Living the Good Life: Chapter 12

>You let out an audible groan as you get to your hands and knees. Your head is throbbing with pain from Fluttershy’s buck. You try to shake the disorientation from your head.
>You don’t know how something so little can hit so hard; even after fighting her twice prior to this. It just doesn’t make any sense. Regardless… this is the last time.
>You wipe the spit from your face and shoot the back of Fluttershy’s head an angry glare. The anger you’ve felt from the first day you two fought and from being tricked… and being put into a bed for two days… all of it begins to culminate.
>She’s berated you, she’s hurt you, and she had a stallion turn against you. It’s about time you gave her a taste of her own medicine. With rage dictating your actions you get to your feet and walk over to the two mares.
>Twilight sees the anger seething from you and she backs away. “What’s wrong with you egg head?” asks Fluttershy. It takes Fluttershy a moment to register what Twilight is staring at.
>By the time she turns to face you it’s already too late. You’ve brought your right leg back and you’re ready to strike. When she turns to face you, you don’t give her time to react.
>Your leg swings in from the right. The tip of your shoe nails her right in the left side. She lets out a breath of air as she goes flying into the book shelves. Two of the shelves fall apart from the impact.
>Rarity does nothing more than gasp and back away from you. At this point you don’t really care about Rarity. Fluttershy is going to get hers first. You walk over to Fluttershy as she’s getting to her hooves.
>The books that litter the ground around her give her little time to balance. She actually slips upon an encyclopedia. She can’t seem to stand on her own so you’ll give her a hand.
>You wrap your fingers around her mane and lift her up. When you bring her to eye level her eyes bore into yours with pure malice. You can’t help but smile at what you plan on doing next.
>You walk her over to the desk Twilight was using to look through her books. Fluttershy struggles to pull herself from you grip but you don’t let up.
>You can feel her throwing her front hooves into your arm but you can barely feel their blows. You’re way too angry for her to hurt you now.
>You bring your arm back and slam Fluttershy face first into the desk as hard as you can. The flimsy desk snaps in two right down the middle.
>”How does that feel huh?!” you shout as you reach down and pick up Fluttershy by her mane yet again. You look at the damage you’ve done. Fluttershy’s right eye is starting to swell and her lip is bleeding.
>It’s good but it’s not enough. You run full speed towards one of Twilight’s front windows. You stop right before one and chuck the Pegasus as hard as you can at it.
>The window shatters as Fluttershy goes through it. You watch as she lands then slides along the poker card laden ground. You calmly walk out of the treebrary and over to Fluttershy.
>You’re about to bring her foot down upon her skull but as it turns out the glass didn’t do enough damage to daze her.
>She’s flies up like a bullet; you feel your feet leave the ground as the top of Fluttershy’s head slams into your chin. You instinctively bring your hands to your chin and grunt through the pain coursing through your head.
>When you’re feet touch ground again you take a moment to rub your chin. You look down upon a smirking Fluttershy. She trots around you, thinking she’s got you on the ropes.
>”Stupid monkey better stop before I kick your flank again.” Fluttershy taunts as she sticks her tongue out at you.  You feel something snap in the back of your mind and everything goes black.
>Fluttershy doesn’t seem to like how silent you’re being or the murderous glare you’re giving her. So she decides to taunt you again.
>”Did you hear me you ugly hairless ape or are you too stupid to-“you cut her off with a feral roar. She has no time to react as you run over to her and punt her.
>The air leaves her lungs when your foot is driven right into her solar plexus.  Your kick gives her air but not distance. You’re already where she’s going to hit the ground.
>You reach your arms up and grab her out of the air. Then you throw her to the ground as hard as you can.
>She lets out a squeak upon impact. Before she can get up you roll her on to her side, then you press your knee into her side to keep her pinned.  Your left hand wraps around her neck and keeps her head from moving.
>With her being unable to move, and unable to flap her wings, you take advantage. You bring your arm up, and then bring it down upon her muzzle. You don’t stop with one though…
>You keep them coming. You’d slam your fist into the side of her head, then you’d pull it back up, then you’d do it again… and again… and again.
>After the third strike Fluttershy’s good eye has tears pouring from it, but that only causes you to punch her harder than before.
