Too Young To Change

by dicerollball

Chapter 3: Lost Her Way

I swiftly ran through the streets of Canterlot. My blue hooves continuously tapped against the pavement beneath me as I set my focus for the royal gardens. I had already checked the park and... while I did spot some of the materials Discord had promised last night being loaded up by a tree I found no sign of Gimmick. After searching high and low I made the decision to go straight for the statue. I passed ponies and creatures of various kinds without a care. I even nearly knocked a young hippogriff off their claws! Someone yelled after me but I was still running. It wasn't even that serious but... I didn't feel good. I really didn't feel good right about now. For some reason I wanted to find a place where no one else could find me. I wanted to get away from every creature as fast as possible.

So I threw myself into the gardens. The guards I passed looked up in surprise but I was already too far away for them to question immediately. I let my hooves guide me to the very spot me and Gimmick would usually go when finally I made it. My pace began to slow down as I looked up in surprise to see the very filly I was looking for.
"Gimmick..?"

Gimmick sat at the base of the statue with a book on one side of her and a notepad on the other. She looked exhausted.
"Oh... hey Ginny." The unicorn waved towards me with a hoof, "I was wondering when you'd come around. I didn't get any sleep."

"You didn't?" I raised a brow and made my way over to her side.

"Nope. I was just thinking... Discord said they were conscious, right?"

"Yeah. He did..."

"Wow! That's... That's really messed up." The filly took off her glasses and tiredly rubbed her eyes.

I shifted next to her, "Are you alright?" I quietly asked.

"Are you alright?" Gimmick turned the question back on me, "You're holding something back."

"How would you know?" My wings buzzed behind me.

The unicorn looked at me with a stare, "The way you ran in here. The way you look now. Oh... and the way you got your metamorphosis wrong." She casually tapped at my forehead.

I perked up in surprise and felt around my horn. The gemstones! I had completely forgot about them on my way out! "Oh sweet Twilight-!" I yelped before quickly adding the missing gemstones to my disguise.
I sat there in disturbed shock as I stared at the ground in front of me. A silence seemed to come over the both of us...
Then, I finally seemed to give in to my troubles.
A whimper escaped me as I lowered my head towards Gimmick.

“Shhh... it’s alright.” She gently patted my shoulder, “Let it all out.”

Held back tears fell down my cheeks and blurred my vision. I tried to hide it but Gimmick had already seen and now watched me with an expectant gaze. It was then that I decided to spill, “It’s my fault no changeling likes me,” I began, “It’s my fault that I can’t change. That I can’t be like them. I want them to like me... but what is there to like? I was having such a good day in my disguise that I forgot. I forgot how others would react to my true self.”
A familiar green glow wrapped around my body. It started from my tail and made its way across my face as my eyes locked on the green grass beneath me. Gimmick hardly gave the transformation much of a reaction this time around. Of course she wouldn’t. She was completely used to it by now.

With a serious gaze the other provided some consideration, "Sometimes... Friendship isn't enough. Sometimes things are more complicated than how every creature thinks they are. Even the princess herself. Don't you see that, Ginseng? All they want you to do is change. Well how can we change what we are? Who we are? How do they expect us just to forget everything that's happened?" Gimmick allowed me to sit down next to her, "It's not fair that they're all pushing you to do something you're not comfortable with."

"But maybe I should..." I began, "I don't feel good. Everything hurts. I could make it all stop hurting whenever I want. I could make them all like me again."

"And do what? Prove them right? Prove to them that your old self can just be forgotten and change how you are? Entirely? You don't want to give love out freely, do you?"

I glanced up at the orange filly and shook my head, "No. I don't. I don't trust anyone with it. It's... It's not something that should be thrown around all willy nilly! It's... serious. It's serious to me. I don't want to give it all away because... what if someone takes advantage of that? What if I can't get it back?"

"I say you should trust your gut on that one." Gimmick huffed with certainty, "Forget about the other changelings and their reformation. Just stick with me. Together, and maybe with some other friends, we could change everything. We can make the world better for those like me and you."

"Really?"

"Really."

I wiped my tears dry and looked about the garden, "... What about for those like them?" I asked as I gestured to the statue behind us.

"Hm. If we want." The filly smiled at me before relaxing against the statue's base once again, "I actually do have a plan for them though it's going to take a lot of work... and a lot of traveling."

"Oh? What's the plan?" I curiously asked with my ears now perking with interest.

Gimmick yawned in response, "I'll tell you some other time..."

I blinked at this and narrowed my eyes, "Okay... Now how about you tell me what's wrong?"

"Huh?" The unicorn sat up at my accusatory tone.

