The confusion was evident on every creature's faces. As expected, they gawked and stared as they watched me, young but still a renegade, walk through the streets with my more innocent-looking companion Gimmick who walked around with saddlebags and all, excited for the upcoming royal sleepover. I feel like if it weren't for her, the creatures around me would be in a bigger state of panic than they currently were now.
Changelings we passed would give me a curious glance but nothing more, ponies retreated out of sight as subtly as they could manage, griffons nearby considered me with a stare that was less than friendly, hippogriffs seemed interested but just as cautious as well, and kirin were hurriedly whispering and chattering to one another as I went by. I kept my eyes focused on the path ahead of me, ignoring their looks and their distrust.
As we approached the entrance to the castle it was clear the guards were on edge from my appearance. At first they didn't entirely believe us when we told them I was Ginseng. I probably looked completely different than what they originally expected. Not only that but it was clear I was a renegade. Either way, they were given a description from Thorax himself and knew I was part of his pack despite the strange gemstones that were found, so they escorted both me and Gimmick through the winding halls of the castle to drop me off by my king’s room. Surely he’d know how to handle me. Though, as we headed down the vast building I could see Gimmick curiously looking down each and every hallway in some hopeful attempt that she’ll be able to find what she was looking for just around the corner. I gave her a somewhat annoyed sideways glance and noticed something. Now that we were walking side-by-side I realized that I was a bit taller than her. I couldn't help but smirk. My “reformation” I had created had made me look more innocent and cutesy. Not that I had entirely minded, the size I had taken previously was designed to be young and less intimidating. It was strange feeling naturally tall now but it made me feel more... confident. More in control. Gimmick was more of a child compared to me now. It made me feel satisfied knowing that I had at least one thing over her. My height.
“Why are you so tiny?” I jokingly grinned.
Gimmick’s olive eyes blinked back, “Why are you so tall??” She questioned.
“Aww, is the pipsqueak getting jealous?” I patted her head with a hole-riddled hoof.
“To you? Never in a thousand years!” She then stuck her horn through a hole in my leg and pulled back. I toppled over in response and nearly crashed into a maid pony passing us. The concerned guards swiftly came to our sides to make sure no one was hurt.
“Ah! Sorry!” I quickly apologized before snapping my attention back to Gimmick as she continued ahead of me, “Hey! You don’t just do that!”
“Do what~?” Gimmick smirked.
“Stick your horn through my leg! Do you know how rude that is? And how uncomfortable it feels??”
“You have a point, definitely looks weird. Some creature might take it the wrong way.”
“Yeah! I- ...huh?” I gave Gimmick a confused stare.
“If you two are done causing enough of a ruckus, we’re here.” A guard pegasus announced as he gestured to a large, intricate guest room door. There were many just like it but this one had one big difference. King Thorax was in there, and it was time to approach him. We both had settled down but I could see Gimmick nervously twiddling at the tips of her mane with her soft green magic. It was clear from her expression that she had not entirely expected another royal encounter. Similar to our impending doom from Princess Twilight's meeting, we were both pretty anxious to see what would happen next.
Well, myself less-so as Thorax does already know about me and my dilemma... but he didn't know about my disguise. Won't this be fun to explain?
I gave Gimmick a small smile, "Well. Ready to meet the king of changelings?" I chuckled as I raised a chitin hoof, "Don't worry, I think you'll be the perfect offering for the love-sucking ruler."
She stared back at me as I knocked on the door with a grin.
There was a series of loud thuds on the other side of the door as if several items had been abruptly dropped all at once, "C-Coming!" Thorax announced before it became eerily silent.
I looked to Gimmick and gave her a shrug before the door to the King's guest room finally opened, "Hey King Thorax." I politely nodded, "I hope you don't mind I brought a friend with me."
"Oh! Not at all Ginseng," He turned to the guards with a smile, "Thank you for getting her to me," Then with a wave of his hooves he gestured for the two younger creatures in front of him, "Come on in! We can talk more in my room. It's a bit of a mess though. I'll explain in a bit... but first we need to discuss some things."
"Yeah, I have a lot to talk to you about too." I obliged and followed King Thorax into the guest room. It was expansive and open. Not too grand but not too simple either. Like almost all other rooms, this room had a checkered patterned floor and a dark purplish wall that almost looked grey. There were pillars encircling the three of us and a soft white round rug planted in the middle. I pawed at it with my hoof and found it to be the softest material I ever touched. If this was how a plain carpet was like, I could only imagine how the luxurious king-sized bed felt. There was a chandelier hanging above us with flickering candlelight that strangely produced a different color than you'd expect. It gave off this purplish glow that would sometimes flicker back to white and yellows. I looked down and noticed there was a small wardrobe laying on it's side, neighboring a toppled-over desk with what was once a cute little lamp now fallen and mangled. There were several books, pillows, and other items scattered about on the floor all tossed and thrown this way and that. Among them I spotted a box of chocolates that looked like a gift from Princess Twilight herself from the loose tag that clung onto it's side. It was open halfway with several treats bitten into and left discarded on the floor like everything else. King Thorax was right, this place was a mess.
"What happened here?" I questioned. This didn't look like something my king, the most respectful out of all creatures I knew, would do in his spare time.
"Well... Discord decided to visit." Thorax sighed, "He was curious why I was here. It felt like an interrogation in a way. While he was asking questions he'd mess with my room. Then you knocked. Everything dropped to the floor and he just... vanished! I'm not sure what that was all about but... Ahah... I'll clean this all up when I can." Thorax softly chuckled before picking up the box of half-eaten chocolates with his turquoise magic.
