Just on the south side of Mud, lies a theatre. Unlike other buildings, it was made entirely of regular building materials, which made it stand out more than the rest. It had three floors and a basement, and several rooms with numerous purposes. Storage, recreation, and a gym for dance rehearsals. There were also a few bedrooms on the third floor for any members of the Torch Production.
This is where the magic happens, where the Minion becomes a different person. Or should we say, Golden Star? The amazing unicorn with golden locks and piercing blue eyes. The spotlight would light up her world as the audience watched with bated breath, waiting to hear her silvery voice fill their hearts. All eyes would focus solely on Star as they were enchanted by her beauty.
The way she glides through the stage as she sings, captivating her audience with a melody. And once she caught their hearts, the fun parts came after. Feeding was not a problem anymore with Limelight around, but love is power to a changeling, not just food. As they watch, Star would unknowingly siphon love out of them. With every bit, she grows stronger, healthier. And if she had it her way, she wouldn't stop so easily. But a deal was a deal, she promised Stoic not to go wild with the love.
A promise she intends to keep.
Minion and Limelight entered the theatre, the lobby was empty, there was no place to buy tickets since the entry was free. There was of course a food stand with various options to enjoy as you watch the show.
The main room was large, with enough seats for most of the townspeople. The stage was well lit, sturdy as well. It could take on the weight of a large beast. Which helped with one of their performances, where Star had taken on the form of a large and imposing dragon. That was a heck of a show, the crowd just went crazy when the knight in shining armor faced a dragon.
Many memories were made that night, and Minion was sure to make more. Even if she wasn't that into the whole acting career.
It didn't take long before Lime and Minion enter the recreational room, it wasn't noteworthy or anything. They couldn't afford fancy arcade machines like the stuff you'd find in a room like this. But they did have a pool table and a couple of chess boards. There was even a bookshelf with magazines to keep you busy, donated by the resident bookworm, Page Turner.
"Hey Lime!" A pony greeted as he passed by. "Star." They winked.
Both our heroes greeted the pony back before entering the room. There were a few more ponies in the room, all members of the Torch Productions. Background characters, support, or even main characters, all get to play a part. Only thing was that they couldn't hold a candle to Minion. Their faces are the same no matter what costume they wore, Minion was a changeling and she would capitalize on that factor.
Minion undid her disguise, finally free from the unwanted eyes of those who have not known her. That was what she disliked about the newcomers, they would freak out upon seeing her true form. Though some ponies in the Torch crew are not from Mud, they were at least fine with insectoid.
Such as Echo, a unicorn from Canterlot just like Stoic. Neon blue coat and hair red as a tomato. He was the one in charge of sound effects and music, that is why his cutie mark was a multi-colored audio symbol. Echo was also one of Clover's closest friends, those two got along quicker than melting butter on an open flame.
"Hey Echo!" Limelight greeted.
"Hey Lime! Star." The voice of the previous pony came out of his mouth. It was like hearing a recording of the pony. "So what brings you two here? Practice is in three hours." He spoke normally, it was one of his skills to record voices or sounds. It was something he loved to do.
"I made spinach puffs," Minion raised the basket. "figured that I should bring everyone some. Well, whoever is around I guess."
"Spinach puffs!?" A pony exclaimed. "Thanks, Minion, you're awesome!"
"Yeah, Minion, thanks!" Said another.
"Whatever," She huffed before placing the basket on the table. After that, the ponies flocked to the basket to try Minion's pastry. "So, what's on the agenda?"
"Well," Limelight hummed. "We were actually thinking that we should do Jekyll and Hyde. After that, we can make our film."
"Uh, what is the story about?" Minion was alien to the story, it was the first time she heard of those names.
Echo chuckled. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a classic story that we should've done a long time ago. The best part is that you can be both! Being a changeling and all."
"I still don't know what this story is about."
Lime clicked his tongue. "It's about a doctor unlocking his inner beast and letting him free! And now he must control his alter ego or else it would bring disaster!"
"So, I'll be both characters then? Should I take on a stallion form, or should I stick with Star?" Minion asked.
"What do you think?" Lime asked the others.
"We should stick close to the source material, I mean, there's nothing wrong with Star or anything." A mare sitting on a couch voiced her opinion.
"Yeah, by the end of the day, it's still you, Minion." Someone else spoke.
