For those who didn't know, in one of the original (I think) stories of Snow White, Snow White is killed by the dress and the comb as well as the poison apple. I incorporated those into it instead of the simplified novel, because those plots gave me more time to develop all of the characters a bit more.
Also, end of School Holidays so there'll be less frequent updates.
• Chapter Forty: Venom of the Apple •
…
The six dwarves rummaged through the woods, the trees draping over them and flailing in the leisurely wind. Dim moonlight gleamed down to the ground, speckling the grass with wisps of magical luminescence as the undergrowth chirped with nocturnal life.
"Are we there yet?" The bizarre orange earth pony blissfully skipped alongside all of his friends, the irritating grin never leaving his face. After no more than five skittish seconds of silence, he spoke again. "Are we there yet?"
"We left five minutes ago!" Soarin wailed traumatically. "Do you have any idea how far away Manehattan is?"
Cheese Sandwich paused quizzically, before cheerfully shrugging. "It is five hundred millilitres away!"
None of them bothered to question his frustrating unit of measurement, as they continued to trudge through the woods. An eery silence skewered around them, portraying a tense atmosphere.
"You know, something doesn't seem right." Shining Armour broke the silence as he abruptly spun around to face all of the ponies behind him.
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh emptily muttered, as they exchanged weary nods.
"Is it because we left *sneeze* Snow Flutter behind?" Flash Sentry questioned.
Fancypants blankly stared into the distance. "Perhaps."
Shining Armour paused, distraughtly glimpsing at each dwarf in turn, his eyes clouded with discomfort. "Do any of you think she could be in danger?"
There was no reply to the question.
Soarin broke another short silence. "We just can't win, can we." He scuffed his hooves on the ground fretfully. "We leave her at home, she is found. We bring her with us, she is found! I doubt Chrysalis is going to stop anytime soon."
"So she is in danger?" Shining Armour asked swiftly, barely giving Soarin any time to finish his sentence. The unicorn's eye twitched edgily.
"I never said that," Soarin pressed, but uncertainty was drifting through his tone.
"I'm sure everything is just fine," Fancypants earnestly reassured his fellow unicorn. "You are working yourself up over nothing."
Shining Armour's blue eyes glistened dubiously, but he said nothing, as the six continued to hike through the dense forest.
The earth underneath them was damp from previous rain as slimy mud bathed on the ground. It licked at the dwarves' hooves and splashed at each step. Birds twittered in the foliage, flickering dew from their sodden feathers.
Everything seemed so tranquil. It wasn't right.
"Come to think of it, I don't think *sneeze* I'm really up to gathering anymore," Flash Sentry reluctantly admitted, glancing from side to side.
For the first time for a while, Big Macintosh spoke more than one or two words. "We all, ain't."
"We can't just ditch gathering though! It's important. We only get to gather once a week, and that gives us all the food we need to survive on." A taint of reproach glinted in Fancypants's eyes, as he peered at each dwarf in turn.
Flash Sentry raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "We have a secret stash of food hidden underneath the floorboards, remember?"
"That's meant for emergencies!"
Cheese Sandwich was appalled. "Hey! Why didn't anypony ever tell me about a stash?"
"Yeah, I wonder why." Soarin needn't explain more as a string of saliva ran down the bemused Cheese Sandwich's jowls at the mention of food.
"Well I for one don't think that we should turn around now, just because of how you feel!" Fancypants said 'feel' in a mocking singsong tone, just to get on the pegasus's nerves. He glared at Flash Sentry, daring him answer back.
Flash Sentry ignored the challenge as he defended himself. "They're not feelings! They're instincts!"
"Same thing!"
"Are not!"
"Is too!"
"Enough!" Shining Armour roared. He fiercely glowered at each in turn, waiting for all to go silent, before his gaze softened- only a tad. "There is no need to be working yourselves up over this!" He paused in upset. "You're acting like infants, and you should know better."
The two sheepishly flinched, and shrunk down below Shining Armour's dominating rank.
"A decision still needs to be made over what we do," Soarin pricked his ears.
Shining Armour paused glancing apologetically at the two. "As much as I agree with Flash Sentry, I'm going to have to go with Fancypants."
"What?" Shock flashed in Flash Sentry's eyes, before it changed to hurt and betrayal.
Fancypants smirked antagonistically. "Thought so,"
"Hey, no need to be so smug!" Soarin lashed out through clenched teeth.
Big Macintosh stepped back a bit, and watched on the sidelines, emotionless.