>You don’t notice it but with each hit her fur becomes yellow and her mane slowly becomes pink. She’s openly sobbing now but she’s cut off with each punch you throw. A crowd begins to gather…
>”S… stop…” she manages to say between hits. You don’t heed her words, instead you keep going. The color spreads throughout her coat, mane, and tail. For you that just gives you something brighter to hit.
>Twilight, Spike and Rarity watch from the treebrary’s entryway in utter shock as you mercilessly beat the Pegasus. Their eyes move with your fist. Fluttershy’s whimpering and pleas finally help Twilight snap out of it.
>”P…please-“her swollen jaw takes another hit. When you bring your fist back for another strike a part of her tooth comes with you. You’re about to hit Fluttershy again but a purple aura surrounds your arm stopping you from doing so.
>You turn to look at Twilight to find that she’s holding your arm. Twilight shakes her head. “Anonymous… please that’s enough.” She says as she tries to pull you away from Fluttershy.
>”I’LL TELL YOU WHEN IT’S ENOUGH!” you shout. Your yelling startles Twilight, causing her to lose her grip on you. Regardless you’ve forgotten all about Fluttershy.
>You give Rarity the same murderous stare you gave Fluttershy. You quickly move over to Rarity, she’s too scared to move. Her gray eyes stare at you with abject horror.
>When you grab hold of the back of her head she manages to snap out of it long enough for her to say, “Let go of me you brute!” everything else is muffled when you push her muzzle into the poker cards.
>”God I wish this was fuckin dirt!” You yell with malice as you push her head further into the poker card laden ground.
>”So that way I could tell you to get a good taste you uppity high class whore!” Rarity’s hooves frantically wave around as you push her snout into the ground. She’s too scared to think logically. You lean in and yell into her ear.
>”Wanna know what I had to do yesterday after you stole those bits?! I had to help your little sister because she couldn’t walk! I had to carry that little filly to Sweet Apple Acres. Do you have any idea how fucking far of a walk that is?!” Rarity’s muffled whimpers are her only response.
>”Here’s an idea: How about you stop treating your little sister like dirt and stop being such a greedy little cunt? You get one chance Rarity, if I see Sweetie Belle hurt because of your selfishness again…” you pick her up so she can get a good look at Fluttershy.
>”Then you might as well consider what I did to Fluttershy a fucking massage.” You turn Rarity’s head to face yours. “Do you get that?!” you yell, spittle hitting her in the face as you do so.
>She whimpers before nodding frantically. “Good!” you shout before throwing her over to her little accomplice. Rarity gets to her hooves and gallops away like a bat out of hell.
>”Anon listen…” Twilight tries to say. You turn to her and she doesn’t say anything further. “No YOU listen. I know you were going to let them do whatever they wanted. You weren’t going to stop them.” Twilight shakes her head.
>”You don’t know that An-“you cut her off, “Yes I fucking do! I’ve been here long enough to know you don’t have any backbone. You’re a damn coward who cries about everything and that’s why I have to clean up this fucking mess!” You motion to the ground and cotton candy clouds as you yell.
>”You can’t help your friends only I can! Well you know what I just gave Rarity and Fluttershy some tough love so how about you get off your flank and go help Rainbow Dash?! Oh that’s right you’re gonna have me do that too huh? Well fuck you!” you shout while pointing to Twilight.
>You see tears begin to form in Twilight’s eyes. Her lower lip begins to quiver. You turn your back to her and start walking away.
>”I’m going on a walk.” You say.  You intentionally step on Fluttershy as you walk away; the crowd of ponies that have gathered to see you beating Fluttershy part for you.
>Twilight takes one last look your way before running inside sobbing loudly. Spike shakes his head at you before following Twilight inside.
>A few ponies dressed in scrubs come out of the crowd and carry a sobbing Fluttershy away on a stretcher. The rest of the crowd disperses now that there isn’t anything going on.
>After about an hour of walking around aimlessly within the town you finally start to calm down. When you find a bench and sit upon it you recline.
>Your mind is plagued with the thoughts of what you’ve just done. Unfortunately you weren’t given the mercy of forgetting everything you did when you snapped.
>Fluttershy’s face… Rarity’s fear… Twilight’s tears… all of it freshly implanted into your mind. You were angry and you did what you promised yourself you’d never do.
>Fluttershy deserved a beating… but not like the one you gave her. She wouldn’t be able to see or speak for quite some time. You put your head into your hands before sighing.
