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ForBanzai,whowasthebestkindofchaos

TheOpenMarket

ItwasapeculiardayinPonyville.No,itwasn’toneofthosedayswhereeverythingwasjustperfectanddandy.Therewasaslightcrookednesstothepositionofthesun,anintangiblestrangenesstotheshapeoftheclouds,andafunnyfeelinggoingaround.Though,itistruethatthedayhadbegun likeany other. First, with Princess Celestia raising the sun from her royal balcony in Canterlot.EverywhereacrossEquestria,ponieswokeandbegantheirdays.InPonyville,italwaysstartedwiththesoundofbirdschirpingtheirsweetmorningsong,followedbythebustleandshuffleofthelittleschoolponiestryingnottobelatefortheirfirstlesson,andfinally,thetownsponiestrottingtotheirvarioussocialandworkengagementswithexpectantsmilesupontheirfaces.

Then,sometimearoundmidmorning,itallwentwrong.Thefamiliar,wickedlaughterstartedoutsoft,butgrew louderwitheachminute. Itechoed through thealleywaysandwhispered through thewindowpanes of every cottage, café, and cake shop in town. The sound sent shivers down thetownsponies’spines,andsentthemgallopingstraightbacktotheirhomes,waitingforthestormofchaostopass.

But there was really nothing to fear. Discord the draconequus, the king of chaos and formertormentor of ponies, was now reformed—of all things! Unfortunately, he only had enough ponyfriends tocountononeclawandonepaw,so theresidentsofPonyvillestillbelievedhimtobeanunpredictableterror.Infact,hewasstillunpredictable,butalittlelessofaterror.

“Howunexpectedofmetoshowup today!”hesaid,strolling throughthestreetswithglee.“It’sbeenfartoolong.”Discordhadn’tvisitedPonyvilleforalongwhile.Thelasttimehe’dpoppedupintowntoseehisnewfriends—Fluttershy,PrincessTwilightSparkle,PinkiePie,Applejack,RainbowDash, and Rarity—he’d scared the colts and fillies of the school just by floating past. Discord’sfriendshad tried tocomfort theyoungponiesand theirangryparents, insisting thatDiscordmeantthemnoharm.Butthetownsponieswerestilluneasy.Whatsortofkookymagiccouldheunleashonthemforhisownamusement?Woulditbeturningtheirhomesupsidedownandliftingthemintothesky?PerhapsDiscordwould transform the pet bunnies into scary long-legged creatures again!Ormaybehewould simply change theorder of the streets towatch theponies stand there, scratchingtheirmanesinconfusion,lostintheirowntown.

ButDiscordwasnotinPonyvilletocausetrouble.Hewashereonaspecial,secretassignment.HetookoutthecrumpledscrollthatboretheCanterlotCastlecrestandreaditonceagain.

DearDiscord,

I’mgladtohearreportsthatyou’vebeenlivingwellinChaosville.PleasesendmykindregardstoTheSmooze.AsyouandIbothknow,yourroadtolearningabouttheMagicofFriendshiphasbeenarockyone.Butone’spathinlifeisoftenfullofdetours, such as the incident involving Tirek. Today, I write to grant you anopportunity that I feel would further enrich your experience as a friend to all ofponykind.

This spring, the residents of Ponyvillewill join together for a common goal—theSpringMusical. Iwantyoutopartake in thiscommunityeffort. Ifyouareable toprove thatyouhaveworkedaspartofa teamtomake thiseventasuccess, Iwillgladly returna tokenof yours fromdayspast.For it isonly then that I can trustyourcommitmenttobecomingapermanentallyofEquestria.

YourFriend,PrincessCelestia

P.S.Donottellanyponyofthistask.

Whenhe’dreceivedtheletterathiscottageinChaosville,Discordwasn’tsurewhattodo.Heliveda quiet life in his tidy house.Why should he turn everything upside down just to help some littleponies?ButthenDiscordrememberedthathelovedflippingthingsupsidedown,andalsothathewasquitebored.Andthentherewasthelittlematterofthis“item.”Whatcoulditbe?

Discord had hidden several personal treasures and relics around Canterlot during his brief,chaotic reignoverEquestria. In thedayssincehe’dbeenfreedfromhisstatue in thegardens,he’dlocatedalmostallofthem.Apparently,hewastoogoodathidingthings,becauseafewstilleludedthedraconequus.IfCelestiahadaccidentallyfoundasimple-lookingstoneorbmarkedwiththeCrestofChaos somewhere in the depths of the castle dungeons, then hewould do anything to get it back.Discord’sheartquickenedwhenheimaginedholdingitinhispawandclawoncemore.

Butasmuchashewantedhislong-lostrelic,Discordstartedtoregrethisdecisiontorushstraightinto town. He uselessly floated and aimlessly strolled and soon found himself just outside thePonyvillemarketplace.TwoEarthponiestrottedbywithwagonshitchedtotheirbacks.Theyeachhadflowersforcutiemarksandfreshbouquetsofrosesandliliespiledhighintheirwagons.

“Agooddaytoyouboth,”saidDiscord,bowingdramaticallyandtippingagreentophatthathadjustappearedonhisheadoutofnowhere.Butratherthanreturnhisgreeting,theflowersalesponiesscreamedinhorrorandgallopedbackinthedirectionthey’dcome,leavingatrailofpetalsintheirwake.“Howrude!”Discordsaid,furrowinghisbushyeyebrows.Hepickedupafallenredroseandsniffed it. “With all the times I’ve visited, I practically live here in Ponyville! And yet these littleponiesactasifthey’venevermetmebefore.”

“Wouldyaliketolivehere?!”ascratchyvoiceexclaimed.“Icanhelpwiththat.”“Helpwithwhat?”Discord spun around. A stout yellowUnicornwith a thinning orangemane

partedononesidehadappeared.Hehadacutiemarkofathatchedcottageandasneakysmileonhisface.Theponyheldouthishoof,butDiscorddidn’ttouchit.

“Thename’sMartingale,” theponysaid.“Andsellin’houses ismybusiness. Icangetya intoa

new place as soon as today.” Martingale grinned, adding a wink for good measure. “If you’reinterested,ofcourse.”

“It seems that you’ve popped up at the perfect time,”Discord answered. “Something’s about tohappeninPonyville,andImuststickaroundforit.”

GreatPotential!

“So,”DiscordsaidashefollowedMartingale.“Whatmarveloushousesdoyouhavetoshowtheall-powerfulkingofchaostoday?”

ThiswasthefirstshowingMartingalehadbookedinweeks,andhewassilentlycursinghisluckthatithadturnedouttobeforDiscord,ofallcharacters.Hewasn’tquitesureifhetrustedthebeastaftereverythinghe’ddonethroughouthistory,butstill,heneededasale.Desperately.

“Ahyes,thereitisonthecorner!”Martingalepointedhishoofandstraightenedhispurplepolka-dottie.“Rightthisway,Mr.Discord.”

Discordgaspedasthehousecameintoview.“Why,it’shideous!”Heputhislefteagleclawoverhismouthinshock.Belowit,adevilishsmirkbegantoform.

“Well,itisabitofa fixer-upper,but theplacehasgreatpotential,”explainedMartingalewithaforcedsmile.“Lotsoflight.Andthegardenistop-notch,Iassureyou!Justtop-notch.You’regonnaloveit!Justletmechecksomethingfirst.”TheyellowUnicornstalliontrottedtothesideofthehouseandpeekedatthebackgarden.Itwasovergrownwithweeds,andseveralanthillshadsprungupsincehislastvisittothewretchedproperty.“Imean,thefrontgardenistheonewiththenice,er…view,”heimprovised.“Goahead,sir.Takealookyourself.”

“Idoloveagoodview,”Discordadmitted,andfloatedhisbrown,snake-likebodyuptothesideof the second floor. He crossed his legs, lounging back on an invisible chair to take in thesurroundings.Hewrinkledhisnose.Allhecouldseewasthebackofanotherquaintcottage.

“Thathouseisblockingmyview,”Discordnoted.“I’lljusthavetomoveit.”“Well,Idon’tknowiftheneighborswouldlikethatverymuchbut—”“Theneighbors!”Discordlaughed.“Howpleasant.They’lllearntocooperatequitequickly,don’t

you think?” Discord snapped his claw, and the house magically shifted over to the next street. Ascreamcamefrominsidethecottage.Martingalechucklednervouslyandloosenedhistie.

“Unlessyouhaveanotherhousetoshowme?”Discordaskedwithasmile.“Actually,no,”Martingaleadmitted.“Ponyvilleisverypopularatthemoment.Therewasabitof

ahousingboomafterPrincessTwilight’scastleshowedup.Notthatwehadtoomanyemptycottagestobeginwith.…”Martingaleslumpeddown.

“Is that so?” The draconequus raised one of his bushy white eyebrows and stared down theUnicorn.“Andallthat’sleftisthishideousmonstrosityontheedgeoftown?Surelyyoucandobetterthanthis,Mr.Nightingale.”

“It’sMartingale—”“Look,thishouseisinabsoluteshambles,”exclaimedDiscordwithasmirk,throwinghisarmsup.

Thebeastpretendedtoscowl.Hebegantofloatbackandforthintheair,pointinghisonelion’spawateachoftheproperty’smanyflaws.“Theshuttersarefallingoff,thefloorboardsarewonky,andthecolorisabsolutelyatrocious.”

“Sois thatano?”Martingale tried tohidehisdisappointment,buthis facehadbegun toformafrown.

“Onthecontrary…”Discordcackled.“It’sperfect!”Hespunaroundandmagicallyappearedinafancypin-stripedbusinesssuitandshoeswithspats.“Caretomakeadeal?”

HomeChaoticHome

“ThankCelestia,IneverthoughtI’dgetthisdudoffmyhooves.…”Martingaleletoutasighofreliefandsmiled.“Imean—thisisatop-notchproperty,itis!Ahem.”

“BitsorIOU?”Discordasked,anddumpedouthiswalletontothedyinggrassinthefrontyard.Threepebbles, several candywrappers, an old smelly boot, and a pack of spinach-flavored dentalflossfellout.“Well,barnit.Nobitsonme.IOU,itis,”chuckledDiscord,leadingtheconfusedponyupthefrontwalkandoutsidethepicketfence.“Nottoworry,oldchap,I’vegotstacksandstacksupontowersofthembackinChaosville.AssoonasIpopbacktheretograbmyessentials,you’llhaveitinyourhotlittlehooves.”

