Too Young To Change

by dicerollball


Chapter 6: A New Kind of Lesson

Several years ago

There were so many creatures here, all mostly changeling. They moved about, mingled, and chatted among each other as they welcomed the new visitor. It was all noisy and colorful. It kind of hurt to look at for too long. I sat in the corner of the get-together. I was more focused on some round stones on the floor than whatever was going on with everyling else. It wasn't packed but I felt like an outlier here. Everyone was all chipper and happy while I was just... confused. We were in an open space with trees shading us from the sun above and old rock formations of the former hive curling almost protectively around us. Vines and flowers hung along the walls besides anything else that decided to grow here. My younger broodmate, Sage, was decorating flower crowns with a group of young nymphs. The older, Chamomile, was playfighting with wooden sticks. Sage was a reformed green changeling with no wings and no horn. Meanwhile Chamomile was just like me. Still young and still learning to share love. I could tag with him and playfight, but something was on my mind today.

I looked over at where my caretaker Chaorite was. He was hanging around the new visitor. A hippogriff with white feathers speckled with dusts of green. Her wide hazel eyes would lovingly look into his and her entire demeanor always seemed to change whenever he was around. More cutesy, more giggly, and more... high-pitched. I stuck my tongue out in disgust. She was so love-struck for him. I wouldn't have minded, I guess, if I had met her before. I've never seen her until today. Though I have heard of her.

Diahna. That was her name. She's mostly a seapony underwater or whatever and isn't at all used to walking or flying on ground. Born and raised they all said. There was also a chance she was somehow related to royalty? Though I think those were just silly rumors. Either way, Chaorite and her somehow met. That might seem impossible but they could've met at that one villain attack that happened a long time ago in Seaquestria, before I was even hatched. It was a place next to Mount Aris ruled by Queen Novo. A lot of political stuff but pretty much this large reptilian creature or something tried to make off with the pearl and several powerful creatures that were later saved by six young heroes. During that, many Seaquestrians escaped and sought shelter elsewhere while several creatures got together to form a support group to help the hippogriffs and temporarily house them. Chaorite was one of them. That's why I knew so much about it, he loved telling his stories of when he traveled and tried to help where he could in Equestria before he decided to settle as a caretaker. So he surprisingly knew a lot of creatures.

Again I wouldn't have minded meeting her... but something about her rubbed me the wrong way.

"Ginseng, what're you doing all by yourself?" Chaorite pulled me right out of my thoughts, "Come on, the party's that way!"

"Sorry Chaorite... I'm just not feeling it right now." I explained as I kicked one of my stones away.

"Aw, what's wrong? Want to talk about it?" Chaorite settled next to me and tilted his head.

"... Um." I hesitated and dug a hoof into the ground, "Well. It's- I don't... I don't know your friend very well."

"Is that all?" He chuckled and patted my head, "Here, I'll introduce you two real quick! In fact, let's get Sage and Chamomile too!"

"Well we don't have to-"

"It's fine Ginseng. Just trust me, you're going to like her. I'm sure she'll like you too!" He assured before getting up to go grab Diahna.

I groaned and curled in on myself. A part of me really didn't want to meet her...

It was already too late to try and back out. Before I know it, Chaorite, Sage, Chamomile, and Diahna were right in front of me.

"And this is Ginseng! She's also part of the litter I was assigned to." Chaorite smiled as he helped me up on my hooves.

"Ahah... Wow." Diahna gave an uneasy chuckle, "Three? That's a lot..."

"Hah, you should see my broodmate Tanzanite. She takes care of five. She plans to take care of even more after them too."

"Wait, so you just keep raising litters?" She tilted her head and looked down at me. I inched back at her hard stare.

"Well, yeah! That's pretty much the job of being a caretaker. I raise these three and then I raise the next batch. But you three will always be my favorites." Chaorite pulled Sage and me into an embrace while Chamomile mimicked a barf nearby.

"Eugh, no thanks. Go choose favorites somewhere else."

"Get in here Chamomiiiile!" Sage insisted.

"Get your little green hooves off of me-"

Before he knew it, he was pulled into a hug by Sage and I. Sage did it out of love, I did it to be a nuisance.

"Why do those two look like that..?" Diahna asked, "Are they injured? Cursed?"

"Cursed??" Chamomile hissed.

"No no, they haven't gone through the metamorphosis stage yet. When they learn how to share love, or who to share love with, then they will transform." Chaorite quickly explained, "So please don't call them cursed. They're perfectly fine!"

"So they... don't love anyone right now? And do they always act like he does?"

"Um. No-" I flinched at that, "I mean I'm saving my love for someling special. I'll share it when I want to!"

"Same!" Chamomile growled before burying himself against Sage's chest. I knew he secretly appreciated her hugs.

"Let them grow first Diahna, but how they are right now is normal. Just let them take their time." Chaorite assured, "And don't mind how Chamomile acts. He's just snappy because he didn't get a honey-covered delight today."

"Am not." He growled.

"Would you like one after this party?"

