//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Can We Be Friends? // Story: Too Young To Change // by dicerollball //------------------------------// “Ginseng!” “WAH!” I shouted out in surprise as Gimmick popped right out of a bush, nabbed me, and pulled me right in, "Is this normal for ponies???" I shielded my eyes as the leaves pricked at my face. "Shut up." The unicorn placed a hoof over my snout, "Listen. Discord isn't being completely honest with us." I pushed her hoof away, "What? What do you mean by that?" "I mean his story isn't entirely true." "Is it the King Sombra voice?" I suggested, "Because to be honest his impression is really bad-" "Eh well... I'm on the fence about that one. It sounds like a lie but it could be true... But to be honest everything about how Discord talks about King Sombra is sounding like a lie- That isn't it though! It's every time he says Grogar that I'm completely certain about. His eyes close, his tail twitches, and he flexes his claw for some reason like as if he's about to snap his talons but he doesn't. He's keeping something from us about this story... which makes sense. How does he know about all this?" I considered that thought, "And where is Grogar now?" "If he were banished recently wouldn't my history lessons have covered that?" Gimmick tapped her chin in thought. “Could this mean he’s still out there? Still roaming all of Equestria today just waiting to strike?” “There is still more to this story we haven’t heard,” The unicorn chimed in after readjusting her glasses, “Maybe there’s more to this than we think. After all, if Grogar was still around wouldn’t every creature be more alert? Wouldn’t we know who he is?” I looked down at nothing, “What do you think we should do now?” “We keep listening to his stories,” Gimmick urged, “And you keep being Discord's friend. The more we know and the more he trusts us... the sooner we can uncover the truth.” "... Do you think Grogar actually brought King Sombra back like he promised?" I asked as I slowly pulled myself out of the thorny bush. "Not a chance." Gimmick hopped on out as well, "Grogar's a villain. Villains never keep their word..." After a long night my hooves automatically guided me to the place I now call home. I paused at the front steps of Panax’s rental. It was a simple two story townhouse wedged in between several others. The blue details magnificently clashed with the white paint and among the windowsills there were flowers of various kinds cascading from the earthly pots they grew in. I could hear birds singing and chimes ringing as the wind gently danced throughout the street. What a nice home, some would probably think. How peaceful and welcoming... Surely I must love coming home every day, right? Maybe. Maybe once upon a time I would’ve loved a place such as this. However as I went to unlock the door I prepared myself for what lay on the other side. I opened it with the hope that the sound of beautifully woven music would greet me. I opened it almost eagerly expecting to hear my caretaker break out into song or welcome me back with the comedic tune of a piano or flute. I opened it with the search for love and joy. What I found however was the opposite of all that. The door creaked open to reveal that on the other side there lay nothing. No music or voice to greet me. No love, hugs, or worried concerns for why I was late. No proper dinner for me to fill my starving stomach... Instead there was just silence. Absolute silence. I walked in, shut the door behind me, and allowed my magic to rest. I transformed back into my original love-sucking self and called out for the older changeling, “Panax! I’m home!” No response. Why would there be? If she were here I’d be hearing Panax playing her instrument of the day or singing out to her heart's desire as she prepared for whatever concert came tomorrow. Instead of Panax however there were empty rooms and a blue box of cinnamon rolls on the kitchen counter. On top of this box was a sticky note from my caretaker. [“Sorry I’ll be late again! Me and my friends are practicing at the studio tonight. I got you some apology cinnarolls and you have some leftovers, right? I’ll probably be back later! Love you! -Panax] I plucked up the note with my magic, crumbled it, and tossed it into the nearest trash can. Solid foods were nice, I guess, but it wasn’t as filling as love. The only reason she isn’t around me is because she doesn’t want her love being taken from me! I stuffed the cinnamon rolls in the fridge, slammed it shut, and