Martingalefrowned.“ButIonlytakebits.…”“Be right backsies!” The draconequus disappeared with a loud Pop! Martingale had barely

registeredwhathadhappenedbeforethebeastreappearedoncemore.Onlythistime,amountainofboxes labeledwith thewordsNEWPONYVILLEHOUSEaccompanied him.He sauntered past them andpassedaslipofbeet-juice-stainedparchmenttothepony.

“What’s this?”Martingalebegan squinting ashe read it aloud robotically. “I,Discord, themostpowerfulandchaoticresidentofPonyville,oweyouoneuniquepaymentofmychoosing,payableuponmyfullsatisfactionofthepremisesandexperiencehere,also—hey!Waitrightthere…”

“Ah,ah,ah!”Discordsingsongedashewaggedhispointyclaw,magicallyzippingthelipsofthestallion. “No arguing, Random Inconsequential Pony.” Martingale tried to speak but the wordscouldn’tescape.Hejustsoundedmuffledandannoyed.

“What’sthat?”teasedDiscord.Heheldhislion’spawtohisrightearandleaneddownsothathisdeerantleralmostbrushedthepony’sorangemane.“It’sadeal?Great!”Discordpointedatthepony’sforeleg, and he magically obeyed, lifting his hoof and pressing it to a tie-dyed rainbow inkpad.Martingalestruggledagainstthespell,buthecouldn’tresistplacingitonthecontract.Discordsmiledand swished his claw to the left, through the air. Suddenly his signature, resembling a tornado,appearedonthescrollaswell.“Splendid!”AredSOLDsignswungdownfromtheonethatsaidFORSALE.

“ButIdidn’twanttomakethatdeal!”Martingale’swordsspilledoutofhismouthassoonastheywereunzipped.He trottedup toDiscordand shoved theparchment athimwith a frown. “Andyoudidn’tevenpayme!”

“Thenwhydidyouagreetodobusinesswithme,sillyfellow?”Martingale’seyesdartedaroundinapanicashesearchedforananswerthatmightnotmakethe

situationworse.Butwhenheopenedhismouthtospeak,nothingcameout.“Catgotyour tongueagain?”Discordgiggled.He floatedoverablack-and-whitekitty thatwas

battingsomethingsmallandpinkaround.Martingalegallopedover,distraught.“Muhhhuuung!”Discordrolledhiseyesandclappedhisclawandpawtogether.Thetonguewasmagicallyreturned

toMartingale’smouth.“Stopstealingmyability to speak,you…you…beast!”Martingale stompedhisyellowhoof into

thedirt.“Ishouldhavenevershownyouanyhouses inPonyvilleatall,noteven thisone.Youjustbringchaoseverywhereyougo!”

“Chaos?Moi?”Discordbattedhisextralargeyelloweyeswithmismatchedredpupils.Aglowinghalo materialized above his horns. “When have I ever been involved in a thing like that?” Theperpetualsmirkonhislipscouldn’tholditselfback.

The pony scoffed. “There’s no way that this contract is legally binding. I’m taking this to themayor!”

Discord began to unpack his first box, labeledwith a sticker that said LEFT SOCKS AND KITCHENSINKS.“Oh,goody,it’llsavemethetroubleofgoingoverthere.TellherIcan’twaituntilourbridgegameonThursdayafternoon.I’mbringingtheseven-layerbeandip.”

Martingalegrumbledsomethingtohimselfashetrottedawaytowardtownhall.“Toodles!Doconsiderbringingbackanoodlecasserole towelcomeme to theneighborhood!”

Discord shouted with a gleeful smile. Then he turned on his hoof and surveyed his front lawn,beginningtovisualizetheimprovementsthatneededtobemadetothegrounds.

Soon, thingswere lookingmuchmore haphazard and ugly,whichwas such a relief.Discordwasproudofthepurpleandyellowzigzagshe’dpaintedontheexterior,thecollectionofbrokenkitchensinksnowarrangedinthefrontgarden,andthevarietyofsqueaksandcreakshe’daddedtothefloorsothateachstepwasasymphonyofutterunpleasantnesstotheears.

Discordsmiledtohimselfasheunpackedthelastbox,containingateasetthathadbeenaHearth’sWarminggiftfromFluttershy.Itwastheonlyprettythingheowned.Inallhonesty,heactuallyfounditquiteunsightly,buthecherisheditbecauseitrepresentedhisveryfirstfriend.

“Thatremindsme,”Discordmused.“Theonlythingthishouseneedsnowissomeponytolaughand gossip with. Then it will be nauseatingly perfect.” He snapped his claws and teleported to afamiliarlittlecottageontheoutskirtsofPonyville.

“Oh,Fluttershyyyy!”hecalledout,skippingtowardthedoorandcausingallthetinybirdstoflyawayinsurprise.“You’llneverguesswhojustmovedtoPonyville.”Heknockedonthedoorthreetimes,buttherewasnoanswer.Sohekickeddownthedoor.“It’sme!NowyourbestpalDiscordisonly a hop, skip, and a jump away from you at all times.” But nopony replied. In fact, it wascompletelydarkinside.Abasketofsleepingkittensstretchedthemselvesawake,andapairofferretscameout of a small toy tunnel andyawned. “Ah, of course. It’s afternoonnaptime for the critters.Fluttershyalwaysgoesout thensoshedoesn’tdisturbthem.”Discordscratchedhiswhitegoateeindeepthought.“Wherecouldthatlittlewingedlemondropbetoday?”

Adoorswungopen,andAngelBunnyappeared,lookingnothingshortofannoyed.Hefrowned

and thrust out his tiny white paw at the massive intruder, shoving a colorful piece of paper intoDiscord’sleftgoat’shoof.

“What’s this, my fretful, furry, fairweather friend?” Discord’s eyes quickly scanned the page.“Fluttershy’sat theauditionsfor thePonyvillePlayersSpringMusical?”Discord’seyesgrewwide.“That’smycue!”

AngelBunnycrossedhisarmsoverhischestandhoppedontoabigredbuttonthatslammedthedoor right inDiscord’s face. “Well, thatwas quite rude.Badbunny!”Discord sent a zapofmagicthrough thewindowthatcausedAngel’s legs togrowas tallasagiraffe’s.Discordchuckledashewatchedthebunnywobblearoundinconfusion,andthenchangedhimbacktonormalagain.Itwasanoldtrick,butaclassicone.

“It feels so strange to be living in Ponyville,” Discord marveled as he floated off toward thetheater.“ButIthinkIcanmakeitwork.”Hespenttherestofthetripthinkingofallthedeliciouswaysthatonemightcausemischiefduringastageproduction.Therewere far toomany tocount,whichwasjusttherightnumberforhim.

ThePonyvillePlayers

Discordwatchedfromafarastheeagerthespianponiesfiledintotheentranceofthetheater,dressedintheirfinestauditionclothes.Discordrolledhiseyes.“Howdreadful.But…IsupposeImustlookthepartaswellifI’mtoimpressthesepickylittleponies.EspeciallythatRarity.”Withatapofhis toe,Discordwas draped from head to tail in hismost dramatic outfit—a billowywhite shirt, a brownvelvetwaistcoat,andblackpantsthatpuffedoutliketwoballoons.Aroundhisneckwasafrillywhiteruffthatextendedfarpasthisshoulders.“Nowthey’lltakemeseriously.”

AsDiscordmadehiswayintothetheater,hetooknonoticeofthescaredonlookersdartingawayatthesightofhim.ManytownsponieshadchalkedupthenewsofDiscordmovingintoPonyvilletobeasillyrumor.Buthewasactuallyhere!“Ahhhh!”screamedSeaSwirl,alightpurpleUnicornwithacutiemarkoftwodolphins.ShedroppedsomescriptpagesonthegroundandtookoffinagalloptowardSugarcubeCorner.

“Thanksfor thesides!”Discordshoutedashesnaggedthepapersandwaltzed inside to join thelinebackstage.

Hemanagedtoremainunnoticedbythepanelofponyjudgesseatedintheaudienceashepushedhiswaythroughthedusty-smellingredcurtains.“Teehee!”helaughedtohimself,thinkingofthebigreveal.Nowthathehadtwosurprises—hisbigmovetoPonyvilleandhissoon-to-bestarringroleintheir littleproduction—hewasbubblingoverwithenthusiasm.ThelookonTwilightSparkle’sfacewhenshesawhimonstagewasgoingtobepriceless!Shemightevenpassoutfromshock.

Discordwantedtogettheshowontheroad,butunfortunately,therewereaboutfiveponiesaheadofhimwaiting togoonstage.Oneof themwasCheerilee, the teacher fromPonyvilleSchool.ThemauveEarthponyhadherlightpinkmanecrimpedinastylethatDiscordhadn’tseeninalongwhile.Aroundherneckwasablack-and-white-checkeredscarf,andsheworeascrunchedneonlegwarmeroneachbackhoof.

“Reliving your lost youth, are you dear?”Discord teased, popping up next toCheerilee out ofnowhere.Hegrinnedandpointed tohisownancient costume. “Me too!”Discordgiggled. “Get it?BecauseI’mthousandsofyearsold?”

Cheerileeshookherheadwithapatronizingfrown, trottingoff towait in thewingsandstretch.“Well,Ithoughtitwasfunny,”Discordsaid,shrugging.Amomentlater,Cheerileeprancedoutontothestage.Sheintroducedherselfandbegantobeltoutarenditionoftheclassicpophit,“FilliesJustWannaHaveFun.”Discordboppedupanddowntothemusicforafewsecondsbeforeithithim:Hedidn’thaveasongprepared!Howwerethejudgesgoingtotakehimseriouslyifhedidn’tevenhavemusictoshowcasehisincredibletalents?Andifhewasn’tcastintheshow,howwouldhecomplete

Celestia’smission?And if he didn’t accomplish themission, howwould he get his beloved thingback?

“Whatareyoudoinghere,Discord?!”Apinkponywithacurlyfuchsiamanepoppedupnexttohim,interruptinghisinternalpanicandcausinghimtojumpalittle.

“PinkiePie!You startledme!”Discord replied.Hecrossedhis armsoverhisvelvetvest.“Veryimpressive.”

“Thanks!SometimesIgetstartedstartlingponiesbeforeI’veevenfinishedfinishing.”PinkiePiegiggled.“Oooh,isthataruffle-puffcollaryou’rewearing?It’sthesilliestpieceofclothingI’veeverseen!”Pinkie’seyesgrewwideasshetiltedherhead.“CanIborrowit?”

