group from his giant cloud, "A barrage of arrows rains down on you. If you roll a fifteen or higher, the shield protects. Fourteen or lower and, well..." Discord laughed, "You get the idea."
Ray glared at him as Eevee quivered fearfully. Discord then stuck out his tongue as a giant twenty sided die appeared and crushed some of the cut-outs below. Discord then appeared as himself as he reclined on top of the giant die.
"Seventeen!" said Discord, "Lucky you!" The arrowed then landed on the shield, protecting the group and then the group rushed toward a cave. Antonio then tripped and got left behind.
"Wait!" said Antonio, but the group hadn't noticed he was left behind.
"You tripped and got left behind by your fellow comrades," Discord told him, "If you roll higher than a two, you will be guaranteed to escape from the oncoming army. If you roll a one..." Discord laughed, "You're doomed!"
"Not funny!" Antonio yelped as Discord rolled another giant die. It landed to show a ten.
"Phew!" said Antonio, but then the number of the die changed to one.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," said Discord as he shook his head and looked at the die, "Sorry, Antonio. But you really are having the worst luck."
"You changed the number on purpose!" Antonio yelled angrily.
"Tell that to the army that's about to finish you off!" said Discord casually.
Antonio then looked behind to see the giant army charge at him full speed. To make matters worse, Antonio's hooves were now glued to ground so he couldn't move.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" Antonio screamed.
The others watched as the army attacked Antonio mercilessly.
They all cringed at the sight and Ray looked away, not wanting to see this. But then they saw the army was now coming for them and they all hid behind a giant die.
"Boo," Discord said simply, but the group was panting heavily from panic to notice.
"Boo!" said Discord again as he appeared before them.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" the Sokka, Clay, and Spike screamed.
"Discord!" Spike yelled angrily.
"What is wrong with you?!" Sunray and Chase shouted angrily.
"Sir McBiggun, Sir Pureheart, I'd cover the entrance if I were you," said Discord casually, "Antonio is pretty much out of the picture anyway."
Big Mac glared and drew out his sword with his magic.
"Not if I can help it!" said Big Mac, "Come, Sir Pureheart and Dwarf." Sokka and Clay drew their blades and they headed for the entrance of the cave.
"This isn't funny!" Spike scolded as Eevee and Ray glared at the draconequus.
"Isn't this what every gamer wants?" Discord asked innocently, "To live the game? Like this?!"
Discord then turned into the Squizard and fired a magic blast as Spike. Spike blocked the first blast as Chase and Sunray back flipped out of the way. Ray and Eevee ducked behind Spike. Then they ran for their lives. Spike then fired another magic blast but didn't hit anything. Spike then smacked into the side of a giant die. Eevee smacked into Spike. Then all three landed on the ground as Chase, Sunray, and Ray stopped next to them as the Squizard and his army surrounded the group of five.
Using his magic, the Squizard showed that he had captured Big Mac and poor Sokka and Clay were knocked out. The squid wizard didn't hesitate toss Big Mac at Spike.
"Ugh!" Spike groaned from the large stallion landing on top of him.
"VOY!" Eevee yelped respectively as an unconscious Sokka was dumped on top of them. The Squizard's army shouted as a battered Antonio was also dumped next to Big Mac.
"Okay this is gonna end up bad." Chase said to Sunray.
"Yup, this is not our day." Sunray agreed with an annoyed look on his face.
"That kinda hurts!" Spike groaned as Big Mac put the unconscious Antonio and Sokka onto his back, While Sunray carried Clay. "Like, real pain!"
"No kidding!" Chase and Sunray added in agreement.
Ray and Eevee glared at Discord angrily.
"Oh, kind of you to notice," said Discord as he appeared tiny sized on Spike's nose, "It's the little details that really bring alternate dimensions to life, wouldn't you say?"
"Discord this is awful!" said Spike as he glared at the draconequus.
Eevee was now crying, seeing his master unconscious and hurt.
"Of course it is!" said the Squizard, "Spiketopia will be mine! And Rarity shall be my bride!"
There was a brief silence when the squid wizard realized his mistake.
"I mean, Shmarity," the Squizard corrected before firing a magic zap at Spike, Big Mac, Clay, and Eevee.
Chase, Sunray, and Ray dodged it as the phoenix flew into the air. Poor Eevee were knocked out and charred. Spike, Sokka, and Big Mac were barely conscious.
"Why are you doing this?" Spike asked wearily, "You're the worst."
"If I'm the worst, then why did you invite me?" Discord asked in an unapologetic tone.
"Because we felt bad for you!" Spike snapped. Discord was shocked.
"Because you...what?!" Discord exclaimed.