Gimmick and I blinked at one another. Well that can't be good either. I'm going to have to explain to Discord as well at some point. I can already imagine the kind of questions he'd ask. What happened to you? Why do you look like that? Is this some kind of sick, demented joke??? The worst prank ever, I could imagine. Except it wasn't a prank. It was real. I hated it, but I'm going to have to start being honest with everyone now... Well, as honest as I want to be.
"Now... I'm guessing since you're here, Panax is still set on what she's said?" Thorax gently asked as he cleared an area on the carpet for us three.
I sighed and got comfortable on the white rug, "... Yeah. Yeah she is."
Thorax's ears fell back as he reached up and set a hoof on my shoulder, "Hey... It's not your fault. We can still figure something out, okay? There's still places to go after this. Creatures or changelings to get along with... Oh- what's this on your forehead? Gemstones?" He'd curiously tap at one of them.
"Yeah. There's something I need to tell you, King Thorax. In fact I need to talk to a lot of creatures after this... I- I faked my metamorphosis." I cringed and waited for his reaction.
"You did what-?" Thorax sternly questioned as he reeled back in surprise, "Ginseng what do you mean by that?"
"I mean when I approached several creatures... I was disguised. I was never in my original form, until now. They all thought that I had reformed like you and the rest of the hive, but I didn't." I looked guilty and averted my gaze.
Gimmick awkwardly sat nearby as she watched the exchange, looking back and forth between us.
"These gemstones on my forehead? They're the only part of the disguise I decided to keep. The only thing I refuse to let go... but they're not a part of me. I still haven't changed like I should." I admitted as I ducked my head in preparation for Thorax's scolding. After all, I wasn't entirely sure how he'd react.
Thorax was silent at first before he soon shook his head with a sigh, "Ginseng, I understand you're afraid of how others will react when they see your true form but... You have to be honest about it. You have to show them who you really are and what you're really like. That's the only way you'll be able to find those who care about you even despite how you look. All they really need to worry about is the actions you take but- I'm afraid you've acted brashly already. Now, you have to face the consequences. You shouldn't have faked a form like that."
I feigned guilt, "I know..." Then with gritted teeth I felt this sudden surge of anger, "But Panax told me to do it!"
King Thorax looked taken aback, "She did?!"
I nodded, "She said my true form would only make the creatures and ponies of Canterlot uncomfortable."
My king's ears fell back, "Does any other ling know about this?"
I almost said yes, but I had to keep my mouth shut. My broodmates. They both knew. I had told Sage and Chamomile before I had left. I trusted they wouldn't share, well Sage more than Chamomile, and it seems that they haven't told a single soul just yet. Good, that means I can rely on them in the future as well.
I mostly told them about it just to see what their opinions would be on the fake metamorphosis. Sage wasn't too keen on the idea but Chamomile could care less. However he did make some interesting points that had caught my attention. Why do we look so different from our original form in the first place if not to make more friends? He agreed that my disguise might just help me settle and get a good start than my true form really would. After all, a renegade changeling would stand out more than the vibrant ones surrounding me. Sage was still against the idea but knew she couldn't stop me from doing it anyways. All she did was wish me safe and happy.
"No. This was my caretaker's idea right before we settled into Canterlot." I explained.
"I can't believe this. I'm going to have to talk to her later too." King Thorax shook his head, "Ginseng. I'm disappointed, but I see you at least managed to make a friend during all this." He nodded towards Gimmick.
I looked to her and gave her a small smile, "Yeah actually. She's the best. I had a lot of fun talking and hanging out with her."
"You're just saying that." Gimmick playfully rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious. You accepted my true form and didn't look at me like other ponies do. I can't share my love with you but I'm glad to call you a friend." I nodded before turning back to Thorax, "I promise though, I won't fake my metamorphosis ever again after today. I've got a lot of explaining to do..."
King Thorax sighed, "You definitely do. I'm not sure how Twilight or the rest of the Council of Friendship will react but it's better to tell them than to try to keep this secret any longer. Which reminds me, we still need to discuss what happens to you next."
I perked at this and glanced over at Gimmick. Did I want her here during this? Well, it's not that big of a deal really if she did stick around but... something about this felt very personal. It seems, in her eyes, she even realized this and took a step back.
"I don't think I'm needed during this conversation." She calmly explained, "All I will say is that I still want to hang out with Ginseng after whatever you two decide. Just know I will be heading to Ponyville to attend the Friendship School there, as Princess Twilight assigned. I guess I could still send letters, but it would be nice to have my friend with me as well."
King Thorax nodded, "Alright, I'll keep that in mind... um... what was your name again?" He sheepishly chuckled.
Gimmick blinked at this, "Oh! Right! My name is Little Gimmick. It was nice to meet you King Thorax."
"And you too, young one."
"I'll be exploring, just shout if you need me! Be back later, Ginseng." She nodded before heading off, going to venture throughout the castle's halls. Hopefully to find something of use.
As the door closed I turned my attention back to King Thorax, "I don't want another caretaker."
"Ginseng-"
"Your majesty I'm sorry but I'm done with caretakers. I'm done with being passed onto a changeling who won't really care about me."
"Well the issue is Ginseng they do care about you, but you're refusing to change." King Thorax cut in, "Staying like this is hurting others. You have to understand that."
"I.. I get it! I know. But... I can't do it." I shook my head and sat on my haunches.
"Sure you can. You can do it one of these days, I know it. You don't have to share love with another changeling if that's what you're worried about, it can be any creature! It could be Gimmick or maybe... Discord?"
"Huh?"
"Well, he sounded very concerned about you. He probably cares about you, don't you care about him?"
I don't know why, but in that moment something felt wrong. I had this dizzy feeling in my head. I really didn't like what King Thorax had said, but I couldn't explain why to myself until it suddenly hit me while I was fumbling with my words. It was familiar. Too familiar.