Chamomile narrowed his eyes, "... Maybe."

Diahna looked uncertain... but she gave a small smile, "Sorry, they're part of your family. Your... uh... evergrowing family. Hah. So, I'll try to be their family too. It's nice to meet you all! I'm Diahna. I hope we can all get along while I'm living here with you!"

The three of us seemed to freeze at that.

I was the first to speak, "Wait, what's going on?"

"Well..." Chaorite blushed, "I have something to admit. Diahna is... more than a friend. You three might be getting a second caretaker!"

Sage seemed to beam at this, "What?? No way!"

"Yes way girl!" Diahna laughed, "I want to be part of your family."

"Ewwww, you love each otherrrrr!" Chamomile stuck out his tongue.

"Of course I do! I love her and she loves me," Chaorite placed a hoof in her claw, "I hope you all can learn to love her too."

"Sage already does." I chirped as my younger broodmate excitedly hopped around Diahna.

"You're going to love it here! I have so much to show you! And a lot to talk about- oh! Oh! The holidays! They're the best! I'll show you everything! I won't leave a single stone unturned!

"The only good thing about this place is the rock formations." Chamomile rolled his eyes, "It's not that interesting here."

"Ahah, alright alright. I can't wait to see more of your home, but can we calm down? We still have a party going on here after all." Diahna sheepishly chuckled.

"Right! Right! But I really need to show you my favorite spot in the whole hive! It's so high up you can see everything!!"

As Sage zipped over to Chaorite to talk about the amazing places she could show Diahna, I saw something. That hippogriff... She shot Sage a glare. A glare?
Who in their right mind would get angry at Sage..? Chamomile I can understand, he was always a jerk, but Sage?

I decided to try something. While everyone was distracted with each other, I went up to Diahna's side. I breathed in to sense the love flowing from her. There was this rich, clear sense of love for Chaorite radiating off of her, but when it came to my siblings and I? There was none. In fact, it felt very hollow.

I couldn't believe what was coming off of her.

Diahna hated us.


Everything was still buzzing. As I let Gimmick guide me throughout the castle I felt this constant ringing in my head. The words that Panax said couldn't seem to leave me. Mistake. Abomination. How she should've left me like Chaorite left me for that... that hippogriff! The thought of Diahna made my blood boil, but I couldn't stay angry for too long. I was drained from today. However my mind couldn't stop wondering off to certain thoughts. Wouldn't it have been easier if I had just reformed? Wouldn't I be happier? Wouldn't they?
Isn't that what I truly wanted?

Escorted by a guard, we began making our way to my assigned guest room. There we could settle down, talk, and have a sleepover while we plan our next move. In all honesty though? I just want to sleep. I wanted to get my mind off of everything.
unbeknownst to me, several familiar voices ere hurriedly chattering among themselves. I was so washed up in my thoughts that I hadn't even caught it until it was way too late.

"Wait, Ginny-" Gimmick tried to stop me but I had already rounded the corner into a more crowded hallway. A group of familiar colorful ponies and creatures waited there. Princess Twilight, her advisor Spike, Fluttershy, Rarity, and even the other three elements were there. King Thorax was speaking with Ocellus and Silverstream while one draconequus anxiously hovered nearby. Discord.
I froze as all eyes turned towards us.

"D-Discord..."

He did not hesitate. The moment he saw me his arms stretched out in my direction. I yelped as he plucked me up off the ground and pulled me towards the council, "Fluttershy! Emergency hug time, STAT!" Discord insisted before tossing me towards her. She easily caught me, settled back down, and cuddled the top of my head. I felt this overwhelming amount of love hit me as several more decided to join in on the hug pile.

"Ah! Stop! You're suffocating me!!" I gasped before quickly holding my breath, trying to stop myself from eating the overflowing love that now surrounded me.

"Oh my gosh!" A new, chipper voice of an older pink mare hit my ears, "I can't believe you just went through that! No pony-"

"Creature." Another orange mare piped in.

"-creature should ever have to have a meanie like that say something so rude!" Pinkie Pie, I remembered, the element of laughter.

"Um... Hey, can I have my friend back?" Gimmick asked as she tried to push through only to get snagged by Silverstream's sudden embrace, "AH OKAY! This is happening."

"I don't understand..." I tried to keep my mouth covered, "I messed up. Aren't you all upset with me? I haven't shared any of my love yet. I'm not even reformed." Weren't they supposed to turn me into stone, too?

"Ginseng." Discord firmly pulled me away from the rest of the council, "Look at me! I'm the lord of chaos. A draconequus with limbs all over the place that was once thought to only love chaos and no creature else! Do you think I care that you look like this? That you haven't reformed yet? Besides, what is there to even reform? The dastardly child who pulled a bunch of pranks? I don't care about that. You think they do too?" He gestured to his group of friends nearby.

I looked to the rest of the group and only saw gentle smiles on their faces, "But I'm... I could hurt you. I could hurt every creature-"

"Pffft. A little thing like you? Nonsense! Who would tell you a ridiculous thing like that?" Discord chuckled while King Thorax awkwardly ducked his head behind Spike.