>And you blew up at Twilight too… you know she can’t help being like that. She’s like that because of Discord, but apparently that didn’t matter to you. You’re going to have to give her some space.
>That means you won’t be going home tonight… so who are you going to stay with? You’d stay with Pinkie but she probably saw what happened… you’d be surprised if she wanted to talk to you again.
>You don’t want to impose on Lyra and Bon Bon either. With no way to Discord’s home it looks like you’re stuck on this bench tonight… perhaps you should learn to control that anger of yours.
>All that will ever come if it is harm. Friends, enemies, bystanders… it doesn’t matter. You obviously can’t tell the difference when you’re like that. At least you didn’t hit Twilight…
>As you sit in self pity you don’t notice as two very familiar characters slink out from the shadows of your bench.
>A familiar chimera and earth pony form from the shadows they traveled in. Screwball takes a seat next to you. She’s so quiet you don’t even notice.
>”Hi Nonny!” Screwball shouts happily into your ear. You unleash a cry of terror and flail your arms. Unfortunately Eris was in the process of climbing over the bench to sit on the other side.
>One of your hands smacks her across the face. Eris recoils and rubs her cheek gingerly. Screwball bursts out into fits of laughter from what her latest prank.
>It takes a few seconds for you to register what happened but when you do you can’t help but feel annoyed. You really don’t need this right now.
>”What do you two want?” you ask without looking at either of them. “Well that’s rude. Daddy wanted us to check up on you and that’s how you act?” Eris asks as she takes her seat.
>”Yeah and I gotta say Anon you seem to be doing fine. I didn’t know you could beat up a pony like that!” Screwball says in awe.
>You look to Eris, “Well you can tell Discord that I fucked up pretty good and that I probably lost half the friends I made since coming here.” You then look to Screwball.
>”And I can’t believe you’d approve of what I did. I beat up one of your kind, aren’t you the least bit angry at me?” you ask in disbelief. Screwball shakes her head and your disbelief only strengthens.
>”It wasn’t me so I’m fine…” Screwball opens her mouth to say something more but she stops. Eris looks to Screwball expectantly.
>”Isn’t there something you wanted to tell Anon here?” Eris asks before crossing her claws in front of herself.
>”But… well… listen.” Screwball says to you while looking at her hooves. “I wanted to apologize for what I did while you were hurt… I wasn’t thinking. If you still hate me I understand.” Screwball says sadly.
>Apparently she wanted to avoid this in hopes that you forgot… but there’s no way you’re forgetting the water she threw on you and the pain that came after. That’s still fresh in your mind.
>But, you might as well take care of this in a proper manner. There’s no need to lose another friend today. Besides, you’re not even that mad it’s not as if you weren’t healed a day later anyway.
>”I don’t hate you, and I accept your apolo-“you’re cut off as Screwball wraps her hooves around your neck and squeezes. You feel her snout nuzzle into your cheek.
>”I’m so glad you have no idea how much that helped. Feels like a weight’s lifted off my withers ya know?” Screwball asks as she happily nuzzles your cheek. Eris looks over the two of you with narrowed eyes. Her claw and lion paw pull the two of you apart.
>”Okay happy hug time is over break it up you two you’re making me sick.” Eris says while trying to pry Screwball off of you. Screwball sticks her tongue out and clings tighter.
>”No you’re just jealous cause he likes me more. “ Says Screwball before shooting Eris a cocky grin. Eris’ face lights up with blush. Okay what the hell is going on here this is coming out of left field something fierce.
>”Why would he like a little trouble maker like you anyway! You’re too immature!” Eris shouts before shooting Screwball an angry glare.
>”Is… is this because tomorrow’s Hearts and Hooves Day or something… cause the two of you are sounding pretty desperate.” You say as you try your hardest to figure out a way to escape.
>”Seriously what brought this on? I haven’t spent that much time with either of you what gives?” you ask as you start to try to pry Screwball off of you.
>”That’s the point. You haven’t, we feed you and help cloth you. We keep you healthy when you’re injured and what do we get: the cold shoulder.” Eris says, her voice filled with mock sadness.
>”Sooooo…. You’re gonna make it up to us.” Screwball says with a smile. You look into her purple, swirling irises. You’d be a fool not to see the mischief behind them.
>”And how’s that?” you ask, unsure as to whether or not you should have asked that. Both Eris and Screwball give you evil grins.