Chaorite...
"After he sees me in this form, he's going to think I don't care. He's going to run away too." I found myself saying, "I can't. I can't get hurt again."
"... I'm sure he won't- well okay... mmmmmm it is Discord." King Thorax tried to quietly mumble to himself, "Fluttershy then? Fluttershy definitely cares about any creature and she'll definitely love you. She befriended even the lord of chaos."
"Can we talk about something else?" I suddenly piped up, "Like I don't know- where I'm going after this??"
"Right. Well. You could return to the hive." The other suggested, "Your family is still there, they could share plenty of love with you."
"... I want to go to the school of friendship."
"What? Why?" King Thorax questioned, still obviously against the idea, "I mean, maybe you could learn something important from there but it could still be very risky for you and others. I'm not sure if I can allow you while you're in this phase-"
"I-It's not a phase!" I shouted in exasperation.
"Right sorry!!" King Thorax apologetically waved his hooves in front of him, "I'm just saying! You could get really hungry out there. Your hunger could take over. You could end up hurting somecreature... We shouldn't risk that."
"I'll have Gimmick with me." I pushed on, "And... and- and I'll be willing to learn, too!"
There was a pause as the king stared at me, surprised, "You'd be willing to learn friendship? Love and compassion?"
I bit my lip, "Y... Yes?"
King Thorax looked unconvinced.
"Yes." I said more firmly, "I'd be willing to... I guess... change one day. Just let me go with Gimmick to the friendship school." I almost wanted to stick my tongue out in disgust. Friendship school. Who'd invent something like that? It was kinda sad, having to go to a place to learn friendship. Guess it was mostly made for outcasts like me though. So, in a way, it made sense.
"... Do you care about Gimmick?" King Thorax asked.
"Yeah, I do. As a friend." I nodded.
"No I mean, do you really care about her? Would you try and save her from a maulwurf? Help her out through the end of the world? Save her from a big bad villain?"
I stared, "Why are you asking me this?"
"Because I want to be sure you'll be okay there with only her as your friend at first. I need to know you two will be, well, safe. That you'll both get through anything together."
"..." I looked back at the door Gimmick had left through then back to my king, "... Yeah. I'd beat up a super evil villain for her."
"Alright," King Thorax seemed to relax, "Good. But... I still think we should talk to Princess Twilight first."
"Aw antennas more politiiiiics?" I groaned. I wanted to go explore with Gimmick already! I had enough talking with big important or known figures of Equestria.
Luckily for me it seems the older changeling knew what I was thinking. King Thorax seemed to chuckle, "Alright, I can talk with her first but we still need to introduce your true form to her, so she can get used to it."
"I guess that's fair."
"You can go hang out with Gimmick for a while, if you want. I'll let the others know to get a room for you, we're probably going to be here for a bit anyways."
"Thank you Thorax."
"Of course." The king patted my head in a brotherly manner, "I'm willing to let you do what you feel is right if you're willing to give love and friendship a chance. I know it's hard, but don't let past mistakes get to you. There are others around you who will do what they can to make things right."
"Right." I smiled before he pulled away, "I'm going to go look for Gimmick now. I'll see you later."
"See you Ginseng!"
I trotted on out the messy room, leaving behind a concerned king.
"Did you hear the Busy Bees will be playing at the plaza?"
"Really? Not many new bands are able to get that spot. They're really climbing up in Canterlot, aren't they?"
"Their vocalist is the real star of the show. No one can beat her talent."
I had grunted when I heard the guards and their idle conversation. The name of the band, Busy Bees, made me want to cringe. Let's just say, personally, I really didn't like or care for that particular band. I walked by the group with a grumble, trying to tune them out.
"Hm, maybe they shouldn't have asked to play at the plaza though. I'm telling you, that place is bad luck."
"Just because a few incidents happened there doesn't necessarily mean that."
"How exactly is it bad luck anyways?"
My ear couldn't help but twitch. I was a little curious myself.
"Well first there was the affair controversy that happened right in the middle of the show. Then there was the weather schedule screw up, and then some unicorn performer tried a spell that inverted every creature's colors instead of whatever it was they were trying to do-"
"Okay but the plaza itself isn't bad luck, those were just... bad timing or bad bands. Busy Bees isn't that bad and the weather team has a better scheduler this time around."
"It's a very diverse band as well! It has a changeling, a griffin, a hippogriff, and a kirin!"
I halted in my tracks.
"They also got a pegasus but I think he's more of a... photographer?"
"Well, if nothing crazy happens then it should be fine really. I've heard their music before, it's very relaxing."
The group began to move away, heading elsewhere within the castle. I remained where I was, lost in thought. Busy Bees was a band with one particular member that I knew well. Panax. That was the group she left me for. The friends she spent all her time with. Hearing their successes only made me... more bitter. Come to think of it though, I've never really knew who was part of her group... until now.
With this plan starting to form I raised my head and cantered away. There was somepony I needed to find.
"Gimmick?"
BUMP! A loud groan was heard as Gimmick pulled herself out from underneath an old looking desk. She rubbed her head and mumbled something in annoyance.
After asking around I had managed to pinpoint the room Little Gimmick could've ended up at. Each guard, maid, or butler gave me directions, albeit hesitantly, until I ran into the one door that lead to an old abandoned room. Apparently many have said it was an old study of Celestia's, possibly over a hundred or a thousand years old. Walking in it was clear that half of it had to be rebuilt and renovated, maybe from some villain attack that happened years ago. While it had this new and bright shine to it there were some relatively old and ancient designs still left behind along the pillars and curled around the windows. There was a clear, distinct difference in the flooring where one side of the room was a bit more dull than that other that was more pristine and remade. A half modern, half old-fashioned version of what it once was. Like as if it refused to cut away the last bit of itself from a past long forgotten. All the shelves were definitely replaced along with the bedding and cushions in the center. However the books, paintings, furniture, and a rusting birdcage seemed to stand strong throughout the years. Either that or they were just left behind entirely, possibly thought to be destroyed or turned to dust by now.