"Enough!" Shining Armour blared for the second time in the past minute. "I only agree because we haven't received any sign!"
"Any sign?" Soarin's fur bristled, and his eyes were narrowed. "Are we spiritual or something? You expect some omen to just appear from infinity and be granted to one of us?"
"I-"
-suddenly the earth shook, rumbling aggressively beneath all of their hooves. They all glanced around in panic, to realised that is was being caused by the nutty orange earth pony who was standing among them.
"I'd duck if I were you!" Cheese Sandwich yowled in sheer terror.
The others didn't need to be told twice, as they scaled across the quaking ground, to find any cover possible.
"I'm surprised nopony has made duck jokes yet!" Flash Sentry cried as he dived into a cave.
"Not the time!" Soarin spat in anger and fear.
Cheese Sandwich buzzed into the air, his fur vibrating and his accordion-like Cutie Mark coming to life, playing its own music. His mane went fuzzier than usual, and the shuddering ground sent billows of dust everywhere.
Eventually it eased, with no damage inflicted whatsoever besides a fallen down tree or two. A mortified Cheese Sandwich lowered to the floor, having gone silent over the wild situation. He appeared exhausted, but he could still stand on all four hooves without effort. "Wow! I haven't had a Cheesy Sense in forever!"
The other five emerged from their hideaways, and approached their friend with a hint of caution, because of the pandemonium.
"Close enough to an omen. What was that about?" Shining Armour leapt a few paces forward, staring at Cheese Sandwich desperately.
The others blinked at him worriedly as well. They remembered the last Cheesy Sense all too well.
"Danger..." Cheese Sandwich whimpered, peering shyly at the ground, the smile from his face faded for once- it was missed immensely.
"Where?" Shining Armour gingerly stepped forwards, his expression flustered and mental. "Tell me, where there is danger."
But they all already knew the answer.
"Home."
…
Apples waltzed through the vault to afterlife, succulent and fresh, shining colours of red and green.
"Stay away from me!"
The pegasus dodged as an apple zoomed passed her, a nightmarish glare on it's face... they could see her. They were watching her. They were mocking her. It was just like Flight School, but worse, as the fruit were what ushered happiness and despair at the same time.
She no longer knew who to trust... Discord had been Chrysalis of course, but the words she had spoken lingered in her mind and haunted her. They'd haunt her for the rest of the time she spent here... in this place. Perhaps it was existence, but it didn't seem to exist. She was floating in the air without flapping her wings, and frightening apple-like ghosts were whirling around her and taunting her. Could it be a dream realm? Was she asleep? Had this whole experience been a dream? That'd be a somewhat a disappointing and a too-good-to-be-true outcome, but she was still going to consider all of her options with great care.
The dainty pegasi bounced through the wind, rapidly avoiding more of the daunting apples. Voids of kaleidoscopic colours whirled forever, and clouds of acid flowed around her like mist, singeing the small particles of dust. The apples seemed to deteriorate, much to her relief, and a path assembled underneath her hooves.
"That's it! This place is a pathway!"
Her mind told her to follow the pathway, to see where it lead, but her hooves spoke otherwise as they remained planted firmly on the ground, refusing to budge.
Perhaps it was because they knew she was on the path in between life and death. She wasn't sure whether denying death was a good thing or a bad thing- was she supposed to be able to have a choice?
It just seemed as though she was still unfinished. As though there was a little more she needed to do on earth. Well it was too late now.
…
The sound of the door opening could be related to a door being violently slammed- except for the fact that the door was being brutally opened. Ponies could mistake it for savage lightning. The next sound that echoed through the house was twenty-four hooves thundering across the floorboards frantically. The twenty-four hooves were shared equally between six berserk ponies.
"Snow Flutter! We'll save you!" Shining Armour barrelled across the floor, only to skid to a halt, receiving a row of sharp splinters down his muddied white hooves. The others slammed into him, before slipping backwards into a messy formation and peering anxiously out from behind their unicorn leader.
Silence was all they were granted with. Chilling, dead, bloodcurdling silence.
None of them dared move their mouths to speak... not only were they numb and immobilised, but if they did, they'd probably let out pitiful and sad squeaking noises. Silence was better than that.
The only question any of them wanted to ask was, 'were we too late?' The answer was right before their eyes.
A limp form lolled on the floor. Despite the stiffness, the creature seemed elegant, and pure. She was cuddled in a 'U' shape, her back facing the dwarves, and her face was hidden behind a jungle of mane.
