S4 E11 everypony! Pinkie Pride, the next key episode is next!

It was the usual day in Ponyville. Malibu had woken up in Sweet Apple Acres like he normally did, going out to feed his bat Shadow before visiting Twilight in the library.

He spotted Spike outside the library getting the mail and waved his hoof. "Hey!" Malibu called out. Spike waved him back to come inside which Malibu did so.

Inside Malibu saw Twilight was super excited about something. "Mail's here and Malibu came on by too!"

Twilight grinned upon his arrival before snatching up the mail Spike brought in. She sorted through all the junk mail at first. "Please, be a yes please be a yes, please be a yes…"

He tilted his head in curiosity. "What's going on Twilight?"

Malibu would soon get his answer when Twilight opened the last fancy looking letter, reading inside, her eyes brightened. "Yes!" She took Malibu and Spike by their hooves/claws, hopping around. "She can make it! She can make it!"

Feeling really confused still, Malibu looked at Spike. "Have I been missing something?" He called out.

"To answer your question; the letter said that Princess Cadance is going to come this weekend!" Spike yelped out before being let go of, hitting the wall. Twilight clapped her hooves in excitement, Malibu smiling too since he hadn't seen Cadance in so long either. "I'm finally gonna get to spend some quality time with my sister-in-law! This is the best news ever!" She cheered.

The door opened again, Malibu turning about and seeing Fluttershy, rather excited too. "Um, so sorry for barging in like this… but I'm so excited, I just couldn't wait to tell somepony!" She did a little jig on her hooves, pulling out a flier. "The Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures has given me permission to observe the rarest, tiniest, most adorable magical creatures in all of Equestria — the Breezies!" She squeeed with the cutest smile Malibu had ever seen on her yet.

"Whoa, that's pretty big. I've never seen Breezies before," Malibu exclaimed, rather happy for his Pegasus friend. Fluttershy gasped in shock. "You really haven't?! Well, they're eventually migrating through Ponyville in a few more months, so you might be able to get your chance!"

Twilight grinned at Fluttershy. "That's fantastic for your trip, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy was giddy with excitement. "Oh, it's not just fantastic; it just might be the best news ever!"

Before Malibu could say anything more, the door was knocked down next by Pinkie Pie, literally. He fixed the door with his magic while Pinkie Pie spoke up in her energetic happiness. "I just got the most incredible mail anypony's ever received in all of recorded pony postal history!" She pulled out her own flier. "It's a flier about a one-day sale on used patio furniture! Aah! Could this day get any better? Woo-hoo!" Pinkie Pie fell onto her back from her happiness, Malibu shaking his head in amusement for he knew that was just an ad, but was eager for Cadance to be here.

….

The friends escorted Fluttershy to the train station an hour later where she was already dressed up for her expedition. For Malibu, this was a big moment for her. Rarity levitated a scarf into her bag. "Here's a wrap in case it gets cold." She said sweetly.

Applejack put a basket of apples next to her. "And I packed you a basket of nice fresh apples in case you get hungry."

Malibu gave Fluttershy one of his wing hugs, tears falling down his face. "I really hope you have fun. We'll all miss you." He said, doing his best to be cheerful. Fluttershy stroked his cheek but not romantically so he wouldn't betray Rainbow Dash. "Oh, I will Malibu." She glanced at Twilight. "And I hope you have fun with Cadance."

Soon the Friendship Express whistle blowed, the conductor calling out. "All aboard!"

Fluttershy walked onto the caboose, waving from the railing to them all as the train chugged away. "Goodbye! Goodbye everypony!" She called in farewell, the others waving to her. Pinkie Pie ran after the train.

"Fluttershy! I'll never forget you!" She wailed, Malibu laughing from her actions, turning back to his other friends, Twilight's face now looking worried. "Ooh, I'm a bit nervous about Cadance's visit." She said in a trembling voice, Malibu surprised from that.

Applejack blinked. "What could you be so worried about, Twilight? Cadance just loves you and Malibu to pieces!"

The clone gargoyle nodded. "I've known her for a while too, Twilight. I'm sure it will be a great day."

Twilight's eye twitched. "But I really want her visit to go without a hitch!"

Pinkie Pie had come back but had a red balloon for a moment she found. "Oh, why wouldn't it?" She asked, accidentally letting go of the balloon.

It made the new princess sigh. "Well, the last three times we've seen each other, haven't exactly been worry free." She explained. Malibu flinched, understanding now, remembering also his close call with that horrible Changeling Queen, hoping to never see her again.