Gimmick was just rummaging through something underneath the desk. How odd... "Yeah? Hey Ginseng what's up? Done talking with King Thorax?" She asked as she stood tall and dusted off her pelt.
"Yeup. I think I convinced him to go with you after all this is over, but we're staying for a few days in the castle. Probably."
"Good. Should be plenty of time then." Gimmick ignited her horn and pulled out several old scrolls that were hidden just within the shadows underneath. Time did not do well for these parchments. They looked about ready to fall apart at the smallest tug.
"What were you doing under there?" I asked.
"Looking for secret passages. Or secrets in general." Gimmick hummed as she raised a rolled up scroll to my snout, "Instead I found these. Looks like a whole bunch of letters. Letters full of lessons and stories. All signed by 'your dearest student, Twilight Sparkle'"
I gingerly plucked up one of the parchments with my own magic, "Back when Princess Twilight wasn't a princess..?"
"Correct. Don't know what they're doing here of all places..." Gimmick hummed as she opened another, her eyes reading through them at a rapid pace, "Yeup. We are glimpsing into the far past of one of the first friendship students. Further than the Journal of Friendship. All her adventures and lessons she's learned along with her friends. Spike, Applejack, Rarity, PinkiePie, RainbowDash, and Fluttershy. When they were... young, I'm assuming."
"This isn't what you were looking for though, was it?" I wondered.
"No, not really. I was hoping to learn more about Luna. Especially when it comes to her magic and Nightmare Moon. Who knows how she managed to gain so much power? Even while she was full of jealousy and hate, a very common emotion to have-"
I seemed to perk at this, "You're not suggesting dark magic, are you?"
"I'm not looking for dark magic. That's too risky." Gimmick shook her head, "No, I don't need something that messes with my mind. I need an artifact or whatever. Maybe something as strong as the elements? That would do nicely."
"Then why are you focused on Luna?"
"On the off chance that she could've been like us, I guess." Gimmick shrugged, "... Cozy Glow and Queen Chrysalis are probably more relatable though. More reason to let them go! We can understand them and they can understand us. Maybe we could like, bond over that or something."
"Right. Hm." I tapped my chin in thought, "Should we go through with the plan, though?"
"Well, probably not should... but we could." Gimmick hummed as she began to stuff several scrolls into her saddlebags to get ready to leave.
As she moved towards the door I used my magic on her tail to stop her in her tracks, "I'm... serious. I'm kinda having second thoughts. What if they hurt Discord?"
Gimmick seemed to tense. She whipped around with her tail nearly slapping me in the face, "ExCUSE me?"
"What-?"
"What if they hurt Discord. Since when did you care about Discord?"
"Fine, what if they hurt US?" I sat back and pressed my hooves to my chest, "Like you said, they're villains."
"Why are we even having this conversation? They're like us, they won't hurt us. Especially if we free them. Plus why did you decide to talk to me about this now? In some old, dusty study?"
"Because I didn't want the statue to listen in." I admitted as I plucked up a scroll that had fallen behind, "What if we did let them out? I don't want them to know I had doubts beforehoof..."
"Nuh uh, you have something else on your mind as well. There's another reason why you decided to bring it up now." Gimmick glared.
"... Fine. I need your help." I tossed the scroll over to Gimmick who easily caught it in her own magical hold, "You're going to have to pause in your search though."
"But we need this time to get what we can! Before we lose this chance again." Gimmick argued.
"And I need your time as well, for something else. Something petty. I need your help taking down the Busy Bees, Panax especially, at the plaza tonight."
"I can't do that right now. I have to keep searching!"
I stomped a hoof on the ground, "Then I won't help you free them!"
Gimmick paused at this, "You what?"
"If you don't help me sabotage this concert... I will get King Thorax and the guards to kick you out of this castle, I will not help you in your search for power or in freeing Cozy Glow, Tirek, or Chrysalis from the statue. But if you do this with me, I'm with you! For the rest of the way. I'll help you through Tartarus and back... But think of it like this, it'll be like one of our old pranks," I smirked, "It'll be fun, I promise. Just do this with me one more time, please."
The both of us seemed to go silent. With a calculative gaze Gimmick looked me up and down. Maybe trying to figure out if I was bluffing or not. With a surprised giggle she finally spoke, "Hah, oh Ginseng... I love how you say you refuse to change, but you've changed a lot. You're not as innocent as others make you out to be, are you?" She nodded her head, "Alright. It could be fun doing this with you again. Come on, let's go ruin a concert. After all," She casually bumped her rump against mine, "Us Cozy Glows gotta stick together, right?"
"... Right." I smiled back as Gimmick started to leave. Without stopping her this time I gave the study one more last look before quickly trailing behind.
"So what's the plan?" Gimmick hurriedly whispered.
"Light everything on fire with the kirin." I bluntly responded back.
"... That's a terrible plan."
I had to muffle my shout as I responded, "What makes it so terrible?? Kirins light on fire when they get angry, it won't be our fault and everything turns into a disaster. It's foolproof."
The two of us were currently hiding together under the plaza stage. There was a lot of movement up above but we still wanted to be absolutely certain we wouldn't get caught... so we stayed quiet. As quiet as we could be. There was so much equipment hidden away under here that we had to actually cram ourselves together. Oh well, a price to pay to sabotage another day.
"Well one-" Gimmick raised a hoof and nearly bopped me across the snout, "We don't know anything about this kirin. We don't know what makes them angry and how angry they can get. They could be the calmest creature for all we know..!"