"Guys, come on, Minion would rock it any other way. I say we make it a Miss Hyde. Would certainly be something."
"Wait, wouldn't it be better to make Star the main attraction? She is quite the looker, I'm sure ponies would come just to see you, Minion."
Lime hummed. "Actually, now that I think of it. There are newcomers in this town and some will be confused with the new actor. Especially after last month's performance."
"Guess it's decided," Minion sighed. "Star will be on stage."
"Great!" Echo said. "I'll go and speak with the tailor to get you a costume. Oh, I'm excited already!" With that, he ran off to the tailors.
"Alright, everyone!" Lime stole their attention, a pony was mid-bite of his spinach puffs and was frozen like a statue. "I want you all to take a rest and postpone your practice for the film for this project, let us take this moment to relax. I will be making the script for everyone today, so just be patient, my friends."
"Really? Awesome, a day off!"
"You got that right, Lazy Bones! Go on and enjoy yourself today." Lime smiled.
"Sure thing, Lime!"
"Same goes for everyone, go ahead, I'll be here making the script if you need anything."
Lazy made a stop by the table to pick up some of Minion's pastries.
Slowly, the members of the theatre left to go on with their day. Saying their goodbyes as they walk out the door. Lime watched as the room emptied of ponies, leaving two non-ponies alone. And since there were no plans for today, the two had the whole building to themselves.
"So," Lime smirked at Minion. "looks like we got the whole building to ourselves."
"We are not rearranging the furniture." She sneered.
"Oh come on, that couch has been bugging me- no offense- since Fuse placed it crookedly!"
"Well it's her couch, she decides where it goes." Minion said. "Besides, I think it looks great where it is."
He chuckled lightly. "Since when are you an expert on interior design?"
"It's an opinion, hot head. I'm gonna go grab a drink." Just as she was about to leave for some refreshments, her eyes caught sight of something important to her character. It was her purple scarf, it laid on top of the couch untouched. "Oh, there you are!"
Minion quickly wrapped the scarf around her neck, finally uniting her with her missing piece. Minion's hoof reached into the scarf, digging in her secret pocket where she procured a pair of shades with small and circular lenses which had the same color as her scarf. She placed it on her snout, completing her style.
"You really love those, huh?" Lime smiled warmly knowing her answer.
She shrugged her shoulders. "It helps me stand out, especially with Star."
"Right, all those charmed ponies just looking your way and giving you a snack." He said.
"It's just a small dose, it doesn't hurt anyone if that is what you're wondering. Besides, this way I don't drain you to a shriveled carcass."
"If you say it like that, then I'm sure am glad. Heh, I need the energy to do some big projects."
"Speaking of which, don't you have a script to make?" She asked him.
Lime waved a dismissive hoof. "Eh, that can be done later. We have loads of time, so let's have some fun before work!"
"Your idea of fun is lame," Minion said, earning her a dejected look from Limelight. "Now I have a better idea, and we aren't doing chores or some decorating."
"Well, I'm all ears."
A mischievous smile appeared on Minion, there was something cruel glimmering in her eyes for a second. "Oh, you're gonna love this..."
Bronze Shovel, the mayor of the town called Mud. She was an upstanding pony, Bronze would help out as much as she could, making sure that everything was in order. And to make sure she received the respect she earned, Bronze wore a sharp suit, giving her a professional look, always dress for the job you want.
Her most common challenge was the paperwork, with all that had happened after the incident that happened months ago, her plate had been full. Bronze groaned deeply.
Her hooves massaged her temple. These days were just nothing but stress, ever since the spike in the number of tourists, there was nothing but complaints from the townsfolk. Clearly, there was too much culture shock, that was mostly on them being so sheltered, but still. Why couldn't these tourists understand that ice cream is sacred?
One of the issues was the fact that these outsiders wanted ice cream, which the town does not have currently. Even then, they only allow ice cream to be consumed once a year since it is sacred, it was important in the town's rich history. Frozen yogurt is an exception, it is not ice cream or anything, so it is allowed.
"Why can't they just settle with that? Frozen yogurt is the perfect substitute, but nope, they keep filing complaints after complaints." She wondered aloud.
There she was, buried in stacks of paper, a feeling of drowsiness as she continued.
