Comfort and Water slides

Where could Discord be? I wondered, bolting from the lake. I ran as fast as I could towards his house. Unceasingly shouting and banging on his door for five straight minutes convinced me he wasn't home. Gummy bears. I ran back along the path, desperate to undo what had happened. Playing tough guy wasn't what he really wanted to do. It was what happened when he turned us to stone, he just didn't know what to do. He did what he thought he had to. The cruel streak would disappear if he just let us in, I just knew it. He needed to know we would be friends with him if he tried to make it work too. I dashed into town, looking everywhere for his thin form. I went searching from one side of town to the other before slowing. It was possible that he was in a different form but... If I were upset I'd want comfort... I paused, finding a water fountain. The cool drink was refreshing and gave me a pause. If I didn't have friends to comfort me, then... I'd go home. I pulled away from the fountain, frowning. If he wasn't home, then where... My wandering eyes landed on the city of Canterlot, nestled in the mountains, before a hoof tentatively moved forward. He... He said he hated it there. It didn't make sense. "What fun is there in making sense?" But... Oh no.

What if someone found him there, without me? He'd be even worse off. I steeled myself for another run; this one would be a lot longer, but I was determined. I just need to pace myself.

Maybe he went to talk to Luna. She was his friend before... but he would know that she had to listen to the rules as much as he was supposed to. If he were upset, he might not care about the consequences. He never was one to follow rules. This was not good.

I took a few deep breaths before cantering out of Ponyville.

The world flew by in a rush, the colours of the forest a blur as I ran, breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. I wasn't like Rainbow Dash with her speed, but I knew more shortcuts than anypony else. Also my bouncing is famous for performing feats outside normalcy. So when I stopped for a breather I wasn't surprised to see I was halfway there.

I walked along, careful not to black out from stopping suddenly, and thought of Discord some more. He wasn't used to the idea of friendship. He even said things like 'gag' about the subject. What a tough taco. The flowers along this path were almost completely wilted, though I barely gave them a second glance before turning back to my thoughts. I could tell - now anyway - that most of it was a facade. He was appalled at the idea of needing somepony else, though he did. He wanted ponies to laugh with him at his chaos. He must have meant it when he said laughter was his favourite element. And here I am making him feel excluded. I gritted my teeth, focusing once more on the path ahead. I could run all the way there... and once I got there I could walk around if I got out of breath. Resolute, I began galloping once more. I had to tell him I was sorry for not realizing.

I made it to Canterlot but did not stop - except to yell "Sorry" over my shoulder when I ran into a pair of silver ponies. Corners were tricky things when running like a maniac. I was grateful for the spotty breeze, even if it wasn't that cooling. I finally saw the edge of the labyrinth and thought to go check where he used to sit as a statue. A hot breeze tossed my mane a little as I made my way over. I looked at all the statues and noticed that Discord's old platform was still there. A warning? I shook my head, there was no time for those kind of thoughts. I needed to find Discord before someone else did. I furrowed my brow as another breeze hit me. Was someone moaning?

I followed my instincts and entered the hedge maze, knowing that the sound couldn't be too far in or the shrubs would have hidden it completely. I ventured forth slowly, not finding anything, and was about to turn back when I heard it again. I turned the corner and my heart broke.

Discord sat there, leaning against the hedge, mismatched digits holding his face. Tears streamed down his visage in a way that I'd only experienced once in my life. I walked closer to him, being careful not to startle him. I felt my heart drop even further when he let a couple sobs escape. Tears pricked at my eyes as I touched his tail. I knew how that intense sorrow felt. As he looked at me I asked, "Why are you sad?" in hopes he might open up. Instead he turned away from me, too caught up to even acknowledge the embarrassment of being caught sobbing. I felt helpless, unable to give him the comfort he obviously needed. I walked around him, heedless of the fact that he might not take kindly to what he would probably call 'meddling'. His hands barely hid the streams of tears as they flowed down his snout. I didn't say anything, but stood in front of him and pulled his claw and paw away from his face. His face was painted with depression and I felt the tears that had been pricking at my eyes finally spill forth. I smiled, hoping he'd feel like he could do the same. His eyebrows raised in what I could only guess was disbelief. I didn't waver, but kept smiling at him. He let his limbs fall to his sides and finally smiled back at me. I leaned up, hooves reaching for him. At first he didn't seem to understand my gesture, so I made a hugging motion with my forehooves. He picked me up, accepting my embrace, even if it was a little awkward.