“Idon’t seewhynot.Or…”Discordsnappedhisclaws,andsuddenlyPinkiePiewaswearingaruffled-collarsobigthatitcoveredmostofherbody.Itlookedlikeagiantpinkandbluetutu.

“Yippeee!!”Shesmiledandbegantobounceupanddownsothatthefabricflapped.Discordsighed.“Happynow?”“I’mhappyalways.”Thepinkponynodded.“Butsinceyouasked…youknowwhatwouldmake

me even happier? Like super ecstatic-electricity, frosting-for-breakfast, swimming-in-summertimehappy? Some of that yummilicious chocolate rain you make.” Pinkie licked her lips and dancedaroundtoCheerilee’ssong.Whenitendedafewsecondslater,DiscordturnedbacktoPinkie.

“What were you saying?” Discord asked, scratching his goatee pensively. “I stopped listening.Afterawhile,high-pitchedponychatterjustsoundslikebuzzingtome.”

“Or maybe you spaced out because you’re worried since you didn’t practice a song for theaudition.”PinkiePieshrugged.“Itisasuperbigproblem,soIunderstand.”

“Youcaughtme. Iknowsomanyamazing songs,”Discord juttedouthisbottom lip so thathissnaggletoothpokedoutevenfarther.“Buthowtochooseonewithsolittletime?”

“Youcouldalwayssing thatgreatsongabout theglassofwater,”Pinkiesuggested.Shestrokedherhoofagainstherchinindeepthought.“Butyou’dhavetocatchtheBlueFluagainfirst.…”

“Thatwas a brilliant performance of mine. Even so—it’s been done. It’s been seen.” Discordshookhishead.“Ineedsomethingfresh!”He lookedout to thestage.Littlepiecesofneonyellow,green, and pink paper confetti littered the expanse of the entire floor from the final note ofCheerilee’snumber,andaboredstagehoofwassweepingitup.“IneedsomethingwhereIcansetthescenelikeCheerileedid.Somethingwithpizzazz!”

“Maybesomething involvingchocolate rain?”PinkiePieasked, leaning incloser toDiscord towhisper.“Chocolate.Rain.”

“That’s it, Pinkie Pie!” Discord chuckled. He looked up to the ceiling rafters with a newdetermination.“I’llperformtheoneclassicaward-winningmusicalfavoritethat’ssuretoimpressanddelighteveryponyinallofPonyville…‘Singin’intheChocolateRain’!”

“That’sperfect!”shoutedPinkiePiewithaloudsqueal.“Imean…goodidea.Needanyhelp?”

Don’tJudgeanAuditionBeforeIt’sOver

“Wow!Thatwasgreat!”Twilightwhispered,turningtoherfellowjudgeswithacheesygrin.“Whatdid you all think about Cheerilee’s performance?” The Ponyville Players Audition Committee satbesideherwatchingtheaspiringactorsperformonebyoneforapartinTheSingingStallion fromtheirseatsintheaudience.ToeTapperandRarity,twomembersofthePonytonesquartet,smiledinagreement.SeniorMint,atallgreenPegasusandleadmemberofthePonyvilleChoir,hummedthetuneof“FilliesJustWanttoHaveFun”andgaveTwilightawink.

“Fantastic.I’lladdhertothelistoffavoritesforaleadrole,then,”announcedTwilight,satisfied.“Are we ready tomove on to the next hopeful?” Fluttershy asked. Torch Song nodded as she

finishedwritinginherscoresheet.“Nextpony,please!”Fluttershytriedtoshouttowardthestage,butitcameoutverysoftly.Amomentpassed,andnoponyappeared.

“Nextpony,please!”TwilightSparkleannounced,abitlouder.Butinsteadofanotherponytrottingout,boththestageandhouselightswentcompletelyblack.Then,alltheycouldhearwasthesoundofraucous laughter. It grew louder and louder with each moment until finally, a searing spotlightbeameddowntorevealthesource.ItwasnoneotherthanDiscordhimself!

“I’mhe-ee-ere!”heannouncedwithvibrato.“Though,theponypartisdebatable.”The draconequuswas now dressed in a blue suit, andwore a jaunty hatwith his horns poking

throughthetop.HispurpledragonwingandbluePegasuswingsproutedoutofthebackofhisjacket,andinhisleftclawheheldalargeumbrella.Discordleanedonitasifitwereacaneandsmiledatthejudges.Then,hefloatedintotheair,poppedtheumbrellaopen,andleanedhisfaceonhislionpawunderneathit.

“Discord!Whatareyoudoinghere?”Twilightexclaimed,standinguponherhooves.“Can’tyouseewe’reinthemiddleofourPonyvillePlayersauditionsrightnow?”

“Why,ofcourseIcan,dearPrincess,”Discordreplied.“Andthat ispreciselywhyI’mhere—toauditionforarole in theSpringMusical!”Discordfloatedbackdowntothegroundwithaplayfulsmirkonhisface.Thepurpleponywasevenmoresteamedthanhe’danticipated.Itwasdeliciouslyamusing.

“Comeon,Discord,”Twilightbegged.“Stopmessingaround,okay?”Sheheldupascrollwithalonglistofnamesscribbledonit.“Wehavealotofponiestogetthroughtoday,andwewanttomakesuretheyallgettheirchancetotryout.”Shemotionedherhooftothetheaterdoorandraisedabrow.“This show is a really big deal for us here in Ponyville. The other princesses are going to be inattendanceand—”

“Really,Twilight…”Discordfloatedovertothejudges’table,nonchalant.“Ithoughtyou’dallbe

pleasedaspunchtohavemehere.”Abowloffruitpunchmagicallyappearedonthetable.Discordladledsomeintoacupandslurpeditupinonegulp.HeladledafewmoreandpassedthemtoSeniorMint and Toe Tapper, who both took hesitant sips. “Withmymusical talents and incredible stagepresence,you’dpracticallyhavetobefoolsnottocastmeinyourproduction.”

DiscordhandedTwilightacupofpunch,butshepusheditawayinannoyance.“Actually,thelasttimeyoustoodonastagetoperform,itwasatrick,”saidTwilight.“YouwereworkingforTirekandstealingalltheUnicornmagicintheauditoriumtouseitforyourevilplot.”Sheraisedasuspiciouseyebrow.“Howdoweknowyouhaven’tgotsomeulteriormotivethistime,too?”Sheturnedtotheothers for support, but they were all sipping punch and looked mildly intrigued by the audition-crasher.

“Thosedaysarefarbehindme,Iassureyou.”Discordsatonthejudges’tablelikealoungesingeronapiano.“Plus,there’snopointinarguingabouttheissue.Yousimplyhavetoletmeaudition.”

“Andwhyisthat?”Rarityasked,attemptingtoshowhersupportforTwilightSparkle.WhileitwastruethatDiscordhadredeemedhimselfanumberoftimes,theponiesknewthattheyshouldstillbealittle bit cautious around him.Even if his suitwas all sorts of fabulous.Rarity tried to ignore theintricatestitchingandmatchingpocketsquare.

“Because,Rarity,darling,it’sintherules.”Discordthrusttheflyerintoherface.“Rightthere,inteensy-weensy print at the bottom it says, ‘All residents of Ponyville who wish to audition arewelcome.’”

“Soitdoes,”Raritysaid,inspectingthefineprintwithherredcat-eyereadingglasses.“Butyoudon’tliveinPonyville.”

“That’swhyyousleeponmysofawhenyouneedanapafterourTuesdayTeas,”Fluttershysaidinhertinyvoice.“Idon’tmind,though,”sheaddedjusttomakesureshedidn’thurthisfeelings.“Truefriendsalwaysleteachothernap.”

“And as much as I’ll miss that tradition, Fluttershy, I’m happy to announce that I moved intoPonyvilletoday!”Discordgiggledwithgleeasthejawsoftheponiesdroppedinshock.“It’strue.JustaskPinkiePie.”

“It’strue!Hedid!”PinkiePiebouncedoutontothestage,stillwearingherfluffytutu.“Now,lethimaudition!Ineedthatsweet,sweetrain.”

TwilightSparkle looked toher fellow judges.Nopony seemed tohave avalid reason to refuseDiscord an audition. Twilight rolled her eyes and plopped back down in her chair. “I guess I’moutnumbered.Thisperformancehadbetterbeentertaining.”

“Preparetoberazzledanddazzledandfrazzled.…”Discordsnappedhisclawashefloatedbacktohisplacecenterstage.Thehooflightscameupasastormofpinkcloudsformedabovehim.Themusicstartedlowandgrewlouder.“Doodledoodoodoo,doodledoodoodoodoo,” sangDiscord,sashayingbackandforthacrossthestagewithhisumbrellainhisclawandpaw.Giantdropsofliquidchocolate started to rain down on him. “I’m singin’ in the chocolate rain! Just siiiiiingin’ in thechocolaterain!Anuproariousceiling,I’mtappin’agaa-aa-ain!”Discorddidashuffle-ball-change,andthesoundofmetalclackedonthewoodenstage.“I’mcacklingatclouds,sopinkupabo-oo-ove.”Alamppostappearedonstage,andDiscordjumpedontoit.Heleanedout,holdingonwithhislion’spaw.“Thesong’sinmyheart,andI’mreadyforgruuuub!”Asandwichappeared,andhetookabiteashedanced.

PinkiePiecouldn’thelpherselfandjoinedhimonthestage,dancingtothesongandtakinglargegulpsofchocolaterainwitheachbounce.Afterthreemoreverses,Discordtookoffhishatandslidforwardonhiskneesforthebigfinish.Hebeltedoutthelastlyrics.“Justsingin’andprancin’inthe

chocolateraa-aa-aain!”Helookedouttothejudgeswithacharmingsmirk,andtheponiescouldn’thelpbutsmileback.

EvenTwilightSparklecrackedagrin.Astheyallcheered,hebeamedwithpride.“So,whendoesthecastingnoticegoup?”

“Anauditiondoesnotguaranteeaspot,”warnedTwilight.“Oh,ofcoursenot.”Discordsmiledandwinked.Hetriedtoacthumble,eventhoughheknewhe

hadjustscoredtheleadrole.“Noteveryponyhaswhatittakes,unfortunately.”TorchSongclearedherthroat.“We’llbevisitingponiesaroundtowntomorrowtoletthemknow

ofourcastingdecisions.”Discordclapped.“Oh,goody.”“But,Discord?”Twilightfurrowedherbrowandlookedhimstraightintheeye.“Yes,Princess?”“Don’tcallonus;we’llcallonyou,okay?”