I blinked, my eyes were starting to tear.

"Don't listen to that Panax creature either. A mistake? Really? She's lucky I'm so nice now, or else I'd throw her straight into orbit for the things she's said!"

"Discord." Twilight sighed, "But he's right. Don't let her words get to you. I'm sorry you had to hear something like that to begin with. If you want, I can get her up here and have her apologize right now."

"No thank you princess, that's alright. I... I just don't want to see her anytime soon right now." I squirmed out of Discord's hold and hovered back down to Gimmick's side after she had escaped SilverStream and Ocellus.

A stream of rainbow colors passed by my vision, "Karma's definitely gonna to hit her hard after a performance like that!" Rainbow Dash, the element of loyalty herself, hopped up into the air and fluttered back down to the ground besides us.

"Your darn tootin. At least she showed a more honest version of herself after that. Now everybody knows who they're really supportin' out there." The element of honesty, Applejack, casually adjusted her hat.

"Ginseng, darling, you have nothing to worry about from us. To everycreature here you're doing your best. You're a small star waiting to shine as bright as you can!" Rarity chirped.

I took a small step back, "But I'm still an abomination."

Discord appeared in front of me, "And so am I! So what??"

Fluttershy tilted her head in concern, "Discord..?"

"No no, hear me out. Ginseng. You are my very first student. The one I've chosen to be my student. Under me you'll get to learn everything chaos and fun! On a reasonable level, of course... but as chaos users we'll be seen as abominations. Ever since I was formed after all, I was just that. So what though? That's what we are. We're unnatural, but unique! We can be whatever we want to be, any shape or size!" As if to prove his point he would shift his body to look more like different creatures, "We will change constantly. Like you will change constantly. Not just with the help of your magic but with you as well. With my help, you will become the best and the most unique little abomination ever."

As his body shifted so would his voice. One moment it was high-pitched, the next it was very deep.

"We're anomalies, or going to become anomalies. So what? You'll become something new one day. Isn't that the best kind of chaos? Discovering something completely out of your control?" He reshaped his body so he was now more changeling-like, "As a chaos user there's no such thing as normal. We will always be considered like this, but in a way that matters. To us and to you. You're going to be my star pupil. One day you'll be shaping yourself as your own special creature! And that will be yours to figure out. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

I looked him up and down before he transformed back into Discord, "Trust me. Work with the name. You're a special little abomination," He sternly said with his claws at his hips before I abruptly ran up to him and crashed against his chest.

I heard the others nearby as they happily cheered while I buried my face in Discord's hug. It all didn't make sense, but that was the best part about it I guess. I was once more suffocating under an overbearing amount of love, but this wave was more relaxed and comforting because I was accepting it. I had no fear I was going to harm them because they had an overflowing amount they were willing to give on their own. I could trust this group. I could possibly trust Discord...

Then I spotted Gimmick nearby.

She looked between us and took a shaky step back. The group was so distracted with me and Discord that they didn't even notice her nearby. Looking at her, I understood. I knew exactly what she was concerned with. She couldn't care less about being part of the group. No, her eyes landed on me and I knew what she was thinking.
In that moment, I made a decision and pulled away from Discord.

I walked up to my friend. My accomplice. She looked back at me with a hard stare, glanced back at the others behind me, and then outstretched her hoof. My thoughts went back to the statue in the royal gardens.

I stared down at it, then back to her. Her eyes were pleading me. Begging me. This wasn't a simple hoof bump. This was something else. An assurance. An agreement.

I smiled and bumped mine against hers. I was still with her like agreed.

Let's change everything.


I'll just cut to the chase. I was re-introduced to Princess Twilight, the rest of the council, those from the friendship school, and Discord. I am Ginseng, one of the rare few changelings at this age who refused to reform. While King Thorax was talking to Silverstream and Ocellus about my condition, Princess Twilight insisted on knowing more about me. I was not too keen on sharing my life too much with her so instead I would turn to Discord and stick to his side.

As for why the rest of the council was here? Well, apparently they met every once a moon and I was unlucky enough to run into that very day they got together. Actually, they might've been in the audience of that plaza concert since they just kept bringing it up. Either that or the recordings Gimmick got spread like wildfire already.

Again though, I wasn't all for pony politics or whatever. I wanted to go to my room and just settle down for a while. So I told them I was tired and needed some time to relax. I wanted to enjoy a nice sleepover with Gimmick after all.

That was when Discord suggested something. A story. The continuation of the big three villains. Gimmick quickly agreed and I found myself interested as well, so we three headed off to my room where we could finally hear the rest of the tale. The last part of the story, apparently.

As we entered the room it was surprisingly as big as King Thorax's. Spacious and fancy. The moment my hooves landed on that soft carpet again I just collapsed where I was.

"Ooh so comfy." I purred as I rolled in the soft material.

"... Are- Are you actually purring? Like a cat?" Gimmick questioned.

I stopped, "Shut up."

"Changelings can purr?!"