hurriedly made my way upstairs to my bedroom. My aggravation became more evident with each step. Great Twilight! Maybe I shouldn’t have come to Canterlot. I had plenty of love in the hive but I had taken it all for granted. I thought that Panax would be enough! I thought she cared and loved me enough that her presence alone would be able to sustain my hunger. Instead I found myself in pain almost constantly. Panax left the home more often nowadays to stay away from me. I found myself alone and unloved with no creature but myself to blame. Frustrated, I shoved the door to my bedroom open. The shadows all flitted to the sides as light traveled in from the hallway behind me. Within this room was a mess of green slime and changeling goo that helped create not only foundations but cocoons as well. Within those cocoons were small animals of various kinds that I’ve managed to catch and drain previously. Frightened birds, slithering snakes, and worried squirrels. This is what my life has resorted to before Gimmick’s help. Being unable to take whoever I want I found myself instead going after woodland critters and draining them of every ounce of love they once had. I’d steal them away and keep them stashed all over my room in case I found myself starving like I did now... I could come back for “leftovers” as my caretaker Panax usually called them. It wasn’t accepted but it’s what I had to do. After choosing from my limited selection I made my way up to two cocooned squirrels and hungrily licked my lips, “Looks like you will have to do for tonight.” Leaving out the excruciating details I, in short, fed and had my fill. It wasn’t much- nor did it taste good- but my stomach wasn’t hurting anymore, at least. I threw myself on my bed and stared at the ceiling above. My thoughts began to wonder. What if this was an attempt to reform me? Was Panax planning to just starve me out and hope that somehow I would give in and take the easy route? That I would suddenly change? I could surrender my love and never go hungry again! Wouldn’t that be great..? It was a tempting thought but it also scared me as well. Everything about the metamorphosis scared me. To change into one thing and to never go back just like that? could I really just give it all up? I didn’t understand it. All I understood was the power of friendship but... If this was about friendship then why did everything feel so... wrong? So forced and so fake? Did Panax really love me? Or was she just tolerating me? Was she just trying to get rid of me? Stressed from these thoughts I allowed the silence of the musician’s home to take over. I tried to muffle my troubles as I slowly closed my eyes and allowed the comforting darkness to take hold. All I needed now was some rest. I was anxious and exhausted but all I wanted to focus on was getting some sleep. The moment I relaxed into my sheets everything around me seemed to vanish. Even then it felt like no time went by at all. Knock knock knock. My eyes blinked open at the sound of a knock. It was gentle but firm and still somehow managed to wake me. I abruptly sat up and rubbed my eyes awake. From the clock nearby I noticed it was now the afternoon. Sweet Twilight I must've been very tired. Knock knock knock. Now I knew better than just to open the door for any creature... especially with my problem. Panax was very insistent that I don't open the door for any creature no matter what. However I found myself getting curious. It wasn't everyday somepony came to our little home. Plus... I was getting hungry again. I found myself transforming back into my "reformed" state and quickly checking over myself in the mirror I had set up stuck to some slime next to the door. Once I was certain everything was in place I left my chaotic mess of a room and hurriedly made my way down the steps to the front door. Another knock rang out. Knock knock knock. I went up to it and peeked through the door's peephole. There I saw somepony I definitely didn't expect. I saw a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane all tied up in whimsical loop of some sort. I couldn't see her cutiemark but I could already guess who she was. It was one of the protectors of Equestria! Was I in trouble? Did they find me? Were they going to send me to Tartarus??? I gulped and slowly stepped away from the door. Maybe I should just go to my room and wait it out until she left? "Hellloooo~?" A familiar deep voice rang out from behind the door, "Ugh. I was sure we had the right address! This is the only recent