RoleCall

Thenextdayseemedtocreepbyslower than thehundredsofyearsDiscordhadspent trapped inastonestatueintheCanterlotgardens.WaitingtohearofthePonyvillePlayerscastingdecisionswastorturouslyboring.Allday long,Discordfloatedbackandforthacrosshiskitchen.He tumbledupanddownthestairs,didheadstandsontheceiling,andeventookabubblebath.

Atonepoint,Martingaletherealestateponycameby,lookingnervous.Heprattledon,mumblingsomethingaboutthehousenotbeingforsaleanymore.“Fella,Ithinkwe’vehadamisunderstandin’,”hetriedtosay.Butinsteadoftalkingtothechap,Discordturnedhimselfintoagigantic,scaryspideranddroppeddowninthedoorframe.Martingalescreamedandwentrunningoffintotown.

Aside from that encounter, nothing amused Discord much, so he turned to more extrememeasures.He uprooted thewhole house, turning it upside down. The building drifted around in acircle,suspendedintheairbymagic.Discordwatchedfromthewindowsasponieswouldtrotby,seethehouse,andthenscatterimmediately.Itwasgoodforoneortwochuckles.Bythelateafternoon,however,Discordhadbecomesostir-crazythathedecidedhecouldtakeitnolonger.Ponyvillewasjustontheothersideofhiswalls.Surelysomethinginterestingcouldhappenoutthere.

“Whom shall I tinker with today?” Discord said as he flung open the door and looked out toPonyvillebelow.“Mr.andMrs.Cake?NurseRedheart?”

“Nopony!”avoiceshouted,muchtohissurprise.Standingdownontheground,staringupathisabode, were none other than all seven of his best Ponyville friends: Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy,Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike. “Discord,” Twilight shouted up at thefloatinghouse.“Comedownfromthere!Wehavetotalk.”

“Hey,Ilikewhatyou’vedonewiththeplace,”saidPinkiePie.“Veryjazzy.”“I’mafraidImustdisagreewithyou,”Raritysaid,wrinklinghernose.“Thatpaintcolorisvery

ill-advised.”“Rarity,howkind!That’sjustthelookIwasgoingfor.”Discordsmiledsincerely,motioningto

thehouse. “Butyouhaven’t even seen thebest part yet—the interior design! I did itwithguests inmind.Won’tyouallcomeinsideforacupoftea?”

Beforetheponiesanddragoncouldanswerhisinvitation,Discordpointedhisclawatthem.Theyallroseuptowardthefrontdoor,encasedinaglowing,purplebubbleofmagic.Applejackrolledhereyes at the stunt. “Ya coulda just lowered thebuildin’ back to theground,where it belongs.Why’severythinggottabesuchabigshowwithyou?”

“BecauseIwasbornforshowbusiness,Appleshack.”Discordclaspedhisclawandpawtogether,settingtheponiesdowninfrontofthericketykitchentableandmismatchedchairs.“Whichiswhy,I

presume, you’re all here to visit me? Go ahead, you can tell me that I got the lead role in thePonyvillePlayersmusical.Noneedtosinganddancearoundthesubject.”

Adentedcopperkettlewhistledonthestove.Theponiesallexchangedanawkwardlook.“Oh,uhh…whatmakesyouthinkyougotthelead?”

RainbowDashshiftedinherchair.Hereyesdartedaround.“Imean—howdoyouknow?”“Whenyouknow,youjustknow,”saidDiscord,raisinghisbushyeyebrows.Hebegantowhistleahappytuneashepouredeightcupsofsteamingliquidallatonce.Fluttershy

smiledandtookasipofhers.“Mmmm,Ilovechamomile,”shecooed.Noponyelsemoved.Discordsatdown.

“Sowill I beportrayingCaptainVonScrapp inHinnyof theHills?PoneValpone inLesMiserStables?Oooh!WhataboutCornyCauliflowerinManespray?Idolovethatcharacter.Suchflair.”

“No, we’re actually doing a production of the old small-town favorite, The Singing Stallion,”Twilightreplied,hervoiceperky.“Andyou’reintheshow!Isn’tthatgreatnews,Discord?”

“It’s not news, since I already knew I was the best,” replied Discord. “And though the role ofProfessorHayloftShillisnotmyfavoriteleadtoplay,I’llmakeitwork.”

“You’renotplayingtheroleofHayloft,”saidRarity,makingasympatheticface.“Sorry,dear.”Discord’sfacefell.“Thenwhois?”

NoSmallParts

Discordhadtorubhisearstomakesurehewasn’thearingthings.“BIGMAC?!”heexclaimed,jawtothefloor.“Butheonlyknowstwowords!”

“BigMacwasjustrightforthepart,”saidTwilightwithashrug.“Isitbecausehe’sastallion?Icanbeastallion!”Discordsnappedhisclawandtransformedintoa

taupeUnicornwith a blackmane and a tornado cutiemark. “See?”Discord snapped his claw andswitchedbacktohisnormaldraconequusbody.

“No,it’snotthat,”saidFluttershy,steppingforward.“It’s…it’s…”“It’swhat,dearFluttershy?”DiscordaskedasheleaneddowntotheyellowPegasus.Hewhipped

aroundandbeganpacingbackandforthacrosstheroom,countinghispossibleflawsonhisclaws.“Was I off-key? Did I not entertain? Were my chocolate raindrops not dazzling enough? Notchocolatyenough?Honestly,youponieswouldn’tknowpuretalentifitsplashedyouinthemuzzle!”Suddenly,agiganticbucketofwaterappearedoutofnowhereanddrenchedtheponiesandSpike.

“Hey!Thatwasn’tnice!”PinkiePieshrieked,heroncepoufymanenowslickanddrippingagainstherface.“YoumentionedchocolateandthatwasWATER!”

“Discord,”Twilightinterruptedinagentletone.“Iwanttobehonestwithyou,becausethat’swhatfriendsdo.”TwilightlookedtoApplejackforreassurance.Shenoddedherbrowncowponyhat,andTwilight continued. “You’re new to Ponyville, and that’s great! But yourmoving here has ruffledmorethanafewfeathers.Infact,noponywantedtoletyoubeinourshowatall.…”

“Theydidn’t?”Discordwilted.“ButIhavetobeintheshow—”“Exceptus,”Fluttershychimedinwithatinygrin.“Westoodupforyou,”Rarityadded,tryingtomagicherpurplemanebacktoitsnormalperfect

curl.“ThoughnowI’mstartingtoregretthatdecision.Lookatmymane!It’sallwet!”“But…” Discord blasted a gust of air at the ponies, and suddenly they were dry. “Doesn’t

everypony like me now? I’ve been reformed by your ‘Magic of Friendship’ and all that othernonsensicallyhooey-gooeyponystuffthatyouallliveby.”Heslumpeddownintoachairandslurpedhiscupoftea.

“Whilethesevenofusknowyou’veturnedoveranewleaf,”Twilightexplained,“noteveryponyintownknowsthatsideofyou…yet.”

“Ididnoticeafewponiesavoidingmetoday,”Discordadmitted.“It’s okay!” Spikewalked over and chimed in. “Themusicalwill be your chance to prove you

don’tneedthespotlight!”“That’sright,”Applejacksaidwithanod.“Youcanshow’emjusthowmuchyouwanttobeapart

ofthePonyvillePlayersandourtownbyjoinin’theensemble.”“Theensemble?!”Discordspitoutagulpofteaindisgust.Fortunately,Rarityhoppedoutofthe

wayjustintimetoavoidthestreamoflukewarmwater.“ButifI’mintheensemble…thatmeansI’llhavetostandbehindtheactionwithalltheotherbackgroundponies,completelyunnoticedbyall inattendance,includingPrincessCelestia!”Hepointedhisnoseskywardandcrossedhisarmsoverhisbrownchest.“It’shardlyworththeeffortatallifshedoesn’twatchmeperform.”

“Remember,” Fluttershy said, trotting over to Discord, “there are no small parts, only smallponies.”

“Or in thiscase…smalldraconequuses,” jokedRainbowDash.“Or is itdraconequui?”Rainbowscratchedherhead.“Arethereevenanymoreofyououtthere?”

“Wrong!”saidDiscord.HepointedatFluttershy’semptyteacup,andsuddenlyhewassittinginsideit,thesizeofasmallgardenlizard.“NowI’masmalldraconequus.”Fluttershy’seyesgrewwidewithsurprise. Discord leaned over the rim of the cup and chuckled. “That was hilarious, because I’mphysicallysmallnow.”Noneoftheponieslaughed.

“Oh, forget it,”Discordpointedaclawathimself, andhewasback tonormal, standingnext toRainbowDash.“Icrackmyselfup,Ireallydo.”

“Metoo!”saidPinkiePie.“Wanttohearmyjokeaboutthechickenwhowonthelottery?”“Wasithercluckyday?”Discordasked,leaningtowardPinkiePiewithhissnaggle-toothedgrin.“Yeah,itwas.”Pinkiegiggled.“You seem tobe feelingbetter about all this,Discord,”Twilight said as she trotted to the front

door.“AndI’mglad.Buttherewillbeplentyoftimeforjokeslater.Wehavetogetthingsreadyforourfirstrehearsaltomorrow.Comeon,everypony!”Sheflungthedooropenandusedhermagictounfurla slide from the floatinghousebackdown to theground.Twilight jumpedout, followedbyRainbowDash,Applejack,PinkiePie,Rarity,andSpike.

“Wheeeee!”PinkiePiesquealedallthewaydown.“Seeyoutomorroooow!”shoutedSpike.“Ohno,youwon’t,”Discordmumbledtohimself.Ifthoseponiesthoughthewasactuallygoingto

goalongwiththeircastingdecision,theywerecrazy.Discordhadmuchbetterthingstodowithhistime,likewreakinghavocandcausingchaos.Celestia’slittlerequestwasn’tworththishumiliation.

“I’mproudofyoufor joiningourshow,even thoughyoudidn’tget theroleyouwanted,”saidFluttershywithasmile.“I justhadtotellyouthatbeforeIgo.”Thenshetookoffflyingoutofthedoor and soared towardPonyville.AsDiscordwatchedherdisappear into thedistance,hegot thatstrangefeelingagain.Itwaswarmandnice.Friendship. Itcouldmakeevenadraconequusdosillythings.Likejoinanensemble,whenhedefinitelydeservedtobethestar.