"I said shut up!" I sat up, grabbed a pillow with my magic, and tossed it at Gimmick.

Gimmick let out a laugh as she clutched the pillow to her stomach, "Oh sweet Sparkles, that's adorable!"

"Oh sweet Sparkles? That's a new one." Discord chuckled as he draped himself over the chandelier, "I'll definitely have to add that to my vocabulary."

I plucked another pillow off of the ginormous bed nearby, "Can I have some more cotton candy, Discord? I'm hungry." I asked as I settled on the carpet.

"Well, I guess that's very true now." Discord smirked, "But you shouldn't be eating just cotton candy young lady! That isn't very healthy for you, and you're still growing."

"Pleaaaaaaase?" I begged with wide changeling eyes.

"... Oh fdjksgnsiughns fine!" Discord snapped his talons and a bowl of cotton candy sprinkled with some strange pink dust appeared in front of me, "But I'm not always going to do this for you, youngling!"

"How did you do that with your mouth?" Gimmick asked him as I sniffed the bowl. It... felt like love? Even had a strong smell of love to it? What? How?

"What is this?" I questioned as I gave it another curious sniff.

Discord appeared at the bowl as a tiny version of himself, "Oh I made it myself! With sugar, flavoring, and a dash of love!" He squeed before falling back to disappear within the soft white carpets like as if it were a cloud.

I tasted it and it was... really good! I licked my maw and chowed down.

"Now... Onto the story. I'm going to be letting you two on something very serious that happened. Not a lot of creatures talk about this, not even Princess Twilight, but there's something I need to be truthful about. Grogar never did really come back."

Gimmick jumped at this, "That's why we've never heard of him before! Only his bell!" She then covered her mouth.

Discord let out a sad laugh, "That's right. In fact, this is what really happened..."

He started telling his tale of the three villains. Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, and Tirek. It was on Twilight's coronation day and the three had been creating tension among the ponies. They trampled crops from earth pony farmers, they freaked out the pegasi to the point they stopped offering rain, they used rumors to anger the unicorns, and they created this strain throughout Equestria. When they were satisfied they turned to the bell. Somehow they had found a spell that could activate its true powers and with it they became something more. They became absolutely powerful.

When Grogar met with the three he was shocked to find their betrayal. Before he could even react all of his magic was taken by the bell... but that was when it was truly revealed who he actually was. With his magic drained his disguise fell apart and this entire time he was actually...

"You?!" Gimmick perked at this.

"You were Grogar this entire time?" I asked while while Gimmick's mouth sat open in shock. If she was reacting like that... does that mean he was telling the truth?

Discord nervously averted his gaze and nodded, "Yes, I have to confess I was the one that caused all those disasters. King Sombra, Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, and Tirek. I was the one who brought them all back."

"Why is this not covered in our history classes??" Gimmick interrogated as she marched her way up to Discord.

"Well you see- The council decided that after everything it would be best not to make that public. They didn't want to share too much about Grogar and they didn't want Equestria blaming me. It's still my fault of course and over the years I've done my best to make up for it. However I can't keep this a secret for long. You two aren't the first I've told about this after all! So, whatever you both think of me after this I completely understand. I'm sorry for what I did. Even today, I still am."

I looked down at the floor and then hovered up off the ground. I made my way over to Discord and smiled, "Eh, you're the lord of chaos. Of course you'd be starting chaos." I shrugged, "Well what're you waiting for? Continue! I want to know what happens next!"

"But they lied to an entire nation-" Gimmick began only to be shut up by my hoof.

"Listen. Gimmick. They didn't lie they just haven't told everycreature yet. Plus, I don't care. From what we heard he got what he deserved by losing all of his magic. So let's hear the rest of it!" I fell back onto the carpet and tugged my bowl of cotton candy back towards me.

"I- but- ugh." She huffed and angrily settled down next to me. Gimmick didn't look too pleased but again, I didn't care. I just wanted to know what happened next.

Discord gave us a small smile, "Listen, you two can go off on me all you want after this story is done, alright? It's only fair after all. Ahem, anyways where was I?"

He continued, telling his story of how he traveled far across Equestria on just his two feet. It was agonizing, it was painful, it was EXERCISE! He absolutely hated it. However he pushed on and continued through the harsh elements to get to Canterlot as fast as he could for one reason. Fluttershy! Oh, and his friends of course. He had to warn them before any of them got hurt! So he did just that. He got to Canterlot and confessed everything. A lot of them were upset with him, rightfully so of course, and he urged them to hurry. The three were going to attack at any moment!
Twilight Sparkle fell into a fit of anxiety but was soon convinced by her friends and teacher. She got into action and set out a plan to try and save Equestria.

"Now this part I know." Gimmick hummed, "She sent The Pillars to protect the borders of Canterlot, then warned headmare Starlight at the School of Friendship because-"

"-Queen Chrysalis had a personal vendetta on Starlight!" I finished before sheepishly smiling, "Sorry, continue."

"And then the... Crystal Empire was set up as the final line of defense, back when Flurry Heart was still a baby." Gimmick hissed, looking frustrated.