changeling family who've moved to Canterlot!" "Maybe they're not here today?" The pegasus calmly responded back, "I'm sure they'll be back later..." "Well that's just great! And I had all this set up for when she opened the door!" The other huffed in annoyance, "What a shame..." I blinked in surprise, made my way over to the door, and opened it to reveal a draconequus on the other side. He had his back towards me and was starting to leave with his mare friend when I suddenly spoke up, "Discord?" Discord whipped his head around so fast that even an owl would flinch, "Ginseng! Hah! I told you I got the right place!" He beamed towards his friend "What're you doing here? How'd you find out where I lived? Is that- Fluttershy?" "The one and only!" Discord chirped as he happily showed off his mare friend. The element of kindness. "Pleased to meet you, Ginseng." The pegasus happily offered a hoof, "Wow. I've never seen a changeling with gemstones on their head before... That's so unique!" I shyly shook her hoof, "Oh- yeah. Really weird, huh? I know, but it's just how I turned out!" I chuckled and pulled my hoof back to touch the gemstones circling my horn, "Isn't it neat?" The draconequus laughed, "Ahahah! It's definitely different! You see, this is why I have a good feeling about her! She's already an oddity among oddities!" Fluttershy giggled into her hoof, "Is it okay if we come inside?" As she spoke I had to stop my mouth from watering. I had only just met Fluttershy but I could sense the love coming off of her. She cares even without knowing me. It was very tempting but I had to refrain, "O-Oh um... I guess not. Just don't go into my room, okay? It's a mess and I didn't really expect any creature today." "Thank you!" The older pony quietly walked into the home and took it all in, "Wow. This is a very nice place you have here! It's full of instruments... Do you play?" "No, my caretaker does." I explain as I flutter up next to the other, "She's out right now practicing for a concert. Maybe." "Maybe?" The yellow pegasus quietly asked with a look of concern. Discord popped in besides us with a brown and green box in his hands, "Well I'm sure your caretaker wouldn't mind if we all had a little get-together for a tea party now would they? Here! I even got Ginsing tea! It's tea... but it sings!" He opened the box to reveal several packets of ginseng with mouths singing a merry tune. 🎶 "La la la la! Lalalalala la! La la la la! Lalalalala la!" 🎶 I couldn't help but laugh out at this, "Ginseng tea, huh?" Fluttershy grinned, "Oh it was one of our favorite teas to drink back then!" "I think it's only fair that Ginseng takes the first cup!" Discord chuckled as he scooped one of the packets up and playfully tickled it with a paw. This effectively made it go off into hysterical laughter until tears fell from its non-existent eyeballs. What surprised me was that the packet's tears were made entirely of burning hot tea. I could even see the steam rising from each droplet! Fluttershy soon flew over with a cup in hoof and raised it underneath the laughing teabag. A whole river of joyful tears fell into the mug before the pegasus handed it over to me. "Careful, it's hot." She beamed at me. "Wow... Thanks! But I still want to know how you found my address." I quietly blew at the cup in an attempt to cool it down. Surprisingly it had completely frozen over and transformed itself into a solid block of ice, "Huh?" I turned the mug upside down and shook it. Nothing fell out. "Oh I should've told you, chaotic magic can be unpredictably predictable with others sometimes. Which is my next lesson actually, but that'll be important later! For now, let me answer your questions little one! You see, Twilight, Fluttershy, and the rest of her friends all have access to the archives of everything that goes on in Canterlot! That includes who moves in and who moves out!" He snapped his fingers to reveal a scene of Fluttershy and himself in some narrow room full of cabinets and papers. Discord was frantically looking through it all while Fluttershy calmly picked one paper up after another. It wasn't long before she perked up with a smile and showed off a document she found to her draconequus friend. "When we were finally able to find information of the recent arrivals, one being a changeling family of two, I just had to see if I had found my little student! Now I can come visit all the time!" He snapped his fingers and the image soon vanished. I blinked at this, "Hah... That's not concerning at all. This isn't a