Her wings were the first thing they saw. Everything about her seemed a shade greyer- her fur, feathers, mane. The delicate feathers of her wings were hectic- some were sleek, shimmering flawlessly and neat, whilst others were ruffled- some had even fallen out, leaving patches of bare skin on the crippled organs. Her mane was a maze of pink strands, each seeming bland, unlike their usual lively, bright, pink flare. Her tail spiralled gently around her hooves, coiling them up in a protective blanket and tangling them together like rope.
The dwarves broke free from their paralysation, and each stepped forward in utter confusion. Time seemed so slow, yet the seconds moved so fast. This seemed so unnatural... so unearthly and surreal. Eventually they reached the peaceful body, and Shining Armour leaned down, his ear brushing against her butter yellow fur lightly.
The others were speechless as they watched the unicorn for a few seconds, before he raised his head, his eyes solemn with grief. "Her heart's stopped beating."
Emotions rocketed down at them like a wave swelled with shock, misery, remorse and anger. Mainly shock.
It only seemed like yesterday... when they had first met the heavenly pegasus... shining like the celestial sun, the answer to their curses... their prayers each night, all leading to her, their friend, their equal, their hope. She was dead now. Everything was shattered into oblivion.
"No... is she wearing a dress..? Is there a comb in her mane? Tell me! Something has got to be wrong!" Cheese Sandwich wailed, his mane now deflated like a balloon. Balloons were only latex, and they faded away eventually just like everything else.
"Death is irreversible," Big Macintosh sobbed, his tough exterior having disappeared into something puny with devastation. "Once yer' dead, there's no going back."
"This is my fault!" Fancypants howled, his eyes swollen and brimming pink. "If I hadn't been so darn stubborn, we might have got here in time!"
Flash Sentry snivelled, rubbing his nose with a trembling hoof. "Don't blame yourself. It was all of our fault. We shouldn't have taken the risk of leaving her here."
"We would have never reached her in time anyway," Shining Armour seemed emotionless, but his eyes spoke differently, as they were glazed with melancholy and shame. "Have you seen how cold she is? Her blood has chilled... and her usual smell of daisies has gone stale... she's been dead for a while." If he wasn't hiding it before, he was now bawling in full out despair, tears streaming from his eyes. Shining Armour occasionally wept from liquid pride- this was the first time he had ever wept from anything else. In a while.
"Please wake up... please wake up..." Soarin continued to mumble the phrase, dread glooming over his face. "Please! We can't loose you! Snow Flutter..."
A puddle was forming on the floorboards, filled with mournful, salty tears. It rippled, as new tears drizzled down from the six, and splashed in the icy water. The loss of their old friend was more than unfortunate.
"She was so young... it's too soon for her..."
"There's so much more I would have wanted to say! Goodbye's not enough!"
"She was our best friend..."
"We should have never left... you could still be here with us!"
"She was too good to be true."
Confessions rolled in like thunder, each pony having their own thing to say to their friend. Perhaps it wasn't the wisest of decisions, as with each word, more tears were brought forth, but they weren't willing to let go of her yet. They refused too. They didn't plan to.
"I never knew what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to adopt you into our sad, lonely family," Shining Armour admitted, his voice stumbling with whimpers and sobs. "And with each passing day, I knew that we'd made the right decision. I'm not talking about how you cleaned the house for us or cooked dinner..." He glanced at the corpse, with every sign of honesty. "At first that was all that bound our friendship. But all of our friendships turned into something else. Even after it was confirmed you were the prophecy, that was the least of our worries." The others nodded in misery. "You were our friend... and our family, and that was all that mattered, because..." He couldn't find words. "Because..."
"Snow Flutter! Chrysalis! Are you here?" A sudden voice bellowed with fury and hope, causing all of the dwarves to jump back in outright surprise.
Their mouths were agape, as they stared at the queer creature who had materialised before them. The creature had a dark red, dragon-like tail, with a white tuft of fur at the end. He stood on two unsymmetrical legs, one of a goat, whilst the other of a bright green lizard. His snakelike brown body composed of two wings- a bat's and a pegasi's and his face seemed that of a deranged pony. His lion and eagle arms were flailing with terror, and on top of his head were two antlers, belonging to a deer and a goat. It was the most odd creature the dwarfs had ever seen, but they'd encountered him before.
"Discord!" Shining Armour snarled with rage, but there was a tint of unsureness in his tone. "So I see that you've woken up from being unconscious."