We didn't say anything for awhile but he let me down when I gave him a squeeze. He looked at me awkwardly and I didn't say anything. I let him figure out what it was he wanted to say.

"I suppose... I should apologise for my actions earlier."

"Suppose so." I wasn't letting him get away with half baked apologies today. It was mean, what he did.

His face screwed up with displeasure as he realised I wanted the actual words,"Pinkie Pie... I'm sorry."

I smiled, "I'm sorry, too. I should have included you. You know, friends can ask other friends to join in. Its okay to ask... I didn't know you enough to know if you wanted to play with us or not."

He shifted uncomfortably at my usage of the term 'friendship' but didn't say anything else.

"Buuuut," I continued, "I hope you'll come to know me enough to realise an invitation isn't necessary."

"I will do my best to remember that, Pinkie... but," Discord shifted uncomfortably, "Your friends will not appreciate... my outburst."

I considered this for a moment, knowing my face was scrunching up. They would be mad, and they had a right to be. But Discord was also hurt. I looked up at his face, tear stains still apparent. He shifted again and I picked up his tail and sat down. I saw the shock in his eyes but didn't address it as I began stroking the dragon-like tail. Granny Pie would always stroke my tail to make me feel better... and it gave me something to do with my hooves while I thought.

My white eyebrows ran upward as she picked up my tail. My expression did not change as Pinkie plopped it into her lap and began stroking it. It was weird. Why would she do that? Was this something ponies did for each other? Odd... Though I would never admit it out loud, it was... comforting. I did not have a lot of contact with ponies, so I could only guess why she thought I would enjoy it. She was lost in thought, it seemed, her hoof running over my red scales lazily. I was not one to argue with a good thing, however. After awhile I felt more at ease, realizing how close I had come to being trapped in stone once more. Had Pinkie not come... It seemed almost natural to rest my head upon the pony who kept trying to help me. Even if I didn't deserve it. I curled around her slightly, not exactly sure why. It was to humour her of course... yes. I was doing this to humour the pony who I owed a great deal to. That was a great exc- reason. It was the reason.

What had I done to get this pony to constantly watch over me? I had no idea. I forgot how damn nice it felt to be comforted, and I was grateful. It was embarrassing that she had seen me in such a state. But Pinkie... she seemed to get it. I was glad she didn't press the issue... but then she probably knew why I had broken down in the first place. She was an amazing young mare.

"You know, Granny Pie used to do this for me when I was upset."

I watched her with half-lidded eyes, chin pulling away from her head, hoping to come off as nonchalant. "She'd tell me to stand up tall and do what was right, even if it wasn't always easy. I miss her."

I closed my eyes, curling a little tighter around her. She was silent for a bit, stroking my scales, probably lost in thought. Thinking of Granny Pie, who I could only assume was her grandmother. I didn't know what to do, but her hair smelled faintly of strawberries. Her shampoo? It smelled good, whatever the reason.

The petting stopped and I cracked open an eye to see Pinkie's hair lose volume. I felt compelled to help the mare who comforted me.

"I'm sorry for your loss." I said sincerely, "But I doubt Granny Pie would want you to be upset."

It was probably not the best thing to say, rather impersonal, but she nodded and wiped the tears out of her eyes. Her hair didn't poof back, but it was a start. I wasn't any good at comforting... apparently. I decided to change the subject, for both of us.

"You think helping me is the right thing to do then?" My head lowered to rest on my tail, subsequently in her lap. She looked down at me, and I noticed for the first time how her eyes looked like the sky. I grinned when I noticed the dark flecks hidden in it though. And told her so. She giggled, hair returning to its former glory.

"So its not just me! I thought I was crazy." Pinkie said, looking back at me. "You know, I wasn't always sure it was the right thing. Now I'm positive."

"Oh really?" I asked, eyes closing again, not sure of it myself, "Good luck convincing your friends that."

We sat like that for awhile, enjoying the sunshine.

"Oo! I've got it!" the Pink mare proclaimed, "Flash us back to the lake!"

I eyed her warily and didn't bother removing myself from her lap before transporting us there. I was comfortable, damn it. That didn't stop the girls' odd looks as they stopped mid shout for Pinkamena.

"Pinkie Pie," Twilight came running over, "What happened?"