breach of privacy, is it?" "Oh don't worry! We won't tell any other creature of your home! It'll be our little secret!" Discord assured. "I'm really sorry for coming in like this without writing first," Fluttershy sheepishly apologized, "It's just Discord spoke fondly of you and when I said I wanted to meet he did everything he could to find you again. Even went to the statue in hope that you and your other friend Little Gimmick would be there." I stiffened at this, "I thought you said you wouldn't tell anypony our names..." "Oh! No! Just Princess Twilight! Don't worry, Fluttershy is a dear friend of mine. She won't tell a single soul about your little... misdemeanor. But your troublemaking past isn't the reason why I brought her here! Nope! This is going to be part of your chaos lesson!" He plucked up my mug and sat it down on the round dinner table which he happily spun. After it came to a stop I looked down to see that he had melted away the ice and converted it back to it's original hot state. I looked up at Discord, "Chaos lesson?" "Yeup! A tutoring session full of fun and magnificent uncontrollable magic! That- I'm afraid- must be approved and overseen by the elements of harmony. Hence why my friend Fluttershy is with us here today." The draconequus gracefully gestured to the yellow pegasus. "And why I suggested we make this a tea party! There's always never a dull moment in tea parties." She smiled towards me, "We have most of the food and beverages. All we need now is a place to set up. Will this table do?" I narrowed my eyes at the table and tapped my chin in thought, "For this party? No way. Lets go outside in the backyard gardens instead!" I suggested before going up to my fridge. I carried out a blue box of cinnamon rolls and happily showed them off, "Here! I have this to go with it as well." "Awww how perfect!" Fluttershy cooed. "Oh! That's just so delightfully sweet of you Ginseng! Are you sure you didn't expect us~?" Discord hummed playfully as he snaked his way over to the box. "Hah, definitely didn't. It's just a.... happy coincidence." I almost grit my teeth as I made my way to the back door with the box and mug in my magical hold, "Well, what're we waiting for? Let me show you around!" The trio walked out onto a balcony that lead to a small fenced-up garden. Despite being in such a tiny space there was clearly a lot of care and love put into it. A stone path curled towards the center where a round circle made of rock with brick-like patterns currently sat. Surrounding this center was lush green grass, bountiful flowers of different colors, one standing oak tree, and a corner full of tended-to produce like tomatoes or carrots. Fluttershy happily trotted down the stone path, "Oh my! Did you do all this Ginseng?" "Nah not really," I admitted, "It was like this when we moved in. It's a rental, after all... but Panax is usually the one who tends to it and keeps it pretty and stuff! We don't really have much use for the produce but she still helps grow it. Maybe we could sell them someday?" I shrugged as I walked up besides the older mare. POOF! Discord appeared with a swirling round table and his flying singing tea packets circling the very center of this garden, "Well I think this is just perfect! We could practice all we want back here!" I placed my mug on the table even as it started to spin and hop. Surprisingly, the contents stayed on top despite the abrupt and jerky movements, "You're actually going to teach me chaos magic??" I beamed up at the chaos lord. "Wellllllll~ if allowed of course." He smiled to his mare friend nearby. I gave Fluttershy a pleading look before turning my attention back to my teacher, "So where do we start??" "Ohoho! Patience young one! Let's start... with a tea party!" Discord snapped his talons and summoned a white and blue tablecloth to place over the spinning table before lowering it back onto the ground. Several platters, saucers, a teapot, and other such needed items appeared along the cloth. However I was confused to find my cup still underneath the tablecloth with its form poking right out of it. "First, before we start anything too serious, we need to know if you're even capable of it. To use chaos the user must have the best body and mind for it~ But in this case we're starting small so all you have to focus on right now is this: Comedy and stageplay!" "Comedy and stageplay?" I blinked at this. "Yes! There's something about my magic that makes it unlimited! As in it's not only connected to me, you see. Any creature