Discord noticed the dwarves with his mismatched yellow and red eyes, and scowled. "I wouldn't have fainted in the first place if it weren't for you all, need I remind you." He flinched as a spark off electricity buzzed off of his antler, like that of wires. He clutched his head in frustration.
"What are you doing here?" Fancypants snapped, in a rude and unwelcoming manner.
Discord's furious expression instantly changed into a face of frenzied terror. "I'm here to save Snow Flutter!"
Flash Sentry bared his teeth, and furrowed his eyebrows down in anger. "Well you're too late for that! She's dead, moron!"
Discord's expression changed yet again, into 99.9% shock and 0.1% anger. Then it changed to 100% sadness. "Wh-what...?" His wings which were spread out to make him look more threatening and prepared for attack pressed down on the sides of his back, and his antlers drooped down. His arched back lowered, and he floated down from the air onto the floor.
"She's dead. You can see for yourself," Soarin choked, as he beckoned Discord towards the motionless carcass.
The draconequus slowly spun around, and his eyes rested on the limp form before him. His mismatched pupils both grew wide, until they filled up most of his eyes, and his lips trembled in complete awe and trauma. "Wh-what...?" He repeated, his voice raspy and distressed, as he peered over her slumped body to view her face. Seeing the mare now, made him realise how much he'd missed her over the past few days, perhaps weeks- he hadn't kept count. His heart ached with immense pain and longing- it was nearly too much for him to handle, and his throat closed in, perhaps suffocating him and making it difficult to breathe. His voice went wheezy. "I... I thought I'd get here in time..." His heart shattered into one million pieces. He'd been too late. He was going to save her. But she was now gone. Forever gone. He'd never hear her beautiful, soft voice again... or smell the fresh morning daisies that clung to her fur, and the roses that wafted through her mane. He'd never see her smile, or breath, and he'd not hear her sing and laugh with her sweet voice. He wouldn't be able to run his talon through her mane, or hold her close, hearing their hearts beat together. He wouldn't be able to tell her how much he loved her... she wouldn't be able to hear and she wouldn't be able to reply.
Snow Flutter's eyes were still open, and they stared into Discord's soul. They were an ocean of vibrant teal, mesmerising him with their mystical colour and familiarness. Sniffling slightly, he gently brought his claw forwards, and hovered it over her eyelids, before gently tapping her eyelashes and fluttering her eyes closed.
He turned around to the dwarves. Their aggression has been changed sober, and they peered at him sympathetically.
"We tried to save her too," Shining Armour croaked, seeming to have trouble just moving his mouth to speak. "We were too late as well."
For the first time in forever, Discord felt admiration towards the dwarves. They had looked after Snow Flutter well, and they seemed so devoted. He also felt a tang of jealousy, because they had been here for her when he had not.
"She's gone!" Cheese Sandwich wailed loudly, pouncing forward and attacking Discord with a hug. "We'll never see her again!"
Discord was taken aback by the force, before awkwardly patting the earth pony on the back with a paw. The other dwarves exchanged glances, before joining in with the hug as well.
This whole mess. It wasn't right. It was never right. Discord didn't deserve to be here now. Snow Flutter didn't deserve to die. And the dwarves- they didn't deserve the fate of forever being in their form. They had been so resilient... so brave. Discord envied them, and he felt terrible for it. He shouldn't feel jealous- he deserved to be in the wretched state he was in, and he didn't deserve to even know Snow Flutter. He'd stopped thinking, remembering Celestia and Luna's words. They had faith in him. He had refused to let them down... but he had. And he had lost Snow Flutter in the process.
"Are you feeling better?" Cheese Sandwich innocently peered up at the draconequus who had been lost in thought.
Discord shook his head, baffled. "What?"
"You were looking really sad. I thought you needed a hug," Cheese Sandwich spoke, his green eyes twinkling.
"Sad?" Discord echoed. He allowed his eyeballs to leave their sockets through his chaotic magic, and glimpse at his physical state. He was an absolute wreck. Despite not wearing makeup, he looked worse than those mares who cried whilst wearing mascara.
As his eyeballs returned to their sockets, Discord felt a sudden tinge. This was the first time he had actually, cared about something- cared absolutely, well and truly. He was usually ignorant, oblivious, and emotionless on the interior, but now... his head was a world of destruction, with thoughts on the present catastrophe. About Snow Flutter.