>”Oh nothing much… You’re just going to spend Hearts and Hooves Day with us. We have some… special plans in store for you.” Eris says slyly.
>”Why do I not like the sound of that?” you ask as you try your best to scoot away from Eris. You only manage to make it worse by scooting closer to Screwball.
>”Let me answer your question with a question. Would it sound better to you if I told we have these?” Eris snaps her griffin talon… and the element of honesty appears within her talons.
>Your eyes widen in surprise… so those two are the reason why the elements have disappeared. You can tell what Eris is about to say next.
>”You spend the day with us and show us a good time and maybe we’ll give you the elements.” Eris says smugly as she twirls Honesty on one of her talons.
>You turn to Screwball and see that… she’s wearing magic on top of her fan… hat… thing. Well looks like you’re in a bit of a pickle.
>”Besides you didn’t think we’d just let you win either did you?” Eris asks as she places her lion’s paw under your chin. She forces you to look her way.
>Again with Eris and her thinking you know exactly what she’s talking about. Wait… elements, ‘curing’ Fluttershy, making friends… yeah you know exactly what she’s talking about.
>”I wasn’t planning on helping them all.” You say with uncertainty. Eris laughs, “Yeah, I’m sure it would have happened completely by accident.” She snaps her fingers and both elements disappear.
>”You know I don’t like the concept of being turned into stone Anonymous. In fact I hate that thought. I’m sure Daddy and Screwball here think the same thing.” Eris says motioning to Screwball as she does so.
>Screwball nods, “Yup. I don’t want to be separated from daddy ever again! So… no elements for you!” Eris smacks Screwball over the head.
>”Ow…” Screwball says while rubbing the back of her head. “Idiot you weren’t supposed to say that!” Eris says her voice full of malice. You smile.
>”What’s the big idea sis? You weren’t being subtle either!” Screwball exclaims as she points a hoof accusingly at Eris.
>”So I have no reason to do anything with either of you tomorrow? Good to know.” You say with a smile. “Nice try on the blackmail though not gonna lie.” You say as you recline back on the bench.
>Eris groans out of frustration, “Listen… how about… you spend time with us… and we’ll see where your loyalties lie… if it’s true that you have no intention on helping these ponies… we’ll give you the elements.” Now this has become interesting. You lean in and listen.
>”But… that’s quite risky… we’ll be trusting you… at that point you’d be able to either help us rule for eternity or have us be imprisoned. I guess you could say we’d be at your mercy.” Eris explains as she lies upon her stomach in mid air. This chimera must be trying to sweet talk you or something.
>”Are you serious?” you ask, Eris nods. You turn to Screwball and she nods as well. As long as Discord doesn’t find out about this… it wouldn’t help you with your decision, but when you do make it it’ll hold a much larger impact than before.
>Actually… do you want something like that on your shoulders? If you change your mind after making your decision you know one side will be… well… out to get you.
>And… whoever you choose will seal your fate in this place. You might as well go with it now then make your decision later. You’re sure you’ll be able to weigh your options at a later date.
>There’s also the possibility that Eris is just fucking with you in hopes of getting a free date out of you. After all she said maybe. Even if she’s gauging your loyalty she can still say no.
>And what could you do about it? Fighting a Pegasus is one thing, but fighting an Agent of Chaos is another thing entirely.
>As far as you know she’s out of your league when it comes to fighting. A simple snap of her fingers and you’d be done for.
>Well… here goes nothing. You sigh when you come to a decision. “You know what… sure let’s do it. What do I have to lose?” you ask with a shrug.
>Screwball hoof pumps while Eris seems indifferent to your decision. “But you better not be screwing with me. I better have a damn good chance of getting those elements.” You warn.
>”Yeah yeah whatever.” Eris says with a smarmy grin. “Let’s get you home then shall we?” Eris asks as she wraps her lion’s paw around your shoulders.
>”Wait how are we,” your vision blurs and suddenly you’re in your room, “going to get home?” you finish. You realize just how foolish that question was, as do Eris and Screwball.
>”Well… that was an interesting… experience. I’m gonna get out of these and take a shower.” You say as you start removing your shoes.
>”Yeah… you do that.” Screwball says as she gets a whiff of your feet. She seems to gag before floating away from you.
>You sniff your feet as well… yeah since you didn’t dry them properly your shoes, socks, and feet all stink. You’re going to need a washer and dryer… or new shoes.