outside of it could interact with any chaotic magic I summon! That is if you can make it work! Look at what you got that's made entirely of chaos and just... mess with it!" He took hold of his eyeballs and pulled them out to make them spring off his face like as if he were wearing one of those silly glasses you get at clown parties as a childish souvenir, "It doesn't have to make sense but it has to be with what you have! Play with the environment and create something! Anything! One time Fluttershy made a staircase to nothing using a clock, an end table, a chair, and a rug. It's inspiring! So be creative! Show me what you got, kid!" He pushed his eyes back into place and grinned hopefully at me. I looked back down at the table before me and tapped my chin in thought, "So I can do anything that comes to mind with all this you summoned and it can... happen?" A smile quirked at the edge of my lips. "Precisely! Though I understand if you have trouble figuring out how to-" Before Discord could finish I was already in action. My first thought was to get my cup of tea back. Sure there were several easy ways to do this but I had a better idea. I just grabbed the tablecloth with my hooves, spun the table, and pulled as fast as I could. Everything went twirling around in a blur. The items jumped as if they were about to go soaring into the sky but as I dropped the sheet I'd find that everything landed right where they were a moment ago. From there I was able to find my mug and happily take a sip from it, "How was that?" I cheerfully asked. Fluttershy cheerfully clapped her hooves together in encouragement. "Ooh! Impressive! But there's still a lot more you could do, young nymph!" The draconequus chuckled. "There is?" I blinked before turning my attention to every available chaotic item in my vicinity. Then, with another spirited smirk I chugged down the rest of my tea and hopped up onto the table. The items scattered and began to hover around me as I gestured for the ginsing tea to join my side. Then with the now empty cup I placed it over my head and began to tap my hooves against saucers and plates. I guided forks and spoons to continuously beat against anything they could. The table, each other, the tea pot or the sugar cubes! Anything worked, really. 🎶 🎶 🎶 Discord seemed to perk up at this and smiled with glee. He couldn't resist and snapped his fingers. The instruments within the house then burst out through the windows and doorway. I could see the piano sticking out of the home like a playful dog while its keys danced across its face. All the horns blared out from the windows like excited foals yelling out into the heavens as the music continued. I eagerly tapped my hooves against the table and readied myself. It was time to sing~! 🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺 🎷🎷🎷🎷 🎹 🎵A-tisket a-tasket A brown and yellow basket I send a letter to my carer On the way I dropped it🎵 Spotting the cinnamon rolls I plucked them right up and flew off the table. With the box in hoof I began to playfully circle around Fluttershy. 🎵I dropped it I dropped it Yes on the way I dropped it🎵 I placed the box on top of Fluttershy's head. She giggled and gently took the thing of rolls in her hooves. 🎵A little filly picked it up and put it in her pocket!🎵 A cinnamon roll from the box came rolling right out with the help of my magic taking hold and with it I hovered right back over to the table. 🎵She was trucking on down the avenue! With not a single thing to do! She went-🎵 I suddenly transformed into a bird and began to peck at the cinnamon roll as I sang, 🎵a-peck pecking all around~ When she spied it on the ground🎵 Suddenly I shifted back into my colorful changeling self and threw myself face-to-face with Discord as the partly-eaten cinnamon roll hovered beside me. 🎵She took it She took it My little yellow basket🎵 I hand Discord the cinnamon roll and turned back to the tablecloth I had left on the ground. 🎵And if she doesn't bring it back I think that I will cry!🎵 I plucked up the cloth and swung it around. It blew against the wind as I draped it over myself and spun about in its fabric. Then, with a hop, I bounced right on out of this flurry of white and blue and went back to Fluttershy. I joyfully circled her until the fabric all came together and transformed... A dress! A chaotically swirly dress that beautifully came together along with the blue box of cinnamon rolls. She looked up in surprise and couldn't help but bashfully giggle, "Oh my!" With a quick wink I went and trotted back on over to the center of the garden. 