Rarity had a sympathetic gaze. "The fate of Equestria has hung into balance during most of your visits with her."

Twilight nodded. "Exactly. Cadance and I haven't really had a chance to just enjoy being friends again. Which is why it is so important that this visit be about the two of us having some real quality time together. No offense Malibu, but I kind of want it to be just me and Cadance for today."

Malibu shrugged. "Hey, ok with me. She is your sister in law after all." She looked at him gratefully. Applejack spoke then. "I'm guessin' you got a plan that'll keep it that way."

Twilight then pointed to a poster on the wall. "The timing couldn't be more perfect. For one day only, right here in Ponyville, the Star Swirl the Bearded Traveling Museum!" She said in excitement. "Cadance and I can spend the whole day looking at Star Swirl the Bearded artifacts."

The teal alicorn didn't think that sounded too excited but hey, whatever they wanted to do was alright with him. Rarity sighed. "Sounds like a perfect drama-free way to spend the day with Cadance."

Twilight began to look a bit too obsessed now. "Not counting the drama surrounding which of the bells from his cloak they've chosen to put on display. Spoiler alert. It's this one!" She squeeed, pointing to one of the bells on the poster, making Malibu laugh, then jumping from Rainbow making gagging noises. "Uh, sorry. Something in my throat… like a big ball of lame!" He nudged her sharply, making Dash flush.

Rarity fluttered her eyes. "I think it sounds delightful."

Applejack agreed too. "Yup, definitely sounds like you two will have some quality time together."

The mulberry alicorn had a dreamy look in her eyes. "Exactly. Just quiet time."

Malibu jumped again when hearing the sound of a train whistle from the Crystal Empire Express coming in at a rapid pace, the 6 winced as the wheels screeched along the tracks, halting in front of the station. Now that was one crazy train.

Horns blared from the windows, a door opening with two guards, one looking rather familiar with his golden orange coat and blue mane. Malibu knew it was the pony Flash Sentry, but he wondered how he became a guard for the Crystal Empire even though not being from there himself.

Cadance stepped gracefully out, smiling in her regal manner, causing Malibu to grin, happy to see her since the Mirror adventure. She bowed to the two of them. "Your Highnesses."

Malibu and Twilight looked at each other in confusion, bowing too. "Your Highness." They said in unison. Cadance laughed after that. "I'm teasing you two. We're family, we don't have to be so formal."

He ran to give Cadance a hug which she returned, the two nuzzling. "It is so wonderful to see you again, Malibu. I wish you'd come to see us in the Empire more." Malibu nodded. "Yeah, me too."

The guards went back into the train, Flash looking towards Twilight in a small romantic way, the train leaving the station again. "Knowing you, you made some plans." Cadance said in an excited voice, Twilight just as excited. "Boy, have I." She glanced at the others. "You guys…"

Malibu shook his head. "Twilight, you really should stop stressing about your visit. Both of you deserve girl time." Rarity agreed. "Now, now, don't you worry about a thing! We'll make sure nothing — but nothing interferes with your visit!"

Applejack swished her tail in her cheerfulness. "Go on! Have a hootenanny with your kinfolk!"

Twilight hugged them all, grateful for their help. "You really are the best friends a pony could ever have. Coming, Cadance!" She yelled, catching up to the pink alicorn.

The former gargoyle watched his family walking off, hoping they would have some fun. Pinkie Pie gave a sigh. "Two sisters-in-law bonding. Well I for one am gonna make sure that nothing spoils their day!"

A strange sounding whizzing noise soon came along, startling Malibu, turning to spot the weird thing flying in their way. "Er, what's that?" He pointed, much to the other's surprise. Applejack's ears fell. "Yeah, what is that thing?"

Rarity's eyes popped. "Whatever it is… duuuck!" She shrieked, all of them except Pinkie Pie falling down to the ground. Pinkie tilted her head. "But Rarity, it doesn't look anything like a duck!" She yelped when Malibu yanked her down, the strange thing slamming into the tree nearby, making him flinch.

The 6 friends recovered from the near collision, looking over up to what could it be. Malibu couldn't help but feel suspicious. "What is that?" Rainbow Dash asked, her face slightly scared until an all too familiar voice replied.

"Oh, not a what, but a who, dear…"

Malibu's eyes glowed in anger when recognizing it, a loud sneeze coming from that moment, burning the leaves on the trees. Revealing…

"DISCORD!" All 5 shouted, Malibu and Dash angry while Pinkie Pie looked nervous. Discord sat there in the tree, his skin all blue and his face rather sickly looking.