>As you get to your feet you walk over to your dresser, pull open a drawer, and find a towel. As you exit Eris and Screwball fly out behind you.
>”If you want to discuss tomorrow in further detail please feel free to visit either me or Screwball in either of our rooms.” Eris says as she opens to the door to her room. Screwball mirrors Eris’ actions with her own room and door. When their doors shut you proceed to your bathroom.
>When you get your shower ready to go… you step inside and shut the glass screen behind you. You sigh in contentment as the warm water envelopes you.
>Today was another one of those days… you really need to stop wondering if the next day is going to be more chaotic than the last. You should just come to accept that as inevitability.
>As you start to scrub yourself clean… your thoughts drift onto Rarity… you hope she took your angry words to heart. Sweetie needs her real sister back. Hopefully your threats will be enough.
>As you shower yesterday’s and today’s grime and sweat from your body… Rarity paces around the foyer of her boutique. She has been doing so for many hours.
>The sun has since set over the horizon and the moon has made its way into the sky. As Rarity paces around the foyer her mind replays her day over and over again.
>Your words from earlier today echo throughout her mind… as do your actions. She would admit that you scared her beyond belief… she would also believe that you were an evil, uncouth brute.
>But… your words may hold meaning… her thoughts then drift over to her dear sister Sweetie Belle. The more that she thinks about it the more she realizes… she really has been treating her sister like dirt.
>Whenever Sweetie was hungry… and whenever she asked for something to eat. Rarity would make things for her… but there would be this… this urge in the back of her mind… forcing her to steal away Sweetie’s food.
>And… the things she said to Sweetie when she caught her making things for herself. Rarity’s surprised Sweetie managed to get anything to eat at all.
>Were it not for Ms. Cheerliee and her sharing her lunch with Sweetie… she’d probably starve. What kind of sister would that make Rarity? A terrible one… as much as she hates to admit… you were right.
>Rarity sighs as she trots over to one of her windows. She sees the far off silhouette of Sweet Apple Acres in the distance… maybe… maybe Rarity would check up on her sister.
>But would Sweetie want to see her? Rarity wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t. Rarity’s been… less than inviting to say the least… well there’s only one way for Rarity to find out.
>With her sights set upon Sweet Apple Acres; Rarity takes a step out into town.  Looks as though tonight is going to be one to remember… and maybe, just maybe she’ll be able to make things right with Sweetie…
>After about an hour or so you feel clean enough to finally stop scrubbing yourself.  When you step out of the shower, dry off, brush your teeth, and take care of your business you finally make your way back out into the hallway.
>You take notice of its appearance. It’s changed significantly since you first arrived. The intricacies of the first patterns have given way to a more basic pattern.
>The design that now lined the walls, ceiling, and hardwood flooring was diamond in pattern. It also retained its checkered-like appearance.
>Whatever diamond shaped parts that weren’t white were instead black. You noticed that very rarely a red, yellow, or blue diamond would break through the repetition of black and white.
>The only thing standing out from all of this was your white painted wooden doors leading to your bathroom and bedroom. At least those two parts of the hallway retained normality.
>You sigh in irritation before shaking your head. Discord has a funny way of giving you a headache. This color scheme is painful to look at. It doesn’t help that each color is bright.
>In fact, you have no idea how this hallway is illuminated. You don’t see a single light upon the celling and the tiles that make up the wall, ceiling, and floors aren’t glowing.
>Why does nothing make sense around here? How come Discord has to piss you off?  You decide to take the time to take a look at everything else. You need to see what else has changed if its been changed.
>As you walk down the hallway and into the living room, you were right to think that Discord made a few renovations. The living room seems to have grown to twice it’s the size you’ve seen it at last.
>On the far right wall sits an eight cushioned rainbow striped couch. In front of the couch sits a stained glass table. In the center of the room is a ping pong table.
>Luckily that’s retained a normal design. It seems to be the one thing sticking out. Ha, look at you thinking something normal is standing out.
>Upon examination of the floors, walls, and ceiling of this room you compare this pattern to that of a rubix cube; except each individual square is no larger than the print of your index finger.
>And each square is a different color and like the hallway it retains no repetitive pattern. The color scheme upon one wall is different to its adjacent wall.
>At least the squares aren’t in a constant state of motion; now that would mess with your stomach big time. You spot another stained glass rectangular table on the left side of the room.
