Chaos Released

Day 12

Pinkie Pie brought Luna to see me, the young princess looking tired. It wasn't right for her to be up in the daylight.

"Discord. You know I cannot release you until assurances are made that you can keep the chaos to yourself. However…" Her voice was commanding, but not her normal royal boom.

My heart leapt, what had the wonderful Pinkie Pie done?

"This filly thinks you'll accept some terms if it would allow you to be free. I'm going to cast a spell that will allow you to say 'yes' and 'no' for the next five minutes. We'll ask few test questions, and then go over a few things."

Her horn glowed darkly, and nothing seemed to happen.

"Is your name Discord?"

Yes, I thought. The two looked surprised, so they must have heard me.

"Do you hate cotton candy?"

No.

"Okay. Will you accept freedom from this stone prison in exchange for some limitations?"

I didn't know what to say. If I said yes, they could make me do anything. If I said no, I was trapped. The two mares looked at each other a moment before Pinkie piped up.

"What if you hear the limits first?"

Yes. Clever girl.

"We will speak to our sister," the dark princess stated, turning to walk away with Pinkie, "We will return."

No.

The ponies stopped mid-stride. I suppose my inner thought of 'no' was heard outside of my head. Gods, I must be so pathetic sounding.

Pinkie stopped and turned back, "Would you like me to stay?"

…Yes.

I didn't even care at this point if I looked less than proud. I wanted company, especially if Luna couldn't convince Celestia to let me go. The bright mare nodded to the alicorn, who walked back toward the castle. The filly sat, looking into my stone eyes.

"You must be bored, huh?"

Yes. Terribly, terribly bored.

"Want to play a game?"

Yes?

"Heehee! What can we do… uh… Twenty questions?"

Yes. Why not? Not like there was much else I could do with only saying 'yes' or 'no'.

"My favourite colour is pink. Yours is green?"

No. Mine is yellow.

"Purple?"

No.

"Red?"

No. There are a lot of colours…

"Cyan?"

No. We could be here awhile.

"Brown?"

No.

"Aqua, pink, white, yellow, black?"

No, no, no, yes, no.

"Yellow?" Pinkie asked, making sure she got it right.

Yes.

"Cool! Like your paw and claw."

No, yes.

"Ah, bright yellow then. My favourite flavour of icing is strawberry. Do you like strawberry?"

Yes.

This went on for awhile and I was grateful to be able to talk, even if it was like this. I knew it couldn't last forever though, and soon it became apparent that forever was definitely over.

"What about toucans?" I tried to say yes, but she couldn't hear me. Five minutes was not a long time at all.

"Discord? Did the magic run out?" She smiled softly when she didn't hear me, "It's okay. If we get you out, I'm going to make sure we finish this game. Maybe we'll play with lots of ponies so you can make friends."

I would have snorted if I could have. Gag, do these ponies think of nothing but 'friends'? I guess I could go. She was doing all this for me after all. And she wasn't the worst company.

"I mean... We're friends, right?"

Ugh. I was glad at this point I wasn't able to talk. Too damn sentimental. Of course I appreciated what she was doing for me... Did that make us friends? I don't know. Maybe it did. In a way.

"Well that's okay, when we're out it'll be all okie doki and we can be real friends!" The pink mare giggled, "I'll make yellow coloured strawberry cupcakes!"

She paused, eyes going wide, "Oooo strawberry lemonade..."

I would have smiled at the idea, but the fact that she wanted to help me this much with nothing expected in return was a little uncomfortable for me. I liked it, but... It was weird. Luna was the only one who really seemed to care before, and she still sealed me in stone. Pinkie was looking at me again, having decided - I guessed - on what kind of cupcake she would grace me with.

"I know you don't want me to go, Discord, but I did promise Fluttershy I'd help her find some herbs for her tea. She makes her own usually."

I would have said it was alright, I made horrible company while in stone. She seemed hesitant, standing up and looking toward the castle and back again.

"I'm sorry, I should have told you before. That wasn't very nice. Oh! Speaking of not nice! My friends all want to hear that you're sorry when you get out. It wasn't nice turning us grey."