Applejack frowned in disapproval. "What in tarnation are you don' here? And why the jumpin' June bugs are you blue?" She demanded.

Rarity shook her head. "More like a shade of cerulean, to be precise."

The young alicorn flew up, growling. "I don't care what color he is, it is always some kind of trouble he brings with him!" He spat, still not having trusted Discord since the plunder seeds incident. Discord gave him a sad look. "Oh, little prince, I've changed, surely you remember? I was reformed. By lovely little—ugh—F-Fluttershy…. aaachooo!" He sneezed again, bags under his eyes.

AJ raised her brow. "What are you, sick or something?"

Discord stood up, a frown on his face. "Well, of course I'm sick. The blue skin, the sneezes? Could somepony find me a fainting couch?" He asked, raising an arm to his forehead.

Everypony else looked towards Rarity who was confused. "What?"

Pinkie Pie pushed some suitcases to Discord who lay down on them, Malibu rolling his eyes but wondering where Screwball could be. "How charming, thank you." He said in a simpering manner.

"Cut the nice stuff, Discord. Where's your daughter? Doesn't she know you're sick?" Malibu asked gruffly, his eyes glowing slightly. Discord glared back but instantly had a victim look again. "Oh, she's off… cough… with Celestia, unable to take care of me. I can't stop wheezing and sneezing in short… I need help!" He whined, making puppy dog eyes much to Malibu's disgust.

Rainbow Dash huffed. "If you're so 'sick', why have you come here instead of, y'know, staying home in bed and waiting for Screwball to help ya heal?" She demanded.

Discord blew his nose again, Malibu wincing from the noise and from having potential germs heading his way. "Because this condition has left me helpless. Simply helpless!" He conjured a spoon. "Why, I can barely lift a spoon…" He moaned, feigning the spoon weighing a ton and flopping to the ground. "I came to find the one other pony next to my daughter who truly understands me, and can nurse me back to health." The draconequus began to look about in earnest. "Where is that dear, sweet Fluttershy? I need some attention!" He lifted up a tree. "I need some care! I need—!"

Malibu poked him hard in the muzzle. "What you need, is to calm the hell down. Fluttershy is out for the day." He growled.

The spirit of chaos raised his brow at him. "Oh, of course, her trip to see the Breezies. Ah, yes, I had forgotten that was today."

Applejack was startled. "How do you know about her trip?" She asked.

Discord pulled out a piece of paper. "Well, she told me about it in her last letter." That startled Malibu. Why hadn't Fluttershy told him this? This was a big secret she kept from her close friends!

Pinkie Pie blinked. "You and Fluttershy write each other letters?" She asked.

Discord nodded. "Well, of course we do. We're friends! It's just such a shame that today of all days is when I really need her. Oh well, I know what to do."

Rainbow instantly took action. "Good thinking. Head on home, put your feet up." She began shoving Discord away. "I'm sure eventually you'll have the strength to make yourself soup or something…"

However Discord appeared behind her, making Rainbow Dash stare in shock."Oh, no-no-no-no-no! I mean, while she's gone, you ponies can take care of me! Isn't that what friends are for, taking care of each other?" He wound up grabbing the 5 of them into a hug, Malibu gritting his teeth from it in his anger, not wanting Discord to hug him any time soon, especially in his sickness. "Let the healing begin!" He sniggered.

His marefriend's eyes popped. "Not it!" She shrieked, zipping away in a rainbow flash. Malibu couldn't blame her, but now he was stuck with the most annoying spirit.

Discord huffed, dropping the others, folding his arms. "Well, that's some way to treat a suffering friend!" He sneezed, causing a lamp post to come to life, walking off. Pinkie bounced up to him. "Don't you worry, Discord! I'll give you cuddles, and read you stories, and tell you all about me!" She squeezed him. "I was born on a Tuesday—."

She was interrupted, Discord hanging her onto the tree nearby, Malibu's ears flattening from that. "Oh, you're so sweet to offer. But… since you may be busy with Princly duties Mal, Rarity and Applejack had already volunteered to be my own personal nursemaids."

The two girls glanced at one another in surprise. "We did?" They both asked, Malibu not liking this at all. Discord simply turned to Pinkie with a simpering grin. "I so hope you don't mind, Pinkie Pie."

The pink pony jumped down from the tree, glaring. "Well, as a matter of fact, I most certainly—." A balloon was presented to her by Discord, her anger disappearing. "Hey! Who keeps throwing away these perfectly good balloons?" She hopped away.