"Instead of getting some sleep, which would be the smart thing to do, you didn't. You stayed here by the these three instead of getting some rest! Why? What're you stressing out over?" My tongue lashed out as I hissed in her direction.

"Stressing out over??" Gimmick gawked at this, "I'm not- I mean- Listen! It's just... I've been trying to gather... stories... lately. Lessons. Friendship lessons. And I'm just- I don't know how I feel about this." She admitted as she rubbed a tired eye.

"About what?"

"This! About Princess Twilight and Lord Discord and friendship! Why does Starlight Glimmer get to be spared from punishment but Cozy Glow didn't??? That filly was sent to Tartarus and then turned to stone! This old mare name Starlight? She became a principle! Of a friendship school!" The pony turned and slammed her hoof against the statue, "It completely unravels their message for friendship. This statue? It destroys everything. Nopony else seems to realize it but I do. I look at it and I see that they gave up. They saw an issue and instead of properly fixing it they gave up on it. Whose to say that they wouldn't give up on us too..?"

I looked up in surprise to see tears starting to fall from Gimmick's cheeks, "Gimmick?" The filly's ear twitched towards me, "... There's something more to this, isn't there? This isn't just about the statue."

"..." Gimmick silently lowered her head.

"What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it..." The filly muttered, "I really don't."

"... Okay. You don't have to." I patted the other's shoulder, "I think you need some rest."

"I don't want to go home..."

I sighed, "Well we don't really have a guest room at my place..."

"Then I'm staying here by these three." She angrily grumbled as she laid down in the grass.

"Gimmick..."

"If they were here they'd understand me." Gimmick went on to say, "I could be more than this. More than just some unicorn. At least you have something interesting about yourself. I don't. You could probably do a lot more than I ever could... but what I want is to be above it all so no pony or creature could hurt me ever again! Isn't that what you want too Ginseng? To make sure no creature ever hurts you either?"

I blinked at this and hesitated to answer. What a strange question to ask me after everything today. It almost felt... wrong. Even then I just let out a sigh and joined her on the grassy floor, "I just don't want to be taken advantage of."

Gimmick considered me with a meaningful gaze, "... There's more to you too, isn't there? Something happened to you that made you this way."

"And from the sounds of it, something happened to you too." I tilted my head towards my accomplice.

"Hm. Looks like we're more alike than we thought, huh?"

"I guess so." I grunted as I lowered my head in my holey hooves.

Despite us not clarifying it to each other we both seemed to come to this silent agreement. Something happened to us but... we both didn't want to share it. Gimmick kept her story to herself and I kept mine. Whether we share it to one another or not was yet to be known. For now however, we just sat there in the hum of the afternoon. My partner finally decided to get some sleep as I hushedly kept watch by the statue. Not a lot of creatures usually come or go in this area of the gardens but I continued to remain alert.
I stayed by Gimmick’s side for several hours before the sky above us started to become darker. Once it did I nudged my little accomplice awake. After transforming back into my metamorphosis we left the gardens together and headed down the streets of Canterlot. When it was time to go our separate ways we only gave one another a tired nod of understanding before leaving for our place of residence.

Another day came along where instead of a story Discord opted to help build our tree house at the park. We got to work, and I won’t lie, I was having some fun with it. While Gimmick seemed rather irritated and visibly annoyed I was playing a game alongside with Discord. We raced to find who could produce the most music through nailing down the most planks.
Though we had a planned blueprint I would always try to add something new every once in a while. I wanted a napping area full of cushions, a study area for Gimmick, and a place to have tea parties and lunch for future chaotic visits. With my new list of wants there was now a lot more we had to deal with. In the end we were unable to finish everything. The sun went down as the small club house stood half finished under the dark black sky.

The next day Discord met us by the statue and told us a story of how the three villains tried to collect Grogar’s bell from the top of a dangerous peak called Mount Everhoof. He doesn’t know all the finer details but the three definitely managed to work together during their endeavor. Sadly they all came back empty-handed and Grogar was left displeased. However this was not entirely the case. What Grogar didn’t know was that the villains had lied to him and actually had the bell in their possession. It seems his plan to make them work together went better than he originally thought. Sadly that very plan might just be the emperor’s downfall.

“And then what? What happened next?” Gimmick hurriedly asked.

“Now that... that is a story for another time little ones. It’s a lengthy one so you both better prepare yourselves because it’s going to be a doozy!” Discord laughed as he twirled and twisted in the air.

“But the day isn’t even over yet!” The unicorn whined, “That story took only twenty minutes!”

I gave Discord a glance and spotted his knowing smirk, “Oh well.” I shrugged, “Looks like we gotta wait another day. I’ll see you later Gimmick!”