>There are four seats around it; one red, one blue, one black, and one purple. This can’t be it though; you distinctly remember a door that used to stand in front of you upon the opposite wall.
>That door led into the pool/hot tub area of this little apartment. Maybe it’s still there, after all Eris’, yours, and Screwball’s doors are still in their same positions.
>You walk over to where the door used to be located. You run your hands along the small tiled squares in hopes of finding a niche from a door. When the tiles began to move under your touch you jerk away in surprise.
>You watch as the blocks disappear one by one until an opening of your size is created. You walk in, perplexed by this occurrence.  You’ve never a wall do that before.
>You find that the pool and hot tub are just as you remember them. The design in this room is the only one to remain the same. At least there’s some familiarity in this place.
>You spot Discord lounging in the hot tub. Upon entrance his eyes open and he turns his attention to you. He motions for you to come over to him.
>”Good evening Anonymous, I trust your day went well?” he asks with a smug grin. Bastard probably knows all about your rage induced actions.
>As you walk over to the side of the hot tub you answer him. “Cut the bullshit Discord. If Eris and Screwball saw what happened then I know you witnessed everything.”
>Discord chuckles before shaking his head, “Oh no I didn’t see anything Anonymous, I FELT it. The only other creature here that surpassed your anger was Nightmare Moon’s and even she wasn’t as violent as you. I was right to choose you. You’re a little firecracker filled with chaos.” He says his smile growing wider.
>” He motions for you to enter the hot tub, “Care to join?” You shake your head. ”Nope, also you say Nightmare Moon in such a casual manner. You’re acting like I know who the fuck you’re talking about.” You say simply as you cross your arms in front of yourself. You make no move to get into the hot tub.
>Discord smacks his forehead, “Of course, sometimes I forget you’re new here. She’s of no importance Nightmare Moon died long ago… well the personality is anyway.” Discord scratches his head with his talons as he attempts to come up with a better explanation.
>You hold your hand up to stop him before crossing them yet again, “Don’t bother, I don’t even care.” You say simply, “What I do care about is why the hell you’re letting me befriend ponies who wield the Elements of Harmony. Isn’t that bad?” you ask.
>Discord shakes his head, “Anonymous if I restricted who you could befriend that’d be defeating the purpose of making friends. I want you to befriend whoever you want. If you befriend the Element Bearers so be it. It makes no difference to me. Besides even if you did and even if you managed to remove my influence it’s not as if they have the tools to stop me. Eris has those.” He says before motioning in the direction of Eris’ Room.
>After that you sigh to yourself. Discord has a good point, if he restricted you then he’d be the one keeping you from doing your “job.”
>But why is he being so calm about this? Isn’t he worried you’ll help out Equestria rather than look out for his best interests? As you stand and ponder what Discord told you he brings forth a cotton candy cloud.
>With a snap of his fingers a cup appears in his lion hand. The cloud rains chocolate milk into the glass. As Discord takes a drink you strike up the second portion of your conversation. You still have questions that need answering.
>”You have a good point.” You state, “Now on to other matters. One: When do you want that friendship report? And two: Why are your daughters wanting to take me out on a date tomorrow?”
>Discord projectile spits out his chocolate milk like a highly pressurized fire hydrant. Judging by how wide his eyes got he had no idea about this. He hacks violently on whatever chocolate milk he didn’t spit out.
>”W… what?” Discord asks when he’s finally able to breathe again. “I said,” he cuts you off before you can continue.
>”I heard what you said I just can’t believe it. I didn’t think they were serious when they said… wow…” Discord is actually surprised by something? Figured nothing did that… then again he’s as much of a dad as he is a God of Chaos.
>He’s probably thinking something along the lines of “This monkey isn’t good enough for my daughters” or something like that.
>”Now you have to join me.” He says before pointing to the hot tub. “We’re gonna have a little talk.” He continues. You respond by looking down at your towel.
>You hesitate for a moment before realizing all these creatures are naked all the time. “Fuck it.” You say before stripping yourself of your towel before stepping into the spacious hot tub.
>The water is a good, warm temperature. Not too hot, but not lukewarm either. It’s actually more relaxing to sit in this than it is to shower, but your thoughts digress…
>You’re not going to disobey or disrespect the father of the two girls you’re intending on going out with tomorrow. There are some things you’re going to respect even if the dad is a chimera… thing.