I was incredulous. This pink mare and her friends only wanted an apology for what I did to them? Granted I knew that I wanted out... and that I had to do what I did. But for this little pony to tell her friends that it was necessary on my end... and that they relented... agreed even... I didn't know what to think about that. Why was she doing this? What would drive this happy little mare to even think about setting me free? She was too nice for her own good.

"Anyway, I'm sorry Discord, but I'll be back!" She smiled up at me before bouncing away. I watched her magenta mane as long as my periphery would allow before thinking about what the filly said. I owed her a lot, apparently. I thought about it, and decided I would have to do something to make it up to her. Nothing outlandish, of course. I didn't owe her my life or anything. Technically.

Ugh.

Day 13

The sunrise was gold and orange today. The little I saw of it over the hedges, anyway. When dawn finally broke, I wondered when Pinkie would visit me. Perhaps she'd bring somepony else over to play the crazily coloured card game. It certainly seemed fun. Of course, everything seemed more fun than sitting in stone. A gardener came by when the sky brightened a bit more, using magic to cut the grass short. There went my source of entertainment when no one was around. The bird poo was also cleaned up, and four guards came into view, circling me. What was going on? They pulled my statue up with magic, carrying me across the grass. I began to hope - was I going to be free? Up the cobblestone and into the palace I was hovered, seeing ponies all over the place. Ponies must have come to see the verdict, I thought. Perhaps my fate is not as well sealed as I imagined if they are wondering. Ponies would line up to see anything featuring their dear princess though...

I was finally placed down, a red carpet below me. The runner led up the many steps toward none other than Princess Celestia, Luna off to the side slightly. I couldn't see much around the room, but I heard the murmurings of many voices. The guards shackled me to the ground - as if that would stop me from escaping - and stepped back.

"Discord." The white mare stepped forward, "My sister and I have decided to reassess our choice of punishment. We have deemed you have been imprisoned for long enough, and stand to bear another chance. We will release you from your stone prison and tell you your limitations. Know that any attempt to escape will have you placed back into stone with no hope of future trials."

Ouch.

Horn glowing, Luna spoke, "We release you." Her big sister soon joined, and I felt my stone casing crack. It fell away as I pushed against the stony bonds. Ah, to be able to move again! To be able to wriggle my digits and stretch my neck again! I looked up the steps, seeing the older princess's stony face and the younger seeming mildly pleased. Celestia began naming my 'crimes' and I glanced around, uninterested in her speech. I spied the holders of the Elements, Pinkie Pie smiling at me from among her friends. I smiled back, and decided to talk over the white ruler.

"Thank you Pinkie Pie."

The young mare glanced at the dais before smiling back at me again, albeit timidly. Obviously, she didn't want to upset her princess. I, on the other hand, did not care.

"I'm sorry, fillies," looking at her friends, "I couldn't stay in that any more-"

"Discord!"

My head slowly turned back to the dais, slow enough to ensure she would be even more upset.

"Did you finish blathering nonsense about the past, Celestia?"

She visibly swelled in anger before releasing a slow breath.

"Listen to these rules well, Discord. You are only free because a certain pony thought your punishment too harsh. I will not hesitate to seal you back into stone once more, should you disobey.

No harmful magic - mentally, physically or emotionally. You will be regarded as a normal citizen, so I expect you to act like one."

"Reasonable terms, I suppose," I said, stroking my beard, "Except I'll need to expel chaos occasionally. It isn't something I can let build up..."

Luna nodded vehemently, Celestia a faint tilt of the head. The memory from their youth, when I did let it build up, must have come back to them in full force.

"Chaotic Wednesdays!" I heard Pinkie suppress, covering her mouth with her hooves and giggling.

"Once a month, scheduled." Her gaze fell on the bright pony, "Pinkie Pie."

"Yes, Princess?"

"Since you initiated this... procedure I expect you to be his escort and liaison. Discord is to be a resident of Ponyville for the time being, with the Elements of Harmony watching over him."

"Yes Princess, I'll do my best!" She saluted, and my brow arched at her enthusiasm. I was not exactly the best neighbour.

"If you leave Ponyville, Pinkie Pie is to accompany you."