"We can't leave her like this," he finally spoke after several seconds, peering at each dwarf in turn, who watched him discreetly. "Her corpse will decay if we leave her like this... we... we need to keep her somewhere safe, where she will forever be intact and as one with us."
The dwarves paused diffidently before nodding.
"You're right. It just seems... wrong at the thought of burying her... not now," Flash Sentry agreed, his misty eyes elsewhere.
"She deserves to be remembered," Big Macintosh nodded, a meek look on his face.
Discord sniffed, his eyes welling with tears. "It's not a choice. She has to be preserved."
"In a box," Soarin suggested, creatively. "A... a glass box."
"And we should put it in the forest," Shining Armour commented, a spark of hope in his blue eyes. "She... she always loved the wilderness, among the flora and fauna. I can bet that she would like to be... there... as she is dead."
"In a meadow," Cheese Sandwich stated helpfully. "Of flowers. Of every single colour!"
Discord smiled at the tiny ounce of enthusiasm. "Yeah..." He murmured. "She'd like that."
The others weakly grinned.
A few minutes passed, of just Discord staring into space, thoughts clustering through his mind. He ignored the dwarves, as they spoke to each other, and he didn't pay attention as they split up into groups to go and find the materials needed for their pegasus friend. He also hadn't noticed the fact that the morning sun was long due, yet the moon still shone insecurely in the sky. He didn't know. He didn't care. There was only one thought that plagued his mind, and the one thought summoned a whole bunch of other thoughts related to it. And that was Snow Flutter.
…
A grassy meadow whistled in the breeze, and the night sky beamed down on it with starlight. The tall grasses in the meadow reached up to the sky, surrounded by patches of bright yellow and dark pink flowers. Surrounding the picturesque meadow was forest, and mountains were a dot in the horizon.
Seven lonely souls stood among the grasses, eight if counting the deceased. Their eyes were vigilant at the same time as mournful... even dark clouds loomed in the sky, capturing the sullen vibe perfectly, not that they were necessary.
"No... something doesn't seem right," the draconequus coughed tentatively. "It needs to be perfect."
Soarin was wide awake, despite his virtue of sleepiness, and he spread out his ice blue wings. The feathers twinkled like a lava lamp in the dim light. "I can clear the clouds."
As the pegasus began to bust the clouds into sifts of vapour, Fancypants spoke up. "We just don't understand... it is 1:00 in the afternoon- the sun should have risen hours ago, yet, the moon still leers."
Discord inquisitively glimpsed up at then sky, before his eyes widened with memory and guilt. "Oops... sorry Luna, sorry Celestia!" With a snap of his eagle claw, the moon disappeared and was replaced by the sun. The sky changed from indigo to blue, with only a wisp of violet in between.
"My eyes... they won't adjust to the light!" Cheese Sandwich clutched his emerald eyes with his hooves dramatically, and fell to the earth. The long grass towering over him, plus, his small dwarf height made him almost completely invisible.
"Done." Soarin descended to the ground, the wind whipping off of his wings causing the grass to go haywire.
The radiating sunlight shone among the whole meadow, and cicadas began to chirrup erratically. Birds flitted out of their nests and swooped gracefully down from the sky, briskly searching for seeds among the grasses and weeds. Butterflies daintily shimmied among the stalks, their broad, colourful wings reflecting the sunlight.
Discord held his breathe, as a recherché teal butterfly with pastel pink wings airily landed on his white deer antler. It reminded him so much of Snow Flutter... butterflies were her Cutie Mark after all. "Yes..." he breathed. "This is perfect."
The dwarves exchanged satisfied nods, before they all turned to the limp body of the pegasus. She was laid perfectly on her back, her tail swirling around, with grasses poking through the strands. Her front legs were on her belly, holding a bouquet of pure white daisies with yellow buds and lavish orange marigolds. A flower crown was perched breezily upon her head, with green leaves swishing through her pink mane, and colourful flowers brightening up her pale face. She looked so peaceful. One could think she was asleep and not lifeless.
Shining Armour cleared his throat, before trotting passed her, and standing besides a glass coffin the dwarves had whipped up. "Today, we are gathered here to witness the tragic memorialisation of the... departure of Snow Flutter." He paused, his blue eyes foggy. "She died at the age of 16 years, and her cause of is death is currently unknown, despite knowing a pony who could be responsible." A tear slowly trickled down his face and hit the grass with a splurge. "She was a beloved friend, relative, and nurturer to all of us... she will be missed dearly."