>As you strip yourself of your towel your inner thoughts take precedence over Discord’s words. You haven’t exactly had any luck with human women maybe a non-human would be fine…
>Wait listen to yourself! Going on a date with a chimera and a horse… err… pony. What the hell is wrong with you? They aren’t even you’re species and you’re not some Mormon.
>Besides… you’ve never been on an actual date before. Sure you know how to act on one, your father and mother taught you to be polite and respectful should such a situation ever arise.
>But it’s not as if you actually got to put any of their advice into action. Your sister saw to that… actually there were many times where she came close to having you swear off women in general.
>You don’t count that little get together with Bon Bon and Lyra, nor do you count that dinner at Sweet Apple Acres. So how’s this three way date going to… wait Discord’s talking.
>”What was that?” you ask before shaking away your idle thoughts. “Pay attention Anonymous. I was saying that the “Friendship Reports” are a load of manure. You don’t actually HAVE to give me a report. I just wanted to see if you would.” Discord says with an evil grin.
>”You dick.” You say in response. Discord seems as though he’s about to laugh but he stops himself short before donning a fatherly demeanor.
>”Joking and anger aside Anonymous, tell me why I should allow you to go on this date.” He orders as he has the cloud rain down more chocolate milk into his glass.
>”You shouldn’t.” you say simply, “I don’t know anything about dating a draconequis or pony. I don’t know how to act, I don’t know what is and isn’t proper.” You continue.
>”So… what you’re saying is… that if I allow you to go on this little outing with my daughters… it’ll crash and burn?” Discord asks. He taps his digits together and smiles as if plotting something. You nod.
>”How delightful! Not only will I allow it, I encourage it!” Discord says happily. In your impulsive moment of anger you splash Discord’s face with hot tub water.
>”You’re supposed to say “no you can’t date my daughters you’re not good enough!” you say through barred teeth. It’s almost as if Discord really wants to see you at your most awkward… also so much for being respectful.
>”Oh come now Anonymous don’t be like that. I’m just getting enjoyment out of your misery.”  Discord says with a chuckle as he drinks his hot tub water and chocolate milk mixed drink.
>”Now please leave me to my precious nectar. I have many things I need to straighten out and your presence will ruin my concentration.” Discord shoos you out of the hot tub.
>You’re too angry to respond. You know Discord’s lying, but if you call him on out on it he’ll probably dismiss what you have to say.
>So you grab your towel, get out of the hot tub, and make your way to the opening. As you exit to the living room you find Eris and Screwball with their backs against the wall on both sides of the opening.
>Before you can say anything the blocks that were missing rematerialize behind you. Cutting you off from the pool/hot tub area.
>”So you two were eavesdropping? Cool then I won’t have to explain how tomorrow’s going to go down for me.” You state before attempting to head off to your room.
>A griffin hand and hoof wrap around each of your arms, stopping your movement. You sigh to yourself before being pulled over to the two.
>”Oh come on it won’t be THAT bad.” Eris says as she waves her lion’s paw in a dismissive fashion. “Yeah you’ll only be a little awkward.” Screwball says, a cheery smile planted upon her features.
>”You’re just saying that aren’t you?”  You ask without looking at either one of them, “That may be but I’m being optimistic.” Screwball says happily.
>”It’s not like we’re going to force you to bend over backwards for us, and if it goes well you know what you’re reward is going to be.” Eris’ smile widens, unlike her father she’s sporting four fangs rather than just one. It’s a little intimidating to say the least.
>You shudder at the thought of what those teeth could do to you. The elements are starting to become less appealing the more you think about it. Eris and Screwball push you forward towards your room.
>”Now go get some sleep, we’ll be waking you up a little early so we’ll have the whole day.” Eris says as she continues to push you. You move away from her arms and turn to the two.
>”I’m perfectly capable of walking by… myself.”  You notice that neither are looking you in the eye. They are both “studying” what lies below your waist. You forgot to reapply your towel.
>You blush out of embarrassment before face palming. “My eyes are up here you know.” You say. You’d try to force them to look up but knowing who their father is you know both have greater power than you.
>You’d rather not test to see how far that goes. For all you know they could simply bind you to a wall. You would like to keep free will of your body’s movements while you can.
>”We know.” Eris says without averting her eyes. “Uh huh.” Screwball says, neither are really paying attention to you.
>”Fuckin perverts.” You say before wrapping the towel around your waist. Eris and Screwball groan in disappointment as you turn tail and walk to your room.