Before Spike could reply, he and Big Mac finally collapsed.
"EEK!" Discord shrieked, finally realizing what he had done and quickly snapped his fingers.
This not only returned them back to throne room of Twilight and Chase's castle, but it also fully revived everypony. Chase, Sunray, and Ray were unbeaten the whole time. The group all gasped from the sudden wake up call. They were all feeling rather shaken up.
"Everypony okay?" Chase asked once they were back in the throne room.
"We're okay, we're okay!" Spike assured everypony, thought he was still out of breath. But he was the first to recover, "No thanks to you, Discord!"
"Yeah, we go out of our way to make you feel like part of the group and you nearly destroyed us all!" Antonio snapped. Ray squawked angrily in agreement and Eevee growled in agreement.
"You felt sorry for me?" Discord asked with his arms crossed, still trying to comprehend the truth.
"Who wouldn't?" said Spike, "Fluttershy told us you practically begged her to stay! And then at the train station, you were just standing there, all alone!"
"This can't be," Discord replied, "I'm supposed to feel sorry for you because I'm me and you're you."
Spike just sighed.
"We only invited you to be nice!" said Spike, "I mean, you're kind of a...weirdo!"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac and Clay in agreement.
"That only applies to you and Big Mac, Spike," said Chase, "We invited you because we care about you, despite your bad attitude and how much you love getting under our skin."
"We might have our differences, Discord," said Sokka firmly, "and we get it. We're not the coolest ponies in Equestria. Well, Chase and Sunray are since they are much more mature." Chase and Sunray looked at Sokka bluntly as he continued. "But we've got one thing that the "cool ponies" don't. We're true, true friends, who look out for each other and make sure that everypony is having a good time."
"It took me awhile, but I finally figured out why you shut Twilight that one long weekend," said Chase in a firm but understanding tone, "you were looking for somepony to understand. Somepony to understand that you feel excluded from the fun because of the fact that you're so weird. Well tonight we were willing to show that we can overlook your weirdness and make you feel like part of a group of friends. Friends who have your back and can have fun with. Yet you didn't even want to give us a chance."
"Chase's right," said Sunray, "You didn't even get a chance to want to get to know the rest of the group better. The only thing we are guilty of is trying to make you feel like you could fit in and be yourself. But friendship is a two way proposition and you didn't even want to meet us halfway and only thought about yourself!"
"You're right, the both of you," said Discord, "I ruined your night, and you don't even think I'm cool? Ugh!"
Discord felt so ashamed that he put a paper bag over his face and slumped forward in his chair. The rest of the group just glared.
"How embarassing," said Discord in a muffled voice, "I should go," He then made the paper bag disappear as he got up to leave, "I have alot of other friends I need to see tonight."
"Good!" said Spike angrily.
"Right..." said Antonio, Clay, and Sokka, rolling their eyes.
Chase, Sunray, and Ray just shook their heads in disapproval while Eevee just sighed to himself.
"Yes, so many other friends," said Discord sadly and then whimpers, "Farewell, Garbunkle the magician, brave Sir McBiggun, courageous Sir Pureheart, the determined Foxbeard, the noble Dawrf, and the trusted White Knights. May providence smile upon thee in thy quest to rid Spiketopia of the dreaded Squizard..."
Discord sighed as he walked away.
"When I said it that way, the game doesn't sound half bad," Discord admitted aloud as he teleported to the door, "Oh, well."
Discord then opened the door, but still teleported away regardless. The rest of the group just gave a long sigh. Ray and Eevee just looked rather glum.
"It's...it's better this way, right?" Spike asked the group sadly.
"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed in a rather sad tone.
"Because...now he can't bother us," Spike continued, "'cause he's off somewhere by himself...all alone...with no friends."
"Yup," said Big Mac, "Kinda reminds me of when Chase and Sunray walked away since we accused them of 'cheating."
Big Mac hoof qouted with a guilty look as Chase and Sunray looked at him with unamused looks.
"I know you guys didn't appreciate us accusing you since we thought you cheated. But we get it now." Big Mac said sincerely. "And it didn't feel good when you two left us all alone like that, even if we were upset over what you did. After all, a pony can control their temper, but not their luck with the dice."
"Unless you use magic to manipulate the outcome," said Spike, but only got glares from everypony else, "R-r-right, not the point. Let's just get back to the game. You still wanna join, Foxheart?" Eevee just gave a sad nod.
"You gonna jump in with us, Godric?" Spike asked Antonio.
"No thanks," said Antonio, "I had my fill of getting beat up by the Squizard's army for one night. I'm with Chase and Sunray on this now."