Each dwarf had their little bit to say to her. More tears were wept. Discord held back, but he still felt all of the emotions churning through him. There was a sick aching in his heart, and he could hardly breathe. The whole time, his eyes were locked on the pulchritudinous mare... serenely sleeping in among the reeds with no water.
Finally, every dwarf had finished speaking, and they returned to the part of the grass which was considered the audience. A minute of respectful silence passed, before the dwarves skeptically peered at Discord.
"Is there anything you'd like to say to her... to acknowledge her hapless demise?" Flash Sentry uttered, avoiding Discord's eye contact.
The draconequus paused, wondering what to do. He knew he had to say something... before she was locked away in her tomb of transparent glass. "Yeah..." He paused, marvelling over what to say, before finally dipping his head in respect. "Yeah, I'd like to say a few words to her... but... can we be alone..?"
"Of course we can be alone! I mean, there's nopony else other than you and the six of us!" Cheese Sandwich snorted, matter of factly. "Unless you're counting all of the butterflies and stuff..."
"He means just him and Snow Flutter," Big Macintosh peered warningly at the other earth pony, before nodding to Discord. "And of course."
As the dwarves plodded away and in to the forest, Discord felt a sudden swell of angst wash over him. Unsure what to do, the draconequus timidly got on all fours, and padded up to the fair pony until he was standing beside her. He coughed slightly, before speaking. "Oh Snow Flutter. You've caused so much trouble... and I'd like to thank you for that..."
…
The little pegasus standing in the middle of the pathway began to feel the earth rumble, and anything visible began to pulsate. A voice hollered through the air like an explosion, causing her fur to stand on end.
…
"From the very first time I met you, I knew there was something special. I've known it all along, but I kept on denying it. And now, finally when I've came clear, it leads to this." Discord closed his yellow and red eyes in mental pain. "You're dead, when really it should be me who is expired, for all of the havoc I've caused in the millennium. You deserved nothing of this... you are too kind for your own good." He tried to swallow the lump in his throat with no success. It just lead to more suffering. "And I was too heartless to forgive you for my mistake. That's probably the most regretful thing I've ever done in my life."
…
The pegasus's fur lay flat as recognition swarmed through the voice. She wanted to reach up, but everything in the mind's stretch of imagination was vibrating into an animation of infinity. The only sound that wasn't slurred was the voice.
…
Discord felt tears dribble down from his eyes. They splattered on the pegasus and seep into her fur fluently. "A chaotic mind isn't the best place for finding answers... every sign you gave me was scrunched up and ignored. Every sign that I gave to myself was disregarded- on purpose! I worked myself up, and denied everything and everyone who tried to help me realise and understand my constant mistakes!"
…
She felt her hooves working again, and they began to canter down the pathway. She jumped as a bathtub came her way, and slammed into the earth, causing debris and rock to scatter into oblivion.
…
Discord was yelling now. "And if it weren't for Celestia, Luna and Cadance, I would have never realised!" He felt all of his anger building up, and making his heart turn to fire. "I am the most oblivious and stupid living soul! I wish I could've found out myself, but I couldn't!" He felt the anger slowly melt, and he let out a petite whimper.
…
A portal opened up in the distance, and the pegasi ran faster than ever. She dodged the flying bullets that charged towards her, trying to block her path. She thanked the dwarfs' training so much- without it she wouldn't have gotten this far. The familiar voice still pounded through the sky, and she felt blood screaming in her ears.
…
"And you may wonder what it is, that I was negligent towards." Discord rubbed away the tears from his eyes, and forced bravery to soak away the terror that was throbbing in his heart. "And what it is, is that I... I love you."
…
The pegasus reached the portal, and it began to close in rapidly. She skidded to a halt and felt hesitancy itch through her hooves. She glanced at the universe behind her, then back to the portal. There wasn't much time.
…
Discord covered his eyes, and felt his 'hands' go damp under the tears he was shedding. He felt his heart hammering rhythmically, as he stared at the bewitching pegasus for the very last time... words could not describe how much he missed her already. he felt a pulse skipping in his brain, and choppy memories surging through his heart. There was just one more thing.