The filly blinked, “And where are you going?”

“Home!” I called as I made my way towards the garden exit leaving a confused filly behind me. I can already tell even from far away that she was having difficulty telling whether I was lying or not.
Well, I wasn’t entirely lying. I did make my way home but I did so eagerly. I couldn’t wait for today’s chaos lesson and I couldn’t wait to meet the next elemental bearer. If they all carried as much love as Fluttershy then I no longer have to rely on Panax’s anymore! A horrible thought but something I could look forward to.

However as I unlocked the door and hurried into the once silent home I was surprised to find a familiar song greeting me on the other side. One I didn’t expect to hear at all today.

“Panax?” I gasped in surprise.

“That’s me!” The green changeling at the piano beamed as she played away to her heart’s content. The melody reminded me of carnival music that was refined to be more modern and upbeat. It was a tune I recognized when I was younger but one I thought she long forgotten.

“Panax..?” I began as I made my way up to the piano.

“Hah, that surprised to see me?” She’d ask before turning her attention back to the piano.

“Panax...” I stare at my caretaker with uncertainty.

“Geez kid you’re sounding like a broken record! Come on, sing with me!”

“Panax!” I shouted as loud as I could.

“Ah-! Wha??” With Panax’s flow interrupted her hooves stumbled in on themselves to create a symphony of broken notes and harsh noises. She sat up straight and turned towards me, “Aw Ginseng what’s wrong? You usually love the welcome song!”

“Well it’s just-“ I hesitated and turned towards the front door, “.... I didn’t expect to see you today. At all.”

Panax seemed to tense at those words. The same words she said to me a while back. Ah awkward memories... “Oh. Oh... uh... Wow. I um. I’ve been thinking, is all, that I should um... talk to you more. I haven’t really been around too often and-“

“Yeah. Because you’re always too busy.” I growled.

“Well of course I am! Every creature in Canterlot wants to hear my music. I have to go out and perform for them. For us! So I can get more bits for us to stay here.”

“You could practice here too but you always insist on going out with your friends instead!” I argued, “All you talk about is your job! Your music, your talent, you you you! I’m done talking about you!”
I turned away but still stayed in the living room. Despite my anger there was still something keeping me there. Something that attracted me to this spot in the first place...

“Ginseng...” Panax sighed as she walked up to me, “You know I love you, don’t you? Can’t you sense it? I have a lot to give because I care about you. I care about what happens to you, I do... but it’s just...” She turned her head away.

I glanced back at her, “Just what?” I questioned, fearing what she was going to say.

“... I stay away from you because your hunger hinders me, Ginseng. You’re taking more than giving.”
No...
“And I know I shouldn’t but I was hoping that if you go out and look for friends instead of depend on me, you would learn to give love too. You would learn what it means to share it with others...”
No this can’t be real.
“I mean... you definitely don’t share any with me.”
It’s my fault.

I barely processed anything Panax had said. My mind was whirling and my vision was starting to blur. Was I crying..? Why was I crying?

“Oh Ginseng...” Panax sighed and made her way up to me. She reached out but visibly flinched away. There was clear hesitation in her eyes. She treated me like a ticking time-bomb about to go off. Like a scared wild animal trapped in a corner. She didn’t see me as another changeling... she saw me as how a pony would. A monster. I was a monster in her eyes.
Even then she took me and pulled me into a hug, “Ginseng... I’m sorry I left you alone like that. I thought you were making friends and sharing your love but... it looks like your wings haven’t even changed yet.”

I suddenly stiffened at this, “You were planning to starve me, weren’t you..?”

“Ginseng-“

“You were hoping I would starve!” I pushed Panax away, “That I would run out of leftovers and give in to you! To your reformation! This- you-“

“Ginseng please,” Panax begged, “Please calm down.”

“I can’t believe this...”

“I did what I thought would help!” My caretaker insisted.

“You hate me!” I hissed.

“No! Don’t be ridiculous, you know I love you!” She argued, “You know I’m doing what I can for you!”

“Well maybe after this you won’t.” I growled as I stalked closer to the older changeling.

“Ginseng...?” Panax gaped in shock as I transformed back into my real form, “Ginseng what’re you doing?” She began to slowly take several steps back as I got closer.

“I’m hungry,” I go on to say, “And your love is the perfect meal for a changeling like me.” Then before my caretaker could retaliate I had already took hold of the other. I opened my jaws and did not hesitate to drain her of her love. A pink trail of flowing magic spewed from her chest only to be ravenously eaten by a starving youngling like myself. I sucked it all up and happily licked my jaw as Panax collapsed onto the floor beneath my hooves. I sighed in content and quietly glared down at the struggling changeling.

