Near a small town called Mud, just within a small forest, exists a cave entrance. Inside, you would not find a regular musty cave, but one that was currently occupied.
This was the home of two interesting creatures.
And one was named Minion. She was a changeling unlike the citizens of Mud who were ponies. Though she looked like the usual insect fiend you'd find in the badlands, she had something that would distinguish her from the rest. And that was the scar on the right side of her face, it started from her brow and ended on her cheek. Though it made her look more frightening as a character, Minion was no villain. Back then before she met a kirin, she was focused on her secret plan. But now, Minion wanted nothing more than to relax and enjoy her life. Without any ponies, of course, she isn't evil but she prefers to be alone.
This cave used to be a simple hideout, but after a fateful meeting, it became a place Minion called a home.
Unlike then, the cave had seen many changes. Furniture was bought for their comfort, gone were the makeshift table and bed, replaced with better movables. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud, and the table was strong enough to dance on.
What Minion was happy about the most was the kitchen area, and she couldn't resist showing off her smile. This was her favorite part of the cave, where she could cook and bake all kinds of things. Her friend Limelight has a passion for the theatre, but Minion was in love with the world of cuisine.
Speaking of which, her spinach puffs were done.
Minion eagerly pulled the tray out of the oven, her nose was complimented by the delicious scent of the puffs. She was tempted to just eat them now, but she knew better than to pig out on hot food. She set the tray on the counter to cool, giving her enough time to practice.
"With this sword... I shall vanquish the horrible beast and I... and I..." Minion struggled to remember her next lines.
"And I shall rescue my love with a kiss." Someone finished for her.
"Right," Minion frowned, but was replaced by a small smile after. "didn't hear you come in, Lime."
Limelight, a kirin from a village located in the Peaks Of Peril, had smiled back at his friend. His creamy white coat was shinier than before, so was his chestnut brown scales. It would seem he had just freshened himself up recently. Even his lime-colored mane was combed to perfection. Minion felt her worries wash away, though he was the culprit behind her scar, she couldn't be happier with Limelight.
"Wow, those smell terrific!" Said Limelight as he stood by her side.
"Thanks, I have been trying out new things,"
"That's great! You know you don't have to worry about your lines, you have plenty of time to practice later."
Minion sighed. "That's true, but I kinda want to clear out important things so I can cook."
"Don't worry about the play, we got that covered. I mean, you are the best star in the cast!" His praise was deeply appreciated, Minion felt pride in her chest.
She was the best because acting was just natural to a changeling. She would just lie as she stood under the spotlight. Her words are false, but true in a sense. Absolute deception, the crowd would believe everything she says. Unlike most of the cast, who were all ponies, she could change her appearance on the fly. One second she's the lead character, the next she's the villain. And if she was being honest, playing the villain was a lot better than other roles.
Ever since the events at the Hungry Moth, Limelight created a script based on how he and Minion met which led to the moment he nearly killed her. Limelight called the play "Kira And Clair", and it still surprised Minion to this day with how well received it was. The play was a hit, the town couldn't stop talking about it for weeks.
This in turn helped Limelight start his career as a director/actor. He liked to play minor supporting roles and not any of the main characters. His dream was to be the best director, not anything else. And with the support of the mayor, he founded the Torch Productions, a community theatre. Anyone can see his show, free of charge.
Minion tossed a spinach puff into her mouth, she offered some of course to Limelight to which he gladly accepted. "Anyway, why do you look like you're going to a party?"
"Don't you remember? Stoic is coming back from Canterlot and I want to look my best for my best bro!" He said enthusiastically. "Speaking of which, your chitin needs some shining."
"Touch me and I bite your hooves off." She threatened.
"Aw don't be like that, I know you like my hugs!"
"I like your hugs because I feed on you," Minion stated.
"You sure are great at lying," He chuckled lightly. "We better get to the station, Fuse is probably already there."
"Fine," She huffed. "I much rather stay here and do nothing but alright, let's go greet that stupid unicorn. Guess I'll bring my spinach puffs, I'm sure Fuse would like to try."
Mud, a small town on the upper side of Equestria, just northeast of Canterlot. Hidden away in a dense forest. This town was not small, with a current population of 130 counting Limelight and Minion.
But unlike the first few weeks, Limelight spent on Mud there were no unicorns around, without counting Stoic of course. Nowadays, this town in the middle of nowhere started getting tourists as well as ponies looking for a fresh new start. It was certainly a new image for Mud, a few complained while some welcomed these newcomers.