"Shhhh shut up-" I quickly pressed a hoof over her mouth as the sound of hoofsteps echoed from above.
"And secondly-" Gimmick gently pushed my hole-ridden hoof away, "How would we make them angry in the first place?"
"I dunno, still trying to figure that out." I admitted as I decided to peak out from underneath the stage. The bottom of the stage was covered with fabric curtains to hide all the equipment just underneath. It was the perfect hiding spot for the two of us and, supposedly, there was a lot we could see or hear from just under the stage. The problem was though, we weren't entirely sure where to start.
"Fine we can work with it. If you can figure out whatever triggers the kirin we can use that plan. However I think it'd be better to come up with a back-up." Gimmick muttered out as she made her way to another side of the stage, thinking she could hear voices.
"What kind of back-up do you have in mind?" I asked as I pulled away from my side. There wasn't much going on over there except the plaza itself. Ponies and creatures were eagerly awaiting for the band to start kicking up just in front of it.
"Shh." Gimmick hushed me as I came close and pointed just outside our hiding spot.
My ears perked as I caught the voice of an unknown stallion, "-all have such amazing talent but you know, I think I have some talent too. Maybe I could try playing guitar again? Or... singing?"
I heard the exasperation in another stranger's voice, "Listen Dream, you do have a special talent... and that's taking photos. You make the best photos out of all of us so- I think you should sit this one out and get some good ones for tonight. We could really use those to better grow our fanbase!"
"But... I... I'll be honest Misty, I don't really like just taking photos. I think I'd be more help to the band creating music! Can't you all just give me a chance?"
"Erm, I'm not really the one to talk to about that. Maybe you should be asking Pan or Leo. I can't make big changes."
"Well- I mean... it's hardly really a big change since I've been in this band when it was first made-"
"Yeah. I'm still not the one in charge though. Go ask the other two. I'll be with Spirit if you need me." The creature walked by and I noted their blue-ish claws and back hooves. A hippogriff, if I had to guess.
Another sigh and the yellow hooves of a pony came into view with his wings visibly drooping by his sides. The pegasus photographer... "Pan and Leo never listen to me though..." He mumbled to himself before raising his wings and taking off.
Gimmick and I looked at one another; on her face was a knowing smirk, "Alright. Your pawn is the kirin, mine is the pegasus."
"Is this a competition now?" I asked.
"Hm, no I still need your help of course... but I have a plan with the pegasus."
"And what about the kirin?"
"If we find out more we'll work with them too."
"Alright then, lay it on me."
"I'm going to need you to use several disguises..."
I had to keep myself from screaming. I was in a disguise. A disguise I did not like. I had to walk through the backstage area and repeat several phrases. Keep calm. Be confident. She might be mean to you but she's kind to others. She's kind. She's kind. Oh sweet Thorax I don't like this.
I was Panax.
She was late. I can only imagine why. So out of all the band members, she was the only one currently absent. Until now. Until I came around. As Panax. Which, and I will repeat, I do not like. Until I find a new disguise, I was stuck like this for the time being.
Great. Okay. This is fine. I can do this. I approached the stage area and no one questioned why I was there. No one even bat an eye. They fell for my disguise already, and I just had to be sure to keep up the act.
My first mission was to try and find the pegasus and learn more of the band members. The pegasus, if we both recalled correctly, was named Dream. The hippogriff was Misty, Pan is obviously Panax, but Leo could be either the kirin or the griffin. If I had to guess though, could be the griffin. They weren't my objective right now though.
I scanned the area for the pegasus photographer. The best place to start was him after all. It shouldn't be too hard to find him, the stage was big but it wasn't too fancy. It only had a few creatures roaming along it. One of those creatures was a griffin with black and orange robin-like feathers. Assuming they were either Leo or Spirit I'd pass by them was a small nod. They returned it while somehow keeping their focus on the guitar they were fiddling with, "Leo is at the sound booth if you're looking for him." The griffin chirped as he played a small verse.
The music was soft and mellow. Listening to it I could've sworn it had some magic infused within those strings. The melody was calming and melted all my worries away. It was so relaxing I almost didn't fully process what he had said. Leo was at the sound booth. So, if I'm correct, this should be Spirit then. I guess I was wrong about Leo being a griffin. To test my theory, I decided to do something bold.
"Thanks Spirit."
"Anytime Pan." The griffin continued strumming away at his guitar while I turned to continue my search.
That was when the familiar blue of a hippogriff danced across my vision, "Pannnn! Dream's complaining againnnn!" Misty whined, making my ears flinch, "He's with Leo right now, it looks like he's about to go into another boring speech. Something about talent and the soul of the band or whatever."
I gave an annoyed sigh, but not towards Dream, "Alright. I'll talk to him."
Misty beamed, "Thanks Panny! I just never know how to handle him sometimes, you know?"
Spirit looked irritated, "Uh, I don't know maybe just tell him you don't like him and get it over with."
"It's not that easy Spirit...!"
I gave Spirit a curious glance before turning back to the blue nuisance, "I know what you mean Misty, I'll talk to you later."
"Alrighty! Don't take too long~" Misty playfully sung before turning to a disgruntled-looking Spirit who she eagerly chattered to. He seemed to tolerate her presence, but was more interested in his instrument than whatever she was talking about.
I headed to the sound booth where three creatures soon greeted me. A dark kirin with orange hair framed like a lion's mane, a lavender changeling wearing a silver coat and headphones, and Dream himself. They were going back and forth with each other when I walked over.
"I'm just saying, I haven't played with you guys since high school! Can't you give me just one more chance?" Dream pleaded.