InstrumentaltotheShow

ThoughDiscordstillfeltincrediblyinsultedthatthePonyvillePlayersrefusedtorecognizehistalentbyawardinghim themusical’s lead role,hedecided thathewouldgocheckout the first rehearsalanyway—justtoseewhatadisasteritwasgoingtobe.Andifitwasn’tadisaster,hewouldbesuretospicethingsup.Maybethat’swhyCelestiasentmehere,hethought.Tostoptheseponiesfrombeingsodreadfullyboring.

“Whoa!Youshowedupafterall,”RainbowDashmarveled,flappingherbluewingstocatchuptoDiscordashefloatedpasttownhall.“Iwasprettysureyouweregoingtoskedaddleassoonasyougotthatcastingnews.”

“Really,RainbowDash?Frankly,Iamshocked.”Discordscoffed.Hetwistedhislong,snakelikebodyaroundandturnedtowardher.“YoumakeitsoundasifIhaveanegoasfragileasRarity’s.”

“I resent thatcommentverymuch,”huffedRarity,whohadbeen trottingbehind themalongsideApplejack.Raritystuckhernoseintheair,flippedherpurplemane,andpushedherwayforward.

“SeewhatImean?”Discordsaid.“Sotouchy.”DiscordandRainbowDashfiledinsidethetheaterandtooktheirseatsintheauditorium.TheponieswhowerealreadysittingnearbysawDiscordandscurriedoff.Itwasthesameoldstory.Noponywantedtobenearhim.

“All right, Twilight. Everypony’s here now,”TorchSong said. She held up a scroll filledwithnames.Her littlemagentamanebraid kept swinging into her face as she spoke. “Is it time to startpracticingourfirstscene?”ShetrottedovertoTwilight,whowasuponstagereadytogiveherfirstrehearsalpeptalk.

“Thankyou,TorchSong.Andyes!”Twilightreplied,shieldinghereyesfromthestagelightsandlookingoutintotheaudiencetogreethercast.“But…whereiseverypony?”Justamomentbefore,theentirecastandcrewofTheSingingStallionhadbeenawaitinginstructionsfromtheirdirector.Nowthe theater was empty, except for RainbowDash andDiscord. The big beast lounged back acrossseveralseatswithhisfeetkickedup,nonchalantlyflippingthroughasongbookandhummingatune.Everyponyelsewascoweringintheshadowsoneithersideoftheroom,whisperingtooneanotherinfear.

Discordsighedandclosedhissongbook.“Thecheesestandsalone,itappears.”“CheeseSandwich?!”shoutedPinkiePie.“Whereishe?Youdon’thavetostandalone,Cheese!I’ll

standwithyou.”Shebegantobouncearound,searchinghighandlowforherbuddy.“Discord.”Twilightgroaned.“Whatdidyoudo?”Discordfloateduptothestagewithhisclawand

pawup insurrender.“Nothingatall,excepthelp.”Heheldup thesongbookandpointed toapage.“Thissongintheshowcalledfor‘fifty-sixtrombonesinthehugeparade’,soIthoughtIwouldstart

getting the props ready and conjure some up.That’s all.”He put on hismost innocent face.But asubtle,wickedsmilestillfounditswaythere,curlingupthecornersofhismouth.

Suddenly, a resoundinghonk blared through the audience. It was a giant, red trombonewith agreenappleonit.TwilightSparklenarrowedhereyes.Itlookedfamiliar,somehow.“OhmyCelestia!Is that…Big Mac?!” Twilight gritted her teeth. “Did you just transform our lead actor into aninstrument?!”

“Whoopsies!”Discordsmiledsheepishly.“Mybrother!”criedAppleBloom,boundingoverwithherlittlebowbouncinginhermane.“Iassureyouhe’sfine,AppleBoot.”Discordgiggledwithglee.“Butdoesn’thelookdelightfully

silly?”“It’s youwho looks silly!”Apple Bloom ran over toDiscord and stomped her hooves on the

ground.“Changehimbackintoapony!RIGHT.NOW.”“Oh,fine,”Discordpointedhisclawat the trombone.Withazap,BigMacwasbacktonormal,

scratchinghisorangemaneinconfusion.Therestoftheponiesranovertohimtomakesurehewasokay. “But can I be honest with you? As your friend? You all really need to lighten up. We’reentertainers;we’reheretoentertain.”

“You promised that ifwe let him join our show, hewouldn’tmesswith us, Twilight!” shoutedMinuette.ShepointedherhoofatDiscord.“Andhe’salreadycausingtrouble.”

“He’sgoingtoruinourmusical!”criedFlitter.Theponiesnoddedinagreement,andabuzzofactivitybrokeout.FluttershyandApplejackrushed

onstage to helpTwilight calmdown the group. “All right now, everypony,” saidApplejack. “Let’sstopoverreactin’.BigMacisjus’fine.Right?”

“Eeeeyup,”BigMacsaidwithacoolnod.“Discord’sjustnervous,isall,”Fluttershyreplied,hervoicesoft.“He’sstillnewtoPonyville,and

you’re all being very hard on him. Please give him another chance.” She shot a serious look atDiscord.Hecowered.“Ithinkyoushouldapologizenow,Discord.Thatwasaverymeanthingtodo.”

“I’m so very sorry, LargeMacintosh,” Discord said, bowing deep and draping his lion’s armacrosshisbody. “Please accept this tromboneas recompense formy thoughtless actions.”DiscordpassedBigMacashinyyellowtrombone.

AppleBloom’sjawdropped.“Whoisthat?!”“Nopony, that one’s actually just a trombone. But you should have seen your face. Priceless!”

Discordheldhisstomachandlaughedhysterically.“That’s quite enough playing around,” Twilight chided. “We’ve got an actual play to do,

remember?Rehearsalwassupposedtostartthreeminutesago.”Discordyawned,pointedtohiswatch,andlookedaround.“Well,what’sbeentakingsolong?Let’s

putonamusical!”

BurstingDiscord’sBubble

Once things got rolling with the show, Discord felt himself nicely settling into his new life inPonyville.HewouldvisitFluttershy’shousefortea,shopforgroceriesatthePonyvillemarket,andonceheevenwenttoTwilightSparkle’scastletoborrowabookonBridlewaymusicals.HeoftensawMartingale shufflingabout town,havingheatedconversationswithotherponiesorgivingDiscordtheside-eye.

WhentherewasonlyaweekleftuntilPrincessCelestiawouldbevisitingtowatchthePonyvillePlayersproductionofTheSingingStallion,Discordwasfeelingconfidentinhissecretplantostealtheshow.Predictably,PrincessTwilightSparklewasabundleofnerves,eagertoshowhersuperiorshowwellthecommunityinPonyvillewasflourishingundertheflagoffriendship.Shedidn’tsuspectathing.

Luckily,everyponyelsewastoobusytonoticeaswell.Ontopoflearningtheirpartsintheshow,manyof theponies alsohelpedwith the logistics.Applejackhaddelivered somebeautifulwoodensets,notunliketheonesshehadoncebuiltforaManehattancommunityplay.Rarityhadmeasured,sewn,andtrimmedeverypony’scostumestoperfection.RainbowDashdidherpartbyenlistingFlitterand Cloudchaser to help her create some trick weather effects that would enhance the show butwouldn’truinthetheater.PinkiePiekeptbusydesigningpostersandballoonsthatadvertisedtheshowallovertownandbeyond.AndFluttershytookchargeoftheaccompaniment—recruitingallthebestmusicianstobecometheirveryownPonyvillePlayersorchestrafortherunoftheproduction.

One afternoon, the lights were up and the whole cast was onstage. It had taken many longrehearsals to place everypony in their spots, blocking all the scenes one by one, so it was veryimportantthatthecastmembersnotmakeanymistakes.TwilightsatintheaudiencenexttoApplejackandSpike,callingoutallthecues,marks,andcutiemarks.

“Everyponyready?”sheprojectedouttothestage.“Let’stakeitfromtheensemblechorusofthesong ‘Bubbles’ in Act One. The part right after Professor Hayloft Shill has shown the town ofGlimmerCityhowmuchfunthebubblescanbe.Thenwe’llgostraightintomyfavoritescene—thelibraryromancewithMare-ionPear.”

Davenportstompedabeatwithhisbacklefthoofandbeganthesong,hittingthelargekeysofhisponypiano.Plink-plonk,plinkity-plonk.Plink,plonk.

“Bubbles!Oh,wegotbubbles,righthereinGlimmerCity!”theensemblesang.“WithacapitalBthatrhymeswithCandthatstandsforCOOL!”Discordswayedbackandforthtothemusicwiththerestofthecast.Hedidn’treallyblendin.Itwasnearlyimpossibletodoso,sincehewasthreetimestaller than the tallest pony in the ensemble, SeniorMint. But as Discord sang with the ponies, he

steppedintime,tapped,andtwirled.PinkiePiestoodinthewingsandblewrainbow-coloredbubblesintotheairontothedancers.Downstage,BigMacpacedacrossthestageandbegansinging.

“Yes,thatstandsforcool!”sangBigMacinhisdeepbaritonevoice.“We’vegot—”Discord had been practicing the role ofHayloft Shill in secret, and suddenly he found himself

unable to resist theurge toperform.He twirled into thecenterof thescene, singing thenextversewithBigMac.“We’vegotallthesebubbles!AllaroundinGlimmerCity,allaround!Gottacomeupwithaway,tokeepthosebubblesatplay—becausetheyrule!Bubbles,bubbles,bubbles,bubbles!”

Themusiccametoahalt,andeveryponylookedatDiscord,annoyed.“What are you doing, Discord?” Cheerilee asked in her gentlest tone, usually reserved for

teachingthecoltsandfilliesatschool.Shelookedconcerned.“Areyouokay?”“Isimplyfeltthesongcouldbeimprovedupon,”Discordreplied,throwinghispawandclawinto

theairinsurrender.“Oopsies.”“You’realwaysholdingusup,”mutteredabig,bluestallionnamedNoteworthy.“Wecan’teven

run throughawholenumberwithoutyouaddingyourown flaironewayor another.”NoteworthytrottedovertoDiscordandpuffedouthischest.“Ifyouaskme,Ithinkyou’retryingtosabotagethisshow!”

