Fluttershy stepped into her cottage to find the interior had been completely redecorated. Clashing colors and patterns covered her walls and floors while absurdly-shaped furniture took up whatever room was available. Seated at what was probably meant to be a dining table was Discord.

“Hello, Fluttershy!” he said with a wave. “I didn’t know how long you’d be gone, so I thought I’d make myself comfortable while I wait. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Fluttershy said with a smile. After so many visits from Discord, she found that it was usually easier to go along with it.

“I’ll clean up after myself before I leave,” Discord quickly added.

“I know you will,” Fluttershy said patiently. Discord was still very much a “work in progress,” but she felt he’d definitely been making headway.

“You’re just in time for tea.” Discord held up a cup and smiled. “Why don’t you come join us?”

“‘Us’?” Fluttershy asked. She stepped over to the table and caught a sight that sent ice through her veins. It was a bunny that looked just like Angel.

Except his fur was a pale gray.

“D-D-Discord?” Fluttershy said, unable to take her eyes off the rabbit. It was smiling and waving to her. “What—? Who—?”

“Do you like it?” Discord asked excitedly.

“What did you do?” Fluttershy took a shaky step backwards.

“You see, I had a brilliant idea while you were out.” Discord reached over to pick up the rabbit and proudly held it out to her. “Presenting the new-and-improved and more appropriately-named Angel Bunny.”

“You…” Fluttershy’s eyes started filling with tears. “You used your magic on Angel?”

“Just a little chaotic corruption,” Discord said casually. “Completely non-invasive procedure.” Discord set the bunny back down in its seat. “I find he’s much more agreeable this way. We were just enjoying some tea together before you arrived. Isn’t that right, Angel?”

Angel nodded and smiled, holding up a cup for more tea.

“Won’t you join us, Fluttershy?” Discord asked with a smile.

“Oh, how could you?” Fluttershy flew upstairs, tears streaming behind her. She flew into her bedroom—likely the only room untouched by Discord’s magic—and slammed the door behind her.



Discord’s ear fell in shock. His eyes drifted to Angel, who seemed equally stunned.

“I—” Discord choked and swallowed hard. “I thought she’d like it. I’ve seen how the old you would treat her. You remember, don’t you?”

Angel nodded slowly.

“And now we’re not fighting anymore,” Discord continued. “Isn’t it better this way?”

Angel looked up at Discord’s mismatched eyes. His fur deepened to a darker gray right there in front of him.

Discord heaved a heavy sigh and snapped with his paw.

Angel hopped in surprise as his coat returned to its pristine white. He started squeaking angrily and waving his arms accusingly at Discord.

“Yes, yes—I get it,” Discord said. “Don’t you have something more important to do?”

Angel stopped and looked to the stairs.

---

Fluttershy was sniffling into her pillow when she felt a small weight on her mattress. She turned her bleary eyes to see Angel there with a comforting smile.

“Angel!” Fluttershy picked him up in a tight embrace. “You’re back!” She nuzzled him lovingly.

Angel returned the gesture and patiently sat through her examination to ensure that he truly was corruption-free. Once Fluttershy was convinced, she resumed hugging him and pushed open her door.

Her hallway was back to normal, as was the rest of her cottage. Fluttershy carefully flew down the stairs, keeping a protective hold of Angel as she went. She found Discord sitting on her couch and staring at the floor.

“Hello, Fluttershy,” Discord said without looking up. “I’ve been thinking about what I did.”

Angel scowled at Discord as Fluttershy set him on the ground.

“I see now that I crossed a line.” Discord finally looked up them. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy. And I’m sorry to you, too, Angel.”

Angel’s scowl diminished very slightly.

“Discord,” Fluttershy said slowly, “why did you do it?”

“Well, you liked me better after I changed,” Discord said, “so I just thought…”

“You didn’t change, Discord.” Fluttershy flew over and placed a hoof against him. “All it took was friendship to bring out the best in you. That’s all.”

Angel Bunny hopped over to let him know there were no hard feelings. Yes, Discord was still a work in progress, but together, they could help him take steps in the right direction.