What About Fluttercord?

A Final Outing (Part 1)

Rainbow refrained from sighing. "Not an actual  leash, Pinkie. What I mean is..." She looked to Apple Jack for help. 

"What she's tryin' to say, Pinkie," she put a reluctant hoof on her baffled friend's shoulder. "Is that Discord is in a really..." she searched for the right word. "Vulnerable state, and he might, well, join Chrysalis, ya know, given whatever past they've shared."

Pinkie gasped. "He might go evil again??"

Apple Jack shook her head. 

And, even though the other mares didn't shake their own, it was clear everypony was in agreement. 

----------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning:

"Yes, Princess," Twilight saluted before turning from the alicorn and following her order to manage the Gala decorations. Meanwhile, the princess would take the Council to Ponyville, and show them the cottage, in spite of Discord's reaffirmation into Equestria. With the Councils approval he would once again be a citizen, free to his own exploits. According the Princess Celestia, it was critical their inspection went perfectly, so he could then attend the Ball for that evening. 

Twilight had though little of the Princess's strange actions, being her responsibilities in Canterlot had really multiplied, especially with all the faults in scheduling. Of course she was concerned for her mentor, but she felt obligated to her assignments-she could not invest in the Princess until the Council's trip concluded. 

She would periodically find herself wondering what her friends were doing back in Ponyville. She even thought about Discord, and how he was fairing. 

Little did she know, the Gala she was in charge of planning, would be his undoing. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

"You are to stay here with Twilight and assist her anyway you can in preparation for the Gala, am I understood?"

Her voice boomed over his small form. She had at least 2 feet on him in her natural form. It didn't help he was in a short-bodied stallion, either. 

"Lieutenant?" she demanded. "Am I understood?"

The pale guard shook his head to regain concentration. "Yes, my Queen. Understood."

The Queen smiled, humorlessly. 

"I will be with the Council in Ponyville, surveying the pegasus's abode." Her smile dropped. "This must go perfect. I need Discord at this event as much as the foolish mare does."

"Why is that, Your Highness?" 

The Queen took in a deep breath. "Because, my  pet, as much as that mare wants his friendship, I want his heart on a silver platter. And I am willing to bet he would hand it over with no remorse, given the right reason, of course."

"I still don't understand, My Queen."

"If the Council approves of his newly-turned lifestyle, then he is free to do whatever his heart desires, while I am considered an outlaw, and must not set foot in Equestria. If we give enough persuasion, tonight, at the Gala, we will be granted everything we've ever wanted! We simply need the Council visit to go well, and that is why I must oversee it."

The lieutenant shivered under her gaze. "I understand," he bowed. "My Queen."

And like that, he was off to prepare for the evening's events. 

***

"Hello, ma'am. My name's, er...Sunbeam. Sunbeam Snow." The pale stallion gestured towards his outstretched hoof. "I'll be working the Gala's events with you today. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. The Princess talks very highly of you."

The purple mare smiled warmly at the royal guard. "Nice to meet you Sunbeam."

"And an honor to meet you, Twilight Sparkle." The guard snickered under his breath. She didn't seem to notice, however, as she quickly returned to organizing the ballroom. 

"An honor, indeed." He laughed to himself.

Courtesy of The Pony Name Generator for Sunbeam Snow. 

Greetings Viewers! I apologize for the delay, but summer has finally arrived and I've got so much planned, it may be quite some time until my next update. To keep my readers busy, I've decided to divide this chapter into parts, and create a game.

ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE GAME, LOOK HERE: (for all those not, I'll see you in the next chapter)

We've seen lots of twists and turns in this story, but now I want you to incorporate your own ideas into the plot. I'm holding an open contest for all those willing to give me any of 3 things:

1. A description of Fluttershy's dress to the gala

2. A line used by Chrysalis in the next chapter

3. A scene showing Discord and Fluttershy together before the gala, on their last "date" (I say that with emphasis as we've seen them on many occasions seemingly dating, but they see it as a friendship thing)

Enter your answers through comments or contact me directly. 

Good luck. 

Winners names will be mentioned in the appearance of each detail.