Just then, she heard a voice coming from behind the door. "Miss Mayor, you are needed at the lobby!" It was the assistant.
"I'm coming!" Bronze answered. With a sigh of relief, Bronze willingly leaves the piles of paperwork just so she could entertain herself and be free of this boring task.
Seconds later, she entered the lobby where her assistant was speaking with someone. The mare noticed Bronze and gave her a surprised look.
"Mayor, did you need something?"
Bronze wore a befuddled look. "W-what? But didn't you call for me?"
"I don't think so, Mayor. I have been speaking with the chief of the fire department."
"Ugh! All this stress is making me hear things." Bronze concluded. "Bring me some tea to help me relax, Spring Serenade."
"On it, Miss Mayor!"
Sluggishly, Bronze walked back to her office to finish her work. If she does it quick enough, then Bronze could spend the rest of her day eating frozen yogurt.
But just as she reached the door, a thought ran through her mind. Bronze heard it clear as day, there was definitely someone who had called for her. Then it hit her. "No..."
She rushed into her office and saw everything was fine, but she knew better. That is why she quickly inspected the most important part of her office, the desk.
"No, no, no, no!" Just as she dreaded, her work was unorganized by a malicious fiend of darkness. Everything was not in order, the completed work was mixed in with the incomplete. Most of the complaints had a single corner folded, It was just chaos on her desk.
Her eyes darted around from one stack to another.
Meanwhile, outside her office one could hear a faint snickering, that is if you could ignore the harrowing wail of Bronze Shovel. Hidden in the janitor's closet just a door away from the Mayor's were Minion and Lime.
The changeling was trying not to burst into laughter but found it hard to do so. Limelight on the other hand only sat next to her quietly, he did not feel the same as Minion just as it shows, there was no smile or grin, just a passive face.
"Come on, laugh a little!" Minion nudged him with her elbow.
"Sorry Minion, I just don't find pranks like this funny. With a friend sure, but Bronze Shovel is the mayor." He said his piece.
"That isn't listed anywhere in the rules of pranking, I should know, I have the book. Besides, I'm sure she'll be in high spirits once she's done with her freak out, Bronze will look back at this and laugh."
"She is an important member of the community and should be treated with respect." Said Lime.
"Sheesh, why are you acting like this?"
"I just don't like that we have to ruin someone's day, that's all." He answered.
"You just want to-"
Before she could get another word in, the door opened, cutting her off. Fear flashed in both their eyes, they were trapped with nowhere else to go. Minion tried to transform into something small, but Limelight saw through her and quickly held her in a headlock, preventing Minion from escaping. If he was gonna get caught, so will she.
"Oh, excuse me!" A familiar voice spoke, breaking the two from their struggle.
"Quill?" Lime asked as he released Minion.
It was indeed Sharp Quill, the unicorn they met back at the station, Minion would've panicked that she saw her true form, but Quill had a hoof over her eyes when she entered. Quickly, she shifted into Golden Star and tried her best to act natural.
"Ahem!" Star cleared her throat. "What are you doing here, Quill?"
Quill lowered her hoof. "I was just looking for the toilet but I heard some noise coming from here. W-what are you two doing?"
"We were hiding from the Mayor," Star answered honestly. "We pranked her real good, you should've seen her face."
"Oh, that does sound fun!" Quill laughed for a second. "S-so you two weren't doing anything here?"
"No, get your mind out of the gutter."
"Oh, I see." The unicorn hummed happily.
"Welp!" Lime clapped his hooves together. "It's about time we leave, still got this thing going on and I might forget it later if not done soon."
"Yeah, plus this room is kinda dusty," Star commented.
"See you next time Quill!" Lime and Star shuffled past Sharp Quill, both in hurry to leave or else they would be found out by the Mayor, and that would be troublesome.
As the two carefully walked through the hallway, doing their best to be inconspicuous, both our heroes noticed that the mare was following them.
"Need something?" Both asked at the same time.
Quill shuffled in place awkwardly. "I'm kinda lost... I was thinking that maybe you two could help me."
"You!" All heads turned towards the Mayor's office, lo and behold, Bronze Shovel stood there with a wrathful gaze. "I knew it! It was you two!"
"How did she know!?" Lime exclaimed.
"Cheese it!" Star scrambled away, followed by Lime and Quill.