I tilted my head towards her curiously but Discord had caught my attention again, "That's right! So I'm guessing a lot of your classes has also shared what happens next. The Pillars were easily defeated by Tirek, Queen Chrysalis managed to capture Starlight, and Canterlot Castle? Well, let's just say it definitely didn't last long."

"Before Canterlot Castle was destroyed though, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia had their magic taken from them!" Gimmick noted.

"Rendering them completely useless, as usual." Discord snickered, "Princess Twilight managed to escape and the rest, including myself sadly, were imprisoned in the caverns underneath Canterlot. I had no magic so they could easily wrap me up in chains, but everyone else? They were in these goo cages with pieces of Chrysalis' throne stuck to them, to suck up any magic in the closest vicinity."

"Right! Chyrsalis' throne is made of a special stone infused with changeling magic. The throne then can suck up foreign magic just like we suck up love." I hummed, "Nowadays it's completely shattered so, the bigger the shard is, the bigger the radius. To get the full throne again though would be impossible without a queen."

"Ooh, there's some changeling lore for you. Anyways! After some bickering they did over who gets to use my chaos magic or not, I decided to use that against them," Discord continued, "Tirek shot at me, but I used a stone to calculate and expertly deflect the shot and have it instead hit the magic-sucking stone that was just above Starlight! Definitely on purpose, of course. She used the opportunity to escape and free everypony else! The rest of the elements and little Spikey were able to race away and make it to Twilight while the rest of us stayed behind to fight. Let me say though, fighting with no magic is much more boring than with... but man! That battle? Let me tell you something about that battle. It sucked!" He laughed.

"I- hm..." Gimmick tapped her chin, "Everypony knows what happens after the elements of harmony and Spike escaped, but we never did learn what happened to those still imprisoned during that time. Like you."

"Eh, nothing much really." Discord shrugged, "But I could just show you real quick, just to get it out of the way." He then raised his lion's paw... and snapped.


"That... was a pretty epic make-up." A much younger RainbowDash hovered by Discord's head as she looked out at the battle nearby. The rest of the group, just as young, quickly joined by their side. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkiepie, and Spike.

"Just save Equestria!" Discord urged before they all turned to run, "And keep Fluttershy safe!" He added and began plucking up some rocks off the ground.

"Wow. The elements sure look a LOT different than they do now." A ghost-like Gimmick commented.

"Was that SPIKE?!" I asked, "Oh my King Thorax he was so small and tiny back then!"

"He was so cute at the time I just couldn't help pinching his little cheek whenever I got the chance." Present Discord admitted before turning his attention to the battle as a firey orange beam went slicing right through his transparent body.

That was when Gimmick and I finally saw the three in action for the very first time.

The first one I noticed was Lord Tirek. He was a large black and red centaur with powerful red muscles. His horns curled above his head and fired balls of pure, magical energy towards his opponents. He was the biggest out of the three and did not look anything like the miserable elder that I remember seeing on the statue. He looked so cold and frightened in the royal gardens... Here however he looked more menacing and unstoppable. He was an angry brute ready to tear down civilizations himself if he had to. He would be the one striking fear into others.

The second one was Queen Chrysalis. Spotting her made my heart stop. It wasn't because she was frightening to me, but seeing her move around like a spider or a buzzing fly just felt so uncanny. After all, I've only seen her in one frozen state for so long... She looked slightly different, but still the same. She was still horrifying but she looked more regal and armored. She wore a natural green coating as her protection and a shining crown that sat on her head made from similar material. When she hissed it was terrifying but when she managed to knock away two alicorns it made me shake with excitement. I don't know what it was, but I was definitely drawn to her in a way. I shook my head and instead tried to find Cozy Glow.

Gimmick's eyes were already on her. A little pink filly with curly blue hair, a chess-piece cutiemark, wings... and a horn. I opened my mouth at that and watched as Cozy Glow shot a bright beam of pink-ish colors right at a purplish unicorn who attempted to counter with blue magic. Their beams collided but Cozy's own alicorn magic easily outmatched the other's and the unicorn went crashing down into the former Princess Luna's hooves. The Princess quickly flew away to drag them just out of reach of Tirek's own lazer as he tried to take advantage of the battle.

"Are you alright, Starlight?" Luna asked as she placed the mare away from the fight while Discord went running past, throwing rocks at the big bad three.

"I'm fine..!" Starlight assured as she pushed herself up and cracked her neck, "I can still fight."

Princess Celestia meanwhile was ducking and weaving inbetween Cozy Glow and Lord Tirek. She easily evaded them while The Pillars soon made their entrance.

An orange pegasus was one of the first to dive towards the three by gliding from his cage.

"That's Flash Magnus," Gimmick explained, "The Element of Bravery."

"Yeah he was really brave here, but he forgot one thing." Discord hummed, "He had no pegasus magic or strength thanks to Tirek over there."