I turned to Leo, the kirin, who let out an exasperated sigh, "For the last time Dream, just sit this one out too. You have talent but not the kind we need on stage right now. You can take pictures and try out that new camera you have. This version can also record videos! It's important for our future showcasing so just do this for us today, alright?"
"But- but... Pan! Hey, Pan. Hear me out for one moment, will you?" Dream turned towards me, his round brown eyes begging for my attention. Panax's attention.
Looking at him I felt this tug of sympathy. He was only a pawn to our operation but I felt we shared a common want. Poor Dream was excluded out of a life he wanted. Just like I was. As I opened my mouth to respond the kirin then spoke up.
"Panny!" In that moment I felt this rush of love hit me. I turned to Leo and saw the way he beamed at the sight of me. At Panax. His eyes were full of this tender fondness and his warm smile flashed in endearment. Oh yeah, this creature had one big crush on the leading singer, "Thank Rain Shine! Help me out, will you? You have a better time convincing him than I do."
Dream looked hurt by what Leo had said but still gave me a hopeful stare. Somehow, in someway, Panax was going to help him. It's just something he apparently felt.
I looked between the two and sighed, "What's going on today, Dream?"
"I..." He seemed to deflate, "I was hoping I could somehow help with the performance. It's amazingly lucky we got the plaza spot, isn't there any other way I can provide for the audience than just photos..?"
"Photos and videos, Dream." I quickly said.
"Right- but still! I used to play a lot back then. Can't I play again?"
I turned my gaze to Leo who rolled his eyes and shook his head towards me. The answer should be obvious to me, and I hated that. I hated that Panax and her friends treated this pony like... like me. I felt this anger boil up inside me as I turned towards Dream.
"Dream. Can I talk to you in private for a moment? I think we need to talk." I set my hoof on his shoulder, hoping he would know it was secretly a comforting gesture.
Even then, he started to look hopeless, "Oh... Okay. Sure."
I nodded and turned to Leo, "I'll meet up with you later, then?" I smiled towards him.
"Of course! Thanks Panny. When we get up on that stage let's do our-" The abrupt sound of feedback suddenly hit our ears. I flinched in surprise, but it didn't bother me as much as it did to Leo. He hissed at the noise and placed a hoof over one of his ears, "Ow ow ow! Maxilla! What did I tell you about that??" He growled, a spark of flame coming off his mane.
The lavender changeling nearby jumped and took off her headphones, "Sorry about that! I was just testing something out."
"Well be careful! This performance has to be perfect, I can't have any issues with the audio! None at all!" He stomped a hoof and gritted his teeth in frustration.
I blinked and quickly set a hoof on his shoulder, "Leo."
He paused and stared at me. His love for Panax only seemed to grow, "Y... Yeah?"
I placed a hoof under his chin, "Calm down."
"Right..." He relaxed and smiled. It looked like he was about to melt in my hold. Ew.
I quickly, and discretely, took some of his love as a snack before pulling away. I still needed to talk to Dream after all, but at least I found out what made the kirin tick, "I'll be back."
"Right~ Right! I'll be... I'll be with the others." Leo blushed before quickly turning away.
I only rolled my eyes and went to leave with Dream, "Come on."
Dream hesitantly waved goodbye to Maxilla and followed behind me. His pace was slow at first but seeing me a little further away made him hurriedly catch up, "Pan..?" He began, "Just... Just give it to me straight. You're not going to let me perform either, are you?"
I lead him to a patch of shade just underneath a lone tree and sighed. I gestured to a spot where he could sit and got comfortable on the soft green grass, "Dream. There's something I need to tell you."
"What's that?" Dream asked as he sat down in front of me.
I allowed myself to lean back and stare up at the leaves hanging in the branches above us, "Sometimes, not every creature is going to understand you. Sometimes it's going to be very difficult to get yourself out there. To get the attention you need. Or seek. What you're trying to do isn't going to be easy. Especially in Busy Bees."
"What are you saying?"
I shook my head, "Are we your friends, Dream?"
"What? Yes- Of course you are."
"All of us?"
"Y... Yes."
"Are you telling me the truth? Or are you lying because you're afraid you'll get kicked out?"
Dream stuttered and looked taken aback. I stared directly at him.
"... There's something I want to tell you. I'm about to lose someone after today. Someone I cared about. I'm not sure if I ever told you about her. She's a young unreformed changeling that I moved with. Someone who still needs help and time to improve. I was supposed to teach her the value of love. Now she's moving away somewhere else."
The other looked confused, "I... You're right, I don't think you ever mentioned this to me before."
I huffed in annoyance, "Her name is Ginseng... She was like you in a way. Hopeful. Always wanting my attention. Anyone's attention. But she'll be going away soon. And you want to know something she always wanted to do..?"
Dream looked me up and down, "What's that..?"
I decided then and there to drop my disguise, "She always wanted to help the performance be the best it can be!" I announced as I fluttered my wings.
The photographer jumped in surprise and backed off. His mouth opened and closed as he tried to figure out what to say.
"Ahah! I knew you weren't Panax!" Another voice made my head spin towards the new creature. A lavender changeling with a silver coat.
"Maxilla??" Dream whipped his head back and forth at the two of us.
"Hi there..." I sheepishly waved a hoof towards her. Oh boy... I did not expect this.
Maxilla huffed and made her way up to me, "Alright kid, what were you doing backstage disguised as Panax?"
"Wait, you knew she wasn't Panax?" Dream asked as he pulled himself up, "How??"
"Her eyes." Maxilla explained, "Changelings can tell if someone is disguised by the sheen of their eyes. Especially if its a different color from their original ones. Panax has red eyes but this one has blue ones."