Aflurryofwhispersbrokeoutattheaccusation.Discordrolledhisyelloweyes.“Don’tinsultme,pony.IfIwantedtodothat,Icoulddoalotmorethansingafewextraparts.I’mthekingofchaos,remember?”Discord began to cackle at the absurdity of the situation.Everypony took a few stepsback,suddenlyfearful.

Noteworthy narrowed his eyes. “Then what are you doing here? Why would somepony aspowerfulasyouwanttobeinasmall-townmusical?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”Discordwhippedout a display filledwith a giant line graph.Heprocured awooden pointing stick and tapped it on the bottom. “Ever since I learned about friendship fromFluttershyandherpals,myapprovalratinghasbeenrisingatahealthyrate.IfIportraymyselfinapositive lightwith the ponies ofPonyville through the power of song and dance, then itwill onlycontinuetogrow!”

“Oh,”saidPinkiePie,tiltingherheadtotheside.“Ijustthoughtyoureallylikedshowtunes.”“That,too,”giggledDiscord.Heturnedtothestagefullofhiscastmates.“Anyway,Ididn’tmean

togetsocarriedaway.Iwon’tdoitagain,Ipromise.”DiscordshrunkhimselfdowntoSpike’ssizeforeffect.“I’llstaybackhereinmylittlespot.”Everyponytrottedbacktotheiroriginalplacestorunthroughthenumberagain.

ApplejackgaveDavenportanod,andthepianobegan.“Oh,wegotbubbles!” sang the chorus, just asbefore.“Right here inGlimmerCity!”BigMac

shuffledouttothefronttosinghisline,butDiscordstayedput.Hedancedintheback,mindinghisownbusiness anddoinghis choreography.That’swhy it came as such a surprisewhen, insteadofsinging,BigMacstartedburpingupbubbles!Hiseyeswentwidewithshock,andeveryponywhippedaroundtofaceDiscord.

“Oh,Discord,”Raritysaid,puttingahooftoherfaceinexasperation.“Whateverhaveyoudonenow?”

Discord’s jawdropped.“Nothing!I-I…”hestammered.Hewasspeechless.Becausefor thefirsttime,aprankactuallyhadbeenplayedbysomeponyelse.Andnowthejokewasonhim!

FunnyBusiness

Whenhearrivedbackathis chaotic little cottage, allDiscordwantedwas tobealone.But anotherponywas already there waiting for him, pacing back and forth on the ground below the floatingabode.“Whatdoyouwant?”Discordsnapped,floatinguptotheporch.Hewasinafoulmoodafterbeing thrown out of rehearsal by the other ponies. They really thought he’d given Big Mac thebubble-hiccups.

“To talk to you about vacatin’ the premises,”Martingale grumbled. “Again.You have to leave!Everyponyintownismadatmeforlettin’youmoveintothishouse.Theysayit’sbeennothin’butchaossinceyouarrivedinPonyville.”

“Forthefirsttimeinmylife,Icansaythatiscompletehogwash.”Discordsighed.“Nowpleasegoaway.Ihavetogosulk.”

“Your littleplaynotgoing sowell?”Martingaleaskedwitha satisfied smirk. “Heard therewassomefunnybusinessgoin’ontoday,anditwasallcausedbyyou.”

“Thatisnottrue!”Discordshotback.“Ionlycausedsomeofthefunnybusiness.Someponyelsefinisheditoff,andnowthewholecastthinksIcan’tbetrusted.It’sdreadful.”Discordsatdownonhisfrontstepsandputhislion’spawunderhischinindefeat.“Oh,Mr.Nightingale,I’vejustbeentryingtofitinhere,andeveryponystillthinksI’mamonster.”Discordpicturedhisprize,burieddeepinaguardedbasementroomatCanterlotCastle.“WhatwouldCelestiasay?Surelyshewon’trewardmeforajobpoorlydone.…”

Martingaleperkedup.“Soyouthinkin’youmightleavePonyvillenow?”“No,ofcoursenot,”Discordscoffed.“But youmust!Don’t you see?”Martingale stompedhis hooves in frustration. “Mybusiness is

ruined!NoponywillworkwithmeuntilIgetyoutoleave.”“As sad as your little tale of woe is, I simply cannot concede.” Discord shrugged. “I made a

commitmenttobeinTheSingingStallion.Andso, theshowmustgoon.”Heposedwithhis lion’spawoverhisheartandlookedoffintothehorizon.

“Iwas’fraidyou’dsaythat.”Martingaleshookhishead.Heturnedonhishoofandtrottedoffwitha sad look on his face. “Guess I’m gonna have to take matters into my own hooves again,” hemutteredunderhisbreath.

Afewmomentslater,agroupofponiescrossedpathswiththedisgruntledstallion.Itwasstrangehow he didn’t even wave or say hello. “Sheesh!What’s wrong with him?” asked Rainbow Dash,lookingbackoverhershoulder.

“Somepony’sgotthegrump-grumps!”PinkiePieadded.“Maybehehasn’thadacupcaketoday.”

Sheturnedaround,bouncedovertohim,andwasbackwithintenseconds.“WorsethanIthought!Redvelvet,youguys.Herefusedredvelvet.”

“Well, it looks like he just came fromDiscord’s house,”Twilight pointed out, looking uneasy.“Maybehe’sbeenuptosomethingworseinPonyvillethanmakingponiesburpbubbles.”

ThePonyofShadows

As shewaited for the actors to arrive,Twilight Sparkle stood onstage, basking in the sight of thebeautiful library.Even though itwasallaset—woodenplanksproppedupandpainted to look liketowering shelves of dusty books—it still made her feel safe and comfortable. She smiled, fondlyrememberingheroldhome:theGoldenOakLibrary.Thecozybook-filledtreehadbeendestroyedinanepicbattleagainstTirek,aidedbyDiscord’spowerfulmagic.Shemisseditverymuch.

Twilight thought it was such a shame that the draconequus had been swayed by Tirek to turnagainstfriendship,fallingbackintohisoldwaysevenforabrieftime.Shewonderedifperhapshewasslidingbackintobadhabitsoncemore.Eitherway,theprincesshadhereyeonDiscord.NothingwasgoingtostandinthewayofPonyville’sbigtheaterdebut.

Afterthebubbleincident,itseemedeveryponyelsewaswaitingfortheotherhorseshoetodrop,too.Noteworthyhadtakentofollowinghimaround,hopingforsomemorselofdirttotelltheothers.ButDiscordwasamodelcastmember!Heshoweduptorehearsalson timeanddidhisbestnot tostealthespotlight,evenwhenhewasdoinganamazingdanceorbeltingoutasong.Whenitwasn’thisline,Discordonlyspokeupifaponyhadforgottentheirpart.Itwasactuallyquitehelpful.

NoponyhadeverseenFluttershysosmugbefore.ShelovedtoseeallofDiscord’sneighsayersproven wrong. “When you show somepony kindness,” she would remind them, “they will knowkindnessandoffer it inreturn!EvenDiscord.He’s justabigsoftie, really.”ThatpartalwaysmadeAngelrollhislittleeyes.Thebunnyhadn’tgottenoverDiscord’spranks,either.

Twilight was broken from her reverie by the sounds of voices and hooves outside the theaterentrance.Thedoors flungopen,anda flurryof activitybegan. “Twilight, dear!”Rarity calledout,trotting inwith two racksofcostumes. “TheTrottingBanduniforms for the final scenehavebeenalteredandcleanedintimefordressrehearsals.Don’ttheylookutterlyfabulous?”

“Stunning as always,Rarity,” Twilight saidwith a sincere nod. “Line them up backstage in thedressingrooms.”

“AndI’vegotthehats!”addedSpike,scurryinginbehindher.Heswayedbackandforthundertheweightofa stackofhats twiceas tallashim.The littledragon leanedaround thehats,whichwereblockinghisvision.“Rarity,waitup!”Afewhatsfromthetoptumbleddownasherushedtofollowher.

“Welcome, everypony,” said Twilight Sparkle as the rest of the castmembers trickled into thetheateronebyone.“Please,takeaseat!”Theygossipedandgiggledwithnervousenergy.Therewasabuzzintheair.Itwasanelectricfeelingthatonlyseemedtohappenwhentherewaslessthanaweekuntil“curtainsup.”Soon,alloftheirhardworkwouldbeondisplayforeveryponyintowntosee.

“Let’sallpipedownnow,soTwilightcansayherpartandwecangetthingsmovin’!”Applejackshoutedtotheponies.

“Thanks, A.J.,” Twilight said. “Okay, Ponyville Players…” She began pacing the stage as shespoke. “It’s dress rehearsal week. That means we need to be even more focused than before!Rememberyourcostumechanges andall your cues, andwe shouldbe ingreat shape toputonanamazingshow.”

“Pleasedon’tforgetyouraccessories!”Rarityadded.“Theyreallydocompleteeachlook.”“Anypony have questions?”RainbowDash called out.Discord raised his claw, but she ignored

him.“No?Okay,great.Let’sdothis.”Thedraconequusclearedhisthroat.“Ahem!Overhere!”“Yes,Discord?”Fluttershyasked,everpatient.“It’snotreallyaquestion,it’smoreofasuggestion.…”Discordexplained,standingup.Helooked

aroundatthefacesoftheotherponies.“AmItheonlyonewhothinksthechoreographyattheendofActOneisseverelylacking?”

“Lackin’inwhat?”questionedAppleBloom,raisingabrowandcockingherheadtotheside.“Oomph!”Discordreplied.“Zing!”“Pizzazz?”finishedPinkiePiewithagrin.“Precisely.”Noteworthystoodup.“Wedon’thavetimetopracticeanewroutine.Ithinkit’sjustfinethewayit

is.”HeturnedtoBigMac,SeniorMint,ToeTapper,Spike,andDavenportforsupport.“Don’tyou,fellas?”

“Eeyup,”BigMacagreed.“Definitely,”saidSeniorMint.“Uhh…”Spikehesitated.“Ithink…”HelookedtoDiscord,whohashisarmsacrosshischest.He

wastappinghisgreenhoofonthefloorimpatiently.SpiketurnedtoTwilightSparkleforguidance.Hedidn’twanttogetonthebadsideofthekingofchaos.“Maybeitcouldusesomethingelse?”