"Fair enough," said Spike in an unenthusiastic tone and grabbed his guide book, "We find ourselves in the dungeon of the evil Squizard. The bars are locked, and..." Spike stopped reading, "Ah, who am I kidding? We should give Discord another chance. What do you all think?"
There was a brief silence before everypony smiled.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a firm nod.
"Uh-huh," said Sokka.
"Why not." Sunray added.
"It is what good friends do," said Chase, reflecting on how he and Sunray bailed out on the group after they falsely accused the two for cheating. "Even when they act unreasonable."
Ray and Eevee nodded in agreement.
"Captain Wuzz? Can you hear me?" Spike called out, which made Discord immediately appear.
"Oh! You realized how amazing I am and that I made you cooler just by being around me?" Discord said quickly.
"Discord..." Chase and Sokka warned as everypony else glared at him.
"Uh..." Discord stammered, realizing he needed to do damage control, "No, no, actually, that's not what I meant to say...I'm...sssssss..." Discord was struggling to say a very simple word. Chase, Sunray, Antonio, Sokka, Ray, Clay, and Eevee gave him deadpanned looks and raised an eyebrow at him.
"What?" Spike asked bluntly.
"I'm ssssssssss-" Discord tried again but couldn't say the word.
"Can't hear you," said Spike unsympathetically.
"Nope," said Big Mac bluntly.
"Come on, Discord, you can say it," said Sokka as Eevee glared at the draconequus, "Nopony has ever lost their dignity saying that word."
"In fact, you're losing dignity by showing your too immature to say it," Chase added as Ray nodded in agreement.
"I'm trying to say I'm sorry, all right?" Discord blurted out as he got into Spike's face, "I'm sorry for ruining your game, I'm sorry for trying to do things my way and ignoring what you guys wanted, and I'm sorry that I thought I was better than you!" Discord panted since he said all of that one breath and took a seat, "Now let's play before this evening gets any sappier, shall we?"
Discord then put his playing piece onto the game board.
"Well technically, we usually group hug to show that everything is cool," Sunray smirked, which made Discord wince.
"But, unlike you, buddy," Sokka added in a teasing tone, "We take your feelings seriously. So we'll let you get a free pass from the group hug...this time."
Discord blinked and realized that two stallions are messing with him.
"I'd never thought I'd hear myself say these words," said Discord, "Sokka, Antonio, you two might be cooler than I first thought. Even if Chase is the most cooler one in the group."
Antonio and Sokka smiled. Big Mac then beamed.
"Group huddle!" Big Mac called out as everypony but Sokka gathered around his seat. Big Mac then whispered something to everypony else.
"Huh? Yeah, yeah! Okay!" said the group before they broke away and turned to face Discord.
"What if we forgot the board and the pieces for a minute? I mean, the whole game coming to life was completely terrifying, but also kind of the best thing ever! So, uh, Big Mac, Sokka, Antonio, Sunray, Clay, Chase, Ray, Eevee, and I were wondering...What if you toned it down just a teensy bit? Chase and Sunray said they would even play if you make it a live-action RPG." Spike asked eagerly.
Discord blinked before rubbing his hands in a devious manner.
(Scene changes)
The next day, the nine girls were making their way to Twilight and Chase's castle. They were still wearing their winter gear and chatting excitedly at how much they had enjoyed their overnight stay in Yakyakistan. Twilight had just used her magic to open the front doors when they were all given the shock of their lives. The group was now participating in a live action battle sequence against the Squizard's army of skeleton minions.
"Huh?" the eight girls said in complete shock.
"I've got you back Captain Wuzz!" said Spike as he fired a magic blast at a minion cut out and destroyed it.
"Wah-hah!" said Big Mac as he used his sword to slice away another.
Sunray, Chase, and Antonio used their katana swords to block incoming attacks from the Squizard's group of three skeleton minions. Then Chase side kicked the first one to the ground, Sunray palmed striked the other in the face away from him, and Antonio uppercut the last one to the ground.
Discord, now in costume, shot an arrow at another minion. Eevee had just stomped away another minions when a gold glow appeared around him.
"Oh! Looks like Foxbeard is now a level 4 treasure hunter," said Discord.
"Voy!" said Eevee excitedly when he suddenly rushed over to particular area, dug around and pulled out some silver ore.
"Voy!" said Eevee as he handed the ore to Discord.
"Why...thank you..." said Discord in surprise.
"Eevee said you can use the ore to upgrade your bow and arrows," said Sokka, "which will raise your attack power!"
Discord smiled and made his bow and arrows turn into silver and they continued fighting. Once the army had been finished, they group all panted from exhaustion.
Chase then pulled out magical blue dust in his hoof, tossed it into the air, making it shower down on everypony and glow blue. The group found that they weren't tired anymore.