"Good eye." I snrked only to get an annoyed stare in response, "I can explain. Panax is... or was... my caretaker. I'll be leaving soon and taken elsewhere. I know it looks desperate but- I wanted to see if there was anyway I could help out her concert as one last goodbye. And I wanted it to be a surprise! Somehow. Honestly though? There isn't really much to fix... Except maybe how they treat you, Dream."
Dream placed a hoof on his chest, "Me?"
I nodded, "You're their friend, aren't you? So why aren't they listening to you? Why do they treat you so differently..?"
Maxilla paused and looked over at Dream, raising a brow in curiosity.
Dream hesitated, "Um... It's just... You know- my talent is... a bit too extreme is all... I just... I don't know. I'll get my chance again in the future. That's what they promised."
"Friends don't make broken promises like that though!" Everyone whipped their head over to see Gimmick making her way towards the small group, "Hi. Little Gimmick. I'm Ginseng's friend. I promised her I'd help her out with her little helper surprise. So. What did I miss?" She asked as she settled next to me.
"Well..." I gave a glance towards Maxilla, "I disguised myself as Panax to see how everything was backstage. My first plan was to see if I could fix anything more... technical or design-wise, but then I ran into everyone and, well, I didn't like what they kept saying about Dream."
Dream's ears fell back, "What else did they say about me..?"
"One of them said they didn't know how to handle you..."
Maxilla turned to Dream, "... They have been rather rude to you."
"So you want us to try and fix their friendship?" Gimmick questioned with narrowed eyes. She wasn't really happy with that plan... yet.
I nodded, "We need to give Dream a chance to shine and a chance to have the others realize he's like them!"
Maxilla interrupted, "Why should we trust you though? You're not reformed."
I flinched at this and for a good moment I wasn't sure how to defend myself. I actually felt my words get caught in my throat.
"Well, she is young." Dream piped in, "She could still be learning, couldn't she? Plus with everything she said... everything she plans to do... who knows? Maybe this will help her reform or- whatever you changelings do to do it?"
"Plus look at her forehead! She has gemstones. Maybe that's a sign she's going to reform really soon!" Gimmick chirped.
Maxilla looked between us and sighed, "I've never seen gemstones on a changeling's forehead before... but you know what? Every creature is different. Your reformation is unique to you, after all. And you're right, Busy Bees has been treating one of their own members poorly. I did not like how they kept talking about you, Dream." She turned towards the pegasus, "Leo and Misty? They push you away... I can't imagine what Panax would say about you, if they believe she can handle you. So, you know what? I want to help too. I want them to understand that you're a member as well. The performance doesn't have to be perfect, no matter what Leo demands. I think it would be ten times better if you were all instead happy with each other."
"That's-" Dream looked like he was about to cry, "Thank you. All three of you. I barely know you but I'm grateful that you want to help me."
"Of course! First we have to figure out how we're going to get this to work though..." Gimmick muttered as she tapped her chin.
"I have a small idea." I piped in, "Maxilla, that's your name right? Would you be willing to teach me what to do for the sound-booth? I think it would be better if we traded positions for a bit."
"Traded positions..? Why?"
"Well, while I'm handling your job, you have something just as important to be doing. The rest of the technical staff, they need someone to convince them to be part of this as well."
Gimmick's ears perked, "The more creatures involved the more we can get a handle of this situation-"
Dream seemed to smile, "I can convince Spirit to help us out! He and I have a similar want when it comes to music. He'll be all for it, trust me."
"That'd be great!" I smirked, "So.... Here's the plan."
While Dream went off to speak with Spirit, Maxilla quickly taught me how to work the sound-booth. She told me the gist of it and simplified it for me to what I just needed to do. She also explained feedback and how to avoid it real quick before hurrying off to do her part. While me and Gimmick were alone in the sound-booth I quickly explained to her what the true plan was.
Sabotage.
Gimmick was all for it. When we broke apart that was it. Everything was now set in motion. I quickly disguised as Maxilla and let her headphones rest around my neck. Now all we had to do was wait and get everything ready.
The first part of the plan was simple. After Spirit was convinced by Dream he would start playing a more extreme melody on his guitar every once in a while in the song, slowly introducing a genre that would start seeping into the concert. This would give Dream an opportunity to slide in with his own guitar, ready to play alongside with his pal.
Meanwhile the technical support will be setting up lights and effects in real-time to also help introduce the change as well. All the while I will be at the sound-booth making sure everything ran as smoothly as it could while Gimmick would be in the audience, making the crowd was cheerful and happy in case they started reacting negatively somehow.
Hopefully with this act Busy Bees would find nothing wrong with a little rock in their music and see that even the audience loved it. They'll start being more welcoming with Dream while Spirit would help convince them even more. That is the plan everyone expected... but not the one we were truly going for~
The band appeared on stage. Panax was there, clutching her microphone close to her chest. The music was calm, serene... and country? I stuck my tongue out but I continued to watch and wait. Misty lightly tapped at her drums while Panax hummed along. Soon she began singing, then Leo joined in. Their voices matched in harmony as they inched closer to one another and looked into each others eyes.
I let some feedback go off before quickly reverting it back to normal.
Leo's ears seemed to twitch and he shot a glance towards the sound-booth, I only mouthed 'got it' and continued looking like I was busy.
It was then Spirit put in a few notes that definitely weren't there before. It was subtle but different enough that Leo once again noticed it. He shot a glare towards Spirit who only shrugged with a smile before continuing like usual.
While me and Spirit occasionally did our thing, Gimmick was busy gathering Dream's camera and setting up a microphone that also gave off a little bit of feedback when plugged in. Not only that, but sometimes she would make subtle noises from time to time with it, just to put more salt into the wounds.