She heaved and tried to sit up, “Ginseng...”

“What?” I questioned with a hiss.

Panax stared at me with wide red eyes full of distressed sorrow. Then, she pulled herself up and slowly went to grab her bags, “I’m going out.” She muttered in a hoarse voice, “I don’t know when I’ll be back. Take care of yourself, okay?”

I growled in response before turning away. Panax didn’t even look at me as she made her leave. Once the door shut I found myself alone once again. The silence of the house that I found to be a welcoming thought was now more unbearable than before.
I quietly turned my attention towards a mirror nearby and made my way over to it. There it was. A dark version of every other changeling around me. An evil bug-like creature with a lashing tongue, blank blue eyes, and sharp fangs. A part of me despised it... and another part of me knew what it was. It was me.
I couldn't change me.
As I stared at my reflection in contemplation I heard a knock at the door.

"GINSENG!" A muffled but booming voice rang out, "GINSEEEEEENGG!"

I let out a frustrated sigh and transformed back into my metamorphosis. I double checked to make sure I had all three gemstones on my forehead before calling out to my visitors, "COMING!"
All I could do now was look for distractions and hope that this chaos lesson would help me forget all the damage I just caused. Who knows how Panax would react to what I've done after today?

This lesson went by... fast. Too fast. Discord had introduced me to the element of generosity. Charity I think..? I don't know. I wasn't paying too much attention. She was an old white unicorn with a lustrous purple mane that was starting to gray. She carried around this large coat that draped over her shoulders and covered her entire body. Interesting choice of fashion, really, but nothing that I cared too much about.

The lesson was about turning one thing into another using already-made chaotic magic. It was simple and easy. There really was nothing to it... I just turned a green emerald that Discord gave me into a blue diamond using ordinary magic-show tricks. Simple and boring. I think my chaotic mentor could tell I wasn't in the mood because he asked me if I needed a break.

I shrugged, "I don't know. I don't want to stop I just don't feel good right now."

"Well you were excited before at the statue." Discord hummed in thought.

"Yeah but that was before..." My ears lowered as I grumbled into my teeth.

"What statue might that be, darling?" The unicorn, Varity I think, curiously asked.

"Oh just... something me and my friend Gimmick usually go to. It's about some villains. We go there all the time and hear stories from Discord about them. It's nice I guess." I sighed and lowered my head against Discord's table.

"Aw, sounds divine sweetie."

"Hm... I think we should cut this short." Discord mused.

I perked at this, "But-"

"Ah ah ah! No buts! You're obviously not having a good day today. You need to go relax and do something you enjoy!"

"But I enjoy doing this! I do! I just... I'm not... in a good mood right now..." I shook my head and gave in, "You know, maybe you're right. I think I need a day off."

So it was decided right then and there. We said our goodbyes and Parity assured me that if I have any troubles or stress she could take me to get a spa treatment on her dime. I thanked her and waited until the two left... I wanted so badly to call Discord back but at the same time I wasn't in the mood for it. I wasn't in the mood for trying to make friends or for trying out chaos. I was in the mood to... sleep.
Not here though. Anywhere but here.

I locked the front door behind me as I stepped out into the cool evening air. The setting sun made its way to the horizon as I raised my fake butterfly-like wings behind me. Unhappy with my colorful form I took flight and transformed into a black crow. My feathery black wings flapped against the soft breeze as I soared higher into the air before making my way through Canterlot to get to the public gardens. There I'd find Gimmick once again at the base of the statue with a book.

I checked the area around her for any creature or guard before landing by her side and dropping the disguise. That includes the metamorphosis itself. I stood by her with my head lowered and my expression blank. She said nothing and only gestured for me to sit next to her.

I did and we both sat there in comfortable silence until I lowered my head and fell asleep.

Everything was quiet and peaceful. There was nothing but darkness on my end. No dreams or nightmares to be had. It was a calm moment that I really needed.
However apparently the both of us had stayed far longer than we should've. It wasn't long before a colorful pair caught our attention later in the night.
Gimmick swiftly nudged my sleeping body awake and we both scrambled up in surprise at the sigh of a light heading in our direction. We dashed behind the statue and cowered underneath its shadow. You see while we were allowed to freely walk through the public gardens there was still a closing time. Curfew was up and now the guards were searching the gardens for any last visitors. I gave one upcoming guard a glance before Gimmick abruptly pulled me back. Her green eyes were wide with shock as she hurriedly gestured to my body. Oh right! I wasn't disguised!

"Do you think that's every creature?" A stallion huffed as he flashed a light towards a serpent-like statue.