As he said that, Flash was instantly smacked away by one of Lord Tirek's hands. The pegasus went crash landing nearby, but forced himself to stand on shaky hooves. It seems he decided that if he couldn't attack, he'd at least try and be a nuisance. He aimlessly charged forward and began kicking and batting at Tirek's hindquarters.

While Tirek was trying to shoo away Flash, Gimmick turned my attention over to two unicorns nearby, "That over there is Star Swirl the Bearded. The Element of Sorcery and one of the most powerful unicorns in history. Over there joining him is MistMane. The Element of Beauty. She sacrificed her own beauty to save her friend and her home. She continues to do so for Equestria and shares herself in everything she loves."

I blinked and held this small appreciation for MistMane.

Star Swirl meanwhile was on the cave floors the moment he got out of his own cage. He started digging his hoof against the ground and began drawing strange symbols along it as his horn sparked in response. MistMane soon joined his side to help him.

"I thought you said Tirek drained their power?" I asked, confused why StarSwirl still had some.

"Oh he did, but Star Swirl does have some ancient magic up his sleeves. And I don't mean the kind he naturally has." Discord chuckled.

After he said this, Star Swirl dug into his cloak and pulled out a round stone on a silver pendant. It was a silver crystal that gave off this soft, white glow. Equipping it, his horn went alight again and he casted a spell on the circle of symbols while Mistmane stood in the middle. Soon, her own horn would activate as well as she regained a morsel of magic herself. She gave a grateful nod and charged into battle while another pegasus helped down a small colt to the circle.

"That one right there is Somnambula. The Element of Hope. She saved this king or something from a giant sphinx by answering their riddle and traversing over a lava pit with a blindfold."

"I'm pretty sure it was an acid pit?" Discord questioned as he tapped his chin.

"Anyways, the stallion in her hooves is... um..." Gimmick hesitated and narrowed her eyes.

"Rockhoof! Without his magic he gets shrunk into a more little pint-sized version of himself. Aw, ain't it adorable?" Discord chuckled as he squished his talon while an explosion happened somewhere behind him.

"Right. He's the Element of Strength."

"Doesn't look like it right now." I commented while an exhausted Somnabula placed Rockhoof in the center of the circle so Star Swirl could offer some magic to him as well.

I heard another loud noise behind me and turned to see Mistmane protecting Flash with a large wall made of crystals. Her eyes furiously glared at Queen Chrysalis who angrily flew around and attempted to shoot at them again only for Flash to quickly shove his friend out of the way.

"We need Stygian for a battle like this." Another of the Pillars, a blue mare with a large mask, came running up to Star Swirl's side.

"MeadowBrook." Gimmick quickly explained, "The Element of Healing. With that mask she managed to save her entire home from a deadly infection."

"I rather think it's good he's not involved at all." Star Swirl sighed, "We are bound to lose, Mage. We can put up a fight, but we are only a distraction. The others have escaped thankfully, but we might not be so lucky." He then turned to Rockhoof and offered more magic to him. The stallion grew, but only to the size of an average grown stallion. If I had to guess from the look on his face, that's probably not his normal size.

Star Swirl let out a grunt and nearly collapsed. The glow from the crystal was starting to fade, "It's not enough. I can't give everypony back their magic."

MeadowBrook hovered next to him, "And you don't have to! Don't worry about that. Don't push yourself to get us all some magic. We just have to-"

Discord, well, Past Discord, went flying on in and nearly crashed right into the two. Star Swirl had acted quickly and pulled MeadowBrook out of the way.

Discord dizzily raised his head, one of his teeth was missing, "Are... Are ya winning, son?" He then collapsed back into a heap of pain and suffering.

I stared, "That... looked like it hurt."

Present Discord nodded, "It did."

The noise of stomping hooves then caught everypony's attention. We all turned to see Lord Tirek himself making his way to the group by the rune circle, "Trying to regain the magic I've taken from you, I see?" He chuckled, "I'm afraid that will only empower me more."

Rockhoof did not hesitate. He grasped one of the closest, biggest rocks he could find with his front hooves and angrily tossed in it Tirek's direction. The centaur clenched his fists and punched right through the hurtling stone, making it crumble and fall apart around him.

Queen Chrysalis let out a shout as one of the broken stones hit her, "Hey! Watch it!"

Tirek chose to ignore her and instead went charging for Rockhoof. Somnambula swiftly acted and threw herself towards one of Tirek's horns. She grasped at it and actually managed to somehow STEER him away from Rockhoof to have him crash into the wall nearby. Somnambula went tumbling to the floor in pain while Rockhoof hurriedly kicked into Tirek's side.

Tirek let out an aching groan before yanking himself out of the wall, sending several rocks showering down upon the two of them. Rockhoof had been blinded long enough that he didn't see the hand grasping for the back of his neck until it was too late. Tirek took the stallion in his hold and then abruptly threw them into another pile of rocks, which made debris go flying everywhere.

Somnambula shakily stood, but suddenly felt a hand grab one of her hind legs. She yelped as she was hoisted in the air and tossed into one of the nearest cages.

"Chyrsalis! Start locking them up again!"