"Well..." The other girls appeared around us, looking concerned,"Discord wasn't feeling very well and his chaos got away from him. I thought I should invite him to join us so he'd feel better."

Ahhh, so that was her game. It was close enough to the truth, and wrapped as I was around her it was plausible.

"Oh." Twilight frowned,"You'd probably feel better if you let yourself stretch."

"Perhaps, but Pinkie here is just so comfortable." I pulled away anyhow, figuring the purple mare might actually think my position inappropriate... Bookworms always found the wrong side of the stacks eventually. Usually faster than anypony else. The other Element wielders seemed relieved, finding places on the blanket and murmuring about my chaos. They didn't seem to angry, oddly enough. Perhaps... would it be silly for me to think that they... they didn't want me 'sick'? Maybe.

"How'd you find him?" Spike asked, "We've been looking for you for ages."

I did my best not to glare at the little dragon. He was going to ruin it all with his question.

"I just had to do some searching, that's all. Discord flashed us both back here when I found him."

My little heroine, I thought as I stretched out. The grass feeling marvelous on my scaled leg.

"This heat must be getting to every pony." I mumbled, rolling onto my stomach and into the shade of the parasol. Eyes closed to enjoy my new... ugh, friendship with Pinkimena.

"I'm hungry, how about you guys?" Pinkie asked, no doubt bounding over to her saddle bag. I tried to ignore the fillies around me... it didn't really work. I still felt very much an outsider until dear little Fluttershy handed me a plate.

"What's this?"

"Um... its a salad..." The yellow mare mumbled

"I know that, but what is this?" I picked up the yellow... thing that was shaped like a star and held it out.

"That's a star fruit." Twilight said, giving me an odd look. As if I should have known what it was all along.

"It's quite good, you just have to try it." Rarity nodded, levitating a lady sized bite of salad toward her mouth.

"Ain't nothing can compare to apples, but its a right treat." Applejack smiled, turning toward the pink pony, "Thanks again, sugar cube."

Pinkie Pie smiled, bringing a star fruit of her own to her lips. Together? she seemed to be asking, looking at me without taking a bite. I nodded, still not quite convinced the ponies were not secretly trying to poison me and be done with it. But Pinkie... I felt I owed a lot more than my 'freedom' to her.

Pinkie's mouth opened, and I followed her lead, popping the whole thing in my mouth. Both sweet and citrus... flavour like a strawberry and cantaloupe... I let the flavour roll over my tongue a bit longer before swallowing. Apparently I'd closed my eyes because when I opened them the eyes of seven creatures stared back at me. I cleared my throat, feeling self conscious.

"What?"

"How was it?" Rainbow Dash asked, like I should have known that was what they were waiting for.

"Quite good. Very... different. Which is always a good thing." I said, trying to appear as though it didn't matter either way.

"Told you." Pinkie grinned at me before practically inhaling half of her salad. I shook my head, this was all too... civil. Too boring. I flicked a talon and watched, amused as the Element bearers gasped in unison. The lake was now fitted with water slides and fountains, and even had a bubbling section off in the corner that was a cool version of a hot tub.

"That's much better."

Pinkie laughed, and pulled some of the girls in. Rarity seemed interested in the cooling bubbles, but resolutely tended to finishing her salad. I dove in after the girls, earlier anger completely forgotten. Pinkie gave a rather good explanation for it all... and really... there were better things to be doing than moping. Like grabbing all the girls and tossing them down the biggest slide with me.

"COWABUNGA!"

"Discord!" The fillies yelled in unison - some happily and some too surprised to realise what exactly was going on. I threw the five down ahead of me and they shrieked with excitement. The water threw us this way and that, slow then fast and all over the place. We waved at Rarity and Spike in the clear portions, or when the top of the tube was missing. I grinned, even when they couldn't see me in the dark tubes. We all fell out the end in a large crash, soaking Rarity and Spike as they came up to the water's edge. The girls were laughing, and the white pony dove into the water, coming up in the cool bubbling pool, having decided if her hair was ruined she ought to enjoy herself. I grinned, throwing the five girls up into the air to hear them shriek. This caused a water fight. Perfect. When would they see? Chaos was a wonderful, wonderful thing!

A/N: Big thanks to PinkiePi once more, for the great beta help. Any errors are mine. Ugh, you guys have no idea how difficult this chapter was for me. The hedge scene was pretty much taken from the great artist MickyMonster tinyurl dot com / 9z5gsyw- and the link takes you to the comic.