//------------------------------// // Disguise for Comedy part 2 // Story: The Anthology of Detective Pipe Glass // by The Stainmore Phoenix //------------------------------// “Okay, I can't tell if it's you or a chimney sweep,” Moorland said. After lunch, Pipe had gone into one of the two bathrooms and costumed up as the Chimney Sweep. The way Moorland spoke, any pony listening in would have thought she was talking to one of her own Changelings. If they were to peek in, they would see Moorland talking to a dirty, beyond all respectable levels of working grime covered chimney sweep. The chimney sweep chuckled. “It's me,” he said. “Can I complain?” she asked. “Complain about what?” he asked. “Your ability to blend in,” she pointed out. “I studied in the theatre for years, when I was a lot younger,” he pointed out. “However, I blundered many times before finally getting to where I am today.” She chuckled. He smiled up at her. “Anyway, we better get going. We don't want to keep them waiting,” he said. She nodded and after making sure everything was taken care of, she locked the door behind them and lead the way down to the Hive. The journey under the fast fading light was peaceful. “That's beautiful,” Moorland said. Pipe smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “Just as beautiful as you,” Pipe said. She giggled as they continued onwards. The two walked along the pathway to the hive as a low mist rolled in. The way it wrapped around Moorland, it gave her a mystic, almost mythic vibe. As for Pipe, the mist made him seem like a cold, calculating mastermind. Moorland softly chuckled and the two made their way into the hive. Passing the gate, two guards in cloud patterned gold colored armor greeted them. “Ah, Princess Moorland, Master Pipe, please, come with us,” one guard said. “May I ask why, Sergeant Solar Knightmark?” Moorland asked. “Your mother has requested you two to join her for dinner,” he said. “Ah,” Moorland said. The guards said no more and lead them onto the dining room, which was nice and large. Sitting there was Marshland, with a surprise-Princess Luna. “Your Majesty,” Pipe said, bowing to Marshland. “Your Grace,” he added, bowing to Luna. Marshland gave him a dirty look. “Come now,” she said in a tested manner. “Is such a....feeble formality necessary? You, Master Pipe, are not Ms. Harshwhinney.” “I know,” he replied. “I was taught to show respect.” “True, but you know about the arrangements of our families,” she replied. “Yes, I do,” he said. “You need not bow around me,” she said. “Also, address me by name. “Your Majesty” is what all the members of the Moorlands Court use to, as the residents say, suck up to me.” Pipe chuckled. “I have no intentions to suck up,” he said. “Good,” she said. “Now, I have been discussing a proposition with Princess Luna and Princess Cadence.” “What proposition, mom?” Moorland asked. “As you know, Moorland, you can't take over the hive unless you have a king, right?” Marshland asked. “I know,” Moorland said. “But with the failed attempts at coltfriends......I'm close.....to giving up.....” “I know the feeling,” Luna replied softly. “But your dedication to Mr. Pipe Glass has been honorable. We were thinking, in agreement with his father, that both your hive and his family become one.” “Wait, you mean...marry Pipe?” Moorland said. “We have taken all into account,” Marshland said. “We wouldn't make such a decision if we thought him incapable. You have a heart of gold to match his moral compass. Also, you and him are two halves of a whole. You are just, yet sweet and loving while he is much more cold, calculating and to an extent a cynical loner.” Moorland gave a soft, tear filled smile. “Thank you mom, Luna,” She said on the back of a relieved sigh. “I share the sentiment,” Pipe added. Luna and Moorland smiled as the waiters brought out all sorts of drinks and food. Luna had a lemonade while Marshland had a Earl Gray Tea. Pipe and Moorland had Chamomile tea to drink. They talked some more about general business, before Marshland excused Pipe and Moorland. As they walked out, one of the guards walked up. “Care to come with me?” he asked. “Why?” Moorland asked. It wasn't normal for a guard to be so casual. She sensed something was up. “The Hive's prepared a little treat for you two,” he said. “This time, you need to let us show you what you mean to us.” Pipe looked over at Moorland. “Come on,” he said. “If it's something they see us as, we better investigate ourselves.” They followed the guard down to where a stage was set up. “Hmm, either it's a play or a sick practical joke,” Pipe muttered. “Just wait,” the guard said. The lights dimmed as the spotlights came on. There was a full band on stage. A Changeling stepped forward and after being enveloped in a brownish black flame, was standing as Pipe in a scientist's coat. Behind him was a 25 Changeling chorus. The real Pipe and Moorland had to look at each other and raise brows. They waited as the band began to play..... Pipe (Changeling): I was working in the lab late one night When my eyes beheld an eerie sight For my monster from his slab began to rise And suddenly to my surprise Changeling Chorus: He did the mash He did the monster mash The monster mash It was a graveyard smash He did the mash It caught on in a flash He did the mash He did the monster mash Pipe (Changeling): From my laboratory in the castle east To the master bedroom where the vampires feast The ghouls all came from their humble abodes To get a jolt from my electrodes Changeling Chorus: They did the mash They did the monster mash The monster mash It was a graveyard smash They did the mash It caught on in a flash They did the mash They did the monster mash Pipe (Changeling): The zombies were having fun The party had just begun The guests included Wolf colt Dracula and his son The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds The coffin-bangers were about to arrive With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five" Changeling Chorus: They played the mash They played the monster mash The monster mash It was a graveyard smash They played the mash It caught on in a flash They played the mash They played the monster mash Pipe (Changeling): Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring Seems he was troubled by just one thing He opened the lid and shook his fist And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist" Changeling Chorus: It's now the mash It's now the monster mash The monster mash And it's a graveyard smash It's now the mash It's caught on in a flash It's now the mash It's now the monster mash Pipe (Changeling): Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band And my monster mash is the hit of the land For you, the living, this mash was meant too When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you Changeling Chorus: Then you can mash Then you can monster mash The monster mash And do my graveyard smash Then you can mash You'll catch on in a flash Then you can mash Then you can monster mash Pipe raised a brow as the disguised Changeling returned to normal. He turned to Moorland, who was on the floor, laughing her cellophane mane off. “That fits you just perfectly!” she laughed. “A mad scientist look!” “I'm not Twilight Sparkle,” Pipe groused. “No need to suck on a lemon,” Moorland teased. Pipe just stood up and helped Moorland up. She gently hugged him and managed to soften him. As they walked out, she looked over at him. “You hate it?” she asked. He turned to her. “No,” he said. “But why so sore?” she asked. “It was my initial viewing of the performance and I had it cataloged that they thought I was some evil genius,” he pointed out. “And in my family, initial viewings are what give you the best sample of a character.” “I see,” she said. “Trust me, that wasn't their intention. I heard from mom that they actually want you to lead them.” “And why is that?” he asked. “Something about you being a fit and trusted King,” she said. He chuckled. “Somehow, I doubt it'll fly,” he said. “Skip it. Let's enjoy the party,” she replied. He nodded and the two walked out to the courtyard, where a Carnival that was only ½ a stall away from matching the Crystal Empire.