"I don't know... Maybe there's a changeling still around here somewhere? You never know with them." A mare pegasus hovered over to a statue depicting another villain of the past.

"Eh. If there was a changeling they probably left as a bug or bird at some point." Her partner shrugged but continued his search for stragglers.

"Hm. I'm not sure. We should probably look behind some statues just in case."

I placed my hooves over my mouth as I began to panic. I can't have anypony seeing my like this! Gimmick understood this and gestured with her hooves for me to calm down. She made a breathing motion and I copied. Breath in... Breath out... It's going to be okay. It's going to be fine. We got this!
With a smile the young unicorn gestured for me to stay right where I was before hurriedly making her way out from behind the statue. I wanted to pull her back but she was already in the stallion's light.

"Hi! Sorry, I fell asleep." Gimmick sheepishly smiled before joining the guards, "I didn't know how late it got..."

The mare chuckled, "Aw, that's alright filly. The gardens are closing for today though. Was there any other creature napping here with you?"

"Nope. It was just me. Let me grab my things though, I left them by that statue."

"What's a filly like you sleeping in this section of the gardens for anyways?" The older unicorn asked as Gimmick went to pluck up her book and notepad.

She shrugged, "I'm trying to learn about Equestrian's history! These three are part of it. Can you help me, sir? I don't know how to cast a light spell yet."

"Oh. Sure. It's really easy though, I can tell you how to do it if you want." He suggested as he began to lead Gimmick away from the statue.

"Oh that'd be really nice mister!"

Their voices began to fade out as the group of three went further away. I sat there as quiet as possible until I was absolutely certain I was alone. The moment it felt safe I looked out from behind the statue, swiftly transformed back into my "metamorphosis," and took off into the night sky. Whew! What a rush! I could've been in serious trouble just about then! Good thing I avoided that disaster... and ran into another one...

I was just flying over the hedge walls of the gardens and into an unknown stone path off to the side when I suddenly bumped right into a tall figure. I let out a yelp and stumbled back in surprise. Though it was dark I was able to see who I was unfortunate enough to run into. Standing just before me in all her glory was a tall lavender alicorn. Her flowing dark mane twinkled with peppered-in stars and her crown glimmered underneath the soft moonlight. I instantly recognized who she was, "P-Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

"Oh. Hello there? What're you doing at the gardens so late?" She peered at me with a questioning look, "Wait a second..."

I gulped and gave the princess a sheepish smile, "Y-Yes?"

"Are you that changeling that hangs out with the young unicorn by that statue? The one with the three villains on it?"

I felt my body grow cold, "No."

"Hm. Could you come with me for a moment?" Princess Twilight kindly asked.

"Hah. No." I then shook my head after realizing how rude that must've sounded, "I-I mean I can't! It's really late and my caretaker might be a little bit worried about me... ahah. Being late and all. I should go home."

"Oh I can send a message to them. Or bring you home myself later. Please, it'll only take a few moments." She raised a wing and gently draped it over my shoulders. I stiffened but allowed her to guide me away. Was I in trouble?? Was I going to be turned to stone? I couldn't tell! She didn't look mad but I was really scared of her. She was the princess of Equestria! I couldn't just run away and hope for no repercussions later, could I? However going with her could end up making the situation even worst! Though I found myself instead cooperating for now I didn't trust her one bit so I made some mental notes for myself. How would I escape? What could I do to counter alicorn magic? Etc. Etc. I just needed a plan!

I was so busy trying to make escape routes for myself that I didn't even notice how far we both traveled. We went right through the very royal gardens itself and I didn't notice until a fiery pheonix flew by and effectively caught my attention. I looked out from Twilight's wings and saw the beautiful flora that surrounded us. On a large shimmering blue and green tree the flaming bird perched itself on its glittering branch. Wow... If I wasn't about to be sent to Tartarus this would be a sight to behold. There were flowers of every color, plants I've never heard of before, and animals of variety all scattered among the trees and bushes. Large fountains had water cascading from the top and into the bowls beneath them. I had to stop and stare.

Princess Twilight let out a giggle and turned to me, "Like it? I love it here too. Though I don't come out here as often, honestly, my friend Fluttershy always tries to find the time to care for the animals while she can. It's nice of her to do that. She doesn't have to but she insists."

I perked up at the familiar name and the princess seemed to take notice. She didn't say anything about it though and only smiled before gesturing for me to follow once again. I obliged and watched as the personal royal gardens disappeared behind me. Soon I found myself being lead through a large doorway guarded by a griffin and a stallion. The princess easily lead me through and I found my hooves tapping against the marble flooring as we entered a part of the castle itself. I gawked at this and couldn't believe where I was.