Suddenly, the theater lights began to flicker.Thewhole room turned pitch black. In the dark, awaveofwhispers echoed through the cast, accompaniedby the shuffling and stompingof hooves.“Hey!”shoutedsomepony.“Whathappened?”

Spikewavedhisclawsinfrontofhimtomakesurenoponywasthere.Heblewsomefireintotheair.Forabriefmoment,hethoughthesawaponyslippingthroughthebackdoor.Butitcouldhavejustbeenashadow.

“Oh, calm down.” Discord snapped his claw, and the hooflights came on. Everything wasilluminatedoncemore.POP!A light burnt out, smoke rising from the shattered bulb.POP! POP!POP!Threemorefollowed.Acreepytunebegantoplayonthepiano,eventhoughDavenportwasnowherenearit.Itgrewlouderandlouderastheponiessteppedback.Soontheywerehuddledinthecenteroftheroominabiggroup.

Flitter and Noteworthy exchanged a nervous look. Everypony turned to face Discord. “Verystrange,indeed,”saidthedraconequus,rubbinghiswhitebeard.Heclappedhispawandclawtogetherthreetimes,andthemusicstopped.“Iknowwhatyou’reallthinking.”Hesighed.“ButIdidn’tdoit.”

“Thenwhodid?”AppleBloomtrottedovertoinspecttheburned-outlights.“Beatsme!”Discordpointedatthebrokenlightsandsentazapofbluemagicovertothem.They

wereimmediatelyfixed.“Perhapsitwasaponyghostie?”Discordquippedwithachuckle.TorchSong’seyeswidened.“ThePonyofShadows?!”Everyponystartedtalkingatonce.Granny

Smithhadpassedaroundthemysteriouslegendofthedark,magicalcreaturealloverPonyville.But

Twilight,whoknewbetter,wasgrowingimpatient.“Enough!That’s justanoldmare’s tale.”She trottedbackover tocenterstageand turned to the

group.“Andthelightsarefixednow,soit’stimeforustowork.Nowlet’stakealookatthatfinalsonginActOnebeforewedoafullrun-through.”TwilightwinkedatDiscord.Hisfacebrokeintoalittlesmile.

Astheponiesobliged,filingontothestageandtakingtheirplaces, theyshotsuspiciousglancesoveratDiscord.Hewasusedtothissortoftreatment,butithurtateensybittothinkthatnoneofthecastmemberstrustedhim.Afterall,he’dbeensogoodlately.

Noteworthy was the last to trot up the stairs. As he did, he leaned in near Discord’s ear andwhispered,“I’vegotmyeyeonyou.…”ItmadeDiscordwanttocausesometrouble,justtoputthatsneakyponybackinhisplace!Hefelthimselfgrowingweak,hishandsjustitchingformischief.

Discord couldn’t resistwhenhehad thebrilliant idea to turn the stage into an ice rinkhalfwaythroughthesonganddance.Insteadofdoingtheirchoreography,theponiesbegantoslipandslideacrossthestageatrandom.“Wheeee!”squealedPinkiePie,twirlingaroundinglee.Discordgiggledatthechaosofitall.

Unfortunately, nopony else thought it was very funny. Fluttershy looked disappointed, andTwilightwasforcedtodismisshimfromtherestofrehearsal.AsDiscordleft thetheater,hecouldhearhisfavoritesongfromtheshowplaying.Heslumpeddown,tornbetweenhistruenatureandhisobligationtotheponiesandPrincessCelestia.Maybeheshouldn’thavepulledthaticestunt.ButitwasalmostworthitjusttoseeNoteworthyfallflatonhisflank.

TheDisguise

TheponiesandSpikehadonlybeeninsideDiscord’shouseforafewmomentswhenhebrokedowninto a puddle of emotion. “Okay, okay—I confess!”Discord blubbered, head down on the kitchentable.“It’strue!Ihavebeenkeepingasecretfromyouall.IwasonlydoingtheplaybecausePrincessCelestiasentmeonamissiontotestmyfriendshipskills,andsaidIhadto!”Hegaspedandcoveredhismouth.

“Uh…wedidn’tevenaskyaanythingyet.”Applejacklookedtoherfriends,eyebrowcocked.Theyseemedasequallypuzzledasshewas.“ButIapplaudyerhonesty?”

“Princess Celestia gives you tests, too?” Twilight was dumbfounded. “How long has this beengoingon?Whoelseisinvolved?”Shebegantopacebackandforthontheunevenfloor,rackingherbrain for answers.Even thoughTwilightSparklewasno longer theprincess’s faithful student, shestillcouldn’tgiveuptheideaofbeingtheonlyteacher ’spet.“Imustwritetoherandcatchup.…”

“Twilight,aren’tyouforgettingwhywecameoverhereinthefirstplace?”RainbowDashurged.Shebitherlip.“Youknow…”

“Oh, right.” Twilight straightened and cleared her throat. “Discord—in light of your recentconfession,thismakesthingsratherawkwardbut…”

“ThecastofTheSingingStallionthinkitmightbebestifyousitthisoneout,”Applejackadmitted.“Realsorry,sugarcube.”

“I’moutoftheshow?!”Discordwailed.“Why?”“Theyallthinkyou’rejustplayingabigprankonthem,”Spikeshrugged.Heheldouthisleftclaw

and counted on it. “First, there was the trombone thing, then it was the bubble burps, then thehooflightsandthecreepymusic,thentheicerinkstage,andthentheruinedlibraryset!”

“ButIdidn’tdoallthosethings!”Discordretorted.“Onlytwoofthem.”“See?”saidFluttershy,turningtotheotherswithaproudsmile.“Iknewhewouldneverruinyour

set,Applejack.”“Butifyoudidn’t,thenwhodid?”Rarityasked.“Ihaven’t thefoggiest idea.”Suddenly,asmallcloudoffogrolledinthroughtheopenwindow

andsurroundedthetopofDiscord’sheadlikeahat.Heclosedhiseyesandthoughtforamoment.“Itmust have been that pony, Noteworthy!” Discord nodded, rubbing his white goatee with his claw.“Thatfellowsuredoesdislikeme.”

PinkiePieshookherhead.“Whatabunchofdramarama!”Discordwasn’tsurewhattodo.Hehadreallymadequitethemesswithallhisanticsatrehearsal.

“Normally, a petty little pony activitywouldn’t concernme in the slightest,” hewhined. “But I’ve

actuallybecomequiteattachedtotheideaofbeingonstage.Itmademefeelincluded.”“And we loved having you there, too,” assured Fluttershy. She looked down at the ground,

defeated.Herpinkmanefellinfrontofhereyes.“Ijustwishtherewassomewayforyoutobeintheshowwithoutupsettingeverypony.”

“Likewearadisguise?”askedPinkiePie.“That’sbrilliant!”Discordpoppeduptohisfeet.“Icanbeintheshowandinvestigatewhoframed

meso I canclearmyname.”Thedraconequusdisappeared into apuffof smoke.When it cleared,therestoodataupeUnicornwithablackmaneandatornadocutiemark.Discordtheponygrinned.“It’sshowtime!”

Discord’sSecretDebut

Twilight Sparkle stood center stage. The entire Ponyville Players cast was gathered one last timebeforethebigshowthatevening.Shelookedouttotheirexcited,nervousfacesandsmiled.

“Well, ponies—this is it!” The ponies all hooted, hollered, and stomped their hooves on theground to applaud. “Before I let you all go and get ready backstage, I have an importantannouncement.”Twilightmotioned for thepony-disguisedDiscord to standbyher side.He trottedover. “This is Tony Stanza. He just happened to be passing through town on his way back fromManehattan,where hewas performing in a Bridleway revival ofLesMiser Stables with CountessColoratura!HehaskindlyofferedtotakeDiscord’splaceintheensemble.Though,Istillhopeyou’llconsider invitingDiscordback to thecast.…”Discordwas thrilled.Twilightnever second-guessedTony’sstoryatall.

“Noway!Right,everypony?”shoutedNoteworthy.“Hewouldhaveembarrassedusinfrontoftheother princesseswith one of his tricks!” The ponies all nodded andmurmured in agreement, stillclearlyconvincedthattheyknewwhowastoblame.TwilightlookedtoDiscord,worriedhisfeelingsmightbehurt.Butinstead,helookedoddlythrilled.

“I’mproudofeachandeveryoneofyou,”announcedtheprincess.“Enjoyyourselvestonight,andbreakahoof!”

Itwasafullypackedhouse.Theaudiencewasbuzzingwithenthusiasmasfriendsfromnearandfargreetedoneanotherand found their seats.The soft soundsof thePonyvilleOrchestrawarminguptheirinstrumentsaddedtotheambience.Raritystoodbackstageandpressedherwhitecheekuptothecurtainstopeekthrough,takingextracarenottosmudgeherheavystagemakeupontheredvelvetfabric. “Oh, my stars! Everypony who’s anypony is here tonight. There’s Princess Celestia andPrincessLuna…andtheWonderbolts…andCocoPommel!”

“Wow! I guess my balloon-o-gram invitations really worked, huh?” Pinkie Pie said, lookingsatisfied.“Ismysisteroutthere?”

Rarity scanned the crowd. “Hmmm,well, there’sHoityToity…and there’sTreeHugger.…Oh!Theresheis!”

PinkiePiepoppedherheadoutnexttoRarity’sandimmediatelysawheroldersister,MaudPie,sitting near the back. The gray pony with a light purple mane had an expression on her facecompletelydevoidofemotion.“Awww,she’ssoexcitedtoseemeperform,”Pinkiecooed.

Overontheothersideofthewings,PonyDiscordpeekedoutfromthecurtainaswell.HestaredatPrincessCelestia,wonderingifshewouldknowthatitwashimintheshowandthathe’dkeptupwithhis secret friendshipmission.Eitherway,hedecided, itwouldbe fine.Hewas justglad tobeperformingtonightwithhisnewPonyvillepals.

“Heythere!”Noteworthytrotteduptojoinhim.Hewaswearinghiscostume—ajauntywaistcoatandstrawhat.“TonyStanza,right?”

“Indeed,” replied Discord, narrowing his eyes at the pony responsible for turning the othersagainst him. “So, if I may ask…what happened to the poor chap who needed a last-minuteunderstudy?”

“Hewasagreatsingeranddancer,buthekepttryingtoruinthesceneswithallthesesillyjokesandpranks,”Noteworthyexplained.“Hewasn’tbeingateamplayer.”

Twilight Sparkle trotted past with her clipboard. “Five minutes, everypony! Five minutes tocurtain!”