Leo whipped his head towards me, uncaring if he wasn't being subtle anymore. I only gave a small shrug in response like as if I wasn't sure where it came from. He turned back to Panax and tried to keep his eyes on her loving gaze, but even she was getting annoyed with the feedback and the random melody from Spirit that was seeping into the song.
It was then I spotted Dream on the other side of the stage. He was excitedly waiting his turn and I had to smile. I actually couldn't wait to see him perform.
Leo was starting to look calm again, I messed with the feedback.
Sparks appeared on his mane and Panax was now desperately trying to keep his attention on her. They kept going, I'll give them that... but now it was time to really shine.
There was a part of the song that had no lyrics. A part of the song that was just music and humming. Now was the time for Dream and Spirit to truly step in.
Spirit suddenly started up first. He ripped into his guitar as he began his own solo, making Misty and the rest of the band pause in surprise. Then, when it all went silent... Dream slid in with his own guitar. Old and unused but still shining with character Dream eagerly kicked it off for the very first time in a long while.
Leo backed up in surprise and turned towards me, as if begging for help. I only shrugged and smiled. This was happening now. Another spark of flame went off, but this time Panax was distracted by the performance. She hadn't realized what was happening.
I guess the worst thing about this, from what Leo might've realized, was that this performance was going perfectly. No feedback, no interruptions, even the lights and effects were going swimmingly so far. It was the perfect act and the audience were eating it up. Leo had enough.
As Spirit and Dream were back to back shredding their guitars, Leo suddenly burst into flames nearby, becoming a Nirik. Panax and Misty freaked out, causing him to panic and rush across the stage. The two guitarists were distracted with their music that they hadn't realized the burning wall of blue and pink flames that rose up behind them until the song finally ended. They heard cheering, but they also heard panic and screaming. They looked back to see the flames now growing along the stage.
"FIRE!" Someone shouted as many quickly worked to try and extinguish it. Pegasi rushed to the skies in search of rain clouds but it was a clear, perfect day. There were no clouds anywhere to use. Fire extinguishers were quickly found and put to work while others began to douse it with their own magic.
Gimmick began recording and taking in all the destruction.
I was ready to leave, I did what I had to anyways, but then I saw her. Panax. She had tossed her microphone away and whipped her head towards me. Her eyes burned with fury. I took a weary step back as she charged up to me.
"Maxilla. What. In. Tartarus?!"
"I- what?" I stumbled.
"I KNOW what you were doing! You were messing with the feedback! Leo would've been surprised by this performance, not angry! He's only angry because of YOU!"
I shrunk back while Gimmick made her way over to us, "I'm sorry- I was just trying my best I don't-"
"I can't believe we hired you. You're no longer allowed to work with us any longer! The agreement is over. Is there anything you have to say for yourself?!"
I hesitated... and then dropped my disguise.
A tense silence washed between us.
"Hey Panax..." I sheepishly smiled.
"You."
"Y-Yeah... Me... Don't blame Maxilla for this I just-"
"YOU!" Panax stomped her hoof on the floor, "I should've KNOWN! You're nothing but a troublemaker! A mistake! I should've never taken you in. I should've just left you behind like Chaorite left you for that hippogriff you little... you little abomination!"
Her voice echoed throughout the entire plaza...
She stopped and slowly turned her head towards Gimmick. In Gimmick's magical hold was a microphone. That microphone was connected to several speakers that had went off all at once...
"I... I-" Panax began and slowly backed out of the sound-booth... and into someone else. She whipped around to be faced with Dream, Spirit, Maxilla, and several others from the technical staff. The fire had been hastily put out and the eyes of every creature there, including the audience, were now all on her.
As she tried to explain herself to an angry crowd, my eyes were glued to the floor. This might've been one victory, but it didn't feel right to me. I was numb. I was cold. I couldn't react... I couldn't move! Why couldn't I move?! I tried to move... but I just couldn't. There was this ringing in my ears. This memory wouldn't go away. What was happening to me??
"Ginseng?"
I finally perked up and saw Gimmick. My cheeks were wet from crying, "... I want to go home." I suddenly said.
"I'll take you to King Thorax." Gimmick suggested as she offered a hoof towards me. I gently took it.
After leaving the headphones behind we began walking away from the disaster, Maxilla, Dream, and Spirit soon flew up to us. Maxilla placed her coat over my shoulders and Dream gave me a small smile.
"Hey, wait... I want to thank you."
"For what? I ruined everything." I tiredly muttered.
"You changed a lot for us." Dream explained, "We're not part of Busy Bees anymore, or working for them anymore. Spirit and I? We're going places together."
"Heck yeah we are." Spirit grinned as he fist bumped Dream with his talons.
"And I'll be working with these two instead!" Maxilla added in, "You made us realize something today. We don't have to put up with this. We don't have to be part of that anymore. So... Thank you Ginseng."
"I'm... I'm still sorry. I split you all up-"
"It's fine." Dream interrupted, "Sometimes it's good to just... split up. Not all of us can stay friends forever, and it might even be healthier if we went our separate ways. Don't worry about us Ginseng. You just focus on yourself and stay safe, okay? Wherever you're headed off to next."
"Yeah, don't let what Pan say to you get to you!" Spirit hovered over to me, "Just live life! Be daring! Be bold!"
"Do what you can in the moment." Maxilla chuckled, "We're going to miss you."
I looked between them and grinned, "And I'm going to miss you too."
Maxilla and Dream gave me a hug, "Keep the coat." Maxilla hummed, "But look out for it will you?"
"Thank you Maxilla."
"Stay safe."
We parted and said our goodbyes. While Gimmick and I headed towards the castle she kept one hoof on me at all times, as if afraid I would drift away. There was a peaceful silence between us... and then with a laugh Gimmick interrupted it.
"Your old caretakers suck."
"I know."