"Yes, yes, are we done here?" I waved away her next words.

Celestia looked meaningfully at Luna, who puffed up her chest, stepping forward. A rift between the princesses? Luna's horn flared, shackles falling off my wrists.

"We are coming to Ponyville." Luna boomed, "See you there."

I laughed, jumping up and flying around the room before landing next to Pinkie.

I grasped her hooves in my hands, "Thank you again."

I couldn't even stay still for that, whipping through the doors. Freedom! I raced toward Ponyville, not even caring that I was confined to the small town. A freaking paradise compared to the last prison. I could always escape later. I looked around the town, landing atop the city hall's roof. So much to see, so much... chaos that could be dealt...

"Discord!" Luna's friendly voice boomed from behind me, and I turned to face her.

"Luna!" I grinned, "I know you had more than your hoof in this!"

"That We did!" it seemed Luna had teleported the Element girls with her, "We bid you follow us now."

"Come on,Discord!" Pinkie giggled, practically vibrating with excitement. The other girls were smiling, putting on a good show for her friend. I didn't comment, however. They would feel however they wanted about me. I followed behind the mare parade, noticing there weren't many ponies around. Probably still in Canterlot or in hiding. I didn't bother suppressing my grin. Yes, big bad Discord is back. The ponies ran on ahead, Luna falling in step beside me.

"What's all this about?"

"We do not know, in truth." Luna smiled, watching the fillies turn into Sugarcube Corner. We were silent as we came up to the gingerbread - looking house and I looked at Luna once more.

"You shouldn't be up."

"We're happy to see you too." She grinned smugly before entering the abode. Well then. I sucked my teeth, following the princess inside. The black mare walked up the steps to Pinkie's floor as I twisted in front of the cash register, not bothering to follow behind the counter. It smelled glorious in the bakery, and I allowed myself the indulgence of breathing it in while shrinking to fit better in the small building. I got on all fours winding myself past the counter, feeling very snake like. I did a snake tongue flick before getting to the stairs, and walking up to Pinkie's abode.

"SURPRISE!" My ears were assaulted by the blast as I got to the top of the steps. I blinked, taking in the colour yellow before Pinkie was in my face.

"Did you like it? Oh I hope so! I thought 'Hay, Discord doesn't have many friends' and what helps somepony get friends? A party! And I am one of the best at throwing parties! Just the other day I thought about Twilight's welcome party and we haven't had one of those in so long and I thought that you should have one too! I mean-"

My paw had found its way to her mouth, a single digit silencing her. The mare's eyes stared at me questioningly.

"Uh..." I began smoothly, "I'm not sure I understand."

"Well shucks, Discord," Applejack stepped forward from the crowd of faces, "Ain't it obvious? Pinkie here threw a party fer you. A welcome party."

I blinked at the cowgirl, finger falling from my captive's mouth.

"...but why?"

"Don't be silly, who else would be able to throw a party this great?" Pinkie giggled, "See? Yellow, bright yellow, your favourite!"

Indeed there was. Amongst the ponies were yellow streamers, yellow balloons, yellow hats, yellow napkins, yellow everything. Even the food was yellow. Yellow cupcakes and cookies, punch, chips and dip... I looked back at Pinkie, unsure of what to say. Why would anyone bother? Pinkie must have mistaken my shock - her eyebrows puckered as a frown formed on her face.

"You don't like it? ...I knew I used too much yellow." Her hair wilted slightly.

"That's not it at all... I..." The words stuck in my throat, looking at the decor once more and clearing my throat, "I've never had a party."

Her bright blue eyes got very round, hair going into hyper mode, "You mean I'm the first one to give you a party? I'm so lucky!"

She bounced around gaily, giving me a chance to check out the other party goers. The Elements were present, of course - as well as a white mare standing behind a turntable with gravity defying blue hair, an older green pony I recognized as Applejack's grandmother, and a blue mare with pink swirly hair who stood next to a stallion with a yellow coat and orange mane. Music began to play from the speakers surrounding the DJ, and I startled myself out of pony-watching.

"Here, Discord!"