>You waste no time in going into your bedroom, tossing your towel somewhere, and getting in your bed. You don’t even bother to shut off the lights or putting on pants.
>You’re too focused upon getting sleep to care. As sleep’s gentle embraces comes to you, you can only hope that you have a dreamless slumber...
>While you’re sleeping peacefully, the two tenants upon the moon look towards their planet. Both of them have a look of concern planted upon their features.
>”Did you feel that Luna?” Celestia asks as she looks towards the continent that Equestria claimed as their nation. Luna nods in response.
>”We did… we have not felt anger like this since…” Luna cuts herself off, not wanting old wounds to resurface. Celestia responds without taking her eyes off of the planet.
>”That… coupled with the fear Fluttershy felt, my student’s sorrow, Rarity’s guilt, and Applejack’s guilt… I worry for our ponies Luna. Whatever that thing is… it’s hurting others. We need to get off of this rock as soon as possible.” Celestia states as she turns her back to the planet.
>”But sister, that thing… it’s as if we are sensing a lesser Discord among the populace. What if we are not powerful enough to stop it… In fact we are powerless as it is…” Luna says as she turns to walk with Celestia.
>”That may be, but I believe in my student… she’ll find a way to fix this. When we’re brought back from this barren wasteland we’ll be able to clean up the mess.” Celestia explains as she and Luna continue to cover the landscape they’ve traversed hundreds of times prior.
>”After all the Elements cannot be used in rapid succession… they’ll only be able to stop Discord. His spawn and that… thing down there… it’ll be up to us to take care of them.” Luna steps in front of her sister, blocking her path.
>”You cannot mean we… “Luna trails off, she couldn’t think of doing what she believes her sister is planning on doing upon their return.
>”I hope it doesn’t come to that, but if they retaliate, we will have no choice. Discord alone outmatches us. If we allow his spawn and that alien to linger then we risk Discord being freed again… I just wish we could at least see what was happening rather than sense it... I feel so useless. ” Celestia says, her voice filled with despair.
>With that the two sisters go back on to their walk, Luna attempts to comfort her older sister along the way. There is no doubt they are thinking of the possible outcomes that are sure to happen in the future.
>”Hey…” comes a voice from within the dark recesses of your consciousness. The sudden sensation of having your eyes opened by clawed hands and the light that invades them causes you to shout in surprise.
>You shoot up and out of your bed to find Eris lying upon it. She’s laughing at you while pointing to you with her griffin talon.
>”Ha you shoulda seen the look on your face!” she says in between fits of laughter. You are not amused in the slightest. You were enjoying having a dreamless sleep… your dreams aren’t exactly the best ones.
>”Well aren’t you just a joy in the morning?” you say sarcastically as you shake your head. Eris responds by holding her head in her claws. She’s got a lazy smile on her face.
>”I could have been a real pain in the flank by waking you up sooner, but you looked so peaceful I just couldn’t do go through with it… well for a few minutes anyway.” Eris says with a giggle.
>”Wait, you were watching me sleep?” you ask flatly before walking over to your dresser. When you see her jaw drop, her cheeks turning red, and her eyes widen it seems she understands just how creepy she sounded.
>Now it’s your turn to laugh, “Creeper.” You say with a smile as you dig through your drawers for your clothes.
>When you find an appropriate pair of black boxer shorts, blue jeans, socks, and a red t-shirt you rush to put on your clothes.  Lucky for you your black sneakers are set next to your dresser.
>Great, you don’t have to wear your smelly old shoes today so that’s a plus. You don’t bother putting them on just yet, there’s no need to; at least you hope.
>When you’re fully dressed you turn to see Eris is staring at you angrily, “Hey that wasn’t very nice.” Eris whines before pouting.
>”Deal with it,” you say in return before adjusting your clothes. “So, where’s Screwball?” you ask as you take a seat with Eris.
>”Still sleeping, she won’t be up for a couple of hours.” Eris says while inspecting her claws and talons. You lie back upon your bed and put your hands behind your head to act as a cushion.
>”So what are we going to do until then?” you ask while staring up at your ceiling. Eris’ face fills your vision. A mischievous grin is planted upon her lips.
>”I can think of a few things…”  She says her voice barely above a whisper. Your eyes widen as she starts to lean in. Her peppermint breath invades your senses…