Hesitancy chorused through him and he gritted his teeth as he stared at her beautiful face. It helped calm him down, and courage washed over him like lava. Finally, he slowly leaned down, and planted his lips on her's. It was a gentle kiss... a final, traumatic goodbye. Her lips felt cold from her death, but she still tasted like... if morning was a taste, then that's what they'd be like. Sweetness poured through him, and he had to close his eyes to prevent more tears from sprinkling onto her. Finally, he pulled away, and felt sadness scorch through his pelt. He dragged his eyes away from her, and began to plod away. He heard rustling ahead of him, and saw the dwarves begin to creep back into the meadow from the forest, solemnly. He forced himself to smile, and despite how pitiful it was, he was glad that the last moment he shared with Snow Flutter, even if she was dead, was a kiss.
"Is it true?"
He froze, his blood going cold. He knew that voice. Boy, did he know it. Was he dreaming? Was he hallucinating? He didn't dare turn around.
"What you said." The voice spoke again. "It it true?"
If once wasn't enough, twice was unbearable. Discord slowly turned around, and locked his eyes with the pair of familiar teal ones. "Y-yes... I... I meant every word I said..." He was starstruck... it was enough to put him in a coma.
The pegasus seemed cautious, and her eyes lined with tears. She stepped forward a bit, but refrained, out of fear. "And I should trust you..." She paused, her lips moving without any sound coming out. She was trembling from the tips of her ears to the last inch of her tail.
"Again and forever," Discord finished, not having breathed in more than sixty seconds.
The pegasus perked her ears, and stared at him for a long time. Her face was emotionless, and Discord felt a tremor run down his spine, causing his head to ring. Finally, he was answered as a smile broke out on her face. "It is you!" She cried, running up, and zooming into Discord's embrace, burying her weeping head into his fur. "I... I thought you were Chrysalis! Everything went wrong!" She let out a feeble snivel. "The poisoned apple killed me!"
Discord felt he could breathe again and happiness surged through him, overwhelming him. Snow Flutter... she was alive... his destiny, hope, life, world... she was here. He didn't pause to wrap his arms around her quivering body reassuringly. He refused to let anything happen to her ever again. He'd rather die.
The dwarves appeared behind them, their mouths agape with shock.
Snow Flutter sniffed, pulling out of the draconequus's embrace. Discord had felt her heartbeat when they had hugged, and he could hear her cool breathe. It was undeniable. She was alive.
Snow Fluttter stared at Discord, a smile never leaving her face. "I never knew you liked me too..." Her cheeks went rosy. "Because I love you."
They shared eye contact for a few moments, which seemed like forever, before an extravagant light emitted for her, and she squealed in shock. Discord tried to reach forward to grab her, but he was solid in place. Like a statue. No! I can't loose her again!
Snow Flutter rose floatily into the air, the blinding light cradling her, before six separate bursts of light shot out like flares of lightning and lashed at the six unsuspecting dwarves. It was their turn to scream, as the radiating light swirled around them like a blanket, until they were no longer visible. Discord felt a separate blow of light coil around him, and he felt all of his magic drain away. The last thing he saw was Snow Flutter's terrified form cuddled up in a ball of magic, and the six sparks of light around the dwarves begin to fade away. The magic around Discord covered him completely, until nothing was visible anymore and existence wasn't apparent.
…
Snow Flutter felt the morning light tickling her fur, as she flickered open her eyes. She found herself in the grassy meadow, just as she'd left it. She felt exhausted, and she peered around drowsily. The first thing she noticed was the draconequus lying among the wavy grasses, unmoving. She felt all of her energy renew, and she zipped up to him, prodding at his shoulder with a hoof. "Discord! Are you there? Wake up!"
The draconequus groaned, and opened his eyes groggily. "What... happened?"
"I don't know! Just... magic!" Snow Flutter whispered breathlessly. "Are you okay?"
Discord crinkled his nose. "Yeah, I'm fine... I just lost a bit of magic- no more raising the sun and moon for me then, I guess."
Snow Flutter raised an eyebrow questionably, but didn't mention his reply. "Well you're all right. And that's the main thing." She smiled contentedly, before her expression changed to terror. "The dwarves! Where are they?"
Discord got up, shaking dead bits of grass from his fur, before scanning the meadow. "There!"
He raced forward across the grass, Snow Flutter tagging behind at his heals before he stopped abruptly.
"What is it?" Snow Flutter tilted her head, peering curiously around him.
"I don't think we can call them dwarves anymore."
Snow Flutter stood stiffer than she had been when she was dead, and shock bombarded her face. It was the dwarves she had grown up with, looked after, the same ponies, yet not. Their demented forms had been mended, making them appear more... normal? They had grown taller in height, and each were smiling overwhelmingly.
The pegasi held her breathe, and felt her fur heating up. "You guys are so... handsome..!"