Purple and gold surrounded the hallways as flags with various symbolic depictions hung from the walls. Royal red carpets rolled through the middle of the checkered floors and while known for being the castle of friendship a strange vast emptiness seemed to surround the two of us. This place was so big I probably wouldn't be able to fly to the ceiling without getting tired! As we continued to walk however I realized this place wasn't as lonely as I first thought it to be. There would be guards and servants coming in and out of doorways we passed. They'd greet me and the princess while also greeting one another before hurrying on to their own duties. Instead of a salute, I realized, the guards we passed would acknowledge Princess Twilight with a kind smile or a nod. I found it a bit odd but interesting.

Together we both soon climbed up several flights of stairs, turned into another corridor, and reached a large intricate door. It had three gemstones on either side of it, an image of an alicorn above, and the depiction of the sun and moon. I stared up at this door and perked up in realization, "The throne room? Why're you taking me to the throne room?"

"Because there's some one there we need to talk with." Twilight hummed before opening the door to reveal a small group within.
The first creature I recognized who stuck up like a sore hoof was none other than the chaotic draconequus himself.

"Discord??"

"Aw well that's just greaaat!" Discord facepalmed, "I wasn't surprised when they found you, Gimmick, but I was hoping Ginseng would at least get a fighting chance!"

I looked over to spot Gimmick sitting nearby with the stallion guard from the public gardens earlier. We both blinked at one another in obvious surprise.

"Ah. So I got the right changeling then, huh Discord?" Twilight questioned with narrowed eyes and a strained smile.

"Oh- Oh you didn't know- AHAH! Ahahahahah! Aw that's funny. Whoooooops." Discord slowly melted where he was and shrunk down behind a familiar pegasus. Fluttershy.

"Well actually I did. The gemstones on her head gives it away." The alicorn smiled down at me.

"Am... Am I in trouble?" I found myself asking as I considered the guards nearby.

"Well, there is something I'd like to talk to you two about... but at this point it's Discord who needs to explain himself." The princess huffed as she made her way into the throne room with me by her side.

A tall purple and green dragon walked up to me as Twilight left my side to make her way in front of the group she had gathered, "Hey. Is there any creature I could send a letter for you? This might take a while..."

I jumped at his voice and paused at his suggestion. Would Panax even care if I was gone for a few more hours? After considering this thought I finally shook my head no, "It's fine. I'll just talk to her later."
With a nod the dragon left my side. I meanwhile decided to take in who else was here with us tonight.

By my side was Discord, Fluttershy, and Gimmick. There was another familiar face here too. I think her name was Clarity or something like that. Along the rest of the throne room were several guards, a pink hippogriff, and a blue reformed changeling. What in Equestria was all this?

Princess Twilight let out a sigh and regarded all of us, "Now there are a few reasons why I've gathered you here tonight and well- there were a lot of problems regarding each party but I found a way to fix all of them. Let me start off with your issue," She gestured to the other changeling and hippogriff nearby, "Silverstream, Ocellus, you both came here to find more students for the school... Well I think I just found some likely candidates for it."

Me and Gimmick both seemed to perk at that, "What??"

Discord meanwhile had crossed his arms and began grumbling to himself in annoyance.

Twilight considered me and Gimmick, "If I'm right, you two have been the very troublemakers I sent Discord to find. You both have caused a lot of trouble for attendees of royal parties and events. I'm afraid I can't just let this slide. While Discord says he can offer advice and friendship lessons to the both of you I think it would be better if you both instead were enrolled to a school that could provide just that."

"But-" I nervously glanced up at the chaos lord nearby.

"And as for you Discord," Twilight continued, "You've known about these two for days and haven't even told me about them. I had to figure it all out myself."

"Well if I just tell you that ruins the fun!" Discord groaned, "See Fluttershy? She really doesn't get it!"

"Discord..." The agitated alicorn flapped her wings towards him.

A small voice chimed in before the princess could go off even more on the draconequus, "No offense your majesty but that school is all the way in Ponyville..! You don't expect us to just move there overnight, do you?" Gimmick bit her lip at the thought.

"No. I don't."

The two of us sighed in relief.

With a smile Twilight finished her thought, "I expect you to move there in a couple weeks."

"What?!"

"It's really not that bad!" The pink hippogriff named Silverstream hopped up to the two of us, "We have a dormitory for you to move into. You can share a room if you two want! And you'll be able to learn a lot about friendship and magic. We've been students there ourselves!" She happily gestured to her changeling friend nearby.