“Are you sure hewas responsible for all the pranks?” PonyDiscord pried, taking a few stepsclosertothebluestallion.“Whatifitwassomeponyelsewhotriedtoframehim?”

“Couldn’t be. He causes chaos wherever he goes.Who else could have played those pranks?”NoteworthymadeafunnyfaceandlookedatPonyDiscordalittlecloser.“Whyareyousointerestedinthisanyway?”

“No reason,” replied Pony Discord. He was sure that this was his stallion. The guy had guiltwrittenalloverhim.Thewheels inDiscord’sheadwerealready turning, trying tocomeupwithawaytogetbackathim.“Isupposeweshouldtakeourplacesforthefirstscene.”

“Breakahoof!”Noteworthysaid,tippinghishatandtrottingonstage.“Yes,youtoo.…”saidPonyDiscord,adevioussmileformingonhisface.Allhehadtodowas

waitfortherightmomenttoembarrasshim.

Showstoppers

Thefirstactflewbywithoutahitch.Asthecurtainlowereddownforintermission,Discordcouldn’tbelieve it. He’d been having so much fun that he’d completely forgotten about all the drama.Everypony was busy congratulating one another on a great job so far when Discord noticed astrange-lookingponywithaamustachedressedallinblack.Thestallionwasclimbingaladderuptotheraftersandkeptlookingbackoverhisshoulder.

PonyDiscordnudgedBigMac.“Doyourecognizethatstagehoof?”“Nope,”hesaidbeforeheadingofftochangehiscostume.“Everypony needs to hurry and get into their clothes for Act Two!” Twilight hollered. “That

meansyou,too,Dis—ImeanTonyStanza!”BythetimeDiscordreturnedtothestagewearinghisnewcostume,themysteriousponywasgone.

SeniorMint,whowasinchargeoftheprops,trottedupandpassedPonyDiscordatromboneandaTrotting Band hat with a red feather plume. “Did you happen to notice a mustachioed stagehoofhangingaroundhere?”Discordasked.“Ithinkhewasuptosomething.…”

“Only stagehoofwe have isBulkBiceps,” said SeniorMint, pointing his hoof at themuscularwhitePegasuswithtinywings.

Sureenough,hewasdressedinallblackandwasbusyliftingagiganticwoodensetpieceallbyhimself.“Yeaaaaaaaaaah!”hegrunted,hoistingitontooneshoulder.

“Howpeculiar,”mumbledDiscord.“Whoisthatotherpony?”“Places, everypony!” shoutedRainbowDash, flying to her own spot for the big TrottingBand

scene.“Thisisgonnabeawesome!”Thecastscurriedacrossthestage,findingtheirmarks.Discordfollowed, still trying to figure out if the stallion he’d seen was a figment of his overactiveimagination.

Thecurtainrose,andbrightlightsilluminatedthestage.“Fifty-sixtrombonesintheponyparade,withtwohundredandtenplumphenscloseathoof!”sang

theensemble,trottingintimeacrossthestage.Abunchofchicken-shapedballoonsbobbedalongsidethem.“Theywerefollowedbyrowsofcrowsflyingupabovetheshow,itwasadreamforallacrossthelaaand!”Discord blew into his trombone and began to play. Themusic rose, and itwas time forCheerileeandBigMac’sfinalduet.

Ashemarchedtothebackofthestageforthelastformation,Discordhappenedtoglanceupattherafters.The stagehoofwas there!The gentwas using hisUnicornmagic to gently lift a bucket ofsomething,tiltingittowardthestage.Assoonashesawthesubstancecatchthelight,herealizedwhatitwas.DiscorddivedtowardCheerileeandBigMac,shovingthemoutofthespotlight.“Nooo!”

Hemade it just in time to get an entire bucket of sparkly sneeze dust pouredonto him instead.“Achoooo!”PonyDiscordsneezed.Theaudiencegasped.Discordlookeddownathishooves—whichnowappeared tobeaclawandapaw.Hehadbecomehisnormalselfagain!Hefrozeon thespot,lookingoutattheshockedfacesoftheaudience,notknowingwhattodo.Thenhesneezedagain,andhewas back to his PonyDiscord form. Suddenly, everypony onstagewas sneezing in time to themusic.Itwassosillythattheaudiencelaughedandstartedtocheer,stompingintimetothemusic.

Discordlaughed,too.Heconjuredupsomeofhisdraconequusmagictoliftthesneezedustofftheactorsandmadeitswirlupabovethemintobeautifulpatternsintimetothemusic.Everyponybegantheirdanceagain,andDiscordtooktheopportunitytomagicallylowertheculpritfromtherafters.

Nopony was more shocked than Discord to see it was Martingale—the real estate pony!Martingalelookedaroundinapanicforanexit,buttheywereallblocked.DiscordsmirkedandmadetheponyjoininthedancebyusinghismagictoforceMartingaletomovelikeamarionette.To theaudience,itallappearedaspartoftheshow.

Whenitfinallyended,theapplausewasthunderous.Discordhadaccidentallystolenapieceoftheshow.

AFriendtoPonykind

Discord’s housewas bursting at the seamswith ponies. Thewhole cast and half the audience hadshownupattheimpromptuafter-showsoireetocelebrate.PrincessCelestiaandPrincessLunawereeven inattendance,sippingdainty teacupsfullofappleciderandconversingwithTwilightSparkleandherfriends.

As Discord bounced around the rooms, he felt full of pride and happiness. He’d done whatCelestiahadwishedby joining thePonyville community, and in theprocess, he’dmade somenewfriends.DiscordpushedpastLyraandBerryPunchtothekitchen,retrievedthreemugsofcider,andbroughtthemoutsidetothefrontgarden.Thankfully,thehousewasnowontheactualgroundagain.

“Martingale!Noteworthy!”Discordcalledout.“Atoast!”Heusedhismagictopassthemugsover.“Canyoubelievewhatweputeveryponythroughjustbecauseofourlittledisagreement?Thiswholetime,Martingalewastheoneschemingtoframemeandgetmekickedoutoftown.Ireallythoughtitwasyou,Noteworthy.”Discordlaughed.“Iloveitwhenponiessurpriseme!Welldone.”

“Iguesswebothkindofwere,”Noteworthyadmitted.“Sorry…”“Me too,” addedMartingalewith a shrug. “Iwas just so angrywheneverypony in town started

blamin’meforstuffyou’ddonearoundtown.Ifiguredtheonlywaytogetyatomovebackoutwastoruinyourpartintheplay.”

“No,itisIwhoshouldbeapologizing,”Discordsaidwithabow.“Ishouldhaveneversquattedinthis house, and I should have been kinder to the Ponyville Players. Iwas just soworried that if Iwasn’tthecenterofattention,Iwouldn’tbenoticedatall.ButthenIcametorealizehowpleasantitisnot to have everything revolve around you!Who knew?”Discord took a pensive sip of his cider.“EverythingisateamefforthereinPonyville.Justfascinating…”

“Iwas hoping youwould feel thatway,Discord,” said Princess Celestia, walking over to jointhem. Princess Luna followed.Discord and the two stallions bowed to the royals. Celestia smiled.“AndIhave tosay,yousurprisedme, too.Excellentperformance inTheSingingStallion,andasaponyaswell!”Thesisterssharedachuckle.

“Beingaponyisnotsoterrible,”Discordsaid,rollinghiseyes.“ButI’mstillgladI’mnotone.”“Aslongasyouareatruefriendtoponykind,thatisenough.Itwillalwaysbeenough.”Celestia

bent down and conjured up a swirl of glittering pinkmagic from her horn. “I believe I owe yousomething.”Suddenly,anobjectappearedthatlookedlikeaballcarvedfromstone.

“Finally!”Discordexclaimed.“I’velookedeverywhereforthis.”Celestiaworeabaffledexpression.“I’munawareofwhatthisobjectis,butIknowthatitmeansa

greatdealtoyou.YouonlyputyourCrestofChaosonyourmostvaluedpossessions,ifIrecall.”

“Too right, Princess,” Discord agreed, holding the stone ball close to his chest. Hewhisperedsomething,andaswirlofmulticoloredmagicenvelopedthedraconequusandhistreasure.Whenthecolordissipated,theobjecthadtransformedintoafishbowl!Therewasalittlewhiteandorangefishsplashingaroundinside.

“Quincy!”Discordcriedout,gatheringitinatightembrace.“It’sbeensolong!I’vemissedyou.”Fluttershynoticedrightaway.Shecameoverandpeered into thebowl.“Awww,who’s this little

sweetie?”“Myclownfish,Quincy,”Discordexplainedlikeaproudparent.“ButIliketocallhimQ.Itfeels

sogoodtobereunited.Idobelievethere’sjustonethingmissing.…”“What’sthat?”askedTwilightSparkle,turningherattentionawayfromRainbowDash,PinkiePie,

Rarity,Spike,andApplejack.“Home!”Discordlaughedandlookeddownat thehappyfish.“Comeon,Q.Martingalefounda

buyerforourPonyvillehouse.Let’sgobacktowhereit’snormal.”Thenhegaveawink,turnedonhisheel,andheadedinthedirectionofChaosville.

As soon as he was out of sight, Discord’s face suddenly materialized in the reflection ofeverypony’sdrinks,givingthemallafright.“Boo!Seeyoufornextyear ’sshow,PonyvillePlayers!This time I better get the lead…or else!” he shouted and then broke into his famous cackle. “Justkidding!Butyoushouldhaveseenyourfaces!”

Formoregreatreadsandfreesamplers,visit

LBYRDigitalDeals.com

CONTENTS

COVER

TITLEPAGE

WELCOME

DEDICATION

CHAPTER1TheOpenMarket

CHAPTER2GreatPotential!

CHAPTER3HomeChaoticHome

CHAPTER4ThePonyvillePlayers

CHAPTER5Don’tJudgeanAuditionBeforeIt’sOver

CHAPTER6RoleCall

CHAPTER7NoSmallParts

CHAPTER8InstrumentaltotheShow

CHAPTER9BurstingDiscord’sBubble

CHAPTER10FunnyBusiness

CHAPTER11

ThePonyofShadows

CHAPTER12TheDisguise

CHAPTER13Discord’sSecretDebut

CHAPTER14Showstoppers

CHAPTER15AFriendtoPonykind

COPYRIGHT

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Firstebookedition:July2015

ISBN978-0-316-29513-0

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