Malibu knew this was trouble. "Hey, Pink, wait—." He yelled, but too late. Applejack leaned in to whisper to him and Rarity. "That joker's up to something, and whatever it is, we're gonna keep it as far away from Twilight and Princess Cadance as possible." She said softly, the trio glancing at Discord lying in a hospital bed, faking being near death with the ECG beeping loudly.

Rarity nodded. "You're right. We promised we wouldn't let anything ruin their visit… although I do so wish that 'anything' had turned out to be something else!" She moaned.

"I agree with you on that. He gives me a headache like you wouldn't believe." Malibu muttered grumpily, right as Discord showed into their group. "Did I hear you three talking about Princess Cadance's visit with Princess Twilight?"

The friends glared, not saying anything. "Maybe." Applejack simply answered.

Discord tapped his chin. "Fluttershy had mentioned that those two were getting together today. Mm-hmm. How wonderful for them both. It is so rare that those two get to see one another. I don't know about you, but I sometimes wonder how close they could actually be. All those years apart before being reunited?"

Malibu stomped his hoof, his anger getting the better of him. "They're as close as me and Rainbow Dash as sisters." He growled."

The draconequus smirked. "And if they're not, tiny prince, then this rare opportunity to focus on their friendship will certainly bring them closer. Unless…"

Rarity waved her hoof. "Don't even think about it! They musn't be disturbed!"

Discord put a hand on his heart. "Disturb them, I wouldn't dream of it! Not when I have three such dear friends of my own who have already offered to take care of me. And at such peril!" He suddenly looked ready to sneeze, Malibu quickly ducking out of the way. "This flu of mine is highly-ugh-aaachooo! Contagious!" He croaked, his sneeze getting all over AJ and Rarity, turning their skins blue.

Malibu's face fell. He was in trouble now. "Aaachooo!" They both called out, flying backward, making him flinch. Discord feigned looking upset, turning to him. "Oh no, I've gotten you both sick! Whomever shall I turn to now, in my hour of need?"

It made the former gargoyle glower, backing away. "Nuh uh. No way! You keep your diseased self away from me!" But Discord continued to have a pleading look on him.

"But, with your other friends avoiding me, you'd be all alone. And, maybe… you can help me find Twilight? She could have the cure I need." He crooned, his eyes glinting a small spell in them.

Gasping, Malibu's eyes unfortunately caught a glimpse of the chaos spirit's mind magic, glazing over a little, defenses lowered but not completely hypnotized like in the maze. "Uh… al…right…" He mumbled, Discord sniggering to himself at being able to finally use the young prince for his own wishes even if it wasn't to take over the land.

"How sweet of you Malibu. So, where might they be?" He asked gently, a talon under Malibu's chin who answered. "The-they're at… the Star Swirl the Bearded exhibit…" His voice said in a woozy manner, Discord's influence really hitting his brain hard.

Nodding in approval, Discord had a plan. "Listen closely. You shall pretend you aren't under my tiny spell to Twilight, and act as normal as you possibly can." Malibu nodded from the instruction, Discord next having Malibu guide him to the exhibit.

….

Meanwhile Twilight and Cadance had been enjoying their time in the Starswirl exhibit, spotting the famous candlestick he had used.

Cadance gasped, a hoof over her chest. "Is that the candlestick he used to light the way when he was exploring the caverns of Maretania?"

Twilight grinned, nodding. "It sure is!" She stated, Malibu watching from the corner, Discord also getting ready to zap in front of them. "Oh, I can't believe I'm getting to see it in real life!"

Malibu suddenly showed up, trotting into view, feeling Discord's spell making his face look worried. Twilight and Cadance turned in surprise, seeing him. "Malibu? What's going on? Why are you here?" Twilight asked.

The teal alicorn swallowed, wanting to tell the truth but couldn't as the spell kept working on him. "It… well… D-Discord is… sick…" He said, the spell making his voice sound not nervous.

Cadance blinked. "Really?" She asked, right as a flash of white came along, surprising the two sisters again, Discord showing up, blue skin and all, a despondent look on his features. He sneezed too. "He is quite correct. Blue flu." Discord mumbled, faking sounding sick.

"Blue flu?" The pink princess questioned in suspicion, and by now noting Malibu's eyes glowing but not as bright. Her brow raised at the draconequus, Cadance walked over.

Discord waved his arms, trying to distract her but too late as Cadance placed her horn on his forehead, lifting the spell. Malibu gasped, rubbing his head, Discord moaning in disappointment from it all.