"A bit BUSY!" Chrysalis hissed as another crystal wall suddenly appeared in front of her, "NUISANCE!"

Mistmane let out a shaky sigh but held her ground. Just as she was about to cast another spell however, she heard a yell of warning from her friend Starswirl. She turned to find Tirek suddenly charging for them.

Flash was the first to react and he hurriedly shoved Mistmane out of the way before he was caught in the crossfire. He went flying into the nearest wall and fell to the ground, almost knocked unconscious.

With Mistmane's attention now on Tirek, Chrysalis hurriedly fluttered away towards the rest of the Pillars. Meadowbrook had started to climb up to Somnambula who still hadn't moved, while Starswirl hurriedly tried to help Rockhoof with the little magic he had left. He was surprisingly still kicking, but buried under the broken debris.

A shout rang out from MeadowBrook as Chrysalis shot a beam at her, making her fall off the cavern walls and back onto the floor. Chrysalis then replaced the Somnabula's cage with a green webbing, trapping her where she was.

She then turned to MeadowBrook but was interrupted by a small rock that she narrowly avoided. Rockhoof was on his hooves again ready to fight.

"How is it that they were easily captured with magic but without they seem much more capable?" Discord randomly asked as he ate away at some popcorn.

"Desperation?" Gimmick suggested as she plucked up some popcorn from Discord's bag and contently chewed at it.

"Maybe. How's Cozy and Starlight doing?" I asked as I turned my attention towards them.

"Starlight tried to sneak attack but Tirek threw a large rock at her when she reappeared behind Cozy." Gimmick hummed.

"Oh buck, did she get knocked out??"

"Ginseng, language!"

"Shhh! I'm trying to watch!" Gimmick waved a hoof at the two of them.

The fight continued on. With a lucky shot from Cozy, Mistmane was distracted enough for Tirek to lunge in and suck up the rest of her magic. After she was tossed back into a cage, Chrysalis decided to lead Rockhoof straight into Tirek's grasp in order for the rest of his magic to be drained as well. From there it was easy to begin caging the rest of the pillars.

Celestia and Luna had been preoccupied with taking turns flying Starlight out of the way of danger and attacks. They were her wings and she was their magic.

When Tirek managed to strike Celestia down, Luna and Starlight found themselves pinned by Chrysalis and Cozy Glow.

Discord, at the time, tried one more attack and jumped onto Chyrsalis. He tried clawing at her and curling his body around her only for Cozy to blast his face. He stopped, stunned and coughing up smoke, before Chyrsalis yanked him off and shoved him into a hole in the wall. Cozy swiftly distracted Starlight while Tirek lunged forward to collect even more magic from the powerful mare.

Then just like that, they were all recaptured.

The memory ended there.


"Told you it sucked." Discord chuckled.

"That was so cool!" I chirped, "Well except for you getting thrown around like that, but there was so much action! I really liked Mistmane!"

"I'm sure she'd like to hear that! Maybe you can meet her someday."

"I'd love to!! Ahem... if she doesn't mind, ahah."

"Those villains sure know how to work together, even though they clearly hate each other too." Gimmick muttered in thought.

"Three best friends forever together," Discord hummed, "At least, that's what their statue is like."

"You know, I'm curious about something..." Gimmick tilted her head, "So, since the Pillars were six ponies transferring their magic into the tree of harmony, does that mean every group of elements is six creatures?"

I nodded, "Like the younger six elements after the Friendship Council! Right? What did they call themselves again?"

"I don't think they have a group name... Anyways, you think it's possible another six will appear in our generation?"

"Huh," Discord tapped his chin in thought, "You know, maybe! Though there are already so many elemental bearers running around now. Still, it is a possibility."

"Oh right! The rest of the story!" I sat back down on a soft carpet, "Continue continue!"

"Well, I feel like many have already heard the rest," Discord chuckled.

Gimmick nodded, "It's true. Afterwards the rest found Twilight at the Empire. They got together and made one final stand against the three. Meanwhile their students from the Friendship School shared their knowledge among the many creatures and ponies in Equestria and beyond. Thus bringing them all together for the last battle."

Discord swam about above us, "After using another friendship of harmony rainbow blast on the three and draining them of their power from the bell, the princesses and myself regained our magical ability and before you know it, the three were locked away in stone. A fitting punishment if I do say so myself, and I do! Because I was the one who suggested it."

I seemed to freeze. My body went cold, "Oh. You..? You suggested it?"

"Correct! I thought it was more than fitting, seeing as I myself was punished in a similar way for my own crimes once."

"Wait but-" I looked on in shock, "But... but-

"You were the one who... brought them all together, though?" Gimmick questioned.

Discord looked confused, "Yes?"

"Well it's just-" I began but wasn't sure how to put it into words. Looking at Discord I suddenly felt this spike of fear. This anxious feeling that wasn't there before. I wouldn't have been surprised if it was Princess Luna or Princess Celestia's idea at the time, but Discord..?