But Minion didn't care much, as long as they don't bug her then she'll keep her opinions.
The spinach puffs were packed inside a small basket which she held in her aura. A few ponies would sometimes stare as she goes by, not because of her spinach puffs, though it does smell divine. But because she was in her disguise. A unicorn mare with a clean white coat and beautiful blond mane, her cutie mark was a star-shaped spatula. Though some may confuse it as a wand of sorts, it was a spatula. It is to show her passion for cooking, she had to explain it a few times but she does not interact with random ponies most of the time.
But of course, anyone would be curious about Limelight, but they just couldn't tear their attention away from Minion. That is the purpose of her disguise, to lure in prey, but she was above that now. She had other ways to feed, that was Limelight's job. The two were friends, but they had a symbiotic relationship. As long as Limelight was by her side she would not feed on other creatures.
Back to the story, Limelight and Minion arrived at the train station, both scanned the area looking for an earth pony mare.
"Did you notice the new arrivals?" Lime asked.
"Yes, honestly that's the last thing I want, too many ponies who don't know who we are."
"I like it, more ponies to meet and be friends with!" He said cheerfully.
"Hey gorgeous, where have you been all my life?"
Lime and Minion turned to the left and found a mare standing a little too close to Limelight.
"What does a gal need to get your name, miss?"
"I'm a guy..."
"Even better," She whispered to his ear. She was not deterred by the truth.
"Hey, step off," Minion warned.
"Oh, this your girlfriend?" The mare asked with disinterest.
"No, I'm his bodyguard, and I'm warning you one last time."
The mare stared at her unimpressed, her threats were not taken seriously which only peeved off Minion even more. But then her face changed from boredom to shock, as if she had just realized something. And that is...
"Oh gosh, are you Limelight?" That's when both our heroes noticed that the mare trembled on the spot.
"Y-yeah?" Limelight honestly was hesitant to answer, but he couldn't just say no, it would be rude.
"Really!?" She squealed with delight. "I'm so sorry for that first impression, I just want to say that I'm your biggest fan!"
"I see, well thank you. It is deeply appreciated." He raised a hoof to the mare, to which she gladly shook. "We got off the wrong hoof, I'm Limelight, as you already know. And who might you be, miss?"
"My name is Sharp Quill, it is a pleasure to meet someone like you, sir."
Sharp Quill introduced herself in a much better way than her first impression. She was a pink unicorn with a short boyish mane green as Limelight. Quill was tall enough to reach Limelight's height, in this case, she was taller than Minion. Her cutie mark was, of course, a quill. To be more descriptive, it is a red-feathered quill over an open scroll with an ink splotch on it.
"Nice to meet you, and oh, this is Golden Star." He introduced Minion, though she rather stayed nameless to the pony.
"Hey." Was all she said to Quill.
Sharp Quill gasped. "Oh, you're Clair the witch! I mean, you played the character, just to add context. I honestly have no idea why I didn't recognize you."
"You saw Kira and Clair?" Limelight said.
"Saw it twice!" She said with pride. "I love your performance, the story just felt so real and filled with life!"
"Yeah, it does, doesn't it?" Lime chuckled knowing that the play was based on both his and Minion's story.
"Yup," Minion popped as memories flashed in her mind.
"Oh, can I have an autograph?" Quill pulled out a notebook from out of nowhere and motioned it to Lime. And being the kind kirin he was, Limelight signed the notebook for Quill. "I'm actually an aspiring writer myself!"
"That's awesome, we should talk about it sometime."
"R-really!? Of course! I'd love to." Her excitement shifted quickly to a different mood. She leaned closer to Lime and spoke in a hushed tone. "And I'd love to know you more."
"Okay!" Minion quickly cut in. Limelight found himself being pushed away by his friend. "Listen, we enjoy your company and all, but we have someone to see right now. Thank you for your compliments and we hope you continue to support us in the future, goodbye."
The mare could only watch as Minion and Limelight head straight towards the train station.
Now the moment had passed, our heroes finally reached the station where they found their friends waiting. The group quickly greeted each other. And this is where it ends for now, but it is only the beginning. Though their life had been peaceful for months, something sinister was in the town. A new challenge that Lime and Minion would have to face in the near future. But for now, they will enjoy the company of their friends.
This is a new beginning for both the kirin and the changeling.