Malibu turned, growling like a gargoyle at Discord. "You… you put a spell on me?!" He roared, pulling Discord's beard who flinched.

"You know I didn't mean to, right Prince? It was a fluke of the sickness making my-my magic go… aaachoo! Haywire…" He croaked, Malibu frowned in suspicion but not buying it once.

"Yeah, right. I'm keeping my eyes on you!" He huffed, standing close to Twilight. Discord turned his head to the sky dramatically. "And, I fear I've given my blue flu to Applejack and Rarity."

He sneezed again, Cadance quickly summoning a new spell which had a protective dome appear around them. Malibu tapped it, feeling the surge of magic come from the shield. "Magic help bubble." Cadance explained, Twilight and Malibu smiling at her. "Good thinking." Twilight replied, Malibu nodding.

Discord sat on top of their bubble. "Indeed, how would Twilight nurse me back to health if she was sick too? You will be letting me stay at your place until I'm all better, won't you?"

Malibu bared his teeth, not liking that at all, in case his chaotic 'sickness' broke the library. Twilight beat him to the argument. "Stay? With me? Uh, now is not really the best time. Though I'm sure you already knew that…"

Discord smirked again, mostly to Malibu. "But taking in the sick and the desperate - isn't that what Fluttershy would do?" He had butterflies that look like her cutie mark appear. "Isn't helping something that friends do for friends?" He then fake frowned. "Unless, of course, you're really saying that you're not my friend." He gave a pouty look.

Twilight lowered her ears. "No, that is not what I'm saying!" She said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, how elated I am to hear that. Shall the four of us head back to Twilight's place? I don't want to get anypony else sick." He said, curling up on the help bubble much to Malibu's annoyance.

Twilight sighed in unhappiness. "Guess we don't have much choice…" She muttered, the three beginning to walk while Discord collapsed pitifully on the ground. "Carry me?" He asked, wings falling off.

Malibu couldn't help but laugh, replying. "It isn't far. I think you can manage. Especially after all that you put me through." He muttered the last part under his breath.

Discord frowned. "Oh, poo." He scooted along the ground in a cartoony way all the way back to the library.

Turning to the princesses, Malibu's ears had fallen at that point. "Girls, I-I'm sorry that we had to cut your trip short." He apologized meekly, Cadance putting a hoof around him.

"Your safety was more important, especially if you had been alone with… him." She said softly under her breath too, Malibu smiling back at her as they went into the Golden Oaks Library.

Eventually the three settled Discord into Twilight's bed, covering him up. He smiled in satisfaction, Malibu standing as far back as possible in the help bubble. "Need anything else?" Twilight asked, an unamused look on her face.

Discord gave a simpering smile. "Just knowing that I have a good friend like you to take care of me has made me feel better already." He said, rifling through Twilight's night stand drawer which irritated Malibu since it was an invasion of privacy. "I'll be fine here on my own."

Raising his brow again, Malibu nodded, him and the princesses about to leave to get some privacy away from Discord until he spoke. "Oh, just before you go, just a little, small request." Discord next begged.

Twilight and Malibu both moaned, Malibu wanting to conjure a magic bubble and block out Discord's voice. "It's going to be fine. We'll just get him what he wants and be back at the museum in no time. What was it that you needed?" Cadance asked.

And to Malibu's surprise; Discord suddenly began to sing while also breaking the fabric of reality around them mostly in the house.

"A little glass of water please

a fresh pressed hanky if I sneeze.

some tea with honey from the bees

whenever you can brew it"

Cadance nodded. "I'll get your tea." She offered, but Discord kept it up with his annoying singing.

"And while I get a little rest

a teeny tiny small request

some codfish oil for my chest

poured from a crystal cruet."

Twilight stared, Malibu open mouthed at the sight of the strange codfish made of the oil from Discord's hat. "A crystal cruet?" He asked, glaring.

Discord face palmed himself with his continued singing.

"My goodness, I'm a nincompoop

because I fear I've got the croup

I need a vat of pumpkin soup

And scarves made out of zinnias

Did I say zinnias? I meant silk

Or something shiny of that ilk

And then I'll need some nice warm milk

And pastries from Abyssinia

And since my stomach's feeling crummy

Why not give my aching tummy

Something soothing, something yummy

Piled up with noodles?

Add a slice of homemade rye

With stacks of Swiss way up high

Served with sides of sweet mince pie

More basil; I need oodles!"

They were now in a restaurant, Malibu dressed as a waiter along with Twilight and Cadance from Discord's magic. "Anything else?"