🎵A-tisket A-tasket I lost my yellow basket And if that filly don't return it  Don't know what I'll do!🎵 I bounced right back on top of the table and gestured to the ginsing packets with my butterfly-like wings. 🎵Oh gee~ I wonder where my basket could be!🎵 🎶 So do we! So do we! So do we! So do we! So do we! 🎶 The tea bags happily chimed in behind me. 🎺🎺🎺 "Oh dear~ I wish that little foal I could see! 🎶 So do we! So do we! So do we! So do we! So do we! 🎶 I raised my hooves above my head and then suddenly made a reach for my mug and a nearby plate. 🎵Oh why was I so careless with that basket of mine?🎵 Smushing the plate and mug together I created a makeshift hat to tip over my head all the while spinning in a circle. This made the other dishes around me start chaotically spiraling around my dance. 🎵That itty bitty basket was a joy of mine!🎵 With each abrupt pause in the song I playfully posed. 🎵Tisket!🎵 🎵Tasket!🎵 🎵Lost my yellow basket~!🎵 I then took off the plate and mug hat and swung it behind me. 🎵Won't someone help me find my basket? Make me happy again, again?🎵 🎶 Was it green? 🎶 🎵No no no no!🎵 🎶 Was it red? 🎶 🎵No no no no!🎵 🎶 Was it blue? 🎶 🎵NO no no no~!🎵 🎵Just a little yellow basket!🎵 Fluttershy and Discord were ecstatically dancing on either end of the table as the trumpets boomed and the dishes banged on. Excitement fluttered in my chest as a new feeling encompassed me. I felt so much joy that I've never experienced before. It was a thrill! Though the song was about to end. So with a shining smirk and a new confidence I haven't felt in a while I ended it all once the music abruptly stopped to collect up once again as I sang. 🎵A little yellow basket!!🎵 Then it all went quiet... CLAP CLAP CLAP! "That was BRILLIANT!!" I looked over to see Discord clapping as loud as he could with a mouthful of the cinnamon treat he just ate. His mare friend quickly joined him and looked on at me with pride. "What did I say Fluttershy?? Isn't she..." SNIFF! "So perfect?" The draconequus took his wing and blew into it like a tissue. "Aw Discord..!" I giggled and set my hoof over my chest. What was this... feeling? "That was beautiful, Ginseng." Fluttershy chirped as she walked up to me, "I think this was one successful tea party... even if we haven't started drinking any tea yet." "That was amazing!" Discord went on to say, "You used more than just things I summoned! You used the cinnamon rolls, the mug, and even your own magic! Though I will admit, maybe I did pull some strings~" The draconequus chuckled as several curious instruments from the house suddenly perked up and slowly inched their way back inside. Probably to go back to their original positions. "And I like what you did with the tablecloth! The dress is so pretty!" The yellow pegasus spun around to show off the outfit I had managed to create. "Yeah well, I wanted to do something with that tablecloth! At first I was thinking of putting it on myself but... hah. I don't like dresses that much, honestly." I smiled sheepishly over at the pony, "I'm glad you like it!" "I love it! Thank you so much!" "Sooo~!" Discord slid on over to Fluttershy with a ditsy little grin, "What do you think? Is she alright to use some of my... magic?" "Hmm..." Fluttershy tapped her chin in thought, "How about this? We enjoy our tea party together, I learn a bit more about Ginseng, and then later I can talk to Twilight and the others about this. I'll see what they have to say. But in all honesty, you have my vote. I think you would do great things with magic like this, Ginseng. You definitely seem to fit most of the qualifications of a chaos user." "Not ALL of them though young lady! You still have a way to go!" The draconequus booped my snout with his paw. I chuckled and rubbed my nose, "That sounds good. I'd like to get to know you too!" "Great! Then we can- ooh..." Fluttershy seemed to wobble for a moment, "Oh I feel... tired." "Ah, are you alright Fluttershy?" Discord asked with a hint of worry in his voice as he made his way over to his friend. "Mm... Don't worry, it's fine. I think I'm just a little exhausted from all the excitement today. Lets just enjoy our tea party, okay?" I gave Fluttershy a concerned look and had to halt myself from licking my own teeth, "Sure... If you're okay with that." From there we tried to continue, we really did. We each got a poured cup of ginsing tea with sandwiches and cinnamon rolls to the side. As I filled my uncaring stomach however the food only reminded me of how