Ocellus flew over to us, "Yeah! And we've gained a lot from our experience there! Even became the future element bearers of harmony. I think it'll really do you two some good." She assured. It seems she wanted to say more but there was this pause as her eyes landed on me. There was this strange consideration in her gaze as she looked me up and down.

"Now listen," Twilight began as she stepped up to the two of us, "I understand Discord promised to teach you the ways of friendship... but I'm afraid he might not be the best option for this task. You both need qualified teachers for something like this, I'm afraid. You can also consider this is your punishment for destroying all of Pinkie Pie's hard work and ruining my brother and sister-in-law's visit."

"Excuse YOU? I'm not qualified enough? I've lived through friendship!" Discord fumed, "This little one agreed to be my student! And you agreed to our chaos lessons! Aslongasthere'soneofyouaround but still!"

"You can still visit her in Ponyville, Discord." Twilight added in, "And just because you caused a lot of friendship problems does not mean you can help teach friendship lessons."

"Okay fine! But will we even have time for our own lessons??"

"Maybe. Don't worry, the other's, though retired, are still in Ponyville. I'll have to ask them but until then you need to hold off on chaos lessons for the time being."

"Awww..! Darn!" Discord snapped his fingers in annoyance. A pink raincloud appeared and began to storm over his head.

A quiet voice piped up besides the draconequus, "Aw Discord don't worry. I'll probably be back in Ponyville by the time Ginseng is at the School of Friendship. I can be there for your chaos lessons if need be."

"Oh Fluttershy that's really sweet of you..." The draconequus couldn't help but coo.

"... I don't think I'll be able to go!" I suddenly found myself blurting out.

Every creature seemed to turn to me.

"What? Why not?" Twilight asked.

"I..." I hesitated and tapped my hooves together, "I have a very serious condition."

"You have a what now?" Discord questioned with a raised brow.

"Oh my..." Fluttershy looked to me with concern.

"Well darling what ever could you mean?" Smarity or something shared the same worry her kinder friend did.

"... I'll have to talk to Panax." I admitted as I slowly stepped away. Surprisingly I found myself inching behind Discord.

"Panax?" The princess questioned.

"Ah, her caretaker." The white unicorn hummed, "She's a musician around here. She has quite the voice and the talent for it. Oh you should've seen her home!"

I gave the mare a questioning look. What was she even doing here anyways?

"Oh then... please talk with your guardians. If you're unable to make the travel then... they need to let me know. As much as a school would better benefit you I don't want to risk your health." The alicorn sighed, "But this doesn't excuse you, Gimmick."

"But she's my friend!" The young filly suddenly spouted out, "You can't just separate us like that!"

Twilight gave her unicorn friend Verity a glance before letting out a sigh, "I'm sorry. After I discuss this with your parents you are being enrolled into the School of Friendship."

Gimmick silently fumed and glared daggers at the floor. She was visibly upset by this news.

Meanwhile the princess turned to Discord, "Now I still want to talk with you but I think it's getting late. We should send these two home and get some rest. There's a lot we need to discuss tomorrow."

"Well yeah, sure, whatever you say miss sparkly- there's just one thing I don't get." Discord abruptly threw himself in front of Twilight's face, "How did you find out about these two? I covered my tracks as best as possible!"

"Ah... that would be my fault." A nervous chuckle escape the white unicorn nearby, "I uh... might've let it slip about your two students to Twilight. Ahah..."

"Rarity!" Discord dramatically gasped, "How could you??"

Rarity! That's what she was called! Geez that stretched on for longer than it should've.

"Oh darling when I get talking... I don't stop."

"Alright you two that's enough." Twilight sighed, "I'm afraid we're running out of time. If I wasn't so busy, and if I had heard of these two sooner, we wouldn't be having this meeting so late at night. I apologize for having to make this quick but I've said my piece. Now we all know what's happening we can better figure this out. Ocellus, Silverstream, you are both free to stay at the castle as guests for as long as need be. Discord, I want you to take these two back home. Please."

The draconequus rolled his eyes, "Well at least she said please... Alright, but I'm going to have a stern talking with you young alicorn! Come on you whippersnappers. Time to take you home."

"Um- wait." The older changeling, Ocellus, went up to me, "Is it okay if I talk with Ginseng for a moment?"

The princess looked between Fluttershy and Rarity, "Well... sure. I guess that's alright."

"Eh. I don't see why not," Discord eyed her suspiciously, "I'll be back in a moment to get her. Let's go Gimmick!"

"But-" The unicorn barely even got a word in before she was abruptly transported away along with the lord of chaos.

From there I found myself being lead out of the throne room along with the other changeling. We went off to the side into an empty corridor where Ocellus had to wave her friend away. It seems she just wanted to talk with me alone.
"Ginseng... Your condition..."