Discord next took Twilight into a dance, Malibu tensing in case he needed to get her out of that, a spotlight on them.

"I'll be grateful for your charity

until the bitter end

because I've heard that tenderness

is what you lend an ailing friend"

He smirked playfully which is what Malibu was growing to hate. "Let go of her… now!" He spat, Discord ignoring him. "Tenderness, isn't that right, friend?"

Twilight cringed. "Right, but…" Discord dropped her then. "So, who's ready for my big reprise?"

"I'd like that glass of water please

a magic spell to cure disease"

Malibu blinked when finding himself in what looked like a strange wizard robe and hat that had blue highlights. He looked in the back to see a castle that looked quite familiar, Twilight wearing big Harry Potter like glasses that kind of made him chuckle inwardly.

"A firm 'gesundhoof' when I sneeze

a fresh bouquet of roses."

Discord pulled roses from Twilight's forehead, her eyes wide in fright when her horn disappeared from it.

"Some lozenges will soon appease

my wheezing when I start to sneeze

a wig to keep me from the breeze"

The chaos spirit even switched Cadance and Twilight's manes, Malibu's eyes popping from the strange visual which he wouldn't forget anytime soon.

"And blankets for my toes-es"

Take tweezers out of my valise

and then massage my knobby knees"

Discord lay on the bed again, Malibu and Twilight reluctantly being forced to massage his knees while Cadance grated cheese over a bowl of peas.

"A bowl of peas, some extra cheese

a cuddle with a Pekingese

a singing harp who's named Louise

a goat on skis, a new trapeze

and more and more and more of these…!"

Malibu frowned, wondering why they even needed to bring this stuff when Discord could just make it real with a snap of his fingers.

"And just because I oughta…

make sure I'm drinking in the right

amount of fluids day and night

I wish I may, I wish I might

have just one little thing

Oh, would you please finally bring

Me that tiny glass of water?!"

Discord finished his encore, pulling a plug, water spilling everywhere like a whirlpool. Malibu spluttered and coughed, being spun about right as Discord ended the song, laying down on the bed with a cough and a grin.

Malibu stood there, wet to his skin while Twilight levitated the cup to his hands. Discord went to drink then dropped it. "Oops. Sorry."

He sneezed yet again, angering Twilight along with the former gargoyle clone. "Alright, this is ridiculous!" She snipped, Malibu agreeing. "You're tellin' me."

Cadance had a suspicious gaze. "How did you even catch this flu?"

Discord took out disinfectant, spraying the help bubble then wiping it down. "Inadequate hoof and claw washing?" He asked, in the most lame excuse Malibu had heard of.

Malibu huffed, not wanting to watch this any further, Twilight flipping through her books. "There must be some way to just cure you! There has to be a spell or remedy in one of my books!"

"Well, there is one way…" Discord spoke then, Malibu turning sharply, eyes glowing red. "And, you didn't think to mention it earlier?" He snapped.

It made the draconequus smile in his playful way. "Slipped my mind!" He traced his finger into the air to make a vision appear, Malibu watching. "On a hill at the very edge of Equestria; there grows an exquisite magic flower. Pick the flower as it drops its petals at sunset. Then you can make a magical soothing elixir to cure the blue flu."

The vision faded away after that, the trio of royals looking at one another in an astounded way. Malibu never even knew that Equestria had an end to it and despite being angry at Discord, he was a little curious what it could look like.

"I suppose you have a good reason you didn't get this… so called flower as soon as you realized you were sick?" Malibu demanded, Discord booping his nose playfully, making him flinch. "Well, silly, I couldn't travel that far in my condition. By the time I got there, I'd be too weak to even retrieve the flower." He curled up on his blankets.

Twilight's brow went up again. "So, where exactly are Malibu, Cadance and I headed?"

Discord zapped up a map. "Well, you'll want to head north, turn left, th—oh… you know, it'd be much easier if I took you there myself." He grinned, putting a newspaper hat on Malibu. He threw it off of himself.

Cadance frowned. "I thought you were in no condition to travel."

It caused Discord to shrug. "I'm not. We'll need to make some arrangements." He giggled teasingly, Malibu's ears flattening, not liking where this was going.

…

Upon arriving closer to the end of Equestria, Malibu winced, straining from having to pull Discord's carriage along with Twilight and Cadance, glowering hard back at his rival who was just lounging with the longest smirk of satisfaction.

Cadance gave a tired strained voice that worried Malibu, Twilight looking to her. "Doing ok there?"