"I restored all our hit points," said Chase and then an icon with a shield and up arrow appeared above everypony, "and gave everypony a temporary defense boost."
The others smiled. Then they heard some evil laughter and saw the Squizard himself not too far away.
"Garbunkle, Dwarf," Discord called out with an olden accent, "Follow my lead!"
Discord and Clay both shot arrows at the same time. Garbunkle then used his magic to enchant the arrows as they ricochet off a die and nailed the Squizard from behind. The Squizard gave a girly squeak before collapsing for the knockout.
"Bull's eye!" said Spike.
"Ha-ha!" Clay cheered.
"Voy! Voy!" said Eevee excitedly as he hopped up and down. Then they all started to dance.
"Oh boy, here we go." Chase said with a smile as Sunray smirked with him.
"It's guys night," said Spike, Antonio, Clay, Sokka, and Discord.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac.
"Oh, yeah!" said Spike, Antonio, Clay, Sokka, and Discord.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac.
"Having fun now!" said Spike, Antonio, Sokka, and Discord.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac.
"Oh, yeah!" said Spike, Clay, Antonio, Sokka, and Discord.
"Oh, yeah!" said Big Mac as they shared a group high five.
"Well, looks like the guys are all having fun tonight." Nyx said in surprise.
Eevee even jumped up and used his tail instead of one of his paws to do it. Fluttershy just smiled in approval. Happy to see that Discord had taken her advice. Fluttershy then gasped.
"Oh...my...CELESTIA!" Fluttershy squealed with glee, "The little fox creature is SO CUTE!" Eevee heard Fluttershy's squee and jumped off the playing field and rushed up to her.
"V-v-voy!" Eevee said happily.
"Oh, you are so adorable!" said Fluttershy as she cuddled Eevee in her fore-legs. It was then Sokka approached.
"I see you've met Eevee," said Sokka, "Discord says he come from his dimension and is looking for a home..."
"Oh, honey, can we keep him? Please, please, please, please?" Fluttershy pleaded as she hugged Eevee close and gave her husband a huge smile and twinkly eyes.
Sokka laughed.
"Actually honey," said Sokka, "I was gonna ask you if we could keep him. I know we share Angel and all, but...I kind of wanted my own pet." Fluttershy giggled.
"You hear that, little guy," said Fluttershy, "You are going to live with us from now on! Welcome to the family, Eevee!"
"Ev-Voy-Voy-Voy!" Eevee cheered happily and then purred as Fluttershy rubbed his head. Then Shenran hugged Eevee as well.
"Come on, Eevee!" said Sokka, "We've still got an adventure to do!"
"Voy!" said Eevee as he and Sokka rushed back into the battlefield.
Fluttershy just smiled and watched the boys as the other girls were too stunned to say anything else. Even Twilight was too shocked to even ask if she could do one of her research projects on Eevee since she had never seen anything like it before in Equestria.
It was then Ray flew into the scene as he landed gracefully on Twilight's back.
"Hi, Ray." Twilight greeted the phoenix with a smile.
Ray cooed as he nuzzled his feather head on Twilight's cheek, making her giggle as she returned the favor by rubbing her phoenix friend's head with her hoof.
"So, have Chase and Sunray rejoined the game?" Twilight asked.
Apparently, Chase had told her that he and Sunray used to play Ogres & Oubliettes when they were kids until they were falsely accused of being cheaters. But now, seeing that her husband and brother-in-law have been forgiven by their friends, things have now settled down for them.
"We should just close the door and let them finish...whatever this...is," said Twilight sheepishly.
"No way!" said Rainbow, "Did you see Big Mac and Sokka's swords? And that huge chunk of silver that mutant fox dug up? I totally want in!"
"Yeah!" said Pinkie in agreement, "I don't know what it is, but it looks like super duper fun!"
The two mares quickly jumped into the battlefield. They were then surprised to see that they were now wearing medieval attire. Rainbow and Pinkie hugged each other excitedly before joining the rest of the boys as they were now surrounded by another legion of the Squizard's minions.
"Guys' night!" Pinkie and Rainbow cheered as they all jumped into action.
In the end, the rest of the girls just let the others have their fun. But Fluttershy was happy to see that Discord had found some other friends to spend time guys' night had also added a cute addition to her own family.
She couldn't wait to take Eevee to his new home and introduce her to Angel.
How Angel would react to Eevee will be another story...
Author's note: Hey you guys.
Sorry for the long wait. I got very distracted lately with work and apartment finding. Just take it easy on me because I've had enough exhaustion for a while. Hope you like this chapter.
Peace out!