"Yeah?" I had the feeling I already knew what she wanted to discuss.

"I'm sorry if I'm assuming but it's hard to tell really and I just want to know. Not a lot of changelings have three gemstones on their head but the more I look at you the more I see... something. It's not entirely visible but it's there. Are you... Are you not reformed, yet?"

I let out a sigh, "Please don't tell the others. I need time."

She seemed to perk at this, "Oh- I uh... I won't. Don't worry. If you want to tell them at your own pace then okay. Just as long as it doesn't hurt any creature else."

"Swear?"

"Pinkie Swear." Ocellus insisted, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She placed a hoof over one of her blue eyes.

I looked her up and down and then relaxed. A Pinkie Swear was a serious one, "Okay. I trust you."

"And I understand why you can't leave. Not yet. You need your caretaker with you... but you need to make friends and share love with them. Haven't you done that with Gimmick yet?"

I bit my lip and glanced away, "It's a bit complicated right now."

"Oh. Well... You should still at least try. Don't worry, you'll get there soon." The older changeling assured me right before Discord suddenly appeared at the doorway with Fluttershy by his heels.

"Alright then! Ready to head off, little one?" He'd ask as he snaked his way over to me.

"Yeah... Ready..." I lowered my gaze to the floor.

"Aw, what's wrong Ginseng?"

"Well it's just- I kinda don't want to go home." I admitted.

"Why not? It's a very lovely place!" Discord twisted around me and tried to catch my attention.

"But I-" I stared at him and just let out a sigh, "But... But the treehouse we made. What if we go to Panax and they say it's okay for me to move? The treehouse will just be left behind."

"Well..." Fluttershy began as she stepped up to the two of us, "Maybe you won't be able to play on it like you hoped, but some creature else could in the future. We can make it a community treehouse! Then it'll be taken care of while you're gone... and you can come back to it whenever you want."

I tapped my hooves together, "That sounds nice I guess." Though the idea didn't make me relieved. After all, that's not the real reason why I was a bit stressed about seeing Panax again.

"Hey... Don't worry." Fluttershy patted my shoulder, "If you're concerned about Gimmick I'm sure the two of you can still at least write to one another. And you'll have Discord for company! He'll check up on you from time to time."

"That's right! And not just because your my student! You're also my friend." He patted my changeling head, "Now come on. Let's get you home."

I gave the draconequus a nod and waved goodbye to the others in the hallway. The moment I blinked we were both suddenly transported to the dark streets of Canterlot. Even with the lampposts it took a moment for my eyes to adjust and spot the familiar townhouse nearby.

"Well... Thank you for taking me home." I smiled up at Discord.

"Heh, and thank you for being you!" He chuckled, "Despite everything I'll be sure to check up on you every once in a while! Especially if you go to that school! They might try to take our friendship lessons away but they won't take our chaos lessons!"

"Hah. No way! I wouldn't want to miss those for anything!"

"Alright, well. You go on then. Talk to your guardian about all this. And your serious condition... Which you never told me about by the way!" Discord lowered himself to my level, "That was a really dangerous thing to do! What if our chaos lessons hurt you at some point?"

"Oh. No. It's a different kind of condition." I slowly pushed his head away, "Don't worry. Chaos magic doesn't affect it."

"What kind is it then..?" He bit his lip in concern.

"I'll... I'll tell you about it some other time. It's a bit personal."

Discord sighed, "Alright then. I understand kid, but still. Tell me when you can. I'll be around!" Wink! He was gone in a burst of sparkles and glitter.

I stared down at the glitter, shook my head, and smiled. Despite how crummy a day this had been I was glad to have Discord around. He always seemed to make me a bit happy... even when he doesn't mean to. However as I turned my attention back to the townhouse before me I seemed to freeze. I really didn't want to go back to Panax, especially after what I had done to her. The guilt I tried to suppress would creep back up on me once again.
Still, something compelled me to go up to the house. Something told me that tonight wasn't normal. I had to get it over with and I had to figure out what was wrong. I had to understand why I had this feeling of dread and fear.
I opened the door but held back from calling out to my caretaker as I usually would've done. Instead, I slowly sneaked through the quiet home. My intuition lead me straight to the back door which hung open by a crack to reveal the bountiful garden just on the other side. On the dimly lit porch there was Panax. She was whimpering and crying into her hooves as she spoke to a much taller creature besides her. This green creature had a similar changeling build and large orange antlers.
It was then I realized what was going on.

"I can't take it anymore Thorax..." Panax painfully admitted, "I can't care for Ginseng."