She nods. "To be honest, I'm a little out of practice when it comes to flying."

Malibu huffed, panting hard. "Why… did he make his ride… so… heavy…?" He grumbled, Discord waving from behind. "Well, lucky for the three of you. We're here."

They all landed, Malibu staring in awe through his exhaustion at the end of Equestria which was rather barren, walking towards the hill. "It's just at the top of that hill." Discord croaked.

Twilight's eyes were filled with disappointment. "I'm really sorry about this. All I wanted was to have some peaceful quality time together."

Cadance agreed. "I know, I was looking forward to it too." Malibu's eyes shifted, not wanting to say anything at the moment until they reached the top.

The mulberry alicorn looked about. "This is the top. But where is that flower?" What looked like pink cloth suddenly fell onto Twilight, making her wiggle about underneath it, Malibu using his magic to take it off. It happened to be a giant flower petal. He glanced up, spotting it. "Er, up there maybe?"

All three of them flew into the air. "Come on, if we hurry, we can still spend some time together." Twilight declared, smiling, the trio starting up their magic.

Malibu strained, concentrating hard for the flower was so deep in the ground. The dirt crackled around them. "Ugh, so… strong…" He gasped.

Cadance gritted her teeth. "One… last… pull!"

They all gasped, finally yanking the giant flower out of the dirt leaving a big hole behind, Malibu feeling sweat falling down his fur. Twilight wiped her brow. "Phew! Let's get Discord and this flower back home. Then all our problems are solved—."

A loud rumbling came from the hole, startling Malibu, eyes rounding. "What in Equestria… guys, look!" He pointed.

Something huge and deadly shot out of the hole, revealing to be a huge worm like beast. Malibu flinched, knowing it was the dreaded Tatzlwurm only native to these parts of Equestria. It roared, revealing its many tentacle-like tongues that freaked him out.

"Gaaah!" Malibu screamed, Twilight and Cadance screaming too, the Tatzlwurm snapping at the three ponies, suddenly tying its tentacle tongue around Cadance's hoof.

Cadance's eyes were scared. "Twilight, Malibu, help!"

Twilight glared. "Let go of my sister-in-law!" She roared, zapping the Tatzlwurm, Malibu zapping it too.

But it got worse when it grabbed both Twilight and Malibu at once, the tentacle securing around Malibu's throat, making him panic. Cadance looked fierce. "Let go of my sister in law and brother in law!" She zapped the head of the Tatzlwurm, which let them both go, Malibu gasping for breath. "Thanks." He said gratefully. Cadance nodded. "Don't thank me yet!"

The Tatzlwurm roared, shooting into the air, swallowing all three of them at once. Malibu gagged from the smell, finding himself firing at the inside of its mouth to set them free. Soon they all got out, beginning to force the beast back into its hole.

Twilight grunted. "Just… a little… more!"

Malibu growled, forcing it into the hole even further. Cadance levitated up some rocks. "And for good measure!" She piled them into the hole, blocking its escape.

The royals panted, landing to catch their breath, Malibu couldn't help but laugh from that exhilarating moment, the others laughing with him.

"Are you guys ok?" Twilight asked. Malibu nodded, looking tired but finally happy after all that happened. "Yes, better than ok, actually." Cadance replied.

Twilight nods too. "Then let's get Discord and this flower back to Ponyville, make that elixir, and finally get a chance to spend some quality time together."

Malibu himself knew he had to write in his journal later to Celestial to ask her about what was beyond Equestria, longing to find that out as they flew back to the carriage.

But then to their shock, it was gone, leaving a non blue Discord in its place, dancing about. "To the ends of Equestria! To face such great danger! And she did it for me! She did it all for me, for me, for me!" He shrilled in laughter. The familiar hot anger bubbled from earlier when Discord put a spell on him.

Twilight however beat him into calling Discord out. She grabbed his beard with her magic. "You… were… FAKING?!" She roared, Malibu smiling at how angry she was. Discord pushed her away. "I was! But I had a very good reason."

Malibu flew right into his face. "Whatever it is, I don't wanna hear it! And wait until your daughter hears about what you did!" He spat, poking him hard in the chest.

Discord had a fake pleading look. "Just… hear me out." He begged, really not wanting Screwball to hate him. "I was in my thinking tree—." He zapped himself into a purple tree. "—That's where I do most of my really deep thinking—I was there and I said to myself, I said, 'Discord, your friends Twilight and Malibu say they're your pals. But they never write, and they never pop in for a visit."