I looked toward the voice, seeing the Element of Laughter wave me over. I obliged, uncertain of what to do in a 'normal' party setting.

"I had a hard time getting the lemonade to stay yellow with the strawberry when I first started making them, but Mrs. Cake," She pointed out the mare with pink hair, "suggested I do lemonade with strawberry filling! So the filling is pink, but you can't tell. I did yellow icing with just a touch of lemon to it. What do you think?"

I reached out for one of the treats she nodded at, and took a bite. Oh, sweet heaven after thirteen days of nothing! I must have closed my eyes because I felt myself opening them again.

"They are perfect."

The filly jumped in place, "Oh I'm so happy you like them! I wasn't sure if maybe you'd like something else, because Luna's magic went away, but yay!"

"...Pinkie?" I ventured, keeping my voice low. The other ponies were mostly talking amongst themselves or beginning to dance a little.

"Yeah?" She stopped her bouncing to listen, "What's up?"

"What did you tell them about the party?"

"Oh that it was a surprise of course!"

"No..." I rubbed my paw over my face, "I meant how did you get them to come?"

She stared at me, confused. Then her eyes lit up.

"Oh! That's a silly question! These are all my friends, and I asked if they could come meet a new guy who was moving in and they said yes!"

"I..." My eyes darted around the room again, but no one was really looking our way, "I didn't think anyone would want to meet me."

"Why not?"

"Most ponies think of me as a bad guy, Pinkie."

"Oh... But you're out now."

I stared at her a moment, caught completely unaware by this pony's thought process. Didn't she think that I would be hated or feared? Not now that I was out of prison on a princess' orders... apparently.

"Hey, let's play pin the wheel on the cart!" She said, taking hold of my claw and tugging me over to the other side of the room. Princess Luna was looking at the game with uncertainty, and boomed that she had to address my living situation before leaving.

"Now Spike," Rarity instructed, "when I call left, you go left. Right, go right. We'll get that wheel on there."

"Anything you say, Rarity." The small dragon grinned as the mare tied a yellow scarf over his eyes and spun him around, ending with a light nudge toward the poster.

"Right, a little left, that's it keep going!"

I watched the dragon get skewed instructions, listening to other pony teams come up with their own strategies. I cocked my head to the side as Spike placed the wheel a couple inches left of the target. He took off his blindfold and frowned, "I'm sorry Rarity."

"It's okay Spike, it's just a game. Next time we'll do better." She smiled at the dragon before walking over to get some punch. The little dragon followed, tossing the yellow fabric to the next in line. Innnnnteresting, I thought. The next group was too high, the wheel resting high above the axle. Then it was our turn.

"How about I turn you?" The pink filly asked, "You'll be sure to get it!"

I didn't know about that, but lowered my head as she fixed the scarf.

"Can you see my hoof?" The room went light and dark quickly

"I can see the shadow, if that matters." I did not like being blind. I didn't like it one bit.

"Nope! Here we go!" She tugged on my side, and I turned with the motion until thoroughly dizzy. She gave a push and sent me forward.

"Right, no left! A little more... There! Okay, no. Left! Lower, no higher!" I felt the wall, and stuck my cling film onto the wall, smoothing it to make sure it stuck before taking off the blindfold. I got the wheel on the axle... but when I turned around, the group of ponies was far away. I had moved clear to the other side of the room, the poster with me. I'd caused a bit of chaos without realising it. Again.

"I... uh..."

"Wow!" Pinkie beamed, bouncing over, "If I could do that, I'd win all the time! Maybe that's why Twilight is so good!"

"I do not use magic, Pinkie!" The purple mare called from the other side of the room. It sounded like an old argument the way Twilight Sparkle responded, as though she had told the mare this over and over. Pinkie shrugged and I ran my claw through my beard.

"That's not exactly how it's done, is it?"

"Nope, but that's okay! You'll get it!"

I frowned, following the pink party pony to the next area. She obviously was covering my faults... but why would she do that?

A/N: Hay guys! Review, Favourite and Thumbs UP!

What did you guys think? Does Discord seem like a party pony?

Big thanks to PinkiePi on FIMfiction, who has done wonders for the flow of this chapter. All faults are my own.