hungry I really was. I looked to Fluttershy who always seemed to radiate this unconditional love for both me and Discord. I tried not to... I really did... but sometimes I can't control what my magic does to creatures. I could just be sitting next to somepony and my changeling magic would slowly drain their love without them noticing. I couldn't resist this meal. As Fluttershy tried to converse with me she would start feeling more light headed. Aches appeared out of nowhere and she started to get more faint. She placed a hoof over her forehead and groaned, "Ugh... I'm sorry but- I'm not feeling too good right now..." I set down my cup, "Fluttershy..?" "Oh my dear you're definitely not looking too hot right now. Maybe you should take a break." Discord sighed as he patted the top of her head, "I can take you home if you want. Then you can rest your little head for as long as you need to!" "Hmm... That'd be nice..." She drowsily leaned against Discord's paw, "I'm sorry for having to cut this short... I'm just afraid that I might faint any second now. Huh... it doesn't usually come this fast though." My eyes blinked. What? Was this normal? I mean It's great that there was an excuse for why she felt faint but... I didn't like that excuse. Discord sighed, "Alright. Let's take you home. Sorry Ginseng, I'll be back in a moment but I'm afraid this is the end of our session today." "Oh no it's fine! Don't worry. Your friend needs her rest, I completely understand." I assured before giving Fluttershy a glance, "It was nice meeting you." "You too..." The pegasus smiled before curling up in her friend's arms. The draconequus cradled the older mare in his arms before vanishing in a flash of white light. The table and tea set disappeared along with him. The only thing that didn't follow behind was a blue box now mostly empty. I sat there staring at the spot they were both at. Guilt clawed at me but at the same time... I felt a little relieved. Relieved that they finally left. I don't know why. I was having so much fun, wasn't I? I had two visitors who loved and cared about me. Shouldn't I have wished they stayed a bit longer? Maybe it was Gimmick's plan that was getting to me again. I'm not sure. However I was starting to see that she was right. I could adapt to any situation put in front of me. Even a test to see if I was a chaotic enough to hold chaos magic. Honestly I wasn't sure if I could handle it. I wasn't too confident about that, really... but the idea of being Discord's personal student? That was a chance I couldn't let go. I had to get him to like me. Then the elements of harmony could like me... Then I could get away with anything! Could I keep my true self a secret though..? Could I hide it forever? Again, I wasn't too sure. With a sigh I plucked up the blue box with my magic and headed back inside. I went into the kitchen and quietly stuffed the cinnamon rolls back into the fridge. I was just thinking about letting go the disguise when Discord popped up once again, "Ah!" "Oh- sorry! Did I scare you~?" The draconequus sadly chuckled before visibly deflating, "Well... Today was fun, little one. You definitely impressed me, and Fluttershy too! But I'm afraid that with old age things tend to be... more difficult than usual. Heh." He uncomfortably glanced to the side. I regarded the draconequus and walked up to him, "Are you alright?" "Huh? Why're you asking me that?" Discord guffawed, "Of COURSE I'm alright! I'm the Lord of Chaos! Nothing's wrong with me. I got unlimited power! I can do anything! Hah... Hahah..." He soon grew quiet... "... You don't seem alright." I pointed out, "Is this about Fluttershy?" "Well- it's- I just..." The draconequus sighed, "She was my first friend, Ginseng. The one who showed me there was more to Equestria than just chocolate rain or soap roads. But I'm afraid she's... not well." He shook his head. I placed a hoof on his paw, "Discord? Can I ask a question?" "Hm? What is it?" "Why do you want a student, all of a sudden? Why do you want another chaos user?" He stared down at me with wide eyes, "Well... It might get boring sometimes, you know? Being the only one and all... and- you reminded me a lot of me when I was younger so I just thought- you know- I could take what I learned from Fluttershy and pass it down to little ones like... yourself. Little ones who are still growing." Discord then contemplated something before speaking again, "And plus maybe then I wouldn't be so... lonely afterwards." "Afterwards." I found myself repeating, "I think