"Hey! Don't flirt!" Discord whined, causing the pegasus to giggle.
"After all of this, you still question where my heart belongs?" Rolling her eyes, the pegasus ran up to the ex-dwarves, and was welcomed by a hug of six overjoyed ponies.
Finally, the embrace ended.
"I knew you could do it!" Cheese Sandwich shrilled, bouncing into the air ecstatically.
Fancypants firmly nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "Always knew you were the prophecy."
"Through and through," Big Macintosh added smiling softly.
Confusion flashed in Snow Flutters eyes as she glanced at each beaming friend. "Prophecy?"
"We never told you, did we?" Flash Sentry's voice sounded surprised, just for a moment. "It basically said that if a fairest of all found true love, then we would be set free from our dwarf state."
"Finds true love..." Snow Flutter blinked, and eyed Discord with realisation. Her cheeks flushed pink. "It all makes sense! It all does! Simple words cannot describe my pleasure... through all truth and honesty. You're lives are complete, discrimination is a shadow of the past!"
"Yet, you're a figment of our past," Shining Armour spoke jubilantly. "And that is something none of us will ever forget."
Snow Flutter felt her eyes tearing up, and wiped her nose with a hoof, feeling pride, gratefulness and modesty. "Oh, I'm so happy! Is there anything else that's changed?"
"Yes, actually!" Soarin laughed, and peered at his friends. "Our artificial personalities are gone; Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Grumpy, Sleepy and Dopey."
Snow Flutter felt happy tears slide down from her eyes. "That's amazing!" She felt as though there was more she needed to say. "I am so proud of all of you... I could have never had better friends." The little canary-like pegasus knew exactly what to say now.
She turned to Fancypants.
"Grumpiness isn't the best virtue to be blessed with, but always remember that if it means standing up for your opinion, then use it. Assertiveness is another thing set aside. It is a virtue that I myself lack, but it is a strong feature. Remember to be assertive, and stand up to any challenge you may face. Remember to keep that part of you."
She turned to Flash Sentry.
"Being Sneezy may not be an emotion, but it holds the saying, that not every sickness can be healed. Through medicine, that is. Healing others may come through remedies, but it can also be through compassion, bliss and love. Every time you sneeze, remember to be as thoughtful and open minded as possible, and even the most greatest of wounds can be cured. Even an everlasting cold."
She peered at Cheese Sandwich.
"I continue to ponder if Happiness was the right attribute to be granted upon you. Some ponies are just naturally happy, and I know that those ponies are the best to be around. Never, ever give up on being happy, because that is the best emotion possible, and it not only helps yourself, but it also aids others and gives a positive bound to life."
She smiled at Big Macintosh.
"Bashfulness isn't a bad thing. I myself have lived most of my life being too shy to talk to anypony. That's why you need to have a balance. Don't be like me, and not socialise or anything. Reach out, and make a difference. I know you have it in you. Just remember to never forget bashfulness, because sometimes, that is the best way to handle things, feel better, and just be yourself. Satisfaction if all that matters."
She turned to Soarin.
"Sleepiness isn't an emotion, but it can also be related to laziness. Sometimes you need to relax, and stay focused. It is vital for concentration, and with a bit of rest, you can perform better than you do any other day. Remember to be sleepy, and never tire yourself out over making changes in this world like help, because it can be performed way better with an open mind. Remember to always be that early bird, because I know from experience that it will benefit a lot, and your days will forever be brighter."
Finally, she turned to Shining Armour.
"Dopiness is controversial- it can be over anything but if it is over past experiences, then don't bother. I'm not saying to forget your past... and history, and those you love- no, never do that, but don't let it get to you. Don't work yourself up over something in the past during the present, because that will get you nowhere. Think about how you can propel your performance, or fix your problems. It will help. And perhaps every so often you need that sad moment, but whatever your head and instincts tell you to do, then trust them."
She smiled sadly at all of the ponies. "And now everything is as it should be, I don't know what to do."
They all turned to Discord who had been awfully absent during the conversation. The draconequus seemed as though he was lost in thought, before he looked up.
"I think I know what happens next."
Yay! One of the most dramatic chapters yet... posted on my birthday! I don't even know, I guess I just wanted to get it posted on this day. I'm now 14, yay! Thanks wildfur for making this the best birthday possible- I mean it, and never stop being my friend! Well I hope you enjoy, I'd like to give a thanks to all of you readers, and enjoy your Nightmare Night!