Both Twilight and Malibu countered back. "We don't even know where they liv—!" Discord halts them. "Now that Twilight's a princess, maybe she's decided that she's too good for you."

Twilight's tail twitched, hating others for thinking she was more important than her friends or anypony else. "I have never considered myself t—."

She was interrupted again. "But how was I supposed to know for sure that I was still friends with one of the most important ponies around?"

"I'm not more—." Twilight Sparkle tried to object but was interrupted one more time. "By seeing if you would go to the ends of Equestria for me, of course. Which you did, literally. Congratulations, Twilight, you passed my Friendship Test!" He hung half of a medal heart.

Putting his own next to hers, Malibu growled when he saw it was of Discord doing a thumbs up right in front of an annoyed Twilight. That didn't amuse him one bit. They both kept glaring hard at Discord.

"Why the angry eyes? You love passing tests. It's not because my little exam put a damper on your visit with Princess Cadance, is it? Made it so that there was no time for you two to focus on your friendship?" Discord taunted.

Twilight lowered her head, feeling like she was about to cry. But Cadance came in to save the day. "You didn't put a damper on our visit at all."

Malibu blinked. Did Discord make her say this? "I didn't?" Discord asked. "He didn't?" Twilight did about the same time.

Cadance giggled. "Don't get me wrong, life in the Crystal Empire is wonderful, but it's become a little… predictable. I enjoy a little excitement now and then. Getting to face all these challenges today was just what I needed. And facing them with you Twilight just made me realize even more how lucky I am to have sompony like you as a friend. And you too Malibu."

Malibu's eyes watered from those words, hugging Cadance back as they wing hugged each other. "We may not see each other very often, but I know you both will always be there when I need you. Just like Twilight was there for you, Discord, even if it wasn't ok you put Malibu under a spell."

The young clone nodded. "And another lesson for you to remember; never, ever cast spells on your friends, unless for healing purposes!" He growled. Discord laughed nervously until the rumbling came again.

The Tatzlwurm had appeared once more from the ground, roaring viciously. Discord's eyes popped, hugging Twilight tight. "What in the world?!"

Then the Tatzlwurm let loose a huge sneeze, covering Discord in it. Thankfully the magic bubble had protected Cadance, Twilight and Malibu, but not Discord so much as he started turning green and gaining spots. Malibu smirked. Well, he got a taste of his own medicine.

…..

In Fluttershy's cottage later, Applejack and Rarity were thankfully no longer 'sick', and Screwball had arrived too to find out what was going on.

Fluttershy brought tea to Discord inside his sick balloon, Malibu watching in satisfaction. Screwball looked at her father out of disappointment. "Father, I can't believe you would do this to my friends." She said in a sad way.

Discord winced, looking away. "I know sweetheart. And… I'm sorry. I will find a way to make it up to you all."

Applejack huffed. "I'll believe that when apples fall up." She snapped.

Fluttershy shook her head. "Now, now, he's learned his lesson." She put her hoof through a hole in the bubble protected from getting germs on her. "Isn't that right, my little patient?"

Malibu fought the urge to gag, that moment looking awful. Discord smiled. "I'm so glad that you're back from your trip, Fluttershy. Just your presence here is making me feel so much better." He turned to Twilight. "I was just wondering, could I trouble you for just one more thing?"

Twilight glared harshly. "NO!" She snapped.

Discord grinned innocently. "What? I was simply going to ask for a teeny, tiny glass of water." He said, giving Malibu a headache.

"I'm going to rest…" Malibu grumbled, leaving Discord with Screwball and Fluttershy. He needed a break from the chaos spirit.

Collapsing on his bed at Sweet Apple Acres, Malibu decided it was time to write in his journal. Shadow the bat squeaked, sitting on the bed next to him while he wrote into it:

Dear momma,

I got to go to the ends of Equestria on an unexpected journey. But I want to know; is there anything more beyond Equestria? If so, have you ever been there? And will I get to go beyond these lands? There must be something more.

He waited for a time until an answer returned, glowing in his journal.

My dear son,

I assure you there are lands far beyond our great country of Equestria, ones even more dangerous than the Everfree Forest. Someday you might be able to go, and I could possibly bring you to my Alicorn homeland. But you need more friendship lessons first. For they may come in handy for the journey.

Sighing, Malibu nods, stroking his bat for a while until closing his journal, leaning his head down for a nap, wondering too when his key would be found, which definitely wasn't on this adventure.

It was fun writing more Discord, especially the song moment. But more singing in the next episode!