So it wasn't Twilight. It wasn't the elements. They weren't the ones I should be fearing. They weren't the ones who would turn me to stone. It was Discord. Discord was the one I should stay away from.

"Oh, nothing." I sheepishly smiled, "I had gotten confused about something for a moment. I figured it out. So, let me guess. Afterwards every creature rebuilt everything and then the coronation happened and it was a big celebration?"

"Right! And we all learned something from it. I especially did. I messed up, and I want to right it. They may forgive me now but I still haven't forgiven myself. As for the three? They especially learned a big lesson. Never mess with Equestria!"

I had to stop myself from gritting my teeth, "Hah, right! You know what I learned Discord? Friends can make mistakes. Not every creature is perfect. I understand that now, from you. Gimmick and I made a lot of mistakes before we met you and the others. I hope we can make it up to you too."

"Aw Ginseng! You already have!" He patted my head, "Now! I think it's about time you two get settled! Next two weeks are coming up and we have a long road ahead of us! You'll be going to the School of Friendship soon!"

"And we'll learn more lessons that way." Gimmick hummed, "We'll get ready. I feel much better now knowing Ginny is coming with me! Oh, but can we have some privacy? We want a girls only castle sleepover!"

I smirked, "Yeah! No million-year old draconeques boy allowed!"

"ExCUSE you? Million year old? Why thank you! I didn't know I looked so young!" Discord jokingly chuckled as he summoned a mirror and brushed back his hair.

"Discooord!"

"Alright alright, fine! I'll leave! But if you need anything, give me a call alright? Fair warning though, on my way home my banana services can be very weak when I'm heading through gelatin tunnels."

I giggled, "Alright. We'll talk to you later Discord. Thanks for the story."

"And thank you for listening! Now enjoy your sleepover, tata!" And just like that, he was gone in a flash.

I stared at where he was. My mind was racing and my thoughts were all over the place. Gimmick sighed and looked over with concern.

"Ginseng-?"

"Huh? Yeah?" I looked up at Gimmick.

Gimmick couldn't help but playfully smirk, "You didn't actually learn any valuable friendship lesson from that, did you?"

"You caught me lying, huh?"

"Yeup."

"Well. Yeah. I learned something else." I admitted, "And I don't like it."

"I don't blame you~" Gimmick hummed as she began digging through her saddlebags, "Discord was the one who got them all together and then got them turned into a stone. After everything he did, he got no other punishment except his magic taken away. And that punishment wasn't even made by the Princesses."

"You know, at least the princesses aren't so, well, scary anymore."

"Hm?"

"Well it's just-" I began to explain, "I don't know why, but this whole time I thought Twilight was that harsh when it came to punishments. But it looks like that's just... Discord."

"And Princess Celestia and Luna." Gimmick shrugged.

"Oh. Yeah, but they're retired so who cares?"

Gimmick began taking out several old scrolls. The same ones we had gathered from Celestia's study.

I hopped up on the guest bed, laid down, and pressed my chin on my hole-riddled hoof, "Really? More studying?"

"What?"

"I mean it's a royal sleepover. Why don't we, I don't know, enjoy it for a bit?" I giggled, "It's not everyday somecreature can spend a few nights in the Canterlot castle."

"And how would you like to enjoy it?" Gimmick hummed as she readjusted her glasses.

"Hmm... By sleeping." I yanked a nearby pillow over to myself and stuffed my face against the soft cushion.

"Then sleep! I'm not stopping you. You sleep, I read these notes. I think that's only fair." My friend smiled.

"But I want to stay up with yoooooooooou" I whined.

Gimmick stood and began picking up several pillows with her magic.

"What are you-" Then suddenly, I was buried under a mountain of soft, comfortable, cloud-like pillows.

"Sleep." I heard Gimmick demand, "After the concert, I think you need it.

"Noooo..." I complained but sank even deeper into the comfy palace that was my new pillow fort, "I don't wannnaaaaa...."

"Too bad so sad~"

"Mmm..." I began to give in. I was exhausted, mentally, and the bed called to me. My eyes started to close and I found myself drifting off. It was such a perfect spot to sleep in, I had to.

Gimmick let out a satisfied hum nearby before turning back to continue her search.


I woke up the next morning to soft rays of sun and the soft chirping of birds.

Digging myself out of the pile of cushions, I spotted Gimmick sleeping on a pillow atop the soft white rug with letters all strewn about. Quietly, I snuck by her and questioned if I should clean up the mess.

Probably not. It may look chaotic but it was possibly Gimmick's own organized chaos. Maybe it would be best not to mess with them and have her figure them out herself.

I decided to just leave her to it and instead made my way back out into the large, expansive hallways. I wanted to go on a walk and get my mind off some things. Maybe even find the dining room, even though I don't need physical food.

However, as my thoughts went back to the story Discord told, I instead decided to venture out and look for Princess Twilight. I don't know why, but a part of me felt guilty. Guilty for being so scared of her or blaming her for something she didn't directly do. Maybe I should take this time to just talk with the princess.

Maybe I could learn something new from her, for once.