I get it... I understand. I'm sorry, this must be really hard for you but I can tell you're a great friend to her. You make her smile. Keep doing that okay Discord? Keep making her happy. From the sounds of it, she deserves it." "Heh." Discord chuckled, "You know kid, I think I'm really going to like you. I'm glad to call you my friend." He happily patted the top of my head. "Friend?" I perked at this, "I'm your... friend?" "Yeup! I hereby decree from this day forward that you, Ginseng, from here on out will forever be my friend!" He plucked me up and pulled me into a hug, "Isn't that just great? Friends with the Lord of Chaos himself!" I laughed and pulled away, "Just you wait! Soon I'll be a chaos lord too!" "Ohohoho~! Really? You still have a journey and a half to make before you can get there I'm afraid! I still need to know if changelings are even capable of such an ability. It's one thing for a mass of pure energy to take such power... but a bug-like creature? We're going to have to wait and see, I'm afraid!" "Then I'll wait as long as possible." I insisted while holding my head high. "Well it definitely seems like you will have to for now! Until then, Ginseng! Thanks for the exciting performance you made earlier! Now I must be off! I have a Fluttershy to tend to!" I nodded and waved goodbye, "Alright! Seeya Discord! Bye!" "So long my newly made friend~!" And just like that, Discord disappeared once again. I stared at the spot he was standing in. Again, the guilt crept over me but this time it was worst than before. I let out a shaky breath before turning away. A green glow washed over my body as my blue equine pelt transformed back into a darker color. I didn't... I didn't deserve this. This all felt wrong. I managed to get to the next step of the plan. Could I keep doing this..? Could I keep playing this act? Was it an act? I had so much fun. Especially during my lesson! I... I enjoyed all this. Could I maybe... Could I maybe change, too? Just as I was contemplating these life-changing thoughts however I suddenly heard a click from the front door. I perked up in surprise as it swung open to reveal a light green changeling on the other side. Panax! A strange sense of comfort washed over me the moment she came through the door, "Panax..! Hi!" Panax looked up at me with round reddish eyes and spoke in a bug-like voice, "Ginseng?" She dropped a bag she was carrying and looked down at me in confused concern as I bounded right up to her. "I've been wondering where you went! A lot just happened, I have so much to tell you and-" "Ginseng? What're you still doing here?" "Huh?" I blinked in stunned confusion. "I uh... half didn't expect to see you today. At all." Panax glanced to the side with discomfort. The delighted feelings from before during Discord and Fluttershy's visit melted away faster than expected as I stared up at my caretaker with a blank expression, "Oh. You weren't? Right... Hah. I was just leaving, actually." "Oh, is that so?" "Yeah. I got friends and... stuff... to learn from. Get myself reformed and- you know. Woo." I forced a grin and quietly transformed back into my metamorphosis, "See? Getting ready to go out now. Hahah... To become... you! Hah." "Well... Um..." Panax shifted to the side and went to walk by me, "I guess I'll see you around then?" "Yeah. Sure." I grumbled out with fake glee, "See you... Panax..." The changeling came to a stop and turned to me as I went to leave. She bit her lip and spoke, "Hey- um. Are you hungry at all? I could feed you real quick if you need me to." I came to a pause and considered this thought, "...Oh, no, it's fine." I grunted without turning towards her, "I'm good. Maybe this is a sign that I'm almost as reformed as you are. Hah. Thanks anyways." "Oh... No problem." My caretaker gave me a shaky smile before heading into the kitchen. I stared at the door in front of me with my eyes narrowed. I didn't really have anywhere to go today... not at all... but anywhere was better than this. Better than her. So I took step outside and quietly left the musician's home behind me. She didn't need me. She didn't want me. Panax despised me... She might care and love me but she also didn't want to be around me. Maybe I wouldn't have cared if it didn't hurt so much. What's worst about all this? I can't blame her. I did this. I did this to her and I did this to myself! I'm the one at fault here. I'm the one to blame. Maybe I could try to figure out what went wrong with me... Or maybe I could try and find Gimmick again instead.